2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
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2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
Welcome everyone to Craitland for the tenth edition of the FMF's premier international competition; the FMF World Cup! To celebrate a decade of competition, this summer's edition will see a total of twenty teams battle it out for the title of official Micras champions. The winners of the final in Cherry Trees on August 22nd will also have the added benefit of holding-on to the trophy for two years, with the FMF's new schedule meaning the next World Cup will be held in 2017. So, with all these changes being made to the most prestigious tournament in Micrasian football, let's get the (foot)ball rolling!
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
Group draw
Group A
Craitland
Gotzborg
Valencia
Birgeshir
Tellia
Group B
Talenore
Austbard
Lakkvia
Alexandria
Athlon
Group C
Mercury
Senya
North Antarctica
Safiria
Juclandia
Group D
Passas
Flanders
Shireroth
Gerenia
Hamland
Group A
Craitland
Gotzborg
Valencia
Birgeshir
Tellia
Group B
Talenore
Austbard
Lakkvia
Alexandria
Athlon
Group C
Mercury
Senya
North Antarctica
Safiria
Juclandia
Group D
Passas
Flanders
Shireroth
Gerenia
Hamland
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
Fixtures
Group stage
July 19th
A: Craitland v Tellia
A: Gotzborg v Birgeshir
July 20th
B: Austbard v Alexandria
B: Talenore v Athlon
July 21st
C: Senya v Safiria
C: Mercury v Juclandia
July 22nd
D: Flanders v Gerenia
D: Passas v Hamland
July 23rd
A: Birgeshir v Craitland
A: Valencia v Gotzborg
July 24th
B: Alexandria v Talenore
B: Lakkvia v Austbard
July 25th
C: Safiria v Mercury
C: North Antarctica v Senya
July 26th
D: Gerenia v Passas
D: Shireroth v Flanders
July 27th
A: Craitland v Valencia
A: Tellia v Birgeshir
July 28th
B: Talenore v Lakkvia
B: Athlon v Alexandria
July 29th
C: Mercury v North Antarctica
C: Juclandia v Safiria
July 30th
D: Passas v Shireroth
D: Hamland v Gerenia
July 31st
A: Valencia v Tellia
A: Gotzborg v Craitland
August 1st
B: Lakkvia v Athlon
B: Austbard v Talenore
August 2nd
C: North Antarctica v Juclandia
C: Senya v Mercury
August 3rd
D: Shireroth v Hamland
D: Flanders v Passas
August 5th
A: Tellia v Gotzborg
A: Birgeshir v Valencia
B: Athlon v Austbard
B: Alexandria v Lakkvia
August 7th
C: Juclandia v Senya
C: Safiria v North Antarctica
D: Hamland v Flanders
D: Gerenia v Shireroth
Play-off round
August 9th
PO1: Runner-up Group A v Third Group B
PO2: Runner-up Group B v Third Group A
August 10th
PO3: Runner-up Group C v Third Group D
PO4: Runner-up Group D v Third Group C
Quarter-finals
August 13th
QF1: Winner Group A v Winner Play-off 3
QF2: Winner Group B v Winner Play-off 4
August 14th
QF3: Winner Group C v Winner Play-off 1
QF4: Winner Group D v Winner Play-off 2
Semi-finals
August 17th
SF1: Winner Quarter-final 1 v Winner Quarter-final 4
August 18th
SF2: Winner Quarter-final 2 v Winner Quarter-final 3
Third-place play-off
August 21st
Loser Semi-final 1 v Loser Semi-final 2
Final
August 22nd
Winner Semi-final 1 v Winner Semi-final 2
Group stage
July 19th
A: Craitland v Tellia
A: Gotzborg v Birgeshir
July 20th
B: Austbard v Alexandria
B: Talenore v Athlon
July 21st
C: Senya v Safiria
C: Mercury v Juclandia
July 22nd
D: Flanders v Gerenia
D: Passas v Hamland
July 23rd
A: Birgeshir v Craitland
A: Valencia v Gotzborg
July 24th
B: Alexandria v Talenore
B: Lakkvia v Austbard
July 25th
C: Safiria v Mercury
C: North Antarctica v Senya
July 26th
D: Gerenia v Passas
D: Shireroth v Flanders
July 27th
A: Craitland v Valencia
A: Tellia v Birgeshir
July 28th
B: Talenore v Lakkvia
B: Athlon v Alexandria
July 29th
C: Mercury v North Antarctica
C: Juclandia v Safiria
July 30th
D: Passas v Shireroth
D: Hamland v Gerenia
July 31st
A: Valencia v Tellia
A: Gotzborg v Craitland
August 1st
B: Lakkvia v Athlon
B: Austbard v Talenore
August 2nd
C: North Antarctica v Juclandia
C: Senya v Mercury
August 3rd
D: Shireroth v Hamland
D: Flanders v Passas
August 5th
A: Tellia v Gotzborg
A: Birgeshir v Valencia
B: Athlon v Austbard
B: Alexandria v Lakkvia
August 7th
C: Juclandia v Senya
C: Safiria v North Antarctica
D: Hamland v Flanders
D: Gerenia v Shireroth
Play-off round
August 9th
PO1: Runner-up Group A v Third Group B
PO2: Runner-up Group B v Third Group A
August 10th
PO3: Runner-up Group C v Third Group D
PO4: Runner-up Group D v Third Group C
Quarter-finals
August 13th
QF1: Winner Group A v Winner Play-off 3
QF2: Winner Group B v Winner Play-off 4
August 14th
QF3: Winner Group C v Winner Play-off 1
QF4: Winner Group D v Winner Play-off 2
Semi-finals
August 17th
SF1: Winner Quarter-final 1 v Winner Quarter-final 4
August 18th
SF2: Winner Quarter-final 2 v Winner Quarter-final 3
Third-place play-off
August 21st
Loser Semi-final 1 v Loser Semi-final 2
Final
August 22nd
Winner Semi-final 1 v Winner Semi-final 2
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Team profiles - Group A
Craitland
Route to the finals: Successfully bid to host the tournament at the end of 2014. Played "centralised friendlies" against EMUFA's qualifying Group B, winning seven of those ten preparation games.
