Time to say good-bye has come

Mikitivity - Saidercray 3-1

Team composition: Mouse - Humphrey, Keefer, Garvew (80. Zuckerer) - Butcher (46. Dira), Giney, Servant, Dacker - Ho, Dishyatt (63. Kayl), Brownland
Goals: 1-0 21., 1-1 Brownland 31. , 2-1 40., 3-1 79.

With a 1-3 loss in the semi-final against Mikivity, Saidercray dropped out of the IDUFC 2006. In Miervatia City's Gletscher Dome, the home team shot the 1-0 in the 21st minute. Gareth Brownland's equalizer followed ten minutes later, but still in the first half, the Schneegespenst could score once more. In the second half, the hitherto well-balanced game was dominated by Mikitivity, who succeeded in consolidate their advantage with the 3-1 in minute 79, which was also the last goal of the match. In the final, Mikitivity will play against Baranxtu who eliminated top favourite Malabra.

Saidercray looks back to a great championship. With the victory of division 1, in which Saidercray always occupied one of the first two places, the team has sovereignly surpassed all even created points and achieved the greatest success in the history of Saidercrayan football. The fans were not only made enthusiastic by the success, but also by the attractive, offensive way of playing: even against strong opponents like the two entrants of the final, the Storks played with three forwards and averagely shot more than two goals per match. Only the defence could sometimes be seen as a little problem child and cashed three goals in all three lost matches. But most of the fans think like reserve keeper Simpson, who says: "As long as the guys shoot the ball into the opponent's goal more often than the opponent shoots it into ours, there's no problem at all." National coach Vondelick, in general also very satisfied, saw this a little bit different and announced to improve his team's defence for a possible IDUFC 2007. Vondelick also thanked Mikitivity for its hospitality and the organization of the well passed off championship.

Meanwhile, the plane with the succcessful team on board has landed in Amshlay, where the players were welcomed by crowds of exulting fans and the President of the Saidercrayan Soccer Association. Lawrence Dishyatt could furthermore receive the SSA's distinction as "Saidercray's Best Player of the IDUFC 2006".

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Despite 2nd defeat: Saidercray wins division 1

Saidercray - Otea 2-3

Team composition: Simpson - Keefer, Humphrey, Bank - Giney, Dacker, Encel, Mortey - Ho, Pawlson, Dishyatt
Goals: 1-0 Keefer 39., 1-1 56., 1-2 69., 1-3 75., 2-3 Pawlson 81.

In defiance of losing the match against Otea with 2-3, Saidercray has won division 1 of the IDUFC. The team profited by Baranxtu's phenomenal 5-0 against South Antrium and Keeslandia's 3-2 against Antrium.
Saidercray played with Timothy Simpson instead of its regular keeper Mouse who had to stay in the hotel due to an indigestion. But his engagement in the semi-final is unendangered at any rate. Saidercray began in a concentrated way and was in the lead at the end of the first half. The scorer was Dominic Keefer who headed the ball into Otea's goal following an indirect free kick. In the second half, the Storks became too sure of victory and played too carelessly. Consequently, Otea took over the control of the match and scored the equalizer in minute 56. Though Saidercray's players played better again, a more and more self-confident Sikamene dominated from now on and scored two more goals. Saidercray succeeded in scoring once more when Pawlson outwitted keeper Nemeaki, but finally had to let Otea have three points.
After the final whistle, Saidercray's fans and players waited tensely for the results of the other matches. Then, the information of the defeats of both Antrian teams loosend great jubilation and joy on all sides, because this meant: The defeat against Otea is insignificant, Saidercray has survived and won its division and is going to participate in the second round!

Vondelick talks to Saidercray Today

In the evening, when the matches of division 2 were over, Saidercray Today visited the Grandhotel Königshof, home of the Storks during the championship. We interviewed national coach Marco Vondelick about the next opponent of Saidercray, the team of host Mikitivity.

