Cup of Harmony for WC28 [Archive]

Tynelia

15-05-2006, 14:20

To the relief of many Tynelian soccer fans, Coach Greg Tudor has announced he will be fully recovered and able to return to his full time coaching duties for Tynelia's second attempt at the Cup of Harmony.

3-3-2-2 formation. (-2) modifier

Coach- Greg Tudor age 48 After the firing of Seamus Flannigan O’Connell after a dismal Dragonni Inviyatti performance after which the team as a whole signed a petition asking for him to be fired after his draconian ways backfired. Tudor is considered to be a coup of sorts, a former British soccer star in his day who moved to Tynelia after his career ended fourteen years ago and now claims dual citizenship. Some claim his choice is nothing more than a slap to the face of O’Connell but others claim otherwise. Tudor has expressed a desire to go back to the team’s roots and has stressed more of a defensive style again ignoring much of O’Connell’s attempts to create a more attacking style which never seems to work well with this unit.

Positioning
Masterson MacDougal
Kenders A.Collins
Pytte Leason B.Collins
Li Jacobs Stossels
Whiteworth

G- Amy Whiteworth (27-starter) Since her coming out party at the World Cup group stage in the World Cup 27, Whiteworth has taken the title of best keeper in Tynelia from Vladimar Malloy. Her nickname “Amazing” Amy was coined when she led Tynelia to a 2-0 shutout over the much higher ranked Nanakaland squad in group play and followed that up with a 1-1 draw against a top 10 Total n Utter Insanity team her next match. She looked overmatched however during the DI and people wonder how she will recover from that showing.
G- Vladimar Malloy (30-reserve) the man known as "The Wall" for his ability to seemingly block everything sent his way been surprassed by “Amazing” Amy as the top keeper after the Cup of Harmony. Some have claimed he’s lost a half step at his age and that this might be his final world cup appearance. However he is still an intimidating force to reckon with in the net. He hopes to bounce back from a poor DI as well.

F- Jay Masterson (27-starter) the flashy flamboyant Masterson was the league's goal scoring leader for the fifth time in six years. After some questioned his intensity during the group play of the previous World Cup he has become extremely focused in silencing these critics this time around. He turned some heads with his recent marriage to Tynelian Soccer Weekly special reports reporter Harmonie Harris but this has not affected his game in the least. Cynics claim the reason he has looked so forward to the coming competitions so he could get away from his endlessly babbling wife.
F- Brian Kenders (26-starter) a teammate of Masterson, Kenders has continued to be happy feeding his scorehappy teammate in league play and led the league in assists the past three years. His own scoring touch is still missing however as he put in a lone goal this year and that was mostly by accident.
F- Anya Collins- (22- starter) The younger sister of Brad Collins, Anya has really stepped it up this season as an all round player. In only her third year of league play, Anya made the top ten in assists and top 12 in goals scored earning her a spot on the team. Some have joked that Anya is the better Collins on the team.
F- Alan MacDougal- (21- starter) The brother of Tynelian Olympian speed skating bronze medalist Ginny MacDougal, Alan is ready to show that the MacDougal men can make as big a splash on the world stage as the women. One of seven MacDougal children Alan has been instilled with a competitive drive his while life. A rookie in league play Alan broke the top ten in goals and set a rookie record for goals breaking Jay Masterson’s seven year old mark which was enough to earn him a spot on the team. In his second season he was only a goal out of the top five.
F- Troy Wallace (30-reserve) Wallace is a veteran of thirteen years in the game at some level and is known in the league for his trickery. He always manages to find the seam in an opponent’s defense and takes advantage of that when the defense over responds to a fake attack which usually leaves a teammate wide open. While not as dominant as he was earlier in his career the “Duke of Deke” is still a wily ball handler with a killer shot. Some have said he volunteered to step back and be a reserve in order to get some of the young legs on the field more.
F- Joe Richards- (26- reserve) Richards finally took the next step after two years of showing potential and was in the top ten in total scoring this season for the second time in a row. An aggressive player by nature he is mindful that he can’t do it all himself and so has a respectable number of assists this season to go with his goals.

M/F- Brad Collins (29-stater) Collins has slightly mellowed as he has gotten older with a career low 3 yellow cards this year. Some say he’s suddenly trying to set a good example for younger sister Anya but his attacking style is still firmly in place. Tudor plans to place him on the opposite side from Masterson to keep opposing defenses honest. He was switched to forward at the halfway point of league play this season which is more suited to his play style but has been returned to the midfield by Coach O’Meara for the coming Cup.
M- Jeff Leason (26-starter) Leason has continued his stellar defensive ways since the World cup and is now almost a nonfactor on offense because of it. For this reason Tudor has kept him at the center of the defense knowing that he’ll let very few breakaways up the middle.
M- Adrian Pytte (31-starter) The former MVP has seen the future of the game and knows he probably has only a few years left as one of the elite. Managing to stay among the top ten in both goals and assist, Pytte is now hoping to pass on his experience to the younger members of the team to help them through the new experience of world play. Pytte has been named Team Captain by Coach Tudor.
M/F- Andy Martins (24-reserve) Once a controversial choice to be included, the grandson of President Jacob Martins has emerged into another future star in the game. O’Connell admitted that had he kept the same formation as last Cup Martins would have been named a starter. Solid both offensively and defensively Martins has spent a bit more time at forward this season and given up on the attempt to turn him into a defensive player.
M- Bret Brantley (29-reserve) Brantley was a bit of a surprise choice as he was injured for a good part of the season for the second year in a row with a broken wrist and was only really getting back into his regular form when the season ended. O’Connell defended his choice saying that he had the experience at this sort of thing already and no one else really had that great a season to replace him.
M/D- Donna Kent (26-reserve) Kent again led the league with a +14 scoring differential as her defense has continued to improve. Injuries to her team forced her to switch to defense for part of the season and she acquitted herself well before she returned to her regular spot. Offensively she is a better ball handler and passer than shooter scoring just three goals this season with an average amount of assists.

D- John Stossels (29-starter) Stossels is living proof of having "soccer in your blood". Both his parents and his grandfather were all soccer players in their day though national leagues weren't around then. As such Stossels was almost raised on a soccer field and is almost never found out of position or caught off guard. Stossels was the four time Defender of the Year with his streak finally ending two seasons ago when he finished second in the voting to Tal Li. Even more savvy than before Stossels has been accused of being a mind reader as he can read where a pass is going almost before the pass is made.
D- Karl Jacobs (28-starter) Still argueably the best ballhandler in the league, Jacobs is often lost in the shuffle when it comes to Tynelian defenders. However Jacobs is a quiet leader and has always been able to hold up his end of the bargain on defense. He will usually be the one to take the ball upfield to start an attack.
D-Tal Li (23-starter) Still the fastest man on the field, Li finally ended Stossels’ stranglehold on defensive player of the league honors and won it himself for the second year in a row. More aggressive than Stossels is in going after a player carrying the ball, Li knows he has the speed to recover from any mistakes if someone does get by him. Li was the leader this season in steals.
D- Reggie Moore- (31- reserve) a good angle defenseman, Moore is excellent at forcing the opponents to stay along the perimeter and take bad angle shots. He has fast feet and can steal a ball from a dribbling opponent in a flash and start it up the other way. He was fourth in the league in steals this season.
D- Bonnie Davis- (25- reserve) Davis is another newcomer to world play but earned her spot with a +7 scoring differential which placed her third overall in that and she was second in the league in steals making her someone who was more than capable of holding onto a one goal lead late in a game.

My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y, but don’t make me look too bad
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y

Dorian and Sonya

15-05-2006, 16:33

To the host nations of Spaam and Sciavonia
From the Sylvanaes Kingdom of Dorian and Sonya

Let it be know that we are more than pleased to accept the invitation to participate in the Cup of Harmony following the nightmare that was WC28 qualification. We do share at least Spaam's disdain at the results of that venture. Thank you.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/DASWC28Kits.jpg
A drastic overhaul of the Mystical Unicorns roster has been made as a result of poor results in the last CoH and WC28 qualifiers. Here is the new and improved? Unicorn roster.

Nickname:Mystical Unicorns
Colors: Pink and Black
Home Field: Elanesse Tulcokelume (White Hall)

Head Coach: Luthien Oronar
Forwards Coach: Lessien Arnatuilë
Midfield Coach: Sunni Oganyan
Defender Coach: VI Sanpaolo
Keeper Coach: Ettie Stibbins
Trainer: Fransisca Centore

Roster

Starters
Pos # Name Age
GK 18 Daniella Riskin 19 Brought up in WC28 qualifiers. Brings consistency to position.
RB 11 Tisa Laos 18
CB 21 Nessa Elendil 22 The only returning defender. Solid if not spectacular.
LB 44 Taunya Skursky 20
RM 30 Tári Falassion 17 Returns at midfield. Streaky player who has ups and downs.
OM 33 Maurita Deni 19
DM 31 Brigette Deteso 19 Brought up in WC28 qualifiers. Hard nosed defender type.
LM 38 Nátulcien Eluch`div` 21 Flashy left side of the midfield. Hopefully new players will help out.
RF 14 Avril Auerswald 18
CF 01 Zana Jablon 17
LF 40 Altáriël Telperiën 21 The Sylvanaes Superstar. Foot+ball=goal.

Reserves
GK 13 Alassea Sáralondë 22 Returns due to lack of any other available. Inconsistant player.
RB 10 Deetta Torris 16
CB 54 Elidia Spika 17
LB 20 Sixta Nommay 15
RM 7 Lashay Niesman 16
OM 12 Bethey Cangiano 18
DM 49 Burma Krzak 17
LM 26 Carlita Botwinick 18
RF 3 Ghislaine Suggett 19
CF 9 Makeda Kuwahara 20
LF 99 Neida Garrington 16

The Macabees

15-05-2006, 17:04

The national team of the Second Empire of the Golden Throne has decided to make an appearance for the Cup of Harmony. We're looking foward to the experience!

Virginia Nova

15-05-2006, 17:22

The VSL has accepted the Invitation to the COH and vows to RP at least once

Wentland

15-05-2006, 18:53

"So we're agreed then?"

"Yes. One last chance for Mr Bluff. He can take the squad to the Cup of Harmony. We shall review his contract after the tournament."

"Right, I'll draft the acceptance. How about the Festival?"

"Well, we'll just have to see how we do without getting the Press coverage."

Lisburn Mateys

15-05-2006, 20:10

The recent meeting between sports minister and Managing Directors of each Lisburn Matey club have reached a decison to accepted the Invitation to the COH.

9 in favour
2 against - Crewe, Lisburn Distillery

OC:RP may be difficult as i have exams on soon, but ill try my best

Vuam and Isma

15-05-2006, 20:17

Raum 1 Sports at Eight.

Welcome football fans!

Today we are joined by Vuam and Isma footballing legend Jonathan Mike..
Hi.
And by Vuam and Isma's head coach, Johann Fischmann!
Thanks for inviting me.
Well... as the World Cup has turned into a puff of smoke, we have prepared a retrospective on the whole campaign.

Well... Vuam and Isma were drawn in Group 3, along with Starblaydia, Praying2God, Harlesburg, Georgonia, Dauna Hills and Gaspland. When the draw was over, what did you think?
Well, as part of the V&I FA, I was in the room, taking notes on our opponents. It was a hard group, there's no doubt about that, but we could have had a much worse draw. After all, Starblaydia were really head, shoulders and waist above the rest in the group, so they were sure to go through, except for a major upset... But that wasn't on the cards, ever. Then, there were Praying2God, Harlesburg and Georgonia. Now, we've not played against many teams, so we were still pretty much discovering the teams we'd be playing at that time. P2G, we knew that they were regular big boys in their groups, and I think they'd been 3rd once or twice before in their WCQ group. Harlesburg, we didn't know a lot about them, except for their group, and all we knew about Georgonia was the 11 that they usually played. So we relied on the KPB rankings to guess who we could upset and who we couldn't.
We were 4th out of 7 on the KPB rankings, and it didn't look too rosy for us. We thought that Harlesburg might just give us the upset we needed to hope for against P2G so that we could hope for qualification... However, we didn't do enough, and even though we're sad we finished 3rd, it's quite normal overall, because P2G and Starblaydia were indeed a class above us.

Alright! Well, V&I's qualification campaign could have got off to a worse start, as O'Beirne and Yak fought back from 1-0 down to hand V&I three points away.
Even though we won, I was dissapointed with the game. We had prepared moves to get pas their 5-3-2, and yet we were unable to keep the ball long enough to start any of them. It's lucky that Grak turned in a matchwinning performance for the last 30 minutes, because otherwise the only thing we would have brought home was a dented dream...
I thought that it was obvious the team hadn't welded together, but that there was promise. Yak, Grak and O'Beirne really put in great games, and the confidence after the game was great.

And then there was... "The" trip.
Say no more, please!
4-0 against Dauna Hills.
Away, though.
Even so...
But just what happened? I mean, V&I had never played that badly!
Well, I'll confess. We took them for a team that was a lot weaker than they were. It just shows that you should never underestimate your opponents. We thought they'd be a run in the park, and they gave us the run we were expecting to give.
And they had some strange refereeing in their favour... Two red cards and 3 injuries by the end of the game, we were playing without our 'keeper, or our reserve 'keeper, with no striker, and no left-back.
We were unlucky with the refereeing, but I'll not talk about that. If we hadn't been on the edge, we wouldn't have relied on refereeing to win or lose the game. We've got to admit that we were badly prepared for the game, and that it ruined our ocnfidence as a result. But we can still keep our heads high, say that we've learnt from it, and that we'll be able to make the best of a similar situation in the future.

And after the 4-0 thrashing in Dauna Hills, it was a 2-1 home defeat against the lowest-ranked team in the group : Gaspland.
Well, we tried as hard as we could, but there were just too many key players missing. We had to field a side that had never played together before, with some players out of position, and it just didn't glue together quickly enough. I'm also dissapointed that we didn't manage to get ahead of them, because we were in a better position than they were for most of the game. But we all know that history will only remeber the score.

After a bye date, V&I were saying "Bye-bye" as they took on Starblaydia in V&I, knowing that qualification would be a miracle as they awaited defeats against Starblaydia and P2G to add to their loss list.
Well... I don't know about you, but to lose only 1-0 against a team that's in the top 3 in the world would make me more enthusiastic than that... V&I didn't win, that's for sure. However, we did manage to get our match going, and it really showed us just how good we could be when we set our minds to it. Dispite the win, it was a very positive result, one that we hope to better next time we play Starblaydia!
And the next time could well be in the final rounds of a World Cup, so we're relishing the prospect!

So, after that V&I was host to another important team : P2G! And again, there was no points for V&I as P2G won 1-0!
It's a sad thing, but it's on matches like that that you see why P2G got through and we didn't. It's just all about regularity. They weren't in a great day, and yet they still found enough resources to pull through and do what was required. It's amazing that they can just perform match in, match out, regardless of the situation. If we can find some of that form, then I'm sure we can break into the World Cup finals without breaking a sweat! To make a last comment about the match, I'd just like to say that 1-0 isn't a bad result at all against a team like P2G, because they are in the World Cup, and they might go quite some way.

Well, as V&I was on a 4-match loss streak, with defeats against the top two and the bottom two according to the KPB ranks, the game against Harlesburg, 3rd by those same ranks, seemed like a bad omen... What's more, it was away. But who would have lost faith in the Whites and Azures? Not us, as we were there to see them win 2-0!
The game against Harlesburg was a very nice match, and we were able to continue our good streak of form. We might have been a bit lucky that Harlesburg was playing distinctly under par, but hell, we're not going to turn down three points when we can get them, are we? Oh, and Fitzsimons' goal was a real beauty. He left just at the limit of off-side, but he timed his run well, and reaped the award for it!

So, with morale on the up, points coming in and the qualification seeming not too impossible, V&I started their second round of matches. And the first of the lot was the return against Georgonia, sealed by Lidon's shot as a 1-0 win.
We knew they would be defensive. Against all the big teams they had been playing low, and we hoped they'd be taking us as a "big" team. We chose to play low, and run them out of energy, but in fact we didn't need to, as Lidon managed to score a delicious goal. After that, it was just hold out as good as we could to get the three points. Luckily for us, they weren't able to get their shots well on target, so we did get all three points. But we could have easily left with nothing. It was a great team performance.

And then... The "other" match against Dauna Hills... 3-0 defeat at half-time, and 4-3 win after 90 minutes... Amazing. Simply amazing.
Well, at half-time, Scarab was furious. He was chucking things at some of the players, and even attempted to rip off Marc's shirt, saying that after those 45 minutes, he was unworthy of wearing the V&I shirt again. But his anger payed off, and the team was in a fiery mood for the second half, and my god... Had I known that they were that good when they were angry, I'd have shouted a lot more!
Ah, that game will be remebered for quite some time in the footballing folklore of this country. 4-0 defeat in the first meeting between the two countries; 3-0 down at half time in the return... And then a kind of revival to win the home game 4-3. That's what will make Scarab a great manager, just like Johann : his passion for the game is contagious. But Johann's tactics are quite a bit better though, just now...
Well, to put on Masilela was some bet, wasn't it?
I'd been wanting to play Masilela, but I just couldn't find the right time to bring him on. When Fitzsimons scored to bring us back at 2-3, I knew that it was then or never, and, well... The rest is history!

The return against Gaspland wasn't quite as interesting though, was it?
To be fair, we crushed them. From A to Z, we were one notch above them, and we knew that each lost point could cost us dear as we aimed to qualify. So, y'know... We did what was needed.

And then back to the top of the pack : Starblaydia. Well, nobody was expecting a win, and perhaps 3-0 is a good result... Seen the form that Starblaydia had, it's probably strange V&I didn't take more!
Well... Not only have Starblaydia got one of the best teams in the whole World, but they've also got some of the best staff. Azanulbizarn really oozes class, and you can just feel his importance when you see him on the side-line. It's amazing. Oh, the game was not very good for us... But then again, we tried our best, so we've got no regrets.

Then a 4-1 thrashing by P2G put a stop to the lingering dream of the Word Cup.
And so it did. But perhaps it's best we don't go this time. We'll be better off going to the World Cup when our team has shown that they are truly able to qualify by beating the big teams, rather than wait for the big teams to stumble to inch past them. 4-1 was a bit harsh, as when we were at 2-1 down we really lost all will to play on, and more or less gave the match up. Had we gone on, we might have stalled the game at 2-1, or at 3-1. But it wouldn't change anything, and we preferred to concentrate on the game against Harlesburg to finish in style.

And then, last game : Harlesburg. Well... It looked scrappy at times, but in the end, the 0-0 draw left everybody pleased, as it was really nothing going between the two teams.
Indeed... Two very evenly matched sides.
I wanted to get at least a goal for the home fans, but we weren't able to seek it out. Too bad. At least we played a match full of pride and passion. We bowed out of the World Cup Qualifiers, but we bowed out with style.

And now, I think there's something you want to tell us all, Johann, isn't there?
Indeed there is.

I'm proud to announce that Vuam and Isma are officially entering the Cup of Harmony for World Cup 28, hosted by Spaam and Schiavonia.

The side remains unchanged, and we hope to build on the 3rd place we earned in the Qualifiers to get a good run going for the CoH, and to make our fans proud.

That's all.

Well... That's all from Raum 1 Sports At Eight, with Johnathan Mike, Johann Fischsimmons and me, Emmerich Royale.

Geisenfried

15-05-2006, 21:55

The Geisenfried National Team accepts the invitation to the Cup of Harmony for World Cup 28.

Mr Chuck Norris

15-05-2006, 21:59

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

Alright, so the Fighting Norris narrowly failed to qualify again. Although it may seem like a bad thing, all that failing to qualify means is a trip to another Cup of Harmony! It's true that the Fighting Norris have a history of failure in this tourney, but we have a feeling this year will be different. Below is the roster of the Fighting Norris for this upcoming tourney being discussed.

The Roster of Mr Chuck Norris
# Name-Amount of Goals in World Cup sanctioned events
Head Coach
Bob Janney
● He is infamous for his in-depth group analysis, but not for his coaching ability. While some people may view this as a problem, Bob Janney always manages to squeeze out a couple wins in World Cup play.
Goalkeepers
1 Mr. Bednarik
● His humble beginnings as a hockey goalie paved the way for a semi-successful goalkeeping career. Although the Fighting Norris defense has struggled recently, Mr. Bednarik has held strong as the Fighting Norris' main goalkeeper.
2 Allen Price
● His ego frustrates many players on the team. However, in the event that Mr. Bednarik cannot goalkeep for any particular reason, Allen Price will have to step up to the plate.
Defenders
3 ♪
● Recruited off the streets of downtown New Poorleans, ♪ can’t speak any understandable language and despite being on the team for several years, no one knows anything about him. However, he’s proven that he can in fact contribute to a national football defense and has played a key role in several matches.
7 Jack Moon
● A player who has actually emerged with some talent, he has certainly helped the Fighting Norris defense. He is the primary substitute in the Fighting Norris defense.
8 Scottest Hovest
● The self proclaimed best Scott in the world, his ego is second only to Allen Price’s. However, while Price can’t back up his talk, this man can (most of the time).
13 Yianni Karvo
● Just to warn everyone now, Yianni plays dirty. Now that he has been forced to move to the defender position from the midfield, he may be more dangerous than ever.
Midfielders
9 Pat Smock
● Easily the second most famous man in The Holy Empire of Mr Chuck Norris (the first needing no explanation). He is best known for appearances on AA Live, mass producing the 512 Disc DVD set “Mass and You” and attending random leadership conferences. He was originally recruited to the team to generate ticket sales. However, he's also shown potential on the field.
10 Donald Rump
● Responsible for supporting Mr Chuck Norris’ “Frightening” economy, this man’s surprisingly got some talent.
12 Zach Brickhouse 1 Goal
● He was one of Japan’s best midfielders until he was deported for skipping one day of school. The first and only Fighting Norris midfielder to date with a goal.
14 Randy Cross
● Easily has the biggest afro of any player on any team. This man, along with Pat Smock, is the primary substitute for the Fighting Norris midfield.
15 Paper Mario
● And you thought he was just a video game character. His weightlessness and aerodynamic form allow him to cover a great amount of the field, making him a deadly midfielder. Although no one has tallied the amount of assists this player has, we can assure you it’s by far the most on the team.
Transitional Forwards
17 OJ Pimpson 4 Goals
● Let’s just say he’s got a deadly shot.
18 The Burger King 3 Goals
● That’s right, you all know him. His dashing smile and uncanny speed make him a threat in any match.
Scoring Forwards
16 Chuck Norris 37 Goals
● Two Words: Roundhouse Kick. This man is the heart and soul of the team and will not hesitate to score a goal in any given match.
19 Brian Boitano 6 Goals
● He has proven himself worthy of being alongside such talent as Chuck Norris and John Fedo by scoring 6 goals in his first World Cup.
20 John Fedo 8 Goals
● John Fedo has already been making some noise on the World Cup stage despite only being around for a couple of tourneys. He scored the Fighting Norris' only three goals in the last Cup of Harmony in light of Chuck Norris' absence.

“As you can see, we’ve changed some things around... again”, exclaims Bob Janney, coach of the Fighting Norris. "Although we really liked the five-forward offense, it proved that a little defense is also vital to being a sucessful team. So we've now changed the formation again from what was once a 3-4-3, then a 3-3-4, temporarily a 2-3-5, and now a 3-2-2-3. We've split our forwards into transitional forwards and scoring forwards to spread out our offense. We've also moved Yianni Karvo back to be a defender to further bulk up the defense. That's all I really have to say about that."

Starting Lineup
GK Mr. Bednarik
D Scottest Hovest
D ♪
D Yianni Karvo
MF Zach Brickhouse
MF Paper Mario
TF OJ Pimpson
TF The Burger King
SF Chuck Norris
SF John Fedo
SF Brian Boitano

Mr. Bednarik

♪ Scottest Hovest Yianni Karvo

Paper Mario Zach Brickhouse

OJ Pimpson The Burger King

John Fedo Chuck Norris Brian Boitano

[[OOC]]
My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my goalscorers Y (Stick to the forwards if you can :) )
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events N
[[OOC]]
I’m gonna roll with a +5 modifier and a 3-2-2-3 formation as seen above.

Anathematic Republics

15-05-2006, 22:06

That sound you hear is Satan fuming in the wings, waiting for his invitation.

(If anyone doesn't take their invitation, can Satan fill in?)

Swilatia

15-05-2006, 22:07

we accept the invite.

Lisburn Mateys

15-05-2006, 22:27

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9163/starlogo2ti.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9178/mateyshome8by.jpg http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4941/mateysaway1ye.jpg

Manager - Paul Kirk

Style -1 formation = 4-4-2

Goalkeepers
01.Brian Livingston - 24/16 caps - Pika City (Qazox)
12.David Kirk - 31 Hillsborough Boys
18.Stuart Buffel - 26 - Lisburn Distillery

Defenders
02.Andrew Stewert [DR] - 17/13 caps - Lisburn Distillery
03.David Armstrong [DL] - 32/16caps - Lisburn Distillery
04.Jonathon Bell [DC] - 25/17 caps - Lower Maze
05.Marvin Andrews [DC] - 29/17 caps - Blackwater (Liverpool England)(1 goal)
13.Manuel Gucho [DC] - 22 - Crewe
16.Chuck Gonzalo [DR] - 26/5 caps - Grappenhall (Bettia)
19.Scott Mitchell [DL] - 23 - Crewe
23.Christopher Reims [DC/L] - 20/1 cap - Downshire FC

Midfielders
06.Stephan McNiece [MC] - 23/10 caps - Crewe (1 goal)
07.Chris Kingsberry [MR] - 22/10 caps - Lisburn Youth
22.Gregg Gregg [MC] - 28/12 caps - Downshire FC (1 goal)
11.Aaron McCann [ML] - 19/12 caps - Lisburn Distillery (3 goals)
15.Richard Higgenbottom [MC/R] - 30/2 caps - Crumlin United
20.David Irwin [DMC] - 29/3 caps - Ballymacash Rangers
21.Joe Bellucci [ML/R] - 24/14 caps - Lisburn Distillery
08.Keith Livingston [MC] - 17/12 caps - Hillsborough Boys (4 goals)

Attackers
09.Amusi Akobyi - 29/14 caps - AS Timiocato (Pacitalia) (12 goals)
10.Richard Dougherty - 25/9 caps - Crewe (2 goals)
14.Dominic Patton - 27/8 caps - Dromara Village (3 goals)
17.James Curry - 21/4 caps - Lisburn Distillery

(starters in bold)

Give My Opponents Permission To:

Choose Scorers: Y
GodMod Goalscoring Events: Y

Injure Players: Y
GodMod Injury Events: N

Red Card Players: Y
Yellow Card Players: Y
GodMod Other Events: N

Raging Penguins

16-05-2006, 00:54

Naturally, we accept. Anything to keep our team out of our country.

The Raging Penguins Football Team "The Team" Roster:

Strikers(3): ABSOLUT LUNATIC, Furious Porridge, The Penguin

Substitute: Lite Wayte
------------
Defenders(4): DMYS, Arnold Flitchy, Al Broller, Fnab-Fnab,

Substitute: Ron Absnyll
------------
Midfielders(3): Mrs. Tweezly, Mostly Mouths, Devious Penguin

Substitute: The Mime
------------
Keeper: Willie Dee and his Extremely Dangerous Hair,

Substitute: Neb Nockerr
------------

ABSOLUT LUNATIC - Escaped from the Raging Penguin Asylum for the Dangerously Disturbed, and the Asylum refused to let him back in, so he was naturally placed in the football team. He regularly drinks a mixture of vodka, crude oil, and tar. If deprived of this drink, he can get extremely agitated and has become violent in the past.

Furious Porridge - Probably the most mentally-stable, normal person on the team, Furious Porridge is an excellent Football player, and thus recieves the lowest paycheck.

The Penguin: Not a penguin at all, The Penguin is a mentally unstable, human ex-marine, who left the Rage-Peng Army Vet Center and joined the team. He stole the team mascot's costume, which he wears at all times. He even puts his jersey on over it. The captain of the team, The Penguin often orders bayonet charges, and as such, the entire team carries spears, rifles, or extendable poles on their persons during and in between matches.

Substitute: Lite Wayte - An Obese, greasy computer addict, Lite decided to join the Football Team. We actually got him to practice, after we stole his electrical appliances. He's quite good, when he's not eating old, cold pizza.

DMYS - Dubious Mobile Yellow Slime(DMYS for short) is an extremely mobile, somewhat intelligent slime mold, mutated by extremely common chemical spills, and uranium feul rods carelessly discarded in the nearest swamp. Stretched out, DMYS can form a two foot high wall from one side of the pitch to the other(the width, not the length of the pitch). Originally chosen as the Goalkeeper, DMYS has instead been moved to Defensive position due to its ability to make opponants trip, slip, and lose the ball(or their legs).

Arnold Flitchy - Arnold Flitchy is a long-standing member of the team. Having originally been the Mascot, his Costume was stolen by The Penguin, and Arnold was replaced as Mascot by seven real Raging Penguins. His contract to the team, however, was still in effect, and he was givin the choice of becoming a player or a ball, and has been playing ever since.

Al Broller - Al Broller used to be a construction worker, until he caused an accident which resulted in a twenty-story office building imploding. He still wears his hardhat, and carries a hammer on the pitch. He has never played football before, but that's never stopped our team from losing!

Fnab-Fnab - Fnab-Fnab was once the Iron-Fisted, Tyrannical Dictator of a small, smelly, and utterly foriegn country. After a week of vacation in Raging Penguins, he boarded a small private jet which was supposed to send him home. However, it was not his small, private jet, but was instead the Football team’s jet, and Fnab-Fnab has been with the team ever since.

Substutute: Ron Absnyll - Ron Absnyll was a Lawyer before he decided to become slightly less moraly sound and joined the Football team. He makes sure each goal is fiscally sound, and thus often fails to make any. However, he has many objections to losing, so we put him on defense.

Mrs. Tweezly - After living most of her adult life as a School teacher in a Middle School, Mrs. Tweezly retired - and joined the Football team. She is one of the more tempermental members of the team, and will go berserk at the thought of students chewing gum during a game. A formidable sight on the field, Mrs. Tweezly has a meter-stick in her right hand at all times, and is armed with an extremely severe Look, which can strike an organism down at twelve paces.

Mostly Mouths - Mostly Mouths, or MM, as he is known, is a product of the over-breeding of large-mouthed Troglodytes, a commercial race living in the mountains of Raging Penguins. Mostly Mouths is an inatriculate Mouth on short, stumpy legs. He has two eyes, although nobody knows where they are, no ears, no nose, no arms, no vital organs, and like most Troglodytes, no brain. He does have an enourmous mouth, however, and eats almost every football kicked towars him.

Devious Penguin: After Derick Snaddly's arrest due to his occupation as a Door-to-Door salesman, and his expulsion from the team(due to being a door-to-door salesman), he trained a group of penguins to be as evil, cunning and dangerous as he was. The result of his Master Plan was Devious Penguin, who is aptly named, and rather evil.

Substitute: The Mime - True to his name, The Mime is a mime, and the Department of National Health and Sanity couldn't be more thrilled to hear that he's joined the Football team. We've never seen him actually kick a single ball(although he seemed to attempt to), but that's ok, because we expect that he'll die at the hands of a mob of angry Mimaphobes in some foriegn country.

Willie Dee and his Extremely Dangerous Hair - Willie Dee was once a regular boy, playing football on weekends with his mates. Then, one fateful day, he applied a radioactive hair-gel to maintain his large afro, and overnight, it gained a violent and carnivorous mind of its own. Utterly immune to scissors, fire, or hats, his hair has stayed put, and has grown. Currently, his Hair is out of jail on bail, after being jailed-along with the innocent Willie Dee- on charges of Assault and Battery, resisting arrest, and devouring a policeman. The no verdict has been issued, as the bodies have not been recovered yet. His Extremely Dangerous Hair was hired to play as Goalie, due to its agility, and ability to deflect - or devour - incoming balls. Willie Dee just happened to come with the deal.

Substitute: Neb Nockerr - A newer additoin to the team, Neb was hired due to Willie Dee's high-arrest risk. He is an ex-hobo, who we found under a bridge. We feel that he will do fine as a goalie, as his smell will keep most players far away, and his cloud of flies creating a nigh-impenetrable wall around the goal. He's also a drain on our welfare program.

We're unlikely to ever change our roster, especially when our players are getting old and arthritic(they'll be more likely to have an unfortunate accident that way), and the only times we'll throw in a new player is if one dies. We're hoping that some do, especially after DMYS got blown all over the pitch and was right as rain the next day. Really disappointing, that one.

We'll try to sabotage The Team's weaponry before the depart, but we expect that they'll somehow manage to sneak some form of large gun in anyhow. And we'll try to keep our players from eating small animals, and we hope that the NSPETA stops calling us round the clock.

We also hope that The Team stops this ridiculous "winning" trend. It's a bad influence on our nation's youth...

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes(especially if said injury is ridiculous and highly improbable, a freak pillow accident, for example)
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes please. We'd like to see them die occasionally too.
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes

Playing Defensively, -1 style, as usual.

Alasdair I Frosticus

16-05-2006, 01:39

The Schiavonian and Spaamanian authorities dreamed last night that the Holy Empire had accepted their kind invitation to participate in the Cup of Harmony.

In order to quarantine the Holy Empire from the diseases and plagues of ordinary reality, the Holy Empire Football Association will again be sending a team of Tzimisces Dream Simulacra dreamed into existence for the duration of the match by a travelling team of Archregimancy Monks.

GK
Tzimisces Simulacrum 1

DEF
Tzimisces Simulacrum 2
Tzimisces Simulacrum 3

MID
Tzimisces Simulacrum 4
Tzimisces Simulacrum 5
Tzimisces Simulacrum 6

FOR
Tzimisces Simulacrum 7
Tzimisces Simulacrum 8
Tzimisces Simulacrum 9
Tzimisces Simulacrum 10
Tzimisces Simulacrum 11

Frosty football is attacking football. The squad play a ludicrously attacking 2-3-5 formation (+5)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Anything they damn well choose except convert the Archregimancy monks or have the latter indulge in sexual activity or criminal behaviour. Otherwise have fun.

OOC: Juan Tzimisces is a World Cup Hall of Fame Legend who captained the Holy Empire in World Cups I through IV, and coached the national team in WC XXV (time passes differently in the Dreamed Realm)

The Gupta Dynasty

16-05-2006, 01:45

The Golden Wolves of Yafor 2 look to win their Second Cup of Harmony and so, join the fun...again.

[NS]Bazalonia

16-05-2006, 02:49

Harvey Alfredo
SFF
Schiavonia

James Gaines
BFSA
Bazalonia

We would like to accept the invititation by the SFF to attend this Cup of Harmony, The following details that been request are included.

Bazalonian Bazalopes

Coach: Neil Kabants

Style 4:3:3, in numeric fasion +1

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

Midfielders:

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

Defenders:

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

Goalies:

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

Asterix denotes Starters

We have no idea what this following information means but have included it anyway, just saying yes to it all

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

The Bazalonian Bazalopes are already doing final preperations for their Cup of Harmony campaign and are looking forward to compete once again in thiis competition.

Geisenfried

16-05-2006, 03:01

We are proud to announce our national team roster for the Cup of Harmony.

Geisenfried Golden Eagles

Roster
Manager: Wilhelm Romm (KSC Athletic)

RP Modifier: -1
Formation: 3-5-2

GK: Kurt Ackermann (Club Royal)
GK: Max Drais (Hauptstadt)
LD: Johann Klintzsch (KSC Athletic)
CD: Nicolas Hausen (Grand Federal)
RD: Matthias Klintzsch (KSC Athletic)
DF: Walter Fraas (Kappelhoffstaat)
DF: Sigmund Dühring (Spitzen)
DF: Josef Metz (FC Kramer)
DF: Otto Hasert (Schmidtke Kugel)
LM: Tomas Graf (FC Konigseifert)
LCM: Leonard Baehr (Weniger United)
CM: Conrad Stein (Grand Federal)
RCM: Georg Canitz (Hohen Vereint)
RM: Cristoph Schlegel (FC Bischoff)
MF: Peter Blumhardt (FC Nicolasia)
MF: Erik Jaschan (FC Neumann)
MF: Franz Engelke (FC Schrader)
MF: Paul Schaeffler (FC Meuller)
MF: Jakob Herzberg (Hohen Vereint)
LS: Karl Genz (FC Haimuller)
RS: Samuel Wolfe (Club Royal)
ST: Vincent Holtz (Brandt Valley-Berens)
ST: Anthony Kurtz (Brandt Valley-Berens)
ST: Michael Kuttner (KSC Athletic)
ST: Hans Mülhens (Club Royal)

Red denotes Starters
Black denotes Bench
Tan denotes Reserves

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/Siegreich/GeisenfriedUni.jpg

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

For those of you wondering, the only difference between this roster and the World Cup roster is that GK Fredric Jaenicke and ST Viktor Janerka have left to help lead a less experienced Geisenfried national team in AOCAF 14.

Atheistic Right

16-05-2006, 03:19

ARFA - Lioness (the head of ARFA was also killed in the incident at ASMV)

Coach - Bear

Style: 0

Kits: http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/ATR3.png

F - Tasmanian Devil
F - Puma
F - Hawk

M - Kangaroo
M - Fox
M - Mouse

D - Elephant
D - Bull
D - Turtle
D - Beaver
K - Frog

On call:
Ladybug
Wolf
Rabid Dog
Praying Mantis (Should have been at the DI but was mysteriously missing)
Yeti

Qazox

16-05-2006, 05:18

The Very Strange Hamlet of Qazox would confirm its entry into the 20th Cup of Harmony.

The Black Oxen confrim the following players will partcipate in the CoH:
They will play a moderately aggressive +2 with a 4-2-4 formation.
NAME (age)--QFL team
Starters in Italics

GOALKEEPERS
Reggie Hassok (21)--San Guano
John Frorr (27)—New Recife

DEFENDERS
Kiel Venice (24)—16 Graffix
Harden Homer (30)—Vogg United
Jarod Megia (22)--Kibbutz
Helena Sexton (28)--SaxerVilla
Jim 'the Real' McCoy (27)--SaxerVilla
Joanne ‘Square’ Root (23)—Real Qazox
Loki (21)--Rockport AC

MIDFIELDERS
Andrew Mason (24)—New Recife
Shaun Brady (30)—Rockport AC
Anthony Mason (24)--Qazox City
Ennenga (17)-- University of Qazox-Pika City

WINGERS
Jamie Bookman (23)--Joehio Ajax
Alicia “Speedy” Gonzalez (23)—San Guano
Marie Goya (21)—Fromburg Aston
Maria Gretzky (25)—New Bruxen
Henri Latrique (22) Rockport AC
Alana Broker (20)--Iguana de Mia

IF you RP first choose my goal scorers and hand out any necessary Yellow and Red cards, but don't kill anybody its only footie. and if you want to, if you lose blame it on the Oxian Flu. And dont GODMODE me... you can god mode yourself all you want. ANd some wierd weather is always fun.

Rorysville

16-05-2006, 06:58

Count Rorysville IN
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
Sportsnet RV Footy News
Rorysville is proud to announce thier Participation in the Cup of Harmony Tournament hosted by the nations of Spaam and Schiavonia. With the way they played in World Cup 28 look for the same roster with a few changes to improve and replace players leaving for Challenge Shield duties in the Homeland. Rorysville's Roster as Follows

Coach: Scott Mclintok – 56

Starting 11

Formation: 3-4-3
Style=+3
GK: Mark Cossile (Marceau FC) – 26

LB: Jaques Mallar (1922 Marceau) – 32

CB: David DeSalle (RV Rangers) – 21

RB: Rick MacDonnel (RV Celtics) – 24

CDM: Anatolli Svernetsiev (Aubin FC) – 25

LM: Jaun Pérez (A.C. Bremerton) – 22

CM: Alexander Nikolishin (Polaris SV) – 31

RM: Jean-Sebastian Cousteau (PSV Marceau) – 23

LF: Adam Negeuanne (RV Celtics) – 20

CF: Mike Jasper (Twin Cities United) – 34

RF: Wayne MacInnis (Mountain FC 1975) – 29

Bench

GK: Hendrik Linstrom (Aubin FC) – 21

RB: Yvon Lafluer (1922 Marceau) – 23

CF: Vincent Lezclair (PSV Marceau) – 22

RM:Mark Schweitzer (Canton United) – 25

CM: Arthur McCarty (Canton United) – 22

Reserves

GK: Nikolai Larionov (Polaris SV) – 21

CF: Dan Decost (Island City FC(RVSL DIVII)) - 20

RM: John Milllenovski (Plymouth City FC)-26

CDM: Peter Delleny (North York FC) – 23

CB: Charles Hinton (Polaris FC) – 21

LM: Doug Jacobs (Plymouth City FC) –22
and the Kit as follows
http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/5228/rvnationaljerseyccm1ca.jpg

WE look forward to the Moose Factories First Apperance in the Cup of Harmony and will bring you all the action as well as the quotes from you Players and of Course Coach McKlintok.

I Give my Oppnents to Godmode all events (if they beat me to posting the RP) everything Except Killing my Players is keen with me.

Northern Caesarea

16-05-2006, 08:36

The NCFL has confirmed that Northern Caesarea will play at the Cup of Harmony.

The team will be the same which failed to classify at WC28

Goalkeepers

1. CUELLAR, Iván Atlético Azaña 31 *
He has been the national team goalkeeper for the last 10 years. Very performing player, his only problems comes with high shots.

12. MOLINA, Francisco Ajax Jover 21
One of the young stars of the NCFL. He plays very well with his feet and loves to act as a fifth defender.

25. FRANCO, Leonardo Ajax Ríos 28
Always at the shadow of Cuellar, he waits his chance to be recognized as the best goalkeeper in Northern Caesarea. Very spectacular.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defenders

2. FERRER, Josep Lluis Borussia Berenguer 22 *
Despite his young age, he his one of the stars of his team and the Tricolor Fury. Plays as right back.

3. Barjoan, SERGI Inter Barrio 27
Fast and with a very good game vision. Likes to help in offensive game. Always at the right place. Plays as left back

4. CAPDEVILLA, Jordi Borussia Gamazo 22
A brick wall for the rival strikers. He stops them with his great physical strength. Central defender.

5. CALVO, Antonio Ajax Jover 22
Central defender. He has been a great sensation at the last league.

15. MOLINERO, Francisco Borussia Gamazo 29*
All strength and stamina, he's also known for his aggresivity and bad temper. Also known as "Francisco Carnicero" (Francisco The Butcher). Central defender

18. VALERA, Juan Ajax Ríos 30
A great reward for a good defender who has been underestimated during his career. Right back

21. PEREA, Luis Español Escolano 30 *
This central defender is always well placed to destroy rival game. Speed and excellent game vision

22. IBAÑEZ, Pablo Olímpico Salinas, 22 *
Excellent left back. He's a good substitute for Sergi
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Midfelders

6. COLSA, Gonzalo Ajax Jover 20
Left winger. His lethal races and passes are his best presentation letter.

8. IBAGAZA, Mikel Inter Barrio 29
An elegant and technically perfect attacking midfielder. Tackles and passes excellently.

10. ZAHÍNOS, Ignacio Borussia Berenguer 35
Experience as a defensive midfielder. Always a guarantee

11. Rodríguez, MAXI, Borussia Gamazo 23
Young and fast left winger. Good goal flair

13. VIZCAÍNO, Juan Borussia Gamazo 29
Good but grey defensive midfielder. Does a discret but very effective job destroying rivals game and creating ours.

14. CAMINERO, José Olímpico Salinas, 28
Plays as right winger. He is the reference at his club and in the Tricolor Fury

16. Movilla, Luis Olímpico Salinas, 19 *
Attacking midfielder: the great revelation of the season and young hero of his team.

20. Fernández, GABI Ajax Jover 23
A all-terrain, plays best as defensive midfielder or right winger

24. NOVO, Álvaro Ajax Ríos 31
A classic of the NCFL and the National Team. His position, right winger, is known as "Novo position". Speed and quality.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forwards

7. NARVÁEZ, Francisco Ajax Jover 26 *
Very good playing back to the goal and making passes and tackles. A magician.

9. TORRES, Fernando Gamazo Juniors 24
Young, fresh and a terrific striker. He his the top-scorer of the league. Tercnical and opportunistic. Get rival defenders mad.

