NationStates Jolt Archive

The first hint something was a little different was when they arrived at Heathrow. The twenty-eight teams were escorted by men in full-length robes, whose hoods covered their faces, outside of the airport to horse drawn carriages, who promptly took them outside of London to a monastery obscured by tall stone fences covered in vines. As they were ushered in, their bags were taking by several other monks, and were ushered into a waiting room. A shortish monk, whose face was also covered, entered. "Please removed and fold you clothes into a pile. Robes will be provided for you during your stay here." On cue, monks began to walk into the room with piles of plain robes. Compared to the suits and bright track suits, the robes were simple, plain and rather boring. The robes had a team patch on the shoulder. Entirely anonymous. The teams spontaneously erupted into loud noises of complaint. The monk raised a hand. "Any team unwilling to follow the rules will promptly be expelled from The Tournament. All questions will be answered at the Gathering, later tonight after dinner. We request that all teams keep the noise to a minimum. A monk will escort you to your dormitories, were you will be staying for the next four days. The same monk will return to escort you to dinner." The shortish monk proceeded to walk, calmly out of the room.

The room exploded with whispers being passed back and forth. "What the hell happened to our football tournament?" one player from Vephrall. "No idea. What's up with this? Why did no one tell us about this before?" responded another from Ad'ihan. As they slipped on there robes, it was a very surreal experience. Some monks walked into the room, and guided each team to their respective dormitories. Whispers passed in between the players. "What is this, the Archregimancy? We're not monks, we're bloody footballers!" was the general consensus. They entered there dormitories to find a common area, with the bedrooms off to the side. "Dinner will be in two hours, there are books and footballs for your entertainment in the closets. Your bags are being kept safely in the rectory of the abbot. You will not need them for your stay."

Players kept themselves busy by napping, or juggling the footballs around the common area. Some read, but not many. Being footballers, most were not exactly great academic types, thus the lack of reading. Plus, most of it was on relatively obscure monastic leaders, particularly of the Protestant variety. Not exactly prime football reading.

So come dinner time, the room was a buzz with tension. No one knew what was going on, and everyone had ideas about it. Dinner was fairly plain, but rather delicious roastbeef sandwiches with mixed vegetables, with apple pie for dessert. There was a silent tension as they were escorted to the church where they sat on the hard wooden pews by team. Torches lit the room, and the stained glass sparkled eerily in the night, the moon nearly full outside. The teams were sitting quietly for about five minutes before the abbot walked in. He stood at the front of the church, and with a voice of quiet authority, began to speak.

"Welcome, gentlemen, to the Kilgarney Monastery, and I am the abbot here. I am responsible for informing about the format for the Tournament. First rule of the Tournament, is that for the next four weeks, there is nothing but the Tournament. This will become your life. Second rule of the Tournament, is that the Tournament is not your regular football competition. The FFLC, as well as the ESF feel that this tournament have lost it's significance as a preparation of new teams for the World Cup, so we are going to do things a little differently. The group stage of the tournament will involve not full matches, but tests of skill and prowess at various footballing skills. To further complicate things, you will be relying on other teams within you groups. Each group will be assigned a specific talent on which to be tested. Points will be scored based on number of successes, as well as a subjective comparison by a set of judges from both the FAs. Groups will be playing other groups, and will qualify as groups. Groups will be forced to work together, and come knockout stages, will be facing each other in real football matches, with great familiarity of each other. During the individual trials, each team will be measured not only on technical skill, but how their attitude during the trials. During the first half, the tasks will be fairly simple, but in the second half, the tasks required will become more complex, and adverse conditions will be introduced. Your teams skills will be tested, but your hearts also, which is the most important asset in your attempt to win the Tournament. Your prize? This golden chalice," he gestured, "is the trophy for which you will be playing for, as well as the prestige of winning the Tournament, a true Baptism of Fire.

Now, any questions?"

Jacquelyna Doré was not an idiot.

She was willing to cultivate a persona of a easily-manipulated air head to gain political advantage but she was smarter than just about everyone knew, or knew to care.

And it wasn't like it was very hard to gain that sort of reputation. What with her youth (aged 34, making her the youngest Minister of State Rugiero had ever had), her gender (and only the second woman to hold the post), her beauty (exquisite), and her seeming lack of any effort in attempting to furthur her career (which seemed to just move on quite nicely, just the same).

She had seemingly fell into Rugiero's chaotic and well-nigh impossible to master political realm just three years prior. Elected out of Mont Regnault (city district 7) as a member of the center-right Véritable Mouvement Démocratique, she moved up the ranks quickly.

She was just chosen to head her party when the Minister of State at the time, Jehan Leureux, committed political suicide. He propesed that to fix mounting deficits, Rugiero insitute a income tax, which is anathema in itself. Rugiero has no income

tax, and it only got worse when it was discovered that the tax might be as high as 7, maybe 8 percent. Well, that was too much for the country, and the Parliament, and they made a quick and decisive Vote of No Confidence, with just about everybody, including a majority of members from his own party (Réforme Libérale) voting against him.

And when the sucession election was held (the fifth in 13 years, showing a remarkable amount of stability in Rugieran democracy), Doré found herself leading a coalition to have her named Minister of State. And her very first acts in office were to promise to never create an income tax, and to announce the formation of a football team to play in international competition.

-

So, the Rugiero Football Federation, once content with organizing domestic competitions, now had to deal with the world of international football. And to do well, you need a good coach. And good coaches are hard to come by, and it was discovered quickly that it would probably be easier (and cheaper) to hire a coach from outside Rugiero to lead the team, strangly enough. And the first coach they seized on that could lead Rugiero to, at the very least, Baptism of Fire semi-glory was Maru Hiniru, the recently resigned head coach of the Jariss National Team.

He was perfect. Good with young players (which the RFF had decided to staff the team full of), experienced in international play (coaching Jariss, assisstant with the Bigtopian national team, named the best coach at the Baptism of Frost), and best of all, could be gotten fairly cheaply.

It all moved very quickly for Maru. Brought in first class on a Rugiero Air jet into the International Airport, taken by limo to meet with the Minister of State, then Prince Nicase II (standing in for his slightly-senile father, King Domin IV), then to dinner at probably the finest restaurant he'd ever been at, before getting wheeled into the RFF's offices in the dead of the night and having a contract more-or-less thrown in his face. And the terms were pretty good, considering. Alot of money, for him, housing in a five-star hotel (the rooms he'd be residing at were just weeks before being used by a ex-member of the Department of Sports for various trysts, but he'd been removed by his rivals and Maru didn't need to know about that), and everything he'd need for just a few personal appearances and sponsorships (for the people who were more or less paying his contract). And it was all said and done for him to be announced with the team just in time for the morning news programs.

-

Of course, all of this international experience and skill at coaching real games was all rendered moot by this whole "tests of skill and prowess" nonsense. Maru was here to coach football games, which were all the tests of skill and prowess he felt were necessary, which was a sentiment that was being expressed, now quite loudly, by his team.

Thevenin De Saint Amand, a backup forward, was the first to raise his hand, and without asking for prompting, asked his question.

"What kind of tests of football prowess are we talking about here? Juggling and headers?"

Maru's first assisstant coach, Damien Laspalles, asked "What in the world are the coaches going to do then? Doesn't this make us irrelevant?"

The oldest defender, Henri Beatrix asked "How can we rely on 'our groups' anyway? What do we know about any of these guys, and how do we know if they're any help at all?" to either muttered muted approval or protests from various teams about this slight on their abilities.

Ever the cerebral one, Riccard Le Vicomnte, a goalkeeper buried deep in the depth chart, asked "How in the world can you do this? The Baptism of Fire is a soccer tournament, not some kind of..." he searched for the word, coming up with "...combine."

And Maru still was trying to sort this all out, but couldn't wait to get some answers.

TLC,

I don't think the CoH has ended yet. Also tread carefully with making the BoF too bizarre.

TLC,

I don't think the CoH has ended yet. Also tread carefully with making the BoF too bizarre.
The CoH has ended.

OOC: You guys know where the discussion thread is, thank you very much.
IC:

To call Owen confused would be an understatement. Few Novapsoli have seen international soccer in action, even less of them in the flesh. Yet, this was like nothing the team anticipated.

"Maybe they are like the Karelan followers of Rejistania?" commented Murrough, his assistant. "They took their philosophies to the level of belief in an outerworldly being, and these Terrans tend to take their deities seriously."

Owen shrugged. The concept of believing in something that one could not explain seemed foreign to him, as it did to most of his people; they had learned so much about their world, and would not be here now if not for that knowledge. "That's a question for the science fellows," he said. "I left that field long ago, just as you left ancient studies. We're here to learn about the game of this world."

Murrough shot him a glance. "And how are we to do that, if we don't actually play any games?"

"Oh, we will play, and we will learn. But until we learn more from our hosts, there's only one thing we can do: practice."

OOC: Anyone wishing to ask questions about OOC clarification (scope of participant RP flexibility in determining what's in each challenge, how the scores reflect the challenge performance, how scores are determined, please ask them in the Discussion Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=293066).

The abbot smiled serenely at the outburst of questions. He raised his hands and requested calm, which followed, though after a bit of grumbling. "Thank you for your questions, we know that this is a significant change from what you were expecting, and this is why we are having this session. For those of you who are struggling to understand why this is happening at a monastery," he gestured towards the Novapsolu team, "is that the goal behind this tournament is to prepare you for the actual World Cup. Before I became the abbot here, I was the Assistant Chief of Footballing Operations at the Football Federation of the Lowland Clans. After President Davies began floating ideas around, I suggested the idea of The Tournament, which was built around the idea of a medieval tournament, one that not only tests skills in individual events, but also the character of a team, which we feel have been lacking in many teams that have joined at the international level." He spoke this sentence with some pointed meaning, but being new most of these teams would miss the jab at a large portion of the international footballing community. As an addendum, he added the existence of some brief medieval history books were being made available to those who were unfamiliar with the time period.

"To answer your question, sir, about what kind of challenges you will be facing, they will be varied. They will be similar to combine exercises, but included more of a full game-like environment. One maybe attempting to complete a passing scheme with a certain number of maximum touches, but on a fully defended pitch by your opponents from the other group. Another would be a set piece performance where you must hit each of the posts, but only certain players may kick those shots, all with a limited time frame. This performance however, will not be enough to guarantee a win in each 'match.' You must learn to work as a team in your groups. Each individual team will be faced with aiding other teams in your group enough to qualify, but still maintaining the edge with which to defeat them in the knockout stages. Also watched will be your level of play and interaction with the other teams and groups outside of The Tournament challenges.

"To further explain the Challenge format, each group will be drawn against another. The teams within each group will be paired with a team from the opposite group in some task. To use a previous example, one team may be the defenders in a set piece exercise, the others the attackers. In another exercise, within the same Challenge match, maybe facing off in tests of character, where one team will be placed within a simulation of a match, and their characters will be evaluated based upon there responses, and score points accordingly. At the end of a Challenge match, the scores of each individual Challenge set are added together, producing the group score. This score will give each Group the standard win-draw-loss standings. Within the group, their set scores will be tabled to provide an intra-group table, which will be used to seed the groups for the knockout round.

"We have provided a sample table here," he said as he reached to an easel that had been set up next to the pulpit of the church. He flipped over the first blank page to reveal this:

Group Challenge Matchday 1

Group 1 v. Group 3
Novapsolu 2 - 1 Vephrall
(Character)
Kilmarnockshire 0 - 2 ARealAdvance
(Midfield)
Planting 4 - 1 Endmile
(Technical Skill)
Cebumopolis 0 - 3 Bellzantium
Group 1 6 - 7 Group 3


Intergroup Table:
GP W D L GF GA GD P
Group 3 1 1 0 0 7 6 1 3
Group 1 1 0 0 1 6 7 -1 0


Intragroup Table:
GP W D L GF GA GD P
Planting 1 1 0 0 4 1 3 3
Novapsolu 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Kilmarnockshire 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
Cebumopolis 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0


"I hope this clarifies some of your confusion. The idea behind all of this is to test your abilities as a football or soccer team, but also you individual characters by placing you in positions that you will not be expecting or necessarily excelling in. Your responses, will be just as important as your results."

London seemed pleasant enough. With today’s mix of cool drizzle and bright sunshine, to the twenty-three players, three coaches and assorted dignitaries representing the Republic of Candelaria And Marquez; it all felt rather like home. Except with monks. And opposition teams pushing the boundaries of the term ‘human’. And lots of ushering. The Candelariasians didn’t take well to the ushering.

The team’s aging captain, centre-back Peter Waddington, gave the Head Coach, Mark Baker, a despairing glance. The Plan, such as there’d been one, had involved biting, stamping and feigning injurying their way out of the group stage, before battling to a heroic defeat against a posse of crab fishermen in the first knock-out stage. They could then merrily return home to a summer of magazine interviews, adoring young ladies, and a proper pre-season. The C&M players were generally pleasant enough fellows, but they knew which side their bread was buttered. Club football was where the money was.

Now all that had been thrown into confusion, the team having shipped up at a glorified training camp. The one saving grace was their newfound union of ignorance with a large dollop of their opposition teams. And team-mates, Waddington supposed. This, he knew would be a problem in itself. C&M, as a nation, was as multicultural as they come and welcomed newcomers of all shapes and sizes with open arms. But co-operating with actual foreigners? The chosen representatives of countries Waddo and co had never even heard of, much less pronounce? Peter sighed deeply. This would be a long month.

His attention was suddenly drawn to a number of pointy organs sported by some tall gentlemen standing near the monks. He turned to Baker.
“Gaffer… Are they…?”
“Elves,” Mark confirmed quietly.
“Right.” Waddington looked thoughtfully at the cup in his hands. His country had a particularly restrictive attitude to drugs, performance-enhancing or otherwise. He tipped the receptacle’s contents into a plant pot though, just in case.

Kura-Pelland's newly formed soccer team - the country is far too internationalist to call any one sport 'football' - were in for a shock as they made preparations for their flight NNE from Trilan International Airport to Limassol, their base for the tournament. If one could, in fact, call it a tournament.

'We understand the history of the competition was to give new teams an opportunity to prove their worth. This strikes me as an extremely unorthodox way to do it, but it will challenge us in ways a conventional knockout tournament never could,' defender Jack Kedding told NTV Sport at the airport. 'It's going to be a wild ride.'

Goalkeeper Will Hazzard was less diplomatic. 'It makes a mockery of going here. Enough said.' Further comment was refused.

Striker Brian Hugill had a different and unlikely complaint. 'I'm scared of all these enormous cities, Trilan's big enough as it is, and The Lowland Clans is on another level.' With the country's map showing cities with tens of millions of people (http://www.thirdgeek.com/maps/tlc/), his fears are hardly unsurprising; Limassol has over 50m people, compared to 6.2m in the Trilan metropolitan area.

Manager Andy Woolworth says 'everyone else will be in the same boat. We will face huge challenges facing the top teams in qualifying for the World Cup, and maybe this is nothing in comparison', adding 'perhaps this format makes the tournament more fitting of its title'.

An NTV Sport online poll found 69% would have preferred a straight knockout tournament, but a separate poll on a popular Kura-Pelland sports website found 59% thought the concept was 'excellent' or 'good', though 39% considered it 'terrible'. The only thing these people will agree to do on this format, it seems, is to disagree; just 2% considered the format 'OK'. If the intention was to spark interest in the BoF, though, it has probably worked.

About half an hour before the team's arrival in the Lowland Clans...

Ostalir Pasarap hated flying.

The fact that he was on a Vephrese-built airplane made it worse. In Vephrall, commercial air travel had only existed for about fifteen years, and VephrIll's* insistence on using only Vephrese-built planes meant that they were of much lower quality than what one could find on airlines in other nations. Of course, those other airlines could charge much higher rates for flights to and from Vephrall as a result, and apparently 55,000 len** was too much for the VFR*** to spare to send the team to the Lowland Clans for the Tournament.

"We are now on final approach to London's Heathrow airport," came the captain's voice over the low-quality intercom system. "London is the capital of the Kingdom of England, one of the nine entities that comprise the Lowland Clans."

Pasarap finally got the courage to look out the window again, and nearly fainted as he did so. This was likely due to the size of the city that lay a few miles beneath him. The very idea of a single city housing in excess of a hundred million people was stuff of fantasy for someone like Pasarap, who hailed from a nation with a population of just 42 million.

It was obvious to him that things were done differently in this nation. But at that time he had no idea just how different things were going to be.

* Vephraller Illizog ("Vephrese Airlines"), Vephrall's largest airline
** The len is the unit of currency in Vephrall, equivalent to approximately US$0.397.
*** Vephraller Foutbiller Restritris ("Vephrese Football Association")

Fauxhan, Bazalonia: Offices of the World Cup Committee President, James Gaines.

The TV was on and blaring, it was on BazSports, Bazalonia's major sport's channel. The news was just about to come on, James was sitting at his desk wondering if he would have another term in the office or if it would go on to someone else. Either way, he was constantly hounded by media and paparatzi. He really just wanted a bit of break.

The sport news came on...

"Welcome to BazSports news, bring you the latest in sporting news around the globe, tonight we start with breaking news from The Lowland Clans as the Baptism of Fire tournament get's underway controversy and confusion reigns as FFLC and the EFA abandon the traditional soccer match for what could be described as an enourmous training camp. Details are sketchy, but it is beleived that once the teams had landed they were secreted off to an unnamed monastry somewhere within lowland clans, from a contact in the FFLC we have been to be able to find out that the format of this Baptism of Fire is based around the concept of a medieval tournament of skill.

continueing on with soccer news.. Fauxhan Utd ...."
the TV was turned off by the remote now in James Gaines hand...

"Hmmm, interesting," he thought as a million and one ideas started to swirl around in his head. "Interesting concept..." he thought aloud.

"Want me to get you some BazAir tickets to London?" asked his receptionist through the intercom, who always seems to have ears in every room.

"Yes, and tell the FFLC that I'm interested in how they are doing this BoF and I'm coming."

"Right, so organise a Visa, get a flight, all the usual junk in international flights?"

"precisely, thanks, When do you think that would be done?"

"Ooo, I dunno, depends on The Lowland Clans, though should be just formalities."

"k, thanks."

Baptism of Fire Tournament Set to Begin

The Endmile Football Association (EFA) today announced the official roster for the United Socialist States of Endmile national football team for the Baptism of Fire tournament being held in the Lowland Clans. To form the team, the EFA sought out retired Royal Blood FC manager Maarten Timmons. Timmons, widely regarded as the greatest manager in Endmile history, brought home a record 9 championships to his city of Bloedmeer over his reign of 17 years. He agreed to come out of retirement to manage the Endmile national team saying, "This is a great opportunity for our nation. Representing Endmile in a true international tournament has always been a dream of mine. I only hope I can live up to the expectations of the people, and bring home glory for the USSE."
The official roster is a veritable who's who of Endmile football, with members coming from all 12 teams in the Endmile Premier League (EPL). Leading the roster, to no one's surprise, is veteran goalkeeper Vader Schut (Powerhouse). Earning the title of EPL Goalkeeper of the Year the past three years won him the #1 goalkeeping spot, but his overall experience makes him the captain. The defense will be led by two of Maarten Timmons' former players, Thijs Tullier (Royal Blood FC) and Noach Steffy (Royal Blood FC). In the midfield Arje Heynkes (FC Gelderdrecht) and his remarkable passing will be teamed with Veit Schoeman (FC Koningen), known for his excellent crossing ability. Finally, the attack will be led by world class striker Everhart Pieterszen (Arbeidervuist) and 17-year old rookie Skipper Shaers (Red Army), who has shown remarkable talent in his first year. The complete roster is below.

Player Position Number Team

Lange Baans MF 1 De Prinsen
Wib Coerten DF 15 FC Bloemenstad
Vanderveer Enck GK 6 FC Koningen
Tiebout Ensminger DF 19 Powerhouse
Arje Heynkes MF 5 FC Gelderdrecht
Henrik Klusener FW 12 Royal Blood FC
Tjaart Koning FW 18 Powerhouse
Ambrosius Manus DF 8 Life FC
Staaf Messeker DF 3 Destruktor
Henric van Nostrand MF 9 Powerhouse
Everhart Pieterszen FW 0 Arbeidervuist
Wam Rindel MF 20 Het Vechten Blauw
Rodolf de Ruine MF 16 Destruktor
Skipper Schaers FW 10 Red Army
Veit Schoeman MF 21 FC Koningen
Jeroen Schulte FW 4 FC Bloemenstad
Vader Schut GK 14 Powerhouse
Noach Steffy DF 11 Royal Blood FC
Jaap van Waert DF 2 De Stem
Stef Wiekens DF 7 Het Vechten Blauw
Thijs Tullier DF 13 Royal Blood FC
Waldemar Yonkman FW 17 Destruktor

In the past, the Baptism of Fire tournament has been a traditional type of tournament. This year, rumours abound that the rules have changed and that teams will be competing in atypical events. The event itself is shrouded in secrecy and hard information about it has been very difficult to come by. So far, the press has not been given access to the players, managers, or the tournament officials. Inside sources say that the tournament will consist of a series of skill assessment tests, and that the teams in each group will have to depend on each other to move on to the next round.
Security at the tournament has been reported to be very tight. This will be the first BoF tournament involving countries from the region The Second Final Solution, notorious for its football hooliganism. Rumours are spreading that the gang of football hooligans, or firm, supporting the Endmile national team is planning to have a strong presence at BoF. Known only as The Mile, this gang of hooligans has been responsible for riots and violence at many past international tournaments. Adding to the potential for violence is the fact that Trumanistan will also be in the BoF tournament. The rivalry between fans of the Endmile and Trumanistan teams is legendary. The Mile had clashed with the Trumanistan National Firm (TNF) several times over the past decade, always resulting in complete and utter mayhem. The USSE government has assured the Lowland Clans that it will do everything to prevent hooliganism at the tournament, but the possibility remains.

Chaos reigned in the FFLC press room, as reporters from various nations who were participating in the Baptism of Fire, being hosted by the FFLC and ESF in a specially prepared monastic training ground, along with some assistance from Cambridge Studios effects department and some whiz kids from the Allied States Army Engineering Corps, went about the day trying to wrench as much information as possible out of Daniel Davies. Veteran sports reporter Harry Gotweck, writer for the ASEN.tlc, the largest sports website in the Lowland Clans, watched all this with the attitude of bemused curiosity. He felt that it was a little rushed, with only four days given between the announcement of a co-host, the introduction of the revolutionary format, and the beginning of The Tournament, but he applauded the attempt to get something new started.

As Daniel Davies entered the press room, Gotweck sat up in his chair and took his feet of his desk and leaned forward in one motion, though he did not yet reach for his laptop or notepad. He wanted to see what this would hold first.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, just a few things to announce regarding to The Tournament. First of all, the teams have now been transported to the location of The Tournament, and the teams have been sequestered from the media in protection of the integrity of the Tournament. HOWEVER, one reporter will allowed to be sent to observe the happenings of the Tournament and report on the result of the Challenges, but they will not be allowed to interview the players or the managers. Video of the challenges will be recorded by Tournament Staff and sent to all credentialed media outlets who request it. Second of all, we have an official list of teams participating:

Sorthern Northland
Kura-Pelland
Niosis
Vephrall
Fargess
Shmibabway
Thelema Abbey
Billopesha
Kansiov
Kilmarnockshire
Candelaria And Marquez
ARealAdvance
Herchimer
Adihan
Salkehachie
Cebumopolis
Novapsolu
Rugiero
Nitrodymium
Daehanjeiguk
Shackfold
Endmile
Bellzantium
TT Lake Side
Tylero
Trumanistan
Planting
Grotewohl

As you'll notice, The Comrade Emirates have been removed in favor of the Grotewohl, who have been transported via Alliance Air to the monastery where The Tournament is taking place. The reason for the replacement is the government of the Emirates had not yet contacted us or confirmed with us their backing of the team that arrived at Heathrow, who were ironically enough, looking rather pale and nonresponsive. Also, the draw will take place at the Monastery tomorrow morning local (OOC: PST) time. It will then be relayed to the national media networks and Association representatives of the participants. Good luck to you all, and see you tomorrow."

Due to some "interesting" turn of events, the football team of Grotewohl had finally arrived in Heathrow.

The team comprised completely of an elite Special Forces military team, noted for their skills in teamwork, determination, and ruthlessness had been trained quickly about this game they now know as football. While they had never actually played the game before, they had trained long and hard and were ready to take on any challenges before them.

Upon hearing of the medieval tournament style, grins appeared on all the faces of the group. They had dealt with such tournaments all of their lives, and were ready for such a task. Later the grins would turn back to the almost emotionless faces that normally adorn the faces of the men, learning that the tournaments would be of football skills, and not battles to the death.

As they entered the common grounds gasps were heard from many of the players. The team soon realized how much larger they were than a large majority of players from the other countries. With only one player being less than 2 meters tall, they towered over the other teams.

Only one spoke, "We have arrived, now get to training," boomed the only player under 2 meters. This was the warlord of the team, Wen. Standing at 1.5 meters he was the leader of the Special Forces team.

After being settled in, they soon discovered they were not the only team from their region; The Second Final Solution. The USSE, Trumanistan, and Bellzantium were also here. Wen had known this, being briefed of the situation, but had decided not to inform his unit. He grinned at the thought of humiliating the "professionals" from Trumanistan and Bellzantium. While the USSE was an ally in arms, he knew that he would have to crush their pitiful football team as well.

