NationStates Jolt Archive

Welcome to Praying2God for CoH XVII!

This is the thread for everything related to CoH XVII: scores, rosters, and RPs. RPing is obviously not mandatory, but it makes participating more fun for everybody, as you no doubt have learned during WC XXV qualifying through your active participation. We will be using the post-WC XXV rankings to provide more competitive competition overall.

If you posted a roster in the WC XXV roster thread, please repost it here, and feel free to make whatever changes you see fit or deem necessary.

I will post more here as time passes, including eventually the group draw and schedule. The draw was done completely at random.

Here's a link to my bid thread which has more information on the stadiums and my scorinator and whatnot.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9968715&postcount=3696


Group 1:
The Archregimancy (44th ranked) roster posted
Alasdair I Frosticus (82) roster
Oglethorpia (36) roster
The Weegies (47) roster
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (63) roster

Matchday 1:
Alasdair I Frosticus v. Oglethorpia @ Salvation Stadium
The Weegies v. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega @ House of Faith
BYE: The Archregimancy

Matchday 2:
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega v. The Archregimancy @ Cornerstone Stadium
Alaisdair I Frosticus v. The Weegies @ House of Faith
BYE: Oglethorpia

Matchday 3:
The Archregimancy v. The Weegies @ Cornerstone Stadium
Oglethorpia v. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega @ Grace Field
BYE: Alasdair I Frosticus

Matchday 4:
The Archregimancy v. Oglethorpia @ Praise Stadium
Alasdair I Frosticus v. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega @ House of Faith
BYE: The Weegies

Matchday 5:
The Archregimancy v. Alasdair I Frosticus @ House of Prayer
Oglethorpia v. The Weegies @ Praise Stadium


Group 2:
Yafor 2 (55) roster
Hypocria (42) roster
Milchama (45) roster
Euroslavia (72)
Commerce Heights (29) roster

Matchday 1:
Hypocria v. Milchama @ Cornerstone Stadium
Euroslavia v. Commerce Heights @ Hope Stadium
BYE: Yafor 2

Matchday 2:
Commerce Heights v. Yafor 2 @ Grace Field
Hypocria v. Euroslavia @ House of Healing
BYE: Milchama

Matchday 3:
Yafor 2 v. Euroslavia @ House of Healing
Milchama v. Commerce Heights @ Salvation Stadium
BYE: Hypocria

Matchday 4:
Yafor 2 v. Milchama @ Hope Stadium
Hypocria v. Commerce Heights @ Cornerstone Stadium
BYE: Euroslavia

Matchday 5:
Yafor 2 v. Hypocria @ Grace Field
Milchama v. Euroslavia @ Hope Stadium
BYE: Commerce Heights


Group 3:
The Lowland Clans (46)
Ariddia (124) roster
Cuation (59) roster
Pastorville (66) roster
Elrich (56) roster

Matchday 1:
Ariddia v. Cuation @ House of Healing
Pastorville v. Elrich @ Grace Field
BYE: The Lowland Clans

Matchday 2:
Elrich v. The Lowland Clans @ Hope Stadium
Ariddia v. Pastorville @ Praise Stadium
BYE: Cuation

Matchday 3:
The Lowland Clans v. Pastorville @ Hope Stadium
Cuation v. Elrich @ Praise Stadium
BYE: Ariddia

Matchday 4:
The Lowland Clans v. Cuation @ Grace Field
Ariddia v. Elrich @ House of Healing
BYE: Pastorville

Matchday 5:
The Lowland Clans v. Ariddia @ House of Faith
Cuation v. Pastorville @ Cornerstone Stadium
BYE: Elrich


Group 4:
The Macabees (91)
Nedalia (34) roster
Chicanada (41)
Giant Zucchini (107) roster
Praying2God (49) roster

Matchday 1:
Nedalia v. Chicanada @ Praise Stadium
Giant Zucchini v. Praying2God @ House of Prayer
BYE: The Macabees

Matchday 2:
Praying2God v. The Macabees @ House of Prayer
Nedalia v. Giant Zucchini @ Salvation Stadium
BYE: Chicanada

Matchday 3:
The Macabees v. Giant Zucchini @ House of Faith
Chicanada v. Praying2God @ House of Prayer
BYE: Nedalia

Matchday 4:
The Macabees v. Chicanada @ Salvation Stadium
Nedalia v. Praying2God @ House of Prayer
BYE: Giant Zucchini

Matchday 5:
The Macabees v. Nedalia @ Salvation Stadium
Chicanada v. Giant Zucchini @ House of Healing
BYE: Praying2God


ELIMINATION ROUNDS SCHEDULE:

Quarterfinals:
Winner Group 1 v. 2nd Place Group 2
Winner Group 4 v. 2nd Place Group 3
Winner Group 3 v. 2nd Place Group 4
Winner Group 2 v. 2nd Place Group 1

Semifinals:
Winner Group 1/2nd Place Group 2 winner v. Winner Group 4/2nd Place Group 3 winner
Winner Group 3/2nd Place Group 4 winner v. Winner Group 2/2nd Place Group 1 winner

3rd Place Match:
Semifinals losers

Championship:
Semifinals winners

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THE ARCHREGIMANCY CUP OF HARMONY SQUAD

Time passes differently in the Dreamed Realm, so the Archregimancy has the luxury of entering an unchanged side from the last World Cup if it so chooses, but there have been a couple of retirements as two players wish to spend more time devoting their time to prayer than to football.

For those not in the know, the Archregimancy is a nation of Orthodox (Eastern Orthodox Christian - Russian, Greek, Serb, etc) monks and celibate priests.

COACH:
Metropolitan Kyrill of Solovetsky

THE STARTING XI:
The Archregimancy plays in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation

GK:
Fr. Justinian the Thrice-Blessed (Pantaleimon): Roundly acknowledged as the best goalkeeper in the Monastic League, Fr. Justinian saved three shots in the penalty shoot-out that decided a recent Pantaleimon v Pantocrator Monastic Cup semi-final.

DEF:
Fr. Michael the New Hermit (Hermits United): On those rare occasions where he actually leaves his small cell high in the mountains to play for his team, Fr. Michael the New Hermit is a left-back of no little skill and refinement.

Fr. Michael the Greater (Troitse-Sergiyeva): His name has nothing to do with his devotion – this towering centre-back is merely several centimetres taller than his namesake and teammate Fr. Michael the Lesser.

Fr. Dmitri the Humble (Pantocrator): While vowed to silence and humility, there’s nothing humble about this centre-backs crunching tackles.

Fr. Michael the Lesser (Troitse-Sergiyeva): Club teammate of Fr. Michael the Greater, and a speedy overlapping right-back fond of taking corners.

MID:
Fr. Andrew the Twice-Found (Vatopedion): This left-winger has had two spells at Vatopedion either side of a spiritual journey through the vast emptiness of the Archregimancy’s desert.

Fr. Constantine the Learned (Simonopetra) Fr. Polycarp the Venerable's decision to retire from international football has left a huge gap in midfield which his Simonopetra team-mate - a studious tactical master - now hopes to fill.

Fr. David the Water-Drinker (Llanilltud Fawr): The only western-rite player on the squad, this central midfielder is renowned for spurning the heretical properties of Gatorade for the spiritually uplifting properties of pure spring water.

Fr. Pavel the Wanderer (Iviron): Iviron’s star right-winger – a celibate priest rather than a monk - often drifts in from the wing in the course of one of his trademark mazy dribbles.

FOR:
Fr. Silouan of the Seventy Caves (Solovetsky): This centre forward’s goalscoring ability is second only to his attention to the Holy Fasts.

Fr. Demetrius of the New City (Pantaleimon): Replaces Fr. Nicholas the Hermit as Fr. Silouan's strike partner after Fr. Nicholas decided international football was incompatible with the hermit's life.

SUBS
GK
Fr. Gleb the Fortunate (Hilandarion)

DEF
Fr. Nicholas the Twice-Blessed (Solovetsky)
Fr. Alexander the Missionary (Zografos)
Fr. Alexander the Sailor (Pantocrator)

MID
Fr. Michael the Equally as Learned as Father Constantine of Simonopetra (Iviron)
Fr. Theophilus the Golden (Vatopedion)
Fr. Polyeuctus the Obscure (Borisoglebsky)

FOR:
Fr. Pavel the New Slav (Borisoglebsky)
Fr. Basil the Faster (Pantaleimon)

Kit (home left, change right): http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a319/vakraas/Archreg.jpg

Squad Photo: http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a319/vakraas/squad.jpg

The team is always accompanied to away matches by the Holy Icon of the Mother of God, Bringer of Victory, which shall be paraded before the team before all home and away qualifiers.

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Y
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players y
Godmod Other Events Y - (no religious conversions of players, please)
Style: an orthodox 4-4-2 equates to 0


OOC: I realise my team might present a role-playing challenge. Rest assured that once they start playing they'll play just like any other team (though they might be a bit more inclined to pray after scoring), so I have no problem with you treating the team like any other if you don't want to deal with the Orthodox Christian element.

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Y nothing severe
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y nothing that keeps my players from playing
Style:-1. 5-3-2

There have been a few changes to the ASMV roster following their WC25 qualifying nightmare. These changes will make better use of the team's successfull switch to a 5-3-2 formation

Team info:
Team Name - Sea Dragons
Team Colors - Columbia Blue & Yellow

Coaching Staff
Edgar Moroni - 49 - GM
Pao St Martinique Head Coach. Age:23 The former scoring threat side-lined by a career ending injury in the controversial MD1 switched to friendly match against Spaam. After a 3 pt first half of qualifying, the squad piled up fifteen points in the second half. The difference - Pao had been made coach.
Isabella Toni- Asst Coach - Offense. Age 25
N'Djai Mabuto- Asst Coach - Defense. Age 30
Roberto Ricci- Director of Scouting. Age 30
Sara Burnsides- Head Trainer. Age 27
Kellan Kildan- PR Director. Age 45

Starters:
#1 - GK Shaun Conarky, 20. The former power-forward turned keeper brings poise and leadership to the team
#40 - D Allyson Shade, 20. Promoted to bring speed to the outside of the defense
#51 - D Micah Swift, 23. Overshadowed by the play of Unami, Micah is a very solid defender.
#54- D Unami Banta-N'bai, 27. The anchor of the defense. Unami is the player that youngsters dream of one day becoming
#59 - D Unori Banta-N'bai, 21. The younger brother of Unami shows the same fire and skill as his sibling. Now to control his temper.
#42 - D Tomas Carrington, 21. A solid, not spectacular defender who is trying to keep his spot on the squad.
#20 - M Malachi James, 26. Moved to the mid-field to make better use of his skills, Malachi also has the ability to score.
#35 - M Kristov Kirelenko, 22. A young player who should be an improvement on the weak mid-field play of the qualifiers.
#23- M Evan Evans, 21. Also moved to the mid-field to better take advantage of his skills. Evan is the Captain of the squad and its emotional leader.
#10 - F Pablo Iglesias, 19. The Sea Dragons leading goal scorer, Pablo has speed and a laser shot.
#13 - F Porche Alexander, 16. The Phenom. Porche brings dynamic play and a touch of much needed class to the squad

Reserves:
#4 - GK Rachael Lord, 19. Former collegiate women's MVP.
#45 - D Adrianna Matise, 20. Solid defender.
#53 - D Kyle Vanderpol, 18. Starter during WC25 qualifiers
#50 - D Selena Felice, 21. On collegiate national championship squad
#21 - M Xavier Cage, 24. Starter during WC25 qualifiers
#30 - M Floyd Carlisle, 22. Reserve during WC25 qualifiers
#33 - M Jenni Ulrich, 20. On the collegiate national Champs sqa\uad with Selena
#12 - F Vladamir Ivanisi, 22. Reserve during WC25 qualifiers
#15 - F Anji Carrington, 21. Led nation in scoring. college level

Expect the hard-nosed, physical style of defensive play that ASMV is becoming known for to continue during the upcoming games.

The PDSRA will be fielding a team identical to that fielded in World Cup 25. While there have been suggestions that the team will be changed by World Cup 26, for now all the players have expressed an interest in staying on for the CoH, and coach Adam Seul has selected them all.

GK: Sandrine Leduc (1)
DEF: Yves al Jahdali (9); E Te (3); Phillip Lukeson (18)
MID: Ue Alt (cpt; 12); Michael Swimmer (21); Ta I (17); André Delherbe (15)
ATT: Frédéric Clément (8); E Lel (20); Ismail Faraj (10)

Substitutes:
GK: Ludovic Hue (4); Karim Chem (22)
DEF: Tim Wald (14); Jean Kitenge (11); Kolo Kouassi (7); Anan Bounthaiyavong (16); James Fields (5); Peter Roberts (13)
MID: John Sanjeeb (19); Uol Lat (6)
ATT: Clémentine Ramirez (2)


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers N
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 Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Colours: see here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ariddia%27s_football_team#Colours).

Style modifier: +2

Please note that the Ariddian team will perform the ulek (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ulek) at the start of each match. You can, of course, have your team react to it in any way that you like.

The Nedalia Lions



THE GAFFER:

Randy Gamman:
- Insane amount of pressure is now on the Lions' only ever manager to perform after the disappointments of the qualifying rounds. If success in the Cup of Harmony is not achieved, then Gamman will most likely be asked to resign.


GOALKEEPERS:

Derrell Lynch (90 caps): Captera GK, 34 years old. The Three Time Premier League GK of the Year finally began to show glimpses of his age in the WC25 qualifying rounds, although he is bar far still the best GK in Nedalia. There has been talk that this and the AOCAF XI tournament might be his last international escapades.

Jim Brown (8 caps): Rappor GK, 27 years old. Beat out Hard Dans for the priviledge of backing up Lynch. Solid GK, potential candidate to replace Lynch when he retires.


DEFENSE:

Gradd Corona (18 caps/0 goals): Brickell LB, 20 years old. Solid contributor in the qualifying stages, has already figured out the international game despite his young age. Potentially could be the best left back to come out of Nedalia ever.

Cole Zenith (77 caps/1 goal): Bronkstone CD, 34 years old. Most likely the CoH and the AOCAF will be his last international tournaments. "The Captain" since the Lions first international game, his leadership has been vital to the team. His age, however, means that he cannot run like he used to, and that turned out to be a bigger liability than originally expected in the Qual. rounds. Still, one of the best defenders Nedalia has to offer.

Mohammed Khadra (44 caps/3 goals): Shoreland United CD, 26 years old. The current Premier League Defender of the Year, Khadra is touted as Zenith's replacement in the backline. His partnership with "The Captain" has been streaky, but Khadra's individual defensive abilities are second to none. Played in every game during the qualifying stages.

Hans Lamm (59 caps/2 goals): Honsfield Athletic RD, 27 years old. Can make a case for being the Lions most consistent player. Solid in every aspect, whether going forward or taking care of his defensive duties.

Jorgem Ruff (16 caps/0 goals): Edensanne LD, 26 years old. Solid defender, could not make the left back position his, with the youngster Corona being favored over him.

Stevenson (10 caps/0 goals): Brickell CD, 26 years old. Always reliable, has been on the national team since he was in his teams, but has never shown enough to play consistently. Phenomenal pace coupled with good tackling always makes his a good choice for a substitute in case a defender goes down with injury.

Ben Turner (10 cap/0 goals): Rappor RB, 18 years old. The youngest defender on the squad, enormous potential. Has played consistently for his club, and Gamman surprised some by calling him up. Still, has the ability to impress in the upcoming World Cup.


MIDFIELD:

Nene (80 caps/31 goals): Inland Peaks (Vilita) LM, 25 years old. Nedalia's highest rated player, bought for $30 million by Vilitan club Marine Coast United before making his move to Inland Peaks. Scored 6 goals in 16 appearances during the qualifying stages, as well as handing out 9 assists.

Trent Hardman (55 caps/6 goals): Akani Sands (Bettia) DM, 27 years old. Most popular candidate for the captaincy one Zenith calls its quits. Solid as they come, with exceptional ball skills to go with his tough defensive abilities. Finds the net with suprising consistency as well.

Innit Point (71 caps/8 goals): Internashionale (Starblaydia) AM, 26 years old. The first ever player to make the move out of Nedalia, has been one of the better performers in the Starblaydi league in recent years. The Lions' premier passing machine, he appeared in all 18 games in the qualifying stages, scoring 2 goals to go with 11 assists.

Constantine (31 caps/3 goals): Shoreland United RM, 22 years old. More was expected from the youngster during the qualifying campaign, but he only managed to score 1 goal in 16 appearances. At his best, this right winger can make a mockery of any defender standing in his way.

Don Downing (42 caps/4 goals): Carlesa LM/RM, 28 years old. A great talent that could start on nearly any team he played for, yet finds himself on the bench because he plays the same position as Nene. Still gets a lot of playing time because of his versatility, able to slide in anywhere in the midfield. Played well when he appeared for the Lions during the qualifying rounds.

Houdini (13 caps/2 goal): Shoreland United DM, 20 years old. The most flamboyant of the Nedalian players is a defensive midfielder. After his performance during the qualifying stages, some are questioning his defensive abilities. Still time to grow.

Khalil Jamhurra (25 caps/2 goals): Rappor AM, 25 years old. The reigning Premier League Midfielder of the Year, consistent in every aspect with an insane left footed shot. Only reason he doesnt start is because of Innit Point. Gamman's most reliable substitute.


FORWARDS:

Tim James (47 caps/25 goals): Caledon Simpson (Krytenia), 22 years old. The reigning Premier League Striker of the Year and Premier League Player of the Year, he was Nedalia's best player during the qualifying campaign. He appeared in all 18 games, scoring a team high 14 goals. Nedalia's premier offensive weapon.

Chris Yamtech (54 caps/13 goals): Shoreland United, 29 years old. Didnt perform at the level many fans expected him to this last qualifying round, scoring only 4 goals in 16 appearances. There has been talk about him being relegated to the bench despite his predatorial instincts around the goal area.

Mattan (56 caps/16 goals): Butetown Dragons (Bettia), 28 years old. Cleaned up his act and was a suprising contributor, scoring 4 goals in most substitute appearances. Was impressive enough to force Gamman to think about relegating Yamtech to the bench and give him his former starting job back.

Bader Tayarra (23 caps/3 goals): Gabalfa City (Bettia), 26 years old. Impressed at Gabalfa City after making a $4 million move, leading to his callup to the national team. Didnt play a big part in the qualifying rounds.

Andrew Blod (22 caps/8 goals): Cockbill Street club, 28 years old. Very inconsistent the last qualifying rounds, and will be hoping to make better use of his time on the pitch.

Cup of Harmony - Hypocria


Head Coach - Dave Wilson
The former World Cup winner has made a solid start to his tenure in charge of the Hyppos. His side missed out on World Cup qualification by one place and with a record that would have ensured qualification in a number of other groups.

Assistant Coach - Chris Trautwig
Formally Wilson’s assistant with Sarzonia’s national side and now filling the same role with the Hyppos.


Starting 11


1. Alex Derevko (28, GK, 10 caps) - Hypocrium City
Long time international understudy to Ricardo Kindelan. All but one of Derevko’s international appearances have come in Cup of Harmony tournaments.


2. Momo Diabang (19, DRC, 18 caps, 1 goal) - Coral City Islanders
Hugely talented young defender who started every match of the World Cup qualifiers. Diabang scored the decisive goal on his home ground in the win over Kunar.

3. Ricky Poskas (28, D/DML, 60 caps) - Hypocrium City
Adventurous fallback who has made the left back berth his own. Poskas loves to drive forward and his crosses from the left flank are a potent weapon.

5. Karl Nalepka (30, DC, 18 caps) - Pylos Reavers
Experienced centre back who has never really established himself in the national team since playing every match at the Baptism of Fire.

6. Paul Blake (34, DC, 70 caps, 1 goal) - Hypocrium City
Long serving captain of the national team. Blake is the second most capped Hypocrian player and the Cup of Harmony is likely to be his international swansong.


4. Luc Sinclair (27, DMC, 20 caps) - Partizan Drissa
Formally captain of the Under-21 side that reached the final of the U21 World Cup. Sinclair has found it harder to break into the senior side particularly as he plays in the same position as Hyppos legend Marcus Baxter. With Baxter on AOCAF duty in Bettia Sinclair gets his chance.

7. Patrick Remy (30, MRC, 6 caps) - Partizan Drissa
A late arrival to international football Remy is in the squad after an excellent season in the Hyper League.

8. Alex Rytter (24, AMC, 24 caps, 3 goals) - Turoki Isle (Vilita)
Talented midfielder who has blossomed into a fine player since his move to the Tropics. Rytter was an ever present during World Cup qualifiers and hit three goals.

9. Danny West (27, SC, 31 caps, 14 goals) - Sporting Mayo (Spruitland)
A striker whose disciplinary record has seriously limited his appearances after a number of bust ups with the coaching staff. West has got another chance in this tournament but will have to adapt to a wider role than his used to.

11. Robert Bercali (23, AML, 45 caps, 7 goals) - Yeaddin Owls (Vilita)
Another player who has benefited from playing his club football in the Stellar Division. Bercali was voted the Hyppos best player in qualification by the fans and he was the second highest goal scorer with five goals.


10. Ashley Deucher (26, SC, 8 caps, 3 goals) - FC Hypocrium
With Andrei Shirko approaching the end of his career a good Cup of Harmony could help Deucher establish himself as the rightful successor to Shirko’s central striking role.


Reserves

12. Adam Cornell (30, DC, 4 caps) - FC Hypocrium
13. Stephen Drakes (23, GK, 0 caps) - Dynamo Rasium
14. Theodore Petras (32, AMR, 28 caps, 1 goal) - Pylos Reavers
15. Paul Dargo (22, SC, 2 caps) - Dynamo Rasium
16. Stephen Pope (30, AML, 0 caps) - Pylos Reavers
17. Andy Harris (34, DLC, 16 caps, 0 goals) - FC Hypocrium
18. Roberto Braganza (30, AMC, 8 caps) - FC Hypocrium


Formation

Deucher


Bercali West




Rytter Remy



Sinclair



Poskas Nalepka Blake Diabang



Derevko


Kits
(Supplied by JMC of Krytenia)


http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/aofiles/wc16bids/Hypocria07.jpghttp://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/aofiles/wc16bids/HypocriaAway07.jpg

And . . .

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (No deaths please)
Godmod injuries to my players Y
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Elrich: I didn't send you an invitation. I can include you on the reserve list depending on the number of sign-ups that I receive.

For everybody who has already entered: I have not heard anything from five of the nations that I did send an invitation to yet, so hopefully they will get back to me soon so we can get CoH XVII started.

Allow opponents to select goalscorers: N
Allow opponents to godmod goalscoring events: Y
Allow opponents to injure players: check with me first
Allow opponents to godmod injuries: see previous answer
Allow opponents to hand out yellow cards/red cards: N
Allow opponents to godmod anything else under the sun: Y


Praying2God Warriors Roster

Head Coach: Paul Johnson
Assistant Coach: John Ball
Goalie Coach: Mark Williams
Trainer: Mary Ann Glover

G: Sarah Walker (age 28)*
G: Brianna Smith (28)
D: Christine Holly (28)*
D: Claire Paulson (28)*
D: Luke Royal (28)*
D: Jenna Royal (28)*
D: Haley Erickson (16)
D: Stephanie Vickner (16)
D: Danielle Karlson (16)
M: Kevin Faith (28)*
M: Ashley Gore (27)*
M: Christa Faith (26)*
M: Alissa Madison (27)*
M: Jessica Stevenson (27)
M: Michael Star (27)
M: Gwen Wall (28)
M: Kylie Holly (27)
F: Thomas Larson (28) Captain*
F: Kelly Carter (27)*
F: Sarah King (28)
F: Amy Long (16)

*-indicates starters

My opponents can do whatever they would like.


Pastorville Saints Roster

Head Coach: Reverend Brown
Assistant Coach: Reverend Carter
Goalie Coach: Reverend Larson
Trainer: Reverend Luther

G: Reverend Smith*
G: Reverend Smooth
D: Reverend Johnson*
D: Reverend Paulson*
D: Reverend Anderson*
D: Reverend Williams*
D: Reverend Allen*
D: Reverend Graham*
D: Reverend Douglas*
D: Reverend West
D: Reverend Rollins
D: Reverend Hollins
D: Reverend Lake
D: Reverend Peterson
D: Reverend Young
D: Reverend Small
M: Reverend Carlson*
M: Reverend King*
M: Reverend Smith
M: Reverend Hall
F: Reverend Harris*
F: Reverend Roberts

*-denotes starters

OOC: With Xmas season approaching I need to know approximate real life dates this will run before I commit to it

OOC: I did not receive and I TGed you about this, I'm sure its only an honest mistake but just in case I sign up and here is my roster:

Alexandria Times-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Journal-Enquirer


Sports Section


Milchama Rosters Announced


The MFA and Coach Jonathan Fairbanks have announced the Milchama roster for CoH 17. The roster is very similar to World Cup 24 but the changes that there are major changes. The style they will use +2. Unfortunately considering Milchama is also playing in AOCAF XI some of the regular are being benched as we already posted a roster in that thread with those starters.
The standard 3-3-4 formation.
GK: Tuck Koolerc- Best goalie in Milchama. Only one Fairbanks would think of using in an international competition.
D: Silas Milckey- Good solid defender. Was a starter in World Cup 24 and the only surviving defender who started World Cup 24 on the roster.
D: Kendric Pevington- Not flashy but a very good central defender. Does nothing great but does everything good.
D: Mills Thompson- Tall and good in the air. His headers will help on both offense and defense.
M: Elana Kilinin- U21 starter. A girl version of Darian Flinters. Starting because of offensive spark she provided in WC qualifying. Fairbanks is expierementing this time around.
M: Jonny Rintell- Great ball handler and good passer. Will be relied on to get passed defenders and give the ball to Faren or Copperlee.
M: Bobby Martin- Last cut to make team last time. More determined than anyone else to have a good cup. Darian Flinters- Very fast and a good shooter. Will be a major part of the offense.
F: Dunston Copperlee (captain)- New captain of the squad and best soccer player Milchama has ever produced so far. Will be expected to do everything.
F: Matt Bantin- Tall, strong, great in air, good on the ground, a lethal scoring presence. A starter to take some of the burden off of Floren.
F: Marc J. Floren- Best Goalscorer in Milchamian history. All time leading goalscorer in MFL history and the leading goalscorer in both World Cup qualifying and the CoH for the Warriors. Expected to score.
F: J.J. Faren- A great crosser and a good goalscorer. A solid presence to help the Warriors try to qualify.
Subs:
GK Marcos Ollins- Second best goalie in Milchama
M Doni Kunalin- Originally was supposed to start but after bad performance was benched for the rest of qualifying and the CoH. Wants to prove he belongs.
F Spot Nielson- U21 starter. Only 20 and on the squad just to get some experience. Not expected to play much but is great all around striker.
M Bobby Martin- Last cut to make team last time. More determined than anyone else to have a good cup.
D Mariosz Florfenord- Big and slow. Put on the team because Fairbanks could not find another good defender in Milchama that had not already failed on the national team.

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

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 (Injuries are crucial to my domestic season)
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Playing Style: +1

The Giant Zucchini Zucchinis

Note: Roster is susceptible to change throughout qualifying

Coach: James Gorton – 61
Started his coaching career at Anglo FC, he only lasted 3 matches, after which he was hastily called up by the Football Association after an unexpected but welcome acceptance into World Cup 25. In his brief tenure at Anglo, he notched up 2 wins, and climbed up to second in the table. However, his first World Cup Qualifying in charge was widely regarded as an underachievement.

Starting 11

GK: Bobby Laredo (Anglo FC) – 24 – 17 caps/19 conceded/5 clean sheets
Widely touted as the best goalkeeper in Giant Zucchini. Among his greatest strengths are his fitness and his passing. However, his handling and positioning are not to be underestimated either. However, critics say he does not come off his line fast enough. Nevertheless, he has developed into the rock of the Zucchini defence.

RB: Modest Kaganovich (FC Spartak Vostochno) – 25 – 19 caps/1 goal
Above average right back, with good heading ability despite his lack of height. Also does not shirk in the tackle. However, his lack of strength may be used against him.

CB: Ludwig Dürer (Deutsch SV) – 36 – 19 caps
The oldest player to be called up to the National Team, Dürer makes up for his age and height with his ability and strength. Another brilliant header of the ball, Dürer is also blessed with the speed of a cheetah, as well as a good pass.

CB: Domingo Ferrero (Iberia CF) – 32 (Captain) – 19 caps
Another quick, strong centre back, Ferrero also has a good touch of the ball, as well as a decent shot and pass. Also, he has an efficient tackle that wins the ball most of the time, yet rarely concedes any fouls. However, he is rather injury prone and lacking in fitness.

LB: Carlos Corretja (Iberia CF) – 20 – 19 caps
Despite claims that he is the weak link of the team, Corretja is an all-rounded full back with few weaknesses. He has a crunching tackle and good fitness, although he might be a bit lacking in pace on the flank.

RM: Gottlieb Poulsen (Nordic IF) – 21 – 14 caps
Poulsen is a wizard with the ball at his feet. His feet are capable of stuff that many only dream of in their sleep. He also has a decent burst of speed and an accurate pass. However, his shooting leaves much to be desired, and he has admitted to barely heading the ball in his footballing history. Also, despite his silky skills, he can be pushed off the ball rather easily. However, he has time on his side.

CM: Armand Boyer (Gallo FC) – 21 – 16 caps
One of the brightest prospects of the generation, Boyer has nary a weak link in his game, possibly only his heading and his pace slightly lacking. Other than that, he has amazing fitness and strength for a young lad, and a confident tackle. He also has above average shooting, passing, and decent control of the ball. Look for him to take NationStates by storm in the near future as he nears his peak.

LM: Mikhail Glinka (FC Spartak Vostochno) – 27 – 19 caps/1 goal
An all rounded winger, Glinka has the passing ability to pick players out in the box, as well as the dribbling ability and pace to leave defenders in his dust, and the stamina to do it up to the final second of extra time. However, his shooting is barely average, and physically he is easily overpowered by strong opposition.

RF: Mark Barry (Anglo FC) – 30 – 16 caps/4 goals
The aging Mark Barry has been given the chance to shine for the Zucchinis by Coach Gorton. Despite lacking physically, Barry has amazing acceleration and blistering pace, as well as a knack of dispossessing defenders. He also has good control of the ball, good heading with a decent height advantage, and a fine shot.

CF: Carl Hohenzollern (Deutsch SV) – 28 – 14 caps/4 goals
Hohenzollern has broken his way into the first team with a combination of strength, a fierce shot, good ball control and decent tackling. However, his passing leaves much to be desired, and the less said about his heading the better. Nevertheless, his finishing talents have earned him one of the best strike rates in the country, both internationally and in the Premiership.

LF: Benno Rimsky-Korsakov (FC Spartak Vostochno) – 28 – 11 caps/3 goals
One of the finest goal-poachers in the country, ‘BRK’, as he is commonly known, has the pace to beat defenders, and one of the hardest and most accurate shots ever seen. Even though his game is one-dimensional; he struggles to get the ball under his control, his tackles rarely amount to anything, his heading is woeful, and truth be told he is rarely seen anywhere else other than the penalty box; but what he does, he does with ruthless efficiency, and almost no one can stop him scoring when he is on his game.


