NationStates Jolt Archive

Ununngu oot a Nginkaralirimarringuma Ngabe (djarli Nginkarulirimurringumu Ngo 22)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/BaptismofFrost2.png

Welcome, my friends, to the Baptism of Frost (aka Baptism of Fire 22) being held in Errinundera. We look forward to hosting your teams and wish you the best of luck in the tournament. The tournament is held between each World Cup to give nations, who have never competed before, an opportunity to become familiar with the structure of World Cup football and to gain a KPB rating, albeit basic, before meeting the power sides in the Cup.

About Errinundera

You can familiarise yourself with the idiosyncrasies of Errinundera by visiting its official web site. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Errinundera)

From this page there are links to many articles about this singular place. There are some points worth noting from the outset.

1. Errinundera is a landlocked, southern hemisphere nation. There are no airports and cars are banned. The favoured point of entry is by riverboat down the Snowy River from the nation of Carboni in the north to the city of McKillops Bridge. From there you can catch the trans-national rail to the Plateau Province. Alternatively, teams can enter from the nation of Consumer Engineering in the south along the southern branch of the trans-national rail via the Brodribb River valley and Malinns.

Read about McKillops Bridge (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/McKillops_Bridge)
Read about Malinns (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Malinns)

2. Errinundera is one of the most democratic nations in the world. Indeed, its citizens take their political rights so seriously they frequently riot over perceived injustices. It is wise to keep clear of any civil disturbances that occur while you are visiting. The upside of this is there are no police force, no army, no border restrictions and no customs officials. The free rail and monorail services are extensive although badly run down. You can move around the nation as you like without any restrictions. Remember also that Errinundrians are pacifist (except for those riots), communitarian and obsessively concerned for their environment.

Read about civil disturbances (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Corporate_Torching)
Read about communitarianism (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Communitarianism)


3. This is a strictly vegetarian nation. Dead animal products are banned. Although there are no enforcement agencies you will be confronted, on arrival in Malinns or McKillops Bridge, with huge receptacles bearing the sign: “Please leave meat, leather, guns and cars in bin provided.” You will also meet, for the first time, the legendary sniffer wombats. You cannot fool them. Visitors usually comply with the request on the signs. You are advised to consider carefully the dietary requirements of your team before visiting Errinundera. We are happy to provide you with expert dietary consultants.

Read about vegetarianism in Errinundera (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Vegetarianism_in_Errinundera)
Read about sniffer wombats (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sniffer_Wombat)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/diprotodon.jpg

4. There is a flourishing microfibre industry in Errinundera. Microfibre is indistinguishable from leather. Our manufacturers are happy to kit out your teams with all the gear you need. The cost will be borne by the Errinundera Football Association. They are happy to come to any arrangements with your sponsors in regard to logos, endorsements and designs. They are also happy to sub-contract out their microfibre material to your own manufacturers or be sub-contracted by them to your designs.

About the Tournament

The tournament will be conducted entirely within the densely forested Plateau Province. Teams will be billeted with Errinundrian families in their housetrees. There has been tremendous competition to have the honour of hosting players so you can be sure that you will be treated with friendship and enthusiasm. One or two teams will be billeted in each location and will play several of their matches in the nearby stadium.

The competition will be divided into two groups. Each team will play the other teams in their group once. The best four teams in each group will then proceed to a knockout competition.

Read about the Plateau Province (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Plateau)

Visitor home bases (nations in black have posted a team list - click on nation name to go to post)

First Creek Falls, Southern Escarpment: Abu Omar (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12678221&postcount=121) and Western Afghanistan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12622262&postcount=8)
Home ground: National Downfall Stadium, Hairy Man Creek

Fanny Moo, Ootopia: Unknown Suburbia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12648738&postcount=49) and Willink (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12643775&postcount=31)
Home ground: Ootopia Forest, Fanny Moo

Goonmirk Rocks, Shining: Jaredcohenia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12637046&postcount=23) and Cravan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12633616&postcount=16)
Home ground: Podocarp Park, Goonmirk Rocks

Quartpot, Coast Range: Clesmire and Veitau (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12644269&postcount=34)
Home ground: Quartpot Camp

Buldah, Upper Cann: Rossglass (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12635576&postcount=18) and Patusan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12643171&postcount=30)
Home ground: Buldah Recreation Reserve

Kanooka Creek, Southern Escarpment: Kuosio (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12655053&postcount=64) and Jeru FC
Home ground: Kanooka Creek Reserve

Sassafras Basin, Shining: Daughrty and Jariss (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12632254&postcount=13)
Home ground: The Basin

Cobb Hill, Ootopia: Kristovenia and The Non-RPing n00b
Home ground: Terminal Park, Cobb Hill

Read about Errinundera’s major football grounds (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Errinundera_Football_Association#Major_stadiums)

Read about Plateau districts and towns:
Southern Escarpment (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Southern_Escarpment)
First Creek Falls (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/First_Creek_Falls)
Kanooka Creek (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Kanooka_Creek)
Ootopia (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ootopia)
Fanny Moo (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Fanny_Moo)
Cobb Hill (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Cobb_Hill)
Shining (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Shining)
Goonmirk Rocks (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Goonmirk_Rocks)
Sassafras Basin (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sassafras_Basin)
Coast Range (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Coast_Range)
Quartpot (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Quartpot)
Upper Cann (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Upper_Cann)
Buldah (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Buldah)

About Frosty Hollow

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/FrostyHollow.jpg

Deep inside the rainforest, Frosty Hollow is the most famous ground in Errinundera. Notorious is probably a better description. The weather here is extremely fickle. The ground can be subject to fog, frost, heavy rain, hail storms, snow and lightning. The temperature can plummet from comfortable to sub-zero in minutes. Spectators are strongly advised to bring plenty of warm, waterproof gear.

Each game day one of the group rounds will be played at Frosty Hollow so that all teams have the opportunity to experience this amazing ground. One of the quarterfinals will be played here, as well as the final.

Frosty Hollow is located on the outskirts of Rooty Break.

Read about Rooty Break (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rooty_Break)
Read about Frosty Hollow (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Frosty_Hollow)

About the weather

The Errinundera Plateau is a cool temperate rainforest. The tournament is taking place in late autumn so expect the conditions to be cold and / or wet. Forecasts will be posted with the match results.

About the Finals
Quaterfinal 1: Frosty Hollow, Rooty Break
Quaterfinal 2: Ootopia Forest, Fanny Moo
Quaterfinal 3: National Downfall Stadium, First Creek Falls
Quaterfinal 4: Buldah Recreation Reserve, Buldah

1st Semi-Final: National Downfall Stadium, First Creek Falls
2nd Semi-Final: Ootopia Forest, Fanny Moo

3rd Place Play-Off: Quartpot Camp, Quartpot

Final: Frosty Hollow, Rooty Break

Check out the full draw (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12643100&postcount=29).

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/FrostyHollow002.jpg

RPing hints for the Baptism of Frost Tournament

The scorinator for BoF22 is reasonably straightforward with three components: random number, style modifier, and RP modifier.

The style modifier is any real number between –3 and +3 that can be easily represented on an Excel spreadsheet. A negative number means your team is defensive while a positive number means your team is attacking. The modifier does not give your team an advantage. It simply influences whether a game is high or low scoring. A game between two attacking teams could have a high score. A game between two defensive teams is likely to have a low score.

The RP modifier will have a large bearing on the results and could give your team a significant advantage. There are two ways you can improve your RP modifier.

1. Post a team list (aka roster in some cultures) in this thread. The moment you post a team list you get a significant RP bonus.

The team list should display:
Team colours - You can link to an external picture storing site such as Photobucket. If you need technical advice there are people who are happy to help you via the World Cup Discussion Thread.
Team members with optional descriptions
The following table to advise your opponents how much latitude they can take if they RP first:
Choose my goalscorers Yes or No
Godmod Scoring Events Yes or No
RP injuries to my players Yes or No
Godmod injuries to my players Yes or No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Yes or No
Hand out Red cards to my players Yes or No
Godmod Other Events Y Yes or No

2. Post reports about the matches
The previous five match reports will be judged, subjectively, and a bonus will be added to the RP score as the host sees fit. Above all, I want to be impressed or entertained. Even the most basic report will earn a bonus, however good reports will be scored well.

The types of match reports that could score well are:

Straight reports written in creative language. We all know good journalism when we read it. It could range from Gonzo to Classical. Please note that my only languages are English and rusty Latin. If you post in other languages I can only judge it on its appearance.

Straight reports that are well illustrated. See Fort Europe’s posts in the World Cup 34 RP thread for the sorts of posts I would score highly. Cafundéu’s posts from that campaign would also score well.

Surreal posts – I like to be surprised and bewitched.

Funny posts – always a winner.

Interacting posts – The more interaction between players the better. They can be angry, petulant, funny, whatever. If nation A does something to nation B and nation B retaliates by doing something to nation A both will receive RP bonuses.

One thing to remember. Many people who post do not have English as their first language. There will be NO penalties for the standard of your English. Besides, you may want to RP poor English skills.

Also, Errinundera has restrictions on civil liberties, ie no dead animal products, no guns, no cars etc. On the other hand, there are no enforcement agencies so, by all means, feel free to RP defiance of these restrictions. It will add to the enjoyment. I would simply advise you read this post from World Cup 34 to see how I may respond. WOMBATS AMOK (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12556356&postcount=182)

Weather is a factor on the Plateau. Remember, it can be cold and wet. I will post forecasts but leave it entirely to the players to RP weather events.

The cut-off for entering the BoF is the posting of the scores for the World Cup 34 final. Once the teams are finalised a draw will be posted.

Goo Woongara. Good luck.

The Republic of Kuosio is honoured to officially accept its place in the Baptism of Frost tournament.

The team manager requests a meeting between the team's dietary consultant and an Errinunderan dietary expertm, as many of our team members eat a lot of meat and may find a vegetarian diet somewhat of a challenge - though not one that they are unwilling to accept. The team manager has had stern words with the team to remind them of the potential consequences of causing offence whilst in Errinundera.

The team manager also requests a number of items to be manufactured in microfibre and shipped to Kuosio before the competition. We are very grateful of the EFA's generous offer to supply items at their own cost, although the government of Kuosio is happy to pay the potentially large international shipping fees. The team manager would also request a supply of regulation tournament balls to be supplied.

With best regards,
The Minister of Sport, Kuosio.

OOC: When does the tournament start in RL time?

6 May 2119

Minister of Sport
Kuosio

Dear Madam / Quir / Sir.

Re: Vegetarian diet and microfibre manufactures

Thank you for your letter regarding the abovementioned items.

We have organised a dietician and a cook for your team. The dietician is a 24 year old woman from Deddick by the name of flamboo. She is very keen to assistant Kuosion team as she is "sweet on footballers", to use her own words. The cook is a 68 year old ex-prospector by the name of konike from the wilds of Quartpot. We can't really vouch for his cooking but he is clean.

flamboo and konike are bringing with them 50 competition balls. Please let me know if you need any more. We are grateful for your contribution to the shipping costs.

If you have any further queries do not hesitate to contact the Association.

Yours faithfully.

ermaingree
Convenor, Errinundera Football Association
Ariddia (enjoying World Cup 34 proceedings)

OOC: When does the tournament start in RL time?

Sign-ups close when scores are posted for the final of World Cup 34. With scores being posted every 2nd day, I estimate that will be next Sunday, 13 May.

I aim to post a draw that evening and the first results the following night.

2 provisos.
1) I am assuming that the WC34 3rd place play-off scores will be posted on the same day as the scores for the final. I may be wrong. If WC34 is delayed, so will the start of BoF22.
2) If Errinundera has the good fortune to play in the final (or in the 3rd place play-off) the draw will be delayed a day as I will probably be drafting an elaborate RP. (Edit: Well that was wishful thinking. There won't be any hold ups on this account.)

Kuosa City, 6 May

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for your kind offer to send a dietician and cook to Kuosio ahead of the tournament. We will have a delegation waiting at Kuosa City International Airport for flamboo and konike when they arrive. Our delegation will convey flamboo and konike to the Kuosa City Palace Hotel, where they will be staying at our expense during their trip.

The Kuosian national team manager reports that the players are very much looking forward to discovering Errinunderan cuisine over the coming days.

There has been a small delay in the manufacturing of kit for our players. It has been brought to our attention that certain animal product derivatives are used in the manufacturing process, although they are completely removed from the final product. We would like your confirmation that this will be acceptable in Errinundera, as we set high standards of respect for other cultures in Kuosio. As a result of this delay, we may not be able to post pictures of our team colours for some time yet, although a description of our specification is already available.

A team list will be posted as soon as the team manager reports back on his final decisions for the squad. He requests to know what limits are to be set on the size and composition of national squads for this tournament.

Yours faithfully,
The Minister of Sport, Kuosio

To ermaingree,

Mr. Khuhekhezal Muhammad, newly appointed manager of the West Afghan national football team, as asked me to inform you that, in accordance with Errinundrian law, his team will be forbidden from consuming animal products during their Baptism of Frost campaign. He does not believe this will cause much of an uproar, as most West Afghans are Muslim, and therefore do not eat pork anyway.

However, I wish to send one note of warning: many West Afghans (and men in particular) are terribly picky about their hygeine. Consequently imports of various shampoos, toothpastes, and colognes are extremely common, and most of these imports come from neighboring Nojika. Nojikan liquid products typically contain Nojikan Walking Venus Flytrap extract. Though the Nojikan Walking Venus Flytrap Extract is a technically a plant, it is a walking plant nonetheless, and I in particular fear we will offend local customs, or infinitely worse, offend your wombats.

I hope you can offer some diplomatic advice,

-Ali Hirilashir, Under-Secretary of Sport for the Most Serene Republic

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
FAWA announces Western Afghanistan squad for Baptism of Frost

MANAGER

Khuhekhezal Muhammad
A longtime striker for Nine Columns, the most popular team in the country, Muhammad is a celebrity figure in Western Afghanistan. He also has extensive experience as a manager, having been the top man at club side Ghavvasa for the last three years. Most football fans in Western Afghanistan are strongly behind Muhammad, but some football media pundits have criticized his recent appointment, citing Ghavvasa’s largely ineffective campaigns in the Afghan Premier League over the last three seasons. Indeed, the Orange Aquatics were nearly relegated during the last season, and Mr. Muhammad will have his work cut out for him in keeping his job.

GOALKEEPERS

1. Khilen Fahifa (Age: 27) (Club: Mardom Yek) <Captain>
A seasoned veteran, Fahifa has held the honour of national team captain for over seven years. He is a formidable presence between the posts, and his outspoken leadership ability both on and off the pitch led to his appointment of captain of Herat club side Mardom Yek. He reportedly has a close relationship with the Prime Minister.

19. Ali Muhammad (19) (Ghavvasa)
A young talent who rose to the position of top keeper for Ghavvasa at age 17, and who will be earning his first caps for the national team during the Baptism of Frost.

22. Ali Hanijule (18) (Nine Columns)
The youngest keeper to ever hold the starting keeper’s job at Nine Columns Athletic. Hanijule has always worn the number 22, in honour of Wahab Rajikh, the late Nine Columns goalkeeper.

DEFENDERS

3. Sherer Inu (19) (Nine Columns)
A skilled tackler, Inu has proven himself the best right back in the Afghan Premier League over the course of the last two seasons. His youth leaves something to be desired in terms of composure; his exuberance tends to leave open spots in the defense, which Western Afghanistan cannot afford in a 3-5-2. Luckily, his skill is unparalleled.

5. Zalakh Ruburirin (26) (Nine Stars)
The only Nine Stars presence on the national team. However, he has been occupying the spot of centre back for years, due to his massive size and heading ability. He captained the Lightning Warriors to a first-ever second-place finish last year, and has reportedly been a player of interest at Nine Columns, the more popular Q’an Coliseum occupant.

8. Qishuhuje Zuneh (20) (Ghavvasa)
Ghavvasa FC’s pacy left back. As the most controversial man in the starting eleven, he will be under enormous pressure to outperform the man whose job he took, Assef Zushe. He was a little-known practice squad member with the Orange Aquatics until, like many other young talents, he was spotted by Khuhekhezal Muhammad and promoted.

12. Shabun Rushenaqud (28) (Pesarast Xanto)
A physical centre back, who represents Pesarast Xanto’s only choice for the national squad.

14. Assef Zushe (27) (Herat Jadid)
For years, a fixture at left back on the national team; but Khuhekhezal Muhammad has announced that Zuneh will assume the role.

21. Khefinehu Heziq (25) (Daru Khuneh)
An unremarkable halfback, Heziq will make his debut with the national team after converting a penalty in Daru Khuneh’s West Afghan Cup semifinal victory.

MIDFIELDERS

2. Muhammad Zuled Muhammad (20) (Nine Columns)
A spectacular playmaker for the Lions, he has been voted Nine Columns Athletic’s most popular player by fans two years in a row. He is a super talent and set-piece king who has attracted attention from clubs outside of Western Afghanistan. Manager Muhammad’s 3-5-2 will likely rotate around the effectiveness of Z. Muhammad’s explosive ability.

6. Nefe Huzish (19) (Ghavvasa)
Another speedy facet of Ghavvasa’s offensive unit, Huzish was expected to be named to the national team starting 11 the moment his old manager was given the title of head trainer. His pure defensive ability will give Western Afghanistan a well-rounded talent in the centre of the midfield, particularly if he has used at defensive midfielder as expected.

9. Sohrab Nukhadufil (18) (Nine Columns)
With the extra midfield spot made available in the 3-5-2, it was well known that Nefe Huzish would enter the starting lineup. However, the appointment of Sohrab Nukhadufil to the starting 11 was mostly unexpected. Though an extremely potent offensive talent, he is quite small, and Qeshelu was expected to hold the position of left centre mid.

11. Iji Muhammad (28) (Ghavvasa)
Ghavvasa has always enjoyed the presence of Iji Muhammad on the starting eleven of the national team. He has played at left wing ever since the creation of the national team eight years before the present. Muhammad’s presence on the national team was unquestioned when his manager at Ghavvasa got the national team job.

13. Shenelukhur Qeshelu (27) (Mardom Yek)
A consistent presence on the national team, Shenelukhur Qeshelu is a talented Mardom Yek left mid. He was expected to grace the starting 11, but was unseated by Sohrab Nukhadufil, and has applauded the young Lion as deserving.

15. Khuq Nakhar (34) (Herat Jadid)
The longtime captain of the popular club side Herat Jadid, Nakhar has never earned a cap with the national team due to his very poor pace. However, Manager Muhammad has offered him a spot before the aging veteran’s career ends.

16. Muhammad Ramat Muhammad (20) (Daru Khuneh)
A hot-tempered and physical midfielder, Muhammad has gained notoriety not only for his playmaking ability at left wing, but for his string of red cards in the APL.

17. Ali Qer (26) (Sagaye)
Sagaye FC will be playing in the Afghan Premier League for the first time next season. However, the club has always been in the public eye because the national team’s premier right wing was effectively born and raised in the Dogs’ youth system. The upcoming year is sure to be an exciting year for Qer, and he will be in good form for the BoF.

20. Uzib Hirir (29) (Daru Khuneh)
Daru Khuneh’s captain has never turned many heads in the goalscoring department. However, his charisma and leadership have earned him a spot on the national team.

23. Amir Ena (16) (Nine Columns)
Still in search of his first pitch action with Nine Columns, his unparalleled talent has brought him to Errinundera with the rest of the adult national squad.

FORWARDS

4. Assef Rushufi (20) (Nine Columns)
A young but vastly talented and physical striker, Assef Rushufi rose to fame at Mardom Yek before being purchased by defending champions Nine Columns two years ago. Still only twenty, he is the back-to-back scoring king of the Afghan Premier League and unquestionably the best player on the Western Afghanistan squad.

7. Iqu Afi (22) (Ghavvasa)
A diminutive but dangerous young talent, Afi replaces longtime striker Hassan Khob, who retired after the last APL season, in the national team lineup. He had not been expected to make the team at all, despite his popularity and obvious skill, but his former manager has promised to use Afi constantly. His small size is redeemed by his pace.

10. Jafaje Zekhesha (27) (Sagaye)
With Sagaye’s promotion to the Afghan Premier League, top Dogs goalscorer Jafaje Zekhesha gained enough attention to earn a spot on the roster for the Baptism of Frost.

18. Muhammad Izi Muhammad (18) (Sagaye)
Zekhesha’s young counterpart at Sagaye, Muhammad will be the only non-West Afghan-born player on the squad for the BoF. He was born in Bettia to a West Afghan father and Bettian mother, and only moved to Herat after his parents’ divorce.

Starting lineup, changes will be announced in RPs.

1. Fahifa

3. Inu 5. Ruburirin 8. Zuneh

17. Qer 2. M. Z. Muhammad 6. Huzish 9. Nukhadufil 11. I. Muhammad

7. Afi 4. Rushufi

Home (left) and Alternate (right) Western Afghanistan kits
http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/National%20Team%20Home.bmp http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/National%20Team%20Away.bmp

Keeper kit
http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/National%20Team%20Keeper.bmp

Assef Rushufi attempting a volley during a recent practice match
http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/National%20Team%20Volley%20Replay.bmp

Western Afghanistan Style Modifier: +3

My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose goalscorers: Y
GodMod scoring events: Y
Injure players: Y (no killing)
GodMod injuries: Y
Red Card my players: N
Yellow Card my players: Y
GodMod other events: Y

To the kind folk of Kuosio and Western Afghanistan,

Sorry about the hold up in replyin to youse letters the prez from the footy mob passed em on to me to answer an slamminsam me wombat ate em now if I rembember right youse was both askin much the same question youse gotta look at it from the wombats point of view they can smell meat products leather guns and cars if what youse bring dont smell like those things then the wombats wont mind got it mind you I seen people try to bring in all sorts of things but they usually get caught enjoy your trip.

arrybutlu

Rosters, anyone?

Got mine in! :D

The team manager informs me that it will be ready within a couple of days, he hasn't come to a final decision yet. His tardiness is a real disgrace to the country, I apologize profusely.

The Minister of Sport
Kuosio

OOC: OK, it's really because I'm hopeless at coming up with good character names - any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jariss squad
Style -5 (or whatever max defense is) (-3 in this case)
Lineup 5-4-1
Team Colors-Blue with white trim

After a grueling open tryout under Coach Maru Hiniru’s eye, with nearly 30 people coming out and trying to qualify, the first ever Jariss international team was announced. A very big event in the small island's short history for certain.

Coach- Maru Hiniru age 56 Coach of the Jariss Spiders High School soccer team and so the most experienced soccer person on the isle. Very conservative in nature and playstyle.

G- Tali Vindu age 18 (starter) Captain of the Spiders and according to Hiniru the best keeper he’s ever coached.
G- Aru Treni age 24 (reserve) part time member of the police and fire department he is the keeper for their squad and the only other decent keeper on the isle.

F- Minna Dawo age 20 (starter) The Jariss Spiders all time record holder in goals scored with 10 in her four years, Minna was clearly the choice to start for the team here.
F- Konu Zaryi age 28 (reserve) Holder of the old scoring record with 8 before Minna broke it has taken time off from his father’s fishing boat to join the team. Graduated from Bigtopia University with a degree in marine biology.

M- Leni Banama age 35 (starter) The best player in Jariss soccer history according to most Leni was a force on both offense and defense making him a perfect midfielder.
M- Tranae Vyrroi age 21 (starter) Showed up at the tryouts despite being on the rugby team in high school and somehow made the team. She has the legs to keep up on the field but her actual skill is a bit shaky at times.
M- Joa Giranu age 18 (starter) part of the Spiders squad. Good ballhandler and passer
M- Andre Miware age 30 (starter) this tour guide discovered he hadn’t forgotten everything he knew from his days with the Spiders and made the team.
M- Gia Banama age 26 (reserve) wife of Leni Banama, she earned her own way onto the team even if some feel she’s there to keep an eye on her husband’s roving eye.

D- Kalo Yannia age 31 (starter) a good defender back in his days as a Spider though some feel a leg injury a coupole years back has cost him a step.
D- Fya Panai age 18 (starter) the best defender on the Spiders she was a clear choice to make the team when Jariss was announced to enter the WC for the first time.
D- Goru Lyani age 19 (starter) This Spider graduate was bored working at his father’s farm and jumped at the chance to go see the world in the Cup.
D- Larri Weque age 34 (starter) Another returning star who hadn’t kicked a soccer ball in four years, this former two time best defender of the Spiders managed to recall enough of his game to make the team after the tryouts.
D- Datu Kippo age 26 (starter) This lifeguard was a bit of a surprise starter after skipping high school to surf for four years. Somehow he impressed Hiniru at the tryouts and made the team.
D- Relao Yashi age 18 (reserve) The last member of the current team still in high school, but coach Maru thought it would be a good experience or him.

Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod Scoring Events Yes
RP injuries to my players No
Godmod injuries to my players No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players No
Godmod Other Events Y Yes

Hey Erri quick question; when we start RPing, will it be in this thread or in another one?

-WA

PS - Sorry about bumping over your team list Jariss, I feel like a real arse.

Hey Erri quick question; when we start RPing, will it be in this thread or in another one?

-WA.

I envisage RPs to be posted here.

BTW, I have linked your rosters to the opening post. Now, to find a team list you only need to go to the first post and click on the nation name under the heading "Visitor home bases".

Imperial Football League Building
Cravna, Cravan

Ugh... No meat? Maransky thought to himself as he read over the regulations for the competition. Might have to have someone try and smuggle something in...

Jacob Maransky, a man of fifty and manager of the Cravanian national football team, sat in his dimly lit office reviewing the paperwork for the upcoming Baptism of Fire, the first international competition in which Cravan would take part. As he stamped out his cigarette in the ash tray next to his keyboard, he picked up the team's roster and read it over slowly.

Manager: Jacob Maransky
Assistant Manager: Jim Polska

Coach: Louis Argone
Assistant Coaches: Sydney MacMillan

Goalkeepers:
01- Mark Phillpany
15- Jack Lylesworth

Defense:
12- Jake Meddlesworth
16- Juan Tinisonna
02- Jacob Menthol
22-Louis Plonskty
18- Kyle Martzkat

Midfielders:
11- Ryan Martzkat
19- Mike Pocan
20- Dave Kosyna
24- Peter Salsworth
13- Oliver Paxton
17- Eric Dovitt
23- Michael Donohue
30- Matt Gilbride

Strikers:
10- Peter Klatch
02- Max MacBride
03- Tony Smeltson
25- Harris Jackson
27- Richard Wartz
07- Frank Pizzinia

Team Kit; home and away respectively. (http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan/Jerseys-2.png)

((OOC note: Bold are starters.))

"Quite the team I have here." he said to himself smiling. "Best of the best."

Maransky clicked a switch on his intercom, connecting himself to his secretary outside his office.

"Janet, schedule a meeting with the dietician for tomorrow at ten-ish. We're going to have to review protein supplements what with this 'no meat' thing. Utter crock of shit, if you ask me. But, rules are rules."
"Yes, sir. Should I bump your appointment with the coach to twelve, then?"
"Yes, please."

The line died, and once again silence surrounded Maransky. He snorted to himself as he read over the regulations another time.

"No meat... Bunch of tree-huggers the lot of them."

****************

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Minor injuries, yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Preferred not
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes, however major events are preferred to be cleared via IM or TG.

Manager: Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh (Ciarrai)

Mícheál is the tabloids best friend. Outspoken and at times controversial, the Ciarrai boss is astute in nature and his record speaks for itself. A long time in the game, his man-management skills are second-to-none.

1. Seán O’ Cinnéide (Breachtain)

Cinnéide has represented his country on 73 occasions and the shot-stopper is relishing his first competitive competition. Safe pair of hands and never shies from a 50-50 ball.

2. Mánas Mac Coinnigh (An Sabhall)

Mac Coinnigh is a tough-tackling, no-nonsense full back who thrives on edgy encounters. A bit limited going forward but his experience is valuable at the back and is a great role model for his young teammates.

3. Séamas Mac Artáin (Dun Droma)

The Dun Droma left back has instrumental in their current form which has propelled them to 2nd spot in the Rossglass Super League. Getting on a bit in terms of age, but his enthusiasm and forward runs make him an invaluable asset.

4. Rosa Mac Giolla Cheara (Breachtain)

Rumoured to be the target of the top clubs in neighbouring Kamabula, Mac Giolla Cheara has put in some fine displays domestically. Unproven at international level, this will prove just what the 21 year old centre back is capable of.


5. Marcas O’Se (Breachtain)

Another of the Breachtain contingent, O’Se and Mac Giolla Cheara have helped their club to the best defensive record in Rossglass. O’Se organises the back four and is no real surprise that the Breachtain pairing will feature in Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh’s starting eleven.

6. Néill Ó Leannáin (An Ceilteach)

The necessary hardman in the midfield, Ó Leannáin provides stability in the side, although he receives a lot of flack from the press and supporters for his negative style of play.


7. Peadar O’Vennaigh (Breachtain)

“The Magnificent Seven” as he is known by his adoring fans, O’Vennaigh provides the spark in midfield. Good in the hole, excellent at playing through balls, and a dead-ball specialist, Rossglass may rely too heavily on his influence. If Rossglass are to perform, he needs to perform.




8. Aodhán Mag Céadaigh (An Ceilteach)

‘Aidso’ is a right-footed player, who plays on the left of midfield. Quick feet and pace are his main attributes, though is final delivery and shooting leave a lot to be desired. Can tie defenders in knots, but can frustrate with needless fancy footwork.






10. Breandán Ó Coltair (Droichead Maigh Eo)

‘Benny’ as known by the Rossglass faithful is a strong attacking midfielder. The flamed haired attacker has pace to burn but has been blighted by injuries this term. It remains to be seen whether or not he is fully fit coming into the tournament.

