NationStates Jolt Archive


Pre-WC18 Baptism of Fire :: Rosters/RP/Scores thread

Starblaydia
09-10-2004, 22:18
Pre-World Cup 18 Baptism of Fire Cup in Starblaydia and Vilita
Rosters, RP and Scores Thread

The Baptism of Fire is a pre-World Cup tournament for debutant teams to send their WC-17 squad to their first warm-up competition to gain vital experience (and crucial KPB-ranking points). For instance, the last BoF17 runner-up, Aquiliana, jumped from rank 200 (new nation status) to rank 69, and have also made it to the Quarter-Finals of the 17th World Cup, this is both a huge leap and a nigh-on unbelievable performance, just shows you what RPing can produce. Consider, also, that a nation that played in the BoF without RP'ing merely went from 200 up to 183.

RP bonus is extremely important in the BoF, as all teams start off equal. This means that if one nation has a better RP bonus than another, they have a better chance of winning. Roleplaying your matches gives you a better chance of winning your matches. RP Bonus will be the only seperator in the pack. We hope that the non-participating nations will be weeded out or at least noted prior to the start of World Cup 18, as we like to feel special by you RPing in our tournaments, so we give you bonues to help you win.

There will be two sections in the competition, The Starblaydia Section and the Vilita Section. There will be four group of four, two in Starblaydia and two in Vilita. Each team will play one match against the other three, with the top two from each group going to Quarter- and Semi-Finals within their own Section. The Champions of the Starblaydia Section and the Vilita Section will meet in Starblaydia at the Foundation Road Stadium for the Baptism of Fire Cup Final. The Section Runners-Up will meet in Vilita at the Tivali Ring Stadium for the Third Place Playoff Match.

Group Draw:

Group A - in Starblaydia
Castillanos
Eskrador
Maldunia
Spalatium

Gropu B - in Vilita
Fmjphoenix
Legalese
Nova Britannicus
Somalialand

Group C - in Starblaydia
Allsio
Ashibot
Maserrat
Myrulesia

Group D - in Vilita
Arjastan
Druida
Smoking Pits
The Latin Union


Baptism of Fire Pre-World Cup 18 Match Schedule:

Group Stages
Matchday 1
1 Vs 2
3 Vs 4

Matchday 2
4 Vs 1
3 Vs 2

Matchday 3
1 Vs 3
2 Vs 4

Quarter Finals
1. A1 Vs C2
2. C1 Vs A2
3. B1 Vs D2
4. D1 Vs B2

Semi-Finals
Winner 1 Vs Winner 2
Winner 3 Vs Winner 4

3rd Place Play-off
Loser 1/2 Vs Loser 3/4

Final:
Winner 1/2 Vs Loser 3/4

You may also wish to view the last BoF thread here. (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=349645&page=1&pp=20)

The BoF will start in the next few days, and Stadium info from Starblaydia and Vilita will appear soon.
Somalialand
09-10-2004, 23:13
Mogidishu,Somalia 15:00 GMT

Somalialand Ready and in Gear

The players are ready after being informed that they are in one of the weekest groups ever assembeled in the BOFC

We have been ready and we are ready to play our first game, we will just wait for the schedule to be released and we will see how long its going to take, we can see that the assembelment of Group of B will be very seccesful for Us, said Ahmed Gali, One of the most anticipated players in this tournemnt.

Somalialand first game gainst Nova Britannicus is an almost Gurenteed victory since the Novans have never went to a great success in recent years.

"Huraaay, huuraaay" said one spectator who is headed for Vilita, the location of somalialand's group stages.

The president Gave every player a hug even those players who were on the sub seats,

When asked why he replied
"They deserved it, The are somalialand's hope and success"

And when the I tried to get away from the president side and ask another quastion to him they president grabbed my microphone and looked in the T.V camera and Said "Here We Come Nova Britannicus"

The Roster is as it goes below:

players competing for Somalialand:(The best in Africa)

Coach Farah Furer

Starters

100.Mohamed Murre (Star Goalkeepr)
2.jamac muse (Defender)
3.Gali Ahmed (Star defender) (80 goals in one season)
4.Nuraadin Furmuse (Defender)
5.Jama Mureya (Defender)
6.Muse Murama (Midfilder)
7.Rumse Rumeye (Midfilder)
8.Sumaye musmuq (star Midfilder) (92 goals in one seaoson, best moves in the world)

9.Ramye Rumaye (Striker)
10.Qamase ahmed (striker)
11.Ahmed Luure (star striker)

Subtitudes

12.Jamace muman
13.Ramle Mohamed
14.Mohamed Gaddi (Semi-star Midfilder) (injured) (will be back some where in the third game)

15.Sharmake mohamud
16.Sumaye samsame

Reserves (In case of any injuries) (Subs subtitudes)

17.Murreye mummin
18.Jama jumeye
19.Khallid bin walid
20.Abdullahi Abdi




[looking in the camera]
Mohamed Jami
SPN
reporting from Mogidishu, Somalia
Nova Britannicus
10-10-2004, 00:27
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington
Group B of the Baptism of Fire

From Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita
The Draw for the Baptism of Fire Cup was made today, with Nova Britannicus being drawn in Group B. For those hoping to be drawn in Neighbouring Starblaydia, there was no such luck as the Britannicans will have to make the slightly longer trip across the waves to Vilita for their Group Matches. The Full Group B draw looks like this:

Gropu B - in Vilita
Fmjphoenix
Legalese
Nova Britannicus
Somalialand

So far it has been the nation of Somalialand who have been most vocal in their desire to win the Cup, claiming to be the 'best team in Africa'. Well, Mister President of Somalialand, we certainly don't claim to be the best team in our region, as a quick look at the World Rankings will tell you. In a region containing the NEWI Cefn Druids, Vilita, Starblaydia, Aquiliana and Crystilakere, Nova Britannicus are certainly not the best team, though were are trying to change this state of affairs, I assure you!

The Nova Britannicus team sheet contains players that, while unknown a few years ago, are now household-names in the Starblaydi League, which recently incorporated the six Nova Britannicus sides. Whether its John Bowman, our captain, or Wilbert Willis, the man among the superstars at Champions Iskara Daii, the Britannican team is containing more and more players from Starblaydia's best teams.

Now, in a sneak peak, we present the Shirts, Team Sheet and Formation Listings for Nova Britannicus.

http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/NB_Shirt.gif


Starting XI
===========
1. Henry Tuckworth, GK, 21, Tuncastle Rovers (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
2. John Bowman (Captain), RB, 23, Tuncastle Rovers (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
3. Joe Fletcher, LB, 22, Vecchio Victors (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
4. Wilbert Willis, DM, 24, Iskara Daii (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
5. Bob Richmond, CM, 23, Widdrington Wolves (Starblaydi Gamma Division)
6. Charlie French, AM, 22, Montepool Waves (Starblaydi Beta Division)
7. Kenny England, SC/W, 23, Hersch Albion (Starblaydi Gamma Division)
8. Eddie Hogue, DM, 23, Beverington Hawks (Starblaydi Beta Division)
9. Charlie Bowman, CF, 24, Corinthian Spirits (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
10. Reginald Winthrop, AM, 21, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
11. Dean Caliban, SC/W, 23, Beverington Hawks (Starblaydi Beta Division)

Substitutes
===========
12. Nick Cavaletti, GK, 19, Iskara Daii (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
13. Billie Saddler, R/CB, 22, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
14. Christopher Bell, LM, 22, Tuncastle Rovers (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
15. David Hargreaves, CM, 20, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
16. Jonathan Lyon, CF, 22, Montepool Waves (Starblaydi Beta Division)
17. Winston Marsden, SC, 22, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
18. William Manney, CF, 21, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)

Reserves
========
19. Desmond Ellis, GK, 22, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
20. James Bates, L/CB, 21, Foxchester Raiders (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
21. Matthew Davis, RW, 21, Tuncastle Rovers (Starblaydi Alpha Division)
22. Richard Huntsworth, DM, 21, Montepool Waves (Starblaydi Beta Division)
23. Trevor Neville, SC, 21, Hernsworth Cubs (Starblaydi Gamma Division)



1
Tuckworth

2 3
J. Bowman Fletcher


4
Willis
8 5
Hogue Richmond

6 10
French Winthrop
11 9 7
Caliban C. Bowman England


This team will play Somalialand on Matchday One, followed by Legalese and Fmjphoenix on the remaining two Group Matchdays. Where Nova Britannicus go from there is truly up to them, as their performances will decide the winners. We caught up with Captain John Bowman, who gave us a run-down of the team.

"With ex-Starblaydia Manager Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux leading us, ably assisted by Ex-Starblaydia forward David Bentley, we have a very experienced management team that have been involved at the highest level.

"As for our style, we know that the people love goals, no matter which side gets them. We play an 'old school' system where we control the midfield and encircle their area. Expect my little brother Charlie to be the main target for our wingers, particularly Dean Caliban, who is as fast as anyone I've ever played with, and he loves to beat defenders. Wilbert, at number four, is probably our best player, as anyone who can win a regional Club Tournament with Iskara Daii is certainly a wonderful player. 'Hezza' in goal has kept his place since the Colony Cup and AOCAF, and he's our best keeper by far."

So: Will the team, the core of which did so well in getting to the Colony Cup Quarter-Finals for World Cup 17 (unbeknownst to the press of Somalialand, it seems) managed to equal or better that performance in the Baptism of Fire? I, for one, certainly hope so. And if we fail in the Baptism of Fire, we've always got our debut in the World Cup 18 Qualifiers to look forward to.

This will be the start of something to remember for Nova Britannicus
Liverpool England
10-10-2004, 01:14
I don't really want to start up a ruckus, but the Host Selection Committee has yet to clear anything. Will be getting Bedistan to send TGs out now, expect a reply by GMT tonight (Since you are the only bid, you guys will most likely host it, but there is an option to reject your bid, so just in case, we need the vote).

EDIT: Well, no need for that. Me and Bedistan have decided to just let the two current bids (yours and Sarz's for CoH) be the hosts. Congrats, and I hope to see some good RPing.
Somalialand
10-10-2004, 02:42
Tactics For th first match

From Coach Furer in one of his Early Assigned press confrences.

Somalialand will take the both the upper field and the lower defense field, Our tactic will provide a nice start and may be early Goals, But this will be a real suprise to the novans, They will properly expect Gali ahmed and sumaye Musmuq to get he ball all the time, but what they really dont know is that musmuq and Ahmed are both wing flanks who will get the ball when they are ready to score or when they get a good opening.

Musmuq is ready, ahmed is ready. all the team is ready and we will see who will come on top. to me a dont see a lame match coming, the press may think that but i think somalialand who is representing africa will be challanged by the novans, and we really need to defend our coast of the field.

Somalialand will be playing the expected 4-5-2 until we see it neccesary to reverse the action, we will be informing you every change we do right in the game.

The novans may be expecting us to only go for the offense and to protect our side of the field, Before we start the game i will warn the novans to change tactics, Because with palyers like Rumaye,Furmuse,Mureya,and Muse the defend will be twice as hard to come through.

I just want to warn the public not to be dupped by the media, because the novans are formidable challangers to our African crown and we must defend it. We must defend our people courage and ablity,

*Tries to crack a joke, in the seriousness of the tense room*

The people of the novans have been challanged.........*Quitness*........ Well have they, at least i hope so. (People roll in small laughter *ha ha ha ha ha ha*)


The only think we have to wait is for the dates to be set on this matches and be told when we are going to play, once that happens we will Murder the novans gamly.

Thank you

Any quastions

*Coach leaves the room, 1 minutes of quitness follows, then the quastions start.*


Hi iam from the Russia state news:

"Please coach, can you explain what the game may sound or look like on the day match"

Caoch: "Well its goint to be one of the games that you cant stand the crowds yelling's, its going to sound like a big Nations cup final, where the narrators sound Intelligent. does tha answer your quastion sir"

*The coach talks*

Coach: you there sir

Hi Iam from the Ussr state t.v

Coach: Welcome to somalialand
Reporter from Ussr: Thank you sir
"Sir, Gali seems to the one of the most expected players in this tournement, not to mention Musmuq and his incredible actions that seem to be giving him stardom. can you please tell the world how the team will go to vilita."
Coach: " I believe our bags are packed at this moment, We are flying to the west of africa in United faiths (Nation in africa) then take a direct route to vilita"

*coch gets called into a immediate confrence with the Somalialand Football Association* *He immidiatly leaves and takes all the papers saying*

Caoch: "Thank you all, this was a great confrence and we hope its going to be the last one before we leave tomorrow.

thank you"

Reporters: Sir, sir, sir ,sir, wait, can you tell us ..........................sir sir sir wait, do you know that................................

*Flashes from camera's blind the room, reporters ask more quastions as the coach is headed outside of the room.*


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

*Camera's cut out, they return to the anchors in the news studio of Somalialand post news.*


Anchor: that was a presss confrence held to day in the sports room of the al-Rahaman mosque.........................................................
Liverpool England
10-10-2004, 03:21
There is no 4-5-2 tactic.
Somalialand
10-10-2004, 03:26
Liverpool England, you should not keep locked in your world view,

Somalialand will play 4-5-2 until its neccesary to change tactics,

4 defenders, 5 mids (4 mids one forward) and 2 strikers

which equals 11, i dont know why you oppose this plan of ours, May this is good, surpresing the teams with new tactics is great advantage.
Aquiliana
10-10-2004, 04:37
Certainly an interesting strategy. I'm sure that that will be lots of interest to see if this all-out attacking strategy will actually work.
Legalese
10-10-2004, 04:44
Legalese Prepares for First-Ever National Team Match
Legalese City, Legalese

Today marked the beginning of a new era, as the Legalese Association Football Confederation announced the selection of the Players and Technical Staff for the first ever Legalese National Team. The Legalese footballers will first take the pitch against Fmjphoenix on Matchday 1, followed by matches against Nova Brittanicus and Somalialand.

LAFC President Max Alanson hosted the ceremony, in which he named Manager Robbie Heard, along with Technical Assistant Ed Schereder and Goalkeepers Coach Wayne Newport. "These three men are surely the finest minds that I've seen in Legalese when it comes to the beautiful game" commented Alanson. "Behind these three, along with the 18 gentlemen chosen from the college and amateur clubs of Legalese, we at the LAFC are confident that they will represent Legalese quite well in the Baptism of Fire."

At that point, Heard took the podium, so that he could announce the roster for the Baptism of Fire. Afterwards, Heard fielded questions from the media.

About his selections: "I have tried to create a mix here. Not only do we have the top standouts from the footballing world, but we have, more importantly, created a team. This national team, despite its youth, is full of men who have played together, and share the honor of being the first to make this step for Legalese. They have accomplished so much already, and will accomplish so much more."

On his oppostion: "I'm afraid I haven't seen too much from any of them, except for knowing that they all are new in entering the international field as well."

In regards to Somalialand's reported unorthodox scheme: "Well, I guess we'll have to be ready to chip over the defense." *followed by laughter from the press corps*

Heard has said that he will announce the starting eleven for the first matchday over the next few days. He will also announce the starting formation that that time, but is rumored to go with a 3-4-3, for starters.

Roster of Legalese National Team:
GK:
Tommy Walters
Mark Dasherson
Backs:
Frederick Francis
Jack Wigginson
Phil Templar
Michael Watson
Earl Smith
Midfield:
Robbie Kristhofer
Carlos Manachev
Zach Parkey
Yakov Niedermeyer
Oliver Rodd
Kris Trewands
Forwards:
Jonny Lambert
Lance Masterson
Dave Zigand
Xavier Church
Christuiano Kristophoersonwitz
Liverpool England
10-10-2004, 04:56
Liverpool England, you should not keep locked in your world view,

Somalialand will play 4-5-2 until its neccesary to change tactics,

4 defenders, 5 mids (4 mids one forward) and 2 strikers

which equals 11, i dont know why you oppose this plan of ours, May this is good, surpresing the teams with new tactics is great advantage.

No wonder your defenders can score 90 goals in a season. [/sarcasm]

You need one goalkeeper. Goalkeepers are not counted in formations. Don't make me laugh my head off at you. Oh, wait, too late - already did.
Maserrat
10-10-2004, 11:04
Pre-Tournament Thoughts

After another disappointment in the U21 Championships, Maserrat fans did not have to wait long for another bite at the cherry, this time in the pre World Cup 'Baptism Of Fire Cup'.The full Maserrat team, coached by Poskit Karpova have high hopes for this tournament of sixteen teams.

"Our group looks very, very nice. I cannot see a team capable of beating a quasi-experienced team such as the one I have at my disposal. If I am being honest, I think we have a group of players that are able to reaching the semis, if not the final."

Of course, Maserrat has always been a land of optimists. The previous U21 championships was a disappointment for all involved, and manager Slobodan Gresko was saved only on their current ranking in youth soccer circles. However, this time, all teams involved start on an equal footing, and this could be just what Maserrat needs to get the national sport back on its feet, as explained by famous psychologist, Ferenicwa Juyti:

"After the setbacks of previous tournaments, the country as a whole is likely to be downhearted, but nevertheless, determined to succeed. On an equal footing, they may have just enough incentive to work to their highest potential, with the realisation that they can shape their own success. This belief could propel them into the latter stages of the tournament, and may even bring hope back to the U21 squad next time round."

And with the team at Karpova's disposal, the highest potential could be gargantuan. Two important members of the team will be Ferevarco Ferenitzin and Qostaze Ubuloy, upgraded from the U21 squad to the full team. With a lot to prove to their doubters, this could be their time to shine. The back four and the defence will prove crucial in this tournament, so it is good news for the team that Rakasta Trespor and Trone Poskit allowed four of the five to be made up of their players. Goalie Grady Waskowiec was excellent during the domestic season for Trespor, conceding only 11 goals in 38 league matches. The team's success will depend on his continued form. His team mate Yuri Olkirov, back from recent injury, has the advantage of match-fitness, but the lack of games could be a worry. Meanwhile his defensive companions, Hughte Jesrew, Poiana Zchefqi and Asamy Vergo (of Tyrodespor) are all raring to face up to the critics. Midfielder and captain of the team, Borle Xantoi, has always been the backbone of the squad, and will need to be mentally and physically strong to carry the team at the best and worst of times. Of course, it is not about the individual players, it is about the team. As a whole, the team is fairly new, and this is the only worry for Karpova - the team has not had much time to gel, and although indications from training have been good, it will take a lot of willpower for it all to come together at the right time. Whether it does or not is still to be seen; indications will be better after the first match against Myrulesia.

Predictions

Allsio
The only team that could possibly be a threat to Maserrat. A dangerous counter-attacking side that could take Maserrat by surprise if they're not careful. A very dark horse. Prediction - 2nd.

Ashibot
Not a lot to be said here. Don't look to confident about themselves, and the occasion in the end could prove to be too much for them. Won't put up too much resistance. Prediction - 4th.

Maserrat
Optimistic as usual, and this time they may have good reason to be so. Their doesn't seem to be a lot of opposition for the team in the group so far, and this may be the first time they finish above third in the group. Prediction - 1st.

Myrulesia
It's very difficult to tell with complete unknowns, but on first judgement, doesn't look to be a very strong team. Very overconfident, which in the end could be their downfall. Prediction - 3rd.

The Maserrat Squad

* = First Choice

Goalkeepers
1. Gresty Poljif
2. Grady Waskowiec *
3. Djimitar Husov

Defenders
4. Yuri Olkirov *
5. Hughte Jesrew *
6. Kornikr Fadisha
7. Asamy Vergo *
8. Poiana Zchefqi *
9. Manicha Rewq
10. Perty Mbume

Midfielders
11. Ramakab Ytra
12. Ferevarco Ferenitzin *
13. Jorty Vaco
14. Borle Xantoi (c) *
15. Zaqery Poskilka *
16. Boronitzin Xavi
17. Gyrokli Haman *

Strikers
18. Qostaze Ubuloy *
19. Verne Trirof
20. Odisema Catreman *
21. Kasper Hoglund
Druida
10-10-2004, 13:36
RAINBOWS SQUAD FOR BAPTISM OF FIRE ANNOUNCED
By Trefor Blackmore

Druida manager Trevor Kallins announced his squad to play in the Baptism of Fire tournament in Starblaydia and Vilita, and announced much of the same squad that played for Flexsys Cefn Druids in their campaign. The main newcomers to the squad are a few players that were originally from NEWI Cefn Druids but have become Druida members in their home country, and are now eligable to play for Druida. Though there are some other newcomers that we will come to later.

The Druida Rainbows, as picked by Trevor Kallins (52)
* = usual starters

Goalkeepers

1. Trefor Eifans (29, Druid Tribune)
23. Trefor Edwards (21, Bessburg [NCD])*
13. Trevor Ellingson (25, Trevor City [NCD])


Defenders

Left
2. Thunk (unattatched)*
12. Trevor Tavares (19, Dinamo Neodzki [NCD])

Right
3. Trefor Richards (30, Trevor City [NCD])*
14. Trefor Huw (27, Druid Tribune)

Centre
5. Trefor Rhys (25, Cefn Athletic [NCD])*
6. Trefor Myffanwy (29, Garth Wanderers [NCD])*
15. Trefor Cefn (24, Druid Tribune)
16. Trevor Wilton (26, South Grayside [NCD])


Midfielders

Left
11. Trefor Merthyr (27, Llllllllllcwllllllll Rovers [NCD])*
17. Trefor Evans (28, Widdrington Wolves [STB])

Right
7. Trefor James (25, West Cefn Rangers)*
18. Trefor Rhys-Jones (20, Inter Dave)

Centre
4. Garth Cymru (15, Llanfrangydd [NCD])
8. Trefor Daffydd (22, Cranbury United [NCD])*
19.Trefor Tobias (24, Druid Tribune)
20. Trefor Rhyl (23, Bekk View Stars)


Forwards

9. Trefor Andrews (27, Bessburg [NCD])*
10. Garth Vincent (23, Parkville [NCD])*
21. Trevor Bekk (23, Newton Vale [NCD])
22. Urk (Unattatched)*


Formation:
23. Edwards


3. Richards 5. Rhys 6. Myffanwy 2. Thunk


8. Daffydd
7. James 11. Merthyr

22. Urk

9. Andrews 10. Vincent


The Rainbows' home kit will be brown and beige stripes, with an all grey away kit and a third kit of orange and purple stripes.

The rainbows have been drawn into group D for the tournament, and so will travel west to Vilita, where they will face fellow international newcomers Arjastan, Smoking Pits and The Latin Union. However, the Druidans are probably the best known of the teams in the group (at the moment, at least) with their former NEWI Cefn Druids manager in charge, and a number of players that have played international football already for nations that no longer exist.

Speaking of nations that no longer exist, Trevor Kallins has also named two former Giant Zucchini players in the squad. Kallins finished his playing days at Herald FC in GZ, and had very good links there. As Zucchinis never seem to age, the legend that is Urk (formerly of Marauding FC) and left back Thunk (formerly of Earl United) have both been talked into moving to Druida, and look like being long term fixtures in the Druida team. Well, until anyone better comes along.
Nova Britannicus
10-10-2004, 14:58
The Novan Daily News Colour Supplement
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

Talkin' Bout My Generation
Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita, Talks to Wilbert Willis

Fresh from the interview with our sister-organisation, the Novan Radio Network and their Colour Supplement edition, Nova Britannicus Number-4 Willbert Willis enters the room in a breeze of publicity and suave clothes.

He and young second-choice keeper Nick Cavaletti both play for the coolest side in Starblaydia, Iskara Daii, who have won everything in sight in recent years in the Alpha Division. Wilbert is part of the steel in the Daii's five-man midfield, though he is the midfield for Nova Britannicus as part of their super-attacking formation. "Its the kind of thing that everybody loves to see," he says, "an on-rushing team with all their men up-front, trying to make room for a shot."

But what does it feel like when there's you, two defenders and a goalie angainst an entire team counter-attacking? "Depends on the counter-attackers. Our Four-Two-Four did well against the the other Colonies in the Colony Cup, but we were exposed by the real good teams in the AOCAF (Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football)." With that he gives me a wistful stare, perhaps wishing that Nova Britannicus played a more normal 3-5-2, rather than 2-3-5.

"We have up to seven players battering their goal, so if that breaks up, its down to me and the boys to get the ball back for them and let us score. It's a team thing."

As for the team, what does he make of the comments from their first opponents in the Baptism of Fire, has the President unnerved him at all? "Not at all, I actually think that's quite amusing, you don't see the Lord-Mayor of Nova Britannicus grabbing a mike to do some off-the-cuff MCing. I've seen a rap battle or two, but never one done by a head of state." he chuckles at the thought, before carrying on, "we have been practising our shooting a little more than usual, as their 4-5-2 seems more than a little odd. If they don't want to play using a goalie, then we'll be shooting from 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 yards or more. You might expect to see more than a few goals."


Nova Britannicus' Goal-Scoring Chart

Charlie Bowman, 7 Goals
Dean Caliban, 4 Goals
John McDonald (injured), 3 Goals
Wilbert Willis and Charlie French, 2 Goals
Four others on 1 Goal.
Smoking Pits
10-10-2004, 15:39
ooc: w00t, another 2:3:5er :D

Vilita

The team arrived late, the Zepplin being slow, as always.

Slightly shaken from the somewhat aggressive weather (Though not all that bad, only three of the players actually vomitted due to the storm) they had to suffer during the trip, the hotel proved to be reasonable enough when it came to resting.

Of course, the odd environment (What's this? It makes a picture!" - "I think they call it an... Ummm... TV..." Confused the players quite a bit, but that was a secondary issue.

And so, they waited for the day to come.

The Watcher

[...]The day they will spread the glory of the Kaiser, of the Empire, by way of winning, of rising the flag of the Empire, its honour and might on the battle... Errr... playing field.

There we have them, Max Schneider, our glorious goalkeeper, a true master of defending the trench... Errr... goal with his mighty hands!