The Football League of Grotewohl (FLoG) had began down the road to their football destiny.

A short press released was distributed to the teams involved in the Tournament.

The Group Draw was performed today at the main hall of the monastery where the Tournament is being held. Details on the types of challenges will be released later today.

Group 1
Billopesha
Herchimer
Novapsulo
Endmile

Group 2
Shmibabway
Thelema Abbey
Shackfold
Planting

Group 3
Kura-Pelland
Kanisov
Nitrodymium
TT Lake Side

Group 4
Sorthern Northland
Kilmarnockshire
Salkehachie
Trumanistan

Group 5
Niosis
Adihan
Rugerio
The Comrade Emirates

Group 6
Fargess
ARealAdvance
Cebumopolis
Bellzantium

Group 7
Vephrall
Canderlaria And Marquez
Daehanjeiguk
Tylero

Upon receiving the list, Wen quickly informed the monks that his team was not on the list.

"We went through much to be here instead of The Comrade Emirates! Yet their nation is listed in group 5! I demand that such an error be fixed asap!"

Wen then proceeded to pace around awaiting news.

The Imperial Football Team, under management of the Imperial Han Football Association {大韓蹴球協會 (대한축구협회)}, has recently released the roster for participation in this upcoming World Cup and Baptism of Fire. Media centers are permitted to release this information to the general public. Additionally, MBC {문화방송 (文化放送)} has lodged requests with the BoF authorities, regarding sole rights to broadcast developments for the Imperial Team during its participation.

Settled in Group 7, Head Coach Cha Beomgeun {車範根 (차범근)} set about to analyze tactics for the upcoming matches and challenges. While the roster details have been released, he has not yet submitted the list of players to participate in the events or the playing styles for the upcoming matches.


Player ㅇ韓ㅇ ㅇ한ㅇ # POS Club Age Caps Goals Shots Saves YC RC
Kim Yongdae 金龍大 김용대 1 K N/A 24 0 - - 0 0 0
Choi Jincheol 崔眞喆 최진철 2 D N/A 30 0 0 0 - 0 0
Pak Geonha 朴建夏 박건하 3 D N/A 29 0 0 0 - 0 0
Yi Sabik 李ㅇㅇ 이사빅 4 D N/A 19 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Donghyeon 金東炫 김동현 5 D N/A 28 0 0 0 - 0 0
Seo Jeongweon 徐正源 서정원 6 M N/A 24 0 0 0 - 0 0
Heo Jeongmu 許丁戊 허정무 7 M N/A 20 0 0 0 - 0 0
Song Jongguk 宋鐘國 송종국 8 M N/A 30 0 0 0 - 0 0
Go Jongsu 高宗秀 고종수 9 M N/A 27 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Daeeui 金大儀 김대의 10 F N/A 25 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Eunjung 金殷中 김은중 11 F N/A 19 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Ho 金皓ㅇ 김호ㅇ 12 K N/A 20 0 - - 0 0 0
Jang Yogon 张耀坤 장요곤 13 D N/A 25 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Jingyu 金珍圭 김진규 14 D N/A 30 0 0 0 - 0 0
Yi Eulyong 李乙容 이을용 15 M N/A 31 0 0 0 - 0 0
Go Jeongun 高正云 고정운 16 M N/A 29 0 0 0 - 0 0
Yi Dongguk 李東國 이동국 17 F N/A 32 0 0 0 - 0 0
Yi Jeongyeol 李正烈 이정열 18 K N/A 22 0 - - 0 0 0
Wang Shinheun 王新欣 왕신흔 19 D N/A 29 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Chigon 金致坤 김치곤 20 D N/A 25 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Byeongji 金秉址 김병지 21 M N/A 18 0 0 0 - 0 0
Han Paeng 韓彭ㅇ 한팽ㅇ 22 M N/A 29 0 0 0 - 0 0
Kim Dohun 金度勲 김도훈 23 F N/A 21 0 0 0 - 0 0


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: no
Godmod Other Events: Yes

The Rugiero National Football Team

TEAM FORMATION: 5-4-1
TEAM STYLE: Most defensive (whenever we get to playing games)

HEAD COACH
Maru Hiniru, age 60 (from Jariss)
7 wins, 6 draws, and 11 losses in International play.

ASSISSTANT COACHES
Damien Laspalles, age 51

Garnot Chanteprime, age 37

FORWARDS
#15 Aleaume Sarrazin, age 25, Starter

#7 Thevenin De Saint Amand, age 24

#12 Othon Pastforeire, age 27


MIDFIELDERS
#10 Tancrede Pelletier, age 28, Starter, Captain

#18 Robert D'Espagne, age 27, Starter

#4 Stephane Hesnault, age 25, Starter

#5 Maurin De La Riviere, age 20, Starter

#3 Hue Fresle, age 29

#21 Marc Ferey, age 23

#17 Laurens Fabre, age 23


DEFENDERS
#22 Henri Beatrix, age 29, Starter

#2 Turstin Des Vaux, age 28, Starter

#19 Pascal De Montgommeri, age 25, Starter

#13 Galien Dalmas, age 25, Starter

#6 Nicholas Beretta, age 25, Starter

#20 Cardin Baudabon, age 27

#9 Noel Gaillard, age 25

#16 Geoffroi Ligier, age 23

#11 Thibault Bontemps, age 21

#8 Mercadier De L'Aune, age 19


GOALKEEPERS
#1 Auvrai Pancevolt, age 25, Starter

#23 Bretonnet Ravenot, age 25

#14 Riccard Le Vicomnte, age 20


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes (Just let me know before hand, I'll probably either say yes right away or give you some advice to tone it down.)

OOC: Grotewohl, you take the place of The Comrade Emirates in the group draw

C&M Toster, edited for Cup Of Harmony

Manager:

Mark Baker, Aged 56, Head Coach of Albrecht Turks
The part-time boss is renowned for his attacking play on the domestic scene, but with fears that strikers Fritz and Grillo could find themselves out-classed at this level, most pundits predict he’ll opt for a depressingly defensive outlook based on the experienced back-line. He’s ably assisted by coaches Steve Loovens and Ricardo Garcia, who put out the cones and such.

Likely to play a patient 4-5-1, allowing the defence to slow the play down by knocking it around at the back, but with the talented midfield duo of Wang and Momtaz ready to break at any point. Will switch to two up front if desperate.



Goalkeepers:

1. Reuben Uwakwe, Aged 34, Albrecht FC (Starter)
The best of an exceptionally bad bunch, the veteran Uwakwe gets the nod primarily through being a terrifyingly big black dude replete with dreadlocks and a liberal sprinkling of gold teggies and that. In reality he’s actually rather quiet and likes poetry.

23. Harry Primrose, 20, Marquez(OW)
Very much the future of C&M goalkeeping, he was the fans’ player of the year for his club side, considered single-handedly responsible for turning the defensively dire outfit from relegation certainties to title challengers. He’s also not gay. He’s not. Stop going on about it.

22. Paolo Thorpe, 25, KT Hotspur
Borderline maniac, good from crosses. Injured for Cup of Harmony.

Defenders:

2. Damien Sono, 29, Albrecht Turks (First-Choice Right-Back)
Possibly the only player in history to genuinely suffer from a nose-bleed after crossing the half-way line. Reformed gambling addict.

13. Adrian Mazzeo, 22, Candelaria(AM) (First-Choice Left Back)
Will push Tomlinson at left-back, he can also use his pace at wing-back. Best known domestically for knocking off Sarah Owusu, a Molecular Biology student notorious for regularly getting her thrupp’nies out for a variety of shiny publications. For those that care about such things, she was recently named fifth on Unbearably Hot magazine’s fabled Top 100 Candelarian Babes annual list.

6. Peter Waddington, 31, -> Cafundéu (Starting Centre-Back, CAPTAIN)
The itinerant, unnecessarily shouty captain, keeps his place despite a dire last season in which his club side were relegated. Sniffing after a last-hurrah move to any country with an amusingly wealthy football league and tarty women.

5. Benji Fu, 25, Albrecht FC (Starting Centre-Back)
Tall, elegant defender, gives away too many penalties. Plays the drums in his own band, Ultimate Fantasy Girlfriend. They had a top-27 hit last year.

17. Lan Albret, 29, Albrecht FC
Competent back-up right-back. Found abandoned on the seashore as an infant, there is a certain degree of doubt as to whether he’s actually human, on account of the complete covering of thick, brown hair, and fangs. Better that than a tree or elephant though, eh?

3. Kieron Tomlinson, 28, Albrecht FC
Distressingly right-footed left-back. A darling of the red tops, he’s best known for being the figure-head of a charity offering practical assistance to under-endowed men (“Now you can have a monster winky like mine!”). Injured for the duration of the Cup Of Harmony.

12. Damien Waterman, 24, Radyukevich
Short little fella, who tends to leave his foot in and may find him self sent on late on in the game as an assassin. Much loved club-captain for the Clotaire-based side for his undying passion and loyalty. He’s also a known wife-beater, but what’cha gonna do? He’s good from corners, after all.

18. Juan Carlos Revault, 25, KT Hotspur
Balanced, cultured, central defender. Could also star as midfield destroyer. Has his own clothing range.


Midfielders:

16. O’Sullivan Caras, 22, Caires City (First-Choice Right Midfield)
Likely to get the nod over the less skilful but more pacey Adams, Caras also offers a decent free-kick. Obnoxiously religious, he usually stretches competition rules as far as they can go in order to take to the pitch with more holier-than-thou bling than you can shake a diamond-encrusted crucifix at.

11. Joey Pipes, 20, Castillo FC (First-Choice Left Midfield)
C&M’s great white hope for what seems like an eternity since the mega-rich Castillians invested a record trading fee in him. A genuine winger, he still completely lacks a right foot. Not literally, obviously. That’d be silly.

4. Luis Enrique Torrealba, 31, Abiodun North (First Choice Defensive Midfield)
Combative midfielder. A right thug, essentially, albeit in a stylish, floppy-haired, Mediterranean sort of way.

21. Speed Wang, 29, Albrecht Turks (First Choice Central Midfield)
The big ‘if’ of C&M’s tournament. Undoubtedly the most naturally talented player the islands have produced in a generation, with top-notch passing short and long. Unfortunately, he goes into the event after five months out of action with a severe groin tear, gained during a stint on the country’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.

8. Mamdooh Momtaz, 28, -> Cafundéu (First Choice Attacking Midfield)
Likely to be given a wandering brief behind the single striker, Momtaz is a late developer having spent his early career in the amateur leagues before being snapped up aged 25. Possesses an uncanny knack to score and create goals at will despite barely touching the ball for most of the game. The major name in the islands’ Muslim community.

7. Nate Adams, 22, Cathedral City
Inanely pacey, can’t tackle for toffee. Not favoured by Baker, but inexplicably a darling of the media.

20. Jos Cornelisse, 24, -> Cafundéu
Left-winger, the country’s Prince of the Step-Over. Though that’s not saying much. Benched for much of his club season, never capped for C&M, and thus by far the most unlikely member of the squad.

14. Rudy Clark, 27, Albrecht FC
Perfectly serviceable midfielder, famed for his free-kicks, in that he once scored a kinda fluky, if spectacular, one and has lived off that one success ever since. Less celebrated for his shots from afar, from which he scored ten times in helping the Scorpions to league victory.


Forwards:

9. Steven Fritz, 30, Albrecht FC (Starting Striker)
The country’s star striker for as long as anyone can remember, he must perform if C&M aren’t to be laughably out-classed at this level. Small but pacey, and can generally be relied upon to win the odd dubious penalty.

10. Joel Grillo, 32, Caires City
An unquestioned starter were he twelve months younger, he comes off an unspectacular domestic season. Fond of cats, married to his childhood sweetheart, lives in the mildly Italian community of his upbringing and an all-round thoroughly nice fella, making him something of a national hero in a country as cheerfully bland as C&M.

15. Yasser Zaghloul, 24, KT Hotspur
A great big unit, who’s primary responsibility is to hold the ball up, a euphemism meaning “to keep by the corner flag for the last half an hour of play”.

19. Rex Sandstrom, 20, Castillo FC
The league’s “Young Player of the Year” in the season just gone, Sandstrom is finding his international niche as a supersub, who enjoys coming from deep, whatever that means. Very much the national poster-boy of the moment, what with his boyish good looks, tousled hair, bronzed muscular torso and… ooh gosh.


Choose my goalscorers: YES
Godmod scoring events: YES
RP injuries to my players: YES. Try not to sever a leg, though
Godmod injuries to my players: If’n ye like
Hand out yellow cards to my players: YES
Hand out red cards to my players: If it makes you happy
Godmod other events: Yeah, but go light on extra-curricular orgies

TEAM FORMATION: 4-5-1
TEAM STYLE: Mildly defensive (-1.5)

Kit and that. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Candelaria_And_Marquez_national_football_team)

from the typewriter of Meice Journal reporter Sceliffs Tidus, on location in the Lowland Clans

[NOTE: All of the reporter's original spelling errors are left intact here; the newspaper's editor will sort those out before the story is actually published.]

14 Tilep 1734
Monastrey, unknoen location in the Lowland Clans

As the chosen reporter from Vephrall to be present for the proceedings of the Tournament (as it is known here by just this one word), I alone will actualyl be able to watch the challenges live. The Tournament itself has not yet started, though I believe it should begin relatively soon.

However, I am not allowed to interview either team manager Ostalir Pasarap or the members of his team. These team members remain ananymous at this time; while surely the VFR knows which players they have sent, they have not yet informed us at the Journal, nor any other media outlet in Vephrall as far as I am awrae. The VFR has at leasst been kind enough to tell us that, whenever the team gets around to playing actual fooball matches, they are likely to use a 3-4-1-2 formation. Unfortunately, this is the only piece of information I have at this time.

I shall submit reports of the proceedings as often as I am able, hiopefully after every challenge.

Sceliffs Tidus
Meice Journal

At this time the roster of FLoG has been declassified. It has been released through our government media and is now public information. Changes to the file are noted in red.

Football League of Grotewohl

#1 Wen- 29 years old, 1.5 meters, 82 Kg, 523 confirmed kills. Leader of FLoG, veteran military specialist, master of all specialties. - Coach/Team Captain/MF. Starter

#2 Goobam- 30 years old, 2.2 meters, 136 Kg, 645 confirmed kills. Right hand of Wen having served together their entire military careers. Hand to Hand specialist. - Defense Captain/GK. Starter

#3 Erodo- 24 years old, 2.1 meters, 105 Kg, 104 confirmed kills. Demolitions expert. - GK

#4 Tremos- 24 years old, 2.1 meters, 120 Kg, 87 confirmed kills. Scout. - GK

#5 Ztat- 27 years old, 2 meters, 117 Kg, 276 confirmed kills. Former Bodyguard of the King. -DF. Starter

#6 Rad'pole- 23 years old, 2 meters, 109 Kg, 3 confirmed kills. Transport Helicopter Pilot. -DF. Starter

#7 Ryn'raye- 23 years old, 2 meters, 110 Kg, 162 confirmed kills. Transport Helicopter Gunman. -DF. Starter

#8 Dan'veso- 23 years old, 2 meters, 108 Kg, 96 confirmed kills. Transport Helicopter Gunman. -DF

#9 Radgar- 22 years old, 2.1 meters, 123 Kg, 37 confirmed kills. Support Infantry. -DF

#10 Weelad- 21 years old, 2.1 meters, 117 Kg, 6 confirmed kills. Support Infantry. -DF

#11 G.P.- 22 years old, 2.2 meters, 130 Kg, 357 confirmed kills. Bruiser. -MF. Starter

#12 Ash- 23 years old, 2 meters, 105 Kg, 204 confirmed kills. Infantry. -MF. Starter

#13 Dizzy- 20 years old, 2 meters, 113 Kg, 25 confirmed kills (250 estimated). DELETED. -MF. Starter

#14 Orkimaw- 24 years old, 2.1 meters, 120 Kg, 68 confirmed kills. Bruiser. -MF

#15 Sheeh- 20 years old, 2 meters, 112 Kg, 100 confirmed kills. Infantry. -MF

#16 Heireb- 22 years old, 2 meters, 99 Kg, 0 confirmed kills. Support Infantry. -MF

#17 Auq- 24 years old, 2.1 meters, 120 Kg, 53 confirmed kills. Spotter. -FD. Starter

#18 Qak- 24 years old, 2 meters, 100 Kg, 105 confirmed kills. Sniper. -FD. Starter

#19 Sun- 26? years old, 1.95 meters, 95 Kg, 0 confirmed kills (450 estimated). DELETED. -FD. Starter

#20 Heret- 22 years old, 2.1 meters, 117 Kg, 28 confirmed kills. Sniper. -FD

#21 Worusktan- 21 years old, 2.1 meters, 112 Kg, 20 confirmed kills. Spotter. -FD

#22 Mos'ar- 19 years old, 2 meters, 115 Kg, 0 confirmed kills. Infantry. -FD


The starting formation of the team is 3-4-3. During game play formation is alternated between 3-4-3, 4-3-3, and 2-3-5 as Wen changes formation on the fly.

Overall, FLoG relies on a strong offense, but is quick to change defensive if offense is not working.




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

when does this start again?

OOC: Any moment now...

Challenge Matchday 1

The teams today were introduced to the Challenges today, taking on four challenges that tested their striking ability, their passing abilities, their team closeness and their marking abilities.

The first challenge set teams to attack a goal, scoring goals in certain locations and with a certain speed on the shot, all while dealing with defenders. The second half introduced moving targets and a speed range, where some goals had to be blasted where others had to be chipped or shot slower. The first pair of teams from the groups completed this challenge.

The second challenge involved players making a number of passes in the midfield while dealing with a superior number of defenders. The second half introduced complications such as required pass distance and inclement weather and a damaged pitch. The second pair of teams from the groups completed this challenge.

The third challenge involved team recognition trials, such as face and voice recognition, identifying clips of the players from domestic football and describing playing styles. The third pair of teams from the groups completed this challenge.

The fourth challenge involved marking skills during situations such as set pieces, attacking and defending situations. The defenders were evaluated on things such as passes intercepted, time that an attacker was isolated, and aiding teammates.

Scores were decided on completion of the tasks, as well as effectiveness while playing on the opposite side of the ball, coordination and sportsmanship.

Group 1 11 Group 4 10
Billopesha 3 Sorthern Northland 5
Herchimer 3 Kilmarnockshire 0
Novapsulo 3 Salkehachie 2
Endmile 2 Trumanistan 3


Group 2 6 Group 7 16
Shmibabway 0 Vephrall 4
Thelema Abbey 0 Canderlaria And Marquez 4
Shackfold 0 Daehanjeiguk 4
Planting 6 Tylero 4


Group 3 14 Group 6 7
Kura-Pelland 6 Fargess 5
Kanisov 1 ARealAdvance 0
Nitrodymium 5 Cebumopolis 0
TT Lake Side 2 Bellzantium 2

Group Table
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Group 7 1 1 0 0 16 6 10 3
Group 3 1 1 0 0 14 7 7 3
Group 1 1 1 0 0 11 10 1 3
Group 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group 4 1 0 0 1 10 11 -1 0
Group 6 1 0 0 1 7 14 -7 0
Group 2 1 0 0 1 6 16 -10 0

Group 1
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Herchimer 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Novapsulo 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
Endmile 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
Billopesha 1 0 0 1 3 5 -2 0

Group 2
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Planting 1 1 0 0 6 4 2 3
Shmibabway 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0
Thelema Abbey 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0
Shackfold 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0

Group 3
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Nitrodymium 1 1 0 0 5 0 5 3
Kura-Pelland 1 1 0 0 6 5 1 3
Kanisov 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
TT Lake Side 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1

Group 4
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sorthern Northland 1 1 0 0 5 3 2 3
Trumanistan 1 1 0 0 3 2 1 3
Salkehachie 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
Kilmarnockshire 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Group 5
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Niosis 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Adihan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rugerio 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Grotewohl 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Group 6
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Bellzantium 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Fargess 1 0 0 1 5 6 -1 0
ARealAdvance 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Cebumopolis 1 0 0 1 0 5 -5 0

Group 7
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Vephrall 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
Canderlaria And Marquez 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
Daehanjeiguk 1 1 0 0 4 0 4 3
Tylero 1 0 0 1 4 6 -2 0

(ooc: *assumes he understands how this thing works. Probably unwisely…* Apologies to any fellow competing nations I’ve libelled…)

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/thelema_abbey.pngThelema Abbey, 0 Points

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/candelaria_and_marquez.pngCandelaria And Marquez, 4 Points

Keenan Bailey grinned to herself. She still wasn’t 100% sure how she’d managed to wangle the role of C&M’s single accredited reporter at the Tournament, but she wasn’t complaining. It would do wonders for her career, being seen and heard by millions on TV1 after far too many years spent toiling away on the Albrecht Mercury. More to the point; Simeon Burness, Tracker Edwards, Oliverio Gabrio Flores and all the other great dinosaurs of C&M sports reporting would be spitting feathers back home.

Still, her first major foreign assignment could hardly be considered glamorous. The city itself was immense by her country’s standard, but as grey and drizzly as anywhere she’d been. More to the point, the competition itself – though clearly invaluable preparation for C&M’s inevitably short World Cup – lacked a little sparkle. The sheer amateurness of it all could only be intentional, she’d decided, though the purpose eluded her. They’d even managed to spell Candelaria wrong on the giant scoreboard that currently swung dangerously over her head in the breeze.

She finished setting up the video camera on the tripod in front of her, and took a step back ready to record the commentary-of-sorts that would accompany the grainy footage supplied to TV1 by the BoF authorities. She nodded vaguely at the young chap from Kura-Pelland, who had hogged the communal tripod for the previous half hour.

She coughed, pressed the record button, and waiting a few seconds before beaming inanely at the camera.
“You join me here in London, Tee Ell See, after a thrilling first day’s action!” (This was pushing it a bit, considering she’d spent a good hour or so watching the country’s new-found buddies from Dejun…jo...gluck… 'identifying' each other. Most had opted for ‘Kim’, and the competition authorities didn’t appear to have the heart to assemble enough Korean between them to question it.)
“...while the atmosphere here is strange to say the least…” (She hadn’t watched football without a partisan crowd since Cathedral City had to play behind closed doors for a month following the Chicken Incident of ’03.)
“…let’s not forget for a second what a great day this has been for our country’s international sporting reputation. After Day One we top our table…” (Well, joint-top with two other nations after the Tyleroans had let the side down somewhat.)

Keenan went on to describe the ‘game’, such as it was. The Thelemans had been a cynical bunch; a set of large, unsmiling gentlemen not afraid to leave their collective foot in at every opportunity. Much to her horror, they’d quickly decided that Momtaz’s knees represented the weak point of the C&M side and had gone for them like a… thing. (Ms. Bailey’s cerebellum joins the author’s in being unable to find an even remotely appropriate analogy involving knees.)

The first half been generally hopeless, in fact, a limping Wang and Momtaz failing miserably to thread their way through the terracotta warriors of Thelema Abbey. Only O’Sullivan Caras, religious bangles jangling gently in the artificial weather-system of the monastery’s arena, had managed to daintily skip his way through the opposition defence with any degree of ease. Conversely though, the C&M defence had held up well enough under the ensuing onslaught from their Group 2 opponents. Come the second half, and the introduction of a rain machine had brought Keenan’s menfolk out of themselves; used as they were to playing throughout the country’s damp spring and the rock-hard pitches of winter. It had been a breeze after that; Speed Wang’s Hollywood passes ensuring the Candelariasians would be granted a comfortable supply of points.

She describing the play with her trademark mindless enthusiasm, saved a few words for Vephrall’s impressive goal-scoring performance, and signed off, “Keenan Bailey, for TV1, London.”

She let her rictus grin fall as she re-adjusted herself before facing the camera again. She beamed mightily.
“Usted me ensambla aquí en Londres, los Clanes de la tierra baja, después de una primera acción de los días que emociona... ”

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (As long as you don't go crazy and break the whole teams legs or give them all bird flu, just ry and keep it realisitic.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes (Again don't go giving them out like crazy)
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes (Same as above)
Godmod Other Events: No

Here's Sorthern Northland's squad.

* George Parmer - 21 y/o Goalkeeper
* Joseph Huntley - 19 y/o Goalkeeper
* Jonny Sage - 17 y/o Goalkeerer
* Graeme Shorey - 19 y/o Right Back
* Ri Kwang-Chong - 20 y/o Right Back
* Min Cho-Hi - 21 y/o Left Back
* Nicky Murty - 19 y/o Left Back
* Ivar Wrightson - 19 y/o Centre Back
* Corneal Corneal - 18 y/o Centre Back
* Jay-Jay Bay-Bay - 17 y/o Centre Back
* Marek Smith - 22 y/o Centre Back
* Mark Tuguy - 21 y/o Right Winger
* Tom Tomsk - 20 y/o Right Winger
* Ben O'Bagels - 17 y/o Left Winger
* Feng Shui - 78 y/o Left Winger
* Relondinho - 20 y/o Central Midfielder
* Diago Maran - 19 y/o Central Midfielder
* Wayne Cutler - 18 y/o Central Midfielder
* Waylan Bootle - 17 y/o Cental Midfielder
* Kang Kan-Kang - 18 y/o Striker
* Kim Min-Kim -19 y/o Striker
* Korea China - 20 y/o Stiker
* Neuville Senna - 23 y/o Sriker



Match Day One

Billopesha, 3
Sorthern Northland 5

"We go now to London in Tee Ell See where our football reporter, Kingsley Maccawella, is following the Bapitism of Fire tournament.", announced the anchor of the Sorthern Northland News program and the countries SNTV channel.