9. Tadhg Mac an Fhailí (Breachtain)

A potent striker, Mac an Fhailí relies heavily on good service. Small and fast, he compliments his taller compatriot in the forward line.


10. Brian Ó Drisceoil (Laigin)

Standing at 6”2, Ó Drisceoil is the aerial threat in the side. Has been his clubs’ top scorer for the past two seasons and has 34 caps to his name.


Marcas Mac Liam – Goalkeeper (Breachtain, 33. 11 caps)

Stiofán Mac Manis – Defender (An Ceilteach, 24. 7 caps)

Gothraidh Mac Conluain – Defender (An Sabhall, 27. 3 caps)

Dioraí Ó Ríordáin – Midfielder/Forward (An Ceilteach, 23. 14 caps)

Dara O’ Cinnéide – Midfielder (Ciarrai, 31. 22 caps)

Beinidict Ó Murchú – Defender (Dun Padraig, 19. 2 caps)

Breandán Mac Beathan – Midfielder (Dun Droma, 26. 19 caps)

Dónall Mac Mhuirneacháin – Forward (Breachtain, 22. 8 caps)

Mícheál Mac Giolla Fhiondáin – Forward (Droim an Easa, 32. 32 caps)


Home and Away kits:
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/6130/homeandawaybu6.png (http://imageshack.us)

Keeper Kits:
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/3674/keeperkittj7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Manager: Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh (Ciarrai)

Mícheál is the tabloids best friend. Outspoken and at times controversial, the Ciarrai boss is astute in nature and his record speaks for itself. A long time in the game, his man-management skills are second-to-none.

1. Seán O’ Cinnéide (Breachtain)

Cinnéide has represented his country on 73 occasions and the shot-stopper is relishing his first competitive competition. Safe pair of hands and never shies from a 50-50 ball.

2. Mánas Mac Coinnigh (An Sabhall)

Mac Coinnigh is a tough-tackling, no-nonsense full back who thrives on edgy encounters. A bit limited going forward but his experience is valuable at the back and is a great role model for his young teammates.

3. Séamas Mac Artáin (Dun Droma)

The Dun Droma left back has instrumental in their current form which has propelled them to 2nd spot in the Rossglass Super League. Getting on a bit in terms of age, but his enthusiasm and forward runs make him an invaluable asset.

4. Rosa Mac Giolla Cheara (Breachtain)

Rumoured to be the target of the top clubs in neighbouring Kamabula, Mac Giolla Cheara has put in some fine displays domestically. Unproven at international level, this will prove just what the 21 year old centre back is capable of.


5. Marcas O’Se (Breachtain)

Another of the Breachtain contingent, O’Se and Mac Giolla Cheara have helped their club to the best defensive record in Rossglass. O’Se organises the back four and is no real surprise that the Breachtain pairing will feature in Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh’s starting eleven.

6. Néill Ó Leannáin (An Ceilteach)

The necessary hardman in the midfield, Ó Leannáin provides stability in the side, although he receives a lot of flack from the press and supporters for his negative style of play.


7. Peadar O’Vennaigh (Breachtain)

“The Magnificent Seven” as he is known by his adoring fans, O’Vennaigh provides the spark in midfield. Good in the hole, excellent at playing through balls, and a dead-ball specialist, Rossglass may rely too heavily on his influence. If Rossglass are to perform, he needs to perform.




8. Aodhán Mag Céadaigh (An Ceilteach)

‘Aidso’ is a right-footed player, who plays on the left of midfield. Quick feet and pace are his main attributes, though is final delivery and shooting leave a lot to be desired. Can tie defenders in knots, but can frustrate with needless fancy footwork.






10. Breandán Ó Coltair (Droichead Maigh Eo)

‘Benny’ as known by the Rossglass faithful is a strong attacking midfielder. The flamed haired attacker has pace to burn but has been blighted by injuries this term. It remains to be seen whether or not he is fully fit coming into the tournament.

9. Tadhg Mac an Fhailí (Breachtain)

A potent striker, Mac an Fhailí relies heavily on good service. Small and fast, he compliments his taller compatriot in the forward line.


10. Brian Ó Drisceoil (Laigin)

Standing at 6”2, Ó Drisceoil is the aerial threat in the side. Has been his clubs’ top scorer for the past two seasons and has 34 caps to his name.


Marcas Mac Liam – Goalkeeper (Breachtain, 33. 11 caps)

Stiofán Mac Manis – Defender (An Ceilteach, 24. 7 caps)

Gothraidh Mac Conluain – Defender (An Sabhall, 27. 3 caps)

Dioraí Ó Ríordáin – Midfielder/Forward (An Ceilteach, 23. 14 caps)

Dara O’ Cinnéide – Midfielder (Ciarrai, 31. 22 caps)

Beinidict Ó Murchú – Defender (Dun Padraig, 19. 2 caps)

Breandán Mac Beathan – Midfielder (Dun Droma, 26. 19 caps)

Dónall Mac Mhuirneacháin – Forward (Breachtain, 22. 8 caps)

Mícheál Mac Giolla Fhiondáin – Forward (Droim an Easa, 32. 32 caps)

Home and Away kits:
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3121/homeandawayvh3.png (http://imageshack.us)

Keeper Kits:

http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/9753/keeperkitfa4.png (http://imageshack.us)

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Minor injuries, yes
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes

The Jariss team ship arrives in port after a raucous send off from Jariss city where nearly a third of the island’s 8000 people came to see the team depart, and they catch a riverboat to Errinundera. On deck is keeper Tali Vindu and her two best friends on the team Minna Dawo and Fya Pani.

Tali: Wow this is great. These people like boats as much as we do!

Fya: I’m cold! It must be like 50 degrees out here, I wish I brought a thicker sweater.

Minna: Yeah why did Coach take us to this, I’ve never seen frost in my life, we should have waited until this was in someplace warm.

Tali: But I heard this is such a pretty country, just like us, well except for they’re not an island, and don’t eat meat, and they have lots of forests, not too much farmland though.

Fya: But how do they like eat, I mean if they don’t grow nuthin and don’t eat no meat…

Tali: Well they manage, but I just hope Coach takes us out for seafood after we’re done here. I’m in the mood for lobster.

Minna: Yeah lobster, guess when you’re folks are that rich you can get that whatever you want. I’m happy with salmon, baked in lemon sauce mmmm.

Tali: And the treehouses…

Goru Lyani walks up to the girls.

Goru: Treehouses? <starts looking nervous> well you mean only like ten feet above ground right?

Tali” <looks at her travel guide> nope it says here “The tournament will be conducted entirely within the densely forested Plateau Province. Teams will be billeted with Errinundrian families in their housetrees.”

Fya : <seeing Goru look more nervous> Ooh plateaus, I bet they must put you miles above the ground then.

Goru: <Blanching> do we really have to go up there? I mean the ground is safe right?

Minna: Well the ground is probably covered with poisonous snakes and what was it, wimbats?

Tali: Wombats.

Minna: Wombats running all over the ground, I think they’re maneaters.

Goru: <shaking> But I’m afraid of heights! <runs over to the side of the ship and promply throws up>

<girls laugh>

Coach Maru: That’s enough of that girls, let the boy be. You know this is the first time I’ve been off the isle in about 20 years when…

Girls in unison: ...you were the assistant coach for the Bigtopian national soccer team before the team went bankrupt.

Coach Maru: I see I told you that one already.

Fya: Are we going to freeze to death out there?

Coach Miru: It’ll be cool I’m sure but once you’re out on the pitch you won’t even notice. And this is a good place to get used to the rest of the world. No cars, planes and whatever other racket they make out there. Errinundera is a bit odd in some ways but they do know how to take care of their land.

Minna: And the World Cup thing?

Fya: We’re gonna win it!

Coach Miru: <laughing> let’s not worry about that until we take care of things here. But that will take you kids all over the world, it ill be a great experience for you all, especially if you want to go to college overseas. Get you all used to the culture shock.

Tali: On a soccer scholarship!

Coach Miru: Maybe, but you’ll have to put up a few shutouts to get people to notice you.

Tali: No prob Coach! Draws are the best matches to play in. 0-0 and nobody loses.

Coach Miru: Maybe at home but don’t forget we’re coming here to win so that means we need to outscore the other teams. But if you want to keep shutting out the other teams that’s fine by me Tali.

Fya: That’s no fun!

Minna: Yeah but these other places don’t think like that do they coach? They want to win all the time don’t they?

Coach Miru: That’s right Minna, everyone coming here wants to win it all and go home a champion.

Fya: Foreigners are weird.

Coach Miru: I’m sure they think the same way about us sometime., But let’s go inside, you too Goru once you stop feeding the fishes. Looks like rain coming and I don’t want you call getting sick before the tourney.

All: OK Coach!

Looking weary and a little pale, Rossglass manager Mícheál O’Muircheartaigh spoke to the press upon arrival.

"T'is a bloody shambles this! We had to get a flight to Neo-Kolaxa, which is a fair distance from this place. Then we had to hop on a boat for 3 days to get to here, and don't get me started on that experience! Then we had to travel the length of the flaming country to get to here. This really isn't the ideal preparation for such a prestigious tournament. Its a blessing we don't have to live in trees like the majority of the other teams."

Rossglass have brought with themselves a dietitian, to try to get the most out of the resources available. The squad will now settle in Buldah and have requested a training session at the Buldah Recreation Reserve for tomorrow morning.

O’Muircheartaigh told the waiting press that he, and only he will be conducting press conferences and be available for comment.

OOC: OK, it's really because I'm hopeless at coming up with good character names - any pointers would be appreciated. Thanks.

Anything is fine. If you check out the World Cup Hall of Fame on NSwiki you will see all sorts of weird, wonderful and straightforward names. You will even find a Giant Zucchini called Urk if I remember correctly.

Errinundera has one word names without capital letters. Most Az-cz players are like their nation name: 4 letters, hyphenated and unpronouncable. Some nations have standard WASP names. Spaam used to have Tolkienesque Elvish names.

Kuosio is a good name for a nation. What sort of names does the nation name suggest to you?

News items from the Rooty Break (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rooty_Break) International Herald Tribrune


http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/InternationalHeraldTribuneMasthead.jpg
Your local newspaper with an expansive view

ERRINUNDRIAN SCIENTESTS EXCITED BY WALKING FLY TRAP

Can it talk? That is the question about the Nojikan Walking Venus Fly Trap that has scientists and animal linguist excited throughout Errinundera. Post graduate research student from the McKillops Bridge Polytechnic, amanth, thinks this could revolutionise the current approach to languages. “This species of Venus Fly Trap from Western Afghanistan actively hunts its pray. Just imagine being stalked by a plant. That was a joke. You know – plant, stalk – never mind. Anyway, what we are all dying to find out is whether the plants communicate with each other. We can’t bring in any here – they could devastate our ecosystem – but it would be fantastic if some of our linguistic experts could visit Western Afghanistan. Isn’t it amazing what you find out through football?”

ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP CONFIRMED FOR BAPTISM FINALISTS

The Errinundera Football Association has confirmed that funding has been set aside for a young player from each of the two finalists of the Baptism of Frost to study for a year at the National Football Academy at Ellery Camp. Convenor of the EFA, ermaingree, says that the youngsters will be following in the footsteps of champion players from around the World who studied there. “Xavier Xu is currently captain of the Ariddian side about to play in the World Cup 34 final. Other Ariddian graduates to represent their country have been John Cohen, Cassie Lee and Ke Sho. There have been champion players from Tanah Burung and, of course the legendary Errinundrians ubhashinim and rosaniel, and not forgetting, of course, Rooty Break’s own ininggu.”

ermainegree says the offer is open to 16 year old students showing football potential. “Don’t think this is just for jocks,” she told us. “Not only does it have a complete coaching, medical and scientific support team, it also provides a full secondary school curriculum for students.”
***

Read about the National Football Academy at the Ellery Camp (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ellery_Camp) NSwiki page.

A tall man sat in a blue-painted office, two fluorescent lights working while another flickered on and off. The office was mainly bare, a metallic desk and a light grey computer were in one corner whilst an office chair and a card table were in the center. On the card table was a folder, stating NATIONAL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF JAREDCOHENIA, and a cardboard box that said "Lioni's Pizza." However, the sneaky man didn't have any pizza in said pizza box. Inside of it was a chicken roll and a large grease stain. He bit a chunk of the roll, reading over the rules to the Baptism of Fire. "Some pinko-commie nation won't let my boys eat meat or wear leather, eh?" He picked up his phone, dialing a nutritionist. "Hello, Doctor Klein? Yeah, it's me. I need you to work out a diet for my boys, this commies won't let them eat meat. Crazy, right?"

Manager: Isaac Rodziewicz
Asst. Manager: Pawel Szczepaniak

Coach: Grigori Putin

Goalkeepers:
01- Aaron Macduff
31- Josef Othello

Defense:
09- Gary Weinrib
15- Alexander Zivojinovich
04- Neil Peart
29- Louis Cameraña
17- Lexington Golde

Midfielders:
05- Evan Davidson
19- Aleksander Omansyk
20- Vladimir Monexikov
24- Pyotr Negorak
13- Oliver Cromwell
07- Eric Hughes
23- Michael Alans
30- Alan Michaels

Strikers:
10- Brad Delp
02- Earl Miller
03- Bud Weiss
21- William Stevens
32- Jim Masdea
27- Joseph Piscopani

Jerseys: http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6600/soccerjerseysah4.png


Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Nothing major
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: No
Godmod Other Events: Somewhat, big things contact me about

Hey Kuosio...Since your nation seems to be an Esperanto-speaking one, maybe http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/esp.php can help you come up with names? Good luck! :)

OOC: Thanks for the link, Zwangzug. I'm stuggling more with surnames than first names; I'm currently thinking of selecting common surnames from different RL countries, as that would (almost) fit in with my nation's backstory (which I have yet to post).

In the meantime, I might as well post the RP table:

Choose my goalscores: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES, minor only please
Godmod injuries to my players: NO
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES
Hand out red cards to my players: NO
Godmod other events: YES

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Sorkh-o-siahe Arrive In Errinundera

The Western Afghanistan national football team arrived in northern Errinundera this morning, after taking a sight-seeing tour of the ancient desert nation of Itetulisk.

The river boat that brought the team into the Snowy River port of McKillops Bridge was packed to capacity with team officials, players, medical staff, and a few very well-paying fans. Other river boats, which arrived later in the day, contained more unwealthy fans, many of whom were dressed like mummies for some reason. This caused a slight but not enormous ruckus with the local wombats, as the arrival in their country of what appeared to be walking dead bodies was understandably perplexing to them. Reportedly, the fad of these costumes was inspired by young midfielders Muhammad Zuled Muhammad and Amir Ena, who declined to wear the standard-issue track suits the rest of the team wore.

Head manager Khuhekhezal Muhammad spoke with the Deddick-based newspaper Le Monde about the wardrobe decision of his youngsters.

"We visited one of the ancient pyramids in Itetulisk, you know, the one where they used to bury their pioneering astronauts? In any case, I guess M.Z. and Amir thought wrapping themselves in toilet paper to look like the mummies we saw there would be a festive joke to play on me on the way to Errinundera. It was a riot, I have to admit, so I let them keep them on for the rest of the day."

Asked if he would permit Zuled Muhammad or Ena to wear the costumes in the future, Muhammad responded with a laugh, "absolutely not. The fans are welcome to clown around if they want, but if I don't have those kids in red and black tomorrow the Under-Secretary of Sport will be on my back."

Fan Ali Nuluqe, entirely wrapped in a mixture of Charmin and Kleenex, thought his outfit was great. "It identifies you as a West Afghan fan! We think it's fun, and I'm glad [Khuhekhezal Muhammad] is taking a good attitude about it. Whether those gigantic wombat things will care is another story. One of them already inappropriately nudged my sister like an hour ago; she thinks it was 'cos she used that Flytrap Extract conditioner this morning."

The hubbub surrounding the Nojikan Walking Venus Flytrap has indeed been vast in Errinundera. Several eager young scientists approached Sorkh-o-siahe captain Khilen Fahifa about the plant. He later spoke with press officials about it.

"They were pretty interested, about whether they can communicate and such, and I just didn't know what to tell them. I mean, I've heard there are some refugee camps of them setting up just across the border up north, what with Nojika being an authoritarian cesspit and all, but I don't really know."

A coalition of Errinundrian scientists has been openly welcomed by representatives of the Governance and Social Welfare Board, and preparations are being made for the envoys to have dinner with Chairman Dukhirahiq in Herat.

The national team will be continuing down the Snowy River later tonight, and will arrive in First Creek Falls late tomorrow morning, with a scrimmage practice match against the local First Creek Falls reserve squad to be held in the evening, behind closed doors at the magnificent National Downfall Stadium.

News items from the Rooty Break (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rooty_Break) International Herald Tribrune

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/InternationalHeraldTribuneMasthead.jpg
Your local newspaper with an expansive view

DRAW COMPLICATED BY FIFTEEN ENTRIES

The convenor of the Errinundera Football Association, ermaingree, announced today that the Baptism of Frost competition was likely to close later today with 15 entrants. “That’s a real bugger for designing a draw that is fair to everyone,” she told a packed press conference. “Mind you, it could be worse: there might have been 17. If we don’t get a 16th competitor by the official close then the favoured proposal is 3 groups of 5 playing a round-robin of 4 games with the 2 best teams from each group proceeding to the next level. The 3 3rd placed teams will have their own round-robin with the top 2 also proceeding to the next level. The 8 finalists would then play a knockout competition.”

ermaingree talked about the main shortcoming. “The main problem is that 6 teams will only play 4 games before being eliminated and the final could be won by a team playing a total of 7 games. We would like the competition to go on longer.” The convenor added that the EFA were also thinking of a more radical solution. “The nation of Clesmire haven’t shown up yet and they haven’t even stated that they intend to play. We could remove them from the draw. This will leave us with 2 groups of 7. Still the best solution would by for a 16th team to enter.”

JARISS SETTLES INTO SASSAFRAS BASIN

The Mayor of Sassafras Basin, ilibu, today welcomed the visiting Jariss team who would be making the village their home for the next few weeks. In a break with the original plan several members of the team are bunking underneath the stands of the local football ground, The Basin. “The managers of the team have advised us that several players have a fear of heights," ilibu told us today. "As the football ground is the only building in the village, we have made that available to them. They will be down there with the mud and the leeches, though. Good luck to them. Just imagine if they had to play at The Amphitheatre or Milosis! The whole team might have suffered from paralysis.”

Of course, this has left some very disappointed families in the village. nythingu and eldorta were to host Goru Lyani in their home 40 metres above the mud and leeches. Their 17 year old daughter, freer, told us that she had been looking forward to meeting the young defender. “He is so handsome. I had hoped to make him feel right at home and had decorated my room in his team’s colours. My parents are out a lot with their work so I thought I could show him all our wonderful customs. To make up for it, I’ve joined the volunteers who will help team members staying at the ground.”

Kuosio's Team Departs for Errinundera
Kuosia Internacia Novajx-servo, Kuosa City, May 13 - translated

The Kuosio National Football Team departed for the Baptism of Frost tournament in Errinundera yesterday. Their flight, which left from Kuosa City International Airport at approximately 10am, carried a total of some sixty people, including the team, its manager and coach, professional chefs and dieticians, diplomats, translators and the Minister of Sport.

The Kuosio team will be hosted by Errinunderan families in the town of Kanooka Creek for the duration the tournament. Meat and animal products are not permitted in Errinundera, and so the team is indebted to the services of flamboo and konike, dietician and cook provided by the governnment of Errinundera, who have introduced them to vegetarian cuisine over the last few weeks.

The team's flight is scheduled to touch down at Bakery Hill in the nation of Carboni, from where they will continue by river boat to Errinundera.

Football fans are excited by Kuosio's first international competition. Many houses in Kuosa City, as well as the interior areas, are displaying the national flag outside their windows, and big screens have been erected in the capital's plazas to broadcast Kuosio's matches, which will be transmitted live on Kuosio Televido's (KuoToVo) sports channel.

News items from the Rooty Break (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rooty_Break) International Herald Tribune

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/InternationalHeraldTribuneMasthead.jpg
Your local newspaper with an expansive view

EFA ANNOUNCES DRAW – GIVES THANKS FOR 16 SIGN-UPS

The Errinundera Football Association today announced the draw for the Baptism of Frost competition. Convenor, ermainegree was thankful that a sixteenth team, Patusan, signed-up at the death knell. “We can now have two groups of eight with the best four teams from each group proceeding to the knockout rounds.”

According to ermaingree all teams will have the opportunity to play at Frosty Hollow during the group matches. “To do this we have split the 5th round into two playing days. This will also allow the teams to rest their players.”

Group Southwest

Matchday 1
Western Afghanistan v Willink (National Downfall Stadium)
Unknown Suburbia v Abu Omar (Ootopia Forest)
Kuosio v Kristovenia (Frosty Hollow)
Jeru FC v The Non-RPing n00b (Kanooka Creek Reserve)

Matchday 2
Kuosio v Western Afghanistan (Kanooka Creek Reserve)
Abu Omar v Willink (National Downfall Stadium)
Unknown Suburbia v The Non-RPing n00b (Ootopia Forest)
Kristovenia v Jeru FC (Terminal Park)

Matchday 3
Western Afghanistan v Jeru FC (National Downfall Stadium)
Kuosio v Abu Omar (Kanooka Creek Reserve)
Willink v Unknown Suburbia (Frosty Hollow)
The Non-RPing n00b v Kristovenia (Terminal Park)

Matchday 4
Abu Omar v Western Afghanistan (National Downfall Stadium)
Kristovenia v Unknown Suburbia (Terminal Park)
Willink v Jeru FC (Ootopia Forest)
Kuosio v The Non-RPing n00b (Kanooka Creek)

Matchday 5
Western Afghanistan v Kristovenia (National Downfall Stadium)
Jeru FC v Abu Omar (Frosty Hollow)
Unknown Suburbia v Kuosio (Ootopia Forest)
The Non-RPing n00b v Willink (Terminal Park)

Matchday 6
Rest

Matchday 7
Unknown Suburbia v Western Afghanistan (Ootopia Forest)
Abu Omar v The Non-RPing n00b (National Downfall Stadium)
Kristovenia v Willink (Terminal Park)
Jeru FC v Kuosio (Kanooka Creek Reserve)

Matchday 8
Western Afghanistan v The Non-RPing n00b (Frosty Hollow)
Kristovenia v Abu Omar (Terminal Park)
Jeru FC v Unknown Suburbia (Kanooka Creek Reserve)
Willink v Kuosio (Ootopia Forest)

Group Northeast

Matchday 1
Rossglass v Jaredcohenia (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Cravan v Veitau (Podocarp Park)
Clesmire v Jariss (Quartpot Camp)
Daughrty v Patusan (The Basin)

Matchday 2
Jaredcohenia v Patusan (Podocarp Park)
Rossglass v Cravan (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Veitau v Clesmire (Frosty Hollow)
Jariss v Daughrty (The Basin)

Matchday 3
Cravan v Jaredcohenia (Podocarp Park)
Daughrty v Clesmire (The Basin)
Veitau v Patusan (Quartpot Camp)
Rossglass v Jariss (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Matchday 4
Jaredcohenia v Daughrty (Podocarp Park)
Patusan v Cravan (Frosty Hollow)
Clesmire v Rossglass (Quartpot Camp)
Jariss v Veitau (The Basin)

Matchday 5
Rest

Matchday 6
Jaredcohenia v Veitau (Podocarp Park)
Clesmire v Cravan (Quartpot Camp)
Rossglass v Daughrty (Frosty Hollow)
Patusan v Jariss (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Matchday 7
Jaredcohenia v Jariss (Frosty Hollow)
Daughrty v Cravan (The Basin)
Patusan v Clesmire (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Veitau v Rossglass (Quartpot Camp)

Matchday 8
Clesmire v Jaredcohenia (Quartpot Camp)
Cravan v Jariss (Podocarp Park)
Daughrty v Veitau (The Basin)
Patusan v Rossglass (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Matchday 9
Quarterfinals
A: 1st Group SW v 4th Group NE (National Downfall Stadium)
B: 1st Group NE v 4th Group SW (Frosty Hollow)
C: 2nd Group SW v 3rd Group NE (Ootopia Forest)
D: 2nd Group NE v 3rd Group SW (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Matchday 10
Semi-finals
1st: Winner Quarterfinal A v Winner Quarterfinal D (Ootopia Forest)
2nd: Winner Quarterfinal B v Winner Quarterfinal C (National Downfall Stadium)

Matchday 11
3rd Place Play-off
Semi-final losers (Quartpot Camp)

Matchday 12
Final
Semi-final winners (Frosty Hollow)

Patusan – The Darts

Colours:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/PatusanUniform.png

The team:
Starting players in bold

Goalkeepers:
Azman Ilham Mohamed Noor
Muhammad Shashan Mumtazali

Defenders:
Christopher Ambon
Mohamad Safari Wahit
Pg Sallehuddin Pg Damit
Shahbri Jalil
Ak Kamarul Ariffin Pg Ramlee
Amzar Muaz Tamit
Muhamad Sabri Almin
Pg Saiful Rizal Pg Hashim

Midfielders:
Ratano Tuah
Yunus Lupat
Mardi Bujang
Azwan Muhamad Saleh
Mohamad Fadzry Ibrahim
Ak Kamarulzaman Pg Kamaludin
Irwan Mohammad
Muhammad Hardyman Abdul Lamit

Forwards:
Riwandi Wahit
Hardi Bujang
Adie Arsham Mohamad Salleh

Playing style: moderately defensive, ie –1.5

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

Willinkian National Football Squad

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: no
RP injuries to my players: To a limit
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes, but no mass killings/death of squad, etc

Style Modifier: (+)1

Nickname: Red Raiders

Kits: http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a220/Willink/jerseytemp.png

Green designates starters
Goalkeepers:
1. Iason Paraskevas -Kedington FC, Age 24
Paraskevas is a staple of the Kedington FC club, the most successful team in the Havenic premiere league spreading across dozens of nations. Tall, lean, and enthusiastic, he has been dreaming of representing his nation on the international level since childhood.

2. Anargyros Vangelis, Izistani City FC, Age 27
Vangelis is an experienced Willinkian goalkeeper who holds dual citizenship in Izistan and Willink, and plays for Izistan's only team in the Havenic Premiere league. Charistmatic, although rather hard-headed, he can pull through it tough circumstances, but his current focus is preparing Paraskevas for the international stage.

Defence:

1. Kyriakos Stylianos, Cayuga United, Age 20
A teenage prodigy, Stylianos is regarded as the best player in the country. Playing the game from the age of 4, he has blazed through the nation's various leagues, before joining Cayuga United and leading them to a regional championship at age 17. An extremely physical and determined player, his large stature and immense speed make him a threat to any player attempting to go around him. He is also a decent offensive player as well.

2. Andreas Aniketos, Penicoria FC, Age 30
Experienced and knowledge, Aniketos is one of the most successful defenders in Willinkian history. Although slightly past his prime, he still retains the ability to shut down his side of the field when things get tough. Extremely aware, although somewhat slow, he is rarely surprised by an opposing offense.

3. Fotios Gavriil, Penicoria FC, Age 26
A one time wonder, Gavriil has lost his spark that led him to being regarded as the league's best defensive player. Regardless, he is still a decent player, although discouraged easily and suspectable to injury.

Midfield:

1. Gus Iason, Westminster FC, Age 24

A young, flashy player, Iason is know for scoring goals, and little else. Extremely fast, he is a ball hog and such has prevented him from standing out, although he is still a huge offensive threat. Hot-headed, he often initiates fights with other players, both opponents and his own teammates.

2. Theodoros Spyro, Kedington FC, Age 22

The Ying to Iason's Yang;Spyro is a tough, smart, and respectable player. Known for his ability to spread the ball around the field, he often thinks of the team above himself, often too much. He does have his moments, however, where he can lead offensive strikes rather effectively; why this does not happen more often is debatable.

3. Takis Stavros, Salisbury FC, Age 36
The team's oldest player, Takis represents a dieing breed in the nation, a group of players know for their dazzling offensive skill and lack of regard for defensive play. Takis, while old and slow, can split defenses, set up plays, and still shoot as hard as 10 years ago. His age has made him more injury prone, however his immense workout cycle alleviates such concerns somewhat.

4. Matthias Elias, Webster FC (Junior League), Age 18
A standout player, Elias possesses immense potential as he develops in the future. As is, he is a smart, skinny, and a team player. His offensive abilities already developed somewhat, he is the Junior Leagues leading scorer, although his defensive skills are still developing. He is expected to mature immensely as he enters the Premiere League, and is expected to be hot commodity, as several teams have taken an interest in him.

Wingers:
1.Nicolaos Theodoros, FC Conesus, Age 22
A young, developing player, Theodoros is an excellent technical player, possessing great agility and dazzling dribbling skill. Fast and unexperienced, he is undisciplined and is the team's leaving card receiver.

2. Aniketos Yorgos, Martin Strykers, Age 24
A player in the lower level league, Yorgos possess the ability to be a standout player, but has squandered some of it on personal issues, including charges for drinking while under the influence. A strong all around player, he can has standout games when the team is playing well.

3. Vasilios Akakios, Salisbury FC, Age 24
An average player, Akakios has advance recognition skills, and little else to make him a "Star". He plays well, although he will never be the success he was suggested to be several years ago.

Forwards:
1. Apostolos Lavrentios, Kedington FC, Age 26
The Premier League's reining superstar, Lavrentios is often in the public eye more for his personal life rather then his ability on the field. As a player, he possesses immense skill, and has the ability to tear apart goalkeepers and defenders when working in conjunction with a good supportive attack. Expected to be the team's leading scorer, he is currently involved in a bitter contract dispute with his team, Kedington FC, and this is expected to take a minor toll on his play this year.