17. MARAGALL, Joan Ajax Ríos 24
Very technical. A poet of football.

19. CASTELAR, Emilio Borussia Gamazo 23
Very good at tackling. Sometimes too individualistic.

23. SALMERÓN, Nicolás Borussia Gamazo 29
Stamina and personality for the attack game. Never considers a ball lost.

We play a 4-4-2 tactic

Likely starting team:

1. Cuellar

2.Ferrer
4.Capdevilla
15. Molinero*
22. Ibañez

24. Novo
13. Vizcaíno
8. Ibagaza
6. Colsa

7. Narváez
9. Torres

Called in

25. Franco
21. Perea
20. Gabi
11. Maxi
23. Salmerón
17. Maragall

Cuation

16-05-2006, 10:52

Cuation Go to CoH!

Hardly news is it? Yet again, Cuation take third place and thus fail to qualify. A strong media coverage gained Cuation press good scores in the Dorian and Sonya press awards. If Cuation can avoid drawing too many games, they may be able to reach the semi finals for the third time in four attempts.

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

+0 please

Team Colours

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/CUA.png
Goalie Home: All Black, even the cap
Goalie Away: Imperial Purple all over

Stadium

Southern Island Peaks

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

Manager

Jude Takerath-27-Manager: Passionate, he can often be seen on the sidelines trying to rally the team. A clever man, he knows how to manipulate the media but lacks the man management skills to rally the team in dark times. Otherwise a recluse, his glasses only add to his scholarly look. When the team isn't playing, he will study, read or play a game of chess.

Squad

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

SS SS

LM CM RM
DM
LB CD CD RB
GK

Starting line up:

Gary Jens-29-GK.
Tall, tanned, agile, good at narrowing the angle, he has many strengths. He has three flaws however: his fiery temper, crosses and being somewhat inconsistent. This man can make a fantastic save only to let a 30 yarder through his legs. Willing to sweep up behind the defence

Mostly brilliant in the WC28, a few errors aside, he has returned to form and will be relied on to carry the team sometimes. Main reason why only 19 goals where conceded

Leslie Butcher-22-LB:
inexperienced but quick and eager. Likes to attack but his shots tend to be wayward. Does not like having to man mark someone as someone good with the ball can tear him apart and fairly short so lacks ability in the air. Otherwise a promising defender who deserves his chance

Played pretty well but in vital matches did not cut off the attacks on his flank, too rash in the tackle.

Philip Cole-33-RB
Solid defender lets little past him. Slow but not enough to be much of a hindrance. Dependable but if something unexpected happens, he gets caught out. His left foot is injury prone.

A solid world cup but seemed lacking in pace in a few games.

Jamie Hargreves-32-Def/Mid:
plays anywhere in defence or in midfield but is pretty average. Good as fresh legs but that is about it. Heavens help us that he starts for us at the moment, he is now the boo boy.

WC28 showed him up, he was awful and had to be protected from angry fans. Got suspended against the top team in the group, his own goal against BP pretty much ended whatever hopes Cuation had. This may be his last chance before Cheese becomes a starter.

Jonathan Yan 30-CB-captain:
strong in the air and in the tackle, this man has emerged from troublesome youth to a quality defender. Lacks pace but has threat in the air that will be useful at set pieces.

Looked lost without Major but played well overall, often having to carry the rest of the defence.

Rio Samba-32-DM:
A ball playing centre back but prone too playing off the pace and for being distracted. Recently been tried aat DM and deserves his chance since Abel retired.

Wasn't noted much but did a decent job for Cuation. Needs to cut his errors and could be overwhlemed at times but did the job for the most part.

Steven Milnar-27-Winger: 1 goal.
Has progressed up the Cuation league as a promising talent but has never quite fuffiled it. A winger who looks to sneak into the box and score, he is also pretty good when he stays wide.

His runs where good and he was always trouble but he will be dissapointed to have grabbed only one goal in twelve games.

Timothy Ashton-32-RM: 2 goals
A true winger uses power, pace and tricks to get past his man so he can hit a stinging cross in. Loves to attack and has a blistering shot. One of those looking for flick on from target man. Can get isolated and frustrated

Always a danger on the right, his crosses where accurate but he managed a poor return of three goals, scoring the last WC28 goal for Cuation.

Roy Ferguson-35-CM: 1 goal
box to box midfielder with a nasty temper. His job is too support the attack or defence, depending on the situation. Fair passer of the battle, good tackle but few goals in his career, he tends to leave shooting to others. Legs going as he plays his last cup

Scored and often gently helped control the play but he was not very noticable overall.

Rual Mendisez-23-striker: 7 goals
Pacy small goalscorer. Doesn't fit in with the style of play and can not dribble or jump much but useful in the counter attack or to chase a lead. Can suffer from his own doubts and arrogance.

Cuation’s joint top goalscorer at Bof 25, he was top goal scorer with seven in the WC28. A hatrick against Chuck Norris rounded off a fine run but he failed to score in his last two.

Peter "Beanpole" Tanner-35-striker: 2 goals
The target man, big and good at holding up the ball. Lacks speed and fails to score but his main job is to bring others into the game. Last tournment as age creeps up with him

Injured for all but four matches, his height was missed. Match fit now, expect him to make a diffirence.

Bench
GK: Judo Monsseri-31

Devout Roman Catholic who will act as the diplomat of the team. Good keeper, he is as good as a second choice keeper as we have. Played well in the few WC games he has played.

CB: Swiss ""Cheese" Charag -22: 1 goal

Lives with his minority tribe in the mountains, powerful on air and ground, sure on his feet. Too old for U21 Cup, many are wondering why Jamie is ahead of Cheese.

Struggled sometimes with a lack of expirence but did well overall, covered for Hargreves after the man suspenison. Even scored a goal, a defender for the future

Heskey Anderton-30-LM/ST: 2 goals
a striker played out of position on the left wing, covering for the lack of left wingers. Tall and strong in the air, he works hard but has the tackling ability of a striker and tends to fall over too much.

Struggled in the game he played as a target man, he played well when called upon, winning over any fans who still didn't trust him.

Giovanni Hatzori-32-playmaker: 1 goal
hates to defend and can stop bothering if he is in a mood. However when he is in the mood and gets forward, he is wizard of all aspects of the ball. Due to his ego, he can lose the battle after taking to many people on/trying something too spectacular also pulling the team out of shape is a risk with him. Looks for flick on

Only one goal was suprising as he covered for Tanner's injury. Often played well, his playmaking may be missed while he is on the bench. Will hope to get a place back soon. Cuation’s joint top goalscorer at Bof

ST: Pual Keane-22: 4 goals.

Pacy player like Rual Mendiz. Will be looking to get in behind defences and finish any chances he gets. Perhaps too similar but now he is too old for the next U21 Cup, his scoring run in the Dragon cup got him a squad place.

Started the odd match and often came of the bench, he did well to get four goals and with more compusure, could have had many more.

Swilatia

16-05-2006, 12:13

-squad to be posted here later-

Giant Zucchini

16-05-2006, 15:10

Dear diary,

Well, as expected, the Cup of Harmony is here...thing is I haven't quite decided who to take to the Cup...should I bring my WC28 squad, who, let's face it, they deserve something for the way they played towards the end of qualifying...and sure the country deserves something...but I'm also considering bringing some young guns, you know, to prepare them for WC29, maybe they won't perform as well as the experienced guys, but it'll be good for them...but if I do bring them, the experienced guys will feel a bit hard done by...haiz...my brain is a bit on overload...I'll think about it, have to announce my squad soon, the Association is pushing me...

D

Pastorville

16-05-2006, 16:26

Pastorville will send the same team that finished 3rd in their group during WC XXVIII qualifying to CoH XIX, which I'll repost later for everybody's convenience. I'll try to RP as regularly as possible, but between RL and P2G currently being involved in the WC proper, my time might be a little limited.

Legalese

16-05-2006, 16:29

Legalese will participate in yet another Cup of Harmony. Roster to be added here at a later moment.

Virginia Nova

16-05-2006, 16:50

Roster

Virginia Nova Eagles

You can Godmod anything except death

Goalie

9 Alex Potter (Smokie Mtn United)*
11 B.J. Hampden (NNFC)

Forward

24 Harold Freemont (Capital FC Eagles)*
80 Luigi Gippio (New Raliegh Tigers)*
41 Adam Neppi (Factory Row SC {CASARI})*
1 Jimmy Hillioes (Smokie Mtn United)*
14 Jeff Sanderson (Hull (Rockets){New Montereal States})*
99 Adam Chrisbrough (Hillside)
34 Dan Judd (Capital FC Eagles)
19 Dennis Puaol (New Washington Penguins)
32 J.J. Kearn (Fred'Burg National)
77 Ace Scottley (Virginia Nova Tech)

Midfielders

50 Ross Perio (Beach FC Anglers)*
90 Alain Brevickki (Capital FC Eagles)*
26 Jeromi Hindersen (UdS Timiocato {PACITALIA})
30 Terrence Freemen (Bristol United)

Defenders

0 Jason Yarr (U of Virginia Nova)*
10 Paul Davis jr (Beach FC Anglers)*
44 Verrinz Danielson-Hill (Internation {CHICANADA})*
56 Sam Iem (Accamock Union Islanders)
16 Jeff Tompsdon (New Charrlotte Grand)
33 Avery Higgins (Capital FC)

We run a 5-2-3 formation

Our home Stadt is Ukrops Stadium (Cap 102,000)

Unis
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/2496/vnsoccer6kd.jpg

Style +2

Spaam

16-05-2006, 17:31

Forwards

1 Tehta Trevelyan M 17
10 Budeaux Pomre M 24
7 Jenifer Uren F 21
6 Metheven Tregilas F 26

Midfielders

11 Credan Trethewey M 28 (c)
4 Crewenna Roskelly F 25
2 Steren Kerkin F 18
8 Jenna Pinch F 23

Defenders

12 Piran Venton M 24
9 Crewenna Dingle F 22
13 Steren Bonython F 24
3 Gwinear Tonkin M 19

Goalkeepers

5 Feoca Arthur M 20

Coach: Tamsyn Pengelley (F 41)

Style Modifier: 1

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y (No more than one goal though)
RP injuries to my players Y (No more than one)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y (No more than three)
Hand out Red cards to my players Y (No more than one)
Godmod Other Events Y (Discuss with me first)

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/spaamcolours.png

Chicanada

16-05-2006, 19:12

The CFA would like to accept the invitation to the Cup of Harmony. The Kodiak squad will be announced after the draw.

Wentland

16-05-2006, 22:05

Edgar Bluff was defiant in front of the press. The release announcing the squad looked...familiar.

Wentland Cup of Harmony Squad

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/WLD3.png
Goalkeepers:
1 Francis Derrington, 32, Royal Heath
12 Dennis Tracey, 23, Crowhurst
23 Crash Robinson, 20, Thatchem United

Defenders:
2 Ian Talbot, 23, Crowhurst
4 Blake Wright, 28, Royal Heath
5 Steve Moon, 23, Crowhurst
3 Ray Jarvis, 19, Blackport
13 David Eager, 22, Melboro
15 Brian Culthorpe, 26, Tynefield Utd
16 Mike Bateson, 28, Blackport
14 Pat Flynn, 28, Warpstone

Midfielders:
7 Adey Loder, 23, Crowhurst
6 John Capper, 38, Coleditch
10 Joe Weston, 29, Royal Heath
11 Cosmo Kent, 26, Warpstone
17 Steve Yaxley, 26, Tynefield Utd
18 Col Forbes – centre-midfield, 25, Gt Bellstead
19 Billy Lawrence, 17, Blackport
20 Tom Devey, 28, Royal Heath

Forwards:
8 Francis Treves, 25, Warpstone
9 Tommy Barnes, 23, Crowhurst
21 Martin Smith, 30, Donington
22 Hoppo Hopkins, 29, Royal Heath

First choice line-up in bold
RPers can do what they like - within reason
Style is +3

"So you're picking the same as before?"

"Yes."

"They couldn't get to the finals, what makes you think they'll do OK in the Harmony?"

"Something to prove."

"And you think they'll keep you in a job?"

"That's it, no more questions."

"But..."

"I said that's it."

Edgar Bluff left the conference. Something told the Press that they would only be receiving minimal co-operation during the Cup of Harmony.

Anathematic Republics

16-05-2006, 22:49

ANATHEMATIC REPUBLICS ROSTER

"AR Football - all hell can't stop us now!

Coach: Jean-Réne Filon, ex-New Montreal States. Ended up in hell after murdering four of his players and committing suicide rather than facing justice at the hands of the States.

Manager: Morseley. Imp formerly in charge of operating Hell's telephone system promoted by Satan after his predecessor failed to demonstrate suitable organizational skills to run a football side. Knowledge that he has held the worst job in Hell and managed to thrive has given him the ability to say whatever he wants whenever he feels like it. Oddly enough, Satan doesn't really seem to mind.

Random Sideline Spectators: Satan and twenty succubi. Last ref who tried to send them back to the stands got seduced and murdered shortly after the match. No complaints have since been issued.

Keeper: Cerebrus - the transition from gatekeeper of Hell to goalkeeper of Hell seemed to be a simple enough one to make.

Backs: Arius - described even by his Orthodox peers as a man of "splendid physical presence," this denier of the divine nature of Jesus Christ who led many of the flock astray down the same path will be relied upon to provide the same physical presence in the back he has since WC25.

Judas Iscariot - one of the lost bits of the Gospel of Judas concerns his skills as a defensive backbiter.

Constantine V - this die-hard defender of iconoclasm will serve as a captain of the team and co-ordinator of the defense.

Michael II - a second die-hard Iconoclast who relies on speed and finesse to ward off attacking forwards. Will struggle to contend with more physical midfielders, however.

Nestorius - Patriarch of Constantinople who argued erroniously that Christ had two separate persons - the human and the divine. He will be relied upon to handle the left end of the backfield.

Midfielders: Eutyches - Radical monophysite bishop whose immortal soul, like his heretical doctrine, can cover large amounts of area in very short periods.

Sabellius - Third century priest who argued that the Trinity was one, undivided being instead of the three distinct personae. Being the center of a three-man midfield is a form of divine justice.

Marcion of Sinope - created a parallel church organization that threated the very existence of the Church during the second century A.D.

Striker: Simon Magus - father of wizards, this dark mage will be needed to perform his usual tricks in the front to spark the offense.

(OOC: Formation will be a -4. Yes, Satan plays Karelan. These guys are pretty much injury-proof, since they don't have bodies in the same sense average humans do. Any red card would entail that player being replaced by Satan himself.)

Schiavonia

17-05-2006, 16:27

Harvey Alfredo and Rodney Lowe walked out in front of the assembled press to take questions on the Cup of Harmony that would be taking place oartly in their country soon.

"Mr. Alfredo - why have you brought us here today?"

"Well, Rodney Lowe is here to announce his squad for the Cup of Harmony."

"But Rodney, isn't it just the same one that went through the World Cup qualifying campaign?"

"Well... yes."

"But they're not good enough to qualify. Why will they be good enough here?"

"You saw some of the luck we got in qualifying. Eight penalties against us against Vejar. EIGHT!!! Of it w3asn't for crazy thingy like that happening, we'd be in the Orthodox nations now, not at home."

"Fair enough."

"As I was about to say, here is the squad..."

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/NEWI/SFFsmall.png
SFF announce Cup of Harmony squad

TEAM MANAGER

Rodney Lowe [Age 51]
Universally loved in Schiavonia. First he managed to take his new nation all the way to the World Cup Finals, where they beat the eventual runners up. Then, as if to prove it was no fluke, he went and qualified the team again in emphatic style. Will be hoping to continue this development with his new squad this time around.

GOALKEEPERS

1. Ben Kershaw (Atletico Unimo [32] Caps:54 Goals:1)
Kershaw has been Schiavonia's number one throughout their international history to date. A solid shot stopper, but prone to the odd mistake when kicking.

2. Ray Interrio (Heartellpool United [30] Caps:0)
The back-up keeper during the FIFA Cup of Nations has kept his place in the squad for his first World Cup campaign. Untested at this level.

3. Jack Holmes (Social Club de Sedgefield [21] Caps:0)
Regarded as the natural successor to Kershaw between the sticks, he has some way yet to go to rival the country's long time number one.

DEFENDERS

11. Oliver Park (Threlo Rovers [30] Caps:52 Goals:2)
Established central defender Park has been the rock upon which Schiavonia's defence is based. Rarely noticed, mainly because he just gets his head down and gets on with it.

12. Gareth Marsden (Social Club de Sedgefield [29 (c)] Caps:52 Goals:2)
Park's central defensive partner makes up in enthusiasm and athleticism what his partner gives in commitment and organisation. One without the other... well, it just wouldn't be right!

13. Marcus Pine (Kingsbury Monarchs [29] Caps:5)
A player who will only get a chance due to injury or a defensive formation, Pine is the best player in Schiavonia when it comes to defensive headers. Good when it's backs against the wall time.

14. Allesandro Portes (Atletico Unimo [25] Caps: 2)
Portes came in during the FIFA Cup of Nations, and so has not really been tested yet. Could make appearances if the legs are starting to go later in the campaign.

16. Arnold O'Kane (Kingsbury Monarchs [35] Caps:52 Goals:1)
O'Kane is part of Schiavonia's most famous back four, and is solid as a rock at right-back. However, age is starting to catch up with him ,and pacier wingers could trouble him this time around.

17. Fernando Smith (Atletico Unimo [33] Caps:52 Goals:3)
The final of the famous four, and another one who is getting on a bit. Might slow him down as an attacking force, but still has the single-mindedness to know that defending is what he's there for.

18. Connor O'Faherty (Threlo Rovers [23] Caps:2)
Young left back who will be looking for international experience, as he is lined up to replace Smith in the team next World Cup.

19. Enrique Williams (Social Club de Sedgefield [21] Caps: 2)
The same as O'Faherty, only swap left for right and Smith for O'Kane.

MIDFIELDERS

21. Kenny Sanderson (Kingsbury Monarchs [30] Caps:51 Goals:10)
The main creative force in Schiavonia's midfield, Sanderson is a free kick specialist and is also first choice when it comes to taking penalties. Interesting fact: Represented Schiavonia at Ylompic Equestrian after an administritive error. He came last.

22. Pedro Swollocks (Social Club de Sedgefield [23] Caps:3)
Some might say that he's only in the team so that they keep their international quota of stupidly named players, but he hasn't let the team down on any of his three appearances to date.

23. Eric Berry (Mirkwell [23] Caps:3 Goals:1)
Has a very good partnership in midfield at club level with Andy McGee, and will now be able to show it off at this level too, as he becomes first-choice midfield scrapper ahead of the ageing Weir.

24. Paul Weir (Threlo Rovers [35] Caps:49 Goals:3)
A player who has done Schiavonia proud, putting a fighting spirit into Schiavones where once one might not have been. One of the most influencial and popular players the country is ever likely to see.

25. Andy McGee (Mirkwell [24] Caps:11 Goals:1)
Played throughout the FIFA Cup of Nations and will now be looking to get a decent run in the team after only a few sporadic appearances in the last qualifying campaign.

26. Horatio Besenares (Atletico Unimo [27] Caps:12 Goals:1)
Skillful right winger though he may be, Besenares only doesn't play much because of the formation the Schiavone team usually plays. Is good enough to be back-up attacking central midfielder, too.

27. Calum Porse (Cartfield Athletic [28] Caps:10)
Another victim of Lowe's preferred 4-3-3 formation is left winger Porse. Not as skillful as Besenares, but still a worthy enough opponent and lightening quick with it.

FORWARDS

31. Jermaine Edwards (Kingsbury Monarchs [20] Caps:4 Goals:3)
Young, pacy striker who has been prolific to date. But then, you'd probably be a prolific striker against the likes of Fifian Spaam and Arctik.

32. Seamus Bradley (Threlo Rovers [19] Caps:0)
Another youngster that big things are expected from, as Lowe decides to go for the youthful enthusiasm over the experience of Gary Topp.

33. Paolo Di Mascherenasi (Atletico Unimo [28] Caps:30 Goals:16)
Tricky forward who can produce the most unexpected things, and a prolific scorer to boot. However, when we say unexpected, we do mean bad as well as good.

34. Craig McAndrew (Mirksdove Rifles [31] Caps:47 Goals:14)
The most unlucky man in Schiavone football, McAndrew knows where the goal is, but his games often end up being cut short due to some unfortunate minor injury he's picked up.

36. Tony Tarmey (Welkay Lakeside [29] Caps:52 Goals:35)
The most famous Schiavone player internationally for his goalscoring exploits, he's the guy every young Schiavone wants to be. Not particularly skillful, but knows how to kick a football past a goalkeeper into a goal. Which is a good thing to be able to do.

Retiring from the squad are...

GK. Colin Kearns (Threlo Rovers [39] Caps:3)
GK. Mark Percy (Kingsbury Monarchs [36] Caps:1)
CB. Andy Payne (Threlo Rovers [37] Caps:8)
LB. Colin Peterson (Kingsbury Monarchs [35] Caps:4)
RB. Fred Apple (Applethorst [34] Caps:4)
CM. CJ Moore (Social Club de Sedgefield [38] Caps:35 Goals:2)
CF. Filipo Schiavone (Social Club de Sedgefield [39] Caps:24 Goals:7)
CF. Gary Topp (Threlo Rovers [37] Caps:35 Goals:9)

Mainly a bunch of back up players. Of the other three, CJ Moore was better known as "the other guy in midfield", Filipo Schiavone was expected to be bigger than Tarmey when Schiavonia burst onto the scene, but never quite lived up to the billing. Only Gary Topp will be sorely missed, as the striker who holds the ball up and brings the other players into the game. Despite not being a prolific goalscorer, his presence could be missed in the squad.

Our first choice line-up is as follows...

1. Kershaw

16. O'Kane 11. Park 12. Marsden 17. Smith

21. Sanderson 25. McGee 23. Berry

33. Di Mascherenasi 36. Tarmey 34. McAndrew

However, there are two alternative formations that are sometimes used. One is the traditional 4-4-2...

1. Kershaw

16. O'Kane 11. Park 12. Marsden 17. Smith

26. Besenares 21. Sanderson 25. McGee 27. Porse

33. Di Mascherenasi 36. Tarmey

...the other, a less traditional variation on the same formation, a 2-4-2-2.

1. Kershaw

11. Park 12. Marsden

16. O'Kane 24. Weir 25. McGee 17. Smith

21. Sanderson 23. Berry

33. Di Mascherenasi 36. Tarmey

http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/ediraflogo.jpg

Those lovely people at Ediraf have supplied the SFF with some new kits. Expect them to be worn by the boys next cup, too. Because chest bands are out, coloured sleeves are in!

http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/SchiavoniaHome28.jpghttp://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/SchiavoniaAway28.jpg

My opponent, if they RP first, can do whatever the hell they like!

"Any further questions?"

"Mr. Alfredo, about the whole style modifier situation, we've seen some nations sign up with them, some without. Can you make the situation clear?"

"Yes, this is a fault on my part. Style modifiers were mentioned in the bid thread, and so it is our duty to carry out what we said we would."

"And that was?"

"Style modifiers from +5 to -5. We'd request that if a national team wishes to use one of these, that they edit it into their sign-up post or roster as soon as possible."

"And Schiavonia's?"

"That would be a +3."

"Gentlemen, thank you."

Pastorville

17-05-2006, 17:08

The Saints play a karelan -5. Opponents can do whatever they feel like, just please don't kill anybody.

Pastorville Saints Roster

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

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

*-denotes starters

Northern Caesarea

17-05-2006, 17:19

Azaña- The Northern Caesarea government has taken a rather polemic decision by obliging Sports Plus satellite TV network to sell some of the matches of Cup of Harmony: all those played by the Tricolores, both semifinals and the finals to TVCN, the public broadcaster.

Socialdemocrat president Teresa Fernández, said to MP's that "it is unfair that the matches of the national team, the team of every citizen of our nation, cannot be seen by everyone. There are millions of people who cannot afford satellite television.

Ignacio Cañete, from the opposition Liberal Party, said that "the government decision is an attack against free-market and freedom of speech disguised of care of general interests. Sport Plus is a company of "La Prensa Group", which is very critical with this administration. We simply don't believe that Mrs. Fernández intentions are clean and innocent".

By the Law on Sports Broadcasting, Sport Plus must negociate with the public television the prices to broadcast the matches to every television in the nation.

Intyny

19-05-2006, 00:10

OOC: Gah, this is Tinsuvilia. Blast, now my cover is blown... *sigh* Anywho, Tinsuvilia will be there.

Schiavonia

21-05-2006, 01:24

A bump... sorry, an announcement from the SFF Chief Harvey Alfredo...

"The draw for the Twentieth Edition of the Cup of Harmony has now been made, and can be seen on the opening post of this thread!"

Here endeth the announcement.

Mr Chuck Norris

21-05-2006, 03:49

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

They're back and better than ever before! That's right, the Fighting Norris are back on the international stage for this year's Cup of Harmony tourney. The group draw was recently conducted and Bob Janney, coach of the Fighting Norris, is here to comment on it.

"Just to start off, we're in group 3. Now that the utterly unimportant facts are out of the way, let's view our competitors.

Giant Zucchini
Current World Rank: 36
History: This squad is one of only three squads still active in the World Cup program that played in the first World Cup. Basically, their history is ridiculously deep. Their big jump to fame occured in World Cup 3 when they came from nowhere to win the whole thing. However, this was the only World Cup in which they placed first. They fell out of World Cup 4 in the Quarter-finals, World Cup 5 in the Second Round, and failed to qualify in World Cup 6. They managed to qualify in World Cup 7, but dropped out in the First Round. World Cup 8 yielded yet another Second Round exit. In World Cup 9, there climb was evident when they made it to the Quarter-finals for the first time since World Cup 4, but failed to make it to the Semi-finals. They topped off in World Cup 10, when they notched a second-place finish. They stayed up at the top with a third-place finish in World Cup 11. Their slide out of the elite started in World Cup 12, where they failed to overcome the Karelan dominance of Rejistania in the Quarter-finals. They proved to be in a recession when they failed to pass through the first round in World Cups 13, 14, and 15. Then the bottom fell out, they either did not participate or failed to qualify in World Cups 16-25, that's 10 straight cups of below-average performance. They qualified again in World Cup 26 on a fluke when Cockbill Street earned qualification ahead of Giant Zucchini, but ceded it to Giant Zucchini. It didn't matter for they would yet again fall out of the cup in the first round. World Cups 27 and 28 were two more cups in which these guys failed to qualify.
Summary: This squad was a member of the elite an awfully long time ago, then crashed and burned. Although they began taking steps forward again in World Cup 26, they have horribly underperformed since.
Prediction: I'm praying for a certainly plausible upset.

The Macabees
Current World Rank: 45
History: This squad apparently surfaced in World Cup 25, where they were dominated by thier superiors in the qualifiers. They finished ninth in their group out of ten teams behind such names as Squornshelous, Rejistania, Svecia, The Archregimancy, The Lowland Clans, and Brazillico. Let's put it this way, we don't blame them, they were place in one frying pan of a group. They also failed to qualify in World Cup 26, but showed great potential when they ran up with Starblaydia, New Montreal States, and The Lowland Clans. World Cup 27 was a slow time for them, but they still played well. It was World Cup 28 though, that proved they could play. They missed qualification by one point and ran very well up against Casari and Commerce Heights, two teams rich with World Cup history.
Summary: While Giant Zucchini is on the way down, these guys are definately on the way up.
Prediction: I'm feeling pain already from our matchday one faceoff against these guys.

Mr Chuck Norris
Current World Rank: 59
Histroy: Well, it's pretty basic. We were beat up by ox-loving Qazox in our one and only Baptism of Fire. We tied Liverpool England in our first-ever World Cup (World Cup 27), but have failed to make any noise on the World Cup stage.
Summary: We have no history to speak of.
Prediction: We're hot, but let's not jump to any conclusions.

Northern Caesarea
Current World Rank: 105
History: World Cup 28 was their first World Cup and they played very average.
Summary: They're even newer than ourselves!
Prediction: An easy win for everyone... I hope.

Well, that's it for now. I've detailed roster and strategy changes in my earlier release so there's no need to discuss that here and now. Wish us the best of luck as we go up against The Macabees in our first matchday.

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Schedule
Matchday 1: Vs. The Macabees
Matchday 2: Vs. Northern Caesarea
Matchday 3: Vs. Giant Zucchini

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Record: (0-0-0)

Collonie

21-05-2006, 04:51

General Johnson Post

Well its that time again, the roster was about to be announced for another bascially anynomous Collonie side.

Here it is:

All players while having seperate and different names on the back of their shirt (i.e. make up the names) are all called Clyde Misterson.

While Clyde Misterson is actually on the squad and scores about 99% of goals nobody else's name is to be known as per John Fishhook's instructions about the anynomousity of citizens of Collonie around the world. As for the strategy that will be a +2 and we will not allow any deaths of players unless they are done by Atheistic Right.

Now for our predictions:
Group 1
Spaam- The hosts and the suprise of World Cup 28, in a bad way. After making Quarters in WC 27 the last place they expected to find themselves was here in the CoH and now they are mad and looking for revenge.
Collonie- That's us and outside of starting a war because of the World Cup we are not to famous for anything.
Harlesburg- The quiet non-RPers who somehow always seem to have a good ranking. They are a good squad though that could be very hard to beat but we think we can do it.
Alasdair I Frosticus- The masters of Archregimancy and the other part of the Dream Realm. They have not had the success of the Archregimancy though but we are scared of them because they are playing with a bunch of people that are dreamed into existence and were actually quite successful last time in the CoH with that.

Now for our two ongoing series:
The Raging Penguins Report (Milchama made us)- The Team is looking at a tough group 6 which includes former CoH champs Yafor 2.

Darwinist Report- They are looking a wonderful position to fail after having the worst ranking in a group which includes the minions of hell. We are very happy.

[NS]Bazalonia

21-05-2006, 05:00

"Welcome to the BazSports Cup of Harmony Preview, I'm your Host Jonathon Creek. The SFF have released the group drawings and our Bazalopes are in Group 2 against 3 other teams. Those teams are as following.

Wentland - Debuted in the same World Cup as the Bazalopes but immeaditaly imprinted their name on the World Cup stage by qualifing in their first World Cup. Not only that, we have played them a number of times and we may just be able to squueze past them in this Cup of Harmony.

Bazalonia - That's us and this is the first time where we may actually make the finals. Yay Us.

Swilatia - An Atheistic Nation, but they don't seem to cause anywhere near the press that another Atheistic nation that seems to be in our region. They might just steak 2nd place of us but it will take some work

Tinsuvilia - The Whipping boy of this group, Sorry guys but don't expect many points, if any. N.B. Before you comment on this the Bazalopes where in this position not so long ago.

Qazox

21-05-2006, 06:15

Qazox City Herald

The Draw for the COH XX was earlier today and Qazox actually received a decent draw. The Black Oxen were placed in group 6 along with Yafor 2, Dorian and Sonya and the Raging Penguins. While Yafor 2 is among the top 40 in the world, D&S and the Penguins are ranked lower than us considerably. the Schedule is as follows:

@Schiavonia
MD1- Dorian and Sonya (all-time vs 2-0-0 Both matches came in WC27 Qualifying)
MD2- Yafor 2 (first meeting)
MD3- Raging Penguins (first meeting)

If the Black oxen can continue its winning ways against D&S and draw with Yafor 2, Qazox should see itself into the Round of 16.

Group 6 Predictions:
Yafor 2 2-1-0 7 points
Qazox 2-1-0 7 points
Dorian and Sonya 1-0-2 3 points
Raging Penguins 0-0-3 0points

Pastorville

21-05-2006, 07:19

SAINTS GET TOUGH DRAW

The Pastorville Saints were certainly not done any favors by the group draw for CoH XIX. The Saints were drawn into a group with a pair of very good teams that nearly made the WC XXVIII finals, co-hosts, Schiavonia (ranked 21st) and Vuam and Isma, who finished third in Group 3 behind Starblaydia and our allies, Praying2God, both of whom made it to the 2nd Round of WC XXVIII. The Saints may have finished third in their group, and been amongst the best teams during the second half of qualifying, they still haven't proven themselves to be a great team that can compete with the world's best on a consistent basis. The Saints will be hard pressed to qualify out of this group, as the only seemingly easy win is 120th ranked Virginia Nova, though getting thrashed 0-3 at home by 193rd ranked Radke during WC XXVIII qualifying should keep Saints fans from chalking that up as an easy win.

Atheistic Right

21-05-2006, 07:23

Religilous Wacko''s Claim Existance of Hell

The SFF has today released the draw for Atheistic Right's 2nd Cup of Harmony. Atheistic Right has been drawn with the following teams Chicanada, Anathematic Republics and Magnus Valerius. This is normal appart from the Anathematic Rebuplics claim that it is Hell, lead by a man calling himself Satan. Professor of Religious Psychology, Hans Zygger, at ARU had this to say about them. "When I first heard the claims of Anathematic Republics, I was shocked, no other national team, apart from maybe those murderous monks, has ever been so deluded."

When asked does the nation exist or not he stated "I can't be sure, either the team is a collective dellusion or the nation exists and only think they are hell. There are some serious psychological problems and ither way we'll find out when we play them." The other teams do not matter and using thier usual propoganda Collonie have claimed that Atheistic Right has no chance against it's opponents. I have been Advised by ARFA that the Collonian team will be surprised. This has been a pre CoH report.

Dorian and Sonya

21-05-2006, 08:34

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/SylMedCen.png

CoH - Here We Come!

Queen Sonya Sabre of The Sylvanaes Kingdom waited impatiently for the announcement of the Groups for the Mystical Unicorn’s second run in the Cup of Harmony. Last time the Unicorns had worked the plan of gaining the wooden spoon to perfection, but this time the Queen was hoping for much more promising results. But that would all depend on the draw. Several of the more powerful sides had fallen to the CoH this time around and dodging them in the group stage would be key. She really hoped that no more than one of the “disgruntled” sides made her squad’s grouping.

An aide rushed in, nearly falling over herself to hand the Queen the draw list. Group 6 in Schiavonia is where the Unicorns would have to do their work - or magic. The latter was a distinct possibility. The Queen smiled. It could have been much, much worse.

Let us look at Group 6

#43 Yafor 2. The Golden Wolves are decidedly a hit or miss squad. Up and down through the rankings. Sometimes on an upswing, sometimes falling back a bit. Let us hope that this is one of their downturns.

#54 Qazox. The Black Oxen remind us completely of ourselves. In Wc27 Qualifiers we faced them twice with mixed results. Neither of us have been able to put a solid run at the top squads together yet. One of us is due to break out. Let’s hope they slip on their ox poop covered doorsteps. Our first match is against these guys. Unicorns vs. Oxen. We can honestly say that a squad with a mascot that has horns will win this one. Lets hope it is the mascot with just one horn.

#75 D&S. We have shown promise - just not consistently .If every match were against Vilita, we would never lose. But alas, we must face other opponents. A good showing here would greatly increase our standing in the big picture.

#110 Raging Penguins. These guys are completely nuts. We know. They know it. And everyone else knows it as well. If we hold our form against these guys we should be ok. But there is literally no telling what they will do from one moment to the next.

So now let us take a look at the remainder of the groups.

Group 1. #27 Spaam will be out for blood and destroy the rest of this group. #63 Harlesburg should continue to improve and qualify as well. #62 Collonie will slip a bit while #101 Alsidair I Frosticus will just barely finish last in the group

Group 2. #34 Wentland and #57 Bazalonia will fight for the top spot and should move on. Don’t be surprised if #68 Swilatia steals one of those spots. #83 Tinusivilia will not find their WC28 beginners luck here.

Group 3. #36 Giant Zucchini are CoH specialists and should move easily on. #59 Mr Chuck Norris will use every move in the book to get the other spot from #45 The Macabees. #105 Northern Caesarea will try to move up, but will have a rough time of it.

Group 4. Holy (or Unholy) shit. This group is anyones guess. #32 Chicanada should have the advantage but #51 Anamathic Republics, # 73 Magnus Velarius, and # 85 Atheistic Right will be tough. If we must venture a guess it would be for Chicanada and Anamthic Republics, but we have no clue for sure.

Group 5. #21 Sciavonia should have been in the WC proper and will prove that here. #49 Pastorville is very, very tough as well and should get the second spot. #61Vuam and Isma and #120 Virginia Nova will find it hard to do much of anything but practice against each other. ( Vuam and Isma takes that one).

Group 6. We feel that Qazox and ourselves will find the next round. Yafor 2 will begin a slide for a while, and Raging Penguins might blow theirselves up before even playing a single match. See article above for more details.

Group 7. #38 Cuation should control this group, but it is also going to be a very tough one. #53 Legalese will have to fight off #78 Lisburn Mateys and #88 Rorysville for the second spot. And we feel they will fail. Rorysville will get that second spot.

Group 8. #56 Tynelia will take this group, while #42 The Lowland Clans struggles and slip. TLC will be in a dogfight with #69 Anastasiania for the second spot. #95 Geisenfried will get deep fried - southern style - and finish at the bottom.

We refuse to predict more than that. We will have to eat enough of these to be over full when done.

Harlesburg

21-05-2006, 12:55

Harlesburg Falcons

Head Coach - Thomas Liebel (53).

Formation - 3-5-2

Style Modifier - +1 Not this shit

THE ROSTER - Starters in bold

Goalkeepers

#1, Patrick Montmorry
#13, Chablle

Defenders

#2, Rietick Callusk
#4, Federine Moskinel
#6, Gabriel Hassul
#15, Pastor Dentor
#19, Steven Ardentsen

Midfielders

#3, Raymond Nubelier
#7, Hans Springbord
#8, Adolf Galatan
#12, Micheal Nuvelis
#16, Darkness Chubara
#17, Barry Nully
#20, Adrian

Strikers

#5, Rolston Chambers
#9, Gunner Sloan
#10 - Patrici Cunescu
[B]#11 Walter Nollie
#14 Kyle Donovan
#18 David Weiner

OOC: My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose my Goalscorers - Y Mostly Strikers aye?
Godmod Scoring Events - Y
RP injuries to my players - Y,
Godmod injuries to my players - N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out Red cards to my players - Y
Godmod Other Events - N
*Subject to change*

Giant Zucchini

21-05-2006, 16:11

Dear diary,

Well...it's a hard decision...both ways have their pros and cons...but looking at the group and the teams we're up against...I've decided who I'll bring to the Cup of Harmony. Hopefully it'll be the right decision...

D

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

Playing Style: +1

The Giant Zucchini Zucchinis

Coach: Domingo Ferrero – 40

Starting 11

Formation: 3-1-3-3

GK: Edgardo García (Iberia CF) – 31 – 9 caps/11 conceded/3 clean sheets

LB: Carlos Corretja (Iberia CF) – 32 – 63 caps/1 goal

CB: Peter Lee Albom (Anglo FC) – 31 – 27 caps

RB: Ramón Gimeno (Iberia CF) – 29 – 46 caps

CDM: Absamat Chekhov (FC Spartak Vostochno) – 29 – 37 caps/6 goals

LM: Pablo Pérez (Iberia CF) – 29 – 31 caps/3 goals

CM: Arturo Bardi (AC Romanic) – 28 – 25 caps/3 goals

RM: Arturo di Zampieri (AC Romanic) – 25 – 11 caps/1 goal, 2 Under-21 caps

LF: Yoshikatsu Nakamura (Iberia CF) – 26 – 6 caps/3 goals, 2 Under-21 caps/1 goal

CF: Johann Rilke (Deutsch SV) – 29 – 63 caps/20 goals

RF: Wayne Carragher (Anglo FC) – 29 – 13 caps/3 goals

Bench

GK: Hendrik Groot (Deutsch SV) – 28 – 26 caps/43 conceded/5 clean sheets

RB: René Ulvaeus (Nordic IF) – 28 – 14 caps

CF: Vicente de Silva (Iberia CF) – 28 – 30 caps/13 goals

CM: Armand Boyer (Gallo FC) – 33 – 50 caps/5 goals

RM: Genrikh Akayev (FC Spartak Vostochno) – 31 - 1 cap

Reserves

GK: Nikolai Ashkenazy (Anglo FC) – 24 – 1 cap/3 conceded, 5 Under-21 caps/11 conceded/1 clean sheet

CF: Dino Nuvolari (AC Romanic) – 34 – 32 caps/11 goals

RM: Jean-Edouard Cousteau (Gallo FC) – 23 – 5 Under-21 caps

CDM: Peter Arne Josephson (Nordic IF) – 23 – 1 cap, 5 Under-21 caps/1 goal

CB: Charles-Marie Aristide (Gallo FC) – 21 – 1 cap, 4 Under-21 caps/1 goal

LM: Hercules Maskelyne (Anglo FC) – 27 – 1 cap, 3 Under-21 caps

Anathematic Republics

21-05-2006, 18:24

Satan looked up from his giant blueprints. Outside, millions of the damned labored to install central-heating ducts.

He shivered. "Damn Hyppos," he bellowed. The place had taken a four-foot snowfall the day after they had qualified, and things had just gotten worse from there. Satan had been forced to release over 5000 souls from various deals they had made just to secure parkas from his workforce. And he still had to find a running back for Payton Manning, to boot.

Satan has dug up some central-heating contractors from the ranks of the damned, drawn up some blueprints, and gotten to work. Pandemonium had begun to thaw out, but the basement was flooding constantly. A philosopher might argue that this was proof evil sowed the seeds of its own destruction; Satan might argue that this was an excellent argument to rip the heads off the demons in charge of operating that nice new sump pump he had installed only three hundred years ago. The pump was now buried under four feet of water, emitting nothing but the occaisional half-hearted gurgle, even when Satan waded down there and thumped it.

Morseley, the manager of the Anathematic Republics football side, wandered in. "Got the CoH draw right here," he said, laying a piece of paper on top of the blueprints. "Care to take a look?"

Satan picked up the paper. "Okay...what do these names mean?"

Morseley began:

"Chicanada are the prohibitive favorites for this group. They weren't edged out of qualification until the last day, and they should run away with this thing pretty damn fast."

"Magnus Valerius look like another band of those Orthodox footballers that seem to be all over the place these days. They could give us a run for our money."

"Atheistic Right are a bunch of militaristic nutters than are convinced that we're nothing but a bunch of deluded fools. They..."

"WHAT?!?" bellowed Satan.

"Umm...this Hans Zygger character seems to claim we all need a good sit-down with psychoanalysts..."

"Okay, we're going to Spaam, but first we're going to drop in on this Zygger fellow."

"And..."

"I'M GOING TO IMPALE HIM, RIP HIS HANDS AND FEET OFF, AND USE HIS CORPSE ON A STICK AS MY BATTLE STANDARD FOR THIS CUP! THEN I'M GOING TO TAKE HIS SOUL AND..."

As Morseley left, he heard things about "tongue-cleaning the lavatories down at the Nzi's yesivah" and "stick them with New Orleans levee engineers." His boss didn't do things by halves.

[OOC: Yes, Zygger's impaled corpse will really be used to lead demonic chants in Spaam. Let's have some fun!]

The Gupta Dynasty

21-05-2006, 18:27

OOC:Going with a -1. I'll get a group preview up soon - meh, I'm tired right now.

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

BIC:

Manager: BArry Owens.
Assistant Manager: Keron Alhrem.

*2)Goalkeeper: Deron Smithes. Club: Ajer FC.
3)Goalkeeper: Abul Hamer. Club: Ramen FC.
4)Goalkeeper: Ameran Bulod. Club: Chelmar FC.
*5)Left Defender: Joraset Jeyllan. Club: Ramen United.
*6)Left Center Defender: Hares Dalermo. Club: Ajer United.
*7)Center Defender: Halen Croat. Club:Aldelard FC.
*8)Right Center Defender: Thia Boley. Club: Cardarel FC.
*9)Right Defender: Harolen Maores. Club: Kaza X-Teem [Kaze Progressea].
10)Left/Left Center Defender: Jukerer Itolasin. Club: Ajer FC.
11)Right/Right Center Defender: Olet Damer. Club: Ajer United.
12)Center Defender: Jumer Havas. Club: Texa Aba [Kaze Progressea].
*13)Right Midfielder: Damiel Fraten. Club: Ajer FC.
*14)Center Midfielder: Prince Seberd. Club: Ajer FC.
*15)Left Midfielder: Hales Ysilko. Club: Harrel FC.
16)Right Midfielder: Ikorat Federof. Club: Kaza X-Teem [Kaze Progressea].
17)Center Midfielder: Mos Alakande. Club: Chelmar FC.
18)Left Midfielder: Korast Ytern. Club: Ajer United.
*19)Right Striker: Fernando Malar. Club: Ajer United.
*20)Left Striker: Francisco Malar. Club: Ajer FC.
21)Right Striker: Iktam Velastros. Club: Chelmar FC.
22)Left Striker: Ashmaerin Thororatbladae. Club: Cardarel FC.

