ISML 2014: Asuna wins Emerald Necklace Date A Live divide give Yuuki the prize, Yui claims Anklet By Jo-Ryan Salazar The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue July 25, 2014
When Asuna Yuuki heard the news that she won the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Necklace, she high-fived the embraced her husband, Kazuto Kirigaya, and their designated daughter Yui, who also won the Emerald Anklet. Yuuki finished with with 1705 votes for a score calculation of 139.552.
"It's a great victory, what more can I say?" said Yuuki at her press conference in Tokyo. "No, I think it's an honor to be dominant in this competition because I have something the fans around the world like. So I want to thank my supporters for pushing me and Yui over the top. This victory is for them. I also want to thank Kirito, for being the wonderful foundation in my life. I owe a lot to him, more than anything."
Mashiro Shiina won 1326 votes for a score calculation of 122.749. "Tough defeat, but being in a division like the Stella, I was going to be at a disavantage because of people like Mikoto [Misaka], Ruri [Gokou] and Kanade [Tachibana]," Shiina said. "I will simply take the loss and move on."
Kotori Itsuka only won 934 votes and finished third in the necklace score calculation at 111.951. "The Topaz is our last chance to make an impact," Itsuka admitted at a press conference in Tokyo. "I think the popularity of me, Yoshino and Kurumi [Tokisaki] made it difficult for any of us to win a necklace this year."
Tokisaki, who won 1398 votes for a score calculation of 102.206, echoed those sentiments. "We'll be hard-pressed to win the Topaz because Mashiro has yet to win a necklace and she may as well come in as the favorite to take that," Tokisaki said. "We just can't get over the hump in this league."
Yoshino had only 648 votes but finished fifth in the score calculation with 101.173. "I don't get this competition," said Yoshino through her interpreter, Yoshinon. "How do any of us from Date A Live still come up empty when it comes to these necklaces? We seem to be overlooked at will by these voters. They must have some agenda against us."
Taiga Aisaka, an already accomplished veteran of the league, did not sense any agenda. Aisaka had 875 votes for a score of 94.683. "This has to be frustrating for Date A Live but the power level among the top three is so diluted that a clear-cut favorite can't be determined," Aisaka said. "There are other options out there like Asuna and Mashiro. It becomes easier for the voters. They want their vote to matter. I know. I've been there."
Azusa Nakano was last, scoring 789 votes for a necklace score calculation of 87.183. "Obviously I was going to come in as an underdog in this match but it's nice to know that I'm still relevant in this competition," Nakano said. "But the new faces are holding their own, so the balance of power is cyclical. Soon, I won't be in this competition anymore. It's important that I enjoy my time here while I still can."
Yui won the Emerald Anklet with 1294 votes. Konjiki no Yami was second with 1106 votes, Origami Tobiichi was third with 1021 votes, Sena Kashiwazaki had 913 votes, Charlotte Dunois won 811 votes, Gaqua du Lot Herminium won 697 votes and Touka Takanashi held up the rear with 696 votes.
"I'm happy that I won something!" exclaimed Yui at the press conference with Yuuki. "I don't think I will win anything else this year, so I will accept this prize as a reward for all the hard work I've done this season, even though I might not be in the postseason picture."
In the first of two other exhibitions, Eco was first with 1466 votes. Hitsugi Kirigaya was second with 1142 votes, Escha Mailer was third with 1003 votes, Akane Mahougasawa won 918 votes, Suzu Nekoyama won 839 votes, Yuzuki Kurebayashi won 658 votes and Miyuki Nanase was last with 419 votes.
In the second exhibition, Aria Holmes Kanzaki won 1324 votes. Takane Enomoto was second with 1277 votes, Ai Shindow was third with 1123 votes, Cthugha won 981 votes, You Kasukabe won 960 vores, Frey won 853 votes and Kotori Takatori held up the rear with 675 votes.
