NationStates Jolt Archive

Welcome to World Cup 28 - co-hosted by The Archregimancy and the New Montreal States!

Now that World Cup 27 has come to its conclusion with Bedistan securing its spot as world number 1 with their third championship, it's time to swing into World Cup 28, hosted by The Archregimancy and New Montreal States. This thread is for any RPing you might wish to do. Any announcements that might need to be made will be made here, as well as in the discussion thread.

Please note that this is not a signup thread, you may sign up here. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=473086&page=1) Four spots remained open as of this post.

Any and all rosters should go in the roster thread. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10775164#post10775164)

Out-of-character discussion of the tournament, or anything else World Cup-related, should go in the discussion thread. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=293066&page=324)

Official Co-Host Announcements

Group stage draws will be the 25th of April (that's a week after next Tuesday from this post) owing to both hosts celebrating Orthodox Easter (April 23rd). The difference in Easter dates is caused by the use of the Gregorian calendar to calculate Easter in the West, while the Eastern churches still use the Julian calendar. More on the differences between calendars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computus#Tabular_methods), as well as an explanation of how Easter is calculated in both churches. Technical, but interesting.

The Archregimancy will be unavailable until the 25th, as he will be on a field dig until Easter Weekend. Questions and complaints should be addressed to New Montreal States during that time.

Nobody will be available on the 21st (Good Friday) or the 23rd (Easter). I might be able to handle minor concerns on the 22nd, but any major problems over the weekend will be put off 'till Monday.

Somewhere a man watches the results of World Cup 27 scroll past his screen as the list of nations show QAZOX, he pauses the computer.

"Computer... find all information on QAZOX and route it to this screen" he commands his computer.

Acknowledged...Time to Process: 3 hours:11 minutes the computer replies.

"Computer...how long will it take to get to QAZOX from here?" he asks.

At present speed...3 days:11 hours:5 minutes:11.34 seconds.

"Good... Computer wake me five hours before entering Q continuum space" the man orders, preparing himself for Hyper-sleep as his ship traveled towards QAZOX and the Q continuum.

'Finally after millenia of exile, the people of QAZOX shall once again tremble beneath the boot of HAMAD!!!!' the man thought as he fell into Hyper-sleep.

ASMV Ready To Make Another Run

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

This is Kellan Kildan reporting live from the FNN studios.

WC27 saw the improbable happen. Our very own Sea Dragons qualified for the World Cup itself (even if they did lose all three matches) and were not relegated to play in the CoH. Now the squad is ready to make another such run, hoping to carry that momentum throgh the qualifiers for WC28.

The chances look very good for that to happen. A ton of experience will take the pitch for ASMV as 10 of the 11 starters are now ready to participate in their 4th consecutive World Cup experience. Only Malachi James does not return, as he has moved on to coach the Jr Dragons U21 squad. Jenni Ulrich will be his replacement, bringing lots of experience with her from the "B" squad.

8 starters are now 30 years of age or older, and the defensive leader, Unami Banta-N'bai, is now 39 and making his final WC appearance. But the reserves are young and talented. All but one reserve are 21 years of age or younger. The hope is that the mix of experience and youth will keep the Sea Dragons on track as a side to watch out for.

The standard 5-3-2 formation normally listed has been changed to reflect the actual play of the squad since WC26. The new style will be 3-2-1-2-2. This is the same way the side has always played and only changed to reflect that.


Can the Sea Dragons move past the qualifiers again? Tune in to find out.

NEWSFLASH:

The Giant Zucchini Football Association has announced that Domingo Ferrero will be the new coach of the Giant Zucchini National Team from World Cup 28 onwards. This is following Ferrero's successful season with Iberia CF, in which he lifted the Giant Zucchini Premier League title in his first attempt. The FA hopes his managerial ability coupled with his experience captaining the side in his playing days will form a potent combination and guide the Zucchinis to greater heights in the international football scene.

Hamad was awakened by his computer precisely 5 hours before his ship arrived in Qazox. As he studied during the last his last five hours in exile, one thing nagged at the back of his head. The country of which there was only 5,000 people when he disappeared in AD 720 (Qazox time of course.. RL=1000AD) was now a superpower with over 400 million persons. How could anybody, even a God-loike being take over a country with that many people.

"Computer...Was is the current Technologial Level of Qazox and the Q Continuum as a whole?" he asked.

The nation of Qazox is a Type 1, meaning that they control all aspects of the planet, including weather and seismic activity. The Continuum is almost a Type 2 civilization.the computer replied.

'Damn...that's gonna make things real hard for me...but maybe if I influence the right people...my plan will come to fruition.' he thought. "Computer...Was is the main religious figures in Qazox?"

The main religion is Qazian. The primary deity is the Holy Ox. The Holy Ox was the founder of the modern nation, Goran Oxfield. In Chapter 45 Verses 4-17 of the main theololgical text, it is predicted that he will return. The exact circumstances about his return are not known. replied the computer.

'Good,' thought Hamad, 'Despite all their technology, they are a bunch of superstitious fools and that will be thier undoing.'

Pondering Our Chances

Queen Sonya Sabre sat quietly in her room of the Royal Palace in Whitehall, D&S. Many things had happened since athletes from the Kingdom had first entered international competition - beginning with WC27.

