NationStates Jolt Archive

Participants: Cockbill Street (Hosts and twice Cup of Harmony champions), Rejistania (World Cup 12 winners), NEWI Cefn Druids, Starblaydia, Vilita and The Lowland Clans

The matches will be played under a round robin system, where every nation meets all the other nations. Unfortunately, due to IRL issues, Cockbill Street will not be able to scorinate after Saturday morning GMT. Thus, the following timescale is suggested for the tournament:

Wednesday: Matchday 1
Thursday morning (GMT): Matchday 2
Thursday evening: Matchday 3
Friday: Matchday 4
Saturday: Matchday 5

The schedule will be as follows:

Matchday 1: Rejistania v NEWI Cefn Druids @ K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, Cockbill Street v Vilita @ Vimesbairn National, Starblaydia v The Lowland Clans @ Izh'no'got K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh.

Matchday 2: Rejistania v Cockbill Street @ Vimesbairn National, NEWI Cefn Druids v Starblaydia @ Vimesbairn Cricket Ground, Vilita v The Lowland Clans @ Jotneheim Park.

Matchday 3: Rejistania v Starblaydia @ Thatcher Road, NEWI Cefn Druids v Vilita @ Roegrow Grass Patch, Cockbill Street v The Lowland Clans @ Vimesbairn National.

Matchday 4: Rejistania v Vilita @ K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, Cockbill Street v Starblaydia @ Vimesbairn National, NEWI Cefn Druids v The Lowland Clans @ Vimesbairn Cricket Ground.

Matchday 5: NEWI Cefn Druids v Cockbill Street @ Vimesbairn National, Vilita v Starblaydia @ Izh'no'got K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, Rejistania v The Lowland Clans @ K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh.

Please note that this tournament have absolutely no bearing on any official rankings, and is merely a tournament scheduled in between World Cups in order for the teams to get some practice.

The ranking system, unless the official KPB ranks post-WC and CoH15 are published by 1600 GMT today (as this will be tentative scorination time for matchday 1), will be the system used by Melmond in the Cup of Harmony, with slight modifications. These will be that the teams will actually be ranked in order of their qualification and finals performances (Cup of Harmony will not count) in a similar way to the system used before the KPB rankings. E.g. a team finishing 4th in their qualification group with more points and better goal difference than any other would finish ranked 33rd. This rank will then be added to the KPB rank pre-WC15. This number is then divided by two to achieve the IRC rank.

IRC ranks: Rejistania 14.5, Cockbill Street 24.5, NEWI Cefn Druids 29, The Lowland Clans 30, Vilita 34, Starblaydia 89.5.

RP bonus: RPs, squads, and anything generally related to the games made in a post counts as an RP. The maximum number of RPs that may count for RP bonus purposes is equal to the number of games played by the team so far plus 1. RP bonus will work as a percentage deduction in rank, and this deduction will be done just before scorination. The percentage deduction for each RP will be between -2 and 7 per cent depending on the type of RP.

Edit: Added arena information. Further information about all the arenas may be found here (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=312506) except for the Izh'no'got K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, which has a capacity of 68,000 after a recent expansion due to Izh'no'got's promotion to the Compound League. It is the home of the current league silver medallists, Izh'no'got K'druz'ba, and it replaces the Northset County Cricket Ground as hosting stadium for this tournament.

Tagged for future comprehension after a re-read or two ;)

ASNN - Stars continue the post-WCXV era with IRC

GRAHAM CITY - Manager Jeff McKay announced today the Stars would be participating in a new friendly tournament, known as the International Recreational Competition, hosted by Cockbill Street, who recently defeated the Stars in a bitter fight to the end at the Cup of Harmony Finals. The roster will be identical, and the Stars will be ready to


Stats (Starting from CoH XIII)
* indicate Captains

Managers
- Head Manager: Jeff McKay
- Offensive Manager: Terry Fleury
- Defensive Manager: Lester Preston

Forwards G A
Mark Jeremy* 3 1
Jason Fleury 2 1
Kevin Donahugh 2 0
Kellen Asten 1 0

Halfbacks
Pavel Julios* 2 1
Orlando Rose 0 1
Kassen Illius 1 1
Jerry Mindwalker 0 0

Fullbacks
Moe West 0 0
'Hounder' McGraff 0 0
Edgar Kolapoussif 0 0

Keepers
Martin Teller
William Powers


Predictions

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/rejistania.jpg
The Orange-White-Blue Regions of Rejistania
IRC Ranking: 14.5

Rejistania teams, have always been strong, and this team doesn't change the tradition. One of the most respected teams in the WC communities, the Orange-Blues had a heart breaking WC, not making it past the round of 16. Though with that defeat, the Orange-Blues should take this tournament with ease and poise.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/guernsey.jpg
The Astute and Athletic Nation of Cockbill Street
IRC Ranking: 24.5

