2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
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2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Welcome to Zandarijn and Hammish Monovia for the eighth edition of the FMF World Cup. This thread will contain all information on fixtures, results and standings, including match broadcasts and reports.
The tournament will start on August 3rd and finish with the final on August 25th. The complete fixture list will be announced shortly, with the initial group stage draw looking like this:
Group A
Alexandria
Hammish Monovia
Mahoz HaSephardim
Mercury
Group B
Hurmu
Interland
Shireroth
Tellia
Group C
Ashkenatza
Hamland
North Antarctica
Nova English Korea
Group D
Craitland
Nova England
Novatainia
Zandarijn
More to follow...
The tournament will start on August 3rd and finish with the final on August 25th. The complete fixture list will be announced shortly, with the initial group stage draw looking like this:
Group A
Alexandria
Hammish Monovia
Mahoz HaSephardim
Mercury
Group B
Hurmu
Interland
Shireroth
Tellia
Group C
Ashkenatza
Hamland
North Antarctica
Nova English Korea
Group D
Craitland
Nova England
Novatainia
Zandarijn
More to follow...
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Fixtures!
Group stage
3rd August
A: Alexandria vs. Mercury (Kuip Stadium)
A: Hammish Monovia vs. Mahoz HaSephardim (The King's Park)
4th August
B: Hurmu vs. Tellia (PrinsArena)
B: Interland vs. Shireroth (HVA Stadium)
5th August
C: Ashkenatza vs. Nova English Korea (FZH Arena)
C: Hamland vs. North Antarctica (Grenstad Stadium)
6th August
D: Craitland vs. Zandarijn (ZandArena)
D: Nova England vs. Novatainia (Regent's Garden)
7th August
A: Mercury vs. Mahoz HaSephardim (Grenstad Stadium)
A: Alexandria vs. Hammish Monovia (HVA Stadium)
8th August
B: Tellia vs. Shireroth (ZandArena)
B: Hurmu vs. Interland (Kuip Stadium)
9th August
C: Nova English Korea vs. North Antarctica (Regent's Garden)
C: Ashkenatza vs. Hamland (PrinsArena)
10th August
D: Zandarijn vs. Novatainia (Kuip Stadium)
D: Craitland vs. Nova England (FZH Arena)
11th August
A: Hammish Monovia vs. Mercury (Regent's Garden)
A: Mahoz HaSephardim vs. Alexandria (PrinsArena)
12th August
B: Interland vs. Tellia (The King's Park)
B: Shireroth vs. Hurmu (FZH Arena)
13th August
C: Hamland vs. Nova English Korea (ZandArena)
C: North Antarctica vs. Ashkenatza (Kuip Stadium)
14th August
D: Nova England vs. Zandarijn (HVA Stadium)
D: Novatainia vs. Craitland (Grenstad Stadium)
Quarter-finals
16th August
QF1: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B (Grenstad Stadium)
QF2: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A (Regent's Garden)
17th August
QF3: Winner Group C vs. Runner-up Group D (HVA Stadium)
QF4: Winner Group D vs. Runner-up Group C (FZH Arena)
Semi-finals
20th August
SF1: Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF3 (The King's Park)
21st August
SF2: Winner QF2 vs. Winner QF4 (PrinsArena)
Third-place play-off
24th August
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2 (The King's Park)
Final
25th August
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2 (ZandArena)
Group stage
3rd August
A: Alexandria vs. Mercury (Kuip Stadium)
A: Hammish Monovia vs. Mahoz HaSephardim (The King's Park)
4th August
B: Hurmu vs. Tellia (PrinsArena)
B: Interland vs. Shireroth (HVA Stadium)
5th August
C: Ashkenatza vs. Nova English Korea (FZH Arena)
C: Hamland vs. North Antarctica (Grenstad Stadium)
6th August
D: Craitland vs. Zandarijn (ZandArena)
D: Nova England vs. Novatainia (Regent's Garden)
7th August
A: Mercury vs. Mahoz HaSephardim (Grenstad Stadium)
A: Alexandria vs. Hammish Monovia (HVA Stadium)
8th August
B: Tellia vs. Shireroth (ZandArena)
B: Hurmu vs. Interland (Kuip Stadium)
9th August
C: Nova English Korea vs. North Antarctica (Regent's Garden)
C: Ashkenatza vs. Hamland (PrinsArena)
10th August
D: Zandarijn vs. Novatainia (Kuip Stadium)
D: Craitland vs. Nova England (FZH Arena)
11th August
A: Hammish Monovia vs. Mercury (Regent's Garden)
A: Mahoz HaSephardim vs. Alexandria (PrinsArena)
12th August
B: Interland vs. Tellia (The King's Park)
B: Shireroth vs. Hurmu (FZH Arena)
13th August
C: Hamland vs. Nova English Korea (ZandArena)
C: North Antarctica vs. Ashkenatza (Kuip Stadium)
14th August
D: Nova England vs. Zandarijn (HVA Stadium)
D: Novatainia vs. Craitland (Grenstad Stadium)
Quarter-finals
16th August
QF1: Winner Group A vs. Runner-up Group B (Grenstad Stadium)
QF2: Winner Group B vs. Runner-up Group A (Regent's Garden)
17th August
QF3: Winner Group C vs. Runner-up Group D (HVA Stadium)
QF4: Winner Group D vs. Runner-up Group C (FZH Arena)
Semi-finals
20th August
SF1: Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF3 (The King's Park)
21st August
SF2: Winner QF2 vs. Winner QF4 (PrinsArena)
Third-place play-off
24th August
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2 (The King's Park)
Final
25th August
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2 (ZandArena)
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Team profiles and previews
Group A
Alexandria
Hurmu
Ashkenatza
Craitland
Group A
Alexandria
Hammish MonoviaBackground: Last year's runners-up after losing the final on penalties; conceded one goal all tournament. World Cup winners on home ground in 2009, and three-time CiboTap champions, Alexandria head into this tournament as the bookies' favourite with Cibolan advantage.