Star man: Johaņ Iņvaärsen. With all of their attacking options, defence is a weak point for the Craits since Paulio Demhivo's retirement. Iņvaärsen, now 23, will have to command a backline which is likely to start with just three men.
One to watch: Jan-Morteņ Juliaĵsen. A breakthrough domestic season saw the youngster hit 20 league goals and begin his international career in scoring style. Tipped as Freddie Gaärsen's successor.
Prediction: The new tournament format means the hosts are expected to advance to the knock-outs easily enough. The challenge will likely occur in the quarter-finals, but the fans will be hoping for at least a last-four finish on home soil.
Gotzborg
Route to the finals: Reached their first ever World Cup after a strong qualifying campaign which saw them lose just once in AEFA Group A. Beat former finalists Toketi in both ties.
Star man: Kristian Jentzsch. Previous Gotzborg sides have lacked goals, but the 30 year-old has been in good form. A couple of strikes from the forward may change their fortunes.
One to watch: Conrad Hahnel. While neither young nor unknown, Hahnel showed the impact he can have on matches as part of Schaffhausen FC's astonishing AEFA Champions' League win last season.
Prediction: A début tournament can be sometimes seen as a carte blanche for teams who have no reputation to uphold. While occasionally reserved in their play, we may see some flair that could nick them some valuable points and flirt with advancing from the group.
Valencia
Route to the finals: Came through EMUFA Group B in second place from a three-horse race, losing once, before confidently dispatching of last year's hosts Indokistan in the play-offs to qualify for just the second time in their history.
Star man: Francesc Hernández. The team's string-puller in midfield. Can disrupt the opposition and turn defending into attacking. Isn't afraid to get on the scoresheet himself either.
One to watch: Vincent Llieda. Arguably a risky choice as a support striker, but his goals were a feature of Flanders' FC Bruswerpen's successful season and he could be an unknown quantity.
Prediction: Assuming their defence can hold-up against a group full of potent goalscorers, the knock-out rounds should not be out of reach for a talented side with many players coming into their prime.
Birgeshir
Route to the finals: Won all eight of their CTFA Group A qualifying matches, whilst conceding just one goal. Critics have said the group was poor and that they haven't faced any real challenges yet.
Star man: Ætaňur Chanojk. Currently a free agent after Afrikaana's demise, the left-side of the Birgesh midfield three is their main creative outlet and can be expected to have a hand in most of the team's goals.
One to watch: Nofre-Ka-U Pabasojk. The 18 year-old striker has seemingly been listed to start in the side's front three ahead of Hammish-based Benatehhor Ёkınojk and displaced Çengiz Tahir. The manager must have faith in the young man's abilities.
Prediction: Could find it tricky playing their preferred formation against a couple of teams which like to swamp the middle of the park, but the talent in their squad makes a second consecutive quarter-final appearance a real possibility.
Tellia
Route to the finals: A couple of close calls in WMFA's qualifying Group A kept the 2012 winners on their toes, but a seventh straight finals appearance never really looked in doubt.
Star man: Marko Zajc. With Sezer Özker and Isaac Mahler's exclusions, Zajc is now the lynchpin of a Tellian side full of household names that must do well to avoid the wrath of their passionate fans.
One to watch: Luigi Donatello. His unpredictability makes him the epitome of the national side; which Luigi turns-up in Craitland could well define Gli Verdi's entire tournament.