2. Leonidas Dimitris, None, Age 27
Just released from his contract, and between teams, Dimitris is a consistent player that can stand out when the call to arises. Playing with Lavrentios earlier in his career, they made up the leagues best twin strike attack, and bringing him to the team hopes to recreate the magic. Although lacking a team, Dimitris is still an above average player who can hold his own when his team is playing bad.

3. Athanasios Thanos, FC De La Paz, Age 27
Playing in the Coco Island League some 5,000 km away from the mainland, Thanos is a physically gifted player who dominates the 5 nation league spread across various tropic island chains. Although lacking skill to make him a impact on the premiere league level, he still has his moments.

4. Photios Nicolaos, Norfolk Knights (Junior League), Age 16
A developing player in the Junior League, Nicolaos is a possible future superstar, developing along nicely and honored by the chance to represent his nation internationally. Expected to make little impact in the games, he could however play extremely well should the team play well, and is easily discouraged if the team plays poorly.

5. Theophylaktos Stefanos, Irondequiot FC, Age 21
A young, intellectually gifted player, Stefanos grew up in Southeast Asia, his father a diplomatic attache in the said nation. Lacking much physical skill, he can set up excellent attacks and plays.

Style of Play:2-3-5/2-5-3 formation

Veitau Begins International Football Adventure

As the Veitauan team prepares for their first international, travel preparations are being made, uniforms are being acquired, and the team is being briefed. The host of the Baptism of Frost, Errinundera forbids animal products, so a few diet changes may have to occur. Bruce the Seal and Woof the Dog complained that their diet was mainly fish and meat respectively. Somehow, food would be smuggled in for them. Also, the colder climate would be a shock to the team, which is used to the warm, tropical Veitauan climate.

Uniforms were never really standardized in Veitau as the teams usuall wore a basic colored shirt and/or headband. The VFA designed a simple uniform based on the national flag: yellow and green with red stripes. Kau the Tree and Veitau's goalkeeper would have a red piece of fabric tied around it. The team would have a bit of trouble getting used to wearing clothing, but this was a new era for them and they were the Pride of Veitau.

The team was scared. Few people ever left the country, except diplomats and some businessmen. None of the team had ever left the country and this would be their first time. Kau would need to get used to foreign soil and nutrient ratios. There were plans to ship in Veitauan soil, but that was deemed too much trouble. Errinundera appeared to have similar traditions, being nature-lovers and beliefs in community. Veitauans enjoy an extensive, and also free, mass-transit system at home. Overall, with a few things to get used to, the Pride should be fine and adjust well. Their ascent to the world stage will be remembered for generations.

Groups Drawn!

Group Northeast

Matchday 1
Rossglass v Jarodcohenia (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Cravan v Veitau (Podocarp Park)
Clesmire v Jariss (Quartpot Camp)
Daurghty v Patusan (The Basin)

Matchday 2
Jarodcohenia v Patusan (Podocarp Park)
Rossglass v Cravan (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Veitau v Clesmire (Frosty Hollow)
Jariss v Daurghty (The Basin)

Matchday 3
Cravan v Jarodcohenia (Podocarp Park)
Daurghty v Clesmire (The Basin)
Veitau v Patusan (Quartpot Camp)
Rossglass v Jariss (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Matchday 4
Jarodcohenia v Daurghty (Podocarp Park)
Patusan v Cravan (Frosty Hollow)
Clesmire v Rossglass (Quartpot Camp)
Jariss v Veitau (The Basin)

Matchday 5
Rest

Matchday 6
Jarodcohenia v Veitau (Podocarp Park)
Clesmire v Cravan (Quartpot Camp)
Rossglass v Daurghty (Frosty Hollow)
Patusan v Jariss (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Matchday 7
Jarodcohenia v Jariss (Frosty Hollow)
Daurghty v Cravan (The Basin)
Patusan v Clesmire (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Veitau v Rossglass (Quartpot Camp)

Matchday 8
Clesmire v Jarodcohenia (Quartpot Camp)
Cravan v Jariss (Podocarp Park)
Daurghty v Veitau (The Basin)
Patusan v Rossglass (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

None of these nations have any record to go by, so it's a guess how any team will do. Veitau has a good chance with their unique team that has only 4 humans, including the team's only subsitiute: Zoro.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/veitau.pngVeitau National Football Teamhttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/veitau.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/juvanya/uniforms.png

No. Pos. Name Species
1 GK Kau (Tree)
2 DF Bruce (Seal)
3 DF Ae (Human)
4 DF Karik (Chimpanzee)
5 DF Benny (Chimpanzee)
6 MF Woof (Dog)
7 MF Meli (Pig)
8 MF Pedro (Pig)
9 FW Dalu (Human)
10 FW Bob (Human) (Captain)
11 FW Maniki (Elephant)
12 SUB Zoro (Human)


Choose my goalscorers: Yes (only forwards)
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes (nothing outrageous)
RP injuries to my players: Yes (nothing severe or disabling, we only have one sub)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: No
Hand out Red cards to my players: No
Godmod Other Events: Yes (within reason--nothing outrageous)

THE COHENINGRAD TIMES
Bringing you what the government wants you to hear since 1763!

JAREDCOHENIANS OUTRAGED BY SPELLING ERROR
Igor Nikovski

Riots broke out today in Jaredcohenia, flags of the nation of Errinundera set ablaze amid reports of a typographical error in the drawings for the Jaredcohenian National Football (JNF) team's gamnes in the Baptism of Frost. The crime was the typo of "Jarodcohenia", a name once used as an insult by merchants trading in the nation. "Jarod" in the Jaredcohenian dialect of Russian is a deragatory term for a Jaredcohenian, literally meaning "a Jew/Catholic who engages in intercourse with a Muslim". The Republic of Jaredcohenia has a Jewish population of nearly three billion and a Catholic population of one and a half billion, while Muslims maintain a population of less than fifty million. The Muslim population in Jaredcohenia is regarded as criminals, the scum of the planet. No Catholic or Jew in Jaredcohenia would ever think about breeding with a Muslim, instead Muslims convicted of felonies are tried and hanged in order to please God.

Premier Aaron Cohen could not be reached today, but we believe that a press report will be put out by the Premier in response to the Jaredcohenian National Football team being called men who would invoke carnal relations with Muslim men and/or women.

Eek! Fixed.

OOC-Good, How am I supposed to know what I posted when it didn't show. Stupid Jolt BS. Um...

IC: A Sel Appan talent scout arrives in Errinundera to look for good players to bring to Sel Appan domestic teams.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Western Afghanistan Draw Willink In First Match

The draw for the 22nd Baptism of Fire competition has been released, and the Sorkh-o-siahe of Western Afghanistan will be facing the Red Raiders of Willink on the first matchday of the tournament. The team, which has taken up residence in First Creek Falls with homestays in the treetops, is "excited and ready to go" according to the team's coach, Khuhekhezal Muhammad.

Muhammad spoke with members of the press at the National Downfall Stadium (pictured), where tomorrow's historic first match will be played.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g136/regnans/East%20Gippsland/DownfallStadium.jpg

"I'm so proud of these guys already. They've come into this with such enthusiasm, such class, and such heart, I'm just ready to go. Mostly the guys are getting settled with their host families, while I'm sticking around here. It's going to be a sleepless night, I'll say that."

The Sorkh-o-siahe manager was asked what he thought of the draw.

"Yeah, a little unbalanced, isn't it? I'd say that the Northeastern group is quite a bit tougher than the one we've got. This isn't to write off our competition, but we've certainly heard more about most of the teams in the Northeast than we have about the blokes we'll be facing.

"In fact I'd say that Willink may very well be our biggest competitor in this group. They look solid, they run a similar formation, they'll match up well against us. It's going to be a really tough match, no doubt. We'll be hoping for our fans to turn out, we will certainly need them."

West Afghans have been taking up residence all over the Errinundrian capital wherever they can. Ticket sales for the match at the Downfall report that the match will be played in front of a full house, with an almost exact 50/50 balance between West Afghan and Willinkian supporters. The environment is sure to be electric.

Tomorrow's Matchday 1 gala events will be sure crowd pleasers, with an official Yahtzee tournament to be held outside the park before the match between the official Western Afghanistan and Willink supporters groups. We caught up with Ali Nuluqe, the fan who we spoke with yesterday.

"The only time in my life I can remember playing Yahtzee was when my cousin got sent to prison. I was too young to remember what was going on, but we had a huge family meeting, and I remember trouncing my grandmother at Yahtzee. She started crying when I yelled 'in your face' at her, and I've always felt bad about it. I won't feel bad about trouncing the Willinkians, though!"

Match Preview
Western Afghanistan - Willink
http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Western%20Afghanistan%20BoF.bmp VS http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Willink%20BoF.bmp
Matchday 1 - National Downfall Stadium
Referee: gurrio (Errinundera)

Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zuneh; Qer, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil, and I. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan/gtnnspecialreportcopy.png

National Football Team Departs for Errinundera

Oured, Cravan-

Hundreds lined the streets of Oured today as the National Football Team, nicknamed the Cravanian Falcons, departed via ship for Errinundera, the location of the Baptism of Fire Twenty-Two. Errinundera is an eco-friendly and landlocked nation, and thus the ship ferrying the team over, CCLS (Cravanian Cruise Lines Ship) Majesty will stop within forty miles of the nearest coastline and deploy a group of sail boats to take the team and their accompanying staff to land via the Snowy River. From there the team will be taken via the Errinunderan rail system to the Plateau Province, where the competition is set to take place.

Accompanying the Majesty on her journey is the First Battleship Combat Squadron, at its forefront the CINS Cravna. The First will act as a ceremonial guard and will not approach territorial waters from any nearby nations. It will remain nearby in the region until the team is ready to be brought home, at which point the group and Majesty will make full steam back to Oured. The Cravanian government stresses the presence of the First is meant in peace and friendship, and is not to be taken as a belligerent move, however in the event of incident the First is more than capable of maintaining the security of Cravanian interests in the region. The First Carrier Combat Squadron remains a few days away from the region, in the event that something does happen and extra support is required. At the moment, no supercapitals are reported to be in the area.

The entire trip of the Majesty and her precious cargo is expected to only take a few days, to allow for enough time to get situated in Errinundera before the competition begins.

We here at the Golden Triangle News Network will keep you updated with the latest news and events unfolding around BoF 22. Thank you for watching this special report.

**********************

CINS Cravna
Somewhere in the middle of some random ocean

Twilight set in upon the First and its guest of honor as the group sailed towards Errinundera, the only noise being the crashing of the waves off the hulls of the ships.

Petty Officer Andrew Duvalt leaned on the railing, looking down into the black abyss that was the sea. He tossed his cigarette over the side of the ship, watching it descend to the waves below and flicker out of existence. He tightened his navy-blue jacket around his neck, buttoning the top buttons as a chill ran across his skin. It was a cold night.

"So how you think we'll do in this here tourney?", he asked his counterpart at the railing, a Lieutenant Jack Niccols.
"I dunno, Andy. My bets that the Jaredcohenian's will throw the tourney, so we'll at least have a few matches. Bunch of drunkard Slavs they are."
"Aye, ain't that a fact.", Duvalt replied with a chuckle. He removed a flask from his coat, and took a swig, replacing it as the alcohol began its journey to the pit of his stomach.
"You know, Andy, you ain't s'posed to be drinkin' while on duty."
"My shift ends in twenty.", he replied. "Might as well get a head start."

Duvalt turned around, and faced the naval ensign hung high above on the central communications mast of the superstructure of the ship.

"And if you 'av anything to say about it, you can suck it!", he shouted towards the flag, erecting the finger which sat between his index and ring fingers. This caused Niccols to begin laughing to himself, looking out towards the picket ships at the edge of the formation.
"You're a pisser, Andy, you know that?"
"I give it an honest effort.", Duvalt said while returning to his former pose at the railing.

The group continued the journey at full steam, and all the while Duvalt and Niccols talked the night away.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/juvanya/thecabbage.png

Spelling Errors Outraged by Jaredcohenians


FIRST CREEK FALLS, Errinundera—Spelling Errors across the nation broke out in riots today, flags of the nation of Jaredcohenia set ablaze amid reports of a Jaredcohenian in the drawings for the Spelling Errors in the Baptism of Frost. The crime was the violation of "Spelling Errors", once used as an pasttime of dictionaries in the nation. There is a Spelling Error population of nearly three billion and a Typo population of one and a half billion, while Dictionaries maintain a population of less than fifty million. The Dictionary population are regarded as criminals, the scum of the planet. No Typo or Spelling Error would ever think about breeding with a Dictionary, instead Dictionaries convicted of felonies are tried and hanged in order to please God.

The Premier Spelling Guide could not be reached today, but we believe that a press report will be put out by the Premier in response to the Jaredcohenian violation of Spelling Errors.

Matchday 1 RP cut-off.

RPs or team lists posted after this will not be taken into account when scorinating matchday 1. They will be taken into account in subsequent matchday scorinations.

Scores will be posted shortly.

Good luck!

Weather forecast

Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings: Nil.

Weather Pattern: A low pressure system will move very slowly eastwards and gradually weaken over the next few days.

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
A few showers tonight. Rain areas developing later tomorrow with isolated thunderstorms. Moderate northerly winds.

Outlooks:
Wednesday Showers and thunderstorms.
Thursday Showers and thunderstorms.
Friday Showers.

First Creek Falls: Tonight and Tuesday Min 6°C Max 10°C
Frosty Hollow: Tonight and Tuesday Min 4°C Max 9°C
Buldah: Tonight and Tuesday Min 9°C Max 15°C (showers only, no thunderstorms)
Other locations: as per First Creek Falls

Results

Western Afghanistan 3 v Willink 1
Unknown Suburbia 0 v Abu Omar 1
Kuosio 3 v Kristovenia 1
Jeru FC 0 v The Non-RPing n00b 1

Rossglass 3 v Jaredcohenia 2
Cravan 0 v Veitau 3
Clesmire 1 v Jariss 3
Daurghty 0 v Patusan 3

Tables

Group Southwest

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kuosio 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Western Afghanistan 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Abu Omar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
The Non-RPing n00b 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
Jeru FC 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Unknown Suburbia 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Kristovenia 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
Willink 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0

Group Northeast

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Patusan 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
Veitau 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
Jariss 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Rossglass 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 3
Jaredcohenia 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
Clesmire 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
Cravan 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0
Daurghty 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Note
Only 4 teams have posted style modifiers. This can be from -3 (defensive) to +3 (attacking). It applies to both teams and influences whether a game is low or high scoring.

Note
Only 4 teams have posted style modifiers. This can be from -3 (defensive) to +3 (attacking). It applies to both teams and influences whether a game is low or high scoring.

how is that done?

Rossglass;12647240']how is that done?

You decide what your team's style is. If you post that it is very attacking, ie +3, then your chance of scoring goals is increased. But your defence is weakened so that your opponent also gets +3.

Your opponent also has a modifier. You get the same modifier. For example Patusan is moderately defensive, ie -1.5. This blunts your attack but it also means their own attack is diminished.

Accordingly, if you play Patusan you both get +3-1.5 = +1.5. Effectively this improves both teams goals scoring chances by 15%. Two +3 teams playing would mean a +6 game or approximately a 60% improved chance of scoring goals for both teams.

Essentially, the modifier determines the likelihood of a high-scoring or low-scoring game.

Feel free to post the modifier you would like your team to use. You can change it any time.

If you don't post a style modifier then I treat your team as having a modifier of 0.

Rossglass' Style Modifier: +1.5

Kuosio Wins First Match
Kuosia Televido [KuoToVo] Mid-Morning News Update, May 14 - from the English-language service

Kuosio is proud to report a win in the first of its matches in the Baptism of Frost tournament, against Kristovenia, in Errinundera today. The match began with an early goal from Kristovenia, with Kuosio's equalizer coming almost immediately after half-time. Two further goals secured the win for the Kuosio side. More details and fan reactions to come in our full bulletin this evening...

Fya Pani runs into the team lockerroom before the team’s first match against Clesmire clutching a newspaper in her hands.

Fya: Goru’s got a girlfriend!

Goru Lyani: Huh? What?

Fya: Its right here look! <points at the approrpaite section of the article>

“Their 17 year old daughter, freer, told us that she had been looking forward to meeting the young defender. “He is so handsome. I had hoped to make him feel right at home and had decorated my room in his team’s colours. My parents are out a lot with their work so I thought I could show him all our wonderful customs. To make up for it, I’ve joined the volunteers who will help team members staying at the ground.”

Joa Giranu: Woah good work Goru. Is she hot?

Goru: How should I know I never met her. <starts to take off his shirt to don his uniform when he hears screaming behind him> What?

Tali Vindu: There’s a leech stuck to your back!

Goru: What? Where? <starts turning around rapidly trying to see the leech as Fya leaps up onto one of the benches and screams some more>

Aru Treni: Stand still Goru, I’ll get it.

Fya: Its gross!

Aru reaches into his pack and pulls out some smelling salts and puts some on the leech before pulling it off.

Goru: Hey that hurts!

Relao Yashi: Oh don’t be such a baby. What would your girlfriend say if she found out?

Goru: She’s not my girlfriend! I never even met her!

Minna Dawo: Hey wasn’t she the one in the lunch area that kept looking over at your table. Couldn’t keep her eyes off you.

Joa: Was she hot?

Minna: What trying to steal Goru’s girl?

Goru: She’s not my girl!

Everyone suddenly shuts up as Coach Maru Hiniru enters the room.

Maru: Quiet down people, Goru I can hear you halfway across the stadium. What’s the problem now?

Leni Banama: Oh the kids were having some fun with Goru about that newspaper article Coach that’s all.

Maru: Gossip already? Goru you’re here to play soccer not get a bunch of groupies following you around. You DO all know we have a match today right?

Team: Yes Coach.

Goru opens and mouth as if to protest but fails to find the words.

Maru: OK team we got Clesmire today and we want to get off to a good start here. We don’t know much about them, they’re keeping their lineup a secret so we can’t take any advantage off them. I just think they know how tough our defense is and have no idea how to beat us. Solet’s get out there and play good defense like we do back home and see what happens offensively. Minna, I know how we all value the draw as the best thing back home but now it’s a whole new ballgame. I need you and midfielders to push the ball upfield and if you get a chance take the shots. Winning is what matters here and winning is what we came here for. Time for the Spiders to show their bite out there! Now lets get out there and do our thing!

Team cheers.
<Later>

Team returns to the locker room after their 3—1 win.

Minna: Oh my go, I can’t believe it. I scored twice today. I never did that back home, that must be a record or something!

Leni: Glad to see these old legs haven’t forgotten where the net is at my age.

Gia Banama: Oh stop bragging dear, you know you scored seven goals in your Spider days and set the record until Konu broke it. Its not like you weren’t a scoring machine.

Leni: Among other things eh dear?

Gia blushes slightly.

Tali Vindu sits on a bench in the corner clearly upset as Tranae Vyrroi goes oer to her.

Tranae: What’s wrong Tali?

Tali: I was horrible. Coach had said I was the best keeper he’d seen and I gave up a goal already! In the first match even!

Coach Maru enters the room.

Maru: Great match people, I was a bit worried if you’d be able to pick up the attacking mentality but you all did great. Tali, pick up your chin, this is the big leagues now, you’re not going to put up a shutout every match like you do back home. Teams are a lot better away from Jariss. You shut them down nicely and I’m sure everyone was fighting with a bit of nerves so it’ll take a little time to get settled into this new style. Minna way to put that ball in the net. Defense came through except on that corner kick, you need to go after the ball a bit better on those, you left Tali out to dry there with that missed header Larri. Can’t afford those kinds of mishaps as we get further into this thing.

Larri: Sorry Coach, sorry Tali.

Tali discreetly rubs at her eyes as she looks up: That’s ok I should have got it.

Maru: I just want to say I’m proud of you all out there today. Lots of first match jitters but it’ll get easier the more you get out there. After all back when I was…

Entire team in unison: … the assistant coach for the Bigtopian national soccer team before the team went bankrupt.

Maru: <sighs> OK I get it I’ve told you those stories a few times already, it doesn’t mean they’re not important to remember. Anyway we have Daurghty up next, don’t know much about them either but I heard they got shutout by Patusan so that’s a good sign for our defense. I know we have the best defense here so if they can’t score against Patusan what are they going to do against our D?

Fya: <loudly> NOTHING! Unless Goru gets distracted by his girlfriend!

Goru: Not again…

Maru: OK Fya leave poor Goru alone. What happened out there, you looked a little stiff Goru, did you have a problem with your back? Sleeping on the ground doesn’t appeal to you? There’s always the assigned hosts if you change your mind. They’re not too high off the ground you know.

Goru:<Face whitens> Um no coach I’ll get used to it don’t worry! I’ll be fine.

Joa: <whisperingly loudly> I bet his girlfriend will give him a back rub if he wants.

Maru: Enoguh, Goru’s having a tough enough time here adjusting to the new lifestyles here and I’m sure some of the rest of you are having trouble too so let him be. Anyone having any tensions please talk to your hosts, they want to make your stay as comfortable as they can. If you’re too shy ask me and I’ll talk to them. OK everyone off to the showers, great win and let’s make it two in a row next match.

OOC: Cravanian modifier +2.5 please :)

********************

Cravanian National Football Team Offices
Downtown Cravna, Cravan

The roar of the crowd was not of the variety which usually graced the ears of triumphant players, but instead the loud rumblings of a thousand angry fans.

"OUR TEAM LOST TO A TEAM WITH A TREE?", one protestor shouted, however his cries were drowned out by the hordes of others who had gathered.

Signs of support towards the players were visible everywhere, however signs slandering the management of the team were even more prevalent, and there were further derogatory remarks made towards the Errinunderan referees and managers of the tournament. Cravna anti-riot squads were already on station around the area, armed with less than lethal weaponry to quell the hordes should things turn ugly. The crowd, however, continued to remain docile albeit its firey collective attitude.

All the while, Zackary McKinley, president of the Cravanian Football League, watched the crowds below his window with a sigh. Turning towards his executive officials gathered in the room, he gave them the best smile he could manage.

"There are just some fans you can never please."

The group of men gathered around the ornately-decorated glass table, as McKinley closed the sound-proof shades to drown out the thunderous roar outside.

"So, what are we to do about this? Losing three to zero is quite embarrasing for a nation of our stature, and I've been told that if another loss like this happens again we may lose what little government funding we receive."
"Well.", one official said with a sigh, straightening up in his chair. "As you may know, our team is suffering somewhat from the harsh restrictions placed upon them by the Errinunderan government. There's really no way around this other than protein supplements and whatever the tree huggers have to offer food-wise."
"Heh, unless we get an Imperial Guard unit to smuggle in some meat for them, and whatever else they may need.", one board member cut in.

The previous executive paused, then looked to McKinley.

"Sir... The Cravna is on standby in the region. If we can convince our government to move ahead and smuggle in some-"
"Absolutely not.", McKinley replied, cutting in abruptly. "That could be considered an act of war bringing contraband into a neutral nation with a military unit. And they'd probably have to kill some people to get in, too. The government would never agree."
"There is plenty of space in there to hide a team... It wouldn't be too-"
"You're talking like a damned strategist when in reality you're a bussinessman. There's no possible way we could pull that sort of thing off without triggering something that would bit us in the ass."

The group sat in silence for a few moments, when finally one man perked up.

"I read once that Errinunderans frequently riot and set their parliament ablaze. If we could cause something to trigger this, the nation could temporarily be sent into a further state of anarchy than it already is."
"Yes, but what the hell could we do?"
"Extortion?"
"Assassination?"
"The government would never go through with something like that..."

Another man perked up, a mischievous smile curling about his lips.

"Who says we need the government's help?", he asked rhetorically. "There are some officials I know at a slightly... lower level who could help us."
"How low?"
"Underground.", the board member replied.

This was a job for none other than Padrino Enrique Palocina and the Sapinian Multitud...

Unknown Suburbia Enters Baptism of Fire (or Frost?) Without Actually Being there!

Yes folks, your Unknown Suburbian team got off to an amazing 0-1 start in this year's Baptism of Fire tournement with a 1-0 loss to Abu Omar. The Unknown Suburbian team fielded by... nobody? Without a roster the Unknown Suburbia national team played their first game to an amazing 1-0 loss. Unknown Suburbia's team plane had got lost and redirected themselves to Elves Security Forces, Bostopia, Okielahoma and Oliverry to greet their already adoring fanclub before heading to Errinundera. Unknown Suburbia didn't realize however that they had played a game before they arrived.

This wasn't much of an obstacle for Unknown Suburbia though. The fans are ruthlessly supporting them in their quest for a win in this tournement. Up next for Unknown Suburbia is the tough matchup against The Non-RPing n00b in Ootopia Forest. The match is expected to be riveting with an actual Unknown Suburbian team this time on the field rather than nothing but oxygen, hydrogen and a little thing called grass (This is nothing personal against out goalkeeper, but it makes no difference with him in goal).

Now the roster isn't as stacked as most teams in this tournement with many actually have biographies on them. But this won't be too much of a challenge for the Unknown Suburbian Wanderers. Unknown Suburbia's formation is 4-4-2 and plays a passive-midfielding style of play.

All players in bold are starters

00- Kevin Clarke
1- Brandon Watson
30- Andrew Simpson

3- Sébastien Flamand
17- Rémy Renaud
22- Isaiah Owen
44- Alain Fecteau
13- Roger Charron
27- Alexandre Paré
64- Bertrand Grenier

7- Arthur Parmentier
10- Serge Vadeboncoeur
21- Steven Jones
25- Emmanuel Regnier dit
2- Austin Simpson
6- Alexander Wright
14- Jack Robinson

5- Rémy Vachon
42- Daniel Villeneuve
66- Didier Caya

My opponent, if they RP first, may:
Choose goalscorers: Y
GodMod scoring events: Y
Injure players: N
GodMod injuries: N
Red Card my players: N
Yellow Card my players: Y
GodMod other events: Y

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Truly A Day For First-Timers, Two National Team Newcomers Shine

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WA-Will.bmp
Willink managed just one shot on goal in the second half; and it was easily saved by Fahifa, as pictured

With the National Downfall Stadium overflowing with supporters, the Sorkh-o-siahe of Western Afghanistan defeated Willink three goals to one. The match proved to be a very exciting one, with both teams entertaining moments of absolute offensive brilliance. Western Afghanistan also had reason to celebrate, as they found themselves victors of the pre-match Yahtzee competition between the Red Raiders' and Sorkh-o-siahe's supporters groups. Ali Nuluqe spoke with us after the competition ended.

"Yahtzee!!!!!"

Mr. Nuluqe and many other West Afghans appeared at the Downfall coated in textile products, as the mummy fad started by Muhammad Zuled Muhammad has already exploded into a national tradition. The vast sea of white that surrounded the waterfall side of the stands roared for the Western Afghanistan squad from the opening kickoff until the final whistle. Errinundrian referee gurrio said after the match to the media that the Sorkh-o-siahe supporters looked and sounded like 'a massive deadly avalanche, but without the death.'

THE MATCH

Any suspicions of nervousness were instantly allayed when both sides began to throw everyone forward on the ball, all within the first three minutes. Willink defender Stylianos ripped a 30-yarder a few feet over the crossbar in the first minute. Immediately Western Afghanistan was responding, sending Iji Muhammad tearing down the left flank and finding Rushufi open at the top of the box. The Nine Columns striker couldn't find his way into a better position, but he knicked a ball off of Aniketos for a corner. Zuled Muhammad's kick was decent, but was fisted out by Paraskevas.

Western Afghanistan held the ball in their midfield from then until the 4th minute, when Afi found room down the middle. His pass across the pitch was dummied to perfection by Rushufi, who let the ball roll to the feet of the lightning-quick Nukhadufil. The young Nine Columns mid was left entirely unmarked, and his right-footed toe poke put Western Afghanistan up 1-0.

But for the rest of the first half, the Red and Black were lax, as Willink expertly held position and dominated the midfield play. Any ball possession Western Afghanistan did manage to wrestle away from the Red Raiders was squandered on some horrific play on the wings, particularly by Ali Qer. Eventually Western Afghanistan's mistakes caught up with them, when Willink equalised in the 29th minute. For the rest of the first half, Khuhekhezal Muhammad's side did not look like winning.

However, the momentum in the match shifted in the 54th minute, when the feet of Huzish got tangled with those of Willinkian winger Yorgos. The latter screamed for a card, but was not rewarded. The two players had a heated argument, and two minutes later Yorgos retaliated with a rather cynical aerial challenge, finding Huzish's forehead with his elbow. gurrio would have none of it, and Yorgos was booked. Huzish stepped out, but re-entered the game soon after.

Both coaches made subs at this point, with Khuhekhezal Muhammad pulling the Sagaye wing Qer and goalscorer Nukhadufil in favour of veteran Nakhar (who was earning his first ever cap for the national team) and Mardom Yek star Qeshelu, respectively.

It was Nakhar's influence that was felt immediately, with Western Afghanistan suddenly dominating the pace of play. In the 65th minute, the Sorkh-o-siahe found perhaps their greatest opportunity of the match yet, as Nakhar was left open just outside the box. Huzish's setup was brilliant, and the 36-year-old Herat Jadid captain hammered home a rocket of a shot from 20 yards, putting Western Afghanistan up 2-1, and promised him a memorable debut for the national team.

