NationStates Jolt Archive

Pre-World Cup 27 Baptism of Fire Cup in Rejistania and Legalese
Rosters, RP and Scores Thread

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

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

There will be two regions in the competition, The Rejistanian Region, and the Legalese Region. Each team will play one match against the other teams in their group, followed by Quarter- and Semi-Finals within their own Region. The Champions of the respective regions will meet at the 91,523-seat Titanplex in Francopolis, Legalese, for the BoF Championship.

Rejistanian Region

Orange Group
Qazox
Green wombat
Rorysville
Tynelia
CR Oscilloscopes
Atheistic Right

Blue Group
Allied Anime Worlds
Berner Street
Vuam and Isma
Risa-Aramour
Mr Chuck Norris
Nebuleux

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose
Kelse
TheSuncoastofFlorida
Algal states
Priggdom
Obsidianus

Red Group
Spaamanian Plijous
Haraki
Becquerelia
Popolus
Georgeonia
New Preussen

Schedule:
MD1: 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 3 vs 4
MD2: 1 vs 3, 2 vs 6, 4 vs 5
MD3: 1 vs 5, 2 vs 4, 3 vs 6
MD4: 1 vs 2, 3 vs 5, 4 vs 6
MD5: 1 vs 4, 2 vs 3, 5 vs 6

After a week long recruiting session, The Fighting Norris have finally posted a set roster. Looking at his roster Coach Bob Janney optimistically comments:
"It's gonna be a good year boys".
However, several of the team members are not so positive.
"I know there were going to be several players new to the sport of football on the team, but I didn't know that Mr. Brickhouse and myself were going to be the only players with any experience" says foregin exchange student Baka Laka Daka Raka in a hard-to-understand accent. "You know our opponents are going to take us for a joke, right?" Exclaims Defender Scottest Hovest.

As football has never been established as a sport in The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris until now, most of the men on the roster have no previous experience in the sport.

The roster of Mr Chuck Norris

# Name (Age)
Head Coach
Bob Janney
:: Recently read “Football for Dummies”, he believes he can lead his team of rookies raging onto the World Cup scene.
Goalkeepers
1 Mr. Bednarik (26)
:: Renowned throughout The Holy Republic of Mr Chuck Norris as the record holder for most saves ever by a goalkeeper in the sport of hockey.
2 Allen Price (19)
:: He's really good at football, at least the American kind.
3 Terri Tup (39)
:: Frequently harassed not only because he has a woman’s name, but because he’s the oldest man on the team.
Defenders
4 ♪ (?)
:: Found on the streets of downtown New Poorleans, ♪ can’t speak English and no one knows anything about him. Naturally, he was the first guy added to the squad.
5 Ido No (21)
:: Soon after flunking out of ITT Tech’s VCR Repair program, he was recruited to the squad.
6 Banana Mann (26)
:: He says “Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring Ring, Banana Phone”, and nobody knows why.
7 Grode Miller (29)
:: Most commonly known for his skiing abilities, he wanted to try something new.
8 Baka Laka Daka Raka (18)
:: Actually a foreign exchange student from Hrakastan, another one of the few players on the team with experience in football.
9 Jack Moon (22)
:: He frequents such places as “The Gold Fox”.
10 Scottest Hovest (24)
:: The self proclaimed best Scott in the world.
Midfielders
11 Pat Smock (25)
:: Easily the most known man in The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris, known for appearances on AA Live, mass producing the 512 Disc DVD set “Mass and You” and attending random leadership conferences. His sole purpose for being on the team is to generate ticket sales.
12 Donald Rump (36)
:: Responsible for supporting Mr Chuck Norris’ “Powerhouse” economy.
13 Chaz Woolery (32)
:: Has hosted/appeared on every game show ever aired on Mr Chuck Norris’ cable television.
14 Zach Brickhouse (20)
:: One of the few players on the team who actually have experience in football, he was one of Japan’s best midfielders until he was deported for skipping one day of school.
15 Yianni Karvo (22)
:: Just to warn everyone now, Yianni plays dirty.
16 Randy Cross (29)
:: Easily has the biggest afro of any player on any team.
17 Paper Mario (Paper Doesn’t Age)
:: And you thought he was just a video game character.
Forwards
18 Chuck Norris (Supercedes time and therefore has no age)
:: Two Words: Roundhouse Kick.
19 OJ Pimpson (28)
:: Let’s just say he’s got a deadly shot.
20 Jimmy Huffa (25)
:: Currently mixed up in mob trouble, he’s not sure if he’s going to make the shot or take it.
21 The Burger King (22)
:: That’s right, you all know him. His dashing smile and uncanny speed makes him a threat.

Starting Lineup
GK Mr. Bednarik
D Scottest Hovest
D ♪
D Baka Laka Daka Raka
MF Pat Smock
MF Zach Brickhouse
MF Yianni Karvo
MF Paper Mario
F Chuck Norris
F OJ Pimpson
F The Burger King

Even with the lack of confidence eminating from some of the players on the team, with every team being on a level playing field it'll prove to be an interesting tourney.

[[OOC]]
My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y, but don’t make me look too bad :)
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events N
[[OOC]]
I’m gonna roll with a +2 modifier or a System Takil.

The Harakian populace were excited. Their last entry into a world cup had been seventeen years earlier, with the tenth World Cup, where they had qualified but failed in the second round, not coming anywhere near the nation's best of third place in World Cup Eight. Following that, and a long period of civil unrest in the nation, there was no time for football anymore. Splinter states robbed Haraki of some of its best players and wars had taken the lives of several others. But now they were back. The greatest football coach in Harakian history, Lloyd Vargas, had spoken to national superstar and captain of the Kiros Tigers, Haraki's premier football club Mike Zendar, who was responsible for the nation's victory in his first ever Cup, the Tenth. Now in his mid-thirties, he was still regarded as the best player in Haraki, and the two of them had announced to the world Haraki's return to international football with an entry into World Cup Twenty-Seven.



Press Conference, Atherlon, Haraki:

Vargas and Zendar stood on a podium, speaking to dozens of eager reporters, all ready to get the biggest scoop on this announcement for their own station. As the two of them stepped up to the microphone, Vargas first, he leaned in close to it and started to speak. Feedback silenced him, and a collective cry of pain in their ears arose form the assembnled reporting body. After a moment the feedback ended, and Vargas leaned in closer. "Our playing's better than our technology, I'm glad to say," he told them, to a small laugh. He continued, "Mister Zendar and I have been discussing, as you know, who should represent Haraki in this, the twenty-seventh World Cup and the accompanying Baptism of Fire. Mike, if you would."

Zendar stepped up to the microphone. A group of assembled fans screamed for him. He shot them a grin and one girl fainted. He turned back to the reporters. "Strange that we will be entering the Baptism of Fire. Strange for me especially. I played in three world cups, but that was a long time ago. There are only four of us left on the team from then, and I'm afraid to say one of us has been slotted into the reserves. So, without further ado, the list of players."

He rattled through the list quickly, reading from a piece of paper. Haraki would be adopting a two forward, five centre, three defence strategy, with numerous reserves for all positions. He then held the paper up and all the cameras zoomed in on it. This is what it said:


Haraki National Football Team:

Mike Zendar – Forward, Captain
Samuel Sharp – Forward
(R) Zachary Burns – Forward
(R) Alicia Ribald – Forward
Thomas Neils – Centre
Samantha Ribald – Centre
Lawrence Foster – Centre
Luke Ford – Centre
Manuel Cortes – Centre
(R) Archie Wilkes – Centre
(R) Julie Vern – Centre
(R) Allison Keyes – Centre
(R) Catherine Veritas Ezaniea – Centre
Bruce Forrester – Defence
Owen Peterson – Defence
Sandy Thorpe – Defence
(R) Jonah Menike – Defence
(R) Nathan Rogers – Defence
Mark Stone – Goalkeeper
(R) Susana Hamilton – Goalkeeper
(R) Bobbie Morris – Goalkeeper

Coach – Lloyd Vargas



Immediately the analysts back at the stations began analyzing it. Only four of the players were veterans from earlier world cups: Mike Zendar, Zachary Burns, Thomas Neils and Owen Peterson. Only these four knew just how bad the competition would be, how fierce the teams they were up against would be.

There were two things most commonly referred to as the most controversial pick on the team: The first was that up and coming superstar Richard Weber was not on the team. As a centre for the North Susa football club, he had once gained five points in two games for his team in the latest season, and at only nineteen years old was already in the top ten in the Haraki league. However, Zendar and Vargas defended their decision to leave him off as going for experience on the team. Their reasoning, they said, was that the players on the team this year had years of experience in the Haraki Football League and so would be better prepared for the world cup. As Weber was only in his second season, they thought him too inexperienced for the World Cup team. However, they promised, since the team next year would be full of players with at least one Cup under their belts, they promnised Weber a spot on the team for World Cup 28.

The second and more controversial decision was the fact that only one woman was in the starting team: Samantha Ribald. Although four more were in the reserves, including Samantha's sister, the very talented Alicia Ribald, many women's rights advocates and feminists across the nation began speaking up against this so-called 'chauvinistic' decision. The two men whohad picked the team again were forced to defend their decision with the justification: "We just picked the best players from all of Haraki. Whether they were men or women made no difference, although experience played a big part, which is why Weber was kept off the team hits year."



Whether or not these were smart choices remains to be seen.

Watching the group draw on Mr Chuck Norris cable TV, coach of the Fighting Norris Bob Janney shared some of his thoughts on the draw:
“I suppose it really doesn’t matter what group we end up in, because all teams share the same rank, I just don’t want to end up in Haraki’s group”.
When asked why Janney replied:
“Although Haraki does not yet have a KPB rank, they have experience in the World Cup. They reached the Elite Eight in their first World Cup (World Cup 4), received 3rd place in World Cup 8 after being beat in the semifinals by the consistent World Cup threat Liverpool England, and although they haven’t participated since World Cup 10, they know what it takes to win”.
Janney was soon relieved to see Haraki placed in the Red Group.
After going through 2 and a half more bags of Cheese Curls, Janney found his team drawn into the Blue Group.
“That’s good”, commented Janney, launching bits of cheese curl all over the reporters, “I like the color blue”. And with that he posted The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule.

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Berner Street
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Risa-Aramour
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Allied Anime Worlds
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Vuam and Isma
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Nebuleux

Atheistic Right Archeopteri
Colors: Black & White
Style: +2
Formation: 3-4-3

Starting Team: (Note: The players do have real names but no one apart from those in the know, a very few amount of people in ARFA and thier respective families know it. And there are no numbers on the jacket just a picture of what they are.

GK: Eagle

D:Spider
D:Hare
D:Tortoise

M:Leopard
M:Snake
M:Ant
M:Badger

F:Scorpion
F:Jackal
F:Tiger

Reserves:

Boar
Hyena
Shark
Praying Mantis
Wasp

Internal matches of the ARFA domestic league are held in the strictest confidence to any and all outsiders

If my oppenent RPs first (which they probably won't)

They can do anything.... perferably only yellow or red card the really aggressive ones such as Jackal or Scorpion... Godmod anything within reason.

Archeopteri BoF Schedule

Athiestic Right vs. Qazox
Athiestic Right vs.Green wombat
Athiestic Right vs.Rorysville
Athiestic Right vs.Tynelia
Athiestic Right vs.CR Oscilloscopes

Quick OOC note to competitors: Style Modifiers will not be used for the BoF, due to the contraints of Leagion, among other reasons. Sorry. Also, MD1 will be scorinated on Wednesday.

Algal States releases epiphytes roster for the BoF

Coach Albert Theriault steps up to the podium and addresses the reporters. I feel that our chances are good with this team, they performed extremely well in the maple-taco cup not long ago and I really don't want to break up the team chemistry that has been established. The one change that I am making is to start Albert Cormier in goal, he was very impressive in relief in his previous outings and I would like to give him a shot as a starter before I decide whether or not to stick with the talented Frank Foote in the world cup.
I'll stick with the 5-3-2 formation since the Amirault twins have shown that their very capable of shouldering the offensive load and I don't want to break up the defensive line led by captain Mike Deveau. I've also added some extra reserve members from the development team who have impressed me recently. If we can start strong and sustain that level of play we should be capable of winning a few games.
Having said all that here is the roster, everyone on it is extremely proud to wear the brown and yellow.

Goalkeepers-#1 Frank Foote
#30 Albert Cormier (s)
#31 Lewis Thibault

Defence-#2 Joe "the block" Albert (s)
#3 Cameron Smith (s)
#4 Max "surefoot" D'eon (s)
#5 Mike Deveau (s) (captain)
#6 Steve Thomas
#7 Dave Theriault (s)
#8 Robert Smythe

Midfield-#11 Robert Comeau (s)
#12 Fred Simpson (s)
#13 Josh Grant
#14 Robert Theriault (s)
#15 George Bent
#16 Tim Adams

Offence-#22 Louis Amirault (s)
#23 Thomas Amirault (s)
#24 Patrick Deveau
#25 Eric Thibault
(s)-denotes starter

(OOC Response to Legalese's OOC: Gotcha, shouldn't be a problem.)

Sure, this is a healthy 62-year old, the healthiest you'd ever see. But still, a man hyperventilating. It's enough to unnerve a spectator completly.

"Shouldn't we call for a doctor?" asked Secretary of Culture and Sport Thomas Pellegrin.

"Nah. He's fine." replied John Meurer, sitting with his face buried in a magazine.

"Yeah, you should see him before a match. He's a real wreck then." chimed in Alexander Helmcamp, entering the room.

"Nice suit Alex." said John. Alexander told him to shut up.

Thomas turned his attention to the man breathing deeply in and out of a paper bag. Macarius Ransome was the man of the hour, and the last thing Thomas wanted was for him to die just before the press conference in which he was to be named head coach of the Becquerelian World Cup team.

When the government of Becquerelia decided to form a World Cup football squad, Macarius Ransome had come to his office and practically begged to coach. His resume was impressive enough. Four titles as a head coach of Roentgen Dynamo in the Becquerelian A-League, then 2 more as Dynamo's Team President. He was serving as the United Becquerelian Football Clubs(UBFC) Vice-President for Development when he volunteered his services. And everyone Thomas had talked to was enamored by the prospect of him coaching the National Team.

But he hadn't been made aware of the panic attacks.

"So..." Thomas said to John, turning away from the coach curling into a ball on the floor. "This happens alot?"

"All the time." responded John, back looking at his magazine. "Before games, before drafts, before contract negotiations, before press conferences. It's part of the reason he quit the sport. Don't you know? Where have you been?"

"Overseeing the construction of nuclear power plants all over the globe. Plus I never cared much about sport."

"Oh. So how did you get the job at Culture and Sport?"

"I," Thomas said drawing back to a dignified height, "have always been a major supporter of the arts in Becquerelia through my family's foundation."

"That," said Alexander, currently patting Coach Ransome on the back, "and you gave tons of money to President Kurrie during the election in oh-three, right?"

Thomas' eyes narrowed to slits. He tersely looked down at his watch. "Would you look at that. It's time for the press conference to start. Will Coach Ransome be ready to go soon?"

"I'm ready now!" He suddenly said, jumping up. He looked as if nothing had happened. He marched right out the door, with his assistant coaches Meurer and Helmcamp in tow. Thomas could do nothing more than look on in slack-jawed disbelief before following him out the door to the press area.

-

"With Coach Ransome, assisted by Assisstants Meurer and Helmcamp, our coaching staff has a combined 83 years coaching and playing experience, something sure to give us a advantage in preparedness come Tournament time. And now, before we announce the roster, I will turn the floor over to questions." Secretary Pellegrin finished up his presentation and saw a virtual sea of reporters raise their hands. "Um...yes, the woman in the green there." He said, pointing.

"Helen Pandit, Athletics Magazine. Coach Ransome, reports a calling you the 10 million Courtain man for accepting the position as National Team Head Coach. Care to comment?"

Thomas tried to jump in the way of the question. "I would prefer not to discuss the terms of Coach Ransome's contract..."

But then Macarius jumped in front of him. "A six-year, ten million courtain contract, with plenty of other details that would too lengthly to go into. But I'll say," he added with a wink, "that the deal is -very- acceptable."

The press contingent laughed, while Thomas fumed. Macarius Ransome was a showboater. A popular showboater, but a showboater. He'd had better win some football games.

"Yes..." Thomas cleared his throat. "Another question. And...hmmm...yes, back there."

"Issac Ridder, of the Amonton State Press-Journal. How would you rate your chances in the Baptism of Fire tournament, Coach Ransome?"

Macarius chuckled. "Well, the Baptism of Fire is full of first-time teams, so it's hard to judge initially. But between you and me, I've looked at the teams in our group. The red group, right? Legalese region? Yes? Anyway, I think we have quite a good shot at this. I mean, can any of them be tougher than the Selane Tigers? Or Giannis F.C.?" The press chuckled again.

Back to Thomas again. "All right, I'd like to get one more question in, then we'll get to the roster announcement. How about the man over there in orange?"

"David Tsuruda, Jurica News Service. There has been talk that you would be installing a...interesting playing style for the Tournament. What do you say?"

Macarius nodded. "Interesting could be a word for it. We'll be using a 5-3-2, mainly defensive scheme. Unorthodox, yes. But I was looking, and Becquerelia has a incredible surplus of great defensive talent, while offensively, attacking players are limited Good, yes. But limited. So I figured, play to our strengths."

"And thanks for the segway into the roster, let's introduce our team!"

FORWARDS
#15 Peter Constantine, age 29 - "He'll be one of our starters. He's got a boatload of talent, and a strong right foot. Goalkeepers will have to be wary."
#9 Ceolwulf Novoselic, age 29 - "The other starting forward. If you've seen him play, you know that there's no one better shooting from a corner or over a wall."
#5 Phillip Gersh, age 33 - "Our back-up for the tournament. He adds a degree of experience and locker-room leadership that will be crucial during the games. He's a good player, too."

MIDFIELDERS
#6 Zachariah Mendel, age 29 - "When looking for midfielders, we wanted players talented at offense and defense, and Zachariah fits the bill to a exact T."
#19 Michael Silva, age 25 - "Strong leg, smart brain. I like that combo on a player. Did you know he's working on a doctorate in Theoretical Particle Psychics at Selane Technological Institute?"
#11 Ambrose Wainwright, age 27 - "He may be leading the UBFC A-League in penalties, but that just shows he's got spirit. Alot of unbridled spirit."

DEFENDERS
#7 Issac Stahl, age 29 - "He's been playing with Peter Constantine and Phillip Gersh since he entered the league, and you don't just ignore rappaport like that. It's like these guys have ESP on the pitch!"
#1 Christopher Fullbright, age 26 - "Our second starting defender, he's emerged as a vocal leader of this team, which is why he's getting number 1 and the captainship for the Baptism of Fire."
#3 Stephen Grohl, age 30 - "He's just a feared defender. The man's a absolute ballhawk. Now if he spent more time playing and less time acting on soap operas, he'd be a real beast."
#20 Ceslaus Goldsmith, age 28 - "A consummate professional in every sense of the word. He won the William Macless Sportsmanship Award three times in his career thusfar. Just a great individual, and a great player."
#13 Salvius DeMaranville, age 36 - "He's got some years on him, to be sure. But I signed him out of college, started him immediatly with Roentgen Dynamo, and he's never disappointed me before. He'll be starting during the tournament. This will be one great last hurrah.
#14 Mark Latalien, age 33 - "I know, I know, Mark who? He's been playing overseas his whole life, and international experience is something you can't ignore World Cup time. He won't be starting, but I expect to play him some."
#8 Conan Smear, age 24 - "He's the youngest guy on the team, but he's teared up the Becquerelian college ranks, and he's been doing work with some foreign teams as well. He's got experience beyond his years, and he'll be impressive off the bench."
#16 Keyne Hawkins, age 26 - "Our final backup for the Baptism of Fire. He's had some personal problems in the past, but he's got that cleared up, and he'll finally be able to use that massive potential on the biggest stage in the world."

GOALKEEPERS
#2 David Deneen, age 28 - "He could have been a All-Star player straight out of college, but he joined the Army, served for four years, came back and started playing again, and became a All-Star straight out of the military. How about that?"
#4 Rainbold Shiflett, age 25 - "Our back-up Goalkeeper knows a thing or two about playing the position. You might remember his father Expeditus, a Hall-Of-Fame goalkeeper in his time! And Rainbold has shown alot of early talent himself. He's obviously been taught well!"

-

"Well, there you are. Becquerelia's 16 finest. I guarantee you that our team won't let you guys down." and with that Macarius stepped away from the podium. "Secretary Pellegrin?"

"Thank you Coach Ransome. Well, that's the end of this press conference for today, thanks for attending." And with that Thomas gathered his materials and started to walk off. He could hear the rustling of papers and the moving of cameras in the background. And then the voice of Macarius Ransome rang out over the din of the reporters.

"I'll be seeing you guys again after we beat Popolus on Wednesday."

Thomas stopped dead in his tracks. Ransome made a guarantee sure to excite Becquerelia and anger Popolus entirely. Oh no, the last thing we need now is controversy! How will this look in the papers?!

QAZOX CITY HERALD

An update from Legalese, a host of the Baptism of Fire: Qazox has been drawn into the Rejistanian Region Orange group. This group contains 4 countries we know very little of and our old arch-rivals Green wombat. The Group and matches are as follows:

Rejistanian Region

Orange Group
Qazox
Green wombat
Rorysville
Tynelia
CR Oscilloscopes
Atheistic Right



Schedule:
MD1: Qazox vs Atheistic Right,
MD2: Qazox vs Rorysville,
MD3: Qazox vs CR Oscilloscopes
MD4: Qazox vs Green wombat,
MD5: Qazox vs Tynelia,

As you can plainly see, we don't play our arch-rivals until day 4. the QCF has released the following list of players to be sent to the BOF:

The starters as follows. The team will be nicknamed the Black Oxen and will play in 4-4-2 as suggested by the Coach Joseph Jarrett aged 47.

POSTION
NAME (age)

STARTERS
GOALKEEPER
John Frorr (22)

DEFENSE
Folia Hazes (35)
Kiel Venice (19)
Hadeen Homer (25)
Masse Jower (31)

MIDFIELD
Andrew Mason (22)
Anthony Mason(22)
Shaun Brady(27)
Dylan Greene(23)

WINGERS
Francis Alouette(19)
Manuel Aguirre (21)

The Reserves as voted on by the QFL are as follows: position is parentheses

Hiram Joachim( GK) Age35
Jim 'the Real' McCoy (Def) Age 21
Q'Bert Kong (Def) Age 19
Lance Golden (Def) Age 32
Qa-Tram Reaz (Mid)Age 20
Andres Larivitch (Mid) Age 26
Balrog Vega (Mid) Age 22
Aero Smith (Wing) Age 21
Maria Gretzky (Wing) Age 21
Marie Goya (Wing) Age 17

This young All-star team of Qazoxian players gives our country its best shot of making our beloved country known amongst the international community.

Oxen the XXXVII will bless the team just before it leaves to Rejistania for the BoF.

[[OOC]]
My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y, but don’t make me look too bad
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 N
[[OOC]]
Qazox will play a -1

Green Wombat Daily News

Well this came as a shock to the whole country as it was announced today that our beloved country is in the Baptism of Fire. No, it does not have anything to do with religion, but Soccer!!. As far as this reporter can tell soccer is a game played with a ball and 22 people, 11 on each team. The teams try to score 'goals' by kicking the ball into a net. The funny part is they cannot use their hands unless its a 'throw-in' or the player is a 'keeper'.
As this intrepid reporter found out we will play in the Rejistani Region in the Orange Group. The matches will be as follows:

Match Day 1- CR Oscilloscopes
Match Day 2- Atheistic Right
Match Day 3- Tynelia
Match Day 4- Qazox (those heathen cow worshippers)
Match Day 5- Rorysville

According to the Green Wombat Council of Sport (just formed 5 minutes after the news broke) since there is little time to prepare for these games, we'll just send about 18 members of our armed forces and the team will be named the Fighting Wombats.

"These men and women are the best of the best in our military and should destroy any who get in our way especially those damnned Oxen from Qazox" said Generallisimo Uarez of the Hexagon.

The team will be Coached By Lt. Gen. Abraham Simpson (GWAF) and will play in a 3-4-3.

The team being sent to Rejistan is as follows: Starters are in italics

GoalKeepers-

P1C Johnson (GWA) 6'5 217 lbs
CpL Holmes (GWMC) 6'4 225 lbs

Defenders-

Capt. Crunch (GWAF) 6'7 230 lbs
2nd Lt. Archer (GWAF) 6'5 217 lbs
P3C Hopper (GWA) 6'4 222 lbs
GSgt Joseph (GWMC) 6'8 245 lbs
Lt(jg) La Forge (GWN) 6'2 230 lbs
Lt(jg) Devlin (GWN) 6'3 231 lbs

Midfielders-
Maj. Pincher (GWMC) 6'6 220 lbs
W4 June (GWN) 6'1 199 lbs
CMSgt. LeRoux (GWA) 6' 197 lbs
FSgt. Second (GWA) 6'1 202 lbs
Capt. Hermes (GWMC) 6' 210 lbs
1st Lt. Hendersen (GWAF) 6'2 195 lbs

Wingers-
SSgt. Wilcox (GWAF) 5'10 182 lbs
A1C Scobey (GWAF) 5'9 177 lbs
Ens. Graves (GWN) 5'11 182 lbs
Spc. L. Hernandez (GWA) 5'10 183 lbs
Spc. J. Hernandez (GWA) 5'10 186 lbs
2nd Lt. Daniels (GWMC) 5'9 169 lbs

May our brave military men and women bring our country victory in this competion.

[[OOC]]
My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y, but don’t make me look too bad
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players N
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events N
[[OOC]]
Green Wombat will Play a +1

There were scenes of elation today in the tiny nation of Berner Street following the announcement that the national soccer team had qualified for the 27th World Cup. Whilst soccer may take a back-seat to the national sport of pro wrestling in Berner Street, people were still said to be slightly more than apathetic to the news.

"We have a soccer team?" asked one stunned Berner, who we spoke to whilst he was waiting for tickets to the latest Berner Street Wrestling live event.

In fact, soccer is officially ranked as the thirteenth most popular sport in Berner Street, as shown by this demographics study done by the Berner Street Demographics Study Council (BSDSC)

#1 - Pro Wrestling
#2 - Rugby League
#3 - Gaelic Football
#4- Cricket
#5 - Field Hockey
#6 - Ten Pin Bowling
#7 - Mixed Martial Arts
#8 - Baseball
#9 - Competitive Skipping
#10 - Curling
#11 - Lawn Bowls
#12 - Karaoke
#13 - Football

At a press conference held at the BernerDome today, national coach Chris Walker-Bush addressed a crowd of some 15,000 - most of whom had come solely to see a cracking match between Count Kebabula and Bee Man for the Berner Street Pacific Title.

"It is a great honour to be included in this prestigious event," began the president/national coach, "Only so many nations gain a place and we were one of them. Now, I could wax lyrical about the fine sport of soccer but I know you're all itching to see the match. So, instead, I'll quickly run down the squad so you're all acquainted with the team".

GOAL KEEPERS
Lorraine Ekin (22): This gorgeous blonde starlet has, despite the rules being against her, somehow managed to break into the men's World Cup team.
Barry Banes (37): Weighing almost 500lbs, Banes was a legend in his day, but for some reason has remained in the team since the eighties. Banes hasn't got much agility or skill, but his size does make it hard to squeeze a goal in. Second string keeper.

DEFENDERS
Bill Soulblighter (31): This intimidating seven foot giant may not be fast or particularly skillful, but he's one of the finest, most aggressive defensive men in the game.
'Shotgun' Jimmy Jackson (41): A drunk and complete waste of space, 'Shotgun' Jimmy Jackson developed a reputation during the seventies when he twice brandished a loaded firearm at the opposition goalkeeper in the infamous 1973 'bloodbath' grand final.
Chris Walker-Bush (22): The coach and president of Berner Street is also a member of their national team (as is the case with all of Berner Street's sports). Walker-Bush is a determined if unremarkable defender. Holds the record for most red cards in Berner Street Soccer history.

MIDFIELDERS
Bee Man (??): A popular masked luchadore from Berner Street Wrestling, Bee Man is a fan favourite and fast man to boot.
Konrad Charisma (19): Charismatic, as his name suggests, Charisma is a fine player in his own right - although his skills are often overlooked by tabloids in favour of his long string of off field (and occasionally on field) love affairs.
'Razorblade' Bob Holly (25): Another rather intimidating character, Razorblade is an ex professional wrestler and currently earns his money as an embalmer. Razorblade is fast, has an excellent passing game, and has a nasty habit of making opposition players bleed with hard hits.

FORWARDS
Tommy O'Reilly (23): This charismatic young gun has caught the eye of several clubs around the world with his good finishing and brilliant creativity.
Generico (23): Voted Berner Street's 'Most Boring Man' in last year's Berner Street Daily, Generico may have no personality, but on the field he gets the job done. Alongside O'Reilly, the only really talent in the entire side.
Magro (22): He has a first name, it's just hard to pronounce. Magro is a foul tempered brute with a love for flower arranging and croquet.

RESERVES
Eron Bates (30): Hideously disfigured defensive midfielder.
Julian Santarakista (21): Safe goal keeper with a tendency to punch.
Jonny Maquina (25): Brilliant young midfielder with far too much enthusiasm.
Brooke Martin (24): Another female inclusion. Stunning to look at. Awful player. Striker.
Quincy Latrine (29): Son of Berner Street's Minister for Sports. Cannot play for biscuits, but has great diction. Right midfielder.

When asked to comment on the Baptism of Fire Cup, national coach (and starting midfielder) Chris Walker-Bush had this to say:

"We've drawn some nations I've never heard of. I'm going to be honest. If we don't win here, we'll have to organise a rematch of some sort. Perhaps in a steel cage. That always draws a good crowd".

The Draw
Berner Street vs. Mr. Chuck Norris
Berner Street vs. Nebuleux
Berner Street vs. Risa-Aramour
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Berner Street
Berner Street vs. Vuam and Isma

"I'm more than confident of winning most of our games," said a clearly cocky (or ill informed) Walker-Bush, "Although Chuck Norris might be tough. I've heard good things about him".

QAZOX CITY HERALD

Our Neighbors to the west green wombat have nothing nice to say about our country as evidenced by these quotes from the tabloid newspaper Green Wombat Daily News

Match Day 4- Qazox (those heathen cow worshippers)

"These men and women are the best of the best in our military and should destroy any who get in our way especially those damnned Oxen from Qazox" said Generallisimo Uarez of the Hexagon.

As to these comments made by our neighbor, the Most Holy Qazian Ox Oxen the XXXVII had this to say:

"I am not worried about what Green Wombat's country or its people think of us. As my predecessor Oxen the XXXVI once said 'I hope the Qazian Ox takes a $#!t on their Wombat's head and makes it eat the $#!t.' According to the Hoofaran Book 7 verses 7 thru 10; 'May all wombats and all wombat-like animals be exterminated with much vigor. Those vile, smelly, inbred creatures shall not and will not be allowed to step where the Holy Ox has stepped. Any and all of My People shall violently and with great haste quicken the end of all who look like, are or support wombats. Do this in My Name and I might not poop on your front porch at night.' I believe the Hoofaran has said what all of our people must feel. May the Holy Ox bless you and not poop on your porch."

OOC: Just some clarifications:

1st: It's either Rejistania, the Rejis, tani'het or currently: that evil host. It's not Rejistan.

2nd: Women are allowed in the national teams. You are not the first ones.

3rd: rivalries and distortion of reality make this game fun. *shows the RPers a thumbs up*

OOC: Just some clarifications:

1st: It's either Rejistania, the Rejis, tani'het or currently: that evil host. It's not Rejistan.

2nd: Women are allowed in the national teams. You are not the first ones.

3rd: rivalries and distortion of reality make this game fun. *shows the RPers a thumbs up*

[ooc] i do have a question.... There is a RP Bonus for this tourney right? just wondering and i do have 2 women on my team... Maria Gretsky (no relation to the RL Hockey player) and Marie Goya

[ooc] i do have a question.... There is a RP Bonus for this tourney right? just wondering and i do have 2 women on my team... Maria Gretsky (no relation to the RL Hockey player) and Marie Goya

Read the intro post a little better next time :p The only fact seperating teams apart in rank will be the RP Bonus, so it's very important.

Also, enough OOC here. If you have any questions, please feel free to either TG myself or Rejis, use the World Cup Discussion Thread, or stop in #sport on irc.esper.net (TG me if you need help getting on IRC) :)

The following is a television broadcast within the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds
[A splashscreen prominently displays the letters "SNN" in silver]

Deep male voice over: This is the Silver News Network, bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

Female anchor: Good evening, and I'm Rinn Surrogate, standing in for Miko Hasegawa. In a surprise move, the Federation Council has decided not to destroy high-powered radio arrays from the Trinitarin Republic of Mondoth, despite security concerns. Here's what our president had to say about the matter.

[Cut to some footage of President Endymion, a handsome man with short black hair and gently slanted eyes.]

President Endymion: We have found no convincing evidence that the high-power array is anything except what is claimed by the Trinitarian Republic of Mondoth; an instrument for gathering scientific data of the upper atmosphere. We thank Mondoth for their cooperation with our questions, and their candor. We also look forward to a long and fruitful scientific cooperation with the Trinitarian Republic.

Reporters: Mr. President! Mr. President!

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Rinn: In sporting news, the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds has entered an international football competition, called the World Cup. We have also entered a sub-tournament for nations new to the World Cup, called Baptism of Fire.

[Cut to footage of the try-outs]

Rinn (voiceover): Despite having little experience with the game, the Federation team has high hopes. Here's what Mahoro, Secretary of the Incredibly Obvious and chief recruiter of the Federation team, had to say.

[Cut to a shot of a short woman with long blue hair, talking into a microphone]

Mahoro (gives the thumbs-up sign): I think the chances of the Federation team are good!

Rinn (voiceover): Unsurprisingly, voices of other countries are more skeptical. Chris Busch-Walker, starting midfielder for Berner Street, had the following to say:

[Cut to Busch-Walker]

Chris: I've seen their roster. What the heck is Allied Anime Worlds thinking, fielding high-level members cabinet! And what's with that little girl they call a "Colonel" heading up the team?! At least one game's in the bag. HAHAHA!!!

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Rinn: Be sure to support our team by tuning in to INTERSPORTS-3, which will have coverage of the game. And now a word from our sponsor.

[Cut to a commercial for the Federation Military]

Aggressive male voicover: Be all you can be! In the Federation Military!
Young girl voiceover: No really, we mean it!

[Cut to video of then nine-year-old Chio Miyahama as a Sergent, training new recruits]

Voice of Colonel Chio Miyahama: Honores potentibus volentibusque eunt. It means "Official positions go the willing and able."



Chio Miyahama's voice: True meritocracy, the ideal expressed in our Impereal motto, is the oldest and proudest tradition of the Federation. Established over four thousand years ago by Empress Neo-Serenity, you will not find it practiced in our culture better anywhere than in the Federation military. So if you want to be all you can be, visit your local recruiter....[Click!]

[i]The following scene occurs in the FAAW team HQ. Present are Chio Miyahama and President Endymion. The team roster is on the wall

Endymion (examining the roster): So...this is it?

Chio: Yes, sir.

Endymion: Why do I recognize so many of these names?

Chio: It seems that Mahoro did not cast her net as far or as wide as we would have liked, sir.

Endymion: "Far and wide to find the strongest and fastest in the Federation" is what that robot promised me. Colonel Miyahama?

Chio: Yes sir?

Endymion: Next year, you're in charge of recruiting. What the...MAHORO herself is on the roster?!

Chio: Um...yes sir, it appears so, sir.

Endymion: Do they even ALLOW robots to play?!

Chio: I doubt it, sir. I'll have it checked into. We...may be short a player if Mahoro is disqualified.

Endymion: And...a panda. Who authorized a panda? I didn't authroize a panda. Did you authorize a panda? Where did the panda come from?

Chio: I didn't authorize the panda, sir, it was just there when Mahoro gave me the list of players. I'm just putting it on the sidelines for now, I think we can pass it off as our mascot.

Endymion (groans): Whatever. It's been botched up so badly thus far...what the heck. Things have been quiet on the homefront. Have Miss Waters substitute for Mahoro if necessary.

Chio: I think you should look more closely at the roster, Mr. President.

(Endymion looks at the roster more closely, and slowly starts to turn red)

Endymion: I'm going to dismantle that &#%!#($ robot!

(Endymion pulls a pen from his jacket pocket, writes on the the roster, and turns to leave)

Endymion: The rest I leave to you, Colonel.

Chio (salutes): Yes, sir!

The Federation of Allied Anime Worlds is using an agressive 4-3-3 formation.

Head coach:

Col. Chio Miyahama (14): Colonel Miyahama is an expert in espoinage and hand-to-hand combat. She also has significant experience in squad-level tactics, an ability she intends to leverage in this competition.

Forwards:

Lt. Sagara Souske (20): A 'mech pilot and commanding officer of the Federation Elite Assault Company, he brings additional bite to the Federation offensive.

Sgt. Vash Bullherd (19): Known as "The Humanoid Stampede" among his squadmates, he is also also Lt. Souske's wingman. He is the favorite for new commanding officer of the FEAC when Lt. Souske gets promoted. He is especially known for excellent teamwork with Lt. Souske.

Secretary of Defense Raye Sun (20 physical, 5209 chronological): A longtime government official known for her paranoia, and renowned for uncanny ability to spot those who would do harm to the Federation. She is less well known for her athletic ability and martial arts expertise.

Corporal Shinji Ikau (17): Like Col. Miyahama, he is another one of the Federation military's child geniuses. He has self-confidence issues, which makes some wonder why Mahoro recruited him and why Col. Miyahama made him a forward.

Midfielders:

Secretary of Internal Affairs Amy Waters (20 physical, 5209 chronological): Amy Waters is well known for having a keen mind for strategy and trouble with tactics. As a midfielder, whe will try to make "strategic" decisions as to whether to have the midfield move up to strike or back for defense.

Fleet Admiral Emeralds (28): Admiral Emeralds is concerned about Amy's lack of strategic strength and her questionable athleticism. She is even more concerned about the effect of a conflict of personality on the field, and is not likely to challenge Miss Waters' authority. The admiral herself is in top physical condition, and eager to get some action, any action, while the Federation fleet is in drydock.

Undersecretary Umora Shin (24): The protege of Miss Waters, he is enamored with her in more ways than one. Given his lack of sporting experience, how he managed to get on the team is a mystery...but given his knowledge of computers, perhaps it is not too big of one.

Fullbacks:

Ran "Crazy Horse" Mara (23): An expert martial artist, he was "swept up" by Mahoro as she was running frantically around the capital looking for recruits at the last minute. He considers his participation in the World Cup yet one more of a litany of misadventures.

Aki Tenda (22): She is Ran's fiancee. Aki chased Mahoro down and insisted that she too be enrolled in the team to keep Ran "out of trouble." She is starting to think that Ran is seeking out these "misadventures" of his, given their frequency, but can't deny that misadventures have a way of finding her as well.

Yuki Miya (16): As a high school football star, her superb defensive action won her high school a national champtionship. Although she protested that she is underqualified, Mahoro recruited her anyway. She is also the only person who has had any actual football experience, except for President Endymion.

Goalkeeper:

Secretary of the Incredibly Obvious Mahoro (432): A robot who was tasked with recruiting the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds' team. However, many are questioning the thoroughness of her job, given that many of the people she recruited are those who she works with on a day-to-day basis. Although a robot, she does not posess any particularly impressive strength or speed.

Reserves:

Mugen (23): A mysterious martial artist whose name means "unlimited," he practices a powerful and unpredicable style of martial arts. He was "swept up" much in the same way that Ran was.

Gene Wil (22): Traveling companion of Mugen, he is also a master of the art of Aikido. He chased Mahoro down because Mugen had his traveling group's food money.

Fuwa Rin (21): Another traveling companion of Mugen. She is a refined young woman who is incresingly annoyed about the number of distractions on her journey. She claims to be seeking "a swordsman who smells of roses."

Pan-Pan (?): A panda, the national animal of the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds. This particular specimen wears a brass collar that reads "Pan^2." Exactly where Mahoro got authrization to field the animal, much less the animal itself, is unknown.

President Endymion (24 physical, 5219 chronological): The president of the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds. He had himself added to the team because of concerns that Mahoro may be disqualified. He is the only member of the team that has any football experience besides Yuki Miya, but that was two thousand years ago. Nevertheless, he didn't have much training back then either, and his goalkeeping let Neo-Crystal Tokyo eke out a 2-1 victory over Newer York. Unlike all the other names on the roster, which are in twelve-point Times New Roman, President Endymion's name is hand written in blue ink.

Game 1: FAAW vs. Nebuleux
Game 2: FAAW vs. Vuam and Isma
Game 3: FAAW vs. Mr Chuck Norris
Game 4: FAAW vs. Berner Street
Game 5: FAAW vs. Risa-Aramour

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

OOC:

1) Is it okay to "splash" a SMALL amount RP that may not be directly relevant to the tournament, like I did in the newscast?

2) Is it okay to use other people's characters for brief quotes like I did in the newscast? If not, I'll replace it with a generic person.

3) Is it okay to have a robot (with no particular athletic ability) as my goalkeepter? Come on, it will be fun.

Atheistic Right Tribune

"3-way Battle for Survival" by Nathanuel McKeen

The Rejistanian Orange group, the Baptism of Fire Tournament. A tournment where the new soccer nations in the world cut their teeth, sharpen their claws and fight for survival in the cut-throat world of International Soccer. The Archeopteri will face the Green Wombats, talk about something that should be left along the side of the evolutionary road and some Ox worshippers... the people of Qazox. I don't know what is worse? Those weird Ox Worshippers or those that are an affront to the Evolutionary tree. Either way our first matches will be against the Ox worshippers and then followed by the Wombats. We'll show these people just who is on the top of the evolutionary football tree. I am Nathanuel McKeen and that is the long and short of it.

OOC:

1) Is it okay to "splash" a SMALL amount RP that may not be directly relevant to the tournament, like I did in the newscast?

2) Is it okay to use other people's characters for brief quotes like I did in the newscast? If not, I'll replace it with a generic person.

3) Is it okay to have a robot (with no particular athletic ability) as my goalkeepter? Come on, it will be fun.
1: As long as it small.
2: Not really, please check back with the player.
3: Tomatoes, werewolves, Zucchinis, zombies, goats, holograms already existed as players... so yes

Actually, with the way you've made him sound, I doubt Berner Street'll have many complaints.

Yeah, not a problem with how you presented me. :)

((OOC- <sigh can't believe i have to retype this all over again...>))

A host of soccer crazed Tynelian fans swarmed around the Tyr National Airport to send their best wishes towards the Tynelian National Team as they prepared to board their flight to the BoF tournament to prepare for the Wrold Cup 27. Records show that the team will be placed in the Rejistanian Region Orange division and will play its first game against Rorysville. Thousands of fans were at attendence but were well behaved thanks to the machine gun nests and heavily armed security team present at the airport to keep things under control. One fan who was a bit upset over the security complained that they just wanted to learn how to riot like proper soccer fans did. He was taken away by security shortly afterwards.

Before getting on board the Tynelian team coach Marcus O'Meara briefly addressed the adoring crowds.
"People of Tynelia, the best of our best are ready to take on the world to show them just what Tynelians are made of. The hopes and dreams of our nation ride with us and neither me, my coaches or the team will do anything to let our people down.
First we will conquer the Rejistanian orange region, then the BoF and finally the Wolrd Cup. By the time we're finished everyone in the world will have heard of Tynelia and that we're not going to back down to anyone, now or ever. To victory!"

The roar of the crowd was deafening as O'Meara waved and got aboard the plane.

formation 3-4-3 for better flexibility on both offense and defense

G- Amy Whiteworth (24-reserve) A surprise addition to the team Whiteworth took on all comers in the goalkeeper tryouts and took them down one by one. Even goalkeeping legend Vladimar Malloy needed a tiebreaker shootout round to narrowly claim the starter's role over the fiesty Whiteworth who was overwhelmed with joy when she learned she would be on the national squad.
G- Vladimar Malloy (26-starter) the man known as "The Wall" for his ability to seemingly block everything sent his way was the favorite going into the trials and despite a gutsy effort from Whiteworth held on in the final head to head shootout to take the starting job.

F- Jay Masterson (23-starter) the flashy flamboyant Masterson was the league's goal scoring leader for the second straight year. His leading man looks and swagger on the field has led to a rumored soda endorsement deal depending on his efforts on the national scene. Masterson puts the "tack" in attack on the field and is always looking for a chance to put the ball on net.
F- Brian Kenders (22-starter) a teamamte of Masterson, Kenders led the league in assists this season but only managed one goal of his own. Some say this is because of a lack of killer instinct but others claim he's complimenting Masterson perfectly. Kenders is one of the best ballhandlers and passers in the league.
F- Troy Wallace (27-starter) Wallace is a veteran of ten years in the game at some level and is known in the league for his trickery. He always manages to find the seam in an opponnent's defense and takes advantage of that when the defense over responds to a fake attack which usually leaves a teammate wide open. Masterson was said to be thrilled to hear the "Duke of Deke" was going to be on his line.
F-Adam Billington (32- reserve) The oldest member of the team Billington is the man opponnents fear to see step onto the field late in the game. While unable to maintain the pace needed to last an entire game, the man known as the "Sniper" is deadly when a team needs a goal late. Without the need to pace himself for a long stretch Billington is always on the attack and ready to shoot. Despite limite dplaying time the "Sniper" was tied for fourth in goals this season.

M- Mark Jefferson (24-starter) Jefferson is sometimes called the "Mad Middie" as he dashes all over the field both on offense and defense. A recent convert to soccer, the former marathoner lacks the burst speed of other players but is always moving and can track people down from behind on long breakways. While not a scorer, Jefferson makes life hell for opponnents as he seems to turn up around the ball all the time.
M- Brad Collins (25-stater) a quiet intorspective fellow off the field, he is intense on it. Very aggressive, Collins is sometimes caught out of position because of it. he always tries to push the ball upfield rather than pass it back to let his team organize as he thinks this just lets the other team do the same.
M- Jeff Leason (22-starter) The anti-Collins, Leason is willing to sacrifce some scoring in order to stay back and help out defensively. Coach O'Meara claimed that when choosing Leason "Between him and Collins we'll have two normal midfielders." Leason is known to sacrifice his body to make a play is is usally seen after the game dirty and bleeding from some small cuts.
M- Adrian Pytte (27-starter) The league MVP in a narrow vote over Masterson, Pytte missed his second double crown by two goals as he finished second to Masterson in scoring and by one assist to Kenders. The so-called general on the field is well organized and always looks to take advantage of his teammates strengths.
M- Andy Martins (20-reserve) a controversial choice the President's grandson was seen by many as a crass political ploy or cheap propaganda when his name was announced to the team. Martins is a solid all round player but lacks excellence in any particular one. Defending his choice Coach O'Meara said "In this game specialists are fine but if someone gets hurt you want someone out there who can do the job. And if you don't know who's getting hurt then you take the guy who can cover the most areas instead of some shooter trying to replace a defensive specialist."
M- Camden Alexander (29-reserve) Alexander is a good ball handler and passer and also an above average defender. Alexander's selection was seen as a balance to having the Sniper as the extra forward though others wonder if the choice of reserve midfielders is too defensive minded for a tournament like this.

D- John Stossels (25-starter) Stossels is living proof of having "soccer in your blood". Both his parents and his grandfather were all soccer players in their day though national leagues weren't around then. As such Stossels was almost raised on a soccer field and is almost never found out of position or caught off guard. Stossels is the league Defender of the Year and with his teammate "the Wall" led his team to a record lowest goals against average in league history.
D- Karl Jacobs (24-starter) Jacobs is a good ballhandler and usually the one to bring the ball upfield after his team gains posession. He is another one who will give up his body to knock a shot away. Jacobs missed part of the early season with a hamstring injury but is 100% now.
D-Tal Li (19-starter) the youngest member of the team, Li is considered by many to be the heir apparent to Stossels' title as best defender. Rather than turn away from the compettion, Stossels has become a mentor of sorts to the younger player and Li's developmant on defense has improved greatly. Li is by far the fastest man on the team and it is rare to see someone get behind him and stay behind him for any length of time.
D- Sal Prath (28-reserve) the tallest man on the team at 6'6" Prath was sought out by many universities to join their basketball teams, but Prath instead turned to soccer. An exceelent defender, Prath is a nightmare for orner kickers who must alter their shots to account for Prath's height or risk him heading it away from the shorter offensive squad. Prath has turned this knack into an art form and has turned many beautiful headers into a breakway pass to one of his forwards or midfielders.

[[OOC]]
My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y as long as its not like "The entire Tynelian team trips over its own feet while <soandso> dances by and dumps the ball into the empty net" ;)
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
[[OOC]]

"Sir... would you take a look at this!!" said Lt. Latias.

"What is it now, Lt. another peacenik complaining that our guns hurt a duck or something?" replied Generallisimo Uarez.

"Our Soccer team is being slandered in the foreign press!!" she replied.

"let me take a look" answered the Generallisimo.

Atheistic Right Tribune

"3-way Battle for Survival" by Nathanuel McKeen

The Rejistanian Orange group, the Baptism of Fire Tournament. A tournment where the new soccer nations in the world cut their teeth, sharpen their claws and fight for survival in the cut-throat world of International Soccer. The Archeopteri will face the Green Wombats, talk about something that should be left along the side of the evolutionary road and some Ox worshippers... the people of Qazox. I don't know what is worse? Those weird Ox Worshippers or those that are an affront to the Evolutionary tree. Either way our first matches will be against the Ox worshippers and then followed by the Wombats. We'll show these people just who is on the top of the evolutionary football tree. I am Nathanuel McKeen and that is the long and short of it.

Qazox City Herald
'I hope the Qazian Ox takes a $#!t on their Wombat's head and makes it eat the $#!t.' According to the Hoofaran Book 7 verses 7 thru 10; 'May all wombats and all wombat-like animals be exterminated with much vigor. Those vile, smelly, inbred creatures shall not and will not be allowed to step where the Holy Ox has stepped. Any and all of My People shall violently and with great haste quicken the end of all who look like, are or support wombats.

"That's it. Get the whole military ready we're going to war!" the Gererallisimo bellowed after reading the papers.

"But, um, sir, we only have 6 people left in the military. We sent the other 19 people in the military to Rejistania for the BoF. There's only you, me and those 4 weirdoes in the lab." Lt. Latias replied.

"Damn, well just send out a letter to the Daily News that we vehemently deny that we were left behind on the path of evolution and that we will not eat $#!t, but eat oxen." ordered Generallisimo Uarez.

As Lt. Latias left to post the order, Generallisimo Uarez sat in his chair and muttered to himself; "I wish that we could use our wombats, but the stupid President won't let me. Maybe if i had those weirdoes attach a laser to the wombat's heads or something...."

TSCOF Alligators Roster


Goalies
# 6 Alex Sandio [District FC] (Averages 0.1 GAPG)
# 28 Perry Plunket [U-Team]( Averages .8 GAPG)
# 10 J.C Smith [North Citrus] (Highist Goalie taken in SCSL Draft)

Forwards
#8 Dean Law [District FC](the reson Inverness Federal may not win 4 straight Lime Cups)
#11 Jason Yeffler [Inverness Federal](Part of the greatist 1-2 punch in SCSL History)
#7 Barry Owens [OMNI](bright spot in otherwise Dismal team)
#1 Rolf Hamstienburger [Inverness Federal](Other part of the greatist 1-2 punch in SCSL history)
#30 Jorge Caspar [Watersprings FC](Best active Hispanic Player in the SCSL)
#12 Lazarus Lawson [U-Team](Only player to play all 14 season in the league)
#85 Ricardo Peliez [Bristol United{TONISSIA}](First SC Player to play Intl)
#15 Bejion Freise [DCFC] (Scored 5 goals in a game 3 years ago)

Middies

#3 Landry Blake [U-Team] (scored two goals in a game as a MIDDIE!)
#4 Alex Rehe [Capital FC] (Capitals greatist Middie)
#13 Rhoads Jacobson [Inverness Federal](2003 ROTY)
#27 Julio Duarbez [Palm FC](Palm FC would be losing 13-0 with out his defensive play
#16 Devon Hanson [Bartow Union] (Bartow's only WC Selection)
#0 Nate Jalari [Innerbay SC] (Best defensive Middie in the league)

Defensive Player

#19 Marquell Dackett (U of SCOF) (only Colliegate player selected)
#23 Zeffner Hasqi [Lakeland A-Star] (Defensive player ROTY 1995)
#18 Lulientez Majaras [Mutiny] (Defensive ROTY 1999)
#25 Paul Jesse [Inverness Federal] ( big part of InFeds 3 straight championships0


Starting line up

G Sandio
F Law
F owens
F Hamstienburger
F yeffler
M Blake
M Rehe
M Jacobson
M Durbuarez
D Dackett
D Hasqi

This intrepid reporter was sent deep into the heart of Atheistic Right to find the answer to this question. But most people of that country hadn't even heard of an Archeopteri, let alone knew what it was. I then asked some other people in that country how they thought their team would do in the BoF Soccer Tourney and most of the populace replied "What the Archeopteri is Soccer??" So as far as this reporter is concerned the Atheistic Right is all-in-all a weird country.

Two days later i found myself deep within enemy territory at the capital city (and building) of Green Wombat...the Hexagon. I heard some muttering about laser guided wombats and 6-foot tall wombat tanks, but I thought the person muttering those words must of been an escaped mental patient or something. I bravely asked to speak with the leader of Green Wombat Generalissimo Uarez, and to my absolute shock he agreed to speak with me, a member of the hated Qazox nation. i then found out it was Himself muttering about those 6 foot tall wombats and missle laden wombats. i excused myself and drove back to Qazox as fast as i could. Those Green Wombats are very very very much insane.

Stay tuned to the 2nd half of my report.

Kyle Cartman

The acceptance into the Baptism of Fire, and the possibility of qualification for the World Cup has shoved all other sporting discussions to one side. Except for some small scale multinational play , New Preussen's most notable soccer success to date was then the national team SV Wirbelsturm took the Sunbelt Region by surprise in a stunning defeat over the notoriously tough Caselonian Red Army Team.

Wirbelsturm did not advance beyond the quarter finals of the regional tournament hosted by Trotsgrad, Despite this, the games were the highest rated television Program in the entire Kingdom,

This held true even when games were aired during the early afternoon hours, where soap operas and talk shows are normally the most popular An afternoon match even drew a larger audience than the
favorite daytime soup, "Why doesn't the German speaking man understand what Women Want",

The Preussische liga, New Preussen's premiere Fußball league, noting Wirbelsturm's struggles in the latter part of the tourney have spent the last several months recruiting talent from it's member clubs , and elsewhere.

A roster has not yet been released, due to ongoing negotiations with some players agents.

Even as these discussions went on behind closed doors a public row has arisen over the fact that one of New Preussen's opponents, Haraki, may field a team of both men and women. Haraki is one of the teams in the Legalese region, Red Group.

Prussichliga President F.N. Furter during a press conference was asked about the Haraki lineup. He responded that ' There are men's and women's leagues for soccer at n all levels.
Professional Women's Soccer's not as popular. but it is growing. We are only beginning to venture into International Cup[ play, and I have no doubt women's teams will soon be doing the same.


We are concerned that females playing against males, particularly in some of the more...aggressive matches might be hurt if their strength, mass or size are significantly less than that of their male opponents. .

If we are respect the status of female players, it would be wrong to not treat them as well or roughly as we would any male opponent. I must confess, at the national or even regional level we have never encountered a mixed gender team.. We will be seeking some clarification from Haraki as well as the host nation and those officiating on what rules if any apply in such situations."

" The Spaamians , coming from a venerable and powerful nation in the Heartland. We expect they will prove a formidable opponent
New Preussen has not really had any involvement in sports events with the other nations in the Red group, so Wiebelstrurm will have tio be quick to adapt to new tactics.

I can confirm that Uwe Blab will be the manager for Wirbelsturm. Once negotiations are concluded and the roster complete, I am sure he will be happy to help keep the press informed of our team's progress.

We have heard that some of the other teams may have some....unusual players. However we have not yet been able to confirm press accounts of non--human players participating in the Baptism of Fire Tourneys in the past. We've all heard the glorious accounts of Liverpool England's experiences in World cup competitions back in the Heartland but there is a great deal unknown to us. Our players are in for an ...interestin time, with a steep learning curve. "

In the question and answer session following the statment, the league President offered no new information, refusing to speculate on likely players or other matters.


or[[OOC]]
My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
Within reason i.e. Tynolia's caveat in his post.
RP orGodmod 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
Work with me via email or otheer agreed method to put together a joint post y
and/or make suggestions in a similar manner
Yes. I can use the help.

The Berner Street News flashes onto the television in the locker room of The Fighting Norris:
"I'm more than confident of winning most of our games," said a clearly cocky (or ill informed) Walker-Bush, "Although Chuck Norris might be tough. I've heard good things about him".

Watching this, players around the locker room begin to complain.
"What's Chuck Norris got that I haven't"? Asks defender Scottest Hovest.
"A stunningly well-kept beard and tears that cure cancer". Replies midfielder Allen Price.
"And don't forget to mention a Roundhouse Kick that will probably produce most of our goals". Adds midfielder Randy Cross.

Bob Janney enters the room and the bickering stops.
"It doesn't matter what Chuck can or can't do, we've got our first game ever tommorow, so let's at least try to give a team effort".

The team packs up their stuff and begin to head home to get a good nights rest.

"Where do you think you're going"!? Yells Janney from accross the locker room. "I just said we've got a game tommorow"! "We're practicing until midnight tonight"!

"But coach, that'll bring us to a nine hour practice. We'll all be dead tired by the match tommorow". Whines defender Grode Miller.

"Well the manual says to maximize practice before games, so we'll practice until midnight"! Exclaims Janney as the team went back out onto the field for more practice.

When asked what manual Coach Janney was referring to, he showed us his copy of "Football for Dummies” and confidently said:
"This and this alone will lead us to World Cup success".

"Sir, this just came in from Tynelia one of our competors in the BoF!!" Lt. Latias said as she rushed in from the International House of Poor Spying.

"What does it say?" asked Generallisimo Uarez, looking up from the flying-wombat bomb on of the weirdoes had just given him.



Before getting on board the Tynelian team coach Marcus O'Meara briefly addressed the adoring crowds.
"People of Tynelia, the best of our best are ready to take on the world to show them just what Tynelians are made of. The hopes and dreams of our nation ride with us and neither me, my coaches or the team will do anything to let our people down.
First we will conquer the Rejistanian orange region, then the BoF and finally the Wolrd Cup. By the time we're finished everyone in the world will have heard of Tynelia and that we're not going to back down to anyone, now or ever. To victory


"Hmmmmm, looks like the competion is getting stronger and wants the same as us.. to conquer the world." the generallisimo replied after reading the news. "I guess that I'll have to head to Rejistania myself to ensure our dreams come true. Also did you kill that freaking Ox-loving reporter from Qazox?"

"No Sir" answered Latias. "He just got past our border when the 10-ft Mecha-Wombat got there to kill him."

"Oh well, maybe he'll be stupid enough to go to Rejistania and I'll just kill him there." said Uarez "Pack my bags and tell the weirdoes they got the weekend off."

Go Mariners! The Kelsian National Football Team

Santa Monica, KEL - After an intense session in the meeting room at the Ministry of Athletics and Culture in Downtown Santa Monica, the group of sports analysts, MAC members, and the new national coach, Rafael Centino, the roster for the first ever Kelsian National Football Team has been released to the general public. The team will begin International play in the Pre-World Cup 27's Baptism of Fire. Nicknamed the Mariners, the team is comprised of the best players in La Liga Di Kelsia, the premier national football team. They are...

Goalies
# 77 Alfonso Alvarez [26] - Barisi Rangers
# 05 Lucas Sepulveda [23] - Savona Strike
# 36 Aaron Maro [25] - Catania Crusade

Forwards
# 21 Julio Espinoza [23] - Santa Monica Mariners
# 07 Mateo Ferraro [19] - Santa Monica Mariners
# 15 Carlos Santena [24] - Salerno Seahawks
# 53 Francisco Torres [22] - Verona Senators
# 37 Ceasar Lazaro [27] - Torino Tribe
# 12 Sergio Taluna [25] - Barisi Rangers
# 08 Kaseo Moreno [32] - Malatia Wild
# 46 Alondro Vidal [27] - Palermo Avalanche

Midfielders
# 69 Noeh Martinez [20] - Salerno Seahawks
# 38 Alejo San Marca [23] - Verona Senators
# 06 Seato Enzo [21] - Torino Tribe
# 12 Puga Capuleti [24] - Malatia Wild
# 25 Darelli Monichelli [26] - Livornio Lightning
# 10 Luka Cedrello [27] - Verona Senators

Defenders
# 17 Pilot Scantrelli [23] - Isola Islanders
# 57 Antonio Prima [31] - Cagliari Royals
# 28 Mateo Millironi [26] - Catania Crusade
# 52 Polo Hidalgo [29] - Santa Monica Mariners

Starting line up
G Alvarez
F Espinoza
F Ferraro
F Santena
M Martinez
M San Marca
M Enzo
M Capuleti
D Scantrelli
D Prima
D Millironi

The team will play their international debut against Priggdom tomorrow, which will be broadcasted live across the country on Atletica De Lux, channel 15 in the greater Santa Monica area. Elsewhere, please check your local listings. Kelse was drawn into the Black Group, against Imperial Moose, TheSuncoastofFlorida, Algal states, Priggdom, and Obsidianus. Although the team does not know too much about the other teams style of play, they are confident and feel that under the leadership of Rafael Centino, they can snag a spot high enough to get them into the next round.

Go Mariners!

As the final pregame workout concluded some reporters cornered Coach O'Meara and began peppering him with questions as he reached the press Conference area.

"Coach O'Meara what do you think about the war of words taken place in the Orange region to date?" asked Jim Doe of the Generic Press Association

"Well, i think this is good for the game. Some back and forth rivalries helps add drama to these games. Personally i hope it keeps up. With Qazok, Atheistic Right and Green Wombat all going at each other in the press it will hopefully get them to overlook us when it comes time for us to play them. But for now Rorysville is all we're concerned with. We need to win this game before we can worry about the others." O'Meara replied.

"What about concerns that you were paid off to include your president's grandson on your team?" asked Maria Ollivio from the Real Press Espanola

"Let me just say that Andy Martins has heard this over and over again while growing up. Andy is a fine all-round player finishing in the top 15 in both scoring and assists while playing solid defense. In fact the more people doubt him, it just fires him up more to prove them wrong. With the world watching i'm sure Andy is ready to step and and show the world that he does belong just like the rest of our team." O'Meara answered.