Those qualifiers had been a great experience for a very young and untested group of girls. They had actually managed to stay in contention for qualification until close to the end. Not bad for a side ranked 211. Then came the new rankings. From 211 to 93 seemed at first to be a great thing. But it seemed the squad now performed worse against the higher ranked sides. A CoH Wooden Spoon, Draggonnii Inviyatii woes, and an abysmal AOCAF had been the reward for such a promising beginning.

Add to that poor showings in the Ylompic and 1st Winter Olympic Games, and Queen Sonya had considered just keeping her girls home. But a ray of light came in the form of a Gold showing in the first ever AO Championships of Curling, and the Queen remembered why all of this had been a great idea to begin with.

So the Unicorns return, Pink as ever, and ready to make some more noise in this WC28 showing. After all, this was the same side that earned a victory over Vilita and a draw with Eauz. Only time will tell who falls victim to the Unicorn Attack this time around.

Qazox City Herald

After a strong showing at the 2nd Draggonnii Inviyatii and a 15-4-14 record the last 2 years in international competion, the Black Oxen will once again try to qualify for the World Cup, and this time they might get there. The squad returns 15 veterarns and a few good young players. For this squad anything short a a World Cup berth would be a disappointment. The Herald will follow the Black Oxen from the first qualifying match until the end whereever and whenever that may be.

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

Casari Announces World Cup 28 Kits
Remember the last cup's kits? Yup, nothing that nice.

In a rather interesting move, the Kit deal signed with OTC was left lying the the dirt as the team looked back to a domestic kit manufacturer to produce kits.

And oh, boy did they.

The new White (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/Kits/t1.png) and Color (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/Kits/t2.png) kits are similar to the WC25 and 26 away kit- which, if we remember correctly, caused most foriegn people to recoil in terror.

"We happen to like the new kits. If anything, they show the particular Casaran style. Or, frankly, the lack of any." Hill said when asked to comment.

The BFSA had organised a press conference in a room at the BFSA Headquarters. No one knew exactly what the press conference was about but assumed it had something to do with the up-coming World Cup Qualifiers. Which it was.

"Thak you everyone for coming today. You are all probably wondering why I have called you here today. Well, JMC has designed a new Kit for the World Cup, and today we are going to reveal them tomorrow. They will be in shops in a weeks time. Any questions before we get started?"

One of the reporters in the room piped up. "In the 27th World Cup there was no BFSA Logo, What happened to it and will it be there in this kit?"

James got slighty embarressed but answered the Journalists question anyway "Uhh.. Well.. yes there was a slight mis-understanding There was a mix-up with the logo, apparently it never got to JMC so it was never incorporated into the design. And I can confirm that the Logo is on these new kits."

The logo was also on the podium of that JAmes Gaines was using to address the assembled media people. IT looked like :

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/Bazalonia/BazB.png

There where no other questions asked but you could tell all the journalists where making notes on it... wether or not it would make it into the various news articles it was anyone's guess.

"Well, as there are no further questions I'll start with Peter Hobble... Peter."

And Peter came out wearing the home uniform. It contained black shorts with golden tabs and a gold and black vertically stripped shirt with the BFSA logo on it

One second after Peter came on Micheal Irchov came on as well wearing the away kit.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f387/Bazalonia/BAZ3.png

"We are certainly thankful to JMC for another wonderful design and expect a large amount of sales of the replica's in the first week. Thank you and that is all."

Sabre Inc Unveils New Kits for WC28

Sabre Inc, of D&S, has kindly furnished new kits to both The Mystical Unicorns of Dorian and Sonya and the Sea Dragons of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega.


"It is with great pride that we put these two kits forward for these two squads to sport during their WC28 campaign." said SI COO Vanessa Sparks. "Both kits show promise for what we will be able to offer in the future. Early sales of the kits in designated areas have been through the roof and the replicas will hit all markets as early as tomorrow. Thank you for your attention."

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/DASWC28Kits.jpg
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a318/stormgiantxxxl/ASMVWC28Kits.png

OOC: How do yall make those uniforms??
We're Ready to Rock n'Roll
New-Lexington News Center
After a dismal BoF New-Lexington is ready to gear up for WC 28, their first world cup. After Supreme President Drew HArris fired manager Abdul-Assad Mahiwande, and replaced him with defence-minded Chris Fryland, we hope to never give up six goals again. (6-0 Loss to Boudra-Boudra) New-Lexingtons fans are anticipating WC 28 with great ernest. In addition New-Lexington's athletic teams will no longer be known as the "Confederates", but as the "Kings"

Tinsuvilian National News:

The Tinsuvilia Sturmkrieger, entering their first World Cup ever, are met with high expectations from the rabid fans of the Premier League, where all of the Sturmkrieger players were recruited. Tinsuvilia's people, aching from ongoing war with regionmate Mucche Pazze, yearn for entertainment in these dark times. Will the Sturmkrieger live up to the hype, or die a mediocre death? We'll have to watch closely this year, folks.

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

Finally everyone! The 28th World Cup is near and the Fighting Norris are more ready than ever. Coach of the Fighting Norris Bob Janney has already posted a roster that can be seen Here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10781712&postcount=22) and extended practices have begun. We'll turn the show over to Bob Janney to tell us a little bit about the Fighting Norris for World Cup 28.

