Cup of Harmony 18 (for World Cup 26 non-qualifiers) [Archive]

Majeristan

03-02-2006, 15:11

If RPing first, my opponent has permission to:
Choose my scorers.
Yellow card my players within reason.
Red-card Osiris Benoit for anything remotely aggressive.
Style modifier: -1 (5-4-1)

Majeristan Falcons

Coach: Hatime I Ra~e
Assistant Coach: Roger Taylor (47 years old)

SQUAD (starters in bold)
Goalkeepers
30 Hicham Elkayim (24). With the retirement of former starter Khari Hasenjafi and a World Cup qualifying effort under his belt, Elkayim becomes the starter for the Falcons in goal. Sporting Ikasi have signed him to a two year contract which he will honour upon graduating from uni.
35 Hasim Rahbani (21). With Elkayim now the starting goalkeeper, Rahbani beat out several veterans for the starting job and stands to be Elkayim's rival for the job for years to come.

Defenders
2 Khalid Amad (26). The youngest member of the most experienced part of the team, Amad brings speed at the halfback position in Majeristan's 4-5-1 formation. Warriors FC of Majeristan's largest city Henriabad have begun negotiations with Amad to man their backline.
4 Omar Joussaef (33). Age may have caught up to him as far as the Woodstock Wild were concerned, but Joussaef still brings speed that few players in the Majeristani semipro leagues can match. His years with the Wild gave him the savvy to face some of the finest talent in the world.
5 Bartolomeo Mustafa (36). Team captain. Unlike the Wild, which is embarking on a youth movement, the Portland Timbers were looking for a seasoned defender; however, Mustafa is not interested in playing sweeper until he's proven himself as the right fullback one last time.
14 Nur Horacio (37). Even though he retired from Division 1 play three years ago, Horacio was still considered by Mashoda the best right halfback with Majeristani papers.
6 Sarai Lujema (31). Though there was great controversy throughout Majeristan over having a female player on the team, she earned a spot for being able to play all four back line positions or sweeper in a 3-5-2.
16 Bevan bin Hessam (38). On an old defence, he's the oldest player and has been chosen strictly to provide depth for his team.

Midfielders
7 Osiris Benoit (24). A hard-nosed, rugged defensive midfielder, Benoit has been known to draw his share of cautions. Mashoda has been on him to control his temper, but when he's playing right, he's shutting down playmaking midfielders the world over.
9 Joe Taylor (25). The son of assistant coach Roger Taylor, there was controversy among the team for a non-Muslim being on the team, but Horacio held a meeting with Taylor and the team to clear the air. Taylor is now accepted among his teammates for his dangerous play on the left flank.
12 Sandalio Istali (23). Sandalio is the designated right footed free kick taker and has a rocket that can bend into the net from up to 35 yards out. He's been known to overrun his share of balls, however.
10 Hasse Ayanbede (22). With great inventiveness as a playemaker that belies his youth, Ayanbede was the only choice for playmaking midfielder in Mashoda's 4-4-2 formation. He still needs to learn to not be rattled by aggressive defensive midfielders.
13 Jaidev Djorki (21). Without Majeristan fielding a Under 21 programme, Djorki will have to learn on the job, but he's working hard on improving his defence so he can earn a spot in the starting 11 sooner, rather than later.
15 Ricky Spriggs (22). Despite the name, he is a full-blood Muslim, though he was raised by Sarzonian adopted parents. Brings a touch of the discipline he learned from a long ago coaching clinic put on by then-Sarzonia coach Dave Wilson.

Forwards
11 Hakan el Dajani (25). In the 20 games he played in the Majeristani semipro league, he scored 24 goals and is one of the most dangerous players with a header this side of Crystilakere.
15 Akamu Rasefjani (23). Blinding speed and a lethal left-booted shot are Rasefjani's biggest assets. His youth is his biggest drawback at the moment.
17 Mahli Noguni (26). Even though he's the most experienced forward on the roster, he has a partying streak and that cost him a spot on the starting 11. Otherwise, he has been developing some football savvy in his time in New Daurmont under Dave Wilson's half-brother.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

03-02-2006, 15:16

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

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

Coaching Staff
Edgar Moroni - 53 - GM
Pao St Martinique Head Coach. Age:27 The former scoring threat side-lined by a career ending injury in the controversial WC25 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 27
N'Djai Mabuto- Asst Coach - Defense. Age 32
Roberto Ricci- Director of Scouting. Age 32
Sara Burnsides- Head Trainer. Age 29
Kellan Kildan- PR Director. Age 49

Starters:
#1 - GK Shaun Conarky, 24. The former power-forward turned keeper brings poise and leadership to the team
#40 - D/M Allyson Shade, 22. Promoted to bring speed to the outside of the defense
#51 - D Micah Swift, 24. Overshadowed by the play of Unami, Micah is a very solid defender.
#54- D Unami Banta-N'bai, 31. The anchor of the defense. Unami is the player that youngsters dream of one day becoming
#59 - D Unori Banta-N'bai, 23. The younger brother of Unami shows the same fire and skill as his sibling. Now to control his temper.
#42 - D/M Tomas Carrington, 25. A solid, not spectacular defender who is trying to keep his spot on the squad.
#20 - M/F Malachi James, 30. Moved to the mid-field to make better use of his skills, Malachi also has the ability to score.
#35 - M Kristov Kirelenko, 24. A young player who should be an improvement on the weak mid-field play of the qualifiers.
#23- M/F Evan Evans, 25. 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, 23. The Sea Dragons leading goal scorer, Pablo has speed and a laser shot.
#13 - F Porche Alexander, 20. The Phenom. Porche brings dynamic play and a touch of much needed class to the squad

Reserves:
#4 - GK Rachael Lord, 21. Former collegiate women's MVP.
#45 - D/M Adrianna Matise, 22. Solid defender.
#53 - D Kyle Vanderpol, 20. Starter during WC25 qualifiers
#50 - D Selena Felice, 23. On collegiate national championship squad
#21 - M Xavier Cage, 28. Starter during WC25 qualifiers
#30 - M Floyd Carlisle, 26. Reserve during WC25 qualifiers
#33 - M/F Jenni Ulrich, 22. On the collegiate national Champs sqa\uad with Selena
#12 - F Vladamir Ivanisi, 24. Reserve during WC25 qualifiers
#15 - F Anji Carrington, 23. Led nation in scoring. college level

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/stormgiantxxxl/finalizedkits.jpg

The Macabees

03-02-2006, 16:58

The slightly shaken WC26 team has decided to make a presence in the Cup of Harmony, hoping to gain the valuable experience needed for World Cup 27.

Cup of Harmony 18

Style: +1

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

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

This have been recruited from the absolute best national teams throughout the country, including the Fedala Imperials.

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

Cuation

03-02-2006, 17:00

Cuation will fight to get to the semi's again. Hiope we don't hit a run of bad form in the group stage

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

Team will play a -1 style please

Staff

Jude Takerath-21-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-51-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-44-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-29-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-39-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-24-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-25-GK. Games: 16(0) Goals: 1 Conceded: 17
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: 19(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-29-RB Games: 19(0) Goals: 1
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-34-CB and captain Games: 19(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 26-CB: Games: 19(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-36-DM: Games: 18(0) Goals: 2
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

This will be his last year. The team will miss him

Heskey Anderton-26-LM: Games: 17(0) Goals: 5
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-28-RM: Games: 18(0) Goals: 7
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

Cuation's top scorer in Cup of Harmony with 2.

Roy Ferguson-31-CM: Games: 16(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-28-playmaker: Games: 18(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-31-striker: Games: 18(0) Goals: 4
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-36-GK: Games: 2(4) Goals: 0 Conceded: 3
average goalie and reliable but doesn't reassure back line. Winning over his critics

Jamie Hargreves-28-Def/Mid: Games: 2(4) Goals: 0
plays anywhere in defence or in midfield but is pretty average. Good as fresh legs but that is about it

Rio Samba-28-CB: Games: 2(8) Goals: 1
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

Steven Milnar-23-Winger: Games 0(3) Goals: 1
Has progressed up the Cuation league as a promising talent but has never quite fuffiled it. A winger who looks to sneak into the box and score, he is also pretty good when he stays wide. Replaces the retired Stanely Edwards

Rual Mendisez-19-striker: Games:2(10) Goals: 5
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

Kit:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/CUA.png

Rordia

03-02-2006, 17:03

Rordia wish to participate in the Cup of Harmony.

STYLE: +1

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

Roster coming soon...

Dance 2 Revolution

03-02-2006, 17:33

D2R to enter Cup of Harmony

3rd time lucky for D2R?

Modifier: +1
If my opponent RPs first, they can do as they please, except injuries.

Info: This space will be filled with a roster eventually.

Rolatia

03-02-2006, 17:37

(I confirm I will be entering, but I'll come up with a post later)

Apologetic Kittens

03-02-2006, 18:59

The Kittens will be entering the Cup of Harmony 18, and playing the usual 4-1-2-1-2 (Style 0).

(Opponents can do as they please, within sporting limits)

The squad heading to Schiavonia and Milchama is as follows:

Head Coach:
Woodrow Moore: 59: A tactical genius, but prone to slightly irrational decisions on occasion. Keeping his job after a wonderful start to international football.

Goalkeepers:
Darren Alington: 29: First choice goalkeeper and solid between the sticks. Just have to hope no matches in the later rounds go to penalties.
Ronnie "Wets the bed" Weeter: 20: A couple games in World Cup Qualifying went disastrously wrong for the lad, but shall be hoping to prove his worth here.
Harry Kanaga: 18: Son of legend Horace Kanaga, the young lad stepped in for Alington late in qualifying and the matches ended in two wins and a draw. Could he be lucky for the team?

Right Backs:
Claude Millhouse: 27: Solid at the back, showed injuries worries were not a problem last time he was out.
Edward Polson: 22: Cousin of former Kitten Elroy, and has a lot of pace as an alternative to the strength of MillHouse.

Left Backs:
Jamel Wynter: 22: Quick and agile, he's been known to be light on the tackle, but should cause problems aplenty for any wingers looking to run in.
Robert Campbell: 19: Strong for his age, he all but amputates opposing players.

Centre Backs:
Herbert Reed: 34: The other half of a powerful central defence. They might not be as quick as they once were, but they're still strong.
Lester Ashmore: 28: Finally cemented his place in the first XI, but how long does he have left?
Edward Kiefer: 18: Top young talent, his speed will always be on the mind of Reed as he looks to replace him.

Defensive Midfielders:
Lee Roberts: Captain: 28: The heart of the squad, he proves himself every game.
Jonathan Unk: 23: With Roberts in the team he may not get a chance to play. But he's a top player, showing why this is the strongest area of the AK squad.

Right Wingers:
Alphonso Chase: 21: Young and fast. That sums Alphonso up accurately. Blasts past the opposition.
Edward Newman: 17: Already making waves as the greatest talent the Kittens have produced, he's not quite ready to replace Chase. But a few good performances here could generate interest from foreign clubs.

Left Wingers:
Raul Chase: 23: Similar to his brother, but better. He puts the opposition to the sword.
Darrell Schofield: 26: Not much to say about him, really. He gets the job done with hard work.

Attacking Midfielders:
Enrique Monroe: 22: He pushes past everything in his way, but a tendency to get carried away with tricks may cost him. Showed some marvellous footwork late in qualifying. Shame it's taken him so long to fully blossom.
Anton "Ant" Aultman: 20: At 5'6" he is known for turning up where you least expect him.

Strikers:
Dewey Gronko: 23: Fast and energetic he perfectly is happy running at goal the whole game.
Jerome Moore: 25: Gronko's speedy compatriot, they've developed a strong bond since Iron Boot left the team after the qualifiers.
David Leichter: 30: An average striker, and nowhere near as fast as Gronko or Moore.. However he is competent and always puts in a top effort.
Johnny Telence: 27: Strong, he is used only sparingly when a different approach is needed to the quick frontline.

Hypocria

03-02-2006, 19:18

The Hyppos are in.

Roster, style etc. to follow at some point.

Elrich

03-02-2006, 19:31

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

The Kingdom of Elrich

After narrowly missing out on World Cup 25 and then failing dismally in World Cup 26 qualifying the Kingdom of Elrich will be hoping for better luck in Schiavonia and Milchama. Mike Bassett's men were unlucky to miss out on qualification for World Cup 25 by just 2 points but suffered some horrible shock defeats last time out and only avoided finishing bottom of the unlucky Group 13 on goal difference. The moustached man has been under pressure for a considerable period and it is time for his team to deliver.

Bassett as expected drops Frank N'Stein and Danny Adams from the squad entirely after their on the pitch brawl. Peter Spinks and Norbert Scaramanga drop out of the starting line-up and are replaced by Hullabaloo AFC's Methuselah and Sweet as a Moose's Ringo Bingo respectively. Other new inclusions in the squad include Hullabaloo's versatile captain Nigel Wiggle, Sweet as a Moose FC's centre-half hard-man Barabbas, and goalkeeper Pingue Pongue.

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. A dissapointing Cup of Harmony campaign followed, with the side failing to progress from the group stages. With the nation's hopes high, and potential successor the basketball coach Jonathan Cecil-Shoe gaining media support, qualification was the only thing which would definitely keep Bassett in his position, unfortunately it didn't materialise. In fact, the qualification campaign was a nightmare. The controversy surrounding the inclusion of the Wolfman in that World Cup 26 squad almost cost Bassett his job, but after that issue finally subsided Danny Adams and Frank N'Stein were involved in a disgraceful on-pitch brawl. Despite all the problems, it looked at one point like Elrich had a chance to qualify but defeats against the likes of lowly D2R, Nezza and Amorah meant a second-bottom placed finish. Bassett will look to relieve some pressure through this Cup of Harmony campaign.

Preferred Formation - Four, Four, F****** Two

ASSISTANT - Dave Dodds
COACHES - Zoltan Pepper, Pete Zaria and ex-player Vinnie Jones
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!!!

4 METHUSELAH
The clever centre-half is greatly respected in Elrichian Football. Although previously thought to lack the physical attributes to make it at an International level, there is no doubting the man's commitment, temperament and knowledge. Bassett will be hoping he is the perfect calming influence on his centre-half counterpart Wolfman.

666 THE WOLFMAN
Is the Wolfman the first of his species to take part in a World Cup? Replacing the retiring Vinnie Jones with an even more intimidating defender would at first glance seem impossible, but Bassett created an international debate when he included him in his World Cup 26 squad. The ferocious defender becames the latest in the line of Elrichian sportsmen/species to emerge from the nations large circus community. Without doubt he has the ability to "make his mark" not only on football, but on the players he comes up against (and plays with) as well. Although his strength, power and energy is unquestionable he remains a huge gamble. Discipline is a huge problem and the Circus Bohemians' man is also prone to "howlers" of mistakes.

3 Ringo Bingo
The young Hullabaloo left-back has really impressed this season and is rewarded with a starting berth in Mike Bassett's side. His pace, flair, strength and catchy name brought him to the attention of the Badger's Manager and Bingo will be hoping to convert his domestic form into international performances.

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 third time in successive tournaments 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.

99 ZEBEDEE
The dazzling, skilful and tricky winger is from Jamaican 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.

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.

SUBS

20 NORBERT SCARMANGA
Offering attacking threat from left full-back is something the international side has lacked in recent years, but unfortunately the introduction of the crossing-genious didn't prove the key to World Cup Qualification and the Norbert is out of the starting 11.

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.

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.

16 JEREMIAH After banging on the international door for a number of years, the cousin of Zebedee is now established in Mike Bassett's squad. A similar player in style to his cousin Zebedee, the pacey trickey winger is able to play on either side and will hope to play a part.

17 CORNELIUS CUCUMBER
Cucumber has impressed for the Elrichian side Sweet as a Moose FC this season and the versatile player, is at home at full-back or in midfield. Hailing from an extremely upper-class background, Cornelius upset his parents when he rejected his father's sport of "Polo" to persue a career in the "common" game of football. Technically very tidy.

18 SCATMAN JOHN
The Team Snavsninkstencottiddy defender is included as direct competition to the aging Barry Scott at right-back. Critics would like to see the man named after a dodgy nineties pop-star established in the first-team, and Scatman John will hope to make that right-back slot his own by the end of the competition.

19 NIGEL WIGGLE
Wiggle wriggles his way into the squad after impressive scoring performances for Hullabaloo AFC in the NSFA Cup. At home in midfield or attack the young natural finisher is expected to be in the starting 11 before too long.

21 Pingue Pongue
The Sweet as a Moose goalkeeper comes into the squad as better cover for Gordon Burns than billionaire Hubert Busby Junior. If anything were to happen to Burns, Bassett now has adequate cover in the agile stopper.

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 Y (No deaths please)
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

Oliverry

03-02-2006, 19:49

I'd just like to note that I'm WC26 host so I can't participate to this cup :p

Nedalia

03-02-2006, 19:55

The former CoH champs are back in it.

Tanah Burung

03-02-2006, 20:19

Crypt of Blessed Ab, below the mountain, Burung-yang-membuat-dunia City

Dressed all in green, veiled, reverently silent, the Burungi footballers filed down the stairs from the nation's Mother Cathedral, even unto the tombs of the Holy Ones.

There, the body lay: Ab Francisco, the Blessed Ab, the man who led Tanah Burung's first international squad to a second-place finish back in World Cup 2. "Holy in our memories," intoned one of the veiled footballers. "Blessed be Ab."

Together, pushing with all their might, the team hauled the headstone aside and gazed upon the body. It shall inspire them, they hope, for a run at the Cup of Harmony -- another tournament hallowed in national memory.

"Incorrupt!" The sharp intake of breath as they see the body has barely decayed at all. Even the hairs of his beard are still visible.

In orgiastic religious frenzy, the footballers descend upon the body, devouring its flesh, hoping to absorb some of its power. They imagine they can hear the long-dead striker's voice echo through the crypt: Do this in memory of me!

And so they feast. Mmm. Blasphemous.

(In other news: yes, signing up. I suggest a link to here from the WC thread, for those who may not look at the entire forum regularly. I know I don't.)

Ariddia

03-02-2006, 20:29

"Having missed out on qualifying, Ariddia will gladly take part in the Cup of Harmony." - Anna Teals, Ariddian Football Association

OOC: The team's roster remains unchanged from the World Cup, and can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10183575&postcount=8), along with other information.

The style modifier will remain +2.

Chicanada

03-02-2006, 20:30

Chicanada Daily Rabbler

Kodiaks Commit to Cup of Harmony
New Coach, modified roster sent out to test WC27 capabilities

The CFA yesterday announced they had accepted a bid to compete in the eighteenth edition of the Cup of Harmony, to he held in neighbors Schiavonia and Milchama.

This shall be seen as a test of the CFA's leadership, as National Coach Clint Dempsey has stepped aside, wishing to spend more time getting his Southampton squad up to snuff in the SuperCup, where they sit behind the ever tricky Astur clubs - City and Depot.

CFA Presidum Kjian Liamsen announced during the press conference that the new National Coach would be Astur Depot's Yerevan Malli. The 39-year old, who's helped overhaul Depot into a more offensive juggernaut, is expected to use his Marginal Diamond format for the tourney - 4 defenders, 2 back midfielders, 2 center strike midfielders and 3 forwards. The official lineup should be up shortly, as the CFA is still deciding the reserve side that will compete in the AOCAF Cup for the first time, which Chicanada is surprising host of.

[roster comming soon]
[style modifier - +1]
[My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out Red cards to my players: Y
Godmod Other Events: Y, but to an extent]

Rolatia

03-02-2006, 20:43

Rolatian Squad for CoH 18
GOALKEEPERS
1) David Ramar (35) - New Millwall - GK - 12 caps
14) William Koiraj (30) - Redmofo City - GK - 2 caps
23) Alan Sillars (29) - Ranaria City - GK

DEFENDERS
2) Timothy Arast (37) - Ranaria City - DRC - 19 caps, 1 goal
3) Joshua Raksi (24) - New Millwall - DLC - 13 caps
4) Thomas Jojufag (33) - Riato Rovers - DC - 16 caps
5) George Vokisp (28) - New Millwall - DRC/DMC - 15 caps
13) Brian Rogers (35) - Ranaria City - DRLC - 10 caps
16) Aaron Smith (32) - Aquas City - DR/DMR
19) Charles Fais (25) - Yaewe FC - DC
20) Timothy Rafaosiga (27) - Ranaria City - DL/DML
25) Samuel Ajuif (31) - New Millwall - DRC/DMC - 1 cap
26) Simon Slater (23) - Rasto Town - DRLC/DMRLC - 1 cap

MIDFIELDERS
6) Tony Safalan (31) - Redmofo City - MRC - 14 caps
7) Elliot Dunkel (23) - New Millwall - ML/AML - 18 caps, 2 goals
8) Stephen Kasfuh (30) - Aquas City - DMC/MLC - 16 caps
9) Jason Saloir (33) - Wirus Rovers - MC/AMC - 14 caps
12) Liam Koigda (29) - Redmofo City - AMC - 8 caps
17) Robert Jopgias (21) - Yaewe City - MRL - 5 caps
21) Scott Black (35) - Aquas City - AML - 1 cap

STRIKERS
10) Tedd Verres (27) - New Millwall - SC - 12 caps, 9 goals
11) Oliver Morgan (24) - New Millwall - SC - 18 caps, 5 goal
15) Ian Jasofiah (29) - Wolaru United - SC - 8 caps
18) Jonathan Clarke (32) - Aquas City - SC
24) Robert McKayle (29) - Riato Rovers - SC

Style Modifier: 0
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, but to an extent (including but not limited to any rioters coming from mostly the north of Rolatia, and no deaths)

Pastorville

03-02-2006, 22:43

The Pastorville Saints will hope to be more blessed during CoH XVIII than they were during WC XXVI, and hope to make another deep run into the CoH.

Opponents can do whatever they want, just don't kill anybody.

Style: -2

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

Kericia

03-02-2006, 22:49

Style: +2. My opponent can RP whatever they wish.

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Robert Friske, age 46
Friske has been head coach for the last two cups, with less than impressive results despite his impressive resumé. Nevertheless, he will coach Kericia in their first-ever Cup of Harmony, hoping to salvage another disappointing World Cup campaign.

Assistant Coach: Ron Ahart, age 50
Ahart coaches McQuaid University's men's soccer team, which perennially leads the nation in scoring. His style carries over to Kericia's international side, which runs a 3-4-3 formation.

Starting XI

Goalkeeper: #0 Byron McMichel, age 20, Northwest Kericia College
McMichel is by far Kericia's best in goal, and is believed to have a very bright future playing on the nationial team.

Defense: #2 Chris Williams, age 31, Clinton - KFL
#14 Aaron Massey, age 22, Heffron - KFL
#18 Jon Krueger, age 21, Burnaby - KFL

Despite having a terrific young defender in Aaron Massey, defense has traditionally been lacking in Kerician World Cup teams.

Midfielders: #6 Matt Glannon, age 30, Burnaby - KFL
#10 Mathew Behrendt, age 25, Northport - KFL
#23 Pat Hurley, age 28, Clinton - KFL
#24 Eric Schey, age 20, McQuaid University

With an average age of 26, this midfielder group is the oldest of any position. Kericia's offensive-oriented midfielders will hope to provide the spark needed to succeed in the Cup of Harmony.

Forwards: #13 Cooper Brehm*, age 21, Heffron - KFL
#15 Jeffrey Bryce, age 21, North Cicero State University
#19 Kurt Cedarholm, age 23, Clinton - KFL

Cooper Brehm will captain the team at the tender age of 21, and is believed to be ready to take over games single-handedly. He will be joined at the forward position with Jeffrey Bryce and Kurt Cedarholm, two of the fastest players in Kerician history.

*Captain

Reserves:
Goalkeepers: #00 Greg Keenan, age 33, Northport - KFL
#1 Ian Germain, age 19, South Kericia University at Scotia-Glenville

Defenders: #9 Steve Kuszlyk, age 20, Genesee College
#17 William Bussert, age 31, Levine - KFL
#27 Mike Roorda, age 21, Aquinas University

Midfielders: #5 Scott Vanoostveen, age 21, Beacon University
#11 Craig Nazarre, age 22, Aquinas University
#21 Michael Davis, age 23, Levine - KFL
#25 Jeremy Scott, age 22, Newburgh College
#26 Steve Tracy, age 21, University of Vilseck

Forwards: #4 D.J. Long, age 25, Clinton - KFL
#7 Dave Stewart, age 22, Burnaby North University
#12 Scott Brown, age 31, Clinton - KFL
#28 Jason Novick, age 21, South Kericia University at Watertown

Kericia, as always, will sport JMC kits in their attempt at Cup of Harmony 18.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/KER.png

Turori

03-02-2006, 23:02

http://www.dirt-racing.com/3wide/sites/ao/turori17.gif

Probable Starting Eleven for Cup of Harmony 18

GK :: Ebbow Dakin ( 23 ) : Liguon Valley (VIL)
xD :: Maratima Tareak ( 27 ) : South Coast United (BED)
xD :: Loala Saenu ( 27 ) : Turoki Isle (VIL) Melmond
xD :: Jiateo Kansu-Ramzi ( 26 ) : Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati (REJ) Rejistania
xM :: Brad Edwards ( 20 ) : Inland Peaks (VIL)
xM :: Malaino Mumamba ( 33 ) : Kiiarana City (VIL)
xM :: Christian Briyjao ( 25 ) : Roegrow Athletic (CST) Cockbill Street
xM :: Martiia Vluka ( 27 ) : Jervis FC (BED)
MF :: Martiia Rawaii ( 28 ) : Jhanna City (STR)
xF :: Jutar Ranaso ( 29 ) : Montepool Waves (NBR)
xF :: Koiba Uviava ( 29 ) : Chalesm FK (SQU)

Potential Reserve Players (Subject to Change)

GK :: Moia liaboi ( 28 ) : Traal Atheltic (SQU)
GK :: Milauo Slietah ( 39 ) : Cednia Beach AFC
xD :: Niauo Yidiea ( 21 ) : Sto'kh'darakha Roh'nidh'ba (CST)
xD :: Ialb Iaou ( 28 ) : Hecia FC (STR)
xD :: Chandresh Adebola ( 27 ) : Jlinal Cove FC (VIL) Melmond
xD :: Mauricio Stesko ( 20 ) : Terrarokka Spirit (VIL)
xD :: Emory Artice ( 24 ) : Turoki Isle (VIL) South Osettian
DM :: Julio Matengo ( 28 ) : Fmjphoenix Flame (FMJ) Vilitan
xD :: Raoibn Olioab ( 28 ) : KF Santaginus (SQU)
xM :: Duane Northam ( 30 ) : Arcticala Inlet (VIL)
xM :: Raso Morre ( 28 ) : San Diego Iguanas (BED)
xM :: Restiaa Rlain ( 30 ) : Spraat FC (FMJ)
MF :: Dudley Barnett ( 26 ) : Yutzie Sorma (VIL)
xF :: Dave Wilmette ( 30 ) : Liguon Valley (VIL) Legalese
xF :: Lennie Lavine ( 19 ) : Arcticala Inlet (VIL)

[NS]Bazalonia

04-02-2006, 00:11

Bazalonia wil be using the same roster as WC26 Thank you very much

Legalese

04-02-2006, 00:15

Legalese side to compete in Cup of Harmony.