"Brenna Leiason from Sports personalities weekly. What our readers wish to know. Is Jay Masterson seeing anyone?"

Chuckling Coach O'Meara replied "Well that's not for me to say. I will say that he is indeed single but at the moment his focus is on the BoF and getting Tynelia to the top."

"Coach O'Meara, on behalf of Wildlife Monthly our readers wonder just how a your national animal the ferret will stand up to a wombat an an ox?" asked Trent Hill.

"Well Mr...Hill was it? Since no ferret, wombat or ox will actaully be playing the game i don't see how that question really matters. But to answer you the ferret is a very clever animal and would surely outsmart the other two if it came to that." pausing for effect he added, "after all a ferret's a lot smaller than either of the other ones, it better be smarter if it's going to survive."

"One last question if you please Coach. Is Karl Jacobs really at 100% following his hamstring injury and can he last the entire tournament?" asked Sid Lansing of World Sports Today.

"Ah finally another soccer realted question. If Jacobs wasn't 100% he wouldn't be here. He'll be fine and because this is a long tournament i plan to use my reserves to full effect to keep everyone fresh for the long haul and to give our reserves valuable game experience in case someone does get hurt." O'Meara answered.

As more reporters raised their hands to ask more questions O'meara interrupted them saying. "That's all for now people, i need to get ready for the game. Thank you."

"Welcome back to Channel Sport, Legalese's premier sports network. The Baptism of Fire tournament is well underway, with Matchday 1 currently ongoing here in Legalese, with a later start in Rejistania. Since we will be showing matches later today, we're going to give you all the results here, with no sound, so those of you who don't want to know them yet, might want to turn away from the screen momentarily."

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 1 Results

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [1] - [1] Obsidianus
Kelse [2] - [0] Priggdom
TheSuncoastofFlorida [1] - [1] Algal states

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 3 1 0 0 2:0 2
2. Imperial Moose 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
TheSuncoastofFlorida 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
Algal states 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
Obsidianus 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
6. Priggdom 0 0 0 1 0:2 -2

Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [1] - [2] New Preussen
Haraki [1] - [0] Georgeonia
Becquerelia [3] - [1] Popolus

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Becquerelia 3 1 0 0 3:1 2
2. New Preussen 3 1 0 0 2:1 1
3. Haraki 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
4. Spammanian Plijous 0 0 0 1 1:2 -1
5. Georgeonia 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
6. Popolus 0 0 0 1 1:3 -2

LORAX CITY Channel 3 news

This intrepid reporter spent 5 days and 6 nights traveling to the last 3 countries Qazox will play in the BoF. and what I found was nothing. The countries CR Oscilloscopes and Rorysville had their borders closed to outsiders due to a quaratine or rampaging fires or blustery blizzards. That's what the Soldiers gaurding the borders said and i'm not gonna argue with someone holding an Ak-47 at my head.

In Tynelia, I was shocked to find out that the press over there couldn't even spell our Most Serene Republic's name correctly. i was so shocked at the blasphemy that i had to leave.

I'm now on my way to Rejistania to follow the Black Oxen in the BoF. I will be reporting on the fans of our and other countries as to help our Most Serene Republic learn what makes them tick.

This has been Kyle Cartman, Lorax City Channel 3 News.

"Hejida listeners from all over the world. You are listening to TV-Esuvortu, the premier rejistanian sports network! The matches started a bit later here in the Rejis due to the Si Jejenes celebrations of the inikresaists in Rejistania, but they did finish now... Mesu'iln!"

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 1 Results

Rejistania Region

Orange Group
Qazox - Atheistic Right: 1:0
Green wombat CR Oscilloscopes: 3:0
Rorysville - Tynelia: 0:1


Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Green wombat 3 1 0 0 3:0 3
2. Qazox 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
Tynelia 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
4. Rorysville 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
Atheistic Right 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 1 0:3 -3


Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds - Nebuleux: 1:0
Berner Street - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:1
Vuam and Isma - Risa-Aramour: 1:0


Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
Vuam and Isma 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
3. Berner Street 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
5. Risa-Aramour 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
Nebuleux 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1

"Lt. Latias are you there!?!" bellowed Generallisimo Uarez into his cell-phone.

"Yes, Sir I'm here, must be the time difference or something, but how did our team do today sir?" She replied watching the monitors, making sure the weirdoes didn't blow up the Hexagon with their experiments.

"We beat the CR Scopes 3-nil. in the 24th minute Warrent Officer June scored a goal on a cross in front of the net off a corner kick. then in the 48th minute, Airman 1st Class Scobey scored on a Penalty Kick after ensign Graves was taken down hard in the box. and our last goal was scored by Ensign Graves in the 77th minute. Private 1st Class Johnson made 4 save in goal." Uarez told her. "i'm still looking for that freaking reporter, i heard he was in the Qazox Match but i couldn't get a ticket."

"oh, well sir, you'll run into him soon enough" Lt. Latias replied. "i gotta go sir, the weirdoes are burning something downthere."

QAZOX DAILY NEWS
We won our 1st ever international match earlier today against the atheistic right. the lone goal was scored by Andrew Mason in the 75th minute. the match was mostly played in the midfield between the two evenly matched teams. every attack was countered and every counter attack was re-countered. in the 75th minute Andrew Mason recieved a pass from his twin brother Anthony Mason and blasted it by the Atheistic's Keeper Eagle for the only goal of the match.

Goals:
Andrew Mason (1)




Baptism of Fire
Matchday 1 Results

Rejistania Region

Orange Group
Qazox - Atheistic Right: 1:0
Tynelia - Rorysville: 1:0
Green Wombat - CR Oscilloscopes: 3:0
Here are the current standings in our group and region after 1 match:


Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Green wombat 3 1 0 0 3:0 3
2. Qazox 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
Tynelia 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
4. Rorysville 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
Atheistic Right 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 1 0:3 -3


Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds - Nebuleux: 1:0
Berner Street - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:1
Vuam and Isma - Risa-Aramour: 1:0


Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
Vuam and Isma 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
3. Berner Street 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
5. Risa-Aramour 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
Nebuleux 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1

Mr Chuck Norris 1 (Chuck Norris 51)
Berner Street 1 (Tommy O'Reilly 48)

Celebrations broke out in cities all around The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris today as the scores of Matchday 1 were announced. The television news program flashed:
"Onto sports, the Fighting Norris have managed to tie Berner Street in their first match ever". "The first half was long and uneventful with Berner Street dominating possesion of the ball 33 minutes to 12". "The Fighting Norris only managed to pull off two shots on goal (both by forward OJ Pimson), only to see both of them easily deflected". "Berner Street, on the other hand, gave Norrisian Goalkeeper Mr. Bednarik quite a workout, shooting a total of 9 shots on goal". "Mr. Bednarik's hockey goalkeeping skills proved to be effective, as he didn't let a single shot go by". "However, the second half opened with a bang. Berner Street's Midfielder 'Razorblade' Bob Holly launched a perfectly placed pass downfield to forward Tommy O'Reilly who easily put the ball in for a score at minute 48". "To everyone's surprise, The Fighting Norris came right back after a nice save by Mr. Bednarik. Defender Scottest Hovest made a nice pass accross field to Midfielder Zach Brickhouse who immeadiatly ceded the ball to Forward OJ Pimpson. Pimpson proceeded to fire an incredibly hard shot on goal only to find it deflected out of bounds by Berner Street's premier goalkeeper Lorraine Ekin. The following corner kick showed the true power of Chuck Norris. The kick was deflected off Berner Street's defender Chris Walker-Bush and right into the wheelhouse of Chuck Norris, who proceeded to execute a perfectly accurate roundhouse kick ripping the ball in for a score at minute 51". "The remaining minutes of the match were a stalemate rarely seen in football. Both defenses held so strong that there were actually no more shots on goal the entire match". "Fans from both sides were found booing both teams after the game for such a terrible ending to an intense beginning of the second half". "Talking to the Fighting Norris head coach Bob Janney, he had only this to say after the match":

"IT'S A DRAW! IT'S A DRAW! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! WE DID IT!"

"Clearly, he was pleased with the outcome of the match".

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris 1 vs. Berner Street 1
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Risa-Aramour
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Allied Anime Worlds
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Vuam and Isma
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Nebuleux

For Immediate Release

Obsidianus Amber & Obsidian side tests its mettle agasint Imperial Moose

Legalese - 15 February, 1952 v1 - Obsidianus' newly formed football club has just completed its first match against Imperial Moose. Despite the lack of star forward Ukko Hirviirakastaja, who recused himself on religious grounds from facing a hoofed opponent, The Amber & Obsidian were able to stave off a fierce antlered attack in the final minutes of the match to hold onto a 1:1 result. While a draw may not be a cause for rejoicing, citizens of Obsidianus expressed satisfaction with their team's initiation to the Baptism of Fire tournament.

The lone goal for the A&O came in the 33rd minute from Aimo Kuumakeitto racing in along the right sideline.

Coach Pekka P. Necropolis is using a somewhat archaic 4-2-4 formation, relying on the endurance, speed and skill of his players to make up for the empty midfield.

Obsidiaani, Obsidianus- 15 February, 1952 v1 - Coach Necropolis had little trouble choosing his team members from the ranks of the Obsidianus Defense Forces. However, there is a heated controversy over tryouts for the team mascot, Pikkusaukko the Shaming Otter. Thousands of Obsidianites made the trip to Obsidiaani for the open tryouts bedecked in faux otter fur and various prosthetics, hoping to gain the honor. Unable to accomodate the huge turnout, the unfortunate sargent in charge of picking the mascot was assaulted with thousands of shaming looks from the crowd of Pikkusaukko wannabes. Things later got out of hand as the shaming soon extended to rival applicants and even to hapless passers-by. The city has still not recovered from the depressive funk that resulted, and no one has yet been named as mascot. A brief release from the Defense Office states, however, that several worthy countenances were noted from outside of shaming range by means of a digital camera with a telephoto lens.

Popular demand for A&O kit has run high throughout the nation. As per law, the designs were released under an open license freely available for any and all who wish to manufacture A&O clothing, commerative items and so forth. Sales figures are reported to be stellar.

Home Kit (http://www.ursus-lente.org/obsidianus_home_kit.png)

Away Kit (http://www.ursus-lente.org/obsidianus_away_kit.png)

Roster for Obsidianus Amber & Obsidian

Head Coach: Captain Pekka P. Necropolis

Goalkeepers:

#1 Ari Saari [starter]
#2 Lemmi Soinen
#3 Janne Kahmiainen

Forwards

#5 Ukko Hirviirakastaja [starter]
#7 Lounis Lounispoika [starter]
#11 Riisi Piirakka
#13 Pekka D. Necropolis
#17 Kalle Seitsemästoista [starter]
#19 Timo Järvi [starter]
#23 Aimo Kuumakeitto

Midfielders

#29 Valentin Pykkonen [starter]
#31 Mati Ikseisoisa
#37 Eetu Waltari
#41 Roope Potkinopeasti [starter]

Defenders

#43 Eduardo Castillo-Zaragoza [starter]
#47 Mies Itseperhe [starter]
#53 Pontus Saarisalo
#59 Antti Häpeillen
#61 Osmo Televaisuudesta [starter]
#67 Yrjö Kasvissyöja [starter]
#71 Outo Vauvapaa


My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y
but please, RESPECT THE SHAMING OTTER!

A news-styled introduction theme was played over a logo showing the outline of Atheistic Right and the words "Sports Daily - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News" on the Television screen of one of Atheistic Rights local network

<Cut to the studio with two men behind a desk and the same image in the top right corner of the screen as the Logo>

"Welcome to Sports Daily - Your fitest for survival Sport news, I'm Charles" - Charles

"and I am Darwin, welcome to the show. Our main story tonight... The Baptism of Fire, Match day number 1" - Darwin

<The image behind them changed to a logo with fire and the letters "BoF" on it>

"So Darwin, how did the Archeopteri go in the Baptism of Fire today?" - Charles

"Not well, Charles, not well at all." - Darwin

"Don't tell me we Drew with those crazy, lunatic Ox Worshipers?" - Charles

"I'm afraid it's worse than that Charles, when you are up against people as crazy as these Ox Worshipers, it's only logical that the sane team wins." - Darwin

"What do you mean, Darwin?" - Charles

"Well.. the simple fact is Charles, that we lost, against them." - Darwin

"Surely not, that defies logic of course those Ox Worshippers lost." - Charles

"Said to say it, but we did, they scored the only accepted goal of the game and it was 1-0, we lost Charles." - Darwin

"Okay... let's now have a look at the only accepted goal... It was in the 75th minute... with only 15 minutes left remaining on the clock." - Charles

<cut to the video>

"Anthony Mason has the ball" went the commentator... "and here comes Spider, obviously preparing to tackle the Midfielder, Anthony passes, avoiding the tackle.. The pass is solidly to his twin Brother, Andrew Mason. He's in a more of a Forward position than a midfielder, either way, almost immeadiately after recieving the ball he takes shot on the goal. The ball goes like a bullet, but still Eagle manages to ... oh no, the ball went virtually straight up and back. Eagle recovered the ball quickly, but was it quick enough. The Qazox team are petitioning the referee for a goal.. and the whistle blows, The Qazox team has been awarded a goal.

<Cut back to the studio>

"As you can see the goal was controversial... in fact in my opinion it should not have been awarded at all." - Darwin

"Yes, very controversial considering the video replay shows that the ball was clearly never in the goal." - Charles

(This was infact not true, the video replay showed the ball *just* went inside the goal mouth, even so they didn't actually show the video replay of the goal.)

"So was their anything else of interest during the match?" - Darwin

"Yes, and more controversy.... let's have a look at this video... It's in the 32nd minute of play." - Charles

<Cut to the video>

"BADGER has the ball... after a failed attack by the Qazox team" stated the commentator "He's making his way through the midfield passing onto Ant who then lobbed it over the defense to Scorpion who was way down the field... Off-side, the whistle blew..."

<<Cut back to the Studio>

"Cleary he was ON-side you can see a defender standing right next to him..." - Darwin

"Well, obviously the referee disagreed, we would have easily scored a goal then, if the referees allowed Scorpion to continue play as they should have." - Charles

"That's all from us at Sports Daily, for now. See you tomorrow." - Charles

"Yes.. and remember Sports Daily - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News. See you then." - Darwin

The news studio fades to black and as the journalists shuffle their papers and talk among themselves.

[A splashscreen depicts the letters "SNN" is silver]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network. Bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

[Cut to the newsroom]

Female anchor: Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa, and fully recovered. My fans, thank you for your well-wishes and concern. Today in sporting news, we have the Baptism of Fire game between the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds and the elusive Nebuleux.

[Footage giving an overview of the field, pre-game. The Federation players are in silver with gold trim, while the Nebuleux team wears generic uniforms. Fans in the stand carry huge banners that say "We (heart) President Endymion!", "Amy Waters rulez!", "Go get 'em sir! -Federation Elite Assault Company", &c.]

Miko voice over: Who are the players from Nebuleux? Who organized the team? What are the attitudes of their players and management? All of these questions went unaswered as the Nubuleux team took the field.

[Footage of the game itself, with one of the Nebuleux fullbacks in control of the ball]

Miko voice over: But did the Nebuleux team devote more time to practice than they did to press releases?

[Sagara Souske takes the ball from the fullback and passes the ball to Vash Bullherd, who kicks the ball in. The crowd goes wild.]

Miko voice over: Apparently not. Sargeant Vash Bullherd scored the only goal at 43:12. Some fans are ecstatic about the victory.

[Cut to an excited female soccer fan wearing a T-shirt with Endymion's face]

Fan: The Federation's going all the way! Today Nebuleux, tomorrow Vuam and Isma, then the Baptism of Fire and all the way to the World Cup! Wooo!!!

Miko voice over: While others are more reserved, most notably our President.

[Cut to President Endymion in the FAAW locker room]

Endymion: The Nebuleux team was a total joke.

[A panda with a collar that says "Pan^2" walks across the background, looks at the camera, and walks on.]

Endymion: They were unpracticed, unprepared, and unimpressive, while we were merely unimpressive. They didn't seriously challenge our defenders even once. And given how much of a shambles Nebuleux's defense was, the fact that we didn't score three or even four goals is a very bad sign. Vuam and Isma, our next opponent, is more or less in the same boat that Neubelux was. They haven't even posted a team roster, so I can only conclude that their team isn't fully finalized. I'm much, much more concerned about our day three game against Mr. Chuck Norris, and our day four game against Berner Street. We have some time to get ready, but we've still got a long way to go before we can seriously face down a major competitor.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: In an attempt to shed some light on why a country would not even post a roster, we have sent a reporter, Rinn Surrogate, to Vuam and Isma. Rinn?

[Split screen, with Miko on the left and Rinn on the right. Under Miko, a caption reads "Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3," and under Rinn, a caption reads "Vuam and Isma"]

Rinn Surrogate: I'm here in the Constitutional Monarchy of Vuam and Isma, trying to find the people responsible for fielding their team. They have not even posted a roster, so I don't even have any leads. After spending a few hours at the tourist bureau getting the run-around, I have taken to the streets asking random people questions.

Miko (joking): So, you think a foreign reporter asking random people about the world cup game is going to garner some attention from local officials, hopefully those in charge of their team?

Rinn: I can only hope, Miko, I can only hope. You would not believe the routine they gave me at the tourist bureau.

Miko: Well, good luck with your search, Rinn.

Rinn: Thank you, Miko.

[Cut back to regular view of the newsroom]

Miko: Despite the matter of the Mondothian array being tabled indefinately by the Federation council, Secretary of Defense Raye Sun is still investigating the high-powered radio array for hostile activity between football practice and her normal duties. Here's what she had to sa...[Click!]

Edit: Completed a thought
Edit2: Spelling

Mariners Win International Debut!

LEGALESE - Greetings from the Baptism of Fire, in beautiful Legalese! The first day of international play for Kelse resulted in a great day for the country, winning by a score of 2-0 against Priggdom. After ninety full minutes of play, forwards Matteo Ferrado of the Santa Monica Mariners and back-up Ceaser Lazaro of the Torino Tribe scored both early in the second half to lead the Mariners to a lead at number one in the Black Group.

The game started slowly, with no shots on goal until around the 23rd minute of play, when Julio Espinoza of the Santa Monica Mariners attempted a shot from out from the penalty arc, hitting the crossbar to later be caught by the Priggdomian Goalkeeper. A few scares came around the 35th minute of play as forwards from Priggdom got into the penalty box, however in each attempt Pilot Scantrelli of the Isola Islanders managed to return the ball upfield. The half came and went, and in the second quarter at the 62nd minute, things looked up as Mateo Ferraro went passed defenders to get a straight shot into the center of the goal, suprising the goalkeeper. Ten minutes later back-up forward Ceaser Lazaro headed a corner kick into the top corner of the goal, giving the Mariners a lead of 2-0. The second half soon ended, and after two minutes of continued play the game was over. The win propelled Kelse to the top of their league, over the five other teams.

The team will play their second game against Obsidianus tomorrow, which will be broadcasted live across the country on Atletica De Lux, channel 15 in the greater Santa Monica area. Elsewhere, please check your local listings. Obsidianus is one of the only teams in the group that coach Centino sees a threat in getting in the way of Kelse going into the next round. In an interview, he said "Tomorrow we've simply got to play our best game, we can't do anything wrong. Obsidianus looks like a really good team, and we can't take any chances, we must win. If we win tomorrow, I think we're pretty much set to the rest round."

Somewhere on the coast of North Algal States

A reporter tracks down the algal states minister of sport for council 1 Robert Foster well he's inspecting his aquaculture farm.
-"Sir, a moment of your time please. Nicole Deveau channel 2 news. I'd just like a comment from you regarding the epiphytes opening day tie with The Suncoast of Florida in the baptism of fire tournament in Legalese."
-He looks upset that he's been disturbed but puts on his politician hat," well I think it's a promising start. Albert Cormier looked a little nervous at the start when he let in that easy goal in the 3rd minute, but he settled down nicely and didn't let anything else in and the defence was perfect as always. Louis Amirault made a nice pass to set up his brother Thomas in the 50th minute to tie it at one, that goal was just a perfect example of how talented the Amirault brothers are.Remember that the epiphytes opened the maple-taco cup with a 1-1 draw and went on to win their next 4 games. In conclusion I should say that we as a government trust Coach Theriault completely to make sure that the players on the national team perform to the best of their abilities."
-Ms. Deveau replies,"Thank you sir for taking the time to speak with me"
-"One moment, I was wondering why did you come to me for this comment? shouldn't you be in Legalese to cover the team so that you can get statements from coach theriault? he is much more qualified than I am." inquired the minister.
-"well sir, our station gets its funding from your department and you turned down our requests for a travel budget for this tournament."replied the reporter
-"I did! that doesn't sound like me, must of been a clerical error. Well, we will have to fix that. I think I can free up some funding from council 2s' sports budget and have you there by the third game. We can also set up a conference call with the coach for after the second game." said the minister
-"Thank you sir and long live the dichotomy" said nicole in parting.
-"The Great Dichotomy!" intoned the minister.
-"well, that should keep the masses happy until the next election."said the minister under his breath as the reporter walked away, "Maybe now they'll leave me alone during my vacation."
-"pardon" shouted nicole over her shoulder.
-"nothing" he shouted back.

... Spanky ducks under a clumsy attempted clothesline from Malechai and hits a dropsault, sending the bigger man staggering back into the ropes. The fans are going nuts as Spanky begins to chop away at Malechai's broad chest, battling back after being dominated for the last five minutes of combat. Could the small man be able to end Malechai's impressive run of wins and retain his World Championship?

Spanky's backed Malechai into the corner but in an instant Malechai is back in control, charging out of the corner and nearly turning the champion inside out with a brutal right arm lariat. Cover.

1

2

NO! Spanky kicks out! Spanky kicks out! How on earth did he find the strength to do that!? Malechai pounds the mat in frustration but doesn't let the setback deter him, locking Spanky in a sleeper hold. Spanky's eyes light up with terror as he realises the predicament he's in and he struggles to his feet despite Malechai's immense strength. The fans are rallying behind the charismatic champion but he's in a world of trouble here. Nobody's ever been able to break Malechai's dreaded Still Birth. The referee lifts Spanky's arm once.

It drops.

Twice.

It drops.

Thrice.

IT STAYS UP! Spanky isn't out of this one yet! He begins to send elbows into Malechai's midsection and the hold is broken. He quickly locks his own arms around Malechai's neck and begins to run for the corner. SLICED BREAD #2!!!! Spanky throws an exhausted arm across Malechai's chest.

1

2

3

The crowd goes ballistic! Spanky has defeated the unstoppable Malechai to retain the Berner Street Wrestling World Title!

"This is a great day for Berner Street," says lead commentator R.C, "This is perhaps the greatest sporting achievement in our nation's history".

"Simply breath-taking. Such a huge victory will echo around the world," interjects the colour commentator, Jimmy Jo Dribble, "Nothing could top this".

As the crowd celebrate with Spanky atop their shoulders, a meek announcer stands in the ring and struggles to be heard over the roaring crowd.

"Excuse me," he says, but no one hears, "For those interested, Berner Street have fought out a one all draw with Mr. Chuck Norris in the 27th World Cup".

Three people in the front row hear this and begin to clap. The deafening 'Spanky' chants fill the arena.

LORAX CITY Channel 3 News


Well that was an exciting match earlier today been Qazox and Atheistic Right earlier today. I got to spend the 1st half of the match over on the Atheistic side and they were none too pleased with that offsides call in the 32nd minute against their star player Badger. The crowd was throwing their beer cans and popcorn all over the place and saying things that this TV station will not allow to be heard.

I went over at the half to the Qazox side and the Holy Oxen faithful were mostly silent and subdued until Andrew Mason scored in the 75th minute on a high blast over the Atheistic Right's keeper. The Qazox crowd then began to bellow (like an Ox...) and rattle their cowbells until the end of the match. I talked with one of the fans who has traveled here all the way from Fromburg, in the southern part of our country.

"I'm so glad that the Most Holy Ox has allowed our team to win this important game. The Black Oxen will win the BoF and hopefully the World Cup as well!! Is my wife gonna see this? I didn't tell her that I was coming here, I told her a week ago that I was just going to run to the store to rent Saw II..."

Well, in this reporter's opinion the win today by the Black Oxen should give them confidence going into tomorrow's match vs. Rorysville. Also I found out from Head Coach Joseph Jarrett that Maria Gretsky will start in place of Francis Alouette, who injured his leg with walking up the stairs in the dorms provided here by our wonderful hosts Rejistania. Visit Rejistania and enjoy its wonderful beaches and visit its big cities like KaMaRi kali or Hetkali. Thank you and have a great evening.

(off camera but still recorded) Holy Ox, I feel like a sell-out pimping another country....is the camera still on? OH ...(Words Censored)...

LORAX CITY Channel 3 News


Well that was an exciting match earlier today been Qazox and Atheistic Right earlier today. I got to spend the 1st half of the match over on the Atheistic side and they were none too pleased with that offsides call in the 32nd minute against their star player Badger. The crowd was throwing their beer cans and popcorn all over the place and saying things that this TV station will not allow to be heard.

I went over at the half to the Qazox side and the Holy Oxen faithful were mostly silent and subdued until Andrew Mason scored in the 75th minute on a high blast over the Atheistic Right's keeper. The Qazox crowd then began to bellow (like an Ox...) and rattle their cowbells until the end of the match. I talked with one of the fans who has traveled here all the way from Fromburg, in the southern part of our country.

"I'm so glad that the Most Holy Ox has allowed our team to win this important game. The Black Oxen will win the BoF and hopefully the World Cup as well!! Is my wife gonna see this? I didn't tell her that I was coming here, I told her a week ago that I was just going to run to the store to rent Saw II..."

Well, in this reporter's opinion the win today by the Black Oxen should give them confidence going into tomorrow's match vs. Rorysville. Also I found out from Head Coach Joseph Jarrett that Maria Gretsky will start in place of Francis Alouette, who injured his leg with walking up the stairs in the dorms provided here by our wonderful hosts Rejistania. Visit Rejistania and enjoy its wonderful beaches and visit its big cities like KaMaRi kali or Hetkali. Thank you and have a great evening.

(off camera but still recorded) Holy Ox, I feel like a sell-out pimping another country....is the camera still on? OH ...(Words Censored)...

Owl, the animal designation given the the Coach of the Atheistic Right Archeopteri, had been sent a video tape from a contact in ARFA. There was no details of who sent it but only a few people knew who each other truly where... The video tape was a copy of the "LORAX City Channel 3 News"...

Owl always wanted to know about all media statements about games played by his teams. This one made his laugh... Hah... They think that their Ox granted them a win.... It's obvious that the field of Quantum Mechanics was a big part of the win. How else could the ball get past Eagle? There was no other option, "hah, spirits, ghosts, gods... all a load of Baloni." he said as he stopped the video and ejected it out of the player. "Did the Ox tell him to do that?" he scoffed as he put the video away.

If the the match had gone the other way and the Archeopteri won... he would have said something like "Yeah, give your lives to the Ox... for I know that he certainly needs one." or "You know what I had for dinner?", or one hundred and one other statements mocking the religious Qazox.

Legalese - Raw Footage of postgame press conference by Obsidianus head coach Pekka P. Necropolis

Bill Baystone, Channel Sport: Coach Necropolis, how do you feel about the results of today's match? Were your players daunted at the prospect of playing against 600 kilogram moose?

Necropolis: I'm satisfied with our play today. We have much work to do before we truly coalesce as a team, but this was a good start. As for the moose, well, our nation has a large moose population. Most of my players have had to wrestle a moose out of their garden at some time or another, except for Ukko. He's a Recursive Moosite and thus believes that it is wrong to engage in any sort of confrontation with a moose. So, he sat out this match. We're looking forward to having him back against a strong Kelse Mariners team.

Alfredo Munoz, Santa Monica Star: Captain, I must confess that for non-Obsidianusii there seems to be some confusion telling your players apart. Besides the numbers on their jerseys, they seem identical. Could it be that Obsidianus is fielding a team of clones?

Necropolis: The answer to that question is an emphatic no. The facial and body distinctions among us may be subtle, but they're quite obvious to us and to anyone who's spent time in Obsidianus. Next Question.

Munoz: But your nation's casual attitude to cloning is well known. Surely you're not worried about disqualification? Cloning is not proscribed in tournament rules...

Necropolis: I've answered your question and have no further comment.

Urho Keltainen, Obsidiaani Uutiset: Moving on to more important matters Pekka, has there been any progress in choosing someone to be Pekkasaukko the Shaming Otter?

Necropolis: I'll have to leave that to the Defense Forces and our Athletic Commission. My job here is to coach the Amber & Obsidian in this tournament and hopefully emerge as champions.

Keltainen: :: stares balefully at Coach Necropolis ::

Necropolis: Ahem. Yes. Well, hopefully it won't be long before someone is chosen and we'll have Pekkasaukko by the time of our match with TheSuncoastofFlorida.

The collective press corps from Obsidianus: Gasps. :: Stares hard ::

Keltainen: Are we to understand, then, that there will be no Shaming Otter appearing for the Kelse match?

Necropolis: ... yes.

The collective press corps from Obsidianus: Angrily mutters & shuffles out of the room.

Kyle Cartman, Lorax City Channel 3 News: Regarding Ukko Hirviirakastaja. Should Obsidian make the finals and wind up facing Qazox, will he recuse himself again?

Necropolis: ... Um. Are the Qazox players moose?

Cartman: We have Holy Oxen.

Necropolis: As players or... No matter, none of our team members are Recursive Oxenites, at least none would admit to it. Recursive Moosites are one thing...

Alfredo Munoz, Santa Monica Star: Anything to share on how you'll match up with the Kelse side?

Necropolis: :: looking relieved :: Yes! I'm planning on using a trapping defense to keep Matteo Ferrado in check. Both Castillo-Zaragoza and Itseperhe will be sticking to him like glue. As for our offensive plans, I'll let you see how that pans out on the field. Thanks, and good night.

( Preussiche Welle English Language Service)

In the first contest of the Baptism of Fire Cup, New Preussen's Wirbelsturm faced it's larger and more powerful neighbor of Spaamian Plijous.

Coach Uwe Blab , speaking to reporters after the game was exuberant.

' The Spaamians are a hard playing bunch, They kept our defense constantly busy. As you may know , the teams' makeup is still something of a work in progress, but we had solid performance from every man in the unit.

I've told our lads they shouldn't be complacent, There were a number of situations where the Sapiens were able to seize the initiative. the fact that they held us scoreless for the first half is one indicator of that. We were constantly having to scramble to prevent the dreaded 'Plij' gambit . As always , our opponents were gracious and sportsmanlike.

Not only did we win today, both teams showed the world the kind of friendly, polite, yet very intense play Heartlanders are capable of.'

More news and analysis of the game and the season later in the hour.

“Welcome everyone to our special daily Baptism of Fire soccer coverage. Representing Tynelian Soccer Today, our country’s highest rated soccer show I am your host Sal Spikeman and alongside me as always is the former soccer great Anna Dalespin. Hello Anna.”

“Hello Sal. For those of you who may have missed it Tynelia won a hard fought but sloppily played 1-0 match against the team from Rorysville. This puts Tynelia into a second place tie with Qazox, which I might mention to our viewers after reading some of our sports sections is indeed spelled with an X and not a K as early reports have claimed. While in Tynelia we often pronounce the –ox like –ock in Qazox it is indeed pronounced like the animal of the same name.”

“Ah good to know Anna. Perhaps now those Qazoxian protesters camped outside the Tynelian press corp headquarters will disperse. But you say it was a sloppy game Anna. Please explain for our viewers.”

“Certainly Sal. I say sloppy because it was clear to see that with only a week’s worth of practice as a team the Tynelian squad is still not on the same page just yet. The defense with the cornerstones of teammates John Stossels and Vladimar Malloy was impressive in stopping all eleven Rorysville shots the offense sputtered quite a bit. Passes were off target and a few communication problems from not being used to playing together were clear to see. For example Jay Masterson let up on what he thought was going to be a shot by Troy Wallace on net only to be out of position when the pass came his way resulting in a poor percentage shot that was easily stopped. In this case the so called “Duke of Deke” faked his own teammate out. Coach O’Meara has some work on his hands before the next match against the CR Oscilloscopes.”

“Well speaking of Coach O’Meara, our cameras caught up to him shortly after the game.”

<footage begins to roll from the stadium where Coach O’meara is speaking Into a microphone>

“Today was a great day for Tynelia, our first ever international soccer game and we came away with a win. We certainly didn’t play our best today and we have room to improve on offensively but its good to get this one under our belt and walk away with some points when we didn’t play our best soccer. The Wall got this win for us but we don’t want to put the pressure on him every game. We need to improve though, I heard the Green Wombats had a very impressive 3-0 win themselves today so we’ll need to study footage of that game to prepare ourselves since that’s the next two teams we’ll be playing. We need to put more points up though if we’re going to accomplish something major here. I can tell you that much.”

<footage ends and we’re back in the studio>

“Do you agree with Coach O’Meara Anna?”

“I couldn’t agree more. I’m sure you and I both agree that one goal a game will not win Tynelia the BoF trophy. I think the coach knows that Tynelia got away with one here and needs to step up the offense their next game.”

“Well Anna, the offense wasn’t all that bad. We did have a 14-11 shot advantage not to mention controlling the ball for eight minutes more that Rorysville did.”

“That’s true Sal but if you look more closely Tynelia only had a 4-3 edge in quality shots and that doesn’t even count the Rorysville best chance of the day.”

“Yes Anna, let’s look at that play with Rorysville down 1-0 in the 51st minute of play as they nearly tied things up.”

<footage plays showing a Rorysville forward with the ball taking a shot at the upper right corner of the net just before Tynelian defender Karl Jacobs comes sliding in to try and knock the ball away. As Goalkeeper Malloy moves to his right to make the save another Rorysville player suddenly lunges forward and redirects the shot with a beautiful header towards the vacated left side of the net. Malloy can only watch and breath a sight of relief as the ball grazes the outer portion of the left goal post and rolls out of bounds>

“What’s your take on that one Anna?”

“This was the biggest breakdown on defense we had today. As you saw Jacobs went after the ball rather than protecting against a pass. Stossels was trailing more than Jacobs thought and so was out of position when Jacobs failed to break the play up leaving the Rorysville player a chance to redirect the shot but fortunately for us he was about a half step behind where he would have wanted to be and so he didn’t have quite as much control of the direction as he would have liked and barely missed. Coach O’Meara might want to mention to Jacobs to try and stay at home a bit more on a semi-breakway like that.”

“Well Anna, that’s been Jacobs’ style all season long so I don’t think he’ll change it much now. Hopefully the rest of the team can adapt to his style in time for the next game. But now let’s get into the lone goal of the game. At the 33rd minute when the offense finally got its act together for one rush at least.”

<footage plays where a clearing kick by Malloy lands perfectly on two hops at the feet of Adrian Pytte who brings the ball upfield quickly. As a defender closes in on him he sees Masterson and Wallace with a lone defenseman between them and the net and fires it downfield just as the defender takes him down. The ball sails over to Masterson who chases it down and pushes the ball to the net. The defender and goalkeeper both move his way as he winds up for a shot but are stunned when Masterson changes directions at the last minute and sends it to a wide open Wallace who fires it into the net just before the desperately chasing second defenseman from Rorysville can get back into the play and try to break it up>

“That was a surprising move by Masterson. I would say nine times out of ten he would take the shot himself even with the defender and goal keeper closing on him but he kept his head together and saw Wallace wide open down the middle and fired it off to him for an easy score with the keeper reacting to Masterson’s expected shot. You can’t blame the Rorysville players on that either because Masterson’s reputation is that of a shooter and not much of a passer. Fortunately for Tynelia the breakaway had enough of a lead that he didn’t need to be perfect on the pass and just had to get it to Wallace. Once Wallace got it he didn’t wait for the perfect shot but just set himself and fired away. The veteran Wallace probably heard the footsteps behind him and knew that if he waited the defender might have been able to break it up on him.”

“But that was about it for the offense though wasn’t it?”

“Unfortunately you’re right Sal. The first twenty minutes were extremely sloppy as the midfielders were regularly leading the forwards too much resulting in turnovers. And Coach O’Meara needs to put a leash on Brad Collins. While his aggressive style is fine for his team in our leagues where there is no dominate scorer with Wallace and Masterson out there and Brian Kenders to direct traffic there’s no need for Collins to bring the ball up so far himself. I think Collins will be more valuable if he let Kenders direct traffic on offense and be in a better position for a shot rather than doing the work himself because Kenders is not seen as a shooting threat. Things got better as the game went on but its still not perfect.”

“What do you think is the cause of this sloppy play Anna? Do you think the crowd had anything to do with it? By official records the crowd here today was about twice the size of the crowd for the League championship last month.”

“Well Sal, that could be a big part of it. Let me just say that as a former player myself, the first time you step onto the field and hear over 40000 screaming fans in the stands you get butterflies. And add to it the pressure of being the first Tynelian team to play on the international stage and you get what you saw today. Nervous and tentative play with a lot of mistakes because when you see a crowd bigger than any you’ve seen before part of you wants to make the big play or do too much and you end up making mistakes. Fortunately we survived and got the W which I will say will do wonders for their confidence and relax them a lot more against CR Oscilloscopes. There isn’t quite as much pressure now and that’s sure to help them down the line.”

“Very well Anna, I can see your point and like you said earlier add in little time spent practicing together and it’s a recipe for mistakes. But a win makes it all worth it. Now you mentioned Tynelia’s next opponent the CR Oscilloscopes. What do you think of the other four teams in Tynelia’s group?”

“The first thing I noticed Sal was how impressive the Green Wombats were in beating the Oscilloscopes by a 3-0 margin. That’s a huge score for such an early game in a tournament. Coach O’meara is right to be worried about the Wombats I think. They could very well be the team to beat. When Tynelia plays against the Oscilloscopes next it will be a good measuring stick as to how our team stacks up against the group leading Wombats.”

“Still the schedule is rather kind to Tynelia in the first two games. Before the tournament started some experts claimed that Rorysville and CR Oscilloscopes were two of the weaker teams in the group. If this proves to be true and Tynelia can take advantage then Tynelia could be sitting at 2-0 going into their game against the Wombats. However Rorysville played us very tough and the Oscilloscopes will be hungry for a win since they don’t want to drop to 0-2 with only three games left and show that they’re not as bad as the Wombats’ win might make them look. And of course we know what so called experts takes on things are usually worth.”

“Yes, underestimating your opponent is sure to be the first step to defeat but I’m sure Coach O’Meara will remind the team of that very fact in the locker room. I know the players don’t want to be knocked out in the preliminary round so I don’t think there will be a letdown. Especially after they get taken to task for their sloppiness this game. But whatabout the other two teams Anna? Qazox and the Atheistic Right.”

“These two teams are both very talented and despite Qazox’s 1-0 win from what I saw the game could have gone either way or even finished in a tie. The officiating was a bit questionable at times but for the most part it looked like they got the calls right.”

“You’re referring to the lone goal scored I take it right Anna?”

“Indeed, while some of the Atheistic Right claimed that the goal never broke the plane, replays did show that the ball did indeed break the plane and that the officials were correct in their call. However they may have a case on the questionable offsides call which negated a promising breakaway for the Atheistic Right. The official was trailing the play slightly when he made the call bringing question to the angle he saw between the Qazoxian defender and the Atheistic Right’s attacker. However the call was not overruled by the other officials so the play stood.”

“In any case, both these teams are serious threats to move on. Qazox is as mentioned earlier, tied with Tynelia in the standings but the Atheistic Right has a very touch match against the Wombats which might put them into a 0-2 hole if they’re not careful. A Wombats loss however might open the door for us.”

“How so Anna?”

“Looking at the scheduling, the tournament organizers may have done Tynelia a favor. We open against the supposed two weakest teams in the group then face the Wombats for our third game?”

“How is that an advantage Anna?”

“Well if you look ahead Sal, the following game for the Wombats is against Qazox. Now if you’ve followed the papers you’ll know that these two countries don’t really like each other much so by playing the Wombats right before their big rivalry game, we might get overlooked and be able to steal a point or two from them. Also we close the group play against Qazox who might be set up for a letdown if they manage to win their rivalry game against the Wombats the game before.”

“so what’s your pick for our group Anna?”

“Well based on one game, which isn’t really enough to go by I see the Wombats being the team to beat with both Qazox and the Atheistic Right fighting with us for the second Orange group playoff spot.”

“And what do you think Tynelia needs to do to advance?”

“My guess Sal is that four wins will definitely move Tynelia on to the regional quarterfinals and with some help three might get them the second spot. Anything less and out squad will be heading home to watch the rest of the tournament like the rest of us.”

“Thanks Anna for your insights but now it seems we’re out of time for today’s program. We’ll back be again with more postgame insight after Tynelia’s next match against the CR Oscilloscopes but until then this is Sal Spikeman for Anna Dalespin wishing everyone out there a good night.”

<credits being to roll>

"The first thing I noticed Sal was how impressive the Green Wombats were in beating the Oscilloscopes by a 3-0 margin. That’s a huge score for such an early game in a tournament. Coach O’meara is right to be worried about the Wombats I think. They could very well be the team to beat. When Tynelia plays against the Oscilloscopes next it will be a good measuring stick as to how our team stacks up against the group leading Wombats.”
“Well if you look ahead Sal, the following game for the Wombats is against Qazox. Now if you’ve followed the papers you’ll know that these two countries don’t really like each other much so by playing the Wombats right before their big rivalry game, we might get overlooked and be able to steal a point or two from them. Also we close the group play against Qazox who might be set up for a letdown if they manage to win their rivalry game against the Wombats the game before.”

“so what’s your pick for our group Anna?”

“Well based on one game, which isn’t really enough to go by I see the Wombats being the team to beat with both Qazox and the Atheistic Right fighting with us for the second Orange group playoff spot.”




Having seen this report from Tynelia, Generalissimo Uarez chuckled to himself. "So even Tynelia has seen the light and that we are the best... maybe I'll be kind enough not to invade their country after the BoF. The Scopes and Rorysville are so scared they haven't even shown thier faces around here. Those Damned Ox won yesterday, that ball still hasn't crossed the goal line. Oh well, I just wish I knew where that Lorax City reporter was staying at."

Meanwhile back at the Hexagon....

Lt. Latias and the 4 weirdoes look at the burnt out wreckage of the Hexagon.

"What do you mean it the Wombat's fault?" Lt. Latias asked of the weirdoes.

"D'oh, D'oh, D'oh, Dink, Dink, Dink," replied one of them.

"What the freaking heck does that mean?" she replied.

"Dink, D'oh." replied the same one.

"Gawd-damn your 4 are weird." Latias replied. "Since the hexagon is gone I guess we ought to head to Rejistania and help the Generalissimo, even though he's gonna have cow about this."

"Meeeeeeeep!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Said the weirdoes in unison running towards the Matter Transporter (tm)

"I didn't say Ox you morons, I said cow." Lataias said running after them; "If you tell the Generalissimo I swear I'll freaking kill you freaks. Gawd I hate weirdoes."

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 2 Results

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [2] - [0] TheSuncoastofFlorida
Kelse [1] - [0] Obsidianus
Algal states [4] - [0] Priggdom

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 6 2 0 0 3:0 3
2. Algal states 4 1 1 0 5:1 4
3. Imperial Moose 4 1 1 0 3:1 2
4. Obsidianus 1 0 1 1 1:2 -1
5. TheSuncoastofFlorida 1 0 1 1 1:3 -2
6. Priggdom 0 0 0 2 0:6 -6

Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [0] - [3] Becquerelia
Haraki [2] - [0] New Preussen
Popolus [3] - [1] Georgeonia

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Becquerelia 6 2 0 0 6:1 5
2. Haraki 6 2 0 0 3:0 3
3. Popolus 3 1 0 1 4:4 0
4. New Preussen 3 1 0 1 2:3 -1
5. Georgeonia 0 0 0 2 1:4 -3
6. Spammanian Plijous 0 0 0 2 1:5 -4

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 2 Results

Rejistania Region

Orange Group
Qazox - Rorysville: 3:1
Green wombat - Atheistic Right: 2:2
Tynelia - CR Oscilloscopes: 3:0


Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Tynelia 6 2 0 0 4:0 4
2. Qazox 6 2 0 0 4:1 3
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 0 5:2 3
4. Atheistic Right 1 0 1 1 2:3 -1
5. Rorysville 0 0 0 2 1:4 -3
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 2 0:6 -6


Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds - Vuam and Isma: 3:1
Berner Street - Nebuleux: 0:0
Risa-Aramour - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:0


Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 6 2 0 0 4:1 3
2. Risa-Aramour 3 1 0 1 1:1 0
3. Vuam and Isma 3 1 0 1 2:3 -1
4. Berner Street 2 0 2 0 1:1 0
5. Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 1 1:2 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 1 0:1 -1




OOC: Great RPing, keep it up!

For Immediate Release

Agony of Defeat in Legalese. Riots in Obsidianus

Obsidianni, Obsidianus, 15:00 February 16th, 1952 v1 - In the wake of Obsidianus' crushing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kelse, angry fans in the nation's capital have begun rioting and callously shaming anyone they encounter throughout the city. The collective mood of the nation is in a tailspin. At the center of the controversy lies the vacant mascot position for the Amber & Obsidian. Nationwide, fans are demanding that the role of the beloved mascot be filled and that no further matches be allowed to take place without the Shaming Otter's presence on the sidelines.

Out on the street, fans were of one mind about the match and the Pekkasaukko debacle.

"It's criminal, is what it is! If Pekkasaukko had been there when that forward for Kelse, what's his name, went waltzing past Eduardo and Pontus like they were standing still, well... He'd have gotten such a look. He'd have been too ashamed to embarrass our goalie like that. And don't get me started on the yellow card after Ukko made that great break up the middle only to be called off side," said Ekka Vihainen of Kvartsi Estates.

"They'd never have dared make that disrespectful run past our defenders to score if they'd had the baleful eye of Pekkasaukko on them," claimed Matti Rantamäki, 11 of the Old Moose-Wrestling District.

Ultimately, thousands of angry Obsidianusii converged on Hirvi Square outside the President's mansion to demand action. While only the head of state and not involved in state functions beyond those of kissing babies or playing with otter pups, President Väinämöinen promised to see to it that there will be a Pekkasaukko at the next and all subsequent international matches played by the A&O.

At press time, however, there have been no indications that a suitable candidate to fill the shoes of Pekkasaukko has been found. We'll continue to report as the story develops.

QAZOX CITY HERALD
The Black Oxen have done it again with a impressive 3-1 win over underwhelming Rorysville earlier today. The Black Oxen did start off slow by giving up an early 13th minute goal to an unknown Roryville player. Qazox did come back quickly by scoring a goal on a penalty kick in the 40th minute after Right Winger Maria Gretsky was viscously tripped in the box, drawing a Red Card for the unknown player from Rorysville. Ms. Gretsky calmly picked herself up off the pitch and took the shot which just curved past the keep.
Being up a person though out the 2nd half provided the necessary motivation as Qazox scored 2 more goals in the half. Anthony Mason scored in the 63rd minute off a header and Manuel Aguirre added the last nail in the coffin at the 86th miunte of the match as he wove through the tired Rorysville defense.
Qazox's record is now 2-0-0 with a match vs. CR Oscilloscopes another unknown team tommorrow. if we win that match Qazox will be in great postion when we play the Green Wombats on day 4. We control our destiny in this region and a win in our next 2 matches will probably put us through to the next round.
Here are the Day 2 results and standing for our region. And please watch Kyle Cartman on Lorax City Channel 3 News for his prospective on this match on QaxNet Channel 77 at 6:00 pm today (4:00 pm Lorax Standard Time).

Goal scorers:
Rorysville #7--13th

Qazox:
Maria Gretsky--40th (PK)
Anthony Mason--63rd
Manuel Aguirre--86th

Cards
Rorysville #9 40th

Qazox
Hadeen Homer--32nd
Folia Hazes--66th

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 2 Results

Rejistania Region

Orange Group
Qazox - Rorysville: 3:1
Green wombat - Atheistic Right: 2:2
Tynelia - CR Oscilloscopes: 3:0


Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Tynelia 6 2 0 0 4:0 4
2. Qazox 6 2 0 0 4:1 3
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 0 5:2 3
4. Atheistic Right 1 0 1 1 2:3 -1
5. Rorysville 0 0 0 2 1:4 -3
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 2 0:6 -6

Day 2

“This is Sal Spikeman for Tynelian Soccer Weekly with the day 2 report of the Baptism of Fire. With me here in the studio as always is veteran soccer expert Anna Dalespin. Well Anna a great day for Tynelian soccer wasn’t it?”

“Yes Sal. Whatever Coach O’Meara told the team after yesterday’s match sure paid off as the Tynelian national team defeated CR Oscilloscopes by a decisive 3-0 margin. This was a very big win as it propels Tynelia into first place in the Orange group. For those who may not follow the sport, while in truth Tynelia and Qazox both sport undefeated 2-0-0 records Tynelia currently holds the lead on the basis of a 4-3 edge in goal differential. Both teams with their wins jumped ahead of the Green Wombats who were held to a tie against the Atheistic Right and now trail the leaders by two points.”

“That’s true Anna. Now before we hear your take on the game our on field reporter Dana Lee caught up to a much happier Coach O’Meara after the win. Let’s hear what he has to say.”

<footage begins to roll with a smiling blond haired reporter awaiting Coach O’Meara’s reply to an unheard question>

“Well Dana I just want to say how proud I am of this team today. 2-0 is a great way to start this tournament. I’m not sure what the final scores of the other games are just yet. I think Qazox was winning last I heard and the Wombats had their hands full with the Atheistic Right. But that’s out of our control. What we could do we did do. The forwards were on the same page today and Jay came up big with a pair of goals to put us up. Then Brad came out of nowhere to add the finisher. Our defense stood strong again and I hope the rest of the world can see why we in Tynelia call Vladimar Malloy ‘The Wall’. Another shutout today, the man is on a roll. Well we’re going back to the locker room now and see how the other teams finish up and then we have to start studying for the Green Wombats for our next game.”

“Sure thing Coach O’Meara, enjoy your win. Back to you at the studio Sal.”

<footage ends and the picture returns to the studio>

“ Thanks Dana. A big win indeed Anna. What did you think of the dramatic turnaround on offense today?”

“Well Sal, things did look a lot crisper out there. There was definitely a more aggressive look to things out there on the field. None of the nervousness of the Rorysville game early on. Unofficially I’d say that Tynelia spent about fifteen of the first twenty minutes of play in the Oscilloscopes side of the field and when Masterson broke through with that bullet from twenty feet away after a great feed by Kenders at the 18:30 mark, the league teammates getting back to their old groove, I think the crowd senses a whole new team out there. The Oscilloscopes came back a bit during the rest of the first half and had a couple of solid shots on net but Malloy was equal to the task.”

“Then when the second half opened that breakaway by Masterson in the 47th minutewas a thing of beauty. I think we have the footage of that one don’t we Sal?”

“You know we do Anna so here it is.”

<footage begins of Masterson hustling down the field with the ball the Oscilloscopes defender a step behind. A drop pass back to Kenders following up behind the play who held the ball for only moments before firing it up the field to Masterson who never broke stride after making the pass. Just barely onsides, Masterson fielded the pass perfectly before the defender could change direction and got a step and a half on him as he drew near the goal. The Oscilloscopes’ goal keeper comes out to take the angle away only to have Masterson punch it just over the outstretched fingertips of the keeper and drop in behind him to bounce into the net like a drop shot in tennis.>

“That’s Masterson at his best, attacking the net and making the ball move like magic.”

“That goal also made the Oscilloscopes down two and forced them to go on the attack. The rest of the half it was the Oscilloscopes who held the edge in time of possession but they couldn’t break through for many clear shots against a Tynelian defense that was playing back. And as you saw Sal, that aggressiveness ended up costing the Oscilloscopes in the end. In their efforts to force things towards the net they had their offensive players all crowding the net, but a steal by Tal Li led to a Tynelian counterattack with all the Oscilloscopes offensive players caught behind the play after Li cleared it upfield. And who ends up tracking the ball down? The always aggressive Brad Collins.”

“Now Sal I admit I said earlier that Collins needed to be put on a leash but I guess Coach O’Meara knows something I don’t because Collins drove downfield in his typical devil-may-care style and after dribbling around one defender fired a long high shot that somehow caught the top crossbar and luckily hit low enough on it to deflect it downwards into the net to give Tynelia an insurmountable 3-0 lead at the 83rd minute.”

“Well Anna, it just goes to show why O’Meara is the coach and you’re sitting here with me.”

<both commentators share a chuckle>

“What about Coach O’Meara’s decision to mass substitute at that point Anna? Wasn’t he worried that if he got into trouble his best guns were out of action?”

“I think O’Meara figured that being up 3-0 with under ten minutes to play this was a good time to get some live action to some of the backups. Other than a ten minute run by Camden Alexander at the end of the Rorysville game to replace Collins for some defensive help, none of the others have had any experience in playing in this type of atmosphere. Letting Brian Martins, Sal Prath and Adam Billington get some time on the field will only help them in the long run giving Masterson, Pytte and Stossels some much need rest time. In fact if not for Malloy trying to keep his second straight shutout going I’m sure Coach O’Meara would have brought Amy Whiteworth into the game as well.”

“Well they held up their end of the deal as the Oscilloscopes only got two shots on net the rest of the game. In fact Tynelia had a 19-10 shot edge this time despite only having a five minute edge in possession. All but four of those shots in the first fifty minutes. Do you think O’meara called off the hounds too soon Anna?”

“Not at all Sal, Tynelia was up 2-0 at that point and knew that if they got too aggressive they could give up a big play similar to Masterson’s second goal. Then it would be anyone’s game. The team was much more disciplined this time around and they kept the middle secure and forced the Oscilloscopes to take long shots from the perimeter. As the quality shots chart shows Tynelia had a 6-2 edge this time around and converted on half of them. When the situation arose though you see how quickly Collins took advantage to ice the game.”

“So Anna, how about this defense? While the offense had been struggling early, Tynelia now finds itself one of only three teams in the tournament to have not given up a single goal after two games.”

“Don’t get too excited just yet Sal. While Stossel has been great on defense and the Wall has been just that we must take into account the opposition. Rorysville and CR Oscilloscopes are a combined 0-0-4 with a 1:10 goals to goals allowed ratio. One goal in four games is all they have been able to muster so we’re not exactly talking about offensive powerhouses. The Wombats will be a true test of this defense in our next game. They’re the highest scoring team in the group and tied for second highest in the entire tournament. We’ll see after that game just how good this defense truly is.”

“That may be Anna, but so far Tynelia has done what you said it had to do. Win the first two games before the tough part of the schedule hits. Now that they’re there what do you think of their chances now?”

“Well obviously Tynelia can’t be in any better position at this point than first place in the group. Ironically, the Wombats actually have helped Tynelia to some degree. With their tie against the Atheistic Right it now means that the Right must win at least two of their last three games to have any kind of shot at making it to the next round and that’s only if Tynelia doesn’t pick up another point the rest of the way. Barring of course scoring tiebreakers which we can’t make if they are tied at 7 points each. One more Tynelian win and the Right must win all three, including game 4 against Tynelia to have a chance of passing them.”

“Do you think they can do it Anna?”
“They have a shot Sal despite their record remember they have played Qazox and the Green Wombats and was one semi-controversial goal or offsides call from tying both of them while Tynelia has taken advantage of weaker opponents in their first two games. Now Tynelia is the only team left on their schedule that even has a point. So yes Sal, I can see the Atheistic Right winning at least two of their three games and an above average chance of running the table. But they will need help from other teams to sneak into the next round.”

“So you think Rorysville and CR Oscilloscopes are out of it then Anna?”

“Well Sal based on their first two games I don’t think either team looks to win more than one game. They both must play the Atheistic Right who should win both games and that would finish them.”

“Ok then that leaves the Green Wombats and Qazox then. The two closest teams to Tynelia which of them seems more dangerous?”

“Obviously Sal, Qazox is the team that’s the most dangerous now. They’re tied in the win column and while we have a tough game against the Green Wombats they have what looks to be an easy win against the Oscilloscopes who have been averaging a 3-0 loss to date. If the Wombats bounce back from their tie and beat Tynelia we can see our team drop down to third by two points with two games to go. Not the best spot to be in. While every game here is critical Tynelia must at least get a point off the Wombats to help their chances to move on. While the Wombats were the team to beat after the first round, this tie with the Atheistic Right hurts their chances and they must win against Tynelia to avoid dropping out of contention. Its amazing how quickly the momentum can swing in this tournament Sal.”

“Yes, that’s very true Anna. One day you’re the king and the next your on the outside looking in. Something team Tynelia must keep in mind. Back in our last show you said Tynelia needs three wins to have a chance of getting in. Do you think they can do it?”

“Yes I do Sal. There are three games left all against good teams but from what we’ve seen today I think Tynelia has a very good chance of winning one of the three games they have left. Which one I can’t say but I don’t see this team going winless the rest of the way. Ironically the way the group is shaping up is their biggest problem. Despite the efforts of the Atheistic Right, a much better team than their record shows, they find themselves in the bottom portion of the group while the top three teams are all clustered together within two points of each other with only two spots in the next round available. That means one of these teams will be left out and one win could make or break any of these three teams.”

“And that’s just what sort of competition you face when the world is your opponent. Every game, every point vital to the chances of a team’s success at moving on to the next level. Because remember people. All this tension, all this energy expended is just to qualify to next round of action. The real pressure cooker has yet to begin. Can Team Tynelia maintain its winning ways against the Green Wombats? Or will the Wombats scratch and claw its way back to the top? Will Qazox take advantage of the schedule and take over first place? Will the Atheistic Right right their ways and get into the win column to reward their great effort to date? Can Rorysville or the CR Oscilloscopes win before tournament’s end? Tune in tomorrow when we will all find out the answers to some if not all of these key questions surrounding the Orange group. As we leave you let’s take a look out in Tyr where Tynelian soccer fans are celebrating the team’s good fortune so far. For Anna Dalespin this is Sal Spikeman wishing everyone a good night.”

<credits roll while in the back ground a large group of singing citizens are marching through the nighttime streets waving their “Tynelian Towels” a common hand towel made in the Tynelian flag’s colors of orange, yellow and black with the word Tynelia sewn across one side. Even the police who are keeping an eye on the crowd to ensure they don’t start to riot can be seen smiling and waving along with the crowd at the efforts of their team to date.>

((editted for minor error- people "start to riot" makes more sense than having people "start to right" ))

Two games. Two very convincing wins. Everyone willingly admitted that it wasn't a bad way to start.

First was the game against Popolus. The team started out a bit jittery it seemed, as Popolus had some good play early. Several trips deep into the Becquerelian side, several shots on goal. Thankfully, David Deneen had been completly on form from the word go. He had stopped 4 shots on goal before Becquerelia even had tried a real strike against Popolus.

No matter how Popolus had started out, Becquerelia drew blood first with some crafty play by Peter Constantine. Christopher Fullbright had shot him a missle from midfield, and Peter took advantage and buried a shot into the corner of the Popolus net. It was 1-0, and 31 minutes had elapsed.

But Becquerelia had continued to look a bit shook, or awestruck, or whatever it was, becausein the 38th minute, Popolus suddenly made quick work of Becquerelia's crowded defense and got a goal to tie the game up. Going into the locker rooms at the half, things looked deadlocked. But no matter how well Popolus had played in the first half, Becuqerelia had one important thing on it's side: Head Coach Macarius Ransome and his half-time theatrics.

Talking about it later, the assistant coaches John Meurer and Alexander Helmcamp agreed it was classic Ransome. They had seen it enough. Shouting, near whispers, rallying the troops and breaking a locker door. It worked, the team came out shooting for the second half.

They could do no wrong. No shots on the Becquerelian goal. Goals by Peter Constantine again in minute 47, and then a goal by Ceowulf Novoselic in the 60th minute, and the game ended a 3-1 victory and Coach Ransome being taken to a local hospital to be examed after he collpsed at the end of the game. He was given a clean bill of health almost immediatly, but Macarius insisted he stay at the hospital overnight "just in case."

Watching a sattelite feed of a Becquerelian news station, the team could see the crowds on the streets in the dead of night, chanting, singing, and carrying on. But all the while, some speculated if this could contintue on. Spammanian Plijous was a tough defensive team, very nearly pulling off a victory against New Preussen. Going into the game, the popular belief was that it was anyone's game.

It wasn't even close.

It was another all-together performance, with Constantine, Novoselic, and Zachariah Mendel scoring goals. The only bad part of a all-together excellent game was Ambrose Wainwright getting a red card, forcing the team to put backup forward Phillip Gersh into the game as a midfielder. And Gersh struggled a bit, but as Coach Ransome said: "He's a forward. Forwards are not midfielders. Whatever. We won, didn't we?" That wasn't going to make worries about Wainwright's near-constant penalty trouble and the lack of a true backup go away though.

And so Becquerelia was 2-0-0. Six total points. A +5 goal differential, the best in the entire tournament. They still had to beat New Preussen though.

Coach Ransome was confident: "We'll definatly...do well. Very well." There was some speculation that he had been told to clamp down on making bold promises after some displeased cables were exchanged between the respective leaders of Popolus and Becquerelia.

Peter Constantine was excited: "New Preussen has shown alot of talent. We're all excited to compete with such a talented team."

John Meurer was reserved: "I'm sure we'll do our best."

Ambrose Wainwright was obscene, but it didn't help that the cameras had caught up to him right after the red card. Everyone agreed he'd have been more agreeable after some time to cool off.

Mariners Win Again - Obsidianus is Pissed!

LEGALESE - The Kelsian National Football Team have won again in their second game against Black Group rivals Obsidianus. Played in beautiful Legalese at the Pre-World Cup 27 Baptism of Fire, the game lasted approximately ninety-two minutes with forward Matteo Ferrado scoring his second goal in the tournament, in the 72nd minute of play. All across Kelse, parties raged on passed midnight as Kelsians gathered together in cities all around the country to see they're favorite football stars in play against international teams. In the small alpine town of Korsa (pop. 25,000), the family of Matteo Ferrado and local residents gathered at the town hall to see their local boy play with the stars of other countries.

The game today started slowly, with the ball mostly staying in the middle with no scares until around the 40th minute, when Obsidianus got the ball into a scoring position, only to be callled offsides. The second quarter saw many attacks on the Obsidianni defense until the 72nd minute, when Matteo Ferrado kicked one into the back of the net after passing passed two of their defensemen. The game than ended, and with that Kelse continued to stay at the top of their group leading two close seconds, Algal states and Imperial Moose.

The team will play their third game against Algal states tomorrow, which will be broadcasted live across the country on Atletica De Lux, channel 15 in the greater Santa Monica area. Elsewhere, please check your local listings. The Mariners will try and use their same strategy to win against the Algal states, who have been playing very good beating Priggdom today with the score of 4-0. The other team in the group who is a big threat are Imperial Moose, while Obsidianus and TheSuncoastOfFlorida may still make a comeback.

