NationStates Jolt Archive

Pre-World Cup 24 Baptism of Fire Cup in Vilita and Spruitland
Rosters, RP and Scores Thread

---------------Hello, and welcome to the 11th Baptism of Fire Cup (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Baptism_of_Fire) , The only official Warm-Up tournament to the famous Nationstates World Cup (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/World_Cup). This is the place for you to post your team rosters, find out how you are doing and report on your teams performances! This seasons Baptism of Fire Cup will see last seasons Baptism of Fire Cup champions, Spruitland, make the jump into tournament hosting for the first time. This will be the third time in the history of the Baptism of Fire Cup that the defending champions were invited to host the succeeding tournament. As always, the other half of the field will be playing in the beautiful Tropics of Vilita, located in the center of Atlantian Oceania, the most widely recognized footballing region in Nationstates. This seasons tournament promises to be one of the most exciting ever, eclipsing the all-time record for nations eligible to participate. If you are eligible, you should be receiving a telegram shortly from the hosts, and should begin posting your Rosters and Pre-Tournament Reports now!

---------------The Baptism of Fire is a pre-World Cup tournament for debutant teams to send their World Cup squad to their first warm-up competition to gain vital experience (and crucial KPB-ranking points (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/KPB_ranking_system) ). For instance, the WC17 BoF runner-up, Aquiliana, jumped from rank 200 (new nation status) to rank 69, and 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 being active merely went from 200 up to 183, and finished last in their World Cup Qualifying group. The BoF is not just a chance for New Clubs to get a start on their careers in the NS World Cup, but also new hosts, with Starblaydia, Lethislavania, South Osettia and Legalese all getting their starts as hosts in the Baptism of Fire Cup before going on to host the World Cup.

---------------Unlike the proper World Cup, RP bonus (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/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 the World Cup, 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 Spruitland Section and the Vilita Section. Each team will play one match against the other teams in their group, followed by Knockout Rounds within their own Section. The Champions of the Spruitland Section and the Vilita Section will meet at the Tivali Ring Stadium in Alikki-Corra, Vilita for the BoF Final.


You may also wish to view the last BoF threads :
WC23 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=421872) - WC22 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=410633) - WC21 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=397065) - WC20 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=385907) - WC19 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=374306) - WC18 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=364185) - WC17 (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=349645) -


The Following Nations have been Accepted to Participate in the Cup (20)

Casari - Chileany - Clavis - Dauna Hills - Dedostan - Elrich - Geisenfried - Hurfordia - Klakistany - Kurumada - Liamopolis-Liamton - Limbrogidlia - Lox Land Island - Morvonia - Ruventsoria - San-Lorenzo - Scorthona - Tallionis - Trianland - Yafor 2


Matchday Schedule:

- More Information will be provided in the coming days -

Regional Match Schedules:

- More Information will be provided in the coming days -

Vilitan Region

Spruitland Region

On behalf of His Majesty King Alfons I of Spruitland, the Spruitland Football Association, and all the sports-crazed citizens of Spruitland, I would like to welcome all participants and their entourage to the pre-World Cup 24 Baptism of Fire.

The group draw will occur in the near future, and to those of you who will find themselves playing their matches in Spruitland, let me offer my warmest congratulations, for you are truly the lucky ones.

While – as the addendum will show – our stadiums may not be as large, fancy or history-rich as the ones in Vilita, you should find that our notable absence of drug laws and flourishing prostitution industry more than makes up for that, providing the perfect environment for rising football stars in their first major tournament.

This paragraph was supposed to say something about fair play and sportsmanlike behavior, but let’s be honest, everybody loves a nice dirty tackle and occasional excessive elbow usage, so I’ll skip that part. Let me just wish you all the best of luck, and loads of fun!

Olav Nett
Minister of Sports
Spruitland


Spruitland Stadium Guide

King Alfons Stadium, New Brux
Capacity: 38,300 (20,300 seated)

Spruitland’s national stadium and home ground of perennial under-achievers New Brux FC is located smack in the center of the nation’s capital. It overlooks King Alfons Square, where traditionally a large video screen will be installed for those unfortunates who failed to get tickets for the match. Apart from several group matches, King Alfons Stadium will host the Spruitland Regional Final.

Industrial Arena, Albertine
Capacity: 28,500 (15,000 seated)

Home of two-time Spruitland champions FC Albertine, the Industrial Arena favors functionality over aesthetics. The grey concrete, square-shaped arena, on the outskirts of the city of Albertine, Spruitland’s industrial capital, barely stands out from the surrounding factories and processing plants, but an ingenious air circulation system in the stadium makes fumes and air pollution hardly an issue.

Vandemoortele Stadium, Mayo City
Capacity: 30,000 (19,500 seated)

Vandemoortele Stadium, home of Sporting Mayo, is the favorite playing ground of many Spruitland football players, partly due to its unusual location. Built on the beach, the water rises to above the level of the playing field at high tide, and the combination of a hefty sea breeze and seagull droppings provides a unique atmosphere for playing football. Another reason for its popularity is the bustling nightlife in tourism center Mayo City.

Hemp Field, Sativa
Capacity: 22,500 (13,000 seated)

As the name might indicate, Hemp Field – home of the Sativa Stoners - is located on the edge of the medium sized city of Sativa, Spruitland’s agricultural capital, inbetween fields and plantations of agricultural-like products. The smallish size of the stadium provides an intimate atmosphere, further enhanced by a lack of seperators between the field and the spectators – hooliganism has never been a problem in Sativa.

Tootsie Field, Thiel
Capacity: 27,200 (15,200 seated)

Home of perennial runners-up Thiel United, Tootsie Field often doubles as a concert ground, hosting – among other things - the famous annual Tootsie Rock festival. It’s located in the center of Thiel, Spruitland’s unofficial cultural capital, a city that rivals Mayo City’s bustling nightlife.

ELRICH ANNOUNCES DELIGHT AT BAPTISM OF FIRE ENTRY

King Elrich in a press conference today announced his delight after it was confirmed that his Kingdom of Elrich would take place in the Pre-World Cup 24 Baptism of Fire,

"It will give our inexperienced team a chance to make a name for themselves before the world cup" he stated, "But the Baptism of Fire is not just a warm-up tournament, but a prestigious tournament in itself. We are delighted that we will be playing in the nations of Vilita or Spruitland"

When asked about his teams chances in the tournament, Elrich was cautiously optimistic, "Anything can happen," he stated, "Just look at the success of Aquiliana in WC17, but anything is a bonus for here on in, our small nation are just happy to take part!"

The Kingdom of Elrich's chances in the Baptism of Fire and in the World cup qualifiers would be greatly improved if the excited rumours are true that the great Elrich himself will wear the number 9 shirt himself. However, when questioned on this subject he kept his cards firmly held to his chest "All will be discovered in due course," he said.

In a statement from the Elrich Football Association, it was learned that National Trials of 50 invited players are taking place over the next few days, with the final squad being announced shortly after that. The people of Elrich though, are praying that Elrich himself will be amongst them.

There was rejoicing at the Hurfordian Football Association today, as the Conures were invited to play in the Baptism of Fire Cup. National team manager Peter Langrishe was barely able to keep his excitement in check as the telegram arrived.

"Naturally, I'm thrilled to take part insuch a prestigious tournament" he told "White on Green", the Commonwealth's leading sports daily, "It's hard to believe that we have come so far in such a short time. Two weeks ago, we hadn't even played a competitive match. The lads are all on a high after our time in Trotsgrad, and we hope we can build on that."

Langrishe hinted that he would be building his squad around the players who played in Trotsgrad, but that no-one could be certain of a place. The National Team trials will be held in the next few days, and a squad should hopefully be ready sometime next week. It seems, though, that young James Holsworthy, who impressed during the Trotsgrad Tournament, and who has subsequently been transferred from Hellas Academy Old Boys to First Division stalwarts Portown FC, and Cornelius Sulla, the unlikely goalscoring hero of the tournament, are unlikely to be dropped.

Klakistany announces squad for BoF

Kartelbergen - Klakistany-president and coach Amadeusz Klak has announced his squad today.
There are a lot of attackers because the selection of Klakistany is going to play very attcking.
The player of who Klakistany expect the most is Hans Goudenkorp,he's the attacker of FC Kartelbergen,the best club from capital Kartelbergen and champion of south division in Klakistany.
Very surprising is the presence of Edwin Balker,the goelkeeper from SK Kleveren,who haven't played very good in south division this season.

Goalkeepers

1.Twierdż Kevornik (Pnienisa KCPN)
2.Edwin Balker (SK Kleveren)

Defenders

3.Aron Besukiż (Pnienisa KCPN)
4.Bart Tekelman (FC Goeslen)
5.Wouter Neesden (FC Kartelbergen)
6.Gert Drenkel (FC Kartelbergen)
7.Wiesa Kolbert (Uridza KCPN)

Midfielders

8.Simon Verrenek (SK Teenkelder)
9.Erik Scheper (FC Kartelbergen)
10.Bartek Kwaśnik (Pnienisa KCPN)
11.Karol Kupiec (Pnienisa KCPN)

Attackers
12.Salamon Kudż (Urida KCPN)
13.Hans Goudenkorp (FC Kartelbergen)
14.Wurek Cirep (Levnik)
15.Jose Puerto Camara (FC Kartelbergen) (He comes from another nation but has been naturalised)

With this talentful and experienced squad Klak demands a place at the last 32 of this tournament.

(OOC: You never demand things, especially not from Vil. Big mistake :P)

Lox Land gets first taste of football

Lox Land Island will get their first taste of international football when, for the first time, they will step out onto the pitch representing this small island east of Liverpool England.

Managed by former Liverpool England international Steven Blackwell, who was born in Schimpol on the island when all Islanders were given Liverpool England nationality, the team have named a 20-strong squad to travel to Vilita and Spruitland for the Pre-World Cup 24 Baptism of Fire tournament, the traditional warm-up to the World Cup for new entrants to the World Cup stage.

The 20-man squad
No. Name Age Pos LE u21 caps
1. Patrick Labarbera 25 GKS 0
2. Bryan Luke 19 DRS 0
3. Frank Madrid 22 DCS 0
4. Kenneth Bemis 24 DCS 0
5. Sean Rabb 20 DCS 0
6C. Russell Craig 24 DLS 8
7. Nathan Legere 21 WRS 6
8. Brian Mccown 19 WLS 0
9. Martin Larry 18 MCS 2
10. George Jude 27 AMCS 0
11. Victor Wheaton 30 FCS 0
12. Leonard Cobos 25 GK 0
13. Jeremy Mccauley 28 GK 0
14. Bryan Mccowan 17 D 0
15. Roger Metts 18 MR 4
16. Nathan Birchfield 26 M 8
17. Manuel Stringer 29 utility 0
18. Justin Blais 31 FC 0
19. Chad Taft 29 M/FC 0
20. Dennis Marti 30 utility 0

+an S next to position denotes starter

Casari4Sport

Casari International Team revealed for First International Effort

At a live press conference, Casari Prime Minister Meia Winter looked on as International Team Manager Vivica Hill and Minister of Culture Link Scott (CON) presented the first ever Casari International Team. "We feel that our enterance into world sport competition will create a sense of pride among the citizens of Casari, and help push our domestic soccer leauges to the next level." Hill said while at the podeum in front of the assmbled press. "We have spent the offseason training around the nation in an effort to create the best team to challenge for the upcoming Baptism of Fire Cup, and World Cup 24 immediately after that."

After each took a turn speaking, the coaching staff and players for the first incarnation of the team were announced.

Coaching Staff
Name Age Pos
Vivica Hill 29 General Manager
Tim Bridges 41 Head Coach
Stephan Solderberg 34 Assistant Coach
Dick Eidswick 36 Offense Coach
Giancarlo Fivialli 31 Defense Coach
Bri Norman 29 Goalkeeper Coach
Willi Hutchenson 52 Scout
Nickolas Veran 34 Head Trainer

Players
No. Name Club Age Pos
1 Scott William Tyrellian International 21 GK
3 Ari Saienz Tyrellia City 22 F
6 Will Stanton Hamilton Bay FC 25 M
7 John Grainger Tyrellian International 24 M
9 Mike Newberry Brighton Hill FC 23 F
10 Steven MacLellan FC Fairford 28 D
11 Eddie Oliver West Baronies FC 26 D
13 Alex Pilot Leyton FC 31 F
15 Alberto Larini Winton Market FC 22 M
18 Jay Letra Tyrellian International 20 D
21 Masahiro Noda Tyrellia City 26 D
26 Robbie Archer Brighton Hill FC 25 M
29 Yamato Shihairi Shelby FC 23 F
34 Salvidore Rooney FC Tica 24 GK
42 Greg Ruhlman Tyrellian International 25 F
44 Andy Ronalo Tyrellian International 27 F
57 Chris Novena FC Fairford 25 D
68 Brian Nelson Tyrellia City 21 D
97 Pedro Romi Inslow FC 21 M
98 Piero Capelli Tyrellia City 23 M

The team features five members of Tyrellian International, last year's Casari First Division champion, and four members of their bitter crosstown rivals and last year's Casari Fire Cup winner Tyrellia City. Defenseman Brian Nelson (TC) and Forward Andy Ronalo (TI) were included on the team, after being suspended for a third of the season last year after fighting in the Fire Cup final. Whether the team can succeed with the two massive egos of Nelson and Ronalo occupying the same field will be one of the largest questions of the upcoming campaign.

While the speculation around the nomination of Vivica Hill, former West Baronies striker, as General Manager ended with Today's announcement, speculation on the possible style of play has commenced. With only one player over thirty, and fifteen at the age of twenty-five or younger, sportswriters are wondering whether the team will try for a drastic new style of play, emphasizing high speed, passing, and near constant attack, or continue the traditional style that has been Coach Tim Bridges's bread and butter for over fifteen years.

Will Casari International show promise? The upcoming Baptism of Fire Cup will be the only way to discover. While the schedule is not yet announced, negotiations are underway to bring you each of Casari's matches in its inaugural tournement live.

A CasariTV Report

Geisenfried looks for strong performance in Baptism of Fire Cup

--As the Baptism of Fire Cup begins in earnest, many nations, all new to the international soccer scene, are preparing to do their best, to take the BoF cup, and show themselves to be contenders, at least in the qualifying rounds of the World Cup. Among those is the Geisenfried National Team, which has been training extensively, hoping to come out on top. Originally, a international friendly match was to be planned, but was scratched due to time constraints. However, they still look strong for the Baptism of Fire Cup. The tentative roster has been finalized, and contains some of the best players within the GPFL. Here it is:

Official Roster:
Starters in Dark Red
Bench in Black
Reserves in Tan

Geisenfried National Team- The Golden Eagles:

Manager: Wilhelm Romm (Shinden United)

GK: Kurt Ackermann (Club Royal)
GK: Max Drais (Destin FC)
GK: Fredric Jaenicke (Shinden United)
LD: Johann Klintzsch (Destin FC)
CD: Nicolas Hausen (Shinden United)
RD: Matthias Klintzsch (Destin FC)
DF: Walter Fraas (Club Royal)
DF: Sigmund Dühring (Blanc)
DF: Josef Metz (Destin FC)
DF: Otto Hasert (Courant City)
LM: Tomas Graf (Courant City)
LCM: Leonard Baehr (Shinden United)
CM: Conrad Stein (Blanc)
RCM: Georg Canitz (Club Royal)
RM: Cristoph Schlegel (Shinden United)
MF: Peter Blumhardt (Shinden United)
MF: Erik Jaschan (Club Royal)
MF: Franz Engelke (Courant City)
MF: Paul Schaeffler (Destin FC)
MF: Jakob Herzberg (Blanc)
LS: Karl Genz (Courant City)
RS: Samuel Wolfe (Club Royal)
ST: Vincent Holtz (Destin FC)
ST: Anthony Kurtz (Shinden United)
ST: Michael Kuttner (Blanc)
ST: Hans Mülhens (Club Royal)
ST: Viktor Janerka (Shinden United)

When questioned on speculation with how well the team would do, Romm said this, "We'll do the best damn job we can, and that should be enough." No other comments could be obtained from Mr. Romm. However, most analysts are fairly optimistic about the nation's chances within the Baptism of Fire Cup.

The team is to have a massive rally in the Geisenfriedian capital of Arcadie within the week, before leaving to their destination, which has yet to be clarified by Baptism of Fire Cup tournament officials. Citizens however, are enthusiastic about having a representative in the Cup, and are really hoping for a strong performance from the Golden Eagles.

I Give My Opponents Permission To:

Choose Scorers: Y
GodMod Goalscoring Events: Y

Injure Players: N
GodMod Injury Events N

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

((OOC: By the way, here was where I originally announced my roster, and planned for the international friendlies. Don't know if it can score me some RP bonus, but here it is anyway: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=433582))

Papa Monzano, Supreme Dictator of San-Lorenzo annouces his great plaesure to have our small and heretofore unnoticed nation participating in the Baptism of Fire Cup, preparatory to the worlds biggest sports tournament, the World Cup. San-Lorenzo, after pulling out of qualifying for the previous cup four years ago will participate in international football for the first time. The whole nation is buzzing with excitement.

Quote of the day:
on San-Lorenzo in the BoF:

"De Bo-op-tee-sam a Fee-er, chee be mos ex-ti-tine fuhr da nai-yoo. Yes' pro-oon ta be inna in-tara-nai-yoon fus-bah too-ur-na-meen-tah."

A roster will soon be released by the newly formed San-Lorenzo Football Association.

George Rush sat at his desk in his office in Vanguard. His thoughts went back to U21WC17. His last match as the coach of the Fmjphoenix U21 squad had been a disheartening 2-0 loss to Hockey Canada, their first such shutout in too many years to think. Why was he relieved of his position as coach of the Junior Vikings? His mind was racing. Am I no longer fit to coach? Is my attacking style no longer working? Why did they tell me that the FAF hired SyLy as the new coach of the Junior Vikings? What will I do?

Suddenly his phone rings.

GR: Hello?

??: Is this George Rush?

GR: Yes. Who is this?

??: I am Katori Hunter of the Dauna Hills Football Associasion.

GR: Well, maybe this answers the questions I have. What can I do for you?

KH: As you know, the FAF has released you from your duties. The reason why that happened is that we requested that you be freed so that we may offer you the position as coach of the Dauna Hills international squad. Would that be something that you would want to do?

GR: Hmmmmm. I would have to think about that. You have me let go as the coach of the team I helped form into champions and as one of the top youth squads in the world to come to your team that does not even exist yet?

KH: We are offering you 20 million zenny for the next 12 years in which you will also be able to coach the DHFL squad of your choice as well. Out of the coaches that were available, you were our top choice.

GR: Sounds fun. I can be ready in three days. I will need lists of the top 100 players that are eligable for consideration on the team, along with the location of training and practice facilities.

KH: Excellent. The national stadium is nearing completion and the training complex is already complete. Your plane will be waiting for you at Vanguard Internatinal Airport. See you in three days.

He handgs up. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pre-BoF (WC24) Friendly: Lox Land Island 1-1 Liverpool England
(Liverpool England win 5-3 on penalties)

Match Stats
Venue: Waterway Stadium, Schimpol
Scorers: Larry 25', O'Reilly 44'
Att.: 21,000

Lox Land Island played their first ever international match today, a friendly against the Liverpool England national squad, for whom this was the first of four pre-World Cup warmup matches, with games to come against Brazillico, Geisenfried and the Liverpool England under-21s.

The match was all Lox Land in the first half, surprisingly as Liverpool Engand were playing eight regular internationals, handing debuts to only three players, and in the 25th minute it paid off as Martin Larry scored from a 25-yard curler which hit the top corner of the net to give the home side a shock lead against the team ranked 8th in the world.

Liverpool England had their chances, but failed to convert them until a through ball found its way to Lawrence O'Reilly, the North Fence Pushing player who's currently the joint-top scorer in the Liverpool England league, to calmly slot the ball home past the flailing Patrick Labarbera right before the half-time whistle.

Liverpool England made four changes at the break, while Lox Land made six, hoping that fresh legs could give their side an advantage against their opponents.

But for three spurned chances by Lox Land Island, all headers that were denied by the woodwork, plus one turned-down penalty appeal, Lox Land would have won quite comfortably. They failed to score again, however, sending the friendly tie into a shootout, where Chad Taft missed his decisive spot-kick to give Liverpool England victory, 5-3.

Lox Land Island's Pre-BoF (WC24) Fixtures:
Liverpool England (H) L1-1 (3-5)
Liverpool England under 21s (A)
Orean United (H)

Liverpool England's Pre-WC24Q Fixtures:
Lox Land Island (A) W1-1 (5-3)
Brazillico (H)
Geisenfried (H)
Liverpool England under 21s (N)

Yaforite All-Pro Side Annouced; Will Play in Baptism of Fire

In an unprecedentedly odd move, The National Athelethic Board of Yafor 2 announced their Lam Interolas Demorag Yafor Tworest (LIDYT) players, over two weeks before the deadline. This has never been done before, with the customary press conference the day before the deadline being more common. However, it was understood why. The Baptism of Fire is in a short amount of time and this squad must be announced by then. This year was a less difficult decision, as it included many of last years selections. This is the first year they will play in a national tournament; originally they played the Under-21 All-Pro Team 3 times.

This years squad is a very good one, with a strong defense, a passing midfield, and a few extremely intelligent strikers. The demolished the Under-21 team 3-0, 4-0, and 5-0. This is the team that is playing in a 4-4-2 and in a style which balences attacking and defending:

1. Manager: Allan Albrecht. Club: Gordon FC. Age: 52 Experience: 3 years. A former star midfielder for Gordon FC in the 1980's, he returned to his club to coach 3 years ago. His had been a classic sucess story. When he arrived, Gordon were floundering in money problems, fan support, and were at the bottom of the Third Division, the lowest division. Using shrewd on-field tactics, he reknewed fan support, bringing Gordon from out of the shadows of the much larger Harrel FC. He is known for being one of the best on-field managers in history, and is remembered most for his 2-0 victory over Harrel this year. Gordon finished this season in 8th place.

2. Goalkeeper: Deron Smithes. Club: Ajer FC. Age: 29 Experience: 7 years. Deron Smithes is an excellent goalie, as both his teamates and his rivals agree. He has had a stranglehold on the goalie position in the All-Pro team for 4 years, having lead the league in clean sheets in all of those years. That is not the only skill he has. He is also an adept punter.

3.Goalkeeper: Abul Hamer. Club: Deros FC. Age: 31. Experience: 11 Years. Hamer is the type of goalie who would be the number one pick for any team...but the All-Pro team. He is 6'2" and has an incredibly long punt. His one weakness is his fitness; he is often excused on grounds of bad health.

4.Goalkeeper: Gagar Dules. Club: Ajer United. Age: 33. Experience: 9 Years. An average goalie, Dules has been taken alone as the other two goalies are exremely prone to injury.

5.Right Defender: Olet Damer. Club:Ajer United. Age: 27. Experience:5 years. Olet Damer is a very skilled defender. Speed is one of his natural abilities, with his passing skills close behind. Despite the fact that he has fewer years of experience than everyone else, he still was selected due to his skill.

6.Right Center Defender: Thia Boley. Club: Ibeb FC. Age: 29. Experience:9 years. Thia Boley is the younger of the two center defenders, but is definatly the better. He is extremely strong, often being called for hard fouls. His stamina drives him onwards and he is often attacking. However, despite his build, like that of an attacker, he often makes educated passes, leading in attacks. He also has a powerful kick.

7.Left Center Defender: Giyar Dolas. Club: Ajer United. Age: 33. Experience: 11 years. Giyar Dolas' skills can be said in a few words; passing and booting. He is a shrewd passer and is a very good kicker. Nothing else needs to be said about him.

8.Left Defender: Giim Galerodamos. Club: Ramen FC. Age: 31. Experience: 12 years. Galerodamos, despite his age, is still one of the fastest defenders in Yafor 2. His skill with the ball is incredible, and hie has one other skill. He has an incredibly long throw, often setting up the midfielder far beyond where the opposing defenders think. Even teams prepared for his long throw are surprised by the length that it has.

9.Right/Right Center Defender:Olan Hadoret. Club:Ramen United. Age:29. Experience:8 years. Olan Hadoret is a seasoned player in both of his position. Nomally a starter, he is not used to being on the bench. His speed is not his strong siut, with a powerful foot and mean passing ability his greatest assests.

10.Left/Left Center Defender:Addad Cromoror. Club:Ramen United. Age 34. Experience:13 years. Also from Ramen United, Addad Cromoror is almost an older version of Olan Hadoret. Also wiith a powerful foot and passing ability, Cromoror's age is slowing him down. A 3 time All-Pro selection, he is not used to the bench, either here, nor in Ramen.

