I usually did host like two editions like 12 or so years ago, where I just randomized the results. Would perhaps be fun to do one again, with a qualification and then a full on tournament. If people are interested in checking it out, I could perhaps do one in the upcoming days or something.
That might have been me too, or at least tried to, think I didn't have time to finish it back then.
Will probably put Natia Cup or something up by tomorrow evening.
Since the the NSC part of the forum has so many threads, I decided to share the Natia Cup 2024 here so without any further ado...
WELCOME TO THE THIRD NATIA CUP IN FOOTBALL!
After a long break, the Natia Cup is revived and is going to in the coming week or so give you a wonderful time filled of action and excitement. All 60 nations that is on the roster in the Nations Song Contest has been allowed to compete in this third edition. One of the two former champions, Begonia, is participating, while the reigning champions Celeja is not with us anymore. So I guess we will find out if we will get a new champion this time around.
The first round is a Qualification Round, where all 60 teams has been put into 10 groups of 6 teams in each. Everyone meet each other once and the top 3 in each group reach the final tournament. The 4th placed team will go into a playoff round, to get one of the two places left in the final tournament, which in total will have 32 teams.
The groups of the qualification round has been sorted of drawing of lots (random.org), after all teams were put in pots depending on when the country debuted in NSC. So countries that debuted early, like Reym-L-Dneurb, Adamsburg and former champions Begonia, couldn't be put in the same group.
More information on how the results are determined can be seen here:
To determine the matches and the results I use a generator called "CNFIFA Random Football Match Generator Two (by Everete)". You can find the link to it here: http://otj.awardspace.co.uk/matchtwo.php
In this first installment, I will give you a brief summary of what happened in each qualification group. We will start with the first five groups, Group 1-5. All the hosts for each group has been randomized as well.
GROUP 1 (hosted by Trollheimr)
Group 1 started of very close, with three draws for all the teams, but in the 2nd round, things started to happen. Konthena, who started a bit slow, started to grab some confident wins and managed to win the group later. Trollheimr was the opposite, was starting to look like the obvious winner on home ground, but had problems with the Adamsburgish defense. That match was very exciting, as Adamsburg knew that Cherniya was getting a comfortable win over New Acadia, and had to keep that early lead against the host nation and managed to do so, forcing the Cherniyan team to go to the playoffs.
GROUP 2 (hosted by Dalisska)
The host nation Dalisska had a rough time, never succeeded in winning a match and suffered a last place in the group. Instead it was Redwood Republic, who became the winner of the group, unbeaten with 2 wins and three draws. It was a tough fight for the other two places, but Aimulli and Marcobia came out the strongest. Effiland, who despite beating the host nation quite securly in the end, grabbed the playoff spot.
GROUP 3 (hosted by Sakuralia)
Another host nation that had a terrible time was Sakuralia, who even had trouble scoring goals at times, but managed to scrape up three goals in the end. Instead it was Fierraria who started off great with three straight wins, but then, after some injuries came on some key players, dropped the ball literally. This helped Ugaly and Tír an Abhainn to win their matches against them, and also made them qualify to the tournament. Roseland had the chance to qualify, but just couldn't get the goal in the last match against TAA, so Griffin Empire, after beating the host, grabbed the playoff place instead.
GROUP 4 (hosted by Öösingimaed)
The first team to have four or more wins where Rahasia-Diati, even if it wasn't a walk in the park for them. All wins where with 1 or 2 goals, but the strong Rahasian defense was just too much and only Kamandé managed to get a goal against them. It wasn't enough for them though, since Kamandé both lost to Tamausia & Deltannor and host Öösingimaed, making them both through to the tournament. Yaponesia and Grand Duchy of Strenci fought to avoid last place, only divided by the 1-0 win for the Yaponese.
GROUP 5 (hosted by Biflovatia)
This group was dominated by two teams, Comino and Akatsuki, who had some huge wins throughout the qualification. Comino coming out though with the win, after being able to win against MatiMati, something Akatsuki failed to do. The rest was fighting hard for third and fourth place as before the last round, any team could make it. Rumia, who had already suffered a 0-4 smash by Akatsuki, didn't have confidence enough to score on Comino and came last. The host Biflovatia managed to win their match against MatiMati, but had already been ruled out after only scraping up one point against Zombira prior to this. Speaking of Zombira, they looked like the one to make it through, but with Akatsuki out for the group win, they totally fell apart defensively, and conceded too many goals in the end, making MatiMati making it to the tournament. Zombira had to now focus on going to the playoffs.
The Natia Cup coverage will be up either later tonight or tomorrow with the last five groups of qualification and the playoff-round, so stay tuned!
The Natia Cup qualification continues with the rest of the Qualifying Groups and with the exciting playoffs at the end.
GROUP 6 (hosted by Illumia)
Serenes took the command of the group and never let go, despite the former champions Begonia being in the group. Begonia did very well, and would probably have won the group, if they didn't lose to the host Illumia in the 2nd round. Illumia had the chance to have qualify, before the last match, and only needed a draw against Endórë, but the Endórians just outplayed the Illumian defense in a match that could have ended in an even bigger score than 2-0. Illumia can look forward to a place in the playoffs, since Fervorosia and Xochimilia got equally outplayed in the last round. Xochimilia having the worst goal difference so far in the tournament, but luckily not the worst in the qualifications thank to their win against Illumia.
