Ali Mabkhout Doesn't Need 60 Seconds, and He's Proud of It

 For Bahrain, it was crucial that they didn't lose today. That would make them the third team to exit the group stage with one more round of games left to go. For the United Arab Emirates, it was an opportunity to lock down a spot in the Quarterfinals. These two Persian Gulf nations have played each other many times, just not all with so much on the line. Bahrain would get possession first, play it back to their defense, have it stolen away, when a lobbed pass would find UAE's Ali Mabkhout who would beat the keeper. All this in well under a minute gave Mabkhout the record of fastest goal scored in an Asian Cup game. Bahrain kept their heads in the game, and after a second UAE goal was denied by the woodwork, the Reds were able to tie the game off of a corner kick that Jaycee Okwunwanne would head in at the 26 minute mark. The score was tied at halftime, and would have stayed the way for the rest of the game were it not for the curious case of Mohamed Hasan. The Emirates would set up a free kick, and fire it away when the ball would find Hasan's head, and the back of the net. The problem with this is that Hasan is a Bahraini defender who knocked the ball into his own goal. It just wasn't Bahrain's day. Literally, the sun was shine, there wasn't a Bahrain drop in the sky.

Bahrain 1:2 United Arab Emirates

IoannesNix: Bahrain 1:0 United Arab Emirates

Artifex: Bahrain 3:1 United Arab Emirates

Scriptor: Bahrain 1:2 United Arab Emirates **

Quaesitor: Bahrain 2:0 United Arab Emirates

Praeceptor: Bahrain 0:1 United Arab Emirates

 

Iran have dominated Qatar over the years that the two sides have been playing against one another. 11 victories to 3 defeats with 5 draws meant that Iran were looking to win big and top the group. For Qatar, this was a chance to give themselves some life, but anything other than a victory would mean an early exit. Iran almost struck first when an outward swinging cornerkick would be headed toward goal, but Qatari defender Ahmed El Sayed would head it away. Ashkan Dejagah would then try his luck, but would kick wide left of Qatar's goal. An inswinging corner in the second half would also go wide left. It just looked like Iran was never going to score, like Qatar might earn the draw, or possibly even snatch a victory. But that's when Iran would show some skill. Stealing the ball, Iran would center it to the feet of Sardar Azmoun who would pull off a nifty spin, and beat the keeper one on one with the ball. That 52nd minute strike would be the difference, proving for the 12th time that Iran are the better the side. A spot in the Quarterfinals awaits the Persians, but with just 3 goals from 2 games, one has to wonder if they have the goods to win it all.

Qatar 0:1 Iran

IoannesNix: Qatar 1:1 Iran

Artifex: Qatar 2:2 Iran

Scriptor: Qatar 1:3 Iran

Quaesitor: Qatar 4:1 Iran

Praeceptor: Qatar 1:0 Iran

Yesterday's Bonus Bonanza point falls to Praeceptor. It was a funny answer, but provided many accurate details about Scriptor as well. He does like Redheads, Pizza, and one of those not liking the other is a definite deal breaker.

STANDINGS:

     15/5

     13/2

     12/3

     7/3     YC

     6/2    YC

Just three points separate the top three players. Praeceptor has come on strong and made the jump to Fourth. But Fate has a way of making everything fickle. Today sees Group D play out their second matches, after which we will be into the final four days of the first round. Group Bonus points are up for grabs, so keep an eye out for those standings.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca

Kim Jong-un(happy)

 

Today's opening match saw two teams with a loss each square off. The best case scenario for both teams would have been a draw. A second loss eliminates one team from the tournament. North Korea would start this game hot, like their lives depended on it (cough, cough). A fantastic play saw a pass, a shot, a save from Saudi keeper Waleed Abdullah that bounced out to Korea's Ryang Yong-gi in the 11th minute (the first North Korean goal in an Asian Cup Finals in 23 years). Things were looking good for the North side until the Kingdom came to it's senses. Momentum literally shifted with an errant pass in the midfield that would find Saudi Arabia attacking down the left, passing to the right, and result with Naif Hazazi tying the game in the 37th minute. Mohammed Al Sahlawi would make it 2:1 in the 52nd minute when a shot would bounce off of a Korean defender to his feet. A quick shot beat the keeper and the Green Falcons were flying high. Terrible passing by the defenders and keeper found Sahlawi scoring his second in a wide open goal just two minutes later. A fourth goal almost came later, but with the ball bouncing off the line and up, Korea's Ri Yong-jik would stick his arms up and touch the ball. That's a red card and a penalty kick. Nawaf Al Abid's strike would be saved by Ri Myong-guk, but would hit one post, roll across the line, strike the other post, and bounce out to a waiting Al Abid who would finally make it 4:1. Down 3 goals and 1 man, North Korea have one game left before going back home where life won't get any better.