"I understand that the tournament is slightly different this year, Kingsley?"

"Yes, rather than having a normal match the teams face each in a series of challenges", replied the scruffily dressed football reporter after a short delay caused by a dodgy connection

"Could you explain how this works for us?"

"I would love to tell you how it works but I'm arfraid I really have no idea, and the players don't really seem to either"

"Oh well, right er.. well Sorthern Northland were due to play thier first match if it can be be called a match, how did that go?"

"Yes Sorthern Northland today made thier debut on the international scene, against the team from Billopesha, both teams performed well but in the end Sorthern Northland came out as 5-3 winners against a determined Billopesha team, who look like they could do well."

Endmile off to mediocre start in BoF
by Jan Kruis

The first round of the Baptism of Fire Tournament in The Lowland Clans got underway today. As Endmile's official press representative for the Tournament, this reporter was able to see the action first hand. As previously reported, the format for this round is a bit different. The USSE drew Trumanistan for the first round, guaranteeing some exciting football and possible controversy. The match was a series of plays involving offensive and defensive maneuvering, passing, and set pieces. The plays were mostly dominated by defense, as these two teams know each other so well. The few real chances came during the set pieces, with goals from both Everhart Pieterszen (Arbeidervuist) and Henrik Klusener (Royal Blood FC). Expectations were high for rookie Skipper Schaers, but his performance was decidedly lackluster.

Endmile fans in The Lowland Clans for the Tournament watched the game at viewing parties all over, including in the city's main square where a giant screen was set up. The crowd seemed jovial and in good spirits until the results were posted. The loss to Trumanistan was a serious blow to the fans. At this time, a huge crowd of Trumanistan supporters descended on the square, including about 40 or so members of the Trumanistan National Firm (TNF). This caused quite an uproar, and a brawl broke out between members of The Mile and the TNF. Within minutes, the police broke up the crowd and gained control. Several Endmile and Trumanistan citizens were arrested, and there were a few minor injuries. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. The local police from The Lowland Clans reacted very quickly and kept things under control.

At this point, although Endmile lost to Trumanistan, our group came out on top. And with the setup of this tournament, that's what counts right now. More to come.

-----------------------------------------------
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes

Owing to the cloud of secrecy involved in this tournament, no live coverage was possible. Instead, NTV1 were airing a highlights package in primetime at 8pm.

Kura-Pelland's first task was one of attacking skill, with an emphasis on shot accuracy and variety. In all honesty, it was seen as a task fitting a sports-themed game show, but owing to the need to balance the scoring between this and other wildly divergent events, the scoring system was about as arbitrar as they came. In fact, several attempts to explain it were lost on viewers.

And their verdict was damning.

The show started with a 44.5% audience share, the highest five-minute audience share ever recorded in primetime on any Kura-Pelland channel. By the final quarter-hour, it was down at 14.3%, and wasn't even winning its timeslot - a distinction gleefully seized by PBS5, who had deliberately moved Big Brother to 8:30 in the hope that the controversial BoF format would leak viewers. PBS5 turned down the BoF broadcast rights saying 'the unconventional format will be a massive failure'. In terms of viewing figures, this appears to be an extremely shrewd judgement.

If PBS5 were happy, so too were the Kura-Pellandi side, who scraped through 6-5 against a useful-looking Fargess side. Nitrodymium's 5-0 cakewalk against Cebumopolis in the teamwork trial was warmly welcomed too, as it gave a big boost to the group's standing in the convoluted two-stage process. Meanwhile, Kura-Pelland's neighbours Vephrall picked up a 4-0 win over the insanely-named (and clearly impotent) Shmibabway in the same task.

The day after, PBS5 announced the launch of a new sport-themed game show 'Under Pressure', based on the format 'Muscle Ranking' from the RL nation of Japan (and taking its name from the United Kingdom remake of the same format). Contestant searches began immediately and it's believed the show will be rushed to air within two months.

So far, the biggest winners from this competition are the PBS network. But Kura-Pelland continue on with a winning streak, oblivious to the mayhem surrounding them.

First Event (lack of) Action
by Diawsam (Grotewohl Associated Press)

For the first event of the Baptism of Fire, group 5 was given the pass. Leaving this reporter with little to report on the FLoG. However, I did catch sight of several players watching the events. I can only assume they were assessing possibilities of the tournament, so that they may have a better plan of action in the following rounds. I am sure they are training hard and will come out swinging when they get their chance for action.

News about other teams from The Second Final Solution are as follows:
Bellzantium tied in their match. A most unimpressive showing from the religious zealots.
More interesting was the match between the USSE and Trumanistan. Being the rival teams in our region, it was very interesting to see them against each other in the first event. A close showing by each team left the end scoring as 2v3 in favor of Trumanistan.

More to be reported after the next event, in which the mighty FLoG will show the strength of Grotewohl.

Diawsam the Seer.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

The Imperial Han Football Team started well, racking 4 points in the BoF competition. Head Coach Cha Beomgeun was pleased with their effort, noting the challenges were "relatively easy" for the players. However, despite the ease in completing challenge three, Coach Cha was concerned that the players were being too lax in their effort. "We could have easily trounced the opponent, but we were too relaxed. I have to admit that they performed magnificently, but only in comparison to the opponent. I think that giving our best effort every time is necessary if we are to face tougher teams ahead."

In Group 7, the story was all good, as Vephrall and Canderlaria And Marquez each handed their opponents an easy 4-0 victory, while Tylero faced more stern opposition and conceded a 4-6 loss. In all, the Group altogether ranks at the top of the charts, with 9 points acquired and a GD of 10 points. Nonetheless, the Imperial Football Team faces more challenges ahead as the BoF continues.

This news is brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

Challenge Matchday 2

The teams continued the Tournament today with the second Challenge Matchday, building off of the experiences of the first, and were tested in the areas of team trust, heading ability, technical skills and game vision and positioning.

The first pair of teams engaged in a challenge of team trust, by placing the players and managerial staff in compromising positions that required the trust of their teammates. Scores were determined by the willingness to trust their teammates, the trustworthiness of the team, and the comfort level in the scenarios.

The second pair of teams completed a heading challenge, which involved head passes, goals and effective head trapping. Points were scored based on the level of completion, competency and skill displayed.

The third challenge evaluated the technical skill of the contributors by placing them in a match where the scores were determined by the technical ability in all aspects of the game, including, shooting, passing and dribbling.

The fourth pair of teams were tested in their game vision and positioning abilities to view plays developing and place themselves in areas that allowed the play to develop and contribute positively. Points were also scored by disrupting the flow of the game on defence.

Group 3 6 Group 1 13
Kura-Pelland 2 Billopesha 2
Kanisov 4 Herchimer 4
TT Lake Side 0 Endmile 5
Nitrodymium 0 Novapsulo 2

Group 2 7 Group 5 11
Shmibabway 1 Niosis 1
Thelema Abbey 6 Adihan 4
Planting 0 Rugerio 3
Shackfold 0 Grotewohl 3

Group 4 3 Group 7 11
Sorthern Northland 1 Vephrall 2
Kilmarnockshire 0 Candelaria And Marquez 4
Trumanistan 0 Daehanjeiguk 3
Salkehachie 2 Tylero 2

Group Table
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Group 7 2 2 0 0 27 9 18 6
Group 1 2 2 0 0 24 16 8 6
Group 5 1 1 0 0 11 7 4 3
Group 3 2 1 0 1 20 20 0 3
Group 6 1 0 0 1 7 14 -7 0
Group 4 2 0 0 2 13 22 -9 0
Group 2 2 0 0 2 13 27 -14 0

Group 1
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Novapsulo 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6
Herchimer 2 1 1 0 7 4 3 4
Endmile 2 1 0 1 7 3 4 3
Billopesha 2 0 1 1 5 7 -2 1

Group 2
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Planting 2 1 0 1 6 7 -1 3
Thelema Abbey 2 1 0 1 6 8 -2 3
Shmibabway 2 0 1 1 1 5 -4 1
Shackfold 2 0 0 2 0 7 -7 0

Group 3
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kura-Pelland 2 1 1 0 8 7 1 4
Kanisov 2 1 1 0 5 4 1 4
Nitrodymium 2 1 0 1 5 2 3 3
TT Lake Side 2 0 1 1 2 7 -5 1

Group 4
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sorthern Northland 2 1 0 1 6 5 1 3
Trumanistan 2 1 0 1 3 5 -2 3
Salkehachie 2 0 1 1 4 5 -1 1
Kilmarnockshire 2 0 0 2 0 7 -7 0

Group 5
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Rugerio 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Grotewohl 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Niosis 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
Adihan 1 0 0 1 4 6 -2 0

Group 6
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Bellzantium 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Fargess 1 0 0 1 5 6 -1 0
ARealAdvance 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Cebumopolis 1 0 0 1 0 5 -5 0

Group 7
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Canderlaria And Marquez 2 2 0 0 8 0 8 6
Daehanjeiguk 2 2 0 0 7 0 7 6
Vephrall 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
Tylero 2 0 1 1 6 8 -2 1

The team were left at a loss after their first "challenge". "What was that all about? I thought we're here to play football, not train?" The Ad'ihan footballing authority, the Ad'ihan Protectorate Football Federation (FFPA), had not informed the players whatsoever about the "changes" to the Baptism of Fire.

Most of the current Ad'ihan players gew up watching Liverpool England in its last glory years before the team pulled out of international competition, and most knew about the Baptism of Fire and what to expect. Or so they thought.

Regardless, their first challenge was terribly training-like, having to display their skills with their heads. Despite the goalkeeper pulling off an amazing header - amazing for a goalkeeper, that is - the team's score was still not enough as they lost out, 4-6. However, the group itself managed to win its matchup, and lie third in the table.

The FFPA have been remarkably silent about the players participating in the tournament - no names have been released. Since this is the first time the team is playing in international competition, commentators have had to refer to the team by their jersey numbers. Team members have also been warned not to call each other by name, lest their identity be revealed. The FFPA has not given any reason for this, although it has confirmed that the full BoF squad is not the exact same squad they will be taking to the World Cup. An FFPA insider said under the condition of anonymity that this was so that none of the players became over-confident and light-headed from all the media spotlight back home.

Two matches in and the fans were starting to get the idea of the tournament, and the response so far wasn't of much of a liking for the tournament.

"We came 'ere to watch some bleddy football, not some training exercises, if we'd o' wanted te do tha' we couda just stayed at home and gone to play for Sunday League clubs ourselves.", was the response so far from the chairman of the Sorthern Northland Supperters Club, and many of it's members expressed similer views.

Although impartial to it at first, winning the first round of training exercises had probably meant the fans were not too displeased with the format. A defeat on the second day however meant the fans could take of the vail that victory that had so far hidden thier displeasure.

Whilst yesterdays game had been an exciting one with Sorthern Northland coming out winners in the end. Todays game against Vephrall was less exciting and todays challenge for the teams tested their trust, and rather worringly for both teams, very few players were willing to trust each other. Sorthern Northland's manager, Kevin Hugh, put this down to the team playing together for the first time and that they'd only met up a few days before the tournament had started.

Although players from neither team seemed capable in placing trust in thier team mates. the judges in the end decided that Vephrall's players trusted each other a little bit more and gave two points to them and one to Sorthern Northland.

Elsewhere in group four, things hardly got any better as the day went on with Kilmarnockshire losing the heading challenge 4-0 to Candelaria And Marquez. The third challenge involved technical ability and Trumanistan lost 3-0 to Daehanjeiguk. In the final challenge which tested vision and postional skills, Salkehachie managed a 2 all draw against Tylero. Group 4 currently lie next to bottom with no points and will have to improve if it's teams plan on staying after the group stage.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/kilmarnockshire.pngKilmarnockshire, 0 Points

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/candelaria_and_Marquez.pngCandelaria And Marquez, 4 Points

What The Papers Say

The Candelariasian press, ignoring domestic rumblings of discontent over the competition’s format, was full of praise for their champions after Day Two of the Tournament. The back page of the Albrecht Herald led with C&M Lead BoF After Round Two. Chief sports writer Tracker Edwards noted Group 7’s clear lead, as well the country’s status as holding the best points difference among the unbeaten outfits. He chalked the result up as a victory to the Millerman Sheppard Soccer Academy, whose efforts to improve the nation’s young players’ balance and timing in the early ‘90s appears to be reaping dividends in international competition, especially for a country not renowned for being good in the air. The power in Yasser Zaghloul’s neck muscles came in for some particularly homoerotic laudation; though he was joined by most of his colleagues in the press in supporting Coach Mark Baker’s decision to select the large forward in favour of star striker Steven Fritz. Edwards did however offer a word of caution, pointing out the limitations of the politely ineffectual Kilmarnockshire team.

Also in the Herald, writer Simeon Burness was in an even more ebullient mood, emphasising “the disciplined prepotency of our intransigent matadors, the virile poise of these mere hobble-dehoy sent to do or die by their sporting Methuselahs at this most cosmopolitan son et lumière… not a single swain nor hinny among us could fail to be lifted to the ne plus ultra, to nestle in the munificent bosom of Abraham ‘mongst our greatest municipal flocculae…”

The heading competition also saw much coverage in the Albrecht Mercury, including the News In Briefs section, where Janie, 18, from Clotaire, has been “keeping a-breast of the C&M boy’s performances in London”. “Keep it up lads,” she advises, before offering a tortuous piece of innuendo involving heading.

Oliverio Gabri Flores, in El Periodico del Arrigo, praised the efforts of Luis Enrique Torrealba and Juan Carlos Revault, whose flick-ons attracted commendation from the Tournament judges. "... pero para todos los talentos chispeantes demostrados por Torrealba y Revault, sus funcionamientos no hablan volúmenes del mayor pecado de esta escuadrilla de C&M? ¿Dónde, inmóvil, es Oberon Martinez, Rodrigo Alkorta, José Felipe Cassumba Domingos, Ignacio Vélez, José Luis Sosa? Ningunos permitamos los éxitos tempranos de esto más anglófono de lados distraen del agujero gaping en el centro de esta escuadrilla; el ` del odio nuestro ' asimiento del FA para sus vecinos torpes. No nos olvidemos, y no guardemos silenciosamente para la ventaja de la televisión del estado. El ruido se debe todavía hacer, los hermanos y las hermanas... "

Something about needing more Spanish-speakers in the squad, apparently.

From Rushmore Sports Daily’s Brian Kennedy column

TT Lake Side is now seeing that their young nation shows how young their team play is also.

Currently in last place after 2 challenges, TT Lake Side sure hopes to see something else come out of this BOF, or it will be one ugly WC36

More News Later from TT Lake Side..

Is this tournament existing to give PBS5 a huge laugh? Maybe not just PBS5: TeleNet are joining in the fun by claiming rights to broadcast the Oxen Cup, where Kura-Pelland will be sending an under-21 side for a more conventional tournament, albeit hardly lacking in innovation itself with its use of the Swiss system more commonly associated with chess. TeleNet won a bidding war with YourNet, who own the Super6, Lucky7 and Crazy8 networks; PBS, who run PBS5 and sister channels PBS9 and PBS Sport, sat out the bidding entirely. 'We firmly believe Kura-Pelland's interest in international soccer has been damaged by the Baptism of Fire', a spokesperson said.

NTV did have rights to World Cup qualifiers, but in a panic they have offered to split the live rights up, both TeleNet and YourNet made bids, and matches will now be split between NTV1 and Super6, with international highlights split between NTV Sport and TeleSport1. (YourNet lack a dedicated sports channel, though rumours they will claim the empty Channel 13 for this purpose are increasingly rampant.)

Meanwhile, 8.8% of all TV viewers saw the national side draw 2-2 with Billopesha in a challenge based on trust. The nature of some of the 'compromising positions' involved drew criticism from Morality Party leader Matthew Smith, who called the concept 'disgusting in the extreme, and of no relevance to sport'. Such is the unpopularity of this tournament that the authoritarian-right party recorded a boost of three percentage points in a public poll that took place the next day, taking them to a record 14%.

The timeslot was won by PBS5, who gained a 15.2% audience share for the first semi-final of talent show Let Me Entertain You. Super6 also beat out NTV1, with an 11.4% share for crime drama Life And Death In Little Barkham.

Nitrodymium National Football Team

Formation: 4-4-2
Starters are listed in bold

Manager
Nico Pietrantonio

Goalkeepers
#1 - Marco Rossetto
#10 - Giorgio Piccolo
#4 - Alfonso Bianco

Defenders
#20 - Efisio Vincenzo
#6 - Tancredi Tino
#15 - Achille Abbado
#8 - Rico Venceslao
#22 - Taddeo Ignazio
#7 - Enrico Pietro

Midfielders
#9 - Amato Vico
#12 - Virgilio Nicodemo
#23 - Lodovico Vito
#11 - Primo Paolino
#17 - Nicostrato Romolo
#19 - Osvaldo Gerardo
#3 - Tonio Quirino

Forwards
#21 - Mario Cipriani
#14 - Agapito Gualtiero
#2 - Alfeo Teodosio
#5 - Camillo Nazario



Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Scoring Events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes, please keep it realistic
Hand out Yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players: Yes
Godmod Other Events: Yes

Second Round, First Victory
by Diawsam (Grotewohl Associated Press)

Today was the first chance for me to watch the great FLoG take the field (of sorts) and show their football talents. The event they would be participating in had to do with player positioning and flow of the ball.

On offense there was a great showing of communication and positioning. Scoring 2 points due to positioning of the ball. Upon questioning of why only two points were scored, I was told that FLoG lacked in game vision. While positioning was great, not very often did the play last longer than 2 passes. No doubt due to the first experience against a real opponent. I am certain that Wen has learned of such events and will better assess the future, in the future.

On the other side of the ball, FLoG scored one point for disrupting the opposing team. While this Seer disagrees with only 1 point being assessed for such a demanding play of the field, only 1 thing can be said, "Without a flow in the first place, how can you disrupt anything?" I laugh at the pitiful attempts made by Shackfold's team. With little foresight or positioning, FLoG stopped all attempts by Shackfold. Special note to be made about Ztat, his experience in defending against enemy attacks has shown its true greatness. He anticipated every move by Shackfold's strikers. Keep an eye out for him.

The GSC has gained the rights to the video cast and will be airing it at 2000 hours every night of the events. Tune in to the GSC for more information.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

Endmile dominates second matchday
by Jan Kruis

Today the Endmile team scored a huge victory against TT Lake Side in the second Challenge Matchday of the Baptism of Fire Tournament here in The Lowland Clans. The two teams were involved in a traditional style match, with nontraditional scoring. The scores were determined by outstanding performances in shooting, passing and dribbling.

The game itself was all Endmile, with the goal score 3-0. This score was not taken into account, though. On the first goal, goalkeeper Vader Schut (Powerhouse) hit a long ball to Veit Schoeman (MF, FC Koningen), who then sent an amazing pass through the TT Lake Side defense to just inside the box. Skipper Schaers (FW, Red Army) was there with the perfect one touch finish, putting the ball in the top right corner. Endmile received two points on that play, with one point for passing going to Schoeman and one point for shooting going to Schaers.

The second goal came just before the end of the first half, off of a corner kick. Henric van Nostrand (MF, Powerhouse) sent a pefect lob to Skipper Schaers, who made another unbelievable shot, earning Endmile's third point for the game. The third goal was a rather sloppy one by Henrik Klusener (FW, Royal Blood FC), which resulted in no points for the Endmile team.

Additional points for Endmile went to Noach Steffy (DF, Royal Blood FC) for his ball handling skills on defense, and to Rudolf de Ruine (MF, Destruktor) for setting up several great plays with some spectacular passing.

As for the other nations in the 2FS region, Grotewohl played its first matchday against Shackfold today, in their first official football match ever. With their 3-0 victory, they proved that barbarians really can play football. I think they have shown that they will be a formidable force, both in this tournament and the World Cup 36. Trumanistan suffered a devastating 0-3 loss to Daehanjeiguk. The Trumanistanians just didn't really have things together on the field, and lacked the coherence they showed in their match against Endmile. Bellzantium did not play today.

So far, the Tournament itself has been met with strong criticism. Much of the play so far has seemed more like training exercises than matches, and inside sources say that many of the players are a little unnerved by the tournament setup. I think Endmile got lucky in getting the type of match they did today, enabling them to play some real football and show off their skills. The fans there for the Tournament have been a bit disappointed by the matches so far, with many people saying it's just not exciting to watch. The Endmile fans seem to be in good spirits, though, and I think the team can really feel it - even if they can't see us.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

After completing the challenges for the day once more, the Imperial Han Football Team again demonstrated expert proficiency in their tasks, beating the Trumanistan team by a sound 3-0 victory. Head Coach Cha Beomgeun noted that though the scores achieved were lower, he was thoroughly pleased with the effort given by the players. "Since this challenge measures their technical skill instead of making goals, I think that this is a fair and adequate score for the team. They were clearly better than the opponents, and they drove home the points that mattered. Hopefully, we will have better luck increasing our margin next time, but if I could have asked for more, they wouldn't any more human than they are. It was a superb match, and I think that they are ready for the next challenge after their well-deserved rest."

Group 7 once again stormed the ranks, claiming top position after victories from both Candelaria And Marquez and Vephrall. Tylero made a excellent plays for their fourth challenge of the group, but conceded the tie. Nonetheless, Group 7 stands firmly on top, with 6 points and a GD of 18. Some speculative analysts consider that the "lucky number" syndrome is working out again, and that though Group 7 currently leads, it must continue to struggle hard to beat the late wind.


This news is brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

"Hey Woshash, what's this paper over on this desk?"

"What's it look like?"

"It looks like the roster sheet we were supposed to have published months ago."

