by Hugh Green » Tue Feb 14, 2012 1:00 pm
Quarter-Finals
1 - Cobura -V- Solentia - 0
After Extra Time
1 - Deltaria -V- Zardugal - 0
1 - Barmenia -V- Selucia - 1
3-3 after penalties. After 2 rounds of sudden death penalties, Solentia win 5-4.
1 - Kalopia -V- Kafuristan - 1
2-2 after penalties. After 1 round of sudden death penalties, Kalopia win 3-2.
Semi-Finals
1 - Cobura -V- Deltaria - 4
Cobura can be proud to once again be playing semi-final football, following disappointing results in the World Cup and the 3252 Majatran Cup. This was not their finest hour, however. Deltaria always looked like the better team, and were truly magnificent at breaking through Cobura's midfield and - at times - their rather static defence.
4 - Selucia -V- Kalopia - 1
After Extra Time
Selucia grabbed the early lead in this one, and then seemed to put eleven players behind the ball for the remaining period of normal time. Extremely conservative play made for a frustrating game but Kalopia would grab the equaliser with minutes to go. In extra time, Selucia seemed to come back to life. Their slow game had clearly tired the ever-chasing Kalopia, and Selucia made no mistake this time in taking ful advantage of the situation. They go through to face fellow Group B qualifiers Deltaria in the final.
Third Place Play-Off
2 - Cobura -V- Kalopia - 2
Kalopia win 3-2 on penalties
Preview: The Grand Final
Both of these sides already have one Majatran Cup under their belt: Selucia won it in 3222 and Deltaria in 3246. Both teams have also been runners-up once. They know what its like to win on this stage, and they'll know stories from older compatriots of what its like to lose. Contrast this with their performances in 3252: neither made it through the first round. These teams both have the potential to either light up the pitch or show themselves up terribly.
They traded victories against each other this year in Group B, and this exchange would ensure that they both qualified ahead of group favourites Beiteynu & Jutridan, with whom they both drew every match. Their varied luck has meant that these two have often very nearly met each other in previous Majatran Cups, but not since records began (MC X) have they faced each other in the knockout rounds.
Their seedings tell a story too. In joint 3rd in the MC Rankings it is no surprise to see Deltaria in the final. Selucia meanwhile are the joint-worst seeds in the competition, sharing joint 12th with Jelbania. For them to pull off this victory will be a legendary result. For either team though, to take a second Majatran Cup will elevate them to an exclusive club of nations with Badara, Cobura, Zardugal and Vanuku. Who will the 5th member of that club be? Find out in the Grand Final!
Active Party: FinEgaDef Kaj (FinEquaDef Platform), Republic of Cobura
Inactive Parties:
Front Rawlsienne, Lourenne
Social Congress, Republic of Cobura