NationStates Jolt Archive

Cockbill Street again invite some select footballing nations of the world to a tournament on Cockbill soil. Despite the fact that this soil just moved a fair bit, from FIFA to Atlantian Oceania, the Street still claims that this is the second tournament of its kind - the first won by Rejistania, while Starblaydia infamously went through the tournament losing five games and Cockbill Street, amazingly, finished second. Please note this is an invitational tournament, unlike the World Cup and associated tournaments, so the number of teams are fixed.

Invited teams (sequential ranks after WC19 second round in brackets - these will be used for scorination using the CS spreadsheet, along with a home bonus for the hosts Cockbill Street, but they are subject to change if more results trickle in before the tournament starts):

Lethislavania (46)
Nonesuch Street (76)
Rejistania (1)
Starblaydia (19)
Cockbill Street (28)
The Belmore Family (26)

This tournament will be used as a practice for Cockbill Street managers (see the World Cup 19 thread for more details on these). As such, the Streetian team will have a new manager and slightly new looks all the time.

All squads/scores/RPs/other OOC stuff will be posted here.

Schedule:

Matchday 1 (afternoon GMT, 30 December):
Lethislavania - Nonesuch Street @ K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh
Rejistania - Starblaydia @ Harewood Ground
Cockbill Street - The Belmore Family @ Vimesbairn National Stadium - Manager: Guy François

Matchday 2 (afternoon GMT, 1 January)
Lethislavania - Rejistania @ Harewood Ground
Starblaydia - The Belmore Family @ Vimesbairn Cricket Ground
Cockbill Street - Nonesuch Street @ Vimesbairn National Stadium - Manager: Ivar Axewieldersson

Matchday 3 (afternoon GMT, 3 January):
Lethislavania - Starblaydia @ Vimesbairn Cricket Ground
The Belmore Family - Nonesuch Street @ Jotneheim Park
Rejistania - Cockbill Street @ Vimesbairn National Stadium - Manager: Lee Branson

Matchday 4 (afternoon GMT, 5 January):
Nonesuch Street - Rejistania @ K'haz'bak K'druz'ba D'gazh'dukh
The Belmore Family - Lethislavania @ Roegrow Grass Patch
Starblaydia - Cockbill Street @ Vimesbairn National Stadium - Manager: Trefor Trefor

Matchday 5 (afternoon GMT, 7 January):
Nonesuch Street - Starblaydia @ Harewood
The Belmore Family - Rejistania @ Northset County Cricket Ground
Cockbill Street - Lethislavania @ Vimesbairn National Stadium - Manager: Kansu Lyku

For details on the Streetian stadia: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=372387 (scroll down past the Belmorian filth)

Goalkeepers:

13.Grorgrunter, aged 27, av rating 5.66, KI Lanthanate
1. Stuart Underwood, aged 31, av rating 5.70, Titania Forests (Melmond)*

Defenders:

2. Harald Stronginthearm, aged 31, av rating 5.68, right/left back, Izh'no'got K'druz'ba*
3. Ivar Golddevourer, aged 26, av rating 5.74, right/left back, K'haz'bak K'druz'ba
4. Dwarfclobberer, aged 26, av rating 5.60, sweeper/defensive midfielder, BC Dichromate
5. Galena, aged 24, av rating 5.90, central defender/right back, KI Lanthanate*
16.Trevor Jones, aged 33, av rating 5.94, central defender/defensive midfielder, Harewood FC*
21.Scott Walker, aged 34, av rating 6.02, left back Suburbia Whites (Melmond)*

Midfielders:

6. Sarah Cawdron, aged 25, av rating 6.09, left back/left winger, Rizh'peith K'druz'ba*
7. Philip McLavish, aged 21, av rating 6.11, right winger, Harewood FC*
8. Benjamin Keegan, aged 30, av rating 5.70, right winger, Vimesbairn United
11.Nickel-carbide, aged 31, av rating 5.66, central midfielder/left winger, KI Lanthanate
12.Paul Rankin, aged 31, av rating 5.90, right winger/central midfielder, Chesham Rangers*
15.Frederic Stewart, aged 31, av rating 5.71, attacking midfielder, Vimesbairn United
22.Olaf Heimfoething, aged 27, av rating 6.15, central/attacking midfielder, R'dhuz'lith K'druz'ba*

Attackers:

9. Robert Stubbings, aged 33, av rating 6.19, striker, Roegrow Athletic*
10.Alan Canning, aged 22, av rating 5.77, striker, Vimesbairn Athletic
18.Moissanite, aged 26, av rating 5.66, striker/forward, Jotneheim Mountains AFC
20.Liam Wharton, aged 27, av rating 5.78, forward, KI Lanthanate
24.Rhianna Peters, aged 22, av rating 5.95, striker, Har'dah'bath K'druz'ba*

Retired from international football:

Jonathan Havell, aged 35, av rating 5.91, goalkeeper, Colonial Sike (Vilita)

Retired from football:

Craig Joyce, aged 32, av rating 5.56, right back/right forward, Vimesbairn Athletic
Silicaceous-sulphate, aged 34, av rating 5.47, forward, Jotneheim Mountains AFC

Dropped:

Mark Bitton, aged 24, av rating 5.46, central midfielder, Upperborough FC
Adam Roberts, aged 30, av rating 5.56, right/left winger, Point/Grunt AC

Those marked with a star are regulars, though expect major changes to be made with each manager.