TOP 16, Nova Division
1. Kotori Itsuka
2. Yoshino
3. Kurumi Tokisaki
4. Kuroyukihime (RUB)
5. Asuna Yuuki (EM)
6. Rikka Takanashi
7. Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi
8. Eru Chitanda
9. Nanami Aoyama
10. Tohka Yatogami
11. Shinka Nibutani
12. Kurousagi
13. Azusa Azuki
14. Yukino Yukinoshita
15. Yaya
16. Momo Velia Deviluke
TOP 16, Stella Division
1. Mikoto Misaka (AQ)
2. Kanade Tachibana (AM)
3. Ruri Gokou (C)
4. Mashiro Shiina
5. Taiga Aisaka
6. Ayase Aragaki
7. Eucliwood Hellscythe
8. Shana
9. Azusa Nakano
10. Mio Akiyama
11. Yui-nyan
12/ Inori Yuzuriha
13. Kobato Hasegawa
14. Yuri Nakamura
15. Saber
16. Konjiki no Yami
Match Day 1 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Topaz Period is scheduled for August 3, 2014. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate. And keep it right here on InternationalSaimoe.com for continuing coverage of the world's premier anime character competition...the International Saimoe League!
ARENA 03: [Kasukabe Yō] Frey Cthugha Shindō Ai Kanzaki H. Aria Enomoto Takane Takatori Kotori
Winning Margin: By <=600
Over/Under: 10000
Over
ARENA 04: Yui Tobiichi Origami Takanashi Tōka Haqua du Lot Herminium Charlotte Dunois [Konjiki no Yami] Kashiwazaki Sena
Winning Margin: By <=600
Over/Under: 10000
Over
Miyuki Shiba, who qualified for the 2014 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament, talked with the current Saimoe Prime Minister of Japan and defending AST champion, Madoka Kaname, over lunch in Mitakihara Town, Japan.
Miyuki: Madoka, do you ever get tired of this?
Madoka: (laughter) I wish I did. No, I never do. I mean, since I've already made it to the top, I approach this tournament as just fun and games because this is my last-around along with Homura-chan and all the others, and I don't get anything out of reelection but if it happens it happens. But I now play in this for fun, and that's good.
Miyuki: Tell me about your time as the Saimoe Prime Minister.
Madoka: I attend a lot of events, convene over special meetings involving the finest young women across the country and the world, and I do a lot of PR events. But I've had time to focus on my studies and prepare for university, because Homura-chan told me that growing up involves getting a good education and doing well in school. So there's that.
Miyuki: You always mention Homura, as in Homura Akemi, right?
Madoka: Yes.
Miyuki: Have you settled your differences with her regarding ideals and all that?
Madoka: We have. Every good couple is balanced. Co-existing harmoniously is key to making a relationship balanced and strong. I uplift her spirits, she keeps me humble. I learn from her, she learns from me. I could never hate Homura-chan completely because I need her like she needs me. It's a beautiful thing, you know?
Miyuki: Who do you think deserves to take over for you next year?
Madoka: Um...that's a pretty good question. I'm friends with everybody from the idol group mu's. I like their personality, their genuine approach to life, and they did perform at a number of functions that I attended. My personal favorite is Nico, if only for the twin tails. But she has a mindset similar to me in a number of ways and she sometimes asks me for advice.
Miyuki: What do you think of the new system of determining who wins the seat?
Madoka: Anything to help the election organizers draw more interest in this race helps, and they know that people need to come out and vote, but set out the field in a firm and fair process. That's what it boils down to.
Miyuki: Do you think Homura sabotaged her chances of making an impact in this race by sealing part of your powers and using it for her own?
Madoka: Homura-chan explained to me why she did it, and at first I didn't approve of it but eventually I came to accept it and then embrace it because I'm still here and I was given this chance to govern this country for one year. But it may not be so much Homura-chan's undoing as it is the past several years, you know? Because my team and everyone from Saki, including some friends of mine who play mahjong like Nodocchi and Shizuno, they have been dominating the race the past several years. So it's really unfair to say that Homura's choice to change the rules negatively impacted her chances to win this thing directly. It's recent history overall that make the voters do their own Rebellion Story and we're seeing that right now.
Miyuki: Do you think, in your heart, Homura should win this race for the Saimoe Prime Minister's Office?
Madoka: I imagine being the universe's watchdog is already enough work for her and Homura-chan thinks like a full-time mama because of all the loops, so she wouldn't gain anything, really, from winning this. Really, though, I won't know if my suspicions are right until Saturday, when she faces many of the greats from Saki.
Miyuki: Since you and Homura are concepts at the very heart of things, have you ever thought of having kids?
Madoka: Well, first, they'd all be girls. (laughter)
Miyuki: That's true.
Madoka: Second, one child is enough. Third, she'd be the concept of humanity.
Miyuki: Really?