GROUP 7 (hosted by Reym-L-Dneurb)
Group 7 is for some seen as the most dramatic group ever, with all teams in the running to qualify before the last round. The host nation for the group, RLD, had the advantage, but ended up in trouble when Kordavian Islands took an early lead. But in the end the key star player for RLD became the hero and they even grab the first place spot in the group. Balearica Island secured a place in the final tournament as well with a 2-0 win over Papendink. The nerves were high for the Papendinks, as the match between Afnia and Svobodnia had a lot of over time, but none of the teams managed to score in it, making Papendink go to the playoffs, because of worse goal difference than Kordavian Islands and Balearica Island.
GROUP 8 (hosted by Xhuxhmaxhuxh)
Orangualias defense impressed many when they didn't concede a single goal prior to the last round. And it did look good at the start, Orangualia had a 2-0 lead over Tanoiro, and it looked like Tanoiro might struggle to qualify to the tournament. But then the Tanoiroans managed to break the Orangualian wall twice in 3 minutes and with that could Tanoiro join Belvist and Orangualia to the final tournamnet. The host Xhuxhmaxhuxh tried their best to get that goal against Belvist that would make them go to the final tournament, but couldn't find it. Though, after a surprise win in the last minutes by Rehi Kaita over Elvaci, made the hosts at least go to the playoffs. Elvaci ended last, and had also the worst loss in the qualifiers so far, 0-5 against Tanoiro.
GROUP 9 (hosted by Doire)
Necluda dominated the group and became unbeaten with 3 wins and two draws. Vylkuzeme, by some called "The most boring team ever", had only 1-0 wins or losses, but enough wins to make it through, thanks to their compact defense. The last round was crazy, with Doire, Cydoni-Gibbera and Szimbaya Kingdom all fighting for the 3rd spot. While Cydoni-Gibberia managed a draw against Necluda, sercuring at least a playoff spot, the host Doire worked hard to get that winning goal against Szimbaya Kingdom. It was until the referee blew his whistle and pointed at the penalty spot in the 89th minute when the crowd cheered. The Szimbayans were annoyed and even if the situation got to the VARs, it was clearly a foul in the penalty box. When the penatly got into the goal, the roar from the audience and the party got started, with Doire going to the final tournament.
GROUP 10 (hosted by Perryfornia)
Perryfornian got the home crowd partying as well after their win against Insomnéa in the last round, swishing past the opposition up to the 2nd place and a place in the final tournament. Södermalm, who already had won the group, had many of the reserves playing against NBS, who though only could grab a point. That point became important though, since Halito did their all to score one more against WIOS&N, but missed chance after chance and missed the chance to qualify directly. WIOS&N became last with only 2p, at least getting a point against Södermalm in the first round.
PLAYOFFS
The playoff works like this:
The six best 4th placed team go to the Semi final round of the playoffs, while the four worst teams has to play one more match to reach that round. The winning team go through to the next match, while the loser is eliminated. Only two teams will make it to the tournament.
So let's start the Playoffs!
vs
0 - 1
'23 0-1 - 9 Alan Hall
The left midfielder Alan Hall scores the only goal for Xhuxhmaxhuxh and wins the match. Kamandé fought hard to get back in the match, but the X:es were just supreme in their defense and could ease out and go to the next round.
Illumia started the best, after a scoring from a penalty in the 6th minute. But then Zombira came back strong, and after goals from the stars Hermans and Dunbar and a great header from the defender Brand. In the 2nd half Illumia tried their best to get back into the game and a goal from the defender Otieno after a corner raised the hopes for the Illumian fans, but it wasn't enough as Zombira qualified to the next match.
vs
1-0
'11 1-0 - 7 Carles Gonzales
A wonderful goal from Carles Gonzales was enough for Cherniya to qualify to the final play-off round, when a slightly tired Xhuxhmaxhuxh didn't have the power to make a bigger impact, in a match where Cherniya easily could have won with more goals.
After a rather tense first 25 mins, Papendink opened up to what would be a landslide, after team captain Karimi scored from far away and went in the post and inside the goal. Metharom scored soon with a header, but the match was still exciting as Shelby scored his goal after a fantastic volley from the right back. But Papendink would continue to hit the net with Todorov and Klaasen, ruining all changes for Effiland to make it to the final tournament.
A match where the goal keepers from each team would have a great impact. First, they played really well, and kept it 0-0 until Rory Dunbar came into the box and chipped the ball over the Griffin goal keeper. The Griffin home crowd was worried though if their team was going to be eliminated already, when from an error of the Zombiran defense, Achterkamp came forward and scored, forcing the match to Extra Time. After a very tense 30 minutes, the match went to penalties, where the goal keepers struggled to get a save, until the Griffin keeper Borislav Vanchev saved the in the 6th round and Griffin Empire was going to the last round in the playoffs.
vs
0-1
'71 0-1 - 5 Domantas Jankowski
A close and tight encounter between two teams who was worried to concede, making the first half quite a bore. But in the 2nd half, the teams felt braver and in the 71st minute the Defensive midfielder Jankowski scored a goal for Cydoni-Gibberia. Halito fans hoped for a miracle goal, but it never came.