Cockbill Street was the team who so coldheartedly wrenched the Cup of Harmony from our beloved Stars squad in a tense, exciting Extra Time match. Host of this tournament, they might have difficulty with some of the squads, but the Street's athleticism should put in contention with Rejistania to take the Cup.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/newi_cefn_druids.jpg
The Pie Filled Void of NEWI Cefn Druids
IRC Ranking: 29

The Druids have long suffered under the title of 'total losers,' at least until Abysmalitan came along, but now have improved greatly and qualified for the last WC. Though knocked out in the group stage, the Druids have tasted international soccer, and their thirst should only get stronger, but expect them to struggle with this tough competition. They will be fighting it out for third with every team other than Rejistania and Cockbill Street.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/the_lowland_clans.jpg
The Allied States of the Lowland Clans
IRC Ranking: 30

After suffering a disasterous last two World Cups, the Stars of the Allied States looked to be poised to return to their position of respect among the World Cup community. With a widely supported and favored bid to host the next World Cup, the Stars hope that should they win, that the traditional favor of the radom number gods should fall upon the hosts. Look for the Stars to be involved in the bitter fight for third.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/vilita.jpg
The Tropics of Vilita
IRC Ranking: 34

The Stars bitter rivals, they were in the qualifying group with them in there first World Cup, before our fall from greatness. The Stars greated them with a fond thwaking, but the rivalry has been put aside in the spirit of greater cooperation with their joint Wold Cup bid. Look for the Jungle Cats to battle for third with NEWI Cefn and the Stars.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/starblaydia.jpg
The Protectorate of Starblaydia
IRC Ranking: 89.5

The underdogs of the IRC, their spunk and fight should be respected by all teams, having faced both Rejistania and Vilita and defeated both. Despite this, they should end up finishing on the bottom here, but look for them to put up a fight with every game, making their opponents pay for every goal over them.


Final Positions

1. Rejistania
2. Cockbill Street
3. The Lowland Clans
4. NEWI Cefn Druids
5. Vilita
6. Starblaydia

The Orange-Blues of the IRC-cup:

Coach: Laxtu Takil (age: 51)
Co-Coach: Myk Linkosa (age: 53)

Name age position club
Su I Y^^^ 29 GK Hades Lavamje

Ninu Juru 19, GK I Jesejil Kaletri


Syku Lulu 21 DF KaMaRi Kaletri
Kansu Xana 20 DF Matix Omeh
Dini Y 22 DF Karela Lines
Xenra Ji 21 DF Karela Lines

Seda Kansu*** 29 DF Hetkali Hetaki
Miku Rodni 20 DF Harari Ynu
Syku Kansu 19 DF Sike kaletri
Kansu Ji* 27 DF Jesejil Lavamje


Ita Syku^ 25 MF Jinhes Junis
Sime Hilat** 28 MF Hetkali Hetaki
Idine Takil* 27 MF Hades Lavamje
Liy Ra^ 24 MF Mikedi Omeh

Hsenu Kira 21 MF Vaje~n Sekhika
Exke Hail^ 26 MF Matix Veran
Nxeni Venu 20 MF Hanin Sekhika
Hiki Suny 19 MF Matix Veran


Syku Lyku 18 FW Hades Lavamje
Lyku Ju 19 FW Izh'no'got K'druz'ba, Cockbill Street

Hansalda Ki 22 FW Matix Omeh
Jenji Y 21 FW Matix Veran

i have to go to th.... errr TAG

The ranking system, unless the official KPB ranks post-WC and CoH15 are published by 1600 GMT today (as this will be tentative scorination time for matchday 1), will be the system used by Melmond in the Cup of Harmony, with slight modifications.

I can pretty much guarantee they won't be posted by then, as I have no more than half an hour of computer access between now and then. In fact, if you happen to be reading this, KP, you might want to go ahead and do it; otherwise I really can't get to it until Saturday.

I can pretty much guarantee they won't be posted by then, as I have no more than half an hour of computer access between now and then. In fact, if you happen to be reading this, KP, you might want to go ahead and do it; otherwise I really can't get to it until Saturday.

No worries mate :)

KP is most likely still drunk after yesterday, so we'll just use the IRC rankings.

Rejistania 1 NEWI Cefn Druids 0
Cockbill Street 0 Vilita 2
Starblaydia 0 The Lowland Clans 2

Tables:

1. The Lowland Clans 1 1 0 0 2-0 3
Vilita 1 1 0 0 2-0 3
3. Rejistania 1 1 0 0 1-0 3
4. NEWI Cefn Druids 1 0 0 1 0-1 0
5. Cockbill Street 1 0 0 1 0-2 0
Starblaydia 1 0 0 1 0-2 0

Thank you for your attention.

