NationStates Jolt Archive

Scores will come here. Please post squads here along with anything you might want to say pre-cup.

In Raptor Claw (locations to be announced):

Group A: Giant Zucchini (32), Crystilakere (43), Raptor Claw (51), Magnus Valerius (54), Ebon Hawk (71)
Group B: The Belmore Family (33), Halfassedstates (34), Sarzonia (53), Kerla (58), The Gulf States (72)

In Cockbill Street:

Group C: Liverpool England (29), The Weegies (41), Melmond (44), Spurland (63), Haperd (61)
Group D: Cockbill Street (28), Jeruselem (42), Turori (49), Starblaydia (56), Kylaai (86)

First matchday to be up tomorrow (bar Murphy's law).

Match schedule:

Day 1: 5 v 2, 4 v 3
Day 2: 2 v 1, 3 v 5
Day 3: 1 v 3, 5 v 4
Day 4: 1 v 5, 4 v 2
Day 5: 4 v 1, 2 v 3

(for four-team groups, matches with a team numbered five in it don't play)

Location for matches in Cockbill Street:

Stadium Details in Cockbill Street (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6758524&postcount=3)

Matchday 1:
C: Haperd v The Weegies - Jotneheim Park
C: Spurland v Melmond - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh
D: Kylaai v Jeruselem - Harewood Ground
D: Starblaydia v Turori - Vimesbairn National

Matchday 2:
C: The Weegies v Liverpool England - Thatcher Road
C: Melmond v Haperd - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh
D: Jeruselem v Cockbill Street - Vimesbairn National
D: Turori v Kylaai - Northset CCG

Matchday 3:
C: Liverpool England v Melmond - Vimesbairn Cricket
C: Haperd v Spurland - Northset CCG
D: Cockbill Street v Turori - Vimesbairn National
D: Kylaai v Starblaydia - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh

Matchday 4:
C: Liverpool England v Haperd - Roegrow Grass Patch
C: Spurland v The Weegies - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh
D: Cockbill Street v Kylaai - Vimesbairn National
D: Starblaydia v Jeruselem - Vimesbairn Cricket

Matchday 5:
C: Spurland v Liverpool England - K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh
C: The Weegies v Melmond - Northset CCG
D: Starblaydia v Cockbill Street - Vimesbairn National
D: Jeruselem v Turori - Vimesbairn Cricket

Quarter-finals: A1 v B2 (in Raptor Claw), A2 v B1 (in Raptor Claw), C1 v D2 (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, K'haz'bak, Cockbill Street), D1 v C2 (Vimesbairn National Stadium, Vimesbairn, Cockbill Street)

Semi-finals: Winner QF 1 v Winner QF 4 (Vimesbairn Cricket Ground, Vimesbairn, Cockbill Street), Winner QF 2 v Winner QF 3 (in Raptor Claw)

Final: Vimesbairn National Stadium, Vimesbairn, Cockbill Street.

Starblaydia's second Cup of Harmony Team Announced
Another mix of old and newas the Blades strive to better their 10th place Finish last time

Goalkeepers
1*^@~ Rodriguez Da Silva, 24, Iskara Daii
Still the best 'keeper in Starblaydia, there was no way that Rodriguez was not going to be the number 1 for this tournament, he will start in his second Cup of Harmony

12 Rene Griffiths, 28, Eastal Lunar (Vilitan Stellar)
Brought into the International frame after leading Eastal Lunar into Vilita's top divsion, no-one really knows if Rene is better than Rodriguez

22^^ Markus Cragg,17, Basian Valley
The Young Under-21er is hailed as the future of Starblaydi 'Keeping, so any extra tournament experience will surely benefit him

Defenders
2*@~~ Robert Cole, 30, Corinthian Spirits
Back for a second CoH, Robert-Cole is grooming his understudy Salisbury to fill the right-back role for Starblaydia

3*^@~ Rastian Salaam, 23, Iskara Daii
Now taken over from former Captain Ryan Garry, Rastian is looking to cement his place as left-back, under threat from Tsarev

5*^~ Spike Martin, 22, Jhanna United
After Captaining the Under-21s, Spike has taken to senior internationals like a duck to water, an Automatic choice.

6*^@ Moses Brown, 23, Hallad Reavers
Supreme for Halad Reavers, Moses has been picked to start ahead of usual Defender Paul Cole, obviously with the future in mind.

13^^ Vladimir Tsarev, 18, Internashionale
Still a little young to properly try for a place in the squad, Vladimir is there, waiting for his chance to shine above Salaam

14 Ceri Salisbury, 21, Iskara Daii
A utility defender and free-kick specialist, Salisbury is waiting for the time when he can succeed Robert Cole.

20@~~ Paul Cole CB, 29, Corinthian Spirits
One of the more experience members of the squad, Paul will be here to pass on his experience to the younger players

Midfielders
4*^@~ Ki-Jana Carter, 23, Iskara Daii
The best man in his position in the whole country, Ki is solid and dependable to shore up the back four. None better as a playmaker from the back

7*^@~ J.J. Stark, 21, Tabeck FC
Four years on from his spellbinding displays at the Third Under-21 World Cup, J.J. still hasn't lived up to his reputation

8*^ Simon Hill, 19, Hersch Albion
Getting the nod ahead of much older players and admist fierce competition, the Attacking-Midfielder role wil be heavily contested in future years and Hill has the edge at the moment

11*^ Brett Perriman, 24, Basian Valley
Somehow winning the left-midfielder role, fans across the nation are astounded at his inclusion, but, really, there's no-one else who can play here.

15@~~ David Benson, 27, Internashionale
Still unable to get back in the squad due to J.J. Stark's reputation, he will be sitting on the bench beside his club-mate and midfield partner Haldorsson

17@~~ Stefan Haldorsson, 29, Internashionale
Just doesn't have the legs for a full international match any more, Stefan is still a fantastic two-footed playmaker and free-kick taker. One of Starblaydia's greats

23^^ Michael Hawthorne, 18, Corinthian Spirits
A Young left-sided midfielder hoping to show he can take the mantle from Haldorsson as the great left-sided hope for Starbladyia.

Forwards
9*@~~ Nikola "Laser" Lazerevski, 32, Penningworth United
With fourteen goals for his country he's the Number One striker in the land, still the first name on the team-sheet despite his probable impending retirement. Has been handed the Captain's armband for this tournament.

10*^@~ Simeone Di Bradini, 23, Iskara Daii
Eleven goals and just twenty-three, Di Bradini will surely be the man up front for the foreseeable future.

16^~ Karl Robertson, 22, Iskara Daii
Partnering Di Bradini at the Daii, Karl's career has never really taken off and he will be looking to change that situation at the first oppurtunity

18 Ahmed Ol-wairain, 25, Vecchio Victors
His first major international tournament for his country after being snapped up by the Vics, his career in Vilita came to an abrupt halt, but this seems to have resurrected his national fortunes. A great AOCAF performance has led to this CoH call-up

19^^ Eomer Hall, 19, Hallad Reavers
The Under-21 Captain is here to gain yet more experience, and his towering presence is always a threat to defences

21@~~ David Bentley, 33,Penningworth United
Still partnering Lazerevski at the Pennies, David's skills have been outshone by others, most notably Di Bradini


Notes:
* = Starting XI
^ = Played in Previous Under-21 Tournament(s)
@ = Played in Previous Cup of Harmony
~ = Played in Previous World Cup Qualifying Campaigns(s)

Formation Announced
Da Silva

R.Cole Martin Brown Salaam

Carter
Stark Perriman
Hill

Di Bradini Lazerevski

Keepers:

13. Jonathan Havell, aged 22, av rating 5.19, Colonial Sike (Vilita)
1. Frederic Roberts, aged 27, av rating 5.57, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba

Defenders:

2. Hammer-fighter, aged 26, av rating 5.66, right back, Jotneheim Mountains AFC
3. Tomas Rogers, aged 34, av rating 5.63, central defender/right back, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba
4. Lars Fearinciter, aged 22, av rating 5.49, centre back, Likh'gokh K'druz'ba
5. Nicholas Gunter, aged 24, av rating 5.55, right/left back, Chesham Rangers
14. Bjorn Spearthrower, aged 31, av rating 6.06, central defender/sweeper, U'ghaz'dukh K'druz'ba
18. Scott Walker, aged 21, av rating 5.58, left back, Likh'gokh K'druz'ba
21. John Napier, aged 29, av rating 5.77, right back, Jotneheim Mountains AFC

Midfielders:

6. Einari Einarsson, aged 34, av rating 5.66, central midfielder, U'dh'gazh'dukh K'druz'ba
7. Larvikite, aged 30, av rating 5.60, left winger, Likh'gokh K'druz'ba
8. James Underwood, aged 25, av rating 5.95, central midfielder/left winger, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba
12. Sodium-alginate, aged 23, av rating 5.77, right winger/defensive midfielder, Vimesbairn United
15. Johnny Howard, aged 26, av rating 5.86, central/defensive midfielder, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba
16. Stein Hammerhock, aged 24, av rating 5.91, right/left winger, Lin'du'goor K'druz'ba
17. Thorgeirr Axewielder, aged 23, av rating 5.66, attacking midfielder/winger, Izh'no'got K'druz'ba

Forwards:

9. Steinari Einarsson, aged 32, av rating 5.65, striker, U'dh'gazh'dukh K'druz'ba
10. Alexander Peterson, aged 27, av rating 6.34, striker, Chesham Rangers
11. Rikki Stone, aged 29, av rating 7.09, forward, Acosta Browns (Melmond)
19. Robert Stubbings, aged 20, av rating 5.86, striker, Roegrow Athletic
20. Stein Stonelover, aged 32, av rating 5.77, striker, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba

Is it too late to sign up?

Coach Bryan Marshall announced the roster for the Cup of Harmony.

ROSTER (starters in bold)
GOALKEEPERS
30 Troy Perkins (Portland): Perkins is still young (23), but started all five matches for the Stars in the first AOCAF tournament. He also has a SFC Cup trophy to his credit.
1 Kerry Tanner (Portsmouth): Now 34, Tanner brings a veteran presence to the team. He can take over in a pinch if Perkins can't go.

DEFENDERS
2 Mike Coyle (Woodstock): Left back in the Wild's 4-4-2 alignment. Speedy defender who can make up for occasional lapses in positioning with sheer athleticism. Now 22, still learning positioning.
5 Bryson Juergens (Portland): Plays left fullback for the Timbers but will play sweeper for the national side. Slow, but experienced. At 36, his best days may be be behind him.
14 William Jackson (Burlington Braves - minor league): Signed with the Braves after the nuclear destruction of Townshend. 30 years old.
18 Taylor Williams (Rochester): Plays right halfback for the Rage. He earned a spot in the starting 11 with all-star caliber season. Not much pure speed, but tremendous quickness and great smarts. (29 years old)
32 Emacio (Hallad Reavers - Starblaydia): Known as a tremendous offensive defender, signed with the Reavers after the Stars were eliminated from the World Cup. (22 years old)
34 Antonio Bresco (Emasculata City): Can play defender or midfielder. Led the league in minutes played by bench player. Could start even for most SFC teams, but tires out easily after 65 minutes. At 34 years old, strictly a bench player.

MIDFIELDERS
6 Jeff Conley (Woodstock): Also plays defensive midfield for the Wild. Renowned throughtout the league for shutting down the league's best attacking midfielders and withdrawn forwards. Aggressive streak sometimes results in cautions and sendoffs. 35 years old but in the best shape of his career.
9 Darwin Russell: (Parkville F.C. - NEWI Cefn Druids): Tremendous left-side player with a deadly accurate free kick from that side. Can be roughed up and taken out of his game. At 24 years old, still has potential.
10 Bobby Convey (Woodstock): Team captain. Easily the best playmaker in all of Sarzonia. Very experienced. Able to relate to all his teammates well. Frightening maturity at 22.
16 John Benmont (Portsmouth): Replacing the retired Barry Owens, fills many of the same roles for the team. Adds a little more speed. 27 years old.
21 Martin Overton (Richmond): Plays defensive midfield for Richmond, but can also join the attack in a pinch. Has played withdrawn forward at times when the club team was hit by injuries or suspensions. 28 years old.
17 George Mitcham (Saugerties): Sarzonia's first foreign-based player, plays attacking midfield for the expansion Snakes. The team finished just two points ahead of relegation, so Mitcham may still come off the bench. At 24 years old, may flourish with a new club.
33 Bronson Adelsen (Rochester): New addition to the national team, this 28 year old adds a rugged defensive presence to the team.

FORWARDS
13 Anton Gregor (Daurmont, Isselmere-Nieland): Withdrawn forward who doesn't see much playing time on the capital city's best side. However, played key role in third place finish for Sarzonia in the last tournament. At 26 years old, the sky's the limit.
22 Brian Wilson (Woodstock): At 20, the youngest player on the team, but has terrific skills for his age and great football awareness. His father is the national team's top assistant coach, so he often thinks like a coach on the pitch. Also played a key role in Sarzonia's last AOCAF tournament.
31 Barry Alphonso (Randolph Reavers): Can play either withdrawn forward or striker for his club team. Led the league with 19 goals last season. Set records for most goals in Joe Gibbs University's history as a four year starter. 25 years old.
32 Bruce Badger (Randolph): A supersub, Badger scored 13 goals, a league high for a player who was strictly a reserve on his club team in the SFC. Able to add some scoring punch in a pressure situation. Just turned 27.

Giant Zucchini will send in a new-look side sprouting young and overlooked talent, based on their performance in the domestic league.

GK: Plaat (Marauding F.C.)
RB: Boong (Marauding F.C.)
RCB: Xam (Marauding F.C.)
LCB: Thunk (Earl United)
LB: Aiyron (Marauding F.C.)
RM: Fruth (Noriega Tigers)
RCM: Sulcus (Rentruk Rovers)
LCM: Krak (Earl United)
LM: Gung (Earl United)
CF: Furf (Wonkerman Wanderers)
CF: Fufft (Arkanoid F.C.)