The striker Amar Mayer hoped to become the hero this match as he scored from a header in the 12th minute and it looked like it was going to be the only goal. But a sudden penalty for Papendink changed the scene and the match went to Extra Time and soon penalties. Both teams scored their goals, but in the 4th round did Dobroslav Todorov miss his penalty, making Amar Mayer the hero with scoring the last penalty kick for Cherniya, making them qualify to the Natia Cup!
After the first half, it looked like Griffin Empire was the stronger team and that their place in the Natia Cup looked secured. But Cydoni-Gibberia shaped up and made a huge comeback. Duffy scored a marvelous freekick in the upper right corner and then, the young right back Melnyk took a strike and scored one of his first goals for his team. The Griffins seemed shocked and never came back from that, instead does Cydoni-Gibberia grab the 32nd and final spot to the Natia Cup!
This means that the 32 teams qualifying to the Natia Cup are:
WELCOME BACK TO NATIA CUP 2024!
The final tournament is now starting and the teams has been divided into 8 groups of 4 teams in each. The top two teams from each group will go to the Round of 16! They have been drawn from pots, determined by the results in the Qualification, so the 8 best first placed teams where not going to be up against each other. The groups are as follows:
GROUP A
GROUP B
GROUP C
GROUP D
GROUP E
GROUP F
GROUP G
GROUP H
We are going to watch how the first four groups unfolded, to get back to the last four ones later today.
Marcrobias forward Buzz Lawson became the first to score in the 13th minute after a display of quick passes from the Marcobian offense. But the Orangualians was looking to come back and got it in the 2nd half after a nice header from a corner by one of their star players Malachi MacNevin. Orangualia kept on attacking, but didn't find the winning goal, ending the tournament with a draw.
vs
0 - 0
Two teams feeling a lot of nerves being in their first match of this years Natia Cup. The former champions Begonia struggled to get through the TAA defense, and the few chances they had they wasted on mistakes. Tír an Abhainn was close to a goal when their attacker Tihomir Kolar hit the bar in the 87th minute, but all in all, a pretty boring display from both teams.
Tihomir Kolar got his goal eventually, scoring from the penalty after a ball hit the hand of the Orangualian defender. The Orangualians came back though and scored a wonderful goal from far out by Ezar Kravitz. But TAA looked like the better team in the 2nd half and managed to score two goals in two minutes, first when Alex Wade scored after a fumbling of the ball of the Orangualian keeper and then by a fantastic volley by Lesauvage. TAA looking strong for the last match.
vs
0 - 3
‘27 0-1 - Own Goal by 4 Patrizio Nardi
‘75 0-2 - 6 Dietrich Reuter
‘82 0-3 - 3 Yin Man
Begonia finally starts showing off some of their champion-talent they had when they won the first Natia Cup a long time ago. They pressured the Marcobian defense, to the point that the Marcobian defender Patrizio Nardi by accident scored an own goal in the first half. Marcobia wasn't really getting their play together, instead Dietrich Reuter scored from a free-kick in the 75th minute. Yin Man headed the last goal after an another free-kick from Reuter, what was a fine display from the former champions.
Orangualia had to win this match to have any chance of qualifying, and started off great with Malachi MacNevin scoring his 2nd goal of the tournament after dribbling through the opponents. But the happiness wasn't going to last as from a corner, the tall Yin Man scored with his chest. Orangualia kept on pushing, but the Begonian defense proved too strong and the match ended in 1-1, a huge disappointment from the team that was one of the strongest in the qualification. The former champions however was going to the playoffs.
While the other match was all in the first match, the drama kicked in the 2nd one for this one. Marcobia, who was in exactly the same situation as Orangualia, managed to hit the net after a 1 on 1 between Tommy Varela and the keeper, where Varela won. But TAA was not going to let Marcobia win easily, as in a messy defensive showing for the Marcobians, missed to mark the TAA defender O'Malley who could score 1-1 for their team. Marcobia pushed everything forward and had a lot of drama where Marcobia wanted a penalty after a rough tackle from O'Malley, but the Rumian ref didn't agree. The match ended 1-1, Marcobian players in distraught and TAA players in tears of joy for making it to the round of 16!