Prediction: Two major players missing after disagreeing with the manager, a system continually lambasted by their media, and domestic political worries. Tellia is never dull, and the likelihood of them crashing-out at the group stage is about equal to them winning the whole thing again. Their biggest opponent in this group is themselves.
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Team profiles - Group B
Talenore
Route to the finals: Their first ever qualifying campaign saw them cause a shock and finish top of EMUFA Group D ahead of four teams which had prior tournament appearances. Got the better of previous runners-up Nova England both home and away.
Star man: Petro Gjanocca. Possibly the most versatile man in the Talenorean squad. While he's been tipped for a centre-back role, he's perfectly capable of full-back and winger positions, which could be important when chasing deficits.
One to watch: Kali Kalani. The 22 year-old they call "Kakâ" should line-up as their sole forward and could show why he's held in such high regard back home.
Prediction: Their success in qualifying may boost their expectations, but this is a strong group and they should prepare for a battle for one of the places in the play-off round. If they get that far, anything afterwards would be a massive achievement.
Austbard
Route to the finals: Cruelly drawn against the team that won their qualifying group (Talenore), Austbard were a close second place and overcame rivals Høgmårk in the play-offs by a narrow margin to make a second successive World Cup.
Star man: Elmar Sägmüller. The creative spark trequartista of the team; provides and occasionally scores those ever-so-important goals.
One to watch: Eiman Torinal. Scored Austbard's only goal last World Cup, but will be relishing the chance to add to his tally with an extra group game this time round.
Prediction: After finishing rock bottom of their group last summer, they'll be aiming to do much better, and there's a place in the knock-out rounds up for grabs if they can get something against Talenore as they already have this year.
Lakkvia
Route to the finals: An evenly-matched AEFA Group D almost caused a stumbling block for the Lakkvians, but their players' experience led them to the top of the group and to a début World Cup.
Star man: Aki Mäenpää. Consistent scorer who plies his trade in Craitland and comes off the back of a domestic title. Should be full of confidence and is a definite game-changer.
One to watch: Thomas Päuu. With a notably aging midfield, youngster Päuu may be called upon from the bench frequently as a fresh pair of legs and his impact could lead to a few starts.
Prediction: Another whose chances of a place in the knock-outs are fairly high, but their old squad could be a burden at vital points in matches. However, the same players' experience of having reached a quarter-final with Hurmu could also be a boon.
Alexandria
Route to the finals: A loss to Natopia was the only blip on an otherwise perfect CTFA Group D showing which saw the 2009 champions score more than any other team on their way to a record tenth finals.
Star man: Jean-Pierre d'Oliviera. While Tamer Modrem may steal the headlines, d'Oliviera has become the rock in the centre of the team's formation and will be as integral when it comes to keeping play flowing.
One to watch: Loïc Montraneau. Ibrahima Diarra's absence has opened the door for this classy centre-back to make his mark on Les Bleus' defence, and a good showing will see him become a fixture in the future.
Prediction: While a first glance makes it seem as if they should top the group, there are plenty of chances for them to slip-up. While not advancing would surely be a shock, anything after the quarter-finals would need some impressive displays over very good opposition.
Athlon
Route to the finals: For a team so used to finishing in the middle of their qualifying group every year, gaining 19 points and conceding only three goals in CTFA Group B this year came as something as a surprise as they reached their first World Cup.
Star man: Theodoros Nikolas. It's not often a goalkeeper is a team's most valuable asset, but the 26 year-old is Athlon's. Having such a big hand in their qualifying record, his literal big hands will need to stop some excellent strikers now it's more serious.
One to watch: Maxwell Stoner. The team's only foreign-based call-up; a teenage midfielder who has worked his way up the ranks at Safiria's Miše FC to catch the eye of clubs elsewhere.
Prediction: The clear underdogs in this group, going on previous performances, but may gain a couple of points and should provide some entertainment regardless of where they finish.
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Team profiles - Group C
Mercury
Route to the finals: As the holders of the World Cup and the team to beat this summer, Mercury were awarded automatic qualification. They played "centralised friendlies" against EMUFA Group D in preparation; winning eight and drawing twice.
Star man: Joe Foxon. Surprising to think he's still only 21, having achieved what he has in his career. Mercury's captain, talisman and main goalscoring threat. A danger to the opposition from pretty much anywhere on the pitch.
One to watch: Stephen Rydberg. A peripheral player the last couple of years, Rydberg is now a key man for the Mercurians and is often underappreciated. Very good distribution and an eye for goal too.
Prediction: Off the back of last year's triumph and with form through their preparations, Mercury are many people's favourites this summer. Their group is tough, but they are likely to advance, and anything less than a semi-final appearance will be underwhelming.