ST: Mr. Vondelick, congratulations to you and the team. In the semi-final, you'll play against the "Schneegespenst", the snow ghost, as the local fans call the team of Mikitivity. How do you appraise this team?
Vondelick: It is always a special challenge to play against the home team, because the strong majority of the spectators will support our opponents. But if you look at the way Malabra marched through a group oft - except for Gnejs - teams who play on about the same level as we, you'll understand that a match against Mikitivity is the by far lesser evil. They are the favourites, of course, but our team is good enough to do what the team of Ceorana has already done: to win against Mikitivity in Mikitivity.
ST: Do you already know what you'll tell the players before the match?
Vondelick: We shall play with the self-confidence of a team which has won its division, we shall see Mikitivity's home team advantage not as a deterrence, but as a spur. We know who we are and we know that we can win this match if we play well. Our way of playing has to roar a message: "Your fans can do whatever they want to support you, but we will win because we are the better team." The rest, tactical tricks and so on, is secret, but I'm sure my players will show you what I've told them when they play against Mikitivity.
ST: Mr. Vondelick, thank you, and all the best to you and the team.

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Saidercray opens the door to the second round

Saidercray - Keeslandia 3-1

Team composition: Mouse - Odseck, Keefer, Zuckerer (45. Bank) - Servant (71. Dacker), Giney, Moycon, Encel - Brownland, Pawlson (58. Ho), Dishyatt
Goals: 1-0 Encel (25.), 1-1 38., 2-1 Ho (63.), 3-1 Dishyatt (67.)

With a victory against Keeslandia, Saidercray's team supplied itself with a very good starting point for the achievment of one of the first two places of division 1. After the disappointingly weak performance in the match against South Antrium, Marco Vondelick changed almost the whole team.
After 10 minutes in which the newly compiled team's players had to become co-ordinated and in which Keeslandia had two good chances, Saidercray came into play and an attractive, well-balanced match developped. Finally, it was midfielder Frank Encel who surmounted Keeslandia's Tailer Barks with a shot from the penalty arc. Encel profited by the wet grass which made the ball very slippery. But Keeslandia had no problems to digest the goal against them and exerted themselves for the 1-1. In minute 38, their efforts succeeded. After a harmless corner, Keefer headed the ball to a Keeslandian forward who sank it in the goal of Saidercray. The Blustering Boyzz came even near to a 2-1 before halftime, but a strong volley shot missed Mouse's goal for centimetres.
In the second half, the match continued on the same high level. In minute 58, Vondelick sent Ho onto the field, a decision which turned out to be a fortunate one. Only five minutes afterwards, the substitute was tackled unfairly inside the penalty area of Keeslandia and, notwithstanding a wide-spread superstition, used the due penalty kick to score the 2-1 for his team. The 3-1 which followed only four minutes later was the last straw for the team from the north of the IDU. Luckily for Saidercray, Barks couldn't seize a ball shot by Brownland. In the subsequent chaotic turmoil in front of Keeslandia's goal, Dishyatt somehow managed to get the ball and shoot it into the goal.
Afterwards, Keeslandia's team, who had needed a remis or more to safeguard chances to survive the group, resigned and only tried to prevent themselves from a higher defeat. The Storks decided to be sparing of their energy with regard to the last group match against Otea, and so the shallowed. This vexed the spectators, who, except for two chances for Saidercray and one for Keeslandia, saw nothing but boring 20 minutes with two halfheartedly playing teams.
Similiar to the IDUFC 2005, Keeslandia will have to pack up their suitcases at the end of the group phase. Saidercray, on the other hand, is once more the front runner of division 1. Nevertheless, it could become a fatal mistake to make light of the match against the hitherto victoryless Sikamene Oteara. An elimination at the end of the group phase is impropable, yet still possible. But of course, everyone in Saidercray is convinced that the Storks, who have always been ranked 1st or 2nd in division 1, will give all doubters the lie and obtain the greatest success of Saidercrayan football.

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Hawks hawk harmless Storks

Saidercray - Antrium 2-3

Team composition: Mouse - Garvew, Humphrey (46. Keefer), Bank - Butcher (75. Moycon), Dira, Dacker, Mortey - Ho, Kayl, Pawlson (62. Sgooser)
Goals: 0-1 2., 1-1 Kayl 29., 1-2 44., 1-3 70., 2-3 Ho 92.