Tynelia

21-05-2006, 18:31

“Hello everyone and welcome to the pre-Cup of Harmony edition of Tynelian Soccer Weekly. I’m Sal Spikeman and with me as always is Anna Dalespin. The draw has been announced and many fans have to be wondering if the World Cup group play is continuing.”

“Right you are Sal, in a quirk of the draw, Tynelia finds itself grouped with a couple of familiar foes. The Lowland Clans and Geisenfried are once more in our group. In group play we split the two matches, Homefield advantage held up against the Clans while the road teams won both matches against Geisenfried. The lone unknown in the group is Anastasiania whom somehow managed to avoid being in our group in the World Cup. However this stands to be the best chance Tynelia has ever had to advance in international play.”

“That’s a good point Anna, for the first time Tynelia is ranked high enough that if they just hold their ranking they will advance to the round of sixteen and the knockout rounds. At #56 in the world we are well within shouting distance of the top seeded Lowland Clans at #42. Anastasiania trails closely behind at #69 and Geisenfried has already proven they can beat us even though their strong World Cup showing moved them all the way to #95. In our last Cup Tynelia barely missed out on qualifying losing out to the Islands of Qutar by goal differential for the second qualifying spot. So expectations are now higher.”

“More importantly Sal, Coach Greg Tudor has fully recovered from his attack by the convicted criminal Seamus Flannigan O’Connell who was jealous of Tudor’s early success in the World Cup. No disrespect to Coach Marcus O’Meara who filled in and promptly saw the team get shutout in four straight matches but many feel he is too conservative to lead a team at this level. Tudor is a bit more aggressive and it had paid off early on. O’Meara remains with the team as the Assistant Coach but everyone knows this is Tudor’s team.”

“And the team has been improving every time they go out now and our reputation is beginning to spread in international circles Anna.”

“That has to be encouraging for these players, especially those who were here from the very first Baptism of Fire over four years ago. A top fifty ranking is clearly within reach with a halfway decent showing. From the pesky team that might surprise people in our first Cup to a team that might fall just short in the previously finished Cup, one which many fans felt that with Coach Tudor on the sidelines the whole way that they could have advanced. Now they find themselves in the never before seen point where they are expected to move on. In fact the respected journalists of Dorian and Sonya even think that Tynelia will win the group.”

“That will surely boost the team’s confidence. It also helps too that these teams are mostly familiar with each other. Of course that may very well backfire on us Anna.”

“I know exactly what you’re talking about Sal. In our final match of the World Cup group play the shocking return of Coach Tudor to the Tynelian sidelines inspired the team to come out and shut out the Clans which resulted in the Clans being here and not in the World Cup proper. I’m sure they’ll be out for revenge and payback in our matchup here in the second match. On the other hand, Tynelia feels it owes Geisenfried one after being shutout at home by the then unranked squad. The team that might benefit here is Anastasiania, with the other three teams all keying on each other, they could very well slip past someone and steal a qualifying spot.”

“So what’s your take on our opening match against Anastasiania Anna?”

“Well we don’t really know that much about them. They fared a couple points worse than Tynelia in group play but we’re unsure of what style they will be using here. With no homefield advantage for either side this will be a close hard fought match. Our team will no doubt want to start off strong for Coach Tudor’s returns and I think that surge of emotion will carry us through. In typical Tynelia fashion I think we will come out on top 1-0. In the other match Geisenfried shocked everyone in group play by upsetting the Lowland Clans in the first match of the World Cup. I think the Clansmen will do everything possible to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself and come out with a 2-1 win.”

“So time to put you on the spot Anna. What’s your take on things and will Tynelia move on?”

“Well let’s look at our group first. Clearly any team here can beat any other so this will be a hard fought race to qualify. In the end I think the return of Coach Tudor will be the difference and Tynelia will move on. They will probably finish behind the Clans as Tynelia seems to finish in the same spot they were ranked at in these tournaments. Geisenfried I think may be a surprising third but I believe that no one here will go undefeated or pointless.

“As far as the other groups. Group 1 is clearly Spaam’s to lose, their fans were irate after their poor showing in group play of the World Cup and being one of the hosts as well they have even more incentive to come out and destroy anyone in their path. Fortunately we’re not in their half of the draw. The second spot is a tossup with only 1 rank separating the number two and three seeds here. With it being anyone’s contest I’ll go with Collonie to move on.

“Group 2 looks a bit more clear cut. Wentland is the clear favorite and Balzonia should grab the second spot by a fairly comfortable margin. Moving to group 3 Mr.Chuck Norris has had trouble in the non World Cup events in the past and until they can show they can play well in these other events I’ll stick with the top two seeds The Macabees stealing the top spot from the Giant Zucchini. Rounding out this half of the draw we go to group 4. Magnus Valerius shocked many people by winning our group in the last CoH as the bottom seed. Now having moved up to third seed I’ll go out and say that they will surprise again and beat out Anamathic Republics for the second qualifying spot and advance along with Chicanada.

“As for our half of the draw we find group 5 contains the highest ranked squad in the tournament with the #21 Sciavonia co-hosts dominating. Anything short of a perfect 3-0-0 will be a disappointment to them I’m sure. Stealing the second spot is Vuam and Isma who always seem to play strong while Pastorville will be distracted by prayer and miss out.

“Group 6 will be interesting as our first BoH rivals Qazox finds itself like us in a position where merely holding their rank will let them advance. I think they will move on along with Yafor 2 despite some inconsistency of late. Group 7 looks pretty clear cut, Legalese takes the top spot and Cuation slips to an unexpected second spot. And of course in our group I think The Lowland Clans and ourselves will move on.”

“Well there you have it everyone. Anna thinks we will be advancing for the first time in international play and then play either Cuation, a team that crushed us twice in the Dragonnii Inviaytii or Yafor 2 who we have never played. We’ll be here as always with our full coverage of the Cup of Harmony and be back here after every match as far as it goes.. Until then this is Sal Spikeman for Anna Dalespin wishing everyone a good night.”

Wentland

21-05-2006, 19:15

TELEGRAM FROM AMBASSADOR STOP HAVE DRAWN BAZALONIA STOP YES AGAIN STOP ALSO GOT SWILATIA STOP ALSO TINNITUS STOP ERROR CORRECT TINSUVILIA STOP SORRY AM SUFFERING WITH TINNITUS STOP YES TINNITUS STOP SO CANNOT TELEPHONE STOP AM SO VERY TIRED STOP WHEN CAN I RETIRE STOP

"Is that some sort of code, Smee?" asked the FA President.

"No, sir, I think Mr Trim is suffering a little with his ears," responded the underling.

"Well, we're all suffering from his ears," said the President. "When we said to keep an ear to the ground we did not mean it literally."

Raging Penguins

21-05-2006, 21:48

The National Informant

The Team enters The Cup of Harmony, Looks to make it less Harmonious

The Team has elected to continue playing the game they play worst(football) and we couldn't be more pleased. They'll be out of the country for a while, as they play in Shiavonia, and then be flown to Anyland for the Lancre Cup. As long as they only kill, maim, and torture foriegners outside of our boundaries, we're fine.

They've landed in a tough spot, up against former CoH champs Yafor 2, and are the lowest ranked in their group. Naturally, this is a good thing, because they're destined to lose every single game, and possibly lose a player or two. If all goes well - and by well, we mean not beating higher-ranked teams, or drawing against their opponents - The Team faces disbandment, or annhiliation at the hands of another Lancre-based team. However, if they keep up their habit of bringing advanced weaponry into their playing strategy, they stand a chance of eliminating the opposing teams players, and not being scored on. Of course, if this happened they still would fail to win, because they can't get their thick, bony heads around the concept of "scoring".

We consulted Mrs. Tweezly, The Teams only smart member, who came up with some predictions for the match:

Raging Penguins vs. Yafor 2 - Four broken limbs, One cracked skull, Three footballs, and One cat

Raging Penguins vs. Qazox - Three spectators, One broken limb, Two fractured jaws, Five footballs, One referee

Raging Penguins vs. DaS - Four broken ribs, one goal-post, Four Footballs, and One eye

We couldn't seem to make her understand thet we wanted to know what she felt the score of the games would be, so we left before she had the chance to give us the evil-eye.

Naturally, The Team will lose on all counts. And they'd better, because otherwise we'll shoot down their small private jet.

Lisburn Mateys

21-05-2006, 22:39

Interview with Manager Paul Kirk

Rep: Well the squad has been announced with no real changes after a successful world cup qualifying campaign whihc saw the team rise around 50 places in the rankings, but with the beginning of the Primerio Liga and the 100% record by Hillsborough Boys why are there not more players from that team?

PK:Well as you said the world cup campaign went well, so we have no real problems yet, and the season is still young so some players may not last the coarse and they may have just hit form early, but saying that they did win against Distillery and Local rivals Downshire, but i am confident in the players i have picked and hopefully although odds are against us we could sneak second spot.

Rep:Well it is no secret that Amusi Akobyi is the number one striker , scoring 12 goals in 14 games, but who will partner him?

PK:Well it really depends on the situation James Curry links up well with his fellow Distillery players on the wings, but i think lacks a little experience, but his lightning speed and finishing makes up for that. Dominic Patton and Dougherty are very similar players and will have to work hard in training as everyone does to be assured a start.

Rep:well you dodged that question well, but i understand that you cant reveal your plans to have an upper hand on oponents, but we wish you good luck and the nation will be watching from Lisburn to Crumlin.

Geisenfried

22-05-2006, 04:08

Konigseifert Chronicle

Haven't We Seen You Before?
Familiar Foes Fill Cup of Harmony Group Play

If you weren't paying close attention, you'd think we'd be still qualifying for the World Cup 28 in Division 15. All three Division 15 teams (Geisenfried, Tynelia, and The Lowland Clans) that qualified for the Cup of Harmony have landed in Group 8, making some very familiar looking matchups pop up. To complete the group is Anastasiania. All of Geisenfried's matches will be played in Schiavonia.

Unlike the World Cup, however, Geisenfried goes into Schiavonia with a rank of 95th, pretty respectable for a team that just managed to revive itself after flubbing so badly in World Cup 24 that they won a Wooden Spoon for it. The Golden Eagles hope to keep on improving this, though they doubt the next 100 ranks will be so easy to climb.

The first matchup will be away against The Lowland Clans. The first matchup between the Golden Eagles and the Lowland Clans ended up in a shocking 1-0 Geisenfried victory deep in Lowland Clans territory, a victory very few expected to occur. The Lowland Clans did get their revenge when they met Geisenfried in Behrens, Geisenfried by defeating the Golden Eagles 2-0. One of the main differences between the last two matches and this next one is that while The Lowland Clans are still at 42nd, Geisenfried has, as mentioned earlier, jumped up a number of ranks. An upset for us could very well occur here. However, don't get your hopes too high.

The second matchup will also be away, this time against Anastasiania. We aren't quite as sure what is going to happen in this one compared to the other two, as we have yet to face this team in an international competition, but considering their 69th ranking, they could pose a challenge. However, the Golden Eagles have beaten higher ranking teams before.

The last matchup will be home, against Tynelia. A spirited group, they handed Geisenfried its first loss in World Cup 28, a 2-0 match, in Tynelia. However, when they came back to face Geisenfried at the Old Castle in Dohmen, Geisenfried, Tynelia wound up with a 1-0 loss, giving Geisenfried its first and only home win in the competition. Like us, they jumped a bit in rank after the World Cup, to 56th. How much will it affect them? I don't know, but the match should be interesting nonetheless.

In the end, Group 8 is very much a toss up, with any combination of teams being a relatively viable selection to go on.

Schedule
Geisenfried vs. The Lowland Clans
Geisenfried vs. Anastasiania
Tynelia vs. Geisenfried

Qazox

22-05-2006, 06:06

Lorax City Channel 3 News
"If its news to us, its new to you!"

"Well after 7 years of being off air due to the after-effects of the Noveen conjunction which affected WC27, the pre-eminent news team in all of Qazox is finally back on air, I'm Hugh Jazz with my co-host Amanda Hugenkiss. Welcome back Amanda, what have you done over the last 7 years?"

"I've done well, Hugh. I co-wrote the 56 week Qazox City Herald best-seller The Monet Riddle, and stared in the movie adaptation as well. How did you spend your time off?"

"I've been the play-by-play man for Lorax City in the QFL and wrote a blog about the 1st winter games. But enough catching up. Here's today's top story: In Pika City 35 members of the underground movement OWIE, OUT WITH INTERNAL EVIL, were arrested for trying to protest the new-vaccine laws in effect due to the massive out-break of Oxian Flu. The outbreak started last year as some members of our own Black Oxen international football team came down with it duringa blizzard in the match vs. The Islands of Qutar. OWIE is a group which refuses to allow the government to control the citizens with "mind control disguised as vaccinations". Now to Sports with our new Sport anchor I.P Freely."

Thank you Hugh, today I'll preview all 8 groups of the 20th Cup of Harmony. Group 1 contains the following teams: co-host Spaam, Milchma's colony, Collonie, Harlesburg and Alasdair I Frosticus, a group of clones from a weird religous cult. I see Spaam and Collonie dominating this group, with A1F edging Harlesburg for 3rd.

In group 2 we have Wentland, Bazalonia, Swilatia and Tinsuvilia. Tinsuvilia surprised many during qualifing, but I believe they still got a trick or two left any will qualify along with Wentland.

In group three, Giant Zucchini, The Macabees, Mr Chuck Norris, and Northern Caesarea are all good enough to advance to the next round, but in a mild upset I see The Macabees and Mr Chuck Norris edging out the big veggies.

In group 4 we got lots of intrigue as religous philosophies reign as Chicanada, Anathematic Republics, Magnus Valerius, and Atheistic Right all battle for the 2 spots. The Atheists and Satan worshipers better find a god or two to pray asa they have no chance to adavance.

In Group 5, co-host Schiavonia will advance as some familiar foes fill out the rest of the group. Pastorville, Vuam and Isma, and Virginia Nova will all battle it out for 2nd place with V and I squeaking by Pastorville for the 2nd spot.

In Group 6, Qazox finds itself in a rather intersesting situation as they have drawn possibly the weakest top seed in Yafor 2, but have 2 strong 3 and 4 seeds in Dorian and Sonya and Raging Penguins. Both teams have pulled off big upsets before, but i think the Black Oxen have enough expirence now to avoid such an upset. Horned animals reign as Qazox and D&S advance as D&s upset Yafor 2 on the last day.

In Group seven, Cuation and Legalese should have no problems advancing past the teams of Lisburn Mateys or Rorysville. the only question is which team will win the group?

In the last group, Group 8 once again some familar foes in Tynelia and Anastasiania. Those two teams should beat a re-emerging Geisenfried, and lose to The Lowland Clans so their match on day 1 should determinw who advances. Back to you Hugh. "

"Thank you I.P for that very lengthly report. For Lorax City Channel 3 News, I'm Hugh Jazz and along with Amanda Hugenkiss and I.P. Freely, Stay Classy, San Diego.. I mean Lorax City."

Northern Caesarea

22-05-2006, 10:16

Spaam-There is an ambiance of expectation in the Northern Caesarea national team headquarters, before the opening match of the Cup of Harmony, against Giant Zucchinis. "We have the chance to play against a legendary team, who won a World Cup, even if they aren't in their best moment, I think it is a very dangerous rival", says coach Paco Antequera.

Antequera wanted to answer to all the rivals who said that the Tricolores are an easy win in the group: "I think we have good possibilities to classify. We are not an easy team to play against. Nations like Tadjikistan or Spruitland had sweated blood to score us a single goal. Our rivals will not have a fun ride against us".

In the bitter fight between the team goalkeepers, Iván Cuéllar has won, for the moment. "He will be a starter in the match, because we need a man with experience and cold-blood, but, if we have enough luck in the competition, there may be chances for all three to prove their talent". Leo Franco wasn't very happy to learn this: "The match in the world cup wasn't my best presentation card, but I still think that I deserve a new opportunity to be the titular goalkeeper".

Likely team against Giant Zucchini:

1. Cuellar

2.Ferrer
4.Capdevilla
15. Molinero*
22. Ibañez

24. Novo
13. Vizcaíno
8. Ibagaza
6. Colsa

7. Narváez
9. Torres

Called in

25. Franco
21. Perea
20. Gabi
11. Maxi
23. Salmerón
17. Maragall

Cuation

22-05-2006, 10:53

Cuation Group Seven

Group 7 looks pretty clear cut, Legalese takes the top spot and Cuation slips to an unexpected second spot

It is sad when your expected to qualify but nobody is sure if the once up and coming Cuation team can win the group, let alone the cup. Too many draws ensured we came back to the Cup of Harmony for the fourth time, looking to better our two fourth place finishes.

In group seven and playing our group games in Schiavonia, some people cheered at what they saw as an easy group. Looking at it in the cold light of day, this isn't the time for our team to be needing to pick up our form and for Tanner to be coming back to match fitness.

Cuation

Slipped down to 38 from 37 after failing to qualify, Cuation are still too inconsistent for their own good. Have a good record in this tournament, especially in the group stages, Cuation should be able to get out of this stage. Need to improve form, Gary Jens needs to pick up his early form, Tanner needs matches to get fit, Rual needs to score more regularly...

Cuation to go through to the next round in second place, Hargreves to be the weak point.

Rorysville(88) Match Day 1

Finished second bottom of their group with a credible fourteen points and managed to jump up from 147th in the world to 88th, a jump of around 58 ranks. We will hope for Milnar, Cole, Butcher and Ashton to terrorise their exposed flanks and put pressure on to counter their three strikers up front. Expect Giovanni, if he comes, to be shackled by Anatolli Svernetsiev.

A good fight by a team pulling themselves up the rankings but will finish bottom. Their time will come soon but they would stand a better chance if they moved the Challenge Shield away from the Cup of Harmony time. We get a point here.

Legalese(53) Match Day 2

This is supposed to be the vital one for who gets top spot in the group but both sides will be aware that a poor game could see them crashing out to anybody. Legalese dropped three ranks as they only got fifteen points and finished third from bottom though a better goal difference would have seen ahead of Anastasiania in fourth place. A good defence was undone by a poor attack that scored a mere nine goals.

We expect changes to the roster, mostly up front I imagine but if they do not change things then Cuation may try to long ball it past the midfield and down the flanks with keeper Ron Amarino being roughed up at crosses.

Legalese will shrug off their poor form and show enough quality to do well in this cup, taking first place in the group. Cuation however wins a tight game 1-0.

Lisburn Mateys (78th) Match Day 3

Both sides will be hoping to still have a chance to qualify at this point with Lisburn unlucky to have lost less and had a better difference then Oglethorpia but where one point behind so finished fifth with a credible fourteen points, climbing around fifty-nine places in the rankings.

The fans of Lisburn are wondering who will partner Amusi Akobyi, a striker at his peak with 12 goals in 14 games but what if he is marked out of the game? Experienced defender Yan is expected to mark him and without that player scoring, who will be expected to score for them?

Both side’s score as Cuation try to play their usual game but in the end it is a draw as Lisburn finish third.

Spaam

22-05-2006, 11:05

Spaam Sports Weekly
NationStates' Most Notorious Sports Publication

Cup Of Harmony Returns To Spaam

For the second time in a row, the Cup of Harmony will be hosted by Spaam,
though this time the honours will be shared with Schiavonia. Unlike last time,
the Waffles will actually be competing in the competition, and will be looking
for sweet revenge. As the second seed in the entire Cup, there is an
expectation that Spaam will at least reach the quarterfinals, though as the
World Cup qualifiers showed, nothing is certain. However, the team is
radically different from the one that competed in the qualifiers, with the
oldest player a mere 28, and Tamsyn Pengelley has taken over the coaching
job.

Group Of Mild Discomfort

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/spaam.jpg
Spaam (27)

Ranked 27th in the world (though likely to slip out of the top 32 after the
World Cup final), Spaam is one of the oldest nations in international football,
a two-time World Cup finalist, and was ranked 3rd in the world for almost a
decade. However, that was also before most people were alive, and the
team is a shadow of their former selves. Ranked 61st less than 8 years ago,
they have started their charge back to the top, though they have suffered in
the past year, doing what no Spaamanian team has done before - finishing
last in the qualifiers. Though time will tell if they can again reverse their
fortunes, every nation in the competition expects the Waffles to do well.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/zambia--80.jpg
Collonie (62)

Spaam has drawn an easy group, with the highest ranked opponent still more
lowly ranked than the Waffles at their worst. The team is made up of Clyde
Misterson, Clyde Misterson, Clyde Misterson,... Well, you get the picture. A
fairly anonymous team, the FIFA nation should still be competitive.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/romania.jpg
Harlesburg (63)

The Falcons are intent on making it past the group stage, though how
committed they are remains to be seen. They still have as much chance as
any other team, but will have to perform well.

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/alasdair_i_frosticus.jpg
Alasdair I Frosticus (101)

A team that has been competing even longer than the Waffles, they are a
mere dream of their former selves. While the Holy Empire are definitely the
underdogs of the group, they can still progress with some good
performances. Of course, luck could also be totally against them; who
knows?

1 Spaam ?:? Alasdair I Frosticus
2 Spaam ?:? Collonie
3 Spaam ?:? Harlesburg

Tynelia

22-05-2006, 13:11

Schiavonia

22-05-2006, 14:47

The Schiavone Scribe
HARMONY RETURNS

The Cup of Harmony returns to the Forty-six Islands this time around for the second time in eight years, and this time is a reverse of last time - we didn't expect our boys to be in it, but they are.

Yes, little Schiavonia, who co-hosted this tournament two cups ago when they fully expected to be in it, but somehow made it to the World Cup Finals themselves, now find themselves as the highest ranked team to fail in qualifying. And so here they are, preparing to make amends as the highest ranked team in the competition, and with the advantage of their home support, too!

"What could go wrong?!?!?" I hear you ask. Well, knowing us, all kinds of things. Schiavonia's record of narrowly missing out on things is pretty damn good, so expect whatever does happen to be pretty tense. Here's who'll be giving us that excitement and joining in with the party atmosphere.

Pastorville
Very close allies of Praying2God, and completely made up of... uh, Pastors. Kind of makes sense when you think about it. While Schiavonia prides itself on missing out by tiny margins, the Saints are more likely to miss out by as much as possible. Will this extraordinary run carry on here? We'll see...

Vuam and Isma
Surely there must be some mistake here, are we playing Vuam or Isma? We can't play them both! Actually, together, they're a very dangerous opponent, and have developed into a good side over the last two campaigns. Knowing Pastorville's luck, they could be going on to the knockout stages.

Virginia Nova
Quite possibly here to make up the numbers this time around after collecting just eight points from their first ever qualifying campaign. Still, the experience will be good for them, and hopefully it will stand them in good stead for World Cup 29.

So there you go then. Schiavonia should get through the group easily, but then we said that in qualifying, so we're experienced in what should happening baring no resemblence to what actually does happen. Still, we think we could even go on to win it. Best ranking, home advantage, what could possibly go wrong?

- - - - -

***NEWSFLASH***

Schiavonia's star striker Tony Tarmey has picked up an unknown illness at Schiavonia's training camp near Kingsbury Rock. It is thought he caught it from his room-mate and Schiavonia's unluckiest footballer Craig McAndrew.

The Gupta Dynasty

22-05-2006, 17:42

Barry Owens or No Barry Owens?

KINGSBURY, SCHIAVONIA - The Golden Wolves manager Barry Owens is not giong through the hottest streak in his life. He was hired as an international manager with experience close to three world cups ago for the international team. He was supposed to be what they were looking for, what they were hoping for, what they needed in the greatest amount. Instead, he has done exactly what his predecessor has done - come close to qualification, come ever-so-close to qualification...then, flop.

According the the Newyard Press, Barry Owens may be looking at retirement or possibly resigning from post as Yaforite Golden Wolves manager sooner or later. The Press, a tabloid long reknowned for its poking into the private affairs of celebrities (illegal unger Fradem-Knoyols 04IB6571) and its famous lawsuits in the 1920s, where several directors accused it of plagarism and leaking of secrets, has been looking for a story to revitalize itself, and this may just be what the Press has been looking for.

Owens, who has not been seen in public for nearly two months, and who has declined all media interaction, stated, on the popular talk show SportWatch, five months ago, that he was "contemplating retiring" and "maybe if we qualify, I won't". The Golden Wolves since missed out on qualification by one point, being eliminated two days before the qualifiers ended, and then beating the team that qualified over them, 3-0.

The new captain of the Golden Wolves, left-center defender Hares Dalermo, has gone on multiple shows and had many press releases since the disappointing end to what looked like a promising qualifing campaign. In all he has repeatedly stated that "he supports his coach" and that "we will try our hardest to win the Cup of Harmony again, then qualify." Other players on the team have echoed his statements when contacted by the media.

This may just be a year to succeed in the Cup of Harmony. For the first time, the Golden Wolves are the highest rankers in their group, which includes the Oxen of Qazox, the Mystical Unicorns of Dorian and Sonya, and the Raging Penguins of, well, Raging Penguins. While the Golden Wolves have not had any lasting success in Schiavonia, where they are playing (last time they came here for a tournament, they were out in the first round, of Cup of Harmony 18), they look to start a new trend now.

Barry Owens may have job opportunities cropping up all over. Dave Wilson, the Sarzonian manager, has his job looking increasingly unsteady as the Stars, a far cry from the World Cup Winning and Number One Ranking side they once were, bowed out in the first round of World Cup 28. Even if the Sarzonians do not accept Owens, there are tons of younger international squads, all looking to fill their shoes with a veteran manager.

The Golden Wolves need to win. But, even if they do, will Barry Owens stay? It is a question unanswered, a question to whose answer many in Yafor 2 look eagerly to hear.

- Excerpt from The Ajerite Sun

Magnus Valerius

22-05-2006, 23:09

The Magnus Valerian Boyars Once Again in CoH

With another failure to qualify for the finals in WC28, the Valerian Boyars once again find themselves in the Cup of Harmony. This time, they have a better thing going for them.

The Valerian Boyars will utilize a 3-4-3 formation, and their playing style modifier for World Cup 28 would be at +2.

Coaching Staff

Manager/Coach
Ilya Pavlov (Tabriz Immortals Coach, Age 50)

Assistant Manager
Edouard Fremont (Isangrad Legion Assistant Coach, Age 47)

Starting Players

Goalkeeper:
Gustav Sibel (Gotenhavn Tigers, #12) Age 32

Defenders:
Stephan Bobrinsky (Meijis City Druzhina, #29) Age 28
Nestor Lucinius (Nova Mantova Praetorians, #4) Age 26
Yves de la Ronge (Nikeah United, #93) Age 31

Midfielders:
Mongke Urt-Urumqi (Shorehaven Colonials, #30) Age 29
Jonathon Song (Isangrad Legion, #52) Age 25
Heinrich Zerbst (Badenese Alpine FC, #7) Age 30
Yeufimei Bashkirsky (Trikoupes United, #70) Age 30

Strikers:
Jacques d'Anjou (Paladins du Blancmonte, #8) Age 28
George Illyanich (Isangrad Legion [Star Football Player], #1) Age 26
Kyrill Feodorov (Tabriz Immortals, #23) Age 25

Subsitute Players

Goalkeepers:
Ferenc de Mazovy (Belagrad Szekely, #10) Age 27
Ali ibn Dumat (Port Persepoli FC, #28) Age 30

Defenders:
Timofeos Wong (Isangrad Legion, #56) Age 25
Seymour Donnalson (Tabriz Immortals, #41) Age 28
Vincent Dravayzhushsky (Isangrad Legion, #3) Age 31
Victor Potyemkin (Meijis City Druzhina, #19) Age 39
Nikolai Gorskii (Trentino Imperials, #7) Age 37

Midfielders:
Luca Romanus (Kydonia Killer Whales, #11) Age 27
Robert de Tadoussac (Nikeah United, #44) Age 36
Bela Ungvar (Belagrad Szekely, #86) Age 29

Attackers:
Gannibal Ioannidis (Alexandria Eagles, #3) Age 32
Ismail Mendeleev (Havre de Paix FC, #13) Age 33

Uniforms, to the dismay of the fans of the Boyars, have not changed, and remain the same kits used ever since Magus Valerius began competing in the World Cup series years ago in World Cup 12.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f63/ValerianEmpire/Boyars.png

Group 4... Looks Like a Easy One...

Magnus Valerius is in store for some serious competition in Group 4, although it may seem a lot easier to the Boyars' coach, Ilya Pavlov. Since the top of the group is Chicanada, the rest of the teams seem like fair game for a Boyar win. The first matchday pitches Magnus Valerius away versus Anathematic Republics. Not a bad matchup for a team with a silent run in World Cup 28.

OOC: Sorry for the belated and rather crappy post... I was pretty sick with the flu and now I'm late for class. :p

Swilatia

23-05-2006, 01:30

se my goalscorers N
Godmode Scoring Events N
RP injuries to my players Yes, but nothing severe
Godmode injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmode anything else N

Formation, 3-4-3, as always
Style +2
Kits: same as in World cup 27. WE made new kits, but will not unveil them until WC29.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3532/sbc34jz.gif

Well, the cup of Harmony is beginning very soon. we have unveiled our squad. here it is:

Goalkeepers
Lindon Alysia*, 01
Jeffrey Roderic, 02
Jessica Vasilos, 03

Defenders
Sylwester Mathias*, 04
Alexandrie Yanni, 06
Robert Mirek*,07
Jan Wlodzislaw*, 08
Zofia Radomil, 09

Midfielders
Karl Margrethe*, 10
Edgard Brigitta*, 11
Michael Noé, 12
Viktor Imma, 14
Mikolaj Zoja*, 15
Jean Malina*, 16

Strikers
Albert Suzanne*, 20
Pierre Gerlind*, 22
Helena Mitzi*, 25
Gabriel Damian, 30
Oscar Valentin, 32

*starter

anyway, We don't know how the tourney will look. The only nation we have ever had a match against from this group is Bazalonia.

Alasdair I Frosticus

23-05-2006, 03:55

[re-posted as correct nation]

It is the firm policy of the Holy Empire to have as little contact as possible with Ordinary Reality in order to protect the nation from plague and disease.

If, however, the Holy Empire Football Association were to release a summary of the Group 1 draw, it would read more or less as follows:

Spaam: The disappointment of World Cup qualifying. Seeded second in their group going into World Cup 28, they finished dead last, behind even their autonomous territory Spaamanian Piljous. A fellow old-timer, they are chiefly of interest to Imperial scholars today for the recent news that a copy of the ancient Codex Frosticus that has somehow found its way to Spaam may contain some of the long-lost scores of World Cup 2. The Basileus is considering lifting the restriction on Imperial travel to Ordinary Reality so as to permit a team of Imperial scholars to travel to Spaam to consult their version of the Codex. Oh yes... win group easily.... crush all opposition.... potential winners.... blah, blah, blah.

Collonie: Milchama's rather originally named colony of Collonie have never quite matched the increasingly solid record of their parent nation. In fact, their preference for anonymity means we know very little about them indeed. But one thing's for sure.... Clyde Misterson will have a damn fine tournament.

Harlesburg: The Falcons are one of those teams who always seem to be around, but never really seem to soar as high as they should. Potentially in for a frustrating tournament.

The Holy Empire [Alasdair I Frosticus]: Our once-proud footballing programme is on its knees, ripped apart by that pre-WC 25 Ariddian plague, and HEFA's refusal to send real players to compete in international tournaments. But there are rumours that the Basileus may be considering permitting the squad to re-enter international football on a more active basis from WC 30. In the meantime, 11 unreal dreamed simulacra of Juan Tzimisces are all we have; even in his prime he couldn't get us past the quarterfinals, so I doubt we'll even get out of the first round here.

Qazox

23-05-2006, 04:57

Lawsuit Pending Over Recent Film

Today, Stan Black, the writer of the Michelangelo Puzzle which was made into a film still in theaters today, with an openning just before the start of the World Cup 28, has announced he will be filing a lawsuit against Qazoxian Amanda Hugenkiss over what he claims is a complete ripoff of his work. Hugenskiss' book and movie The Monet Riddle recently openned to huge box office numbers in Qazox and Black wants his due.

"Talk about your cheap ripoffs!" Black began, "I mean she blatantly steals my idea of using a famous artist to hide clues in his works which the main characters must puzzle out to find out a hidden truth. Granted The Michelangelo Puzzle was not the big controversy filled blockbuster many thought because of Tynelia's general lack of interest in religion. But look at the two. In my book, the Sistene Chapel ceiling painting clearly alludes to a combining of the Trinity to a duality ignoring the status of the Holy Spirit which has outraged many Christians. In the ripoff, one of Monet's paintings is used to show how there was not one Holy Oxen but Two, clearly influenced by my own work with a cheap effort at disguising my input."

Black went on for some time in this manner and assures people that he will have his day in court and Hugenkiss will pay for taking his life's work and twisting it to her own ends. There has been no reply from anyone in Qazox over these allegations by Black at this time.

Ms. Hugenkiss' layer, Jenny Cochrane, had this response to the allegations that her client's book The Monet Riddle is a rip-off of Stan Black's, of Tynelia, bestseller The Michelangelo Puzzle:

"Since both of our countries and regoins do not even share any dimensional borders, this allegation of plagarism is bogus. In Mr. Smith's case, he wrote his novel as a work of fiction alluding to fact, while Ms. Hugenkiss' book is fact written as a fiction. If the Puzzle isn't solved, the case must be dissolved!" In related news, The Monet Riddle has surpassed Dude, Where's My Ox? as the top-grossing film of all-time in Qazox, earning 115,000,000 Zaqs in its first week alone.

(ooc to Tynelia: nice to work with ya again after that business with your crystals. Are they still in good working order? sorry about the dust on them. Also, do you wanna keep going back and forth with the court case?)

Schiavonia

23-05-2006, 12:54

Cup of Harmony
Matchday One
Spaamanian section

Group 1
Spaam 4 - 0 Alasdair I Frosticus
Collonie 2 - 2 Harlesburg

Group 1 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Spaam 1 1 0 0 4 0 3 +4
Collonie 1 0 1 0 2 2 1 0
Harlesburg 1 0 1 0 2 2 1 0
Alasdair I Frosticus 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 -4

Group 2
Wentland 2 - 0 Tinsuvilia
Bazalonia 0 - 1 Swilatia

Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Wentland 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 +2
Swilatia 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 +1
Bazalonia 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 -1
Tinsuvilia 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 -2

Group 3
Giant Zucchini 1 - 0 Northern Caesarea
The Macabees 2 - 1 Mr Chuck Norris

Group 3 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Macabees 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 +1
Giant Zucchini 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 +1
Mr Chuck Norris 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 -1
Northern Caesarea 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 -1

Group 4
Chicanada 2 - 0 Atheistic Right
Anathematic Republics 0 - 0 Magnus Valerius

Group 4 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Chicanada 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 +2
Anathematic Republics 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Magnus Valerius 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Atheistic Right 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 -2

Spaam

23-05-2006, 16:10

Cup of Harmony
Matchday One
Schiavone Groups

Schiavonia 4 - 0 Virginia Nova
Pastorville 1 - 2 Vuam and Isma

Group 5 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Schiavonia 1 1 0 0 4 0 3 4
Vuam and Isma 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 1
Pastorville 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 -1
Virginia Nova 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 -4

Yafor 2 0 - 0 Raging Penguins
Qazox 2 - 4 Dorian and Sonya

Group 6 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Dorian and Sonya 1 1 0 0 4 2 3 2
Yafor 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Raging Penguins 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Qazox 1 0 0 1 2 4 0 -2

Cuation 3 - 0 Rorysville
Legalese 2 - 1 Lisburn Mateys

Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Legalese 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 1
Lisburn Mateys 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 -1
Rorysville 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 -3

The Lowland Clans 1 - 0 Geisenfried
Tynelia 2 - 0 Anastasiania

Group 8 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Tynelia 1 1 0 0 2 0 3 2
The Lowland Clans 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 1
Geisenfried 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 -1
Anastasiania 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 -2

Spaam

23-05-2006, 17:01

Spaam Sports Weekly
NationStates' Most Notorious Sports Publication

Waffles Dream Win

The new look Spaamanian outfit was on fire last night, as they completely
dominated a Frosticus team that just seemed to be in dream land. 17 year
old Tehta Trevelyan opened the match with perhaps the quickest goal in Cup
of Harmony history, a mere 42 seconds after the kickoff. Some clever kicking
by the midfield and forwards banboozled the dream simulacra of Juan
Tzimisces, before a well positioned Trevelyan received the ball and sent it
straight into the top left corner of the goal. That goal set the scene for the
rest of the match, with the normally offensive Holy Empire having to settle
with keeping the Waffles out.

Midfielder Roskelly made Spaam's second in the sixteenth minute with a
header from a corner, thanks to veteran captain Trethewey. After that,
Frosticus managed to contest the ball enough to prevent any more goals in
the first half, and managed to make some (admittedly poor) shots on goal.
The second half saw Budeaux Pomre score in the 48th, and 21 year old
Jenifer Uren wrap the game up with the Waffles fourth in the 85th. A sole
goal by Tzimisces Simulacrum 9 in the 69th minute was denied after he was
ruled offside.

Spaam 4:0 Alasdair I Frosticus
(1 Trevelyan 1; 4 Roskelly 16; 10 Pomre 48; 7 Uren 85)

Group Of Mild Discomfort

Collonie 2:2 Harlesburg

The other match of Group One saw the evenly matched Collonie and
Harlesburg come to a evenly matched two all draw. This means Spaam will
qualify with just one more win, while the other top two spot is still open to all
the other teams. Spaam plays Collonie next up at East Spaam National
Stadium, after the Harlesburg versus Alasdair I Frosticus match. Though the
results of the matches could go any way, bookmakers are giving the Waffles
short odds to win.

Team P W D L GF GA GD G% Ps
Spaam 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 100 3
Collonie 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 50 1
Harlesburg 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 50 1
Alasdair I Frosticus 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0 0

Codex Frosticus Fragment Found

Part of the ancient Codex Frosticus has been found in the north of Spaam by
Holy Empire scholars. The fragment, located around 100 kilometres from the
city of Arcis, in the mountains of Corosias, lists some results from the first
matchday of the second World Cup, over a century ago. Among others, are
the results from Group G:

Alasdair I Frosticus 2:1 Fair Trading
Giant Zucchini 3:5 Dead Man

Results

1 Spaam 4:0 Alasdair I Frosticus
2 Spaam ?:? Collonie
3 Spaam ?:? Harlesburg

Tynelia

23-05-2006, 17:14

Legal Battle Heats Up

The plagalism case between Tynelian author Stan Blank and Qazoxian Amanda Hugenkiss has intensified after recent comments by Miss Hugenkiss' lawyer Jenny Cochrane.

"Hiding behind some interdimentional hogwash now." Black exlaimed upon hearing the response. "I'd go right to Qazox right now and give them a piece of my mind. In fact i ask all my supported to come with me. Well actually it seems Tynelia doesn;t have any flights to Qazox, something about it not being on their maps or something. They're probably in on it. But I DO know the Qazox nationals will be playing in Spaam for the Cup of Harmony so i ask my supporters to protest the Qazoxian present and hopefully that will shame Hugenkiss to admiting she stole all my ideas!"

Later outside the stadium where Qazox was playing Dorian and Sonya a small group of Tynelians were seen outside the stadium bearing signs stating things like "Riddled with plagarism" and "Puzzle was first" and shouted at the Qazoxian players when they left the team bus. Security quickly dispersed the protestors who left peacefully, if not quietly. Some wonder if the unexpected protestered had any part in Qazox's surprising loss to Dorian and Sonya 4-2 in their openning match.

((OOC- was too good an opportunity to pass up since we both seem to come up with the best programs. so sure qazox we can run this scenario for a little bit if you want))

Northern Caesarea

23-05-2006, 17:41

Giant Zucchini 1 Northern Caesarea 0

Edgardo García *** 1. Cuellar ***
Carlos Corretja * 2.Ferrer ****
Peter Lee Albom **** 4.Capdevilla ****
Ramón Gimeno **** 15.Molinero ** (m.55)
Absamat Chekhov **** 22. Ibañez ****
Pablo Pérez **** 24. Novo ****
Arturo Bardi *** 13. Vizcaíno ***
Arturo di Zampieri * 8. Ibagaza ***
Yoshikatsu Nakamura **** 6. Colsa ****
Johann Rilke * 7. Narváez ** (m. 63)
Wayne Carragher * 9. Torres *****
23. Salmerón (m.63)
21. Perea (m.55)
Main players

The Star
Torres.
Although he couldn't manage to score a goal to tie the match, the young striker of Gamazo Juniors made a real exhibition of good football. Everytime he took the ball there was danger for Great Zucchini.

The dandy
Colsa
The left midfielder made a great match, full of his typical lethal races and passes. A pity that our forwards weren't able to take profit from his effort.

The tough guy
Chekhov
A wall for the Tricolores attack game, as he went backwards to play as a fourth defender. He abused of violence against Narváez, who had to leave the pitch with an injury. A yellow carton is a little present for what he really deserved.

Not his day
Wayne Carrager
The lethal striker of Anglo FC has been totally absent in this match. Capdevilla was his worst nightmare.

Booked:
Yellow: Molinero, Narváez, Ibañez, Vizcaíno, Chekhov, Corretja

Spaam- "I sent my boats against men, not against the elements". It is said that Phillip II of Spain uttered this phrase after knowing the defeat of the "Invincible Armada" in 1598. The feelings of the fans of the tricolores are almost the same, after the first match of the national team in the Cup of Harmony.

Northern Caesarea has played one of its better international matches in history, with a little problem: it lost 0-1. Things began badly for the team. Torres received a terrific pass from Colsa at minute 16 and scored against a surprised García, but the linier saw an offside nobody else saw in the stadium and the goal was cancelled.

But it didn't bothered the good game of the team, with a very agile game from the sides, where Colsa and Novo were constantly making good passes to tricolores forward. The midfielders managed to destroy and create and the defense was unpenetrable.

The signs were for an easy NC victory but GZ striker Nakamura, showed why he was a star at his theater group at school and at is swimming team in university, jumping at the tricolore penalty area as it was a swimming pool. The tough Molinero was near, so the referee had no doubt: penalty, which was scored by Nakamura himself (m.55).

The match continued with Northern Caesarea dominating and creating constant opportunities, with Novo and Colsa. A pass from the latter to Torres ended by a near-miss, as the ball hit the goalpost, with Edgardo García very far away (m. 66). Another good chance to score was missed by Salmerón in m.89. The ball went a little too high.

Vuam and Isma

23-05-2006, 21:30

Gazetta de'Esporte

Hard task, but possible.

V&I have been drawn in Group 5, alongside Schiavonia (co-hosts), Pastorville and Virginia Nova.

Schiavonia seem untouchable, as they are clearly in a different class from V&I, so we mustn't hope for any points against them. Lucky we play them last so that we can at least play against them without any stress : we'll be through or we'll be out before that.

Pastorville are the strongest challengers for the second spot. Ranked quite healthily above V&I, the Saints will also be only hoping for a point at the most against Schiavonia, and three against Virginia Nova. They'll be confident they can dispose of us and bully their way through, but Scarab has promised that as the first game V&I play in this CoH, V&I will be playing at 1200%, as nothing but 3 points will be accepted. Pastorville are clearly a defensive side, playing a karelan 7-2-1... So at least we can be sure to not fear too much for our goal average against them!

Virginia Nova are the true underdogs of the group, clocking in well behind V&I in 4th position. We must pay attention to not fsuck up against them as we did against Dauna Hills and Gaspland, because every point counts here. V&I can hope of 3 points though, as long as we play as we can.

Our hopeless predictions :

1 - Schivonia - 9 points - +7 GD
2 - Vuam and Isma - 4 points - +1 GD
3 - Pastorville - 4 points - 0 GD
4 - Virginia Nova - 0 points - -8 GD

Gazetta de'Esporte

And that's called karelan?
Pastorville - 1 (Rev. Harris 52)
Vuam and Isma - 2 (Fitzsimons 38, Marc 65)

Vuam and Isma made quite a feat today, being one of the three teams that won in an "away" match, the other two being Dorian and Sonia and Swilatia.

But it would be a lie to say that the Whites and Azures were clearly the better side of the game, as they simply took better advantage of their chances.

Pastorville kept the ball very low, building up long attacks before launching the ball forwards. This was however quite inefficient against V&I's 4-5-1, as both wing-backs were playing in a very high position, meaning V&I was almost sporting a 2-7-1, and as such managing to block out the Saint's creativity, by isolating their 3 'forwards' : Revs. Harris, King and Carlson.