That's it from Legalese, however for more news on the BoF or any other Kelsian Athletic teams, check out our website at http://www.smwave.kel.

As the Fighting Norris walked into their locker room after a 0-1 loss to Risa-Aramour, tempers began to flare.

“Who did we just lose to? I don’t know anything about them”! Bellows Coach Bob Janney. “Not only have they not posted a roster, but they haven’t communicated at all to anyone in the football world”! “That has to be some kind of rule infraction, how are we supposed to win when we don’t know who the other team’s fielding or what their strategy is”?

Clearly he wasn’t pleased with the outcome of the match. To summarize the match, the first half and the opening 25 minutes of the second half were an awfully boring match, with both defenses doing abnormally well. Goalkeeper “?????” (Name unknown to everybody but Risa-Aramour) only had to save 5 shots on goal the whole match due to the superior performance of Defenders X, Y, and Z (once again, names not on file). The lone goal came on a charge by Risa-Aramour starting in minute 71 and ending minute 73 when Forward #4 (name not available) scored on a well placed shot on goal. Once again, the conclusion of the match signaled the start of the booing from the displeased fans after a terribly boring match. One fan said to us “I’m going to stop attending Fighting Norris matches if they’re not even going to score any goals”. When asked to interview any player on the Fighting Norris after the match, our request was denied. So to fill the extra time, we’re going to give our really bored statistics expert, Theo Retical, some airtime.

Matchday 2 brought much more excitement around the Baptism of Fire tourney than Matchday 1 did. A total of 32 goals were scored compared to Matchday 1’s measly 23, a 9 goal increase. Matchday 2 also hosted the highest score by any single team in one match during the tournament when Algal States scored 4 goals. Currently, three teams have yet to score a goal, these teams are Priggdom, Nebuleux, and CR Ocillosopes. Eight teams have only scored one goal; these teams are Rorysville, Berner Street, Risa-Aramour, The Sun coast of Florida, Obsidianus, Spaamanian Plijous, Georgeonia, and ourselves. Three teams have a total of two goals, these teams are Atheistic Right, Vuam and Isma, and New Preussen. Three teams have scored three goals; these teams are Kelse, Imperial Moose, and Haraki. Four teams have scored four goals; these teams are Qazox, Tynelia, Allied Anime Worlds, and Popolus. Two teams have scored five goals; these teams are Green Wombat and Algal States. A single lone team sits atop with six goals, and that team is Becquerelia.

Wow, I actually found that semi-interesting; maybe we should give him some more airtime from now on. Here is the remaining schedule for the Fighting Norris:

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris 1 vs. Berner Street 1
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Risa-Aramour 1
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Allied Anime Worlds
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Vuam and Isma
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Nebuleux

The Fighting Norris look forward to their next match against the dangerous Allied Anime Worlds team, it is a crucial match toward Fighting Norris advancement.

<The Sports Daily Logo once again appears on your Television screen, with the same news-styled theme music>

<The Logo fades to the studio>

"Welcome, once again to Sports Daily, Your Fittest for Survival Sports News. I am, as always, Charles." - Charles

"And I am, as always, Darwin. Welcome to the coverage of the 2nd Matchday of the Baptism of fire tournament." - Darwin

"Let's before we have a look at the highlights of the Archeopteri vs Green Wombats, have a look at the other teams. - Charles

"Yes, We'll start off with those crazy Ox worshipers... and their match against Rorysville. Well after conceding an early goal the Qazox team thundered in three unanswered goals." - Darwin

"The first one of these was as the result of a penalty kick made by Maria Gretsky, after a red card incident involving a Rorysville player. Number nine." - Darwin

"What is with the Rorysville team, they have not even announced the names of the players taking to the field. Charles even the weirdos they where playing against have." - Charles

"I'd have to agree with you there, Charles, but now it is time for the Tynelia vs. CR Ocilloscope match." - Darwin

"Well that was quite a one-sided match, Darwin, score-wise anyway. With the Tynelians getting it up over the Ocilloscopes 3-nil." - Charles

"That certainly seems one-sided, but really it wasn't that bad for the Ocilloscopes, as they dominated the attack in the 2nd-half." - Darin

"Ah yes, but still the Tynelian defense was very strong and they never really had a realistic chance of scoring." - Charles

"So, Charles, what are your opinions of the four teams?" - Darwin

"Tynelia certainly seem to be a force to be reckoned with, however they have only faced the Rorysville and CR Ocilloscopes so our judgement is uncertain." - Charles

"So What about Qazox?" - Darwin

"While being insane it seems Oxen are well adapted to play football, they managed to beat us didn't they? but yes their other match was against any easy foe" - Charles

"So what about the CR Ocilloscopes or Rorysville?" - Darwin

"Ah well, Darwin, if these football teams where an animal, they would have gone extinct eons ago, between them they have only scored one goal and have lost every game." - Charles

"Well, I'm sure our viewers are anxious about our match against the Green Wombats." - Darwin

"Yes let's go and see the highlights of the game, our first highlight is in the 25th minute, let's go to the video." - Charles
Darw
<Cut the the video>

"Snake's slithering his way through the midfield, a great display of ball handling ability. He passes.. no he's making a long strike at the goal, the ball's flying through the air, kicked from near half-way, It sails through the air. bounces on the ground and goes straight up into the top of the net, what a goal."

<cut back to the studio>

"Wow, Charles, what a magnificent goal made by Snake." - Darwin

"yes, unfortunately he was not able to re-produce this extra-ordinary goal later in the match, but the next highlight is certainly something of interest... It's in the 42nd minute of play." - Charles

"Are we going to have a look at the video?" - Darwin

"Of course, and here it is." - Charles

<cut to the video>

A Green Wombat forward, the number is obscured by the angle is in the goal, he quickly passes it to one side of the field where another forawrd is and the forward strikes towardfs the goal at an angle, unfortunatley Eagle's judgment was not right and he thought the ball was going right towards him but in fact it ended up going to the far end of the goal and he failed to stop it.

<Cut back to the Studio>

"Owch, that was a big mistake by the goalie in the 42nd minute." - Darwin

"I'm sure that Owl had some words with him in the dressing rooms during half-time." - Charles

"So what did happen in the dressing room?" - Darwin

"Well, we didn't have any camera's or reporters in the dressing rooms for their privacy. So I'd assume the usual sort of, drinks, rest, pep talk and whatever else Owl decides to do" - Charles

"All that leaves now is the 2nd half of the match." - Darwin

"So let's get on with it, here is a highlight of the 2nd hald it's in the 53rd minute" - Charles

<Cut to the video>

Another Green Wombat, this time a midfielder is making their way to the Atheistic Right Goal... Spider tackles the Midfielder but another Green Wombat takes up the ball, he's a forward. The forward takes a the ball and kicks the ball hard and the ball goes off like a bullet towards the goal and Eagle jumps to the left and it just clipped his fingers and went back into the goal.

<cut back top the studio>

"Well, so that leaves the Green Wombats in the lead, do they stay in the lead? - Darwin

"No, there is another highlight let's go to the video, it's in the 76th minute." - Charles

<cut to the video>

Spider tackled a Green Wombat defender and Ant grabbed the ball and darted from the tackle, passing it on to Leopard who got around a number of defenders using his great Speed. In the Green Wombat half he passed it onto Scorpion who not long after he got into position, he made a shot towards the goal and it went under the gap between the leaping goalie and ground.

<cut back to the Studio>

"Well that's all the goals of the match, as it ended in a 2 all draw." - Darwin

"So Darwin, what do you think about our chances... for getting to the next stage of the Baptism of Fire?" - Charles

"Well we have three matches left, 2 of them are against CR Ocilloscopes & Roryville, our only opponent of Concern is Tynelian, We'll just see how that works out." - Darwin

"So your saying we've at least go a reasonable chance?" - Charles

"If other the Tylenian match goes our way, most certainlu. - Darwin

"Well, oh, we've already gone overtime, so this is where we'll have to leave it. And remember. Sports Daily - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News, I'm Charles" - Charles

"And I'm Darwin, Thank you and Good night" - Darwin

"Damn we couldn't even beat a team the freaking Oxen beat? Somebody's gonna pay for this!!" yelled Generallisimo Uarez punching his hand though his hotel room's wall, scaring the couple next door. He was just about to make a 2nd hole when in his room appeared 4 weirdoes and Lt. Latias. "What the Hell are you 5 doing here??" he yelled, jumping out of the way so he wouldn't be caught up in the Transporter Beam. "Uh. Sir, the weirdoes accidently burnt down the Hexagon." Latias said, ducking out of the way. "WHAT!!!" he yelled at the weirdoes. "Meep, D'oh, dink, dink dink, Meeeeep, D'oh" the 4 weirdoes said in unison. "I don't care if she said cow, you freaks, you burnt the Capital down, go back to Green Wombat right now and fix it or else!!" said the Generallisimo, with buring hatred in his eyes. The weirdoes vanished in a flash of light and only Lt. Latias remained behind.

"Sir, do you want me to go back and supervise?" she asked, readying herself for transport.
"No, iIneed you here to help me. That Kyle Cartman is as slippery as that Snake in today's game." He replied, showing her the news report.


"Snake's slithering his way through the midfield, a great display of ball handling ability. He passes.. no he's making a long strike at the goal, the ball's flying through the air, kicked from near half-way, It sails through the air. bounces on the ground and goes straight up into the top of the net, what a goal."

Spider tackled a Green Wombat defender and Ant grabbed the ball and darted from the tackle, passing it on to Leopard who got around a number of defenders using his great Speed. In the Green Wombat half he passed it onto Scorpion who not long after he got into position, he made a shot towards the goal and it went under the gap between the leaping goalie and ground.


"Well, at least we didn't lose and Ensign Graves scored twice more, sir." she replied.

"Yeah, but we need to win against Tynelia tommorrow or else those Damned Oxen will just about clinch a spot in the next round." Uarez replied. "Now that you're here I..um.. I mean... your country needs your special talents."

"Which talent are you talking about...No, sir, i won't do it." Latias replied as she caught his meaning.

"If I order you to do it, you will. You do know the penalty for ingoring a direct order right..?" The generallismo asked. "I order you to dress as a civilian and seduce Mr. Cartman and then kill him."

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
Now with Qazox's only nude 11pm weathergirl Alotta Fagina !

"Hello again Qazox and Lorax City and all the other cities in between this is Kyle Cartman once again reporting from Rejistania with the Baptism of Fire Update.

Earlier today we saw our beloved Black Oxen trample Rorysville 3-1. For the whole enitre match the Rorysville side was as quiet as the dead, until I realized that in fact they had just sent all the dead people over to root for them. Very weird people those Rorysvillians. However, the Qazox side of the crowd was as boistrous as ever chanting and waving the OX-bells as loud as they could.

Also after today's match Francis Alouette said to reporters that his injury would not keep him from playing in tommorrow's game.

I would like to take this time to apologize to our hosts for those comments made after yesterday's broadcast. I was completely out of line with what I said and I will not ever do that again.

Tommorrow I will spending the whole match over on the CR Oscilloscopes side and hopefully I will have more to report. This is Kyle Cartman, Channel 3 News Lorax City."

Kyle Cartman put down the microphone and made sure the camera was off, "Gawd that sucked." He left the hotel lobby and made his way towards the bar. "Barkeep, a double shot of bourbon," he said sitting down on the stool. After the barkeep gave him his drink, he nursed it as he scanned the bar for women he could take up to his hotel room. 'Not much to look at in here tonight, again;' he thought, 'Just the usual player's wives and even some of the players themselves.
He finished his drink and was just about to get up and leave when a gorgeous blonde walked into the bar. "Well now, who might you be?" he asked as she approched the bar. "My name's Wendy, Wendy Latias." she replied after ordering a vodka martini. "My name's Kyle Cartman," He replied ordering another double bourbon. "Not the Kyle Cartman, Channel 3 Lorax City News?" she replied. "Why, yes. Yes I am. Are you here Rooting for Qazox?" he asked.
"Yes, my brother's on the team, but he don't know I'm here." She answered, "Wanna come up to my room and talk some more?"
"Well, You're a bit aggressive aren't you? I like that in a woman" Kyle replied, "Why not, tommorrow's game is the last one and I don't have to be there until it starts anyway." "Good, Here's my room number and I'll see you there in a few minutes." Wendy replied. as she walked away from the bar the only thought going through Kyle's head was 'i'm gonna score more tonight than Qazox has this entire tourney.'

Government District Daily Report

Snow Leopards Deliver Roundhouse Kick
Score First Ever Victory in International Competition

Risia, Governement District - Our beloved Risa-Aramour Snow Leopard national squad, utilizing the best Chicanadan resources to develop the team, lost their opener.

What a shock.

However, the squad recovered just in time to face off against the mighty Mr. Chuck Norris, fully believing they would be roundhouse-kicked all the way back to The Exodus.

Instead, the Leopards delivered a roundhouse kick of their own, as unhearald IDEXA Karabo star Rjaism K'oalspain scored off a header in the 23rd minute to give the RAFA their first ever international victory today in Rejistania.

We'd have a more in-depth report, but the RAFA are limiting press announcements until they are satisified with results. The RAFA is expected to finally release the official roster of players (picked from both the Aramourian League and Risa FClub Athletics) by the end of qualifying.

[A splashscreen displays the letters "SNN" prominently in silver]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network; brininging you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium

[Cut to the newsroom with Miko Hasegawa]

Miko: A good evening to the Federation, I'm Miko Hasegawa.

[Cut to a jubilant crowd marching through the streets holding pro-FAAW banners aloft]

Crowd: FAAW's number one! FAAW's number one! FAAW's number one!

Miko voice over: The Federation of Allied Anime Worlds has won its second game in a row by a wide 3-1 margin, renewing confidence in the club's abilities.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: Before we go to an summary of the game itself, I'd like to mention that for this game, we're piloting a new technology recently prefected in the Federation's labs. A new kind of autonomous camera, called the HeliCam, in combination with high-gain directional microphones, allow us to show you the game as it happened from the viewpoint of the players. And now for the summary.

[Cut to HeliCam view. The camera is following midfielder Amy Waters, who is moving the ball up the field]

Miko voice over: Once again, the Federation team started aggressive early, when Amy Waters took control of the ball away at 4:24 from one of the Vuam and Isma forwards, whose names are unknown because they still haven't posted a roster.

Amy Waters: Shinji! Take it!

[Amy passes the ball to Shinji, who recives it and starts moving toward the Vuam and Isma goal]

Shinji: I can't run away, I can't run away, I can't run away...

[Shinji defeats the midfield defenders, and then the fullbacks]

Miko voice over: Shinji's nevousness, however, was unwarranted.

[Shinji shoots and scores. He runs over to embrace the other forwards]

Shinji: I did it! I did it! (to FAAW sideline) Miyahama-sama! I did it!

Miko voice over: Not to be defeated so easily, Vuam and Isma retaliated at 30:22.

[HeliCam shot following a Vuam and Isma forward. He dribbles around Amy Waters]

Miko voice over: It appears that concerns about Miss Waters' athleticism are at least somewhat warranted. Only thirty mintues into the game, and she was already showing fatigue.

[Ran Mara and Aki Tenda come into view]

Aki: Here's our chance, Ran. Don't foul it up.

Ran: Shut your un-cute mouth and go guard against that other forward, he's got a clear pass!

Aki: Why, you....!

[Aki attacks Ran, and the two start fighting]

Miko voice over: It appears that Ran and Aki chose the worst possible time to have a lover's quarrel. And by quarrel I mean full-on, knock-down, drag-out, full-contact martial arts match.

[The Vaum and Isma forward dribbles effortlessly around the dust cloud generated by Ran and Aki, and taps it in past an astonished Mahoro]

Miko voice over: The referees issued yellow cards to both Aki and Ran. Head coach Chio Miyahama was livid.

[HeliCam shot of the sidelines and a furious Chio Miyahama.]

Chio: Time out! Player replacement, Aki out, Mugen in!

Mugen: Well, it looks like I'm finally going to have a chance to show what I'm made of and take all the glory. Too bad for you, Gene.

Gene (unperturbed): Hmm.

[Mugen takes Aki's position as fullback. Aki Tenda stepps onto the sidelines, a black cloud hovering over her head.]

Chio: I saw exactly what happened out there, Aki. Now, repeat after me. "I will not initiate violence."

Aki (furious): I-will-not-initiate-violence.

Chio: Good. Now say it a hundred times, and I MIGHT put you back in.

Aki: I-will-not...

[Cut back to the game]

Miko voice over: With the score now 1-1, the Vuam and Isma offensive was emboldened, and they effectively moved the ball down the field. They were frequently repelled by the combined efforts of Mugen and Yuki Miya. That is, until this incident.

[HeliCam shot of Mugen]

Mugen: Hey, Yuki, you're pretty good, for a little girl!

Yuki: Mugen, look out!

[A soccer ball hits Mugen in the head, which was then recovered by a Vuam and Isma forward]

Miko voiceover: This might have won Vuam and Isma a second goal and the lead, had their forward recovered more quickly from what shortly follows.

Vuam and Isma forward: You're mine, woman!

[The forward shoots the ball, which hits Mahoro hard sqare in the face with an audible CLANG! The ball recoils back toward the forward]

Vuam and Isma forward: What the...!

[Mahoro runs up and recovers the ball]

Miko voiceover: There are advantages to being an android, even without superhuman strength, agility, or speed. Mugen was more mindful of advancing forwards from then on, but the Federation offense was stagnating, leaving the score at 1-1 at the 50 minute mark. Then, Coach Miyahama made the decision that changed that.

[HeliCam shot of the Federation sideline]

Chio: Time-out! Player replacement! Raye Sun out, President Endymion in!

[The crowd goes absolutely berzerk with cheering, then settles into a chant]

Crowd: En-dy-mi-on! En-dy-mi-on! En-dy-mi-on!

Miko voice over: Although many fans were eagerly awaiting the decision to put President Endymion in, the effect was mostly on morale. The president did not make any goals, or shots on goal.

[HeliCam shot of Endymion with the ball, the crowd cheering him on. He passes it to Vash, who moves it up to Sagara, who successfuly fakes out the goalie for a goal.]

Miko voice over: The President did, however, get the ball over to the dynamic duo of Vash and Sagara at 55:29, 61:41, and 70:24 for three shots on goal. Only the shot at 61:41 actually made it in, but the effect of the constant assault by FAAW clearly wore down the morale of the Vuam and Isma team. Vash also scored a goal at 81:23 off a pass from Shinji Ikau, effectively clinching the game. Here's what some of the club had to say after the game.

[Cut to FAAW's locker room.]

Endymion: We played much better today than yesterday, so I have high hopes for tomorrow's game against Mr Chuck Norris. We'll be practicing hard for tomorrow's game, though; we don't want to get lazy now that we're winning. [He looks off to the side] Ah! Mahoro, you've been avoiding me, I need to talk to you about your recruiting efforts, or lack thereof...

Mahoro: Um, I just remembered! I need to get my face covering adjusted after that shot I caught in the face!

Endymion: Your face isn't deformed at all, get back here!

[Cut to Chio Miyahama in the same place]

Chio: I'm very pleased with my team's performance, except for Aki Tenda. If part of their relationship involves random fights, then they're welcome to it...

[Mugen is busy getting changed in the background, when he's bothered by Pan-Pan.]

Mugen: Hey, back off.

Chio: ...anytime they're off the field...

[Pan-Pan persists in bumping up against Mugen]

Mugen: I said, back off! [He pulls out his katana and takes a swipe, which the panda dodges.] Huh, what the...!?

[Mugen and Pan-Pan start running around the background, taking swipes at each other.]

Chio: ...but when they're on my watch, I expect them to behave themselves...

Mugen: Watch it, you big oaf! [swipe] I'll really chop you up, you know?! Gene! Chio! Help!!!

Reporter: Um...shouldn't you help him?

Chio: ...what? No, they're just playing...

[Gene walks up and hits Pan-Pan over the head with the blunt side of his sword. Pan-Pan falls over.]

Gene: Did it occur to you that your sword has a blunt edge too?

Mugen: Uh...no...

Gene: Hmm.

Chio: Anyway, I think I've got Aki straightened out.

Reporter: Will you change your lineup to keep Aki and Ran separate?

Chio: No, unless it happens again.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: But the real story today is in the standings. FAAW was favored to win this game, but there was a stunning upset in the matchup between Risa-Aramour and Mr Chuck Norris, the former of which has not even posted a roster and has, as of yet, made only a single small press release. Here's what Mr Chuck Norris' head coach had to say.

[Cut to a bewildered and angry Coach Bob Janney]

Coach Bob: Who did we just lose to? I don’t know anything about them! Not only have they not posted a roster, but they haven’t communicated at all to anyone in the football world! That has to be some kind of rule infraction, how are we supposed to win when we don’t know who the other team’s fielding or what their strategy is?

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: Another upset resulted in a draw between Berner Street and Nubeleux. The result is that underdogs Vuam and Isma and Risa-Aramour hold second and third place, respectively, with the Federation having a three point lead over both. Berner Street trails the Federation by four points, and Mr Chuck Norris trails by five. If the Federation wins tomorrow's game, it may effectively clinch the Rejistania region blue group, while a win by Mr Chuck Norris will bring them back into the game. In other news...[click!]


Update! Changed values in bold.
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: [b]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: N
Godmod Other Events: Y

Tynelian Faithful Cram Airport

Thousands of Tynelian Towel waving soccer fans have crowded the airports caught up in the early success of Team Tynelia in the Baptism of Fire torunament. These rabid fans have all booked flights to Rejistania to cheer on their team in their upcoming game against the Green Wombats. A win here puts Tynelia in a very strong position with two games to play to advance to the next round.

As one of the fans when interviewed claimed, his face painted in the Tyenlian national colors "Tynelia is the greatest nation in the world and we're going to have the greatest soccer team too! And once we get there we're gonna show the rest of the world Tynelia has the greatest fans too! Go Tynelia!"

A woman standing nearby was seen waving a sign saying "Jay Masterson can score on me anytime!" Other notable characters included a couple dressed up in a cardboard version of a brick wall with goal keeper Valdimar Malloy's number on in obvious homage to the player known as "the Wall" The crowd was well behaved and did not grumble much even during the long line at the ticket window as the Airlines frantically lined up additional flights to Rejistania.

It looks like the world is about to see just how supportive the nation of Tynelia can be to its sports teams.

Programming Note- This week's episode of "Found" where the crack rescue team led by Col. James Donners tries to save the survivors of a plane wreck on an island populated by mysterious and secretive hostile natives from parts unknown, will be posponed to next week so we may show in its entirety the match between Tynelia and the Green Wombats.

Epiphytes win second match

Legalese-In their second match of the Baptism of fire tournament the epiphytes looked a lot more like the team that finished 6th in the maple-taco cup, rolling to a 4-0 shut out of Priggdom. The Defence was perfect and only allowed 10 shots all game of which only 2 were quality chances which starting goalie Albert Cormier handled with ease. Team Captain Mike Deveau started off the scoring in the 33rd minute when he headed in a ball from the corner. The other big story of the game was the big performance from the Amirault brothers up front. Thomas Amirault scored in the 50th minute when he chipped in a pass from his brother louis, he then blasted another shot past the keeper 10 minutes later. Louis Amirault scored the last goal of the game in the 88th minute when he redirected a free kick with his head.
When reached for comment after the game Coach Theriault was glowing over the performance,"this is the type of performance that they train to give and if they can keep it up then the tournament is in bag!"
When asked about how he thought the teams chances were againest Kelse in the next game he was noncommittal and simply reiterated his focus on defence and that if they stick to their gameplan there is no reason that they can't win. The epiphytes next game will be broadcast live on Algal States national television.

For Immediate Release

Riots Quelled in Obsidiaani. New Mascot Chosen by Unanimous Acclaim

Obsidiaani, Obsidianus February 17, 1952 v1 - After a single riotous day, peace has returned to Obsidiaani. Rioters, angry at the loss to Kelse by the national team and the lack of a mascot, surged into the streets bringing chaos and unrestrained shaming with them yesterday. Unused to such civil unrest the small civil police force was completely out of its element and could do little more than hang their heads in shame. Eventually, rioters and angry citizens converged on Hirvi Square demanding action from President Väinämöinen, who promised to do all that he could.

Rioters nonetheless continued to wreck havok in the outskirts of Obsidiaani until dawn. It seemed inevitable that they would continue unabated. However, the city was brought back to civility through the efforts of one heroic citizen.

Rohkea Ilmarinen, an otter-fisher by trade, heard about the riots in the capital city by radio as he fished the River Tainomaisessa with his squad of trained ebony otters. Releasing his catch, he packed up and turned his fishing boat downstream towards Obsidiaani at top speed. Arriving in the pre-dawn hours, he picked his way through the chaos to Hirvi Square and climbed up the facade of the Presidential Mansion along with his otters.

When dawn came, he could be seen from all over the city, looking down at the madness that had overcome it. On his visage was a dour and glowering look that instantly brought shame and repentance to any who should glance at it, even from a mile or more away. Single-handedly, Ilmarinen shamed Obsidiaani back to civility, a powerful and appropriate shaming that will be remembered for centuries.

As sheepish citizens began to clean up the city and return to their daily lives, many congregated at Hirvi Square once again to take up the call that came from all corners of the capital. Ilmarinen and no other should assume the mantle of Pekkasaukko the Shaming Otter and represent Obsidianus' national spirit in the Baptism of Fire tournament. He shamed powerfully and appropriately and then grinned impishly from above at those he had shamed once they had come to their senses, a sterling example of true Obsidianus spirit after the squalid example of the days previous.

A jet has been commandeered from the Defense Forces and Ilmarinen is being flown directly to Legalese where he will take the field as Pekkasaukko in the Amber & Obsidian's match today against TheSuncoastofFlorida.

Legalese - Raw Footage of pregame press conference by Obsidianus head coach Pekka P. Necropolis

Urho Keltainen, Obsidiaani Uutiset: Captain, for today's game you'll have a 12th man for the team, Pekkasaukko. How much will this improve your performance?

Necropolis: We're glad to have the mascot issue resolved, especially considering the unfortunate circumstances in Obsidiaani. It's a weight off all our minds, certainly. I'm sure that Mr. Ilmarinen will inspire my men to greater efforts today. We'll need it. Matteo Ferrado exposed my defensemens' lack of endurance. Even with all the subs I threw in, I couldn't keep fresh legs on defense. We'll need to double our efforts today against TheSuncoastofFlorida. That said, I must congratulate Kelse on a game well played. They earned the win.

Keltainen: Will there be any changes to your game strategy?

Necropolis: Not so much. Our strategy is sound. It just wants for better execution and I think we'll have that, especially with Pekkasaukko keeping an eye on us. I'm predicting a victory today.

Bill Baystone, Channel Sport: Looking past TheSuncoastofFlorida, how do you think you'll fare against your final two opponents, the Algal States and Priggdom?

Necropolis: Very simply, we must win our next three matches. The Algal States will be our toughest remaining opponent, I think, although we're not looking past TheSuncoastofFlorida at all. They're our current priority. Priggdom seems to be the runt of our group. I hope they manage to get a win before we face them, otherwise they may be playing very strongly for pride in their final match against us.

:: gets cell phone call ::

I have to answer this. Pardon me.

...

:: finishes call ::

Excuse me please, gentlebeings, Rohkea Ilmarinen has just arrived from Obsidiaani. I must be off to greet him properly and then introduce him to the team.

Taken from the 'CR Herald':
Fans call for Werter's head
Angry CR Oscilloscopes football fans have been calling for the immediate sacking of team manager Herl Werter, after the team suffered another humiliating 3-0 defeat leaving them sitting at the bottom of the table.

The 47 year-old only took over the newly formed national team five weeks ago, but many fans have already decided that he is not the man for the job. "Herl has no enthusiasm for the task. The players just don't seem to respect him." said Kim Treston, head of the Independent CR Oscilloscopes Association Football Supporters Club (ICROAFSC). In an interview given to the television station, 'SportsNews', Kim went on, to lambast the government for their lack of support for the team, "Many, more prominent managers are well known to have turned the job down simply, because the government isn't offering funds enough to get the team even decent training facilities." he said.

Whilst the man himself has been silent on the issue, Werter's assistant, Rein Kingsten said that Herl had no plans of resignation. The CRFA also spoke out in defense of their manager, describing him as "Resourceul and determined" and "Exactly the right man to drag the team out of its predicament".

A lot will seem to rest on CR Oscilloscopes next match. A repeat of the consecutive 3-0 defeats suffered recently, could well see the hand of the CRFA forced by public pressure, yet if the team improves, a top half finish in the group, which would be a real achievement, is not out of the question.

Becquerelia announces back-up for Wainwright

In a terse press release today, the Becquerelian National Team announced that Defender Keyne Hawkins would serve as backup midfielder in addition to his duties as backup defender in their matchup against New Preussen.

"After a serious look at our roster, we decided that Keyne is the best choice to serve as a back-up Midfielder at this time. This allows Phillip Gersh to concentrate on his duties as a Forward from here on." The press release quoted assistant Alexander Helmcamp as saying.

The release didn't mention Ambrose Wainwright by name, but it is generally known that Hawkins is being named Wainwright's back-up.

"Bringing only just enough midfielders to the Baptism of Fire was never a good idea." says a source close to the national team. "But [Head Coach Macarius] Ransome thought he could keep Ambrose in check. I'm not sure if he is able to do so."

The Becquerelia-New Preussen match will be broadcast live on the CentrifugeSports Network.


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

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
KYLE CARTMAN 1980-2006

(camera fades in on Hugh Jazz sitting at the newsdesk)

"Tragedy has struck home today for all of Lorax City and Qazox as well, as Kyle Cartman, 3-time winner of the Qazox Triathalon and Our Sports Reporter, was found dead in his hotel room earlier today. I'm Hugh Jazz, and here's what we know as of this moment. Kyle Cartman was found found by hotel security after missing his 7 am wake-up call dead in his room. No offical reports have come out but murder is suspected with the Rejistanian Police holding a few witnesses for questioning. We now go live to Amanda Hugankiss, Live in Rejistania with the latest. Amanda?"

(Live feed of Amanda Hugankiss standing in front of a hotel)

"Thank you, Hugh. I'm standing outside of the hotel where Kyle Cartman was staying until his tradgic death earlier today. The police have confirmed that Kyle was posioned, but the specific type is unknown at this time. The Rejistanian government is working with the QBCI (Qazox Bureau of Criminal Investigatons) to help identify anyone who may have done this. Personally, I'm saddened to lose such a young and promising reporter to needless tragedy. Our best wishes and prayers to his surviving family and friends and he'll always be in our hearts. Back to you, Hugh."

(quick-cut back to the studio, where Hugh is wiping away a tear from his eye)

"Thank you for that report Amanda. For those of you now just tuning in, Kyle Cartman, Channel 3's Sports Reporter and 2-time winner of the Tour de Qazox bicycle race was found murdered in his hotel room earlier today. More upates to this story as the facts become known. We now return you to Survivor: North Pole after this brief commercial.

Coach Bob Janney, sitting in the locker room of the Fighting Norris, read a portion of the Risa-Aramour “Government District Daily Report” aloud:

"…The Leopards delivered a roundhouse kick of their own, as unhearald IDEXA Karabo star Rjaism K'oalspain scored off a header in the 23rd minute to give the RAFA their first ever international victory today in Rejistania."

“I knew it!” yells Bob Janney. “We weren’t even playing those scoundrels from Risa-Aramour!” “Or they mixed up their game reports, for in our game (supposedly against Risa-Aramour), we clearly saw that the only goal was scored by forward #4 (name still not available) in the 73rd minute on a well placed shot” “Their claim that the only goal of the game was scored by Rjaism K'oalspain off a header in the 23rd minute is obviously false, and everyone around the Baptism of Fire knows it too.” “Consider this rant an informal request to Risa-Aramour asking them where they received their game stats, because it certainly wasn’t from our match.”

Clearly, the coach of the Fighting Norris has stumbled upon quite a conspiracy. Hopefully, the matter gets resolved as the Fighting Norris continue their march through the Baptism of Fire.

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris 1 vs. Berner Street 1
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Risa-Aramour 1 ???
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Allied Anime Worlds
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Vuam and Isma
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Nebuleux

Apologies for the lack of response; there was no electricity in my house for several days, and thus no internet access.



The crowd went wild. The small but tough group of Harakian fans that had accompanied the Hawks to Legalese for their first World Cup game in seventeen years were on their feet cheering, because the ninety-minute mark had sounded and the Hawks had their first victory. The entire first half of the game had been played tightly for both sides. The entire Harakian section held their breath as a Georgeonian forward had gotten the ball and made his way down the field near the thiry minute mark. He had managed to get past the entire Harakian group of centres, and ended up facing veteran defenceman Owen Peterson, both running head-on at each other. As Peterson went down for a kick, the Georgonian flipped the ball over his leg and tripped voer it a moment later. Both men went down, but the Georgeonian got back up. Peterson lay on the ground for a moment before getting back up, limping along on what appeared to be an injured right leg. It was clear the older Harakian player had been defeated by the spirit of youth.

There was no-one left in the path of the Georgeonian. He was so close, it seemed impossible for him to miss with a kick. He shot, the ball sailed through the air - and bounced off Mark Stone's left hand, as he dove through the air. The whole world seemed to go in slow motion as the ball made its way out of the net and was retrieved by Haraki defenceman Sandy Thorpe, who safely took it down the field away from the Harakian goal. It was the greatest save most of the watchers from Haraki could recall ever having seen from Stone, Haraki's best goaltender. Nothing else from the game equalled that sight.

Neither team scored in the first half of the game. When the second half began, Peterson had been replaced by Jonah Menike, a player from the football club Kiros Tigers, the same as superstar Mike Zendar. The doctor had said he had a pulled tendon and he should stay off it for some time. Peterson was out of the next few games. Time would tell if it would make a difference.

The second half was intense. Both sides were determined to win, but after everything else Haraki's two forwards pulled through. Samantha Ribald, the team's lone starting woman, was taking the ball up the left side of the field, with Sam Sharp ahead of her and Mike Zendar to his right, down the centre. As the other team approached Ribald, she passed it up the field ahead of herself to Sharp, who managed top curve around behind the opposing players, but was blocked as he approached the net by two Georgeonian defencemen. A powerful left kick sent it sailing right past them - one dove to try and kick it but missed - and to Zendar, who landed a one-timer kick into the top right corner of the net that the Goergeonian goalie simply couldn't reach. The entire Harakian section was on their feet in seconds screaming. With twelve minutes left to go in the game, Mike Zendar had come through for his team. He jogged slowly back to his own half, raising his fists in the air to show his triumph, and soaking in the applause.

The goal seemed to let the air out of the opposition. They were uninspired as the clock ran down. The ball spent most of its time away from the Harakian end, as for the last twelve minutes the Harakians tried desperately to lengthen their lead and establish a better place for themselves. But they failed in that respect. As the clock found ninety minutes, Haraki had emerged victorious against a tough opposition.


Haraki 1 - Georgeonia 0


Zendar (78)



The next game the Hawks played was against New Preussen, who had raised slight controversy prior to the beginning of the tournament with a press release at least slightly condemning Haraki's use of women on the team. Even if that had not been the intent, the Harakian public had taken it that way. Those who had spoken up against Zendar and Vargas' choice for the team to have only one woman in the starting positions spoke up even louder to urge the Harakian team to beat the Preussens. Although no official statement was released from the Harakian team or their manager, rumours circulated about the Ribald sisters, Alicia and Samantha, passing around a humourous cartoon depicting a group of losing Preussens defeated by a bunch of woman, with a rather inappropriate speech bubble in the locker room. The Hawks, of course, officially denied all such implications.

However, all other matters laid aside, the Hawks were in top form. Riding the wave of public support following their 1-0 victory over Georgeonia in the previous match, they were ready to play, and ready to beat their enemies. Although looking forward to a harder game from a potentially tougher enemy, they were still ready to give it their all and bring another victory home. The dedicated Harakian section there remaining from the first game had grown as news of their success reached the home front, and an entire corner of the stands was filled with screaming Harakians, many with the flag painted on their chests. An entire section of young girls wore football shirts imitating that of Mike Zendar, the team captain. As the Harakians jogged out onto the field, they knew they had support, and they were ready to play. Owen Peterson was still out with a pulled tendon, and Jonah Menike was still filling in.

The first twenty minutes were back and forth, back and forth. Multiple shots on each net were met with several easy and several hard saves from each goaltender, but no actual goals. Twenty-five minutes in, centre Thomas Neils, one of the only two veterans on the team with prior world cup experience, received a pass from teammate Luke Ford, as the two of them advanced down the right side of the field. Shielded by Zendar and Ford, Neils made his way down the field, avoiding the enemy team and getting past them where possible. As the field began to come to an end, Neils angled sharply in towards the net, coming in on an angle that should have made a shot easy to block, and pulled his leg back for a shot that would almost surely be blocked. The opposing goalie stood in the left corner of the net, ready to block what looked to be an easy save, when instead Neils passed the ball to forward Samuel Sharp on the other side. Sharp, who had assisted with Haraki's goal in the first game, kicked a shot that was impossible to miss. The goalie tried to reverse his momentum and dive back, but it was too late. The ball was tipped in and the entire Harakian section were on their feet cheering.

This proved to make the Preussens angry. Multiple yellow cards were awarded to their players for attempted or successful injuries on Harakian players, and Samantha RIbald took a soccer cleat to the shin, which cut her leg open. Bleeding from the leg, she was helped off the field by teammates only five minutes before the end of the first half and third-place reserve centre Allison Keyes was brought in. This seemed to be entirely a decision to anger the Preussens. Their pre-tournament comments about women playing on the Harakian team had only proved to make their team superior and even triumphant when Ribald was injured - the referee deemed it an accident - and bringing on another woman was a way to make them even more riled up.

The half ended with a whimper. One goal by Harakian player Samuel Sharp was all that marked the first half, but the second half started with a bang. Right from the get-go, Keyes got the ball. More rested than the others, she took it right down the centre of the field. A long pass up to Neils, who was running near Zendar, who took aim and kicked a goal that he was sure would go in. But the Preussen goalie proved better than that. He sailed through the air, seemingly in slow motion, and smacked the ball out of the air, an attempted catch gone wrong. As he landed on his side, he was just in time to see Zendar get the rebound, hit it once with his left foot, and come in with the right kick that had made him famous. The ball shot in over the prone Preussen goalie and hit the back of the net with a heavy swish, and once more the Harakians went wild.

There was nothing more for it. The game was tough from then on, and the rest of the second half was marked primarily by a save from Harakian goaltender Mark Stone right on the seventy-minute mark in which his hand almost by reflex caught the ball out of his peripheral vision. No-one could believe their eyes. As the ninety-minute mark was reached, the Hawks were once more triumphant in a shutout. Samantha Ribald received six stitches in her leg and would have to sit out the rest of qualifying along with Peterson, who was out for the entire Baptism of Fire. The Harakian team seemed to be marred by injuries, but still coming out on top. As the game ended, already the Hawks were thinking ahead to their next game, this time against Popolus.


Haraki 2 - New Preussen 0


Sharp (28)
Zendar (51)

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 3 Results
(remember, only 2 shopping days until the Regional Quarterfinals!)

Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [2] - [0] CR Oscilloscopes
Green wombat [0] - [1]Tynelia
Rorysville [1] - [1] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Qazox 9 3 0 0 6:1 5 *
2. Tynelia 9 3 0 0 5:0 5 *
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 1 5:3 2
4. Atheistic Right 2 0 2 1 3:4 -1
5. Rorysville 1 0 1 2 2:5 -3
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 3 0:8 -8

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Mr Chuck Norris
Berner Street [1] - [1] Risa-Aramour
Vuam and Isma [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 9 3 0 0 5:1 4 *
2. Vuam and Isma 6 2 0 1 4:3 1
3. Risa-Aramour 4 1 1 1 2:2 0
4. Berner Street 3 0 3 0 2:2 0
5. Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 2 1:3 -2
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 2 0:3 -3

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [0] - [0] Priggdom
Kelse [1] - [1] Algal states
TheSuncoastofFlorida [1] - [0] Obsidianus

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 7 2 1 0 4:1 3
2. Algal states 5 1 2 0 6:2 4
3. Imperial Moose 5 1 2 0 3:1 2
4. TheSuncoastofFlorida 4 1 1 1 2:3 -1
5. Obsidianus 1 0 1 2 1:3 -2
6. Priggdom 1 0 1 2 0:6 -6


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [1] - [0] Georgeonia
Haraki [2] - [0] Popolus
Becquerelia [2] - [1] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Becquerelia 9 3 0 0 8:2 6
2. Haraki 9 3 0 0 5:0 5
3. Popolus 3 1 0 2 4:6 -2
4. New Preussen 3 1 0 2 3:5 -2
5. Spammanian Plijous 3 1 0 2 2:5 -3
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 3 1:5 -4



The Top 4 in each Group will advance to the Regional Quarterfinals. Tynelia, Qazox, and Allied Anime Worlds have already ensured spots in the Rejistanian Regional Quarters, while Kelse, Becquerelia, and Haraki are all on the verge in the Legalese Region. No team has yet been eliminated from contention.

“Well this is an exciting day here for Tynelia. As you have just seen, Tynelia just completed today’s thrilling 1-0 victory over the Green Wombats, and Tynelia has clinched a spot in the next round of play. As always this is Sal Spikeman along with our resident expert Anna Dalespin on this post game showing of Tynelian Soccer Weekly. So Anna what are your thoughts on this latest turn of events?”

“Naturally Sal, this is a great moment for Tynelian soccer and the nation in general. First I would like to clarify one thing that had escaped everyone here in Tynelia including ourselves.”

“Ah the qualifying.”

“Right Sal. Like just about all of the country, when we heard the announcement that the top four teams would advance we incorrectly believed that to mean the top four teams total would move on. That is the top two in the Orange and the top two in the Blue group. As it turns out it is the top four teams in each GROUP that advances. So Tynelia’s win putting us at 3-0-0 with nine points clinches us spot in the next round as there is no way Rorysville and CR Oscilloscopes can catch us with two games left.”

“Yes and this most certainly a hard fought win today over the Green Wombats. The lone goal was scored in the 84th minute by Tynelian league MVP Adrian Pytte off a corner kick from Troy Wallace which managed to just clear the Wombats wall of defenders. A hustling Pytte attacked the net and blasted the ball in just before the Wombat defender could get to it and clear it. Are you concerned at all about how the offense was held to just one late goal?”

“Well Sal, this is a completely different game from the Rorysville one even though the score remained the same. The Rorysville game had much of the team still trying to find its rhythm and a lot of bad play early on. This time the Wombats showed why they will most likely be advancing to the next round. Both sides played a good game all the way around. Tynelia’s offense was held in check by a strong Wombat defense which already had one shutout in the group and came close to a second here today. In fact those of you who saw the game noticed how the Wombats kept a defender shadowing Jay Masterson all day long after his two goal showing last game. Masterson was held to only one shot on net and that forced someone else to step up. Fortunately for Tynelia the league MVP was up to the challenge. ”

“I agree Anna, looking at the numbers it shows that for the first time Tynelia was outshot 13-11 with the Wombats holding a 4-3 edge in quality shots. Time of possession also went in the Wombats favor by two and a half minutes. But this also shows the rest of the tournament something about Tynelia’s defense doesn’t it?”

“Indeed it does Sal. As I said last show, this would be a true test of Tynelia’s defense after a pair of shutouts against weaker competition. The Wombats came into the game tied for second in scoring and the Tynelian defense shut them down again. True the pace of play did slightly favor the Wombats but once again Vladimar Malloy shut the door on any scoring by the opposition.”

“So now that Tynelia advances what do you do in your next two games if you were Coach O’Meara Anna?”

<chuckling Anna replies>

“You know Sal, after my comments about Brad Collins I might not be the best person to ask. But if I were Coach O’Meara I would consider sitting some of my starters or at least limiting their play time these next two games. While it might be nice to win the group, having someone go down to an unnecessary injury and hurt you later on in the tournament would be tragic. Besides, Tynelian starters have played almost the full amount of all three games so far. The only reserve that has even gotten in all three games is the midfielder Camden Alexander and he’s had less than one half of play time. I think you’ll see more of him though after Collins got that yellow card for knocking over that Wombats player running after that loose ball and yelling at the official after getting the penalty called on him.”

“Yes everyone here who follows Tynelian soccer knows that as quiet as Collins is off the field he’s as vocal on it. And that play still early in the 59th minute was a dumb one. While the reply clearly shows that while Collins didn’t notice the Wombats player so focused was he on chasing down the ball, the collision was clearly his fault and should have been called like the officials did.”

“Yes and you saw how Coach O’Meara immediately called a timeout after that to settle Collins down. Some people have said that was a waste of a timeout but I think O’Meara knew that he needed to give Collins some time to get his head back in the game and not worry about the officials. Don’t forget it was still a scoreless game at that point and O’Meara knew he would need Collins’ attacking style to try and break through the Wombats defense. As it turned out Collins was having trouble getting past this so O’Meara was forced to substitute after a Wombats forward faked him out of his cleats eight minutes later. Alexander filled in admirably the rest of the way but you could see that without Collins the offense’s pace was slower than it was with him in. Don’t be surprised if he’s on a short leash these next two games though.”

“One moment Anna, we’ve just received word that our on field reporter Dana Lee has caught up with Coach O’meara. Over to you Dana.”

<the screen switches back to the field while a Tynelade drenched Coach O’Meara is surrounded by reporters with cheering players celebrating behind him and Tynelian fans are seen waving their Tynelian towels in the air as two men with their faces painted in orange, yellow and black are being kept back from the players by stadium security.>

“Well Coach O’Meara, did you ever dream of winning Tynelia’s first three games in international competition already clinching a spot in the quarterfinals?”

<an emotional O’Meara replies>

“You know Dana, no one ever expects to come out and win three in a row against the best teams a country can put together. Its an amazing run so far and these guys have played their hearts out here. Every game they’ve stepped up when they had to and it’s a compliment to our leagues that we already have four different goal scorers for us. You stop one of us and in true Tynelian fashion there will be a teammate there to pick them up and share the load. The Wombats came in here and wanted to make sure Jay didn’t beat them and they did but Adrian showed why he was the league MVP this year.”

“So Coach, what is your game plan these next couple of games now that you’re assured a spot in the next round.”

“Well Dana, I haven’t really thought about that just yet. This was a hard fought game and the Wombats gave it their all. Both teams wanted this one so there was no time to even think about tomorrow’s game or anything like that. Give credit to the Wombats coaches, they had a great game plan today and we’re very lucky to come out with a win. This could have gone either way.”

<suddenly an elated Jay Masterson jumps into the shot and yells to the camera>

“YEAAAH! WE’RE MOVING ON BABY!”

<Masterson then jumps off camera to celebrate with the team some more as the fans go wild behind them>

“Well, I guess that about sums it up here Coach. You and your team are moving on.”

“And let me tell you it feels great! I need to go tell these boys how proud of them I am. If you’ll excuse me Dana.” Coach O’Meara agrees before walking away without waiting for a reply.

“Well there you have it Sal and Anna. Tynelia’s 3-0-0 and into the next round. This is Dana Lee live from Rejistania. Back to you.”

<cameras bring you back to the studio>

“Thanks Dana. Well Anna, Coach O’Meara says he’s not sure what he’s doing for the next pair of games against the Atheistic Right and group leader Qazox who leads on the basis of their 6-5 goal edge. Do you believe him And how about those Tynelian fans?”

“Yes and no Sal. I think he’s right that the game today was so close he didn’t have time to look ahead any but I’m sure it was in the back of his and his staff’s minds and that the matter has already been brought up in a general way about what to do if and when they clinched a spot. I just don’t think any of them expected it this soon. And seeing the support our citizens are showing for this team makes me proud to be a Tynelian. Barely a blip on the sporting map a few days ago, the nation has embraced this team as their own. Tynelian pride and patriotism has stepped up to show everyone the passion Tynelia has for their own. After seeing the almost completely neutral crowd for the Rorysville game no matter where you looked today you could find someone waving the Tynelian Towel to urge their team on. ”

“Yes Anna, seeing the fans coming out to support the team made me wish I was out there with them so I could show my support for this amazing run. Speaking of the run, what are your thoughts about this next game against the Atheistic Right can the run continue?”

“The Atheistic Right seem to have confused a lot of experts so far. Thought to be one of the favorites they were stunned that they were held to a tie by Rorysville who had only scored one goal all tournament before that game. Where the Right could have put themselves in a strong position to advance with a win, now they find themselves in almost a must win situation against Tynelia because a loss and a win by either Rorysville or the CR Oscilloscopes and the Right will find themselves sitting in the fifth spot with one game to go against the Oscilloscopes while Rorysville will be playing the Wombats. With that in mind Sal I expect the Atheistic Right to throw caution to the wind and be very aggressive this next game and hope to catch Tynelia suffering a letdown after clinching their spot. Don’t be surprised if there’s an upset in tomorrow’s game. Then again as inconsistent as the Right have been so far yes the run could also continue but my gut says to expect a surprise here.”

“Wow there’s a bold pick for you viewers. You think the Right can find a way to break down the Wall?”

“Vladimar Malloy has been amazing so far and has kept the pressure off the offense quite well so far. If I were a voter he would have my vote for tournament MVP to this point. I thought the Wombats might be the ones to put one past him but Malloy stood tough and denied them. I think the Right are desperate enough now to try just about anything and will be the ones to finally break through. I expect a very low scoring game tomorrow and one goal might be enough to win it.”

“Ok then. That leaves Qazox then. What do you look for in their heated game against the Wombats and how do they look compared to us for our final game?”

“I think Qazox has shown themselves to be a very impressive team. The loss of their ace sportswriter might be the inspiration they need to put themselves over the top. While they beat the Oscilloscopes 2-0 it should be noted that Qazox took an early lead and didn’t see much need to push the attack after they upped it to a two goal edge. I don’t expect any letdown. The feud between the Wombat and the Ox has been well documented and both teams are probably more concerned with beating the other than they are to what it will do for their tournament chances. The Wombats will be looking to clinch a spot themselves and get back on the winning track after suffering a tie and loss in their past two games with diminishing offensive totals each game. Qazox will be looking to make sure they don’t enter the group finale against Tynelia no worse than tied for first.”

“But you know something Sal? I don’t really expect much in the last game from either side. Both teams are in and know they’ll be seeing each other again so I don’t think either side will pull out all the stops in an essentially meaningless game for both teams. I think you’ll see the reserves get a lot of play time and that this might be little more than a glorified exhibition game to complete the round.”

“I see your point Anna, neither team will want to risk a key injury in the last game before the slates get wiped clean and they start over in the quarterfinals.”

“That’s my take on it if I were the coach for either team.”

“And you make a lot of sense Anna. After hearing Coach O’Meara saying he wanted to get everyone involved the Qazox game will be the perfect chance and give the regulars a breathe going into the next round. Well it seems like our time is up. For Anna Dalespin this is Sal Spikeman wishing everyone a good night.”

<credits roll with footage of the stadium in the background and some Tynelian fans still on their feet cheering even though the team has by now left the field>

QAZOX CITY HERALD
While most of Qazox mourned the loss of one of our grestest sportmen, Kyle Cartman, the Black Oxen took to the pitch needing a win to clinch a spot in the Regional QuarterFinals. The Black oxen, having received permission to wear thier home black for the match, came out strong and scored the fastest goal in team history as Francis Alouette, a close personal friend of the late Kyle Cartman, scored in the 4th minute of the match on a beautiful cross from Anthony Mason. Later in the 1st half, at the 38th minute, Manuel Aguirre scored on a disputed goal. the Oscillioscope plead to the referee that Aguirre was offsides, but the referee turned a deaf ear to the protest. the second half was mostly uneventful as both teams traded possession for most of the half with the Osccllioscope pressuring the back-up keeper Hiram Joachim with 5 shots on goal in the final 3 minutes, but no shots went in as Qazox won 2-0. With the win Qazox has clinched a spot in the quarterfinals and with a win vs. Green Wombat will clinch a top 2 spot. Our final match vs Tynelia will probably decide who wins this group.

Scoring:
Qazox:
Francis Alouette--4th
Manuel Aguirre(2)--38th

Yellow Cards:
Qazox:
Hadeen Homer(75th) must sitout next game will be replaced by:Q'Bert Kong.

After the match Francis Alouette, who grew up with and trained with Kyle Cartman, had this to say; "I'm gonna miss that guy, he was like a brother to me. May the Holy Ox guide his soul to the Pasture of Peace. Hopefully, his murderer will be caught and the Holy Ox will trample their soul in to dust."

Kyle Cartman's body will be laid in state at the Qazox Senate Bulding in Qazox City tommorrow from 8 am until 7pm. He will be the 1st non- Holy Oxen (ooc-our version of the Pope), President or Military Hero laid to rest there.He will be buried at Holy Ox Memorial Cemetary on Monday.

Here's the Results and Standiong of all 4 Regions as of this date



[/CENTER]Baptism of Fire
Matchday 3 Results
(remember, only 2 shopping days until the Regional Quarterfinals!)

Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [2] - [0] CR Oscilloscopes
Green wombat [0] - [1]Tynelia
Rorysville [1] - [1] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Qazox 9 3 0 0 6:1 5 *
2. Tynelia 9 3 0 0 5:0 5 *
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 1 5:3 2
4. Atheistic Right 2 0 2 1 3:4 -1
5. Rorysville 1 0 1 2 2:5 -3
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 3 0:8 -8

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Mr Chuck Norris
Berner Street [1] - [1] Risa-Aramour
Vuam and Isma [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 9 3 0 0 5:1 4 *
2. Vuam and Isma 6 2 0 1 4:3 1
3. Risa-Aramour 4 1 1 1 2:2 0
4. Berner Street 3 0 3 0 2:2 0
5. Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 2 1:3 -2
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 2 0:3 -3

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [0] - [0] Priggdom
Kelse [1] - [1] Algal states
TheSuncoastofFlorida [1] - [0] Obsidianus

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 7 2 1 0 4:1 3
2. Algal states 5 1 2 0 6:2 4
3. Imperial Moose 5 1 2 0 3:1 2
4. TheSuncoastofFlorida 4 1 1 1 2:3 -1
5. Obsidianus 1 0 1 2 1:3 -2
6. Priggdom 1 0 1 2 0:6 -6


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [1] - [0] Georgeonia
Haraki [2] - [0] Popolus
Becquerelia [2] - [1] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Becquerelia 9 3 0 0 8:2 6
2. Haraki 9 3 0 0 5:0 5
3. Popolus 3 1 0 2 4:6 -2
4. New Preussen 3 1 0 2 3:5 -2
5. Spammanian Plijous 3 1 0 2 2:5 -3
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 3 1:5 -4



The Top 4 in each Group will advance to the Regional Quarterfinals. Tynelia, Qazox, and Allied Anime Worlds have already ensured spots in the Rejistanian Regional Quarters, while Kelse, Becquerelia, and Haraki are all on the verge in the Legalese Region. No team has yet been eliminated from contention.

From the 'CROC Evening News'
Treston Calls for Peace
CR Oscilloscopes' national association football team coach has called for calm, following crowd disturbances in the team's recent loss against Qazox. Hundreds of enraged CR Oscilloscopes fans spent the last five minutes of the game, which the team lost 2-0, ripping out seats, in the away section of the Qazox stadium. "It doesn't help anyone" Treston said, in his post-match interview, "They've let down the team as much as the team let them down".

There was a hopeful attitude at the start of the game, with manager Herl Werter making six changes to the side which lost consecutively 3-0 in previous matches. The hope was extinguished by the end of the game however, with CR Oscilloscopes going down 2-0 to two well taken goals. It was a game they never looked like winning, a game they didn't deserve to win.

This lacklustre display from the team and a controversial second goal by Qazox infuriated the travelling support more and more as the match went on, their chants backing the team, turning into chants calling for the sacking of the manager and even the burning of the national stadium. Kim Treston, head of the ICROAFSC told a reporter outside the ground, that the fans had a right to vent their frustration through chants, but their violent actions towards the end were wholly unneccesary. Around 500 fans were involved in the disturbance, in which parts of seats were thrown at stewards and police. It awaits to be seen if CR Oscilloscopes will receive any sort of punishment for the actions of the fans, but on the day, over a hundred arrests were made, by riot gear clad policemen.

Thankfully, at the end, the violence didn't spread to the streets. A more sombre mood set in amongst CRO fans, with the team now having to at least draw with Rorysville and beat Atheistic Right to qualify from the group stages. The odds are stacked against, but in the sport of association football, anything can happen.

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 3 Results
(remember, only 2 shopping days until the Regional Quarterfinals!)

Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [2] - [0] CR Oscilloscopes
Green wombat [0] - [1]Tynelia
Rorysville [1] - [1] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Qazox 9 3 0 0 6:1 5 *
2. Tynelia 9 3 0 0 5:0 5 *
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 1 5:3 2
4. Atheistic Right 2 0 2 1 3:4 -1
5. Rorysville 1 0 1 2 2:5 -3
6. CR Oscilloscopes 0 0 0 3 0:8 -8



"Crap... the Oxen won again even after Cartman was killed, and we lost to Tynelia, so now we need to win just to make the Quarter-Finals." Generallismo Uarez said after reaing the headlines.

"But, sir, how did Cartman die? I didn't kill him, you restrained me in my room after i told you no." replied Latias.

"Simple My Dear Lieutenant. I had your cloned and your clone killed him for me." replied Uarez with an evil grin.

"My clone? I haven't been cloned yet sir, I......" Latias said just before being conked on the head.

"Yes dear, you've been cloned... and here I am." A 2nd Lt. Latias said emerging from the shadow of her clone. "Now that you are out of the way, nothing will stop Green Wombat from taking over the Q continuum. Nothing!"

As the Hawks jogged out onto the field, riding the wave of public support following their recent double victory, they were confident of their win. Although they had had it drilled into them by captain Mike Zendar not to get overconfident, as two wins in two shutouts did not mean they should celebrate a victory just yet, the team seemed not to have heeded his advice. Despite two injuries to their players, spirits were high as the Hawks jogged onto their half. Veteran defenceman Owen Peterson was once more replaced by Jonah Menike, and centre Samantha Ribald was out for Archie Wilkes rather than Allison Keyes as the last game had been. Looking up to the stands, they could see their support group had grown even more. At least three thousand Harakians had travelled to Legalese to see the Hawks play, and they cheered as they entered the field.

From the beginning of the game, the Hawks dominated the field. Forwards Mike Zendar and Samuel Sharp both got off multiple shots against the Popolusian goalie, who managed a couple of good saves. At only thirteen minutes into the game, Zendar received a long pass from centre Lawrence Foster, dribbled a short way, and kicked it for a shot. The Popolusian goalie barely had time to register the ball moving before it swished into the net. The shot that had made him famous had done it once again, giving the Harakians a 1-0 lead not even fifteen minutes into the game.

The rest of the first half was filled with like events. The Popolusians seemed overwhelmed by the Hawks, and as they began winding down for the end of the first half, at forty minutes, when both sides were at their most tired, came a shock Harakian offensive. A trifects of centres supported by Sharp and Zendar made their way down the centre of the field passing back and forth. As the Popolusian defence reached one of the five, they would simply pass to another, until eventually the ball was passed to Archie Wilkes, a young, tall but thin player from the south of the country, who was in perfect position for a shot. He pulled his leg back, kicked - and missed the ball. The momentum from the kick slammed him onto his back, and he rolled over onto his front to watch as the entire Popolusian defence closed in on him, as veteran player Thomas Neils ran in from behind him and kicked it. The ball saileed over the goalie's head and into the net. Wilkes, the reserve who was brought in to fill Samantha Ribald's place, slammed his fist into the ground. Play resumed for two minutes before the half ended, with Haraki in the lead 2-0.

As play resumed in the second half, the Popolusians immediately assumed an aggressive offensive play style. Whatever pep talk had been given to the players over the half seemed to have worked. A perfect goal scoring attempt by Zendar was fouled by the Popolusian defence, and their goalie seemed ripe for action. Not a single shot got by him for the rest of the game.

If the first half belonged to Haraki, the second half definitely belonged to Popolus. The Harakians were bested at nearly every turn. Multiple offensives by Harakian players were foiled by the Popolusian team, and by the seventy-five minute mark both sides were exhausted. That was when the most major Popolusian offence came. Their centres, who had been hanging back all game, pushed into place and began an offensive. Against the tired Harakian team, they brought an onslaught that everyone thought would result in at least one goal. Only the efforts of two Harakian players kept the ball out of the net: Jonah Menike and Mark Stone. Menike, at the start of the tournament, had been the first reserve defenceman. When World Cup veteran Owen Peterson was taken out with a pulled tendon in the first game, Menike stepped in to fill the position, and performed spectacularly well. Although nothing distinguished him in the previous two games, his performance in the last fifteen minutes of the game against Popolus would all-but guarantee him a starting spot on the World Cup Twenty-Eight team.

The four Popolusian centres who were the mainstay of the offence for those last crucial minutes were more rested than the Harakians, and were ready to go. The Harakian defence was tired from a long game, and werre outrun and outplayed by the Popolusians. However, it seemed every time they turned around Menike was there to stop them. Multiple times he snatched the ball right out from their noses, and multiple more times he managed to intercept passes. Once he dove in front of a shot that was sure to score, taking it in his chest but stopping the point. However, they still got by him, but every shot made by the Popolusians was blocked by goaltender Mark Stone. He seemed unstoppable in his goaltending in this game, and ensured another shutout for the Haraki Hawks. As the two teams walked off the field at the end of the ninety minutes, every member of the team, whether on the field or the bench, walked over and personally congratulated Menike and Stone.

Looking ahead to the future, the Harakians have only two teams left to face in the qualifying: Spaamanian Plijous, ranked fifth in the group, with one win and two losses, and then the group leader, Becquerelia, what appeared to be the best team in the whole tournament. As-yet undefeated, with the most goals of any team in the tournament.


Haraki 2 - Popolus 0


Zendar (13)
Neils (42)

Terribly sorry I wasn't there for the start, sorry, sorry, and sorry again.

This will be a bit of a marathon post, but it 'should' wrap up all I'd have posted.

Gazetto de'Espor

Rejistanian Region

Blue Group
Allied Anime Worlds
Berner Street
Vuam and Isma
Risa-Aramour
Mr Chuck Norris
Nebuleux

Schedule:
MD1: Vuam and Isma vs Risa-Aramour
MD2: Allied Anime Worlds vs Vuam and Isma
MD3: Vuam and Isma vs Nebuleux
MD4: Vuam and Isma vs Mr Chuck Norris
MD5: Berner Street vs Vuam and Isma

After months of anxious waiting, Vuam and Isma finally know who they will have to play against in the Baptism Of Fire football tournament.