Saidercray has lost the important match against the team of Antrium. As early as in minute 2, the team of Marco Vondelick had to put up with the 0-1. It was the first time during the IDUFC that a team could take the lead against the Storks. Against a Saidercrayan defence which still seemed to be in the doze, the Antrian offensive players performed a quick combination which resulted in Lengàron Mîrnak appearing lonely in front of George Mouse and lifting the ball over him into the goal.
Antrium pushed Saidercray onto the defensive, and only seldom, the front-runner could deliver and counter. However, the next goal of the match was one for Saidercray, when in minute 29, Humphrey shot the ball out of Saidercray's penalty area. Close to the halfway line, the ball found Dacker who ran with it to the penalty area of Antrium, where he passed it to Kayl who accomplished the counter with his first goal.
After this, the match became a bit more well-balanced. One minute before half-time, at a point of time which is psychologically very disadvantageous, Antrium got a penalty after Humphrey had touched the ball with his hand. The well-placed ball entered the goal though Mouse jumped into the right direction.
In the second half, the match was again one-sided with many chances for Antrium and only a few for Saidercray. Only when they lead 3-1 after minute 70, the Hawks allowed themselves a more relaxing way of playing. A ball which had been intended as a cross had swerved so strongly that it had flown into the goal. The defence of Saidercray could only watch it startledly.
The victory for Antrium was safe from this moment on. The beautiful 2-3, a overhead kick of Ho, came much too late because seconds later, the final whistle sounded and sealed the first loss of the hitherto always victorious Storks.
Saidercray has lost its position as fron-runner. In general, the situation in division 1 is very unclear since Otea retired from the championship after two matches, so that South Antrium couldn't play. In the other match, Baranxtu defeated Keeslandia, Saidercray's next opponent, 3-2 - the first points for the Tigers.
Antrium, who already achieved a great 4-0 against Baranxtu, can now be seen as on of the favourites, whereas Saidercray has still very good chances to survive the group.

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Saidercray takes the summit

Saidercray - Baranxtu 3-1

Team composition: Mouse - Bank (84. Zuckerer), Garvew, Odseck - Dira (72. Giney), Servant, Dacker, Moycon - Sgooser, Dishyatt, Brownland (46. Ho)
Goals: 1-0 Sgooser 9., 2-0 Brownland 33., 2-1 61., 3-1 Garvew 64.

In a one-sided match, Saidercray had no real problems against the Baranxtuan team. The effects of the recent 0-4 debacle against Antrium could be noticed in the Tigers who played toothlessly and allowed the Storks to do almost whatever they wanted to do. The logical consequence followed in minute 9, when a cross of team captain Dacker found Edward Sgooser - 1-0 for Saidercray. In opposition to South Antrium yesterday, Baranxtu didn't see the Saidercrayan goal as an incentive to play offensively and to try to score, and so it were the Storks who scored the second goal of the match in minute 33, which was a very odd goal. A strong shot of Sgooser hit his team mate Dishyatt who went down benumedbly. The third forward, Gareth Brownland, obtained the ownerless ball before the nearing keeper could catch it and shoved it into the goal of Baranxtu. Then it was bad luck for Saidercray when short before half-time, Brownland sprained his foot. For the second half, he was replaced by Fan Wai Ho.
The unexpected goal of Baranxtu a quarter of an hour after the beginning of the second half resulted out of a catastrophal howler of defender Odseck. After a dangerous shot of Baranxtu had only hit the crossbar and had been catched by Mouse, the keeper passed the ball to Odseck who let it roll through his legs, so that a Baranxtuan forward close to him got it and could surmount Mouse with a nice shot from 25 meters.
But only three minutes later, a corner for Saidercray brought the final decision. Dira passed the ball to Ho who forwarded it to the moved up Garvew who scored for the first time in the black and blue striped shirt of Saidercray. Afterwards, Saidercray managed the clear advantage. It only became ticklish once when Mouse caught a ball which he could see very late on the goal line. On the other side of the field, Dishyatt had a good chance to score his second goal of the championship, but his shot was blocked by a defender. In minute 84, Oliver Zuckerer made his debut.
The other results of division 1: South Antrium defeats Keeslandia clearly with 3-0, and Otea and Antrium determine no victor in a 2-2 remis. Thus, Saidercray is the new front-runner and the only team of both groups which has won the first two matches of the championship. The next match is very important, as Saidercray will play against Antrium. They are currently on the 2nd place of the group and therefore Saidercray's most important rival at the moment.