Friedrich Schönbaum, the soul of our defense, a mighty mustache covering his face, mighty as Goliath, awarded with three red cards during the past season!

Hans Blix, his companion, a mountain in the way of every attack, reowned for his incredible stamnia, as well as his patriotic mind!

Then, our wonderful and absolutely brilliant mid field, with Georg Schneider, the heart of our game, and the pride of the FC Guggenheim, the winners of the last three national cups, as well as Max Schenider's brother!

Ulrich Siege and Richard Grau, his helpers, successful in many games (Though with different teams), and reowned for their fantastic understanding of the game, as well as their agility!

And our forwards, heros of this nations, their shots like machine guns laying waste to the armies of our enemies, all five of them!

Franz Bauer, center, 99 goals in the past season, and just recovering fro the horrible accident he had with his horseless carriage!

Michael Freyer, left center, an oldster, 33 years old, and a legend!

Jürgen Rächer, right center, reowned for the oath of loyality he gave to the Kaiser! "I shall bring you the head... The trophy, and if it costs my own life!"

Maximilian Oberth and Paul Schleicher, our 'quick guys', legends for their fast and cruel sprints knocking out our enemies' lines!

Unfortunately, last years 'best player', Herbert Gunnar, couldn't join the turnament, due to being supected of having ties to the communist party... But we will not need the 'support' of the treacherous reds, we WILL SUCCEED WITH THE BLESSINGS OF GOD AND THE KAISER!

Soon, The Latin Union will feel the wrath of Smoking Pits!

Jürgen Hoffman, commentator

Meanwhile, in Vilita, the team, all players wearing their classical, black/ white uniforms, trained, with military drill, their trainer, Corporal Wolfgang Haubert, constantly bellowing at them. "To slow! Move! Move! Move, you lameass communist dog!"

This was, of course, a comment targetting one of the secondary players, poor sods not making it into the first group due to being suspected of being communists, homosexuals (This very moment, Michael Freyer and Jürgen Rächer had eventually escaped training, preferring to train together, in their room, though Wolfgang Haubert did, of course, not know the details) or other such things.

Of curse, it was a good question if the Vilittans would understand a Zeppelin battlefleet waiting outside on the sea... But then, one had to transport the fans (The fourteenth infantry division had been choosen to support the Smoking Pits team, due to its excessive capacities, when it came to eliminating alcohol, a thing most people suspected to be a prime focus of the cup. Or at the very least, the fans).

But in the end, everyone was certain that it would work out.

Especially since Corporal Wolfgang Haubert was quoted that he would eradicate 'The filthy scum standing in our way! Victory will be ours!'
Somalialand
10-10-2004, 16:35
No wonder your defenders can score 90 goals in a season. [/sarcasm]

You need one goalkeeper. Goalkeepers are not counted in formations. Don't make me laugh my head off at you. Oh, wait, too late - already did.


First of all Liverpool Engalnd, you are not in the tournement, So please stay little bit in the neutral grounds, And second of all please explain why you are so into what i say, are you oppsed with me. If so, [angrly shouts] stop it
Somalialand
10-10-2004, 17:00
*Coach Comes out and has one last press confrence in the United faiths Intl Airoport*

I think i may have confused people, i have been getting alot of calls from the president and some news network to clarify the stragey

I have clearly said, we are going to have four defenders, 5 midfilders and two strikers not Forwards, My forwards are included as midfilders for a reason.

So Actually we are going to have 4 defenders, 3 spread out mid filders with 2 forwards and the last two are the strikers, Is that confusing if so, please read it again.

______________________________________________________________

Switches the channel *network 2 news*

*Anchor*
Lady and gentlemen we just had the coach on a press confrence, he was trying to clarify to the world about the stargey.

*Reporter on the field takes over*

Today is going to be good after all we have an anticipated match on our hands, I want to explain to how thw ocean stars will be going on the field,

The novans will try to held and backup Musmuq which is obviously the most dangerous player on the field for them, Although Gali has been graduted near the midfilders, He will go up the right wing, the only chance Musmuq has against the novans is there wings, The novans are known to have weak wings and that maybe a reason why the put him on the far right wing,

Since the coach has already given out the secret of 4-5-2, he may not use in the actual game, they may properly need another strong formation,
May they could try one of the Brazil style formations or maybe a jevuntus style defend (My favorite team in italy)

We will see if the coach changes changes decisions, any ways he said he will be posting his decision right inside the game, that is a large step, we will see if the novans can stand up to the standards of African footballers who are respected in all of africa.

-[looks at the camera]

*thats all for me, Reprting from Al-munraya field this is nuur muse*
*back to you Mohamud*
Audioslavia
10-10-2004, 18:05
First of all, it's probably important to suggest that everyone ignores Liverpool England. LE has always been nit-picking with newcomers and seems intent on putting them off enjoying the game.

Somalialand: im afraid 4-5-2 is not a valid formation. One of the eleven players has to be a goalkeeper, so if you add the goalkeeper to the 4-5-2 formation you get twelve players:

4-5-2 system
1: Goalkeeper
2: Defender
3: Defender
4: Defender
5: Defender
6: Midfielder
7: Midfielder
8: Midfielder
9: Midfidler/Forward
10: Midfielder/Forward
11: Striker
12: Striker

4-5-1, 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 are alternatives that would work. Eg:

3-5-2
1: Goalkeeper
2: Defender
3: Defender
4: Defender
5: Midfielder
6: Midfielder
7: Midfielder
8: Midfielder
9: Midfielder
10:Striker
11:Striker

note: the numbers are just there for counting, they dont indicate a player's squadnumber or anything

aaanyway, good luck Somalialand, and fuck off Liverpool England
Maserrat
10-10-2004, 19:10
I would say 'hear, hear', but I don't want to risk upsetting anybody...oh, what the hell - 'hear, hear'!
Somalialand
10-10-2004, 20:01
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, May i got that part wrong,

But in any formation in the world no one adds the goalkeeper to the formation,

I did not add the goal keeper to the formtion

anyways forget abot the other formation we will change the formation soon.

thanks for the explanation
Fmjphoenix
11-10-2004, 03:34
FMJPHOENIX'S National Soccer Team Finally Selected
Story by: Allen Newhouse

Capitol City, FMJPHOENIX: Coach Gary Wash has publically announced the FMJPHOENIX team for the Baptism of Fire Tournament. After two weeks of choosing, they have finally rounded out at 21 players, including MVP Jorge Mendel who lead the MLS(Major League Soccer) in goals with 76 in 50 games and Rookie of the Year Mike Nolan who had a first year record in both goals and assists with 51 goals and 28 assists.

"This looks to be the best team I have ever had the chance to coach. It is just my hope that I can help lead them to glory." Coach Wash said in the press conference earlier today. It looks like a star-studded line-up, one that should be able to challenge for the Cup.

Goalkeepers:
#40 Adam Larouse - Only allowed 14 goals all last season *Captian*
#98 Powell Lamar - Allowed 24 goals during the season and scored 2 from the box
#84 Bryant Gordon - Promising rookie only allowed 5 goals in 23 games

Defenders:
#36 Va Qui - Fast and strong. Has excelent passing skills
#14 Bobby Bash - Bast slide tackle in the game. Period
#52 Tra Miranda - Kickboxes also. Caused 17 injuries due to his kicks
#23 Michael Bo - Tenacious chase. Does not get shook by fancy dribblers
#00 Wei Zeng - All around player, but prefers to play defense
#33 Scott Pip - Passes ball to all areas of the field with powerful leg

Midfielders:
#75 Devin McBall - Fastest player on the team. Can catch anyone
#35 Marty Slocker - Lead the league last season with 63 assists *Captian*
#90 Carlos Santos - Second in league with 58 assists
#55 Falon Flan - Recover from MCL tear to score 12 goals and 10 assists in 12 games last season
#5 Playa Beho - Great skill but tends to get carded to much die to aggresiveness
#14 - Quinten Bell - Shifty moves let him get open shots from almost anywhere

Attackers:
#1 Jorge Mendel - MVP with 76 goals and has some of the best moves ever seen *Captin*
#24 Mike Nolan - RotY with 51 goals and 32 assists. Solid star can only get better
#2 Estaban Zues - Second in league with 69 goals. Good moves on the field
#42 Mariano Rodriquez - Unequivalented leadership. Solid even while getting older
#13 Alex Rivera - Had 42 goals and 41 assists last season. Great awareness
#2 Marvin Choi - Solid defence for an attacker

Wash and co. have a challenge ahead of them for this series, with some very good talent to play. Matchday 1 will have Fmjphoenix pitted against Legalese. Day 2 will see them playing Somalialand and will finish day 3 with Nova Britannicus.

"We can only take this one day at a time. I believe we have a good chance to win it all this year, but we have to make it past the first one here." Coach Wash stated. "First we will go out against Legalese and think only about Legalese. All I will tell you is that we plan to play our style as 4-4-2 for when we will attack and 3-5-2 for defense."

The team plans on watching game film of the players on Legalese on the trip to Vilita. The game will be aired on FMJP, Channel 3. Make sure to tune in and root the home boys on!
Legalese
11-10-2004, 05:35
----For Immediate Release----
Legalese MNT Introduces Starting Lineups, Uniforms

Legalese City, Legalese

Courtesy of the LAFC

Today, the Legalese Mens National Team showed off their new uniforms, as Manager Robbie Heard introduced the starting lineup for matchday 1, against FMJPhoenix.

"We are looking forward to facing Fmjphoenix in our first match ever as a team" commented Heard, on his upcoming opponent. "We will do our best, and not let our nation down."

This was followed by the presentation of the lineup for the match. Legalese will utilize the 3-4-3 formation. The starters are:

1 Tommy Walters, GK
3 Phil Templar, CB
5 Michael Watson, LB
4 Frederick Francis, RB
15 Robbie Kristhofer, DM
7 Zach Parkey, LM
20 Oliver Rodd, RM
10 Carlos Manachev, AM
11 Xavier Church, LF
12 Lance Masteron, RF
9 Jonny Lambert, CS

Legalese's Uniforms:
Primary (Home, or when acceptable as Visitor):
http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421556701/3.jpg

Secondary
http://www2.freepichosting.com/Images/421556701/4.jpg

----For Immediate Release----
Castillanos
11-10-2004, 05:43
Castillanos International Soccer Debut

Vespuché International Airport, Santiago, Castillanos: The National Soccer Team of Castillanos, assembled yesterday of the finest soccer players in the National League, met together at the Estadio Nacional de Santiago earlier today to discuss tactics and game plans for their first game in the Baptism of Fire, to be played in Starblaydia against Eskrador. The game against Eskrador will be Castillanos National Soccer Teams debut, and everyone across Castillanos is optimistic about the game. Head Coach Flávio Salvino said told national press, “Eu não me v nenhuma competição em nosso grupo, mas não posso dizer para certo porque nós não vimos algum do jogo das equipes. Entretanto eu penso ainda que nós podemos ganhar; nós temos alguns dos mais melhores jogadores na região de Europa, repouso a mais de dois cem nações, e nossos jogadores são algum do treinados melhor.” which translated into English means "I see no competition in our group, but I can't say for sure as we haven't seen any of the teams play. However I still think we can win; we have some of the best players in the region of Europa, home to more than two hundred nations, and our players are some of the best trained."

The team, who left Castillanos just a few hours ago on a Copa Airlines flight scheduled to arrive in Starblaydia tomorrow, hopes for a win against Eskrador, as it will set the mood for the team throughout the Baptism of Fire. The official team, announced yesterday night, is as followed:

Starting Line-Up
1. José Artiga, GK, 24, Punta Ballena Islanders
2. Lucas Margutti, RD, 22, Santiago Heat
3. Leonardo Villar, CD, 26, Santiago Heat
4. Paulo Monteiro, LD, 25, Valencia Senators
5. Claudio Baricelli, RMF, 29, Santiago Heat
6. Giovanni Casceras, CMF, 21, Punta Ballena Islanders
7. Tony Ramos, LMF, 23, Villa Real Sonics
8. Mateo Alonzo, RFW, 18, Punta Ballena Islanders
9. Paulo Figueiredo, LFW, 19, Santiago Heat
10. Luis Perez, RST, 16, Villa Real Sonics
11. Reynaldo Gianecchini, LST, 19, Santiago Heat

Substitutes/Reserves
Gabriel Barba
Benjamin Veloz
Rivaldo Estefan
Julio De La Cruz
Raul Sonora
Jose Ruiz
Carlos Batres
Samuel Mendes
Lorenzo Tapia

Report by Andrea Cavalcanti of the Santiago Times
Nova Britannicus
11-10-2004, 11:30
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

Group B Labelled 'Group Of Death'
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

There's on in every tournament, where the winds of fate throw up a group packed full of teams who should all qualify on their own, but Lady Luck has decided to place them together, to fight it out for the top prize.

So it is the situation with the Vilitan Group B of this Baptism of Fire. Putting our own nation's chances aside for the moment, the other three nations, Fmjphoenix, Legalese and Somalialand all have shown the desire to win the cup, which means they're halfway there.

Somalialand are the first opponents, self-proclaimed African Regional Champions, with players who score so many goals they might as well be playing Basketball. Their penchant for unpredictable formations may unsettle the less-well-prepared teams, though we have been studying them closely and feel they are vulnerable on the counter-attack, as their defenders seem to like scoring more than the attackers.

Next the Navy Blue Britannicans will face the red-and-black of Legalese. Led from the front by Johnny Lambert, their 3-4-3 stylings will surely test Nova Britannicus' defenders, giving Wilbert Willis a hard time in front of the defence.

Finally, Fmjphoenix have drawn the best players from their Major League, and it will certainly be a challenge for our players to compete with the oddly-numbered squad. "Number seventy-five for a midfielder?" asked Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux, Nova Britannicus' manager, "are these people quite mad? And the Captain's armband, how can three players share that between them? Its those bloody North-American stylings, it must be.".

Thankfully for Nova Britannicus, Georges-Ringeaux's insular view of the world has matched perfectly with Nova Britannicus' style of play. Back to the old-time, lots of goals in black and white footage style of play. Not good enough for Starblaydia's ambitions, but he certainly has the knowledge and experience to lead another nation into the World's Footballing Community.

But what of the other groups? Well, here's our prediction for the qualifiers from each of the four Groups.

Group A
Castillanos look to be the class of this group, with the other three teams fighting it out for the final place place in the next round. We tip Maldunia over Eskrador, just.

Group B
Well it has to be Nova Britannicus and one other, doesnt it? We think Legalese will just about squeeze pas Somalialand into te next round.

Group C
It's Maserrat plus One in this group, with Ashibot perhaps progressing through

Group D
Druida and Smoking Pits will make it through, whether it be through natural Druidish talent or Prussian-style military 'encouragement'

So there we have it. the Vilitan region looks to have the real class of the tournament, but don't discount the Under-21 prowess of Maserrat who, along with Nova Britannicus and the ex-Flexsys Cefn Druids players in Druida, are the only teams to have experienced International Football. Don't bet against those three appearing in the Semi-Finals.
The Latin Union
11-10-2004, 11:36
Excerpt from the Latin National Daily Journal (LGQE):

NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM LEAVES FOR VILITA
By Luigi Barzini, Sports Commentator

CUIABÁ, MEDIA PROVINCIA [CENTRAL PROVINCE] - The twenty-five members of the Latin National Football Team boarded a luxury jetliner at Cuiabá International Airport this morning, bound for the distant nation of Vilita in Atlantian Oceania. Head Coach Sergio Vieira gave a thumbs up to photographers as he entered the walkway to the airplane from the gate, as did many of the players themselves, loaded as they were with their duffle bags and other carry-ons. A fleet of other assorted aircraft, most of them containing fans eager for a front-row seat in the stands, lined up on the taxiways after the team's plane took off. President Pedro Marquez, widely known to be a football fanatic, had earlier taken time from his busy schedule to give the team a personal send-off in the airport's packed concourse. The President wished them good luck and said to them "you will make our nation proud."
In a press conference last week, Vieira, smiling, announced the participation of the Latin National Football Team in the Eighteenth World Cup. In order to secure a stronger position in the Cup ranks, however, the team has also signed up to participate in the Baptism of Fire tournament - a way for new teams to the Cup to show their stuff and earn their rank. Vieira has spent the past year culling the best players from the ranks of the provincial and city teams in the Union, trying to get what he could after Sofronio Rojo, the coach of the Latin Olympic Football Team, thoroughly swept the nation's teams and secured the creme-de-la-creme of Latin football for the Olympic Games in Kaze Progressa.
"I don't think of this team as second-best," said Vieira at the press conference. "Coach Rojo didn't even look at small-community teams. Two of our star forwards, Eustache Laberge and Rodrigo Nevarez, come from small-town teams. There are stars out there in the non-professional ranks, high school and university players, that are just waiting for their big break, too." When asked about how well the team did in practice, Vieira replied, "I spent nearly three months training this team to act as a unit. Some of them come from teams that never faced each other, but most are from big-league provincial teams. There was a lot of bitterness and aggression that needed to be worked out. But by the end of the first month, we were functioning as a National Team, not a group of provincial players. So by the time we get on that plane tomorrow, we will be, most certainly, the Latin National Football Team. The best of the best." He went on to say that the team has bonded into almost a family, and they even refer to Vieira as "pater" [father] on a regular basis.
The team has been drawn to be in the D group of the Vilita Section, whose champion will face the champion of the Starblaydia Section to win the Baptism of Fire. Opposing the National Team in their first match of the tournament will be fellow newcomers from the nation of Smoking Pits in Germany. Widely rumored to be a fanatical, militaristic team, it has been said Smoking Pits will give the Latin team a harsh introduction to international football. In response to questions about the Smoking Pits coach, Corporal Wolfgang Haubert, claiming "The Latin Union will feel the wrath of Smoking Pits" and he will "eradicate the filthy scum" that stand in his way, Vieira said, "The match can turn out one of two ways: they turn out to be nothing but blowhards and we smear them across the field, or they go crazy and give us a close game - and we still beat them. No matter how harsh their training might be, I can assure their coach that we're stronger. Not as disciplined, to be sure. But definitely stronger because of that fact. Fear does not make a team."
After the game with Smoking Pits the Latin team will move on to face the team from Arjastan on Matchday 2, then Druida on Matchday 3. Should they become either first or second place in Group D, they will advance to the quarterfinals and take on opposing group champs and runners-up.
The lineup of the Latin National Football Team is a 4-2-4 setup with plenty of substitutes. It follows here:

Goalies:
21 - Tacito Benavides }
24 - Adão Benavides - sub } The "Benavides Brothers"
9 - Efraín Cavazos - sub

Backs:
7 - Alejandro Jasso
10 - Christian Chiasson
12 - Fausto Garrido
20 - Leandro Zamudio
1 - Benjamim Freitas - sub
13 - Yannic Grammont - sub
4 - Godofredo Montemayor - sub
25 - Remigio Soromenho - sub

Midfield:
16 - Amancio Albornoz
6 - Gregorio Rebostini
18 - Jorge Borgonha - sub
5 - Severiano Ummarino - sub
11 - Arsenio Urrea - sub
19 - Florencio Rocha - sub

Forwards:
15 - Francisco Faria
14 - Gil Cerveira
8 - Rodrigo Nevarez
23 - Eustache Laberge
22 - Quique Lemus - sub
17 - Hernán Delvalle - sub
2 - Daniel Tavora - sub
3 - Estavan Alcantar - sub
Starblaydia
11-10-2004, 12:10
Group A Results, Matchday 1
Castillanos 2-1 Eskrador {Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Penningworth, 85,000 capacity}
Maldunia 2-2 Spalatium {Silverlands, Corinth, 52,000 capacity}

Group Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Castillanos 1 1 0 0 2-1 +1 3
[2] Maldunia 1 0 1 0 2-2 0 1
-3- Spalatium 1 0 1 0 2-2 0 1
-4- Eskrador 1 0 0 1 1-2 -1 0

Next Matches:
MD2:
Spalatium Vs Castillanos {Victory Park, Vecchio, 48,000 Capacity}
Maldunia Vs Eskrador {Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Penningworth, 85,000 capacity}
MD3:
Castillanos Vs Maldunia {Silverlands, Corinth, 52,000 capacity}
Eskrador Vs Spalatium {Victory Park, Vecchio, 48,000 Capacity}



Group C Results, Matchday 1
Allsio 2-1 Ashibot {Hallad City Stadium, Hallad, 49,000 capacity}
Maserrat 4-2 Myrulesia {Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, 51,000}

Group Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Maserrat 1 1 0 0 4-2 +2 3
[2] Allsio 1 1 0 0 2-1 +1 3
-3- Ashibot 1 0 0 1 1-2 -1 0
-4- Myrulesia 1 0 0 1 2-4 -2 0


Next Matches:
MD2:
Myrulesia Vs Allsio {Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, 51,000}
Maserrat Vs Ashibot {Bekkside Stadium, Tabeck, 33,000 Capacity}
MD3:
Allsio Vs Maserrat {Bekkside Stadium, Tabeck, 33,000 Capacity}
Ashibot Vs Myrulesia {Hallad City Stadium, Hallad, 49,000 capacity}


For those interested, Group A are in the North of Starblaydia, with Group C in the South, Jhanna being the Capital.
Myrulesia
11-10-2004, 13:07
Myrulesian Herald
Reporter Mick Madeson

Nick Agoal the manager of the myrulesian national team, was not amused with the performance of the team he said in a interview " if they are going to play like that theres no real reason to turn up, there will be some changes to the team for our next match, we will be using a more attacking passing side but staying in the 4.4.2 formation" asked if his star midfielder Holden Mcgroin had let him down, he had this to say," well it wasn't his best game for the team but i know it can only get better".
The likely team to face Allsio will be

CK: Marcus Absent
LB: Daryl Lect
RB: Tel Vision
CB: Dwayne Pipes
CB: Kenny Dewitt
RM:Leo Tarred
CM:Ray Pugh
CM: Holden Mcgroin
CF Lou Briccant
CF: Casey Needszit
LM:Samson Nights
Subs
GK Sid Down
D: Stu Pitt
M:Pete Zaria
M: Ed Ible
AT: Kenny Faker.
we will have more from the Myrulsian Team as we get it.
Druida
11-10-2004, 15:48
The Tribune Tribune
Serving Druid Tribune and the surrounding area
RAINBOWS WAIT EXPECTANTLY
By Trefor Blackmore

The Druida Rainbows, so called because of their overly colorful flag, were left waiting in Vilita yesterday for the Baptism of Fire tournament to start. Many Druidans feared that it could be the case that many people in Vilita would hardly notice their little tournament going on, especially with the World Cup 17 finals going on there at the same time reaching their exciting climax.

"I knew it would be like this," said veteran of umpteen World Cups Urk. "Once a nation hosts the finals, that's all the people think about. It's lucky for us that our nation is relatively close to Vilita compared with the rest of the group, it means that a lot of Druidans can come over and get behind the team. It'd be almost like playing every game at home."

Indeed, the reaction to the tournament seems to be different in Starblaydia to Vilita. While the Starblaydi people have welcomed the eight teams playing there with open arms, the Vilitans have other things on their minds, with the world's best there. Indeed, the Starblaydi enthusiasm has already shown, with their matches kicking off on time yesterday, while the matches in Vilita are moved to 7am local time to make way for the sixth repeat of the preview show for the Liverpool England and Dance 2 Revolution. It means that the Druidans back home will have to be up bright and early if they don't want to miss their team playing their opening game against Arjastan.
Vilita
11-10-2004, 15:59
Fmjphoenix [3]-[2] Legalese
Nova Britannicus [3]-[2] Somalialand

Arjastan [0]-[4] Druida
Smoking Pits [0]-[0] The Latin Union



Group B---------- -
[1] Fmjphoenix 1 1 0 0 3-2 3
[2] Nova Britannicus 1 1 0 0 3-2 3
3- Legalese 1 0 0 1 2-3 0
4- Somalialand 1 0 0 1 2-3 0
-
-
Group D-------------- -
[1] Druida 1 1 0 0 4-0 3
[2] Smoking Pits 1 0 1 0 0-0 1
3- The Latin Union 1 0 1 0 0-0 1
4- Arjastan 1 0 0 1 0-4 0
-
-
Legalese
11-10-2004, 16:19
Legalese Times
Legalese Drops Tight Match With FMJPhoenix
Vilitia
by Knox Morton

Today was a bittersweet day for the Legalese Men's National Team, as they participated in their first ever national match. Unfortunately, FMJPhoenix were able to prevent Legalese from securing their first ever points in International play with a goal in stoppage time by Jorge Mendel, his second of the match.

Thankfully, there were a number of bright spots for Legalese, as Striker Jonny Lambert nailed home Legalese's first goal, off a long ball by Robbie Kristhofer, in the 6th minute. Mendel's first goal provided the equalizer for FMJPhoenix 10 minutes later. The match remained all square until the 69th minute, when a Lance Masterson cross found the head of Carlos Manachev, who placed the ball just past the keeper for Legalese's second goal of the day. Sadly, defensive breakdowns allowed both the game-tying and game winning tallies for FMJPhoenix.

Nonetheless, Manager Robbie Heard was somber, but satisfied with the result.

"For our first match ever, this was a decent result" said Heard. "Granted, we're disappointed to not bring home the win, but we're still pleased with the way my boys handled themselves."

Heard, however, did see some potential points of improvement for the next match, with Nova Britannicus.

"We need to do some better defensive work against Nova. Their result against Somalialand shows that they can score, and we'll have to modify our tactics to be prepared."

Jonny Lambert, the scorer of the first international goal in Legalese history, expressed disappointment over the result.

"It is frustrating to not only take the lead twice, but to lose not only that, but the match as well. It was a tough effort, and I'm glad that we played well, but I'm certain that if we do our best, our results can get even better."