Nonesuch Street squad:

Keepers:

1. W. K. Highsenburg, Boson Athletic
13.E. Firmee, Hadron United

Defenders:

2. A. Onestine, left back, Graviton FC
3. N. H. D. Boore, central defender/sweeper, Lepton United
4. R. P. Fineman, right back, Baryon FC
5. H. A. Beyta, central defender, Boson Athletic
14.E. R. J. A. Shrewdinger, central defender, Graviton FC
16.P. A. M. D'Iraq, left back, Lepton United

Midfielders:

6. M. K. E. L. Plank, defensive midfielder, Quark United
7. W. E. Pohli, central midfielder, Gluon Athletic
8. L. Mightner, left winger, Quark United
11.N. de Slah, winger, Ionosphere FC
12.J. H. Poahcare, defensive/central midfielder, Lepton United
17.E. Bruthaford, left winger/central midfielder, Baryon FC

Attackers:

9. S. Chandra Seccah, striker, Gluon Athletic
10.J. C. MacSwell, forward, Flux United
15.S. W. Horking, striker, Graviton FC
16.L. Boltsman, forward, Ionosphere FC

Manager: I. Nieuw Toonne

Starblaydia will step proudly into Cockbill Street for the Second International Recreation Cup, having walked away with a trophy last time.

Captain Jean-Pierre Durand will hold aloft the fabled Wooden Spoon from IRC1, having failed to win one of the five games played, and also having failed to score in any of those five games, as has been much publicised in the International Sporting Community.

For once, if Starblaydia even score a goal, there will be celebrations across the nation.



And the two Dwarves returning to their ancestral home after a good few millennia of self-imposed Exile? OR J.J. Stark playing in the Street? Or the fact that Di Bradinis and Cockbill Street is a bit of a jinx for Starblaydia?

Best not to mention those, I think.


Starters
1. Markus Cragg, GK, 31, - Basian Valley (B)
2. Jesus Garcia, RB, 19, 1 Goal - Peurort FC (GZ)
3. Khim Azanulbizarn, LB, 24, 5 Goals - Alan City (TBF)
4. Jerome Montefalcon, D/CM, 26, 3 Goals - Floral FC (Bedi 1st)
5. Jean-Pierre Durand (Captain), SW, 29, 2 Goals - Iskara Daii (A)
6. Jamie Majeed, CB, 25, 2 Goals - Iskara Daii (A)
7. Geraint Evans, RM, 24, 10 Goals - Hallad Reavers (A)
8. Roberto Di Bradini, R/DM/B, 30, 9 Goals - PARANOiA UNiTED (D2R)
9. Marco Del Blanco, AM/CF, 23, 20 Goals - Iskara Daii (A)
10. Juan Silva De Souza, SC, 20, 4 Goals - Corinthian Spirits (A)
11. Nick Matranga, L/RM, 21, 8 Goals - Montepool Waves (B)

Substitutes
12. Fernando De Marco, GK, 25 - Corinthian Spirits (A)
13. Vladimir Tsarev, LB, 32, 3 Goals - Internashionale (A)
14. Porfirio Zanueta, R/CB, 19 - Vecchio Victors (A)
15. J.J. Stark, RM, 35, 9 Goals - Vimesbairn United (CS)
16. Hurin Menegroth, CM, 21, 3 Goals - Tabeck FC (C)
17. Simeone Di Bradini, SC, 37, 44 Goals - Unattached
18. Darius Belizaire, SC, 18, 6 Goals - Iskara Daii (A)

Reserves
19. Cody Joachim, GK, 20 - Montepool Waves (B)
20. Armand Gianunzio, CB, 22, 1 Goal - Hecia (C)
21. Daniel Scott, DM, 31, 1 Goal - Vecchio Victors (A)
22. Raphael Delgado, AM, 20, 3 Goals - Hallad Reavers (A)
23. Jakkinho, SC, 28, 17 Goals - Dawson Springs FC (Bedi 2nd)

EDIT: The Formation
http://starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/IRC2.jpg

Coach: Jen Y (age: 53)
Co-Coach: Sidi I Sidi (age: 48)

Name age position club
Taserikijilti Vavenetexy^^29 GK Unne Yellows, Melmond

Menik Hisda 24 GK Mimyje Ynu
Mika Kay 21 GK Takudiha Veran


Kadu Hsen^** 32 DF Colonial Sile, Vilita
Sasijilvenku Dikelesinivetisaru**22 DF Alan City, TBF
Syly Kansu* 23 DF Jinhes Lines
Mija Kansu* 22 DF KaMaRi Kali Xentira Sekhika

Sayiji Hija^ 20 DF Hetkali Hetrika
Ji Jen^ 21 DF Hanin Sekhika
Y Syij 21 DF Hetkali Hetrika
Jese Eti~l^ 21 DF Siril Salan


Viji Ahi~n 24 MF Rirajasase Kaletri
Y Syku^* 27 MF Harari Ynu
Kvansa Laijiyiaya^26 MF Sijitalatirikimidateme Xkora
Tuade Lue** 31 MF Iskara Daii, Stablaydia

Xkeliko Iti~n 25 MF Nita~eda Ynu
Sijij Ha~e^ 22 MF Hades Lavamje
Duli~n Naneji^ 21 MF Vaje~n Viki
Kansu Lyku^^ 26 MF Mikedi Omeh


Salakerijasamenatira "Sa" Harakemindanutikejil* 24 FW Sijitalatirikimidateme Xkora
Ji Y* 24 FW Matix Ynu

Jentu Minikse 22 FW Venike Kalesa Kaletri
Jariakeledema Ky-Inidiviayu 21 FW Hetkali Hetaki

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
====================
Choose Scorers: Y
GodMod Goalscoring Events: Y

Injure Players: Y
GodMod Injury Events Y

Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
GodMod Other Events: Y
====================

Lethislavania Fighting Green




Lethislavanian Fighting Green Roster

Manager - Michael Ayyoro

.::.Starters.::.