Star man: Tamer Modrem
A no-brainer as the team's beating heart. Arguably the best player on Micras, unless the worst happens and he gets injured, he should guide Alexandria easily through the group stages with his fellow stars. Aiming to add more goals to his game, we could see some important strikes alongside assists.
One to watch: Vincent Chertrand-Pernet
A surprise inclusion to many, the youngster has developed leaps and bounds over the past two years and has become an integral Franciscania player. If his club supersub status transfers to the international stage, he could have a lot to influence this year.
Prediction: Finalists
Whether they win the whole thing or not depends on how the knock-out rounds progress, but the semi-finals should come relatively easy, with a place in the final their expectation.
Mahoz HaSephardimBackground: Their first ever tournament finals appearance, and as co-hosts. Following-on from their best qualifying appearance, and have gained a number of experienced ex-Monovians who have World Cup experience. Very few feel they will gain any points in their début.
Star man: Armand Diarra
Adopted from Monovia only a matter of months ago, the former World Cup top scorer will be vital for the minnows as goals will be their main aim rather than results. Of the Hammish Monovian-originated players, captain Michel Wojchiechowski will be key in keeping the midfield's shape and linking defence with attack.
One to watch: Julius Leczyn
The team's primary right-winger has impressed for Geneva Speed in the last two Zandt League seasons and, at 24, this could be his introduction to the greater footballing community. His hard work and deliveries to Diarra may save the team some face in a very tough group.
Prediction: Fourth in group
As long as there is not too much expectation put on the team, they should be able to play freely and have a better chance of gaining results. Even still, a point or two will be an achievement.
MercuryBackground: Unlucky to not advance from their group last year in their first World Cup, missing-out on goal difference. With a Copa Apollonia runners-up medal won since then, they could do well here with Mercury as their main opponents to the second advancement place in the group.
Star man: Aprem Neil
Younger brother of captain Vaja, the versatile winger will be the team's go-to guy in offence, and his strength and pace should cause a lot of problems to the rest of the group's teams.
One to watch: Sfeir Kheldumeh
Another younger brother, this time of veteran forward Quryaqos. Brought-in after a low-scoring Copa Apollonia campaign, the 21 year-old will ply his trade in Craitland next season and is tipped for big things in the future.
Prediction: Third in group
There is great potential for seeing the team reach the quarter-finals, but they will need to perform in their two most important matches. They may not get any further should they advance, but it's anyone's call.
Group BBackground: Potential. Renowned for their youthful team, every year seems to be an improvement on the last. Reached the EMU final at home last year and almost scraped through their World Cup group. Should be a good bet to reach their first quarter-finals this year.
Star man: Joe Foxon
Captain, coach, talisman; there's little this man can't do. Scored a terrific free-kick last year and has a fantastic success rate with penalties. With good open-play supply from his team-mates, he could tally-up a respectable number of goals to add to his three last World Cup.
One to watch: Wilmont Fizeau-Blake
Effectively the team's "new kid on the block". Rapid on the flanks and can add a goal threat, his domestic form has sired consistent international appearances and he is likely to feature a lot this summer.
Prediction: Quarter-finals
While Mahoz HaSephardim will provide worthy opposition, it should be Mercury to advance with Alexandria. They may be out of their depth in the knock-out rounds, due to inexperience, but are likely to at least have one game to play after the group stage.
Hurmu
InterlandBackground: Have found success within the AEFA the past two years and are keen to translate that in the World Cup. Their first finals appearance since 2009 - discounting the Hurmudans who represented Stormark in 2010 - but a very tricky group for the Copa Apollonia holders.
Star man: Aki Mäenpää
Highly-rated forward who is one of the tournament's top ever scorers. Without his input, it is difficult to see the team scoring enough goals to succeed, so he will be the main focus of their attacks. A good performance will notably rise his value ahead of a prospective move away from Hamland, however
One to watch: Freddie Vorgensen
Central midfielder who has had a new life breathed into him with his move to Senya. Could be integral in varying the team's attacks after previously being overshadowed in other tournaments by older players. Honourable mention to Ketil av Silmahamnum, who has grown into a fine defender since his début at 15.
Prediction: Third in group
It will be difficult to predict Hurmu advancing, but a group with three regional champions in it could throw-up all sorts of results, so nothing is impossible. Interland will be a key match-up here.
ShirerothBackground: Off the back of a shock EMU win over Hamland which they hosted, they will be looking to go one better than their previous World Cup best and reach the showpiece match. The perennial underachievers now have the taste for victory and must surely want more.
Star man: Dariusz Drzewny
Traditionally Interland are very much a team side, relying on tactics and communication than any specific players. However, their most noteworthy player over the EMU's has been Dariusz Drzewny, with his crossing accuracy being praised as he comes into his own.