Bench

GK: Xie Siak Kee (Sino FC) – 28 – 3 caps/9 conceded
The safest hands in Giant Zucchini, Xie has impressed in his recent performances for Sino FC. However, critics point to his occasionally questionable positioning and rushing out decisions.

CB: Luc François Paoli (Gallo FC) – 29
A quick defender with a crunching tackle and a powerful head. However, he lacks ball control and his lack of strength could prove to be a liability to the side.

RB: Carl Hiedler (Deutsch SV) – 31
Blistering pace, pinpoint passing ability, and accurate and powerful heading with a good height advantage as well. Pity the injury-proneness, lack of stamina, questionable tackling and poor touch.

CM: Louis Pétion (Gallo FC) – 34 – 2 caps
A hard tackler, Pétion also has good dribbling and passing ability. However, he is sluggish and weak.

CF: Johann Rilke (Deutsch SV) – 17 – 16 caps/2 goals
A glimpse of the future of Giant Zucchini. Despite the occasional misguided pass and his annoying knack of losing the ball in promising situations, Rilke has a pinpoint accurate shot and decent heading ability under his afro, as well as more than sufficient pace.


Reserves

GK: Edgardo García (Iberia CF) – 19
Promising up-and-coming goalkeeper.

CF: Dino Nuvolari (AC Romanic) – 22
Quick goal-poacher with good shooting and heading.

RB: Tommi Nevanlinna (Nordic IF) – 33
Experienced speedy wingback. Known for his blond corn-rows.

RM: Fra di ser Tartini (AC Romanic) – 17
Quick dribbler in the same vein as Poulsen.

LB: Tan Yiu Yao (Sino FC) – 25
Quick, strong fullback with the eye for a pass.

RM: Gregorio Cancel (Iberia CF) – 33 – 5 caps
All rounded right winger with pace and a good cross.

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 Y
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Playing Style: +1

Weegie National Football Squad

The Weegies will be playing their World Cup Qualifying games in the People's Stadium, Mackintosh, which holds up to 95,000 people, or 120,000 anorexics. The Weegies play in a kit with a shirt of green and blue narrow vertical lines, and white, numbered shorts. Players numbered 1-11 are likely starters.

Kit: http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/aofiles/wc16bids/Weegies07.jpg

Goalkeepers:
1. David McInally, 18, Buchanan L.F.C
12. Raighlan Maighfelghair, 17, Easter House Islanders
Defenders:
2. Andrew Meair, 17, Mackintosh Thistle Celtic
3. Luke Bailderson, 19, Carlsson Rangers
4. Daniel Petersen, 17, Trams Union Utd.
5. Thomas McAilain, 18, Trams Union Utd.
13. Iain McClare, 19, Mackintosh Armadillos
14. Iameis Maighdainald, 17, Hanover Town
15. Peter Petersen, 18, Aigh nas Chlalnachan
16. Chailich Na-Chalain, 19, Lylia Foresters
Midfielders:
6. Colin Mailtaigh, 18, Mackintosh Thistle Celtic
7. Cameron Harris, 17, Buchanan L.F.C.
8. Liam Andersen, 19, Mackintosh Thistle Celtic
9. Alexander Riddell, 17, Buchanan L.F.C
17. James Madsen, 18, Mackintosh Armadillos
18. Owen McPherson, 17, Mackintosh Thistle Celtic
19. Robert Shairchaigh, 19, Plarghlain F.C.
20. Quentin McKendrick, 19, Teighan Fiealdains
Strikers:
10. Stuart Taichnas, 17, Lylia Foresters
11. Steven Taichnas, 17, Lylia Foresters
21. William Hunter, 19, Cialtag Rovers
22. Keith Eldersailian, 20, Mackintosh Armadillos

OC: 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 Y
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

-2 style please, changing to -1 if allowed

Team Colours

Home Kit: Green and Yellow Striped shirt and socks. Blue shorts
Away: Dark Blue all over
Goalie Home: All Black, even the cap
Goalie Away: Imperial Purple all over

Stadium

Southern Island Peaks

An all seater modern stadium, retractable roof, special look is the old clock on the West bank. Capacity of 40,000, seats the colour of the national team. On the hot southern island ruled by General Jared, brother of the ruler Jude to gain him goodwill, the heat and sudden rain can be off putting. Beside a rushing river, quite a few ball boys have never returned from going in the river which is called "Catincoa death."

Staff

Jude Takerath-20-Manager: Passionate, he can often be seen on the sidelines trying to rally the team. A clever man, he knows how to manipulate the media but lacks the man management skills to rally the team in dark times. Otherwise a recluse, his glasses only add to his scholarly look. When the team isn't playing, he will study, read or play a game of chess.

Igor Dejonvich-50-Assistant Manager: AG good organiser, runs training and logistical side of thing. Sits calmly on the sidelines, in the dressing room, he can inspire.

Gary Seville-43-Head of Scouts: A shady character with the death sentence over him, his job is to ensure security and check on the other teams. Is willing to cheat and lie if need be.

Steve Runner-28-Head Fitness Coach: A keen man, full of energy. A fast runner, his job is too keep the players as fit as possible but can be too eager and has to be reigned in.

Dr Madadden-38-Head Doctor: Runs the medical side of things. Forced into this job, he hates sports but is the top medical man in the nation. His glance from behind his glasses can scare even the bravest of men.

Jade Manalinth-23-Head Cheerleader: Supposed to inspire the crowds, a beautiful red head that is willing to use any technique to see Cuation win so she may gain more fans herself. Jude has a crush on her and she can play on that if promised enough. Known to distract footballers, also vengeful and ruthless

Each mentioned have elite staff to support(example, Igor on the training front has coaches for each position), coerced into the jobs by force if needed.

Squad

Tactics: Mostly a defending side, they will push forward if behind by anything up to two goals in the last twenty minutes. Normally, they lump the ball forward for the lone forward to hold up till players get forward. Willing to use the offside trap and press from front to back

SS

LM CM RM
DM
LB CD CD RB
GK

Starting line up:

Gary Jens(suspended)-24-GK. Games: 8(0) Goals: 1 Conceded: 10
Tall, tanned, agile, good at narrowing the angle, he has many strengths. He has three flaws however: his fiery temper, crosses and being somewhat inconsistent. This man can make a fantastic save only to let a 30 yarder through his legs. Willing to sweep up behind the defence

Leslie Butcher-18-LB: Games: 8(0) Goals: 1
inexperienced but quick and eager. Likes to attack but his shots tend to be wayward. Does not like having to man mark someone as someone good with the ball can tear him apart and fairly short so lacks ability in the air. Otherwise a promising defender who deserves his chance

Philip Cole-28-RB Games: 8(0) Goals: 0
Solid defender lets little past him. Slow but not enough to be much of a hindrance. Dependable but if something unexpected happens, he gets caught out. His left foot is injury prone.

Sol Major-33-CB and captain Games: 8(0) Goals: 0
Lacks pace and only recently recovered from injury, the man who organises the back line is a vital part of the team. Strong in the air and on the ground, a talker.

Jonathan Yan 25-CB: Games: 8(0) Goals: 1
strong in the air and in the tackle, this man has emerged from troublesome youth to a quality defender. Lacks pace but has threat in the air that will be useful at set pieces.

Abel "Sweeper" Robinson-35-DM: Games: 8(0) Goals: 1
The holding player, quiet on and off the pitch. Will not get forward and his passes tend to be sideways but he sits in front of the defence, attempting to stop anyone from finding space between defence and midfield. Unable to play anywhere else however

Heskey Anderton-25-LM: Games: 8(0) Goals: 3
a striker played out of position on the left wing, covering for the lack of left wingers. Tall and strong in the air, he works hard but has the tackling ability of a striker and tends to fall over too much. Fans are on his back

Timothy Ashton-27-RM: Games: 8(0) Goals: 2
A true winger uses power, pace and tricks to get past his man so he can hit a stinging cross in. Loves to attack and has a blistering shot. One of those looking for flick on from target man. Can get isolated and frustrated

Roy Ferguson-30-CM: Games: 7(0) Goals: 2
box to box midfielder with a nasty temper. His job is too support the attack or defence, depending on the situation. Fair passer of the battle, good tackle but few goals in his career, he tends to leave shooting to others. Legs going

Giovanni Hatzori-27-playmaker: Games: 8(0) Goals: 4
hates to defend and can stop bothering if he is in a mood. However when he is in the mood and gets forward, he is wizard of all aspects of the ball. Due to his ego, he can lose the battle after taking to many people on/trying something too spectacular also pulling the team out of shape is a risk with him. Looks for flick on

Cuation’s joint top goalscorer at Bof

Peter "Beanpole" Tanner-30-striker: Games: 8(0) Goals: 3
The target man, big and good at holding up the ball. Lacks speed and fails to score but his main job is to bring others into the game.

Bench

Peter Seamen-35-GK: Games: 0(2) Goals: 0 Conceded: 0
average goalie and reliable but doesn't reassure back line. Winning over his critics

Jamie Hargreves-27-Def/Mid: Games: 1(2) Goals: 0
plays anywhere in defence or in midfield but is pretty average. Good as fresh legs but that is about it

Rio Samba-27-CB: Games: 0(2) Goals: 0
a ball playing centre back but prone too playing off the pace and for being distracted. Suffering confidence problems and deemed too unreliable at the moment

Stanley Edwards-39-LM/RM: Games: 0(4) Goals: 0
Will not come inside but stays in the wing trying to get in a position to cross. Good on the ball but a liability off it

Rual Mendisez-18-striker: Games:0(5) Goals: 4
Pacy small goalscorer. Doesn't fit in with the style of play and can not dribble or jump much but useful in the counter attack or to chase a lead. Prodigy but manager unwilling to risk him.

Cuation’s joint top goalscorer at Bof 25

Squad players:

Neville Clarkson-40-Goalie: Games: 1(0) Goals: 0 Conceded: 1
Old legend, this will be his last bow. Fat which slows his responses and speed, he still has the ability to help the team. Scary to face 1-1

apologies to Praying to God and everybody else - I didn't realise it was invitation only :headbang: . I would like to be on the Reserve List if that is Ok.

Sorry again

OOC:This will be updated when I have the time; for now it's just a place-holder (copied from the WC thread; never got time to finish; I'll get descriptions for all the players soon).

BIC:

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 N
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events N
I'll be playing in a -1.
* - denotes starter.

BIC:

Yaforite Golden Wolves Roster

1)Manager: Keron Alhrem. Club: Ajer FC. Background/qualifications: Keron Alhrem has been coach for recent seven-time-in-a-row champions Ajer FC for (surprisingly) seven years. He has replaced a manager who, at the heart of it, was a manager who, while he often had good relations, had bad relations with his players on this team. Alhrem will have none of those. While many players play for Ajer FC, there a quite a few players for Ajer United, as well, but crosstown enemity, in Yafor 2, does not extend to the players. Keron Alhrem has a huge taks ahead of him, with the eyes of a nation upon his, but he knows pressure, being manager of a winner.

*2)Goalkeeper: Deron Smithes. Club: Ajer FC. Background/qualifications: Last year's goalie, Smithes had a hard time during the Baptism of Fire, because of the excitement, media speculation, and knee injury that he suffered that year. This year, however, he has completely trashed the LIDYT record in clean sheets and looks set to break upon the international scene...in a good way.

3)Goalkeeper: Abul Hamer. Club: Deros FC (at the moment. Currently in negotiations with several clubs regarding his future).

4)Goalkeeper: Ameran Bulod. Club: Chelmar FC.

*5)Left Defender: Joraset Jeyllan. Club: Ramen United.

*6)Left Center Defender: Hares Dalermo. Club: Ajer United.

*7)Center Defender: Halen Croat. Club:Aldelard FC.

*8)Right Center Defender: Thia Boley. Club: Cardarel FC.

*9)Right Defender: Harolen Maores. Club: Kaza X-Teem [Kaze Progressea].

10)Left/Left Center Defender: Jukerer Itolasin. Club: Ajer FC.

11)Right/Right Center Defender: Olet Damer. Club: Ajer United.

12)Center Defender: Jumer Havas. Club: Texa Aba [Kaze Progressea].

*13)Right Midfielder: Damiel Fraten. Club: Ajer FC.

*14)Center Midfielder: Gerod Flamer(captain). Club: Gigidorel FC.

*15)Left Midfielder: Hales Ysilko. Club: Harrel FC.

16)Right Midfielder: Ikorat Federof. Club: Kaza X-Teem [Kaze Progressea].

17)Center Midfielder: Prince Seberd. Club: Ajer FC.

18)Left Midfielder: Korast Ytern. Club: Ajer United.

*19)Right Striker: Fernando Malar. Club: Ajer United.

*20)Left Striker: Francisco Malar. Club: Ajer FC.

21)Right Striker: Iktam Velastros. Club: Chelmar FC.

22)Left Striker: Ashmaerin Thororatbladae. Club: Cardarel FC.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THE MONASTIC TIMES

LACK OF HARMONY IN CUP OF HARMONY CAMP
Can Western Rite midfielder lead team?

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

Controversy broke out today in the Archregimancy's Cup of Harmony squad following rumours that Coach Kyrill, Metropolitan of Solovetsky, was set to name Western Rite midfielder Fr. David the Water Drinker of Llanilltud Fawr as team captain following the retirement of Fr. Polycarp the Venerable.

Sources close to the team, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that several squad members had objected on the basis that while Fr. David was not technically heretical, the interests of team spirit would be better served by appointing a captain from a more traditional theological background. "Fr. David's stand on the filioque is particularly suspect", said unnamed friends of a senior squad member, though Coach Kyrill dismissed this statement as little more than a misunderstanding caused by the theological difficulties sometimes caused by linguistic conventions of translation from Cymraeg to Old Church Liturgic by way of Latin. "I can assure you of the fully recognised nature of Fr. David's canonical status" added the coach, who nonetheless must be tempted to instead name star forward Fr. Silouan of the Seventy Caves as captain in order to avoid further disputes over players' canonicity or jurisdictional rights.

The Golden Throne Presents Itself!

[OOC: I think I can post here, although I'm also in the BoF. Regardless, TG me if I have to delete this, and I will.]


Choose my goalscorers N
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my playersY
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y


Style: +1

For statistics, our team is composed of the following players:

Hans Kahn: Goalkeeper
Derik Vander: Goalkeeper
Johan Mier: Defender
Franz Xavier: Defender
Joan Tienan: Defender
Karl Zeyer: Defender
Fedor Bietz: Defender
David Keitel: Midfielder
Jon Ferech: Midfielder
Udo Koch: Midfielder
Bruno Utscher: Midfielder
Jorg Carlische: Midfielder
Edhard Gruber: Foward
Froemer Paulus: Foward
Franz Siedlitz: Foward
Otto Mannerheim: Foward
Wilhelm Großkopf: Foward
Mikhail Kleitz: Foward

Our staff is:

Kristoff Neider: Manager
Leo Benz: Head Coach
Uder Seriech: Defensive Coach
Hans Versol: Offensive Coach
Sophie Alech: Head Trainer

Kit: http://www.modernwarstudies.net/soccerjersey.gif

ANNOUNCEMENT

The groups are up. The three nations that were on the reserve list are all in the field. The RP bonus will kick in for Matchday 1, so let's get those RPs rolling in. I will post Matchday 1 sometime tomorrow (Friday).

Own Goal!
Episode 8: A Time of Harmony

Gorton: OK, it has been quite a disappointing qualifying, but I’m sure we can make amends in this Cup of Harmony.

(Gorton passes the group list around.)

Xie SK: Oh SHOOT Chicanada again…

Barry: It’s OK, I’m sure if we put in our best we can produce some upsets.

BRK: Upset? If ve don’t lose zat’s considered an upset already…

Barry: Aw, don’t say that, I’m sure we can achieve something against the Macabees at least…

Gorton: Exactly. It’s all about confidence! We’ve got good players, I’m sure we can achieve something here.

Laredo: Yeah, and we really mess up this Cup of Harmony…we can call Urk back…

To be continued…

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Elrichlogopaint.jpg

The Kingdom of Elrich

After narrowly missing out on World Cup 25 Elrich will hope to continue their impressive form into the Cup of Harmony. Mike Bassett's men were unlucky to miss out on qualification by just 2 points and he will be hoping his side can do him proud in the upcoming tournament. Elrich are now ranked a handy 56th in the World, and Bassett is quietly confident that his side could do well.

The tournament could prove to be the final one in the international careers of some of the Badger's more senior players, with Vinnie Jones 37, Danny Adams 33 and Barry Scott 36 all appear to be nearing the end of their international careers. They will be hoping to go out with a bang.


TEAM - THE KINGDOM OF ELRICH
NICKNAME - THE BADGERS
HOME STADIUM - THE ELRICH ARENA 85,000 (50,000 seated) with retractable roof
HOME COLOURS - RED AND WHITE HALVES WITH BLACK TRIM, BLACK SHORTS AND BLACK SOCKS
AWAY COLOURS - ALL YELLOW


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/bassett.jpg

MANAGER - MIKE BASSETT
Previous Managerial Posts - Peterborough, Norwich, England, Wirral County
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. A Baptism of Fire and a World Cup qualifying campaign later the jury was still out on Bassett. He's like marmite, you love him or you hate him - his team are inconsistant to say the least. A poor start to World Cup 25 Qualifying campaign led to a press campaign calling for his head. Bassett reacted in style, impressive qualifying form, including historic victories over the mighty Trurori and old friends Hurfordia, led the Badgers to the brink of qualification. It wasn't to be, and Bassett's men missed out by a mere 2 points.

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. Has impressed in his international exploits so far

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 important part of the Badger's backline, although his place in the team is now questioned by some after some dissapointing club form and his increasing age. It is rumoured that Danny may retire after this Cup of Harmony campaign.

4 VINNIE JONES
Some have questioned his eligibility to represent Elrich, but none can question his playing abilities. 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. This tournament could prove to be his last.

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 for the second time in successive World Cups 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 another 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.

81 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. All time leading goalscorer, but increasing in age and status as leading striker with the emergence of Jamie Mudge. Will always be a legend.

11 JAMIE MUDGE
From non-league obscurity to the national side in the matter of minutes, the Tiverton Town striker was a surprise addition to the World Cup 24 squad. Despite from being far from a house-hold name in Elrich, the young striker scored an immense 59 goals in his clubs promotion through the non-league ranks. His loyalty to his hometown club has been incredible, bordering on insane. He has turned down offers to join Premier League sides the Real Deal and Scumchester United and manager Mike Bassett insisted that Mudge had the talent to perform on the big stage. Bassett was proved right, a sensation at the World Cup 24 qualifiers Mudgie followed this up with a bucketful of goals in World Cup 25 qualification, including a memorable hat-trick against Hurfordia and the winner away at Trurori.

99 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.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Zebedee.jpg

SUBS

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. Despite a reasonable international record, the emergence of Jamie Mudge has pushed Grimble back onto the bench.

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. Has he many more chances to impress though?

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 has yet to really get going with the national side. He finally opened his account for the Badgers in World Cup 24 - albeit after having made a complete fool of himself impressively celebrating 3 disallowed goals earlier in the tournament.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/DanSingh-Queen.jpg

16 FRANK N'STEIN
The huge, intimidating defender (and Basketball center), 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.


THE KIT - Made by leading Elrichian Sports Manufacturer "Badoosh"
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/kitsbig.jpg

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 Y
Godmod Other Events Y

ELRICH IN CUP OF HARMONY

After a period of uncertainty, it was confirmed earlier today that the Kingdom of Elrich will, as hoped, be competiting in the Cup of Harmony XVII in Praying 2 God.

After an eventful World Cup Qualifying Campaign, Elrich are now ranked a respectful 56th in the World and Bassett will be hoping for a successful campaign. The news is a big boost for Elrichian Football, as not only does it give the passionate fans some action in a prestigious football tournament but also gives Elrich an opportunity to climb up the international ladder even further.

The draw for the competition was made shortly after the announcement and Elrich have been placed in Group 3 with it looking like this,

Group 3:
Duana Hills (50)
Ariddia (124) roster
Cuation (59)
Pastorville (66) roster
Elrich (56)

Matchday 1:
Ariddia v. Cuation @ House of Healing
Pastorville v. Elrich @ Grace Field
BYE: Duana Hills

Matchday 2:
Elrich v. Duana Hills @ Hope Stadium
Ariddia v. Pastorville @ Praise Stadium
BYE: Cuation

Matchday 3:
Duana Hills v. Pastorville @ Hope Stadium
Cuation v. Elrich @ Praise Stadium
BYE: Ariddia

Matchday 4:
Duana Hills v. Cuation @ Grace Field
Ariddia v. Elrich @ House of Healing
BYE: Pastorville

Matchday 5:
Duana Hills v. Ariddia @ House of Faith
Cuation v. Pastorville @ Cornerstone Stadium
BYE: Elrich

Manager Mike Bassett was pleased with the draw.
"Its the best we could have hoped for. On paper, believe it or not we are ranked 2nd in this group and therefore should go through! This is football though, and it's never as easy as that, it's still going to be very very tough, but I'm confident in my players."


CONFUSION OVER CUP OF HARMONY SYSTEM

The Kingdom of Elrich's manager Mike Bassett was left embarassed today in the nations' pre-tournament press-conference after he was unable to answer a simple question over how many team qualified from each group.

Bassett, after a delay of erming and aaaing had to admit that he didn't have a clue, much to his and the nation's embarrassement. Hopefully the organisers will shed some light on this for Bassett's benefit.

Sea Dragons Ready to Roar!
Group 1:
The Archregimancy (44th ranked) roster posted
Alasdair I Frosticus (82)
Oglethorpia (36)
The Weegies (47) roster
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (63) roster

Matchday 1:
Alasdair I Frosticus v. Oglethorpia @ Salvation Stadium
The Weegies v. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega @ House of Faith
BYE: The Archregimancy

Well, the groups are up and ASMV is once again set to be the spoiler of Group 1. Looking up the ranking board (but not quite so far this time), ASMV-63 is only ahead of Alasdair I Frosticus - 82. But this is a much better position than the one for WC25 qualifying. Oglethorpia seems to be the team to beat, with The Archregimancy and The Weegies close behind.

"I hope that they can beat up on each other a bit and we can steal a couple of games. That will put us in great position." said squad captain, Evan Evans.

MD1 will have ASMV taking on The Weegies. This is one of the matches the Sea Dragons hope to steal. Physical, relentless defense coupled with a quick striking attack, should keep ASMV close. Hope is to come out on top. History shows the probability for a 1 point loss for ASMV.

On another note, our friends from Cuation have been the beneficiaries of a great draw and should make a huge push to move forward. Good luck to Gary and the boys!

Let's play some football!

Cup of Harmony XVII Preview


After another failed World Cup qualifying campaign, although in fairness we didn’t miss by much, the Hyppos are back for their third attempt at the Cup of Harmony. Admittedly the previous two attempts weren’t overwhelmingly successful. In fact it took eight attempts for the nation to actually win a Cup of Harmony game, the penultimate group game of CoH 16. The Hyppos won the final group game too, against current hosts Praying2God, so in fact we’re on something of a winning streak in the competition. Which bodes well. Possibly.

Assistant coach Chris Trautwig is in temporary charge of the squad while Dave Wilson is still with the AOCAF squad in Bettia. Trautwig is preparing the players for what will be a tough campaign in a very tricky looking group.

Group 2

Commerce Heights (29)
Qualification Record - P18 W9 D3 L6 - 4th in Group 6

Strangely typical of our luck that we get drawn in the same group as the highest ranked side in the whole tournament. Commerce Heights missed out on the Finals by the narrowest of margins. Casari qualifying courtesy of scoring one more goal then than Commerce Heights. Hopefully the Capitalizts will be too distracted in their World Cup hosting bid to bring their full strength to bear in this tournament.

Hypocria (42)
Qualification Record - P18 W9 D4 L5 - 4th in Group 4

That’s right the Hyppos are the second ranked side in the group and with the top two qualifying for the quarter finals that’s encouraging. But we were highly ranked in the last tournament and managed 1 point from the first four games so we won‘t be getting our hopes up. Hopefully the good performances in the World Cup qualifiers will spark the Hyppos into genuine challengers in this competition.

Milchama (45)
Qualification Record - P18 W8 D3 L7 - 5th in Group 3

We can’t seem to go through a tournament without one regional derby and here it is. Remember that first CoH win at the eighth time of asking? Well Milchama provided the opponents that day and a repeat of that 2 - 1 win would certainly be well received back in the Autocracy. Milchama’s Under-21 side have been punching above their weight in the AOCAF and are one of the first teams through to the second round. That achievement could well inspire the seniors to a similar performance.

Yafor 2 (55)
Qualification Record - P18 W6 D5 L7 - 6th in Group 9

Yafor 2 struggled in their qualifying group and eventually finished behind light weights RyukyuDaitoKazanNampo, a massive 9 points off the third and final qualification place. With that in mind the Golden Wolves probably won’t be considered as contenders here but the same could have been said about Casari four years ago and they got to the final.

Euroslavia (70)
Qualification Record - P18 W5 D5 L8 - 7th in Group 5

The Titan’s return to the international stage wasn’t a particularly happy one as they finished well off the pace in Group 5. Political tension threatened to overshadow the actual football as a war of words erupted between Euroslavia and group rivals Sarzonia. Tension that forced both matches between the sides to be played at neutral venues, the second game being played in our own Hyppodrome. No doubt former Sarzonia national coach Dave Wilson will have an added incentive when he prepares his Hypocria side for the Titans.

And the Winner is . . .

So who will qualify? Not an easy question in what is a pretty evenly matched group. But we’re going to go for an AO double with Hypocria (obviously) and Milchama making it into the quarter finals.

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

HOLY EMPIRE TO ENTER CUP OF HARMONY
Radical new tactical approach announced

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

The Holy Empire Football Association today announced that they would after all accept Praying2God's invitation to enter Cup of Harmony 17, despite the recent introduction of even more severe restrictions on travel between the Holy Empire and ordinary physical reality.

Shockwaves were being felt among the small number of people to actually care about these things, however, at the news of HEFA's radical new tactical approach.

The ongoing restrictions on travel from the Holy Empire, combined with fear of a repeat of the World Cup 25 plague have led HEFA to enter a team consisting of one goalkeeper and 10 dream simulacra of World Cup Hall of Fame legend Juan Tzimisces - though more cynical observers believe that HEFA is desperate to avoid a repeat of the WC25 Urk controversy, where the team almost had to forfeit a match when it was discovered that the Giant Zucchini legend was masquerading as a Holy Empire national.

If this correspondent has understood HEFA's approach correctly, twenty senior monks from the Archregimancy will travel to each Holy Empire match, and dream the ten outfield players into existence for the duration of the game. But for the fact that Tzimisces was incapable of playing in goal, even in his prime, it is believed that all 11 players would be temporary dream simulacra. Apparently this approach is based on new technology which allows for the temporary penetration of the Dreamed Realm into ordinary physical reality on a highly-localised scale.

News that the Holy Empire's final group match is in fact against the Archregimancy has led to complaints from nations who believe that the monks dreaming the Holy Empire's team into existence may be tempted to throw the match should the Archregimancy need a result to progress.

SQUAD (3-5-2, style +2)

GK:
Alexius Comneno [the only 'real' physical player on the team]

DEF:
Tzimisces simulacrum 1
Tzimisces simulacrum 2
Tzimisces simulacrum 3

MID:
Tzimisces simulacrum 4
Tzimisces simulacrum 5
Tzimisces simulacrum 6
Tzimisces simulacrum 7
Tzimisces simulacrum 8

FOR:
Tzimisces simulacrum 9
Tzimisces simulacrum 10

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N - simulacra immune to injury
Godmod injuries to my players N - as above
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y - yes please!

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THE CUP OF HARMONY PREVIEW

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated


"So, Fr. John.... the Cup of Harmony group draw"

"Before we get into that, Fr. Nicholas, might I add that celebrating peace and harmony with heretics is all fine and well so long as it doesn't lead to the sin of FALSE ECUMENICISM!!!!!"

"Quite, Fr. John, but there's no need to shout. What about Group 1?"

"Group 1? Yes, of course. Where were we? Let's take a look at each team...

The Archregimancy (44) - That's us, that is. And might I say how pleasing it is to see that the Lord in his infinite and unknowable wisdom has allowed us to climb to 44th in the world. While I'm slightly worried about the impact the retirement of Fr. Polycarp might have on the team, our record in World Cup qualifying suggests that we should fear no one. If we can put three past Rejistania, we can beat anyone in this group.

Alasdair I Frosticus (82) - I'm as surprised as anyone to see that our lord and master the Basileus of the Holy Empire has permitted an Imperial team to enter this tournament. And I was equally surprised to hear that the Holy Synod of the Archregimancy had permitted the use of our monks in generating the Holy Empire's new 'squad'. Based on their World Cup campaign, our friends and allies could surprise anyone - they beat Commerce Heights in the qualifiers - but they won't qualify.

Oglethorpia (36) - The Ostriches are the top ranked team in the group - but not by much. A lot will depend on how they play against us and the Weegies. Should still be favoured to finish near the top, but I have a nagging feeling they'll do poorly.

The Weegies (47) - Scots by the look of things. Hopefully they'll turn away from the heresy of Presbyterianism and return to the embrace of the one universal church of Saints Columba, Aidan, Mungo, and others. As to their tactics on the field of play, I have a feeling that they're going to be a team to watch. The Archregimancy-Weegies match could be a cracker.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (63) - The rapid rise of the Sea Dragons suggests that they're going to be a team to watch in coming years - but I don't think they're quite there yet. Still, quite capable of an upset on their day."

"And your predictions for the final standings, Fr. John?"

"The Lord shall probably smite me down for the sin of pride, but I predict that....

1 - The Archregimancy. It's time for us to match our devotion with results on the field. It's time for us to match our early promise with real impact. I pray that the Lord will allow this to happen in this tournament.

2 - The Weegies. Suffering is good for the soul. Scots suffer a lot. Therefore this soul-strengthened team will do well. Pity about the heresies.

3 - Andossa Se Mitrin Vega. Could well surprise

4 - Oglethorpia. I just can't shake that nagging feeling that they'll have a poor tournament

5 - Alasdair I Frosticus. Sure, we like 'em. But surely this new tactic of playing 10 dream simulacra and a goalkeeper will backfire terribly?"

"In closing, what about this controversy over the team captain? Fr. David or Fr. Silouan?"

"Well, Fr. Nicholas, I've been thinking about this one long and hard. To my mind Coach Kyrill should pick the best leader. That's clearly Fr. David. I'm also not sure about whether the star striker makes the best captain. Fr. David is entirely canonical, he's recognised by the Holy Synod, and minor disputes over petty theological matters shouldn't deny him the captaincy. This guff about the filioque is pure smokescreen - Fr. David no more believes in the double procession of the Holy Spirit than we do."

"Thank you, Fr. John - and here's hoping for a successful Cup of Harmony for all concerned!"