ASNN - Stars open IRC with victory of Starblaydia

Izh'no'got K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, Cockbill Street - Apparently, Rejistanians aren't the only ones who have unpronouncable stadiums now, as Cockbill Street hosted the first round of IRC ccompetition today, setting off the short tournament that should accurately gage the Stars chances in the next World Cup. With today's first game against underdog Starblaydia, the Stars began their quest for a title...any title. Manager Jeremy McKay announced in the press conference previous to the game that the hosts have rumored to be confirmed...though no word on who the next hosts of the World Cup will be. More news will come as available.

But onto the game, which was remarkably absent of big burly men in suits and sunglasses and black ominous helicopters flying over the stadium that marked the CoH games recently. The game started of with an even pace for both sides, but a quick burst of energy from Orlando Rose changed that in the fifteenth minute. He intercepted a rocket pass downfield to Nikola Lazerevski, and then turned and sprinted down the field. He sped past two defenders, while coming one on one with Spike Martin, who he manhandled, and then put it in the top corner past Rodriguez Da Silva. With the Stars using this as a springboard to push into the Starblaydian half, they kept most of the game under control for the half.

But Starblaydia came back and pushed on Star territory, threatening on a beautiful corner that Simeone Di Bradini just headed wide. But the Stars trio of Edgar Kolapoussif, Moe West, and Hounder McGraff kept the Blades at bay until Jason Fleury picked up another bad pass, and pressed up on the attack. That point marked a change in momentum, as the Stars brought in what has been called "The Noose" tactic, which is the slow closing of pressure from the midfielders and fullbacks, then letting the hard hitting forwards Jeremy, Asten and Donahugh pound away with their signature power kicks.

They knocked away as the Blades defense began to wane under the pressure. Then, after a particularly nasty Donahugh powershot, the Noose tightend, with the closing of the forwards and midfielders to attack the rebound, which gave Pavel Julios a chance to knock it in past the un focused Rodriguez Da Silva.

TLC Stars 2 - 0 Starblaydia
Rose (15th, No Assist)
Julios (71st, Donahugh Assist)

Blades lose first match
Annoying Lack of a High Rank blamed

"What is it with us?" asked David Benson as he trudged off the field at Izh'no'got K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, seconds from another international defeat, "we keep losing, even though we're going up the rankings."

"You're forgetting who we're playing, Dave," replied Stefan Haldorsson as he applauded the Starblaydi fans, "some of these teams are the best in the world, this bunch of panies are thirtieth in the world."

"Thirtieth?" Benson exclaimed as he picked up a bottle of water, "What are we?"

"Ninety-odd."

"Wow," Benson continued, "no wonder we keep getting beaten."

Final Score:
Starblaydia 0 - 2 The Lowland Clans
(Rose 15, Juilos 71)

Starblaydia Roster for the International Recreational Competition

This team is a rather experimental side, including many of the Under-21 squad who performed so dismally at U21WC4. Almost all the famous faces are still there, however, which should ensure that Starblaydia continue up the rankings. Handily, 1-11 are our starters, with 12-18 on the subs bench and 19-23 not expected to particpate except in case of injury.

1 R. Da Silva GK 22
2 Robert Cole R/LB 28
3 R. Garry (C) LB 32
4 Ki-Jana Carter DM 21
5 Spike Martin CB 20
6 Paul Cole CB 27
7 S. Haldorsson LM 27
8 F.de Souza Lima AM/SC 29
9 N. Lazerevski SC 30
10 S. Di Bradini SC 21
11 David Benson RM 25
12 Boaz Myhill GK 33
13 Rastian Salaam LB 21
14 Vladimir Tsarev LB/CB 16
15 Daniel Scott DM 15
16 J.J. Stark RM 19
17 David Bentley SC 31
18 Karl Robertson SC 20
19 Markus Cragg GK 15
20 Philip Ifil RB 33
21 Moses Brown CB 21
22 Steve Owens AM 30
23 Eomer Hall SC 17

Keepers:

13. Ashley Robinson, aged 32, av rating 5.25, Roegrow Athletic
1. Frederic Roberts, aged 23, av rating 5.61, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba

Defenders:

2. Jorn Arnarson, aged 30, av rating 4.96, right back, Izh'no'got K'druz'ba
3. Tomas Rogers, aged 30, av rating 5.94, central defender/right back, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba
4. Neil Trucker, aged 29, av rating 5.89, central defender, U'ghaz'dukh K'druz'ba
5. Niall Johnson, aged 35, av rating 5.41, full back, Harewood FC
14. Bjorn Spearthrower, aged 27, av rating 6.12, central defender/sweeper, U'ghaz'dukh K'druz'ba
18. Petter Stonelover, aged 34, av rating 5.91, left back, Barcoenfuego (Kingsford)
21. John Napier, aged 25, av rating 5.89, right back, Jotneheim Mountains AFC

Midfielders:

6. Einari Einarsson, aged 31, av rating 5.81, central midfielder, U'dh'gazh'dukh K'druz'ba
7. Larvikite, aged 27, av rating 5.62, left winger, Likh'gokh K'druz'ba
8. James Underwood, aged 22, av rating 5.81, central midfielder/left winger, Jorvik FC (at present considering a contract offer from Rizh'peith K'druz'ba)
12. Sodium-alginate, aged 20, av rating 6.01, right winger/defensive midfielder, Vimesbairn United
15. Johnny Howard, aged 23, av rating 6.02, central/defensive midfielder, Harewood FC
16. Simon Jones, aged 34, av rating 5.58, left winger, Roegrow Athletic
17. Magnetite, aged 32, av rating 6.14, central midfielder, Roegrow Athletic

Forwards:

9. Steinari Einarsson, aged 31, av rating 5.55, striker, U'dh'gazh'dukh K'druz'ba
10. Alexander Peterson, aged 24, av rating 6.41, striker, Chesham Rangers
11. Rikki Stone, aged 26, av rating 6.99, forward, Acosta Browns (Melmond)
19. Jonny Ball, aged 34, av rating 6.33, right winger/forward, Vimesbairn Athletic
20. Stein Stonelover, aged 29, av rating 5.81, striker, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba

*is tired of RPing after the Cup of Harmony final - Vilita can do that from this squad*

Vilita Squad Announced


Nation: The Tropics of Vilita (http://vilita.3wide.com)

Nickname: Jungle Cats

Region: Atlantian Oceania (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/34936/page=display_region/region=atlantian_oceania)

Coach: Helmut Vilkauos; Baron O'Toole

Expected Formation: 4-4-2

THIS IS NOT A DEPTH CHART, ANY PLAYERS MAY BE PICKED
Players in Red are Likely not to Feature in Matches

Goalkeepers:
[80] Massimo Corsi (29y) -Arkanoid FC- (GZ)
Starting Keeper for all of Vilita's Inter-NationStatal matches, Keeping scores down in WC13 and the team in contention in WC14, Corsi has really stepped up in the Cup of Harmony with 2 shutouts and 2 goals conceded to keep the Jungle Cats high atop their qualifying group.

[82] Rory Issah (34y) .900m -Marine Coast United-
Former National Team Keeper at Regional Level. Lost starting role to Corsi prior to the teams first attempt to qualify for the World Cup. Will return to the starting role with the re-instatement of the Regional AOCAF Cup, with Corsi focusing on World Cup Qualification

[87] Bryan 'Pop' Duiker (20y) -Makosile FC-
Starting member of the U-21 Team that finished Runner-Up to Jeruselem in the U21 WC3. No World Cup Experience. Understudy of Issah at Marine Coast United.

[85] Jimmy Kater (15y) .35m - Strike FC -]
Called up to the Vilitan National team for international experience and bench cover during the AOCAF I Finals. Tipped by many to be a future National Team regular.



Defenders:

[2] Enzo Ahat (27y) 6.7m -Marine Coast United-[/SIZE]
Textbook Central Defender beginning to hit World Class form, a regular on the National Team

[4] Giacomo Adika (28y) 4.7m -Marine Coast United-[/SIZE]
Left Back for his club, Centre back along side teamate Ahat for the National Team

[7] Danilo Liguori (21y) 4.6m -Strike Fc-
Future star of Vilitan Football, Broke into the National Team during World Cup 14 and has climbed to the Top of the Depth Chart at Left Back thanks to a series of impressive performances at the U21wc3.

[5] Matteo Ollirg (29y) 3.1m -Yeaddin Owls AFC-
Sporatic appearances at Centre-Back in the previous two World Cup Campaigns, Influencial Club Team player

[0] Esemar Aliana (19y) 1.4m -Alikki-Corra FC-
Promising young utility defender making his first appeances for The U21 side during the successful Runner-Up finish to Jeruselem. Looks set to replace the Retiring O'Toole on the Senior roster at World Cup 15.

[1] Elekim Cairns (32y) 1.1m -Marine Coast United-
Trustworthy WingBack who was influential in the National Team prior to their entrance into the Inter Nation-Statal scene.

[6] Emarka Laniora (16y) .425m -Alikki-Corra FC-
Impressive Youth Defender from the rising Alikki-Corra Youth system that also produced Esemar Aliana and Marasent Siaone. Called up to the National Team for the AOCAF competition while Full National Players were out at the World Cup Qualifiers

[9] David Leacock (22y) .425m -Kiiarana FC-
Productive young Defender with appearances on the U21 side.

[8] Ricky Ezis (15y) .325m -Strike Fc-
Young Defender In his first year with the U21 side.

[3] Jaloey Afrikka (19y) .275m -Jlinal Cove Fc-
Young Defender In his first year with the U21 side.




Midfielders:
[25] Santo Kecker © (26y) UNKNOWN -Barcoenfuego [LEAF]-
Captain of Vilitan National Team since the start of World Cup 13. Transferred from Marine Coast United for 6.2m Following World Cup 14. Free Kick Specialist Playing Central and Left midfield.