Carles Gonzales was a hero in making Cherniya eventually qualify to the Natia Cup, and here he scores again, doing a wonderful goal that could be one of the most beautiful ones in the tournament, hitting the upper right corner. But the happiness for the Cherniyans didn't last too long as Mike Ayers stepped up to the free-kick and scored a goal that hit the post and in. The tournament starting in all draws it seems so far...
vs
2 - 0
‘51 1-0 - 11 Kevin Britton
‘94 2-0 - 7 Nikolai Atsma
The first team to win a match became Belvist, who won their match against Aimulli fairly comfortable. After a dull first half, they started to get it going with their star player Kevin Britton getting the 1-0 from dribbling past the keeper. In the very last minutes, Nikolai Atsma tried it from far away and hit the goalkeeper, who didn't seem focused enough and dropped the ball into the goal. A very strong showing from the Belvist team.
vs
0 - 1
‘65 0-1 - 2 Urban Fortuin
Comino didn't seem all to awake in the match, and started off being on the backfoot. They were lucky though that the shots from Belvist didn't hit the goal, but sooner or later, they would, as the right back Urban Fortuin managed to sneak past the defense and score one of his first goals of his career. Comino never came back from this, and now in deep trouble for the last round.
vs
0 - 1
‘33 0-1 - 3 Johan Baasch
Aimulli, who had to get a point in this match or they would be eliminated started off stronger than Cherniya and got their goal deservingly after a header from Johan Baasch. Cherniya tried more and more in the 2nd half and got more and more irritated and got many unnecessary yellow cards towards the end of the match. Aimulli wins, having a slight edge before their match against Comino.
Comino got their lead in the 34th minute after a silly mistake by the Aimulli defense, not passing properly to each other. But then, the veteran Goku Takeda finally arrived, who had been injured for the first two matches, but got the chance to play the 2nd half in the last match and how he did?! First he scored a goal a volley goal from far away and then in the 83rd minute he had the nerve and talent to make a bicycle kick and score from the unexpected Comino keeper. 2-1 for Aimulli and with that, they are through to the playoffs!
vs
2 - 2
‘8 1-0 - 7 Carles Gonzales
‘16 1-1 - 11 Kevin Britton
‘46 1-2 - 11 Kevin Britton
‘77 2-2 - 8 Matej Tichÿ
Carles Gonzales was on it again, planning to be the hero for Cherniya as he scored in the 8th minute. But it was going to be an another man from the other team who would bring it. Kevin Britton answered the Cherniyan goal by doing one himself from a free-kick and then in the beginning of the 2nd half, shocking everyone with running up and chip over the diving keeper. Cherniya wasn't planning to give up and find Matej Tichý on his own who scored in the 77th minute. When the news of the 2-1 goal from the other match was heard in the arena, the match died down immensively and both teams seemed fairly satisfied by making it a draw. Cherniya fought bravely, but was getting eliminated, with Belvist looking to be one of the favorites prior to the playoffs.
Final result:
5-2 7p 3-3 6p
-------------- 3-4 2p 2-4 1p
GROUP C
vs
0-0
Two teams which seemed threatened by each other and rarely did any attacking at all. Ended in a goalless draw, surprisingly since both teams are very talented.
vs
0 - 1
‘3 0-1 - 5 Prakash Attar
An early goal from defensive midfielder Prakash Attar opened the match for RLD, a match where MatiMati struggled to even get to the 2nd half. RLD had many more chances to increase the lead, but seemed to lack the concentration and had to do with just 1-0.
vs
1 - 0
‘13 1-0 - 9 Louis Connor
Redwood Republic finally finding the net in this tournament after scoring 1-0 from a corner by Louis Connor. MatiMati looked confused and never really got their passing together. RR kept the momentum up, but towards the end of the match, they seemed a bit lackluster and settled for only 1-0.
The Natian crowd got introduced to 19 year old Noah Dreier today, as he scored two goals, both by dribbling past the RLD-defense that was in shambles in the first half. RLD tried to come back in the 2nd half, but the Kordavians were just too strong and held the lead throughout the match.
A silly mistake almost hurt RLD as Florin Eszes picked up a sloppy throw in and charged towards goal and succeded in scoring. But RLD would come back tough, as Victor Sharman headed the 1-1 goal and in the 35th minute, Ahmed came with a fantastic goal hitting the left upper corner. The Redwoods was pressing the RLD-defense, who seemed to have learned their lesson from the last match and kept it shut, enough to make them qualify to the playoffs. And again a group winner in the qualification getting eliminated, showing how close the top is in Natian football.
vs
1 - 0
‘79 1-0 - 10 Kašpar Suchý
Kordavian Islands was almost secured in going through, as long as the Redwoods and RLD didn't tie in their match. It was a slow beginning, where Kordavians seemed more interested in what was going on in the other match than in their own. That gave MatiMati a few chances, but lacked the precision to score. Towards the end of the match, the Kordavians woke up and when the forward Suchý ran forward and tricked the goal keeper in the wrong corner, it was all over for MatiMati. Three losses by 0-1 must hurt and the Coach will probably be looking for somewhere else to work. Kordavian Islands win made it enough to win the group.
Final results:
3-0 7p 3-3 6p
------------- 2-2 4p 0-3 0p
GROUP D
vs
0 - 1
‘50 0-1 - 10 Zayne Brewer
Many people thought Necluda was a dark horse to win the Natia Cup, but didn't show it in this match, as Tamausia & Deltannor had the upper hand. Zayne Brewer scored a header in the 50th minute and had a few more chances afterwards of increasing that lead. But 1-0 is good enough for now.