From this point on the sea of white, or the 'Avalanche' as the Errinundrian press has been referring to them, sensed that victory was theirs. They cheered profusely when Muhammad brought in youngster Amir Ena in the 76th minute. Interestingly, it was Ena's first ever cap with the national team as well, and marked the first time in the history of the national team that a player has earned pitch time with the national team before playing for his club side. Ena's pace and agility were clearly unfocused, as he made some minor mistakes while trying to service his Nine Columns teammate Rushufi, but when a counterattack down the right flank found Ena open in the 82nd minute, the 16-year-old did not fail, and joined Nahkar as a player to score in his first ever match with the national team.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WA-Will%203.bmp
Ena receiving the pass that he converted into a goal seconds later

The match ended at 3-1, and one of the most memorable moments was Ena's hug with Nakhar (who is more than twice Ena's age) at midfield, with the youngster coated in toilet paper following his in-stands celebration with the fans.

Western Afghanistan 3-1 Willink

Venue: National Downfall Stadium, in Errinundera
Attendance: 64,000
Referee: gurrio (Errinundera)
MOTM: Nakhar (Western Afghanistan)

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Western%20Afghanistan%20BoF.bmp Western Afghanistan: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zuneh; Qer (Nakhar '60), M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil (Qeshelu '63), and I. Muhammad; Afi (Ena '76) and Rushufi

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Willink%20BoF.bmp Willink: Paraskevas; Stylianos and Aniketos; Theodoros, Iason, Spyro, Stavros, and Yorgos (Elias '60); Lavrentios, Dimitris, and Thanos (Nicolaos '67)

Goals:
WAF: Nukhadufil '4, Nakhar '65, Ena '82
WIL: Lavrentios '29

Next Match:
Kuosio - Western Afghanistan
Kanooka Creek Reserve
Lineup: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zuneh; Qer, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil, and I. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi
Referee: Mariusz Anczoc (Lovisa)

Khuhekhezal Muhammad, speaking with the press after the Willink win, discussed the upcoming match against Kuosio.

"It'll be tough. They really manhandled Kristovenia today. We're going to have to play better than we did today, especially in the first half. Having beaten Willink, I'd have to say that Kuosio may very well be our toughest competition in this entire group.

"The atmosphere will be different; from my understanding Kanooka Creek Reserve is a considerably smaller pitch than the Downfall, but that's all right, we feel safer in more intimate settings. I certainly hope our fans will make the trip west with us.

"Will I be removing Ali Qer from the lineup? No. He and I had a talk after the match, he was feeling shaky because he hasn't had any meat in a while, I guess the protein's getting low. I told him to chug some peanut butter and give me 110 percent tomorrow."

OOC: thanks sel for copying my entire post and making it stupid kthnx

also i'd like a score modifier of +1.5 if possible

OOC: thanks sel for copying my entire post and making it stupid kthnx

also i'd like a score modifier of +1.5 if possible

OOC: The Cabbage is a satirical newspaper. Compare to the real life Onion (http://www.onion.com). -_-

Forgot about style mod...+1.5

Kau the Tree Concedes No Goals
The Pride of Veitau's trademark goalkeeper, a tree, stopped every Crevan attempt on goal and allowed the Pride to score three goals in its first ever international match. This bodes well for a team that had never even left their homeland. Their next match is against Clesmire in the famous Frosty Hollow. Veitau is at the top of their group, tied with Patusan. It's too early to tell how Veitau will fare, but this is a good start. The Sel Appan Domestic League scout was at the match and took an interest in several players. It is unlikely that Veitauan players would play for foreign teams, however.

Match Report:
The Pride of Veitau streamed onto the pitch at Podocarp Park, waving at cheering fans. They were received a last minute briefing by their coach, a chimpanzee named Tika. The planned 4-3-3 format was enstated and the team got into position. Bob the Captain talked with fellow strikers Maniki and Dalu about how they would start. Veitau had the kickoff and Bob took it. He dribbled it down the field until Dalu was in position. Dalu curved the football at Cravan keeper Mark Phillpany. Phillpany caught it and punted it up the pitch to his teammates. A little back-and-forth of passing the ball went on until Bruce flipped the ball forward with his tail flipper. Maniki found himself in a perfect position and charged forward with the ball, rumbling the stadium and terrifying the Cravan defenders. A sharp thrust sent the ball straight into the goal. Phillpany had to dive out of the way because of the speed of the ball. If he tried to block it, he'd likely have been knocked out cold. Maniki trumpeted his trunk as a cheer as Bob gave him a friendly slap on the knee.

Phillpany rolled the ball towards defender Jacob Menthol to begin an attack. He easily carried it and passed it to midfielder Eric Dovitt, who immediately relayed the ball to striker Harris Jackson who ran with the ball. Jackson swiftly passed the Veitauan defense and came face-to-face with Kau, Veitau's intimidating goalkeeper that happened to be a tree. As the defenders closed in on him, Jackson took a shot that bounced right off of Kau's strong bark and zoomed right past his head. Benny stood on his hands and caught the ball with his feet and proceeded to send it upfield. The ball reamined in midfield for a few minutes, changing sides often. Bob took two corners, neither proving fruitful. A free kick from Dalu allowed Bob to soon score a second goal for Veitau. The two slapped their hands high and paraded around the penalty box just before play resumed. The Cravan team tried to score a goal of their own when play resumed, but again the ball bounced off of Kau, which seemed impenetrable. The Cravan coach watched the play in utter confusion and awe at how a tree could prove such a formidable goalkeeper. Half Time was soon called after an uneventful bunch of plays.

Locker Room:
Bob: "Great start!"
Maniki trumpeted in agreement.
Tika signed to the team that he was most impressed. "You guys are doing spectacular! Let's keep it up."
Dalu went to water Kau. The tree thanked him in its own arboreal way. Dalu returned to the locker room and received a towel to dry off the sweat that had beaded on his forehead and neck. Maniki sprayed a little water on his back. Even in the cool climate, they all warmed up a bit. Tika looked at his watch and motioned that it was almost time to head back out to the pitch. The team finished what they were doing and began heading back out to the field.

Second Half
Cravan opened up the second half with a spectacular play that almost gave them a goal. But, Kau managed to block the shot and kept the match a shutout. Veitau could not get any attacks together because the Cravan team kept coming with the ball and refusing to let Veitau get the ball. The referee almost threatened a yellow card, but decided to let it slide since this was both teams' first international match. Bob was able to devise a plan: Maniki proved able to terrorize the opponents before. A play was set up and Maniki charged back down the field and kicked the ball without even passing through the defense. The speed was so great again that defender Juan Tinisonna had to duck out of the way. Cravan keeper Phillpany tried to stop the ball by reaching out, but it knocked his arm aside and went into the net. Maniki stomped his front feet, shaking the ground. Three goals in the Pride's first match was overwhelming. Maniki let out an earsplitting trumpet. Only a few minutes remained in the match and they went quickly. Realizing their defeat was inevitable, Cravan withdrew to defend against further goals. Before both sides know it, the referee blew his whistle.


Final Scoreline:
Cravan 0
Veitau 3

Goalscorers:
Maniki-6' , 71'
Bob-32'

Matchday 2 RP cut-off.

Scores will be posted shortly.

Goo woongara! (Good luck)

Weather forecast

Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings: Nil.

Weather Pattern: A low pressure system will move very slowly eastwards and gradually weaken over the next day or two then dissipate

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
Rain and drizzle overnight then showers during the day. Isolated thunderstorms. Fog areas across the north and moderate northwesterly winds.

Locations possibly affected by fog: Quartpot; Sassafras Basin; Fanny Moo; Goonmirk Rocks, Frosty Hollow

Outlooks:
Thursday Showers and thunderstorms. Moderate northerly winds.
Friday Showers and isolated thunderstorms
Saturday Showers, drizzle and fog.

First Creek Falls: Tonight and Wednesday Min 7ºC Max 9ºC
Cobb Hill; Kanooka Creek: as per First Creek Falls
Frosty Hollow: Tonight and Wednesday Min 5ºC Max 8ºC
Buldah: Tonight and Wednesday Min 9ºC Max 14ºC (thunderstorms unlikely)
Other locations: as per Frosty Hollow

Results
2 blow outs amidst generally low scoring games

Kuosio 4 v Western Afghanistan 6
Abu Omar 2 v Willink 1
Unknown Suburbia 0 v The Non-RPing n00b 0
Kristovenia 1 v Jeru FC 0

Jaredcohenia 0 v Patusan 0
Rossglass 5 v Cravan 7
Veitau 0 v Clesmire 2
Jariss 3 v Daurghty 1

Tables

Group Southwest

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 2 2 0 0 9 5 +4 6
Abu Omar 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 6
The Non-RPing n00b 2 1 1 0 1 0 +1 4
Kuosio 2 1 0 1 7 7 0 3
Kristovenia 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
Unknown Suburbia 2 0 1 1 0 1 -1 1
Jeru FC 2 0 0 2 0 2 -2 0
Willink 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0

Group Northeast

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Jariss 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 6
Patusan 2 1 1 0 3 0 +3 4
Veitau 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 3
Clesmire 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
Rossglass 2 1 0 1 8 9 -1 3
Cravan 2 1 0 1 7 8 -1 3
Jaredcohenia 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
Daurghty 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0

Note
You don’t need Errinundrian referees to spoil your matches. The Baptism of Frost is a World Cup Committee sanctioned series and you can use incompetent adjudicators from many places around the NationStates world. For a list of accredited referees visit the NSwiki page World Cup Referees (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/World_Cup_Referees).

The Jariss national squad storms into the locker room yelling and cheering after their second match.

Konu Zaryi: That’s two in a row, this is great!

Andre Miware: I think that puts us in first now all by ourselves!

Tali Vindu: I gave up a goal again this stinks…

Minna Dawo: Don’t worry I’ll just keep scoring two goals every game like today and we’ll be just fine Tali.

Andre: Hey I got my first today too. We keep scoring three goals a match and we’ll win this thing.

Kalo Yannia: Yeah but did you see the Cravan-Rossglass match 7-5. I don’t think we had that many goals scored my entire high school career nevermind one match.

Goru Lyani: And we’re playing Rossglass next, they’re going to be pretty upset losing after scoring five goals I bet.

Fya Pani: Well if something bad happens you can go cry on your girlfriend’s shoulders. Have you talked to her yet.

Goru: No.

Fya: Oh don’t worry I’ll talk to my hosts and see if we can fix you two lovebirds up.

Coach Maru Hiniru: OK Fya knock it off. Great game again, you’re really picking up this whole offensive thing pretty well. Tali don’t worry about it you’re doing fine out there. It’s a whole new level of play like I told you before you’re not going to be perfect every night. Good game out there, you people are starting to come together as a team now, even you old timers who haven’t played in a while. Things are beginning to gel out there. Joa great lead pass to Minna on the first goal, you led her perfectly and made sure she was onsides too before you sent it her way.

But now we have Rossglass. Goru’s right, they won’t be happy about scoring so many goals with nothing to show for it. But that’s actually a good thing. That last match of theirs probably has them feeling and playing loosey goosey not having to face much defense on either end of that. That means they might make some mistakes that we can take advantage of. Things they got away with against Cravan and will probably try against us. But they won’t get away with it against us will they?

Team: No Coach.

Coach Maru: And more good news, we’ll be playing in the warmest part of Errinundera this time so that should be good.

Fya: Oooh you mean we finally get some nice comfy 80 degree weather? Beach time!

Coach Maru: Try 50s for a high.

Fya: <pouting> that’s freezing!

Coach Maru: You all survived today’s match so I think you’ll be fine. Unless of course you want to sit on the bench with a blanket around you and I’ll start Relao in your place Fya?

Fya: No, no I’ll but I’m gonna catch a cold I bet.

Relao Yashi: Well if you get sick I’ll take over, no prob there Fya.

<Fya pouts>

Coach Maru: OK here’s the lowdown on Rossglass, we’ll be watching game film tomorrow afternoon but here are the basics. They like to attack so they will have some holes defensively, so Minna stay awake out there and you should get your chances. Now defense, O’Vennaigh is the one who gets everything going for them. Take him out of the game and they’ll be hurting. If he does get the ball keep an eye on Ó Drisceoil because that’s where he’s most likely to be looking to dish it off too. If we can neutralize those two the rest of the team will be off balance. Those two are their offensive keys. Leni try to stay with O’Vennaigh and Fya, make sure you know where O Drisceoil is at all times.

But we can go over the rest tomorrow after we watch this disgraceful defensive display put on by Cravan and Rossglass, I’m surprised either team even bothered putting in a keeper. But its something you need to look at. You haven’t faced a real strong offense until this match so you need to know what you’ll be getting yourselves into. OK everyone hit the showers. 2-0-0 and on top by ourselves, you’re making your people back home proud.

<In the showers>

Goru: Man why does Fya keep rubbing it in about that Errinundera girl, we never even met.

Joa: Hey I wish I had some hot chick chasing after me like that.

Konu: You know Goru, I think Fya might be jealous of this girl.

Goru: What do you mean?

Konu: Well think about it, she’s the only one who keeps teasing you about it. Why would she do that?

Goru: Cause she likes to get me mad.

Konu: Or maybe that’s how she’s showing she likes you. She doesn’t bother any of the other guys like that you know.

Joa: Woah, Goru you da man, two chicks fighting over you.

Goru: Fya!?! I’d sooner marry that girl from the paper than go out with Fya.

Jopa: Dude you’re getting married?

Goru: No…i..but… <sighs in defeat and leaves the shower>

A small selection of reports from today's papers:

National Team Players' Identities Declassified
Sendependa - a Kuosian newspaper, translated

Now that the Kuosian national football team has already travelled to Errinundera and played two matches, the Ministry of Sport has finally decided to declassify the players' identities. Although fans have known the likely candidates for the team for a while yet, only those who were able to watch the matches were able to discover exactly who was playing. The government claims that this is "to protect the security of the players", however we at the Sendependa newspaper believe otherwise.

"This is either a shamefully bad issue of governement communication," protested political activist Kristoforo WEBER, "or it is deliberate government censorship". The Minister of Sport has already issued a memo apologising for the delay, and has stated that it "will not happen again", and that those responsible for the error have been severly reprimanded. We at the Sendependa call for these officials to spend some time in Kuosio's newly-privatised prisons (see page 45), or to be fired at the very least.

Nonetheless, this will not stop Kuosio fans from enjoying the rest of the tournament.

Official Governement Memo - Kuosian Team List
Translators note: in Kuosio, it is convention that people take an Esperantized forename, but keep their surname in its original form. The surname is also capitalised as per international Esperanto-speaking conventions.

The Minister of Sport announced today the team roster for the Baptism of Frost tournament, currently underway in Errinundera. The Minister apologizes for the delay in making this information available to the general public. Our team is as follows:

01. Georgo FARRUGIA, goal (starter)
02. Aleksandro LOPEZ, defence (starter)
03. Nikolao O'SULLIVAN, defence (starter)
04. Paulo ROSSI, defence (starter)
05. Antono GIORDANO, defence (starter)
06. Vilhelmo SCHNEIDER, midfield (starter)
07. Mateo JOHANSSON, midfield (starter)
08. Andreo SMITH, midfield (starter)
09. Koralo BERNARD, midfield (starter)
10. Ludoviko KOWALSKI, striker (starter)
11. Mikelo BOUCHARD, striker (starter)
12. Johano OLSEN, defence (reserve)
13. Jozefo NOVAK, midfield (reserve)
14. Jakobo LARSEN, striker (reserve)

Racist Shock In Football Team Announcement
La Nova Enketisto (The New Inquirer) - translated
Kuosio citizens and football fans are up in arms today over the tardiness of the announcement of our Baptism of Frost team, but they seem to have forgotten a more important issue: the blatant racism that is shown by the list presented to us. It is obvious that our team managers have chosen only players of European decent for our team, ignoring the multitudes of other races that they could well have also chosen. La Nova Enketisto will be following up this report in the coming days with hard facts about the reasons for this disturbing selection of players.

Translator's note: they never follow anything up. And the selection is not racist; they just happen to be our best players. The team manager was unsure as to whether to include one or two players of different races, but in the end decided simply to choose the very best regardless. We do not apologize for posting this article, as we feel it is important to see all sides of the debate.

Kuosio's Dismal Performance in Today's Game
Kuosio Taga Revuo - translated

Sport, Errinundera - After a flying start yesterday, our national team made an unfortunate crash landing today in the Baptism of Frost tournament. We were beaten by Western Afghanistan by 6 goals to 4. However, there is still plenty of time to make a comeback, so we are not worried (yet).

Are we there yet?

Unknown Suburbia just can't get it right. The Non-RPing n00b national team proved just too strong for the Unknown Suburbia Wanderers and it resulted in disaster. A nil-all draw and only 1 point after 2 games sits Unknown Suburbia at 6th place in the SouthWest division in this year's Baptism of Fire. Kevin Clark put forward a strong game, but the Wanderer strikers couldn't get any offence going in a game they needed to win.

MATCH

5th Minute:

Unknown Suburbia pressing strong, Jones to Owens chipping it up to Vachon. Vachon breaking through the middle now. Vachon, look at the speed on this brilliant young player! Passing it through to Villeneuve... and Villeneuve is away! Villeneuve breaks free of the Non-RPing n00b defence and is breaking in alone on the goalkeeper! Vachon running up the left flank not far behind but he's being watched carefully. Villeneuve fires at the challenging keeper... and it hits the post! Vahon running in for a rebound yet the non-RPing n00b defence is there to make the stop for a corner. What a chance for Unknown Suburbia to get their first goal of the tournement.

23rd Minute:

The Non-RPing n00b attack pressing the Unknown Suburbian defenders now. Been a pretty even match up until now. Renaud and Fecteau move forward to challenge the attack but a near miss places one n00b striker to the pitch within an inch of his sex life. That cleat mark may not help his plea for innocence. Here it is for Renaud and to no surprise, a yellow card and an angry protest. Not looking too good for Unknown Suburbia so far in the game.

39th minute:

Flamand kicks it over to Wright who's just taken to the pitch after a substitution. Wright running up the right side of the pitch and there seems to be nobody even attempting to stop this little midfielder's progress up the field. Unknown Suburbia getting great field advantage here with the steady progress up the field. Wright into the corner now waiting for Villeneuve and Vachon to get into position for the cross... the kick is up, and into the open hands of the n00b keeper. Unknown Suburbia will need better efforts than that if they'll break the deadlock.

67th minute:

Not much action since the half with both teams playing passively. Vachon with a break just a few moments ago but a near miss to the right side of the net has been the only reason for fans to get excited. Clarke's been yet to be tested much this half with only shots from outside the box. Wanderers growing tired of the passing game and no pressing.

92nd minute:

Game drawing to a close, a close shot earlier on Clarke but an amazing diving save from Clarke kept the game level. Vachon now with the ball and Caya streaking wide on the left side. Vachon chips the ball forward and CAYA! Breaking through the defenders coming in alone on the n00b keeper! He tries a deke but NO! HE MISSES THE POST BY CENTIMETRES!!! Caya misses so close as the game will surely end.

Next Match:

Willink is up next. Surely a tough test for the Unknown Suburbia Wanderers. Bottom of the group doesn't mean anything this early in the contest. Will Unknown Suburbia win? Catch BUST (Broadcasted Unknown Suburbia Television) tomorrow at 6 to find out.

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 2 2 0 0 9 5 +4 6
Abu Omar 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 6
The Non-RPing n00b 2 1 1 0 1 0 +1 4
Kuosio 2 1 0 1 7 7 0 3
Kristovenia 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
Unknown Suburbia 2 0 1 1 0 1 -1 1
Jeru FC 2 0 0 2 0 2 -2 0
Willink 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0

THE COHENINGRAD TIMES
Bringing you what the government wants you to hear since 1763!
A DRAW IS STILL A LOSSMatthew Labunda

Today, the Jaredcohenian National Football Team drawed a match against the Patusanian/istani/who caresian team.

Coach Grigori Putin argued that while the Jaredcohenian team did not lose, they did not win. However, Coheningrad's own Aaron Macduff (Number 01, Goaltender) did not let any goals in. Also, the defense by Gary Weinrib and Louis Cameraña proved effective against the team from Patusan.

The Jaredcohenian National Football team's scores at the moment are 0W1L1D. Stay tuned, tomorrow's game is in Podocarp Park against a very familiar team, a nation allied with the Jaredcohenians. The team is the Cravanian national team. Can the Jaredcohenians defeat the Cravanians? Find out tomorrow.

OOC: can i change my score modifier to 2.5? :3

can i change my score modifier to 2.5?

Done and done.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c381/crave22/Cravan/gtnnspecialreportcopy.png

National Team Makes a Comeback

After a staggering defeat on the first Matchday, the Falcons came back at full force with a 7 to 5 win against Rossglass, much to the jubilation of the Cravanian public. The first day's humiliating performance was counteracted today, as Cravan pulled through well.

Tomorrow, however, is the real challenge. Longtime ally of the Empire Jaredcohenia is facing off with the Cravanian team, and only the Lord above himself knows of what the outcome may be. Fans consistently cheer for the Falcons, and with today's victory things are looking up for the Cravanian Football League's finest.

We will of course report more tomorrow, when the showdown between allies begins.

*******************

"What the hell is this?", Assistant Coach MacMillan asked as he raised a plastic sandwich bag out of midfielder Michael Donohue's bag. Inside were several vials and a syringe, and the necessary equipment to apply them.
"Coach... I can explain..."
"Have you used them yet?", MacMillan asked angrily as a crowd of players in the room gathered around.
"No...", Donohue replied shamefully. "Someone from the outside placed them in my bag during today's game, so I could have them for tomorrow's match against the Jaredcohenians. I'm sorry, coach, but it was at a price I couldn't beat."
"We'll talk about this later, but you're benched tomorrow. And you'll probably be off the team for having this stuff. Pocan!"

Mike Pocan, substitute midfielder, jumped forward. "Coach?"
"You're in for tomorrow's match, and probably the rest of the tournament and onwards. Congrats."
"Thank you, coach!"
"Alright, gentlemen, lights out in twenty. I've a meeting with Coach Argone now. Night, boys."

Done and done.

Change mine to 0. Too early to go offensive I now realize.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Sorkh-o-siahe Pay Big Price For Big Win

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Kuo-WA%202.bmp
Iji Muhammad as he fell on his left arm; x-rays later confirmed that it was broken

The rainy conditions at the Kanooka Creek Reserve were not the major damper on the joy of the numerous mummy-resembling fans in Western Afghanistan's six to four victory over Kuosio. It was I. Muhammad's departure in the 16th minute, and a terrible closing to the match, that truly made the day feel rainy. Though all in attendance readily admitted that Western Afghanistan is beginning to appear as the offensive juggernaut of the Baptism of Frost, the news that the star left wing would be out for the rest of the tournament caused some rather sad spirits.

"We will miss him," said rabid fan Ali Nuluqe, who found that in the rain Scotch tape does a poor job of keeping Kleenex applied to skin. "He's a sensational talent down the wing for us, and he and Nukhadufil seemed to be really clicking for the entire Willink match. It's a shame. But I think Ramat Muhammad will handle the left mid job well."

THE MATCH

The game, which for much of the game resembled a wild-west shootout in the rain more than an actual football match, featured ten goals, and the first of these came 19 seconds after the opening whistle. After Western Afghanistan mucked their possession, the Kuosian right wing found a striker (later suspected to be Bouchard, as the Kuosian roster debacle was not resolved until after the match) with a pretty lob. A nifty touch gave him an open net, and Kuosio grabbed the lead with what is being unofficially called the earliest goal in the history of the Baptism of Fire.

But the Sorkh-o-siahe were not to be outdone. In the third minute, a brilliant sequence of quick passes found Assef Rushufi a neat gap in the Kuosian defence, and his shot was just barely tipped over the bar by the keeper (probably Farrugia). Muhammad Zuled Muhammad's absolutely beautiful corner kick was a laser right to the head of defender Ruburirin, who buried the ball in the bottom right corner of the net from 9 yards out. It was one all.

The game played fairly even for both sides until the 14th minute. Receiving a ball from Zuneh, Ghavvasa wingman Iji Muhammad pushed up the left touchline. Two Kuosian defenders closed in on him, one from behind and the other from the front. The latter slid in, but a deft move got I. Muhammad around him. However, the defender behind him tripped over his unseen comrade and fell into the West Afghan's back. Caught off guard, Iji Muhammad tripped forwards and landed awkwardly on him left arm. He immediately began to writhe in pain on the grass, calling for the trainer. Iji Muhammad was then pulled from the game, replaced by hot-tempered but talented Daru Khuneh mid Muhammad Ramat Muhammad. The trainer's report at half time revealed that Iji Muhammad had shattered his left arm, and that surgery would be required.

Instead of being disappointed by this dismal news, the Sorkh-o-siahe instantly rallied around the fallen left wing. This was apparent when, in the 19th minute, superstar Assef Rushufi used a nifty back heel to make a Kuosian defender pay for a poor clearance. His volley nearly ripped the net off, and gave Western Afghanistan the lead.

For nearly the rest of the match, the Red and Black put Kuosio through a clinic. Led by the enthusiastic, lightning fast, and charismatic M.R. Muhammad, the offence was relentless. Huzish curled a gorgeous ball around an unsuspecting keeper in the 25th minute, and Ramat Muhammad found the net himself a minute later following a superb run to beat the offside trap. Western Afghanistan led 4-1 at halftime, and scored again in the 48th minute, as a brilliant, agile run up the right flank allowed defender Inu to snare a rare goal.

Despite two defensive substitutions, Khuhekhezal Muhammad's side kept finding shots on net, and their final goal came in the 70th minute when a miscommunication between the Kuosian keeper and one of his defenders resulted in Zuneh's long cross to drop into the net.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Kuo-WA%203.bmp
A Kuosian defender, later confirmed to be O'Sullivan, could do nothing as Zuneh's long ball bounced over the end line

It was at this juncture that the tides turned, and had the Sorkh-o-siahe not held a 5 goal lead, Kuosio would likely have won the match.

In the 80th minute, trapping the ball next to the endline, just inside the 18 yard box, Zuneh foolishly charged into the back of a Kuosian striker, and the fact that Lovisan referee Mariusz Anczoc needed to blow for a penalty was apparent to everyone (exept, apparently, a livid Zuneh). A player suspected, but not confirmed, to be Andreo Smith, converted the penalty easily. Just six minutes later, a less ironclad, emphatically questionable penalty was awarded to Kuosio again. Again Zuneh was penalized, and his angry protests earned a yellow card from Anczoc. Again Smith converted.

With the West Afghan fans' discontent steadily growing, as the rain had begun falling quite heavily by now, the quality of play immediately collapsed into an effective mudfight. Iqu Afi's entanglement with a Kuosian midfielder resulted in an unwise shove on the part of the Ghavvasa striker, and Anczoc booked Afi as well.

In the first minute of stoppage time, the Kuosian offence, which had been breathed new life by their two late goals, found a wide open hole on the left side of the pitch. Inu was for some reason vastly out of position, and Fahifa was faced with a two-on-one that he could not win. Though this was the last goal of the match, the Kuosians left with far higher morale than the Sorkh-o-siahe did.

Khuhekhezal Muhammad was furious at his entire team, but particularly his two fullbacks, and it was obvious in his post-match press conference.

"I don't think I have ever been this angry at one of my teams after a win. I also don't think I've ever been this angry at two goalscorers [Inu and Zuneh] after a win. That was some absolutely horrendous defending, and those morons have their offense to thank for being able to win this game. Three of Kuosio's four goals did not need to even occur. When you're playing in a tournament where goal difference might matter, this is absolutely inexcusable.

"I'm very unhappy. I think with the outstanding exception of Ramat Muhammad, who played his behind off filling in for Iji, every one of those guys out there should be ashamed of themselves. If something like that happens in the knockouts, we'll be done."

Kuosio 4-6 Western Afghanistan

Venue: Kanooka Creek Reserve
Attendance: 33,000
Referee: Mariusz Anczoc (Lovisa)
MOTM: M.R. Muhammad (Western Afghanistan)

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Kuosio-BoF.bmp Kuosio: unknown, Kuosian Ministry of Sport had not declassified roster until after final whistle

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Western%20Afghanistan%20BoF.bmp Western Afghanistan: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zuneh; Qer, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil (Rushenaqud '52), and I. Muhammad (M.R. Muhammad '16); Afi and Rushufi (Qeshelu '75)

Goals:
KUO: <Unknown (Bouchard?)> '1, <Unknown (Smith?)> '80(pen.) and '86(pen.), <Unknown> '91
WAF: Ruburirin '3, Rushufi '19, Huzish '25, M.R. Muhammad '26, Inu '48, Zuneh '70

Next Match:
Western Afghanistan - Jeru FC
National Downfall Stadium
Lineup: Fahifa; Rushenaqud, Ruburirin, and Zushe; Qer, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil, and M.R. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi
Referee: Michael Lascaro (Alasdair I Frosticus)

Khuhekhezal Muhammad, speaking with the press after the Kuosio win, discussed the upcoming match against Jeru FC.

"Oh, I can assure you, you'll be seeing a rather different back line tomorrow against Jeru FC. Listen, normally I wouldn't be this frank, but I'm in a very, very bad mood right now: Jeru FC have shown no signs of offense in their first two games, and have really bungled around in general. I feel that the next match is a good one to sit down these kids who have really disappointed their fans, their teammates, and their country.

"I thought Rushenaqud showed some presence after I brought him in today, he'll be at right back, and Zushe will be seeing action at left back after all, I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that.

"As for the rest of the squad, I'm happy with our offensive efforts. We need to keep it up, but what I've seen so far from Rushufi has been sensational. That's what you need in tournaments like this: you need your best player to show up, and I thought he played very well against Willink, essentially setting up two goals for teammates, and he showed a lot of pace and athleticism today. He seems to be in good form.

