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The Return To Treasure Island: The Ultimate Rivalry Lives Again!


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Southerners Slip Up At Home To USA | NTI Scrape A Draw Against Antilles

Southern Treasure Islands v. U.S.A.

Date: 08.09.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 2

Venue: World’s End Stadium, Cove Bay

Previous Meeting: USA 2, STI 1 (04.06.2011, Gold Cup Group A)

STI Form: LWWLW| World Ranking: 83rd

USA Form: LDWWW| World Ranking: 26th

Pre-Match News: Tom Smith and Blackbeard return after recovering from injury. Az Toscani is called up for the first time.

Injuries – Bobinho Jr (torn groin muscle); Cardiovascular (pulled hamstring)

Suspensions - None

STI Line-up (4-4-2): Blackbeard; Castagnoli, van der Cook, Stigarakis, Hasek; Hart Jnr, Smith, James II ©, Gingerbread Jnr; Dodgson, Kroeger Jnr.

Subs: Brookes, Philippens, Ogden, Crazy, Toscani, Burrows, Redmond

Match Report: STI came into this match looking for a famous win that would set them well on their way to the next round. However, the Americans showed them they still have some ground to cover if they want to become a force to be reckoned with as 2 first half goals destroyed the Southerners’ optimism. It had all started well as Kroeger Jnr. very nearly opened the scoring early on but Tim Howard produced a stunning save. After that, it was all about the away side as the USA hit the post twice before taking the lead on 17 mins through a Channell strike. Thşngs went from bad to worse for STI as the Americans doubled their advantage 5 minutes later, this time Bradley capitalising on some poor defending to score. Following a harsh team talk at half time, STI looked more determined and started to create chances but they couldn’t break through the experienced American defence. The hosts finally pulled one back with 4 minutes to go as Hasek cleared a ball from defence to Dodgson. The Hull striker then ran down the flank before puling the ball back for Tom Smith, who hit it first time into the back of the net. It proved to be too little too late for the Southerners though as they lost 2-1 in front of a disappointed home crowd.

Final Score: STI 1, USA 2 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Tom Smith (7.4)

Attendance: 89,987

Milestones: - Tom Smith scored his 5th international goal

- Gwilym J. James II picked up his 20th international cap

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Netherlands Antilles v. Northern Treasure Islands

Date: 08.09.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 3

Venue: Korsou, Curaçao

Previous Meeting: -

Netherlands Antilles Form: LLDWD| World Ranking: 97th

NTI Form: LWWWL| World Ranking: 131st

Pre-Match News: With Barkley out, Flash is brought in and Alvaro Brown continues in midfield.

Injuries – Alex Barkley (damaged foot)

Suspensions - None

NTI Line-up (4-4-2): Almond ©; Jonathan, Hamilton, Hawkini, Lazewski; Bojangles, Alvaro Brown, Flash, Iglesiais; Browne, Gonzalez JR

Subs: Harrow, McNally, Webster, Barron, Gayle, Gray, Twigge Jr

Match Report: NTI’s second game in the group came against te dark horses of CONCACAF football, the Netherlands Antilles, who had surprised many by reaching the semi finals of the last Gold Cup. On paper, they had the better world ranking too so NTI would need a good showing from their stars to get a result. Spurred on by the home crowd, Netherlands Antilles got off to a strong start, testing Almond in the NTI goal with some early shots. They opened the scoring on 20 minutes as Hawkini found himself out of position as Benschop collected the ball and the Tigres defender couldn’t resist a little tug at his shirt, which was immediately spotted by the ref. Jongsma put the resulting spot kick beyond Almond’s reach and the home side were ahead. NTI were lucky to stay in the game after that as Netherlands Antilles had a series of good chances to keep Almond busy. A few short sharp words at half time had the desired effect and NTI came out ready to get back into the game. It took just one minute to do that as Gonzalez JR and Iglesias combined well before Iglesias crossed the ball from the left. Jack Browne rose above everyone to get a head to the ball first and picked out his spot beautifully to bring his team level. Both sides had chances to score after that with NTI particularly threatening from the flanks with Bojangles making some insicive runs. Netherlands Antilles finished with a flourish but the NTI defence held firm to claim the point.

Final Score: Netherlands Antilles 1, NTI 1 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Martin Bojangles (7.5)

Attendance: 11,420

Milestones: Pablo Gonzalez JR, Jonathan and Juan Alvaro Brown all made their 15th appearances for NTI.