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Storks start victoriously

South Antrium - Saidercray 1-2

Team composition: Mouse - Bank, Keefer, Garvew (63. Odseck) - Giney, Dira (46. Encel), Dacker, Moycon - Kayl (79. Humphrey), Pawlson, Dishyatt
Goals: 0-1 Moycon 22., 1-1 47., 1-2 Dishyatt 78.

The match began with a boring phase in which both teams played with a cautious wait-and-see attitude. The offensive tactic coach Vondelick issued didn't work and it was the team of South Antrium which had the first real chance, but Mouse warded off the shot. The direct countermove resulted into a direct free kick for Saidercray close to the penalty area. Daniel Moycon sent the ball into the goal of Hazéel Namru.
Afterwards, the match began to be very interesting and both teams had a lot of chances, because Saidercray lost its strain and South Antrium tried energetically to equalize the match. But the team had to wait until the beginning of the second half. Mouse had no chance against a powerful header from 6 meters in front of the goal, and South Antrium celebrated the equalizer. Now, the Locusts completely controlled the game. In minute 59, they scored once more, but the referee didn't acknowledge the goal because he thought the South Antrian player scored from an off-side position.
A quarter of an hour after South Antrium's goal, Saidercray's team resumed its offensive way of playing, and again, the spectators witnessed chances for both teams. In minute 78, a shot of Patrick Giney hit the right jamb of the goal, but the ball landed right in front of Lawrence Dishyatt's feet, so that the young forward had no problem to score the decisive goal. Vondelick replaced forward Kayl by defender Humphrey, and Saidercray defended the victory for the last ten minutes of the match.

In the other matches of Saidercray's group, Keeslandia defeated Otea 2-1 and Saidercray's next adversary Baranxtu sustained a 0-4 defeat against Antrium. Together with Keeslandia, Saidercray engages the 2nd place.

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Saidercray's team before the IDUFC

A few days before Saidercray's first match against the national team of South Antrium, Saidercray Today has had a close look at the Storks.

Zuckerer supersedes Uguel

After having broken his left leg in the match against Ceorana, defender Martin Uguel has been replaced by 22 year-old Oliver Zuckerer. The nomination was a suprise because Zuckerer hasn't played for Saidercray so far. It is taken for sure that he won't play a lot during the championship. Neverteheless, Zuckerer is "glad to be a part of the team, but it isn't nice that this happened because we lost one of our best defenders". Meanwhile, Uguel has been operated in a hospital in Jallsborough and flied to Miervatia City where the Storks live during the IDUFC. He will stay with the team and wants to watch as many Saidercrayan matches as possible.

Vondelick wants to play offensively

Coach Marco Vondelick plans to play offensively, like Saidercray did in the match against Ceorana. "I've seen a great match with a lot of chances for both sides, and after all, it was bad luck that we lost it. The performance of the team was good, and I'm sure that if we continue to play like this, we will be able to achieve our aims. We're on the right way."

Fans full of anticipated joy

Obviously, Vondelick's optimist point of view is shared by most of the fans. Many Saidercrayans have bought tickets for one of the Storks' matches. Those who stay at home because they got no ticket or can't leave their work for some days can watch the national team's matches on huge screens in the cities. According to a poll, 70% of the Saidercrayans believe that Saidercray won't be eliminated after the group matches, 58% believe that the Storks will participate in the final, and 51% believe the team capable of winning the championship.

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IDU Football Championship: Saidercray in group A

Lots for the groups of the IDU Football Championship 2006 have been drawn. Saidercray plays in group A. The program is:

10. 10.: South Antrium - Saidercray
11. 10.: Saidercray - Baranxtu
12. 10.: Saidercray - Antrium
13. 10.: Saidercray - Keeslandia
14. 10.: Saidercray - Otea

National coach Marco Vondelick takes the group for averagely difficult and sees good chances for Saidercray to enter the second round of the tournament. "Antrium made it to the second round last year, Keeslandia dropped out after the group matches, and the other teams are novices like we are. Our aim is the second place in this group."

Many direct their attention to two matches of the South Antrian team which are very precarious: the derby against Antrium on October the 13th and the match against Baranxtu one day afterwards. Baranxtuan officials have already called for the Mikitivityan organizers to intensify safety measures for the match on October the 14th.

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