11.Left/Right Center Defender/Sweeper: Halen Croat. Club:Aldelard FC. Age: 25. Experience:4 years. Called by some "inexpericned" Halen Croat is by far the most versitile defender in the entire LIDYT. His strong 6'11" frame can be seen shoving and kicking throughout the game, while his charisma, astonishing at 25, is an important part of this team's success.

12.Right Midfielder: Damiel Fraten. Club:Ajer FC. Age:23. Experience:5 years. Speed. That one word defines Daniel Fraten. His speed is legendary. However, speed alone will not get you into the All-PRo squad and Fraten is no different. His ball-control is amazing, though lost in the glory of his speed. He also is a very good crosser, having connected with strikers many times before.

13.Right Center Midfielder:Gerod Flamer. Club: Gigidorel FC. Age:27. Experience:7 years. A legend. A passing genius, he has lead Gigidorel FC to 5 consecutive League Cup victories. He has a talent for finding the open man, regardless of his skill, something that he won't have to worry about here. He has lead the league in assists for 4 years and packs a mean tackle too. One of the highest payed players in the LIDYT, he is truely a legend.

14.Left Center Midfielder:Mohard Attapat. Club: Cardarel FC. Age:29. Experience:7 years. Reknowned for his far shot, Mohard Attapat is a very good addition to a passing midfield. He himself often passes, if only to set himself up for his greatest skill. His long shot, which is typically from 30-40 yards away and, typically, goes in or hits the crossbar.

15.Left Midfielder:Hales Ysilko. Club:Harrel FC. Age:27. Experience: 6 years. Chosen despite the fact that he plays on the rival team to the manager, Hales Ysilko is a strong midfileder. Often accused of play roughly, he draws lots of fouls but commits a lot too. He has a powerful long shot and a powerful long pass, which can quickly change defense to a counterattack.

16.Right/Right Center Midfielder:Prince Seberd. Club:Ajer FC. Age:25. Experience:5 years. A quick, able, back-up, Ajer FC's Prince Seberd is becoming a star in his own right. Called by some, "The Prince of the Right", he is very virulent in his positions. An attacking midfileder who givesit all he has got, he will play a vital role of the bench in the tournament.

17.Left/Left Center Midfielder:Altorat Sheveras. Club:Ramen United. Age: 31. Experience:11 years. A very experienced midfielder, who some call "too old", Altorat Sheveras will be a good player off the bench. His speed and power have declined from his glory days, when he was the highest payed player in the league, but remenansts still exist. His passing ability is unmarred, still as good as ever.

18.Right Striker:Francisco Malar. Club:Ajer United. Age:29. Experience:9 years. The greatest, highest payed player, in the LIDYT. Francisco Malar has lead the league in goals for seven og his nine seasons, and has lead Ajer United to 3 titles. This is his sixth All-Pro team, being of the youngest to join it when he first did. His ball control, speed, especially when sprinting, and his finishing ability will be the key to Yaforite Sucess. It will be a difficult task for opposing defenders to contain this unpridictble, flash, goal-scorer,

19.Left Striker: Damien Dulars. Club:Ajer FC. Age:30. Experience:10 years. Touted as a star eversince he was inducted into the league, Damien Dulars is a prolific finisher. Finishing second in goals each year, he is slowing down. However, his most important asset, his aim, is still intact. His ball control and flashy moves enhance performance. He will be subbed later in games, most probably, but he will still make an impact.

20.Right/Left Striker:Iktam Velastros.Club: Chelmar FC. Age:25. Experence: 6 years. A young star striker, the Chelmar FC star uses his ball handling skills and his grasp of the moves to dominate. He is quick, if slightly cocky and inexperienced. Growing up in the streets of mountainous villages, his family moved from here to there. He has loved only one thing in his life. The exhileration of scoring a goal.

It has not been decided who will be in the starting squad but the order should answer questions. Also, the team and the government has asked that it in the Vilitian group, as many Spruicelander laws clash with Yaforite laws.

trianland announces its the official lineup of the trianland national team for the baptism of fire tournament:

Trianland National Team: The Terrible Tarsiers

formation: 2-5-3

Head Coach:
Bayani Cruz III- 37 (Manila FC)

Gk:
#2- Boy Kapre (Manila FC)- 30***- the best goalkeeper in trianland history...has had the most clean sheets in trianland league history...perennial all-star, having the most consecutive appearances among active players...10 time all-league team in 15 year career...a seven-footer.
#3- Doug Gaymer- 21- has really bad hands: nicknamed "butterfingers"...he's only in the team because he also doubles as a towel boy and washes the team's uniforms...he also washes their underwear...

D:
#23- SW Gianbenny "Sibakdami" Loterena (Bisaya Bolklab)- 19 **- a promising young sweeper...arguably the best in his position in the country, despite his age...dominated the junior leagues, and was the best player throuhgout his tenure...entered the trianland premier league at age 17...the best defender in the nation...will sweep every ball that comes his way...a finesse defender...half-albino and a contortionist...
#13 SW/CB Trian - 19**- the young leader of the nation of trianland...despite his tough schedule and duties in running the empire, has taken time off to join the national team...has limited offensive skills, but overcompensates with his defense...very undersized, but a tenacious defender...tremendous hustling and heading abilities...aggressive tackler...fearless...a close second to sibakdami as the best defender in the nation...known for his deadly diving head butt...
#54 RWB- Jepoy Liititi- 33
#5 RB- Dodong Nognog- 28*
#22 LB- Pancho Balera- 37
# 67 RB- Lolo Banjo- 6

M:
# 7- LM- Lolo Banjo 63****- the "ric flair" of trianland football...the dirtiest football player in the game...has won the most championships, awards, and bookings in trianland football history...famous for his figure-four-goal kick!
# 1- RM Leonardo Libagin- 32*
#10- CM- Buknoy dela Rosa
#46- CDM- Eddie Gil Jr.- 29*- grandson of eddie gil...
#8- CDM- Engelbert the Metro aide- 40
#33 RWM- Ernesto Albino- 21*- midfield tag-team twins
#9- LWM- Fernando Albino- 21*- midfield tag-team twins

F:
#16- RF Bruno Taong Grasa (Quezon City)-22**- a high-scoring forward...has tremendous dribbling and passing skills...strong shooting abilities...a member of the indigenous Taong Grasa tribe...doesn't take baths...
#8- CF Juventud Guerrero- 28*
#0- LF Bangus (Marikina Linis-Ganda)- 33*-wears only his briefs on the field...
#4- Peter Squatter- 37


Legend:
*- starter
**- star player
***- captain

NATION REJOICES AS ELRICH IS INCLUDED IN NATIONAL SQUAD
Managerial team and 16 man squad announced

In a press conference today it was announced that King Elrich will, as rumoured, lead the Nations hope in the upcoming Baptism of Fire Tournament. The 16 man squad was announced today after trials had taken place across the country over the last few days. Other big names in the squad include young striker Jimmy Grimble and coming out of retirement Vinnie Jones. It was announced that Jones would be eligible to play for the country due his grandma's second cousin's dog being of Elrich descent.


TEAM - THE KINGDOM OF ELRICH
NICKNAME - THE BADGERS
HOME STADIUM - THE ELRICH ARENA
HOME COLOURS - RED AND WHITE CHECKS WITH BLACK SLEEVES, SHORTS AND SOCKS
AWAY COLOURS - ALL YELLOW


STAFF

MANAGER - MIKE BASSETT
Previous Managerial Posts - Peterborough, Norwich, England
Bio - After famously guiding England to the semi final of the Brazilian World Cup, Bassett was greeted back home in his native country as a hero, and he famously announced he would continue the role as manager for "4 more years". Sadly, this never materialised as the FA announced that they would not be offering Bassett a new contract. The Government of Elrich saw their opportunity and beat off fierce competition to sign Bassett as National Manager in June 2005.
Preferred Formation - Four, Four, F****** Two

ASSISTANT - Dave Dodds
COACHES - Zoltan Pepper and Pete Zaria
PHYSIO - Wilma Leggrowback

THE SQUAD

1 GORDON BURNS
This famous news presenter and ex-presenter of the Krypton Factor has his own cult following back home in his native Elrich known as Team GB. Gordon is a favourite with the Elrich crowd and expecially the song-writers. Burns is calm and collected with safe hands and incredible shot stopping ability.

2 BARRY SCOTT
Fresh from his advertising exploits with Cillit Bang, the Badger's fullback is famous for his stout, resolute defending and attacking flair. Despite a knee injury which has kept him out of action for the past 2 months Barry reassures the press that he is GOOD AS NEW!!!

3 DANNY ADAMS
Ex Postman and Macclesfield Town legend, the no-nonsense shaven headed meathead offers some of the hardest tackling in the game. Although he is not known for attacking brilliance, he plays it simple and keeps possession for the team. His aggression and defensive abilitys make him an integral part of the Badger's backline.

4 VINNIE JONES
Some have questioned his eligibility to represent Elrich, but none can question his playing abilities. A newcomer to the Elrichian set-up, Vinnie is famous for his scary tackling and for grabbing Paul Gascoignes testicles. However, Jones must quickly learn that in this side, he is second fiddle to Elrich himself in his celebrity status.

5 PETER SPINKS
The younger of the Spinks brothers, the stocky centre-half is respected for organising the Badger's backline, as well as his own tackling and heading attributes. The no-nonsense defender's motto is "If in doubt, hoof it out". However he is renowned for the odd flash of brilliance.

6 ROBIN BANKS
Surprise inclusion, but only due to the fact he has been allowed to leave his sentence at the National State prison to join up with the squad. There is no doubting Banks' on-field fiery ability, but it is off the field where his record is less impressive. Banks was, until his call-up, serving a two-year sentence due to his part in an attempted Bank Robbery. On the pitch the central midfielder is a great ballwinner, strong in the tackle and uses his physical ability to the edge of the laws, and sometimes beyond them.

7 MATTHEW "DIDDY" ALLEN
The 4 foot wonderkid is only 16 years of age but has burst onto the international scene with a bang. His useful knack of being able to run through defenders legs can only be to his advantage, but he is not exactly an aerial threat. The right winger is renowned for his dribbling and crossing.

8 JOHN SPINKS
The fiery red-head midfielder in his earlier days was thought to be named SKNIPS due to a printing error on his shirt, where his name was spelt backwards. The elder of the Spinks brothers contributes goals and assists from midfield and forms a useful partnership with the more defensive Robin Banks.

9 ELRICH (C)
Legend. The King and leader of the country will carry the nations hopes on his shoulders. Although not physically built for such a sport, it is his intelligence which makes him special, he sees things others cannot, and his finishing is unchallenged. His incredible footballing exploits abroad with Busan Icons earned him such Heroic status that not a street, but the Nation itself was named after him, and he was announced leader of his Kingdom.

10 JIMMY GRIMBLE
He no longer needs his magic boots and the Manchester City youngster despite not breaking into his club team, has already established himself as supporting striker for his national side. His skills and pace are legendary. Last years fallout with a set of Elrichian fans after continually being shouted at to "Pass it to bloody Elrich" appear to have now ended.

11 ZEBEDEE
The dazzling, skilful and tricky winger is from Brazilian descent and his dazzling skills quite literally dazzle everyone. Despite often being laughed at by opposition fans for his thin "chickenish" legs, he is a real Bobby Dazzler (except he's not called Bobby). His golden boots do half the dazzling for him. Often decides to dazzle an extra 5 players for the fun of it rather than having a shot.

SUBS

12 GEZ MURPHY
Talented both footed winger, who can play on the left or right. His flair and set-pieces often make him a useful option to turn a game around from the bench.

13 HUBERT BUSBY JNR
This 1 eyed, 1 legged, 1 armed goalkeeper was always the last to be picked at school. The people of Elrich pray he will not be called into action. Elrich insists that Busby's 5,000,000 donation to the National FA was nothing to do with his inclusion in the squad.

14 RICHARD HODGINS
SUBMARINE, SUBMARINE, He's the famous Richard Hodgins and he lives in a Submarine, SUBMARINE, SUBMARINE, he's the famous Richard Hodgins and he lives in a Submarine. What the Navy FC midfielder lacks in footballing ability, he more than makes up for with his legendary song. A National Hero.

15 DAN SINGH-QUEEN
Although his celebrations make Michael Jackson look like Scooby Doo, the agile striker is yet to open his account for the Badgers, despite his impressive league form.

16 FRANK N'STEIN
The huge, intimidating defender, famous for his green skin has established himself as a useful member of the Elrich Squad. Despite lacking pace, and..well a brain, his brute strength and aerial prowess at 8 feet make him a useful option against route one opposition.

Liamopoliseans, Liamtonians Watch N00bs With Complete Contemp
Diawara: Their Chances Are Laughable
Liamopolis Observer

Can Liamists Take PreWC21, PreWC24?
Unprecedented Double On The Cards
Liamist States Times

Rio, Port, Chinatown Active Ingredients In BoF Pie
Puppet Stars Come Out And Play
Liam & Co Media

Where's The Midfield?
Will Controversial Diawara Plan Hold Up?
Soccer & Babes Magazine


Lineup
Multiply ages by 1.39 for proper years. * denotes starters
Strikers
Rod Benvarrio 16 Oxford*
Ron Borbiconi 17 Oxford*
Peter Idangar 15 Rio Liamo*
David Peralta 19 Trafalgar*
Santa Savry 16 Capital*
Lucas Javier 21 Chinatown

Defence
Peros Belle 22 Port Liamopolis*
Vas N'Dione 13 Port Liamopolis*
Watson Dinet 13 Rio Liamo*
Fran Bucci 16 Rio Liamo*
James Recoba 13 Chinatown*
Chris Wu 13 Chinatown

Keepers
Nick Saviola 16 Chinatown*
Cleveland Southgate 13 Rio Liamo

Coach
Zavad Diawara

Pre-BoF (WC24) Friendly: Liverpool England u21s 1-1 Lox Land Island
(Lox Land Island win 6-5 after spot kicks)

Match Stats
Venue: Colonial Stadium, CCL
Scorers: Taft o.g. 14, Craig pen. 78
Att.: 24,631

Lox Land Island fielded a changed side from the team that lost to Liverpool England on penalties in the second of their three-match pre-Baptism of Fire (WC24) friendly tournament, which has already seen the team face Liverpool England, and now, the Liverpool England under 21 side.

With Orean United awaiting the Island in their last warm-up match before the first major international tournament for the team, the players knew they had to perform well if they wanted to be included in the main 18-man squad for the Baptism of Fire, despite all 20 currently on the squad being promised a call up to the national team for the World Cup.

Things took a bad turn just fourteen minutes in, with Chad Taft, back from midfield to defend a free-kick, accidentally toe-poking the ball past starting goalkeeper Jeremy McCauley, who is three years older than normal starter Patrick Labarbera.

McCauley was obviously incondescant at Taft, with him being caught yelling curse words at Taft on camera - something which he will no doubt regret, having been handed a hefty fine by the FALE (of which the Lox Land Football Authority is a subsidiary) to the tune of L£1.5 million.

McCauley, along with seven of his teammates, were brought off at half-time for eight of the nine substitutes to have some say in the action. It paid off for the team, managed by former Liverpool England international and World Cup third-placed finisher Steven Blackwell, as Nathan Birchfield - who has eight Liverpool England under-21 caps to his name, playing against a team he used to represent - claimed a penalty with fifteen minutes to go. Captain Russell Craig, also with eight Liverpool England under-21 caps to his name, calmly slotted home - ensuring that a penalty shootout would decide the game.

In the end, Leonard Cobos, the substitute goalkeeper (Labarbera did not play), saved the under-21s' sixth penalty, ensuring that Lox Land would claim a famous first victory.

Lox Land Island's Pre-BoF (WC24) Fixtures:
Liverpool England (H) L1-1 (3-5)
Liverpool England under 21s (A) W1-1 (6-5)
Orean United (H)

The Community of Dedostan officially announces its squad

In a packed room, team manager Dean Snow announced the squad for the Baptism of Fire Competition. Here is what he said:

Welcome, I'm glad you can be here for the first ever Dedostan squad announcement. From our five million people, I believe I have picked the most talented people availible.

In goal we have Roy Marchant. Roy is a very talented keeper with a long future ahead of him. At 23, I honestly believe he is the most talented man we have here in this squad. His ability to get hold of the most astonishing balls is simply sublime and no doubt he will be the jewel in the Dedostan crown.

In Right Back, I have chosen Frank Doran. Franks speed and his strength of tackle I feel will be useful to covering this important part of the pitch. At 33, I'm sure he won't mind me saying that he's getting on a bit, but I feel that he will be able to sustain his quality of football we have seen on the domestic pitches on the international field.

In centre back, we have the captain, Rhys Gronow. Rhys is a spectacular defender who uses his youth, at only 21, to great effect. He has impressed me greatly in the past season. His efforts for Frampton City have proved his skills as a world class defender. I will never forget his diving header off the goal line in the dying minutes of the cup final that win Frampton the cup, and no doubt if he can produce such spectacular pieces of defence, he will be a great asset to the team.

The other centre back is Jason Phillips. Jason, as you know is the 29 year old defender for Geonistra Rovers. His main asset I feel he will bring to the team is his slick slide-tackling skills. His perfection in timing can save crucial matches by avoiding uneccessary free-kicks. Hopefully, combined with Rhys, we should have an unstoppable partnership that will last for the next few cups, not just this one.

In left back, I have put my confidence in Elliot Kensington. Elliot's left foot is by far the best in the Dedostani league and his ability to tap the ball off advancing forwards is second to none. Despite recent personal setbacks including his cocane addication and divorce from his wife, I am sure that he will add much to the team and be our crowning glory.

For right midfield, I have backed experience. 14 years in the Dedostani league have resulted in great maturity for Edward Sulley. Edward's perfected skills have lead me to believe that he is by far the best player on the pitch and I hope that his ledgendary crosses can be of benifit to our two forwards. Hopefully he will join Dedostan in winning as many cups as he has with Kirk Athletic.

In centre midfield, I have backed Archer Hamsun. Archer's spectacular free-kicks have left opponents dazed and fans cheering. If Archer can repeat only half of his greatest free-kicks for Dedostan, I'm sure we'll endure some success in the next few weeks. With his move to Kirk Athletic expected soon, I'm in no doubt that he will be fired up for the tournament ahead.

To balence Archer, I've put him with the rather firey character of Tom Wood. Known as the "Red Haired Giant" Tom's vehement tackles will certainly raise some eyebrows, whilst proving unforgettable for the Dedostan fans. Hopefully his firey temper can be trained to focus more on the power of his shots, and if he manages that, I think he could go down amoung the international greats.

The last of the midfielders is Andrew Smith who will be playing at left midfield. I have chosen Andrew because of his close working relationship with Elliot and I'm sure that the partership of these two will be useful down the left wing, the wing many often forget, which leads to fatal consequences. However, I feel that Andrew and Elloit will play a role in any success Dedostan may recieve.

Upfront, I've got for a right winger and a centre forward. Playing in the centre forward posistion is Tyler King. Though the press like to define him as stupid and incompetent, he skills on the pitch are all that matters to me and if he, as I'm sure he will, produces some stunning goals for Dedostan, I hope the press will lighten up off him.

Finally, on the right wing, I'm playing Ken Pritchard. Popular with the crowd, I'm sure he'll get Dedostan a name for itself, at least with certain magasine readers. However, we must not forget his skills, especially in his low cross which has dazzelled defenders all over the globe. As long as he keeps his speed up, we will no doubt be seeing many goals for Dedostan.

Hopefully this team will bring us to victory. Never will we forget TERM HLEI EMFL BOAY

Pre-BoF (WC24) Friendly: Lox Land Island 1-0 Orean United
Abandoned after 84 minutes of play due to weather

Match Stats
Venue: Waterway Stadium, Schimpol
Scorer: Birchfield pen. 14
Att.: 18,947
Match Notes: Match suspended after 34 minutes due to bad weather for 21 minutes. Match suspended after 57 minutes due to lightning storms for 23 minutes. Match abandoned after 84 minutes due to worsening weather conditions. Final six minutes plus stoppage time of four minutes and any additional time needed for stoppages to be played at Grovers' Stadium in Orean tomorrow.

The final match in Lox Land Island's pre-Baptism of Fire friendly warm-up tournament was called off after 84 minutes, marking the first time a sports match involving a Liverpool England team was stopped three times, not including for half-time or full-time.

Nathan Birchfield had scored the opening goal after 14 minutes, a deftly-taken penalty after Russell Craig had been brought down. Craig, the usual penalty taker, had to be removed from the field of play to receive treatment, so Birchfield stepped up.

He scored easily, to the delight of Steven Blackwell, managing his side against the club that rival his old club, Schimpol. Twenty minutes later, the first harbinger of difficulty as hail began falling, forcing referee Steven Headwinter to suspend the match.

The hail got heavier by the moment, and both teams were ordered down the tunnel - where they stayed for twenty-one minutes until Headwinter was satisfied that the field was clean of hailstones, after the freak storm had ended three minutes prior.

The skies seemed to have let up as the teams made their way back out, having now played the first-half. However, barely six minutes through the second half, lightning was spotted in the sky, and three minutes later the referee's assistant had flagged to signal potential danger to the players from the lightning storm, not a rare occurence over the Island.

For another twenty-odd minutes Headwinter ensured the players stayed safely in the tunnel - and ensured that the fans were getting enough protection from the reflective plastic shields they had been given.

The lightning storm eased up about twenty minutes after it had started, and the two teams were led back out for a fourth time. Rain began to fall, ever so slightly.

The main concern, by now, was not on the football, but on the safety of the players, officials and fans. After 84 minutes of play, Headwinter decided that the rain was too heavy for play to continue - and time did not permit, with local time now being close to midnight, with the match having had a nine-thirty kickoff (the match had lasted, including stoppages, 143 minutes - two hours and 23 minutes).

Headwinter ordered the match off, and Lox Land Island could now celebrate, with the win awarded to them, despite there being a make-up session of the remaining six minutes, plus four stoppage minutes, in Orean. All fans who had tickets for the original match will be admitted into the ground.

Final Friendly Tournament Table
*PW = penalty win (1 pts), PL = penalty loss (0 pt)
Pos Team P W PW PL L F A Pts
01. Lox Land Island 3 1 1 1 0 3 2 4
02. Liverpool England 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 4
03. Orean United 2 1 0 0 1 2 1 3
04. LEN under 21s 2 0 0 1 1 1 2 0
05. Pardbo 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0

Manager Peter Langrishe has announced his 25-man squad for the upcoming Baptism of Fire Tournament.

Coaching Staff
Manager: Peter Langrishe
Assistant Manager: Connor O'Reilly
Physios: Neil Hanson, Marion Tully

Players (BOLD denotes likely starters

Goal Keepers
#1 Steve Sedley (Kingstown United) (5 caps, 0 goals)
#12 Adrian Manning (Army) (Goalkeeper) (0, 0)

Defenders
Brendan O'Halloran (Sacred Heart FC)(5, 0)
Roy Johnston (Kingstown United) (5, 0)
Aaron Horvath (Fleet Town) (5, 0)
Terry Woods (Marathon City) (0, 0)
Harold Constantine (Plymouth Town) (3, 0)
Neil Bristow (Kingstown University) (3,0)
Chris Byrne (Ravenna) (0, 0)
Ryan Hopkins (Union City AFC) (0,0)
Andy Robson (Southern) (0, 0)

Midfielders
Vincente Lebrun (Racing Club) (5, 2)
Colin Burren (Rocklands Athletic) (5,0)
Cornelius Sulla (Janus FC) (4, 3)
Seamas Mac Moalainn (Corcaigh) (5, 0)
Bill Staples (Avalon City) (0, 0)
Nathan Dawkins (Attica Finches) (0,0)
Alan Denning (Anson Park) (0, 0)

Forwards
James Holsworthy (Portown FC) (5, 0)
Brian Howard (Portown FC) (4, 2) (4, 2)
Kevin Stimpson (Attica FC) (5, 3)
Dean Collins (Callington Town) (0, 0)
Matthew McConnaghy (Sacred Heart FC) (0, 0)
Wayne Sargeant (Western Marches) (0, 0)
Jeff Rawling (Trojans) (0, 0)

The team will play a 4-3-3 formation.

Of the players who turned out in Trotsgrad, only Tudor Edworthy and Stephen Jones failed to make the team. The local consensus is that the squad is a strong one, and could do well if luck is on their side. The only real surprise is the inclusion of Alan Denning, midfielder for Anson Park in the Third Division. Denning made his name after he scored the winning goal for Anson in their shock 2-1 win against Callington in the Cup last season.

The team can now look towards their first warm up game, against a Combined Services side at Fleet tonight.

