MSF: Qualifying preview
MSF: Qualifying preview
The Senyan football magazine show, Magzanya Sanya Fötbal, is here to preview the final bout of qualifying fixtures, due to take place on 2 June in two weeks' time. MSF takes a look at who is already through, and what each hopeful still has to do to make the finals in Floria.
QUALIFYING LIVE BROADCASTS (on Senyan TV):
Lamantia vs Tiana (Senya TV 1)
Lostisland vs Hexarchy, then Hurmu vs River Warriors, then Hazar vs New Batavia (STV Football 1)
Arbor vs Mercury, then Thracistan vs Antakia, then Goëtia vs North Antarctic Domain (STV Football 2)
Graecia vs Talenore, then Alrig vs Raspur, then Elwynn vs Merenolitovina (STV Football 3)
Nova England vs Strait of Haifa, then Arboria vs Voxland, then Craitland vs Kalgachia (STV Football 4)
All other matches available on the red button or online via the Senya TV website. All matches will be broadcast in both Senyan and CT, with Lamantia vs Tiana also available with Lamantian and Tianan commentary. Around the Grounds, which will include reports and the goals as they go in from across Micras, will be broadcast on STV Sports News throughout.
AEFA
Already qualified: Floria (hosts), Senya (holders), Alduria (Gr A)
Still in the hunt: Lamantia, Tiana (Gr B), Antakia, Thracistan (Gr C), Hurmu, River Warriors, Voxland (Gr D), Meckelnburgh, Raspur (Gr E)
With only Alduria booking their place so far, there are still four spots up for grabs in Apollonia/Eura!
Alduria confirmed their place in Floria by seeing off Réunion in Saint-Denis, having only dropped points so far on the road to Constancia, as they were hardly troubled in what turned out to be quite a comfortable qualifying section for the Sons of Eura.
Group B mean while will go down to the wire, with Lamantia and Tiana facing off in Colgrad in a derby match which will decide which Senyan territory will make it to the finals. Lamantia qualified for the previous tournament in 2019 and made the knock-out stages of the two latest editions of the Copa Apollonia, but Tianan football has been under a bit of resurgence lately, and having played Lamantia off the park in Vancona earlier in this qualifying segment, the Tianans will be hopeful that they can repeat that performance next time out. Lamantia, who have put in some drubbings against the other teams in the group have the upper hand goal difference wise, but know that anything other than a win will see them sit the World Cup out, whilst the Tianans may be tempted to hold out for a point in order to make their first ever World Cup appearance.
Group C sees an almost identical situation to Group B, as Thracistan travel to fellow Thraci Confederation outfit Antakia, knowing that avoiding defeat will see them make it to a first World Cup. The Antakians have also never been to a World Cup before, but face an uphill task against a team that dispatched them 3-1 back in March. That was Antakia's only defeat of the campaign however, as both sides bettered a disappointing Jingdao to ensure that at least one Thraci nation will head north to Floria. We make Thracistan slight favourites, as they will advance with a draw and have already beaten their opponents before, but Antakia cannot be ruled out at home, with both nations having made significant strides forward in recent years.
Group D sees a three-way shout-out for a spot at the World Cup. And all eyes will be focused on Meiridosa as Voxland head to Arboria knowing that a win will see them qualify. The northwestern Apollonian island nation have impressed in qualifying, despite having being smashed by Hurmu 4-0 in their opener in Huyenkula. They've been unbeaten since then, including beating Hurmu 2-1 on home turf, but their wins have been by slender margins and they've yet to really pull off an impressive performance in qualifying. Hurmu remain in contention as well, and they will host the River Warriors at home, with both sides knowing that if Voxland slip up, they both could very well sneak in to a finals place. It may be harder for the River Warriors, who would require a win and a Voxland defeat, but Hurmu could easily usurp the blue-and-yellows if they can better their result. Hurmu have won every home game so far by a margin of at least three goals, but their away form has seen them only collect one point from the three other teams playing on the final matchday.
Meanwhile in Group E, Meckelnburgh will be praying for a favour from Alrig as Raspur travel to Sint Anna knowing they'll qualify with a win thanks to their goal difference. Any other result will see Meckelnburgh qualify though, as both sides go in search of a maiden World Cup appearance. Raspur will be strong favourites, having made the Quarter-finals of the Copa Apollonia last year, but Alrig are a tough egg to crack.
CTFA
Already qualified: Calbion (Gr C)
Still in the hunt: Hazar, Natopia (Gr A), North Antarctic Domain, Zandarijn (Gr B)
Having shared the spoils in an enthralling contest in Lindstrom, Hazar and Natopia will take their qualifying fight to the final day to see who can bag that automatic qualifying slot. With the runner-up all but guaranteed the ICPO place, there may be some cancellation in finishing second, but both sides will be eager to stamp their ticket to Floria early. Hazar may have the lead in the Group table, but have the tougher task, hosting a tricky New Batavia side, whilst Natopia travel to Cibola to face Whales in Volksburg, but know that a win there may not be enough to make it. The pressure will all be on Hazar, as they look to add to a potentially substantial list of nations who could make their World Cup debut this summer.