Subs:
GK: Firff (Earl United)
M: Frifth (Angelo United)
D: Humm (Prehistoric F.C.)
M/F: Daalglsch (Simoleons United)
F: Furtermachtermorgstrasluwecragnavonchelsenntungkshvaghugtihetesprishtengckshnoff (Dankeschoen F.C.)

Reserves:
GK: Oog (Prehistoric F.C.)
D: Throck (Prehistoric F.C.)
M: Abish (Prehistoric F.C.)
M: Chutt (Capone F.C.)
D: Putch (Noriega Tigers)
M: Poom (Marauding F.C.)
F: Fan Di (Kung Pao F.C.)
F: Furfth (Capone F.C.)

Is it too late to sign up?

EDIT: Actually, as we're one team short of 20, I don't see any argument against it. Haperd goes in Group C with rank of 61.

Coach Bryan Marshall already began to fret about the Cup of Harmony matchup. The Sarzonian national team was in a group with four other quality teams and the Stars were coming off a disappointing effort in the second AOCAF tournament.

"We're about to play Vilita in the AOCAF third place match on Friday and we have matches against The Belmore Family and Halfassedstates to close out group play.

"Before we even think of those matches, we have to deal with our match against Kerla. The Gulf States are the same rank we were going into World Cup qualifying so they won't be pushovers either. This group has all the makings of a Group of Death."

To a man, the Stars players brushed off the notion that they would not be motivated to play a tournament that amounts to a consolation prize for teams that failed to advance to the World Cup.

"It's still a cup," forward Brian Wilson said. "We're still facing some outstanding football teams and we still want to make a statement that Sarzonian football belongs on the world stage. We came close to making that statement in the World Cup, but we can still get things done here."

Many of the teams the Stars are familiar with are in the Cockbill Street bracket of the tournament, including regional rivals Turori and Starblaydia. Other teams in the Cockbill Street bracket include Jeruselem, against whom the Stars played to two draws in World Cup qualifying; Spurland, whom the Stars defeated 4-2 in the Vilita Region Final of the Baptism of Fire Cup; and Kylaai, whom the Stars defeated in group play 4-0.

The only team in the Raptor Claw the Stars have a history with is regionmate and neighboring country Crystilakere, whom the Stars defeated 3-2 in the team's international debut in the first AOCAF tournament.

"That's one of the scary things about these tournaments," defender Bryson Juergens. "That also makes things more interesting. It's the great unknown."

GK :: Milauo Slietah ( 24 ) : Cednia Beach
xD :: Linoi Niabula ( 24 ) : Tivali Ctiy (VIL)
xD :: Marlian Hunial ( 24 ) : FC Almintora
xD :: Martika Ecspo ( 23 ) : Vilitan Exiles (NCD)
xD :: Kiatin Likao ( 24 ) : Tivali Ctiy (VIL)
xM :: Tika Poloni ( 29 ) : Vilitan Exiles (NCD)
xM :: Malaino Mumamba ( 18 ) : Cednia Beach
xM :: Yabaiy Tbaiao ( 24 ) : Tivali Ctiy (VIL)
xM :: Cuolia Tuirma ( 23 ) : Marine Coast (VIL)
xF :: Jualiar Vumaou ( 23 ) : Jlinal Cove (VIL)
xF :: Akamoari Liano ( 24 ) : Yeaddin Owls (VIL)

GK :: Aaron White ( 20 ) : Oglethorpia
xD :: Maratima Tareak ( 15 ) :
xM :: Ugo Doohan ( 19 ) : Kionao Locals
DM :: Rikko Ambama ( 25 ) : Vilitan Exiles (NCD)
xM :: Boaibou Houabou ( 29 ) : Kionao Locals
xF :: Kaboafo Iobabao ( 24 ) : Mliona-Lpaka
MF :: Mika Sakatorra ( 19 ) : Cedniavella

FK :: Trevor Ugnata ( 19 ) : Vilitan Exiles (NCD) NEWI-Cefn Druids
xD :: Arturo Bengali ( 25 ) : Saugerties Snakes (SAR) Sarzonia
xD :: Moiba Linaian ( 24 ) : Yeaddin Owls (VIL)
xM :: Makaus Likao ( 24 ) : Wunokalsa Waridi
xM :: Tika Poloni ( 29 ) : Vilitan Exiles (NCD)
MF :: Izzitra Bomai ( 17 ) : Wunokalsa Waridi
xD :: Rocky Siregar ( 18 ) : Terrarokka Spirit
MF :: Martiia Rawaii ( 18 ) :

GK :: G.Q. Disterfred ( 35 ) : Kionao Locals
xF :: Mauritus Banda ( 37 ) : FC Almintora Vilita
xD :: Oswaldo Alegre ( 70 ) : Vagabundo (KNG) Kingsford
SW :: Duncan Jacob ( 23 ) : Corinthian Spirits (STR) Starblaydia

Crystils Admit Weakened Squad

The Crystilakere National team has put it's Cup of Harmony and Under 21 Championship Campaigns in the back seat after unexpectedly overcoming Regional Giants Vilita for the second time in the competition, and the second time ever. All of the Nations Senior players will be on call for the AOCAF Final, leaving a squad full of No-Names and Has beens for the opening match in the Cup of Harmony. The Under 21 side will not be as affected, as only 5 under 21 players will be on call for the AOCAF Final. Still, it is clear that Crystilakere's focus for the moment is on picking up their first ever silverware against NEWI Cefn Druids in the AOCAF Final.

In the Semi Final Matchup, Vilita took an early lead when Jim Vella scored after a defensive error by the usually stout Filippo Ferraro. Ferraro made amends for his mistake when he scored off a Darren Whelen corner kick 15 minutes later. The score would be 1-1 going into half time.

The Crystils started out strong in the second half, and soon starlet Toader Pold would put Crystilakere in front with a great goal which left the underperforming Jungle Cats in shock. Vilita had no choice but to make a substitution, sending in veteran star player Jonathon Stott for one of the more inexperienced players. The Crystils were unable to contain Stott, and with 10 minutes to play, they finally gave in. Stotts cross into the area was met by Serge DuPont who returned the scores to 2-2 where they would end after 90 minutes.

The Crystils again took the lead just moments into the second period of added time, after a goalless first 15 minutes. Carlo Romano was the hero of the moment for the Crystils giving them the lead with just over 10 minutes left in added time. Vilita would strike back with Strike FC forward Serge DuPont again evening the scores at 3-3. This goal would set up a tense Penalty Kick shootout, the first ever between the two rival Nations.

Danilo Liguori of Vilita would be the first to take the Penalty kick. Liguori's kick was tipped onto the bar by Emmiliano Addis, who pointed to the sky after denying the first Vilitan attempt. Filippo Ferraro then stepped up and converted easily sending the Vilitan keeper the wrong way. Calaesa Mitaroka, Marasent Sioane and Jonathon Stott all successfully converted for Vilita, while Carlo Romano, Giuseppe Zucco and Darren Whelan all converted for Crystilakere, putting the score at 4-3 in favor of the Crystils.

Jan Christiansen stepped up for Vilita, knowin that he would have to convert his penalty and hope that Donato Arrigoni missed for the Crystils in order to keep the Jungle Kitties in the match. Christiansen shot was parried, bobbled then clutched in by Crystili hero Addis who pumped his fists in the air as the Crystilakere support stormed the field.

Crystilakere 3-3 Vilita (AET)*
*Crystilakere Win 4-3 on Penalties

A Cup of Harmony Preview
By Henry Kalangalangalang of the Melmond City Herald

COCKBILL STREET- Four attempts at qualifying for the World Cup and four dismal trips to the Cup of Harmony, the quest to be number 33. This is getting rather tiring for the Melmond footballing community, seeing their side lose at the last minute attempt after attempt. However, this tournament is good practice and a good way to get more hardware in the Melmond Football Association’s trophy case. The tournament this time is held in the nations of Raptor Claw and Cockbill Street, with the Melmond National Team heading to Cockbill Street where they are in Group C with four other sides. As there were many different surprise qualifiers for the World Cup final, the Cup of Harmony this time around is a rather strong field. Interim manager David Bixler now leads the side known as the Disappointments after the firing of Gerry Cheevers. Let us take a preview of our group.

Liverpool England has never played Melmond on the pitch, but these two nations already have a history off the pitch football wise. Both FAs were involved in controversial bid dropping as Liverpool England abandoned Melmond in favor of Giant Zucchini for their World Cup 15 bid. And for this Cup of Harmony, Melmond dropped their bid leaving Liverpool England who thought he had a bidding partner out to dry. The on the pitch matchup should be rather interesting.

The Weegies is another hard luck side like Melmond, being in qualifying many different times but never making the World Cup final. Most pundits believe that Melmond has more potential and talent and in the three matches each side played against each other, Melmond has never lost, winning two of the matches and tieing one, including a 3-nil blowout at the Cup of Harmony in Vilita and The Belmore Family.

Spurland is certainly more of a team of the future. This young side certainly has potential and some budding talent, but they do not have the experience to compete with the top 3 in the group.

The last minute entrant in the Cup of Harmony is the team from Haperd. In their two appearances in the World Cup qualifying they have looked rather mediocre and we expect the same mediocrity in this cup.

The Prediction
1. Melmond
2. Liverpool England
3. The Weegies
4. Spurland
5. Haperd

Melmond National Team Cup of Harmony Schedule

v Spurland (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gaiz'nigh, Cockbill Street)
v Haperd (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gaiz'nigh, Cockbill Street)
v Liverpool England (Vimesbairn Cricket, Cockbill Street)
v The Weegies (Northset CCG, Cockbill Street)

Next Game
vs. Spurland (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gaiz'nigh, Cockbill Street)

This tournament has a threefold purpose for the Melmond National Team. First, interim manager David Bixler wants to prove that he is worthy of having the interim removed from his title. His style is more physical and defensive with the formation returning to the classic Coostaltwak 4-4-2. Expect low scoring affairs with his leadership. Second, it is rumoured that many players on the Melmond team may retire this year so this tournament may be their last taste of glory. Third, Melmond wants to improve its standings in international football and add another Golden Keg to their trophy case. Spurland is a promising side but shouldn’t be able to compete on the same level as Melmond, but of course we are used to disappointments early on. Here is Interim Manager David Bixler’s starting lineup.

GK- Snhp Xtfuinxm
D- Jonsi Torrini
D- Sergio Ortiz
D- Charles Unne
D- Trav Strachan
M- Fwynj Otsjx
M- Rainy Zoulthane
M- Critandi Unne
M- Cristina Antunez
F- Chris Owen
F- Benjamin Leeb

For tickets to Cockbill Street and the match, call the Therewegoes Travel Agency at 3-18-357-9009. Cockbill Street is a place where people love humour and irony. It is called Cockbill Street but there aren’t many streets in their nation. Anyway try to have a good time and not to assault anyone in a Flash Oaker jersey.

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=6611039#post6611039 (Melmond Roster!)

KNN Sports

Jill Numbnuts here in Raptor Claw as th Union gets ready for the Cup of Harmony. Being bounced out of the World Cup was hard, but the Union is looking to do good in the Cup. While a little disappointed, the squad is happy that they have been invited to the Cup of Harmony. The Union is getting ready to compete and maybe win it all, but that could be hard with some teams hard on luck.

Troy Perkins vindicated Coach Bryan Marshall's decision to start him ahead of veteran Kerry Tanner by making five saves, including a point-blank chance and forward Anton Gregor slotted home the only goal of the match in the 74th minute to lead the Sarzonian national team to a 1-0 win over Kerla.

"Troy is certainly back in form," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "He had some struggles during the AOCAF tournament and at the end of World Cup qualifying, but it was great to see him back to being the player who dominated the Baptism of Fire Cup."

"I just tried to focus on Kerla and keep everything else blocked out of my mind," Perkins said. "We'll focus on Vilita when that time comes, but our focus tonight was on Kerla. We're going to take it one game at a time."

The Stars applied considerable pressure on the underdog Kerlans, but repeatedly hit the woodwork or saw their shots on goal parried away by sterling goalkeeper play. But Gregor would not let frustration get the best of him, putting a rebound of reserve forward Barry Alphonso's shot past the keeper for the only goal of the match.

"It was all about keeping the pressure on and playing our brand of football," Gregor said. "We've played some tough teams and Kerla is no different. It felt good to get that goal."

Crazy Dave's Soccer Spot

Well, folks for the billionth time Jeruselem fail to qualify for the World Cup again so they have to enter the Cup of Hormones ... I mean Cup of Harmony. At least, Jeruselem have made the finals of this cup thingy and aren't a favourite now.

So we're gonna win. I bet my pet dog on it!

Crazy Dave's Soccer Spot

[OOC: I used to cover D.C. United for a website called SoccerSpot! :)]

Genius, Fool or Luck of the Turorians?
Slietah turns into national hero with performance of the century.

by 'Scoop' Ragnarsson, our man in Cockbill Street.

First of all, I thought I'd seen everything. After having seen our very own Stefan Haldorsson score from sixty-yards, I thought I'd seen the longest-distance goal we were ever likely to get in a match involving Starblaydia. I hate to admit it, but I was wrong. Turorians will be glad to hear that their Goalkeeper, Milauo Slietah, 24, of Cednia Beach in Turori, scored the most unlikely hat-trick this reporter, or anyone else, is ever likely to witness. Let me set the scene for you.