V&I made the break just after the half-hour when Dynamique intercepted a rare poor pass by Rev. Williams. His shot was well parried by Rev. Smith, but then the goalie seemed to hesitate before diving on the ball, a short hesitation that was enough to allow Fitzsimons to poach a goal for the Whites and Azures.

After the break, V&I had to endure a strange rite that Pastorville insisted on doing : a group chant. As the Saints gathered in front of their fans, they begun to sing Händel's Messia. However, referee Timoty Ullkar had to interrupt their ritual after 7 minutes, even though they were only in the 3rd movement. This caused great anger amongst the Saint's fans, and some of the more un-orderly (indeed, the Saint's fans are extremely orderly, shaming V&I's rabble) even had the 'folly' to throw a Bible at the linesman. However, he was quickly evacuated by the other Pastorvillian fans, who soon added a banner to their fourteen pictures of holy scenes that read : "Let us pray for his soul".

Even though their ritual had been interrupted, the Saints seemed to have regained confidence (or perhaps the V&I players were still in slumber), and they levelled score in classy manner, as they completed a 37-pass move that left Rev. Harris unmarked in front of goal, and he completed his mission with a neat instep shot.

Dispite this equalisation, V&I didn't lose heart, and were soon playing with renewed enthousiasm, as they pressed the Saints deeper and deeper in their half, forcing a foul just outside the box after 65 minutes. Sett Marc isn't a regular free-kick taker, but when Regragui isn't there, and Grak isn't on form, he'll joyfully step up to the plate and try. This time, it's lucky he tried, as his hard cross was untouched by all the players that jumped for it, and yet managed to bounce off the post and into the net, making the score 2-1.

In the last part of the game, Scarab and Fischmann seemed intent to play time away, as was shown by Brasiviev's long ball posession periods, as he waited for Rev. Harris to combat his inner karelan and go press him.

Rorysville

23-05-2006, 22:36

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Footy Central

Well An Opening Loss in the First Cup of Harmony for Rorysville was a hard one to take but again the young squad is learning more as there were a few changes to the squad.
"A 3-0 Loss to Cuation is an unacceptable These players know what it takes to win and they didn't do what was needed. Some of the players and Fans think this is an easy tournament but I and some of or Veterans view this as a good way to judge our squads performance in International Competitions. I look to the experience we gained in the 28th world cup and hope to build upon that knowledge as we climbed from a 147th ranked little known to an 88th ranked Mid Pack team to be taken seriously"--Coach McKlintok
"I agree with Coach I think he is right we are taking this way too easynIt's time we show up and Play hard"--Adam Neguanne

Scores from Group 7 Schiavone Groups
Cuation 3 - 0 Rorysville
Legalese 2 - 1 Lisburn Mateys

Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Legalese 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 1
Lisburn Mateys 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 -1
Rorysville 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 -3

Box Score from Cuation vs. Rorysville
Goal Scoring
CUA-R.Mendisez(22min)
CUA-R.Mendisez(34min)
CUA-T.Ashton(67min)
Penalties
CUA-Yellow-P.Cole(55min)
RV-Yellow-A.Nikolishin(72min)
RV-Yellow-A.Svernetsiev(87min)
Mooseledge Systems Player of the Match-Jean-Sebastian Cousteau
Sportsnet RV Player of the Game-(Cuation)Raul Mendisez

Raging Penguins

23-05-2006, 22:42

The Justtundra Times

Not a Good Start

The Team has done it again. They've failed to lose, and that's worrying. What's especially worrying, is that they didn't use every weapon available to them in their first match, although it came close. The Golden Wolves just didn't come prepared, as evidenced by their complete lack of body armor.

The first half began with The Team assaulting anything that came too near to the goal, and not making any attempt to score at all. By the time the first half was over, seven football had been turned into chewed leather, and Devious Penguin, being of the same coloration as the footballs, had nearly dislocated Mostly Mouths' jaw, after the large Troglodyte had attempted to eat the bird.
By the time the second half had made progress, the stands were booing The Team, and throwing objects(including a "Copycats Go Home, Our Book's Better" sign from a confused Tynelian fan) at the Raging Penguins mascots*, which all got mad and mauled an innocent bystander, causing the mascots(genuine raging penguins) to be booted from the stadium.

During the Second half, The Team managed to get the ball and keep it in play-worthy shape. Furious Porridge brought it towards the Yaforian goal but was knocked over by The Penguin, The Team's captain. The ball was reclaimed by Lite Wayte, whod been put in for ABSOLUT LUNATIC, after the loony had passed out before the match began. Lite Wayte managed to bring it up to a scoring position when his cellphone went off and his world narrowed down to him, the cellphone and whoever was calling. The Golden Wolves reclaimed the ball, but were consistantly unable to get it past DMYS, who stubbornly refused to believe that tripping opposing players was against the rules.

However, we are certain that this draw was just a fluke, and that The Team will lose against their up-coming opponents. The Team's concentration on defense, and total lack of skill, as well as their failure to work together, will stop them from winning any future games.

*The Raging Penguins Mascots deserved this abuse, after they stood upon eachother's feathery shoulders in such a way that they created a rude hand-signal directed towards the stands.

Schiavonia

24-05-2006, 00:56

The Schiavone Scribe
VIRGINIA FOUR-VA
Schiavonia 4-0 Virginia Nova

Cup of Harmony hosts and favourites Schiavonia got of to an emphatic start against their group's bottom ranks Virginia Nova, even without sick strikers Tony Tarmey and Craig McAndrew.

The younger pairing of Jermaine Edwards and Seamus Bradley came in and managed to run riot amongst the Virginia Nova defence, much to the delight of the assembled home support at the King Francesco Stadium.

In the end, Virginia Nova will be relieved that they kept it down to four. Edwards electrifying pace ripped through the backline on a number of occassions, while Bradley's strength and close control proved all too much for the flailing defenders.

Edwards could have scored five but for the heroics of goalkeeper Alex Potter, Paolo Di Mascherenasi hit both posts before getting his goal, and Bradley hit an explosive shot that almost knocked Potter into the net.

The goals themselves came from three Edwards runs, two he scored off himself, one Di Mascherenasi put away. The fourth came when Luigi Gippo could handle Bradley no longer, sent him tumbling to the ground, allowing Kenny Sanderson to round of a convincing win.

Meanwhile, the SFF are considering bringing in a defensive coach, with the name Trefor "Elastic" Edwards, the former Druida manager, being banded about. Schiavone football has never been good on the defensive side, and Edwards, 61, was a great goalkeeper who told his defenders what to do and no mistake.

At the same time though, this is the man who invented the infamous "System Hisisim", a versatile 2-7-1 formation used for the first time by Druida during World Cup 25. It is thought that they could use him as an experiment at that invitational thingy in ASMV that I can never spell right.

Edwards would not be moved to comment on the post, but he did express his pleasure that his hisisim system was still being used by up and coming footballing nations like Vuam and Isma.

Next up for the sloths are Pastorville, who Vuam and Isma played hisisim against. However, we doubt you'll be seeing Schiavonia playing with seven across the midfield. Well, not for now, anyway.

Final score
Schiavonia 4 (Edwards 33, 74, Di Mascherenasi 55, Sanderson (pen) 89)
Virginia Nova 0

Swilatia

24-05-2006, 01:05

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3532/sbc34jz.gif
An EXCELLENT Start
The cup of Harmony may look good for us really. We won the first match. Which was against Bazalonia. We hope this continues. So that we win the tourney. Oh, wait I forgot the scores. they were 1-0.

Of course, low scores means an uneventful match. an uneventful match means not that much to talk about. Lets just hope we win the Cup of Harmony so that our poor performance in the qualification does not affect us that much.

OOC: The short RP was because of the uneventfuul match.

Spaam

24-05-2006, 02:22

OOC: The short RP was because of the uneventfuul match.
OOC: Which will probably not get much, if any, RP bonus.

Mr Chuck Norris

24-05-2006, 03:09

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

The Fighting Norris are back in style with their ever-so-normal Cup of Harmony failure! Let's put it this way:

Mr Chuck Norris 1 (John Fedo 36)
The Macabees 2 (Forward "A" 44, 56)

As the match opened, the Fighting Norris watched intensely as The Macabees took the field. The Macabees had not submitted a starting lineup nor a formation to the prior to the match so Bob Janney knew not what to expect. Although we'd like to report who The Macabees fielded and in what formation, we cannot after discussing the matter with The Macabees press. They have informed us that all of the aforementioned information is supressed from the public on purpose and we may not share it.

Anyway, the match started with relative uncertainty on the side of the Fighting Norris. The Macabees' strategy successfully countered the power of the 3-2-2-3 formation of the Fighting Norris for several minutes, but failed to put The Macabees on the offensive. This caused somewhat of a stalemate early in the match as neither side could muster a good enough attack for either side to score.

However, the Fighting Norris had finally found a weakness in The Macabees' defense and began to exploit it heavily. As most defenses, The Macabees were very concerned with Chuck Norris and did everything they could to stop him. This opened up many doors for the Fighting Norris offense, who began alternating control of the ball between John Fedo and Brian Boitano, the other two scoring forwards of the Fighting Norris. This strategy proved to be effective when in the 36th minute, John Fedo managed to pass a ball by The Macabees' goalkeeper on a cross from Brian Boitano. The Fighting Norris cheered as they experienced their only shortlived lead of the match.

As The Fighting Norris players celebrated their goal, The Macabees offense were in deep conversation with Hans Versol, The Macabees' offensive coach. Clearly, whatever that man said to his offense must have worked because the instant play resumed The Macabees found themselves on an effective offensive. As The Macabees charged, they became increasingly aware of Yianni Karvo's lack of speed. Naturally, it took The Macabees' Forward "A" no time to take advantage of the speed advantage and convert the charge for The Macabees' first goal in the 44th minute. The Macabees had tied the game up with only one minute remaining in the half.

Both teams knew that the second half would be a bitter fight to the death as neither team wanted to accept a draw. At this points, both teams knew how to score on one another, the difference would be in execution.
However, as The Macabees took the field in the second half, The Fighting Norris realized that significant changes had been made in their strategy.

This proved to be a death sentence to the Fighting Norris as The Macabees continued their offensive onslaught while the Fighting Norris struggled to stay organized. It was in the 56th minute that Forward "A" of The Macabees scored his second goal and the last goal of the day. The score was now 2-1 in favor of The Macabees. Upon gaining the lead, The Macabees began running a very tricky constant-motion strategy that left the Fighting Norris powerless to change the score.

Although a couple of decent charges were arranged by the Fighting Norris, they were all foiled. As a result, time expired with the Fighting Norris down 1-2 and the Fighting Norris fans walked out of Spaam in depression once again.

Bob Janney oddly enough did not want to talk today. All he said was "Leo Benz, coach of The Macabees, did a fine job... he made me feel like a failure in every sense of the word". I'm sure his comment is no big deal, but we've all got to admit it's abnormal. Join us in our coverage of the Fighting Norris next match against Northern Caesarea. This is CNN... signing out.

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Schedule
Matchday 1: Vs. The Macabees (Loss 1-2)
Matchday 2: Vs. Northern Caesarea
Matchday 3: Vs. Giant Zucchini

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Record: (0-0-1)

Qazox

24-05-2006, 05:46

Qazox City Herald
An upsetting day all around Qazox as The Monet Riddle/ The Michelangelo Puzzle legal battle continued and affected the Black Oxen in their 1st match today against Dorian and Sonya. The Black Oxen came out to boos and signs declaring :"Riddled with plagarism" and "Puzzle was first" throughout the stadium. D&S used the early distraction to score 1st in the 14th minute as Altáriël Telperiën scored quickly after a toss-in. Telperiën continued her scoring binge with another quick goal only 9 minutes later. 23 minutes in a Qazox was down 0-2. Alicia “Speedy” Gonzalez was the first Black Oxen to seemingly recover from the hostile crowd filled with Tynelian fans. She scored in the 37th minute to cut the lead to 2-1. The first half end with some controversy as a Tynelian fan ran onto the field and threw puzzle pieces at the Qazox' Bench. The second half started well for Qazox as Gonzalez equalized the match in the 48th minute, but Telperiën, the D&S defence and the crowd eventually wore down the Black Oxen as Telperiën scored twice more once in the 66th minute and in the 80th to effectively end the match.

In other Group matches: the Raging Penguins shockingly drew Yafor 2 0-0. Up next for Qazox is Yafor 2, a win is definitely needed as a draw could put advancement in serious jeopardy.

Yafor 2 0 - 0 Raging Penguins
Qazox 2 - 4 Dorian and Sonya

Group 6 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Dorian and Sonya 1 1 0 0 4 2 3 2
Yafor 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Raging Penguins 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Qazox 1 0 0 1 2 4 0 -2

Anathematic Republics

24-05-2006, 06:09

Satan was seated in the editors office of the Heretical Publications office. The match against the Boyars had been a total snoozefest, although Hans Zygger's impaled corpse had made a fairly effective battle standard.

Although most of the demonic horde Satan had brought with him had opted to crash in Spaam until the next match, the legal disputes between Qazox and Tynelia had given Satan the sudden whim to go home and see what the Denigration of Christianity people had in the pipeline. Not only that, but since the building had finally been heated, Satan figured it was overdue for a turn of inspection anyway.

Some of the stuff, such as The Raphael Cryptogram, with its allegations that Judas betrayed Christ out of jealousy over Mary Magdalene, was pretty good. Other, like The Rembrandt Word Search, claiming that the music of Ronnie James Dio revealed ancient Gnostic texts when played backwards, was complete crap.

After yet another completely implausible situation, in which the hero escapes being shot when his assailant is knocked out by a computer monitor falling from an apartment window after it's owner, frustrated after losing to "Hockey Canada" in something called the "NS World Cup of football", gives it a good shove, Satan lost his patience. "Who wrote this Rembrandt shit?" he bellowed.

A terrified voice from the other room whimpered: "Bungs."

"Well, Bungs is now on restroom attendent duty in the spot where we stuck all those incontient gluttons."

"Yes, sir. How was the football match?"

"0-0, just how I like them. Everyone in the stadium was bored and pissed as anything, which is how I like it. Now get me a publishing agent from Spaam on the line. We'll launch that Raphael thing worldwide in short order."

Qazox

24-05-2006, 06:10

OFFICAL QAZOX SUPREME COURT DOCUMENT
CASE #159-08
Amanda Hugenkiss (defendant) vs Stan Black (plantiff)
RE: Plagarism

Deputy: Order in the court. All rise for the Justices of the Qazox Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Manny Ortiz: Those who have just cause to be in this court, step forward now and be heard.

Attorney for Stan Black: Thank you your Honor, fellow justices of the Supreme Court. My Client, Stan Lewis Black, is suing Ms. Amanda Hugenkiss for plagarism. Ms. Hugenkiss' book, The Monet Riddle contains many similarites to and in fact blantly copies, despite name and location changes, my client's book The Michelangelo Puzzle. My client is seeking damages totaling 100,000,000 zaqs and a cease and desist order to stop printing of the book and to have all non-sold copies destroyed. During the course of this trial, I will without any reasonable doubt, show the Justices proof that Ms. Hugenkiss willingly and with malice aforethought stole my client's intellectual property.

Ms. Jenny Cochrane: Thank you your Honor, and fellow justices of the Supreme Court. My client, Ms. Amanada Hugenkiss is innocent of all these charges. I will show incontroverable edvidence that Ms. Hugenkiss independently wrote her novel with no prior knowlegde of Mr. Black's work. I will show that two people from different dimensional planes can write similar, yet differnt works, depspite no physical, mental or trans-dimensional contact. Thank You.

Justice David Varitek: I understand that Mr. Black is having problems arriving in Qazox from Tyenlia. I propose to the court that this case be dropped, due to the fact that one litigent is not present.

Justice Mike Nixon: I second the propsal and suggest an immedidate vote.

(Justices retire to chambers to vote and deliberate on the proposal)

Chief Justice Manny Oritz: The Court has voted and by a 5-2 margin the court rejects the proposal to drop this case. A special dispensation for travel to Qazox for Mr. Black is granted, and if Mr. Black is not in this court within 48 hours, the case will be dropped. Court Dissmissed.

(ooc: I don't know the name of your attorney. I believe it would be better if you did your attorney's parts and i'll do mine. [you can do the cross-examine if you want])

(ooc2: Anathematic Republics, nice job jumping into the fray there with yet another rip-off of the Degas Crossword.....lol)

[NS]Bazalonia

24-05-2006, 06:27

The Bazalopes game against Swilatia was a close match. Despite playing them before and the recent improvement of the Bazalope team they couldn't put this one in their corner.

The match started out with the usual pleasantries and the singing of the Bazalonian and Swilatian national anthems before kick-off. The game was actually fairly boring. The Bazalopes and the swilatian made many attempts at crossing each others line. However neither team went close to scoring. It was in the 2nd half that the first real scoring opportunity arose. And it was for the Bazalopes, however they just could not finish it off as the ball sailed over the top of the net. 10 minutes later the Bazalopes had another chance but this one the Swilatian goalie managed to easily catch. The score was nil all until the Swilatian team with just minutes till the final whistle where awarded a penalty kick. Andrew Creek was the culprit and the Swilatian striker to the shot and managed to get it past Jeffery Constantine.

After the match Neil Kabants had this to say. "I'm not happy with their performance but I'm not angry either there are still many things that the Bazalopes can improve upon and taking opportunities like the ones the Swilatians gave us is vital if we are to be where we want to be in the near future."

Atheistic Right

24-05-2006, 06:53

The TV displayed the well known logo and theme music of ARFA Sports and when the music ended it switched to a darkened studio where our two hosts are waiting.. The lights come on.

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

"And I'm Darwin, and welcome to our coverage of the so called cup of Harmony." Darwin

"So what's harmonious about this cup of harmony so far? Well, let's just say not much. Those crazy ox worshippers and Tynelia are at it again, and those so called minions of hell have nabbed an Atheistic Right newspaper columnist and are using him as a standard for their battles." Charles

"Did it work?" Darwin

"Hell, no." Charles

Both Charles and Darwin laugh

"It was a boring match in a nil all draw" Charles

"And what about our enemies?" Darwin

"What you mean Collonie and Raging Penguins? Well... Collonie had an embarrising 2 all draw with Harlesburg and the Raging Penguins, well another boring 0 all against Yafor 2." Charles

"So what's the latest update on the war?" Darwin

"Atheistic Right has had a great success on the Battlefield and The Great Lion has announced his elated-ness at the victory while pushing more forces into the front line. Saying, The job is not done until the invaders have been repelled." Charles

"And that's it from us, unfortunately we have been unable to receive the scores but Lioness has stated the team has performed admirably." Darwin

"This is Charles."

"And this is Darwin, Remember ARFA Sports - Your Strongest sports news around."

Alasdair I Frosticus

24-05-2006, 07:11

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

SCHOLARS FIND FRAGMENTS OF CODEX FROSTICUS IN SPAAM
Football Team Lose

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

Imperial scholars were delighted to announce today the exciting news that the Codex Frosticus found in Spaam around 100 kilometres from the city of Arcis, in the mountains of Corosias, appears to authentic.

"It appears to be a copy of the B text of the Codex" said Dr. George Lascaro, speaking in Spaam from inside his bio-hazard suit. "The marginalia do in fact appear to contain results from the second world cup. This is an extraordinary discovery, and we plan on submitting a paper, co-authored with our colleagues from Spaam, to the Journal of Imperial History titled 'The Second World Cup - Comments on Marginal Glosses in the Corosias Copy of the Codex Frosticus B Text'. It's all very exciting. We hope to be able to release further results as our research develops. By the way, did you know that Giant Zucchini and the Holy Empire were in the same group back then? I think we'd forgotten completely. The things you learn!"

In other news, the national team of Tzimisces simulacra lost 4-0 to Spaam, sending the squad to the bottom of their Cup of Harmony group, but no-one seems to have really noticed.

Northern Caesarea

24-05-2006, 08:09

Spaam-National team head coach, Paco Antequera, is optimistic about the future of Northern Caesarea in the Cup of Harmony. "If we play our next matches like we played against Giant Zucchini, we would have no problem to pass, if the referees agree...", said Antequera.
The head coach of the Tricolores says that the team must mantain its concentration, because "after our defeat in the first match, we have no margin for error. All our next games will be like finals. We must win or win".
Antequera is highly motivated against its next rival, Mr Chuck Norris. "Their head coach, mr. Janney, said we would be an easy win for all the teams in the group. We have proved against Giant Zucchini that we are a difficult rival. Its time to win them and shut their mouth and their arrogance up".
Antequera forecasts a difficult match, with two teams which have to win if they want to survive in this competition.

Likely team against Mr. Chuck Norris:

1. Cuellar

2.Ferrer
4.Capdevilla
15.Molinero

22. Ibañez
24. Novo
13. Vizcaíno
8. Ibagaza
6. Colsa

23. Salmerón
9. Torres

Called in:

25. Franco
21. Perea
20. Gabi
11. Maxi
17. Maragall
19. Castelar

Dorian and Sonya

24-05-2006, 08:31

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/SylMedCen.png

Telperiën Scores 4 - Unicorns Crush Black Oxen

Queen Sonya awaited the start of the match, wishing this one was already over with. The Mystical Unicorns had faced the Black Oxen of Qazox twice before and had given the match away both previous meetings. But that had been in the WC27 qualifiers when D&S was new to the scene with a 211 world ranking. Qazox had been considerable higher than that, even if they were not well ranked themselves.

But now the squads had matured a bit. Both sides had suffered losses in the previous Cup of Harmony followed by even more of those in the WC28 qualifiers. The Black Oxen had managed to do a bit better than the Unicorns, but now both were battle tested and ready to begin making headway on the squads still ranked above them. The Black Oxen were now ranked 54th in the world, while the Mystical Unicorns had clawed their way to 75th. If the squad from The Kingdom really wanted to make a name for themselves, this was the place to start. The Unicorns had to find a way to beat the Black Oxen.

And the match was finally underway. Queen Sonya watched as the completely revamped Unicorns began their mission. The squad looked a bit nervous to begin, but that was to be expected seven new members in the starting eleven alone. But after a few tense moments, the squad seemed to settle in and make some headway against the Ox lovers from Qazox. And then the Queen realized something she hadn’t noticed as of yet - The crowd was actually backing the Unicorns. That didn’t happen very often. Her worries over the match had kept her from noticing the unfriendly boos and hisses that Qazox received every time one of their players even got near the ball. And then she listened again. The crowd wasn’t actually cheering for her squad, they were just obsessed with making the match miserable for Qazox. “Oh well” she thought to herself. “That wasn’t her problem. At least she had some sort of support for her squad. Qazox couldn’t say that.

And the noise did work to the Unicorn’s advantage. Superstar Altáriël Telperiën would score easily in the 14th minute to give the Unicorns a 1-0 advantage. The 23rd minute would see newcomer Maurita Deni steal the ball near midfield. Another newcomer, Zana Jablon received the pass in the Oxen penalty area. She had obviously watched Unicorn football before because she immediately made the backward pass to Telperiën who easily scored her second goal. Even with new faces, the story remained the same. Telperiën could always be counted on to find the net. The score was now 2-0 in favor of D&S.

But the Black Oxen would not go away quietly. Openly defiant towards the angry crowd, Alicia Gonzoles would pull her squad back into the match with a goal in the 37th minute. Reports now abound that she is to receive some sort of punishment for a very unfriendly gesture issued towards Tynelian fans in the stadium. But those reports have yet to be confirmed.

At the end of the first half, one of those Tynelian fans would give something back to the Oxen. The crazy fool was throwing puzzle pieces at the Qazox bench. The Queen shook her head in dismay. She had heard of the irrational and chaotic behavior of international football fans before, but this was ludicrous at best. Surely the puzzle pieces meant something. She really needed to keep up with more of the media.

The Queen was relieved to see things return to the normal mood of the first half as the second got underway. At least the crowd hadn’t turned on the Unicorns. They still seemed to very much hat and despise the squad from Qazox. But that mattered little as Gonzales would even the match in the 48th minute.

Obviously that goal infuriated the Unicorn coach, because Luthien Oronar used language on his squad that would have earned him an early trip to the showers - if the Tynelian fans weren’t using much worse already that is. But what he said, or the way it was said more likely, worked to perfection. The Unicorn defense buckled down with Nessa Elendil rallying the new players behind her. Slowly the possession moved to the Qazox end of the pitch. In the 66th minute, Qazox fell apart under the pressure of the D&S attack and the crowd’s verbal assault. From her spot on the left side of the midfield, Nátulcien Eluch`div` found long time teammate Telperiën who easily scored again for the hat trick. But she wasn’t done yet. In the 80th minute, Eluch`div` would find her again as she easily kicked home her 4th goal of the match. Those 4 were all the Unicorns needed to take the rather easy 4-2 victory at the expense of the Black Oxen. And the crowd loved it.
In other group news, Yafor 2 failed to do much of anything and unexpectedly allowed Raging Penguins to gain a point from their meeting. Yafor 2 now has to face the Black Oxen in a match where both sides will definitely be looking for valuable points. That one will be tough.

As for the Unicorns, we now must face the nut jobs from Raging Penguins. This is the easiest of the matches for us on paper. But they did manage a draw with the Golden Wolves. That means something. If we can handle things the way we should, we will gain 3 more points. But that is a big if. Nothing is ever a sure thing in the world of international sport. But you can bet the Unicorns will be gunning hard for those points - A win most probably puts us into the next round, and we do not want to miss that chance.

Cuation

24-05-2006, 11:34

Cuation Mice Roar

A 3-0 win is an ideal way to start any cup and gives Cuation an important boost, getting out of their winless run just before playing Legalese, who also won their match, 2-1. It was closer however then the score line makes it and Rorysville must feel unlucky to have lost by such a margin.

Rio Samba dropped back into defence to negate the three man attack with Cuation playing a defensive game, seemingly happy to contain, to kick the Rorysville attack. Despite a strong display form the defence, half chances where created.

Jean-Sebastian Cousteau was his team’s best player and terrorised Butcher throughout the match. An early cross in the 3rd minute found veteran Mike Jasper unmarked on the six yard line. His header lacked power and was aimed straight at Gary Jens, an easy save from a wasted chance.

Jean-Sebastian Cousteau danced past Butcher to the by-line before pulling the ball back to Wayne MacInnis but his shot was blocked by Samba. Within minutes, a cross field pass from Jean-Sebastian Cousteau caught out the defence, Jaun Pérez had enough room to play the ball behind the defence for Adam Negeuanne. Yan tracked back and put him under pressure while Gary Jens charged off his line, the young striker tried to be clever but his chip was far too high, clearing the bar and the stadium.

Cuation where not pinned back though, Rio Samba fighting balls forward for Tanner to flick on or for the wingers. One ball was brilliantly held up by Tanner before he played the ball through for Milnar but the wingers touch was poor, Rick MacDonnel recovering too win the ball back.

Another Samba long pass was nodded down by Ashton for the overlapping Cole. Drawing Jaques Mallar out, Cole played a one-two with Ashton before whipping in a cross. Beanpole Tanner met it at the far post but headed well wide.

A free kick deep in Cuation's half was taken by Gary Jens and booted to the edge of the penalty box where Tanner flicked it down for Rual, David DeSalle nicked it away but to the feet of Roy Ferguson who’s first time shot forced a decent save low to Mark Cossile's right. It had been equal battle but the naivety and attacking nature of Rorysville cost them.

In the 22nd minute Adam Negeuanne lost the ball to Samaba deep inside the Cuation box. A desperate clearance found its way to Tanner who had dropped back. Spotting the defence on the half way line, Tanner whacked it up behind them for Rual to chase. The defence stood and appealed for offside but the flag stayed down, Mark Cossile racing out to clear the ball.

The poor keeper was second best in the race and left floundering aside the area as Rual Mendiz hit the ball over his head and into the net. 1-0! While Cuation celebrated, appeals for offside where still going on from some fans. It was a devastating blow but the underdogs fought back.

Alexander Nikolishin played the ball to Jean-Sebastian Cousteau on the edge of the box, the winger drove past Butcher and fired in a low shot to the far post. Gary Jens did brilliantly, turning the ball around the post at full stretch. From the resulting corner, Anatolli Svernetsiev's header was cleared off the line by Roy Ferguson then Mike Jasper eight yard volley was smothered by Jens.

Cuation's own counter attacks had Milnar, Rual Mendiz and Ashton sprinting clear on goal but Mark Cossile denied them each time. Diving at Milnar's feet he came away with the ball, using his legs to block hotshot Rual before diving full length to beat away Ashton's effort.

On the 34th minute, Ferguson sent Ashton racing across the half way line with the ball and towards the corner flag but Jaun Pérez had tracked back, winning the ball at the expense of a corner. Ashton hammered the ball into the box but Mark Cossile punched it away.

Jean-Sebastian Cousteau tried to control it but lost out to Butcher who crossed the ball back to the six yard line. The Rorysville players had started to move up to attack, leaving Cuation players unmarked. The cross dipped, inviting Cossile to make a diving catch but the keeper was unable to hold it, the ball squirming out of his grasp. The ball fell kindly to the feet of Rual Mendiz who thrashed the ball into an empty net.

The goal killed the game, Cuation having no urgency in their play and able to soak up any attack from a demoralised Rorysville. At half time, Cuation manager Jude made three changes, bring off Rual Mendiz, Gary Jens and Peter Tanner to rest. In their places stood Pual Keane, Judo Monsseri and Giovanni.

Jean-Sebastian Cousteau still had the better of Butcher but he didn't get the ball often enough. Giovanni was the main point of Cuation's attacks but found himself marked out by Anatolli Svernetsiev. Few chances where made for both side because of this and the fans got bored.

In the 55th minute, Jaun Pérez was kicked one too many times by Cole and so the right back was booked. The final goal came in the 67th minute. Giovanni escaped his markers attentions and his perfect pass took out Jaques Mallar, giving Ashton space to cross.

Or at least that is what everybody thought he would do but the experienced right winger had another plan. 20 yards out, he hit the ball hard and low towards the near post where Cossile had left a gap. The surprised keeper got his fingers to it but was beaten. 3-0

In the 72nd, Alexander Nikolishin was harshly booked when he won the ball of a tiring Roy Ferguson. A.Svernetsiev joined him in the 87th minute when he impeded Giovanni, the third booking of the game

Vuam and Isma

24-05-2006, 13:27

The sleeping librarian

Some book causes trouble. We don't care.

As some of you might know, there has been a recent outcry from Quazox due to alleged plagiarism between The Monet Riddle and The Michaelangelo Puzzle.

The Monet Riddle was recently acquired for distribution in Vuam and Isma by Fool Media, who also own the rights for The Michaelangelo Puzzle. This lead to an outcry for the continued publication of both books, no matter if there was, or was not the alleged plagiarism.

"You see, Fool Media acquired both books as well as their subsequent film adaptations because we think that both of them have a future in Vuam and Isma. When we heard that Quazox wanted to enforce a cease and desist order on The Monet Riddle, we took matters to our hands, and we have called upon the High Vuam and Isma Square to overrule any cease and desist order against The Monet Riddle, so that we may continue to exploit both these books, for we acquired the rights for both." - S. Almon

This would indeed be a first, and could call for a joint ruling between the Hight Vuam and Isma Square and the Quazox Supreme court. This would set a precedent, as there has never been a plagiarism claim that would affect a book within the same collection as the work that it was taken from.

Should the High Vuam and Isma Square rule that the cease and desist order against The Monet Riddle is valid on Vuami and Isman territory, then it is expected that Fool Media would sue Ms. Amanda Hugenkiss for compensation, and may also claim money from Stan Lewis Black to pay for the court tarrifs.

The High Vuam and Isma Square has sent two judiciary advisors to Quazox, in the hope of discovering more about the claims of plagiarism, and also on the limitations of Quazox law, that may only be able to enforce a cease and desist order in Quazox.

Also, Fool Media has announced that they have unearthed a new litterary gem : The Raphael Cryptogram.

Fool Media is the 3rd media group in Vuam and Isma, and the top litterature distribution group in New Cyberia.

The Monet Riddle - Written by Amanda Hugenkiss, this action-packed thriller uncovers the less-well known parts of Monet's life, and shed light on his action amongst The Daffodils, a secret religious cult in southern britanny.

The Michaelangelo Puzzle - Written by Stan Lewis Black, this action-packed investigation book brings the reader up to scratch with Michaelangelo's works, as well as the true hidden meanings of his art, linking him with Du'Omo, a circle of men who presided over culture and customs in Europe.

The Raphael Cryptogram - Written by Satan Himself, this action-packed detective story relates how Raphael placed codes within his work, allowing those who understand the codes to obtain indications as to how to enter Lleh, an apparent Eden on earth.

Tynelia

24-05-2006, 14:13

“Hello everyone and welcome to Tynelian Soccer Weekly as we begin our coverage of the Cup of Harmony. I’m your host Sal Spikeman and with me as always is Anna Dalespin. Today, Tynelia did a complete 180 from their start in the last Cup. In that one Mark Stone shutout Tynelia as Haraki defeated us 3-0 to start things. This time is was Amy Whiteworth slamming the door shut on an opponent as Tynelia, led by goals from Jay Masterson and Anya Collins, defeated Anastasiania 2-0. This win, coupled with a Lowland Clans victory over Geinsefried by a 1-0 score puts Tynelia alone in first place going into our next match against the Clans. A much better start than last time wouldn’t you say Anna?”

“Of course a win is always a great way to start a tournament. Once more it seems the return of Coach Greg Tudor has unlocked the door to the Tynelian attack., something his assistant coach here Marcus O’Meara never seemed to pull off in his tenure. Now with this win Tynelia can actually advance to the next round if things work out right against the Clansmen.”

“That’s true Anna, with a win and a draw in the Anastasiania-Geisenfried match Tynelia will automatically advance to the next round. A win will find them up three points on the next nearest competitor with only one match to play, a draw will keep them in first but only by goal differential and possibly with a third squad lurking only a point back. A loss and Tynelia will find itself no better than second with missing the chance to advance a strong possibility.”

“Yes Sal, this next game is just as huge as the previous one in maintaining Tynelia’s momentum. At least this Cup the team doesn’t have to rally back from an insurmountable goal differential only to fall one goal short like last time.”

“The game numbers show Tynelia’s edge on the field today. Showing fire that was only occasionally seen during the World Cup, Jay Masterson put Tynelia on the board at the 28 minute mark with a crisp cross net shot that eluded the lunging keeper to put Tynelia ahead 1-0. Then just before half, Anya Collins made a steal deep in Anastasianian territory and forced the keeper to guess wrong when she made her shot on net and gave Tynelia some insurance at the 41 minute mark. The second half found Tynelia reverting to its defensive style and kept Anastasiania from getting any sustained attack going until the final whistle blew. Shots on goal favored Tynelia by a 16-11 margin with a strong 6-2 edge in quality chances. Time of possession favored us by over six minutes. All in all a very strong showing and very encouraging with the next match against the revenge minded Lowland Clans.”

“That’s right, you can’t forget that the Clans will be extra motivated in our first rematch since we knocked them out of the World Cup with our final day victory. If Tynelia can’t match their intensity, we may find ourselves looking up from an early deficit and be forced to play catchup the rest of the way. Something that is not a Tynelian strongsuit.”

“So do you think the Clans will get their revenge Anna?”

“Well despite owing Geisenfried something for their upset, the Clans could only muster one goal. However Tynelia rarely puts up back to back strong scoring performances so this could go either way. In the end I think both teams will battle to a 1-1 draw leaving the group wide open as I expect Geisenfried to find a way to beat Anastasiania in their match as the bottom seed has shown surprising resiliency in the World Cup group play and now they have some experience on their side.”

“Ok then Anna, we’ll just have to see how things work out then. The match will as always be seen here live and we’ll be back here win or lose after the game for our continuing coverage. Until then this is Sal Spikeman for Anna Dalespin wishing everyone a good night.”

Legal Proceedings Heat Up

The case of Hugenkiss v. Black finally came to court today. Stan Black barely made it to the Qazox courthouse within the time frame ordered but gasping for breathe he managed to arrive in the nick of time. After both sides made their opening statements, Mr. Black’s attorney David Ramirez began his case with none other than Mr.Black himself volunteering to be the first on the stand.

Ramirez: “So Mr. Black, in your own words could you describe what sorts of plagiarism has taken place in the disputed work.”

Black: “Of course, first of all where else have you found in literature where one author uses the idea of hidden messages within a well known artist’s work to reveal a shocking secret which threatens the religious order of one of the largest religions in the world? The Michelangelo Puzzle brings into question the idea of the Christian Trinity and whether its nature was really a duality misinterpreted then covered up by the church to hide their own errors. The Monet Riddle follows the same premise, a shocking secret about the worship of the Holy Ox which threatens to undermine the authority of the Oxen church.”

Ramirez: “You also claim certain parts of the text are a direct ripoff of your own words. Can you name some examples of this?”

Black: “Of course, both books have the main character as a an expert of artwork from their particular artist, the same descriptions are even used to describe the two artists see here on page 9 of the Puzzle ‘Michelangelo was a well known artist with many famous works.’ Then page 6 of the Riddle ‘Monet’s famous works made him one of the best know artists of his time.’ There’s no way those two sentences could have come together without my work being used as a source.’ Then page 83 of the Puzzle where my character states ‘Look, when the light of the summer equinox shines on stained glass at noon, its reflection and bending of the light create a pair of halos around the image of God, and outer and an inner. That the one was two!’ and in the Riddle page 124 ‘When the winter equinox’s morning rays strike this Monet work, the images is altered and changes, where there was just one figure there is now two!’ Need I go on? I have many other instances.”

Ramirez: “I think you’ve made your point Mr. Black unless the defense has anything they’d like to say to you I think we’re done for now.”

The crowd murmers as they wait and in the back of the courthouse a lawyer representing Fool Media is taking notes. Meanwhile the Raphael Cryptogram begins to make waves in the bookselling world as it breaks into the top ten sellers list.

Giant Zucchini

24-05-2006, 16:41

Dear diary,

Well finally we managed to get the whole team together for a match, I must say though I thought we got lucky for most of it I think we deserved the win, if only because our defensive work was brilliant for the match, Eddie did great in goal and Absamat is finally finding the form he had been displaying one, two cups ago. I thought the yellow card was a bit harsh though, but I'd be unfair if I were to say he shouldn't be getting any yellows given the role he plays. Amazingly this was his first yellow in his international career...hopefully his yellow card rate stays this low for years to come. Well, can't afford to slack now, important matches coming up...

D

The Lowland Clans

24-05-2006, 17:20

GRAHAM CITY SUN - Sports Section
Unproven Team Clears First Hurdle

SCHIAVONIA - Well, it's been a long and bizarre trip for football fanatics in the Allied States these last few weeks. With Head of the FFLC Tom Hall's purge of the entire FFLC, including disgraced former national coach Westley Stjepan and Chief of Football Operations Jeffrey Oppenheimer, the Stars were looking like they were going to give up on the Cup of Harmony, shove out a bunch of U-20s, and hope for the best. No, Hall isn't that kind of head. He chose Oliver Doig, former manager of Heartland Central for the new coach, first of a remarkable chain of events that have lead to the Stars fielding a team with only four veterans, and even they have been put on notice.

Doig and new CoFO Daniel Davies who worked with Hall at Highlanders back in the days when Hall managed and was President of the club, got right to work in picking a new squad. This quad was different than anything most Stars fans had seen before. This team was absolutely massive, average weight about 220 lbs and with an average height of 6'3". This team had less offensive creativity, and more hard-working, hard-nosed solidly built players who would simply batter a team down with brute strength. Something remained from Stjepan's reign however, was the emphasis on ball control and movement. This time however, defence will be getting a renewed focus as well.

Such was shown in the game today against Geisenfried. After losing to them in what would prove to be the decisive match in World Cup qualifying, these new look Stars were out for revenge, and boy did they get it. While the score would not read it, the Stars dominated with 65% of possession trhoughout the game. The new defence looked impressive, achored by veteran Kellen Markoff. They held the Geisenfried offence to only three quality chances, all saved brilliantly by Darien Santander. The goal came after twenty minutes of consecutive pressure, with Jonathan Kavanagh making a brilliant run through receiving a cross from Krotos Daganopoulis and pounding it right through Kurt Ackermann.

The game against Tylenia tomorrow though, is key. A win against the quad that knocked teh Stars out of the World Cup would send the fans into a frenzy, giving confidence to a team that most people aren't sure will make it out of the group stage. Tom Hall'sand Oliver Doig's jobs are on the line here, and I'm sure they won't let anyone down.

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

The Lowland Clans Stars - The ASLC National Team
Manager: Oliver Doig
Formation: 4-4-2 - Style 0
* denotes starters
C denotes Captain
Strikers
09 - Ryley Bloudin, Castle of Lisbon*
Age: 25 Nationality: Portugese
Skills: footwork, power
One of the few survivors of Tom Hall's purge of the national team, Bloudin is quickly becoming what everyone hoped of him: a mature leader whose skills on and off the field are examples that all players should be following. Along with Mackallen, Kavanagh and Kellen Markoff, they are the only players to remain from the squad who came this close to winning qualification for the first time in decades.
11 - Jonathan Kavanagh, Vancouver FC*
Age: 26 Nationality: Canadian
Skills: ball control, accuracy
Another part of the devastating offense that helped push the Stars the closest they've ever come post-isolation to qualification, Kavanagh is looking at a new landscape as one of the few veterans of the team. With only one International competition under his belt, it will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure expected of him
03 – Christopher Landry, Hearts United
Age: 29 Nationality: Welsh
Skills: hard working, patient
Christopher Landry was just as surprised as most pundits were to discover that he had been chosen as the third striker for the Cup of Harmony. Not to say, that the call up was undeserved. Landry has been noted for his ridiculously hard work ethic and patience on the attack, which as gotten him quiet fame around Hearts United fanatics, but little recognition outside the team.

Midfielders
07 – Quentin Mackallen, Graham City FC * C
Age: 32 Nationality: Scottish
Skills: physical, passing
Quentin Mackallen is getting old. But, like most football fans in the Allied States, he hasn't noticed. His amazing physique and body shape have helped maintain his status as rock in the midfield, and now they are serving to prolong his ability well into his thirties. With this being his fourth international tournament as captain, many are hoping he will lead the Stars to a victory in the Cup of Harmony
13 – James Kingston, Grand Captiva*
Age: 28 Nationality: English
Skills: vision, passing
The first new name to be announced by Chief of Football Operations Daniel Davies, Kingston's selection to the Stars for the Cup of Harmony came as little surprise. Many wonder why Stjepan never chose Kingston over Konstantinoppolis, because they both possess largely the same skills, but Kingston is without the hotheadedness that plagued Phillip. Look for him to help push the philosophy of ball control and mobility that is being preached by Doig.
05 – Henry Castintallas, Fort Manchester
Age: 24 Nationality: Portugese
Skills: endurance, accuracy
Henry Castinallas was the first of the surprise picks for the Stars. There were several players Doig looked over to select Castinallas, all with more skill than Castinallas, but they all lacked what Doig called “it.” Apparently he found it in Castinallas. He's known more for his hard work, like many of the new selections, as well as his uncanny accuracy of his passes. Many pundits though, after the shock of the selection, see that Castinallas has plenty of time to develop skill that will benefit him further down the road.
10 – Iska Djukashenki, FK Sarajevo
Age: 19 Nationality: Serbian
Skills: footwork, passing
Another huge surprise for Daniel Davies, many are not exactly sure what to with the selection of Djukashenki. Clearly a talented player, also has a quiet manner and style of leadership about him (he captained his youth squad and is an associate captain for Sarajevo), but lacking in professional experience. Doig has said that he's not always looking for the most talent, but the most chemistry, and he sees Djukashenki as bringing it in the future. Not expected to get much playing time, but definitely an injection of fresh blood and thinking into the midfield.

Wingers
04 – Krotos Daganopoulis, Highlanders*
Age: 22 Nationality: Greek
Skills: speed, crossing
Krotos Daganopoulis was one of the least shocking surprises of the team that Daniel Davies put together with the assistance of new manager Oliver Doig. Daganopoulis' work ethic and speed were well known, making him a key addition to the Highlanders squad. His comfort on the wing and his crossing ability are arguably the best in the Allied States. The main reason he was kept off the team for the World Cup was his youth and consistency problems
01 – Jason Yulaniche, Sheppard's Well*
Age: 27 Nationality: Albanian
Skills: speed, vision
The selection of Yulaniche was not many critics first choice for a starting winger spot of the Stars, but his talents gel well with the team as a whole, leading many beleaguered pundits to believe that this choice was the most orthodox choice of the whole team. With a young and inexperienced team, Yulaniche's speed and vision are expected to allow his to support the defence, as well as play up and make many of his now famous runs to attack the goal.
07 – Elliott Deldier, Graham City FC
Age: 23 Nationality: Canadian
Skills: physical, speed
Deldier was another unorthodox selection to the Stars. A strapping winger whose size and speed make it difficult to stop, he his renowned to draw ridiculous amounts of fouls to those trying to take him down. His physical size make it difficult to defend against him, and his speed makes it even more difficult to predict exactly where he's going to play upfield.