Zandarijn will also be under pressure to make it, having blown their chances by conceding late on against neighbours Sankt Ludwigshafen as their nothern rivals ended a four game losing streak in dramatic style. That result opened the doors for the North Antarctic Domain, whose steady and consistent set of results this campaign, including picking up narrow wins against pretty much everyone in the group has suddenly propelled them onto the top of the Group table. On paper, they also have a favourable tie, away to Goëtia, but the Cibolans have made big strides this qualifying campaign, including picking up a win against Sankt Ludwigshafen and draws with Mar Sara and Byalia, which see them on the cusp of avoiding a place in the Emerging Nations Cup. They only lost 2-1 to NAD in March, and could cause the World Cup hopefuls problems. Zandarijn meanwhile host Mar Sara in what will be a must win match in Hamstadt, as they look to avoid embarrassment and make a fifth World Cup.
Group C will be rounded off with little to play for, as Calbion host Ralgon having already secured qualification. Some interest may be placed on Batır and the South Sea Islands, who'll be hoping to avoid the ENC, as they play Passio-Corum at home and Athlon away respectively.
EMUFA
Already qualified: Talenore (Gr A), Phinbella (Gr B), Passas (Gr E)
Still in the hunt: Castilona, Mercury (Gr C), Hexarchy, Lostisland, Normark (Gr D)
With three groups having been wrapped up, all the focus will be on Groups C and D in the EMUFA, with the potential for one of the big boys to be knocked out.
Mercury travel to Arbor knowing that a shock defeat would see them sit out a World Cup for the first time since 2011. Although that would be unlikely, especially given their 3-0 win over the same opposition earlier this campaign, their defeat to Castilona; a first ever qualifying defeat away from home for the 2014 champions, the current World Cup runners-up face questions ahead of what should end up being an unnecessarily stressful night in Madinat al-Fath. Castilona will be watching from sidelines, having completed all their qualifying matches already.
Group D however is wide open, with the Hexarchy, Lostisland and Normark all having a realistic chance of qualifying. Normark are in the driving seat, but like Castilona will sit the final matchday out, having already played all their 8 matches. That means all eyes will be on the Dinamo Stadion in Montediszamble as Lostisland host the Hexarchy. The outcomes are simple; if Lostisland win, they qualify. If the Hexarchy come away with the three points, they'll qualify. And if the two play out a draw, Normark will head to Floria. That said, the tie is potentially unpredictable, with all three outcomes just as likely. Lostisland won in the Hexarchy, but given the pressure and what rides on this game, little can be taken from that encounter in what should be an incredible fixture.
WMFA
Already qualified: Craitland (Gr A), Sanama (Gr C)
Still in the hunt: Batavia (Gr A, via ICPO only), Tellia, Unified Governorates (Gr B), Shireroth (Gr C, via ICPO only), Elwynn, Merenolitovina, Mishalacia (Gr D)
Batavia's slim hopes of a World Cup place now lie entirely on an ICPO place, which given the fixtures in Group B would seem extremely unlikely. They do host Lusa, but require a UGB against Amokolia and a sixteen goal swing to make it.
Group B is likely where that ICPO place will go, with the Unified Governorates in pole position for it as they make that aforementioned trip to Amokolia. Tellia will likely wrap up the group as they play the Franklin Islands, a team they set a World record win against last year and already pasted thirty past in this campaign.
Shireroth don't play, and require the UGB to suffer a 13-0 loss in Amokolia, whilst hoping that Batavia fail to defeat Lusa to claim an ICPO place, given that Sanama have already won the group. Both of those scenarios would be exceedingly unlikely, however.
The real excitement in the WMFA lies in Group D, however, as Elwynn, Merenolitovina and Mishalacia all have a realistic shot at qualifying. All eyes will be on Elwynn's encounter with Merenolitovina, but Mishalacia, who currently are behind Elwynn only on goal difference at the summit of the group, travel to Chryse for their final match. Elwynn would likely qualify with a win, but a draw could allow Mishalacia to sneak in, whilst a Merenolitovina win could pave the way for them to qualify, so long as Chryse can do them a favour in Eastern Benacia.