"You mean...? Oh, wonderful."

~~~~

Slightly belatedly, the Vephraller Foutbiller Restritris has published its listing of players taking part in the Baptism of Fire tournament. In the following list, note that the players wearing shirt numbers 1 through 11 will be the usual starters once actual matches are played.

No Player Pos Club

1 Doshese Rints GK Custler FE
2 Hahnea Whaariny DR Ammites FE
3 Spelaad Praumbeted DL Knoleier FE
4 Sperobis Wilopteere MC Knoleier FE
5 Wendelors Clituleng DC Custler FE
6 Pembace Prorim MC Terabits CE
7 Recasang Shuke MR Terabits CE
8 Going Sytrobes AMC Stithis FE
9 Sorrah Wais FC Ammites FE
10 Thwante Uambe FC Oillid CE
11 Torossud Parogam ML Netler FE
12 Hahnea Latissle GK Custler FE
13 Denosone Praumbeted DC Cirbeod OC
14 Apyrphung Netgorin DC Merpisms CE
15 Menburid Ailos DL Cunceer CE
16 Menburid Sads DR Oillid CE
17 Diors Ebrulefa AMR Terabits CE
18 Rempidar Mocks MRC Gontarther FE
19 Satossy Menburid ML Gontarther FE
20 Echeng Ceedast AM/F Oillid CE
21 Ocilla Meniarol FC Sante OB
22 Illokel Rutako FC Cunceer CE
23 Mantlom Sads GK Merpisms CE
24 Dings Dings SW Knoleier FE
25 Preptyrs Scunt DLC Knoleier FE

VFR officials refused to comment on why defending league champions Penuler OC had no players selected for the national team, though in the interest of full disclosure, national team manager Ostalir Pasarap was fired by the Penuls club in 1728 due to poor performance.

Rugiero, seeded in Group 5, got the first matchday off, giving them a chance to get a clue regarding how this tournament would really go. The first look at it unnerved Maru Hiniru greatly. It wasn't as if any players on his team were dogs, but some of the players were obviously picked by the BFF for their connections, and their family money, more than their playing ability.

So, Maru decided to try and fix their most obvious deficiencies: like the fact that the team overall had no contact with the other teams in their groups. So, the did a meet and greet.

Things got off to a great start with the Grotewohl team, since Riccard Le Vicomte had come along with a NationStates almanac and shared some fun facts about their fellow nationstate.

Aleaume Sarrazin: You guys are all in the military, right?

Qak: Yes.

Aleaume Sarrazin: Military service is mandatory in Rugiero, y'know, I served two years.

Qak: I've killed 105 men in battle thus far. How many did you kill?

Aleaume Sarrazin: Errr...

Qak: Have you ever seen a man's head explode like an overripe melon when you shoot a bullet straight through his brain?

Aleaume Sarrazin: Errr...

Once they got back to their quarters, Aleaume threw away Riccard's almanac.

The Niosis meeting was very quiet, as the Niosis players had little to say, but they were barred from meeting the Adihan team due to "anonymity issues."

Well.

The team caught a break because their first challange was just a game. Sure, the score was determined by technical skill, but it was still a real game and not voice recognition or anything. And, in a bit of a surprise, the team was judged as winners in a shutout, 3-0.

Now they just hoped they could keep it up longer.

Challenge Matchday 3

Teams continued to increase their familiarity with the Tournament and what exactly to expect from their challenges. This challenge matchday involved a stamina challenge, a dribbling challenge, a sportsmanship challenge that took place over the entire day and a crossing challenge.

The first challenge involved a stamina challenge, where players were forced to run several miles, play one half of a football match, and then run another few miles. Scores were based on running times and the score at the end of the half of the football match. Water and a few short breaks were provided.

The second challenge involved a dribbling challenge, where players were required to make several different kinds of dribbles and creating successful plays off of those dribbles. The second half again involved inclement weather and obstacles on the pitch.

The third challenge began as a simple sportsmanship challenge, where teams were placed in various situations that would involve demonstrating good sportsmanship. However, to gauge their true sportsmanlike qualities, these teams were observed throughout the day.

The fourth challenged was similar to the set pieces challenge from challenge matchday 1, but this time involved a much greater test from the flow of play. Teams began in their own half and had to work the play up to the opposing half and develop the attacks with crosses to score points.

The FFLC and the ESA would like to remind everyone that the managers, coaching staff, and players are off-limits to the press during their time at the monastery.

Group 4 9 Group 3 12
Sorthern Northland 4 Kura-Pelland 2
Kilmarnockshire 1 Kanisov 4
Salkehachie 2 Nitrodymium 5
Trumanistan 2 TT Lake Side 1

Group 2 1 Group 5 16
Shmibabway 0 Niosis 5
Thelema Abbey 1 Adihan 3
Shackfold 0 Rugerio 6
Planting 0 Grotewohl 2

Group 1 14 Group 6 7
Billopesha 6 Fargess 3
Herchimer 5 ARealAdvance 1
Novapsulo 1 Cebumopolis 1
Endmile 2 Bellzantium 2

Group Table
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Group 1 3 3 0 0 38 23 15 9
Group 5 2 2 0 0 27 8 19 6
Group 7 2 2 0 0 27 9 18 6
Group 3 3 2 0 1 32 29 3 6
Group 6 2 0 0 2 7 14 -7 0
Group 4 3 0 0 3 22 34 -12 0
Group 2 3 0 0 3 14 43 -29 0

Group 1
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Herchimer 3 2 1 0 12 5 7 7
Novapsulo 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7
Endmile 3 1 1 1 9 5 4 4
Billopesha 3 1 1 1 11 10 1 4

Group 2
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Planting 3 1 0 2 6 9 -3 3
Thelema Abbey 3 1 0 2 7 11 -4 3
Shmibabway 3 0 1 2 1 10 -9 1
Shackfold 3 0 0 3 0 13 -13 0

Group 3
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kanisov 3 2 1 0 9 5 4 7
Nitrodymium 3 2 0 1 10 4 6 6
Kura-Pelland 3 1 1 1 10 11 -1 4
TT Lake Side 3 0 1 2 3 9 -6 1


Group 4
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sorthern Northland 3 2 0 1 10 7 3 6
Trumanistan 3 2 0 1 5 6 -1 6
Salkehachie 3 0 1 2 6 10 -4 1
Kilmarnockshire 3 0 0 3 1 11 -10 0

Group 5
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Rugerio 2 2 0 0 9 0 9 6
Grotewohl 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 6
Niosis 2 1 1 0 6 1 5 4
Adihan 2 1 0 1 7 7 0 3

Group 6
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Bellzantium 2 0 2 0 4 4 0 2
Cebumopolis 2 0 1 1 1 6 -5 1
Fargess 2 0 0 2 8 12 -4 0
ARealAdvance 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0

Group 7
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Canderlaria And Marquez 2 2 0 0 8 0 8 6
Daehanjeiguk 2 2 0 0 7 0 7 6
Vephrall 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
Tylero 2 0 1 1 6 8 -2 1

Just after the Matchday 2 challenge

Sorrah Wais looked around nervously. "Well, I'm certainly glad that wasn't televised," he said softly.

"No kidding, the media would've had a field day - actually scratch that, more like a field month - with that," responded his teammate, defender Spelaad Praumbeted.

"You think we had it bad, I've heard there might be some teams in this tournament with women as well as men," pointed out goalkeeper Doshese Rints. "I don't know if any of 'em had that challenge, but imagine the lawsuits that could've come out of that."

"You never know, there may still be some," added Wais, one of the team's two starting forwards. "I understand the guys across the rivers* weren't too terribly pleased about it."

"Well, as uncomfortable as that may have been, we still won," said manager Ostalir Pasarap, as ever down to business. "And we should be thanking the rest of our group too; we're doing quite well overall."

"So what's next, Coach?"

"Don't know. I have been informed that we've got a bye next matchday, but after that your guess is as good as mine..."

* "across the rivers" - refers to Kura-Pelland, which borders Vephrall to the northwest. Much of the border between the two nations runs along three rivers.

Endmile vs. Bellzantium ends in draw
by Jan Kruis

The USSE played its third challenge matchday today, facing off against our regional rivals, the Holy Republic of Bellzantium. Today's match was a series of offensive plays, which felt much like real football, if a little confined. Starting in their own defensive zone, the attacking team must move the ball forward and set up a play using crossing. There were many great plays, and quite a few oustanding saves. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Endmile's first goal started with Noach Steffy (DF, Royal Blood FC), moving the ball up the field with superb speed. He then put forth a long, searching lob to the outside that found the foot of Veit Schoeman (MF, FC Koningen), who then made a spectacular move around his man and crossed the ball into the box. Everhart Pieterszen (FW, Arbeidervuist) was there with the perfect header, just beating the Bellzantium goalkeeper.

The second goal came near the end of the game. Endmile were down 2-1, and we needed to at least pull out the draw. Rudolf de Ruine put out a long through ball to the outside. Jeroen Schulte (FW, FC Bloemenstad) made an outstanding run to beat his defender and get to the ball up just before it went out. He then crossed it all the way over to the other side of field to Henric van Norstrand (MF, Powerhouse). Van Norstrand then sent a cross into the box that found the head of Everhart Pieterszen, who was again in the right place at the right time.

There were several other chances, but the Bellzantium goalkeeper came up big. Vader Schut (GK, Powerhouse) also made some outstanding saves, keeping Endmile in the game and denying Bellzantium a victory.

The fans here are really showing their support for Endmile. The red of the State Jersey is visible in every pub across the city, and everyone seems to be in good spirits. There were fears of a clash between Bellzantium supporters and The Mile, but things were remarkably calm during the match. I think the security here in The Lowland Clans is doing a superb job.

The USSE's group, Group 1, is currently in first place. Endmile is currently in third place in the group itself, but this will only affect seeding in the next round. If the group can continue to play well in the next matchday, we should be moving on to the next round.

Kura-Pelland suffered defeat to the highly athletic Southern Northland side 4-2 in a stamina-driven contest that at least did include a 45-minute match. The scoring, however, remained arbitrary, and with Kura-Pelland having won the match 2-1 only to fall substantially behind in the final part of the run they are reported to have been furious. They certainly looked it at the final whistle, but the interview ban prevents any accurate comparisions.

With ratings in freefall, NTV have humiliatingly moved the highlights to NTV Sport, freeing up NTV1 for a repeat - yes, a repeat - of crime drama Chasing Shadows. Matchday 3 highlights drew just 6.6% of all TV viewers, for an embarrassing sixth in the timeslot. PBS5, Super6, Plus3, Heaven11 and - most tellingly of all - PBS Sport (with live golf) all beat NTV1. It is the first time in history that NTV1 has not been in the top five for a primetime slot.

OOC: Is it 4 match days in the group stage, with the 16 members of the top 4 placed groups going through?

TT Lake Side Football Team

Formation: 3-5-2
Starters are listed in bold

Manager
Scott Weber

Goalkeepers
#01 - Isaiah Jackson
#02 - Scott Fuchs

Defenders
#25 - Bo Harrison
#09 - Harvey Scott
#13 - James Mann
#07 - Dave Jones
#21 - Nate Hall
#41 - Nicholas Sloan

Midfielders
#19 - Boyd Lindley
#12 - Bud Hanley
#23 - Dennis Lye
#11 - Donny Schwab
#17 - Don Brownlee
#29 - Lucas Hatch
#03 - Les Hinkle

Forwards
#24 - Guy Phipps
#14 - Garth Tripp
#04 - Herschel Carrillo


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

As Wen left the field, team in tow, he smiled to himself. These events were better training for the game than he thought possible. Having more knowledgeable people forcing his team to play in a different way, his team was learning, and they were learning very quickly. He thought about asking the other teams in his group about their training practices and how he might incorporate them into his training regiment. This team of his was strong, and could only grow stronger from here.

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

Round Three, Improvement Shown
by Diawsam (Grotewohl Associated Press)

As the challenges for round 3 were announced, this seer had a bad feeling about this match day. The challenge would be that of setting, with an overall emphasis on flow of play. While the last event that FLoG had participated in was a very similar event, they did not score very well in the game sight/flow of play areas. Not only that, Planting in round one had dominated the field offensively scoring 6 points. As FLoG entered the field, they seemed quite ready for the challenge.

On the first set, Rad'pole gave the ball to Dizzy. With some very impressive dribbling she managed to make it up the field past Planting's midfield, to make a short pass to Sun. Quickly after that, Sun easily made a shot past the goalkeeper of Planting. The referee was quick to declare no points scored for such a goal. After which several of the FLoG members started advancing the referee. Wen was quick to calm the rage of the strikers and find out why a point was not scored for such a maneuver. It had already been explained to me that the goal must come off a crossover pass, which had clearly not happened on that play.

After this first initial play, offense was hard going for a bit. While Planting's midfield did very little to stop the ball from going to the Planting goal, the defense was very set to try to stop any sort of crossover pass. While communication could clearly be heard as orders were yelled around the field, setting up the initial crossover pass was going very poorly.

After a few failed attempts, the set was started to Wen. He had made it easily past the midfield and then made a pass from the center of the field to Auq. Auq quickly passed the ball low across to the other side where Qak was waiting for an easy shot. Planting's goalkeeper was nearly caught off guard but still got a dive at the ball. It was still a goal as the ball went through his fingers.

After this play, once again Planting's defense moved even more to cover a cross pass, making sure even quick passes didn't get through. When it did the goalkeeper was right in position to block the shot. It wasn't until the last round did FLoG score its second point. After what I can only assume was a bad pass, Sun had ended up with the ball nearly in the corner. With a heavy kick, he launched the ball up in the air across and out. When the ball was in the front corner of the box, on the opposite side of Sun, around 3 meters in the air, Wen came out of almost nowhere with a miraculous bicycle kick. This caught all of Planting's team completely off guard. I doubt anyone on their team would have thought he would be able to jump high enough, let alone kick that high at that point. With that goal, FLoG had gained 2 points.

On the other side of the ball action was quite a bit less spectacular. With Planting's team only being able to score one goal on a non-cross pass. Ztat, Rad'pole, and Ryn'raye did an excellent job of not allowing crossover passes, and Goobam easily caught the two shots from cross over passes (as well as many non cross passes). FLoG's midfield did stop the action a few times, but I would not be surprised if there was some extra defense training in queue for them.

End score 2-0 FloG

Update on other Second Final Solution nations:

Endmile: Currently in Group 1, the leading group at the moment, with 4 points and goal difference of 4. In their latest challenge they played Bellzantium. They did the same challenge as FLoG, and after a good show by both teams they tied 2-2. A detailed account of the action can be seen on Endmile sports channels, or in Endmile papers.

Bellzantium: Leading group 6 with 2 points and 0 GD. Their group has had zero wins, and is doing pitifully.

Trumanistan: Also in a group with zero wins. While Trumanistan has gained 6 points, the goal difference is still -1. There is a large drain by the teams in this group with Kilmarnockshire having a goal difference of -10. In the most recent challenge Trumanistan gained its second win in a slim 2-1 win in the same event as FLoG.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/candelariaandmarquez/blackbutton.pngNobody, 0 Points

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/candelaria_and_marquez.pngCandelaria And Marquez, 0 Points

*A nation yawns and watches the tennis instead*

"Hello and welcome to the Baptism of Fire in, wait don't go we actually had some proper football today.

Yep that's right todays challenge involved half a match of football, which whilst not being much is more damn interesting than bringing you highlights of a sportsmanship challenge. Speaking of sportsmanship Sorthern Northland and Kura-Pelland showed very little sportsmanship in an encounter in which Sorthern Northland came out on top.

The challenge started with a long distance cross country race, which was fairly boring so we'll skip. Once the players had knacked themselves out on the cross country they played a 45 minute game of football, which in reality due to the cross country, players from neither said had the energy to play good football. Kura-Pelland raced ahead to a two-nil lead in a matter of minutes. From then on the game remained at two-nil with both teams saving energy for the second part of the cross country.

The game however exploded into life in the last five minutes. Sorthern Northland grabbed one goal back to bring the score to two-one. The game had been a fiery one with bad tackles flying in all over the place from both teams. Being locked up in a prison sorry monastery looked like it was starting to take it's toll on the players who seemed irritable at best, having been denied access to the outside world.

Then with just a couple of minutes left Sorthern Northland looked to have equalised with after an excellent team move. The linesman however raised his flag for a very debatable offside. The Sorthern Northland team were incensed and manager Kevin Hugh was ordered away from the dugout after nearly coming to blows with the match officials.

That should have been it, however deep into stoppage time, the Sorthern Northland centre forward was brought down in the box by a blatant two footed lunge by the Kura-Pelland centre back. The SN players all shouted for a penalty, but the the referee just blew the final whistle. Sensing an injustice the SN players, visibly upset confronted the counterparts
"Hello and welcome to the Baptism of Fire in, wait don't go we actually had some proper football today.

Yep that's right todays challenge involved half a match of football, which whilst not being much is more damn interesting than bringing you highlights of a sportsmanship challenge. Speaking of sportsmanship Sorthern Northland and Kura-Pelland showed very little sportsmanship in an encounter in which Sorthern Northland came out on top.

The challenge started with a long distance cross country race, which was fairly boring so we'll skip. Once the players had knacked themselves out on the cross country they played a 45 minute game of football, which in reality due to the cross country, players from neither said had the energy to play good football. Kura-Pelland raced ahead to a two-nil lead in a matter of minutes. From then on the game remained at two-nil with both teams saving energy for the second part of the cross country.

The game however exploded into life in the last five minutes. Sorthern Northland grabbed one goal back to bring the score to two-one. The game had been a fiery one with bad tackles flying in all over the place from both teams. Being locked up in a prison sorry monastery looked like it was starting to take it's toll on the players who seemed irritable at best, having been denied access to the outside world.

Then with just a couple of minutes left Sorthern Northland looked to have equalised with after an excellent team move. The linesman however raised his flag for a very debatable offside. The Sorthern Northland team were incensed and manager Kevin Hugh was ordered away from the dugout after nearly coming to blows with the match officials.

That should have been it, however deep into stoppage time, the Sorthern Northland centre forward was brought down in the box by a blatant two footed lunge by the Kura-Pelland centre back. The SN players all shouted for a penalty, but the the referee just blew the final whistle. Sensing an injustice the SN players, visibly upset, confronted their counterparts from Kura-Pelland, with the players and coaching staff from both sides getting involved in a 20 man brawl.

Once the players and staff had been separated, and calmed down it was time for the second part of the cross country. The controversy was in no way over though. Sorthern Northland finished dominated the race and finished well before anyone from Kura-Pelland did. Upon returning however the Kura-Pelland players were sporting cuts and bruise that they claimed they had got from the Sorthern Northland players pushing them into bushes and attacking them during the course of the race. The Sorthern Northlanders of course denied any wrong doing and claimed that the Kura-Pelland players had given themselves the injuries in an attempt to get the Sorthern Northlanders disqualified. There are also claims that some fans from Sorthern Northland changed the course in an attempt to send the Kura-Pelland players the wrong way.

Whatever happened the judges decided to give three points to the Sorthern Northlanders a 4-2 win in the challenge, however Sorthern Northland can once again fell let down by their group who with the exception of Trumanistan suffered heavy defeats to take Group 4 to a 12-9 defeat at the hands of Group 3."

Challenge Matchday 4

The fourth challenge matchday continued to emphasize the character building ideals of the Tournament, emphasizing the mental aspects of the game over the technical aspects, and the teamwork over the individual skill.

The first challenge was primarily a teamwork challenge, but teams were also judged on attitude and physical strenght. Teams had to complete a series of drill, but half their number were heavily encumbered in one way or another (unable to use their strong foot, carrying extra weights etc.) and the drills needed the entire team to complete them. Thus teams were scored on how well they aided their teammates, and how their teammates overcame the adversity of their encumbrances.

The second challenge tested the composure and concentration of the teams, who were forced to complete several drills and set piece performances while the defending team were given a much wider berth by the officials, and bombarded by catcalls and inclement conditions and poor equipment. Teams were scored on how they kept their heads about them and how well they were able to complete their tasks.

The third challenge tested the teams decision making skills, with an emphasis on creative play and team involvement. This test put the teams in certain on-field situations that involved them making decisions that would lead to strong attacks or goals that involved some aspects of creative football and involving as many members of the team as possible.

The fourth challenge involved testing players off the ball play, and how well performed tasks such as shaking defenders, putting themselves into good positions to aid their teammates, whether they would come to the aid of teammates when the situations provided for it, and so on.

(OOC: There will be 7 group stage matchdays, with the top four groups advancing to the round of sixteen.)


Group 5 9 Group 4 17
Niosis 0 Sorthern Northland 5
Adihan 0 Kilmarnockshire 3
Rugerio 2 Salkehachie 3
Grotewohl 7 Trumanistan 6

Group 2 7 Group 3 15
Shmibabway 0 Kura-Pelland 3
Thelema Abbey 3 Kanisov 4
Shackfold 0 Nitrodymium 6
Planting 4 TT Lake Side 2


Group 7 15 Group 6 15
Vephrall 4 Fargess 4
Candelaria And Marquez 3 ARealAdvance 2
Daehanjeiguk 6 Cebumopolis 5
Tylero 2 Bellzantium 4

Group Table
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Group 1 3 3 0 0 38 23 15 9
Group 3 4 3 0 1 47 36 11 9
Group 7 3 2 1 0 42 14 28 7
Group 5 3 2 0 1 36 25 11 6
Group 4 4 1 0 3 39 43 -4 3
Group 6 3 0 1 2 22 29 -7 1
Group 2 4 0 0 4 21 58 -37 0


Group 1
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Herchimer 3 2 1 0 12 5 7 7
Novapsulo 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7
Endmile 3 1 1 1 9 5 4 4
Billopesha 3 1 1 1 11 10 1 4

Group 2
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Planting 4 2 0 2 10 11 -1 6
Thelema Abbey 4 1 0 3 10 15 -5 3
Shmibabway 4 0 1 3 1 13 -12 1
Shackfold 4 0 0 4 0 19 -19 0

Group 3
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kanisov 4 3 1 0 13 8 5 10
Nitrodymium 4 3 0 1 16 4 12 9
Kura-Pelland 4 2 1 1 13 11 2 7
TT Lake Side 4 0 1 3 5 13 -8 1

Group 4
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sorthern Northland 4 3 0 1 15 7 8 9
Trumanistan 4 2 0 2 11 13 -2 6
Salkehachie 4 1 1 2 9 12 -3 4
Kilmarnockshire 4 1 0 3 4 11 -7 3

Group 5
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Grotewohl 3 3 0 0 12 6 6 9
Rugerio 3 2 0 1 11 3 8 6
Niosis 3 1 1 1 6 6 0 4
Adihan 3 1 0 2 7 10 -3 3

Group 6
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Bellzantium 3 1 2 0 8 6 2 5
Fargess 3 0 1 2 12 16 -4 1
Cebumopolis 3 0 1 2 6 12 -6 1
ARealAdvance 3 0 0 3 3 9 -6 0

Group 7
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Candelaria And Marquez 3 3 0 0 11 2 9 9
Daehanjeiguk 3 3 0 0 13 5 8 9
Vephrall 3 2 1 0 10 5 5 7
Tylero 3 0 1 2 8 12 -4 1

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/candelaria_and_marquez.pngCandelaria And Marquez, 3 Points

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/ARealAdvance.pngARealAdvance, 2 Points


Peter Waddington, captain of the C&M side, rubbed his head. Though they and their fellow G7ers had managed to snatch two days off in between, the heading challenge of Match Day 2 had still left its mark. Waddo had long since accepted the brain damage that would surely arrive, eventually, after a life-time of being hit repeatedly in the forehead by an unnecessarily hard spherical object. What he objected to was having to spend the best part of an afternoon doing nothing but that.

It was his excuse for the team’s relative lack of concentration against the oddly-named ARealAdvance team, a nice bunch of lads from a country seemingly identical to the Candelarias. The switch to professionalism in the late ‘90s hadn’t helped either, the C&M boys not used to playing in unisize boots on sloping pitches.

After a hard afternoon’s work, the C&M team were now maxin’ and relaxin’ with their Daehanjeiguk counterparts; as much as anyone can Max and indeed Relax in a monastery, which was still as cold and forbidding as when they first arrived.

Neither team could understand each other overly well, being reliant on the few Han players with a decent grasp of English, and Benji Fu and Speed Wang; both second-generation Chinese. Speed seemed something of a hit with the Daehanjeiguk group, disconcerted as they were by his constant rubbing of his Irina Legova-induced groin injury.

“他們是真正的惡棍, 一些隊在這中比賽。對規則的沒有尊敬, 或者。我不知道怎麼我們仍然帶領,” Speed was telling his fellow Wang, in the mother-tongue he hadn’t attempted since the age of six. Waddo couldn’t understand what he was saying, obviously (though he suspected the Han player couldn’t make out much of it either), but he got the sentiment. While the ARealAdvance squad had seemed quiet, studious types, politely loosing all their challenges with varying degrees of ineptitude; they were also absolute thugs with – more to the point – no understanding of, nor interest in, the rules of the game. Set-pieces were made all but impossible when large centre-forwards were standing unfeasibly close to Caras or Grillo. Somehow or other though, they’d managed to pluck out a win. With 11 points for and but two conceded; nobody at the monastery seemed at all sure whether that made C&M the performers of the Tournament so far, or a thoroughly mid-table outfit benefiting from dire opponents. Still, Group 7 remained clearly strong enough to qualify, even if the Sorthern Northland-led Group 4 was starting to creep up on the rails.

“Um. Have you ever actually been to China,” Wang Shinheun asked Speed politely, wisely switching back to English.
“Oh yes. Me’n m’girl went there on holiday, couple’a summers back.”
“Ah. Shanghai?”
“Nah, she went of her own free will.”

***

Many miles away; George Durham, President of the C&M FA, watched highlights of the Oxen Cup on one plasma screen, and the C&M team attempting to score a corner through a chorus of artificial booing, on another. He turned to his secretary.
“Debbie… Remind me again why we opted for the boff over this…?”

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/niosis.pngNiosis Nil Points
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/sorthern_northland.png Sorthern Northland Five Points

Group Four finally had something to celebrate today following a 17-9 victory over Group Five. Every member of Group Four won their challenge apart from Trumanistan who can consider themselves unlucky to have lost despite scoring six points.

Sorthern Northland got another victory, but unlike yesterdays there was no doubt that they had won fairly.