"Muhammad Ramat Muhammad played very well too. He really held that left side of midfield together, I have to really give him credit. As long as he keeps his head and doesn't lose his temper with any referees, I have a feeling he will really excel in Iji's shoes."

Baptism of Fire Goalscorers:
Ena 1
Huzish 1
Inu 1
M.R. Muhammad 1
Nakhar 1
Nukhadufil 1
Ruburirin 1
Rushufi 1
Zuneh 1

Just to consolidate my team list, RP table etc:

TEAM LIST
01. Georgo FARRUGIA, goal (starter)
02. Aleksandro LOPEZ, defence (starter)
03. Nikolao O'SULLIVAN, defence (starter)
04. Paulo ROSSI, defence (starter)
05. Antono GIORDANO, defence (starter)
06. Vilhelmo SCHNEIDER, midfield (starter)
07. Mateo JOHANSSON, midfield (starter)
08. Andreo SMITH, midfield (starter)
09. Koralo BERNARD, midfield (starter)
10. Ludoviko KOWALSKI, striker (starter)
11. Mikelo BOUCHARD, striker (starter)
12. Johano OLSEN, defence (reserve)
13. Jozefo NOVAK, midfield (reserve)
14. Jakobo LARSEN, striker (reserve)

NB. These are written in the Esperanto style using the h-system. There is no need to capitalise the surname in RPs.

Choose my goalscores: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES, minor only please
Godmod injuries to my players: NO
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES
Hand out red cards to my players: NO
Godmod other events: YES

Style modifier: -1

Team colours: primarily blue, with a large green star on the front, similar to the Kuosio flag. Unfortunately no pictures are available.

@Errinundera: please update the link on the first post to point here. Thanks.

Lol. Okay, got it fixed. Boy do I feel dumb.

(OoC)
Western Afghanistan, what with Errinundrian personal names not using capital letter technology, it's not surprising you used the technology for Kuosio surnames.

Kuosio, I've updated the link.

I'm about to leave work (I don't have access to the frostinator here) so the RP cut-off will be in an hour or two.

Had to find some capitalization somewhere around here, Erri! :p

RP cut-off for matchday 3

Veitau style modifier changed to 0
Kuosio changed to -1

Goo Woongara.

Weather forecast

Plateau Province Forecast issued at 1531

Warnings: Nil.

Weather Pattern: A low pressure system will move very slowly eastwards before dissipating west of the Plateau on Thursday night.

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
Showers tending to rain areas later tomorrow with moderate falls developing.
Isolated thunderstorms. Generally moderate northerly winds.

Outlooks:
Friday Showers and isolated thunderstorms. Winds tending west to
southwesterly and freshening.
Saturday Scattered showers, drizzle and fog.
Sunday Isolated showers clearing.

First Creek Falls: Tonight and tomorrow Min 6ºC Max 9ºC
Frosty Hollow: Tonight and tomorrow Min 3ºC Max 8ºC
Buldah: Tonight and tomorrow Min 9ºC Max 15ºC
Other locations: as per First Creek Falls

Results
The Western Afghanis are on a jihad!

Western Afghanistan 6 v Jeru FC 2
Kuosio 3 v Abu Omar 0
Willink 3 v Unknown Suburbia 0
The Non-RPing n00b 1 v Kristovenia 1

Cravan 0 v Jaredcohenia 2
Daurghty 0 v Clesmire 0
Veitau 4 v Patusan 3
Rossglass 2 v Jariss 1

Tables

Group Southwest

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 3 3 0 0 15 7 +8 9
Kuosio 3 2 0 1 10 7 +3 6
Abu Omar 3 2 0 1 3 4 -1 6
The Non-RPing n00b 3 1 2 0 2 1 +1 5
Kristovenia 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1 4
Willink 3 1 0 2 5 5 0 3
Unknown Suburbia 3 0 1 2 0 4 -4 1
Jeru FC 3 0 0 3 2 8 -6 0

Group Northeast

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Veitau 3 2 0 1 7 5 +2 6
Jariss 3 2 0 1 6 4 +2 6
Rossglass 3 2 0 1 10 9 +1 6
Patusan 3 1 1 1 6 4 +2 4
Jaredcohenia 3 1 1 1 4 3 +1 4
Clesmire 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
Cravan 3 1 0 2 7 10 -3 3
Daurghty 3 0 1 2 1 6 -5 1

Note
Apart from the fun, the community and the satisfaction of winning the Baptism of Frost (for one of you anyway), another reason for playing is to gain a KPB ranking. Click here (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/KPB_ranking_system)to learn how important this score is for when you pit your nation against the big guys of World Cup Football. In the premier competition nations are seeded according to their results in previous cups. This seeding is factored into the scorinator. If you are in a group with Ariddia, the current champions and World #1 side, you can expect to face fearsome odds. The Baptism of Frost will give you a bit of hand up. By checking out the NSwiki page mentioned earlier you can see just how much of a boost you might get.

A pair of old Jarissian men change the channel after the finish of the Rossglass-Jariss match ending in a 2-1 Jariss defeat.

Old man 1: Whelp, those youngun’s sure don’t play the game like we did in our day Litu. Mad crazy they are these days, three goals in a match? That’s just plain nuts.

Litu: Yup yup right you are Anri. No wonder they lost, didn’t see no soft defense like that when I was out on the pitch.

Anri: Nosirree, we didn’t do things like that when soccer was a real sport. Look at that Dawo girl, scoring all those goals in only three matches. We never let people like that hog the ball all the time like that. Nope we all took turns out there, the way a sport should go!

Litu: Yup, she wouldn’t have even made our team with an attitude like that. Remember Gorscu?

Anri: Gorscu? You mean Gornu? The one that was already bald in high school?

Litu: Yep that’s him, he said he cut it short on purpose and all but his whole family was bald as an eagle by the time they were 20. Remember when he got benched for that offensive nonsense?

Anri: Oh yeah, greedy baldy put in two goals in only four matches. Coach Pilgre was furious, he never started a match after that. Hey who was the one that got booted off the team?

Litu: You mean Fally?

Anri: <laughing hysterically before doubling over coughing and hacking> Yep that’s the one, accidentally knocked one past his own keeper in his first start. Never saw Coach kick someone off the team so fast. I mean putting one in against the other team was bad, but your own squaddie? Not on Coach Pilgre’s teams.

Litu: <also laughing> The sad part is that it was probably all an accident. He went up for that header and got his legs knocked out from under him. Keeper knocked the ball aside on the shot right into Fally’s back and it went right in from there.

Anri: Poor Fally was in tears just about.

Litu: Course that was probably why he won the Jariss Dash that year, all that extra time on the bike once he got knocked off the team.

Anri: Yep, those were the days. Now this Hiniru kid lets these kids get away with anything out there. Seven goals in four matches.

Litu: Three matches.

Anri: <continuing on as if nothing was said> and giving up four already! I never thought I’d see the day Jariss threw defense out the window like this. It’s a shame, ruin the sport I bet. Next thing you know someone will want to outlaw Frisbee.

Litu: Hey that reminds me, the grandkids are coming by today to toss the old disk around.

Anri: Back’s bothering you again Litu?

Litu: No Anri, the Frisbee not my back you damned old fool.

Anri: I’m younger than you are old timer.

Litu: Two weeks doesn’t mean anything. I’m the one that still has all my hair you know.

Anri: At least my teeth are mine, well most of ‘em anyway.

Litu: Bah!

Anri: Double bah!

OOC: Can I just get a bit of a explanation as to how someone who has roleplayed twice and has a record of 0-1-2 turn out? I played against Willink who never roleplayed before our latest match, and when I roleplayed I still lost by 3 goals. I'm yet to score one goal for the matter and can't help but feel a bit cheated when the playing field is supposed to be level due to no KPB rank in a starting tournement.

Just pointing out:

P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 3 3 0 0 15 7 +8 9
Kuosio 3 2 0 1 10 7 +3 6
Abu Omar 3 2 0 1 3 4 -1 6
The Non-RPing n00b 3 1 2 0 2 1 +1 5
Kristovenia 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1 4
Willink 3 1 0 2 5 5 0 3
Unknown Suburbia 3 0 1 2 0 4 -4 1
Jeru FC 3 0 0 3 2 8 -6 0

Teams in red have yet to roleplay yet seem to be doing in contention.

Teams in blue seem to be a little cheated despite roleplaying and still not scoring.

BTW, change my modifier to 2.5 since it isn't working against teams that don't RP.

You haven't been cheated. You have been very unlucky. Your cry of frustration was not unexpected. You, Kuosio and Western Afghanistan are the only consistent RPers in your group yet the other two teams fill the top 2 places and you are 2nd last. Believe me, it is the luck of random number generation.

There have been other anomalous outcomes:
- Western Afghanistan's consistent maximum rolls
- Cravan, like yourself, a good RPer but, like yourself, 2nd last in their group

Please consider the lyrics of the monk's famous gambling song from the Carmina Burana:

O Fortuna
velut luna
statu variabilis,
semper crescis
aut decrescis;
vita detestabilis
nunc obdurat
et tunc curat
ludo mentis aciem,
egestatem,
potestatem
dissolvit ut glaciem.

Sors immanis
et inanis,
rota tu volubilis,
status malus,
vana salus
semper dissolubilis,
obumbrata
et velata
michi quoque niteris;
nunc per ludum
dorsum nudum
fero tui sceleris.

Sors salutis
et virtutis
michi nunc contraria,
est affectus
et defectus
semper in angaria.
Hac in hora
sine mora
corde pulsum tangite
quod per sortem
sternit fortem,
mecum omnes plangite

---

O Fortune,
like the moon
you are changeable,
ever waxing
and waning;
hateful life
first oppresses
and then soothes
as fancy takes it;
poverty
and power
it melts them like ice.

Fate - monstrous
and empty,
you whirling wheel,
you are malevolent,
well-being is vain
and always fades to nothing,
shadowed
and veiled
you plague me too;
now through the game
I bring my bare back
to your villainy.

Fate is against me
in health
and virtue,
driven on
and weighted down,
always enslaved.
So at this hour
without delay
pluck the vibrating strings;
since Fate
strikes down the strong man,
everyone weep with me!

---

Don't give up. Keep fighting!

((its just random number generators so while RP may boost your chances slightly each match its not any sort of guarentee to victory. Especially in the first few matches where RP bonuses don't really make that much separation compared to the last few matches of the tourney where it really kicks in. if you think its bad here wait til the World Cup proper starts, someone (usually me- though in the last two of my eight cups i seem to have finally broken the habit somewhat) has horrible luck with the random number generated results no matter how much they RP

oh this is Jariss' main BTW in case you're wondering why i'm bothering to reply))

- Cravan, like yourself, a good RPer but, like yourself, 2nd last in their group


>_________________>

Well, at least there's a complement in there.

**************

Cravanian National Football Team Offices
Downtown Cravna, Cravan

"We lost to a group of drunken Slavs for Christ's sake! Something must be done!"
"Something is in progress.", McKinley said calmly as he brushed aside the newspaper which had been tossed upon his desk. "Something rather large."
"Oh, and just what the hell might that be?"
"I'm afraid I'm not at the liberty to discuss that.", he replied. "However, if I was, you would be rather please, Mr. Reynolds."

Gerald Reynolds, public relations manager of the CFL, crossed his arms. A lop-sided look of dissatisfaction set upon his face, and he sighed.

"It damn well better be good, else I'll have alot of press conferences to hold. And not good ones. I don't like holding conferences about bad things."
"Don't worry, Jerry. It'll be alright."

With a snort, Reynolds stormed off through the glass doors at the far end of McKinley's office. Upon his dismissal, an executive of the board entered.

"Sir, you have a visitor."
"Send him in."
"Yes, sir."

A fat, balding man in his seventies swaggered through the doors. Dressed in a fine Sapinian suit, he had thinning gray hair and a black goatee running around his mouth.

"Hello, Mr. Palocina.", McKinley said with a smile. He shook the man's hand vigorously, and motioned for him to sit down.
"So I hear you have a proposition for me.", Palocina said in a slightly accented English, his eyebrows perking up and a slight smile forming about his lips.
"Yes, I actually do have a business proposition for you, Mr. Palocina. As you may well know, our national football team has been performing... sub-par in comparison to the other teams in the competition. This needs to be changed."

Palocina sat back in his chair, arching his eyebrow slightly as he beamed at McKinley.

"Go on.", Palocina said, listening attentively.
"Well, Errinundera is quite famous for its internal instability. If we could cause something to knock the local government off its feet slightly, we may easily be able to form a distraction for our team to solve the problem, whatever it may be. This would require some input from your people."
"It will take me less than three days to have a group in Errinundera to raise hell. All I need are names, locales, and such."
"Easily acquireable by your people, and some have already been forwarded to your informants. Magistrates rank pretty high on the list of possible targets, but its up to your boys to figure out who to hit to cause the most damage."
"I'll consider your offer, my friend. I assume there will be other objectives?"
"Yes, meat will be sent in. Our team cannot survive on their vegan shit and protein supplements forever, after all. The shipment itself will be figured later, however it will have to be brought in on one of the many rivers flowing into Errinundera, preferably with little traffic. These details can be ironed out later, of course."

And just like that, their meeting was over. Palocina stood up, and with a smile clasped McKinley's hand.

"This is the beginning of a beautiful business relationship, Mr. McKinley."
"I know, Mr. Palocina. I will be in touch."

Palocina exited the building, escorted by two rather burly looking men in suits and probably concealed firearms. All the while, he was watched by a pair of men in a black, unassuming car parked down the road. The two shared a pair of binoculars, and when one positively identified the Padrino, the two smiled.

"Can you say Christmas bonus?", Investigator Ryan asked as he passed the binoculars to his partner.
"No.", Investigator Ash Holden replied. "I can say early retirement."

The Cravanian Football League was making a deal with the devil, and the Imperial Department of Intelligence was hot on their tail.

Musings from a Tree
I am a tree,
But also a goalie.
My name is Kau,
I never say ow.

The ball
Curves in
And hits
My bark
Then boun-
-Ces off
Away
Again.

Being a tree isn't really that bad. You get to make your own food just by breathing, drinking, and sunning. You are climbed and appreciated. Being a goalkeeper isn't that bad either. I just stand there and deflect almost every shot...with my trunk, branches, or leaves. Sometimes a ball gets through, but that is only because I can't move. If I could move, I'd stop every ball.

I write random poems, therefore I am. Can a tree really write poetry? Maybe you're just imagining this and are high on some hallucinogen? How do I know what a hallucinogen is? Aren't drugs nonexistant in Veitau? Maybe I'm not really a tree, but a pandimensional being. This is what happens when you're a tree: you write random poetry and musings. But trees can't write, so how do I do it?

THE COHENINGRAD TIMES
Bringing you what the government wants you to hear since 1763!
OUR BOYS BRING HOME A WIN!Clayton Robertson

Have the Jaredcohenians and Cravanians ever fought a war on the battlefield? Nay...But at Podocarp Park, the Jaredcohenians defeated the Cravanians two points to nil. Seeing the National team win its first game was an amazing thing, really. Again, as yesterday, goaltender Aaron Macduff refused to let any shots by any Cravanian through, being respectful to the Moscow FC Canadian's nickname of him, 'The Wall.' However, more sight should be given to William Stevens and Earl Miller, the strikers who managed to shoot two goals into the Cravanian goal.

Earl Miller, after the game, was quoted in a local tavern saying that "'dem Cravenions don't know what hit 'em if ya knows what I means. Hay, barkeep...where my vodka?" William Stevens was found asleep in a booth in the tavern, four bottles of lager on the table. Both Miller and Stevens will not be starting, however Macduff was found drinking a Shirley Temple, evidience that he will be starting tomorrow. Coach Grigori Putin said "if we can beat the Cravers in a football match, perhaps our nation should leave the Global Alliance of Sovereign Nations! Why be in an alliance with lads who can't play a good game of football?"

The Jaredcohenian National Football team will be playing the team from Daurghty tomorrow at Podocarp Park.

Controversy in Baptism of Fire
Referees against Unknown Suburbia?

We've kept full coverage.

But no results.

We gave a roster a little late but still ahead of many others.

But no results.

We've been more thorough than any other team so far in the Baptism of Fire or Frost or whatever the f**k they call it now.

But no results.

Now multiply that by three and you'll see Unknown Suburbia's anger.

A 3-nil loss to Willink today only magnified Unknown Suburbia's anger in this year's Baptism of Fire. No goals, no real opposition in any games and a few 'random' bounces no thanks to a few referees have placed Unknown Suburbia near the bottom of their table running out of games to catch up on teams like Western Afghanistan or Kuosio. There's no more real chance of Unknown Suburbia catching up with other teams, despite any effort we're sure there will be some sort of random rule brought into play of any hope is presented.

But does the team really matter? How can a few 'random' bounces favour some teams over others? Better yet, how can it do that repeatedly to the SAME teams OVER and OVER, while it has the reverse effect on others? We're sure team skill plays some parts in tournements such as this, but we could be wrong. Hosts even giving support names like "jihad" to describe a few wins? Wonder what the writers... err... referees were smoking there.

Bottom line, if new teams put an effort and actually believe they can rebound after an early loss, it discourages them. Now imagine this for more than one team that could be a prospect for the World Cup. More and more teams are lost this way, killing the experience for a few simple managers just wanting a 'level' playing field. There is no more level playing fields, just a hill where Willink's net sits atop of and Unknown Suburbia's net at the bottom.

But enough preaching the ethics and how a tournement might be ran in some dillusional fantasyland.

We lost 3-0 to Willink

Enough said.

No shot in hell at first in the group thanks to a bit of "randomness"

Don't give up? Keep fighting? Tried that, fight the power, not the enemy anymore.

WKTV Presents: Half-Assed Jackson

http://www.vibe.com/music/next/images/2005/07/050713_rich_boy.jpg

Wind Kings Television introduces a sporatically occuring new show: Half-Assed Jackson! Hosted by Mike Jackson, well known Starblaydia-born 'gangsta' who for the last two years has been employed in a Herat auto shop with a work visa, this show will appear when the regular match report people are too busy to do their jobs! Thus, Half-Assed Jackson!

"Hey whassup y'all! Half-Assed Jackson on the SCENE! Yeah, uh. Western Afghanistan played real good I guess today. Jeru FC were hella s$@%#ty, man! They put two goals through, but man, they still ain't got s$@t on us, cus we scored like, a lot.

"Yo man this morning my cat done got stuck in the attic, man! My apartment has this attic or whatever, and you muthaf#%kers won't believe it, f$@kin' Sheila got up there, and fell through the ceiling of my neighbors place, man! S^@t. My neighbors is bad, too, man. They get real mad when muthaf%#kas come bustin in, wreckin they 'business,' know what I mean.

"Anyway, Rushufi got a hat trick. I think. Afi finally netted his first. Huzish scored another ridiculous banana kick, man, and uh... that four year old scored again, in extra time. Or whatever. His name Ema, or Enis, or Enaldo, S%@t, man."

OOC: Is there any chance that Errinundera (or someone else with experience) could give some feedback on our RPs?

I'll post my report on yesterday's game later on today, hopefully before the cut-off :-)

OOC: Is there any chance that Errinundera (or someone else with experience) could give some feedback on our RPs?

I'll post my report on yesterday's game later on today, hopefully before the cut-off :-)

Of what I've seen you have a solid foundation.. Though I'd like to see multiple RP Story lines that actually have characters and how those characters deal with both the world cup and other things that you through at them. That's Just a matter of finding the creative spark.

ooc to: Unknown Suburbia, Trust me I'm no fan of the Randomness, (her name is Margaret, try sacrificing a rubber chicken, couldn't hurt) I've been here for 8 WC's and in 3 of the qualifers, i was the only one who manged to RP every day and still I didn't get through. Two things: One, S#it happens with random numbers and Two: It's only a game.

I'm still at work an not likely to get home for another hour or more. So, there's time to RP, Kuosio.

Matchday 4 RP cut-off

Goo Woongara.

Weather forecast

Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1800

Warnings: A severe weather warning for heavy rain has been issued.

Weather Pattern: A low pressure system just west of the Plateau will weaken tonight but another low pressure system will develop to the south east on Friday. A cold front will approach the western border of Errinundera before crossing during Saturday. Another cold front is likely to approach the southwestern Plateau from the west later on Sunday before sweeping across the Province on Monday.

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
Rain areas, with heavy falls, easing to showers over the north on tomorrow. Isolated thunderstorms. Winds tending west to southwesterly and freshening.

Outlooks:
Saturday Scattered showers, drizzle and fog. Possible snow in some areas. Strong southwest to northwesterly winds.
Sunday Isolated showers clearing.
Monday Scattered showers. Snow developing in some areas.

First Creek Falls: Tonight and tomorrow Min 4ºC Max 5ºC
Kanooka Creek, Fanny Moo, Sassafras Basin: as per First Creek Falls
Frosty Hollow: Tonight and tomorrow Min 2ºC Max 5ºC
Cobb Hill, Goonmirk Rocks and Quartpot: as per Frosty Hollow
Buldah: Tonight and tomorrow Min 9ºC Max 12ºC

Results
Abu Omar 1 v Western Afghanistan 2 (National Downfall Stadium)
Kristovenia 1 v Unknown Suburbia 4 (Terminal Park)
Willink 3 v Jeru FC 2 (Ootopia Forest)
Kuosio 3 v The Non-RPing n00b 0 (Kanooka Creek)

Jaredcohenia 4 v Daurghty 0 (Podocarp Park)
Patusan 0 v Cravan 4 (Frosty Hollow)
Clesmire 0 v Rossglass 3 (Quartpot Camp)
Jariss 3 v Veitau 1 (The Basin)

Tables

Group Southwest
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 4 4 0 0 17 8 +9 12
Kuosio 4 3 0 1 13 7 +6 9
Willink 4 2 0 2 8 7 +1 6
Abu Omar 4 2 0 2 4 6 -2 6
The Non-RPing n00b 4 1 2 1 2 4 -2 5
Unknown Suburbia 4 1 1 2 4 5 -1 4
Kristovenia 4 1 1 2 4 8 -4 4
Jeru FC 4 0 0 4 4 11 -7 0

Group Northeast
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Rossglass 4 3 0 1 13 9 +4 9
Jariss 4 3 0 1 9 5 +4 9
Jaredcohenia 4 2 1 1 8 3 +5 7
Cravan 4 2 0 2 11 10 +1 6
Veitau 4 2 0 2 8 8 0 6
Patusan 4 1 1 2 6 8 -2 4
Clesmire 4 1 1 2 3 6 -3 4
Daurghty 4 0 1 3 1 10 -9 1

With a maximum of 9 points still available no team has been eliminated yet; and no team is certain for the knock-out rounds.

Note
Become familiar with the longest running, largest thread in NationStates forum history: World Cup | the discussion thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=293066). Started in November 2003 it has over 9000 entries. It is here that out of character comments are made. (An exception is made for the BoF because it is an introduction to the NationStates World Cup world.) Whinges, arguments, libel and suggestions all belong here. For example, The Non-RPing n00b is a puppet of Schiavonia who has just made post # 9150 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12659307&postcount=9150). If you are playing The Non-RPing n00b it is worth a read.

Of what I've seen you have a solid foundation.. Though I'd like to see multiple RP Story lines that actually have characters and how those characters deal with both the world cup and other things that you through at them. That's Just a matter of finding the creative spark.

I'm not very good at character-based RP. Is there a "getting started" guide for this anywhere?

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get only before the cutoff, so I will post my RPs for the previous two matches together, later. And I'll have to think of something to do against the non-RPing n00b... :-)

Thanks.

I'm not very good at character-based RP. Is there a "getting started" guide for this anywhere?

Unfortunately I wasn't able to get only before the cutoff, so I will post my RPs for the previous two matches together, later. And I'll have to think of something to do against the non-RPing n00b... :-)

Thanks.

Please remember that Bazalonia and I will have different tastes about what constitutes good RP. I've been really impressed with Western Afghanistan's and Jariss's RPs. The good thing about character based RPs is that you can generate conflict between characters which can be entertaining.

The best RPs, imho, involves interraction between nations. You have a match coming up against Unknown Suburbia tomorrow. You could contact them by telegram and concoct, by agreement, some crisis in your match. This crisis could then be RPed from each point of view thereby providing two entirely different versions.

Coach Maru Hiniru leads the team back into the locker room after the match with Veitau which resulted in a return to the winning column as Jariss triumphed 3-1.

Coach Maru: There we go back in the swing of things. Minna I think you’re going to hold every scoring record in Jariss soon enough. A hat trick today!

Minna Dawo: A hat what?

Coach Maru: <sighing> a hat TRICK Minna, that means you score three goals in one match.

Minna: Then why do they call it a hat trick? Why not like a trifecta or something that makes sense.

Fya Panai: Because hat has three letters in it?

Coach Maru: No no, it’s a hockey term… yes Fya that’s another sport, one played on ice with skates and curved sticks… when someone scored the three goals people would throw their hats onto the ice to celebrate.

Joa Giranu: Wouldn’t you lose your hat that way?

Fya: I’d never throw my hat away like that, never see it again? Do you know how much hats cost?

Goru Lyani: Like you don’t have 50 different hats anyway.

Fya: Dummy, they all have special memories for me that’s why I keep them all.

Goru: Yeah like “ooh this one was 20% off!”

<Fya takes a swing at Goru>

Coach Maru: OK knock it off you too. Leni,Gia could you two separate those two.

<after things settle down>

Tali Vindu: I gave up another goal again, I’m ruining everything!

Coach Maru: Listen Tali you’ll be fine, we’re off tomorrow so just get some rest and clear your head. We were already up 3-0 when they scored so it didn’t cost us anything. You’re doing fine.

Tali: I think Aru should be out there instead, maybe he could get a shutout.

Aru Treni: Nah, Coach is right Tali you’ll be fine, everyone’s just a lot better out here than back home. You’ll adjust soon enough.

Tali: Easy for you to say, you’re not coughing up goals left and right.

Coach Maru: I’m telling you Tali, look at the numbers, we’re tied for third fewest goals allowed after four matches and only two behind the top team.

Tali: We should be the ones leading, none of these other teams like defense like we do.

Coach Maru: Give it time Tali, give it time. Most of these other keepers have played much longer than you have Tali so they know a few tricks from experience that you haven’t learned yet is all, and you’re still beating most of them.

Tali: Whatever. <goes off into a corner>

Coach Maru: Well I just want to say another good match. We’re tied with Rossville for first and you all know first hand that they’re not a team to take lightly. But more importantly we’re still three points clear and have a five goal differential edge on fifth place so we’re still in good shape to get to the quarters. Enjoy your day off, do some sightseeing <looks at Goru> meet some friends and have fun. We have Patusan next up and it’s a game they need to win. So tomorrow night after team dinner we’re going to look at the film of their Cravan match so we can see what worked on their defense and try to match it. But Patusan needs this more than we do right now so expect them to come out ready to put up a fight. Now hit the showers.

Kuosio Team "Back on Form"
Kuosio Vespera Revuo, May 17 - translated

NB. As May 16th is a national holiday in Kuosio, no newspaper reports were available. The May 17th issue of KTR contains a report on both games 3 and 4, which follows. A special colour supplement on tourism, culture and cuisine in Errinundera is planned for Saturday's issue.

After a dissapointing game on Monday, the Kuosio nation football team is "playing to its full potential once again," according to the team's coach.

"The boys really weren't playing their best on Monday, " he said, "but they have regained their focus and we hope our new-found winning streak to continue".

Both games, against the nations of Abu Omar yesterday and The Non-RPing n00b today, resulted in a 3-0 win for Kuosio. This puts Kuosio firmly in second place in the Group Southwest table, behind Western Afghanistan. Bad weather also seems to be a permanent fixture in Errinundera's Plateau Province, as all of Kuosio's games so far have been played in rain. Errinunderan officials have today issued a "severe warning" forecasting "heavy rain" for tomorrow, and are suggesting snow over the coming week. This has certainly added to the challenge for our players, who are more used to Kuosio's temperate climate!

Georgo FARRUGIA, Kuosian goalkeeper, has excelled himself over the last two matches, masterfully blocking every attempt on the goal which had penetrated the strong Kuosian defence. For yesterday's match against Abu Omar, the Man Of The Match was without a doubt Mikelo BOUCHARD, who scored twice - including one with only five seconds to spare at the end of the match. Today's game was somewhat more balanced, with both strikers scoring goals. The game also featured a first appearance for reserve striker Jakobo LARSEN, as BOUCHARD unfortunately had to be removed from play due to an injured ankle.

Today's game was also in some ways a test for the Kuosian team, as they came across their first dirty-playing opponents. The team from the Non-RPing n00b somehow managed to receive a total of three yellow and two red cards during play, although the identity of the players is unknown. Their filthy tactic resulted in S-ro BOUCHARD's ankle injury as well as five penalties awarded to the Kuosian side. (Translator's note: Esperanto naming style - S-ro is short for Sinjoro, translating to "Mr" in English. However, the Kuosian convention is to use S-ro even in English-language texts.)

Fan support in Kuosio is reaching an all-new high. Sales of replica kits have led to shortages throughout the nation, many shops are now asking over KS100 for the most popular sizes. Flags have been erected in all public places in Kuosa City, and the big-screens are proving immensely popular. New screens are being put up every day to cope with the demand; a total of fifteen have now been erected in Kuosa City alone, along with at least on in each of the nation's smaller cities. As always, KuoToVo will be providing the footage for these free-to-view screens, with Esperanto-language commentary provided by the nation's top commentators.

The Kuosian team and fans are looking forward to tomorrow's match against Unknown Suburbia, and hopefully to proceeding to the next round.