FMJPHoenix 1 2 3
Legalese 1 1 2

FMJPHoenix- Mendel (16',90+')
Santos (83')
Legalese- Lambert (6')
Manachev (69')
The Latin Union
11-10-2004, 16:24
UNDERDOGS OR WONDERDOGS?
By: Manuel Villalobos

The Latin National Football Team has left our shores to make us proud in Vilita. Up against national teams from all over the world in the Baptism of Fire, our little boys from back home are going to make us proud.

Hey, wait - "little boys?" What am I talking about?

A lot of sports analysts in the Union are saying our team won't hold up - they're newbies, young'uns, inexperienced, tender lambs being offered up to the wolves that are Wolfgang Haubert's Smoking Pits team as a sacrifice in the name of publicity?

Where are these people's senses of national pride? Not to mention facts to back their predictions up?

I'll give you the facts: our team is gonna kick some Smoking Pit ass.

Let's look at the lineup here: In the goalbox is Tacito Benavides, one of the two amazing "Benavides Brothers" - the goalkeeping duo that helped Manaus win the Consociatio Provincial Cup five consecutive times by only letting three goals past themselves for all five straight tourneys. The other Benavides Brother, Adão, is Tacito's backup. And just in case something should happen to him as well, Efraín Cavazos, the star goalie from Las Abras, is on standby. That's the tightest goalbox in the history of Latin football.

Moving outward to our backfielders, check out this amazing lineup: Alejandro Jasso - Cáceres' infamously hotheaded defender. Let's never forget the time he jumped into Gil Cerveira's 50 mph goal kick and deflected it with one hand, dislocating two fingers in the middle of the Libertas Provincial Cup Championship. Christian Chiasson - fastest Frenchman in the League, Fausto Garrido - Quebrachos' army reservist (the rumors that he trains by letting his brother kick him repeatedly in the shins are true), and Leandro Zamudio - well-known on court for kicking three winning goals in one game at the National Cup two years ago from across the field. He was the only backfielder to ever get anything past Alcántara's excellent goalie Jorge Borge.

Our midfielders and forwards are unbelievable. Sergio Vieira has managed to snag the absolute best in the Union. Forget the Olympics, these guys don't need them. Amancio Albornoz scored 18 goals for Almadén in the Libertas Provincial Cup last year. Gregorio Rebostini - burdened with that cliché title of "Italian Stallion" - helped Belluno win the Pax Provincial Cup twice in a row. Francisco Faria was the only Goiania player to get one of the three goals past Tacito Benavides. We've already covered Gil Cerveira, notorious for his lightning-fast score kicks.

The team's backups are an amazing lot as well: Remigio Soromenho, Severiano Ummarino, Florencio Rocha, Quique Lemus, Daniel Tavora, Estavan Alcantar... all of these guys are household names in their cities and provinces, viewed by some as heroes, others as obstacles to be overcome. Their records are supreme: each averages nearly 4 goals a season.

Now we come to the true underdogs: Eustache Laberge and Rodrigo Nevarez, the small-town favorites. These guys are no easy pickins - Eustache Laberge got his ailing Rendalôn team to win its local cup over six-time incumbent Osbierge almost singlehandedly. He was asked multiple times by the Vendôme team to join its ranks but he declined each time, preferring to stick with the homey local games. How Vieira managed to get him to join the National Team is a miracle on its own. Nevarez is the hero of his little town in Vita - clearly the leader of his team, and also the sole scoring forward, he's kept his team in the champion's seat of its local league ever since he joined it. He was a high school and university football star - went to university on a football scholarship, in fact.

So many people are wailing and bemoaning the fact that Smoking Pits' team is ruthless, aggressive, unbelievably fanatical. They're killers, they say. Well, in the Latin Union, killers are executed, right?

It's also very possible that these lunatics from Smoking Pits are just bags of hot air. Vieira hasn't let that ease the team's mind, though. It's highly probable that the opposition will live up to their reputations. Regardless, our team is bonded by loyalty, national pride, experience, and hard training. Their team isn't bonded, just motivated, and by fear, not pride. Pater Vieira knows where his team's heart is. He knows they're strong, united, and determined. Now all they have to do is make their country proud.

Omnis Latina Natio Consociatam Sunt - for once, the motto is true. All Latins are united behind one football team. Mark the damned history books, it's definitely a first!

Check out these uniforms, too!

https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/michelas/www/latin_shirt.bmp

Feeling Latin?
The Latin Union
11-10-2004, 16:37
((OOC: Aaaagh. I posted too late. Sorry, it's morning by me, I didn't know things would be decided so quickly. Next time I'll be sure to post before the games are over.))
Nova Britannicus
11-10-2004, 16:40
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

Unorthodox Gali Hat-trick Sees Somalialand Defeated
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

The Baptism Of Fire got off to a late, great start for Nova Britannicus yesterday as the stadium owners forgot to open the gates to their grounds, resulting in thousands of Nova Britannicus fans setting up Pinics for the day. When the games finally did start, Nova Britannicus earned themselves a 3-2 win over Somalialand.

Upon the Kickoff, Charlie Bowman rolled the ball for French, who immedately knocked it back, instinctively, for Wilbert Willis. Upon seeing that Somalialand's Eleven players were lined up in a 4-5-2 formation without a goalie, Willis took aim from 60 yards and his lobbed-shot found the back of the net to give Nova Britannicus the lead after just nine seconds. Nova Britannicus scored quickly again, as Charlie Bowman met the pass of Dean Caliban in the area to blast it past the non-existant 'keeper.

Things soon changed as Somalialand sacrified a midfielder to bring on Mohamed Murre, their registered goalkeeper, after eight minutes. The match soon settled into a normal sort of game, despite the fact Nova Britannicus were 2-0 up already.

Gail Ahmed lived up to his reputation as he was out on the right wing. Exploiting Nova Britannicus' attack-minded wingers, there was acres of space in behind them which the defensive players just couldn't cover. As Somalialand surged down the wings, Gali scored twice, either side of Half Time, leaping over Willis' dive for the first and outfoxing the entire defence for the second.

Unfortunately, The Hat-Trick hero lived up to his nickname, as he scored a Third. Fortunately, the ball was put past Murre and gave Nova Britannicus the lead.

As Dean Caliban's right-sided corner floated into the box, Gali went up for a header, but was jostled by Charlie Bowman. Off-balance, Gali looped the ball back across the face of the goal and it dropped into the net beyond the fingertips of the unfortunate Murre. Nova Britannicus went away with all three points, denying the Somalians a victory in their first ever international match. Onward march the Nova Britannicus Navy-Blues, sitting behind Fmjphoenix only on alphabetical order, as they defeated Legalese by the same 3-2 scoreline.

In other news, Bekkside neighbours Druida scored a huge win, thrashing the Arjastanis 4-0. Maserrat also scored four in a 4-2 win over Myrulesia, while Castillanos and Allsio both won 2-1. The other points of the day were shared in a 2-2 draw between Spalatium and Maldunia.



Goals:
Wills - 1st (NB 1-0 Som)
C. Bowman - 7th (NB 2-0 Som)
Gali - 42nd (NB 2-1 Som)
Gali - 54th (NB 2-2 Som)
Gali O.G. - 78th (NB 3-2 Som)
Druida
11-10-2004, 16:55
The Tribune Tribune
Serving Druid Tribune and the surrounding area
ZUCCHINIS RISE TO EARLY START
Trefor Blackmore on Druida 4 Arjastan 0

OK, so we all had to be up at the crack of dawn to see it, but what a sight it was! Druida winning their first ever match against opposition, and what a way for their two new favourite adopted sons to make their mark.

While the rest of the players seemed to be still waking up for this 7am kick-off, it was the Druidan Zucchinis Urk and Thunk that stole the show, with the ageless ex-GZ legend netting a hat trick on his debut, and his fellow sentient vegetable Thunk coming forward from left-back to curl a fantastic free-kick in from 30 yards.

The stadium itself was full of Druidans, who had made the short flight over, or had driven through Rendition and Abattoir for days to catch the ferry. However they'd all got there, or how they'd all managed to get their lazy backsides out of bed, it didn't really matter. They were there, and what a difference they made.

For a manager famous for his defensive input and sensible tactics, the formation of the team Trevor Kallins put out was a shock to most of the people here. The rainbows, in their brown and beige shirts, played a 4-3-3 formation, showing that his years working with the ultra-attack minded Simon Greaves in charge of the NEWI Cefn Druids team weren't all spent with his head up his arse. He had learnt, where Greaves hadn't.

The match itself was a bit one sided. It was only a game for Druida, who toyed with Arjastan for the full ninety minutes. The chances came thick and fast for Druida, and how they only put four away is anyone's guess. Fortunately, they had a player in their team that never seems to grow old, and so it was the endlessly experienced Urk who stole the show.

It lines them up for the two tougher games in the group, against Smoking Pits and The Latin Union, who drew their game yesterday. Hopefully, Kallins and his Zucchini friends can get the rest of the squad in shape for the game against Smoking Pits, which should, hopefully, have a sensible start time.

Final score:
Druida 4-0 Arjastan
Urk 42, 54, 57 None
Thunk 84

OOC to The Latin Union: Don't worry if your RPs are a bit late, they're all welcome. :cool:
Maserrat
11-10-2004, 17:10
Dynamos Begin With A Bang!

The Maserrat Dyanmos kicked off their Baptism Of Fire campaign in the best possible way. In a packed stadium they dismantled thier opponents Myrulesia 4-2, a comfortable scoreline for coach Poskit Karpova to say the least:

"I'm pleased with our performance today. We had a plan, we stuck to it and we came out on top. It's not always easy to play away from home, but my players showed their maturity in what is, I think, the best indication yet that we are a team to be reckoned with."

Korpova did, of course, have a few qualms about the game:

"I think we need to work on the defence a little more for our next game. We conceded two goals, and in any other game that could have been costly. All credit to Myrulesia but I think the goals could easily have been prevented. That is something I will discuss with my players later today. We are still a work in progress. This is not yet the finished article - there are areas still to be tweaked, only a few of which have been uncovered. Perhaps we will find more in our next game. Either way, these areas will be worked upon, to make us even better than today."

This could prove to be difficult, as Maserrat looked sheer class in their attacking state of mind. The first twenty minutes of the match were spent down by the Myrulesia goal, shots raining down on the keeper from all angles. One suspected it would not be too long until the breakthrough was made, and indeed the crowd were not disappointed. On 26 minutes, new addition Ferevarco Ferenitzin launched a telling ball into the box. The keeper came out to collect it, but was left stranded as Qostaze Ubuloy hit the ball on the volley, curling it into the top left-hand corner of the net. Maserrat fans hardly had time to catch theri breath before the second went in. A short corner from Zaqery Poskilka was played across the box to Gyrokli Haman who showed great composure as he hit the ball low from twenty yards into the back of the net. With just over half an hour gone and the score already 2-0, fans sensed a rout was coming. However, hearts leapt into mouths when the lone Myrulesia striker was pulled down in the box by Yuri Olkirov. From the resulting penalty Myrulesia pulled a goal back, and Maserrat spent the remainder of the half on the backfoot as Myrulesia tried for the equaliser before the break. It didn't come, and the score remained 2-1 at half time.

The second half strted pretty much as the first had, and Maserrat fans didn't have to wait long for the two-goal lead to be restored. A weaving run from captain Borle Xantoi into the box saw the Myrulesia defence all over the place. Although his shot was blocked by the onrushing keeper, Ubuloy finished the move by tapping the ball into the back of an empty net. Two goals on his full team debut - a sign of good things to come for the youngster. The win was sealed on 72 minutes, when Odisema Catreman curled a free kick over the wall and past the keeper, who didn't even make a move for the ball. A further consolation goal came in the first minute of extra time for Myrulesia, a defensive error from Asamy Vergo giving the striker an easy shot on target. It wasn't enough to save the game, and the match ended 4-2.

Early indications show that Maserrat mean business in this tournament, and many people have backed them to make it into the semis at least. However Karpova has warned against complacency:

"All it takes is one simple mistake to send us home. We must concentrate on the game in hand, not on a game several days away that we might not even get to. We will take each game as it comes, and progress from there. Only when we are in the final should we think about being in the final."

With regards to the team's next opponents, Ashibot (who lost 2-1 to Allsio), Karpova had this to say:

"There are no easy matches in International football. People have tipped them to finish bottom, but that doesn't mean they cannot surprise us. We must view them as serious contenders, and play as well tomorrow as we have done today. If we can do that, I am confident of success."

Maserrat teams of old have been viewed as 'dreamers', 'complacent' and 'arrogant'. Under Karpova, this doesn't seem to be the case. Will this new Maserrat make it in the world of International foobtall? We'll be one step closer to knowing the answer this time tomorrow.

Match Details

Maserrat 4-2 Myrulesia

Scorers:
Qostaze 26, 51
Haman 30
Castreman 72

Team:

GK Grady Waskowiec
LB Yuri Olkirov
RB Hughte Jesrew
CB Asamy Vergo
CB Poiana Zchefqi
LM Ferevarco Ferenitzin
RM Borle Xantoi (c)
CM Zaqery Poskilka
CM Gyrokli Haman
CF Qostaze Ubuloy
CF Odisema Catreman

Subs:
None
Legalese
11-10-2004, 19:05
----For Immediate Release----
Legalese releases starting XI, formation for matchday 2

Vilitia

Courtesy of the LAFC

Legalese Men's National Team Manager Robbie Hearn announced a change in formation, as well as in the starting lineup, for the upcoming match against Nova Britannicus. "We're still in the learning process, when it comes to feeling out the type of team we are" commented Heard. "This is simply part of the process."

The 3-4-3 lineup used against FMJPhoenix will be replaced by a 4-4-2, with a sweeper in the back, two roving central midfielders, and dual striker system. As a result, Jack Wigginson will make his first cap for the Legalese Nationals, as will Earl Smith, in place of Frederick Francis. Phil Templar will move out of the middle, as Robbie Kristhofer will step in as central back. This also clears the way for Yakov Niedermeyer to make his debut, manning the central midfield with Carlos Manachev, with Zach Parkey being joined at the outside midfield by Lance Masterson. Up front, Jonny Lambert and Xavier Church will lead the attack.

Matchday 2 Lineup:
1 T. Walters, GK
6 J. Wigginson, SW
2 E. Smith, LB
3 P. Templar, RB
15 R. Kristhofer, CB
10 C. Manachev, CM
23 Y. Niedermeyer, CM
7 Z. Parkey, LM
12 L. Masterson, RM
11 X. Church, RS
9 J. Lambert, LS

----For Immediate Release----
Myrulesia
11-10-2004, 19:15
((OOC: Aaaagh. I posted too late. Sorry, it's morning by me, I didn't know things would be decided so quickly. Next time I'll be sure to post before the games are over.))



Starblaydia said
The Cup will take 7 days to complete and will begin on Monday.

I got up monday morning and it had already finished, oh well now im going to get going.
Starblaydia
11-10-2004, 19:33
I got up monday morning and it had already finished, oh well now im going to get going.

We have had 1 (one) Matchday. There will be 3 (three) Group Matchdays, follwed by Quarter- and Semi-Finals, the 3rd(third)-Place Play-off and the Baptism of Fire Cup Final itself.

You've lost Game 1 against a team who have RPed while you have not, which is not beyond the realms of possibility. Chin up, lad, two games left.


Do people not read my posts or something? :confused:
Fmjphoenix
11-10-2004, 19:34
Jorge Mendel shows why he is MVP
By Allen Newhouse

Vilitia: Jorge Mendal pumps his fist in the air as he is swampped by teammates after he scored his second goal of the night to give FMJPhoenix its first victory in the Baptism of Fire Tournament, FMJPhoenix 3 - Legalese 2.

It was a great game played by both sides, Legalese being the first to strike money with a goal by Johnny Lambert at 6'. 10 mintues later, Jorge Mendel came through with a goal by useing some stunning moves to get past defender Phil Templar and narrowly getting the ball past Tommy Walters streched hands.

What probably saved FMJPhoenix was the defense of the aggressive Playa Beho. He slide tackled at the ball when Xavier Church was going in for the score, taking a swift kick in his left arm at 43'. He left the game but returned at 63'.

"I am proud of these guys," Coach Wash said at a press conference after the game, "they played one hell of a game. I have to give my hats of to Legalese though, they have a great team and we will look forward to challenging them again."

After todays victory, FMJPhoenix's team will now focus on the next challenge ahead of them, Somalialand, who suffered a close loss to Nova Britannicus.

"I won't say we are going to win for sure, but I only know we are going to give them all we have to try and walk away with another win." Coach Wash answered when asked about his next match. Coach Wash is planning on having his boys watch their match with Legalese so they can see what they did good and bad, and also watch the Nova Britannicus - Somalialand match so they can see their oppositions play style.

"There is still much we can learn. I just hope we can maximize what we can learn" Jorge Medel said.

FMJPhoenix 1 2 3
Legalese 1 1 2

FMJPhoenix- Mendel (16',90+')
Santos (83')
Legalese- Lambert (6')
Manachev (69')

Group B---------- -
[1] Fmjphoenix 1 1 0 0 3-2 3
[2] Nova Britannicus 1 1 0 0 3-2 3
3- Legalese 1 0 0 1 2-3 0
4- Somalialand 1 0 0 1 2-3 0
Starblaydia
11-10-2004, 20:59
Sorry to advertise in your thread and all

You'd better be.

And I thought you'd redeemed yourself by agreeing with AS....
Somalialand
11-10-2004, 21:36
Somalialand take 2 goals amid a big defeat to the Novans

The federation of somalialand had a bad night after learning the results of the game in vilita, We properly Unrested and I think we missed a huge Match said coach ahmed.

The papers read No excuse to the Lose, which is properly true, The goverment and almost every player congrutulated the Novans for bringing a good game to the game. And to boost the moral of the country and the players, The president Gave a large and Important speech to parliment stating the good of the puplic to take this as game.

The president also thanked the great leader of VILITA for hosting the incredible tournemt.


Goals Count:

Ahmed GAli------------(2) Goals



Other Info

All the games:

Group B:

Fmjphoenix [3]-[2] Legalese
Nova Britannicus [3]-[2] Somalialand

Arjastan [0]-[4] Druida
Smoking Pits [0]-[0] The Latin Union


Other matches:

Castillanos 2-1 Eskrador
Maldunia 2-2 Spalatium
Allsio 2-1 Ashibot
Maserrat 4-2 Myrulesia
----------------------------------------------------

We would like to congratulate the novans and the country of Nova britannicus for the wonder ful game, We have seen the match and it was beitiful, Especially seeing wills and Gali O.G who both have became heros in and players to be respected here.

THe richest team in somalialand is also thinking buying both players for 10 million each (Releave them from current contract) then pay them a salary of 25 million each. After seeing their heroic performance, I should that Somalialand can rest easily seeing a better team have defeated them.
The Latin Union
11-10-2004, 22:13
FOGGY START FOR LATINS IN FIRST B-O-F MATCH
By Luigi Barzini, Sports Commentator

VILITA - The Latin National Football Team is currently third place in its group in the Baptism of Fire tournament, a prelude to the Eighteenth World Cup.
After numerous predictions within the Union concerning whether our national team could win against Smoking Pits or not, the issue is still not resolved after this morning's game. It ended in a draw, with both teams receiving a point in the group. Because of alphabetical arrangements, however, Smoking Pits currently holds the second-place slot that could get them to the Quarterfinals.
The game was very intense. Both sides of the stadium were packed to the brim with screaming fans. One side held civilians from the Latin Union waving flags, wearing patriotic colors, or dancing around with the sword-and-leaf emblem painted on their bare chests. On the other side raged the equally fanatical Smoking Pits soldiers in their drab uniforms, waving anything they had their hands on at the moment, be they their sidearms, or possibly their platoon sergeants. Apparently the entire 14th Infantry Division of the Smoking Pits Army had been invited to the event.
The game began with the Latins securing possession early in the game and charging toward the Smoking Pits goal with seeming ease. Francisco Faria passed to Gil Cerveira, who slammed one of his lightning kicks hard at Smoking Pits goalie Max Schneider, who deflected the ball with his torso. The Smoking Pits defense, led by Friedrich Schönbaum, knocked the ball into midfield and Franz Bauer, the Smoking Pits legend, took the ball dead into the center of the strong Latin defense. Fast Frenchman Christian Chiasson nicked the ball from him and led it to midfield, where he passed to Gregorio Rebostini, who passed to Rodrigo Nevarez, the hometown legend. Nevarez was stopped by the mountainous Hans Blix and the ball returned across court to Franz Bauer again, who knocked a solid kick at the goal box that the impenetrable Tacito Benavides deflected easily.
The game continued in this manner, each side coming close to scoring but being stopped by the opposition's defense or goalkeeper. More often than not it was the Smoking Pits goalkeeper defending on his own, as Schönbaum and Blix couldn't cover most of the defensive field. Mid-game Tacito Benavides was switched out for his brother Adão.
One point of controversy was an on-field confrontation between hotheaded Alejandro Jasso and fanatical Jürgen Rächer. Apparently, when Jasso nicked the ball from attacking Rächer and passed it to Nevarez, Rächer grew nearly insane with anger and began spouting about his vow to the Kaiser of Smoking Pits. The argument spontaneously escalated to fisticuffs, and both parties were removed from play. Jasso was replaced by revered defender Benjamim Freitas.
By the end of the ninety-minute game, neither side had scored a goal. Schneider had deflected six goal attempts from the Latins, while the Benavides Brothers defended against two, one each. Most other Smoking Pits goal attempts were stopped by a solid Latin defense. Both groups of fans left the stadium slightly disappointed.
Alejandro Jasso was not severely injured in his fight with Jürgen Rächer, but his disposition and that of Rächer for the remainder of the tournament have yet to be determined by the Vilitan officials presiding over the games.
When asked about today's performance, Head Coach Sergio Vieira said, "We did well, but not as well as I would have liked. Our defense was very strong, but I think our offense was a little lazy, and our midfielders didn't see much action. They were always being bypassed by the Smoking Pits team. I think what we need is to tighten our forwards' offensive posture so that they can keep hold of the ball while they're up there. Six goal attempts is good, yes, but a lot of other ones were nicked away by the opposing two-man defense. Our forwards have to be in total control against a defense like that."
Tomorrow the National Team goes up against Arjastan, a team just coming off a tremendous defeat at the hands of Druida, the team Smoking Pits will face. When asked his predictions about tomorrow's game, Vieira commented, "Well, I really don't know. Druida is a very good team from what I've heard and seen, and it's always possible that the Arjastanis were just not on top of their game today. We could be facing a dejected group of defeated players tomorrow or a ravenous pack of vengeful ones. Needless to say, we're keeping prepared for the latter." When asked about the team's prospects within Group D, Vieira said only, "We'll have to see."
Current standings in the Group are:
Druida - 3
Smoking Pits - 1
The Latin Union - 1
Arjastan - 0
Should the National Team win tomorrow that will place them at 4. If Druida wins that places them at 6 and the Union will pull ahead of Smoking Pits to claim the second place slot. Should it be the other way around the Union will still be stuck in third, technically tied with Smoking Pits but held back because of the alphabet. Should Arjastan win tomorrow the Union will be totally out of the running for the quarterfinals.
Nova Britannicus
11-10-2004, 23:24
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

Daii Dismiss Transfer Talk as Legalese Loom
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

Despite 'The Richest Team in Somalialand' offering to buy Wilbert Willis out of his contract for 10 Million, Iskara Daii are said to have 'politely declined' the offer, saying that Willis was not for sale and was essential to the success of the Daii due to his midfield partnership with Starblaydi International Ki-Jana Carter.

Nova Britannicus are also well aware of Willis' value in the middle of the park as he strides through each game like a colossus. John Bowman may have the inspirational leadership (or huge mouth, we can't decide) to take the Captain's Armband, but it is Willis who holds the team together with his mere presence. Playing among the best players in any league on the planet, Willis has certainly raised his game.

He'll need it, too, against Legalese in their next match. A more-standard approach will be taken by Legalese as they attempt to take their training-ground abilities onto the international stage. Nova Britannicus experts believe that the Legalese lack of width could be exposed by the Wingers, Caliban and England, which will hopefully lead to goals, as it usually does when Dean and Kenny go on the rampage.

A win against Legalese would effectively see Nova Britannicus through, as two wins from three is practically unassailable by two other teams in the group. Of course, Jean-Paul will be hoping for three wins from three to really set the proverbial cat among the pigeons and ensure that Nova Britannicus go to the next round as favourites. Somalialand have been the first obstacle, successfully negotiated. Legalese are next, with the final Group Match against Fmjphoenix perhaps deciding the Group winner, with the supposedly 'easier' option of playing the second-placed team in Group B, which we assume, at this stage, will be Smoking Pits or The Latin Union.

"Our defence is a little light on manpower, I admit," says Manager Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux, "But with our attack its a case of you score three, and we'll get four."

With a Played Eight, Won Four, Drawn Two, Lost Two record in the Pre-World Cup 17 Colony Cup, Nova Britannicus will certainly be looking to repeat that kind of performace, hopefully going all the way to the Final and lifting a piece of Silverware to make neighbours Starblaydia jealous. Starblaydia haven't won anything, so why should we? Bevause we're worth it, obviously. Come on the Navy-Blues!
Somalialand
12-10-2004, 00:05
Tactic Changed,Somalialand to throw all manpower against Fmjphoenix:
By Somalialand Post news:

Coach Mohamed furer was impressed by the GAli effort and by his two goals,
"Somalialand Will remain and will put all they have against Fmjphoenix" said the coach in worried mood;

"After the game against the Novans our players will be fordmidabke" Said hardcorefan of the national team,

one of the best weapons in Somalialand national team was explosive last night, Now we need three explosive performences and we shall win all the games

After taking out the Fmjphoenix team, The legalese will be the main challange then,After all legalese have been beaten by a lesser team: The Ocean blues will cruch the Fmjphoenix team for two reasons:

One: The ocean blue stars have fomidable team and have one of the best players around, and on top of that the Fmjphoenix team have no special guy to go to, There are two team stars and both are toppled by the performances of Ahmed gali and Musmuq

Second: The Fmjphoenix team have no exprience (The players) outside of Fmjphoenix because they are young and unchallanged by a team like somalialand.