"Hello, this is Bob Janney, and I can confidently say that this tourney will be the best for the Fighting Norris to date. However, it won't be terribly hard to best our past performances in tournament play considering how we placed second to last in the most recent Draggonnii Inviyatii and lost out of the most recent Cup of Harmony in a hurry. However, I'm thinking that this will be the year in which the Fighting Norris really soar in the rankings and make some noise on the World Cup stage.

The problem with us lately is that we haven't been positive enough to win, but we've had a mental adjustment for the better, which will drastically help our game. Speaking of adjustments, our team roster has been adjusted if you haven't seen it yet. Several players slowing us down have been cut and Brian Boitano, a rising forward has been recruited. I've decided to shift our formation to 2-3-5, meaning we will in fact start 5 forwards. Three of the forwards, John Fedo, Chuck Norris, and Brian Boitano will play a more agressive offense while OJ Pimpson and The Burger King will play a more conservative offense as seen in the diagram I submitted with the roster.

With the changes made, we are more than ready to play and we wait with great anticipation for the World Cup 28 group draw. Until then, we will be practicing for long hours and I ask all of our fans to put forth as much support as possible because without you, winning is an impossibility. I'll talk to you all after the draw, live safely until then".

Fourth Time Lucky?

Cuation will be attempting to qualfiy for the first time if their history and go to the holy orders. Twice Cuation have had an advantage and thrown it away, dropping form part way through and allowing Schiavonia to take second place, despite a late surge.

Last time, Cuation seemed to easily take the playoffs place, depsite some erratic but where brtually shoved aside by the Kazoo's. The team is ageing but have some excellent young talent bursting in, Cheese will play on the bench but many want to see him start over Hargreves. Pual Keane meanwhile showed some great promise in the Dragon's cup.

4th place in the Cup of Harmony and 6th in the pre season tounrney is good prepation though Cuation know they could have done better in the CoH. It is hard, do we want one more attempt to win the CoH or do we want to qualify and invaribly crash out at the group stage? Cuation will be pushing for 30th place in the rankings, whatever happens now.

The ARFA Sports image and theme music played on the TV and then went to the normal darkened studio with two men sitting at a desk, of course it was Charles and Darwin and the lights came up.

"Welcome to ARFA Sports - Your Strongest Sports News Around News Update. I'm Charles." Charles

"And I'm Darwin. In a dramatic blow to our nation an incident has happened at ASMV as the Archeopteri where just about to leave. Simon is live in ASMV" - Darwin

"Good Evening, Today at 2pm local time on their way to the Airport with the ASMV VDF to provide protection for the Archeopteri, the bus carrying the Archeopteri to the international airport carreened off the road as it tried to take a sharp bend. Witnesses have reported that the bus just toppled over and fell down an embankment. One surivor has been been confirmed but he is in a critical situation and he is a member of the VDF." - Simon

"Any Idea what caused this, Simon?" - Charles

"No idea Charles, though one has to suspect that the brake lines where cut and I think we all know who would have done that." - Simon

"Yes, of course the Collonites have indeed gone way too far and now they are attacking civilians while overseas. Now maybe the international community will know just how deviant these Collonites are." - Charles

"Right you are Charles, now I'm just getting told that the Ministery of External Affairs and War has just released a statement about this... Do we have it...?"

A piece of paper gets handed to Charles by one of the unseen people that exist in every studio

"Ah yes hear it is, it reads...


We have no doubt that the Collonians where indeed responsible for the tragic deaths of the Atheistic Right national football team in ASMV and now that the Collonians have indeed finally revealed themselves to be exactly what they are to the international community. Atheistic Right once again calls on the entire international community, particularly the nations of the World Cup to come to our aid in defense from the agressive actions taken by Collonie. Any support against this evil foe will be welcome as Atheisitic Right fights for it's right to live.
- Charles

"So all we have to do is wait for the international response to this outrage." - Darwin

Thank you, Simon for this report and hope to see you safely back in Atheisitic Right." - Charles

"Thank you, Charles. I'll be on the next plane back home. see you if I get home." - Simon

"That's all for us for now Goodnight and thank you. I'm Charles."- Charles

"And I'm Darwin, Remember this has been a ARFA Sports - Your Strongest Sports News Around news update." - Darwin

OOC: For the benefit of new nations to the BoF, last World Cup there was an incident between Atheisitic right and Collonie in which Collonie declared war against Atheistic Right and attacked. So please remember this Sports News is propaganda. Please see my post in the Draggonnii Invitiational for the real story. This has been a News Update for your local Crazed Darwinists,

Tynelia Ready For Second World Cup Try

Yes, its hard to believe four years have passed so quickly but once again it is time for the World Cup, now in its 28th edition. There is a certain amount of nervousness among fans these days. A promising Cup of Harmony showing which nearly allowed the team to move on to the round of sixteen has been mostly neutralized by their last showing. In the Dragonnii Inviyatti, the team was swept in the qualifying stages by International growing powers Cuation and the co-hosts of this Cup, the Archregimancy. They then ran into Hypocria in the consolation round and were again soundly beaten before a too little too late rally in its last two matches. With the same team in place many wonder if Tynelia really can play with the big boys or if another Cup of Harmony trip is in the offing.

