NationStates Jolt Archive

Welcome to the Pre-WC27 RP thread, your one-stop shop for all your pre-group draw RPing!

The WC27 group draw will occur at 02:00 GMT Friday, March 3.

Sea Dragons Ready to ROAR!!!

This is Kellan Kildan of the ASMV Football News Network

The Sea Dragons of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega are ready for WC27 qualification to begin. And for the first time, our squad remains unchanged and shows some much needed verteran leadership. Unami and Unori Banta-N'bai are ready to shut down the attack of all opponents, and what gets past them will have to deal with super star keeper Shaun Conarky.

Evan Evans reamins the squad's emotional leader, while Malachi James and Micah Swift are finally settling into roles that much improve the play of the Sea Dragons.

Opposing defenders will still have to face Porche Alexander and Pablo Iglesias. That duo can be really phenomenal at times and the speed they bring to the attack can change a match's flow in mere seconds.

After the squad's brilliant run in CoH18, things are finally looking up for ASMV. Now if we can just manage to beat those pesky 130+ ranked sides.

We welcome the chance to prove ourselves against any nation here. And we truly expect to see TnUI atop the group we are handed. That will mean at least two 1 pt losses. But we feel we can make make some real noise this time around.

Good luck to everyone who is participating.

Stars look to 'new beginnings'

WOODSTOCK (ASP) -- The post-Brian Wilson era for the Sarzonian national football team may have begun unofficially with an invitational tournament in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, but for most fans, seeing the Stars line up without Brian Wilson as one of the team's target players will be a culture shock. It will also be for the team's new coach, who is the same as the old coach.

"It is strange going through training without Brian leading the team," Coach Dave Wilson said. "I'm not going to pretend it's just a normal transition for us because to be quite honest, it's not. But this World Cup is going to test our team and we're going to have to find out a lot about ourselves and whether we can bounce back from the last one."

World Cup XXVI, which Sarzonian media are referring to as "the slani disaster," saw the Stars fail to advance to the semifinals for the first time since World Cup XXI in what some Hockey Canada expatriates are referring to as the Miracle on Grass. It also saw an upheaval in the national governing body for football that started with a botched attempt to fire former Stars coach Barry Owens, who ended up applying for the job with Yafor 2 and ended up with Dave Wilson abruptly leaving Hypocria in favour of a double-hatted role with his original team.

After the World Cup ended, former Liverpool England coach Sir Douglas Freech was hired to serve as the first president of the Incorporated Football Federation, meaning that he will technically be answering to Wilson. But Wilson said Freech would be responsible for more than the day to day operations of the football organisation.

"I didn't hire Sir Douglas to be a figurehead," Wilson said. "I hired him to have the authority to make changes that need to be made. By the nature of the job and the nature of the wishes of both the government and the board of advisors, I have been given the prerogative to remain coach for as long as I feel I'm capable of giving to this team what it needs on the pitch. From an operational standpoint, we're in good hands with Sir Douglas at the controls. I really believe that."

Following a stint as the national team captain during the tournament in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, midfielder Jenna Raven gave up her captain's armband, saying "I don't feel comfortable with the role." The team then voted Kevin Wilson, younger brother of Brian and youngest son of Dave, to serve as the national team captain.

"He's made his way through to the role with a stellar work rate and we hope that will rub off on the rest of the team," assistant coach Brett Hancock said. He's not as vocal as Brian is, but he'll let people know when they've done wrong."

For the Stars, World Cup XXVII marks the first time since the end of World Cup XXII qualifiers that they will not be at the top of the heap in the football world. The Round of 16 exit means they will start with the number four ranking. Kevin Wilson said that fact would make the Stars hungrier.

"We're going to come in with a new attitude and a new system," he said. "This time, we're the hunters and we're hungry to bring the World Cup back to Sarzonia where it belongs."

Ariddia confirms squad

The PDSRA has confirmed today that its squad for World Cup 27 will be as previously announced. All twenty-three players have already played at least one match for the national side, and are reportedly eager to help the nation qualify for the first time since World Cup 11. Many Ariddians are impatient to see whether teenage Hanifaw Kyaw will confirm her potential in the Cup, having, so far, scored three goals in the three matches she has taken part in, including two in her very first game. Kyaw has never yet been fielded at the start of a match, and will not be amongst the starting eleven in this Cup either, as Clément, Faraj and Ramirez still hold the three forward positions.

The team's coach, Adam Seul, also announced that he had approached former goalkeeper Sandrine Leduc, and asked her to re-integrate the team. Leduc had resigned after Ariddia suffered a massive 2-7 thrashing at the hands (or rather feet) of New Montreal States.

"I'm pleased to announce that Sandrine has accepted to join us again," Seul said, smiling. "She's more than earned her place on the national squad, and we're all very happy to have her back with us."

Asked whether the Rouge-et-Noirs would again be performing the ulek (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ulek) at the start of every match, Seul merely smiled.

"What do you think?"

Princess Serena to attend San Adriano's first match

The tiny, sovereign village of San Adriano, which has recently announced its decision to send a one-man delegation to the first ever Winter Olympic Games, is preparing to enter the world stage in international football. The village is abuzz with excitement, as villagers wonder whether their team has any chance of winning a match. The general consensus is that anything other than a defeat, in any game, will be cause for nation-wide rejoicing.

San Adriano, which has a population of just over four hundred, no hospital and no university of its own, is much too small to have a football stadium. All home matches will nonetheless take place in the Sanadrianese National Stadium, which is located across the border in neighbouring Uhuh-Topia. The Sanadrianese government is currently discussing matters with the Uhuh-Topian authorities to facilitate access to the stadium for fans wishing to attend.

Meanwhile, the Royal Palace has caused an additional stir of excitement by announcing that Her Royal Highness, Princess Serena Eu, the nation's ruling monarch, will attend her country's first ever international match. As the scheduling of the Cup has not yet been announced, it is as yet unknown whether that will simply mean a trip to the National Stadium, or whether the Princess will be travelling abroad, if San Adriano's first match happens to be away. The Palace has stated that, should that be the case, San Adriano will coordinate with the host nation of that match, to obtain approval and to arrange a State visit for the Princess.

Johann Fischmann parked his blue Aarcke just outside the national training ground. He was satisfied by his team's performance in the BoF. Not particularly happy, but satisfied. He didn't want to change anything in the rooster. Anyway, what could he change? The Topplig wasn't scheduled to start before 2 weeks, no players had been injured, and the squad that he had taken to the BoF were clearly the best.

He went through the glass doors to get to the meeting with the President of Sports. "Funny how these glass doors are heavy, he thought, whilst they are supposed to make the building lighter..." But there was no time to reflect upon that. He knew what he had to do. He had to pick the 22 that would go to the WC.

He stayed for a few hours with the President, both of them trying to seek out the smallest change possible before Scarab arrived. Scarab was below both of them in the heirarchical order, but they both knew that nobody would ever be seen in the same light as Scarab by Vuami and Ismians. Especially those that liked football. Scarab had been one of the first footballers in Vuam and Isma, part of the Championna-founding squad of Dingam-Roh. With Dingam-Roh, he would win the Championna Quave (see here for more precisions about the Championna) (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/V%26I_Topplig) six times in a row, and would bring national titles three of those years. Then, he became the first Vuami and Ismian to play professional football as he left Vuam and Isma to join the recently-created Fernzari National league. Again, he was one of the best, and each time he featured as part of the Vuam and Isma unofficial national team he shone like a star (The national team was formed only after the creation of the Topplig. Vuam and Isma's first international match is a BoF win against Risa-Aramour, 1-0. Prior to this match, Vuam and Isma played friendlies under the name : Northern Cyberia Eastern Footballing Group, along with 3 other countries). But not only had he been one of the best players ever on a Vuami and Ismian pitch, as he had also made his name on the bench. His first managerial task saw him take hold of bottom of the league MK Tharrows, and finish the season with them in the top half. Then, in barely 5 years, he won 2 national titles, 1 national cup, and 3 Championna titles. After that, he retired from club football, as Vuam and Isma created it's first true independant football association. He said his mission was to take Vuam and Isma to their first World Cup... and he was used to success, not defeat.

What had Fischmann got that had lead him to having this position that many thought should have been Scarab's? Well, looking at his silverware, you'd find it hard to believe that he was one of the best managers Gudjon ever had. Fischmann was an unlucky genius. 7 times finalist for the national title, he only brought it back twice. 13 times in the top 2 of the Championna, and only 5 times Champion. 8 Cup finals, and only one win. Yes, Gudjon had become one of the few clubs that were regular finalists and rare winners under Fischmann, but Fischmann had also proved that his successes weren't down to luck. Whilst Scarab finished 4th just after winning the national title, once, and 3rd the other time, dispite being one of the most active managers ever during the transfer window, bringing in 7 players, Fischmann only bought 2 players during his whole career, and both were resounding flops.