Picture, if you will, the Vimesbairn National Stadium in Cockbill Street, one of the more pronounceable grounds in the land. One one side we have the Brown and Blue of Turori. On the other the White and Purple of Starblaydia. Regional rivals, Starblaydia's relativerly poor Qualification campaign has left all the pundits believing Turori are favourites for the win. With the two squads of thirty and twenty-three respectively, Turori and Starblaydia pack their dugouts, technical areas and other seating allocations with players. In the early minutes, some of the younger Corinthian Spirits players squirt water from bottles at their club-mate Duncan Jacob, the Starblaydia U21 sweeper turned Turori Reserve. The fourth official sees to this tomfoolery as Marlian Hunial gently heads the ball back to his keeper. Slietah then proceeds to take a run up and drop-kicks the ball high, high into the air. The ball swirls around in the air as it leaves the stadium at the half-way line, plummeting back to the grass in a pin-point arc.

Just as the commentators are commenting on the huge distance of the kick, we see Starblaydi goalie Rodriguez Da Silva backtracking from his 18-yard line. The shaven-headed, goateed keeper sprints to his line as the crowd send up a cheer. Then, on the TV pictures, we see the white ball flash onto the screen and billow the Starblaydi net, beyond the leap of Da Silva. Somehow, incredibly, Slietah the 'keeper has scored from just outside his own penalty box, in a kick from his hands. Starblaydia are dumbfounded and Slietah is buried under a mass of Turorian players, subs and reserves.

The celebrations go on for more than a few minutes, but at the restart, Starblaydia come back into the game with renewed vigour. With crisp passing moves they makea mockery of the elated Turorian defence, J.J. Stark gets on the end of the move and slots home the equaliser. 1-1 is the score with around fifteen minutes left.

Then, with around fifteen seconds to go in the first half's injury time, Slietah does something strange and sprints up for the corner, won by Cuolia Tuirma. Some of the more aware Turorians yell at the 'keeper to get back, but he's not having any of it. As the corner is whipped in, no one sees him sneak in at the near post and bullet header the ball in off the inside of the woodwork. Once again the Turorians go mental as Slietah cheers like he's won the game. Unfortunately for him, he's not been paying attention and its half-time, not full-time. Starblaydia go in dumbstruck once again.

The second half was less exciting, of course, but there didn't seem to be any sort of a goal coming from either side. Turori seemed happy with their 2-1 lead while Starblaydia just couldn't break through. Then Turori substitute Kaboafo Iobabao broke into the box and was illegaly felled by Robert Cole and the referee blew for a penalty and gave Cole a yellow card for the clumsy challenge. Once more Slietah sprinted up from the back and demanded to take the penalty. This ego-maniac wanted his hat-trick, and he duely got it by smashing the ball past Da Silva's dive.

A goalkeeper with a hat-trick, and Starblaydia back to losing their opening matchdays. Such is life...

The Boyars, Weakened and Looking for A Miracle
Boyars Lose to Raptor Claw 1 - 2

VALERIUS PRIME, MAGNUS VALERIUS -- After a disappointing, mediocre season in WC XVI, the national team remains demoralized and weak by constant losses. It seems that qualification is but a mere dream for the Boyars in the World Cup with the shape that it is in. And, it seems that the same disastrous demoralized demeanor that the Boyars had at their lost games in that World Cup will return to haunt them in The Cup of Harmony.

The Boyars have seen the addition of new talent in the forms of Frank Gespacho, Konstantinos Pappas, and Thomas Hapsburg, but the lack of cooperative spirit from the older veterans of the team seemed to have limited the performance capabilities of the Boyars in World Cup XVI. And thus, they failed to perform. The biggest improvement of the Boyars came between Cups XIV and XV, and the coaches had expected such a similar improvement in the team in WC XVI, but came shorthanded.

As the Boyars tried to rally into their first game in the Cup of Harmony, it came out to be yet another disappointing loss, similar to the losses they had against EL CID THE HERO. The Raptors seemed to have taken advantage of a chink in the armored defense of the Boyars and rapidly scored two goals near the end of the game that brought the Boyars to the loss. Hapsburg made a stunning goal earlier in the game, but apparently the defense had failed to keep the Boyars in a 1 - 0 lead. It could also have been the lack of momentum that the Boyars had in their offense. They had failed to take advantage of several gaping holes in the Raptorian defense.

The national team is in great need of a miracle in the Cup of Harmony. It is hoped that a miracle like that in WC XV would happen to the Valerians here; back in those years, they had won a surprise victory against Kingsford, and now the Valerians need a similar miracle here to succeed in the Cup of Harmony. We await for such a miracle, and we hope for one when the Boyars face off with Ebon Hawk in a couple of days.

FINAL SCORE:

Magnus Valerius - 1
Hapsburg - 1 (43rd minute)

Raptor Claw - 2

THE ROSTER: Boyars

(OOC: It's the same as WC XVI.)

Coaching Staff
Manager: Emperor Alexander II -- 42
Striker Coach: Adolf von Stroganoff -- 56
Goalkeeper Coach: Francois Stiens -- 50

Goalkeepers
#01: Rick Nantes, 29
#82: Charles Timophilos, 31

Defensemen
#32: Francis Saltzen, 37
#03: Bela Pecisz, 32
#11: Alexander Lierkan, 31
#45: John Leopold, 30
#22: Samuel Vittorio, 30

Midfielders
#02: Alexandre Tintagel, 24
#16: Frank Gespacho, 20
#36: Xavier Piccolomini, 34
#77: Konstantinos Pappas, 21
#33: Ismail Rosenburg, 32
#09: Vick Pickering, 28
#00: Renald de Sackville, 30

Strikers
#75: Jozef Hohenstauffen, 29
#24: Thomas Hapsburg, 22
#58: Ryan Derrick, 31
#21: Edouard Niche, 28
#67: Michael Kyritsis, 33

Crystils Inspired by Reserve Performances


The Crystilakere National team who is currently in Alikki-Corra, Vilita preparing for their first ever Cup Final in the AOCAF II Championship match will be able to take some inspiration from the performance of their understudies who have been thrown into the spotlight in both the Under 21 World Cup and The Cup of Harmony due to the intense focus the Crystils have put on getting their first trophy.

The Crystils were at near-full force for their first Under-21 Matchup against Carthage and Troy. Only attacker Toader Pold was still with the AOCAF side in Vilita. Oussent Non made a big impression during the match, scoring the game winning goal to send the Crystils to a flying start in the final Under 21 group, before Non himself was called to Vilita for the AOCAF Final. Crystilakere 1-0 Carthage and Troy

The next match, against another new team, the Eystrck "Force", would be the first that the Crystils would attempt with their depleted roster. The lack of depth in the Crystilakere youth side was visible from the start, however they worked hard and left the inspired Force dissapointed to not win, but still pleased with their first points. The Crystils would fall off the top of the table due to this result, still having the matchup with Top-Ranked Rejistania to go. Crystilakere 2-2 Eystrck

The 3rd Crystils match in the Under 21 would be a real impressive match for the second-string youngsters. Coming up against Tanah Burung they knew a loss there could put them in bad shape for the next round. Fortunately for the Crystils they were able to step it up, firing in a late goal to break the deadlock and put the Crystils back in a tie for first place with Rejistania. Crystilakere 2-1 Tanah Burung

As for the Cup of Harmony, the Crystilakere FA really was short on options, wanting to keep their Under 21 prowess in tact yet still field a formidable team for the match. So it was all left on the shoulders of 22 year old Michael Baker, starting alone up front in a 5-4-1 altered formation which saw many unknown's in the lineup.

Luckily, the Crystils had a somewhat easy match first time out against one of the worst teams in the Cup, Ebon Hawk. The Crystils all remember when they met the Hawks in the last Under 21 Cup, Baker especially who was a Crystili hero after sending his side to the next round. It was Baker again who downed the Hawks in a very impressive three-goal performance that he certainly will remember for a long while. Crystilakere 3-1 Ebon Hawk

Then, it was on to the toughest match of the competition, one that the Crystils would like to have seen how they performed with a full squad, but knowing that their first ever cup Final was more important, they again fielded the weakend 5-4-1 for the match against Giant Zucchini. After dropping a goal down early to a player whose name resembled the noise he made while his pinned nostrils begged to be freed, The Crystils fought back through Michael Baker and Sebastian Wolf to score an improbable victory. Crystilakere 2-1 Giant Zucchini

News of the improbable unbeaten run by the Crystili understudies has flown fast to the training grounds in Alikki-Corra where the Select squad training for the big final matchup with NEWI-Cefn Druids has been cheering them on. The inspiration that they are showing after each impressive overseas victory is un-measurable with each training session getting more and more impressive and the Crystils beginning to look like a team that is about to enter the final of the World Cup, and certainly are resembling more the look of the team that knocked Vilita out of the competition and not the one that embarrassingly lost to Xile.

Results from Raptor Claw - Matchday 1:

Ebon Hawk 1 Crystilakere 3
Magnus Valerius 1 Raptor Claw 2
The Gulf States 0 Halfassedstates 2
Kerla 0 Sarzonia 1

Group A
Crystilakere 1 1 0 0 3-1 3
Raptor Claw 1 1 0 0 2-1 3
Giant Zucchini 0 0 0 0 0-0 0
Magnus Valerius 1 0 0 1 1-2 0
Ebon Hawk 1 0 0 1 1-3 0

Group B
Halfassedstates 1 1 0 0 2-0 3
Sarzonia 1 1 0 0 1-0 3
The Belmore Family 0 0 0 0 0-0 0
Kerla 1 0 0 1 0-1 0
The Gulf States 1 0 0 1 0-2 0

The Sarzonian national team had never felt like this. The team that put on a 13 match unbeaten streak at one point and captured a Baptism of Fire Cup trophy and third place in the AOCAF tournament in its international debut had never lost a match by more than two goals until a loss to Vilita in the third place game of the second AOCAF tournament.

This time, lower seeded The Gulf States dominated the Stars, putting them in a 4-0 hole before the first half ended and cruising past the Stars by that score.

"I'd say we were embarrassed, but that doesn't begin to describe it," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "We were simply beaten in all phases of the game. It's not a case of not finishing, it's not a case of losing focus, we got our heads handed to us. It's not a good feeling."

Forward Brian Wilson excused himself from the starting lineup and goalkeeper Kerry Tanner started in place of an exhausted Troy Perkins, but Marshall benched Tanner in favor of Perkins to start the second half.

"I can't say we lost because I played poorly," Tanner said. "I played very poorly, but I think we all did."

"We were flat out horrible," midfielder and captain Bobby Convey said.
"There's no way to describe it other than that."

The Stars hope to rebound in their next match.

"We have no choice. We have to get better and fast. There's no AOCAF tournament to play in now. It's just the Cup of Harmony for us. At least the Under 21s won last night. We could probably use [forward] Kenny Cooper and [midfielder] Valentin Kienzl right now," Marshall said.

Crazy Dave's Soccer Spot

This is Crazy Dave covering the Cup of Harmony while my other commentators cover the U21 V championships where Jeruselem are slaughtering their opponents.

It looks like the same old World Cup jitters have hit the team. You know, when they can't be consistent. They should lose a lot or win a lot, not this win one and lose one stuff.

Some team called Kylie, oops, Kylaai got beated by Jeruselem 2-1 but that Cocky Bill Deadbeats beat our boys 2-1. Sorry that was Cockbill Street. It's not looking good, we should be winning 10-0!

Jeruselem 1 Cockbill Street 2
Kylaai 1 Jeruselem 2

Ankh-Morpork C-mail

Cockbill Street Win First Match
What's Wrong with The World?

Cockbill Street actually won a football match yesterday, in their home stadium of Vimesbairn National Stadium where they are likely to play six of their seven matches if everything goes according to plan.

The first match certainly did - Cockbill Street gained control over the midfield early on, and produced some very good chances early on. Alec Peterson's shot went just over the keeper after only four minutes, but it hit the bar and bounced over.

The Jeruselem players were never in the game, outclassed by some skilled dribbling and passing from the Streetian side that more often than not resulted in dangerous shots. However, the Jeruselem keeper was in the impossible corner, saving nearly everything.

After thirty minutes, the match got its desired breakthrough. A freekick from twenty-five metres curled over the wall and beat Jonathan Havell completely, as he was stranded in the wrong corner of the net - no chance. 1-0 for Cockbill Street - a dreadful result, especially given the nature of match so far.

The Street continued to push forward in desperation to get the equaliser that they should have earned - and of course, Rikki Stone was the man to get it. He had been completely invisible for the best part of the first half, but suddenly there was a small chance, and he capitalised on it (Editors' note: This has nothing to do with ******* enterpri** - which is of course banned). His shot from ten metres hit the bar before it bounced into the post and into the goal - a quite magnificent stroke of luck from Stone.

That luck was carried into the second half - but only by Stone. Einari Einarsson had a magnificent shot from 30 yards that curled back away from the keeper, but it hit the post and swivelled outside. Rikki, however, was given a beauty of a pass of Thorgeirr Axewielder, who took the opportunity today to cement his place in the team, and then calmly chipped it over the Jeruselem keeper for 2-1. The remaining thirty minutes were spent trying to increase the goal difference, which would only be fair, but Alec Peterson missed a couple of crucial chances as the match petered out to a 2-1 win for the Street.

Havell
Hammer-fighter Spearthrower Rogers Walker
Sodium-alginate
Hammerhock Axewielder E Einarsson

Stone Peterson

Cockbill Street 2 (Stone 39, 62)
Jeruselem 1 (<player> 18)

"With all the top sports news from around the globe, here's Block and Tackle!"

"Hello, I'm Trey Pickworth, and first, to the Cup of Harmony, where 'Scoop' Ragnarsson is live in Cockbill Street. Scoop?"

"Well, Trey, I can tell you this is a calamitous sporting event unfolding before my very eyes. Here in the K-hatchback K-Drogba D'Gay-Night stadium, neither Starblaydia nor Kylaai have turned up to this match. In fact, Trey, just myself, our camera crew and some cleaners are in this near un-pronounceable stadium at the moment."

"Uhh, Scoop? You do know Starblaydia have the Bye this week, and that Kylaai are playing Turori at the Northset County Cricket Ground tonight?"

"No, Trey, I didn't know that"

"So do you have any scores or updates for us, Scoop?"

"No, not right now Trey."