CNN reports:

Today it was announced that The Armed Republic of Kurumada will participate in the Baptism of Fire the people went crazy! so crazy that the country's dictator Masami Kurumada will participate in the Cup as the goal keeper! Lets hear what he has to say: Masami kurumada "This is incredible I never thought an oportunity like this would come to us and you hear right I'll be the goal keeper of the team!"
CNN: Here is the lineup of the team

Kurumada's Eagles

Goal Keepers
#1 Masami Kurumada (Dictator)
#99 Shinji Nakamura (Hamaendou FC)

Defenders
Hideo Ikari (Ninjin FC)
Youhei Takamura (Ryui FC)
Keisuke Nakata (Ninjin FC)
Yamamoto Kawanishi (Shimenawa FC)
Kotaro Takamiya (Hamaendou FC)
Tepei Jutaime (Ryui FC)
Fao Nishikawa (Shimenawa FC)
Hideoki Misami (Hamaendou FC)
Tetsuya Nakara (Hoku FC)

Midfielders
Nomura Tsukamoto (Jitensha FC)
Tetsu Katsumoto (Nomimono FC)
Kazuya Yokoro (Ninjin FC)
Yuki Tomonara (Hamaendou FC)
Kiyaki Narata (Ryui FC)
Kiyushi Jimura (Hamaendou FC)
Tsumei Nomura (Wakaru FC)

Forwards
Hokaru Nakamiya (Yomu FC)
Ryu Sakazaki (Jikan FC)
Ryoga Hanagawa (Hamaendou FC)
Tokome Tendou (Ninjin FC)
Netsu Hikari (Shimenawa FC)
Kumano Gohoki (Tamanegi FC)
Kuruma Kamikaze (Shimenawa FC)

The Official Roster for San-Lorenzo in the Baptism of Fire has been released!
San-Lorenzo has long watched the world of football from afar, and has begun to take steps to join that world. First, with the founding off San-Lorenzo's first four domestic teams, and now with the joining of the World Cup. In watching the World Cup. we have become very impressed with such teams as Rejistania and Eauz, who play extremely defensively and yet lead all other nations in championships. As a result of this, San-Lorenzo will play in the system known as Karela.

San-Lorenzo Lions:

Goalkeepers:
#1 Jeff Kader (25) - Kader is the best goalkeeper in San-Lorenzo, he plays for one of San-Lorenzo's four domestic teams, House of Hope, Mercy and Football in the Jungle (HHMFJ). Kader will start for the Lions throughout this competition. Kader's only flaw is that he will sometimes come out too far, allowing himself to be caught out of position by a quick attack.
#12 Nilka Kamuff (23) - Nilka plays for Bolivar United, San-Lorenzo's first ever club team. He will be the backup keeper, always on the sideline should anything happen to Jeff Kader. Nilka has very quick reflexes but sometimes commits too early, which makes him very good against breakaways and PKs, but sometimes lets in goals to teams that pass well.
#18 Willis Jirsa (24) - Jirsa is the starting keeper for McCabe FC. He is sometimes slow to react to shots, but has good hands and judges his jumps well. He is the reserve keeper, and will likely not play at all.

Defenders:
#3 Hien Lee (25) - Lee is very fast for a defender, and plays at the Left Wing Back position. He is one of HHMFJ's best defensive assets. Lee is a great takcler, and can even run down opponents who have beaten him with a move, due to his speed.
#4 Huang Nguyen (25) - The left center defender for the Lions also hails from McCabe FC
#2 Syku Kansu (26) C - The son of Rejistanian immigrants, Kansu is a superb defender, and is the captain of our team. He is a star player for Bolivar United, and excells in all aspects of the game from his sweeper position.
#5 Urbi No (27) - Urbi is a very experienced player with Bolivar United and only slightly less talented than his BU teammate Syku Kansu. He plays center defender ahead of Kansu.
#8 Guillermo Cancio (25) - In front of No, is Cancio, who plays a position called Stee-yoop-per-ra in San-Lorenzan English. As you may have figured out, this translates to "stopper" Cancio plays with McCabe FC.
#6 Jerald Kjeer (25) - Papa's Castle FC is the source for the Lions Right Center Defender. He is a very quick player, who
#7 Lazaro Gebru (26) - Is the Lions Right Wing Back, and also has blazing speed. He plays for McCabe FC, San-Lorenzo's strongest defenseive team, and is very similar to Hien Lee in most repects except that he is slightly slower to change direction after missing a ball.
#13 Abdul Rasheed (24) - One of three substitute defenders, Rasheed is a player with McCabe FC who shows great promise to become a very strong center defender.
#14 Bohdan Taaffe (23) - Taaffe is also a very good defender, learning well from his teammates Syku Kansu and Urbi No on Bolivar United.
#15 Kim Do Tai (24) - Tai is Papa's Castle FC's best wing back, and will play substitute for either Gebru or Lee.
#19 Vincent Pribil (22) - Pribil is HHFMJ's youngest player, and while he shows the potential to become a great defender, he still needs time to develop. He will probably start should San-Lorenzo participate in World Cup 25.
#20 Dat Minh Vu (21) - Vu is the youngest player on the team, and will spend much of his time on the reserve list. He plays for McCabe FC.
#21 Fareed Khanh (23) - Khan is another defender from Bolivar United. He will probably not see playing time in this tournament unless something unfortunate happens to other team members.

Midfielders:
#10 Antonio Ferraro (25) - Ferraro is HHMFJ's best midfielder, and excels at passing balls through the opposing defense.
#9 Iskander Patel (28) - At 28, Iskander is the team's elder statesman, and one of two starting midifielders for the Lions. He plays with Papa's Castle FC and is very good at intercepting passes and tackling. His only weakness is shooting power, which shouldn't be a problem.
#16 Chand Kalia (26) - The Lions only substitute Midfielder, Kalia is a good passer, but sometimes sometimes has difficulty with his heading game and tackling. He plays for McCabe FC.
#22 Dason Gupta (24) - Gupta is a good, but still developing midfielder with a talent for heading long lobs directly to his teammates. He plays with Bolivar United.
#23 Sami Qutub (22) - Qutub is a young and inexperienced player, who often allows himself to be faked out. He plays for Papa's Castle FC.


Forwards:
#11 Abawi Wahid (24) - As the only starting forward, Wahid will often be all by himeself during attacks. He was selected to start over the more experienced Abdelkader Nasirudin because his team McCabe FC is also a very defensive team, and he is used to this style of play. He is very fast, but sometimes lacking in shot accuracy.
#17 Abdelkader Nasirudin (25) - Nasirudin is the substitute forward, He plays with HHMFJ and is a very good ball handler and passer, who is somewhat lacking in speed. He is the substitute because, in system Karela, there is no one for the forward to pass to.

The team will be co-managed by Iffat Mansour of Bolivar United and Mostafa Elnahas of McCabe FC and willplay in a 7-2-1 formation.

OOC: I don't see a need for creating a thread just for my friendlies, so I'll just post my RPs here. Also, this score was taken from the United Soccer League's match featuring Toronto against Montreal. Krytenia selected Toronto; Toronto lost 1-0. A word to the wise, if you want to win in any sport, don't pick Toronto. :)

The Brazillico Advance

Krytenia Kryppled!
Brazillico opens up pre-WC24 friendlies with a 1-0 upset victory

(CORDOVA, BRZ) While the rest of the World Cup participants who didn't partake in the previous edition were taking that short bus known as the Baptism of Fire Tournament to the big show, the Brazillican nationals were out to find some real opposition. This of course, was a result of the FA president Joaquim Lynch's aggressive stance towards the preparation of the Brazillican squad. Lynch believes the Brazillican side is still amongst the upper echelon of the world. Judging by last night's performance, Mr. Lynch's assessment seems to be spot on.

A full house of 42,000 packed Cordova Park in anticipation of the first international match to be staged within Brazillico's borders in over 30 years. The level of excitement of the Brazillican faithful was equalled by the degree of nerves felt by the home side. As such, the Krytenians came out of the gates with a distinct advantage in possession. The away team was blessed with a golden chance in the 18th Minute, as Kevin Keda found himself with the ball just inside the box. He unleashed a low, powerful drive, but a nice dive by Brazillican keeper Cone Leroux was made as he was able to tip the ball wide of the target. The ensuing corner kick also provided problems for the Brazillican defence, but Krytenian Terry Goodley's header soared just over the bar.

The Krytenians were dominating possession, but a fortunate break in the 36th Minute for the Brazillicans changed the course of the match. After some solid defending by !Xobile Banana forced a Krytenian turnover, the Brazillicans launched a swift counter-attack. Patrick Ocala collected the ball and flew down the left flank, and after a decent display of dribbling to create some space, he placed a cross into the box. Brazillican striker Dell Paulista was there and greeted the ball with a flick of his head, guiding the ball into the Krytenian net. The goal was by no means a beauty and could be attributed to some tentative goalkeeping by Todd Colfox, who seemed unsure whether to play the cross or not. This was Brazillico's first shot on target and Colfox appeared to be caught cold. Nonetheless, Brazillico enjoyed a 1-0 lead despite being thoroughly outplayed.

That goal seemed to give the Brazillican team some confidence, and the remainder of the half was a more balanced affair. Brazillico almost even managed another scoring chance after Sergio Braz's through-ball was just barely cut out by Tom Porter. Brazillico would carry the 1-0 lead into the second half.

Krytenia very nearly got that goal back at the start in the 48th Minute, as a defensive mix-up allowed Ray Lausano to collect the ball in a very dangerous position. However, Lausano's shot ended up going wide of the target by a fair margin. The Chili Bats were unphased and launched a nice attack of their own in the 51st Minute. Another nice run by Patrick Ocala saw a good pass into Maicer Baptista, but his weak shot was easily collected by Colfox.

The match slowed down a bit and chances became harder to come by as it appeared Brazillico were trying to defend the lead. However, Krytenia got a great chance in the 74th Minute. A brilliant ball by Stuart Persson found Kevin Keda behind the Brazillican back-four. Keda dashed towards net and readied himself to shoot, but a game sliding tackle by Julio Hodges broke up the scoring opportunity.

Near the end of the match, the Krytenians were sending their troops forward in an effort to salvage at least a draw. Their offensive press nearly caught up with them, as Brazillico launched a swift counter-attack in the 89th Minute. Sergio Braz ran up with the ball with Dell Paulista and Maicer Baptista to his sides with only two Krytenian defenders in front of them. Braz passed the ball to his left to Baptista, who proceded to unleash a screaming strike from 20 yards out. Todd Colfox was equal to the challenge and was able to nicely punch the ball over the bar. The Brazillican corner kick was no threat for the Krytenians, as the ball in sailed over the box.

With the final whistle, the fans erupted in noise to celebrate their team's victory. It was a tremendous effort put forward by their team and a fantastic win. Krytenia are no minnows, they're a top 20 team in the world, and the Brazillican victory was no small accomplishment. Fans hoped that the Chili Bats could continue to build on their success, as they departed to Fmjpheonix, a team renowned for their all-out attacking style. But the Fmj match seemed an eternity away for all Brazillicans in attendance, and the only thing on their minds was their team's fantastic victory. At least for now, it appears that Mr. Lynch's gamble has paid off.

Tallionis Sports Center:

In recent news, the Government of Tallionis has announced the head coach of the BoF team. His name is known all through the region, as he coached the regional championship team, the Tallionis Tigers. His name, Karl Henderson. He played forward for the Tigers 2 years ago, and recently coached them to a victory in the Regional Cup. They upset the Meloku Illusions 4-1 in the semi's, and then upset the other Meloku team, the Meloku Monsters in the Finals 4-0! Upon announcing the head coach, there was a press release where the names of the team were given.

Karl Henderson "I am grateful for the chance to coach this team in the BoF, and have good faith in our teams ability to compete with the big dogs. Without further ado, I am going to announce the team captain, who will announce the final roster. Here is your captain, defender John Scottson!"

John Scottson "Thank you coach. I am proud of the team we have assembled for this tournament, and so without any more delays, here is the team!"

A screen drops behind the podium and the personal bio's of each player scrolls behind as they are announced.

John Scottson "Starting at Keeper... Richard Hoen! With back-up, Tomas Adkin. Both are 19 years old, and both played for the Tigers back when they won the Dominaria Regional Cup. Rich has been named Regional Keeper three years in a row, and was named MVP twice in his 4 year career. Tomas Adkin was rookie of the year two years ago when playing for the Hanburg Hooters, having an incredible save rate of 1 goal in every 103 shots."

Both players run out onto the stage and bow, accepting their jersey's and then stepping off to the side.

John Scottson "Starting Defenders are... Johnathon Strike, Pallo Yven, and myself. Johnathon Strike will act as Defensive captain when necessary. Johnathon Strike played midfield for the Tigers for three years straight, before switching to Defender half way through the Dominarian Tournament this past year. His switch came after the injury of future regional hall of famer, Carl Lebonski, who tore his achilles tendon early on in the season. Pallo Yven played for the Tigers three years in a row, coming off a transaction with the Questing Fledglings. He was defender of the year four times in a row, and this last year was named Regional Defender. Myself, well, I have been playing for the tigers for 15 years, and this last tournament marked my 13th as a starter and my 4th as the team captain. I was named rookie of the year 16 years ago, back when I was playing for the Cincinnati Cougars, and was Regional MVP three times in my career, including this past year. Our reserve Defenders are... Patrick Ramsy, James Wilson, and Samuel McCauley. All three are coming off of amazing season's in the Regional Tournament, and Sam being transfered just weeks before the finalizing of the roster's all the way from the Koiles Knights, who were Regional Champions 6 years in a row.

Then we have our Midfielders. These guys are probably our most talented players, having a total of 9 MVP awards between them, and our starters were all once Rookie of the Year. Right Midfielder is Jason Elhi, and he is the Midfield Captain. He has not only been Rookie of the Year, but was MVP 4 times in his illustrious career. Left Midfielder is Quade Benizo, and he was MVP twice. He is coming off a three month retirement, specifically for this tournament. He was Regional Cup MVP in the finals FOUR times, and is being proclaimed as the best player in Regional History. If I hadn't asked him personally, I doubt he would have come out of retirement. On the bench, we have great depth. Johnnie Rogers and Mac Daniels. Both have MVP at least once, with Rogers hitting that title twice.

At Sweeper, we have our team elected captain, Jason Tams. Now, Tams has been playing this game for quite some time, and actual has more championships and MVP's under his belt than any two other players combined. In the last 19 years, he has been MVP 8 times, and has 13 championships, with 11 different teams. His most recent championship was with the Tallionis Tigers, in the last Regional Cup. We are so confident, that we failed to fill the bench position. We will announce the reserve at a later date.

And finally, our Forwards. We have the least experience here, as we tend to lean more towards defense, but we have faith that our forwards will perform when needed. At right forward, we have Jack "Shooter" Black, who took an amazing 19 shots a game last season, scoring at least once in every game, and ended with an incredible 29 goals, setting the record. His performance earned him the Rookie of the year title, and the Offensive Captain for our team. In the right center, we have our team "mom" and only female, Linda Wrickard. She played only some minor tournaments, but was named MVP of her college league all four years. We were wary of her talents until we saw her at the try-outs. At left center we have David Tirsun. His skills with the ball are amazing, and he can dribble better than anyone else on the team. His small size and quick feet make him hard to stop, and his cannon leg earned him a spot on this team. And finally, we have our youngest star. Turning 13 in three days, we have Ryan Wiles! He came to try-outs without ever being on a team before, but his skills were so good, that he earned his spot as a starter. He comes from the small town of Victoryia, and so we have great faith in his name. Our reserves have also yet to be confirmed, however, we have them already selected. They will be on the roster, but that is tentative to change up until the tournament start date."

John walks off the podium, and the assistant coach, Mike Long steps onto the stage. He brings with him a Jersey. The Jersey is blue with gold stripes down the sleeves and sides. The Gold lettering on the back and front is outlined in silver. The names are on the back above the number, and the team name is on the front, above the numbers.

End Broadcast

BREAKING NEWS

This just in, the final roster spots of the Tallionis Tigers have been announced.

Sweeper Reserve, number 9, Casey Nixon!! Casey has been playing soccer on the regional level for 3 years, and recently was named captain of the Regional powerhouse team, the New Haven Hawks. The Hawks have yet to not make the quarterfinals in this past decade, and have even gone on to win the championship three times.

Forward Reserve, number 93, John Malkine!! Malkine is a new face for the Country, and being a young 15, has yet to make any kind of regional appearance.

Forward Reserve, number 87, Jefferey Resen!! Resen has scored three goals in his short career, but has 31 assist's, making him the ideal sub in some situations.

Forward Reserve, number 12, Peter Jones!! Jones has been playing in the regional league for 12 years, but has yet to make a name for himself. Never has he played in a pressure situation, but his expirience just playing the game is the reason for his inclusion.

Forward Reserve, number 23, Cray Sweizing!! Cray is an unknown name, but the coach and captain's have assured us that his skill is more than good enough for an inclusion on the team. We are currently trying to get more information about him, and we will have a special report on him as soon as possible.


End Broadcast

Hiku Lyku was shiverring on this cold morning. He still was not used to the temperatures in System Karela. He used to be Rejistanian, but was unsatisfied with the revolution and emigrated to a place, where defense is not only surpreme in the national motto, but in every aspect of life.
He went to the temple of System Karela where the national team for the world cup will be announced in... he checked the time... 5 minutes?? He started to run through the streets of Divesirsk. Soon he saw the winged statue of Taderekansa. He bowed down and said a short prayer before continuing to advance. Priest Nejohi welcomed the believers and the ceremony started. In contrast to the ceremonies in the temple in Karela Kalesa, here the ceremony is held in rejistanian and russian, not in majuvedian. Eventually, the High Priest appeared with a slip of paper in his hand. He started reading the names. Whenever the name was said, the player came up and was led into the temple where later the rite of passage would happen away from public. Suddenly, he gasped, the priest said his name. Hiku told himself not to make himself hopes, Hiku Lyku is no uncommon name. Then his team was mentioned... Hiku nearly fainted, there is just one Hiku Syku in his team and that was he. He felt as in a dream when he went up the stairs...

The Clavis soccer association has announced it's rosters for the 24th Baptism of Fire Cup. The team will be in a 1-3-3-4 formation with a blend of youth and experience. Our expiations are to at least make the round of 16 and to hopefully go even further into the tournament. The roster will have players from a mix of clubs and to avoid mistake all starters names will be in bold and the captain will be in italic and the kits will be red shirts with gold socks and black pants.

The Clavis Falcons of Baptism of Fire Cup 24

Goalkeeper

1.Byron McCain age 29, 6,3 193Lbs Club Avant United. He is a solid goalie which has 18 clean sheets and four all-star appearances in his career in club soccer but this is his first entry into international soccer. He is well known as a solid goalie that can make amazing saves but he is sadly known as a player that chokes in big games.

2.Earle Garrison age 24 6,1 185Lbs Club Taro F.C.


Defenders

3.Levi Aguirre age 28, 6,5 179Lbs Club A.C Salvador. He was the defender of the year in the Clavis Club League last year scoring five goals and making countless tackles to prevent goals. He has amazing tackling skills for a player that skinny and as a result of him being skinny he is a fast runner. However he has weak knees from making so many risky tackles over his career so injury is a concern.

4.Julian Halcomb age 31 6,2 182Lbs Club Catari. He is a player in the middle of his career that is strong and intelligent. He often knows where the ball is going before it gets there so he can break up crucial passes and he can pass with the best of them because of his skills of reading offences and defences.

5.Herschel David age 26 5,10 166Lbs Club Macarr City. He is nicknamed the pocket rocket because how small he is and the fact he owns a motorcycle but not a car. He is a underachiever and a troublemaker however he is most famous for skipping the Clavis Cup Finals a year ago in which his team went on to lose the game. However despite all the troubles he has some values because the fact that he has amazing ball handling skills and he is a good runner.

6.Hector Montalvo age 22 6,0 193Lbs Club Oskot Bars.

7. Wilmer Cuellar age 26 6,3 179Lbs Club Nioter.


Midfielders
8.Hayden May age 33 6,1 184Lbs Club North Oskot. He is the MVP of the Clavis Club League last year in which he scored fifteen goals and had eleven assists. He is a great leader of the team which never gets into trouble and he is among the best shooters in Clavis because of his power that he puts into his shots. If he had one weakness it would be that he doesn't have the best endurance in the game which causes him to tire out quicker then most players on the team.

9.Dino Sierra age 29 5,11 187Lbs Club Avant United. A talented midfielder that is well known for having a short temper and his anything to win attitude. However despite his anything to win attitude he was put on this team because he has the determination to win at all costs.

10,Nevile Cheney age 25 6,6, 205Lbs Club Galden. A young and up and coming midfielder that scored 8 goals last year in competition on the road to being named rookie of the year last year in the Clavis Club League. A young talent that can perform amazing passes at crucial moments in most games but his weakness is that he is a bit too careful of a player.

11.Alberto Peltier age 27 6,4 197Lbs Club Salvador.

12.Scott Rodgers age 31 6,0 172Lbs Club Taro F.C.

Strikers

14.Raymond Tinsley age 37 6,1 193Lbs Club Stradale. A legend among fans of the Clavis Club League he is entering his final tournament of international play and will coach after this tournament is done. His major strength is that he is an exceptional leader and can charge young players up for big games and he can still score.

15.Kendall David age 28 5,10 168Lbs Club Navano F.C. A player in the middle of his career who is playing to get international attention so he can leave Navano F.C because he wants more money. He is well known as a player that is a showoff and is fameous for starting a fight with Baptism of Fire teammate Herschel David that got them both red cards and bad feelings for life. His strength is his shots are very accurate and goalies will often miss them.

16.Jeffrey Hamel age 28 6,2 184Lbs Club Oskot Bars. A interesting player that much is not known about his life outside the fact that he is a talented striker that won't pass the ball to other players that often

17.Brad Hoover age 18 192Lbs Club No experience. The youngest player on the Falcons he is often regarded as a prodigy and the force of Clavis soccer. He is talented and a fast runner but the major surprise about him is that he can tackle among the best of them as a striker. He is a humble player that will always sign autographs when requested.

18.Marlin Scrogins age 24 201Lbs Club A.C Traval.

19.Bruno Gomez age 21 214Lbs Club Nioter.

20.Joshua Balderas age 24 205Lbs Club Macarr City.

I Give My Opponents Permission To:

Choose Scorers: Y
GodMod Goalscoring Events: Y

Injure Players: N
GodMod Injury Events N

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

ELRICH SLIP UP IN WARM UP FRIENDLY
Banks scores on return but not enough

The travelling Kingdom of Elrich slipped last night to a disappointing 2-1 loss against The Holy Empire of Jon Parkin at Parkin Square Gardens. Despite fielding a weakened team due to an alarming outbreak of flu in the Elrichian Camp, the Badgers were still expected to at least get a result from this game, it wasn't to be.

Mike Bassett lined up his Elrichian team in his usual 4-4-2 formation, but was forced to remove young striker Jimmy Grimble, and defenders Barry Scott and Vinnie Jones from the squad due to illness. John Spinks was only well enough to make the bench. Squad players Frank N'Stein, Gez Murphy, Richard Hodgins and Dan Singh-Queen were brought in to replace them. Several young players from the country's school of excellence were brought in to make up the substitutes bench. The Empire of Jon Parkin (HEOJP) in contrast, had an almost full strength side to choose from with familiar names, such as Jon Parkin, Peter Spinks and The ‘Broadhurst Monk’ in the team.

On a wet and heavy pitch it was the EJP who started much the stronger with their barraging long-ball tactics. The Holy Empire’s unexciting yet highly effective tactic proved the much better suited to the conditions with the 6ft plus Parkin himself proving a real handful up front, forcing a full length one handed save from Elrich keeper Gordon Burns after 10 minutes. The kingdom of Elrich’s usual silky passing football was never going to work on the heavy pitch and they were forced to go like for like with the opposition and play the long ball. However, the Badger’s strikers of Dan Singh-Queen and Elrich himself are not physically suited to this tactic and Jon Parkin’s large centre halves easily mopped up long balls thrown at them. In contrast to the Badger’s attack, the Holy Empire of Jon Parkin alreadys had the perfect target man to start with, the beast that is Jon Parkin. Even up against the huge Frank N’Stein, Parkin won countless flick-ons and eventually the barrage of pressure paid off, when left-back Danny Adams slipped allowing David Murphy to race through and slot home from just inside the area after 41 minutes.