* Colour code:

Grey = ‘greyed-out’ player

Blue = regen

Green = naturalised player

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STI Ride Their Luck In Canada | Goals Galore As NTI Get Back On Track

Canada v. Southern Treasure Islands

Date: 12.09.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 2

Venue: Saputo Stadium, Montreal

Previous Meeting: -

Canada Form: WWWLW| World Ranking: 51st

STI Form: WWLWL| World Ranking: 83rd

Pre-Match News: With J.D. Dodgson failing a late fitness test following a thigh starin picked up in the USA game, Loic Philippens is brought into the starting line-up. Changes are also made in defence as van Pieters is recalled and Az Toscani makes his debut.

Injuries – Bobinho Jr (torn groin muscle); Cardiovascular (pulled hamstring); Dodgson (thigh strain)

Suspensions - None

STI Line-up (4-4-2): Blackbeard; van Pieters, Toscani, Stigarakis, Castagnoli; Hart Jnr, T. Smith, James II ©, Gingerbread Jnr; Philippens, Kroeger Jnr.

Subs: Brookes, Hasek, van der Cook, Burrows, Crazy, P.Smith, Dixon

Match Report: Following defeat to the USA, STI needed a result from this tricky tie away to an in-form Canadian side. Canada also needed a win to put some distance between themselves and STI in 2nd place. Early in the game, the Canadians desire to win came to the fore more forcefully as they had a flurry of chances. Luckily for STI, their defence was solid and Blackbeard was in fine form denying the home side on more than one ocassion. The first goal came very much against the run of play as STI won a throw on the right side. Rufio van Pieters launched the ball to Kroeger Jnr. on the edge of the area, who turned and found Philippens with a pass. Philippens then squeezed a shot through the crowded penalty area and, with the keeper’s view blocked, found the back of the net. The goal brought STI to life a bit but their shots were off target and the half finished with STI a goal up. The second half started poorly for Canada as both of their strikers went down injured early on. In between the injuries, STI extended their lead. This time, the goal came from a free kick following a foul on Kroeger Jnr. just outside the box. Captain Gwilym J. James II stepped up and curled a beauty of a free kick over the wall and beyond the reach of the keeper. With their main strikers off the pitch and their opponents playing tight in defence, Canada lacked the fight to get back into the game after that while STI were happy to protect their lead. Philippens picked up the Man of the Match award and James II was praised for his goal but, on a good day for the Southerners, Blackbeard deserves a mention for his fine saves early in the game as does Kroeger Jnr. for his two assists.

Final Score: Canada 0, STI 2 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Loic Philippens (7.9)

Attendance: 14,643

Milestones: - Az Toscani made his international debut for STI.

- Captain Gingerbread Jnr earned his 25th cap.

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Northern Treasure Islands v. Guyana

Date: 12.09.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 3

Venue: Capital City Stadium, Capital City

Previous Meeting: -

NTI Form: WWWLD| World Ranking: 131st

Guyana Form: DWLDL| World Ranking: 141st

Pre-Match News: Despite a disappointing performance last time out, the NTI line up remains unchanged for this game.

Injuries – Alex Barkley (damaged foot)

Suspensions - None

NTI Line-up (4-4-2): Almond ©; Jonathan, Hamilton, Hawkini, Lazewski; Bojangles, Alvaro Brown, Flash, Iglesiais; Browne, Gonzalez JR

Subs: Harrow, McNally, Webster, Barron, Gayle, Gray, Twigge Jr

Match Report: With just one point from their opening two games, NTI desperately needed a win against Guyana. Their opponents were labelled as the weakest nation by far in the group having only scraped through the qualifying rounds and being on the wrong end of a 6-0 thrashing from Mexico days earlier. The big question was: how would NTI handle the pressure of expectation. At the start of the game, they handled it very well, taking the lead after just 4 minutes as Iglesias crossed from the left and Gonzalez JR took one touch before firing the ball home at the near post. It got even better for NTI 6 minutes later as Gonzalez JR added a second. Having seen his initial shot saved, the Bayern Munich striker positioned himself well to pick up the rebound as Bojangles took another shot, allowing himself to tap the ball into an empty net. Just as the home crowd were settling in for an easy ride, NTI were brought back down to earth with a bump as Guyana pulled one back through Marques, who hit a 35-yard screamer into the back of the net. Any concerns from that wonder goal were soon nullified as Jack Browne restored the two goal lead thanks to Bojangles poucing on some poor defending to steal the ball and play a perfectly weighted pass into the Torino striker’s path. Browne still had work to do, holding off the challenge of a defender before rounding the keeper and scoring a fine goal. 3-1 with only 20 minutes on the clock! NTI seemed to put the game beyond any doubt when Iglesias added another goal minutes before half time as he caught the keeper off guard with a chip from 25 yards out. The first half scoring was not over though as the visitors kept themselves in with a shout as the NTI defenders failed to clear the ball from the danger zone and Santos Frietas pounced to make it 4-2. The same man struck again on 60 minutes as he picked up the ball with his back to goal and was able to turn past Hawkini before scoring from just inside the area. After a bright start, NTI were suddenly reeling and in danger of suffering another embarassing result. The nerves were soon settled though as their two goal lead was restored. Jonathan found Browne on the right flank from a throw in and the striker cut inside before passing to Gonzalez JR, who skipped past a defender before lifting the ball over the advancing keeper to compete his hat-trick. Guyana were out of steam after that and unable to threaten the NTI goal again leaving the home side with a much needed three points.