Madoka: Yep. And finally, I'd name her Honoka, a combination of our names and also named after Honoka Kousaka, a good friend of mine from mu's. She'll grow up to be a good singer and tour the world and be famous.
Miyuki: But she won't be a magical girl, right?
Madoka: No contracts.
Miyuki: There have been lower vote totals among the new entrants, myself included. As for you, you're getting more votes, along with other veterans in this process. Are us new faces this bad?
Madoka: I believe every girl deserves a chance and a look. Some people, like Ai Haibara, really have no business being in this competition and yet the voters put her on. Those are the anons, who, I suspect, have been voting in this competition since its inception about a decade ago. I look up to Ai. She reminds me of Mami-san in a way because of her wiseness beyond her years. But really though, the big names come from my pools. They come from Saki's pools. All the veterans have made a bigger impact than the new entrants because the names resonate better.
Miyuki: Finally, where do you think you will finish in your preliminary group?
Madoka: Upper middle. Not top three, but maybe in the middle, along with the usual suspects from Saki and Teru-san. My stock has dropped, but not by much, and I'm fine with that. I head into this new race with dignity and a smile.
ISML 2014: Field set for Emerald Necklace match By Jo-Ryan Salazar July 21, 2014
Match Day 7 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period concluded, and we have our seven contestants that will be vying for the Emerald Necklace. Let's first take a look at the results from Emerald 7
NOVA DIVISION
In the Nova Division, Azusa Azuki routed Ririchiyo Shirakiin 3483-2586, Eru Chitanda thumped Mirai Kuriyama 3765-2416, Suguha Kirigaya defeated Laura Bodewig 3285-2716, Kotori Itsuka prevailed over Kuroyukihime 3534-3022, Origami Tobiichi pummeled Karuta Roromiya 3867-2413 and Chocolat crushed Haqua du Lot Herminium 3448-2468.
Misaki Shokuhou defeated Yukina Himeragi 3208-2885, Kurousagi bounced past Tohka Yatogami 3343-2990, Touka Takanashi whipped past Shiori Shiomiya 3244-2923, Yui overcame Charlotte Belew 3390-2722, Shinka Nibutani took down Yukino Yukinoshita 3362-2960 and Rin Natsume won a 3114-3086 thriller over Sanae Dekomori.
Wrapping up Nova play, Noumi Kudryavka took down Nyarlathotep 2999-2926, Yoshino prevailed over Kurimi Tokisaki 3299-3237, Nanami Aoyama hammered Mikan Yuuki 3721-2424, Asuna Yuuki drilled Rikka Takanashi 3777-3007, Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi romped past Yaya 3471-2736 and Momo Velia Deviluke cruised past Furano Yukihira 3117-2556.
STELLA DIVISION
In the Stella Division, Yui-nyan edged out Sena Kashiwazaki 3235-3195, Azusa Nakano romped past Shana 3374-3177, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted defending champion Ruri Gokou 4093-2940, Shinobu Oshino defeated Hinagiku Katsura 3180-2788, Yuki Nagato took down Shouko Kirishima 3256-2751 and Saber slashed past Illyasviel von Einzbern 3401-2422.
Sora Kasugano scored the Upset of the Round: a 3410-2762 result over Charlotte Dunois, Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Ayase Aragaki 3915-2693, Last Order stomped on Hitagi Senjougahara 3446-2739, Kirino Kousaka punched Nadeko Sengoku 3410-2753, Mashiro Shiina leveled Eucliwood Hellscythe 3482-3031 and Yui Hirasawa rocked Victorique de Blois 3169-2860.
Wrapping up Stella play, Kurise Makise punched out Masami Iwasawa 3300-2688, Inori Yuzuriha routed Konjiki no Yami 3513-2605, Meiko Honma prevailed over Meiko Honma 3054-2907, Yuri Nakamura won the closest match of the night: a 3108-3098 barnburner over Kobato Hasegawa, Taiga Aisaka roared over Mio Akiyama 3321-3229 and Haruhi Suzumiya dominated 3667-2469.
In exhibition play, Miyuki Shiba pounded Tokaku Azuma 3860-1886, while Köinzell defeated Johan Liebert 2166-1049.