Alexandria Times-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Tribune-Journal-Enquirer

Sports Section

"Oldies" trying to outdue younguns

The Milchamian A team is feeling the pressure now as their U21 team has mysteriously advanced to the second round of the AOCAF tournament despite being in the hardest group. The A team now has to at least repeat this accomplishment if not better it or else we might go all NMS on everyone and send our U21 team to play in the World Cup. Coach Jonathan Fairbanks said, "Well now the pressure is on but I can assure you that we can advance. We are the third highest seeded team in our group and it won't be hard to win or at least get second." Now onto the infamous Milchamian predictions:

Group 2:
Yafor 2 (55)-The Golden Wolves did not do so well in qualification as they finished 6th in their group. Although me thinks they can do well this tournament it just does not seem likely with all the teams above them. 4th place.
Hypocria (42)- The Hyppos seem to do well only in non-World Cup sponsored events like U21WC or AOCAF. The CoH however is WC sponsored which calls for a lot of upsets and just missed oppurtunity to go thru. 3rd place.
Milchama (45)- Unlike last time in the CoH where we were one of the lowest ranked teams and still advanced we have one of the higher ranking teams. This of course means easy advancement for the Warriors. 2nd place.
Euroslavia (72)- Tough group for the Titans as they are over 15 ranks below the 4th ranked Yafor 2 Golden Wolves. Will be a struggle for them to get points let alone advance. 5th place.
Commerce Heights (29)- Last time they were in the CoH Kaze Progressa had to adjust the formula for the KPB ranks (used for the first time the next cup) to make sure that Commerce Heights wasn't 4th overall in the world. This means that the CoH is their cup and they will advance easily. 1st place.
Now here are the teams in sequential order with predicted points:
Commerce Heights 10 points
Milchama 8 points
Hypocria 7 points
Yafor 2 3 points
Euroslavia 0 points

Will it work this way probably not but at least we had the guts to predict it.

Golden Wolves Drawn In A Group Of Some Sort

That's right. They're drawn in a group. The Ajerite Spoof has an overview!

Yafor 2 (55) - That's the Golden Wolves.
Hypocria (42) - So the Hyppos say that the Golden Wolves won't do well?! That's just plain baloney! Well they might be ranked higher than the Golden Wolves and be better than them but...
Milchama (45) - Not these guys! They beat the Yaforite team in baseball! Revenge!!!
Euroslavia (72) - Well Lady Destra'll watch this game and whatnot.
Commerce Heights (29) - Weird Capitalizt guys...watch out.

-Excerpt from The Ajerite Spoof. Don't take it seriously. No one does.[/RANDOMLY INSANE CRAZY NONSENSICAL MAGAZINES]

Golden Wolves Look to Triumph in Group 2

"Look for the unexpected to do what the expected are expected to do."
-Yaforite proverb.

This may apply here, as well as to many other things. The Golden Wolves, who, in the end, finished 6th in theie World Cup Qualifying group (behind RyukyuDaitoKazanNampo of all teams, who lost to the Yaforite team 3-0 TWICE) are now in the Cup of Harmony. Not only is this another chance to move up in the rankings, but this will also be a way to test out the Goolden Wolves skill against more level opposition. Here are the teams.

Hypocria - The Hyppos are not only an excellent team, they are also very highly ranked. Ranked fourty-second in the world, the Hyppos narrowly missed qualifying for the World Cup. Experienced and strong, the Hyppos will most lightly finish among the top three in the division.

Milchama - The fourty-fifth ranked Milchama side is no side to be overlooked. On paper, their roster is good, but on the field, this side can do damage. The Milchama team in this Cup of Harmony is experienced, with a few Under-21 starters, and will most probably finish high up.

Euroslavia - The only team whom the Yaforites outrank, the Euroslavia Titans (formerly Chromas) are no team to ignore. Not only fighting Sarzonia to a close match in New Montreal States (almost a home game for the number one ranked side in the world) but also causing controversy about it, the Titans definatly made an impact in this years' qualifying. Politically close to Yafor 2, this game will be a big one.

Commerce Heights - 29 ranked in the world. Bidding to host World Cup 26. The best team still in the Cup of Harmony. That's all that needs to be said.

And will the Golden Wolves triumph? Only time will tell. But they must play with persevereance and skill to make an impact.

-Excerpt from The Ajerite Sun.

OOC: I will be RPing in addition to my hosting duties. Any opinions expressed in any of my IC RPs do not necessarily reflect my personal views, and my personal views will not affect how I treat any team in the CoH (I would hope that that goes without saying, but I figured I should say it anyway).

IC:

CUP OF HARMONY XVII PREVIEW

Well, folks...it's time for CoH XVII right here in our dear country of Praying2God. How will the Warriors do in an event in our home nation? Hopefully better than in the fiasco known as CoH XVI, but we'll have to wait and see. Playing at home tends to help teams do better than they would typically, but the host teams are typically ranked higher than the Warriors are. The Warriors got drawn into Group 4. Here's our look at that group.

The Macabees (91st ranked):
Well, they're a team that our allies in Pastorville are certainly familiar with, as well as a team that Pastorville has had success against. That would seem to bode well for our chances against them, but The Macabees are a tough team, and in a round-robin group play format they're a team that could reek havoc on the qualifying chances of a team ranked ahead of them.

Nedalia (34):
The highest ranked team in the group is coming off a disappointing WC XXV qualifying campaign and will certainly be hungry to redeem themselves in CoH XVII. They will be a tough match-up for the Warriors.

Chicanada (41):
The second highest ranked team in the group had a fairly disappointing WC XXV qualifying campaign as well, and will be looking to redeem themselves. They swept the Warriors in their two meetings during the WC XXIV qualifying fiasco, but have overall been on the slide recently. The Warriors will have a tough time against them, but a win isn't out of the question.

Giant Zucchini (107):
The lowest ranked team in the group is trying to return to prominence after a time away from international soccer like the Warriors. The Warriors have some history with them, earning a win and a draw against a GZ team ranked one spot ahead of the Warriors during WC XXI qualifying. The Warriors need to beat them in the opener to get off to a good start.

Praying2God (49):
We had a strong finish to WC XXV qualifying after a very slow start, going 5-2 in our last seven matches, coming within three points of qualifying in qualifying's Group of Death. Being the middle ranked team puts the Warriors in an extremely awkward position, as the team ranked in the middle typically does not fair up to expectations. However, the Warriors will have the home crowd behind them, even when they are listed as the away team, so the Warriors could be poised to make a deep run while building some additional momentum going into WC XXVI qualifying.

Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Nedalia
2. Praying2God
3. Chicanada
4. The Macabees
5. Giant Zucchini

SAINTS PRAY TO MAKE NOISE IN PRAYING2GOD
Playing before allies could help Saints build momentum for WC XXVI

The Pastorville Saints are safely in Praying2God to commence CoH XVII qualifying with the hopes of improving on their surprisingly strong showing in WC XXV qualifying. The Saints may be one of the lowest ranked teams participating, but that just means that there are more Goliaths for David to kill. It should be an interesting CoH, regardless of how the Saints fare, as the top teams are so closely bunched that group play should be very, very interesting and competitive. Speaking of groups, the Saints were drawn into Group 3 for qualifying. Here's our take on that group.


Duana Hills (50):
The top ranked team in the group is coming off a stunning qualifying run where they gave Vilita a run for their money before falling just shy of qualifying for WC XXV. Anybody want to comment on how interesting it would have been to have Vilita in the CoH? Especially if they were drawn into the same group as Commerce Heights? Wait a minute...getting back on topic, their surprising qualifying run makes DH a serious contender in CoH XVII, and a tough draw for the Saints.

Ariddia (124):
The ultimate cinderella team in this CoH, as they are the lowest ranked team competing. They had a disappointing qualifying run for a team trying to return to their former glory. Hopefully they will be able to make some noise, and find the net, in Praying2God, just hopefully not against us.

Cuation (59):
The Saints are quite familiar with their fellow BoF competitors, falling to them AET in the regional finals. The second meeting should be just as good, and may have a role in influencing who qualifies in this group.

Pastorville (66):
We had a surprisingly strong WC XXV qualifying campaign to follow up an impressive 4th place showing in the BoF. The highlight of WC XXV qualifying team was the pair of karelan 0-0 draws with 5th ranked Rejistania. Can the Saints prove that defense indeed wins championships in CoH XVII? Not likely, but they are a darkhorse to qualify.

Elrich (56):
Another team that had moderate success in WC XXV qualifying. They may not have become one of the world's elite soccer teams yet, but they certainly get a healthy dose of respect from everybody. Their match with the Saints should be a very interesting one.

Group Predictions:
1. Duana Hills
2. Cuation
3. Pastorville
4. Elrich
5. Ariddia

With World Cup 25 over for the Paladins, the NMS press feels this incomprehensible urge to comment on the CoH.

Group 1:
The Archregimancy (44th ranked) - Strong team, our good friends, and familiar with the CoH inside and out. First place.
Alasdair I Frosticus (82) - Very odd team makeup, will plummet if it doesn't work. Although it hurts to send fellow Orthodox Christians to the basement, we really have no choice. Hopefully Tzimices went double or nothing on that bet of his.
Oglethorpia (36) - Amazingly enough, they're no longer the Wonderteam we remember. What are they doing here? Second place, and the Archregimancy should watch their backs.
The Weegies (47) - We're drawing a blank. 4th place.
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (63) - Sea Dragons will be popping someone else's bubble, but will be chewed out and...*BANG*

We just shot the person who made those incredibly lame comments. 3rd place for the Sea Dragons. NEXT!

Group 2:
Yafor 2 (55) - Golden Wolves certainly full of confidence, but that won't get them far enough. 3rd place.
Hypocria (42) - Hyppos continue their free-fall in this tough group. 4th place.
Milchama (45) - They'll qualify, and we'll send them a nice postcard from Kaze Progressa to keep them egos in check. 2nd place.
Euroslavia (72) - Regional allies deserve easier group than this, will contend but end up last.
Commerce Heights (29) - Just give these guys the trophy and go home. Runaway 1st place team, etc. etc.

OOC: I will be RPing in addition to my hosting duties. Any opinions expressed in any of my IC RPs do not necessarily reflect my personal views, and my personal views will not affect how I treat any team in the CoH (I would hope that that goes without saying, but I figured I should say it anyway).


OOC: It does go without saying, so I wouldn't worry about that. But I do hope that you're following the usual etiquette and getting someone else to scorinate results for Praying2God and Pastorville.

NMS and myself asked Bedistan to score the NMS/Archregimancy match in CoH 16, which he very kindly did, but I'm sure there's any number of people who'd do this for you if you haven't taken care of it already.

I stress that it's not that I don't trust you - far from it - just that you have to be extra-careful to make sure that there's not even a whiff of partiality when you're the sole host of a tournament.

OOC: The Archregimancy brings up an interesting point. I had assumed that nobody would complain if I scorinated my own matches (both Praying2God and Pastorville) during group play, and then if one (or both) of my nations qualified I would inquire if people would rather that I have somebody else scorinate any matches involving one of my nations. I figured that people would trust me to not rig the results in favor of my nations, and there is precedent (if I remember right) for nations hosting the CoH to scorinate their own matches. However, if people would rather that I find somebody else to scorinate my matches I can try to find somebody to do so.

I went ahead and scorinated Matchday 1 anyway, and will probably do the same with Matchday 2 in order to keep us on schedule (and since it really wouldn't be a huge stretch for both of my teams to be undefeated after Matchday 2). Please post your opinions in here, or if you'd rather, you can also TG them to me, and after Matchday 2, if there are enough votes for me to find somebody else to scorinate my matches I will try to do so.

In short, please inform me which of the following options you would be fine with:
1. For me to scorinate all of my matches.
2. For me to scorinate all of my group play matches, but find somebody else to scorinate any elimination round matches that I may be involved with.
3. For me to find somebody else to scorinate all of my matches after Matchday 2.


Without further ado...


IC:

Matchday 1 Scores

Group 1:
Alasdair I Frosticus 1, Oglethorpia 1
The Weegies 2, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 0
BYE: The Archregimancy

Group 2:
Hypocria 2, Milchama 1
Euroslavia 3, Commerce Heights 4
BYE: Yafor 2

Group 3:
Ariddia 2, Cuation 2
Pastorville 2, Elrich 1
BYE: The Lowland Clans

Group 4:
Nedalia 5, Chicanada 0
Giant Zucchini 0, Praying2God 2
BYE: The Macabees


Matchday 1 Standings:

P W D L F A GD Pts
1
The Weegies 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3
Alasdair I Frosticus 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
Oglethorpia 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
The Archregimancy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
2
Commerce Heights 1 1 0 0 4 3 +1 3
Hypocria 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
Yafor 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Euroslavia 1 0 0 1 3 4 -1 0
Milchama 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
3
Pastorville 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
Ariddia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Cuation 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
The Lowland Clans 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Elrich 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
4
Nedalia 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 3
Praying2God 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3
The Macabees 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Giant Zucchini 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Chicanada 1 0 0 1 0 5 -5 0

Sea Dragons Drown On MD1

This is Kellan Kildan reporting from Praying 2 God

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (63) - Sea Dragons will be popping someone else's bubble, but will be chewed out and...*BANG*


How prohetic was the prediction from NMS? They must have recieved their prediction via Devine Inspiration, for today the ASMV squad had their faith in playing spoiler shattered by The Weegies in The House of Faith.

From beginning to end, the Sea Dragons looked confused and lost, much like the first 11 games of the WC25 qualifiers. At one point, the Banta-N'bai "Super Duo" even knocked each other to the ground, resulting in a score for The Weegies.

"I really can not explain what the he...... what happened out there today." said coach Pao St Martinique. "We looked like a bunch of idiots. In fact our play might have been worse than that"

Following today's debacle, the team was called to an extra "practice" that involved quite a bit of bleacher running. Next up for the Sea Dragons - The Archregimancy.

"We had better play better than we did today" commented a worn out Porche Alexander. "If we don't, then we might as well kiss this thing goodbye!"

Expect ASMV to come out with passion and play very aggressively tomorrow. No one on the team wishes to run the stadium seats again.

In other news of interest, Oglethorpia struggled to a 1-1 draw with Alasdair I Frosticus. The Hellacious Huckleberry Hyppos of Hypocria downed Milchama 2-1. Our Cuation friends failed to gain 3 point from Ariddia, 2-2. And the Nedalia squad, still fuming over their WC25 qualifying performance, completely embarrassed Chicanada 5-0.

Now on to MD2.

This has been Kellan Kildan of the ASMV News Network

The Nedalia Lions

Five Goal Start-up

Whatever manager Randy Gamman told his squad before their match against Chicanada in the opening day of competition, it worked wonders. Its no secret that the only manager the Lions have ever known is at risk of losing his job if results to match expectations in the Cup of Harmony, and the players responded accordingly, delivering a stunning 5-0 victory over their competition.

"Our offense will always find ways to score, but what I'm most impressed with, and I cant stress this enough, is the way the defence played today," commente the manager. "Derrell [Lynch] was able to record a clean sheet because Cole [Zenith], Mohammed [Khadra], Hans [Lamm], and Grann [Corona] really communicated on the field and never let anything slip by them. They've had their communication problems in the past, that much everyone knows, but today they showed how weill the team could perform if they focused and really buckled down to do their job."

Mohammed Khadra stepped up and delivered the 1st Nedalian goal of the afternoon from a Nene corner kick which found his head enroute the the back of the net. The pressure kept up the entire afternoon, and both sides of the half saw 2 goals from that point on. Tim James of Caledon Simpson [Krytenia] scored a brace, an increasingly common happening for the young man, and Starblaydia based Innit Point also hit a brace of his own, sealing the victory with a score of 5-0.

Back in Cup of Harmony 15, Nedalia started off slow before picking up speed and defeating Hockey Canada 2-0 in the Finals to win it all. They did not participate in CoH 16 because they were too busy losing to higher-ranked teams in the World Cup 24 Finals, but they return this year after failing to qualify from Group 9 of the WC25 qualifying rounds. They have their eyes set on taking their 2nd Cup of Harmony trophy in 3 years, and the players are giving taking the extra step to ensure that happens.

"This tournament is for coach Gamman. I know no one in the camp wants to see him go, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that it doesnt happen. Not only that, but its Derrell's and Captain Cole's last tournament with the team, so we have to give them best good-bye present we can offer: the CoH trophy. They have given so much to the team, and will be extremely missed when they hang up their boots. Since the inception of the national team, Derrell's been our only goalkeeper and Cole has been our only captain. It will be a sad day when they call it quits, but we have to make sure we send them off in a proper way," said defensive midfielder and potential captain replacement Trent Hardman.

With this 5-0, the Lions are off to a good start in ensuring their dreams come true.

ANNOUNCEMENT

The Lowland Clans will be taking the place of Duana Hills in CoH XVII. Since Duana Hills had not played a match yet, no matches will have to be replayed.


OOC: This is taking place after a conversation in the WC Discussion thread. Please go there if you desire to read more regarding the switch.

(OOC: Duana Hills doesn’t even exist. Surely you meant Dauna Hills. Not that it matters anymore. :P

Back in FHWC9, I (as New Manhattan) scorinated my own matches for the first two days of the group stage, but let Rejistania scorinate MD3 for me (an unprecedented 8–1 win over NEWI Cefn Druids—I should have let her scorinate the other matches :P ). With four matches, maybe you could have someone else scorinate the last one or two.

Here’s the somewhat late Capitalizt roster:
Starters:
No Pos Name Home City Age
01 GK Davis Teel Florence, NM 23

02 LF Major Levin New Hampton, AN 22

03 CF 채기소 소코지토 도시, 소코 27
(Chae Gi-so) (Sokojito Dosi, SK)
04 CF Friedel Oheim Heidelstadt, LT 28

05 RF Σιημητράς Φάνης 파초, 소코 29
(Siemetrás Phánes) (Pa-cho, SK)
06 LM Εντουσέι Εμανουελ 파초, 소코 23
(Entouséi Emanouel) (Pa-cho, SK)
07 CM Archie Starkey Port-au-Honey, JI 21

08 RW Gaston Guillen Naiba, JI 28

09 LD Μόρας Παπαβασιλόπουλος Ηια-Χες, ΑΚ 24
(Móras Papabasilópoulos) (Eia-Khes, AK)
10 CD 손수환 실토 도시, 소코 24
(Son Su-hwan) (Silto Dosi, SK)
11 RD 배리나 녠도리, 소코 23
(Bae Li-na) (Niendo-li, SK)

Substitutes:
No Pos Name Home City Age
12 GK John Schaffer Humai, JI 23

13 F Will Blois Naiba, JI 34

14 F Armin Wiedermann Tolzerio, TA 25

15 F Dave Christopher Commerce Heights, CT 24

16 F Brad Marx Sonoma Center, AN 28

17 M Raimund Oye Jahmeel, LT 27

18 M Shaun Grubb Sonoma Center, AN 23

19 W Blake Tang New Lexington, LM 26

20 D Luther Johnson Commerce Heights, CT 26

21 D Dorian Hensley Lukeonia City, LK 25

22 D Antoine Alexander Naquada Falls, NM 17

23 GK 류태춘 미소 도시, 소코 28
(Lyu Tae-chun) (Miso Dosi, SK)
24 F Κουτρουμάνος Παππας 파초, 소코 27
(Koutroumános Pappas) (Pa-cho, SK)
25 M Jon Wilson Laconia, LK 19

26 W Walter Jett Sonoma Center, AN 23

27 D Γκαλίνοβιτς Ιωσήφ 파초, 소코 29
(Gkalínobits Ioséph) (Pa-cho, SK)

Staff:
No Pos Name Home City
91 Keepers Coach Johannes Preis Ostsokojito, LT

92 Defenders Coach Γκαλίνοβιτς Βανιακ Ηια-Χες, ΑΚ
(Gkalínobits Baniak) (Eia-Khes, AK)
93 Midfielders Coach Bradley Olson New Seoul, NM

94 Wingers Coach Goran Lumma Natestadt, LT

95 Forwards Coach Μιτσο Κωνσταντίνου 파초, 소코
(Mitso Konstantínou) (Pa-cho, SK)
96 Forwards Coach Junior Mize Said, JI

98 Assistant Coach Shu Gustafon Florence, NM

99 Head Coach Paul Iñaki Sonoma Center, AN
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: Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod red cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y
-----
Style Modifier: +2)

The Aeropag Tribune—Proud contributor to the Save Paul Iñaki Fund

Sports: Capitalizts defeat Euroslavia in CoH opener
PRAYING2GOD—The Capitalizts, fighting to preserve their place as one of the world’s élite soccer teams, extended Commerce Heights’s Cup of Harmony record to 6–2–0 with a 4–3 win over “game moderator” (we have no slani idea what that is, but it sounds important) Euroslavia.
Over five million Ακηλαίοι (Akelaíoi), who made their way to Earth from Sirius D thanks to LivEng Airways, filled the streets of Praying2God in an attempt to enter Hope Stadium. Though they were persistent, stadium security was eventually able to turn away those that could not fit in the stadium, which has a capacity of only 63 000. “This is outrageous!” said Κωνσταντάκης Τουρέ (Konstantákes Touré), one of the crowd. “Why would anyone build a stadium with less than 150 000 seats these days?”
It was clear that the Euroslavia Titans were no match for the 29th-ranked Capitalizts, but they took advantage of key weaknesses in the Capitalizt defensive line—primarily caused by the lack of crowd noise—to take a 1–0 lead in the 18th minute. The Titans extended their lead to 2–0 in the 33rd when Davis Teel gave an opposing striker a clear shot, probably due to confusion from having a new goalkeeping coach. In the second half, the Capitalizts began their comeback with an impressive 46th-minute shot by Σιημητράς Φάνης (Siemetrás Phánes), finding the back of the net from 30 meters. Archie Starkey fell dramatically outside the penalty area. However, the referee booked Archie Starkey for taking a dive. Major Levin, who had only been on the team for one month before the match, took advantage of a Titans miscommunication in the backfield to score the equalizer. Archie Starkey put the Capitalizts up one in the 76th minute, bringing the 60 000 Ακηλαίοι that managed to get into the stadium to life. Unfortunately for the Capitalizts, the Titans were able to equalize in the 83rd minute, making the score 3–3. Σιημητράς Φάνης finished off the half as he started it, scoring on a long shot in injury time to make the final score 4–3.
Commerce Heights 4 (Φάνης 46, 90+2, Levin 58, Starkey 76)
Euroslavia 3—FT

Cuation drawn in group 3

With manager Jude Takerath back from the civil war to guide the team on, we can hope to make it to the next round. All we have to do is to stop failing against the team we should beat. Still Cuation are the winners of the last BoF and after a late run, finished a decent 7th in the World Cup. Now the team play for a shot at the Cup of Harmony

We have managed to work our way up to 59th but still a lot of work is still to be done to keep that place from the likes of Pastorville, the squad can not afford to relax now.

Ariddia (124) v. Cuation

First match should be easy enough, they finished bottom of group three and are far below in the rankings. However this former giant will have little pressure on them and may cuase an upset or two. We will get a win in this one as Ariddia start thier run for the wooden spoon of the group

Cuation v. Elrich(56)

This will be a tough battle, against a team that finished 5th in group 8, this team could do well in the CoH. This team are emerging as a good side but Cuation will have had a rest on Match Day Two. Elrich to finish second

The Lowland Clans (46) vs Cuation

The top team in the group,Cuation may just be able to pull of an upset here but it will be hard as this team should take first place with relative ease. Came 5th in group two, they may roll over all in this group.

Cuation v. Pastorville(66)

What a match that regional final was, a 5-3 win in extra time after a last minute equaliser to make it 3-3. This match is the last in the group and the holy team will have not played the matchday before so perhaps they will have the upperhand.

All could be on the line here, Pastorville to have grab 3rd place.

In other news, the Sea Dragons will be able to show that they are a team to watch, our good friends should do pretty well in group one and hopefully go through. The Macabees will perhaps struggle since they are not facing us but Cuation should be glad for perhaps the easiest group of the four.

OC: I'll post the match report tomorrow, based on Ariddia's report. Good luck to everyone

Cup of Harmony 17


Deucher Double gives Warriors Trouble


Hypocria 2 - 1 Milchama
Deucher(2)


Ask and you shall receive they say and it seems fitting that in Praying2God the prays of Hyppo fans were answered. “A repeat of that 2 - 1 win would certainly be well received back in the Autocracy” was how our preview edition ran and that is exactly what happened.

It was never going to be easy against a Milchama side that has made huge strides since their emergence onto the world stage but the Hyppos came away with all three points largely thanks to an outstanding display from wing wizard Robert Bercali. The Vilita based left winger took full advantage of the space afforded him by Milchama’s attacking 3-3-4 formation and gave the defence a torrid time, setting up both goals for striker Ashley Deucher. Duecher turned the first in at the near post from Bercali’s low cross to give the Hyppos the lead and headed in the second after another whipped ball from the left to edge his side in front again after the Warriors had equalised. The final whistle blew and Hypocria had actually started a Cup of Harmony with a win. Slightly better than our customary defeat.

The other group match proved to be something of a goal fest with group favourites Commerce Heights edging past Euroslavia in a seven goal thriller. That win sees the Capitalizts top Group 2 at this early stage courtesy of having scored more goals than Hypocria. Euroslavia provide they Hyppos with their next opponents and fans will certainly be hoping that the Titan’s defence is just as generous on matchday 2.

Group 2
Commerce Heights 1 1 0 0 4 3 +1 3
Hypocria 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
Yafor 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Euroslavia 1 0 0 1 3 4 -1 0
Milchama 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
With the tournament only one match old it’s impossible to really judge how things may eventually play out but lets have a quick glance around the other groups anyway.

Group 1

The Weegies lead the way after a 2 - 0 win over the luckless Sea Dragons. Mark our words, at some point the side from Andossa Se Mitrin Vega are going to get the act together and give someone a damn good thrashing. In the other game Alasdair I Frosticus and Oglethorpia cancelled each other out, drawing 1 - 1.

Group 3

The Saints of Pastorville top Group 3 after beating Mike Bassett’s Elrich 2 - 1. Ariddia, looking to bounce back from a pretty dismal World Cup qualifying campaign held Baptism of Fire champions Cuation to a 2 - 2 draw.

Group 4

We’re starting to get the impression that failing to qualify for the World Cup finals may have slightly annoyed the Nedalians. After chewing up and spitting out all before them do so far in the AOCAF the Lions added Chicanada to their list of victims, hammering the Kodiaks 5 - 0. And the home fans had reason to smile too after Praying2God triumphed 2 - 0 over former world champions Giant Zucchini.

The Bureaucratic Tribune

Ostriches WC25 roster

SOMEWHERE (BT) -- Horribly belated, Oglethorpia has finally released the Oglethorpia Ostriches roster. Having made it into the Cup of Harmony 17, the Ostriches have certainly lived up to the belief that they should retain their moniker. Prior to World Cup 25, the legislature voted that despite qualifying for WC 24, the Ostriches were by no means "back in it;" their apperance in the also-rans tournament has certainly affirmed that belief.

Oglethorpia's roster is as follows;

Manager/Coach/Head Moral Supporter: Torrence Black (83)
Formation: 3-5-2

Goal:
Hip Replac (age 33, Avidia City F.C. [Krytenia])
Defense:
Jim Seasons (age 35, SpVgg Stuttergart)
Ed Head (age 31, Steerford United)
Les Potbell (age 39, Steerford United)
Half-field:
Cletus van Mistletoe (age 32, Polyesterhampton F.C)
Luud van Mistletoe (age 32, Sheffingham United)
Harry Falls (age 27, Sheffingham Rovers)
Billiam Christmas Jr. (age 34, SpVgg Stuttergart)
Offense:
Anton Kremlov (age 32, unsigned)
Mel Memorable (age 34, Polyesterhampton F.C.)
Coat MacHanger (age 43, Megalopolis City F.C.)

As for the substitutes, and additionally, Sam Vaughmoot, Frank Lee, Al Duck, Ivan Thompson and Bill Swaggins serve as quite-likely-never-to-be-used substitutes. Woe is them.

Having failed to qualify for World Cup 25, the Ostriches hope to at least go out with some dignity, wishing for at least some success in the forthcoming Cup of Harmony.

We draw!

SOMEWHERE (BT) -- And it was no piece of art -- against Alasdair I Frosticus, Oglethorpia managed a draw. "Well, at least we weren't humiliated out there," observed the optimistic coach Torrence Black.

Due to the brevity of this article, it seems fitting to give an explanation -- that being the eminent "SAT" storm front approaching Oglethorpia. Evidently to avert complete and total disaster, Oglethorpians everywhere must "practice" for it, lest they "fail."

More on that as it breaks, while Oglethorpia's Ostriches attempt to not look foolish in the Cup of Harmony.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated

"So... Fr. John... nothing really to report on here"

"That's right, Fr. Nicholas, because we didn't actually play last night"

"But a couple of other games in the group...."

"Yes, the Weegies, as expected, looked strong against Andossa Se Thingimajiggle, and the Holy Empire's new simulacrum line-up did surprisingly well against the Ostriches"

"But perhaps we'd better leave any more reporting until tomorrow?"

"Until we actually have something to report on, Fr. Nicholas?"

"That's the idea, Fr. John...."

THE HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

IMPERIALS STUN OGLETHORPIA
Opponents bury heads in sand in shame

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

The Holy Empire's new line up of ten dream simulacra of Juan Tzimisces and a human goalkeeper held top 40 Cup of Harmony powerhouses Oglethorpia to a 1-1 draw overnight.

The Ostriches were believed to be unnerved to be facing 10 completely identical players who technically don't even exist, and but for a memorable Memorable goal in the 80th minute would have crashed to a 1-0 loss on the back of Tzimisces Simulacrum 9's 15th minute free kick.

Whether other teams will be as equally confused by the Imperial's new tactical approach over the coming matches remains to be seen.


[ooc: apologies for the uncharacteristically short RPs for my two nations - RL issues will make it difficult for me to post quality RPs until Tuesday evening Australia time, but I'll at least try and post short RPs like the above in the interim]

OOC: It would be nice to get feedback from more of you that are actually competing in the CoH as to if I should be scorinating my own matches or not. Only two of you have provided any feedback so far.

IC:


WARRIORS CUT DOWN GIANT ZUCCHINI

The Praying2God Warriors, playing in front of their home crowd as the away team, used the homefield knowledge to their advantage as they defeated Giant Zucchini 2-0 to kick-off CoH XVII. Giant Zucchini had played in the House of Prayer before (back in WC XXI), and fell victim to Sarah Walker's foot, as she scored the lone goal of the match in the 90th minute for a 1-0 Warriors win. It would not take last minute heroics by Walker yesterday. Kelly Carter opened the scoring in the 19th minute when retiring defender (see below story) Luke Royal played a corner in to Carter at the near post, and she redirected the ball into the net. GZ would not go away, however, giving the Warriors a valliant fight. Then in the 77th minute, Thomas Larson delivered the knockout when he took a cross from the left touchline by retiring midfielder Christa Faith near the far post and headed it into the net. GZ had no answer for Walker's superb play in net, as she earned yet another shutout. The Warriors will face a rested The Macabees team next with a chance to put themselves in great position to qualify with another win.