Another concern is the coaching situation. Now with their third coach in the last two years soccer fans are wondering if the new coach Greg Tudor will fare any better than Marcus O'Meara or the controversial Seamus Flannigan O'Connell who was rumored to be fired because of a revolt by the entire team. Stories have leaked out during the DI where O'Connell had reportedly signed the entire team up for the Tyr Marathon after the loss to Hypocria.

On the field is the major concern. Tynelia's top two keepers Amy Whiteworth and Vladimar Malloy were both pummelled in the DI and skeptics thing they won't be able to bounce back in their next big event. Others claim that the fact they faced three of the top forty teams team five times in a row is something that won't happen in the World Cup. Tudor has stated as soon as he got the job that he realizes that Tynelia's strength is not the attack but the counter-attack and has stressed a return to the more successful defensive style of O'Meara than O'Connell's more freewheeling ways.

Whether this will work or if Tynelia will again find itself shutout in four of its first five matches like last time only time will tell. With a team returning sixteen players from the WC 27 team inexperience should not be a factor this time as they may very well find themselves being the veteran squad on the field facing some of the participants in the current Baptism of Fire. Everything will no doubt depend on the draw and the newest pre- Cup rankings but people should expect a stronger showing this time than in the last Cup.

As has now become a traidtion, Tynelian Soccer Weekly will return to its full live coverage of the Cup once matchplay begins with your regular hosts Sal Spikeman and Anna dalespin ready before and after each match for their take on the day's performance.

The Isangrad Times

Congrats to National Team!

Three Players Have Become Fathers

ISANGRAD --- Only days before the Boyars, the Magnus Valerian national team, are about to make a go at it in World Cup 28, goalkeeper Gustav Sibel, midfielder Jonathon Song, and striker Kyrill Feodorov have had little morale boosters of their own. This morale comes not from crowds of cheering fans and pay raises. No, it comes in the form of their new roles as fathers. A week and three days ago, Gustav Sibel and his wife Eleanor, at home in Goetenhavn, had their first child, George Gustav Sibel. A week later, Jonathon and Vivian Wong in Isangrad had Byong-Sun Wong while in Tabriz, Kyrill and Svetlana Feodorov had fraternal twins Ivan and Paula Feodorov.

Jonathon Wong and Kyrill Feodorov both celebrated together for the births of their first children. They were childhood friends, and they now have become fathers on, coincidentally, the same day.

"I'm so excited," says Wong. "This will be a good experience for me, and will give me the willpower to play for the best."

In other news, George Illyanich got married to his longtime lover Maria. Mongke Urt-Urumqi is also an expecting and future father.

The World Cup 28 is about to start, and before the slaughter begins, we at Isangrad Times really thought you would have liked this heartwarming story.

The Raging Penguin Trashy Tabloid Daily


The Team goes for The Cup!
- Igor Sellenty

The Raging Penguins Football Team, known as "The Team", has been entered into the 28th World Cup. The last time they played against a foriegn team was at the 12th Lancre Cup, where they were soundly defeated at the hands of Cristia West.
They are hoping for better luck this time, but we here at the Trashy Tabloid feel that they haven't got a chance. During the Lancre cup, all but two players were arrested, and only three actually played(one of them escaped the Yesnono police and made it to the pitch), where they lost 5 to 1, against the full might of Cristia West's team. We are currently accepting bets to see how many of them are able to attend their opening match. Once again, the organizers of the team show terrible taste in choosing players.
And speaking of taste, we got the chance to see their new kits. We immediatly regreted seeing those eyesores. Who designed those things? The person who desinged our ridiculous flag? Take a look at this examples of how bad human taste can get:

http://thewirecutters.com/WC/album_mod/upload/ee1f000f305499e71aa12727ff7fee4b.jpg

Now, lets take the focus from their utterly hopeless clothes, and back to The Team. Their captain, The Penguin, is a clueless war veteran who lives in his memories and thinks his team is an army. Their Keeper is a Multiple Murderer. Their star defense player is a barely-sentient Slime Mold, and they don't even have a manager! They will be utterly out-classed, out-dressed, and out-smarted by their opponents.



Also in The Trashy Tabloid Daily...

Superstar is preganant! Check out the revealing pictures! pg 3

President mugged again! pg 7

Today was the last day of Haraki Football League games before the beginning of the hiatus that comes for the time of the World Cup, as teams stop playing because many teams are missing their star players. Only a few teams had games today, with, due to a strange quirk of the timetable for this season, almost entirely teams that contribute players to the World Cup squad playing each other. A complete list of the day's scores can be found below.


North Susa 2 - Kiros Tigers 2

A nail-biting match between two of Haraki's great football teams, including three of the Hawks' great scorers and the best goalkeeper in the league, Mark Stone for North Susa Football Club. He managed to stop all but two shots, both by the man responsible for an entire generation of Harakian youth loving football, Mike Zendar. An avid campaigner for youth football programs and the best forward in the Harakian league, he managed to pull off two corner shots, one at thirty minutes and one at sixty, to tie the game up. Other notable play from Kiros players came from defender Jonah Menike, the Hawks' star defenceman, and Archie Wilkes, a centre who saw some game time in WCXXVII but did not make the team for the next year.