A match between two star players, Elias Delaney and Vjekoslav Andreyev. It was Delaney that started the match the best, scoring a free-kick in the 15th minute and then again in the 37th after a slight touch from the Doirian keeper. But Andreyev worked his way up, assisted Marchand in the only goal in the first half and also to Raymond Clery to 2-2. But then Vjeko decided to take things in his own hands, scored 1 on 1 in the 69th minute and in the 88th, he decided to punctuate the match with a header. One of the best matches in the tournament so far, as Doire comes on top.
vs
1 - 0
‘50 1-0 - 8 Sean McCauley
Necluda had the match under control, but it seemed like the injuries the team had prior to the tournament hurt their way of precision. They finally find the net though, as Sean McCauley sneaked by and scored 1-0. Trollheimr tried to find some offensive play, but didn't managed to find an equalizer in time.
vs
1 - 0
‘47 1-0 - 6 Rémy Michaud
Doire should be happy that it ONLY ended in 1-0 for Tamausia & Deltannor. Cause, the T&Ds was just playing with the Doirian defense, had chance after chance after chance. Doire had a few shots on the opponent keeper, but the result doesn't reflect the match. And Rémy Michauds goal in the 47th minute was breathetaking, far out and looked like it came from nowhere.
Two teams, fighting for that 2nd place in the group as Necluda got the goal in the 32nd minute by Yosef Sobel. But after a glorious back pass from Vjeko, Alexis Marchand scored his 2nd goal in the tournament. Necluda tried their best to score, but Doire had worked on their defense and held the favorites back. Doire surprisingly going to the playoffs as Necluda, missing out on goal difference.
Trollheimr is looking to become one of the worst team in the tournament after losing yet again, now with a even bigger margin. Cause this time, Tamausia & Deltannor had better precision, as Felix Dupuy scored after a corner in the 12th minute and then it was Rémy Michaud show. 2-0 after a free-kick and then on a volley scored up in bar who after VAR check was allowed as a goal since it was over the line. 3-0 and a comfortable win in Group D for Tamausia & Deltannor
A fantastic match that swayed back and forth. Van Rompuy started the goal scoring after a fantastic free-kick hitting the bar and in. Coeman made Serenes come back with a header, but was answered a while later by Shwetz bringing Tanoiro back in the lead. Just before the break did Henning Andersen score from a free-kick, which the keeper couldn't reach. Serenes kept going in the 2nd half, took the lead after a wonderful passing and shot from Kason Thorburn. But the lead wasn't going to stay as Bodilsen saves Tanoiro, bringing it 3-3, joint most scoring match with Trollheimr vs Doire.
vs
0 - 0
While the first match of the group was all drama, this might have been the most dull match ever. Not many chances from any of the teams, both expecting the other team to do something but never really kicks off. A disappointment for the audience.
vs
1 - 0
‘9 1-0 - 8 Kason Thorburn
A wonderful heading pass down to Kason Thorburns feet made it possible to Serenes to get their first win. Ugaly is still struggling to get their play together, even if they defensively has been very solid.
vs
0 - 1
‘77 0-1 - 11 Ryhor Beran
A close encounter with a few chances for both team, but that finally opened up after a great volley towards Beran, who in an almost empty goal scored for his team with this left foot. Tanoiro didn't get the time to come back from this, making NBS confident prior to the last round.
vs
1 - 0
‘11 1-0 - 6 Henning Andersen
Henning Andersen makes his 2nd goal in the tournament after a terrible mistake from the defender in NBS. The Banders fought hard and pushed everything forward at the end, but just couldn't get the goal they desperately wanted. Instead, they had to wait and see what happened in the 2nd match, while Serenes were going to win the group!
vs
0 - 2
‘50 0-1 - 10 Hróaldr Vilhjálmsson
‘62 0-2 - 7 Jan Peter
Both teams desperate to win to have any chance of qualifying to the playoffs. After a tense first half, finally did Ugaly get their offensive play going as striker Vilhjálmsson scored his first goal after running behind the defense. Then 12 minutes later, Midfielder Jan Peter scored from a free-kick far away, making the impossible possible. Tanoiro fought bravely, but couldn't break through the Ugly wall as they fail to qualify. Ugalys win with 2-0 meant that they are through by goal difference. Sometimes, a slightly boring play is the most effective!
Final resuls:
5-3 7p 2-1 4p
-------------- 1-1 4p 3-6 1p
GROUP F
vs
0 - 1
‘57 0-1 - 10 Karel Kasprzak
A match where one team could have won with a bigger margin than they did. Fierraria was impressive from the get go and had the Konthena defense running wild. But the goal wouldn't come until Kasprzak run up and won the fight for the ball from the defender and scored easily in the lower right corner. Konthena fought wildly, but was more on the defensive side than even threatening Fierraria to score.
vs
0 - 0
A first half that was slow and tense, both teams struggeling in the heat. But as the night went on, the 2nd half got a lot better with both teams showing off some great chances, but nothing that lead to a goal.
vs
1 - 1
‘39 1-0 - 2 Lodovico Ferrara
‘46 1-1 - 9 Francisco Villa
First half was definitely Konthenas that after a great corner, Ferrara headed the 1-0. But 2nd half began with a shocker when Francisco Villa, praised for his enourmous speed, run past the defenders and scored his first goal in the cup. Both teams on the fence now, struggled to do much more in the rest of the half and settled with a draw.
