The Tournament Never Starts Until the Home Team Loses

This morning's matchups saw the culmination of group play for Group A. As Oman and Kuwait battled for pride, their suitcases sat packed back at their hotel rooms. Both teams couldn't be faulted for losing out so early in a group that saw Asian powerhouses Australia and South Korea. Those two teams were confident that their tournament would continue, however the issue of who wins the group had to be settled. The hosts Australia were runners-up in 2011 while South Korea finished third that year. This was a possible finals matchup that the world got a preview of. Australia's superior goal differential meant that all they needed was a draw to finish first, but the Koreans weren't here to settle for second. From the opening whistle, the Koreans had the better of the ball. This would culminate with Lee Jeong-hyeop beating Mat Ryan in the 32nd minute.The Socceroos would come alive after that, but only mustered two goal scoring opportunities. The first result in a shot wide of goal, while the other would be saved by an outstretched Kim Jin-hyeon. A fantastic save by Mat Ryan would keep the score 1:0, but for the hosts it was defeat. Elsewhere the action was exciting though the result would be moot. While Kuwait would play some nice football, they would squander their chances in front of goal. Oman would pounce in the 69th when Abdulaziz Al Muqbali would score with his head. A misskick in front of goal, and a ball cleared off the line by a defender would keep this game 1:0 as Oman found new energy and strove to attack. They would finish with 3 points and prepare for their journey home to share the memories they created. For Kuwait, they're surely looking forward to their next match so that they could put three losses in a row behind them.

Australia 0:1 Korea Republic          Oman 1:0 Kuwait

IoannesNix: Australia 1:0 Korea Republic     Oman 1:1 Kuwait
Artifex: Australia 2:2 Korea Republic            Oman 1:2 Kuwait
Scriptor: Australia 3:2 Korea Republic           Oman 2:0 Kuwait
Quaesitor: Australia 2:0 Korea Republic        Oman 2:1 Kuwait
Praeceptor: Australia 1:0 Korea Republic       Oman 0:1 Kuwait

Yesterday's Bonus Bonanza goes to Quaesitor. Your answer, though not honest, did bring a chuckle to the Secret Society. Well played Player.

Also, Group A closed with South Korea clinching top honors. Our Group A finished like so:

IoannesNix: 5/1
Scriptor: 5/0
Artifex: 4/0
Quaesitor: 3/0
Praeceptor: 1/0

As a result, IoannesNix has won the Group A Bonus Point. Onto the standings.

STANDINGS:

16/6

15/2

14/4

11/3   YC   

6/3   YC




Tomorrow will see Group B come to a conclusion. The top three players find themselves in a two point battle, while third place has moved to within 5 points of first place. What's in store for this tournament could be upset city, or maybe fate will be cruel and see one player dominate from start to finish.

Don't forget, the African Cup starts today. A modified post showing all the scores and points will be up later, including your next four picks. 

The Grand Salmon Alpaca