North Susa's goals came at twenty minutes from the young and furious Richard Weber, and Thomas Neils, the team captain, who also managed to get an assist off Weber's goal, once again cementing his claim as the player with the most assists ever in the Haraki Football League. He has three hundred more than the second place player, who died twenty years ago.


Arkia Serpents 4 - Viusa Centre 0

A complete shutout of one of Haraki's worst big city teams came from the hands of the coastal Arkia Serpents. Famous for their superb ball-handling skills, the Serpents managed to have 75% posession of the ball through the game, with a full hat trick by Alicia Ribald at twenty, twenty-six, and eighty minutes. The Serpents' last goal came from Luke Ford at forty minutes. The Serpents' keeper, Susana Hamilton, was on top form and proved once again why she is the primary backup goalkeeper for the Haraki Hawks.


Rion Area 1 - Atherlon United Football Club 3

Bobbie Morris, the young but talented keeper for AUFC, had a good performance last night as his team faced that from Rion Area, who despite their best efforts couldn't pull off a win against another of Haraki's top teams. Manuel Cortes, a firy midfield and one of the Hawks' top scorers, pulled off two goals in the first half. RAFC managed one at forty-four minutes just before half, and tried the entire second half trying to score again before being foiled by Zachary Burns, AUFC's captain, who retired from the Hawks after WCXXVII, with a goal seventy minutes in.


Caltis Football Club 0 - Isasi Warriors 2

A rather slow-paced game, even CFC's star Catherine Ezaniea couldn't pull off a win. Her absolutely terrible team plodded on as the Warriors advanced the ball down the field right past them, and even 'Wonder Woman' couldn't be everywhere at once. She almost scored near halftime, only to be foiled by Bruce Forrester, the Warriors' best defender.


Uses Coast 2 - Pethic-Ferria 1

A home win for Uses Coast, once a poor team due to being located so near to both Arkia and Atherlon, and as such would have all their most talented players sign to one of those two powerhouses instead. However, Uses Coast has been advancing in the ranks lately, even pulling off a sixth-place spot last year by the end of the playoffs. Matthew Thompson scored both of Uses Coast's goals, one at ten minutes and one at fifty-five, and was only countered by a goal at twenty-six minutes thanks to an assist by Sandy Thorpe.




That's the last scores for a while now, folks. When we return, there will be two months of play left, followed by the playoffs. So far it looks like the top three teams this year are, in order, North Susa FC, Atherlon United, and finally the Kiros Tigers, as usual. North Susa have lost only two games this season so far, and are so far ahead of the competition it looks like Mark Stone might take his team to a fifth finals game and a third victory, which would be two more first-time-evers for this spectacular goalkeeper.

George Hardwick had proved to be an excellent midfielder for Eastgate and was a shoo-in for the World Cup squad. His two years since breaking through to the first team had seen him inspire The Gates to a Cup win and consecutive top 4 League positions. Edgar Bluff considered including him in the World Cup squad. But that would mean leaving out John Capper.

He met the veteran midfielder at Coleditch's Gypsy Field ground. He was going to tell Capper that he was to be dropped. At the age of 38 he would not get another chance, but young blood was needed.

Bluff looked at Capper. Capper said "I know what this is about. You are not going to include me."

"Yes."

"You will not make me part of the squad."

"Yes."

"You will choose Hardwick instead."

"Yes."

"Mr Bluff, I will be part of the squad. Hardwick will never play for Wentland."

"Eh?"

"Hardwick will not live to see the start of the World Cup."

"Look, John, I know you're a bit of a weirdo but that's just sick."

"Not sick. Hardwick is a fine player. His death will be a sad loss. There is nothing I can do about it."

"John, George Hardwick will be in the squad. I know you're disappointed not to be involved, and you would be my first choice otherwise, and will be included if George gets injured. But that's just stupid talk."

"I do not wish to be brutal but this is what is to be. I will see you out, Mr Bluff. I am truly sorry."

***

A week later Edgar Bluff was back at Gypsy Field. Eastgate were running rampant over a Capper-less Coleditch, with their usual captain sitting in the director's box with an injury, sitting by Edgar Bluff.

"George is even better than he was before," said Bluff.

"Yes, such a shame..."

"What are you on about? Still with that mumbo-jumbo!"

Hardwick was one on one with the Coleditch keeper Hardy, looking for his fourth of the match, when suddenly he collapsed to the turf as if picked off by a sniper. The supporters fell silent and the physios both ran onto the pitch.

Six minutes later, the stretcher was called on. Hardwick was lifted onto it and blankets placed over his body. The stretcher-bearers tried to hide it from the crowd but to too many it was all too evident that they had draped a cloth over Hardwick's face.

Bluff was speechless. A call came through to his mobile and he answered on autopilot. "Hello...I'm there now...a heart-attack, you say?...oh my God..."

He turned to Capper, who was staring at the scene, tears rolling down his face. "I didn't want it to happen...there was nothing I could do..."

***

The squad was announced in sombre tones the following week. The name of John Capper was listed by the number 6.

Capper had not been seen in recent weeks. He remained in his caravan with his book. He knew what the draw would say. This was it.