Fischmann had the place because he was used to being forced to obtain good results with limited resources... and football-wise, Vuam and Isma was certainly limited. But the President had taken Scarab as his understudy, hoping the veteran's presence would fire up the players.

Scarab came in. At last. Exactly on time, as per usual. Nothing ever seemed amiss with him. "Shall we see who'll be on the first plane then?" he asked. The president rushed to hand him the page of typed information they had been scribbling on for the last 20 minutes.

"Well... I haven't got anything to say, you're the bosses after all. Shall we go and read it out to the press, or is there something more urgent we should do?" The President seemed lost by Scarab's lack of comments. How could he, the person who had been kicking up a media battle over who should be national manager, have become so docile? He'd have to have a word with Johann about that... But it was too late. Johann Fischmann had already stood up and grapped his coat, walking resolutely towards the press conference that was going to open. The press conference that would bring incredible joy to the 22 that would be listed... and shatter the dreams of some that knew they were just one place further down the pecking order.


Raum 1 Sports at Eight.

<Dom Estic> Well, today was the big day. Vuam and Isma have announced the 22 players that will go to the World Cup. Unsurprisingly, the list is almost identical to the 22 that went to the BoF... Since very few of you were able to follow the BoF, and quite a few of you probably ignore these players, we'll give you a detailled run-down of each one of them.

Vuam and Isma play a 4-5-1 (http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6582/4517un.jpg) with -1 for style modifier.

Starting 11 are Italicised.

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. During the BoF, he kept 2 clean sheets, and was spotted by Mr Chuck Norris' Manager, Bob Janney, who said he had all that was needed to be "more than decent". 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. Only played one match in the BoF, but managed a nice performance, keeping a clean sheet against Berner Street. 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. However, he was unable to reproduce these feats in the BoF, as the only half game he played saw him push a penalty onto the crossbar, that OJ Pimpson managed to head in after it came back towards him. 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. Performed well during the BoF, but still hasn't plerformed well enough to lure foreign clubs into the bidding. 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. He didn't get his first goal in the BoF, but he did great defensive action. After all, who cares if you can't score, Icham? As long as our opponents can't either, you're fine. 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. In the BoF, Roman was unluckily pushed out of the side as Vuam and Isma had to play with a makeshift strategy, but he came in strong in the two games he played, showing that he's just as effective playing as a sub. 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. He made his mark on the BoF, with his fearless attacking play and his strong defensive abilities. 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 World Cup. 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. Only managing one appearance as a sub, Eukla will be hoping this BoF isn't akin to how he'll spend his time with the national team during the WC Qualifiers. 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. Even though the BoF seemed to show that his versatility was appreciated on the bench by Johann Fischermann, he'll be hoping to get on the pitch before the 60 minute mark as he did in 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 the World Cup 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! Ray's BoF was good. His recurring injury hit him again, preventing him from playing 2 of the games, but the 4 games he did play showed a player with great vision, and he shoed a new side of his talent : the supersub. Let's hope this was just an appetizer! 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. Nothing amazing in the BoF, but nice solid demonstrations of the Gudjon passing play were the order of the day. 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. As "dinamique" as ever, Harrp's BoF was a good one, even though his dribbling wasn't enough to keep Vuam and Isma's hopes of being champion alive. 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. He had a sour BoF, earning a red card and failing miserably to impress over the 4 matches he played. 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. Lidon got his name on the scoresheet during the BoF with a very nice goal from outside the box. Now, will he be able to repeat the feat to take Vuam and Isma to the World Cup? 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. Didn't get much playing time in the BoF as Scarab urged the team to try to play 4-3-3s and 4-4-2s to make use of an attacking pairing, he will be happy that Johann Fischmann has reverted to the traditional 4-5-1, assuring him some playing time. 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. One game in the BoF, and not much to remember. Searle is mentally broken, as his lone game showed. But if he manages to get through the hard times he's in now, maybe through a transfer, then he might just shine his way into the starting 11. 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. Surprisingly though, Scarab and Fischmann seem to think the lad has a great potential, bring him on three times during the BoF, in various attempts to revive an ofter sterile Vuam and Isma side.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 the following matches! Seeing his perfomance during the BoF, though we shouldn't have much to worry about. Stephen got 3 goals to add to his tally, and will be revved up by the praises he recieved from every team he played against. 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 season that he can make good use of his 194 cm. The lanky striker's sucess wasn't present though during the BoF. Too few crosses, and virtually no speed from the Vuam and Isma midfield left him diminushed, as he couldn't use his best way of playing. Fischmann however claims he has the solution to this problem. 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. One goal, and maybe two chances that should have been goals sums up his BoF. 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. Dispite only playing one match, and coming on once as a supersub, Fahd's tournament will be tainted by the picture of his bizarre 40-yard bicycle kick that had Vuam and Isma's opponents laughing out of the stadium. 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. His comeback with the national team was not a complete sucess, but he showed will on the pitch, hitting the posts 3 times, and getting his name on an assist. 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

The Kazoos, after a disappointing 8th-placed finish out of 16 teams at the Pre-World Cup 27 Draggonni Inviyatii Showcase, look to advance far into World Cup 27.

"While last year [getting into the final 32] was indeed a fluke [due to the nature of World Cup 26]," said Coach Manni Aka at the Kazoo Master Ballroom in the Kazoo Inn and Suites, "this year, when we get into the Finals, it will be no fluke. We will do better this year, after our ranking has soared to 45th from its pre-World Cup 26 ranking of 120th."

"So, Coach, are you saying that the Kazoos are a guarantee for the finals?"

"Not exactly. But we'll give all of our opponents hell."

"Well put, sir."

"Thanks."

"How about Jim Johnson? Has he recovered from the combo hernia-stomach flu yet?"

"I am pleased to report that Johnson is currently at 84% healthy, and should be 95% by Matchday 1, and 100% by Matchday 2 or 3."

"Mm."

"Who's replaced retired veterans Mozzarella Munster and Mike Sweeny?"

"Mohr Ganfreeman and Cort Izzone. They are excellent players, and they will bring a lot to this team."

"You have an interesting formation. Tell us about it."

"The 2-1-3-2-2? Man, was I drunk that night, let me tell you... *nervous laughter*... seriously though, I had my son Manni Aka, Jr., who as you recall, came for the ride last year in World Cup 26, draw numbers out of a hat to determine our formation. And it forms an 'X,' see! It's cool. We'll 'X' out our opponents -- get it?"

The reporters then proceeded to head to the exits so that the coach wouldn't notice.

One shouted, "Hey, look over there," and pointed behind Aka's back. As soon as he turned, the reporters flat out ran, Aka left alone in the conference room.

The Boyars All Set for WC27

ISANGRAD, MAGNUS VALERIUS -- After a long time since having participated in a World Cup, the Boyars are ready to represent Magnus Valerius and try to win the cup... or at least qualify. The team has never qualified for a cup before, but this may change this year. After all, they have the top coach in Magnus Valerius running them. Ilya Pavlov is perhaps the biggest coach in Magnus Valerius at the moment, and he has been selected to be the coach for the national team. Normally, he is the coach of the Tabriz Immortals, a football club in Magnus Valerius. The Boyars have thus picked up the nickname, "Pavlov's Dogs", and already posters and team paraphenalia have Pavlov's Dogs WC27 and the like all over them.

"So, Ilya, I'd assume that, at the ding of a bell, your team will not salivate, but score awesome goals. Am I right?" questioned our reporter Anastasia Nerchinsky.

"Well, I hope so," chuckled Pavlov as he took a puff from a cheap cigarette. "If they don't do good in the World Cup, well, I can always train them to salivate. They'll surely be at least champs at that."

The country is in the fervor of the World Cup as well. For games played at home, there is the always excellent Tsar's Arena, in the capital city of Isangrad. The large stadium occupies an island on the River Vedus, right at the center of the city and where the city divides into Old and New Isangrad. The island lies near the St. George bridge, a mighty suspension bridge that connects the two city portions across the wide River Vedus; the stadium is also nearby local marinas and a couple of resort hotels (which lie on the same islet). Particularly at the marinas, people have been draping their boats with uniforms of the Boyars and Valerian flags in the spirit of the games. It is also expected that at least 250 million Valerians will watch the games closely.