WARRIORS ROSTER ABOUT TO GET FACELIFT

The Praying2God Warriors roster is going to see its greatest makeover after CoH XVII concludes. Seven players are said to be either retiring or on their way off the squad to bring in some fresh talent. Both couples in the starting line-up, defenders Luke and Jenna Royal and midfielders Kevin and Christa Faith, are retiring after CoH XVII to start families. Their retirements are going to leave a gaping hole in the Warriors line-up, as the veteran play of all four of them has helped the Warriors climb back into the top 50 in the world. The absence of Kevin and Christa Faith will be most noticeable on the offensive end of the field, as they are amongst the Warriors all-time leading scorers. Luke and Jenna Royal were known as the rocks in the Warriors defense, playing extremely tough defense and letting their partners Christine Holly and Claire Paulson do most of the offensive work for them. However, the Warriors are better equipped to deal with the loss of the Royals as they have back-ups that have been on the roster for (at least) one WC. The Warriors midfield will be very inexperienced in WC XXVI, as all of the back-ups will be in their first WC on the roster, with the departure of Michael Star and Gwen Wall from the roster, supposedly to provide some younger legs to learn and someday take over the leadership of the Warriors after today's veterans retire. Also leaving the squad is back-up keeper Brianna Smith, rumoredly to be replaced by starting keeper Sarah Walker's younger sister, Susan, though that rumor is unconfirmed at this time.

SAINTS GET OFF TO SOLID START

The Pastorville Saints got off to a strong start in their quest to try to qualify for CoH XVII as the beat Elrich 2-1 in a match that is less of an upset than many may think. "We were playing in front of a supportive ally crowd with a better defense as the home side. That we beat a team ranked ten spots in front of us can't really count as much of an upset," Saints Head Coach Reverend Brown told reporters after the match. That is very true. Pastorville wasn't the underdog that people made them out to be. In reality, the game was a toss-up before the opening kick-off. The final result may have caught some people off guard, but nobody in the Saints' locker room was surprised. They immediately turned their focus to their next challenge, Ariddia, a side more dangerous than most give them credit for, much like the Saints. The Saints spotted Elrich a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute, before Reverend King took a corner from Reverend Douglas and redirected it into the net in the 39th minute to send the teams to the locker room at 1-1. Then, after a very evenly played second half, Reverend Harris scored a patented Saints goal by taking a long pass from Reverend Johnson in the 88th minute and started a counter-attack that provided the Saints with the match-winner.

Own Goal!
Episode 9: A Time of Prayer

(Barry and Laredo are sitting quietly with their heads bowed and their eyes closed in the dressing room before the match against Praying2God. BRK comes in.)

BRK: Vat are you doing?

Laredo: Shh…we are praying.

BRK: Praying to who?

Barry: Praying to God.

BRK: Oh, zat sounds like who ve’re going to play isn’t it? I heard zey are good.

Laredo: Yes, so we are praying that we will be able to win this match against Praying2God.

BRK: Hmm, OK. But surely, since zeir name is Praying2God, zey must be known to be praying to God for a long time right?

(Laredo and Barry open their eyes and look at each other.)

Laredo: Uh oh…

To be continued…

OOC: Though I have not received much feedback from those competing in CoH XVII, I will find somebody else to scorinate any remaining matches involving Praying2God or Pastorville to try to end any discussion regarding potential result fixing on my part for the benefit of either nation in question. I did scorinate all of the matches for Matchday 2.

IC:


Matchday 2 Scores

Group 1:
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 0, The Archregimancy 0
Alasdiar I Frosticus 1, The Weegies 2
BYE: Oglethorpia

Group 2:
Commerce Heights 2, Yafor 2 0
Hypocria 5, Euroslavia 0
BYE: Milchama

Group 3:
Elrich 2, The Lowland Clans 0
Ariddia 0, Pastorville 2
BYE: Cuation

Group 4:
Praying2God 3, The Macabees 0
Nedalia 0, Giant Zucchini 0
BYE: Chicanada


Matchday 2 Standings

P W D L F A GD Pts
1
The Weegies 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3 6
Oglethorpia 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
The Archregimancy 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Alasdair I Frosticus 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1
2
Hypocria 2 2 0 0 7 1 +6 6
Commerce Heights 2 2 0 0 6 3 +3 6
Milchama 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Yafor 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Euroslavia 2 0 0 2 3 9 -6 0
3
Pastorville 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3 6
Elrich 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 3
Cuation 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Ariddia 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
The Lowland Clans 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
4
Praying2God 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5 6
Nedalia 2 1 1 0 5 0 +5 4
Giant Zucchini 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1
The Macabees 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0
Chicanada 1 0 0 1 0 5 -5 0

OOC - The whole scorinating issue doesnt really matter to me. With my luck one is as good as another.

IC
Sea Dragons Poised To Make Move

This is Kellan Kildan reporting from Praying 2 God,

The ASMV/Archregimancy match today was one of defensive art. Both squads refused to yield as time and time again attacks were thwarted. Neither team even managed a decent shot on goal. 0-0 was the final score as both squads were rewarded for their efforts with 1 point.

Now for the good news: The Sea Dragons are in a 4 way tie for the second spot in Group 1 (Nevermind the goal differential for bragging purposes) With the struggling Oglethorpia and Alasdair I Frosticus squads left to play, anyhting is possible. Should ASMV find some offensive luck they could just move on in this CoH. Hope is that the Weegies win out. That would open the door for the Sea Dragons to slip in the back door.

"We just need to take care of our business and see what happens." said keeper Shaun Conarky, when asked about the team's chances.

"We are lucky!" proclaimed Porche Alexander. "We haven't done a da.....blasted thing as far as scoring goes for two games. Yet when you look at the standings, we are still in the mix."

In other news of interest, 5 squads remain perfect thus far - The Weegies, Hypocria, Commerce Heights, Pastorville, and Praying 2 God. Hypocria looks like the team to beat thus far after a 5-0 rout of Euroslavia.

This has been Kellan Kildan of the ASMV News Network.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Elrichlogopaint.jpg

Elrich Pray2God we can do better

The Kingdom of Elrich opened their Cup of Harmony Campaign in dissapointing fashion with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Pastorville. Elrich, favourites with the bookies to win this game, did open the scoring on 24 minutes through the prolific Jamie Mudge but goals from Reverend King in the 39th and a late winner from Reverend Harris meant that Mike Bassett's men have it all to do in Group 3.

Elrich started strongly and Elrich came close with a 25 yard free-kick after Zebedee was fouled at the edge of the box. After 24 minutes it was 1-0, Jamie Mudge stooping low to nod Zebedees impressive left-wing cross into the net. Pastorville responded well and Burns was on hand to impressively stop Reverend Harris' goal-bound header. In the 39th minute it was 1-1. Poor defending from a Reverend Douglas corner allowed an unmarked Reverend King to score, meaning that the sides went in level at the half-time break.

I don't know what Mike Bassett said to them at half-time but it didn't work. Elrich in the second half were very dissapointing, and although they survived for 43 minutes, the late winner was always on the cards. Substitutes Dan Singh-Queen and Dom Ino proved ineffective and Reverend Harris' cool finish on the breakaway gave Pastorville a deserved 2-1 victory.

Elrich - Burns, Scott, J Spinks, Jones, P Spinks, Allen (Singh-Queen 65), Zebedee, Banks, Grimble (Ino 72), Elrich, Mudge


IN OTHER NEWS
In the other game in Group 3, Arridia and Cuation shared the points in a 2-2 draw. Also, after Dauna Hills withdrew from the tournament, The Lowland Clans become the 5th team in Group 3, and will be The Kingdom of Elrich's opponents in Matchday 2.

WARRIORS TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS AS HOT PLAY CONTINUES

The Praying2God Warriors certainly wasted no time in proving to The Macabees that they are a serious contender to make a lot of noise in CoH XVII, dominating The Macabees for the full 90 minutes, and walking out of the House of Prayer with a 3-0 win that leaves them on top of the Group 4 standings. The win is the Warriors' 7th in their last nine international matches, an impressive feat for a team barely ranked in the top 50 in the world. The Warriors wasted no time in proving that they had come to play, as in the 3rd minute, Kevin Faith brought the ball down the left side of the field before playing a beautiful cross to Thomas Larson at the top of the box, and he made no mistake with it, hammering it into the bottom left corner of the net for the 1-0 lead. The early goal seemed to wake up The Macabees a bit, as they played solid defense for most of the rest of the first half. However, the Warriors found themselves the beneficiary of a corner kick in the 41st minute, and Christine Holly struck one of the worst corners that she has in international play, but unfortunately for The Macabees her stray corner ended up at the feet of Kevin Faith, and he lofted the ball into the top right corner of the net for a 2-0 halftime lead. After the extreme good fortune for the Warriors, The Macabees came out disheartened for the second half, and the Warriors capitalized in the 58th minute, when Larson, seeing that he did not have a good shot, played the ball to the top of the box where Ashley Gore picked it up and placed a shot into the bottom right corner of the net for a 3-0 lead. At that point, the Warriors decided to be sympathetic and not run up the score, and did not make a push towards the goal for the remainder of the match. By taking care of business in their first two matches against the two teams in their group ranked lower than them, the Warriors have put themselves in great position to qualify for the quarterfinals.

PINCH US, WE'RE DREAMING
Saints on top of Group 3 standings after two matches

We must need to get our vision checked. There is no way that our Pastorville Saints should be leading Group 3 in CoH XVII qualifying after two matches, but yet, that's exactly where the Saints are. The victory of Elrich was not a total shock, but it certainly was a mild surprise to follow that with a convincing victory over a dangerous Ariddia team. The Saints were able to take advantage of an aggressive Ariddian team twice in a nine minute span midway through the first half for the only goals of a 2-0 win. The first goal came from Reverend Johnson off a corner taken by Reverend Allen in the 24th minute that had been set up by a Pastorville counter-attack. In the 33rd minute, Reverend Carlson converted a breakaway started by Reverend Graham for another counter-attack goal that closed the scoring. Ariddia had several decent chances to score throughout the match, but Reverend Smith was up to the challenge, and recorded the shutout. The Saints are now in excellent position to qualify for the quarterfinals, but they still have some work left to do.

Golden Wolves Unprepared Even After Bye

The Yaforite team, the Golden Wolves, must be kicking themselves so thoroughly that, thanks to each other, they must be covered with welts and bruises. They also must be swearing, ranting, and raging at what they have done. They let a golden opportunity to defeat the toughest team in the group and missed it. Now they must win all they their remaining games (or, at least, most of them) to have a shot at qualifying.

Of course, this is all pure speculation, but sometimes even speculation is not very far from the truth. It is a given that Commerce Heights are the top ranked team in the Cup of Harmony, that they are the expected qualifiers, that they are predicted to win the group, but the least that the Golden Wolves could do is score a goal!

With only two opposing goals by Major Levin, the defense of the Golden Wolves, at least, was there. However, in qualifying, the defense also was there. Unfortunately, like there, the offense of the Golden Wolves seems to have gone away. Even a bye week was not enough to bring it back. What will be enough? Will the incentive to win the Cup of Harmony be enough? No one knows for sure.

However, the Golden Wolves' next opponent are the Euroslavia Titans, the lowest-ranked team in the group. But they are no team to underestimate, despite their 5 - nil defeat against Hypocria, a team which looks like a team to beat, the Titans will not be an easy opponent, though the phrase "easy opponeny" in an oxy-moron.

-Excerpt from The Ajerite Sun.

OOC: I have been very busy today and yesterday, and have only just got online now, before going to bed. I'll try and post tomorrow and catch up; sorry. Been hectic in real life.

The Aeropag Tribune—Now offering prime real estate on the new Aeropag Offshore Platform project!

Sports: Fellow zombies Yafor 2 hold Capitalizt offense to two goals
PRAYING2GOD—Although the Ακηλαίοι (Akelaíoi) crowd pounding at the gate of Grace Field numbered only in the hundreds of thousands for the Capitalizts’ second-ever Cup of Harmony match, and almost all of the Manhattanites, 쇼카지옷 (Syokajios), Lontorikans, and fans of other ethnicities stayed at home rather than competing with the determined extraterrestrial mob, the stadium’s capacity of 70 000 once again fell short of the demand for tickets. There are reports that several people were injured attempting to enter the stadium, but there has been no confirmation of this from Praying2God officials.
From the start of the match, the “zombie nation” (something to do with a strange “OOC” concept known as “post count”) Yafor 2 (0–0–1) seemed to prefer attacking in the middle, and they displayed a formidable ability at it. It didn’t help them, though—it was the defense that prevented a shot by the Capitalizt front four until the 38th minute, but when it came, Major Levin took full advantage of the opportunity, putting the Capitalizts (2–0–0) up 1–0. The Golden Wolves continued to display a Karelan-like ability to stop the Capitalizt assault, but were able to take advantage of the Capitalizts’ defensive shortcomings at the start of the second half, though the shot by Francisco Malar sailed over the bar. Levin was able to extend the Capitalizts’ lead in the 60th minute, with a shot that opposing goalie Deron Smithes tried to save with a finger, but he was unable to stop it. After this, Capitalizts pulled back in order to concentrate on their defensive efforts. Because of this unfortunate decision by coach Paul Iñaki, the final 30 minutes of the game were a boring Karelan showdown, and no further shots were attempted. The two goals by Major Levin extended the Capitalizts’ perfect CoH17 record to 2–0–0, and the all-time Commerce Heights CoH record to 7–2–0.
Commerce Heights 2 (Levin 38, 60)
Yafor 2 0—FT

FAN INJURY RUMORS SAID TO BE MYTHOLOGICAL

In response to the rumors that there were fans injured in the rush of fans entering the stadium for the Commerce Heights-Yafor 2 match, the Praying2God Soccer Association released a statement stating that no fans have been injured at matches yet, or at least none have been reported to the P2GSA. They acknowledged that there may have been the occassional scrape or cut that a fallen fan has suffered, but those would not be reported to the P2GSA. The P2GSA also stated that every match in the first two Matchdays have been sold old, and that the stadiums have been filled to capacity, and fans have even had to been turned away. The P2GSA suggested that they might look into expanding a number of the stadiums if they were to decide to make a bid to host another tournament. "The tournament has gone very well so far," said one P2GSA official, "the people of Praying2God have been very hospitable, and it doesn't hurt that the home team is off to a good start too."



OOC: Matchday 3 will be delayed a bit, as I have not received the Praying2God or Pastorville scores from the nation that is taking on those responsibilities. I will announce whom that is when I post the Matchday 3 scores.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated

"So... Fr. John... let's look at those no doubt extensive and exciting highlights!"

"There aren't any, Fr. Nicholas."

"What? No highlights? Did we lose the film?"

"No, it's just that there weren't any. What our valient opponents Andossa se Thingamijiggle refer to as 'defensive art', we refer to as a nil-all snoozefest"

"But surely there were shots on goal? The cut an thrust of two teams competing at the very highest level? Skill, refinement, and the art of the beautiful game?"

"No"

"No?"

"'Fraid not, Fr. Nicholas. As I understand it, 'neither team even managed a decent shot on goal'"

"Oh dear."

"Yes, either Coach Kyrill, Metropolitan of Solovetsky's new tactic is to bore the opposition into submission, or the Lord is punishing us for our hubris for predicting we'd win the group. The only bright spot is that despite the bye, despite failing to win, we're still in third on goal difference"

"So anything's still possible..."

"Through the Lord, Fr Nicholas, all things are possible..."

OOC: a quick acknowledging thank you to our hosts for taking the scorinating issue so seriously. As noted previously, it's not so much a matter of trust - I'm sure we all trust you! - but rather a matter of making sure that there's not even a whiff of suspicion over the results; something arguably even more important when the tournament has a single host controlling two nations.

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

IMPERIALS IN NARROW LOSS TO THE WEEGIES
Scots scotch upset

By Constantine Ducaso

The Imperials team of Tzimisces Simulacra narrowly failed to get a result against early group 1 leaders the Weegies overnight despite taking an early lead against the much higher-ranked team.

Again the opposition seemed confused to be playing against a team with only one 'real' player on the pitch, and allowed the Tzimisces simulacra to run rings around them, leading to a 25th minute lead through Tzimisces Simulacrum 10.

But in the classic game of two halves, the Weegies came out energised for the second half, regained their confidence, and outplayed our brave dreamed players to eventually run out 2-1 winners. The dreaming monks are nonetheless said to be pleased at their team's early performance, and hope to soon iron out the hiccough that led to the second Weegies goal when Fr. John the Sleepy briefly woke up, causing Tzimisces Simulacrum 2 to temporarily vanish from the field of play when attempting a last-ditch saving tackle.

8 o’clock news

Ahmed Jones: “…And now on to sport, with the Cup of Harmony still underway. And we have one of the players of the Ariddian national team, John Sanjeeb, live with us from Praying2God. Mr. Sanjeeb, good evening. How’s it going so far?”

John Sanjeeb: “Good evening. Well, you’ve probably seen the results. Let’s just say they’re within expectations so far, and anything can still happen.”

Jones: “You’ve kept exactly the same squad, and the same tactics, as in the World Cup. Was that a good idea?”

Sanjeeb: “I think so. We’ve got to work on the basis of a strategy, until and unless it’s proven not to work. As was the case in the first matches of the Cup. We can’t just keep switching all the time. There’s no miracle solution. We just have to be patient and work hard.”

Jones: “You started with a draw, 2-2 against Cuation. Was that encouraging?”

Sanjeeb: “Quite encouraging, yes. They’re, what, about fifty ranks ahead of us. It was a good result, and gave us a bit of confidence we needed. It put us, amazingly, in joint second position after Matchday 1. It’s always encouraging to see something like that on the official scoreboard.”

Jones: “With a goal by Michael Swimmer and one by E Lel. Of course, statistically, the odds were against you. . .”

Sanjeeb: *laughs* “They still are. Statistically, we’re the lowest ranked team in the entire competition. Interestingly enough, Cuation was betting on an easy win against us, so we started the competition with something of an upset. We lost on day two to Pastorville, though. And it’s never nice to walk away from a match without scoring a single goal. But a lot can still happen.”

Jones: “And what’s the atmosphere like in Praying2God?”

Sanjeeb: “Very. . . different. It’s a whole new mentality over here, when we walk through the streets. It’s always interesting to visit a new country, and we keep finding that people here really don’t think in the same ways as we do. We spend a lot of time training, but we do visit a bit, too. But when it comes to football, we have common ground. The fans here really liven up the stadium every time. It’s strange not having any home matches – real ones at home, I mean. It means we’ve never got a home crowd, and both times so far there have been more supporters of the opposing side than Ariddians.”

Jones: “I’m sure the Ariddian fans present are very supportive, though?”

Sanjeeb: “Oh, definitely.” *smiles* “We couldn’t do without them. Keep it up!”

Jones: “Well, on matchday three you won’t be playing. . .”

Sanjeeb: “No, and the game after that we’ll be facing Elrich. We’ve been watching how they play, and they’re a tough opponent, but we’ll be ready for them. Plus, we’ll be slightly more rested than they are, which should give us a slight edge. Apparently their colours are red and black too, though, which could be confusing. . .”

Jones: “Well, best of luck to you! And you’ve got something they haven’t. . . The ulek!”

Sanjeeb: *grins* “True. That should give us an edge as well.”

Jones: “Thank you for talking to us. Have a good evening.”

Sanjeeb: “Same to you. And don’t forget to watch the match!”

Jones: “That was John Sanjeeb, speaking to us from Praying2God. And now a reminder of today’s headlines. . .”

OOC: No, I'm not here with the results. I still have not received the The Lowland Clans/Pastorville or Chicanada/Praying2God scores. However, the rest of Matchday 3 has been scorinated. So, as soon as I get the results to the aforementioned matches, I'll be able to post the Matchday 3 scores. This means that any RPs from this point will count towards your Matchday 4 RP bonus.

The Aeropag Tribune—CLICK HERE!

Sports: Cup of Harmony delayed for unknown reason
PRAYING2GOD—The over-hyped Cup of Harmony match between the Commerce Heights Capitalizts and Milchama Warriors was inexplicably delayed in an announcement by the P2GSA yesterday. The announcement was made at the same time that the P2GSA reported that there were no injuries to fans attempting to enter Grace Field for the match between the Capitalizts and Yafor 2, suggesting a connection between that incident and the delay. “I’d like it if [the P2GSA] were to revise their ticket sale procedures,” said Hubert Burrows, one of the fans who was unable to enter the stadium. “It’d also help if they raised the price of tickets, so not everyone rushes out to get them.” A group of OOC experts at Kitsilano University suggested that the delay of these matches was entirely unrelated to the incident at Grace Field, but that it was instead related to a problem with “scorination,” which they believe is normally done by the host nation. “Just think about how much control the host nation would have over the outcome of the tournament!” said Marvin Le, one of the researchers. “If those OOCers think anything like us, they’d have some controls in place to take that power away from the host nation in matches involving its team, or even the team of one of its puppet states.” Though the so-called Theory of Scorination has gained widespread approval among researchers in several nations, the scientists of more conservative nations, like The Archregimancy, have been quick to dismiss it as “no more credible than rumors that Aquilla won over Busby 3–1.”

NO News To Report!

This is Salma Alejandro of the ASMV News Network,

For those of you expecting to tune in to the latest Sea Dragon news, there has been a slight problem. ASMV today faced the struggling team from Oglethorpia. However, for some unknown reason, a media blackout has been set in place.

Rumors abound that the reason behind this attrocity have to do with issues surrounding allegations of fan injuries while attemping to see the match between Commerce Heights and Yafor 2. These rumors have not been verified at present.

Although we do not know the official score of the match with the Ostriches, we can safely guess that the Sea Dragons lost yet another heart-breaker, 2-1. We will verify this as soon as the blackout has been lifted.

Next up for the ASMV squad - Alasdair I Frosticus. General opinion has it that this is the one match that clearly favors the Sea Dragons. This is no given result. ASMV has dropped matches to teams they far outclassed before. Anyone remember the WC25 qualifiers?

We will bring you Kellan Kildan's report as soon as it is available.

Salma Alejandro, ASMV News Network

The Weegie Star
Weegies Hope For Harmony
Pray To God We Actually Win Something

by Aidan McColl

Group 1:
The Archregimancy (44)
Alasdair I Frosticus (82)
Oglethorpia (36)
The Weegies (47)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (63)

The draw in the 17th Cup of harmony is, to be sure, a mixed one, with some very, very good teams located in the same group. Some fans are sure to cry "bias"; however, it looks as if this is just the luck of the draw, and we'll do well to come away with pride after this one.

What of our chances? Well, again, the Weegie Qualifying campaign for World Cup XXV tailed off and led to us as usual being the bridesmaid rather than the bride. It's hard to say what exactly the reasons were for the qualifying failure, with some commentators focusing on the relatively young nature of the players, and others noting the defensive frailties of our full backs, others focusing on the unremarkable tactics of our manager. Others simply take the not unreasonable position that we simply aren't good enough to make our mark felt in the World Cup, having qualified in a long footballing history only twice, a most unenviable position. The die-hard fans of the Islanders (which, in the Weegies is almost anyone who has heard of the sport "football" - Weegies take their football seriously). It may be that all we are good enough for is the Cup of Harmony, known semi-seriously in the Weegies as the "Wee Diddy Cup.", comparing its' stature with the mighty reputation of the World Cup.

That, of course, is a little unfair, because there are a large number of excellent teams who for one reason or another do not manage to get into the World Cup, and find themselves in the Cup of Harmony. It is completely stupid to underestimate the teams in the Cup of Harmony as it is to underestimate qualifying groups, as you will find there are a few nasty little surprises in each. We'll note that we haven't even won the Cup of Harmony either, the closest we came being a final against the now unfortunately departed Warnock's Wizards, who were also the hosts, in the original Cup of Harmony.

As for the teams in our group, we look at an interesting array of footballing talent.

The Archregimancy are an interesting side, being as they are entirely composed of Orthodox monks who on their own home turf "dream" things in and out of existence, including their stadium. Of course, here they'll be in the (equally religious) Praying2God, so that won't apply, but I will assume that some Islanders' Army types will blame any mishaps upon that power. Before the draw mishap, we scoped them out and for their footballing skills, we can definitely say that the monks are quite impressive on the field, only failing to qualify by six points, the same, and with a slightly better defensive record than our own (although their attack is also slightly less potent). We should also note that vomiting on the Holy Icon of the Mother of God may cause an international incident and is not to be attempted.

Alasdair I Frosticus are, of course, well suited to the Cup of Harmony, having given their name to the precursor, the "Frosty Cup". Having left the world of football some time ago, only to make a recent comeback, they are, of course, a little rusty compared to what they had been. However, this does not mean they should be underestimated, as we have seen too many times against opposition. We should also probably note that they do not technically exist, since they are dreamed up by members of the above nation, the Archregimancy. No, we have not been taking a little too much saigh. They performed reasonably well in World Cup Qualifying.

Oglethorpia have a longer footballing history than our own, and a more successful one, and it is a surprise to see them not in the World Cup at this stage. A possible hint of decline, or a temporary blip in what has always been an extremely solid side? We'd probably go for the latter, and it's probably the case that this game will be crucial in the Weegies fortunes in the CoH. A draw will be a fantastic result, a win an awesome dream.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, if we remember correctly, were one of the teams involved in the "national trading" fiasco with Cuation that enraged our fans somewhat. Of course, this might lead Weegies to become immediately prejudiced against them, but they're a decent side, and like so many in the CoH, shouldn't be underestimated. And remember, the sheer hostility that our fans felt to Cuation actually put our team off, and lead to very uneven performances against the lesser-ranked team, so we should watch out for the same sort of behaviour here, which is really uncalled for.

OOC: The Weegies, whilst having certain aspects of their culture closely modelled on Scotland (or more closely, Glasgow), are not Scottish themselves. They are, in fact, a tropical island nation, with all the jungles, excellent weather and terrible insect-borne diseases that that entails and thus are bewildered at references to themselves as "Scots". Just a small note to further international co-operation. ;)

OOC: No, I'm not here with the results. I still have not received the The Lowland Clans/Pastorville or Chicanada/Praying2God scores.

ooc: No rush, please, for I fear another 5-0 thrashing is imminent.

Gosh darn rankings just keep falling for my poor ol' Kodiaks

*proper RP soon...ish*

Cup of Harmony 17


Titans Toppled


Hypocria 5 - 0 Euroslavia
West
Poskas (2)
Deucher
Bercali


Dave Wilson has certainly won over the fans since his appointment as national coach and he has also racked up some serious air miles in the process. The Hyppos’ head coach took advantage of the break between the AOCAF group stage and second round to catch a plane from Bettia to Praying2God to take control of Hypocria’s second Cup of Harmony game against Euroslavia. Given the tensions between Euroslavia and Wilson’s homeland the Sarzonian wanted to ensure that his players made a real statement against the Titans. And they certainly did that.

Despite a relatively close first half the Titans collapsed in the second as Hypocria’s finest won a match by five goals for the third time in their history. When the half time whistle blew only a Danny West strike separated the sides but whatever Dave Wilson said to his players at the interval should be preserved for posterity as it definitely made an impact.

A huge slice of luck helped Hypocria double the lead as left back Ricky Poskas joined the attack and hit a left footed drive that took a wicked deflection of a covering defender which wrong footed the keeper. All the Hyppos attacks seemed to come down the left flank and when Bercali’s left wing cross was headed in by Deucher the points looked safe but there was still more to come. Poskas had waited 61 games for his first goal, he had to wait 20 minutes for his second. Bercali’s run was ended by an uncompromising challenge from a defender which forced the winger off the field to receive treatment. With Bercali temporarily off the pitch Poskas took the freekick and drilled the ball through the wall and into the top corner. Bercali himself wrapped up a fine performance with the fifth and final goal which took the Hyppos to the top of Group 2.

Hypocria lead the way in Group 2, ahead of tournament favourites Commerce Heights on goal difference after the Capitalizts won 2 - 0 against Yafor 2. The results mean that Hypocria and Commerce Heights are the only teams in the group to actually have points to their name with Milchama, who didn’t play, Euroslavia, Yafor 2 and all yet to register.

Group 2 P W D L F A GD Pts
Hypocria 2 2 0 0 7 1 +6 6
Commerce Heights 2 2 0 0 6 3 +3 6
Milchama 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
Yafor 2 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Euroslavia 2 0 0 2 3 9 -6 0

Hypocria’s players are enjoying an extended rest thanks to the delay of matchday 3, for which they have a bye. However, the same cannot be said of their coach as Wilson is back in Bettia where he oversaw the AOCAF second round win over Crystilakere and is now preparing the AOCAF squad for their huge quarter final against reigning regional champions Starblaydia. Then it’ll be back to Praying2God to prepare the CoH team for an equally big fixture against Commerce Heights.

And remember, the sheer hostility that our fans felt to Cuation actually put our team off, and lead to very uneven performances against the lesser-ranked team, so we should watch out for the same sort of behaviour here, which is really uncalled for.

The manager Jude Takerath commented about this to the press with a smile on this face: "We would dearly like to thank the fans of the Weegie team for handing us four points, including a delightful 3-0 win in your own country. It is clear now that you really love our team and hope you will show the same reciption to the Sea Dragons."

Ariddia 2, Cuation 2

A confident Cution entered this match expecting a win against the, ranking wise, worse team in the cup. They should have taken in mind thier inability to get results in matches like this but the team nearlly swaggered out of the tunnel, luaghing at the Ulek they would return 45 mins later in shock.

Cuation started off playing a passing game, a rare move from a long ball team, but the early barage soon turned sloppy as the players tried to show off. As attacks broke down, the momentum switched towards the attacking Arridia and it was no suprise when Cuation fell behind

Arrida's midfield did well to support the attack in this game and after a fine passing move, Michael Swimmer found himself in space inside the area, his shot flying past the keeper and into the net.

Things got worse when a cross from Ismail Faraj found the back line asleep, E Lel heading powerfully at goal only for Gary Jens to parry. Howver the rebound fell kindly for the striker and he made it 2-0

At half time, changes where made, the team would play 4-4-2 with Rual Mendiz, Stanly Edwards and Rio Samba replacing Peter Tanner, Giovanni and Abel Robinson

Down by two goals, the team had to improve but Arrida showed they could do more then attack in the second half. A constant threat to Cuation's back line, Jude ordered his wingers to try and utlise the space left to them. Combined with the long ball tactic, his team clawed its way back into the match

First, Rual forced a corner when E Te managed to knock the ball away from the pack striker. Timothy Asthon drove it in hard and Rio Samba met it with his shoulder, the ball somehow bouncing its way into the net.A fortunate goal and the players wasted no time celebrating.

As time wound down, the team got increasingly desperate for a face saving equaliser but found Sandrine Leduc in good form. It took a mishit cross from Stanley Edwards, the expirened wingers cross evading everyone before ending up in the net.

Ther was one last chance for Cuation when Rual Mendiz broke clear from a route one play but hit shot was too close to the keeper. The Cuation fans booed the team off for playing so badly and this is not a good sign, if they can not win here, how can the team come out of the group?

The Sea Dragons have gone two games without a win or a goal but theteam will no doubt improve, the Weegies showing that they can win have managed two wins out of two and the Macabee's have lost thier only game. Group 3 see the holy men take max points with Erich second with three and Cuation a mountain to climb.