Gazetta de'Esporte

Dynamique in Hypocria?

Harrp Dynamique, Vuam and Isma's powerful midfielder was seen in Hypocria this week.

The Dingam-Gué player let on that he wouldn't be playing for Dungam-Gué next season, and that he felt the need to "move on". However, whilst most pundits would have put money on a Sarzonian club to attract the 29 year-old, it is the Hypocrian outfit Pylos Reavers who have got there first it seems.

Dynamique visited Pylos' stadium, and is reported to have had a meeting with the Pylos staff to determine his role in the team.

"I'm not that young, so I need to be sure that I'll be on the pitch. Pylos have told me that they plan to use me as their main attacking midfielder, and of course, I am very happy to have such a club wanting to play me in such an important position." - Dynamique

Harrp however maintains that his contract negociations aren't over, even though they are making fast progress.

Pylos have made a cool £1 Million bid to Dingam-Gué, and should the transfer go through, then Dynamique would become Dingam-Gué's highest ever tranferee.


Gazetta de'Esporte

Knighthood (and the knights) out for Colm and Roman

On his annual list of honours, His Royal Higness T'akri Midroa Swer listed Colm O'Connor, Yak, Fitzsimons and Brasiviev to become Members Of The Unity for their outstanding performances in Vuam and Isma's first ever internaionals.

However, whilst Fitzsimons and Yak hung around the buffet making polite chitchat with the other nominees, O'Connor and Brasiviev made a hasty departure for Sarzonia.

Lesk FC announced on their official website that they had allowed the Nicksia Knights (Sarzonia) to enter contract negociations with Colm O'Connor, on the base principle of a £1 Million transfer, whilst the Knights also announced they had settled a contract negociation session with Roman Brasiviev (Agaña) for £900,000, which could rise to £1 Million should medical reports prove that Barsiviev's broken leg is perfectly repaired.

Later in the day, the Nicksia Knights held a press conference where Technical Director Roberto Garcia didn't hide at all their desires to bring O'Connor and Brasiviev into the Sarzonian leagues.

"When you have ambitions, like we do here at the Knights, you have to be prepared to make decisions. We watched O'Connor this season, as well as with Vuam and Isma, and we think that he will be half our solution to the defensive problem that keeps us away from the top seat in Sarzonia. Just look at his record. He's a natural short-distance stopper, and with a little experience, he'll have no problem keeping the nets tidy." - Roberto Garcia

"Roman is a player that's ready to give the all for his team, and that's very important to us. Technically and mentally, he'll be a very strong contender for a regular first-team spot, but I'm sure that he'll make the starting eleven. Another thing that Roman would bring to the Knights would be his cool. Even when he faced Sarzonia, he was cool. We really hope that he'll be a knight next season, as well as O'Connor, so that we glue our defence." - Roberto Garcia

Brasiviev and O'Connor both say that it would be "a dream come true" to play in the Sarzonian leagues, thought to be some or the hardest in the world.



Gazetta de'Esporte

Sarzonia to plunder V&I

Months after Fitsimons announced he had signed a contract with a still unknown Sarzonian club, and only days after Brasiviev and O'Connor are linked with the Nicksia Knights, it looks like Dynamique could be heading to Sarzonia too.

Early yesterday, Dingam-Gué announed publicly that they had accepted a second offer for Harrp Dynamique. However, this time it was a £1.25 Million cheque that was offered to them by Sarzonian side the Portland Timbers.

On his personal blog, Dynamique told his fans that he had talked to the Timbers' president and manager, and that he was "delighted" by the faith they showed in him.

"I'm really happy to be linked with such a big club. But what makes me even happier are the discussions I have had with the staff. At Dingam-Gué, I liked the freedom to roam that I had, and it is something that the Timbers have assured me they want to have." - Harrp Dynamique

In Sarzonia, the Portland Timbers' staff answered the press through their public relations division. Apparently, Harrp is set to replace their ageing midfield dynamo, and would be an instant addition to the starting eleven.

"We hope to bring Harrp to Portland on a long-term contract. Harrp's playing style was noted right from the start by our scouting branches, and it is exactly the kind of interesting, flowing football that we want to make the Timbers' play. Sevral members of our coaching staff were present during Dingam-Gué's 1-1 draw with Balaton, and they have brought back exceptionally positive reports on not only his style, but also his commitment and his professionalism. After we learnt that Harrp was talking to the Pylos Reavers, we made a choice : to get him. Harrp is set to be our playmaker, and we are sure that he'll succede." - Eugan Romaldi, Portland Timbers Public Relations Section

However, the choice remains difficult for Dinamique between the Timbers and the Reavers. It seems that Harrp prefers the Timbers' outright commitment and confidence.

But who knows where he will go?



Gazetta de'Esporte

He's Wild.

Following Lesk FC's 4-0 win over Novy-Casz, Fitzsimons made a rare appearence in the press room.

He calmly announced that next season, he will be playing for Woodstock Wild (Sarzonia), and that he had signed a 3-year contract.