More at 11.

The Gupta Dynasty

04-02-2006, 01:08

OOC:The defending CoH champions are back - I'll get my roster up as soon as I can.

Palacetonia

04-02-2006, 01:13

*ooc*

I wish to confirm my entry and sign up for more punishment.

*IC*
The Palacetonia Football Association today announced that they will take up the offer of the invite to the Cup of Harmony. Discussion on the roster will happen and will be posted soon.

We will play with a style of +1

if my opponent RP first, they may do anything except Red Cards and Godmodding.

The roster is here http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10379953&postcount=48]

Anathematic Republics

04-02-2006, 01:28

Satan picked up the phone.

"Hello, Schivonia?"

"Pendergast's Grocery, how may I help you?"

"Bugger, I don't want a grocer, I want Schivonia."

"We ARE in Schivonia, ya twit. Now what do you want?"

"I'm trying to sign up the legions of Hell for the Cup of Harmony."

"GODDAMN KIDS, QUIT PULLING YOUR ****ING PRANKS, THIS IS THE THIRD TIME TODAY AND I'LL BE DAMNED IF I STAND FOR THIS ANY LONGER!"

"Oh, you probably will be damned shortly, sir, if you don't shape up. See you in a bit. Cheerio." Satan hung up, glaring at the phone. It burst into flames. He turned on his chair and shouted into the office across the hall.

"Morseley, get me whatever part of Schivonia handles CoH signups."

"Right."

(OOC: This is contingent on puppets being permitted in the CoH, AR being the puppet of the New Montreal States. Style is -1, as not-especially-good defensive football is judge to be the worst kind of sports-related torture out there. Roster to follow eventually.)

Chicanada

04-02-2006, 09:22

Chicanada Daily Rabbler

Unveiling
Yerevan Malli releases roster, new kits

Some of the Kodiak nation's biggest stars will be missing out on CoH18, as new Coach Malli chose to use an untested side to play within the Marginal Diamond, as well as setting its sights on getting a squad ready for World Cup 27.

The Kodiaks, who fell to 45th (currently) in the recently released rankings, desperately need a good showing to improve its chances of draw. By going with a squad with only two current Qualifiers teammates on it, it could be an interesting trick.

Starting Format

G. Levison
H. Olivden G. Mastersian

M. Patizjan J. Longfellow
H. Scmidt L. Ashley
P. Turina

R. Seregivan

O. Pjan P. Ollian

C. Grandhaus

Official roster:

SG: Garret Levison (Messina)
RG: Paris Asimov (Southampton City)

SRD: Marcus Patizjan (Astur City)
SRD: Helix Olivden (Southampton)
SCD: Genisen Mastersian (Ruslan Diamonds)
SLD: Jude Longfellow (Messina)
RRD: Adam Westinhaud (Astur Depot)
RCD: Jorden Kiliben (Inverness)
RLD: Dominic Haylie (AS Bishop County)

SRM: Haiden Scmidt (Township)
SLM: Laurence Ashley (Rovers)
SCDM: Paul Turina (Grasslands)
SCAM: Raviel Seregavian (Bishop FC)
RRM: Jesus Iolini (Derby)
RCM: Terrence Phillipsen (Mission)
RLM: Casey Bedoite (Derby)

SRF: Olani Pjan (Star Point, Captain)
SLF: Paris Ollian (Rangers)
SST: Caris Grandhaus (Derby)
RCF: Timmon Barret (Rovers)
RST: Goran Henmann (Ajaccio AFC)

The club will also be sprouting new kits, as the CFA signed a deal with Niebach Apparel for a three-year period. Niebach, which designs kits for top fligt Finnen, Rovers as well as darlings of the nation Hearts and Orleans Chiefs, takes over from major rival Riechel, who will continue to fit pretty much all the Cana clubs (yep, all 12 clubs in the capital).

The official kits for the next three World Cups:
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8125/chicanadakits21dv.jpg

Pjan, who was released by Astur City earlier today and rejoined her previous club Star Point (while dealing with offers from plenty of Womens League clubs looking to get a boost), said that the team has already dubbed the home kit Bujian, which is the old Risian mockup for bull. Maybe they are already setting their sights on facing their old Cantonal members Risa-Aramour in Qualifying for 27? No word on what they call the away kit, but The Triband could work fine. Once again, the team chooses to leave off the famous Purple Kodiak that was on the first kits when the team began international play.

Notes:
* Chicanada's best showing in the Cup of Harmony was a quaterfinals slot. They missed the Round of 16 last time around on GD.

[NS]Bazalonia

04-02-2006, 11:59

Official Roster for the Bazalonian Bazalopes in the Cup of Harmony
The Bazalonian Bazalopes

Coaches are currently underreview by the BFSA.. further details will be released when the information is available
Forwards:

Peter Hobble (31, BSL)
Lucas Reaver (32, SSB)
James Kantwell (33, FFSA)
Irchov Michael (34, BSL) ... said Ir-ch-ov Mi-ch-ael (ch is a gutteral)
Colin Neil (35, BSL)

Midfielders:

Anthony Creek (21, FFSA)
David McMahon (22, SSB)
Benjamin 'Benny Boy' Peters (23, BSL)
Victor Boney (24, SSB)
Keith Gilmore (25, SSB)

Defenders:

Kevin Balsom (11, BSL)
Andrew "The Bandit" Creek[b] (12, FFSA)
Fjord Perts (13,FFSA)
Shane Smith (14,BSL)
[b]Steve Conne (15, SSB)
Malcolm Halliwell (16, FFSA)
Hayden Peterson (17, SSB)

Goalies:

Jeffery Constantine (01, BSL)
Paul Kanga (02, SSB)
Micheal Clarks (03, FFSA)

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

Style +1

Bettia

04-02-2006, 13:03

The Aroras are right annoyed at being knocked out on goal difference, and so we'll be looking to take out our frustrations on our opponants... unless it's Nedalia or Hypocria - we'll just roll over and let them win.

A squad will be posted later, but seeing as we're too Takilan for our own good, our style modifier will be +2 as always.

Nedalia

04-02-2006, 13:59

Kaze Progressa

04-02-2006, 14:12

The Progressans hope to prove themselves this time.

Rumour has it that they will field an all-teenage squad, as new manager Jarikiz Vijoralo looks to remove all traces of a legacy from the disaster of WC26 qualification.

Hypocria

04-02-2006, 20:00

The Nedalian FA has declared its happiness at being in a tournament which features Bettia and Hypocria, and has proposed to have a joint squad between the three teams. More on this (and the response) in a bit.

Considering that we always achieve a fat lot of nothing in this competition as one nation the HFA is intrigued by the proposal of their counterparts in Nedalia and would certainly consider it.

Nanakaland

04-02-2006, 22:24

Nanakaland will enter the CoH. We barely were eliminated and would have qualified if the formula was less random. Using that logic, there is a very good chance that the Nanakaland team will do very well in this CoH. The glorious Nanakaland Nanakabirds, coached by the great Laksu Kynsu, will show the CoH how karela wins cups.

NANAKALAND Roster
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
---------------------------------
Nanakaland's style is -2 as they play 6-3-1 and are coached by the famous
Laksu Kynsu of Rejistania.

The Nanakaland Nanakabirds

# Names Pos. Team Age Nation. Club Club Nation
01 Viktor Czapp*** GK A 18 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
02 Andrew Dalton LWB A 32 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
03 Dan Whiteriver RWB A 29 Nanakan Port Nanaka Penguins Nanakaland
04 Karela Linux CD A 23 Nanakan Ostotaure Foresters Nanakaland
05 John Thomas CD A 24 Nanakan Ostotaure Foresters Nanakaland
06 Jose Riverto CD A 27 Nanakan* Pax City Peackeepers UN Peacekeepers
07 George Muller CD A 27 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
08 Thomas Baker LW A 30 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
09 Barry Adamson MF A 22 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
10 Y Iniheu RW A 26 Nanakan Freedom City Liberators Great Freedom
11 Anthony Johnson FW A 28 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
12 Cecil Chedwig GK B 32 Nanakan Port Nanaka Penguins Nanakaland
13 Robert Jackson LWB B 22 Nanakan Freedom City Liberators Great Freedom
14 Bill Wilson RWB B 23 Nanakan Port Nanaka Penguins Nanakaland
15 Harry Inglesburg CD B 29 Nanakan* Pax City Peackeepers UN Peacekeepers
16 Janamerikana SelyiuCD B 18 Nanakan Nanakan Labs Testers Nanakaland
17 John Thomas CD B 24 Nanakan Ostotaure Foresters Nanakaland
18 Michael Edwards CD B 21 Nanakan* Pax City Peackeepers UN Peacekeepers
19 Robby O'Connor LW B 20 Nanakan* Pax City Peackeepers UN Peacekeepers
20 Jonothan Daniels MF B 19 Nanakan Nanakan Labs Testers Nanakaland
21 Edward Czapp RW B 29 Nanakan Nanakapolis Nanakans Nanakaland
22 Bob Watson FW B 28 Nanakan Rivertown Minutemen Nanakaland
23 Rodrigo Inkatilez GK ** 31 Nanakan Nanakan Labs Testers Nanakaland

*Players with an asterisk have dual citizenship between Nanakaland and UN
Peacekeepers and thus are Nanakan and Paxian but are only listed as Nanakan on
the table for the sake of saving space.

**Backup B Team goalie.

***Younger brother of Ulrich Czapp (former A Team goalie) and Edward Czapp (21);
great defensive goalie and team star.

Bettia

05-02-2006, 19:49

The Enlightener: full of creamy goodness

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/bettia/FAB.jpg

FAB Give Thumbs Up To 'Verdena Three' Proposal

Responding to Nedalian suggestions of the three neighbours entering a joint team in this Cup of Harmony, Islwyn Forbes, the chairman of the Football Association of Bettia yesterday branded the proposal a 'bloody good idea'.

Addressing a packed press conference at FAB HQ here in Gabalfa, he said "This is a bloody good idea - any joint venture between our three great nations is bound to be good. I just hope we don't get asked to supply any defenders after THOSE Fmjphoenix debacles. Just one thing though - what will the mascot look like? I mean, aroras look wierd enough as they are, but a mutant lion/arora/hyppo combo? That'll be taking the piss. Let's just hope the hosts are up for it."

Collonie

05-02-2006, 21:20

Collonie would like to be in the CoH. And if at all possible, in the Schiavonia region to avoid those horrible Milchamians.

Schiavonia

05-02-2006, 23:51

The Schiavone Scribe
THREE INTO ONE?

The Cup of Harmony could become the first international football tournament to be represented by a truly international team, it emerged last night.

The Schiavone Football Federation's Michael Ford explained exclusively to both the Schiavone Scribe and Milchama National News-Tribune-Sun-Times-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Journal-Dispatch-Telegram-Star-Monitor-Enquirer that they had received an application from three Atlantian Oceanian Football Associations that they desire to enter a single team between them into the tournament.

Ford announced "We've received official letters from the Nedalian Football Association, Hypocria Football Association and the Football Association of Bettia that the three wish to submit one team between them, the feeling of unity between them is that strong."

"While, personally, I have no problem with the proposals, we will have a few administative hurdles to get over."

"First of all, the Hosting Committee will have to meet. We're not sure that the Milchamians will be too keen for this team to play, what with them having a team in the competition themselves."

"Then we'd have to take the plan to the WCC. The main problem there will be the rankings situation, as we wouldn't know who would come out with what. And administrative, too. We'd have to confirm with all the associations and the WCC over what the team would be called."

The Hosting Committee will meet within the next twenty-four hours, with the WCC to be approached when they reach their decision.

The Archregimancy

06-02-2006, 01:00

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.

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 (style: 0)

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 CAP (Llanilltud Fawr): The only western-rite player on the squad - and controversial choice as captain - 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. Basil the Faster (Pantaleimon): Even more devoted to the Holy Fasts than Fr. Silouan - this past Great Lent he ate nothing but grass - Fr. Basil is also quite a speedy little forward.

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. Demetrius of the New City (Pantaleimon)

Kit:
Home - All black with white collar
Away - All white with black collar

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

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

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)

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.

Nedalia

06-02-2006, 01:49

The Nedalian FA would like to offer the Milchaman FA an undisclosed amount of "cash" to give the thumbs up to the proposal. If not accepted, then we will simply resort to pleading.

Milchama

06-02-2006, 05:29

The Nedalian FA would like to offer the Milchaman FA an undisclosed amount of "cash" to give the thumbs up to the proposal. If not accepted, then we will simply resort to pleading.

The MilchamIan FA will not except any of the Nedalian FA's "cash" because they spelled our name wrong. Also they are in a state of turmoil because of the riots on the streets.

Nedalia

06-02-2006, 15:15

The MilchamIan FA is asked to excuse the Nedalian FA for their obviously dry and un-humorous attempt at a joke. The mis-spelling they have incurred will not go unpunished. They shall be forced to endure hours (yes, hours!) in a enclosed room listening to that horrible, TERRIBLE music found in the SAAS territories (except for the Hypocrian music. Their music is good.)

Hypocria

06-02-2006, 20:53

They said they would consider the proposal and they have, and now the HFA’s head honcho has added his full support to the Nedalian proposal.

“I think it’s a cracking idea.” Alex Scott told the media at a press conference in Hypocrium. “With Nedalian skill alongside Bettian attacking flair and our . . . and us, football fans will be in for a real treat. Obviously there are details to be worked out but I’m confident the hugely talented and very attractive hosts won’t be put off by the odd stumbling block here and there.”

Majeristan

06-02-2006, 22:15

It is the opinion of the Majeristani Football Association that the idea to merge the Nedalian, Bettian, and Hypocrian national sides into one team is, as my boss would put it, abysmali. The Cup of Harmony is intended for national teams that didn't do well enough in qualifying to advance to the World Cup finals, not a collection of all stars among all stars from individual national teams.

We believe that such a merger would create an unfair playing field for the other teams involved in this tournament and would make a mockery of the spirit of the Cup of Harmony if it were allowed to continue. We can not discourage this in any stronger terms.

Roger Taylor
Assistant Head Coach
Majeristani National Team
The Falcons

Nedalia

06-02-2006, 23:20

Greetings,

With all due respect to the opinion of the Majeristani Football Association, and they are certainly entitled to it and entitled to share it, the Nedalian FA would like to put forth a few points on why it wouldnt be such a bad idea.

1) While Hypocria and Bettia might have all-stars, Nedalia has none. That evens the playing field a bit.

2) Cup of Harmony. What symbolizes harmony more than 3 great friends coming together for the love of the game, and for the sake of their people.

3) The NFA doesnt not believe the issue to be a major one, and the hosts have, so far, signalled their intent to atleast consider it.

4) Because something hasnt been done before doesnt mean it shouldnt be done.

We urge and plead with the MFA to allow 3 friends participate together in a tournament they are all too used to participating, while adding a new dimension to could presumably be fun for all sides. We urge and plead with the hosts on the same grounds.

Nedalia

06-02-2006, 23:21

Greetings,

With all due respect to the opinion of the Majeristani Football Association, and they are certainly entitled to it and entitled to share it, the Nedalian FA would like to put forth a few points on why it wouldnt be such a bad idea.

1) While Hypocria and Bettia might have all-stars, Nedalia has none. That evens the playing field a bit.

2) Cup of Harmony. What symbolizes harmony more than 3 great friends coming together for the love of the game, and for the sake of their people.

3) The NFA doesnt not believe the issue to be a major one, and the hosts have, so far, signalled their intent to atleast consider it.

4) Because something hasnt been done before doesnt mean it shouldnt be done.

We urge and plead with the MFA to allow 3 friends participate together in a tournament they are all too used to participating in, while adding a new dimension to could presumably be fun for all sides. We urge and plead with the hosts on the same grounds.

The Archregimancy

07-02-2006, 02:42

OOC: Just my tuppence worth on the Hypocria/Bettia/Nedalia co-team idea.

In principle I'm not opposed so long as one non-RP issue can be sorted out:

KPB ranking points.

If a joint team is entered, what will its ranking point total be for the purposes of scorination?

If a joint team is entered, how will any accrued ranking points be awarded to the three separate teams for wins (or winning the tournament)?

The RP issues don't matter - this could well be fun from the RP perspective for all of us, not just the joint team owners. But if this goes ahead, the mechanics as relate to scorination and ranking points need to ironed out beforehand, and then should ideally be made transparent on this thread before the tournament begins so that people have the opportunity to voice their approval or disapproval accordingly.

Bettia

07-02-2006, 10:16

If a joint team is entered, what will its ranking point total be for the purposes of scorination?

If a joint team is entered, how will any accrued ranking points be awarded to the three separate teams for wins (or winning the tournament)?
Seeing as this team would be an average of the Lions, Hyppos and Aroras, the fairest way would be an average of our KPB rankings points, which I calculate to be 19.31.

As for any accrued points, I'd be happy to split them three ways. The CofH points modifier is rather small, so it probably wouldn't make much difference in the end.

Nedalia

07-02-2006, 10:19

OOC: You're absolutely right, Arch. As for me (cant speak for Hypocria or Bettia, but I'm pretty sure they'll tell you the same thing), I think in terms of the ranking, perhaps we take all of our ranking and divide it by 3, and come up with some sort of average. As for points given after the tournament, I dont really care how many points I'm assigned. The Hyprorions (Good? No?) could win it all and I could get assigned 0 points, and I wouldnt mind.

Schiavonia

07-02-2006, 14:54

OOC:

Seeing as this team would be an average of the Lions, Hyppos and Aroras, the fairest way would be an average of our KPB rankings points, which I calculate to be 19.31.

As for any accrued points, I'd be happy to split them three ways. The CofH points modifier is rather small, so it probably wouldn't make much difference in the end.

Just to note, this is roughly the plan we were going to put forward to the WCC.

Roughly as in completely. Unless we end up with 32 or 33 sign-ups, then it might be easier for the competition as a whole to have three seperate teams.

Palacetonia

07-02-2006, 22:45

The Palacetonian Football Association today sat down with Iain Corder to discuss the make up of the team to take part in the Cup of Harmony.

Postion Number Forename Surname Age
Coach Iain Corder 52
G 1 Wes Tray 32
D 2 Clive Arty 24
D 3 Trev Park 26
D 4 Virgil Claus 26
D 5 Corrie Mears 24
M 6 Philip News 30
M 7 Wayne Owen 29
M 8 Johnathan Camry 26
S 9 Pip Wallis 29
S 10 Iain Williams 19
M 11 Ben Cleaves 23
G 12 Scott Antar 29
D 13 Matt Theat 25
D 14 Michael Camry 31
D 15 Alex Canady 27
D 16 Mark Kennedy 28
M 17 Simon Weeder 25
M 18 Charles Marky 25
M 19 Xander Giles 22
S 20 Ed Parker 24
S 21 Steve Trave 28
M 22 Jim Berger 29

Iain Corder has also indicated that his most likely lineup is to be
G: Tray
D: Park
D: Mears
D: Kennedy
D: Arty
M: Weeder
M: Giles
M: Owen
M: J Camry
S: Wallis
S: Williams

The team have been performing well in training and looking forward for a chance to prove themselves. We know it will take time but all experience is good experience!

Milchama

08-02-2006, 02:07

OOC: Its not looking good for the Hydatia. The conditions of this being accepted for our tournament is that besides the complaints already talked about if there are 32 or so teams in the tournament and there would be less with the Hydatia they would not be allowed to play as one team. Considering right now we are at 31 with TLC signing up and Hiiraan to sign up. Then all we need is one more nation and there would be 32 people.

To get rid of two nations and not get the ideal 32 nations is stupid. So hopefully for the Hyprorions nobody else will be added after TLC and Hiiraan

Spaam

08-02-2006, 04:47

Spaam signs up.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10321012&postcount=420

The Lowland Clans

08-02-2006, 09:20

FFAS hereby enters the Allied States into the Cup of Harmony. Roster remains unchanged. Modifier also the same at +1. Will post later for reference.

The Weegies

08-02-2006, 23:31

Am I too late?

Schiavonia

09-02-2006, 00:49

Nope. Signups close 2pm GMT/UTC Friday. as it is currently ten to midnight on Wednesday, that just about means you're in! :)

The Weegies

09-02-2006, 10:01

Awexome. That git Persson's fired, though, after that god-awful Qualifying run, 3-0 Krytenia win or no 3-0 Krytenia win.

Schiavonia

10-02-2006, 15:16

Sign up time is over, and we have... 31 participants.

As of now, signups close when we get our 32nd and final team. Look on the opening page of the thread if you want to know if it could be you!

Rejistania

10-02-2006, 15:21

Slani Jolt doesn't let me logout

The SKFA signs up for the Cup of Harmony and plans to reach many harmonic scoreless draws. Are va'karela'ny in the stadiums allowed?

Schiavonia

10-02-2006, 15:47

They're certainly allowed into Schiavone stadia, but if the locals turn on you, don't say that you haven't been warned. :p

Oh, and the cup is now full. And the draw is taking place. Now.

EDIT: It's done now! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10352633#post10352633)

Bettia

10-02-2006, 16:02

OOC: well, it seems the joint NedBetHyp team is no more, so here goes...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/bettia/FAB.jpg

Bettian Cup of Harmony Squad

Goalkeepers

1. Von Bietsch - Gabalfa City, age 29, 7 caps
Giant 6'7" goalkeeper who gained international experience with the now-defunct nation of Vtorbetin. Was a rock in Bettia's stong showing in AOCAF XI, and must surely be a contender for a place in the next World Cup.

2. Bryn Ap Arwel - Lorshill City, age 26, 2 caps
Agile keeper who helped steer the Ravens from out of the shadow of their local rivals United.

Defence

3. Wasim Morgan - Ceffinton Town, age 26, 39 caps
Experienced Aroras defender who has seen his international opporutinites restricted by the emergence of new talent and Bettia's more attacking style. Will be looking to make a positive impact and regain his first-team place.

4. Ian Redpath - Akani Sands, age 28, 29 caps
Captain of the two-time Apex League and FAB Cup winners Akani Sands, Redpath was a controversial omission from the last World Cup squad.

5. John Hanson - Akani Sands, age 23, 15 Caps
Forms the nucleus of a strong Akani Sands' defence with Ian Redpath, and the management will be looking for a similar performance here.

6. Michael Ryder - Gabalfa City, age 29, 44 caps
Strong, tough-tackling defender with plenty of international experience. His temperant sometimes leaves a bit to be desired, but he still makes a vital addition to this squad

7. Rabah Hopcin - CPD Porthbalfa, age 25, 5 caps
Hopcin is the cornerstone of a stingy Porters defence, his powerful displays earning him a chance to win his first cap during AOCAF XI which he took well.

Midfield

8. Ziyad Farmer - Porasse (Nedalia), age 23, 7 caps, 1 goal
Young central midfielder whose impressive displays saw him become an ever-present for Bettia during AOCAF XI. Will be looking to get himself in contention for a place in the next World Cup squad.

9. Ali Ap Tegryn - Lorshill City, age 23, 7 caps, 2 goals
Another young midfielder who also impressed during AOCAF XI. Is devasting from long range and at set plays.

10. Yazid Foster - Lorshill City, age 23, 3 caps
Foster completes the trio of former Under-21s who make up the midfield. Links up with Ali Ap Tegryn to form City's central midfield.

11. Gwesyn Predith - CPD Porthbalfa, age 25, 3 caps
Predith has made a name for himself as a midfield playmaker during Porthbalfa's meteoric rise through the Bettian league.

Attack

12. Bobbie Rosensteihl - Lorshill United, age 25, 26 caps, 14 goals
An experienced stiker with plenty of flair and a keen eye for goal. Has good reason to be

13. Brennan Alasanne - Ceffinton Town, age 25, 0 Caps
Former international striker with the now non-existant Liamist States who has become a naturalised Bettian. A pacy player with a keen eye for goal.

14. Joseph Ackermann - Lorshill United, age 26, 8 Caps, 3 goals
Long-time strike partner of his club colleague Rosensteihl. Will be looking to recreate their formidible club form for their nation and their new team.

15. Laurie LeClerc - Zupera (Nedalia), age 23, 12 Caps, 3 goals
Tricky winger/centre-forward whose speed and skill serves him well in the Nedalian Premier league.

16. Jamie Kingsholm - Grappenhall, age 23, 5 caps
Exciting young striker who has formed part of the feared strikeforce at his home-town club with Sarzonian international Roy Spencer. Is equally at home in the centre or in his favoured position on the left wing.

17. Oliver Stankovic - CPD Porthbalfa, age 22, 0 Caps
Another striker from the former Liamist States who has become a naturalised Bettian. This youngster with a stong left foot has consistantly figured in the Apex League top scorers list ever since joining the Porters.

18. Chris Mangotswood - Gabalfa City, age 25, 6 caps
A strong forward who can be quite difficult to shake off the ball. Forms an integral part of the Titans' three-man attack.

First-Choice XI
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/bettia/COH-squad.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/bettia/bettia-kit.jpg

Hypocria

10-02-2006, 20:42

Hypocria - Cup of Harmony Squad

Coach

Gregory Vidal

Style
-1

Formation
4-5-1

Starting Eleven

1. Alex Derevko (32, GK, 17 caps) - Hypocrium City

2. Chris Golla (30, D/DMR, 51 caps) - Hypocrium City

3. Maelog Mumtazi (27, DL, 20 caps) - Pylos Reavers

5. Tony Webber (22, DC, 0 caps) - Thraxus Rangers

6. Bruno Espartero (19, DLC, 8 caps) - Partizan Drissa

4. Luc Sinclair (31, DMC, 25 caps) - Partizan Drissa

7. Ashley Marshall (32, AMR, 59 caps,12 goals) - Partizan Drissa

8. Carlo Molinari (20, AMC/FC, 5 caps, 1 goal) - Dynamo Rasium

10. Bora Burdali (32, AMRLC, 52 caps, 5 goals) - Football Pogrill (Squornshelous)

11. Hayden Jenas (22, MLC, 21 caps, 3 goals) - FC Pydna

9. Danny West (27, SC, 39 caps, 17 goals) - Sporting Mayo (Spruitland)

Reserves

12. Karl Nalepka (34, DC, 25 caps) - Pylos Reavers
13. Yuri Katan (23, GK, 0 caps) - FC Hypocrium
14. Augustin Borgetti (25, DMC, 0 caps) - Pylos Reavers
15. Alexei Beria (19, AMRLC, 4 caps) - Hypocrium City
16. Paul Dargo (26, SC, 4 caps) - Dynamo Rasium
17. Victor Blanco (25, SC, 0 caps) - Bronkstone FC (Nedalia)
18. Peter Costanzo (34, DMR, 8 caps) - Bronkstone FC (Nedalia)

Kit
(Supplied by Ediraf)

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a359/Hypocria/HypocHome26_.pnghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a359/Hypocria/HypocAway26.png

Tanah Burung

10-02-2006, 21:16

Tanah Burung manager Diana Visser announced a new line-up. In a bid to perform well in their first Cup of Harmony since hosting the inaugural edition decades ago, the roster will no longer be a secret. The team has been renamed the Elephants and will attempt an aggressive, attacking, muscular style of play. Where the Crocodiles who represented Tanah Burung in the Cup's early days were known for defensive play, the new version will play offensively (+2). A new nickname was chosen to mark the break: the team will now be known as the Elephants.

http://www.roundtable.org.za/ep/ep%20elephant%20logo.JPG

Tanah Burung Elephants
Sponsored by Stout Lout Breweries

Patron: Saint Judy
Manager: Diana Visser
Assistant manager, in charge of care and feeding: Martinhu da Silva
Bookie: Mau Slurp

Starting line-up

Strikers: Margarita Christsdaughter, Tarek Al-kayyam, Fernando Maubere
Midfielders: Mau Hunu, Zachary da Sousa, Andi Mutang, Hannah Rumbiak
Defence: Fatima Bibere, Magdalena Darakak, Sammy Silva
Goalkeeper: Fernão Vasconceles

The Elephants have been drawn in Group 6, where they will once again face Bettia as they did in World Cup qualifying. Tanah Burung's win was part of the slump that saw Bettia narrowly miss qualifying, so there may be some desire for revenge there. Also in the group is Chicanada, a country known in Tanah Burung only for its occasional prowess on a hockey rink, and System Karela, who live and die by the adage beloved of the Crocodiles of long ago: "There is no result better than a 0-0 draw."