THE MONASTIC TIMES

ENTIRE NATION CONVERTS TO ORTHODOXY
Local Authorities in The Non-RPing n00b Silent

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe


In a glorious day for the Orthodox Church, the entire nation of the Non-RPing noob celebrated the end of the schism (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6664491.stm) between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia by converting to Orthodoxy.

The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy was today engaged in prayers of thanksgiving for this auspicious moment, but the Monastic Football Association warned the newly-Orthodox footballers not to expect these blessed events to lead to success in the current Baptisim of Frost tournament in Errinundera.

"The Archregimancy has participated in every World Cup since World Cup 24, qualifying for the Cup proper on six occasions, and we only have a single quarterfinal appearance to show for it" said a senior archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity. "So whatever the eternal benefits of conversion, don't expect transient worldly benefits on the field of play."

The Holy Synod and MFA united in wishing the players of The Non-RPing n00b the best of luck against any Moslem heathens they might face in the group stages of the Baptism of Frost tournament, and have gifted the nation's fans a richly embroidered banner reading 'Vengeance for 1453!'

Authorities in the newly-converted nation meanwhile reacted with their usual total silence, no doubt lost in quiet contemplation of the awesome majesty of Orthodoxy.

Moslem heathens...

LOL. Archregimancy, you may have just handed me the greatest RPing opportunity in the history of nationstates.

Moslem heathens...

LOL. Archregimancy, you may have just handed me the greatest RPing opportunity in the history of nationstates.

OOC - and you think that wasn't on purpose? ;)

Patusan is a Moslem nation (see post on the discussion thread). They would view Western Afghanistan as brothers.

With a name like Abu Omar, they probably are also.

The Willink players have Greek names so they are probably Orthodox.

The demarcation lines are forming.

THE COHENINGRAD TIMES
Now New Ownership!
Another Win Brings a New ChallengeMatt Labunda, Senior Editor

The Jaredcohenian Football Team again won their match in the Baptism of Fire 22 today 4-nil against the Football Club from Daurghty. The match was stunning, really. Macduff refused any ball coming at him, and the Jaredcohenians were able to score four points into their inferior goal keeper.

However, in two days our boys face the team from Veitau. A team with animals and a tree as a goalie. Throughout Coheningrad, the team is being denounced as 'a group of furfreaks'. Hopefully, Jaredcohenians in the stadium won't be liquored up and rush the field starting fires.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v495/juvanya/veitau_times.png

Pride Loses Again
The Pride of Veitau lost again, this time to Jariss. The team has done pretty well, winning twice, and now losing twice. They need to work harder and take more risks. They can't rely on Kau to stop the balls. A tree can't move and is really only luck if it stops a ball. A good player can easily get a ball past it. All of this is, of course, expected for a team that has never seen world football much. The game is popular here in Veitau, but we've never played outside the nation. Also, the climate has provided an adverse effect on a team used to warmer climate. Most are confident that Veitau will win more matches and make it through to the greater stages of this opening tournament.

First win's a big one!

Yessiree! Villeneuve with the hat trick and Caya with the extra gave Unknown Suburbia a little glimpse of false hope in this Baptism of Fire or Frost. Unknown Suburbia's tempo and play wasn't all good for most of the game when Clarke allowed a terrible goal from 26 yeards out that caught some wind. The referees must have recieved our plea of help and a higher power (this means YOU Archregimancy!) influenced their choices. Well done Unknown Suburbia, well done everyone else.

In an alter somewhere in the Unknown Suburbian forest.

Several priests gather round as the ceremony begins high stop a stone pyramid that appears to have been built overnight. Flames lit in a path towards the top, a line of holy men from over the region have come to aid Unknown Suburbia with this ceremony.

The rubber chicken is sacrificed and an evil hiss from beyond blows out the flames leaving the pyramid and holy figures in darkness.

Margaret's back.

OOC to Unknown Suburbia: See? It helps to have margaret on your side. (even though why she likes rubber chickens over Oxen, which is much more tasty, even tough no-one from my country has harmed an Oxen since 1475 (in Qazox it is currently 1918 or 1921. 1918 for the TOUR de QAZOX and 1921 for WC stuff.) but that's besides the point) The real point is just keep RPing, it will help! and GL to you and all the other Noobs here, can't wait to stomp ya 7-0 in the qualifers!

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Four Straight!

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WAF-Abu%202.bmp
Rushufi congratulating Afi on the Ghavvasa striker's 51st minute goal

Abu Omar's and Western Afghanistan's national football clubs may as well have been standing under the waterfall visible through the break in the stands, for all the rain that poured down during the match today. However, with spirits running high, and coming off of a big win, the Sorkh-o-siahe felled Abu Omar two to one and rolled to another win, remaining unbeaten in the Baptism of Frost.

The match featured a superb performance by Iqu Afi, who for the first three matches of the tournament had remained largely ineffective, and had taken a backseat to Rushufi. However, the Ghavvasa youngster finally found his stride and remained a constant threat to the Abu Omar keeper, with his pace repeatedly slicing through the defence.

A fine performance by Muhammad Ramat Muhammad solidified fan confidence in the Daru Khuneh left wing. Ali Nuluqe, a drenched fan, who opted to merely wear a white shirt instead of putting on the traditional fans' mummy costumes, spoke with us.

"I'm so happy with the amount of cooperation between the players on the offense. This is why we all watch our national team, because when they are at their best they have such a thrilling attack. Rushufi dropped back into a bit of a distributing centre forward role, but he did it well, and boy did Afi torch that defence today. It's a shame some of his other attempts didn't go in, one goal? He deserved more."

THE MATCH

The first half of the match was utterly dull. The rain was particularly heavy during the first 45 minutes, and as such none of the offensive pushes during this period came to fruition. There were a few exceptions, the first coming in the 19th minute, when Afi pulled off an insane behind-the-back ankle flick to his left, diverting the Abu Omar defender and opening a gaping hole from about 20 yards out. Instead of taking a shot, he pushed closer (which considering the conditions was intelligent). This, however, gave the Abu Omar right back a chance on the play, and he bowled Afi over. The Errinundrian referee gurrio, who was overseeing a Western Afghanistan match for the second time in this tournament, pointed to the spot.

M.Z. Muhammad took the penalty. He went for power and his blast glanced off the top of the crossbar, preserving the empty scoreline.

As the rain continued to worsen, the quality of the game continued to drop. gurrio whistled for several well-positioned free kicks for either side, but never produced a yellow card (nor did he for the rest of the match, in accordance with his style). A nifty counterattack for Abu Omar beat the offside trap in the 29th minute looked promising, but the striker slipped at the top of the box, and Fahifa collected the ball.

In the 44th minute, an aggressive tackle inside the 18-yard-box by Ramat Muhammad had the Abu Omar fans furious, and gurrio seemed ready to whistle for a penalty, but a panicked mummy coated entirely in paper towls and several recent editions of the Cohengrad Times ran onto the pitch and dropped to his knees in from of the referee. No one is entirely sure what was discussed between gurrio and the apparent Western Afghanistan fan, but no penalty was awarded, and play continued until half time paused the match at nil-all.

Over half time, the rainy conditions seemed to lift a little, with the downpour becoming a mere periodic drizzle. The crowd could sense the change in the Sorkh-o-siahe when they emerged from the dressing room, led by a tenacious-looking Khuhekhezal Muhammad.

The fans at the Downfall were treated to a show of Western Afghanistan's best: with tremendous pace, all eleven men were flying forward on the ball. A slick wing attack up the right by Qer brought the Red and Black close, but his drive hit the side netting. Abu Omar found themselves trapped in their own half until the 50th minute, when they won a free kick and pushed their midfield forward, managing a distant shot on goal, which Fahifa plucked out of the air. His throw to Zushe was well executed, and with room to run, Zushe made it to midfield and shook a defender with a one two pass with Nukhadufil. A nifty lob was spectacularly volleyed by Rushufi into a charging Afi, who clobbered the ball into the top left corner of the net. The 'Avalanche' of West Afghan supporters were ecstatic, and Afi's euphoric knee slide made the front pages in many local newspapers.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WAF-Abu%203.bmp
Only his second of the tournament, Afi finally showed the incredible talent fans had been waiting for in this goal

Unfortunately, in the 60th minute, a pacy break down the right earned Abu Omar a throw in. Smart conservative play kept the ball bogged down, and Western Afghanistan's right mids were a bit sluggish in getting back to prevent a cross. When that cross came, it found a blazingly quick striker on the far post, and Fahifa had no chance on the volley from 7 yards out. The match was one-all.

Though Western Afghanistan continued to pressure, and Afi unleashed several more unbelievably powerful shots on goal, but Abu Omar's keeper remained strong, and by the 90th minute the match looked to end in a draw.

But substitute and teenage sensation Amir Ena managed to collect a loose ball on the left side of the pitch just short of midfield. With a marvelous flickup, Ena sidestepped a defender, and with shocking acceration found his way into the center of the pitch. The crowd, already on their feet, could sense the goal coming.

When Ena took the shot from 25 yards, it seemed that he had taken it far too early. A superb save by the Abu Omar keeper seemed to be in the works, but it slipped through his hands and the crowd went ballistic. Two absolutely spectacular goals gave Western Afghanistan a deserved two to one victory.

Abu Omar 1-2 Western Afghanistan

Venue: National Downfall Stadium
Attendance: 62,000
Referee: gurrio (Errinundera)
MOTM: Afi (Western Afghanistan)

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Abu%20Omar.bmp Abu Omar: unknown

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Western%20Afghanistan%20BoF.bmp Western Afghanistan: Fahifa; Rushenaqud (Inu '53), Ruburirin, and Zushe; Qer, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil (Nakhar '88), M.R. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi (Ena '71)

Goals:
ABU: '60
WAF: Afi '51, Ena '90

Next Match:
Western Afghanistan - Kristovenia
National Downfall Stadium
Lineup: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zushe; Qer, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil, and M.R. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi
Referee: Kraig Gellar (Qazox)

Khuhekhezal Muhammad, speaking with the press after the Abu Omar win, discussed the upcoming match against Kristovenia.

"I'm happy with how things turned out tonight, in general. I brought Inu back in and he showed some real class during the time I had him pulled. I think he's learned his lesson, and he's going to be back in the starting eleven tomorrow night. Zushe will hold down left back for the time being.

"Do I think we're headed for the title? Listen, it's far, far, far too soon to gauge whether we have what it takes or not. I would like to say that with respect to the teams in our group, we may have some much, much tougher matches coming against the Northeastern Group sides. That is, if we make it to the knockouts.

"My hopes are high. My hopes are very high. We have one of the biggest, loudest, and most fun-loving fan contingents of any team here in Errinundera, and I really do hope that we can push far into the knockouts, for their sake."

Western Afghanistan's Baptism of Frost Goalscorers
Rushufi 4
Ena 3
Afi 2
Huzish 2
Inu 1
Nakhar 1
Nukhadufil 1
M.R. Muhammad 1
Ruburirin 1
Zuneh 1

RP cut-off for Group Southwest teams.

Goo woongara.

Weather forecast
Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings:
A Severe Weather Warning and Farmers Warning is current.

Weather Pattern:
A low pressure system is developing to the southeast and will intensify overnight. A cold front will cross the Plateau during Saturday and another more significant change will approach the southwestern Plateau later on Sunday before crossing the Province on Monday. On Tuesday, a high pressure will ridge over Delegate to the north.

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
Scattered showers or drizzle with fog areas. Fresh to strong west to southwest wind tending northwesterly and possibly reaching gale force late tomorrow.

Outlooks:
Sunday Isolated showers or drizzle.
Monday Scattered showers, falling as snow during the afternoon.
Tuesday Isolated showers, falling as snow at first.

First Creek Falls Tonight and tomorrow Min 3ºC Max 4ºC
Frosty Hollow Tonight and tomorrow Min 1ºC Max 3ºC
Buldah Tonight and tomorrow Min 6ºC Max 11ºC
Other locations as per First Creek Falls

Results
The Avalanche of Death continues to sweep all before it.

Western Afghanistan 5 v Kristovenia 1 (National Downfall Stadium)
Jeru FC 2 v Abu Omar 0 (Frosty Hollow)
Unknown Suburbia 3 v Kuosio 1 (Ootopia Forest)
The Non-RPing n00b 1 v Willink 1 (Terminal Park)

Tables

Group Southwest
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 5 5 0 0 22 9 +13 15
Kuosio 5 3 0 2 14 10 +4 9
Willink 5 2 1 2 9 8 +1 7
Unknown Suburbia 5 2 1 2 7 6 +1 7
The Non-RPing n00b 5 1 3 1 3 5 -2 6
Abu Omar 5 2 0 3 4 8 -4 6
Kristovenia 5 1 1 3 5 13 -8 4
Jeru FC 5 1 0 4 6 11 -5 3
Western Afghanistan has qualified; all other teams are still in the running.

Group Northeast
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Rossglass 4 3 0 1 13 9 +4 9
Jariss 4 3 0 1 9 5 +4 9
Jaredcohenia 4 2 1 1 8 3 +5 7
Cravan 4 2 0 2 11 10 +1 6
Veitau 4 2 0 2 8 8 0 6
Patusan 4 1 1 2 6 8 -2 4
Clesmire 4 1 1 2 3 6 -3 4
Daughrty 4 0 1 3 1 10 -9 1

Note
The earliest known appearance of Margaret and her rubber chicken can be traced back to 4 August 2003 in the annals of World Cup 6 (http://http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=276261). Here is the post by Snub Nose 38 (http://http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=4976268&postcount=593). They have made many sporadic appearances since then. It is amusing to read some of the posts back from those early World Cups, some of which are to be found in the Archives.

Important Notice

Tomorrow's RP cut-off will be at approximately 5pm Eastern Standard Time (Oz), ie 07:00 GMT. In other words, about 2½ hours earlier than today's.

OOC: I take it that the rest day tomorrow means I have until the cut off on the day after to get my RP in..?

OOC: I take it that the rest day tomorrow means I have until the cut off on the day after to get my RP in..?

Indeed. Tomorrow's cut-off applies to Group Northeast teams only.

The river boat creeped up the Bemm River silently, avoiding contact with others and remaining as inconspicuous as possible. Onboard were four men, their objective fairly simple: If the Cravanian team continued losing, they were to incite as much mayhem as possible. At the moment, Cravan's four-zero victory was seen as a possibility that things were improving. But, of course, one had to take precautions.

Manuel Fuerez stroked the receiver of his Kalashnikov gently, rubbing oil and polish into the grooves of the weapon. Nearby lay a few crates of ammo, as well as some other equipment which the team of men would need to survive in the forests. Silence prevailed as the boat continued and the four sat soundlessly.

The only noise was the vibrant wildlife of the forests, and the waters of the Bemm gently sloshing against the hull of the boat.

******************

McKinley watched as the sun set on the Imperial City of Cravna, standing with his hands clasped behind his back at the window. He reflected upon exactly what he had ordered take place, and pondered to himself whether it was the correct course of action.

"Well.", he said to himself. "I'll find out if it was the right thing if and when I'm being cuffed on the hood of a car."

His words, however, were heard by another. A janitor passing by the door picked up those few words, and immediately changed course and headed for the nearest closet. While there, he drew his cell phone from underneath, and held down key number five to activate the speed dial. After a few moments of dialing and ringing through, a deep voice greeted the janitor.

"Agent Holden, here. What's the news, Steve?"

"So why are we covering this tournament anyway?"

"To provide a distraction from-oh. The rest of the world doesn't know about that, do they?"

"About what?"

"Let's keep it that way."

"...Okay...So...the factorial appears to have three hundred sixty-one zeroes."

"What factorial?"

"The factorial of one thousand, four hundred, fifty three."

Alan narrowed his eyes. "I believe the archimandrites are referring to the year. With an exclamatory emphasis."

"Why would they do that?"

Alan shrugged. "I dunno. It's in a song..."

"Right. Let's just get to the sign-ups analysis."

"All right. The Grumpy Old Fogeys' Information Gathering Union Regarding Errinundera has concluded..."

Matchday 6 RP cut-off: Group Northeast.

Weather forecast
Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings: Nil.

Weather Pattern:
A low pressure system south-east of the Plateau will continue moving southwards and a weakening cold front will cross the eastern plateau this evening. Another, stronger cold front will move Lower Snowy on Sunday then cross the Plateau during Monday. On Tuesday a third front will move through the southern provinces of Errinundera while a high pressure system will develop over the Snowy River and move over Deddick and Delegate on Wednesday.

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
Scattered showers and drizzle becoming isolated tomorrow. Generally strong northwest winds.

Outlooks:
Monday Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms developing, falling as snow later. Strong northwest winds.
Tuesday Isolated showers, falling as snow at first.
Wednesday Isolated showers clearing.

First Creek Falls Tonight and Sunday Min 1ºC Max 3ºC
Fanny Moo, Kanooka Creek, Sassafras Basin as per First Creek Falls
Frosty Hollow Tonight and Sunday Min 0ºC Max 2ºC, expect snow
Cobb Hill, Goonmirk Rocks, Quartpot as per Frosty Hollow
Buldah Tonight and Sunday Min 4ºC Max 9ºC

Results

Jaredcohenia 4 v Veitau 5 (Podocarp Park)
Clesmire 0 v Cravan 0 (Quartpot Camp)
Rossglass 2 v Daughrty 3 (Frosty Hollow)
Patusan 0 v Jariss 1 (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Group Southwest
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 5 5 0 0 22 9 +13 15
Kuosio 5 3 0 2 14 10 +4 9
Willink 5 2 1 2 9 8 +1 7
Unknown Suburbia 5 2 1 2 7 6 +1 7
The Non-RPing n00b 5 1 3 1 3 5 -2 6
Abu Omar 5 2 0 3 4 8 -4 6
Kristovenia 5 1 1 3 5 13 -8 4
Jeru FC 5 1 0 4 6 11 -5 3

Group Northeast
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Jariss 5 4 0 1 10 5 +5 12
Rossglass 5 3 0 2 15 12 +3 9
Veitau 5 3 0 2 13 12 +1 9
Jaredcohenia 5 2 1 2 12 8 +4 7
Cravan 5 2 1 2 11 10 +1 7
Clesmire 5 1 2 2 3 6 -3 5
Patusan 5 1 1 3 6 9 -3 4
Daughrty 5 1 1 3 4 12 -8 4

Note
Typically, nations that enter NationStates World Cup competition also have a domestic competition. Some nations like to publish the results of these competitions along with any news items they deem important. The place to do this is the International Domestic Soccer NewsWires (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=288854) thread. In the past there has even been a Champions Cup for the top local teams from each nation.

The Jariss team comes off the field after a tough 1-0 shutout win over Patusan. Keeper Tali Vindu is being carried off the field on the shoulders of Goru Lyani and Joa Giranu after getting her first shutout of the BoF.

Coach Maru Hiniru: See Tali I told you that you could do it! 1-0, your first shutout!

Tali: Yeah this is great!

Coach Maru: And guess what team is now tied for first in fewest goals allowed and first in our group?

Fya Panai: WE ARE! <dances around excitedly>

The team nears the locker room as the team continues to celebrate.

Larri Weque: Hey guys…

Team continues on not noticing.

Larri: I really think you should.

Fya grabs Larri by the hand and starts dancing with him.

Larri: No really you really should…

A loud CRACK is heard and Tali falls to the ground.

Larri: ..put Tali down because she’ll hit her head on that doorway.

Minna Dawo: TALI!

Team rushes over to surround the dazed Tali.

Tali: My head, everyone stop spinning around already I’m getting sick.

Coach Maru: Goru! Joa! Didn’t you see that doorway?

Goru and Joa: Sorry coach, we were celebrating.

Coach Maru: Dammit! Tali are you ok girl?

Tali: Wheee, hey Coach I didn’t know you had two twin brothers.

Coach Maru: Leni get the trainer.

Kalo Yannia: He’s already gone Coach.

Leni Banama: Here they are coach how is she?

Coach Maru: Still lightheaded let’s get her inside.

<LATER>

Coach Maru walks into a much more subdued lockerroom.

Goru: How is she Coach?

Fya: She’d be fine if you didn’t ram her head against the wall then drop her. Thinking about you’re girlfriend again?

Coach Maru: ENOUGH BOTH OF YOU!

Goru and Fya quickly shut up.

Coach Maru: What’s done is done. Thankfully Tali is just suffering from a mild concussion and won’t be cleared to play this next match. So that means Aru, next match is yours.

Aru Treni: OK Coach,. when do you think Tali will be back?

Coach Maru: Can’t say, she’ll have to take some tests but personally I’m sitting her these next two matches. Hopefully she’ll be fine if we get to the quarterfinals but I’m not going to risk bringing her back too early.
Now next match is going to be against Jaredcohenia, they’re a team that will put up some goals if we let them. They’re also fighting to stay in the top four so I know they’ll be ready to play. Now Tali getting hurt is a tough one for us but I have faith in Aru or he wouldn’t be here. Goru, Joa I expect both of you to step it up since you were the ones careless enough to let Tali get hurt. From now on no one gets carried off the field for any reason understood?

Team: Yes Coach.

Coach Maru: Now this match is going to be in a tough spot for us. Frosty Hollows, the weather report is saying snow and temperatures barely above freezing.

Fya: I’ll die in that weather! What’s snow?

Konu Zaryi: Its what happens when rain freezes over. Pretty to look at, slippery though.

Datu Kippo: Dude that’s a major bummer.

Fya: That’s horrible, oh why did we have to play in such freezing cold places?

Gia Banama: Oh quit worrying Fya, its just snow.

Coach Maru: OK people that’s enough. Jaredcohenia is what we need to worry about. Yes the field will be slippery but that’s why we’re heading out there tomorrow to get used to that weather.

<Fya moans in despair>

Coach Maru: Welcome to international play, sometimes it’ll be freezing, sometimes it’ll be like home. We just have to go out there and deal with it. Remember the other team has to play in the same weather we are so no one’s going to have it easy out there.One thing to remember, Jaredcohenians seem real sensitive to any slights real or imagined so don’t go out of your way to insult them. They had riots over what was probably a typo a few weeks back.
On the field they’re no slouches, they like to attack just like Rossglass and you all remember the problems we ran across with that. The good thing is that they’re a bit more defensive minded than Rossglass so it’ll be easier to adapt to. The real enemy will be the field out there. One slip by any of you defensively and they’ll go right after the net so watch your footing. On the other hand Minna, you have to take advantage of any slips on their end, try to deke the keeper if you can, sudden direction changes will make it tougher for their keeper to keep his footing. Minna are you listening?

Minna: I didn’t score today I feel bad.

Coach Maru: <raising his eyes silently beseeching the heavens to save him from moody teens> Minna you’ve been our scoring star so far, naturally the other team is going to pay extra attention to you out there. This time Andre made them don’t worry Minna, Jaredcohenia will be too busy trying to attack than have someone shadowing you out there like today.

Minna: OK Coach.

Coach Maru: OK now everyone kneel down so we can all pray for Tali’s speedy recovery.

<everyone kneels>

Coach Maru: We come to ye our Lord in humble supplication this day. We ask that you look down at our injured friend and teammate Tali Vindu and in your benevolence grant her a speedy return to health. We ask this not for ourselves or our own needs but in the spirit of love for her and the bonds which ties us all together. May you grant her thy blessings that this child not suffer any ill effects from her accident. For this we humble supplicants before you thank you for thy mercy and hallowed be thy name O Lord of us all. Amen.

Rest of team: Amen

Kuosio Retains 2nd Place In Group Even After Disappointing Game
Kuosio Taga Revuo, May 19th - translated

Much to our fans' disappointment, Kuosio's fifth game in the Baptism of Frost tournament ended in a 3-1 defeat.

"Unknown Suburbia proved too tough for our boys to beat tonight," explained the team's coach. "But we still have plenty to be optimistic about. We are second in the group and look posed to move forward into the knockout stages."

The drizzle came and went several times during the course of the game, which was a welcome relief to the players who had played through heavy rain in the last few days. Kuosio had several attempts on the goal, all of which but one were blocked by Unknown Suburbian goalkeeper Kevin CLARKE. Eventually, Kuosian reserve striker Jakobo LARSEN managed to score one goal in the 85th minute, but it was too late to salvage the game, as Unknown Suburbia had already scored three times.

----

Mikelo BOUCHARD is still out of play with an injured ankle, which is healing well. We expect him to be back in time for tomorrow's match.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Western Afghanistan Crush Kristovenia, But More Injuries Batter Midfield

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WAF-Krs%204.bmp
Rushufi after his 54th-second goal

Yet another monstrous offensive performance by the Sorkh-o-siahe brought Khuhekhezal Muhammad and the Avalanche at the National Downfall stadium an incomparable 5th win. As a result of other results in the group, Western Afghanistan not only clinched a place in the knockouts, but assured that they will occupy either first or second place. In fact, it would take a behemoth effort on Kuosio's part to make up the goal difference and take first, meaning Western Afghanistan will likely play the 4th place team from the Northeastern Group on Tuesday. All it will take to mathematically assure first place for Western Afghanistan will be one more point in the next two games.

The match gave Iji Muhammad an opportunity to return to the sidelines, as his surgery ended on Thursday night. He good-naturedly donned the fans' mummy outfit and in the second half joined the fans in the stands, who dominated the 59,000 attendance at the Downfall. With his arm in a cast, Muhammad said that he hoped his recovery would be fast:

"It'll be off in no time," he said with a grin. "The team's better off without me anyway, though."

"LIAR!" a sobbing fan (wearing a Ghavvasa number eleven kit) bawled.

THE MATCH

Before long, the scoreboard read 1-0. 30 seconds in, the West Afghans won a cheap corner on the left. M.Z. Muhammad swung it in, but a nifty punch by keeper Schwarzer sent it back out. Nukhadufil managed to collect the ball on the left side of the pitch. He swung a cross in, and the resulting loose ball was eventually collected by Rushufi. Coverage from WK Sports Radio 2:

"Zuled Muhammad... sends it in! Off Petr Schwarzer. Quality save by the veteran goalkeeper. Nukhadufil sends it back in- a loose ball, quick shot! Oh! Western Afghanistan has scored the first goal! Rushufi!!!"

Assef Rushufi has rapidly become the most feared striker in the entire Baptism of Fire tournament, and has calmly lived up to his sky-high expectations. This first goal was no different, and it trapped the Kristovenians in a hopelessly defensive mentality.

In the 3rd minute, a terrifying shot from Nukhadufil rang off of the far post. However, approaching the ball, Nukhadufil's right planting ankle slipped on the wet turf at the Downfall, and though it did not deaden the pace of his drive, he was severely limping as he tried to get back on defense. Nukhadufil has been fighting a right ankle sprain for the last two months, and has been substituted out several times to help abate the injury. However, it was immediately clear that something was very wrong, and in the 5th minute Muhammad brought in Uzib Hirir, the Daru Khuneh captain. It was the first time Hirir had been used in the tournament, and his appearance was a surprise, as the natural substitute for Nukhadufil is typically Qeshelu.

However, Hirir made his presence felt when in the 7th minute Afi drove athletically into the box and used some nifty footwork to open a gap in the Kristovenian defence. Afi ripped a shot from 8 yards out, and he hit the far post as well. Luckily, Hirir had intelligently followed Afi on the opposite side, and headed the ball easily into the back of the net to make the match 2-0.

Two minutes later Western Afghanistan were attacking again. Inu found some space down the right, and Qer acutely found space at the top of the box. He pushed strongly in, but met some opposition and tried to pull back. When it looked as if he was going to lose possession, Qer aggressively reached forward with his right leg. In an awkward position, when a Kristovenian defender bumped into him, Qer pulled his hamstring. Though he walked off the field under his own power, it was eventually decided by the medical staff that the Sagaye right mid should not return. Khuhekhezal Muhammad was visibly not jubilant to be using his second substitute within the first ten minutes of the game, but the Avalanche of Mummies were pleased to see Amir Ena enter the game.

Ena had scored in every one of the three matches which he had entered as a substitute, and his fourth entrance resulted in the same in the 12th minute. What appeared at first to be a poor throw-in from Inu inside Western Afghanistan's own half was headed back by the Kristovenia left mid near midfield. However, Zuled Muhammad accomplished a glorious first touch pass to Huzish, who one-two-ed back to Muhammad. Muhammad immediately volleyed the ball down the right, finding Ena on a brilliant run. With yet another blistering 20-yarder along the grass, the 16-year-old (who has yet to see the pitch with his club side Nine Columns) bagged his fourth goal of the tournament, and it was three to nil.

Another nice corner from the left in the 21st minute came to a much better result, as Ruburirin bashed in another one of his trademark headers to make it four nil. Over the course of the rest of the half, it appeared that this would be the score going in to half time, but at 42 minutes Kristovenia were handed a corner after Zushe got a little panicked and cleared the ball out the back. The inswinger from the right was found by an attacker, but his angle was poor and Huzish tried to clear it out. The header clearance was equally poor, and the volley from 16 yards out on the left was blazed into the top opposite corner.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WAF-Krs%203.bmp
Kristovenia beat Fahifa to make it four to one

The score stayed 4-1 until half time.

The second half was vastly less interesting, with the ball perpetually bogged down in midfield. In the 81st minute, a silly tackle by Ruburirin at the top of the box resulted in a card and an alarming free kick, but the direct shot was deflected by the wall fell into the grateful arms of Fahifa.

The second minute of stoppage time provided the last moment of interest, as what appeared to be rotten position for a free kick was more rewarding than expected, as Kristovenia had their hearts in their mouths as it resulted in a loose ball. It appeared to be cleared before Ruburirin raced in unexpectedly and handily knocked a well-placed chip into the left side of the net. While the shot didn't have a lot of power, it brought home the impressive shooting accuracy of the Nine Stars centre back, and earned him a second goal and man of the match honours.