Senya
Route to the finals: Senya strolled through qualification unbeaten and with only one draw to stop a complete whitewash of their AEFA Group C rivals. The three goals they conceded in their eight matches all came away from home.
Star man: Barnaby Hands. The only teenager in the Senyan squad, yet is the national captain highest scorer and most-capped player. The heartbeat of the team and its biggest influence.
One to watch: Sam Kimsin. Has superseded Gatkan Mena as the go-between for defence and attack for Senya now, and the 22 year-old will be looking to impress in his first finals tournament as a starter.
Prediction: Many people's dark horse to take home the title come August. While they may not top this group, they should get to the knock-out stages and may get a favourable draw. Their fans are expecting success, and bettering last year's semi-final appearance is definitely not beyond them.
North Antarctica
Route to the finals: Their first year competing in the CTFA, and they managed to find the fortune to top Group C on goal difference above Calbion. Despite not losing, they drew six of their eight matches and were far from convincing qualifiers.
Star man: Jonathan Smalling. Will provide the killer ball from both open play and set pieces, and his vision could make the difference if the side struggles as they did earlier in the year.
One to watch: Jonathan Fiorentino. With Ishmael Kazenaghi getting no younger, Fiorentino is likely to be called upon to join William Maynard up front. The 22 year-old's last tournament goal was in 2012, so there's no time like the present to step-up.
Prediction: Given their woes this year already, they might find it difficult to advance from the group with how strong it is. If they make it to the play-off round, that is possibly the limit of their capabilities this time round.
Safiria
Route to the finals: Taking to their move to the WMFA like a duck to water, the Safirians were the first team to book their place in Craitland after sealing Group B after just four matches. "Efficient" doesn't do it justice.
Star man: Sila Meþry. Towering centre-back who enjoys the physical side of the game. The 21 year-old will cause both forwards and other teams' defences all sorts of problems
One to watch: Tàmāra Izrune. It's not very often you see a 68 year-old footballer making their début in a tournament, but it's different when you're safir. Tipped to play a starting role, the Mutual FC midfielder will at least be setting records.
Prediction: Their first World Cup a year ago ended with a bottom-of-the-group finish, but they still only missed a quarter-final berth on goals scored. They should be aiming to go one better this time, with a place in the play-offs theirs for the taking.
Juclandia
Route to the finals: Juclandia needed a few surprises and some luck to get through a tricky EMUFA Group C, but they scraped through with 19 points just ahead of Høgmårk to book a first World Cup showing.
Star man: Slobodan Vuk. The elder of the two Vuk brothers who start up top, and generally the one with the keener eye for goal. Whether he be scoring or assisting Goran, he can be a dangerous target man either way.
One to watch: Gori Jucărescu. The third member of Juclandia's attacking trio, and often forgotten as he's not related to the others. May not have been potent in qualifying, but the combination of all three is something for defences to worry about, with no easy way to cover all options.
Prediction: With the difficult group they've been drawn into, there would be no shame in finishing bottom for a team making its début and arguably over-performing. They will be unlikely to see any action in the knock-out stages, but you never know.
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Team profiles - Group D
Passas
Route to the finals: The 2008 runners-up went through EMUFA's tricky qualifying Group B without losing a game to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2011 and return to the big time.
Star man: Łukasz Dąbrowski. The last two seasons have seen him hit an incredible 51 league goals for Xäiville Teflons in Craitland and the 25 year-old's shooting prowess is a major factor in the team's success of late.
One to watch: Alfred Hicks. The left-back is an effective option when bombing forward and could link-up well with Dąbrowski. His defensive work may leave a lot to be desired, but that may not matter if his runs come to fruition.
Prediction: Their last appearance four years ago ended with a quarter-final defeat, but a second place in last summer's EMU Championships may mean the Passas of old are back. The play-off round may be their best chance of advancing, but they can give a lot of teams a run for their money.
Flanders
Route to the finals: Despite finishing as runners-up behind Gerenia in AEFA Group B, their record was good enough to see them reach a play-off against CTFA's Vyktory, which an away goals aggregate win saw them through. In a cruel twist of fate, they have been drawn against the Gerenians once again.
Star man: Omar Westerlo. The Flandria Secundan-born forward has tournament experience which could prove vital, and is the team's primary attacking outlet.
One to watch: Micael Zand. Flanders' qualifying group campaign saw them keep five clean sheets, and their 21 year-old stopper looks a very bright prospect with his quick reflexes and solid positioning.
Prediction: While it may look impossible for the World Cup first-timers to escape this group, they are a developing side and may use this as a springboard for the future. Gaining some valuable experience and maybe a couple of points will serve them well.
Shireroth
Route to the finals: Another team back in the World Cup after an absence, albeit only one year. Topped WMFA Group C without a loss and a massive positive goal difference, and overcame rivals Elwynn who made it to the quarter-finals last year.