Chicanada

10-02-2006, 21:31

Chicanada Daily Rabbler

Workable Draw
Kodiaks in Group 6, Malli happy with opposition.

As the Kodiak B-side continues to impress in the AOCAF Cup held on home soil, many think the A-side could finally do well in a major international.

Since their promising start way back in the Baptism of Fire, the Kodiaks have made only one World Cup Finals, and their highest finish in the Cup Of Harmony was a Quaterfinals appearance. Yerevan Malli hopes that changes with what could be a manageable grouping for the newest Cup of Harmony.

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/8125/chicanadakits21dv.jpg

Hoping to reverse their recent slide down the ranks (from 41 to 45 to 47 to 51 in three days over sereral recalculations), the Kodiaks get to face off with a pesky Bettia (which had been part of the AO Triumvrant Team), a rather stogy System Karela (who love their nil-all matches) and friendly hockey rivals Tanah Burung. Expect CSF Presidum Jaquee to fly out for that match. And be as drunk as humanly possible.

Is this good enough for the Kodiaks to sneak into the Quaterfinals? All may hinge on the Karela match, considering Tana Burung and Bettia play an attacking style of ball. How they respond to the Marginal Diamond pattern could set the stage for the Kodiak's game against those who love scoreless draws. The team will probably need two wins to advance, but it could happen.

And unlike our normal articles during Qulaifiers, we're not speculating on the final qualification finshes. Who thought we'd finish 5th again?

The Macabees

11-02-2006, 02:17

Empire Positioned in a Very Rough Group

With group draws over for the Eighteen Cup of Harmony, it has been revealed that the Empire has been placed into one of the most difficult groups, at least in its biased perspective. Simply said, the other group members are very capable, and include Kaze Progressa, always embedded into the minds of the Empire since they hosted the Empire's first appearence at a World Cup, and Dance2Revolution, known for some interaction; finally, of course, is Kericia, unknown but with a name that comes with some reknown. In other words, all teams which hold some respect from the Empire, and give off an aura of superiority over the Golden-Whites. However, the team is as optimistic as ever, looking foward towards good games with their opponent and an attempt to prove who they are. That said, Mannerheim, Paulus and Khan have all offered their words of wisdom, beginning with the star player of the team, Mannerheim:

Like always, we will put as much effort as possible into scoring and great playmaking. Frankly, this team does not lack the skill to win, it lacks the experience. That said, even if we do not make it far in the Cup of Harmony, it will bring experience that will be invaluable for World Cup 27, where we will definately make a presence, even if some of the older players have changed. Our first game is against Kerecia, our second against Dance 2 Revolution and our third against Kaze Progressa. I'm looking for some fun. I'll see our fans in Shiavonia.

His optimistic attitude was shared by Khan, the infamous team goalkeeper:

Definately, we're going to give these teams hell. Even if we don't win we'll make bloody sure that they pay for every score they put in. I say we have a real good chance of pulling something off this world cup, and if we don't, like my partner said - experience is always key, especially when you're looking foward to kicking ass in the next world cup. Our opponents are tough, but so are we. I think this group is going to be one of the most interesting.

Paulus offered a slightly more moderate perspective:

To win we'll definately have to work as a team, and we have the capabilities to do that. Hopefully, narsacism won't get to our heads, although we did do better than expected in World Cup 26. As long as we do some good passes, and our scorers do as expected, we'll put up a good fight. To our fans, definately come and watch us play. We're not the same team from World Cup 25. I can guarantee you that!

[NS]Bazalonia

11-02-2006, 03:55

"Cup of Harmony, Harmonous for the Bazalopes?" by Nev Gould

With the recent draw of the Bazalopes into group 5 of the Bazalopes have increased their training schedule at TeleBaz Stadium, Caine Hawdon, Malcolm Frost and Jayne Heart once again will Coach the Bazaloeps through the Cup. James Gaines, president of the BFSA, announced at a recent press conferenence "The Coach and Assistant Coaches have our support after an interesting World Cup where we managed to draw with the number 4 ranked team and lose dramatically to the 184th ranked team. We believe the team is now performing at a far more persistant level and we expect great things from our team." Also looking at the draw, with the highest ranked team in our group, The Milchama Warriors, being co-hosts and our first opponents the team is training hard. Caine Hawdon has refused to comment on exactly what the training consists of but he has said "The team are putting 155% into training and the Team is looking good and hopefully will provide some upsets..." So the question is now how will the Bazalopes perform in the Cup of HArmony? Will they get stuck in the mud at the bottom of their group like last time or will they rise above the others and make the Final rounds? Only time will tell..."

Teams in our Group

Nation Nickname Rank
-------------------------------------------------------------
Milchama Warriors 41
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega Dragons 58
Elrich Badgers 59

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

PRESS RELEASE - EG Inc.

Soccer World (previously entitled Soccer Online), is now in final stages of it's Beta testing.

The release date is slated for 10 days after Matchday 3 of the Cup of Harmony

Free accounts and copies of the game will be provided to all teams that enter the final series

The Bazalonian Bazalopes will be given copies even though they probably will come in last in their group.

Expects a minimum of 1 million subscribers around the world.

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

In the Office of the BFSA President James Gaines was watching the draw.... Group 5.... Milchama, ASMV, Elrich... Bazalonia... and he managed to get a copy of the match day fixtures... The Warriors vs The Bazalopes...

"Hang on... Our first match is against the co-hosts at their home... What?... I'm going to write a letter...."

infact he wrote 2 letters, identical apart from the receipients. The letters where going to the CoH Hosting committee's of Schiavonia and Milchama.

The one to the Milchamian Hosting Committe read...

Milchamian Cup Of Harmony Hosting Committee.

To Whom it may concern;

As you may very well already know both the Schiavonian and the Milchamian teams will be playing home games, the first of which for the Milchamian Team, just so happens to be against our team, The Bazalonian Bazalopes. My query is related to the reasoning behind granting home games to whatever nations are co-hosting the CoH. As it stands at the moment it seems that both the Sciavonian and Milchamian teams will be gaining a home adventage for every match they play, where all other nations' teams will not have this advantage. Is there a particular reason why the decision has not been made for the co-hosts to play their matches at each others stadiums thus leveling the playing field for all nations.

Your's Spincerly, James Gaines
President of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations

The Archregimancy

11-02-2006, 05:08

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

THE CUP OF HARMONY PREVIEW SHOW

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

"So... Fr. John... Another Cup of Harmony..."

"Nothing wrong with promoting international harmony, Fr. Nicholas, so long as participants don't fall into the sin of FALSE ECUMENICISM!!!!"

"This is a football tournament, Fr. John, not the Council of Florence"

"Even so.... Anyway, Fr. Nicholas, why don't you provide us with your usual pre-tournament preview?"

Group 4

The Archregimancy - For the first time in our nation's international football experience, we find ourselves the top seeds in the group - God be praised. This is a new and humbling experience for the lads, and we can only hope that the Lord decides not to strengthen our soul through a bout of spiritual suffering, and allows us to qualify out of the group.

The Lowland Clans - One of the few nations in international football to have a strong Orthodox presence, and though the followers of the one true church are a minority in the Clans, at least they're not persecuted. The football team have been treading water recently, though they're more than capable of an upset.

Majeristan - Muslims, apparently. Which outsiders might think might cause a minor problem, but so long as they're not Seljuks, Ottomans, or the Golden Horde, I don't see serious cause for a tension here. The Orthodox Church has often had better relations with Muslim leaders than Catholics - remember the famous 15th century slogan 'better the sultan's turban than the Pope's mitre'. I expect a match played in a spirit of mutual tolerance and respect, with some gentle theological joking on both sides.

Apologetic Kittens - I don't know much about them, to be honest. A new team who seem to be very, very sorry for something. To be honest, I don't even know if they're heretics, heathens, or atheists - all three, probably."

"Thank you, Fr. Nicholas - and where do you expect us to finish?"

"Look, we've been very, very close to qualifying for three consecutive World Cups, we were runners up in the last Cup of Harmony, and we're now a top-30 team. God willing, we'll hopefully at least make the second round. Anything less than that will be a disappointment"

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

11-02-2006, 06:33

Sea Dragons Like the Feel of a Tough Group 5

The draw today for ASMV has the squad excited over the possiblities.
Let's look at Group 5 more closely.

Group 5
Milchama
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
Elrich
Bazalonia

Milchama has to be the heavy favorites here. Not only due to ranking, but with the home field avantage as well. We get these guys on MD2. Who knows, we ight pull a surprise point.

Elrich is the squad that will be the real test for us. With just 9 ranking point separating us, expect this one to be close either way. This MD1 matchup will likely decide who will challenge Milchama.

Bazalonia. If you were to look at the rankings, this squad would be the doormat of the group. However, we do have a talent for losing to squads with a much lower ranking. We need to put this one away early to ease our players minds.

Now for the predictions:

Group 1
Kericia
Kaze Progressa
The Macabees
Dance 2 Revolution

Group 2
Hypocria
Pastorville
Yafor 2
Rolatia

Group 3
Cuation
The Weegies
Rordia
Anathematic Republics

Group 4
The Archregimancy
The Lowland Clans
Majeristan
Apologetic Kittens

Group 5
Milchama
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
Elrich
Bazalonia

Group 6
Bettia
Chicanada
Tanah Burung
System Karela

Group 7
Nedalia
Ariddia
Nanakland
Collonie

Group 8
Turori
Legalese
Spaam
Palacetonia

That's the way we see it anyway.

Bettia

11-02-2006, 11:18

OOC: I forgot to mention - the Aroras play in an attacking +2 stylee.

Apologetic Kittens

11-02-2006, 12:10

Draw as Predicted

The Kittens shall head into the first round of the Cup of Harmony as rank outsiders. It's expected that the Kittens shall suffer three consecutive defeats, though the victories at the end of world cup qualifying showed what the Kittens were capable of without pressure. And with no one expecting them to do anything other than turn up and lose they are nicely trouble-free.

They can also rely on a little bit of luck in that they may not come under fire from The Archregimancy, assuming the Kittens squad can hide their religion, or lack thereof. Though if there are any Orthodox members of the squad, the nation hopes they flaunt the fact during that particular match.

Hypocria

11-02-2006, 12:29

Cup of Harmony Preview

It’s fair to say that football fans in the Autocracy are not exactly getting overly excited about the Cup of Harmony. While a first choice national side are cutting through the opposition in the AOCAF in Chicanada, with three wins out of three at time of writing, a second string squad has arrived in Schivonia almost unnoticed. Unsurprisingly new national coach Alex Santoro has got the best players the nation has to offer with him in Chicanada as Hypocria defends it’s AOCAF title. Cup of Harmony coach Gregory Vidal originally thought he’d only need to find a handful of players but with the collapse of the proposed Nedalia/Bettia/Hypocria squad he’s had to dig up a full squad of players from the dregs. And now he must shape “the best of what’s left” into a side that can compete in a competition that traditionally we struggle in.

Let’s face it, we’re simply rubbish in this competition. A quarter final place in the last tournament was our easily best performance. Sadly on that occasion the pressures of advancing so far clearly unsettled the players and they put up little fight as the Hyppos were sent home by the Monks of the Archregimancy. And now we’re back to do it all over again. Yay.

So who are we playing in this wonderful tournament?

Yafor 2

The Yaforites are no doubt deeply resentful at having to be here at all after missing out on a World Cup finals place on goal difference. We played them in the Cup of Harmony four years ago and lost 2 - 1. Expect more of the same.

Pastorville

This is slightly more encouraging. Ironically the Saints were god awful in the World Cup qualifiers, finishing bottom of their group with one solitary win to their name. Even more encouragingly is the fact that the one previous meeting between Hypocria and Pastorville ended in a 5 - 1 win for the Hyppos. But the Saints looked good in the last CoH so no doubt they’ll beat us too.

Rolatia

New boys on the world stage who enjoyed a fairly solid qualification campaign but were ultimately let down by too many drawn matches. I’m sure they’ll find their killer instinct against the Hyppos. New teams normally do. Just ask Majeristan and Palacetonia. And Klakistany and 0-0 is Evil. And Southern Manchester. And Jastica . . .

Milchama

11-02-2006, 13:56

The SKFA signs up for the Cup of Harmony and plans to reach many harmonic scoreless draws. Are va'karela'ny in the stadiums allowed?

In Milchama one of the homes of Takil? not a chance. Good luck though.

Nedalia

11-02-2006, 14:38

The Nedalia Lions

Heart of a Lion? Prove it.

The Nedalian media is has launched a full assault on the beloved Nedalia Lions on their failures the past few years, and considering how well the "amateurs" are doing in the AOCAF Cup, the A-Squad Lions have alot of proving to do. With the roster unchanged from the disappointing World Cup 26 run, in which they finished 6th in their group, choking against non-other than Group 7 opponents Collonie. Both matches to Collonie resulted in losses for the Lions, and the fans arent expecting anything more this go round. Another World Cup 26 opponent will be facing Nedalia as well, with Nanakaland being drawn in the same group. Rounding out the group is Arridia, whom the Lions have never faced.

THE GAFFER:

Bilal Hachem: 5 – 1 – 6

GOALKEEPERS:

Hard Dans (18 caps): Butetown Dragons (Bettia), 26 years old.

Jim Brown (8 caps): Rappor GK, 27 years old.

DEFENSE:

Gradd Corona (33 caps/0 goals): Brickell LB, 21 years old.

Ben Turner (25 caps/1 goal): Rappor CD, 20 years old.

Mohammed Khadra (57 caps/5 goals): Shoreland United CD, 27 years old.

Hans Lamm (72 caps/2 goals): Honsfield Athletic RD, 28 years old.

Jorgem Ruff (21 caps/0 goals): Edensanne LD, 27 years old.

Stevenson (15 caps/0 goals): Brickell CD, 27 years old.

Khalil Khasem (7 caps/0 goals): Porasse RB, 18 years old.

MIDFIELD:

Nene (96 caps/35 goals): Inland Peaks (Vilita) LM, 27 years old.

Trent Hardman (72 caps/7 goals): Akani Sands (Bettia) DM, 28 years old.

Innit Point (87 caps/11 goals): Internashionale (Starblaydia) AM, 27 years old.

Constantine (47 caps/9 goals): Shoreland United RM, 23 years old.

Don Downing (55 caps/6 goals): Carlesa LM/RM, 29 years old.

Houdini (25 caps/5 goals): Shoreland United DM, 21 years old.

Khalil Jamhurra (36 caps/2 goals): Rappor AM, 26 years old.

FORWARDS:

Tim James (62 caps/32 goals): Caledon Simpson (Krytenia), 24 years old.

Conteras (12 caps/2 goals): Groftanne, 27 years old.

Mattan (68 caps/19 goals): Butetown Dragons (Bettia), 29 years old.

Chris Yamtech (64 caps/13 goals): Shoreland United, 31 years old.

Hrjove Brando (7 caps/3 goals): Honsfield Athletic, 26 years old.

Kaze Progressa

11-02-2006, 15:09

PROGRESSAN TEAM FOR CoH 18

Manager:Jarikiz Vijoralo

GOALKEEPERS
1. Garita Varilkev
12. Arinvo Mairkoia
20. Bajira Intii

DEFENDERS
2. Gatib Vaot [CB]
3. Vaiji Kajazkarev [SW/CB]
4. Klesk Vytm [LB]
5. Nabarak Kaga [RB]
13. Unabo Groagk [CB]
14. Baji Jabi [LB/CB]
17. Gitila Beri [RB/RM]
19. Abkari Tai [CB/DM]

MIDFIELDERS
6. Botat Monatipo [DM/CM]
7. Tatakti Baltia [CM/RM]
8. Ritlai Jaha [LM/LW]
9. Ugisti Kabat [AM]
15. Detia Sutakiv [RM/AM]
16. Ditia Kau [DM]
18. Atmi Ezari [RM]

STRIKERS
10. Akriv Vajurtar [ST]
11. Baub Jaitjok [ST]
21. Ataj Jiah [CF]
22. Erio Khatse [CF/ST]

Style: 0
Likely formation: 4-4-2 diamond
Likely result: 0-0-3

Every player selected is uncapped. This is because everyone who played in WC26 shamed the nation so much.

Rejistania

11-02-2006, 18:50

OOC: I can not post as System Karela *grmpf*

The System Karela National Team, The Defenders

Goalkeepers:
Ilya Sullivan, 23, CSKA Taderegrov

(Evgeni Anisin, 23, Clean Sheet United)
(Sink~hil H~si, 28, Karela Ines)

Defenders:
Hiku Lyku, 22, Dynamo Taderegrov
Andrey Leonid, 30, Red Star Divensirsk
Orson Kent, ??*, Clean Sheet United
Kansu I Y, 31, Shutout FC
Dmitri Varfolomey, 29, Karela Ines
Fjodor Simonski, 24, Verteidigung United
Sergei Gavriil, 24, Clean Sheet United

(Namuiru Sikilen, 27, Shutout FC)
(Jenji Iuriule, 28, CSKA Milhan Alte Xkora'ta)
(Nana Syku, 28, Shutout FC)
(Kansu Sikhit, 21, Spartak Anadyr)
(Karela Meri, 28, Karela Ines)
(Kansu Siki, 26, Spartak Anadyr)
(Nemeaie Ianiu, 22, Verteidigung United)

Midfielders:
Sena Kiru, 26, Dynamo Taderegrov
Ferenc Buchwald, 25, CSKA Milhan Alte Xkora'ta

(Makariy Sa~vvi, 25, Verteidigung United)
(Nikon Viktor, 25, Shutout FC)

Forwards:
Boris Karpa, 28, Ikarus-Novgrod Lavamje

(Inxa Hexen, 27, Shutout FC)

*his real birthdate is not known and the wrong one not saying much. Orson Kent is rumoured to be the former Cockbill Street player, who disappeared from Hetkali Divensi without a trace.

Home kit:
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/SKHome26.png
Away Kit:
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/SKAway26_.png

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y (very unlikely however)
Godmod Scoring Events Y (you'll need it)
RP injuries to my players y (except for defenders)
Godmod injuries to my players y (except for defenders)
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players within normal limits
Godmod Other Events Y

Style (if existing): as low as possible

Rejistania

11-02-2006, 20:10

Group 6
Bettia
Chicanada
System Karela
Tanah Burung

The high Priest saw the group displayed and started pondering how to archeive a draw from these matches or maybe even win, in any case not concede. As soon as he was in System Karela's capital Divensirsk, He called his chief magicans. He told them how important it would be not to lose. "You see, I already forwarded the information to the coaching monk and I recall someone in the ASR in Rejistania owes him a favor..." Since he saw the blank expression in the faces of the magicans and heard the hissed: "These takilans!" he added: "They might be takilan, compared to us, but they do have the largest database, the Hexatux, if there is any vulnarability then it knows it!" The magicans nodded. "You talk to monk Boris to assist him if he needs assistence. And be subtle! The internationals do not like interference of magic in their competitions!"

Milchama

12-02-2006, 02:38

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

Your official newspaper of the Cup of Harmony

Sports Section

Inside: Predictions for the opening round

Milchamian roster announced

In a slight change to the WC roster with some starters being shuffled in and out, Coach Jaime Smith officially replaced players who were already on the bench with starters. Without further ado the Milchamian roster for the Cup of Harmony is as follows:

GK: Clay Finton- AOCAF Starter. His great play in the AOCAF (two shutouts) knocked Marcos Ollins off the squad.
D: Silas Milckey- The rock at the back for the last two cups was put on the bench by the new coaching regime. Believes starters job was his and wants to get it back.
D: Kendric Pevington- Not flashy but a very good central defender. Does not have the speed to play wing back so is in the center again.
D: Mills Thompson- Tall and good in the air. His headers will help on both offense and defense.
M: Elana Kilinin- The breakout star of the last WC squad. She will again be relied upon to get a spark in the offense. Some good play and she might stick as a player.
M:Antoine Sanchez- AOCAF Starter. Great dribbler, good passer a perfect central midfielder. Put in the squad to try to connect the strikers with the defenders.
Marian Flinters- Very fast and a good shooter. Will be a major part of the offense. His wing play with Kilinin will be key for the Milchmian offense.
Funston Copperlee (captain)- Best soccer player Milchama has ever produced so far. Will be expected to do everything. Had a dissapointing CoH and wants to show that he deserves to be captain.
F: Spot Nielson- With Thibault's more counter attacking approach to the 3-3-4 he wanted someone who was real good on the ball in central attack. Nielson fit the bill perfectly and is a starter because of it.
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. Will probably be his last world cup campaign and wants to go out actually getting to the main event.
F: J.J. Faren- A great crosser and a good goalscorer. Had a dissapointing WC campaign last time around but has proven himself to be a good player with his dazzling crosses.

Subs:
F: Floren Albentine- AOCAF starter. Great natural scorer. Called by many in Milchama the next Floren. Has a very bright future ahead of him. This cup's version of Spot Nielson, on the squad mostly for experience.
M: Johnny Rintell- Knocked out of starting lineup by new coaching staff. Wants to get his starting place back.
F: Matt Bantin- Another starter pushed to the bench because of the new coaching regime. Thinks he might be better than Floren if he got the chance and wants to show the world that he is.
M/F: Bobby Martin- His good play in the AOCL caused him to be the only sub called back from last cup. Wants to outperform teammate Clyde Misterson.
GK: Tuck Koolerc- Still the best goalie in Milchama but has been challenged by Clay Finton and wants to prove that he is still the best.
D: Kyoga Marcazumi- AOCAF starter. Normally a central defender but because of his mobility was moved to wing back for the WC. Plays for Great Alexandria.

Page 2

Milchama get winnable group

The Milchama Warriors got their best Cup of Harmony draw in their 3 time history of participating in the great event. They are in group 5 with three other teams. These teams are ASMV, Elrich and Bazalonia.

ASMV- Ranked relatively highly but have this odd habit of losing to significantly lower ranked teams. The newer version of Hypocria so thus they will give us significant trouble. Expect a draw.

Elrich- They are pretty arrogant and have a big newspaper emblem on top of their all their news articles. Outside of that though they are not great, even if they did stir up some controversy before WC 26 by having the a Warewolf play on their squad. Screw the warewolf we win here.

Bazalonia- A guranteed win. Not only are they ranked lower than us but Collonie crushed them 5-1 in their first meeting. We predict that we will do even better and win 7-1. Even if its not by that much we will win and get the full 3 points.

So that means 6 points which in our experience is enough to gurantee advancement in a 4 person group. It looks to be a successful Cup of Harmony for the Milchama Warriors.

Milchama

12-02-2006, 02:43

Milchamian Cup Of Harmony Hosting Committee.

To Whom it may concern;

As you may very well already know both the Schiavonian and the Milchamian teams will be playing home games, the first of which for the Milchamian Team, just so happens to be against our team, The Bazalonian Bazalopes. My query is related to the reasoning behind granting home games to whatever nations are co-hosting the CoH. As it stands at the moment it seems that both the Sciavonian and Milchamian teams will be gaining a home adventage for every match they play, where all other nations' teams will not have this advantage. Is there a particular reason why the decision has not been made for the co-hosts to play their matches at each others stadiums thus leveling the playing field for all nations.

Your's Spincerly, James Gaines
President of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations

We want to increase the attendance of the games. With Milchama playing in the Milchamian stadia the attendance will increase and thus we will be more likely to make a profit.

OOC: If this is a concern about me scorinating my own matches don't worry, Schiavonia is scorinating for the Milchamian region while I'm scorinating for the Schiavonian region.

[NS]Bazalonia

12-02-2006, 07:26

We want to increase the attendance of the games. With Milchama playing in the Milchamian stadia the attendance will increase and thus we will be more likely to make a profit.

OOC: If this is a concern about me scorinating my own matches don't worry, Schiavonia is scorinating for the Milchamian region while I'm scorinating for the Schiavonian region.

"Milchama gets it all: Money & Goals" by Nev Gould

We have just learned of a query made by James Gaines, the President of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations to the Schiavonian and Milchamian Hosting Committees for the 18th Cup of Harmony. A middle-ranking official within the BFSA has provided us with copies of the letter containing the query as well as the response made by the Milchamian Hosting Committee.

So what's the query and reply that got me so riled up? Well the answer is simple, the query was in regards to why do the Milchamian National team get's to play on it's home turf with the home team advantage. The Milchamian response? We get more money this way.

Add on top of this the following quote in regards to the Bazalonian Bazalopes in one of their excruciatingly long newspaper's titled "Alexandria Times-Tribune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Journal-Enquirer", the quote reads "A guranteed win. Not only are they ranked lower than us but Collonie crushed them 5-1 in their first meeting. We predict that we will do even better and win 7-1. Even if its not by that much we will win and get the full 3 points."

The Milchamians are over-estimating themselves, maybe it has something to do with certain rivalries with Collonie more than us. But even so Milchama has seemed to forgotten that we managed to draw with Squornshelous... A team ranked in the top 5... Milchama is not even in the top 40. There is also another inconsistancey, they say they'll get 6 points. But if you look at their predictions, drawing against ASMV, wining against us and Elrich, that would mean 7 points... and not 6, a primary school student would be able to get that calculation right. Are the writers for the Alexandria Times-Tribune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Journal-Enquirer in Primary School? I'll let you decide!

Schiavonia

12-02-2006, 17:30

Milchama

12-02-2006, 19:33

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

Sports Section

Milchama announce venues for games

The MFA has announced the stadiums which the Milchama Warriors will play in the Cup of Harmony. MFA President Calvin Chintermantomantoman said, "We did not pick these venues in any way to get back at certain countries. We are sure that these venues are the best we can have."

MD1: ASMV at Swooton
MD2: Elrich, at Chi
MD3: Bazalonia, Alexandria

It has also been decided which hotels the teams will stay at so as to make sure that they do not get caught up in the Milchama election riots. We are sure that Bazalonia's hotel next to our glorious newspaper was not coincedental at all.