Western Afghanistan 5-1 Kristovenia

Venue: National Downfall Stadium
Attendance: 59,000
Referee: Kraig Gellar (Qazox)
MOTM: Ruburirin (Western Afghanistan)

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Western%20Afghanistan%20BoF.bmp Western Afghanistan: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zushe; Qer (Ena '9), M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Nukhadufil (Hirir '5), and M.R. Muhammad; Afi (Qeshelu '60) and Rushufi

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Krist-BoF.bmp Kristovenia: unknown

Goals:
WAF: Rushufi '1, Hirir '7, Ena '12, Ruburirin '21 and '92
KRS: '42

Next Match:
Unknown Suburbia - Western Afghanistan
Ootopia Forest
Lineup: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zushe; Ena, M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Hirir, and M.R. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi
Referee: Sonia Sögard (Ariddia)

Khuhekhezal Muhammad, speaking with the press after the Kristovenia win, discussed the upcoming match against Unknown Suburbia.

"This is the best we've played yet. This is what I wanted to see. We have always had the capability to jump out in front early, and that's what sets us above everyone else: charging out of the gates and getting goals quick. This is the kind of play I expect from these guys.

"Yes, I was disappointed to lose those two. However, from what I hear Qer isn't badly hurt and he may be able to come back in soon, and with the way Hirir and Ena played today I think they're both deserving of a few starts anyway. That's why I'll be using the same lineup we used from the 9th minute to the 60th tonight in the game against Unknown Suburbia day after tomorrow.

"The clinch is great. I'm happy for our fans. I'm happy for my guys. We want to win this thing, and we're all starting to believe we can do it. One more point and we'll have that all-important top spot."

Western Afghanistan's Baptism of Frost Goalscorers
Rushufi 5
Ena 4
Ruburirin 3
Afi 2
Huzish 2
Hirir 1
Inu 1
Nakhar 1
Nukhadufil 1
M.R. Muhammad 1
Zuneh 1

The Coheningrad Times
Fucking TreeMatt Labunda, Senior Editor

A fucking tree beat the entire Jaredcohenian National Football team. How pathetic is that?

"I say we burn the fucking tree!" an angry citizen in Coheningrad screamed. Another yelled "Destroy the tree, plank it, build a house, and set fire to it!" "Destroy it with Asian Beatles!"

Clearly, Jaredcohenians were not amused. Coach Putin said, "Only humans should be allowed on the football field. One of my boys, Alans, was stepped on by number 11. He needs several surgeries, his leg is crushed. Now my team is ruined, how can I have a midfielder with no fucking leg? Clearly, something must be done about this."

Matchday 7 RP cut-off for all teams.

Goo woongara.

Weather Forecast

Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings:
A severe weather warning is current for localised damaging winds.

Weather Pattern:
A cold front approaching Lower Snowy will move eastwards and cross the Plateau during Monday. A second cold front will move through the Goolengook later Tuesday while a high pressure system develops over the Snowy River. This high will move slow eastwards over Deddick and Delegate during Wednesday and Thursday.

Forecast: Tonight and tomorrow
Scattered showers, becoming more widespread during the afternoon, then tending to snow at night. Isolated thunderstorms and hail later. Mostly cloudy with strong northwesterly winds, reaching gale force at times tomorrow.

Outlooks:
Tuesday Snow showers contracting to the peaks as showers become more isolated. Mostly cloudy with strong and gusty west to southwesterly winds moderating.
Wednesday Isolated showers.
Thursday Fine apart from isolated early showers.

First Creek Falls Tonight and tomorrow Min 0ºC Max 3ºC
Frosty Hollow Tonight and tomorrow Min -1ºC Max 1ºC
Buldah Min 4ºC Max 9ºC
Other locations as per First Creek Falls

Results

Unknown Suburbia 2 v Western Afghanistan 2 (Ootopia Forest)
Abu Omar 2 v The Non-RPing n00b 0 (National Downfall Stadium)
Kristovenia 2 v Willink 0 (Terminal Park)
Jeru FC 0 v Kuosio 4 (Kanooka Creek Reserve)

Jaredcohenia 4 v Jariss 1 (Frosty Hollow)
Daughrty 2 v Cravan 0 (The Basin)
Patusan 3 v Clesmire 1 (Buldah Recreation Reserve)
Veitau 1 v Rossglass 1 (Quartpot Camp)

Tables

Group Southwest
P W D L GF GA GD Pts To Play
Western Afghanistan 6 5 1 0 24 11 +13 16 The Non-RPing n00b
Kuosio 6 4 0 2 18 10 +8 12 Willink
Abu Omar 6 3 0 3 6 8 -2 9 Kristovenia
Unknown Suburbia 6 2 2 2 9 8 +1 8 Jeru FC
Willink 6 2 1 3 9 10 -1 7 Kuosio
Kristovenia 6 2 1 3 7 13 -6 7 Abu Omar
The Non-RPing n00b 6 1 3 2 3 7 -4 6 Western Afghanistan
Jeru FC 6 1 0 5 6 15 -9 3 Unknown Suburbia

Group Northeast
P W D L GF GA GD Pts To Play
Jariss 6 4 0 2 11 9 +2 12 Cravan
Jaredcohenia 6 3 1 2 16 9 +7 10 Clesmire
Rossglass 6 3 1 2 16 13 +3 10 Patusan
Veitau 6 3 1 2 14 13 +1 10 Daughrty
Cravan 6 2 1 3 11 12 -1 7 Jariss
Patusan 6 2 1 3 9 10 -1 7 Rossglass
Daughrty 6 2 1 3 6 12 -6 7 Veitau
Clesmire 6 1 2 3 4 9 -5 5 Jaredcohenia

Note
Many NationStates World Cup playing nations have created pages at our very own wiki, called naturally enough NSwiki (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page). Explore the thousands of pages, became familiar with how to create your own pages by playing in the sandbox (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/NSwiki:Sandbox), get a copy of the nation “info box” (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/NSwiki:Info_boxes), and off you go.

Kuosio Qualifies For Baptism Second Round
Kuosio Kvalifikas Por La Bapta Dua Fazo
Kuosio Taga Revuo, May 20th

Estis multon da gxojo en Kuosa-Urbo hodiaux je la kvalifikado de la Kuosa Nacia Futbalteamo en la 22-a Fajrobaptturnio. Nun, kun 12 poentoj, nia teamo estas en la dua pozicio de la grupo kaj do ludos kontraux la 3-pozicia teamo de la alia grupo en la dua fazo de la turnio.

Translator's note: I have included the above as a sample of Kuosio's Esperanto-language newspaper. I apologise in advance for any errors I might have made in transcribing from the original. I've translated the entire article, which is longer than the sample provided above.

There were celebrations in Kuosa City today, as the Kuosio National Football Team has qualified in the 22nd Baptism of Fire Tournament. Now, with 12 points, our team is in the second position of the group and will therefore play against the 3rd-positioned team from the other group in the second phase of the tournament.

Even with one game still to play, Kuosio is guaranteed a place in the second round, almost certainly as the second-placed team in the group, which was secured by today's 4-0 victory over Jeru FC. Star Kuosian striker Mikelo BOUCHARD was back in play today after a few days rest from an injured ankle, and was immediately back on form, scoring three of Kuosio's four goals. But our defenders proved more than a match for the Jeru-FCian defence, who managed only two real attempts on our goal - one hit the post, and one was saved by goalkeeper Georgo FARRUGIA.

Despite strong winds, there was still a strong fan attendance, the stadium being almost completely full; an attendance of 29467 was reported by Errinunderan authorities. The weather in Kuosio was slightly more clement, resulting in the largest turnout to date at the nation's big-screen venues. An advert for the Kuosa Komputila Firmao was screened during the half-time break on KuoTV.

Fans are looking forward to tomorrow's game against Willink, as well as our first match in round two.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Abominable Defending Costs Sorkh-o-siahe Win, But Point Assures Top Spot

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/UkS-WAF%203.bmp
Vachon's 56th minute free kick drifted past Fahifa to open the scoring

A series of defensive mistakes in the second half led to two goals being scored by Unknown Suburbia, and Western Afghanistan's lax start to the game held the match to a two all draw. Three yellow cards handed out to the West Afghans by Ariddian referee Sonia Sögard demonstrated the irresponsibility in the defending abilities of the Sorkh-o-siahe, and manager Khuhekhezal Muhammad compared his team's play to that of the Kuosio match earlier in the tournament.

Fans who had made the trip to Fanny Moo were disappointed to see Western Afghanistan's win streak end, as Unknown Suburbia's 78th minute goal felt more like a winner than an equaliser to all in attendance. Ali Nuluqe, token fan spokesman, talked with press after the game.

"I had to sit next to a U.S. fan for the entire match. Man did he whinge the entire time. He was barely happy when his team scored the first goal. He kept talking about 'random numbers my arse.' Anyway, I think worse than not winning, the injury to Ena is really saddening. Apparently he may be out for a week, and that means we won't have him for the final."

Amir Ena's 66th minute injury came just minutes after he scored his fifth goal, tying him with Assef Rushufi for the most goals by a West Afghan in the tournament. The details of the teenager's injury have not yet been released.

THE MATCH

Rather cold conditions led to immediate fatigue for both sides, and most of the first 30 minutes of the match were spent with the two sides trying to sneak long balls to strikers and failing.

The first significant event of the match was a silly tackle by Assef Zushe in the 35th minute, which sent Daniel Villeneuve sprawling, and kept the latter on the sidelines for several minutes, though he returned promptly. Zushe was carded, and later in the game nearly received another yellow, which frightened Khuhekhezal Muhammad into announcing after the match that Zuneh would be re-inserted into the starting lineup.

The referee, who hails from the World Cup defending champion nation of Ariddia, Sonia Sögard, was displeased with with some of the words Steven Jones of Unknown Suburbia had to say for Amir Ena (who was making his first start for the national team), and handed out another yellow in the 39th minute for harassing the youngster.

The teams went into half time rather steamed at each other, as Sögard had to break up several other spats before the break. Both managers seemed eager to ease the tension and made a substitution.

When the two sides emerged from the locker rooms they both seemed very energized, but excellent goalkeeping on both ends severed any immediate hopes. Rushufi picked up a yellow for a high kick in the 50th minute, and this led him to have a heated discussion with Sögard, and Hirir had to pull him away to avoid the red.

Finally, a light shoulder charge earned substitute Shenelukhur Qeshelu a yellow card in the 56th minute, a booking which Khuhekhezal Muhammad described after the match as "frankly, idiotic." The location of the free kick was excellent, and a well-done dummy caught the West Afghan wall wrong-footed. Fahifa dived valiantly, but Remy Vachon's strike put Unknown Suburbia in the lead. Muhammad, and most of the Avalanche in the stands, were absolutely livid, as they believed that the card and even the foul was unwarranted.

The goal energized the West Afghans, and soon they had the Unknown Suburbians bogged down in their own half. A high, high clearance out and right of goal gave Sherer Inu good position for a nifty volley to Hirir in the center of the pitch, and the Daru Khuneh captain exploited a poorly positioned defender to perfection, passing calmly in to Rushufi. The Unknown Suburbians were already screaming for offside as the Nine Columns striker easily led the goalkeeper to him before passing quickly to Ena, who buried the ball in an open net. The Avalanche of Mummies were cheering on their feet, while the Suburbians pointed at the replay, pointing out what was indeed a rather obvious offside. However, Sögard would have none of it, and the match was one-all.

Some complaints about Sögard were popular among everyone present on both sides of the field within minutes, as in the 66th minute as a cynical, studs-up tackle by Fecteau on Ena went unpunished. Ena did not stand up after the tackle, and the replay showed that he had rolled his right ankle while falling to the ground. It is still unclear what the injury was, but the young Nine Columns wing was substituted out in the 68th minute.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/UkS-WAF%202.bmp
Ena's injury

One bright spot for the West Afghans was the re-entry of Ali Qer, who had been injured just two days prior. Apparently his pulled hamstring was not as badly injured as previously thought, and Qer filled his usual starting position well.

In the 74th minute, in fact, a free kick from midfield caught the Unknown Suburbia defenders standing around, and a terrible clearing header by Isaiah Owen found Qer on the right side of the area with some space. Qer's nifty footwork brought the ball close to the baseline, and then surprisingly back into shooting position. Kevin Clarke was screaming at his defenders just seconds later, as no one made any attempt to block Qer's powerful blast, which rang of the crossbar and into the back of the net.

However, four minutes later a sparkling 30 yard screamer by Unknown Suburbia sub Alexander Wright even the score yet again, and the morale of the Sorkh-o-siahe fell beyond salvagable hope. The first-time entrance of popular Sagaye striker Jafaje Zekhesha in the 81st minute brought some clever goal-scoring opportunities, but they came to nothing, and Western Afghanistan left the pitch with a bad taste in their mouths.

Unknown Suburbia 2-2 Western Afghanistan

Venue: Ootopia Forest
Attendance: 39,000
Referee: Sonia Sögard (Ariddia)
MOTM: Vachon (Unknown Suburbia)

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/UkS-BoF.bmp Unknown Suburbia: Clarke; Flamand, Renaud, and Fecteau; Parmentier, Vadeboncoeur (Wright '46), Jones (Caya '76), and Regnier; Vachon and Villeneuve (Charron '86)

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/Western%20Afghanistan%20BoF.bmp Western Afghanistan: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zushe; Ena (Qer '68), M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish (Qeshelu '46), Hirir (Zekhesha '81), and M.R. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi

Goals:
UKS: Vachon '56, Wright '78
WAF: Ena '61, Qer '74

Next Match:
Western Afghanistan - The Non-RPing n00b
Frosty Hollow
Lineup: Fahifa; Inu, Ruburirin, and Zuneh; M.Z. Muhammad, Huzish, Qeshelu, Hirir, and M.R. Muhammad; Afi and Rushufi
Referee: Iz-Lf (Az-cz)

Khuhekhezal Muhammad, speaking with the press after the Unknown Suburbia draw, discussed the upcoming match against The Non-RPing n00b.

"I've been angrier. We didn't play great. We did what we had to do, though, didn't we? We got the point and we'll be facing the 4th place Northeasterner. We'll get to play in our host city for the match; this is good news as far as I'm concerned.

"The one worry I have is the stability of the left back position. Both guys are struggling a little bit. I'm going to see if Zuneh can't pick it up and earn my trust again tomorrow night.

"Losing Amir (Ena) hurts. It sounds like he may be out for a while, and when the kid who's tied for the lead in goals scored gets sidelined, that's a big hit, no matter who you're coaching. I'm also going to have to shuffle the midfield around a bit, now, as both my right mids are hurting. I should be able to bring Qer in for a half-hour or so, and that'll get things back in the right order. For now I'm going to let Ramat Muhammad and Hirir hold down the left side, since they play those positions together on their club side, and the communication I've seen between them so far has been really impressive. Qeshelu and Huzish will have to adapt to playing further to the right, and that may be hard, as they're both left-footed. Zuled Muhammad should be fine out on the right wing, he's very versatile.

"One item of note about this upcoming opponent is that their manager, Yagarhanhanhpafod Vyrahjajjklhg, has made some very specific comments about Islam, and publicly suggested that they were targeted at Western Afghanistan and its national team. If the players, staff, or fans of The n00b try to harm our players, staff, or fans in any way, I can assure that they will be responded to with overwhelming force. No one better come near me while I have this bottle of Kentish cider; a splash of this in the face will burn like hell. Did you all really think I was going to drink this?"

Western Afghanistan's Baptism of Frost Goalscorers
Ena 5
Rushufi 5
Ruburirin 3
Afi 2
Huzish 2
Hirir 1
Inu 1
M.R. Muhammad 1
Nakhar 1
Nukhadufil 1
Qer 1
Zuneh 1

Matchday 8 RP cut-off.

Goo woongara.

Weather forecast
Alpine Areas District Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings:
A severe weather warning is current for localised damaging winds.

Weather Pattern:
A cold front will clear from the Plateau Monday night. A second cold front will move through the southern provinces later Tuesday while a high pressure system develops over Lower Snowy. This high will move slowly eastwards over Rodger and Delegate during Wednesday and Thursday to lie just east of the Plateau on Friday.

Forecast: Tonight and Tuesday
Snow tonight tending to snow showers tomorrow with the showers becoming isolated and snow contracting to the peaks during the day Isolated hail and thunderstorms clearing overnight. Strong to gale force northwesterly wind shifting westerly overnight then easing a little tomorrow.

Outlooks:
Wednesday Isolated showers. Fresh to strong west to northwest wind.
Thursday Isolated showers.
Friday Fine.

First Creek Falls Tonight and tomorrow Min -2ºC Max 2ºC
Frosty Hollow, Cobb Hill, Goonmirk Rocks Tonight and tomorrow Min -4ºC Max 0ºC
Buldah Tonight and tomorrow Min 1ºC Max 9ºC
Other locations as per First Creek Falls

Results

Western Afghanistan 1 v The Non-RPing n00b 0 (Frosty Hollow)
Kristovenia 1 v Abu Omar 2 (Terminal Park)
Jeru FC 1 v Unknown Suburbia 2 (Kanooka Creek Reserve)
Willink 3 v Kuosio 1 (Ootopia Forest)

Clesmire 2 v Jaredcohenia 2 (Quartpot Camp)
Cravan 2 v Jariss 2 (Podocarp Park)
Daughrty 2 v Veitau 4 (The Basin)
Patusan 2 v Rossglass 2 (Buldah Recreation Reserve)

Tables

Group Southwest
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 7 6 1 0 25 11 +14 19
Kuosio 7 4 0 3 19 13 +6 12
Abu Omar 7 4 0 3 8 9 -1 12
Unknown Suburbia 7 3 2 2 11 9 +2 11
Willink 7 3 1 3 12 11 +1 10
Kristovenia 7 2 1 4 8 15 -7 7
The Non-RPing n00b 7 1 3 3 3 8 -5 6
Jeru FC 7 1 0 6 7 17 -10 3

Group Northeast
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Veitau 7 4 1 2 18 15 +3 13
Jariss 7 4 1 2 13 11 +2 13
Jaredcohenia 7 3 2 2 18 11 +7 11
Rossglass 7 3 2 2 18 15 +3 11
Cravan 7 2 2 3 13 14 -1 8
Patusan 7 2 2 3 11 12 -1 8
Daughrty 7 2 1 4 8 16 -8 7
Clesmire 7 1 3 3 6 11 -5 6

Quarterfinals
A: Western Afghanistan v Rossglass (National Downfall Stadium, First Creek Falls)
B: Veitau v Unknown Suburbia (Frosty Hollow, Rooty Break)
C: Kuosio v Jaredcohenia (Ootopia Forest, Fanny Moo)
D: Jariss v Abu Omar (Buldah Recreation Reserve, Buldah)

Kuosio Through To The Second Round
Kuosio Sporto, May 21st

"Congratulations, boys - we're through!" exclaimed the Kuosian national team's coach. "But this is where it starts to get tough..."

And how right he is indeed - Kuosio cannot afford any more losses if we are to win this tournament. Results such as today's 3-1 defeat against Willink will not be acceptable in the coming days.

Tomorrow's quarter-final will be played against Jaredcohenia, the third-place qualifier from Group Northeast. The statistics suggest a favourable outcome is not too improbable, and the teams seem to be somewhat evenly matched. But only time will tell.

Back to the present, and today's match report. A mostly uneventful first half with one goal scored by each team, followed by a traumatic second half which saw two goals scored by Willink, was attended by 43,278 spectators.

Goalscores:
11min: LAVRENTIOS, Willink
24min: KOWALSKI, Kuosio
57min: LAVRENTIOS, Willink
76min: DIMITRIS, Willink

Score: Kuosio 1 - Willink 3

----------------------JARISS FREE PRESS-----------------------------
“A Free Press for a Free land”

Jariss Soccer Team Makes Quarterfinals

Despite struggling towards the end of group play the Jariss international soccer team in its debut on the world stage has made it to the final eight in the inaugural Baptism of Fire Tournament for debuting nations. Yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Cravan following their 4-1 thrashing by Jaredcohenia saw the team drop from first place in the group to a somewhat disappointing second place falling behind Veitau by a single goal in goal differential. Now the team finds itself up against Abu Omar in the quarterfinals, a team that has been relatively quiet since their arrival and snuck into the quarters in the eyes of some.

This however looks to be a good matchup for Jariss. Abu Omar is the only team of the eight to actually have allowed more goals than they scored though Jariss’ +2 goal differential isn’t anything to gloat over. Abu Omar also boasts the fewest goals of any of the final eight which should help the shaky of late Jariss defense.

On the medical front things have taken a positive turn as starting keeper Tali Vindu appears fully recovered from the mild concussion she suffered in the celebration of her first shutout. This will be welcome news for the team as her replacement Aru Treni seemed overmatched in the two games he started in despite the team’s salvaging a draw in this last matchup. Also Coach Maru Hiniru has stated that Fya Panai, Tranae Vyrroi and Datu Kippo have all recovered from the colds they caught during the Jaredcohenia match in Frosty Hollow. Fortunately having clinched a qualifying spot despite that loss, Coach Hiniru was able to rest all his sick players in the final match and now expects to be back at full strength for the knockouts.

“This will be a new experience for most of the team as our own leagues are rather informal and knockout stages aren’t something the players are used to. But with the team all healthy again I like our chances the rest of the way.” Coach Hiniru was quoted afterwards.

He was also asked about the possibility of facing Jaredcohenia in the semis ((OOC- assuming winner of A plays B and C plays D here, though by the seeds it could be A vs. D and B vs. C too)) if the draws play out and had this to say. “I’m sure the team is looking to avenge their worst match of group play. Hopefully it won’t be at Frosty Hollow this time. But regardless we have to beat Abu Omar first. Looking past teams is the worst thing you can do in any sport.”

Clearly a good showing in the knockouts will be a source of inspiration for the great people of Jariss. Only three wins away from a championship in our first ever international competition, something everyone on this small island is hoping for.


Western Afghanistan Clear Favorites

With the teams now confirmed for the quarterfinals betting has been going fast and furious in the Grand Hotel casino. However one team stands head and shoulders above the rest and that’s the only undefeated team through group play- Western Afghanistan. With no one else within 6 points of their 19 point performance they seem to be the team to beat of the eight.

Abu Omar seems to be the big underdog of the group despite the best defense, along with Unknown Suburbia, due to their lack of much offense to date. Kuosio and Jaredcohenia are also seeing strong support due to their good goal differentials thinking they can at least keep pace with Western Afghanistan’s attack. The third tier includes the home squad Jariss with many locals worrying about their un-Jarissian lack of defense to date, the late surging Unknown Suburbia who got out of an early hole to qualify and Veitau who rallied late to win their group. Rossglass despite their win over Jariss is getting little action from the bettors after stumbling down the stretch with only two points in their last three matches.

Tour de Qazox to Begin.

In another example of Jariss’ arrival on the international scene, two riders have been sent to participate in the fifth Tour de Qazox. Four time defending Jariss Dash winner Baru Dorui and his main competitor Lyo Brauli look to make their mark for Jariss in yet another sport. Some people are concerned that the two will wilt in the climbing stages as Jariss boasts no piece of land over 1200 feet high. Others feel they will make a strong run at the sprinter’s jersey and that is their real goal this time around.


Lost Fishing Boat Found

To the relief of the Hyu family, today a much battered but still seaworthy fishing boat- The Spider’s Web made its way back into the Jariss City port after being missing and presumed sunk for five days. According to the family patriarch and captain Nallo Hyu, the boat had caught at sea when last week’s big storm hit and tried to make it to deeper water rather than risk being smashed into the reefs near the isle. However they did not quite make it when the storm arrived. Tossed around, the ship’s navigational equipment was damaged and for two days the ship actually sailed away from the isle before the weather cleared and they got their bearings. The crew managed to survive well enough by eating the fish they had caught before the storm though all aboard was very thirsty after being forced to ration their water supply. One crew member had fallen ill but otherwise everyone on board is fine and was released from the hospital that night after routine examinations were taken.

OOC: Oh thank the lord I didn't lose any more while I was away on Victoria Day long weekend. :P

WKTV Presents: Half-Assed Jackson
http://www.vibe.com/music/next/images/2005/07/050713_rich_boy.jpg

"Hey whassup dog! Y'all didn't watch that football game, man? Man thought I was going to hafta choke somebody! Yo Rushufi done good and scored in the 20th minute, dog, but then the muthaf%@kin' n00b people started shoving meat down our throats. For real, man? Where did they even get pork chops on a f#@kin football field, man? Man, I seen it, they grabbed Ramat Muhammad, and strapped him down, and they was shovin' like bacon in his mouth, and like chicken, and s$&t. Damn, man!

"Hey, y'all gotta hear this, man. I was at the grocery store and my friend Tron was cryin' at s$%t cus he pet cactus got stuck under a stack of soup cans, man. Man he cactus had just got outta jail, too. Just got off the streets, man. He cactus was sellin' crack on the streets, man, and they threw his ass in jail. And now he dyin' underneath a pile of Campbells, man.

"Anyway, KM like flipped out and s#%t. He was pouring cider on all the n00b players, and then they started screaming about how they hate Muslims and s%#t. And then the f%@kin' wombats came in cus they smelled the pork, and they flipped out. Apparently a couple n00b players got trampled to death, and then they had to cancel the rest of the match.

"Oh, well, we won. Western Afghanistan in the hiz, b^$&h!"

Abu Omar Sports News

The Emirate of Abu Omar is tonight celebrating qualification to the quarter finals of the Baptism of Frost. Needing a win against Kristovenia in order to qualify the pressure was indeed high on the Abu Omar team.

It was Omar Nasseredine who opened the scoring with his fifth goal of the tournament, when he headed in from close range after 38 minutes. Kristovenia struck back level on the 52nd minute, but Adel Salim rescued the win for Abu Omar when he hit a screamer from 30 yards out, which smashed home to make the score 2-1 on the 87th minute.

The win means Abu Omar finish third and qualify for the quarter finals where they take on Jariss at the Buldah Recreation Reserve, Buldah.

Meanwhile many Abu Omar fans will be tuning into the Western Afghanistan v Rossglass Quarter Final match to cheer on there fellow Muslim nation, who dominated in the group stage.

========================================
ooc- sorry for lack of input, I've been caught up with RL crap and work. For whats it's worth, here is the Abu Omar roster:

Manager: Sharif Al Ibbarak

GK: Farouz Al Shammari

DEF: Nasser Saddiq
DEF: Yousef Raijak
DEF: Mohamed Al Mibari
DEF: Ali Abou

MID: Adel Salim
MID: Salih Qazzeem
MID: Khalid Al Uzzuk
MID: Mahmood Adduruk

ATT: Omar Nasseredine
ATT: Hassan Attaturk

GK: Jamal Quduri
DEF: Leron Al Ossouri
DEF: Usama Salam
DEF: Ahmed El-Attar
MID: Mahmood Kinna
MID: Hussein Al Siwba
MID: Yousef Gouzza
ATT: Kamal Idy-Mouba
ATT: Salman Al Farouz

For information on Abu Omar visit - http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Abu_Omar

OoC: Scorination will be quite late tonight. RL (ie work) calls. Could be as late as midnight EST (Oz) or 15:00 GMT.

Jaredcohenia Advances to QuarterfinalsMatt Labunda, Senior Editor

The Jaredcohenian National Football team drawed yet another match, however letting it into the Quarterfinals.

Josef Othello subbed in for Aaron Macbeth today, letting in two goals but blocking the rest.

We apologize for the short sports breifing today, other news about a Jaredcohenian vessel torpedoed off the coast of the Ivory Coast is more important.

Rossglass enjoyed a carnival atmosphere in the capital, Breachtain, as they saw their country land a spot in the quarter finals of the Frost and Fire Cup. Giant screens were erected in the main plaza as they witnessed a 2-2 draw with Patusan, guaranteeing a knock-out game v Western Afghanistan.

The general consensus around Rossglass is that they will struggle against the runaway winners of group 1 but will enjoy the occasion nonetheless.

Unknown Suburbia Wanders into Quarter-Finals

After the rockiest start for any team that has qualified for the Baptism of Fire Quarter-Finals, Unknown Suburbia has finally escaped controversy and advanced to the elite 8 of the tournement. A lucky 2-2 draw against powerhouse Western Afghanistan and a slim 2-1 victory over Jeru FC saw the Wanderers go through finishing just 1 point ahead of Willink for 4th in the Southwest division. Could this be the start of something good for Unknown Suburbia to come? A special entity in Unknown Suburbian jungles have guessed otherwise with a very special lady that goes by the name "Margaret".

Unknown Suburbia v. Western Afghanistan

The pre-game show was VERY impressive with a fireworks display and hospitality shows that would rival most World Cup critical games. The festivities were all but forgotten at the opening whistle of the game with the Wanderers against the powerful Western Afghan team that lead the Southwest Division the entire tournement.

The first half started off relatively slow with little or no pressuring until the 35th minute when Daniel Villeneuve was taken down at the ankles by Assaf Zushe who was carded. Unknown Suburbian fans held their breath as Villeneuve remained on the sidelines for several mintues before marching back onto the pitch to resume his playing duties. Steven Jones continued to build his reputation as a 'hard man' in the Baptism of Fire when, after giving a cheap shot to rookie Amir Ena, gave him more than a mouthful of words. The Arridian referee would have none of this horseplay at this stage of the tournement and gave Jones a yellow.

Unknown Suburbia manager Steve Chartrand was tense at the halftime whistle, when both teams had a small scrum at the entry tunnel to the pitch. Begging for a substitution, he caleld his players down to the dressing rooms and jumbled things around to generate some offense.