Final Score: NTI 5, Guyana 3 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Pablo Gonzalez JR (9.3)

Attendance: 85,873

Milestones: - Tom Hamilton, Jack Browne, Lawrence Lazewski and Ben Flash all made thier 15th appearane for NTI.

- James Almond and Hawkini picked up thier 10th caps.

* Colour code:

Grey = ‘greyed-out’ player

Blue = regen

Green = naturalised player

Current Group Tables – at the halfway stage, things are looking good for STI as they still have home games against Guatemala and Canada to come. They should be wary of slipping up when the travel to the USA, however. As expected, Mexico top Group 3 with maximum points. NTI sit in second thanks to Guyana holding Netherlands Antilles to a draw. To qualify, they need to beat Netherlands Antilles at home.

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Barkley misses another game :(

how many more will he miss, or is he back in training?

nice win, and hopefully we can build on that

KUTGW

Don't worry - Barkley will be fit for the qualifiers against Mexico and Netherlands Antilles in October. :)

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Sorry for the lull in updates over the last few days guys but I was pushing through to complete gundo's challenge. As that's now done, we can get back to World Cup Qualifying - next update coming up shortly. :thup:

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Southerners Smash In Seven | NTI Slump To Defeat in Mexico

Southern Treasure Islands v. Guatemala

Date: 13.10.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 2

Venue: World’s End Stadium, Cove Bay

Previous Meeting: Guatemala 0, STI 2 (WCQ 2nd Phase Group 2, 22.08.2012)

STI Form: WLWLW| World Ranking: 71st

Guatemala Form: WDLLL| World Ranking: 148th

Pre-Match News: Dodgson, Cardiovascular and Bobinho Jr all return to the squad following injury.

Injuries – Gus Crazy (damaged achilles)

Suspensions - None

STI Line-up (4-4-2): Blackbeard; Castagnoli, van der Cook, Cardiovascular, Hasek; Hart Jnr, Smith, James II ©, Gingerbread Jnr; Dodgson, Philippens

Subs: Brookes, Burrows, Ogden, Kroeger Jnr., Stigarakis, Hayward, Bobinho Jr

Match Report: Pundits and fans alike were expecting a big win as STI took to the field in front of their own fans against Guatemala, a team without a single point in the group so far. STI did not disappoint as they treated the home crowd to a devastating display of attacking football. From the kick off, STI were piling on the pressure but a bit of luck was needed to open the scoring. In the 19th minute, Loic Philippens made a darting run into the box but tumbled over under a soft challenge. The ref decided there was enough there for a penalty which was converted by captain James II. The floodgates then opened as the Southerners added five more goals before half time. Paul Hart Jnr was on target for number two as he smashed in a shot from the edge of the area; J.D. Dodgson added a third after great play from Tom Smith to set him up for an easy tap in; Dodgson added his second and STI’s fourth as he headed in a Gingerbread Jnr cross; the fifth cam from James II again as he was played through by Tom Smith before rounding the keeper; the sixth was an own goal as Philippens’ low cross took a nasty deflection off a Guatemalan defender and bounced in. The only downside of the first half was yet another injury to Cardiovascular early in the game, which leaves him doubtful for the next match. The second half was much more low key as STI conserved energy ahead of their clash with the USA. One more goal was added and it was another penalty. This time Hart Jnr was brought down and James II stepped up once more to complete his hat-trick and round off a great day for STI.

Final Score: STI 7, Guatemala 0 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Gwilym J. James II (9.4)

Attendance: 86,091

Milestones: - Paul Hart Jnr, Heinrich Kroeger Jnr. and Tom Smith all made thier 25th appearance for STI

- Loic Philppens and Blackbeard won their 20th caps.

- Gwilym J. James II scored his 10th international goal.