Central Defenders
15 – Kellen Markoff, Glasgow United*
Age: 25 Nationality: English
Skills: containment, vision
Markoff was the last veteran to be announced to have a place on the Cup of Harmony squad, much to the relief of critics everywhere, whose hearts were about to collapse from the surprise of many of the selections. Markoff's main talents lie in his ability to contain the main threats to the goal, and use his superb field of vision to prevent any attack using his target.
14 – Ryan O'Rory, Dublin Clovers*
Age: 31 Nationality: Irish
Skills: physical, vision
O'Rory was another surprising choice for the Stars. Thought to be a player whose best days were behind him, he surprised most domestic fans with a great season for the Clovers, aiding them to produce one of the toughest defences around. He uses his size and vision to block runs forward, intercepting passes and generally wreaking havoc with on the opposing teams attack.
06 – Rugar Jagr, Limassol United
Age: 28 Nationality: Croatian
Skills: physical, containment
Rugar Jagr is considered a good, if a bit strange choice. Jagr is a massive man, adding up with the rest of the team to produce a physically impressive Stars, who hope to fix the deficiencies of the smaller, more attacking focused Stars of Westley Stjepan. His size is very complementary to his read of attacks, helping him contain threats before they become dangerous.

Wing backs
08 – Yuri Kvendazi, Graham City FC*
Age: 26 Nationality: Bosnian
Skills: speed, disruption
Yuri was a little more expected choice, as he was a dark horse for the expected choices. Critics have noticed that his skills at getting a disrupting touch on the ball really slows the attack down, forcing the attackers to move the ball away at a disadvantage. His speed helps him keep with even the peskiest of attacker, though some have questioned his physical health and endurance.
19 – Garry Delvecchio, Heartland Central*
Age: 22 Nationality: Canadian
Skills: disruption, power
Delvecchio was one of Tom Hall's favorite players when he was managing Heartland Central, and it's no surprise that he is on this team. His powerful foot and ability to seemingly touch every ball that comes within ten feet of him no matter who is on it fits well and fills a much needed niche in this team. He's expected to provide leadership as his experience gains and stiffen up a weak back end.
16 – Szlavko Koblina, FK Sarajevo
Age: 24 Nationality: Slovenian
Skills: containment, passing
Szlavko Koblina was another surprising choice. Part of the successful attacking defence of at Sarajevo, Koblina uses his containment ability to slow down the attack, but is also a hub of the back of the play. His ability to get passes anywhere he needs often prove fatal, as opposing defences are unable to deal with the surprise runs and attacks.

Keepers
00 – Darien Santander, Okehampton Citizen*
Age: 23 Nationality: English
Skills: quick, deflection
Darien Santander is another strong keeper from the Okehampton Citizen. His young age and relative inexperience to many of the keepers in the Premiership really raised a lot of eyebrows. His skills are definitely up there, and his quickness and ability to get at least a hand on any ball that comes near him is supernatural. However, he has a tendency to freeze up in tense situations.
99 – Figo Dentarilla, Hearts United
Age: 30 Nationality: Portuguese
Skills: experience, holding
Figo Dentarilla was very surprising choice. Dentarilla’s age was seen as a major limiting factor, and despite his ability to swallow up balls and let only a handful of rebounds go free, he was seen as past his prime. But Davies defended him against all attacks, saying that his age will not effect his performance.

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

Collonie

24-05-2006, 23:12

Look there's a guy over there! Times

Atheistic Right lose and other stuff happens

It was a very eventful day on the soccer pitch today as Clyde Misterson scored two goals with assists from David Mishmatini and the real Frankie Hanan. The defense though could not keep out Harlesberg as they conceded two goals to give the Flying Eagles a 2-2 draw. This means that one win against AIF will be enough for advancement but enough about that and onto more important matters...

Atheistic Right played some horrible football and got desperate and killed two men as they went on to have only 5% of the possesion in a lucky 2-0 loss. It should have been more but the Chicanada strikers did not finish well at all.

Raging Penguins played well though as they drew former CoH champs Yafor 2 0-0. The game did not involve much offense from The Team or Yafor 2 but the nil-nil draw is looked on as a good result for the Penguins.

The CoH has also been interesting for several off the field incidents including a huge copyright case between two similar books and the finding of part of the Codex Frosticus in Spaam.

As for our opinions on these incidents Milchama wants to see more of the Codex Frosticus so that their intelligence can help with the invasion I mean so that they can learn more about the mysterious dream realm and Orthodox Christianity. And for the copyright crisis, we don't really care but as always we support Our Father Below.

Alasdair I Frosticus

25-05-2006, 03:36

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

SCHOLARS DENY CODEX SCANDAL
'Team' Prepares for loss to Harlesburg

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

Dr. George Lascaro, leader of the team of scholars investigating the Corosias Copy of the Codex Frosticus B Text in Spaam was today forced to deny that the Spaam Codex revealed that the result of the WC2 semi-final may have been fixed in order to allow winners Al Quds to reach the final.

"I don't know what you're talking about" said a clearly flustered Dr. Lascaro, who would no doubt have been wiping the stress-caused sweat from his face if he hadn't been wearing the by-now standard bio-hazard suit.

Sources close to the research team, however, have told this reporter that one of the marginalia in the Spaam Codex states 'Would it not be better to have the more consistently involved and entertaining nation reach the final? I must consider whether or not there is any means to arrange this.' While this comment does not directly implicate the Holy Empire Football Association of fixing this single result in World Cup 2, sources close to both HEFA and the researchers are said to be concerned. A search is now on to try and find former HEFA president and prominent Chaco organised crime boss Jorge Vatatzes, who presided over the organisation of the second world cup. Mr. Vatazes was last seen bribing prison guards during his escape from Philadelphia Prison.

In other news, the Imperial 'squad' were today preparing for their imminent loss to Harlesburg.

Schiavonia

25-05-2006, 13:58

Cup of Harmony
Matchday Two
Spaamanian Section

Group 1
Collonie 0 - 1 Spaam
Harlesburg 1 - 2 Alasdair I Frosticus

Group 1 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Spaam 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 +5
Alasdair I Frosticus 2 1 0 1 2 5 3 -3
Harlesburg 2 0 1 1 3 4 1 -1
Collonie 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 -1

Group 2
Bazalonia 1 - 1 Wentland
Swilatia 1 - 0 Tinsuvilia

Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Swilatia 2 2 0 0 2 0 6 +2
Wentland 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 +2
Bazalonia 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 -1
Tinsuvilia 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 -3

Group 3
The Macabees 5 - 1 Giant Zucchini
Mr Chuck Norris 3 - 1 Northern Caesarea

Group 3 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Macabees 2 2 0 0 7 2 6 +5
Mr Chuck Norris 2 1 0 1 4 3 3 +1
Giant Zucchini 2 1 0 1 2 5 3 -3
Northern Caesarea 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 -3

Group 4
Anathematic Republics 0 - 2 Chicanada
Magnus Valerius 2 - 0 Atheistic Right

Group 4 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Chicanada 2 2 0 0 4 0 6 +4
Magnus Valerius 2 1 1 0 2 0 4 +2
Anathematic Republics 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 -2
Atheistic Right 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 -4

Those in green are through, those in red are out. The Macabees are through and Northern Caesarea are out due to the fact that Mr Chuck Norris and Giant Zucchini play each other on Matchday Three.

Qazox

25-05-2006, 14:50

Legal Proceedings Heat Up

The case of Hugenkiss v. Black finally came to court today. Stan Black barely made it to the Qazox courthouse within the time frame ordered but gasping for breathe he managed to arrive in the nick of time. After both sides made their opening statements, Mr. Black’s attorney David Ramirez began his case with none other than Mr. Black himself volunteering to be the first on the stand.

Ramirez: “So Mr. Black, in your own words could you describe what sorts of plagiarism has taken place in the disputed work.”

Black: “Of course, first of all where else have you found in literature where one author uses the idea of hidden messages within a well known artist’s work to reveal a shocking secret which threatens the religious order of one of the largest religions in the world? The Michelangelo Puzzle brings into question the idea of the Christian Trinity and whether its nature was really a duality misinterpreted then covered up by the church to hide their own errors. The Monet Riddle follows the same premise, a shocking secret about the worship of the Holy Ox which threatens to undermine the authority of the Oxen church.”

Ramirez: “You also claim certain parts of the text are a direct rip-off of your own words. Can you name some examples of this?”

Black: “Of course, both books have the main character as a an expert of artwork from their particular artist, the same descriptions are even used to describe the two artists see here on page 9 of the Puzzle ‘Michelangelo was a well known artist with many famous works.’ Then page 6 of the Riddle ‘Monet’s famous works made him one of the best know artists of his time.’ There’s no way those two sentences could have come together without my work being used as a source.’ Then page 83 of the Puzzle where my character states ‘Look, when the light of the summer equinox shines on stained glass at noon, its reflection and bending of the light create a pair of halos around the image of God, and outer and an inner. That the one was two!’ and in the Riddle page 124 ‘When the winter equinox’s morning rays strike this Monet work, the images is altered and changes, where there was just one figure there is now two!’ Need I go on? I have many other instances.”

Ramirez: “I think you’ve made your point Mr. Black unless the defense has anything they’d like to say to you I think we’re done for now.”

Defense's Cross-Examination

Jenny Cochrane: Mr. Smith, when did you start work on you novel?

Stan Black: I started the book about 3 of Qazox' years ago.

Cochrane: What inspired you to write such a book?

Black: I don't know really. I was watching the Painting Channel and a picture of the Sistine Chapel in Rome came up and I guess the novel came from that.

Cochrane: Where you under the influence of any mind-altering substances at the time?

Black: I refuse to answer that on the grounds it my incriminate me.

Cochrane: Here in Qazox, Mr. Black, drugs are legal and as such, Tynelia has agreed not to prosecute you if any of their laws have been broken. So I'll ask again, were you under the influence of any mind-altering substances at the time?

Black: (hesitantly) yes.

Cochrane: What substances were you influenced by?

Black: I had taken a hit of E, and had 3 marijuana joints before watching the program.

Cochrane: So under the influence of drugs, you came up with the idea of a novel about a church conspiracy hidden for years by an artist's work.

Black: Yes.

Cochrane: As Mr. Black and his attorney may not be aware of, but use of mind altering substances can cause people to, however unwittingly, temporarily merge coconsciousness with a person from the Q Continuum. While in your altered state, Mr. Black, did you feel like you were in someone else's body?

Black: I'm not sure, but I did feel like I wasn't in my own body.

Cochrane: Did you see or hear anything while out of your body?

Black: No not really. I just saw a room that had a computer in it and a very tacky decor.

Amanda Hugenkiss: HEY my apartment isn't tacky, just retro.

Chief Justice Manny Ortiz: Ms. Hugenkiss, please refrain from any more outbursts or else you'll be in contempt of court. Precede Ms. Cochrane.

Cochrane: Did you look at the computer at all while in the room?

Black: I believe that I did, but it was written in some language I couldn't read.

Cochrane: Did any of the writing look like this? (Takes a paper with Qazian words and letters written on it to Mr. Black)

Black: somewhat, I think so.

Cochrane: Thank you Mr. Black that will be all.

Ortiz: Court is in recess until 0800 tomorrow. The Defense will begin its testimony. Followed by the Plaintiff’s Cross-examination.

Spaam

25-05-2006, 15:39

Cup of Harmony
Matchday Two
Schiavone Groups

Pastorville 0 - 1 Schiavonia
Vuam and Isma 2 - 1 Virginia Nova

Group 5 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Schiavonia 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 5
Vuam and Isma 2 2 0 0 4 2 6 2
Pastorville 2 0 0 2 1 3 0 -2
Virginia Nova 2 0 0 2 1 6 0 -5

Qazox 0 - 2 Yafor 2
Dorian and Sonya 2 - 1 Raging Penguins

Group 6 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Dorian and Sonya 2 2 0 0 6 3 6 3
Yafor 2 2 1 1 0 2 0 4 2
Raging Penguins 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 -1
Qazox 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 -4

Legalese 0 - 2 Cuation
Lisburn Mateys 0 - 1 Rorysville

Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 5
Legalese 2 1 0 1 2 3 3 -1
Rorysville 2 1 0 1 1 3 3 -2
Lisburn Mateys 2 0 0 2 1 3 0 -2

Tynelia 1 - 2 The Lowland Clans
Anastasiania 1 - 0 Geisenfried

Group 8 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Lowland Clans 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 2
Tynelia 2 1 0 1 3 2 3 1
Anastasiania 2 1 0 1 1 2 3 -1
Geisenfried 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 -2

Giant Zucchini

25-05-2006, 15:51

Dear diary,

Well certainly not the result I was looking for, to say the least...no disrespect to the Macabees, I really thought we had enough quality to win that game, instead of getting thrashed like that. I'm really disappointed with the result...and yet I'm reluctant to blame my players, even though their performance was poor poor poor today...I'm starting to wonder if I'm not doing something right...you know, maybe I really should have brought the youth squad...

D

Spaam

25-05-2006, 16:31

Spaam Sports Weekly
NationStates' Most Notorious Sports Publication

Thirteen Mistersons No Better Than One

Clyde Misterson gave the Spaamanian team a scare last night with some
fantastic defense. Or rather, thirteen Clyde Mistersons. By a strange twist
of fate, all the Collonie players are called Clyde Misterson, obviously a
common name in their country, and together matched the more experiences
Spaamanian team for the first half of the match. The Waffles were out flying
in the first ten minutes, trying to match their performance from last match,
but they were denied over and over by the hard working Collonians. 20 year
old Feoca Arthur was made to work had as well, saving at least three good
shots on goal by Clyde Misterson. The first half came and went, as scoreless
as when it started.

The second half saw the Spaamanians play as hard as in the first, but the
Mistersons were starting to tire. It was eventually a lapse of concentration
that betrayed them, with the Collonian keeper letting through as easy shot on
goal by wunderkind Tehta Trevelyan in the 63rd minute. That would be the
last real mistake any of the Clyde Mistersons would make, but the damage
was done. With the Waffles keeping the pressure on, they had the lions
share of shots on goal, and the game finished with the solitary goal by
Trevelyan deciding the match.

Spaam 1:0 Collonie
(1 Trevelyan 63)

Group Of Mild Discomfort

Harlesburg 1:2 Alasdair I Frosticus

The Holy Empire had a suprise late win against Harlesburg in the first game at
East Spaam National Stadium last night. This win puts them up into second
position, and unless Harlesburg upset Spaam, will only need a draw to
proceed. Spaam, on the other hand, have already qualified for the next
round in first position, and may face Wentland, who will be out for revenge
from World Cup XVII. Spaam face Harlesburg next, in Artanis National
Stadium, after Alasdair I Frosticus play Collonie in a match that will probably
decide second.

Team P W D L GF GA GD G% Ps
Spaam 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 100 6
Alasdair I Frosticus 2 1 0 1 2 5 -3 29 3
Harlesburg 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 43 1
Collonie 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 40 1

Further Frosticus Fragment Found

Another codex fragment, assumedly from the Codex Frosticus, has been found
in The Great Mountains near Arcis. Though further analysis is needed, this
fragment seems to detail results from the second matchday of the second
World Cup, most notably the following:

Alasdair I Frosticus 2:0 Giant Zucchini
Dead Man 1:0 Fair Trading

New Book Causes Outrage

A newly released book in Spaam, The Caravaggio Conundrum, has
caused outrage among conservative religious leaders. The book, by John
Emmanuel Drake, is an action-packed mystery story that investigates claims
that Michelangelo Carvaggio was involved in a secret religious sect that
controlled medieval Spaam, through clues and symbolism in his artworks.
However, these claims clash with long held beliefs by the religious leaders,
causing calls for the book to be banned.

Results

1 Spaam 4:0 Alasdair I Frosticus
2 Spaam 1:0 Collonie
3 Spaam ?:? Harlesburg

Tynelia

25-05-2006, 16:51

“Hello and welcome to Tynelian Soccer Weekly. I’m Sal Spikeman and with me as always is Anna Dalespin. Today Tynelia played its second match of the Cup of Harmony against the Lowland Clans and did not fare as well as they did in the opener. Going up against a fired up group of Clansmen, Tynelia fell in a hard fought 2-1 match with the game winner occurring at the 82nd minute as Ryley Bloudin fired a rebound past a prone Amy Whiteworth for the win. With Anastasiania beating Geisenfried 1-0 everything will come down to Tynelia’s final match against Geisenfried. Not quite the scenario most people hoped for wouldn’t you say Anna?”

“Not at all Sal, it may have been wishful thinking but many people felt Tynelia could come away with a draw of their own and get some points. However that wasn’t the case as the Lowland Clans gained a measure of revenge. With Tynelia still alive its not quite the fatal blow Tynelia delivered to the Clans in the World Cup but it will still hurt. What it all boils down to is that Tynelia can’t do worse than Anastasiania tomorrow. Tynelia does hold a 2 goal edge on them and three on Geisenfried so even Geisenfried is still alive if they can upset us again. The Lowland Clans beating Anastasiania would be a great help for us as it would damage their goal differential but ideally Tynelia needs points in this final match. A win would almost certainly advance us unless the Clans suffer a complete meltdown and get blown away in their final match. It should be noted that even the Clans haven’t clinched anything yet either but a single point or Tynelian loss or draw will advance them. What is a good sign is that so far all the revenge matches- Lowland Clans vs. first Geisenfried and then us, have gone in favor of the team seeking revenge. With the Tynelian squad still smarting over being shut out by the then unranked Geisenfried in our second WC match against them, this might be a good sign.”

“You sure said a mouthful there Anna. Basically everything’s up for grabs but simply put, we win and we’re in since a win by us and loss by the Clans would give us the goal differential edge at it currently stands at a single goal between us. Unlike last Cup when we needed a huge finish to advance, this time the any win will do.

“As for the match against the Lowland Clans, Tynelia actually struck first at the 30 minute mark when Jay Masterson continued his strong scoring performance this year in international play and got one past Darien Santander. The half ended that way and hopes began to rise for the Tynelian faithful. However the second half, the Clansmen came out with fire in their eyes, the halftime talk seemingly inspired them to new efforts, no doubt they were reminded that Tynelia was poised to almost knock them out of a second tournament in a row. Whatever it was the Clansmen soon tied the score only six minutes into the second half off a nice pass from Quentin Mackallen to Jonathan Kavanagh caught Amy Whiteworth out of position for a quick goal. Play went back and forth from there, Alan MacDougal hitting the left post and bouncing out of bounds at the 68 minute mark before Bloudin won it.”

“Time of possession was actually even more or less, the Clans taking an overall edge by less than a minute after Tynelia controlled the pace in the first half. Shots favored the Clansmen 19-15 with a 6-5 edge in quality attempts. A bit more offense than expected from these two teams but you see what a budding rivalry can do to a team’s attack. So how do things look from here Anna?”

“Obviously Sal, on paper this is the best possible combination for Tynelia, we’ll be playing the lowest seed in the group and our main rival will be playing the highest seed. Also note that so far the higher seed has won every match so far in the group and Tynelia’s chances seem pretty good. Having said that though, people thought it looked very good going up against an unranked Geisenfried squad in the World Cup and they shut us out. Now with that experience behind them, Geisenfried will be enough tougher this time around. The only good part about the loss is that some players were embarrassed afterwards by their poor play and hope to redeem themselves this time around. This time they will certainly not be taking Geisenfried lightly so all that should help their chances. Also the Clans have played very well, two close matches but pulling it out when they had to. I’m sure they want to move on in a decisive undefeated manner leaving no sign of vulnerability for their next opponent to exploit in the knockout stages. With that in mind I’m going to take the Clans in a strong 3-1 victory and in Tynelia’s match I think we will bounce back, we did play very well in both our matches so far despite our last loss, and come out on top 1-0 to move on to our first ever knockout stage in international play.”

“Ok Anna, I hope your predictions come through, it will be tough to see the team narrowly miss out advancing in the Cup of Harmony for a second time. But everyone will find out one way or the other for sure when Tynelia faces Geisenfried, advancement on the line in the final match of group play for this year’s Cup of Harmony. For Anna Dalespin this is Sal Spikeman wishing everyone a good night.”

Trial Continues
As we wait for the defendant to take the stand, recent revelations made by the DA Jenny Cochrane has brought the plaintiff’s ascertains into question. Most notably the idea that Black’s previously unmentioned drug usage created a susceptible mental state where Mr. Black’s consciousness could drift into the reality of the Q Continuum where the DA asserts a “mind meld” could take place where both Mr. Black and Miss Hugenkiss’ consciousness’ were combined allowing a transfer of thoughts and ideas between both people.

If this is true, something which Tynelian scientists are debating loudly as we speak, then the question must be brought up, then the question returns, which of the two authors had the idea first. If Black came up with many of their similar ideas after the meld then doubt must exists as to whether he came up with the ideas on his own or if in fact HE was the one who stole the idea from Miss Hugenkiss.

Tomorrow the defendant will be taking the stand and it will be up to prosecutor David Ramirez to see if he can win the case for his client or if the DA’s contentions will be upheld and the case thrown out. The trial seems to have been too much of a distraction for the Qazox national soccer team, as Tynelian protesters over this controversy seem to have distracted the Oxen as they dropped their second match in a row to be eliminated from the Cup of Harmony.

In related news, all sorts of formerly lost or little known books around the world concerning historical cover-ups by religious figures have been surfacing. People are now beginning to question whether such an outbreak is a sign that there are some truth to the allegations stated in these novels while historians and leading religious figures are working overtime trying to convince people that there is nothing to these works.

Rorysville

25-05-2006, 20:25

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
Sportsnet RV Soccer Central

The Moose Return to Glory with a 1-0 Win over Lisburn Mateys in the Cup of Harmony.
"Well unlike last time out they played a more discaplined game and kept themselves in postion to win this one Capitializing on Opertunities"-COach McKlintok

Box Score From Matchday 2
Goals
RV-J.S.Cousteau(66min)
Penalties
Yellow
RV-J.Pérez(52min)
LM-S.McNiece(73min)

Mooseledge Systems Player of the Match-Brian Livingston (Held back the Moose from a 3 goal or more lead)
Sportsnet RV Player of the Match-Jean-Sebastian Cousteau

Up next for the Moose is Legalese a win will help them qualify for the Knock out stage of the Cup of Harmony.

Dorian and Sonya

25-05-2006, 20:26

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/SylMedCen.png
No Wooden Spoon This Time - We Actually Qualified

Quenn Sonya looked out over the stadium, surveying the crowd. There seemed to be none of the foolishness of the previous match’s fanfare. Not even one single puzzle piece could be seen. Obviously the Tynelian issue was laid squarely on Qazox. That was just as well. The opponent today was Raging Penguins. And that side was crazy enough for everyone involved. That meant that the Mystical Unicorns could concentrate on the task at hand and work to earn their qualification spot.

The match started quickly as both sides exchanged goals early. In the 6th minute, the Queen watched as Tisa Laos clearing of an RP attack found Tári Falassion moving across the midfield. She found fellow midfielder Nátulcien Eluch`div` on the left side moving forward. It did not take Eluch`div` long to spot what she was looking for. Altáriël Telperiën received the pass and quickly made the score - her 5th of the CoH thus far. Raging Penguins would quickly even the score, refusing to go down without a fight. And the score would stay that way for a long time. Both defenses refused to be the reason for any sort of screw up.

The queen was beginning to get nervous as the second half’s end drew near. She had just received word that Yafor 2 had downed the Black Oxen. That meant her side needed the win to ensure moving on. She did not want to count on points from the Golden Wolves in order to do so.

It was the 84th minute that saw Raging Penguins self destruct as they usually do. A hard tackle from behind resulted in a penalty kick for the Unicorns. And guess who stepped up to take that shot. You got it. Altáriël Telperiën. That was perhaps the easiest goal of her career as the RP keeper seemed to lose focus as a butterfly passed his nose. He never even moved to make the save. D&S had its 2-1 win.

With qualification already given, the Unicorns now face Yafor 2 who need at least a draw to move on. Expect some of the new reserves to see extended field time as we try to prepare for the stiffer competition we are sure to find in the next round.

Our predictions were wrong. We had the Black Oxen moving on with us. It seems the trouble with Tynelia has that squad looking for a respirator and heart monitor. We know they will return to form in the next WC qualifiers.

Vuam and Isma

25-05-2006, 21:06

Gazetta de'Esporte

Stepping stones
Vuam and Isma - 2 (Fitzsimons 24, 37)
Virginia Nova - 1 (Neppi 72)

Fitzsimons had promised he'd be on his best form, and he's keeping his great form, netting his third goal in his second game in the CoH, and handing Vuam and Isma their first ticket past the group stages in an international competition.

After the 2-1 win against Pastorville, Vuam and Isma knew that three points against Virginia Nova would leave the door open for qualification, as Pastorville would have difficulty fetching points against Schiavonia. Pastorville's karela hoped to block out Schiavonia's attackers, but was ineffective, as Schavonia won 1-0.

The game was played in quite deplorable climatic conditions, as rain poured down hours before the match begun, leaving the field waterlogged, slippery and slowing down the pace of the ball. However, it wouldn't be enough to stop the game, as the officials ruled that the pitch was "in playable condition".

Virginia Nova took a good start to the game, even though their lack of midfield let Vuam and Isma run the show, as they got the first shot of the game, a long-range effort by Hillioes that was hopelessly off-target, and didn't even require O'Connor to move.

Vuam and Isma took good use of Virginia Nova's strong attacking will, as Lidon and Yak opened up breaches in the VaNova's defece each time they got the ball.

With the half-hour mark approaching, Yak was fouled by Brevickki just inside VaNova's half. Yak played the free-kick quickly down the wing where he found O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll calmly controlled the ball before crossing the ball high into the box. Alex Potter's attempt to catch the ball was almost sucessful, as he snagged the ball just in front of Fitzsimons' head. But the wet ball bobbled out of his grasp, and Fitzsimons was the quickest to react, as he lunged to prod the ball over the line.

As Vuam and Isma felt the chance of qualification approach, the chants became more isistant, and a fired-up Grak served Fitzsimons his second goal of the game after a mazy dribble that left all three Virginia Nova defenders on the ground. With the score wrapped up at 2-0, Fischmann opted for a defensive side to his formation, asking Grak and O'Driscoll to drop into more defensive positions as Vuam and Isma sported a 7-3-1 for the last ten minutes of the first half.

After half-time, Vuam and Isma hadn't changed any players, but seemed intent on playing in a different formation, Scarab having probably wanted to gain experience for the young side in a game that was almost dead. The 5-2-3 was however a shock, as O'Driscoll and Grak moved high up their wings to support Fitzsimons, and Yak dropped low to play amongst the defence, leaving Lidon and Dynamique to face the VaNova pairing of Brevickki and Perio.

But even if the changed lead to more action on the pitch, as each player was man-marking his opposite number, it also lead to a tactical implosion of Vuam and Isma, as they failed to defend properly off Virginia Nova's free kicks and corner kicks. The 70th minute foul by Lidon on Perio seemed inocuous enough, as it was far away from the goal, but bad communication between the defenders saw Neppi burst through alone to volley home a second-post cross from the edge of the area, as Vuam and Isma attempted to catch him off-side.

Colm O'Connor recieved a yellow card later in the game as he delayed playing the ball, in an attempt to waste time. The 90+1th minute free-kick that ensued was one of the most tense moments of the rather bland second half, as the kick was inside the box, and the wall was standing on the goal-line. Luckily for Vuam and Isma (and Colm), Virginia Nova's hopes for an upset were demolished as Neppi managed to fire his shot well above the target.

OOC : I considered that Virginia Nova's post was not canon, as the result is not the same. I had TG-warned him over 5 hours ago though that his result was incorrect, leaving him/her time to correct it...

Swilatia

25-05-2006, 21:17

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3532/sbc34jz.gif
Finally a winning streak
So now we had a match against Tinsuvalia. And we won! It was only 1-0, but we won. Yes, victory. So now we have a winning streak. or team must be getting really good, and might qualify for WC29.

Or maybe its just luck.

no. the team is getting strong.

no. the team is getting lucky

good.

lucky.

good.

lucky.

Lets stop arguing on why we hit a winning streak, and talk about the match. Just five begging the team scored a goal against Tinsuvalia. Then we tried to score again, but failed. And then nothing happened again.

Well, thats just luck.

So what. now we are in the first place! And we already have a 100% chance of making it to the next part of the tourney.

oh really?

Yes really. If you take a look at the table,
Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Swilatia 2 2 0 0 2 0 6 +2
Wentland 2 1 1 0 3 1 4 +2
Bazalonia 2 0 1 1 1 2 1 -1
Tinsuvilia 2 0 0 2 0 3 0 -3
you will see that we are on top, and will continue. also, tinsuvalia is on bottom and cannot continue.

riiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Your'e just jealous of the team.

Mr Chuck Norris

25-05-2006, 21:47

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

Welcome viewers... this is CNN.
We'd first like to show you a clip of a Northern Caesarea newscast:
Antequera forecasts a difficult match (with the Fighting Norris), with two teams which have to win if they want to survive in this competition.
We will give it to them, Mr. Paco Antequera was half right. Both teams did in fact have to win to remain in this competition. However... a difficult match? Let's just give you the basic points of the match to give you an idea of just how difficult it was.

Mr Chuck Norris 3 (Chuck Norris 7, 21, 30)
Northern Caesarea 1 (Torres 27)

Although the match seems close... it wasn't. Right from the start of the match, the 3-5-2 formation of Northern Caesarea was instantly flustered with the more complex 3-2-2-3 formation of the Fighting Norris. As the match opened, The Fighting Norris transitional forwards and scoring forwards were already tearing apart the Northern Caesarea defense. By minute 7, Chuck Norris had already managed to dupe both Capdevilla and Molinero to open up a one-on-one shot against Northern Caesarea's goalkeeper Cuellar. Naturally, the goalkeeper was incapable of stopping Chuck Norris' Roundhouse Kick induced shot from soaring past him and the Fighting Norris went up 1-0.

However, Northern Caesarea showed some talent as play resumed. Their massive wall of five midfielders overwhelmed the two of the Fighting Norris, enabling them to penetrate deep into Fighting Norris territory. However, the Fighting Norris defense proved that they would be no easy task to beat when they challenged all seven Northern Caesarea offenders successfully and cleared the ball back to the open midfield for the offense to take control.

Northern Caesarea's midfield had trouble recovering, allowing the midfielders to easily relay the ball to the transitional forwards. As handling is their specialty, the Northern Caesarea defense was easily dispatched, and the ball was given to Chuck Norris. Good old Chuck had little trouble passing the ball by Northern Caesarea's goalkeeper again for his second score of the game in the 21st minute. The score was already 2-0 in the Fighting Norris' favor by the time the first quarter of the match had passed.

Unfortunately, Bob Janney chose to change the Fighting Norris to a defensive strategy after their second score. The problem arose that only half of the team received the message, leaving the defense out cold when Northern Caesarea's offense returned for a score. Confused and unorganized, Northern Caesarea managed to out maneuver the Fighting Norris defenders, enabling Torres to score in the 27th minute. As the score was now 2-1 in the Fighting Norris favor, Janney switched back to an offensive strategy.

The change in tactics proved to be ingenious as almost instantaneously, the Fighting Norris offense was back on the... well... offense. It took no time for Chuck Norris to once again find himself with an opportunity to score. However, his shot barely caught the hands of Northern Caesarea's goalkeeper and the ball was reflected back into the field. Unfortunately for Northern Caesarea, this left an open goal and a ball sitting only a few yards from their net. A moment of awkward silence ensued as Chuck Norris walked over to the ball, tapped it into the net and walked back to midfield. Then it hit like a tidal wave as the crowd, the players, and Bob Janney erupted into a shower of cheers. The Fighting Norris had gone up 3-1 in only the 30th minute.

Luckily, Bob Janney was able to relay the overly-defensive plan to all of the team this time, preventing Northern Caesarea from staging a major attack. The half expired with the Fighting Norris at a 3-1 advantage. As they continued to stop the North Caesarean offense in the second half, it became more and more apparent that the score at the half would also be the score at the conclusion of the match. As time remaining ran lower, so did the morale and energy of the Northern Caesarean players. Their hopes finally collapsed as time expired and cheers erupted. The Fighting Norris had won 3-1 in a near-flawless appearance. A perfect offense in the first half and a perfect defense in the second, it's all that anyone could ask for.

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

"I'll say we played pretty darn could!", exclaims Bob Janney, coach of the Fighting Norris. "Although this win was very important, out future relies solely on our performance in our next and possibly final match against our favorite veggies, Giant Zucchini. Currently, we hold the second qualification spot in our group and they stand in third place separated from us only with a goal difference. That's right, because we both have three points, we must either win or draw this team ranked 13 places above us to advance to the knockout rounds. To give you an idea, Giant Zucchini barely edged Northern Casaerea 1-0, but was squashed by The Macabees 5-1. As we have already dispatched Northern Casaerea and gave The Macabees a run for their money, the mood in the organization is positive. However, we're not about to doubt the power of their rich history and unpredictable performance. Put simply, this is the biggest match the Fighting Norris have encountered in an awfully long time. We must not lose... so come support us in what may be the most exciting Fighting Norris match to date."

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Schedule
Matchday 1: Vs. The Macabees (Loss 1-2)
Matchday 2: Vs. Northern Caesarea (Won 3-1)
Matchday 3: Vs. Giant Zucchini

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Record: (1-0-1)

Virginia Nova

25-05-2006, 22:15

Eagles out of the picture

The Virginia Nova Eagles dreams of CoH glory came to a crashing *THUD* today as Vuam & Isma defeated VN 2-1. Weather had plaged the Schiavonian Nation and this game was played in sloppy mud filled conditions. Early in the gme nothing happened until 16 minutes when forward Jimmy Hellioes broke out and seemed to be headed for a score when he tripped.

About a minute later Alain Breveckki got called for a penelty and set A vuam goal on a header by Fitzsimmons. This put Vuam And Isma up 1-0. Another chance For the Eagles came when reserve Forward Dan Judd had the ball stolen by a Vuamian defender who passed it to Fitzsimmons AGAIN! Fitzsimmons proceede to do some fancy footwork looking like it came out World Cup Street and scored.

With the team down 2-0 All seemed helpless until in 72 minute on a penalty kick Adam Neppi scored on a header,making the score 2-1. Unfoutianatly that was all she wrote as Adam Neppi missed a free kick with 2 minutes left, sealing the deal for V&I

[NS]Bazalonia

26-05-2006, 00:19

"Bazalopes Draw Old Rivals" by Nev Gould

Ever since the crazily chaotic World Cup, the Bazalopes have felt that they had something to prove against the Wentland team. The Wentlanders performed well during that BoF and so did the Bazalopes. However in the world cup qualifying the Bazalopes failed to win against the easiest of teams, but managed to force a draw with the world #4 at that time. Wentland on the other hand was going from strength to strength forcing their way through the qualifiers and into the world cup proper being co-hosted by Commerce Heights and Oliverry.

Ever since then the Bazalopes have been eager to prove "We are just as good" as the Wentlandish team. And this match we have been able to prove it. We faced Wentland the only other dat and this time we proved it. It was a 1 all draw. James Kantwell scored for the Bazalopes in the 56th minute with a great play from Anthony Creek. A faked pass to Hobble tricked the Wentlandish team and the ball actually went to James Kantwell who managed to make the most of the feign and scored the goal.

This equalised the match is it was how the game stayed until the final whistle. However this is not at that happened. Andrew "The Bandit" Creek scored himself a yellow card for going into a tackle and nearly landed himself a red card for a dive but the referee was distracted. The

Alasdair I Frosticus

26-05-2006, 03:31

THE HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

CODEX FRAGMENT REVEALS RESULT OF FIRST MEETING WITH GIANT ZUCCHINI
Football 'Team' in Surprise Win Shock

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

Dr. George Lascaro was able to reveal a particularly exciting discovery from the Spaam Codex Frosticus today with the news that the result of the first meeting between the Holy Empire and Giant Zucchini had been revealed.

"This is quite extraordinary!" Said Dr. Lascaro. "One of the earliest competitive match-ups between two of the three first World Cup participants who are still active in some form today! However intermittently! Why, we cannot rule out the possibility that those two early giants of the game, Juan Tzimisces and Urk, were on the field of play at the same time! The mind boggles at this amazing piece of World Cup history! Even better, the Holy Empire actually won the match 2-0!"

Doctor Lascaro was at that point interrupted by his beautiful, yet incredibly intelligent, assistant Dr. Zoe Radze, who was concerned that her boss' rampant use of exclamation marks might injure the gathered reporters. "Why, it seems that the ancient nation of Dead Man also defeated Fair Trading 1-0!" she announced, to general indifference, while nonetheless wielding a potentially dangerous exclamation mark of her own.

In other news, the Imperial 'squad' surprised Harlesburg 2-1 today following a brace from Tzimisces Simulacra 9, and leaving the team in the unusual position of only needing a draw over Collonie to progress. Few people back home seemed to notice.

Magnus Valerius

26-05-2006, 04:05

Isangrad Times

Boyars Take On the Cup of Harmony With a Passion

Artanis, SPAAM -- The Magnus Valerian national team, the Boyars, came into WC28 with hopes for qualifying, yet as a team, they lack the utter experience that other teams have. They were ranked #80 on the world charts upon entering. They thus came and left World Cup 28 without qualifying, but now find themselves with another chance to win the Cup of Harmony. Ilya Pavlov and his team have so far made quite a good show.

Their first game, versus the Anathematic Republics, was a tough match. George Illyanich gave it his all, trying to break the defense of the Anathematician guard line, but he had no luck in sending a shot through their defenses. The game ended in a rather disappointing nil all draw, and many fans who were on the edge of their seats sighed and hoped for a win next game.

That was certainly the case in the Valerian game against Atheistic Right. The Valerians were refreshed after a night of rest and took Atheistic Right for a ride as they bagged a win. Although it wasn't a team hat trick, it was darn close to one.

In the first half, Geoge Illyanich made a daring run towards the goal with a football. The Atheistic defensive line tried to stop him, but they could not contain the Tower of Power. Illyanich shot the ball, which screamed past their goalie and landed softly inside the net, scoring Magnus Valerius' first point of the game at the 34th minute. The game continued on with nice defensive plays on both sides, which kept the score stable until the second half.

In the second half, Bobrinsky relayed a shot to Illyanich again, who kicked the ball into a screaming rocket. The baffled Atheistic Rightians could do little as the ball made a clear shot into the net, at the 65th minute. The Atheistic frontline tried to go on the offense, trying desperately to make a goal. However, all shots were intercepted by Urt-Urumqi and Zerbst, who went defensive. The Atheists came close to the goal near the end of the game, but all of their attempts to make a goal were denied by Bobrinsky and Sibel. In the end, the Atheistic Right was shut out, 2 - 0, and were shut out from qualifying for the next round in the Cup of Harmony. The Boyars have done well, and we hope for them to qualify for this Cup of Harmony once again.

FINAL SCORE:

Magnus Valerius - 2 (G. Illyanich [#1] - 2 goals, 34th, 65th)
Atheistic Right - 0

Group 4 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Chicanada 2 2 0 0 4 0 6 +4
Magnus Valerius 2 1 1 0 2 0 4 +2
Anathematic Republics 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 -2
Atheistic Right 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 -4

Atheistic Right

26-05-2006, 05:29

Yep.. it's the TV again with the same logo and theme music playingh.. and the darkened studio that lights up to reveal our to favourite Darwinists.

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

"And I'm Darwin and welcome to the coverage of the Cup of Harmony." Darwin

"Let's continue to look at the sheer hopelessness of our enemies shall we?" Charles

"That's always fun... Who's first?" Darwin

"Well.. Let's go for the team run by the guy that calls himself Satan." Charles

"Ah the un-nions" Darwin. (pronounced as onions)

"Let's tell our viewers what you mean by that, Darwin." Charles

"Oh, Yes.. Well, it's etymological roots start in the "Minions of Hell", the Anathematic Republic government, essentially. But since there is no hell and so therefore no minions of hell. The term un-minions was utilised until we just started saying un-nions." Darwin

"Okay.. thanks for sharing that." Charles

"No problems, So what about Hans Zygger, how has he lead the Anathematic Rebuplic team?" Darwin

"Well, let's just say the Anathematic Republic team, should by all accounts be leading this group, however, the have failed to win a single match. The latest was an embarassing 2-nil loss against Chicanda." Charles

"Some of the more insane militant relgious teams, such as the Archregimancy, may say that it was punishment from a being they call "God". What's your opinion of this?" Darwin

"Well, firstly it's insane. Both The Archregimancy and Anathematic Republics, and that's how they lost. Their fervor blinded their football playing abilities, that and their ritualistic behaviour, that allows anyone to exploit it." Charles

"So what about Collonie?" Darwin

"Firstly let's deal with some propoganda claims by their media outlets. First was that the team murdered two people. Which is a total lie. The team happened to come across the dead bodies as the authorities arrived. No charges have been laid as they investigate the real cause of death. And secondly an allegation that the team only had 5% of the possetion while in their first match. I don't have the figures but I can certanly deny that possestion was a low as 5%. I have checked with ARFA and they have confirmed that 5% is a lie." Charles

"So now onto the match.. how did it go?" Darwin

"Let's just put it this way.... Collonie never managed to score a goal and where demolished by the CoH co-hosts Spaam." Charles

"So now onto the Raging Penguins.. " Darwin

"All I need to say is that they lost to Dorian and Sonya... 'nough said. Unfortunately that is all the time we have for today. I'm Charles." Charles

"And I'm Darwin, Remember ARFA Sports - Your Strongest Sports News Around, is still on the ARAF News & Entertainment network. Soldiers... We salute you."

Qazox

26-05-2006, 05:55

Witness to the Defense

Chief Justice Manny Ortiz: Ms. Cochrane, it is your turn to call witnesses.

Jenny Cochrane: Thank you, Your Honor, The defense calls its only witness, Ms. Amanda Hugenkiss. (waits as Ms. Hugenkiss takes the stand.) Ms. Hugenkiss, I'm coming straight to the point, just when did you start work on your Original novel, The Monet Puzzle?

Amanda Hugenkiss: About three years ago.

Cochrane: Hmmm. about the same time Mr Black did. What inspired you to write this novel?

Hugenkiss: I was in Chicanada covering the First Women's World Cup, when I saw a painting done by Claude Monet. I can't remember which one, but i startd think things about painters and the Holy Oxen.

Cochrane: The Holy Oxen? What made you think of the Holy Oxen?

Hugenkiss: I don't know, but that night I started writing the book.

Cochrane: During you writing did you fell possessed by any one or seemingly have any help?

David Ramierez: Objection! Your Honor, Ms. Cochrane is obviously trying to lead the witness.

Ortiz: Sustained. Please re-phrase the question.

Cochrane: Withdrawn. Ms. Hugenkiss, during the writing of your novel, did you do any research into Monet's Paintings or the Holy Oxen?

Hugenkiss: Yes, I researched some historical documents written by the Holy Oxen himself. In the course of my study, I found that Monet and our Holy Oxen were friends, before the Holy Oxen came here and founded the Q Continuum.

Cochrane: Have you read Mr. Black's book?

Hugenkiss: Yes. I think its a very good book, too bad it didn't do as well as mine did (chuckles).

Cochrane: Was there any thing in your opinion that was stolen for either book, that was used in the other book.

Hugenkiss: Um...Other than both of them take place in a country called Europia or something like that, no.

Cochrane: Did you read Mr. Balck's book before you wrote yours?

Hugenkiss: No. My book came out in print about 5 months before his did.

Cochrane: Since your book came out first, there's no doubt in your mind that you did not copy anything from his book?

Hugenkiss: Nope. I did it all my self, with a little help.

Cochrane (stunned): Um... You had help?

Hugenkiss: Yes a little guy who kinda smelled like brimstone helped me research some things.

Cochrane: A little guy who smelled like brimstone? Did you know his name or anything?

Hugenkiss: No, he just helped a bit.

Cochrane: No more questions.

Oritz: (to Ramierez) Your witness.