It will be a great experience for the nation once again... so long as there aren't any football riots.

The broadcast from Radio Atlantic was being traced - just about - in Wentland for the top 40 rundown. An avid audience listened for the rundown. Would they make it?

The thumping beat of Whole Lotta Love cut in over the background of DJ Wayne Kerr.

Der derrr de der da. Da da. Da da. Der derrr de der da. Da da. Da da.

"New entry at number 40...Cataduanes...down to 39, Oglethorpia..."

As the anthems for each team played as the countdown wnt on the Wentland audience gradually turned off as they realized they were not going to break the all-important 40. Only a hardy few stayed as far as the announcement of Liverpool England as number 2, for Kerr to announce the "bubbling unders" and that the Swifts had risen a hundred and twenty places or so to number 43.

Not bad...but as WC27 started could they gain a second qualification? That would guarantee a place amongst the True Elite...

James Gaines was yelling at his Coaching Squad...

"We went down in the rankings?!" he yelled at them... "How could we go down in the rankings?"

"Well... we got beat to many times?" suggested Timidly by Malcolm frost

"Yes. Exactly! And do you know who's to blame?" said James still with the fire in his eyes

"God?" suggested Jayne

"NO!" said James "... something, someone else..."

"the balls, the weather, the fact that we are just totally outclassed?" Caine

"no,No,NO!, you want to know who is to blame? Then look at the mirror, you have been letting the team down, you have been stiring up inter-league rivalries... Stop it now and get the team together and we have a chance."

"but..." Caine started but was immeadiately cut off by James

"Yes, I know the last few matches of the invitiational where very good. But we need to be good from the start of the world cup, not after it has finished. Got that? Pull your socks up our you'll be out of a job... All of you. Now get out of here!" James ranted...

the coaches left... determinded to prove to James that they did have what it takes. While infact since the last world cup the Bazalopes ranking did improve by 10 ranks, it also dropped by 10 ranks after the end of the World Cup qualifying and their entrance into the Cupo of Harmony... but the CoH's group was just too powerful and they managed one draw Elrich in the CoH but not ASMV or Milchama even though their losses where only small.

..............

The following is a summary of something that was Roleplayed out during the CoH and the ASMV Dragon Invitational...

It all started just before the Bazalopes played against the Elrich Badgers in the CoH, worried about the Elirch Wolfman, James Gaines sent a letter to the Monastic Football Association (The Archregimancy) about measures that the team could take to protect themselves against the Lycanthropic curse. The MFA sent a pamphlet in reply detailing ways of protection and ways to "get rid" of the potential, not wanting to actually kill the Wolfman, for that would be sure to create an international scandal, the Bazalopes took the measure of sweet water baths as protection, all of them, well apart from Hobble but that was not known at the time. As far as we can tell either during the match or soon after the Wolfman was able to infect Peter Hobble and turn him into a Werewolf. This was evidenced later as after performing very well in their last CoH match against ASMV Peter Hobble dissappeared and ended up scoring the 2nd goal for Elrich. However it was not until the ASMV invitational that the team found out about this. Also strange things happened in the invitational, First Peter Hobble was unusually aggressive scoring 2 goals and gaining a red card, he had not even had a yellow card before... Something was weird, and then before the next match the team went out one night and Peter Hobble started going crazy damaging the restaraunt and then he ran out the door and has not really been seen since, though there have been reportings of a wolf and a man that looks like Peter acting really strange. The realisation that Peter Hobble was a Werewolf finally dawned as the Invitational ended and a "Please Explain" letter was sent to the Elrichians. The Bazalopes are still waiting for a reply.

Siki Rej had nothing much to do, now he has been sacked. He tried to get a job elsewhere, but apparently despite his talents no one would employ him. Well, he found a place to live (even though he moved to KaMaRi) and welfare pays enough for him to afford his programming lifestyle. Several OpenSource projects live due to his participation. But still sometimes he tries to find a job.

Siki Rej is standing in front of the WhiteRabbit Corp building, a small building, he never noticed here in KaMaRi. He rings and a person opens. He never was a good observer and this person is hard to describe. "Average secretary" is the best description he can think of: As if someone used all cliches about secretaries and included them when rendering this person. "Xy" waits already and so she leads him to his office. "Xy" is Xyan Tak~ha, the human ressources manager of WhiteRabbit Corp. His office is not well lit and it appears to be a few degrees cooler and outside. The walls are covered with a brown cloth with a strange pattern on it, it appears to change slightly, even though this might just be the light. He then looks at the person himself. He has a slight similarity to... to an actor. He is tall, he is slim, he is white and he is blind. His eyes are hidden behind dark sunglasses, despite the utter lack of light. "Hejida tahoj!" says the ex-national coach, ex-Hexatux programmer and ex-ASR employee. "Hejida Rej'he, did you find here well?" (Of course he said it in Rejistanian but in this RP, it is better to translate) was the reply, a dark voice.
"Rej'he, the reason you are here is something different than you might think. The reason you are here is because you are searching for the truth and I can show you."
"The truth?" Siki Rej is surprised.
"Didn't you often think this world is an illusion?" Tak~ha'he asks.
"Well, I sometimes... well, yes."
"Read the blue scroll and you will wake up in your computer chair, you normally sleep in and forget about the thoughts and this meeting... read the red srcoll and you will learn the truth..." Siki Rej feels reminded of some crappy foreign movies when the manager puts 2 scrolls in blue and in red in front of him. Siki Rej shudders but does not hesitate more than one normally does if landed in a totally strange and totally unexpected situation. He opens the red scroll and reads it. It contains code in PASCAL. The code for a Buffer Overflow. Siki Rej wonders what this has to do with his situation then he hears something, a weird music which reminds him of elevator music. He closes the scroll and looks up...

This place is lit also not very well, but with different color changing lights. On the ceiling are three lamps but dimmed to a pretty low intensity. The room is a chaos: Clothes are on the ground, books and strange things whose function he can not understand are lying everywhere. The walls are white, but under lots of posters: prints of a Dali picture and a Mantisse picture, a large poster of a galaxy, an aged poster of pop musician (he is too ugly to be an actor), a character sheet from a roleplay, a hologram, postcards and on one wall countless books in shelves. On the one side, three windows show darkness, pierced with the light of a street lantern, next to and on the opposite of the bed, doors are leading somewhere, but they are closed. Three computers are in the room. a falling-apart chair is standing in front of him and on it sits someone: A slightly obese white woman, clad in beige, with long brown hair and thick glasses. On her lap are two plushed penguins. "Hejida Siki! Xe'elu, il'lanja'ma 'visko Mextehilid." She has a strange accent with sounds very southern, except that some of it sounds northern and the way she pronounces the "an" even central. She explains him that she is the one, who invented Rejistania "as a challenge, an escape from the world, for fun". She shows him a page in a browser on her computer, which has some weird similarity with the system, he normally works on. Siki is shocked, but interested on the same time. "Siki, do you feel like helping me on the attempt to win the NSWC once again?"
"But... I lost my job, my database is no longer up to date, I am too old..."
"What about a totally new form of helping the Orange-Blues?"
"Why not, I already gave up everything as it seems..."
"Let's say that I have a mission for you... it requires a new... a new form!"
"I guess you can arrange that?"
"I indeed can!"
"Okay then. I guess I am at your mercy anyways..."
Siki and the woman shake hands, then he disappears.

Jeri Kis wakes up, he had a horrible nightmare which involves plushed penguins for some odd reason, but he can not remember more. He is goalie for the H1SR club Sikane Sekhika. For some reason, he looks forward to hear who is nominated to the national team, maybe to gloat about the bad choice of the goalie if this karelan (OOC: Visnu Kanavan) again gets nominated. He still tries to remember the dream when the phone rings. Jeri stands up, taps through the room to find the phone and answers it. Seletarakeledira Hanselijimijile is on the phone.

MONASTIC TIMES

THE ARCHREGIMANCY PREPARES FOR WC27
Concerns Raised Over Lenten Football

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

After the treble disappointments of failing to qualify for WC26 on the last day of qualifying after losing to a much lower-ranked team, getting knocked out of the Cup of Harmony in the quarterfinals, and losing the right to host WC27 in a landslide defeat to Bedistan and Fmjphoenix, many football fans in the Archregimancy were asking whether the international football honeymoon was over. Was God - in his infinite yet unknowable wisdom - sending a message to the WCC's best team of footballing Orthodox monks? Was he reminding the football fans of the Archregimancy that their initial successes should be tempered with humility?