"Riiiight. Now, to the ongoing celebrations from the Cherry Cup as Starblaydia parade the trophy around the nation..."

(RL: Well, I just got my place in collage confirmed, so I gotta do a bunch of stuff right now, I will not be able to RP any of my matches until monday at the earliest.)

The Weegies 3 Liverpool England 1 - WTF!?

The Weegies caused a major upset today in Cockbill street when the world number 29s Liverpool England were beaten 3-1. The FALE have reprimanded the players, and have fined them all their pay for the next three international games for the horrible performance.

Liverpool England took the lead in the 14th minute from Chris Hawkins, but were weakened when Dominic Dirosa got sent off for a rash late tackle on the Weegiean keeper after the keeper had caught the ball.

The Weegies took advantage of that, and their no. 11 struck three in 14 minutes in the second half - prompting caretaker manager Jimmy Francis to pull off Mark Hearne Jr. and throw in his replacement in goal. That seemed to have worked, and he kept out a further 14 shots from the Weegiean attack.

The FALE are actively searching a replacement.

Makinshakes Presents...
The Ketchup Times
Now you can eat your fries and read the latest news around Melmond!

Slowpoke!
It was high noon at the impossible to spell stadium in Cockbill Street. Both the managers of Melmond and Spurland headed to the center of the pitch. It was to be a quickdraw between Spurland manager Sid Morzaria and Melmond interim manager David Bixler. After they have taken their individual paces, it was time to draw. Bixler hits Morzaria with three bullets even before Morzaria could take his gun out of his holster. Of course, this is just a metaphor for the match, a rather fitting metaphor considering Melmond played a nation called Spurland as David Bixler's debut as manager was an absolute smash in a 4-nil blowout victory. The Disappointments just went rapid fire in terms of goals, with Benjamin Leeb, Chris Owen, and Critandi Unne all scoring goals before the 18th minute. The physical defence of the Disappointments just took over and crushed any dreams Spurland may have had of success, especially after a frustrated Jackson of Spurland basically shoved midfielder Rainy Zoulthane in the pitch and got a red card. Spurland was outmanned and outgunned. In the second half, Interim Manager David Bixler wanted to see some of his young talent in the match, so defender Veronica Dean and midfielders Alfred Smith and Peeko Noodleschlausen went into the match in place of Trav Strachan, Fwynj Otsjx, and Critandi Unne. Veronica Dean got a yellow card for an overly ambitious tackle, but making up for that error Peeko Noodleschlausen scores his first ever international goal in the second half in the rout.

A Very Physical Match Ends Up Scoreless
It certainly appears that the side from Haperd certainly didn't rush to Cockbill Street at the last minute to play in the Cup of Harmony in vain. If teams want to take this side lightly, they may have hell to pay as The Weegies just found out and Melmond almost found out, the offensive side anyway. The Disappointment attack was absolutely off as there were missed shots and passes galore. Most of the action was in the midfield and the Melmond end as the Haperd attack and the Melmond defence really played physically in a battle of attrition which was ultimately won by Melmond as any shots Haperd took were rushed and easily stopped by Snhp Xtfuinxm. The match ends nil-nil. Melmond has the group lead over Haperd due to goal difference and has a very determined Liverpool England side coming up who is angry about losing Melmond as a Cup of Harmony bid partner as well as their 3-1 loss to The Weegies.

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/vn/tn/logo.gif


Turori [3]-[1] Starblaydia

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------------------Turori Goalkeeper Milauo Slietah made sports broadcast headlines all over the world after his improbably Cup of Harmony performance against Starblaydia. Slietah's first goal came miraculously off a drop kick, with perfect placement, the long ball was just out of reach for the advancing Starblaydi goalkeeper Rodriquez Da Silva. The Blades quickly levelled the scores, then, when The Eels won a corner kick in first half stoppage time, Slietah sprinted up for what was surely the final play of the half. Cuolia Tuirma's corner found the ball at the near post and placed it in the back of the net to put his side back in the lead before the half. So it was unsurprising when Kaboafo Iobabao was fowled in the second half, that it would be none other than Slietah to take the Penalty. Slietah made no mistake sealing an improbable hat trick of goals for the Eels ever-present Goalkeeper


Turori Eels (4-4-2) ::
[GK] Milauo Slietah, [D] Linoi Niabula, [D] Marlian Hunial, [D] Martika Ecspo, [D] Kiatin Likao [M] Tika Poloni, [M] Malaino Mumamba, [M] Yabaiy Tbaiao, [M] Cuolia Tuirma, [F] Jualiar Vumaou, [F] Akamoari Liano
BENCH::
[GK] Aaron White, [D] Moiba Linaian, [DM] Ugo Doohan, [U] Rikko Ambama, [M] Boaibou Houabou [F] Kaboafo Iobabao, [F] Mika Sakatorra


After the match, Cockbill Street Reporter Icestone Morracca was able to speak with Slietah:

"Well I was kind of in shock when the first one went in, I'm sure I have gotten a friendly gust from the wind that's taken the ball out of the path that Da Silva's thought it was going in, and a stroke of luck has seen it sneak under the crossbar into the net. I guess from then I felt as if nothing could go wrong, so when the ref signalled that the corner was going to be taken, while the whistle rested in his mouth, I figured what the heck, I'll have a go at it, and being the goalkeeper I guess the Starblaydi players didnt see it in themselves to mark me, so there I went the ball came right to me, it was a great kick by Cuolia and i just managed to get enough of it to put it in off the bar. Obviously when Koboafo went down in the box, it wasn't going to be anyones choice, It's a once in a lifetime, I'll probably never score another goal in my life, so to have three in one night, it was just amazing. As far as the next match, I may be tempted for another long ball or two, but don't expect me running up for any corners!"


--------------------------------------------------------------------
Ao1b(8 ............... OouYvaiVYaqkBWjwIIOB ............. 001092019726X9

Results from Raptor Claw - matchday 2:

Crystilakere 2 Giant Zucchini 1
Raptor Claw 1 Ebon Hawk 0
Halfassedstates 0 The Belmore Family 0
Sarzonia 0 The Gulf States 4

Group A
Crystilakere 2 2 0 0 5-2 6
Raptor Claw 2 2 0 0 3-1 6
Giant Zucchini 1 0 0 1 1-2 0
Magnus Valerius 1 0 0 1 1-2 0
Ebon Hawk 2 0 0 2 1-4 0

Group B
Halfassedstates 2 1 1 0 2-0 4
The Gulf States 2 1 0 1 4-2 3
Sarzonia 2 1 0 1 1-4 3
The Belmore Family 1 0 1 0 0-0 1
Kerla 1 0 0 1 0-1 0

Results from Cockbill Street - matchdays 1 and 2:

Matchday 1:
Kylaai 1 Jeruselem 2
Starblaydia 1 Turori 3
Haperd 2 The Weegies 1
Spurland 0 Melmond 4

Matchday 2:
The Weegies 3 Liverpool England 1
Melmond 0 Haperd 0
Jeruselem 1 Cockbill Street 2
Turori 3 Kylaai 0

Group C
Melmond 2 1 1 0 4-0 4
Haperd 2 1 1 0 2-1 4
The Weegies 2 1 0 1 4-3 3
Liverpool England 1 0 0 1 1-3 0
Spurland 1 0 0 1 0-4 0

Group D
Turori 2 2 0 0 6-1 6
Cockbill Street 1 1 0 0 2-1 3
Jeruselem 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Starblaydia 1 0 0 1 1-3 0
Kylaai 2 0 0 2 1-5 0

Matchday 3 (groups A and B) in your TG boxes (not Crystilakere or Halfassedstates, who did not play)

Two draws spell disaster for Belmorians

The Belmore Family are in a serious crisis in the Cup of Harmony as they lie 4th in a relatively easy group. The first draw was at Halfassedstates where, in a very dull game, we stayed goalless after 90 minutes. However this game was not with out it’s own controversy when Winter hit the bar, the ball bounced down over the line however the referee believed it did not cross the line annoying the Belmorians deeply. However in that match it should have been Halfassed walking away with the points if it had not been for the heroics of Tingel in goal saving a last minute penalty.

With our toughest game behind us all eyes were on the game against Sarzonia, who despite upsetting Kerla, were trashed 4-0 at the hands of The Gulf States and similar was expected as they faced they Belmorians in their third and our second match. However panic alarms started sounding when the Sarzonian number 9 blasted the ball into the top right hand corner of the net from just inside the box giving the Sarzonians a good early lead. However the Belmorians were not going to let it stop at that. After a bad qualification performance now was their time to shine and there was a glimmer of hope when Michaelsran past 2 defenders and the keeper to knock the ball in the net early in the second half. The Belmorians continued to pile on the pressure but it lead to nowhere, the match ending in a seond draw.

All eyes look towards the next match against the Gulf States, A must win fixture for the Belmorians if they are to qualify for the knockout stages. However The Gulf states are on a roll and with a 6-2 and a 4-0 win behind them they are looking like formidable opponents. Good Luck to the Boys.

Daniel Johnson
Sports Reporter

Liverpool England Newspaper cause controversy as foul language is used in main sports article

The Belmorian government has been “deeply appalled” by a Liverpudlian English Newspaper which is sold all around the world containing an obscene phrase in their main sports article referring to The Weegies great performance last night to topple the Liverpudlians. The Belmorian Government has suspended all sales of the highly acclaimed newspaper in The Belmore Family. Speaking last night Cabinet Minister Thomas Wickersham said:
“The phrase was out of place and not only was it deeply offensive but very rude to The Weegies team who put on a great display to win that match.”
However others are seeing it as the government trying to clamp down on freedom of press, peoples for freedom released a statement last night saying:
“This is just another example of The government cutting down on freedom of press. They are stopping the Liverpudlian message of their surprise at the loss. We should never stop newspapers because pf how vile, stupid or antiestablishment they are.”

However in a strange twist early this morning the government held a press conference showing the press Article 325 of the Belmorian constitution which reads:
”It is forbidden for any public broadcasting company to portray of use vulgar language in their broadcast. Maximum penalty - 5 years imprisonment.” It is therefore been announced that if any employee of the newspaper steps foot in The Belmore Family, they will be arrested. We are yet to hear the response of the Newspaper or Liverpool England to this revelation.

Adam Jones
Liverpool England Correspondent

The Sarzonian national team was being watched carefully by Stars fans the world over. Their response to two straight embarrassments, including a 4-0 loss at home to a Gulf States side that was lower in the world rankings angered Sarzonian fans. Another loss would likely send the Stars packing.

However, midfielder Darwin Russell had other ideas. One of the emerging stars in the NEWI Cefn Druids national league, Russell opened the scoring against the higher seeded The Belmore Family with a rising 16 yard shot into the right corner of the net in the 24th minute to give the Stars a lead and their first goal since the opener of the Cup of Harmony.

"We were starting to get the run of play there," Russell said. "I just shot it and hoped it wouldn't hit off the woodwork. I was a little lucky there."

The Stars continued to apply pressure throughout the first half, sending the teams to the intermission with the Stars trying to salt the game away and erase memories of the loss to The Gulf States.

However, the Belmore Family adjusted to the Sarzonian pressure and applied their own. Michaels made a move that got defenders Bryson Juergens and Mike Coyle out of position and goalkeeper Kerry Tanner over-committed. He tapped in the shot to draw the match 1-1 in the 68th minute.

"I made a rookie mistake," Juergens said. "There's no excuse for that. Coyle tried to cover up for me, but then he and Tanner got out of position. That cost us two points."

Most of the rest of the match played in the Sarzonian end and the Belmore Family applied constant pressure in an effort to give them the full three points against the underdog Stars, but Tanner was up to the task with six saves, including one just seconds before the final whistle.

"We wanted the full three points after that loss to The Gulf States," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "Now we're most likely going to have to beat Halfassedstates to advance."

The Stars will be idle for Matchday Four and will play Halfassedstates in the final match of the first round.

The Gulf States I-Football Wins ... Twice?

LEXINGTON, GP - However this may have happened, The Gulf States national team for International football has just won another game. After losing in the first game in pool play in the Cup of Harmony tournament - the Sea Wolves have now won two in a row. In the 16th World Cup, the team went 2-6-2 in pool play; with one of the two wins a forfeit by the other team.

One member of the team, who we can't mysteriously identify, was quoted after the game: "It's really great that we're making progress. We're still just a little blip on the map in the sport. But some ranking system shown us we were the 12th most overachieving team in the World Cup. So now, we got to prove to the world that we're not so overachieving after all. That we are improving and becoming another contender in the bloated international football scene."

Crystils train hard after AOCAF Defeat

The Crystilakere Cup Of Harmony and Under 21 Cup teams have now returned to full strength following the completion of the 2nd AOCAF Tournament in Vilita. The two teams had been playing with limited rosters with 23 Crystili players in full training in preperation for Crystilakere's first ever cup final against NEWI Cefn Druids.

The Full Strength Crystils showed their international potential by controlling much of the game, and leading 2-1 for much of the match. While NEWI Cefn Druids had taken an undeserved lead early in the match, Filippo Ferraro and Darren Whelan both scored for Crystilakere to put the underdogs ahead at half time. However, the Crystil dreams were postponed in the dying minutes of the match when NEWI Cefn Druids were able to score a messy goal after a large scramble in the box, with Trevor Welsh believed to have gotten the final touch to send the match to extra time. From there, NEWI Cefn Druids's opening goalscorer Trevor Belmore cracked the Crystil dreams with a rebound goal halfway through extra time, giving the 2nd AOCAF Trophy to NEWI Cefn Druids.

Filippo Ferraro will be ready to return to the AOCAF Campaign after being named man of the match in the final. The Crystils had an off day in the Cup of Harmony, allowing everyone to arrive in Raptor Claw and get used to the dangerous environment ahead of time. However, they will not be joined by Senior Under-21 players Oussent Non and Toader Pold, who have been flown to Total n Utter Insanity for the Quarter Finals of the Under 21 Cup, where the depleted under 21's escaped Audioslavia in the second round in penalty kicks after a goalless draw between the teams.