Goalkeeper - Jorge del Tigre Plato
Age: 19
City of Birth: Leninstan
Born in the Spanish slum of Tierra del Morrir, Jorge played futbol in the local sports arena. At around age 5, he was noticed playing exceptionally well, and was removed from his mates to go to the Escuela de Futbol Lethislavania. He played there until age 17, when he went to the LFL to play for the Kratu Wave. He was quite excited to be nominated for Lethislavania's first World Cup entry.

Left Defender - Volsaic Dorscio
Age: 23
City of Birth: Leninstan
Grew up with Jorge, in the slums. However, he decided to stay in the slums to help at the family clothing store, and dropped out of school. However, he remained active in the Lethislavanian Semi-Pro League, and soon got drafted to play on the Hogar Del Amor Crush

Center Defender - Alexander Karnesky
Age: 25
City of Birth: Kratu
Born premature to the wealthy Karnesky family, Alexander quickly fell into the prep crowd, whose game of choice was football. He accelerated beyond them, often the first pick at scrimmages. When the Socialist Government came into power, he went to Kratu West, where he steadily helped build a powerhouse programme, which went on to when 3 State titles. He then joined Volsaic on the Crush, and went onto the All-Star team, where he became the first player to be ejected only 2 minutes into a game.

Center Defender - Varnelo Parincia
Age: 19
City of Birth: Reijo
This small city gained it's fame in Lethislavania due to the explosive duo of Parincia & Parincia. They were known far & wide for their ability to not let a ball even come close to the goal. After a while, they both went to Kratu West to play, and later joined the Taerran Isle Barracudas.

Right Defender - Vorela Parincia
Age: 19
City of Birth: Reijo
This small city gained it's fame in Lethislavania due to the explosive duo of Parincia & Parincia. They were known far & wide for their ability to not let a ball even come close to the goal. After a while, they both went to Kratu West to play, and later joined the Taerran Isle Barracudas.

Left Midfielder - Timothy Johnson
Age: 23
City of Birth: Kratu
Timothy Johnson grew up at Casa's, a home for orphaned children. He fast became a fan of the football, and would spend many a days practicing. When it came time to go to High Level School, he was sent to Kratu Higher Education Academy, a vile enemy of Kratu West. Captain of the team, he lead them to the City finals, only to lose to Kratu by small margains. He played for Midland Dragons in the LFL

Center Midfielder - Vorrece Peltier
Age: 18
City of Birth: Leninstan
Born into the prominient Peltier clan, Vorrece [Pronounced V-ore-ace] initially branded football as below him. However, he quickly began to love the quick rythm of it, and embarassed his parent by signing up to go to the LGAS [Lethislavanian Gifted Atheletes School]. This will be his first major tournment, and he has no professional experience in the LFL, although he was drafted by the Kratu Wave.

Right Midfielder - Johnathan Lipsky
Age: 19
City of Birth: North Tajikistan, immigrated two years ago.
History not known, he was not avaible for calling.

Left Forward - Thomas Boeing
Age: 18
City of Birth: Leninstan
Quite possibly the premier player in Lethislavania, Thomas entered the LFL scene at the tender age of 14, playing for the Midland Dragons. Within fours years, he has risen to the top of the league and is set to shatter records. He has led the Dragons to three league titles. 18 goals and 8 assists in World Cup play (Includes Baptism of Fire).

Center Forward - Cel Karra
Age: 24
City of Birth: Leninstan
No information provided for background, played for Midland Dragons.

Right Forward - Kerry Twilder
Age: 27
City of Birth: Leninstan
No information provided, plays for Kratu Wave.



.::.Reserves.::.

GK Christian Kerry
D Ben Ben Aki
M Margarito Guiterrez
D/M Simon Alzerra
F Almo Rodriguez

http://www.freewebs.com/lsauto/Uniformes.png



Cel Karra
Thomas Boeing Kerry Twilder


Timothy Johnson Vorrece Peltier Johnathan Lipsky


Varnelo Parincia Alexander Karnesky


Vorela Parincia Volsaic Dorscio


Jorge

Lethislavania - Nonesuch Street 0-2
Rejistania - Starblaydia 1-2
The Belmore Family - Cockbill Street 1-2

Nonesuch Street 1 1 0 0 2-0 3
Starblaydia 1 1 0 0 2-1 3
Cockbill Street 1 1 0 0 2-1 3
The Belmore Family 1 0 0 1 1-2 0
Rejistania 1 0 0 1 1-2 0
Lethislavania 1 0 0 1 0-2 0

Our first goal/point/win in the IRC!
All of Starblaydia 'mildly interested' by stunning performance

How hard do we make these things for ourselves? Not only do we enter a small tournament that is not recognised by the statisticians of the KPB offices, but then we have the audacity to want to score a goal.