Sorthern Northland against represented their group in the first challenge, which today was a challenge of teamwork with attitude and physical strength thrown in. The challenge involved a series of army style drills which needed the teams to work together to complete, whilst some members of the teams were forced to use their weaker foots or carry extra weights. In Sorthern Northland players to encouraged to practise with both feet and very few players have a stronger foot as such, this was clearly on show today as the players forced to used their "weaker" foot showed little sign of difficulty, the time spent in the gym also showed with the players easily managing the extra weights they were forced to carry.

The Niosisian players however clearly had difficulty and rumours of a break up in team relations were only increased after Niosisian players refused to work with certain team mates. They fared little better in being forced to use thier weaker foots and carrying extra weights either.

Elsewhere in the group Kilmarnockshire got a three nil win over Adihan, in a test of composure and concentration. Salkehachie edged out Rugerio three-two in a decision making exercise. Trumanistan showed great ability in their off the ball challenge and were unlucky to be beaten seven six by Grotewohl.

*Taken from a live broadcast of the #1 news program in Endmile, Een Lopende Zaak.

"The Baptism of Fire Tournament is in full swing now, so let's go live to our correspondent on the scene in the Lowland Clans, Klaas van den Bergh. How are things there Klaas?”

*switches to shot in pub of Klaas (wearing his replica State Jersey) in front of a bunch of screaming fans, all of whom are supporters for teams in Group 1.

“Very well, Alec. I’m here at the official Group 1 Fan Party at the Lazy Dog Pub. Our group is currently in first place, and the fans are loving it. This is the first time the fans of an entire group have celebrated together, and it seems to be going spectacularly! There is a bit of confusion here, as most of us are unclear as to whether today’s round was the last of the challenges, but with our group doing so well victory is virtually guaranteed! There are fans here from all the teams in our group mingling and celebrating this latest group victory, and it seems to be fostering a newfound camaraderie between the people of these 4 nations.”

“Klaas, have there been any reports of violence or hooliganism surrounding the tournament?”

“Alec, the only real scuffle occurred during the Endmile-Trumanistan match. The local police were very swift in their reaction, and things have been great since then. I think everyone here is too excited about the Tournament to be distracted by all that nonsense. Spirits are high, and our group is advancing.”

“So, what do you think are chances are? Will we bring home the title?”

*In the background, Endmile fans are cheering on a Herchimer fan, who is drinking a pitcher of beer in the traditional Endmile style – with a funnel.

“Well Alec, it’s a bit early to make any predictions, but Endmile are playing very well in their first tournament. I think our advancement to the second round is all but locked. After that, I think we’ll see some more traditional football matches, and we all know that Endmile has the talent needed to go all the way. With the support of these fans here, as well as the unbelievable support at home, I don’t know if there’s any way we can lose. Back to you, Alec.”

“Thanks, Klaas. Now on to the national news. The State announced today that the overbudget, unsuccessful space program is set to be eliminated…”

After the challenge, Wen learned of the defeats by the rest of the teams in his group. After a long exhausting battle with Trumanistan, such news was much troubling. Anger welled up in him. Rugerio was the least of his concerns, nearly ousted by one point. His wraith was aimed at Niosis and Adihan. 'How am I to get this group to victory when several of my groupmates are crushed in such a fashion?'

He realized that the needed a stronger defense, especially in the midfield. He started to prepare himself and his team to step up on defense and to not allow points to their enemies. If other teams in his group were going to allow so many points, he wasn't going to allow it any further.

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

Round Four, Tough compitition from Trumanistan.
by Diawsam (Grotewohl Associated Press)

Today's event was filled with lots of offense but lacked in defense. The event was in testing players actions while not controlling the ball, with such things as shaking defenders and moving into position for the play. After an intense afternoon of action. The end result was 7-6 FLoG.

While we could not directly see the end result of the challenge while it was being played, it was very obvious that both teams were doing very well. With players quite often in position down the field with no defenders on them. This was true for both sides.

Quite often did Trumanistan quickly pass the ball directly to open players in the midfield. Not as often, but still frequently did a pass ensue to an open foward down the field. As soon as the strikers had the ball however, they infrequently made it past the defense and Goobam for the goal.

FLoG on the other hand moved the ball as effectivly down the field to Trumanistan's goal, scoring a couple more times that Trumanistan. There seemed to be a great improvement by FLoG in anticipating what would come next in the play, and moved the ball well. If this insight was seen by FLoG's defense, there would have been a much stronger defensive showing.

The opinion of this Seer is that the end result of FLoG overcoming Trumanistan by one point was due to the extra goals scored by FLoG off of the plays. While this cannot be known for sure, it seems to be the strongest possibility.

At this time, FLoG remains one of the only teams undefeated in the Baptism of Fire. The other two teams both being in group 7. While both those teams are undefeated they sit only in one spot higher than Group 5 (FLoG's group). This shows that the challenges must not only be won, but the goal difference is very important.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

Following a surprise discovery that the Imperial Team was unable to be contacted during the BoF trials, an investigation has been launched to discover if MBC International played imitators to play cues in place for Head Coach Cha Beomgeun. MBC officials are claiming that the true Cha Beomgeun was interviewed, although they have yet to explain how it could have happened under the BoF restriction rules.

Nonetheless, another surprise as MBC officials attest that it was impossible to contact the Imperial Football Team for today's review, although they read an astounding 6-5 victory for the Han team, against Cebumopolis. The challenge of the day was apparently to gage decisiveness and creativity, although it is uncertain how the scores were handled.

In Group 7 altogether, another victory by Candelaria And Marquez helped keep the Group on top, but the pivotal loss by Tylero conceded the extra points, leading to an overall tie. The Group record has fallen by 1 match period, although the Group still ranks very high and despite the competitiveness in the BoF itself, Group 7 still holds a high chance to enter the Round of 16.

This news is brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

“他們是真正的惡棍, 一些隊在這中比賽。對規則的沒有尊敬, 或者。我不知道怎麼我們仍然帶領,” Speed was telling his fellow Wang, in the mother-tongue he hadn’t attempted since the age of six. Waddo couldn’t understand what he was saying, obviously (though he suspected the Han player couldn’t make out much of it either), but he got the sentiment. While the ARealAdvance squad had seemed quiet, studious types, politely loosing all their challenges with varying degrees of ineptitude; they were also absolute thugs with – more to the point – no understanding of, nor interest in, the rules of the game. Set-pieces were made all but impossible when large centre-forwards were standing unfeasibly close to Caras or Grillo. Somehow or other though, they’d managed to pluck out a win. With 11 points for and but two conceded; nobody at the monastery seemed at all sure whether that made C&M the performers of the Tournament so far, or a thoroughly mid-table outfit benefiting from dire opponents. Still, Group 7 remained clearly strong enough to qualify, even if the Sorthern Northland-led Group 4 was starting to creep up on the rails.

“Um. Have you ever actually been to China,” Wang Shinheun asked Speed politely, wisely switching back to English.
“Oh yes. Me’n m’girl went there on holiday, couple’a summers back.”
“Ah. Shanghai?”
“Nah, she went of her own free will.”

ooc: reminds people that the correct adjective is Han, not Chinese. And I'm not China per se - I'm Han. Don't mind that the language is otherwise the same...

At least they’d we’ll be able to play some actual matches, thought Owen as he read the results from Challenge Day 4. Even though it wasn’t a lock, all Group 1 would need is one more point to get through this part, thanks in part to the efforts of his side.

Murrough chuckled. “We have done well with our event selection. Not to make the Terrans sound inferior, but if there was anything we were going to do well on, it was thinking and behavior. If only Josef could control his mouth.”

Owen smiled. While Josef’s slip of a profanity in public was likely what led to a draw in the sportsmanship competition, it was forgivable, considering why he slipped. “If I had a statue fall on my feet, Murrough, I’d yell too. How we were marked off for it, I don’t know.”

“A good thing you didn’t yell back,” responded Murrough, “we might have lost the point we did get!”

“Well, that’s beside the point now. Have you had any luck contacting the board? I’m sure they’re waiting to hear our reports.”

Murrough shook his head, “Negative, boss. We can’t even send anything out. Besides, how would the post reach Novapsolu?”

“Good point. I will bring that up at the next Sport Board meeting” replied Owen. He had been the strongest proponent for international activity, and was going to leave no detail behind. If only he could get the Building Authority to get moving on the island…

And we turn back around to see what's behind us:


http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/salkehachie.png Salkehachie - 3__________2 - Becquerelia http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/rugiero.png


INDECISION LEADS TO "LOSS"
Group Loss Leads To Fears Of Non-Qualification[/CENTER]


LONDON, THE LOWLAND CLANS - A bad day for Rugiero in particular and Group 5 in general has led to the group being defeated by the swiftly rising Group 4, according to reports issued by the monestary the Baptism of Fire is being held at.

Rugiero was defeated 3-2 by little-known Salkehachie. This was Rugiero's first "loss" and Salkehachie's first "win," though they had earned a "draw" earlier.

The challenge facing Rugiero today was one of testing "decision making skills." Though particulars of the event are sketchy, due to restrictions on contact between teams and the press, a source close to the Baptism of Fire said that Rugiero did well but was penalized due to a tendancy for some players to monopolize the ball. It's also reported that Rugiero was complimented for their capacity to set up potential strong attacks, even if they weren't capitalized on.

Overall, three of the four teams in Group 5 "lost" their challanges, leading to a decisive loss overall to Group 4, which is just 3 points away from sitting in the pivitol fourth place necessary to move on the Group of 16 and actual proper football.

"This was one of the worries of ours regarding the system set up for this Baptism of Fire," said Marguerite Cavellier, a representative for the Rugiero Football Federation. "By creating a tournament determined by groups and not individual team play, it's going to allow for a lot more chaff in the Group of 16 and several good teams being sent home in the other groups."

She continued, "Frankly, when we qualify and Group 4 doesn't, we'll be sad to see Sorthern Northland go, they're a fine country. Lots of pluck." She refused to be quoted further, but did let it be known that it was in the consideration of the Rugiero Football Federation that Rugiero, and the rest of Group 5 would qualify for the Group of 16.

Challenge Matchday 5

As the end of the Challenge stage arrives, teams and groups were subjected to even worse conditions during this challenge matchday. Mud and gravel pitches, with odd lengths and widths, blasting cold, and baking hot sun, along with snow, hail and torrential rain were just some of the adversarial conditions face by teams on this challenge matchday. These tests of technical skill were designed to test them in extreme conditions, thus the judging process was much laxer than usual. As these scores demonstrates, teams for the most part showed a great increase in growth and ability as the Tournament has progressed. Teams and groups have grown closer, as have their supporters.

The first challenge involved ball control: the quality of the first touches, settling and controlling passes, and dribbles in the tough conditions.

The second challenge long shots, crosses and passes. These were scored on accuracy and contribution to the overall flow of play, in favor of the team which made them.

The third challenge tested the teams' finishing again, as teams were again pitted against each other for the quality of the finishes during this drill rather than the quantity.

The fourth and final challenge involved another game vision and positioning test, made more difficult by the fact the pitch was blanketed by fog. Players needed to use each other's voices to map out player locations, and plan their attacks and defending set plays carefully.

Group 3 1 Group 7 14
Kura-Pelland 0 Vephrall 4
Kanisov 0 Canderlaria And Marquez 2
Nitrodymium 0 Daehanjeiguk 5
TT Lake Side 1 Tylero 3

Group 2 18 Group 6 14
Shmibabway 6 Fargess 5
Thelema Abbey 6 ARealAdvance 2
Shackfold 3 Cebumopolis 2
Planting 3 Bellzantium 5


Group 1 6 Group 5 21
Billopesha 1 Niosis 6
Herchimer 0 Adihan 5
Novapsulo 2 Rugerio 5
Endmile 3 Grotewohl 5

Group Table
Code: Qualified Groups; Eliminated Groups; Groups in Contention
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Group 7 4 3 1 0 42 14 28 10
Group 5 4 3 0 1 36 25 11 9
Group 1 4 3 0 1 44 44 0 9
Group 3 5 3 0 2 48 50 -2 9
---------------------------------------------------------------
Group 4 4 1 0 3 39 43 -4 3
Group 2 5 1 0 4 39 72 -33 3
Group 6 4 0 1 3 36 47 -11 1

Group 1
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Herchimer 4 2 1 1 12 10 2 7
Novapsulo 4 2 1 1 8 8 0 7
Endmile 4 1 1 2 12 10 2 4
Billopesha 4 1 1 2 12 16 -4 4

Group 2
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Planting 4 2 0 2 10 11 -1 6
Thelema Abbey 4 1 0 3 10 15 -5 3
Shmibabway 4 0 1 3 1 13 -12 1
Shackfold 4 0 0 4 0 19 -19 0

Group 3
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kanisov 5 3 1 1 13 10 3 10
Nitrodymium 5 3 0 2 16 9 7 9
Kura-Pelland 5 2 1 2 13 15 -2 7
TT Lake Side 5 0 1 4 6 16 -10 1

Group 4
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sorthern Northland 4 3 0 1 15 7 8 9
Trumanistan 4 2 0 2 11 13 -2 6
Salkehachie 4 1 1 2 9 12 -3 4
Kilmarnockshire 4 1 0 3 4 11 -7 3

Group 5
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Grotewohl 4 4 0 0 17 9 8 12
Rugerio 4 3 0 1 16 5 11 9
Niosis 4 2 1 1 12 7 5 7
Adihan 4 2 0 2 12 10 2 6

Group 6
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Bellzantium 4 2 2 0 13 9 4 8
Fargess 4 0 1 3 17 22 -5 1
Cebumopolis 4 0 1 3 8 15 -7 1
ARealAdvance 4 0 0 4 5 15 -10 0

Group 7
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Daehanjeiguk 4 4 0 0 18 5 13 12
Canderlaria And Marquez 4 4 0 0 13 2 11 12
Vephrall 4 3 1 0 14 5 9 10
Tylero 4 1 1 2 11 13 -2 4

Tatulya Samed, the slightly reluctant C&M Minister for Sport, ran at something approaching full pelt down a random corridor at the Home Office. Via an unlikely series of coincidences, she happened to career into her intended target; the Minister for Social Affairs, Reuben Queseda.
“Christ,” Queseda muttered as he regained his balance, “You’re in one hell of a hurry.”
“Mm. To find you actually. Or someone of your ilk. Your ministry may have to take things from here.”
“Sorry, uh, things being?”
“Right. You’ve been following the Baptism of Fire event?”
“Vaguely, Tatty. More of a volleyball man m’self.”
“Okay, well, we’re – volleyball? Really? Anyway, we had this afternoon’s fixtures faxed over an hour or so back, with C&M set to face their next challenge against a country called Kanisov. The thing is, and I’ve had some lads from the Foreign Office on this for the last half an hour, there’s no such country.”
“What… never?”
“Possibly. More likely though, it’s been destroyed, conquered, or just… disappeared in the fortnight since their football team arrived in the Lowland Clans.”
Queseda let the information sink in. “D’you suppose they know? The Kanisov players, I mean?”
“Tournament rules allow for governments and/or FAs to contact their teams – or individual players on said team – in an emergency. Family bereavement or national disaster or whatever. But… if there’s no-one left in Kanisov to get a message to them…” She left the final point hanging.
Reuben sighed. “Right, well. I’m sure the competition organisers must be aware of the situation...”
“I’m not…” Samed muttered darkly.
“Alright, best try and get in contact with them. With Mark Baker, if all else fails. And watch the game this afternoon. If they seem pleasant fellows, we’ll be duty-bound to offer them refugee status, if they’ve got nowhere else to go.”
“Alright. Plus, they’re a pretty useful outfit, by the looks of things. Might be worth naturalising a couple of ‘em…”

***

They were a pretty useful outfit, it seemed. They were helped perhaps by the artificially extreme weather, mostly baking hot sun the C&M players were far from used to. After a first fifteen minutes or so in which the technically more proficient Candelariasians prospered, the heat began to tell and the passes of Speed Wang, O’Sullivan Caras and Joey Pipes were falling horribly short as the players struggled to muster the requisite energy. To Tatulya’s admittedly untrained eye, it looked an altogether flat performance and for a time a point victory seemed unlikely. But a set of substitutions late in the day saved the day and saw the Big Blues awarded a comfortable – if narrow – 2 to 0 victory.

With that result, she knew, coupled with Vephrall’s victory earlier in the day and the surely inevitable thumping the distressingly good Han side would give out; Group 7’s passage to the knock-out stage was virtually assured. She found it hard to muster much joy at that fact, though; as she watched the dispirited Kanisov players trudge back to the monastery. It was clear they had no idea of the fate that had befallen their friends and family back home, the horrible knowledge that would soon confront them, that they were the very last of their country’s citizens. Despite herself, she gulped back tears of sympathy.

There was a polite knock on her office door, and a rather gormless young man from the Foreign Office walked in, smiled at her wanly, and passed her a note.

***

Tatulya Samed next met the Minister for Social Affairs that evening, at the Ministry’s unisex toilets. She looked up at him from a washbasin as he entered.
“Ah, Tatulya. What’s the latest on Kanisov?”
“Kansiov,” she corrected him, quietly. “A well-proportioned communist state in the Arab League. They thanked us for our interest and assured us if they ever ceased to exist we’d be the first to know. I think they were being sarcastic, mind.” She sighed. “Ben, if you happen to see the Education Minister any time soon… get him to cancel that shipment of spelling primers from the Lowland Clans, would you?”

Endmile loses to Grotewohl, Group 1 not doing so hot
By Jan Kruis

The challenge round of the Baptism of Fire Tournament continued today, with Endmile suffering a 3-6 defeat at the hands of the Free Land of Grotewohl. The match was a series of plays and set pieces, with an emphasis on player communication. The real challenge was that the match was played under a thick, dense layer of fog. With visibility very low, players had to communicate very well in order to score.

Endmile was able to score three times on Grotewohl. Two goals were from midfielders, Henric van Nostrand and Rudolf de Ruine, who seemed to be taking advantage of the fog by putting some farther shots on goal. Grotewohl’s goalkeeper, Goobam, was unable to stop the first couple of long shots, but he caught on rather quickly. Endmile’s third goal came from Everhart Pieterszen, who was able to head in a kick from a set piece.

While Endmile was able to score, Grotewohl seemed to have superior communication skills, despite their primitive dialect. Their special forces training seems to have come in handy in this match, and they acted as if the fog wasn’t even there at times. The barbarian horde may not have discovered tools or fire yet, but they have discovered football. Definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The rest of Group 1 fared no better today, with Billopesha, Herchimer, and Novapsulo all losing their respective matches. The group dropped two spots to number 3 on the table. Group 7 absolutely demolished Group 3 to take the lead in the table and secure their spots in the next round. Now if Group 1 can just pull off some wins, Endmile should move on to the next round.

After the tough competition with Endmile, Wen was awaiting the scores to be posted. The event was almost the same as all the previous ones they had done, so he felt the win was his. However, he began to grow angry in the fact that he was not learning anything new. His team was doing the same event over and over. While undefeated, the growth potential was waining. Waiting in contemplation, Wen realized that they were yet to play group 7, containing Candelaria And Marquez, Vephrall and Daehanjeiguk. Two of which were undefeated as well. It was coming soon and he could feel it.

As he thought about strategies for overcoming such a task at hand, the scores were posted. Grotewohl 5, Endmile 3. Such events where the score was unknown until after were quite aggravating. Shortly after they posted the group rankings. Group 7 sat on top in a new found blue print, signifying the passage to the next part of the BoF. Underneath was group 5 with a lead in GD. Then he realized the scoreboards were incorrect. Counting the Group 5 GF and GA and comparing it to the Group Table, this days events had not been scored on the group table.

He looked to group 7, still three remained undefeated. With two rounds left, how many would make it?

He informed the monks of the error, but did not wait for any notification this time; having received no official communications after the last error. He just hoped the error would be fixed on the next scoreboard.

Wen left to go prepare his team for the next event.

The Meice Journal
English Edition

Vephrall to Participate in Baptism Knockouts
by Sceliffs Tidus, on location in the Lowland Clans

Kura-Pelland 0, Vephrall 4
Group Three 1, Group Seven 14

It was a day of total domination by the nations of Group Seven as Vephrall, Daehanjeiguk, and Candelaria and Marquez all totally shut out their Group Three opponents in the Matchday Five challenges, the only bit of minor imperfection being Tylero's mere 3-1 victory over TT Lake Side making the overall group totals 14 to 1.

Not all is happy on our continent, though, as the team that Vephrall blanked four-nil happened to be that of our friends and neighbors in Kura-Pelland. Throughout the challenge, primarily a test of the players' control of the ball, Vephrall seem to have everything well in hand.

The 14-1 victory moved Group Seven back to the top of the Tournament standings and officially clinched berths in the knockout stages for its four teams. The Vephrese players could not be reached for comment due to the media restrictions in place for the Tournament, though it seems logical to expect that they will be happy to continue to the next round.

Another disappointing day for TT Lake Side. They have been struggling all BOF challenges. Though they did have the most points for the group on this latest challenge.

TT Lake Side is not too disappointed however as this is the first Nation team they have put together, and can only move up the ladder as time goes on.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

Despite the continuing hiatus of information from the Imperial Football Team, MBC is proud to present updates from the Baptism of Fire.

After passing the challenge for Match 4 (Matchday 5), the Imperial Han Football Team demonstrated top class finishes against a rather bland Nitrodymium team. This revelation comes as many home critics have held the team's inability to score goals as a severe weakness in the upcoming competitions; as the Imperial Team racked a total 5 points against Nitrodymium's 0 points. Critics state that the composition of Nitrodymium didn't allow for a classic finish, before being informed that the match in question was not a chemistry competition; comments after the remarks are currently unavailable.

In Group 7, a resounding 14 points compared to Group 3's 1 point gained another victory, securing Group 7's entrance in the Round of 16. Candelaria and Marquez scored 2 points against their counterparts in Kanisov, while Vephrall gained 4 points against Kura-Pelland. Even Tylero managed to sneak a victory against TT Lake Side: 3-1 (the one point scored by TT Lake Side being the only point scored for Group 3.

With these victories, Group 7 expects to head into the Round of 16 on top, with the best overall record in the BoF.

Round 5, Endmile Defeated 3-5
by Diawsam
(Grotewohl Associated Press)

This match day, once again has FLoG come out on top. Today's challenge was once again team communication, position and game vision. The main difference this time being that the field was covered in a thick fog, creating vision problems.

It had been awhile since this Seer had heard the dialect of the people of the mountains. The people of the mountains are the most reclusive in Grotewohl, normally not even speaking their native tongue to outsiders. FLoG had appeared to have trained in this language to prevent interception of communications. And it seemed to help keep Endmile's defense from understanding their shouts.

Despite the fog, we were able to watch using infrared looking devices. It was easy to tell the difference between players on each team due to the fact that FLoG players towered over the Endmile team (with the exception of Wen).

After a few long shots by Endmile's midfield, you could hear the FLoG midfielders calling out "Sugg Tar! Sugg Tar!" (long shot). With this increase in communication, Goobam was able to anticipate the long shots and stop them dead.

Wen's offense appeared to be setup so that the shots on goal would come from different places each time. Quite often he would suddenly shout "Ta'ar rak!" (shoot now) or simply "Rak". He would say it in different ways so it seemed harder to pickup the meanings of his words. With this I saw some very awkward shots from Qak, Auq and Sun. The randomness of shots caught Endmile goalkeeper, Vader Schut, off-gaurd several times. His reactions were admirable but he was not able to stop all the shots.

In the end only one goal was spectacular. This was a header by Auq, who deflected the ball just outside the box. After hearing the command for shoot, Qak had taken a mid-range shot which was off to the left, either by fortune or by training, Auq was in position for this missed shot and headed it in. Vader Schut questioned the referee if he was offsides, due to the fact that he was behind Thijs Tullier. However, Jaap van Waert was almost in the corner of the field. Sun had rushed him, making him back up more than expected. Jaap van Waert must not have been aware of the ball position.

With group 5 all but in the final 16, 2 days remain ahead of them. With only a win or a draw, the spot will be secured.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

Challange Matchday 6

With but two challange matchdays left for the weary squads in the Baptism of Fire, they were set forth with challanges that would test their concentration and motivation in monsoon conditions. With the heavy rain, blasting wind, and muddied pitch, the tests would make sure that these competitors are ready for even the most grueling of enviroments that many nations stadiums prove to be.

The first challange was to create a sequence of fifteen or more passes against a pressing defence and score a goal within a certain time frame. Points were awarded for crispness of the passes and the time it took to create the goal.

The second challange involved a three on five counter attack. The attacking squad needed to get the ball into the penalty area, complete a pass, and have the ball go off the crossbar. Points were awarded for time it took to complete the task and the fluidness of the attack.

The third challange composed of right sided corner with the wind blowing towards the goal line. Points were awarded for quality of delivering and conversion ratio.

The final challange was delivering a set piece from outside the area with thunderous noise produced by drums coming from all sides of the pitch to reflect a hostile crowd. Points were awarded for the quality and calmness with which the piece was taken.

Group 4 9 Group 7 10
Southern Northland 3 Vephrall 4
Kilmarnockshire 0 Canderlaria And Marquez 1
Salkehachie 0 Daehanjeiguk 2
Trumanistan 6 Tylero 3

Group 2 5 Group 5 11
Shmibabway 4 Niosis 2
Thelema Abbey 1 Adihan 5
Shackfold 0 Rugerio 2
Planting 0 Grotewohl 2


Group 1 17 Group 6 13
Billopesha 0 Fargess 4
Herchimer 5 ARealAdvance 2
Novapsulo 1 Cebumopolis 3
Endmile 11 Bellzantium 3

Whoosh! Whooosh! Boing!