QUALIFYING LIVE BROADCASTS (on Senyan TV):
Lamantia vs Tiana (Senya TV 1)
Lostisland vs Hexarchy, then Hurmu vs River Warriors, then Hazar vs New Batavia (STV Football 1)
Arbor vs Mercury, then Thracistan vs Antakia, then Goëtia vs North Antarctic Domain (STV Football 2)
Graecia vs Talenore, then Alrig vs Raspur, then Elwynn vs Merenolitovina (STV Football 3)
Nova England vs Strait of Haifa, then Arboria vs Voxland, then Craitland vs Kalgachia (STV Football 4)
All other matches available on the red button or online via the Senya TV website. All matches will be broadcast in both Senyan and CT, with Lamantia vs Tiana also available with Lamantian and Tianan commentary. Around the Grounds, which will include reports and the goals as they go in from across Micras, will be broadcast on STV Sports News throughout.
AEFA
Already qualified: Floria (hosts), Senya (holders), Alduria (Gr A)
Still in the hunt: Lamantia, Tiana (Gr B), Antakia, Thracistan (Gr C), Hurmu, River Warriors, Voxland (Gr D), Meckelnburgh, Raspur (Gr E)
With only Alduria booking their place so far, there are still four spots up for grabs in Apollonia/Eura!
Alduria confirmed their place in Floria by seeing off Réunion in Saint-Denis, having only dropped points so far on the road to Constancia, as they were hardly troubled in what turned out to be quite a comfortable qualifying section for the Sons of Eura.
Group B mean while will go down to the wire, with Lamantia and Tiana facing off in Colgrad in a derby match which will decide which Senyan territory will make it to the finals. Lamantia qualified for the previous tournament in 2019 and made the knock-out stages of the two latest editions of the Copa Apollonia, but Tianan football has been under a bit of resurgence lately, and having played Lamantia off the park in Vancona earlier in this qualifying segment, the Tianans will be hopeful that they can repeat that performance next time out. Lamantia, who have put in some drubbings against the other teams in the group have the upper hand goal difference wise, but know that anything other than a win will see them sit the World Cup out, whilst the Tianans may be tempted to hold out for a point in order to make their first ever World Cup appearance.
Group C sees an almost identical situation to Group B, as Thracistan travel to fellow Thraci Confederation outfit Antakia, knowing that avoiding defeat will see them make it to a first World Cup. The Antakians have also never been to a World Cup before, but face an uphill task against a team that dispatched them 3-1 back in March. That was Antakia's only defeat of the campaign however, as both sides bettered a disappointing Jingdao to ensure that at least one Thraci nation will head north to Floria. We make Thracistan slight favourites, as they will advance with a draw and have already beaten their opponents before, but Antakia cannot be ruled out at home, with both nations having made significant strides forward in recent years.
Group D sees a three-way shout-out for a spot at the World Cup. And all eyes will be focused on Meiridosa as Voxland head to Arboria knowing that a win will see them qualify. The northwestern Apollonian island nation have impressed in qualifying, despite having being smashed by Hurmu 4-0 in their opener in Huyenkula. They've been unbeaten since then, including beating Hurmu 2-1 on home turf, but their wins have been by slender margins and they've yet to really pull off an impressive performance in qualifying. Hurmu remain in contention as well, and they will host the River Warriors at home, with both sides knowing that if Voxland slip up, they both could very well sneak in to a finals place. It may be harder for the River Warriors, who would require a win and a Voxland defeat, but Hurmu could easily usurp the blue-and-yellows if they can better their result. Hurmu have won every home game so far by a margin of at least three goals, but their away form has seen them only collect one point from the three other teams playing on the final matchday.
Meanwhile in Group E, Meckelnburgh will be praying for a favour from Alrig as Raspur travel to Sint Anna knowing they'll qualify with a win thanks to their goal difference. Any other result will see Meckelnburgh qualify though, as both sides go in search of a maiden World Cup appearance. Raspur will be strong favourites, having made the Quarter-finals of the Copa Apollonia last year, but Alrig are a tough egg to crack.
CTFA
Already qualified: Calbion (Gr C)
Still in the hunt: Hazar, Natopia (Gr A), North Antarctic Domain, Zandarijn (Gr B)
Having shared the spoils in an enthralling contest in Lindstrom, Hazar and Natopia will take their qualifying fight to the final day to see who can bag that automatic qualifying slot. With the runner-up all but guaranteed the ICPO place, there may be some cancellation in finishing second, but both sides will be eager to stamp their ticket to Floria early. Hazar may have the lead in the Group table, but have the tougher task, hosting a tricky New Batavia side, whilst Natopia travel to Cibola to face Whales in Volksburg, but know that a win there may not be enough to make it. The pressure will all be on Hazar, as they look to add to a potentially substantial list of nations who could make their World Cup debut this summer.