It was much the same after the half with the usually tricky wingers Zebedee and Matthew Allen unable to dribble through the squelching mud, let alone the Parkin defence! However a moment of brilliance from Elrich in attack changed the game when his fantastic back-heel allowed Robin Banks to race through on his return and thump a low shot past the advancing Broadhurst Monk. The national press had been questioning Banks’ inclusion in the Elrichian set-up after he was allowed to leave a jail sentence to join the squad, but the fiery midfielder answered his critics and his exuberant celebrations showed how much the goal meant to him. The goal woke up the Elrichian side and they put real pressure on the Parkin defence. Elrich and Gez Murphy had shots brilliantly saved and Banks came close to doubling his tally with a scorcher from the edge of the area that went just wide. It looked as if the pressure had paid off in the 81st minute when the inspirational Elrich played in Dan Singh-Queen who blasted the ball past the advancing Monk, only for the offside flag to be raised. Unfortunately for Dan Singh Queen, he did not notice the flag and continued with some of the most amazing break dancing moves in celebration, much to the amusement of the Parkin crowd, and embarrassment of Singh-Queen himself. The passionate travelling Elrichian support (who had kept up a chorus of “He’s the famous Richard Hodgins and he lives in a submarine” for the entire second half) were hoping for a victory but it was The Holy Empire, against the run of play who snatched the win late on. A clumsy back-pass from Frank N’Stein gave The Holy Empire a late late corner, and the huge substitute Chewbacca rose highest to give his nation the win.

Date – 28th July, 2005
KO – 7.45
Venue – Parkin Square Gardens
Attendance – 92,476 (including 8,200 away fans)
Half-time score – 1-0
Final score- 2-1

Lineups

The Holy Empire of John Parkin – Monk, Little, Wallace, Alvarez, P Spinks, Meehan, Tonkinson (Jones 90), Bassirat, Gromit (Chewbacca 73), Parkin, Murphy (Smalls 73),

The Kingdom of Elrich – Burns, Hodgins, P Spinks, N’Stein, Adams, Allen, Banks, Murphy (J Spinks 74), Zebedee, Singh-Queen, Elrich

Limbrogidlian rosters for BoF and WC24

1. GK: Jamie Nommo

2. DF: John Keller
3. DF: Benny Varenni
4. DF: Luke Skypitcher
5. DF: Ken Jerardi

6. MF: Frederic Xlatuz
7. MF: Jules Wayne
8. MF: Henri McBen
9. MF: Kelly Choixe
10. MF: Nick Marshall

11. FW: Killico Ziyoulitx

Sub:
12. GK: Mark Red
14. DF: Oliver Drunk
15. MF: Ken Limb
16. FW: Mike Dumb

Scorthona team have registered. This team has many normal residents in it, including the President.

GK-Ulrik Goodenhard-Local Trout Farming Business

DL-Tom Scarthon - President
DC-Derek Alderwood- Uranium Miner
DC-Frederick Istenburg- Professional Squash player
DR-Angus Thomson- House-Husband

MC- Dick Jeffers-Owner of local Brewery
MC- David Moss- Gardener

AMC- Ross Kirkwood-Carpenter

FC- Colin Ash-Young Student
FC- Dave Houston- Black-belt in Judo

Subs
GK- Simon Forest- Woodcutter
DC- Ollie Reed-Army general
DC- Yousef Rossie- Policeman
MC-Micheal Ferdinand-Plumber
FC-Eric Semat-Scientist


This team is hoping to win the league.

OOC: Is this the place to do RP stuff

Goalkeeper Up to Standard


The great pace of Ulrik Goodenhard was shown in yesterdays warm up game as 24 shots including a penalty were saved. The final score was 3-1 to Scorthona with goals being scored by Colin Ash and Ross Kirkwood (2).

Colin Ash scored by a pass from Tom Scarthon after a great run and ditching a defender with a sweet turn.

Ross Kirkwood scored first by a header from a great cross by Moss.
His second was a tap in from a powerful shot by the black-belt Dave Houston.

Man of the match was given to Ulrik Goodhard.

The talent of skipper Dick Jeffers caught the eye of Tom Scarthon and he has made his brewery the sponsor of the team.

"Drink 'Hadso' beer" he says.

Baptism of Fire Cup (WC24) Group Draw

-------------------There will be Four Groups in BoF P24, Groups A & B will be contested in Vilita, while Groups C & D will be contested in Spruitland. There will be five teams per group. The Group Winners will automatically advance to the Regional Semi Finals, while the second and third placed teams will advance to the Regional Quarter Finals, with the Runner Up in Group A facing the Third Placed team of Group B, and so on. The winners of the Regional Quarter Final matches will advance to the Regional Semi-Finals to play the group winners. There will be no Cross-Region Matches until the very last day of competition, where the two winners of the Regional Finals play in Vilita for the Baptism of Fire Cup trophy, while the Regional Runner-Ups compete in Spruitland for Third Place.


Vilita Region :: Group A
Elrich
Casari
Trianland
Dauna Hills
Morvonia


Vilita Region :: Group B
Hurfordia
Geisenfried
Kurumada
Clavis
Chileany

Spruitland Region :: Group C
Tallionis
Klakistany
San-Lorenzo
Yafor 2
Scorthona


Spruitland Region :: Group D
Lox Land Island
Dedostan
Ruvenstoria
Liamopolis-Liamton
Limbrogidlia



(Matches will begin Tuesday Evening/Wednesday Morning depending on your timezone. Details will be in the first two posts of this thread shortly.)

Clavis Sports Network

Breaking News
Clavis to play in group two in Baptism of Fire Cup.

In the official Baptism of Fire Cup group draw the Clavis Falcons will be in group competing with the nations of Hurfordia, Geisenfried, Kurumada and Chileany. Soccer experts in Clavis have the Falcon's finishing second in their group just behind rival Hurfordia and ahead of the nations of Geisenfried, Kurumada and Chileany and if that happened Clavis would fulfill their expectations of making the regional quarter finals. Captian of the Clavis Falcons Hayden May has said "if we don't make the quater finals in the Baptism of Fire Cup I will not return for World Cup twenty five."
Young phenom Brad Hoover said to us in an interview yesterday "I'm just so happy to get my first ever internatonal experience I don't care how far we go into the tournament I just want to here the thousands of fans chanting Clavis Clavis Clavis."
Everyone on the Clavis Falcons have their sights on a championchip but they all agree that a top three placing will please all of us.

IC:

Breaking News from the Tallionis Sports Center.

"This just in, Tallionis is to play in Sprutiland, in Group C for the Baptism of Fire!! The team says they have faith they can stand up to the great competition that has shown up in their group."

Coach Karl Henderson is here for more information on the teams chances.

"We have some tough competition in our Group, but I have faith in our team. Recent practices show that our team is ready for anything. The team that we believe is going to be the toughest for us is San-Lorenzo, but we know the other teams are no slouches either. All the teams in our group look strong, and we believe we are in the most talented Group. Good luck to the rest of the teams in our Group, and thank you to Sprutiland for being our host nation in the Baptism of Fire."

End Broadcast

BAPTISM GROUPS DRAWN
Elrich first out of the hat drawn alongside Casari, Trianland, Dauna Hills and Morvonia in Vilitan Region Group A

The Kingdom of Elrich learned their opponents today for the Group Stage of the Baptism of Fire Cup. Representing the Kingdom of Elrich at the draw was FA Chief Executive Bill Wilson, who is hotly tipped to be involved in the National Managerial set-up before too long.

Elrich were first out of the hat, which the more optimistic of Elrichians hope to be a good omen, while the more pesimistic think it a bad omen - and the vast majority consider it to be of no relevance whatsoever. Elrich will share Group A with fellow nations Casari, Trianland, Dauna Hills and Morvonia and Wilson was relatively happy with the draw,

"To be honest all the nations are in the same boat," said Bill this morning, "It won't be an easy task no matter who we are facing, but I will be dissapointed if we don't get through this group stages."

When manager Mike Bassett was questioned at the national airport before the squad's departure to their team hotel in Vilita, he was equally unconcerned about the opposition. However he added "I'm honoured to be playing in the Tropics of Vilita. It is in one of the most widely recognized footballing regions in Nationstates and it is good place for us to be starting our international adenture". The turnout of support at the airport was immense, with over 10,000 colourful Elrichian fans turning out in force with banners and flags to see their team off, "They're just f***** brilliant" said Bassett, when asked about the support.

It is expected that the Badgers will commence their Baptism of Fire experience at 10:00 Wednesday Morning EMT. The Elrichian terestrial station TicTacTV has announced coverage of all of the National Team Games in Vilita, and the Elrichian people are hoping they will be games to remember.

NB - The vast majority of the allocated tickets to the Kingdom of Elrich for the Baptism of Fire Group Stage have already been sold, but the remaining 300 tickets are available on a first come first served basis from the ticket office at the Elrich Arena.

The draws were made today for the Baptism of Fire Cup. Hurfordia find themselves in Vilitia Group B, alongside Geisenfried, Kurumada, Clavis and Chileaney.

Manager Peter Langrishe told "White on Green" that he was "pleased" with the draw, but admitted to some concerns both about his squad and the opposition.

"There are some great sides in our group, who could cause us some real problems, especially given our lack of experienced players. Still, I believe we have the ability to get a top-three finish."

The players themselves were understandably nervous when interviewed, but some were willing to discuss the upcoming tournament. Kevin Stimpson, widely tipped to be a player to watch in the tournament, told us he "expected to be amongst the winners", and admitted he had his eye on the award for top goalscorer. Cornelius Sulla was more sanguine. He told us that a couple of wins would be something to be proud of. Veteran Harold Constantine told us to "get lost, I'm busy packing". He then put down the phone.

Following a good showing at the recent Trotsgrad Tournament, the Conures hope to continue their good form, and possibly look for silverwear. The tournament is expected to begin on Wednesday morning.



My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y

Scorthona citisens turned up in their thousands to the unveiling of Scorthona F.C.'s stadium. It is one of the largest in their region, mainly because millions of pounds from the government were put towards it.

The players have been training all day after checking their draw, their main worries are Tallionis because of their strong attack, but Tom Scarthon claims he and Derik Alderwood can cover defense, while dave is going to score goals for them.

New Staff
Scorthona have been showing their professionolism by appointing a Coach, the Coach is an ex-footballer, he is a traveller, but now has promised to stay in Scorthona until the BoF was over.

OOC: Forgot to post this...

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y

World Cup Fever

The whole Scorthona team has watched every world cup that has happened and has decided to learn skills. This paid off as they learn Roberto Marlos turns, David Leckham freekick skills and the keeper can dive like Oliver Mahn.

^----^
|S.F.C|
|(\_(\ |
|( '~')|
-------


OOC:forgot to do this
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod Scoring Events Yes
RP injuries to my players No
Godmod injuries to my players No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players No
Godmod Other Events Yes

OOC:

Currently in the middle of a move. I signed up for BoF but am not listed. Was I excluded due to inactivity? If so totally cool as I was unable to gain internet access until now just want to know as should have daily internet access at home by the end of the week.

Sincerely, Eagle Scream

San-Lorenzo to play in Group C

Spruitland Region :: Group C
Tallionis
Klakistany
San-Lorenzo
Yafor 2
Scorthona

The Lions are very excited to be assigned their group, and will arrive in Spruitland tomorrow. All the players are looking forward to their first international appearance.

Baptism of Fire - Matchday 1

Spruitland Region - Group C

Klakistany 0-2 Scorthona
San-Lorenzo 2-1 Yafor-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
San-Lorenzo 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Tallionis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Yafor-2 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Klakistany 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0


Spruitland Region - Group D

Dedostan 2-1 Limbrogidlia
Ruventsoria 4-1 Liamopolis-Liamton

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruventsoria 1 1 0 0 4 1 3 3
Dedostan 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Lox Land Island 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Limbrogidlia 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Liamopolis-Liamton 1 0 0 1 1 4 -3 0

Vilitan Region :: Matchday 1


Group A
Elrich [1]-[1] Casari
Trianland [1]-[1] Dauna Hills

Group B
Hurfordia [2]-[1] Geisenfried
Kurumada [2]-[3] Clavis


Exhibition Final (Makosile, Vilita)
0-0 Is Evil .. 2 - 0 .. System Karela

Match Report Scorthona vs Klakistany
After an early sending off to one Angus Thomson, a penalty was given to Klakistany, taken by Wurek Cirep, he hit it bottom-left corner but it wa saved by a magnificent dive by Ulrik Goodenhard. Down to ten men they started playing an attacking formation. After missing an easy chance, Dave Houston was brought of just after half time and just a few minutes after being brought on, Eric Semat scored, he scored by a freekick, just on the left corner of the box. Karol Kupiek was given a yellow card for the tackle which gave the freekick away, fans from the Scorthona stand Screamed for a red card. Karol Kupiek was brought off straight after that and Erik Scheper came on. As a final push to settle it Ross Kirkwood was put into the front of the team and got an assist through a perfect through ball to Colin Ash, who finished it off, nutmegging the keeper in 84 minutes.

The game finished Scorthona 2-0 Klakistany.

The Scorthona fans went crazy after the match, the whole nation errupted in song and laugter. The team were praised after they left the bus and Tom Scarthon has promised they will play the same again.

A few drunk Scorthona rioters celebrating the win were found in neighbouring countries and even Scorthona itself, these rioters were arrested and brought to the Scorthona jail but were soon released by orders of Tom Scarthon.

Angus Thomson can not play the next match due to a red card and will be replaced by Ollie Reed and the new sub will be

DF-Graham Jolt- Engineer



^----^
|S.F.C|
|(\_(\ |
|( '~')|
-------

Bassett: "We can do better"

Elrich draw with Casari in opening match

Elrich manager Mike Bassett was a little disappointed with his team's performance in the opening match of his team's Baptism of Fire campaign. A 1-1 draw against Casari was not a bad result, but one Bassett believes can be improved on, "We didn't create enough today" said Bassett in his post-match interview, "And when we did create our finishing was dissapointing, we had the chances to win the game but didn't take them".

The Kingdom of Elrich were slow out of the blocks in their first ever international match, with alot of the team, particularly the younger players looking over-awed with the occasion. The vocal Elrichian support turned out in force but it was Casari who took the lead in the 32nd minute with a well taken finish from their impressive attacker Ronalo. This was the wake-up call the Badgers needed and they were level before the break with their first real chance of the game, Zebedee dazzled down the left touchline and picked out who else but Elrich in the middle to nod home from 8 yards. Half-time came and the Elrichian fans were hoping for a win.

Unfortunately this never materialised and a slightly dull second half had very few clear-cut chances with substitute Dan Singh-Queen coming closest for Elrich with a 20 yard drive which went just wide of the post. Gordon Burns was made to make some smart stops from several long range Casari efforts but the full time whistle came with neither side looking like snatching the win.

Bassett and the Elrichian fans are hoping for a much improved performance in their next game.

Half time score 1-1
Final score - 1-1
The Kingdom of Elrich : Burns, Scott (Hodgins 81), Adams, P Spinks, Jones, Zebedee, Allen, Spinks, Banks, Elrich, Grimble (Singh-Queen 72)

Good Prevails!

OK, it was only an exhibition match, but to those involved, it was much more than that! This was a classic grudge match. Attack against defence, goals against defence, excitment against... uh... defence.

Indeed, to some, it was much more than that. This was good against evil!

And guess what? The good came out on top!!!

How good is that? OK, so defence does seem the way to go around the world at the moment, but that's only because that's what the World Cup winners do. They've been doing it for years!

Look at all the other teams who've flirted with it. Sarzonia tried it, and were out-karelaised by the ultimate karelan side, Rejistania. Bedistan even flirted with it, and it messed everyone's heads up! And don't get me started on Hockey Canada.

Now look at the attacking sides. Fmjphoenix are doing better than ever. Cockbill Street get tipped to win every time because of their style of play. And Druida made the World Cup final. And they suck!

Hopefully, todays result, between two sides of equal stature, will go some way to convincing the world that attacking football is definately the way forward. Remember, good comes through in the end!

Klakistany loses its 1st BoF match

The first match for the National team of the USK,they had a lot of problems with posession at the 1st half.
They couldn't hold the ball very long,but after 18 minutes Angus Thomson was send off and a penalty was given to USK.
There was a big discussion about who should take him,Cirep or Camara,they had a little fight because they both wanted to take it,but the manager of USK , Klak calmed them down and chose Cirep to take it,who missed him.
Camara was substituted straight after the fight.
Because Scorthona only had 10 men left ,Klakistany started to play all out attack.
That didn't seem to work because they got a goal against in the 48th minute by Eric Samat,it was from a freekick.
In the 78th minute Kupiek made an very agressive tackle but only got yellow,however , Klak brought him off and put Scheper in the field.
In the 84th minute USK knew they had already lost after a great goal by Colin Ash.
At the end of the game some Klakistany-supporters destroyed the Klakistany-bus because they were angry because of their their weak performance.

Criminals Day Out

Tom Scarthon has given criminals in Scarthona a day out, on the condition that they teach the Scorthona Football team a teaching on how to become stronger. Dave Houston was exceptionally pleased at this as he thought he needed to learn how to hit the ball harder and Frederik Istenburg was pleased to kno how to tackle stronger.

Tom Scarthon has told the press the next match should not be mentioned to the players unless it has something to do with tactics, so not to make them nervous. Mentioning the Klakistany game has been encouraged.



^----^
|S.F.C|
|(\_(\ |
|( '~')|
-------

Took from www.limbrogidliansoccerconfederation.lim

Limbrogidlia loses its first game in thier soccer history

After a short travel to Spruitland, players played thier first game in the Baptism of Fire and lost 1-2 to Dedostan. The players seemed influenced by the spruits they received for dinner. In the first half, they were playing like a bunch of drugged people. Limbrogidlia was losing 2-0 at the half-time.

The half-time show was a sprout show that seems to be good in Spruitland. Well, since nobody in the stadium was Spruitlandian, the actors received some tomacco in the face. Only problem: the actors are now addicted to nicotine...

The second half was clearly dominated by Limbrogidlia. At the 66th minute, Limbrogidlia scored to reduce the split to 2-1 but the Dedostanian goalie was like a wall brick: nothing went through him. Limbrogidlia finally gave up at the 87th minute when they decided to play attack instead of their usual 5-4-1 but it was too late.

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

When the players saw that on the website, the coach said: Well, now I know why you played wrong in first half. Fucking sprouts. Now guys, you'll have to become accustumed to these poisonous sprouts. So, here's a vaccine containing some dead sprout cells. With that, you'll become accustumed to the sprouts and will not play half-drunk in the first half. Now, if you want to visit New Brux, we can, there is no trouble with that. But you'll miss nothing as it is very similar to Rubbermade...

Conures open Baptism campaign with victory

Hurfordia opened their Baptism of Fire Cup campaign with an unconvincing 2-1 win over Geisenfried this morning.

The Conures have traditionally been slow starters, and so it proved today. Geisenfried had much the better of the play in the first half, and it was only the bravery of goalkeeper Sedley that kept them in the match. From the kick-off, Giesenfried went on the attack, winning a corner after O'Halloran just blocked a fierce shot from Wolfe. From the corner, Sedley was forced to dive athletically to turn away a header from Genz. This set the tone for the next 45 minutes, as Giesenfried poured forwards in numbers, with Genz htting the post, and other shots being stopped by the in-form Sedley. The goal inevitably came after 35 minutes from the excellent Genz, who turned Johnston inside out, before nutmegging the goalkeeper. Hurfordia could have been 3 or four down in the first half, and were lucky to escape.

The second half started much the same way, until the controversial incident which turned the game. Sulla hit a long pass towards Rawling, who was barged off the ball in the penalty area by Hausen, in what looked like a legitimate challenge. The referee disagreed, and awarded a penalty, and a yellow card to Hausen. Depite boos and jeers from the Giesenfried fans, Rawling stepped up and stroked the penalty into the bottom-left corner.

Giesenfired responded by putting more pressure on, but Sedley continued to thwart their efforts. The substitution of Kurtz, on for Wolfe almost paid off, as he shot just wide with the keeper beaten, but Hurfordia have shown that they are made of strong stuff. As a Giesenfried attack broke down, a quick break down the left found Stimpson in space. Spotting the keeper off his line, he launched an outrageous chip, which beat the retreating Akermann from 30 yards. In response, Giesenfried put on Holtz as an extra striker, but Hurfordia shut up shop, getting everyone behind the ball. There was almost a last minute shock, as a clever move by Genz and Holtz beat the offside trap, but Sedley raced out, gathering the ball claenly at Holtz's feet. As the final whistle went, the Hurfordian players breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that they had been lucky to win this one. They will have to be better if they harbour real ambitions of winning the tournament.

Teams

Hurfordia (4-3-3)
Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston (Robson 45'), Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Burren (Dawkins 45'), Sulla; Holsworthy, Howard (Rawling 45'), Stimpson

Scorers; Rawling 50' (Pen), Stimpson, 78'

Booked; Johnston 19', Sulla 71'

Geisenfried (3-5-2)
Ackermann; J Klintszch, Hausen, M Klintszch; Graf, Baehr (Engelke, 52'), Stein, Canitz, Schlegel (Holtz, 81'); Genz, Wolfe (Kurtz, 60')

Scorers; Genz, 35'

Booked; Hausen 50'

San-Lorenzo Wins First Ever Match!

San-Lorenzo has defeated their oppenents: Yafor 2, in their first ever international football match. The final score was 2-1, with the Lions leading the entire time thanks to two early goals from lone forward Abawi Wahid. The Yaforite squad's four defenders were not alert enough early to prevent him from breaking through. San-Lorenzo would likely have fallen prey to the same thing, but with their seven defenders, there were plenty of players back to prevent Yafor 2 from scoring at first. Lions Captain Syku Kansu made several excellent tackles on those occasions, preventing goalkeeper Jeff Kader from having to be tested. Wahid's goals were both scored following good passes up from Antonio Ferraro. The defense was really no match for their teamwork until halftime, when some adjustments were made.
San-Lorenzo kept things the same, hoping to stick with what had been working before, but Yafor 2 moved to a more defensive form of midfield, and was able to stop the passing that had led to two goals and several near misses. With less pressure on their defense, the Yaforites were able to coordinate their attack better, and late in the game they broke through to keep Kader from his clean sheet.
Final Score:
San-Lorenzo 2 Yafor 2 1
Wahid 18, 24 Velastros 88

Spruitland Region - Group C
Klakistany 0-2 Scorthona
San-Lorenzo 2-1 Yafor-2


Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
San-Lorenzo 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Tallionis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Yafor-2 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Klakistany 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0

Baptism of Fire - Matchday 2

Spruitland Region - Group C

San-Lorenzo 2-0 Tallionis
Scorthona 4-0 Yafor-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 6
San-Lorenzo 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
Tallionis 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Klakistany 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Yafor-2 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0



Spruitland Region - Group D

Ruventsoria 1-0 Lox Land Island
Limbrogidlia 5-1 Liamopolis-Liamton

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruventsoria 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
Limbrogidlia 2 1 0 1 6 3 3 3
Dedostan 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Lox Land Island 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Liamopolis-Liamton 2 0 0 2 2 9 -7 0

Vilitan Region :: Matchday 2


Group A
Elrich [3]-[1] Trianland
Dauna Hills [1]-[2] Morvonia

Group B
Hurfordia [1]-[1] Kurumada
Clavis [1]-[1] Chileany


Group A---------- -
[1] Elrich 2 1 1 0 4-2 4
(2) Morvonia 1 1 0 0 2-1 3
(3) Casari 1 0 1 0 1-1 1
4- Dauna Hills 2 0 1 1 2-3 1
5- Trianland 2 0 1 1 2-4 1
-
Group B-------------- -
[1] Hurfordia 2 1 1 0 3-2 4
(2) Clavis 2 1 1 0 4-3 4
(3) Chileany 1 0 1 0 1-1 1
4- Kurumada 2 0 1 1 3-4 1
5- Geisenfried 1 0 0 1 1-2 0
-

What is Scorthonas Secret
Scorthona played a magical game against Yafor-2 with a 4-0 win. Heres the report.

In 10mins Ross Kirkwood managed to run almost half the field, getting past three defenders and chipped it up to a top corner volley from Colin Ash. Nothing happened until about the 20th minute when prince for Yafor-2 managed to hit the ball top corner, but the aim was much better than the power and the scorthona keeper managed to save it, it was then cleared by Tom Scarthon. In 30 minute Yafor-2 started dominating the game, and the defense was weaker seeing as Angus Thomson was sent off last game. David Moss came off for Micheal Ferdinand in 30 minutes and Derek Alderwood came off for the new call up Grahanm Jolt. In 50 minutes Dick Jeffers scored a tap in after a powerful shot from Dave Houston. nothing much happened until a final push by scorthona in 80mins where Dave Houston got two goals, both from outside the box. Man of the match was given to Dave Houston.

Top of the League

Scorthona are now top of the league by goal difference after the yafor-2 match. Tom Scarthonsaid "We have proved there worthy of the trophy".

Tom Scarthon recently handed the captains armband to Colin Ash for his great play.

Tom Scarthon has given a free Scorthona F.C. badge to everyone in Scorthona, Thats 68million badges.