"Iam plessed with the matchup so far" said one sport analyst, Why not be pleased with the ocean blue stars, They have the best record in africa and they also have the best players compared to Fmjphoenix team, Iam going to simply put it this way, the Fmjphoenix team are dwarfed by somalialand

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


IN other News:

Mogidishu football club hardned and sad after both attempts to get the best players on the tournemnt so far,

"we are sad they will refuse our effort like this" said the manager, We want to make another deal if they really want to, I wil make them the call for their money, How much will cost us to get here is the quastion i will make them give us an answer and then will discuss the options.

Hargaisa stars put another offer down from the Mogidishu F.C, The Mogidishu F.C are sad to want their hargaisa stars best player, "Musmuq"
-----------------------------------------------------------
Maldunia
12-10-2004, 00:16
Maldunian Sports Network

Corinth, Starblaydia – In their first ever international match the Maldunian National Team tied fellow newcomers Spalatium in front of a record low crowd of 13,000. The Silverlands capacity is 52,000 but the noticeable lack of fans in green combined with a match of relatively unknown teams made for a poor showing in the stands – but not on the field.

Spalatium proved an equal opponent in ninety minutes of contentious play. Maldunia’s cautious counter-attack style nearly backfired as star forward Steve Murphy was only able to score the tying goal in the 85th minute.

At the press conference following the game midfielder Oscar Kirmeyer complained about the lack of knowledge about the competition. Goalkeeper Zack Bock replied, “You can bet our scouts have been watching Eskrador and Castillanos very closely.”

Some in Maldunia were upset at the lack of communication regarding the start of the tournament, but hurricane Bertha would not have allowed many fans to arrive in time anyways. Now that the airlines in Maldunia have taken to the skies once again fans in green and yellow are making the trek to Starblaydia in massive numbers. This will more than make up for the loss the airlines suffered due to Bertha.

Match day 2 vs. Eskrador

While Eskrador lost their first game, Maldunia is only ahead by one point in the group. In a competition like this, there can be no losses. Expect more solid play from the mid-fielders and goalkeeper Bock. Also expect the green wave to appear with a vengeance at the Iota Arena.

Roster and jerseys forthcoming.
Somalialand
12-10-2004, 03:04
http://www.btinternet.com/~jim.powells/jim.jpg
Secetary coach, Explains to players about the team tactics.

Somalialand and Africa bumbed for the next Game
By somalialand Post News:

The parliment passed "celeberate for the athletes act" which will make 12 of october a national holiday,

For them team it was a great moral booster for the players knowing the are being celebrate and aknowlodged as people who bring happiness to the football game and spectators,

"Well the hooligans are the bad apples but we truly we have dedicated spectators who truly love us as players and people" said Sumaye, One of the best players on the national team,

"Last game was just a taste for the world to see what kind of damage one player can do, Imagine three players who will work like they are one body" said Mr mohamed Fuhrer, One of the best coaches in africa, Who brought somalialand to the baptism of fire.

Somalialand will have to win like champions, If we loose the nest game we will surely loose all hope and our best game could come up to being a third place finish, If the novans ever managed to become the first team, then the Bof will see two teams who will go far in world cup this season,

Somalialand will be in good shape if it ever finishes first or second.


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


Somalia cup
The cup have been suspended due to the overwhelmingy viewership of the games.

it will br resterted after the games finish.
Fmjphoenix
12-10-2004, 06:12
Team FMJPhoenix ready for next challenge
By Allen Newhouse

"We got one, now its time to forget that and move on to the next." said Coach Wash earlier today. "We are taking this one match at a time. We are making no assumptions."

Team FMJPhoenix has remained humble after the narrow victory over Legalese. It is a testament to their team effort that they have ben able to come together after a short period of time and produce at such a high level. A large part of it has to be due to Mariano Rodriquez stepping up as a mentor to keep this young team together.

"Mariano has been a great teammate and I respect him very much." said Mike Nolan. "He is one of the best players ever."

Coach Wash stated that they will not changed their game plan, they will continue to use the 4-4-2 when they are on the charge and the 3-5-2 when they are on the run. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." was Coach Wash's reply for their gameplan.

Make sure to tune into FMJP Channel 3 TV for matchday 2 vs Somalialand.
Castillanos
12-10-2004, 07:21
Castillanos wins first match!

Penningsworth, Starblaydia After ninety full minutes of well played soccer, the greater team proved victorious as Castillanos took the match with a 2-1 win over Eskrador. The game, played in the Iota “Big Eye” Arena, brought crowds from all over the world, most die hard fans of Castillanian Soccer. Fans, most who have tickets to all three games, piled into the Arena enthusiastically and after the game celebrated by visiting clubs and bars in the local city of Penningsworth. The team, who are know enroute to Vecchio, couldn’t be happier with their performance and are optimistic about the games to come.

The game began slowly, with the ball moving back and forth and no one really having true possession over the ball. However, Luis Perez scored in the 36th minute with a header into the corner of the goal. The second half started and Castillanos scored yet again in the 72nd minute after Reynaldo Gianecchini ran the ball past two defenders and the goalkeeper and into the goal. The Castillanians continued to run the game until about the 88th minute where it seemed victory was promised and an Eskradorian beat the goalie to the ball and scored.

The next game will be against Spalatium, a team that recently tied against Maldunia, the number one threat currently against Castillanos. The game plan will be the same as before and hopefully it will prove successful again against the Spalation team. To promise a spot in the next round, Castillanos needs a win in the upcoming game and for Maldunia to lose or tie up against Eskrador. More news to come as soon the Baptism of Fire continues.

Report by Andrea Cavalcanti of the Santiago Times
Vilita
12-10-2004, 09:00
BoF MD2 :: Vilitan Region

Somalialand [0]-[1] Fmjphoenix
Turoki, Vilita

Nova Britannicus [2]-[0] Legalese
Sile, Vilita


The Latin Union [2]-[1] Arjastan
Lopinka, Vilita

Smoking Pits [1]-[1] Druida
Liguon Valley, Vilita


Standings after Two Matchdays. Teams in Gray have been Eliminated, and Matchday 3 will be their last in Vilita.

Group B----------
[1] Nova Britannicus 2 2 0 0 5-2 6
[2] Fmjphoenix 2 2 0 0 4-2 6
3- Somalialand 2 0 0 2 2-4 0
4- Legalese 2 0 0 2 2-5 0

Group D--------------
[1] Druida 2 1 1 0 5-1 4
[2] The Latin Union 2 1 1 0 2-1 4
3- Smoking Pits 2 0 2 0 1-1 2
4- Arjastan 2 0 0 2 1-6 0
Maserrat
12-10-2004, 09:18
You'd better be.

And I thought you'd redeemed yourself by agreeing with AS....

Well, it's gone now. Forget I said anything at all! What did I say? I don't know.
Starblaydia
12-10-2004, 11:38
Group A Results, Matchday 2
Spalatium 1-1 Castillanos {Victory Park, Vecchio, 48,000 Capacity}
Maldunia 3-2 Eskrador {Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Penningworth, 85,000 capacity}

Group Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Maldunia 2 1 1 0 5-4 +1 4
[2] Castillanos 2 1 1 0 3-2 +1 4
-3- Spalatium 2 0 2 0 3-3 0 2
-4- Eskrador 2 0 0 2 3-5 -2 0

Next Matches:
MD3:
Castillanos Vs Maldunia {Silverlands, Corinth, 52,000 capacity}
Eskrador Vs Spalatium {Victory Park, Vecchio, 48,000 Capacity}


Group C Results, Matchday 2
Myrulesia 2-1 Allsio {Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, 51,000}
Maserrat 1-1 Ashibot {Bekkside Stadium, Tabeck, 33,000 Capacity}

Group Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Maserrat 2 1 1 0 5-3 +2 4
[2] Allsio 2 1 0 1 3-3 0 3
-3- Myrulesia 2 1 0 1 4-5 -1 3
-4- Ashibot 2 0 1 1 2-3 -1 1



Next Matches:
MD3:
Allsio Vs Maserrat {Bekkside Stadium, Tabeck, 33,000 Capacity}
Ashibot Vs Myrulesia {Hallad City Stadium, Hallad, 49,000 capacity}

Only Eskrador have no chance of making the next round. Good Luck everybody on Matchday 3.
Druida
12-10-2004, 12:47
The Tribune Tribune
Serving Druid Tribune and the surrounding area
THEY THINK PITS ALL OVER...
Trefor Blackmore on Druida 1 Smoking Pits 1

After an emphatic thrashing of Arjustan in their opening match, spirits were high in the Druida camp as they came up against Smoking Pits, who had faced a tough opening game against The Latin Union in their opener. Perhaps the challenging first match had awoken the Pits, but as this one kicked off, only one side seemed up for this one.

The Druidan defending in the first half would probably be best described as sloppy. Clearances were just coming staight back (if they went anywhere at all), and the attacking players just didn't know what to do. How Smoking Pits only went in one goal up at half time is a mystery, but that's how it was.

The goal itself was pretty scrappy, with five attempted clearances by Druida defenders skewing straight up in the air before Jürgen Rächer scrambled the ball home. It was no more than they deserved.

In the second half, Kallins made a change, taking Garth Vincent out of the Druidan attack and bringing Trevor Wilton in to shore up the defence. It definately did the trick, as 5-3-2 looked a lot more solid than 4-3-3. It made for scrappy, unentertaining stuff, the stuff Trevor Kallins' teams have become renowned for. Then, with time ticking away, Urk came up trumps again, taking on Blix and laying off Trefor Andrews for one of the simplest finishes he will ever make.

And so, onto the Rainbows' last match, against The Latin Union. Both have beaten Arjastan and drawn with Smoking Pits so far, so this will be a close one. Both teams will be hoping that Arjastan can upset the odds in their game by stopping Smoking Pits from winning, allowing both sides to go through. However, a draw against The Latin Union would be enough for Druida anyway, as they would go through on goal difference. However, that would mean that the Latins would have to rely on the other result going their way.

Final score:
Druida 1-1 Smoking Pits
Andrews 93 Rächer 32
The Latin Union
12-10-2004, 13:07
OOC to The Latin Union: Don't worry if your RPs are a bit late, they're all welcome. :cool:

((OOC: I didn't get around to thanking you earlier. Thanks.))
The Latin Union
12-10-2004, 13:43
LATINS DEFEAT ARJASTAN, 2-1
By Luigi Barzini, Sports Commentator

LOPINKA, VILITA - After an unsure start to the Baptism of Fire in a tie game with Smoking Pits, the Latin National Football Team secured second place in Group D with a smashing victory over Arjastan.

The game began with the Arjastanis coming on hard, eager to avenge their loss against Druida and stay in the running. They bypassed the Latin forwards and midfielders and managed to nick around Fausto Garrido before nailing a solid goal over the head of Efraín Cavazos, whom Sergio Vieira had allowed to start as the Latin goalkeeper. This was disheartening to Cavazos, but he redeemed himself later in the game before halftime by deflecting another goal attempt that got around Leandro Zamudio.

In the second quarter of the game the Latins got sick of the Arjastani offensive and snagged the ball from their forward to charge ahead and score a solid goal with Rodrigo Nevarez. It was a solid back-and-forth exchange until halftime, after which Cavazos was replaced by the impassable Tacito Benavides, and Gil Cerveira was changed out for Quique Lemus because of fatigue. Vieira saw the Arjastanis change to a more solidly defensive setup and told the forwards to do nothing but go to town on them. Nevarez, Lemus, Francisco Faria, and Eustache Laberge kept the game entirely on the Arjastani side of the court for the rest of the game. Though the Arjastanis put up a good defense, every time they tried to send the ball back to their forwards they were solidly stopped by Latin midfielders Amancio Albornoz and Gregorio Rebostini.

An amazing play by Faria and Laberge sent the ball back to Italian Stallion Rebostini, who slammed the ball straight through the Arjastani defense for the second Latin goal. When the celebration subsided the Arjastanis were more determined than ever to stay in the game and grew more aggressive, but a solid Latin midfield and defense kept the ball zigzagging over the center line.

Thirty seconds before the end, Quique Lemus had the ball. He passed to Faria, who faded it back to Albornoz. Albornoz sent it over to Laberge, who sent it back to Lemus. Lemus pounded it at the goal but it was deflected by the Arjastani goalkeeper - straight into the foot of Faria, who sent the ball into the goal again. Sadly, the end buzzer had sounded not two seconds before.

No matter, however, because the Latin National Football Team has secured its first true victory in the Baptism of Fire. The standings in the group are currently:

Druida - 4
The Latin Union - 4
Smoking Pits - 2
Arjastan - 0

Smoking Pits tied its game with Druida yesterday. Arjastan is now eliminated from the group and will not advance to the quarterfinals. Tomorrow the National Team faces the renowned Druida. So far their records are equal, both having beaten Arjastan and tied with Smoking Pits. Should either team win tomorrow the other will have to worry about Smoking Pits defeating Arjastan to gain the second place slot. However, should Smoking Pits lose or tie with Arjastan, Druida and the Latin Union will be assured to advance, and tomorrow's game will only be to determine who takes second place.

There is also the possibility that the Latin Union and Druida tie tomorrow while Smoking Pits beats Arjastan. Druida would still hold first, but the Union would be dropped to third only because Smoking Pits would tie them and is higher up alphabetically.
Myrulesia
12-10-2004, 14:01
Myrulesian Herald
Reporter Mick Madeson

Myrulesia back to winning ways
The Myrulesian national team got back to their best, with a 2-1 win over Allsio, in a hard fought contest the Myrulesian team had the upper hand, with goals from both of their strikers Briccant and Needszit, the match started slowley with neither team giving any quarter,a quick bit of thinking from Absent, who threw the ball out to the RB Vision who took the ball past the halfway line he passed it infield to Mcgroin who sent a defence splitting pass to the feet of briccant who rounded the keeper and calmly put it in the back of the net for 1-0, in a close game it was a matter of who took their chances which both teams had a hatfull, with the start of the second half Allsio pushed everything forward to find a equalizer, which duly came in the 53 min from a free kick, Allsio kept Myrulesia on the back foot, with time running out Myrulesia hit back with a counter attack Lect sending the ball down the line to Pugh who crossed the ball to the diving head of Needszit, the keeper got his finger tips to it but the header was too powerful, 2-1 to Myrulesia. Five mintes later the ref blew for full time and Myrulesia had won their first game in the BOF.
Manager Nick Agoal said" after the last performance the lads had to go out and show what they were capable of doing, Allsio are a strong side so we had to be at the races to win this".
Goalscorer Lou Briccant had this to say " the lads were gutted after the first game, but we played our socks off today and got the result"
Man of the Match went to Captain Dwayne Pipes who had an outstanding game at the heart of the defence. with this kind of form Myrulesia have a good chance of going through and maybe also a little luck

Absent 6, Lect 7, pipes 9, dewitt 8,Vision 7,Tarred 5(pitt 7), Pugh 7,mcgroin 8, briccant 8 needszit7,night 5(Zaria 7)
Subs not used, Down, Idle, Faker
Bookings Mcgroin,Dewitt, Needszit. Sendings off 0
Goals Briccant, Needszit.
Overall goals Briccant 2, Needszit 1, Pugh 1.
Team Vs Ashibot
CK: Marcus Absent
LB: Stu Pitt
RB: Tel Vision
CB: Dwayne Pipes
CB: Kenny Dewitt
RM:Leo Tarred
CM:Ray Pugh
CM: Holden Mcgroin
CF Lou Briccant
CF: Casey Needszit
LM:Pete Zaria
Subs
GK Sid Down
D: Daryl Lect
M:Samson Nights
M: Ed Ible
AT: Kenny Faker.
Audioslavia
12-10-2004, 14:05
And I thought you'd redeemed yourself by agreeing with AS....

you spelt 'condemned' wrong

[/tnui]
Smoking Pits
12-10-2004, 14:45
ooc: Blam. A bit late. But meh. And yay that fistcuffing :D

Oh, but Druida, it would be good if you leave the player scoring my goals for me. For now, no offense taken, but...

ic:

Smoking Pits vs. The Latin Union

The players chuckled a little, Schönbaum had yet to realise why he hadn't been awarded with a red card for the stunt he pulled in the 38th minute... But that was a secondary issue. Of course, they all knew that they had a different problem, now that the game was over... With three yellow cards, a relatively peaceful game, too.

And then, Corporal Haubert begun his rant.

"This was a game? Pansies, you are! Rächer, yes, Rächer played the way this game is supposed to be played, but you? The Kaiser will be... Shall we say, ang- STOP THAT!" Freyer & Rächer had kissed each other, and giggled, now, hiding somewhere. Haubert cursed under his breath Demented Perverts, if I wouldn't need them, I would... "Anyway, believe me, fools, I will make sure the next game will be different! And if I have to give the 14th Infantry division actual ammunition, should Vilitia allow that... They WILL make sure you will run!"

The Watcher

"Today, Corporal Haubert announced that Paul Schleicher does possibly have contacts to the communists, and is thus suspended from the team. His replacement will be the new star of the last season, the Kaiser's son, Friedrich. Let us all rejoice, for the next game will be a victory of magnificient proportions!"

Druida vs. Smoking Pits

Corporal Haubert was about to explode. Again. Well, one had to admit, he did that, constantly, anyway, no matter what happened. Some people said he replaced the entire team after a 10: 0 victory with his old club, angry that they didn't score more goals against their inferior enem... Opponent.

And this time... Well, admittedly, Rächer had been efficient enough, scoring the goal.

Yet, for a system with only two defenders but five forwards, the results were... Odd, and from the shouting of the 14th Infantry Division (Without actual ammunition, apparently, Vilitia had some security concerns), they weren't all that happy with the results.

Well, at least Friedrich had succeeded, and managed not to ruin the seventh ball he got, instead passing it to Rächer, this resulting in the goal.

Nevermind the other eleven attempts he failed miserably... But that is what happens if the rest of the team is ordered to help a celebrity...

Fucking Monarchy.

Smoking Pits vs. Arjastan

Preparations

"You think the photos will reach the press?"

"No." Haubert was angry, as usual, and he would have loved shooting both, Freyer & Rächer, alas... He couldn't. Well, not yet, anyway. "But do me a favour and abstain from... Whatever perversions you're planning until the turnament is over. Sickos." And you, Freyer, wont be there, next time. Jürgen Schalke will be a wonderful replacement.

With that, he left, preparing for the day to come. He had heard strange things, things about substances being able to increase the capacity of a human being... Yet, he didn't know much about them, coming from Smoking Pits, which was just about to discover such things... In theory.

But over time... Who knew?

The night, in a Vilitian Pub

Rudolf Geier was already drunk. Very drunk. And with his carabine standing to his right, lacking any kind of ammunition, he made sure that he stayed like this. Sure, the matches hadn't been all that great... Possibly a result of his nation's tendency of not playing with outsiders, this kinda limiting experience... But that was a secondary issue. Like so many things.

And this was when he saw the Arjastani fans.

Hours later, the hospitals were being busy. Very busy. And Rudolf had just become a national hero.

Before the Match

"You will manage it, come on, you will manage it, even though you like wearing pink panties... And I sincerely hope you're not wearing them right now..."

"Actually, Corporal, I am-"

"Oh, just shut up and SCORE!"

Rächer shrugged, and left the cabin. The stadium was full, although it looked like the Vilitians, as well as the Arjastani, weren't too font of the Smoking Pits team... But it was a secondary issue.

A few members of the 14th Infantry Division, wearing their new bandages with pride, reading their native newspapers, discussing the issue of the referee being a 'Treacherous Commie Bastard going to betray Smoking Pits in the interest of the Communist attempt to achive Global Domination', cursed due to their distinct lack of ammunition, cheered as their men entered the field.

The final, the deciding game had begun. A victory with two goals difference, and they would manage the next round.

Rächer smiled, still feeling somewhat odd after his last night with Freyer. It always felt odd, and Freyer liked being on top. Of course, now, he wasn't in the starting team, but... oh well.

Come here...

It was a 'battle' they had to win. Especially since Schönbaum had heard the Corporal discussing certain issues with the Kaiser, mentioning firing squads...

He shuddered. This game was more than just 'important'. It was his life.

Edit: Killing Lotsa typos. And didn't know about the goalscoring common practise. Sorry.
Audioslavia
12-10-2004, 14:56
Oh, but Druida, it would be good if you leave the player scoring my goals for me. For now, no offense taken, but...


Its pretty much a given that the person RPing first can decide which players from either side score the goals, although you are free to dispute anything the other guy says. So, if he tries to tell you that your goals were own goals by his players (like Liverpool England used to do a hell of a lot) or tries to tell you that your team left your captain on the bench and scored goals through a couple of defenders (we had a complaint like that not so long ago) then feel free to ask them to change the RP, or simply make up some funny stuff to account for it (captain had the clap, your players disguised themselves as the opposition and deliberately scored some own goals etc..)

Good RPing by the way, keep it up dude :)
Legalese
12-10-2004, 15:26
Legalese Times
"All the news that we can make up"

Legalese handed second loss in Baptism of Fire Cup
Final match against Somalialand for pride, bragging rights, and 3rd in the group

-Sile, Vilitia

The dream of the Legalese National Team has been realized. Unfortunately, when it comes to the dream of advancing in the Baptism of Fire Cup, they will have to keep dreaming. Legalese fell in a 2:0 match to Nova Britannicus, dropping Legalese to 0-2 for the tournament. As FMJPhoenix and Nova are both at 2-0, the advancing teams have been set in group B, with Matchday 3 to be meaningless to the result.

However, don't tell that to Manager Robbie Heard. "Matchday 3 is far from meaningless" said Heard after the match. "My boys have handled things well, despite our winless record, and will now be playing for something that is almost as important as the cup itself: pride."

The match against Somalialand pits the two winless teams in the group against each other. A win by Legalese is needed to finish third in the group, as Somalialand leads by one goal in differential.

Carlos Manachev is looking forward to this match.

"Somalialand has come into this cup, claiming to be the class of the group" Manachev commented. "They're now right where we are (0-2), and doing just what we will be: playing for pride. It will be a very interesting match, that's for sure."

Legalese's Baptism of Fire hopes may be over, but that does not necessarily end the dream. World Cup 18 is approaching, and Legalese will be a part of that. Besides, their pride is on the line here.
Nova Britannicus
12-10-2004, 15:37
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

Navy-Blues Qualify for Knock-outs with Game to Spare
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

Dean Caliban was instrumental in the match that saw the freshly-blooded players of Nova Britannicus qualify for the Quarter-Finals for the second time in three tournaments. Last time they faced the might of Turori in the Colony Cup, this time it will be one of the teams from Group D.

As the hot Vilitan Sun shone down on Sile, Nova Britannicus came into their own against a Legalese side still trying to find their best formation. No less than four minor variations on the basic 4-4-2 were played by Legalese. Whether it was the diamond, or a player 'in the hole', or one covering the back-four, or roaming wingers, Legalese couldn't get to grips with a well-drilled Nova Britannicus who were eager to unlock the nervous defence, in their first tournament.

With Willis steadfast in midfield, as always, the Navy-Blues' Wingers were given full freedom to roam and rampage around the pitch with abandon. Dean Caliban and Kenny England cut inside, went wide, swapped flanks and even appeared on the same touchline on more than one occasion, completely out-foxing the defenders who thought they were seeing double. The first goal came from neat play by the wingmen. Kenny England forced his way down the left-hand side in a weaving run that drew the defence towards him. He followed up a dizzying run with a fantastic swtched ball across the park to Caliban on the other flank. Totally unmarked, and in loads of space, he took it forward before swinging a cross into the box.

As the Legalese defence were streaming back across the pitch to pick up the marking assignments, Reginald Winthrop lost his man and rose up to head the ball down into the net, for 1-0 to Nova Britannicus.

The second goal that sealed the victory came in the second half, at the other end. Caliban slid into a 50-50 tackle and came away with the ball. As he ran forward towards the goal, the defence backed away, not willing to bring him down and risk a dangerous free-kick. On he went, skipping past the half-hearted challenges until the goal upened up before him. One swing of a right boot later and it was two-nil, a perfectly placed shot that few 'keepers in the world could have reached.

The only sour note of the match was Centre-Forward Charlie Bowman, as he picekd up what looked like an ankle injury during a challenge with a Legalese midfielder. Its very likely he'll miss at least the next game, and he's targeting the Quarter-Final, or perhaps even the Semi as his return to the team.

"We both put a foot in and mine came off worst," he said in an interview afterwards, "I think I hadn't put my shinpad on straight and he's caught me on the bare skin. I'll be alright in a few days."

Johnathon Lyon, the Montepool Waves Forward who led them into the Starblaydi Beta Division with a promotion last year, looks set to take his place in the line-up against Fmjphoenix, who also won and thereby closed off the Qualification spots to the other two teams. Both the Navy-Blues and they are undefeated on Six points, with the final group game to decide the Group Winner. A close eye will be kept on the Group D results to see who Nova Britannicus will play in the next round. Bekkside Neighbours Druida, or Under-21 starlets Maserrat? Perhaps even Smoking Pits will face the Navy-Blues.

"All we can do is wait, and take each game as it comes."

Goals:
Winthrop - 24th (NB 1-0 Leg)
Caliban - 61st (NB 2-0 Leg)
The Latin Union
12-10-2004, 15:47
It was 5 AM, Cuiabá time. On the third floor of the stately Red House, in the official office of the President, the drapes were open, letting the first rays of sunlight filter in through the frosty windows. The autumn evening was just beginning to peel away from the nation, and as the sun dispelled the early morning mists a sudden noise shattered all semblance of peace in the immediate area.

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAL!!!"

President Pedro Marquez of the Latin Union loved football. He really loved football. And not only did he love it, but he let the whole world know he loved it, which was definitely a fact his wife didn't take too kindly to.

