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Cove Bay Pirates/STI v. City Merchants/NTI - The Ultimate Rivalry - This Time It's For Real!!!

DodgeeD

Who will win the Gold Cup?  

27 members have voted

  1. 1. Who will win the Gold Cup?

    • Northern Treasure Islands
      10
    • Southern Treasure Islands
      14
    • U.S.A.
      0
    • Mexico
      2
    • Other
      1

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DodgeeD

DodgeeD

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Sorry I haven't been as regular as usual over the last few days but a new term at school means a lot of work, names to learn and laws to lay down. :D

ssestig - The Stig has scored 6 goals in 63 games for STI to date.

route1 - Pendros is now starting his second season at Man U. He was a regular last season and that has had the knock on effect of him playing more often for NTI this season.

I'll try to get the next set of WCQ games posted tonight.

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DodgeeD

DodgeeD

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2014 North American World Cup Qualifying

Matchday 7

Southern Treasure Islands v. Northern Treasure Islands

So for the 3rd time in 6 months, these major rivals went head-to-head in competitive international football. NTI had come out on top in the two previous clashes - could they make it three out of three?

With a packed World's End stadium behind, STI were determined to make up for their losses. They had all the early play with Bobinho and Captain Gingerbeard both going close. Unfortunately for the Southerners, Gregory Le Quack was in inspired form, pulling off a number of saves to ensure the teams went into the break 0-0. The second half saw more of the same as NTI remained on the back foot. Bob McBob went the closest for the visitors but STI remained in control. However, it all went wrong just before the hour mark when Maccaniniho collected the ball as an NTI attack brokedown, turned and passed it back to the keeper but hit it a bit too hard resulting in an own goal. The Northerners couldn't believe their luck and set up shop to protect their lead. STI started tpo throw everything forward and turned once more to super-sub Brendanio (although this time he had actually come on at half-time). He did the business once more, producing a mazy run and a fine finish to tie up the score. That was how it stayed until the final whistle, meaning STI have failed to beat their Northern rivals in the last three attempts.

Final Score: Southern Treasure Islands 1, Northern Treasure Islands 1 | STI Player ratings & Stats | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

In the other games, Mexico remained top of the group with a 5-0 thumping of Costa Rica. The U.S.A. slipped up as a last minute goal condemned them to a 1-1 draw at home to Honduras and two more dropped points.

Matchday 8

Northern Treasure Islands v. Mexico

NTI took on leaders Mexico in their next match, looking to close the gap at the top. They got off to a nightmare start with the Mexicans taking the lead after just 6 minutes. They got a lucky break shortly afterwrads though as Adam Flash went down following a weak challenge just inside the box and the penalty was given. Robert Boyle duly obliged from the spot to bring the scores level. On the half hour mark, Ryca Roseau broke forward from midfield and proceeded to skin the opposition defence before plşacing a shot into the bottom corner. 2-1 was how the scoreline remained until the 57th minute when Roseau produced another moment of magic to extend the home side's lead. He wasn't done there as a mere three minutes later he played the ball through to Roberto dos Santos, who made no mistake as he put a 4th goal past the shell-shocked Mexican defence. When the final whistle went, NTI knew they had taken a big step towards their first World Cup with a famous victory.

Final Score: Northern Treasure Islands 4, Mexico 1 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

Honduras v. Southern Treasure Islands

STI were in a secure looking position going into this game but they had a difficult run-in with this being the first of three away fixtures in the last three games. As the other games to come would be against U.S.A. and Mexico, the pressure was on here to get a result. STI had most of the early play and were rewarded just before the half hour mark as Captain Gingerbread was fouled inside the area, allowing The Stig to step up and convert from the spot. Gingerbread got on the scoresheet himself a few minutes later as strike partner Bobinho cut back from the byline allowing him to stroke home form the edge of the six yard box. In the second half, STI had chances to kill off the game but failed to take them. They were made to sweat a bit when the Hondurans pulled one back with 17 minutes to play. The Southern boys held on thoug to secure the 2-1 win.