Whatever reason, the Monastic Football Association today announced that the Archregimancy squad would be back in an attempt to qualify for World Cup 27.

With Great Lent commencing on March 6, however, concerns were immediately raised as to whether it was appropriate for the squad to be participating in the tournament. "This is supposed to be a time where the monastic devotes his life to quiet contemplation of our Lord's ultimate sacrifice" said a senior archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity "not a time where those who have devoted their lives to God should engage in frivolous and distracting sporting behaviour"

Others have spoken out in support, notably Fr. Seraphim the Occasionally Dangerously Free-Thinking Theologian, who noted "As long as they follow the Lenten fast and still pay attention to their liturgical duties - while keeping the Lord in the hearts - I don't really see a problem. Though if we're still in the tournament come Good Friday, they might have a couple of issues to address - maybe they can parade the shroud round the stadium three times?"

Concerns have also been raised that most Archregimancy fans will be too focused on Lent and Easter to actually attend matches. Record-low attendances are expected at the Dreamed Stadium, with very real fears that not a single monk will be able to bring himself to go to a match if the team is still playing in Holy Week.


OOC: For those wanting to use the above post as an RP angle for themselves (and please feel free!), Orthodox Easter [Pascha] is a week _after_ western Easter this year. So Lent starts on Monday the 6th and Pascha falls on Sunday the 23rd of April

Atheistic Right Tribune

"At the Worlds Cup" by Nathanuel McKeen

Atheistic Right, though currently we are ranked 193rd, we are nothing but adaptable. That is what evolution has taught us the rigid/trick fall behind and die-off, while the adaptive change and live on. Lion, head of ARFA said that with the new Coach, Cricket, after Owl's sudden suicide after their final Baptism of Fire match (OOC: It was actually an assasination authorised by Lion), and adaptive play will be a corner-stone of the Atheistic Right Archeopteri. Here's what Cricket had to say on that matter. "One day we may be playing our forwards, as midfielders, our midfielders as defenders and our defenders as forwards. You can never be sure, just how or what our strategy will be. One day we'll be staunch defenders and the next we'll be aggresively attacking. You never will be able to tell. So let..." at this point the microphone was turned off. It seems Cricket has a passion for speaking and just never seems to shut up. Well will be looking forward to the world cup Draw and our first World Cup Qualifying match... whoever that turns out to be.

MBN TV5
Press Conference with Nate Webb, captain Damon Arnaud and Eric Mattson

*The three take their seats at the podium.*

NW: Welcome to the conference, one and all. Before you ask any questions, I would first like to make an announcement of my own; in this morning's training session, Scott Colton made a misplaced tackle and has injured himself. The extent of his injuries are unknown as of yet, but it is unlikely he will be kept from the tournament.

Reporter 1: Have you targeted a replacement for him?

NW: Didn't I just say not to ask questions until I'd finished?

DA: No, boss, you didn't.

NW: You keep quiet...yes, I have found a replacement should Colton be sidelined for the whole tournament.

Reporter 1: And he is...

NW: She. Lulu Marie Colton; seriously, I don't know what their parents fed them kids, but it looks like it worked.

Reporter 2: But doesn't that give London five players in the squad?

NW: Yes.

Reporter 2:...

NW: What's your point? London won the league, of course I'm going to be using them.

Reporter 2:...very well. What of Robbie Bacon?

EM: The guy needs a shooting.

NW: I told you to be quiet as well. How's that going to help anything?

EM: Well, this is national stuff. I have to tell the truth, don't I?

DA: No. Why would you possibly think that?

Reporter 3: Are you pleased with the Minutemen being ranked so highly?

EM: Can't you see we're trying to talk here?

*Webb slaps Eric around the head*

NW: Yes, I was pleasantly surprised. 108 puts us higher than Allied Anime Worlds, and considering the reign of my predecessor, it's much higher than I would have expected.

*At the back of the room, a black-suited man shakes his head*

Reporter 4: And what of your predecessor? If the rumours are true, he was removed of his post by force...

NW: THIS CONFERENCE IS OVER. Thank you for coming, there's the door...

*Webb leaves hurriedly through the crowd, followed by the black-suited man. Eric and Damon are left standing at the podium sheepishly.*

DA: Er...

*Damon leaves too.*

EM:...London Knights FOREVER! WHOO!

*He too leaves*

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

HOLY EMPIRE WITHDRAWS FROM WORLD CUP
'Foreign Germs' Cited as Main Reason

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

The Holy Empire Football Association today announced the withdrawal of the World Cup 2 hosts from the forthcoming tournament. "We only entered in the hope that the tournament would be awarded to the Archregimancy and New Montreal States" said a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "With all those evil foreign germs, plagues, and diseases floating around ordinary physical reality, it only makes sense for us to enter a team if the tournament's at least partially based in the virus-free safety of the Dreamed Realm - though we might make a special effort to enter a commemorative squad in the future for special anniversary tournaments, like the 30th."

Reactions in the nations of ordinary physical reality - particularly tournament co-hosts Bedistan and Fmjphoenix - to being called "a hothouse of suppurating venereal plague and other nasties" by one government official are unknown.

The Schiavone Scribe
MUCH ADO ABOUT SLOTHING

Schiavonia are back for their second World Cup, and after a surprise run to Commerce Heights and Oliverry (well, more specifically Oliverry...), where they even beat eventual finalists Liverpool England, expectations are... well, distinctly indistinct.

You see, the team are actually not that bad, and they also have some half-decent experience under their belts, with a World Cup finals appearance and time for the new side to gel in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, things are looking up.

But then, Schiavonia is one of the most "not arsed" places in the world. While the rest of the world might now be slightly surprised if the Orange and Scarlet Army aren't challenging for a qualifying position, nobody back home would bat an eyelid.

Not that they're ignoring the failure. It's just that the traditional Schiavone way of thinking has been to enjoy it, and if it goes well, even better.

We think they might have all gotten it from watching Hypocria in a former life*...

Anyway, the squads not much different, with a couple of young 'uns replacing a couple of the old 'uns. All in all, things are looking rosy.

Meanwhile, a flood of bets have arrived at Schiavone betsmen 46to1 on Schiavonia drawing Liverpool England in World Cup 27 Qualifying.

"It's odd, what with it being a random draw and everything." said a 46to1 spokesperson, "But if you remember before the last World Cup draw, Schiavonia's main dislike were Rejistania, and we drew them. People seem to think it will happen again."

Despite there only being a one in twelve chance of the Sloths meeting the Former Champs, the influx of bets has led hte bookies to slash the price of such an eventuality to 9-1. Not even Donald McRonald would bet on something quite as crazy as that...

* NOTE - Schiavones temd not to believe in reincarnation, what with it being a Catholic nation.

Team Tynelia ready

After a sudden end to their Baptism of Fire chances, Tynelia now looks to do better against the best of the world as they try to qualify for the World Cup 27. It will be a tough road as only the top 30 teams plus the hosts will advance to that prestigious tournament. However Tynelia both fans and team are for the most part pleased with what they have seen. Coming from a totally unranked, unknown team, Team Tynelia has now moved up to a tie for a modest 135th spot in the overall rankings. Among BoF squads, only Haraki (117th tie), Allied Anime Worlds (117th tie) and Becquerelia (132nd tie) rank ahead of Tynelia and all three teams advanced further. In a bit of a surprise Tynelia was tied with Kelse and the Green Wombats, both of whom advanced further in the tournament.

The Presidential Coliseum, home of the Tynelia league championships, located in the capital of Tyr, will be the host site for Tynelia’s home games during the Cup. This great work, built in the time of Tynelia’s first president Adam Gendrickson to celebrate Tynelia’s independence and has been the center of all major sporting events for the past two decades. Recently renovated five years ago, the stadium hopes to do the country proud as the Tynelian colors of yellow, black and orange have taken over the stadium and the surrounding blocks to support their team. Many men have been seen around the stadium wearing black suits no doubt to show their support for the team.

Team Coach, Marcus O’Meara has warned people not to set their expectations too high however. “This is a great honor for Tynelia to even be granted entry in the qualifying rounds of such a prestigious tournament. Qualifying for the cup itself would be an amazing feat as over 100 countries have entered and only the top 30 get to qualify. It’ll be a tough road for a newcomer like ourselves to beat enough of the best teams in the world to get that far. Even getting out of our initial group pairings would be quite an accomplishment for us. Realistically our goal will be to break into the top 100 somehow and gain valuable experience so that in the next couple of years we can upgrade our program to the point where we can look the rest of the world in the eye as equals in the world of soccer.”