Anastasiania

26-05-2006, 11:27

Anastasiania Beat Peaceful Spirits
Blain Heads Home Hope

Despite low fan interest in the Anastasianian national team, the team has begun relatively well in their pursuit of the Cup of Harmony following an altogether not too disappointing World Cup qualifying series. Once again, it was striker Phil Blain that saved the Anastasianian team after a poor start, as Geisenfried was the dominant team in the first half and Anastasiania looked as weak as they had been in the 0-2 defeat to Tynelia.

However, Anastasiania ground their way back into the match, and fully deserved the 1-0 win by the end, as Turkka Kivelä missed two relatively simple chances before a corner kick was met by the head of Phil Blain to give Anastasiania a shot at the second round.

It's going to be difficult, though - World Cup veterans The Lowland Clans await in the final round, and with two wins, they're virtually assured of qualification. A two-goal win for Anastasiania would turn the tables, however, and that was the stated aim for coach Ylva Pettersdotter at the post-game press conference.

Anastasianian Squad:

Keepers:

1 Iiro Kuivasto, 28, Vaaranta*
16 Michael Leahy, 23, FC Allenby

Defenders

2 Steve Wyndham, 30, FC Köksberg, left back*
3 Kalervo Kottila, 22, Ärvo, right back/winger
4 Oliver Dyren, 21, FC Köksberg, central defender*
5 Pekka Ollinsalo, 33, Maimsville Athletic, right back*
13 Jayne Stevens, 18, Statham Town, central defender
17 Jonny Larsson, 21, Björntorp, central defender
18 Sven Andersson, 24, IFK Fuglängen, central defender/right back*

Midfielders:

6 Neil Wells, 31, Sveaborg FK, winger
8 Turkka Kivelä, 20, Liitojärvi, central midfielder/right winger*
9 Bengt Henriksson, 29, Sveaborg FK, right winger*
11 Adam Roberts, 22, Gardwick Albion, central midfielder
15 Paul Briggs, 23, Gardwick Albion, attacking midfielder*
19 Johan Uddling, 25, Bunbury City, left winger*

Attackers:

7 Phil Blain, 26, Ribbersback City, forward*
10 Richard Munday, 23, Maimsville Athletic, striker
12 Markku Virta, 27, Väänäkoski, forward
14 Olli Ryynänen, 29, Ellissi, forward*
20 Aarto Eskelinen, 23, Määtelinna, striker

An asterisk (*) denotes the starting line-up.

Tynelia

26-05-2006, 12:36

Spaam

26-05-2006, 14:08

Spaam Sports Weekly
NationStates' Most Notorious Sports Publication

Codex Fragment Mistake Uncovered

A mistake by an assistant archaeologist was uncovered when it was
discovered part of the Codex Frosticus was "stuck back together wrong".
The error has caused a certain amount of consternation, and extra care is
now being taken with the precious codex. The biggest error was the result of
a match between Alasdair I Frosticus and Giant Zucchini, which was reported
as being won by the Holy Empire 2-0, when in actuality, Giant Zucchini were
the winners in that match.

OOC: Heh, sorry, typo :p

Raging Penguins

26-05-2006, 17:07

The National Informant

The Team loses as Expected

The Team, somewhat exhausted after their rigorous defence in their match against Yafor 2, battled The Mystical Unicorns, a team name which apparently set Mostly Mouths drooling, and inspired Devious Penguin to create a Doomsday Device in disgust.

However, after The Team's match against Sliponia in the Lancre Cup, which occured 5 hours before their match against Dorian And Sonya, five of their players had gone Missing. And by Missing, we mean Dead. The Penguin claims that Willie Dee had forgotten to apply the proper hair gel, and his hair got sulky. During the first half of the Anyland-based match, The Mime had been consumed by The Extremely Dangerous Hair, one half of The Team's keeper, and was soon followed by Defender Al Broller, Substitute Defender Ron Absnyll, Defender Arnold Flitchly, and Striker ABSOLUT LUNATIC. Reportedly, three hours after being consumed by The Extremely Dangerous Hair, while The Team was in their Private Jet en route to Shiavonia, Mr. LUNATIC struggled out of the sentient afro, and proceeded to sit next to the surprised Willie Dee.

However, the damage was done, and by the time they played in the CoH, half of their defense was missing without substitute, although we don't see that as a bad thing. The Penguin decided to put Neb Nockerr, the Substitute Keeper, in as defense, and gave Mrs. Tweezly permission to bring a chalkboard onto the pitch.

The match was an interesting one, with The Team actually playing football when they weren't attempting to blow the Mystical Unicorns off the pitch. As Mrs. Tweezly forced the hapless DaS keeper to write "I will not kick footballs at elderly women" one hundred times on the blackboard, Furious Porridge managed to score, despite ABSOLUT LUNATIC's habit of knocking him down, getting in the way and trying to steal the ball from his own team. The game was scored evenly for a while until the referee caught The Penguin tackling a DaS player from behind and beating the players face into the mud. The player suffered only minor injuries, due to armored security guards lifting The Team's captain bodily off the ground, but the Mystical Unicorns got a penalty shot.

However, as the kick came, The Extremely Dangerous Hair took that opportunity to devour a rare butterfly, an action which Willie Dee resented, causing the Keeper to get into an argument with his Hair. Neither even noticed the football skim past Dee's ear, but they did notice Devious Penguin's webbed foot as it connected with the Keepers' unmentionables.

Next, The Team will lose against the Black Oxen, a team which will probably come armed, if their reputation for preparedness is any indication. However, they may be distracted by a lawsuit that is all the rage in the Qazoxian media. Something about religiously based books that everybody claims is filled with lies. We here in Raging Penguins know all about religious based books, as Armilla Copienpaste's "The Donetello Deception" hits the Bloco'yce Best-selling list, beating out Ronald Archolie's "The Boticelli Conundrum" by two-thousand sales.

"The Boticelli Conunrum" is an investigation on the Florentine Church, lead by the Mad Monk Sevenarolabouta, hatched a conspiracy to cause Judgement Day to come sooner and punish the sinful De Medicplz Family which dominated Florence at the time.
"The Donetello Deception" is a tale about a group of private invistigators who delve into an order of Monks who seek to destroy evidence that the biblical David and Goliath(*Spoiler Warning for those who haven't read "The Donetello Deception"*) were lovers.

The Lowland Clans

26-05-2006, 17:22

OOC: I'm going to be away for the next five days on my senior class trip,so I won't be able to keep up with the CoH. I'm really disappointed, because I really think we could take the cup this year. Anyways, I wish all my comptetitors the best luck!

Cuation

26-05-2006, 18:21

Cuation Breeze Through

Why do people play a three man back line against Cuation? It only allows our wingers like Milnar and Ashton to get into space to cross. Still Cuation have won their first two matches, thus qualification, with a degree of comfort and the reserves will get a run out in the last match against Lisburn.

Considering our record of getting past this round with enough room to spare as to field our reserves, it does leave some to wonder why we can't do this in the World Cup proper. Others reason that Cuation tend to lose form midway in a long qualification whereas the Cup of Harmony is short and Cuation lose form in the semi-finals instead.

The first ten minutes of the match saw Cuation struggle to gain possession as Grimald orchestrated the play. They lacked the quality to get into a position to test Gary Jens more then twice, Duff's snap shot flying over and a weak header from Saudarab easily held.

After that, Roy Ferguson was snapping at the heels of Grimald and stopped him playing, allowing Cuation to play the ball up to Tanner. Ashton sent in a few testing shots that where saved while Rual Mendiz seemed to lose possession with lazy dribbles.

In the 23rd minute, Butcher won the ball off Achin on the half way line and raced up field with the ball. When he was twenty yards from goal, Caficaris went across to try and stop the young left back. A subtle through pass then sent Milnar clear on goal. The ageing Amarino was too slow coming off his line, the left winger driving home.

From this point, Cuation seemed to have one tactic, cross the ball early to Tanner but so often it came to nought, the defence marking out Milnar or Ashton and Rual though the striker should have controlled one flick on better, it would have sent him clear.

In the 3rd minute, Milnar's cross was headed behind by Garbul. Ashton drilled it to the near post where Yan met it with a soft header on goal. Amarino should have done better then spill the ball over the line but that is what he did. 2-0 to Cuation and the players visibly relaxed, passing the ball around, stretching the play.

Jose, Keane and Cheese came on at half time for Gary, Rual and Hargreves. Keane would get two good chances, Ferguson playing Keane through for the first one but Amarino spread himself well and stopped the low shot. The second was a cross from Ashton finding Keane unmarked on the six yard line but again Amarino was equal to it, tipping the ball onto the post.

Legalese tried hard to come back but with their playmaker struggling and Cuation happy to play keep ball, the result never looked like changing.

Goal Scorers
Mendiz: 2
Ashton: 1
Milnar: 1
Yan: 1

Lisburn Mateys

26-05-2006, 21:19

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9163/starlogo2ti.jpg
Mateys never got started.

Well because of the recent two day holiday in Lisburn no newspapers have been printed and everyone seems to take the third day off as well, but finally someone bothered to turn up to the star offices and write something.

In the past three days the Mateys have played two football matches one against Legalese and the other Rorysville.

When the draw was announced and we got Legalese many saw it as a good thing as it was Legalese that gave us our first chance on the international scene and to that we are very greatful. The Mateys took a shock lead in the first half against Legalese with Richard Dougherty's shot taking a cruel deflection leaving the keeper with no chance.
The masters seemed to wake up after half time scoring two very quickly but they should be disappointed with their overall performance as they dominated the second half and should have scored many more.

The match against Rorysville we should have won but eventually lost 1-0 in what was quite a boring match with the ball either being bogged down in the midfield or pointless long balls played from keeper to keeper

Therefore with the Mateys already out expect some squad changes to be made for the final group game, with Buffel, Gonzalo, Gucho, Riems, Higgenbottom and Patton are all expected to have a run out with WC 29 in mind.

Hopefully our ranking isnt affected to much by this very disappointing tournament

Wentland

26-05-2006, 23:09

The Festival was all but over. All that now remained was the tidying up. That would take a little time.

At the ReuTASS Press Office the telex machine was kept so clean as it typed to a waiting world.

Young Smee ran through the FA office shouting "I've got a telegraph! In my hand! Words on paper!!!"

Chairman Board mutted "written in sand...communication's let me down before."

"It's from our man in Spaam. Latest scores. We can still go through to the knockout stages..."

OOH SQUEAKY BUM TIME STOP TWO NIL OVER TINSUVILIA STOP TREVESOMANIA RUNNING WILD STOP ONE ONE WITH BAZALOPES STOP WIN OVER SWILATIA MEANS THROUGH STOP DRAW AND FINGERS CROSSED STOP MY EARS ARE BURNING STOP LITERALLY STOP PLEASE BRING ME HOME STOP THERE'S ALWAYS THE BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ IN THE DRUM OF THE EAR A ZEE ZEE ZEE ZUBB ZUBB BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ IN THE EARDRUM STOP

"Seems to be coming through on the Wire," quipped Board.

The Gupta Dynasty

27-05-2006, 00:06

OOC:I had planned to do something else with this post, but time constraints made this an editorial instead.

Golden Wolves Inches From Advancing
By Gerod Flamer, former captain of the Golden Wolves and a member of the Hall of Inspiration. Captained Yafor 2 to victory in Cup of HArmony 17.

The Golden Wolves of Yafor 2 are raring for the chance to be let out of the gate. After a first two games where the Golden Wolves seemed, well, a little over-enthusiastic, they may be looking for the right temperature. They are undergoing heavy training sessions and long, hard workouts just for the chance to succeed in the Cup of Harmony once again. The Golden Wolves are putting effort like they usually do not put into, just for the chance to succeed in the Cup of Harmony.

I know firsthand what that intensity is like. I know what it is like to run onto the field, feeling adreneline pumping through one's veins, feeling the power and skill that only one who has played the game before can feel. I remember my players, beaming, not only from confidence (though sometimes it was overconfidence), but from an unshakable love for the game. They are invigorated by each other and savor that feeling, that feeling of pure success.

But I have never seen the Golden Wolves play like that so early in a tournament. It is amazing to see that during the first few games of the Cup of Harmony. Usually, it came around the middle or end of a tournament. Never the beginning, never the beginning.

The match against Raging Penguins would be considered a disappointment by most teams, but I don't think so. In some ways, my darling Golden Wolves were just trying too hard. They came on the pitch, and I could see that enthusiasm, that boyish happiness on their faces. They played that way, too, forgetting their game plan to outplay the inexperienced squad, and instead, dribbled far too much. But, then again, it took some of that overconfidence out of them, and that was a good thing...

...As the match against Qazox proved. The Oxen were tough, but they were totally smashed by the Golden Wolves. The Golden Wolves showed their skill and their pride at being on a international stage, by passing and dribbling, shooting with precision and timing. The score could have been much worse, had the Golden Wolves not begun to tire at around the 87th minute. Otherwise, there is no telling what the scoreline might have been.

Other good things came out of the game, too. Prince Sebard, for one. Boy, I love to watch that kid play! He's much better than I was, to say the least, and I've been honored to be in the Hall of Inspiration. He has a long and glorious career in front of him, mark my words. Let's see how he does against the Mystical Unicorns of Dorian and Sonya. I think he may just be a very beig factor in the game.

I like this Golden Wolves team. I think there are great things ahead for it.

-Exceprt from The Sporting Daily News.

Qazox

27-05-2006, 06:44

Ramirez: Miss Hugenkiss you have stated that your book came out 5 months before my client’s is that not so?

Hugenkiss: yes that is correct.

Ramirez: Then you do not find it a coincidence that my client had been in drug rehabilitation for six months before publishing his book immediately after straightening himself out? Saying he heard voices which drove him mad. Isn’t that a typical ploy of the Continuum?

Cochrane: Objection, prosecution is speculating on matters irrelevant to the issue at hand.

Oritz: Sustained, Mr. Prosecutor please keep your conjecture to the topic at hand.

Ramirez: Sorry Your Honor, but the point I was making is that this supposed mind link drove my client to question his sanity at the pivotal timeframe when the books in question were to be published. Thus allowing the defendant to release her volume first making it appear that there was no influence from my client.

Hugenkiss: Unless Mr. Black walks around smelling like brimstone he had no influence on my work.

Ramirez: Brimstone? Like Satan? Or Demons?

Hugenkiss: if you believe those stories about them I suppose that’s as good a name as any.

Ramirez: Well your honor, as it’s been mentioned by the defense how drugs may have allowed Mr. Black to enter the Continuum, certainly seeing demons who aided in the writing is a sign of some sort of mind altering substance being in effect. AND if such things can allow Mr. Black to ‘possess’ Miss Hugenkiss then I wager the same effect can bring her spirit to my client’s body where she could very well see everything he had done before returning to her own body.

This act, something the Tynelian psyche is not used to participating in drove my client to doubt his own sanity while the better versed in coping with such things defendant took such activity in stride and allowed her to complete her book who’s key points just happened to mesh so well with that of my client. This after she has admitted that her start on the book occurred at the same time as my client’s, a far too big chance event to be called a coincidence in both timing and substance. Your Honor I think its very clear that the Riddle owes its very existence to the fact that my client began the Puzzle when he did. No further questions.

THE DELIBERATION AND VERDICT

Judge Manny Ortiz: Now that both sides have had their say and presented thier case, this court will now recess for the verdict. Deliberations will begin after a 15 minute recess and the verdict will be announced by the end of the day.

(In the Justices Chamber...15 minutes later)

Ortiz: Holy Oxen Poop that case is driving me nuts. There's no proof that she stole any of his works but not proof she didn't either.

Justice Mike Nixon: This is an open and shut case. He came into her dreams and stole it.

Justice David Varitek: I agree, besides there's no proof that she was affected by whatever happened to Mr. Black, I say Not Guilty.

Justice David Schilling: We can't forget that during a soul-transfer that similar ideas or thoughts are transmitted between both. But since there is no concrete evidence, the case should be dropped.

Ortiz: wait a minute here... wasn't there something silimar that happened about 150 years ago between that guy Ullang and Johnathan Swift. You know the whole Gulliver's Travels thing. You know when that crazy Irishman drank too much beer and thought Ullang's novel about travelling to the Outer Islands was real and Ullang tried to sue him for stealing his idea?

Justice Johnathan Lowell: Yep, um wasn't that case dropped because Johnathan Swift wasn't from Qazox, Chief Justice Trot Papelbon rule dthat non-Continuum persons can't sue people from here?

Justice Jason Ramierez: But over the last 150 years many things have happened which have narrowed the interdimensional barriers and in 1834 Chief Justice Mike Wakefield ruled that non-continuum persons can sue over shared influence:

Justice Tim Wells: Can't we hurry this up? The season finale of Qazox Idol will start in 30 minutes and I have to be there to see if my daughter wins. You all voted for her right?

Other Justices : Yes we did 500 times like you asked!

Ortiz: Lets' vote and end this trial

(5 minutes later in the Supreme Court)

Ortiz: This court is back in session. By a vote of 7-0, we find that there is no evidence that Ms. Amanda Hugenkiss stole any parts of Mr. Black's book. We agree that there is much in common between these two similar works, but no concrete proof of any plagarism. However, due to the similarity of the works, we rule that Mr. Black shall be awarded $8,000,000 in Tyenlian Currency and that he recieves 7.5% of all profits from Ms. Hugenkiss' book. Ms. Hugenkiss shall also be compensated with an equivelant amount of profit from Mr. Black's book. May the Holy Oxen bless you and not poop on you porch. Court Dissmissed.

Alasdair I Frosticus

27-05-2006, 07:24

HOLY EMPIRE HERALD

CODEX RECONSTRUCTION QUESTIONED
'Team' Prepare for Collonie Loss

By Constantine Ducaso
Archregimancy Correspondent

The Spaam-Imperial research team studying the Spaam copy of the Codex Frosticus were believed to be mired in an international dispute this morning following Spaam claims that Dr. Lascaro had released an incorrect reconstruction of Codex marginalia to the international media. Instead of the Holy Empire defeating Giant Zucchini 2-0 in the first meeting of those two ancient stalwarts of international football, Spaam scholars are claiming that the Zucchinis in fact defeated the Imperial squad by the same score.

Dr. Lascaro refused to respond to requests to an interview last night, but his gorgeous - and frightfully clever - assistant Dr. Radze let it be known that the putative error was 'an honest mistake' caused by a 'misunderstanding over translation conventions'.

Elsewhere, Imperial authorities are closing in on the trail of Jorge Vatatzes, former head of the World Cup 2 organising committee, who is wanted for questioning over charges relating to possible match fixing in WC2. Mr. Vatazes is believed to have left the Holy Empire for the Archregimancy some years after the World Cup following a scandal over price-gouging relating to olive oil processing.

In modern football news, the Imperial 'squad' are preparing for their inevitable thrashing at the hands of Collonie, but noone back home seems to have noticed much.

Tynelia

27-05-2006, 15:19

Case Closed

In what can only be considered a surprise given the trial was held in Qazox, Judge Manny Ortiz presented a ruling which while strongly favored Stan Black, was not entirely what Black had hoped for. The verdict declared Black was entiled to 8,000,000 vinli of the 10,000,000 sought as well as 7.5% of Anna Hugenkiss' profits from her book. However, Miss Hugenkiss was also awarded 7.5% of Mr. Bl;ack's profit on his book. The ruling being that while no overt sign of plagarism was discovered, the similarities between the two clearly showed that some sort of mental overlap was present. Here is Mr.Black's comments afterwards.

"Well the vinlis are great of course and since Hugenkiss was so smug about the fact that her book did better than mine the 7.5% profit sharing will also go in my favor. It wasn;'t quite the banning of the Monet Riddle i was hoping for, but getting the decision in my favor in her country is quite an accomplishment. To be frank i expected them dismiss everything outright. Then Juedge Ortiz waved his hand and myself and Prosecuter Ramirez found ourselves back in Tynelia again. I guess this means they don;t want o be bothered with appeals."

Still this paper must express its high regard the Continuum leagl system has here after it did indeed side against one of their own in this high profile case. Hopefully now things will return to normal and we can all get back to soccer.

Tynelia Still Waits
In what could be a costly move for the tynelian national squad, it seems their final match against Geisenfried had been rescheduled after they left their hotel. Arriving at an empty stadium, the team wondered what was going on and it took a few hours before everything was straightened out and the team realized they had arrived a day early.

Returning back to the hotel, the team rushed to the TV to watch the verdict in the Black v. Hugenkiss trial. Coach Greg Tudor was worried about how this may affect the team when the match does take place. "At least this bloody farce will be over by then and they can think about soccer again for a change." was one comment overheard by a reporter as Tudor passed by.

((ooc- nice to work with ya again Qazox))

Spaam

27-05-2006, 18:07

Cup of Harmony
Matchday Three
Schiavone Groups

Schiavonia 2 - 1 Vuam and Isma
Virginia Nova 0 - 1 Pastorville

Group 5 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Schiavonia 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 6
Vuam and Isma 3 2 0 1 5 4 6 1
Pastorville 3 1 0 2 2 3 3 -1
Virginia Nova 3 0 0 3 1 7 0 -6

Yafor 2 1 - 2 Dorian and Sonya
Raging Penguins 1 - 0 Qazox

Group 6 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Dorian and Sonya 3 3 0 0 8 4 9 4
Yafor 2 3 1 1 1 3 2 4 1
Raging Penguins 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 0
Qazox 3 0 0 3 2 7 0 -5

Cuation 2 - 0 Lisburn Mateys
Rorysville 4 - 1 Legalese

Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 3 3 0 0 7 0 9 7
Rorysville 3 2 0 1 5 4 6 1
Legalese 3 1 0 2 3 7 3 -4
Lisburn Mateys 3 0 0 3 1 5 0 -4

The Lowland Clans 3 - 1 Anastasiania
Geisenfried 1 - 3 Tynelia

Group 8 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Lowland Clans 3 3 0 0 6 2 9 4
Tynelia 3 2 0 1 6 3 6 3
Anastasiania 3 1 0 2 2 5 3 -3
Geisenfried 3 0 0 3 1 5 0 -4

Virginia Nova

27-05-2006, 22:35

Virginia Nova 0 Pastorville 1

Yes folk's The Virginia Nova Eagles Lost again,This time to previuosly winless Pastorville. The game was once again played in the wet,just like the previous game. The game starting pace was slow as like the game against Vuam, The first major action happened about twenty minute in when a Pastorian Defender tripped Jimmy Hellioes, giving VaNova a chance. But this chance never came to fruition as the Pastorian defence made shure of it. The only goal of the game came in the 68th minute when a Reverend Smith scored on Alex Potter. Other than that no one even got close to scoring and the game ended in a loss.

See ya guys 'n WC 29

Schiavonia

27-05-2006, 22:38

Cup of Harmony
Matchday Three
Spaamanian Groups

Group 1
Spaam 4 - 2 Harlesburg
Alasdair I Frosticus 0 - 4 Collonie

Group 1 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Spaam 3 3 0 0 9 2 9 +7
Collonie 3 1 1 1 6 3 4 +3
Alasdair I Frosticus 3 1 0 2 2 9 3 -7
Harlesburg 3 0 1 2 5 8 1 -3

Group 2
Wentland 4 - 2 Swilatia
Tinsuvilia 0 - 2 Bazalonia

Group 2 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Wentland 3 2 1 0 7 3 7 +4
Swilatia 3 2 0 1 4 4 6 0
Bazalonia 3 1 1 1 3 2 4 +1
Tinsuvilia 3 0 0 3 0 5 0 -5

Group 3
Giant Zucchini 2 - 3 Mr Chuck Norris
Northern Caesarea 0 - 3 The Macabees

Group 3 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
The Macabees 3 3 0 0 10 2 9 +8
Mr Chuck Norris 3 2 0 1 7 5 6 +2
Giant Zucchini 3 1 0 2 4 8 3 -4
Northern Caesarea 3 0 0 3 1 7 0 -6

Group 4
Chicanada 2 - 0 Magnus Valerius
Atheistic Right 0 - 0 Anathematic Republics

Group 4 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Chicanada 3 3 0 0 6 0 9 +6
Magnus Valerius 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 0
Anathematic Republics 3 0 2 1 0 2 2 -2
Atheistic Right 3 0 1 2 0 4 1 -4

Second Round
Spaamanian Fixtures

Spaam v Tynelia

Wentland v Rorysville

The Macabees v Yafor 2

Chicanada v Vuam and Isma

Schiavone Fixtures

Schiavonia v Magnus Valerius

Dorian and Sonya v Mr Chuck Norris

Cuation v Swilatia

The Lowland Clans v Collonie

Brackets

Spaam -------------|
| -------------|
Tynelia -----------| |
| -------------|
Wentland ----------| | |
| -------------| |
Rorysville --------| |
| -------------|
The Macabees ------| | |
| -------------| | |
Yafor 2 -----------| | | |
| -------------| |
Chicanada ---------| | |
| -------------| |
Vuam and Isma -----| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --------| | in Schiavonia
| -------------| |
Magnus Valerius ---| | |
| -------------| |
Dorian and Sonya --| | | |
| -------------| | |
Mr Chuck Norris ---| | |
|--------------|
Cuation -----------| |
| -------------| |
Swilatia ----------| | |
| -------------|
The Lowland Clans -| |
| -------------|
Collonie ----------|

Wentland

27-05-2006, 23:18

Akbaria Argus
Injury Time Heaven for Swifts

4-2. A place in the last 16. Top of the group.

What a game. WHAT a game. It had everything, with the Cup itself on display for most of the game at least...Wentland coming from behind, conceding a heartbreaking equalizer and then winning it with some late goals.

Wentland started brightly in a game that they had to win to guarantee advancing. But they suffered a massive setback when the normally reliable Moon mishit a cross straight to a Swilatian striker in the 12th minute. One down.

But the Swifts soon hit back. A foul on the left and Capper put a quick free-kick straight on to the head of Weston. 1-1, 18 minutes gone.

Wentland pressed for a winner, Treves hitting the post in the second half, and in the 78th minute looked like they'd found one. A shot from Weston speared off a defender and fell kindly to Mike Bateson, marauding, who scored his first ever international goal to great delight.

Then it was noticed that the Cup of Harmony had gone missing. The game was held up for half-an-hour while it was sought and eventually a dog found it under a pickle jar in the refreshment kiosk.

With 30 minutes of injury time looming, the clock was showing 90 when Swilatia equalized. A harsh free-kick against Moon for pushing (when he was being backed into), the ball zipped across the box and was poked home. Disaster.

Then the luck went Wentland's way. 11 minutes into the extended period the effervescent Adey Loder reached the by-line and pulled it back. Weston took it with his back to goal, but he swivelled and turned and shot against the bar. Down bounced the ball, Martin Smith turned away in celebration as Yanni cleared it over the bar. A goal? Or a goal kick? Mr Denst consulted with official Mr Tofik and pointed to the centre-circle. 3-2.

Right at the end Capper had the ball in defence and looked to clear. Instead of just booting it he picked out Weston who was hanging around with the forwards. The number 10 controlled the ball, and, not distracted by the people on the pitch who thought it was all over, took it on and blasted the ball into the top corner for his hat-trick. It was now.

Tynelia

28-05-2006, 00:29

“Hello everyone and welcome to this historic edition of Tynelian Soccer Weekly. I’m Sal Spikeman and with me as always is Anna Dalespin. Why is today such a historic day? Because for the first time in our brief history of international play, Tynelia has advanced beyond group play and has moved on to the knockout round in the Cup of Harmony. How did we manage? Well the team took matters into their own hands and gained a measure of revenge with an impressive 3-1 win over a Geisenfried squad that shut us out the last time we played them. Then to clinch it the Lowland Clans beat Anastasiania by the same score to ensure no tiebreaker scenario took place. A big win at the right time wouldn’t you say Anna?”

“Naturally Sal, anytime a team moves to the knockout stages of a tournament like this is quite an accomplishment for the team. Add the fact that its Tynelia’s first time every makes it even more special, first the Cup of Harmony and then maybe the next World Cup.”

“I think you’re getting a bit ahead of things now Anna. There is some bad news to go with the good. Thanks to the ill-luck of the draw we find ourselves going up against the second ranked team in the entire tournament, the very upset, out to prove their Cup showing was a fluke co-host Spaam club. Most experts feel the Tynelian run will end here but that’s for later on. First let’s talk about today’s match against Geisenfried.

“Tynelia jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal from Alan MacDougal at the eighteen minute mark but Geisenfried answered with the equalizer almost exactly fifteen minutes later sending the match to halftime at 1-1. Tynelia came out shooting in the second half though as Jay Masterson put in the go ahead goal at the 63 minute mark. From there Tynelia went to its patented stay at home defense thwarting the Geisenfield rushes from getting too close to the net. In the end it was Troy Wallace who came off the bench only a few minutes earlier who put the icing on the cake at the 87th minute ensuring a Tynelian victory. Tynelia set a team record for shots in one match as they held a 22-14 edge with a 7-3 edge in quality attempts. Tynelia barely held the time of possession edge at the half but by the finish they had a comfortable seven minute edge. Quite impressive going into their match with Spaam… whom Harmonie is telling me tastes good on crackers even if it looks ‘icky’ Can Tynelia take enough momentum from this win to carry over against the co-hosts.”

“Anything’s possible Sal. I would mention that of the second place squads in group play Tynelia did prove to have the best goal differential among them. However Spaam put up the second best goal differential period. This will be extremely tough no matter how you look at it. The last World Cup was a coming out party of sorts, wins against Krytenia, Turori and the Lowland Clans now makes it almost impossible for Tynelia to be able to sneak up and surprise anyone these days. So I’m sure Spaam will be taking us seriously. After all they must certainly recall how McPsychoville came from the mid 80s to win the last CoH and used that momentum to qualify for the World Cup this year. This will be tough no doubt about it.
“But the thing that really impressed me this time around Sal was the scoring. No shutouts in three games and averaging two goals a match, something unheard of in past events. Of course Spaam has averaged three per match so Tynelia has to hope the defense and Amy Whiteworth really step it up in this next match. Spaam plays an offensive style but not overly so which means there’s a good chance that Tynelia can keep this one close with their defensive play. As it has been said before if it’s a low scoring match then Tynelia has a chance against anyone.”

“Well I guess its time to put you on the spot Anna. Can Tynelia come through against the co-hosts who will have the home crowd behind them for this one.”

“Can they Sal? Yes they can, a strong defensive showing which keeps Spaam to one or two goals and yes Tynelia has a chance for the big upset. Will it happen? No I don’t think so. The two teams that I really didn’t want to see us up against here would have been Spaam and Schiavonia, two teams that had, for them, a real poor World Cup and be out for blood here. In the end I think we will be able to keep things close but I expect the home team to walk away with a hard fought 2-1 win over Tynelia.”

“Ok then Anna, I guess our run ends here. I was surprised myself to see that both Spaam and Schiavonia would be playing at home for the knockout stages, like either of those teams will likely need much help from a friendly crowd. Still this will be a good building block even if Tynelia does lose, no matter what they’ve still accomplished something no Tynelian squad has ever done and should be proud of themselves. And hey they might still come up with a way to win this thing and face the winner of Wentland-Rorysville. Wentland we’ve never played and Rorysville we played once in the BoF and shut them out, but we’ve both gone a long way since then. But all that won’t matter if Tynelia can’t find a way to get past Spaam. Either way we’ll be here afterwards for the postgame wrapup. So until then I’m Sal Spikeman for Anna Dalespin wishing everyone a good night.”

Virginia Nova

28-05-2006, 00:43

Today VSL presidnet David Hetzler Made his predictions on CoH 28 today and they go something like this

Spaam 2 v Tynelia 0

Wentland 4 v Rorysville 0

The Macabees 3 v Yafor 2 1

Chicanada 2 v Vuam and Isma 1

Schiavonia 2 v Magnus Valerius 0

Dorian and Sonya 1 v Mr Chuck Norris 3

Cuation 0 v Swilatia 4

The Lowland Clans 0 v Collonie 1

ROUND TWO_____________________________________________________

Spaam 0 Wentland 3

Maccabees 1 Chicanada 2

Mr Chuck Norris 1 Schiavonia 3

Swilatia 1 Collone 0

ROUND THREE____________________________________________________

Wentland 1 Chicanada 3

Schiavonia 2 Swilatia 0

FINALS_________________________________________________________

Schiavonia 1 Chicanada 4

Rorysville

28-05-2006, 02:04

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Soccer Central

Rorysville advances to the Knockout stage of the Cup of Harmony with a Thrilling victory 4-1 over Legalese.
"Well I am proud of our guys they have been playing inspired Defense and they are taking care of goal scoring the young kids on this team are gelling with the Veterans of the Previous World Cup I think this squad could serve notice to the rest of the world as a Team top be reconed with.Adam is becomming more and more of a leader there isn't much more to say about them other than we have a tough oppenent in Round one in Wentland"--Coach McKlintok.

Box Score from Matchday 3 vs. Legalese
Score:4-1
Goals
RV-A.Negeuanne(23min)
RV-A.Nikolishin(44min)
RV-J.S.Cousteau(65min)
LG-A. Nonomous(72min)
RV-H.Linstrom(83min)
Yellow Cards
LG-A.Nonomous(65min)
Mooseledge Systems Player of the Match-(RV)Adam Negeuanne
Sportsnet RV Man of the Match-(RV)Mark Cossile

Rorysville will play Wentland in the First Round of the Knockout Stage of the 28th Cup of Harmony.
Final Group Standings
Group 7 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Cuation 3 3 0 0 7 0 9 7
Rorysville 3 2 0 1 5 4 6 1
Legalese 3 1 0 2 3 7 3 -4
Lisburn Mateys 3 0 0 3 1 5 0 -4
And the other Result from Matchday 3 Group 7
Cuation 2 - 0 Lisburn Mateys

[NS]Bazalonia

28-05-2006, 02:28

"Missed by 'this' much" by Nev Gould

A tough group, if not the toughest in the Cup of Harmony stole the Bazalopes furst chance of entering the 2nd stage of the Cup of Harmony even though the 2-nil win against Tinsuvilia in which James Kantwell and Michael Ircov scored a goal each, both had great support from the midfielders and Peter Hobble, who had decided to take a more supportive role rather than putting himself into the fray.

"It's not about me, it's about the team." Peter said "I am doing my best to help improve the team as a whole and I think it's working." When asked about the failure of the team to get to the next round he replied... "We where up against tough opponents for the first 2 match days. and it's really easy to say "If only we drawed against Wentland, or won against Swilatia, but we have to pass this, the Lord moves in mysterious ways." he commented.

The match would have never effected anything but the Bazalopes pride as the Bazalopes could never recover the points needed to equalise Swilatia points and even then... The Points Difference, but the Bazalopes are eager to perform well in the next cup of Harmony, reach the 2nd round and in the Cup of Harmony, make the play-offs. Though most expects both here and abroad are telling us "You're Dreamin'".

And so that's all from the Cup of Harmony for now and hope to see you soon.

Atheistic Right

28-05-2006, 03:00

The, TV, the logo, the music... they are all there... and then the darkened studio.

Lights come on and once again reveal Charles and Darwin... This time wearing funny little hats.

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

"And I'm Darwin, welcome to our coverage of the Cup of Harmony. Let's go straight the The Archepteri's non-match against Anathematic Republic." Darwin

"Before we do that, Darwin. I'm sure our viewers are wondering what we've got on our heads." Charles

"Right you are, Darwin. Ever since the so-called Anathematic Republic had allegedly used Athesitic Right's own newspaper Columnist Hans Zygger as a battle standard, more and more people have been starting to want one of their very own. And this is the first in a line of clothing, or body adornments for those that find clothing restrictive released by ARFA Sports Apparell Inc. Hans Zygger Battle Standard Headware. It even Speaks...." The headware on que starts... "Now don't shove too much stuff up there.".. Darwin Continues.. "Available from all good stores... if not, let us know and they soon will be." Darwin

"Thanks Darwin, no back to the non-match... Why do I call it a non-match? Simply because it never happened... The Atheistic Right Archeopteri where all there and ready, but for some reason, most likely they don't exist, the Anathematic Rebuplic team never turned up." Charles

"Charles, I heard reports that the team was actually there and tried to get into the stadium but where kept out by a spiritual force." Darwin

"Those reports where obviously made by religious forces, they obviously don't exist and all the whoo har about the Battle Standard was obviously a sick twisted ploy by The Archregimancy and their pawns. As Hans Zygger said, they don't exist." Charles

"So all the stuff about the Battle Standard was a ploy! The Archregimancy kindknapped and murdered Hans Zygger to push their own deluded falicy of there being a hell. and they knew that they couldn't try and push their delusion on us because we'd immeadiately spot the falicy of it and ruin their delusion that has spread through out the world. At least nations like Swilatia still are keeping on the good old Atheistic line." Darwin

"Exactly, the officials awarded a nil-all draw as the team was officially there, proportedly to be actually at the stadium but unable to actually play. Which is an out rage, we all know that Anathematic Rebuplic does not exist and so how can they be anywhere... We should have been awarded a win." Charles

"There is no point arguing with these deluded fools in Spaam, They beleive in Anathematic Republic was there and nothing will persuade them otherwise." Darwin

"I suppose even a bomb would not persuade them, they'd think it was a retaliation by the Anathematic Republics or something for not letting them play." Charles

"So what about Collonie?" Darwin

"well, they managed to pay someone off to give them a win against one of the Archregimanies lackeys, Alasdair I Frosticus. It was full of the referee blowing goals when the ball was no where near the goal." Charles

"And Raging Penguins?" Darwin

"Qazox scored the only goal in the game... and It was an own goal... The only reason the Raging Penguins won, but it didn't matter as neither go to the next round." Charles

"Unfortunately Charles, this is where we are going to have to leave it, time has run out." Darwin

"Ah, yes... the enemy of time... one day you'll be ours. I'm Charles" Charles

"And I'm Darwin, this is ARFA Sports still broascasting on the ARAF News & Entertainment Network." Darwin

Qazox

28-05-2006, 04:59

Qazox City Herald

With the distraction of the trial hopefully behind them , the Black Oxen took the field vs. Raging Penguins and a Hockey match broke out. Literally. The Penguin, one of the star players of Raging Penguins managed to bring a hockey stick onto the pitch and used it on Reggie Hassok, who was in the midst of blocking a shot on net. Since Hassok had caught the ball, depsite the repeated blows, the ball accidently fell into the goal scoring the only goal of the match as it ended 0-1 in favor of those psychotic Penguins. a CoH record 8 redcards were handed out 4 to each team and somehow the Penguin recieved two of them. Qazox promptly asked for a rematch or anything else, but once again were denied by Co-Host Spaam. this marks the 2nd CoH in a row the final match was filled with controversy and once again Spaam ignored our plea. If invited to any tourney hosted by Spaam, even a World Cup, Qazox may decline the invitation.

(ooc to tynelia: he won beacuse you posted it 1st...lol and Spaam its a IC compaining of the fact i'm 0-2-4 in both CoH's hosted or co-hosted by you. even though Schivonia did the side i was on, i think)

[NS]Bazalonia

28-05-2006, 05:08

OOC: Qazox, just so you know... don't necessarily believe anything you read in the Atheistic Right media.... particularily when it comes to their enemies.... Hmmm I really should start having my media lie through it's teeth.... eah watch out for new improved media where the truth has got nothing to do with it...

Qazox

28-05-2006, 05:16

Bazalonia']OOC: Qazox, just so you know... don't necessarily believe anything you read in the Atheistic Right media.... particularily when it comes to their enemies.... Hmmm I really should start having my media lie through it's teeth.... eah watch out for new improved media where the truth has got nothing to do with it...
(ooc: I know just wanted to have some fun after almost getting the wooden spoon in the CoH)

Dorian and Sonya

28-05-2006, 06:01

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/SylMedCen.png
Unicorns Continue Magical Run

Queen Sonya was once again pleased by the efforts of the Mystical Unicorns. It seemed as if all the roster work had actually done some great things for the squad. One match remained in group play - the Unicorns had already qualified. So the match against Yafor 2 would see lots of time for the reserves. She sat back and waited patiently for the onslaught she was sure the Golden Wolves would bring to bear on the fresh meat offered.

The something she did not expect happened - the Unicorns took control of the match, and looked very sharp in the process. Lashay Niesman was insanely good in the middle of the field. Sixta Nommay controlled the defensive effort quite nicely. The only question would be who would score with Altáriël Telperiën not seeing any action. She couldn’t remember the last time someone else score without her touching the ball first.

16 year old Neida Garrington would provide that answer early. The nice cross from Neisman was neatly put into the net in the 16th minute. The in the 57th minute she found another Neisman pass but this time found 17 year old Zana Joblon for the Unicorns second score. The Unicorns would go on to win 2-1 over the Golden Wolves who also qualified due to one more goal than Raging Penguins managed.

The victory sends the Mystical Unicorns into the next round to face a very spirited Mr Chuck Norris squad who have been making a big splash on the international scene. With their only loss coming at the hands of The Macabees, they will be a very tough test for our girls.

But that doesn’t mean that we wont give them everything we have. The time is now for the Unicorns to exert their presence in this CoH. The Fighting Norris are simply the next step we have to take.

The other side of the bracket that will try to keep us from the final four is made up of Schiavonia and Magnus Velarius. And we really cant say we like the thought of perhaps having to face Schiavonia. We can only hope that the Boyers have a big upset in their very near future. We just have to get past Mr Norris first.

Swilatia

28-05-2006, 13:16

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3532/sbc34jz.gif
Despite Loss, Swilatia Continues on
So we dint exactly have a winning streak. and that means it is all over for the Swilatian team now. We have a really bad team. Honestly GET SOME FRICKEN DEFENSE ON THE NATIONAL TEAM.

Actually we qualify. Because we did yesterday. And the team we lost against yesterday, Wentland, also qualifies. And you don't need defense. after all, defense won't score you points. It just swimply won't. I mean, at least it was 2-4. If we had a defense-centered team, it would have been 0-3. Which means we lose by more.

Oh REALLY?? DEFENSE IS EVERYTHING! KARELA IS THE Only gOOD SYSTEM. GET OUT OF HERE YOU TAKILIAN MORON!

How about you go back to Rejistania.

ITS TRUE THAT TAKIL NEVER WORKS. I MEAN, THOSE TWO GOALS WERE SCORED IN THE LAST 10 MINUTES. IF WE USED KARELA WE WOULD HAVE STOPPED THIS AND WON!

No, we would not have won, because we would have not scored goals. Anyvays, our next match will be against Vuation

AND WE WILL LOSE BECAUSE WE ARE UNKARELAN.

No, i think we will win by a landslide.

Mr Chuck Norris

28-05-2006, 16:14

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

Yes all of you Fighting Norris fans, miracles do happen, and we have just witnessed one. We're just going to come out and say it:

Mr Chuck Norris 3 (Brian Boitano 51, 62, 76)
Giant Zucchini 2 (Johann Rilke 22, 40)

As play started, it appeared that the 3-1-3-3 formation of Giant Zucchini was going to be a tough one for the 3-2-2-3 of the Fighting Norris to overcome. For those who can't imagine it, they basically have the same formation as our Fighting Norris except they move one of the midfielders up to a more offensive wave of players. The result... a rough start for the Fighting Norris. For the first time in a long time, the first twenty minutes of the match went scoreless, with a deadlock in the battle of the formations. However, it was in the 22nd minute when Johann Rilke of Giant Zucchini managed to penetrate into Fighting Norris territory and shoot one in for the score.

For the Fighting Norris, things wouldn't get better sooner, they'd only get worse. It appeared that the Zucchinis had found a weakness in the Fighting Norris defense as they exploited it again in the 40th minute for their second score of the day. As time wound down in the first half, the Fighting Norris were already low on morale. For those of you who don't already know the Fighting Norris had to win or draw in this match to advance to the knockout rounds of the Cup of Harmony. As they were down 0-2 at halftime, the mood was not good in the locker room.

Coach of the Fighting Norris, Bob Janney, broke the silence. "We're down 0-2, we need to at least draw these guys, meaning we only need two scores in the second half. If we score three or four... all the better". The team remained in frowns so Janney tried again. "Alright, ask yourselves... what would Brian Boitano do?". The players are suddenly attentive. "What would Brian Boitano do?", asks a confused Yianni Karvo. "Yes Yianni, what would Brian Boitnao do, if he had to win right now?". "He'd probably kick an ass or two... that's what Brian Boitano would do", Brian Boitano exclaims, with a renewed sense of confidence. "Then go out there and rally around Brian Boitano"; Bob Janney says, now in a ferment. The team jumps to there feet and charges back onto the field in screams. However, Boitano confronted Janney in the locker room after everyone left. "You sure I'm the right guy, you sure Chuck shouldn't be the one to rally around?". "... I'm positive... now go out there and win".