[23] Jonathon Stott(25y) 4.5m -Yeaddin Owls AFC-
Resepected utility midfielder solidifying his place in the Vilita Roster during World Cup 14 with many productive performances on the Right Wing.

[32] Jürgen Ramzi(DMC) (28y) 9.2m -Marine Coast United-
Defensive Midfielder, not selected for World Cup 13 do to injury. Took up a role behind the central midfielders in a strong World Cup 14 Qualifying showing by the Jungle Cats and has retained his place in the side. Will assume Captaincy of Marine Coast following the departure of Kecker. Won the League MVP last season.

[27] Jonathon Baledrokadroka (26y) 3.5m -Jlinal Cove FC-
Right/Central Midfielder used in a rotate-by-performance system on the Vilitan National Team.

[22] Alexander Östling (24y) 4.2m -Tivali City-
Young Attacking Midfielder with sporatic appearances in the National Team

[24] Christian Dogbé (29y) 4.0m -FC Almintora [Turori]-
Lost Left Midfield starting role following World Cup 13 and has not returned to the starting lineup since. Captain of his club side.

[43] Umberto Melli (21y) 2.0m -Strike Fc- (On Loan to Tonka City (GZ))
Exciting Central Midfield prospect earning a starting role for his Club team and for the Vilitan U21 side. Reknowned performances in U21 WC3 may be enough to earn him a place on the WC15 Roster.

[26] Nigel Chapman © (31y) 1.2m -Yeaddin Owls AFC-
Lost place in Starting Lineup during the Cup of Harmony held in Vilita. Goalscoring Midfielder. Former Team Captain on Regional Level

[41] Marasent Sioane (19y) UNKNOWN -Barcoenfuego [LEAF]-
Utility midfield prospect transferred from Alikki-Corra FC following World Cup 14. Came off the bench for the U21's to make an important impact in their Runner-Up performance.

[44] Tanner Nerni (16y) .35m -Cednia Beach AFC [Turori]-
Impressive Youth Midifleder, born & raised in Turori by Vilitan parents. Called up to the National Team for the AOCAF competition while Full National Players were out at the World Cup Qualifiers.

[46] Malovar Stokks (17y) .30m -Marine Coast United-
Young Midfielder In his first year with the U21 side.

[45] Calaesa Mitaroka (19y) .30m -Yeaddin Owls AFC-
Young Midfielder In his first year with the U21 side.

[48] Antonis Ratuva (19y) -Jlinal Wanderers-
Called to the U21 side for Defensive Midfield cover in U21wcIV, Ratuva had an impressive debut season in Central Defense for Jlinal Wanderers in the Vilitan Lower Leagues, and was noticed when Baron O'Toole attended the Jlinal Wanderers v. Turoki Isle Vilitan Cup match

[47] Musa Nikiema (17y) -Jaguar Moreda-
Called up to the U21 team for the first time as bench cover in U21wcIV. Attacking Midfielder plays Right or Central

[93] Sublé Tonic (15y) .15m -FC Almintora [Turori]-
Called up to the Vilitan National team for international experience and bench cover during the AOCAF I Finals.

[81] Baron O' Toole (33y) UNAVAIL -Marine Coast United-
Player/Manager of Championship Winning Club Marine Coast United and the Jungle Cat U21 side

[28] Lee Bruce (33y) 1.0m -Liguon Valley-
Retired from the National Team following World Cup 14. Spent his whole career at Jlinal since he was a school boy and is a local cove legend for his performances for the club.[/COLOR]


Forwards:
[16] Callum Banda (22y) 14.7m -Marine Coast United-
Sensational Striker averaging over a goal per game in the U21's remarkable Runner-Up performances in U21 WC3. First Appeared for the National team in World Cup 13 and scored the Jungle Cats first ever goal in Inter-NationStatal Competition in the 2-1 over Compound Interest. Has been a regular for the National Team as well as leading the Vilitan League in scoring this past season.

[14] Germán Salomón (23y) 6.5m -Elders (Kingsford)-
Many Senior International Goals

[18] Jim Vella (27y) 4.0m -Marine Coast United-
Impressive, Undervalued strike partner of Callum Banda at Marine Coast United

[12] Serge DuPont (19y) -Strike FC-
Youthful Prospect Striker with no current club attachments. Made International Senior Debut in World Cup XV Qualfiying against the East Asian Empire and has been favored on the senior bench over veteren Lorenzo Mumamba. Has scored at the international level

[17] Lorenzo Mumamba (29y) 3.2m -Tivali City-
Scored the Winning Goal in the Cup of Tardy vs. The Weegies.

[11] Carmine Mbidzo (15y) 1.0m -Cednia Beach AFC-
Former Understudy to the inseperable strike partnership of Callum Banda and Jim Vella at Marine Coast United. Called into the Senior squad to gain experience for the upcoming U21 Championships where he may be called in to replace Banda, whose heroics at the last U21 led Vilita to an impressive runner up finish

[13] Jan Christiansen (19y) .875m -Yeaddin Owls AFC-
Young Striker with appearances on the Under-21 lineup

[15] Julio Camacho (34y) 1.1m -Alikki-Corra FC-
Aging forward with sporadic WC13Q Apperances.