Fierraria was the favorite first, but Cydoni-Gibberia opened the scoring after the full back Dominik Szarka kneed in the ball in the 8th minute. It looked like that shellshocked Fierraria, but it all calmed down in the 2nd half, when the playmaker Malik Panosyan decided to take a shot and scored. He then passed Sören Sorge and Eliot Hermansen to their goals later in the match, controlling the match completly. Fierraria has already with two wins, won the group.
Possibly the craziest match in the group stage was between two teams who was forced to win, Konthena and Cydoni-Gibberia. Bermudo Porras, named as one of the best defenders in Natia, scored the two first goals after corners and it started to look like Konthena was going to grab the win. But in the 2nd half, Cydoni-Gibberias Duffy scored from a penalty and Falstaff evened up a score after a free-kick. But Konthena had one extra level in their play as Ferrara came in, scored for the 2nd time in the tournament. Konthena scored again by their striker Lund and after what looked like an offside, but wasn't, Silvester Specht scored the 5-2 goal and it looked like Konthena had a big shot in qualifying to the playoffs.
vs
0 - 1
‘59 0-1 - 8 Kyryly Stanev
But that didn't happen! Fierraria who saved some players for the playoffs almost let Adamsburg get their win after they finally managed to score in the 59th minute from a free-kick that deflected on the Fierrarian keepers leg. Then the match went calm, just waiting it out, as the two teams could securely feel happy to have qualified to the Round of 16.
Final results:
4-2 6p 2-1 5p
-------------- 6-4 4p 3-8 1p
GROUP G
vs bal
0 - 1
‘58 0-1 - 3 Pépin Daniau
A close encounter where the favorites Södermalm struggled a lot to score on the white team. Instead it was Balearica Island who got the chance as Pépin Daniau came furthest on the high ball and headed the only goal.
vs
1 - 1
‘35 0-1 - 6 Gabe Paul
‘82 1-1 - 2 Kleopatros Papadopoulos
Perryfornia started off the best after a great passing play from Paul and who would end up on the scoresheet at the 35th minute. Papadopoulous would head in the equalizer though towards the end of the match, making this a draw.
vs
1 - 1
‘36 0-1 - 7 Sho Nikiyama
‘49 1-1 - 7 Samuel Van Gogh
After dribbling through the defense, Akatsuki took the lead by the young Sho Nikiyama. But the lead wouldn't stay as Södermalm would score on a free-kick by their play maker Samuel Van Gogh. Both teams struggling so far in the cup, need to win in the last round.
vs
0 - 0
A match where Balearica Island had the best chances, but failed to hit the net. Perryfornia is lucky getting away with a draw.
vs
0 - 1
‘42 0-1 - 6 Gabe Paul
Södermalm was pressured to find their play that made them so successful in the Qualification, but never got to find it. Instead scored Paul his 2nd goal of the tournamet after getting a throw-in perfectly placed in front of him. And with this result, Perryfornia looks promising in qualifying to the playoffs, while Södermalm, an another Qualification group winner, failing totally and ends last in the group.
Akatsuki in desperation made their fans cheered after Hansel Graner scored his goal from a volley. But Balearica Island came back in the 2nd half, after a free-kick goal from Zyma and later a penalty from Arce. Akatsuki literally gave up after seeing the Perryfornia had won the match against Södermalm, which made Balearica Island winning the match and the group!
Final resuls:
3-2 7p 2-1 5p
------------- 3-4 2p 1-3 1p
GROUP H
vs
0 - 0
A match which Rahasia-Diati should have won, clearly the better team with more chances, but didn't have the finishing touch to score. Endorë has to improve to have any chance of qualifying.
The match that many thought would be a close encounter ending 0-0 became surprisingly filled with goals as Vylkuzeme opened the scoring with a rebound from the Öösingimaed keeper hitting Quinlan in the face. Quinlan was okay, only happy from scoring in the 11th minute. But then Öösingimaed took over, and scored two goals within 15 minutes by Dunn and O' Damhain. Ending it all with a glorious free.kick from Van Middleburg finished the scoring with a clear win for the blue team.
Another match where Rahasia-Diati should win, but they played better this time around, even if Vylkuzeme started of the scoring in the 34th minute. The match went back and forth, but when Maruska scored in the 87th minute, it felt like Rahasia-Diati was going to get their win. But then out of nowhere, when Vylkuzeme pushed up the whole team for a corner, the ball dropped infront of Alvarez, who got a toe on the ball and evened it out again.
Öösingimaed deservingly winning the match, after two good goals from Riley and Devi. Endorë struggled to get through the defense and didn't even have a shot on goal the whole 2nd half. Öösingimaed was with their 2nd win already clear to win the group.