DPR Korea 1:4 Saudi Arabia

IoannesNix: DPR Korea 1:0 Saudi Arabia

Artifex: DPR Korea 3:0 Saudi Arabia

Scriptor: DPR Korea 2:0 Saudi Arabia

Quaesitor: DPR Korea 1:2 Saudi Arabia

Praeceptor: DPR Korea 2:1 Saudi Arabia

In a rematch from 2011's Asian Cup group games, China was looking for some revenge against 4th place finishers Uzbekistan. A 2-2 draw at the last cup saw China eliminated from the tournament on the last day of group play. The White Wolves would strike first in the 22nd minute when Odil Ahmedov's shot would deflect way up high, and arc over a diving keeper into the top left corner of the goal. The Dragons found themselves 0:1 down, but not out. The tie would come in the second half as a Chinese ball would cross high over the face of goal. Uzbeki keeper Ignatiy Nesterov would jump and try to punch the ball clear, but miss. The ball would find a Chinese player, and with Nesterov out of position, two quick passes to a centered Wu Xi would lead to a goal. Chinese substitute Sun Ke would strike a fabulous goal from distance to beat Nesterov and give the Dragons the lead, win, and top of the group. China have now booked their spot in the quarterfinals with one game left against an eliminated North Korean side. For Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia, life in this tournament comes down to their final game.

China PR 2:1 Uzbekistan

IoannesNix: China PR 1:0 Uzbekistan

Artifex: China PR 3:1 Uzbekistan

Scriptor: China PR 1:3 Uzbekistan

Quaesitor: China PR 3:2 Uzbekistan

Praeceptor: China PR 2:1 Uzbekistan **

North Korea's elimination means that Artifex and Praeceptor have lost one of their finalists, both choosing the side to finish second. Front runner IoannesNix picked the North Koreans to come out of the group, but not to advance past that. It shouldn't hurt her chances too much.

For correctly identifying the stuffed animal to be a Koala, IoannesNix was the recipient of the bonus bonanza point. However, as the question specified, identifying the animal's correct name would steal you the point. Therefore, Praeceptor has successfully named Koali and has stolen the bonus bonanza. ONTO THE STANDINGS!

STANDINGS:

15/5

12/3

9/1

6/2  YC

5/2   YC

Three teams have already been eliminated from the Asian Cup, but reigning World Champion Praeceptor is starting to make her move. She's closed the gap between 4th and 5th to one point. Meanwhile, a double wrong prediction has dropped Scriptor 6 points back of first, leaving a two player race that is separated by 3 points. Bonus Bonanza points may come into play. Good Luck Players.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca

The Half Asian Smile of Robbie Kruse

 

South Korea came into today's matchup with a chance to take first in the group. All they would need is a win against Kuwait and for Australia to draw or lose in the later match. For Kuwait, this was about survival. A second loss would eliminate them from the tournament, leaving a matchup against Oman for pride as a consolation. Korea came out swinging early testing Kuwaiti keeper Hameed Youseff who started the game by deflecting shots. It was in the 36th minute that a crossing ball would find the head of Nam Tae-hee who would redirect off of Yousseff and in. Kuwait would try to come back and almost did when in the second half Ali Al Maqseed's shot would beat Korean keeper Kim Seun-gyu but bounce off the far post. Maqseed almost scored again, finding his shot bending over the corner of the goal and out. Lee Keun-ho could have made it 2:0 but found his header going wide of goal. Substitute Bader Al Mutawa came close to tying the game off of a cheeky back heel but Seun-gyu would make the save. As a result, South Korea have booked a slot in the knockout rounds while Kuwait are making plans to go home.

Kuwait 0:1 Korea Republic

IoannesNix: Kuwait 0:1 Korea Republic **

Artifex: Kuwait 1:2 Korea Republic

Scriptor: Kuwait 0:2 Korea Republic

Quaesitor: Kuwait 3:1 Korea Republic

Praeceptor: Kuwait 1:0 Korea Republic

 