Bedlam on Baltic Avenue
ISML 2014 Ruby Necklace Odds
As of July 21, 2014
Asuna Yuuki EVEN
Mashiro Shiina 2-1
Kotori Itsuka 4-1
Taiga Aisaka 7-1
Yoshino 10-1
Azusa Nakano 25-1
Kurumi Tokisaki 50-1
Match Day 8 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period is scheduled for July 24, 2014. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
ISML 2014: Emerald continues as 2channel AST Kicks Off By Jo-Ryan Salazar July 18, 2014
While the 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament kicked off in Japan, Match Day 6 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period concluded. Kuroyukihime leads the Nova Division and Mikoto Misaka leads the Stella Division but both already have necklaces, so the field for the necklace match is close to being set. Let's take a look at the results from Emerald 6.
NOVA DIVISION
In the Nova Division, Suguha Kirigaya defeated Furano Yukihira 2317-2054, Haqua du Lot Herminium prevailed over Noumi Kudryavka 2176-1934, Mirai Kuriyama cruised past Karuta Roromiya 2271-1886, Azusa Azuki rolled past Nyarlathotep 2443-1822, Kurousagi bounced past Laura Bodewig 2539-1672 and Yui took out Ririchiyo Shirakiin 2487-1926.
Asuna Yuuki defeated Eru Chitanda 2482-2230, Sanae Dekomori edged Misaki Shokuhou 2305-2221, Kotori Itsuka routed Shinka Nibutani 2745-1971, Yukino Yukinoshita trounced Chocolat 2498-1704, Kuroyukihime flew past Tohka Yatogami 2598-2006 and Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Nanami Aoyama 2619-2096.
Wrapping up Nova play, Yoshino annihilated Momo Velia Deviluke 2755-1723, Rin Natsume scored the Upset of the Round: a 2369-2114 victory over Touka Takanashi 2369-2114, Mikan Yuuki defeated Shiori Shiomiya 2408-1624, Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi scored the closest victory of the day: a 2297-2238 nailbiter over Rikka Takanashi, Yaya punched Charlotte Belew 2595-1352 and Origami Tobiiichi defeated Yukina Himeragi 2251-2001.
STELLA DIVISION
In the Stella Division, Saber slashed past Shouko Kirishima 2558-1779, Mashiro Shiina routed Kurisu Makise 2790-1799, Charlotte Dunois crushed Yozora Mikazuki 2407-1695, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Haruhi Suzumiya 2936-1666, Mio Akiyama boomed past Hitagi Senjougahara 2451-1908 and defending champion Ruri Gokou ran past Kirino Kousaka 2946-1487.
Kobato Hasegawa defeated Sora Kasugano 2349-1872, Konjiki no Yami prevailed over Hinagiku Katsura 2186-1926, Yui Hirasawa rocked Nadeko Sengoku 2227-2028, Ayase Aragaki defeated Taiga Aisaka 2470-2305, Sena Kashiwazaki trampled over Illyasviel von Einzbern 2362-1949 and Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Yui Nagato 2362-1949.
Wrapping up Stella play, Inori Yuzuriha whipped past Yuri Nakamura 2659-2028, Shinobu Oshino chomped up Erio Touwa 2193-1785, Last Order defeated Masami Iwasawa 2470-1908, Azusa Nakano romped past Victorique de Blois 2622-1721, Shana torched Yui=nyan 2389-2296 and Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Meiko Honma 3252-1266.
In a battle between two expected power in the 2channel AST, Rize Tedeza prevailed over Mami Tomoe 2066-1904. In the other exhibition, Starship Ezekiel defeated Saya 1708-1490.
Match Day 7 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period is scheduled for July 20, 2014. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
ISML 2014: Eru, Kanade continue to lead Emerald By Jo-Ryan Salazar July 17, 2014
Match Day 5 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period concluded yesterday, and Eru Chitanda still leads the Nova Division while Kanade Tachibana stay afloat the Stella. With two days to go, this is where the separation begins. So let's take a look at action from Emerald 5.
NOVA DIVISION
In the Nova Division, Yui prevailed over Origami Tobiichi, 2101-2066, Yukino Yukinoshita defeated Rin Natsume 2296-1619, Ririchiyo Shirakiin scored the Upset of the Round: a 2143-1855 result over Mirai Kuriyama, Yaya routed Noumi Kudryavka 2338-1556, Kurousagi bounced past Yukina Himeragi 2382-1463 and Nanami Aoyama blew apart Karuta Roromiya 2663-1366.
Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Nyarlathotep 2938-1315, Mikan Yuuki whipped past Furano Yukihira 2150-1626, Shinka Nibutani drubbed Charlotte Belew 2600-1496, Kotori Itsuki demolished Sanae Dekomori 2914-1361, Rikka Takanashi crushed Momo Velia Deviluke 2482-1684 and Suguha Kirigaya won the closest match of the night: a 2049-2004 thriller over Haqua du Lot Herminium.
Wrapping up Nova play, Yoshino thundered past Touka Takanashi 2713-1566, Tohka Yatogami pulverized Laura Bodewig 2631-1437, Eru Chitanda hammered Shiori Shiomiya 2511-1463, Asuna Yuuki slashed past Misaki Shokuhou 2714-1545, Kuroyukihime flew past Azusa Azuki 2392-1779 and Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi romped past Chocolat 2550-1440.
STELLA DIVISION
In the Stella Division, Kobato Hasegawa crushed Shouko Kirishima 2372-1554, Azusa Nakano romped past Erio Touwa 2547-1487, Yui-nyan rocked Kurisu Makise 2170-1946, Charlotte Dunois defeated Yui Hirasawa 2284-1860, Sena Kashiwazaki trampled over Nadeko Sengoku 2292-1589 and Konjiki no Yami cruised past Masami Iwasawa 2374-1597.
Inori Yuzuriha took out Yuki Nagato 2417-1701, Ayase Aragaki defeated Saber 2374-1904, Shana torched Meiko Honma 2872-1266, Yuri Nakamura gunned down Haruhi Suzumiya 2345-1854, Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Illyasviel von Einzbern 2475-1561 and Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Victorique de Blois 2930-1220.
Wrapping up Stella play, Shinobu Oshino defeated Last Order 2302-1841, defending champion Ruri Gokou ran past Sora Kasugano 2763-1459, Mio Akiyama boomed past Yozora Mikazuki 2651-1415, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Hitagi Senjougahara 2897-1321, Taiga Aisaka roared past Kirino Kousaka 2564-1720 and Mashiro Shiina took Hinagiku Katsura to the cleaners 2790-1343.
In exhibition action, Jibril ran it up on Chaika Trabant 2920-974 while Mare S. Ephemeral also ran it up on Hanako Ikezawa, albeit by a more modest scoreline: 1998-916.
Match Day 6 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period is scheduled for today, July 17. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
ISML 2014: Eru, Kanade head Emerald By Jo-Ryan Salazar July 14, 2014
Match Day 4 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period concluded, and Eru Chitanda leads the Nova Division while Kanade Tachibana is at the head of the Stella Division. There were also a number of close races that took place. With the 2channel Anime Saimoe Tournament nearing its start, we take a look at results from Emerald 4.
NOVA DIVISION
In the Nova Division, Azusa Azuki defeated Suguha Kirigaya 2455-1895, Yukino Yukinoshita drubbed Mirai Kuriyama 2453-1742, Asuna Yuuki routed Shiori Shiomiya 2909-1529, Kurumi Tokisaki gunned down Charlotte Belew 3084-1201, Kotori Itsuka dismantled Karuta Roromiya 2948-1391 and Momo Velia Deviluke edged Yui 2189-2054.
Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi romped past Yukina Himeragi 2416-1788, Nanami Aoyama drubbed Rin Natsume 2626-1570, Shinka Nibutani rolled past Furano Yukihira 2662-1589, Origami Tobiichi won a 2145-2119 thriller over Misaki Shokuhou, Rikka Takanashi annihilated Laura Bodewig 2731-1623 and Kuroyukihime flew past Chocolat 2692-1616.
Wrapping up Nova action, Yoshino cruised past Yaya 2512-1804, Tohka Yatogami slammed Noumi Kudryavka 2632-1630, Kurousagi bounced past Mikan Yuuki 2342-1786, Eru Chitanda leveled Ririchiyo Shirakiin 2548-1642, Sanae Dekomori won a 2174-2148 barnburner over Haqua du Lot Herminium and Touka Takanashi defeated Nyarlathotep 2315-1931.
STELLA DIVISION
In the Stella Division, Taiga Aisaka roared past Victorique de Blois 2785-1459, Azusa Nakano romped past Sena Kashiwazaki 2382-2072, Shana torched Hitagi Senjougahara 2572-1742, Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Yozora Mikazuki 3211-1198, defending champion Ruri Gokou ran past Erio Touwa 2976-1388 and Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Masami Iwasawa 2798-1466.
