NationStates Jolt Archive

SUPERCUP SET TO BEGIN

http://home.c2i.net/monsalvat/grailsml.jpg

The Supercup is all set to go. There are 10 teams this time around, 8 who didn't qualify for the World Cup, and two who are making appearances after absences (Brazillico and Tranquillitis, the latter because I needed an even number).

Kaze Progressa was nice enough to help out with a scores generator for Excel, making things quite easy for me, and I've made a few edits to it to fit a football setting (he sent me a Field Hockey one of his). Each team gets 10 attacks. A random number (up to 900, my test runs were yielding insane scores like 8-3 and 6-2) is given, with each team given a defensive number, decided by your rank (800-rank). Each attack compares the number to your opponents defensive number. If the number is larger, there's a goal. If not, no goal is scored. The rank is the post WCX qualifying rank, and since the lowest rank is Iansisle at 51, both the Moose and Brazillico will share my post-WC9 qualifying rank of 62.

For RP bonus, it will be quite simple. RP, you get an extra attack. Don't RP, you won't get an extra attack. This will be made on a match to match basis: I'll give a day before putting up scores for the first match (up until about 5 Central time on December 18th, (Central is GMT -6). Just a simple roster post or a few lines about how your team is excited to play, is all that's really required. Please post at least 5 lines, and try to put a bit of effort into them.

Here are the Venues:

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/united_kingdom/england/london/london_stamford_bridge.jpg
Eriksbergs Stadion
Location: Eriksberg
Description: Located in the Imperial Capital of Tranquillitis, Eriksberg Stadionet is home to Riksdag IF in the Tranquillitis Elitserien. Seating 53,000 people, it is the stadium used for the Moose national team's matches, and is the official national stadium of the Empire.


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/france/ile_de_france/saint_denis2.jpg
Gårdenstadion
Location: Karlsgården
Description: The Gårdenstadion is located in the western fringes of Karlsgården, located in northern Tranquillitis. About an hour drive from the capital, the stadium hosts the Elitserien club Karlsgården IF, and is a state-of-the-art facility. It seats 42,449 people, and is one of the newer stadiums in the country.


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/spain/valencian_community/valencia_mestalla.jpg
Östervallen
Location: Östköping
Description: The Ostervallen is located in Tranquillitis' eastern most city, across the street from the coastal highway surrounding Tranquillitis. It is home to the Östköping Saints, the current Elitserien champions, and seats 48,000 comfortably.


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/italy/lombardia/milano_meazza2.jpg
Gustavsborg IP
Location: Gustavsborg
Description: The smallest of the four stadiums being used for the Supercup, this stadium seats 38,000 fans. Home to IFK Gustavsborg, the stadium is relatively old, and vast amounts of aureas have been poured into renovating the stadium to make it up to snuff for an international competition.

Now, for the Groups. To decide this, I was in the #wcc channel on IRC, and in Notepad, I had the 10 teams listed that were playing. I asked Oglethorpia for 5 numbers between 1 and 10, inclusive, and this is what came up. Not very scientific, but still valid.

Group A
Spaam (34)
Warnocks Wizards (35)
Timway (42)
Tranquillitis (62)
Brazillico (62)

Group B
Rejistania (41)
Cockbill Street (43)
Evisceratomatoes (45)
New Montreal States (50)
Iansisle (51)

Here's the schedule (there is no home field advantage in determining scores, aiming for a week until completion):

Day 1
Spaam v. Brazillico - Eriksberg Stadion
Warnocks Wizards v. Tranquillitis - Karlsgården

Rejistania v. Iansisle - Östervallen
Cockbill Street v. New Montreal States - Gustavsborg IP

Day 2
Timway v. Warnocks Wizards - Eriksberg Stadion
Tranquillitis v. Brazillico - Karlsgården

Evisceratomatoes v. Cockbill Street - Östervallen
New Montreal States v. Iansisle - Gustavsborg IP

Day 3
Tranquillitis v. Spaam - Eriksberg Stadion
Brazillico v. Timway - Karlsgården

New Montreal States v. Rejistania - Östervallen
Iansisle v. Evisceratomatoes - Gustavsborg IP

Day 4
Brazillico v. Warnocks Wizards - Eriksberg Stadion
Spaam v. Timway - Karlsgården

Iansisle v. Cockbill Street - Östervallen
Rejistania v. Evisceratomatoes - Gustavsborg IP

Day 5
Timway v. Tranquillitis - Eriksberg Stadion
Warnocks Wizards v. Spaam - Karlsgården

Evisceratomatoes v. New Montreal States - Östervallen
Cockbill Street v. Rejistania - Gustavsborg IP

Day 6 - Semi-Finals
Winner Group A v. 2nd Place Group B - Östervallen
Winner Group B v. 2nd Place Group A - Karlsgården

Day 7 - Finals and Third Place
3rd Place Game: Loser Semi-Final 1 v. Loser Semi-Final 2 - Gustavsborg IP
Finals: Winner Semi-Final 2 v. Winner Semi-Final 1 - Eriksberg Stadion

Scores will be telegrammed to nations involved. I'll post up the welcoming message from the Tranquillitis Empress tomorrow, with the scores to follow shortly after.

Although the Fighting Fruit fell short of their dream to play in Giant Zucchini -- land of their forebears -- they are honoured to be returning for a second kick at the Finest Non-Qualifiers Cup.

The Evisceratomotoes are under the overall direction of national Supremo Nate E. Visser, pictured below.
http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/images/Watches/heinzclock.JPG

They are managed by Sal Manela, formerly manager of Snub Nose 38, and went undefeated under his leadership in World Cup qualifiers. Or perhaps Nate's threats to execute the entire team if they lost had something to do with it. Nate has lifted the death sentence for this tournament, but may yet torture players who fail to live up to expectations.

Only ten ranks separate the highly competitive Group B, making it anyone's game. The Fighting Fruit have a bye on day one, but open against Cockbill Street, who finished ahead of them in qualifiers thanks in part to an Evisceratomato forfeit. Nate has vowed that this time, the Fighting Fruit will be there, and play to win.

The RejistaniaFA just announced this roster for the Supercup:
[code:1:b42467bb40]
Coach: Hexen Imdila (age: 46)
Co-Coach: Laxtu Takil (age: 35)

Name age position club
Syku Hexen** 23 GK Hades Lavamje

Raju Hisenha^^ 29 GK Mikedi Omeh

Sen Ajil** 24 DF Jinhes Lines
Ji Jen** 25 DF Hanin Sekhika
Lanhi Ijanhi** 26 DF Hetkali Hetlasane
Xenex Tyru** 28 DF Jinhes Lines

Ila Iles^^ 25 DF Najajara Ynu
Hana Yla^^ 29 DF Karela Lines
Kansu Kiru^^ 23 DF KaMaRi Kaletri
Kansu Sanan^ 20 DF Ihiri Relekhati

Sil Hilat** 27 MF Hetkali Hetaki
Exke Sines**C 30 MF Matix Veran
Ji Raliu^* 26 MF Mikedi Veran
Inik Linkosa^ 18 MF Sen-La-Sa~o Redy

Mikven Ijen^ 18 MF Hetkali Hetaki
Lyku Jaras^ 22 MF Hades Lavamje
Hana Kansu 19 MF Sen-La-Sa~o Redy
Xkelilko Susu** 25 MF Matix Kimi

Xeseja Su** 23 FW Karela Lines
Syku Lyku** 22 FW Orean United, Liverpool England

Mata Koleni^^ 24 FW Hades Lavamje
Jen Y 17 FW Hades Lavamje

* denotes cup as starter
^ denotes cup as substitute
C denotes captain

[/code:1:b42467bb40]

After huge differences between Hexen Imdila and former Co-Coach Ha~e Hangila, The RejistaniaFA replaced Ha~e Hangila by former midfielder Laxtu Takil. His active carrier was ended tragically by a car accident, but he did not lose hope and became coach. He coached before: Inxidi Kimi 2 (7th league), Inxidi Kimi (3rd league) and Matix Veran (1st league, they ended third in the last year they were coached by Takil'he)

Newcomers are Jen Y and Hana Kansu, who also played in the last world cup match. Plaesa note, that Kansu and Y are very common last names, they are not related to fromer defender Vel Kansu or field-hockey legend Xatri Y.

Brazillico Returns to International Football Against Spaam
Experts Predicting Blowout

After a long 20 year absence from international football, Brazillico is ready to make its return. This is not the Brazillico of old, however, with a group of goaltenders recruited to keep the net safe 8 months ago and a defense that's expected to have more holes than a block of Swiss cheese.

If Brazillico wishes to keep it close with Spaam, the highest ranked team in the Harmony Cup, it is expected they will have to put up at least 3 goals on the board. This figure is not as far-fetched as it seems, as this team is a fairly athletic one, packed with creativity and offensive talent.

After an extremely disappointing World Cup qualification campaign, Spaam will be looking to vent some anger on the frail Brazillican side, boasting only one member with previous international experience, the 40-year old, Raphael Sorin.

The Gambling Wonderman, formerly the Gambling Wonder Child, has put the spread at 1.5 goals in favor of Spaam. Millions of fiercely patriotic Brazillicans have taken to their neighbourhood bookies, hoping their side will keep it close, although experts believe that Spaam will shatter the spread.

Brazillico will play tommorow at 7:00 EST at Eriksbergs Stadion, and the match will be broadcast live on channel 17.

Starting Roster:
[code:1:e9b71d7170]
Manager: Esteban de Jesus

GOALKEEPER
Salazar (1)

DEFENDERS
Palacio (2) Sorin (3) Batista (5) Valdez (6)

MIDFIELD
Aguiar (4) Francisco (9)

Filipo (15) Junior Socrates (8)

ATTACKERS
Jiminez(10) Pepe (11)[/code:1:e9b71d7170]

***Press Release***
Ready for Immediate Distribution

New Orthanc, WW–Manager Ufwurz the Furious has today released the Warnocks Wizards roster for the third installment of the Cup of Harmony, otherwise known as the Empress Supercup. The Red and White Wizards, hosts and champions of the second edition of the tournament, are happy to defend their title against several other worthy nations that missed out on One Giant Red Dot Zucchini by the narrowest of margins. The team departed for Tranquillitis by the team trireme. They will face hosts Tranquillitis in the opening match of the tournament. There were no confirmations to rumours floating around the capital that WW entrepreneur and giant spider Shelob-VIII-Legs will accompany the team to pay her respects to her dear friend and Tranquillitis Football Federation President Markus Gustafsson.