"There are some opportunities that you can't refuse. Woodstock Wild are a very good team, and they've been up to the top several times. All I hope is that I can help them find some more of that form and bring out the best I have for them. It'll be a honour to play in Woodstock's jersey, but I want to thank all the staff and all the players here at Lesk. Since I started, I've been at Lesk, and I've been supported though thick and thin. Now, I'm leaving, but I still hope to play for Lesk again." - Stephen Fitzsimons

Lesk have yet to make any comment on the transfer, but unofficial sources say that the transfer might be as high as £3 Million, which would break the previous record by £2.3 Million.

Not bad for a 23 year-old...

GRAHAM CITY SUN - Sports Section
Stars Rev Up For Qualification Run

LONDON - Today at FFLC headquarters in London, national team coach Westley Stjepan announced the World Cup qualifying roster, filled with callups from the B-Stars, who finished with a excellent run in the AOCAF competition, going as far as the quarter-finals, the farthest any Clan team has gone in comeptition in almost a hundred years. Well, this time around, Stjepan hopes to change this pattern of failure. Armed with the recent success of the B-Stars and the near qualification of the Stars last world cup, and seasoned stars with a great chance of success, the chances to qualify look better by the moment.

Along with this, the Stars also announced the delivery of a new national kit contract with the JMC from Krytenia. Captain Quentin Mackallen announced his pleasure with the new kit. "It's a damn fine kit, great fabric and brilliant design. They got my vote."

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/TLC3.png

The APK season has in time for international qualifiers. Many of the Kittens biggest stars were involved in the campaign.

The top two goalkeepers in the nation, Ronnie Weeter and Harry Kanaga have successfully shipped very few goals for their teams and shall be hoping to do the same in qualifiers.

Success has not been so great for right back Edward Polson, whose teams final day defeat pushed them into the lower half of the table. There were few mistakes by Polson however, and many had expected them to be fighting relegation.

It was the team of Jamel Wynter, Depp Town, which handed out that defeat to Polson and one which saw Depp finish above their rivals on goal difference.

Kiefer and Reed have faced very different seasons. Kiefer has seen his team relegated, and will likely be looking to show his talent in qualifying and attract the interests of some foreign clubs. Reed, however, has seen his Lyton challenge the Big Two this season and should rightly be proud of his place in the heart of that defence.

Lee Roberts, still playing for his home town team at the age of 35, has seen them hold the league champions to a last day draw and secure a top half finish.

The league champions which can boast Weeter in goal, the phenomenal Newman on the wing, as well as Anton Aultman and Dewey Gronko. Earlsford will be hoping to show their prowess in international competition.

Raul and Alphonso Chase, Enrique Monroe, James Moore and the young female player Marissa Ritta show the incredible attacking play of the only team to challenge them in recent years, Backstaffen United.

All of these players shall be hoping to prove themselves here, but none moreso than Kiefer, who will be playing for a contract. A good campaign could lead to a bright future in foreign football.

The Rejistanian media is currently on a general strike against the "Lex Teke" which can curtail the freedom of speech if the religious feelings of people are affected negatively. The cuirrent source of information are several blogs, which are rarely updated and suffering charset issues for foreign readers. The main source of information about the national team is the site of the temple of Karela. Hosted on a PC with a 14.4 connection and due to this rarely available. If I am able to access its site, I'll bring you the news to here.

Mr X (Jeruselem WC28 coach)
Lisa (Jeruselem Womens WC1 coach)

Mr X - Lisa, what are you doing here?
Lisa - Just visiting, Sarzonia knocked the team out of our World Cup. At least we made the quarter-finals
Mr X - I see. Here to annoy me or help out?
Lisa - Annoy you, what do you expect.
Mr X - Well, when I replaced Guus - I have to perform. We have to make the 2nd round nowadays. No room for failure
Lisa - I'm sure the team will qualify provided you don't repeat the under 21 championship 22 performance again
Mr X - The team is 4 years older and much more developed. They've learnt their lessons.
Lisa - Need some my girls?
Mr X - How about that keeper? Was it Gaynor?
Lisa - For the penalty shootouts?
Mr X - Might need her later, when things become knockout
Lisa - You'll have to ask the Jeruselem FA first
Mr X - The clubs with be loath to release more players
Lisa - I'm sure we can do a deal.

Hamad, there is still time for you to transport down the the planets surface. Would you like to do so now?the annoying computer asked.

"Yes, set transport co-ordinates to 78-1234-670 and ready transport on my command. Keep a constant lokc on my bio-signs, if they drop to level Alpha, transport immediately." Hamad replied, finishing his preparations for travel to Qazox.

Acknowledgedthe Comptuer replied.

Hamad last thoughts has he prepared to leave his craft were: 'Within minutes, my plan of retribution will start, and there will be no going back' thought hamad as he stepped on the transporter. "Computer, engage transport beam, now" Hamad disapeared in a flash of light and was gone.