Final Score: Honduras 1, Southern Treasure Islands 2 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

In the other game, the Americans stayed in the hunt with a single goal victory away to Costa Rica.

Forthcoming Fixtures:

Costa Rica v. Northern Treasure Islands

Honduras v. Mexico

U.S.A. v. Southern Treasure Islands

Honduras v. Costa Rica

Mexico v. Southern Treasure Islands

U.S.A. v. Northern Treasure Islands

NTI will be looking to get a win from the Costa Rica game to assure qualificaiton before a difficult final match away to the USA. STI still have work to do as two tough away games face them. They need at least one win to avoid having to rely on other results. Reports coming soon!

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DodgeeD

DodgeeD

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Whatever happened to the STI goalkeepers, Heinrich and Iker ?!

Both of them injured ? If so, then :thdn:

If not, then :thdn: :thdn:

:D

Kutgw !

As of September 1st, the following players are injured:

Heinrich Kroeger is out for up to two weeks with a groin strain.

Iker Reina also faces two further weeks out with a hip problem.

There's your answer.

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DodgeeD

DodgeeD

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Gonzalez hasn't featured for a very long time for NTI, is he not in the squad or just not being selected?? becuase my form for the merchents always seems good.

Pablo has been a bit unlucky with a couple of minor injuries, which have meant he either couldn't be selected or couldn't play. Apart from that, just recently Robert Boyle has started to get more games up front and Roberto dos Santos seems to be an automatic choice for the first team... However, now that Arthur White has taken early retirement, and with Gold Member not fully developed yet, I'm sure he'll be back in the side soon.

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Blackcats

Blackcats

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Pablo has been a bit unlucky with a couple of minor injuries, which have meant he either couldn't be selected or couldn't play. Apart from that, just recently Robert Boyle has started to get more games up front and Roberto dos Santos seems to be an automatic choice for the first team... However, now that Arthur White has taken early retirement, and with Gold Member not fully developed yet, I'm sure he'll be back in the side soon.

Ok thanks, and has Arthur white really taken reitrement, becuase i seriously missed that one, can't be too old at all:confused:

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DodgeeD

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Ok thanks, and has Arthur white really taken reitrement, becuase i seriously missed that one, can't be too old at all:confused:

Forced retirement due to lack of posting by the user who created him. ;) (There were a few others too and they were warned in earlier announcements.)

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DodgeeD

DodgeeD

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2014 North American World Cup Qualifying

Matchday 9

Costa Rica v. Northern Treasure Islands

NTI came into this match knowing a win against the 5th placed team in the group would guarantee a historic first qualificaiton for the World Cup. The Northerners played it safe, going for a possession-based game and slowly building up attacks. It took just 12 minutes to pay off as the Costa Ricans failed to deal with a cross properly and Robert Boyle darted in to steal the ball and give his side the lead. From then on, NTI were in complete control with the home side only managing a couple of shots on target. Boyle looked lively, showing his manger why he should have been picked more regualrly in past seasons as he had two more decent chances. In the end, NTI kept their heads and Costa Rica couldn't find any way back into the match as the Northern Souls booked their place in the World Cup finals for the first time ever with just game to spare.

Final Score: Costa Rica 0, Northern Treasure Islands 1 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

U.S.A. v. Southern Treasure Islands

STI, meanwhile, were over in Utah knowing that a win would also guarantee their spot in Brazil '14 but a defeat would leave them needing a result against Mexico. The Southerners took an attacking approach to the game, launching several high tempo attacks early on. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have their shooting boots on as they squandered a hatful of first half chances with Captain Gingerbread proving particularly wasteful. The STI manager seemed a bit muddled as he took the strange step of taking off a winger (James) and a centre back (The Stig) and bringing on two full backs (Denton and Ball), thus changing formation completely on 41 minutes. At halftime, he took off topscorer Bobinho to bring on Jason de Mire. Alas, he proved almost as inaccurate with his shooting as Gingerbeard as he missed the atrget several times. STI were made to pay for their missed chances when the Americans took the lead early in the second half through a Landon Donavon strike. STI's attacks continued as they sought a way to level the game but their shooting became increaingly erratic as panic began to seep through the ranks. Their fate was sealed in injury time when the home side hit them on the break with Eddie Johnson providing the finish. STI's qualificaiton campaign would therefore be going down to the last game.