Warnocks Wizards Empress Supercup Roster:

1. Globtakh the Timid - GK, Angband Balrogs...10 caps
30. Urklok the Despoiler - GK, Barad-Dur Town...9 caps
13. Krumsnik the Paunch - GK, Isengard City...2 caps

3. Ghaztrak the Gouger - DL, Angband Balrogs...37 caps
20. Grimbrug the Basher - DL, New Orthanc United...12 caps
5. Mausnik the Cleaver - DC, Uruk’Hai United...35 caps/1 goal
6. Shagrukh the Strongclaw (c) - DC, New Orthanc United...43 caps
24. Akhburz the Straggler - DC, Barad-Dur Town...15 caps
17. Ghazukh the Burner - DR, New Orthanc United...47 caps/1 goal
2. Ufdush the Nasty - DR, Angmar Witches...20 caps/1 goal

8. Burzgob the Butcher - MC, New Orthanc United...12 caps
21. Gromdul the Gasher - MC, Uruk’Hai United...21 caps/1 goal
18. Bagdreg the Mauler - ML, Boromir Blades...47 caps/7 goals
12. Durbret the Choker - ML, Angband Balrogs...15 caps/2 goals
16. Akhklash the Emaciated - MR, Boromir Blades...33 caps/1 goal
4. Bublok the Destroyer - MR, Boromir Blades...24 caps
7. Ghazghash the Sleazy - AMC, New Orthanc United...44 caps/9 goals

11. Gabdul the Looter - SC, Boromir Blades...40 caps/9 goals
15. Ishklash the Snooty - SC, New Orthanc United...47 caps/18 goals
14. Globdreg the Destroyer - SC, Boromir Blades...24 caps/7 goals
9. Ashmazh the Tough - SC, Uruk’Hai United...35 caps/7 goals
19. Zagag the Sleak - SC, New Orthanc United...12 caps/4 goals

First strip: Red and white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks.
Change strip: Black shirts depicting the One Ring in gold , red shorts, black socks.

Manager: Ufwurz the Furious
Assistants: Gutkrut the Wretched, Bazzag the Wicked
Team Psychiatrist: Skaialuk the Insane
Chairman of the National Football Federation: Globmazh the Mean
Minister of Sport: Ufhur the Hated

Name Changes
Globtakh the Timid, formerly known as Globtakh the Meek
Akhklash the Emaciated, formerly known as Akhklash the Paunch
Ishklash the Snooty, formerly known as Ishklash the Pug-nose

All Time Leaders

Leaders in Goals: Ishklash the Snooty 18, Ghazghash the Sleazy 9, Gabdul the Looter 9, Globdreg the Destroyer 7, Ashmazh the Tough 7, Bagdreg the Mauler 7, Zagag the Sleak 4.

Red Cards: Mausnik the Cleaver 3, Durbret the Choker, Ghazghash the Sleazy, Akhklash the Emaciated.
All Time Record
[code:1:29e21f54c3]
..................W-D-L..Pts...GF...GA...Place
World Cup 8.......2-2-6....8...12...19...77/92
Frosty Cup Invit..2-0-2....6....6....8....5/10
World Cup 9.......7-3-4...24...19...16...34/82
Cup of Harmony....4-1-0...13...11....4....1/8
World Cup 10......9-3-4...30...21...15...35/92

Warnocks Wizards.24-9-16..80...69...62
[/code:1:29e21f54c3]

Highest World Ranking: 34

Lowest World Ranking: 77

Current World Ranking: 35

Official Announcement from Sir Markus Gustafsson, President of the Tranquillitis Fotboll Forbundet

Teams from around the world! Welcome to this Nordic paradise we call Tranquillitis. We hope that you enjoy your stay here in these lands, but I must inform you of a few rules set in place for foreign visitors by our Noble Empress Monique De La Croix.

Firstly, any non-Catholic religious symbols must not be seen by any members of the Imperial Police. Profession of other religions in Tranquillitis is a severe offence, and we wouldn't want any of the world's rising young football stars have their careers, as well as other things, meet their ends before these things have really begun.

Secondly, each match will begin with the official blessing of the game ball by the Archbishop of whatever town you are playing in. This is an important ceremony, and must be completed, no matter how long it takes. Communion must be taken by all players, coaching staff, trainers, and related personnel.

Finally, and this may be the most important rule, our Noble Empress has seen fit to prohibit any large, unnatural creatures from coming within 1 kilometre of any Fotboll Forbundet Presidents, no matter who it happens to be at the time. This prohibition includes giant spiders and magical alligators.

We hope you enjoy the Cup, and no matter whether your match is played in Eriksberg, Karlsgården, Östköping, or Gustavsborg, someone will be watching you!

Cubs win, Cubs win!

From page 7D of the Ianapalis Star-Tribune:

Ians Not Feeling ‘Super’
With several key absences, Iansisle prepares to defend its honor in the SuperCup

Jamie C. Peters
Staff Writer

IANAPALIS, Iansisle -- Embarrassment was written on the face nearly every single member of the Iansisle Ians as their Bankfield rumbled out of Shadoran International airport. In fact, only star striker Leonard Flaherty and Coach Lord Riveran were able to look the least bit happy, and that was for the simple reason that neither of them was there.

Flaherty announced his intention never to play in an Iansisle national jersey again abundantly clear in a press conference after the loss to Aquilla on the World Cup’s final day. He condemned both Riveran and assistant coach David Westmore; he alleged that sweeper Conrad Brandt was not only an on-field drag upon the team’s success, but that he was also a provocative lout in the clubhouse; and he charged goalkeeper Benny Answorth with being the sole reason for the club’s collapse in the final few days of competition. Finnaly, he said that the entire team without him was nothing more than a collection of third-grade runts kicking about a barley sack for fun and that he hoped they crashed properly in the Supercup.

Westmore was quick to end the press conference after Flaherty’s comments. “This is a football side, not some sort of soap opera,” said the disabled former midfielder, waving his hands to keep the crowd of pressmen quiet. “Until something noteworthy happens in a football related subject, I’m not going to say another word. Gentlemen, this press conference is at an end.”

Several reporters seemed to think that perhaps Mr. Westmore was only joking, and attempted to follow him into the Ians’ locker-room, where a couple of well-toned fellows took it upon themselves to remind the press corps rather bodily that they were just on their way out....

----

David Westmore threw down his copy of the Star-Tribune in disgust, walking to his room’s window. Outside, Östköping moved with a rhythm all of its own, providing an interesting background for his thoughts. He knew that, with his 0-0-3 record and -7 goal differential in the three games he had coached during the qualifiers lead many to assume the Ians had no chance at the Supercup, and in some way he was inclined to agree with them.

Tomorrow would be the Ians’ first test, and what a test it would be! Rejistania boasted the top ranked team in their group, as well as names that were insanely hard to pronounce. His confidence was at an all time low; he had lost the Ians’ best player and start striker - replacing him with one Alexander Truman, a forward from Topton who had done fairly well off the bench during the qualifiers - and it seemed like he’d never manage to catch a break.

With a heavy sigh and a heavier shot of whiskey, Mr. Westmore lay down to sleep, most afraid of tomorrow’s game.

----

The anticipated disaster never came. Perhaps infused with the desire to avenge their World Cup humiliation, the Ians fought with uncanny tenacity, forcing the talented Rejistania side to a 2-2 draw. John Copplestone, the second leading scorer from the qualifiers after Flaherty, and Brian Park, with his first goal in international competition, struck for Iansisle...

(ooc: as I’m being called away from the computer (and am not really that good at this sort of thing anyway) I’ll leave the nuts and bolts of the match up to Rejistania. Feel free to RP anything you’d like, and hopefully I’ll be on later tonight to type up a news article about it.)

The Iansisle Ians SuperCup roster:

Goalkeeper:
#26 -- Benny Answorth -- 5’11” -- 156 lbs

Defense:
#17 -- Conrad Brandt -- 5’9” -- 167 lbs
#42 -- Michael Longstreet -- 5’7” -- 155 lbs
#29 -- Steve Woolwood -- 5’8” -- 160 lbs
#18 -- Gary Matthews -- 6’0” -- 179 lbs

Midfield:
#22 -- Tom Ross -- 5’6” -- 159 lbs
#55 -- James Balme -- 6’1” -- 160 lbs
#2 -- Brian Park -- 5’7” 162 lbs

Forwards:
#81 -- Alexander Truman -- 5’11” -- 161 lbs
#32 -- John Copplestone -- 5’7” -- 160 lbs
#5 -- Mark Miller -- 5’8” -- 159 lbs

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: the Viscount Riveran (absent)
Assistant Coach: (#59) David Westmore

*A montage of sports clippings appear on the screen with music blaring from trumpets in the background. Images flash wildly upon the screen… A Brazillican Footballer scoring a goal and celebrating… A wide shot of a two rugby teams in a fierce scrum… A baseball player getting hit by the ball and in return, throwing his bat at the pitcher… Two players throwing fisticuffs in the Cherry Cup. The trumpets reach a crescendo as the crest for SPORTS ZONE, Brazillico’s hottest sports news show appears on the screen. The emblem fades away as the camera zooms in on a man wearing a classy-looking suit with a strong jaw and two pounds of gel in his hair, sitting behind a carbon-fiber accented desk.*

Sportscaster: Good evening ladies and gents, as always, I’m Robbie Torres, we’ve had a busy day in the world of sports so lets not pussyfoot around and get straight to the action. Without a doubt, the biggest news of the day is Brazillico’s return to international football, where they were squaring off against an experienced Spaamanian side.

*Shot of camera panning across the Brazillican side during the national anthems*
RT: Brazillico has not suffered a loss since a defeat at the hands of Alces Rex in the group stages of World Cup 6 and they would be trying to keep that winning streak alive.

*Wide shot of Spaam pushing up the field*
RT: 8th Minute… Spaam pushing up the field, the midfielder whips on into the box, straight to the open striker… he’ll head that one in past Salazar and the scoring is opened at 1-0.
*Shot of Spaamanian Striker performing cartwheels, before dropping to his knees and pumping his fists up at the crowd*
RT: …And that’ll give the Spaamaniacs something to cheer about!

*Close shot of Junior Socrates pushing up the field with the ball*
RT: Brazillico wastes no time in answering Spaam’s goal. Junior Socrates passes the ball over to Pepe, who gives it back to Junior Socrates. Socrates fakes the shot and gives it back to Pepe, who makes no mistake with the confused goaltender and puts it in the back of the net, we’re all square!
*Close shot of Pepe twirling around, with his arms spread out like an airplane. Jiminez comes over and jumps on his back, causing both men to fall*

*Wide shot of Jiminez with the ball on the left flank, deep in Spaamanian territory*
RT: Fast forward to the 37th Minute… Jiminez has the ball one-on-one with the Spaamanian defender. After some impressive touches to school the defender, Jiminez hot-dogs a little too much before he can shoot or pass, as the weak side help comes to steal the ball away from the Brazillican attacker.

*Wide shot of a dead ball situation, cut to a four-man wall of Brazillican players, then back to the wide shot.*
RT: With both teams sharing in a wealth of chances, Spaam are the first to concretize and get the go ahead goal in the 85th Minute off this awe-inspiring free kick by the Spaamanian midfielder. Oh baby, that’s worth another look.
*Replay of kick sailing over the wall, then sharply bending towards the near post and in*

*Wide shot of Brazillico having possession near the half-line*
RT: With Brazillico pushing for the equalizer, substitute defender Durango makes an errant pass which is intercepted by the Spaamanian midfielder, he’ll lob it over to the Spaamanian attacker, and I don’t believe it, it’s a 2 man breakway! The striker streaks up the field, passes it over to his unmarked attacking partner, who proceeds to tap it far side of the net… that’s his second of the game and that’s how the score line ended.