The game in Vilita was just about over. The President had invited the Vice President and some of his old university buddies over to the Red House the previous evening to watch the game before official operations started for the day. They'd managed to get the game projected on the big-screen TV the President normally used only for video conferences. Six men, two of them the most important in the whole Union, were sitting intently around the screen, watching every kick and slide tackle with amazing intensity for the early morning hour. One of the President's friends had found the microfridge in the corner of the room and doled out a cold soda or frappucino to everyone. Marquez was even sitting on the edge of the very official-looking Presidential Desk. A stern-faced Secret Serviceman stood unobtrusively in the back of the room, not partaking of the pleasantries. Every elected official needed some time off, and the President was definitely one for having a good time every now and then, but even then the Secret Service insisted upon having him protected. As if four of his best friends were not to be trusted.

"For the love of God, Pedro, quiet down! Are you trying to wake the whole country?" The First Lady of the Union had appeared at the doorway in a bathrobe, rather angrily.

"I'm sorry, Victoria. Did we wake Juan?" Marquez asked of his wife.

"No, but you're coming close," Victoria replied. "Do you need to let everyone in the whole building know of every single goal?"

"Give me some slack, Victoria," Marquez pleaded. "Everyone needs a break now and then."

"But not at this hour! Why are you up so early?"

"The game is happening live, as we speak, dear. If I taped it and watched it before bed tonight it wouldn't be as exciting."

"Not only that, but you feel kind of stupid screaming at a game after the fact," added Felipe Caraguez, the Vice President, his suit coat draped over the Presidential desk.

"I would think you should feel stupid screaming at ANY televised game. They can't hear you. This is just the second game of the whole tournament, right?" asked an exhausted Victoria. "Why do you need to watch this game? Couldn't you wait for the Group clincher or something?"

"Uhhh..." President Marquez strained for an intelligent answer. Finally, all he could come up with was, "No. I like football." The whole group chuckled.

Victoria smiled. "Just keep it down. Juan doesn't need to wake up and see his father acting like a schoolboy again." She turned and left for the bedroom again, which was all the way across the building, indicating just how loud Marquez and his friends were.

"She's better than my wife," Caraguez commented. "If I run the risk of waking the dog, she complains." Marquez smiled.

"Holy shit, look at Lemus!" shouted Ronaldo Ruiz, the President's former university roommate. "Look at this!"

The whole group focused on the TV screen, watching as one player passed to the next, then the next, then the next, then the first one again. There was a moment of confusion as the camera refocused, and suddenly the first player was kicking for a goal. The goalie blocked it, the buzzer sounded, and another player kicked again just as the game ended. No point awarded.

Juan Marquez woke up during the ensuing noise. The First Lady was not pleased.
Maserrat
12-10-2004, 17:35
A Point From History

After today's 1-1 draw with Ashibot, Maserrat are on the brink of progressing from the group stage of a competition for the first time in their history. However, coach Poskit Karpova has aired his views that they should already be there:

"I feel that the referee made some poor decisions today. Everything seemed to go Ashibot's way, even though they've made no contribution to the tournament so far! Perhaps there is a bit of universal hatred for my team, I do not know. I just hope our final game is not marred by the controversy I felt was present today."

Karpova was referring to a number of incidents, including the disallowing of a perfectly legitimate goal, turning down a good penalty appeal, and gifting the free kick to Ashibot that led to their goal. Indeed, Maserrat's performance was almost as good as yesterday's against Myrulesia, and they probably deserved to have won this game. However as Karpova said yesterday, single goals can prove costly, and this one could come back to haunt the Maserrat team tomorrow.

The game started innocently enough, with Maserrat down by the Ashibot goal for the first ten minutes. Ashibot soon found their feet though, resulting in a tight midfield battle. Then came the crucial moment - on 42 minutes an Ashibot player appeared to dive just outside the penalty box. Nobody seemed to be asking for a free kick, so it was a surprise all round when the referee pointed towards the Maserrat goal and booked defender Poiana Zchefqi. Whilst the Maserrat players were still arguing, an Ashibot player tucked the ball into the back of the net, and the Dynamos trailed 1-0. Once order was resumed, Maserrat set about the task of roping their opponents back in. It was only two minutes later when Maserrat had the ball in the back of the net, Odisema Catreman setting up Qostaze Ubuloy to get his third goal of the tournament - only it wasn't, as the linesman inexplicably signalled for offside. Footage later showed that Ubuloy was at least two yards onside, prompting fans to question the myopic ability of the official.

Trailing 1-0 at half time, Karpova visited the referee only to be turned out with accusations of trying to pressurise the officials. As the second half began, Karpova was still arguing, and was sent to the stands (although the football association is unlikely to ban him for the next match). With his departure, the Maserrat players rallied together, and had a penalty appeal of their own turned down on 62 minutes, Ubuloy being upturned by an Ashibot defender. However, despite the efforts of the referee, Maserrat got what they deserved on 78 minutes. A quick one-two between Hughte Jesrew and Borle Xantoi set up the defender for his first ever goal for the team. In then end it wasn't enough to get the three points, and Maserrat fans left the stadium feeling cheated.

Despite the melancholic feelings, Maserrat are on the brink of achieving something great. If they do get through (a fact doubted by some after today's controversial game), they can expect a good reception when they do get home. Already a major celebration is being planned, but will another refereeing performance spoil the party? Only tomorrow's game will reveal the answer.

Match Details

Maserrat 1-1 Ashibot

Scorers:
Jesrew 78

Team:

GK Grady Waskowiec
LB Yuri Olkirov
RB Hughte Jesrew
CB Asamy Vergo
CB Poiana Zchefqi
LM Ferevarco Ferenitzin
RM Borle Xantoi (c)
CM Zaqery Poskilka
CM Gyrokli Haman
CF Qostaze Ubuloy
CF Odisema Catreman

Subs:
None
Somalialand
12-10-2004, 20:55
(Personal OOC to vilita or whoever is scoring)

I really dont mean to complain or even try to change anyhting but I dont know why we lost that game against fjmphenoex

I think for starter that we had many players better than them, we had Rbed better than them,

They were talking abou the last match that happend when we have already posted two posts about our game to them.

I mean vilita i just want the process you used and why did you see the numbers or the values you used to give us O and them 1,

I even think nova brittanicus, Who we have come to admire personally for their rbing style and their good rbing would agree with us that we would have won that match.

I just want a detailed explanation from vilita why they gave us 0 and them 1.

That is it.

Please we want a detailed explanation.
---------------------------------------------------------
Starblaydia
12-10-2004, 20:58
(Personal OOC to vilita or whoever is scoring)
I just want a detailed explanation from vilita why they gave us 0 and them 1.


Myself and Vilita are scoring the four groups, We use a Microsoft Excel sheet involving Random Numbers to produce the scores.

Each team starts off at an even rank of 200. We give a Team Roster a mark out of 5, and the quality of each RP is counted into the calculation when scores are put out by the Excel Sheet.

There is a fair ammount of of luck involved in this system, but Teams that RP will usually do well against teams who do not RP. Group B is a special case as every Team, Somalialand Fmjphoenix, Nova Britannicus and LEgalese have RPd, which means two RPers will be knocked out. Unfortunately for Somalialand and Legalese, this has happened to them.

We don't 'invent' the scores, we input data into a program and it gives us the scores.
Somalialand
12-10-2004, 21:35
So can you show me or copy the input you put in the exel program and what the output was

(Still OOC)

and to add to that it seems that i have RB more than fjmphenox, We had four to five posts they only had two or three posts, and to add to that they never rbed for the match we had, they were thinking about the other match while i had posted two posts about our game together.

(I dont want to come off angry about the score, i just want to know Why and How?)
Fmjphoenix
13-10-2004, 00:27
FMJPhoenix garunteed 2nd place in group B, quarter-final entry in BoF
By Allen Newhouse

Turoki, Vilita: FMJPhoenix was garunteed no less than 2nd in Group B today with a narrow 1-0 victory over Somalialand. They still only are looking at this as a day by day approach.

"I know we are going to the quarter-finals, and are at least having 2nd place. That does not mean we will not be going out to take first." Coach Wash announced at a press conference after the match.

Over 100 million fans in FMJPhoenix were in celebration as their national soccer team pulled off another unprobable victory over an eager and tenacious Somalialand team. Fans were estatic in FMJPhoenix when at 83'28 Mike Nolan took a quick pass from Carlos Santos and took a shot that froze goalkeeper Mohamed Murre, who dove late and was unable to block.

In a game that featured two stong offences, it was the defense that ran this game. There were only a combined 7 shots took by both teams, 4 by FMJPhoenix and 3 by Somalialand. The defnsive back two of Gali Ahmed and Jamac Muse stopped FMJPhoenix early, as they only were able to take one weak shot that was easily stopped by Murre.

On the other side of the defence, the duo of Bobby Bash and Michael Bo got off to a slow start, but did not allow any Somalialand player to get within 10 feet of a good shot in the second half. There was a momment of pause just before the end of the first half when Tra Miranda took a ball to the face and did not get up for 5 minutes. He would leave and later return to the sidelines to root his team. He suffered a mild concussion and will be re-evaluated tommorow and should be available for the quarter-finals match.

Now FMJPhoenix has a tall order in front of them. They must face the Nova Britannicus squad, who is also unbeaten. The team has already started their study session of the two matches that the Novans have had and plan to analyse their team for weaknesses that they cna exploit.

"The only thing I can tell you we are going ot attack is what is already known about them. We will attack their their midfielders. They are offense oriented, we will exploit that as much as possible. We may find more too. You will just have to wait and see." was Coach Wash's words as he left the conference.

[1] Nova Britannicus 2 2 0 0 5-2 6
[2] Fmjphoenix 2 2 0 0 4-2 6
3- Somalialand 2 0 0 2 2-4 0
4- Legalese 2 0 0 2 2-5 0
Druida
13-10-2004, 00:34
RAINBOW SPORTS PRESENT...


THE NEW DRUIDA KITS!!! (http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=266482&img=6185FCDkits.gif)

On sale now at Rainbow Sports stores across Druida

Kits sold may differ slightly from those pictured. Those pictured are (supposedly), from left to right, the home, away and third kits. Anyone caught wearing one in public will be caught by the Druida Fashion Police and could possibly have the offending items confiscated.
Legalese
13-10-2004, 01:08
Kits sold may differ slightly from those pictured. Those pictured are (supposedly), from left to right, the home, away and third kits. Anyone caught wearing one in public will be caught by the Druida Fashion Police and could possibly have the offending items confiscated.

OOC: a) If I was caught wearing one, I'd accuse someone of drugging me, and slipping it on.
b) assuming (a) is ever to occur: if the Druida Fashion Police want it, they can keep it :p
Legalese
13-10-2004, 01:34
----For Immediate Release----
Pre-Match Press Briefing- Matchday 3

Sile, Vilita

Courtesy of the LAFC

Legalese MNT Manager Robbie Heard addressed the press corps prior to Legalese's final clash of the Baptism of Fire Cup with Somalialand. At this time, he also released the starting eleven for the upcoming match.

Some comments from Heard:

-On his team's performance: "Considering this will be our third match together, their performance has been about to where I've expected. Obviously, there are things we need to work on in training, especially our defensive efforts. For the most part, we have been playing satisfactory ball, except for giving up one or two opportunities per match. Letting your opponent walk in through the front door is hardly going to get you anywhere."

-On the tactical changes: "Well, we're trying to find the right fit for our style of play. the 3-4-3 was somewhat effective, but was a bit lacking on defense. We will be going with the 4-5-1 tonight, and see how that works."

-On Matchday 3 opponent, Somalialand: "We've heard a lot of talk from them, but have yet to see them back it up. This concerns me slightly, as they have a lot to prove tonight as well. All I know is that we'll give them our best."

Starting Lineup for Matchday 3
1 T. Walters, GK
3 P. Templar, SW
2 E. Smith, LB
4 F. Francis, RB
5 M. Watson, ST
15 R. Kristhofer, LM
20 O. Rodd, RM
13 K. Trewands, LWM
23 Y. Niedermeyer, RWM
10 C. Manachev, AM
9 J. Lambert, CS



----For Immediate Release----
Maldunia
13-10-2004, 02:36
Maldunian Sports Network

FIRST INT’L WIN!!!

Penningworth, Starblaydia – Star forward Steve Murphy brought his tournament goal total up to three with two points early in the game. Eskrador may have scored two before the final whistle, but it was the steller passing of Maldunia’s midfield that controlled nearly the entire game.

Maldunia’s third goal came in the 45th minute when Rick Wallace beat two Eskradorian defenders then passed the ball across the goal to Bintu Nwazike who quickly tucked it into corner of the net. After that Maldunia played keep away until a sloppy pass by Oscar Kirmeyer set up a break away and goal by a plucky Eskradorian forward.

“I can’t believe I let that one right past me!” said frustrated goal keeper Zack Bock with two sheepish defenders standing nearby. It’s safe to say he isn’t very happy with the overall performance of the defense in the tournament. “If we’re going to make single elimination we have to tighten up the defense. Our attackers are doing just fine, but we keep letting too many through!”

Eskrador 2 - 3 Maldunia

Considering Castillanos have allowed two goals in two games, and Maldunia has allowed four it should make for an interesting game. Tieing Castillanos does not guarantee a place in the play-offs. But a tie between Spalatium and Eskrador does. It’s still wide open…


Group A Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Maldunia 2 1 1 0 5 - 4 +1 4
[2] Castillanos 2 1 1 0 3 - 2 +1 4
-3- Spalatium 2 0 2 0 3 - 3 0 2
-4- Eskrador 2 0 0 2 3 - 5 -2 0

Matchday 3:
Castillanos Vs Maldunia
Eskrador Vs Spalatium
Castillanos
13-10-2004, 03:09
Castillanos draws with Spalatium in Game 2: Tied up with Maldunia in Group A

In a shocking turn of events, Castillanos fails to deliver and ties with Spalatium in Game 2 of the Baptism of Fire. Team Captain Reynaldo Gianecchini said in a press conference today that, “Our defense just wasn’t up to par this time and to stay alive in the tournament we need to focus a little bit more on our defense.” The game, played at Victory Park in Vecchio, Starblaydia, ended in a tie with a score of 1-1, the Castillanian Goal being scored by Reynaldo Gianecchini.

In Group 2, Maldunia beat Eskrador giving them an overall 4 points while Eskrador is still at 0 and Spalatium at 2. In order to advance into the Quarter Finals, Spalatium needs to lose their next match up and Castillanos needs to at least draw against Maldunia. The next game, against Maldunia, will be played in the Silverlands in Corinth, Starblaydia, will be broadcasted live on Channel 4 and for cable viewers the Spalatium/Eskrador game will be played on channel 298.

Report by Andrea Cavalcanti of the Santiago Times
Fmjphoenix
13-10-2004, 04:16
Tra Miranda not to play in Matchday 3
By Allen Newhouse

Turoki, Vilita: Tra Miranda will have to watch tommorows game against Nova Britannicus from the sidelineds due to a mild concussion. He suffered the Concussion during the first half of todays game against Somalialand.

"I am very unhappy that I will not be able to participate in tommorows game. All I can do is root for my team on the side and help call out stuff to the team." Tra Miranda told reporters, "I was hoping I would be able to help lead us to a win, but now I will just have to rely on my friends and teammates to do the job for me."

"He is very disappointed in himself because he really wants to play," Coach Wash commented, "He is just going to rest up and be physically and mentally prepared for the Quarter-Finals."

Team FMJPhoenix will have to rely on team leaders such as Mariano Rodriquez and Jorge Mendel to keep the team focused and ready for tommorow.

"We will be ready to go out and get one for Tra, he is a special player to our team and just having him be there will help inspire the guys. Forward Jorge Mendel responded.
The Latin Union
13-10-2004, 05:06
THE CLINCH: A CINCH, OR A SQUINCH?
By: Manuel Villalobos

Okay, so after the tie game with Smoking Pits I felt a little sheepish. But today against Arjastan I felt better. Our boys are living up the expectations I set for them.

That behind me, I decided to fly out to Vilita on the red-eye (don't worry, I didn't miss the game - thanks to the miracle of handheld TVs) and meet up with the big man himself, Pater Vieira. After he got out of his post-game session with the team and the necessary press conferences, he and I met in a small restaurant not too far from the stadium in Lopinka to discuss the upcoming game with Druida - the last game for the National Team in the group and by far its most important. A transcript of the interview follows:

Me: Do you mind if I call you "Pater" instead of "Sergio?"

Pater: Sure thing. A lot of the guys like reading your articles, so you're practically part of the team.

Me: (chuckles) Well, that's comforting. Tell them I say thank you.

Pater: All right.

Me: So you tied with Smoking Pits on Day 1 and defeated Arjastan on Day 2. Druida did the same thing, but with the days swapped. How does this make you feel?

Pater: Well, I can't really judge a team from two games. But the logical thing to say would be that they're right on par with us. Which means both teams will be preparing extra hard for the game tomorrow. Maybe we'll cancel each other out! (laughs)

Me: You're doing this a lot, you know. When someone asked you about Smoking Pits you said the game could go one of two ways, and you did the same thing when asked about Arjastan. Don't you ever take a definite stance on anything?

Pater: (laughs harder) I like to be nice to my opponents. It's just a game, you know.

Me: Yes, but it's a very important game to everyone back home. You got the best wishes of the President at the airport when you left, and a lot of people have been late to work in past two days, which says to me they're all staying up late to watch the games live.

Pater: Where did you hear that?

Me: Well... at least everyone at the office is doing that.

Pater: (laughs)

Me: We have late-night BoF parties.

Pater: I'm glad to know everyone at home is watching us. It makes the team feel proud of what they're doing.

Me: So you're up against the Rainbows tomorrow, and I've noticed in watching the games that they've got two major stars: the Zucchinis Thunk and Urk. How do you feel about them?

Pater: Well, I've watched the tapes of their past two games with the team, analyzing their tactics, and you're right, those two do seem to dominate their offense. But they're just two men, and we've got four guys that make a very solid defensive team to counter them. Tacito and Adão Benavides, those guys are anti-goal machines. That's why I picked them. Then there's the four defenders, Alejandro Jasso, Christian Chiasson, Fausto Garrido, and Leandro Zamudio. Christian especially would seem to have an advantage over the two Zucchinis - they seem a bit slow, and Christian is especially fast and nimble. I would have made him a striker, actually, but he said he thinks he's better on defense. And he really is, he's proven that in practice and during the past two games. Once the ball gets past the center line it's our game. Francisco, Rodrigo, Gil, and Eustache are the best offensive team I've seen in this tournament so far. I might be biased, of course... (chuckles)

Me: Hey, a little bias never hurt.

Pater: You made a point of that. (laughs)

Me: Yeah. So what about the rest of the Druida team? How do they look to you?

Pater: I haven't seen much from them in the way of defense. Their last game was a bit off and they let Smoking Pits get a ball in the goal before they won. It was the same problem we had in the beginning with Arjastan, though. I'd assume Coach Kallins is making changes to fix that in time for the next game, just as I did today in halftime. But we're tightening our offensive approach, too. Gotta cover both sectors equally.

Me: I won't ask for any more on that. Don't want to reveal our secrets!

Pater: Exactly. (chuckles)

Me: You know, the President was looking pretty fatigued today on the morning news. You think he stayed up all night waiting for the game, too?

Pater: (laughs) I'd hope so. What kind of a leader would he be if he didn't? (laughs harder)

Me: (laughs) Not a very patriotic one, I'd say. Well, thanks, Pater, for taking time out to... er... not eat this sandwich with me. (indicating the untouched turkey sandwich on his plate)

Pater: (chuckles) Anytime, Manuel.

Pater Vieira gave me the sandwich after the interview. What a nice guy!
Myrulesia
13-10-2004, 10:42
Myrulesian Herald
Reporter Mick Madeson

Match against Ashibot a sellout
All the tickets for the match against Ashibot at the Hallad City Stadium have been sold as the myrulesian fans expect something special from their national Team. one fan said "I have followed the national team for many years now and i want something in return, a place in the quarterfinals isn't to much to ask for, is it "
This reporter spent an evening with the team, who seemed very relaxed, they know what expectations they have on their heads, its even been reported that the King who is a avid football fan will be watching, a spokesman said "The king told me himself that this was a inportant game not only for the fans but also Myrulesia, it will put us back on the footballing world stage".
So with the match drawing near we can only hope that players go out and play their hearts out for the fans and Myrulesia. Good luck boys.
Starblaydia
13-10-2004, 11:15
Group A Results, Matchday 3
Castillanos 4-1 Maldunia {Silverlands, Corinth, 52,000 capacity}
Eskrador 3-1 Spalatium {Victory Park, Vecchio, 48,000 Capacity}

Group Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Castillanos 3 2 1 0 7-3 +4 7
[2] Maldunia 3 1 1 1 6-8 -2 4
-3- Eskrador 3 1 0 2 6-6 0 3
-4- Spalatium 3 0 2 1 4-7 -3 2


Group C Results, Matchday 3
Allsio 2-3 Maserrat {Bekkside Stadium, Tabeck, 33,000 Capacity}
Ashibot 2-4 Myrulesia {Hallad City Stadium, Hallad, 49,000 capacity}

Group Table:
Pos Nation P W D L GF-GA GD Pts
[1] Maserrat 3 2 1 0 8-5 +3 7
[2] Myrulesia 3 2 0 1 8-7 +1 6
-3- Allsio 3 1 0 2 5-6 -1 3
-4- Ashibot 3 0 1 2 4-7 -3 1

Next Matches - Quarter Finals, Starblaydia:
Castillanos Vs Myrulesia {Silverlands, Corinth, 52,000 capacity}
Maserrat Vs Maldunia {Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, 51,000}
Maserrat
13-10-2004, 14:07
Maserrat Finally Through!

Some said it would never happen, but after months of toil, sweat and blood, Maserrat have huffed themselves over the magical five-point boundary and secured themselves a place in the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time ever. What makes this achievement even sweeter is that they did so as group winners. Karpova, needless to say, was pleased with how things have gone:

"I think my boys did an excellent job out there today. After yesterday's game, some of the lads were feeling the pressure. They knew that they needed something from this game, and it scared some of the younger members of the team - heck, it scared all of us. To go out there today and come back with the three points is an excellent show of character, and I could not be more pleased with them. They'll be getting a BIG reward for this."

But how different the situation could have been. Maserrat fans looked on in utter disbelief, as 34 seconds into the match Allsio took the lead. A cheeky chip over the keeper meant that Allsio would push Maserrat down into second if nothing changed. Disbelief turned to sheer horror when news came through the Myrulesia had also taken the lead against Ashibot, pushing Maserrat down to third. A second goal from Myrulesia shortly afterwards led many fans to expect the worst, especially when Allsio went 2-0 ahead of 21 minutes: a breakdown in communication between goalkeeper and defender letting in the Allsio striker. It seemed to be all over for the travelling Maserrat fans. Nevertheless the players continued to battle on, but came away empty handed at half time. Bars all over Maserrat were full of downhearted, morose and melancholy fans during the interval. The mood didn't seem to brighten when the second half began, Allsio coming close to scoring a third. Then, on 56 minutes, came a stroke of genius from captian Borle Xantoi. A deft backheel in the box surprised the keeper and made it 2-1 to Allsio. This looked to be a mere consolation goal though - nobody expected Maserrat to come back from two goals down.

With the timer approaching ninety minutes, and the fourth official signalling for 3 minutes added time, some fans were leaving the stadium. Others, too horrified to look (especially with the score in the other game now 4-2 to Myrulesia) held their heads in their hands. There were a few though who were still hanging around, hoping for a last minute goal to take them through. Patience is such a virtue, isn't it? On 89 minutes, keeper Grady Waskowiec lanched a hopeful ball up the pitch. When the last Allsio defender failed to deal with the ball, fans in Starblaydia and Maserrat alike rose in hesitant expectation. Ferevarco Ferenitzin got onto the ball, and was one on one with the keeper. A low buzz could be heard filling the stadium, as people drew in breath. What was a matter of seconds seemed to last an eternity as Ferenitzin picked his spot, drew back his shooting leg and blasted the ball through the keeper's legs into the back of net. The stadium erupted with caucophonous noise, and the commentary back home could not be heard due to all the cheering. One of the cameras focussed on an Allsio player, and you could see the life draining out of him. So did their playing ability, as Allsio looked almost painful out on the pitch. As Qostaze Ubuloy made a weaving run from the centre circle, challenges were weak and limp. If the stadium had had a roof it would have collapsed with the noise that came on Ubuloy's third goal in the tournament. A hardly audible whistle marked the end of one of Maserrat's most memorable footballing nights. Images of players hugging each other, Karpova shaking hands with the dejected Allsio manager and fans screaming with delight will be remembered for years to come.

So, who are Maserrat's next opponents? Well, there group winning performance meant that they avoided meeting Starblaydian favourites Castillanos just yet. Maldunia appear to be a very good team technically, but Karpova is confident that they are beatable:

"If we play to the best of our ability, anything is possible."

Doesn't that just say it all?

Match Details

Allsio 2-3 Maserrat

Scorers:
Xantoi 56
Ferenitzin 89
Qostaze 90+2

Team:

GK Grady Waskowiec
LB Yuri Olkirov
RB Hughte Jesrew
CB Asamy Vergo
CB Poiana Zchefqi
LM Ferevarco Ferenitzin
RM Borle Xantoi (c)
CM Zaqery Poskilka
CM Gyrokli Haman
CF Qostaze Ubuloy
CF Odisema Catreman

Subs:
None
Legalese
13-10-2004, 15:33
BREAKING NEWS: Freak Rainstorm blacks out coverage in Legalese, riots start over lack of certainty in final result

Legalese City, Legalese

Fans took to the streets, after a freak rainstorm knocked out the television feed broadcasting match between Legalese and Somalialand. This match is Legalese's final result before the World Cup, and is considered of much importance to Legalites.