Now That’s What I Am Talking About
Disappointments Certainly a Misnomer for This Side After 3-nil Rout
By Henry Kalangalangalang of the Melmond City Herald

COCKBILL STREET—Quite honestly, this is the best performance I have ever seen the Melmond National Team ever play. By this I mean any team from past World Cup campaigns 13, 14, 15, or 16. It was as if I have witnessed the realization of the great potential which was much talked about within the nation for the first time on the world stage. Thus far it seems that the Melmond National Team, now dubbed the Disappointments, really has found their stride under interim but not for long manager David Bixler. Whereas the old school Felix Coostatlwak old-school style or the new age styles of Gerry Cheevers didn’t really fit the Melmond football mentality, it seems as if Bixler has found the recipe of success as the physical defensive style of play that Bixler prided himself on in the midfield as a member of the Melmond National Team for 12 years is the most like Melmond football. The Disappointments seem to be unstoppable. Let us hope that the culprit who has the voodoo dice is too distracted by the World Cup to notice that we are kicking major ass.
Anyway, enough of the praise, it’s about time to tell you why they are deserving of this praise. Thus far they destroyed Spurland 4-nil but merely tied Haperd nil-nil, but the fact is Melmond has never given up a goal and has quite the goal differential. Meeting the Disappointments at Vimesbairn Cricket were the Philosophers of Liverpool England. This is the first ever meeting between the two sides, but both sides already have quite a history between them. It looked as if Liverpool England and Melmond were to team together in a bid to host World Cup 15, but in haste they gave up on Melmond who was just about to finish their java project. During the World Cup 16 bids, Liverpool England slandered the Commerce Heights-Melmond bid causing a big stir amongst the NationStates football scene. Then rather recently Liverpool England was under the impression that Melmond offered to join them for a bid to host the Cup of Harmony, not realizing the offer was extended only if there was no other volunteers to host the Cup of Harmony. Volunteers came from Cockbill Street and Raptor Claw and Melmond pulled its bid and Liverpool England was left out in the cold. They found it especially insulting because they forfeited their chance to be in the World Cup final in hope that hosting the Cup of Harmony could give their nation a financial boost. To add insult to injury, the Philosophers were embarrassed at the hands of the bad luck Weegies 3-1 and the players were docked three games pay. Needless to say that this Liverpool England side was rather determined.
However, the Disappointments were much like Spike Spiegel of the great anime series Cowboy Bebop: like water. Liverpool England was tense, Melmond was calm. Liverpool England exerted the power, Melmond harnessed the power. Around the 14th minute, Liverpool England looked rather desperate to redeem themselves as their attack charged the Melmond defence with reckless abandon. However, after an overly ambitious pass intercepted by Melmond defender Sergio Ortiz, Melmond made quite the counterstrike as Ortiz makes a cross over to midfielder Cristina Antunez. Antunez then finds midfielder Rainy Zoulthane who then finds her O’Connor Greens teammate, striker Benjamin Leeb, on the doorstep wide open for a very good chance for a goal. After receiving the pass from Zoulthane, Leeb rockets a ball which was stopped by a diving Liverpool England goalkeeper. However, the ball deflected back to the Melmond midfielder Rainy Zoulthane who was able to kick the ball in the net as the Liverpool England goalkeeper had no time to recover. Melmond takes the 1-nil lead at the 14th minute as a comforting drizzle starts to fall upon Vimesbairn Cricket.
Melmond harnessed the metaphorical power of water as well as having some things go their way due to some Liverpool England misjudgments. At the 35th minute, as Melmond midfielder Critandi Unne was dribbling through the Liverpool England defence, the last defender in Critandi Unne’s way was approaching him to make the challenge. Unfortunately for him as he was about to make his sliding tackle, the wet pitch claims his as a victim as he falls on his bum, leaving his goalkeeper out to dry as Critandi Unne hits the upper left corner of the net giving hirself hir second goal of the Cup of Harmony as well as Melmond’s second goal of the match. The rain continued to pick up and fall harder as the first half came to an end as Melmond took the surprising 2-nil lead into half time.
What was very surprising was that not only was Melmond going to keep that lead, but they were going to extend it! A team known for blowing big opportunities was not going to let it happen this time. Liverpool England came out with a vengeance with a strong attack. However, the tough Melmond defence never let the Liverpool England strikers see the light of day. That was the story most of the match, but when Liverpool England was able to get off some good shots, Melmond goalkeeper Snhp Xtfuinxm played as good as he has been advertised, being smart and spectacular when necessary. At the 54th minute, Liverpool England deflected a Melmond cross out of bounds. Melmond earned a corner kick. Knowing that the conditions were too harsh for an Acosta-Audioslavia arc, Melmond defender Jonsi Torrini tried his traditional corner kick, which was traditionally headed in by the highflying Chris Owen past the Liverpool England goalkeeper, 3-nil in favor of the Disappointments as the Melmondian faithful just hollered with glee.
After that goal, a strange weather pattern persisted during the rest of the match. The sun came out on the Melmond bench and faithful to dry them from the rain, but the Liverpool England bench and faithful continued to get rained on, getting all their blankets wet, which is rather fitting since Liverpool England are considered the wet blanket of NationStates football. They shouldn’t worry however, the fiery anger that is soon to come from the FALE shall dry them off in a jiffy.

Goals
Zoulthane, MEL 14th
Cr. Unne, MEL 35th
Owen, MEL 54th

Cards
None

Standings

Other Group C Result
Haperd 0 – Spurland 2

Group C
GP Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Melmond 3 7 2 1 0 7:0 7
2. Haperd 3 4 1 1 1 2:3 -1
3. The Weegies 2 3 1 0 1 4:3 1
4. Spurland 2 3 1 0 1 2:4 -2
5. Liverpool England 2 0 0 0 2 1:6 -5

Team Stats
Goals: Critandi Unne (2), Chris Owen (2), Benjamin Leeb (1), Peeko Noodleschlausen (1), Rainy Zoulthane (1)
Cards: Veronica Dean (1)

Melmond National Team Cup of Harmony Schedule

v Spurland (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gaiz'nigh, Cockbill Street) W 4-0
v Haperd (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gaiz'nigh, Cockbill Street) T 0-0
v Liverpool England (Vimesbairn Cricket, Cockbill Street) W 3-0
v The Weegies (Northset CCG, Cockbill Street)

Next Game
vs. The Weegies (Northset CCG, Cockbill Street)

After a much deserved day off, the Melmond National Team looks to cement their position in the quarterfinals with a good result against The Weegies. The Weegies have been a notoriously hard luck side and in these sides three meetings, Melmond has owned them with Melmond having two wins and one tie, and having the goal difference advantage of four. Haperd and Liverpool England certainly are not threats to Melmond’s chances of getting into the next level of this Cup of Harmony, but The Weegies and Spurland still have a chance. Much more will be unearthed about the qualification scenarios after the day off, but this is a golden opportunity for the Disappointments to control their own destiny. Here is Interim Manager David Bixler’s starting lineup.

GK- Snhp Xtfuinxm
D- Jonsi Torrini
D- Sergio Ortiz
D- Charles Unne
D- Trav Strachan
M- Fwynj Otsjx
M- Rainy Zoulthane
M- Critandi Unne
M- Cristina Antunez
F- Chris Owen
F- Benjamin Leeb

For tickets to Cockbill Street and the match, call the Therewegoes Travel Agency at 3-18-357-9009. Cockbill Street is a place where people love humour and irony. It is called Cockbill Street but there aren’t many streets in their nation. Anyway try to have a good time and not to assault anyone in a Flash Oaker jersey or try to hug anyone in a Rikki Stone jersey.

Results Matchday 3:

Giant Zucchini 2 Raptor Claw 1
Ebon Hawk 1 Magnus Valerius 2

The Belmore Family 1 Sarzonia 1
The Gulf States 6 Kerla 2

Liverpool England 0 Melmond 3
Haperd 0 Spurland 2

Cockbill Street 0 Turori 0
Kylaai 1 Starblaydia 1

Group A
Crystilakere 2 2 0 0 5-2 6
Raptor Claw 3 2 0 1 4-3 6
Giant Zucchini 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Magnus Valerius 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Ebon Hawk 3 0 0 3 2-6 0

Group B
The Gulf States 3 2 0 1 10-4 6
Halfassedstates 2 1 1 0 2-0 4
Sarzonia 3 1 1 1 2-5 4
The Belmore Family 2 0 2 0 1-1 2
Kerla 2 0 0 2 2-7 0

Group C
Melmond 3 2 1 0 7-0 7
Haperd 3 1 1 1 2-3 4
The Weegies 2 1 0 1 4-3 3
Spurland 2 1 0 1 2-4 3
Liverpool England 2 0 0 2 1-6 0

Group D
Turori 3 2 1 0 6-1 7
Cockbill Street 2 1 1 0 2-1 4
Jeruselem 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Starblaydia 2 0 1 1 2-4 1
Kylaai 3 0 1 2 2-6 1

Matchday 4 in your TG boxes.

TBF continue unbeaten run however win is needed to secure qualification

The Belmore Family have smiles all over their faces as they conquered a strong looking Gulf States team. However it was a shaky start from the Belmorians when TGS number 9 blasted a long range shot against the post in the 3rd minute. However after that the Belmorians got to their feet and Michaels scored his second goal of the tournament in the 32nd minute, an easy header from a great cross (delivered by Nammel).

However this shook some life into the TGS side and their number 6 forced Adams into a stunning diving save, palming away the ball from the top right hand corner. However at the end of the half the Belmorians were 1 up, but The Gulf States were still in it.

Coming out for the second half TGS had not lost their flair from the end of the last half. Only 7 minutes into the second half TGS had a free on the goal keeper with their number 8 burying it in the back of the net. However to his deep displeasure he saw the offside flag waving and the goal was disallowed. Despite numerous attacks carrying on The Gulf States could not break the Belmorian wall and the game was sealed by Nick Belmore curled the ball around the wall from a free kick to put the score beyond doubt.

With the 2-0 win behind us we need a win over Kerla to guarantee qualification however if Halfassedstates draw, a draw will surfice for us.

Only 2 changes planned for Monday’s Cup of Harmony showdown

Coach Adam Smith has announced only 2 changes to the squad that will play against Kerla on Monday. Fielding probably the best 11 we’ve had in 5 years, our boys are expected to overcome the minnows. Stuck on one point Kerla are bottom of a group which looks like this:

Group B
The Gulf States 4 2 0 2 10-6 6
The Belmore Family 3 1 2 0 3-1 5
Halfassedstates 3 1 2 0 3-1 5
Sarzonia 3 1 1 1 2-5 4
Kerla 3 0 1 2 3-8 1

So with nothing to play for the Belmorians will be hoping they go into the game with a negative attitude as a loss will mean TBF go out. The side we are fielding is strong looking below, it’s hard to find a weekness.

GK: Adams
LD: Instan
DF: Catalas
DF: Symons
RD: Belmore, K
LM: Massie
MD: Weidelister
MD: Cantor
RM: Belmore
ST: Winters
ST: Micheals

Weidelister fails drug test

James Weidelister has failed a drug test, it was reveiled last night. A substitute for the first 3 games he was expected to play in the 4th. It is unknown what action the hosts Cockbill Street will take but Weidelister has already been suspended for the Belmorian squad. He will have an appeal hearing tomorrow with a decision expected late that evening.

Speaking to The Daily Belmorian he said:
“I have not, am not and will never take any illegal substances. The allegations against me are completely false and I believe somewhere the testing has gone wrong.”

The test was a privet Belmorian test, making it hard for the WCC to intervene and do anything to the player. Last night a WCC official said:
“We take all allegations of doping very seriously and will be looking at the case carefully. At the moment I can not comment on whether the Belmorians will be kicked out of the Cup of Harmony.” In response manager Adam Smith said:
“We are very disappointed that James has taken these banned substances and have expelled him from our squad. He has not played in any of our matches so far so we hope the team will not be punished for one person’s stupid behaviour.”

Ankh-Morpork C-mail

Cup of Harmony Continues
Street Need A Point To Advance

Despite little crowd interest in Cockbill Street, the Cup of Harmony continued this week with some fascinating results. Liverpool English fans were seen cursing Margaret in the streets of Vimesbairn after their comprehensive 0-3 loss to Melmond, that in all but theory sent them out of the cup. The Gulf States, who play in Raptor Claw, enjoyed an attacking spree as their team scored ten goals in two matches to send Sarzonia and Kerla out of the tournament, and themselves with a reasonable chance to qualify for a quarter-final.

But nobody cares about these sides after all, so this report will concentrate on Cockbill Street's recent matches. Turori's godmod-esque goalkeeper Slietah, who scored a hat-trick against the Starblaydi (who, by the way, must be wondering why they can't win matches in Cockill Street - their record in the Street stands at one draw, six losses, and their first draw came recently against Kylaai), made three magnificent saves on Streetian 100 %-chances, including a penalty from Rikki Stone, and after the match, Slietah said that "I've never been in such good form before, and I hope the team will be with me as we go through to the quarter-finals".

Cockbill Street's third match was against Kylaai, with a dismally low 78,000 attendance turning up to watch in the Vimesbairn National. Very few Kylaaian fans have been spotted, and the tickets were vastly overpriced, leading to little demand. However, despite the little crowd, the Street did the job they had to do and won the match by two first-half goals, one a free-kick by Thorgeirr Axewielder and the other one a shot from five meters by Alec Peterson.

Thus, Cockbill Street have won two and drawn one, and are on course for a quarter-final. However, there is some theories swirling in the Street that Starblaydia are due a win, after all...streaks are there to be broken. If Cockbill Street were to lose that match, then suddenly all sorts of strange logical theories would start rolling. So, in short, the Street had better win, or at least draw, against Starblaydia - who have only scored two goals in seven matches on Streetian soil.