Final Score: U.S.A. 2, Southern Treasure Islands 0 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

Mexico also confirmed their qualification for the finals as they came away from Honduras with a 2-0 win.

That leaves us with an interesting situation: STI face a difficult trip to the Azteca needing a win to secure qualification. If they lose, they will be relying on their rivals NTI preventing the U.S.A. from winning. If they draw, it could all come down to head-to-head results and goal difference. Can the Southerners triumph against the Mexicans? Will NTI still go for a win? Or will they 'slip up' and jepoardise the enemy's chances? All will be revealed in a special report sometime over the weekend.... ;)

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DodgeeD

DodgeeD

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Is Robert Dawson playing at international level or is he still too young to be realistically picked?

Not yet but he has two U-20 caps already. I added two players earlier in the game and they were in the squads by the end of their first season. One made hs debut soon after and became a regular (Emilio Peralta in the NTI side) and the other (Miltinho, also NTI) took longer to make his debut and has only been a squad player since. I guess it all depends on how your player's career develops and whether or not anyone in the same position gets injured.

A plethora of updates to come today :D

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DodgeeD

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2014 North American World Cup Qualifying

Matchday 10

Mexico v. Southern Treasure Islands

U.S.A. v. Northern Treasure Islands

A dramatic end to the North American Qualifiers as the final automatic spot, being chased by STI and the USA, was decided. As the citizens of the Southern Islands sat down to watch their game against table toppers Mexico, they were keeping an eye on the other match, hoping their bitter rivals wouldn't go easy against the Americans. In fact, the Treasure Islands Televison (South) a.k.a. TIT(S), made the unprecedented move of switching feeds to show some of the NTI match live in the Southern territory. A win would secure STI's passage to the finals but if the Americans bettered their result, a play-off with Chile would loom.

In Mexico City, STI were immediately under the kosh as 100,000 football mad fans cheered their team on. Mexico forced Heinrich Kroeger into a couple of early saves. The Southerners then started to gain control, keeping the ball and slowing down the tempo in an attempt to quieten the crowd.

Over in Utah, the USA had made a flying start, taking the lead after just 7 minutes. The move started when Emilio Peralta lost the ball on the right wing and the Americans crossed into the box. Altidore controlled the ball and fired in a low shot with a deflection off Rebel Israel wrong footing keeper Le Quack. NTI soon found themselves 2 down again due to poor defending as this time Cabinboy Pendros failed to clear properly and Altidore was on hand to set up Shea to score. With scores as they stood, the USA were level on points with STI but narrowly behind on goal difference.

News of the Americans' goals filtered through to the STIers in their game and prompted them into action with their first real attack just before the half hour mark. David Sunderland made a run from midfield and won a corner. Joep Beukers swung it in to the near post where, in a moment of amazing skill, Captain Gingerbread jumped and twisted to fire the ball into the net with a bicycle kick. (Following the game, Pele was quoted as saying it was one of the greatest goals ever seen in the Azteca Stadium). Spurred on, the Southerners had two more good chances with Gingerbread forcing Ochoa into a coule of good saves.

Back in Utah, NTI seemed to be just going through the motions as the USA were totally dominant. A third goal seemed inevitable and came courtesy of Altidore again with his shot this time deflecting off Cabinboy Pendros and bouncing past a stranded Le Quack. 3-0 down at halftime and USA were cruising with NTI seemingly out of it. However, with scores as they stood, STI would qualify, though everyone was aware that a goal from Mexico could change all that.