Starblaydia's sporting history in/against/remotely-associated-with Cockbill Street is certainly a bad one. Now we gave ourselves the biggest possible test: Playing Rejistania in the Street. Not in the street, but in the Street

Then, of course, we had to concede a goal that the non-Rejistanian speakers find the most difficult to say: Salakerijasamenatira "Sa" Harakemindanutikejil. One-Nil down, against the former [OOC: this is post-WC19, and Rejis is out, so former champs they are] World Champions and 'best team in the world' Rejistania, in the place we find it most difficult to get a result in, in a competition we've never even scored in, let alone won in, in the five matches we've played.

Ut-oh.

Still, Starblaydia somehow managed to pull their collective finger out and somehow put two goals past Rejistania, which were the 21st and 45th for Marco Del Blanco and Simeone Di Bradini respectively. Surely SDB will find a contract offer on his table some time soon, as the Unattached striker is certainly still worth a weekly wage, judging by how he can still score with impunity at the age of thirty-seven.

Final Score from the Harewood Ground:
Rejistania 1 - 2 Starblaydia
(Harakemindanutikejil 36) - (Del Blanco 44, S. Di Bradini 72)

REPORT ON G'IRGAH CANDIDATES

CANDIDATE #1
Guy François
Sex: M
Nationality: Eauz
Age: 51
Experience: None that we know of, apart from being a local party boss in Eauz
Manager Test: The Belmore Family - because we figured an Eauzian is good at bribing the opponent
Favoured Formation: 3-3-4
Line-up: Underwood - H Stronginthearm, Galena, Walker - Cawdron, Heimfoething, McLavish - Stubbings, Moissanite, Peters, Canning

Match Report:

The Streeters struggled in defence, naturally, but thanks to a good Underwood in the back who seemed to have got off his World Cup nerves the team managed to only concede one goal against weak Belmorian strikers. Up front, things were promising too, as when the ball got up to one of the four strikers they actually managed to do something with it - a rarity in Streetian football. However, what is most scary was what Mr François said after the match, before he was informed (using our French interpreter, dug out of a closet in the Seen University) that he was not allowed to manage the team in the next game. Then, he said that "due to le communist ideals, luh strikers must play as luh defenders in luh next match, so every-wun gets a chance to score le bjuh."

Goals:

0-1 Canning 11
1-1 <slaniBelmoresHaven'tpostedaSquadyet> 49
1-2 McLavish 66

Grades:

Affection for the Game: 9/10 - couldn't have asked for a more engaged manager, clearly got the point and showed excellent spirit and guts, and cheered the team on even when they looked like losing early on in the second half

Defensive Organisation: 6/10 - team looked a bit shabby, which is only to be expected with three backs, even though these have world class talent.

Attacking Organisation: 7/10 - too little creativity, and the tactic was usually too much "punt-it-up-there"

Style of Play: 8/10 - Primitive, yet attractive...a bit like a four-year-old toddler

Ability to Get Crowd Behind: 4/10 - chants of "frog" were heard around the stadium, and although the team was winning, few seemed to care.

Signed,

Helen Carpenter

11 July 1726

Ankh-Morpork C-mail
None Such Division

NONESUCH BATTLE IT OUT FOR WIN
Physical Match with Lethislavania Ends 2-0

Nonesuch Street, a team famous in World Cups for having somewhat of the longest winless streak ever in these tournaments, continued their magnificent recovery charge at K'haz'bak in Cockbill Street yesterday. In a physical, tense and entertaining match, Nonesuch Street got their revenge over the nation that knocked them out so bitterly at their own Cup of Harmony, amid controversies right, left and centre. Yesterday night, however, the crowd in K'haz'bak were all behind their strangely flavoured brothers from Nonesuch, and they clearly enjoyed the support.

W K Highsenburg played another fantastic game in the goal, seemingly unbound by physical laws as he stopped shot after shot from strikers Karra, Boeing and Twilder - in particular Thomas Boeing, who had poured in goal after goal earlier but was now shut out. Nonesuch, meanwhile, scored two of their three chances - Bruthaford coming off the bench to head in a corner and Pohli finishing off a fine play to win the game 2-0 for the "hosts" - in the sense that they had all the crowd support.

While Nonesuch await the next match keenly, they can enjoy being first in a table - the first time ever - but they are hardly expected to keep that position, given that the table currently looks turned upside down. With all the teams ranked highly on KPB losing on matchday 1, Rejistania falling to Starblaydia while Cockbill Street defeated The Belmore Family, one has to wonder whether the teams put in 100 % in this tournament - which, after all, is for friendly purposes and practice before World Cup Twenty.

Ya'know what, Lethislavania? Our team stunk, but Nonesuch street cheated. As did those po-dunk refs. I hate this tournament.

OOC: It's rather hard for me to RP a reporter as my nation is being invaded. XD.

2 persons not really interested in the national team talk:

Person 1: The Orange-Blues lost...
Person 2: against who?
Person 1: Starblaydia
Person 2: Su?
Person 1: Starblaydia
Person 2: Why?
Person 1: We sucked...
Person 2: You mean the curse
Person 1: there is none
Person 2: Then why did they lose?
Person 1: Because they sucked!
Person 2: That is no reason
Person 1: Well, they did! I thought the Abysmals played!
Person 2: No one is as bad as the Abysmals!
Person 1: They were!
Person 2: C'mon!
Person 1: No joke, they lost 1:2 against the team that didn't even score once in the last IRC.
Person 2: Gojin, I am going to bet against the Orange-Blues!
Person 1: Betting for them has better odds!