Star man: Fjalar Stefánsson. Keeps a tight ship on the right of the side's back four, playing an important dual-role. Was a reason why Shireroth only conceded twice in qualifying, and assisted a handful of their 38 goals too.
One to watch: Talsin Llwrran. Tellian-based midfield maestro who has a knack of creating something from nothing. Surrounded by a number of big names at Vecchiacittà, but is given the chance to shine internationally.
Prediction: Taking the group winners' quarter-final spot may be out of their grasp, but it would be no surprise at all to see them reach the play-off round. After that would be anyone's guess; they surprisingly reached the final four years ago, after all.
Gerenia
Route to the finals: Lost only once, to fellow group members Flanders, as they topped AEFA Group B in qualifying to seal a second World Cup shot in a row.
Star man: Zelmar Toscano. Scored two cup final-winning goals last year, and has now won a league title on the same soil this World Cup will be played on. At just 24, he has a lot to learn, but is developing rapidly and is a superb player.
One to watch: Fabrice Balbîn. Formerly known as Facundo Balbuena, the 22 year-old striker finished as top scorer in Gerenia last season, and scored goals to help them win two finals. Has seemingly taken Karl Brükner's starting place and will add to the side's offence.
Prediction: Fell-out at the group stage last year despite being victorious in the Copa Apollonia. Must build on that, and can't afford to waste their talent. Knock-out games must surely happen, with an aim of a potential semi-final not at all farfetched.
Hamland
Route to the finals: EMUFA Group A barely caused last summer's runners-up to break a sweat as they won all ten of their matches and had only three goals scored against them, with rivals Interland only managing half their points tally.
Star man: Eric Heinhorn. The team's unassuming captain is a traditional players' player. He won't gain the plaudits of the press nor the fans' legendary status, but his teammates know that they wouldn't be half the team they are without him playing.
One to watch: Peter O'Reilly. The 20 year-old defender is expected to start in the centre of defence in the place of a declining Eddie Winters and could be out of his depth. He should be a long-term fixture for Hamland, so this could be his first chapter in sealing that deal.
Prediction: Hamland haven't failed to reach the World Cup semi-finals since 2009, winning one final and losing two since then, so will definitely be in the list of pre-tournament favourites. A quarter-final appearance is highly likely regardless of how they get there, but from then on anyone can beat anyone on their day.
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Pittori wrote:The 19th of July has been a day that has been written in the diaries of the majority of Craits. Despite being the most successful nation to have ever graced Micras on the football stage, the four time champions have never hosted the World Cup – until NOW! Finally, the World Cup has touched the football crazy nation and the hosts will now want to return to winning ways and claim their fifth title. Expectations could not be any higher, and while one golden generation is drawing to a close, the Craitish population eagerly anticipate the start of a new one as the likes of Freddie Gaärsen is joined by the establishing Hänä Zensen and Daniel Hjansen. Amongst the squad are also the rising talents of Ĵulian Ólsen, Johaņ Iņvaärsen and the recently capped Jan-Morteņ Juliaĵsen, with the 21 year old Osĵätoņ Aztecs striker tipped to succeed Gaärsen as the future Craitish number 10.
Whilst the opening match is filled with a sense of optimism and anticipation, the hosts have been handed a tough test against the fellow WMFA heavyweights of Tellia, now managed by former Craitish and Cherry Trees coach Jan-Marc Yaqinsen. Tellia, who last won in 2012 have never been short of drama and yet again are facing headlines following the not-so-public problems in the dressing room. It is rumoured that there has been a disagreement between Yaqinsen and several players, notably Sezer Özker and Isaac Mahler. The move has proven to be rather unpopular by the Tellian faithful, who are blaming Yaqinsen for making the nation play “too much like Craitland” as both Mahler and Özker were expelled from the squad.
Craitland coach Zyx Dermäna on the other hand has told the press not to underestimate the Tellians despite their ongoing off-field issues, stating that the Tellians are still the toughest opposition the Craits will face in the group stages. Dermäna knows the opposition very well, having previously managed side FC Fiorecittà to a number of titles in the Tellian Serie A, and believes that Tellia will be difficult to break down and cannot be given time on the ball. “Tellia are a very disciplined side who have very good players and can defend and hold the ball. We must make our chances count and stop Marko Zajc and Massimo Santoni from having any influence on the game.”
Predicted Lineups:
Craitland are expected to go with their classic 3-5-2 formation, with Freddie Gaärsen leading the front-line. The veteran striker has appeared at every World Cup tournament for his country, but will be reaching new heights as it will be the first time he will captain his side in a major tournament.