As the second halves began, USA went on the offensive, mindful that goal difference could be a factor. STI, meanwhile, were trying to protect their lead and avoid any risks. It seemed that the Americans' may have made an error of judgement as their attacking play left gaps at the back, which NTI started to exploit. Boyle went close early in the half and again just before the hour mark, winning a corner. Bob McBob, somewhat unorthadoxly, hit it back to Dirtihno on the halfway line, who came forward and hit a deep cross into the box. Spud then rose above the crowd to head the ball into the net and pull one back for NTI.

Back in Mexico City, both sides had chances to score in what was proving to be a well-contested game. Most of STI's chances were falling to Gingerbread with Bobinho strangely quiet. Indeed, he was subbed on 60 mins with Brendanio coming on.

The final ten minutes came with STI a goal up and looking good for that final qualification spot. It was all starting to go wrong for the USA as NTI had taken the initiative and were creating several chances. They turned up the heat on 80 minutes as this time the Americans couldn't clear the ball and Roberto dos Santos capitalised, running into the box and chipping the advancing keeper to make it 3-2.

There was late drama happening in the other game too as the Mexicans offered the Americans some hope as they got back into their game. With 6 minutes to go, Mexico won a free kick, which was fired in hard at the goal. Kroeger produced an athletic save but couldn't hold it and the ball fell to Giovanni dos Santos who levelled the match by tapping into an empty net. That meant STI were still in the final qualification spot but only goal difference was keeping them there. Another goal for Mexico and they would drop down to 4th. STI hearts went into mouths as Mexico had a shot cleared off the line by Craig Healy, another blocked by Eduaddo and a third saved by Kroeger. STI were hanging on by a fine thread.

But it proved that the Mexicans missed chances had no bearing on the outcome as the Americans were caught out by NTI again in the dying minutes. An NTI attack was diverted to a corner. This time McBob went staright for the six yard box and Spud powered the header home, levelling the match at 3-3. That took the fight out of the home side and they would be left pondering what might have been if Mexico had scored and NTI had not. Back in Cove Bay, however, celebrations were underway as STI would be going back to the World Cup for a second time!

In the other match, Honduras finally registered a win, as they beat Costa Rica 3-2, leapfrogging them to 5th in the process.

Final Scores: Mexico 1, Southern Treasure Islands 1 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

U.S.A. 3, Northern Treasure Islands 3 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

Honduras 3, Costa Rica 2

North American WCQ Third Phase Final Table

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DodgeeD

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December 2013 Update: The Rival Clubs

Cove Bay Pirates

All seems quiet at World's End stadium so far this season with another short-lived European campaign, an early exit from the Cup and steady but unspectacular progress in the league.

The first round of the UEFA Cup saw an interesting match up with Spansih Cup winners Osasuna. The tie attracted interest due to the return of Bobinho to the club where it all began. Unfortunately, neither Cove Bay nor their former player lived up to the hype. Cove Bay won the 1st leg 3-2 at home but Bobinho seemed distracted on his homecoming and produced something of a non-performance being subbed after 55 minutes. The Pirates themselves were in a subdued mood for the retrurn leg and lost 2-0, meaning a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

The Dutch Cup threw up an interesting tie as Cove Bay were drawn against Cove Bay Reserves in Round 2! :eek: Cove Bay (the 1st team that is) got the win but made a meal of it needing a last minute goal to knick it 3-2. That was that though as they were knocked out on penalties by 1st Division RBC in the next round.

In the league, a promising start saw the Pirates dispatch champions Ajax 3-1 but since then results have been mixed leaving Cove Bay 5th at the halfway stage on 29 points. That's 9 points behind FC Twente in 4th and just 8 points ahead of AZ in 14th!

As for the youth talent, Robert Dawson made his first team debut in the cup match against RBC but has yet to feature in the league. There was also a late addition to the Cove Bay youth system: Gus Crazy is an AMC the club are said to have high hopes for.