^----^
|S.F.C|
|(\_(\ |
|( '~')|
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Baptism of Fire Tournament Matchday Two: Ruventsoria 1-0 Lox Land Island

Match Stats
Venue: Spruitland, Atlantian Oceania
Scorers: Gemmeiza (Ruventsoria) 87'
Att.: 14,614

Lox Land Island took part in their first-ever competitive match today when they faced Ruventsoria on Matchday Two of the Baptism of Fire tournament, with the team having had a Matchday One bye.

The match got off to a good start with both sides playing good Imdilan* football. It went to and fro, with Patrick Labarbera making a couple of fine saves.

The match really changed only in the second half, when George Jude was sent off for a rash tackle. Ignoring the complaints of Nathan Birchfield, the referee promptly ensured that Jude went off the field, something the FFLL have decided that they will appeal to the FALE refereeing committee about, as the FALE could then lodge an official complaint to the hosts (the FFLL is a subsidiary of the FALE).

Although the FALE have since said no appeal would be accepted, Jude is looking at a two-match suspension. His sending off led to Ruventsoria's increased morale, with them making amazing runs, only to be denied by Labarbera.

Labarbera couldn't stop everything, however, and Albert Mbangiro put Gemeiza through ith three minutes to spare to hand the Islanders their first loss of the campaign.

With a chorus of 'Woot, Woot" all around, the Tropical Montanans attending the match celebrate Scorthona's win.

They have come a long way to be here, sailing in small ships from thier tiny island chain to watch the team they have come to love as their own. They are especially proud of the team's uniforms, which are made from all natural fibers of a plant native to TM.

The Tropical Montana hemp growers are happy to provide Scorthona with their uniforms and a happy, cheering mob of tanned and variously undresssed fans.

Hurfordia, Kurumada share points in Baptism clash

Today's group B match between Hurfordia and Kurumada ended in a 1-1 draw, which will probably not be fondly remembered by either side. Although both sides will be happy with the points, neither was really at their best in this match.

Although both teams started brightly, it was Hurfordia who had the first chance, with Howard heading on Lebrun's corner in the 9th minute. The goalkeeper, the honourable Dictator Kurumada, was equal to the challenge. After that, the game seemed to slow down, with only a handful of half-chances. Kurumada were unlucky not to have been awarded a free kick on the edge of the box after Horvath appeared to handle the ball, but the referee waved play on. The goal eventually came after 26 minutes, as Yokoro and Katsumoto semed to leave the ball to each other, allowing Sulla to steal it. His long pass found Holsworthy, who played a neat pass to Stimpson in the penalty area, and he thrashed the ball into the top-left corner, laeving the goalkeeper no chance.

The game never really got going again after that, and half-time was a welcome relief for the fans. The second half was no better, and the only real chance was the one from which Kurumada equalised. After a short spell of pressure, Kurumada won a corner. Tsukamoto played the ball to the near post, where Sakazaki was on hand to play a glancing header on. The ball fell to Nakamiya, who powered a header into the net. From there, the two sides seemed content with the draw. A total of only 5 shots on target illustrates the nature of the match. The result leaves Hurfordia top of the group on goal difference, while Kurumada slip into 4th, still without a win.

Teams

Hurfordia
Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun (Denning 71'), Burren, Sulla; Holsworthy (Robson 76') , Howard (Rawling 60'), Stimpson

Scorer; Stimpson 26'

Booked; None

Kurumada
Kurumada; Nakata, Ikari, Takamura, Kawanishi; Tsukamoto, Katsumoto, Yokoro, Tomonara (Jimura 63'); Nakamiya (Gohoki 85'), Sakazaki (Tendou 78')

Scorer; Nakamiya 52'

Booked; None

OOC:Sorry Group, I was busy. Hmm..bad news for me...

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: No
Godmod Other Events: No

BIC:

Bad News For Yafor 2 in Baptism!

The first two games for the Yaforite side was no happy walk. Expected to possibly have a chance at advancing, the side now look flttened, weak, and have lost their momentum. The first game brought the defense to a standstill, with coach Allan Albrecht's 4-4-2 strategy failing. Two early goals scored made Albrecht switch to a more defensive midfield. It proved to be a godsend, as Iktam Velastros scored the only Yaforite goal so far, a beautiful long shot from outside the box.

The second game was a 4-0 washout. Allan Albrecht expressed amazement at the performance of his defence and was heartily critisied. Many were surpised by this, to a team which Yaofr 2 believed they could beat. It was a stroke of misfortune for the Yaforites. Good luck next game! They will need three wins AND bad luck for the other teams to advance.

Albrecht in Hot Seat; Blames Selectors

Yaforite All-Pro Manager Allan Albrecht is in the hot seat after losing a combind 6-1 to San Lorenzo and Scrothona. It is more the huge 4-0 loss to Scorthona which pains the Yaforites, given the defensive prowess of the league. It is not the fault of the four defenders. Is it the fault of their coach?

In a press conference with the IYNS, Allan Albrecht was very harsh. An excellent coach, he blamed the weakness of his team on the selectors who "only selected old veterens, who cannot keep up with the youth of the other teams". He will apparently "Play more youth and win".

Lineup For Third Game Announced; Changed

The two losses that Allan Albrecht has suffered and all of the media circulation and bashing have prompted the manager into action. Speaking in a press conference with IYNS. Albrecht said that he "would play more defensively and youthfully minded from now on." His words were taken with applause.

The new lineup is a 5-3-2 youthful team. Taken from his roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9309141&postcount=12) it is a new blend of youth and old age. The goalie is now backup Abul HAmer, a top goalie despite being backup, in because of bad performances by Deron Smithes. Here is the team in a grid format. Left on the screen is right on the field. For more clarification, read the roster link up there. Here it is:

Hamer
Damer---Hadoret---Croat---Cromoror---Galerodamos
Fraten---Flamer---Ysilko
Malar---Dulars

Apart from the defence, very few changes have been made. It is rumored the Legendary Center Gerod Flamer may be pulled out at halftime by the younger star Prince Sebard.

Velastros Only Silver Lining

In the two losses for the Yaforite All-Pro side, only 25-year-old striker Ikitam Velastros has been a silver lining. Scoring the only goal, he came in every game at the 60th minute for Damien Dulars. In his PRess conference, MAnager Allan Albrecht has promised more of the same. "Iktam [Velastros] gave it all he had." A Prasing Albrecht commented, "he pushed hard and was rewarded. I too will reward him. In the next game, he will come in for Damien [Dulars] in the 45th minute instead of the 60th." Hopfully we will see more of the same from this young phenom!

ELRICH TRIUMPH OVER TRIANLAND
Elrich move to top of Group C with 3-1 win

Jimmy Grimble, Elrich and Robin Banks all scored in the Badger's 3-1 win over Trianland. Mike Bassett's team lined up in their usual 4-4-2 formation against Trianland's unusual 2-5-3 set-up. It was the othordox formation that paid dividends with Elrich wingers Zebedee and Matt Allen exploiting the non-existance of full-backs. It was from the wings that Elrich's opening goal came, Zebedee storming unchallenged down the right-hand touchline and crossing for Elrich to prod home from 6 yards after 8 minutes.

The Badgers were in total control at this point, ruling the flanks and with Robin Banks and John Spinks controlling the extra Trianland midfielders. They doubled their lead after 24 minutes, Elrich hit the post from another Zebedee cross and Jimmy Grimble was there to tuck in the rebound, his first of the tournament.

It was 3-0 after 41 minutes, some static defending allowed a long-ball from Jones at the back to bounce through the defence and the unrushing Robin Banks to hammer past the advancing Boy Kapre.

The Trianland manager Bayani Kruz III must have laid into his team at half-time because they looked a much better outfit in the second half. The Kingom of Elrich looked like they took their foot off the gas and allowed Trianland to win a tight second-half 1-0, when the influential Bruno Taoung Grasa curled a beautiful 25 yard free kick around the wall and past the despairing dive of goalkeeper Gordon Burns with 10 minutes to go. Trianland battled hard in the opening stages, with the part-naked Bangus coming closest with a long-range drive.

The final whistle blew and the Kingdom of Elrich and their delighted supporters had their first ever international win, hopefully it will be the first of many.

Half Time Score - 3-0
Final Score - 3-1

Lineups
The Kingdom of Elrich : Burns, Scott, Adams, Jones, P Spinks (N'Stein 88), Allen, Zebedee (Murphy 88), J Spinks, Banks, Elrich, Grimble (Singh-Queen 67)

Trianland : Kapre, Loterena, Trian, Banjo, Gil, E Albino, F Albino, de la Rosa, Grasa, Guerrero, Bangus

Lions Win Again!

San-Lorenzo defeated Tallionis to win their second game of the Baptism of Fire Cup. The Lions stay with Scorthonai and Ruventsoria as one of just three teams to win both of their games. This is exciting, since San-Lorenzo and Scorthona are together in Group C of the Spruitland Region and will play each other later in competition. With the results so far in Group C, it looks very favorable for the Lions to advance since they sit on top of the group with Scorthona with 6 points and the rest of the teams in Group C have 0 points.
Once again, Abawi Wahid opened up the scoring with an early strike through the defense. His speed has really helped him these past two games and he leads the team in shots on goal with 9. However, this time Wahid only scored one goal, and the Lions backed off to play in their defensive style for the rest of the game. Surprisingly though, Antonio Ferraro accompanied Wahid forward on one of the rare attacks by San-Lorenzo, and scored after recieving a pass across the box from Wahid. San-Lorenzo's 7 defenders easily shut down the attacks by Tallionis, and the Lions celebrated their first clean sheet ever.

Final Score:

San-Lorenzo 2 Tallionis 0
Wahid 16 Ferraro 35


Spruitland Region - Group C

San-Lorenzo 2-0 Tallionis
Scorthona 4-0 Yafor-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 6
San-Lorenzo 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
Tallionis 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Klakistany 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Yafor-2 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0

Clavis Sports Network

Clavis ties Chileany 1-1
After a long and boring game Clavis had a well deserved tie in a match against Chileany. The game started with the offencive Clavis passing the ball up the field and midfielder Dino Sierra making a great shot but it was robbed by the Chileany keeper in the tenth offence. After the keeper of the Chileany soccer team kicked the ball off it was intercepted by striker Kendall David and after a few offensive chances by Clavis they scored in the 29th minute by a header from Jeffrey Hamel off the corner kick by Hayden May. It was mostly defensive play by the Falcons for the few minutes of the first half that were left to play in this game with Chileany geting two shots off with one going far right and the keeper saving the other. Chileany started with the ball in the second half of the game with Clavis picking the ball off right away but the offence not being to put anything together in the second half the game stayed tied until the eighty sixth minute of the game where a striker on the Chileany made a lucky shot from eighteen yards that just skimmed past the keeper. The fans shocked by the goalie's mistake booed him as he walked off the field at the end of the game and blamed him for the tie.

In the after the game press conference goalie Byron McCain said "I just choked I should of made that save it was my fault that we lost the game." But he felt happier after learning that Clavis tied for first in group B in the Baptism of Fire Cup and he vows not to make any more stupid mistakes.

Tallionis defeated!!

In a game that stunned the Nation of Tallionis, the Tigers were shut out by San-Lorenzo. The Tigers failed to control the ball, and the San-Lorenzo Lions easily kept the Tiger offense at bay. The Tigers are looking to bounce back after there first game of the season, and are confident that they will perform better in the next game.

Coach Karl Henderson with more on the subject.

"The team was horrible. I am not surprised we lost, and I hope our team learned a valuable lesson. Confidence is one thing, but you should have heard them in the locker room before the game. They were saying that San-Lorenzo had no shot. And look who lost that game? I am appalled at the way our team performed."

Captain Jason Tams

"We played hard, but apparantly we aren't ready for the big time. Our team was shut down, but I am not surprised. San-Lorenzo is an amazing team, and they have a couple of players that could probably take on most of our team by themselves. I give them congrats, and hope that they make the most of their 2-0 start. As for us, we hope to rebound off of our 0-1 start. I hope that the reason we lost is because we weren't warmed up like the rest of our group, but something tells me thats not the case. All I can say is bring on the next team, and I hope we can rebound. As for our nation, I hope they aren't too dissapointed. This is our first International Tournament ever, and I think we can rebound."

The other players just hung their heads in shame.

As for this team, practice has been going on all day.

End Broadcast

Baptism of Fire - Matchday 3

Spruitland Region - Group C

Tallionis 3-1 Scorthona
Klakistany 0-2 Yafor-2

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 3 2 0 1 7 3 4 6
San-Lorenzo 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
Tallionis 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
Yafor-2 3 1 0 2 3 6 -3 3
Klakistany 2 0 0 2 0 4 -4 0



Spruitland Region - Group D

Lox Land Island 0-0 Limbrogidlia
Dedostan 2-3 Liamopolis-Liamton

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruventsoria 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
Limbrogidlia 3 1 1 1 6 3 3 4
Dedostan 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
Liamopolis-Liamton 3 1 0 2 5 11 -6 3
Lox Land Island 2 0 1 1 0 1 -1 1

Casari4Sport

Casari ties first match in international competition
Are our best young stars outmatched by foriegn talent?

In Casari's first match against the kingdom of Elrich, thousands gathered in the nation's stadia to watch the match live on large screens, and take part in the Casaran national pasttime, which is being uproariously drunk.

The game started well, and the Forward Trio of Andy Ronalo, Greg Ruhlman, and Ari Saienz got out of the gate quickly, pushing through the Elrich defense and resulting in a score for Casari in the 33rd minute by Ronalo on a pass from Saienz.

Sadly, the team's defense was not as up to the occasion as the coaching staff hoped. A slip by highly touted Tyrellian International Defender Jay Letra resulted in an excellent cross to even up the score for halftime.

In the second half not much happened, with neither side able to break down the other's defense. The game ended 1-1, while nota horrible result, was much less than expected by the fans who travelled to watch.

Now, after Casari's bye week they sit in the middle of the Group A table in the final qualification spot.

"I'm not that worried." General Manager Vivica Hill said this afternoon. "We feel very confident in our chosen starting eleven, and feel that kneejerk reactions would just hurt the team at this point."

Lineup:
Defense
10 Steven MacLellan
11 Eddie Oliver
18 Jay Letra
57 Chris Novena
Midfield
15 Alberto Larini
26 Robbie Archer
97 Pedro Romi
Forward
42 Greg Ruhlman
44 Andy Ronalo
3 Ari Saienz
Goalkeeper
34 Salvadore Rooney
Substitutions
21 Masahiro Noda D
13 Alex Pilot F
29 Yamato Shihairi F
1 Scott William GK
6 Will Stanton M

Hooliganism a major worry in international arena

The other notable problem with Casari's first international match was the behavior of the fans. Reports of drunkenness and fighting among the members of the crowd have forced Casaran Soccer Association officals to plead with fans to control themselves during international competitions where any incidents could harm the team's chances of another invitation to compete.

Casari4Sport

Vilitan Region :: Matchday 3


Group A
Elrich [2]-[2] Dauna Hills
Morvonia [0]-[1] Casari

Group B
Hurfordia [1]-[3] Clavis
Chileany [1]-[2] Geisenfried


Group A---------- -
[1] Elrich 3 1 2 0 6-4 5
(2) Casari 2 1 1 0 2-1 4
(3) Morvonia 2 1 0 1 2-2 3
4- Dauna Hills 3 0 2 1 4-5 2
5- Trianland 2 0 1 1 2-4 1
-
Group B-------------- -
[1] Clavis 3 2 1 0 7-4 7
(2) Hurfordia 3 1 1 1 4-5 4
(3) Geisenfried 2 1 0 1 3-3 3
4- Kurumada 2 0 1 1 3-4 1
5- Chileany 2 0 1 1 2-3 1
-

Conures crumble as Clavis claim victory

Hurfordia suffered their first defeat today in the Baptism of Fire cup, with what manager Peter Langrishe described as "a shocking performance". They crashed 3-1 to rivals Clavis.

Both teams went into the match unbeaten, but there is no doubt that Clavis have been the best of the two sides in the matches so far. So it proved.

Clavis played an attacking, an unorthodox, 3-3-4 formation, and Hurfordia never quite came to terms with the extra firepower. Added to that, the players who can usually be relied on had off days at the wrong times.

It began promisingly, with Holsworthy and Howard combining to test the Clavis 'keeper inside the first five minutes, but things quickly went wrong. After nine minutes, Hurfordia were exposed on the right flank, with Sierra beating Lebrun for the first time, a sight which would be a regular one during the match. Sierra's long cross was met by May, who powered it into the net via the underside of the cross-bar. That goal knocked Hurfordia, and their cohesion seemed to be lost. They came close to getting a goal back, after Aguirre of Clavis was booked for pulling down Holsworthy on the edge of the penalty area. From the free-kick, Sulla rattled the post, but the ball bounced clear. Clavis seemed to stroke the ball about in a very confident manner, and their extra forward really paid dividends, as they always seemed to have an extra man in the box. Hurfordia's goal came with the last kick of the first half, as Sulla met a low corner on the volley, powering it into the net from around the penalty spot. It was more than they deserved.

The decisive period of the match came between the 60' and 70' mark. At 55 minutes, Hurfordia had a goal controversially disallowed, as Burren picked out Stimpson, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper to slide the ball into the net. The linesman, however, had other ideas, raising his flag for offside. Video replays shown after the match appear to shwo he was mistaken The Hurfordian players mobbed the referee, protesting the decision, and in the ensuing confusion, Stimpson was shown a yellow card for his string of four-letter terms of endearment directed at the referee. O'Halloran too became a little too animated, and was substituted before he got himself into more trouble.

Within six minutes, Clavis went 2-1 up. Hoover headed an inswinging corner towards goal, which Sedley saved. The ball however ran loose, and Tinsley was on hand to tap it in. At that point, all hell broke loose. Howard, who had been marked out of the game by Halcomb was yet beaten to a header, and reacted by swinging his elbow into the defender's face. Halcomb may have overreacted, but there was no doubt that Howard had to go. He was shown the red card, and will miss the next three games. Within moments, a confused Hurfordia defence was split in two by a pass from Cheney, and Hamel slipped in to slot the ball home. Hamel, perhaps unsurprisingly given the nature of the game, was then booked for unsporting conduct, as he jumped over the adverising boards to celebrate with his own team's fans.

Clavis continued to stroke the ball about, teasing an increasingly tired and angry Hurfordia team, and could have scored another towards the end as Scrogins' thirty yard strike was turned away by Sedley. The final whistle couldn't come too soon for the Conures. Unfortunately, the game was marred by an ugly scuffle breaking out in the tunnel after the game, started by Stimpson. A sadly fitting end to the game.

Peter Langrishe admitted that his team was awful, and announced that the incident after the match would be investigated. He told "White on Green",

"I will not let Hurfordia's name be dragged through the mud like this. The performance on the pitch was bad enough, but the actions of the players was absolutely apalling. It was a shocking performance."

He refused to comment on suggestions in the press that the Hurfordian FA was unimpressed by his team's performance. "Judge me after the tournament" he told the assembled press.


Teams

Hurfordia (4-3-3)
Sedley; O'Halloran (Constantine 60'), Johnston, Horvath (Rawling 69'), Woods; Lebrun, Burren (Denning 75'), Sulla; Holsworthy, Howard, Stimpson

Scorers; Sulla 45'

Booked; O'Halloran 20', Stimpson 55', Horvath 85'

Sent Off; Howard 68'- violent conduct

Clavis (3-3-4)
McCain; Aguirre, Halcomb (Montalvo 79'), H David; Sierra, Cheney, May; Tinsley, K David (Scrogins 79'), Hamel (Gomez 88'), Hoover

Scorers; May 9', Tinsley 66', Hamel 70'

Booked; Aguirre 12', Hamel 71'

CasariONENews

VICTORY
First International victory raises spirits of team, fans

Casaran fans surged into Vilita and many were visible inside the stadium yesterday when Casari got their first victory in the Baptism of Fire Group Stage.

"We never had any doubts. Our team is very talented and this is merely the first step in proving that." Casari Coach Tim Bridges after the game.

The game started and Casari turned up the pressure from the start, pressing deep into the Morvonian zone before #3 Ari Saienz scored on an excellent Robbie Archer cross into the penalty area in the 42nd minute. The first Half ended 1-0 and neither team had many chances in the 2nd half, with neither scoring.

After Casari's second game in the competition they sit second in the Group A standings with 4 points. Ahead of them is First round opponents Elrich, who have one win and two ties after three games.

Group A---------- GP W T L F-A PTS
[1] Elrich 3 1 2 0 6-4 5
(2) Casari 2 1 1 0 2-1 4
(3) Morvonia 2 1 0 1 2-2 3
4- Dauna Hills 3 0 2 1 4-5 2
5- Trianland 2 0 1 1 2-4 1

The group is still quite close together, and any team is still eligable to make it to a transfer spot. However, Casari's remaining games are against the bottom two teams in the group, Duana Hills and Trianland, who have yet to register a win.

"We have nothing to worry about." Hooligan Reox Maxan said, leaving the game. "Why, the Casaran Hooligan Association already has comissioned numerous racist and degrading songs targeted at the best international teams and their players. Just because we're new doesn't mean we can't beat you up."

Maxan was later arrested and takes in for questioning under continuing worries over hooliganism.

Talionis match stuns Scorthona fans

In 35 mins Colin Ash scored a header from a cross by Ross Kirkwood. The Scorthona team controlled the game for a lot of the time until 48 mins through when Jason Elhi ran past Angus Thomson and scored a quick flick to the side of the keeper. Dick Jeffers was injured in 53 mins and Micheal Ferdinand was brought on. In 72mins Quade Bonzi showed how he was an old great as he placed it top corner from outside the box. In 84mins, just to prove there point, Talionis scored again in the form ofJason Elhi. He scored almost exactly the same goal as he did the first time.

The game finished tallionis 3-1 Scorthona.



After the game Scorthona manager and left defender Tom Scarthon stated that he had said before the tournemant started that Talionis would be a hard opponent and that they were still top of the league. He also said that he thought Talionis were the only team they couldnt beat, nervous glances spread across the room and he himself looked doubtful after this defeat.

Changes to the squad are Dick Jeffers out for the next game, with Micheal Ferdinand his replacement, the new sub being a left midfeilder called Sam Rewich- Secretary of Treasurey. Angus Thomson is coming of for Graham Jolt and Angus is the new sub instead of Yousef Rossi.


Tom Scarthon has also given 24 hour protection by the Imperial Guard to Tropical Montana in exchange for there shirts. He has also given all members of TM a Scorthona badge.


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Clavis Sports Network
Breaking News
Two players from the Clavis Falcons were suspended after a fight broke out with Hurfordia. Herschel David and Jeffrey Hamel are suspended for two games and told if they get in anymore trouble they are kicked off the team for their role in the fight in the tunnel after Clavis's 3-1 win over Hurfordia. The fight started when Stimpson and David got into an argument over Howard's suspension for violent combat and the disallowed goal in the second half. The fists started to fly when Herschel David said a curse word at Stimpson and Stimpson replied with a punch to David's chest that sent him to the ground. After getting back up from the floor he punched Stimpson in the head giving him a slight concussion and that's when it turned into a brawl with Terry Woods and Bill Staples joining in for Hurfordia and fans on both sides throwing projectiles at both the players and the fans ot the opposing sides. The fights continued until police in riot gear came into the stadium and used teargas to quiet the fight. A report says that twelve fans were injured and charges are pending for fifty three fans mainly under assult and Clavis Falcons striker Herschel David is also faceing assult charges for giving Kevin Stimpson a slight concussion.

Tallionis Celebrates after a 3-1 Win

The Tigers rebounded off their embarrassing display against San-Lorenzo, with a strong 3-1 victory against Scorthona. The Tigers came into the game humble, and played their style of ball. They didn't even let the early goal by Colin Ash keep them from playing their game.

Coach Karl Henderson with more.

Coach: "We played our game, and I believe that is the reason we came out on top. Scorthona is a talented team, and I believe that our victory was a hard earned one. Still, we aren't going to let one victory raise our ego's again. We'll be ready to play next game, and we'll do it our way."

Captain John Scottson on the victory.

John: "That was a great game. Hard fought on both sides. Our loss to San-Lorenzo in the previous game gave us the slap in the face we needed to get into our game. We didn't let our opponents get inside our head, and I think that is why we won. Our Midfielders proved that they are our talented core of players, scoring all three goals, and our team player of the match was Jason Elhi, who scored two of the goals. We look forward to our next game, and are ready for whoever we play."

End Broadcast

Lions Watch During their Bye

San-Lorenzo remained in very good position with their bye as Scorthona recorded their first loss of the BoF, a 3-1 beating by Tallionis, whom San-Lorenzo defeated 2-0. So now, with two matches left to play, the Lions are looking to overtake Scorthona by defeating them as well and hoping for a strong performance against Klakistany. San-Lorenzo will have to win at least on of their matches to ensure that they advance from this group stage and still trail Scorthona based on goal differential. Hopefully, San-Lorenzo can continue its winning ways and finish first in its group, which would be a phenomenal way to start our international football history.