In defence, the Craitish side have reverted to a back three following the retirement of Paulio Demhivo, with the familiar faces of Daniel Hjansen, Johan Invaarsen and Alexis Proten all starting. Gaarsen will be joined up front by Ejars’ Tim Isrdlvarien, while the midfield will look to the experienced Tiem Pellegrino Jones and Olivier Dermäna to pull the strings. Hänä Zensen is expected to bring energy into the game, with the Cherry Trees midfielder expected to provide support and lead the transitions from defence to attack.
Tellia on the other hand will be travelling from their team camp in Xäiville to the capital with a very Craitish-focused side. Yaqinsen is believed to have made a few tweaks to the 2012 champion’s tactics, with the side looking to go for a variation of Craitland’s formation with a 3-4-1-2 shape. The line-up itself has a lot of experience in Craitland with Pasquale di Montezemolo, Marco Schiavvi, Gianluca Salmoiraghi and Frederico Diamo all playing their trade in the Craitish League 1 (Valérien Hertz also previously played for Xäiville Teflons). The main threats will undoubtedly come from Marko Zajc and Massimo Santoni, with the duo requiring to take greater responsibility in the absence of Sezer Özker and Isaac Mahler, although it is worth mentioning that Salmoiraghi will be looking to continue his fine form, having scored 17 goals last season for Biulya äqi Jedu. Pasquale di Montezemolo will lead the side out in his “back yard”, also being the club captain for Cherry Trees, who usually play at Oesst Whiteside throughout the year.
Many pundits are saying that this match will be too close to call, and believe that the result will ultimately be decided on who controls the midfield and which side will take their chances. Whatever happens, Oesst Whiteside and Micras expects for a thrilling opener to the World Cup campaign.
Craitland (3-5-2): Johansen (GK); Hjansen, Invaarsen, Proten; Jones, Zensen, Olsen, Dermana, Loresen; Gaarsen (capt), Isrdlvarien.
Tellia (3-4-1-2): Di Maggio (GK); di Montezemolo (capt), Schiavvi, De Laurentiis; Hertz, Santoni, Diamo, Zajc; Ganau; Uggè, Salmoiraghi.
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*Played 19th July*
CrTV 1 - Hanast + Co. Review:
Spoiler!
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*Played 19th July*
Gotzborg 1-1 Birgeshir
63' - B. Ёkınojk
90' - K. Jentzsch
A last ditched Kristian Jentzsch header denied Birgeshir of taking an early win in Group A of this year's World Cup despite a dominant second half.
Having witnessed the earlier shock result with the opener between Craitland and Tellia, both sets of supporters went into Oesst Darrä Arenä with a sense of hope and optimism, with both teams believing anything could be possible.
The game started off cagey with both sides cancelling each other out. Vilhelm Markschmidt almost made headlines 20 minutes into the game as the veteran midfielder saw his long range effort fizz above the bar as he looked to become the oldest ever goalscorer in a World Cup. As both team battled it out in the middle of the pitch, the first half ended unspectacularly, with most chances coming from mistakes as the astray passes resulted in turnover in possession. Birgeshir almost capitalised from a Gotzborg mistake as a Bebi Baelhara cross was almost deflected in off Arne von Schlidt, with the Romero defender relieved to see the ball hit the post and smothered by Hans Schmitt. Baelhara continued to make a nuisance of himself, breaking from the midfield into attack, almost releasing Ra-to-men Mahirojk, only to be denied by Schmitt again who intercepted the pass to clear from outside his box.
Despite the narrow first half, the second half appeared to be a change of fortune as Gotzborg made some early mistakes. Miscommunication between the back line almost costed the team in red and yellow as a short pass from Sebastian Metzelsacker allowed Tevret Cikthan on goal, only to see his effort go wide. Birgeshir then continued to pile on the pressure, with a succession of chances falling to Cikthan, who could not get the better of Schmitt as the Gotzborg goalkeeper kept his team in the game.
However, the 60 minute mark proved to be decisive as the Tsalojs replaced Cikthan with Benatehhor Ekinojk, with the Hamlet O'Grappa striker proving to be the turning point of the match. Poor marking from Vilhelm Markschmidt allowed Aetanur Chanojk to peel away from the oldest player on the pitch, before dragging von Schlidt wide to free Ekinojk to score a tap-in from 10 yards to give the Birgesh side ahead after 63 minutes.
With the one goal advantage, the Birgesh had no signs of sitting back down. Ekinojk almost doubled his goal tally by chipping the ball over Schmitt, only for Leon Anke to race back and clear the ball of the line. Birgeshir continued to pile the pressure on their opponents, keeping the ball high up the pitch and passing around with the view of creating space for their front three to exploit.