*Screen changes to a charcoal colored background, with red and blue letters*

Spaam 3
<player 10> 8, 90
<player 7> 85

Brazillico 1
Pepe 13

Attendance: 52,234

RT: Now, I understand that we have the Brazillican manager live, so lets head over to Tranquilitis for some post-game comments by manager Esteban de Jesus.

*Camera cuts to a close shot of a short, stocky reporter wearing glasses, next to the taller, leaner De Jesus*

Reporter: Well, a 3-1 loss… What are your thoughts about your team’s opening in the Harmony Cup?

De Jesus: Its sure its always disappointing to lose, but I felt we came out well tonight. Our defense still needs some work, and we need to improve our efficiency in all facets of the game. If we look at the positive, our offense was able to generate more chances than many expected and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with the play of our keeper Salazar, he made a few key stops between the pipes.

Reporter: Come on… he let in three goals!

De Jesus: What the hell?? Were you even watching the game!? Our defense was stranded him out there, he hung in pretty good.

Reporter: Yeah, but..

De Jesus: Shut up. Interview over.

*De Jesus storms away into some room in the Eriksburgs Stadion*

*Camera then cuts to a visibly stunned Robbie Torres, leaning towards the camera with his pen tapping against the desk.*

RT: Sooo… there you have it. De Jesus happy with his offense and goaltending, and furious with his defense… and our reporter. It’s time to take a look at some of the highlights from the National Jai Alai championships, going on in the capital of Libertad…

Tranquillitis Fotboll Forbundet
Official Roster

http://www.moosehockey.com/teams/boxmoose.gif

Manager: Tomas Hedberg

Starting Eleven:

1. Stefan Eriksson, GK
2. Johan Lindström, D
3. David Nilsson, D
4. Per Lundqvist, D
5. Daniel Sjellberg, D
6. Frederic Wilhelmsson, M
7. Magnus Magnusson, M (Captain)
8. Martin Svensson, M
9. Andreas Källström, M
10. Henrik Jönsson, F
11. Mikael Andersson, F

Substitutes:

12. Mats Larsson, D
13. Markus Jonson, M
14. Niclas Nordström, D
15. Tomas Sundin, F
16. Adam Olosson, F
17. Fredrik Larsson, M
18. Anders Salo, M
19. Per Ulander, D
21. Mikeal Zetterberg, F
22. Christian Alexandersson, D

Kit:

The home kit features a grey shirt, with white sleeves, letters, and numbering. Shorts are white, socks are grey.

The away kit is all dark blue, with white letters and numbering. Shorts and socks are dark blue.

Tranquillitis Nyheter
Tjänande Anden sedan den är 1955

Hosts Pull off Shocking Upset
-Erik Åkerfeldt

KARLSGÅRDEN - The Tranquillitis Moose pulled off a shocking upset after their 4-year absence from international football, beating highly toted side Warnocks Wizards 1-0 in a defensive struggle at the Gårdenstadion.

Mikael Andersson's 75th minute strike past Globtakh the Timid, who looked a bit shy in going after the firmly struck shot. Both sides played very well in defence, which surprised Moose manager Tomas Hedberg more than anyone else.

"I don't know how we did it," Hedberg said after the match. "Our players have all been playing domestically, but never on the world stage. We just prayed a lot before the match, I guess it worked, not like those other times......."

Hedberg stopped mid-thought as two Imperial Policemen took one step towards him.

The Moose next play fellow returnees Brazillico, once again in Karlsgården.

[code:1:2888f750a5]
Warnocks Wizards 0
v.
Tranquillitis 1 (Andersson 75)
[/code:1:2888f750a5]

OOC: Are the names really that hard to pronounce? The only a bit strange thing is, that 'x' is pronounced as 'sh' like in spanish.

IC:
http://www.geocities.com/versionizer/kamari2.gif.txt

Orange-Blues start with a draw
The Orange-Blues started the Supercup with a 2-2 draw against 51st ranked team Iansisle. As you know, the Rejistanians arte ranked 41st so everyone expected a close match and wasn't disappointed. The Orange-Blues came back from being behind 0-2 and nearly achieved the 3-2, but lacked the right amount of luck.

The team from Iansisle seemed to be very enthusiastic and challenged Hexen'he in the third minute first, but he could parry. The Orange-Blue defense was a bit unorganised and gave the Iansisleians far to many chances, one in the 15th minute led to the first goal against the Orange-Blues. Midfielder Park'he scored after a corner shot from Truman'he. This didn't stop the Iansisleian attacks. But the Rejis were there and waited for counters to level the score. In the 20th minute, a beautiful header by SyLy was parried by goalkeper Answorth'he. An error by defender Lanhi Ijanhi led to the 0-2 in the 40th minute, archieved by Copplestone'he. The Iansisle fans got wild and Hexen Imdila desperate. He shouted things, you would merely expect from Ila Iles*. The referree decided to send him off because of this. Now co-coach Takil'he was in command and substituted several defenders. Lanhi Ijanhi was substituted by Kansu Kiru and Hana Yla replaced Ji Jen. This improved the defense and the Iansisleians didn't got that much chances. Despite this, the first half ended 0-2.

The second half started furious. We don't know, what Hexen Imdila said to the team during half-time, but it motivated the Orange-Blues actually. Three minutes after the whistle, they had heir first chance. Inik Linkosa archieved the first orange-blue goal in this tournament in a fast counter, taht came unexpected for goalie Answorth'he. The score was 2-1. The second half was dominated by the Orange-Blues, like Iansisle dominated the first. Many attacks of the Orange-Blues challenged the Iansisleians defense, but they tried their best to defend the lead. In the 65th minute, they were not successful in that: Xeseja Su made one of his feared long-distance shots in direction to the Iansisleian goal and he had luck: The ball sailed past the keeper and the score was leveled again. The Orange-Blues changed again bak to their 'System Imdila', the defensive 4-4-2, they are known for. But still they had chances. A controversial offside decision prevented the lead for the Orange-Blues.

The result:
Rejistania 2 (Linkosa 48th, Su 65th)
Iansisle 2 (Park 15th, Copplestone 40th)

Rejistanian scorers in this tournament:
Linkosa: 1
Su: 1

* something very rude and insulting

Results for Day 2 are being generated and TGed now. Rejistania, since he has a bye today, is generating the result for Tranquillitis v. Brazillico.

*We cut to a popular sports talk show, “Gabbin’ With Gab” featuring host Gabriel Foligno. His guests for today are the famed Gambling Wonderman, French sports writer, Paul Labrosse, and the always eccentric comedian, Luiz Squillari.*

Foligno: Alright then, Brazillico is in the midst of the Harmony Cup, and so far they haven’t looked that sharp. Do you think it’s fair all the criticism coming from the local media?

Labrosse: All dis criticism is completely unwarranted. Ze management behind dis team ave a five-year plan to make dis team respectable by World Cup XI. Dey’re in deir first year and I dink ze people should show some compassion and patience.

Squillari: Hey Frenchy, this isn’t Toulouse… we’re used to winning around here. People here have been fed folklore of the Brazillican championship teams of years past, and until this team performs to that level, the average fan, including me, will not be happy.

Wonderman: Well we gotta look at it this way. Brazzy opened up against Spaam, a far more experienced side and lost 3-1 in a game closer than the scoreline indicated. After that, we played hosts Tranquillitis, another team lacking international experience and came up with a 2-1 loss.

Squillari: It doesn’t matter if they were at home, if this team was talented they could have won.

Wonderman: Home field advantage is a huge benefit for the hosts. My spread usually fluxuates between 0.5 to 1 goals on that variable alone.

Squillari: Well I bet the Brazillico of old coulda beaten Tranquillitis!

Wonderman: Look, this team needs experience and they won’t accomplish much until they get that.

Squillari: So how long is it gonna take, genius?

Wonderman: My guess is they wont be legitimate contenders until WCXIII, and that is if all goes well in the development of this team.

Squillari: Hey Gringo, I can’t wait that long… I got a wife asking for a new car and kids to send to college. If this team wants to get off their collective lazy ass and start performing… they will.

Foligno: Well you bring up an interesting point there Luiz, and that’s motivation. And many people are already pointing the finger at manager Esteban De Jesus for this team underachieving. Do you think he’s the right man for the job?

Labrosse: De Jesus was the best possible candidate for de job. He’s got ze past experience, he knows wat it takes to win and he’s made some great personelle moves. Ze fact dat dis team is in any shape to compete falls entirely on dat man’s shoulders.

Squillari: I agree, but they’re performing like a bunch of one-legged men hopping around for a War Amps charity game. Thumbs up for War Amps boys! *Makes a gesture of a thumbs up, with his thumb tucked inside his fist*

Wonderman: *Chuckling to himself* Ok, but look, this guy is doing a better job than most are giving him credit for. He’s built up a defence from scratch that can withstand the pressure of proven international sides. I agree with Paul, he’s doing good.

Labrosse: Tank you.

Squillari: Since when is good defence allowing three goals a game? My son’s pee-wee team is tighter at the back of their own end than that.

Labrosse: I will agree, dis team can only go as far as deir offense takes dem. Jiminez, Pepe and Junior Socrates have to play to deir potential if dey wish to go far in ze Armony Cup.

Foligno: Well, this has been an interesting topic and lets hope the discussion on the National Jai Alai championships, which are in full swing, will be just as riveting. My question to you… why is no one watching this once heavily popular sport?

Squillari: People don’t give a sh*t, Gabby. Watching people throw balls with a long, banana shaped object doesn’t captivate the general audience… I’ll tell you what they need… Bikini Cheerleading!
----------------------------------------------------
BRAZILLICO SCHEDULE
Spaam vs Brazillico @ Eriksberg Stadion L 1-3
Tranquillitis vs Brazillico @ Karlsgarden L 1-2
Timway vs Brazillico @ Karlsgarden
Warnocks Wizards vs Brazillico @ Eriksberg Stadion
----------------------------------------------------
GROUP A STANDINGS
[code:1:9280e02734]
Team GP W D L GF GA GD
Tranquillitis 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2
Spaam 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2
Timway 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Warnocks Wizards 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1
Brazillico 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3
[/code:1:9280e02734]

Ankh-Morpork C-mail
Cockbill Street Department

Disastrous Match Against Sentient Vegetables
Axewielder Loses Two Points For Football Team

The young keeper, Jorn Axewielder, wasn't going to be our first choice going into the world cup qualifiers. But he was thrown in along with most of the present squad after the five-loss streak that saw us to the bottom of Group 1 tables, and he did solidly. Up until today.

It was really just luck that would decide this game. Both Cockbill Street and New Montreal States have experienced similar qualifying runs, starting out horribly, then changing the squad and suddenly getting brilliant results on a par with the best teams in the group. And both teams joined just before the beginning of the tenth World Cup. Just ten ranks separated the two before the game on the official WCC rankings as well, and the crowd at Gustavsborg Idrottspark knew they were in for a real cracker, much better than what IFK Gustavsborg usually serves up.