One to watch: Patryk Gadowicz
With the team mentality, unchanged for a number of years, there are no new faces to the squad, but Gadowicz is an underrated defender who could easily take the place of any of the usual back four at any time, and is likely to sooner rather than later.
Prediction: Quarter-finals
The team will be majorly boosted by their recent EMU title and, with an amicable quarter-final draw, it is likely they could play in a second World Cup semi-final. Despite this, the strength of the group could easily see them fail to advance.
TelliaBackground: Hosts and runners-up in 2011, and Benacia Cup second place in 2012. Were unlucky to not reach a second consecutive regional final this year, but many have critiqued that the downfall of the PSL has led to the team's form dropping and a decline in results.
Star man: Jóhann Viðarsson
Another side whose team is greater than the sum of its parts. Viðarsson is, however, one of a handful of Shirerithians capable of changing a game single-handedly and may be relied upon at the crunch in this group. His midfield partners Talsin Llwrran and Martyn Toltenaki will also be key to the team's style of play.
One to watch: Legus
You won't see many other players of 29 considered "new faces", but the well-travelled midfielder has found home in New Vaduz and has earned his first World Cup call-up after performances in the HPL. In addition, forward Peter Barenski is young and excitable and could add something from the bench.
Prediction: Fourth in group
If it were possible for all four teams to advance, this would be the group for that to happen in. Luck of the draw sees the team placed bottom, but with two other teams being so closely-matched, they could advance as easily as they could not even gain a point!
Group CBackground: What can be said that hasn't been already? Three back-to-back titles; two regional, one World Cup, sets Tellia up for further success. It would be foolish to bet against them, but history dictates that they are overdue a fall - it shouldn't be this year though.
Star man: Marko Zajc
Every great team has a great influence. Tellia have four. Massimo Santoni, Isaac Mahler and "false-nine" Sezer Özker can turn any game on its head on a whim, but it's the oft-unreal Marko Zajc, voted player of the year 2012, who tips the scales as the team's star player.
One to watch: Armando Uggè
Uggè isn't a newcomer to the national team, but he has seen a breakthrough the past year and could become a long-standing first choice striker for Tellia. Performed well in the Benacia Cup, earning him a move to FC Fiorecittà, but will need to really prove himself to disrupt the system of Özker up top.
Prediction: Semi-finals
Getting to the final four should really be a given for this team, but with the bookmakers' estimates, they could be open to a slip-up before the final and may let someone else through. The Tellians' history is against them, but to reach another final must be temptation enough for them.
Ashkenatza
HamlandBackground: Back in the World Cup after a year missed-out, a Benacia Cup fourth-placed finish precedes this participation. Very little would assume they will make any lasting impact on the group, let alone the whole tournament, but their all-out attacking style may gain them some fans.
Star man: Frenkel Bruno
Scored three of the team's four goals last showing and will again be the spearhead of their forward advances. Is always a handful for defenders to deal with, but it's the Ashkenatzi back line that will be the most important aspect if they want to make the quarters.
One to watch: Gavrel Levandovskiy
Considered the nation's newest footballing hope and epitomises the offensive mentality of their tactics. Has much less competition to start internationally than with his club Romero, but should use this to his advantage to show critics what he can do.
Prediction: Third in group
Can be expected to outperform Nova English Korea, but may struggle to overcome North Antarctica in the fight to advance from the group. Although not entirely unlikely, it is the defence which will probably keep the team from playing in the knock-out stages.
North AntarcticaBackground: Reached the semi-finals of the last six tournaments, playing in the final of half of those. Have the pedigree to go all the way, and have been tipped by many to do just that. Their past shows a high level of consistency, which may give them the upper hand against some other teams who are more hit-and-miss.
Star man: Eric Heinhorn
Last year's World Cup's golden ball winner, he will again be a pivotal player for the team. In no way known for his goal threat - that accolade belonging to his centre-mid partner Jules Scott - his reading of the game and wide range of ball distribution is his key to success.
One to watch: James Berry
Has now cemented his place in the starting line-up's defence and has become a very lively and quick player. As important as the team's attacking options, along with the rest of the back line, Berry will be well tested throughout the tournament and should prevail.
Prediction: Finalists
Assuming the groups finish as the rankings suggest they should, Hamland would be facing Alexandria in the final with successful results. Of course, there are many factors which could affect this expectation, but they are tipped to get this far by many sources.
Nova English KoreaBackground: Their début World Cup showing will be their third ever tournament. With this year's unfortunate Copa Apollonia display, after a fourth place in 2012, they will hope to do better this time round and could take advantage of a good group draw. Quite an unpredictable team, it's hard to know which version will turn-up, but the climate may help them.
Star man: Ishmael Kazenaghi
Simply enough, goals win matches. Although striker partner William Maynard has more international goals, it's Kazenaghi who comes in to this tournament in the better form. He should be used as the main target up top, but defences will need to keep an eye on both forwards, whose partnership is lethal.
One to watch: Ezeo Maartens
The national team captain is a legend already within back home, but his best has yet to be seen on the international stage. Now 30, he is in his prime and could possibly inspire them to further rounds as long as the whole team improves from their last performance.
Prediction: Quarter-finals
Ashkenatza and Nova English Korea shouldn't cause too great a hurdle, so the team is aiming for a quarter-final place. Not that their place there is guaranteed, it is probably not possible for them to do any better than the final eight this year.