Also we would like to note that we have 3 people in our editorial staff for not catching the error with points. They will be replaced by talking sheep.

Schiavonia

12-02-2006, 21:17

The Eighteenth Cup of Harmony
Matchday One
Milchamian Region

Group 5
Milchama 2 - 1 Bazalonia
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 1 - 1 Elrich

Group 6
Bettia 2 - 0 Tanah Burung
Chicanada 3 - 0 System Karela

Group 7
Nedalia 1 - 0 Collonie
Nanakaland 0 - 1 Ariddia

Group 8
Turori 3 - 0 Palacetonia
Spaam 0 - 1 Legalese

Locations for games in Schiavonia (matchday 1)

Group A
Kaze Progressa v Dance 2 Revolution - (The Headland, Kingsbury. Home of Kingsbury Rockss. Capacity: 42,000)
Kericia v The Macabees - (The Throne, Kingsbury. Home of Kingsbury Monarchs. Capacity 58,000)

Group B
Yafor 2 v Rolatia - (Stonyshore, Welkay. Home of Welkay Lakeside. Capacity 37,780)
Hypocria v Pastorville - (Alfons Park, Heartellpool. Home of Heartellpool United. Capacity 32,331)

Group C
Cuation v Anathematic Republics - (Sedgefield Park, Sedgefield. Home of Social Club de Sedgefield. Capacity: 56,990)
Rordia v The Weegies - (Il Parabol, Unimo. Home of Atletico Unimo. Capacity 41,322)

Group D
The Archregimancy v Apologetic Kittens - (Shamrock Park, Threlo. Home of Threlo Rovers. Capacity 47,565)
The Lowland Clans v Majeristan - (Herculean Stadium, Cartfield. Home of Cartfield Athletic. Capacity 29,500)

Milchama

12-02-2006, 22:57

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

The Official Newspaper of the Cup of Harmony

Front Page

Matchday 1, Groups 1-4

Group 1
Kaze Progressa 0 - 1 Dance 2 Revolution
Kericia 1 - 1 The Macabees

Group 2
Yafor 2 2 - 1 Rolatia
Hypocria 0 - 1 Pastorville

Group 3
Cuation 1 - 0 Anathematic Republics
Rordia 1 - 0 The Weegies

Group 4
The Archregimancy 2 - 0 Apologetic Kittens
The Lowland Clans 1 - 0 Majeristan

Milchamian stadia are:
Milchama National Stadium- Alexandria
Used for all international events this stadium is the best in Milchama and is constantly updated every two years for the latest technological improvements. Will host Group 5 and Group 6 matches and a semi final match. Capacity 102,496

Nebuchadnezzar Grounds- New Babylon
New Babylon's best ground and is named after one of their best mayors, Nebuchadnezzar. Built only 3 years ago it is used for soccer and american football while across the street the New Babylon Pirates play in Field of Forbes. Will host Groups 7 and 8 and a Quarterfinal match. Capacity 62,921

Choldierim Field- Chi
Home of one of the best teams in Milchama Chaialim this stadium is used for all types of events around Chi. This stadium was built in 1925 for american football but has been used for soccer since 1955 and is currently being used more for soccer than for football. Will host Groups 5 and 6 and a semi final match. Capacity 79,468

Port James Stadium- Port James
In the resort city of Port James this nice stadium is right on the beach in the middle of the big touristy area. Home of the Invading Crusaders in the MFL it has hosted more soccer games than any other stadium in Milchama. Will host Two Quarterfinal matches. Capacity 56,137

Sparrow Field- Swooton
Normally a baseball field but can be converted to soccer quite easily. Home of the Swooton Sparrows in the MBL and Fighters United SC in the MFL. Will host Groups 7 and 8. Capacity 52,487

[NS]Bazalonia

13-02-2006, 02:43

The night before the big match against could have been a disaster for the Bazalonian Bazalopes as they had been put up in a hotel right next to the Alexandria Times-Tribune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Journal-Enquirer offices. The noise of the printing presses would have kept the Bazalopes and all their support crew up if it was not for the windows having be closed, curtains drawn, Wardrobes being moved in front of the windows and the investment of 10 bob in ear plugs.

The next morning the team went and had their last training session at the Milchama National Stadium, Caine Hawdon looking over his troops seemed quite happy, there was alot of work to go... but it was not since the draw against Squornshelous in the World cup qualifing.

That Afternoon (Milchamian Time) back in Bazalonia on the #1 Pay TV Sports Channel, BazSports, was the live coverage of that game.

"Welcome to the BazSports Live Coverage of the 18th Cup of Harmony. I am Rick Jamieson." - Rick

"And I Daniel Black, Welcome to Sunny Alexandria and the magnificent Milchama National Stadium, what a specticle it is!" - Dan

"That it is Dan, what do you think of our chances in this match?" - Rick

"Well, Rick, the Bazalopes certainly have a challenge ahead of them, facing a team that is 60 ranks ahead of them. In fact the Bazalopes probably do not have much chance at all. I predict Milchama wins by 3 goals." - Dan

"Dan, I don't think your taking into account Psychological factors, the obvious lack of respect that the milchamians have for the Bazalopes and the reaction that the Bazalopes had to this can only go in the Bazalopes way... I predict we'll still lose but only by 1 goal as that number has seamed to haunt the Bazalopes all through the World cup." - Rick

... in the 16th minute of the game ...

"And Marc Floren gets the ball from Antoine Sanchez in a magnificent pass and capture. The Bazalopes do not seem to be able to stop him, Here comes 'The Bandit' and he mis-timed the tackle.... Now there is just one defender left, Malcolm Halliwell, and then theres the goalie, Jeffery Constantine. Malcolm challenges Marc but marks just too good. He shoots and scores, Milchama are one up against the Bazalopes in the 16th minute." - Rick

"That was a wonderful goal by Floren there as he does his celebratory dance... Only the goalie could have saved that one, and he didn't seem to know which direction to go." - Dan

"Yes, Dan what a wonderful goal for the home-side the crowd is cheering... all apart from the small black&gold Baalonian section... who are booing." - Rick

... 51st minute ...

"It's a wonder how the Bazalopes had managed to keep the Milchamian attack from scoring since that amazing goal by Floren." - Rick

"The answer to your question is that Psychological factor... the Bazalopes are a stubborn bunch and once they put their mind to something, like defending the goal, it is very hard to shake them out. Okay.. here comes Elana Kilinin in an aggressive move. And once again here comes 'The Bandit' and tackles Elana studs first... and wait.. it's in the Penalty box..... Andrew Creek gets his first Yellow card for the CoH and gives away a penalty corner against the Bazalopes." - Dan

"Farren takes the corner and kicks it over in front of the Goal,Spot Neilson heads it straight into the goal... There was nothing Jeffery could have done about that one goal... The score is now 2-0 Milchama leading." - Rick
... 68th minute ...

"Now it seems the Bazalopes have gone on the offensive after defending their goal, with reasonable success. Anthony Creek had gotten the ball from his Brother as the Bazalopes make their way up the field. Anthony passes it to Kevin Balsom. Who then quickly passes it up to James Kantwell, as he was about to be tackled by Mills Thompson. James now has the ball and manages to evade a number of Defenders before striking the ball towards the goal. - Dan

"The ball was headed away from the goal by Silas Milckey only to find Peter Hobble who took a shoot ... and score... The ball slid underneath the Milchamian Goal Keeper, Clay Finton.

Half-time: Milchama 1 - Bazalonia 0
Full-Time: Milchama 2 - Bazalonia 1

Alasdair I Frosticus

13-02-2006, 02:47

OOC: Gack. For some reason Jolt seems to have logged me off as the Archregimancy and logged me in as Alasdair I Frosticus somewhere between my hitting 'reply' and 'submit'. Sincere apologies for any confusion, and obviously this counts as an Archregimancy RP! D'oh.
OOC2 : ahhhh - worked it out. While logged on as the Archregimancy to make this post, I opened a second window as Alasdair I Frosticus (my default log-in) to open up AK's roster - by doing that both windows suddenly became AIF even though I'd opened the reply box as the Archregimancy. Let that be a warning to everyone with a puppet!

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

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

"So... Fr. John.... Apologetic Kittens..."

"I don't see why they should be apologising, Fr. Nicholas. Immature felines have no record of oppressing the Orthodox Church, nor any record of heresy or heterodoxy, nor have they engaged in militant atheism against believers. Though this is possibly because it's debatable as to whether mere beasts have souls in the first place, of course."

"Hmmm, no, Fr. John. I meant Apologetic Kittens the international football team..."

"Oh!!!! Them!!! The squad we played last night! Silly me. Well, yes. That would be our opening match at Shamrock Park in Schiavonia. This was precisely the sort of match our God-fearing monks were expected to win. A low-ranked team who, though capable of an upset, were realistically not at our level yet. Though if they were a mystery to us, they didn't really seem to know what to expect from the Archregimancy, either. Kittens forward Jerome Moore took the field wearing a bandana clearly reading:
'PLEASE DON'T HURT ME, I'M ORTHODOX'
'PS my teammates are heathens'
As if we'd want to physically harm players who aren't members of the Orthodox Church..."

"No, we merely tell non-Orthodox opponents of the eternal punishment awaiting them in the Anathematic Republics, Fr. John"

"A punishment awaiting them in the life to come, Fr. Nicholas, not on the field of play. Anyway, the match itself... I can't say the tame little kittens gave us much to worry about in the end. Reed may be an experienced centre-back, but he was no match for Fr. Basil the Faster in pace. And the lads often exposed the lack of width in the Kitten's preferred 4-1-2-1-2 formation.

Look at this mazy run from Fr. Pavel the Wanderer - surely divinely inspired. He goes up the right flank virtually unopposed, sends in the cross - and there's no fear of crosses for our lads - and Fr. Silouan's left with a simple 20th minute tap-in.

That was almost repeated just five minutes later with Fr. Andrew the Twice-Found going down the left, but this time Alington made a fine finger-tip save.

Meanwhile, in the Archregimancy goal, Fr. Justinian had so little to do that he spent most of the match touching up a new Holy Icon of the Publican and the Pharisee he's been working on for the beginning of the Triodion.

The second half was much the same. There was little the Kittens could do against our resolute midfield, and it came as little surprise when, in the 56th minute, Fr. Basil the Faster latched onto this fine pass from captain Fr. David, ruthlessly exposed Reed's lack of pace, and sent it past the helpless Alington. 2-0 and an easy win."

"I'm surprised we didn't score more, Fr. John"

"No need to, Fr. Nicholas. We did what we set out to do calmly and efficiently. No more and no less. There's little grace in humiliating the weak - it's the meek who inherit the Earth, after all...."

[NS]Bazalonia

13-02-2006, 02:57

The Schiavone Scribe
HOW BAZA

The Schiavone Football Federation were last night accused of having home advantage at the Cup of Harmony by represetatives of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations.

"This is complete gubbins," said SFF chief Michael Ford. "Just because we're not going to Milchama, doesn't mean we're playing at home."

"Quite different, in fact. We're currently playing in Oliverry, not Schiavonia. So nuuuuuur!"

Ford's lawyers, Marshall and Law, are expecting a lawsuit for their client's outburst within the next few days.

James Gaines president of the BFSA, found a copy of the Schiavonia Scribe, and went through it looking for any Schiavonian comment on the letter that he sent.... he found the article above. Now... where's that letter that we sent...

James went over to the filling cabinet and rumbled through the contents looking for a copy of the letter that they sent to the Milchamians and the Schiavonian's...

Milchamian Cup Of Harmony Hosting Committee.

To Whom it may concern;

As you may very well already know both the Schiavonian and the Milchamian teams will be playing home games, the first of which for the Milchamian Team, just so happens to be against our team, The Bazalonian Bazalopes. My query is related to the reasoning behind granting home games to whatever nations are co-hosting the CoH. As it stands at the moment it seems that both the Sciavonian and Milchamian teams will be gaining a home adventage for every match they play, where all other nations' teams will not have this advantage. Is there a particular reason why the decision has not been made for the co-hosts to play their matches at each others stadiums thus leveling the playing field for all nations.

Your's Spincerly, James Gaines
President of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations

"Now where's that CoH draw...." he said to himself as he once again rumbled thorugh the filling cabinet looking for the draw.

The Draw

Group 1
Kaze Progressa
Kericia
The Macabees
Dance 2 Revolution

Group 2
Yafor 2
Hypocria
Pastorville
Rolatia

Group 3
Cuation
Rordia
The Weegies
Anathematic Republics

Group 4
The Archregimancy
The Lowland Clans
Majeristan
Apologetic Kittens

Group 5
Milchama
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
Elrich
Bazalonia

Group 6
Bettia
Chicanada
System Karela
Tanah Burung

Group 7
Nedalia
Nanakaland
Ariddia
Collonie

Group 8
Turori
Spaam
Legalese
Palacetonia

"That's right Schiavonia did make the World Cup and so would not be able to participate in the Cup of Harmony. Oh, well. Though Michael's comments really where childish. He had this idea...

The following letter was addressed personally to Micheal Ford from James Gaines... Though not as the the President of the BFSA. He included the cut out from the Schiavonia Scribe and the the following note.

And, uh, we care because?

Chicanada

13-02-2006, 03:51

Chicanada Daily Rabbler

Result!
Chicanada routs System Karela, Keeps Eyes On Milchama

A rather aggravated Kodiaks nation was overjoyed with a 3-0 victory over System Karela, meaning they will leave with at least one victory. However, the nation maintains some wary eyes not at their rivals Tanah Burung or Bettia, but at their Milchama hosts.

All due to scoring issues in Milchama's 2-0 loss to the Kodiak b-side in the AOCAF Cup, the b-side was pulled from the tournament after Milchama filed a complaint with the AOCAF XII commitee - with full and suprising backing from the CFA. The population, already whipped into a frenzy due to rather odd press reports from within the region, quickly launched protests against the Milchama side when they headed off to Douala Palace. Nearly 26000 people participated in the loud and noisy protests, but only 70 people arrested for the ruckus.

Could the affects of the Douala incident and the AOCAF decision affect the Kodiaks chances in the remaining games? Expectations are hight the CFA will protest results against Bettia or Tanah Burung if glaringly ovious calls are missed by the Milchama-sponsored referees. With tensions high already within the CFA headquaters in Eastentown and the AOCAF going off with only the very minor glitch, the Kodiaks can use the Karela match as a sign of positive things to come.

Caris Grandhaus showed why small-side Derby is considered almost as big a threat as Astur City, as he scored twice, one in the 9th and once in the 48th minutes, and got an assist on Olani Pjan's victory-sealing goal in the 70th minute. The team played well within Yerevan Malli's diamond-shaped aggressive pattern, and many think the Kodiaks could use the diamond to help get needed points against very agressive sides to come.

Provided they don't protest all the decisions made.

Milchama

13-02-2006, 05:22

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

Sports Section

Milchama take victory in first game

The Milchama Warriors got off to a good start in their first game as they beat the Bazalopes from Bazalonia 2-1. A first half goal from Floren and second half goal from Nielson was enough to win the game for the Warriors. Sure it was not like the Collonie win during qualification but a win is a win and it was an entertaining match. Coach Jamie Smith said, "I'm happy about this win. This is probably the most pressure these players have ever faced, being favored at home in a tournament they are hosting, and expecting to do very well at. This early victory shows that they can deal with the pressure and I am now expecting to go thru." Now onto the match report:

The game started well for the Milchamians who came in firing on all cylinders. Flinters missed an early chance as his shot sailed just high. Then in the 16th minute the Warriors broke the deadlock. A good pass from Antoine Sanchez sprang Marc J. Floren who made a magnificent solo run thru the defense and shot the ball into the corner of the net for a 1-0 lead to the Milchamians. After the goal the game looked flat for a bit but soon the Milchamians took to the offensive again. Mills Thompson was unable to head in a corner in the 38th minute and a great solo run from Elana Kilinin fell short when she was tackled by the Bandit in the 18 yard box. The appeals for a penalty fell short and the game went into halftime with the Milchamians leading 1-0.

Second Half Report:
The second half started much like the first half for the Milchamians. They were getting good pressure with their best chance in the 50th minute when a pass from Antoine Sanchez set Dunston Copperlee free. Copperlee got a great curving shot off that was saved brilliantly by Jonathan Constatine, the Bazalonian keeper. The resulting corner kick though led to the second Milchamian goal when Spot Nielson got a great header from six yards out that beat the keeper and went into the net for the second Milchamian goal and a 2-0 lead. The lead did not last long though as the Bazalopes tied the game as James Kantwell got some good passes before shooting his shot home to make it 2-1. After the Bazalonian goal the game got boring as the Warriors bogged the game down in the midfield.

Final Score:
Milchama 2 (Floren 17, Nielson 51)
Bazalonia 1 (Kantwell 68)

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

13-02-2006, 06:47

Sea Dragons Begin CoH With A Draw

Group 5
Milchama 2 - 1 Bazalonia
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 1 - 1 Elrich

Early predictions proved true today. Everyone in ASMV knew the match against Elrich would be a close one that could decide which of the two will challenge Milchama. The match proved to be a hard fought on for both that ended with the score knotted at 1-1. ASMV's Porche Alexander scored in the 61st minute. That leaves the matches against Milchama and Bazalonia being very important for both squads.

MIlchama pulled out a 2-1 victory against Bazalonia in their first match. The only thing that showed the Sea Dragons is that the Bazalopes have come here to play hard. Not a good sign for anyone that knows our history.

What will happen now. Best case scenario would be a draw with Milchama and a win over those Bazalopes. Can that happen? Yes. Will it happen? Hopefully. Will it be enough if it does? Only time will give that answer.

Cuation

13-02-2006, 09:49

Cuation in Group 3

The Cup of Harmony, a chance to regain some honour after failing in the World Cup. A dip in form midway allowed Schiavonia, one of our hosts, to cuase an upset and walk into the next round with ease. Now we travel to Schiavonia for three group matches and hopefully onto the next round.

Four teams, maybe only one gets through.

Matchday 1: Cuation vs Anathematic Republics

The team from hell are a decent side, if scary and where unlucky to be cheated by a team of monks. Loved by the Cuation fans, they are sure to get a cheer. However we have to gain three points here and I'm sure we shall

Satan's team to finish 4th

Matchday 2: Cuation vs Rordia

We know nothing other then Rordia are a strong team. Our hardest match, we will do well to get a point. A quality side that will do well in this cup, watch out for them

Rordia to finish 1st

Matchday 3: Cuation vs The Weegies

If there are two places to qualify, this may decide who gets the second spot. The Weegies are hoolgians who like to meddle but we always do well against them. 3-0 in Weegie land? Expect a win here

Weegies will finish 3rd.

OC: was away on the weekend, will do match report later, based on Anathematic Republics's report if they do it first

Nedalia

13-02-2006, 11:53

The Nedalia Lions

Revenge! Of Sorts...

Nedalia got lucky. Everyone knows it. Even the Lions know it. With a Collonie 90th minute goal ruled out due to an offside call which was completely wrong, the Lions got away with a 1-0 victory they didnt really deserve. While the players will tell you it feels good to defeat the team they hold most responsible for their World Cup 26 failures (they were defeated twice by Collonie), they could not possibly be going back to the hotel with their heads raised up high. They got their revenge yes, but with it came a bunch of questions.

First and foremost, why is the attack still faltering? Arent the Lions supposed to be one the most flamboyant, attacking squads in football? Where is the style, where is the swagger? They had 2 clear cut chances on goal, and luckily for them, Constantine was able to convert one with a blistering shot from around the penalty marker. Two chances on goal the entire match!? Something has to be wrong somewhere. Tim James continues to struggle, Nene wasnt his usual active self, and Conteras was subbed out for Hrjave Brando because of lacklustre play. A solution needs to show itself soon.

Secondly, the clean sheet that Hard Dans earned (and earned it well) flatters the defence. They did a terrible job of man-marking, and an even worse job when they switched to the zonal defense. It was by luck, Dans phenomenal MofM performance, that the Lions escaped with a victory. In fact, it was a huge defensive error that led to a Collonie goal, which was then unrightfully ruled out. Central defenders Ben Turner and Mohammed Khadra are great individually, but they have not seemed to click as a team. Their partnership, albeit still new and developing, has seen highs and lows, lacking the consistency the team needs.

Thirdly, and most importantly, where is the heart? Where is the passion? Where is the pride that was the heartbeat of the team (and currently, is the B-Lions heartbeat.) The team is lacking in that department. Not so long, it was all the Lions had going into a match. Now, with their top-40 ranking and what-not, the Lions seem to have lost their edge. In fact, with the B-Lions doing so well in the AOCAF Cup despite their amateur status, there has been calls to replace the actual Lions with the B-Lions. If they dont start stepping up and becoming men about their business, it could be more than just a call from the fans.

Ariddia

13-02-2006, 17:14

Ariddia off to a good start?

As they took to the field against the team from Nanakaland, the Rouge-et-Noirs seemed somehow far more cautious than they had been during the Cup itself, although they maintained their trusty formation led by three attacking players – namely, this evening, Clément, Lel and Faraj. Goalkeeper Sandrine Leduc was also fielded, confirming – much to the relief of fans – her intention to remain on the national team for now. After Ariddia’s crushing 0-5 defeat to Legalese in the PDSRA’s last match in the World Cup qualifiers, a visibly shaken Leduc had suggested she may well resign. For now, it appears her team mates have persuaded her to stay on.

The match was somewhat less energetic than the Ariddians’ usual style of play, as the Rouge-et-Noirs seemed to take fewer chances than usual, and strengthen their defence. Ball possession was 56% to Nanakaland in the first thirty-five minutes, until a lightning, well-coordinated attack by Clément and Lel gave team captain Ue Alt an opportunity to score. . . making it one-nil at the close of the first half.

Instead of merely defending their lead in the second, however, the Ariddians began pressing on with further attacks, keeping their adversaries on the defensive. The tactic paid off; although Ariddia scored no further goal, they gave Nanakaland no real opportunity to score any either. The game ended on an unglamorous but fully sufficient score of 1-0, marred only by a yellow card handed to Ta I for a careless tackle.

“I think it’s done us all good to start on a win,” Leduc said later. “And for me personally it was a tremendous confidence booster. I feel fit and ready now to go on and do my part to help us win this competition.”

Legalese

13-02-2006, 17:37

Legalese opens "Group of Damnit" with a 1-0 win

The Black and Red opened up their Cup of Harmony run with a 1-0 victory over Spaam yesterday. Johnny Lobiva scored in the 30th minute, and the Black and Red never looked back. Ron Amarino earned the shutout with 10 saves.

It was a satisfying victory for Legalese, which looks in a better place to advance out of Group 8, as a result. Next up is a match at Palacetonia, followed by the closing match of group play with the 8th best team in the World, Turori.

"Obviously, we can't look past Palacetonia", said manager Rocco Comienze after the match, "but you can bet we're looking forward to testing ourselves against the best. It's not every day that you take on one of the top ten sides in the world."

Spaam 0
Legalese 1

LGL- Lobiva (30')

The Legalese XI:
1 Amarino

2 Caficaris 6 Terlebon 3 Tavican

20 Achin 23 Bahrain 14 Liche 16 Kirbas 19 Toriqal

10 Lobiva 12 Saudarab

Kits, manufactured by Ediraf:
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/oatkautd/LegalHome26.png
Primary/Home Kit
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/oatkautd/LegalAway26.png
Secondary Kit

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, within reason
Hand out Red cards to my players Y, within reason
Godmod Other Events Y, within reason

Apologetic Kittens

13-02-2006, 18:33

Loss Expected and Delivered

The Kittens took to the field against The Archregimancy In a match few expected them to win. Those beliefs were confirmed as the Kittens collapsed under the pressure.

Alphonso and Raul Chase, as wingers, were expected to slow any runs down the wings as well as make their own but all too often in the match they drifted toward centre and allowed their opponents to take advantage of the fact.

This drifting led to the first goal of the game as a simple cross was easily tapped in. A second similar chance was halted, with Alington showing the skills that have kept him as the number 1 Keeper.

After half time that problem was solved and the Wingers kept to their places. But this presented a further problem as, despite help from Roberts, Reed was no match for Fr. Basil and the quick forward flew past him.

Up front Gronko and Moore were ineffective and left Fr. Justinian with little to do in goal.

The Chase brothers seemed to get it together in the second half and it's hoped that form will continue but it's likely Reed will be replaced by Kiefer in the next match as the opposition forward line exposed his age.

However much action took place beside the match.

Jerome Moore took to play with an uncharateristic bandana proclaiming his religion and dismissing his team mates as evil. This must have affected his effectiveness on the field as he saw very little of the ball. He has been banned for the next match by Wilson, with Telence taking his place.

Also of note were the antics of Fr. Justinian in goal for The Archregimancy. Having to make only 2 saves in the match, both weak shots, he took to other activities through much of the game, much to the surprise of many supporters.

The lads now need to forget this humilation and concentrate on the next game.

Elrich

13-02-2006, 20:46

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

And o sa close for Elrich

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 1 - 1 Kingdom of Elrich

The Kingdom of Elrich almost snatched a win on Matchday 1 of the 18th Cup of Harmony yet had to make do with a point. In a game many pundits saw as vital in terms of Group 5 qualification, substitute Dan Singh-Queen's late header earned Mike Bassett's side a deserved draw.

The first half reflected the importance of the game and the little difference between the two sides. In a nervy and tense half of few chances the Sea Dragons played some neat and tidy football but lacked the killer edge in the final third as the Elrichian centre-halves of Wolfman and debutant Methuselah coped well with the Andossa threat. Elrich were defending well but offered little going forward with the disappointing Jamie Mudge failing to connect to Ringo Bingo's low cross at the far post in Elrich's best chance.

The second half was just as tight, and it looked like the first goal would win it. Unfortunately for Mike Bassett and the noisy Elrichian support it was the Sea Dragons who got it, with a 61st minute Porche Alexander strike capitalising on a fortunate ricochet off Barry Scott. Bassett responded immediately and the introduction of Singh-Queen for the ineffective Mudge changed the game. The Sweet as a Moose forward put in a man-of-the-match performance and came close on a number of occasions before he rounded goalkeeper Shaun Conarky in the 75th minute to level it up. It now looked like there was only one winner, yet Elrich failed to snatch what would have been a memorable winner as Wolfman's injury-time header smashed off the crossbar.

With both the Sea Dragons and the Badgers looking to snatch the 2nd qualifying spot behind Milchama, the remaining 2 games against Bazalonia and the hosts will now prove ever more crucial.

Kingdom of Elrich - Burns, Scott, Wolfman, Methuselah, Bingo, Zebedee, Allen (Jeremiah 80), J Spinks, Banks, Elrich, Mudge (Singh-Queen 61)

Tanah Burung

13-02-2006, 21:38

A hotel room, Milchima

The fans were dressed all in sackcloth. (Sackcloth provided by the Hemp Grower Cooperative of Loro Sae, at cost plus 10% markup and 25% convenience fee). They dabbed their foreheads with ashes.