THE NIBLICK NATTER
"Oh fuck, he's on TV now?" - Jeremy Jaffacake
This week's guest: Phil Neasden

RN: Welcome Phil. Of course, most of the population remember you for your scoring antics; how are you taking to management?
PN: It's tricky getting thrown in at the deep end. We have an inexperienced squad and to reach the second round was a massive achievement.
RN: But losing to Audioslavia...must have been disappointing?
PN: Of course. But not as disappointing as losing to Sarzonia in the group phase.
RN: Any tricks up your sleeve?
PN: I'd tell you, but then that'd spoil the surprise.
RN: It must be weird having your new boss as someone you coached only a couple of years ago - how's your relationship with James Barcali?
PN: It's fantastic. He's seen it all, he knows what the situation is, and there's none better to run the KFA in my opinion. Course I would say that, the guy pays my wages...
RN: Moving on...
PN: What? *chuckles*
RN: People are calling Tejai the "new Stuart Persson". Your thoughts?
PN: Yeah, it's total crap. He'll never be like Stuart Persson.
RN: What makes you say that?
PN: He plays on the other side of midfield for a start. That and he's a much better dribbler - his crossing could be better, but he's still young.
RN: Phil Neasden, thank you.
PN: Pleasure.

NEW JMC KIT RAISES CONTROVERSY

JMC's new navy and purple kit has raised controversy - the chosen colours are those associated with their two greatest rivals, Starblaydia and Sarzonia.

A spokesman for the company, when asked about the kits, replied smilingly:

"It's simple. We use both colours because we're better than the Men in Mauve and Stars put together."

Let's hope they're right.

The shocking early run of the Green Angels in WC27 qualification would need to be improved a lot before the Angels could make the WC28 final field and cause a few shocks along the way depending on how the field is drawn....

A Striking Connundrum
Azanulbizarn requires partner for Dash

Famous single white female, 28, seeks Number-Nine to partner her in international football matches all over the world. Must have ability to play great through-balls and work well with nine others in the relationship. Must be aware that you'll be the the one at fault if it doesn't work out, but a great partnership will yield fame fortune and a World Cup title, fingers crossed! GSOH essential to put up with ever-present short fat bearded father-figure.

Ajaccio, Keifner, Nixon, Rocca, Vega and Von Erich. Those are the six names, five men and one woman, who are seeking to answer that particular personal advert. One of them will earn the coveted Number-Nine shirt, worn by such players through the ages as Nikola Lazerevski, Eomer Hall, Zhorin Tumunzahar and Raphaelo.

Ajaccio: 27. 12 Caps, 2 Goals.
Not trusted yet with a starting position, despite an AOCAF, a Ylompics and a Draggonnii Inviyatii Thiingyii. Learned the striker's craft at Corinthian Spirits playing in front of Menecrates, Ajaccio hasn't lived up to his billing at international level quite yet.

Johan Keifner: 23. 15 Caps, 12 Goals.
Anyone who sees Keifner can't fail to compare the giant to Eomer Hall, such is his massive presence both physically and as a team player. Seven goals in the last AOCAF and another five in the Ylompics on the way to a Silver medal show that 'JK' can lead the line on his own.

Thomas Nixon: 30. 15 Caps, 5 Goals.
Remember when he led the Liverpool England league in scoring despite only being 13? 'Tricksy Nixey' has rarely been in favour with Azanulbizarn, selected for World Cup 26 and AOCAF13, with the first Draggonnii Inviyatii too.

Janica Rocca: 21. Uncapped. (10 Caps, 5 Goals for Women's Team)
Partnered Dasha in the Women's World Cup in Chicanada and to the Bronze Medal of the Ylompic Games, Janica's youth makes her unlikely to be handed the starting shirt for the full national team.

Roberto Vega: 31. 27 Caps, 10 Goals
Partnered Dasha in the first Draggonnii Inviyatii where they netted nine goals between them, and is pretty much the only World Cup Winner still available for selection by Azanulbizarn. Twelve years ago was his most memorable sporting moment as he sat on the bench watching Starblaydia defeat Rejistania, now can he make it to this squad?

Maivia Von Erich: 25. 24 Caps, 10 Goals
Partnered Dasha in the second Draggonnii Inviyatii, this little whirlwind is desperate to shake up the world and show his talent to all. Scoring against Bettia in the World Cup Group Stage has been his most high-profile event in front of the public.

And who's the lovely lady they're all trying to partner? The one and only Dasha Tolkacheva.

Dasha Tolkacheva: 28. 44 Caps, 32 Goals (10 Caps, 5 Goals for Women's Team)
Perhaps the most incredible scoring record for a player with that many appearances, Dasha is already third on the all-time scoring list behind Simeone Di Bradini and Zhorin Tumunzahar - both with 44 - and just 12 goals will see her join that record. Considering she scored 16 goals on the way to Starblaydia's third place in the last campaign, one wouldnt want to bet against Dasha being Starblaydia's greatest ever striker sometime soon.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3532/sbc34jz.gif
Looks like the team came back for another cup. Lets hope that its not just simply another failed qualification campaign. This we actually want to make it to the actual world cup. not just the qualifications.

Same here.

Well then, we can only simply wait till it starts. but thats soon. I wonder who we will bee up against this time? I hope its not going to be world cup 27 all over again.

World cup 27 all over again?? What the *bleep* are you talking about.

In world cup 27 we were stuck in the same group as some really good teams who kept beating us and never gave us a chance at qualifying. Not one chance.

Well, I should tell you that the Swilatian National Football team will do better this time. they have more experiance.

lets hope.

New-Lexington's brand spanking new unifroms. Hey we may suck it up, but we'll look good in the process.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/NewLexingtonKits.png