Lethislavania - Rejistania 3-1
Starblaydia - The Belmore Family 1-0
Cockbill Street - Nonesuch Street 4-1

Cockbill Street 2 2 0 0 6-2 6
Starblaydia 2 2 0 0 3-1 6
Lethislavania 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
Nonesuch Street 2 1 0 1 3-4 3
The Belmore Family 2 0 0 2 1-3 0
Rejistania 2 0 0 2 2-5 0

'The Table is Upside-Down'
Official Streetian Official comments on IRC2

Starblaydia played this match like they were at Foundation Road or the Jader Barbahlo, such was the dominance they had over their Belmorian opponents.

With a solid defence that never really looked like conceding against the Belmore Family's strikers, Starblaydia were allowed to surge forward with impunity. Aiden Matranga and Khim Azanulbizarn rampaged down the left-hand side, terrorising the Belmorian right-back at every oppurtunity.

Starblaydia, however, could not turn their dominance into a hatful of goals, managing only one in the ninety minutes. Despite Marco Del Blanco's long shooting, and Juan Silva De Souza's forward runs and pin-point shots, Robb Di Bradini and Geraint Evans' set pieces, it was the Dwarf Khim Azanulbizarn who got the only goal of the game.

In the second half, Starblaydia won a corner from a Del Blanco shot. Robb Di Bradini flighted in the ball and Durand nodded it down. The Belmorian goalie punched and the ball came back to Di Bradini, who swung in a low cross. Who was there to meet it? Why it was Khim Azanulbizarn with a diving header. Any other player, of course, would have simply stuck a leg out, or used his hip to deflect the ball. Not, however, for a man with a stature such as Khim's.

Beard and all, he flung himself at the ball and nearly ended up in the net along with the ball and a pile of Belmorian players.

Starblaydia now face Lethislavania, surprise winners over Rejistania, as well as recent Cup of Harmony winners. This will probably be a match for 'the kids' to play, with a line-up something like this:


19
Joachim

14 20
2 Zauneta Gianunzio 3
Garcia Azanulbizarn

*4* 16
7 Montefalcon Menegroth 11
Evans Matranga

18 9
Belizaire Del Blanco

Final Score from the Vimesbairn Cricket Ground:
Starblaydia 1 - 0 The Belmore Family
(Azanulbizarn 54) - (None)

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/kylaai.jpgThe Reformed Islands of Kylaai


The people of Kylaai were surprised to see their players participating in the International Recreational Cup II during the match scheduled to be Lethislavania against Rejistania! There they were, not rejistania team but this was Kylaai! somehow the players from kylaai had gotten onto the field and the rejistania team players was no where to play! It was not much to cheer for when lethislavania scoered 2 goals and took the lead it was embarrassing since kylaai were cup of harmony champions but before lethislavania was the cup of harmony champion. then kylaai scored!

Rising Sun! Rising Sun! Rising Sun!

Rising Sun! Rising Sun! Rising Sun!

Rising Sun had scored for Kylaai! it was 2-1 now live on television kylaai was ready to come back and prove which cup of harmony champion was better! then lethislavania scored again and won the game and we pretended we never said that last line about being better. The kylaai team playing in place of rejistania with nobodies knowledge or approval is in last place but will try and play another game if the really good rejistanians don't show up.

Lineup

Goalkeeper: Mandoo Nania
Defenders: Lital Tirar, Hito Burrito, Vito Frito, Max
Midfielders: Rising Sun, Macala Moria, Tennence Fleiam, Norada-Fell
Attackers: Mazu Kazu, Vlanti Vimorta

Lethislavania Fighting Green

The Lethislavania side was estatic. They finally got to see the gods of soccer, the ultimate team - Rejistania. Although Lethislavania now had a national team, sales of the Rejistani kit were incredibly high. The crowd erupted when Rejistania took the field, the small contingent of Lethislavanians the most vocal.

The game began suddenly, as an unprepared Lethislavania side was taken over quickly by the onslaught of Rejistania. Salakerijasamenatira "Sa" Harakemindanutikejil surged past the rest of the Lethislavania side, then pounded a ball, sending it flying majestically over the head of Jorge. The crwod broke up into the most thunderous applause, shaking the very foundation of the stadium. The morale of the Lethislavania sqaud, however, dropped.

Thomas Boeing, not to be out done, quickly took the ball and dribbled up field. Halfway to the goal, he dished the ball over to Cel Karra, who headed it to Kerry Twilder. Twilder jumped and pounded the ball in, zooming past Mika Kay's head. Thomas erupted into a scream of fits, pumping his fist three times.

The Lethislavania side restarted, very anxious to score another goal. Rejistania seemed distraught. Thomas warily glanced down at the ground, but shifted, and shot forward when Cel got the ball. Smiling, Cel nailed it over to Kerry. Kerry shot the ball at the goal, but Ji Jen headed it back down. Boeing slid forward, and shot the ball in, going deep into the right corner. Awe overtook the crowd, and eupohoria swept through the green-clad section. Smiling, Thomas bowed in a cheesy manner, only to be pushed over by Karra. "Cut that crap out, Thomas. We've got a game to play."

Thomas laughed. "Yeah, yeah."