"Saint Judy has foresaken us! Why, Saint Judy, oh why?" They mourned as one, ululating their sorrow. (Ululation lessons provided by the Amalgamated Union of Cantors and Singing Imams, TBFL-CIO, Local 241.)

The Elephants had crashed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Bettia, a side they already know too well from the qualifiers. "Pipped at the post, we was," said Papa Ai Salorman, one of the mourners. "And they was, too, i supposes." (Pipping posts provided by the Pips and Posts Page of the Daily Potter, Matebian City.)

The Elephants played a lackadaisical match, running half-heartedly, barely managing to get a shot away, looking dazed and confused. Or so said their coach: "Get it together, my little eggplants," she said. Oh yes, she did. That's some strong langauge, for her. (Polite manners courtesy of Miss Lucy and Miss Cramp's School for Ladylike Sentient Vegetables.)

Then she sent for the team physician. "What's wrong with my little petunias," she asked the doctor. The doctor frowned, took some blood samples, added a few urine samples, mixed them up together into a particularly nasty brew, and then magically made a sight diagnosis. (Medical skills brought to you by the Department of Godmodding, Lovefest University.)

"I am farily sure they ate too much skin off the corpse of a man who has been dead for 50 years," he answered at last. "Tell them not to consume corpses, it's not good for the digestion, you know." (Prescription: team to take two tablets of Pepto-tricyanic-acetylanic twice daily and call me in the morning. Odds of a full recovery 2-1, place your bets by 5pm.)

The Macabees

13-02-2006, 22:01

Draw against Kericia

The first game in what the Empire notes as an extremely hard group ended in a less than pleasing result, although in the end Leo Benz responded by saying, "At least we didn't kick off the competition with a massive debacle on our hands." The match ended in a draw, while Kaze Progressa was defeated by a single point in their match against Dance 2 Revolution. That means that the Empire is tied for second, and noting from the experience of other teams, the Golden-Whites do not have a very good chance of walking away with a victory. Regardless, the team still preaches that they will do their very best to ensure that at least they attempt to go for a win, and if not, they can walk away knowing that their experience would rise drastically, allowing them to teach the players for World Cup 27 valuable information that may actually ensure moving to the finals, or getting extremely close to that goal. As Paulus said, "At least we scored a goal.

The sole goal was scored by Otto Mannerheim in minute '36, bringing the Golden-Whites ahead, although the Kericians would match the point in the second half. Nevertheless, the crowd went wild. The espherico was put in by the striker's head, as it was passed from the wing by Paulus. In short, there was little chance that the Kerician goalkeeper could stop it, as he was going for it too. Unfortunately for Kericia, Mannerheim's skull made it first.

The stadium was full at Kingsbury, seating an estimated fifty-six thousand spectators. All except the very top terraces. During both goals the crowd went wild and one could see flags of both countries waving violently in the air, as fans cheered out at their favourite players. It was quite the spectacle and it illustrates the growth of football in the Empire. The national league was completed before World Cup 26, ending in the unexpected victory for Club Española, while Fedala Imperials ended ninth, or second to last. In the end, however, it was the first league season since the beginnings of the Great Civil War in 1905, and the sudden inclusion of football into the Empire's life spurred the fans, especially since it was after World Cup 25, which had brought life to Imperial football regardless. That said, this time the fans were much more willing to travel abroad for the games, especially since all games were going to be located in Milchalma. For the Cup of Harmony an estimated sixty thousand tickets were sold, although some had probably been for vacation as well. Nevertheless, it's a massive number, although it still doesn't equal the amount of tickets sold for the Baptism of Fire event before World Cup 25.

In other words, look out world, football is growing exponentially within the Empire...

Majeristan

13-02-2006, 22:30

Overheard in a bar in the northwest quadrant of Tikira, Majeristan:

BARTENDER: "What can I get ya?"

PATRON: "The usual."

BARTENDER (after giving the patron a strange look): "You ain't never been in this here bar. What'll ya have?"

PATRON: "Akbar, you don't remember me? This is Hassan from the academy!"

BARTENDER (looks closely at PATRON, blinks for a second): "Oh, that's right! Hassan! Good to see you ol' buddy! What brings you to this part of town?" Pulls out a bottle of Imperium Select Ale imported from Praetonia for HASSAN, who smiles at the selection to indication his approval.

HASSAN: "I'm here to watch the Falcons match against the Lowland Clans."

AKBAR shakes his head with a look of regret.

AKBAR: "Hate to say we don't carry the match. Seems our media have gone on strike. We couldn't get the feed from The Lowland Clans in time. We had to get some obscure cable channel from Hypocria with the match."

HASSAN: "That's horrible. Do you know what happened in the match?"

AKBAR: "We lost one-nil. I think we conceded an own goal. By Allah, we will be better, I tell you!" AKBAR slams his right fist onto the bar itself in an effort to forcefully punctuate his feelings about the Falcons after their near-miss of the World Cup.

HASSAN Sighs.

HASSAN: "At least it wasn't worse."

Rolatia

13-02-2006, 23:44

The Rolatian Telegraph
Rolatia can't make it 4 in a row
The Rolatian football team couldn't make it four wins in a row yesterday as they faced off against Yafor 2. The team is notorious for its level of involvement regarding the Rolatian national team - the teams also faced off in World Cup 26, where Yafor 2 were, against massive odds, denied qualification party due to a loss to Rolatia. The odds against Rolatia yesterday were compounded by Yafor 2's CoH record - the team are the defending champions of the contest. There was still a small aura of disappointment last night as they lost.

The Rolatian team got off to a good start, with the team taking the early lead. Tedd Verres picked up a minor injury in the 9th minute and was taken off in favour of Ian Jasofiah. Ian managed to prove his worth in the match, scoring 3a goal in the 19th minute to give Rolatia an early lead. This was soon put to rest however, after an effective one-two by the Malar brothers in the 27th minute. Rolatia were familiar with the pair, and especially those who had seen the NSFA Redmofo Utd-Ajer Utd game, and the man who had scored in the club ties did it again - Fernando's short-range blast made it 1-1.

Both teams went on the defensive for most of the rest of the half. However, by half-time the Rolatian team were trying to push forward. They almost got a second goal on the 60th minute, after an Elliot Dunkel free kick was just saved by Deron Smithes. However, it was to no avail, and in the end a Yafor 2 strike through the defences led to a Damiel Fratin cross to Fernando again, who made it 2-1 to Yafor 2 in the 68th minute. The team really went on the offensive in the last twenty or so minutes, with a 3-5-2 formation after George Vokisp went off for Liam Koigda, but the game ended 2-1.

There was a little disgruntlement post-game. Jonathan Gatri told a reporter in a post-game interview, "We had the potential to win that. But we just got lazy, when we should have been pushing forward. Nevertheless, we're looking to the game with Pastorville. We have the best chance of any game against them, so I'm hoping we can get at least a draw.

Rolatia (85) - 1 (Jasofiah 19)
Yafor 2 (43) - 2 (Fernando Malar 27, 68)

Next Game: Rolatia (85) v Pastorville (63)

The Archregimancy

14-02-2006, 00:03

Somewhere deep in the Archregimancy

Matchday 1: Cuation vs Anathematic Republics

The team from hell are a decent side, if scary and where unlucky to be cheated by a team of monks.

"WHAAAAAAAT?"

"What is it, Fr. Anthony?"

"It's.... it's......"

"Can you stop sputtering with rage for two minutes and try and explain?"

"I can hardly believe it, Fr. Gennadius - it's this press release from Cuation... They're actually claiming we cheated when we defeated the Anathematic Republics...."

"WHAAAAAAAT?"

"My reaction precisely, Fr. Gennadius. And it gets worse...."

"How can it possibly get worse. Fr. Anthony? We didn't cheat - we won through a combination of the favour of the Lord our God and Satan's pride causing him to ignore the full moon. Cheating had nothing to do with it. As if the servants of the Lord need to resort to cheating in order to defeat Satan"

"Oh it gets worse alright. Read this:"

Loved by the Cuation fans, they are sure to get a cheer

"They can't possibly be serious, Fr. Anthony"

"I'm afraid they are, Fr. Gennadius. The people of Cuation love Satan."

"that's an entire nation gone straight to Hell, then"

"Makes you weep, Fr. Gennadius, doesn't it?"

<sigh> "well it's not as if Satan's harvest of the souls of the damned needed any encouragement..."

The Gupta Dynasty

14-02-2006, 00:18

OOC:Bleh, Rol' posted while I was writing this. Oh, and, I'm using my WC roster for the CoH.

BIC:

Defending Champions Start Off Their Run In Style

Game 1 - At Stonyshore
Yafor 2 2 - Rolatia 1

WELKAY, SCHIAVONIA - It was a day of revenge. That was all that anyone could say, a rare point that all the Yaforite fans agreed on, a rare point, in fact, that all the Yaforites agreed upon. It was the Rolatians, in a last minute win, who had denied the Yaforites qualification for the World Cup (in a match that is still debated in Yafor 2 because of its rumors of performance enhancing drugs), and here it was, a Yaforite victory.

Nothing could make it up, of course. That feeling of loss, the not qualification, the sadness of even competing in this arena, was unbearable. But there were consolations, and not just this victory. The fact that the Golden Wolves are the top ranked team in their group is, of course, a plus. The fact that Hypocria, the team that lost to Yafor 2 last Cup of Harmony, in a game which put the Golden Wolves atop their group and was a major morale boost, was another. But the their determination is the most, the simple fact that they want to win, to be out of this arena, and into the world stage.

The game itself was uninteresting, with typical stifling Yaforite defense and a pair of Fernando Malar goals, but the fact that they won was. his is the start of another Cup of Harmony run, and the Golden Wolves are bidding to do what no team has done; win the Cup of Harmony twice, and in a row.

-Excerpt from The Ajerite Sun.

OOC:Bleh, crap post. Sorry; out of time, I'll post better in the future.

[NS]Bazalonia

14-02-2006, 02:52

"So what are we going to do about that Wolfman?" said James Gaines in a conference with the Coaches.

"What wolfman?" asked Jayne Heart, she always focussed on thhe performance of her charges and not much else...

Caine Hawdon replied... "The Elrich Wolfman... you know the one with the number 666."

"Ah... But what's the fuss all about?" she still had no clue about the Wolfman...

"The Wolfman is a Werewolf... both Elrich and those weird monks said he was." stated James Gaines.

"And that means....?" the person with no clue about anything else but soccer replied

"That he could make other people Werewolves too.,... Though I think the proper term is Lycanthropy." said Malcolm Frost and he continued.... "our only real option is to take him out as early in the game as possible. Preferable injure him."

"Well... I don't think we need to go that far but we should still have some measures to protect our players from him." said Caine Hawdon

"Okay. I'll right a letter to the Archregimancy... and I'm sure there is some way of getting it to them."

The meeting was dismissed and JAmes Gaines wrote the following letter....

Monastic Football Association, The Archregimancy
Dreamed Realms

The Bazalonian Bazalopes will be next match facing Elrich and a particular player of theirs. One that you probably know all too well. The 'Wolfman', we are concerned about this individual but at the same time do not want to interfere in the running of the game. Is there a way to protect our players from his curse without causing disruption to the flow of the game?

Yours Sincerly, James Gaines
President of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations

The Archregimancy

14-02-2006, 03:52

Monastic Football Association, The Archregimancy
Dreamed Realms

The Bazalonian Bazalopes will be next match facing Elrich and a particular player of theirs. One that you probably know all too well. The 'Wolfman', we are concerned about this individual but at the same time do not want to interfere in the running of the game. Is there a way to protect our players from his curse without causing disruption to the flow of the game?

Yours Sincerly, James Gaines
President of the Bazalonian Federation of Soccer Associations

Dear Mr Gaines

How fortunate you are to be named after St. James, the Brother of the Lord, whose life as the first bishop of Jerusalem is no doubt of constant inspiration to you.

Here at SOFTEE (Synodical Office For The Elimination of occult Evil), we've developed a helpful pamphlet that we believe may prove to be of some assistance in your upcoming match.

Yours in Christ
Fr. Anastasius the Lycanthrope Slayer

WEREWOLVES - SATAN'S HAIRY WARRIORS
By Fr. Anastasius the Lycanthrope Slayer

How to recognize a Werewolf
It is important to be able to recognize a werewolf in his human form, as this is usually the only time when he is vulnerable.

Physical signs
Hairy palms are a sure sign of a lycanthrope. Real werewolves often shave their palms, leaving them rough, so rough palms could also be a sign.

Other signs: a left thumbnail left uncut so as to resemble a claw; tattoos, particularly those of a crescent moon; slanted eyebrows that meet at the bridge of the nose [this is why the music of Oasis is banned in the Archregimancy]; an unusually long third finger on each hand.

You may also look for psychological symptoms in your human suspects, including increased violence, increased aggression, unprovoked rages, insomnia, and restlessness. Unfortunately, over time these symptoms can be brought under control by the werewolf, so do not rely on them exclusively.

A werewolf is easily detected when there have been night-time attacks in an area. He or she has no appetite due to the feasts of raw meat during the night, and is always physically exhausted after his transformation and nocturnal activities.

A werewolf in human form exhibits the wounds acquired from his lunar activities. An oft-repeated story popular in the Archregimancy concerns a lone monk attacked at night by a wolf, which he wounded by cutting off a forepaw. Next day a man was found with his hand missing, which identified him as the werewolf. Such an incident was reported as fact by Fr. John of Nynauld in 1615.

Sometimes, in order to see if the accusation of lycanthropy is true, a suspect werewolf is cut open to see if there is fur on the inside of the skin, as many monks believe that a werewolf can reverse its skin in order to avoid recognition.

Yet more signs: Paleness; feeble vision; dry and misted eyes; an unnatural dread of all water; very dry tongue and always thirsty; legs have incurable ulcerations from frequent falls; the devil's mark

How to kill a werewolf

Ablation of heart or brain
Werewolves can be killed by any wound that destroys the heart or the brain, such as decapitation of its head and removal of its heart, or any form of death that causes brain or heart damage (such as hanging or other oxygen-deprivation methods).

Silver bullets
Shooting using silver bullets is very effective in killing werewolves. Though the efficacy of silver can been traced to pagan belief in the power of certain metals to ward off evil spirits, its appearence as a werewolf deterrent seems to have occurred after the rise of the Orthodox church. Even pagans have the occasional good idea, after all.

How to deliver somebody from the curse of the Werewolf

Exorcism
Exorcism is of dubious benefit against Werewolves unless a priest is at hand. Always use the same precautions as for Vampires.

Here is a method favoured by Fr. Jacob the German:

Cast a circle of 9 feet, and a smaller one only 4 feet in diameter.
Place a series of candles at equal intervals, and place a wooden altar in the south. Within the inner circle, place the werewolf
Build a small fire exactly opposite of the altar, and 1 1/2 foot away from the inner circle.
Place a pot over the fire, containing 2 pints of clear water. To this add:

1/2 oz. camphor
3/4 oz. ammonia
1/2 oz. hypericum
2 drachms sulfur
1/2 oz castorium
6 drachms opium
3 drachms asafoetida

Mix thoroughly and then add a portion of mandrake root, 1 live snake, 2 live toads in a linen bag, and a fungus.
Bind together with red ribbon a wand of three sprigs, each from ash, white poplar, and birch.
When the toads cry out from being immersed in the now boiling water, the mixture is ready.
Take a cupful of the searing liquid and douse the werewolf, as well as lashing him/her with the wand exclaiming "Foul spirit release this persons' soul, return to the great unknown!" Repeat 3 times in honour of the Holy Trinity

Water
Another popular means of protection is water. Sweet water baths or baths of Holy Water are particularly recommended.

Other cures of varying efficiency:
Draw the Werewolf's blood until he faints; have a friend of the werewolf's human form give him three knifes strokes; cut off the werewolf’s penis [note - only trained professionals should try this approach]; purge the werewolf’s colon and encourage vomiting; force the werewolf to drink milk and whey for 3 days; rub the werewolf’s nostrils with opium before bed

Temporary Protection
Monks are often able to protect themselves from werewolves through the simple power of their faith. Laypeople, however, often require more direct assistance.

Rye, cinder, mistletoe, silver and ash trees have been proven to provide excellent protection and the layperson can escape from a werewolf to safety by climbing up such a tree. Alternatively, wearing a crucifix made of one of the aforementioned materials - preferably blessed and lined with silver - is usually efficacious.

Rolatia

14-02-2006, 12:17

It was the Rolatians, in a last minute win, who had denied the Yaforites qualification for the World Cup (in a match that is still debated in Yafor 2 because of its rumors of performance enhancing drugs),
The Rolatian Telegraph
RFA hit back at drugs claims
The Rolatian Football Association today strongly hit back at claims by Yafor 2 newspaper the Ajerite Sun that there had been performance-enhancing drugs involved in the climatic win in September last year which gave Rolatia their third successive win in a row and put Yafor 2 out of the World Cup. Manager Jonathan Gatri stated "It's bull****"

He continued, "That game was completely fairly fought. On the day, it would appear we put out the better performance and managed to fell them. Any accusation that we used illiegal substances to help our players better is just lies; we wouldn't do **** like that". Profilic defender Thomas Jojufag, 33, who is the fifth most capped Rolatian behind David Ramar, Timothy Arast, Oliver Morgan and Elliot Dunkel, said of the accusations, "This is a babyish attack on the Rolatian team. It's just frankly not true." The RFA will not be pressing charges.

Rolatia

14-02-2006, 12:38

(OOC: This is pre-MD1)

The Rolatian Telegraph
Analysis of Rolatia's Cup of Harmony opposition
Yafor 2 (39)
Previous record: 1-1-0
Ah, Yafor 2. Rolatia's played them twice now - Ajer United in the NSFA Cup 3, and Yafor 2 proper in the World Cup 26 qualifiers. Rolatia have against ALL odds pulled off two wins and a draw - the international win was the famous September 3rd 2009 match in which Rolatia's win put The Kazoo Peoples through instead of Yafor 2 despite odds of well over 20:1 against that situation. The club win was in the qualifying stage of the NSFA Cup, when Redmofo Utd saw off Ajer Utd. It's pretty much inevitiable that Rolatia are going to slip up this time round though.
Prediction: Loss, 2-0

Hypocria (43)
Previous record: 0-0-0
Hypocria's not a team that Rolatia knows much about. However, judging from a poor Cup of Harmony record previously including a loss to Yafor 2 four years ago, there could be an opportunity to pick up a point here. However, there's reasonable doubt since they're only just lower than Yafor 2 after all.

Prediction: Lose, 1-0

Pastorville (61)
Previous record: 0-0-0
Pastorville are something Rolatians really know nothing out, except that they're the third seed in the group and are KPB rank 61 - they look a fair bit weaker than that right now however. This could be an opportunity for a win, and the Rolatian team will be aiming for that goal
Prediction: Win, 1-0

Cuation

14-02-2006, 13:06

Cuation Grabs Lucky Win

Gary Jens claims the loose ball. Played up to Tanner, flicked on for Gioavnni. Two men on him as he holds the ball up, played out wide to Ashton. Crossed in for Heskey, knocked down to Butcher! Fine finish by the left back.

A quick counter attack was all that seperated the two teams at the end of a close match. The team from Hell played well but found the defence in fine form. Still it took some good saves from Gary Jens and a bad call by the ref to deny them a point.

Both sides came out to the song "Going to hell in a Yellow Submarine." and certain songs about the monks of the The Archregimancy that are too decliate for the ears of my editor on the Cuation Monks Magazine.

Cuation took control of the midfield but found Attilia the Hun a handfull, Gary Jens having to save a header at point blank range before saving one on one. Eventually Jonathan Yan worked out how to limit his threat.

Cuation's attacks where rare with Giovanni having an off day, his passes often going astray. The one time he found the right man in the 70th minute, Cuation scored. Anathematic Republics scored in the last minute but the goal was disallowed for offside. Cuation fans questioned if he worked for a certain set of monks.

In the end, three points where gained as Cuation took top spot in the table.

Schiavonia

14-02-2006, 14:59

Eighteenth Cup of Harmony
Matchday Two
Milchamian Region

Group 5
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 0 - 0 Milchama
Elrich 1 - 1 Bazalonia

Group 6
Chicanada 2 - 0 Bettia
System Karela 1 - 1 Tanah Burung

Group 7
Nanakaland 0 - 1 Nedalia
Ariddia 2 - 0 Collonie

Group 8
Spaam 3 - 2 Turori
Legalese 2 - 2 Palacetonia

Group 5 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Milchama 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 +1
Elrich 2 0 2 0 2 2 2 0
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 2 0 2 0 1 1 2 0
Bazalonia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 -1

Group 6 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Chicanada 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 +5
Bettia 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 0
Tanah Burung 2 0 1 1 1 3 1 -2
System Karela 2 0 1 1 1 4 1 -3

Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Ariddia 2 2 0 0 3 0 6 +3
Nedalia 2 2 0 0 2 0 6 +2
Nanakaland 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 -2
Collonie 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 -3

Group 8 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Legalese 2 1 1 0 3 2 4 +1
Turori 2 1 0 1 5 3 3 +2
Spaam 2 1 0 1 3 3 3 0
Palacetonia 2 0 1 1 2 5 1 -3

Congratulations to Chicanada, Ariddia and Nedalia, who are through to the knockout stages of the cup already!

Later...

Group A
Kericia v Kaze Progressa - (The Headland, Kingsbury. Home of Kingsbury Rockss. Capacity: 42,000)
The Macabees v Dance 2 Revolution - (The Throne, Kingsbury. Home of Kingsbury Monarchs. Capacity 58,000)

Group B
Hypocria v Yafor 2 - (Stonyshore, Welkay. Home of Welkay Lakeside. Capacity 37,780)
Pastorville v Rolatia - (Alfons Park, Heartellpool. Home of Heartellpool United. Capacity 32,331)

Group C
Rordia v Cuation - (Sedgefield Park, Sedgefield. Home of Social Club de Sedgefield. Capacity: 56,990)
The Weegies v Anathematic Republics - (Il Parabol, Unimo. Home of Atletico Unimo. Capacity 41,322)

Group D
The Lowland Clans v The Archregimancy - (Shamrock Park, Threlo. Home of Threlo Rovers. Capacity 47,565)
Majeristan v Apologetic Kittens - (Herculean Stadium, Cartfield. Home of Cartfield Athletic. Capacity 29,500)

[NS]Bazalonia

14-02-2006, 15:52

As James Gaines looked over the Pamphlet that the Monastic Football Association had sent him in response to the letter he had sent, he had to make a decision about what to do. The coaches would lynch him if that creature did anything to their players... however something nearly immeadiately jumped out at him from the Pamphlet

Water
Another popular means of protection is water. Sweet water baths or baths of Holy Water are particularly recommended.

That's it... he need the team to be protected without causeing problems. Particularily that accusations of cheating... He went and picked up the phone that was on his desk... dialed the number of the Milchamian Hotel that they where staying in and told them... "Make sure the team is bathed in Sweet Water just before the match. I have received information from the Dreamed Realms about protection, and that seems to be a very acceptble method."

"Are you sure?" the other end of the line said, it was Caine Hawdon. "Yes, the pamphlet is very clear that baths in sweet water.. and I quote 'popular means of protection'" stated James Gaines assuring the head Coach.

On Matchday number 2... each of the players had their sweet-water baths as was instructed and headed out to the stadia. The match seemed to go fairly well... Peter Hobble got past the Wolfman in defense and shoot towards the goal. The ball flew through the air and was just out of reach of the goal-keeper as it flew into the back of the net. This was in the 32nd minute.

In the second half the Bazalopes where kept out of the goal as the wolfman did not take lying down geting bypassed by Peter Hobble, however the Wolfman did nothing in the way of hurting the players.

The match was drawn in the 81st minute as a Elrichian forward found a hole in the Bazalopes defense and exploited it, The Bandit tackled the forward and knocked the ball out of play but the ball went over the same line as the Bazalopes goal. The corner that was generated by itself did not generate a goal but a fatal mis-handling of the ball by ...... the same Elrichian forward managed to get a hold of the ball and in the reulting chaos a goal was scored by the Elrich team.

The Bazalopes kept probing the Elrich defenses but never managed to make in-roads and the whistle was blown. Leaving the 2nd match day a 1 all draw.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

14-02-2006, 15:58

Sea Dragons & Warriors Fight For 1 Hard Earned Point

ASMV played the host team Milchama today, desperately in need of at least a point. Our hopes, along with the Milchaman fears, came to pass as the Sea Dragons fought hard for that point and came away with it.

Both squads had limited chances, and both defenses rose to the challenge with exceptional skill. The Milchaman keeper turned away both blistering shots from Porche Alexander and the one real chance, an amazing bicycle kick, from Pablo Iglesias. Even a superb header from captain Evan Evans was easily handled.

Sea Dragon keeper Shaun Conarky was also brilliant, turning away all 5 legitimate threats from the MIlchama attack. The Banta-N'bai brothers seemed to be everywhere in this one as well, thwarting the attacks before they became dangerous.

This ASMV squad learned a valuable lesson from their AOCAF XII counterparts and did not press too hard as the final minutes ticked away. Instead they remained content to get a point and get out alive.

Now comes the final match of this round, And it has become gargantuan in importance. Lots of possibilities loom large on the Horizon for the entire group.

First ASMV will match up against those pesky Bazalopes. All sources say that this match is possibly an easy 3 points for the Sea Dragons. But I feel inclined to point out that Bazalonia just earned a draw against Elrich, a squad very similar to our own in almost every aspect. Add to that our penchant for loosing the easy ones and it becomes easy to see that this is no given victory for us.

Elrich will face the mighty Milchaman squad, and that result could also be a close one.

Now for the possibilities:

1.Should Milchama win and ASMV win or draw, those two will move on to the next round.2. Should Elrich win or draw and ASMV lose, Elrich and Milchama move forward. 3. Should Elrich and ASMV both win, there will be a three way tie atop Group 5 with Milchama, Elrich, and ASMV. 4. Should Elrich and ASMV both draw, the will remain in a deadlock for the second spot in the group. 5. Should Elrich and ASMV both lose their matches, we will see a three way pile up for the final qualifying spot. 6. ASMV can also advance with a win and an Elrich draw. 7. Elrich can also advance with a win and an ASMV draw. WHEW!!!

All of this means just one thing - Group 5 has become the one to watch on the final MD of qualifying. Nothing is given and anything can happen. We would not have it any other way.

Tanah Burung

14-02-2006, 18:44

Hypocria

14-02-2006, 19:37

So Predictable

The Hyppos opened their Cup of Harmony tournament against the Pastorville Saints and . . . well . . . let me refer you to our CoH preview.

Pastorville

This is slightly more encouraging. Ironically the Saints were god awful in the World Cup qualifiers, finishing bottom of their group with one solitary win to their name. Even more encouragingly is the fact that the one previous meeting between Hypocria and Pastorville ended in a 5 - 1 win for the Hyppos. But the Saints looked good in the last CoH so no doubt they’ll beat us too.
Told you.