Coach O’Meara’s comments did not sit well with the most rabid of Tynelia’s patriotic fans who feel that team Tynelia can take on anyone and point to the draw earned against the 64th ranked Legalese team in the Kyle Cartman memorial game as proof. President Jacobs Martins went on television before the country last night urging the people of Tynelia to come out and support their team, wave their Tynelian Towels and show the world the pride which Tynelia holds itself and its team. He then finished with an unpresidential grin and expressed a hope that team Tynelia would kick butt and take names. This comment reportedly drew loud cheering across much of the country.

Now word has arrived that the draw will be made in mere days so team Tynelia will find out then what nations it must go through in order to move on in their quest for the World Cup. Will they find some familiar foes from the BoF? Or will new nations be faced as Tynelia tries to build its soccer legacy? Can the best of our nation match up to the best in the world? Or will they be swept aside totally outmatched and outplayed by their more experienced opponents? Only time will tell the tale and Tynelian Soccer Weekly will cover all the action live with the always popular post game show with Sal Spikeman and Anna Dalespin to recap the day’s doings.

ISLANDERS COACH LOOKS TO THE FUTURE

Good evening, and welcome to UNFR sport update on Channel Cadia, i am Mikel Shorovosky, tonights guest is the coach of Cataduanes, Jose Manua, as we prepare for the qualifacations to begin, Senor Manua good evening

Manua: Good evening.

Can we start with your feelings towards the forthcoming matchs?

Manua: Well i we can all remember we had a stunning tournament last time round, for us to finish above Archregimancy in qualifaction was amazing and despite failing to win a game at the finals the experience for us was priceless, i feel we need to continue playing the passing game and being passionate about our cause.

And are there any major squad changes you can announce?

Manua: well you will have to wait for that but with the retirement of Suramaga and Briganti has left gaps that have to be filled but i have my options, you will just have to wait and see.

Do you feel that the standard of football has improved on Cataduanes?

Manua: of Course, the Seleccions (national side) performance last time round gave the domestic league a much higher profile, our domestic league is watched across the UNFR region and has led the resurgence of football in the UNFR, as a result more kids are playing the game and the future for us looks good, who knows maybe another UNFR nation will come forward to compete in the future.

Thank you very much for your time Senor Manua.

Manua: thanks, its been a pleasure.

Well thats all from me, now back to the studio.

Unicorns Ready For Tough Road Forward

Entering WC27 as an unranked side, and very,very, young to boot, The Kingdom of Dorian and Sonya hold no illusions of actually doing anything to brag about here. What we do offer are perhaps the prettiest kits in the entire World Cup.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/DorianandSonyakits.jpg

But the Kingdom also offers plenty of new sites for visitors to see. At least new sites for the visitors. The Kingdom, you see, is primarily stuck in the Middle Ages. Knights, Wizards, Elves, and Dwarves (even the occasional pixie) are seen on a regular basis here. We welcome each of you to visit our castles and arenas that are commonly only seen as restorations and ruins elsewhere.

In preparation for joining the WC27, the Kingdom has just completed its new stadium so that we can match the rest of the world in what we offer for football fans who come here to see their own teams play. And despite tradition, this stadium becomes the first modern venue of any type within our borders. We hope each and everyone of you enjoy the time you spend here as your team makes short work of destroying our very own Mystical Unicorns.

Queen Sonya of the Kingdom.


Here is the Official Press Release:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/DSStadiumEdit.jpg

The Kingdom of Dorian & Sonya is pleased to announce the completion of the first modern sports facility in their nation’s history. Previously all athletic venues had been modified from Gladiatorial style arenas. (Dorian & Sonya still remains largely embedded in history that has long passed in the rest of the world) But as the nation has now endeavored to join in the World Cup competition. That decision has brought about the need for a new stadium to serve as the new home for the Mystical Unicorns. These modernized facilities will also bring the upper echelons of class and style to Dorian & Sonya as international visitors cross our borders for the first time in our history to watch and be involved with these games.

It is with great pleasure we announce the official opening of Elanesse Tulcokelume in the Kingdom’s capital city of white Hall. The design of the new facility is a joint venture between the Kingdom’s much awarded architect, Orodreth Anwamanë and ASMV’s superb architectural designer, Jere Kajderii. We sincerely hope that the new stadium is adequate as we move forward in international sports.

QAZOX CITY HERALDYour Home Of World Cup 27 Qualifing and of Free Beer Friday(see pg 7)

Earlier today the Qazox Football Council has announced the 5 stadiums where Qazox will host its World Cup Qualifiers. They are as follows:

SaxerDome, Saxervilla: Capacity: 85,000
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/77/CarrierDomeInside.jpg/300px-CarrierDomeInside.jpg

Qazian Memorial Stadium, Qazox City: Capacity: 79,250
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bc/ChinaTrip2005-298.jpg/300px-ChinaTrip2005-298.jpg

Fromburg Field, Fromburg: Capacity:78,963
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Clemson101.jpg/350px-Clemson101.jpg

Estadia Pika, Pika City: Capacity 77,988
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bd/FalconStadium.jpg/200px-FalconStadium.jpg

Rockport Field at Harborside, Rockport: Capacity: 73,200
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8a/Citrus_Bowl.JPG

Later today the national team is expected to be announced, and our inside sources say that most of the players from the BoF will be our team for WC 27 Qualifing, but the final 2 or 3 players may change.

Hawks practice, Vargas gets unconfident
From the Haraki News Network Print Edition

As the Haraki Hawks practice for the actual World Cup, having come off with an only slightly disappointing second place finish in the Baptism of Fire, coach Lloyd Vargas appears to have gotten nervous. His team is full of veterans of Haraki Football League (HFL) club play, and only a few of them have previous experience in the World Cup from so many years ago when Haraki entered. Only two of the four players with experience - Thomas Neils and Mike Zendar - are starters for the team, following Owen Peterson's injury and subsequent replacement by Jonah Menike in the first game of the Baptism of Fire.

Vargas gave an interview yesterday in which he stressed his team's good points - A strong offence, a good goalkeeper, and several good defencemen - and tried to keep down the bad ones, such as their habit of playing a very strong first half and then slackening off for the second half, which showed primarily in the Baptism of Fire. Numerous times the Hawks would dominate the first half and then barely hold onto a lead through the second. Vargas has been drilling his players day in and day out to try and up their endurance and change their attitude.

One of the most crucial things, according to sports analyst Sam Sherman, is that the Hawks played very weak final games in the pre-World Cup Baptism of Fire tournament. Their last two games went very poorly, especially compared to their previous efforts. The first time they played Becquerelia, at the end of qualifying, they emerged with a 2-0 victory, and succeeded in dominating the field the whole game through. The second time they played them, in the semi-finals, they barely managed a 2-1 victory in extra time, only to lose 1-0 in an equally matched game against Allied Anime Worlds. The Hawks played extra sluggishly in both these games, and it appears that they may have a problem coming together under pressure.

Many have blamed Haraki's dissapointing play since the quarter-final game versus Imperial Moose on goalkeeper Mark Stone's lack of confidence. He was doing fine mentally until the quarter-finals, having shut out every team the hawks had played. However, not very long into the game, a player from Imperial Moose blatantly attacked Stone and he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. Backup goalkeeper Susana Hamilton allowed a goal in, and although Stone returned to the field for the final two games, he appeared to be nervous, shaky and not quite himself, allowing one goal per game, two crucial goals which cost Haraki the tournament. Now facing much tougher teams, Vargas seems to have gotten nervous that his team will choke up again in the real tournament.

He's been practicing much more than usual and trying to avoid giving press interviews, for whatever reason. Possibly to avoid giving away secrets, possibly to be able to spend more time with the team. When asked by an HNN reporter what his thoughts and hopes were on the World Cup, he answered back with a gruff "Hopes? 1st place. Thoughts? Not a chance. No further comments."

Whether he meant there was not a chance of us finding out his thoughts or not a chance of the 117th-place team reaching the finals is unknown. The World Cup draw takes place at six o'clock PM Harakian time, tomorrow. More on this story later.

CSA Headquarters, 4812 T Street, Tyrellia, Casari

"Ugh, hell." General Manager Hill said, streching and mumbling. "I'm getting too freaking old for these things." Her usual late-night-trying-to-come-up0with-a-new-strategy-so-Casari-doesn't-get-killed-where-they-stand sessions aren't the best thing for one's health, and were turning out to be rather fruitless as well.

In a flurry, CSA President Wilson Graham pushed his way into the room and set a box down on a table, pushing various beverage cans out of the way. "Hey, how's the meeting with the imaginary staff going.?"