Zandarijn will also be under pressure to make it, having blown their chances by conceding late on against neighbours Sankt Ludwigshafen as their nothern rivals ended a four game losing streak in dramatic style. That result opened the doors for the North Antarctic Domain, whose steady and consistent set of results this campaign, including picking up narrow wins against pretty much everyone in the group has suddenly propelled them onto the top of the Group table. On paper, they also have a favourable tie, away to Goëtia, but the Cibolans have made big strides this qualifying campaign, including picking up a win against Sankt Ludwigshafen and draws with Mar Sara and Byalia, which see them on the cusp of avoiding a place in the Emerging Nations Cup. They only lost 2-1 to NAD in March, and could cause the World Cup hopefuls problems. Zandarijn meanwhile host Mar Sara in what will be a must win match in Hamstadt, as they look to avoid embarrassment and make a fifth World Cup.
Group C will be rounded off with little to play for, as Calbion host Ralgon having already secured qualification. Some interest may be placed on Batır and the South Sea Islands, who'll be hoping to avoid the ENC, as they play Passio-Corum at home and Athlon away respectively.
EMUFA
Already qualified: Talenore (Gr A), Phinbella (Gr B), Passas (Gr E)
Still in the hunt: Castilona, Mercury (Gr C), Hexarchy, Lostisland, Normark (Gr D)
With three groups having been wrapped up, all the focus will be on Groups C and D in the EMUFA, with the potential for one of the big boys to be knocked out.
Mercury travel to Arbor knowing that a shock defeat would see them sit out a World Cup for the first time since 2011. Although that would be unlikely, especially given their 3-0 win over the same opposition earlier this campaign, their defeat to Castilona; a first ever qualifying defeat away from home for the 2014 champions, the current World Cup runners-up face questions ahead of what should end up being an unnecessarily stressful night in Madinat al-Fath. Castilona will be watching from sidelines, having completed all their qualifying matches already.
Group D however is wide open, with the Hexarchy, Lostisland and Normark all having a realistic chance of qualifying. Normark are in the driving seat, but like Castilona will sit the final matchday out, having already played all their 8 matches. That means all eyes will be on the Dinamo Stadion in Montediszamble as Lostisland host the Hexarchy. The outcomes are simple; if Lostisland win, they qualify. If the Hexarchy come away with the three points, they'll qualify. And if the two play out a draw, Normark will head to Floria. That said, the tie is potentially unpredictable, with all three outcomes just as likely. Lostisland won in the Hexarchy, but given the pressure and what rides on this game, little can be taken from that encounter in what should be an incredible fixture.
WMFA
Already qualified: Craitland (Gr A), Sanama (Gr C)
Still in the hunt: Batavia (Gr A, via ICPO only), Tellia, Unified Governorates (Gr B), Shireroth (Gr C, via ICPO only), Elwynn, Merenolitovina, Mishalacia (Gr D)
Batavia's slim hopes of a World Cup place now lie entirely on an ICPO place, which given the fixtures in Group B would seem extremely unlikely. They do host Lusa, but require a UGB against Amokolia and a sixteen goal swing to make it.
Group B is likely where that ICPO place will go, with the Unified Governorates in pole position for it as they make that aforementioned trip to Amokolia. Tellia will likely wrap up the group as they play the Franklin Islands, a team they set a World record win against last year and already pasted thirty past in this campaign.
Shireroth don't play, and require the UGB to suffer a 13-0 loss in Amokolia, whilst hoping that Batavia fail to defeat Lusa to claim an ICPO place, given that Sanama have already won the group. Both of those scenarios would be exceedingly unlikely, however.
The real excitement in the WMFA lies in Group D, however, as Elwynn, Merenolitovina and Mishalacia all have a realistic shot at qualifying. All eyes will be on Elwynn's encounter with Merenolitovina, but Mishalacia, who currently are behind Elwynn only on goal difference at the summit of the group, travel to Chryse for their final match. Elwynn would likely qualify with a win, but a draw could allow Mishalacia to sneak in, whilst a Merenolitovina win could pave the way for them to qualify, so long as Chryse can do them a favour in Eastern Benacia.
Re: MSF: Qualifying preview
I'm sure that the teams in the running will be delighted when they receive their "Welcome" post on the 'cord.
A great article Barnaby!
A great article Barnaby!
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Re: MSF: Qualifying preview
An excellent review of the situation. Thanks for the post!
Imperial Federation:
Emperor Anarion | Viceroy Nikamura Hawkins | Emperor Emeritus Nobunag'an IV
South Valora (Mondosphere Valora):
King Draeg'ar Ral the Elder | Prince Draeg'ar Ral the Younger
The Hexarchy:
(Various)
Emperor Anarion | Viceroy Nikamura Hawkins | Emperor Emeritus Nobunag'an IV
South Valora (Mondosphere Valora):
King Draeg'ar Ral the Elder | Prince Draeg'ar Ral the Younger
The Hexarchy:
(Various)