Upon hearing that his squad would be pitted against Mr Chuck Norris, General Manager Edward 'Scarab' McVeish knew that getting past the group stages would not be the easiest thing to do. However, it was not a sole opponent that he had to prepare his squad against, but a tough group that contained rising nation Risa-Aramour, the unpredictable Allied Anime Worlds, well-reputed Berner Street whose sporting excellence was nothing new, and Nebulex, the least well known to him, but he knew that a surprise was as possible as ever.

However, he and Squad manager Johann Fischmann had already chosen their squad. Let's see who will have to fare for Vuam and Isma in Rejistanian :

Goalkeepers :
* Colm O'Connor : This young goalkeeper, only 20 is considered to be the backbone of Lesk FC's successful season. His presence in goal at barely 20 has lead him to be tagged as one of Vuam and Isma's future greats. Last Season's Statistics (LSS) : 43 Games played, 38 Goals conceded, 9 Clean sheets, 1 Assist, and 11 Man of the Match awards. Current Team : Lesk. Date Of Birth (DOB) : 13/07
* Rikjard Stromstottir : Possiby pas his best, this 32 year-old was once considered to be the finest 'keeper in New Cyberia. However, his career was plagued with injury, and he has yet to show his talent under pressure. He knows this will be the last chance he'll have to tout the best in the world, and he'll be as ready as ever. LSS : 37 Games played, 41 Goals conceded, 3 Clean sheets, and 4 Man of the Match awards. Current Team : Hiron. DOB : 03/02
*Wayne Ivers : 26, and still solid, he'll probably not play much, as he's not quite as good as Rikjard or Colm. However, Wayne became a hero for Jelluit Foutor with his 4 penalty saves over 3 games to bring the V&I Club's Cup back to Costa da Akès. LSS : 38 Games played, 46 Goals conceded, 6 Clean sheets, and 5 Man of the Match awards. Current Team : Jelluit Foutor. DOB : 22/03

Defenders :
* Mounir Reguagui : Mounir is considered to be the backbone of Vuam and Isma's defence, with great command and excellent tactical vision. He's been looking to leave his underperforming Dingam-Gué side, who hope to fetch a 8-figured cheque for his departure. LSS : 32 Games played, 1 Goal, 7 Assists, 3 Yellow cards, 1 Red card, 3 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Dingam-Gué. DOB : 24/11
*Icham S'baa : 30 this year, but still as fleet of foot as when he was 21, Icham's part in Vuam and Isma's cup run promises to be very important. Capped 42 times so far for Vuam and Isma, he's still looking for his first goal, but his mazy running down the wing will torment more than one winger, that's for sure. LSS : 33 Games played, 0 Goal, 9 Assists, 4 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 2 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Jelluit Foutor. DOB : 21/08
*Roman Brasiviev : Roman nearly didn't make the national side when he broke his leg 9 months ago. However, this 26 year-old wanted to be part of Vuam and Isma's first international tournament, and he ruled out anybody stealing his spot with a series of perfect matches when he came back, hoisting Agaña out of the relegation zone almost sigle-handedly. LSS : 14 Games played, 3 Goal, 4 Assists, 1 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 5 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Agaña. DOB : 14/12
*Sett Marc : Dubbed 'The Chao Lee Prodigy', Sett's composure is astonishing for a 21 year-old. One of the most technical defenders that play in the Topplig, he'll be wanting to make his 'Marc' on this tournament. LSS : 26 Games played, 0 Goal, 1 Assists, 6 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 3 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Vientiane FC. DOB : 02/08
*Eukla Chdone : A solid first-team player for Kediri, Eukla has been targeted for his short temper, and will probably be relieved that his frequent run-ins with the referees won't have barred him from the Baptism Of Fire. However, he knows that he could be left on the bench, or have to watch the matches from the terraces if he doesn't keep his cool under the White and Azure shirt. LSS : 25 Games played, 2 Goal, 4 Assists, 12 Yellow cards, 5 Red card, 1 Man of the Match award. Current team : Rumùa. DOB : 18/01
*Victor Niederberger : A regular for Hiron, Victor will have to be as attentive as ever to get into the starting eleven, and get his 4th cap for Vuam and Isma during the BoF. LSS : 27 Games played, 0 Goal, 2 Assists, 4 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 1 Man of the Match award. Current team : Alfared. DOB : 18/01
*Ray Wibowo 'Rayberto Carlos' Oey : The only niggling injury that will be flewn to Rejistanian will be that of 33 year-old veteran 'Reyberto Carlos'. He's been the best left-back in the Topplig for 7 seasons running, and his talent will shine through. However, he's been having knee probelems. Let's hope he gets better fast enough to make Vuam and Isma proud of him with another one of his free-kicks! LSS : 17 Games played, 3 Goal, 5 Assists, 3 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 2 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Alfared. DOB : 18/01


Midfielders :
*Yakit 'Yak' Yakkad : Gudjon know that Yak will perform, season in like season out. He's been at Gudjon all of 7 years since he turned pro at 17, and his performances just never let him down. Amongst other nicknames, he's called 'The conductor' and 'Destribuetor' for his cool passing play that brings the Madjedskay Park faithful to their feet. LSS : 31 Games played, 5 Goal, 13 Assists, 1 Yellow card, 0 Red card, 4 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Gudjon. DOB : 30/04
*Harrp Dinamyque : Harrp is one of the few players to have not played for one or two outfits in the Topplig, but 5. When he started out, playing for Dingam-Roh, he was thought to never be able to break into the starting eleven, and was sold to sworn rivals Dingam-Gué for a measly 50,000 Ghis. However, he revealed himself to be an illuminating midfielder in the Black and Yellow hoops, and has since played for Lesk, Alfared and Hiron before coming back to Dingam-Gué, where he's considered to be the midfeld dynamo that creates single-handedly all of Dingam-Gué's offensive play. LSS : 23 Games played, 6 Goal, 12 Assists, 3 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 4 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Dingam-Gué. DOB : 12/10
*Stefan Grak : Only 22, and already part of Lesk's unstoppable attack force, this dazzling winger will surely be one of Scarab's keys to unlock opposing defences. LSS : 35 Games played, 8 Goal, 4 Assists, 3 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 3 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Lesk. DOB : 09/08
*Exclamatio Lidon : Few can argue that seeing Lidon's dummies has been the best part of the season for Manang Marsiandi fans. A rather dissapointing mid-table finish for 'Il Plasicaos' will leave them bemoaning their lack of firepower up front, and the 26 year-old's relative lack of offensive support. LSS : 27 Games played, 4 Goal, 8 Assists, 2 Yellow cards, 0 Red card, 5 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Manang Marsiandi. DOB : 21/10
*Stuart O'Driscoll : Since he left the Topplig last season to play for Ternäo Suporta, Alfared fans have been booing ever move made by Ruan Edo, and many think that it was O'Driscoll's absence that was the difference between a glory-crowned season and a sour 4th place in the Topplig, as well as two cup semi-final exits. O'Driscoll's versatility in midfield made him a very unpredictable player, but often leaves the Ternäo faithful in dread of a counter-attack when he ventures far out on the wing. LSS : 29 Games played, 9 Goals, 3 Assists, 4 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 6 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Ternäo. DOB : 01/05
*Peter Searle : Sita's only selected player, Searle will proabably be looking to attract attention of some of the big clubs that might have missed his good performances, in a last-dich effort to avoid Eredivie football with relegated Sita. LSS : 24 Games played, 4 Goals, 7 Assists, 0 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 2 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Sita. DOB : 21/12
*Jorgé Clay : Possibly one of the most surprising choices by Scarab was to select Clay. Despite being voted best player in the Eredivie and captaining a red-hot Chuna side to Eredivie success, Clay is still untested at international level, and many predict that the 23 year-old won't be able to withstand the pressure of first-team football at such a high level. LSS : 37 Games played, 9 Goals, 12 Assists, 2 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 14 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Chuna. DOB : 23/06


Attackers :
*Stephen Fitzsimons : Lesk have kept 23 year-old Fitzsimmons away from contract talks with Arvestorm, Liverpool City and Harchester Town by promising him continental success next season. But Lesk know that it'll be very hard to keep this expolosive striker in the topplig, as he has simply become one of the best strikers in New Cyberia. Capped for the first time when he was 18, Fitzsimmons was able to make an instant impact on the Vuam and Isma National Side with the only goal of the game against a dull and uninspired Arghans side. As Fitzsimmons often answers reporters : 'I let my feet do the talking'... and we hope he'll have quite a lot to say during this BOF! LSS : 41 Games played, 29 Goals, 8 Assists, 0 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 13 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Lesk. DOB : 07/10
*Robert O'Beirne : Dingam-Roh's main man, Robert O'Beirne knows that at 29 he's one of the 'ancients' in the squad, and we're sure that he'll do all he can to show us that he'll not be pushed aside by the next generation without a fight. An impressive playmaker who's not scared to come deep to fetch the ball, he knows that his main power is his head, as he shows season after seasno that he can make good use of his 194 cm. LSS : 28 Games played, 16 Goals, 5 Assists, 2 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 5 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Dingam-Roh. DOB : 23/01
*Sifiso Masilela : He claims he's the fastest player to ever wear the White and Azure, and who could blame him! Even though he's often criticised for his lack of constancy, if Sifiso can pull of a series of good matches, then most opposing defenders won't see more of him than a mere blur, followed by the ball in hte back of their net. LSS : 34 Games played, 17 Goals, 1 Assists, 4 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 5 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Alfared. DOB : 23/01
*Fahd Ghauri : A constant striker, Ghauri was forced to battle hard for a regular first-team place in the Lesk satring line-up. However, being able to play any position in midfield and attack, he became the Lesk 'Super Sub', netting 8 goals in the last 5 minutes of play. LSS : 21 Games played, 15 Goals, 5 Assists, 6 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 3 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Lesk. DOB : 31/03
*Mike Sharwood : Exiled for the last 3 seasons in Fenzaristan, Sharwood recently made his bid for international football clear when he lead Supaspor-K to a league and cup double, as well as a honourable second-round defeat in the North Rohan regional cup against eventual champions Fissio Rkho. LSS : 43 Games played, 24 Goals, 6 Assists, 8 Yellow cards, 0 Red cards, 13 Man of the Match awards. Current team : Supaspor-K. DOB : 14/11


Gazetto de'Espor

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds - Nebuleux: 1:0
Berner Street - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:1
Vuam and Isma - Risa-Aramour: 1:0


Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
Vuam and Isma 3 1 0 0 1:0 1
3. Berner Street 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 0 1:1 0
5. Risa-Aramour 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1
Nebuleux 0 0 0 1 0:1 -1


Today, Vuam and Isma heaved to sucess in an overall drab an uninteresting match against Risa-Aramour.

Both teams came out in a 4-4-2 formation, but both seemed intent on defending.

In the 43rd minute, light shone for the White and Azures as a defensive error by the Risa-Aramour back four left Fitzsimmons enough space to lodge the ball between the poor Risa-Aramour goalkeeper.

During the second half, the best chance was Risa-Aramour's lovely move that lead to Colm O'Connor making what was probably the save of the match in the 65th minute, a long dive that just pushed the ball round the far post from a close-range header.

However, this stop seemed to quell both team's attacking desires, and the light rain the set in did nothing to help play.

Vuam and Isma brought off O'Beirne to put on Rayberto Carlos in what was probably the most inspired change of the game. Rayberto's running was dangerous and he seemed to take the game to a new hight, but wasn't able to get past a very good Risa-Aramour goalkeeper, who was the only reason why the score wasn't heavier for Risa-Aramour.

Our Man Of The Match : Fitzsimmons, followed by tied second Rayberto and the Risa-Aramour keeper.

Gazetto de'Espor

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds - Vuam and Isma: 3:1
Berner Street - Nebuleux: 0:0
Risa-Aramour - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:0


Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 6 2 0 0 4:1 3
2. Risa-Aramour 3 1 0 1 1:1 0
3. Vuam and Isma 3 1 0 1 2:3 -1
4. Berner Street 2 0 2 0 1:1 0
5. Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 1 1:2 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 1 0:1 -1


"There was nothing we could do. They played wonderful football, and we were lucky that the margin wasn't greater." - Icham S'Baa.

There will definately be a sour feeling in the dressing room after this match. Vuam and Isma weren't far behind their opponents in pure technical ability, but it was the morale that was the main factor in this match.

"Well, we were pretty dissapointed when Sifiso what should have been his second goal. After all, how could he have known that was an android? He'd pounced onto the ball expertly, but I guess that's the game.

"Then, there were the two injuries we suffered. Sifiso had to come off only a few minutes later after a very solid tackle by Mugen, and he was nearly immediatley followed by Marc.

"The players tried well, but we have to admit that we'll have to re-think our tactics for the next match. We've got to be ready to suffer injuries, even in the most important positions.

"It's sad that we weren't prepared for Marc's injury, as the only natural left-back is Rayberto, and I was resting him after the match against Risa-Aramour.

"I hoped that we'd be able to win the battle in midfield, but our midfielders didn't connect properly, leaving large spaces, that were very well exploited by President Endimyon.

"I know that this defeat will be sour, but I think it's really what we need to just get back into this tournament, and it's well known that Vuam and Isma are never as good as when they've been attacked.

"We'll make the changes that are needed, and we'll make them well, so that we can go to the next round." -Johann Fischmann

However, even if Johann and Scarab are confident, there will be questions until the next match in our minds. Yak and Dinamyque will have to connect much better if they want any kind of sucess, and it's a real pity to see Grak recieving so few balls. We at the Gazetto de'Espor think that it would be better to put Yak in a more defensive position, and have more play out on the wings, to use O'Beirne's amazing heading capability.

Vuam and Isma Baptism Of Fire Training Center.

Johann Fischer : Well, we were bad. I'll not hide it, we were all over the place. It wasn't easy, and Shinji was a very calm striker, but we know how to close them down, don't we? Where were we when he was strolling through our defence? Nowhere. We'll be playing a 3-5-1-1 with dropped wingers in the next game. I want Grak to get the ball. we all know that he's a magician as soon as he touches the ball, don't we? Well, why doesn't he get a chance to trick the defenders? Yak, stop passing the ball only through the middle of the pack. I know that you're not used to having quality wingers, but that's the only way we can play. I want to have a lot of of you thinking hard about why we lost, and how we lost. I know that it was a hard match, but this is the Baptism of Fire, and I expect you to lift your level of play to be on par with all the other players that are here.

Ok?

All : OK!

Scarab : Well, here's the line-up that we'll use against Nebuleux :
Colm O'Connor
Icham S'baa Mounir Reguagui Roman Brasiviev
Stefan Grak Sett Marc
Yak
Exclamatio Lidon Harrp Dynamique
Stephen Fitzsimmons
Robert O'Beirne


Gazetto de'Espor

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Mr Chuck Norris
Berner Street [1] - [1] Risa-Aramour
Vuam and Isma [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 9 3 0 0 5:1 4 *
2. Vuam and Isma 6 2 0 1 4:3 1
3. Risa-Aramour 4 1 1 1 2:2 0
4. Berner Street 3 0 3 0 2:2 0
5. Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 1 2 1:3 -2
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 2 0:3 -3

Well, Vuam and Isma seem to have their mind set on going to the next round, disposing easily of a weak Nebuleux side.

Scarab's audacious 3-5-2 took control of the midfield, leaving Colm O'Connor virtually useless, as he only pulled off 4 saves in the whole 90 minutes.

Crosses flew in, and it was only a matter of luck untill Robert O'Beirne put his name on the first goal, heading in a goalkeeping error from point-blank range in the 37th minute, after having forced the Nebuleux 'keeper to a whole deal of acrobatics, both to stop the ball from getting to Robert's head, and the ball going from Robert's head to the back of the net.

By half-time, it was some kind of miracle that the score was still locked at 1-0, Nebuleux being saved twide by the woodwork, and conceding more than 15 corners.

After the ritual oranges, Vuam and Isma came back out with exactly the same line-up, no changes having been made since the start.

Vuam and Isma immediatley applied the pressure to seek a second goal, and after a fumble, Dynamique powered in a volley from the edge of the 6-yard box, setting the score at 2-0 in the 50th minute.

However, Grak's match was a mixed one, as he was sent off 3 minutes later for diving, in a controversial decision on the edge of the box. Grak had previously been booked for ungentlemanly conduct when he argued over a foul ruled against him in the 32nd minute.

Robert O'Beirne and Steven Fitzsimmons left the pitch with Grak, and were replaced by Nierderberger and Sharwook, as Vuam and Isma repositioned in a 5-3-1, with little intent of attacking.

But the game wasn't over, and Nebuleux pushed forwards, having swapped a defender for a striker. But the Nebuleux strikers were simply unable to get past the back 5, and most of their attempts sailed harmlessly wide of the goal.

Vuam and Isma seeked the 3rd goal that would close the game by playing the counter-attack. However, lady luck didn't want Vuam and Isma to score, as Mike Sharwood hit the crossbar twice, once on a long chip, and in the 86th minute on a strong header from the edge of the box.

Vuam and Isma partied late into the night, but they know that with Grak's absence and leir current lack of goals, qualification is all but certain.

There... caught up.

After the final whistle sounded, Becquerelian coach Macarius Ransome and New Preussen head coach Uwe Blab rushed to meet and shake hands at midfield.

"You guys had a great game, Coach Blab." Macarius had to pracitcally yell in Uwe's ear.

"Thank you, your bunch played excellent as well. Uwe had to yell in Macarius' ear as well.

"How about the singing, huh?" Coach Ransome asked.

"It was a surprise. You fans have excellent voices. Do they usually do this?"

"This" was the fans starting to sing with 10 minutes left in the game. As best as would be figured by various Becquerelian sportscasters, some drunken spectators started singing the chorus to "February Stars", and the rest of the Becquerlian fans started joining in. Why February Stars of all songs? Some reasons bandied about were that possibly because of the month, possibly because the team was composed of "stars" in a sense, and possibly because many of them were drunk. The last one made the most sense.

Assisstant Coach Alexander Helmcamp tried to downplay the singing at the post-game press conference.

"The important story isn't that our fans adopted a little-known Foo Fighters song buried on a nearly-decade old album late in the game, it's that we won against a very talented opponent, the best team we've played yet."

"Peter Constantine played another great game, scoring in the 29th and 70th minute. New Preussen stayed tough the whole day, and we played some excellent defense. We're now just a win away from qualifying from the Quarter-Finals, we've scored more goals than anyone in the tournament, and we have the best Goal Differential in the tournament as well. Does anyone else want to ask about singing, or do you want to talk about <i>football</i>?"

No one raised their hands.

Alexander looked genuinely surprised.

<Yeah the logo and the music appears on the Television set>

"Good Evening and welcome to Sports Daily, Your Fittest for Survival Sport News. I'm Charles" - Charles

"And I'm Darwin, Welcome to the Baptism of Fire highlights for Matchday 3." - Darwin

"Well, I'm afraid due to various technical issues, we neither have video's or the results of the Archeopteri against Rorysville." - Charles

"That's right, something happened mid-way through the broadcast... however. We do have a temporary score... This may or may not be the final result as the broadcast ened at the 61st minute. 0-0" - Darwin

"Surely the game would not have ended in a nil-all draw against Rorysville.
- Charles

"There have been rumours of at least 1 goal being scored though we have yet to confirm this with ARFA." -Darwin

"Well... It seems we're going to be ending early tonight, see you next matchday. I'm Charles" - Charles

"It makes up for our last report going overtime, remember. Sports Daily - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News. I'm Darwin and bye for now, not forever."

....

At the ARFA headquarters... Lion... The designation for the ARFA President was yelling at his secretary....

"A 1-ALL DRAW AGAINST RORYSVILLE?.... SOMEONE'S GOING TO PAY! GET OWL ON THE PHONE."

"Sir, he's on the phone."

"Good... Ah hello Owl, It's Lion, What happened?"

"The team just had a fairly shocking match... also not to take too much away from the RorysVillians, they performed much better than anyone expected."

"DON"T GIVE ME EXCUSES... GIVE ME RESULTS." Lion yelled down the phone and then slammed it back down on the receiver.

He felt much better after he had the chance to yell... things in ARFA where back to normal... well... Normal for ARFA.

Meanwhile back in Rejistania...

Owl was thinking what he could do about getting a result against Tylenia.,.. This is going to be hard....

After an hour he had a plan...

"Chameleon, get in here..." he yelled, a beautiful busty woman entered his office... "I've got a Job for you." he continued then whispered something in her ear...

She smirked and then they both erupted into an evil laugh that Frankenstein would have been proud of.

[Splashscreen displaying the now-familiar letters SNN in silver]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network, bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

[Cut to the newsroom]

Miko: Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa. First, we turn our attention to sports.

[Cut to a sports bar in the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds, replete with people who have green, purple, blue, &c. hair, counting down]

Bargoers: Ten! Nine! Eight...!

Miko voiceover: It's not the new year that these excited bargoers are counting down.

Bargoers: Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! YEEEEAAH!

Miko voiceover: It's the last ten seconds of today's bitterly fought football match against Mr. Chuck Norris.

Bargoers: FAAW's number one! FAAW's number one! FAAW's number one! FAAW's number one! YEEEAH!

Scattered bargoers: Hail Endymion! Drinks on me, boys! We're unstoppable!

[The barkeep stands on the bar]

Barkeep: Ladies and gentlemen, we need a song for this! I say Forward the Federation!

Bargoers: [raise their glasses in approval] YEAHH!!!!
Forward the Federation/
For now and forever/
The Empress guide us/
To the end of the stars/
What awaits us/
out in the void?/
It matters not/
for we know no fear/
Let us spread peace and love/
to those we shall meet/
but if they want war/
we'll kick their asses back/
to the industrial age!

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: Today's hard-fought game ended in a 1-0 victory for the Federation. Now, here's the game summary.

[Cut to the playing field]

Miko: Not yet failing to dissapoint, the Federation was again on the attack early.

[Vash takes the ball and starts moving upfield, only to be successfully challenged by Chuck Norris]

Miko voice over: But the Fighting Norrises was not about to let the Federation gain momentum so easily.

[Chuck Norris tries to move the ball past Fleet Admiral Emeralds, but she takes the ball and passes it up to Undersecretary Umora Shin, who quickly passes the ball up to Shinji Ikau]

Miko voice over: The Federation defense quickly recovered...

[HeliCam view of Shinji Ikau]

Shinji: I won't run away! I won't run a...waugh!!

[Paper Mario appears apparently from nowhere, steals Shinji's ball, and passes it up to The Burger King]

Miko voice over: But then again, so did the Fighting Norrises. It was only a few minutes into the match, and it was already shaping up to be a ping-pong game.

[Quick shots of both teams' midfielders recovering and losing the ball]

Miko voice over: And so it was. This continued until the 23rd minute, when Chuck Norris finally managed to defeat the midielders to attack the Federation goal.

[HeliCam shot of Chuck Norris taking the ball past Fleet Admiral Emeralds. He defeats Aki and attempts to roundhouse kick the ball into the goal, only to be barely foiled by Mahoro.]

Miko voice over: Despite Chuck Norris' peculiar shooting style, this was a terrifying near miss for the Federation.

[HeliCam shot of the Federaiton sideline]

Chio: Time out! Aki and Ran out, Mugen and Gene in!

Miko voice over: Unwilling to take any chances on Aki and Ran not having their differences ironed out, Chio sent in Mugen and Gene, especially since Mugen worked so well with Yuki Miya in the previous game. The strategem worked well, especially since Chuck Norris insisted on roundhouse kicking every shot. Then the following incident happened, in the 35th minute.

[HeliCam shot of Gene standing next to Chuck Norris after yet another failed shot]

Gene (calmly): You do know that a roundhouse isn't the best way to kick a soccer ball, right?

[The crowd goes deathly silent.]

Mugen: Bad move, Gene. I'm not getting involved in this one.

[Chuck Norris roundhouse kicks Gene, sending him flying. A Referee runs out to the field holding up a red card.]

Chuck Norris: He told me that a roundhouse kick wasn't the best way to kick something.

Referee: He did what?! That was stupid, probably the most stupid thing anyone has ever done.

[The referee puts the red card away and holds up a yellow card while medics haul Gene away. Half of the crowd starts cheering while the other half starts booing. Chio enters the HeliCam's view]

Chio (to the Ref): What in the Federation?! That creep just viciously attacked one of my players! Red card him!

Referee: Your fullback told Chuck Norris that a roundhouse kick wasn't the best way to kick something.

Chio: I don't care if he mooned the Empress! I've taken my own players out of games for less!

Chuck Norris: Your Empress is dead, little girl, and you will soon be too if you don't know what's good for you.

Chio (suddenly quiet): Do you know who I am? I'm Colonel Chio Miyahama of the Magical Soldiers. Do you want to find out why I have this rank at my age? They don't hand out Colonel insignia like candy in the Federation military, you know.

Referee: Coach Miyahama, back to the sideline, we have a football match to play.

[Chio starts walking back to the sideline]

Chio: This isn't over!

[The HeliCam follows Chio back to the sideline]

Chio: Aki, get back in there!

[Cut to a later part of the game]

Miko voice over: Apparently, Mugen decided to try and settle the score for Colonel Miyahama in the 63rd minute.

[Mugen slide tackles Chuck Norris, but accidentally hits Chuck before touching the ball. Chuck Norris falls hard on his leg.]

Miko voice over: We still don't know how badly Chuck was hurt in the fall, since the Fighting Norrises haven't issued a press release yet. It did, however, take Chuck Norris out for the rest of the game, and earn Mugen a yellow card.

[More football footage]

Miko voice over: If Mugen was hoping to shake the Fighting Norrises' morale like he did to Vuam and Isma, he failed. The Fighting Norrises simply replaced Chuck Norris with Jimmy Huffa, and played as solidly as they ever had until the 79th minute.

[Shot of President Endymion running the ball around Yianni Karvo, and dodging an ambush from Paper Mario]

Miko voice over: Once again, we saw the President leverage his fancy footwork and superb passing...

[Endymion lobs a high pass to Vash, who heads the ball up to Sagara, who bicycle kicks the ball into the goal. The crowd goes wild.]

Miko voice over: ...to win a critical goal for the Federation.

[More football footage]

Miko voice over: The Fighting Norrises were unable to get around Yuki and Mugen until the last five seconds of play. Then, a harrowingly close eleventh-hour shot from midfield was stopped by Mahoro, preventing a tie, and guaranteeing the Federation a spot in the regional quarter finals. Here's what some of our club members have to say.

[Cut to the Federation locker room]

Chio: I'm still going to protest to get that yellow card to Chuck changed to a red. I understand that in a game such as this, people get hurt. That's the nature of the game. But you don't just walk up and roundhouse kick one of my players and then go on to threaten me! I find myself simultaneously hoping that Mr Chuck Norris gets knocked out of the Baptism of Fire because that what they deserve, and also hoping that they make it to the quarter finals so we can really crush them instead of just barely pulling off a 1-0 win at the eleventh hour!

[Mugen and Yuki enter the locker room, singing "Forward the Federation"]

Chio (grimmaces): I never liked that song. It's not very good, and we were the ones who got kicked back to the Industrial Age in the War of the New Dawn, you know?

Endymion (sticks his head in from the side): I know it's not very good, but it perfectly reflected the attitude of our people for about a thousand years, from about 500 SY until 500 FY. It's become something of a tradition. The more you know and all that, right? Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your interview.

[Cut to the same place, this time with Fleet Admiral Emeralds.]

Emeralds: What happened in this game is exactly what I was afraid of. Our midfield is weak, especially in the latter parts of the game. Chio is counting way too much on our fullbacks to keep the ball out of our goal in the mid-game and end-game. It's worked so far, but a few good or lucky shots could cause all of it to unravel. I'm STILL wondering how Undersecretary Umora got on our team, Mahoro can't seem to recall recruiting him.

[Cut to President Endymion, in the same place]

Endymion: I'm happy with our 1-0 victory tonight.

[Pan-Pan walks up to Mugen and starts staring him down. Mugen pulls out his sword and hits Pan-Pan over the head with the blunt edge. Pan-Pan falls over.]

The Fighting Norrises played an excellent game of football, except for that one little incident. Although I'm kinda glad that Mugen injured Chuck Norris, Colonel Miyhama can be a bit of a hothead when stuff like this happens, and I don't want her chasing Chuck Norris down and making more of a scene out of this.

[Cut to Mugen in the same place]

Mugen: Yeah, I know that there's a firey demon driving that Miyahama girl or something, you know, how else does a fourteen year old girl get a Colonel insignia legitimately? I hurt Chuck a bit, just enough to take him out of the game so our coach doesn't chase him down and start an international incident. At least, I THINK I only hurt him a bit.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: We also have a special treat for all of you tonight. Here in the studio, we have President Endymion for a special interview.

[The camera pans left slightly, revealing President Endymion]

Miko: Thank you for coming, Mr. President.

Endymion: Thanks for having me, Ms. Hasegawa.

Miko: Can we have your reactions to clinching a spot in the regional quarterfinals?

Endymion: Well, Miko, we're very excited to have done this well so far. Even so, we still need to play hard because we want to be at the top of our group when the finals roll around.

Miko: No doubt you've been examining your pontential competition?

Endymion: Indeed we have. There are some very solid teams we may be playing against in the finals. Quazox and Tynelia of the Orange group are so far undefeated like us, and we already have a couple of people looking at Becquerelia, Haraki, and Kelse from the Legalese region. Other than us, there are four more undefeated clubs and let me tell you, they play some fierce football. We're very much going to need to bring our A-plus games with us if we're going to match up well against them. Take Becquerelia for example with their dynamite offense, they've scored eight goals in three games! And neither Haraki nor Tynelia have allowed a goal to be scored against them yet!

Miko: Are you glad you won't be meeting Becquerelia in the regional finals?

Endymion: Yes, I think we're more closely matched to Quazox or Tynelia than Bequerelia.

Miko: And what about that incident on the field between Chuck Norris and Coach Colonel Miyahama?

Endymion: Colonel Miyahama is a much respected officer in the Magical Soldiers division of the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds military. I have no doubt that she will behave appropriately. I don't really think that Chuck Norris will actually attack Chio Miyahama either.

Miko: We're almost out of time here, but can you tell us how long you expect Gene to be on the disabled list?

Endymion: That Gene fellow looks pretty slender, but he's a lot tougher than he seems. We're going to give him tomorrow's game off, but we expect him to recover in time for the last game before the quarterfinals.

Miko: Thank you, Mr. President. And now for a word from our sponsors.

[Commercial]

Announcer: Would YOU like to get closer coverage of your country's Baptism of Fire games or other sporting events? We at the Federation Labs are selling our HeliCam autonomous camera technology to interested governments or privately-owned sports networks. Go to www.faawlabs.mil for models and pricing details...[click!]

OOC: Mr Chuck Norris, I'll remove that confronatation between Chio and Chuck Norris if you think that it was inappropriate, out of character for him, or any other reason for that matter. Also, as the "commerical" above suggests, anyone who wants to use the HeliCam thingy to cover your games is welcome to.

Tynelia Loses Keeper

This just in. Tynelian goal keeper Vladimar Malloy has been scratched from the upcoming game against the Atheistic Right. Coach O'Meara has told reporters that Malloy has been striken with a form of food poisoning and will be unable to play in today's game. Malloy was last seen acompanied by an unknown attractive woman at the restaurant Chez Oceania known for its high quality seafood.

The owner of Chez Oceania, Talbert Kent insists that no poor quality food has ever nor will ever be served at Chez Oceania and thinks that perhaps the Tynelian goal keeper was perhaps allergic to something he had eaten. For those who are unaware as seafood is not a regular part of the Tynelian diet so the theory does have some credibility.

Malloy, known as the Wall for his ability to stonewall opposing offenses and had not given up a goal to this point in the tournament after three games. Coach O'Meara has indicated that with Malloy being out of action that backup Amy Whiteworth will get her first action of the tournament. Coach O'Meara has this to say.

"I have all the confidence in the world in Amy's goal keeping ability. Before this unfortunate illness i had planned on giving her the start in the final game against Qazox but even though she will have little time to prepare i am sure she will be able to step up just like she did in the keeper qualifying series."

Tynelian president Jacob Martins has been quoted as saying that this was an unfortunate turn of events but has faith in his national team to be able to overcome this setback.

In a side note, the setback has not stopped the Tynelian people from arriving at the tournament. In fact a large contingent of black suit wearing men were seen leaving the airport from the last Tynelian flight arriving at the Rejistanian airport. They stood out in that they were the only ones on the flight not dressed in the Tyenlian colors in a show of support among a flight full of soccer fans.

More on this story as it developes.

Mr Chuck Norris 0
Allied Anime Worlds 1 (Sagara Souske 79)

Citizens across The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris gasped as they saw their hero Chuck Norris rounhouse kick Allied Anime World's Gene Wil out of commission in the latest Fighting Norris football match. A referee approached Chuck Norris holding a red card and many of those watching at home fainted and some yelled words so foul that they cannot be repeated at any time on national television. However, after an exchange of words, the referee put the red card away and only penalized Chuck Norris with a yellow card, to everyone's delight.

It appeared that tensions were mounting when Allied Anime World's Mugen took out Chuck Norris with what appeared to be a very intentional slide kick. However, no one prostested, for as much as they didn't like to admit it, Chuck Norris had earned it. On a lighter note, we are pleased to announce that Chuck Norris, being immortal, is already back to full health. He had this to say after the match:

"I just couldn't control myself, my ego buildup from everyone posting facts about me on the internet in The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris just burned out of control. I hope that there are no hard feelings and I'd like to congratulate Allied Anime Worlds on a job well done."

So far, through the Baptism of Fire Tourney, The Fighting Norris have not been making the cut, currently sitting in fifth place in their group. However, two vital games remain against Vuan and Isma and Nebuleux. We will close the show with our stats guy Theo Retical.

Hello good people of The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris, here are Matchday 3's stats. It was overall a boring week with only 19 goals in all. Nine teams didn't score any goals at all, us being one of them. So far this tourney three teams have yet to score their first goal (CR Ocillosopes, Nebuleux, and Priggdom). Three teams have only managed one goal (Obsidianus, Georgeonia, and Mr Chuck Norris (Ouch)). Five teams have scored a total of two goals (Rorysville, Berner Street, Risa-Aramour, The Sun coast of Florida, and Spaamanian Plijous). Three teams have totaled three goals (Atheistic Right, Imperial Moose, and New Preussen). Three teams have scored a total of four goals (Popolus, Kelse, and Vuam and Isma). Four teams have five total goals (Green Wombat, Tynelia, Allied Anime Worlds (Woot), and Haraki). Two teams are up there with six goals (Qazox and Algal States). One team still remains on top with a whopping eight goals, and that teams is Becquerelia. That's all I got, good luck to the next Fighting Norris match against Vuam and Isma.

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris 1 vs. Berner Street 1
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Risa-Aramour 1
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Allied Anime Worlds 1
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Vuam and Isma
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Nebuleux

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
KYLE CARTMAN UPDATE

"Hello, Lorax City and all of Qazox. I'm Hugh Jazz and this just in from Rejistania. A high-ranking member of our hated rival nation Green Wombat was found dead in her hotel room early this evening. Sources say that it is an apparent suicide, and that in the suicide note, there was mention of the fact that she was Kyle Cartman's killer. for more on this let's go now to Amanda Hugankiss Live in front of a police station. Amanda?"

"Thank you Hugh. I'm here in Rejistania and according to Chief of Police Barbrady, the woman has been identified as Lt. Wendy Latias of Green Wombat. She apparently overdosed on Colt 45 malt liqour and sleeping pills. Generallisimo Uarez released this statement just a few minutes ago"

" I am greatly saddened by the fact that Lt. Latias has commited both sucide and the murder of Kyle Cartman. Even though Mr. Cartman has been a pain in the behind of Green Wombat in sports, I had the utmost respect for the man personally. I wish the best to his family and friends and I most sencerely hope this does not affect the overatures of peace between Qazox and Green Wombat. I am posthimusly awarding the Green Wombat Medal of Sportmanship to Mr. Cartman for all his accomplishments. Once again my deepest condolences to his family.

"Hopefully now, this sad chapter will be over and both of our countries will be stronger. Back to you Hugh."

"Thank you for that report, Amanda, With the apparent murderer being found dead, the Rejistanian police will most likely close the case and bring this case to an end. Up next Stan Kenni with the Weather."

Generallisimo Uarez and the 'new' Lt. Latias are watching the Lorax City news in their Room at the Embassy....

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
KYLE CARTMAN UPDATE

"Hello, Lorax City and all of Qazox. I'm Hugh Jazz and this just in from Rejistania. A high-ranking member of our hated rival nation Green Wombat was found dead in her hotel room early this evening. Sources say that it is an apparent suicide, and that in the suicide note, there was mention of the fact that she was Kyle Cartman's killer. for more on this let's go now to Amanda Hugankiss Live in front of a police station. Amanda?"

"Thank you Hugh. I'm here in Rejistania and according to Chief of Police Barbrady, the woman has been identified as Lt. Wendy Latias of Green Wombat. She apparently overdosed on Colt 45 malt liqour and sleeping pills. Generallisimo Uarez released this statement just a few minutes ago"

"I am greatly saddened by the fact that Lt. Latias has commited both sucide and the murder of Kyle Cartman. Even though Mr. Cartman has been a pain in the behind of Green Wombat in sports, I had the utmost respect for the man personally. I wish the best to his family and friends and I most sencerely hope this does not affect the overatures of peace between Qazox and Green Wombat. I am posthimusly awarding the Green Wombat Medal of Sportmanship to Mr. Cartman for all his accomplishments. Once again my deepest condolences to his family.

"Hopefully now, this sad chapter will be over and both of our countries will be stronger. Back to you Hugh."

"Thank you for that report, Amanda, With the apparent murderer being found dead, the Rejistanian police will most likely close the case and bring this case to an end. Up next Stan Kenni with the Weather."


"Can you believe that they fell for that schmaltzy crap I wrote? I was laughing the whole time i wrote it." Uarez laughed, after he clicked the TV off, while sitting in the bathtub.

"Well ,sir, should we send his family the medal you promised?" sinckered 'Latias'.

"What do you think? He ain't getting crap from me... He Cheated in the mountains by taking a Tram up to the top in all those Tour de Qazox races he beat me in. Not mention that he said I was insane." The Generalissimo replied.

"I do have one question to ask you, sir, if I may?" asked 'Latias'.

"Sure go right ahead.' he replied.

"Just how did you kill Kyle Cartman. Lt. Latias was in her hotel room the whole time, and I didn't leave this room." She asked.

"Simple. I had someone from Section 13 steal a Holographic Spy Suit from Qazox R&D about 5 months ago. I put on the Suit, disguised myself at Lt. Latias, and when to the hotel where he was staying. I drugged him when he came up to my room and then dropped him off at his room to die."

"That's all i needed to know... Now you must be punished for your sins." "Latias replied,

"What? What do you mean?" Uarez answered turning back around seeing Lt. Latais' clone hold a gun on him. "oh Crap. you're not latias' clone, you a spy!!"

"Yes. and I'll be taking back the suit and hopefully R&D will take better care of their stuff." she replied.

"Well before you kill me, at least let me know who you are?" the generallismo.

"My name is Cartman. Kyle Cartman." he said as his suit was turned off.

"But..how...How did you pull this off??" stammered Uarez.

"Easy, I used my Brainwashing Array Pen on your clone of Lt. Latias, put a Holographic Spy Suit on her and put her in your room. I saw her in the bar room, and knew she was waiting for me to go up stairs and stopped her in the elevator. You killed both of your most trusted Lieutenants without knowing it." Cartman explained. "After i switched places with the clone, it was easy enough to get you to confess and I have already sent a copy of this conversation back to MIB-12."

"so, what you gonna kill me?" taunted Uarez.

"No Mr. Uarez. you will be sent to the worst prision in the world: San Penthe." Cartman said. "HQ...two to beam to San Penthe"

"NOOOOOOOO!!!!" Screamed Uarez jumping out of the tub and slipping on a bar of soap, crashing right through the big glass window, falling 15 stories to his death.

"Damn, just once I wish they wouldn't do that." chuckled Cartman as he finished off his Double Shot of whiskey. HE flipped open his cell phone "Agent 0007 reporting in, HQ. Uarez jumped out of the window. Might wanna call in some favors with HQ Rejistania and cover this up. 0007 out."

{ooc: I would like to thank Qazox for allowing me to use his character for this story. It was mostly his idea, but it took both of us to do it. Also would like to thank Tyenlia and the Atheistic Right for parodying our storyline. Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery after all. :gundge: }

The following is an excerpt from Chronicles of the Federation, Allied Anime Worlds' favorite newspaper

From the front page

Trauma and tensions in football game

Registania - Tensions rose today over a fierce and even vicious Baptism of Fire game against rival Mr. Chuck Norris, whose national team, The Fighting Norrises, appears to be plagued by a string hearbreaking near-misses. Pent-up frustration boiled over and resulted in an incident between the star player of the Fighting Norrises, Chuck Norris, and FAAW substitute fullback Gene Wil. Tensions rose further when the referees recinded their red card to Chuck Norris, and penalized him with a yellow card instead, infuriating Federation coach Colonel Chio Miyahama. Mr. Norris himself blames the incident on his ego.

"I just couldn't control myself," Mr. Norris said to a Mr Chuck Norris news source, "my ego buildup from everyone posting facts about me on the internet in The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris just burned out of control. I hope that there are no hard feelings and I'd like to congratulate Allied Anime Worlds on a job well done."

For her own part, Colonel Chio Miyahama seems to be willing to make amends. "I'm sorry for my outburst on the field, and my words in the following interview on SNN," she said. "I too know what it feels like to have a huge ego. I accept Mr Norris' appology." Gene Wil was admitted to a local hospital, evaluated, patched up, and quickly released. He is currently on doctor ordered twenty four hour bed rest if he is to participate in the game against Risa-Aramour.

"I bear Chuck Norris no ill will," he told Chronicles of the Federation from his hotel room, "I should have been aware of all the facts posted about Mr Norris on the internet, and withheld the comment. Even so, I still should have seen the attack coming and moved out of its way. I also appologize to Colonel Miyahama for any concern I may have caused her."

The Federation is scheduled to play against Berner Street tomorrow, in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Don't miss it.

From page 3 of Chronicles of the Federation

Cloak and dagger skulduggery in the Baptism of Fire?

Rejistania - The World Cup and accompanying tournaments are supposed to be a forum for nations from across the world to participate in fierce, if friendly, soccer competition. A couple of recent events, however, have cast a shadow of doubt over the proceedings and started a number of rumors.

First we have what appears to be a murder-suicide involving a prominent Qazox sports reporter Kyle Cartman. A member of the Green Wombat military committed suicide, and in her suicide note, she claims responsiblity for the murder.

There is also the disappearance of Tynelia goalkeeper known colloquially as "The Wall," and is responsible for the so far spotless record of Tynelia.

"Is it a coincidence that Green Wombat and Quazox are in the same region and the same group? Of course not!" scoffed Secretary of Defense and Federation forward Raye Sun. "In fact, I'm pretty sure I also know who's responsible for the kidnapping of Vladimar Malloy." Raye took a moment to peruse a listing of tomorrow's matchups, and declared, "I'll bet a month's salary that it was Atheistic Right who was responsible. Any takers?" she called over her shoulder to everyone at the Federation team's football practice behind her, still in progress. Everyone shook their heads.

"Bet against Raye Sun? In a matter of security? Not likely," President Endymion said.

"I'm incresing security around us and our practices, and ordered Colonel Miyahama to carry her sidearm when we're not actually at the stadium itself," Raye said. "I'd trust my own life to Colonel Miyahama alone, mind you, but not the safety of the entire team. With the only undefeated record in the Rejistania region blue group, we're a great big target for some sort of action."

((ooc- just an FYI. Malloy's location IS known. he's at the team hotel getting over the food poisoning. the "last seen" comment referred to the last time someone saw him before he got sick))

Tynelia Loses Keeper

This just in. Tynelian goal keeper Vladimar Malloy has been scratched from the upcoming game against the Atheistic Right. Coach O'Meara has told reporters that Malloy has been striken with a form of food poisoning and will be unable to play in today's game. Malloy was last seen acompanied by an unknown attractive woman at the restaurant Chez Oceania known for its high quality seafood.

The owner of Chez Oceania, Talbert Kent insists that no poor quality food has ever nor will ever be served at Chez Oceania and thinks that perhaps the Tynelian goal keeper was perhaps allergic to something he had eaten. For those who are unaware as seafood is not a regular part of the Tynelian diet so the theory does have some credibility.

Malloy, known as the Wall for his ability to stonewall opposing offenses and had not given up a goal to this point in the tournament after three games. Coach O'Meara has indicated that with Malloy being out of action that backup Amy Whiteworth will get her first action of the tournament. Coach O'Meara has this to say.

"I have all the confidence in the world in Amy's goal keeping ability. Before this unfortunate illness i had planned on giving her the start in the final game against Qazox but even though she will have little time to prepare i am sure she will be able to step up just like she did in the keeper qualifying series."

Tynelian president Jacob Martins has been quoted as saying that this was an unfortunate turn of events but has faith in his national team to be able to overcome this setback.

In a side note, the setback has not stopped the Tynelian people from arriving at the tournament. In fact a large contingent of black suit wearing men were seen leaving the airport from the last Tynelian flight arriving at the Rejistanian airport. They stood out in that they were the only ones on the flight not dressed in the Tyenlian colors in a show of support among a flight full of soccer fans.

More on this story as it developes.

Owl and Chameleon had a meeting in Rejistania...

"Did you do this?" Owl asked

"I didn't get the chance to.. I was just about to introduce myself to him when he started to keel over."

"So how are things going?"

"Oh, very well, I know where the Tynelian team will be tonight and I will just happen to be there, and fall in love with one of the players."

"Did you get a chance to see those black suited men, mentioned in the report?"

"I saw a couple of them, but I didn't notice if they put anything into his food. I was not paying attention to them... but the Keeper."

"Remember... incapitate only... We don't want blood on our hands... well yet anyway."

With that the meeting ended as Chameleon went on her way, and her spontaneous rendezvous with the Tynelian team.

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 4 Results


Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [3] - [2]Green wombat
Rorysville [1] - [3]CR Oscilloscopes
Tynelia [1] - [1] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Qazox 12 4 0 0 9:3 6 Q
2. Tynelia 10 3 1 0 6:1 5 Q
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 2 7:6 1
4. Atheistic Right 3 0 3 1 4:5 -1
5. CR Oscilloscopes 3 1 0 3 3:9 -6
6. Rorysville 1 0 1 3 3:8 -5

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Berner Street
Vuam and Isma [1] - [2] Mr Chuck Norris
Risa-Aramour [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 12 4 0 0 6:1 5 Q
2. Risa-Aramour 7 2 1 1 4:2 2 Q
3. Vuam and Isma 6 2 0 2 5:5 0
4. Mr Chuck Norris 4 1 1 2 3:4 -1
5. Berner Street 3 0 3 1 2:3 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 3 0:5 -5

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [1] - [3] Kelse
Algal states [0] - [3] Obsidianus
TheSuncoastofFlorida [0] - [0] Priggdom

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 10 3 1 0 7:2 5 Q
2. Algal states 5 1 2 1 6:5 1
3. Imperial Moose 5 1 2 1 4:4 0
4. TheSuncoastofFlorida 5 1 2 1 2:3 -1
5. Obsidianus 4 1 1 2 4:3 1
6. Priggdom 2 0 2 2 0:6 -6


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [0] - [4] Haraki
Becquerelia [1] - [0] Georgeonia
Popolus [0] - [2] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Haraki 12 4 0 0 9:0 9 Q
2. Becquerelia 12 4 0 0 9:2 7 Q
3. New Preussen 6 2 0 2 5:5 0
4. Popolus 3 1 0 3 4:8 -4
5. Spammanian Plijous 3 1 0 3 2:9 -7
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 4 1:6 -5



The Top 4 in each Group will advance to the Regional Quarterfinals. Tynelia, Qazox, Allied Anime Worlds, and Risa-Aramour have already ensured spots in the Rejistanian Regional Quarters, while Kelse, Becquerelia, and Haraki have ensured spots in the Legalese Region.

And in other news, the Real head of Rejistanian's Security Force for the BoF, Linux I Xianuve, corrected the assumptions made by Mr. Barnaby, saying that an investigation into the matter would be underway. Mr. Barnaby is, in fact, an officer from Legalese sent over to assist with security for the BoF.

(OOC: Rejis asked me to mention that she doesn't have any English names for her characters, hence the "misidentification" comment made above. Her language is Rejistanian, with more info on it here: http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rejistanian . If you really need a Rejistanian name, you can use this name generator: http://www.thirdgeek.com/2006/names/XN-RJS/ . Now, as for Legalese names, you can use whatever the bloody hell you want, and if I like it, I may keep it ;-) )

GREEN WOMBAT DAILY NEWS
for those of you who care about such thing as this at time in which 2 of our top military people have died here's the scores of Day 4 BoF.
Baptism of Fire
Matchday 4 Results


Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [3] - [2]Green wombat
Rorysville [1] - [3]CR Oscilloscopes
Tynelia [1] - [1] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Qazox 12 4 0 0 9:3 6 Q
2. Tynelia 10 3 1 0 6:1 5 Q
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 2 7:6 1
4. Atheistic Right 3 0 3 1 4:5 -1
5. CR Oscilloscopes 3 1 0 3 3:9 -6
6. Rorysville 1 0 1 3 3:8 -5

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Berner Street
Vuam and Isma [1] - [2] Mr Chuck Norris
Risa-Aramour [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 12 4 0 0 6:1 5 Q
2. Risa-Aramour 7 2 1 1 4:2 2 Q
3. Vuam and Isma 6 2 0 2 5:5 0
4. Mr Chuck Norris 4 1 1 2 3:4 -1
5. Berner Street 3 0 3 1 2:3 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 3 0:5 -5

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [1] - [3] Kelse
Algal states [0] - [3] Obsidianus
TheSuncoastofFlorida [0] - [0] Priggdom

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 10 3 1 0 7:2 5 Q
2. Algal states 5 1 2 1 6:5 1
3. Imperial Moose 5 1 2 1 4:4 0
4. TheSuncoastofFlorida 5 1 2 1 2:3 -1
5. Obsidianus 4 1 1 2 4:3 1
6. Priggdom 2 0 2 2 0:6 -6


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [0] - [4] Haraki
Becquerelia [1] - [0] Georgeonia
Popolus [0] - [2] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Haraki 12 4 0 0 9:0 9 Q
2. Becquerelia 12 4 0 0 9:2 7 Q
3. New Preussen 6 2 0 2 5:5 0
4. Popolus 3 1 0 3 4:8 -4
5. Spammanian Plijous 3 1 0 3 2:9 -7
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 4 1:6 -5



The Top 4 in each Group will advance to the Regional Quarterfinals. Tynelia, Qazox, Allied Anime Worlds, and Risa-Aramour have already ensured spots in the Rejistanian Regional Quarters, while Kelse, Becquerelia, and Haraki have ensured spots in the Legalese Region.


The Wombats started out sluggish against Qazox, as both teams did pause for a moment of silence just before the match started. The wombats recieved permission to wear their home uniforms, even though they were scheduled to be the away team. In the 33rd minute SSgt. Wilcox scored on a breakaway through the defense, cuasing the very quiet Wombat side of the crowd to cheer. the 1st half ended with the wombats leading 1-0.

In the second half, Qazox seemed determined not to lose, as they scored 3 goals in a span of 16 minutes. The first goal came at the 49th minute when Shaun Brady scored with a beautiful header off a corner kick. only 3 minutes later Qazox got its 2nd goal in the 52nd minute, as completely shifty Manuel Aguirre waeved his way through the Wombat defence and blasted a goal right by our keeper. In the 65th minute, Capt. Crunch was given a red card for Misconduct as he punched a referee for calling a ticky-tack foul on 2nd Lt. Archer. the insensed Crunch was thrown out of the match and learned afterwards that he will be suspended for the rest of the tournement. On the ensuing free kick, Manuel Aguirre lobbed it just over the outstretched hands of CpL Holmes(keep) to give the Black Oxen a 3-1 lead. the next 20 minutes were unevetnful as both teams traded possession back and forth, but in the 86th minute, Ens. Graves recieved a brillant pass from CMSgt. LeRoux, and scored cutting the deficit to 3-2. but even with 8 minutes of extra time, the Qazox 11 held firm and won 3-2.
According to our projections we need a win or a tie vs. rorysville to qualify for the next round. we still may qualify even with a loss, just as long as rorysville doesn't beat us by 4 goals.

“Once more welcome to Tynelian Soccer Weekly in its continuing coverage of the Baptism of Fire tournament Orange group competition being held in Rejistania. As always I am Sal Spikeman along with Anna Dalespin with our thoughts on the Tynelian tournament efforts. After today’s match, Tynelia has fallen to second place after only managing a tie against the Atheistic Right rallying to a 1-1 score. Qazox on the other hand edged the Green Wombats in a high scoring 3-2 game and now only need to manage a tie in the final game for the group against Tynelia to win the group title.”

“But before we get into the game, the question on everyone’s mind is this. How is Tynelian standout goalkeeper Vladimar “the Wall” Malloy doing after his food poisoning incident and how will this affect him leading into the next round. Our on the field reporter Dana Lee confronted Tynelian team Coach O’Meara on that very subject.”

<footage begins to roll with Coach O’Meara already answering the question on the field.>

“From what the team doctor has said, Vladimar will be suffering no lingering effects from the incident and will be ready to play tomorrow against Qazox. However, as a precaution I will be keeping Amy Whiteworth as the starter tomorrow with Vladimar available as her backup if needed. Amy played a hell of a game for us today considering how little time she had to prepare and has earned the right to play one she’s prepared for. But when the next round begins Vladimar will be back in goal ready to show the world why he’s known as the Wall.”

“So Coach, is it true that you’ll be giving most of your starters a rest in tomorrow’ game? The group title is still within reach.”

“Yes Dana, I will be resting the starters. The key to this group was to advance to the next round not win the group. So with that in mind I’ll be sitting Stossels, Pytte, Jefferson and Masterson will only be playing the first half only because he refuses to get off the field. These are the big guns and we want to keep them fresh for the next round.”

“Do you really think you can beat the undefeated Qazox team which no team has outscored over the entire tournament with your reserves?”

“Don’t forget Dana, this isn’t your ordinary team here. Each of these players were among the best on their teams in our own leagues so our reserves are the typical role players. Camden Alexander made his conference all star team remember and he’s one of our reserves here. So yes I have faith that this team will give Qazox everything they can handle.”

“Thanks coach, I’ll let you get back to the team. You have a big game to get ready for tomorrow.”

<O’Meara nods his thanks as he walks away and the footage ends returning you to the studio>

“Well Anna, that was a lot to take in there. What’s your opinion on Coach O’Meara’s thinking here?”

“Its an…interesting call, giving the reserves the start tomorrow. It will likely result in a loss and cost Tynelia some momentum going into the next round but on the other hand with all these games in a row if he didn’t rest the starters at some point they’d wear out in the long run and hurt Tynelia’s chances to advance further. I was surprised that he is sitting Malloy another game. I’d think that the Qazox offense would be a tough test for any keeper and that O’meara would want his best out there.”

“Do you think it’s a ploy on Coach O’meara’s part? He did say that Malloy would be available to come in if something happened to Whiteworth. Do you think he’s keeping him out of the game so Malloy can study the Qazox offense more closely from the sidelines and not have to worry about staying in the game as well?”

“That’s an interesting theory Sal and there may be some truth to it. By not letting Qazox see the full Tynelian game plan would let him keep a few tricks up his sleeve for any meeting in the next round. The question is will Qazox try the same thing?”

“We’ll find that one out tomorrow then along with everyone else. But now getting back to today’s game, how did you think Whiteworth played today?”

“I think she did an excellent job coming in cold like that. You could see she was a bit nervous early on giving up that goal at the 22 minute mark to the Jackal off a rebound Whiteworth could not cover up in time. But she settled down nicely after that and held down the fort long enough for the offense to come back. The strong crowd response in support of her by the Tynelian faithful seemed to help her get into the game as well. Speaking of the offense, it had another so-so performance. Other than the three goals scored against the Oscilloscopes, Tynelia has not managed more than one goal a game but have at least managed to score in every game so far. They need to do better in the next round if they want to keep advancing.”

“And nice to see Jay Masterson back in the scoring groove again. After being shut down against the Wombats he managed to put one in on a nice give and go with Wallace at the 68th minute to tie it up. As the score indicated the game was pretty even. Both sides had 12 shots on net and the Atheistic Right held a 4-3 quality shot edge though Tynelia had a three minute ball control advantage. Once the game was tied both teams grew a bit defense minded neither side wishing to give up the game winning goal and only three shots combined were shot on net in the last twenty minutes of play. Still your upset prediction nearly came through Anna.”

“That’s true Sal though Tynelia should be pleased escaping this one with a point as the game meant much more to the Atheistic Right. It was surprising to see that the Right were not quite as aggressive at the end like they were almost content to grab a point with the tie.”

“And by getting that point they remained in the final qualifying spot after the Oscillscopes exploded for their first goals of the tournament in their win against Rorysville and have moved into a tie with the Right though the Right currently holds the tiebreaker. The bottom end has tightened up a great deal now as it stands now if Rorysville can beat the Wombats who have stumbled after their initial win and the Right and the Oscilloscopes tie then all four bottom teams will end up with four points and who comes out that tiebreaker is anyone’s guess though the Wombats’ offense does give them an edge when it comes time to break things down.”

“I agree Sal, this mad dash to get to the next round is one of the great things about international soccer. We’re at the point where every goal is critical now and could be the difference between moving on and going home.”

“Well Anna, now that we near the end of the first round of play what are your thoughts on some of the other teams in the tournament?”

“Obviously Tynelia’s biggest challenge will be Qazox. Even with the regular team assembled this will be a very tough match. Qazox has the edge on offense but remember the Wall has still not allowed a goal in this tournament and should be at 100% for the next round. The Blue group is a little more muddled than our group is. Clearly the Allied Animal Worlds is the class of the league there and matches dead evenly with Tynelia in both goals and goals allowed. The other potential qualifiers all seem to have their flaws. For instance Risa-Aramour has only averaged a single goal a game and could run into trouble down the line unless their offense improves. Vuam and Isma on the other hand has allowed five goals in four games so their defense is a bit shaky. I think the AAW will be the main competition from the Blue Group if I had to make a guess.

“As far as the Legalese region we’ll only be seeing them come the finals if Tynelia gets that far. While Kelse is looking solid in the Black group you can’t ignore Haraki who besides being tied for the most goals with nine is also now the only team to not surrender one. And Becquerelia is also undefeated and having clinched their spot last game may not have gone all out in their 1-0 win against winless Georgeonia so you can’t ignore them. I think whoever wins their game will gain a huge boost of momentum the rest of the way.”

“And let’s thank the tournament organizers for putting together a schedule where in three of the four groups the top two teams are playing each other in the final game. Who would have thought it turned out this way? But now I’ll put you on the spot Anna. Who do you think will come out of each group?”

“Now Sal its way too early to decide something like that with the first round of play not even done. But if I was forced to choose based on what I’ve seen so far you can’t bet against Haraki’s dominance so far on both sides of the ball. They might very well be the winners of the entire tournament if they can keep up this pace.”

“And Tynelia?”

“As it stands Tynelia looks to be in good shape to reach the semi-finals if they can maintain their current pace but Qazox and the AAW will be tough to beat. And then there’s always the surprise team that no one expects that could beat out one of the favorites. Right now Qazox is inspired by the loss of their top reporter and sporting legend Kyle Cartman and might be able to ride that wave of emotion all the way to the regional finals.”

“So you’re saying it’ll be Qazox vs Haraki in the finals?”

“Since you’re putting me on the spot,yes that’s what I see at this point but injuries can always change how things work out as you know perfectly well.”

“Well time is running out now. Who do you think will grab the last two spots in our group?”

“In my opinion, the Green Wombats and the Atheistic Right seem to be the steadier of the four clubs fighting for the last two spots. Rorysville can’t seem to get its act together and the Oscilloscopes while putting up some numbers against Rorysville have yet to show they can do much against a more balanced team so I think those two will fall short.”

“Well there you have it. TSW is always ready to make the bold picks, and then eat crow if we’re wrong. So Anna will be most interested in the results in the games to come. On that note, this is Sal Spikeman for Anna Dalespin wishing everyone a good night.”

Linux I Xianuve was close to retiring. A man with only a few weeks to 'sit' in his job. His former black hair is becoming gray where it still exists. Despite being police chief of KaMaRi kali, which is the biggest district, his job normally has not too many unsolvable problems. The trouble now came unexpected for him. He had a bad night's sleep and now as soon as he went to his office, he called "Janek" and "Teji" (in his years of working together, these nicknames were long-established). "I do not feel well about what happening in the competition... Make sure the seli'ny observe the players, but discretely! And Janek, find out who that unlicensed fish restaurant had - And who he bribed in order to be unobserved!" Both nodded and left.

From the 'CROC Evening News'
Hanging on it there
CR Oscilloscopes fans were singing in the streets after a 3-1 victory against Rorysville lifted the team off the bottom of the table, and more importantly left them with a chance of qualififcation into the Regional Quarter Finals.

The team's fans, who before the match hadn't seen their team yet score, were stunned as the group of players, who in previous games had looked so much a shambles, netted three times, whilst conceding only one in return. The 2'500 travelling supporters danced on the terraces for over half an hour after the final whistle, before being forced out onto the streets bye stewards. Once out the stadium, the celebrations went on well into the night. As opposed to the previous CRO match, where hundreds of fans rioted, the day passed of peacefully, with no arrests of away supporters reported.

In his first post-match interview of the competition, manager Herl Werter praised the team's spirit and determination, and claimed that the belief was there, that the team could go through to the Quarter Finals, "The lads are all focussed on the next match" he told our reporter, "We're not booking hotels yet, but we're really, really confident that we can do it,". CR Oscilloscopes must win, to get through to the next stage, and expectations are high amongst fans, "We can do it," was the simple message from Kim Treston, head of the ICROAFSC.

If CR Oscilloscopes win against Atheistic Right, then they will definitely qualify for the next round of the competition. Any other result will be worthless. With so much resting on the game, over 10'000 supporters are expected to travel.

QAZOX CITY HERALD

Your Government Source for what We want you to Know for over 298 Years!!

Earlier today Qazox won against our hated rivals Green Wombat 3-2, but in the greater scheme of things, the match was meaningless. With the apparent suicides of 2 of Green Wombat's top military personnel, the Wombat team could hardly be prepared to face our squad. And with a National Day of Mourning in effect, our squad was subdued as well. but a great match came out of it and with the win Qazox has all but clinched the top spot for our group. Only a loss to Tynelia tommorrow will keep us from winning the group. The bottom 4 are all fighting for the last spot with Green Wombat only needing not to lose by 4 goals to advance and the winner of the Atheistic Right/CR Oscilloscopes match will advance as well. Our most hearty congradulations to: Tynelia, Allied Anime Worlds, Risa-Aramour, Kelse, Haraki and Becquerelia on advancing to the next round as well.