Baptism of Fire (Naomi Scott, CAPA) The Big Blues retained their 100% record in the World Cup preliminary tournament Tuesday. In an extreme variant of Football Morning’s Crossbar Challenge, C&M were granted a narrow one-zero points victory over Kilmarnockshire – the second time they have faced the Scotch side in the last week thanks to the Tournament’s increasingly unhinged format.

The C&M players trudged their was through what effectively amounted to a dead rubber for the Group 7 side, having qualified for the Last 16 stage after the previous matchday. The true degree of the side’s international successes remains unclear however, with a modest total of 14 points thus far, and just two against, reflecting unfondly on the poverty of the direct opposition thus far. Bookies in the Candelarias appear to reflect this view, and despite a certain amount of patriotic betting C&M remain fourth in the competition odds behind Vephrall, Grotewohl and favourites Daehanjeiguk, who remain a shade of odds-on.

From a side column in the Albrecht Herald, tucked away several pages into the sport section opposite the golf.

Group Four today lost to Group Seven and with that were out of the tournament, boss Kevin Hugh was obviously angry and has broken the tournament rules and again faces possible disciplinary action after having sent this statement to be read out on SNTV.

"This tournament and the qualification methods are a farce, Sorthern Northland are currently top of our group and cannot finish third, in any other tournament we would have progressed. Our team have been fairly consistent having won three out of five, but teams like TT Lake Side who have not even won a single match but will be going through because on the merit of other teams. Of course congratulations to the teams who have taken their groups through, but is it fair that team that have done poorly can go through on merit of other teams performing well, while other teams like Bellzantium just as well if not better than some teams going through but are knocked out due to other in their group not doing well."

The letter then descends into some sort of incoherent message, which looks like either a shopping list or a suicide note. Police are investigating, and their are reports of a man who matches the description of the SN boss who looks like he's about to jump from a tall building.

Of course were his group going through, Hugh would probably be congratulating the hosts on such a brilliant idea so this letter is probably just a way of deflecting blame for bad coaching away from himself. The FASN however are not easily fooled and will be reviewing his contract.

Endmile boosts Group 1 standing with decisive 11-3 victory over Bellzantium
By Jan Kruis

The Challenge stage of the Tournament continued today, seeing Endmile absolutely demolish the Holy Republic of Bellzantium in a match involving a series of set pieces. The play was made more difficult by simulating a hostile crowd environment, as if the offensive team were playing away.

Since the play was all set pieces, Endmile decided to use its two top servers, Veit Schoeman (MF, FC Koningen) and Henric van Nostrand (MF, Powerhouse), to deliver all the balls. Schoeman scored twice and van Nostrand netted three goals directly off kicks. Of the six remaining Endmile goals, four were scored by Everhart Pieterszen (FW, Arbeidervuist), one by Tjaart Koning (FW, Powerhouse), and one by Lange Baans (MF, De Prinsen).

The religious fanatics from Bellzantium seemed to have poor communication on the field and were only able to score twice. Their first goal was off a great header, but the second goal was rather sloppy and went in by chance. Bellzantium's final goal was from a high shot that looked like it would go over the post, but dropped at the last second. Overall, not a great showing for Bellzantium, who were crushed under the feet of the mighty Endmile force.

Group 1’s performance was not great all around, although Herchimer pulled off a 5-2 win against ARealAdvance. Novapsulo lost 1-3 to Cebumopolis and Billopesha went scoreless in a 0-4 loss to Fargess. Thankfully, Endmile’s 11 points gave Group 1 the win over Group 5. Without their outstanding play today, our group would not have won.

Matchday 6 came and went, winners won, also-rans also ran, and Rugiero qualified for the Round of 16.

As did Grotewhol, Adihan and Niosis, but still.

Rugiero? Qualified!

Maru Hiniru could feel it as he woke up in the morning. There was a possibility that the almost electric charge he felt as he got up was from the cold and damp of being stuck in a monestary for weeks, possibly from the start of a cold, but as the day went on, he knew: they were moving on.

It seemed they could do no wrong that day. Even breakfast went better than expected (no unfortunate incidences involving fruit and/or maple syrup today, no sir). The pre-challange warm-up was crisp and focused. And their opponents were Shackfold, a team that had somehow managed to fail to score any points at all the entire Baptism of Fire. They were long past fearing for their football lives and slipped into resolve that, yes, they weren't moving on. Maru worried that this motivate them to put an effort into embarrassing them, but another surge of confidence whipped through him making those worries disappear.

Somehow these monks had figured out a way to make weather appear inside their cloistered stadiums. A neat trick, but one Maru could live without, standing with a long coat solemn faced with his band of players at the ready, holding himself up against whipping rain striking him with hurricane force.

Their challenge, as announced to both teams there on the pitch, was to test them on their corner kicks. Each team sne t aplayer to the corner, lined up their players on the field, and got to work.

Rugiero first, Aleaume Sarrazin first, a strong kick into the scrum, where Robert D'Espagne got his head on it but it shot past the goal to the right.

Shackfold next, a player Maru didn't catch the name of got a crummy kick on the ball and it shot low and to the left where Turstin Des Vaux easily rangled it and kicked it away from harm.

Rugiero again, Tancrede Pelletier follwing instructions placed it perfectly back, where Henri Beatrix got it, did a neat bit of juggling, passed it to Stephane Hesnault who buried it in the goal.

They all didn't go as well as that, easily the highlight of the challenge that no one would ever see, but Maru could see it. Rugiero outperforming their opponents. His team was winning the challenge. And even though qualification depended on the group and not just the individual effort, he just knew. Each great Rugiero turn was followed by his boys on the sideline chearing, straining to make themselves heard over the wind, but Maru just stood there, quietly. But a small smile continued to creep up on his face.

Rugiero was moving on.

Late he'd figure out that it actually was a cold, but it was a cold of destiny or something.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

From the Baptism of Fire, we receive this news update. Apparently in their 5th match (Matchday 6), the Imperial Team successfully completed the challenge in corner kick conversions with a number of obstacles to finish the goals, and scored two points against their opponents from Salkehachie. This revelation continues to stun critics, who claim the Imperial Team lacks any finishing quality; the results from the last two challenges have largely silenced critics and boosted support from home concerning the Imperial Team's chance in the Round of 16 and subsequent chances in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Overall, Group 7 topped Group 4 in a close 10-9 victory. Vephrall racked 4 points against Sorthern Northland's 3 points, while Candelaria and Marquez scored a single point against a null Kilmarnockshire. Tylero again conceded defeat in a 6-3 rout against Trumanistan. Nonetheless, the Group victory confirms the top seed Group 7 and also confirmed Daehanjeiguk's position at the top of the group, leading only by goal differential. Analysts have also concluded that over all, the Imperial Team ranks over all other teams, although they have also commented how these results don't amount to anything "until pitted into a real match that will contribute to the Round of 16. It is equally possible that the Imperial Team will perform magnificently in the Regional stage and fall out in the Round of 16, without any future chance for redemption."

Hopes are high, and after the 6th place finish in the 2nd Oxen Cup, held by Qazox, the Imperial Team seems to be the team to beat in this year's Baptism of Fire; let's just hope that they don't get beaten.

The teams gathered in the Common Hall, expecting to receive their matchups and challenges. However, on the final challenge of a tournament that is, for reasons both good and bad, like none they had ever seen, heard of, or been told bedtime stories about, there was one final twist in the road for them to take. The abbot of the monastery began his speech, and the teams weary from the cold, the terrible weather, the tepid food, and all the other challenges that they had faced of the last two weeks, the room gave one, giant, simultaneous sigh.

"Today, you challenge will be somewhat different. You have experienced all of our challenges, but now you must face your own. Each group pairing will have the next twenty four hours to come up with your own challenge, which will then be played . While we recognize your teams are emotionally and psychologically tired, and this tournament has lacked the glamour of your usual Baptism of Fire, however, we ask that you stay with us for one more match, one more challenge. Should there not be enough challenges presented, there will be ones assigned, but it would be to our great disappointment, because your teams have proven themselves far more worthy than we have anticipated. Because of this, matches for the knockout rounds will take place in the largest and most public venues we have here in the Allied States, and in ESF. Here are the group matchups, and I hope to hear from you soon."

Group 1 - Group 4
Group 3 - Group 7
Group 6 - Group 5

BYE: Group 2

Game show addict Alan Grahams, who abandoned his Mathematical Economics degree a year before graduation to play international soccer as a wing-back, was scrawling diagrams onto whatever paper he could find. 'He must be devising the challenge,' Giorgio Pezzoni (defensive midfielder) said.

'OK, I've got it,' Alan said. 'Right. This is a task of strength, speed, shooting, strategy and stamina. Three or four on each team and a goalie. Teams can choose to be 'light' or 'heavy' for each attack. If 'heavy' you start from nearer the centre and you have four, but they all wear heavy armour. Each team keeps a separate heavy and light team. Basically, ball starts on the centre spot, whistle goes, teams run to the centre. Continue as regular game of soccer, but walls around the pitch so it can't go out of play. Goals are smaller to increase the challenge for shooting. And that's it.'

'er... Yeah. We'll take it,' said a weary Pezzoni. He spoke for everyone else.

Meanwhile, shock rumours in one Kura-Pellandi newspaper; the Oxen Cup side, seen as reserves, would now form over half the WC squad. The BoF squad, of course, were unaware of this...

“Alright, howsabout this,” Speed Wang offered, waving an arm illustratively. “We play two halves of 45 minutes, plus injury time, eleven players on the pitch at any one time for each of the two teams, where the aim is to score more goals than the opposition using feet, heads and slash or upper body, and –”
“We get the idea, Speed. Any less sarcastic suggestions?” Mark Baker sighed. His charges hadn’t reacted well to the concept of personal initiative. “Anyone? Waddo?”
“Two balls,” Peter Waddington pronounced, to general sniggers. “Thus forcing all players to concentrate that little bit harder on both attacking and defending simultaneously.”
“How about mice on the pitch?” Joey Pipes asked dreamily.
“The special challenge of that being…?”
“Uh, nothing really. I like mice, me.”
Waddington hadn’t entirely given up. “Two balls,” he repeated meaningfully, “And no ref. Or linesmen or anythin’. Sinned-against players decide the punishment for the offender, team captains – that’s be me,” he added proudly, “–deciding together on dubious decisions. Obviously to avoid a free-kicks- and sending-offs- fest, the teams have to show leniency and learn to co-operate with their rivals whilst still competing forcefully against them. And,” he added, “This would encourage a greater respect for match officials.” He beamed. “Ever-so PC, I’m thinking. ‘d go down a storm here, you mark my words. Mark.”

There was an awkward silence before Adrian Mazzeo said: “Has anyone mentioned ear-plugs yet? And blinkers. Like on horses. Thus forcing players to rely on the almost-telepathic rapport they should’ve built up with their team-mates over the last week.”
“Have we fully discussed the mice, yet?”
“Two balls.”
“Flaming pitches?”
“Oookay, right,” Baker said at length. “We’ll just go with what Daehanjeiguk says, yeah?”

“All right, anyone have any ideas?” asked USSE team captain Vader Schut.

Skipper Schaers, the team’s 17-year old star forward replied, “We’re playing against Trumanistan, right? How about we just get rid of all the rules? No fouls, no penalties, no…”

“You just want to fight them, eh? An all out brawl? I don’t think that’s such a good idea. The Trumanistanis know how to fight. Have you ever even been in a fight?” said veteran midfielder Wam Rindel.

“Only if you count him beating up on his little sister!” yelled Tjaart Koning, another young player from the same home town as Schaers. The two grew up playing football together.

Out of the shadows steps Henric van Nostrand, the team’s oldest member. “I have an idea.”

“Well, enlighten us.” Said Schut.

“Remember the worst part about training for this Tournament?”

Everyone says a collective “Yeah”.

“Five mile runs on the beach of Great Lake Bloedmeer. Every day, sometimes twice a day. It was hell, but by the end of training, we could run pretty fast on that beach. How about we get them to set up a sand field, so we can play the game on sand? No one can beat our speed on the sand.”

A few players started nodding their heads. A few minutes later, everyone was agreed.

"So, we will get to play some real games, right?" asked Finn Williams, the Novapsolan captain.

"Yes, Finn, we will," replied Owen. "We just have to get through this last day of qualifying. Any ideas for what 'challenge' we should face?"

"Just one, sir," came the reply. "I read in a book about a small-sided team game, where everyone shoots on goal against the same keeper. We can play with two a side or more, and the idea is to be the last person to touch the ball before it goes in the net."

Owen frowned. He hadn't a better idea, though laughed at Murrough's suggestion of a "sleep-off", yet wondered if this one would fly. "Now, what would be the point of this game? Would we learn anything from it?"

Finn smiled. "We would. Not only is this a great finishing practice, but can help us work on garbage goals- you know, how to get a ball stuck in a scrum in the penalty area into the net. I think the boys would love it."

"Very well, I'll submit it to the deists. Maybe I can even convince them to spell our name correctly."

After some thought, and a little bit of input from his players, Wen had decided.

He walked up to the monk who seemed to be in charge of communications with the teams and said "Penalty shoot out."

Then walked away.

With the challenge set forward, unknown to everyone outside the BoF tournament, the Imperial Han Team sat for hours to create the perfect scenario. Cha Beomgeun wanted to have a plan that was imaginative, difficult, and practical. From all 23 players, they contrived a simple yet bold plan for the next challenge:

"Players from both teams will don scuba gear and attempt to play football while under 10 meters of water, playing with an iron football, weighing 5 kg. The players will attempt to play football while underwater, managing the same tasks as they would above water. The challenge requires an underwater soccer field, undoubtedly a difficult task in itself. Additionally, the players will play for only 30 minutes. Points will be assigned to mark performance while underwater and goals scored."

Challenge Matchday 7

On the final matchday, teams were ready for the Tournament to finish it's grueling challenge stage, and move onto the knockout rounds. After receiving the words declaring that they would be moving out of the monastery, whose location was still unknown, there was much rejoicing, and many of teams were glad to be rid of the place. At least, that's what the teams felt originally. As teams packed up before the final challenges, there was a sense of sadness. Here was a place were they had experienced the unknown and come together, as teams and as groups. After two and a half weeks, shut away in the middle of nowhere in cold, heat, humidity and dryness, returning to the world of air-conditioned press conferences and opulent wealth seemed more than a little strange. How would the teams react to returning to the ultra-urban environs of The Lowland Clans and ESF? Only time will tell...


Novapsolu's (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12869715&postcount=79) Challenge was used
Group 4 5 Group 1 16
Sorthern Northland 5 Billopesha 6
Kilmarnockshire 0 Herchimer 5
Salkehachie 0 Novapsolu 1
Trumanistan 0 Endmile 4

Kura-Pelland (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12867342&postcount=76)'s challenge was used.
Group 3 3 Group 7 11
Kura-Pelland 1 Vephrall 4
Kansiov 0 Canderaria And Marquez 3
Nitrodymium 0 Daehanjeiguk 2
TT Lake Side 2 Tylero 2

Grotewohl's penalty shootout suggestion was used.
Group 5 16 Group 6 18
Niosis 3 Fargess 5
Adihan 1 ARealAdvance 3
Rugerio 9 Cebumopolis 10
Grotewohl 3 Bellzantium 0

Group Table
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Group 7 6 5 1 0 63 26 37 16
Group 1 6 5 0 1 76 62 14 15
Group 5 6 4 0 2 63 48 15 12
Group 3 6 3 0 3 51 61 -10 9
--------------------------------------------------------
Group 6 6 1 1 4 67 80 -13 4
Group 4 6 1 0 5 54 68 -14 3
Group 2 6 1 0 5 44 83 -39 3

Group 1
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Herchimer 6 4 1 1 22 12 10 13
Endmile 6 3 1 2 27 13 14 10
Novapsolu 6 3 1 2 10 11 -2 10
Billopesha 6 2 1 3 18 25 -7 7

Group 2
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Shmibabway 6 2 1 3 11 20 -9 7
Thelema Abbey 6 2 0 4 17 22 -5 6
Planting 6 2 0 4 13 18 -5 6
Shackfold 6 1 0 5 3 23 -20 3

Group 3
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kansiov 6 3 1 2 13 13 0 10
Nitrodymium 6 3 0 3 16 11 5 9
Kura-Pelland 6 2 1 3 14 19 -5 7
TT Lake Side 6 0 2 4 8 18 -10 2

Group 4
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sorthern Northland 6 3 0 3 23 17 6 9
Trumanistan 6 3 0 3 17 20 -3 9
Salkehachie 6 1 1 4 9 15 -6 4
Kilmarnockshire 6 1 0 5 4 17 -13 3

Group 5
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Grotewohl 6 6 0 0 22 9 13 18
Rugerio 6 4 0 2 27 15 12 12
Adihan 6 3 0 3 18 14 4 9
Niosis 6 2 1 3 17 16 1 7

Group 6
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Bellzantium 6 2 2 2 16 23 -7 8
Fargess 6 2 1 3 26 25 1 7
Cebumopolis 6 2 1 3 21 25 -4 4
ARealAdvance 6 1 0 5 10 21 -11 3

Group 7
Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Daehanjeiguk 6 6 0 0 22 5 17 18
Candelaria And Marquez 6 6 0 0 17 2 15 18
Vephrall 6 5 1 0 22 9 13 16
Tylero 6 1 2 3 16 21 -5 5

Big Blues ease into last sixteen

by Morgan Fattori

C&M retained their 100% record from the Baptism of Fire group stages after a comfortable three points to zero victory over Kansiov.

In one of the strangest challenges yet faced in the Tournament, Mark Baker was forced to choose repeatedly between using four outfield players wearing heavy armour or just three in normal kit. Baker’s decision to opt for the armour-clad half on the team for much of the first period proved tactically astute; as Waddington, Revault, Wang and Grillo easily held their own against waves of nimble but ineffectual Kansiov attacks. Come the second half, the exhausted Kansiov players could do little to stem the time of C&M attacks, as Fu, Pipes and Sandstrom came into their own. The one major concern – echoed throughout this tournament – will be C&M’s failure to kill the opposition off; as the distinctly unimpressive young Rex Sandstrom failed to match his CMSC form of the last season, wasting countless chances.

Still, the three-to-zero victory the team were granted cannot be sniffed at with our boys qualifying with the second-best points difference of the group stages.

What remains unclear is just who our country’s first competitive football match will be against – and, indeed, when. C&M’s relative position in Group 7 suggests a match-up against the third team of Group 3 is the mostly likely out-come when the fixtures are released tomorrow. After his charges’ fine work, Baker will perhaps not be happy to find his them drawn against Kura-Pelland; a fine, if underachieving, outfit. Equally uncertain is the status of the 2,000-or-so Big Blue supporters believed to have made their way to the Lowland Clans in resent weeks. The secrecy surrounding this years’ BoF makes it hard to ascertain if they will be allowed entry into the stadium to be used in C&M’s last-16 clash; or even whether the game will take place in TLC. Should the match be switched to co-hosts Elves Security Forces, the fans could find themselves in limbo and such a result would cause massive disappointment – not least because the Foreign Office does not officially recognise the existence of the ESF.

OOC: Canderaria, is it now? Seriously, are you alright...? :p

Endmile defeat Trumanistan 4-0, secure spot in next round
By Jan Kruis

The final Challenge Matchday of the Tournament was held today, and the USSE secured its place in the round of 16 with a decisive victory over rival Trumanistan. Today’s match was played on half of a regulation field, with both teams shooting at the same goal. The goalkeepers were split half and half, so Vader Schut was playing for half the game.

Schut came away with a clean sheet, not allowing a single goal from any player, Trumanistani or otherwise. The four goals scored by Endmile were all against the Trumanistani goalkeeper, who was unable to keep up with the shooting of the State team.

The first goal came off of a corner kick delivered by Rudolf de Ruine (MF, Destruktor). Everhart Pieterszen (FW, Arbeidervuist) headed the ball towards the goal. The Trumanistani keeper was able to make the save, but was not able to control the rebound, which was then knocked in by Jeroen Schulte (FW, FC Bloemenstad). The second goal was an outstanding shot from outside the box by Henric van Nostrand (MF, Powerhouse). The third goal came off of a set piece. Rudolf de Ruine sent in a ball with some serious spin and fooled the keeper with a ball that looked like it was going to be too high. The final goal came when Noach Steffy (DF, Royal Blood FC) sent out a long, searching ball. Skipper Schaers (FW, Red Army), who had just been subbed in, beat his defender and got to the ball first, giving him a one-on-one situation with the Trumanistani goalkeeper. Schaers put the ball in the top right corner, leaving the keeper with no chance for a save.

All of the teams in Group 1 were successful in their respective matches today, moving the group up to second place and securing us a spot in the round of 16. Endmile is now in second place in Group 1. Grotewohl continued their winning streak, defeating Bellzantium 3-0. With Grotewohl’s help, Group 5 have moved on to the next round. Both Bellzantium’s and Trumanistan’s groups have been eliminated, so this is the last we will see of them in this tournament. We’ll see if they have a stronger showing in the World Cup.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

News confirms that the Imperial Football Team will be heading to the BoF Round of 16 at the top of the top group. Group 7, racking an impressive 5 wins and 1 draw, claims the top position in regional play, while Daehanjeiguk goes through undefeated and undeniably the best placed team exiting the regional stage. Their final match against Nitrodymium confirms their excellence, performing football under miniaturized circumstances.

The real Head Coach Cha Beomgeun stood up in front of the television crowds, staring blankly at them for a while before realizing that they were there to greet him after two and a half weeks of isolated exile in the monastery. He was literally speechless as he gave his assessment for the team's chances in the Round of 16. Team Captain Kim Byeongji answered a few questions in his place, offering some hope for fans back at home: "We had great coaching, great patience, and we're ready to prove that we are the best in this tournament. We've proved it so far, but I do think that it will take some added patience and coaching to get us through the elimination stages."

The Imperial Team, apparently out of the coup (as in chicken coup...) for the first time in a very long time, were all stunned as fans raved wildly outside the barricade of reporters and security. They were rather cool as they await news of their first opponent in the Round of 16.

..:: The Tournament Knockout Stage, Round 1 ::..

The Lowland Clans Region

Daehanjeiguk - Tylero @ Tellman Field
Candelaria and Marquez - Vephrall @ Limassol Memorial

Kansiov - TT Lake Side @ City Center
Nitrodymium - Kura-Pelland @ Burrard Bridge

..:: The Lowland Clans Stadia ::..

Tellman Field

Location: London, England
Capacity: 75,000

Tellman Field is the new home of the Galaxy, constructed for World Cup 35. Built to replace the aging City International Stadium, it is built in the style of the old Wembley Stadium. Two sweeping arches connect the opposite corners of the stadium and extend over the playing field. All of the seating sections are covered, and the accoustics designed specially to produce loud vocals from the home stands. The first game to be played in the stadium will be the Elves Security Forces against Quakmybush.

City Center

Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Capacity: 26,780 (On-field) + 25,650 (Off-field)

Considered one of the classic stadia in the Allied States, it consists of a pitch in the downtown core of Nicosia. When matches are scheduled, the surrounding roads are closed and seats are wheeled out from the surrounding buildings, these make up about half of the seats that make up City Center. The rest of the surrounding buildings are dedicated to sports pubs and restaurants with windowed views of the pitch, many with their own in house commentators. Considered one of the must-see tourist attractions in the Allied States.

Burrard Bridge

Location: Vancouver, Canada
Capacity: 56,300

Burrard Bridge is one of the older stadia being used in World Cup 35. Steeped in history as the second Swangaard Stadium, then being destroyed in the Great Victoria Quake, and rebuilt along with the Burrard Bridge, which then was renamed after its newly rebuilt neighboring crossing. It has played host to many FFLC National Cups, and was widely considered the best stadia after the old City International and the Limassol Memorial. Famous for its seaside dining and fresh seamarkets that have long lent the stadium its working class audience.

Limassol Memorial Stadium

Location: Limassol, Cyprus
Capacity: 90,000

Built as a memorial to fallen soldiers in Cyprus fighting against Abu-Dhabi Khristatatan tyranny in the Mediterreanan. An aging stadia, it is assumed that she will be demolished or renovated. It was the subject of a terrorist attack perpetrated by Starblaydi agents during the recent AOWar, and is considered one of the most storied buildings in the Allied States.

The Elves Security Region

Herchimer - Billopesha @ Angelotic Temple
Endmile - Novapsolu @ The White Fortress

Grotewohl - Niosis @ Hatire Memorial
Rugiero - Adihan @ Donna Cathedral

..:: The Elves Security Stadia ::..

Angelotic Temple

Location: Longview
Capacity: 71,000
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/chellote/ESF%20Stadiums/Longview.jpg

Built as a peace offering from the Raynor family to Rosemary Angelotic, the Angelotic Temple is the largest stadium and the youngest in the nation. Fans will welcome the large oval design that assures that any seat is a great seat.

The White Fortress

Location: Gladerial
Capacity: 70,000
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/chellote/ESF%20Stadiums/Gladerial.jpg

As its' name suggests, it was once indeed a fortress for the past generations to guard against various aggressors. Since the dawn of the modern age and more prominent defences for the nation, the fortress was set for demolition before the rise of football. With Gladerial known for its glamor, the citizens decided to keep the grand fortress around and have outfitted it with air conditioning and proper facilities to make this one of the finest stadiums the nation has to offer. It was also the host site for a charity game following the destruction of Turruth Gordur's stadia, in which all proceeds went to rebuilding the Gordurians a home for their footy.

Hatire Memorial

Location: The Island of Capri
Capacity: 60,000
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/chellote/ESF%20Stadiums/Capri.jpg

The home stadium for the Marauders, this stadium is relatively new but has a mystic alure for being right on the edge of the beach and jungle of the exotic island. It was built as a dedication to the nations greatest hero, Jas Hatire, and his entire family. Statues of the legendary hero can be found all around the stadium as well as a museum with various exhibits detailing Jas' and his families exploits that gave him such the high respect he has amongst the populace.

Donna Cathedral

Location: Mar Sara
Capacity: 50,000
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/chellote/ESF%20Stadiums/MarSara.jpg