Australia found themselves with a chance to ensure a spot in the knockout rounds. All they needed was a win against Oman, who much like Kuwait were in a must-win scenario. Australian keeper Mat Ryan would be tested early off a corner kick, but would be up to the task of making the save. In the 27th minute Matt McKay would strike the ball up in front of goal beating Omani super keeper Ali Al Habsi. Just three minutes later a lovely through ball would find its way to Robbie Kruse who would coolly swat it past the keeper for a 2:0 lead. It seemed like Australia would be robbed of a third goal when a cross would fall to a wide open Mark Milligan whose volley would find the back of the net. It would be called off, but for a penalty against Oman when a defender brought down an Australian player right in front of goal. Milligan would step up and convert the penalty for the third goal. The fourth and final goal came in the 70th minute when Mathew Leckie's bending cross would find Tomi Juric for the score. The Socceroos would try for more goals, but they didn't need them. At 4:0 Australia sit atop the group with one game left to play. A battle with South Korea will be for top spot in the group, but both teams already know they are through to the Quarterfinals. Oman will try to right the ship and leave with a win when they face Kuwait.

Oman 0:4 Australia

IoannesNix: Oman 0:2 Australia

Artifex: Oman 0:3 Australia

Scriptor: Oman 0:3 Australia

Quaesitor: Oman 1:3 Australia

Praeceptor: Oman 0:1 Australia

Some Notes:

Yesterday's Bonus Bonanza was an open choice question. The best answer befell to Artifex for bigging up Scriptor. Well done.

Australia are the hosts of the Asian Cup, but they aren't actually Asian. A formal change from one association to another has allowed them to be, well, half Asian. IoannesNix is also half Asian, therefore the TSzAL have awarded a bonus point to her.

Kuwait have found their way out of the tournament. As a result, Praeceptor has lost out on one of her Quarterfinalists, but as she did not have Kuwait advancing to the semifinal round, it won't cost her much. As for Quaesitor, he picked the Kuwaitis to finish Fourth. Tough luck, son. 

STANDINGS:

 

           14/5

           11/3

          9/1

          5/2    YC

          1/0    YC

We are approaching the halfway mark of the tournament. The lead at the top seems to be widening. Get on it competitors, or this will be a runaway.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca

Happy Birthday to the Asian Frontrunner!

 

Japan are the reigning and defending Asian Champions from 2011. In that final they beat Australia 1:0 after extra time. Palestine are in their first Asian Championship. You never want to face a seasoned veteran when you make your debut. Though Palestine are everybody's second favorite team, Japan used a 5 step process to beat them. Step 1: Yasuhito Endo would score on a low kicked ball from way outside the box in the 8th minute. Step 2: Shinji Kagawa's shot would deflect off a Shinji Okazaki's head for a goal in the 25th minute. Step 3: Musab Battat would give away a penalty with a foul in the box that Keisuke Honda would convert in the 44th minute. Step 4: Maya Yoshida would score a fourth and decisive goal in the 49th minute. From here on out Palestine would chase the game but get a little sloppy as Ahmed Mahajna would earn a second yellow card which converts to a red card and an automatic ejection. Not the start Palestine wanted, but Japan is set to leave Australia with the trophy they entered with. Unless there is some trouble with Customs.

Japan 4:0 Palestine

IoannesNix: Japan 2:0 Palestine

Artifex: Japan 3:0 Palestine

Scriptor: Japan 5:0 Palestine

Quaesitor: Japan 1:2 Palestine

Praeceptor: Japan 0:1 Palestine

 

Iraq have been known for all the wrong reasons since the 1990's. Truthfully, they've had a storied soccer tradition that keeps getting interrupted by war and dictatorship. They entered this match against regional rivals Jordan. The game was all Jordan in the early stages as the defense and goalkeeper Jalal Hassan did all they could to force Jordan with a 0 on the scoreboard. We also learned that the Iraqi players are quite friendly. Then things would change, as Iraq would start attacking up the field. A shot by Yasser Kasim in the 77th minute would deflect off of a Jordanian defender, and up over the keeper. Anas Bani Yaseen would turn into a bit of an anus when he received his second yellow and a sending off in the 84th minute for Jordan. Six minutes later, up a man and a goal, Iraq would get the three points. For Jordan, game 2 is a must win. For Iraq, they need to up their game if they're going to hang with Japan in this group.

Jordan 0:1 Iraq

IoannesNix: Jordan 1:0 Iraq

Artifex: Jordan 1:2 Iraq

Scriptor: Jordan 2:1 Iraq

Quaesitor: Jordan 3:1 Iraq

Praeceptor: Jordan 2:1 Iraq

Yesterday's Bonus Bonanza asked how many 5K races Scriptor has ran. The answer is 3, good guess Quaesitor. You earn a bonus point.

Also of note, today is IoannesNix's birthday. Happy Birthday Player! As a result the TSzAL have granted her a Birthday Bonus Point. We all hope that you have a great day!