Spruitland Region - Group C

Tallionis 3-1 Scorthona
Klakistany 0-2 Yafor-2



Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 3 2 0 1 7 3 4 6
San-Lorenzo 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
Tallionis 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
Yafor-2 3 1 0 2 3 6 -3 3
Klakistany 2 0 0 2 0 4 -4 0

Baptism of Fire - Matchday 4

Spruitland Region - Group C

Klakistany 1-4 Tallionis
Scorthona 2-2 San-Lorenzo

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 4 2 1 1 9 5 4 7
San-Lorenzo 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7
Tallionis 3 2 0 1 7 4 3 6
Yafor-2 3 1 0 2 3 6 -3 3
Klakistany 3 0 0 3 1 8 -7 0


Spruitland Region - Group D

Dedostan 0-8 Lox Land Island
Limbrogidlia 1-2 Ruventsoria

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruventsoria 3 3 0 0 7 2 5 9
Lox Land Island 3 1 1 1 8 1 7 4
Limbrogidlia 4 1 1 2 7 5 2 4
Liamopolis-Liamton 3 1 0 2 5 11 -6 3
Dedostan 3 1 0 2 4 12 -8 3

Vilitan Region :: Matchday 4


Group A
Elrich [3]-[1] Morvonia
Trianland [0]-[1] Casari

Group B
Hurfordia [3]-[0] Chileany
Kurumada [2]-[3] Geisenfried



Group A---------- -
[1] Elrich 4 2 2 0 9-5 8
(2) Casari 3 2 1 0 3-1 7
(3) Morvonia 3 1 0 2 3-5 3
4- Dauna Hills 3 0 2 1 4-5 2
5- Trianland 3 0 1 2 2-5 1
-
Group B-------------- -
[1] Clavis 3 2 1 0 7-4 7
(2) Hurfordia 4 2 1 1 7-5 7
(3) Geisenfried 3 2 0 1 6-5 6
4- Kurumada 3 0 1 2 5-7 1
5- Chileany 3 0 1 2 2-6 1
-

Hurfordian FA apolgises over fracas

In a statement issued today, the Hurfordian FA apologised to the Clavis team, and the Vilitian authorities for the brawl which followed Hurfordia's 3-1 defeat in the Baptism of Fire Cup.

The brawl, in which a number of players were involved, followed a fractious and controversial match. Clavis have already suspended Herschel David and Jeffrey Hamel for their involvement. The Hurfordian FA responded by suspending Terry Woods, Bill Staples and Kevin Stimpson for last night's match with Chileaney, and for the next match. As the man who started the fight, Stimpson, who was also injured, received a further one-match suspension. the FA also confirmed Brian Howard's three match suspension for his dismissal in the game.

"This kind of behaviour must be stopped" announced FA President David McClelland. "Hopefully our actions here will deter any other players from disgracing themselves in this way".

Meanwhile, the Hurfordian government announced that they would work with the Vilitian authorities in prosecuting a number of fans who were involved in violence in and around the stadium.

Top of the table Draw

Match Report
San-Lorenzo started the game in an defending formation (7-2-1) and it seemed to pay off because in 5 mins they were awarded a free kick after Frederick Istenburg pulled Iskander Patil's shirt. Istenburg was yellowed and Patil stepped up to take the kick. He hit it right through the defense and after a miraculous save by Goodenhard it was tapped in by Antonio Ferraro.
In 14mins Scorthona started pushing forward more, and took Istenburg off for Ollie Reed. In 27mins David Moss levelled the scores , when he ran past 3 defenders and passed it to Micheal Ferdinand who blasted it in bottom corner.

At half -time San-Lorenzo made two subs to their defense, Kim Do Tai un for Hien Lee and Abdul Rasheed came on for Lazaro Gebru.
In 60mins San-Lorenzo struck back again with a left footed volley from a corner by Antonio Ferrero, which setteled itself in the back of the net. San-Lorenzo controlled the game for most of the time until78 mins through in which Colin Ash spotted Ross Kirkwood in the area and Ross chipped it over the keeper to finish. San-Lorenzo had about 5 more shots in goal in the last few minutes and Scorthoina had little.

Man of the match was given too San-Lorenzo's Antonio Ferrero. San-Lorenzo now have a game in hand of Scorthona, and they look like they could be champions.

Conures reach quarter finals after thumping victory

The Hurfordian national team today reached the regional quarter finals of the Baptism of Fire Cup, after dispatching Chileaney 3-0.

The match followed intense controversy during the previous match, in which Hurfordia lost to Clavis, and a number of players were suspended following an incident after the final whistle.

Today's match will almost certainly be remembered for more pleaseant reasons, as the Conures showed what they can do, dominating Chileaney so thoroughly that they had only one shot on target.

In the absence of the suspended Kevin Stimpson, James Holsworthy stepped into the fray, scoring twice. There was also a superb debut from 20 year old Nathan Dawkins, who dominated midfield.

The Dawkins/Holsworthy partnership produced the first goal after 15 minutes, as Dawkins intercepted a pass in his own half, ran to the edge of the penalty box, before laying the ball cleverly to Holsworthy, who toe-poked it into the net from close range.

The first half saw a number of other chances, with Rawling and O'Halloran going close with headers, but the second goal eventually came after 38 minutes thorugh Cornelius Sulla, who has become the unlikely goal-scoring hero of recent games, to the extent that his club have considered moving him into the striker role next season. Inevitably, he popped up in the penalty box to head home Lebrun's corner.

The second half was simlarly comfortable, with the goal never really threatened. The final goal came from Holsworthy, who received a phenomenally accurate pass from Denning. His angled run across goal took him away from the defence, and his strike across the keeper into the far corner is surely a candidate for goal of the season.

After all their group games, Hurfordia are second in their group, and cannot be ousted from the play-off places. The final round of matches will decide their opponents in the quarter finals.

Teams

Hurfordia (4-4-2)
Sedley; O'Halloran (Bristow 75'), Johnston, Horvath, Constantine; Lebrun (Mac Moalainn 67'), Dawkins, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Rawling (Sargeant 87')

Scorers; Holsworthy 15', 83', Sulla 38'

Booked; None

Scorthona Played all their Matches

Scorthona have played all their amtches and will be at the game that San-Lorenzo finish on. If San-Lorenzo win, San-Lorenzo come first, If San-Lorenzo draw they come first too so Scorthonas only hope is for San-Lorenzo to lose.
The whole team will be at the match, along with 10000 loyal fans, who have decided to make the journey.

Angus THomson Disappears
Scorthona defender Angus Thomson has disappeared from Scorthona. The Imperial Guard Have started a full scale search for him. Most people believe he left because he didnt get a game, but Tom Scarthon believes he didnt want to leave but was kidnapped. Everything Angus owned has one and most people find it impossible that he was framed. I think that this could be linked with the disappearence of some neighbouring country prisoners.

Fellow defender, Graham Jolt is in the studio now.

"He wouldnt leave, i mean i took his place, but he was loyal to the team, he wanted what was best for the team."Jolt said

"So you are saying it was better for you to play for him," newscaster

"No, well yeah i guess, he hadnt been playing well and Tom choose me over him"

"Am i right you drew your chance of winning your league 2-2"

"Yes but..."

"Then why was it better for the team?"

"Look we made a mistake, and what type of fan are you?" he shouted

"I sir" the newscaster spoke "Am a San-Lorenzo fan" he smirked

Graham paused for second, then said "No more questions" and left the room.

"The news team will keep you posted on that," the newscaster said
"In other news" he said, "I've just beeen fired."

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Breaking News

A suspect in the Angus Thomson kidnapping has been found. He is been questioned right now. He was an old citizen of Yafor-2, whom Scorthona beat 4-0. He has been caught in a camera, snooping around, we will keep you updated on the kidnapping.

Lions Looking Good

San-Lorenzo recorded a fighting draw with Scorthona that left them in a very good position to win their group and advance to the next round. Scorthona will spend the last day of matches on the sidelines, as they have already played all four of their matches, collecting 7 points along the way. San-Lorenzo also have 7 points, but still have one match left to play. Luckily for the Lions, this match is against Klakistany, who have yet to record a single point. Eve scraping a draw out of this meeting will put the Lions ahead of Scorthona, and depending on what Tallionis does in their final match against Yafor 2, the Lions could even win the group that way. Of course we are all hoping fora win here, which would put us out of reach of any other team.

Our performance was mediocre against Scorthona, and the team did not stick to its game plan very well, with defensive midfielder Iskander Patel coming forward more often than normal, even far enough to have a shot on goal from a free kick. Luckily forr the Lions, the rebound from this kick came right to Antonio Ferraro who kicked it home. Ferraro, who has been on fire lately, also scored the Lions second goal, putting them back on top after Michael Ferdinand beat Jeff Kader following a good pass from David Moss. The Lions had moved to strengthen the senter of their defense, taking out wingbacks Hien Lee and Lazaro Gebru in favor of center defender Abdul Rasheed and wingback Kim Do Tai. It was a pass from Do Tai that broke the way open for Abawi Wahid to break through the defense and pass to Ferraro, who fired left footed and on the volley to beat Goodenhard.
Unfortunately, Scorthona was able to equalize in the 78th, with Colin Ash coming down the outside, left vulnerable by the halftime subs. He lobbed in a beautiful centering pass which Ross Kirkwood met perfectly to send it over Kader's head.

Final Score:
San-Lorenzo 2 Scorthona 2
Ferraro 5, 60 Ferdinand 27 Kirkwood 78


Spruitland Region - Group C

Klakistany 1-4 Tallionis
Scorthona 2-2 San-Lorenzo

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Scorthona 4 2 1 1 9 5 4 7
San-Lorenzo 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7
Tallionis 3 2 0 1 7 4 3 6
Yafor-2 3 1 0 2 3 6 -3 3
Klakistany 3 0 0 3 1 8 -7 0

Yafor 2 win; Still HAve a Chance

The first win for Yafor 2, a 2-0 defeat of the only team without a point was not welcome to the Yaforites. A draw between the leaders has insured that they cannot advance, unless they cursh Tallonis.. They have played all their games, except against Tallonis, so they cannot advance without difficulty.. However, they can still make a difference, by defeating Tallonis and advance.

Manager Allan Albrecht noted "Though we cannot advance easily, our only hope is to defeat Tallonis. If we can accomplish this feat, we will have decided who would advance. This in alone is an achievment and we will be very proud of ourselves." As people nodded and gave wiry smiles, Yafor 2 will know that their performance in this Baptism of Fire has been mediocre, but can be rectified..

The winning game however, was a success. Not only did Manager Albrecht's planned 5-3-2 succeed (he is expected to use this formation again), but he also made shrewd moves along the sidelines which will certainly give him the nod for the forthcoming World Cup.

The first goal was on a breakaway. Gerod Flamer flipped it to Damiel Fraten along the sideline, giving the speedy midfielder room to manouvre. As Fraten neared the outside of the box, he launched a beatiful cross into the center. Star Striker Malar was waiting and he launched a wonderful header, bringing in Yafor 2's first lead of the tournament. It was in the 34'.

He also scored the second goal, in the 43'. Damien Dulars moved the ball forward, tricking defenders as he did so. He sped, turning to the right. Fakaing a shot, he gave a backpass to Gerod Flamer behind him. Flamer made a beautiful shot curled it's way to the side of the goal. Sprawling, the goalie managed to knock it out of the path of the goal...and into MAlar, who wasted no time in scoring his second goal of the match.

Good job and good luck!

Tallionis Celebrates after another victory!!

The Tallionis Tigers have managed to produce another astounding victory, this time defeating the nation of Klakistany, 4-1. The Tigers needed to win this game to stay in the running for advancement into the next round, and are now only 1 point behind San-Lorenzo and Scorthona. The Tigers lost 2-0 against San-Lorenzo in the second round, but managed to defeat Scorthona 3-1 in round 3. They had the round 1 bye, and now have only 1 game left to play, this time against Yafor 2. Yafor 2 has only 1 win, and that was against a team the Tigers defeated 4-1. They are hoping that they can pull out a win, which would put them ahead of Scorthona, and into the next round of the tournament. Even a draw would manage to put them ahead since they defeated Scorthona. Here is Coach Henderson with more on their upcoming game.

Henderson: "We played a very aggressive game, and our victory has proven to our fans that we know how to play ball. We said at the beginning San-Lorenzo was going to be our toughest competition, and they are the only team to manage a victory against us. We respect the abilities that Yafor 2 has shown, but think that we can manage to produce at least a tie in the game. Of course, we are looking for a win, and a 1 point victory will put us ahead or tied with Scorthona in every category. We aren't however, going to get cocky. Yafor 2 is a good team, and we aren't going to have a repeat of our match against San-Lorenzo. Good luck to the rest of the league, and we are looking forward to playing Yafor 2 in the next round."



Game Summary

In an intense first 15 minutes, Klakistany managed to put in a goal against keeper Richard Hoen. Hans Goudenkorp scored off an amazing steal that he took the distance. He outpaced the entire Tallionis midfielders, and managed to put a few good moves on the Tallionis defense. Tallionis managed to respond quickly though, and at the 18 minute mark, Jason Tams managed to put one in the left corner off a beautiful pass from Jefferey Resen. 41 minutes into the game, Tams struck again, this time taking a pass from David Tirsun. Klakistany managed to keep the ball on the Tallionis side for the next 10 minutes, but John Scottson managed to steal the ball from Salamon Kud? and that led to an excellent series of passes from the Tallionis Midfield, and then a cannon shot from Midfield by David Tirsun. The score was now 3-1, and the Tallionis Tigers started playing defensive. To add insult to injury, the Tigers scored again, with 3 minutes left in the game, this time by reserve defender, James Wilson, who came in as a Midfielder after the 3rd goal. He scored on a header off a pass from Jason Tams. Klakistany never managed to recover after the third goal, and the 4th was just the last straw, and they never managed to get the ball past the midfielders for the rest of the game.

End Summary

John Scottson: "We'd like to present the game ball to Jason Tams, who had an incredible 2 goals and 1 assist in our desisive victory today. We can only hope he performs the same in the next game against Yafor 2. Good luck to the rest of our group, and we look forward to a good game Yafor 2."

End Broadcast

OOC:Sorry, from you desciption I thought only the top two advance! My sincere Apologies. Also, I often do not login to my NS nation, yet post here. Sorry again and thank you for informing me! (I'm not new to NS, but I am to sports RPs, so bear with me, please).

Now I think I'll take this opputunity to post again!

BIC:

Yaforite Squad Announced!

Manager Allan Albreacht has announced his squad selection for his last, key, game in the group stages of this years Baptism of Fire. While there are no changes from the last game, the coach has declared that he is making a big deal out of it because of the importance of these games. "I am proving importance!" he said, to cheers.

However there is one change. It has been found what the problem with Star Goalie Deron Smithes was. Apparently there was an injury from last year which he had failed to report (he was fined on this). His team doctor (the Ajer FC doctor, who has also been fined) told him that this problem, in his left elbow, was cured. As it happened, it came back and 3 of the six goals he let in were adirect result of this injury, with two more as an indirect result. "He is now totally healed." said Manager Allan Albrecht. "He was excellent in practice and we are sure he will also be in the game.

To understand this diagram, please refer to the Yaforite roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9309141&postcount=12).

Smithes
Damer...Hadoret...Croat...Dolas...Cromoror
Fraten...Flamer...Ysilko
Malar...Dulars

While the team play, we are hoping they succeed!

Exclusive Interview With Yaforite Captain, Gerod Flamer

Reporter:Well, Gerod, congratulations on your last game.

Mr. Flamer: Thank you. The guys, we performed really well. I think we really put ourselves in motion, after that scare [a first half near miss by Klakistany Hans Goudenkorp that ust curled around the corner of the goal]. Then we just kept going.

R:You just missed two goals yourself.

F:Yes indeed. The first lead to a goal, of course. I thought that that shot had a better chance of getting in than the other one, but you never know. The other was a free kick that bent around the wall, but was saved by the goalie, rather easily, I must say. I was cursing myself for missing an oppurtunity like that.

R:You have come under criticism for your mediocre job as captain?

F:It is not my job to rate how well I have done. [Laughs] Whoever's job that is must be a little drunk, I'd say. Naw, I'm just tryin' my best, dude! I can't do any better. If it isn't good enough for those sportswriters, then, well...what can I do?

R:I know that our time is almost up, but what are your thoughts on the forthcoming game?

F:We gotta win. Tallonis are tough, and, well...I think we can do it. The guys are training very hard and [Manager] Allan [Albrecht] is diving us the hardest I have ever been driven. We are training hard and I think we have a shot at winning and advancing.

-Edited by the National Atheletic Board-

Baptism of Fire - Matchday 5

Spruitland Region - Group C

Tallionis 3-3 Yafor-2
Klakistany 0-1 San-Lorenzo

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
San-Lorenzo 4 3 1 0 7 3 4 10
Scorthona 4 2 1 1 9 5 4 7
Tallionis 4 2 1 1 10 7 3 7
Yafor-2 4 1 1 2 6 9 -3 4
Klakistany 4 0 0 4 1 9 -8 0


Spruitland Region - Group D

Lox Land Island 3-1 Liamopolis-Liamton
Dedostan 0-2 Ruventsoria

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruventsoria 4 4 0 0 9 2 7 12
Lox Land Island 4 2 1 1 11 2 9 7
Limbrogidlia 4 1 1 2 7 5 2 4
Liamopolis-Liamton 4 1 0 3 6 14 -8 3
Dedostan 4 1 0 3 4 14 -10 3

San-Lorenzo and Ruventsoria advance directly to the Regional Semi Finals.
Scorthona, Tallionis, Lox Land Island and Limbrogidlia play Regional Quarter Finals.


Regional Quarter Finals:

Lox Land Island vs. Tallionis

(the winner will meet San-Lorenzo in the Regional Semi)

Scorthona vs. Limbrogidlia

(the winner will meet Ruventsoria in the Regional Semi)

CasariONENews

Casari in Catbird Seat
Casari Qualifies for Playoffs, can still capture Group lead in Final Game

"We're proud to say we have qualified for the Baptism of Fire Regional Playoffs, and still have a chance to win our group." Manager Vivica Hill announced via Sattelite to a jubilant crowd gathered in Independance Square.


Group A---------- -
[1] Elrich 4 2 2 0 9-5 8
(2) Casari 3 2 1 0 3-1 7
(3) Morvonia 3 1 0 2 3-5 3
4- Dauna Hills 3 0 2 1 4-5 2
5- Trianland 3 0 1 2 2-5 1
-

Because of today's 1-0 Victory over last place Trainland, Casari is perched in 2nd in the group with 7 points and 1 game to go. The leaders, Elrich, have 8 points after their final game today against third place Morvonia.

After Morvonia's loss, Casari was assured at least 2nd place in the group A standings and a game against the third place finishers in group B.

But a win in tomorrow's match against Duana Hills will propel Casari to a record of 3-1 in the group for 10 points and the outright lead. In the case of a tie, Casari will tie Elrich, but Casari is well behind in both goal difference and goals scored. This leaves most Casarans hoping for another victory against the winless Duana Hills Team.

On the match, Coach Bridges had this to say.

"We have no intention of changing our team. While our offence has been less successful than we would like, our Defense remains stellar. We have a few concerns, but on the whole, we're more confident every game."

CasariONENews

Vilitan Region :: Matchday 5


Group A
Trianland [2]-[1] Morvonia
Casari [1]-[1] Dauna Hills

Group B
Kurumada [1]-[0] Chileany
Geisenfried [0]-[2] Clavis



Group A----------
[1] Elrich 4 2 2 0 9-5 8
(2) Casari 4 2 2 0 4-2 8
(3) Trianland 4 1 1 2 4-6 4
4- Dauna Hills 4 0 3 1 5-6 3
5- Morvonia 4 1 0 3 4-7 3

Group B--------------
[1] Clavis 4 3 1 0 9-4 10
(2) Hurfordia 4 2 1 1 7-5 7
(3) Geisenfried 4 2 0 2 6-7 6
4- Kurumada 4 1 1 2 6-7 4
5- Chileany 4 0 1 3 2-7 1



Vilitan Region :: Quarter Finals

Casari v. Geisenfried
Hurfordia v. Trianland

Scorthona Watch On From The Sidelines

Scorthona fans watched on as San-Lorenzo took the game 1-0. They were hoping for a win from Klakistany, to put them top of the table, but the team that Scorthona beat 2-0 could not pull it off.

Scorthona manager, Tom Scarthon, stated that they had still made it into the playoffs and still had a chance from this. They players lightened up after this, and began practising harder than they had before, they practised for 7 hours straight.

Tom Scarthon has taken Scorthona to the knockout rounds of the BoF, coming second in their league, he is waiting to play Limbrogidlia.

In other news the suspect in the Angus Thomson case has been................. released without charge, Police found that this man had not been in Scorthona at the time of the kidnapping, Angus Thomson is still lost and presumed dead, but no one will admit it. Scorthonas football chances had been wrecked by this, but a nervous and shifty eyed Tom Scarthon said that he would not have played him anyway.

Clavis Sports Network

Clavis beats Geisenfried 2-0 to advance to the next round
Before this game coach Salazar announced that Hector Montalvo and Marlin Scrogins will be starting after Jeffrey Hamel and Herschel David's suspensions for their role in the fight after the Clavis-Hurfordia game.

With Clavis just having to win this game to advance to the next round without playing anybody else so sprits were high on the Falcons. When the Falcons walked into the stadeum there was a loud sound of booing and jeering because of last week's fight.

The game started with the ball in the Golden Eagles possession in which it stayed for a few minutes with occasional interceptions for both teams. The first chance for a goal was in the eleventh minute when Cristoph Schlegel made a great pass to Samuel Wolfe and he nearly scored if goalie Byron McCain didn't put his hand up there and block the ball. The game continued to be a defencive affair until stoppage time at the end of the first half when off a corner kick by May Brad Hoover headed it into the net getting his first ever goal.

Coach Salazar said during the half that "we just have to tie this game to go to the quaterfinals without playing anybody else so go out and keep this lead".

And with those words by coach Salazar the Falcons came back onto this pitch for the second half looking for another goal to put the game out of reach for the Golden Eagles. The ball started in the Falcon's control and in the fifty seventh minute the Falcons scored a second goal by Raymond Tinsley after a pass from Marlin Scrogins he shot the ball into the lower corner of the net just missing the goalie Kurt Ackermann by inches. Whit a second goal the Falcons were in control of their own destiny with thirty-three minutes left in the game the Falcons subbed out Kendall David and Nevile Cheney exchanging them with Bruno Gomez and Alberto Peltier.

With twenty-minutes to go the Golden Eagles had a corner but failed to capatalise on it keeping the Falcons with a 2-0 lead. Most of the last twenty minutes were defencive soccer except for when Bruno Gomez nearly scored from eighteen yards out but it went a bit over the crossbar. With time countinng dow the Golden Eagles were playing as aggresive as possible trying anything anything but McCain kept cool under the pressure and kept the lead for a Falcon's victory 2-0

Scorthona Football Board

Scorthona Football Board has decided to make club teams in Scorthona. There are going to be 17 teams, each with a player from the Scorthona national team. There are sign-ups happening right now and Tom Scarthon's team (Metral F.C.) is the most popular.

The first games are being held the weekend after the world cup, and teams from other nations are invited to friendlies. The new sign-ups for the teams are getting free V.I.P passes to the quarter-final Scorthona match, along with the government scretaries and treasurers.



Angus Thomson:Breaking news
Local police forces have found a man who was holding some of Angus Thomson's possesions. He was not caught and ran away. The police force have given us a photo reinactment of what they did.
:sniper:
:eek: :gundge:
:mp5:

We will keep you updated , we are not allowed to reveal the name and ace of the man, we do not even know it.


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Hurfordia to meet Trianland in Quarter Finals

After the final round of matches in the group stages, Hurfordia have been paired with Trianland in the Baptism of Fire Cup regional quarter-finals.

Clavis's victory over Giesenfried ensured that Hurfordia finished second in their group with two wins, one draw, and a defeat.

Manager Peter Langrishe admitted he was "happy" with the draw, but warned his side not to be complacent.

"Trianland may have scraped through in their group with that last day win, but you only have to look at the teams they were playing against to see how tough they could be. We can't afford to underestimate them."

Langrishe admitted that he would be keeping faith with the team that beat Chileaney, although his hand has been forced to an extent, as a Stimpson, Woods, Howard and Straples are still suspended after the Clavis match, although Staples and Woods would be available for the semi-finals if the team gets that far.