OOC: Sorry for the delay. For the record, Krytenia has graciously agreed to scorinate any remaining matches (including Matchday 3) involving either Praying2God or Pastorville. I am quite thankful for that.

At long last...

IC:


Matchday 3 Scores

Group 1:
The Archregimancy 2, The Weegies 0
Oglethorpia 2, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 2
BYE: Alasdair I Frosticus

Group 2:
Yafor 2 2, Euroslavia 1
Milchama 3, Commerce Heights 2
BYE: Hypocria

Group 3:
The Lowland Clans 1, Pastorville 0*
Cuation 1, Elrich 0
BYE: Ariddia

Group 4:
The Macabees 0, Giant Zucchini 3
Chicanada 0, Praying2God 2*
BYE: Nedalia

*-scorinated by Krytenia

Matchday 3 Standings:

P W D L F A GD Pts
1
The Weegies 3 2 0 1 4 3 +1 6
The Archregimancy 2 1 1 0 2 0 +2 4
Oglethorpia 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 3 0 2 1 2 4 -2 2
Alasdair I Frosticus 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
2
Hypocria 2 2 0 0 7 1 +6 6
Commerce Heights 3 2 0 1 7 5 +2 6
Milchama 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
Yafor 2 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
Euroslavia 3 0 0 3 4 11 -7 0 E
3
Pastorville 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2 6
Cuation 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4
Elrich 3 1 0 2 3 3 0 3
The Lowland Clans 2 1 0 1 1 2 -1 3
Ariddia 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
4
Praying2God 3 3 0 0 7 0 +7 9 Q
Nedalia 2 1 1 0 5 0 +5 4
Giant Zucchini 3 1 1 1 3 2 +1 4
The Macabees 2 0 0 2 0 6 -6 0
Chicanada 2 0 0 2 0 7 -7 0


Condolences to Euroslavia, the first team eliminated from CoH XVII.
Congratulations to Praying2God for becoming the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals.

The Nedalia Lions

Battle of the Group 4 Titans?

With a bye on Matchday Three, the Nedalia Lions had a chance to rest and catch some other teams in action, doing some scouting of their own. It wasnt suprising, either, that most of the team, including manager Randy Gamman, tuned in to see Praying2God defeat Chicanada 2-0. That was the same team that the Lions defeated 5-0 on Matchday One. Praying2God happens to be the next team the Lions face.

Already through thanks to 3 successive wins, the hosts can rest assured that no matter what happens from here on in, they have booked themselves a place into the knockout stages. The Lions, however, thanks to their bye on Matchday Three and a draw against Giant Zucchini on Matchday Two, still have a long way to go before they accomplish that feat. Encouragingly, they have not conceded a goal in the two games they played, something that always seems to go hand in hand with a victorious Lions side. The offense is usually always ready to go, but its usually a stellar defence that leads to any Nedalian wins.

The tie against Giant Zucchini leaves the Lions with 4 points from 2 games, but they still maintain their position as 2nd in the group despite their bye. It isnt a wide margin, however, as the team they drew against also has 4 points, albeit having played one more game. If the Lions can keep their defensive stance up, there should be no reason why the 2nd highest ranked team in the tournament, and Cup of Harmony 15 champions, can't make it into the knockout phase. But first, its going to be one hell of a match against Praying2God....

WARRIORS GAIN FOOTHOLD IN QUARTERFINALS
Is capturing the group championship next?

The Praying2God Warriors are certainly enjoying playing at home in CoH XVII, as they are the only team to have earned their place in the quarterfinals so far. With only one match left for the Warriors in the group play stage (thanks to their Matchday 5 bye) the Warriors have a chance to go undefeated in group play. A victory over second place Nedalia would not only clinch the Group 4 title (a draw would also do the trick), but match the Warriors longest winning streak ever of five matches. The previous time was during the last three matches of the JJJ and the first two matches of WC XXV qualifying. Sarah Walker has looked phenomenal in net, having not conceded a goal yet in CoH XVII, and the offense has been giving her plenty of support. The Warriors most recent conquest was a 2-0 triumph over Chicanada in which the Warriors dominated the struggling Chicanadian squad that did not appear to have recovered well from their 0-5 thrashing against Nedalia in the opener, despite having a bye in between. The Warriors first goal was provided by the Faiths, with Christa getting the goal, and her husband Kevin getting the assist in the 52nd minute. Then, the merciful knockout punch was tossed by Kelly Carter in the 81st minute, when Thomas Larson let her have the shot in a two-on-one situation. The Warriors may be proving to be poor hosts on the field, but reports from across Praying2God indicate that the vast majority of people that have come to attend CoH XVII have been very happy with their experience.


LARSON-WALKER RUMORS INTESIFY

The rumors that there may be a serious romantic relationship between Warriors stars Thomas Larson and Sarah Walker continue to intesify, especially after their big bear hug at midfield after the Warriors 2-0 victory over Chicanada that secured them a spot in the CoH XVII quarterfinals. The Praying2God tabloids have kept a close watch on them for quite some time, and their hug is just the latest public indication that there is more than a friendship between the two of them. However, they are never seen together in public besides at national team functions. There have been several reports of them being spotted together, but they have always proven to be false alarms. Could the Praying2God national soccer team be the best place to find a perfect spouse? There have already been three marriages between members of the Praying2God national team. Could a fourth be on the verge of being announced?

SABBATH COMES AT PERFECT TIME FOR SAINTS

The Matchday 4 bye for the Pastorville Saints couldn't possibly have been better timed, as the Saints get some time to figure out what went wrong in their 0-1 loss to The Lowland Clans. With a chance to clinch qualification, the Saints counter-attack suddenly went MIA against TLC. The Saints knew that it was going to be tough to win, after losing 1-2 and drawing 0-0 with TLC during WC XXV qualifying, but the challenge proved to be too great yesterday as the Saints suffered their first loss of CoH XVII. With a match against BoF champion Cuation left on Matchday 5, the task looks simple enough at the moment: win, and the Saints qualify for the quarterfinals. Otherwise, they might need to get some help to extend their stay in their ally's nation. In an interesting sidenote, it is not out of the question that the allies may meet in the quarterfinals. With Praying2God essentially having Group 4 wrapped up and with the Saints unlikely to hold on to win Group 3, it is quite possible that Praying2God and the Saints meet in the quarterfinals. If both allies finish in the same position in their groups (first or second), then they could not meet until either the 3rd place match or for the CoH XVII Championship.

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Sports Section

A loss to Hypocria outweighed by a win against Commerce Heights

The Milchama Warriors have had mixed results so far in the Cup of Harmony. In their first match they lost to Hypocria on an Ashley Deucher double. His 74th minute goal was a killer for the Warriors as they lost all their previoius momentum. Then Coach Jonathan Fairbanks took full advantage of his prep time against Commerce Heights and made a perfect strategy that allowed the Warriors to play to their strenghts and to the Capatalizts weaknesses. It worked in the tune of a 3-2 victory for the Warriors.

Hypocria match report:
The Warriors started very poorly as winger Robert Bercali went crazy on the left side of the goal and started harrasing Mills Thompson very effectively. Thompson, known for being good in the air but being pretty supseptible on the ground. Bercali just dribbled past Thompson again and again. In the 8th minute he had a good chance but Koolerc- clearly looking to outdue Clay Finton- made a nice punch away. Unfortunately for Koolerc he would be called upon to make a save from striker Danny West and then only 4 minutes later Bercali would try to shoot himself but was rebuffed by Koolerc. Then in the 24th minute Koolerc finally just could not make the save as Bercali dribbled thru Thompson and put a nice cross right to the foot of Ashley Deucher who shot it in and scored to make it 1-0 Hyppos. That would be the score at halftime. The second half saw Silas Milckey switch with Thompson to better results as the Warriors started to make some headway with their attacks. Fairbanks drills in the proper use of the 3-3-4 worked well as Floren and Bantin were able to hang out right around midfield and start counter attacks quickly. One counter would lead to a goal in the 68th minute as Flinters cleared the ball out for Copperlee who passed the ball up to Matt Bantin who made a quick pass past the defenders for Floren who outran the defenders and scored on a beautiful 15 yard shot over the charging Alex Derevko. Unfortunately for the Warriors they would only be tied for 6 minutes as Milckey gave Bercali an inch on defense and the Hypocrian used that inch as a mile going past Milckey before crossing the ball into the box where a jumping Deucher got his second goal and clinched the win for the Hyppos.
Final Score:
Hypocria 2 (Deucher 24, 74)
Milchama 1 (Floren 68)

Commerce Heights:
With the bye Coach Fairbanks wanted to make sure to put his idle time to good use as he used their bye and the delay before the third to construct the perfect startegy to beat Commerce Heights. The strategy worked, to perfection as it was executed perfectly by the Warriors who took a shock win 3-2. The game started poorly for the Warriors as Major Levin and Gaston Guillen were making some good plays and took advantage of the lack of defense of Flinters and Kilinin. This led to the first goal of the game which on a free kick by Archie Starkey after Levin was brought down just outside of the penalty box. After this goal the Warriors got some inspirational words from captain Dunston Copperlee and went back to their original strategy with success as they let the Capatalizts attack suck them in and then counter attack. This allowed them to get their first goal as Major Levin tried to get one to many passes thru. This last pass was intercepted by Elana Kilinin and she brought the ball up the field before passing to J.J. Faren who made a cross field pass to Matt Bantin. Bantin then showed some normally unused skill beating his defender and putting a nice shot past the flailing Teel into the net to make it 1-1. That was not the end for the Warriors who turned another counter attack to gold as a quick steal by Kendric Pevington led to a pass to Kilinin who used her speed to bring the ball up. Then when she finally got challenged she switched field to Flinters who beat his man and passed the ball back to J.J. Faren and he shot a swerving almost free kick like shot that was saved brilliantly by Davis Teel. Unfortunately for Teel and the Capatalizts he kept it in play and Marc J. Floren was the first one to pick up the rebound and he shot the ball right into the open net to give the Warriors a 2-1 lead at halftime. The second half was very boring and saw only two important events which will be described by an announcer:

57th-59th minute: This counter attack strategy has worked beautifully for the Warriors you know they might want to get a Rejistanian name for this and make it their official using the 3-3-4. Anyway now the Capatalizts on the attack again Major Levin looking for help by Rintell comes in and Levin tries to evade and passes it to no one out of bounds. Now the Warriors seem to intent to attack fast as the throw in comes in fast by Thompson onto Flinters who streaks down the field now stops and passes it back to Rintell who has time... and sees Floren on a run he passes it forward but Teel is there MISHANDLES THE BALL OH NO HORROR FOR THE CAPATALIZTS!!!!!!!!!! Now Floren in the lead in a huge race for the ball but Son Su-hwan gets back in time and forces a corner. Faren to take the corner and he swings it in perfectly to A RISING JOHNNY RINTELL WHO SCORES! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the Warriors have taken a 3-1 on a Johnny Rintell header.

83rd minute: The game looks rapped up but maybe the Capatalizts can get one more attack going. Major Levin looking forward but sees Koolerc's position and shoots from 38 yards out. The ball is going going ITS OVER KOOLERC'S HEAD GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!!!!!!! Major Levin has brought Commece Heights back to within with a great goal from 38 yards out lets see if they can get the equalizer.
Final Score:
Milchama 3 (Bantin 20, Floren 44, Rintell 59)
Commerce Heights 2 (Starkey 10, Levin 83)

OOC: After stating that Praying2God and Pastorville could potentially meet in the quarterfinals, I figured that I should add the elimination rounds schedule to the initial post for everyone else to have a chance at that knowledge as well.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated

"So... Fr. John.... The Weegies"

"Yes, Fr. Nicholas... it would seem that we owe them an apology."

"Why's that?"

"Well, we thought they were Caledonians, from the far northern lands near Ultima Thule, as described by the historian Zosimus in the days of Byzantium"

"And they're not?"

"Not at all, Fr. Nicholas. In fact they seem to come from some sort of tropical island"

"But the important thing we need to know, Fr. John is..."

"Were they any good last night?"

"No, Fr. John. The important thing we need to know is whether or not they're HERETICS! BLASPHEMERS! Or even worse...."

"Presbyterians?"

"YES!!!!"

"Don't know the answer to that, but I can show you some highlights from last night's surprisingly one-sided match...

We controlled the game from the opening kick-off. The only surprise was that it took 25 minutes before Fr. Constantine the Learned scored the opening goal - and his first ever international goal - from this sublime free-kick. Truly we must give thanks to the Lord for such a delicately placed and exquisite ball into the top right-hand corner.

Fr. Justinian the Thrice-Blessed had little to do in goal the first half, and as you can see here, often occupied himself mixing a new gilt-leaf for his favoured half-time task of icon-painting. I believe that he's been working on a new icon of St. Justinian of Ramsay Island as a Cymru-oriented gift to new team captain Fr. David the Water-Drinker.

The Weegies did manage to exert a little pressure in the opening minutes of the second-half, but a rapid counter-attack down the left led to Fr. Andrew the Twice-Found finding the head of Fr. Silouan, who was never going to miss from that range. 2-0, and after that we always had things under control"

"So a surprisingly easy victory, Fr. John..."

"Absolutely, and with the defence not conceding a goal for 180 minutes now, things are looking good - but let us not be hasty and commit the sin of false pride. Oglethorpia are up next, and while the Ostriches are looking ropy, they're still a quality side"

Ariddia in difficulty

Matchday 3 is a miss-out for the Rouge-et-Noirs, who will be disputing their next game on day four against the red, white and black team from Elrich – who will actually be playing away, in yellow. But with everyone else having played today, the Ariddians are now bottom of group 3, and on the verge of being eliminated.

“Every team skips a day,” coach Adam Seul reminded supporters reasonably. “It’ll even out by the end.”

Still, the Rouge-et-Noirs badly need a win against the Elrich Badgers, who are ranked 56th, making them statistically the second strongest team in the group.

“We’ve shown we can cause upsets, and hold our own against higher ranked squads,” Seul stated. “We’ll be doing that again on day 4.”

Meanwhile, many have asked the team how they feel about a country’s ruling monarch playing in the opposing side.

“I’ve never tackled a king before,” Yves al Jahdali said humorously. “I’ll let you know if it’s any different from tackling anything else.” More seriously, he added, “It’ll be a little weird, I suppose, but we’ll get used to it. We in Ariddia aren’t really impressed by monarchy. It does seem he’s rather elderly, though, so we may have to go gentle on him.”

ELRICH NEWS ROUNDUP

With only one game to go against the Group outsiders Ariddia, It is looking increasingly unlikely that Mike Bassett's side will find themselves in the 1/4 finals.

ELRICH 2 - LOWLAND CLANS 0

On matchday 2 Elrich moved into a healthy position in the Group 3 table, with a win ironically against a higher ranked side. After the Kingdom had struggled against so-called lesser teams it seemed that the "nothing-to-lose" attitude of the underdog came as a welcome relief, and the Badgers put in an impressive display. A glancing header from Elrich gave Mike Bassett's men the lead against the Lowland Clans side, who had replaced Dauna Hills in the competition. Jamie Mudge doubled the lead on 35 minutes, following up Robin Bank's right-foot drive to tap home. Defensively, the Kingdom looked impressive with Dom Ino impressing in a unfamiliar role at left-back. Mike Bassett instructed his men to shut up shop in the second half and they did just that. It wasn't pretty at times, but Gordon Burns in the Elrichian goal had a thankfully quiet task and Elrich held on for victory.


Final Score - Elrich 2 - The Lowland Clans 0

Elrich - Burns, Scott, Ino, J Spinks, P Spinks, Singh-Queen, Banks, Hodgins, Zebedee, Elrich (Grimble 85), Mudge

GOALS - Elrich 8, Mudge 35


ELRICH 0 - CUATION 1

Midfield Robin Banks was sent off as Elrich slipped to a dissapointing defeat against Jude Takerath's Cuation in Matchday 3, in a game they really needed a result from to have any realistic chance of 1/4 final qualification.

Cuation's defensive approach and long-balls to lone striker Peter "Beanpole" Tanner completely contradicted the Kingdom of Elrich's free-flowing, attacking style but it was Cuation who came out on top. Mike Bassett had tried to counteract the Cuation long ball by starting tall veteran defender Frank N'Stein to battle with Tanner but N'Stein looked well passed his best and was not comfortable with Tanner's presence all day. Dan-Singh Queen had been the man to miss out with John Spinks pushing into midfield.

If Elrich were to revert to play the way Cuation wanted to, then they would lose - unfortunately they did. Cuation's large and strong side outmuscled the Badgers in every department and deserved their win. The Green and Yellow side, although possibly not the most pretty were certainly effective and it was no surprise that the only goal of the game on 76 minutes was a scrappy one. A long throw was flicked on by Tanner and in the resulting scramble the ball somehow ended up in the net. Under pressure stiker come winger Heskey Anderton ran away claiming it although on closer inspection it could have gone down as a Dom Ino own-goal. One for the dubious goals panel.

If things couldn't get any worse for Elrich they soon did. The Badger's ex-con Robin Banks became involved in a scuffle with Cuation's midfield counterpart Roy Ferguson. Ferguson took exception to a nastily late tackle and in the resulting encounter Banks clearly through a punch. Banks had to go, but needed Badger's coach Pete Zaria and captain Elrich to drag him away from further trouble. It looks like a 3-match international ban for Banks. The incident basically finished off the game. Elrich had found it impossible to break down Cuation's impressive defense and offside trap with 11, and it wasn't going to get any easier with 10.

Final Score - Cuation 1 - Elrich 0

Elrich - Banks, Scott, Ino, P Spinks, N'Stein, J Spinks (Allen 84), Hodgins (Singh-Queen 76), Banks (sent off 81), Zebedee, Elrich, Mudge

Sent off - Banks 81

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b274/John_Spinks/Elrichlogopaint.jpg

The Big Match Preview

Ariddia vs Elrich

What could well prove to be Elrich's final game in Cup of Harmony XVII matches Mike Bassett's side against the group outsiders Arridia in Matchday 4. A dissapointing set of results means that Elrich currently lie in 3rd place in Group 3, and a win is a necessity if Elrich are to have any chance of qualification.

Adam Seul's Ariddian side have not faired much better. An creditable 2-2 opening draw with Cuation was followed up by a 2-0 defeat at the hands of group leaders Pastorville. However, Ariddia sat out Matchday 3 and will be fresh against the Badgers at the House of Healing. After dissapointing World Cup 25 qualifying form, the Ariddians switched to an attacking 3-4-3 formation and are expected to line up in that fashion against the Badgers. The Ariddians perform the "ulek", a sort of tribal dance before each game, which will be a first for the Elrichian people.

Mike Bassett will have to make changes to his side after the dissapointing loss to Cuation. Robin Banks will serve the first game of his three match suspension after being dismissed in that game for throwing a punch at Cuation midfielder Roy Ferguson. Dan Singh-Queen is expected to replace him, with versatile John Spinks moving into the centre of midfield. Veteran defender Frank N'Stein looked off the pace in that game and is expected to make way what well could be the last international appearance for the experienced Vinnie Jones.

It has been announced that due to a black-red-white kit clash, that the Kingdom will be wearing their change yellow away kit, in honour of Richard Hodgins' legendary submarine. This is expected to prompt another 90 minute chant of "He's the famous Richard Hodgin's and he lives in a Submarine" from the passionate Elrichian supporters.

To qualify for the knock-out stages, Elrich will need to win this game and hope for a string of other results to go their way. However nothing is impossible.

In response to Ariddian defender Yves al Jahdali's comments with regards to playing against Elrich the nations' leader and all-time leading scorer had this to say, "Once we're on that pitch all of us are equal, I don't expect to be treated any differently, all I want is for us to win. If he thinks he can be gentle on me then I'll make him regret it with goals! I've heard Ariddian Monarchy isn't too well thought of but I'll quite happily share a drink with him after the game".

Wise words from a wise man. Let's hope for a good result against the Ariddians. We need it.

Pastorville 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2 6
Cuation 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4
Elrich 3 1 0 2 3 3 0 3
The Lowland Clans 2 1 0 1 1 2 -1 3
Ariddia 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

TEAM HAS BYE
No news is indifferent news

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

In a wholly expected and entirely unstunning development, there was no news from the Imperial team's camp overnight as they had a bye on matchday three.

The lack of any opportunity to score points saw the Imperials slip to bottom of the group, and with rapidly rising team Andossa se Mitrin Vega to play on matchday four, there's every likelihood the team will be staying there.

HEFA officials are believed to want to lose the match, as a draw or unlikely win would put them in the almost impossible position of having to ask the monks dreaming most of the squad into existence to beat the Archregimancy - where all but one of the monks is usually based.

HEFA officials are, however, said to be reasonably pleased with their 'dream team' experiment so far, and there's every sign that the same approach will be used for World Cup 26.

OOC: RPs from this point on will count towards Matchday 5, as I have all the matches but the Nedalia/Praying2God match scorinated. Hopefully I will have that score from Krytenia soon so I can post the Matchday 4 scores.

OOC: Shortly indeed proved to be shortly this time. Again thanks to Krytenia for their help with scorinating Praying2God and Pastorville's matches.

IC:


Matchday 4 Scores

Group 1:
The Archregimancy 3, Oglethorpia 2
Alasdair I Frosticus 1, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 0
BYE: The Weegies

Group 2:
Yafor 2 1, Milchama 0
Hypocria 0, Commerce Heights 0
BYE: Euroslavia

Group 3:
The Lowland Clans 0, Cuation 1
Ariddia 1, Elrich 1
BYE: Pastorville

Group 4:
The Macabees 2, Chicanada 2
Nedalia 1, Praying2God 3*
BYE: Giant Zucchini

*-scorinated by Krytenia


Matchday 4 Standings:

P W D L F A GD Pts
1
The Archregimancy 3 2 1 0 5 2 +3 7
The Weegies 3 2 0 1 4 3 +1 6
Alasdair I Frosticus 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
Oglethorpia 3 0 2 1 5 6 -1 2 E
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 4 0 2 2 2 5 -3 2 E
2
Hypocria 3 2 1 0 7 1 +6 7
Commerce Heights 4 2 1 1 7 5 +2 7
Yafor 2 3 2 0 1 3 3 0 6
Milchama 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3 E
Euroslavia 3 0 0 3 4 11 -7 0 E
3
Cuation 3 2 1 0 4 2 +2 7 Q
Pastorville 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2 6
Elrich 4 1 1 2 4 4 0 4 E
The Lowland Clans 3 1 0 2 1 3 -2 3
Ariddia 3 0 2 1 3 4 -2 2 E
4
Praying2God 4 4 0 0 10 1 +9 12 Q
Nedalia 3 1 1 1 6 3 +3 4
Giant Zucchini 3 1 1 1 3 2 +1 4
The Macabees 3 0 1 2 2 8 -6 1
Chicanada 3 0 1 2 2 9 -7 1


Condolences to all of the eliminated teams. Thanks for your participation in CoH XVII. Congratulations to Cuation for qualifying for the quarterfinals. Matchday 5 will be very interesting with 6 of the 8 quarterfinals slots up for grabs.

Spotlight Match of Matchday 5: The Archregimancy v. Alasdair I Frosticus @ House of Prayer (OOC: I intentionally put this match in the largest stadium in Praying2God with Praying2God being on their bye because not only does it feature a main nation v. their puppet, but I figured that it was going to be an important match towards determining who would qualify from Group 1.)

Runner-up Match: Cuation v. Pastorville @ Cornerstone Stadium (OOC: Ironic that the two biggest matches of Matchday 5 will take place in the two largest stadiums in Praying2God. This match was originally figured to draw a big crowd because of the friendly rivalry between the two nations after they met in the most recent BoF, as well as for the potential for a darkhorse team trying to qualify. It turns out that these two teams lead Group 3, and Pastorville would wrap up a quarterfinals berths with a win, draw, or anything less than a The Lowland Clans victory. The additional interest in this match is that if Pastorville draws or loses this match and finishes 2nd in Group 3, they would then play Praying2God in the quarterfinals.)

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Sports Section

Shock loss eliminates Milchama

A horrible disgusting to the Golden Wolves of Yafor 2 has eliminated the Milchama Cup of Harmony 17 today. Due to the fact that our reporters are to busy rioting for the firing of coach Jonathan Fairbanks and replacing him with Patrice Thibault as well as using only our U21 team for all competitions we will not be able to write a match report today. We apologize for the inconvience.
Final Score:
Yafor 2 1 (F. Malar 86)
Milchama 0 (Firing imminent)

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated

"So.... Fr. John.... Oglethorpia... A cracker..."

"Absolutely, Fr. Nicholas. This was a match that shall live long in the memory of all God-fearing citizens of the Archregimancy. This was the match where our devotion to the Lord was finally matched by our skill on the pitch. This was a match that shall lead to much fervent veneration of the Holy Icon of the Mother of God, Bringer of Victories"

"Highlights, Fr. John?"

"Where to begin? The match got off to a flying start in just the second minute, when Fr. David the Water Drinker won control of the ball near the centre circle, powered forward, and unleashed a mighty shot that threatened to knock the opposing goalkeeper all the way back to Oglethorpia. 1-0, and talk about a statement of intent.

But the Ostriches weren't about to bury their heads in the sand, and soon started to control the match. After 180 scoreless minutes, central defenders Fr. Dmitri and Fr. Michael the Greater were suddenly looking shaky, and 27 minutes into the match, Fr. Michael lost the player he was supposed to be marking, and Oglethorpia equalised off the corner.

And that's how it was at half-time. Now we have the match's first controversial moment, as coach Kyrill, Metropolitan of Solovetsky, attempted to bless his squad at half-time, only for the fourth official to confiscate his whisk as an offensive weapon - a whisk for distributing Holy Water? An offensive weapon?

Certainly the team seemed to be slightly out of sorts following this strange turn of events, and Oglethorpia took the lead ten minutes after the re-start after this passing move, and even those of us inclined to support the monks would be hard-pressed not to admit this was sublime.

So, then the come-back. 63 minutes in, and it's a classic Archregimancy corner. Fr. Michael the Lesser sends the ball in, Fr. Michael the Greater towers over the defenders and heads the ball towards goal, the goalkeeper saves, but in the ensuing havoc, Fr. Silouan pokes the ball home. How many times have we seen that before? The whole team collapsed to the ground in celebratory prayer.

But the drama wasn't over. Just three minutes later Fr. Michael the New Hermit overlaps with Fr. Andrew on the left. He passes it to Fr. Constantine, who's tripped on the edge of the box. The referee awarded a penalty, but - as was his Christian duty - Fr. Constantine insisted that he was tackled outside the area, and that his team should only be awarded a free-kick. Even more incredibly, the referee red-carded Fr. Constantine for insubordination, ordering Fr. David to choose someone to take the penalty. So Fr. David took it himself, intentionally sending it wide left. At which point he was yellow-carded by the referee, once again for insubordination. Still more incredibly, the sporting Ostriches reacted by putting the goal kick behind their goal line to make sure the Archregimancy would at least get a corner out of the incident - and I fully applaud them for the gesture. Unfortunately for them, Fr. Pavel the Wanderer scored off the resulting corner, and that whole terrible fiasco led to our taking a 3-2 lead.

Oglethorpia ran rampant against our ten monks over the last 20 minutes, but Fr. Justinian pulled off miraculous save after miraculous save - just watch this one off a 75th minute free kick - and the match ended 3-2. But someone is really going to have to review that referee's second-half decisions, especially the red card to Fr. Constantine."

"And now there's only one match day left, Fr. John..."

"Absolutely, and it's against the Holy Empire of Alasdair I Frosticus, of all teams. And the permutations are driving mathematicians wild. But from our perspective, as long as we don't lose by more than one goal, we're through. Win, draw, or lose by only one goal, and we've reached the second round. And right now, that's all that matters..."

THE HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

SEA DRAGONS TURNED INTO SQUID
Holy Empire to face Archregimancy in qualification decider

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

The Imperial Dream Team scored a surprise success overnight by narrowly scratching out a 1-0 victory over an arguably superior Andossa se Mitrin Vega squad.

The Sea Dragons had the bulk of the possession, but had a problem turning opportunity into goals - tellingly, only two of their fifteen shots were on target, while all four of the Imperials' shots led to either saves or, in the fifty-ninth minute, a goal for Tzimisces Simulacrum 6.

While the Archregimancy and the Weegies are threatening to run away with the group - as was largely predicted - the Holy Empire can still qualify for the second round by beating the Archregimancy by two clear goals in the final match, though HEFA remain concerned as to whether the Archregimancy monks dreaming most of the Imperials' team in existence can be trusted to beat their own country.

There remains a scenario under which both the Holy Empire and the Archregimancy can qualify. If Oglethorpia beat the Weegies on the last group matchday, and the Holy Empire defeat the Archregimancy, both of the latter teams go through.

If Oglethorpia and the Weegies draw, the qualification permutations become even more complicated, but one fact remains: a two goal victory takes the Holy Empire through no matter what else happens.

HEFA officials are said to be desperately investigating World Cup qualification rules to see if they can avoid a meeting with the Archregimancy in WC 26 as facing a team from the very nation that provides the majority of the monks who control the existence of the Holy Empire's squad remains the one serious weakness in the new strategy.

WARRIORS CLAIM GROUP TITLE, HOME GAME IN QUARTERFINALS
Is a bye be the only thing that stops the Warriors?

The Praying2God Warriors dispatched the last hurdle between them with ease by defeating Nedalia 3-1. The Warriors went wire-to-wire on top of Group 4, as they are the only team in CoH XVII that can finish group play with a perfect 4-0-0 record. How does that bode for the elimination rounds? Considering the Warriors domination, they have to be considered one of, if not the favorite when the elimination rounds begin, which will be an unprecedented position for any Praying2God team, as not even the WC of Basketball II Champions were favored in the elimination rounds. The Warriors will have scouts at both Group 3 matches on Matchday 5 to scout all of their possible quarterfinals opponents. The potential quarterfinal match-up getting the most international attention is the potential match-up with their allies from Pastorville. The Warriors are going to rest over their bye, but practice enough to keep their edge for the elimination rounds. In the Nedalia match, Ashley Gore got the Warriors scoring started in the 28th minute when Claire Paulson found Gore waiting at the top of the box off of a corner kick. Nedalia then dug themselves an insurmountable deficit in the 44th minute when Thomas Larson and Kelly Carter executed a beautiful give-and-go, with Larson finishing the attack for a 2-0 halftime lead. Alissa Madison, who's been quietly exceptional for the Warriors during group play, finally got into the scoring column in the 62nd minute when Christine Holly played a corner to Madison at the edge of the box who finished the Warriors scoring. Only an 89th minute goal by Nedalia prevented Sarah Walker from running her shutout string to five matches and over 450 minutes dating back to the Cockbill Street match on Matchday 17 of WC XXV qualifying. The Warriors now wait along with the rest of us to see who they will meet in the quarterfinals, and who will be the six teams that join them and Cuation in the quarterfinals.