[19] Hluali Mijatos (19y) .575m -Tivali City-
Young Strike partner to experienced Lorenzo Mumamba at Tivali City FC

Rejistania 0 Cockbill Street 0
NEWI Cefn Druids 1 Starblaydia 0
Vilita 3 The Lowland Clans 1

1. Vilita 2 2 0 0 5-1 6
2. Rejistania 2 1 1 0 1-0 4
3. The Lowland Clans 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
4. NEWI Cefn Druids 2 1 0 1 1-1 3
5. Cockbill Street 2 0 1 1 0-2 1
6. Starblaydia 2 0 0 2 0-3 0

"...Sometimes not that good"

Leti Miru has interviewed national coach Laxtu Takil in Cockbill Street and sent us the transcript per carrier pigeon (the rather low technological state of this state required it).

LM: Hejida Takil'he.

LT: Hejida.

LM: Would you say that you are surprised that you still can coach the Orange-Blues?

LT: (laughs) That's a question for a start. well, we had bad luck and evil referees in the last cup and so I am glad that the asene [sekhika rejistaniha] did not fire me before coming home.

LM: Where will the team end in this competition?

LT: First, last, or anywhere inbetween. We won the first match and drew the second...

LM (interferes): ...in a System Karela 0-0.

LT: right, with a lot of tactical discipline. But to me, this is not that deciding, more than the entire second half is ahead of us and so I won't predict anything.

LM: Give a wild guess!

LT: No, sometimes our team is world class and well, somtimes not that good. I try to make the team performance less volatile but well, it is a hard job.

LM: Jenji Y didn't play in the last match even though it was considered one of the decisive matches, why?

LT: System Karela. Y'he is surely one of the best players in the country, but he plays slani in all-out-defense matches.

LM: Talking about System Karela: Some fans complain about the System Karela from both sides in the last match.

LT: Yeah, I expected the Street to play much mode offensively, but well... we saw some good chances - from both sides.

LM: Are you aware that you are risking the jobs of two players due to niminating them for the national team?

LT: Our two Karelian defenders? Let's say no Rejistanian company could fire a national player without damaging their image so much that they go bankrupt.

LM: Right, only in Rejistania... What are your predictions for the next match?

LT: Don't underestimate Starblaydia. They are ranked much lower but the history of the cup is full of lower ranked teams winning.

LM: This is the first installment of the IRC

LT: I was referring to the world cup.

LM: Oh right. thanks for the interview and good luck!

Beaten again
This is getting depressing

Yes. We lost again.

Yes. We didn't score again.

Yes. This is a team of kids.

No. You can't win anything with kids.

No. I can't think of anything else to say.

Final Score:
NEWI Cefn Druids 1 - 0 Starblaydia
(Belmore 73)

DSR
Druid
Sports
Review

NEW MANAGERS EASE INTO POSITION
By Wayne Ottgunn-Irwin

The overthrow of the entire heirarchy of the FANCD by the Druid government after the Druids chaotic display in the World Cup in The Eagles Nest seems to be one of the best things that has happened to Druid football since Tim Welsh's appointment as manager after the failings of World Cup 11. After appointing two of the most experienced and best recognised players in the country, Trevor Kallins and Simon Greaves, as joint managers of the team, the new hierarchy, which is, for some bizarre reason, headed by the Former Minister for Lost Things, decided to give their new men time to stamp their authority on the team before the real thing of World Cup qualifying starts again.

First of all, a little about the Former Minister of Lost Things. Obviously, he only got the position due to being a close personal friend of Trevor Brookley, who oversaw the sacking of the old FANCD. The Former Minister of Lost Things used to be exactly what his name said he was. During his time in the position, he would often go missing for months on end with not a word from anyone as to his whereabouts. After his appointment as Director of Druid Football at the FANCD, people wondered if this meant that the Druids would take after their head honcho and lose all the time, like a classic Druid side would. Whether they do or not remains to be seen, but what is clear now is that whatever the Former Minister for Lost Things now known as the Director Of Druid Football seems to be called, he always does exactly what his name says he will.

But are the Druids any good now. Well, so far, the Druids have faced former world champions Rejistania and lost, before going on to face neighbours Starblaydia, who were defeated by a solitary Trevor Belmore goal. It means that the Druids are still in with a shout of doing well in the competition, but we are not expecting too much of them here. Kallins and Greaves have already stated that this tournament is more about shaping the team for the upcoming campaign, with the aim of doing well at the World Cup at the end of it all. Anything more here would be a bonus, but might not teach the two in charge much about the challenge ahead, and ultimately lead to their downfall.