Team (4-4-2)
Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Constantine; Lebrun, Dawkins, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Rawling

ELRICH REACH REGIONAL SEMIS
The Badgers have Dauna Hills to thank

The Elrichian National side had the nation of Dauna Hills to thank as the Badgers finished top of Group C in the Baptism of Fire Cup. After a 2-2 draw with Dauna Hills and a 3-1 win over Morvonia in their final 2 group games, Mike Bassett's side were relying on the Dauna Hills outfit to get something from their game with 2nd place Casari, which would see Elrich top the group.

Dauna Hills recorded a credible 1-1 draw, much to the delight of Elrichians everywhere, for this meant that, despite Elrich and Casari both finishing unbeaten on 8 points, that Elrich top Group C on goal difference, and therefore automatically progressed to the Regional Semi-Finals.

ROUND UP

Elrich 2 - 2 Dauna Hills
Earlier in the week, the Elrichians had faced the tough Dauna Hills side themselves, and only scrambled a 2-2 draw. A hotly disputed penalty from Elrich on 56 minutes and a scrappy goal from Robin Banks 10 minutes later allowed the Kingdom to rescue a draw from 2-0 down.

Elrich : Banks, Scott, Adams, Jones, P Spinks (N'Stein 62), Allen, Zebedee, J Spinks, Banks, Elrich, Grimble

Elrich 3 - Morvonia 1
This win made certain of Elrich's progression in the tournament. First half goals from Allen, J Spinks and the unlikely Barry Scott ended the game as a contest before half-time and a late Morvonia goal proved only a consolation. Young prodigy Matthew Allen opened the scoring after 18 minutes with a low right-footed drive from the edge of the area before John Spinks doubled the lead on 34 minutes when he "lept like a salmon" to divert Zebedee's cross/shot into the roof of the net. Right-back Barry Scott made it three just before half-time when he scored his first ever professional goal, a deflected shot from 20 yards after Elrich's corner had been cleared. Scott, later voted man of the match for his performance was delighted, "To score for my country is an undescribable feeling" he said, "the booking was a bit annoying, but that's the way it goes I guess". Scott was booked in the aftermath of the celebrations of his goal, after removing his shirt to reveal the message to his critics "good as new" tattooed on his stomach.

Elrich : Banks, Scott, Adams, Jones, P Spinks, Allen, Zebedee (Murphy 60), J Spinks (Hodgins 85), Banks, Elrich, Grimble (Singh Queen 45)

CAPTAIN ELRICH DELIGHTED AT GROUP C WIN
But the great man urges team and fans not to get carried away
National hero Elrich expressed his delight at his side's progression to the regional semi-finals of the Baptism of Fire. Speaking at the team's hotel in Vilita Elrich said, "What our inexperienced team has achieved is outstanding, but we must not get complacent. There are some very good teams left in this competition, and we still have a long way to go. The nation shouldn't be over-confident, and neither should the team - doing that only piles the pressure on if things don't go according to plan straight away".

Elrich's words didn't stop mass partying in the state, the whole nation has gone football-crazy with pubs, clubs and schools packed full of hopeful Elrichians watching the team progress. Elrich is correct though, despite remaining unbeaten it must be remembered that there are some very impressive nations remaining in the competition, and despite topping Group C, the Badger's collection of 8 points was inferior to all of the other Group winners.

Lions Win Group C

San-Lorenzo earned a bye and a berth in the regional semifinals with their final match of the group stage: a Karelan masterpiece that ended 1-0. The Lions will now await the winner of the Lox Land Island - Tallionis quarterfinal match. San-Lorenzo easily handled Tallionis in their previous meeting, but we aren't sure who that would benefit most, the team with confidence or the team out for revenge.

The Lions match with Klakistany was very closely fought, but the dominant force was the Lions' defense, which allowed only 4 shots on goal in the entire match. There was no scoring in the first half, and at halftime, Chand Kalia was subbed in for Iskander Patel. The Lions began to press a little more, even mounting a few counterattacks, and were rewarded with a goal at 65 minutes. Abawi Wahid had recieved a pass, and made an excellent cut inside to beat his defender, then fired left footed to put it in the net. After this goal, Antonio Ferraro was subbed out, replaced by wingback Kim Do Tai. The defense locked down and did not allow another shot to trouble Jeff Kader for the rest of the match.

Final Score:
San-Lorenzo 1 Klakistany 0
Wahid 65 none

Spruitland Region - Group C

Tallionis 3-3 Yafor-2
Klakistany 0-1 San-Lorenzo

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
San-Lorenzo 4 3 1 0 7 3 4 10
Scorthona 4 2 1 1 9 5 4 7
Tallionis 4 2 1 1 10 7 3 7
Yafor-2 4 1 1 2 6 9 -3 4
Klakistany 4 0 0 4 1 9 -8 0


[center]Regional Quarter Finals:

Lox Land Island vs. Tallionis

(the winner will meet San-Lorenzo in the Regional Semi)

Scorthona Tickets sold out

The tickets for Scorthonas quarter final match are sold out. They have been giant queues at the stadium to buy tickets and the website has frozen, due to too many people clicking the 'Buy Ticket' button. The Scorthona board expect their to be about half the stand filled with Scorthona fans and the players believe the support will be really good and will help them make it to the semis.

The team will play their hardest and will probably look for early goals, but that is not certain. Tom Scarthon has said nothing to anyone for a few hours, and we believe the nerves of the match are getting to him. The shops and nightclubs are being opened after the match, only if Scorthona win.

Angus Thomson Latest

The Impeial Guard have now sent a full scale search for Angus Thomson and the suspect in the case. The police have revealed that he is not a Scorthona citizen, but someone from a rival region, they are not willing to reveal which, but they are checking into how he manage to get past the police officers.

In possible linked news a different man has fled the country, managing to jump the gate and escape, there is alo a chase on this man, but not as much of the guard have gone to this. More on this news later, there will be live coverage of the match when it starts, and a match report after it.

Goodbye, and goodnight.

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|S.F.C|
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The Tallionis Tigers Qualify for the Knock-Out Rounds!!

The Tigers played fought a long hard battle with the Yafor 2 national team. They drew 3-3 in what would prove to be one of their tougher match-ups of the Tournament so far. Tallionis head coach Mark Henderson recaps on the game.

Henderson: "We thought we had Yafor 2 early on, with two quick goals by David Tirsun. We began to play defense, but we were playing without care, and Yafor 2 tied it up and took the lead with three consecutive goals, at 38, 40, and 43. We now had to score at least one more time to tie up the game and advance, and so we went back to our starters. Jason Tams took a pass from David Tirsun all the way, and his goal was the go-ahead to advance to the Regional Quarter Finals. The game ended with us on another attack, but David Tirsun missed off the goal post at the last second. All in all it was a great game for us, but the tie left us disappointed. Now, even if we win our next game, we will have to play San-Lorenzo in the Semi-Finals. If we had won outright, then we would be playing Limbrogidlia, who only managed to win one game throughout the tournament. I am disappointed to see that our team forgot our embarrassing loss to San-Lorenzo and played most of the last game with big headedness."

The Tigers are anxious for their next opponent, Lox Land Island, and are hoping that the seemingly shooters game will end in their favor. Both teams were on top of the Goals For category in their respective Group, and Lox Land managed only one more goal than Tallionis. However, Lox Land Island only let up a mere 2 goals throughout the tournament, and Tallionis let up 7. The game looks to favor Lox Land, but the Tigers aren't going to let their opportunity to avenge their round 2 loss to San-Lorenzo slip through their fingers. If they win they will get a rematch against the tough San-Lorenzo team, and they are hoping for just that opportunity. Captain Jason Tams with more.

Tams: "Our loss in round 2 was embarrassing. It was not only the only game where we didn't score at least 3 goals, it was the only game that we lost. And not only did we lose, we got shut out. Our team played like we were the World Cup Champions, but actually, we are Baptism of Fire first timers. I dont think anybody would let that loss affect our possibility for revenge. We hope that we get the opportunity to play San-Lorenzo again, and if and when we do, they better be ready."

The Tigers as anxious to play San-Lorenzo as they are, aren't looking past their next game. Lox Land Island is a tough team, and their defense is impeccable. The Tigers are working mainly on improving their defense breaking skills, with the goal keepers taking a lot of shots. They are working on their hands and awareness. The team is looking strong, and so we pulled captain John Scottson away for just a moment to talk about their upcoming match. The tickets for the match have already sold out.

Scottson: "The team is looking sharp. Our next game against Lox Land Island is going to be a tough one. If we play the way we know we can, we should be able to score high. If we score 3+ we are almost positive we will win. We have yet to lose a game when we have scored as many. The other thing we want to do is play solid D. Our defense has had some trouble adjusting to the competitive styles of play on the International Circuit, and our round 2 and round 5 matches can prove that. If we let our opponents get into our heads, we are done for. Our team is strong, and so I think that any taunts will only fuel us. They can try to get inside our heads, but our team is prepared to take any heat."

The Tallionis Tigers are happy to report they sold their half of the tickets. They are hoping that they can manage to procure a couple thousand more tickets, so all the fans on the reserve ticket list can manage to make it. The Tallionis government has provided free international transport to those who manage to make it out for the games. They also declared today Carl Henderson day for his achievements with the Tigers. Henderson managed to take the Tigers this far in their first international tournament, and they hope to have the same results in the upcoming World Cup tournament.

All I have left to say is GO TIGERS GO, and good luck to Scorthona, Group C counterparts, in their match against Limbrogidlia, and hope that the government manages to catch those responsible in the Angus Thomson case.

End Broadcast

CasariONENews

Casari Heads to Quarterfinals
Dissapointing Tie vs. Duana Hills leads to match vs. Geisenfried

"We're becoming discouraged by our lack of offence." Coach Bridges said after today's tie with Duana Hills. "We plan on some strategic changes for our next match versus Group B Third place finisher Geisinfried." This represents a major change from previous attitudes from the staff. When asked about the reasons behind the change, Bridges said, "There's a very clear reason. We didn't win the division. We had the situation in hand, and now we have an extra game to tire our players before the regional semifinals."

The 1-1 Tie featured another goal by upcoming national hero Andy Ronalo, making him the highest scorer on the team.

"Our future plans will revolve more tightly around Ronalo. He's the one who has been getting us results and we have faith that he'll bring more."

Casari Quarterfinal Lineup:
Defense:
10 Steven MacLellan
11 Eddie Oliver
18 Jay Letra
57 Chris Novena
Midfield:
7 John Grainger *
15 Alberto Larini
97 Pedro Romi
Forwards:
44 Andy Ronalo
29 Yamato Shihairi *
13 Alex Pilot *
Goalkeeper:
34 Salvadore Rooney
Substitutes:
1 Scott William
21 Masahiro Noda
9 Mike Newberry
6 Will Stanton
98 Piero Capelli

* indicates first start

Vivica Hill's parting comments:
"We remain very confident. Our goal is and always has been lifting the cup, and we feel we get closer everyday."

CasariONENews

Spruitland Region - Regional Quarter Finals

Lox Land Island 1-1 Tallionis
Lox Land Island 2-1 Tallionis AET

Scorthona 4-0 Limbrogidlia


Regional Semi Finals:

San-Lorenzo vs. Lox Land Island

Ruventsoria vs. Scorthona

Vilitan Region :: Quarter Finals

Casari [2]-[1] Geisenfried
Hurfordia [3]-[1] Trianland


Vilitan Region :: Semi Finals

Elrich v. Hurfordia
Clavis v. Casari

Scorthona Leap Into Semi Finals

Match Report

Scorthona controlled the game against Limbrogidlia from the start. With an early 7 minute goal from Colin Ash from a freekick on the left side of the box, the Scorthona team and fans saw the semis in sight. But these sights were dropped when Marshalll scored for Limbrogidlia, but the goal was disallowed due to offside. In 30 mins the skipper Ross Kirkwood got into the box and was slid by the keeper, who was then sent off. Limbogodlia had to bring on their less talented keeper, Mark Red, for the penalty, and the rest of the match. The penalty was easily converted by Colin Ash. In 45 mins another goal was almost converted by Dave Houston, from a cross by David Moss.

In the second half Limbrogidlia started ddefending less and attacking more. David Moss saw right through this though and skipped past to the defense in 60mins and slotting it into the neck. In 85 mins Limbrogidlia fans started leaving the stadium and Scorthon afans started singing. Just to finish the whole thing off Graham Jolt scored from a slide after a pass from man of the match Ross Kirkwood.

Scorthona are now in the Semi-Finals after the 4-0 win.

Angus Thomson Breakthrough

A giant breakthrough in the Angus Thomson case has been discovered. The man who ran into the country (who as now been caught) said that he was Angus Thomsons father and DNA tests proved it to be true. He was put on a lie detector and said that he didnt know where he was, which was true, and that the only person who did was the man who left the country, also true. The imperial Guard have now sent out 10000 men to search in neighbouring countries. We will keep you updated.

T.V. Viewers Highest ever

The number of viewers watching the Scorthona Quarter-Final match was the highest in Scorthona history, with only 1000 people not watching, Tom Scarthon believes that there will be higher ratings for the semi-final match.

The players have watched the match almost twenty times now, searching for the good things they did and the bad things they did, so they can see how they will win the semis.

The Scorthona team members have now become the richest people in Scortjona, and now almost everyone wants to play football.

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Scorthona Youth Football Academy

Tom Scarthon has finally found something to get kids outside. The Scortjon Youth Football Academy is being built and thousands of youngsters are just standing watching.

Scorthona kids used to spend hours playing computer games and are now going out to play football.

The whole team are teaching a kids lots and lots of skills and are letting their best young players be mascots and get free passes to the match.

No more news on Angus Thomson

Joy as late goals take Hurfordia into Semi-Finals

Hurfordia sent a message to the rest of the teams in the tournament as they dug deep to beat Trianland 3-1 in the Regional quarter-finals.

Despite coming into the match with the worst group record of all the quarter-finalists, a powerful Trianland side came within minutes of putting Hurfordia out of the Baptism of Fire Cup. They were ahead within two minutes, as Horvath under hit a pass back to his goalkeeper, letting Bangus in to steal the ball and drive it emphatically past the stranded Sedley. The Hurfordian defence seemed to have stayed on the bus as Trianland ran riot, picking up half-chances and loose balls all over the park, and should probably have had another, as the Albino brothers combined to test Sedley with a cross and header. A neutral would have been hard pushed to tell which side had finished second in their group.

However, in the second half Hurfordia were as sublime as they were terrible in the first. Within a minute of the restart, Rawling tested Kapre with a vicious, swerving drive from 30 yards, which missed the net by inches. From that point, it was one way traffic, with Hurfordia punishing the Trianland defence with everything they had. It was not enough, however, as the defence held firm. It wasn't until 15 minutes from time that the game changed.

Manager Peter Langrishe replaced the tired Denning with Western Marches striker Wayne Sargeant, and going to 4-3-3 formation. With his first touch, Sargeant rose to meet Sulla's corner, powering it into the net for the equaliser. With that, Hurfordia exploded. Two minutes later, Holsworthy intercpeted a pass on the edge of the box, before lashing a low richdrive past the keeper for the lead. Almost straight from the kick off, Holsworthy stole the ball, holding it up for a few moments, before laying a pass to Rawling, whose pace left the defence behind. As he beat the last defender, he chipped the ball over the stumbling keeper for the final goal. The last ten minutes saw no further action, but the Hurfordian team still looked dangerous.

The victory sends Hurfordia into the regional semis, where they will play group A winners Elrich.

Meanwhile, Manager Peter Langrishe has announced that he will keep faith with the same team that beat Trianland. His squad will, however, be boosted by the return from suspension of defender Terry Woods and midfielder Bill Staples.

Teams

Hurfordia (4-4-2)
Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Constantine; Lebrun, Dawkins (Burren 60'), Denning (Sargeant 76'), Sulla; Holsworthy, Rawling

Scorers; Sargeant 77', Holsworthy 79', Rawling 80'

Booked; None

Trianland (2-3-5)
Kapre; Loterena, Trian; Banjo, Gil, Libagin; E Albino, Taong Grasa, Guerrero, Bangus, F Albino

Scorer; Bangus 2'

HURFODIA IT IS
The Kingdom of Elrich will face the nation of Hurfodia in the Regional Semi

After Hurfodia's 3-1 win over Trianland, which is incidently the same score that Elrich defeated the same country, and the Conures are now the nation that stand between the Badgers and the Baptism of Fire Regional Final.

Hurfodia were always the favourites to beat Trianland, but it was Trianland who dominated the first half, only for Hurfodia to turn up the heat in the second half and score three goals in four minutes to win the game. The Badgers Manager Mike Bassett was full of respect for Peter Langrishe's side, "They are a strong outfit, it will be a very difficult game. They weren't brilliant early on in the quarter, but in the second half they showed how dangerous they can be. They did well in the Trotsgrad tournament and they've got a couple of players coming back from suspension as well, which will make them even tougher. The lads are working hard though, and we will give it our all."

Hurfodia finished on 7 points as runner-up to the unbeaten Clavis in Group B. The Hurfodian side have looked brilliant on occasions in the Bapitsm, but are renowned for being slow starters and inconsistant. On their day though, they are a top side and midfielder Kevin Stimpson has arguably scored the goal of the tournament so far, described by the Hurdfordian Magazine "Green on White" as an outrageous 30 yard chip. Stimpson however, will not be taking part in the game with Elrich due to his part in an ugly post-match brawl against Group B winners Casari. Stimpson, along with team-mate Howard received 3 match bans and therefore will not feature. The impressive Cornelius Sulla is one for the Elrichian defense to watch closely.

The Kingdom of Elrich are still expected to name an unchanged side, with the unbeaten Nation remaining free of injuries or suspensions. With the Hurfodia side expected to field a 4-3-3 formation, it is important that the Badger's don't get outun in midfield, so Robin Banks and John Spinks will have to be at their best against the Hurfodian 3. Elrichian's fate could lie in the hands of wingers Zebedee and Matthew Allen, who will have alot of space on the wings in which to attack their full-backs, and it is thought that Bassett has encouraged full-backs Danny Adams and Barry Scott to get forward as well.

Elrichian defender Danny Adams wants Elrichian fans in Vilita to act as a 12th man and inspire the Badgers on to victory, "They've been fantastic so far. They are so loud, we can hear them on the pitch and we really want to do it for them. Walking out and seeing the sea of Elrichian support is just fantastic. Now all we can ask for is for them to keep it up, they have been our 12th man and we need them again against Hurfodia."

(Thanks to Hurfodian Magazine "White on Green" for information on their national team)

WARNING OVER CROWD TROUBLE

The Elrichian FA warned Elrichian fans to be on their best behaviour during the Regional semi-final against Hurfodia. The passionate Hurfodian Fans have been in trouble already earlier in the tournament and the Elrichian Police and squad do not want crowd trouble to mask what should be a thrilling match. "Although our sell-out support has been magnificent in their singing and behaviour, we do not want to take any chances and wish to make it clear that anyone found causing any trouble will be banned from all Elrichian Sport for life."

It is hoped that there will be no problems, as Elrich has always been proud of it's friendly image, and it's absense of hooligans.

MORE NEWS
In the same press conference the National FA announced that the match will be screened on big screens across the country, so that everyone can enjoy the match in the company of fellow Elrichians. It is expected that at least 50,000 Elrichians will converge on the national Elrich Arena where the game will be screened. The game will be availiable to see in all cinemas as well as the usual pubs and clubs across the country. The day has been announced as a national holiday, so that no-one has to miss the big match.

Excitement in Conures' camp as big match approaches

Hurfordia's national team are pumped up for the big match according to manager Peter Langrishe.

"The boys are excited about the match" he told "White on Green".

"We didn't expect to be in the competition at this stage. The players are ready and willing to go out and do their best in the match."

Langrishe was, however, concerned about his opposition, the Kingdom of Elrich, who he considered "one of, if not the, best in the tournament".

"You only have to look at their results to see that they are a great side. Mike Basset has worked wonders there, and put together a very good team. And, of course, they have been resting, so they won't have the fatigue factor counting against them. We will have to be better than we were against Trianland if we want to beat them."

When asked about how he would deal with the threat from the wings, especially given Hurfordia's lack of width in midfield, he kept his cards close to his chest. "All I will say is that I believe our defence is strong enough to do the job. We'll just play as we normally do."

The team to face Elrich tomorrow has been announced. It will see the return of Terry Woods from his suspension, and a return to the 4-3-3 formation.

Team
Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Sargeant, Rawling

In other news, the Hurfordian government has waded into the row about fan hooliganism at the Clavis game, promising that any fans found to be involved will be dealt with harshly. Peter Langrishe too pleaded for calm, expressinhg his fear that a rouge element could overshadow the performance of the team.

San-Lorenzo - Tallionis Rematch Off

Tallionis was defeated 2-1 in extra time by Lox Land Island in the Spruitland Region Quarterfinal and will not advance to play San-Lorenzo. Instead, the Lions will face off with a new team. While the rematch would doubtless have been very exciting, the Lions management are happy with the result. "We want to have experience against a variety of different teams witha variety of different playing styles," said Mostafa Elnahas, the Lions' Co-Manager. "The rematch would have been fun, but this result is better for the team." The Lions are extremely excited about this match, but will continue to play in their 7-2-1 formation, which has worked quite well up to this point.

In other sports news, San-Lorenzo's Group C rival Scorthona has advanced to the semifinal against Ruventsoria with a 4-0 defeat of Limbrogidlia. This team will take some beating, but it will be difficult for them to advance against the tournament's only undefeated team.


Spruitland Region - Regional Quarter Finals

Lox Land Island 1-1 Tallionis
Lox Land Island 2-1 Tallionis AET

Scorthona 4-0 Limbrogidlia


Regional Semi Finals:

San-Lorenzo vs. Lox Land Island

Ruventsoria vs. Scorthona

Clavis Sports Network

Clavis to Face Casari in Semi-Finals
After yesterday's game in which Casari beat Geisenfried 2-1 they will have to face Clavis tommorow in the regional semi-finals. The captian of the Clavis Falcons Hayden May said in an interview yesterday that "If we can score in this game we will win the game because Casari has the weakest offence in the tournment at this point."
Coach Salazar also said that "This is a game that we should win because our offence is twice as good as Casari's and we won our divison and ther didn't."


Extra Security at Clavis-Casari game.
After the riots a week ago at the Hurfordia-Clavis game the Clavis police force will send fifty police officers armed with riot control gear for the Clavis-Casari game. The reason this extra security is needed is to control riots like the riot that broke out at the Hurfordia-Clavis that injured twelve and fifty three arrested from charges ranging from assult to assult causing bodily harm.

Only one nation left

There is only one nation left where the Angus Thomson kidnapper could be hiding. 50,000 men from the imperial guard are marching into it from all sides. People are running for the hills, mothers are grabbing their children and yanking them into their houses. The man has to be hiding somewhere and the Guard have been told to shoot not to kill, but they have tranquiliser darts to aim at the head with. More updates as soon as they come in.


Tom Scarthon Most Liked Person

In a recent poll Tom Scarthon has become the most popular personality in Scorthona. He used to be hated because of his decisions, but now he is hailed because of his football and managerial skills.

He has finally beaten the 5 year run of millionare actor Jackie Elavano, who was not best pleased that people like the president more then her.

Tom Scarthon is delighted by this and made a giant speech on the main hall, all about the football team.

" I entered the BoF to try and get some football into our country, and i never imagined we wouldget to the Semi-Finals of our region. I have recently learned that football isn't just a game, it is a sport, it is hard-training and most of all... it is fun, and muddy (laughs came from the crowd) and i believe it could be the national sport of Scorthona (annoyed glances came from the squash team). The whole team thanks you for your support and we wish that you can come ith us to the semi-finals and support us. If we win the Baptism of Fire, or even if we go out now, i will invest lots of money into the association, and i will be player/manager for the national team, and i will step back and see how the club teams go on their own, thank you"

^----^
|S.F.C|
|(\_(\ |
|( '~')|
-------

CasariONENews

Casari 2, Geisenfried 1
Regional Semifinals vs. Clavis opens with much smack being talked on both sides

"'"If we can score in this game we will win the game because Casari has the weakest offense in the tournement at this point. This is a game that we should win because our offence is twice as good as Casari's and we won our divison and ther didn't.'" Goalkeeper Salvadore Rooney quoted from the comments of Clavis' Hayden May. "Considering we've never tried to portray ourselves as an offensive team in this competition, and have allowed a Tournement-wide low 3 goals, it just might be a little early for talk."

Casaran fans decided not to phrase their comments so nicely.

"Clavis has no [explative deleted] chance. The only way they might possible have one in the first place is if we fielded a team of blind legless midgets. And EVEN THEN, it would go to penalties."