FRESH OFF BYE, ASSIGNMENT SIMPLE: JUST WIN

The Pastorville Saints, refreshed from their bye, will face Cuation with a lot on the line to conclude group play in CoH XVII. Not only can Pastorville qualify for the quarterfinals, which would be surprising enough, but by beating Cuation they would win Group 3 and avoid a quarterfinal match-up with a white-hot Praying2God team that has looked invincible so far during CoH XVII. If the Saints draw against Cuation, they still will lock up a quarterfinals berth, but also will earn the right to play Praying2God, which is an unenviable task at the moment. A Saints loss might even allow them to sneak in the back door, as long as The Lowlands Clans fail to win against Ariddia, which is highly unlikely that TLC will slip-up, especially with their CoH history. The Saints will be under the most pressure they've been under since their regional finals match against Cuation (who else) in the most recent BoF. Will the Saints be able to do something that nobody expected them to be able to do coming into CoH XVII...qualify for the quarterfinals by winning their group? We'll just have to wait and see. Either way, it should be a great match for the fans.

The Curse Of the Sea Dragons Affirmed!!!

This is Kellan Kildan of the ASMV News Network,

Yet again what is quickly becoming seen as curse on the teams from Andossa Se Mitrin Vega held true to form. Draws against higher ranked squads like Oglethorpia and The Archregimancy bring a fleeting since of accomplishment -only to see the hopes those games build crushed as again and again the squads fail to put away their lesser ranked opponents.

Alsadair I Frosticus was the culprit today. I refuse to give any of the highlights, as there were none worth reporting.

When will this damnable curse end? Only time will tell that.

In other news, our Cuation friends have become one of the first to qualify for the next round. Expect to see lots of blue and yellow in the stands showing support for our friends.

We would also like to wish our friends in Hypocria the best of luck as they continue on, and hopefully qualify. Do not be surprised if blue and yellow also abounds when they take the field.

To the other five squads already officially eliminated - we feel your pain with you.

Don't forget to tune in for more Sea Dragon action. Hopefully this curse will manage to run its course before then.

This has been Kellan Kildan of the ASMV News Network.

Cuation head through to next round

Cuation to field reserve side for last game

The only thing Cuation have to play for is pride and top placing in the group, though finishing second would force Cuation into a poential drubbing against Praying2God. The holy team of Pastorville have Cuation's respect over how they have performed in three cups and that 5-3 game was great for the fans.

Gary Jens has been sent to the stands due to suspensionAbel Robinson, Roy Ferguson, Timothy Ashton and Peter Tanner have been benched thus allowing Neville Clarkson, Jamie Hargreves, Rio Samba, Stanley Edwards and Rual Mendiz to start.

The team will play a 4-4-2 formation, Rio as the holding player, Jamie at right wing, Heskey partnering Rual up front. This is done to give expirence to most of the players who will perhaps start the next world cup, age bringing doubt for many of the first teamers. This team should be easy for Pastorville to beat though Cornerstone Stadium will no doubt be full with both sets of funs and no doubt some Sea Dragon fans.

It is sad to see that the Sea Dragons where only able to get 2 points in thier four games but they played well in a tough group and the expirence will do them no harm though there string of bad luck must hurt.

Cuation 1, Elrich 0

The team where nervoius at facing to face a king, despite being managed one and such a good poassing team would no doubt unlock thier defence. The first hint that this might be easier then that was when Frank N'Stein started and the team shuffled.

The second moral raising moment was an early long ball from Philip Cole found Peter Tanner who easily beat his marker Frank and nodded it into the run of Timothy Ashton, the powerful drive well saved by Gordon Burns. From that point, Cuation knew they could win and beagn throwing themselves into tackles.

This apporch brought about many yellow cards for Roy Ferguson, Sol Major, Jonathan Yan, Abel Robinson, Philip Cole, Jamie Hargreves but it seemed to frustrate the opposition. On the defensive, Cuation where orgnised and strong, stiffling the play. On the attack, they used the long balls well but found difficuly beating Gordun Burns or the defence in front of him.

At half time the game was goaless but the momentum was on Cuation's side and it would stay that way throughout the match. In the 76th minute, Philip Cole took a long throw in, Peter rose above Frank like the great jumping mice, his flick on finding Heskey Anderton whose volley into the net, delighted the 30,000 Cuation fans in the Praise Stadium. There where some claims that it was an own goal but I'm sure the Elirch player involved would prefer it going to Heskey

Any hope the Elirch team had of coming back into the match went when midfielder Roy Ferguson was scythed down by Robin Banks. The two hotheads squared up but it was Robin that threw a punch, earning himself a red card. As the disgraced player was dragged and jeered off the pitch, Jude hualed off Roy for Jamie Hargreves.

Cuation in 1-0 win over Lowland Clans feel cheated

Facing the, world rank wise, strongest team in the group was not going to be easy. Yet this brave Cuation team managed a win despite the biased officals in the full Grace Field. In the 85th minute, hero keeper Gary Jens was sent off when the ref judged that he had handled outside the area. Cuation will appeal against the three match ban but Peter Seamn looks set to get to start the 1/4 and semi finals.

The Cuation lads started well, holding off the Lowland Clan attacks with good defending but as the game wore on, Gary Jens was forced to rescue the team. Whenever Cuation counter attacked, the ref blew his whistle for some infringment like "Bowling over the keeper when he has ball in hands" even though the goalie clearly dived

In the 32 minute, Timothy Ashton intercepted a pass and ran towards goal unopposed by a retreating backline. When within shooting distance, he let rip and saw his shot fly into the net, only impeded by the flailing hand of the goalie.

During goal celebration, Ashton mouthed "Deny that ref" which the ref went to book him for but found the yellow card had been stolen. For some reason some fans thought the ref was fussy after the game but this was clearly divine retrubition on the ref.

For the rest of the game, Cuation sat in thier box, time wasting when they had the ball but otherwise putting in a heroic defensive effort. Despite the ref giving several fouls against Cuation, he couldn't book them and Gary Jens fine form kept Cuation from conceding the equaliser.

In the 86th minute, it happened. The offisde trap worked but the ref didn't blow so Gary Jens raced of his line to dive at the forwards feet, knocking the ball clear out of the box in doing so. The ref blew, sent off Gary and the match was stopped for five minutes as the ref was surronded by players, staff and fans who had invaded the pitch.

When the mess was cleared up, on came Peter Seamen for Giovanni and he did well to save the free kick. The last few minutes involved great defending, the bal bouncing off the wood work and Peter Seamen making a critcal save but despite all, Cuation held out and are through to the next round

Weegie Star Sport Report: Cup of Harmony Day 1

THE WEEGIES - 2 (Hunter 12, Taichnas 24)
ANDOSSA SE MITRIN VEGA - 0

Teams:
The Weegies: Maighfelghair, Meair, McClare, Maighdainald, Petersen (yellow card 64), Mailtaigh, Madsen, McPherson, Riddell (Shairchaigh 64), Hunter, Taichnas.
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega: Conarky, Shade, Swift (Vanderpol 71), Banta-N'bai, Banta-N'bai, Carrington, James (Cage 72), Kirelenko, Evans, Iglesias, Alexander.

A decent start to the Islander's Cup of Harmony campaign, with a sharp, focussed attacking game from a below-full strength side, played against the Sea Dragons, which killed off their nacent hoped of affecting an upset quite early on.

The game started tentatively, although the fans were, as usual, rowdy; certain sections definitely not letting the Cuation/Andossa national trading fiasco let lie, which, of course, is not the most sensible of ideas, but never let it be said that Weegies do not continue a grudge far beyond that of any normal team. Rivalries form quickly in the Islands, and outside is no different.

Continuing to pressure the Sea Dragons, who were focusing on containing any threat received to them, paid off quickly. It was easy to see that for once, the Weegies faced a side where their skill, rather than their height or capability for a more rough standard of play than is featured in other footballing nations, was a determinant factor. Starting from Madsen, who had taken the ball cleanly from James, he passed to Riddell on the right-wing, with an excellent nutmeg around Carrington, crossing into the box, where Hunter was there to head the ball past the keeper.

With the pressure mounting further as the Weegies gained confidence (Petersen rattling the crossbar, McPherson giving the keeper a nasty shock until he hoofed the ball way over the net), it wasn't long till another goal found its way in, this time courtesy of Stuart Taichnas in a slightly farcical situation. Facing against the defending pair in the Sea Dragons side with the name Banta-M'bai, they managed to run into each other whilst trying to head the ball away from the penalty box - allowing an initially surprised Taichnas to gather up the ball whilst most people stood in surprise and as the Banta-M'bai "Super-Duo" (as they are known in Androssa Se Mitrin Vega) lay dazed on the floor, Taichnas slotted the ball into the net, the goalkeeper not recovering in time to make a decent save.

With the game seemingly sewn up, the Weegie side pulled back and defended more, which has been a risky tactic at times but was pulled off well here, with McClare and Maighdainald providing a powerful stopping force in the middle of the field.

Manager Frederick Persson had this to say: "We did well. Unlucky for the Sea Dragons, really, they never were right in it at all, maybe it's the weather here or the pitch conditions or something but it wasn't as hard as I'd have thought from watching previous matches concerning the Sea Dragons. I think there was a bit of a tactical mistake there as well, I mean, my wingers had a lot of free room there because of their 5-3-2 formation, you need excellent full-backs for that to prevent crossing situations, but their defensive strength is concentrated in the middle, and that's really what led to the first goal, we exploited that and kept the pressure up. My boys did their best out there and they dispatched the side, and I think we can expect the same professional conduct that we saw there against Alasdair I Frosticus next."

In the other Group 1 match, Oglethorpia drew with Alasdair I Frosticus. This leaves the Weegies top.

Elrich and Ariddia eliminate each other

The only result that would have been disastrous to both sides in the game between Ariddia and Elrich was a draw, and that was precisely what took place. Neither side was about to cave in and allow the other to walk away with a much-needed win.

It was a goalless first half, despite several opportunities for both squads. Ramirez, for Ariddia, found the goal post in the 19th minute despite Elrich keeper Burns clearly being beaten. In the 28th minute, a goal by Clément was disallowed due to an offside, and, in the 42nd, Leduc just managed to save a shot from Banks with her fingertips, deflecting it back into the field where it was cleared by an ever-vigilant al Jahdali.

In the second half, the Rouge-et-Noirs seemed to struggle a little more, and a clumsy tackle by Bounthaiyavong led to a penalty kick for Elrich, fortunately saved by Leduc. The first goal finally came in the 61st minute, when Mudge was able to break through Ariddia’s defences and get the better of Leduc at last. Clément equalised for Ariddia six minutes later, and there the score remained, despite the best efforts of all involved not to remain deadlocked within a draw which meant instant elimination.

“Well, we took them down with us,” Uol Lat joked at the end of the game. “Seriously, I think we were quite evenly matched. We can be proud of the outcome, even if it does mean we need to work even harder to do better.”

Cup of Harmony XVII


Nearly There


Hypocria 0 - 0 Commerce Heights


After having matchday 3 off the Hyppos were back in action with the knowledge that a win would secure their place in the quarter finals for the first time in their history. Unfortunately the opponents just happened to be the highest ranked side in the entire competition. Add to that the current confusion at the top of the national side’s coaching structure with Dave Wilson juggling two tournaments at the same time. But a decision was made just prior to the Commerce Heights fixture to put assistant coach Chris Trautwig in full charge of the remaining Cup of Harmony group games while Wilson concentrates on the up coming AOCAF final in Bettia, in which his Hypocria side play none other than his native Sarzonia.

When the dust settled after the coaching issues the goalless draw with top seeds Commerce Heights looked like a very creditable result. It’s a result that keeps the Hyppos top of Group 2, ahead of the Capitalizts on goal difference, with just one game left. But that one game is a pretty big fixture against Yafor 2 who are just a single point behind in third place after the Golden Wolves narrowly beat the Warriors of Milchama 1 - 0.

Group 2 P W D L F A GD Pts
Hypocria 3 2 1 0 7 1 +6 7
Commerce Heights 4 2 1 1 7 5 +2 7
Yafor 2 3 2 0 1 3 3 0 6
Milchama 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3 E
Euroslavia 3 0 0 3 4 11 -7 0 E
Group 2 is now a three horse race after Milchama joined Euroslavia on the plane home. Commerce Heights are in second place on 7 points but have played all their matches. A Hypocria win or a draw against Yafor 2 will see the Capitalizts into the quarters but a win for the Golden Wolves will dump the topped ranked side out of the tournament. The Hyppos are fairly safe thanks to a superior goal difference with only a Yaforite win by a margin of five or more goals able to deny them a place in the group’s top two. And a defence that has only conceded 1 goal so far is unlikely to collapse to such a defeat. Or that’s what we’re hoping anyway.


Around the Groups


Group 1

The monks of the Archregimancy lead the way in Group 1 but face a fascinating final day fixture against third placed Alasdair I Frosticus. The Weegies in second place, just a point behind the monks, take on already eliminated Oglethorpia. And spare a thought for the Sea Dragons of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega who are destined to finish bottom of the group. Rarely has a team had as little luck as the Sea Dragons but we’re confident that things will improve for ASMV sooner rather than later.

Group 3

Baptism of Fire champions Cuation have qualified from Group 3 after a win over Elrich who have now dropped from contention. Second place Pastorville take on Cuation on the final day needing just a point to progress. The Lowland Clans are still in the hunt too and will be hoping that a win over already eliminated Ariddia and a slip up for the Saints will ease their passage through to the knock out stages.

Group 4

Hosts Praying2God can sit out the final round of matches safe in the knowledge that a place in the quart finals is reserved for them after the Warriors won all of their four group games. All four of the other nations in Group 4 can qualify but the superior goal difference of Nedalia and Giant Zucchini make the Lions and Zucchinis front runners. Nedalia take on the Macabees and Giant Zucchini face Chicanada but it’s anyone’s guess who will eventually qualify. But if you're one of those compulsive gambler types put your money on . . . I don’t know . . . Nedalia.

Golden Wolves Hope To Finish Their Cup of Harmony Run In Style

The Yaforite Golden Wolves are, by no chance, out of it yet. To win, however rare that might be, would send the Golden Wolves into the next round. But a win looks like a far away possibility. With the defense that the Hyppos possess (only one goal allowed in the entire tournament so far, not letting in a goal to Commerce Heights) and their tough attack, the Hyppos look in good condition to triumph.

But has this Cup of Harmony been fruitful? The answer is yes. The Golden Wolves, though not a low-ranked side, are at last getting true match experience. This is a good thing, for the currently-55th-ranked Golden Wolves. Despite a relatively late entry into the murky world of international sporting events, the Golden Wolves are, at last, getting the recognition that they deserve.

Group 2 is, by far, the closest group, but is it the best?

Game 3 - At House of Healing
Yafor 2 2 - Euroslavia 1

It was an important game by any stretch of the imagination. Not only were Yafor 2 and Euroslavia close allies politically, but they also have had a "rivalry" of some sort, a friendly type of rivalry, between closepeople (or, in this case, nations). Euroslavia's leader, Lady Destra, has had close ties with the Yaforite leader Rudiv Sodo (though elections may change that "leader" fact). They are sure to have had a bet or two about this match.

But the outcome was not anything apart from what was expected. In the end, the best team won, and that team was Yafor 2. Of course, Yafor 2 was ranked 17 spots ahead of Euroslavia, the largest gap between any team in the group and Yafor 2, but that may just be menial facts. It was said that before the game, the coach of the Golden Wolves, the coach of Ajer FC, inspired them to win.

The two YAforite goals were very similar, but then again, they were scored by brothers. Fernando Malar with the first, on a cross, his hair flying about his face, the ball darting into the corner of the goal like it was magnetically attached to that particular place. The second also went their, on Francisco Malar's, of all things, header on a cross. But the two brothers are mcuh alike.

Game 4 - At Hope Stadium
Yafor 2 1 - Milchama 0

It was a rumor, nothing more, that Iktam Velastros would start in the place of one of the Malar brothers. But, until the game, no one knew if it was true. It was further complicated by the fact that on several Milchama newspapers, the Yaforite goal was listed under the heading "F. Malar", which neither indicated which brother, nor was at all helpful.

But the rumor was just a rumor and the game began. Later, after the game, the media was bent on Milchama, as their coach had been fired (as it turns out, understandably). But a few YAforite news stations and newspapers interviewed the Malar brothers, who said, surprisingly, that their coach had given them another "pep talk". And it had gone to their heads.

Milchama was a much better known nation than Yafor 2, who were much more used to international football. They were ranked ten spots higher than YAfor 2. But they didn't have the heart to win. In the end, F[U]ernando[/B] Malar's goal was the difference. But in truth, once again, it seemed, the best side had won. But, ranking-wise, and seemingly, in every other way, Milchama were better. Or did they not have it that day?

OOC:Two things: 1)See the link in my signature. I'm a "zombie", so I'm not supposed to RP with my "zombie" account. So I'm RP'ing with this one. 2)Why was the Yafor 2-Hypocrai game not a "Game of the Week"? It will decide group 2!

OOC: Sorry I haven't RPed all cup, I've been busy with an AP project the last couple of days...erg, I need that win. Refer ro my roster on page 4 of the World Cup roster thread for my roster.

GRAHAM CITY SUN - Stars Falter Against Cuation, Refereeing Controversy Abound

PRAYING2GOD - The idea of reffing differs from nation to nation, but today, this usually not-so-good natured dispute turned violent as there were sporadic riots throughout the Allied States as the Cuation's press report was published. Cries of "That's bull****" and other obscenities could be heard across Graham City, but it turned violent in Norwich and Painsville as protestors turned violent, throwing rocks and turning over cars. The Cuation national flag was burned across the nation, and the more lively politicians called for war over the comments made by Cuation press.

But most people thought the rioters were 'just some frustrated blokes.' The Allied States has been struggling, failing to qualify for two cups in a row, the longest streak ever. The Clans also missed the knockout round in the last Cup of Harmony on some questionable reffing and playing.

While admittedly the ref was calling in favor of the Clans, it wasn't like the Cuation fouls weren't deserved. Defender Carson Lindsay had to be carted off with a potential Achilles sprain, who was flown to Graham City Central Hospital for diagnosis and treatment, and will not play for the remainder of the tournament. Dylan Hughes also fractured a bone in his cheek after a rough play, but was able to finish the match. The match was nearly canceled after 85 minutes after a dirty challenge by the keeper sent Iason Spyridon, subbed in for Rich Blythe after a hard foul knocked him out of the play, flying.
Praying2God, Lowland Clan and Cuation security took five minutes to clear the pitch of about a hundred people and players who judged the call to be bad. Seventy-eight arrests were made, and the Attorney-General has spoke about extradition and prosecution for the Cuation fans.

In a press conference after the game, Captain and manager Westley Stjepan announced his intent to retire from international football after the tournament. "It is time for me to hang up my boots. I've had a great run and intend to continue full-time in my position as manager." Worried about the huge hole placed in the line-up because of Stjepan's departure, the FFAS said that it would name his replacement in time for the next World Cup. "We've got a lot of up-and-coming talent that we could use for our team."

The Stars chance at qualification is next to nothing, needing a Pastorville loss by at least 3 and the Stars would need to win by at least two, scoring at least two goals in this next game against Ariddia "While the matches might've played in our favor, the results have not," said Iason Spyridon.

Own Goal!
Episode 10: A Time of Number-Crunching

Did you know…

…that Giant Zucchini and Chicanada have met twice this World Cup campaign already? And that Giant Zucchini lost both those matches, Chicanada scoring 4 against the Zucchinis so far and the Zucchinis putting 0 goals into the Chicanada net? And that 2 different goalkeepers faced Chicanada? That Bobby Laredo conceded 33.33333333% the amount of goals against Chicanada that Xie Siak Kee conceded against the same opponents? Also, did you know that Bobby Laredo and Xie Siak Kee have the same number of letters in their name? Did you know that that number is 11, the same as the number of players in a football team? Also, did you know that 33.33333333 divided by 11 is 3.030303030?

Perhaps you think it is a coincidence. Perhaps you think I am spouting out rubbish. But as far as I’m concerned, I recommend you putting your money on a 3-0 win to the home side, whichever side that may be.

Yes, there is a home side. I’m very sure, there is definitely a home side.

Margaret said so.

To be continued…

The Aeropag Tribune—Tuez le Réjistance!

Sports: Capitalizts on the edge of Cup of Harmony qualification
PRAYING2GOD—After recovering from a nasty 1–2 loss to the Milchama Warriors, the first-ever Cup of Harmony loss by a team from Commerce Heights, the Capitalizts were forced into a boring Karelan draw with Hypocria. The Capitalizts, the top-seeded team in the tournament, will get a break from play on the final matchday, but they won’t be resting—they’ll be watching the Hypocria–Yafor 2 game to see who will advance to the quarterfinals. Hypocria has all but qualified for the quarterfinals, but a 0–4 loss to Yafor 2 would leave them tied for second with the Capitalizts, requiring a playoff match, and any loss by 5 or more goals would knock them out and send Yafor 2 and Commerce Heights to the quarterfinals. However, any win or draw by Hypocria would eliminate Yafor 2 and put the Capitalizts through, which is far more likely. “It’d be fun to have Yafor [2] win 4–0,” said Capitalizts coach Paul Iñaki. “I’d like to know who’d win in a playoff against Hypocria, but I’ll be cheering for the Golden Wolves next week.”

OOC: My apologies for the delay in Matchday 5. I'm waiting for Krytenia to get me the Cuation/Pastorville score. The rest of the matches have all been scorinated, and I'll announce those as soon as I get the remaining result. Thanks to everybody for their patience.

OOC: Sorry for the lengthy delay. Hopefully this is the last major delay we'll have. Again, major kudos to Krytenia for their help with scorinating the Praying2God and Pastorville matches. Now, what several of you have probably been anxiously waiting for...

IC:


Matchday 5 Scores

Group 1:
The Archregimancy 1, Alasdair I Frosticus 1
Oglethorpia 2, The Weegies 1
BYE: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Group 2:
Yafor 2 2, Hypocria 1
Milchama 2, Euroslavia 1
BYE: Commerce Heights

Group 3:
The Lowland Clans 2, Ariddia 3
Cuation 1, Pastorville 1*
BYE: Elrich

Group 4:
The Macabees 1, Nedalia 6
Chicanada 2, Giant Zucchini 1
BYE: Praying2God

*-scorinated by Krytenia

Final Group Play Standings:

P W D L F A GD Pts
1
The Archregimancy 4 2 2 0 6 3 +3 8 Q
The Weegies 4 2 0 2 5 5 0 6 Q
Oglethorpia 4 1 2 1 7 7 0 5 E
Alasdair I Frosticus 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 E
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 4 0 2 2 2 5 -3 2 E
2
Yafor 2 4 3 0 1 5 4 +1 9 Q
Hypocria 4 2 1 1 8 3 +5 7 Q
Commerce Heights 4 2 1 1 7 5 +2 7 E
Milchama 4 2 0 2 5 5 0 6 E
Euroslavia 4 0 0 4 5 13 -8 0 E
3
Cuation 4 2 2 0 5 3 +2 8 Q
Pastorville 4 2 1 1 5 3 +2 7 Q
Ariddia 4 1 2 1 6 7 -1 5 E
Elrich 4 1 1 2 4 4 0 4 E
The Lowland Clans 4 1 0 3 3 6 -3 3 E
4
Praying2God 4 4 0 0 10 1 +9 12 Q
Nedalia 4 2 1 1 12 4 +8 7 Q
Giant Zucchini 4 1 1 2 4 4 0 4 E
Chicanada 4 1 1 2 3 10 -7 4 E
The Macabees 4 0 1 3 3 14 -11 1 E



Quarterfinal Match-ups
The Archregimancy v. Hypocria @ Salvation Stadium
Praying2God v. Pastorville @ Hope Stadium
Cuation v. Nedalia @ House of Healing
Yafor 2 v. The Weegies @ House of Faith

OOC: To expediate the process slightly, I will not TG the quarterfinal or semifinal results before posting them here. Time permiting, I will TG the Championship and 3rd Place match results and give the participants about 24 hours to RP before posting the results.

HOLY BATTLE AHEAD
Draw with Cuation sets up match between Saints and Warriors

The Pastorville Saints could only manage a 1-1 draw with Cuation in their final match of CoH XVII group play, but it was enough to give the Saints a berth in the quarterfinals. However, the draw leaves Pastorville the unenviable task of trying to do what no team in CoH XVII has managed to do yet, beat the Praying2God Warriors, who have not had a team stay within two goals of them so far in CoH XVII. However, the Saints might have the defense that is best equiped to shut down the very successful Praying2God attack. It is by far the most intriguing quarterfinal match-up because of the close relations between the two nations, as a matter of fact, Praying2God's star forward, Thomas Larson was one of the people that helped get the Pastorville national soccer team off the ground by working out with them for a few days prior to the BoF that preceeded WC XXV. Can the Saints pull of a miraculous upset and take out the most dominating team in the CoH thus far? We'll have to wait a see. We can say that whomever wins the Pastorville/Praying2God quarterfinal will be the nation most blessed by God on that day.

QUARTERFINALS PREVIEW


The Archregimancy (44) v. Hypocria (42)

The Archregimancy won a competitive Group 1 by earning eight points in four matches. Hypocria earned seven points in Group 2 to take second place. Both teams have sound defenses, giving up three goals during group play. This match may come down to which offense makes the most of their chances. Predicted score: The Archregimancy 2-1 (AET)


Praying2God (49) v. Pastorville (66)

Neither team was expected to be in the positions they are. Praying2God was predicted to potentially take second place in Group 4, but instead has been the most dominating team in CoH, being the only team to earn all 12 points in group play. Pastorville wasn't even supposed to qualify from Group 3, but surprised just about everybody by earning the 7 points necessary to take second place in Group 3. Praying2God enters the elimination rounds with the "Team to Beat" label hung clearly around their neck, with an opportunistic offense and an extremely stingy defense. Pastorville's defense has been sound as well, but it's offense hasn't been nearly as effective. Predicted score: Praying2God 2-0


Cuation (59) v. Nedalia (34)

Cuation clearly benefited from their draw, taking eight points from their four matches to sneak off with the Group 3 title. Nedalia probably would have dominated any other group, but had the misfortune of getting drawn into the same group as the white-hot Praying2God team, having to settle for 7 points and second place. The Nedalia offense scored the most goals during group play, with 12. Their defense has also been solid, with three of the four goals it surrendered being to Praying2God. Cuation has been solid, but not spectacular on both ends of the field. Predicted score: Nedalia 3-1


Yafor 2 (55) v. The Weegies (47)

This should be a really tight match. On paper, the two teams are very evenly matched. Yafor 2 had a little bit more luck during group play, winning three of four matches for 9 points to win Group 2. However they only scored one more goal than they gave up. The Weegies split their four matches for 6 points to squeek out of a tight Group 1. They scored just as many goals as they gave up. Predicted score: Yafor 2 3-2 (PK)


If those predictions hold true, then the semifinals would be:
The Archregimancy (44) v. Praying2God (49)
Nedalia (34) v. Yafor 2 (55)

Those could be a couple of interesting semifinals.

The Nedalia Lions

Quarter-Final Showdown: The Preview

The 6-1 win over The Macabees might be a sign of goods things. especially when you add an earlier 5-0 victory over Chicanada to the equation. But not, however, if you are Lions manager Randy Gamman:

"That only shows how inconsistent we are. Sandwiched in between two terrific victories is a draw to Giant Zuchinni and a heavy loss to Praying2God. Dont get me wrong, both are terrific teams, but we didnt make the World Cup last time or win the Cup of Harmony 15 by luck. We have alot of improvement to do before we can even dream of beating Cuation."

The Nedalia Lions have had trouble in the past against teams that play composed and under control, and Cuation, their quarter-final competition, might as well be the Webster definition of that. Conceding only 3 goals and scoring 5 in the group stages, Cuation qualified on top of their table without losing a single match. The Lions, however, started off strong and finished off strong with victories that could be classified as some of the most impressive the Cup of Harmony competition has ever seen, but inbetween those two spectacular displays of offensive power sits two performances that many in Nedalia would love to believe never happened.

Never to ones to dwell on the past, all Nedalians are looking forward to a tough matchup with the Group 3 leaders, hoping that it will be the "other" Lions squad that shows up. You know, the one with the bite, not just the roar. After a Tim James hat-trick against The Macabees (to go along with a Constantine brace), everyone is convinced that the offensive force the Lions can present has been located and ready for use.

"When we get rolling, there is no denying we're hard to stop," commented team captain and soon to be retired defender, Cole Zenith. "Our offense is our weapon, and save for the Praying2God matchup, our defence has been steady as well. We need to keep our guards up and we've got to make sure we dont get beat at the back. The offense, as everyone has witnessed, will take care of itself."

The Nedalia Lions are the top ranked team still in contention after the early elimination of Commerce Heights, but as the Praying2God matchup showed, that means nothing. Only hard work and commitment will get them through to the Semi-Finals against either WC25 Group 9 counterparts Yafor 2 or The Weegies. The Lions faced The Weegies in the Cup of Harmony 14, where they battled to a 1-1 draw, with captain Zenith scoring the only Nedalian goal. Against Yafor 2, both matches came recently in the WC25 qualification stages, where the Lions only managed a draw and a loss against them.

However, to think about the Semi-Finals would be getting ahead of ourselves, as the obstacle at hand might be the hardest the Lions will face this entire Cup of Harmony competition.

"Other than the Hypocrians, there is no other team we feel can cause us problems as much as Cuation. We have a tremendous amount of respect for their game, and I admire the way they get the job done," commented Gamman.

While they might not possess the flair or the flamboyance the Nedalians so obviously live by, they do possess the control and collective calmness under pressure that more often than not wins football games. Lets hope the Lions can show the same.

(OOC: apologies, but I'm not inclined to RP this one twice, so I hope you'll all forgive me if I do this as....)

THE ARCHREGIMANCY AND THE HOLY EMPIRE

BOTH BRING YOU - VIA THE ARCHREGIMANCY

THE CUP OF HARMONY LIVE!

With Fr. John the Golden-Throated for the Archregimancy
And Basil and Theo for the Holy Empire

"Basil and Theo, welcome to the studio"

[together] "Thanks, Fr. John!"

"I thought you two had retired after the Urk fiasco"

"Not quite - we were kicked out of Cockbill Street, and that was supposed to be our last World Cup match, but an Archregimancy - Holy Empire Cup of Harmony Match... that was worth making a brief comeback for - especially for a joint broadcast with your good self!"

"Thanks, Theo. Now, as the teams line up here at the Praying2God House of Heresy, what are your thoughts, Basil?"

"Well, Fr. John, I expect this to be tight, but in the end I expect your experienced and God-fearing monks to overcome our dreamed simulacra - especially since the simulacra are being dreamed into existence by Archregimancy monks in the first place...."

10th minute

"....with neither team exerting themselves much so far. Basil?"

"Thanks Fr. John, might I just add that Mrs. McGillicudy's kippers are..."

"Sorry. Basil no time for that, as Fr. Dmitri has dragged down Tzimisces Simulacrum 8 just outside the area, and that's a free kick to the Holy Empire. Theo...?"

"Well within distance, Fr. John... and Tzimisces Simulacrum 9 takes the free kick, and... GOALLLLLLLLLL!"

"The Holy Empire take the lead against the Archregimancy, and our lot suddenly losing to Basil and Theo's lot.... This is quite a surprise"

35th minute

"...the theological implications of playing this match in a nation full of heretics. Nice heretics. Nice heretics who've organised a fine tournament. But heretics nonetheless."