Turori 3 2 1 0 6-1 7
Cockbill Street 3 2 1 0 4-1 7
Jeruselem 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Starblaydia 2 0 1 1 2-4 1
Kylaai 4 0 1 3 2-8 1

Ankh-Morpork C-mail

Drugs Scandal Mars The Harmony Cup
Little Harmony In Belmorian Camp

James Weidelister, a Belmorian substitute midfielder who was expected to play in The Belmore Family's deciding match against Kerla, have failed both the A and B drug tests and will most likely be banned from playing in Cockbill Street for life, the CSDS revealed today.

"We take positive drug tests extremely seriously, and with the security that there is today, there is very little chance that innocent people is being framed, so to speak. The Department of Sports, however, have no jurisdiction outside the borders of Cockbill Street, and we therefore appeal to the World Cup Committee's Health and Disease Organisation to make a strong and firm decision on this matter. We are extremely concerned about sports being clean and ethical, and also about making an example to the rest of the world."

The CSDS also demands that the entire Belmorian team submits to a drugs test before the match with Kerla. "This is to certify that there is no organised drugs culture in The Belmore Family, and that we are to make sure that the 11 Belmorians who play tomorrow's match are absolutely clean of illegal substances."

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Turori [3]-[0] Kylaai

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------------------The Turori Eels have once again found themselves in the spotlight of all Vilitan Media. The Eels currently lead their group in the Cup of Harmony with just one match to play. In that match, the Eels will be playing Jeruselem, a side many Vilitans know from their Under-21 meetings. Due to the positioning of the table, if either side win the match, they will be through to the next round of the Cup of Harmony. The Eels can still make it through if they lose and Cockbill Street Loses, while a draw would also be enough for the Eels.

------------------The Eels got into this position after an impressive 3-0 Victory over Kylaai. Akamoari Liano was the first goalscorer for the Eels, continuing his hot streak 25 minutes into the match to open the scoring. Defender Martika Ecspo from NEWI Cefn Druids' Vilitan Exiles was removed at half time in favor of Kionao locals prospect Ugo Doohan who played a role behind the midfield. Goalscorer Liano was brought down after about an hour of play and needed treatment on his right leg. Cuolia Tuirma stepped up and converted the 20 yard Free Kick to put the Eels up 2-0, but Liano needed to be withdrawn, and he was replaced by budding Prospect Maratima Tareak, who is expected to transfer to a team in Giant Zucchini shortly. Malaino Mumamba was also removed in favor of Boaibou Houabou. Tareak was an instant impression on the game, getting off two quick shots at the Kylaai goalkeeper, before setting a perfect ball through to Jualiar Vumaou who made no mistake in shooting home the Eels 3rd of the night.


Turori Eels (4-4-2) ::
[GK] Milauo Slietah, [D] Linoi Niabula, [D] Marlian Hunial, [D] Martika Ecspo, [D] Kiatin Likao, [M] Tika Poloni, [M] Malaino Mumamba, [M] Yabaiy Tbaiao, [M] Cuolia Tuirma, [F] Jualiar Vumaou, [F] Akamoari Liano
BENCH::
[F] Mika Sakatorra, [F] Kaboafo Iobabao, [M] Boaibou Houabou, [M] Rikko Ambama, [U] Ugo Doohan, [D] Maratima Tareak, [GK] Aaron White



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Raptor's Claw through Cup of Harmony

The Raptor Claw Goalkeeper, Gonnast Opyou, from Tonka City in Giant Zucchini, has been National team keeper for many seasons now, improving at every attempt. The Raptor Claw Defense is led by Imapla Yindabak, also from the South Island Clan The towering central defender is a menace to all that approach. Partnering this Raptor in Central defense is Iwilltac Kleyou, from the rejuvinated Central Island Clan. This Raptor is the first to make the National team from the Central Island Clan since the horrific dismembering of the clan prior to World Cup 14. Playing as Wing backs will be Makapla Yupdaline and Overla Pinrun, both from the East Island Clan and regulars in the Raptors Lineup. The Raptor Claw midfield is led by Captain Imdalea Der, the experienced Raptor from the North Island Clan is an important fixture in the Raptors lineup every time they step out onto the pitch. Partnering Der in the Center of Midfield is Contro Lindaplae, also of the North Island Clan. On the left wing is the pacey Runni Nondaside from the West Island Clan and on the right wing, one of the most prolific Raptor goalscorers, Maki Narun from the South Island Clan. The Raptor Claw strike force is the frequently troublesome duo of Imat Arget and Runni Naroun. both from the East Island Clan.


Gonnast Opyou could not stop his league nation as Raptor Claw lost in the Cup of Harmony for the first time 2-1 to Giant Zucchini. Imat Arget scored for Raptor Claw but Fufft killed them as he scored two second half goals to lose the Raptor Claw.

Matchday 4 results:

Matches in Raptor Claw:

Group A:
Giant Zucchini 0 Ebon Hawk 3
Magnus Valerius 3 Crystilakere 1

Magnus Valerius 3 2 0 1 6-4 6
Crystilakere 3 2 0 1 6-5 6
Raptor Claw 3 2 0 1 4-3 6
Ebon Hawk 4 1 0 3 5-6 3
Giant Zucchini 3 1 0 2 3-6 3

Group B:
The Belmore Family 2 The Gulf States 0
Kerla 1 Halfassedstates 1

The Gulf States 4 2 0 2 10-6 6
Halfassedstates 3 1 2 0 3-1 5
The Belmore Family 3 1 2 0 3-1 5
Sarzonia 3 1 1 1 2-5 4
Kerla 3 0 1 2 3-8 1

Matches in Cockbill Street:

Group C:
Liverpool England 1 Haperd 1
Spurland 0 The Weegies 2

Melmond 3 2 1 0 7-0 7
The Weegies 3 2 0 1 6-3 6
Haperd 4 1 2 1 3-4 5
Spurland 3 1 0 2 2-6 3
Liverpool England 3 0 1 2 2-7 1

Group D:
Cockbill Street 2 Kylaai 0
Starblaydia 0 Jeruselem 1

Turori 3 2 1 0 6-1 7
Cockbill Street 3 2 1 0 4-1 7
Jeruselem 3 2 0 1 4-3 6
Starblaydia 3 0 1 2 2-5 1
Kylaai 4 0 1 3 2-8 1

Matchday 5 results in your TG boxes.

And just to confirm - the top two teams of each group qualify for the quarter-finals stage.

OKAY, the top seed in a non-RPing group (except for Melmond and me) finishes last with 1 point!? WTF!

IT'S A MIRACLE!
The Boyars, Expecting to Be Slaughtered, Win Their MD 3 Game Versus Ebon Hawk

EBON HAWK -- After the Raptors trashed Magnus Valerius in MD 1, The Boyars were expecting another terrible performance throughout the Cup of Harmony to go along perfectly with their less-than-stellar World Cup XVI Performance. Yet, in Matchday 3, something must have pulled the Boyars together and brought them to rally for a win.

The game started off with the Boyars feeling grim about their performance in the field. They began horribly as the Ebon Hawk players quickly slammed whatever ego remained of the team with a goal at the 18th minute. However, after half-time, something had clicked and the team changed face. It was as if the team almost was blessed by an entity from above.

First of all, the Boyar defense rallied and prevented any further scoring from the Ebon Hawk team. All goals were repelled back to a confused and belittled Ebon Hawk team. As the defense kept its spirit up and halted any Ebon Hawk progress, the Valerian offense began to work wonders and at the game's finish, the Boyars were victorious. Hapsburg and Rosenburg both made in two goals that finished this turn-around night that now offers Valeria a bright future... or at least, it gives the team some desperately-needed morale.

FINAL SCORE

Ebon Hawk 1

Magnus Valerius 2
- Hapsburg 1, 56th
- Rosenburg 1, 78th

Group A
Crystilakere 2 2 0 0 5-2 6
Raptor Claw 3 2 0 1 4-3 6
Giant Zucchini 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Magnus Valerius 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Ebon Hawk 3 0 0 3 2-6 0

OOC: Sorry, term break coming so all the lecturers rushing us to get our projects done...sorry for lack of RPing.

IC:
NEWSFLASH:

The makeshift Giant Zucchini team playing in the Cup of Harmony have not been doing too bad, defeating Raptor Claw and drawing Magnus Valerius, despite losing to a well organised Crystilakere side. Mr Hurr's experiment has not proved too drastic, the Zucchinis putting out competent performances. However, to progress further in the competition, they will have to do better.

The Sarzonian national team was in dire straights. With four points, the team was in fourth place out of five teams in Group B and needed to win and get help to advance to the second round. Their opponent, Halfassedstates, came into the tournament as the group's second seed, but the Stars were throttled at home by the group's lowest seed The Gulf States and the Stars were away to Halfassedstates.

It didn't matter. Midfielder Darwin Russell scored two goals for his first multiple goal match in international play and Brian Wilson added insurance and goalkeeper Troy Perkins responded to the last minute insertion into the starting 11 with six saves and the Stars won, 3-0. They will advance to the quarterfinals where they face the Group A champions in Raptor Claw.

"We needed to play a great game and we did it," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "Darwin was unbelieveable out there."

The Stars finished with an even goal differential and finished one point ahead of The Gulf States, who were the Cinderella team of the group, but Wilson's 89th minute goal could be considered the point where the carraige turned into a pumpkin.

"Someone said we were eliminated from contention," Russell said. "It made us angry because we still had a chance as long as we played our game. We raised our game to another level."

SCORING:
Halfassedstates: NONE
Sarzonia: Russell 24 (Coyle); Russell 57 (Convey); Wilson 89 (unassisted)

Jeruselem Government News

Fifth day loss to Turori ends finals hopes

Turori dealt Jeruselem 3-0 thumping to put to end the up-and-down campaign in the Cup of Harmony XVI. The unpredictable nature of the Jeruselem team meant they're either win or lose with draw as not an option, but they lost this time.

In other games, Cockbill Street defeated Starblaydia 1-0.

Starblaydia 0 Cockbill Street 1
Jeruselem 0 Turori 3

They will advance to the quarterfinals where they face the Group A champions in Cockbill Street.

OOC: My turn to correct you - this match will be played (ICly) in Raptor Claw, but scorinated by Cockbill Street.

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Turori [0]-[0] C.Street

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------------------Turori Eels goalkeeper Milauo Slietah has stepped up big time for the Eels once again, preserving their so-far unbeaten Cup of Harmony Record with a string of saves in the match against favorites and Hosts Cockbill Street to send the battle for the top spot in the group down to the final matchday. Slietah came up big making Seven first half saves, including 2 One-On-One Chances, and a third in the second half, before Kiatin Likao was charged with hauling down one of the Cockbill Street attackers. Rikki Stone stepped up to take the penalty, but Slietah was never going to be defeated on this day. Slietah's performance once again earned him the Eel of the Match award, single handled keeping the Eels top of the table on goal differential with only the Jeruselem matchup to go. Slietah had a scare after the match when a Liverpool England supporter ran into the stadium and tried to kidnap him forcefully. When Streetan Police took him away, The Liverpool England Supporter managed to tell a Turori National Reporter that Liverpool England needed someone like Slietah to save them from their misery, As while they claim to be a good practicing team, the truth is they only practice once or twice every competition and pretend like they practice more frequently when trying to win a game.

------------------
Jeruselem currently sit 3rd in the table on Six points, one behind The Eels and Cockbill Street. The Eels must avoid defeat in this match to secure Qualification, while a loss would mean they would need Cockbill Street to lose their final match as well.


Turori Eels (4-4-2) ::
[GK] Milauo Slietah, [D] Linoi Niabula, [D] Marlian Hunial, [D] Martika Ecspo, [D] Kiatin Likao, [M] Tika Poloni, [M] Malaino Mumamba, [M] Yabaiy Tbaiao, [M] Cuolia Tuirma, [F] Jualiar Vumaou, [F] Akamoari Liano
BENCH::
[F] Mika Sakatorra, [F] Kaboafo Iobabao, [M] Boaibou Houabou, [M] Rikko Ambama, [U] Ugo Doohan, [D] Maratima Tareak, [GK] Aaron White



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OOC: My turn to correct you - this match will be played (ICly) in Raptor Claw, but scorinated by Cockbill Street.

[OOC: Edited.

Guess I shouldn't write posts at 6:30 a.m. when I'm supposed to be getting ready for work and I haven't had any coffee. Sorry.]

The Sarzonian national team found out after their 3-0 win over Halfassedstates sent them into the second round that they would face the one opponent in the Raptor Claw they were familar with: Crystilakere.

The Crystils are the southern neighbor of Sarzonia, and the teams faced each other in Sarzonia's first-ever international match. The Stars prevailed, 3-2 in the inaugural AOCAF tournament in Krytenia.

"They're probably still smarting from that loss," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "As much success as they had in the AOCAF this time and as strong as they've been in World Cup and Cup of Harmony competition, their only memory of us is that game."

The Crystils will be facing a much different Sarzonian team from the team that approached the stadium in awe, unsure if they could even "string two passes together," midfielder Darwin Russell said.

"When we faced them the last time, we had no idea," Russell said. "Now, we've built a history of success and there's much more at stake in this match. Not only that, but they're probably upset they lost to a bunch of football upstarts."

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins was announced as the starter for the match against Crystilakere. He was also between the pipes in the teams' first meeting.

"They're a very good team, one with a track record," Perkins said. "We're still relatively new to the international football scene."

"We're not all that green now," forward Brian Wilson said. "We have to be ready for Crystilakere and expect their best shot."

And dish out their own best shot.

"We're going to be going after them, that's for sure," defender Bryson Juergens said. "Our countries may get along, but that doesn't mean we have to like their football team. We'll be best of friends until the game begins and probably after it ends, but for 90 minutes, they'll be our worst enemies on the pitch."