Capital City Merchants FC

The Merchants had a similarly abrupt end to their European campaign as they went out to Newcastle in the UEFA Cup 1st round. A 1-0 home defeat in the first leg was followed by a 2-0 loss at St. James Park. Although STIer Cpatain Gingerbread did not feature amongst the goals, he revelled in his assist which lead to the winner in the first game against the NTI club.

Tough draws in the first two rounds of the Dutch Cup saw the Capital City side face Premier Division opposition. Penalties were needed to get past AZ but a good performance in the next round secured a 3-2 win over PSV. FC Twente are up next in the 4th Round when the competiton resumes in the New Year.

It has been the league, however, where the Merchants' season has really taken off. A series of tight but efficient wins has seen the club move up to 3rd in the table as we enter the New Year, just 6 points behind leaders PSV and 9 points ahead of rivals Cove Bay.

The new boys have yet to make much of an impact on the first team. Gold Member has made 3 sub appearances (1 each in the league, cup and UEFA Cup) managing a goal in the cup tie with PSV. Mikey Twigge has yet to make his debut. He has been called up to the NTI squad, however.

Rivals Clash

There has been one head-to-head in the league so far but it was a bit of a non-event. It clashed with World Cup Qualifying games meaning Jack harrow and Pablo Gonzaléz weren't featuring for the Merchants and football fans on both sides of the Islands were focusing on the fortunes of the national teams. The most boring match of the rivalry so far fizzled out as a 0-0 draw, not that anybody was watching. :o

League tables up next.

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DodgeeD

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December 2013 Update: European Competitons & Leagues

Here's a look at all the European leagues involving Treasure Island players, along with the group tables from the Champions League and UEFA Cup:

Holland: Premier Division

England: Premier League | Championship

France: Ligue 1

Germany: Bundesliga

Italy: Serie A

Spain: La Liga

Champions League: Groups A-D | Groups E-H

UEFA Cup: Groups A-C | Groups D-F | Groups G-H

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DodgeeD

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December 2013 Update: Player News

Time for a look at the players' club form as well as the news as rumours ahead of the European transfer window.

The season so far: NTI Players | The season so far: STI Players

Wanted Players

[font=Courier New][u]Player[/u]           [u]Wanted by[/u][/font]
[font=Courier New]Gwilym J. James  Arsenal[/font]
[font=Courier New]David Sunderland Juventus[/font]
[font=Courier New]Craig Healy      Sevilla[/font]
[font=Courier New]Cabinboy Pendros Juventus[/font]
[font=Courier New]Ben Cee          Spurs, AC Milan[/font]
[font=Courier New]Ramiro           Fulham[/font]
[font=Courier New]Haowan           Juventus*, Lazio*, Man Utd*, Newcastle*[/font]
[font=Courier New]Emilio Peralta   Newcastle* & 9 other clubs[/font]
[font=Courier New]Paul Hart        12 clubs[/font]
[font=Courier New][i]*These clubs have already made bids.[/i][/font]

It seems that Juventus are interested in some Treasure Island talent this time. Also, Paul Hart needs to get a new club during the window if he wants to be in contention for a World Cup place come the end of the season.

Injuries

Just two players out at the moment:

Adam Flash will be out until the end of January with a fractured arm.

Rebel Israel is recovering from a twisted knee and is expected back within two weeks.

Unhappy Players

Ramiro is still looking for a way out of Wigan to a 'bigger club'.

Brendanio wants out of Lazio already as he has not yet been given the first team football he was promised.

Trevor Tobago has also asked for 'clarificaiton over his role' at Stuttgart having made just 4 appearances so far despite being listed as an important first-teamer. He has not expressed any desire to leave yet though.

Bobinho is disappointed that Osasuna are rooted to the bottom of La Liga but is willing to stay at the club for now.

International news up next including the draw for the first round of the World Cup: Which nation has ended up in the 'Group of Death'? :D

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