Following Casari's 2-1 victory over Geisenfried today, emotions are running high and Casarans worldwide are finding themselves more easily insulted and drunk than ever. "We should be very proud of our team and encourage them peacefully in tomorrow's match against Clavis." Prime Minister Meia Winter said. "Each game is driving soccer fever deeper and deeper into the minds of our citizens, getting them ready for the rest of the BoF Tournement, the upcoming World Cup, and the Domestic Leauge and Cup Seasons beyond." Minister of Culture Link Scott. Even Minister of Trade Socks the Cat had some serious meows of encouragement to direct to the team.

With all smoke and mirrors aside, the match tomorrow against Clavis will be very difficult. "Our team performed well versus Geisenfried, producing the best offensive output that we have in any game to date." Manager Hill said to the assembled press. "Sadly, that was only 2 goals. This is still proof of our new offense working better than the old and we're definately not going to change the lineup against Clavis. That would be too much of a risk."

Star Striker Andy Ronalo was more than eager for tomorrow's game. "I'm more than ready to see what kind of challenge the Clavian defense will present. Besides. Days off always threw off my groove in the first place."

CasariONENews

OOC: Man I know Role Playing bonuses dont guaruntee victories or anything, but I figured that with the amount I had role played vs. the amount Lox Land Island had gave me a great chance in that game... kinda depressing to have come so far and to just be... out... good luck to Scorthona and San-Lorenzo, lets show them how good our Group draw was and have an all Group C Regional Finals, and whoever wins, good luck in the Finals.

As for the organizers... when does the World Cup start? I know I signed up for it, but I'm not sure about any details on it. I know I posted my roster somewhere, but am not quite sure what happened to that thread. Any information on the upcomming World Cup tournament would be great.

Good luck to everybody, and thanks for the good times.

Scorthona... what country are you invading currently? I'm not quite sure I've kept up on this case too well... but I remember you saying that it wasn't Yafor 2 or San-Lorenzo... I dont think it was my nation either...

Scorthona... what country are you invading currently? I'm not quite sure I've kept up on this case too well... but I remember you saying that it wasn't Yafor 2 or San-Lorenzo... I dont think it was my nation either...

It better not be San-Lorenzo!

Spruitland Regional Semi Finals

San-Lorenzo 4-0 Lox Land Island

Ruventsoria 3-0 Scorthona

Regional Final:

San-Lorenzo vs. Ruventsoria

An All Lions Final

San-Lorenzo destroyed Lox Land Island on their way to the Spruitland Regional Final. The opposing defense was very shoddy, and allowed for San-Lorenzo's first hat trick in international play. Abawi Wahid recorded three goals, along with Antonio Ferraro, who added a fourth. The Lions were totally superior in every facet of the match, playing flawless defense and surprisingly, displying a very well cordinated attack. Wahid, Ferrarro and Iskander Patel were able to pass easily through the LLI defenders, and had no trouble setting up a large amount of shots. The keeper made a valient effort, but he seemed to be the only one of them who did. Without a good defense in front of him, he was unable to stop every shot the Lions sent at him.
The first goal came in the 18th minute when miscommunication on the LLI side led to Wahid being left wide open on a throw in with no one to beat but the keeper. Apparantly the defenders forgot there is no offsides on throw ins. Whatever the cause, Wahid dribbled in and chipped the keeper to open the match. He scored again at 29 minutes, when a superb pair of passes again found Wahid alone with the ball, 20 meters from the goal and at least 5 meters from the nearest defender. He fired at the far corner and put it ast the keeper's outstretched hands. It was surprising that these were the only two goals in the first half, especially when you consider that San-Lorenzo had almost 70% of the possession, and 9 shots on goal. In contrast, Jeff Kader was only called upon to make one stop in the first 45 minutes, an easy one from well outside the box.
The second half began on a slightly better note for Lox Land Island, with them playing much better in midfield and launching 3 more shots on net, one of which almost beat Kader, only to bounce off the goalpost and out for the goal kick. Following this kick, Wahid stole the bal from a defender and took off down the field. He closed in alone on the keeper and fired from just 12 meters. The keeper, obviously not wanting to get chipped again, had left it too late to rush out and Wahid sent it past his left foot for the hat trick. This goal completely demoralized the LLI players, and they didn't mount much of an attack for the rest of the match. The Lions however, continued to press the defense, although mostly they were just keeping possession. a few more shots were fired, and eventually, the defense broke down again, allowing a rebound to fall right at the feet of Antonio Ferraro. He sent a long arching ball into the far corner over the head of the keeper, who was still regaining his feet.

Final Score:
San-Lorenzo 4 Lox Land Island 0
Wahid 18, 29, 56 Ferraro 68

Spruitland Regional Semi Finals:

San-Lorenzo 4-0 Lox Land Island

Ruventsoria 3-0 Scorthona

Regional Final:

San-Lorenzo vs. Ruventsoria

Now the Lions of San-Lorenzo will face of against the Lions of Ruventsoria in what will surely be on of the closest and best matches of this years Baptism of Fire Cup. The two teams are both undefeated to this pont, with 9 wins, 1 draw and no losses combined. The winner of this match will probably stand a very good chance of winning the BoF final, but we're sure neither team will be looking past this one.

Vilitan Region :: Semi Finals

Elrich [2]-[4] Hurfordia
Clavis [2]-[0] Casari


Vilitan Region :: Finals

Hurfordia v. Clavis

Clavis Sports Network

Clavis wins 2-0 to make the Vilitan Region Finals
With much smack talked on both sides the Falcons beat Casari 2-0 to advance to the Vilitan Region Finals.

Presenters on both sides said that this game was a battle of the Brick Wall and the Unstoppable Object because of Clavis often scoring two or more goals against the opposition and Catari as the most defencive team in the tournament. Before the game coach Salazar said "We should win this game offence will always beat defence if both strengths are equil."

The game started with the ball in Clavis's possession with the midfielders playing with Casari's midfielders and at the fifth minute with Robbie Archer picking the ball off and passing the ball to Yamato Shihairiwho shot the ball but it went wide right of the net. With both teams playing defensively it wasn't until the thirteenth minute when Clavis striker Marlin Scrogins was on a one on one with Catari defender Eddie Oliver pulled Scrogins down inside the box giving Scrogins a penalty kick and the reffree giving Oliver a yellow card. Scrogins then shot the ball towards the lower left corner of the net and the goalie misjudged it and dived to the right and the ball went in 1-0 Clavis.

With most of the first half done Falcons defender Levi Aguirre took the ball away from striker Andy Ronalo preventing a sure goal for Casari and then he passed the ball to midfielder Dino Sierra who ran the ball upfield and after having double coverage put on him by the Casari defence made a mircale shot from just past the center line when after the ball was in the air for what felt like minutes it landed in the top part of the right side of the net shocking the goalie and giving Clavis a 2-0 lead to end the first half.

With the second half about to start Clavis was sure that they would win the game with captian Hayden May saying in responce to the fans of Casari "Well you said that "Clavis has no [explative deleted] chance. The only way they might possible have one in the first place is if we fielded a team of blind legless midgets. And EVEN THEN, it would go to penalties." "Well I say that you can't score a goal if the net was as big as the size of a barn and you were an inch before the goaline."

The second half started with conditions changing to a heavy rain which slowed down the speed of the game. At the sixty-third miute of the game striker Kendall David fell down and hurt his ankle. He needed help getting off the field because of his ankle and coach Salazar sent in Bruno Gomez to take his place in the game because David was too hurt to finish this game. With time running out Casari desided to sent all players upfield to score two goals so they could go on to overtime at least. Casari had some good shots but McCain blocked every one of them and it was too little too late for Casari Clavis wins 2-0.

Angus thomson has been found and the twom men were both arrested.

The Scorthona team have been knocked out of the world cup, but the team wil stay with the hope thatsomeone from the Vitlita region will win, because the teams from the spruitland region have both beaten scorthona

OOC: Good luck San-Lorenzo... and too bad for Scorthona... GO GROUP C!!

CasariONENews

Casari Fans Riot outside Stadium
2-0 Loss to Clavis inspires violence

While the 2-0 result is regretable, even moreso is the reaction of Casari fans after the 2-0 loss to Clavis.

Several small fights broke out in the stadium during the second half, but after the game, a small congregation of fans outside grew into a large mob, who began to tip over cars and attempt to set fire them. When the police arrived, Casari fans refused to disperse until tear gas was used by Vilitan authorities.

Moods were sour on all parts after the game, even with star striker Ronalo. "The officiating was a total joke. Clearly the officals weren't watching the same game as both us and the fans were."

Regardless of opinions on the loss, opinions of the team and chaching staff are still high. "We finished 3-2-1 in our first cup. Hey, we could have blown and lost all of them." A fan said. "Besides, I think we got Hayden May's car on the way out."

Casari fans who are staying through the cup final are currently scrambling to get tickets for the Hurfordia v. Clavis match. When we asked a fan in line, they said:

"They beat the hell out of those commies from Elrich, and I hope they beat Clavis senseless."

Clavis Sports Network

Extreme Security Measures put Into Place

After yesterday's riots and the riot towards Hurfordia extreme security measures will be put inio place. These measures first that no fans from Casari will be allowed into the game because after the riots yesterday and the riots two weeks ago we don't want a second angry side after the Hurfordia riot two weeks because this could start a mass riot that could kill many people. Second the Clavis police force will send five hundred of its finest officers to keep the peace before, during and after the game to prevent riots. Third the Clavis police force have been allowed to use lethal force if a riot breaks out and an airplane owned by military has been authorized to send rowdy fans back to Clavis. Fourth Metal Detectors will be set up at every gate before fans enter the game and before the leve the game. Fifth and final thing any drink in glass bottles will be put in Styrofoam cups so people can't throw them at players and hurt them.

CasariONENews

New Security Measures in Place
Casari fans dissapointed, upset over blanket ban

"We're very dissapointed to hear that these measures have been taken for the regional final match." Casari Manager Hill said to Casari Broadcasting reporters when word of the ban hit. "Many Casari fans had nothing to do with the riot, only a few hundred, many of which have been arrested. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend this game and cheer on Hurfordia to the Cup Final." The Manager said, holding out her ticket. "But because of this, I've decided to donate my tickets to a local charity to raise funds. Maybe some good can come out of this unfair action in the end."

Spruitland Regional Final

San-Lorenzo 0-2 Ruventsoria

Ruventsoria moves to Vilita to play the Baptism of Fire Final, while San-Lorenzo remains in Spruitland for the Third Place Play-off.

RL-wise, the 3PPO will take place in approximately 24 hours, and the Final within 24 hours after that.

Vilitan Region :: Final

Hurfordia [5]-[1] Clavis




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

Baptism of Fire Cup :: Final

Hurfordia v. Ruventsoria


http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/vilita/vn/kpv/s-tiv.gif

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Baptism of Fire Cup :: Third Placed Playoff

San-Lorenzo v. Clavis

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Due to strikes at the publishers, the August 9th Edition of "White On Green" was severely delayed. Both match reports will be printed in their entirety.

09/08/05

Conures Fly into Regional Final

Hurfordia's national team stormed into the regional final, after beating Elrich 4-2.

After a poor start to the tournament, this is surely as well as any Hurfordia side has ever played. Cornelius Sulla in particular performed.

It was Elrich who went ahead, with J Spinks' cross being met be Grimble, who placed a perfect volley past the keeper just ten minutes in. In other games, Hurfordia have crumbled after going behind, but this just seemed to inspire them, as they poured forwards in numbers. After 25 minutes, Holsworthy founbd the equaliser, tapping in a close range effort after Burns had only been able to parry Rawling's initial shot.

Elrich struggled under continual Hurfordian pressure, but seemed to be holding out, until just before half time. After Adams brought down Holsworthy just outside the area, Cornelius Sulla stepped up to take the kick. His curling, dipping shot looped over the wall and found it's way into the top corner of the net. 2-1 at half time.

Elrich came out looking refreshed in the second half, and put Hurfordia under some pressure of their own. They managed an equaliser, with Grimble popping up to head Zebedee's cross into the net, but that was as close as they came. A fired up Hurfordia side punished every mistake, poured forward in numbers, and outclassed Elrich all over the pitch. It took until the 78th minute for the next goal to come, but inevitably, it was from Sulla, who powered a low left foot shot into the bottom corner. Delirious Hurfordian fans nearly lifted the roof of the ground, and chanted their team on to greater efforts. They were rewarded in injury time, as Sulla appeared yet again, slotting home Sargeant's mis-hit shot.

That victory sets up a rematch with Clavis in the regional final, and a chance to avenge the earlier defeat.

Teams

Elrich
Burns; Scott, Adams, Jones, P Spinks; Banks, Allan, J Spinks, Zebedee; Elrich, Grimble.

Scorers; Grimble 10', 56'

Hurfordia
Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Sargeant, Rawling

Scorers; Holsworthy 25', Sulla 40', 78' 90

Hurfordia Demolish Clavis, reach Baptism Final

The Hurfordian national team today booked it place in the Baptism of Fire final, after an amazing 5-1 victory over Clavis. The side has come a long way in a few short weeks, and this is surely what they deserve.

The match was played amid high security, and a massive police presence, following the riots which occcurred when these two sides last met. This time, however, the game was played in a friendly manner, with teams and players behaving.

And what a game it turned out to be. From the kick off, the Conures attacked, driving forward at ever opportunity. They were rewarded after five minutes, when Lebrun beat his marker, and played in a raking cross to the middle of the penalty area. Holsworthy met the ball at pace, powering it in to the net.

Clavis equalised after 18 minutes, with Hamel's powerful shot from a free kick given away by Horvath, but this proved little more than a temporary set back. Hurfordia have shown their strength of character in recent days, and did so again, with Holsworthy repeating his trick just nine minutes later, heading home Lebrun's corner. Five minutes before half time, Sargeant beat the Clavis offside trap, controlled Sulla's inch-perfect pass, and ran in on goal. His calm shot under the keeper found the net.

The second half saw Hurfordia tease an increasingly irritated Clavis side, as Clavis had done to them earlier in the tournament. The Conures stroked the ball around, and were rewarded after 61 minutes, as Rawling stroked home a penalty after Halcomb fouled Holsworthy in the box. The final blow came five minutes from time. As the Hurfordian fans chanted, and Clavis fans filed out, Cornealius Sulla contoled the ball in midfield. He then proceeded to beat first one defender, then another, and yet another. In all, he ran about 40 yards, before faking a shot to the top corner. As the keeper dived, he calmly chipped the ball in.

Teams

Hurfordia (4-3-3)
Sedley; O'Halloran , Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Denning (Burren 70'), Sulla; Holsworthy, Rawling, Sargeant

Scorers; Holsworthy 5', 27', Sargeant 40', Rawling 61' (Pen), Sulla 85'


Clavis (3-3-4)
McCain; Aguirre, Halcomb, H David; Sierra, Cheney, May; Tinsley, K David, Hamel, Hoover

Scorers; Hamel 18'

ELRICH SUPPORTS HURFORDIA

The Elrichian national team returning home from their adventure in Vilita to a hero's welcome today. Over 70,000 Elrichians swarmed upon Badoosh Airport to welcome their men home. The Elrichians reached the Regional semi-final unbeaten, topping Group A before a 4-2 loss against a very impressive Hurfordia side.

"I hope they go all the way now," said Bassett speaking of his semi-final conquerors, "They're a really great team when they play and a good set of lads as well. Peter Langrishe is a top bloke and a good friend of mine, he's done wonders with that national side. At their best they are unstoppable. Cornelius Sulla has been outstanding so far, his performance against us was out of this world".

Sulla scored a magical hat-trick against Elrich, in their impressive 4-2 victory. Jimmy Grimble had sent Elrichians everywhere bonkers when he put the Badgers ahead after only 10 minutes with a spectacular volley after brilliant wing-play by John Spinks. Their delight was short-lived as Holsworthy equalised and Sulla put the Conures ahead just after half-time with a magical free-kick - a great time to score and a very important goal. After half-time Grimble again pounced against the run of play to make it level again at 2-2 when he poked home a rebound early in the second half. Elrichians were hoping that this would provide the boost for the side to kick on and win the game but it wasn't to be. The impressive Sulla took a deserved lead for the Conures after 78 minutes with a low strike past the desparing dive of Gordon Burns, who had brilliantly denied Sulla on three previous occasions. Elrich threw everything they had at Hurfordia late on, with Elrich coming close with a brilliant chipped effort which was somehow kept out by Sedley. Robin Banks had a cross-shot go agonizingly wide and somehow evade the sliding in Grimble at the far post. With everyone attacking for Elrich there were sacrificing space at the back and as Elrich piled men up for a last minute corner, after Sedley punched clear Sulla had the whole length of the field to run unchallenged and slot past Burns to secure a brilliant hat-trick and send his side into the regional final.

Elrich : Burns; Scott, Adams, Jones, P Spinks; Banks, Allan, J Spinks, Zebedee; Elrich, Grimble.
Scorers; Grimble 10', 56'

Hurfordia : Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Sargeant, Rawling
Scorers; Holsworthy 25', Sulla 40', 78' 90

Hurfordia defeated their original Group B counterparts Clavis last night, in a staggering 5-1 victory in the Vilita regional final. Hurfordia had previously lost in dissapointing style to the same team earlier in the competition but their victory shows how far the side has come in a short space of time. They meet the Spruitland regional winners Ruventsoria at the beautiful Tivali Ring Stadium tonight, and all of Elrich will be right behind them.

Conures' Joy at Baptism Final

The Commonwealth of Hurfordia is waking up this morning to the news that their football team has reached the final of the Baptism of Fire Cup after a 5-1 demolition of Clavis. It was news that no-one expected, but streets in all major cities have been clogged with delirious football fans singing and drinking.

After a poor start, the Conures have improved in each game, and now only Ruventsoria stand between them and glory.

Manager Peter Langrishe was almost too happy to speak at the press conference.

"It still hasn't sunk in yet. I knew we were a reasonable side, but this is far better that any of us expected. Naturally, we would love to win, but just to get here is an amazing achievement for a nation of our size."

He was particularly pleased that Hurfordia had defeated rivals Clavis in the final.

"I have a great deal of respect for the team, but they were very much our bogeyside. I'm pleased we could defeat them, and do it so convincingly."

He told us that he hadn't named the squad yet, but indicated that there would be no major changes.

Goalscoring hero Cornelius Sulla told us that the team spirit was high.

"All the lads are stunned at what we have achieved. They are all pumped up and ready to go. I think that we all believe that we are capable of winning the whole tournament."

Meanwhile, the Hurfordian government has declared a public holiday for the day of the final, so that the people can watch the team attempt to win their first international trophy.

Langrishe announces team for Baptism Final

Hurfordia manager Peter Langrishe has announced his team for the Baptism of Fire Final. As expected, the team is largely unchanged from the team that defeated Clavis in the Regional Final.

The Hurfordian team has scored nine goals in the last two matches, and Langrishe hopes that that momentum will be enough to carry his men through to victory.

It had been expected that Kevin Stimpson and Brian Howard, both returning from suspension, would figure, but this has not been the case. The forward line will be led by James Holsworthy, and supported by Wayne Sargeant and John Rawling, all of whom scored in the 5-1 defeat of Clavis.

Cornelius Sulla, the unlikely goalscoring hero of the tournament, starts on the right of midfield, with Denning and Lebrun in support. The defence also remains unchanged.

Speaking to "White on Green", Langrishe admitted that he was nervous about the match.

"Ruventsoria are a brilliant team, no doubt about that. You don't go through a tournament unbeaten if you aren't. But I'm sure my boys can do the job on the day."

He also took the opportunity to thank other teams who had sent messages of support.

The Hurfordian Broadcasting Corporation announced that their coverage of the Clavis match was the most watched programme in its short history. Meanwhile, the success of the national team, has caused a surge of interest amongst Hurfordians, whom are signing up for football clubs in droves, and commercial interest in the game is at it's highest ever. One shop in Portown announced that it had sold out its entire stock of replica shirts within an hour of opening, the City Council for Ravenna has decked the whole town in flags, and it is reported that the statue of revered former First Minister Ben Samson in his home town of Unity City has been draped with an immense green and red replica shirt. The whole of Hurfordia waits with bated breath for the match. No-one would have imagined such a scenario at the start of the tournament, and they are determined to enjoy it.

The team is printed below:

Sedley; O'Halloran, Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Sargeant, Rawling

Baptism of Fire - Third Place Play-off

San-Lorenzo 0-3 Clavis

Congrats to Clavis for winning bronze, good luck to the teams who will play the Final in Vilita, and a big thank you to everyone who participated. Good luck in future tournaments!

Baptism of Fire Cup :: Final

Hurfordia [2]-[1] Ruventsoria


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Once Again, Thank you to all those who participated in a very succesful Pre-World Cup 24 Baptism of Fire Cup. On behalf of myself, and my co host Spruitland, we have been honored to run this tournament with some of the dedicated up and coming RPers preparing for the World Cup. Congratulations to all the teams. The focus will now shift just accross the Vilitan Cove into Druida and Krytenia, where later today the World Cup 24 Qualifying Group draw will take place, and the action will begin. Best of Luck to all!

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Hurfordia celebrates as Conures take gold

The Commonwealth of Hurfordia today woke up to the biggest collective hangover in its history, as the national football team completed one of the great surprises of all time by winning the Baptism of Fire Cup.

There were joyous scenes in towns across the Commonwealth as fans lined the streets, and sang and drank long into the night. In Unity City, it is estimated that over 25,000 people crammed into Seddon Square to watch the game live on the big screen which had been set up for the occasion.

Meanwhile, in Vilita's Tivali Ring Stadium, Hurfordia's representatives were lining up against the Lions of Ruventsoria, a powerful team who have yet to lose in the tournament. Only one team, though, could emerge with the trophy.

The first half was unsurprisingly tense, as the two teams sparred and circled each other, looking for a weakness. As a result, much of the half was played in midfield. The last five minutes of the half set the tone for the rest of the match. Just after 40 minutes, Hurfordia found a break, and Sulla tore forwards down the wing. His cross flew menacingly into the area, and straight onto the head of Holsworthy. His shot was blocked by Ruventsoria's Kigoma, and fell loose. It was picked up by Kumiko, who's long punt upfield fell to the marvellously named Randy Duc. His jinking run took him into the area, where he was bundled over by Sedley, who didn't appear to touch the ball. The referee, however, disagreed and refused the penalty.

This incident seemed to fire the Lions up, and they came out on the second half to go for the throat. Piling men forward in numbers, they were rewarded in the 54th minutes, as Duc and Gemmeiza played a perfect one-two pass, splitting the Hurfordian defence. Gemmeiza made no mistake with his hard shot past Sedley's right hand.

Ruventsoria were determined to put the game beyond Hurfordia's reach, and kept sending men forward. Gemmeiza had another shot turned away, as did Mwanka. Unfortunately, in their haste, they began to leave gaps at the back, and after the hour, Hurfordia exploited it. As an attack broke down, the ball was played forward to O'Halloran, who found Sargeant and Holsworthy in space. Both men charged forward, evading the defence, and Sargeant had time to pick his spot and slip the ball past the keeper.

From there, the match was played at a frantic pace, and either side could win it, but it was the intorduction of Stimpson, back for his first game after suspension, that turned the tide. As yet another Hurfordia attack came forward, he broke away from his marker and found himself free at the far post. Sliding in, he just connected with Sulla's low cross-shot, and turned it it. 2-1, and Stimpson, a villain earlier in the tournament, had rehabiliated himself.

But still the drama wasn't over. With injury time being played, O'Halloran tripped Duc on the edge of the area. Ingres stepped up, and chipped the ball into the area. Suddenly, Mbangiro shook his marker, and jumped to head the ball in the direction of the net. Incredibly, it hit the bar, bounced down in front of the line, and was cleared by the relivede Hurfordian defence. Ruventsoria had almost, but not quite, snatched a draw.

As the final whistle went, the Green and Red shirts exploded out of their seats. The noise almost shook the stadium, as hundreds of Conure fans bounced with joy. The continued dancing as the boys in green and red picked up thetrophy.

The defining image of the match though came a few moments after the final whistle. The cameras picked up on Cornelius Sulla comforting a distraught Ruventsoria player. Hopefully, it is this image for which Hurfordian football will be remembered. The adventure has come to an end in style. Now Hurfordia can look ahead to World Cup qualification.

Teams
Hurfordia
Sedley; O'Halloran (, Johnston, Horvath, Woods; Lebrun, Denning, Sulla; Holsworthy, Sargeant (Stimpson 76'), Rawling

Scorers: Sargeant 60', Stimpson 79'

Ruventsoria
Kigoma; Geita, Kumiko, Bugala; K Mochizuki, M Mochizuki, Duc, Mwanka; Gemmeiza, Mbangiro, Ingres

Scorers; Gemmeiza 54'