The Gotzborg team were caved into their own third of the pitch and seemed to be staring at defeat. A thunderous strike from Nofre-Ka-U Pabosojk was turned away by Schmitt for a corner late on at the 90 minute mark, with the 29 year old goalkeeper providing a life-line to his side. The corner proved to be a pivotal moment of the match, with Birgeshir yet again denied off the line as a Aker Gunduz volley was cleared away by a tiring Markschmidt. Against all the odds, the clearance was picked up by Jurgen Littbarski who rolled back the years to race down the line and create a 3-on-1 attack. While several BIrgesh players surrounded officials, pleading for the final whistle, Littbarski crossed the ball from the right byline for Kristian Jentzsch to power a header into the net, leaving Iu-Senb Ercanojk helplessly crawling back as the ball went in to bring Gotzborg level. The game ended shortly after, with several Birgesh players in disbelief with many confronting referee Tarek Kahveci on why the final whistle was not blown earlier. Nevertheless, most pundits would agree that a draw would be the expected outcome prior to the match, although the question of whether Gotzborg deserved any points after a poor second-half will be talked about for many days to come.
With the refereeing being questioned in both of the opening matches of the tournament, the drama of the World Cup is already brewing, and we now look to the remainder of the Group Stages to see if there are more goals, and if there are further questionable decisions made in the remainder of the matches.
Bookings:
Metzelsacker 55'
Ekinojk 90'+3
Baelhara 90'+3
Gunduz 90'+3
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
unexpected results so far,that's really interesting!
Deniz Yürük, Tsaloj of Birgeshir
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
*Played 20th July*
Austbard 1-1 Alexandria
21' - H. Almatin
26' - Á. Carrasco
Álexis Carrasco found the net in a sixth successive World Cup with his equaliser in a match which the Alexandrians were fortunate to come away from with anything.
Austbard's second finals appearance was contrasted by Alexandria's tenth before the match, with most pundits expecting the 2009 champions to take the spoils despite the Austbardians' improving squad. However, "Les Bleus" were more than matched by their Keltian counterparts, and were placed on the back foot for much of the first half. Austbard's attacking desires led to Jean-Alain Foucault being called into action after a matter of minutes' play, batting Hans Almatin's powered header away with a strong palm down low.
Without forging any noteworthy attacks themselves, Alexandria buckled under the pressure of a great spell from Austbard after twenty minutes. A stream of poorly-cleared deliveries from Salomon Wowes and Karamello Primeldonk seemed to have an eroding effect on the Alexandrian defensive pairing of Kopaczewski and Montraneau, with the latter allowing Almatin to react first to a low cross and stab home from the six-yard line. Primeldonk's ball in rebounded off Montraneau, but the 24 year-old failed to connect in an attempt to clear as Almatin's reactions took the ball away and into the net with a left foot that Foucault had no chance of stopping.
The Alexandrians found some reprieve almost directly after the restart, with Austbard's side possibly still giddy over taking the lead, as an otherwise quiet Tamer Modrem led a charge forward, feeding Vincent Chertrand-Pernet whose squared pass found Álexis Carrasco's run, and the Mercurian-based forward angled a side-foot across the face of goal beyond Werner Posen. The Austbard 'keeper leapt to his left, but wasn't flexible enough to affect the ball's route inside the post and in.
Austbard weren't fazed by the Alexandrians' immediate response and persisted in attacking until half time. Almatin and his strike partner Eiman Torinal kept Foucault in business, with the Baudrix Bears stopper being called into a handful of reaction saves throughout the half to keep the score down. Alexandria went closest thanks to Javier Santos' optimistic first-time strike from the left side which landed on the roof of Posen's net just before the break.
The second half started as a similar pace, as Carrasco looked to grab a second; slaloming through defenders before blasting over the bar. Austbard were more reserved the longer the game went on. Alexandria continued to improve, stretching the Austbardian defence and maintaining possession for longer periods, but without causing Posen many issues. Lucien Graf was brought on in the end stages to add another attacking option for the Alexandrians, but Austbard counteracted with Ermiaq Saunat's introduction and a shift to a more defensive formation. Little injury time was added at the end of the game, and the contest drew to a close all square.
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
*Played 20th July*
Talenore 2-0 Athlon
62' - K. Kalani
87' - V. Cristaldo
Talenore's vein of good form throughout this year's World Cup campaign continued with a solid victory over an underwhelming Athlon side in a match which was both teams' very first at this level of competition.
Athlon were arguably unexpected qualifiers for this summer's tournament, but began their opener in good stead, with Talenore being one of the teams in Group B they had the best chance of earning a result against. The veteran Damalis Ioannidis, 37, was a string puller during the first half, with his distribution leading to some good deliveries from Veros Lampakis and Yorgos Vasilios. A Vasilios cross found the head of forward Alix Diakos in the earlier stages, but his effort was too wide to force a Taki Tolâso save.