Ankh-Morpork C-mail

Worn-Out Streeters Lose To Vilita
Disappointing Performances In Front of Home Crowd

Yes, of course they were tired after a long tournament. Yes, of course they've just done a great achievement in Melmond. Yes, of course Harald Axewielder has retired. There are, in short, many excuses that may be used for Cockbill Street's fall from grace. But none of them are really good enough. They were tired before they met The Lowland Clans, having been exhausted by extra-time against Melmond and System Karela against Wella. A great achievement means that the team must actually perform well against teams like Vilita, who are to be fair ranked just about equal with Cockbill Street. The repeat of System Karela against Rejistania did give us a point, but for crying out loud, there were one chance in the match - and that was Frederic Roberts' goal kick being blown back by a gust of wind! And to blame everything Harald Axewielder's retirement is, frankly, idiotic. Sodium-alginate is an excellent right-winger, although slightly less attacking and technical than Axewielder, and there are more coming through from the Under-21 ranks.

There isn't a lot to say about the Vilita match, except to congratulate the Vilitan coach on a more offensive style of play. It was Callum Banda who dominated everything on the pitch, as the 22-year-old Marine Coast United scored one and assisted Alex Östling for another goal. Cockbill Street had a few sporadic chances, but it seemed very random and desperate.

The latest news is that a 22nd player is called up into the Cockbill Street squad, 29-year-old Vimesbairn Athletic player Matt Dutch, who starred in the Commander's Cup Final last year. One gets the feeling that the experiment's going too far - particularly with Jotneheim Mountain's right-back John Napier, who's so far proved even worse at international level than Jorn Arnarson ever was.

Cockbill Street 0
Vilita 2 (Banda 19, Östling 84)

Cockbill Street: Roberts - Napier (Arnarson on 45), Spearthrower, Rogers, P Stonelover - Sodium-alginate, Howard, E Einarsson (Magnetite on 71), Underwood - Peterson (S Einarsson on 84), Stone

Cockbill Street 0
Rejistania 0

Cockbill Street: Roberts - Napier (Arnarson on 51), Spearthrower, Rogers, P Stonelover - Ball, Howard (Sodium-alginate on 66), E Einarsson (Magnetite on 71), Underwood - Peterson, Stone (Stonelover on 89)

Rejistania 1 Starblaydia 0
NEWI Cefn Druids 1 Vilita 0
Cockbill Street 3 The Lowland Clans 1

1. Rejistania 3 2 1 0 2-0 7
2. Vilita 3 2 0 1 5-2 6
3. NEWI Cefn Druids 3 2 0 1 2-1 6
4. Cockbill Street 3 1 1 1 3-3 4
5. The Lowland Clans 3 1 0 2 4-6 3
6. Starblaydia 3 0 0 3 0-4 0

Worst 3-game run ever
Three defeats from three, but there's always hope.

On paper this was the best team in the group up against the worst. But then again, as they say, football matches aren't played on paper.

System Karela was in full swing for the Rejistanians, but only came into play after the opening goal. As Starblaydia kicked off and headed up the field to try and break down the 11-man defence from the beginning, they were shocked to find just six defenders in front of them. Completely bewildered by this outrageously attack-minded 6-3-1 formation, Starblaydia lost the ball and the Orange-Blues promptly headed up the pitch and scored, Jenji Y on the end of the manourve, sidestepping the sliding challenge from goalkeeper Da Silva outside the box.

For the rest of the ninety minutes Starblaydia had almost total possession. There was absolutely nothing they could do to break through the Orange-Blues defences, not even by playing a 2-3-5 formation for the final ten minutes, the Rejistania players were just too good at defending, be it classy or ugly.

And, as the final whistle blew, Starblaydia have been defeated for three games in a row. Only conceding four goals, however, shows much promise for the Blades.

Oh and don't forget, the record of Starblaydia losing their opening match in every tournament has continued into its fifth straight tournament.

Under-21 World Cup 3, Match Day 1:
Starblaydia 2 - 4 Europa Britannia

World Cup 15 Qualifiers, Match Day 1:
Vilita 2 - 1 Starblaydia

World Cup 15 - Cup of Harmony, Match Day 1:
The Lowland Clans 3 - 0 Starblaydia

Under-21 World Cup 4, Match Day 1:
Starblaydia 1 - 3 Wizardman

1st International Recreational Competition, Match Day 1:
Starblaydia 0 - 2 The Lowland Clans

Final Score:
Rejistania 1 - 0 Starblaydia
(Jenji Y 1)

Rejistania 1 Vilita 0
Cockbill Street 2 Starblaydia 0
NEWI Cefn Druids 1 The Lowland Clans 1

1. Rejistania 4 3 1 0 3-0 10
2. Cockbill Street 4 2 1 1 5-3 7
3. NEWI Cefn Druids 4 2 1 1 3-2 7
4. Vilita 4 2 0 2 5-3 6
5. The Lowland Clans 4 1 1 2 5-7 4
6. Starblaydia 4 0 0 4 0-6 0

*notes that Margaret really hates Starblaydia*

We have nothing left to lose
Oh, except the final match against Vilita

Four defeats from four games, with no goals scored and no points won. Starblaydia don't, currently look like a world-beating force, as the best of the world have beaten the Blades for four games straight.