Group DBackground: Another team breaking their World Cup duck. A fourth place finish in EMU 13 signified their first time advancing from the group stage of a competition. Have come into their own over the last few years and are a very dangerous side up front, but aren't expected to have the chance to advance to the knock-outs in this group.
Star man: Ahn Tai-Lo
Another goal-getter who will be integral to his team. His high-profile move to Tellia's Romero from Alexandria earlier this year could allow him to vary his approach to attacking, and Seol Tae-Ki will also add to the offensive prowess despite the team's overall predicted lowly finish.
One to watch: Lee Geum-Yong
The man known as "golden dragon", due to the literal translation of his name, becomes the team's main winger after a first season in Craitland. Young and full of potential, it will be interesting to see how he performs against a wider range of teams, despite the likelihood of him being blocked-out of matches.
Prediction: Fourth in group
It must be said that, although a few points could be gained by the team, they are expected to hold-up the rest of the table after their three games. Saying that, they weren't thought to be able to top their EMU 13 group, so it's up to them to prove this wrong.
Craitland
Nova EnglandBackground: Currently out-of-form, but four-times World Cup winners and EMU 11 champions. Team is very much in transition, and a new manager is varying tactics and formations, but a handy group draw could see them do better than last year's quarter-final exit. Should gain a lot of support from the Zandt crowd, despite being in the same group as their national team.
Star man: Jon-Jan Jónsen
While Freddie Gaärsen is arguably the team's biggest star, it is the midfielder who will be the centre of attention back home. With Yaqin Senovichi not chosen, he is the main creative force behind the front two and, should he be more hit than miss, will be a massive talisman as the team looks to improve.
One to watch: Lydveldt Loresen
Now the Craits' first-choice left-winger, he has big boots to fill in Markko Edmildón's absence. Previous under-21 star, at Kealb but garnering attention from much larger teams both at home and abroad, with experience of playing in Tellia, will add creative flair on the flanks which was missing before.
Prediction: Semi-finals
A number of critics expect to see the team reach the quarter-finals without breaking a sweat, and to be pushing for the semi-finals, but it will take a big improvement for them to go any further than that. Following them not advancing from their EMU 13 group, there are some who are predicting a second consecutive Craitish flop as well.
NovatainiaBackground: One-time World Cup runners-up, they missed-out on the finals last year. Their last semi-final appearance came in EMU 11, and the squad is aging without any youth injection of late, but the experience is very much there and even the best teams could find them a challenge on their day.
Star man: Theo Sinclair
Youngest player in the squad at 23. Much valued for his versatility; being primarily a winger but also able to play up front, but also known as the team's great hope. Legends Ka'an Peterson and Callum Sorrel are the wrong side of 30 now, and Sinclair's form in Craitland will give them pride if repeated here.
One to watch: Nicholas Harfield
Goalkeeper who seems to have been around for more years than his age implies. Moved back home after time in Alexandria and has benefited from more playing time. Will be needed quite often in the group stages, and his knack of keeping the score down should give the team a good footing to get results off.
Prediction: Third in group
Debatable they are the second strongest team in the group, but their advanced years are against them and they may not be able to deal with quicker sides enough to earn a quarter-final spot. Could even realistically face the prospect of losing all three games if they get nothing from their opener.
ZandarijnBackground: Reached the first two Copa Apollonia finals, winning it in 2012, and making their fifth World Cup appearance. Have never advanced from the group stage before and are so far the only host nation to not reach the knock-out rounds that year. Drew all three group games last year.
Star man: Zig Cee
The one-man juggernaut; over six and a half feet of muscle. A domineering presence in the heart of the team's midfield, but also one of the classiest players of a ball in the game today. Will take something special to stop him, and support from his ever-improving team should create a damaging force.
One to watch: Chris Alberto
Cee's midfield partner; deceivingly strong and sharp-minded, he is the most expensive Novatainian player ever. Based in Craitland, he has refined his raw talent over the past couple of seasons to become a well-rounded player that has glued the team together in their recent successes.
Prediction: Quarter-finals
They were unlucky not to win a second regional title last month and are a growing presence in Micrasian football. If they can overcome Zandarijn's home advantage, there should be a first ever knock-out place waiting for them, but the semi-finals will almost certainly be beyond their current abilities.
Background: After 2009, the team's second World Cup campaign. Solid performers in the CiboTaps, having finished in the top three five times, winning it once, but a relatively-unknown quantity at this level.
Star man: Krzijsztijan Aawlzeczaa
Attack-minded right-back who scored in their last appearance. Relied upon as a third option on the wings, since moving to Craitland, he has added defensive responsibilities to his skill set and can make an impact at either end. Midfielder Pavel Zenden, who scored the Zandts' other two goals in 2009, is another who will also help the co-hosts' cause.
One to watch: Freddie ten Brinckelen
Only 16 years-old last time they were at this stage, the ambidextrous wideman acts as an impact replacement to Daniël Lavan-Olsen and Arjen Paats. Although he may not get a great deal of game time, he is almost certain to play a part and will be expected to showboat his way past tackles to impress the home crowd.
Prediction: Fourth in group
This is possibly the one prediction which is least likely to actually occur. On track record, finishing bottom of the group wouldn't be too unusual, but the team's home advantage and support could swing results any which way. Absolutely have a better chance than co-hosts Hammish Monovia of producing results, however.