Coach Joseph Jarrett has posted his starting 11 for the match with tynelia, possibly with rest on his mind as the Quartfinals loom.

Keep--Hiram Joachim
Defense--Jim 'the Real' McCoy, Masse Jower, Lance Golden and Hadeen Homer
Midfield--The Mason twins, Balrog Vega and Qa-Tram Reaz.
Wingers--Maria Gretzky and Marie Goya.

Scoring and Cards Vs. Green Wombat
Green Wombat
Scoring:SSgt. Wilcox-33rd
Ens. Graves-86th
Cards:
Yellow Ens. Graves 77th
Red-Capt. Crunch-65th

Qazox
Scoring:Shaun Brady-49th
Manuel Aguirre-52nd,65th(3,4)
Cards: Yellow Masse Jower 22nd

And here are the results of MatchDay 4 brought to you by Ox Cola, reminding you to "Drink the Tail."

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 4 Results


Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [3] - [2]Green wombat
Rorysville [1] - [3]CR Oscilloscopes
Tynelia [1] - [1] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Qazox 12 4 0 0 9:3 6 Q
2. Tynelia 10 3 1 0 6:1 5 Q
3. Green wombat 4 1 1 2 7:6 1
4. Atheistic Right 3 0 3 1 4:5 -1
5. CR Oscilloscopes 3 1 0 3 3:9 -6
6. Rorysville 1 0 1 3 3:8 -5

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Berner Street
Vuam and Isma [1] - [2] Mr Chuck Norris
Risa-Aramour [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 12 4 0 0 6:1 5 Q
2. Risa-Aramour 7 2 1 1 4:2 2 Q
3. Vuam and Isma 6 2 0 2 5:5 0
4. Mr Chuck Norris 4 1 1 2 3:4 -1
5. Berner Street 3 0 3 1 2:3 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 3 0:5 -5

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [1] - [3] Kelse
Algal states [0] - [3] Obsidianus
TheSuncoastofFlorida [0] - [0] Priggdom

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 10 3 1 0 7:2 5 Q
2. Algal states 5 1 2 1 6:5 1
3. Imperial Moose 5 1 2 1 4:4 0
4. TheSuncoastofFlorida 5 1 2 1 2:3 -1
5. Obsidianus 4 1 1 2 4:3 1
6. Priggdom 2 0 2 2 0:6 -6


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [0] - [4] Haraki
Becquerelia [1] - [0] Georgeonia
Popolus [0] - [2] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Haraki 12 4 0 0 9:0 9 Q
2. Becquerelia 12 4 0 0 9:2 7 Q
3. New Preussen 6 2 0 2 5:5 0
4. Popolus 3 1 0 3 4:8 -4
5. Spammanian Plijous 3 1 0 3 2:9 -7
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 4 1:6 -5



The Top 4 in each Group will advance to the Regional Quarterfinals. Tynelia, Qazox, Allied Anime Worlds, and Risa-Aramour have already ensured spots in the Rejistanian Regional Quarters, while Kelse, Becquerelia, and Haraki have ensured spots in the Legalese Region.

And in other news, the Real head of Rejistanian's Security Force for the BoF, Linux I Xianuve, corrected the assumptions made by Mr. Barnaby, saying that an investigation into the matter would be underway. Mr. Barnaby is, in fact, an officer from Legalese sent over to assist with security for the BoF.

(OOC: Rejis asked me to mention that she doesn't have any English names for her characters, hence the "misidentification" comment made above. Her language is Rejistanian, with more info on it here: http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rejistanian . If you really need a Rejistanian name, you can use this name generator: http://www.thirdgeek.com/2006/names/XN-RJS/ . Now, as for Legalese names, you can use whatever the bloody hell you want, and if I like it, I may keep it ;-) )

((ooc- just an FYI. Malloy's location IS known. he's at the team hotel getting over the food poisoning. the "last seen" comment referred to the last time someone saw him before he got sick))

OOC: Whoops. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time in history a newspaper got its facts wrong.

The following is an excerpt from Chronicles of the Federation
From the third page from the back

A retraction: In yesterday's paper, we said that Vladimar Malloy, the prominent goalkeeper from Tynelia, had disappeared. This is not the case, and he is currently recovering from a bout of food poisoning.

Mr Chuck Norris 2 (The Burger King 48, Pimpson, 84)
Vuam and Isma 1 (Fitzsimons 42)

Cheers rang out in the streets of The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris as they saw time run out in The Fighting Norris' latest football match against Vuam and Isma. The citizens, for the first time ever, got to taste what it felt like for their nation's football team to win a match.

You certainly couldn't have predicted the score of the game from the first half statistics. Vuam and Isma controlled the ball for an unorthodox 39 minutes, leaving only six minutes of possesion to the Fighting Norris.

"They had us chasing the ball around the field like rodents", exclaimed Fighting Norris midfielder Allen Price. "We've never seen a team control the ball around the field as well as they did, it was practically a game of keepaway".

Events only turned worse when Vuam and Isma's star forward Stephen Fitzsimons crushed the ball right past Fighting Norris goalkeeper Mr. Bednarik in the 42nd minute to put Vuam and Isma up 1-0. The half expired with little hope for the failing Fighting Norris.

"All we can do is hope", explained Fighting Norris coach Bob Janney.

Apparently hoping was enough for the Fighting Norris who opened the half with an amazing drive by the front three. Midfielder Paper Mario sped down the field as if he were weightless and proceeded to dump the ball off on star forward Chuck Norris, who had the wide-open shot on goal. However, due to his recent "ego adjustment", Chuck passed the ball over to The Burger King who popped the ball in for a score at minute 48. The Burger King had this to say about his goal:

(Video of The Burger King pumping his fist into the air)

He was truly thrilled with his goal. The remainder of the second half was an awesome display of defense, with the ball crossing midfield several times. Things took a dark turn in minute 76 when forward OJ Pimpson was accused of slide tackling Vuam and Isma defender Icham S'baa when actually just going for the ball. As he was yellow carded by the referee, screams of "OJ'S INNOCENT!" could be heard in the crowd. However, Pimpson would get his revenge for the bad call. A charge down the field by OJ Pimpson resulted in a penalty kick when Vuam and Isma defender Mounir Reguagui illegally landed his hand on Pimpson's shot. OJ's penalty shot reflected off the upper crossbar only to be met by OJ's head, which propelled the ball into the goal in minute 84 to give the Fighting Norris their ultimate lead. The remainder of the match showed domination of the Fighting Norris midfielders, who played an excellent game of keepaway until time expired.

"Finally, I was going to get fired if we lost another game", admited Bob Janney at the conclusion of the match. We wish luck to The Fighting Norris in their final match of the Baptism of Fire qualifying round against Nebuleux. We will close the show with our famed stats guy Theo Retical.

Hello friendly viewers of the world, I'm Theo Retical and here are the Matchday 4 stats. An above average total amount of goals were scored with 31 (one short of tourney high 32 set on Matchday 2). Haraki tied the tourney high 4 goals in one match statistic established by Algal States on Matchday 2. Only two teams have yet to score a goal, these teams are Priggdom and our next week competitor, Nebuleux. Three teams are tied for the most total goals with nine; these teams are former World Cup threat Haraki, Baptism of Fire dominant Becquerelia, and the ox-loving Oazox. I will finish up my segment and the report in general with Fighting Norris qualifying conditions for next week and The Fighting Norris schedule.

If we lose against Nebuleux then:
The only way we can qualify is if the goal difference in our game is three or less (in Nebuleux’s favor) and Berner Street must then lose. If Berner Street ties, then qualification will come down to a goal difference between Berner Street and ourselves. If Berner Street wins, then we don’t make the cut.

If we tie Nebuleux then:
We will qualify as long as Berner Street doesn’t win.

If we win against Nebuleux then:
We will qualify no matter what.

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris 1 vs. Berner Street 1
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Risa-Aramour 1
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Allied Anime Worlds 1
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris 2 vs. Vuam and Isma 1
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris vs. Nebuleux

After a tense day in which the Harakians did not play a game, in which the whole team was seen practicing, with injured players Owen Peterson and Samantha Ribald joining the rest of the team for practice, Lloyd Vargas, the team's coach, had a press conference with a number of reporters from numerous nations, including almost all those in its group. As, at the time, the Harakian team was undefeated and as-yet had not been scored upon in three games, there were a lot of questions for the coach. The first, to start off, was from a sports reporter from the Haraki News Network.

"Mr Vargas, what are your feelings on your goaltender, Mark Stone?"

Vargas grinned. This was a question he looked forward to answering. "I must say, I think Mark is an outstanding goalie. He's one of only two goalies in the entire tournament so far who has stopped every goal shot at the net. Haraki and Tynelia have both gone with no goals against them so far. Heading into a game against the Spaamanians, I'm not too worried about Mark's performance. I think we've got an excellent goalie, and I think he'll stay that way for quite some time."

"Do you think Peterson and Ribald will be back in for any of the tournament?"

"I know Owen won't be. The tendon is much worse than we initially thought, and he won't be able to rejoin the team for any of the Baptism of Fire. We're hoping that he'll be back on the team for the World Cup itself, but given Jonah Menike's superb performance following Owen's injury in the very first of our games, Owen has been talking about voluntarily sitting out the rest of the Cup so as to stay off his tendon and give Jonah more time on the field."

"What about Samantha Ribald?"

"Her injury isn't too bad. She needed stitches, but should be able to rejoin play sometime after the qualifying is over. In the meantime, Archie Wilkes will continue substituting for her as a centre."

"If you win this game, you're assured a spot in the Regional Quarterfinals. What are your opinions on that?"

"At the moment, I have no doubt in the ability of our team to secure a spot in the Regional Quarters."

"So far you and Becquerelia have been doing very well in the tournament, but you haven't had to face each other yet. Do you think this is good or bad?"

"So far we're both undefeated, and we go up against each other last. If we both win in our next games, us against the Spaamanians and them against the Georgeonians, we will both be guaranteed a spot in the Regional Quarters, and our match will be purely exhibition. Either way, I'm looking forward to it. We'll either prove our mettle against the other best team in the group if one of us loses, or we'll find out how difficult their team will be when it matters in the Quarters without it mattering too much if we both win. That's what I'd put my money on."

"What is your opinion on the New Preussen remarks against the Harakian female players?"

Vargas laughed. "Well, I guess they saw what we can do with female players."

"What do you-"

"No more questions, please. I have to get back to the team.:

As he walked away, a crowd of Harakian fans at the back screamed and hollered for him.


*


That night, the Haraki Hawks entered the field as heroes. Undefeated in three shutouts, the crowd, even the non-Harakian fans, went wild. The only ones not cheering for them were the Spaamanian fans, who very vigourously booed them and cheered the Spaamanians as they entered.

Spaamanian Plijous won the coin toss and decided to kick off, tapping it to a forward who took it up the left side and was met by Mike Zendar and Thomas Neils, who engaged the player. He tried to pass it and was intercepted by Neils, who immediately took off sprinting for the goal line, supported by Zendar on his right. The entire Spaamanian team closed on him, but his years of experience in Harakian club play had readied him for such an event. Just as they were about to kick for the ball, he tapped it back to Zendar, who had fallen behind specifically for this purpose, who took it and circled around the entire opposing team, ducked around an opposing defenceman, and was left with a wide open path to the net. He closed to as close to the crease as he could dare and unleashed a shot, not even five minutes into the game. The first shot of the game rocketed through the air and went into the bottom corner of the goal. Tens of thousands of people jumped to their feet screaming and cheering as Haraki had scored on the first shot of the game, a first for them ever in international play.

With forty minutes left to play, the Harakians took off early and hard. As had become customary with them, they played a very strong first half. The few times the Spaamanians managed to get the ball into the Harakian end, the defencemen, spearheaded by reservist Jonah Menike, stopped them. The Spaamanians got off only two shots on net in the first half, both of which were stopped by Harakian goaltender Mark Stone.

At twenty-three minutes, centre Lawrence Foster received a throw from Stone, who had just caught the first of the two Spaamanian shots. He started slowly dribbling it up the field, letting the offensive Harakian group get into position. Centres Archie Wilkes and Manuel Cortes shot past him to join the two forwards in their offensive positions ahead of Foster. As he slowly brought the ball up the field, the Spaamanians warily watched him. A few of them ventured forward to try and stop him, viewing him as a slow but lumbering juggernaut - the man was huge, over six feet and one hundred kilograms - and he took off as quickly as he could, dribbling it up the field. As they closed, he kicked a long pass over their heads to Wilkes, who was covered expertly by a Spaamanian player. Wilkes immediately passed to Cortes, who took off. He was a small man, weighing under seventy kilograms, and shorter than most, but he could run like the wind. He made his way around the two Spaamanians blocking him, ducking under one, and kicked the ball out ahead of him slightly. Most viewed it as a mistake while dribbling, but as he went down low and spun in a kick at the net, they suddenly saw the genius of it: Kicking it ahead lessened his control on it but made the others overconfident. He knew he could reclaim it before the Spaamanians could get it, and the kick he unleashed landed him on his side but sent the ball spinning past the goalie and into the net. He leapt to his feet and jumped in the air, punching it. The other four offensive players grabbed him, one playfully tugging on his short black hair, as they returned to their own half.

Cortes would get his chance once more. About ten minutes later, the Harakian offensive got going again. This time, Zendar took it up the field, to the Harakian fans' chants of his name, and passed it out to Neils, running beside him and ahead. Neils, his path to the goal blocked by two large defencemen, passed it sideways once more to Cortes, who was tearing in towards the left side of the net like a runaway missile. Neils' passing was exact. The ball landed right where Cortes could keep dribbling it, and he ran right past the two Spaamanian defencemen who had blocked Neils, as they turned to see who had the ball. He was left one-on-one with the goalie, running at the centre of the net from the left. A kick from ten metres skimmed above the ground, leaving a trough of grass behind it, and made its way into the net just past the goaltender's fingertips. Cortes once again leapt into the air, embracing his teammates.

The remaining twenty minutes of the first half had multiple Harakian shots, but the Spammanian goalie managed to pull his act together and make some nicer saves, to keep the score at 3-0 heading into the second half. The Harakians were excited. Not just the fans, the players themselves. Benched starters Owen Peterson and Samantha Ribald watched their replacements fare well, and verbally expressed their disappointment that they could not have played in the game themselves. The Harakians were sure of their victory. A three point lead halfway in was something to be proud of, and they were.

As the second half started, the Spaamanians seemed downcast, but the goalie seemed more resolute than before. He was determined not to let any more goals through his fingers, especially after Cortes' second goal. The Hawks got the kickoff and a furious second half began. Although the Spaamanians' spirit was broken, the team had been shuffled around some, and the new replacements were out for blood. Several of them seemed eager to injure the Harakians, and two yellow cards in total were granted to the new players, although the Harakian players managed to avoid serious injury.

Fifteen minutes in, the Harakians managed their fourth and final goal of the game. Luke Ford and Thomas Neils were bringing the ball up the centre of the field, passing back and forth, with Samuel Sharp and Mike Zendar waiting in the wings as support. As the Spaamanians brought in their defence, they managed to separate the two centres passing back and forth, and the last pass was intercepted by a defenceman, who tried to pass it. As the pass was received, Zendar slid in and kicked it out from the man's feet right to Neils, who passed a high pass over to Sharp. It bounced once and Sharp kicked it out, running in under it and kicking it for a goal. The goalie dove for it, and it hit his fingers. They bent back and the ball continued, albeit on an upwards angle, and swished into the net. The Harakian fan section leapt to their feet, and the Spaamanian goaltender landed on his chest in the dirt, slamming his fist into the ground.

The rest of the second half belonged to Haraki, although there were no more goals. The Spaamanians played a tougher second half, but were still no match for the Harakian onslaught. As the game ended, the Harakians had secured a 4-0 victory over the Spaamanians, and were now guaranteed a place in the regional quarterfinals. Their final qualifying game would be versus Becquerelia, and as both teams had now already qualified and had unbeaten records, the game would be an interesting test of the two teams' football abilities, and would expose the two teams' weaknesses and strengths to each other before they faced each other once the qualifying was finished.


Haraki 4 - Spaamanian Plijous 0

Zendar (4)
Cortes (25)
Cortes (37)
Sharp (62)

Chameleon had charmed her way into the hearts of the Tynelian players, after their first meeting that seemed to be total happenstance to the players. They got intrigued by her. To the extent that the night before the matchday, the players sneaked out and stayed up late with her.... nothing happened just it was like they where under her spell and they seemed to have totally forgotten about the soccer match the next day.

....

<On the television that well-known logo and theme came on>

"This is Sports Daily - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News. I'm Charles." - Charles

"And I'm Darwn, welcome to our coverage of Baptism of Fire, Matchday #4. The Archeopetri against the Tylenians." - Darwin

"This match was certainly fairly boring, with both scoring one goal." - Charles

"Yes, the Tylenians did seem a bit sluggish today. The Archeopteri goal was scored in the 26th minute, by Scorpion, lets see that goal" - Darwin

<cut to the video>

"Snake has no problems with his slippery handling of the ball, the Tynelian defenders seem a bit slow to react. And passes it. and it goes to a defender... no it went right througjh the defenders legs and onto Scorpion, who has an easy shot on the goal,, only really the goalie in the way.... He shot the ball and easily got passed the tired keeper."

<cut back to the studio>

"With that clip it seems the Tynelians where all over the place... Why didn't we win?" - Charles

"Ah,, well it seemed soon after that the Tynellian team had a second wind.. They where so tired that they weren't any more." - Darwin

"Let's have a look at their ownly goal... this was in the 49th minute...after a breif rest and a scolding by the Tynellian coach" Charles

"Actually Charles I'm sure the people at home do not care about the Tynelian goal, so let's just leave it at "They scored a goal in the 49th minute". - Darwin

"Okay... Well, that ends Sports Daily for today. Thank you and see you later." - Charles

"Remember, Sports Daily - Your Fitest for Survival Sport News."

What was not on the news show

Spider, sprained his ankle after tripping himself, and ant got yellow carded for "Unsportsman like behaviour"

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
Baptism of Fire Update with New Sports Anchor: Carl Shake-Zula

This is Carl Shake-Zula and I'm here to give you the low-down on who's through to the regional Quarters and what some teams need to do to get there.

Lets Start in the Rejistanian Region. Qazox, Tynelia, Allied Anime Worlds and Risa-Aramour have all clinched QF spots with only 1st place in their groups to be settled.

In the Orange group, Green Womabt only needs a win or draw to advance or have the CR Oscillioscopes-The Atheistic Right draw to advance,only if they lost by 3 goals or less vs. Rorysville. Both CR Oscillioscopes and The Atheistic Right need a win to advance, as a draw would put only The Atheistic Right through. Rorysville needs to win by 5 or more goals and have a CRO/AR draw to advance.

In the Blue Group, Mr Chuck Norris needs a win to advance or a draw and have Berner Street lose and Nebulex Lose or Draw. Vuam and Isma only needs a draw to advance or a Mr Chuck Norris loss. Berner Street needs a win coupled with a Mr Chuck Norris loss. Nebuleux needs to win by 4 Goals and have both Mr Chuck Norris and Berner Street lose.

On the Legalese Region, Kelse has cliched the Black Group while Haraki and Becquerelia have qualified and will battle it out for Red Group victory.

In the Black group, it is very close for the last 3 spots, but here's what should be needed to be done to advance. Algal States, Imperial Moose and ThesuncoastofFlorida all need wins to clinch, but all three can advance with an Obsidianus loss. TheSuncoastofFlorida will need Priggdom to lose as well. Obsidianus needs 1 loss by either of the 3 teams mentioned above and a win, while Priggdom can advance with a win by 4 goals, a TheSuncoastofFlorida loss of 3 goals and an Obsidianus loss.

In the Red Group, New Preussen only need a draw or a Spammanian Plijous loss to advance, while Popolus needs a win or draw plus a Spammanian Plijous loss. Spammanian Plijous can advance with a win and either a Popolus or New Preussen loss. Georgeonia can only advance by winning and having both Spammanian Plijous and Popolus lose.


Here's My projected Quartfinal Match-ups:

Rejistanian Region.

Qazox vs. Mr Chuck Norris
Tynelia vs. Vuam and Isma
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Green Wombat
Risa-Aramour vs. The Atheistic Right

Legalese Region

Kelse vs. Popolus
Haraki vs. ThesuncoastofFlorida
Becquerelia vs. Algal States
New Preussen vs. Imperial Moose.

Stay tuned now for new hit game show "Meal or No Meal hosted by Kojak."

[Familiar splashscreen with the silver letters "SNN"]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network; bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

[Cut to the newsroom]

Miko: Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa. First we have some bad news. Rinn Surrogate, one of our correspondents, was scheduled to return from Vuam and Isma yesterday, and we haven't heard from her since her last videocast. SNN is planning on launching a search and rescu...what's this? I hear from our producer that we have a signal coming in from Rinn, let's go there now.

[Split screen, Miko on the left with a caption reading "Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3" and a static filled image of a disheveled and gaunt Rinn on the right, with a caption under her reading "Vuam and Isma (probably)"]

Miko: Rinn! Is that you? Where are you?

Rinn (camera pointing up toward her, suggesting that she's operating the camera herself): I don't know where I am, I'm hungry, I'm lost, I'm cold, no one speaks Federation Standard, and I don't even know if this signal is getting through, or if any of them ha...(fzzzzzz)

Miko: Rinn! Don't move! We're losing the signal!

Rinn: Miko? Miko is that you? Oh, it's just my mind playing tricks on me again. Oh, Empress, if I live to see the Crystal Spire again I'll never leave its sight again for as long as I live...(fzzzzz....)

Miko: Rinn! Can you hear me? Rinn! Our producer has just informed me that we've lost the signal. We'll have more on this story as it develops, and we implore the Vuam and Isma government to return Rinn Surrogate to us if they find her. We do have some good news, through. Tonight the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds has won yet another victory in the Baptism of Fire against rival Berner Street.

[Footage of the game, the Berner Street players passing between themselves frequently]

Miko voiceover: Although this promised to be an exciting matchup, that promise for the most part was not delivered. Berner Street midfielders and fullbacks seemed content to keep the ball away from Federation forwards rather than trying to score goals for the first quarter.

[Footage from later in the game]

Miko voiceover: Thankfully for the fans on both sides who payed good money to see this matchup, Berner Street players got more aggressive in the second and third quarters, with forwards Tommy O'Reiley and Generico frequently defeating Federation midfielders only to be rebuffed by the fullbacks and Mahoro's microsecond reaction time in the goal box. Then, the following incident happened at the 57th minute.

[HeliCam shot of Shinji Ikau taking the ball upfield]

Miko voiceover: Shinji Ikau was driving strong up the center, defeating a midfielder in a bee outfit...

Bee Man: Ay carumba! No me gusta!

Miko voiceover: ...before passing to Secretary of Defense Raye Sun. Raye Sun defeated Berner Street president and fullback Chris Walker-Bush before putting the ball away for the game's only goal.

Raye Sun: Hey, President Walker-Bush! Our coach says, "How do you like me now?" And oh, I do too.

[More football footage]

Miko Voiceover: Not to be had so easily, the Berner Street offense redoubled its efforts, pushing hard at the Federation defense.

[Series of shots of Mugen and/or Yuki taking balls away from Berner Street forwards]

Miko Voiceover: However, they came up empty against what some are starting to call "the defensive dynamic duo." No further events of note happened this game, and Federation fans are understandably ecstatic.

[Cut to a group of marchers holding pro-FAAW banners such as "FAAW's still number one!" "Forward the Federation!" "Today the Baptism of Fire, tomorrow the world!" &c]

Marchers: FAAW's nubmer one! FAAW's number one!

Miko voiceover: Here's what some of our players had to say.

[Cut to Admiral Emeralds in the Federation locker room]

Emeralds: It's happening again! Berner Street sailed past our midfield like it wasn't even there! I still say Chio is counting too much on our fullbacks. [She turns to face the camera] You hear that, COLONEL? You're counting too much on our fullbacks!

[Cut to Chio in the same place. Her left eye is twiching]

Chio: I would very much appreciate it if Admiral Emeralds would accede to my greater experience in squad level command. I know what I'm doing. We haven't lost one yet, have we?

[Cut to Mahoro, index finger raised]

Mahoro: I think airing our dirty laundry on national television is bad!

[Chio bursts into the camera frame from the left side]

Chio: And if YOU had done your job properly, you chunk of scrap metal in the making, I'd have some depth on this team so I could put some strong people in the midfield, and Emeralds wouldn't be all over my case! [Chio shoves Mahoro aside and looks straight into the camera] And oh, as for my rank, Miss Admiral Emeralds SIR, if I may usurp Mahoro's job of stating the painfully obvious for a moment, I'm sixteen years younger than you and almost caught up! Enjoy that "sir" while you still can!

[Emeralds bursts in from the right side, sandwiching Mahoro between them]

Emeralds: You're FOURTEEN years younger than I am! And watch you talk to a superior officer!

Chio: Oh yeah? Let's take off our insignia for a moment and decide this the old-fashioned way!

Emeralds: Hah! You know what happens to someone who strikes a superior officer!

Chio: We'll call it a [she makes scare quotes with her index and middle fingers] "training session" then!

Emeralds [Takes on a bad Chinese accent]: Ooooh, the young grasshoppa wants some training, does she? Maybe we can arrange it!

Mahoro [pushes Chio and Emeralds apart for a moment]: I said airing dirty laundry on national television is bad!

[Chio, Mahoro, and Emeralds start arguing at the same time. Cut back to the newsroom.]

Miko: In related news, President Endymion has ordered a temporary freeze in all hand-to-hand training exercises involving Colonel Miyahama and Admiral Emeralds. Here's what the president had to say.

[Cut to the President at his desk]

Endymion: I'm very upset with both Emeralds and Miyahama for their conduct tonight. We're still undefeated, and we should be indulging in celebration, not petty squables. And if Colonel Miyahama wants more depth on our team for the world cup itself, might I recommend that she starts recruiting NOW.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

However, if the Federation is to suffer from a personality conflict on the team, now is the time for it. Tonight's win against Berner Street clinches the top spot in the Blue group. Let's just hope they get it resolved before the quarter final match. In local news...[click!]

The following is an excerpt from Chronicles of the Federation
From the second page

Tensions flare on football team, this time it's internal

Registania - No sooner had the passions resulting from the incident with Mr Chuck Norris cooled than they flared up again, this time between head coach and Colonel in the magical soldiers Chio Miyahama and starting midfielder Fleet Admiral Emeralds.

Reports say that Admiral Emeralds attempted to pull rank on Colonel Miyahama to get her to change the starting lineup for the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds' national football team. Colonel Miyahama naturally refused, and a brawl to be classified as a "training session" was narrowly averted by President Endymion.

"I'm very upset with both Emeralds and Miyahama for their conduct [last night]," an angry President Endymion said to the Silver News Network. "They will both report to my office for disciplinary action."

We were unable to get any comment from Colonel Miyahama or Admiral Emeralds on this matter, probably because of a gag order from the president. It is the hope of the Chronicles that this internal squabbling does not affect the Federation team's performance in today's game or the quarter finals.

The following takes place in Endymion's office

[Endymion is sitting at his desk, reading the newspaper. His left eye is twiching. He balls the newspaper up in disgust.]

Endymion: This stupid newspaper hasn't gotten a story involving the Impereal Household more than half-right since the war with the Klickars!

[Endymion throws the newspaper across the room]

Endymion (mumbling to himself): They even reported that both the Empress and myself were slain at the Battle of Neo-Crystal Tokyo.

[Endymion picks up the phone and starts dialing]

Endymion: Idiots. I HATE having to read this rag. Hello! Yes, this is President Endymion. Get me the editor! Yes, is this the editor in chief? There are some factual errors on your article on page two, "Tensions flare on football team, this time it's internal." YES, they're significant errors, you think I'd be wasting my time on the phone with you otherwise? No, Admiral Emeralds did not try to pull rank on Chio Miyahama, they just had a disagreement. All right, a big disagreement. Yes, they were supposed to have a brawl disguised as a training session, and I did stop it. A WHAT?! Disciplinary SESSION!?

[Endymion runs over to grab his discarded paper, carrying the cordless phone with him]

Endymion: Just what the in the Hades kind of government do you think I'm running here?! MY edition says "for disciplinary action." Oh, you misremembered. Thank the Empress. No, neither of the two were disciplined for the incident, I'm planning on letting them fight it out after the Baptism of Fire is completed, if they're still mad enough. Yes. No. I want printed on the front page! Okay, the second page! Fine. Yes. No. Goodbye.

[Endymion slams the phone down.]

“Take that off.” The black suited man ordered one of the three similarly dressed men in the almost empty room. Almost empty because three other things were also in the room. One was a spotlight aimed at a chair a few feet away and tied to the chair with a hood over her head was a struggling woman hoping to free herself. As the hood was removed she blinked rapidly trying to adjust her vision to the bright light. As she squinted to try and see who was here with her she demanded.

“Where am I what are you people doing to me?”

At the sound of her voice the man who ordered the hood removed pulled up a chair nearby and answered. “You are Loretta Dayton of 132 East Berg Drive in the city of Troy, Tynelia are you not?”

“What how did you?” she began before the man cut her off in mid sentence continuing in his calm emotionless voice.

“Answer the question please.”

“ye-yes I am. How did you know?” she replied nervously examining her surroundings and seeing how she was surrounded as a realization slowly began to seep into her mind.

“You were at the Chez Oceania with Tynelian soccer player Vladimar Malloy two nights ago were you not?” he asked but it was not a question.

Her eyes widening in fear, Loretta floundered, “Why no, I’ve never been there…” before she was cut off again.

“There is footage showing the two of you together. And not soon afterwards Mr. Malloy was struck down by a case of food poisoning and you were nowhere to be found afterwards.” The man continued calmly.

“that could be anyone…” she began before she was again cut off.

“Your face was scanned into the Tynelian national registry and a match was made with one Loretta Dayton, who only two days earlier purchased a round trip ticket to Rejistania and made hotel reservations at the Chateau Brauniac which is near both the Chez Oceania and the team hotel. You were seen at the restaurant and vanished soon after Mr. Malloy fell ill. Do not lie, you poisoned him did you not?” he finished staring intently into Loretta’s face with an icy blue emotionless glare.

“I…I…” Loretta tried to answer now frightened. “Who are you?”

“Me?” the man asked with a bit of surprise. “My name is Smith, John Smith.”

Her eyes widening in recognition of the Tynelian Minsiter of Intelligence, Loretta began to sweat. “God not you? How could you…”

For the first time Smith showed a flicker of emotion. “Jenkins?” he asked one of the men standing near. “Why was it not included in her file that Miss Dayton is a religious nutbag?”

“Sorry sir, we’ll be sure to update it as soon as we’re done here.” Jenkins replied.

Turning his attention back to Loretta Smith went on. “You know religions are frowned upon in Tynelia, though they’re not quite illegal. The president unfortunately refuses to go that far. Personally I feel religion distracts people from their duty to the state. Now Miss Dayton, why did you poison Mr. Malloy?”

“Please Mr. Smith, I was desperate, the mortgage was due and I needed some money fast or me and my children would be kicked out on the streets. So I maxxed out my credit card and came down here.” Loretta began forgetting that she was now admitting to the crime, “I knew after the first few games Tynelia would be a favorite against the Atheistic Right so I thought I could bet on the Right and then get the Wall too sick to play. I didn’t want to hurt him honest! I just wanted to make him sick so Tynelia would lose and I could win the money to pay off my mortgage. The odds were 8-1 I could have paid off my home and kept my children safe. Please don’t hurt me.” She finished begging.

“I see, and how much did you wager?” Smith asked.

“Everything I could borrow. Almost 10000 vinlis.” She admitted.

“So for 80000 Vinlis you committed treason against your country.” Smith said frostily.

“No sir I never…” she began but was again cut off by that icy cold voice.

“You poisoned a member of the Tynelian national soccer team, people who stood here to represent the great nation of Tynelia. By doing so you attacked a Tynelian citizen and we have only your word that you did not wish to kill him or that you were aware that such a poison could indeed kill him. So you could be brought up for attempted murder. This is Tynelia’s first chance to show our pride and glory on a world stage. Anyone trying to diminish that is an enemy of the state. Acting against personnel of that group and trying to murdering a public figure is like trying to murder a Tynelian symbol and the only people who would do that are traitors to Tynelia. So by poisoning our most famous player in the tournament you attacked Tynelia and by admitting to your guilt you have admitted that you are guilty of treason. The question remains what other members of your family are also part of this plot against Tynelia. Your brother and sister in law who are watching your children? Your Children? Perhaps we need to send them all to San Pardo for questioning with the other criminals.”

“No please, not my children.” Loretta sobbed teary eyed. “they had nothing to do with this. It was all my idea I swear to G…I swear!” she went on only at the last remembering to leave God out of her pleas.

“you know the penalty for treason is death correct?” Smith continued unconcerned by her pleas.

Now crying outright Loretta begged “Please, do what you want with me just don’t hurt my babies!”

“Well since this happened in a foreign country, we are forbidden to fulfill proper Tynelian law proceedings without a lot of mess so this is what we are going to do.” Smith mused before continuing. “You will go to the local Rejistanian police facilities and confess your crime to them as a compulsive gambler. You will abide by their laws and their decision. You will be stripped of your Tynelian citizenship and not allowed to return to the country barring a presidential decree. Treacherous people like yourself do not belong in our great nation. If you return without one for any reason you will be prosecuted for your treasonous actions. In return your children and family will be left alone and not prosecuted or questioned about any conspiracies involving you. You may write to them and will be allowed one call a month to speak with them. They will be free to visit you outside Tynelia’s borders with no repercussions. They will remain under surveillance for the next ten years to ensure they are not part of any plot. This is the only offer you will get. Reject it and you will be returned to Tynelia for treason charges. Do you accept?”

“Yes, I do damn you. I have no choice. My poor babies…” she broke down and began to cry some more as Smith gestured for the other agents to untie her. As she rubbed her wrists Smith spoke once more. “You will wait here an hour and then you will leave. You will go to the local authorities and confess. If you do not confess as you have been told then full prosecution will be sought out for you and your family. You will be watched at all times. Do you understand?”

“Yes I do you bastard.” She spat tearfully.

“Good, enjoy your new life in whatever new country you choose to live in. Come along men.” Smith concluded turning off the light and leaving Loretta in darkness.


Poisoner Confesses
In a shocking development, notorious gambler Loretta Dayton arrived this afternoon at the Rejistanian police station and confessed her involvement in the poisoning of Tynelian goal keeper Vladimar Malloy in an attempt to fix the game between Tynelia and the Atheistic Right. Miss Dayton, who’s record shows numerous arrests in Tynelia for gambling related crimes, apparently thought she could win a sizable sum of money betting on the underdog Atheistic Right. As the game ended in a tie Miss Dayton’s plan backfired leading to feelings of guilty which brought her to the authorities to confess. Some believe she turned herself in to avoid the bookies she bet with but authorities have refuted those stories. She is being held for questioning and no further information has been revealed at this time.

John Meurer and Alexander Helmcamp were engrossed in watching film. Normally, it would be game film, of Becquerelia and their next opponent. But the international news was much too interesting.

Alexander muted the set. "Can you believe all this? A news reporter was murdered, a goalie was posioned by a bettor, and another reporter has disappeared into the wilderness. This is all nuts! I'm glad everything going on with us is sane."

John nodded, and looked back to the screen, noticing replays from the last Haraki game. "You think Vargas will still think this is a exhibition?"

Alexander shrugged. "Who knows what he thinks, but Ransome sure doesn't think so. I haven't seen him so angry at a team in a decade. And we won. Imagine if we had lost."

"He'd probably have a heart attack right on the field. Of course, I can understand. We played like crap against a pretty poor team." John replied.

Alexander sat in thought. Then he spoke up, staring intently at the screen showing more football highlights, this time from the Athiestic Right match-up. "Ransome's demanding playing excellence for this game. He wants us to win the group. I can't really imagine why, it's not that big a deal."

"To him it is." John countered. "You know how he was about coaching. He wanted to win everygame, no matter what."

Alexander was about to say something when the phone in the room rang. John picked it up.

"Hello?...Oh, hi Coach...What are we doing? We're watching film...you're coming up? We'll see you soon then." He hung up the phone.

Alexander looked fairly exasperated. "He wants to watch more game film? He's seen the last game 10 times."

John shrugged, then got up and rooted around for the tape.

The television channel MCNN (Mr Chuck Norris News) screen flashes on televisions across The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris:

"We've recently received news about Fighting Norris forward Jimmy Huffa. According to the coach of the Fighting Norris, Bob Janney, Jimmy Huffa has been kidnapped. Here's what Janney has to say."

"Well, the team members were first concerned when Jimmy Huffa didn't show up for our extended pre-matchday practice, which he always attends. Matters only got worse when we went to Jimmy's mansion only to find him missing there as well. Naturally, we called his cell phone to see where he was, which is when things went so very wrong. When we called his phone, a deep, Italian-sounding voice came over the phone saying that Jimmy was a little busy and couldn't come to the phone. The scary part being, I could hear someone being beaten in the backround with the occasional muffled scream. This led us to believe that Jimmy's been kidnapped by the mafia, whom he's always had bad relationships with. We're worried about him, because if we lose another forward, we won't have anymore, so we'll have to play a midfielder at forward, which I won't allow."

"Though the coaches motives appear to be askew, a search party has been conducted to find Jimmy Huffa. We wish him and the whole Fighting Norris team luck as they continue their Baptism of Fire rampage."

Government District Daily Report

Snow Leopards Make Regional Quaterfinals
Second Victory Moves Squad On

Risia, Governement District - IDEXA Karabo star Rjaism K'oalspain continues to be the star for the RAFC, as the Snow Leopards held off Nebuleux 2-0 to make it to the Rejistania Quaterfinals - meaning they stay on course to match former rules Chicanada's streak in the BoF.

While the Kodiaks made it to the Grand Finals, the Leopards will have a slight stretch to make it, after only getting a 2-1-1 record with one game left. The RAFC coach, 70 Tiraspol's J'lian O'maus, said yesterday the squad is playing as well as expected and should be able to use its current results to make a strong run not only in the BoF but during WC27 Qualifiers.

The RAFA announced yesterday that all qualifier matches for World Cup 27 will take place within the Central District at Heartland Stadium. There had been talk that stadias at AS Risa, Sajavaizaila and Peace Harbour could be used, as well as stadias in the Southern Free Zone as terms of the Autonomy Agreement of 509. Instead, the RAFA decied that is was best for the team in its opener to stay in one area. Exectations see a rotating stadia use come WC28.

More news out of the Government District later!

Gazetto de'Espor

Vuam and Isma squander chances to let Mr Chuck Norris claim a 2-1 win.

Starting lineups :

Vuam and Isma :

Vuam and Isma fielded a narrow 3-6-1 (http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/2945/1213217eo.jpg):
Goalkeeper : Colm O'Connor
Sweeper : Mounir Reguagui
Central Defender : Roman Brasiviev
Central Defender : Icham S'baa
Defensive Midfielder : Yakit 'Yak' Yakkad
Right Midfielder : Jorgé Clay
Central Midfielder : Harrp Dinamyque
Left Midfielder : Stuart O'Driscoll
Attacking Midfielder : Exclamatio Lidon
Attacking Midfielder : Fahd Ghauri
Striker : Stephen Fitzsimmons

Bench : Wayne Ivers, Ray Wibowo 'Rayberto Carlos' Oey, Peter Searle, Sifiso Masilela, Eukla Chdone

Mr Chuck Norris fielded a narrow 4-1-3-2 (http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/2025/41328qb.jpg):
Goalkeeper : Mr. Bednarik
Right Defender : Banana Mann
Central Defender : ♪
Central Defender : Grode Miller
Left Defender : Baka Laka Daka Raka
Defensive Midfielder : Allen Price
Central Midfielder : Chaz Woolery
Central Midfielder : Zach Brickhouse
Central Midfielder : Randy Cross
Forward : Chuck Norris
Forward : The Burger King

Bench : Paper Mario, OJ Pimpson, Pat Smock, Yianni Karvo, Ido No.

[Note : Is Allen Price a 'goalkeeper-midfielder'? Since you made this change, I assumed you weren't using your base line-up. If you want me to change your line-up, just say that 'The Vuam and Isma media mustn't have had the time to see the Norrises get into place that we were already pushed deep into our half... and we didn't come out', or something similar. (Or just tell me.)]

Final Score :
Mr Chuck Norris 2 (The Burger King 48, Pimpson 84)
Vuam and Isma 1 (Fitzsimons 42)

Refereed by Nana Xeda, assisted by Yjen Hinije~n and Sa~oen Hyku, with Xtesa Daki as fourth official.

The Fighting Norrises' first win came about in bizarre fashion, to say the least. If you only saw the first half, then you'd be amazed that the scoreline was only 1-0 for Vuam and Isma, and flabbergasted if you knew that Mr Chuck Norris would win the match.

During the first half, only 8 players from the Mr Chuck Norris touched the ball, and the posession was 87% to 13%, in favour of Vuam and Isma. The ball had spent 68% of it's time in the third of the pitch closest to Mr Bednarik, and only 2% in the third closest to O'Connor. However, the posession didn't pay, and only 14 shots were unleashed by Vuam and Isma, of which 6 were on target.

Fitzsimmons broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a tap-in after a shot by Fahd Guari was blocked by ♪.

After half-time, both teams had made only one change, Wayne Ivers Being swapped for Colm O'Connor in the Vuam and Isma goal, and Paper Mario coming on for Rondy Cross.

Paper Mario's impact on the match was almost immediate : a lost ball by Clay only 3 minutes after the break lead to a lightning counter-attack, as Paper Mario swept up the wing, floating in a cross for Chuck Norris who spotted Ivers coming for the ball, and chose to pass the ball the The Burger King, who piledrived the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the 6-yard box.

As Vuam and Isma recovered their control on the match, for a long time the most interesting action was the 'holas' spread by the crowd, both team's supporters delighted by the match, and feeling that they had nothing to lose.

But another set of changes was to turn the match against Vuam and Isma.
Fitzsimmons being brought off, and Sifio Masilela coming on for Vuam and Isma, whilst OJ Pimpson and Yianni Karvo came of the Chuck Norris bench to take The Burger King and Allen Price's places.

OJ Pimpson was an immediate presence in the match, coming deep to fetch the ball, and hassling the White and Azure players. Yanni Karvo's presence in midfield distroyed the Vuam and Isma passing play, as Yak, Dinamique, Lidon and Clay all had to leave the field for treatment during the last 30 minutes after very physical challenges with Karvo. However, Masilela was a dissapointment, caught 18 times off-side, and losing 21 balls on his first touches.

Came what had to, and whilst Yak was on the sidelines being bandages for a head gash, Pimpson cut out a pass from Clay that was aimed for S'baa, and seemed sure to score, until Regragui blocked his shot from the edge of the box with his body. The referee pointed immediately to the Penalty spot, despite being more than 30 yards away from the ball, whilst the assistant referee didn't move his flag. The Vuam and Isma players crowded the referee, as they tried to convince him that Mounir's hands were in front of his body, and that it wasn't a penalty. However, Nana Xeda flatly dismissed them, and proceeded to hand the ball to OJ Pimpson.

Wayne Ivers, the man who had stopped 17 penalty shots out of 23 in the last 7 seasons, had the chance of his life... on his debut. Pimpson took a long run, holding his arm high to balance his powerful shot, and aimed for the top right-hand corner. Ivers made a spectacular dive, and clawed the ball onto the crossbar. However, Pimpson had continued his run, and scored a freak goal as the ball smacked into his head after bouncing off the crossbar, in what has to be one of the most bizarre goals in the 27th BoF.

During the last 6 minutes, Vuam and Isma seemed to have completely let gone, and allowed the Fighting Norrises to set up a long midfield passing movement, wasting time away.

Post-match reactions :

Johann Fishmann : "The lads played well, got stuck into the game, but weren't able to pull off anything. I'm dissapointed by the scoreline, as I feel we should have walked away with at least 3 points."

Wayne Ivers : "Well, I thought Norris wouldn't pass the ball, as his ego is usually so large that he ignores what a pass is. I came out far to get the ball, but I had underestimated the extent of his ego adjustement. As for the penalty, well... I stopped the ball, but he was lucky. If luck's in it, then Pimpin's got it. I feel that I did stop the penalty, but really... it's just bad luck."


Raum 1 Seven O'clock News

Sireen Grisso : And onto sports.

Charli Fjalceri : Well, with the BoF well underway, the Sports ministery has just announced that it has asked the Asene Sekhika Rejistaniha, the "Association for Rejistanian Soccer" to, quote: 'sanction Yanni Knarvo for 4 fouls that were commited, but not noted during the recent Vuam and Isma vs Mr Chuck Norris BoF match in Rejistanian, officiated by Nana Xeda'.

Sireen Grisso : And what's all that about?

Charli Fjalceri : Unluckily, the images talk for themselves.

*Cue Video*

Yanni Knarvo and Yak are in a tussle to get control of the ball. Yak manages to send a pass down the wing for Clay. The camera pans to follow the ball, but on the edge of the screen, you can see Yanni Knarvo spit on Yak.

Cut to Dinamique passing the ball to Masilela, after dummying Knarvo. Knarvo stands up and pushes Dinamique. Nana Xeda blows his whistle, spotting the assistant referee with his flag up, and awards Mr Chuck Norris a free-kick where Masilela was standing.

O'Driscoll recieves a pass from S'baa, and plays the ball across the field for Ghauri. During the cross, in the edge of the screen, Knarvo slides in late on O'Driscoll, sending him down.

Mr Chuck Norris are preparing to play a free-kick for offside ruled against Masilela. Knarvo and Brasiviev are jostling to get a header as the ball comes towards them. As Knarvo jumps, he sends his elbow straight into Brasiviev's face.

*Cue Studio*

Sireen Grisso : Mr Chuck Norris is expected to present a case in Mr Knarvo's defence in the upcoming days. Whilst we are talking about the BoF, the Allied Anime United, also a member of the BoF, have reported a missing reporter, Mrs Rinn Surrogate, who works for Silver News Network. Mrs Surrogate, who's picture is shown on my left, was last seen in the Lesk FC Hibresta Training Complex, interviewing Lesk FC's manager on his views on the BoF, two days ago. If you see Mrs Surrogate, please call 0163-222-111-111. She is fluent in Federation Standard and Rejistanian, and also has a grasp on English and French. However, she might not understand you if you don't talk any of these languages.

Charli Fjalceri : Now let's take a look on this week's main Ismian cultural event, the annual puppetry fair...

Coach Bob Janney looked up after reading the Vuam and Isma "Gazetto de'Espor" with befuddlement. "Holy crap" were the first words uttered out of his mouth, "no wonder we haven't been winning until now". "PRICE, get in here"!
(Price walks into Janney's office)
"Whatya need sir?" asked a shaky Price.
"Have you never read the lineup? You are a goalkeeper, what've you been doing out on the field as a midfielder!" inquired a furious Janney.
"Well sir, with all due respect, I wanted play time and Pat Smock told me that I could play in his position", Price explained.
"I figured Smock was behind this, you can go Price", said Janney.
(Price leaves Janney's office)
"Where did Vuam and Isma get this roster!?", asked Janney. "With the exception of Price fielding in Smock's place, we played our usual starting lineup.""I'll give it to them though, besides the lineup mixup, this is a pretty good summation of the match".
Putting down the report and flipping the TV on, Janney's jaw dropped to the floor. On the MCNN (Mr Chuck Norris News) channel flashed a clip from the Raum 1 7 O'Clock News. A video rolled:

"Yanni Knarvo and Yak are in a tussle to get control of the ball. Yak manages to send a pass down the wing for Clay. The camera pans to follow the ball, but on the edge of the screen, you can see Yanni Knarvo spit on Yak.

Cut to Dinamique passing the ball to Masilela, after dummying Knarvo. Knarvo stands up and pushes Dinamique. Nana Xeda blows his whistle, spotting the assistant referee with his flag up, and awards Mr Chuck Norris a free-kick where Masilela was standing.

O'Driscoll recieves a pass from S'baa, and plays the ball across the field for Ghauri. During the cross, in the edge of the screen, Knarvo slides in late on O'Driscoll, sending him down.

Mr Chuck Norris are preparing to play a free-kick for offside ruled against Masilela. Knarvo and Brasiviev are jostling to get a header as the ball comes towards them. As Knarvo jumps, he sends his elbow straight into Brasiviev's face."

"YYYYIAAAAAAANNIIIIIIIIII!" screamed Janney. "GET IN HERE!".
(Yianni Karvo strolls into Janney's office)
"What you want coach?" asks the six and a half foot 270-pound (mostly muscle) Karvo.
"Look at this video. Did you do this?" asked an astounded Janney.
"Yea", was the simple response uttered out of the massive oaf named Yianni Karvo.
"Well, I hate to say this, but with all this pressure from "Association for Rejistanian Soccer", I'm going to have to suspend you for the remainder of the Baptism of Fire tourney", uttered a clearly frustrated Janney.
"I don't think you will coach", exclaimed Karvo reeling back to knock the living daylights out of Janney. It only would've been two more seconds for Janney to be lying unconcious on the floor had it not been for Chuck Norris coming in and roundhouse kicking Karvo out of commission.
"Thanks Chuck", said a relieved Janney.
"That's just great, with Jimmy Huffa missing and Yianni suspended, our team is losing depth fast", whined Janney. "We'll just have to put Pat Smock back in where he's supposed to be, bench Allen Price, and replace Yianni Karvo with Randy Cross for the next couple of matches".
(Janney leaves, turning out the lights and shakes his head in depression)

Owl was going over some information about Tynelia... it looked a reasonable place... even to the point where religions where greatly discouraged.

"Pity, it was either us or them ...." he thought aloud ".. in end end though it was neither. Though I don't know why they would not ban religion altogether, they are nearly there they just need to put the final nail in the coffin. Hmmm... I might write them a letter."

Tynelian National Team
Rejistania

To whom it may concern;

We would like to congratulate you on your team's performance and for being the only ones in our group that shares the same feelings about religions and the plague that they are on humanity. We would like to wish you and your team all the best for the rest of the Baptism of Fire and into the World cup.

Thank you.

Atheistic Right Archeopteri Coach, Owl

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 5 Results


Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [0] - [2Tynelia
Green Wombat[3] - [1]Rorysville
CR Oscilioscopes [3] - [4] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Tynelia 13 4 1 0 8:1 7 Q
2. Qazox 12 4 0 1 9:5 4 Q
3. Green Wombat 7 2 1 2 10:7 3 Q
4. Atheistic Right 6 1 3 1 8:8 0 Q
5. CR Oscilloscopes 3 1 0 4 6:13 -7
6. Rorysville 1 0 1 4 4:11 -7

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [0] - [1] Risa-Aramour
Berner Street [0] - [0] Vuam and Isma
Mr Chuck Norris [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 12 4 0 1 6:2 4 Q
2. Risa-Aramour 10 3 1 1 5:2 3 Q
3. Mr Chuck Norris 7 2 1 2 5:4 1 Q
4. Vuam and Isma 7 2 1 2 5:5 0 Q
5. Berner Street 4 0 4 1 2:3 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 4 0:7 -7

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [0] - [0] Algal states
Kelse [2] - [0] TheSuncoastofFlorida
Priggdom [0] - [2] Obsidianus

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 13 4 1 0 9:2 7 Q
2. Obsidianus 7 2 1 2 6:3 3 Q
3. Algal states 6 1 3 1 6:5 1 Q
4. Imperial Moose 6 1 3 1 4:4 0 Q
5. TheSuncoastofFlorida 5 1 2 2 2:5 -3
6. Priggdom 2 0 2 3 0:8 -8


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [1] - [1] Popolus
Haraki [2] - [0] Becquerelia
Georgeonia [1] - [3] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Haraki 15 5 0 0 11:0 11 Q
2. Becquerelia 12 4 0 1 9:4 5 Q
3. New Preussen 9 3 0 2 8:6 2 Q
4. Popolus 4 1 1 3 5:9 -4 Q
5. Spammanian Plijous 4 1 1 3 3:10 -7
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 5 2:9 -7



Regional Quarterfinal Matchups

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia v. Vuam and Isma
Game R2: Risa-Aramour v. Green Wombats
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds v. Atheistic Right
Game R4: Qazox v. Mr Chuck Norris

Legalese Region

Game L1: Kelse v. Popolus
Game L2: Becquerelia v. Algal states
Game L3: Haraki v. Imperial Moose
Game L4: Obsidianus v. New Preussen


Congrats to all those who have advanced, and thank you to all for your participation!

Becquerelia loses to Haraki, to play Algal states in the Quarterfinals

For all the drama and excitement poured into the game, it truly didn't mean much. Which didn't make Becquerelia feel any better at all.

The Becquerelian coaching staff had tried to pund it into their players heads that this was a important game they should win, but maybe they didn't really feel that way. They knew the Harakians felt it was a exhibition, so it was a huge shock when Haraki started out so strongly.

The Hawks had the ball first, and went on the attack immediatly, going head to head with the Becquerelian defense with seemingly reckless abandon. The combo of Zendar and Neils, so dangerous in the Spammanian Plijous game were on top form the whole game. The Harakian offense put special emphasis on Salvius DeMaranville, who looke a step too slow and all of his 36 years. Coach Ransom sat him down after only 23 minutes, after he got juked out of his shoes and was passed straight by on Haraki's first goal of the game, by Archie Wilkes.

Becquerelia seemed to come alive a bit after this, and made a sustained attempt to get the ball past goaltender Mark Stone, who continuted his streak of perfection, stopping cold the 11 shots Becquerelia could get on goal during the game.

The second half looked to be more of the same, and Samuel Sharp scored a goal on a penalty kick in the 56th minute after a Ambrose Wainwright foul.

"For once, Ambrose really didn't deserve that." said assistant John Meurer after the game. "The refs are just really focusing in on him these days because of his earlier play."

The rest of the game were succedding series of Becquerelia and Haraki switching off shots on goal, each with little success. Forward Peter Constantine came close with a header to a wide open side of the net, but it bounced off the cross bar and too a Haraki defender.

"Overall, Haraki was on top form today. My cap's off to them. If they keep playing like this, they'll definatly be considered the team to beat in the Baptism Of Fire." Constantine said after the game.

Coach Macarius Ransome was taken off the field right after the game when he collapsed and claimed "a case of the vapors." Assistant Meurer said that he will "one-hundred one percent" ready to coach in the playoff game against the Algal states.

A release from the hospital that admitted Coach Ransome said that his hospitalization was "a precautionary measure."

And Coach Ransome released a press release through the hospital as well, saying "I want to play Haraki again, and next time we'll win. But first we have to get through Algal states. And we will."

In the day between Haraki's matches against the Spaamanians and the Becquerelians, Harakian goaltender Mark Stone was seen out on the practice field as much as possible, facing off against the entire Harakian offensive line, with only three defencemen to keep him protected. It was good practice for both sides, and only two goals got by Stone in the entire hour-long practice, thanks in part to his astounding goaltending and in part due to the defencemen he had blocking the net for him. As the next day rolled around and they came out for the game itself versus Becquerelia, they looked up at the stands with glee and fear in their eyes. The crowd was divided. Almost exactly half of them stood up and cheered for the Harakian team as they stepped in. It was uncanny how the stadium was divided almost exactly down the middle. As the Becquerelian team jogged onto the field, assuming their defensive positions, the other half of the stadium leapt to their feet and several thousand people launched into a rousing chorus of February Stars once again. Two undefeated teams facing each other brought a lot of attention down on the game.

It started off fast and furious, with the ball trading hands multiple times in the first ten minutes. Harakian defenceman Bruce Forrester was greeted with a yellow card for a supposedly unintentional kick against Becquerelian forward Peter Constantine. The Becquerelian fans went crazy shouting for a red card, but the fact that Constantine was only in mild pain that wore fof after a minute or two of walking around and not injured or unable to continue play was definitely a serious factor in the referee's decision to grant Forrester a yellow card. It was a lucky thing for the harakians that Ambrose Wainwright was not on the field, as popular opinion on the Harakian team was that he would have sought revenge on Forrester for injuring Constantine, who had been coming in for a goal kick when he had encountered Forrester.

The Harakians discovered that the Becquerelian defence was very strong. The use of five players on defence plus three midfields, one of whom was by nature a defenceman anyway and so spent a lot of time in his own end, was a very good defensive tactic, and made it hard for the Harakians to score goals. However, this very combination meant that Haraki's defence could afford to be slightly weaker. With Mark Stone in the net and Haraki's three defencemen outside it, the ball managed to stay out of the net for the first half, against a dwindling Becquerelian offensive. However, the Harakians found it a tense first half and were unable to score any goals. The Becquerelian defence was simply too strong for the Harakians in the beginning of the game for them to get anything by, and the Harakians ended up overcompensating on the defence. Their five midfileds spent most of their time defending against the five offensive players from Becquerelia, and the first half ended with no major events. The yellow card on Forrester was the highlight of the first half.

During halftime, a number of fights broke out between Harakian and Becquerelian fans in the stands, resulting in multiple injuries and several arrests. However, the teams' coaches were too busy shouting at their teams for their performance in the first half to notice or even care. Apparently Becquerelian coach Macarius Ransome had broken several things in his locker room while giving his halftime speech a fair repeat of his speech during the game versus Popolus, while Harakian coach Vargas had few words to say to his team. "Listen up, boys," he began, then went on to reassure them. "Let me tell you something. We have a great defence. We don't need five defencemen to keep the ball out of our net. They do. We have three plus Mark, and that's all we need against their five offensive players. In the meantime, we could be attacking with up to seven men. All we need is for one of you to get through and score us a goal, and then if all else fails, we can then just stop them from scoring and pull it off. We've found out their strengths and weaknesses: Strong defence, weak offense. Now we just need to exploit them. Mike, you're going to spearhead our offense. Your name is enough to make the fans go wild, and your right kick is enough to get by any goalie in the world. Everybody else, just support the goal kickers, and if you have a chance to shoot, do it. Odds are in a moment you'll get tackled by a defenceman, but if we score a single goal we can stop them and win it. Let's do this."

They took his words to heart as the two teams made their way back onto the field after halftime, but the Becquerelians seemed ready to go as well. Ransome's halftime performance had obviously been as good as ever.

The second half started with an aggressive attack by the Becquerelians. All five midfields and centres present were involved, and it ended only with a kick by a recovered Peter Constantine which Mark Stone caught and immediately kicked out to Zendar, who was near half and past the five offensive players. With Manuel Cortes running beside him, Zendar closed towards the field, ducking out from in front of defender Issac Stahl and passing over to Cortes, who passed back almost immediately as Latalien and Goldsmith closed on him. Zendar closed and kicked for a shot from a fair distance away. Becquerelian captain Christopher Fullbright tried to dive into the way but the ball sailed over him and right towards goaltender David Deneen, who calmly stepped to the left and stopped the shot, but it slipped out from his fingers. Goldsmith got it from where it landed and went for a pass, but as his leg swung down, Cortes rushed right in front of him and stole the ball. Goldsmith's leg hit the grass as Cortes made a sharp turn and shot the ball. Deneen, not expecting a shot, was not in position, and the ball swished by his left leg, giving Haraki the goal they needed. The fans had been on their feet from the moment Cortes stole the ball, and as he leapt in the air they screamed his name so loudly several people started losing their hearing. The Becquerelians did not seem happy. As Cortes was jogging back to his end, he turned and shouted at Ambrose Wainwright, "How d'you like that?" smugly, definitely one of his major faults. Wainwright calmly stepped forward and tripped him as he ran forward. Cortes was instantly on his feet shouting for a red card, but the referee had only seen it out of the corner of his eye, and with the entire Harakian fan base screaming for a red card, he had to dismiss it because he hadn't seen it.

The Becquerelians began with another fearsome offensive, but had their offensive stopped by defenceman Jonah Menike, as he calmly intercepted a pass and made his way up the left side of the field, with Sharp, Wilkes and Ford supporting him. He made his way around Grohl by passing to Ford, who passed up to Sharp. Sharp, in response made the ball back to Wilkes, who passed past Goldsmith and back to Sharp, who turned and shot. The ball seemed certain to go in, with Deneen jumping to catch it but not fast enough - and then the ball hit the top bar of the net and bounced out of it. Sharp simply stood there for a moment. His aim had been ever so slightly off, and it had cost his team a certain point. A chorus of disappointed sighing came up from the Harakian fanbase, and then they saw Ford had received the ball from its rebound but was blocked by defenceman Stahl. with his back to the goal, he passed over to Menike on the left side of the field, who took aim and kicked the ball furiously. It crossed over the goal and sunk in the top right corner of the net, and the crowd suddenly forgot about Sharp's error in the face of the second and final Harakian goal.

Menike did not make Cortes' mistake and bait any of the Becquerelian players, and was not tripped or attacked in any way on his way back to his defence spot from securing Haraki a two goal lead. The Harakians tried multiple times more to extend their lead, but all attempts were stopped by the Becquerelian defence and Deneen, who got his act together slightly too late. One spectacular shot by Mike Zendar was blocked by Deneen diving in the way and having it bounce off his chest. A cry of "That's got to hurt!" arose from the crowd, but he seemed to get over it fairly easily, and let no more goals into the net for the rest of the game. By seventy-five minutes in, Vargas gave a sign to stop the furious offensive, pre-agreed at halftime. His comments about securing a lead and maintaining it came into play now, as the tired offensive players fell back and maintained defensive positions for the rest of the game, stopping the outnumbered Becquerelian offense from shortening the lead at all. As the ninety minutes ran out, Stone still had not let any goals into the Harakian net, making it the first time in Harakian history to have ever gone undefeated with no goals scored against in international qualifying.

The Harakians had won the Red Group, undefeated, in five shutouts. They were the only team in the entire tournament with five wins in qualifying, and the only team with no goals scored against. They also led the tournament in goals scored, with eleven in qualifying. However, they allowed no time for celebration. Already they were preparing for the Regional Quarterfinals, and their game against Imperial Moose. Vargas predicted that Haraki would have to face New Preussen again following the first round of regional qualifying, followed by a regional final against Becquerelia once again, but those estimates were pure speculation. For the time being, he was happy enough simply congratulating his team, especially goaltender Mark Stone.


Haraki 2 - Becquerelia 0

Cortes (58)
Menike (62)





EDIT: Damn, Becquerelia beat me to it while I was writing this, and I'm too lazy to come up with another response. Whatever. The result's still the same.