Despite the fact that we loath and despise this competition we still take it seriously. We hand in an official roster like we’re meant to and give it fairly good coverage in the media. Partly because the citizens back in the Autocracy like to be kept informed. And partly to gain favour from an obscure deity known only as “Margaret” who apparently looks favourably on things like that. But clearly she’s either off having her nails done or she just needs her ears syringed. A little bit of luck in this damned competition, is that really too much to ask?

Next up is the reigning Cup of Harmony champions Yafor 2 who beat the Hyppos in the group stages four years ago. So chalk up another defeat I guess. How did our preview put it?

Yafor 2

The Yaforites are no doubt deeply resentful at having to be here at all after missing out on a World Cup finals place on goal difference. We played them in the Cup of Harmony four years ago and lost 2 - 1. Expect more of the same.

Yeah. What he said.

Rejistania

14-02-2006, 21:51

We are in a room below the temple of Karela in the most Karelan nation on this planet - and most likely all others as well: System Karela. We that is me, the abstract narrator and you the listener. The room is very dark and looks a bit unfinished and old at the same time. The only light comes from candles even though electricity is known in System Karela. There is no one in the room. One wooden door is leading east, we can not see the daylight or any light under it. Wait, there was something, let me look... At this time, I am glad not to have a body since the door is opened in this very moment by monks of the inner circle. They look like Afghani women, but then remember that Afghanistan doesn't exist in this universe and that we are below the main temple of Karela. Two monks carry torches and between them is the Karelan high priest. He takes his position in the location: He sits down on a throne-like chair, the monks stand beside him, each on one side. then the criminals are sent into the room: the System Karelan national team. They fall on their knees when seeing the High Priest - and then bow down. The High Priest 'reads' the charges to the team: Conceding, takilness, misconduct, treason. They stutter and utter stuttered attempts to beg for mercy. The high Priest smiles and then says: "I will give you time... a bit time... If you qualify as second team, you are cleared of all charges... if not... well... we will see!"

Chicanada

14-02-2006, 22:57

Chicanada Daily Rabbler

Result Again!
No Protests Yet As Kodiaks Make Next Round

Malli may have had it right all along.

Many wondered if the more agressive style of play the Depot Coach uses would work against more agrressive sides in tourney play. Chicanada got the answer today, as the A-Side Kodiaks scored a rather impressive 2-0 victory over Bettia to seal up qualification the Knockout Stage at CoH 18.

Caris Grandhaus continues to be the star, as the Derby forward (who recently reworked his contract with the Rooks of the Mountains for four more seasons) scored off a header from Olani Pjan in the 17th minute and sealed the game off a glorious corner kick from Rovers reservist Timmon Barret, who ended up subbing for Raviel Seregavian due to an aggravated groin pull. Expect Terrence Phillipsen to take Seregavian's center midfielder unless they really want another forward out there.

Their second victory in a row has renewed hope in the CFA after it's embarassing pullout from the AOCAF Cup and many think the team, who face off against everyone's favorite team Tanah Burung in the final day of qualifiers, could have a shot at going very far in the tourney, depending on which second place team they face. Could the Kodiaks finally win a damn trophy to hoist at Eastentown? Maybe, but we never like to get our hopes up with the Kodiaks.

Milchama

15-02-2006, 02:53

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

Front Page

Matchday 2 with Tables!

Group 1

Kericia 1 - 2 Kaze Progressa
The Macabees 3 - 4 Dance 2 Revolution

Group 1 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Dance 2 Revolution 2 2 0 0 5 3 6 2 Q
Kaze Progressa 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 0
The Macabees 2 0 1 1 4 5 1 -1
Kericia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 -1

Group 2

Hypocria 3 - 1 Yafor 2
Pastorville 0 - 1 Rolatia

Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Hypocria 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 1
Rolatia 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 0
Pastorville 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 0
Yafor 2 2 1 0 1 3 4 3 -1

Group 3

Rordia 1 - 2 Cuation
The Weegies 1 - 3 Anathematic Republics

Group 3 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 2
Anathematic Republics 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 1
Rordia 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 0
The Weegies 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 -3 E

Group 4

The Lowland Clans 2 - 1 The Archregimancy
Majeristan 2 - 1 Apologetic Kittens

Group 4 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Lowland Clans 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 2
The Archregimancy 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 1
Majeristan 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 0
Apologetic Kittens 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 -3
E

The Macabees

15-02-2006, 03:07

Skies Grow Dark For Golden-Whites
Today's upset against Dance 2 Revolution has draped black over the eyes of many who had originally hoped for more from the team. Fortunately, the team has not been totally disqualified and qualification rests solely on one factor - tomorrow's game against Kaze Progressa. The team today scored an impressive three goals, one from Mannerheim and two from Seydlitz, but that still wasn't enough to seal the game, after Dance 2 Revolution pounded four goals in Kahn's defense. The horrific scene of events foreshadows doom for the team, although doom is all too frequent in the past football competitions the team has embarked upon. Nevertheless, the simple fact that the team is not actually last is heartwarming, although with that said, both Kericia and the Empire have perfectly equal chance to pull ahead. The pre-game stress has begun to build up and it has begun to show with the players, who have been excessively strategizing and warming up for the game. In the end, any additional prepping is good, but is there a point where it's simply too much?

In the area of game news, the first goal was scored by Seydlitz, putting in a goal from outside the area in minute '14, tying the game after Dance 2 Revolution has placed one into Kahn's net at minute '3. Dance 2 Revolution put one more during the first half, bringing the halftime score to 1-2. When the two teams returned from halftime, Mannerheim put in a goal suddenly in minute '52, with Seydlitz following up in minute '57, but that didn't stop two successive goals from Dance 2 Revolution in minutes '61 and '73. The end of the game was particularly boring, with neither side scoring, although several Imperial attempts ended in distressing failures.

Tomorrow Kerecia plays group leader Dance 2 Revolution, and the team and her fans are rooting for a Kerecian failure. The Golden-Whites play Kaze Progressa, and the game tomorrow will no doubt be extremely challenging, but the Golden-Whites are going as if it was the final match of a world cup. In fact, qualification is the only dream the Empire has had, and it has not qualified into finals since the Cup of Harmony, where it was immediately defeated by Pastorville in a disastrous game. The Empire has never been one to surrender, and it certainly will not do so in tomorrow's game against Kaze Progressa, but sometimes fortune and ability plays aces against one. Even Mannerheim agreed that they weren't "promising anything."

Milchama

15-02-2006, 03:19

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

Sports Section

Milchama do as expected

Its hard to toot your own, well it really isn't but so far the Alexandria Times-Tribune-Post-Gazette-Chronicle-Journal-Enquirer has been right on when predicting how Milchama will do in the CoH. We said they would beat Bazalonia, which they did (who cares about the scores), and that they would tie ASMV which they did. Now to have a perfect group record all we need are for the Warriors to beat Elrich, but enough about us and lets get onto the game.
The game was a dissapointing for the Warriors whose attack was seemed to be stopped to easily by the Sea Dragon defense. On the other side though the Warriors did excellent as Clay Finton and company did a great job stopping the ASMV offensive. The two good defenses created a great dealock that could not be broken by either side and ended in a suprisingly exciting 0-0 draw. Coach Jamie Smith said, "Our defense could not have played better today, its unfortunate that our offense could not perform to the same level. We had 5 good chances to score but Floren, Flinters, Thompson and Copperlee could not put them away. Some of those chances are ones that just need to be put away. Wide open ball at your feet at the six yard box, that ball should not be going off the keeper's hands, that ball should be in the net. I expect people to put away chances like that..."

Normally now would be a match report but with a 0-0 draw do you really need to hear what happened? Anyway considering you already saw the match anyway it seems stupid so no match report today sorry.

The Archregimancy

15-02-2006, 04:05

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

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

"So... Fr. John... The Lowland Clans..."

"A fine nation with many Orthodox citizens, Fr. Nicholas"

"But what about their football team?"

"A fine squad with many Orthodox members, Fr. Nicholas"

"But what about our Cup of Harmony match against them last night?"

"A fine game with many Orthodox players, Fr. Nicholas"

"But what about the result, Fr. John?"

"The team with Orthodox members won, Fr. Nicholas"

"I can't shake the feeling that there's something you're not telling me, Fr. John...."

"Well, remember when some foolish people thought our high ranking would find us breezing through the group to the next round?"

"Yes, Fr. John...."

"Those sinners - who are now being punished for the sin of pride - were quite spectacularly wrong"

"Meaning, Fr. John?"

"Meaning, Fr. Nicholas, that we need at least a draw in our final match against the Muslims of Majeristan to finish in the top two."

"Just like we need a draw in the final match of World Cup qualifying to make the tournament proper?"

"I fear so, Fr. Nicholas... clearly the Lord wishes to test us. I can only hope that this time we prove worthy..."

OOC: Unfortunately, due to RL work (which has also kept this post relatively short and unimaginative), I'll be out of contact between the 16th and 21st of Feb (Australia time). By the time I get back, the tournament may well be over, so here's wishing everyone a happy Cup of Harmony - and at least a second round spot for my monks. Oh, and at least one win for Hypocria! I can't think of anyone who deserves it more (and besides, winning the final match against the odds after failing when it counted is something of a tradition for the Hyppos ;-) )

Chicanada

15-02-2006, 07:08

By failing to defeat the evil sorcers from System Karela, the Elephants are almost certainly eliminated. All was for nought. Already coffins are being prepared for each player. "Announcing our line-up was obviously a bad idea, we should have kept it a secret," said coach Visser.

A letter to the Chicanadian sporting supremos:

Personal and Confidential.

Congratulations on getting through to the next round. But look. You're already through. Do you really need to erode my profit margins by beating Tanah Burung? Wouldn't it be nicer if your boys threw the match and let the Elephants have a chance to qualify as well? Wouldn't that be the decent thing to do? Think about it. It would make everyone so happy. Well, not Bettia. But we don't give a toss for them. Green doesn't go well with yellow anyway. And if all those moral arguments don't convince you, how about a big bag of cash? Tell me if I'm being too subtle for you.

Mau Slurp
General Proprietor
Mau Slurp's House of Gambling.

The CSF House in Eastentown got it's usual mail load for the day, most adressed to the most controveral official in sports, Ms. Jaquee herself. Sure, she got the position even though she's a nutcase with a tendency to throw up on queens and hunt down rabbits, but she ran two tournaments and looked fairly competent to the Presidum.

Going through the daily mail, it was the normal lot. Letters looking for ref certification, people trying to get Chicanada to attack Milchama due to the whole AOCAF thing (which she was already tired of and wanted to kick people in the head over), clubs trying to get into the newly-made Chicanadan Baseball League, etc. One letter, however, was rather bulky. Inside, she found a big bag of money and a letter.

"Hee!" the nitwit said as she tried to swin through the 45 Chicanadan Pence's sent by some gambling firm. After hitting the floor head first, then the desk, then a lamp, and then the floor again, she decided to try reading the letter. Of course, it was now dark since she knocked over the lamp so she staggared into the hallway and read it very aloud to the passerbys.

It took two minutes to decide that a bribe would be very bad of the CSF to accept. Especially one so small. So she sadly reassembled the letter and cash and gave it to her receptionist to send back with a rather formal letter stating

To [insert name here]
Thank you for your interest in the CSF. At this time we cannot accept your offer due to the bad taste bribes have in the world. We appreciate your business and look forward to future attempts to bribe us, which we will sadly turn down all in good taste.

Love always,
Jaquee, CSF President

P.S. 45 Bucks? C'mon!

The Lowland Clans

15-02-2006, 10:29

GRAHAM CITY SUN
Allied States Upset the Archregimancy
Riots kill 23
The Lowland Clans v The Archregimancy - (Shamrock Park, Threlo. Home of Threlo Rovers. Capacity 47,565)

THRELO, SCHIAVONIA - Well ladies and gentlemen, the luck has finally arrived. That's right, we beat someone with a higher ranking than us. Not only that, but the certain higher ranking team just happened to be the fast-rising team of othodox monks from the Archregimancy. But the news wasn't all good. There were riots of joy in the streets, fueled by copious amouns of alcohol that went only, burning over five hundred cars, toppling buses and throwing stones into store windows. Store owners responded by holding crowds back with shotguns and flare guns, which killed thirteen rioters in the Lower East Side in Graham City after alcohol fueled hatred ransacked the immigrant heavy area. Elsewhere, protestors killed three in Belfast after trying to attack an orthodox church and killed seven in Sarajevo after toppling a loaded bus in the dowtown area.

But the match was played beautifully by the Allied States team, with Nicolae Foma playing an excellent match which manager Westley Stjepan called "worthy of the memory of Gavin Fleury." Fleury was and still remains one of the most famous players in Allied States history. The Highlander midfielder was perhaps the most skilled player of all time, and was killed after two broken ribs punctured his lung and his heart during a World Cup qualifying match against Total n Utter Insanity. Foma scored the first goal on a beautiful run, making it past all three Fr. Michaels on the back line through a combination of strength, speed and finesse off a fine pass from Keefe Lavrentios. The Archregimancy responded shortly after, with Fr. Silouan powering a goal home from just inside the box, with a beautiful curve that sent it just past the outstretched fingers of Heath Porter.

The Stars played with great heart and emotion, something not seen with this squad very often. The fans could feel it at home, and cheered them on loud and clear from home as weel as at the stadium. The Stars went into the second half with amazing confidence and an increasing amount of pressure. That pressure from the strikers and midfielders increased exponentially on the Archregimancy's defense as the half progressed. Twice, two long balls from Sidney Pollack nearly stroked the twine, only to hit bodies on the way in. Lavrentios made a beautiful cross to Spyridon, who headed it just off the crossbar. Finally as the game approaced the eighteeth minute, the Stars finally put the go-ahead goal past Fr. Justinian. Aleksandr Konstandin took a rebound off Justinian's master save off a Pollack corner and put it into an open corner past the sprawled and out-of-position Justinian. The first riots began after this goal, and the pundits are now predicting a win over the Apologetic Kittens and potentially a cup win.

Rolatia

15-02-2006, 14:58

The Rolatian Telegraph
Rolatian victory leaves all to play for
Rolatia's victory last night against Pastorville - not completely unexpected by many Rolatians - coupled with the Hypocria victory over defending Cup of Harmony champions Yafor 2 has left Group 2 utterly tied tonight, to the surprise of outside spectators and especially Rolatia, who were fourth seeds in the group at the beginning of the Cup.

The game against Pastorville in Alfons Park was a game that statistically on some fronts favoured Rolatia and on others favoured Pastorville. Pastorville had a KPB rank around 25 places higher, and in their heyday were quite good - last BoF saw them take 7 points in total and WC25 qualifying 21. However, Rolatia had by far outperformed the Saints in WC26 qualifying by 15 points to 9, and in light of a Rolatian team that was being trained intensively there were fair hopes for a win.

The game started with Rolatia pushing forward early on and taking an early penalty on the 20th minute after Reverend King was red-carded. However, this ultimately resulted in no goal, with Jason Saloir's strike saved deftly by an on-form Reverend Smith. The Rolatian team had a few opportunities to break through a solid 7-2-1 Saints formation, but couldn't make it and the half ended 0-0.

The second half started to swing Rolatia's way, with many near-shots saved by a superb Reverend Smith. The Pastorville striker Reverend Harris was on decent form too, and a 56th minute shot was just edged out by veteran goalkeeper David Ramar, 35. The breakthrough for Rolatia eventually came in the 74th minute. A one-two between Verres and Morgan up front led to a able lob over Smith's head by Morgan to put the Eagles 1-0 ahead. The game continued with a Pastorville team desperately pushing forward - the team switched to 5-2-2, with Reverends Williams and Douglas off for Reverends Smith and Roberts. Despite this, the Rolatian team stayed firm and the scoreline stayed Rolatia 1 Pastorville 0.

The team are said to be pleased with the result. Jonathan Gatri, Rolatian manager, stated, "This is just what we needed. Combined with the Hypocria win, it's put the group neck-and-neck. It's all in the players hands practically - all of the players in the group. We'll be training extra hard for the Hypocria game, since they are going to be a very tough opposition.".

Rolatia (86) - 1 (Morgan 74)
Pastorville (61) - 0

Next Game: Rolatia (86) v Hypocria (43)

An Analysis of Possible Scenarios
Rolatian win
Yafor 2 win: Rolatia qualify in first
Yafor 2-Pastorville draw: Rolatia qualify in first
Pastorville win: Rolatia qualify in tied first - top group on head-to-head rules
Rolatian draw
Yafor 2 win: Rolatia finish third
Yafor 2-Pastorville draw: Rolatia tied second - go through on head-to-head rules
Pastorville win: Rolatia finish third
Rolatian loss
Yafor 2 win: Rolatia finish tied third - have upper hand on head-to-head rules
Yafor 2-Pastorville draw: Rolatia finish fourth
Pastorville win: Rolatia finish third

So, if Rolatia can win they'll be going through in first. If they draw, they'll be reliant on a draw in the other Group 2 to qualify. The Rolatian team are the underdogs in their game, but they've done giant killing before against Casari (158 ranks up), Yafor 2 (139 ranks up) and TKP (64 ranks up). The question is this - can they do it again?

Majeristan

15-02-2006, 15:16

Pure bedlam.

That's the only way to describe the scene in and around central Tikira after the Majeristani national team defeated Apologetic Kittens 2-1 in their group stage match in the CUp of Harmony. The Falcons swooped down on their feline prey early and often, even though they only had two goals to show for their efforts.

Cries of "Glory to Allah!" reverbrated through the streets of the Majeristani capital and largest city after Joe Taylor's second goal at the 44th minute sent the Falcons into the locker room leading 2-0, but the collective groan after an own goal cut the lead to 2-1 made it seem as if the entire country had a headache.

That's why the final whistle was such a relief. Seeing people on their knees in fervent prayer and chanting as the Falcons moved to within a one goal differential of qualifying position. The team would be facing the team it's battling for a spot in the knockout rounds, The Archregimancy, in the final match of group play.

"Big game," Coach Ha'time I. Ra~e said after the match. "We need the full three [points for a victory]. A draw or loss is no good."

Cuation

15-02-2006, 15:57

Cuation Into Next Round!

6 points, top of the table, Cuation have made it seem easy though 1-0 and 2-1 wins show how close it has been. Anathematic Republics will be cheered on as they seek to grab the last place open in the group. Cuation will face the out Weegies with a full team, to try and destroy a team they hate.

Rordia will feel unlucky, dominating the game but falling to the pace of two subs. The first half say nothing created and at half time, Roy Ferguson and Heskey brought off. In the second half, playmaker Giovanni twice found Rual Mendiz and Steve Milnar in space. The two easily beat the goalie.

2-0 up, Cuation found themselves on the backfoot as Rordia pushed for a goal. In the last ten minutes, a cross in was trapped, Sol Major turned and the number 9 swept it beyond Gary Jens. 2-1 and the last minutes where spent with Cuation seeking to run down time by any means.

Tanah Burung

15-02-2006, 22:48

To [insert name here]
Thank you for your interest in the CSF. At this time we cannot accept your offer due to the bad taste bribes have in the world. We appreciate your business and look forward to future attempts to bribe us, which we will sadly turn down all in good taste.

Love always,
Jaquee, CSF President

P.S. 45 Bucks? C'mon!

Dear Madame,

A bribe? Perish the thought. All we wish to do is make a contribution to your valued sporting association.

But really. Don't you think throwing the match would make for more excitement? I can offer you the entire GNP of Ianisle as a further contribution. After all, i have two of them, i can easily part with one. Plus if you don't do as i ask, the rabbit gets it. Yeah, you heard me.

Mau Slurp Jr.
Department of Leg-breaking, wabbit-murdering and devilled eggs
Mau Slurp's House of Gambling

Hypocria

15-02-2006, 23:03

(and besides, winning the final match against the odds after failing when it counted is something of a tradition for the Hyppos ;-) )
OOC: Cheeky bugger ;) . True though. Although sadly we’ve already had our one win for this tournament :p .

Hyppos Win! You Heard Me

With the break between the AOCAF group stage and quarter finals football starved fans back in the Autocracy may well have risked a quick glance at the latest Cup of Harmony results. Imagine their surprise. They don’t see an embarrassing defeat to some unranked nobody. No. They are actually confronted by a win. Not only that but a win over the reigning Cup of Harmony holders. Very strange indeed.

We would tell you what happened but as every television station seemed more than happy to show endless AOCAF features instead of Cup of Harmony coverage and due to the fact that no other media outlet had representatives in Schiavonia we . . . well . . . can’t. But we are here to keep the good people of the Autocracy informed so that’s what we will do. Largely thanks to a quick phone call to the offices of the Alexandria Times-Tribune-Post-Gazette-*deep breathe*-Chronicle-Journal-Enquirer. Well they are the “official newspaper of the Cup of Harmony” after all. So we can at least tell you that Carlo Molinari scored twice and Hayden Jenas also got on the scoresheet. Some chap from Yafor 2 also netted but sadly our change ran out in the phone box at this point so we can’t tell you who. Although, needless to say, their goal should have been disallowed for a foul in the build up and/or an offside or some other infringement. Obviously.

In the other Group 2 game Rolatia bounced back from defeat to the Golden Wolves in the first game with a win over Pastorville. Going into the final round of group games the table looks something like this . . .

Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Hypocria 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 1
Rolatia 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 0
Pastorville 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 0
Yafor 2 2 1 0 1 3 4 3 -1
Yikes. Now that’s close. And look, another minor miracle. The Hyppos are on top. Which means that a mere point from the Rolatia game will ensure a place in the next round on goal difference. But given our reputation for gifting points to lower ranked teams and our uncanny ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory the nation isn’t quite glued to this competition just yet.

Chicanada

16-02-2006, 03:19

Dear Madame,

A bribe? Perish the thought. All we wish to do is make a contribution to your valued sporting association.

But really. Don't you think throwing the match would make for more excitement? I can offer you the entire GNP of Ianisle as a further contribution. After all, i have two of them, i can easily part with one. Plus if you don't do as i ask, the rabbit gets it. Yeah, you heard me.

Mau Slurp Jr.
Department of Leg-breaking, wabbit-murdering and devilled eggs
Mau Slurp's House of Gambling

Dear Sir,

Presuming to pressure me with injury to my most beloved and most treasured of all animals just makes me want to kick you with my most pointy of shoe.

And why must you take poor Iansisle's money? I know they don't need it, but they might want to use it to buy a festive hat or some skates so they can improve their team. They have a team right?

Love, hugs and bunnies for all,
Jaquee

Elrich

16-02-2006, 12:59

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

Ba(zalonia) Humbug

Bazlonia 1 - 1 Kingdom of Elrich

The Kingdom of Elrich gained a slightly fortuitous draw against a fired-up Bazalonia side on Matchday 2 of the 18th Cup of Harmony. In a tight contest of few real chances, it was the Bazalopes who took the lead. In the 32nd minute, Peter Hobble found a way past the unusually tame Wolfman and fired high past Burns. With the badger's record against lower ranked sides, the situation was looking all too familiar. And it looked as if Bazalonia would hang on for a deserved victory, until the man himself Elrich, muscled his way through a goalmouth scramble to poke home in the 81st minute. Bazalonian appeals of handball were waved away by the refereee, and Elrich hung on for a point. In a match Elrich needed to win, they failed to put in a real performance - another clear sign that when it really matters, the Elrichian side are not up to the test.

The Kingdom of Elrich - Burns, Scott, Bingo, Wolfman, Methuselah, Jeremiah (Allen 65), Zebedee (Murphy 78), J Spinks, Banks, Mudge (Singh-Queen 78), Elrich

Up for grabs in Group 5

The Kingdom of Elrich's somewhat dissapointing draw at the hands of Bazalonia leaves Group 5 wide open. In the group to watch, nobody has secured their place in the knockout stages, and nobody has been eliminated. Anything could happen on the final Matchday. Milchama remain the firm favourites to go through, yet a win for anybody would see them almost certainly progress. The Kingdom of Elrich have it all to do though, needing a result against hosts Milchama to have any chance of progressing.

Ariddia

16-02-2006, 12:59

First ever qualification for new Ariddian team

Ariddians who missed the live broadcast of the match and only heard the scoreline later on the news probably thought it was a mistake.

Not that it was unheard of for Ariddia to win a match. Even with a two goal lead and without conceding. But when that victory enabled the team to qualify, and so early too, that was absolutely unheard of.

“But. . . we’ve never qualified for anything!” a startled and disbelieving citizen exclaimed, before whooping out with joy. Spontaneous parties and celebrations are expected to go on well into the night throughout the country.

It all started slowly enough, as Ariddia faced Collonie in its second match of the Cup. The Rouge-et-Noirs played a fairly cautious style in the first twenty minutes or so, defending more carefully than usual, while probing their adversaries’ defence. And then, they began attacking in earnest, almost without warning. Intensive forward playing brought about an opening goal for Ariddia in the twenty-ninth minute, courtesy of midfielder John Sanjeeb. Not content to merely hold on to that lead, the Ariddians continued to press forward, keeping Collonie on the defensive, but achieving nothing more as the minutes ticked by well into the second half.

The Rouge-et-Noirs’ enthusiasm seemed to dim as E Lel was injured in a clumsy fall during reception of a corner kick, but, to the relief of his team mates and spectators, he was able to remain on the field. The second goal of the game, in the seventy-sixth minute, came as a tremendous relief, as fans has no doubt feared that Collonie might still equalise. Scored by Ramirez, it placed Ariddia tantalisingly close to qualifying. . . and, as millions back home held their breath, the Rouge-et-Noirs held on to the lead until the whistle was blown at last. The young Ariddian team had qualified, for the first time ever!

“It’s amazing!” a breathless-looking, happy Frédéric Clément commented. “We’ve come a long, long way since World Cup 25. And now we have to find out how far we can still go!”

While not willing to get anyone’s hopes up, the team have promised to do their best, and try to ensure their fellow Ariddians have more to celebrate in the near future.

Rolatia

16-02-2006, 20:38

The Rolatian Telegraph
A brief analysis of the other Schivonian groups
Group 1
Group 1's a pretty surprising field. Fourth seeds Dance 2 Revolution have already qualified in the competition, and second seeds Kericia lag at the bottom. All eyes will be on the vital Kaze Progressa-The Macabees game, which will probably turn out a decisive victory for Kaze Progressa, but it could go both ways and the winner will definitely. You never know however, and it's actually still possible for Kericia to qualify - provided the other match is a draw and they comfortably win.
Projected qualifiers:Dance 2 Revolution, Kaze Progressa

Group 3
Cuation are already through safely, and their final game opponents The Weegies are already out. The match to watch will be the Anathematic Republics vs Rordia. The Anathematic Republics have the upper hand by merit of their extra GD - meaning a draw will put them through. However, Rordia are much higher in the KPB rankings, and as such they could quite easily beat the fourth seeds. It'll be one not to miss.
Projected qualifiers: Cuation, Anathematic Republics

Group 4
It's an near-identical situation to Group 3. The Lowland Clans are already safely through and The Archregimancy and Majeristan will battle it out. The difference is that the Archregimancy have the upper hand in both KPB (they are the first seeds) and GD, so it's hard to see them not going through. It'll be a nice little publicity stunt for Majeristan if they can beat them though. What's actually on the mind of a few though is the prospect of a potential Archregimancy-Anathematic matchup again, so it'll be one to look out for.
Projected qualifiers: The Lowland Clans, The Archregimancy

Dance 2 Revolution

16-02-2006, 22:39

D2R Qualify?!