A group of humans tried to convert the elves to the ways of Christianity, and although they failed to do so, there was one amongst the humans that intruiged the elves. Her name was Donna Cartilian, and she was soo passionate about her beliefs that the elves reveered her as a human form of Elune. They decided that although they did not agree with her faith, they would honor her efforts with this elaborate stadium that doubles as a cathedral for the small Taoist followers.

FLoG makes it into the Knockout Stage
by Diawsam
(Grotewohl Associated Press)

After the last challenge was to be selected by the groups themselves, FLoG found itself in a shootout challenge. Wen had submitted this as an event, so I could only imagine that he wanted to train on both sides of the shootout. Especially since passing into the knockout round had been assured.

This event was not nearly as spectacular as it could have been, but showed Goobam's skills as a goalkeeper. He did not allow a single shot to make it into the goal. While most shots at him were pathetic, he was still ready for the several good shots on goal.

Scoring for FLoG was 1 shot by Wen and 2 shots by Sun. Sun showed extreme aiming precision, managed perfect corner shots on both of his kicks. Wen showed the power of his kicks knocking the ball through the arms of the Bellzantium goalkeeper.

The first part of the knockout round has been announced. In an interesting turn, all teams start off playing a team from their own group. This has turned what possible friendships or team synergies into opposition. FLoG is slated to play against Niosis, who was ranked last in group 5. At this time I have been assured that it will be a real game to be played, no longer challenges.

The game will be hosted by Elven Security Forces at a stadium to be announced.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

Owen was seething, as he thought about the final challenge day. "We even come up with the challenge, and yet all we can manage is one goal!? Keep this up, and this trip is going to be a short one."

"Well, look at the plus side," replied Murrough. "We did possess the ball well. Salkehachie didn't even have a chance on goal, other than Kurt's errant shot off the Salkehachien attacker. Have you ever seen someone boot a ball from that close over the bar?"

Owen chuckled, briefly. "No, I haven't. However, we won't face a team anything like them from this point on. Endmile did just as well as us in the challenge phase, and had a better point differential."

He looked at the board, trying to set the final lineup for the match with their groupmate. Of the four who took the pitch for the final challenge, only Finn Williams, who would be wearing the captain's armband, was in the first XI. The lineup card looked as follows:


Novapsolu Lineup vs. Endmile
Formation: 3-5-2
Pos # Name
K 39 Ellar Daniels
LB 3 Dale Gilroy
CB 2 Niven Klark
RB 5 Martin Reems
LDM 16 Edward Toms
RDM 14 David Aron
LM 17 Josef Soureff
CM 15 Finn Williams (C)
RM 19 Allan Sheeny
LS 9 Kaspar Xent
RS 11 Willem Fedoa


Reserves
K 61 Don Ferguson
D 4 Roy Eisen
D 7 Mikael Mikaels
M 18 Kurt Novegul
M 23 Rory Lundford
F 8 Xarle Stinson
F 12 Patrek Graves

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/news.png

The Round of Sixteen Begins, and as the Imperial Team prepares for their first match against Tylero - one of the teams in Group 7, we take you to London, where the Imperial Team has spent the day practicing for the match.

On the field, the strikers are harnessing their power to make powerful finishes. For even a rising professional team, they are impressive and deliberate in their strikes. With an empty, nearly all shots go inside, with the random few marking excellent points for a rugby match. The midfield practice their speedy dribbles and maneuverability - a simple yet important practice. Any coach will tell you that the game is won at midfield, so penetration and impregnability are key for these players. Yi Eulyong stops for a quick comment, wiping the sweat off his face and drinking some water: "We've been practicing for about 5 hours, and while it's almost time for a break, I think that we've been very constructive in our work." Defense practices impregnability and set positions - the greatest killer for any great defense. "If we can't stop a free kick or a corner kick, we'll be giving up many goals that will hurt our offense, since they won't be making as many goals as we would be conceding," says Yi Sabik, the only foreign-born member of the team. "We have to practice stopping the ball and making quick recovery, because pausing for even a moment will let the opponent steal the ball and make good use of it in our area."

At the end of practice, Head Coach Cha Beomgeun - along with his offensive and defensive coordinators - makes a few remarks about their upcoming game: "Tylero - everyone remembers them as the losers in Group 7. Well, they may be that, but I also want everyone to remember the Oxen Cup - our second match. We lost that match by large margin, and we were considered the favorites. I'm not trying to say that we are or were the favorites for the upcoming match - because the point is that it doesn't matter. We have to fight for every match everytime. It was our mistake that let them yield the victory. We let them win because we didn't work hard enough. I don't want that mistake to come again, because even though Tylero did finish last in our Group in the BoF, it is entirely possible that they will make a dazzling recovery and beat us tomorrow. We've shown everyone that we are the best team to compete in the BoF, but it doesn't stop there. We have to continue showing that we are the best, and that means on and off the field. We are here practicing to guarantee that we will win when it comes to our time. So when we go out there tomorrow, we will play our hardest for that match. Forget about the last match; forget about the next match. Tomorrow is what matters; finish that task, and we'll go home happy. Alright?"

The team lets out a resounding roar. The Imperial Team quits the field, ready for tomorrow, and if the Heavens watch us, they may know that the Han do not intend to let this next match go so easily.

In other news, the Imperial Football Association has announced plans to expand the current squad to increase the quality and opportunities for football success. These changes will not affect the current WC36 squad.


Layout for Match:
3-4-1-2

Kim Yongdae

Kim Donghyeon Pak Geonha Yi Sabik

Go Jongsu Yi Eulyong Jang Yogon Heo Jeongmu

Seo Jeongweon

Kim Eunjung Kim Daeeui

..:: The Tournament Knockout Stage, Round 1 ::..

The Lowland Clans Region

Daehanjeiguk 3 - 0 Tylero @ Tellman Field
Daehanjeiguk ADVANCE

Candelaria and Marquez 2 - 0 Vephrall @ Limassol Memorial
Canderlari and Marquez ADVANCE

Kansiov 0 - 3 TT Lake Side @ City Center
TT Lake Side ADVANCE

Nitrodymium 3 - 4 Kura-Pelland @ Burrard Bridge
Kura Pelland ADVANCE

The Elves Security Region

Herchimer 3 - 1 Billopesha @ Angelotic Temple
Herchimer ADVANCE

Endmile 1 - 0 Novapsolu @ The White Fortress
Endmile ADVANCE

Grotewohl 2 - 0 Niosis @ Hatire Memorial
Grotewohl ADVANCE

Rugiero 1-1 (3-1 AET) Adihan @ Donna Cathedral
Rugiero ADVANCE

Quarterfinal Matches
The Lowland Clans Region
Daehanjeiguk v Canderlari and Marquez @ TBA
Kura Pelland v TT Lake Side @ TBA

The Elves Security Region
Rugiero v Grotewohl @ Angelotic Temple
Endmile v Herchimer @ Donna Cathedral

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.pngDaehanjeiguk || 3 - 0 || Tylerohttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/tylero.png

They've done it again - another victory in London.

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/fans.jpg

It was a sea of red at Tellman Field, as Daehanjeiguk stomp Tylero 3-0. The crowds were emphatic throughout the entire match, as the team possessed a theoretical "home field advantage." The team's performance was probably among the best so far, and the players were very calm and controlled as they knocked Tylero out of the tournament.

The match began with subtle advances by the Imperial Team, as they came to clearly dominate midfield. Personal struggles were weeded out as they went against a team that was untested and untried. Nonetheless, the final third of the field lacked sufficient footpower to clear the Tylero defense. It was a late 36th minute goal by Kim Daeeui that sent the crowds roaring into halftime. Defense was being left to rot out, while the Imperial Team's offensive power was dying against stubborn defense. At halftime, substituting Kim Daeeui for Yi Dongguk once again, Head Coach Cha Beomgeun apparently sought to increase the pressure on Tylero's defense, feeling confident that they lacked sufficient penetration. While true, the team had a scare as the Tylero strikers made a surprise counterattack that managed to land a free kick in a vulnerable position. Kim Yongdae made a safe save and helped push back the assault in the 67th minute. Not long after then, Kim Byeongji entered the match, replacing Seo Jeongweon. Balancing offensive power and defensive strength, the Imperial Team strode to the next goal in the 71st minute, off a centered cross to Yi Dongguk. With the score comfortably set at 2-0, the team reclined to comfortable game delay tactics, which seemingly caused a little insensed furor on the Tylero side. A controversial foul - which some analysts suggest should have been at least a yellow card - led to a free kick in the 80th minute. With Yi Dongguk behind the ball, it made an almost miraculous journey to the far corner of the goal, netting the last goal of the match.

The ecstasy of the Imperial Team echoed in its adoring fans, who had managed the trip to the Lowland Clans to cheer on the Imperial Team. Their next match against Group rivals and now opponents - Candelaria and Marquez - is set to be among the biggest challenges in the Baptism of Fire, with some speculation considering a very close match ahead. Man of the match Yi Dongguk commented after the match: "Yes, I do expect our next match to be tougher than this one. We've practiced much, and I don't doubt that our victory against Tylero will be forgotten if we can manage another victory against Candelaria and Marquez. We shared groups, and in all six matches, they equaled our capability. They also won their match against Vephrall; I congratulate them for their feat, and I hope that our next match will do justice to both sides' capabilities."

Head Coach Cha Beomgeun also commented after the match, saying, "I've analyzed records of their match, and I'd have to admit that they're impressive. They scored fewer goals, but they had fewer opportunities to strike, and of those opportunities, they managed to capitalize consistently. Our biggest fault - as the Imperial Team - is finishing our strikes, and I will see what we can do about making our offensive side more competent, so we can have a more sound defense as well." He also remarked on the crowd's support: "Seeing that wall of red was a sore sight for my eyes, but the cheers they made... it was almost like home here."

Summary of Events
36' - HAN Goal (#10)
45'+ - HAN Sub (#17 for #10)
68' - HAN Sub (#21 for #6)
71' - HAN Goal (#17)
80' - HAN Goal (#17)

FLoG Victorious 2-0 in First Game.
by Diawsam
(Grotewohl Associated Press)

Amidst the exotic Island of Capri, FLoG played its first game of football of its career. It was an impressive showing by this elite military unit preventing any points by Niosis. It also appeared to be a learning experience as FLoG play strengthened throughout the game.

This first half of the game was trying on the team, with no experience on the field, they seemed to have trouble getting the ball down the field effectively. With Niosis' team working the defensive end like experienced players. This caused some frustration on the strikers, leading to a yellow card being submitted to Auq for what appeared to be a body check to regain control of the ball. On the defensive side, the ball continued to get past the midfield who seemed to be concentrated on offense. However, Ztat, Rad'pole and Ryn'raye were excellent on keeping shots off the goal. Goobam was also on top of the game and stopped all shots on goal with ease.

In the second half of the game, with 20 minutes left in regulation time, fatigue appeared to set in on the Niosis team. Using their subs to replace the tired defenders, FLoG was still in need of some better teamwork to get the ball in the net. After a toss in by Wen in Niosis territory, Sun was able to pass the ball to Qak, who passed a fatigued Niosis defender to get a shot on goal. While the keeper got the block of the ball, he did not hold onto the ball. Qak had continued the push and easily knocked the ball in.

The last goal, scored in injury time, was an show of timing and skill. Auq and Qak were pushing the ball down the field, the defenders once again showed the fatigue and were unable to keep up with the very athletic forwards. Once passed the defenders Auq took what appeared to be a shot to the opposite corner of the goal. As the goalie moved into position to block this shot, Qak jumped in and kicked the ball back to the other side. With the keeper out numbered and now out of position, the goal was made.

Next match will be against Rugiero at the Angelotic Temple in Longview. This match will be much more intense with Rugiero being the second place team in group 5. I have heard rumors of the teams communications being friendly during the first part of the tournament. I don't think this will have an effect on FLoG's play, but I wonder how it will effect the Rugiero team.

I have been informed that at this time communications with the players and coaches has no longer been restricted. Soon I will contact the team and get their thoughts on the events.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

In what can only be described as an epic match, Kura-Pelland edged out Nitrodynium 4-3 to make the last eight of the BoF, and better yet gain a trivially easy quarter-final clash with TT Lake Side, who were dragged to the last sixteen by Kura-Pelland and others, only to beat a shockingly off-form Kansiov side 3-0.

'This is what it's all about,' said striker Jamie Kirklees, who scored the winner after Nitrodynium came back from 3-1 down having taken a third-minute lead, Harold Millstead scoring all three earlier goals. 'Real action and real drama.' TV viewers agreed, the 31.5% audience share was shy of that recorded for the Oxen Cup but dramatically higher than the challenge highlights. It's also a record for NTV Sport; now Kura-Pelland's remaining matches will be moved back to NTV1.

USSE defeat Novapsolu 1-0, move on to next round
by Jan Kruis

The first elimination round of The Tournament was held today, and Endmile is moving on. The State team played against Novapsolu in a very close game at The White Fortress in The Elves Security Region. Goalkeeping was the name of the game, with Vader Schut coming away with the clean sheet.

The first chance came in the fourth minute when Novapsolu captain Finn Williams (CM) slipped a pass through the Endmile defense to Kaspar Xent (LS), who made a quick pass to Willem Fedoa (RS). Fedoa sent a hard shot to the right side, but Vader Schut (GK, Powerhouse) was there to make the save. In the 40th minute, Henrik Klusener (FW, Royal Blood FC) was about to get a real chance but was taken down by Niven Klark (CB), who was given a yellow card. This gave Endmile a nice set piece from just outside the box. Henric van Nostrand took the kick and was able to beat Ellar Daniels (K) to put Endmile on top 1-0. The rest of the game was back and forth, with both teams getting some great chances. Both goalkeepers made some outstanding saves, keeping the score constant. In the end Vader Schut held his ground and won the match for Endmile.

Grotewohl defeated Niosis 2-0 in their first real football match, proving the critics wrong. Many said they wouldn't be able to win in a real match, but I think they've shown they are in it to win. From our group, Herchimer beat Billopesha 3-1 to move on to the next round. We will be facing them in the next round, at Donna Cathedral in The Elves Security Region.

..:: The Tournament Knockout Stage, Quarterfinals ::..

The Lowland Clans Region
Daehanjeiguk 3 - 3 (3-3 AET 2-1 PKs) Candelaria and Marquez
Daehanjeiguk ADVANCE

Kura Pelland 5 - 0 TT Lake Side
Kura Pelland ADVANCE

The Elves Security Region
Rugiero 0 - 3 Grotewohl @ Angelotic Temple
Grotewohl ADVANCE

Endmile 6 - 3 Herchimer @ Donna Cathedral
Endmile ADVANCE

Semifinal Matches
The Lowland Clans Region
Kura Pelland v Daehanjeiguk

The Elves Security Region
Endmile v Grotewohl @ Hatire Memorial

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.pngDaehanjeiguk || 3 - 3 || Candelaria And Marquezhttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria%20And%20Marquez.png
(3-3 a.e.t | 2-1 PKs)

A close victory moves the Imperial Team into the Regional Finals!

http://www.doha-2006.com/upload_iis/Images/Photo/72518920CK049_15th_Asian_Ga.jpg

Field the same team as played in the Tylero match, Daehanjeiguk edge out against their fellow group mates - Candelaria and Marquez to move into the Regional Finals. It was a lively match, with goals flying on both sides and a steady but sure Imperial Team held fast against the torrent. In the end, both teams proved equally capable, and the match turned to the dreaded penalty shoot-out, where Daehanjeiguk narrowly edged out with 2 goals to 1.

The match began instantly, and off kick off, the Imperial Team landed an early goal in the 2nd minute, off Kim Daeeui's lively foot. That shot set the tone for the remainder of the match, as the Imperial Team found it hard to contain their opponents. For the first time in the tournament, the midfield battle was contested at every angle, and 16 minutes later, C&M made their first goal off a lofty corner kick that passed Kim Yongdae's grip. Undaunted, the Imperial Team shook off the dust and vowed to leave the first half on top. Seo Jeongweon, the inventive center, found his own goal in the 37th minute, making a daring shot from 22 years out. Ball edged just above the goalkeeper, hitting the crossbar. While most shots are deflected, this post angled the ball straight in, leaving an ecstatic roar from the fans. With the score 2-1 at half, C&M equally sought their own victory and managed with some substitutions to put in another goal in the 57th minute. The battle in midfield proved too tough for the referees, who booked a C&M player in the 70th minute. Two minutes later, it was Yi Sabik, racking another yellow card in a critical place. The free kick was blocked, but as the ball stayed on the Han half, it was only another minute later when a complicated but well-worked C&M offensive strike landed their 3rd goal of the match, stealing away the lead in the 73rd minute. Faced with the prospect of elimination, Cha Beomgeun made a substitution for Yi Sabik (Kim Jingyu) and Go Jongsu (Han Paeng). With a more solid defense, the Imperial Team conceded no more goals. However, still down, the Imperial Team needed one more goal to tie the match at least. With one last gasp in stoppage time, a corner kick found its way to Yi Eulyong, who snapped the ball forcefully. At first, those around feared the ball would go too high - as the goalkeeper apparently expected. However, the ball aimed low and fell under the goalkeeper's leap, netting the late equaliser.

Added time yielded no goals for either side, leading to the penalty shoot out. Kim Yongdae, though tired after many matches, stood up to the challenge and blocked the first shot. Kim Daeeui came up first in the queue, and shot his goal, aiming for the rear left pocket; the goalkeeper blocked right and came away clearly disappointed. The next shot for C&M went past Kim Yongdae, who made the same mistake and let the score out even, 1-1. Seo Jeongweon made his shot, but the goalkeeper scooped it up, unwilling to concede another shot. Kim Yongdae made his block, punching the ball out to safety. Yi Eulyong went up and made his shot, but it veered to the left and missed the shot. For the fourth try, Kim Yongdae made a virtually miraculous save, as he leaped opposite of the kicker's direction. Despite his turn, he flicked his legs out the other direction, kicking the ball just past the goal post for one awesome save. Unfortunately for the C&M goalkeeper, Han Paeng's shot it square along the ground to the left post. The goalkeeper made the right leap, but too high to stop the ball. With all on the line, Kim Yongdae made the last save of the match, leaving the PK score 2-1.

The victory was perhaps the most tested of Daehanjeiguk's career so far in the BoF Tournament, and it was a sore sight to oust equally capable Candelaria and Marquez. In remarks after the match, man of the match Kim Yongdae said of his counterparts: "They played magnificently. They are probably the only team in this tournament that could have matched our potential, and I'm sorry to see them off the field. In my honest opinion, this should have been the final match of the tournament, but I don't think anyone can doubt the fairness of the result." Head Coach Cha Beomgeun also had a field day, with this historic win: "I think we have tested thoroughly, and we have found areas in need of repair. Our first match didn't test our boys well enough, but I'm satisfied that the team was prepared to meet C&M on the field. They performed well under the pressure, and I can assure you that our second match against Kura-Pelland will not be as disappointing as the first one."

In the Oxen Cup 2, Daehanjeiguk's second match against Kura-Pelland ended in a very disappointing 0-3 loss, and although Kura-Pelland's BoF has been below standard, no doubts that there is some lean muscle gleaming in the team. Kim Yongdae talked of the upcoming match: "We lost the last time because we clearly underestimated them; they were a better team than what they played as in the Oxen Cup. But this is different now. We have seen them play in the Oxen Cup, and we have seen them play here." Head Coach Cha Beomgeun also shared comments: "They also have made remarkable progress in the BoF, ending in Group 3 in third position, yet coming out with a victory against TT Lakeside, 5-0. They are team of surprises, and I think there is no doubt that we will have to fight hard for a victory against the Kura-Pelland team. I wouldn't discount their ability to surprise us; they've done it once, and if anything in their last two matches, they'll probably do it again."

Summary of Events
2' - HAN Goal (#10)
18' - C&M Goal
37' - HAN Goal (#6)
57' - C&M Goal
70' - C&M Yellow Card
72' - HAN Yellow Card
73' - C&M Goal
90'+ - HAN Goal (#15)

PKs:
C&M: OXOOO
HAN: XOOX



Ahead of the match with Kura-Pelland, Head Coach Cha Beomgeun makes some modifications to the starting players list:


Kim Ho

Choi Jincheol Pak Geonha Kim Jingyu

Song Jongguk Yi Eulyong Jang Yogon Heo Jeongmu

Seo Jeongweon

Kim Eunjung Yi Dongguk


Today's Results are brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

ooc: nevermind that the people in my pictures are cheering for the non-existent state of Corea/Korea - what matters is the pride ^^

EDIT ooc: I'd to mention the very ideally perfect and good irony that all of the members who posted their results happened to win their matches in the Quarterfinals. ^^

USSE victorious against Herchimer, move on to semifinals
by Jan Kruis

The quarterfinal round of The Tournament was today, and Endmile were at the top of their game. The State team scored an impressive 6-3 victory, eliminating Herchimer and moving up to the semifinal round. Everhart Pieterszen (FW, Arbeidervuist) recorded his first international hat trick, and the team played their best match yet.

The first goal came in the fifth minute when Pieterszen used some fancy footwork to get past his defender, and then shot the ball to the far side of the goal. Herchimer then rallied and scored within two minutes, setting the score at 1-1. The next goal came in the 30th minute off of a corner kick. Henric van Nostrand (MF, Powerhouse) delivered a driving cross to Henrik Klusener (FW, Royal Blood FC) who provided the one touch finish. Herchimer again rallied right before the end of the first half, leaving the score 2-2 at the half. Endmile came out strong in the second half, scoring two goals in the first 7 minutes, one by Pieterszen and one by van Nostrand. In the 65th minute, Staaf Messeker (DF, Destruktor) made a questionable play in the box and Herchimer was awarded a penalty kick, which they promptly converted. Endmile finished Herchimer off with two more goals, including one by Pieterszen, giving him his first international hat trick.

Grotewohl defeated Rugiero in a 3-0 victory, moving them on to the semifinal round as well. Endmile will face barbarians of Grotewohl at Donna Cathedral in The Elves Security Region. They are a tough team, but Endmile is at the height of their game right now. We must be victorious.

oOC: indeed! This can't happen now though ;)

IC: with the BoF side out of their bubble, there was now the knowledge that the Oxen Cup team had played brilliantly and made third overall, and was now rumoured to effectively become the national team from nowhere.

What better way to react than to reach the last four of this competition themselves and furthermore gain a tie against Daehanjaiguk, who lost 3-0 to the Kura-Pellandi youngsters in the Oxen Cup?

they certainly showed style in defeating TT Lake Side, whose progression this far was on the back of one freak result and a ton of help from their group rivals. Kura-Pelland, while fortunate themselves to get through, have truly grasped their opportunity, and five unanswered goals, three of them within the first ten minutes of the second half, proved as much.

Jamie Kirklees, who scored two of these, said the team 'is getting better and better', adding 'the challenges didn't work for us but we were eased along, and we've proven our ability where it counts.' There seems certain to be tough competition up front and the team may have to introduce a more attacking formation to fit all their goalscoring talent in; several analysts have cautioned against such an 'unbalancing' of the side, though.

Candelaria And Marquez' victory over Vephrall dominated Sunday's papers, front and back. Praise being particularly reserved for 'ox in the box' Yasser Zaghloul, the second goalscorer as a substitute; and right-winger O'Sullivan Caras who provided a constant threat and the lay-off for the early C&M opener from Steven Fritz. Regrettably, all copies of the quality papers were bought up soon after their publishing as souvenirs of C&M's first competitive football match in the modern era. Which is why there was no report made available yesterday.

Or something.

OOC: The middle of your nation's first sports tournament is not a good time for your pc to go for a burton and to develop headache-inducing double vision in an eye… :rolleyes:

A poor excuse still, I grant ye, but at least I didn't blame the ref…

Seld-indulgent, and largely pointless update from the Herald on Daehanjeiguk game:

The ecstasy and the agony

[C&M is not a nation of especially inventive sub-editors]

This international football lark will be the death of me.

Weeks ago, a mere week ago indeed, could anyone have predicted that the two best sides in this Tournament [Candelariasians are generally a modest lot, with, as they say, much to be modest about. But journalists are allowed to exaggerate a bit, aren’t they?] would meet in this most sensational of quarter-final clashes; producing surely one of the greatest games the Baptism of Fire has played honoured witness to. And could anyone have predicted the crushing blow we would feel on defeat by that most cruel of means: penalties.

We must surely refrain from criticising the man responsible for a series of performances that will make the world sit up and take notice of our little islands. But Mark Baker will know, though he will likely ever keep shtum about it, that he made the costliest error in this tie in leaving Yasser Zaghloul on the bench until early in the second half. The uncelebrated KT Hotspur forward – whose presence in the Lowland Clans was so maligned on certain radio phone-ins a month ago – must be considered C&M's man of the tournament. Starting only a single match that is quite an accolade, but the giant striker has come of age this last month, proving himself not only a substitute supreme but – if there is any justice – a guaranteed starter come the World Cup qualifiers.

If we care to remember through our drunken haze; it was Daehanjeiguk who took the lead, and we must not allow ourselves to forget their contribution to this game. Lively, inventive, and the defensive equals of Baker's men; it took a mere throw of the dice to separate these teams at the end of this long night. Their names may be forgettable to Anglophone ears, but we will surely here those of Seo Jeongweon, Yi Dongguk and Kim Daeeui gracing the top tables of world football for years to come. Commentators best get some practise in.

Certainly, the practise Baker's boys received in the endless set-piece challenges of the group-stage proved the Han's early undoing. Joey Pipes, perhaps an underachiever at this tournament despite C&M's many successes, provided hope after his out-swinging corner met the unlikely bonce of Damien Sono, solid as ever at right-back, who took advantage of his opposite number's small stature to head home. The Han goalkeeper was undoubtedly culpable in part, but the Big Blues must be given credit for not allowing their heads to drop after forward Kim has taken advantage of an unfortunate slip by an otherwise majestic Peter Waddington to given Daehanjeiguk the perfect start.