In Legalese City, fans took to the streets, frightened by a lack of result in the match. Police were able to restore order, but not before the dog of City Mayor Max Power was tussled in the crowd. Fido turned out to be unharmed.

A spokesperson for WLGL, the carrier of the match, had the following comment:
"We at WLGL regret the inconvenience to our beloved customers. We will resolve the problem sometime between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM."

Meanwhile, the quieted crowds still stood in the streets, not knowing the final score from Vilita.

"What will we do!?" cried Jim Murdoc, local enthusiast. "Without soccer, there is nothing! Please help me!"

Hopefully the situation in Legalese will be resolved soon.
Smoking Pits
13-10-2004, 15:37
Smoking Pits

The Kaiser was sitting in his private chambers, reading the newspapers. Radio? Wasn't his thing, so he tended not to do it, even though it prevented him from witnessing his own son owning the competition.

Well, it didn't matter. For now, he was happy, reading some comments on the results so far.

Not very patriotic, huh? he thought, realising one of the comments mentuioning Smoking Pits' inexperience and the fact that the start hadn't been all that bad.

I might need to check the matter. Filthy communist.

On the other hand... he kinda liked the fact that a draw would result in a disaster, in so far as they wouldn't get any further. This would most likely mean that the team would actually work.

And for this, he could hardly wait.

There was, of course one other issue, the issue being his own position. I want to be thre when we reach the finals...

When, not if.

With a sigh, he gave up, watching the pictures of the players, their mighty moustaches looking scary and beautiful at the same time.

True men! Especially Rächer. This moustaches... Just like mine. They CANNOT! lose.

And smiling, he decided to sleep (Different timezone), knowing that once he would awake, a victory would bring his beauty back to him, the beauty of being successful, the beauty of being überhuman.

Just the Kaiserin was missing. Had he known about her vacations at the hot springs including her young coachman, he probably wouldn't have slept all that well.

On the other hand, that young maid wasn't such bad a replacement.

Oh right, I have to do the sermon about being faithful, tomorrow... Ought to include some words about our athletes. Especially Rächer.
Vilita
13-10-2004, 15:59
So can you show me or copy the input you put in the exel program and what the output was


The output was Somalialand 0-1 Fmjphoenix, just as I posted. Did I like it? No. Did I like having to knock out Legalese too? No. I wish all four of you would advance to the next round, because until now you guys have made this the best Baptism of Fire Cup in the history of the event. Don't ruin it now. The World Cup starts in about two weeks, so don't worry. You'll do great there if you RP like you are now
Vilita
13-10-2004, 16:05
(ooc: Legalese, Great RPing can't wait to see your RP's in the cup, sorry you didn't make it further here.)


Vilitan Region :: BoF MD3

Fmjphoenix [1]-[0] Nova Britannicus
Legalese [2]-[2] Somalialand

Arjastan [0]-[3] Smoking Pits
Druida [0]-[4] The Latin Union



Final Group Stage Tables


Group B---------- -
[1] Fmjphoenix 3 3 0 0 5-2 9
[2] Nova Britannicus 3 2 0 1 5-3 6
3- Somalialand 3 0 1 2 4-6 1
4- Legalese 3 0 1 2 4-7 1
-
-
Group D-------------- -
[1] The Latin Union 3 2 1 0 6-1 7
[2] Smoking Pits 3 1 2 0 4-1 5
3- Druida 3 1 1 1 5-5 4
4- Arjastan 3 0 0 3 1-9 0
-
-
Nova Britannicus
13-10-2004, 19:14
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

'Our First Loss, No More Are Acceptable'
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

The Latin Union, who destroyed Druida four to nothing, will await Nova Britannicus in the Quarter-Finals in the 'Best Baptism of Fire In the World... Ever!'

Media types have been going into a frenzy all over the World, with every nation backing their boys in the quarter Finals. Castillanos, Maldunia, Fmjphoenix, Maserrat, Myrulesia, The Latin Union, Smoking Pits and Nova Britannicus are all making for a fantastic competition, with nobody having the ability to pick a winner from these Eight. Whoever emergres victorious, they'll surely have deserved it.

Nova Britannicus suffered their first defeat against Fmjphoenix, shattering their unbeaten record in a scrappy 1-0 loss. Neither team wanted to lose this match, which resulted in cautious play and few chances. Nova Britannicus' share of the chances mostly fell to Jonathon Lyon, who spurned most, in fact all, of them, shown by the '0' next to Nova Britannicus on the scoreboard.

Not even the usually-marauding wingers of Caliban and England could break through, not even with Wilbert Willis pushing up to take command of the attacking forces. Fmjphoenix's goal was not partiuclarly deserved, as a dismal 0-0 draw was the fairest outcome based on the dreary 90 minutes of play. It was substitue Alex Rivera's twice-deflected goal that finally beat Henry Tuckworth in the Britannican net, first off Wilbert Willis' studs and then John Bowman's hip as the double ricohet completely outfoxed the Tuncastle Rovers 'keeper.

But what of the rest of the teams in this tournament, and the Quarter-Final Match-ups?

Castillanos
Unbeated on 7 points with a +4 goal difference, they were the class of Group A and will be looking to make at least the Semi-Final.
Player to watch: Mateo Alonzo. Classy
will play...
Myrulesia
Almost missed their first match owing to a mix-up with Bus Timetables, they could only come second-best in Maserrat's group.
Player to Watch: Lou Briccant. Slippery.

Fmjphoenix
The only team in the competition to have beaten the Navy-Blues. That's a big achievement, we hope.
Player to Watch: Jorge Mendal. Their Best.
will play...
Smoking Pits
Slave-Driven, practically, their hugely moustached players will win. Or Else.
Player to Watch: Jürgen Rächer. Nice 'Tache

Maserrat
The best team by a distance in Group C, they seemed to want only 5 points, for some unkown reason. Under-21 experience will help them here.
Player to watch: Qostaze Ubuloy. On fire.
will play...
Maldunia
Should really be fodder for the Maserrat Machine as they look outmatched at this level.
Player to watch: Rick Wallace

The Latin Union
By far the best team in B, only conceding one goal, an impressive statistic that the Navy-Blues must overcome.
Player to Watch: Gregorio Rebostini. Horse-like?
will play...
Nova Britannicus
The winner of this match could easily claim the trophy at the final whistle of the tournament. What hope for us Britannicans?
Player to Watch: Wilbert Willis. Colossus


Who's for the Semi-Finals? We think Maserrat, Nova Britannicus, Fmjphoenix and Castillanos. From there, pick 'em yourselves, dammit, you know as much as we do!
Fmjphoenix
13-10-2004, 21:14
FMJPhoenix remains unbeaten, looks to continue solid play in next round
By Allen Newhouse

Vilita: In what looked like a 0-0 draw between unbeatens in Group B transformed into a wild 1-0 win to give Team FMJPhoenix its 3 straight win and 1st place in Group B heading into the Quarter-Finals.

"I was shocked, I still am in shock," Alex Rivera told reported at a post game conference, "I think this is the most competative game we have played in so far in this tournament. I am excited to see what comes next."

Alex Rivera came in with 10 minutes remaining before time stoppage and delivered big, but in a weird way. Before stoppage, we took a open shot from a pass downfield from Jorge Mendel. The deflection from Goalkeeper Henry Tuckworth was not unexpected, but what happened afterwards was. The ball bounced off of Wilbert Willis' studs, then off of John Bowman's hip and was just out of the reach of Tuckworth as it softy landed into the net for the only goal of the game.

"I never saw that one coming, hopefully something like that won't happen again." Said Tuckworth after the game.

Now with the Quarter-Finals looming, Team FMJPhoenix will have to rely on their breakaways and teamwork to beat the Smoking Pits. The team is already studying their gameplay from their group matches and is looking for the best way to target in on any weaknesses.

"This day is behind us now. All that matters is the match tommorow. We will be going out and playing the best game we can. This was a great team we defeated and wish them luck in the next round as well." Coach Was said at the press conference. "We just got luckier today. Hopefully all of our luck has not run dry. We will be ready for anything tommorow."
The Latin Union
14-10-2004, 01:16
NATIONAL TEAM WINS GROUP
DRUIDA DEFEATED 4-0, LATINS ADVANCE TO QUARTERFINALS
By Luigi Barzini, Sports Commentator

VILITA - A shaky start against Smoking Pits, followed by a close defeat of Arjastan, and then this: total Latin victory.

The Latin National Football Team faced projected equal Druida today in a match that has become the defining moment in the short history of Latin international football. The Druida Rainbows, a team whose record equaled that of the Union until today, swept onto the field in their tan-and-brown uniforms, eager to win and secure their position as the current group champion. But the Latins were imbued with a powerful resolve: if they lost this game, they'd have to depend on the dejected Arjastanis to defeat Smoking Pits in order to stay in the running - something none of the team was ready to do.

The game opened with the Latins wary of their opposition. They had seen the exploits of Druidan Zucchinis Thunk and Urk in the previous matches, and had been informed by Head Coach Sergio Vieira to keep them out of the running. The Latin forwards for the first quarter of the game saw little action as the backfielders sought to work out their strategy against the Druidan duo. Adão Benavides began as the Latin goalkeeper and deflected one attempt by Urk before Christian Chiasson nicked the ball to the midfielders, who sent it forward to Rodrigo Nevarez. Nevarez immediately shot from his current position and scored the first Latin goal.

The shock was palpable in both camps. The sudden goal revitalized the Latins and it was entirely an offensive game from then on. Urk and Trefor Andrews were left on the Latin side of the field as the forwards and midfielders took the game to the Druidan defenders. Another goal was scored before halftime, this one by Gil Cerveira with his signature power kick, shooting right past behemoth Zucchini defender Thunk. The game was 2-0 and the Druidans were feeling the heat.

Vieira made no changes to the team during halftime, he just gave the team a brief pep talk and told them to keep it up. The Druidans, however, switched out a pair of defenders and changed their goalkeeper, trying to negate the Latin offense, but it took them a few minutes to reacclimate once the game resumed. Within the first five minutes after halftime, Eustache Laberge took a pass from Francisco Faria and scored the third Latin goal.

That was it for a while, though. The new Druidan defense proved to be formidable, and kept the Latin forwards on their toes. Three times the ball came back to the Latin field and was promptly sent back to the midfielders. Gregorio Rebostini received it all three times and kept it with the forwards for most of the game.

As the game began to draw to a close, the Druidans began to show signs of fatigue. It was still 3-0 and they hadn't had much of an offense for the whole game. A clear attempt was made to take the game back to the Latin defense, and for a brief moment the ball was Urk's. He couldn't get it past Adão Benavides, however, and the ball came to Leandro Zamudio in the 85th minute, who repeated a moment from the National Cup two years ago and sent the ball flying into the Druidan goal from the other side of the field.

The Latin stands erupted into deafening cheers. The faltering Druidans made no further goal attempts until the final buzzer. After the game Head Coach Sergio Vieira shook the hands of the Druidan players and Coach Kallins before joining his team in their center-field jubilation. The victory catapulted the Union into the champion slot of the group and sent Druida, after Smoking Pits' victory over Arjastan, into third.

There's a long road ahead of the National Team, however. Tomorrow they face Group B runner-up Nova Britannicus in what should prove to be a powerfully entertaining match. Should they defeat the Britannicans, who predicted Druida would win Group D, the Latins will play the winner of the Smoking Pits - Fmjphoenix match.

Presidential spokesman Agusto Trujillo sent out a brief press release stating that President Marquez "congratulates the National Team on their victory." They have "made our nation proud, as predicted," and the President "wishes them good luck in the quarterfinals."

Goal Summary:
Nevarez 20
Cerveira 41
Laberge 49
Zamudio 85

Final Group Standings:
The Latin Union - 7
Smoking Pits - 5
Druida - 4
Arjastan - 0
Legalese
14-10-2004, 01:38
Legalese Times

1 for the History Books
Legalese takes home first point in history, with 2:2 draw versus Somalialand
Sile, Vilita

A draw may not be the most desirable result in the world of soccer. However, when it's the first point in team history, it means a little bit more. Finally finding their niche up front, the Legalese Men's National Team took home a 2:2 draw against Somalialand. Unfortunately, the result will keep Legalese last in the bracket, with one more goal allowed than today's opposition.

From the looks on the faces of the Legalese XI, they didn't seem to care.

"It's so satisfying to take a point home" said Carlos Manachev, as he came off the pitch. "It may not be much, but it's the first, and we'll take it!"

Manager Robbie Heard elaborated on the point after the match, taking a very optimistic view to things.

"It may be only one point, a simple draw" commented Heard, "but it's the beginning, a starting point on which we build this team around."

Legalese's scores came early, with a goal by Striker Jonny Lambert in the 12th minute, answering an early goal by Somalialand. Another good chance by the opposition had Legalese down 2:1 nearing the end of the first half, but a run by Yakov Niedermeyer led to the equalizer for Legalese in stoppage time. Tommy Walters, despite an early miscue, recovered nicely, with 8 saves on 12 shots.

Legalese will finish the Baptism of Fire Cup 0-2-1, but is ready for more.

"We'll head back, take stock of how we did, and prepare to do it all again, once World Cup 18 rolls around" said Heard.

Matchday 3
Sile, Vilita
1 2 T
Somalialand 2 0 2
Legalese 2 0 2

Somalialand:Musmuq (5')
G. Ahmed (29')
Legalese: Lambert (12')
Niedermeyer (45+')

OOC: Thanks to Vilita and Starblaydia for putting on the BoF. It has been an interesting experience, and I am glad to have contributed what I can. :)
Maldunia
14-10-2004, 02:15
Maldunian Sports Network

MALDUNIA SUFFERS FIRST DEFEAT

Corinth, Starblaydia – “It’s damn embarrassing. What can I say? They destroyed us! Even if Murphy hadn’t been injured, well… no excuses. We were simply terrible,” was goal keeper Zack Bock’s comment following the final Group A game against Castillanos.

After the uplifting experience of their first international win against Eskrador the day before, the loss to Castillanos proved devastating to morale. Early in the game star forward Steve Murphy was injured in a freak accident with a Castillanian player. At ten minutes, following a fierce attack by Castillanos Zack Bock cleared the ball with a high kick. Several players converged to head the ball when time instantly slowed down. As Murphy was about to leap teammate Gregory Cayne stepped on his foot and Murphy fell forward into a Castillanian player. Murphy’s temple connected with the leaping Castillanian’s knee, knocking him out cold. The stadium went silent and play stopped a moment later. After several tense minutes, Murphy revived and was helped off the field to the polite cheering of Castillanians and Starblaydians while the Maldunian fans sat dumbfounded.

Brock Wade came in to replace Murphy at forward but the team never seemed to recover from the shock. In the second half Maldunia began to self-destruct as shock was replaced with frustration. Midfielder Oscar Kirmeyer, known to be one of the most passionate players on the team, received a red card for a particularly nasty tackle as the tension mounted. Maldunia’s only goal came from the fancy footwork of Rick Wallace as he beat the relaxed Castillanian defense on a break away in the 83rd minute.

Castillanos 4-1 Maldunia
Aquiliana
14-10-2004, 02:24
Legalese Times OOC: Thanks to Vilita and Starblaydia for putting on the BoF. It has been an interesting experience, and I am glad to have contributed what I can. :)
Don't you be quitting on me now. We need more good RPs in the World Cup.
Maldunia
14-10-2004, 02:54
Maldunian Sports Network

NATIONAL TEAM SNEAKS INTO QUARTERFINALS!

Corinth, Starblaydia – While Maldunia lost it’s final Group A match to Castillanos, Eskrador’s win over Spalatium gave Maldunia a second place finish. This means the team will have to recover quickly from their last game if they hope to fight well against Maserrat, the winner of Group C.

The Maldunia that we will all see play against Maserrat will be a team missing it’s major leadership. Coach Panagopulos has confirmed the dreaded rumor that star forward Steve Murphy will not be participating in this game due to the concussion he suffered against Castillanos. In addition, midfielder Oscar “Enforcer” Kirmeyer has been pulled because of his red card in the last game.

“I simply won’t tolerate that type of play,” was Coach Panagopulos’ comment. “Especially not on the international stage, in our first competition. We want to be known as a hard fighting yet clean playing team.” Some fans are calling for a more aggressive style of play, but most support the Coach as he has led us into the playoffs.

The final change to the line-up is the replacement of goalkeeper Zack Bock. “He simply hasn’t been performing to the level that we expect,” said Coach Panagopulos. He will be replaced by twenty year old Lyle McCally who was added to the roster late after the Under-21 team was cut from their tournament.

“Now we truly find out what we are made of. It is time for Maldunia to pull together and show the world that we have the hearts of lions,” said Coach Panagopulos.

Quarterfinals Match

Maserrat Vs Maldunia
To be played at Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, 51,000

Rick Wallace has been named captain in the place of Steve Murphy.

Starting Lineup
FW – Brock Wade
FW - Bintu Nwazike
FW – Roger Wondoloski
MF - Rick Wallace (c)
MF - Gregory Cayne
MF – Darrell Prodigalidad
DF – Ricardo Traficanti
DF – Steven Akerfeldt
DF – Mikael Wilson
DF - Frank Floyd
GK – Lyle McCally
Legalese
14-10-2004, 03:07
Don't you be quitting on me now. We need more good RPs in the World Cup.

lol... I was only referring to the end of the BoF- that is, the end for the LMNT :p

I'm looking forward to the World Cup. If we make it through the qualifiers, I'll be a happy guy.
Legalese
14-10-2004, 03:21
OOC: Sorry for the double post, and slight off-topicness here, but I was just thinking of something that I could see as a potential benefit, especially for the new nations playing in the BoF.

As we reach the end of the BoF this week, I'm assuming that it will still be some time before WC18, owing to the fact that the host for it still hasn't been selected/announced.

While we're waiting for the World Cup (if we have to), how about having a few friendlies? The intent of the friendlies would be to serve as possible RP practice, with the hope of receiving input from those who know how a good RP should be written. The matches would have no effect on the ranking system, and probably wouldn't even have to require the use of a scorinator, since the results mean nothing, only the RP.

If this sounds like a worthwhile/practical idea, let me know. I'm always open to a TG.
The Latin Union
14-10-2004, 07:48
((OOC: Friendlies sound good. Now that the Union's become acquainted with all your teams, we'd be happy to host, too. Especially if I don't have to generate any scores. ;) Thanks also to Legalese, Druida, and Somalialand for the great RPing. This is fun, and it's gonna be great seeing you all again in the World Cup. Okay, I'm done being all mushy-mushy. :p ))

BRACING FOR BRITANNICUS
By: Manuel Villalobos

Sweaty fans, some of them painted like our flag, filled the stadium. On the field, 22 men held the fate of the Group in their hands. The morning dew was still on the grass, and the teams' uniforms were clean and bright: blue, green, and white on one side, brown and tan on the other. The referees were standing at the ready, whistles in hand. The coaches watched each other from across the field. The game began.

Nevarez scored. Cerveira scored. Halftime arrived. Laberge scored. The game clock read 85. The ball came to Leandro Zamudio. He looked at it. He looked down the field at the Druida goal. He looked back at the ball.

His leg cocked.

The ball hit the net. The stands exploded.

Four to zero. That's the Latin team I know we've got.

Pater Vieira was too busy to meet with me again today, and I thought it woulde be too repetetive to put an interview in two consecutive issues of "Ludi Latini," so I'll do the next best thing: flap my jaws about the upcoming game with Nova Britannicus.

Let's look at their history in the Baptism of Fire first. They're at 2-0-1, having defeated both the illustrious Somalialand and the pleasant, likeable Legalese, and giving a tough game to the powerhouse Fmjphoenix before losing 1-0. That is very impressive. In total, they've scored five goals and let three past their goalkeeper. That's a fair record.

Now let's compare that with the Latin record. Our National Team is at 2-1-0, having first tied with Smoking Pits then defeated both Arjastan and Druida. We've scored six goals on our opponents and let only one in, and that was past a non-Benavides-Brother goalkeeper. No offense to Cavazos, but I think it's clear Pater Vieira won't let him start a game again during this tournament. Statement of fact.

2-0-1 to 2-1-0. Very close. 5-3 to 6-1. Not as close, but similar. Wilbert Willis is definitely a power player on the Britannican team. But Gregorio Rebostini is called the Stallion for a reason. He can keep Willis busy while the defense concentrates on the Britannican strikers. Dean Caliban and and Kenny England make a very shifty duo on the Britannican offense. They managed to outmaneuver the Legalese, but our defense knows what's coming their way now. Christian Chiasson will be sure to follow their every move, and Fausto Garrido can take anything they deal at him. Alejandro Jasso, his bruises nearly healed from the fight with Smoking Pits' Jürgen Rächer, is practically a whole defense in himself, the way he flies around the backfield. And even then we've got Leandro Zamudio, not just an excellent defender, but quickly building a reputation as an excellent scorer as well. And even if our tight defense doesn't get him, though, either of the Benavides Brothers will most certainly block his attacks. Those guys are human walls. But Pater Vieira knows not to depend on your goalkeeper 100% of the time for defense, so he surrounds the goal with defenders. Smart man.

The Britannican defense is a bit sparse. They let Somalialand legend Gali Ahmed get two goals past them in their opening game, something our terrific offense, led by small-town star Rodrigo Nevarez and slam-shooter Gil Cerveira, will exploit to the utmost. Nevarez is quickly becoming a national star as well - he's put in 2 of the 6 goals our team has scored in the tournament so far. The rest have been put in by Zamudio, Rebostini (both non-strikers), Cerveira, and Laberge.

I won't go so far as to say we'll kick ass, seeing as where that got us last time I did. But I will say we're going to see a spectacular game tomorrow. The Nova Britannicans clearly weren't expecting us to make it this far, but recently they've said we're the best team in Group B. That's very nice of them, I thank them on behalf of the team. They're not so bad, either.

Whoa, I think I'm losing my edge here. To make it up to my readers I'll pull a Vieira and say the game tomorrow will turn out one of two ways: both teams do excellently and we win, or both teams do excellently and we win.

Good luck to our guys in Vilita!
Fmjphoenix
14-10-2004, 08:23
Comparisson of Team FMJPhoenix and Smoking Pits
By Russ Kra

Vilita: Before the quarter-finals match between FMJPhoenix and Smoking Pits, we at AP Sports decided to take a closer look at the two team and compare the two teams and see what kind of game to expect.

Offense
FMJPhoenix:
Jorge Mendel is the heart of the offense, one of the most talented players to ever walk out on a field. He is always a tough play and should bee gone to a lot
Mike Nolan is a very promising young gun and has already shown off some of the flashes that are in store in the future. Look to see both him and Mendel to take shots early and frequently

Smoking Pits:
Franz Bauer is an excellent star and will be tough to defend, look to see him try and break out fast and hard.
Michael Freyer is a legend for this team and should be watched eagerly by the FMJPhoenix defensive players. Look to see this duo display fancy work try and score.

Defense
FMJPhoenix:
Bobby Bash is one of the best slide defenders in thius tourny. He has alreayd shown that he is relentless to anyone trying to score and will be doing his best to prevent anyone from coming close
Michael Bo will be sticking on Michael Freyer to make the rest of the Smoking Pits offense put some points on the board.

Smoking Pits:
Friedrich Schönbaum is a superb defender and will try to stick like glue to Jorge Mendel. If he is able to it could be up to the rest of FMJPhoenix to produce.
Hans Blix will be right there to stop Mike Nolan from scoring as well. These two will make the FMJPhoenix squad have to work for their points tommorow.

Goalkeeper
FMJPhoenix:
Adam Larouse has been lights out for this FMJPhoenix squad, allowing only two goals in the first game and none since. Will be a dominate factor in this game.

Smoking Pits:
Max Schneider will be doing his best to keep FMJPhoenix from scoring, like he has to other teams by allowing only one goal in the whole tournament.

This is building into a good looking game, but unfortunetly only one will be staying while the other goes home. I don't want to see either team lose, but look for FMJPhoenix to pull out another gutsy close win to the tune of 2-1.

AP Sports is a producement funded by the public of the Kingdom of FMJPhoenix.
Druida
14-10-2004, 10:54
...and we have news reaching us here on the Druidan News Network that almost all of the Druida players in their final match were, in fact, a team of lookalikes. The 4-0 defeat at the hands of The Latin Union was perhaps unexpected, with many Druidan experts predicting a Latins win of about one or two goals, but it has now been revealed that only the two giant zucchinis in the Druida team were real (no-one else in Druida looks like a huge sentient vegetable), the rest all being replaced by specially trained members of the Druida Fashion Police in heavy make-up so that they resembled the real team members. The real team, we have been told, had been taken in by the fashion police in training the day before the rainbows played the Latins for wearing their new home shirts. However, so good were the disguises that nobody could tell that it wasn't the real team at the time, not even the Druida fans in the stadium. Indeed, some might say that the way that they played didn't give them away either, but we wouldn't want to be so cruel...
Smoking Pits
14-10-2004, 12:21
Smoking Pits

The Watcher

And it WAS beautiful! Rächer scored his second goal in the turnament, a wonderful 30m attempt, landing in the right corner, right in the fifth minute!

Yes, the power of the moustache! We could even see a couple women from our glorious nation visiting Vilitia, wearing fake- moustaches, adoring our hero!

Rächer was quoted 'I put it in their rear, like Freyer did last night', what Rächer meant is unknown, but we are sure that it reflects his good, christian consciousness.

Unfortunately, this quick success seemed to boost the Arjastani effords, and for another thirty minutes, they did indeed manage to force Hans Blix and Friedrich Schönbaum to do their best, defending us, but with the wonderful, perfect help of Max Schneider, saving us after Blix' red card (But he tiook revenge for that, and with luck, the Arjastani will never again be able to kick a ball!) in the 19th minute and the follow- up penalty kick, we managed it.

Then came the second half, and with it, quick success. 55th minute, and Georg Schneider rewarded the fantastic abilities of his brother with a quick goal, admittedly not a very nice one, but still a goal.