"Perhaps you can convert them to the Orthodox Church, Fr. John"

"Not my job, Theo, but I know you and Basil are hardly theologians, so we'll return to the field of play were - oh my - a fine save from Comneno in the Holy Empire goal, as Fr. Silouan unleashes a bullet from just outside the area!"

Half-time

"...George's Tasty Love Bisquits!"

"Ummm, thank you, Basil. I think. But what about the match. Theo?"

"Weel, Fr. John, your lot are in control - there's no doubt they're the better team, but at this point they're losing. The Imperial defence is holding out against the Archregimancy attack. But this might be no bad thing. If this score holds, and the Weegies lose to Oglethorpia, both the Holy Empire and the Archregimancy will go through!"

"An excellent point, Theo, an excellent point"

67th minute

"...news filtering in from the Oglethorpia - Weegies match that the Ostriches are beating the Weegies. 2-1, I believe. And if these scores hold, both the Archregimancy and the Holy Empire will go through. Basil?"

"Well, I'd expect both teams to take it easy now. By all means monitor events in the other match just in case, but with both teams going through, they might as well rest..."

89th minute

"...still 2-1 to Oglethorpia, which means both teams here are going through today. Fr. Michael the Lesser wins a corner, but I can't imagine he'll try too hard to score here. Having both of the Dreamed Realm teams go through would be quite the accomplishment!"

"That it would, Fr. John - that it would"

"Thanks, Theo. Fr. Michael takes the corner. As expected, it's cut out by the Holy Empire. Tzimisces Simulacrum 2 sends it back to the keeper, and... DISASTER!!!! AN 89th MINUTE OWN-GOAL!!!! THE ARCHREGIMANCY EQUALISE, BUT THEY DON'T WANT TO!!!"

"Extraordinary, Fr. John. I can hardly believe it!"

"Yes, but Fr. John, Theo.... if the Holy Empire score again, they win 2-1, and both teams still go through..."

"But Basil, Theo, the referee's blown his whistle! He's not allowing any injury time!!! And... and.... it seems that the fourth official is indicating that this is intentional in order to avoid the teams fixing the final result! I can hardly believe it! He's accusing a team of Orthodox monks - and a team controlled by Orthodox monks - of intent to cheat!!! I protest!!!"

"You can protest all you want, Fr. John, because it ain't gonna make no difference. The match is over. The Dreamed Simulacra disappear, and the upshot is, you lot go through top of the group, and our lot go home"

"Basil, Theo... I'm so sorry!"

"Not your fault, Fr. John, not your fault at all. But if Basil doesn't mind, I'll share one thought with you... Commerce Heights are out. Oglethorpia are out. That leaves Nedalia as the highest-ranked team in the tournament.... Yes, there are tough matches left - like the Archregimancy's second-round match against Hypocria - but this tournament is up for the taking...."

Cuation face elination in the quater finals against Nedalia.

Cuation reserves manage draw against Pastorville

A draw was enough for both teams, Cuation winning the group and Pastorville qualifying but both teams face elimnation in this round. Overun on the wings, Nevile Clarkson had a fine game and a clincal finish by sharpshooter Rual Mendiz was enough to secure a draw.

The reward was to play the highest ranked team left and top goalscorers in the group stage. However Pastorville have to face the team on form, Praying2God so both underdogs should go out at this stage, having been lucky to get perhaps the easiest group, the two teams have done credit to themselves

Cuation will restore its first team though with goalie Gary Jens suspended, Peter Seamen will play. He came into the Woruld Cup25 as an unpopular player but his performances when Gary was injured has started to gain him some popularity.

Cuation will play on the defensive, to try and soak up the pressure then counter with a long ball forward for Peter Tanner. Orgnisation will be important as will be the performance of the goalie if they are to nullify the strong attacking threat.

Cuation are good against better teams but Nedalia will be to strong, Cuation will play valiently but thier strong defence will be breached in the end and the team head home. Nedalia's comments are nice to hear but they underestimate themselves, it would take a miracle for Cuation to upset the odds here. However both teams need to find consistant form to get further in this Cup.

Prediction: Nedalia 3-0 Cuation

Cup of Harmony XVII


We Lost. Who Cares?


Hypocria 1 - 2 Yafor 2
Bercali


There’s no escaping the laws of the universe, unless you happen to live in the Dreamed Realm of course, and one of those laws states that the Hyppos can’t end any form of group stage unbeaten. Two wins and a draw in the three games leading up to the Yafor 2 tie meant that defeat was a certainty in the final group match, it was just a question of by how many. As long as the defence kept the goals against down it wouldn’t really matter as the Hyppos would qualify anyway. And they did.

The strike force for the Golden Wolves share the same surname, they also shared a goal apiece in the first half to give Yafor 2 a commanding lead at the break and a great chance of winning the group. A Bercali goal in the second half gave Yaforite nerves a bit of a jangle but the Wolves hung on to seal all 3 points and top spot in Group 2.

Cynics in the crowd may have noticed that after Bercali’s goal there wasn’t exactly much effort on the part of Hypocria’s players in trying to find an equaliser. Now I’m sure the fact that Hypocria would play a lower ranked side in the quarters regardless and that the result would condemn top seeds and tournament favourites Commerce Heights to the elimination trapdoor had absolutely nothing to do with that. Nope. Nothing. Nada. Move along.

In the entirely meaningless match between Milchama and Euroslavia the Warriors overcame the Titans, winning 2 - 1. Milchama end their competition with a win while Euroslavia should probably contemplate a change of nickname.


Final Group Roundup

Group 1

One of three unbeaten records in the tournament belongs to the monks of the Archregimancy who held fellow dreamers Alasdair I Frosticus to a 1 - 1 draw despite a real effort not to. A late and incredibly inconsiderate goal for the Archregimancy secured the monks top spot in the group but stuck the Holy Empire on the plane home, or whatever it is they use. The monks are joined in the quarter finals by the Weegies who beat Oglethorpia 2 - 1.

Group 3

Group 3’s top two, Cuation and Pastorville, fought out a 1 - 1 draw on the final day to ensure they both advanced. The group’s disappointment? The Lowland Clans. The Clansman, who put beat the Hyppos 4 - 1 in the last CoH, were turned over by Ariddia, ranked 124th I the world, on the final day and finished bottom of the group. Elrich too are left to wonder what might have been.

Group 4

The hosts already had Group 4 sewn up, all that remained was to find out who would join them. The Lions from Nedalia answered that question in emphatic style, hammering the Macabees 6 - 1 to confirm that there is nothing wrong with the Nedalians always deadly attack, an attack that is averaging 3 goals a game, and to book their place in the quarter final. Giant Zucchini were the only side still in the reckoning but they blew their chance after losing 2 - 1 to Chicanada.


Quarter Final Preview


Hypocria find themselves a little out of place in a deeply religious half of the quarter final draw alongside Praying2God, Pastorville and the Archregimancy. Religion, theology, the big guy upstairs are aspects that don’t exactly have a huge following in Hypocrian society so I think we can assume that divine intervention won’t be an option for us in our upcoming quarter final against the Archregimancy.

But there is one thing that the monks will have to contend with. On paper they are facing another nation ranked in the mid forties in the world but, as of a couple of days ago, Hypocrian football is riding the crest of a wave. As over in Bettia the nation’s AOCAF squad beat Sarzonia 2 - 1 in the final of AOCAF XI. As such Hypocria are now officially the reigning champions of the Atlantian Oceania region, a region that is home to football heavyweights such as Sarzonia, Bedistan, Starblaydia and Krytenia among many others. Hopefully that achievement will inspire the Cup of Harmony squad to add some more silverware to the national side’s trophy cabinet.

The other quarter finals have thrown up some interesting ties, not least the clash between the hosts Praying2God and their close friends and allies Pastorville. Should they advance the Hyppos will face the winner of that tie. Nedalia take on Baptism of Fire holders Cuation in what is another mouth watering match. The Lions should be too strong for Group 3’s winners but Cuation will be confident after a solid performance in the group stages. And finally Yafor 2 take on the Weegies. On paper the Golden Wolves are the stronger side but they might need an extra half an hour or even penalties to see off their opponents.

Predictions

The Archregimancy v Hypocria
I think you can guess who we pick.

Praying2God v Pastorville
The Saints prayers won’t be answered as the Warriors march into the semis.

Cuation v Nedalia
The Lions roar.

Yafor 2 v The Weegies
All that glitters is gold as the Wolves just edge it.

Golden Wolves Edge Hyppos to Finish Atop Group 2

Game 5 - At Grace Field
Yafor 2 2 - Hypocria 1

Praying2God - It was a dreary day above Grace Field as both teams took the field to prepare for one of the most important games in the Cup of Harmony, so far, for both teams. The skies were gray and bleak and the weather forcast for the rest of the game was more of the same. It seemed like an unappetizing weather forcast for such an important game.

The Golden Wolves seemed to be in "the zone", per se. They seemingly couldn't stand still, jumping, bobbing, and doing short sprints. It was not that it was cold (in fact, for winter, for the Yaforites it was warm) but more that each player was contending with an early attack of nerves; big game nerves. The Yaforites had no idea how much more of those very nerves would come back, in full force.

The Golden Wolves started the game in style. Francisco Malar, his body lithe and strong, headed down the field, the ball on his foot. He avoided Hypocrian defenders like a skateboarder might avoid rocks, easily and with skill. He was in complete control of the ball as he twisted and dodged, using all the reserves of skill availible to him - lots. He finished his excellent run with a carefully-placed goal which landed in the lower right corner of the Hypocrian goal.

His brother would not let himself be outdone. Fernando Malar would go on to duplicate his brother's feat of scoring a goal, but on a entirely different way. On a cross from Damiel Fraten, he using his bulk and strength to lever himself up, then to score an excellent goal on a header. This would be another Yaforite goal.

In the end, the Golden Wolves dominated, despite a Hypocrian goal in th early second half. There have been recent rumors of the "Hypocrian apathy to get Commerce Heights out of qualification", but these have been vigorously denied. In a post-game interview, Captain Gerod Flamer said "Yes, we played well, but the Hyppos are a much better team than they looked. Hopefully we can keep up the same form against The Weegies."

Group Round-up

1
The Archregimancy 4 2 2 0 6 3 +3 8 Q
The Weegies 4 2 0 2 5 5 0 6 Q
Oglethorpia 4 1 2 1 7 7 0 5 E
Alasdair I Frosticus 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 E
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 4 0 2 2 2 5 -3 2 E

Group 1 was a tight group by all appearances. The monks of The Archregimency were, by far, the only truely "dominating" team in the group, compling an unbeaten record. Their friend Alasdair I Frosticus were pushed out of qualifying by a "mistake goal" by one of their players in the last game. The Weegies, the other qualifyer, managed to pull through with a 2-1 loss to Oglethorpia, who just managed not to qualify. Andossa Se Mitrin Vega ended up unhappy, being the low-boys of this group. Hopefully, they'll have better luck next time!

3
Cuation 4 2 2 0 5 3 +2 8 Q
Pastorville 4 2 1 1 5 3 +2 7 Q
Ariddia 4 1 2 1 6 7 -1 5 E
Elrich 4 1 1 2 4 4 0 4 E
The Lowland Clans 4 1 0 3 3 6 -3 3 E

Baptism of Fire winners Cuation and Pastorville qualified with an overbearing skill. Arridia, the lowest ranked team in the competition, acheived more than expected, but Elrich and The Lowland Clans must be kicking themselves. In what looked like an "open group" at the start of the tournament, the top two teams were decided long ago.

4
Praying2God 4 4 0 0 10 1 +9 12 Q
Nedalia 4 2 1 1 12 4 +8 7 Q
Giant Zucchini 4 1 1 2 4 4 0 4 E
Chicanada 4 1 1 2 3 10 -7 4 E
The Macabees 4 0 1 3 3 14 -11 1 E

Hosts Praying2God erased last times' Cup of Harmony debacle by going perfect this time. Easily, they took their group by storm, demolishing all who opposed them. Nedalia, who were expected to qualify for the World Cup in the first place, took second in what ended up to be a reletively easy group. Giant Zucchini and The Macabees overimpressed, for their low rankings, but Chicanada expected more.

The Quarterfinals!
Who will qualify...who will not?
By Dontu Truisteme

The Archregimancy v. Hypocria @ Salvation Stadium - Both the Hyppos and the monks of The Archregimency have had successful cups so far. Each temas plays a balenced, strong game. Look for this one to be close - with the AOCAF-winning-so-morale-boosted Hypocrian side to triumph in a close game.
Praying2God v. Pastorville @ Hope Stadium - Hosts versus close friends...hmm..this match-up promises extraordinarily interesting possibilities. However, Praying2God will continue this fine for and remain perfect.
Cuation v. Nedalia @ House of Healing - The Nedalians play a game which is not built to handle the balenced Cuation attack. But the Baptism of Fire winners will most likely be overmatched by the tough and experienced Nedalians.
Yafor 2 v. The Weegies @ House of Faith - By all accounts, this will be a close game, with the Golden Wolves triumphing. Look for the Golden Wolves defense to hold tight, while the Malar brothers score in tandem. A close game this will be.

-Excerpts from The Ajerite Sun.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THE MONASTIC TIMES

CUP OF HARMONY QUARTERFINAL PREVIEW
Heretics and atheists are squad's main obstacle

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

With the Cup of Harmony group stages over, your intrepid and God-fearing reporter humbly presents his perspective on the knock-out stages.

The Archregimancy (44) v. Hypocria (42): It says a lot about how even this match is that international opinion is almost evenly divide over who'll win this one. If the Archregimancy win, then the Lord is clearly punishing the atheistic Hyppos for their lack of faith. If Hypocria win, then the Lord clearly wishes to punish us for our sinful pride. Given Hypocria's past record of having everything go wrong at the worst possible moment (or having everything go right only after it's too late), I'll pick the Archregimancy - though I concede my personal bias.

Praying2God (49) v. Pastorville (66): Opinion in the Archregimancy remains divided over the nature of these two teams' heresy. Are they adoptionists or psilanthropists who believe Our Saviour was mere man adopted by God? Are they anti-monatist alogi who reject the fourth Gospel and Revelations? Are they helkesaites, who reject the authority of Paul? Are they Marcionites who accept only the authority of Paul (and the Gospel of Luke)? Are they Marcosians who replace the Holy Spirit in the Trinity with the Mother of God? Are they Novationists who refuse to accept that those who lapse in the face of persecution may be forgiven and redeemed? Are they Quartodecimans who use the Jewish Passover as the date for Pascha [Easter], even if this means it's not on a Sunday? Am I worrying too much about this? Irrespective of the nature of their heresy, Praying2God look too strong for Pastorville.

Cuation (59) v. Nedalia (34): Surely an easy victory for the Lions - who are now the highest-ranked team in the tournament. They'll be looking to make up for their disappointment in not making it to the tournament proper, and with Praying2God and the Archregimancy must be one of the tournament favourites.

Yafor 2 (55) v. The Weegies (47): Despite Yafor 2's 3 wins to one loss in the group stages, their goal difference was only +1. The Weegies were deeply unconvincing, and only went through thanks to a notorious last-minute own goal by Alasdair I Frosticus in their match against the Archregimancy. If forced to pick, I'd go with Yafor 2, but don't be surprised if this one goes to penalties.

Weegie Star Sport Report: Cup of Harmony Latest

THE WEEGIES - 1 (Riddell 34)
OGLETHORPIA - 2 (MacHangar 12, 64)

Team:
The Weegies: McInally, Meair, Bailderson, Petersen (Na-Chalain 62), McAilain, Mailtaigh, Harris, Andersen (Madsen 62), Riddell, Taichnas (yellow card 42), Taichnas.
Oglethorpia: Replac, Seasons, Head, Potbell, v. Mistletoe, v. Mistletoe, Falls, Christmas, Kremlov, Memorable, MacHangar.

Despite losing this game against the higher-rated side, The Weegies go through to the quarter-finals because of events in the other group match between Alasdair I Frosticus and The Archregimancy, which ended 1-1.

But of course, the fans didn't know that, and whilst their eyes were following the match on the pitch, their ears were listening to the match between the two closely-linked sides. Due to their connections, fan hopes were slim. "They'll cheat." said one unnamed supporter. "Religious buggers or not. They'll want their wee pals through, and the Archregimancy will definitely step off the gas for this match. We've not got a prayer when you've got that lot through. A farce. A farce I tell ye."

It started off badly for the Weegies, too, as events on the other pitch started affecting events on this one. News filtered through the crowd that Alasdair I Frosticus had scored early on, and lead a distinct air of unease to the Weegie crowd. The team picked up on the bad vibe, too, and their self-confidence just completely collapsed as they realised what that meant. The Oglethorpians, tasting blood, moved forward, taking the ball off of Harris, and allowing MacHangar to twist through the Weegie defense and slot the ball just under McInally in the bottom left corner of the net. A further blow to Weegie morale.

To be fair, the Weegies didn't buckle after that, although they preferred to stay back and let Oglethorpia tire themselves out rather than going forward in their own right. With Harris falling back into a holding midfield role, the Oglethorpians found freedom to dominate the match, but were finding themselves frustrated nearer the goal with tenacious defending, showing that the Weegies, although nervous and demoralised, were far from down and not yet out.

And they got back in it, when a fumbled pass by Christmas meant that Harris sprung on the loose ball and quickly hoofed it up the side to Mailtaigh, who seized the chance and ran up the side, by-passing Head and crossing into the box, where Riddell was to thump the ball into the back of the net with a superb volley. Back in the game, and the Weegies were back in with a chance.

The fans continued their uneasy vigil around the wirelesses, and it reflected still in the Weegies' play throughout the second half. Slow, tentative, uneasy, unsure, not wanting to give away the advantage they had just gleaned for themselves through Riddell's good timing and judgement. But it didn't last, and with the Weegie side re-organising after two substitutions, MacHangar struck again, breezing past a lost-looking Na-Chalain, who's never looked at home in international competition, and fired the ball home easily. 2-1, and again the Weegies' position in the Cup of Harmony relied on good fortune away from the pitch, a tenuous hope at best.

But with one minutes to go, even though nothing much was happening (Harris on the ball, von Mistletoe closing in on him), something wonderful happened. The whole Weegie crowd, previously whistling in disdain at their teams performance, started murmuring, murmuring and the murmur got louder, and louder until it turned into an almighty yell of hope and joy as the score from the other Group 1 match filtered through the crowd and turned into an exultation of sheer happiness. The match stopped, briefly, as the players were suddenly bewildered by the wall of sound that came forth. And then the final whistle blew, and the crowd, in sheer relief, really began to show their happiness.

The next match, however, is against Yafor 2, and they are, of course, a decent side and not one to be messed with. We're going to need some excellent luck to get ourselves further in this competition, but the sheer relief of squeaking through that group stage has left us in a good mood for now, at least.

Quarterfinal Scores

The Archregimancy 3, Hypocria 0
Praying2God 4, Pastorville 2*
Cuation 2, Nedalia 1 (PK) (1-1 AET, 1-1 FT)
Yafor 2 1, The Weegies 0

*-scorinated by Krytenia


Semifinal Match-ups

The Archregimancy v. Praying2God @ Praise Stadium
Cuation v. Yafor 2 @ Grace Field


OOC: Congratulations to our semifinalists and thanks to the four teams who came out on the short end in the quarterfinals for participating. Again, thanks to Krytenia for scorinating the Praying2God and Pastorville matches.

SAINTS FALL HARD
Victory over Pastorville sets up semifinal match with another religious nation

The Praying2God Warriors ended any questions over whom was going to win their CoH XVII quarterfinal match against Pastorville early, by scoring four first half goals on their way to an easy 4-2 victory over their allies. The ease of their triumph even allowed the Warriors to rest several starters during the second half. The Warriors first scored in the 6th minute, when Ashley Gore fed Kelly Carter at the top of the box for a one-timer that Carter doesn't miss often, slamming past a helpless Reverend Smith for the 1-0 lead. The Warriors didn't wait long to double their lead, as Alissa Madison found Thomas Larson on the right side of the box in the 14th minute, and Larson proceeded to squeeze the ball into the top corner on the far side for a 2-0 Warriors lead. Then in the 31st minute, Madison was rewarded for her earlier assist when Jenna Royal found Madison as she slipped away from the Saints defense. The resulting breakaway ended up with Smith picking yet another ball up from the back of the net. Smith looked quite sick at this point, and Smith's nightmare wasn't over yet. In the 40th minute, Sarah Walker made the save on the Saints' lone quality opportunity of the first half, and punted the ball over everybody's head, with Larson being the first to the ball with nobody between him and the net. The second Warriors breakaway in less than ten minutes ended the same way the first one did, with Smith picking the ball up out of the back of the net. With a 4-0 lead at halftime, the Warriors emptied their bench in the second half, giving some of their stars some time to rest. The Saints did get goals from Reverend Paulson and Reverend Harris on back-up keeper Brianna Smith in the second half, but the Warriors never got worried, knowing they were well in control of the match. Jenna Royal and Christa Faith were the only two Warriors starters that played in the second half. The Warriors opponent in the semifinals is The Archregimancy, who defeated Hypocria 3-0 in the quarterfinals. The Archregimancy are one of the more openly religious nations that regularly participate in WC qualifying, which should mean a close, well-fought match between the two teams. The winner of the Warriors' semifinal will be the favorite in the final, especially as they are the two highest ranked teams left in CoH XVII. However, the Warriors still appear to be the team to beat.




SEMIFINAL PREVIEW

The Archregimancy (44) v. Praying2God (49)

Talk about a good match-up! The religious international soccer community has been waiting a while for these two teams to end up meeting on the field. Both teams looked impressive in their quarterfinal victories, with The Archregimancy having the larger margain of victory, though that can be attributed to the fact that the Warriors opted not to rub their win in the Saints' faces. Both sides have quality defenses, so this match will likely come down to which offense can better capitalize on their chances. So far in CoH XVII, that would appear to provide the edge to the Warriors, especially since most of their starters have a little more rest than The Archregimancy's starters after getting the second half of the quarterfinal match against Pastorville off. Predicted Score: Praying2God 2-1


Cuation (59) v. Yafor 2 (55)

This match-up will be overshadowed by the other semifinal, but is not a match to overlook, as either team should be competitive in the CoH XVII Championship Match. Both teams required some luck to get this far, so luck may be the deciding factor in this match. Cuation pulled off a stunning 2-1 PK win over Nedalia, the top ranked team that qualified for the quarterfinals. Yafor 2 got another strong performance from its defense on the way to a 1-0 victory over The Weegies in the quarterfinals. Don't be surprised to see this match go beyond regulation time. Predicted Score: Cuation 2-1 (PK)

Golden Wolves Astonishingly Pull Through!

Quarterfinals At House of Faith
Yafor 2 1 - The Weegies 0

Praying2God - Once again the Golden Wolves stood upon the field, their eyes bleak. It was the knock-out stages, now, the quarterfinals, where those who lost lost for good. It was the time to buckle down and win for now you could not get away with a loss, now every draw went to Extra Time, now there were penalties, and now, at long last, all the chips were in on the table.

Now, at last, did everything count, and boy, did it count! the rain fell in billowing sheets, thundering down. It splattered upon the field, upon player's heads, upon eveything underneath the mighty black cloud which lay above it, unfortunatly, including the game. The stadium, nonetheless, was full to the limit, with Yaforite fans huddling under umbrellas and in raincoats and still proclaiming their alligence to their team, despite the conditions. Truely, they are some of the best fans in the world.

But the game began, despite the extreme conditions. There was no reason to call it off, and the players looked, not just excited, but glad to be out. The Malar brothers were grinning to each other about the goals that they would score and Hales Ysilko was shaking his braids in the air, sending water droplets flying across the field - and onto the nose of a [very] angry Hares Dalermo, who was defending the side behind him. But it was a good-natured joke, and the defender knew it.

The referee blew the whistle to begin and the game began. It was another Yaforite game - which is to say, a defensive powermatch. The defense of the Golden Wolves is not just good, it is great. This can be attributed, somewhat, to the style of play which the Yaforite league, the LIDYT, plays in; a tough, defense-oriented game; a game which some call "Fast and Furious". But, as with all things, the Yaforites have their faults. With their strong defense always, and always, comes an overmatched, three-man, midfield. But that has not inconvinienced the Golden Wolves so far in the Cup.

The game progressed with the Yaforite defense taking an iron (or golden) hold on the match. The Weegies were playing well, though, ending with a ball-possetion percent of 54%. However strangely, they were unable to bring it past the midfield line, with the Yaforite midfield playing hard pressure the whole way through. But the Golden Wolves got few opportunities to attack and so, at the end of the first half, could not capitalize.

With the start of the second half, the Golden Wolves came out strong and hard. Francisco Malar gained the ball around midfield and began a strong passing between him, Damiel Fraten, Hales Ysilko, Captain Gerod Flamer, and his brother. This exceptional example of passing skill culminated in a goal for Francisco Malar, and their proved to be the only goal of the game.

The remainder of the game was another defensive lockdown and the Golden Wolves advanced again. In a post-game interview, Flamer stated, "Agreed, we played well. But so did the othjer side. They showed their experience in International Football/Soccer (they reached the Cup of Harmony final in CoH I, did you know that?) and we were lucky to qualify. Hopefully, we can go further, and if we don't well then, we did the best we could."

Quarterfinal Overview

The Archregimancy 3, Hypocria 0 - It was not what was expected. A dominating monk team ended the game erasing doubts of who was the better. Prior to the game, international opinion was almost evenly divded as to who would progress to the Semifinals. Now, it seems, that The Archregimency, are another team to beat.

Praying2God 4, Pastorville 2* - Two close friends; nothing near a close game. The Warriors dominated throughout and look to be the team to beat, with a perfect record, so far. Home field advantage at work. Praying2God now look like "The Team To Beat". Will this galvanize their opponents or frighten them? Only time will tell.

Cuation 2, Nedalia 1 (PK) (1-1 AET, 1-1 FT) - A close game. Cuation miraculously passed through, somehow, defeating the Lions in a game the Lions are sure to hope to forget. Just another in the series of disappoinments this time for the Lions. Hopefully, they can overcome these. For Cuation, it is just another step in the road to becoming one of the best teams in the world.

Extensive Semifinal Previews
Praying2God vs. The Archregimency

Praying2God - The host side are the only perfect side. They have taken all before them and manhandled them, including the 34th-ranked Nedalia Lions. They are officially the "Team to Beat". But none of the pressure of the home field, of their excellent performance, of any feats which they have accomplished has fazed them.

The Archregimency - The Orthodox monks of The Archregimency have become heavy-weights of international football/soccer in months. Their strong showing in World Cup qualifying, as well as a brief period of time where contact was lost with them, has proved that they are here to stay. Also unbeaten, the fact that they are monks hasn't changed the fact that they are winning - no matter what.

X-Factor - The X-Factor is simple: who can play better. Both teams are strong, tough, and want to win. Both teams are known throughout the world of football/soccer. Both teams are unbeaten. In the end, it will be the team that plays better that day who win. In the end, it will be the better team that wins. And that could be either.

Cuation vs. Yafor 2

Cuation - Cuation are the team that has won the Baptism of Fire, hosted in Vilita and Bettia. They have been thrust upon the international football/soccer scene, and have already made and impact. They play a balanced game, with both attackers and defenders playing their hardest. The profited from the group draw, taking eights points and the group, but outlasted the strong and experienced Nedalian side in the Quarterfinals. Cuation look like, in four cups, the best team in the world. They look like the team which will become the world champions. They look like their cup's team with the greatest potential.

Yafor 2 - The Golden Wolves are no push-over. Despite their luck throughout the tournament so far, the YAforite defense is not the worst. Their defense has held on through the longest-lasting and toughest games in the tournament. The team that many regard as this Cup's dark horse, the Golden Wolves hope to progress in style.

X-Factor - The X-Factor in this game if two fold. Firstly, will the Yaforite attavck be able to get the ball and to shoot? If they do, then the Golden Wolves will, most likely, seal this game up. If they don't, then look to penalties. Secondly, will Cuation be able to pass through the Yaforite defense? If they can, they will win. If they can't, penalties again.

Fun Fact:All Four Semifinalists Won Their Group!

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated

"So, Fr. John.... The Hyppos of Hypocria"

"Well Fr. Nicholas, need I say anymore than quote your own quarterfinal preview from the Monastic Times?: Given Hypocria's past record of having everything go wrong at the worst possible moment (or having everything go right only after it's too late), I'll pick the Archregimancy. How very perceptive of you!"

"But the match itself..."

"I know what you mean, Fr. Nicholas... It was easy. Almost too easy. Almost as if the Lord our God wanted to send the atheists or agnostics in Hypocria a lesson they'll never forget - though far be it from me to claim true knowledge of the mysteries of our Lord."

"And the highlights, Fr. John?"

"Ah, well, what can you say about Fr. Silouan's performance last night? 15 years he spent shut away in his hermitage in the Seventy Caves, before emerging as one of the most feared forwards in international football - and last night's hat trick simply seals his position as an Archregimancy football legend. Though knowing his own propensity for shunning the sin of pride, he might not want me to describe him in those terms. After all, he's fond of quoting his namesake St. Silouan the Athonite... 'Where there is pride there cannot be grace, and if we lose grace we also lose both love of God and assurance in prayer. The soul is then tormented by evil thoughts and does not understand that she must humble herself and love her enemies, for there is no other way to please God.'

Anyway, the first goal came off yet another typical Archregimancy corner. How many times have we seen this? In the 32nd minute Fr. Michael the Lesser sends in an in-swinger, Fr. Michael the Greater towers above the opposing defence, havoc ensues, and Fr. Silouan's there to poke it home.

Just on the stroke of half-time, Fr. Silouan hammers another nail into the Hypocria coffin with this half-volley from the edge of the box, following some fine approach work by Fr. Andrew the Twice-Found. The Hypocrian defenders just left him too much space - and they paid the price.

Then, in the 58th minute, game over. Fr. David the Water-Drinker threads the needle with this exquisite through-ball, Fr. Silouan's left with no one but the goalkeeper to beat, and he was never going to make a mistake from there..."

"It seems to me, Fr. John, that the Hypocrians played surprisingly poorly..."

"I agree. Don't know what happened to them, but the Hyppos - as much as we have a soft spot for them - have an amazing tendency to self-destruct at the wrong moment. Sadly, this is becoming something of a pattern for Hypocria, and I'd personally recommend either hiring a sports psychologist, or converting to the one true Holy Orthodox Church. We'd be more than happy to set up a canonical autocephalous Church of Hypocria - but somehow I feel they'll politely decline the offer."

"And now on to the semi-finals... the hosts..."

"The heretics, you mean."

"Yes, Fr. John, but perhaps we can concentrate on their footballing skills for just a moment..."

"Ah, well, that's different. They've looked very good in this tournament. Home field advantage has suited them, but that's not the only reason they're winning. They're playing very well. Still, our 3-0 destruction of Hypocria will make a few people sit up and take notice, and I expect this one to be tight. Very tight. 2-1 to us after extra time - which I note is the opposite scoreline that the Warriors' supporters are predicting."

"And what about Cuation!"