As the second half opened, it appeared that the Fighting Norris were going to do just that. Only five minutes into the second half, the transitional forwards of the Fighting Norris were working in conjunction with the scoring forwards to tear apart the Zucchini defense. When Chuck Norris received the ball, he resisted every temptation to destroy the two Zucchini defenders on him and score. He kept his equanimity and dumped the ball off on a wide open Brian Boitano, who shot one in for a score in the 51st minute. With the score now 1-2 in the Zucchinis favor, not only the Fighting Norris players, but the Fighting Norris fans were pumped up and ready to see some good football.

A deadlock ensued as play resumed. With such complex formations, neither team could get the offensive advantage. That is... until the 60th minute, when the Fighting Norris were back on offense. With the Zucchini defense already suffering fatigue, the Fighting Norris had no problem getting the ball to Brain Boitano. However, the Zucchinis were still sharp despite being tired. They mobbed Boitano before he even got the ball. Boitano's confidence began to wane as Zucchinis closed in on every side, but he heard nothing. Nothing except "What would Brian Boitano do?". With that, he blazed the ball past Edgardo García, Zucchini goalkeeping extrodinaire, evening the score in the 62nd minute. This was all the Fighting Norris needed to advance to the knockout rounds, but Mr. Boitano wasn't done yet... he wanted the hat trick more than anything else.

As Janney shifted the entire team to a defensive strategy, Brain Boitano held his post, refusing to move. As the midfielders of the Fighting Norris repeatedly cleared the ball downfield, it became easier to realize that perhaps clearing the ball up to Brian Boitano would give them an even bigger cushion and even the win. So despite Bob Janney's orders, the ball was advanced downfield, allocated to Brian Boitano, and fired into the net for the hat trick in the 76th minute. The Zucchinis were mentally destroyed while the Fighting Norris were on an emotional high. As Brian Boitano returned to his post, he yelled "That's what Brian Boitano would do!", and the place erupted in cheers.

With only 14 minutes left to play, the Zucchinis would have to score two goals to prevent the Fighting Norris from advancing. With the Fighting Norris on a defensive stance, there was no hope for the veggies as time expired with a score of 3-2 in the Fighting Norris' favor. We didn't think it was possible, but it happened, the Fighting Norris are on to the knockout stages.

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

In these kockout stages we speak of, we've been paired up with 75-ranked Dorain and Sonya. To give a brief history on this team, they were organized slightly after our beloved Fighting Norris. Their first World Cup-sanctioned tourney was World Cup 27 as they had opted out of the Baptism of Fire just prior to it. The very same Baptism of Fire where our Fighting Norris made their World debut. Since then, they've performed very equal to our level of play, performing with almost identical results in World Cup 27 and the following Cup of Harmony. However, the Fighting Norris have recently pulled ahead in this matchup, scoring 19 points in World Cup 28 compared to the 13 of Dorain and Sonya. However, this is no reason to underestimate the mystical unicorns, who have gone undefeated thus far in this tourney in which we face them. As they play a simple 3-4-3 formation, it shouldn't be trouble for our 3-2-2-3 formation, the struggle for the win will lie in the performance of the players. Hopefully, the Fighting Norris' players will emerge victorious.

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Schedule
Matchday 1: Vs. The Macabees (Loss 1-2)
Matchday 2: Vs. Northern Caesarea (Won 3-1)
Matchday 3: Vs. Giant Zucchini (Won 3-2)
Matchday 4: Vs. Dorian and Sonya

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Record: (2-0-1)

Raging Penguins

28-05-2006, 18:47

The Troglodytia Tribune

The Team Fails to Qualify on a Win

Just like the circumstances in the World Cup 28, The Team won their last game in the Cup of Harmony(that wasn't especially harmonious for them), and failed to qualify. several people in the office lost money on the result of this match, because nobody expected them to win. And really, no matter what the Junior Editor says, they shouldn't have. We've analyzed that hockey stick, and not only was it improbable that The Penguin should have gotten his filthy mitts on it, because nobody(except for them foriegners) plays hockey in Raging Penguins, but the hockey stick also defied the International Hockey Standards, as it was too thick, too heavy, too short and had a head made of stainless steel.

Come on, a Hockey Stick? Most of us here at the office remember the days when one could count on The Team to roll onto the pitch, riding on a troop carrier, and would play the game while carrying grenade launchers. The plays were always a little awkward, because running, kicking, and blocking are a little difficult to perform with a large missle tube on your shoulder, but still, it was clean. Now, it seems like most of The Team's stratagies rely on sneaky little attacks, like carrying small stick grenades around in their shirts, or using firewood to beat their opponants into submission. Where did the good old days of main battle tanks and aerial suppport go? Of artillary shells and trench-warefare? When the keeper was helped out by at least twenty landmines, and the goal was hidden in a bunker, where did those days of honest, fair, and friendly football go?

The Game against the Oxen was totally one-sided, with the Black Oxen keeping the football in their possesion up unil the last few minutes of the second half. During the first half, The Team's defense was bombarded by the Oxen, and only some really quick thinking by DMYS saved them. Well, probably not so quick thinking, as it hasn't really got a brain, but it did show some creative strategy when it managed to lift Neb Nockerr into the air to block some shots by the Oxen's forwards. Almost all of the first half was centered around The Team's side of the pitch, although forwards LUNATIC and The Penguin were running aimlessly around the opposing goal, singing some crude little song the entire time.
By the time the second half was almost up, the fans on the side nearest to the Oxen's goal was shouting and booing the two forwards who were still singing their ridiculous, inane, and utterly revolting song. We can only imagine what the mental state the Oxen's Keeper is in now, after having to listen to that song for the enire time. Finally, Mrs. Tweezly managed to beat one of the Oxen's forwards in a fist fight and bring the ball up to the Qazox side, pass back to Furious Porridge, who shot the ball just to the right of the keeper, who must have gone a little berserk, because when he caught it in midair, and was in the process of being assaulted by The Penguin(who was still singing), he didn't let go of the ball until he had bit the metal head off the Hockey Stick. Rumor has it that his dental bill is enormous.

Schiavonia

29-05-2006, 00:28

The Schiavone Scribe
VUAM AND EASY-MA
Schiavonia 2-1 Vuam and Isma

Already through to the knockout stages of the cup, Schiavonia still needed a point from their final game of the group stage against Vuam and Isma.

They went one better than that, they went on to win the game, more down to the fact that both of the teams were through to the next round and taking it easy. But while the sloths were playing for the fans, their opponents didn't seem too bothered if they were going to fly off to Spaam for the next game or staying in the Forty-Six Islands.

The game was fairly unimpressive until Tony Tarmey came off the bench to make his comeback after illness. And he wanted to make up for the lost time.

The Schiavone Hero was an inspiration to his team-mates, driving them on and putting two belters away to seal top place in the group, and keep his place in the hearts of the partying supporters.

In a similar display, just later in the game, the rested Fitzsimmons came on for V&I and scored, but it was too late for a comeback. And, let's be honest, he doesn't have quite as big a place in the hearts of ninety-plus percent of the crowd.

Magnus Valerius will be the Sloths' next opponents, as they travel over from Spaam after finishing second to a convincing Chicanadian team while the Satanists and Atheists argued between themselves behind them over who existed and what have you. Anyway, it should be another easy game for the Sloths in front of the home crowd, but since when has anything that should be easy been easy?

Final score
Schiavonia 2 (Tarmey 72, 81)
Vuam and Isma 1 (Fitzsimmons 86)

Cuation

29-05-2006, 10:52

Cuation Make it Perfect Three

Two reserve sides clashed for the final game, Cuation already through while Lisburn played only for pride. The crowd was rather small but both sets of players had an eye on winning a place in the first team but neither side impressed especially before Cuation's experience saw them through.

Lisburn had two gilt edged chances in the first twenty minutes, Dominic Patton played through by a poor back pass by Philip Cole but he blazed the shot high and wide as Judo advanced from his line. A cross from Richard Higgenbottom, struggling on the left, caught the defence trying to play the offside trap. James Curry met the ball with his head at the far post but it lacked power, allowing Judo to scramble across and turn the ball aside.

Cuation's own attacks broke against a solid wall of players, willing to hold back and attack rather then allow Cuation to counter. The first half dragged on until the 37th minute when Anderton tumbled under Chuck Gonzalo's challenge to win a free kick.

Giovanni floated in the free kick from out on the left but it was keeper territory so why Stuart Buffel didn't come to claim the ball as it hung into the air, this correspondent doesn't know. Instead Samba met it with a downward header, the bounce beating the keeper's dive.

Lisburn attempted to put pressure on before half time but found the Cuation defence well organised. Lisburn had to push forward in the second but they never seemed to commit enough players forward for either side to score. It took till the 60th minute for Cuation to seal the game.

Cole hit a long ball to relive some pressure and it went towards the left side of Lisburn's box. Anderton rose above Chuck Gonzalo and headed it inside for Giovanni. Manuel Gucho attempted to block but with his first touch, the playmaker knocked the ball inside and past the defender, his second touch curling the ball past a helpless Buffel.

Group Talk!

Cuation: 9 points GD +7

We finished top of the group and looked comfortable throughout, winning 3-0, 2-0 and the reserves beating Lisburn's reserves 2-0. Seven goals was a decent amount but we conceded none at all. Only the Macabee's have a better goal difference.

Unbeaten in the groups but we will expect harder matches further on.

Rorysville: 6 Points, +1 GD

An awful start saw them lose 3-0 to Cuation thanks to some naive defending but this team has improved, knocking Lisburn Matey out with a 1-0 win then thrashing the Legalese 4-1. The came to the Cup of Harmony to gain experience and will gain more in the knock out rounds but there is hope for their future from the looks of things.

Did well but the defence needs to tighten up if they are to get any further.

Legalese: 3 points, -4 GD

When the group was made, many predicted this team to qualify, even to win the group but they managed only one win and left after a humiliating 4-1 defeat. They only scored three goals, two of them in the opening win over Lisburn.

Need to learn lesson from this, simply where not good enough.

Lisburn Mateys: 0 Points -4 GD

Failed to even draw a match yet managed to avoid heavy defeats. 2-1 against the Legalese, a narrow 1-0 defeat knocked them out against Rorysville. Their reserves gave a good account against Cuation before losing 2-0.

Better then group standing suggests but there strong defence was let down by a poor attack.

Cuation Face Swilatia

Cuation 0 v Swilatia 4

So says David Hetzler, the VSl president. I know we have a habit of imploding in the World Cup qualifiers but a 4-0 defeat? Our defence has kept three clean sheets in this cup and we have a strong record in this competition, reaching the semi finals twice in three attempts.

Swilatia are a decent side who love to attack, no doubt there three strikers will try and utilise Hargreves inability to defend. The attacking 3-4-3 may find themselves venerable to Cuation's counter attacks down the flanks. Cuation on paper should win but Swilatia are the type of underdog that can beat Cuation. A close game I think.

First Round Predictions

Spaam v Tynelia

Spaam twice scored four goals, only Collinie limiting the damage to one goal. Tynelia managed two credible wins but lost a close game to Lowland Clans 2-1. Spaam had horrible luck in the qualifiers but are now showing their true ability, they will be too strong for an emerging side.

Spaam 3-0 Tynelia

Wentland v Rorysville

Rorysville have to travel to Spaam and may suffer from let jag. Wentland conceded only three and won the group unbeaten, only a 1-1 draw with Bazalonia stopping them from going unbeaten. Rorysville defence will learn a lot as they crash out.

Wentland 2 -0 Rorysville.

The Macabees v Yafor 2

Yafor won this competition in our first year, beating our exhausted side 1-0 to win the semi final. The Macabee's beat us in our first international game, in the BoF, but have not progressed as they would have liked but this time, went unbeaten and conceded a mere two goals and scored ten in three games. 5-1 over the Giant Zucchini was very impressive.

Yafor drew with the Raging Penguins, managed to defeat Qazox before losing to everyone's favourite elves. Conceded two but scored a mere three and look poor compared to the first time we faced them and will succumb to an on form Macabee attack.

Macabees 3-0 Yafor 2

Chicanada v Vuam and Isma

We will remain natural on this but Chicanada did win their group without conceding a goal and won all three games 2-0. V&I on then other hand lost 2-1 to hosts Schiavonia after winning both other group games, including our old friends the Pastorville's. We predict a close contest but V&I lose out on penalties

1-1 (Chicanda win 5-3 on penalties)

Schiavonia v Magnus Valerius

The hosts are one of the strongest sides in this cup and won all their games, only conceding one goal which was against V&I. A 4-0 win over Virginia Nova delighted the crowd but they won't expect a similar score line against Magnus. Still Magnus only managed to beat Atheistic Right, lose to the group winners and draw with Satan. Expect a home win here but only a fairly comfortable won.

Schiavonia 2-0 Magnus Valerius

Dorian and Sonya v Mr Chuck Norris

Two of the Cuation's fans favourites, the sometime-bikini wearing elves and the Fighting Norris. Both sides have defences that could do a bit of work and without Chuck Norris, his team would go out. Both sides could win this cup in the future but not yet, D&S come in with the stronger form though and rely less on one player.

Dorian and Sonya 1-1 Mr Chuck Norris (Dorian and Sonya win in extra time)

Cuation v Swilatia

2-1 to us I think, Cuation have the experience and the defence to win this one. If we lose, it won't be by 4-0 but a close game.

The Lowland Clans v Collonie

An unbeaten Lowland Clan has the form but Collinie did manage to limit Spaam to one goal but then again, only managed to 2-2 draw with Harlesburg. I think the form of Lowland Clans will be enough to win it between two decent sides.

The Lowland Clans 1-0 Collonie

Goal Scorers
Mendiz: 2
Ashton: 1
Milnar: 1
Yan: 1
Samba: 1
Giovanni: 1

Spaam

29-05-2006, 13:39

Spaam Sports Weekly
NationStates' Most Notorious Sports Publication

Chambers Double Not Enough

A final ten minute lift by the Harlesburg team was not enough to win against
Spaam, who won their third game in a row and finished their group on top.
Already qualified for the next round, and all but qualified on top, the Waffles
had nothing to lose against the Falcons, and proved it in the first half of the
game. Spaam's top striker, 17 year old wonder Tehta Trevelyan, got the first
goal in the tenth minute, easily beating the defense and Harlesburg keeper
Montmorry. Roskelly then followed with a double in the 23rd and 35th
minutes, both from corners, before Budeaux Pomre sent the home team four
nil in front just before the break.

The second half saw a stronger Harlesburg team, making their first real
chances on goal in the game. Sloan and Conescu both sent multiple shots on
goal, but Arthur was too good for the strikers, and the Falcons were still busy
holding back the Waffles offense. It wasn't until the final ten minutes that
Spaam finally eased off, and Harlesburg managed to get past the keeper, with
number five Chambers scoring in the 80th and 85th minutes. However, the
double was not nearly enough, as the home team emerged victorious, four
goals to two.

Spaam 4:2 Harlesburg
(1 Trevelyan 10; 4 Roskelly 23, 35; 10 Pomre 44) (5 Chambers 80, 85)

Group Of Mild Discomfort

Alasdair I Frosticus 0:4 Collonie

Collonie ensured their progression in the first match of the night when they
dominated the Holy Empire with a four goal massacre. The win meant Colloine
qualified in second, and will travel to Schiavonia to meet The Lowland Clans.
Meanwhile, Spaam will face Tynelia in the Round of 16 at Artanis National
Stadium, right after Wentland versus Rorysville game.

Team P W D L GF GA GD G% Ps
Spaam 3 3 0 0 9 2 7 82 9
Collonie 3 1 1 1 6 3 -3 67 4
Alasdair I Frosticus 3 1 0 2 2 9 -7 18 3
Harlesburg 3 0 1 2 5 8 -3 38 1

Third Codex Fragment Discovered

Yet another Frosticus Codex fragment has been found in The Great
Mountains, this time seemingly from the third matchday of the second World
Cup. It is very detailed, and includes the following interesting results:

Alasdair I Frosticus 1:0 Dead Man
Giant Zucchini 1:1 Fair Trading

Qazox Wins International Media Award

Gallunias, Spaam: The Very Strange Hamlet of Qazox has won the
latest international media awards, for the highest quality news reports in the
world. The ceremony, held in Spaam, awarded the Qazoxian Ministry of Media
and Information for their services to international news, with a majority vote
by the INU (International News Union).

Next Match

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/spaam.jpg VS http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/east_timor.jpg

Results

1 Spaam 4:0 Alasdair I Frosticus
2 Spaam 1:0 Collonie
3 Spaam 4:2 Harlesburg

16 Spaam ?:? Tynelia

Vuam and Isma

29-05-2006, 13:58

Gazetta de'Esporte

The kids can do it right.
Schiavonia 2 (Tarmey 72, 81)
Vuam and Isma 1 (Fitzsimmons 86)

After two 2-1 wins against Pastorville and Virginia Nova, Vuam and Isma were assured of a place in the next round. Facing co-hosts Schiavonia, Scarab and Fischmann were obviously not going to hard for the win, as they fielded a rather unexpected side, as three players took their first cap for Vuam and Isma, who fielded a 4-4-1-1.

Goalkeeper : Palev Kerisnek : 9/10. Impressive first match that confirms his position amongst the best three goalkeepers in V&I's rooster. His acrobatics held the sloths at bay for most of the match, and can be sad to have let in two goal in the closing stages of the match.

Right back : Sett Marc : 7/10. A nice match, but failed to impress more than his teammates as he seemed to lack offensive flair, partly due to his much lower position than usual.

Central defender : Dermov Ichtaa : 7/10. Solid first performance, but was often streched by the sloths' technical superiority. Got some important tackles in, but failed to really impact the match.

Central defender : Victor Niederberger : 9/10. Superb performance, he managed to completely erase Di Mascherenasi from the flow of play with some superb man-marking. Also helped clean up his team-mates' mistakes to prevent chances. Pity he was completely washed out by the time the last ten minutes came along.

Left back : Ismaël Rodriguez : 6/10. The third of the new boys will be dissapointed with his performance, as he didn't manage to control his wing, relying on support from Niederberger to protect the goal. Some nice offensive ideas, but too sloppy when setting them up.

Right winger : Jorgé Clay : 6/10. Got his second cap with quite less class than his first, even though the enthousiasm is still there. Didn't manage to use his speed, and ended up frustratingly unable to create play.

Central midfielder : Peter Searle : 8/10. Solid all-round performance, managed to create moves for V&I, and at the same time stop Schiavonia's. Only one regret : his lack of innovation that lead to a lot of dull, dangerless passes.

Central midfielder : Fahd Ghauri : 8/10. Dispite having been dropped from the team after a streak of rather dissapointing matches, Ghauri distilled confidence in his play, even though he often lost balls as he tried to feed the ball through for Masilela or O'Beirne.

Left winger : Emmanuel DiBrandi : 8/10. The most innovative player in V&I's starting line-up proved to fit the bill, as every V&I attack went through him. His performance was tainted however by his complete absence in defence, as he strayed too far up the pitch time after time.

Forward : Sifiso Masilela : 4/10. Completely missed his match, dispite his powerful runs. Lost far too many balls, and ended up with only one shot, not even on target.

Striker : Robert O'Beirne : 7/10. Strong on the ball, but didn't manage to find the net. Saw little play though V&I's play, and even his great aerial play didn't manage to help the Whites and Azures until the closing stages of the game. Could have been more impressive had he been more involved in the game.

Substitute : Ismaël Rodriguez off, Roman Brasiviev on, 62nd minute. Roman Brasiviev : 7/10. Was more solid than Rodriguez on the wing, but it was obvious that he wasn't playing in his preferred position, as he commited a few fouls too many.

Substitute : Jorgé Clay off, Stefan Grak on, 78th minute. Stefan Grak : 9/10. Didn't touch the ball until V&I were 2-0 down, and didn't have any problem in repeatedly beating an already tired Smith, smashing in 6 crosses in 12 minutes.

Substitute : Sifiso Masilela off, Stephen Fitzsimons on, 78th minute. Stephen Fitzsimons : 9/10. Only touched a few balls, and yet managed to get on the scoresheet. Impressive with every touch of the ball, obviously at ease facing a tired defence that he punctured with his runs that beat the off-side trap. Almost emulated man-of-the-match Tarmey's feat of coming on late in the game and scoring two as his header was stopped on the line by O'Kane.

To sum up the game, it was an evenly balanced match right to the last twenty minutes, when Tarmey's appearance instantly changed the flow of the game, in Schiavonia's favour. A late comeback by V&I wasn't able to dam the defeat. However, this shows great hope, as most of V&I's best players were rested, allowing the younger players, as well as those that get less play, to prove their worth for the Whites and Azures.

Gazetta de'Esporte

CoH qualifying round sum-up.

Group 5 Pl W D L F A Pts GD
Schiavonia 3 3 0 0 7 1 9 6
Vuam and Isma 3 2 0 1 5 4 6 1
Pastorville 3 1 0 2 2 3 3 -1
Virginia Nova 3 0 0 3 1 7 0 -6

As we had expected, V&I make it through as second in their group. We thought it would be by a smaller margin, but wins over Pastorville and Virginia Nova were enough to have us through before the last matchday.

Schiavonia - Group winners, and with some style! 2-1 against V&I, 1-0 against Pastorville, and 4-0 against Virginia Nova, they were only 4 minutes away from having a perfect defensive record. They are now off to face Magnus Valerius, and since they're co-hosts, they'll have the fans with them. We predict a 3-1 score for the Sloths, as they'll ease through to the round of 8.

Vuam and Isma - Did enough to qualify, but didn't do it easily. 2-1 wins against Pastorville and Virginia Nova as well as a 2-1 defeat against Schiavonia put the finger on defensive and offensive flaws, as dispite being the second best scorers in the group, the Whites and Azures are also the second biggest conceders. V&I are through to face Chicanada, who won Group 4 with an impressive 3-0-0 record, scoring 6 and conceding 0.

Pastorville - The most karelan team of the group lost their chances to get to the next round when they lost 2-1 to V&I, really. Afterwards, they had to hope for an upset in MD2, something that just didn't happen, as both scores went one goal against their wishes. Showed good defensive ability, but were unable to strike back once they had been stung.

Virginia Nova - Announced as underdogs, the VaNovas weren't able to make use of their status to wrestle points away from anybody. A 4-0 thrashing in their outing match left them hopeless, and even though they scored their only goal of the competition against V&I (1-2), they seemed to falter in face of goal, only netting once, whilst conceding 7. It was a good time to spot their flaws, and they'll be back as soon as they can to repair them, we're sure!

In Other Groups :

Group 1 :
Spaam cruised through on home soil, whilst Collonie got through the hard way, taking their spot on MD3, with a win over Alasdair I Frosticus that put them one point ahead of their opponents, whilst Harlesburg lost their qualification hopes in a 4-2 thriller against Spaam the same day.

Group 2 :
Wentland quilified after a 4-2 win over already qualified Swilatia, meaning that dispite a 1-1-1 record, Bazalonia were out, as well as a dissapointing Tinsuvilia side who failed to even net a goal, dropping 9 points in three games to their opponents.

Group 3 :
The Macabees showed they were world cup material with a stunning 3-0-0 record, netting an impressive 10 goals. They'll be dissapointed they conceded 2 goals, one was lost to Mr Chuck Norris who ended up 2nd in the group after a MD3 game against the team they were tied on points with (and who scored the other against The Macabees) Giant Zucchini. Giant Zucchini needed a win to get through, and the oldest team in the CoH was unable to make it happen. Northern Caesarea hold the others up, conceding 7 and scoring 1 in an unglorious 0-0-3 record in one of the hardest groups of the draw.

Group 4 :
Chicanada were the only team to not concede a single goal in Spaam, and they had no troubles in topping the group. Magnus Valerius were happy to qualify dispite their defeat to Chicanada on MD3, as their only rival, Anathematic Republics drew with Atheistic Right, leaving the two teams with 2 and 1 point respectively, and neither of them having scored a single goal.

Group 6 :
Dorian and Sonya took the top spot dispite conceding a whopping 4 goals, and not playing a single clean sheet. However, 8 goals scored made sure they the attackers were worthy of their place in the squad. Yafor 2 must be the luckiest of the qualified teams, as the qualified thanks to a one goal difference with Raging Penguins, the only difference between the two teams being the number of goals scored against Qazox, who spent too much time caring about the The Monet Riddle vs. The Micaelangelo Puzzle to repeat their WCQ form, dropping out 0-0-3.

Group 7 :
Cuation send a signal to their opponents with a perfect defence in their 3-0-0 group stage, whilst Rorysville edge out Legalese 4-1 on MD3 to secure the second qualifying spot ahead of their opponents. Pointless Lisburn Mateys complete the group.

Group 8 :
In the only group without a sure qualifier by the end of MD2, The Lowland Clans secure their provisory head of group position, and their 3-1 win over Anastasiania (3rd) was emulated by Tynelia who secure the second spot with their 3-1 win over a 0-point Geisenfried side we played against in Group 3 of the WC28Q.

Schiavonia

29-05-2006, 19:59

Cup of Harmony
Second Round
Spaamanian Matches

Spaam 2 - 0 Tynelia

Wentland 3 - 1 Rorysville

The Macabees 2 - 2 Yafor 2
The Macabees 2 - 3 Yafor 2 AET

Chicanada 1 - 1 Vuam and Isma
Chicanada 2 - 2 Vuam and Isma AET
Chicanada 0 - 3 Vuam and Isma APK

Spaam -------------|
| Spaam -------|
Tynelia -----------| |
| -------------|
Wentland ----------| | |
| Wentland ----| |
Rorysville --------| |
| -------------|
The Macabees ------| | |
| Yafor 2 -----| | |
Yafor 2 -----------| | | |
| -------------| |
Chicanada ---------| | |
| Vuam & Isma -| |
Vuam and Isma -----| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --------| | in Schiavonia
| -------------| |
Magnus Valerius ---| | |
| -------------| |
Dorian and Sonya --| | | |
| -------------| | |
Mr Chuck Norris ---| | |
|--------------|
Cuation -----------| |
| -------------| |
Swilatia ----------| | |
| -------------|
The Lowland Clans -| |
| -------------|
Collonie ----------|

Wentland

29-05-2006, 20:24

Full time. An easy enough 3-1 win for the Swifts. The 3-4-3 formation looked as if it could cause some consternation, but Capper's 25 yard free-kick settled the nerves after just seven minutes and a Kent swerving dip shot made it 2 just before the break.

To recover the game McKlintok threw on Lezclair and Decost as substitutes (nothing ventured nothing gained) but it was to no avail as Wright and Moon proved adept at everything thrown at them. With 10 minutes to go Edgar Bluff decided to give some of the unsung players a try and Flynn, Eager and Robinson came on for their international debuts. And Wentland promptly scored a third with Flynn on a marauding run to find an unmarked Treves who made it three.

Rorysville scored a late consolation, as the untried Eager got into a mix-up with Moon and Negeuanne stole in to finish, but Crash Robinson can be pleased with a phenomenal save from MacInnis that could have made injury time a lot more fraught than it need be. The young Mountain FC player suddenly found himself with a one-on-one after Eager underhit a back-pass and looked certain to make it 3-2 but Robinson bravely dived at his feet to smother.

***

At the whistle Bluff turned to assistant Brissen for news of the scores elsewhere. "They're still winning, aren't they?"

"'Fraid so, gaffer..."

"So we've got to play them. After the last time."

Brissen nodded sadly.

On the pitch, John Capper noticed the conversation. The Book had proved correct again. The Swifts had to face destiny.

Chicanada

29-05-2006, 21:00

Kodiak Daily Rabbler

Mens Side Make Knockout Stage

Eastentown - While the nation watches the Womens World Cup quals to see if the Lady Kodiaks can win the cup and who they'll face, they missed the Mens National Team making it to another knockout stage at the Cup of Harmony.

The Club, who's best finish is still a Quaterfinals appearance thanks to their inability to PK, as they loose a 2-2 extra time match with Vuam and Isma due to a 3-0 kicks.

We'd report more, but the ladies are far more interesting and the mens side always finds new ways to loose out.

[ooc: Sorry about the nonexistent RPs from here, RL and all that. Besides, like we'd ever make it past the quaters here! We love being ranked 40th ;)]

Rorysville

29-05-2006, 22:23

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3189/sportsnetrv9bw.png
SportsnetRV Soccer Central

Rorysville Drops out of the Cup of Harmony with a 3-1 Loss to Wentland.
"Well the boys seeemed to run out of gas but in the end I am proud of our play here in the Cup I think this should really help our program. More funding has been promissed due to our sucess the Country is looking at a new Stadium and Training grounds for us. As for teh match I think we coulda executed a few things better our play lacked desparation until it was too late, Neguanne is really showing his Talent and I think Rorysville's State team will definitly be Improved with him on thier squad.As for the rest we need to focus on Qualifing for the 29th World Cup and a couple Smaller International Tournaments"--Coach McKlintok

Box Scores from Knock Out Round one vs. Wentland
Result:L 3-1
Goals
WNT-Capper(7min)
WNT-Kent(45min)
WNT-Treves(75min)
RV-Neguanne(79min)

Penalties
No Penalties Awarded

Mooseledge Systems Player of The Game-Robinson(Wentland)
SportsnetRV Player of the Match-Neguanne(RV)

Rorysville's Next match is TBA
Wentland advances to the Cup of Harmony Quarterfinals against Spaam

The Gupta Dynasty

29-05-2006, 23:17

The Macabees 2 - 2 Yafor 2
The Macabees 2 - 2 Yafor 2 AET

OOC:Umm...what? The table says that I advanced, but what was the final score?

Spaam

30-05-2006, 03:25

Cup of Harmony
Round of 16
Schiavone Matches

Schiavonia 3:0 Magnus Valerius

Dorian and Sonya 2:0 Mr Chuck Norris

Cuation 2:0 Swilatia

The Lowland Clans 4:1 Collonie

Spaam -------------|
| Spaam -------|
Tynelia -----------| |
| -------------|
Wentland ----------| | |
| Wentland ----| |
Rorysville --------| |
| -------------|
The Macabees ------| | |
| Yafor 2 -----| | |
Yafor 2 -----------| | | |
| -------------| |
Chicanada ---------| | |
| Vuam & Isma -| |
Vuam and Isma -----| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --------| | in Schiavonia
| Schiavonia --| |
Magnus Valerius ---| | |
| -------------| |
Dorian and Sonya --| | | |
| Dorian & Sonya | |
Mr Chuck Norris ---| | |
|--------------|
Cuation -----------| |
| Cuation -----| |
Swilatia ----------| | |
| -------------|
The Lowland Clans -| |
| The Lowland Clans
Collonie ----------|

Qazox

30-05-2006, 05:16

Qazox Wins International Media Award

Gallunias, Spaam: The Very Strange Hamlet of Qazox has won the
latest international media awards, for the highest quality news reports in the
world. The ceremony, held in Spaam, awarded the Qazoxian Ministry of Media
and Information for their services to international news, with a majority vote
by the INU (International News Union).

The Very Strange Hamlet of Qazox will graciously accept this award as its the only thing we've won in the last 2 Cups of Harmony. Thank you and may the Holy Oxen eat your rutabegas and poop on you enemies porch.

Dorian and Sonya

30-05-2006, 07:36

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/SylMedCen.png

Unicorns Down Chuckie-boy, Move to Elite 8

Queen Sonya was pleased to know that there would be no more encounters with puzzle pieces or penguins with bad hair and chalkboards. Today she was relieved to know that the Unicorn’s only distraction would be made by the opponents Mr Chuck Norris. She thought about that one and smiled. Chuck himself was brilliant on the pitch, and she wondered how in the world that had happened. But still he was only one man, and the rest of that squad really sucked.

So the Mystical Unicorns took the pitch riding high on the fact that they actually had a win streak to defend. That feeling was wonderful and new to every member of the squad. But it obviously did not affect the way that the Unicorns would play. Nessa Elendil, one of only 5 original Unicorns still on the squad, set the pace early. It was clear that she would not allow the Fighting Norris to even challenge the D&S keeper. And the rest of the squad followed that lead.

In the 18th minute, Brigette Deteso wove through the Norris defense and found Zana Jablon alone near the net. Even though Chuckie boy tried to close off the shot, he was far too late and the score was made. 1-0 would be the Unicorn lead at the half.

The 65th minute would see Deteso again beat the Norris defenders and move easily down the field. This time, the Fighting Norris had all the attackers covered and she had to search for an outlet. That outlet came in the form of midfielders, Nátulcien Eluch`div` and Maurita Deni. The three girls worked a simple practice passing drill to perfection as the covered attackers drew the defense out of position. With only the Norris keeper to beat, Eluch`div` took the opportunity to score her first ever international goal.

The 2-0 result moves the Unicorns into the round of eight where they will face powerhouse Schiavonia, a side that probably should have been in the World Cup Finals rather than here in the Cup of Harmony. But that is the hand we have been dealt. So what do we do with it? Getting this far is not enough to satisfy a Unicorn squad that is hungry to become a force in international football. That only leaves one choice. The Mystical Unicorns must beat the Sloths and face the winner of the Cuation/Lowland Clans match. The Queen smiled at the thought. Now that result would turn some heads for sure if the Unicorns could pull the biggest upset (besides owning Vilita) of their short lives.

Cuation

30-05-2006, 11:17

Cuation Into Last 8

Four games, no goals conceded, nine goals scored, not too bad a record for this cup. Still in the knock out stages, one poor performance can send Cuation home and the matches get harder in the last eight. Cuation has won both previous quarter finals before failing in the last four but can they do so here?

Swilatia seemed to freeze on the occasion, they where poor and by half time, Cuation had sealed a two goal win. The 3040 formation was blunted by Samba dropping back into defence while our wide players pushed forward into the gaps.

In the very first minute, Roy Ferguson won the ball from Edgard Brigitta and played the ball out wide for Milnar to chase. In acres of space, the left winger crossed the ball into the box. The defence where ball watching and so Tanner was unmarked when he headed the ball home. 1-0 in the very first minute!

Swilatia seemed shocked by this set back but where unable to muster anything more then one 30 yard drive straight at Gary Jens. Cuation passed the ball around and created chances. Rual won the ball off Sylwester Mathias but his shot was too close to Lindon Alysia, allowing the keeper to block with his legs.

One Ashton run resulted in a cross to Tanner but the tall striker got under the ball and headed well over. Milnar cut inside but his shot from the edge of the box was blocked, Ferguson firing over from the rebound. The losing team started to rally towards half time but found themselves unable to make any breakthrough.

On the 43rd minute, Ashton was forced back towards the half way line so played a cross field ball for Milnar to control. The left winger was again in too much space so pushed forward and made a run inside the box. Going towards the by-line, he crossed low. The ball rolled across the box to Ashton, who tried to hammer it home.

Lindon Alysia had positioned himself well, parrying the ball at midheight but fortune was not with him but with the predator Rual Mendiz , the ball bouncing kindly for him as he volleyed the ball into an empty net. 2-0 and the game was clearly over.

In the second half, Rual, Hargreves and Tanner where replaced by Keane, Cheese and Giovanni to give them a rest. Giovanni was free to spray the ball around but they felt little need to attack. Keane had the only chance of the second half, turning onto a long ball, his snap shot was palmed into the air by the unlucky keeper.

Goal Scorers
Mendiz: 3
Ashton: 1
Milnar: 1
Yan: 1
Samba: 1
Giovanni: 1
Tanner: 1

Tynelia

30-05-2006, 13:22

“Hello everyone, this is Sal Spikeman along with Anna Dalespin for Tynelian Soccer Weekly. After an impressive showing in group play, Tynelia found itself up against the second highest seed in the group co-host Spaam. Though the Tynelia put up a struggle, as many experts predicted Spaam came out on top with a solid 2-0 shutout win ending Tynelia’s run in the Cup of Harmony. So Anna what are your thoughts about the end of this run by our team?”

“Well as you said Sal, it wasn’t really a surprise to many people that the co-hosts came out on top on this match. Spaam is certainly a team with a mission and I’m sure they expect no worse than a spot in the finals by the end of this. However, Tynelia can take home with them that their defensive style did slow the Spaam offense to slightly below its regular scoring pace in the Cup of Harmony, but as is still the case, the offense could not break through against a top tier team’s defense. They are getting batter at it I have to say but they are still inconsistent against the top teams and it showed here today.”

“That’s true Anna, Spaam controlled the pace pretty much the whole match. A goal in each half was more than enough to hold off the Tynelian offense. Their best chance came at the 58th minute when Anya Collins hit one off the top of the crossbar but other than that Spaam shut things down for us. Time of possession was well in Spaam’s favor by nearly eleven minutes and the shots backed this up. Spaam held a convincing 19-13 shot edge with an equally impressive 7-2 edge in quality attempts. The way Spaam played today I don’t think anything Tynelia could have done would have stopped them.”

“Be that as it may Sal, getting beyond the group stage is still quite an accomplishment for the team. Some felt the team might have moved on had they been playing someone other than Spaam in this half of the draw. But that’s just bad luck of the draw there. Still the team’s play here should be enough to move them into the top 50 and possibly even the top 40 though that may be a stretch. That will be good progress for the next world cup where they may be considered to have a legitimate chance of advancing there for the first time.”

“Good point Anna, most people forget we’ve been in international competition for barely five years at this point, so we still have time to improve. Next up would be the Draggonnii Inviyatii in a little less than three years where most likely our next world cup squad will hope to improve on its poor showing the first time around as they get ready for then 29th world cup. But that’s in the future, for now Tynelia has to go home and watch the rest of the Cup of Harmony from there as Spaam has knocked us out this around around. And on that note our full coverage will conclude. For Anna Dalespin this is Sal Spikeman wishing everyone a good night.

Schiavonia

30-05-2006, 18:12

OOC:Umm...what? The table says that I advanced, but what was the final score?

OOC: I have changed it to how it actually came out of the scorinator. Unfortunately, I made a bit of a hash of posting the scores, so I had to re-type them in a bit of a rush. But rest assured, what it says now is what the spreadsheet said to me yesterday.

IC:

The Schiavone Scribe
SCOREBOARD OPERATOR BREAKS FINGERS

An inquest into why the score from the game between The Macabees and Yafor 2 was reported as finishing at two-all after extra time, yet Yafor 2 were stated as going through.

"It was my fault," scoreboard operator Michael Brixham admitted last night. "I broke two fingers during the break between the end of the game and extra time, and got rushed to hospital."

Brixham, although a Schiavone, was working in Spaam due to an agreement that people from the other hosting nation will relay the scores back to the people. He has now been sent home on medical grounds, and will probably not be allowed to operate any scoreboards in the near future.

Elsewhere, Schiavonia's march through the tournament continues, as they overcame Magnus Valerius three-nil in Threlo last night. Tony Tarmey started the game this time, and though he only lasted for an hour before making way for local boy Seamus Bradley. However, the talk of the town was Bradley's goal in front of his home town fans, not something he gets to do often in the orange and scarlet of the sloths. A diving header from a Kenny Sanderson corner put the game beyond doubt, and delighted Threlo no end!

Cuation

30-05-2006, 19:24

Cuation Vs Lowland Clan

This team have been known for quality attacking and have thrashed Collonie 4-1 in a four game unbeaten run in this cup. 1-0, 2-1, 3-1 and 4-1 are not bad results, beating Tynlia and Collonie along the way show they can turn it on against good opponents.

A team reformed to add a defensive strength that has lacked for them for a long time, still some work to be done, conceding a goal in each of the last three games. This does leave hope that Cuation can grab a goal but there are fears that Cuation will conceded, despite four clean sheets out of four.

Cuation have benefited from teams playing 3 man defences but the Lowlands pay a solid 4-4-2 which will cut out most of the wing play. 6 goals in thee group games was credible but if we add up the last two games, Lowland Clans have grabbed seven goals. Overall ten in four is stronger then our nine goals in four games.

Both sides perhaps have one main weak point, Darien Santander can freeze and such a big match could bring the worst out in him. Cuation is lumbered with the incapable Hargreves in the centre of our defence. Throw in that keeper Gary Jens is due a bad day and things don't look so good.

Wentland

30-05-2006, 21:19

"Come on, Cap..." said Brissen. "Time to lead 'em out."

"Yeah, Baldy...look, I need to speak to the boss...let Weston take 'em out..."

Joe Weston happily took on the armband and went to the head. What was up with Capper? He could not look back to see but Capper was with Bluff in the dressing room.

"You're worried, aren't you, boss?"

"Yes, John. You know what happened last time here."

"Yes. The heart attack."

"I'm just wondering...seeing those shirts again in the tunnel..."

"Don't worry, boss. It's not your time."

Capper looked into Edgar Bluff's eyes and Bluff gazed back. Capper was right. It is not my time. Bluff went back out to gee up his waiting team.

***

Capper stayed behind. He opened the Book. The symbols were all present. Yes, it is not Bluff's time. But it is someone's.

Mr Chuck Norris

30-05-2006, 21:48

Chuck Norris News
For All Of Your Fighting Norris Coverage

We didn't see it coming and we're not sure all of you viewers out there did either.

Mr Chuck Norris 0
Dorian and Sonya 2 (Zana Jablon 18)(Nátulcien Eluch`div`65)

For those who have already seen the recapitulation of this match from the Dorian and Sonya media, we'd like to set some things straight.
Chuck himself was brilliant on the pitch, and she wondered how in the world that had happened. But still he was only one man, and the rest of that squad really sucked.
The rest of the squad really sucked? Were they watching the same match we were? Did they not see Fighting Norris goalkeeper Mr. Bednarik fend off shot after shot? Now, we're not about to disagree that the Fighting Norris defenders played below average, but we can firmly say that the "rest of the squad" did not "really suck".

In the 18th minute, Brigette Deteso wove through the Norris defense and found Zana Jablon alone near the net. Even though Chuckie boy tried to close off the shot, he was far too late and the score was made.
Now, we never like to openly state it, but everyone who has ever played our squad knows it. Our scoring forwards, especially Chuck Norris, never stray past midfield... it's a vital part of our strategy if you didn't notice. So we're not particularly sure what they meant when they said that "Chuckie boy tried to close off the shot" because "Chuckie" certainly wouldn't have been near the play they are displaying. However, since media networks frequently mix up players in their match summaries, we hold no grudges and forgive you for the minor mistake.

That aside, we'll give you the play-by-play on the match. As play began, it became instantly apparent that Dorian and Sonya had done their homework as they instantly began exploiting weaknesses in the Fighting Norris 3-2-2-3 formation. Right from the start, they knew that the ball could not stray near the Fighting Norris offense else they would would be doomed. To resolve the problem, they did whatever they could to keep the ball on their half of the field.

Their strategy was overly sucessful as this highlighted weakness in the Fighting Norris defenders. As the Dorian and Sonya offense began their onslaught of shots on goal, it became apparent that unless the Fighting Norris defense strengthen prior to the ending of the match, they would not win. They obviously hadn't by halftime as the scoreboard displayed 1-0 in Dorian and Sonya's favor due to a goal by Brigette Deteso in the 18th minute.

The second half flew by with much of the same play as the first half, shot on goal after shot on goal by the Dorian and Sonya offense. They would suceed in scoring again when Nátulcien Eluch`div` scored in the 65th minute. As the score was now 2-0, the match was near over as the Fighting Norris morale encountered fallout and Dorian and Sonya was still attacking incesantly. By the time the match had ended, the Fighting Norris had been embarressed, but not due to the players, but rather the coach, who we have here to speak today.

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

"We made a good run", exclaims Bob Janney, "and we have noone to blame but myself. Clearly, I'm not much of a strategist as I was clearly outsmarted in our last match. I've decided to change the formation yet again for World Cup 29, but setails of those changes will be released then. I apologize to all of you loyal fans, I can only do so much, and apparently that's not yet enough. I'll talk to you just prior to World Cup 29, when I will post the Fighting Norris roster among other things."

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Schedule
Matchday 1: Vs. The Macabees (Loss 1-2)
Matchday 2: Vs. Northern Caesarea (Won 3-1)
Matchday 3: Vs. Giant Zucchini (Won 3-2)
Matchday 4: Vs. Dorian and Sonya (Loss 0-2)

The Fighting Norris Cup of Harmony Record: (2-0-2)

Vuam and Isma

31-05-2006, 22:52

Channel 3

Channel 3's logo flickered across the screen, as it chased a ball. The screen faded to black, and the Cup of Harmony intruductory footage kicked in.

Fans of all the countries in the CoH were in there, some cheering, others holding their heads in astonishment, a shot was pushed wide by the Spaam keeper, a Qazox striker headed the ball off the mark, a Swilatia player tumbled in a challenge with a Bazalonia player, and it ended with a sky view of the stadium that would host the final, as the fans lifted up panels that read "Spaam/Schiavonia CoH" from the sky.