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Great! Now there's nothing left but... Losing to Alexandria...
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Okay, due to time restraints, we unfortunately won't be able to broadcast any group matches. However, the vast majority of knock-out games should be televised once we get updated again!
I'll be doing the opening games shortly too, so expect (probably not-too-lengthy) reports soon
I'll be doing the opening games shortly too, so expect (probably not-too-lengthy) reports soon
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap, oh crap....
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
*Played 3rd August*
Alexandria 0-1 Mercury
90' - J. Foxon
Mercury stunned last year's runners-up thanks to a noteworthy defensive display and a slice of late fortune for captain Joe Foxon. Alexandria were overwhelming favourites to take the three points, but didn't bargain on the young Mercurians having done their homework; man-marking Florent Lassana-Traoré and giving Jean-Pierre d'Oliviera no time to create any piercing attacks. With Mercury using their tactics to hold the Alexandrians at bay, they weren't the most potent attackers and the first half's shooting statistics were dominated by The Blues. Kieran Mercury was called into action to keep-out Lassana-Traoré while Tamer Modrem had two efforts from distance fly the wrong side of the crossbar before the break. The second wasn't too dissimilar, but was opened by Wilmont Fizeau-Blake's run and curling shot which was put wide before the Alexandrians pushed-on. However, despite Modrem working space plenty of times, there was no end product and the match remained tense as the deadlock continued into the final stages. Even at this point, it didn't seem that Mercury would have a worthwhile chance, but lady luck eventually smiled on them in the final minute. A long clearance by Chris Deacon was aimed at Joe Foxon, but bounced past the forward to Cyril Kopaczewski. The usually reliable and solid centre-back then did something rare and botched his attempted ball up-field, kicking it straight into Foxon instead. As the rebound off the Mercurian captain bobbled forward, he latched-on to it to set himself one-on-one with Jean-Alain Foucault, who was helpless to the situation as the inevitable shot was placed around his closing dive and inside the far right post. The result will shock most onlookers, and gives Mercury three unexpected points as the Alexandrians will need to win their remaining matches to go through.
Hammish Monovia 0-3 Mahoz HaSephardim
27' - S. Kheldumeh
53' - A. Esho Hanna
64' - A. Neil
The official opening game of the tournament followed a quiet but artistic welcoming ceremony, but the co-hosts' finesse ended when the match began. As predicted, the Hammish Monovians were no match for Mahoz HaSephardim as their combination of tournament débutants and recently-acquired former-Monovians failed to gel enough for an impact. The Mahozis were on top for the vast majority of the game and looked like they wouldn't concede bar for a slight blip at the end of the first half. Among Quryaqos Kheldumeh's three chances, his cousin Sfeir scored the opening goal on his first ever tournament appearance. Neil brothers Vaja and Aprem combined down the right, with the latter playing a low cross into the area. Karlo Tkalčić was slow in tracking-back and the ball's pace beat him, rolling to Kheldumeh junior who directed it across goal and in off the back post before half an hour's play. Hammish Monovia created a small number of chances before half time, but even former World Cup top scorer Armand Diarra couldn't beat Nahraya Izmou's reflexes. Mahoz HaSephardim remained fully in control for the second 45, and turned their possession into goals soon after the restart. Aprem Neil again delivered the decisive ball, after cutting through Louis Decourtioux, touching it through Jan Kulak's legs to find Ammanoel Esho Hanna, who was well out of position off his left wing but perfectly placed to slot home to the right of Don Štefančić. Ten minutes later, and a third was added to the scoresheet, this time from Aprem Neil himself. Esho Hanna was the one to advance the ball, down the left, but his cross in was too strong for Quryaqos Kheldumeh. However, Neil was arriving at the back of the area at the right time to half-volley up into the top of the goal first time as Štefančić was poorly positioned. The co-hosts managed to salvage some face from the match following the third goal, but weren't able to score themselves. Diarra was handy in attack, as Leczyn was given more movement out wide, but Izmou was not to be beaten as the Mahozi front line eased down their breaks and left the game to end three-up to top the group.
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Wow, if someone had offered us that before the start
Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
I knew they would fail, I'm secretly putting my bets on Interland to win itjoefoxon wrote:Wow, if someone had offered us that before the start
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
*Played 4th August*
Hurmu 2-2 Tellia
16' - F. Vorgensen
43' -M. Zajc
80' - G. Salmoiraghi
82' - M. Førvossen
The first game in the "group of champions" saw Hurmu grab a draw against a Tellia side aiming to retain their title. Tellia, without striker Armando Uggè through injury, relied on their "false-nine" formation with Sezer Özker in the forward's position as the Hurmudans kept their Copa Apollonia-winning side. As favourites, Tellia were hit after a quarter of an hour by a thunderbolt of a shot from out of the blue. Although not in command, Tellia were passing the ball nicely before Riccardo Ganau lost it to Tuomas Hjular, who found Tommy Gamst-Pedersen up top. Gamst-Pedersen held the play up for a second as Freddie Vorgensen backed him up. Vorgensen gained the ball and hit a surprise shot which swirled through the air and beyond Simone Di Maggio, who had no time to react. The goal seemed to be a minor blip for the holders, as they forged a number of attacks afterwards, but Özker and Isaac Mahler's efforts made for poor finishes to well-worked moves. As half time loomed, an equaliser eventually skipped over the line; Marko Zajc's touch around Ketil av Silmahamnum first time put him into the box, where he easily tucked the ball under the legs of Miklu Loresen and in. The break came at a frustrating time for Tellia, who couldn't add to their tally as soon as they wanted to. Hurmu improved as the game progressed, with Aki Mäenpää bringing about their closest attempts; Di Maggio tipping both away expertly. Only into the last ten did Tellia go ahead; wide forward Gianluca Salmoiraghi was at hand to place the ball home at the third time of asking in a move which had Zajc's two shots blocked in defence. However, the Hurmudans levelled the score again through an unlikely source. Substitute striker Mika Førvossen, picked after a breakthrough season, was left unmarked at the far post as Freddie Vorgensen's shot was deflected, and the 17 year-old couldn't miss from seven yards with Di Maggio floored. The Tellians tried their best to search for a winner, but a draw was the end result and both teams got off the mark first time.