Inori Yuzuriha pummeled Hinagiku Katsura 2463-1710, Saber slashed past Meiko Honma 2578-1604, Mashiro Shiina routed Shouko Kirishima 3011-1331, Yui-nyan rocked Sora Kasugano 2442-1808, Kurisu Makise won the closest match of the night: a 2225-2211 nailbiter over Yui Hirasawa and Kobato Hasegawa prevailed over Konjiki no Yami 2136-2011.
Wrapping up Stella play, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Nadeko Sengoku 3078-1305, Yuki Nagato defeated Charlotte Dunois 2274-1922, Ayase Aragaki defeated Mio Akiyama 2387-2061, Yuri Nakamura gunned down Illyasviel von Einzbern 2355-1920, Shinobu Oshino scored the Upset of the Round: a 2250-2111 victory over Haruhi Suzumiya and Kirino Kousaka defeated Last Order 2350-2094.
In exhibition play, Kaguya Yamai crushed Sahoto Ashisu 2489-1499 and Kagari defeated Setsumi Sakura 1757-1117.
Match Day 5 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period is scheduled for July 15, 2014. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
Germany are the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ champions, lifting the Trophy for the fourth time in their history after overcoming Argentina 1-0 courtesy of an extra-time goal by Mario Gotze at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
The substitute settled a tie that was in the balance from the first minute until the last with a finish of startling composure given the circumstances, pressure and surroundings. His strike proved the difference, with Argentina unable to respond in what little time remained, adding another star to the Europeans' crest following their triumphs in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
A naturally frenetic beginning to the encounter brought an early sight of goal for Gonzalo Higuain. The genesis of the chance was actually a Germany free-kick, with rapid pressure from Ezequiel Lavezzi on the loose ball ultimately forcing an opportunity for his team-mate, who sought the far left corner with a low drive from an acute angle but dragged the effort wide.
Initial Nationalmannschaft dominance in possession petered out before the quarter-hour and, in succession, Lionel Messi, Pablo Zabaleta and Philipp Lahm were left bemoaning a lack of reachable targets inside the danger zone as they carefully picked out crosses from wide.
Neither participant in the finest opening of the first 20 minutes had anybody to blame but himself. Toni Kroos miscalculated a header back to his goalkeeper, merely finding Higuain unmarked and uncatchable. The Argentina forward seemed a certain scorer as he bounded towards Manuel Neuer but contrived to instead hook a right-foot shot off target to the left.
With 30 minutes on the clock, the Albiceleste No9 did put the ball into the net, but luck continued to desert the South Americans as the officials rightly adjudged him offside. After collecting a pass in freedom on the right flank, Lavezzi had swept a vicious centre along the corridor of the Germany penalty box to Higuain, who expertly guided home first time with a side-foot. But the flag was correctly raised and it remained goalless.
A moment later, Andre Schurrle was introduced by Joachim Low in place of the injured Christoph Kramer, who himself had been named in the starting XI at the last moment following an issue in the warm-up for Sami Khedira. The Chelsea attacker was involved almost immediately, controlling a Thomas Muller delivery and quickly blasting at goal only for Sergio Romero to pull off a save.
Though Germany largely contained Messi in the first half, the Barcelona superstar caused alarm before the break when he galloped along the right touchline and to the near post before being crowded out by a combination of defence and goalkeeper. At the other end, composed hold-up play by Miroslav Klose teed up Kroos for a shot that was simple for Romero.
There was still time in an absorbing period for defender Benedikt Howedes to thunder a header from Kroos’ precise corner against Argentina’s right post, with Muller ruled offside as he attempted to acrobatically send in a rebound from close range.
When the two sides returned after the break, Alejandro Sabella had decided on a change, with Sergio Aguero replacing Lavezzi in an advanced position. They started the brighter too and, as previously with Higuain, Messi dispatched a shot off his strongest foot wide of the far post from a narrow angle, having been found by a cute Lucas Biglia pass.
Trademark movement from the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, Klose, married with a lofted Lahm cross but the striker's header was little trouble to Romero. With each passing minute, the match became increasingly stretched, with neither team yielding in their attacking ambitions.
Enzo Perez was somewhat fortunate to pick out talisman Messi in the 75th minute, prompting the 27-year-old to arc around a series of German challenges at the outer edge of the area. The strike was always coming but when the No10 did unleash a curler and the massed ranks of Argentinians in attendance drew breath, it skewed harmlessly off target.