The half ended slowly, with deadlocks at both ends of the field. Aroyyo smiled at the players in the lockeroom, his usual glares reserved for a later date. "You guys are fantastic out there. I need you guys to do this - Thomas and Cel, one last offensive push, then we pull back in defensive. Their offense can't pull it off today, we've got this game in the bag." The team cheeered, and re-entered the stadium.

Right Aroyyo was. Lethislavania made one last charge, with Karra scoring the final goal five minutes after the break. The Rejistania side crumbled, with no more attacks left in them.

The Green fought well today. Very well.

OOC: Aha! Found the link.

Roster (Full 23 later)

Number: 1
Name: Mike Lancing
Club: Doal FC
Age: 22
Position: Goal Keeper
Side: N/A

Number: 2
Name: Harry Limpek
Club: Alan City
Age: 25
Position: Defender
Side: Left

Number: 3
Name: George Illman
Club: Sarah Athletic
Age: 24
Position: Defender
Side: Right

Number: 4
Name: Homer Draxton
Club: Alan City
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Side: Centre

Number: 5
Name: Alex Friklestone
Club: Faci FC
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Side: Centre

Number: 6
Name: Thomas Wickersham
Club: Alan City
Age: 24
Position: Midfield
Side: Right

Number: 7
Name: Robin Smitlleton
Club: Wibin Rovers
Age: 21
Position: Midfield
Side: Left

Number: 8
Name: Jake Frink
Club: Will City
Age: 22
Position: Midfield
Side: Centre

Number: 11
Name: Henry Boolanger
Club: Faci FC
Age: 21
Position: Midfield
Side: Centre

Number: 9
Name: Edward Kilsh
Club: Hughberry Town
Age: 20
Position: Forward
Side: Centre

Number: 10
Name: Fred Jameson
Club: Alan City
Age: 21
Position: Forward
Side: Centre

Number: 12
Name: Filipe Lambant
Club: Alan City
Age: 23
Position: Goal Keeper
Side: N/A

Number: 13
Name: Derek Wiles
Club: Dorminian Rovers
Age: 26
Position: Goal Keeper
Side: N/A

Number: 13
Name: Derek Wiles
Club: Dorminian Rovers
Age: 26
Position: Goal Keeper
Side: N/A

REPORT ON G'IRGAH CANDIDATES

CANDIDATE #2
Ivar Axewieldersson
Sex: N/A
Nationality: Cockbill Street
Species: Dwarf
Age: 61
Experience: 22 years as manager in the D'gaiz'nigh, among others: Path'nie, Chard'hazh, U'ruth'niki
Manager Test: Nonesuch Street - because he's mad, and we figured mad people were to be given an easy match
Favoured Formation: 4-3-1-2
Line-up: Petur Glodsson - Harald Stronginthearm, Arnar Axewielder, Olaf Bearslayer, Ivar Golddevourer (K'haz'bak) - Geirr Axewielder, Olaf Glodsson, Bjorn Einarsson - Olaf Heimfoething - Arnar Stonethrower, Arnar Cavedweller

Match Report:

Nonesuch laid down without a fight as Olaf Heimfoething ruled the fray. Eleven dwarves (yes, I did say he was mad - he has some very strange and speciesistic ideals), ran between them, under them, bit them in the groin, and did everything that's legal under B'zugda'hiara rules - and as such, came out comfortably on top. The squad seemed to obey Axewieldersson every will, although it was most certainly a B squad - nine players made their international debut on senior level, showing that dwarfish football is still struggling. But today, against a Nonesuch team seemingly completely over the moon with their victory over Lethislavania, it was more than enough to win. The football was sluggish, slow and boring, despite the fact that Cockbill Street managed to put four goals past Nonesuch - probably a reflection of the poor goalkeeping - and the only one who really shone was Olaf Heimfoething, who seemed to enjoy being managed by a dwarf.

Goals:

1-0 Heimfoething 11
1-1 Pohli 49
2-1 Stronginthearm 55
3-1 Cavedweller 67
4-1 Axewielder 80

Grades:

Affection for the Game: 8/10 - kept swearing in dwarfish, shouting in dwarfish, and had total control of the players - who looked very subdued. Think Soviet gymnastics coach, then multiply it by ten.

Defensive Organisation: 4/10 - one goal conceded against Nonesuch. Nuff said.

Attacking Organisation: 5/10 - passive, boring football. Only Heimfoething ensured a victory - and he is, after all, the only good player on the pitch today.

Style of Play: 6/10 - not much to say, not much to see.

Ability to Get Crowd Behind: 3/10 - several brawls in the crowd between human and dwarf colonies who argued about team selection. Not what we want to see in otherwise peaceful areas of our troubled nation.

After this second consecutive loss in the IRC2 and the generally bad performance, Coach Jen Y has announced that the exkola side (high school) team of Sijitalatirikimidateme Hanakeveratalija will play for the national team in the next match. the stadium speaker at Vimesbairn National Stadium already called in sick. Jen Y justifies this unusual move by referring to the incredible success of other high schoolers playing instead of the national team, the most prominent example being New Montreal States. When a reporter noted that these states ceased to exist not long after that, Jen Y said that this was totally unrelated but he was suddenly very pale. When the same reporter also mentioned that Praying2God ceased after having a team of collegeboys, Jen Y cancwelled the press conference. We can only hope that the exkola side-ans play better than the normal team and that the nation will not cease as a result of that.