Interland 1-1 Shireroth
5' - F. Stefánsson (o.g.)
13' - K. Lamberti
A second draw in Group B came from a match with two early, scruffy goals and a lot of tedious build-up play with few successes. EMU champions Interland were looking to go atop the group, while Shireroth would have been happy to earn their first point and keep their dreams alive. For the latter, the game couldn't have started any worse, as Interland scored after five minutes. To make things worse, the goal was credited as an own goal for star defender Fjalar Stefánsson, after the Napian-baser flicked his boot at a Jerzy Golański shot to deflect it the opposite way to Alejian du Nigrad's crawled dive. The Shirerithians hit back shortly after, however, with a swift move ending in a successful goal-line scramble. Talsin Llwrran and Jóhann Viðarsson worked the ball around Andrzej Anders, and the former passed back from the bye-line to the latter, who dragged it wide with a swing. The shot was so badly struck that it found its way to Martyn Toltenaki on the left bye-line, who shot from an impossible angle. The ball rebounded off Jan Kepp's legs to Jalal Akwá, who in turn had a toe-poke hit the 'keeper. Lastly, Kurt Lamberti reacted the best to turn the ball over the line from two yards with Kepp helpless. Despite the rapid start to the game, the remaining 75 had a lot to desire. Following the equaliser, both teams aimed at keeping possession to keep the other's counter-attacks at bay, slowly building their own offences but to no avail. The Interlandians' closest hit the post at the start of the second half, through a Marian Wyzywan header, while Shireroth had a Lamberti glance cleared off the line by Łukasz Ziebro. Shireroth had one final close attempt in the last five, but Akwá's laced shot was the wrong decision for the position and the ball could only bulge the side netting instead. A solid and fair draw for both teams, but means nobody has yet to take the group into their own hands.
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
*Played 5th August*
Ashkenatza 3-3 Nova English Korea
20' - F. Bruno
33' - Ahn T.L.
58' - B. Neumann
75' - Ahn T.L.
88' - Lee J.S.
90' - B. Weitzman
Ashkenatza and Nova English Korea shared the spoils of a six-goal thriller as both teams took advantage of each other's defensive frailties. With both renowned for their gung-ho approach to attacking, there was no surprise in the number of registered shots throughout the match nor the amount of goals. The Ashkenatzis' star man Frenkel Bruno was their main threat through the entire match, causing the four defensive Lees problems all evening and opening the scoring after twenty minutes. Gavrel Levandovskiy pushed wide of his central role and brought the ball back inside before finding Bruno after he had pulled away from Jung-Hwan's marking to clip up and in from close range. With the sides equally adventurous, it wasn't long before an equaliser went in, with Ahn Tai-Lo the decisive factor. In a move similar to Bruno's finish, Lee Geum-Yong broke past Vladek Rabinowicz to put a cross in, which Ahn met at the first post with a flicked volley up and over Ben Szhmuel to drop over the line. Although the score wasn't augmented before half time, Bruno twice went the closest, heading and half-volleying just wide of the posts, with Levandovskiy also having a distant shot saved. NEK also created a number of attacks, but were unable to bring about any efforts of note like their opposition's. Within 15 minutes of the restart, Ashkenatza went ahead again. For unknown reasons, with no injury shown, Levandovskiy was replaced by Ben Neumann, who profited from Bruno's strength after he forced his way into the box before being tackled late by Nam-Hwan, who knocked the ball inside where Neumann just had to poke it under Tae Nam-Koong. The Nova English Koreans brought about further offences after going behind, and were unlucky twice to not get a second, with Lee Geum-Yong and Seol Tae-Ki both shooting from distance into Szhmuel's grasp. A second did eventually come, however, on the 75 mark, with Ahn Tai-Lo's brace. Lee Hong-Jo made his way far forward down the left, overlapping Park Ji-Pyo, and crossed from deep, which was headed out by Iser Schuldberg. The ball was then chested by Kim Yong-Woo, who hit a bullet at goal, which was deflected as it entered the box by Ahn's shin. With Szhmuel going to his right, the ball turned the other way and hit the gaping side of the net. With the match racing to an end, there was still action to be had, and Nova English Korea found a lead for the first time. Substitute Lee Jin-Su, who took the place of Seol Tae-Ki, scored his team's third with an easy header from Geum-Yong's in-swinging corner which eluded Szhmuel and Shivek Zylerberg on the line two minutes before the end. Despite this, there was still enough time for yet another leveller, from Ashkenatza, who had Barak Weitzman to thank for his follow-up shot from Dovid Mahler's free-kick attempt which hit the wall. As the ball spun off, the Hammish-based winger was unmarked at the side of the area to scissor-kick a volley low into the bottom-right with Tae motionless. Although not a surprise result, the ease of scoring against one another will leave the other two teams in this group licking their lips at the possibilities in the games to come.