The GM sighed. "What's in the box, Wilson?"

"Our new (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/Kits/Casaridark.png) kits (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/Kits/Casariwhite.png). We just signed a deal with OTC, and we're paying them off with the rest of the leftover stadium funds."

"Oh, that's great. Nothing will inspire fan violence thean changing the kits." Hill said, looking in the box. "Wow. They're not all that bad, I suppose. Where are the buttons?"

"For some reason, most soccer teams dont have button-up-uniforms."

"Funny, that. Now, why are you actually here, youd never come to tell me any good news."

Graham squirmed awkwardly. "Well, to be honest... some people are beginning to say that you've taken the team as far as you can as coach."

"How's that new?"

"Well, before, they haven't had anyone popular enough to replace you with without being murdered in their sleep. But they found someone."

"Who?"

"Ronalo."

Hill grimaced. "He couldn't coach a U13 team."

"He's popular. And worse, people are expecting more and more out of the team."

"What are you getting at?"

Graham turned to leave. "If you don't perform well... damn well... you're going ro be replaced. I'll see you for the draw."

Cuation Fans Despondant

In World Cup 26, Cuation sabotages their own qualifying attempt and allowed first timers Schiavonia to go through instead. Cuation breezed through the Cup of Harmony group stage but failed in the first knock out round. A poor pre season, finishing 13th in the cup has left people unhappy.

There has been changed made with Abel's retirment but it still is not enough. Great gloom has passed over the nation and monks are increasingly being sacraficed by a few people to rid of the bad luck. Rumors that there will soon be Monk Burgers at "Cuation Burger" has not been denied.

On ghastly rumors that the Cuation FA had voted for the losing cup bid made by those unholy dress wearers as cuased concern. This is what Head of the FA, Malibu Orack had to say

"The Cuation FA hae never voted in favour of any monks or such bid. Every member of our orgnisation is checked to see theat they are not deviants who hated our beloved warlord. We can confirm that we voted for the hosts of World Cup 27 and any papers saying otherwise are planted by spy's. Now no questions unless you want a visit!"

Deadbolt Sentinel - Sports
Colton disappointed to miss out

After his excellent domestic season with London, it was generally accepted that Scott Colton would be joining the Minutemen squad for their second World Cup excursion. Sadly, it seems this optimism has been misplaced - following coach Nate Webb's announcement yesterday, precise details of the veteran defender's injury have been released.

According to the team's doctor, Colton has suffered a fractured ankle after making a poor tackle in training. Generally, the ankle can be at 80% strength after just three months - allowing Colton to return for the league season to begin - but it's not advisable.

'Would I have liked to play?,' said Colton, when our reporter was able to speak with him. 'Of course I would - the World Cup is the biggest football tournament out there, and we want to improve on last year's showing. With all the new blood coming through, I think we've got a damn good chance of qualifying.

'That said, who knows what the draw's going to throw up? I mean, if we can avoid Sarzonia or Audioslavia, I'll be happy, because I've seen their teams, they're just nasty. If we do, then I can only pray we get a lot of free kicks.'

And as for his recuperation period? 'I'm going to be watching a lot of hockey. Seriously, it's the first time I've had time and I'm so getting tickets.'

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

Hello good football fans of the world, this is the debut newscast of the Chuck Norris News (CNN) football branch, where we will cover the recently established football team of The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris... The Fighting Norris.

To bring everyone up to speed, the Fighting Norris have recently concluded their Baptism of Fire run, losing to Oazox 0-1 in the Regional quarterfinals. Coach Bob Janney had this to say about the loss:

"I understand that we were a new team to the World Cup program, but so was Oazox, and losing in literally the last minute never feels good, especially when it means elimination. We were hoping to get up pretty high in the rankings for the World Cup, but knowing now that we are ranked 187th doesn't help anything. However, everything that has happened is in the past, so we can't change it. We'll just have to play as hard as we can and stay true to The Manual".

For those watching who do not know what "The Manual" is, Coach Janney's whole strategy is based on the writings in "Football for Dummies", which he has read several times over the past few months. He believes that him saying that his coaching strategy is based on a book with the title "Football for Dummies" implies that he is a dummy, so he simply refers to "Football for Dummies" as "The Manual".

Coach Janney has recently submitted the Fighting Norris Roster for World Cup 27 to the World Cup commissioner, but has refused to release his roster to us, so everyone watching may have to check out the "National Roster List" found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10512081). He has told us, however, that the Fighting Norris will be playing with an "all-out attack" despite having a below average offense and an above average defense. He justifies the illogical strategy by claiming that "The Manual" says that "the team should always be on the offense".

Coach Janney currently has the team practicing in La Stadia De Norris, which is where all of the home games for The Fighting Norris will be played. For those interested, tickets run anywhere from two dollars to nine hundred dollars. How some seats remain so cheap while others are overly expensive still remain a mystery to the world.

We cannot interview any of the team players at the time as they are currently out on vigorous practice but coach Janney has recently told us that the team is "anxious for the group draw", which will occur within the next two days.

"Where's the World Cup?" by Nev Gould

Once again world cup qualifiers are just around the Corner. However the BFSA president, James Gaines has yet to announce the stadium that the qualiing events will be held in. Alot of people I have spoken to, on the streets, expect the home matches to be played at the same location as last time, TeleBaz Stadium in Fauxhan. However to me it is strange that no announcement has been made, it's close real close. I have approached James Gaines and he said "An announcement will be made at the apppropriate point of time." which means "Just go away and leave me alone, I'll get to it when I get to it." so that was not much help. Why are they so unwilling to announce the matches at Fauxhan? I know there are many rumours flying about, one of the more bizarre ones is that theres something that is living in the stadium. Exact reports on this one aree very sketchy, some say it's a wolf, some say it's a wild looking person and others say it's some kind of magical beast. Exactly what it is (or who it is if it is a person) is not the matter but if this particular rumour is true it is not quite sure knowing what it will do that would cause upset. The few psychics that are in Bazalonia are saying some more wierd things, that tragedy will befall if the World Cup Qualifing home matches are played there. Most people ignore them but those that are supperstitious are begging the BFSA to hold it in another location.
What other choices does the BFSA have if the matches are not going to be played at TeleBaz? Well, we only have one option that it's the SeaBazalope Arena. Unfortunately this field was not made for Soccer, but it has all the facilities of TeleBaz, so if they are able to re-mark the SeaBazalope Arena. That would be a possibility. Stay tuned for more updates as they come available.

Lion was in his office, going over some paper work. He was going over where to hold the Qualifing matches...

Ah he had just found the perfect place, It was a stadium, well not really a stadium, but stadium like. It barely met the regulations for an international field. It's infact, not constructed at all but Athiestic Right is lucky enough (other nations would say blessed, not Atheistic Right) to have a natural amphitheatre. The markings are not permanent and frequently change in between matches. The only facilities on the stadia is the natural seeting. There are not even any dressing rooms, no sheds, nothing, just the natural stadia.

"Perfect." he thought, the name of it was Natural Stadium... and boy is it natural.

Lion wrote a letter to the WCC stating that "Natural Stadium" just outside the town of Mutation was going to be used for the World Cup matches

"And now I finally know why they gave it a whole hour time slot on the TV."

That was what Bedistan Lions manager Kenter Surf said at the conclusion of the World Cup 27 qualifying group draw. It had been eventful, to say the least - there was the issue of the official signup-maintainers putting Jon Parkin in the list twice, the fact that Eauz, Pedriana, and a couple other nations were missing, the confusion surrounding the last few signups, and the eventual introduction of a last-minute entry in the form of Crna Gora Liv Eng to take care of the miscount. Oh, that and the fact that Bedistan Football Association president Sam Bacon, who performed most of the draw, was stabbed by Crna Gora Liv Eng representative Timoslav Hinedevic midway through the assignment of the eighth of the nine pots. As Bacon was transported to the hospital, Surf came in to finish the draw.

But it was finally complete. And the results were as such:

(Note: Unranked teams are listed here as being ranked #211, which they are equivalent to, as actual #211 Georgeonia has 0.00 KPB points.)