Crystils Ready for Sarzonia

Crystilakere Manager Hazem Emam responded to Sarzonian manager Brian Wilson in stating that his side we're more than ready for their Regional Neighbors, and anything less than victory would be unacceptable. The Crystils are currently in excellent form, reaching their first ever cup final in the AOCAF before losing to NEWI Cefn Druids in Extra Time. The Crystils have only lost two matches in their last two competitions, a 3-1 Defeat to Magnus Valerius in the Cup of Harmony and a 1-0 loss to Xile in the AOCAF. It was the impressive 5-1 win over hosts Raptor Claw that put the Crystils back on the top of the table. Crystilakere have to be favorites after their impressive run of results, with opponents Sarzonia coming off one of the worst string of results they've had in their brief history.

Crystilakere have announced their roster for the important Sarzonia match:


COACH :: Hazem Emam


GK Emiliano Addis
D L-R Rene' Niljssen
D -C- Filippo Ferraro <- He Scores Headers Off Corners
D -CR Donato Arrigoni
DDM L Oussent Nón
M -CR Maurizio Cavallo
M -C- Darren Whelan
M -C- Giuseppe Zucco
M LC- Sebastan Wolf
F Carlo Romano
F Toader Pold

SUBS FROM--

--GK
Gaetano Novello
Salvatore Redaelli
--D
Francesco Schiavon
Alejandro Ayala
--M
Riccardo Vecchi
Massimiliano Rosi
Paolo Gallo
--F
Christian Benedetti
Benjamin Kuhn
Michael Baker


http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/ao/cryskit.gif

Ankh-Morpork C-mail

Starblaydia Can Not Win In Street
Good For Us, Though...

Starblaydia have now played a total of ten matches on Streetian soil - probably more, in fact, than their national team have played in any other nation bar Starblaydia. The Streetian crowd have taken to the perennial underachievers, and the sale of "Laser" jerseys in the Street have gone up by about 60 % during the Cup of Harmony.

Still, crowd support can't do everything, and Starblaydia seem to be more hampered than helped by the enthusiastic crowd. Today, they lost their eighth match in the Street, having drawn only two.

The match was an entertaining one, however, and Starblaydia continued along the path of playing good football without getting the goals and luck they probably deserved. Particularly Nikola Laserevski was very unfortunate, as he missed two excellent chances to give Starblaydia a 1-0 lead early on in the half.

Instead, Alec Peterson of Chesham Rangers, who have experienced a dismal season with his team, came back hard to punish Starblaydi goalkeeper da Silva with a magnificent strike that beat the keeper completely. The Streetian crowd relaxed, especially given news from the cricket ground that Turori had taken the Jeruselems by surprise and let by a goal.

Despite this early setback, and despite the awful statistic, Starblaydia seemed determined to break it - perhaps too determined. At crucial moments, the team seemed to completely fade, and the Street got out of dangerous positions. And in the second half, Salaam idiotically gave the ball away to Rikki Stone on thirty metres, who dribbled off him and Brown before cannoning a shot past the helpless da Silva.

Thus, the match ended 2-0, and Starblaydia continued their dismal streak in the Street. We power on, however, and news from other stadia are that Melmond have won Group C after a 3-0 defeat of The Weegies, and Turori have won Group D after beating Jeruselem and pouring in goals. Cockbill Street finish second, and play Melmond in the quarter-finals - a match-up that the Melmondians won't look forward to with joy, having been knocked out by the Street in the previous Cup of Harmony.

STARBLAYDIA
Da Silva

R.Cole Martin Brown Salaam
Carter
Stark Perriman
Hill
Di Bradini Lazerevski
---------------------------------------------------------
Stone Peterson

Hammerhock Axewielder E Einarsson
Sodium-alginate
Hammer-fighter Spearthrower Rogers Walker

Havell
COCKBILL STREET

Starblaydia 0
Cockbill Street 2 (Peterson 31, Stone 66)

[OOC: Actually, Bryan Marshall is the coach (or manager). Brian Wilson is a forward.]

Crystils Sack Statistician

The Crystilakere FA have today sacked their head statistician, Guillermo Listillia after an unforgivable error by the lead provider of information for the National Team. Listillia, 42, comes from the Southern portion of Crystilakere and has served the FA for the past 8 years. Listillia has been relieved of his position after mistaking the names of Sarzonian National Team Coach Bryan Marshall and Sarzonian forward Bryan Wilson. The mistake left Crystilakere manager Hazem Emam embarrassed in a room of Reporters after making the mistake on his press sheet. It is currently unknown who will be replacing the departing Listillia.

In related news, Crystilakere Defender Donato Arrigoni is questionable for the important match against Sarzonia after picking up a slight knock in training this morning. The Defender collided with Maurizio Cavallo during a 5-a-side Training Excersize.

Matchday 5 results and complete group tables:

Group A
Magnus Valerius 1 Giant Zucchini 1
Crystilakere 5 Raptor Claw 1

Crystilakere 4 3 0 1 11-6 9
Magnus Valerius 4 2 1 1 7-5 7
Raptor Claw 4 2 0 2 5-8 6
Giant Zucchini 4 1 1 2 4-7 4
Ebon Hawk 4 1 0 3 5-6 3

Group B
Kerla 1 The Belmore Family 5
Halfassedstates 0 Sarzonia 3

The Belmore Family 4 2 2 0 8-2 8
Sarzonia 4 2 1 1 5-5 7
The Gulf States 4 2 0 2 10-6 6
Halfassedstates 4 1 2 1 3-4 5
Kerla 4 0 1 3 4-13 1

Group C
Spurland 1 Liverpool England 0
The Weegies 0 Melmond 3

Melmond 4 3 1 0 10-0 10
The Weegies 4 2 0 2 6-6 6
Spurland 4 2 0 2 3-6 6
Haperd 4 1 2 1 3-4 5
Liverpool England 4 0 1 3 2-8 1

Group D
Starblaydia 0 Cockbill Street 1
Jeruselem 0 Turori 3

Turori 4 3 1 0 9-1 10
Cockbill Street 4 3 1 0 5-1 10
Jeruselem 4 2 0 2 4-6 6
Starblaydia 4 0 1 3 2-6 1
Kylaai 4 0 1 3 2-8 1

Quarter-finals:

Crystilakere v Sarzonia (in Raptor Claw, TGed)
The Belmore Family v Magnus Valerius (in Raptor Claw, TGed)
Turori v The Weegies (Vimesbairn National Stadium, Vimesbairn, Cockbill Street)
Cockbill Street v Melmond (K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh, K'haz'bak, Cockbill Street)

The Sarzonian national team knew to expect southern neighbor Crystilakere to come out firing. The Stars won the first ever match between the neighboring countries in their international debut and the team garnered surprising success for a newcomer to the international scene.

However, the Crystils played like a team bent on avenging the loss, firing 27 shots, 11 on goalkeeper Troy Perkins, and came away with a 2-0 loss that many observers said could have been much worse if not for Perkins.

"He made some saves I've never seen a keeper make," defender Bryson Juergens said. "If it weren't for him, we could have lost 6-0."

The Stars were not able to generate much pressure at all, with their best chance being a through ball from midfielder John Benmont that found fellow midfielder Darwin Russell. However, the Parkville F.C. (NEWI Cefn Druids) star couldn't get the ball past the goalkeeper.

"It was frustrating out there, no question," Russell said. "We did our best but Crystilakere are deserving winners. We wish them luck in the rest of the tournament."

"Crystilakere showed why they are one of the best teams in the Atlantian Oceania region," Coach Bryan Marshall said. "Being familiar with them was not any help at all."

TBF were celebrating last night as they qualified for the quarter finals

The TBF team is full of smiles as they walk away top of their group to play Magnus Valerius. Fielding an unchanged squad from yesterdays match the team got off to a good start when Michaels knocked it round the post from a great cross delivered by Belmore. Winters provided the second goal after 29 minutes when he intercepted a poor goal kick took the ball around the keeper and tapped it into the net.

However a 45th minute penalty decision left Catalas with a third yellow card and Kerla with the chance to bring them back into the game. A good strike from the Kerlan number 9 sent Adams the wrong way and Kerla back into contention. The teams went in at half time with TBF leading by the narrowest of margins.

However the second half was a different story. The Kerlans came out, knowing it would be an uphill struggle to get a result. And their morale was damaged further when after only 5 minutes Massie knocked in a free kick from long range. From then on the team began to struggle. On the 69th minute the ball was crossed beautifully from Winters to Cantor who chipped the keeper and gave the Belmorians a 3 goal lead. However the win was secured when Winters himself headed home from a Cantor corner.

Final Score

THE BELMORE FAMILY 5

KERLA 1


Belmorian Cup of Harmony Top Scorers:

1. Michaels 3
2. Winters 2
3. Belmore 1
4. Massie 1
5. Cantor 1

Belmorian Cup of Harmony & WC Qualification Top Scorers:

1. Michaels 9
2. Winters 5
3. Belmore 4
4. Massie 3
5. Wiedelister 1
6. Cantor 1

Belmorian All Time records:


1. Alan Belmore 72
2. Alex Dungate 57
3. Daniel Price 47
4. Kshitz Gandi 42
5. Laurence Wellden40
6. Fosam Smith 31
7. Michael Parker 22
8. Today 18
9. Paul Battersby 12
10. Micheals 9

All round good news for TBF

Micheals took one step closer to Paul Battersby’s goal tally as he scored another goal in TBF’s 2-0 victory over Magnus Valerius. With the other goal coming from Cantor, TBF now have qualified for the Semi final where there are only 2 matches away from lifting their first football trophy.

In other news all drugs charges have been dropped against the Belmorian team (not Weidelister) when everyone tested negative for banned substances in the mandatory drugs test.

Weideilister on the other hand is facing a lifetime ban from football and 3 years imprisonment for failing the test. Speaking last night the appointed judge said “I can not comment on this case but I can say that all drugs offenders can expect a minimum 6 months jail sentence.”

Weidelister spoke on BBC’s tough talk last night defending his innocence saying. “I have never taken drugs. I would never do of such and I am sure a mistake was made in the testing. I am sure I will not be found guilty by the court.” The Dorminian Rovers striker suggested that “the team wanted rid of me” after his bust up with the manager. Only 1 things for certain, that’s that the story won’t end here.

Crystils Get their Revenge

Crystilakere sparked revenge on their northern neighbors from Atlantian Oceania by defeated Sarzonia 2-0 in the Quarter Final of the Cup of Harmony. The Crystils controlled most of the game, firing as many as 27 shots on the Sarzonian keeper. However, the keeper was up to the task, keeping Sarzonia in the game all match long, until Toader Pold's late strike put the game out of the Stars reach and clinched the Crystils third ever Semi Final appearance. The Crystils first goal was scored by Filipo Ferraro.

The Crystils have previously been involved in the Semi Finals of the Under 21 Tournament, where they ended with two loses to finish 4th, and the AOCAF Tournament where they beat Vilita in extra time only to lose to NEWI Cefn Druids in extra time in the final.

The Crystils were fired up for this match, after media talk reminding them of their Defeat in AOCAF I to the debutant Sarzonians that cost the Crystils a spot in the Semi Finals.

Emam apologizes to Marshall

Crystilakere Head Coach Hazem Emam has issued a formal apology to Sarzonia National team coach Bryan Marshall following the embarrassing incident that occurred prior to the Sarzonia-Crystilakere Quarter Final match, which resulted in the firing of a long time FA employee.

While Emam tried to stray away from the fact that he had been handed the wrong information on the fact sheet he was looking at, he insisted that while he did think that the name was wrongly listed, he would rather have said the wrong name with the proof that it was already misprinted for him, then to say what he thought the name was, only to find out later that it was correctly printed. He said this decision was made in a split second and he regrets the misunderstanding. The Two managers shook amicably at the end of the Quarter Final matchup, won 2-0 by Crystilakere.

Crystils Make Semi-Change

Young Defensive midfielder Oussent Nón is dropped for the semi final against The Belmore Family, after coach Hazem Emam has decided to go for a more Defensive back line, with Francesco Schiavon's strength important to keep the higher ranked Belmore Family from attack Emiliano Addis's goal. Sebastian Wolf was questionable for the match, but has since passed a fitness test, so Paolo Gallo misses out once again, and is left only to fight for a place on the bench. This will be the first meeting between Crystilakere and The Belmore Family.

Crystilakere have announced their roster for the Semi Final match:


COACH :: Hazem Emam


GK Emiliano Addis
D L-R Rene' Niljssen
D -C- Filippo Ferraro <- He Scores Headers Off Corners
D -CR Donato Arrigoni
D -CR Francesco Schiavon
M -CR Maurizio Cavallo
M -C- Darren Whelan
M -C- Giuseppe Zucco
M LC- Sebastan Wolf
F Carlo Romano
F Toader Pold

SUBS FROM--

--GK
Gaetano Novello
Salvatore Redaelli
--D
Oussent Nón
Alejandro Ayala
--M
Riccardo Vecchi
Massimiliano Rosi
Paolo Gallo
--F
Christian Benedetti
Benjamin Kuhn
Michael Baker

Statistician Fights Back

Guillermo Listillia, the former head statistician for the Crystilakere FA, has today filed a lawsuit in the Crystilakere high court against the FA for wrongful sacking. Listillia was relieved of his position with the Crystilakere FA after his usually accurate press conference stat sheet contained an error regarding the name of the coach of the Sarzonia National team in the press conference prior to Crystilakere's 2-0 Quarter Final victory over Sarzonia. Listillia claims it should not be his responsibility to ensure that his National Team are aware of the name of a head coach that has been with a team for many years, but to inform the staff of changes and updates to the upcoming opposition.

Listillia will present his claim to the Crystilakere high court in 2 weeks time, and the hearing will be broadcast live on Cryscourt TV. Cryscourt will be previewing the hearing tonight at 8:00 PM, but it is not known if the Crystilakere FA have been reached for comment yet.