“Welcome once again to Tynelian Soccer Weekly as our coverage of the Baptism of Fire tournament in preparation for the 27th World Cup continues. As always this is Sal Spikeman along with resident soccer expert Anna Dalespin as group play concluded for the orange group and we get ready for the quarter finals. In essentially a meaningless game for both sides, both Qazox and Tynelia pulled several key starters to rest them for the next round and Tynelia came through with a 2-0 victory. And after the game Coach O’Meara confirmed to our on field reporter Dana Lee that in the opening quarter finals game Valdimar Malloy will be back in goal for Tynelia having fully recovered from that dastardly poisoning attempt just before the game with the Atheistic Right. Now over to Dana who is live with Coach O’Meara.”

<footage cuts away to the field where Dana and the Coach are standing by>

“So Coach O’Meara, for those who may have just missed it, Valdimar Malloy, known throughout Tynelian soccer as ‘The Wall’ will be in net for the start of the quarter finals and not Amy Whiteworth who started the last two games?”

“Yes Dana that will be the case. Amy did a tremendous job filling in these past two games and even though some may try to downplay her effort today against a less than full Qazox offense, she still threw up a blank which is tough to do in any league. I know Amy was a bit disappointed after the Atheistic Right game for giving up the first goal of the tournament for us but you see what she can do with time to prepare. But yes, Vladimar is ready to go and should be eager to live up to his name once again. Like he told me before the today’s game, that Stone fellow on the Haraki team has a lead on him now in shutouts and he wants to catch up.”

“Well that would be a great marketing ploy when you think about it if both teams reach the finals. Two goal keepers one named Stone and the other nicknamed ‘The Wall’ who have ‘Stonewalled’ the competition to date.”

<chuckling slightly O’Meara went on>

“Well we’re not close to getting to that point just yet. Our first concern is going to be Vuam and Isma. We haven’t seen much footage of them yet so we’ll have to take a look at that before gametime. Still on behalf of all Tynelians I would like to congratulate our team for winning the Orange group and hope we can continue our run. We haven’t lost yet and would like to keep that going as long as possible.”

“Thanks Coach I’ll let you go now. I’m sure you want to celebrate with the team on this occasion.”

“Yes this is a good time to be a Tynelian and a fan of Tynelian soccer. I’ll be talking to you again I’m sure Dana.”

“Ok Coach enjoy the celebration, you’ve all earned it. Back to you Sal and Anna.”

<footage returns to the studio>

“SO Anna what’s your take on today’s game?”

“Well I for one am glad to see Amy Whiteworth bounce back and get the shutout today. She was crushed after the game yesterday for, in her mind, “ruining” the Tynelian tournament shutout. Now she should feel much better shutting down their toughest competitor in the group even if both sides were resting the regulars. No one got hurt and no one got carded which will bode well for the Vuam and Isma match.”

“Before you get into that Anna,let’s look at the game stats. Tynelia controlled the play today with a 16-12 shot edge and a 5-3 edge in quality shots. They controlled the ball five minutes longer than Qazox did in getting the win. How important do you think this win is for first the reserves who got their first full experience of the tournament and the team in general?”

“Well Sal, this was the biggest game for the reserves so far because this was their chance to show why they were selected for this team and to prove that they belonged here. While Troy Wallace picked dup his second goal of the tournament at the 35 minute mark it was nice to see that the veteran of the team Adam Billington netted the insurance goal in the 55th minute for his first goal of the tournament. It was nice to see Andy Martins chip in with the assist on that goal. It might quiet some of the people who questioned his role on the team to politics.This will also take some of the pressure off the starters now that they have seen that even without our top players we can still get a win. Ironically, without these same top players Tynelia put up its second highest goal total of the tournament.

“Defensively Amy was focused and in control the entire game in net, the nerves which plagued her early in the Atheistic Right game were nowhere to be seen. While Qazox looked a bit sloppy at times as the regulars and the remaining starters had trouble getting organized, it was notable that Tynelia suffered a similar lapse on the defensive end with their leaders Pytte and Stossels in the game but Qazox was unable to take advantage.”

“And in other action, the Green Wombats qualified with an impressive 3-1 win over Rorysville which never seemed to be able to come together as a team this entire tournament to qualify for the quarterfinals. And the game of the day was the shootout between the Atheistic Right and CR Oscilloscopes who fought tooth and nail for the final qualifying spot. In the end the Right survived with a 4-3 win in what might have been the highest scoring game of the tournament as both teams threw defense to the wind and attacked constantly. It was a tremendous game to watch and now the Atheistic Right takes the last playoff spot in the orange group.”

“And to think Sal, both teams scored as many goals in that one game as they had the entire tournament to date. I can’t remember the last time I saw that happen.”

“Yes Anna an amazing offensive explosion which leads people to ask if the Atheistic Right has anything left in the tank when they go up against Blue Group winner Allied Anime Worlds who’s only loss was like Qazox’s in a meaningless game against the second place finisher in the group Risa-Aramour. Now looking over the groups there is one interesting sidenote. The Orange group was the offsensive half of the bracket while the Blue group concentrated on defense. Notice that all four Orange group qualifiers outscored the top team in the Blue Group by at least two goals. However only Tynelia has given up fewer goals in the Orange group than any of the Blue Group teams.”

“A very intriguing issue to look at Sal. Was the Orange group defense that bad to give up so many goals and the Blue Group defenses that good? Or is it because the Orange group offenses were so strong and the Blue Group’s so weak?”

“An interesting point indeed. Now looking ahead, what do you expect in Tynelia’s game against Vuam and Isma?”

“Well on paper this pairing seems to favor Tynelia. Vuam and Isma barely averaged a goal a game and was shutout against Berner Street but because Berner Street had the second weakest offense in the bracket they managed to escape with a tie. Tynelia has managed to score in every game to date with a high of three goals during their second game against the CR Oscilloscopes. With the main attackers having time to rest this last game they should have fresh legs to press the attack and you know that Vladimar Malloy is just itching to pick up where he left off after game three. Tynelia does need to step up the offense just a bit. They’re tied for 6th most goals with two other teams of the sixteen teams advancing. That might not be enough punch to take them to the top against some of the teams still out there. Defensively Vuam and Isma have averaged giving up a goal a game as well while Tynelia has only given up 1 in the tournament and Vladimar was not in net for that one. So while anything can happen in a single game elimination like this I have faith that the Tynelian squad will prevail this next game.”

“Thanks Anna. Any quick thoughts on the other three games before I ask you about the other bracket?”

“Well a quick glance at the sheets in front of me seem to give the Orange group teams an edge on their Blue Group opponents. Qazox is only slightly worse on defense than Mr. Chuck Norris but makes up for it with a better offense once they get their regulars back and should come away with a win there. However,the other two games are a case of can the irresistible forces of the Green Wombats and Atheistic Right’s offenses overcome the nearly immovable objects of the Risa-Aramour and Allied Anime Worlds defenses? The Wombats are second only to Haraki on offense with their only blemish coming when they went up against ‘The Wall’. Risa-Aramour on the other hand has only given up two goals the entire way. This should be the closest of the four regional games in this bracket but I’ll go with Risa-Aramour since Tynelia showed that a good defense can shut down the Wombats and I think the defense will be just good enough to hold off the Wombats here. I’ll also take the Allied Anime Worlds. For those who may not have noticed, the Atheistic Right have not won a single game so far despite qualifying and I don’t see them upsetting the top team of the Blue group here.”

“So there you have it. Anna’s looking for a split between the orange and blue groups with the top two teams on each side being the ones to advance. No upsets Anna?”

“No Sal, I don’t think so. The Green Wombats seem to have the best chance but I think they’ll fall just short.”

“Good enough. Now how about the Legalese region?”

“Like I said last show. Haraki is the team to beat for the entire tournament. Their goalkeeper still hasn’t given up a goal even against previously unbeaten Becquerelia. If Becquerelia can’t punch it in against Stone, the only team on that side I give any chance of knocking Haraki off is Kelse which has a similarly potent offense as Becquerelia but is a bit better defensively. But those two teams are the only ones that might slow down the Haraki juggernaut.”

“I agree Haraki will be extremely tough to beat and I’m just glad we’re not in their half of the draw. In any case, with the group play completed here is a complete list of Tynelian scorers to this point.

Jay Masterson 3 goals, 1 assist
Troy Wallace 2 goals 2 assists
Adrian Pytte 1 goal 1 assist
Adam Billington 1 goal
Brad Collins 1 goal
Brian Kenders 2 assists
Andy Martins 1 assist

“A pretty even breakdown of the offense with to no one’s surprise Jay Masterson and Troy Wallace leading the way.”

“Yes Sal, and its good to see these two top scorers on their own league teams being able to work together and share the ball as both have assisted on goals by the other.”

“Right you are Anna. If they keep it up the rest of the way, it can only help because defenses won’t be able to focus on one or the other which will open things up for them both.”

“And more chances mean more shots and you can’t score if you’re not shooting.”

“Oh my, Anna, we’re out of time and I didn’t even notice. Until tomorrow’s action this is Sal Spikeman for Anna Dalespin for Tynelian Soccer Weekly wishing everyone a good night and good luck to team Tynelia in its opening quarterfinal matchup.”

<credits roll over a highlight package of Tynelian efforts to date in the tournament>

Mr Chuck Norris 2 (Pimpson 9, The Burger King 29)
Nebuleux 0

Walking into the locker room at the conclusion of the Nebuleux-Mr Chuck Norris match, the only words to come out of coach Bob Janney's mouth were "Wow, that was surprisingly easy". Even from an outsiders view the match was a blowout from the start. It took merely eight minutes for Fighting Norris midfielder Randy Cross (now filling in for Yianni Karvo, who was recently suspended from the Baptism of Fire tourney) to launch an amazing pass far downfield to wide open forward OJ Pimpson, who tapped in an easy score in minute 9. The Fighting Norris continued to dominate the ball only allowing Nebuleux to get one breakaway downfield around minute 27, which ended when Mr. Bednarik recovered the shot and dumped it off on Fighting Norris defender ♪. Tides quickly changed when ♪ tore downfield, passing the ball to midfielder Paper Mario. The Nebuleux midfielders and defenders stood befuddled by the fact that a piece of paper could advance the ball all the way downfield. The distracted defense didn't even notice that Paper Mario had dumped the ball off to The Burger King, an increasingly effective forward for The Fighting Norris. The Burger King easily shot the ball past the bamboozled Nebuleux goalkeeper for the second and final goal for the Fighitng Norris in minute 29. The remainder of the half showed a further struggling Nebuleux team flailing to get a good opportunity for a drive, but they never found one. The half expired 2-0, with the Nebuleux team practically walking up and down the field. Which os why coach Bob Janney decided to give all of The Fighting Norris players a little experience. He pulled goalkeeper Mr. Bednarik and replaced him with the recently reprimanded Allen Price, who has wrongfully been lining up as midfielder for the past several matches. He also replaced defenders ♪, Scottest Hovest, and Baka Laka Daka Raka and replaced them with Banana Mann, Ido No, and Jack Moon. Considering how Jimmy Huffa has been missing for quite a while now, Janney did not have the option to sub-in any forwards. He did, however, replace midfielders Pat Smock and Zach Brickhouse with Chaz Woolery and Donald Rump. With a fresh squad coming out on the field, Janney told them to hold the lead by playing keepaway for 45 minutes. The replacements thus achieved an amazinf feat. We believe they took coahc Janney's orders a little too literally as they managed to keep the ball away from the feet of the Nebuleux amatuer players ALL HALF. That's right, all 45 minutes were of Fighting Norris possession. As time expired, the crowd went wild for everbody knew that the Fighting Norris were qualifying and moving on in the Baptism of Fire tourney. Unfortuantly, as they turned on the TV in the locker room, they noticed that Oazox had lost to Tynelia. Considering how the Fighting Norris already knew they had earned the third seed in their group, they knew they'd have to play the second seed in the Orange group, which due to Tynelia beating Oazox, would be Oazox.
"Crap", exclaimed Janney, "the last people I wanted to play were those ox-lovers from Oazox. They're strong, they scored a total of nine goals in the qualifying rounds, compared to our five. They were also undefeated up to their most recent match, that's nothing we can claim. That's alright though, we'll just extend practices and hope for the best." Realizing that pre-matchday practices were already as long as ten hours long, Janney took back the comment. Although the Fighting Norris have been on a good run recently, they're going to have to step it up before the big game. We wish them luck as we turn the show over to our stats guy, Theo Retical.

Hello all people who care about the football world, I'm theoretical, and here are the Baptism of Fire matchday 5 stats, as well as a summation of the qualifying rounds in general. There were an average 28 goals scored this week, which is odd considering how a record high 10 teams failed to score a goal. It was primarily due to the orange group who scored a total of 13 goals with Atheistic Right leading the way with four goals closely followed by Green Wombat and CR Ocillosopes who scored three. As for the qualifying round as a whole, previous world cup threat Haraki had the most total goals with 11, scoring one goal in the first week, two in weeks two, three, and five, and managing four goals in week four. Green Wombat lands in an undisputed second with ten goals, scoring 3,2,0,2,3 throught the five matchdays. Surprisingly, they only landed third in their group, the same place we ended up with our measly five goals. Kelse, Becquerelia, and our next week rivals, Oazox tied for third with 9 goals. Only two teams were terrible enough to not score a single goal, Priggdom and the team who recently managed to lose to us, Nebuleux. 133 goals were scored in all amongst 24 teams, making an average of about five and a half total goals per team in the qualifying round, setting us at about average. 133 goals would also mean an average of 26.6 goals per matchday. Overall, the ultimate average is about 1.108 goals per team per match, meaning an average of about 2.22 goals per match. These unnecessary and widely unwanted have been brought to you by Theo Retical, have a good day and good luck to the Fighting Norris next match.

The Fighting Norris Baptism of Fire 23 Schedule
Matchday 1: Mr Chuck Norris 1 vs. Berner Street 1
Matchday 2: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Risa-Aramour 1
Matchday 3: Mr Chuck Norris 0 vs. Allied Anime Worlds 1
Matchday 4: Mr Chuck Norris 2 vs. Vuam and Isma 1
Matchday 5: Mr Chuck Norris 2 vs. Nebuleux 0

After the match...

Owl rang Lion, who was still back in Atheistic Right, in ARFA Head Quarters...

"Sir we won!" - Owl

"Yes, but against CR Ocilloscopes." - Lion

"But... we made it through the the next round." - Owl

"Yes... but in last place in our group." - Lion

"Okay... the team will be make it through this..." - Owl

"They better!" Lion

Lion hung up....

...............

<yep the logo and music appear on a Television screen in Atheistic Right as usual>

"Welcome to Sports Daily - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News, I'm Charles." - Charles

"And I'm Darwin. Welcome to the coverage of the Baptism of Fire Tournament, today is match day number 5." - Darwin

"Before we start reviewing today's match, we've got some good news to share with you." - Charles

"Yes very good news, Charles. It seems the Archeopteri are fit for survival and has made it to the second round of the Baptism of fire. They will face Allied Anime Worlds." - Darwin

"Allied Anime Worlds finished the top of the table in their group and it will be a hard match, do the Archeopteri have a chance?" - Charles

"More than a chance Charles, The Archeopteri have finished the group round with a win and so that moment will most likely continue on into the final series." -Darwin

"Unfortunately,we've got to cut it short as there is an extended introduction to the new series... 'Dancing with the Daggers', where contestants have to dance together but when they are voted out of the show... They get stabbed... great fun." - Charles

"Yes, I know I'll be watching it, for those interested was the Archeopteri scored 4 goals and our opponents scored 3. " - Darwin

"Good night, see you next time." - Charles

"Remember, Sports Daily - For Fittest for Survival Sport News, Goodnight." - Darwin

The Haraki News Network logo does its brief spin on the screen above a blue background that reads International Fottball News, before the face of Sam Sherman appears on the screen, his customary hair and smile already annoying half a million of his viewers. "Good evening, I'm Sam Sherman, the HNN's football analyst, here to dissect the results from the end of Baptism of Fire qualifying. The Haraki Hawks, led by captain and national superstar Mike Zendar and coach Lloyd Vargas, are in Legalese for the tournament, and I'm here to give you a detailed breakdown of the scores, our opponents, and our chances for success.

"First of all, the scores so far. We've scored eleven goals in five games, with five wins and no goals against. Harakian goaltender Mark Stone is one of only two in the tournament who has stopped every goal put against them. The other is Tynelian goaltender Vladimir Malloy, who you may recall was out for two games with a nasty bout of food poisoning. However, in his games before that, he managed to shutout his opponents in every one, it was only the backup goaltender who let shots by. This makes Tynelia a dangerous opponent for the hawks to face. Luckily they are in different regions, which means if we meet them at all it will be in the finals. Our most likely opponents to worry about are Kelse and the defeated fellow Red Group member Becquerelia. Our first opponents are Imperial Moose, who have managed only four goals in five games, with four other goals against, and three draws. I, for one, will be surprised if we have any trouble with them.

"For the other teams in our quarterfinals, I'd guess Kelse and Becquerelia will win hands down, with the last match a toss-up between New Preussen and Obsidianus. I'm going to go with New Preussen for this one, because even though they have a lower combined goal rating, they have a more aggressive offense and will be more likely to score goals against Obsidianus, who have appeared to be more like an average team. The Preussens are aggressive and aren't afraid to get down and dirty to win, we saw that in our game against them.

"In the Rejistanian group, I'm betting on Tynelia. Malloy is a very good goalie, and the only goal scored against them was while their backup goaltender was in the net. They're going to be a very tough opponent, and even though the Rejistanian group is filled with good teams, I think Tynelia will pull off a victory over there and we'll meet them in the finals.

"Overall, we have a good chance of winning. We're up against some good teams, and I don't want to sound too optimistic, but damn it, I'm allowed to have national pride! I think the Hawks will win it all. We have a strong team there, and we've shown we can defeat one of the other best teams in the group, Becquerelia. Also, midfield Samantha Ribald will be returning to the field for the quarterfinals, replacing Archie Wilkes the reservist who has filled in since the Preussens injured Ribald several games ago."

He swivels back and forth in the chair, still looking at the camera. "And that's all the time I have. I leave you now with a breakdown of Haraki's goal scorers in qualifying. Unsurprisingly, Mike Zendar has been dominating the scoring, but in the last two games midfielder Manuel Cortes has scored three goals, bringing himself very close to equalling Zendar, who has scored over a third of Haraki's goals in the tournament."


Mike Zendar - 4 goals
Samuel Sharp - 2 goals
Thomas Neils - 1 goal
Manuel Cortes - 3 goals
Jonah Menike - 1 goal

The following is a excerpt from today's morning edition of Chronicles of the Federation

From the front page

President howls over Chronicles factual error

Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3 - Yesterday, the Chronicle was informed of a number of factual errors in our second page story, "Tensions flare on football team, this time it's internal." The president called the Chronicles, and demanded to speak with our Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Sato. Mr. Sato appologized profusely while the president harangued him.

"Just what in the Hades kind of government do you think I'm running here!?" President Endymion bellowed at Mr. Sato over the phone. To make amends, Chronicles of the Federation has decided to print the retraction on the front page. It turns out that Admiral Emeralds stopped short of pulling rank on Colonel Miyahama. Furthermore, the President decided not to discipline Colonel Miyahama or Admiral Emeralds over this issue, but has only postponed their training session until after the Baptism of Fire. Finally, since there was no such incident, there was obviously no gag order issued.

The following incident occurs in the morning of this matchday, before the game

[Endymion is reading the front page, and starts to clench his fists, crinkling the paper.]

Endymion: Well...at least it's...somewhat more than half-right this time.

[Endymion reaches under his desk and pulls out a sheet of paper and across his desk to grab a pen. The paper has the Grand Seal of the Federation, and the pen has a charm hanging off the end in the likeness of the Empress]

Endymion: Make me look like the bad guy, will they? Oh, the placement of that quote was PERFECT. Well, one letter to the editor coming right up!

[Endymion stops and puts the pen aside.]

Endymion: No, no...I should just let this pass. I'm the President of the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds. I have more important things to worry about, including football practice.

[Endymion looks at the pen again. He picks it up in a fury.]

Endymion: Damn my stupid pride! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!

[The door to Endymion's office swings open, revealing Colonel Miyahama, Mahoro, and Admiral Emeralds grinning ear to ear.]

Chio, Mahoro, Emeralds: Get ready for your close-up, Mr. President! You're on Hidden Camera: Political Edition!

Endymion: What? Again?! NOOOOOOOO!!! All right, where's the camera this time?

[Chio points at Mahoro]

Chio: Right here, Mr. President.

Endymion: Of course. It all makes sense now. Emeralds challenging Chio, despite her concern about personality conflicts damaging the Federation's chances in the Baptism of Fire. And Chio never gets that combative unless someone's been physically hurt. Even that misquote of the "tensions flare" article by the editor-in-chief makes perfect sense. It's a prank precisely engineered to extract the greatest possible response out of me to the mildest possible provocations. I know I'm not that transparent and predictable because I couldn't be an effective head of state if I were, or fend of as many challengers for my post as I have.

Chio: No, Mr. President, but we DO have access to two people who have been working with you for half of an aeon, two people who were very eager to jump at a chance to be passed over for this round of Hidden Camera: Political Edition.

Endymion: Miss Sun and Miss Waters.

[Endymion relaxes]

Endymion: It is good to know that it takes that level of personal knowledge to throw me off balance. So, we don't have any personality conflicts between the three of you?

Chio: No sir, Mr. President.

Endymion: Good. Let's go. We have a game to win.

OOC: I think this plot thread has run far enough off topic, so I'm cutting it off here. :)

GRENN WOMBAT DAILY NEWSYour Home of the Page 7 Girl.

Earlier today Green Wombat played its final qualifaction match vs. Rorysville only needing a draw to advance to the Quarterfinals. Green wombat won 3-1 vs. Rorysville clinching a Spot in the Quarters. Ensign Graves Scored all 3 goals for Green Wombat. Green Womabt will Play Risa-Aramour in the Quarter Finals. Good Luck to the Fioghting Wombats in the next round.

[center]Baptism of Fire
Matchday 5 Results

Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [0] - [2Tynelia
Green Wombat[3] - [1]Rorysville
CR Oscilioscopes [3] - [4] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Tynelia 13 4 1 0 8:1 7 Q
2. Qazox 12 4 0 1 9:5 4 Q
3. Green Wombat 7 2 1 2 10:7 3 Q
4. Atheistic Right 6 1 3 1 8:8 0 Q
5. CR Oscilloscopes 3 1 0 4 6:13 -7
6. Rorysville 1 0 1 4 4:11 -7

Regional Quarterfinal Matchups

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia v. Vuam and Isma
Game R2: Risa-Aramour v. Green Wombats
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds v. Atheistic Right
Game R4: Qazox v. Mr Chuck Norris

QAZOX CITY HERALD

Earlier today Qazox played Tynelia in a mostly meaningless match. The only line on the line was pride and the top spot in the group. Qaxoz lost a hard fought match 2-0, as mostly the reserves played for the Black Oxen. The 2 Tynelian goals were scored by:Troy Wallace in the 35th minute of play and in the 55th minute Adam Billington. The two teams rested most of their starters to prepare for the next round. Qazox finished overall tied for 3rd with 9 goals scored in the qualifing rounds, but gave up 5 goals, even though 2 were given up by the "B" team today. Our next game will be against Mr. Chuck Norris who finished 3rd in the Blue Group. they seem to have a decent attack, but only a moderate defence. And as we found out during Qazox Cup 08, anything can happen.



Baptism of Fire
Matchday 5 Results


Rejistania Region

Orange Group

Qazox [0] - [2Tynelia
Green Wombat[3] - [1]Rorysville
CR Oscilioscopes [3] - [4] Atheistic Right

Orange Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Tynelia 13 4 1 0 8:1 7 Q
2. Qazox 12 4 0 1 9:5 4 Q
3. Green Wombat 7 2 1 2 10:7 3 Q
4. Atheistic Right 6 1 3 1 8:8 0 Q
5. CR Oscilloscopes 3 1 0 4 6:13 -7
6. Rorysville 1 0 1 4 4:11 -7

Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [0] - [1] Risa-Aramour
Berner Street [0] - [0] Vuam and Isma
Mr Chuck Norris [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 12 4 0 1 6:2 4 Q
2. Risa-Aramour 10 3 1 1 5:2 3 Q
3. Mr Chuck Norris 7 2 1 2 5:4 1 Q
4. Vuam and Isma 7 2 1 2 5:5 0 Q
5. Berner Street 4 0 4 1 2:3 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 4 0:7 -7

Legalese Region

Black Group
Imperial Moose [0] - [0] Algal states
Kelse [2] - [0] TheSuncoastofFlorida
Priggdom [0] - [2] Obsidianus

Black Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Kelse 13 4 1 0 9:2 7 Q
2. Obsidianus 7 2 1 2 6:3 3 Q
3. Algal states 6 1 3 1 6:5 1 Q
4. Imperial Moose 6 1 3 1 4:4 0 Q
5. TheSuncoastofFlorida 5 1 2 2 2:5 -3
6. Priggdom 2 0 2 3 0:8 -8


Red Group
Spammanian Plijous [1] - [1] Popolus
Haraki [2] - [0] Becquerelia
Georgeonia [1] - [3] New Preussen

Red Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Haraki 15 5 0 0 11:0 11 Q
2. Becquerelia 12 4 0 1 9:4 5 Q
3. New Preussen 9 3 0 2 8:6 2 Q
4. Popolus 4 1 1 3 5:9 -4 Q
5. Spammanian Plijous 4 1 1 3 3:10 -7
6. Georgeonia 0 0 0 5 2:9 -7



The Regional Quarterfinal Matchups are as follows (with our predictions for the regionals)

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia v. Vuam and Isma--(Tynelia 2-0)
Game R2: Risa-Aramour v. Green Wombats--(Risa-Aramour 2-1 e.t.)
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds v. Atheistic Right--(Allied Anime Worlds 2-0)
Game R4: Qazox v. Mr Chuck Norris--(Qazox 3-1)

GameR5: (Tynelia v. Risa-Aramour)--(Tynelia 1-0)
GameR6: (Allied Anime Worlds v. Qazox)--(Qazox 2-1 5-4PK)

Regional Final: (Tynelia v. Qazox)--(Qazox 1-0)

Legalese Region

Game L1: Kelse v. Popolus--(Kelse 3-0)
Game L2: Becquerelia v. Algal states--(Becquerelia 4-2)
Game L3: Haraki v. Imperial Moose--(Haraki 2-1)
Game L4: Obsidianus v. New Preussen--(New Preussen 2-1 e.t)

GameL5: (Kelse v. Becquerelia)--(Becquerelia 1-0)
GameL6: (Haraki v. New Preussen)--(Haraki 1-0)

Regional Final: (Haraki v. Becquerelia)--(Becquerelia 2-1)

Good luck to all the teams in the Quarter Finals

The following incident happened two minutes before game time

[Mugen is quickly changing into his uniform]

Mugen: I'm late, I'm late, I'm late...

[Pan-Pan sneaks up behind him, wearing a kevlar helmet. Mugen turns around and hits Pan-Pan over the head with the blunt end of his katana. The helmet negates the blow.]

Mugen: Aha! Aw, what the...?

[Pan-Pan grins and swipes at Mugen, knocking him out cold]

The following is a news report

[Familiar silver SNN logo.]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network, bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

[Cut to Miko]

Miko: Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa. First we have another follow up on the story of Rinn Surrogate, whom we lost contact with while on assignment in Vuam and Isma. Miss Surrogate was found and rushed by airlift to a Federation hospital. She was suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition, in addition to a couple of hairline fractures. Doctors report that Miss Surrogate is in serious but stable condition, and will be able to return to work in about a week. It seems that lately we've had bad news to offset the good, since the Federation lost a close game against second place Risa-Aramour, 1-0. Here's the game summary.

[Cut to football footage, forwards and midfielders clashing heavily]

Miko voiceover: It was much ado about nothing in the first half, as forwards and midfielders alike clashed frequently and almost violently over the ball. Referees later confirmed that they stopped just short of issuing several yellow cards. Despite all of the furor poured into the first half, no goals were scored.

[Shot of the Federation sideline. Mugen is not present, and Pan-Pan is wearing a kevlar helmet]

Miko voiceover: Curiously, Mugen was not present on the Federation sideline for the first half. When the team retired to the locker room for halftime, they found Mugen unconscious. Coach Miyahama was furious.

[HeliCam shot of the Federation team going back on the field]

Chio: Oh, player change! Ran out, Pan-Pan in!

[Pan-Pan looks shocked and frightened. He points a claw at his face]

Chio: Yes, YOU. And think twice before taking out one of my team members!

Miko voiceover: Pan-Pan provided an intimidating presence on the field. Unfortunately, that's all he provided.

[A Risa-Aramour forward easily dribbles around Pan-Pan and scores a goal.]

Miko voiceover: Even if the call to post a roster hasn't yet reached Risa-Aramour, the news of Mahoro's reaction time has. The forward didn't bother to try and fake Mahoro. He simply made a calculated power shot to defeat the android goalkeeper and score the game's only goal. Federation fans were aghast.

[HeliCam shot of the Federation sideline]

Chio: AARGH! How stupid can I be? Ran, get back in there!

[More football footage]

Miko voiceover: The Risa-Aramour team did a good job of keeping the ball away form Federation players for the rest of the game. Perhaps especially aware of the Endymion-to-Sagara-to-Vash play, they made especially sure to keep the ball away from the President. Risa-Aramour ran the clock out to hand the Federation of Allied Anime Worlds its only loss, 1-0.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: But in another sense, it is a hollow victory for Risa-Aramour. Even if they had tied the game instead of won it, they would have received the same reward for their efforts; a second place finish in the Blue group. And now for some commentary.

[Cut to a small group of FAAW fans]

Fan: What was Coach Miyahama thinking, putting that panda in the game?! Since when can pandas play football?

Fan 2: Maybe she was making fun of our opponents, showing off that we could lose this game without consequence?

Fan 3: No way! I've served with Colonel Miyahama. That's definately not her style. I'll be a month's salary that someone got hurt, that's the only time you'll find so much as a crack in her armor.

[Cut to the locker room with Chio.]

Chio: I can't believe I put that panda into the game! I'm just glad I made that mistake this game, when the result didn't matter. I'm sorry to cut this short, but I need to go and get ready for tomorrow's quarter final match.

[Cut to the same place, but with Endymion]

Endymion: Our chances against Atheistic Right? I think they're pretty good. I've seen their record, and all we should have to do is play a standard game of solid football, unlike tonight. If we make it to the regional finals, I'll bet it will be against Tynelia. We're going to need to take our game to another level if we're going to beat them out, but Qazox wouldn't be a walk in the park either. The favorite from the Legalese region appears to be Haraki...let's just cross that bridge when we come to it, yes?

[Cut to the same place, but with Raye Sun]

Raye: Call me paranoid if you like, but remeber that most who do end up eating crow sooner or later. I think there's something more than meets the eye with this Risa-Aramour team.

Reporter: How do you mean?

Raye: We were heavily favored to win this game, and it's the second major upset that Risa-Aramour team has pulled off in this tournament. I think that Berner Street is a worthier team. There's obviously little interest for the sport in Risa-Aramour, you'll note that during the qualifying matches they only had two small press releases. They haven't even posted a roster!

Reporter: So you think they're cheating somehow?

Raye: I wouldn't go that far, but still...

[Cut to the newsroom]

Miko: As for Mugen, doctors say that he was just rattled, not seriously wounded, and he will be able to play in the quarter finals. In other news, the popular prank show "Hidden Camera" pulled one over on the president yet again.

[Cut to footage of the president in his office at his desk, a pen in hand]

Female voices off camera: Get ready for your close-up, Mr. President! You're on Hidden Camera: Political Edition!

Endymion: What? Again?! NOOOOOO!!!

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: The footage above is the culmination of an elaborate prank planned by Secretary of Defense Raye Sun and Secretary of Internal Affairs Amy Waters. Tune to COMEDY-2 tomorrow at 9 PM for the whole story. President Endymion later said that the people are entitled to a laugh every once in a while, even at the expense of the chief executive. In international news...[click!]

OOC: I am NOT accusing Risa-Aramour of cheating OOC. All of the above comments are strictly the viewpoints of my characters, which may or may not reflect my own viewpoints, and are all strictly IC in any case. I just wanted to head off any possible misunderstandings.

<the following commercial aired during the latest episode of the Tynelian hit TV show Desperate Stay-at-home Husbands>


<a voice begins speaking in the background as film from a soccer game is taking place as the camera zooms in and focuses on the goal keeper as he makes a leaping save>

“And another amazing save by Vladimar Malloy. The Wall is standing strong today!”

<Malloy dives and makes another save>

“Can anyone get something past the Wall? He’s stopping everything out there!”

<camera zooms in on Malloy’s sweaty face his eyes narrowed in concentration as the opposing team steals the ball upfield and heads towards him. He sees a flash of light to the side and looks over briefly where he sees a cheerleader holding a bottle of ice cold Pepco Cola in her hand with the sun reflecting off the bottle to create the flash of light>

<Malloys wipes the sweat off his brow and looks at the opponent, then the bottle, then the opponent again.>

<Camera now cuts to the ball handler continue down field and look up preparing to take his shot. Suddenly the attacker has a confused look on his face and he stops in his tracks as the ball continues to roll towards the net. The camera now turns back to Malloy at the goal… and shows an now empty net as the ball slowly trickles into the net as the opposing team begins to celebrate.>

<The camera finds Malloy on the sidelines next to the cheerleader drinking from the bottle of Pepco and after he drinks half the bottle he pauses and says “Ahhh” contentedly then turns and smiles at the camera saying.>

“Even a Wall will move for an ice cold bottle of Pepco.”

<Pepco jingle begins and the announcer comments>

“Pepco- the proud supporter and official soda of the Tynelian national soccer team. Good luck in the Quarterfinals! Bring the Cup home people!”

<commercial ends>

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
"Now with only 21 minutes of Commercials!!"

"Hello, I'm Small Rapp and this is Lorax City Tonight. Our Black Oxen have made it to the QuarterFinals of the Baptism of Fire and Ox-Mania has swept the nation. But at what cost? Yesterday, after the match with Tynelia, a crowd of people who were watching the match in front of our studios, suddenly began to riot and throw rocks, bottles and whatever they could find. The National Guard had to be called in to put down the riot, which resulted in Z5,700,000(ooc Z=Zaq qazox's Currency) in damages. 290 people were rushed to the hospital with injuries ranging from a broken arm to a level-3 concussion. No people died, which is good, but the "mob mentality" has struck Qazox, and after this 21 minute commercial break, we'll talk with Cy Cosis, a Dr. of Mental Health from Lake Porter City, on the "mob mentality" and what we can do to squelch it.

<Shows 21 minutes of the same commerical... an ad to watch the BoF on Channel 3.>

SR: Welcome back. I'm here with Cy Cosis, A doctor of mental Health from our city in the north, Lake Porter City. Welcome to LCT, doctor Cosis.

CC: Thank you, I'm glad to be here.

SR: Doctor, can you tell us what "mob mentality" is?

CC: It is when a group of citizens or any group of people get together and get so worked up over an event, that they all start to think and act the same.

SR: As with the riots yesterday, what may have happened to set the crowd off?

CC: It could have been any number of factors, the Black Oxen losing seems to have been the main ignition point, In my Humble Opinion. But good things can cause the "mob mentality" as well, the fact we made the QuarterFinals could have set the crowd off as well.

SR: Any suggestions as to how our city and other cities could prevent this from happing as the Baptism of Fire continues?

CC: The only way to completely stop the "mob mentality" is not to allow big crowds, but since it is legal to assemble in Qazox, the only other soultion is to have the police and National Guard be stationed around any such crowds to help stem the violence.

SR: Thank very much for joining me here tonight Dr. Cy Cosis. stay tuned for an all new episode of "Law & Order: Traffic Ticket Division" after this message from our sponsor Ox Cola...Drink the Tail.

Gazetto de'Espor

Baptism of Fire
Matchday 5 Results


Rejistania Region
Blue Group

Allied Anime Worlds [0] - [1] Risa-Aramour
Berner Street [0] - [0] Vuam and Isma
Mr Chuck Norris [2] - [0] Nebuleux

Blue Group Pts W D L GF:GA GD
1. Allied Anime Worlds 12 4 0 1 6:2 4 Q
2. Risa-Aramour 10 3 1 1 5:2 3 Q
3. Mr Chuck Norris 7 2 1 2 5:4 1 Q
4. Vuam and Isma 7 2 1 2 5:5 0 Q
5. Berner Street 4 0 4 1 2:3 -1
6. Nebuleux 1 0 1 4 0:7 -7

Regional Quarterfinal Matchups

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia v. Vuam and Isma
Game R2: Risa-Aramour v. Green Wombats
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds v. Atheistic Right
Game R4: Qazox v. Mr Chuck Norris


Vuam and Isma were set to play their last group match today. They were only one point away from certain qualification, and even if they lost 1-0, Vuam and Isma would still be through, so 'Scarab' and Johann Fischmann opted to rest some of the high-profile players, and let they younger lpayers have a real shot at the tournament.

Starting Line-ups :

Barner Street fielded an aggressive 3-4-3, looking to get a place in the quater-finals, which meant beating Vuam and Isma by at least 2 goals :
Goalkeeper : Lorraine Ekin
Central Defender : Bill Soulblighter
Central Defender : 'Shotgun' Jimmy Jackson
Central Defender : Chris Walker-Bush
Left Midfielder : Konrad Charisma
Central Midfielder : Bee Man
Central Midfielder : 'Razorblade' Bob Holly
Right Midfielder : Quincy Latrine
Forward : Generico
Forward : Magro
Forward : Tommy O'Reilly

Bench : Brooke Martin, Jonny Maquina, Julian Santarakista, Eron Bates, Barry Banes.

Vuam and Isma reverted to a classical 4-4-2 to test new player groupings :
Goalkeeper : Rikjard Stromstottir
Left Defender : Ray Wibowo 'Rayberto Carlos' Oey
Central Defender : Eukla Chdone
Central Defender : Roman Brasiviev
Right Defender : Victor Niederberger
Left Midfielder : Peter Searle
Central Midfielder : Jorgé Clay
Central Midfielder : Yakit 'Yak' Yakkad
Right Midfielder : Sifiso Masilela
Forward : Fahd Ghauri
Forward : Mike Sharwood

Bench : Robert O'Beirne, Harrp Dinamyque, Stefan Grak, Icham S'baa, Colm O'Connor.

Referee : Kiru Kansu, assisted by Xitauhean Karela and Kexiil Mesit as assistant referees, fourth official : Jenji Syau.

Final score :
Vuam and Isma - 0
Berner Street - 0

As the night grew closer, the stadium was getting more and more packed as time went past. Berner Street's fans were there to see their side through, and Vuam and Isma's were there to celebrate when qualification was sure. The first match played by Vuam and Isma in night conditions was a fabulous one. The pitch was in perfect condition, and there was a promise of warm temperatures, even late into the game. Half an hour before the match started, banners were being put up all around the stadium : "Berner street" flags were being brandished on the North end, and Vuam and Isma's buzzard was depicted on banners at the other end. Then, suddenly, the chants started. "There's only one Colm O'Connor" was the timid start by Vuam and Isma, "Oh! Oh! Oh! Generico!" was the answer, and each end took the volume up a rank, each time praising another player. Most notable chants were Berner Street's fans rendittion of "The 12 days of Charisma", closely followed by Vuam and Isma's effort with "You can't win, Berner Street" sung to the tune of Country Road.

Amidst all this atmosphere, the match was getting ready, and Rejistania's preparation of the game was perfect. All the players were in the tunnel, lined up and ready to enter the pitch, listening to the crowd when suddenly all the lights went off in the stadium, two gigantic spotlights lit up the exit of the tunnel, and the players ran on, each one circled by a halo of light, as their name was read out by the Rejistanian match presenter, who made a great effort, dispite a heavy accent.

The match was ready to get underway, and Berner Street took the kick-off, leaving Vuam and Isma to settle in front of the Vuam and Isma fans, probably hoping that the support they'd recieve would keep the net clean, at least for the first 45 minutes.

Berner street, dispite 3 strikers, had a hard time getting past a rugged Vuam and Isma side that was content to fall back and play on the counter. But they were having the best of the play, holding the ball well, and were very effective on the ball. After 7 minutes, O'Reilly thought he had broken the deadlock after shrugging off a challenge by Brasiviev and slipping the ball inside the post. He ran off down the byline, grabbing the corner flag as he clinched his fist in the air. However, the goal wouldn't stand, the referee judging that O'Reilly had used his hand to prevent Brasiviev from challenging him. Feeling dissapointed, Berner Street got back into position, and if anything, they were getting more and more dangerous, with more and more passion to win. Vuam and Isma's defensive fragility was highlited time and time again, relying on Brasiviev's all-defence performance to reduce the number of chances that the Streets had, and on Stromstottir's safe hands to not concede a goal. Magro's heavy shot went the wrong side of the post in the 18th minute, and two headers by Generico (39th and 44th) were stopped by Stromstottir in amazing saves. The first of the two was a goal-long dive where he managed to tip the ball round the post, and the second a perfect reflex save, as Generico headed down hard only a few yards for the goal-line.

But, playing the break was Vuam and Isma's plan, and they almost succeded. Masilela cut out a weak pass in the 24th minute and sped down the wing, leaving his defender trailing, but was unable to get a decent pass to Ghauri, who attempted a bizarre bicycle kick from outside the box. The ball sailed harmlessly wide, and lead to one of the most amusing chants many ever heard in BoF match : "He shot, he missed, he must be fucking pissed Fahd Ghauri!". Ghauri however replied in the 32nd minute with a shot that hit the bottom of the post and rolled in front of the face of the goal, and then was cleared by Walker-Bush.

By halftime, however, Vuam and Isma had become the underdogs, and Berner street were unlucky to not have one goal.

Special : Half-time Thoughts.

Chris Walker-Bush Berner Street National Team Manager, Coach, Director of Football, Federation Chairman, Physio, Treasurer, Drinks Boy, Public Relations Director and Defender : "The team is playing well, and there's no doubt we'll bring back a score that'll make us proud. So far, we've got all our chances to get into the Quaterfinals, and I hope the fans will go on with the chants, it creates a great atmosphere out there."

Quincy Latrine Berner Street Defender : "We're piling on the pressure, but Vuam and Isma aren't buckling in yet. They've got a very good squad out there, and they've got Rikjard Stromstottir who's being outstanding. He just seems to foil every move our team makes, and then there's their defensive block. We'd trained a few good moves, but that was based on Regragui and S'baa's partnership. As they're not playing, we can't use them. Also, 'Rayberto Carlos' is truly outstanding, and we're losing a lot of balls down the wings, meaning we can't play any of the crossing moves we usually use."

'Scarab' Vuam and Isma General Manager and Director of Football : Even though they've had the best of the game, I think the second half will be a different game. You've got to remember that not only have they put out all their best players, whilst we've kept a great bench, so that our top players are rested, but consider also that Berner Street are tired, having spent the match running around, whilst our players are still quite fresh."

Rikjard Stromstottir Vuam and Isma Goalkeeper : "I am pleased with my performance, and I really feel like I can keep a clean sheet today, thanks to Brasiviev, the crowd, and the encouragements that Colm has given me."

Both teams came out of the tunnel slowly, each team sending out it's players during a chant by it's fans. Vuam and Isma entered first, harkening to "Vuam and Isma is going through, tra-la-la-la-la... la-la la la!" to the tune of "Deck the halls", whist Berner Street were encouraged by a classic from Berner Street : "Take it to the Streets! Take it back home! Take it back to Berner Street!".

However, as each side attempted to settle in front of the opposing fans, the pace of the game slowed down considerably, both teams taking turns to play long passing movements, searching out offensive options. The first shot after the break was a half-volley by Mike Sharwood that was parried with apparent ease by Lorraine Ekin, in the 55th minute. Both teams suddenly set all five players to warm up, and both sides must have been wondering what changes would be made, and each manager attempting to read his opposing number's trick. In the 60th minute, Vuam and Isma made the first change, S'baa replacing a tired Niederberger, who had a good match, earning his 5th cap for Vuam and Isma in style. In the 63rd minute, Berner Street made 2 changes : Bee man and 'Razorblade' were swapped for Bates and Maquina, and Bates assumed a more defensive role than Bee man, whilst Maquina acted almost like a fourth striker.

However, with Maquina omitting to come back to play in midfield, and Bates playing very low, Vuam and Isma found it easier to cut out Berner Street's options, and allowing for 'Yak' to use the space to play, for the first time of the tournament, in his favoured position : Midfield maestro. Soon, it was Vuam and Isma that seemed to have the upper hand, and the match was no longer a series of stops from Stromstottir, but rather a long set of passing movements by Vuam and Isma, punctuated by the odd shot.

The only move that Berner street made after the changes in the 63rd minute was a lone effort by Magro, who picked up a long kick by Ekin, swerving past 'Rayberto Carlos', Brasiviev, S'baa, Chdone, 'Rayberto Carlos' again and Brasiviev again, but he was unable to conclude his move, Stromstottir smothinging the ball neatly as he dived at Magro's feet.

As the final whistle sounded, half the stadium shouted with joy, whilst the other half looked hard at the players, wondering just where it all went wrong.

Special : Most-mach Comments

Peter Searle Vuam and Isma Winger : "We knew that a draw was enough, and even if we lost by one goal we'd be through, so we decided to stay fresh for the next round, and play easy here."

Rikjard Stromstottir Vuam and Isma Goalkeeper : "I'm delighted by my match, I think I proved myself that I'm able to lift my playing level, and this clean sheet also points out how good we are defensively, as that's now 3 clean sheets in 5 games."

Fahd Ghauri Vuam and Isma Striker : "Yea, I know they'll be taking the piss of me for quite some time for 'that' shot, but really, I played well. I'm just annoyed that we didn't push for the win, and that most of our players were happy to sit back and let Berner Street come at them. But by doing that, they also allowed the team to be in prime condition for the next round."

Johann Fischmann Vuam and Isma Head Coach and Manager : "I never thought we wouldn't get through, and we handled this match very well. The players knew that the only thing they needed to do was to keep the goals behind Rikji empty, and we'd be through. I'm really delighted that our defensive line-up worked, even though we didn't play our best elements. For the next round, we'll be playing against Tynelia or Quazox, I think, but I haven't yet heard what the scores are in the other matches, so it could be either."

Lorraine Ekin Berner Street Goalkeeper : "It was a fair game, and it could have gone either way. It would have gone our way if Stromstottir hadn't been perfect, and their way if they had taken full advantage of their attacks. I'm still gutted though, because I feel that we should be through, and with this score... that's almost a dream. We drew 4 of our matches, and lost the other, so we're not inferior by far, at least."

Generico Berner Street Striker : "I am pleased by the game, even though I failed to score. Well done Vuam and Isma to be in the next round."

Chris Walker-Bush Berner Street National Team Manager, Coach, Director of Football, Federation Chairman, Physio, Treasurer, Drinks Boy, Public Relations Director and Defender : "We just weren't good enough. I feel almost cheated by the way some players perfomed, as they were simply below par. Even though we should have walked away winners, at least we walk away knowing that we showed the fans we are able to hope that we'll soon be a good team, and get much further in the next competitions."

In conclusion, a rather dull match, but that had the merit of handing Vuam and Isma their ticket for the next round.


If anyone wants to roleplay anything that's related to me, except from deaths, serious injuries and red cards, then feel fine to god-mode it. (PS : Just stay 'reasonable', ok?)

Baptism of Fire
Round of 16 results

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia - Vuam and Isma: 1:0
Game R2: Risa-Aramour - Green Wombat: 1:3
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds - Atheistic Right: 2:1
Game R4: Qazox - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:0

Legalese Region

Game L1: Kelse - Popolus 5:1
Game L2: Becquerelia - Algal states 2:0
Game L3: Haraki - Imperial Moose 2:1
Game L4: Obsidianus - New Preussen 3:1


Next matches:
Tynelia vs. Green Wombat
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Qazox
Kelse vs. Becquerelia
Haraki vs. Obsidianus

"...and this is Sam Sherman for the Haraki News Network, here to give you an exclusive listing of all teams and their current ranking in the Baptism of Fire at the end of qualifying."

Baptism of Fire, current team standings:

[#] [Name] Pts. W D L GF GA GD Qualifier
1. Haraki - 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11 | Yes
2. Kelse - 13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 7 | Yes
3. Tynelia - 13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | Yes
4. Becquerelia - 12 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 5 | Yes
5. Allied Anime Worlds - 12 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 4 | Yes
6. Qazox - 12 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 4 | Yes
7. Risa-Aramour - 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | Yes
8. New Preussen - 9 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | Yes
9. Green Wombat - 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 7 | 3 | Yes
10. Obsidianus - 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | Yes
11. Mr Chuck Norris - 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Yes
12. Vuam and Isma - 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | Yes
13. Algal States - 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | Yes
14. Atheistic Right - 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 0 | Yes
15. Imperial Moose - 6 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | Yes
16. TheSuncoastofFlorida - 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | No
17. Berner Street - 4 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | No
18. Popolus - 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | -4 | Yes
19. Spaamanian Plijous - 4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 10 | -7 | No
20. CR Oscilloscopes - 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 13 | -7 | No
21. Priggdom - 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 8 | -8 | No
22. Nebuleux - 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 7 | -7 | No
23. Rorysville - 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 11 | -7 | No
24. Georgeonia - 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 9 | -7 | No

Haraki were slightly shaken after their match with Imperial Moose. For the first time in the entire tournament, a goal had been scored against the team, and by 15th place team Imperial Moose. Of course, it was partially due to the fact that starting goaltender Mark Stone had not been in the net at the time.

As the Hawks had enterred the field, their regular cheering section was there to egg them on. The team from Imperial Moose started off sluggish, and the Hawks took advantage of this, starting off with a strong opening. Midfield Samantha Ribald, back on the field after sitting out most of qualifying with an injured calf, was eager to prove her worth to the team, as they had won numerous shutouts without her, and she proved it all too well. By ten minutes into the game, she and the deadly combination of Mike Zendar and Thomas Neils, were already making a scoring attempt. They took it up the right side of the field, Zendar carrying the ball and dodging around multiple defenders. Neils was behind him and Ribald off to his left. Approaching the net, he passed back to Neils, who assessed the situation quickly and passed over to Ribald, who had set herself up in perfect firing position. Although a defenceman tried to intercept the pass, it got by his foot, and went right to Ribald, whose weeks of practice paid off. She turned, received the pass, and kicked into the left side of the net. The goalie rushed over to try and block it, but the ball sailed past his shoulder and Haraki got the point.

The Imperial Moosians tried valiantly to score after that, but all shots over the next twenty minutes were stopped by Mark Stone, Haraki's goaltender who had won them victory after victory in qualifying. At thirty-five minutes in, the coach from Imperial Moose called over a midfield and shouted angrily at him something no-one could catch, before play resumed. The midfield, a reservist put on temporarily, waited for his chance, and as his team took the ball down the field, he took off jogging for Stone. The Haraki defence watched curiously, but could not stop the man, as he tore into the crease and, directed at a bewildered Mark Stone, unleashed a kick right between his legs. Stone cried out in pain and collapsed as the entire Haraki defence grabbed the midfield and tore him away from the goalie. The referee blew his whistle furiously, issuing the man a red card and an ejection from the game, and granting Haraki a penalty kick. Zendar took it, but the ball sailed over the opposition and was caught by the goalie. Reserve goaltender Susana Hamilton took the field, as Stone was taken away on a stretcher. Coach Lloyd Vargas angrily shouted at reporters and the opposing coach for the obvious foul, as play resumed.

The Hawks seemed too angry to play well for the rest of the first half, and at forty-two minutes an opposing midfield grabbed the ball from Luke Ford and tore off, and one minute before the end of the half, unleashed a kick that Hamilton simply couldn't catch, swishing into the top right corner of Haraki's net and giving Haraki their first goal against in the entire tournament. The half ended and an angry team took their places in the locker room, for Vargas' halftime speech. In it he detailed their new strategy: Score one more goal and, if possible, pay them back for the attack against Stone. They entered the second half with a purpose.

The second half was fought furiously, with multiple further attacks by players on both sides. An Imperial Moose forward was red carded for a kick against Mike Zendar, who seemed unhurt, and Haraki defenceman Sandy Thorpe received a red card for assaulting an opposition forward. Manuel Cortes, the hotheaded midfield who had distinguished himself right at the end of qualifying, was yellow carded for tripping an opposition defenceman. But it was the penalty kick for the attack against Zendar that won Haraki the game. Zendar was granted a penalty kick for the attack as well as the red card, and his second penalty of the game would not be as anti-climactic as the first. His form of revenge was a blistering shot on net that curved up and over the line of opposition team and sailed in, heading straight for the goaltender, who, with the spin on the ball, couldn't tell which way it was going. He dove to his left as a precaution, and the ball sailed through where his chest had been.

The rest of the game was less eventful. Both teams were short players, and the Harakians were still angry. Both sides were determined to score again, but their goaltenders stopped all shots. The ninety minutes ran out dramatically, after a hard-fought game. Haraki coach Lloyd Vargas, speaking to reporters after the match, condemned the amount of attacks in the game, and especially the original injury against Mark Stone. However, he also said Stone was recovering and expected to make a full recovery in time for the next match versus Obsidianus.

Haraki 2 - Imperial Moose 1

Ribald (11)
(44) Unnamed Midfield
Zendar (60)

Mr Chuck Norris 0
Oazox 1 (Manuel Aguirre 90)

Never has a football match in the Baptism of Fire ended so tensely, and so sadly for our Fighting Norris. Upon seeing Oazox's pre-match press release, coach Bob Janney looked up and read aloud:
"They (The Fighting Norris) seem to have a decent attack, but only a moderate defence."
"Moderate defense!? For love of oxen! We only allowed four goals in the whole qualifying round! They allowed five balls to pass through their goalposts, what are they critisizing our defense for!? If anything, I probably would've said a decent defense, but only a moderate attack. What's all this jazz about the ox-lovers predicting us to lose 3-1! I mean, I'm predicting we're going to lose, but 3-1!? We've never allowed more than one goal to any team!". Bob Janney continued ranting only to be reminded that the match was about to start and he had to get out on the field.
Right from the start of the match, the crowd knew it was going to be an awfully boring game. The first half flew by with time of possession of the ball split almost exactly half and half, 26 minutes in Oazox's hands to 24 in The Fighting Norris'. There were only three shots on goal the entire half, all three from Manuel Aguirre, who seemed to selfishly drive the ball down the field himself every attack, only to be foiled by a Fighting Norris defender or Mr. Bednarik, the Fighting Norris goaltender. The crowd actually could be heard chantting "Ball Hog!" whenever Manuel Aguirre gained control of the ball.
At the half coach Bob Janney was caught saying "How do you like our moderate defense now you ox-loving (explicative word edited for content)?".
The second half saw much of the same play as the first half as both teams trotted up and dwon the field, no one getting a good drive off until around the 86th minute. Here is a clip of the video:

Fighting Norris midfielder Randy Cross has control of the ball. He's moving downfield and now dumping the ball off on Fighting Norris star forward Chuck Norris. He approaches the goal! He has no one to beat but the goalkeeper! HE SHOOTS! BUT IT'S BLOCKED BY OAZOX GOALKEEPER JOHN FRORR! Why didn't he roundhouse kick the ball!? He would've scored, he would've put the Fighting Norris up! What was he thinking! But now Oazox midfielder Dylan Greene is charging down the field at the 88th minute, a team will have to score now or this game will go to a Penalty Kick shootoff tiebreaker. He passes downfield to forward Manuel Aguirre. The crowd's screaming what sounds like "BALL HOG!". He's advancing toward the goal... AND HE FAKES OUT FIGHTING NORRIS DEFENDER SCOTTEST HOVEST! THERE'S TEN SECONDS LEFT! HE SHOOTS!

"Crap", mouthed Bob Janney walking off the field, "how did we let that happen"?
"I shouldn't have let him get by me like that, sorry guys" says Scottest Hovest in the locker room after the game.
"No", says Chuck Norris, "I should've scored, I had the wide open shot".
"You're both wrong" grunts Mr. Bednarik, "I could've blocked that shot".
"The loss is no one's fault", argued coach Janney, "although I can't figure out why you didn't roundhouse kick that shot Chuck. We played hard against a good team and kept the game close".
"Coach", said a sighing OJ Pimpson, "I would've rather lost 3-1 like those guys from Oazox predicted than lose like we just did".
"I know", uttered Bob Janney "but this is only a precursor to the main event, we will prevail. Let's go back out on that field and give our fans what they're wanting, some hope. Besides, Kerkraft 400 by Zombie Nation is playing, and nothing brings up someone's spirit like that song".
Marching back out on the field, to their recently announced new theme song, the crowd went nuts, both the fans from Mr Chuck Norris and Oazox. Bob Janney gave a few reassuring words to the crowd.
"First off, I'd like to congratulate the Black Oxen of Qazox for winning an amazing game and advancing to the regional semifinals. (Janney pauses while Oazox fans cheer). I wish you the best of luck in the remainder of your Baptism of Fire march, especially next week against the tough Allied Anime Worlds team, our whole team is behind you. However, I just want to assure all of our fans. When this tourney ends and the 27th World Cup begins... we'll be there... and ready to kick some serious ass." (The Fighting Norris crowd goes nuts, rushing the field while Kernkraft 400 continues to pound in the backround).

"Daily News - Your Fittest for Survival Sport News is now extinct, instead our scheduled broadcast we will re-broadcast the season opening for the new hit TV show 'Dancing with the Scissors'."

...

Owl in Rejistania was not happy with his teams performance... mainly because of Lion upstars back in ARFA.... He was berating the team after there 2-1 loss to the Allied Anime Worlds. He, even though Leopard managed a goal in the 87th minute of play, treated the team as if they had lost by a large margin. He needed to clear his head, he didn't want to go back to the hotel room, he'd have to ring Lion then .

Owl walked the streets of Rejistania, instead of going back to the hotel, he dod not noticing a man following behind him. The man was dressed as a rejistanian but he did not understand their rediculous language. The man had a walking stick, he came closer to the coach, raised his walkiing stick and as he did so, a small pellet shot out of the walking stick and hit Owl on the neck. The walking stick came back down and the guy that was following went into a clothing store and used the change-rooms to change into his normal clothes. He went to the Airport and immeadiatly got on a plane, and eventually got home to Atheistic Right.

Owl felt a gnat bite his neck, and tried to squish it... it was gone. He walked for a few more blocks before deciding that he had to go and face the music from Lion... he hailed a cab and got in, giving the address of the Hotel... when the Cab arrived at the hotel, Owl was dead.

[Familiar silver SNN logo]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network, bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

[Cut to the newsroom]

Miko: Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa. First, we turn our attention to sports, where the Federation surged forward in the second half to win the regional quarter final game against Atheistic Right. Here's the game summary.

[Cut to footage of both teams taking the field, fans of both sides cheering wildly]

Miko: Both sides' fans were out in force today, as there was not an empty seat in the house an an ocean of banners encouraging their respective teams and even declaring imminent victory.

[Shot of kickoff by Atheistic Right]

Miko: Atheistic Right came out swinging, moving the ball through the Federation's chronically depressed midfield. Forwards Tiger and Jackal made three shots on goal in the first five minutes, all three of which were caught by Mahoro. The first quarter went by without any more events of note. The second quarter started to show promise of more back-and-forth action, as Jackal failed to defeat Admiral Emeralds, who passed up to Shinji Ikau, who in turn failed to defeat Atheistic Right midfielder Badger, while fans cheered him on.

Atheistic right fans: Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger! Badger!

Subset of Atheistic Right fans: Mushroom! Mushroom!

Miko: For some unknown reason, Badger passed to Snake, even though he had a clear drive against the anemic Federation midfield.

Atheistic Right fans: SNAKE! SNAKE! SNAAAKE! AAAAAAAH! IT'S A SNAAAAAAAAKE!

[Snake passes off to Scorpion]

Miko: Snake passed the ball off to Scorpion, who defeated fullback Yuki Miya, who played an uncharacteristically weak first half. Scorpion must have gotten a memo from Risa-Aramour, as he didn't bother with a fake but simply tried to put the ball past Mahoro's reach. The ball seemded certain to go in.

Atheistic Right fans: SCORPION WINS! FLAWLESS GOAL!

[The ball goes just high, bouncing off the crossbar]

Miko: But the crowd spoke too soon, as the ball bounced off the crossbar, saving the Federation from losing a major goal. We really don't know what all the antics from the Atheistic Right fans mean. They haven't acted like this previously, and we can only guess at their significance or who organized them. In any event, the Federation was unable to score in the first half. Here's some commentary from Coach Miyahama at the half.

[Cut to Chio by herself in the locker room]

Chio [looks around to make sure players aren't nearby]: Don't tell the players I said this until after the game, but this is a very dangerous situation. We're tied right now, but they have a solid defense, and they're riding a high tide of morale. I can't do anything to their morale directly, but I do have a trick or two up my sleeve. This isn't going to be a repeat of the Risa-Aramour game if I have anything to say about it!

[HeliCam shot of the Federation sideline]

Chio: Player repleacement! Shinji Ikau, Ran, and Aki out! Endymion, Mugen, and Gene in!

[Mugen and Gene run onto the field. Endymion and Chio face each other. Chio salutes, then Endymion. Endymion turns to face the audience as the HeliCam orbits him to get a shot of the crowd. Endymion salutes the Federation fans, and the crowd goes wild.]

Miko: There's no question about it, Chio certainly knows how to keep this team's morale up. The stunt had its intended effect, and the Federation team started pushing heavily against the Atheistic Right, resulting in six shots on goal in the third quarter alone.

[Footage of Raye Sun scoring a goal, followed by the Triumvirate doing its work]

Miko: Two of them scored, one by Raye Sun in the 53rd minute, and the second by the classic Endymion-Sagara-Vash play in the 62nd. The Federation fans were ecstatic.

[Cut to more footage]

Miko: Chio attempted to take a page out of the Risa-Aramour playbook and called for her midfielders to play defensive, and her forwards to pass frequently amongs themselves to keep the ball away from Atheistic Right in a bid to run out the clock.

[Sagara botches a pass to Raye, and Tortoise steals the ball]

Miko: It looks like the forwards could use a few more passing drills. Tortoise passed the ball up to Ant, who passed the ball up to midfielder Leopard. Leopard scored a goal in the 87th minute. Nevertheless, it was too late to turn the game around. Chio told the team to return to their standard tactics for the remainder of the game, but there were no more goals. The final score was 2-1, and the Federation advances to the semi-final regional game. Here's some commentary from the team.

[Cut to Endymion in the locker room. Mugen is changing in the background]

Endymion: Like I said, all we had to do is play a standard game of solid football.

[Pan-Pan starts edging up to Mugen]

Endymion: And Chio did exactly what she was best at; keeping our fans' and team's morale up.

[Mugen quickly turns his head to glare at Pan-Pan. Pan-Pan starts edging away.]