Lethislavania - Starblaydia 1-3
The Belmore Family - Nonesuch Street 2-1
Rejistania - Cockbill Street 0-2

Cockbill Street 3 3 0 0 8-2 9
Starblaydia 3 3 0 0 6-2 9
The Belmore Family 3 1 0 2 3-4 3
Nonesuch Street 3 1 0 2 4-6 3
Lethislavania 3 1 0 2 4-6 3
Rejistania 3 0 0 3 2-7 0

'Next Match Is The Decider'
Montefalcon Ruled out of Cockbill Street Game with Red Card

Captain for the day, Jerome Montefalcon disgraced himself with a series of poor, mistimed and downright vicious tackles right across the packed Lethislavanian midfield. The reason for his play has been brushed off as mere frustration, as Lethislavania's Fighting Green managed to score in the second minute of play, Timothy Johnson's cross-or-shot flashing across the goalie and into the top-right-hand corner of the net.

Starblaydia were initially shocked and it looked like they might go another goal down, but eventually Montefalcon and Menegroth got a hold on the midfield, with support from Marco Del Blanco as he dropped back deep. It took, however, until First Half Injury-Time for the equalisier, as Darius Belizaire chipped the Lethislavanian goalie on a swift counter attack, putting Starblaydia level at the half-time break.

Thankfully, by the time Montefalcon had gone off for an early, red card-enforced bath, Starblaydia were already free and clear with a 3-1 scoreline. First it was Nick Matranga's simplest of goals into an empty net after Belizaire's shot was too hot to hold for Jorge. then, just a minute or so later, Marco Del Blanco got on the end of an Azanulbizarn cross to head home from 12 yards. Job Done.

Final Score from the Vimesbairn Cricket Ground:
Lethislavania 1 - 3 Starblaydia
(Johnson 2) - (Belizaire 45, Matranga 62, Del Blanco 64)

The next match, against Cockbill Street, may well decide the fate of the 2nd International Recreational Cup, as both teams sit on 100% records from three matches at the top of the table, with the Steet ahead on goal difference.

Starblaydia will field their strongest team against the hosts, save suspended Jerome Montefalcon, who will be replaced by Hurin Menegroth. Two Dwarves starting in the team against Cockbill Steet? Better stand back and watch the groins get bitten.

Nation P W D L F-A Pts
Cockbill Street 3 3 0 0 8-2 9
Starblaydia 3 3 0 0 6-2 9
The Belmore Family 3 1 0 2 3-4 3
Lethislavania 3 1 0 2 4-6 3
Nonesuch Street 3 1 0 2 4-6 3
Rejistania 3 0 0 3 2-7 0

REPORT ON G'IRGAH CANDIDATES

CANDIDATE #3
Lee Branson
Sex: M (definitely)
Nationality: Audioslavia
Species: 'slavian (we reckon they may safely be defined as another species)
Age: 60
Experience: Right back for Audioslavia for sixteen years, g'irgah of Cockbill Street for the past four years, only human g'irgah to take the Street throug qualifying
Manager Test: Rejistania - because we reckon he's the best of the crop
Favoured Formation: 4-3-1-2
Line-up: Grorgrunter - H Stronginthearm, Galena, Dwarfclobberer, Walker - Cawdron, Jones, McLavish - Heimfoething - Canning, Peters

Match Report:

A few key changes from the World Cup side and suddenly the team seemed to work wonders - granted, against a school side from Rejistania, whose names we're very lucky not to have to print. Trevor Jones, ever so effective in defence, was moved up into midfield instead, and seemed to enjoy a kind of retreated playmaker role. The troll central-defence time and again stopped the Rejistani schoolboys, while the attack came out with creative plays against a weak defence lacking in a stamina. The goals were, however, not a result of great attacking plays, but of set pieces working well. The first was Sarah Cawdron's work - her cross for Alan Canning was absolutely perfect height, and with him having about two feet of height-advantage on the Rejistani school lads, it was easy picking. One-nil. In the second half, the match got more drab and boring as the Rejistanis hit the "Wall of Rock" and Cockbill seemed content with rolling the ball about, but eight minutes before the end, the Streetians got a corner. Heimfoething curled it beautifully in and Trevor Jones made it 2-0 - a surprisingly good score against any Rejistani side, and a very impressive performance overall.

Goals:

1-0 Canning 8
2-0 Jones 82

Grades:

Affection for the Game: 5/10 - I don't know why, but he didn't seem quite as maniacal as the other two - and not as engaged, either. Seemed like he didn't want the job. The players proved him wrong, however.

Defensive Organisation: 10/10 - functional defence without putting too much emphasis on it. A joy to behold. Keeping Rejistania to no goals is an achievement no matter what.

Attacking Organisation: 8/10 - lots of chances, however a spot of bother with getting them in the net. Had to rely on set pieces, but that was really a coincidence in my opinion.

Style of Play: 9/10 - beautiful football from end to end. Classic attacking formation, Heimfoething working well with the two strikers and with the midfield to make the connection. He also worked well in defending, putting to rest fears that the formation wouldn't work because possession wouldn't be to the Street's favour.

Ability to Get Crowd Behind: 10/10 - the Streetians in the crowd sang for over two hours following the goal, clearly appreciating the victory. The sins of the past World Cup appeared to be forgotten. Ah, fortune is fickle...