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Mexico v. Northern Treasure Islands

Date: 13.10.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 3

Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Previous Meeting: NTI 1, Mexico 2 (WCQ 2nd Phase Group 2, 22.08.2012)

Mexico Form: WWWWW| World Ranking: 13th

NTI Form: WWLDW | World Ranking: 127th

Pre-Match News: Alex Barkley is back following injury. Superstar Juan Alvaro Brown is inexplicably picked for the U20 squad, not the main team. :confused:

Injuries – None

Suspensions - None

NTI Line-up (4-4-2): Almond; Jonathan, Hamilton, Hawkini, Lazewski; Bojangles, Flash, Barkley, McBob Jnr. ©; Browne, Gonzalez JR

Subs: Harrow, Webster, Tner, Barron, Gayle, Twigge Jr, Joyce

Match Report: NTI were up against it as they travelled to Mexico to take on a side with a 100% record in the qualifiers so far. With Netherlands Antilles facing easy opposition in the shape of Guyana, NTI needed a result here to stay in the top two. Alas, it was not to be. Mexico fielded a very attacking line-up with Vela, dos Santos, Guardado and Nava in attack and they put the NTI defence under pressure from the start. The Northerners were restricted to quick breaks with Hamilton, McBob Jnr. and Barkley instrumental in shifting defence to attack. However, the Mexicans were solid at the back too as they froze Gonzalez JR out and only allowed Browne to hit long shots, most of which were wasted. Mexico got the goal their fans were waiting for on 25 minutes as Torrado picked up the ball just outside the area and skipped past Lazewski before unleashing a fierce shot into the top corner. NTI held out until after the hour mark but Mexico always looked likely to score again and they did through Raul Nava following a well-worked passing move. NTI looked somewhat dejected after that and found themselves three down on 82 minutes, this time Guardado, who had been running at the NTI full backs all day, cutting inside and scoring a placed shot. NTI were to get a consolation late on as substitute Chris Gayle was brought down in the area and Tom Hamilton scored from the spot. However, NTI had lost to the Mexicans again meaning they fell behind Netherlands Antilles in the group standings. The next match against their rivals for 2nd will be crucial but they will be without Barkley and Browne, who both picked up knocks during the game....

Final Score: Mexico 3, NTI 1 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

Attendance: 88,098

Milestones: - Bob McBob Jnr. won his 10th cap.

* Colour code:

Grey = ‘greyed-out’ player

Blue = regen

Green = naturalised player

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Southerners Celebrate As They Go Through To The Next Round | NTI Totally Outclass Dutch Wanabees

U.S.A. v. Southern Treasure Islands

Date: 17.10.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 2

Venue: Tulsa Soccer Park, Tulsa

Previous Meeting: STI 1, U.S.A. (WCQ 2nd Phase Group 2, 08.09.2012)

U.S.A. Form: WWWWW| World Ranking: 18th

STI Form: LWLWW| World Ranking: 71st

Pre-Match News: Cardiovascular passed a lat fitness test and starts at left back. Hasek is out after twisting his knee in the game against Guatemala. Toscani, Stigarakis and Kroeger Jnr. are recalled to the starting line-up after being on the bench last time.

Injuries – Gus Crazy (damaged achilles); Ondrej Hasek (twisted knee)

Suspensions - None

STI Line-up (4-4-2): Blackbeard; Castagnoli, Stigarakis, Toscani, Cardiovascular; Hart Jnr, Smith, James II ©, Gingerbread Jnr; Dodgson, Kroeger Jnr.

Subs: Brookes, Montoya, Dixon, Burrows, Philippens, Smith, van Pieters

Match Report: Following their crushing win over Guatemala and Canada’s loss to the U.S.A. 4 days earlier, STI enetered the game knowing a point would be enough to see them safely through to the 3rd and Final Phase of World Cup Qualifying. The match got off to a bad start for the Southerners though as the Americans took the lead after just 6 minutes, Jozy Altidore beating Toscani to the ball and firing it low into the corner of the net. STI were not going to buckle under the pressure though and they matched the U.S.A. throughout the game. James II made several breaks from midfield to threaten the American goal as did Kroeger Jnr. STI finally got on level terms early in the second half. J.D. Dodgson was the scorer but the goal was made by a brilliant assist from Hart Jnr, who collected the ball on the halfway line and went on a delightful run, beating several American players before cutting inside and hitting a low cross to Dodgson who was left with a simple finish. Both sides had chances to win after that but neither took any great risks meaning th egame finished 1-1 and the STIers could celebrate their passage to the next round with a game to spare!