In the early minutes of the game, the New Montreal States took control, and the midfield clearly seemed surprised by their attacking formation. It worked out well, and they gained an early goal through a wonderful half volley shot from an Axewielder rebound. 0-1 down after only nine minutes.

The Cockbill Street lads wouldn't be deterred, however, and Ian Olsen rallied his fellow midfielders to fight. He went forward, giving it all in every single tackle, just the spirit we want to see in a national player. Harald Axewielder, the technical player of the side, was really a bit of a liability today, but he made up for it with a neat dribble down the left flank that caused the 1-1 goal. Beaver met it with his head and pounced to level the scores.

No more goals before half-time. However, just after the break, it was Carboniferous who for once tried some excellence with the ball. It worked fine, and he even got to the penalty box before firing it wide off the boot of an NMS defender. The ensuing corner kick resulted in a goal when just Carboniferous got up and slammed the ball down in the corner, out of reach for the keeper.

However, the joy of the travelling Cockbill Street fans was quickly deterred. A fatal mistake by the keeper, Jorn Axewielder, ruined the day for our lads. Right after the goal manager Ironfoundersson pulled Ian Olsen off, on account of him having looked very tired. His replacement was Peter Eversham, in an atttempt to recreate the successful 4-3-3 formation used against Ariddia. According to the Cockbill Street fan in the street, this was the most stupid decision he ever made. Olsen was the key to the midfield, while Eversham is more of a mediocre defender. He did not really help at all, because once the NMS attackers got the ball, they refused to give it back, and had many dangerous shots. The poorest of them all, amazingly, went in - a long-range effort from 30 metres which was dropped by the Cockbill Street keeper Axewielder, went through his legs and into the goal. 2-2, and that was the final result.

Evisceratomatoes got their revenge in the next game, and defeated Cockbill Street with the same figures as were awarded to the team when the 'tomatoes forfeited. The performance can only be described as mediocre, and thus we will pass the game in silence, only giving our usual ratings.

C-mail ratings for game v New Montreal States: J Axewielder 4 - Harmison 4 , Carboniferous 5, Golddevourer 5 - Calcite 5, Olsen 7 (off 49 Eversham 4), Lehrer 6, H Axewielder 5 (off 88 Petisha) - Tungsten-carbide 5, Quier 5 (off 73 Brashear), Beaver 5.

Cockbill Street 2 (Beaver 40, Carboniferous 47)
New Montreal States 2 (??? 9, ??? 64)

C-mail ratings for game v Evisceratomatoes: J Axewielder 4 - Harmison 3 (off 64 Eversham), Carboniferous 3, Golddevourer 3 - Calcite 2 (off 50 Petisha 5), Olsen 4, Lehrer 4, H Axewielder 4 - Tungsten-carbide 6, Quier 4, Beaver 3 (off 64 Brashear).

Evisceratomatoes 3 (???, ???, ???)
Cockbill Street 0.

The other result in group 1: Rejistania 2-2 Iansisle, means that the group is finely poised, but Cockbill Street could perhaps wave goodbye to that desired semi-final spot.

Tranquillitis Nyheter
Tjänande Anden sedan den är 1955

Moose Defeat Fellow Returnees Brazillico
-Erik Åkerfeldt

KARLSGÅRDEN - The Moose defeated Brazillico today in the second day of the Supercup, giving them a surprising 2-0-0 start to the competition.

The Brazillican team opened the scoring, with Pepe's shot getting the best of Stefan Eriksson in the 34th minute. This came after a narrow miss by Moose midfielder Martin Svensson, who beat everyone except the post. The Brazillicans, showing some spark of their old form, beautifully led a counter attack downfield that silenced the majority of the sell-out crowd at the Gårdenstadion.

The Moose responded in the second half, when Andreas Källström's sliding shot just beat out Brazillican keeper Salazar, in the 52nd minute. The Moose took the lead when Henrik Jönsson's left footed blast bounced off the right post and just over the line. This ended the scoreline for the match.

The Moose next move to the Imperial Capital, where they will take on the team from Spaam, who had a bye today. Many hope that the Moose can carry this momentum into Eriksberg, but the Spaamanians (sorry if I got this wrong) might have something to say about that. All 53,000 tickets have been sold for the match.

[code:1:e7cc93f17b]
Brazillico 1 (Pepe 34)
v.
Tranquillitis 2 (Källström 52, Jönsson 71)
[/code:1:e7cc93f17b]

A good many of the Iansisle Ians may have felt like leaping off the field in celebration of their 2-1 win over New Montreal States, but Westmore, with the help of his few remaining veterans, managed to keep things under control. Benny Answorth, back in his mid-World Cup form, played a near-flawless game. He yielded the single goal only when terribly sloppy Iansislean defenses allowed a N.M.S. striker to have a picture-perfect shot on goal.

On the other end of the ball, John Copplestone emerged as a solid offensive leader. Though he didn't score, Copplestone seemed to be at the forefront of every Iansislean drive. In many ways, the offense is even more effective since losing Flaherty - passing was the new order of the day, with whoever had an open shot, not just Leonard, getting the ball. Forward Mark Miller scored the first goal early on, and Flaherty's replacement, Alexander Truman, broke a 1-1 tie midway through the second half.

On the front office side, things were going a little worse than anticipated. News arrived that the Earl of Dunerbridge passed away less than a week ago. His first son, the former Viscount Riveran (the Ians' head coach), was forced to take his father's place as both a peer to the Kingdom of Weshield's House of Lords and a member of the Imperial Cruinniú. While it is clear that Dunerbridge will not be returning to coach the Ians in the SuperCup, it remains to be seen if he will return for their World Cup XI bid.

(sorry this is so many fragmented thoughts...I've had a rather busy day, and am having a hard time collecting them in any more coherent form.)

Bad news for Paladins

Joesph Pepin managed to emerge from the porta-potty in which he had been locked after his miserable performance during WCX.

Not only that, but he managed to knock out Scully Nader of Andre Georges High School, take her uniform and play at goal against the Ians.

After letting in the decisive goal in the second half the coaches noticed the stubble on Pepin's face, but too little, too late. He was immediately returned to the Porta-Potty and then the potty was duck-taped under an overpass of Tranquilitis's major expressway, but the Pepin jinx remained and the Paladins were unable to recover in time to beat the Ians.

Benny Answorth, the Ians goalie, managed to do a bang up job of keeping the States out of net. However Archambault managed to one-time a pass from Johnny Sears past him late in the first half to put the game at a tied score when an attractive female in the stands flashed the Ianaisle defenders.

"Scooter" Baele, coming in at goal for the bastard Pepin, managed to turn back several good shots, but the Paladins could not mount a serious attack. To add insult to injury Sears re-injured his head slamming into an Iansisle defender and was out for the rest of the game.

Scully Nader was released from hospital with minor contusions and a broken little toe and has been penciled in as reserve goalie for the final match.

Day 1 Results:

Spaam 3 - 1 Brazillico
Tranquillitis 1 - 0 Warnocks Wizards

Rejistania 2 - 2 Iansisle
Cockbill Street 2 - 2 New Montreal States

Day 2 Results:

Timway 1 - 1 Warnocks Wizards
Brazillico 1 - 2 Tranquillitis

Evisceratomatoes 3 - 0 Cockbill Street
Iansisle 2 - 1 New Montreal States

Standings:

[code:1:ec6bd96d5c]
Group A

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
Tranquillitis 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 6
Spaam 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Timway 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
Warnocks Wizards 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
Brazillico 2 0 0 0 2 5 -3 0

Group B

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
Iansisle 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 4
Evisceratomatoes 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
Rejistania 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
New Montreal States 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1
Cockbill Street 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3 1
[/code:1:ec6bd96d5c]

Day 3 results coming in a couple of minutes. Rejistania has once again generated the Tranquillitis game.

The Brazillico Advance

Mighty Timway looking more like Tiny Tim
Experienced Timway side can only must a tie against Brazillico

(KARLSGARDEN, TRANQUILLITIS) It was ugly, it was boring, it was a point. In a relatively un-entertaining match, Brazillico was able to muster its first result since its return to international football, notching a one-all draw with their FIFA cousins, Timway.

After trailing one-nil, Brazillican midfielder, Filipo was hauled down in the box in the 60th Minute, meriting a penalty kick. Captain Sorin took the kick and made no mistake, kicking it to the right of the keeper and scoring Brazillico’s lone-goal of the game.

Pepe, Brazillico’s most prolific striker of the tourney thus far, had a chance to extend his goal scoring streak to three games. After slipping behind the Timway defense thanks to a superb pass by Junior Socrates in the 86th Minute, Pepe was alone with the goaltender, but he ripped his shot off the crossbar, and out of play.

Brazillican manager, Esteban de Jesus was not at all impressed with this play.

“All he had to do was to slip it under the keeper and we would have won the game,” said De Jesus, “He’s not the only one trying to showboat and until these guys start caring about winning more than looking good, we’re gonna remain a low-level team.”

The Brazillican defense did well today, minimizing chances for the opposition and playing by far, their most solid game of the tournament.

“We’ve got a lot of talent and athleticism on that back line,” explained De Jesus, “I’m pleased with the progress I’ve seen over the course of this cup and we’ll only get better with every outing.”

Brazillico’s next match will be at the Eriksgarden Stadion, where they’ll face off against the Warnocks Wizards. As defending champions and pre-cup favourites, the Red and White have been a disappointment so far, going only 0-1-1. If they run the table they can still make the semi-finals, and with Brazillico hungry for their first victory in the tournament, it should be an exciting encounter.

BRAZILLICO SCHEDULE
Spaam vs Brazillico @ Eriksberg Stadion L 1-3
Tranquillitis vs Brazillico @ Karlsgarden L 1-3
Timway vs Brazillico @ Karlsgarden T 1-1
Warnock Wizards vs Brazillico @ Eriksberg Stadion


[code:1:53aa9d91aa]
GROUP A
Team GP W D L GF GA GD PTS
Tranquillitis 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 6
Spaam 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Timway 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
Warnocks Wizards 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
Brazillico 3 0 1 2 3 6 -3 1

GROUP B
Team GP W D L GF GA GD PTS
Iansisle 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 4
Evisceratomatoes 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
Rejistania 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
New Montreal States 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1
Cockbill Street 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3 1
[/code:1:53aa9d91aa]

http://www.geocities.com/versionizer/kamari2.gif.txt

Orange-Blues defeat New Montreal States
After their bye day, the Orange-Blues faced the New Montreal States for the first time. The country 'New Montreal States' is known for its devotion to sports and they played once against a rejistanian team in the handball cup. That match ended 23-22 for Rejistania. This match ended also with one goal difference, but scores were not that high.