Helen Carpenter

15 July 1726

this thing is rigged! <5000 lines of rant>

Nonesuch Street - Rejistania 0-3
The Belmore Family - Lethislavania 1-1
Cockbill Street - Starblaydia 2-1

Cockbill Street 4 4 0 0 10-3 12
Starblaydia 4 3 0 1 7-4 9
The Belmore Family 4 1 1 2 4-5 4
Lethislavania 4 1 1 2 5-7 4
Rejistania 4 1 0 3 5-7 3
Nonesuch Street 4 1 0 3 4-9 3

REPORT ON G'IRGAH CANDIDATES

CANDIDATE #4
Trefor Trefor
Sex: M
Nationality: Druida
Age: 51
Experience: I'm not sure, but if this is any of the twenty-odd blokes named Trefor Trefor who's played for the Druidan national team...or he might just be some random nobody from off the street...um, off Druida.
Manager Test: Starblaydia - because we'd beat them anyway, even with a 94-year-old woman as manager
Favoured Formation: 3-5-2
Line-up: Grorgrunter - H Stronginthearm, Galena, Walker - Cawdron, Jones, Stewart, Heimfoething, McLavish - Canning, Stubbings

Match Report:

More changes and more luck for the Streetian side. It seems like the opponents haven't quite caught on to the idea that the tactics are going to change for every match, and so prepare for the team that faced them last - and the Streetians are happy enough to do that. Amazingly, the Druidan g'irgah candidate kept sane (relatively at least - he didn't violently attack the crowd or call any planes to crash), and actually managed to lead the team somewhat coherently. Olaf Heimfoething continued his fine form in this cup, shooting one goal from 25 yards and setting up Alan Canning for 2-0 just before half-time. Along with that, the three-back line seemed to work decently enough, and the Starblaydis just couldn't get through - except once, on a counterattack when Majeed played a beautiful long pass up to Juan De Silva de Souza, who dribbled easily past the slow Galena and slotted it in to Grorgrunter's left. The match was marred by many fights - Olaf Heimfoething and Harald Stronginthearm were sent off for fighting with Hurin Menegroth and Khim Azanulbizarn, apparently over some old dwarf quarrel. I expect their great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents were partners in a mine and broke up.

Goals:

1-0 Heimfoething 11
2-0 Canning 44
2-1 de Souza 69

Grades:

Affection for the Game: 7/10 - certainly very loving of the beautiful game, but perhaps too much...you had a feeling he was going to tip over the edge any second.

Defensive Organisation: 8/10 - decent, decent - amazingly for a three-back line. Galena was a bit alone in central defence, though, not good for such a slow, lumbering troll.

Attacking Organisation: 9/10 - great stuff led by Olaf Heimfoething. Passes flourished, crosses led to headers, headers could have led to goals and certainly to dangerous set pieces.

Style of Play: 7/10 - slightly repetitive, not very entertaining, despite the fact that it was attacking and passing-oriented. The game became slow and boring at times, at other times violent.

Ability to Get Crowd Behind: 6/10 - everyone seemed to have the same feelings. Don't cheer this guy on, then he'll get even madder down there. Right?

Helen Carpenter

16 July 1726

'We Can Still Win It'
Starblaydi Side Beset By Injuries and Suspensions

Well that was a bit of a scrap, wasn't it?

"The boys showed a good team spirit today," Manager Guylain N'Dumbu-Nsungu said after this match, "they're willing to fight for each other as one big family."

Quite literally, in fact. In how many other teams might you see Humans coming to the aid of the Dwarven compatriots, espeically for fighting with other Dwarves? Olaf Heimfoething and Harald Stronginthearm both received Red Cards for Cockbill Street, as did Hurin Menegroth, Khim Azanulbizarn and Marco Del Blanco for Starblaydia, in addition to the reams of yellow cards dished out to both sides. The full Starblaydi Suspended and Injured list is as follows:

Khim Azanulbizarn (Sent Off - Two Yellow Cards)
Hurin Menegroth (Sent Off - Straight Red Card)
Marco Del Blanco (Sent Off - Straight Red Card)
Juan Silva De Souza (Second Yellow Card of the Tournament)
Geraint Evans (Injured - Bitten Groin)
Porfirio Zanueta (Injured - Dead Leg)

Jean-Pierre Durand also faces a fitness test to see if he's recovered from an allergic reaction to Troll vomit. So, Starblaydia's next starting line-up against Nonesuch Street will look like this:

1
Cragg

*5* 6
2 Durand Majeed 13
Garcia Tsarev

4 8
15 Montefalcon R Di Bradini 11
Stark Matranga

17 18
S Di Bradini Belizaire
This should certainly strike fear into any 'Street Colonial side, whether they exist or not. Starblaydia will have to beat Nonesuch by around three goals to nil, while hoping that the Lethislavania Fighting Green manage to beat Cockbill Street in any way, shape or form possible. Only then can Starblaydia take their first title, away from home, in their nineteen-year history.

Final Score from the Vimesbairn National Stadium
Starblaydia 1 - 2 Cockbill Street
(De Souza 69) - (Heimfoething 11, Canning 44)

Nonesuch Street - Starblaydia 0-2
Lethislavania - Cockbill Street 0-2
The Belmore Family - Rejistania 1-5

Cockbill Street 5 5 0 0 12-3 15
Starblaydia 5 4 0 1 9-4 12
Rejistania 5 2 0 3 10-8 6
Lethislavania 5 1 1 3 5-9 4
The Belmore Family 5 1 1 3 5-10 4
Nonesuch Street 5 1 0 4 4-11 3