Talenore took a while before getting into their stride, however, and failed to register a shot on goal for the first half an hour; Kali Kalani's blasted shot down the throat of Theodoros Nikolas breaking that duck. Despite that, the Keltian islanders then took a firm grip on the remainder of the match. Kalani was a key threat with his runs, although occasionally being frozen-out in his position as the side's sole striker.
After the break, Talenore's dominance over Athlon began to show, with Avraham Vintarglimion consistently getting the better of Ioannidis, whose age may be a factor in his lack of durability. Vintarglimion was the direct provider for the game's first goal just past the hour mark, with a skip into space in front of the Athlonian defence and well-timed through ball to find Kalani sprinting past Yiannis Sotiris, and the striker displayed great nerve with a cushioned control and silky chip over Nikolas' head to score a quality goal.
Kalani should have added a second within minutes, but Nikolas got wise to his tricky demeanour and smothered the ball as he attempted a step-over after being played through one-on-one once again, this time by Vernon Cristaldo. Vintarglimion and Joonas Qerunor tried their luck from distance as the game went on, but nothing more than the ball finding its way into the crowd came from their efforts.
In the final minutes, Talenore killed the game off with a second strike. Substitute Peder Xvarts showed his preference for running at defenders, giving Dubaku Prokopios a torrid time before putting the ball into the box. Kalani was unable to make contact, but the ball cut back to Cristaldo, who released a strong right-footed drive back at goal which Nikolas couldn't react to quick enough as it flew within two feet of his standing position and nestled in the net to secure the win and a perfect start to the tournament. Athlon will now have to wait to try and make up for this loss, with having a bye in the next round of games.
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
*Played 21st July*
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Re: 2015 FMF World Cup - official reports and broadcasts
*Played 21st July*
Mercury 4-0 Juclandia
10' - J. Foxon
27' - M. Fitzgerald
59' - S. Namașco (o.g.)
74' - J. Foxon
What looked like a mismatch on paper turned-out to be a mismatch on the pitch as holders Mercury took a débuting Juclandia to the cleaners with a professional display that got their title defence off to a flying start.
Mercury dominated from the outset, and the Juclandians barely registered a touch of the ball before the lead was taken by captain Joe Foxon. James Phillips' powerful run down the left was too much for Mircea Besa as the 17 year-old was shrugged aside, with the winger's curled cross finding Foxon towering over Harpier Ovi for a cushioned header back into the bottom-left corner with Stanislav Namașco rooted to the spot. Mercury's initial dominance decreased slightly after going ahead, but they remained well and truly in control despite Juclandia forming a few forward movements with no success at a final ball. Foxon's strike partner Matt Fitzgerald took a further 17 minutes before doubling the lead, holding up play initially before turning his marker well, striding his way into the area and slotting low and hard into the right-hand side of the net far from the 'keeper's reach.
The second period of the first half found Mercury's shooting prowess reduced, as all three of Foxon, Fitzgerald and Stephen Rydberg squandered good chances wide of the target from inside the box. The Vuk brother, Slobodan and Goran, forged an opportunity for Juclandia just before the break, but their quick passing could only lead to the latter Vuk scuffing his attempt straight at a grateful Kieran Mercury from close range.
Juclandia's manager showed awareness of their plight during the break, with the ineffective Gori Jucărescu being replaced by Teodor Decu for a shift to a 4-4-2 formation to ease the midfield's workload. The Juclandians' new approach staved-off Mercury for almost a quarter of an hour - during which Goran Vuk skied a long-distance shot over the bar - before a third score was added in unfortunate circumstances. Joe Foxon was found unmarked on a forward run by Wilmont Fizeau-Blake and tried to lob Namașco one-on-one. The Senyan-based stopper was equal to the effort, palming the ball high but still with a trajectory towards his own goal. Foxon gave chase and both players reached the ball just before the line, with Foxon toe-poking it into Namașco. The 'keeper was unable to hold the ball during the scramble, and ended-up flicking it into the goal as he swung a leg in a last-gasp effort to stop Foxon from scoring.
While Namașco's own goal denied Foxon adding a personal second at that point, he was helpless 15 minutes later when the forward made it four for his team with an impressive finish. Fizeau-Blake and Rydberg's passing and movement was too much for the enlarged Juclandian midfield to cope with, and the ball found its way out to Phillips. The wide man delivered to Foxon to continue a combination that ran the underdogs ragged all match, and Foxon controlled with his chest in space before releasing a hip-swivelling volley across the goal and into the postage stamp corner from all of 18 yards. With the game beyond doubt, Mercury substituted some more important players ahead of clashes which are expected to be closer encounters, while Juclandia had the best chance of the final minutes, with Bogdan Muntenăș's curled shot after a stroll forward needing a parry from Mercury in goal to keep it out. Juclandia will be aiming to fare better in their remaining games if they want to have any possibility of advancing, while Mercury go straight to the top of the group in solid fashion.