Victory seemed to be assured, and for the next twenty minutes, there wasn't much happening, apart from the Arjastani defending against our all- out attacks, until in the 78th minute, Franz Bauer did one of his legendary kicks, the Arjastani goalkeeper trying to defend, but to weak, and eventually, it hit!

Leading by three goals, it was rather obvious that the game was decided, and with the Arjastani giving up all hope, the game ended with abrilliant success, and the 14th Infantry division could rejoice in its triumphant success! The teams, of course.

After an admittedly weak beginning, this time, we succeeded. GOTT MIT UNS!

But what will follow? Our opponent is the vermin of Fmjphoenix, and while they are of course nothing, compared to us, they didn't lose a single game.

Sure, their defense seems to be lacking, compared to ours, and we hope that our magnificient forwards will break through it in no time.

Still, we shouldn't underestimate this opponent, an opponent that is most likely the strongest team we will face during this tournament. Even though rumours that either their group was crap or their referees blackmailed by the treacherous vermin have yet to be denied.

Konrad Adenauer

The Kaiser smiled, reading the article. Yes. Yes, our boys will succeed. Gott mit uns! He thought. And indeed, he needed to buy a new uniform for the final... Oh, and of course, he needed to make sure the firing squads wouldn't wait at the zeppelin harbour. Would be annoying, the team being shot when returning from their fabulous success.

Vilitia

Haubert sighed, checking the tactics for the next game. Of course, it wasn't really necessary, since he knew only one kind of tactic: Suicidental attacks.

Still, the loss of Blix wasn't something he liked. He thought about it.

Ok... Schneider stays... Then Schönbaum, and Blix will be replaced with Magnus... His first international game... Feh. I just hope he knows that I will cut him off, should he fail. Ok... Schneider, Siege, Grau... Yeah, that works, easily... Although... Oh, fuckit, Grau tends to disagree with me. Kramer for him. Bauer... Rächer, Oberth, Friedrich, god save the Kaiser... Here, he was, of course, rather sarcastic. And... Hummm... Yes, I think I will keep Schalke. Wasn't all that bad, preparing the second and third goal.

Another sigh, and ignoring the lot of scribbled, unreadable notes he had written over the course of the evening, he decided to prepare for the sermon he would give his team. Including at least 42 different swearwords.
Maserrat
14-10-2004, 12:24
And in sports news, business in Maserrat has come to a standstill, as everybody who's anybody is preparing to watch the Maserrat Dynamos first venture into the latter stages of a major tournament. They face Maldunia in the quarter finals of The Baptism Of Fire Cup, and have high hopes of reaching the semis, where they will face either favourites Castillanos or Myrulesia, who they beat 4-2 in the group stage. Bars and taverns across the land have been inundated with fans, hoping to see a glorious victory:

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I've never seen the team get this far, and I think to go out now would be a travesty - a disaster, if you will. I've got my noose ready to hang myself if we lose."

Whilst some fans might not be taking things that far, there is an air of expectancy around the country:

"I think we're good enough to win. We got this far, so I don't see why we shouldn't get further."

Coach Poskit Karpova has warned the fans against complacency before the big match:

"After the first game against Myrulesia, everybody expected us to waltz through to the quarter finals. They were shocked when we drew with Ashibot, even though I warned them. Maybe this time they'll pay attention to what I'm saying."

No changes have been made to the team that beat Allsio in the last match, and everybody is relieved that star-man Qostaze Ubuloy, who picked up a slight knock in the last game, is fit to play. With three goals already in the tournament, he is expecting to add to that total today:

"The team has played well these last few games. My service has been phenomenal, and I can't believe the number of chances I've had. I just hope I can carry on scoring freely, and I hope I can please the fans today."

Unfortunately, not everything has gone to plan for the Maserrat team. Last night an intruder broke into the players' hotel and stole £100,000 worth of items. Police are chasing up several leads, but are currently no closer to apprehending the villain. Will Maserrat 'arrest' the opposition and 'steal' a few goals today? Let's have a look...Herge?

Thanks, Mikal. Now, Maserrat's real strength is in their attack. Ubuloy and Castreman have scored five goals between them in three games, and look to be a real handful for defenders. The opposition will need to keep a close eye on the pair of them, and make sure to cut out chances as often as possible, which is a lot more difficult than it sounds. Both Ubuloy and Castreman have a distinct eye for goal, and if there's a chance it will go in, they'll take it. Also, Maldunia have a number of key players missing - star striker Steve Murphy and goalkeeper Zack Bock are both missing, which could give Maserrat a slight advantage here. Whether they take it or not, is all down to the players. Back to you Mikal...
Nova Britannicus
14-10-2004, 12:30
The Novan Daily News Color Supplement
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

A Global Game Divided by Language
Comments and Musings By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

For the Navy-Blues fans in Vilita, something odd is happening to the World of football, something that can only be described as very - how can I put it - 'North American'. These people speak of 'Offense' and 'Defense' like they're two seperate entities. Have they never heard of Johan Cruyff or 'Total Football'?

They have 'Goaltenders'. So do we, but our goaltenders carry pots of white paint for touch-ups and make sure the next is on straight. They have particular 'Slide Defenders', but make no mention of heading, challenging, clearing or even good old hoofing the ball up the pitch. They talk about 'points on the board', and 'final buzzers', where goalies 'allow' goals like they're some kind of gift. Plus they even try to pick leaders for each part of their team, further disjointing their efforts.

For the traditionalists like me, this is all very, very crazy. But we must acknowledge that as Football transfers itself into new and exciting places there will be people who use different rules and tactics to ourselves. Goalies wearing number 88? Well, why not, its only a number, and if a nation has no traditions of Number 1 being the 'keeper then there's no reason to make them do it. If they want to have three men giving orders on the pitch then we'll just divide and conquer. You want to have silly sound effects signaling the end of a game? No problem, just let us keep our men in black and their whistles.

All this diversity is a great thing for the game as it continues to expand and grow into the world. There's just one thing that can go wrong.

And that's these new-fangled-terminology-using-people getting the better of us. It's happened once already, let's hope it won't happen again in the next few matches. Three would be a nice number.
Maserrat
14-10-2004, 12:54
Question: are my RPs too long/boring?
NEWI Cefn Druids
14-10-2004, 13:39
Question: are my RPs too long/boring?

Seem fine to me.
The Latin Union
14-10-2004, 14:01
Question: are my RPs too long/boring?

LOL Maserrat. I was thinking the same about mine, too.
Starblaydia
14-10-2004, 15:01
Quarter-Final Results, Starblaydia

Castillanos 3-2 Myrulesia AET (FT 2-2) {Silverlands, Corinth, 52,000 capacity}

Maserrat 3-2 Maldunia {Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna 51,000}

Next Match in Starblaydia: Semi-Final and Starblaydi Regional Championship

Castillanos Vs Maserrat {Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Penningworth, 85,000 capacity}


In other news, Starblaydi (not Starblaydian) Police are investigating into the alleged break-in at the Maserrat team's Hotel. A Police spokesperson said that 'Crimes like this are unusual in today's Starblaydi society and you can rest assured we'll do everything possible to aprehend the perpetraitor. If this is a Starblaydi, we will want to erase the shame of such a crime on our honoured guests.'
Maserrat
14-10-2004, 16:53
Karpova Predictions Achieved

Let's face it - when Poskit Karpova said that he had a team capable of reaching the semi-finals, who actually believed him? Although 82% of Maserratians thought they would progress from the group stage, a mere 13% thought they'd make it to the Starblaydi (I got it right this time) section's final, or the tournament's semi-final. Undaunted by the odds stacked against them, the Dynamos went out with a brave face and a hopeful heart, and came back with so much more. Not even the majority of over-optimistic fans could have predicted what was about to unfold before their eyes...

Both teams began the match tentatively: Maldunia because of their altered squad, Maserrat purely because of nerves. After ten minutes of midfield play, both teams started to find their feet (apparently some careless soul had left them under the bench) and played like the teams that had got this far. Once the game really started, Maserrat always looked favourites to win. Their attacking style of play has raised questions about their defence, and indeed they did concede two goals on 23 and 48 minutes, but there was no doubt that the front two of Qostaze Ubuloy and Adisema Castreman could cope. Ubuloy found the back of the net after just nine minutes, a deft flick-on by Hughte Jesrew making it simple for the boy (still only nineteen years old). He scored again on 61 minutes, this time from a header. The ball was curled near-post by Borle Xantoi, and Ubuloy made a very difficult move look easy, tapping it out of reach of the keeper with his head and into the top right-hand corner. On 76 minutes Ubuloy turned provider, allowing Castreman to get in on the action by backheeling it to him, and ducking for the shot to fly over his head past the keeper. When the final whistle blew, everybody was listening for the result in the other Starblaydi (twice now) game, Castillanos against Myrulesia. When the speaker announced that Castillanos had scraped through in extra time, there was an exited buzz around the stadium, as it was realised that the favourites were beatable. It is expected tha Karpova will ask Maldunia for a tape of the match, to analyse Castillanos' weaknesses for tomorrow's huge game.

This victory guarantees Maserrat two more games in the competition: tomorrow's Starblaydi final, and either the BoF final or the third-place playoff. Many will be hoping it is the former.

In other news, the intruder that stole £100,000 worth of items from the Maserrat team's hotel has been apprehended by Starblaydi police. It appears that the perpetrator, whose identity is unknown apart from that he is not Starblaydi or Maserratian, gave the items to his elderly mother to look after, but she accidentally posted them to the police instead of her pension card. When police got the items, they found that the thief had written his name on the inside of the envelope, so as to make sure he didn't lose it. He was arresed at a burger bar north of the stadium in Jhannam.
Ashibot
14-10-2004, 17:01
I am very sorry that I haven't been able to participate in this thread. my computer hasn't been working and I couldn't acess the internet
Starblaydia
14-10-2004, 17:39
Ashibot: Sorry that we got under way and you got knocked out before you could do anything about it.

Maserrat:Your RPs are fine, no problems there.

Vilita: Get your ass over here with some Quarter-Final scores! :D
Audioslavia
14-10-2004, 18:37
Question: are my RPs too long/boring?

Not at all mate, you can never have an RP that is too long, and your RPs are far from boring. Theyre well written, informative and interesting as well as balanced so as not to be too biased towards your team. Like 99% of all RPs however, theres not too much to read for a casual onlooker.

99% of the time the audience for your RP is going to be the country you've just played, the other guys in the group youre in and the people that have some stake/interest in whatevers happening, mostly because there are so many RPs about for any one person to read thoroughly.

However, there are a few circumstances where pretty much everyone will be interested in an RP. Excepting the obvious World Cup Semi-Final/Final situation where everyone wants to know who's going to win, heres a few examples of RPs from down the ages which have had an impact on everybody and have caught the imagination.

The 'Lemmitania' - Lemmitania's RPs were hilarious mainly because of the depth of the characters. Gil, Clem, Shemp, Maleficus et all had their own personalities which were built on over the 10-odd world cups in which Lemmy participated fully (before he buggered off to do such menial things like working and looking after his daughter. Honestly, does no-one have priorities anymore?).
Link: Lemmitanian coverage of the World Cup 12 final (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=6103123#post6103123)

The 'Plagiaristic Screenplay' - A slight nod to the Lemmitanian 'radio transcript' style, the plagiaristic screenplay runs over many many many many posts (it took GZ all of WC12 to do The Green Mile, whereas my own 'Escape to Slavery' was never finished). These types of RPs take in RP's from other people (check out Kingsford's RP of the bus-chase a page after the one on the WC11 link). These RPs also benefit from including characters, but also depend on other people taking part themselves. For traditional reasons, this type of RP includes a list of films/books etc which you've ripped off :)
World Cup 12: Giant Zucchini's 'The Green Mile' (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=310041&page=7&pp=15)
World Cup 11: Audioslavia's 'Escape to Slavery' (complete with input from Lemmitania and Kingsford (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=302599&page=36&pp=15)

The 'Comedy Godmod' - Just been beaten by a team of nobodies? Never fear! A quick round of godmodding, like saying your entire first eleven was abducted by aliens, means that any poor result can be accounted for. Although godmodding is annoying and doesnt play to the spirit of the game (NS or football), if you do it in good humour and/or good taste then nobody will mind. World Cup 12: The Belmore Family godmod to explain away a defeat to Pavesia (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=302599&page=32&pp=15)

The 'Propaganda' - A close cousin of the 'comedy godmod', you can explain away any defeat by telling your country that you won the game. Simple, if done effectively of course. If in doubt, ask propganda kings Total 'n Utter Insanity, USAnia and Commerce Heights.
Colony Cup 1: USAnia just plane lie. (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=6278244&postcount=34)

The Big RP Mess - Cant find you any links as yet, but the big RP mess is probably the reason we come back to check our scores every day. The 'RP Mess' is when somebody pounces on an incident from somebody elses RP and blows the whole thing hilariously out of proportion, encouraging other RPers to get in on the action by dedicating their own post-time to it. Examples:
Spaamgate (WC9)
TnUI playing havoc with Liverpool England's currency (WC14?)
The War on Errorism
The Alan Belmore Holocaust
The International Grammar Police (All from the same world cup, though i cant remember which one)
The Sainthood of Alan Belmore (WC12-13)

Not that what you're doing isnt good enough Masserat, with your RPs in this cup you've shown you're as good an RPer as anyone who's ever graced a World Cup. Either way, i thought i'd show you different ways of RPing other than the traditional match-analysis :)
Myrulesia
14-10-2004, 18:40
Damn it i thought i had more time to do the RP, the last matchday took 2 days to do this time you did it in a day, oh well Quarterfinals aint bad, give us a nod for the next one i enjoy it.
Starblaydia
14-10-2004, 19:12
Damn it i thought i had more time to do the RP, the last matchday took 2 days to do this time you did it in a day, oh well Quarterfinals aint bad, give us a nod for the next one i enjoy it.

Two days?

Monday : MD1
Tuesday : MD2
Wednesday : MD3
Thursday : Quarter-Finals

Anyway, World Cup 18 coming up soon, as 17's Final is tonight, iirc. And you're all entered in that, of course, as you're in this Pre-18 BoF.
Myrulesia
14-10-2004, 20:04
Two days?

It must have just seemed that way, WC18 look forward to it
Starblaydia
14-10-2004, 20:17
It must have just seemed that way, WC18 look forward to it

You were that desperate for scores, eh? :D I know the feeling. *drums fingers on desk*
Maserrat
14-10-2004, 20:50
The final's today? I've been going to the World Cup scores thread for days, and it's been stuck on the second round! Oh well, maybe there's been no time to update it (the many jobs of a World Cup host, eh).

I do hope that we do well in the WC18 tournament. Things seem to be going rather well for our football at the moment. I have a day off work tomorrow, so I think I'll fill the time by posting updates on the team every hour (perhaps not on the hour, but close enough) between bouts of FIFA Football 2005.
Vilita
14-10-2004, 21:05
Knockout Matches

The Latin Union .. 1 - 3 .. Nova Britannicus


Fmjphoenix .. 0 - 1 .. Smoking Pits
Nova Britannicus
14-10-2004, 22:23
The Novan Daily News
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington

Latins Smashed 3-1!
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

"Equalling a National Record is a wonderful thing, particularly as we've done it within the Region once again."

Manager Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux's comments on the 3-1 win over The Latin Union in the Quater-Finals of the Baptism Of Fire were greeted by a gaggle of press photographers and journalists, turning the aftermath into something more akin to a Rugby Union scrum. Replacement Target-man William Manney scored the first, with Charlie French the second and comeback-kid Charlie Bowman recovering from his injury against Legalese to come off the bench and tuck in the goal that sealed Nova Britannicus' route to the final four.

The well-sculpted Moustaches of Smoking Pits lay fearsomely in wait for Nova Britannicus in the Vilitan Regional Final. The fearsome men will certainly hold the respect of the Britannican players, as anoyone who's come this far and beaten Fmjphoenix is certainly worthy of respect.

With what will certainly be a full-strength side available in the Semi, the Navy-Blues will march into the stadium with pride, knowing they've never got to a Semi-Final in their previous two comeptitions, having been destroyed 2-1 by Turori in a Quarter-Final and performed Abysmali-style in the last Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football.

No matter what the result of the Smoking Pits game, Nova Britannicus will play yet another match, either the 3rd-Place Playoff or the Final itself. Their opponents for that game, whichever it may be, will either be Maserrat or Castillanos, both of whom won their Groups in Starblaydia.
The Latin Union
14-10-2004, 22:45
FAREWELL, VILITA
NATIONAL TEAM DEFEATED IN QUARTERFINALS
By Luigi Barzini, Sports Commentator

This morning's game ended in a disillusioning defeat for Latin fans, as the final score was 1-3, Nova Britannicus. But Head Coach Segio Vieira and his team are not counting it a total loss.

"We did very well," Vieira said in a press conference shortly after the game. "We came here to gain a good ranking in the World Cup, and I think we did that. We've played four games, won 2, tied 1, and lost 1. That's not a bad record."

When asked what the loss will do to morale back home, Vieira smiled. "People seem to be forgetting that we've got a whole World Cup ahead of us. The Baptism of Fire was just a chance for us to make a good showing and get a good rank, and I think we did that. We won our group and put up a good show against the Britannicans. I'm coming away from this game pleased. You can't wail and bemoan one loss. We've got to focus on the wins. We did very well. And, in a way, we've got a bit of an advantage over those teams that move on. We get to come home and practice up for the Cup."

The game opened with the Latin team coming on strong and taking the game to the Britannicans, who defended against four goal attempts before the Latins finally scored their only point with Francisco Faria, assisted by Rodrigo Nevarez. From then on, however, the Latin team's luck just seemed to run out. Tacito Benavides began as the Latin goalie and took a shot to the head from Britannican Wilbert Willis. He tried to stay in the game but it soon became apparent that he was dizzy and Vieira changed him out for his brother, but not before the Britannicans exploited the opportunity and put one past him with William Manney.

After halftime the Latins were eager to gain the lead again, but the Britannican offense was very strong, and the defenders were hard put to keep on them. The second Benavides Brother deflected at least four goal attempts before he landed on his ankle wrong and collapsed in pain. He was quickly replaced by Efraín Cavazos, who seemed overenthusiastic. Cavazos let two more goals fly past him in the last twenty minutes, as the defenders' energy seemed to run dry.

At the end of the game, the Latin team was not angry. Disappointed, clearly, and very exhausted, but not angry. Coach Vieira shook the hands of a few Britannican players and their coach before returing to his team and taking them to the lockers. It was a dignified end to the opening round of Latin international football.
Nova Britannicus
15-10-2004, 00:30
The Novan Daily News Colour Supplement
Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington in a variety of colours

Two Steps from History
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

The footballers of Nova Britannicus today stand on the verge of greatness. All they need are two wins and they will join the ranks of such teams as Vilita and Aquiliana as Baptism of Fire Champions. Just look how far Baptism-Of-Fire allumni have gone, Aquiliana made it to the World Cup Finals in their first ever World Cup, hosted by Vilita, in which Starblaydia were also present of course, having qualified at their third attempt.

This competition is nothing to be sniffed at as some of the emerging powers in World Football have come out of this competition to rock the boat of those more-entrenched nations. Nova Britannicus will be hoping that the most important game they've ever played will be a successful one for them.

Though Smoking Pits are a difficult obstacle in themselves, it is the team in the other Semi-Final that will cause the Navy-Blues most trouble. We both hope and expect that Nova Britannicus will meet Maserrat in the Baptism of Fire Final to round off a truly great Tournament, so expertly hosted for the second time running by Starblaydia and Vilita, or Viltia and Starblaydia, depending on who has the Final within their borders.

The team in Navy-Blue are still young, the oldest of them being just twenty-three. This is a group of players who can go on to achieve great things in the world, and John Bowman lifting the Baptism of Fire Cup is just one of them.

The fact that they can put one over on the nation bordering them to the South-East by being the first to lift a real International trophy, coupled with the two Britannican teams riding high in the Starblaydi Alpha Division, will be a driving force behind the Britannican charge for the title.

Upsetting your so-called betters? 'Bout bloody Time.




OOC: The Latin Union: The Third-Place match is for the losing semi-finalists of the whole thing, not just the Vilitan and Starblaydi groups.
The Latin Union
15-10-2004, 06:31
((OOC: Thanks Britannicus. I thought the 1/2, 3/4 thing was a weird abbreviation. I'll amend my article. Good luck in the rest of the tourney, see you in the Cup.))
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 08:35
Maserrat Update

It seems that it's not only Maserrat fans that want Maserrat to win today! As the team started their training at the usual time of 0800 GMT, and elderly lady clutching a carrier bag and a walking stick hobbled onto the pitch. Poskit Karpova left the group and asked her to kindly leave the pitch, but she refused to do so until she had seen the players. Despite Karpova's best effort, the stubborn old woman didn't budge, and he had to give in. When the players had lined up in front of the woman, she presented each of them with a pair of woolen underwear that she had spent the past week knitting. She told each of them to wear them during the match, in case it got a little chilly. The team has regarded this as a good omen for the match ahead.

"Hopefully we will have a 'smalls' advantage over Castillanos, now that we have these woolen underwear."

Obviously the players are making light of the situation. The serious business begins at about 1300 GMT, but we'll have another team update in an hour.
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 09:47
Maserrat Update

The team finished training about five minutes ago, and are now preparing for breakfast in the hotel. Lots of fruit, lots of cereals...the stuff you expect world-class footballers to eat. Apparently Karpova has been locked in the bathroom as a practial joke by the players. Something tells me he won't see the funny side of it.

The police have confirmation on the identity of the thief that stole £100,000 worth of items from the hotel a few days ago. Unfortunately he is below the age of 16, so we are unable to disclose this identity to you. It has been suggested that he be admitted to one of Maserrat's social welfare centres, to rehabilitate him. Police are looking into the feasability of this idea.
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 09:50
...so expertly hosted for the second time running by Starblaydia and Vilita, or Viltia and Starblaydia, depending on who has the Final within their borders.

I think Starblaydia have the final, don't they?
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 11:10
Maserrat Update

Well, Karpova has finally managed to get out of the bathroom, but seems to be taking it surprisingly lightly for a man of his blood pressure. He's here with us now:

Reporter: So Poskit, are the lads ready to do the business later on?

Karpova: Well, I think you'll agree that this has been an amazing tournament for us. Morale here is as high as it ever will be, and I think that may be enough to see us through today.

Reporter: What do you know about Castillanos?

Karpova: We got a video of their game against Myrulesia. We've analysed it and found several areas that we can take advantage of. They'll be a tough nut to crack, but with the right tools it is doable, and I think I have those tools at my disposal.

Reporter: Who stands out for you as one who deserves special recognition for this tournament?

Karpova: We've scored eleven goals in four games here, and Qostaze [Ubuloy] has scored almost half of those. It's a big step from U21 to the full team, but he's taken it well, and already looks like a seasoned pro. I can guarantee great things from him in the future.

Reporter: If you do well here, how do you think you will fare in the World Cup?

Karpova: You must not forget that it will be our first ever World Cup. We cannot be expected to qualify easily and then sail through to the knockout stages - it doesn't work like that. It will take time, but I don't think it will be too long before I have moulded this team into one of the best in the world.

Reporter: When do you plan on announcing the team for the game?

Karpova: Oh, about 1200 GMT.

Reporter: Thankyou for speaking to us Poskit.

So, Karpova seems confident, the players feel good, and we're all very excited here. The mood in the Maserrat camp is good. Come back in about an hour, when I'll have the team news.
Starblaydia
15-10-2004, 11:22
And the Semi-Final, to decide the winner of the Starblaydi region and who goes through to the Baptism of Fire Final is...

Castillanos 2- 4 Maserrat

Maserrat

Congratulations and Comiserations in equal measures.
Vilita
15-10-2004, 11:24
Baptism Of Fire Cup :: Semi Final (Lirai Asku Castle (http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/vn/kpv/s-lir.gif), Yeaddin, Vilita)


Smoking Pits [2]-[2] Nova Britannicus
Smoking Pits [3]-[3] Nova Britannicus (AET)

Penalty Kicks:
Smoking Pits [3]-[2] Nova Britannicus

Smoking Pits advance to the final in Starblaydia.




Back in Lonngeylin, The Latin Union transport bus stopped outside the Shultis. The players got out, and the handful of reporters, standing by to get a glimpse of the Vilitan Under 21 team in their training session, began to flurry around. The Under-21's were forced to train at the Shultis, home of Vilitan giants Strike FC, due to the use of their training facilities in Alikki-Corra by Baptism of Fire competition. Soon word had spread. The Jungle Kitties had issued a challenge to the team, they felt, was th best in the Cup. They never gave those Starblaydians any credit, did they.

Dressed in their matchday kits, the two teams took the field in an uncharacteristically empty stadium. That would not last long however, as news of the match spread like wild fire. by halftime, there were 20,000 fans lining the mountainside. The score was locked at zero, and an entertaining second half was all that anyone expected.

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-5-2) ::

[GK] Jimmy Kater

[D] Christos Tchami, [D] Sibusiso Azaïez, [D] Julio Matengu

[DM] Lai Otieno

[M] Inaki Soler, [M] Jeremie Emeka, [M] Malovar Stokks, [M] Sublé Tonic

[F] Riccardo Appolloni, [F] Carmine Mbidzo



BENCH::
[F] Alioum Konadu, [F] Mauro Baraza, [M] Tanner Nerni, [M] Teariki Mané, [U] Musa Nikiema, [D] Ricky Ezis, [D] Emarka Laniora

The Latin Union [2]-[2] Vilita u21
The Latin Union [3]-[4] Vilita u21 (AET)

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/vn/kpv/s-shu.gif
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 12:39
Through To The Final!