Despite not even selecting a squad, D2R find themselves 2 and 0 and qualified

D2R football experts were baffled once again in quite how Dance 2 Revolution had qualified from their group.

Before the group had started, D2R experts had predicted that The Macabees and Kaze Progressa would both go through at the expense of D2R themselves and Kericia. Two games in and D2R had defeated Kaze Progressa 1-0 and The Macabees 4-3, meaning D2R had already qualified going into the final game.

Dance 2 Revolution continue the march of the underdogs against the superior Kericia, but if the way of the cup continues, D2R will win; but all runs must come to an end: will it happen against Kericia?

Dance 2 Revolution would like to make the official announcement of the roster, which contains more experienced wingers, which manager Naoki Maeda hoped to yield more goals than were scored from goal-shy D2R in the beginning of WC26.

ROSTER:

1 Fauchgar Mitnav 27
13 Iskassa Zarischa 24
21 Yshtyn Mtnyvich 29

Defenders

2 Ronesca Forescos 27 DR
3 Rayu Hereirra 31 DL
5 Kinitka Darijin 22 DC
6 Arjen Iijja 29 DC
12 Naoki Seriiseiineii 24 DML
16 Jorge Mitnav 33 DR
20 Xinza Uto 18 DC

Midfielders

4 Jorge Haiti 30 DMC
7 Xinza Vifoqa 28 MR
8 Kinitka Maeda 26 AMC
11 Dariji Skra 23 ML
15 Nalik Yysyiv 26 MC
17 Traqz Nibat 21 MLR
18 Nayer Valik 17 AMC
22 Paok Gwu 20 DMC

Strikers/Forwards

9 Nalik Di Sakura 24 FC
10 Zanrich Van Hujkdul 25 S
14 Rayu Maeda 17 FC
19 Yaniv Skra 19 S
23 Über Jnr. 16 FS

Milchama

16-02-2006, 23:44

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

Official Newspaper of the Cup of Harmony

Front Page

The decider: Matchday 3

We apologize for not having tables but our table making guy was killed during an election riot. We're sure you understand.

OOC: Somehow my file for the scorinator got deleted and I can't replace the scores so I can't get the tables to be accurate with the exact results of the scorination.

Group 1

Kaze Progressa 1 - 2 The Macabees
Dance 2 Revolution 0 - 2 Kericia

Kericia and D2R are thru. Kericia has +1 GD to Macabees 0 GD.

Group 2

Yafor 2 0 - 2 Pastorville
Rolatia 0 - 1 Hypocria

Hypocria and Pastorville are thru based on their victories.

Group 3

Cuation 2 - 1 The Weegies
Anathematic Republics 1 - 1 Rordia

Cuation, with a perfect record, and the Anathematic Republics are thru. AR is thru on GD with Rordia.

Group 4

The Archregimancy 2 - 0 Majeristan
Apologetic Kittens 1 - 1 The Lowland Clans

The Lowland Clans and The Archregimancy are thru.

Schiavonia

16-02-2006, 23:58

Eighteenth Cup of Harmony
Matchday Three
Milchamian Region

Group 5
Milchama 3 - 2 Elrich
Bazalonia 2 - 3 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Group 6
Bettia 2 - 2 System Karela
Tanah Burung 0 - 2 Chicanada

Group 7
Nedalia 1 - 0 Ariddia
Collonie 1 - 1 Nanakaland

Group 8
Turori 1 - 0 Legalese
Palacetonia 0 - 2 Spaam

Group 1 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Dance 2 Revolution 3 2 0 1 5 5 6 0
Kericia 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 +1
The Macabees 3 1 1 1 6 6 4 0
Kaze Progressa 3 1 0 2 3 4 3 -1

Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Hypocria 3 2 0 1 4 2 6 +2
Pastorville 3 2 0 1 3 1 6 +2
Rolatia 3 1 0 2 2 3 3 -1
Yafor 2 3 1 0 2 3 6 3 -3

Group 3 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 3 3 0 0 5 2 9 +3
Anathematic Republics 3 1 1 1 4 3 4 +1
Rordia 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 0
The Weegies 3 0 0 3 2 6 0 -4

Group 4 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Lowland Clans 3 2 1 0 4 2 7 +2
The Archregimancy 3 2 0 1 5 2 6 +3
Majeristan 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 -2
Apologetic Kittens 3 0 1 2 2 5 1 -3

Group 5 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Milchama 3 2 1 0 5 3 7 +2
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 3 1 2 0 4 3 5 +1
Elrich 3 0 2 1 4 5 2 -1
Bazalonia 3 0 1 2 4 6 1 -2

Group 6 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Chicanada 3 3 0 0 7 0 9 +7
Bettia 3 1 1 1 4 4 4 0
System Karela 3 0 2 1 3 6 2 -3
Tanah Burung 3 0 1 2 1 5 1 -4

Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Nedalia 3 3 0 0 3 0 9 +3
Ariddia 3 2 0 1 3 1 6 +2
Nanakaland 3 0 1 2 1 3 1 -2
Collonie 3 0 1 2 1 4 1 -3

Group 8 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Turori 3 2 0 1 6 3 6 +3
Spaam 3 2 0 1 5 3 6 +2
Legalese 3 1 1 1 3 3 4 0
Palacetonia 3 0 1 2 2 7 1 -5

Second round games

Schiavone Region (To be scorinated by Milchama)

1) Dance 2 Revolution v Spaam
2) Hypocria v Ariddia
3) Cuation v Bettia
4) The Lowland Clans v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Milchamian Region (To be scorinated by Schiavonia)

5) Milchama v The Archregimancy
6) Chicanada v Anathematic Republics
7) Nedalia v Pastorville
8) Turori v Kericia

Then...

A) Winner 1 v Winner 4
B) Winner 3 v Winner 2
C) Winner 8 v Winner 5
D) Winner 6 v Winner 7

...and...

Winner A v Winner B
Winner C v Winner D

...we hope you can follow it from there.

Milchama

17-02-2006, 05:05

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

Sports Section

Milchama to face the Monks

A victory over Elrich have secured Milchama a second round with exactly the number of points we predicted they would have. The Warriors beat both Bazalonia and Elrich and got the draw against ASMV. These 7 points put Milchama in first place in their Cup of Harmony group and moved them into the second round. The second round though looks to be a troubling round for the Warriors as they play a highly ranked Archregimancy side. Despite starting around the same time to be involved in World Cup competition the Warriors have never faced the Monks in any competition. Coach Jamie Smith said, "I'm very proud about what we have accomplished so far in this competition but our work is far from done. We still have to beat a very tough side in the Archregimancy and then our draw seems to put our next opponent as either Turori or Kericia. Neither of these teams can be overlooked."

We're just going to give a quick report about our game against Elrich. The Warriors looked brilliant in the first half as they dominated the game from end to end. This resulted in two goals for the Warriors one from Marc J. Floren and one from Darian Flinters. Elrich also managed to get a goal from the Wolfman to have the halftime score at 2-1. Elrich soon managed to tie the game in the second half as their leader Elrich himself made a nice pass thru to Peter Hobble who tied the game up at two in the 57th minute. Unfortunately for the Badgers the Warriors scored only 7 minutes later as Mills Thompson headed in a corner kick to make the score 3-2. The defense then held out for Milchama and they won the game 3-2.
Final Score:
Milchama 3 (Floren 20 Flinters 33 Thompson 64)
Elrich 2 (Wolfman 40 Hobble 57)

The win then brings Milchama to the second round where they will play the monks from The Archregimancy but thats the only second round matchup so that brings us to the Infamous Milchamian Predictions for the rest of the Cup of Harmony.

Second Round:
Archregimancy v Milchama- We're at home and we've done very well so far this tournament. Finally we brake the schide of never having won an outround as we beat The Archregimancy here 3-1.
Dance 2 Revolution v Spaam- We got two teams here who have not been active reporting about their team but yet there are still here anyways. What we have to go on is past success and considering D2R once was the number one team in the world we expect a closely fought 2-1 victory from them.
Hypocria v Ariddia- Two underachieving teams. Well really its only Hypocria but they seem to get closer every time to actually doing well and getting somewhere. This time they actually get to the quarterfinals as they beat Arridia 2-0.
Cuation v Bettia- Two former BoF winners face off. The only difference being that Bettia just came from a World Cup quarterfinal round in WC25. This of course means that the slaughter is on, 4-2 the Aroras cruise.
The Lowland Clans v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega- Our hated rivals from TLC and the other underachievers from ASMV. TLC have the higher rankings and the better team so they advance in a close 2-1 win AET.
Chicanada v Anathematic Republics- Hell against Chicanada. Seems a bit unfair then when think about it more you realize that the AR aren't that good just yet despite their wide talent base. This of course points to a tough hard fought 1-0 Chicanada victory again after extra time.
Nedalia v Pastorville- On paper this seems like Nedalia would cruise but Pastorville seems always to do well in the CoH getting to the quarterfinals last time. This means a hard match for the Lions from Nedalia but in the end they still get the job done edging out the Pastors in Penalty kicks 5-4.
Turori v Kericia- The easiest job we have to predict Turori rolls over Kericia 4-1. The problem of course this sets up a matchup between Milchama and Turori in the quarterfinals...

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

17-02-2006, 05:58

ASMV Advances!.....Wait. Did we see that right?

ASMV entered the final match of Group 5 knowing that all things were possible. But then again, So did Milchama, Elrich, and Bazalonia. And both matches reflected that fact.

Milchama had their hands full with Elrich, until Mills Thompson's header in the 64th minute sealed the match for the warriors.

Bazalonia too came to play and it looked for a while like ASMV would fall to the Bazalopes. The Sea Dragons found themselves down early, but managed to even the score at 1-1 just before the half on a Porche Alexander bullet of a shot. The second half saw the Bazalopes again jump quickly on top, but Pablo iglesias evened the score a 2-2 in the 51st minute. Evan Evans sealed the victory in the 81st munute on a shot that just trickled past the Bazalonian keeper.

And that means the improbable has happened - ASMV managed to advance. And as a reward we now face The Lowland Clans. We will have to play the game of our lives against them to move forward. But if we manage to do that, we might get another shot at Spaam. A quick revisit to WC25 will remind everyone of that first match changed to friendly that resulted in Pao St Martinique having his career ended due to injury. Now the ASMV coach, Pao would like nothing more that another shot at what he refers to as "The Hated Spaam Dudes"

Nedalia

17-02-2006, 10:25

Hyprorions on the Move

Hypocria vs. Ariddia

The Hyypos will face up against the Lions Group 7 opponents, Ariddia, whom the Lions beat 1-0 in a convincing victory. Manager Bilal Hachem had a few words for his counterpart from Hypocria, Gregory Vidal:

"Take the game in stride and dont force anything against them. Play your own game and try control the tempo, playing at a tempo your team is comfortable at. If that can be managed, the Arridians tend to fall back and start defending in numbers, which is when the chance to strike appears. Otherwise, the Hypocrians are matching up against a very stingy team, a team that doesnt mind sitting back and waiting for that one counterattack. They conceded only one goal in the group stages, which was against us, but even then, we fought hard to get it. Given the Hyypos talent, they should be able to drive the Arridians back, but they shouldn't give them a chance to turn the counter-attacks around on them."

Bettia vs. Cuation

The team that knocked us out of the Cup of Harmony last time around will be attempting to do the same to our dear eastern neighbors. Out of all the Hyprorion matches, this will be the trickiest tie. Cuation are a team that can defeat any team on any given day. The only thing they have working against them is their inconsistent play. But whichever team shows up against Bettia, the Aroras should see themselves through due simply to the sheer class they possess in the squad.

What is of worry has been Bettia's rather inconsistent form in the group stages, qualifying second in Group 6 with 4 goals scored and 4 goals conceded. Cuation has not shown any of that, however, winning all three of their matches, with 5 goals scored and 2 conceded. But given that, Bettia's sheer class will not fail it, and it will advance past Cuation and into the quarter-finals.

Nedalia vs. Pastorville

We are not looking forward to this tie. The Lions have not been on top of their game offensively, and while the statistics read that they have not conceded a single goal in the group stages, that is because of Man of the Tournament candidate GK Hard Dans and not because of the defensive dominance. The Lions have won all their games on 1-0 scorelines, and save for the last game against Ariddia, have not deserved to win any of them. The once famous Nedalian attack has continued to falter, and is showing no signs of reappearing.

Pastorville have also shared the same issues as the Lions, and thats what makes it so tricky for Nedalia. Its almost as if one can feel Pastorville are going to find their footing and get back into their zone while the Lions continue to walk about dazed. The former CoH champions cannot expect to win playing the way they have been playing, and Bilal Hachem is undoubtedly telling them that.

The Lowland Clans

17-02-2006, 11:55

GRAHAM CITY SUN
Cup of Harmony Predictions

MILCHAMA - Now that the Stars are done with the whole qualifying business, we come to the second round elimination matches. Looking at the field, it's very different from when we came in second many decades ago. The only teams that we recognize significantly are Spaam, D2R and Turori. The field of world football has changed significantly since the days of Lemmitania and Giant Zucchini at the top of the tables. But enough reminising, let's take a look at the matches:

Schiavone Region (To be scorinated by Milchama)

1) Dance 2 Revolution v Spaam - Well, considering that D2R has come back just recently and their team has yet to build up to its former strength, were taking Spaam to win this one despite the crest that D2R is coming in one.
Final Score: Spaam 2 - 1 D2R

2) Hypocria v Ariddia - We feel the Hyppos pain, really we do. We've been in the same situation for bloody decades. We are probably the oldest team in football to yet to actually win anything. But they have the advantage of skill in this one, and Ariddia will be feeling the tough group competition and take this one in the heart.
Final Score: Hypocria 2 - 0 Ariddia

3) Cuation v Bettia - Two Baptism of Fire winners face off against each other. The difference? Bettia has had a horrible showing here at the Cup of Harmony, while Cuation has the perfect record. They'll ride the high and beat Bettia.
Final Score: Cuation 3 - 1 Bettia

4) The Lowland Clans v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega - Ah, two perennial underachievers. Expect well, this tiem we feel like we could, and the whole fact that were, like, better than them, you know? They could make it tough, but we win.
Final Score: The Lowland Clans 3 - 0 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Milchamian Region (To be scorinated by Schiavonia)

5) Milchama v The Archregimancy - Umm...whatever the Milchamans are smoking, they should probably stop. It's bad for them, you know? The Orthodox monks will wipe the floor with them.
Final Score: The Archregimancy 3 - 0 Milchama

6) Chicanada v Anathematic Republics - Well, I'm sure Satan's boys will be good enough to possibly beat the Archregimancy's monks one day, but that day won't be today. In fact, they won't even beat Chicanadians.
Final Score: Chicanada 2 - 0 Anathematic Republics

7) Nedalia v Pastorville - Well, the Lions have been playing almost at near perfection this cup, not even letting in a single goal. They'll take this one and continue their perfect shutout record.
Final Score: Nedalia 1 - 0 Pastorville

8) Turori v Kericia - While Turori has fallen in recent years, they are still an incredibly talented team. With that in combination with Kericia's flaky group stage performace, Turori will walk away with thise one.

Quarter-Finals
A) Spaam v The Lowland Clans - Well, this could be a match for the ages. Facing an aging Spaam team whose best years, like ours, are far behind. But the Stars have shown signs of improving, and after a morale-shooting-through-the-roof group stage and win over ASMV, the Stars will take this one.
Final Score: The Lowland Clans 2 - 1 Spaam

B) Cuation v Hypocria - Well, all waves have to break some time and Cuation's wave will break against the streaking Hyppos, whose performance at the Cup of Harmony as been remarkable for a team of their self-esteem. A win over Bettia will through them over the top and into the semis in dramatic fasion.
Final Score: Hypocria 3 - 2 Cuation

C) Turori v The Archregimancy - Well, a clash of rising and falling Titans, and as in most matches, the rising one wins. This one will be no different, as the Orthodox monks show just how good they are at the sport of football.
Final Score: The Archregimancy 2 - 0 Turori

D) Chicanada v Nedalia - I must admit that in getting this far Chicanada has proved that it is a nation not to be toyed with, despite its young age in participating, but the Lions are just that at this tournament: Lions. Look for Nedalia to take this one by the hair of their manes.
Final Score: Nedalia 1 - 0 Chicanada

Semi-Finals
- The Lowland Clans v Hypocria - These two teams have come very far in this tournament, both overcoming fatalistic attitudes to reach the semi-finals and guarntee a little more respect from their fellow teams. But all good things must come to an end, and the Hyppos will lose this gripping match in extra time.
Final Score: The Lowland Clans 2 - 1 Hypocria AET

- The Archregimancy v Nedalia - Atlantian Oceania's other representative in these semi-finals, it would be a great boost for the regionmates to play each other, but that cannot happen. Why? Because these Orthodox monks know how to play some football. The Lion's roar will be met with Daniel's prayers, and we know who came out on top in the Bible.
Final Score: The Archregimancy 1 - 0 Nedalia

Finals and Third Place
- The Archregimancy v The Lowland Clans - Well, looks like the groupies come to face each other once again. After playing in the same groups in the World Cup Qualifying, Cup of Harmony group stage, and now the finals, the record between these two teams is close. But the win by the Stars in the group stage will provide the boost that the Stars need to take this from the monks after a epic clash that ends in extra time.
Final Score: The Lowland Clans 2 - 1 The Archregimancy AET

- Nedalia v Hypocria - It's been a long and satisfying tournament for the Hyppos, and they'll have to be content with just fourth place. Quite simply, the Lions have been playing too well, and the Hyppos moral will suffer after it's heartbreaking loss to the eventual champion Stars.
Final Score: Nedalia 2 - 0 Hypocria

Cuation

17-02-2006, 20:37

Cuation Mouse Perfect!

The Weegies will feel they should have had a point but Abel Robinson's header in the second half was just enough for Cuation to have 3 wins out of 3. Cuation's attempts to suck up pressure and then break doesn't seem to be working too well at the moment and may be undone against stronger teams.

Roy Ferguson slammed home after a fine flowing move started when the feiry player had won the ball. The Weegies scored a deserved equaliser before Abel Robinson headed home a corner. A tight defence ensured that Cuation would keep the three points.

3) Cuation v Bettia

Prediction? Our run of form will end as Bettia expose the lack of class. Cuation will try to rough up Bettia but will need some luck to grab a victory. Best hope is goalie Gary Jens playing out of his skin. Bettia may have struggled for form this cup but I'm sure they will get going soon.

Hypocria

17-02-2006, 23:13

Seconds Out. Round Two

With reigning champions Hypocria now eliminated from the AOCAF by Vilita (again) fans in the Autocracy are starting to pay a bit more attention to goings on in Schiavonia. And their timing proved to be pretty good as the Hyppos edged past Rolatia and secured a place in the second round, topping Group 2 in the process.

Despite the rather large difference in rankings no one in the Hypocrian camp was expecting an easy match against an up and coming Rolatian side. And easy it certainly was not. But coach Gregory Vidal must have been proud of how his side soaked up large amounts of pressure, particularly in the second half. The match hinged on one first half incident. Young attacker Carlo Molinari made a late run into the box, Jenas picked him out perfectly and the Dynamo Rasium player kept his nerve to slide the ball under Ramar.

That victory was enough to seal top spot in Group 2 and a place in the knockout stages. In the other game Pastorville beat the reigning Cup of Harmony champions Yafor 2 by a 2 - 0 score. That win was good enough to ensure that the Saints advance too, Rolatia finish third and Yafor 2 collect the wooden spoon.

By winning Group 2 the Hyppos earn a second round encounter with the runners up of Group 7. Fortunately Nedalia finished top of that group so we avoid a meeting with the Lions. Instead it’s Ariddia that will provide the opposition.

Around Round 2

Dance 2 Revolution v Spaam

Hands up who remembers when D2R was the top team in the world. No? No, we don’t either. But back in the day they were apparently quite good. Spaam too come to that. In fact both these nations have competed in the Final of the World Cup in the past. “In the past” being the significant part of that sentence. They’re both shadows of their former selves. Spaam will advance into the Quarters but won’t go much further.

Hypocria v Ariddia

Ariddia, another big name from the past. Another nation with World Cup pedigree (third place at WC 10). They don’t just have World Cup pedigree, they founded the whole damn tournament. But after a number of years away the Red and Blacks are struggling to find their form. The rankings suggest that the Hyppos are favourites. Plus we have a handy and comprehensive report on the Ariddians from our friends in Nedalia. But we’ll still probably bugger it all up.

Cuation v Bettia

This is a tough one. Cuation may not have been around for that long but they’ve certainly proved in the past that they are a threat to anyone, particularly in the knock rounds. Bettia haven’t looked their normal formidable selves so far. But the Aroras are a class act and they’re our neighbours so obviously we’re going to go for them. Bettia to advance but there won’t be much in it.

The Lowland Clans v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Who doesn’t love an Atlantian derby? Well any nation that doesn’t reside in Atlantian Oceania probably. But we do reside in Atlantian Oceania and we do love an Atlantian derby. So there. Anywho. The Lowland Clans are the epitome of “Sleeping Giant”. They must surely win something soon. And as much as we like the Sea Dragons, the Clansmen should prove too strong.

Milchama v The Archregimancy

The Warriors are confident. And why not? They have home advantage and came through the group stages relatively unscathed. But they are up against the Monks. The Monks are good, very good. Better than monks have any right to be. Milchama will have to be really on top of their game to advance. Home advantage could just provide the edge but it’s going to be tough.

Chicanada v Anathematics Republic

The denizens of the Republic are very good at what they do. Reaping misery, spreading fear, despoiling, ravaging, stealing souls. So on and so forth. Notice that playing football was not on that list. Consequently the more experienced Chicanada will advance to the last eight.

Nedalia v Pastorville

The Saints have probably overachieved so far, the Rolatians certainly think so. The Lions have looked in typically indomitable form after three wins out of three. Nedalia are simply too good and will outclass Pastorville with ease. The Lions are definitely a team to avoid.

Turori v Kericia

Turori, in the Cup of Harmony? Are you sure? The Kericians may as well start packing for the flight home right now.

Elrich

17-02-2006, 23:31

Rordia

18-02-2006, 09:20

RORDIA EDGED OUT!

Rordia were knocked out of the Cup of Harmony at the group stage after a 1-1 draw against the Anathematic Republics.
Rordia needed a win to progress to the second round. But the Anathematic Republics go through from Group 3 with a better GD than Rordia.
Manager Neil van der Wal praised his team after the match, saying: "My players did really well this tournament. Sure, we didn't go very var, but we can go home with our heads held high.
Despite reaching double figures in World Cup qualifying, Tim Brick didn't score a single goal in the Cup of Harmony. But he helped Dwayne Oldman score both of his goals, and when he returns to Rordia, he will be made an ORR (Officer of the Rordian Republic) for services to Rordian football.

Dance 2 Revolution

18-02-2006, 11:28

D2R to play Spaam

D2R hammered by Kericia...but look forward to Spaam.

D2R obviously had a lot more on their minds when they stepped on the pitch. The Kerician team outplayed D2R completely as D2R succumbed to a 2-0 defeat.

D2R were obviously looking forward to their quarter-final game against what has revealed to be Spaam. D2R have a very inconsistent record against Spaam in recorded competetive matches:

WC14 Day 3: Dance 2 Revolution 2 - 1 Spaam
WC14 Day 12: Spaam 3 – 0 Dance 2 Revolution
WC21 Day 5: Dance 2 Revolution 4 – 3 Spaam
WC21 Day 12: Spaam 0 – 0 Dance 2 Revolution

P4 W2 D1 L1 GF6 GA7 GD -1

Looking at the previous record, Spaam are very capable of scoring against D2R, having despite winning the majority of the games, have scored less than Spaam. The odds for the game are as followed:

Odds Provided from Dance & Bet Revolution.

D2R 11/3
Draw 7/2*
Spaam 6/4 (fav)

*Draw odds after 90 mins

Quarter Finals Predictions

Dance 2 Revolution v Spaam

D2R and Spaam were once both great teams. D2R ascended to the top of the rankings after their comeback World Cup ended in D2R's only WC Final(WC17) which ended. Spaam are two-time finalists(WC7 & WC13) but have yet to win it. Dance 2 Revolution have also participated in one Cup of Harmony Final, not the teams best moment, recieving the largest deficit ever in a CoH Final (4-0 defeat). In the past, D2R have either narrowly won or Spaam deliver a drubbing.

Prediction: Dance 2 Revolution 1 - 2 Spaam

Hypocria v Ariddia

Arridia, founders and hosts of the first World Cup. They have yet to grace the World Cup final despite having this heritage. Hypocria apparently have the ranking advantage, but this isn't always an important factor in games recently.

Prediction: Hypocria 1 - 2 Ariddia

Cuation v Bettia

Cuation had one of the 3 perfect qualifying records before the quuarter finals. Cuation will play Bettia. Bettia's record in the qualifying was less than desirable and inconsistant at 1-1-1. This might come into play in this quarter-finals match.

Prediction: Cuation 2 - 0 Bettia

The Lowland Clans v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

The battle of long names. Both went unbeaten in qualifying. Will be an interesting game.

Prediction: The Lowland Clans 0 - 1 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Milchama v The Archregimancy

Milchama have the hosts privilege of being at home, which could be a very important advantage to have, and will certainly be a factor in this match. The Archregimancy will be looking to reach consecutive finals, and hopefully win this time. A very competitive match is expected

Prediction: Milchama 3 - 2 The Archregimancy

Chicanada v Anathematics Republic

Chicanada cruised through their qualifying group. Anathematics weren't so lucky, going through on goal difference. Chicanada will obviously have confidence, but Anathematics will be clutching to their chance and will certainly put up a fight.

Prediction: Chicanada 0 - 1 Anathematics Republic

Nedalia v Pastorville

Nedalia were another team who went through the qualifying virtually unscathed. Pastorville were unlucky not to top their group after going 2nd from goals scored.

Preidiction: Nedalia 0 - 1 Pastorville

Turori v Kericia

Kericia beat D2R. They will win.

Prediction: Turori 0 - 7 Kericia

The Real Prediction: Turori 3 - 0 Kericia

Schiavonia

18-02-2006, 16:02

Milchama is away for the weekend, so I have be scorinating all of the games in this round, with Mil doing all of the next round. Unless Milchama get through, then I'll be doing that game, too.

Eighteenth Cup of Harmony
Second Round

Dance 2 Revolution 0 - 0 Spaam
Dance 2 Revolution 0 - 2 Spaam AET

Hypocria 0 - 0 Ariddia
Hypocria 0 - 0 Ariddia AET
Hypocria 4 - 2 Ariddia PENS

Cuation 0 - 1 Bettia

The Lowland Clans 1 - 1 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
The Lowland Clans 1 - 3 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega AET

Milchama 0 - 2 The Archregimancy

Chicanada 2 - 2 Anathematic Republics
Chicanada 2 - 2 Anathematic Republics AET
Chicanada 2 - 4 Anathematic Republics PENS

Nedalia 8 - 1 Pastorville

Turori 1 - 0 Kericia

Quarter finals

In Schiavonia:

Spaam v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
Bettia v Hypocria

In Milchama:

Turori v The Archregimancy
Anathematic Republics v Nedalia

*NOTE that all penalty shoot-out scores start from 0-0.