Hamland 2-0 North Antarctica
40' - B. Craig
50' - B. Craig
Goals either side of half time for Benjamin Craig were adequate for a comfy Hammish win to put them top of the group. Previous runners-up Hamland began the game aiming to start a successful route to the final, which they have been tipped to make, while North Antarctica's primary hope was to banish their Copa Apollonia woes. Hamland were clearly the dominant force in the match, with no discredit due to the Napians, who performed without shame but couldn't match their opponents in all necessary areas. In a tightly-fought first half, it took a notable while before any challenging shots came in, with North Antarctica's Ishmael Kazenaghi the first to make the other 'keeper work just before half an hour's play with a snatched shot. The first goal flew in five before the break with Craig being picked-out behind Hugo Gomes by Jules Scott to leather a shot with his left foot into the top-left corner from the edge of the box across the dive of Quentin Markhams. The next serious action in the match came at the start of the second half, with Craig scoring after five minutes with his right boot this time. Eric Heinhorn was able to find Andrew Miller, who touched the ball towards the intersection of penalty box and bye-line before slotting back towards goal. Craig was arriving at the right time, allowed the ball to roll across his opened body rather than hit it first time, foxing Wesley Germain, to skilfully divert it into the bottom-right from six yards. The match progressed at a comfortable pace from then on; the Hamlanders keeping their lead without breaking too much of a sweat as North Antarctica evidently put their focus onto their next game with the knowledge they weren't likely to take anything from this one. William Maynard almost scored the team's first of the tournament, however, halfway through the half, but found Rodney MacLeod's palm to tip it against the bar before reclaiming it from the air. Hamland's victory comes at no surprise and eases them into the right swing, with the Napians keeping a respectable goal difference ahead of two winnable fixtures.
Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
Expected c'mon NAPI! Haha!
Head of Micras Futsal Federation
Commissioner of Napian Virtual Micras Football Association
Head of Alexandrian Futsal Association
Minister of Sport of Elwynn
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Citizenship:
North Antarctica - President Martin K.
Alexandria - Martijn Francois-Westenburg
Elwynn - Razhgan Emiri
New Saerig - Allan Eriksen
Haifa - Tamer Paladino
New Victoria - Micael Partridge
Commissioner of Napian Virtual Micras Football Association
Head of Alexandrian Futsal Association
Minister of Sport of Elwynn
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Citizenship:
North Antarctica - President Martin K.
Alexandria - Martijn Francois-Westenburg
Elwynn - Razhgan Emiri
New Saerig - Allan Eriksen
Haifa - Tamer Paladino
New Victoria - Micael Partridge
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
NEK are going to really go for it against NAPI, seeing as they will definitely lose to Hamland!
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
*Played 6th August*
Craitland 1-0 Zandarijn
8' - T.P. Jones
Co-hosts Zandarijn got-off to a bad start after an early Craitish goal broke their dreams of an opening result. With Zandarijn a territory of the Craits, this match held more significance than most, and was the first time two two had lined-up against each other in a competitive setting. In the match as a whole, there was very little to separate the teams, with carefully worked attacks being balanced with pressured defending, but a mild lapse in the first ten minutes was enough for the final scoreline. Craitland attacked the smoothest in the opening stages, and found a chink in the otherwise strong Zandt armour. Jon-Jan Jónsen's movement forward, coupled with Freddie Gaärsen's off-the-ball run, created a small space between Jan de Wijnen and Mark Schneidau, which Jónsen exploited with a disguised pass. With the through-ball played to the right, there was only Tiem P. Jones there available to shoot, which he did instead of squaring it to hit the ball past Arjen Kleusen off the stopper's shin. Following the goal, the teams very much cancelled each other out, and there weren't many clear-cut opportunities to speak of. Freddie Gaärsen's long-range effort, following looped headers from both Zandts William Tyas and Stephan van Hajn, was the best of a bad bunch of tame chances, but was in no way troublesome to the scoreboard. Craitland will be happy with a good start, as Zandarijn should be able to perform to better results in their next two.
Nova England 0-1 Novatainia
84' - R. Carlton
Copa Apollonia runners-up Novatainia took a narrow victory over the Nova English for a handy start to things. As with the group's other match, the two teams were very evenly-matched and a lot of cancelling-out led to few on-target shots. Nova England created the primary chances at the beginning, but the trickery of Theo Sinclair was not enough to forge a goal despite his and Callum Sorrel's curved strikes. Novatainia made the most before the break but, again, Vir Tagnus was thwarted by Nicholas Harfield twice; once with a closing block and once with a tap wide with his forearm. The second half was, unsurprisingly, unchanged, and chances were even fewer and farther between in comparison with the first 45. Novatainia's main threat Tagnus was replaced with twenty minutes to go, and the injection of Ricardo Carlton's pace led to faster attacks. This approach finally broke the Nova English defence with six minutes remaining as Lars Mkvenner skinned Matthew Ragnus down the right, with a one-two with Carlton, who quickly situated himself in the box. Mkvenner's low ball across the face of goal was met by sub Stoney Fox, whose first touch found Carlton, who simply placed with his left boot into the bottom-left. Nova England paid no attention to getting an equaliser before the whistle and left Novatainia with their first World Cup three points since 2007.