It's been an emotional rollercoaster for the Maserrat fans. First the ecstasy of their opening day victory, then the disappointment of the second day draw. The horror and delight of the team's comeback in the third match, followed by the expectation of the quarter finals. Now the feeling is back to ecstasy, as the Maserrat Dynamos make it through to the Baptism of Fire Cup Final. They defeated a classy Castillanos side in the Starblaydi final, and are now on the brink of doing something really, really unexpected, as they face the champions from Vilita, Smoking Pits, in the final.

"I always knew this team was good. Did I expect this? If I'm being honest...no, I didn't expect it so soon. They're playing beyond their years - in fact, I think they're playing in the year 3000."

Once again it was Qostaze Ubuloy that was dressed to impress in this tie. A sweet curling ball from just outside the box started the scoring after 14 minutes. Castillanos got one back just before half time, but after the break the floodgates truly opened. From the kick off, Borle Xantoi and Ferevarco Ferenitzin left the defenders in their wake. The keeper, unable to decide which player to deal with stayed where he was, making it easy for Xantoi to tap it past him into the net. Ubuloy scored his seventh goal of the tournament on 49 minutes, hitting the ball from a very acute angle onto the far post, where it rebounded into the net. The hat-trick, and the win, was sealed on 72 minutes, when he picked up the ball on the half way line, ran down the pitch dodging tackles all the way and calmly chipped the ball over the onrushing keeper. Castillanos scored a consolation but it was all over for them. Karpova, however, had nothing but praise to heap on the opposition:

"They've played pretty amazingly over the course of this tournament. I would implore them not be too downhearted here. The first step is always the hardest, and I expect them to be one of the greats of the game eventually."

The final will be held in Starblaydia (familiar ground for Maserrat, which could be a major advantage) tomorrow. If they win then...well, it will be doughnuts all round to say the least!
Nova Britannicus
15-10-2004, 13:40
The Novan Daily News
]Distrubted in Tuncastle, Widdrington, Montepool, Hernsworth, Foxchester and Beverington in a variety of colours

Staying In Vilita After Penalty Misery
By Rupert Smythe, our man in Vilita

'An abject failure to hit a barn door from twelve yards' was how Manager Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux summed up the Navy-Blues performance. Fans were somewhat less kind in their appraisals.

'My Grandma could've taken better penalties than that, they were shit.' claimed one fan, 'That's true,' said the elderly woman next to him, 'I do have a sweet right-foot shot, if i do say so myself. And wash your mouth out, Richard.'

It all started well enough, target-man Charlie Bowman scoring first with a powerful header in the box with Dean Caliban having impudently supplied the cross. The Navy-Blues were 1-0 up and seemingly cruising with the younger Bowman on the team celebrating his tenth goal for his country, bestriding the top of the Navy-Blues International Scoring Charts like a colossus. Luckily he plays for one of the better and more-entrenched clubs in the Alpha Division, so is likely to receive the best training possible throughout his career.

The crowd were cheering and busy creating witty chants about the Smoking Pits'players' moustaches, but their frivolity was soon shattered by the Balboa-like comeback of the Smoking Pits side. Two fast goals, brilliant in both tactics and execution, rocked the Britannican players to the very core.

As mintue-digits of the Stadium clock ticked inexorably onward, Nova Britannicus were awoken from their self-enforced slumber by a Wilbert Willis thunderbolt of a shot which stirred the crowd to total fury as the referee disallowed the goal, saying the ball had not crossed the line. Willis' shot had hit the underside of the bar and bounced down onto the goal-line. Looking at his linesman, the referee said 'play on' as Nova Britannican players and fans alike screamed in confusion.

It was left to Reginald Winthrop, the sterling midfield maestro, to ghost into the box like a sporting wraith and tap the ball home to find the equaliser. As the full-time whistle's shrill blast echoed around the stadium, both sides prepared for Extra-Time, though many felt it should already be game over and three-two to Nova Britannicus.

The perilous Extra Time Beckoned, Came and Went, yet the sides were still level. Three-Three was the score though, after another peach of a goal by Charlie Bowman. There really is 'Only one Charlie Bowman', as the fans are so fond of telling us.

Then the grim task of dispatching penalties was given to ten lucky hopefuls. Grim indeed was the shoot-out that followed, one which Clint Eastwood in his halcyon days as 'Dirty' Harry would have disowned on the spot. Nova Britannicus proceeded to miss three of their five penalty-kicks, and were dumped into the Third-Place play-off, to remain in Vilita for a dim chance of heavilly-reduced glory.
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 14:14
Is there a list of world rankings somewhere? I swear I saw one before, but I can't remember where it was.
Vilita
15-10-2004, 14:49
Is there a list of world rankings somewhere? I swear I saw one before, but I can't remember where it was.

Is there a list of most points lost because of excessive chatter in RP threads when there are specific discussion threads all over the place? ...Well there is now :)
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 15:24
Meh!?! A yes or no would have sufficed. Besides, I though the World Cup discussion thread was for...the World Cup, of all tournaments. :)
Starblaydia
15-10-2004, 15:32
Maserrat, go to the Discussion thread and browse back through the later pages until you find a set of rankings.

And be glad I'm scoring your RP bonus for the Final and not Vilita.

In other news, Iskara Daii's Foundation Road Stadium (which looks suspiciously like the crazy-lookin' Montreal Olympic Stadium in, um, Montreal) will be playing host to the Pre-World Cup 18 Baptism of Fire. Set in hte scenic Iskara district of the capital, Jhanna, the 75,000-seater stadium is home of the two-time Starblaydi Alpha Divsion Champions.
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 15:39
That's another reason why I hoped we would get into the final ;)
Starblaydia
15-10-2004, 15:48
That's another reason why I hoped we would get into the final ;)

Unless that a weird Tag for writing a 'we love the Daii' RP... Be. Quiet.
Please. Take. The. Hint.
Rosters. RP. Scores.
Maserrat
15-10-2004, 16:43
Karpova: "We Are Guaranteed Victory"

No, this isn't another overconfident manager getting ahead of himself before a match. At a press conference after the semi-final win over Castillanos, Karpova told reporters that, in his eyes, his team had already won.

"We have come a long way in this tournament. Our main objective was to clear the group stage. We have done that, and anything after that was to be a bonus. Our bonus will be either a runner-up or a winner's medal. I believe that both are a moral victory. Nobody expected us to be here. We have proved most of our doubters wrong - in that we have succeeded already. We don't need a trophy to prove that we won. We just need to have it in our hearts, and I know that every single member of the team has that in them. Winning tomorrow would be the icing of the cake, but even if we don't, we still have the cake."

Truer words have never been spoken by a Maserratian. Before this tournament, no Maserrat team had ever made it past the group stage of a tournament, always finishing in third. This team has finally lifted the third-place curse, and done it in style. In five games they have scored a total of fifteen goals (averaging three a game), and conceded nine. They have pretty much doubled the number of games that Maserrat has won in their history, and have set themsleves up for a good fight at qualifying for the World Cup. It's good enough for a novel. Coincidentally, Maserrat's leading sport's journalist, Damaask Politov is to write a book on the magical mystery tour that has been Maserrat's Baptism of Fire campaign. Will tomorrow's game produce a happy ending? I think it already has.
Fmjphoenix
15-10-2004, 18:53
[ooc]
Sorry meant to post yesterday but I couldnt get here between class/work. This was fun for a first time so I wanted to say thanks to Starblaydia and Vilita for putting this on, it was a lot of fun. I look forward to doing more.
Smoking Pits
15-10-2004, 21:03
Fmjphoenix 0 - 1 Smoking Pits

The Watcher

And again they win! Withstanding the fabulous attacks of the Fmjphoenix forwards, Schneider proved to be a true treasure for our soldiers on the field, and the 14th infantry division rejoiced with pleasure as wave after wave was fought back, until in the 76th minute, our counters were successful, with Bauer scoring the one goal in the game after a brilliant move by the second Schneider, taking the game back home!

With that, we are in the semi- finals, and I'm sure the future will show us the way to victory and a triumphant result in the next game! For Nova Britannicus will be unable to withstand our spirit and the sheer strenght of our god- fearing people!

Onwards, to victory! Becoming a legend!

Jürgen Trench

Of course, Jürgen Trench forgot to mention the three yellow cards they did (once again) receive during the game, as well as the disastrous results of Magnus' in the defense, proving that without Schneider saving them, the game would have been lost by three goals.

But well... History is history.

Smoking Pits vs Nova Britannicus

The Night before the Game

Haubert stepped through the dark alleys of the city, searching for his contact. And eventually, he found him.

Paying for a beer or two, they eventually sat down in the dark corner of some second- rate pub, talking.

"So... You can tell me more about this so- called 'doping'?"

"Yeah... Well..." His contact, long, dark hair, suspiciously dark sunglasses, and an equally suspicious trenchcoat, nodded. "First of all, it's illegal..."

"I know that." Retard. Must have him shot as soon as possible. Also to remove evidence. I knew the 14th Infantry Division could be handy.

"Well... other than that... here's the list you wanted. Paper, no disk... as you asked... Although... You don't have computers?"

"Foreign shit isn't something we need, thanks." I still wonder how this things work... Squirrels in the inside? Might have to keep him alive for a bit longer.

"Except when it comes to doping, huh?"

Haubert ignored the comment. "So... And this still... Easy to get?"

"Relatively. But be careful, they can find out."

"No problem. I will be careful."

Haubert smiled as he left, having secured posibly deciding knowledge...

A bright future... A wonderful future...

Watching the rain, he called a cap, smiling... Smiling for the first time in the last ten years. A great day for Smoking Pits. A great time for me. A great time for the Kaiser.

"HURRAAA!"

The driver almost lost control over his car.

The Game

As usual, not everything was perfect. Oberth managed to break his leg, and Haubert had to replace him with Kunert. Well, it wasn't all that bad.

"If he can't survive a hard kick against his ankle, it's his fault."

And so they begun a game, a fairly... Noticeable game.

The Watcher

And while Nova Britannicus managed to score a first goal, God was with us, helpig our great team to achive two goals by Rächer and Schalke, this bringing Rächer up to three goals in the entire turnament, while the foolish and weak, the filth of Nova Britannica tried to escape our wrath!

Unfortunately, they seemed to do a pact with the devil, and managed to score again, mere moments before the game would have ended, and forced additional time.

AGAIN we managed to take the lead, with Schönbaum scoring after a long run across the entire field, it was WONDERFUL!

Yet, the NB's managed to equalise, again, malicious devils they are. Reginald Winthrop before, and now Charlie Bowman, both of them filty, weak and treacherous people, human scum, almost managed to steal away our victory!

And, after a game in which both, our boys as well as the filth attacked and countered to no end, after brilliant tactics and generally a beautiful game, the penalties started.

Schneider is our hero! Holding three of five penalty kicks by Nova Britannicus, he proved to be a true genius, after his not 100% satisfying performance during the overall game, NOW his great hour!

AND NOW WE ARE IN THE FINAL! STARBLAYDIA, WE COME!

Jürgen Rüttgers

Starblaydia

The Zeppelins came in slowly, carrying the 14th Infantry Division as well as the team itself, Hans Blix would return after his forced leave, and with him, the defense should be strong, again.

Haubert looked surprisingly happy. With the information he had got... Yes, yes, there should be many things possible. Of course, not for this final, but...

For the world cup itself.

With the giant shadows of the Zeppelins darkening the skies, they arrived.

The Night before the Game

General Haus reuter looked upon his fellow men, soldiers, each one of them. Fifteen thousand of their best, all of them used to excessive amounts of alcohol as well as riots. Smoking Pits best. And like him, they all had their truly gigantic moustaches.

"LISTEN, SOLDIERS! Tomorrow, we need to manage it! Everything, you hear? everything! So, let us test it: First minute?"

And with a single voice, the fifteen thousand replied. "CHANTING, SIR!"

"Very nice. Now, fifth minute?"

A few smiles appeared on the faces on his soldiers. He could be satisfied. "RIOTS IN BLOCK D!"

"YES! Thats the spirit! We will give our fellow team the support it needs! Thirteenth minute?"

"INSULTING THE REFEREE, THREATENING HIS FAMILY!"

"Good. Very good. Very, very good. Thirteenth minute?"

"RIOTS IN BLOCK A!"

"Exactly." Again, he looked at them, loving it. "You are truly our best. Half time?"

"INVASION PLANS FOR MASERRAT!"

"Hummm..." Where did they get this from? "No, no, not really... At least not officially. Ok, can't train a new chant, so... Just keep it quiet."

"YES, SIR!" Their eyes were widened with pride and joy.

"Now, for the second half..."
Smoking Pits
15-10-2004, 22:19
Hummm... Forgot to add this to the post...

Starblaydia, Minutes before the Game begins

THe Kaiser arrived, wearing formal gear, a cavalry uniform, smiling.

The Final.

Yes, yes he was there, and he was ready to watch a triumph. All was there, all was in place, even the Kaiserin.

"I wonder if this is really my child you're carrying, my dear?" He smiled sweetly while watching the 14th Infantry Division standing, presenting itself for him. "Brave men."

"Of course. Oh, and you *really* should make Hans Xaver a Lieutenant."

"I see..." I wonder if his is longer... "Well, maybe."

"Maybe." She smiled, now watching the teams entering. "Shiny."

"Yes... I can't wait for the trophy."

Like his father, the Kaiser had a certain... Affection for shiny things, and this time there was no difference. He wanted it. He would get it. By all means necessary.
Maserrat
16-10-2004, 10:28
Everything Must Go (Including The Facial Hair)

As the team look forward to the Baptism Of Fire Cup Final later today, Maserrat fans have planned a little surprise for any rowdy Smoking Pits fans:

"Basically, like, we're gonna, like, go in'er the stadium, like, and all of us, like, are gonna, like, be carrying electric razors, like, and when the, like, fans get a little bit, like, moody, we're gonna, like, wave our razors at them, like. That way, like, we can give 'em like for like...like!"

Yes, the facial hair of the Smoking Pits players has become legend, and is an obvious target for any derogatory remarks. However coach Poskit Karpova doesn't expect there to be any trouble:

"They're just excited to be here. The atmosphere at a cup final is always special, and they just want something to tell thier grandchildren about in later life. It should be funny, but I don't think it will lead to anything violent. If it does, I am confident that Starblaydi police are good enough to handle it."

However, just in case, Karpova has asked for more police to be present at the game than usual - you can never be too careful, especially with the SP national leader, the Kaiser, set to be present. It is expected that he will attempt to provoke the Maserrat fans, but it is a well known fact that Maserratians are some of the least rude people in the world, so it will take a lot to get anything out of them.

Speaking of leaders, it is rumoured that Maserrat's leader and U21 coach, Slobodan Gresko (who's empire further increased this week by taking control of the Nationalist Party in the European Coalition) is set to make an appearance and cheer his team on. Although fortunes for the U21s have been nowhere near as good as for the full team, he bears no grudges:

"They are Maserrat, we are Maserrat - we are both Maserrat. A far as I am concerned as long as one of us is doing well, all of us are doing well."

Karpova has also reiterated his statement about his team having nothing to lose in today's match:

"I've said it once and I'll say it again - it doesn't matter whether we win or lose. The important thing is that we are here and that we are still fighting."

This will be a closely fought contest, and nobody seems to have a clue who will win today. Perhaps Maserrat have the slight advantage of having played in Starblaydia all week, but that is as far as it goes. All this means is that we are in for an excellent contest, and that whoever does come out on top will deserve it.
Starblaydia
16-10-2004, 11:16
And the final score from Foundation Road in the Pre-World Cup 18 Baptism of Fire Final is...

Maserrat [3] Smoking Pits [1]

Congratulations to Maserrat and Comiserations to Smoking Pits. Oh and I won't appreciate a trashing of my Champions' Stadium, thankyou very much.
Maserrat
16-10-2004, 12:17
Maserrat Ice The Cake

It's been a long hard week for the Maserrat players. First came the group stage, which wasn't as easy as had been expected by some. Then came a tough semi final with tournament favourites Castillanos, and then finally today's final against a rather aggressive Smoking Pits team. Banter between the fans before the match hinted at possible damage and riotous behaviour, and indeed several more policemen were called up for the game than would normally have been expected. However, other than the odd scuffle, and the hugely impressive wieldation of electric razors by the Maserrat fans, very little passed off, which was good considering the quality of play out on the pitch.

It was obvious from the start that Smoking Pits had a hidden agenda here, as they sought the ball regardless of who had it or where it was. Perhaps this was due to the threats of their national leader, and perhaps it was due to the intimidation of their own fans. Whatever the reason, it soon became apparent that the SP players would do ANYTHING to get the ball. Borle Xantoi was brought down by a scything tackle in the box, and had to go off on a stretcher after just 14 minutes. Goalkeeper Grady Waskowiec got the captain's armband whilst the SP player got a red card. Maserrat were also rewarded a penalty for the incident, and as Qostaze Ubuloy stepped up to try for his ninth goal of the tournament, there was an air of expectancy around the razor-filled stadium. Ubuloy didn't disappoint, completely wrong-footing the keeper and slotting it home for Maserrat to take the lead. The question on everybody's mind now was 'will he go into double figures?' Well unfortunately not, but that didn't stop three more goals from going in. Smoking Pits toned down the aggression after the sending off, and started to work progressively, resulting in an equaliser on 28 minutes. They pushed to take the lead at half-time, and came close to doing so, the ball ricocheting of the crossbar on 39 minutes. Maserrat held on for the draw at half-time, and went off to the whistles and cat-calls of Smoking Pits fans (to which Maserrat fans replied by waving their razors once more).

After the break Maserrat came out rejuvenated, and retook the lead on 48 minutes, a cross on the left-hand side by Ferevarco Ferenitzin headed in by Adesina Castreman. Once they took the lead, Maserrat never looked like relinquishing it, and indeed went on to score another on 87 minutes, and it came from the most unlikely person. Waskowiec had just made a save, and booted the ball up the pitch. It seemed to miss everyone and the opposing keeper came out to collect it. However, it bounced away from the keeper, who slipped on the wet turf, and who could only watch in misery as the ball trickled over the line for Maserrat's third. When the final whistle went, there was total chaos, as Smoking Pits fans went wild. The trophy had to be taken from the stadium as the Kaiser tried to grab it, and the Maserrat players were presented with it in a neighbouring bar whilst police sought to control the rampaging fans: a poor end to a brilliant tournament.

The only thing that detracted from the victory is that Maserrat is unable to retain the trophy next time round (the tournament being open only to World Cup fledglings), but coach Karpova has wished all teams competing next time round the best of luck:

"I hope we have shown today that it is possible for any team to win this trophy. If you work hard, are determined, and have a half-decent set of players, you can go all the way. I wish all future participants the best of luck, and I for one will be watching how this superbly run tournament goes over the next few years."

So, what next for Maserrat? Obviously the next big tournament is the World Cup, and the team will be striving to qualify for the finals of that. This is the first step to becoming one of the world greats - let us hope it is the first of many.
Audioslavia
16-10-2004, 12:28
Congrats Masserat

good luck with 'doing an Aquiliana' and getting on in the world cup :)
Vilita
16-10-2004, 16:20
3rd Placed Playoff::

Castillanos .. 1 - 3 .. Nova Britannicus


3rd: Nova Britannicus
4th: Castillanos
The Latin Union
16-10-2004, 18:43
GET OFF THE BUS AND PLAY
By: Manuel Villalobos

I was riding on the National Team's bus to the airport, my intention being to spend the team's return journey with them, when the bus was stopped outside a football field in the middle of nowhere. Someplace called the Shultis, an impressive Vilitan stadium in Lonngeylin at the foot of a mountain. The stadium actually uses the mountain slope as a pre-made seating area. Formal grandstands in the place could only house maybe thirty thousand.

And in all my years of in-depth sports coverage I never experienced what happened next. There was a group of Vilitan reporters huddled around the entrance to the bus, cameras and tape recorders ready. Thinking quickly, I whipped out my own. An official-looking gent in a windbreaker climbed onto the bus after a few minutes, and he gazed over the faces in the bus, ignoring me, until he found Pater Vieira.

"Your team has been challenged," he said to Pater in English. "Please step off the bus. We play as soon as you're ready."

"All right," Pater replied. The team and myself, a bit bewildered, stepped off the bus with our duffels and carry-ons. As the bus pulled away to park somewhere, the man in the windbreaker led us to a locker room in the stadium and the team got into their gear. All the while, Vilitan reporters were snapping photos and asking some questions, but Pater Vieira and the team could only shrug in reply to most of them.

It wasn't until the guys were ready and streamed out onto the field in the empty stadium that I finally saw just who had challenged the National Team: Vilita's Under-21 team.

Well, this was certainly new. Why Pater Vieira agreed to play a game with an exhausted team that had two injured members was beyond me, but he's just that accepting of a guy, I suppose. When he saw the Vilitan young'uns in their matchday kits across the field, I saw him smile and walk over to greet them. Pater Vieira's English is halting - he can understand it better than he can speak it - but apparently he got his point across and got the Vilitan coach's point also. He walked back to the team smiling. It wasn't until after the game I understood just what was happening here.

"They consider the National Team to be the best in the whole Cup," Vieira confided to me later. "I didn't tell the boys - no use getting their heads big before the Cup - but I thought I'd let you know. That's really nice and flattering of them, don't you think?"

I smiled and nodded. "Oh yes."

"They challenged us to a friendly game just for fun," Pater finished. "I told the team that only."

Best team in the Cup? Pater Vieira is going to kill me for printing this, I know, but that statement only serves to prove what he said in the press conference after the defeat by Nova Britannicus. We did show ourselves well. We've made an impression. Pater was nothing but pleased to know he was right. But honestly, our boys know not to get cocky. We have yet to see the true verdict - our official rank.

Again I realize my edge is getting dull. But instead of deleting the previous paragraph I'll just reassert myself here by saying "HELL YEAH! BEST TEAM!"

The two Benavides Brothers were still out of commission from their game the previous day, so the goalkeeping fell to Efraín Cavazos. Vieira changed the team to a 2-4-4 setup, just for this game, and switched out the tired main players for an all-subs arrangement. Yannic Grammont and Godofredo Montemayor played the backfield; Jorge Borgonha, Severiano Ummarino, Arsenio Urrea, and Florencio Rocha played in a larger Latin midfield; and our star strikers were replaced by venerable backups Quique Lemus, Hernán Delvalle, Daniel Tavora, and Estavan Alcantar. It was a totally new Latin field.

The subs were itching to show their stuff, and showed it. What a hard-hitting game it was! The Vilitan boys were definitely not cannon fodder for our veteran footballers, and showed some of the fanciest footwork I've seen in an international game to date. (Keep in mind, though, I didn't see any before the BoF - my focus used to be solely Provincial and National Cup coverage.) By halftime the score was 0-0, and in the second half things intensified dramatically. I looked over at the mountainside and suddenly saw what must have been nearly twenty thousand Vilitans fans sitting there. Evidently word of the game had spread quickly and they'd filtered in over the first half. It was then that I saw, sitting directly across from myself in the grandstands, about two dozen Latin fans. One group had a flag, the other was primarily all university boys with their faces painted blue-green-white. Most Latin fans had checked out of Vilita earlier in the day, but obviously some were left and had heard about this sudden game just in time.

It was an equal exchange of goals during the whole second half. The Vilitans got two goals by Cavazos - who honestly needs his own sub, the poor sap - and by game's end the score was tied, 2-2. Quique Lemus, who's probably a clone of Rodrigo Nevarez that went through severe plastic surgery, nailed both Latin goals during the game. Extended Time was agreed upon and the Latin strikers went totally mad in those last few minutes, snagging another goal almost fifteen seconds after the Vilitans got their third also. It was looking to be a game to be decided by penalty kicks, but in the last minute a Vilitan forward named Riccardo Appolloni slammed a fourth and final Vilitan goal into the net through the legs of both Grammont and Cavazos. The game ended, AET, at 3-4 Vilita U-21.

And as the teams peeled themselves off the field I heard laughter. The main players congratulated their subs on an excellently-played game, and Pater Vieira, in what is becoming a tradition, went over to the Vilitans and did some profuse handshaking. The smattering of Latin fans didn't walk away disappointed by another loss. As our boys filed into the locker rooms, they rushed down to the edge of the stadium to try for an autograph or a simple high-five.

It was an intense and yet heartwarming sendoff for the Latin National Football Team. They made it to the airport in high spirits (despite having to reschedule their flight) and slept most of the trip home.

Thanks to the Vilitan Under-21 team for the good game!
Aquiliana
16-10-2004, 19:16
Congrats Masserat

good luck with 'doing an Aquiliana' and getting on in the world cup :)

Many people forget that our team actually lost the BoF final to Eystrck, but our RP and U21 got us 1 spot ahead of them in the world rankings.

The rest was just luck, I guess.
Smoking Pits
17-10-2004, 10:21
Incidentally, the Kaiser didn't really mind the defeat. In fact, he was barely watching the match, instead he watched the 14th Infantry Division... acting

Overall, the game was fairly nice, even though the end, with the Kaiser trying to sneak away with the trophy was somewhat .

Various attacheés would see that the press wouldn't know all that much about this kinds of incidents...

And, with the Zeppelins leaving, peace returning to Starbladia.

[i]The Watcher

REFEREE BETRAYS OUR BOYS! MINISTRY FOR SPORT DENIES TO COMMENT ON A POSSIBLE ASSASSINATION ORDER!

What happened? We don't know! We just know that, apart from one goal by Bauer, we were betrayed, ruined by a referee obviously paid by the conspiracy against our people!

Under the eyes of the Kaiser, who trusted Starblaydia, we were sold out to the filth of Maserrat!

THEY WILL PAY!

More on page 3

Incidentally, Haubert wasn't all that worried. He had the information, now he just had to organise the 'hardware'. He smiled wickedly, knowing that the future would be great.

And at home? Rots broke out, the people burning the streets, terror ruling for hours until the military managed to gain control over the masses.

They WOULD get their revenge.
Audioslavia
17-10-2004, 16:47
The rest was just luck, I guess.

you'll get no arguments from me grumble lucky sons of bitches grumble

:p