Group 1
Jeruselem (14)
New Montreal States (22)
Druida (46)
Cuation (48)
Collonie (78)
An Archy (134)
Atheistic Right (193)
CR Oscilloscopes (205)
Kirstiriera (211)

Group 2
Total n Utter Insanity (5)
Bettia (27)
The Kazoo Peoples (45)
Nanakaland (53)
The Weegies (65)
Tynelia (135)
Risa-Aramour (163)
Algal states (193)
The New Chakovnia (211)

Group 3
Eauz (6)
Vilita (20)
Milchama (44)
Elrich (60)
Tanah Burung (74)
Hiiraan (93)
Qazox (139)
Dorian and Sonya (211)
Valertinette (211)

Group 4
Sarzonia (4)
Krytenia (16)
Hypocria (41)
Lethislavania (55)
Legalese (64)
Palacetonia (123)
Vuam and Isma (187)
Rorysville (209)
Revived Constantinople (211)

Group 5
Crystilakere (12)
Spruitland (23)
Cataduanes (40)
Tonissia (59)
Anathematic Republics (79)
Dance 2 Revolution (86)
The Solar Association (187)
Nebuleux (209)
UN Peacekeepers (211)

Group 6
Rejistania (8)
Praying2God (28)
The Archregimancy (33)
Rordia (57)
Swilatia (69)
Bazalonia (112)
New Preussen (171)
Popolus (201)
The Footie Dream Team (211)

Group 7
Liverpool England (2)
Turori (26)
The Lowland Clans (42)
Yafor 2 (49)
Rolatia (77)
Allied Anime Worlds (117)
Mr Chuck Norris (187)
TheSuncoastofFlorida (199)
The Belmore Family (211)

Group 8
Starblaydia (7)
Oliverry (19)
Wentland (43)
Spaam (51)
East Lithuania (71)
Haraki (117)
Obsidianus (163)
Priggdom (207)
Shing-Shang (211)

Group 9
Audioslavia (15)
Commerce Heights (24)
Nedalia (31)
Chicanada (50)
Ariddia (62)
Kelse (135)
Pedriana (147)
Berner Street (201)
Ocmeoub (211)

Group 10
Hockey Canada (10)
Casari (21)
Kaze Progressa (37)
Harlesburg (52)
Majeristan (70)
McPsychoville (108)
Imperial Moose (193)
Crna Gora Liv Eng (211)
Magnus Valerius (211)

Group 11
Tadjikistan (9)
Lovisa (17)
Giant Zucchini (32)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (58)
Pastorvillle (63)
Becquerelia (132)
Green wombat (135)
Georgeonia (211)
Emporer Pudu (211)

Group 12
Squornshelous (11)
Schiavonia (29)
The Islands of Qutar (30)
Kericia (56)
The Macabees (67)
Apologetic Kittens (83)
Jon Parkin (171)
Spaamanian Plijous (201)
San Adriano (211)

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/4sport.png

#$%&!

In a draw that's more than likely to cause lots of fan violence, swearing, and general drama, Casari was drawn against their former Cup of Harmony Final opponents, Hockey Canada.

When asked about it, GM/C Hill only said, "We haven't exactly been on the best terms with Hockey Canada in the past." Rumors state that the major Casaran "Fan" organizations already have gotten their top songwriters to prepare insulting material for use at matches.

The rest of the group, however, is a bit of a who's-who of teams Casari doesn't really know about, other than WC25 host nation Kaze Progressa.

"I'm rather confident we can push through the group stage and make it to the next round." Hill said. "And with some luck, even top the group."

Group 10:
Hockey Canada (10)
Casari (21)
Kaze Progressa (37)
Harlesburg (52)
Majeristan (70)
McPsychoville (108)
Imperial Moose (193)
Crna Gora Liv Eng (211)
Magnus Valerius (211)

A reading from the Book of Nate
Omnes obstat, too apocryphal for the apocyrypha
+ His Eminence of Cardiz-on-the-Swamp

And it came to pass, in the dark days, in the dark times when worms gnawed at the eye sockets of the faithful, that a country named Eauz lay alongside the land of the faithful. Its mountains in legend green, its welcome one that scribes sing about, its fields fertile and its people walking in the paths of social justice. Side by side, in the land of babble they dwelled, until the time of the first move.

Response (omnes): A good omen!

The people were pleased to see it, the wondrous land that was called the Emerald Heights, when once we dwelled there together. And unto Eauz was granted a Holy Grail, known as the World Cup. It exalted the greater glory of the green and pleasant lands girded in emerald, even if some of those lands were slagged, and others ogled, and others full of brazil nuts and with an unfortunate tendency to fade into periodic oblivion, and others yet dark lands that knew only charcoal.

Response (children under ten only): Goodie!

The people walked on those lands in joy, and yes Virginia they did exist, in a time so long ago it cannot be counted. Verily the people were grass! And some of them were vegetables, now you come to mention it.

In that day a group of lions came from a land called Bedistan, and they walked into the land of the faithful, and they knew they had no hope.

Yet hope appeared! Truly, from the jaws of oblivion those lions found a chance, and entered into the quest for that grail called the World Cup. Entwine, my little tomatoes, and be with glad hearts, for the lions qualified in that time lost in legend and lost to the oblivion that was called Old Forums. Yet true be this tale: they qualified, from the unranked dark lands!

[i]Response (those who believe in fairies only): A miracle! A great omen!

And so the prophecy of, oh, let's call it the Prophecy of Jean-Pierre: as Bedistan qualified for the World Cup in Tanah Burung, so shall Tanah Burung qualify for the World Cup in Bedistan. Along with Eauz. So speaks Jean-Pierre. And don't think he won't have a tantrum if his prophecy turns out to be a load of codswallop churned out by an over-enthusiastic marketing company.

Yet Another Own Goal!
Episode 0: The Group Draw

Coach James Gorton sits at his desk again. The all familiar computer screen flickers to life after 4 years of stagnation. After a few clicks of the mouse, the anticipation welling inside him…the Group Draw.

Group 11
Tadjikistan (9)
Lovisa (17)
Giant Zucchini (32)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (58)
Pastorvillle (63)
Becquerelia (132)
Green wombat (135)
Georgeonia (211)
Emporer Pudu (211)

“Oh dang, TADJIKISTAN again…never mind, just another opportunity to get the boys fired up for another blistering encounter…hmm this group seems pretty tough…Lovisa, Pastorville, Andossa Something Vega…looks like I’ve got some work to do with the boys…”

To be continued…

"The Draw; So what?!" by Nev Gould

The Draw for the 27th World Cup happened just a few hours ago. The Bazalopes ended up in group 6.... Along with these others, appropriate rankings are listed in parenthesis.

Rejistania (8)
Praying2God (28)
The Archregimancy (33)
Rordia (57)
Swilatia (69)
New Preussen (171)
Popolus (201)
The Footie Dream Team (211)

So what do we know about these teams?

Rejistania, people that speak in a weird language and are one of the best soccer teams in the world. We'll lose to these for sure

Praying2God, actually we have never heard of these before so they are a total unknown. But we'll still probably lose to them.

The Archregimancy, Monks in long flowing robes playing soccer, it seems they had something to do with the Elrich/Peter Hobble incident. Though exactly what it is we don't know. 2 loses again

Rordia, unknown people, maybe a draw or two or 1 win

Swilatia, yeah.. like Rordia but more likely to draw.

As for the other three, their first entrance into the world cup... expect wins.

So how many points should we end up with at the end?...

Expect somewhere around 20 points,6 from each of the lower ranked teams and a couple from the higher ranked teams. Yeah, so nothing really exciting no real chances for us to leapfrog another team but every single bit helps.

GREEN WOMBAT DAILY NEWS
Now made with 50% more Recycled Wombat!!


Group 11
Tadjikistan (9)
Lovisa (17)
Giant Zucchini (32)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (58)
Pastorvillle (63)
Becquerelia (132)
Green wombat (135)
Georgeonia (211)
Emporer Pudu (211)

This is the Group that Green wombat has drawn for the WC Qualifing and the Hexagon's offical predictions about Green Wombat vs. Each Team:

#9-Tadjikistan= 2 losses
#17-Lovisa=2 losses
#32-Giant Zucchini=Loss Away; Draw at Home
#58-ASMV=Loss Away; Draw At Home
#63-Pastorville=Loss Away; Draw at Home
#132-Becquerelia=Loss Away and Win at Home
#211-Georgeonia= 2 Wins
#211- Emporer Pudu=2 Wins

The only team Green Wombat is familar with is Becquerelia, whom we beat 2-0 in the 3rd place game of the Baptism of Fire.

Predicted Green Wombat Record and finish= 5W-3D-8L 18pts, 6th in Group. Later today the Hexagon will Post its Squad and Head Coach for the Qualifing.