So far so good thought many Rahasia-Diati fans when Perko had scored from the penalty spot and it looked like they were going to make it. But when Van Middleburg suddenly run past the defense and scored his 2nd goal in the tournament, it became clear soon that Rahasia-Diati had to wait nervously to see what happened in the other match to see if they could join Öösingimaed to the playoffs.
vs
1 - 1
‘13 1-0 - 10 Alexander Avery
‘30 1-1 - 11 Oto Dávid
Both Endorë and Vylkuzeme started off strong and both scored within the first 30 mins. But then it swayed back and forth, both had many chances, either saved by the keepers or shot outside the goal post. It looed like Vylkuzeme would get the goal in the 88th minute, but it ended up being an offside in the end, which meaant that it ended in a draw, making both teams eliminated and turned Rahasia-Diati fans in the other arena hugging Öösingimaed ones, as they both made it to the playoffs.
Final results:
6-2 7p 3-3 3p
-------------- 4-6 2p 1-3 2p
That means that the Round of 16 matches will look as follows:
vs vs vs vs vs vs vs vs
Tomorrow we will find out which will be the final 8!
After the Natia Cup 2024 concludes (#TeamDoire) the Euro 2024 fun will begin as the following NSC winners compete for the NSC Euro 2024 crown:
Yindy This Is The Life Pók Shine In The Light
--- Aldapan Gora Zaljuljali Smo Svijet Vivo Sospesa Last Dance
--- Insane Glorius Veseli se srpski rode Come Along
--- Idzie zima Groter dan ik Queen of Queer Denière Danse
--- Mega Mindy Tijd Horela ľipka Mm Mm Ma 1986
--- Here I Am Welcome To Racha Barquinha Gastrosexuál
Struggled for Romania and Albania so please let me know if I overlooked something
The first champions Begonia are eliminated, when Aimulli competely crush them in the Round of 16. Janus Szwedko opened up the scoring after dribbling his way through the Begonian defense. In the 40th minute, Jacopo Panza manage to get first with his head. Begonia tired to fight back, but never got their offensive together, and was hurt on a counter attack by Ezekiel Sanford. Aimulli through to the quaterfinals!
Kordavian Islands chocks the Doire defense with quick pass from the free kick to Kalmár who scored the leading goal. The 2nd half was meant for Doire to start hunting the goals, but Casal had different idea, came free with the keeper and tricked him in the wrong corner to give themselves a 2-0 lead. But the Doire star Vjekoslav Andreyev score his third goal in the tournament, making Doire a bit closer. But they would never get that 2-2 goal, Kordavian Islands is through to the next round.
vs
0 - 2
‘3 0-1 - 10 Radu Vladimirescu
‘6 0-2 - 11 Maximilian Frost
Never has a team looked more shellshocked in a match than Serenes did after the first 6 minutes. The team who looked like one of the favorites after the group stage, just couldn't get their play after two incredibly fast goals by Vladimirescu after a corner and Frost from the penalty spot. Serenes looked off the in the first half, and only somewhat better in the 2nd half. But not enough to the confident Adamsburgish team who wins the match and goes to the quaterfinal!
Many has asked if Rahasia-Diati, who only qualified with 3 draws, would wake up from their slumber, and in the round of 16 it happened. After a wonderful 1-on-1 display from Ayodele, creating the 1-0 goal, it felt like Balearica Island was on the back foot. They started to play better in the 2nd half, but got their goal disallowed after a VAR-check. Two minutes later, Sandalio Alberto kicked the ball in after a corner and it meant good bye to the Balearicans, and good morning to Rahasia-Diati fans, who know can expect their team in the quaterfinal.
vs
4-3 (P)
‘26 1-0 - 11 Kevin Britton
‘50 1-1 - 8 Alex Wade
Penalty Shootout: 3-2
The most exciting match in the tournament became Belvist vs Tír an Abhainn, where Belvist opened the scoring with Kevin Britton scoring his third goal of the tournament from far outside the box. But TAA didn't give up and was rewarded in the 50th minute when playmaker Alex Wade hit the upper right corner. The match became very locked up and the same happened in the Extra Time, forcing the match to go to penalties. There, the first goal didn't happen until the 4th shot from TAA. The keepers was on fire, saving many of them. But when TAAs Amhlaoibh O’Malley stepped up for the 6th round, he shot over the goal, and the Belvistians could cheer, making it to the Quaterfinal.
Tamausia & Deltannor was the only team to win all three matches in the group stage and continued to ooze of confidence against Reym-L-Dneurb. In the 15th minute, Simón Oquendo scored from a free-kick from the left, and then Gordon Adler increased it with a free-kick straight into the goal. RLD fought bravely, but didn't have the talent or confidence that the Tamausians had, and the match ends in a win for T&D.
vs
1 - 0
‘2 1-0 - 11 Eliot Hermansen
Fierraria also impressed everyone in the group stage, but knew they had to work hard to get that goal, since the Ugly defense looked like one of the strongest in the tournament. Luckily, one of the defenders missed a pass and it went instead to Hermansen who scored easily. Ugaly tried their best to fight back, but with their strikers not being in perfect form, they had trouble getting that important goal and the match ended in just 1-0.
vs
1 - 2
‘4 0-1 - 6 Gabe Paul
‘65 1-1 - 5 Bobbie Riley
‘83 1-2 - 11 Benjamin Sweet
It was the Perryfornian stars that would make them go to the next round. Gabe Paul opened the scoring in the 4th minute, shocking the Öösingimaed team greatly. But Bobbie Riley would hit on a volley 1-1 and it looked like we were going to Extra Time. But the Perryfornian striker Benjamin Sweet had a different idea, making his first goal of the tournament just in the right time. Öösingimaed couldn't answer in time and at the final whistle, an another surprise happened in the tournament as Perryfornia was going to the quaterfinal.