STANDINGS:

9/3

8/2

7/1

4/2    YC

0/0     YC







The Birthday girl is running the show. Meanwhile, Praeceptor has rolled in thinking she is going to dominate like Japan. Well, reigning number 1 in the world, how about you get on with it, then.

Until tomorrow children.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca

This Asian Cup May be in Australia, but Our Little Asian is bringing the Thunder Down Under

 

Group C kicked off action today with the United Arab Emirates facing their rivals Qatar. It's hard to imagine what soccer on sand looks like, but it must have resembled the action on the grass in this game. It was a ping pong battle. A number of goals were scored off of wild action. This game was much like your picks, all over the place and foolish looking. Qatar opened scoring on a save that came back out to former Asian player of the year Khalfan Ibrahim who chipped over an out of position keeper in the 22nd minute. The Emirates would take the game back off of two braces by Ahmed Khalil (37',52') and Ali Mabkhout (56',89') made it 4:1. Qatar will host a World Cup in 2022, so losing an Asian Cup will only hurt their pride. As for UAE, look out Asian powerhouses, this small country of wealthy Arabs is looking to pounce.

United Arab Emirates 4:1 Qatar

Scriptor: United Arab Emirates 2:2 Qatar

Artifex: United Arab Emirates 1:2 Qatar

IoannexNix: United Arab Emirates 0:1 Qatar

Quaesitor: United Arab Emirates 1:2 Qatar

 

The prime time match saw Asia's top ranked team Iran battle Bahrain. Iran showed all the class and skill that UAE and Qatar lacked. They coolly took a 1:0 lead just before halftime off a Ehsan Hajsafi lob just outside the box. They would put the game away in the 71st minute off of a corner kick when Masoud Shojaei would score. It was the All Iran show, which is what a true number one does, unlike our number 1 ranked Praeceptor who has failed to show for this tournament. Onto the results.

Iran 2:0 Bahrain 

Scriptor: Iran 4:0 Bahrain

Artifex: Iran 3:2 Bahrain

IoannesNix: Iran 2:0 Bahrain **

Quaesitor: Iran 0:3 Bahrain

Onto the Bonus Bonanza questions. As IoannesNix answered first, Orange is Scriptor's favorite color. As Artifex answered first, a bison is Scriptor's favorite animal. Quaesitor, good try, but you failed to gain a bonus point, because none of you guessed Scriptor's favorite number is 6 (yes, that number). As a result, Scriptor has gained that bonus point. 

STANDINGS:

 7/2

6/2

6/1

3/1    YC







Low and behold, number one ranked, reigning World Champion Praeceptor has decided to join the contest. I guess being the best in the world means you can be cocky enough to show up late and take out the competition. This Grand Salmon Alpaca is seeing red.

Good luck and good night, contestants. The tournament gets real tomorrow.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca

A Win Gets You Three Points, Three Wins by One Point Get You Six. Aren't Asians Supposed to be Good at Math?

Korea Republic found themselves in fourth place after the 2011 Asian Cup. They needed to start hot on the heels of group rivals Australia with a big win. Unfortunately, this game was all about goalkeepers. Oman's goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi made six strong saves while conceding one, a rebound off of a saved shot that fell to Cho Young-cheol in the 46th minute for a goal. Korea's keeper Kim Jin-hyeon made a fantastic save off of a corner that forced the ball up, off the crossbar, and away from goal. But the match ended in Korea's favor giving the Warriors their three points.

  
Korea Republic 1:0 Oman

Scriptor: Korea Republic 4:0 Oman
Artifex: Korea Republic 2:1 Oman
IoannesNix: Korea Republic 2:1 Oman
Quaesitor: Korea Republic 2:1 Oman

Uzbekistan are the defending third place finalists from Asian Cup 2011. They opened up their 2015 campaign against DPR Korea. For those who don't know, that's North Korea. The top secret, dictatorship of a pseudo-nation don't have much to bring to an international stage, but they do have more World Cup appearances than Uzbekistan. This match was all Uzbekistan. No, the belief that a loss for North Korea means that they die does not justify picking them for winners (IoannesNix and Quaesitor). And though ties may mean that their families go to concentration camps, that was a risky call Artifex. Reality is that Igor Sergeev scored in the 62nd minute to give Uzbekistan the lead. North Korea did give their rivals a scare when a corner came in hot at the goal, but keeper Ignatiy Nesterov saved the game for his side.