All Green Wombat Home Games will be played at Estadio Hexagona in The Hexagon Here is the latest de-classifed picture of the stadium:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/49/Commonwealth.jpg

Endymion wrote his signature on the last piece of legislation, and leaned back in his chair. He was done for the day, and was looking forward to tonight's news hour, which would include coverage of the 27th World Cup. The team had gained invaluable experience, and he was concerned about other teams with much more expereince, even though the Federation had managed to just barely steal the cup away from Haraki. He was lost in reverie when there was a knock on the door, signaling the arrival of his guests.

"Come in," he called from his desk. Colonel Chio Miyahama, Secretary of the Incredibly Obvious Mahoro, and Secretary of Defense Raye Sun entered. "I can see we're all here," Endymion said, standing up and fetching chairs for his guests. "I trust today's media blitz went well?"

"Yes, sir," Chio confirmed. "The news is about to start. Shall I?" she asked, pointing toward the TV.

"Yes, please do," Endymion replied, bringing over more chairs. "Anyone want popcorn?" he called from the back of the room.

"I do, I'm famished," Secretary of Defense Raye said. "Chio may look cute and harmless, but she's a regular slave driver on the practice field! If this is how she treats her superior, I don't even want to know how she treats her enemies!"

"Actually, you know exactly how I treat my enemies," Chio said. "Every mission report I've ever written has been filed in the national archives, to which you have full access."

"It was a figure of speech, Colonel." Raye said.

"Chio, please turn on the TV," Endymion said as he brought over the last two chairs, trying to head off an argument. They had a lot of footage to view tonight, and he wanted to get to bed.

"Yes sir," Chio said, and turned on the TV just in time to see the famous splash screen with the letters 'SNN' in silver.

"This is the Silver News Network," a male voice announced proudly. "Bringing you the news since the rebirth of the Silver Millenium." The screen then showed the newsroom, with Miko Hasegawa's familiar face.

"Good evening, I'm Miko Hasegawa," she said. "First, we turn our attention to sports."

"I think there's more imporant news than sports, it shouldn't be first!" Mahoro declared while reaching for some popcorn. "She" was actually a robot and didn't need food, but was trying to be sociable.

"Just be glad that it is, my legs feel like they're about to fall off and I need to get to bed," Raye said.

Miko continued without skipping a beat. "Today, Head Coach and Colonel in the Magical Soldiers Chio Miyahama unveiled the Federatin's national team, now named the Silver Pandas. Those who followed the Baptism of Fire will be familiar with most of the team's lineup. Colonel Miyahama also introduced the new players to the nation."

The camera changes view to a press conference, with Chio behind a podium. "And here are our new players," Chio announced from the TV.

A muscular man with long blond hair spiked on top stepped forward. "Gary Gabriev, starting forward," he announced.

A slender, short, but athletic woman with a cute face and small breasts stepped up next. "Rina Negative, starting midfielder," she announced.

A man with blue skin, and what appeared to be pebbles covering part of his face stepped up. "Zelged Irinar, starting midfielder," he declared.

Another woman, the youngest looking on the team, stepped forward. She had shoulderblade length pink hair and intense eyes. "Uten Tenshi, reserve midfielder." she said.

Finally, a tall, very athletic woman with waist length black hair stepped forward. "Lieutenant in the Mechanized Infantry Sakake, reserve fullback," she said.

"Please think well of us," the all said in unison and bowed. The camera then changed back to the newsroom.

"Interestingly, fan favorite President Endymion was not included in the updated roster. Here's what he had to say." The camera changed to a close-up view of Endymion.

"No, no of course not. This was not a unilateral decision by Coach Miyahama, although it if was, I would have stepped aside all the same," Endymion explained. "I have too many other duties to attend to, and this is a game for the professionals now."

"What about the Secretary of Defense?" the reporter asked.

"Well, Ms. Sun is in better shape and has more experience than I do. I was more of a psychological weapon than anything else, despite being part of the 'triumvirate.' You're not going to be able to demoralize the seasoned veterans nearly as much as the green ones. And we were ALL green in the Baptism of Fire." The camera changed back to the newsroom.

"Green indeed," Miko confirmed. "Although dominating the Baptism of Fire, teams like Haraki, Allied Anime Worlds, and Bequerelia are going to have to get used to backbenching in the next couple of days. Speaking of teams with much more experience than the Silver Pandas, here's the draw for the World cup 27 qualifiers." A list of teams was overlaid on the image of the newsroom:

Group 7
Liverpool England (2)
Turori (26)
The Lowland Clans (42)
Yafor 2 (49)
Rolatia (77)
Allied Anime Worlds (117)
Mr Chuck Norris (187)
TheSuncoastofFlorida (199)
The Belmore Family (211)

"In international news..." Miko tried to continue, but was interrupted by Endymion pressing the power button.

"Did you get those names?" Endymion asked.

"Yes, Mr. President," Mahoro said, pulling a USB cable out of her arm and plugging it into the TV. "I already have footage cued up of Liverpool England, Turori, The Lowland Clans, Yafor 2, and Rolatia. We've already seen Mr Chuck Norris and TheSuncoastofFlorida in action, and I don't anticipate much difficulty from The Belmore Family."

"Just the top two, please," Endymion yawned. "I need to get to bed."

Mahoro started the footage, and the four spent the next two hours in shock and horror. Mahoro was the first to break the silence. "I think we don't stand a chance in the nine hells!" she declared.

"If that's our competition," Raye said, "we're going to look like idiots out there."

"That's no way to go about it," Chio chided. "We're going to do our best!"

"I suppose so," Raye sighed. "I suppose I'll count it as a win if we score a couple of goals. Oh, and the same if we can get through this tounament without any...unfortunate mishaps," she said, referring to the intrigue that surrounded the Baptism of Fire.

"Let's get to bed," Endymion said. "It's been a long day, I have work, and you have practice. Good night!"

QAZOX CITY HERALDYour Daily Source of Fiber and Home of WC 27 Qualifing Coverage

Earlier Today the Group Draw for World Cup 27 Qualifing was announced and here's the Opposition the Black Oxen are facing:


Group 3
Eauz (6)
Vilita (20)
Milchama (44)
Elrich (60)
Tanah Burung (74)
Hiiraan (93)
Qazox (139)
Dorian and Sonya (211)
Valertinette (211)


With 6 teams ranked in the top 100, Qazox looks like it will have a tough time qualifing for the World Cup in its first try. We'll have a complete team-by-team break down tommorrow, but here's how Hoofy, our New Football Prediction Ox thinks Qazox will do:

On the Road: Losses to Eauz, Vilita and Milchama; Draws with Elrich, Tanah Burung and Hiiran; Wins over Valertinette and Dorian and Sonya. (2-3-3 record)
At Home: Losses to: Eauz and Vilita; Draws with Milchama and Elrich, Wins over Tanah Burung, Hiiran, Valertinette and Dorian and Sonya. (4-2-2 record)

Predicted Overall Record: 6-5-5 23pts 5th place in group only 2 points from 3rd place playoff.

The Home games with each Nation will be as Follows:

Matches versus Eauz and Tanah Burung will be played at:SaxerDome, Saxervilla: Capacity: 85,000
http://http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...DomeInside.jpg

Matches versus Vilita and Milchama will be palyed at: Qazian Memorial Stadium, Qazox City: Capacity: 79,250
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ip2005-298.jpg

Matches versus Hiiran and Valertinette will be played at:Fromburg Field, Fromburg: Capacity:78,963
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...Clemson101.jpg

Match versus Dorian and Sonya will be played at:Estadia Pika, Pika City: Capacity 77,988
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...conStadium.jpg

Match versus Elrich will be played at: Rockport Field at Harborside, Rockport: Capacity: 73,200
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...itrus_Bowl.JPG

The Exact Match dates are unknown at this time, but should be revealed shortly.

Pavlov's Dogs to Face Serious Competition

ALEXANDRIA, MAGNUS VALERIUS -- Magnus Valerius's much awaited return to the World Cup is to be met with a challenge. Up at the top of Group 10, in which the Boyars are drafted, are three teams that are ready to challenge the empire's finest football players. Hockey Canada (10) and Casari (21) are especially tough opponents, and for a brand-new national team inexperienced with other nation's playing styles, it may end up in Magnus Valerius going home without qualifying. Hopes are up, however, as we interview Ilya Pavlov, who is busy readying his team for the challenges to come at the soccer.

"So Ilya, how do judge our situation with the draw and all."

"Well... I don't know... but, we will be great and go in style, for whatever happens."


Group 10:
Hockey Canada (10)
Casari (21)
Kaze Progressa (37)
Harlesburg (52)
Majeristan (70)
McPsychoville (108)
Imperial Moose (193)
Crna Gora Liv Eng (211)
Magnus Valerius (211)