That means that there are eight teams left. They are as follows:
vs vs vs vs
Hopefully later tonight I will upload those results and all the way to the grand final!
After a tense first half with not much happening, Noah Dreier went to score his third goal of the tournament in the 60th minute from a free-kick. But that only woke the Aimulli team, who with a header from Baasch and a fantastic dribble and shot in the upper right corner, take the lead. The Kordavian team went on the offense had lots of chances, where Noah Dreier had the chance to equalize from the penalty spot, but hit the post in the very last minutes of the match. Aimulli beat a strong foe again and head to the semifinals!
vs
0 - 1
‘1 0-1 - 10 Lazar Maruška
In what is the fastest goal in Natia Cup history, Lazar Maruska tricked the the Adamsburgish defenders and scored into the lower right corner. After that, the Rahasian defense killed the match, not making many chances for the Adamsburgish team, leaving the "Crowners" without scoring. The match ends 1-0, and Rahasia-Diati goes to the semifinal!
vs
1 - 0
‘70 1-0 - 9 Archer Willey
This match was very tense and both teams got hurt with many yellow cards shown in the first match. Neither did it get better in the 2nd half, where even two players ended up with reds, one from each team. But soon enough Belvist took the lead in the 70th minute with Willeys volley shot. Tamausia & Deltannor who hadn't lost or tie a single match couldn't find the goal this time, and Belvist was one step closer to the grand final.
vs
0 - 1
‘36 0-1 - 11 Benjamin Sweet
Perryfornia got the taste of sweet victory, as their forward Benjamin Sweet finally got his 2nd goal of the tournament. Fierraria who looked so promising looked pretty lost throughout the match. They got a few chances, one header in the bar for example in the 79th minute, but other than that, Perryfornia got pretty good control in the match and wins a place in the semis!
SEMIFINALS
vs
1 - 0
‘54 1-0 - 4 Valentino Bosso
The load roar from the Aimulli fans, who has waited so long for the first goal was amazing, as the right back Valentino Bosso circled the defense and shot the goal in the post and in. The Rahasian team really worked hard and had two freekicks that ended in some great saves from te Aimullan keeper. When the final whistle came, the roar was even louder and tears came from some of the fans. Their team are going to compete in the final!
A match where Belvist were big favorites to win, but yet again does Perryfornia surprise everyone and win the match. A sweet fish from Benjamin Sweet made Perryfornia take the lead and then in the 71st minute, the full back Teo Vidovic shot it in after a messy corner. Belvist was lost in this match, a very big disappointment for the favorites to win the tournament. But happier for the Perryfornians, who know looked forward to a place in the final!
Two teams with a special bond were fighting for the bronze medal, but it was one team that wanted it more it seemed. After the disappointment in the semi, Belvist really crushed the Rahasian defense and scored three goals, all three in the first half. Estevez hit the net with a header, the star Kevin Britton did his 4th goal of the tournament and was looking to become the top goal scorer of the tornament. And with in a free-kick in the lower left corner, Dennis Bullock finalized the score. Rahasia-Diati had nothing to break through the Belvistian defense, and it was clear that Belvist was deserving of the Bronze medal.
The grand final with a full audience waiting expectantly. And it was the surprise package Perryfornia who started off the best when Stanislaw Pakalski used the advantage of a Aimullan defense didn't control the ball. The Aimullan team fought hard back into the match and not until the 70th minute, Janus Swedko was first on the ball from a rebound and scored. The football fans were waiting for the final whistle when old man Goku Takeda took his chance, run past the defense and took a shot in the lower corner, impssoble for the Perryfornian keeper to take! A heavy cheer from the old man (just over 30 though), where he takes off his shirt and jump up to the audience in celebration. THE MATCH IS OVER! WE HAVE A NEW CHAMPION! IT IS AIMULLI!
So that is the whole thing from Natia Cup, I hope you enjoyed watching it and perhaps, if time comes, I will do similar stuff in the chat box every now and then!
Voting system: In football fashion, you can give 3, 1 or 0 points to each entry. Tie-break will be number of 3s received, then 1s, then favour older entries over more recent entries (NSC edition-wise) if still tied. Just add your scores to the previous ones. 1 vote per player, you can obviously vote for your own entries if you have any here. Deadline when the group stages of Euro 2024 ends (26/06 ~23 CET), where the top 2 from each group and the 4 best 3rd places will advance. Knockout stages will use the same tree as Euro 2024.