The Orange-Blue line-up had no surprises. The people, who are listed as starters in the roster did actually start. They played again their defensive 4-4-2. The match started a bit slow, none of the teams wanted to fall behind. In the first 20 minutes, both teams played mainly defensive, the attacks ended in the midfield or the defense of the opponent. In the 23rd minute, New Montreal States got their first chance, but goalie Hexen'he was there at the right time. The next chance followed just minutes later as the New Montreal Statesian forwards outsmarted the Orange-Blue defense and archieved the 0-1. In the 34th minute, Syku Lyku (SyLy) equalized the score after an error in the New Montreal Statesian defense. The crowd was cheering. The NMSian collegeboys played a very aggresive match, perhaps because they know that they get exactly one chance. The first half ended 1 all.
In the second half, the general image didn't change: NMS played more aggresive than the Orange-Blues, but their counters gave them also good chances. One of this chances led to the 2-1 in the 56th minute. A quick counter by SyLy, Su'he and Imdila'he came unexpected for the NMSians and Su'he archieved his second goal in this tournament. NMS also got some chances and one of them led to the 2-2. Again the rejistanian defense was a bit thoughtless. Hexen Imdila changed Kansu Kiru in in the 69th minute. A good decision actually, because 5 minutes later, a NMSian player fouled SyLy as he got an excellent chance for the 3-2. The referee decided for free-kick for the Orange-Blues and this is a task for Kiru'he, the defender with the highest number of archieved goals in the South Minanian league. The NMSian goalie could not reach the fast shot, the Orange-Blues were leading again. This didn't change anymore in the rest of the match, despite some good chances for NMS and the Orange-Blues.

The result:
New Montreal States 2 (player 25th, player 69th)
Rejistania 3 (Lyku 34th, Su 56th, Kiru 71st)

Rejistanian top-scorers in this tournament:
Su: 2
Linkosa: 1
Lyku: 1
Kiru: 1


--meanwhile in Östköping--
a group of rejistanian fans are leaving the stadium and talk about the victory. No one really noticed the Imperial policemen, who were apparently making sure, that no chaos broke out (like in every rejistanian city at that time surely did). Nihasa Rike's shoelace loosened and so she bent down to tighten the shoelace again. She didn't realize, that her small neclace became visible, which had the symbol of Tadarekansa, the Venjuhida god of victory, on it. An Imperial policeman saw it and grabbed her: "This symbol is surely not allowed! I'll take you to the nearest police station, where we can find it out!"

Ians win 2-0 over Evisceratomatoes; Westmore hailed as conquering hero!

David Westmore, the goat of the Iansislean national football side after going 0-0-3 with a -7 goal differential while coaching the Ians in their first futile World Cup bid, has suddenly become seen as something of a hero among football fans. In particular, they're loving his choice of putting Alexander Truman in as Flaherty's replacement - though some still blame Westmore for Flaherty's absence - in place of more experianced strikers, as the youngster scored his second goal of the SuperCup yesterday.

John Copplestone also scored his second for the Ians, who rode solid behind a brilliant shutout by Benny Answorth.

"I just knew we'd 'ketchup,'" joked Coach Westmore after the game.

Orange-Blues triumph over Paladins

Midfielders seemingly absent in second half, bystanders puzzled

The Rejistania Orange-Blues managed to thomp the Paladin soccer team 3-2 last night. Jean Pilon and Renoit Legrand managed to score for a badly outclassed Paladins team.

Defense dominated the early going, but about 25 minutes into play the Paladins put together a drive that kept the ball in Rejistani territory until Pilon put the ball in for a 1-0 lead.

The Orange-Blues bounced back almost immediately. Jean Beaulieu, a freshman at Pilot High in Apresbourg, tripped on what was revealed to be a hole in the pitch resulting from a kick that also sent up a large divot moments earlier. This bad luck gave the Orange-Blues an easy chance to put the ball in to tie things up 1-1, which they did.

The Paladins came back very agressively in the second half, leaving open holes for the Orange-Blues to take advantage of. Eventually one of these was found and Rejistania was up 2-1. Renoit Legrand almost immediately tied the game up with a beautiful shot which the Orange-Blue goaltender had no prayer of stopping.

At that point the midfield gave out.

Rejistania came on strong, and the outclassed midfield couldn't stop them. The defense performed brilliantly, but it was only a matter of time before Rejistania found the net for their 3rd goal. The midfield remained absent, and although the fowards did great when they could get the ball, the Orange-Blues kept it in NMS territory for most of the rest of the game.

Under the conditions Dennis Poulin, the goalie, and the rest of the NMS defense performed to shame veteran professionals, despite the final score. The ball was in NMS territory for just under 2/3rds of the game, and it could have easily been 5-2.

The loss has pretty much snuffed out hopes of Paladin advancement further into the tourney. Best of luck to all who get to move on.

--meanwhile in Östköping--
a group of rejistanian fans are leaving the stadium and talk about the victory. No one really noticed the Imperial policemen, who were apparently making sure, that no chaos broke out (like in every rejistanian city at that time surely did). Nihasa Rike's shoelace loosened and so she bent down to tighten the shoelace again. She didn't realize, that her small neclace became visible, which had the symbol of Tadarekansa, the Venjuhida god of victory, on it. An Imperial policeman saw it and grabbed her: "This symbol is surely not allowed! I'll take you to the nearest police station, where we can find it out!"

Imperial Tranquil Police Officer Markus Knudsson was bored. With the Supercup being played in Tranquillitis, he thought maybe he'd get the opportunity to see some quality football, maybe even perhaps the Moose. Unfortunately for Knudsson, the Moose were drawn in a group that didn't come through Östköping, and only the miracle of the Moose topping their group, which seemed unlikely, would send the Moose to Östervallen, where Knudsson's beloved Saints proudly played and defended their Elitserien championship. Perhaps the Lord will see the Moose here, he thought to himself, staring into space at the stream of spectators coming out of the stadium.

He was assigned the duty of standing outside the stadium, watching the foreigners with close scrutiny. He was only half watching though, his Police helmet drooping slightly over his eyes. He adjusted it, and looked towards a group of young Rejistanis exiting the stadium. One bent down to tie her shoe, while from the inside of her shirt, a necklace slipped out, bearing a symbol that was quite obviously not a cross of the Faith.

He tapped his partner and headed over towards the young woman, grabbing her arm. "Vad menas med detta?" he said instinctively in Swedish. He quickly switched to accented English. "What is this?" he asked, his eyes peering at the girl. "I hope not some Rejistani religious symbol. Surely you heard the words of Empress Monique regarding banned religious symbols. You will have to come to the nearest police station."

He began walking the girl to his patrol car, while his partner followed close behind, keeping the girl's companions away. He handcuffed her and shoved her in the back of the car, while his partner quickly got in the front seat. The patrol car sped off, leaving the Rejistani girl's friends behind, confused as to why their companion was being taken away.

The girl herself in the car looked confused, as she, like many Rejistanis, spoke only fragmented English. While neither Knudsson nor the girl spoke English as a first language, Knudsson had been taught the language from a young age, while the girl did not. The patrol car sped towards the station, located in downtown Östköping.

Nihasa Rike didn't understand what happened. She just tied her shoes and then this policeman has handcuffed her and brought her in this police car. The man has said something, but the english he spoke was very accented. Perhaps it wasn't english at all. "Iln'isa xe sunjan?" she asked in rejistanian. She tried also to say it in english, but messed up the right sentence structure and her accent also didn't enhance clarity: "Ju ta~ek mi ver?"* She even tried to ask it in Minokajetian ("Ni-ja-ga-eris 'diu?") and Majuvedian ("Senede' ixe ahili?"), but of course no one outside of Northern Mintania speaks these languages. The car stopped at a building, which seemed to be some kind of police station.

* you take me where?

--meanwhile--
Kihedi Xa stared blankly as the car moved off, what did happen now? He knew, that soccer fans tend to get arrested after victories, but normally you need to climb on street lamps and wave an Orange-Blue flag or to jump into fountains. Nihasa didn't even have the time to do such things and wouldn't have done them here in Tranquilitis. Anyhow. this trip was organised by the Orange-Blue-Fan-Club and so he called them and told them what happened.

Day 3 Results:

Tranquillitis 2 - 1 Spaam
Brazillico 1 - 1 Timway

Rejistania 3 - 2 New Montreal States
Iansisle 2 - 0 Evisceratomatoes

[code:1:fbc83fc10a]
Group A

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts. Q/E
Tranquillitis 3 3 0 0 5 2 +3 9 Qlf
Spaam 2 1 0 1 4 3 +1 3
Timway 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
Warnocks Wizards 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
Brazillico 3 0 1 1 3 6 -3 1

Group B

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
Iansisle 3 2 1 0 6 3 +3 7
Rejistania 2 1 1 0 5 4 +1 4
Evisceratomatoes 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 3
New Montreal States 3 0 1 2 5 7 -2 1
Cockbill Street 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3 1
[/code:1:fbc83fc10a]

Day 4 results coming out now, all done by me as I have no match today.

Ishklash the Snooty Wizard
A Brazillican Footballing Carol

*To the air of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer*

You know Gouger and Basher and Cleaver and Burner
Looter and Timid and Mauler and Sleazy
But do you recall,
The most famous wizard of all?

*Switch it over to Frosty the Snowman*

Ishklash the Snooty
Was a Footballing Legend
With this foot of gold
He scored a goal
To Open the Score 1-0 (pronounced “O”)

Thumpity thump thump
Thumpity thump thump
Look at Ishklash go

Thumpity thu mp thump
Thumpity thump thump
Don’t Braz’s D blow?

*Kick it back to Rudolph*

But on that faithful summer’s eve
Brazillico came to play
They slashed through the Wizard’s defense
And put two goals away

*Finish ‘er off with Frosty*

But, Isklash the Snooty
Became surrounded by fame
With his super goal
By that foot of gold
He had himself a game

Final Score
Warnocks Wizards 1
Snooty 32

Brazillico 2
Jiminez 45
Pepe 74

Too Good to be True?
Westmore coached Ians win again; beat Cockbill Street 3-2

Jamie C. Peters
Staff Writer

ÖSTERVALLEN, Tranquillitis -- Interest in Iansislean football seemed to have hit an absolute bottom just a few weeks ago. Oddslavo and Aquilla had humiliated the Ians, running circles around them and ending any dream of Iansislean qualification. However, IanCorp reports that yesterday’s broadcast of the Ians-Cockbill Street game reached more listeners than any non-Gulls or Longshoremen match in Iansislean sports history.

David Westmore, at one time derided as the worst thing to happen to the Commonwealth since Salvador, is now the central figure in the undefeated Ians sudden resurgence. He stood beside the field like a titan, encouraging his young players to greater heights and squeezing every last bit out of his veterans.

“Cockbill Street is definitely a tough side,” said Westmore after the match, “make no doubt about that. They fought us hard every step of the way, and it was only the internal fortitude of every one of our players that carried us to victory.”

It was indeed a tough match. The Ians took a 1-0 lead early on a John Copplestone goal, but Cockbill Street quickly struck back, evening the score. Later in the first half, Mark Miller connected on a stupendous goal, but that lead wasn’t safe either. Cockbill Street scored a second time hardly six minutes later to draw even again. However, when Copplestone struck for his second goal of the game - and fourth in four matches - the Ians defense seemed to crack down.