Reporter: What do you think about the upcoming matches?

Endymion: Whew! Well, I just saw the results from the other games. Neither Qazox or Tynelia were elimiated, so it looks like we're going to have to go through both of them if we're to end up in the finals.

Reporter: What about Green Wombat?

Endymion: They're playing Tynelia tomorrow, and I'd be very surprised if they won, which leaves us playing Qazox. It's going to bumpy ride from here on out.

[Cut to Chio in the same place]

Chio: What do I think of our next opponents? I have a healthy respect for them, as I have for all of our opponents. But I'm particularly nervous about our game against Qazox tomorrow.

Reporter: Which is to say, just a little nervous?

Chio [laughs]: Exactly.

Reporter: Just out of curiousity, what do you think of thier official state religion?

Chio: Religion? Pleople still do that?

[Cut to Gene Wil in the same place as he's leaving]

Reporter: Mr. Wil, a moment for SNN if you please?

Gene (evenly): All the easy wins are behind us now. All that remains until the end are food, sleep, practice, football, and meditation. If you'll excuse me.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: Well, you can't fault the man's intensity. Looks like water and going to the bathroom didn't make the cut. Tomorrow's game against Qazox promises to be a bruiser and emotionally charged to boot. Mr Chuck Norris, Risa-Aramour, and Vuam and Isma were all defeated today, leaving the Federation the great white hope of the Blue Group. Some are looking at Qazox's offense and concluding that the Federation is the underdog, but if you factor defense into the equation, the two teams should be well matched, since they have the same goal differential. Can Qazox's powerful offensive and moderate defense stand up against the Federation's all-around game? Tune in to INTERSPORTS-3 tomorrow at 4:00 PM to find out in the greater Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3 area, or check your local listings. In other news...[click!]

[Familiar silver SNN logo]

Male voiceover: This is a Silver News Network breaking news report.

[Cut to th newsroom]

Miko: Good evening again, I'm Miko Hasegawa. Shock spread through Rejistania as Atheistic Right head coach Owl was found dead in a cab. The President is giving an address to Rejistania, Legalese, and all other nations involved in the Baptism of Fire. Let's go there now.

[President Endymion stands in front of a podium with the Great Seal of the Federation]

Endymion: This is an outrage! This is insane! So far we have soldiers dead, journalists dead or missing, players "falling ill" under "mysterious circumstances" and now Atheistic Right head coach Owl dying under "mysterious circumstances." My peers on the world stage, how are we supposed to play a decent, honest game of football when we must fear for our very lives? I wish to extend my most sincere condolences to Atheistic Right for the loss of their head coach, and in the name of bringing the killers to justice and in the name of general security for the World Cup, I'm willing to offer the assistance of Federation personnel and other resources in apprehending those responsible. Of course, that is assuming Rejistania would be willing to grant permission for Federation police to work on Rejistanian soil.

Reporter: Mr. President! What do you care for Owl?

Endymion: A threat to one member of a group, in this case World Cup participants, from an unknown assailant is as good as a threat to everyone in that group. Now, I'm not saying that there's one mastermind behind all of the mystery, but I'd like to know more so that I can at least get a good night's sleep!

Other reporter: Mr. President! Aren't you just making a target of yourself? Wouldn't it be safer to just keep quiet and hope for the best?

Endymion: Security through obscurity? It doesn't work in computing, and it doesn't work in real life. Even if that were the Federation's way of doing things, we have no obscurity now that we've advanced to the regional semi-finals, and we haven't had it since we emerged as the Blue Group team to beat. I'm afraid I need to retire for the evening, I've had a hard day of practice and another hard day ahead of me.

Reporters: Mr. President! Mr. President!

[Cut back to the studio]

Miko: We'll have more on this story as it develops.

[Cut to SNN logo]

Male voiceover: This has been a Silver News Network breaking news report. We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Announcer: Next time, on Federation Idol!

Really bad boy band group: Forward the Federation! For now and forever...

Announcer: Someone hasn't told these guys that the Federation Standard version of our oldest and most favorite drinking song is a drinking song for a reason. It doesn't scan in Federation Standard! Also...[click!]

BECQUERELIAN NEWS IN BRIEF:

The Roentgen Post is still confused about the incorrect article published about the Becquerelia-Haraki game. Says Editor Lewis Serra: It had the correct score, us losing 2-0. But the penalty against Forrester, the Cortes goal, the Menike goal, the fights, none of it was there. We have no idea how this could have happened. We suspect a possible hacking inserting incorrect information, but we can't prove it. All we can do is promise that nothing like that will happen again."

Becquerelia wins it's quarterfinal match-up against Algal states 2-0. Next up is Kelse, who defeated Kelse 5-1. Said Head Coach Macarius Ransome of the game: "I'm giddy!" When told about their future opponent, he excused himself claiming a headache. A complete rundown of the game will be coming up on tonights NationStates News Tonight with Betroc Ludan on your trusted Becquerelian news leader: LNE.

(OOC: This is me admitting that Haraki's description of the game is vastly superior than mine. So his is right and mine is wrong. My reality is ret-conned. Is yours?)

GREEN WOMBAT DAILY NEWS

A mjor upset today in the Quarter-Finals of the Baptism of Fire as our Fighting Wombats beat favored Risa-Aramour 3-1 yesterday. For the 1st time this tourney, Ensign Graves didn't score a goal, as he got injured in the 17th minute by Risa-Aramour's Rjaism K'oalspain. Rjaism K'oalspain was only given a yellow for the foul. 2nd Lt. Daniels promptly came in an 4 minutes later, scored off a redirecterd corner kick. Later int he 1st half, 2nd Lt. Daniels scored again on a brillant breakaway at the 42nd minute. With the Team up 2-0 Head Coach Lt. Gen. Abraham Simpson preached defense and to hold Risa-Aramour's attac. But in the 48th minute Rjaism K'oalspain made up for his earlier infraction by scoring a goal on a PK. Risa-Aramour's offense then started tilited the field towards the Wombat net until a ill-timed back pass allowed CMSgt. LeRoux score the final goal at the 79th minute. Having given up the 3rd gaol, Risa-Aramour re-doubled its attack, but to no avail as Green Wombat pulled the only upset of the 1st round. Our Next match is against tynelia whom wwe met in qualifing. Tynelia won that match 1-0 in a very close match. Hopefully one of the best offenses can get it going again against a very good defense.
Here's today's results and the next match-ups.

Baptism of Fire
Round of 16 results

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia - Vuam and Isma: 1:0
Game R2: Risa-Aramour - Green Wombat: 1:3
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds - Atheistic Right: 2:1
Game R4: Qazox - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:0

Legalese Region

Game L1: Kelse - Popolus 5:1
Game L2: Becquerelia - Algal states 2:0
Game L3: Haraki - Imperial Moose 2:1
Game L4: Obsidianus - New Preussen 3:1


Next matches:
Tynelia vs. Green Wombat
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Qazox
Kelse vs. Becquerelia
Haraki vs. Obsidianus

QAZOX CITY HERALD
If you can read this then you aren't from Green Wombat

Late last night Qazox beat MR. Chuck Norris inthe Baptism of Fire Quarter-Finals. Due to a scheduling error the only account of the game is from Mr Chuck Norris' media center. the score was: Mr Chuck Norris 0
Oazox 1 Manuel Aguirre 89th minute (5th Goal)
Here's the highlights:

=Mr Chuck Norris

Right from the start of the match, the crowd knew it was going to be an awfully boring game. The first half flew by with time of possession of the ball split almost exactly half and half, 26 minutes in Qazox's hands to 24 in The Fighting Norris'. There were only three shots on goal the entire half, all three from Manuel Aguirre, who seemed to selfishly drive the ball down the field himself every attack, only to be foiled by a Fighting Norris defender or Mr. Bednarik, the Fighting Norris goaltender. The crowd actually could be heard chantting "Ball Hog!" whenever Manuel Aguirre gained control of the ball.

The second half saw much of the same play as the first half as both teams trotted up and dwon the field, no one getting a good drive off until around the 86th minute. Here is a clip of the video:

Fighting Norris midfielder Randy Cross has control of the ball. He's moving downfield and now dumping the ball off on Fighting Norris star forward Chuck Norris. He approaches the goal! He has no one to beat but the goalkeeper! HE SHOOTS! BUT IT'S BLOCKED BY QAZOX GOALKEEPER JOHN FRORR! Why didn't he roundhouse kick the ball!? He would've scored, he would've put the Fighting Norris up! What was he thinking! But now Qazox midfielder Dylan Greene is charging down the field at the 88th minute, a team will have to score now or this game will go to a Penalty Kick shootoff tiebreaker. He passes downfield to forward Manuel Aguirre. The crowd's screaming what sounds like "BALL HOG!". He's advancing toward the goal... AND HE FAKES OUT FIGHTING NORRIS DEFENDER SCOTTEST HOVEST! THERE'S TEN SECONDS LEFT! HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES AND THAT'S THE MATCH!


The only thig we cut out of that recap by the Mr Chuck Norris' media was blasphemous curses about Our Holy Ox. but since Mr. Chuck Norris is a wonderful man, we will not hold any comments made by his people against him, this time. Up next for Qazox is Allied Anime Worlds winners over the Atheistic Right 2-1. This will be a good match as it pits our strong attack against their solid defense. This match may be a match of the year canidate.

Allied Anime Worlds Head Coach Chio Miyahama had this to say about facing Qazox:

What do I think of our next opponents? I have a healthy respect for them, as I have for all of our opponents. But I'm particularly nervous about our game against Qazox tomorrow.

In other Rejistanian Region matches today Tynelia beat Vuam and Isma 1-0; Green Wombat upset Risa-Aramour 3-1.

In the Legalese Region all the Favorites advanced. Kelse destroyed Popolus 5-1; Becquerelia defeated Algal states 2-0; Tournement Favorite Haraki squeaked by the Imperial Moose 2-1; and Obsidianus beat New Preussen 3-1.

So the Regional SemiFinals are: (Predictions by Qazox City Herald's Official Ox Mooey)

Tynelia vs. Green Wombat (Tynelia 2-1)
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Qazox (Qazox 1-0)
Kelse vs. Becquerelia (Kelse 2-1)
Haraki vs. Obsidianus (Haraki 3-2)

Good luck to all the Remaining teams and to those eliminated, good luck in the WC Qualifing.

Mariners in Regional Semifinals, Tough Road Ahead

LEGALESE - Go Mariners! The Kelsian National Football Team has advanced into the Regional Semifinals, after advancing into the round of sixteen in the number one black group position to win their first playoff game, annihilating Popolus 5-1. Football fans, nationalists, and even little boys and girls are partying hard tonight around the country as their beloved Mariners advance to become one step closer to winning the Baptism of Fire. After the live telecast of the game, fans took to the streets, especially in downtown Santa Monica, to go crazy in support of their most succesful international team.

"I love it, i've never partied harder since the Liberals lowered the drinking age to 16!" says one high schooler after leaving a downtown sports bar. Mateo Sandrino, a tourist from Veneto, says he's real pleased with the way Kelse is playing. "Did you see the back-to-back goals by Espinoza?! DUDE, it was awesome! That goalie was like whoa and like Espinoza was all catch this and the goalie was like whoa and the ball was like whoa and it went in and everyone was like WHOA!"

The scoreres of the match were Mateo Ferraro, Julio Espinoza (2), Noeh Martinez, and Kaseo Moreno. Midfielder Noeh Martinez was especially surprised as a kick from around mid-field caught the goalie of guard as it slowly rolled into the net with the Popoli goal keeper chasing after it. By the second half, it was already 4-0 and all back-ups were on the field, and they played really well scoring 1 goal (Kaseo Moreno), and only letting one goal fly into their net afer a penalty. At ninety minutes, the game was over, and the Mariners advanced itnot he Regional Semifinals in a landslide victory over an unprepared Popolus squad. In an interview with Julio Espinoza after the game, he discussed how it was the best thing to ever happen to im, ever.

"Scoring two goals back to back, man, that was awesome... It was like the best thing to ever happen to me, ever! I am totally psyched for tomorrows game, we've made the long trip out here and losing will definately dampen our spirits. But hey, win or lose, we played our hears out out here and you'll definately see us at the World Cup!"

The game tomorrow will be played against Legalese Region favorites Becquerelia, who beat Algal states, 2-0. Coach Rafael Centino has been at work watching the Becquerelian team play, and has been working hard with the players to discuss strategy on how to defeat the team. "It's going to be tough tomorrow, but we can definately do it. We're going to have to play at our very best, and only than will we come out on top. Those Becquerelians are at one of the highest levels of play at the tournament, and I think if we beat them, we can win it all. Well, maybe we can't beat Haraki, but were all hoping on them to lose before we may have to play them.

The scores from the rest of todays games are as followed:

Tynelia - Vuam and Isma: 1:0
Risa-Aramour - Green Wombat: 1:3
Allied Anime Worlds - Atheistic Right: 2:1
Qazox - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:0
Becquerelia - Algal states 2:0
Haraki - Imperial Moose 2:1
Obsidianus - New Preussen 3:1

Also, the rest of the schedule for tomorrow, with the projected score from Atletica De Lux is:

Tynelia vs. Green Wombat (2-0 Tynelia advancing)
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Qazox (1-2 Qazox advancing)
Haraki vs. Obsidianus (3-0 Haraki advancing)

The team will play their regional semifinal against Becquerelia tomorrow, which will be broadcasted live across the country on Atletica De Lux, channel 15 in the greater Santa Monica area. Elsewhere, please check your local listings.

Berner Street citizens were said to be 'indifferent to the point of coma' at their national team's winless run in the Baptism of Fire Cup.

"Did you hear that they're going to have a ten man Proving Grounds match to decide the World Title?" asked one excited young lad when interviewed on the street.

"I hope Avatar wins" said one bright-eyed teenage girl.

Berner Street finished the tournament with four draws and a single loss, showcasing their committment to mediocrity. National President (and Berner Street Football team midfielder, Chris Walker-Bush) declared today and tomorrow public holidays. Some have hailed his decision as proof of his committment to the sport, others have remarked that he's simply hungover from 'celebrating' his side's 'success'.

<footage plays over the opening credits for Tynelian Soccer Weekly showing returning keeper Vladimar “the Wall” Malloy leading the charge of his teammates onto the field while in the background the song “The Wall” by the foreign group Pink Floyd blares over the loudspeakers as Tynelian fans wave their Tynelian Towels in support of their new soccer hero.>

“Welcome to the quarterfinals edition of Tynelian Soccer Weekly as we continue to follow our national team’s quest to capture the Bpatism of Fire Championship. As always this is Sal Spikeman alongside Anna Dalespin bringing the latest news from Rejistania. As you can see, the Wall, Vladimar Malloy was back in net today after missing the last two and he was as sharp as ever. Which was a good thing because team Tynelia struggled again on offense but the Jay Masterson/Brian Kenders duo came through for the game’s lone score on a nice lead pass over the defenders from Vuam and Isma which the sprinting Masterson caught up to on the second bounce and fired it past the goal keeper for Tynelia’s 1-0 win. But now looming up ahead is the green Wombat juggernaut. What are your thoughts on this Orange group rematch Anna?”

“Well Sal, it IS interesting to note that this is the only rematch taking place on either side of the draw. The Wombats will certainly be fired up to avenge their earlier 1-0 loss and the only time their tournament co-leading offense, tied with Haraki and Kelse stumbled at all. Without that shutout the Wombats would be the highest scoring team and I think that will give Coach O’Meara and his staff nightmares for tomorrow’s game.”

“Why do you think that Anna? After all they couldn’t break down the Wall the first time. Why would this be any different?”

“Because Sal, each team now has a feel for what the other has done and can make adjustments based on what they saw worked and didn’t work. I think the Wombats will be able to solve the puzzle of how to get one past Vladimar Malloy which puts the onus on the offense to come through. Quite frankly the way they have played so far I’d be concerned if this offense can keep pace with the Wombats. They got by once but twice will be extremely difficult. It will take more than the one goal Tynelia’s scored in four of the six games so far to win this one.”

“Tynelia’s offense has been just good enough to get by and Coach O’Meara does look to his defense to hold up once they do get a lead. The only game they’ve trailed in was the Atheistic Right one and they managed to come back to get a draw.”

“And that’s the problem Sal, the offense has been just that ‘good enough to get by’. If you’ll notice, of the final eight teams Tynelia is tied for sixth in offense.Against teams like the Wombats, Qazox, Kelse and Haraki they need to do better. While Tynelia and Haraki are tied for fewest goals given up, I think Tynelia is in danger this round. Risa-Aramour would have been a much better pairing for Tynbelia this round. I’m certain Coach O’Meara didn’t want to see the Wombats again.”

“Well the offense was pretty average today. Defense was the name of the game as both teams tied with only 9 shots each on net and only three quality shots on either side. Time of possession favored Vuam and Isma by three minutes as after Tynelia’s goal at the 62nd minute they went into a more defense setup.”

“That’s what some experts have commented on. They think Coach O’Meara turns to defense too soon and is more concerned with giving up the tying goal than trying to go up by more than one. With Malloy in net they feel he can take a few more chances on offense.”

“One second Anna, I hear from our field reporter dana Lee that Coach O’Meara’s press conference is about to begin.”

<cameras switchover to a small conference room where Coach O’Meara stands at a podium with several microphones attached.>

“First off I’d like to thank everyone for being here. Tynelia once more came to play and we’re moving on to the regional semifinals. I’m proud of all these players and just hope we can keep it up. Any questions?”

<several hands shoot up and O’Meara picks a smartly dressed man wearing glasses>

“Bill Leighton from the World Soccer Times. What are your plans to shut down the potent Wombats offense this time around?”

“Well Bill, this will be a tricky game since we played each other before. I know the Wombats will want to prove that Vladimar’s shutting them out last time was a fluke so I think they’ll be fired up to face us again. No one is really talking much about them lately so they might come in with a no worries attitude and just attack since people didn’t think they’d get this far. But I have faith in our team. Vladimar gets fired up when he comes up against the best teams. He likes the challenge so he’ll be ready as will the rest of the team.”

“This is Valerie Jenkins from Soccer Illustrated. Do you believe your offense will be able to keep pace with the Wombat’s overwhelming attack?”

“Like I said, I think our defense will be able to blunt the Wombats’ attack like last game. However I know they’ll be doing some tinkering to adjust to our defense so I’ll be making some changes as well. Mark Jefferson will be starting this game on the bench and Camden Alexander will be making the start.”

<pauses while he sees reporters writing or taping this first announced lineup change>

“How will that help the offense out?” Jenkins went on. “Alexander has been your defensive specialist not a scorer.”

“If you’d let me finish I’ll explain. Mark has had some trouble getting going in the tournament to date and Camden will be a big help in the middle with Jeff. The middle of the field is the most dangerous part of the field to a defenseman and goal keeper. The whole net is in play in the middle so by putting these two defensive specialist in the center we should be able to make the Wombats try more angle shots where the percentages favor the keeper. But the reasoning here is offensive not defensive. By using Camden and Jeff to shut down the middle that will allow Adrian and Brad to go out more aggressively on offense. Not that Brad needs much encouragement there. That will give us five players intent on attacking rather than our usual four. I expect this change in style to produce some more offense for us while not hurting us defensively at the same time.”

“Carl Marxan of the Tynelian Times. So will Jefferson be out the rest of the tournament?”

“No Carl, every player of this team is important. You’ll see Mark in the game at some point I’m sure and maybe coming in fresh later on when other people start getting tired on the other side will be what it takes to get him going again. He has logged a lot of minutes so far in the tournament.”

“Jim Duggin, Entertainment Star, is it true your team had an orgy before the Atheistic Right game explaining why they came out so sluggishly?”


“What kind of garbage is this? The team is here for one reason and that’s to win first the Baptism of Fire and then the 27th World Cup. Not for some mass sexcapades, you tabloid press are a disgrace to the industry and you should be ashamed of yourselves for trying to drag filth into our team’s tremendous performance so far. If this is the sort of questions you have here this conference is over!”

<O’Meara storms off the podium as other reporters desperately shout out their remaining questions while others glare at Duggin who returns the look with a “what did I say?” clueless expression on his face. In one corner just barely out of camera view a man in a black suit speaks into a some hidden microphone>

<camera returns to the studio>

“Well Anna, that was an interesting conclusion to the conference.”

“Yes Sal, it’s a shame that dirt diggers like THAT magazine have to try and ruin the wonderful run Tynelia is on to date.”
“Ok Anna, now that you’ve heard Coach O’Meara’s plan what’s your take?”

“I agree with Coach O’Meara that something needed to be done to help the offense. Benching Mark Jefferson may help as Jefferson has been invisible on the field to date. Sending the wingers out on the attack may help but as O’meara said, the outside shots make things easier for the keeper.”

“But consider this Anna. You have Kenders in the middle, have Pytte and Masterson on one end and Wallace and Collins on the other and you’d have our best passer in the middle with a passer/shooter and a shooter on either side of him. The defense will have to react to four potential shooters, two of which are also good passers instead of only two shooters, or three if Collins attacked when Pytte has stayed back to help Kenders push the ball up. Not an overly aggressive stance there.”

“You’re right about that Sal, that combination would be able to put more pressure on the opposing defense. And starting Alexander is the only possible move O’Meara had to try and get something back defensively if this is his attack plan. A bit risky perhaps leaving the wings open but something has to give if they want to put the ball into the net. More pressure on Malloy in net but other than perhaps Mark Stone there’s no one else I’d like to see back there in this situation. It will be an exciting game I’m sure.”

“One key result of the Wombats game however is the injury to Ensign Graves, the Wombats’ top scorer in the 17th minute of play. How much will that injury hurt the Wombats chances?”

“First of all, there has been no word from the Wombats as to the severity of the injury to Ensign Graves, and it should be noted that the replacement. 2nd Lt. Daniels stepped in and scored two goals. With a showing like that from Daniels I think its clear that even if Graves does not play the Wombats’ attack will not suffer very much from the loss.”

“Ok then, how about the rest of the tournament then. Only one upset took place and that was the Wombats’ win.”

“Indeed, as expected most of the top teams in the groups came away with a win. The biggest statement game came from Kelse. After hearing so much about how Haraki looked to be the class of the legalese region, Kelse comes through with a 5-1 drubbing of an outmatched Popolus team which barely snuck into the quarterfinals as it was. Given the state of team Popolus it is a little difficult to see just how impressive Kelse truly is just yet. This next game against Becquerelia, who moved on with a solid 2-0 win over the Algar States ,will be a more definitive test of how good Kelse is. As some may not realize, Kelse was also undefeated in group play with only a tie to mar their perfect record. This game will go a long way is seeing how Kelse matches up to Haraki.

“Haraki survived a cheap shot to their amazing keeper Mark Stone and held on for a surprisingly tough 2-1 win over the second lowest ranked team in the quarter finals- the Imperial Moose. Still it’s a good omen for Haraki that they could win even without their keeper in a playoff atmosphere. Early reports indicate that Stone will be ready for the game against Obsidanus who in a minor upset beat New Preussen who actually outpointed them in group play.

“Finally Qazox came through with a hard fought 1-0 win against Mr.Chuck Norris. Qazox’s offense couldn’t really get going against the stingy Norris defense. Now they face another stingy defense in the Allied Anime Worlds which survived their game against the Atheistic Right while surrendering only their third goal in the entire tournament.”

“Do you think the seeds will hold up in the next round Anna?”

“Things definitely get tougher for everyone this time around. On paper Tynelia playing the third seed while all the other games pit the top two seeds would seem to be the team with the edge. However, the Wombats have shown they can score with anyone and will go as far as their defense will take them. In my opinion I believe Haraki will move on with the least difficulty. The Kelse/Becquerelia matchup should be the game of the day as two high powered offenses take on two strong defenses. I think Kelse will ride their momentum and move on to a Legalese clash of the titans against Haraki. Some pundits are even saying the winner of this game- if it even takes place, will beat anyone coming out of the Rejistania region.

“On our side again the Wombats look to be the team that has the best chance of pulling off the upset. Tynelia’s offense is nowhere as consistant and Malloy will have to come up huge again if Tynelia plans to move on. Last show I went with the defensive team and was wrong so this time I’m going to go with a shocker and go with the Wombats offense to final send one through the Wall and move on to the regional finals in a big upset.”

“Wow, do you mean that Anna? Tynelia’s defense has been amazing.”

“Yes and the offense has been equally average. One goal will not win this game and the Wombats are much better suited to put up 2 or more than Tynelia is at this point unless Coach O’meara’s roster moves pan out.”

“Ok then , gutsy and probably an unpopular call for our viewers watching us here but that still leaves us the Qazox/Allied Anime Worlds game.”

“This one is a little more straightforward and in a way similar on a lesser scale to the Tynelia/Wombats game. This one will be whether the Qazox offense can break though the AAW’s defense as this is the strengths of both teams. The other half of the teams are both rather average so it will come down to strength vs. strength and again I’m going with the better offense and taking Qazox to move into the finals against their arch rivals the Wombats in a game which should gain high ratings among the viewing audience world wide given how much these two teams hate each other. In fact if the game does take place I wouldn’t be surprised if they are more concerned with beating the other than they are in winning the BoF.”

“Let’s not get too far ahead here Anna. After all Qazox and the Wombats both have to win before that scenario takes place.”

“Well Sal, we’ll find out soon enough I’m sure.”

“True enough Anna. And that flashing light means we’re just about out of time here. For Anna Dalespin this is Sal Spikeman wishing everyone a good night and good luck to team Tynelia.”

<end credits roll>

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS
Stay tuned for the #1 Movie of all time (in Qazox at least) "Dude, Where's My Ox?" right after this program.



“Ok then , gutsy and probably an unpopular call for our viewers watching us here but that still leaves us the Qazox/Allied Anime Worlds game.”

“This one is a little more straightforward and in a way similar on a lesser scale to the Tynelia/Wombats game. This one will be whether the Qazox offense can break though the AAW’s defense as this is the strengths of both teams. The other half of the teams are both rather average so it will come down to strength vs. strength and again I’m going with the better offense and taking Qazox to move into the finals against their arch rivals the Wombats in a game which should gain high ratings among the viewing audience world wide given how much these two teams hate each other. In fact if the game does take place I wouldn’t be surprised if they are more concerned with beating the other than they are in winning the BoF.”

“Let’s not get too far ahead here Anna. After all Qazox and the Wombats both have to win before that scenario takes place.”

“Well Sal, we’ll find out soon enough I’m sure.”

“True enough Anna. And that flashing light means we’re just about out of time here. For Anna Dalespin this is Sal Spikeman wishing everyone a good night and good luck to team Tynelia.”

<end credits roll>


"Hello, I'm Ben Dover; Hugh Jazz has tonight off. Even Tynelia the only team to have beat our Black Oxen think that we will advance to the Regional Finals. To talk about the round of 8 matches is our Football Expert, Mooey the Qazox City Herald Ox. Hello Mooey."

Mooey: Mooooooooo.

BD: Ha-ha-ha, yes those Bigtopians do say the darnest things. Now what do you think the strategy used in Qazox' match vs. Alllied Amine Worlds?"

Mooey: Moooooooo. Moooooooooo. Moo.

BD: So you think the play of our midfield will be the key to the game. If we can counter-attack with them we should be able to get good scoring chances.

Mooey: Moo.

BD: Sk, what about the other match in the region Tynelia v. Green Wombat?

Mooey: Moooo. Mooooooo. Moooooooooooooo. Moo. Moo. Moo.

BD: You think that Green Wombat's offense may be able to score on "the Wall", but if Tynelia can get an early goal, they should be able to hold them off.

Mooey: Moo.

BD: Yes i do believe that Ensign Graves will be out for the match, but his replacement seemed to do a good job. Now for the Legelese Region what are the keys to victory for the remaining teams?

Mooey: Moo. Moooo. Mooooooo. Moooooooooooooo. Moo. Moo. Moo. Moooo. Mooooooo.

BD: Whoever can get their game plan going first will probably win those matches. WHo in that regoin do you think Qazox matches up with well if we make the finals?

Mooey: Mooooo.

BD: I agree, any team but Haraki we seem to at least be even with, but that Haraki goalie is even better than "the Wall". Well that's all the time we have today, stay tuned for "Dude Where's My Ox? Starring Ashton Moore and Sean William Biggs and Mooey himself as the Ox. Have a good night and Honey, tell the mailman he better be gone by the time I get home or else...."

Baptism of Fire
Regional Semifinal Results


Rejistania Region


Tynelia [1] - [3] Green Wombat
Allied Anime Worlds [2] - [1](AET) Qazox
(Score was 1-1 at FT)

Legalese Region

Kelse [0] - [1] Becquerelia
Haraki [1] - [0] Obsidianus


Regional Finals:

Rejistania Region

Green Wombat vs. Allied Anime Worlds

Legalese Region

Becquerelia v. Haraki

OOC: So who won? Tynelia or Green Wombat? you posted 3-1 green wombat, but have Tynelia in the Regional Finals?

Baptism of Fire
Regional Semifinal Results


Rejistania Region


Tynelia [1] - [3] Green Wombat

Regional Finals:

Rejistania Region

Tynelia vs. Allied Anime Worlds

QAZOX CITY HERALD
The Baptism of fire ended too early for Qazox today, as they lost to Allied Anime Worlds 2-1 in what most pundits say was the best match so far of this incarnation of the BoF. The Black Oxen couldn't get past the robotic goalie for AAW until the 83rd minute as Andrew Mason scored. However the effort just to score weakened our defense just enough, and in the 5th minute of extra time, AAW's Raye Sun scored the winning goal and the match was over. AAW's Raye Sun also scored the 1st goal in the 13th minute of the match, allowing AAW to set back on defense and make the Black Oxen work for most of the match.

The Black Oxen will return home early tomorrow and The Most Holy Ox Oxen XXXVII has declared that tomorrow will be a national day of celebration. Even though the team didn't do as well as we wanted, this was our first foray into the international sporting world, and a record of 5-0-2 in the BoF is nothing to sneeze at. World Cup 27 qualifing is just weeks away and hopefully our team will learn from their mistakes and become one of the few BoF teams to make it to the World Cup itself.

Here are today's scores and the fixtures for the Semi-Finals. There is a conflicting report as to who won the Tynelia-Green Wombat match as both sides have declared victory, but if we had our guess, Green Wombat's lying.

Baptism of Fire
Regional Semifinal Results


Rejistania Region


Tynelia [1] - [3] Green Wombat
Allied Anime Worlds [2] - [1](AET) Qazox
(Score was 1-1 at FT)

Legalese Region

Kelse [0] - [1] Becquerelia
Haraki [1] - [0] Obsidianus


Regional Finals:

Rejistania Region

Tynelia vs. Allied Anime Worlds

Legalese Region

Becquerelia v. Haraki

Gazetto de'Espor

Baptism of Fire
Round of 16 results

Rejistanian Region

Game R1: Tynelia - Vuam and Isma: 1:0
Game R2: Risa-Aramour - Green Wombat: 1:3
Game R3: Allied Anime Worlds - Atheistic Right: 2:1
Game R4: Qazox - Mr Chuck Norris: 1:0


Next matches:
Tynelia vs. Green Wombat
Allied Anime Worlds vs. Qazox
Kelse vs. Becquerelia
Haraki vs. Obsidianus

Vuam and Isma battle bravely, but Tynelia has the killer edge in Rejistania

Tynelia was playing in it's home kit, Vuam and Isma being forced to wear the red and black away kit.

Tynelia set up their now-familiar 3-4-3 lineup :
Goalkeeper : Vladimir 'The Wall' Malloy
Central Defender : Tal Li
Central Defender : Karl Jacobs
Central Defender : John Stossels
Right Midfielder : Adrian Pytte
Central Midfielder : Jeff Leason
Central Midfielder : Brad Collins
Left Midfielder : Mark Jefferson
Forward : Brian Kenders
Forward : Troy Wallace
Forward : Jay Masterson

Bench : Amy Whiteworth, Adam Billington, Andy Martins, Camden Alexander, Sal Prath.


Vuam and Isma reverted to a wide 4-5-1 to use their wingers as well as possible :
Goalkeeper : Colm O'Connor
Right Defender : Sett Marc
Central Defender : Mounir Reguagui
Central Defender : Roman Brasiviev
Left Defender : Ray Wibowo 'Rayberto Carlos' Oey
Right Winger : Stuart O'Driscoll
Central Midfielder : Yakit 'Yak' Yakkad
Central Midfielder : Harrp Dinamyque
Central Midfielder : Exclamatio Lidon
Left Winger : Stefan Grak
Striker : Robert O'Beirne

Bench : Rikjard Stromstottir, Icham S'baa, Victor Niederberger, Fahd Ghauri, Stephen Fitzsimons

Conditions : Windy and warm with no clouds.

Officials : Y Isi, Sa~oen Xitauhean, Kanati Ndela, Hihtaka~o Iniheu.

Final Score :
Tynelia - 1 (Masterson 62)
Vuam and Isma - 0

Tynelia, first in their group, undefeated, scorers of 8 and having only conceded one goal, seemed like they would just breeze past Vuam and Isma... But that's theory. Vuam and Isma, dispite losing 2 and drawing one, qualifying in the last place of their group, scoring and conceding 5 just didn't lay down to be buried, showing that even though they weren't the best in the tournament, qualification was no fluke. Tynelia only managed to score one, making that three 1-0 wins they've had so far, and putting Vuam and Isma on par with Rorysville and Green Wombat, just behind Atheistic Right, but in front of Quazox and CR Oscilloscopes.

The news of the match was the return of 'The Wall' in the Tynelian goal.

Even though pundits from Quazox had predicted a 2-0 win, Vuam and Isma "ran their socks into the ground" to concede only one, and keep the match uncertain untill the final whistle.

Match report

Tynelia got the kick-off after winning the toss, and engaged the match in a very physical way, but without commiting any fouls. Tynelia however didn't have a real command on the opening stages of the match, despite having a far stronger crowd to cheer them on.

Vuam and Isma got the first shot on goal, Grak playing a quick one-two with Harrp Dynamique to speed past Pytte and cross the ball for O'Beirne, whose shot went straight at Malloy.

Tynelia came back, and the first half was filled with creative midfield play and interesting attacking line-ups, allowing defenders and goalkeepers at each end to show their worth. Tynelia's Collins recieved a standing ovation after turning on the ball to beat Yak and Lidon, and then running on to crash a shot from outside the box towards the bottom right-hand corner. However, he had his match in goal, O'Connor diving to full extent to prevent the ball from shaking the net.

After half-time, both teams turned a little more to the attack, and Tynelia's efforts paid off when Kenders made a pinpoint-precision pass for Materson to put Tynelia ahead.

After that, Tynelia played a typical 'close the shop' as they have done since the start of the tournament, to great sucess. Their strikers played very low, and from that point on, most of the play was in the Tynelian end. Fitzsimmons came on late, with Ghauri to replace Rayberto Carlos and Marc, as Vuam and Isma applied the power, playing a very unorthodox 2-5-3. However, 'The Wall' shook but did not fall, as Fitzsimmons hit the post twice late in the game, and Ghauri had a delicious chip refused for offside, all in the last 20 minutes of play.

As the match ended, both teams shook hands, in a wonderful reminder of just what the BoF is for : football.

Post-match Reactions :

Icham S'baa Vuam and Isma Defender : "The goal was well taken, and they deserve the win. We feel a bit sour that we didn't push the game into extra time, but that's the way things go."

Vladimir 'The Wall' Malloy Tynelia Goalkeeper : "It was a pretty even game, and I'm happy I managed to keep the clean sheet. Fitzsimmons played a great game, as did Ghauri. When I saw the ball in the back of my net, I thought it was all over. We were tired and unprepared to get back out to attack. When the 'ref blew his whistle, I couldn't believe it. I just hope we'll see Vuam and Isma again, and why not in the World cup?"

Harrp Dynamique Vuam and Isma Midfielder : "Really, we did the best we could, and I'm just dissapointed we didn't win. I really thought we played better for much of the match, and it's crazy we were unlucky enough to hit the woodwork twice so late in the match, and then have a goal dissalowed. I don't think Fhad was offside."

Marcus O'Meara Tynelia Team Coach : "I'm delighted by the presence we made early on in the game. We've had problems in midfield recently, with some opponents trying to stamp us out of the game with physical play. I didn't expect Vuam and Isma to play rough, but it's still good we showed them that we were out there to do business, and not just to have fun. If I had to give a player of the match award, I'd be in a pretty mess. I'd probably give it to Malloy for the shutout, but the silver medal would go to the, uh, O'Connor lad that played for Vuam and Isma. To perform at a level that's not far below Malloy's at such a young age is a great promise for the future, and his performance today was very good."

Johann Fischsimmons Vuam and Isma Head Coach and Manager : "They outplayed us in midfield, defence, attack and in goal. They deserved to win, because they played with real passion. Now, we'll have to look at why we didn't get through, and how we can prepare better for the next set of games we have to play for the WC27Q. As for Tynelia, I sincerely wish them to win the tournament, because they played fair and well, and are a team that's able to play at the highest level, I think."

((OOC <cheers and cries at the same time having very mixed emotions of the win/loss> if i had to guess i'd say the score was right (unfortunately for the brave Tynelians) and the listing afterwards was wrong))

((OOC <cheers and cries at the same time having very mixed emotions of the win/loss> if i had to guess i'd say the score was right (unfortunately for the brave Tynelians) and the listing afterwards was wrong))

You are right, sadly. The score was correct, and I mistyped the bottom part of the post. My sincere apologies for those wronged in the situation.

Libel!
Typographical error leaves Channel Sport Red (and Black) in the face

Francopolis, Legalese: Embarassment ran through the offices of Channel Sport today, as a mistake in the score reports showed the Tynelian national team advancing to the Rejistanian Regional Final over Green Wombat. Unfortunately, the Tynelians had falled by a 3-1 margin to Green Wombat, and will not be advancing to the final.

"It was a pure translation error", said a spokesperson for Channel Sport, the flagship network for Legalese's coverage of the Baptism of Fire. "Our Rejistanian expert has been questioned on the issue, and the problem has been resolved."

The spokesperson did not say, however, what action would be taken by the network against the translator, except that "an investigation is currently ongoing."

In other news, a spokesperson for the LAFF did make an offhanded comment about a possible inviation to the Tynelians for a match in Legalese, as a show of goodwill. When pressed, he would not give details of the unconfirmed offer.

Haraki entered the field today with a purpose. With only three games left to ensure them the championship, the regional semi-finals (tournament quarter-finals) against Obsidianus looked to be a tough game. Although the opposition had gone 2-1-2 in qualifying, finishing in tenth place overall, they had beaten favoured team New Preussen 3-1 in their last game and were riding the wave of support for them following this victory. They were a tough team, with coach Pekka P. Necropolis urging his team on to victory, although it seemed that there was a certain air of nervousness with both teams, Haraki primarily because Mark Stone was starting once again, still not fully recovered from the incident against Imperial Moose only several days before. He seemed jumpy and on edge throughout the entire game, and was definitely not on top form. In a surprise decision, Haraki coach Lloyd Vargas decided not to place midfield Luke Ford on the starting rotation for the game, substituting defenceman Nathan Rogers instead, and giving Haraki a 2-4-4 setup, unusual throughout the entire tournament. This seemed to be his assurance to Stone. Ford, asked by reporters if he was disappointed nt to be starting for the team, responded with a simple shrug. "It was Lloyd's decision," he said casually, "and I respect that. If this is what Mark needs to stay on form tonight and get us the win, then that's what has to be done."

Obsidianus won the kickoff and started with the ball, maintaing posession for ten minutes, mostly in the Haraki end, which ended only with a shot from forward Lounis Lounispoika that Stone managed to catch and throw out to captain Mike Zendar, in right field, who took it down the field supported, as always, by midfield Thomas Neils. The defence had managed to stop previous shot attempts from being made, especially with Rogers on the field, but the one made against Stone was inevitable. He seemed to be on top form for the catch, and the throw out to Zendar.

Zendar, Neils and Samantha Ribald made their way down the field, getting past opposition midfield Valentin Pykkonen with a pass over to Ribald, who made a long pass up to Samuel Sharp, in the front left corner. He made a shot on goal, but it was a weak attempt easily stopped by goaltender Ari Saari.

The first half remained relatively even, with six shots on net by Haraki and four by Obsidianus, but both keepers managed to stop all the shots. Posession was also close to even, with eighteen Obsidianus minutes and twenty-seven Haraki minutes. The first half ended with no goals scored, and reportedly both coaches got somewhat mad in the locker rooms, trying hard to inspire their teams.

As the second half started with a Harakian kickoff, the ball was passed back to Ribald, who took off down the field, passing up to Sharp once more, who passed back to midfield Lawrence Foster, jogging up the left side of the field. With no goals throughout the whole tournament, and little important role in the games, Foster was viewed as one of Haraki's 'filler' players. He was a good support player, but not renowned for anything in particular. He made a pass over to Cortes, running up to assist with the offense, who took a shot which was blocked. But the next fifteen minutes belonged to Haraki. Twelve of them were spent in the Obsidianus end, and seven shots were made on net, including two very good ones by, respectively, Zendar and Cortes. But goalkeeper Saari was in very good shape the whole game, and Haraki's only goal came at sixty-five minutes in.

Obsidianus defender Yrjö Kasvissyöja had just received a pass from Saari, and was taking it up the field looking for an open player to pass a clearing kick to, when he suddenly found himself blocked by Manuel Cortes. He made a pass to Pykkonen, which Cortes kicked out and deflected, sending the pass spinning through the air to Zendar, who turned and headed it to Neils. Neils, making his way down the field, saw a wide open pass to a wide open player, and made it to Foster, who received the pass, and turned towards the net. He was wide open, with no defenders in the way, and he started running. Saari left towards the edge of the crease to try and grab the ball from him, but he managed to get the ball past her and was suddenly facing a wide open net. He made a fairly slow and careful kick to make sure that he scored - what a national embarassment it would be if he did not - and it rolled right into the net, turning his jog around to the right and raising his hands victoriously.

Obsidianus tried desperately to make a goal to tie up the game and at least take it into overtime, but Haraki, as they had several times before in the tournament, simply resigned themselves to a one-goal lead and ran a tight defensive ship. The four defencemen on the field stopped almost all shot attempts, and Obsidianus got off only three more throughout the entire second half. The ninety minutes ran out after twenty minutes of Haraki defensive play, and the Haraki fans went crazy. The Hawks had won another game, and were now into the semi-finals, facing previous opponent Becquerelia.


Haraki 1 - Obsidianus 0

Foster (65)


Lloyd Vargas, speaking to reporters after the match, was asked several key questions. The first was "You're now facing Becquerelia once again. What are your opinions on their style of playing?"

"I think Becquerelia is running a great game. They played very well in our last game against them, and I think they'll be doing even better in the next game, with even more on the line. Right now, I'd just like to focus on practicing to make sure all our players are in best possible condition for the match."

"Mr Vargas, what do you think about the Tynelia-Green Wombat game?"

"I have to say, I was wrong about that game. I predicted a Tynelian victory, especially with the Wall back in the net. The results surprised me, but I'm still happy for Green Wombat. Scoring three goals against a keeper like that is no easy feat, and I think they've got a great offensive game."

"Who would you rather play if you make it to the finals, Green Wombat or Allied Anime Worlds?"

"To be perfectly honest, I'd rather play Anime Worlds. They've been playing teams that did worse than them in qualifying and barely pulling off victories, including a tense victory against Qazox in extra time. As opposed to Green Wombat, who have seemed to really shape up their defensive game after qualifying and pulled off two 3-1 victories over teams that did better than them in qualifying. They've got a great offense, something I dread ever playing against. Overall, I'm hoping for an Anime Worlds victory."

"Thanks for your time, Mr Vargas. Good luck with the tournament."

"Thank you."

With that, he quickly left to go rejoin the team, who were already physically and mentally preparing themselves for their second game against Becquerelia.

<opening credits roll>

“Well all good things must come to an end and here at Tynelian Soccer Weekly we must sadly announce the defeat of the previously undefeated Tynelian squad by a 3-1 margin in an orange group rematch against the Green Wombats. I’m Sal Spikeman along with Anna Dalespin to go over the defeat. So Anna what happened?”

“This looks to be a classic case of ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. Sal. Tynelia had come into the game using their usual strategy to get thme this far. Then in an apparent overreaction to the potent Wombats offense, Coach O’Meara tinkered with the winning formula and moved some players around to try and jumpstart the offense. Instead it led to players being out of position on both offense and defense and you can’t do that against an offense like the Wombats.”

“Right you are Anna, the game was totally dominated by the Wombats as the 22-12 shot advantage clearly indicated. Quality shots were even more one sided 7-2 as the Wombats picked apart the ill-prepared Tynelian defense. Not even Valdimar Malloy could stop the barrage of near point blank shots the Wombats were getting off. Possession was heavily in the Wombats’ favor as well by over a ten minute margin. While the Tynelian squad was adjusting to the new lineup they found themselves down 2-0 by the half as the Wombats machine took full advantage of the situation. A third goal at the start of the second half sealed the deal while Adrian Pytte prevented the shutout with a goal in the 70th minute but by then it was too little too late. Tynelia had not had to play catchup like this the entire tournament and it caught up to them today.”

“That may be Sal but remember, while winning the Baptism of Fire would have been a huge feather in our cap, the main goal was to qualify for the World Cup 27. Reaching the final eight with a regional semifinals defeat would seem to bode well for Tynelia’s chances for the main event so to speak.”

“That’s true Anna but you can’t say that Coach O’Meara didn’t want to win the BoF. After all you can only qualify for it once in a nation’s history while in theory winning multiple World Cups is possible.”

“Well any loss is terrible Sal, but now perhaps when arranging the World Cup team, Coach O’Meara and the team can learn from this loss and take the positives from the last week to build on. Hopefully in the Cup itself in a few weeks. A bit more time practicing as a unit and if they make it I think Tynelia can make some noise in the Cup.”

“We’ll find out soon enough. But now let’s go to field reporter Dana Lee with a disappointed Coach O’Meara.”

<footage cuts to the field where a dejected Coach O’Meara stands by.>

“So Coach what happened today?”

“Oh it’s my fault Dana, I shouldn’t have tweaked the lineup as much as I did. I got the boys all out of position when they were just getting used to working together in their original spots. The Wombats stayed with their normal routine and just took control of the game. While we did need more of a punch out there that falls back on me too since I selected a more defensive minded strategy on the roster. It worked fine the first week and might have made the difference today if I stuck with it. Of course the Wombats played a great game today to avenge their previous shutout so even if we were clicking on all cylinders we still might have lost today. Hats off to the Wombats for their dominating performance today. Hopefully I’ll have a chance to make it up to the boys if we qualify for the World Cup. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

<Coach O’Meara walks off with his shoulders slumped as he heads back to the locker room area.>

“Well there you have it Sal. Coach O’Meara takes the blame for this one on himself. Back to you.”

<footage returns to the studio>

“Point blank Anna. Do you agree?”

“In a sense its true, as the coach, O’Meara is responsible in part for what happened out there as he put the lineup out there. On the other hand the players had to step up as well and they couldn’t do it here today. Even Malloy couldn’t hold everything together under these circumstances. I’m sure he’s very disappointed with his own performance today even though the defense didn’t do him any favors letting the Wombats attack the net like they did. Still it’s a learning experience for everyone out there as this is Tynelia’s first experience in world play. Both the players and O’Meara have learned something out here today with this loss and hopefully the hosts of the World Cup have seen that Tynelia deserves a spot in the Cup.”

“I totally agree there. Tynelia has shown that we can field a strong competitive team and will more than hold up our end if we get into the Cup. Soccer fever has never run higher and the team stars like Jay Masterson and of course Vladimar Malloy have become household names here in Tynelia where soccer was a distant fifth behind baseball, football Tynelian style, cross country running and curling in the sporting world. With our Tynelian Towels our fans will follow this squad wherever they may go on the world stage.”

“Yes Sal, our team has done us proud here.”

“And what of this unofficial offer from the LAFF for some sort of match invitation in Legalese Anna?”

“Well we can’t read too much into this. The initial postings of a Tynelia/Allied Anime Worlds regional finals match in some areas had led to some celebrations by Tynelians back at home which made the hosts look bad when they were forced to retract it and post the correct pairing. Some more intoxicated fans mentioned that we should declare war on them for doing this but these people were quietly removed from the scene but several unnamed black suited individuals.”

“Now even though Tynelia is out what are your thoughts on the rest of the games today.”

“This was a surprising day in the orange group survivors , both Tynelia and Qazox, both heavily favored to meet in the regional finals were knocked out. Qazox fell to the Allied Anime Worlds 2-1 in extra time. Even the Legalese region had an upset as the Kelse offense that put up five goals their last game were shutout by Becquerelia while Haraki kept right on rolling. Both games ending in a 1-0 score. Now Becquerelia and Haraki will have their group rematch won by Haraki 2-0 but as the Wombats showed today beating the same team twice in a handful of days is a tough task for any team.”

“So who do you like in the regional finals?”

“At this point you can’t not like the Green Wombats chances of moving on. A powerful offense that is now tops in the tournament, the lowest seed left has a very good chance of becoming the regional champion as I don’t see the AAW being able to keep up with that offense. On the other side the two teams most people expected to be in the finals are there and look for Haraki to continue its dominant ways and advance to the finals.”

“So you’re going with Haraki vs. Green Wombats for the BoF championship then Anna? Who wins it all?”

“That would be a very exciting match. The Wombats offensive juggernaut against Mark Stone who has not allowed a goal in six games now. As Vladimar showed earlier, the Wombats can be stopped once, which works in Stone’s favor. However can the Haraki offense get the job done against the Wombats’ defense? I say yes. I’ll take Haraki by a 2-1 margin if indeed those two teams meet.”

“Good enough Anna. Now our time is up and with the BoF done for team Tynelia, Tynelian Soccer Weekly will return to its regularly scheduled time barring any unforeseen circumstances. If Tynelia does qualify for the World Cup we will once again be with you for daily coverage for as long as Team Tynelia can last. Until then this is Sal Spikeman and Anna Dalespin wishing everyone a good night.”

<final credits roll while an inspirational song plays over them and highlights of the Tynelian soccer team’s run through the BoF is played>

[Familiar silver SNN logo]

Male voiceover: This is the Silver News Network, bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium.

[Cut to newsroom]

Miko: Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa. First we turn our attention to sports. It looks like FAAW's national football team is still in the game. Much to the deight of FAAW fans, the Federation defeated Qazox, 2-1. And now for the game summary.

[Cut to the teams running onto the field. The Federation team kicks off to themselves.]

Miko voiceover: The Federation was back to its old self today, and was again on the attack early. Raye and Shinji pushed especially hard at the Qazox defense in a display of strength they had apparently not anticipated.

[Cut to later in the game]

Miko voiceover: The attack paid off. Sagara to passed to Vash, who found himself blocked from a good shot. Not to be defeated so easily, a completely unexpected no-look pass to Raye Sun resulted in a goal in the 13th minute.

[Raye blasts it in for a goal. The Federation crowd cheers wildly. Cut to later in the game, Qazox has control of the ball, but is having a hard time getting through the Federation's normally weak midfield.]

Miko voiceover: Head coach Chio Miyazawa claimed to be a little nervous about today's game, and it showed when she changed the team's tactics after gaining the early goal. She once again told her forwards to play back and reinforce the midfield in a bid to force Qazox to work hard for the tying goal.

[Shot of Francis Alouette in control of the ball, defeating Amy Waters.]

Miko voiceover: The bid was only partially succesful, as Qazox wingers Francis Alouette and Manuel Aguirre were able to break through a handful of times in the second and third quarter.

[Footage of several shots on the Federation goal]

Miko voiceover: However, the android Mahoro was very much up to the task tonight, no longer counting on the human players trying to fake her out to make her job easier. Then, someone on the Qazox team actually did figure out a way to fake out the android goalie in the 83rd minute.

[HeliCam shot of Andrew Mason in contol of the ball, deftly defeating Undersecretary Umora Shin]

Miko voiceover: It looked like a formula for another failed shot attempt, as Mason had no one to pass to and the defensive dynamic duo, Mugen and Yuki, closing in on him fast. Then it happened.

Andrew: Look, Mahoro! A man selling pornography!

[Cut to a HeliCam closer to Mahoro]

Mahoro: What?! Where! I think pornography is ba-

[Mahoro sees the ball go into the net]

Maohro (whispering): Oh my gosh....

[A blood curdling outcry rises up from the Federation fans. Then they settle into booing. They they settle into a chant.]

Fans: Throw her out! Throw her out! Throw her out!

Miko voiceover: Head coach Chio Miyahama called a time out and called Mahoro over to the sideline.

[HeliCam shot of Chio and Mahoro]

Mahoro: I'm so sorry, coach. I'm so ashamed. We were so close...

Chio: Relax, we're not through yet. Mahoro, what happened out there?

Mahoro: He...he said that there was a man selling pornography behind me...

Chio: Are you going to be all right?

Mahoro: No. My emotional state is going to affect my play for the rest of the game.

Chio: Aren't you an android?

Mahoro: Yes, but my shame subroutine is in full swing, and I can't override it manually. I'm sorry again, coach, but I'm worthless to you for the rest of the game.

Chio: That can't be...we don't have anyone else who can goalkeep. What are we going to do?

[Pan-Pan steps up, pushes Mahoro aside, and points at himself]

Chio: Pan-Pan? You? I already put you in once, and it was a disaster!

[Pan-Pan points to himself, then the goal.]

Chio: You mean, you can goalkeep?

[Pan-Pan nods confidently]

Chio: Well...I guess. Here goes. Mahoro out, Pan-Pan in!

[The fans raise another outcry and start booing again. Endymion steps up, and waves his hand at the crowd. He picks up a microphone.]

Endymion: My fellow citizens, believe in Colonel Miyahama, and believe in me! We're going to win this one!

[He puts the microphone down]

Endymion: Coach, put me in.

Chio: Yes, sir! Shinji out, Endymion in!

[The crowd stops booing and applauds politely as Endymion takes the field]

[Cut to Pan-Pan swatting shot after shot out of the Federation goal. The crowd first reacts with shock, then with unrestrained cheering]

Miko voice over: And who would have ever thought that the panda would make an amazing goalkeep? He picked up the slack for an emotionally depressed Federation defense, stopping two quality shots on goal in the last minutes of regular time.

[HeliCam shot of Endymion with the ball]

Miko voice over: The Federation came out swinging in overtime, as Endymion quickly took control of the ball and started moving upfield. It looked like a standard triumvirate play, except that the Qazox fullbacks Hadeen Homer and Masse Jower had Vash and Sagara locked up tight. Then, something else unexpected happened.

Muted voice of Qazox sportscaster: Oh my gosh, they're leaving Raye Sun wide open!

[Endymion looks over at Sagara, then passes to Raye]

Miko voice over: Endymion passed the ball instead to Raye Sun, who slammed the ball in for the Federation's second goal. Ecstatic Federation teammates carried Raye off of the field, tonight a hero of the Federation. Here's some post game commentary.

[Cut to a close-up of a Fedation fan]

Fan: We heard what happened with that Qazox goal, it was a dirty trick! Mahoro, we fans want to say something to you.

[The camera pulls back, revealing about a hundred Federation fans]

Fans: We're sorry, Mahoro!

[Cut to a shot of President Endymion]

Endymion: Who would have thought that the panda would be such an amazing goalie! He really saved us just when we needed it too!

[Cut to Mugen]

Mugen: So you mean to tell me we had this dynamite goalie on our sideline the whole time and no one knew about it? And here I thought that he was just a pain in the [record scratch]. I'm not sure how much good it will do us in the upcoming World Cup tournament, Mahoro's really good at it, you know? Well, I suppose it's good to have a backup, like we saw tonight's game demonstrate.

[Cut to Pan-Pan doing a victory lap around the Federation locker room]

[Cut to Chio Miyahama]

Chio: I don't believe it. The Empress herself must have reached from beyond the other side to intervene.

Reporter: You really think that? I thought you weren't religious.

Chio: Well, I don't REALLY believe it, but that's what it seems like. We'll definately put Pan-Pan through some more drills to see if he's as good as tonight's performance suggests.

[Cut to Admiral Emeralds]

Emeralds: I hear that Green Wombat beat out Tynelia tonight. Tomorrow's matchup should be interesting.

[Cut back to the newsroom]

Miko: Interesting indeed. Most were predicting that it would be Qazox and Tynelia in the regional finals, but now it's us and those wacky religious Green Wombats. Some are already calling Green Wombats the favorite in tomorrow's game, but a look at the goal differentials reveals that this is not the case. As a Federation fan myself, all I can say to the world is...don't discount us so quickly. In national news...[click!]

GREEN WOMBAT DAILY NEWS
Do you Believe in Coincidence???

The Fighting Wombats puuled another upset yesterday by beating favored Tynelia 3-1 in the BoF QuarterFinals. Coupled with our previous win, this give our country the 2 biggest upsets so far in this BoF. Since our media center was hacked by unknown black suited men, we only have the Tynelian report, which originally posted that they won the match. The host countries then corrected the misunderstanding and posted the correct score causing massive celebrations and burning of Oxen across our great land.
Here is the offical report:

Goals For:
Green Wombat
SSgt. Wilcox 2 goals (17th and 52nd)
2nd Lt. Daniels 1 goal (33rd)
Tynelia
Adrian Pytte (70th)

The Tynelian head coach O'Meara had tinkered with his usual line-up going for more forwards in an effort to out score us, but due to the lacking defense the Tynelian Keeper Valdimar "the Wall" Malloy, who was unstoppable in the fist match between these teams was just overwelmed by our attack.

Green Wombat will advance the the Rejistian Regional Final vs. Allied Anime Worlds a 2-1 extra time winner over the over-confident Qazox squad. Hopefully our offense will carry us through into the BoF Finals.

David Deneen has had a interesting life, seemingly full of self-sacrifice. He sacrifices his body all the time in net as a goalie, and for four years, he gave up professional soccer money and gloryto serve in the armed forces.

"It had never been a question about what I was going to do. I was going to go to college, and then serve my country. That always was first and foremost. Football was just a thing on the side it turned out I was good at."

David Deneen was born on January 1, 1978 in Jacinthe, Peregrine. His father had served as a Behemoth Corps (Army) Medic, his mother died during childbirth.

"My father tried to emphasize that Becquerelia was bigger than all of us, and that people needed to give back to our homeland in some way." Deneen said. "The only job I ever wanted was to be a soldier. Originally I was going to go the Military acadamy, but my grades weren't good enough. I wanted to enlist immediatly, but I father insisted I get a college education."

And so David attented Ampere College in Cesious. For fun, he joined the school football team, in which he discovered his talent.

"He was the best goalie I had ever seen." said Ampere College coach Charles Redliks. " A complete natural."

David was a emotional focus for the team, and led them to a national championship in his senior year. He was predicted to get a huge contract from any pro team, but he turned them all down, and joined the military immediatly after graduating.

"Never had a doubt in my mind. There was never a option."

David served as a Special Forces officer, a position which is known to be the toughest in the military. David seemed prepared to serve until he had to retire, but then the outside world got in the way.

"My father got sick. Cancer. His military pension couldn't cover the cost of healthcare. So I decided that I had to help him somehow."

David earned a discharge, and went back to soccer.

"I tried out with the Selane Tigers, and they signed me to a contract on the spot. Most of my pay went to get my father the best care Courtains could get."

So for two years, David played for his father. He won Rooke-of-the-Year in his first year, and and was a all-star in his second. However, David's father passed away shortly before he was chosen for the Baptism of Fire team.

"I've been playing for him, and my country. I'm giving back again, just in a different way." David said, "I couldn't be happier."

-

And how David has been playing! He played well in the first four games, only giving up two goals. But
the Haraki game changed all that.

"Those two flukish goals against Haraki were embarrassing to me. Sure, Haraki played a great game, but I could have done better. So I had really tried to push myself."

One could see that late in the Haraki game, when he blocked a shot only using his chest.

"It winded me pretty well, but I stopped the goal, which is the important part."

Past that point, Deneen was unstoppable. In the Algal states game, he stopped 11 shots over the 90 minutes, as Becquerelia played what Coach Ransome called "as complete a game as we've played all tourney." And then in the defensive struggle against Kelse, Deneen halted 7 shots, including one just off his fingers at the corner of the net.

And now comes the anticipated rematch against Becquerelia that everyone has wanted. And how does David think Becquerelia will do?

"We'll play our hardest and our best. It's all we can do."

--

John looked up from his copy of Athletics magazine and called David over.

John stared intently at David. "Have you read this article?"

"Yes, I have. Why?" David asked.

"It's the sappiest thing I've read in a while David."

David laughed. "You'd be surprised how much mail I'm getting from this. It's getting to be a bit much."

"Well," John said chuckling, "I hope your fan mail doesn't stop hurt your playing!"

"No, sir." John said, shaking his head. "Hey, could you help me practice my blocking? It'll be nice to get a little more work in."

"Sure thing David" John said. He grabbed a ball, and the two headed out to the field.

OOC: call this my way of making up for the Tynelian error.

LAFF announces the Kyle Cartman Benefit Game

Francopolis, Legalese: The Legalese National Team has participated in two Baptism of Fire tournaments, and looks to unofficially jump into involvement with a third version. LAFF executive director Sal Langston announced the Kyle Cartman Benefit Match, as a prelude to the Baptism of Fire Championship on Sunday here in the Titanplex.

"Throughout this tournament, we've seen many shining stars, as well as one related tragedy," said Langston. As such, we feel the most appropriate way to help close the competition is with a special match, to benefit the family of Qazoxian reporter Kyle Cartman. And what better way to do it than to bring in the Tynelian nationals?"

If the match goes on, it will take place before the Championship match as a doubleheader. A portion of the proceeds from the match will be provided to help the Cartman family in their time of need.

OOC: This will have no effect on the KPB's, and simply will be an extra friendly/RP opportunity

OOC: So who's playing in it? Tynelia and Qazox?

OOC: call this my way of making up for the Tynelian error.

LAFF announces the Kyle Cartman Benefit Game

Francopolis, Legalese: The Legalese National Team has participated in two Baptism of Fire tournaments, and looks to unofficially jump into involvement with a third version. LAFF executive director Sal Langston announced the Kyle Cartman Benefit Match, as a prelude to the Baptism of Fire Championship on Sunday here in the Titanplex.

"Throughout this tournament, we've seen many shining stars, as well as one related tragedy," said Langston. As such, we feel the most appropriate way to help close the competition is with a special match, to benefit the family of Qazoxian reporter Kyle Cartman. And what better way to do it than to bring in the Tynelian nationals?"

If the match goes on, it will take place before the Championship match as a doubleheader. A portion of the proceeds from the match will be provided to help the Cartman family in their time of need.

