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by The Unified People of Tovenia. . 5 reads.

The Refugi Regional Football Championships Group Matches

Results

Match day 1

Group A’s opening matches which took place in the “Manor” Stadium in the capital city of Hougun.

The hosts Tovenia kicked off the opening match against Michelland. The pundits had predicted this would be a close one to call and they weren’t wrong. There were definitely 1st game nerves out there for both teams as the points were shared in a cagey 1 – 1 draw.
Tovenian Guardians 1 – The Micheldo 1

The other game in Group A set up the possibility of a massive upset with the smallest nation in the tournament The Toadstool Kingdom (with a population of just 14 million at the time of writing) taking on The Star Enpire. Unfortunately for the Toadsters, their hope was short lived as the Star Enpire Deep One’s were simply unstoppable.
Star Enpire Deep One’s 4 – The Toadsters 0

With that Group a looks like this;

The Star Enpire Deep One’s – 3 pts - GD 4
The Micheldo – 1 pt – GD 0
Tovenian Guardians – 1 pt – GD 0
The Toadsters – 0 pts – GD -4

Not the start the Toadsters were looking for but there are still 2 games to go can they bounce back?

Match day 2

So today we had 2 big time match-ups in Group B taking place in the city of Dane in the “Den” Stadium at the foot of the Fenrir’s Teeth Mountains.

In a group full of big nations, our first game today saw Melenavenia go up against Chatula in a match up that had all the hallmarks of a classic and it didn’t disappoint. In a close match both teams scored early and then pushed each other to the limit until 2 wonder strikes in the last five minutes saw The Polar Aces clinch the win.
Melenevian Polar Aces 3 - Chatulan Steelheads 1

Our second match pitted our founders Refuge Isle against the ever optimistic The Felidaes. A nation of hopeful Felidaes' Field Leopards fans were off their feet quickly as they got off to a dream start scoring first. The pressure however quickly seemed to get to the Leopards as Refuge Isle found a higher gear… and then another, eventually scoring 4 without reply.
Refuge Isle 4 - Felidaes' Field Leopards 1

Group B standings;
Refuge Isle – pts 3 – GD 3
Melenevian Polar Aces – pts 3 – GD 2
Chatulan Steelheads – pts 0 – GD -2
Felidaes' Field Leopards – pts 0 – GD -3

Well done to the winners. With 2 front runners in Group B can either be caught?

Match day 3

The City of Wincaster welcomed the Group C openers in the “Hall” and the fans were treated to two more great matches.
First we saw a hard hitting match between Vikoland and Endmigt. The Crowns looked strong, but for all their good play they were unable to find the back of the net. The Blue Kishkaws weathered the storm and eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute adding a second just before full time.
Vikoland Crowns 0 - The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt 2

The late kick-off between Inaros OPA and Araine yielded the same outcome. The Asteroids started strong twice hitting the woodwork, but as the match rolled on they began to tire and that is where the Vulpines pace gave them the edge. 2 lightning goals in the second half won them the 3 points.
The Ceres Station Asteroids 0 - Vraisten Vulpines 2

Group C standings;
The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt – pts 3 – GD 2
Vraisten Vulpines – pts 3 – GD 2
The Ceres Station Asteroids – pts 0 – GD -2
Vikoland Crowns – pts 0 – GD -2

This group looks like anyone can win it.

Match day 4

Soreenium City’s stadium “The Tin” played host to Group D’s opening league matches.

In the first match between Nangka and Sylh Alanor, we witnessed probably the biggest surprise of the tournament so far. One of the favourites going into the tournament the Immortals just never got going in this match against a thoroughly professional outfit. The Zapateros were rewarded with 4 goals for their efforts with only 1 in reply. Congratulations Nangkan!
Nangkan Zapateros 4 - Alanori Immortals 1

In the final opening game neither Lethodus or Lower French Gregballswould give an inch. Both back lines executed their plans perfectly and both keepers enjoyed a clean sheet and a share of the points.
Lethodus Ligers 0 - Lower French Gregballists 0

Group D;
Nangkan Zapateros – pts 3 – GD 3
Lethodus Ligers – pts 1 – GD 0
Lower French Gregballists – pts 1 – GD 0
Alanori Immortals – pts 0 – GD - 3

Not the start the Immortals hoped for but with 2 teams just one point ahead they can turn this round

Match day 5

Action from Group A today, and we start with Tovenia and the home crowd in full voice behind them twice coming back from a goal down against The Star Enpire Deep One's, but it just wasn’t enough. It was the Deep Ones who were cheering at full time after their third goal went in with just seconds to spare. Heart break for the home nation and a guaranteed spot in the knockout round for the Deep One’s!
Tovenian Guardians 2 - The Star Enpire Deep One's 3

The Toadsters were on a mission to prove their critics wrong against The Micheldo. Although they never looked like taking all three points, it was a much better performance as they shut their frustrated opponents down for the full 90 mins and ended up sharing the points.
The Micheldo 0 - The Toadsters 0

Group A;
The Star Enpire Deep One's – pts 6 – GD 5
The Micheldo – pts 2 – GD 0
Tovenian Guardians – pts 1 – GD -1
The Toadsters – pts 1 – GD -4

With results going their way, the The Star Enpire is through! There is 1 place left and Michelland are leading the charge.