The win gives the Ians, who have an off day today, an overall record of 3-1-0 for the first half of the contest with a +4 goal differential and ten points, far and away the best performance of any Iansislean international side in history.

http://www.geocities.com/versionizer/kamari2.gif.txt

Rejis 1 Referee 4
The Orange-Blues lost the match against Evisceratomatoes by an abysmal 1-4. The match was overshadowed by the arrest of Nihasa Rike after the last match, which was not explained properly by officials. The Orange-Blue Fanclub had advised all members to leave Tranquilitis as fast as possible. Nearly all rejistanian fans seemed to be organised in the fanclub, so the Orange-Blues played in a stadium, which was entirely filled by Evisceratomatoe-fans or neutrals. Also the tranquilitian referrees seemed to be more than a bit biased.

The Orange-Blues started by an excellent chance by SyLy. The ball sailed past the Tomatoe that was in the goal. The Orange-Blues were leading after just 30 seconds. The rejistanian fans in front of the TVs cheered. The situation was that clear, that the referee gave the goal. The tomatoes counter-attacked right-away. Tyru'he won the direct duel against a tomatoe, but suddently the referee blew his whistle, and said, that Xenex Tyru fouled the poor tomatoe horribly. that the tomatoe didn't even fell down didn't matter. Xenex was send off and one tomatoe equalized the score in the penalty kick. The Orange-Blues, who normally play very fair, were recieving yellow and red cards en masse. After Tyru'he, Jen'he was sent off, this time, it was clear, that the referee was biased, since he shouted: "Get away, heathen!" while holding up the red card. Hexen'he saved the situation and parried wide. He hadn't much luck later. Seven free kicks and penalties later, the score was 1-4. All penalties were highly controversial, or merely were not controversial and absolutly not justified. The match ended after only 44 minutes, because at that time, only six rejistanian players were on the field.

The result:
Evisceratomatoes: 4 (2nd, 16th, 22th, 34th)
Rejistania: 1 (Lyku, 1st)

booked: Hexen, Y

Red-carded: Tyru, Ajil, Lyku, Sines, Linkosa

Nihasa Rike didn't understand what happened. She just tied her shoes and then this policeman has handcuffed her and brought her in this police car. The man has said something, but the english he spoke was very accented. Perhaps it wasn't english at all. "Iln'isa xe sunjan?" she asked in rejistanian. She tried also to say it in english, but messed up the right sentence structure and her accent also didn't enhance clarity: "Ju ta~ek mi ver?"* She even tried to ask it in Minokajetian ("Ni-ja-ga-eris 'diu?") and Majuvedian ("Senede' ixe ahili?"), but of course no one outside of Northern Mintania speaks these languages. The car stopped at a building, which seemed to be some kind of police station.

* you take me where?

--meanwhile--
Kihedi Xa stared blankly as the car moved off, what did happen now? He knew, that soccer fans tend to get arrested after victories, but normally you need to climb on street lamps and wave an Orange-Blue flag or to jump into fountains. Nihasa didn't even have the time to do such things and wouldn't have done them here in Tranquilitis. Anyhow. this trip was organised by the Orange-Blue-Fan-Club and so he called them and told them what happened.

Imperial Tranquil Police Chief for Östköping and the Surrounding Suburbs Peter Sjellsson had already been informed of the discretion. He waited now in his office, having cancelled all appointments for this time, for the arrival of Officers Knudsson and Forsberg, with the young Rejistani woman who had apparently broken the law that was held most sacred in Tranquillitis: she had violated the foreign religion ban.

Sjellsson was a very devout Christian. He went to his church everyday, always donated his free time to Church activities, and followed the Bible and Church to every rule humanly possible. He was a man of faith and good deeds, a model of the Catholic Church in Tranquillitis and the affect it had on its citizens. He stood by the rules first set in place by Emperor Erik I, and an avid supporter of the law forbidding the spread of foreign religion, which included bearing symbols.

His personal assistant buzzed his office. "Knudsson och Forsberg är här," said the pleasant female voice. Knudsson and Forsberg are here.. "Sänd dem hit," he responded. Send them in.

Knudsson and Forsberg entered the large office with their prisoner, a young woman of no more than 23 years of age. She looked confused and scared of her current situation and surroundings, and Sjellsson felt a pang of guilt for a brief moment. Shaking his head away at his weakness, he motioned for the two officers to bring the girl to his desk. She was shoved forward, and sat in one of the two chairs. Knudsson started to lift her out of it, but Sjellsson motioned for him to let her sit.

"Vad skedde?" he asked. What happened?

"As this woman bent down to tie her shoes," Knudsson began, "her necklace slipped out from underneath her shirt. We saw what suspiciously looked like a heretical symbol." He handed the necklace over to Sjellsson.

Sjellsson studied it. "Thank you, officers, please wait outside," he said without looking up. Knudsson and Forsberg left the office, closing the door behind them."

"Now," he said, looking directly at the scared girl across from him, speaking in Scandinavian-accented English. "What is this?"

The girl said nothing, apparently not understanding him. "Is this some kind of religious symbol, a symbol of some god or something of that nature?" he tried, holding up the necklace.

---------------------------------

Supercup Results will be a bit late today as I'm going to Lord of the Rings :P (Forum at this post that was supposed to be up 7 hours ago, I'll send out results. Playoff teams will also get their opponents).

Day 4 Results:

Brazillico 2 - 1 Warnocks Wizards
Spaam 2 - 3 Timway

Iansisle 2 - 1 Cockbill Street
Rejistania 1 - 4 Evisceratomatoes

[code:1:50e64caf80]
Group A

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts. Q/E
Tranquillitis 3 3 0 0 5 2 +3 9 Qlf
Timway 3 1 2 0 5 4 +1 5
Brazillico 4 1 1 2 5 7 -2 4 Elim.
Spaam 3 1 0 2 6 7 -1 3
Warnocks Wizards 3 0 1 2 2 4 -2 1 Elim.

Group B

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts. Q/E
Iansisle 4 3 1 0 8 4 +4 10 Qlf.
Rejistania 3 1 1 1 6 8 -2 4
Evisceratomatoes 3 2 0 1 7 3 +4 6
New Montreal States 3 0 1 2 5 7 -2 1 Elim.
Cockbill Street 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1 Elim.
[/code:1:50e64caf80]

Day 5 are coming out. Rejistania is doing the Tranquillitis score.

Ankh-Morpork C-mail
Cockbill Street Department

Footballers Out Of Supercup
Two Goal Routs Result In Great Disappointment

In the two matches that were played in Tranquillitis since our last footballing update, Cockbill Street have been transformed from a boring, uninteresting team who wins 1-0 matches into a team who takes risks, neglects defense, and subsequently loses in goal routs.

Take the Iansisle game on Saturday for example. The 2-1 goal for Iansisle was a well executed counter-attack, after Cockbill Street had needlessly thrown all their defenders forward on a corner kick. Miller stood alone on the halfway line and lobbed in a goal as soon as he received the pass. Such defense was unbelievable.

That's not to say there was no good points. The 2-3 goal against Rejistania, that which gave us some hope and consolation, was very well constructed. Olsen played a one-two pass with Calcite on the left, then with Lehrer on his right, then dribbled past two defenders before suddenly finding himself at too acute an angle to finish it off. Instead, he put it 45 degrees back, and there was the mighty foot of Chris Brashear, who slotted it down the left corner for 2-3. A very nice goal overall. Also, Thomas Lehrer's free kicks were executed to perfection in both games, scoring two goals and crossing in for Tungsten-carbide's 2-2 equaliser against Iansisle.

Yet, against Rejistania the defense was if possible even more sloppy than against Iansisle. The tackling was non-existent, and so was the marking. Thus, Rejistania threatened to put up a handball score as the match eventually ended 5-3 for the Rejistanians.

With only one point, Cockbill Street goes out as the tournament's laughing stock. Having an awful goal difference of 7-13 as well, there really is no excuse. Luckily, this is a friendly tournament, which will have no effect on the world rankings.

C-mail ratings for game v Iansisle: J Axewielder 3 - Harmison 3 (off 64 Eversham), Carboniferous 3, Golddevourer 3 - Calcite 4 (off 62 Petisha), Olsen 5, Lehrer 4, H Axewielder 5 - Tungsten-carbide 6, Quier 4, Brashear 6 (off 59 Beaver 4).

Iansisle 3 (Copplestone 7, 51, Miller 33)
Cockbill Street 2 (Lehrer 10, Tungsten-carbide 39)

C-mail ratings for game v Rejistania: J Axewielder 4 - Harmison 3 (off 47 Eversham 3), Carboniferous 3, Golddevourer 2 - Petisha 5, Olsen 5, Lehrer 6, H Axewielder 4 - Tungsten-carbide 5, Quier 4, Beaver 4 (off 64 Brashear).

Rejistania 5 (Kiru 18, Lyku 38, Ijen 49, Linkosa 65, Ijanhi 82 pen)
Cockbill Street 3 (Axewielder 7, Beaver 58, Lehrer 87)

If anyone might have read Imdila instead of Ijen as the third Rejistanian goalscorer, blame our translator. Rejistanian characters, he claims, are very difficult, and a line in the wrong place have very large consequences

Haze Lifting over Enlightened Empire

Warnocks Wizards Recovering from Strange Malaise

From our news services...

New Orthanc, WW--Good news for Wizardites everywhere. The strange haze that has hung over the empire like a large low-hanging thing is slowly beginning to arise. The nation is slowly recovering from its convalescence at New Rivendell Infirmary, after a freak illness swept the populace. World Cup Flu is starting to dissipate, and residents are slowly regaining the ability to form coherent thought once again. To say nothing of now being able to celebrate being named co-host of World Cup 11 and passing the 500 million mark in population. Normal service will soon resume.

Bazgash the Sly, reporting for WW1

http://www.geocities.com/versionizer/kamari2.gif.txt

Orange-Blues qualified!!!
After the not-that-low defeat in the last match, the Orange-Blues were in desperate need for a victory. Luckily, the red-card-bans were lifted for this match (it might have something to do with the fact, that the officials caught the Orange-Blues praying in front of a cruzifix before the match started). Again, the match was in a stadium, in which no rejistanian fans were. But this time, it seemed to motivate the Orange-Blues. The rejistanians didn't play in the normal starting formation: Coach Imdila'he replaced some players because he thought, they couldn't handle the situation that easy. Kiru'he replaced Ijanhi'he as starter and Mikven Ijen started instead of Sil Hilat. If you ever saw, how often KaMaRi kaletri fans have become a minority in their own stadium, this is an understandable decision.

Cockbill Stret had the better start, since the Orange-Blues never played in this formation before. Axewielder'he used that advantage to archieve the 0-1 in the 7th minute. It was the third chance for Cockbill Street in this match. The whole stadium cheered. The Orange-Blues kept playing their normal defensive style and had very few chances for counter-attacks. The equalizer was archieved in a very strange way: Axewielder'he lost the ball against Jen'he, he passed it to Kiru'he, Kiru'he ran forward in the direction of the Cockbill Streetian goal. SyLy followed him and they started a counter-attack, which was successfull. Kiru'he archieved his first goal that was not scored as penalty or free kick. After that strange goal, the Orange-Blues played a more offensive, perhaps because it stirs aggression if virtually everyone in the stadium boohs when your team equalizes. This led to several 100% chances for the Orange-Blues. One of this chances led to the lead, as SyLy archieved the 2-1 in the 38th minute. This was also the half-time result.