OOC: This will have no effect on the KPB's, and simply will be an extra friendly/RP opportunity

{OOC} you do know that Kyle Cartman's not dead right....lol :cool:

{IC} The Most Serene Republic of Qazox would like to thank on the behalf of Mr. Cartman's family, Legalese and Tynelia for this special exhibtion match, and to Rejistania ans well for being such excellent hosts and for their help in the investigation surrounding the mysterious death of Mr. Cartman. Once again our humble country would like to thank you.

OOC: Either I missed that, Qazox, or for the sake of appearances, I'll pretend to have missed that. And for clarification, it'll be the Legalese National Team vs. Tynelia (assuming Tynelia accepts), but anyone can comment on the match, of course. Like I said, it's a minor sideshow, with no KPB implications. The real show will be the Championship and 3rd Place Playoffs.

[Scene: Federation council chambers. Present are the full council.]

Endymion [leafing through media summaries]: Well, it looks like no one is interested in finding out the cause behind Owl's death, or any of the other "mysterious events" surrounding the Baptism of Fire. I shudder to think what goes on in the real event.

Chio Miyahama: How do we know that Owl was murdered? It may have been a natural death. What do the records say?

Amy Waters: There's more mystery there. I checked the records yesterday, and they said poison. Today they say heart failure.

Endymion: Curiouser and curiouser. Any theories? Raye?

Raye: We don't know enough about this Owl character. His murder may or may not be related to the Baptism of Fire at all.

Amy: Oh? This is uncharacteristic for you. Usually you'd have some bizarre-sounding theory up your sleeve.

Raye: No thanks, I'm trying to cut down.

Endymion: Let's assume that it did involve the Baptism of Fire. What then?

Raye: Well, in that case I'd say it was an inside job. Someone at Atheistic Right would be responsible.

Amy (chuckles): And is this theory of yours based on pure intuition?

Raye: I told you I'm trying to cut down. Think about it, no other country could possibly have any motive. Atheistic Right had been knocked out of the tournament, so a strike against Owl would be a risk with no potential of reward. Atheistic Right may look at it as a punishment for failure, or an atonement for shame.

Sagara: If I may say so, it does ring true.

Endymion: Yes, and they do take Darwin's ideas a little too seriously. You've seen their newscast, "fittest for survival news?" Their last newscast said that they weren't fit for survival. And how their players were all named after animals?

Chio: I'm sorry, Darwin?

Endymion: A famous biologist in this world's history. Chasden did very similar work in our history.

Mahoro: I think there's nothing worthwhile we can do without Rejistania's and Legalese's permission to have our police working on their soil!

Endymion: And of course, it's the Secretary of the Incredbily Obvious to the rescue. I'm afraid she's right. I say we table this issue until we get permission to go forward with an investigation, or at least some more international interest. Without objection? Good. Let's get some sleep. We have a heck of a game tomorrow.

<the Tynelian Minster of Propaganda Jill Claymore steps up to a podium after seeing the latest release from Legalese about the Kyle Cartman Benefit game and addresses the television audience>

"President Jacob Martins has instructed me to officially confirm that the Tynelian National soccer team, recently eliminated from the Baptism of Fire tournament by a strong Green Wombats team will be honored to compete in the Kyle Cartman benefit game against the Legalese national team. The Tynelian team has been contacted before they had left Rejistania and will be happy to take on their former orange group rivals to help out Mr. Cartman's family in this time of need. President Martins has also said he will personally donate a sum of 20000 vinlis to the family to further help them through this tragedy.

"I have also recieved a brief statement from Coach Marcus O'Meara about the match which i shall read at this time."

<Claymore pulls out a notecard and begins to read>

"Team Tynelia is honored to have been selected by the LAFF to participate in honoring the memory of Mr. Kyle Cartman. It is an added honor to play the national team of one of the two host nations of this year's BoF-Legalese, a team which has already participated in the World Cup. This will be a great test for our team to see what we may face if we qualify for the World Cup 27 and that the game will be for a good cause regardless. So to honor the great athlete that Mr. Cartman was Tynelia will play its regular starting lineup to ensure we play our best game possible."

<Claymore finishes reading and looks back up again>

"On behalf of the nation of Tynelia i would like to express our condolences to the nation of Qazox and the family of Mr. Kyle Cartman on this tragedy and hope that soccer fans will fill the stands for this special event for this good cause. Thank you."


((OOC edit- from what i recall Cartman isn't dead but that no one is really aware that he is still alive-except for some higher ups in Qazox who are keeping things hush-hush, after all they already had the funeral for him <G>))

((OOC edit 2- oops changing a few things around, i thought we were playing Qazox <G>))

[Scene: Federation council chambers. Present are the full council.]

Endymion [leafing through media summaries]: Well, it looks like no one is interested in finding out the cause behind Owl's death, or any of the other "mysterious events" surrounding the Baptism of Fire. I shudder to think what goes on in the real event.

Chio Miyahama: How do we know that Owl was murdered? It may have been a natural death. What do the records say?

Amy Waters: There's more mystery there. I checked the records yesterday, and they said poison. Today they say heart failure.

Endymion: Curiouser and curiouser. Any theories? Raye?

Raye: We don't know enough about this Owl character. His murder may or may not be related to the Baptism of Fire at all.

Amy: Oh? This is uncharacteristic for you. Usually you'd have some bizarre-sounding theory up your sleeve.

Raye: No thanks, I'm trying to cut down.

Endymion: Let's assume that it did involve the Baptism of Fire. What then?

Raye: Well, in that case I'd say it was an inside job. Someone at Atheistic Right would be responsible.

Amy (chuckles): And is this theory of yours based on pure intuition?

Raye: I told you I'm trying to cut down. Think about it, no other country could possibly have any motive. Atheistic Right had been knocked out of the tournament, so a strike against Owl would be a risk with no potential of reward. Atheistic Right may look at it as a punishment for failure, or an atonement for shame.

Sagara: If I may say so, it does ring true.

Endymion: Yes, and they do take Darwin's ideas a little too seriously. You've seen their newscast, "fittest for survival news?" Their last newscast said that they weren't fit for survival. And how their players were all named after animals?

Chio: I'm sorry, Darwin?

Endymion: A famous biologist in this world's history. Chasden did very similar work in our history.

Mahoro: I think there's nothing worthwhile we can do without Rejistania's and Legalese's permission to have our police working on their soil!

Endymion: And of course, it's the Secretary of the Incredbily Obvious to the rescue. I'm afraid she's right. I say we table this issue until we get permission to go forward with an investigation, or at least some more international interest. Without objection? Good. Let's get some sleep. We have a heck of a game tomorrow.

Atheistic Right Tribune

"Owl's Death, are there still questions?" by Nathanuel McKeen

Owl's, Ex-Coach of the Atheistic Right Archeopteri, death as he arrived to the hotel in a taxi cab has stirred conspiracy theorists. Personal contacts relayed that representatives of Allied Anime Worlds(AAW), the Archeopteri's rivals in their last Baptism of Fire tournament match, have made representation to the Rejistanian Authorities that they would like to run an investigation about his death. So why would they want to investigate such thing? Owl's real name is still classified but ARFA have confirmed that a service has been had for Owl with his family and he has been cremated and his ashes spread on the field of his home field, though details of which field that eactly is have not been released. It seems the representatives from AAW are suspicious about the manor of his death. Owl died after ingesting poisons, in an apparent suicide after loosing to the AAW. Exactly what AAW is looking for is as yet unknown but both Rejistanian and Atheistic Right police have the cause for Owl's death as suicide as there is no indication of anything hinting at anyone else involved. Players have stated that Owl was "not himself" after the loss and he uncharacteristically left the team before going back to the hotel and then turned up in the hotel, Dead in the back of a cab. So it does seem that there was something that seemed to indicate that he thought he did not deserve to live.

LORAX CITY CHANNEL 3 NEWS

"Hello, I'm Hugh Jazz, and here's tonight's top story. An offer from one of the hosts of the Baptism of Fire, Legalese, to play Tynelia will be accepted by Tynelia. This special exhibition match will be used to raise funds for the late Kyle Cartman's family. Kyle Cartman, as many of you know, was a 2-time winner of the Tour-de-Qazox cycling race and a 3-time winner of the Qazoxian Ironman Triathalon. He had worked for Channel 3 as our lead sports reporter and was covering Qazox' Baptism of Fire run. He was found dead in his hotel room and his body was quickly sent back to Qazox' for a State Funeral, the only non-president or Holy Oxen to have recieved that honour. Amanda Hugankiss is standing by the Kyle's only known relative Keith Cartman. Amanda?"

"Thank you Hugh. I'm standing here with Keith Cartman outside of the Qazox Media center in Rejistania. Keith is there any thing that you can say about this?

KC: "I'm saddened by the needless death of my brother, but also saddened by all the other mysterious things that happened in the BoF. Like the 2 dead members of Green Wombat's military, the poisioning of Tynelia's Keeper, The sudden death of the Atheistic Right's Coach, the AAW's reporter being lost for such a long period of time. Personally, if these are the kind of things that go on at these international tourneys, then i think that Qazox' should not be apart of them. However I do understand the need for our country to provew themselves on the international stage, and I will Cheer for our beloved Black Oxen in the upcoming Qualifing rounds of the 27th World Cup. I would also like to thank Tynelia for their gift of 20,000 vinlis which I'll be donating the the Kyle Cartman Memorial Fund, and to Legalese for hosting this exhibition. However, I would like any and all monies made from this match to go to the Kyle Cartman Memorial Fund, which will be used to provide sports equipment to inner-city youth and to help promote healthy lifestyles for children, as that would be a better way for the money to be spent. Thank you."

AH: "There you have it, Qazox. Keith Cartman would like the proceeds to go to the Kyle Cartman Memorial Fund. For Channel 3 News this is Amanda Hugankiss. Stay tuned for the Premiere of Survivor: Atlantis right after these commercials."

'Keith Cartman' went back into the media center and wnet up to his hotel room. "Thank Gawd that's over." he said to no one. He checked and made sure that no one could see him and activated his personal transporter, which took him back to MIB-12 HQ, an outpost buried deep under Qazox City.

"Agent 0007, Nice job with 'your brother' "said Agent 362436. "Thanks to the "Kyle Cartman Memorial Fund" we'll have enough money to stay operation for at least another 25 years, even though we don't need it." She chuckled to herself as she walked away.

"Yeah" Agent 0007 said. "Great, now I'm never gonna be able to show my face in public. I just wish I could tell my Mother that Kyle Cartman's not dead, but the needs of the Many outweigh the need of the few or the one."

Kyle Cartman, Agent 0007, slowly walked towards the Chief's office to get another assignment, while inside his head he wept for the pain his 'death' caused the only memeber of his family left. 'keith' was only a brother in name as his real twin had died in car accident the same day he joined MIB-12. Whether or not his brother's death was truly an accident or MIB-12 killed him to prevent any foreign agents to use him against the agency Kyle neverknew, but he was doing his damnedest to find out.

Baptism of Fire
Regional Final Results


Rejistania Region

Green Wombat [0] - [1] Allied Anime Worlds

Legalese Region

Becquerelia [1] - [2] Haraki (AET)
(1-1 after FT)

3rd Place Playoff
To take place at the Titanplex, in Francopolis, Legalese

Becquerelia v. Green Wombat

Baptism of Fire Championship
To be played at Estadije Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati, in KaMaRi Kali, Rejistania

Allied Anime Worlds v. Haraki

Haraki entered the field to play Becquerelia once more in a game that would decide who would move on to the finals and thus the championship of the Baptism of Fire. Mark Stone seemed fully recovered from the attack against him during the game versus Imperial Moose. Harakian coach Lloyd Vargas seemed fairly confident of the game's outcome, giving a talk to reporters about how he expected Mark Stone to do an excellent job as keeper, and that the game against Becquerelia would go roughly the same way it had previously.

It did not. The game started with a Harakian kickoff, and they maintained posession for only five minutes before Becquerelia got the ball. The entire first half was played out that way, with a fairly equal twenty-seven minutes of possession from Becquerelia and twenty-three from Haraki. The Hawks, uncharacteristically, started off fairly slowly in the game, and were even outshot by Becquerelia in the first half, with eight shots by the Becquerelians, including three quality ones, and only six from Haraki, with only two real shots that had a chance of scoring a goal. Halftime came without a single point for either side, and it seemed the game was settling into a dead heat. Becquerelian goalkeeper David Deneen was also on top form and stopped all shots against him easily. Mark Stone seemed tired and sluggish by the end of the half, and almost let in the final shot, a blistering shot by Peter Constantine.

At halftime, Vargas gave a speech not dissimilar to the one he had given in the first game versus Becquerelia. He told them about scoring one goal and then backing off, playing a strategy they had played multiple times before in the tournament: Get a lead and then hold onto it. They all could only imagine the talking-to the Becquerelians were getting from Macarius Ransome. At one point they felt the ground shake, and Vargas stopped his talk and simply shook his head and muttered "Ransome." It got him a quiet laugh.

Haraki didn't seem themselves going into the second half. They were still slow, and seemed uninspired. Mark Stone stopped a total of five shots in the first twenty minutes of the second half, before Ceolwulf Novoselic came in from the right. Jonah Menike was there to meet him, but was dodged around. Peter Constantine was shouting for a pass, but Bruce Forrester on the right-wing defence covered him efficiently enough to force Novoselic to make a kick. Overall, this was a worse strategy. Novoselic launched a kick from the corner, which bent through the air. Mark Stone dove for it, but his hands clasped together on thin air and the ball sailed through. Stone landed on his front and slammed his fist into the ground. He had been scored on for the first time in the entire tournament.

But this goal seemed to bring the Harakians together. They were suddenly playing as a team once more. Zendar shouted at them for a moment as they took a bit of time after the goal, while the referee shot them dirty looks and the Becquerelians exchanged looks saying We can do this. But the Harakians were determined again suddenly. The goal had shown they were beatable, but they were not out of the running yet. With twenty minutes left to play, they suddenly caught on and found their inspiration. They maintained posession for eight of the next ten minutes, ending with Thomas Neils and Samantha Ribald coming up the field supporting each other. Ribald, back on the field for the second game in a row, saw an opening but recognized it as too dangerous to make with so little time left, and instead passed to Neils, who was in a better position. Despite attempts by Salvius DeMaranville, whom Haraki had focused on in the last tournament, to block it, the ball made it through, and Neils saw his shot and took it. The ball swished through the net past Deneen, and the score was tied 1-1.

The game ended with the last quarter belonging to Haraki, no question about it. Becquerelia had played a good game until then, but once they entered into extra time, their game seemed to fall apart. They were tired and sore after ninety minutes of hard playing, and demoralized because they had been so sure of their victory against a dejected Harakian team that they seemed to have become overconfident. Neils' goal had surprised and frightened them. They knew one goal by any of the Harakian shooters was all they needed to finish off the game, and despite their best efforts they managed only one shot on net in the twenty minutes played of extra time.

The Harakians dominated the extra time right from the start, with five shots on net in the twenty minutes. They seemed to have saved their energy fairly well, except for Samuel Sharp, who was exhausted and nearly collapsing on the field. Vargas made the decision to pull him and put on aging player Zachary Burns as the extra time began. As the oldest player on the team, Burns had quite a reputation in the Haraki Football League, but had not been named as a starter for the tournament. He played twenty minutes of extra time and worked well with Zendar, Neils, RIbald and Cortes, the four other main attackers.

The Haraki goal came at twenty minutes in. The tired Becquerelians had given up a pass to Ribald, who immediately stopped and tore off down the field. She passed to Neils, who made a long pass up to Burns, who had managed to get behind some of the Becquerelian defence. Working his way across the field to reunite with his team, he encountered a tired Christopher Fullbright and passed right by him to Zendar, who had set himself up in prime shooting position. He received the ball, and gave it a shot that none of those present would forget. It curved up and over Deneen, who reached for it only to find it suddenly not where it should have been. The unusal diagonal spin Zendar had put on the ball had given it a wobbling trajectory, making it nigh-on impossible to predict the end result. It soared past Deneen and sank itself in, and the Harakian fanbase leapt to their feet. The Harakians had beaten their old nemeses and advanced to the finals, against Allied Anime Worlds, who had won a tight victory over Green Wombats. It was, as Lloyd Vargas had said, his favoured outcome.

Haraki 2 - Becquerelia 1

(68) Novoselic
Neils (79)
Zendar (110)

Finals now Set

For those who continue to follow the action of the Baptism of Fire soccer tournament, the regional finals have just been completed. In the Rejistanian group the expertrs were again confounded as the Allied Anime Worlds shut down the high powered Green Wombats offense and moved to the BoF championship. Tynelian fans proudly claim that the Wombats must have been worn out from all those shots they took in their victory against Tynelia and couldn't put any zip on their shots today allowing the AAW to prevail. The win was a surprise as the AAW was the only team from the Blue group to advance to the regional semi-finals where most experts felt that an orange group team would be the ones representing the Rejistania region but now have been proved wrong.

In the Legalese region the Haraki vs. Becquerelia rematch proved a bit tighter than the first time around. Mark Stone's aura of invincibility in net was damaged when Becquerelia drew first blood and took a 1-0 lead. Perhaps driven to pick up their stellar keeper who had in large part carried the team through the rest of the tournament, Haraki rallied to tie it up. As expected from the two powerhouses the match couldn;t be settled in regulation and the game went into extra time before Haraki could put in the game winner against a tiring Becquerelia squad.

Now in the Haraki vs. Allied Anime Worlds finals, most of the same pundits are riding the Haraki bandwagon as they have since early in group play. However many feel this is an advantage for the AAW as they seem to relish being the underdogs as they have been their last two games. In the battle for third place the Green Wombats take on Becquerelia in what looks to be an even matchup. Finally it has also been confirmed that the Kyle Cartmen memeorial game between the cohost Legealese national squad and the Tynelian national squad will will be taking place for a triple header of soccer action to conclude the BoF.

Of course it had to come to this. The rematch between Becquerelia and Haraki was going into extra minutes. Becquerelia as a whole seemed to come unglued during the extra time, for reasons no could possibly explain. Was it the memory of the disappointing loss to Haraki just two games prior? The stress of the tournament overall? Overall tiredness?

Whatever it was, Becquerelia played less than spectacularly, giving up a wobbly floater of a goal by Mark Stone twenty minutes in, and Haraki advanced to the Baptism Of Fire Championship.

"Haraki has shown us twice now that they are the best team in the tournament. May I be the first to wish them all the luck against Allied Anime Worlds." said Coach Macarius Ransome after the game. "From here on, we're just concentrating on Green Wobmbat and the...Third Place Playoff." Coach Ransome had a little trouble getting Third Place Playoff out. When asked about how excited he was about playing in the Playoff, he had this to say: "Am I happy to be playing for third place? Do you -think- I'm happy playing for third?! It's third place! Who in their right mind would want to be third place?! Goodness!" At this point Coach Ransome marched off the the locker room to talk with him team after their heartbreaking loss.

Let's try changing up the style, see what we can do with standard prose.

An exhausted but exuberant (and freshly showered) Federation of Allied Anime Worlds team filed out of the Federation locker room and onto the bus, which would take them back to the Federation embassy and temporary HQ in Rejistania. The team had been moved from their hotel at the insistence of Raye Sun, and although the quarters were tighter, the team slept better under the stronger security and on (legally speaking, at least) Federation soil. Amy turned in her seat to face Chio.

“The world looks an order of magnitude better after a shower, doesn’t it Colonel?” Amy asked.

“And another order of magnitude better after a win,” the fourteen year old colonel beamed back at the Secretary of Internal Affairs. Chio turned to her right to face Gene Wil. “How about you, Gene?”

Gene looked up at Chio over his glasses, slightly annoyed at having his meditation disturbed. “Hmm,” he said noncommittally, and then returned to his mediation.

“Don’t worry about him, Coach,” Mugen said from the seat behind Chio. “Me and Fuwa haven’t been able to get much more out of him, and we’ve been traveling together for awhile now. Hey, four-eyes. I saw you use the restroom before we left, and that didn’t make your famous list we heard on SNN. Going back on your word?” he teased.

“Hmm,” Gene said without looking up.

“So what are you traveling together for anyway?” Chio asked.

“Fuwa here says were out looking for a fencer who smells of roses,” Mugen said. “Sounds kinda kooky to me, but I can’t say it hasn’t been a fun ride so far.”

“A fencer who smells of roses…” Chio trailed off.

“Yeah, do you know anything?” Fuwa asked from two seats back.

“No, not personally,” Chio said, “but ask the President. I think he may know something.”

Meanwhile, the President was up in the front holding a mini conference with his Secretary of Defense.

“I saw the Atheistic Right article, did you?” Endymion asked in a lowered tone. Raye nodded. “We’ve got a leak somewhere in our bureaucracies. Any guesses?”

“My best guess is Umora Shin,” Raye said. “But the bureaucracies are so large and security is so much poorer at our Rejistanian embassy than it is in Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3. It would take me at least a week to find out who’s responsible. We have tomorrow’s game and that’s it; we don’t have enough time to launch an investigation.”

“Wow Raye, you really are cutting down,” Endymion said. “I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.”

“Old? I guess so. I don’t feel it,” Raye shrugged.

“Make no mistake, Raye. We’re more than old. We’re ancient. Great civilizations rise to prominence then fall to obscurity on the order of two thousand years. We’ve lived five.”

“I don’t know what froze our aging process when Neo-Serenity took the throne, but let me tell you, I sure am glad we were in that throne room when she did. All those stories we read about immortals growing bored with life? Pure hogwash!”

“Yeah…I guess…” Endymion trailed off.

“Are you okay, Mr. President?” Raye asked.

“Yes. Yes, of course,” Endymion said, snapping out of it.

“It was a rhetorical question,” Raye retorted. “You can’t lie to me. We’ve been working together for too long. We’ve been everything to each other but lovers. No wait, we tried that too. What were we talking about?” she asked, starting to get flustered.

“Owl,” Endymion said, refocusing. “But like Mahoro said, there’s nothing to be done about it.”

“I think Amy has some more information,” Raye said, “but I don’t know if it opens any more avenues of action for us.”

“We’ll discuss it at a full cabinet meeting,” Endymion said.

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Raye asked.

“We have to discuss it, security breach or no,” Endymion insisted. “We’ll be back in Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3 soon enough.” They rode the rest of the ride in silence.

The Federation team was greeted at the embassy with enthusiastic applause.

“Thank you, thank you,” Endymion said. “Everyone who can afford to take a short break is invited to join us in the TV room for the evening sports report.”

The television in the ‘TV room’ was only a television in the strictest sense of the word. It had a huge projection screen and stadium seating. Truth be told, the room more resembled a small but state of the art movie theater. The team got first choice of seats, and the nonessential embassy staff filled in the rest of the room. A technician fired up the projector screen just in time for the familiar silver SNN logo.

“This is the Silver News Network, bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium,” a deep male voice announced proudly.

“When was that?” Chio asked Endymion.

“Minus one-thousand FY, or about five thousand years ago.” Endymion replied.

“Have they really been around that long?” Chio asked in awe.

“Technically yes, but they’ve only gotten big recently,” Endymion explained.

“About three hundred years ago,” Amy supplied.

A ten-foot tall image of Miko Hasegawa appeared on the screen. “Good evening, I’m Miko Hasegawa,” she said. “The Federation defense was in top form, securing a 1-0 victory over Green Wombat. Here’s the game summary.”

The showed an image of the Federation team and the Fighting Wombats filing onto the field. Green Wombat kicks off, and tries to take the ball toward the Federation goal with little success. The Raye Sun takes the ball, but isn’t able to make much more progress

“Both teams got off to a rather lethargic start. In the first quarter, there was only a small handful of shots on goal, and the only quality shot was from Green Wombat midfielder Major Pincher. The second quarter was starting to shape up the same way when coach Chio Miyahama made a surprise decision.”

The view switched to a HeliCam shot of the Federation sideline. “Time out!” Chio calls out. “Player change! Raye Sun out, President Endymion in!” The crowd started cheering for the President.

“So soon?” Endymion asked before walking onto the field.

“Yes. Their defense is tired now, but so are we. If we don’t get this goal now, we may never do it at all,” Chio explained.

“Don’t worry, I’ll deliver the goods.” Endymion promised.

The view switches to another HeliCam shot with Endymion in control of the ball. “The president delivered on his promise, resulting in a goal in the 20th minute.” Miko said.

“Triumvirate play? I think not!” said Captain Crunch, noting that Sagara and Vash were well covered. Endymion passed the ball to Shinji Ikau, who quickly takes the ball and shoots successfully.

“Ah, but there’s the triumvirate fake play too,” Endymion retorted.

“I did it again! I did it!” Shinji exclaimed, jumping up and down for joy.

“Then,” Miko’s voice came back, “Chio made the risky and controversial move of drastically changing up the team’s tactics in the middle of the game.”

The view switched to another HeliCam shot of the Federation sidelines. “Time out!” Chio called. “Ran and Aki out, Mugen in, Mahoro to fullback position, Pan-Pan in goal! Umora Shin out, Fuwa Rin in!” A confused outcry rises from the Federation fans. Mahoro runs over to the sideline.

“Coach! Me a fullback?” she asked. “Why? I haven’t had any practice in that position!”

“I don’t think that’s going to matter,” Chio said. “I think everyone is exhausted now, and no one can match your stamina. We must stop the Fighting Wombats’ offensive, and you’re the only one with the endurance to do it.”

“I’ll do my best!” Mahoro declared.

“That’s all I can ask of you,” Chio smiled.

“Chio’s gamble paid off,” Miko’s voiceover continued as the screen showed several shots of Mahoro taking the ball away from Wombat forwards, “the Fighting Wombats’ exhaustion was apparent by the third and fourth quarter, and the marginally skilled but tireless defender Mahoro carried the day. The Federation managed to run the clock out on the Fighting Wombats, 1-0, and they now go on to their final match against the towering giant of this tournament: Haraki. Here’s some post game commentary.”

The screen shows the head coach of Haraki’s team, Lloyd Vargas. “The AAW upset the Green Wombats? Great!”

The shot changes to President Endymion in the locker room. “Here we are. When I first read that original lineup, I didn’t even think we would qualify, and never in my wildest dreams did I think that we’d see the finals. I’m telling you, if we’re to beat out Haraki, we’re going to have to bring our game to a while new level. Again. Needless to say, we’re all going to bed early tonight.”

The shot changed again, but this time Coach Miyahama is in the frame. “I’m so glad that my estimation of the Fighting Wombats’ condition was correct,” she said. “If they had any gas left in them, putting Mahoro in as a fullback would have been a disastrous maneuver.”

Shot of some Federation fans, in addition to Mr Chuck Norris player The Burger King. “Hey, Green Wombat!” one of the fans called out, “The Burger King wants to know something.”

The entire group said, “Where is your god now?”

The screen now shows Miko Hasegawa back in the newsroom. “Over the past two games, there has been some disagreement as to whether the Federation is an underdog in the finals. Now that we stand against Haraki, that disagreement is gone. Haraki is most definitely favored in the final match, but like all the Federation fans, I’m not giving up hope. In national news…”

The technician turned off the TV.

“Good night, everyone,” Endymion said, “I’m going to bed. I advise all of our players to do the same. This is what we’ve trained and played so hard for, let’s not mess it up now by going in tired.” The Federation team then filed out of the TV room.

If you don't get the joke with the Burger King, do a Google image search for Burger King photoshop
Dang, is there any way to put indents instead of line breaks to seaparate paragraphs?

The Federation council files into the improvised chambers to hold a quick meeting before bed.

“Order,” Endymion called. “So, Amy, I hear you have new information regarding Owl’s death? I assume we’ve all heard the line about suicide.”

“Yes sir,” Amy said. “I had a subordinate hack into the hospital’s backup records. It turns out the autopsy found a small puncture wound on the back of Owl’s neck.”

The federation council murmured. “So unless he killed himself by jamming a poisoned dart into the back of his neck, we’re back to murder,” Raye said. “But this doesn’t give us any more options. Mr. President, do we press for more options? Should we, say, get the hospital involved, informing them of the security breach?”

Endymion leaned back in his chair for a moment, weighing the options carefully. “No. Hospitals have better work to do than helping foreign governments in wild goose chases,” he said. “Furthermore, if Atheistic Right wants to murder its own talent, they’re welcome to it. I wanted to find out if the people behind Owl’s death are a threat to us. It doesn’t seem to be the case, especially if we don’t press any further. Any leads on the other mysteries?” Endymion asked.

“No sir,” Amy said, “those trails are much too cold.”

“In that case, I’m going to bed, for real this time.” Endymion yawned. “I trust security is as tight as ever here at the embassy? Yes? Goodnight.” Endymion left the council chambers, followed by the rest of his cabinet.

GREEN WOMBAT DAILY NEWS

The miraculous run of Green Wombat in the Baptism of Fire ended earlier today with a 1-0 loss to Allied Anime Worlds. Lt. General Abraham Simpson, head coach and new Hexagon Leader, had this to say after the match. "It was an honor to even compete in this tourney. These men and women did themselves and their country proud. In fact they are all now promoted up 2 ranks with retro-active benefits. Hopefully we can win 3rd place, but just reaching the semi-finals is reward enough for me. Hopefully we can carry hris over into the World Cup Qualifing and actually mak the Cup proper. Thank you and God bless Green Wombat."

AAW scored the only goal of the match in the 20th minute as the Green Wombat defense closed in on their President Endymion, expectinghim to shoot at the goal, but at the last second he passed the ball to Shinji Ikau, who promptly scored the goal. In the 2nd half, the AAW just sat back an allowed the tired Green Wombat offense force themselves to score.

All in all this was a tremendously successful run for Green Wombat and if this is a sign of things to come, then they might just surprise some teams in the WC Quaifiers next month.

(ps. to all those who have said it, GREEN WOMBAT is not a religous country, QAZOX is the weird OX-loving freaks)

{ooc-i'm not going to be able to post tommorrow, so thiswill be my last RP for this tourney, Good luck to AAW & Haraki in the Finals.}

Shot of some Federation fans, in addition to Berner Street player The Burger King. “Hey, Green Wombat!” one of the fans called out, “The Burger King wants to know something.”

BERNER STREET PLAYER!? The Burger King was a Fighting Norris Forward. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Roleplaying does not guarantee wins... if/when you are eliminated, I can show you details about the RP-bonus.

This is a quote you made in the Pre-WC26 Baptism of Fire thread. Just curious if you're still willing to TG me the details about my RP-bonus. (i.e. What was good/bad in my RP, who was better and why). It's up to you if you have the time. Thanks much.

BERNER STREET PLAYER!? The Burger King was a Fighting Norris Forward. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

ARGH! Sorry. Fixed.

Baptism of Fire
Results


Kyle Cartman Benefit Game
from the Titanplex in Francopolis, Legalese

Legalese [1] - [1] Tynelia

Third Place Playoff
from the Titanplex in Francopolis, Legalese

Becquerelia [0] - [2] Green Wombat


Baptism of Fire Championship
from Estadije Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati, in KaMaRi Kali, Rejistania

Allied Anime Worlds [1] - [0] Haraki



Congrats to the champs, Allied Anime Worlds, and thank you to everyone who participated! Best of luck in qualifying to all!

Raum 1 Seven O'Clock News

Welcome to the Seven O'Clock news on Raum 1. I'm Sue Perb. Let's look at the highlights...

...And, finally, sports : Allied Anime World surprises favorites Haraki to win 1-0 in the Baptism Of Fire General Final in Rejistania. More on this during the sports page.

The Most Serene Republic of Qazox would like to congratulate all the teams who participated in the Baptism of Fire. and Special Congrats to the winners Allied Anime Worlds.

3...2...1... and then it was over. The Federation of Allied Anime worlds had, against all probability and in defiance of so many sports pundits, given Hiraki its one and only defeat in the Baptism of Fire tournament. Endymion and Sagara ran up to carry Vash, who had scored the game's only goal deep in the fourth quarter, but had to put him down as thousands of Federation fans flooded onto the field to carry off each and every member of the Federation club. There was some trouble with Pan-Pan, but a college rugby team pooled its efforts to carry him off of the field too.

"FAAW's number one! FAAW's number one!" the fans shouted as they bore their heroes off of the green. Security began the process of extracting the team from the fans so that there would be enough space in the locker room. Chio was simultaneously exuberated and freezing, as Ran and Aki had poured the contents of the Federation team's water cooler over her. The team had their showers, changed out, gave their customary brief interviews to SNN, then marched out to the bus, waiving to their fans. The team got onto the bus, which would take them to the airport, from whence a chartered jet would take them back to Federation territory.

After the team got seated, Endymion turned to face Vash. "Good job delivering the goods again," the President complemented him.

"The Federaton Elite Assault Company always does, sir," Vash said proudly.

"But it's all thanks to the president," Sagara said, referring to President Endymion's pass.

"We've all done excellent work," Endymion said. "In fact..."

"Um...Mr. President?" Fuwa Rin asked from behind Endymion, finally getting enough courage to say something.

"Yes, Ms. Rin? Is there something I can do for you?" he asked.

"There may be, I don't know," she said, not exactly making eye contact with the president. "I've...been looking for a swordsman who smells of roses. Do you know...where I might find him? I know it seems silly, and not enough information but it's a long story and..."

"I think I may know something," Endymion said. He smiled to calm Fuwa's nerves. "There is a place, called the Ohtari Academy. You may find your fragrant swordsman there."

Gene's eyes suddenly flew open and looked over at Endymion. "The Ohtari Academy?" he half asked half demanded. "Did you say the Ohtari Academy?"

"Yes, I did," Endymion confirmed. "Although I don't know much about it. Perhaps you know more?"

"I do," Gene said with just a hint of vehemence in his tone; much more emotion than Endymion had ever heard from him. "I'd tell you, but wouldn't believe me."

"I assure you, there's nothing unbeliveable going on at the Ohtari Academy," President Endymion laughed.

"I suppose you would think that," Gene said icily, and returned to his meditation.

A few seats back, there was another conversation between Chio, Amy, and Emeralds. "I'm definately going to be expanding our roster," Chio said. "And paring it down a little too, maybe."

"Well you can start with me," Amy said. "Umora and I are are largely responsible for the Federation's midfield problems. Football never suited me anyway, I'm more one for advanced physics and politics."

"Yeah, I agree," Umora said. "I can't take the practice schedule anymore. Back to old, familiar paperwork, you know?"

"I understand," Chio said, "but you'll still be attending our games? Work permitting, of course?"

"Of course! Endymion has already gotten us season tickets to all Federation games," Amy said. "It won't be as intense as being part of it, but it will be nice not dealing with the presure and the practice schedule."

The players were still chatting amongst themselves when the bus pulled up to the Rejistanian airport. Fans were packed thick hoping for a glimpse of the team before they flew back to the Federation, cheering and hollaring.

"Well, if it isn't the madding crowd," Endymion joked. "Let's go meet our fans," he said to Sagara. Partially walking and partially pushing through the crowd, the Federation team made its way to the chartered jet. The team finally made its way onto the plane, and was back in the Federation in no time. Fans were packed twice as thick and twice as excited in Neo-Crystal Tokyo 3. Banners congratulating the team and expressing the fans' excitement blanketed the crowd. It was a minor miracle that the team got through the throng with the entire team intact, even if not the entire team's hearing. It was a slightly less minor miracle that they even made it back to the capitol in time to see the evening's sports report. The team filed into the TV room, a miniature cinema much like the one in Rejistania.

"This is the Silver News Network," the familiar voice announced, "bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium."

The screen then showed the newsroom, with banners plastered across the background saying things such as 'Congratulations FAAW team!' and of course, Miko.

"Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa," she said. "Tonight, the Federation team has pulled of what many dismissed as impossible, or improbable enough that it made no difference."

The screen shows a shot of the final score, 1-0, in favor of the Federation. "The Federation pulled off a stunning upset tonight, not only managing to squeak by, but also shutting out the club that many thought would bring home the BoF cup.

The screen showed a shot of the kickoff, Haraki to itself. "The game started fast and furious, with both teams reaching down further than they ever had before. Haraki had seen the Federation take out teams deemed superior to it, and was not keen on being added to that list. Mike Zendar and Samuel Sharp attacked early, but were not able to find any openings in Mahoro's defense. The Federation returned fire, with Amy Waters bringing an uncharacteristically aggressive shot, which was easily caught by Stone. The play quickly slowed down in the second and third quarters, as fatigue was getting the better of the two teams. Fans were starting to get resetless. Then, the following incident happened."

The screen then showed a HeliCam shot of Endymion with the ball. "In the 81st minute, a slugglish Endymion was moving the ball against the likewise sluggish Haraki defenders, nevertheless defeating Sandy Thorpe. A pass to Vash, followed by a textbook-perfect shot. Stone never had a chance to get his hands on it, and the Federation fans were revitalized. Haraki burned all that it had in the remaining nine minutes, which culminated in the following incident."

The screen showed a HeliCam shot of Alicia Ribald breathing hard and dribbling harder, using some fancy work to defeat Mugen. "For Haraki!" she shouted as she threw what energy she had left at the ball. "Like Vash's shot just six minutes earlier," Miko commented, "this was also a textbook shot, beyond the reach of Mahoro."

"Noooo!" Yuki shouted as the ball sailed toward the goal. She threw herself sideways, and from the camera's view, it looks like the shot hit her square in the face. Some Federation fans gasped.

"Fortunately," Miko reassrued the audience at home, "what you are seeing here is a trick of the camera angles. The shot hit Yuki in the forhead, not the face. Although Yuki was momentarily dazed, Mahoro recovered the ball and passed it on to Gene Wil, who moved it up to the forwards, who in turn kept the ball away for the rest of the game. The Federation had won, and we were all ecstatic." The Federation fans began to flood the field after the timer was out. "And now, for some post-game commentary."

The screen showed the Federation locker room, with a still-dripping and shivering Chio Miyahama. "C-c-can th-this wait until I g-get a hot shower?"

Then there was another shot at the same place, with President Endymion. "It's like a dream," he said, hefting the BoF cup. "This will go on display in the capitol. I'm looking forward to competing in the WC 27."

Then there was another shot with Chio Miyahama again, but in dry clothers. "Ah, much better. As for the WC 27, this team is going to need a major overhaul. We brought our game to a whole new level to beat Haraki, but we're going to need to do that again if we're going to be competitive in the World Cup itself. Order of buisness number one is to patch up our midfield, and order one-point-one is to add some depth to the team."

Another shot in the same place, but with Mahoro. "I think may of our citizens are going to happy!" noted the Secretary of the Incredibly Obvious.

Another shot of the same, but with Gene Wil. "I want to thank Haraki for fielding such an impressive team," he said calmly. "I haven't been challenged like that in a long time."

The screen returend to the newsroom. "Suffice it to say that it's been a long and bumpy ride to the Baptism of Fire title. The Federation's final record was 8-0-1, and the cup goes on display tomorrow. In other news...[click!]

I want to thank everyone who participated in the RPs, and especially thank those who went so far as to include intrigue related plots and sub-plots to make things more interesting. I hope to see some of you in the World Cup 27 finals! Also, would the hosts be willing to telegram me my RP bonuses? Or maybe post everyone's RP bonuses here?

Lion was watching a direct broadcast of the final. where Allied Anime Worlds beat Haraki by 1 to nil...

he switch of the TV... "hmm I see that a change of tack might be needed against this particular foe... oh... I dunno, something like an assasination, perhaps?"... An evil grin spread across his face, if anyone actually where to see it, they might be just so affected by it... that they had no option but to pluk out their eyes... but of course once they had done that, they would have been "removed from the gene pool"

EDIT: bah... this is meant to be Atheistic Right, they are my puppets... and evil ones at that.... oh, well.... This won't work as well if I had posted as Atheistic Right but here goes....

Mwhahahhaha ... See you in the World cup.. hahahahahahhahaha:sniper:

BoF Finals

In what many consider to be an upset, underdog Allied Anime Worlds upset heavily favored Haraki in the BoF finals by a 1-0 margin. The only goal was in the 81st minute as both goalkeepers put forth tremendous effort. To the surprise of many it was tournament leading keeper Mark Stone that surrendered the lone goal. Congratulations to the Allied Anime Worlds for proving the experts wrong i three straight games to take the title.

In the Consolation game, the Green Wombats' offense returned after the uncharacteristic shutout in the regional finals to top Legealese region runner up Becquerelia by a 2-0 score.

Finally, in the Kyle Cartman Memorial game the game fittingly ended in a draw as the Legalese national team making a surprise appearance in the BoF rallied with a late goal in the 77th minute to tie the game after underdog Tynelia took an early lead with a goal by Troy Wallace in minute 43. Legalese outshot Tynelia 17-13 including a 5-3 edge in quality shots but Vladimar Malloy bounced back from his subpar effort against the Wombats to only allow the one late goal to tie the game. A moment of silence was held before the game in honor of the late Kyle Cartman and members of the Qazox national team was seen in the stands enjoying the game. "


(OOC- like a lot of people could the hosts send me a copy of my RP bonuses for the tournament or post them all here like AAW suggested. Was fun RPing with all of you and i'll now join you all in keeping my fingers crossed that i'll qualify for the World Cup)

I want to thank everyone who participated in the RPs, and especially thank those who went so far as to include intrigue related plots and sub-plots to make things more interesting. I hope to see some of you in the World Cup 27 finals! Also, would the hosts be willing to telegram me my RP bonuses? Or maybe post everyone's RP bonuses here?


(OOC- like a lot of people could the hosts send me a copy of my RP bonuses for the tournament or post them all here like AAW suggested. Was fun RPing with all of you and i'll now join you all in keeping my fingers crossed that i'll qualify for the World Cup)

That's a very good idea, I mean the posting of all the RP details on this thread. However, Rejis recently TG'd me saying that she recently wrote over the RP rankings, but I guess we'll find out soon enough. Consider this a humble request, who were the best RPers?

OOC:

...the posting of all the RP details on this thread...

Telling an individual their RP bonus is effectively useless. "Your RP bonus was 6" won't mean much to anyone. Posting everyone's RP bonus will cause fights, especially if AAW didn't have the highest bonus, as RP is supposed to = win in the BoF.

Consider this a humble request, who were the best RPers?

You tell me :)

As Star said, going into the specifics of the RP bonus is going to be rather useless to the whole thing. However, I will say one thing: you all did well RPing. This has been one of the more entertaining tournaments I've seen in recent times, for sure. Let's hope you guys keep this up going into qualifiers :)

Telling an individual their RP bonus is effectively useless. "Your RP bonus was 6" won't mean much to anyone. Posting everyone's RP bonus will cause fights, especially if AAW didn't have the highest bonus, as RP is supposed to = win in the BoF.

That's a very good point, but I think people will realize that scorinating is still random, even with the RP bonus. However, I agree it may start fights and we're probably better off not knowing everyone's RP bonus.

You tell me:) .

This was in response to my earlier quote:

Consider this a humble request, who were the best RPers?

Well, in my opinion, I thought that the two finalists were probably both in the top five RPers along with Green Wombat, Oazox, and Tynelia. With those five being the 5 best, my top 10 would go something like this:

1. Allied Anime Worlds
2. Haraki
3. Tynelia
4. Qazox
5. Green Wombat
6. Atheistic Right
7. Mr Chuck Norris (You may consider it arrogant, I thought I did alright)
8. Becquerelia
9. Vuam and Isma (Would've been higher had they not missed the first half of the tourney)
10. Kelse
4, 5, and 6 were all about the same in the amount of steamy RPing goodness, so those positions are interchangable.
Any other opinions?

I will not do these lists. Y'all RPed well (with one exception in the Rejistanian group). And the RP-bonus in the World Cup proper will be totally different anyways.

The Hawks left the field defeated and depressed. They had played a good game, with one spectacular effort by Samuel Sharp only twenty minutes in that had almost gone in and then bounced off the topbar, and Mark Stone instantly sat down on a bench and put his head in his hands. He had cost Haraki the losing goal, and felt he had let the team down. The same went for every player on ro off the field. All were reviewing, in their minds, the errors they had made that, had they gone the other way, could have won the game for Haraki. They couldn't believe it. They had gone undefeated the whole tournament, with only two goals scored against them, only to lose in a pitiful 1-0 game against Allied Anime Worlds. There were mixed feelings about the result. Some were glad it was so close, others thought had the game been more one-sided it would have seemed more like one team was actually better than the other, as opposed to simply one team happening to score a goal within the allotted ninety minutes and the other not.

That was when coach Lloyd Vargas stepped in. Many analysts would fault him for the loss, as he had replaced at halftime many players who had been playing sluggishly, including Lawrence Foster and Mark Ford for Alicia Ribald and Julie Vern. Both were aggressive, offensive players, and it seemed he was trying to switch it up to give Haraki a chance at their tried and true tactic of getting a lead and maintaining it for the clock to run out. However, his gamble had not worked, and had there been more defensive players, Vash's shot nine minutes from the end may not have been made, and the game could have gone into extra time, granting Haraki more chances to score. But as he walked into the room that day, he was grinning. The whole team seemed to stare at him, until he finally explained himself.

"Why am I grinning? That's what you're all thinking, right? Why the hell is he grinning, when we just lost? I'm grinning because you guys aren't going to feel full of yourselves now. We went undefeated until the finals and claimed second place, and that's damn good! We'll play better in the actual Cup now than if we'd won, because if we'd won, we'd all be thinking 'We're the best new team here - figuratively - and we can do this!' This way we won't be, and we can actually play our best, knowing we can be defeated. We'll be ready for defeat if it comes. But we've got a brilliant goalkeeper who only allowed two shots by in nine games, and we've got a great team! When the cup starts, we'll kick ass! I think with a team this good, we could take ourselves to the Cup finals and win, damn it! Owen, do you think you're going to be better for the Cup proper?"

"Maybe, coach, but I think Jonah should fill in for me anyway. He's better than me."

"All right. Your call. See you boys on the bus."

With that, he walked out of the room and back on the field, just in time to catch Endymion as he was exiting the field. Vargas grabbed him and pulled him aside. "Your boys played a great game!" he shouted over the background noise of the stadium.

"Thanks. Yours too," Endymion replied.

"See you in the finals!" Vargas shouted with a laugh, turning around and walking back to the team room. Runner-up in the Baptism of Fire, heading into the Cup proper. It was time to go make a press conference.

I don't know why, but I'd have Haraki first. It's hard to start to read, unlike AAW's style, but also a very pleasant read, IMO. I won't even try to do a top 10, because I forgot who did what... like in a good book, you just remember the end, and want to read the story over and over again.

RAUM 1 Seven O'Clock News

(Continued)

<Sue Perb>... And to sports.

<Dom Estic> Well, you know that Vuam and Isma were in the "Baptism of Fire", Right? Well even though Vuam and Isma were knocked out by Tynelia, a country I can't even find on the map, we at Raum 1 wanted to show you the action out in Rejistania. We're lucky enough to have two people of choice to comment the final for us, Colm O'Connor and Stephen Fitzsimons!

<Stephen and Colm> Hello Dom!

<Dom Estic> Well, with the matchgetting ready for kick-off, do you have any comments on the teams?

<Stephen> Indeed we do. First of all, Hiraki are going in firm favorites. Vuam and Isma's Weldbet has Hiraki on even odds, Whilst AAW are only at 9-4... So if the bookies are right, we should be seing a comfortable win for Hiraki.

<Colm> Well, you've got to give them what they deserve, Hiraki have pretty much dominated the tournament so far. No goals conceded in the group stages, one in the regional quaterfinals, none in the regional semis and one in the regional final... That's only 2 goals in 8 games. On the other hand, AAW had already conceded 2 during the group stages, Sifiso earning one as we crashed 3-1... And they have conceded one against Qazox in the regional semis and one against Atheistic Right... that's a grand total of 4 goals, the double of Hiraki's tally.

<Stephen> AAW have scored 11 goals so far in the BoF, three of which were in the back of our nets. But when you look at Hiraki's goalscoring record... it's flawless. 16 goals. That's right. Sixteen. So if it's offensive power that counts in the end, the AAW just won't be up to scratch, I think.

<Dom Estic> Well, do we know who will be fielded by each team yet? No? Well then tell us a little about Vuam and Isma's BoF.

<Stephen> Well, we did well in the BoF, I think. We didn't manage to find top form when it counted, but the experience we have gained from it is incredible. I just hope that when I get back to Vuam and Isma, the Topplig will get to the same level soon.

<Colm> I agree. Some people thought that we lost our chances when we finished only fourth of our group, but I don't agree with them. We were just ahead of Berner Street and Nebuleux because we played only slightly better than them. Maybe we could have edged Mr Norris out of the third place if we'd been more offensive, but I think that we acted very well by concentrating on our main objective : qualifying. We knew that one point was enough. Why go out with a gung-ho attacking plan? No reason. We knew that Berner Street wasn't going to be the best attacking team in the group, and we deceided to try to catch them on the break.

<Stephen> Then, well, there was the game against Tynelia. We went close to getting through, and it was truly a match between two even teams. They had the intelligence to convert their chances though. We weren't able to match them, and that's why we're here, talking to you, and not warming up down there.

<Colm> Well, we've just been told what the teams will be... and there are no surprises. Neither Chio Miyahama nor Lloyd Vargas are trying to play a joker, at least not from the start. AAW will line up their usual 3-3-4 play, Sagara, Vash, Ikau and Raye are up front, Waters, Shin and Edwards are the midfield group, Mara, Tenda and Miya are the back 3, with Mahoro in goal.

<Stephen> Hiraki's strikeforce, Zendar and Sharp are going to be trying to add to their tally, Neils, Ribald, Foster, Ford and Cortes are the tough midfield group that has served Hiraki so well, Hiraki's rear will be kept by Forrester, Peterson and Thorpe, who will be bossed around by Mark Stone.

<Dom Estic> Well, sounds like both teams are going to try as hard as they can, and that's all we want. Do you have anything to say, Sue?

<Sue Perb> All I hope is that it's a fair game.

<Dom Estic> Well, we've been told by the Asene Sekhika Rejistaniha that the match will be starting in 5 minutes. We're taking a break. See you for the Baptism Of Fire General Final, between Allied Anime World and Hiraki, here on Raum 1.

*Adverts*

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*Raum 1 Sports at Eight

<Dom Estic> Thank you for watching Raum 1. And now, to the big match from Estadije Sen-La-Sa~o Relekhati, in KaMaRi Kali, Rejistania, with Stephen Fitzsimmons and Colm O'Connor.

<Colm> Well, they're having the toss, and it seems like AAW have won the toss. So, are they going to take the kick-off?

<Stephen> Nope, it looks like... they want to change sides! Well, it's rare to see teams swap sides, but I understand AAW. Any way to get Hiraki a little bit tired and weary will count later on, and there's no reason to refuse it.

<Colm> So, Hiraki take the kick-off. Looks to me like Hiraki are going to try to muffle AAW's 4-man attack by playing two of their midfielders a little lower than usual, so that AAW can't pick theis strike-force with long balls as they did against Qazox.

<Stephen> Yes, Hiraki are well placed, they're using all the width of the pitch to pull the AAW midfield and defence, but it looks like AAW are going to give up some good resistance. The work on Hiraki's side is obvious. They just seem to read the path of the AAW midfielders as soon as they move, and they are weaving their way to goal, slowly but surely.

<Colm> Hiraki are really using the ball well. Oh, and Cortes has just sent a ball deep for Sharp! Sharp's alone! Could it all be over before it really started?

<Stephen> Mahoro is coming out, but it'll be make or break...

<Colm> Oh! Sharp has gone down! Mahoro came out to get the ball, and it looks like Sharp has been tripped by Mahoro! The crowd is silenced, at least in the AAW end, they just can't understand! What did happen?

<Stephen> Well, it looks like Sharp tried to push the ball away from Mahoro just as they collided. Well, Mahoro did get it's body on the path of the ball, but it's outstreached arms cleanly cut Sharp's legs.

<Colm> Well, it's a difficult call. Is Sharp in position to play the ball after the challenge by the goalkeeper? I don't think so. But Mahoro took his legs cleanly, and it's arms were'n going for the ball at all, so it's anybody's guess if Mahoro will be heading for an early oiling or if Sharp will be heading for some ointment on the sidelines.

<Stephen> The medics are already there, they're taking him to the byline, and he really does seem crippled. He's taken a big blow there, and I don't know if he'll be able to finish the 90 minutes.

<Colm> The referee is reacting, he's heading away from the linesman, and he has awarded a free kick to AAW! Well, that's a surprise!

<Stephen> Yes, that's an unexpected decision. Well, let's have another look at the tapes, and try to see what caused the free kick.

<Colm> He heels the ball away from Mahoro and, ah! His boot collides with Mahoro's head-plate.

<Stephen> Ah, so that's the foul. Sharp hit Mahoro in the face before he tripped, and so the ref has given AAW the foul. Harsh decision, though.

<Colm> Yes, it didn't look intentional, but rather like he was completing his dummy. But that's luck. Sometimes you just get the ref against you, and you can't understand why untill you look at the replays very carefully.

<Stephen> Ah, well, I was expecting it. Listen to this. The Hiraki fans are all standing up and shouting "Twelve men, you've only got twelve men"... This is it. The match is on!

<Colm> Well, it looks like Sharp's surge won't force him to leave the pitch yet, but my god, that must hurt.

<Stephen> Yea, it's in the head. You miss a chance, and suddely you can't get anything right. Now we'll see if Sharp can reverse his bad luck and go on playing, or if his self-confidence will just fleet away and die.

...

<Colm> Well, they've been playing for just over 14 minutes now here in KaMaRi Kali, and the teams are really evenly matched. Sagara has made two runs down the wing, but both times, he was foiled by Thorpe. Thorpe knows that Sagara is a great threat, but he'll know that he's good enough to keep him at bay, having seen his latest performances in this BoF.

<Stephen> Well, Raye has dropped low again to fetch a ball through Hiraki's 5-man midfield. She picks out Vash, he's launched in the back of the defence... Oh! Forrester has made an incredible jump! Just how did he get his haed to that? But he hasn't managed to clear, the ball has fallen back for Raye, well outside the box... She's having a go! Incredible! The ball just grazed the top of the bar, and Mark Stone was seconds late there! If that shot had been one yard lower, we'd be looking at a goal of the tournament contenstant! Magnificent!

<Colm> What a pity! She's biting her lip, she knows just how good that would have been! Well, Mark Stone is bellowing at his defence, and I know just what he is saying. Peterstone was completely out of position, leaving Vash unmarked. Forrester did well to get his head to the ball, but Thorpe just stood there and watched Raye line up her shot. They're only three in defence, and there's four strikers, so they'll have to take care, but chances are they'll be better prepared next time.

<Stephen> The ball's back in AAW's half. Stone played short to Forrester who has played a one-two with Ribald, he's far down the wing, I hate to think what would happen if he lost his duel against Edwards. He's through! Lovely dummy there, Edwards dived right to tackle Forrester, only to glimpse at Forrester's heels flashing past on the left. Forrester has got all the space in the world! Just where are the AAW defenders? Oh, I see them, they're man marking Zendar. All three of them! And Sharp is just waiting at the back post, all alone! The cross comes in, Zendar gets his head to the ball, he's played it on for Sharp! Sharp, he's got to get it from an awkward angle, on his left foot! Shot and ... He rammed that one onto the post! Mahoro didn't even have time to see the ball hit the post, let alone to dive! And Tenda has booted the ball upfield! My God!

<Colm> Sharp has got his head in his hands. He scored that one a thousand times in practice, I'm sure, but here he hit the post. He did very well to get his foot under the ball. It wasn't easy, and there's no doubt that he'll be disgusted by his lack of luck today.

<Stephen> We're only just twenty minutes in, and we've seen some great goal-to-goal action, with goalkeepers that fo the best they can, but they can't do quite as well as Raye and Sharp so far. Look at Sharp. He's gor his face buried in his shirt. We all know how he feels. He knows that he should have his name on the big board up there, at least once, and probably twice.

...

<Colm> Well, it's nearly half time here in Rejistania. One minute of injury time will be played. Well, Stephen, both teams have given their best, but there's still no clear favorite, is there?

<Stephen> I'm surprised. I really thought that Hiraki would be able to 'kill' the game pretty early with a goal or two, but so far, Sharp's effort off the bar has to be the best we've seen!

<Colm> Yes, after those two brilliant shots, both managers were telling their team that the most important was to not concede, because if you don't concede any goals, they you're going to win more matches than you lose.

<Stephen> Indeed Colm, indeed. But if they don't score, then that means penalties... And penalties means that how good you are as a team doesn't count any more, not an option that any manager relishes.

<Colm> And that's it! 45 minutes are over, and we've been entertained very well here in Rejistania!

*Adverts*

*Raum 1 Sports at Eight

<Dom Estic> Well, Stephen and Colm have been our hosts in Rejistania, commenting on the Hiraki vs AAW final with masters' eyes. Rejistania, are you still there?

<Stephen> Of course we are, Dom! Anything we could do to be with you and Sue. Anything.

<Colm> Anything HE could do to be with you and Sue.

<Stephen> So, amidst Colm's insinuations, AAW take the kick-off for the second half.

<Dom Estic> It looks like it's starting to rain in Rejistania. Colm, Stephen, can you confirm this?

<Colm> Yes, just as the half-time break started, a small cloud took place above the stadium and has brought a slight drizzle to the stadium. This might change the course of the match, as it will slow down play, favouring long balls, and being a problem for dribbling.

<Dom Estic> Any changes for either of the two sides?

<Colm> Well, AAW doesn't seem to have changed any players, but Hiraki have taken a gamble, removing Ford and Foster, and playing Alicia Ribald and Vern. Lloyd Vargas surely wants to put an end to the game, as he's showing a very offensive face with this new side.

...

<Stephen> Well, we're almost at the hour mark, and so far, this second half has yet to turn into anything more than a display of each side's "hoofing the ball up the field" capacity. Hiraki, who usually play with such grace, they seem to be satisfied with waiting for the ball to be played with long punts for the strikers, and that's very surprising.

<Colm> Yes. It seems the rain has really brought this match to a standstill so far. We just hope that as the rain seems to be stopping, the match will start again!

...

<Colm> Is he going to punt it up the field? Yes. And will the ball be punted back at him? Oh, no. It seems like the sun coming back has been the signal to start playing like before for Hiraki! Petterson passes the ball forwards to Vern, she's looking for a solution down the left wing, Ribald is there, but Vern isn't going to give her the ball! She's on a run, right through the heart of the AAW defence! She's still not chalenged! She's on the edge of the box, and ooh! Great shot, but Mara was there to stop it with his body! And Waters has got the ball! He's found Sagara in tonnes of space! Sagara caries the ball down the wing! Forrester is coming out to stop him, but Sagara has fed the ball to the overlapping Ikau! Ikau with the cross! They're two on two in the box, and Mark Stone knows he can't get out quickly enough! Raye gets his head to the ball! And Stone parries! Who'll be the fastest to get the rebound? Vash! A shot! A CRACKER OF A GOAL BY VASH! You'd have thought it was easy! Just look at that! He's pleased, and he's showing the fans just how pleased he is!

<Stephen> He didn't jump for the header, and when the ball came off Stone, has had acres of space. He kept cool, and drilled it home.

<Colm> 81st minute, and it looks like Hiraki have surrendered the BoF that everybody had put in their hands! Vash is at the bench, surrounded by his teammates. They know they've probably done it. They've probably won it.

<Stephen> I wouldn't be surprised if he watches that goal for the next few days non-stop. Lovely placement, he just read the path of the ball, and was one step ahead of the others.

...

<Stephen> And that's it! Dispite Hiraki's all-out attacking last 10 minutes, AAW have held firm! One-Nil, but that's all you need.

<Colm> It has been a great match, and we're pleased to have been part of the BoF.

<Dom Estic> Well that's all from Rejistania. Now, Sports at Eight is over on Raum 1, and we'll be listening to your problems in "Ay conchita", just after the break.

The third midfielder's name is Emeralds, not Edwards. :) Geez louise, if you roleplayed like that throughout the tournament, YOU would have taken the champtionship!

Raum 1 Communiqué de Presse.

It has come to our intelligence that during last evening's 'Sport at Eight' program, hosted by Dom Estic, during which the BoF Pre 27 WC was shown, the name of Fleet Admiral Emeralds was regularly mispronounced, spelt and aired as "Edwards".

We at Raum 1 deem precision the main part of our journalistic activities. Not only is this mistake unforgivable, but it is also humiliating, as Emeralds is part of the BoF winning outfit : Allied Anime World.

In our search of flawless programmation, we have taken stern measures.

We will find all those that mispronounced his name and tell them off sternly. The president of Raum 1 will conduct the hearings himself, in a bid to scare off any more errors.

If the errors were willingly made by our staff, then they shall be shown the door.

We would like to present our most humble excuses to Fleet Admiral Emeralds, and congratulate him again, as well as his country, for the outstanding victory they took in Rejistania.

[OOC]I forgot how to read some point through this thread I guess. What's more is that I KNOW most of them... so why do I fail?

As for the quantity/quality of my posts... it's very variable. Yesterday, I felt like diong something, so I did. Most of the other times, I didn't do anything more than just narrate the game though... (leaving spaces for other incidents that my opponent would want to RP, of course!)[]

((OOC- hmm best RP to me would have to be Haraki and the very detailed game by game accounts he gave for each and every game. Best RP storyline i'd say was the Qazox/Green Wombat Kyle Cartman story that ended up expanding onto lots of other people's RP including mine.

so um...now that i see the other tournament (cherry cup i think?) is over when will the new rankings be out?

along with that issue i'm a bit confused about one thing. were these two tournaments the qualifying for the World Cup or will the World Cup still have a qualifying round that has yet to take place yet or were the two tournaments to produce the teams that would go onto the WC qualifying round? Just not sure exactly how the qualifying works. posting on this thread because hopefully i'm not the only one who's wondering about it.))

AFAIK, only the BoF, the CoH and the WC count for the KPB Ranking... However, the U21WC counts for the RPR, but that doesn't have any incidence on the KPB Ranking.

So, once the CoH is over, there should be a proper "Qualifying round" for the WC, with each team that's registered being drawin into a group, top few get through to the Finals, and then it's usual "WC" : Small group, then knock-out.

So that means AAW will have to earn a qulifying place. No free spots for old champs or anything, exception made for the hosts.

I'm wondering, why don't we list each other's +/- points about the RPs we did so that we can improve and have more fun? Or aren't we allowed to?

Isn't the CoH for teams who don't make it through the WC proper qualifiers?

OOC: If you want pages and pages of OOC discussion, use the World Cup Discussion Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=293066).

This was the warm-up tournament for new nations entering World Cup 27. It started exceptionally early, so early in fact that the Cup of Harmony for WC26 non-qualifiers (that supposedly goes on at the same time as the WC Finals finished after this did.

So, all teams signed up for WC27 (of which you all are, of course, as you're in its BoF) will be split into Qualifying Groups, similar to Real Life though not done by geography. You'll have two games against each of your group opponents - home and away - and of the top 30 teams will go to World Cup 27 in Bedistan & Fmjphoenix. Only hosts qualify automatically, making 32. Hope that helps.