Match day 6

We are back with action from Group B today. The first match of the day pitted the 2 winners from match day 1 against each other with both the Polar Aces and Refuge Isle hoping to take full control of the group. Before kick off it was hard to predict a winner, but an early goal by Refuge Isle seemed to galvanise their belief. They maintained control despite Melenavia’s best efforts and picked up a second goal in the process.
Melenevia Polar Aces 0 – Refuge Isle 2

From 2 teams with momentum, we now to the other side of the table and 2 teams in the Chatulan Steelheads and Felidaes' Field Leopards aiming to get their tournament kick-started. Once again the Steelheads started strong and scored early. Field Leopards fans may have considered turning off then and there, but they were glad if they didn’t. They dug in deep and equalised before half time. In the second half it was all Field Leopards as they netted twice more for their 1st win. Perhaps now they can start to believe.
Chatulan Steelheads 1 – Felidaes’ Field Leopards 3

Group B;
Refuge Isle – pts 6 – GD 5
Melenevian Polar Aces – pts 3 – GD 0
Felidaes' Field Leopards – pts 3 - GD -1
Chatulan Steelheads – pts 0 – GD -4

With 1 game to go any 2 of 3 teams can go through (although Refuge Isle’s GD looks good) with the Steelheads playing for pride only.

Match day 7

In Group C both the Vikoland Crowns and the Ceres Station Asteroids needed a win to get back in contention for the quarter finals and boy did this show. In this four goal thriller, both teams went for it but neither team could edge out the other in the 90 minutes.
Vikoland Crowns 2 - The Ceres Station Asteroids 2

Once again we are treated to the top 2 in the group matching up with The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt and the Vraisten Vulpines knowing that after the draw earlier, a win would see either team through to the next round. Both teams were solid at the back and it looked like it was destined to end goalless until a stunning team move broke the Vulpines back line and bagged Endmigt the 3 points.
The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt 1 - Vraisten Vulpines 0

Group C standings;
The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt – pts 6 – GD 3
Vraisten Vulpines – pts 3 – GD 1
The Ceres Station Asteroids – pts 1 – GD -2
Vikoland Crowns – pts 1 – GD -2

Congratulations to Endmigt who are guaranteed a top 2 finish and are the 2nd team officially into the quarter finals! But all 3 of the other teams can still grab that 2nd spot. Game on!

Match day 8

It was a scrappy game to kick things off in Group D today as both the Nangkan Zapateros and the Lethodus Ligers hit hard and left nothing on the field. It wasn’t pretty but both defences put on a masterclass as this game ended goalless.
Nangkan Zapateros 0 - Lethodus Ligers 0

In our second match featuring the Alanori Immortals and the Lower French Gregballists, much of the pre-match media focus was on the Immortals bouncing back.... but this story was not to be. They were slow to get going for the second game in a row and this allowed the Lower French Gregballists to seize control, scoring 3 in the 1st half. The Immortals put in a much better performance in the 2nd half scoring a consolation goal but it was too little too late.
Alanori Immortals 1 - The Lower French Gregballists 3

Group D;
Nangkan Zapateros – pts 4 – GD 3
Lower French Gregballists – pts 4 – GD 2
Lethodus Ligers – pts 2 – GD 0
Alanori Immortals – pts 0 – GD -5

With three teams unbeaten this is a group to watch. Will the Immortals restore some pride next time and end the Ligers dreams?