Welcome to Channel 3! Today we're following the game between Chicanada and Vuam and Isma, direct from Spaam! I'm your host for the match, Terry Gersan!

The stadium was quite full. A portion of the fans were Vuama and Ismian, another was Chicanadan, but the core of the fans were Spaamian, and they were probably just there because they weren't able to buy a ticket to see Spaam play. Of course, even though the stadium was empty in some of the higher stands, there were no gaps in the seats close to the pitch.

Chicanada got here with one of the most impressive records : 3 wins, no draws, no defeats, 7 goals scored, none conceded! That's one hell of a record! Vuam and Isma on the other hand didn't seem anything like as in control of their group, dispite 2-1 wins over their two closest rivals, they lost their last group match, ending with a 2 win, no draw, 1 defeat record, that had 5 goals for the Whites and Azures, but also 4 against...

The players were warming up in the tunnel. Jumping up and down, their gazes fixed towards the end of the tunnel, both sides barely taking notice of their opponents. Staff checking if they are all right, bustling the cameraman to get past, bringing balls to the players, and giving final pieces of advice to their team.

We can see that Chicanada are here to meet with history. They want that quater-finals, and I'd guess the players believe they can get it. Vuam and Isma are ranked well below them, and they haven't had anything like the form that Chicnada have had so far. What's more, Vuam and Isma only arrived two days ago from Schiavonia, whilst Chicanada have been in Spaam for already 17 days. Olani Pjan is the only player I know, and as I've lost my sheet with all the names and numbers on, you'll have to forgive me if all I can say is their number, which is nothing more than you can see. Olani is the captain of Chicanada, and he's lining up next to Yak. This game will surely be great stuff!

The referee makes his way towards the end of the lines the players have made, chatting with both his assistants. He glances at his watch and shakes both captains' hands, reminding them to play fair. And he sets of towards the roaring beast : the pitch.

And they're out! Yak, O'Connor, Brasiviev, O'Driscoll, Fitzsimons, Regragui, Grak, Lidon, Dynamique, Marc and S'baa are the starters for Vuam and Isma it seems! A full-strength squad is out there, and they've almost all been rested during MD3, as V&I was sure to qualify. Chicanada seem to have opted to not underestimate V&I, but I'm not really sure. They numbers are low, except for a number 17 out on the left wing... I'm quite unsure of how this will develop.

Passes all over the place. Crosses that the goalkeeper picks out of the air, and then rolls back to the winger. Midfielders warming up, juggling the ball on their feet, and strikers getting ready for their first runs. The whole pitch is full of balls, as the staff and some of the subs are on the pitch helping the starters to warm up.

V&I are going to play a 4-5-1 as they usually do, I think. Perhaps they'll be a bit more wary of their opponents tonight than they were in some of the other matches, but what's sure is that they will want to get past. Chicanada have already tasted the CoH Quater-finals, and they'll want to taste it again, I'm sure.

The referee made his way to the center of the pitch and both teams line up in front of the main stand as their national anthems are played. The camera slowly makes its way past the players, capturing their expressions, their appearance, and their features. Some have their hand on their heart, others are singing the tune, and a few are just standing there, concentrated. The Chicanadian anthem's final notes were played, and the stadium erupted with sound. Vuam and Isma's players made their way past their opponents, each player shaking every opponent's hand, as well as the referees'.

And that's it! Yak has made his way to the center circle, and he's being met by Olani Pjan for the toss. Both captains exchange flags, patting each other's shoulder. This looks like we'll have a fair game on our hands. Oh, and Chicanada are going to kick off. Yak and Pjan are trotting towards the bench and they're giving the fanions to their managers. Scarab and Fischmann shake Chicanada's manager's hand, and dispite the apparent calm all three have, you can just feel how tense they are beneath those sheepskin coats. And that's it! The game is underway! Chicanada have started to move the ball around their midfield, and they seem to be testing V&I's midfield. They're moving to the left wing now... Grak! Oh, that was so close. He got the tackle in before his opponent controlled the ball, but the ball went out for a throw-in.

Time went past. Chicanada moved forwards, finding enough space to get a few shots early on. They were keeping the ball better, as V&I seemed to lack a touch of creativity with Lidon and Dynamique playing in more defensive roles than they usually do. As half-time grew closer, Chicanada were clearly the better team of the match, but they still seemed to lack a little extra something to get past V&I, as most of their shots were taken from the edge of the box, if not from deeper. Chicanada's best effort was a free-kick that #4 hit onto the crossbar.

Half-time in a little more than five minutes now... Vuam and Isma have been suffering for the moment, but they've had a few chances yet, like that effort by Yak a few minutes ago that was just a little wide of the target. Pjan with the ball for Chicanada. Pass to #10, the one-two... Close down on him, Brasiviev, come on! He's past Brasiviev's challenge, he's inside the box! Can O'Connor stop him again? He's shot! It's in! My oh my... Chicanada break the deadlock with a goal by Pjan, and O'Connor was completely fooled by his crossed shot. Great goal. He plays the one-two intelligently with his partner, and then uses the space he's made to curl his low ball inside the post. And what a celebration. That dive might be enough to repeat Chicanada's best CoH record so far. Pjan, remember that name! And Regragui just can't understand how Pjan was left unmarked there. O'Connor is bawling at his back four, and you can bet they're not in for a pleasant few minutes. The ball's back in the center of the pitch, and Fitzsimons is waiting for the whistle to get the game going again.

Half-time. Nothing happened after the goal. Chicanada were no longer attacking, and V&I were a bit to shaky to go mounting large-scale attacks. The players were in the dressing rooms, the fans were in the pie shops, and it didn't look like the match was starting, but rather that is was the beginning of the end for V&I...

Commercial break.

The few shots on target are shown and re-commented by Terry Gersan, and finally, just before the players come out for the second half, the goal is played once more.

And they're off for the second half. Neither side has made a change, so both teams know what they're up against. Let's hope that Scarab and Fischmann have found the right words to fire up V&I, because if it's a repeat of the first half, then I really can't see V&I pulling through.

Vuam and Isma did get more ball posession, and were playing more in Chicanada's half than previously, but it was more due to Chicanada's lack of attacking desire than to Vuam and Isma's surge forwards. Vuam and Isma was kept at a reasonable distance from the Chicanadan goal, and dispite good efforts by Fitzsimons, Lidon and Grak, it was getting to be frustrating for the stadium, no matter who you were for. V&I attack, but can't find a chance to shoot, and when the finally lose the ball, Chicanada just whack it upfield, and hope that Pjan will latch onto it. Something that would be hard for him to do, as he was subject to even closer man-marking than before.

The hour mark has gone past a little time ago now, and we're almost a quater of an hour from the final whistle... What a pity, V&I have been in control all the second half, but they are just not able to pull level! Shot by O'Driscooooll! And it's not on target... Too bad. And Dynamique is coming off, he's replaced by Ghauri in midfield, as Vuam and Isma swich to a 4-4-2, Ghauri pulling alongside Fitzsimons. Let's hope the extra percussion up front will give results, because Vuam and Isma have completely abandoned all idea of defence, as Scarab is just urging them forwards, without any hesitation.

Ghauri's presence brought more life to the team, but his inexperience was costy, as he misjudged his passes and looked a bit uneasy in face of goal. Fitzsimons was tiring, but he continued to apply pressure on the Chicanada goal.

Lidon... To Ghauri, that's for Grak... Grak has crossed the ball in from a deep position! And can Fitzsimons get his head to it? Yes! He's... Oh my god! What a stop that was by the keeper! Fitzsimons had added hight to the ball with his header, and it was going straight towards the far post, but somehow the Chicanada goalkeeper managed to get a finger at it and turn it round the post! Grak with the corner. It could be one of the last offensive moves V&I have, as the 4th official announces that only 2 minutes of extra time will be played. Inswinging, the keeper's up to get it... He's fumbled it! Surely Lidon will bury it! Lidon! Off the line! How lucky is that! Grak, once again ready to cross. He's played it back towards Yak. Yak with a long range effort! Ghauri has deflected it! Ghauri! It's in! One all! Ghauri does it! It's in! Goaal! Lidon's effort was blocked on the line by #3. Grak played the ball back towards Yak, and Yak's shot was hit by Ghauri only yards in front of the goalkeeper, sending the ball into the roof of the net! Amazing! Vuam and Isma have pulled level! It's starting all over again for Chicanada! The first goal they've conceded so far, and what a time to concede it! This game is heading for extra time, and I wonder if Chicanada will have the guts to push forwards! Pjan has rushed the ball back to the center circle, and he's gesturing towards his team. He thinks they can do it before extra time! V&I will have to be careful, and not get reckless. If they think they're too good, the Pjan will bring them back to earth, he is that kid of player.

Pjan couldn't elude extra time, his only shot sailing harmlessly above the goal from a tight angle. The players went back to the dressing rooms for the second time, and the fatigue on both sides' faces was a fair testimony to the intensity of the match. One side was trying to equal history, and the other had already made history. Neither had anything to lose, and both had everything to win. The coaches coaxed their squads, V&I trying to maintain the enthusiasm, and yet curb the attacking will, Chicanada trying to motivate the players, and get them moving again.

Commercial break.

Welcome back for the first half of extra time in the Chicanada - Vuam and Isma match! Chicanada took the lead just before the first break through a one-two concluded by Pjan, and just before the second break, Ghauri diverted a shot by Yak to level the score. And they're back out for another 30 minutes of intense play. Vuam and Isma will be motivated, so perhaps they can just get a goal that would seal the match in the opening minutes, and then I doubt that Chicanada would come back on the attack.

Vuam and Isma were in confidence, playing very high, apparently creating moves without any problems. Ghauri was ripping though the defence, taking advantage of his fitness.

Ghauri with the run down the wing again... He's stopped by #3... He's trying to get through on the inside, and he's layed the ball off for O'Driscoll! O'Driscoll with the overlap, he's got loads of space, he's going for the cross! Fitzsimons! Diving header at the first post! He wheels of towards the fans in delight! Precision play by Fitzsimons, who beats his man to the ball, and his header just finds its way between the Chicanadian goalie's arms! This could be it! Vuam and Isma have turned the tables, and after 97 minutes, they have the upper hand against Chicanada! You couldn't write a script for this match! It's crazy!

Pjan rallied his troops again. Half-heartedly, the Chicanadian players got to their feet. They were 2-1 down after having been 1-0 up only 2 minutes from the final whistle, and merely 10 minutes of play ago. Vuam and Isma resorted to a lower 4-5-1 again, as Ghauri became a midfield dynamo, breaking up Chicanada's passing moves with his pace and desire. 105 minutes clocked up, and the score was still 2-1 for the Whites and Azures. The physios came onto the pitch, massaging each and every player. Some of the players were almost limping through the pain of the effort, but they would all go on. There was no thought of pulling out. After 8 minutes of massages and ablutions, both sides took their places for the last 15 minutes of hell in Spaam. Vuam and Isma kicked off, and Fitzsimons played the ball back to Yak instantly, as Vuam and Isma demonstrated they had no intention of leaving their half.

Lidon back to Grak, Grak to Regragui.. the fans are giving an "olé" with each pass.. Vuam and Isma are just going to prevent Chicanada from getting the ball, I think. They've been playing the ball for 4 minutes now, and they're only just at the half-way line! O'Driscoll back to Marc, Marc through to Ghauri... Ghauri has missed his pass! Chicanada on the break, can they do it? Pjan chested the ball down well, and he's distributed the ball back to #7. Chicanada are pushing forwards. They want to win, there is no doubt! And that's a foul by Regragui. Missed the ball with his tackle, and #11 has just gond straight down. The ref wants a word with Regragui! This could be bad. Vuam and Isma don't want to loose a player now, do they. And it's a yellow card for Regragui. He'll go on, and he'll just have to take care to not get another one... #8 with the free-kick. It's high in the box, O'Connor got his fist to it! #4 in alone! The ball is falling straight at him! He shoots!... Well wide. O'Connor was lucky there. That could have been a big mistake there! But he's happy to get V&I's passing underway again.

Already 7 minutes of the last 15 were past, and now Chicanada were no longer playing a 4-1-2-1-2, but rather a 2-1-2-1-4, as their side pressed forwards to clinch the vital goal that would give them a hope of staying in the Cup of Harmony.

Ghauri to Yak, Yak to Grak, Grak back to Brasiviev, Brasiviev is looking long for O'Driscoll... O'Driscoll couldn't control that, and Chicanada have a throw-in only a little into their half. Chicanada are really pressurising the V&I defence with their runs... Down the wing, he's past Marc! The cross! Brasiviev has got his head to it, but he can't clear it! #11 for Chicanada has collected it down the other wing, and he's coming in! He's managed to cross the ball for #5 dispite Regragui's challenge! #5 with the shot! O'Connor has got a hand to it! But Pjan is there! He's the fastest to react! It's in! With 6 minutes of extra time left, Pjan has scored his second of the game, bringing the score back to 2-2! It's unbearable! O'Connor dived and got a had to the ball, but he couldn't hold it! Pjan was waiting, and he's reaped the reward for his enthusiasm! Vuam and Isma can't believe it! They're as good as dead! You'd think they had just lost! Brasiviev and Yak are fueling up their team-mates, but even they seem like they're almost crying! Fitzsimons and Ghauri are getting ready to play the last five minutes of extra time... But it's unbelievable! We'll have had it all, and even more! The whistle has been blown again! Fitzsimons is rushing forwards, and Ghauri plays the ball back to S'Baa...

The last 5 minutes were goal-to-goal stuff, with the fans constantly on their feet. Only one shot though, as the defenders earned their name. Pjan thought he could get a hat-trick, but his long-range header was no problem for O'Connor. And so the game went to the last resort : penalties.

The tension in unbearable... Both teams are huddled together. Some are holding their breath, others are praying, and some can't even watch. This is as hard as it gets. This will be the decider. Vuam and Isma will shoot first, and Fitzsimons has stepped up to the spot. #1 is looking at him straight in the eyes. A short run, and it's in! Low to the left, the goalie went the wrong way, a great effort by Fitzsimons to put Vuam and Isma 1-0 up. #8 will shoot first for Chicanada. He's taking a long run... He'll be wanting to blast it past O'Connor. And here it comes! Over the bar! O'Connor moved to his left, but he didn't need to! That shot was miles over the bar! And Chicanada are looking on in disbelief! #1 picks up the ball and takes it to the spot, placing the ball defiantly. Ghauri for V&I's second, maybe! He saved Vuam and Isma earlier... Can he do it again? Can he score? Oh no! #1 kept it out! He dived to his right, and his feet trailed far enough to deny Ghauri his second goal of the game! So it's still 1-0 for V&I in this penalty shoot-out, and Pjan has a chance to level the sides once again! He's had a big match Pjan. He's been like a man on a mission. But can he be that man again? Here goes... And Colm keeps it out! he went the right way, and he blocked the ball with both hands! Pjan can't believe it! He's looking at his boots, he knows something is wrong. He knows that V&I now have a great chace of getting past! Chicanada's manager is ripping out his hair, and O'Connor is punching the air with his fist! What a game! Yak steps up. Three steps back, and he's like a ballerina, waiting to shoot. #1 is taking his time to get ready... The referee blows his whistle! Yak, for 2-0... It's in! Off the crossbar! The keeper went the right way, but that was simply unstoppable stuff by Yak! The expectation is high on #10's shoulders... He knows that he just has to score, or one goal in the next two by V&I, or a miss by his team-mates would knock Chicanada out! He's placing the ball carefully, calmly looking at O'Connor. He's stopped, and the ref has blown his whistle! He pauses his run, low to the left, it's stopped! Again! I can't believe it! Chicanada haven't yet scored in the penalty shoot-out! What a game for O'Connor! He's on his knees, litterally pummeling the air with his fists! And V&I's fourth shooter is Grak! He knows that if he scores, Vuam and Isma will go through! #1 is making a short prayer, and he better! Grak is running, and it's in! Vuam and Isma are through! They've done it! 1-0 down at half-time! 1-1 after 90 minutes! 1-2 halfway through extra time! 2-2 after extra time and now 0-3 in the penalty shoot-out! They've done it! Vuam and Isma are through in one of the most dramatic matches I have ever commented. The stadium is having a standing ovation for V&I, and the Chicanada players are lying down in the center circle. They don't even feel like going back to the dressing rooms, they just can't believe it. They hadn't conceded a single goal, and then in one game, they conceded 2, and lost the penalty shoot-out without scoring once. Pjan put in a great performance, but his match was unable to topple the balance, as Ghauri got lucky, Fitzsimons proved his class, and then O'Connor showed that he can raise his playing level to any occasion. I'm sad we have to leave so fast, this was Terry Gersan commenting the Chicanada against Vuam and Isma match in Spaam, won by Vuam and Isma 5-2 after a penalty shoot-out. This is Channel 3, good evening.

Schiavonia

31-05-2006, 23:12

Cup of Harmony
Quarter Finals
Spaamanian Matches

Spaam 2 - 1 Wentland

Yafor 2 0 - 0 Vuam and Isma
Yafor 2 1 - 0 Vuam and Isma AET

Brackets

Spaam -------|
| Spaam -------|
Tynelia -----| |
| Spaam -------------|
Wentland ----| | |
| Wentland ----| |
Rorysville --| |
| -------------|
The Macabees | | |
| Yafor 2 -----| | |
Yafor 2 -----| | | |
| Yafor 2 -----------| |
Chicanada ---| | |
| Vuam & Isma -| |
Vuam & Isma -| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --| | in Schiavonia
| Schiavonia --| |
M. Valerius -| | |
| -------------------| |
Dor. & Sonya | | | |
| Dor. & Sonya | | |
Chuck Norris | | |
|--------------|
Cuation -----| |
| Cuation -----| |
Swilatia ----| | |
| -------------------|
TLC ---------| |
| TLC ---------|
Collonie ----|

The Gupta Dynasty

31-05-2006, 23:42

The following is a transcript.

SportWatch

Host: Welcome to SportWatch, your program for sports news, gossip, and other cool stuff! Our first guest today is Yaforite Golden Wolves Captain Hares Dalermo! Audience, give us a round of applause for our guest, the starting Left Fullback, considered a star across many grounds, the winner of the Audivernian Trophy, the Defensive Medal, and many other fantastic prizes! (applause) It is an honor for us to welcome him here!
Dalermo: Thanks. It's an honor to be here.
Host: Well, what is there to say? You have been to two straight games that were decided in extra time, each by one goal. What's up with that?
Dalermo: (laughs) Y'know, I really don't know. Our defense has been solid, our middle is strong, and out attack is intact. I am not quiet sure what's been happening. We've played two tough and very determined teams, two teams which are very, very, good. The Macabees, well, I'm sure you've heard of them, and Vuam & Isma. Both teams are very skilled.
Host: Tell us about the first game.
Dalermo: Yeah, that was great. They came strong...that forward, the tall one, I can't quite recall his name right now, but yeah, you know who I'm talking about, right? Him. He was tough. He must have been, what, 7'5? 7'7? 7'9? Something like that. Anyway, he bashed us, took us out, and push past our "D". We couldn't stop him at all. Prince was great, though. Did you see his passes to Fernando and Francisco? He rode right through the Macabee defense. And then it went to extra time. I think we were shocked. We've played these guys and they always figure us out. But still, a team ranked like that, or like they used to be, in overtime with us? No offense, they were very good, but we were shocked. We came out strong though, and when Damiel went down in the box, I was sure we would win. And Damiel scored his own penalty, and we did.
Host: What about the V&I game?
Dalermo: (wry smile) Yes, Vuam & Isma were excellent. That game was all "D", man. TOUGH! They are easily one of the best teams I have ever played against, and I remember Hocky Canada, Turori, and all the rest like they were yesterday. We got lucky - I thought Fernando was offsides, and I though Hales was offisides after that, but got a goal in.
Host: What was going through your head as you played in extra time?
Dalermo: "We have to win! We have to win!" (everyone laughs) Yeah, just that.
Host: You think you have a chance against Spaam in the upcoming game?
Dalermo: I think it'll be tough, but we may, or may not, beat them. I just don't know. But we'll play our best, no doubt.
Host: Yes, you will! Thank you being on SportWatch! Hares Dalermo! (applause)
Dalermo: Thank you.

Spaam

01-06-2006, 01:34

Cup of Harmony
Quarter Finals
Schiavone Matches

Schiavonia 1:1 Dorian and Sonya
Schiavonia 4:1 Dorian and Sonya AET

Cuation 3:2 The Lowland Clans

Brackets

Spaam -------|
| Spaam -------|
Tynelia -----| |
| Spaam -------------|
Wentland ----| | |
| Wentland ----| |
Rorysville --| |
| -------------|
The Macabees | | |
| Yafor 2 -----| | |
Yafor 2 -----| | | |
| Yafor 2 -----------| |
Chicanada ---| | |
| Vuam & Isma -| |
Vuam & Isma -| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --| | in Schiavonia
| Schiavonia --| |
M. Valerius -| | |
| Schiavonia --------| |
Dor. & Sonya | | | |
| Dor. & Sonya | | |
Chuck Norris | | |
|--------------|
Cuation -----| |
| Cuation -----| |
Swilatia ----| | |
| Cuation -----------|
TLC ---------| |
| TLC ---------|
Collonie ----|

Dorian and Sonya

01-06-2006, 07:47

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e228/Sonya0111/SylMedCen.png

Unicorns Fall To Schiavonia

Queen Sonya looked over at one of her aides. “Did we just manage to take the 21st ranked side in the world, not to mention hosts, to extra time?” The aide simply nodded. That was exactly just what had happened. Altáriël Telperiën had managed the impossible shot that pulled the match even in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. That goal meant that the Mystical Unicorns still had a chance. Unbelievably as that sounded.

The Unicorns had pulled many upsets in the past, so why was this one different? The squad was playing 2 members down and had been that way for the majority of the second half. Brigette Deteso had been shown red for excessively arguing an offside call with the official. The score had been called back and she was not about to let the ref get away with the blatantly missed call - as she saw it. The replay showed that the offside was very close and could have been given either direction. The second player to go was Zana Jablon. However her violation was the ridiculously hard tackle in the 42nd minute that could possibly have been the worst decision of her career. Tackles like that have no business in competitive football. Jablon apologized to the fans and opponents following the match and is reportedly waiting at the hospital for a chance to see the player she injured.

But Telperiën would not allow the Unicorns to go away quietly. Her goal was a result of a single-handed valiant effort to keep the hopes alive for the Kingdom. Then came the extra time.

Shorthanded and tired, the Unicorns could only watch as Schiavonia dominated the ET, scoring three times along the way. The cruised to a win that was not nearly as easy as the final score had indicated.

The Unicorns are a bit disheartened by the defeat. But one thing can not be taken away from them - they reached the final eight of the CoH and finished nowhere even remotely close to the wooden spoon they received in it last time. The 4 match win streak here is also the longest the Unicorns have accomplished thus far. Perhaps this is the beginning of great things for the squad.

In other news, the Sylvanaes Media Centre wishes to issue an apology to Mr Chuck Norris on the misconception that Chuck actually played some defense. We know better and now the reporter who passed on that info has been reprimanded. We still feel, however, that the people in charge need to consider drastic roster changes in order to find Chuck some decent help.

Schiavonia

01-06-2006, 16:18

"Welcome to Sedgefield for Schiavonia's Cup of Harmony Quarter-Final with Dorian and Sonya. I'm Mike Jones, with me is Gary Topp. Gary, a big game today in the Sloth's bid to reach the semi-finals as the face the all-female Mystical Unicorns from Dorian and Sonya."

"Well, it's shaping up for a good game. We all thought that Schiavonia would be the dominant force at home, and in their games so far, they have played as such. But there's three other teams in the country who are also playing in a similar vein to reach the final in Artanis next weekend. Basically, we're down to four very worthy teams who have all made an impression this cup."

"Well, the Sloths are lining up in their traditional 4-3-3 formation today, the line up has no surprises in it other than the fact that Rodney Lowe hasn't put any surprises in it. Kershaw in goal, Smith, Marsden, Park and O'Kane across the back, Sanderson, McGee and Berry in the middle and an experienced front three of Di Mascherenasi, McAndrew and, of course, Tony Tarmey."

"No surprises there Mike. We all know what to expect from these guys."

"And for the Mystical Unicorns, their 3-4-3 is also their usual team. Goalkeeper is Riskin, the back line is Laos, Elendil and Skursky, across the centre are Falassion, Deni, Deteso and Eluch`div` with Auerswald, Jablon and Telperiën looking to get the goals."

"Again, no surprises. These are two sides which have dominated all that has been put before them so far, and it should be a close game."

- - - - -

36 minutes

"Sanderson to take the corner, whips it in... Riskin punches the ball clear as far as Berry, who plays it out wide to Sanderson, who just gets far enough back in time to keep it in. He looks up, there's targets in there, in it goes, Tarmey heads, AND IT'S A GOAL! Schiavonia lead by a goal to nil!"

"I've got to say, Mike, that it did look a fair distance offside, although we can look at that on the replay in a minute."

"And it will have to wait a minute, too, because it is all kicking off here! Deteso is heading over towards the linesman and giving him a mouthful. She'll get a caution if she carries on like that. Some if her team mates are trying to hold her back, but she's overpowering them easily!"

"There's the card, but she's still going."

"And this could really be trouble for Dorian and Sonya. a goal down and now, could they be a player down, too?"

"It looks that way, Mike."

"Indeed. Deteso is gone, and Schiavonia have not only one more goal than their oponents, but one more player, too!"

- - - - -

42 minutes

"Sanderson now, lays the ball of nicely for Di Mascherenasi, good challenge from Jablon, but it goes only as far as McAndrew, Jablon's up and running at him now, too... OUCH!"

"Jeez, that's got to hurt!"

"That was horrible, viscious even! Jablon's challenge, if you can call it that, has made McAndrew's leg just give way from underneath him!"

"It didn't look malicious, though. Just hopelessly bad. She's going over to see how he is now, but the Schiavone players won't let her."

"And the referee comes over... no option really. The Mystical Unicorns are in all sorts of bother now. Nine players, a goal down. As we approach half-time, it can't get any worse for them can it?"

- - - - -

Second half injury time

"...and Laos clears the ball for what seems like the thousandth time, this time Telperiën collects. Park has managed to thwart all of her efforts so far, so what can she do here... a couple of stepovers, she hits it... OH MY GOD! What a great individual goal from Telperiën! Completely fooled Oliver Park, hit it at warp speed from all of thirty yards and Kershaw had no hope of stopping it!"

"What a sickner for the Sloths, Mike, although to be fair, they should have killed this game off ages ago."

"Indeed they should have, but they didn't, and we're going to go to thirty more minutes of this. Will the frustration continue, or will Rodney Lowe's words be the kick up the backside our boys need?"

- - - - -

117 minutes

"Well, as strange as it seems, Schiavonia have looked a different team since Tony Tarmey went off at the end of normal time. Obviously he's still feeling the effects of his illness a little. But Jermaine Edwards has made this game Schiavonia's almost on his own. Two goals so far in extra time, and almost a third there as Riskin tapped the ball around the post for yet another corner."

"I think he looks a sure-fire replacement for McAndrew for the semi-final, Mike."

"Indeed, as Sanderson comes over to take the corner, Bradley heads the ball down, and Edwards athletically seals Schiavonia's semi-final place with a scissor kick shot past Riskin. And the orange and scarlet party has started in the stands!"

"A great finish. There's not much you can do to stop one of those!"

"But we've got to give credit to the Sloths' opponents today. Playing with nine for such a long time. Extra-time was just too much for them."

"Indeed it has. But their play has been a pleasure to watch this tournament, and they look good to do well during World Cup 29."

"But it's of to the KFS for Schiavonia, as we all await the inevitable celebration that will accompany the final whistle to confirm our place against Cuation in the semis."

"A team we've got history with, there, Mike."

"Indeed, it was the Sloths who stopped Cuation from making the finals of World Cup 26 by storming the group at their first attempt, no doubt they'll be out for revenge on Tuesday night."

"And THERE IT IS! The final whistle has gone! Schiavonia are through, they might not have had it all their own way, but they've made it! Schiavonia are in the semis!"

Spaam

02-06-2006, 11:39

Spaam Sports Weekly
NationStates' Most Notorious Sports Publication

Trevelyan Denies Wentland Revenge

Wentland had good reason to want revenge against Spaam; they have never
beaten the veteran team, were beaten to qualification two World Cups ago,
and lost in the final of the last Cup of Harmony, also in Spaam. However, the
Waffles are also a changed team; a team on a mission. They have never
been higher than fourth in the Cup of Harmony, and after their dismal
performance in the World Cup qualifiers, need to prove to the world that they
are still a force to be reckoned with. It was with this behind them that the
two teams clashed in the quarterfinals at Artanis National Stadium.

The first half was incredibly physical, with neither team willing to give an inch.
There were an incredibly six yellow cards given in the first forty minutes; one
each to Tregilas, Trethewey, and Venton for Spaam, and Capper, Kent, and
Culthorpe for Wentland. Shots on goal were taken at the drop of a hat, but
none really challenged either of the goalkeepers, Arthur and Derrington. The
closest anyone got was when Treves headed the ball from a Wentland corner,
and Arthur had to dive to bat it away. As such, it was a scoreless game by
the first whistle, fans eager to see who would draw first blood.

As it turned out, it was 21 year old Jenifer Uren who got the honours, scoring
from a penalty in 4 minutes into the second turn, and sending the home team
to a one goal lead. The lead was short-lived, however, as 23 year old Tommy
Barnes answered with a brilliant strike from 20 metres out in the 58th minute.
One hour gone, and the game was still tied up between the two rivals. As
the minutes ticked down, and none of the shots went in, it seemed as though
the game would go into extra time. But 17 year old wunderkind Tehta
Trevelyan showed his worth by heading in a corner that easily beat
Derrington in the 89th minute.

There was no return from that, and the game finished five minutes later with
Spaam making it five from five and into the semifinals, two goals to one.
Bitterly disappointed Wentland skulked from the field, despite the crowd's
applause, while the Waffles took a victory lap. The loudest applause came
for Trevelyan, who has scored in every one of Spaam's matches in the Cup,
and is proving to be one of the nation's most valuable players.

Spaam 2:1 Wentland
(7 Uren 49; 1 Trevelyan 89) (9 Barnes 58)

Other Quarterfinal Matches

Yafor 2 1:0 AET (0:0) Vuam and Isma

A closely fought and very entertaining match saw Yafor 2 just beat Vuam and
Isma. Most people favour Spaam to beat Yafor, but Spaam does not have
luck on their side.

Schiavonia 4:1 AET (1:1) Dorian and Sonya

Dorian and Sonya almost pulled off the upset of the Cup, taking the hosts and
home team to extra time, but Schiavonia dominated in the last thirty minutes
to come out clear winners. Despite the scare, definite favourites to take the
Cup.

Cuation 3:2 The Lowland Clans

The score looks close, but it was reall all Cuation, who have had a stellar run
so far. Unlucky to be in the tough hald of the draw, but they are the perhaps
the only team who might be favoured to beat Schiavonia. Third place at
worst.

YAFF! (Yet Another Fragment Found)

Archaelogists are hopeful of completing the Codex Frosticus, as they found
yet another fragment in a site near Arcis. Depicting the second round of the
second world cup, it shows among other things, the eventual champions
defeating Alasdair I Frosticus by one goal.

Al Quds 1:0 Alasdair I Frosticus

Next Match

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/spaam.jpg VS http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/eritrea.jpg

Results

1 Spaam 4:0 Alasdair I Frosticus
2 Spaam 1:0 Collonie
3 Spaam 4:2 Harlesburg

16 Spaam 2:0 Tynelia

QF Spaam 2:1 Wentland

SF Spaam ?:? Yafor 2

Cuation

02-06-2006, 20:38

Cuation March to Last Four

Talk about a game off two half’s, Cuation stormed into a 3-0 lead with such a confident display for the first sixty minutes that Gary Jens even ran with the ball over the half way line. After that, the Lowland clans fought back hard, pulling back two goals and besieging Judo's goal till the whistle blew.

Cuation came out of the blocks fast and with a better touch, Rual Mendiz would have been clean through in the first minute. Cuation played the ball around the back line then launched it forward for Tanner to flick on. The Lowland Clans never seemed to find a way to combat this aerial problem but only to desperately clear the ball up the pitch.

In the twelfth minute, Milnar went back towards Samba, drawing full back Yuri Kvendazi away. Samba launched the ball down the exposed flank for the overlapping Butcher. His first time cross reached the far post where Tanner powered the ball down and beyond Santander.

The pressure did not ease for the keeper, so often having to come off his line to stop attackers from getting the ball. Still Cuation had two chances, Ashton cutting inside but firing over from the edge of the box and Milnar getting to a freekick but the keeper did well to push the ball aside.

As half time approached the closer till the time that would allow the Lowland Clans to regroup but with seconds left till half time, Cuation doubled the lead. A simple ball upfield from Yan bounced outside the box where Santander was ready to clear. The keeper slipped as he looked to welly it upfield, the ball bouncing behind him. Rual was the first to react, gladly accepting the gift.

Whatever was said at half time didn't work, Cuation continuing their relentless assault but found a stubborn rearguard. It wasn't until the 58th minute that Cuation made it 3-0, Samba played a first time pass to the left side of the area. Rual seemed a fraction off side but the flag stayed down. Collecting the ball on his thigh, the striker waited then dinked it over the advancing keeper. 3-0 and Rual's fifth goal of the Cup!

With the match seemingly sown up, off came Rual, Beanpole and Gary Jens for Keane, Anderton and Judo. Within a minute, Anderton knocked down a Cole cross for Keane but the striker's effort was too close to Santander. It would be the last Cuation chance as the team started to get arrogant.

There seemed little danger in the 75th minute when Jason Yulaniche outwitted Cole, going inside. With the rest of the defence, he was able to wander around 30 yards out. Ferguson came in for a tackle but was sidestepped and down he tried a shot. It looked like it was going over so Judo left it till too late, the ball dipping under the bar. 3-1

The Lowland Clan seemed to get their belief back, pushing forward to try and change the game but found Cuations' defence resilient. Cuation's own attacks failed as Anderton is not a traditional target man and lost out to many balls. Ryley Bloudin came close, controlling a poor back header from Hargreves, his power effort beaten away by the substitute keeper.

In the 85th minute, Quentin Mackallen was forced out wide by Ferguson but with his deadly foot, he sent Krotos Daganopoulis through, his cross was met at the near post by Christopher Landry , his header rocketing its way past a helpless Judo.

Cuation flung everybody back in an attempt to hold the lead while Lowlands pushed forward with everything they had. Several long shots force Judo to work as he went for every effort. Eventually the whistle blew and Cuation where in the semi finals where the third time in their history, this time against the hosts.

Goal Scorers
Mendiz: 5
Ashton: 1
Milnar: 1
Yan: 1
Samba: 1
Giovanni: 1
Tanner: 2

Schiavonia

03-06-2006, 11:28

Cup of Harmony
Semi Finals
Spaamanian Matches

Spaam 0 - 2 Yafor 2

Spaam -------------|
| Spaam -------------|
Tynelia -----------| |
| Spaam ------|
Wentland ----------| | |
| Wentland ----------| |
Rorysville --------| |
| Yafor 2 ----|
The Macabees ------| | |
| Yafor 2 -----------| | |
Yafor 2 -----------| | | |
| Yafor 2 ----| |
Chicanada ---------| | |
| Vuam & Isma -------| |
Vuam and Isma -----| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --------| | in Schiavonia
| Schiavonia --------| |
Magnus Valerius ---| | |
| Schiavonia -| |
Dorian & Sonya ----| | | |
| Dorian & Sonya ----| | |
Mr Chuck Norris ---| | |
| ------------|
Cuation -----------| |
| Cuation -----------| |
Swilatia ----------| | |
| Cuation ----|
The Lowland Clans -| |
| The Lowland Clans -|
Collonie ----------|

The SFF now consider that their team will probably lose to Cuation in the other game :p

Spaam

03-06-2006, 11:54

Cup of Harmony
Quarter Finals
Schiavone Matches

Schiavonia 3 - 2 Cuation

Spaam -------------|
| Spaam -------------|
Tynelia -----------| |
| Spaam ------|
Wentland ----------| | |
| Wentland ----------| |
Rorysville --------| |
| Yafor 2 ----|
The Macabees ------| | |
| Yafor 2 -----------| | |
Yafor 2 -----------| | | |
| Yafor 2 ----| |
Chicanada ---------| | |
| Vuam & Isma -------| |
Vuam and Isma -----| | in Spaam
| -------------
Schiavonia --------| | in Schiavonia
| Schiavonia --------| |
Magnus Valerius ---| | |
| Schiavonia -| |
Dorian & Sonya ----| | | |
| Dorian & Sonya ----| | |
Mr Chuck Norris ---| | |
| Schiavonia -|
Cuation -----------| |
| Cuation -----------| |
Swilatia ----------| | |
| Cuation ----|
The Lowland Clans -| |
| The Lowland Clans -|
Collonie ----------|

The Gupta Dynasty

03-06-2006, 22:33

The following are excerpts from The Sporting Daily News.

Golden Wolves Push Past Hosts To Reach Finals

Semifinals
Yafor 2 2 - Spaam 0

SPAAM - It was a traumatic day for the Golden Wolves. They were in Spaam, in the Cup of Harmony. But they were also playing Spaam, the host. The Spaamanian Waffles, the opposing team, were an experienced and skilled squad who knew how to manipulate the ball and the goal to win. They were among the world's most exalted squads, with a long lineage of success, and many Yaforite players were apprehensive about playing them.

The Waffles came out charging, as they gained the ball on the first play, and quickly began a series of fast passes. Their middle already looked to dominate the middle of the Golden Wolves, for the latter were outnumbered (the Golden Wolves, of course, play a 5-3-2). In a blitz of speed and accuracy, within four minutes, the Waffles had managed to penetrate that shield of which the Golden Wolves were so proud - their defense. They held onto the ball, and it was 17-year-old Tehta Trevelyan who took the shot, a low fireball into the corner of the net, narrowly knocked out of bounds by Deron Smithes.

It was a clever pass from Captain Hares Dalermo that began the first Yaforite scoring rally. Facing two opposing players against him, he faked a move through one of their legs, and instead neatly split them with a pass to Halen Croat. The Adelard FC Center Defender lofted a skilled pass to Damiel Fraten, who began to dribble. Passing two Spaamanian players, he immediately sent a beautiful cross into the middle. Fernando Malar, so proud of his heading skill, proved again that he was a staple with his brother, with a strong, nearly uncatchable, shot. This was the 38th minute.

It was in extra time that the Waffles looked strong again. A series of clever passes and well-placed dribbles left the five-man Yaforite defense feeling stale. Then came the controversial moment of the game; a Spaamanian striker crossed passed Thia Boley and, diving full onto the ground, he knocked the ball into the goal with his head. The referee suddenly blew his whistle. Offsides! He was immediately diluged in a swarm of Spaamanian players shouting how it "wasn't offsides". Television replays were indecisive, and the referee refused to amend his call.

The second half began. It was in the 54th minute that the Golden Wolves struck again, as Francisco Malar, unwilling to be outdone by his brother, passed through four Spaamanian defenders and took an amazing shot with his weak foot, his left. But the damage had been done. Spaam had lost their spark. The Golden Wolves would go on to dominate and win the game 2-0, advancing to face the other host, Schiavonia, in the final of the Cup of Harmony.

Cuation

05-06-2006, 11:08

OC: thankl you to the hosts for the time extension

Cuation Semi Curse

Four Cups, three semi finals appearances, no victory. Given the odds we faced today, perhaps defeat was inevitable, we had conceded two goals against the Lowlands Clans, our defence lost its aura. We where facing one of the hosts, a team we have never beaten and who qualified ahead of us all those years ago.

It was an exciting game, played in the good spirit you would expect from these two teams but the day was ruined when Ashton went down with a broken leg and then Cuation lost to a dubious penalty. The SFF played well in the attack, Sanderson able to thrive despite Ferguson's marking. Cuation meanwhile used Beanpole’s height and the pace of the wingers.

In the first five minutes, both sides created a good early chance. Ashton used his pace to get past Smith and crossed it to the near post where Rual Mendiz, glanced the ball towards the goal. Kershaw had positioned himself well and was able to make the save look easy.

Quickly the ball was played into Cuation's half, the ball ending up with Di Mascherenasi outside the box. With one touch, he flicked the ball through Yan's legs and tried to chip Gary Jens, the keeper forced to arch back and tip the ball over.

The next ten minutes saw plenty of half chances keeping both keepers busy but no side looked like scoring unless they could come up with something amazing. Instead it was a simple mistake that opened up the game, one that nobody predicted.

In the 24th minute, the ball was played back by Park too reliable keeper Kershaw. In his own box, the first touch was poor and put Kershaw in trouble, the second touch a desperate clearance that hit Rual Mendiz's shins. Unable to claim the ball back, the keeper could only watch as the striker made it 1-0.

With SFF pushing forward, Cuation dropped back to try and counter, Samba dropping back but the only chance Cuation go for the rest of the half was Milnar's cross that Tanner headed wide. SFF seemed to struggle a bit with the final pass but the erratic performance of Di Mascherenasi seemed set to change the game.

So it did, McGee's pass in the 40th minute found Di on the edge of the box. With one touch, the ball was chipped into the area and behind a very surprised back line. Gary Jens was forced to race for it but was beaten in the air by McAndrew. The ball deflected of both and bounced into the six yard box.

Hargreves was there, he had plenty of time to clear the ball and stop the danger but he hacked at it, completely missing the ball and allowing it to continue on to the unmarked Tarmey. A predator of his quality could never miss such a chance, 1-1.

The game settled down into a midfield battle, both sides seemingly content to keep this score till half time. McAndrew had a bleeding nose and was replaced by Jermaine Edwards. Near half time, Hargreves fouled Sanderson out wide though one has to wonder what the defender was doing so far out of position. Sanderson's free kick was difficult, Hargreves nearly heading it into his own net but Butcher, on the line, cleared it outside the area.

It went only thirty yards out where Di Mascherenasi lurked, unmarked and under no pressure. As the defence moved out to block him, the striker hit the ball on the volley. It curled all the way into the net, Gary Jens helpless to stop it, despite his best efforts.

Half time and Cuation where behind, 2-1 and demoralised by the late goal. Hargreves was replaced for young Cheese in an attempt to stiffen up the back line. When both sides came out, Cuation went flying into the attack.

Milnar would force Kershaw to dive at his feet, Roy Ferguson fired one knock down over the ball, Ashton's longer ranger whistled past the post, Rual Mendiz snap shot forced a sprawling save, Beanpole headed over a Cole cross. If somebody had just got a touch on Butcher's cross, Cuation would have equalised.

SFF had a chance to wrap the game up, Sanderson’s inch perfect pass sent substitute Edwards clear on goal. Gary Jens advance off his line and made the angle difficult but there is no excuse for the appalling finish, hitting the corner flag with his low effort.

On the 70th minute, Rual was impeded right outside the area by Berry. With Giovanni on the bench, few thought Cuation could score from free kicks but SFF still formed a five man wall. Up stepped Ashton whose power from distance has so often been a God send for Cuation.

He stepped up and drilled it low, the wall had jumped and so it flew under them, the power was more then enough to beat Kershaw, who had seen it late. 2-2 and Game on!

Both sides attacked but found the defences in fine form until the 87th minute, when tired legs started to tell. Ashton burst inside, going past Smith and Marsden. Looking set to score the winner, the winger was challenged by Berry. It was an honest tackle but late, catching the winger's supporting leg and breaking it as Ashton went down. A penalty, not red card worthy but a penalty all the same.

The ref however waved play on forcing SFF to put the ball out of play. The Cuation players surrounded the officials who seemed to be unable to tell that taking away someone's leg, no matter how accidental, is a foul. Cuation brought on Anderton to act as right winger but as the team reorganised, SFF would seal the match.

O'Kane came forward, crossing the ball into the box but it was easy for Gary Jens to claim. As he threw it out towards Giovanni, the ref blew and gave a penalty. Edwards had drifted off side and in an attempt to con the ref, had gone down as soon as he got near Cheese. It was a blatant dive and Cuation where again upset.

With the last kick of the game, playmaker Sanderson faced Gary Jens, both players having had good games. Both sets of fans got behind their players as Sanderson made his run up, Gary Jens committed himself to his right, allowing the ball to be dinked over. 3-2 to SFF!

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Cup of Harmony for WC28