Final Score: U.S.A. 1, STI 1 | STI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Paul Hart Jnr (7.2)

Attendance: 15,991

Milestones: - J.D. Dodgson and Theo Stigarakis won their 20th caps.

- Claudio Castagnoli made his 15th appearance for STI.

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Northern Treasure Islands v. Netherlands Antilles

Date: 17.10.2012

Competition: World Cup Quals (NAM), 2nd Phase, Group 3

Venue: Capital City Stadium, Capital City

Previous Meeting: NA 1, NTI 1 (WCQ 2nd Phase Group 2, 08.09.2012)

NTI Form: WLDWL | World Ranking: 127th

NA Form: WDDLW| World Ranking: 88th

Pre-Match News: Alex Barkley is out after damaging his elbow against Mexico. Jack Browne is also out with a bruised thigh meaning Paul Joyce and Chris Gayle are given places in the starting line-up. Despite a decent showing last time, McBob Jnr. is dropped with Paul Barron taking his place. Iglesias is recalled to the side.

Injuries – Alex Barkley (damaged elbow); Jack Browne (bruised thigh)

Suspensions - None

NTI Line-up (4-4-2): Almond ©; Jonathan, Hamilton, Hawkini, Lazewski; Barron, Flash, Joyce, Iglesias; Gayle, Gonzalez JR

Subs: Harrow, Bojangles, Twigge Jr, Blanco, Le Quack, Webster, Tner

Match Report: The pressure was on NTI somewhat in this game. A defeat would out them out and a draw would leave them relying on Netherands Antilles losing thier next game so a win was vital to get back into 2nd in the group. Any pre-match jitters were soon gone as NTI dominated the early exchanges as their opponents sat back and defended deep. Gonzalez JR and Flash, playing for the first time in an attacking midfield role, had a few chances for NTI but were unable to convert them. All the play was with the home side though and it was a matter of when, not if, they would score. The match was effectively settled in a 7 minute period in the first half as NTI scored 3 goals in quich succession. First up Gonzalez JR headed in a cross from Barron to make it 1-0 on 32 minutes; 2 minutes later Gonzalez JR set up Gayle for his first NTI goal; and Gonzalez JR was the provider once more as Joyce added a third. NTI looked relaxed and confident as they passed the ball around the park and froze their opponents out with ease. A 4th goal was added in the second half as Hawkini flicked on a corner for Flash to volley home. The game finished 4-0 with NTI now second and very much favorites to progress from the group.

Final Score: NTI 4, Netherlands Antilles 0 | NTI Player Ratings & Stats

Man of the Match: Ben Flash (8.2)

Attendance: 85,759

Milestones: - Benat Fernandez Iglesias won his 20th cap.

- Jerome Le Quack made his debut.

- Pablo Gonzalez JR scored his 5th international goal.

* Colour code:

Grey = ‘greyed-out’ player

Blue = regen

Green = naturalised player

WCQ 2nd Phase Group Tables (after 5 games) – confirmation then that STI are though. NTI are almost certain to join them as they would have to lose to Guyana and Mexico would have to lose to Netherlands Antilles for them to go out.

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U20 Squad?!? Outrageous! I hope they won then!

Juan played in both games as the U20s lost to Mexico 3-0 and beat Netherlands Antilles 3-0. no idea what the AI was up to there as he is by far NTI's best player. :confused:

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Juan played in both games as the U20s lost to Mexico 3-0 and beat Netherlands Antilles 3-0. no idea what the AI was up to there as he is by far NTI's best player. :confused:

Thanks for that. He's probably had a row with the manager or something stupid like that.

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Good updates DD :thup:

Another couple of good games for me. Two assists in the 7-0 thrashing of Guatemala. Shame I could add another goal to my tally though. We've done really well in our group. It would've been a surprise to have finished above USA, but having only lost one game is a real achivement. Well done boys :D

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STI smash in 7 goals, Philippens makes 3 of them and is on the bench for the next game :confused: I suppose he didn't actually score but still, you'd have thought he'd get a starting place.

On the other hand he must be about 10(ish) games away from overtaking Ramiro in the caps department :thup:

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STI smash in 7 goals, Philippens makes 3 of them and is on the bench for the next game :confused: I suppose he didn't actually score but still, you'd have thought he'd get a starting place.

On the other hand he must be about 10(ish) games away from overtaking Ramiro in the caps department :thup:

Strange that - and also the three assists didn't get him MoM either.

Ramiro had 31 caps and 1 goal to his name in his less-than-illustrious career - but I though there was absolutely no connection between Ramiro and Philippens:confused: ;)

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