Ariddia

18-02-2006, 16:08

Ariddia to face Hypocria

The final qualifying match between Nedalia and Ariddia was a game between two teams who had already qualified, and the latter can probably be forgiven for having fielded mainly substitutes.

“It’s not often we find ourselves in this situation, and I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to get some experience on the field,” coach Adam Seul explained.

The resulting match was not as intense as it might have been, although both sides managed a number of shots on goal, but in the end the Lions pulled ahead with a one-nil lead. Back home, many were already saying that entrusting the goal cage to Ludovic Hue, who conceded only a single goal, had been a good way of enabling the substitute goalkeeper to prove himself. The main reaction in Ariddia, however, other than delight at the team having qualified, was amazement at the Rouge-et-Noirs having conceded only one goal in three matches. . . quite a feat for a nation hardly renowned for playing defensively.

“We’re finally remedying one of our greatest weaknesses,” lead defender and star player Yves al Jahdali said. “And we’re doing it without sacrificing our focus on attack. I think this bodes very well for the future. We just have to keep up our efforts.”

Moving into the second round for the first time in any football competition since World Cup 10, Ariddia will face the impressive Hypocria Hyppos.

“We can win it, but it’s going to be a huge challenge,” Frédéric Clément predicted. Some are suggesting that the Hyppos are still out of the Rouge-et-Noirs’ league for now, but Clément is eager to prove them wrong. “We’ve improved tremendously these past few years. True, we still have a long way to go, but imagine if we can actually beat Hypocria! We can’t allow ourselves to think it’s not possible.”

Pastorville

18-02-2006, 17:34

OOC: How in the world does somebody put up 8 goals on a team that plays system karela? :mp5: :gundge:

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

18-02-2006, 18:04

ASMV Moves Past TLC IN Shocker!

The Sea Dragons took the field today against The Lowland Clans as heavy underdogs in just about the eyes of everyone (with the exception of Dance 2 Revolution). However, ASMV was ready tp play and carried a bit of a grudge following a 3-nil prediction of victory from the Stars.

Great defense ruled the game for the most part and regulation play ended at 1-1. Pablo Iglesias slipped and fell on a great shot opportunity and the ball squirted loose in the 73rd minute. It was Evan Evans that beat the TLC defernders to the ball and scored on a brilliant move that left the Stars keeper frozen in his tracks.

In the extra time things fell apart for TLC. in the 93rd minute Evans hit Porche Alexander with a long cross, which she promtly headed into the net - just clearing the bar for the score. As TLC moved down the field, Unori Banta-N'bai made a brilliant steal and got the ball to older brother Unami. A streaking Iglesias then got the ball and with a nifty bit of footwork ended up right in front of the TLC net. A quick fake left opened things up for Iglesias to score the other direction. Thus resulting in the 3-1 final score.

Up next for the improbable Sea Dragons - Spaam. Coach Pao St Martinique had this to say on the Spaam match - "Everytime I see these guys play, I remember that low tackle that ended my playing days. I don not think the guy meant to injure me like that, but my blood rises every time I see them."

"Oh my Gosh! I'm just like so thrilled we beat The Lowland Clans!" exclaimed an excited Porche Alexander following the match. "Its like a miracle ya know. And now we get to play against Spaam. They are like the reason I got called up to play at this level. I'm just so excited!"

A more reserved Shaun Conarky had this to say - "We are finally playing to our potential. And we made the best of our late opportunities today. TLC is a great squad and I look forward to seeing them again in the future. Now our focus shifts to Spaam. We all know about Pablo and what happened in that game against them. You can bet that we will come out hard and physical and try to get the win for him. We owe him that much. It should be a great match."

In other action, Hypocria moved past Ariddia on penalty shots in a great match. Spaam edged out D2R in extra time. Our Cuation friends had no luck as they fell to Bettia. Anemathic Republics sent Chicanada home on penalties. Tuori slid past Kericia. The Archregimancy defeated Milchama 2-0.And in an impressive 8-1 slaughter, The Lions of Nedalia showed Pastroville no respect or pity.

Predictions:

Spaam vs ASMV. We want this one awefully bad. It will be a great match
Spaam 0 - 1 ASMV

Bettia vs Hypocria This has the makings of a great match. And a hard one to pick.
Bettia 1 - 2 Hypocria

Turori vs The Archregimancy This one looks to be close on paper. But The Archregimancy seems to have a higher calling.
Turori 0 - 2 The Archregimancy

Anemathic Republics vs Nedalia I am just gald we didnt get the Lions in this round.
Anemathic Republics 0 -4 Nedalia

Chicanada

18-02-2006, 22:12

OOC: I probably should have rp'ed before the Anathematic Republics match, but with them currently away and such, I found it would have been unfair. Damn ethics ;)

Best of luck to the final 8!

Hypocria

18-02-2006, 22:20

And Then There Were Eight

The defences will firmly in charge for 120 minutes of football as Hypocria met Ariddia in the Second Round of Cup of Harmony 18 (that’s XVIII for you roman numeral fans). This new found solidity at the back is testimony to the good work being done by new national coach Alex Santoro, who has arrived in Schiavonia after the Hyppo’s AOCAF campaign was ended by Vilita. Santoro has taking over team affairs from Gregory Vidal who had been overseeing the CoH squad. Vidal, who has always been uneasy when in the spotlight, was reportedly more than happy to revert back to his assistant coach role.

The defence may be improving but the normal fluid attacking play seemed to be lacking. That being said there were still chances. Danny West could have had a hattrick but put two presentable chances wide in the first half and a third straight at the keeper in the second. For Ariddia striker Frédéric Clément proved a danger throughout, but they too could not find a way through.

So it would all go down to that lottery they call a penalty shootout. Ariddia’s captain Ue Alt won the toss and chose to go first. Unfortunately the Red and Blacks missed two of their first four spot kicks while West, Marshall and Jenas all converted successfully. Up stepped Carlo Molinari, who has proved something of a star in this tournament, to take the Hyppos fourth kick knowing that he could put them through if he found the net. The Dynamo Rasium player placed his kick just wide of the out stretched arm of the keeper to send Hypocria into the Quarter Finals.

Elsewhere in the Second Round Spaam edged past former world number 1s Dance 2 Revolution with two goals in extra time. Bettia proved too strong for Cuation in the battle of the BoF winners. The Lowland Clans miss out again after shipping two extra time goals to Andossa Se Mitrin Vega. The hosts are out too as the monks of the Archregimancy proved too much for Milchama’s Warriors. The Anathematic Republic needed the luck of the devil to beat Chicanada on penalties. Turori beat Kericia 1 - 0 in the least exciting fixture of the round. And the Lions of Nedalia tore Pastorville apart, winning by a staggering 8 - 1 scoreline.

Around the Quarters

Milchama Region

Turori v The Archregimancy

We’re still trying to get our heads around the fact that Turori are actually competing here. The Monks are no strangers to this tournament and are in top form after beating the hosts. The Eels were less impressive against Kericia and will struggle in the round of eight. Still, they are a top team and the Monks will have to be at their very best. The Monks to go through, but not by much.

Anathematic Republics v Nedalia

We did say the Nedalians were a team to avoid and how right we were. Eight goals! Eight. The Lions are in scary form and it looks like the minions of hell are going to get burned. Fortunately they should be used to that by now. The Lions to roar into the semis.

Schiavonia Region

Spaam v Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Frankly we’re delighted to see the Sea Dragons in the final eight of the competition. The men (and women) of ASMV have had absolutely no luck in the past but we knew they were a quality side and now they are starting to prove it. Spaam may have the experience but the Sea Dragons are on a roll. ASMV to advance.

And . . .

Hypocria v Bettia

This tournament hasn’t exactly been overly popular back in the Autocracy but for this match against the neighbours expect a huge audience. Surprisingly, considering the close proximity of the two nations, the sides have only met twice before in competitive internationals. The record stands at one win apiece although, perhaps significantly, the Aroras victory came in a previous Cup of Harmony.

But . . .

The Aroras are right annoyed at being knocked out on goal difference, and so we'll be looking to take out our frustrations on our opponants... unless it's Nedalia or Hypocria - we'll just roll over and let them win.

Promises, promises.

Nedalia

18-02-2006, 23:45

The Nedalia Lions

All the Herd Eats Tonight

SHIAVONIA (AP) - 8-1. 8-1!! Against one of the better defensive teams out
there. The Free Lands of Nedalia was stunned for the 90 minutes the match between the Lions and Pastorville was played over, and even for a few extra minutes after the match, the country remained dead silent. Nobody could believe there eyes nor could believe the same Lions that had been accused of showing no pride would suddenly find its killers' mentality and, most importantly, its heart.

Eight goals is no easy feat against anyone, let alone Nedalia's AO counterpart, Pastorville, who are known for using the system Karela and using it well. But tonight, Pastorville will have a long hard look at itself and ask what went wrong, and just how was it their system got undone so viciously and violently. With predictions coming from the Cup of Harmony evenly split over who would have won the match, their was a general agreement that this was to be one of the closest matches (on paper apparently) that took place during the 2nd round. But eight goals?

Tim James, who has had a terribly frustrating World Cup campaign, as well as being ineffectual in the CoH group stages, scored 4, a Nedalian record. Nene added 2, Mattan had 1, and finally, Constantine added 1. Somewhere in between the goalfest that occured, Pastorville managed to put one past the seemingly indomitable Hard Dans, but as usually is the case, it was more a defensive mistake than a goalkeeping mistake. Regardless, the scoreline finished 8-1, sending the Nedalian squad across the channel to Milchama to take on Satan's kids.

Now comes the real test. After demolishing Pastorville, the Lions have easily become the favorites to take the whole thing, and with the news reports from medias covering the CoH, this has only been confirmed by the rest. With the sheer class showed in the 2nd round, it has become obvious that there is only one team capable of defeating the Lions: the Nedalia Lions.

"I dont want to concentrate on what passed. It was a great victory, I'm proud of the boys, but we have a huge match at hand. Whether we won the last match 8-1 or on penalties, we would be in the same position we are now. That 8-1 victory is not going to give us a win against the Anathematic Republic, so there is no point dwelling on it," stated manager Bilal Hachem, trying to keep the squad focused.

The Anathematic Republic advanced to the quarter-finals after surviving a penalty shoot-out against another AO team, Chicanada. 120 minutes could not seperate the two teams, with the scoreline remaining 2-2, but the Anatematic Republic had just a bit more in the tank and finished off Chicanada to earn its match against the Lions. Barely advancing past the group stages, the children of fear have showed incredible grit and tenacity, something that will definitely play its factor against the Lions.

If the Lions have truly refound their offensive touch and it wasnt just a one night wonder, its difficult to see how they can be stopped, and this is coming from the increasingly pessimistic view of the Nedalian media. We have almost no faith left in this Lions squad, but a victory in Milchama will go quite a long way in restoring some of the support the Lions have lost over the years.

The other match that Nedalians will be watching in huge numbers is the Hypocria vs. Bettia match. Other than the fact that the Lions are extremely relieved they didnt have to face them in the quarters, it is expected the quite a few Nedalians who couldnt find tickets for the Anathematic Republic match will make their to view their buddies in action against one another. The Nedalia media will hold back from making any predictions, but surely it will be an absolutely cracking match.

[NS]Bazalonia

19-02-2006, 07:50

Today EG Inc. had a press conference in regards to the Soccer MMO under developement. Soccer World...

President of EG Inc had this to say...

"I hate to say this but.. uh... Due to recent destructive behaviour of a now fired employee, Soccer World will not be able to be launched, The employee in a fit of rage over the results of a currently unknown match destroyed all computer equipment. Our insurance policy however did cover this and we are underway in replacing destroyed equipment... However the release of Soccer World will be delayed for an unknown period of time, we will know more after legal action against the ex-employee has been resolved."

"Isn't this just a cover-up explaining why a promotion for Soccer World failed to materialise?"

"If you are refering to our press release stating that all teams that made it past the group round of the Cup of Harmony will get a copy? Then no."

"What do you say to the people that think it is?"

"Well... They probably should go see a Psychiartrist or something... This is not a bad excuse this has been a tragedy for the company. We can't go into details, naming the 5'7", brown-haired, overweight individual that did work in Art, but we can verify that legal actions are being taken against him (or her) in a court of law. Thank you... That's all we have time for today."

Tanah Burung

19-02-2006, 18:12

Furious Burungi fans dragged the remains of former footballing great Ab Francisco (WC 2-6) through the streets today after their team went winless in their first Cup of Harmony since the opening version decades ago.

"Eating his flesh was mneant to make our players strong, but it only gave them painful stomach parasites," said one rioter. "His corpse must be punished! Unclean!"

Other fans put the disappointing performance down to other factors:
-- sinning against St. Judy, patron saint of hopeless causes, by daring to expect a good performance
-- the evil influence of Bettia
-- Karelan curses
-- crimes against rabbits
-- excessive gambling
-- not enough gambling
-- excessive drinking by team
-- not enough drinking by team
-- publishing a roster, instead of keeping it a secret like during the qualifiers
-- choosing a stupid nickname
And a minority view, held only by a few crazies lacking the proper superstition:
-- not being as good as the other teams.

Schiavonia

21-02-2006, 21:28

The Schiavone Scribe
CoHnfusion

The SFF were in hte centre of a row between the eight teams left in the Cup of Harmony, as they gave all eight a faulty schedule.

The schedule said that all eight countries left in would have to fly from Schiavonia to Milchama, or vice versa, to play their game, when in fact they were to stay in the same nation.

As a result, all eight teams moved between the new nations, only to find that they weren't expected there, and were forced to fly back.

The SFF are now looking to come to an out of court settlement with all eight of the national federations involved.

When the games were eventually played, they all finished in ninety minutes, like so.

Spaam 0 - 1 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Bettia 3 - 2 Hypocria

Turori 2 - 0 The Archregimancy

Anathematic Republics 1 - 2 Nedalia

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega will now play Bettia, while Turori will face Nedalia in an all Atlantian Oceanian semi-final line up.

Hypocria

21-02-2006, 22:22

Eliminated!

And so it ends. Once more the Hyppos fall at the Quarter Final stage of the Cup of Harmony. But we’re not bitter about it. Disappointed yes, but not bitter. Hypocria exited the competition in style, unlike four years ago, edged out by neighbours Bettia in a cracking encounter in Schiavonia.

A huge television attendance was treated to a showcase of attacking football in a match that swung one way and then the other. Experienced forward Ashley Marshall put the Hyppos in front but the Aroras struck back twice either side of halftime. Molinari, easily Hypocria’s best player, levelled with fifteen minutes left to play but a third goal from the men in green and yellow broke a billion hearts back in the Autocracy.

Bettia are joined in the final four by Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, Nedalia and Turori which means the cup will definitely be heading to Atlantian Oceania. Exactly where in AO is another question entirely. There’s still plenty of interest for the blue and white army in Schiavonia with three of our favourite sides still in the running. Who’s going to take home the trophy? It’s a very tough call. As long as it’s not Turori we’ll be happy.

Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

21-02-2006, 22:28

AO Rules In CoH Semis

Above the individual match headlines can be found perhaps the most important headliner of all. Atlantian Oceania proved its dominance today by wrapping up all four spots in the CoH semi-final round. Even with five squads in the quarters, this is quite an achievement - esp when you think of the extended flight times that left some squads wondering if they should just go home.

In an all AO quarter, Bettia edged past Hypocria by a 3-2 margin. The good news for the Hyppos is that they lost to another AO squad.

Turori blanked The Archregimancy 2-0. Rumors of a formal complaint brought about due to the extra travel have surfaced. The Archregimancy has neither denied nor admitted to such action at this time.

Nedalia, coming off that impressive win over Pastorville, moved past The Anemathic Republics 2-1. We would say that the losers would spend some time in Hell paying for their failure, But as that is their home anyway, we are not sure what the punishment will be for them.

And now for the Sea Dragons match against the hated Spaam. As we expected, defence once again dominated the match. Each side searching for a chance to gain an advantage that would not come. 87 minutes into the match, ASMV moved quickly up the field in hopes to find the net. They did, but in the most unusual way.

A cross from Evans to Alexander played badly and was thought to be cleared by the Spaam defenders. However, the ball found the side of Malachi James' face and bounced into the open. Iglesias got off a blistering shot that was neatly turned away by the Spaam keeper - only to see it ricochet off his own defender and into the net. ASMV advanced on a Spaam own goal.

"You know," said a smiling coach St Martinique. "outside of a 5-0 thrashing, this is the absolute best way for us to move on"

Semi-final Preview

ASMV vs Bettia. What can we say. We have been playing great. But we arent even in the same class with these guys. Hopefully we can manage to keep it close and see what happens. Bettia 2-1 ASMV

Turori vs Nedalia. Both sides have been playing very well, but Nedalia has found their killer instinct. That should be the difference in this one. Nedalia 3-2 Turori.

Good luck to everyone in their matches.

The Archregimancy

22-02-2006, 00:35

THE ARCHREGIMANCY BRINGS YOU

CUP OF HARMONY TONIGHT

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

"So... Fr. John.... seems that the Cup of Harmony has mostly passed us by this season...."

"'fraid so, Fr. Nicholas - but preparing for Great Lent is far more important to our spiritual well-being than a 'best of the rest' football tournament. That's just the way it is"

"Perhaps so, but could you take the time to give us a quick tournament wrap-up to this point?"

"I'll do my best, Fr. Nicholas....

Our brave monks qualified for the second round after a victory over the Muslims of Majeristan. That after some half-time theological confusion when Fr. Constantine the Learned accused the opposition of being little more than iconoclastic monophysites following an opposition barb that our God-fearing monks were crypto-polytheists. Fortunately no one came to blows

Finishing second in the group, however, meant that we faced a difficult run in the knock-out stages. First we had to face co-hosts Milchama, and the Warriors were clearly confident of a victory. This magnificent brace from the in-form Fr. Silouan silenced the home fans and demonstrated that the only true warriors are those who fight a spiritual battle for the Lord.

And then the quarter-finals... and the Lord our God in his infinite wisdom had us facing Turori, the top-ranked team in the tournament, whose mere presence in the Cup of Harmony was the outcome of a minor World Cup qualification scandal. And Turori were too tough - two nil. Though our team has improved out of recognition since we first entered international football, this was a step too far - a reminder from the Lord that despite our improvement, there's still plenty of reason for humility. We should not - cannot - expect to win merely because we are members of the True Church."

"Any other results worthy of note, Fr. John?"

"Well, there's Nedalia's 8-1 thrashing of Pastorville, which took place in the same round that the Anathematic Republics reached the quarter-finals - perhaps an indication that the Lord considers Sabellian heretic evangelical protestants to be even less worthy of favour than Satan. And then there was the bizarre Peter Hobble incident, where Bazalonia's captain somehow sneaked unnoticed onto the pitch and scored a goal for Elrich in their 3-2 loss to Milchama. And then Hypocria - the little Hyppos who couldn't - stunned a lot of their long-time fans and followers by actually winning matches when it mattered during an unprecedented run to the quarter finals"

"So quite the tournament then, Fr. John"

"Well, we might be out of it, but it's certainly been good fun for the neutral. Pity the winners are going to be heretics, heathens, atheists and/or sinners, however"

"And any predictions?"

"That's usually your job, Fr. Nicholas, but for what it's worth, I think the winner of the Turori-Nedalia match will defeat the winner of the ASMV-Bettia match, though no doubt Archregimancy captain Fr. David the Water Drinker will be breaking out his 'Rydw'yn hoffi Bettia' flag no matter what!

And in the meantime, let's all pray for success in our World Cup co-hosting bid with fellow Orthodox nation New Montreal States"

New Montreal States

22-02-2006, 00:37

[OOC: I completely forgot that I had AR in this tourney, and I'd like to apologize to everyone for not RPing as much as I should have, or for not RPing at all. Mea culpa.]

Bettia

22-02-2006, 12:47

Pifton. A suburb of Gabalfa normally humming with life and activity... but not today. Today the streets are deserted - nary a soul is to be seen. Even a comedy tumbleweed has found the time to gently bounce it's way down the road.

So where is everyone?

Why, they're watching the big Bettia-Hypocria match wherever they can. Take the Pie and Pixie for example, a little cafe on Pifton High Street, complete with obligatory big screen rented out from the local big screen rental place. Right at this very moment, it's virtually bursting at the seams with footy fans eager to see the Aroras' exploits.

Enter a middle-aged man, rosy of cheek, all in a fluster.

"What have I missed? What's the score?"

"Blimey George, where the bloody hell have you been? You're missing a cracker! It's two-all with about five minutes to go."

"Five minutes? Damn it!"

"So what kept you anyway? You were supposed to be here an hour ago."

"I know, I know" he said, taking the seat his mates had kept spare for him. "We caught a couple of vandals smashing Joe's greenhouse over on the allotments, so we had to wait for the police. You'd think with all the taxes we pay, they'd get here a bit quicker, the twats. Still, gave us a bit of time to, ahem, soften them up a bit."

A huge 'Ooh!' sprang up from the thronged masses as Bobby Rosensteihl forces a fine save from Derevko.

"So what did I miss? Who scored?"

"Right, Hypocria scored first. Molinari, wasn't it?" Ali started.

"No you doughnut, it was Marshall. 23 minutes." Stu interrupted.

"Ah yes. Then Kingsholm scored on 40-ish minutes - I tell you what, he's played a blinder all tournament, that youngster. Too bad he plays for Grappenhall. Anyways, then Alasanne has a go from 30 yards just after half time. Keeper saves it, just. Ziyad Farmer dinks in the corner and BAM! Rosey thumps the header in. Two-one, and everything's great. Trouble is, we went and took our foot off the gas, and Molinari scored about ten minutes ago. So there you have it."

A shout somehow made itself heard above the considerable noise. "Oi, George! Here's yer tea!" It's Doris, the kind old owner of the P&P.

George sauntered over to pick up his well-earned cuppa. "Cheers love." But as he turns around, a yell of 'Go on Al!' rings through the building. Brennan Alasanne has stolen the ball from Mumtazi and is bearing down on goal.

It's just the keeper to beat... a neat sidefoot under Derevko's body later, and the ball is nestling quite happily in the back of the Hyppos' net.

A gigantic roar seems to fill the entire city. The windows of the P&P shake with the collective cheers of it's customers. Everybody is jumping for joy. Joining in the celebrations, George throws his arms in the air and yells at the top of his voice - not because he's overjoyed at the Aroras' late goal, but because he is now wearing a scalding hot cup of tea on top of his head.

The celebrations continue as the ref blows his whistle for full time. Bettia have done it! The scene on the TV cuts back to the studio high in the stands, complete with mandatory people in the background waving their green and gold scarves at the cameras through the window. The word filters through... Bettia's next opponants are Andossa Se Mitrin Vega.

"Hey George. Your neighbour's Vegan isn't he?"

"Yeah, that's right... works over at their embassy. Hey, does anyone know how Nedalia got on?"

"Ooh, hang on, they're just showing the results now... looks like they won. Ooh, Turori in the semis. I wouldn't fancy that!"

And so we cut back to Pifton High Street, and what a difference ten minutes makes. What was once a deserted scene (complete with comedy tumbleweed) is now a hive of activity and jubilation, a veritable sea of green and gold.

Can our heroes march on to Cup of Harmony glory? Or will they fall at the second-to-last hurdle?

[NS]Bazalonia

22-02-2006, 14:03

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

Who the hell is Peter Hobble??

Milchama 3 - 2 Kingdom of Elrich

Confusion reigned in Elrich this morning as reports filtered in that Peter Hobble was the scorer of one of the two Elrichian against Milchama in Matchday 3. Not only is Hobble not a member of the Elrichian squad, but was in fact captaining Group 3 counterparts Bazalonia in their match against Andossa at the exact same time.

How Hobble managed to race out of one stadium, travel across Milchama, into the Elrich vs Milchama game without a ticket, through the turnstiles, over the barrier, onto the pitch, past the steward, across the pitch, drift to the back post and nod home Zebedee's cross and equalize for the Badgers is unknown, yet reports linking him with steroid-abuse have been rubbished. Sci-Fi enthusiasts speculate over the use of a time-machine or teleporter, and rumours of a Hobble clone have done the rounds in Elrichian pubs across the land. Maybe he's just very fast?

With the referee (and the Milchama players and staff) failing to notice the incident, the goal (an equaliser at the time) stood - in such a crucial game it could have proved priceless for the Badgers. It is a rather odd incident, and with an FA team apparantly investigating matters it is unknown what action could be taken. What is more odd is why would a Bazalonian player want to score for Elrich??

Elrich put in a spirited performance against the hosts yet despite Hobble's heroics lost the game 3-2, and so were eliminated from the tournament. The Wolfman had clawed Elrich back into the game after a howler from the Milchama keeper and the extraordinary Hobble goal sent the bemused Elrichian travelling support barmy. But their joy was short lived as Milchama regained the advantage in the 64th minute through Thompson and left Elrich again dreaming of what might have been.

The Kingdom of Elrich - Burns, Scatman John, Wolfman, Methuselah, Bingo, Zebedee, Jeremiah, J Spinks (Singh-Queen 70), Banks, Elrich, Mudge,

+ at some stage Bazalonian captain Peter Hobble

Back in Bazalonia after returning home after their defeat to ASMV, The head Bazalope Coach Caine Hawdon was going over reports of Milchaminan games (as they where once again coming up against the Milchamians in the Invitational)... Their last game in the group round against Elrich and that wolfman. Something caught his attention...

"Peter Hobble scored a goal for Elrich?" boomed Caine....

"Call him in here... I need to speak with him." Caine said to Malcolm as he was going over reports of other Milchamian matches...

Malcolm got up and called Hobble into the office...

"So... what's up with this?"... he said as he thrusted the report into Peter's face. Initially Peter was stunned, not knowing what to do with the piece of paper but Caine shaked ut slightly indicating.. "here take and read it"... so he took it and read it...

"Oh, um... that..." he said "I was really hoping that people would have forgotten about that." he said

"Forgotten!? Forgotten!? You played with that Wolfman.... Did you... you know... use protection?"

"No,... I was only on the field for a short period of time.. I did not even stay there after I scored the goal."

"But why where you there?... why did you score a goal for them? and most importantly.. HOW WHERE YOU IN TWO PLACES AT ONCE!"

"To be honest I don't really know... I remember playing against AMSV... then nothing and suddenly I am at the Michama - Elrich match right after I scored the goal... I scampered off quickly getting back to the match to find that it had ended and we lost.... everyone was packing up."

"Okay... well... Don't do it again okay...."

OOC: That gives me a new plot to RP... hopefully in the invitational against Milchama.... but I've got to get appropriate scores to suit the story I have planned

NationStates Jolt Archive

Cup of Harmony 18 (for World Cup 26 non-qualifiers)