Substitutions on, the Wanderers and Western Afghans came out flying in the second half wasting no time generating an attack strategy along with a dash of violence. Rushufi and Wright had a bit of trouble in the air on a Kevin Clarke clearance. Wright jumped in the air while Rushufi had other plans delivering a dangerous kick to the eye of Wright. A few minutes later he would return to the game looking like shit but playing like nothing before.

A very questionable call in the 56th minute had even Unknown Suburbian fans scratching their heads. There had been plenty of rough shoulder charges in the game but a light tap from Shenelukhur Qeshelu earned him a yellow card and Unknown Suburbia excellent position to score from a free kick. Vachon wasted no time setting up Caya for his dummy and powered the ball into the back of the net past a sprawling Fahifa. 1-nil for the Wanderers.

After the goal, Western Afghanistan was energized and wasted no time evening up the score. Excellent ball movement from the Afghans had Unknown Suburbia running and caught looking on several occasions. Inu volleyed the ball past Wright to Hinir who relayed it over the pitch to Ena. Unknown Suburbia was livid for the offside call which is still debated about after, or lackthereof, as Enu had no trouble placing the ball past Clarke.

Ena had been a thorn in the Unknown Suburbian's side the whole match and some action was needed. In the 66th minute Fecteau took the law into his own hands giving Ena a rough tackle to try and knock Ena, and the entire Western Afghanistan contingent, off their game. The dirty ploy for Fecteau worked as Ena was substituted 2 minutes later.

Steve Chartrand was not happy with the dirty play of his players, and questionable calls of the referees.

A handball in the 74th minute had Western Afghan fans a chance for redemption for the injury. Qer lined up his shot on Clarke and a poor wall set up wound up in the ball in the back of the net. Owen chipepd the ball back to Qer and he danced around sliding Unknown Suburbian defenders. The attempts were in vain as Qeu dumped the ball behind Clarke.

Unknown Suburbia rallied in the 78th when Wright made himself useful once again. Quick ball movement around the box and a cannon of a shot from Wright pinged off the post and into the back of the net sending Unknown Suburbia fans livid about the potential draw. The game died from then on while a mysterious woman resembling the "Margaret" was shaking hands with Steve Chartrand after the game.

OOC: Will be back to post for the Jeru FC game

Unknown Suburbia: You have until 23:15 Oz EST (14:15 GMT) before cut-off. That's about 20 minutes.

Matchday 9 RP cut-off.

Weather Forecast
Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings:
Nil.

Weather Pattern:
A cold front will move through Goolengook tonight and another should follow late on Thursday. A high pressure system over the Snowy River valley will move eastwards over Rodger and Delegate during the next two days before moving southeastwards and strengthening east of the Plateau.

Forecast: Tonight and Tomorrow
Isolated snow showers clearing overnight. Isolated showers or drizzle patches tomorrow. A mostly cloudy day with fresh to strong west to northwesterly winds.

Outlooks:
Thursday Isolated showers.
Friday Fine.
Saturday Fine.

First Creek Falls Tonight and Tomorrow Min -1ºC Max 4ºC
Frosty Hollow Tonight and Tomorrow Min -2ºC Max 2ºC
Fanny Moo Tonight and Tomorrow Min -1ºC Max 3ºC
Buldah Tonight and Tomorrow Min 2ºC Max 11ºC

Results

Western Afghanistan 4 v Rossglass 2 (National Downfall Stadium, First Creek Falls)
Veitau 0 v Unknown Suburbia 3 (Frosty Hollow, Rooty Break)
Kuosio 0 v Jaredcohenia 0, 0-0 after extra time, Kuosio won on penalties 5-4 (11111-11110) (Ootopia Forest, Fanny Moo)
Jariss 2 v Abu Omar 1 (Buldah Recreation Reserve, Buldah)

Semi-finals

Western Afghanistan v Jariss (Ootopia Forest)
Kuosio v Unknown Suburbia (National Downfall Stadium)

Abu Omar Sports News

Abu Omar this afternoon bowed out of the Baptism of Frost after going down 2-1 to Jariss at the Buldah Recreation Reserve, Buldah. Abu Omar started brightly but were unable to break the deadlock with the two teams going in for the half time break goaless.

Jariss took an early lead in the second half with an unstopable free kick and then on the 79th minute Omar Nasseredine scored his 6th goal of the tournament with an amazing bicycle kick which set the crowd alight.

The match loooked to be going into extra time, but a clumsy tackle by Mahmood Adduruk, won Jariss a penalty 3 minutes into injury time and it was the very last kick of the game from the penalty spot which saw Jariss go into the semi finals and Abu Omar go crashing out.

Although defeated Abu Omar's team and fans showed little sorrow and a lap of honour by the squad was met with huge applause.

After the match, manager Sharif Al Ibbarak thanked his team and fans for a fantastic tournament and wished Jariss all the best for the semi's, but he saved a special thankyou for the tournament hosts who he said did a fantastic job, although he said he was looking forward to going home as he couldn't stand the cold weather anymore.

With Abu Omar out of the tournament, many of the Omari fans still in Errinundera will be travelling to the Ootopia Forest stadium in support of fellow muslim nation, Western Afghanistan who take on Jariss.

Kuosio Through To Semi-Finals
Kuosa Taga Revuo, May 22nd - translated

Despite a nail-biting match against Jaredcohenia tonight, which ended in a 0-0 draw and going to penalties, Kuosio finds itself in the semi-finals of the Baptism of Frost football tournament. Fan reaction reached fever pitch at Kuosa City's bigscreen venues tonight, and riot police have been placed on standby for the next few days.

"We haven't had any serious issues yet," explains Kuosa City's Chief of Police, "but we always like to be prepared and we are willing to intervene in any violence that may occur. We are not expecting anything, but we wouldn't like to be uprepared if we were proven wrong."

Kuosio will take on Unknown Suburbia in tomorrow's semifinal. Although they qualified from the group in third place, behind Kuosio, they did beat us in the group stages, but "that won't happen again," according to the team coach.

One bookmaker in Kuosio is offering good odds on both Kuosio and Western Afghanistan to win the tournament, although any punters placing a bet for Western Afghanistan have been egged on leaving the shop. "I can't stop these people," says the manager, "once they are off my property they may do what they like".

Match Report:

Both sides had several attempts on the goal, but all were stopped by the respective goalkeepers. There isn't really much to add apart from the fact that the penalty missed by Jaredcohenia was shot by Brad DELP and blocked by Georgo FARRUGIA.

Scorers:

Kuosio:
Ludoviko KOWALSKI, penalties #1, 4
Jakobo LARSEN, penalty #2
Mikelo BOUCHARD, penalties #3, 5

Jaredcohenia
Earl MILLER, penalty #1
Bud WEISS, penalty #2
William STEVENS, penalty #3
Jim MASDEA, penalty #4

The Jariss squad returns triumphantly to the locker room after their narrow 2-1 escape over Abu Omar. Notable this time is the utter lack of anyone being carried off anyone’s shoulders after the match despite Minna Dawo’s winning penalty kick just as time was about to run out in injury time at the end of the match.

Fya Panai: We’re awesome! <dances around excitedly>

Minna: Oh my god, I can’t believe I made it! I never even tried a penalty kick with no time like that ever!

Relao Yashi: It was great! And those other guys were good sports about it after too. I don’t know if I would have been so good about losing.

Datu Kippo: That’s cause you’re a poor sport dude.

Relao: What do you mean poor sport!

Larri Wequi: Like that time you lost at cards after practice and threw the deck into the trash…

Fya: Or the time you lost that contest with Joa over who could keep the Frisbee spinning on your finger longest…

Minna: Or how about…

Relao: ALRIGHT ALREADY!

Coach Maru Hiniru: OK everyone settle down. Great match tonight, way to get back into gear after those last two tough matches in group play. Tali, don’t even start about giving up a goal, coming back from a concussion with no playing time the last two matches you did fine.

<Tali Vindu sulks quietly>

Coach Maru: Just think, two more wins is all we need here boys and girls and we win the whole thing!

<Team cheers>

Coach Maru: Now the bad news. First it looks like it’ll be around freezing at the stadium.

Fya: NOOOOOO!

Coach Maru: <as if uninterrupted> so starting today we’re going on a chicken soup diet. One meal of day will be nothing but chicken soup. No time for people to be getting sick at this stage of the tournament. On the plus side there’s no snow predicted so at least we’ll be able to keep our footing this time not like that Jaredcohenia disaster.

<Goru Lyani grimaces at the thought of chicken soup having bad memories of his grandmother’s fondness for chicken soup, chicken stew, chicken pot pie or anything involving chicken which she forced on her grandkids whenever they came by.>

Leni Banama: What’s the second bit of bad news Coach?

Coach Maru: We’re playing West Afghanistan in the semis.

<Team cringes>

Coach Maru: Don’t give me any of that! you people are just as good as any team out there! Do you think Abu Omar would be cringing at the thought of being in the semis instead of watching it from the stands? Sure Western Afghanistan hasn’t lost yet and only had one draw to blemish their record. That means yes they’re good. It also means they’re due for a loss. And we’re as good a time as any for it to happen. It means we’ll probably have to play our best match to date but I know you have it inside of you. Look at how we bounced back today from everyone being sick and Tali getting her concussion. People thought we’d get knocked out being understrength but we didn’t.

And how about our group pride? Did you know every other team in our group lost in the quarters except for us. I bet the teams on the other half are laughing over how weak our side of the draw is. So its up to us to set them straight. Think about this too, all those other three teams left have faced each other already so they know what to expect. BUT, none of them have played us and don’t know what to expect. Everyone has Western Afghanistan winning this whole thing. So I ask you what do we have to lose here? NOTHING! There is no pressure on anyone here because everyone KNOWS we’re going to lose, just another bump in the road on their way to the title. So no one needs to be tense out there, I expect everyone to go out and play like there’s nothing to lose. Because as far as everyone else is concerned we’ve already lost, I guess we should just pack up and go home then right?

Team: NO!

Coach Maru: <in mock surprise> What you mean you actually want to stay and face this unstoppable team instead?

Team: HELL YEAH!

Coach Maru: Well if that’s how everyone feels then hit the showers, we have film to watch and chicken soup to start heating up.

<Team storms off yelling, shouting and high fiving each other, Fya for once even forgetting to taunt Goru about his ‘girlfriend’ in the excitement>

Unknown Suburbia skim past Veitau, Kuosio up next

Margaret's been good to the Unknown Suburbia Wanderers. The roughest start for any team in the Baptism of Fire to advance through to the semi-finals inspired Unknown Suburbia to call upon a higher power to assist them in their quest for the Baptism of Fire or Frost or whatever it'll be called when it ends. Rubber chickens have been sacrificed before every meal, building opening and movie premiere. Unknown Suburbian planes have even dropped rubber chickens over the Fort Boston Castle Plaza where big screen TVs will be set up for the Unknown Suburbia-Kuosio match. All is well gaining momentum leading up to this crucial game that will determine who will advance and who will fall into a sad little hole of a third place game.

The largest win of any quarter-final game in the Baptism of Fire this tournament was a huge win for the Wanderers. Unknown Suburbia’s first half woes were quickly brought to an abrupt end today, as if energized by an unseen force as balls bounced their way and quick little inconsistencies became more and more apparent. Veitau had been virtually invisible during the tournament yet still managed to finish atop their division in qualification. This was Unknown Suburbia’s time.

The first half started off with a loud boom when Serge Vadeboncoeur made a tremendous run up the left side of the pitch in an attempt on goal. Pedro the Pig was nutmegged, Benny the chimp was panna’d and Ae the human was left to contemplate existence as he knew it. Vadeboncoeur wasted no time finishing off the attack when he fired the ball at the Tree, Kau, who stayed solid to make the save. A valiant effort indeed, but not for the likes of Emmanuel Regnier dit, who had the open net to place the ball in which he did to life the Unknown Suburbia Wanderers to a 1-nil lead.

Remy Vachon wasted no time squandering any hope Veitau had of catching up when he was taken down by the shoulder on an Unknown Suburbian corner kick. A yellow card given to Kau for his rough play and penalty kick awarded. A light tap of the ball painfully saw Unknown Suburbia pull ahead 2-nil on Veitau in fir opening 15 minutes. Woe and behold to the opposing teams of Unknown Suburbia.

Caya threw the game out of reach on a free kick in the 42nd minute when he took charge of the field into his own hands. Powering his way past not one, not two, but three defenders and through the poor tree’s roots into the back of the net. Unknown Suburbia’s troubles were answered thanks to a couple of degenerate players who lead a group.

Kuosio is Unknown Suburbia’s next challenge in the semi-final game. The Wanderers had beaten the 2nd place team in the southwest division and nothing can jeopardize their chances of a repeat.

If the Unknown Suburbia Wanderers claim victory tomorrow, they are more than likely to play Western Afghanistan, a team expected to fly through the tournament but met their match in a 2-all draw with Unknown Suburbia. That is only given Unknown Suburbia wins their next match. No doubt it will be a challenge, but the Wanderers are more than prepared for it.

Live Poultry Sales Up 12% - Analysts Confused
Kuosa Taga Revuo: Business Section, May 22nd - translated

Kuosio's best stock analysts are confused by a sudden boost in sales of live chickens in the country. Several major poultry farms have seen their share prices rocket by up to 20% overnight.

The KTR's investigative reporters suggest that this may be linked to Kuosio's progress in the Baptism of Fire football tournament; it is suggested that these chickens are being sacrificed to a supernatural being known only as "Margaret". This would no doubt explain exactly why the biggest shipment was to the Kuosa City And Suburbs Pagan Association.

Matchday 10 RP cut-off.

Weather forecast
Plateau Province Forecast Issued at 1531

Warnings:
Nil.

Weather Pattern:
A high pressure system over Delegate will move slowly eastwards over the next few days. A cold front will move through Goolengook Province on Thursday and the next front will be approaching Ellery Province on Sunday.

Forecast:
Tonight and tomorrow Scattered showers and drizzle becoming isolated during the afternoon. Northwesterly wind strengthening, possibly reaching gale force Thursday night.

Outlooks:
Friday Fine.
Saturday Fine.
Sunday Fine.

Fanny Moo & First Creek Falls tonight and tomorrow Min 0ºC Max 4ºC

Results

Western Afghanistan 0 v Jariss 3 (Ootopia Forest)
Kuosio 4 v Unknown Suburbia 3 (National Downfall Stadium)

3rd Place Play-off (tomorrow @ Quartpot Camp)
Western Afghanistan v Unknown Suburbia

Final (Friday @ Frosty Hollow)
Jariss v Kuosio

The Jasriss team dances into the locker room screming and cheering at the top of their lungs after their shocking 3-0 upset win over heavily favored Western Afghanistan. Led by Minna Dawo’s hattrick and Tali Vindu’s second shutout of the tournament the team now finds itself in the finals against second in their group Kuosio who beat Unknown Suburbia in a 4-3 scorathon.

Fya Panai: WE did it! <starts singing> goin-to-the-finaaals! Goin-to-the-finaaals!

Tali Vindu: <happily for a change> Finally a good game…and I actually remember it afterwards!

<Joa Giranu and Goru Lyani look at each other guiltily at this>

Coach Maru Hiniru: Way to go team, best match I’ve seen out of you all yet! Way to rise to the challenge everyone. Tali didn’t I tell you you had matches like this in you?

Tali: Yeah.

Coach Maru: And Minna another hat trick, way to carry the offense. Defense great work, you’re finally working as a team now and Fya’s not running all over the place anymore.

Fya: Hey I’m a ball hawk you know.

Joa: Ball hog maybe.

Fya: You take that back!

Andre Miware: Hey you two no fighting, this is a time to celebrate!

Gia Banama: That chicken soup worked good Coach, I don’t even have a sniffle.

Coach Maru: Well actually it wasn;t really chicken soup you know. It was an organic chicken like tofu-type of thing according to what the cooks told me. No meat here in Errinundera after all. But they said it works just as good if not better than real chicken would.

Goru: WHAT!?!

Minna Dawo: But it tasted good, for soup that is. At least we don’t have to eat it anymore.

Coach Maru: Oh I guess you haven’t looked at the location for the finals.

Fya: You mean….

Coach Maru: Yup Frosty Hollow.

<Team groans in dismay>

Coach Maru: Hey think of it as payback. Last time that stadium got the better of us. This time we’re going to go there, take its worst weather and come away with a win right?

Team: Yeah!

Fya: But its so cooold there.

Goru: Extra chicken..um tofu…er..whatever it is soup for you then!

Fya: Don’t you have a girlfriend to chase after?

Goru: Oh yeah you;’re right, I met her before practice today, we’re supposed to meet after we’re done here.

Fya: WHAT!?!

Goru: Really pretty too.

<Leni Banama snickers softly to himself knowing he was with Goru all morning and no girl had talked to him>

Coach Maru: OK then Goru, can’t keep your lady waiting so here’s the scoop. Same meal routine as we did here. Don’t mess with a good thing I always say. Kuosio is not going to be a cakewalk so don’t let this win get to your head. There’s still one more win to get yet. Kuosio has had two tough matches to get here so they’re battle tested. Going the distance and winning on their last penalty kicker against Jaredcohenia, and you know how badly they beat us in Forsty Hollow when we played them. They knocked off Unknown Surburbia, the only team to get so much as a draw with Western Afghanistan, the only points they dropped before they faced us. So this is a team to be reckoned with.

Now this match should end up being our kind of match. Kuosio looks to be defensive minded like we are thought not as much as we do so expect a low scoring match this time out. That means it might come down to penalty kicks and they’ve already faced hat sort of pressure cooker while we haven’t so that gives them the edge there. So that means we have to make sure it doesn’t come to that. They can score a lot though even with their style, they got the second most goals of any team in group play. On the other hand they’ve allowed a few more goals than we have so it balances out. What this means is we have to come out ready to go. Play solid defense, stay within ourselves and get the ball to the middies to set Minna up. No heroics, just play our match and we should be just fine.

Besides, it’d be a shame to get this far then come up short wouldn’t it? So let’s finish this off with a win. Now hit the showers, we start studying film in the morning.

Matchday 11 RP cut-off for Western Afghanistan and Unknown Suburbia.

Weather forecast

Plateau Province District Forecast Issued at 1509

Warnings:
A severe weather warning is current for localised damaging winds.

Weather Pattern:
A high pressure system over Deddick Province will move slowly eastwards over the next few. A cold front will cross Goolengook Province from Brodribb Province tonight. Another cold front will approach western Plateau on Sunday then slip southeastwards across Bemm Province during Sunday night and Monday.

Forecast:
Tonight and tomorrow Fine. Partly cloudy with strong to gale force northwesterly winds, moderating during the morning.
Saturday Fine. A mostly sunny day with moderate to locally fresh north to northwesterly winds.

Quartpot Tonight and match day Min 2ºC Max 7ºC

Results
Western Afghanistan 1 Unknown Suburbia 4 (Quartpot Camp)

Note
Errinundera is offering a scholarship to its National Football Academy to each the 2 nations who have made the final in this competition, Jariss and Kuosio. You can read about this institution in Ellery Camp, its facilities and the educational opportunity it offers, on NSwiki article on Ellery Camp (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ellery_Camp#National_Football_Academy).

Three members of Ariddia’s cup winning team, including captain Xavier Xu, graduated from the Academy. A fourth player, the much adored Cassie Lee, was a member of the squad as #3 goalkeeper.

Jariss and Kuosio can nominate a player between 17 and 20 years of age to attend for one year. It might be of interest to the players of Jariss that the 17 year old freer, from Sassafras Basin, will be studying at the academy.

KUOSIO IS IN THE FINAL!
Kuosio Taga Revuo, May 24 - translated

They may beat us once, but never twice - the Kuosian national football team claimed a 4-3 win over Unknown Suburbia last night, putting us in the Final of the Baptism of Frost.

In even more shocking news, Western Afghanistan, who dominated throughout the group stages, lost their first game - 3-0 against Jariss - putting them in the play-off for third place.

For Kuosio, this means a tough challenge on Friday night. Jariss is the only team yet to have beaten Western Afghanistan, so they are obviously a formidable challenge. The final is to be played at Errinundera's showpiece stadium; Frosty Hollow. Infamous for its inclement weather, it is the stadium where Errinundera schedules matches against its most bitter rivals in international competition, but it has served Kuosio well thus far in the Baptism of Fire, as it was the site of our 3-1 victory over Kristovenia early in the tournament.

But only time will tell what the result of the final will be. Kuosio's players can expect a hero's welcome whether they win or lose, however, and even more bigscreens have been erected in the capital in anticipation of the crowds. Some of Kuosa City's buildings have been completely hidden by these screens, and still more by flags. The fans are definately looking forward to Friday's game; we can be sure of celebrations regardless of the outcome.

OOC: I apologize for my recent absence from RPing here, but RL came to nip me in the butt. School's going out with a bang before summer vacation sets in.

Matchday 12 RP cut-off. The final is upon us.

Goo woongara.

Weather forecast for Frosty Hollow (keeping it simple):

Frost early, otherwise fine and sunny.

Overnight Min 0ºC

Matchday Max 6ºC

Results

BAPTISM OF FROST CHAMPIONS
Jariss 0 v Kuosio 2

Tournament rankings
P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Western Afghanistan 10 7 1 2 30 20 +10 22
Kuosio 10 7 0 3 25 16 +9 21
Jariss 10 6 1 3 18 14 +4 19
Unknown Suburbia 10 5 2 3 21 14 +7 17
Veitau 8 4 1 3 18 18 0 13
Abu Omar 8 4 0 4 9 11 -2 12
Jaredcohenia 8 3 2 3 18 11 +7 11
Rossglass 8 3 2 3 20 19 +1 11
Willink 7 3 1 3 12 11 +1 10
Cravan 7 2 2 3 13 14 -1 8
Patusan 7 2 2 3 11 12 -1 8
Kristovenia 7 2 1 4 8 15 -7 7
Daughrty 7 2 1 4 8 16 -8 7
Clesmire 7 1 3 3 6 11 -5 6
The Non-RPing n00b 7 1 3 3 3 8 -5 6
Jeru FC 7 1 0 6 7 17 -10 3

---------JARISS FREE PRESS--------------
“A Free Press for a Free land”

Jariss Falls in Finals

An exciting opening run in its first international showing came to a disappointing end as Jariss found itself on the short end of a 2-0 Kuosio win. Both teams came out a bit tentative at first as it seemed nerves were a factor on both sides leading to some sloppy early play. Finally Kuosio settled in and started pushing play in the latter parts of the first half and broke through in minute 38 with a goal to go up 1-0 where the half ended.

The second half saw Jariss try to set up Minna Dawo for the equalizer but she was well defended all match long., Her best attempt came at minute 53 where she managed to break free long enough to fire a shot off the right goal post and see it deflect wide of the net. In minute 71 Leni Banama also came close to tying things but his shot sailed over the top of the net as he seems to have rushed his shot in surprise at having so much net to work with as the keeper was caught out of position. Instead it was Kuosio that broke through five minutes later with their second goal just off the fingertips of a diving Tali Vindu.

And that was more than enough for a good Kuosio defense to sit on the rest of the way as Jariss was unable to mount enough of an attack to get back in the match. Despite the loss it was still considered an excellent showing for this small nation against the more populous nations of the rest of the world. Plus this tournament has given us Jarissians an idea of what it will be like on the big stage. 0-0 matches appear to be the exceptions not the norm from here on out so the country is about to be struck with a whole new style of play to enjoy from now on. Certainly something exciting to watch in the future.

Lyani Chosen to Accept Errinunderan Offer

In other Baptism of Fire related news. Goru Lyani has been named by Coach Maru Hiniru as the Jarissian player to accept the offer by the BoF hosts Errinundera to send a player to their prestigious Ellery Camp. This one year scholarship offer was available to a player from each of the finalists of the BoF and so Jariss’ win over Western Afghanistan ensured one of our players earned this offer. When asked how Lyani was chosen Coach Maru said it was a simple choice.

“Goru’s family are generations of farming folk and so wouldn’t have the money to send any of their children overseas. In fact Goru came out for the team in part hoping to see the world because he knew his family wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise. So when this offer was announced I knew it wouldn’t be fair to deny Goru a chance to learn about new cultures. Besides maybe it will cure him of his fear of heights.”

One of his teammates, Fya Panai had a different view on the subject. “Oh Goru’s just going because he heard his girlfriend freer is going to be there. They’re in love you know.”

No word as yet as to whom the champion Kuosio squad will be sending to he Camp at press time.

Baptism of Frost All-Star Squad

A panel of captains has chosen its Player of the Tournament as well as its all-star squad

The panel
keok, Errinundera captain WC 30
rosaniel, Errinundera captain WCs 32, 33 & 34
matthieug, appointed Errinundera captain for WC 35

Player of the Tournament
Georgo Farrugia - Kuosio
5 shutouts for the series including against Jariss in the final. His effort in the amazing quarterfinal against Jaredcohenia was deemed to be the most spectacular single performance of the entire tournament. The final penalty save was possibly the most significant moment of the series.

The Squad
Goalkeepers
Georgo Farrugia - Kuosio
Aaron Macduff - Jaredcohenia

Defenders
Mohamed Al Mibari - Abu Omar
Alain Fecteau - Unknown Suburbia
Goru Lyani - Jariss
Kyriakos Stylianos - Willink
Mohamad Safari Wahit - Patusan

Midfielders
Amir Ena - Western Afghanistan
Vilhelmo Schneider - Kuosio
Evan Davidson - Jaredcohenia
Serge Vadeboncoeur - Unknown Suburbia
Leni Banama - Jariss

Forwards
Assef Rushufi - Western Afghanistan
Tony Smeltson - Cravan
Ludoviko Kowalski - Kuosio
Brian Ó Drisceoil - Rossglass
Maniki the Elephant - Veitau

Coach
Maru Hiniru - Jariss

People's Choice - Most Popular Player
Determined by post-match surveys of fans as they were leaving the stadiums.
Kau - Veitau
His dignified, stoic style of play caught everyone's attention, but it was the poetry and philosophical musings that won their hearts.

People's Choice - Most Popular Reports
Determined by the number of internet hits from within Errinundera.
Abdullah Dukhirahiq - Council of Ten Chairman and Prime Minister of the Most Serene Republic of Western Afghanistan.

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/FAWA%20Logo.jpg
Suspension of Manager Costs Western Afghanistan Dearly, But Strong Side Acknowledged By All

http://www.freewebs.com/abduldukhirahiq/WAF-Krs%204.bmp
One of the most prolific scorers of the tournament, Assef Rushufi lived up to sky-high expectations and was named to the all-tournament squad

When Khuhekhezal Muhammad was suspended for five matches at Frosty Hollow for possession of an alcoholic beverage (a liter of Kentish cider), many West Afghan fans immediately knew that their chances for the title had been severely threatened. Indeed, interim manager (and team strikers' coach) Jafaje Hosseini proved to be valiant but far less experienced when the team made its endeavor into the knockout stages of the tournament.

A decent quarterfinal against Rossglass gave the Sorkh-o-siahe (Red and Black in Persian) a spot in the semifinal, but the introduction of two overly talented defensive sides in Jariss and Unknown Suburbia left the team ill-equipped to win the tournament, as most pundits and betting agencies had forseen. The Avalanche of Mummies, which has since the beginning of the tournament become the official name of the Western Afghanistan national team supporters' club, were even boosted by the support of fans from Patusan and Abu Omar, who allied themselves with the club because of shared Moslem heritage. But while these fans were treated to fantastic group stage play, they left Errinundera feeling disappointed and forlorn.

However, the club undoubtedly demonstrated its pure offensive ability for all the other nations involved in the Baptism of Frost, as well as the rest of the world. Two standout players, young striker Assef Rushufi and even younger right wing Amir Ena, both of the superb Herat club Nine Columns, led the scoring rampage and were rewarded with all-tournament squad honors. Rushufi and Ena attended a press conference in First Creek Falls the day before the club left for home.

"I'm very honoured," Rushufi said stoically. "The national team has finally made its debut for the rest of the world to see, and I feel we've excelled. Thank you to the Errinundrian panel; I have a great deal of respect for all three of you and I'm extremely glad to be regarded so highly by you."

Ena grinned, creating a massive contrast between himself and his Nine Columns teammate. "Assef speaks for both of us. I can't believe I'm here, actually. A kid like me being given a chance on the national team, and then actually being given a chance to play, and then being named to the all-tournament squad. It's really unbelievable. I can't believe I'm here."

Extensive injuries battered the midfield during the tournament, in part bringing the team's downfall. Here is a summary of those injuries:

Left mid Iji Muhammad (Ghavvasa FC) is out for 8-12 weeks due to a broken left wrist. It is expected that he will miss a significant portion of the Afghan Premier League, and may miss some early matches in World Cup qualifying.

Left-footed center mid Sohrab Nukhadufil (Nine Columns Athletic) is expected to be out for 8-12 weeks due to a stress fracture in his knee. He is also expected to miss the first half of the APL, and will not be available to the national team for some time.

Right wing Ali Qer (Sagaye FC) should return soon. His ankle sprain is healing very well, and he should be able to return to both his Dogs club side and the national team.

Right wing Amir Ena (Nine Columns Athletic) is expected to be out for 2-3 weeks due to a severe right ankle sprain. He will be day to day for Nine Columns (who may simply continue to not use him), but he should be available for the national team for World Cup qualifying.

The Football Association of Western Afghanistan (FAWA) has announced that the West Afghan domestic league (Afghan Premier League) will begin play immediately. When the national team resumes play later this summer in World Cup qualifying, it will be without manager Khuhekhezal Muhammad for two matches. The FAWA has put their support behind Muhammad for the time being; his Frosty Hollow shenanigans notwithstanding, his motivational ability and aggressive offensive strategies have impressed both the Department of Sport and the West Afghan nation at large.

OOC: Just thought I should RP a reason for essentially dropping out... :(