Match day 9

Now the drama begins. It’s the last Group matches of a very open Group A. Both Tovenia and The Toadsters knew that a win would give them an outside chance of qualification to the next round and it really showed in the early kick-off. Both teams through caution to the wind. Tovenia got off to a quick start netting twice but the Toadsters came back strong scoring one of their own before half time. The second half produced loads more chances and the same number of goals again with the Guardians proving to be just that bit more clinical in front of goal.
Tovenian Guardians 4 – The Toadsters 2

Tovenia’s win meant The Micheldo knew they needed a victory themselves against an unbeaten Star Enpire to clinch that 2nd place. As 1st place was already guaranteed, would the Deep One’s take their foot off the gas? The Micheldo dominated possession limiting the Deep One’s to no real chances of note. They also threw everything they had at the Star Enpire’s defence.... but they are top of the league for a reason and remained stoic throughout.
The Micheldo 0 - The Star Enpire Deep One's 0

Group A final standings;
The Star Enpire Deep One's – pts 7 – GD 5
Tovenian Guardians – pts 4 – GD 1
The Micheldo – pts 3 – GD 0
The Toadsters – pts 1 – GD -6

So it’s heart break for Michelland after such a valiant effort. Somehow they are leaving the competition without losing a game! We also say goodbye to The Toadstool Kingdom (sorry the dice weren't kinder). They picked up a point which is no mean feat for the competitions smallest nation. The Star Enpire and Tovenia are through!

Match day 10

In the early kick off in Group B we saw 2 teams on 3 points, both knowing a win would take them into the quarter finals! Both the Melenavenian and Felidaes’ fans dared to dream as the game began and both bagged and early goal to add to the drama. However, just as they did in their opening games, The Field Leopards began to fade and The Polar Aces pressed on, once again scoring 2 late on.
Melenavenian Polar Aces 3 - Felidaes' Field Leopards 1

The unbeaten Refuge Isles were now definitely through, but in what position would they finish? The Steelheads had their own mission – to avoid being the first team to finish on 0 points. Refuge Isle began with their usual dominance scoring 3 times in quick succession, but in an act of sheer defiance the Steelheads fought back replying with 3 of their own in what may be the match of the tournament so far!
Chatulan Steelheads 3 – Refuge Isle 3

Group B final standings;
Refuge Isle – pts 7 – GD 5
Melenavenian Polar Aces – pts 6 – GD 2
Felidaes' Field Leopards – pts 3 – GD -3
Chatulan Steelheads – pts 1 – GD

Well The Felidaes you were so close but the dream is over… until next time. Chatula what a final game! If only you had found the same form in the 1st 2 matches. A huge congrats to Refuge Isle and Melenavenia you are through!

Match day 11

With Endmigt unbeaten and already through, attention in Group C was for “the battle for 2nd”. The 2 most likely – Vikoland and Ariane faced off in a tense match. A win should be enough for either side and The Crowns knew this and took the lead 3 times, but the Vulpines would not be deterred levelling the score a third time and then stealing a winner with the last kick of the game. What a match! The new game of the season?
Vikoland Crowns 3 - Vraisten Vulpines 4

That result unfortunately meant the end of the tournament for the Asteroids, but coming up against The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt they would always have been in for an uphill battle. Endmigt continued to stamp their dominance on this tournament keeping their 3rd clean sheet and taking the win.
The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt 2 - The Ceres Station Asteroids 0

Group C final standings;
The Blue Kishkaws of Endmigt – pts 9 – GD 5
Vraisten Vulpines pts 6 – GD 2
Vikoland Crowns – pts 1 – GD -3
The Ceres Station Asteroids pts 1 – GD -4

So it’s a fond farewell to Vikoland and Inaros OPA, it was great to see you both in action, but a huge congratulations to Araine and the unstoppable Endmigt! Can anyone score against them?

Match day 12

In Group D, with 4 points each a draw would see the Zapateros and the Gregballists through, but whoever finished 2nd would have to face the unbeaten Endmigt in the next round. This knowledge seemed to spur both teams on with both scoring in the 1st half. After the break, both pushed for the win with no joy, until a wonder strike from the Gregballists sent their fans into jubilation.
Nangkan Zapateros 1 - Lower French Gregballists 2

With 2 points to their name the Lethodus Ligers now knew a win would secure the final spot in the quarter finals, but they had to get past a frustrated Immortals team looking to restore some pride. (The whole of Nangkan will have been supporting the Immortals i'm sure). For the Ligers, beating the Immortals proved to be no easy feat. They were always on the back foot twice going behind to a much improved Immortals. Despite their best efforts the Ligers barely grabbed a draw.
Alanori Immortals 2 - Lethodus Ligers 2

Group D final standings;
Lower French Gregballists – pts 7 – GD 3
Nangkan Zapateros – pts 4 – GD 2
Lethodus Ligers – pts 3 – GD 0
Alanori Immortals – pts 1 – GD -5

So they shared the points today but it’s the end of the competition for Sylh Alanor who finally found some form and grabbed a point, and the second team to leave without losing a game Lethodus. Well done to Lower French Gregballs for topping the group and a very relieved Nangka

Tomorrow the teams will rest. Then it is Quarter final time!

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