Back at the other end, Mesut Ozil was accurate in passing across the field to the onrushing Kroos, who realised the need to hit the ball instantly as opponents closed in. However, Romero was able to watch his cool side-foot drift wide. The Albiceleste goalkeeper was then equally comfortable in keeping out a Gotze daisy-cutter, heralding extra time in Rio.
The pace from the outset of the additional period was relentless; Schurrle smacked straight at the keeper, Aguero looked for a colleague from the left at the conclusion of a counter-attack and saw none, while substitute Rodrigo Palacio looped the ball over Neuer but lost control after taking down a fine Marcos Rojo inswinger in space.
Then, with seven minutes of the 120 remaining, the decisive moment arrived. Schurrle bulldozed past three Argentina defenders on the left flank, drawing Sabella’s charges out of shape and clipping over them to Gotze. The 22-year-old’s technique was exquisite, cushioning the ball on his chest and volleying at an awkward height, finding the far corner of the net to write his name into German and World Cup football folklore.
ISML 2014: Tohka, Haruhi lead Emerald By Jo-Ryan Salazar July 11, 2014
Tohka Yatogami and Haruhi Suzumiya lead the Nova and Stella Divisions after Match Day 3 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period. Three of the 15 contestants that are unbeaten are ineligible for the Necklace Match, so the field is starting to narrow a bit. Here are the results from Emerald 3.
NOVA DIVISION
In the Nova Division, Kurousagi bounced past Touka Takanashi 2541-1651, Yaya cruised past Yui 2310-1899, Shiori Shiomiya defeated Laura Bodewig 2056-1807, Nanami Aoyama routed Sanae Dekomori 2798-1462. Rikka Takanashi dismantled Ririchiyo Shirakiin 2579-1657 and Kotori Itsuka annihilated Noumi Kudryavka 2959-1319.
Mikan Yuuki won a 2083-2037 nailbiter over Suguha Kirigaya, Chocolat defeated Karuta Roromiya 2101-1876, Mirai Kuriyama stormed past Haqua du Lot Herminium 2194-1832, Kuroyukihime flew past Furano Yukihira 2831-1383, Tsukiko Tsutsukakushi romped past Azusa Azuki 2356-1547 and Yoshino drilled Charlotte Belew 2827-1341.
Wrapping up Nova play, Tohka Yatogami slashed past Momo Velia Deviluke 2438-1721, Yukino Yukinoshita bowled past Origami Tobiiichi 2349-1829, Eru Chitanda thumped Misaki Shokuhou 2653-1614, Shinka Nibutani ran over Nyarlathotep 2568-1594, Asuna Yuuki outdueled Yukina Himeragi 2779-1478 and Kurumi Tokisaki gunned down Rin Natsume 2937-1437.
STELLA DIVISION
In the Stella Division, Mashiro Shiina routed Charlotte Dunois 2907-1309, Kobato Hasegawa prevailed over Kurisu Makise 2213-2002, Sora Kasugano won the closest race of the night, a 1994-1962 snoozer over Hinagiku Katsura, Yui-nyan rocked Nadeko Sengoku 2553-1587, Taiga Aisaka roared past Masami Iwasawa 2837-1472 and Mio Akiyama boomed past Meiko Honma 2475-1677.
Yuri Nakamura shot down Erio Touwa 2563-1602, Illyasviel von Einzbern scored the Upset of the Round: a 2048-1842 decision over Victorique de Blois, Konjiki no Yami defeated Yuki Nagato 2142-1974, Haruhi Suzumiya prevailed over Sena Kashiwazaki 2159-2155, Shana torched Shouki Kirishima 2649-1698 and Eucliwood Hellscythe silenced Yui Hirasawa 2579-1705.
Wrapping up Stella play, Inori Yuzuriha routed Yozora Mikazuki 2686-1468, Azusa Nakano romped past Kirino Kousaka 2547-1654, Ayase Aragaki whipped past Hitagi Senjougahara 2609-1675, Kanade Tachibana sliced and diced Saber 2917-1453, Mikoto Misaka electrocuted Last Order 3011-1089 and defending champion Ruri Gokou ran past Shinobu Oshino 2774-1550.
In exhbition play, Chino Kafuu defeated Erza Scarlet 2286-1590 while Amane Suou ripped apart Sara Matsunaga 2019-638.
Match Day 4 of the 2014 International Saimoe League Emerald Period is scheduled for July 13, 2014. Vote for your favorite candidates at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.