Uzbekistan 1:0 DPR Korea

Scriptor: Uzbekistan 3:0 DPR Korea
Artifex: Uzbekistan 2:2 DPR Korea
IoannesNix: Uzbekistan 0:2 DPR Korea
Quaesitor: Uzbekistan 1:3 DPR Korea

Saudi Arabia and China met to kick off their campaigns for Asian Champions. The Saudi's were a powerhouse in the region back in the late 80's and early 90's. They're trying to regain that power. China dominated the athletic events of the 2008 Olympic Games. Winning an Asian Championship would help justify the superiority of China the government wishes the world to know. China gave themselves a scare as Ren Hang would give away a penalty kick in the 61st minute. Up for the challenge was China's keeper Wan Dalei would guess right and keep out a weak attempt by Saudi striker Naif Hazazi. Yu Hai would score off of a free kick that deflected off the wall and in at the 81st minute mark. As they say, things happen in threes, and for the third time today the score ended 1 to 0.

Saudi Arabia 0:1 China PR

Scriptor: Saudi Arabia 1:2 China PR
Artifex: Saudi Arabia 1:2 China PR
IoannesNix: Saudi Arabia 1:2 China PR
Quaesitor: Saudi Arabia 0:2 China PR

As a note, Quaesitor's declaration of being in the for the children has garnered him a bonus point. Though, if he means he is in it to win children, that's not how this works. In which case, you will be docked many, many points.

Also, Artifex won the first of today's bonus bonanza points. Congratulations contestant. On to the standings.

STANDINGS:

4/0

4/1

3/0

3/1     YC






Things are picking up fast, so get some rest. Day three happens while we sleep.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca.

It's Not Polite to Scare the Hosts

 

 The 2011 edition of the AFC Asian Cup saw the hosts Qatar lose their opening match to Uzbekistan 0-2. Australia were trying not to repeat, but when you host a party and someone shows up in a nicer dress than yours, you can start to panic. It took just 8 minutes for Kuwait's Hussain Fadhel to score off a low corner and put the Socceroos down 1-0. Look, sometimes you have to work before your party. So when you get home and the guests start to arrive you need a moment or two to just get in your groove. You know, you just need about a half hour and several shots to get you going. So it is in soccer, because in the 33rd minute Tim Cahill would blast in the tying shot, and the game would turn. Just 11 minutes later, one of the shortest men on the field, Massimo Luongo, would put a header past the keeper that gave Australia a 2-1 lead. They wouldn't squander it. The second half opened up dodgy until Mile Jedinak blasted a penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Just to put the icing on the cake, James Triosi would add a decisive fourth goal in extra time. The good news for Kuwait is that they still have two more games to write the ship. The great news for Australia, they're in control of Group A.

Australia 4:1 Kuwait

Scriptor: Australia 3:0 Kuwait

Artifex: Australia 2:1 Kuwait

IoannesNix: Australia 3:1 Kuwait

STANDINGS:

1/0

1/0

1/0

The Host Nation got the win that they needed. Our three players are all in a tie. But have no fear, there is plenty more tournament to come.

The Grand Salmon Alpaca

Asian Cup Picks

Step 1: Go to this link and download the spreadsheet.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwLeiTKgap3nNUc5MEFNUEFaRlk/view?usp=sharing

Step 2: If you have a spreadsheet program fill in the spreadsheet, and then upload it onto the Facebook TSzAL page. Instructions for filling in the spreadsheet on your computer are as follows. For teams in column C, write their score in column B next to them. For teams in column E, write their score in column F next to them. Predict the score for all games in the group. Standings and other pertinent information will automatically fill with the correct information. When all the games in a group are finished you will pick the team with the most Points in column E as the group winner. The runner up is the team with the second highest point total in Column E. If there is a tie between teams in terms of points, you use column F, goal differential, as the first tie breaker. The team with the higher goal differential is ranked higher. Should there still be a tie, use column G, Goals For, to break the tie. The team with more Goals For should be higher ranked. If there is still a tie, ask for assistance. Once you have determined who has Won the group and who is runner up, go to the tab titled "Playoffs". Fill the brackets by putting your Group A winner next to 1A. Your group B runner up goes to 2A. Once you've filled all the slots, pick a winner. Write the score for each team next to that team's name. Continue doing so for all games until you have a winner. The losers of the matches under column C go into a third place playoff. Be sure to pick a winner for that match.

If you do not have a spreadsheet program, print out the brackets, and fill them in the same way. The TSzAL will assist you. Please ask for help.

Step 3: Go to the TSzAL group page on Facebook and upload your spreadsheet document there. If there are any issues, you will be notified. 

As a member of the very day of the anniversary