Ankh-Morpork C-mail

Streetians Lose Semi-Final Spot on Penalties
So Much for Home Advantage

One game, one draw, one team knocked out. Suddenly, after a great start to the Cup of Harmony, Cockbill Street folded in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to the underachievers and twice Harmony Cup hosts from Melmond.

Having finished second and thus having to play at K'haz'bak instead of Vimesbairn, the Streetians got the worst possible start as Chris Owen finished off a great Melmond play down the left side. Jonathan Havell could only watch helplessly as the ball sailed into the far corner of his net after a beautiful strike. Melmondian manager David Bixler was seen jumping up and down on the sidelines, pushing for another goal. Instead, Melmond retreated and defended, trying to get themselves booked in the process. Trav Strachan assaulted Rikki Stone with a tackle from behind after twenty-two minutes, and was given a yellow card for the offense. Five minutes later, Charles Unne was just as bad, chopping Alec Peterson down as he was trying to get through into the box. Only a yellow card was given, and the Melmondians had to feel fortunate.

In the thirty-eighth minute, though, the referee had had enough. When Critandi Unne barged into Thorgeirr Axewielder, who was only trying to reach a ball from a header, the referee awarded a controversial penalty (well, at least according to the 600 Melmond fans who had managed to get tickets). Rikki Stone, naturally, took it, and this time he made no mistake from the penalty spot - beautifully placed into the top corner, and Cockbill Street were back at 1-1.

The second half was exciting, though there was very few nails left on the Streetian crowd after it. Rikki Stone had an amazing chance to give his team 2-1 just after half time, but a brilliant save from Xtfuinxm saved Melmond's chances of getting into the semi-final.

The game went to a penalty shoot-out, neither side being able to score further goals either in normal time or in the 30 minutes of extra time that followed. There has, in fact, never been a penalty shoot-out involving Streetian players on Streetian soil - a rather worrying statistic.

And indeed, the shoot-out was worrying. The first four shots were all scored. Critandi Unne of Melmond then missed hir (yes, that isn't a typo - (s)he is having serious gender issues and wishes to use a gender-neutral pronoun) penalty, and the Street could go 3-2 up. All the eyes where on Thorgeirr Axewielder as he stepped up, and his penalty beat Xtfuinxm as it flied to the left of him. However, that was the end of the joy. Rikki Stone, who have already missed one penalty in the championship, missed his fourth, and the score was back at 3-3. With Leeb scoring the fifth Melmond pen, Alec Peterson had to convert his for the Street to stay in the game...but the Chesham player blasted it over the bar to complete a dismal tournament for him.

COCKBILL STREET
Havell

Hammer-fighter Rogers Spearthrower Walker

Hammerhock Sodium-alginate Underwood
Axewielder
Stone Peterson
--------------------------------------------------
Leeb Owen

Antunez Cr Unne Zoulthane Otsjx

Strachan Ch Unne Ortiz Torrini

Xtfuinxm

MELMOND

Cockbill Street 1 (Stone 38pen)
Melmond 1 (Owen 2)

Penalties:
Owen (MEL) GOAL
Alginate (CST) GOAL
Zoulthane (MEL) GOAL
Hammerhock (CST) GOAL
Cr Unne (MEL) miss
Axewielder (CST) GOAL
Strachan (MEL) GOAL
Stone (CST) miss
Leeb (MEL) GOAL
Peterson (CST) miss

TBF lay gauntlet for Crystals

The Belmore Family have laid the Gauntlet to Crystilakere fielding probably the strongest siode we've ever fielded since World Cup 10. However without Wieviser the match will be tougher, but nothing the Belmorians can't handle.

The roster looks like this:

GK: Adams
LD: Instan
DF: Horiminos
DF: Symons
RD: Belmore, K
LM: Barry
MD: Lint
MD: Cantor
RM: Belmore
ST: Micheals
ST: Pilos

In what is bound to be the match of the tournament Micheals and Adams performance will be crucial to TBF. This will be one of the most important matches in Belmorian history.

Papers all over the world are hyping the match calling it the battle of the "established veteran" (ooc:well, sorta) against the "upcoming superstar". Both have had massive morale boni from their media (ooc: RP boni). Whoever wins we're sure It'll be a thriller.

Quarter-final scores:

Melmond 5 Cockbill Street 4 (APK, 1-1 aet, 1-1 90 mins)
Turori 2 The Weegies 0
The Belmore Family 5 Kerla 1
Crystilakere 2 Sarzonia 0

Belmorians make final

The Belmore Family have secured a final spot after a dramatic semi final against Crystalaker. Crystalaker took the lead when Sebastian Wolf stormed forward in the 3rd minute to chip the ball over the keeper’s low body and take the Crystils into the lead. Despite TBF putting on loads of pressure they couldn’t get the ball in the back of net.


However 90 minutes into the game The Belmorians were awarded a free kick just on the edge of the area, Belmore strode up and curled the ball around the wall and into the corner of the goal. Expecting extra time the Crysils decided to hang on in there and wait for the coaches’ advice. However late in the 93 minute Belmore was tripped in the box by the goalkeeper and TBF were awarded a penalty. Belmore strode up took it and blasted it in the back of the net


FINAL SCORE:

The Belmore Family 2

Crystilaker 1

Crystils Accept TBF Victory

Nope, No objections with the injury time godmod, you posted first so you are entitled to posting whatever you want in your two-halved paragraph RP. What I do Object to is the fact that you can't spell my Nations name right. It's Crystilakere not Crystilaker. A Typo maybe, but 3 out of 3 times, no. And it would be nice, since, unlike you, I did post a roster, and not only did I post a roster, but there is a specific roster on this page, just 2 posts up where i posted a specific roster for the match against you. Pick a player. If I wanted you to change it afterwards that would be your decision upon my request. Well I guess you did post a roster, that little thing that doesnt even have subs and has only last names, real nice, but I wont give you the pleasure of writing and RP for this match, consider this my RP, to be edited if you ever end up re-writing yours.

Crystils Accept TBF Victory

Nope, No objections with the injury time godmod, you posted first so you are entitled to posting whatever you want in your two-halved paragraph RP. What I do Object to is the fact that you can't spell my Nations name right. It's Crystilakere not Crystilaker. A Typo maybe, but 3 out of 3 times, no. And it would be nice, since, unlike you, I did post a roster, and not only did I post a roster, but there is a specific roster on this page, just 2 posts up where i posted a specific roster for the match against you. Pick a player. If I wanted you to change it afterwards that would be your decision upon my request. Well I guess you did post a roster, that little thing that doesnt even have subs and has only last names, real nice, but I wont give you the pleasure of writing and RP for this match, consider this my RP, to be edited if you ever end up re-writing yours.

Well, that was a bit unessessarily aggressive. I was trying to give you a bit of freedom of your RP. I as a Scot is still parying at the England France match so decided to write an RP based on that match. Also in my defence I was offline at the time of writing this RP, and as any World Cuper will tell you I am the most awful speller in the world. And finally in the roster. I have written it in typical Belmorian fashion. Players like to keep their first names out of the press therefor there is an injunction against posting full names therefore The Daily Belmorian prints only surnames and/or nicknames. I apoligise for any offence caused and ask for your forgiveness. I was only trying to have a bit of fun.

Good Luck in the 3rd Place Play-Off

p.s. I ask that this arguement is taken no further as Cockbill Street and Raptor Claw have been brilliant hosts and I am sure that neither of us want to ruin this fantastic cup.

p.p.s. I'll add a player name if you like, I just saw you were a thourgh RPer and did not want the fact that I have time difference in my favour to stop your fun. TBF.

Makinshakes Presents...
The Ketchup Times
Now you can eat your fries and read the latest news around Melmond!

Disappointments Still Dominant Under David
This match against The Weegies was expected to be a much closer match than it was. Over the history between the two sides, Melmond has owned The Weegies in their matchups with The Weegies only managing to tie in one matchup and Melmond winning two 1-nil and 3-nil. Everyone wonders when those hard luck Weegies will finally step up when it counts or when Melmond will disappoint everyone. It seemed like the perfect time for both to happen, but it wasn't to be the case as the Melmond National Team, rejuvenated under Interim Manager David Bixler still played dominantly against The Weegies. Chris Owen and Rainy Zoulthane were the first two goalscorers and the only two goalscorers of the first half as Melmond took a 2-nil lead to the first half. The physical Melmond defence just wore down The Weegies attack, not letting them have any momentum or energy to let off a shot powerful and enough to really challenge Melmond goalkeeper Snhp Xtfuinxm. In the middle of the second half, Manager David Bixler put some veterans off the bench in the match, which paid off as Melmond City Blues teammates Andrew Gore and Naol Keelafin hooked up to score Melmond's third goal as Keelafin gets the honours. Melmond once against dominates The Weegies 3-nil in the Cup of Harmony. They will get their chance at revenge against Cockbill Street in the quarterfinals? Will they do it, the answer is below.

Sweet Sweet Revenge
Yes! Melmond does get their rather fitting revenge on Cockbill Street by beating them in penalty kicks. Many eerie parallels from the last match between the two sides made this match feel like the bizarro version of the match between the two sides in the Cup of Harmony in Melmond. Back then, Melmond was the second place side in their group and Cockbill Street was the dominant side in their group finishing first. Cockbill Street and Melmond played closely in Melmond, but Cockbill Street got the upper hand and ended Melmond's hopes of its second Cup of Harmony in front of their home fans. This time around, Melmond was the dominant team in their group and Cockbill Street finished second in their group. The match was in Cockbill Street and Melmond got their win in penalty kicks. Melmond striker Chris Owen got an early goal, but the trademark physical defence of David Bixler's Melmond side got a little sloppy as Trav Strachan and Charles Unne got yellow cards and a clumsy defensive move by Critandi Unne gave Cockbill Street a penalty kick which Acosta Browns star Rikki Stone converted and tied the match. After a grueling defensive second half and extra time where Melmond goalkeeper Snhp Xtfuinxm made some spectacular saves. The match was to be decided by penalty kicks. Melmond's Critandi Unne was the first player to miss hir kick. However, Cockbill Street missed their last two kicks and Melmond's Benjamin Leeb was able to put the game away for Melmond.

How Does Mr. Bixler Do It?
For an interim manager, I have never seen the Melmond side play as enthusiasitically, as soundly, and as smartly as they do now. In what was supposed to be a way to give Interim Manager David Bixler an audition for the full-time gig, he not only earned it, but even surpassed the first two Melmond managers, yes even the great Felix Coostatlwak. I have never seen the Melmond team so dominant. The semifinal opponent Turori was expected to give a challenge to the Disappointments, but that expectation was happily disappointed. Melmond just plain spanked Turori as Chris Owen gets a hat trick by the time the first half ends. Melmond gets their fourth goal in the second half from a brilliant Acosta-Audioslavia Arc corner kick from Jonsi Torrini. Turori was only able to score when the match was well out of hand. Melmond wins the match 4-1 and will move on to the Cup of Harmony final against The Belmore Family, a team they lost to in the third place match of the Cup of Harmony in The Belmore Family. Now we have a neutral site and a stronger Melmond side. Will Melmond finally get a challenge? Or most importantly will they bring back home their second Golden Keg?

Semi-final results:

Crystilakere 1 The Belmore Family 2
Melmond 4 Turori 1

Final in the TG boxes of the involved nations. The Cockbill Street Department of Sports would like to thank everyone involved in the tournament for a great show, particularly those who sent journalists and fans over to Raptor Claw and Cockbill Street, and we hope to welcome you again at a later date.

YAHOOOOOOOOO TBF WIN FIRST FOOTBALLING MEDAL FOR 60 YEARS OF TRYING

60 years of a winless Belmorian football has come to the end last night as The Belmore Family won the Cup of Harmony, a trophy won by big names such as Commerce Heights and the great Brazillico.

However the team left it late to do so. Melmond’s Benjamin Leeb scored early on for the Melmondians a lead they increased on the 42nd minute when Critandi Unne smacked home an edge of the box stunner.

However TBF fought back strongly in the second half. Michaels got a goal back when Winters 30 yard blast was parried by the keeper. But Winters was the other Belmorian scorer when he tucked away a great cross from Kim Belmore.

However the game was left tied at 2-2 and the first half of extra time was dull, with the best chance falling to Leeb whose shot clipped the post and went wide. However everyone expected a goal to fall in the second half when Belmore’s fabulous strike was narrowly cleared off the line by the Melmondian number 2.

However no goals game and we were left for penalties.

The Belmorians won the toss and decided to take first. Winters stepped up looking nervous. He eyed up the keeper and sent him the wrong way.

TBF 1-0 Melmond

For the Melmodians Rikki Stone was to take the first kick. His low hard strike went under the keeper’s body and into the back of the net.

TBF 1-1 Melmond

Next up for TBF it was Micheals. His long run up did not fool the keeper and the score stayed tied at:

TBF 1-1 Melmond

So it was left to the Belmorian keepr to ensure the draw was kept and help TBF through when Critandi Unne stepped up, his shot to the left did not bother Adams and the score was again equal.

TBF 1-1 Melmond

Now it was TBF’s turn to take the incentive. Belmore strode up. His kick had a slight curl to it and went into the bottom left corner to make the score:

TBF 2-1 Melmond

Next up for Melmond it was Chris Owen whose awful mishit flew over Adams bar keeping TBF in the lead.

TBF 2-1 Melmond

Next for TBF it was Cantor. However his down-the-middle shot was blocked by the keeper and TBF could not increase their lead.

TBF 2-1 Melmond

After seeing all the poor shots before him Melmondians Rainy Zoulthane was looking nervous when he began his run up. His shakyness forced the ball onto the post keeping the score the same


TBF 2-1 Melmond

Now Lint had the whole nation behind him. He knew scoring the goal would give TBF the cup. He ran up and blasted it high into the net to secure TBF’s first ever cup.

The celebrations were long and TBF were overjoyed to win the Cup of Harmony.

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/Content/sport/onedayinmay/img/team.jpg