Rikki Stone and Alexander Peterson put the nails in the coffin in Starblaydia's first half at the Vimesbairn National, undoing the defence and putting past the hapless Da Silva.

Starblaydia were never really expected to get may points from this tournament, but the lack of thrashings by teams 14th, 25th, 29th and 30th in the world (teams anywhere between 60 and 75 places above Starblaydia in the offical rankings) should mean that something essentally good is happening in Starblaydi Football.

Dark Horses? We're so dark that Dr Stephen Hawking is re-evaluating his opinon of just how we play our football...

Final Score:
Cockbill Street 2 - 0 Starblaydia
(Stone 24, Peterson 45)

And in totally unrelated news, "Margaret" is now the least popular girls' name in Starblaydia, less popular, even, than "Harold". Now there's a thing.

Street Defeat Stars, Blades
Disappointingly Low Two-Goal Win Over Blades

The C-mail caught up with manager Olaf Iskalt after the game, wondering in particular why they reverted to System Karela after that fine showing against The Lowland Clans.

Iskalt: Well, we're trying out different tactics at the moment, seeing as this is very much a friendly tournament. We aren't in need of winning this, we want to qualify for the World Cup, and we do that by being able to surprise our opponents.

C-mail: It's not very surprising when you go all out defending in every game.

Iskalt: Hey, it worked against Starblaydia. They gave us two simple chances, and we scored.

C-mail: Yes, but you can't rely on that all the time. It's like relying on a batsman to get leading edges.

Iskalt: What?

C-mail: Sorry, just using a cricket metaphor (editors note: These go down particularly badly with dwarfs, having little concept of cricket and even less of metaphors). Instead of attacking and trying to score goals, you're just defending and having your opponent make the mistakes

Iskalt: It's Starblaydia. They're bound to make mistakes.

C-mail: What happened to coaches saying "Every team is good, we got to be on the alert, we got to play 100 % to win the match?"

Iskalt: Listen, mate, that's fair if you're playing teams like Rejistania, but this is Starblaydia. Come on, you surely see that's nonsense?

C-mail: But you're so much better! Why don't you give it a go at least!

Iskalt: We didn't want to waste ourselves out. What's the point, we win anyway?

C-mail: Why do I have the feeling I'm speaking to a terrace fan instead of the national coach of Cockbill Street? No, don't answer, because your knowledge of that will equal your knowledge of football tactics.

Iskalt (after a long pause): I think I worked out what that meant...

C-mail: You don't say.

Iskalt: Yeah. You think I know the answer to that question, because I know a lot about football tactics. Funnily enough, I don't.

C-mail: See - my prediction was correct.

At this point, the journalist was firmly asked to leave by an official from the Cockbill Street Department of Sports.

NEWI Cefn Druids 1 Cockbill Street 3
Vilita 1 Starblaydia 0
Rejistania 1 The Lowland Clans 0

1. Rejistania 5 4 1 0 4-0 13
2. Cockbill Street 5 3 1 1 8-4 10
3. Vilita 5 3 0 2 6-3 9
4. NEWI Cefn Druids 5 2 1 2 4-5 7
5. The Lowland Clans 5 1 1 3 5-8 4
6. Starblaydia 5 0 0 5 0-7 0

Right, holiday for me - see ya all in a week!

The Orange-Blues won the IRC after 1 scoreless draw and 4 1:0 wins in a row. Laxtu Takil's System Karela caused in the first 4 games the low score, but in the last match, he pleased the fans by an attacking System Hangila. SyMji, Hansalda Ki and Lyku Ju were the attackers in this quite uncommon formation. The lack of Jenji Y was surely the reason why the single goal for the Orange-Blues was not scored in the first or last minute. The Lowland Clans seemed to try desperately to avoid another loss since they were next-to-last and only in front of Starblaydia (who are accused of incorrect doping, rumours spread that they used substances from Abysmalistan) and played pretty defensive even though they did avoid System Karela tactics. SyMji scored the 1:0 in the 38th minute in a header after a corner-kick of Ju'he. The Lowland Clans had some good chances in the 2nd half, but the Orange-Blues could spoil them.

The result:
Rejistania 1 (Lyku 38th)
The Lowland Clans 0

Starblaydia win first international trophy!
IRC Wooden Spoon not quite what they want, what they really really want

Jim Vella consigned Starblaydia to a six-game losing streak and the IRC Wooden Spoon. Captain Ryan Garry proudly held the Spoon aloft and promptly smacked Nikola Lazerevski with it, who had missed an open net from around seven yards.

"Bah." was the general word coming from the Starblaydi fans, with the occasional "meh" thrown in.

Final Score:
Vilita 1 - 0 Starblaydia
(Vella 68)