In the second half, the Orange-Blues played their 'System Imdila' in a very offensive manner. Linkosa'he was in top-form. He assisted as SyLy scored the lead and also assisted as Ijen'he scored his first goal for the Orange-Blues in the 69th minute. Unfortuantly, his error in the 58th minute also gave Cockbill Streeet a big chance which Beaver'he capitalized. Both teams had some chances, but the Orange-Blues clearly dominated the match. In the end, Cockbill Street saw no other way, than to play unfair and to foul often. As Jen Y (replaced SyLy in the 78th minute) was fouled in the 82nd minute, the referee decided free-kick and defender Ijanhi'he archieved the 5-2. At that time, the rejistanians became careless. That gave Cockbill Street the chance to score the 5-3.

When Coach Imdila'he was asked if that result would remind him of handball he answered: "for a handball match, the result is a bit low. But it reminds me of it because it brings us hopefully to the final! Even if our next match is against the host nation!" The staff of the KaMaRi Update wishes him good luck for that.

The result:
Rejistania: 5 (Kiru 18th, Lyku 38th, Ijen 49th, Linkosa 65th, Ijanhi 82th)
Cockbill Street: 3 (Axewielder 7th, Beaver 58th, Lehrer 87th)

Rejistanian top scorers:
Lyku: 3
Su: 2
Linkosa: 2
Kiru: 2
Ijanhi: 1
Ijen: 1

EDIT: Inserted the scorers
EDIT2: YASMOT (yet another sh*tty mass of typoes)

States avoid total humiliation

[i]Psyched out tomatoes go down hard 3-1 to States[/b]

With the strategy "Let's score more goals than they do" not working out right, the Paladins opted to try psychological warfare in last night's game against the Evisceratomatoes.

The IPA provided large amounts of spaghetti *dripping* in thick marinara sauce, french fries loaded with ketchup, rich creamy tomato soup, tortilla chips in chunky salsa and last but not least big steaming bowls of spicy chile with a rich tomato sauce.

It worked.

The Paladins stormed to an early 2-0 lead with goals from Marse Hendel of Longueil High and Angel Simard of New Antioch Brisebois High in the first 15 minutes.

The tomatoes pulled themselves together somewhat after that and on a well placed kick by <player> put the ball in net late in the first half.

The second half was a defensive/offensive struggle, as the Tomatoes tried to put it in goal and the Paladins had to stop them, which they did. At 28 minutes into the 2nd half Martin Poulin got off a pass to Heironeous Renault who put it in for a 3-1 lead. The Paladins then went to a 5-4-1 formation to put a damper on the Tomatoes attack. It worked to perfection (for once) and that was the game.

Afterwards the players went out to a great little Italian place nearby to celebrate with giant bowls of spaghetti in marinara, lasagna bleeding thick red sauce rich with herbs, etc. etc.

"Now," he said, looking directly at the scared girl across from him, speaking in Scandinavian-accented English. "What is this?"

The girl said nothing, apparently not understanding him. "Is this some kind of religious symbol, a symbol of some god or something of that nature?" he tried, holding up the necklace.


Suddently Nihasa saw what was the point. This sign on her necklace. She thought it would be enough to keep the sign of Tadarakansa invisible. Unfortunatly the policeman has seen it and so The Great God of Victory has brought her into trouble, even if his sign is normally worn to avoid trouble. Han-hi-len-ly! She aswered in her not-really-good-english: "It is sy-jin, is from KaMaRi midjit. I know not what the sy-jin is."

Tranquillitis Nyheter
Tjänande Anden sedan den är 1955

Moose Top Group A
-Erik Åkerfeldt

ÖSTKÖPING - The Tranquillitis Moose have shocked everyone by topping Group A.

With victories over Warnocks Wizards, Spaam, and Brazillico, the Moose ensured their spot in the Supercup Semi-Finals. The latest match, a 2-0 loss to Timway, was irrelevent to the positioning of the Moose, so they put out many substitutes.

The Moose will now play Rejistania, who came in 2nd place in their group after a win and some help from New Montreal States. The two countries are locked in dispute over the recent arrest of a Rejistani citizen, so the match should be very heated. All 48,000 seats will be filled with Moose fans, as all Rejistanis have left the country.

Day 5 Results:

Timway 2 - 0 Tranquillitis
Warnocks Wizards 2 - 1 Spaam

Evisceratomatoes 1 - 3 New Montreal States
Cockbill Street 3 - 5 Rejistania

Playoff Fixtures:
Tranquillitis v. Rejistania - Östervallen
Iansisle v. Timway - Karlsgården

[code:1:0aac4efd1f]
Group A

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts. Q/E
Tranquillitis 4 3 0 1 5 4 +1 9 Qlf
Timway 4 2 2 0 7 4 +3 8 Qlf
Warnocks Wizards 4 1 1 2 4 5 -1 4 Elim.
Brazillico 4 1 1 2 5 7 -2 4 Elim.
Spaam 4 1 0 3 7 9 -2 3 Elim.

Group B

Team GP W D L GF GA GD Pts. Q/E
Iansisle 4 3 1 0 8 4 +4 10 Qlf.
Rejistania 4 2 1 1 11 11 0 7 Qlf.
Evisceratomatoes 4 2 0 2 8 6 +2 6 Elim.
New Montreal States 4 1 1 2 8 8 0 4 Elim.
Cockbill Street 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1 Elim.
[/code:1:0aac4efd1f]

Playoff Results coming out a bit early today since I can't be on at the usual time to send them out.

Suddently Nihasa saw what was the point. This sign on her necklace. She thought it would be enough to keep the sign of Tadarakansa invisible. Unfortunatly the policeman has seen it and so The Great God of Victory has brought her into trouble, even if his sign is normally worn to avoid trouble. Han-hi-len-ly! She aswered in her not-really-good-english: "It is sy-jin, is from KaMaRi midjit. I know not what the sy-jin is."

Sjellsson's face grew angry. "Ljugande flicka! Jag och du känner vad det är!" He stopped for a moment, trying to regain his composure. "I know what this is, girl. I have been to Rejistania before. I saw this symbol everywhere when I went there to watch football. It is the symbol of your god of victory."

He turned and faced the window. "I tried to get you to admit it, perhaps you might have been able to salvage something from this. I have to turn you over to the federal authorities." He turned back towards the door. "Knudsson! Forsberg! Kom hit!"

Knudsson and Forsberg burst through the door, looking scared as though they thought they were in trouble. "This girl is going to Eriksberg. Make the arrangements."

Knudsson and Forsberg took the girl by the arms and led her out of the office.

--------------------------

An unmarked black vehicle, belonging to the Imperial Tranquil Police, National Division was waiting downstairs. Forsberg and Knudsson brought Nihasa to the car, and put her in the back, before closing the door and letting the driver make the 2 and a half hour drive to Eriksberg.

Though the SuperCup was just a ‘friendly tournament,’ the air among the Ians’ players could be described as anything but light-hearted. David Westmore stood in front of the players who had given their bodies and spirit over the last few days of Iansisle’s remarkable qualification run. He remembered seeing those same eyes after Oddslavo and Aquilla, down turned and dejected by the slaughters. Now, they burned with fierce passion.

Westmore fed off the emotions, pacing up and down the front of Östervallen’s spacious locker room. Timway certainly hadn’t ever done anything to Iansisle or its football team, but that didn’t matter right now: they were the Enemy, the thing between the Ians and national pride. Many were aware of the fair degree of closeness with which their exploits were being reported at home, and felt the need to avenge their World Cup reverses on a world stage.

“Gentlemen,” Westmore started quietly. At once, the entire locker room fell silent to listen to him. “We stand now balanced on the edge of what may be the defining moment in Iansislean sports history. Before us lies two distinct options: glorious victory or ignoble defeat.” The players tensed as Westmore paused, turning to face the tunnel. “Public enthusiasm for international football has never been high in the Commonwealth, and a defeat now may be the final nail in its coffin. A victory, however, will drench us with spoils beyond imagination.”

He turned back to the intense faces. “Gentlemen, I do not think any of you wish to slip quietly off over the horizon. I also know that each of you will give his absolute best, to rise or ruin.” Westmore clapped his hands behind his back, a small tear forming in the corner of one eye. His next sentence was barely more than a whisper: “I only wish I could be with you. Gentlemen, you do Iansisle proud.”

With that, John Copplestone - who had been named team captain - rose and turned silently to his teammates. “Lads, I think we owe Coach Westmore three cheers! Hip hip!”

“Huzzah!” returned every voice in an Ians uniform.

“Hip hip!” shouted Copplestone again, slightly louder.

“Huzzah!” echoed the team, their arms pumping at the air.

“Hip hip!” screamed Copplestone.

“Huzzah!” bellowed the team in reply, every man standing and cheering as the decibel level rose. Westmore simply stood by on his crutches, smiling softly.

“Then for the glory of the King and the Commonwealth, Ians on me!” yelled Copplestone, waving a hand over his head and leading his jubilant team onto the field.

---

Timway soon proved why it was ranked nearly ten full points ahead of the Ians. Throughout the game, Iansisle managed to hang in only through sheer grit and moxy. By midway through the second half, however, the Ians found themselves down one to zero. That is, until young Alexander Truman got his chance. He was on the attack alongside Copplestone, and the last thing anyone expected was for the vastly more experienced and talented Troobodian striker to pass off to his rookie teammate. However, he did, and Truman confidently put the ball into the back of the net.

The Ians had no chance to celebrate the victory, however, as Timway promptly got back on the attack. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t reckon on Benny Answorth having the best single game by any Iansislean goalkeeper in the short history of that country’s short footballing history. He saved at least three key chances, and seemed to be an impenetrable wall in goal. Slowly but surely, the Ians stonewalled Timway’s potent offense through the remainder of regulation and extra time.

When it came time for the penalty shoot-out, it was clear which side wanted to advance more. While Timway made some brilliant kicks and their keeper some equally brilliant save attempts, Anworth was beyond amazing in goal, and the Ians mobbed each other in the center of the field, almost managing to forget in the passion of the moment that their quest was not yet an an end.

Tranquillitis Nyheter
Tjänande Anden sedan den är 1955

Moose in Final!
-Erik Åkerfeldt

ÖSTKÖPING - The Tranquillitis Moose have managed to qualify for the Supercup Final, winning a thrilling match in front of 48,000 of their fans at the Östervallen in Östköping.

The recent mass exodus of Rejistani fans from the country left all the seats in the stadium open to Tranquillitis fans. Tickets were sold out in record time, as everyone wanted a chance to see the Moose in the playoffs.

The visitors were the ones to open the scoring, however, on a free kick that found a Rejistani head. Eriksson had no chance as the ball went by him. The goal came just minutes before half-time, giving the Moose fans a sinking feeling in the seats.

The Moose quickly regained some of that lost momentum when Mikael Andersson picked up the rebound from a saved Magnus Magnusson shot. Andersson just needed to put a touch to the ball to send it in the right direction and into the back of the net.

Full-time came with the score still level at 1-1. A golden goal extra time would be needed to decide the match.