"That's a surprise, Fr. Nicholas. Even Cuation themselves were predicting they'd lose heavily to Nedalia."

"And who do you predict to play in the final, Fr. John?"

"I hope and pray we'll win - you already know that - but I have a sneaking feeling that Yafor 2 will prove too strong for Cuation, so we'll be looking at an Archregimancy - Yafor 2 final"

"Thanks, Fr. John - and I'll close with just one more point..."

"What's that, Fr. Nicholas?"

"Amazingly, we're suddenly the highest-ranked team in the tournament..."


OOC: Just a quick comment on our otherwise excellent host's claim to have rested most of the Praying2God squad [pun unintended;) ] in the second half against Pastorville.... Surely the maximum number of substitutes in the CoH is the standard 3 per game - or have I missed something?

OOC: Just a quick comment on our otherwise excellent host's claim to have rested most of the Praying2God squad [pun unintended;) ] in the second half against Pastorville.... Surely the maximum number of substitutes in the CoH is the standard 3 per game - or have I missed something?

OOC: LOL at the pun.:D About the number of substitutions: Umm...the referees were feeling sympathetic to Pastorville and allowed Praying2God more than the typical three substitutions? *looks around whistling innocently* I suppose I should have included something about that in my match recap, but I don't feel like going back and editing it now. Call it the laziness syndrome that sets in when you have some time to relax in between finals for school.:p

OOC: well, might as well roleplay it! This tournament could use a controversy...

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THE MONASTIC TIMES

REFEREE ACCUSED OF FAVOURING TOURNAMENT HOSTS
MFA launches official protest

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

Archregimancy preparations for the upcoming Cup of Harmony semi-final were thrown into turmoil overnight as the Monastic Football Association launched an official protest at the decision of the referee in the Praying2God - Pastorville quarterfinal to permit the hosts more than the standard three substitutions so that the Warriors could rest their best players before the semi-final.

"We're shocked!" said a senior MFA archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Clearly the hosts have managed to get to the officials. I haven't seen such blatant disregard for the rules of international football since the player-trading controversy at the start of WC 25. We demand an official EWCC or WCC enquiry, preferably chaired by an entirely neutral nation, such as, say, the Holy Empire of Alasdair I Frosticus."

MFA officials were said to particularly appalled that this flagrant violation of the rules comes from a nation with aspirations towards faith. "Even heretics should know cheating's a sin!" said yet another anonymous archimandrite, before quoting at length from a sermon of St. Cyprian "Let no one cheat himself, let no one deceive himself. The Lord alone can have mercy. He alone can bestow pardon for sins which have been committed against Himself, who bore our sins, who sorrowed for us, whom God delivered up for our sins. Man cannot be greater than God, nor can a servant remit or forego by his indulgence what has been committed by a greater crime against the Lord. . "

MFA officials were said to be scouring the rulings of the Seven Ecumenical Councils for proof of the extent of the Praying2God misdeed, but were rumoured to be frustrated by the insistence of the Fathers of the Church to spend more time defining the nature of the Holy Trinity than the rules of a sport whose existence had not been foreseen by the 7th Ecumenical Council in 787AD. Curiously enough, however, they did find a semi-official church ruling on social nudism thanks to the web site of the Orthodox Church in America:
"While to my knowledge the Orthodox Church surely has never issued any kind of formal or official position on social nudism, it is my opinion that the Church would take a dim view on anything that might prove to be a temptation -- and surely nudism, social or otherwise, could indeed prove to be a temptation to many persons.
Certainly the Church does not see the human body, clothed or otherwise, as something evil in and of itself; however, the body, like all else given to us by God, is to be used for those things which are profitable for our souls and our salvation and for our edification and the edification of others and, as such, should not be used in any way that could lead one into temptation.
I am not sure that social nudism is necessarily spiritually profitable or edifying. Hence, it would be my opinion that the Church would not offer a blessing to such practices."

Back in the more directly relevant realm of football, the Archregimancy squad were said to be 'perturbed' by developments, especially given the existing suspicions of referee bias at the end of the Archregimancy - Alasdair I Frosticus match, but were said to be 'fired up with the Holy Spirit', and were more convinced than ever to play for a win through these soul-strengthening trials.

REFEREES SENT PACKING

The referees that officiated the Praying2God/Pastorville quarterfinal were sent home instead of being allowed to officiate the Praying2God/The Archregimance semifinal like they were scheduled to. The new officiating crew for the Praying2God/The Archregimancy match is rumored to be led by a referee from South Osettia, which is something sure to anger Praying2God fans. Praying2God has never won a match that has been refereed by a South Osettian, and all of those matches have also ended in controversial one-goal victories for Praying2God's opponents, including The Archregimancy's close friends, Alasdair I Frosticus during WC XXV qualifying. The referee for the crew that officiated the Praying2God/Pastorville match was quoted to have said "we simply lost our heads and told the Praying2God team that they could make additional substitutions after they had made their legal three." The referee from that match's nationality is being withheld at the moment, but it is rumored that the referee may have relatives from Pastorville and didn't want to see the team from his relative's home country totally embarrassed. The Praying2God Soccer Association is looking into the matter to determine what steps it should take in this scandal that has quickly taken the attention off the semifinal match-ups of CoH XVII.

Legend Neville Clarkson sends Cuation through to semi's

Cuation sneak through on penalties.

Thank you for buying the Cuation rebel, the paper that stands against our evil goverment. It might be an offence to read this but if nobody stands up against the tyranny, our nation will suffer. Ever since Jude Takerath conquered this land, we have suffered for it. What? Oh and the sport? Fine

It was a rainy day in the House of Healing which seated 20,000 Cuation fans which many left outside. With even this pitch rapidly getting muddy, it looked like Cuation's style of play would have the advantage. As the teams lined up, some fans booed goalie Peter Seamen, his unpopularity still evident.

From the start, Cuation seemed content to camp in their own half and allow Nedalia to attack in a bid to keep the score down. A good Cuationite would have pushed forward onto the attack to go down fighting but no, this man is content to let us fall into defeat without trying to regain honour.

It was his captain Sol Major who was the hero of the team today, his brilliant marshalling of the defence and the team ensured that the teams defending was worthy of any top side. With fine goalkeeping by Peter Seamen the team entered half time at 0-0.

In the 47th minute, a Cuation long ball found Peter Tanner who flicked into space for playmaker Giovanni who played it to the right for winger Timothy Ashton. The winger drilled the ball low and hard, from outside the box into the net. This suprise goal had the fans on thier feet and gave the team something to hang onto. Maybe if the manager allowed them to play as they wished, they would play better!

The lead only lasted till the 65th minute when the Lions increasing pressure saw them break through with a fine passing move, Peter Seamen as he the equaliser was scored. 1-1 and now the team was paying for the tactics of thier manager.

Cuation rode its luck for the rest of the match and when Leslie Butcher tripped winger Constantine, everyone was sure it was a penalty. However the refree instead gave a free kick outside the box which was promptly cleared.

The team survived, rapidly tiring and coming under more pressure to extra time and then throughout all that. The only changes made where in the 119th minute when Neville Clarkson, Rual Mendiz, Rio Samaba took the place of Peter Seamen, Abel Robinson, Roy Ferguson. This seemed like Cuation would attack at last but no, they flooded everyone back

Nedalia where unlucky when Neville was too slow to react to a ball into the box and the resulting shot was cleared off the line by Sol Major. Somehow the team managed to drag it out into the lottery of penalties

Cuation's five(Rual, Giovanni, Timothy, Peter, Heskey) all scored as did the first four lions. If the last lion penalty taker scored, Cuation where as good as out. However Neville Clarkson went the right way and pulled of a great save! Cuation had stolen a win and now go into the semi's!

Quarterfinal Scores

The Archregimancy 3, Hypocria 0
Well this leaves Archregimancy as the highest ranked team left but how hard did they pray to get so good a result? As one of thier own fine commentators expected, Hypocria seemed to explode but maybe it is just losing to a very dangerous side

Praying2God 4, Pastorville 2

The scoreline was kind to the Pastorville's and it isn't often they turned over so easily. Despite the scandal of too many subs allowed, it was a mercy to the underdog. If Pastorville can not limit Praying2God to a tight game, then I fear this cup is as good as over

Yafor 2 1, The Weegies 0

Given that we somewhat got through, it is a pity that The Weegies fell at this point as we know we can hammer them. Yafor strangled the game as is their want but have a good enough attack not to let the game go into extra time.

Semi Final predictions

The Archregimancy v. Praying2God @ Praise Stadium

The red hot hosts, the highest rank team, two teams of holy men, what is not to like? The winner of this must be considered the favs to win the final as one of these unbeaten teams lose a game. Due to home advantage, I will say Praying2God will win 3-2

Cuation v. Yafor 2 @ Grace Field

Our team is exhuasted and normally this is a team we could beat every now and again according to the ranks. We will lose this after one long boring game. Our team will never do well in the World Cup as we require luck to get into the kockout stages, we are simply a middling team who make the odd challenge for knockout cups. Yafor to win 2-0

Cup of Harmony XVII


Thank You and Goodnight


Hypocria 0 - 3 The Archregimancy



There’s no denying it, those monks know what they‘re talking about. How did they put it?

Given Hypocria's past record of having everything go wrong at the worst possible moment (or having everything go right only after it's too late)
What makes it's so annoying is that it so true. Never before had we played the Archregimancy but the monks have certainly got us figured out. Since the nation’s debut at the pre-World Cup 23 Baptism of Fire the national side has had an alarming tendency to either start a campaign in reverse or to totally choke when the going gets tough.

The Hyppos had looked quite comfortable in the first three games of the tournament and then lost narrowly to Yafor 2. After that the momentum was gone and the campaign ended with a whimper against the Archregimancy. Hypocria are (were) ranked above the Monks but you never would have known it as the Hyppos rolled over and died, losing 3 - 0 and making no real impact in what should have been a close game, a game that divided international media predictions. Not that we should be at all surprised. After all members of this squad were also part of the Under-21 side that went all the way to the final of World Cup 18 and then got hammered 5 - 0. We thought perhaps the recent tournament win in Bettia signalled an end to the inconsistency but where would be the fun in that?

Once again we have to politely decline an offer from the Archregimancy to convert to the one true Holy Orthodox Church but we can offer them our full support for the rest of the tournament. And if they could recommend a good sports psychologist that would be lovely.

And now we’re off back to AO to sulk and perhaps polish our new AOCAF trophy.

OOC: Yet again, big thanks to Krytenia for all their help with scorinating.

IC:

Semifinal Scores

The Archregimancy 4, Praying2God 3 (PK) (1-1 AET, 1-1 FT)
Cuation 0, Yafor 2 1



3rd Place Match

Praying2God v. Cuation @ Cornerstone Stadium


CoH XVII Championship Match

The Archregimancy v. Yafor 2 @ House of Prayer


OOC: Congrats to the four of you, regardless of your results! It certainly was not easy to get this far.

SOUTH OSETTIA BEATS PRAYING2GOD...AGAIN

That's right, a nation that is no longer in existence beat Praying2God in the CoH XVII semifinals...by refereeing. The rumor that a South Osettian was the referee for the Praying2God/The Archregimancy match turned out to be true, much to the dismay of the entire nation of Praying2God, but the joy of The Archregimancy, who proved to be well aware of Praying2God's infamous history with South Osettian referees. This time the referee stole not only a legitimate 90th minute goal from Thomas Larson, he also overturned the Warriors goal on the last shot from Kelly Carter that would have extended the penalty kicks into sudden death. So, instead of playing for the CoH XVII championship that they deserve after their play in the rest of the tournament, a cursed referee does in Praying2God yet again and forces the Warriors to settle for playing for third place against a dangerous Cuation team that won the BoF preceeding WC XXV qualifying. The aforementioned South Osettian referee was given an armed escort out of the stadium and to the airport, where he boarded a private jet out of Praying2God to an unknown destination.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

THE SEMI-FINAL SPECIAL

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated


"So... Fr. John... Referees..."

"Well, Fr. Nicholas, can I just say how happy I am that tournament officials took our appeal seriously and named a neutral referee from South Osettia to officiate last night's match"

"I agree, we certainly couldn't have the biased heretic-coddling referee from the Praying2God - Pastorville match take charge again. Not after the substitution fiasco"

"Indeed not, Fr. Nicholas. So a fair-minded, neutral, quality official from South Osettia was flown in specially. And what a magnificent match he had in what was itself a game we'll long remember. Let's look at the highlights....


Our squad of God-fearing monks got off to the best start possible when, in the fifth minute, Fr. Demetrius of the New City - who's been having a quiet tournament so far - somehow ghosted in between the central defenders, controlled an exquisite pass from Fr. David the Water Drinker - who's certainly silenced any doubts fans might have had about the ability of a Western Rite monk to captain the team - and then Fr. Demtrius slotted it past the outstretched hands of the heretical 'keeper. 1-0 to the Archregimancy.

But our heretical hosts - who'd been the form team of the tournament so far - weren't going to go down without a fight. They took control of the rest of the first half, but Fr. Dmitri and Fr. Michael the Greater were like rocks, and on these rocks we shall build our central defence. For all their possession and undoubted craft, Praying2God were largely restricted to long-range shots. Though the home fans seemed to think they had a good call for a 38th minute penalty turned down when the referee - quite rightly - decided this highlight here was a case of ball to hand instead of deliberate handball.

But the home town heretics weren't to be denied, and two minutes after half-time, this equaliser came from a corner when our man mountain of a central defender Fr. Michael the Greater was temporarily off the field getting treatment for a cut above the eye caused by colliding with the post while conceding the corner.

Game on. Suddenly the Archregimancy decided they could no longer sit on their now-lost lead, and the rest of the half was pulse-pounding stuff, filled with near misses and skillful play from both squads - and some near-miraculous goalkeeping from the surely divinely-inspired Fr. Justinian the Thrice-Blessed in goal.

Then in the 90th minute, the first really controversial moment of the match. Praying2God's Larson is sent through, skips over Fr. Dmitri's desperate lunge, and sends the ball past the despairing Fr. Justinian, the home team start celebrating wildly - only for the referee to call the goal back for offside. The Praying2God players were incensed, but watch this replay.... Larson was offside. Only by a hair's breadth, but for all the howling in today's Praying2God newspapers, it's our firm opinion the referee got this one right.

And so, extra time. In truth, the 30 minutes of extra time didn't match the preceding 90. Both teams seemed to be too nervous of the consequences to attack, and before we new it, we'd reached penalties.

First, Fr. Silouan - and he was never going to miss.

But Praying2God did, as Fr. Justinian pulled off this fantastic save.

Unfortunately, Fr. Constantine sent the ball wide, and fell to the ground in anguished prayer.

Praying2God made no mistake.

Likewise Fr. Demetrius, who sent the keeper the wrong way.

Praying2God score again.

So do the Archregimancy, with Fr. Justinian proving his prowess at taking penalties as well as saving them.

Praying2God score again.

Team captain Fr. David the Water-Drinker then scores this screamer. 4-3, and Praying2God need to score to send the penalties to sudden death.

At which point we have our most controversial moment of the match... Kelly Carter steps up, shoots and scores - only for the referee to order Carter to re-take the penalty as the ball had rolled off the penalty spot just before the kick was taken. We all know what happens next... Fr. Justinian saves the second kick, the Archregimancy win 4-3, our lads run to sidelines to venerate the Holy Icon of the Mother of God, Bringer of Victories, while the referee has to be given an armed escort out of the ground as the home fans vent their frustration."

"But should the referee have disallowed that penalty, Fr. John?"

"Tough one, Fr. Nicholas. I certainly think he was right to disallow Larson's 90th minute goal, but Carter's penalty? A very tough call indeed. Ultimately, I think he was technically correct, but 90% of referees would have let that goal stand."

"So you think the Warriors were hard done by?"

"Yes and no. On disallowing Carter's penalty? Maybe. On disallowing Larson's goal? No. These things balance themselves out. The Lord moves in mysterious ways. In the end, who are we to question the workings of the Lord our God?"

"And the final?"

"Well, we certainly won't be underestimating the Golden Wolves of Yafor 2 - deserved 1-0 winners over BoF champions Cuation - but after defeating the hosts, confidence is very high in the Archregimancy camp. So I'm predicting a 2-0 win for our lads. What about you, Fr. Nicholas?"

"I'm predicting a win too - but only 2-1. And if that happens...."

"It'll be a week long party of ascetic self-denial in the desert wilderness of the Archregimancy for me, let me tell you!"

Welcome to the semifinal between Yafor and Cuation. The winner goes on to the final, the loser gets a shot at being third place. These two are sure to put on a defensive masterclass for all here. I am Major Ludagvin on Cuation sports TV

Hales Ysilko out on the life, hits the cross in to the far post. Sol Major looks to... Goal for Fernando Malar! Cuation are behind! Sol Major and Jonathan Yan collided and left the striker with an easy finish. After 120 minutes of heroics, we lasted only 30 minutes this time.

Abel Robinson plays the ball to Ashton but it has been intercepted by Gerod Flamer. Played through to Francisco Malar, he is clear! Off the post! Yet another let off for Cuation as the ref blows for half time. The defence has been in dissary and seem mentally exhuasted. Yafor should have been 2-0 up by now

Giovanni controls the high ball and skips into space. He has options but has a go...corner. Fantastic save from Deron Smithes denied the playmaker. Cuation have improved but it is thier playmaker that has cuased problems for Yafor

Frrekick to Cuation. Philip Cole flights it towards the box, Givanni traps it and is down! An innocent tackle, which got the ball, by Halen Croat as damaged Giovanni's ankle. The stertchers are on, he clearly can't continue but Cuation's hopes go with him

Jude sends on Rual Mendiz for the injured playmaker, Roy Ferguson comes off for winger Stanley Edwards and the team goes to 4-3-3.

Rual is flagged for offside and kicks the ball away. Stupid disent and he is rigthly booked. The fans boo's just seem to be that thier prodogy can do no wrong rather then anything.

Abel Robinson is taken off to applause for Rio Samba. Seems the holding role may be his when Abel retires

Rio plays it wide for Stanley who cuts back inside and crosses for Rual Mendiz. Claimed by the keeper but Riual has gone down in dramatic fashion, claiming a penalty. The ref has responded with a free kick and a second yellow, means a red card. Good descion but now Cuation have to score with ten men in ten minutes having failed with 11 for eighty

Thats it! Full time! The player sink to the ground, Yafor will go to the final while Cuation must fight for third place. The staff join thier players, so close but so far. In the end, Cuation failed to pull of a win they never deserved, thier luck ran out but while the fans boo the beaten team

Final and 3rd place preview

The Archregimancy v. Yafor 2 @ House of Prayer

I feel this could be onesided, Yafor are a decent side but the Archregimancy are just too good to blow this chance. Any team that beats Praying2God must be considered the team to beat and that may help Yafor but if the holy men can gain some corner...

The Archregimancy 2-0 Yafor 2

Praying2God v. Cuation @ Cornerstone Stadium


Praying2God will look to make up for failing to reach the final in thier home country and face a Cuation team with only for subs, 2 of them goalkeepers. Cuation will miss Giovanni and Rual but Gary Jen's return to the first team will help lessen the loss. Heskey Anderton will be dropped for Stanley Edwards while Rio Samaba is moved off the bench into defence as Cuation will play 5-4-1 in thier second biggest match in thier small history

Praying2God 3-0 Cuation

Golden Wolves Push By Cuation To Reach Final

Semifinals At Grace Field
Yafor 2 1 - Cuation 0

Praying2God - The Golden Wolves looked prepared as they stepped onto the field to face off with Cuation in the semifinal of the Cup of Harmony. Both teams were pumped up, jumping, sprinting, and joking around with friends, all signs of a general anxiety or reason to be insecure. This was the smifinals and that meant something.

The only goals of the match, scored, predictably, by one of the Malar brothers, this time Fernando, was early in the match, which was not what had usually happened so far in the tournament. Hales Ysilko was dribbling down the line, virtually untouched by the Cuation defense, who were not clear of what they were doing. In an oft-practiced move, he sailed a cross into the center of the box, with Fernando Malar unguarded, scoring. Cuation must have been given a talking-to for that defensive effort.

But Francisco would not be outdone by his brother...or would he? Captain and playmaker Gerod Flamer intercepted a wayward Cuation pass and, quickly, he passed to the open striker. Francisco Malar moved the ball up quickly with his speed and had an open shot. The striker, here, made his only mistake. His shot glanced off the outside off the bar, inches away from a second Yaforite goal. But the game of football/soccer is a game of inches and always has been.

It was Giovanni who always made problems for the Golden Wolves. The Cuation equivelant of Gerod Flamer was rarely guarded, which can be attributed to the Yaforite 5-3-2 formation, and made the most of it. One of his shots was barely deflected by Goalkeeper Deron Smithes in a magnificent save, one which he would later describe as "what I practice".

In a post-game press conference, Flamer stated "We tried and we won. Cuation are an excellent team, one which will be one of the world's best team in a few years. But we deserved this win today!" There were shouts and whoops in the press room, which took a few minutes to calm. "But I want to thank my coach, who had guided us this far. We love you coach!"

Semifinal Overview

The Archregimancy 4, Praying2God 3 (PK) (1-1 AET, 1-1 FT) - A close game, by any stretch of the imagination. "Battle of the Unbeatens" it will be called in Cup of Harmony lore for decades, hopefully, and deservedly, as well. A 1-1 final score gave way to one of the most tense and overwhelming penalty shootouts ever seen in international football/soccer. In the end hoe perfect record of the home team had to bow out along with the expectations of the fans and a referee who might just "disappear" in the near future...

Extensive Final/3rd Place Match Previews
The Archregimency vs. Yafor 2

The Archregimency - The Archregimency are riding off their success against the home team with a previously perfect record, Praying2God. They are under immense pressure to succeed again, however, and the simple idealiology which they follow, their devotion to their ideals, and the rest may not be enough to carry them as far as they can.

Yafor 2 - The Yaforite defense is at a high. In sucessive one-nil games, they have been able to completely confine and impede the opponents, harry their progress, and have been able to keep their scoring at none. On the peak of a five game winning streak, their defense is a force o be reckoned with. Also, they are Hindu and Jakallan, for the most part, pagans in the eyes of the Christians (of course, the word "pagan" is, in the eyes of the public, insulting in Yafor 2 as "being derogatory").

X-Factor - Will religion matter? Will the monks break the stranglehold in the Yaforite defense as only Commerce Heights has? Will the Malar brothers score in tandem? Will this game be an offensive or defensive shootout? The X-Factor is, essentially, "What will happen?".

Praying2God vs. Cuation

Praying2God - The home fans in this Cup of Harmony are hungry for someone's blood. A South Ossentian referee continued his country's infamous streak of "Praying2God losses", but the fans don't just want him. They want their team to win something, to take a prize, even after their perfect record was snapped and they lost in the semifinals. There is no telling what will happen if Praying2God loses. That should be enough to push them to win.

Cuation - Cuation play a balanced, tough, game that beat Nedalia, one of the expected high finishers in this Cup of Harmony. Cuation won the Baptism of Fire and have experience when the pressure is on. Will that help them or hurt them?

X-Factor - The X-Factor is simple: will the home fans pressure give the home team the extra push to win or kill them when the world's eyes is upon them? What Cuation do in response to each too, is important.

-Excerpts from The Ajerite Sun.

Yafor 2 - The Yaforite defense is at a high. In sucessive one-nil games, they have been able to completely confine and impede the opponents, harry their progress, and have been able to keep their scoring at none. On the peak of a five game winning streak, their defense is a force o be reckoned with. Also, they are Hindu and Jakallan, for the most part, pagans in the eyes of the Christians (of course, the word "pagan" is, in the eyes of the public, insulting in Yafor 2 as "being derogatory").


THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THEOLOGY TODAY

With Fr. Seraphim the Occasionally Dangerously Free-Thinking Theologian

"Hello, and welcome to a special Cup of Harmony edition of Theology Today. Our first caller is Fr. Gennadius from Xenophon monastery. What's on your mind, Fr. Gennadius"

"Yeah, well, like, you know, it's these Yafor 2 blokes. Hindus. What I want to know is, should we be denouncing them as heathens, or respecting their very different path to God?"

"An interesting question, Fr. Gennadius. First of all, let me note that while Hindus are heathens, the common charge that they're polytheists is perhaps slightly mistaken - a very western perspective. From a different perspective, many Hindus would argue that what we see as different divinities are in fact different aspects of a single godhead - and that they're no more polytheistic in that than we are. I respectfully disagree - and disagree strongly at that - but I thought I'd throw that one out there just to offer that different perspective.

Now, let's look at what Hindus and Orthodox Christians do share. Hindus are called to be mindful. Hindus often meditate. Hindus fast, pray, and give alms. Orthodox Christianity has a rich tradition of being mindful. Orthodox Christianity has a rich tradition of meditation, of fasting, of praying, of giving alms. Now, the question stands: If one is convinced that Orthodox Christianity possess the fullness of truth and is God's chosen ark of salvation and embraces Our Lord Jesus Christ through Orthodox Christianity, would not one wish to practice the Orthodox Christian principles of mindfulness, meditation, etc., rather than seeing these as Hindu principles and practicing them according to Hindu, rather than Orthodox Christian, tradition? While Hindus are indeed to be respected for their devotion to meditation, it is reasonable to say that that upon which they meditate is not Jesus Christ. I would suggest, Fr. Gennadius, that you study more closely the Orthodox tradition of mindfulness, meditation, prayer, fasting, etc. and to decide for yourself whether it is better to conform to these traditions rather than to displace them by traditions which, in and of themselves, may not be wrong but, if we accept Christ and His mission and teachings and life, are far from complete."

"So, what you're saying, is that the teachings of the Hindus of Yafor 2 aren't so much wrong, as incomplete?"

"More or less, Fr. Gennadius."

"Yeah, but what I want to know is, should I insult them or wot in the final?"

"Insulting people is un-Christian, Fr. Gennadius - a most unworthy thought. Yes, they may be heathens, but we can respect the good in their teachings even while we pray for their immortal souls and their ultimate conversion to the Orthodox Church.

Our next caller is Fr. Mark from Solovetsky...."


OOC: Credit where credit is due... Some sections of Fr. Seraphim's reply on Hinduism were edited down from an Orthodox Church in America web site Q&A on, erm, Buddhism.

OOC: I have TGed the Championship and 3rd Place Match scores to the involved nations, and will post them officially in here in a day or two. I want to give the involved nations time to RP the matches first.

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

CUP FINAL SPECIAL

With Fr. Nicholas the Scribe and Fr. John the Golden-Throated

"So, Fr. John... does the secular saying 'we wuz robbed' mean anything to you?"

"I believe the more appropriate monastic attitude, Fr. Nicholas, would be that suffering is good for the soul, and that therefore the events of last night were a soul-strengthening gift from God."

"Perhaps, but right now I prefer my version"

"An all-too-human reaction, Fr. Nicholas, but one I very much understand. Shall we look at some highlights?

There was no doubt who the stronger team was over the first half an hour, as the Archregimancy attack crashed down on the Golden Wolves' defence. Attack after attack was repulsed by a defence that had shown its mettle time and again over the course of the tournament. But Fr. Silouan was not to be denied, and in the 31st minute - following this neat overlapping 1-2 with Fr. Demetrius - our star forward slotted it past the opposing heathen 'keeper. 1-0, God be praised, and at that point anyone betting against the Archregimancy taking home the trophy would have been considered a fool. Not that I endorse betting, mind. Sinful, and all that.

But in the 35th minute, the game turned. First of all, Fr. David had to be stretchered off after this tackle - ouch! Nothing malicious from Yafor 2 involved there... Fr. David simply fell awkwardly and dislocated his knee. He was replaced by Fr. Michael the Equally Learned as Fr. Constantine of Simonopetra, but the bite had gone out of the Archregimancy midfield with the loss of the captain.

If that wasn't enough, just two minutes later Fr. Constantine the Learned was shown a straight red card following this incident... handball in the area. No doubt Yafor 2 consider this a karmic realignment for the referee's failure to award a penalty against the Archregimancy for a similar incident in the semi-final against Praying2God. I prefer to think of it as God's judgement on our team for the sin of pride in thinking we'd win the final, though again I disavow any heretical claim of fully understanding the mysterious workings of our Lord. In any case, Yafor 2 equalised on the resulting penalty in the 38th minute, and in less than ten minutes we'd gone from controlling the game and heading for a win to grimly clinging on for a draw at 1-1 with only ten men.

But it's to the immense credit of the squad that not only did they hang on, but in fact they nearly won. Coach Kyrill re-organised the team into a 3-3-3 formation in honour of the Holy Trinity at half-time, and it nearly worked... Fr. Silouan sent the ball just wide of the post, Fr. Demetrius hit the bar, and Fr. Michael the Equally as Learned as Fr. Constantine of Simonopetra had what appeared to be a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed for a gentle nudge in the penalty area. And Yafor 2 had their chances too - just look at this sequence of near misses and fine saves from Fr. Justinian.

With 82 minutes gone, it looked as if we would in fact hold on for extra time, but it wasn't to be... I won't describe the goal. My heart breaks every time I think about it - and perhaps Yafor 2 would have a different perspective on events anyway, a perspective that they're best placed to share. But less than 10 minutes later, the final whistle blew, and Yafor 2 found themselves unlikely, slightly lucky, but not undeserving, winners of the Cup of Harmony..."

"We wuz robbed"

"Our souls were strengthened through suffering"

"Either way, it was a strange tournament, Fr. John."

"How's that, Fr. Nicholas?"

"Well the way the favourites kept getting knocked out at every stage... Commerce Heights didn't make it out of the group stage, Nedalia were shocked in the second round, the heretical hosts lost their unbeaten record in the semis, and then we lost the final to Yafor 2.... almost as if..."

"Yes, Fr. Nicholas?"

"Well, almost as if it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the favourites to win the Cup of Harmony"

"The first shall be last, the last shall be first - and the meek shall inherit the trophy?"

"Something like that, Fr. John.... something like that"

Praying2God attack once more as the ball is swung in. Both sides rise up for it but...Gary Jens turns the ball onto the post, rebound! Blocked by Sol Major and the ball is free...Goal! The rearguard action is broken, Cuation is 1-0 down and this match is as good as over. The Cuations fans boo thier team as Gary Jens looks on in despair.

Cuation finish with nothing! Fans boo at 2-0 defeat!

From the Cuation Mouse

Where did it go wrong? The Nedilia match exhuasted the players to such an extent that it seemed the team where crippled. Should Jude have rested some of the first team and looked to push for dominance early on against Yafor? Perhaps but Cuation have done well all things considering.

Yet the fans have become expectant and booed the team when they conceded the first and then every touch by the team at 2-0 down. With three players due to retire and Giovanni injured, the team will need to look for replacments and might find next time much harder as teams know what to expect. The fans will get more hostile I fear

The 5-4-1 formation never really looked like working today but a good cup run and we did well against some good teams

OOC: For the final time, a big thanks to Krytenia for their help with scorinating the Praying2God and Pastorville matches.

IC:


3rd Place Match

Praying2God 2, Cuation 0


Cup of Harmony XVII Championship Match

The Archregimancy 1, Yafor 2 2



Congratulations to Yafor 2 and thanks to everybody who participated!