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Re: 2013 FMF World Cup - official match reports and videos
*Played 7th August*
Mercury 0-1 Mahoz HaSephardim
42' - V. Neil
Mercury's good work in their opening fixture was undone by an unfortunate one-goal loss to Mahoz HaSephardim, who became the first team to seal six points this tournament. Following their heroic exploits against Alexandria, Mercury's approach to the match had evidently been different to the Mahozis', whose win over co-hosts Hammish Monovia came at a canter. A difficult match for the pundits and experts to predict, the game was very even in the opening thirty minutes, as every attack seemed to end with either an intervening tackle or an over-hit cross, but swung toward MHS on the run-up to the break. This Mahozi tilt was epitomised with three to go through captain Vaja Neil's free-kick. The Kheldumeh brothers linked-up at the top to find a way past Stephen Charlton but Sfeir, the younger, was brought-down by Kieran Mercury as he turned with the 'keeper inexplicably yards outside his penalty area. Mercury was fortunate to only gain a yellow, but the free-kick was hit by Vaja Neil within the "D" and sneaked through the wall's heads to cross the line after kissing the underside of the bar. The second half registered another swing in style, with the Mercurians instead having the slight advantage. Joe Foxon was the team's most notable threat, tearing Ninos Ahudummeh apart on a number of occasions but without being able to beat Nahraya Izmou's inspired reflexes in the net. Mahoz HaSephardim's closest chance to double their lead fell to Quryaqos Kheldumeh near the end of the match, but the wrong side of the crossbar met his dipping effort and it skidded harmlessly wide. With MHS now with two wins, the pressure will be on Mercury to get a strong result against Hammish Monovia next time, with their fate entirely in their own hands.
Alexandria 5-1 Hammish Monovia
4' - A. Diarra
11' - F. Lassana-Traoré
25' - Y. Ancelin
73' - L. Graf
77' - L. Graf
89' - L. Graf
Lucien Graf's shock hat-trick helped Alexandria record a healthy win after a surprise defeat, but not without a terrible start to the match for "Les Bleus". Coming off the back of an unpredicted narrow defeat to Mercury, the Alexandrians needed a result against the co-hosts or face early elimination. Hammish Monovia, on the other hand, were again aiming for damage limitations. However, it was the underdogs who decided to break all conventions and open the scoring with the game's first offensive move. Armand Diarra, of Alexandrian-Monovian descent, was sent through with a first-time pass from Heinz-Harald Smyth and used his pace to beat Cyril Kopaczewski, who wasn't expecting such an attack so soon. Diarra was able to also get ahead of Jean-Alain Foucault to knick it past the stopper's closing arms and slowly over the line. Going behind only served to incite the Alexandrians, however, and Diarra's Craitish Aztecs clubmate Florent Lassana-Traoré equalised shortly after. In an almost mimicked move, "FLT" used his turn of pace to pass Jan Kulak after receiving the ball from Jean-Pierre d'Oliviera, breaking into the area one-on-one to tap through Don Štefančić's spread legs close-in. From then onwards, Alexandria were in absolute control, conducting at a leisurely pace, and picking and choosing attacking opportunities as they saw fit. On the 25 mark, last year's runners-up eventually went ahead, again exploiting Hammish Monovia's defensive chinks with good running. Damián Sala skipped down the flank through Louis Ducourtioux and cut-in to slot a pass backwards through the gap. Lassana-Traoré was too advanced to reach it, but midfielder, and Sala teammate, Yannick Ancelin was available for a simple finish along the turf inside the right-hand post from nine yards out. Alexandria's arrogant approach served them well throughout the remainder of the half and past the break as Hammish Monovia were continually on the back foot and unable to catch a rest. There was a brief interlude for the co-hosts to snatch a counter-attack, but the Alexandrian defence returned to its positions in time to close-out winger Julius Leczyn's mazy run towards goal. Alexandria's dominant place in the game was sealed once Lucien Graf replaced Lassana-Traoré, who had become strangely ineffective after his strike, up-front. Graf, whose last tournament goal was in the 6-1 victory over fellow Hammish territory Taeland in 2011's edition, made an instant impact that just kept-on improving. Less than ten minutes after arriving on the pitch, he was at hand to score a header from Tamer Modrem's corner on the right; losing marker Karlo Tkalčić and connecting powerfully from close range. Only four minutes later and Graf put away a second; set-up by Modrem again, the forward beautifully controlled a chipped ball through before having the spatial awareness to pirouette past Štefančić, who had progressed to try and claim the ball, and walk it into the unguarded net. With the final quarter of an hour begun, Graf persisted with the Hammish Monovian defenders and his breakthrough came as the injury time board was shown, with a scrappy corner goal. From the left this time, Modrem's delivery was an in-swinger, which was again met by Graf, but Štefančić was well-placed to palm it. The 'keeper was powerless to direct the ball anywhere in particular though, and Graf's reactions were enough to stab it back past Štefančić's legs with the studs of his reaching boot. Considered by some an unmerited inclusion, Graf must now have put a good bid in to start the final match, with a win needed to advance, while the co-hosting minnows are now unable to reach the quarter-finals but can still affect the group's outcome.