In the 113th minute, in the second half of extra time, Frederic Wilhelmsson lined up to take a corner after a Magnusson shot was just tipped over the bar by the Rejistani keeper. His corner travelled into the crowd just outside the Rejistani 6-yard box. It met David Nilsson's head and soared into the back of the net, sending the Tranquillitis Moose into the final.

With Iansisle's penalty shootout win, the Moose and Ians meet in the Imperial Tranquil Capital for the final of the Supercup. Probably two of the least expected teams to make it, the Moose and Ians are both no doubt not simply happy to be in the final.

[code:1:daf0b7bc36]
Tranquillitis 2 (Andersson 52, Nilsson 113)
v.
Rejistania 1 (<player> 41)
- After Extra Time
[/code:1:daf0b7bc36]

http://www.geocities.com/versionizer/kamari2.gif.txt

Nilsson'he ends orange-blue hopes
The orange-blue hopes were shattered as Nilsson'he shot the 1-2 during extra-time. Ila Iles commented it as: "We ****~* can not ***** win a ***** semi-final!" Syku Hexen prefered to say it in a more child-like version: "It was absolutely terrible! Whenever a player made an error, the whole stadium was cheering! I never experienced such a match before."

The first half started a bit slow, both teams didn't want to make the stupid error that decided the match. A good chance of SyLy in the 20th minute only hit the crossbar. Syku Hexen could parry a dangerous shot from Andersson'he in the 34th minute. Tranquilitis goalie Eriksson didn't have that luck in the 41st minute, when Su'he shot a free-kick for the Orange-Blues. SyLy archieved the lead with a header. 1-0 was also the half-time result.

In the second half, the Moose had the better start. The Rejistanian defense made some unnecessary errors, which also led to the equalizer, shot by Andersson'he. The second half ended 1-1, thanks to both defenses which made it impossible for both teams to capitalise their several chances.

In the overtime, the Moose were the better team, perhaps because Imdila'he made his substitutions too early. But still, they rejistanian defense kept the score levelled. An error by Kiru'he (who played since the 67th minute), led to a chance for the Moose, which Hexen'he could only tip over the bar. The mooseian corner, shot by Wilhelmsson'he found Nilsson'he's head and brought the Orange-Blue behind. The Orange-Blue had no chance to equalize again and so the Moose meet Iansisle in the final, while the Orange-Blues meet Timway in the vinali tikira*.

The result after extra time:
Tranquilitis 2 (Andersson 52nd, Nilsson 113rd)
Rejistania 1 (Lyku 41st)

Rejistanian top-scorer:
Lyku: 4
Su: 2
Linkosa: 2
Kiru: 2
Ijanhi: 1
Ijen: 1

EDIT: YASMOT

Supercup Results, Day 6:

Semi Final 1:

After Extra Time:
Tranquillitis 2 - 1 Rejistania

Semi Final 2:

After Extra Time:
Iansisle 1 - 1 Timway
(Iansisle wins 4-2 on Penalties)

Finals and 3rd Place TGs coming out now. Kaze Progressa was nice enough to do the results.

An unmarked black vehicle, belonging to the Imperial Tranquil Police, National Division was waiting downstairs. Forsberg and Knudsson brought Nihasa to the car, and put her in the back, before closing the door and letting the driver make the 2 and a half hour drive to Eriksberg.


Nihasa was brought to this car, that reminded her in a very unpleasant way of a hearse. She didn't know, what they thought, she said. Debts! It is impossible to say anything in a sensible way if you are arrested by the strictest police, Nihasa could imagine. It is far more impossible to say anything sensible in a language, you just learned several weeks before by a simple language-guide. Suddently Nihasa remebered, that she had the book 'English for Away Games' in her pocket. Perhaps there are some phrases she could use. She tried to reach her pocket, but didn't succeed. The man, that was with her in the back of the car, said something to her. He wanted to know what she was trying, as Nihasa guessed. Nihasa pointed at the pocket and said: "Ra.", then she also remembered the english word and added it: "There."She wasn't quite sure if the last e was sounded and hoped, that she had made no error by not pronouncing it. The man said something to the others in the front of the car a short discusion began, then the first opened her handcuffs. She rubbed her hurting wrists, she searched in her pocket, didn't find the guide and after a shock second remembered, that it was in the other pocket. She grabbed it and showed it the official. He looked at it, but then she remembered, that rejistanian symbols are known only in Rejis and the 'for Away Games' books are surely not known in Tranquilitis too. She browsed until she found the right page. Then she pointed at her wrists and (while looking at the right pronounciation, she said: "Thank you!")

(Tranquilitis: I have to apologize. I meant to write up an RP tonight, but just haven't gotten around to it. Please, feel free to take any liberties you wish with the story, and I'll play off it as soon as I can. Sorry again!)

http://www.geocities.com/versionizer/kamari2.gif.txt

Late goal sends Rejis fourth
The much anticipated vinali tikira against Timway ended with a 1-2 loss for the Orange-Blues. Timway was the mysterious team in this tournament, coach Hexen Imdila couldn't even find out the names of the starters for Timway.

Timway had the better start, since the Orange-Blues still didn't get used to the situation that only a very small number of people in the stadium supported them. Even the KaMaRi kaletrians have never before experienced to have that less support.

Again Kansu Kiru replaced Lanhi Ijanhi in the starting formation, the other starters were those, who are actually listed in the roster as starters (there were only 6 matches, in which Hexen Imdila used the starting formation listed in the roster without any changes). The Orange-Blues played a very defensive System Imdila. Timway tried to get past the Orange-Blue defense and got desperate in trying. No one expected the Rejistanians to shoot the first goal but they did it in the 15th minute. A long-distance-shot by Su'he surprised the Timwayian keeper, the score was 1-0. Timway equailised the score in the additional time of the first half, after a corner. The half-time result was 1-1.

In the second half, also the Orange-Blues played more offensive, but they lacked the right amount of luck.Untill the 87th minute, also the Timwayians lacked it. but then, Sen Ajil fouled a timwayian player to prevent an attack. Hexen'he couldn't hold the following free kick. The score 1-2 was also the final result.

This loss made the Orange-Blues finish 4th in the Supercup. Iles'he commented the loss in a way, that we can not write here. Even in his standards, his language was bad and you can surely figure out what that means. Hexen'hethanked the fans for their support, because even if they decided to boycott the matches, they showwed their support by an incredible amount of fan post and e-mails. When asked about the next Frosty Cup, he answered: "We will surely not play in it! We'll reach the world cup next time!"

The result:
Timway: 2 (45th, 87th)
Rejistania: 1 (Su 15th)

Rejistanian top-scorers in this tournament:
Lyku: 4
Su: 3
Linkosa: 2
Kiru: 2
Ijanhi: 1
Ijen: 1

Balance during this tournament/ overall: 2-1-3/18-10-13 (Overall GD: +3)

Total amount of archieved goals in this tournament/overall: 13/61

Rejistanian top scorers overall:
Syku Lyku (26)
Xeseja Su (15)
Inik Linkosa (5)
Xkeliko Susu (3)
Laxtu Takil* (2)
Sen I Ailn* (2)
Kansu Kiru (2)
Mata Koleni (1)
Exke Sines (1)
Imike Syku* (1)
Lanhi Ijanhi (1)
Mikven Ijen (1)

* retired from team

From page 1D of the Ianapalis Star-Tribune

Ians SuperCup Champions!
Iansisle’s XI down host Tranquillitis 3-2 in Extra Time!

Jamie C. Peters
Ians Correspondent

ERIKSBERG, Tranquillitis -- When lots were cast before the start of the SuperCup, the last thing anyone imagined was that the low ranked Iansisle Ians, coming off a disastrous finish to a World Cup qualification run, would be playing the resurgent Tranquillitis Moose, coming off a break from world football, in the final game.

In fact, most Iansisleans were under the general impression that David Westmore, who replaced then-Lord Riveran three games from the end of World Cup qualification, was the absolute worst thing to happen to international football in its entire history. Many blamed him for the Ians’ collapse on the last stretch, where they went 0-0-3 with a -7 goal differential in three must-win games.

However, the pundits were singing a much different tune after the SuperCup was hardly three games old. Even with star striker Leonard Flaherty (who signed on with the FC Endreston of Healdsburg and declared he would have nothing more to do with Iansisle) gone, Westmore patched together an offense out of spare parts.

Troobodian striker John Copplestone, long considered nothing but a second fiddle, could be considered the keystone of the revamped Ians’ offense. He score four of the Ians’ nine goals during the pre-Cup games and proved himself an extremely valuable veteran resource for young strikers Mark Miller and Alexander Truman. Truman in particular proved a spectacular counterpart to Copplestone, scoring the Ians’ lone regular time goal against Timway in their drive to advance to the SuperCup finals.

Before yesterday’s match, Coach Westmore was quoted as saying “I have a lot of confidence in my guys. They may not be the most talented side in the tournament, but, [darn] it, I think they have the most heart! It makes my own job so much easier knowing that, if I needed them to, any one of my players could step up and lead the team.”

During the game itself, several players did indeed step up - especially after the team captain and inspirational leader, John Copplestone, went down with a twisted ankle seven minutes into the game. Past Ians teams may have rolled over and died at that point, but the new ‘SuperIans’ didn’t. Instead, veteran defenseman Conrad Brandt rallied the Iansisle defense to the charge in the face of more than 50,000 screaming Tranquillitis fans. By the half, the Ians were only down 0-1, and still full of zest.

It was at that point that Alexander Truman, who had quickly become Copplestone’s eager student, took command. He quickly struck for his second goal of the SuperCup playoffs, evening the score. Just a few moments later, Tom Ross - playing as a striker for Copplestone while Jason Daerhorn filled in for him in the midfield - scored his first goal to put the Ians up 2-1, hushing the crowd for a small time.

But the Moose was not quite out of tricks yet. The six or seven Iansislean fans in attendance had hardly finished celebrating when a Tranquillitis forward broke through the normally rock solid Ians defense and put one past a diving Benny Answorth, causing the hardly unbiased crowd to let loose with a deafening cheer.

The two nearly equally matched teams battled over the last bit of time remaining, and it was clear that the match was headed towards extra time. During an Iansislean time out, Truman and Copplestone were seen to be exchanging words. Hardly a minute into extra time, Truman brilliantly faked out a Moose defenseman deep in the Tranquillitis zone (perhaps the result of his conversation with Copplestone?) and booted one directly into the corner of the net (his own skill, no doubt.)

It hardly seemed possible for the Ians to be SuperCup champions, but they showed much good taste in refraining from celebrating in front of the Tranquillitis crowd. However, back in their locker room, the players didn’t hold anything back.

Coach Westmore, soaked in various alcoholic beverages after the game, had only one comment to make, and that was with tear choked eyes: “I’m so [darn] proud of them!”

Iansisle leading scorers: Tranquillitis SuperCup

first number is for first four games only; second number is including playoffs

Alexander Truman 2 (5)
John Copplestone 4 (4)
Mark Miller 2 (2)
Brian Park 1 (1)
Tom Ross 0 (1)

Rejistanian anti-purge-BUMP!