C&M managed free-kicks and corners a-plenty throughout the first half, but it is the open play of both sides that deserves the greatest comment; Speed Wang, O'Sullivan Caras, Yi Eulyong and Go Jongsu producing runs on and off the ball of exquisite quality matched only by the opposing defenders. It took a hit-and-hope strike from Seo to break the dead-lock, Rueben Uwakwe helpless to stop cannoning off the underside of his crossbar and narrowly over the goal-line.

After watching the first few minutes of the second half with a noticeable glower, Baker made the inevitable changes, bringing off Mamdooh Momtaz – clearly now feeling the effects of his self-induced knock against Vephrall - for Zaghloul and Luis Enrique Torrealba for the more offensive Nate Adams. The switches soon paid dividends when a Han set-play broke down allowing Adams to sweep his first good cross of his international career into the path of the onrushing Zaghloul.

And then the ecstasy, Caras and Adams befuddling the increasingly shaky Han defence and laying on a perfect ball that Stevie Fritz couldn't miss.

Perhaps after a match like this, it was inevitable it couldn't last, a desperate final Han corner seeing the ball travel almost magnetically into the C&M net and ensuring the titanic tussle would go on yet. Compared to the previous ninety minutes, extra-time offered little, Fritz and Wang wasting chances for C&M whilst the Han continued to look threatening throughout. The final fifteen though was a procession, both exhausted sides settling for penalties.

Clearly that was a mistake, and the story of those kicks hardly needs to be told given we'll be seeing them again and again on television for years to come. The 'culprits', such as they were, were Wang, Fritz, Adams and Sono; but little blame should be awarded them after a stunning series of saves by Kim Yongdae. Uwakwe may also come in for criticism from some quarters, this would be entirely unfair. As ever, he was immense. [The Herald always says nice things if they can. Tedious contractual reasons.]

The C&M players declined to interview after the game, and after their excursions who is likely to blame them? Mark Baker however refused to be downcast, hailing his players' performances prior to the lottery of penalties and offering warm words for the opposition.

All that remains is to massage our national hangover [C&M retains a rather puritan attitude to mind-altering intoxicants, and most of the population can get thoroughly bladdered on half a pint of shandy], roar home our battered heroes, become honorary Han for the rest of the week, and prepare to welcome the world to the MSS [Millerman Sheppard Stadium]. When all's said and done, that's not a bad little list, is it?

FLoG defeats Group 5 Rivals Rugiero 3-0
by Diawsam
(Grotewohl Associated Press)

The FLoG continued its reign of power in this the second game of the teams career. Undaunted by the fact that they would be playing former partners Rugiero, Wen and his soldiers took the field. I can only imagine how the screams of the crowd would feel to them. This unit had acted in the shadows and is now the center of attention of thousands of people. I can only say that they appeared no less worried by the fact that they had to act in front of so many people.

The game opening with Rugiero gaining control of the ball and Robert D'Espagne pushing strongly towards the goal of FLoG. A pass was made to Aleaume Sarrazin but Ztat was able to intercept and take control of the ball fairly easily. This was a sight to be repeated many times during the rest of the game as FLoG's defense was an impregnable wall. Any shots at goal were scooped up by Goobam with the greatest of ease. Rugiero's team seemed to be set on defense, with very little coming out on offense.

The offense of FLoG has begun to look more like a team moving the ball down the field as they have started working the ball together. The first goal, scored in the first half, was off a corner kick after a shot by Sun had been deflected over the bars of the goal. Wen setup the kick and let it fly low to the ground. Auq caught the ball outside the box and took a power shot at the goal. Auvrai Pancevolt was able to get in front of the ball, but was unable to gain control of the ball. As the ball deflected off him, Qak was right there to tap the ball into the goal. After this goal, Rugiero's defenders became much tighter making offensive plays very tough.

With only minutes left in the second half, Maru Hiniru must have sensed the need for a strong offense needed as he subbed Bretonnet Ravenot in for Galien Dalmas, creating a second striker on the field. FLoG sensed this weakness and struck harder on Rugiero's defenses. As regular time ended, Sun managed to shake all of Rugiero's defenders and found himself on a one on one situation. With great skill he managed to shot the ball into the upper left corner, out of the reach of Auvrai Pancevolt.

The last goal would come minutes later as Auq and Qak overcome the the tired Rugiero defenses and setup an easy shot made by Qak. With that goal made it was all but over for the Rugiero team. And minutes later, it was over.

I was able to talk to the team after the game. While I was not allowed into the locker room for the interview, three players did come out to talk to me. The first was Wen.

Diawsam: Congratulations on your second win.

Wen: Thank you.

Diawsam: With the win over Rugiero, how does it feel?

Wen: Unfinished. I can not celebrate any victory until this entire tournament is over. Rugiero was a good team with heart, but their offense against us was nothing short of pathetic. Having only the one striker allowed us to move more players towards their goal giving us more opportunities. The defense of Rugiero was admirable. Auvrai Pancevolt is a good keeper who stopped some great shots and Turstin Des Vaux showed great stamina and spirit throughout the entire game.

Diawsam: I am not sure if you know, but Endmile has also achieved victory and will be playing you in the semifinals.

Wen: I am aware of the situation. I will grant Endmile's team no quarter and will attack their goal will great force. For the game there will be one change in the starting line-up. Ash will be taken out and replaced with Orkimaw. Orkimaw will be a boost to the midfield defense. That is all I have time for, Good day to you.

Shortly after Wen entered the locker room, a very excited Qak came roaring out.

Qak: Woohoo!!! I love this game! I love running and kicking the ball and passing the ball and heading the ball and all that other good stuff I do!

Diawsam: Congratulations on your victory.

Qak: Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Team couldn't have done it with out me. No siree! My magical foot kicks that ball into the goal. That it does! I am surprised that my magical foot does not score many more points. Maybe the other team has magical... magical.... shirts. I want a magical shirt!

He then ran back into the changing room. After waiting until most of the team left, most with nothing to say. Orkimaw was the last to leave.

Diawsam: How does it feel to know you will be playing in the next game?

Orkimaw: Who are you little man?

Diawsam: Diawsam the Seer, care for an interview?

Orkimaw: I will crush Endmile with my bare hands. Now get out of my way.

What a brute, I say. With the much anticipated semi-final match against Endmile, make sure you see it.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

Taken from a live broadcast of the #1 news program in Endmile, Een Lopende Zaak.

"...marking the nation's first execution to date. Now for an update on the Baptism of Fire Tournament we go to our senior football correspondent Klaas van den Bergh, who is on scene in The Elves Security Region. Tell us Klaas, how are the State team doing?"

Switches to shot of Klaas in front of a huge crowd of Endmile supporters.

"They are doing absolutely spectacular, Alec. They have really built up some momentum and they seem to have the winning touch as of late. They really are becoming a force to be reckoned with in this tournament."

"How are the fans getting on there?"

Crowd cheers.

"Well, there's no doubt that the State team has the undying support of the thousands of fans that made the trek to The Tournament. Everyone here is riled up and ready to see Endmile take on Grotewohl. I have seen quite a few overly tall people with large brows around the city today. It seems that the barbarians are here and ready to support their team as well. Let's hope this doesn't lead to any unnecessary violence."

In the background, an Endmile fan breaks a beer bottle over his head while others chant an Endmile song.

"Right, Klaas. How do you think we'll fare against the barbarians?"

Well, I think we have a good chance of putting an end to their unbeaten streak. We have the talent, and the team just keeps getting better everyday. I think it'll be a close game, but the USSE will take it 4-3. Back to you, Alec."

Switches back to Alec.

"And now on to the national news. The State is considering a proposal put forth by the people to ban smoking..."

..:: The Tournament Knockout Stage, Regional Finals ::..

The Lowland Clans Region
Kura Pelland 0 - 2 Daehanjeiguk @ Limassol Memorial
Daehanjeiguk ADVANCE to The Tournament Final

The Elves Security Region
Endmile 3 - 3 (AET 4 - 3) Grotewohl @ Hatire Memorial
Endmile ADVANCE to The Tournament Final

The Tournament Final
Daehanjeiguk - Endmile @ Tellman Field

The Tournament Third Place Playoff
Kura-Pelland - Grotewohl @ Angelotic Field

Endmile defeats Grotewohl 4-3 in extra time
By Jan Kruis

The State team today eliminated Grotewohl from the Baptism of Fire Tournament in a truly spectacular game and moved on the final round. The match was an exciting one, with both teams displaying extraordinary skill. It was a close one, with Endmile taking the win in extra time.

The first goal came in the 7th minute when Wen (MF) made a sliding tackle to take the ball from Rudolf de Ruine (MF, Destruktor). He quickly passed to Auq (FD) who put a shot on net, which was blocked by Vader Schut (GK, Powerhouse). Schut was unable to control the rebound, and Qak (FD) was there to put the ball in the goal.

Endmile were quick to come back, putting on some intense pressure for the next two minutes. In the 10th minute, Stef Wiekens (DF, Het Vechten Blauw) hit a hard pass to Veit Schoeman (MF, FC Koningen), who one touched it to Henrik Klusener (FW, Royal Blood FC). Klusener deked and faked out Rad’pole (DF), giving him a one on one situation with Goobam (GK). Goobam came rushing out to take the ball from Klusener, who popped it right over the keeper into the net.

Play was hard for the rest of the half, with several bookings going to each team but no change in the score. Then, in the 50th minute, Dan’veso took a bad foul giving Endmile a dangerous set piece. Henric van Nostrand (MF, Powerhouse) sent in a lob that found the foot of Everhart Pieterszen (FW, Arbeidervuist) who put the ball in the top left corner, leaving Goobam no chance for the save.

Grotewohl were not to be counted out yet, and within 4 minutes came back and scored two goals, one by Qak and one by Wen. Qak’s goal came from a corner kick delivered by Ash (MF). Ash sent a lob in and Qak was able to head the ball down, which fooled Schut and bounced into the goal. Wen’s goal came when he stole the ball from Staaf Messeker (DF, Destruktor) and shot a hard ball from outside the box. Vader Schut got a hand on it, but it was not enough to stop the momentum of Wen’s shot.

Grotewohl carried the lead through the end of regulation time and into stoppage time, which was 3 minutes. Then, in the last minute of stoppage time Skipper Schaers, who had been subbed in only 5 minutes earlier, just ran right past Dan’veso who obviously could not keep up with the 17-year old’s speed. Schaers faked a shot and fooled Woobam into diving left, then put the ball in the open right side of the net, producing the equalizer and taking the game to extra time.

The game-winning goal came in the 4th minute of extra time. Rudolf de Ruine passed the ball forward to Everhart Pieterszen, who made a no-look one touch pass back to Henric van Nostrand. Van Nostrand sent in a hard, spinning shot toward the corner from about 15 feet outside the box. Woobam went airborne, just touching the ball, but failed to make the save, giving the USSE its victory.

Grotewohl fought hard in this game and in The Tournament. Although this was their first foray into football, it is evident that this nation has a love for the game and the talent to become a formidable World Cup team. Praise should be given to Wen for coaching such a great virgin team.

The State team are now in the finals, facing the behemoth Daehanjeiguk, who have been playing unbelievably well in The Tournament. However, there is no doubt in my or any other fan’s mind that the USSE have the ability to win, and that we will indeed be victorious.

Two second-half strikes from Kim Daeeui sent Kura-Pelland tumbling to an awesome Daehanjaeguk side 2-0 in one of the most impressive matches of the tournament, and certainly one full of skill.

Both defences played superbly, and yet chances did come through, only fine saves at either end keeping the first-half deadlock intact. Two minutes into the second half, Jamie Kirklees smashed a 25-yard volley from a half-cleared corner against the bar, and to compound the bad luck Daehanjaeguk scored from the resultant attack, Daeeui finishing a sweeping passing move.

Kura-Pelland were stunned, and Daehanjaeguk produced fabulous football thereafter, unlucky not to score in the 59th minute when a Yi Sabik header hit the post, but gaining the critical second four minutes later, Daeeui controlling a Seo Jongweon flick-on before chipping the ball into the net.

No shame in losing to this side, who looked far more confident and energetic than the team who lost 3-0 to the youngsters in the Oxen Cup, but it does suggest a youthful look to the WC36 squad. The third-place playoff will see a few players with a huge point to prove.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/kura-pelland.pngKura-Pelland || 0 - 2 || Daehanjeigukhttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.png


They are going to the Final Match!

http://english.chosun.com/media/photo/news/200606/200606240004_03.jpg

After a lackluster first half, the Imperial Team stirred some fire with two stunning goals by Kim Daeeui in the opening moments of the second half to seize another victory. With millions of Han citizens watching the match from large screen displays in public areas, including Cheonanmun Square {Tiananmen Square} and Ganghwamun. This celebrated victory, though still under the bar for amending the loss in the Oxen Cup, has put the Imperial Team straight through to the Final Match against Endmile.

Starting with a new lineup, it was apparent that Head Coach Cha Beomgeun was trying to spice up the competition. It was a lucky gamble that yielded no results but demonstrated lack of cohesive play that managed to withstand several barrages by the Kura-Pelland side. Kim Ho, in his first start and second cap, was excellent at the goal post, making 5 saves in all against a determined offense. However, no goals were out to separate these two teams at half. In an apparent move to add even more spice, Cha Beomgeun put out Kim Daeeui to replace Kim Eunjung and Yi Sabik to replace Pak Geonha. Immediately, the Han side started the half with a driving strike off the kick-off. It was Kim Daeeui's first strike that stunned the goalkeeper, managing to keep the ball out only by the fringes. The resulting counter attack landed a remarkable save by Kim Ho off a Kura-Pelland corner kick. The Han side, keeping the ball close, moved swiftly and Kim Daeeui's second strike brought on the shock. It was a soft sweep that grazed past the goalkeeper, bringing the score out 0-1 in the 48th minute. Keeping the pressure on, the Han side brought on more unrelenting attacks. Off a corner in the 59th minute, Yi Sabik made a dazzling head from the far side, heading the ball directly off the goal post and out for a goal kick. Undeterred, the Han side brought the ball back up, Seo Jeongweon lobbing the ball over the defense. Kim Daeeui rushed to head the ball down, and after sweeping behind the tired defense, lofted the ball up into the far corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper no chance to recover. The linesman's flag was down for the count, but there were cries from the crowd suggesting that Kim Daeeui was off-side, despite replay footage showing that he only a hair onside. That goal in the 63rd minute sealed the doors, and though the Han side showed many more chances in the second half, it was all that they needed to carry the win.

Man of the match Kim Daeeui opened to fans after the match, saying, "I think I can safely say that everyone was expecting to head into another PK round. But I think we're all happy that we didn't have to run through another 2 hours of pain and agony to watch us win or lose off penalties." Head Coach Cha Beomgeun also had remarks after the match: "I am extremely pleased with the way our players performed. We judged our opponents rather accurately, and coming into the second half, we were able to strike them while they were tired. It was a good match, and Kura-Pelland had nonetheless proven their worth. They do deserve a place in the Final matches, and I do appreciate the cleaniness of the match, no cards for anyone."

In preparation for the match against Endmile, who upset the Regional favorites Grotewohl in extra time 4-3, the Imperial Team is expected to practice for about half the amount of time in preparation for the Kura-Pelland match. Kim Daeeui defended their actions: "We're not lazy, but we also realize that we want to be fit for our last match. If we practice too much, we'll be tired. We only need to keep on our defense and tidy our offense better." Seo Jeongweon, having had the crucial assist in the second shot, also commented, "We're clearly a great team, and I think that we've shown that we can score goals when we need to do so. We'll probably need more time to refine our capabilities before the World Cup Qualifiers, but for now, I think Cha Beomgeun is doing a fine job." Cha Beomgeun finished his remarks, saying, "We'll be back in Tellman field, where we carried over Tylero in our first match. The players have played there before, and they know the crowd. By any chance, the crowd will know them too, so all I can hope is that in addition to practice, we'll also carry the feeling of home there and seize our last victory in this tournament."

In other news directly affecting the Baptism of Fire Tournament, Crown Prince Myeong and Empress Myeongsuk expressed their desire to watch the final match in The Lowland Clans. We have yet to receive confirmation that the Imperial Family will be visiting an unrecognized state (albeit one with Imperial permissions, because of the Baptism of Fire tournament), but we will let you know if and when the Imperial Family will arrive. If the Imperial Family do arrive, we can only expect a great sense of pride for the players and great joy for all of the fans, to join with all parts of the Empire to cheer the Imperial Team to victory.

Summary of Events
48' - HAN Goal (#10)
63' - HAN Goal (#10)

Cha Beomgeun announces that he will be using the original team roster line-up, as submitted to the tournament for the first and second matches:

Kim Yongdae

Kim Donghyeon Pak Geonha Yi Sabik

Go Jongsu Yi Eulyong Jang Yogon Heo Jeongmu

Seo Jeongweon

Kim Eunjung Kim Daeeui

Today's Results are brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

FLoG suffers defeat
by Diawsam
Grotewohl Associated Press

Today was a terrible day for FLoG. Losing to Endmile in a 4-3 close fought game. Once again Qak was found at the top of the scoring list with two goals. And Wen found himself with one.

In an interesting change of events, FLoG actually subbed players in this match. Rad'pole had been subbed out during the first half of the game after letting the first goal in. Subsequently, at half time Orkimaw had been subbed out, for he had been playing terribly. Ash regained his position in midfield. While the sub for Ash appeared to be a good one as he aided in a corner goal. Dan'veso's performance was pathetic, allowing for two Endmile goals.

No players were willing to talk after there first loss. I can only assume that the will fight much harder in the third place match-up so that they leave with something.

May the Football League of Grotewohl continue in the favor of the gods.

Diawsam the Seer

ooc: To BoF Hosts: if any of the following post is a godmod, please let me know so I can edit it.

http://storage9.myopera.com/henigranger/blog/03%20Lee%20Yool.JPG Crown Prince Yi Myeong, Yi Taegun


The Imperial Family has since confirmed that both Crown Prince Yi Myeong and Empress Han Myeongsuk will be attending the Final match against Endmile in London. Despite concerns for security, the Crown Prince made a daring visit to the members of the National Team while on practice. With Imperial Guards flanking his every move, Crown Prince Myeong expressed his deepst gratitude and sympathies to each of the players: "I don't know any of you personally, but I think that each of you individually have brought a sense of pride beyond the national aspect of makes us Han. I think you make us proud to be Han, and to be the ones who have sent you here." Empress Myeongsuk was unavailable during the Crown Prince's excursion to visit the players. Unconfirmed reports suggest that she was visiting the local leaders of The Lowland Clans in secret meetings, more than likely just a simple "welcome and have a nice stay - now don't break any laws" meeting. Both the Imperial Family and local authorities from The Lowland Clans have declined to comment for the moment.

After the Imperial visitation, players continued their practice. Cha Beomgeun was mildly receptive to the Imperial arrival. "I understand that it's a lot of pride for the Imperial Family, and for the Empire. But I also fear that too much publicity might put too much pressure on them. Nonetheless, I will try to encourage them to view this as an opportunity to show off their skills." Players were more receptive to meeting the Crown Prince; forward Yi Dongguk said, "I think it's great whenever you meet the fans and they're all excited to see you. But to have the Prince call you a 'hero'? That's probably worth a lot too."

On the record for practice today included offense drills, particularly finishing shots on goal and crosses. Cha Beomgeun also suggested that better ball handling was a target: "Most of the teams in this tournament don't handle the ball well, and I think that this is where we have succeeded so far. If we can continue controlling the ball, I don't have a doubt that the Han will triumph again. But against a team that was ranked so low and yet has achieved so much? I can only say that they're full of surprises, so we'll have to prepare for everything and anything. We've looked at all of the tapes, and I can't confidently say we'll beat them solid, but with what we have, we'll come out on top once more to clinch the title."

As stated earlier, the Imperial Team cut their practice time in half today, to give them more rest to prepare for their final match. Win or lose, this has been a memorable Baptism of Fire, and perhaps one to cherish for many years to come.

Today's Results are brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

..:: The Tournament: Baptism of Fire Finals ::..

As the teams strode out onto the pitch at Tellman Field, visiting the Lowland Clans for the last time in the Baptism of Fire, it was just one more surprise and unexpected occurance. Behind the advertising boards, which had been replaced by a short stone wall, were torches, that ringed the entire pitch. The normally bright and active pitch, was dimmed. Visibility was normal, but the light was much warmer than the harsh artificial light that usually graced Tellman Field. Even in the stands, torches and open flame were the light of norm. The field, while a tad darker than usual, had a gladiatorial feel about it. The crowd roared as the team entered the Stadium. Before the match began, the abbot from the monastery, whose cloak covered his faced, stood up on a platform that had been erected in the center of the pitch.

He gave a short speech, "Welcome players of Endmile, and Daehanjeiguk, and all those who have partaken in the Tournament. You have now reached the end, and it has a challenging road, one full of suffering, both physical and otherwise. You rose above the intense stress not only of the challenges physical nature, but the emotional stress of being isolated in an unfamiliar environment, and subjected to something totally outside of your own experience. You have bonded together as a team, and whether or not the rest of the world recognizes it, you are better off for it. You have now completed all but the last stage of your Baptism of Fire. It may now begin."

The Tournament Final
Daehanjeiguk 0 - 0 (AET: 0 - 0; PENs 1 - 0) Endmile @ Tellman Field
Daehanjeiguk WINS the Tournament: Baptism of Fire First Place Crown(World Cup 36)

The Tournament Third Place Playoff
Kura-Pelland 2 - 3 Grotewohl @ Angelotic Field
Grotewohl WINS the Tournament: Baptism of Fire Third Place Crown

The Tournament: Baptism of Fire Final Standings

1. Daehanjeiguk
2. Endmile
3. Grotewohl

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.pngDaehanjeiguk || 0 - 0 || Endmilehttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/endmile.png
(0-0 a.e.t. | 1-0 PK)

Champions of the Baptism of Fire

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After a successful tour of the Baptism of Fire and the inspirational guidance of the tournament hosts, Daehanjeiguk wins the right to be champions of the Baptism of Fire for World Cup 36. It was perhaps one of the closest matches in the tournament, decided not only by penalty kicks, but by the sole shot from Kim Yongdae ironically. It was an extended match, and it probably set the tone for all future matches.

Indeed, of all matches, the Imperial Team has won three of its last four matches entering the PK shootout, and today was no exception as the goalless sides ran up and down the field. Penetration was no problem for the Imperial side, getting several chances on goal in the first half. However, the finishing quality remained lacking, and we are certain that several of the players will be disappointed when they return home. Defense managed well against an offense that was all steam and no foam, too hot to handle at times, that defender Yi Sabik inadvertently fouled an Endmile player in the box. While some spectators will debate the ensuing red card call, Kim Yongdae's marvelous defense of the PK shot was all but miraculous. The ball left and curved out to the right before bending back in. Kim leaped out and grabbed the ball forcefully, ensuring that it did not leave his grip. With ten players to start the second half, the Imperial Team was banking on the one goal to carry them over the deficit. However, the missing man proved too much for the offensive power of the team - as Cha Beomgeun latter reflected, "We were content to carry on into the PK rounds."

And after the extra time expired, a nerve-racking PK round began. Endmile started the PKs, with a wide shot that left Kim Yongdae comfortable in the goal. Kim Daeeui took the first shot for the Imperial side and had his ball hit the goalkeeper. Kim Yongdae defended the next shot, leaving the score at 0-0. Go Jongsu took the second Han shot, and missed the goal post wide, leaving the Endmile goalkeeper sighing in relief. However, Kim Yongdae took his stand and fisted the next shot away from trouble, again 0-0. Substituting for Seo Jeongweon, Kim Byeongji shot his goal straight to the goalkeeper, leaving the lines rather wary. Kim Yongdae again blocked a shot, fisting it over the crossbar. Heo Jeongmu took the fourth shot for Han, only to have it blocked out by the Endmile goalkeeper. Kim Yongdae took the next shot, but as it went wide, he took his sigh of relief. For the final shot before heading into the sudden death round, Yi Dongguk - subbing for Kim Eunjung - decisively shot his shot low. While any other goalkeeper would have leaped over it, the Endmile goalkeeper - showing signs of exhaustion - fell over it and kept it from going in. The critical next shot by Endmile showed the same exhaustion from Kim Yongdae, as he blocked the ball, heading it just wide of the post. Yi Eulyong took shot 6 and hit the crossbar, the gods favoring the top of the bar this day. Kim Yongdae faced another shot and managed to clear it free of the post, as Pak Geonha took shot 7, hitting the goalkeeper. Shot 8 for both sides pitted the goalkeepers against each other. Kim Yongdae daftly held the shot against Endmile, and when the time came for his own shot, he chipped lightly, letting it bounce to the left corner. That shot alone ended the match, and the man who carried the Imperial Team through the match and the PKs singlehandedly was clearly the goalkeeper, Kim Yongdae.

Post match remarks were held with the Crown Prince, apparently a self-professed avid football fan. Head Coach Cha Beomgeun received an honorary induction into the Imperial Family, as the official football coach for the Imperial Team to posterity. Kim Yongdae has earned the rights to meet the Emperor in person when returning home from the competition. When asked of the honor to receive this distinction, Kim Yongdae replied humbly, "I did what I could, and I don't think anyone can deny that we had marvelous opponents. But after going through the BoF challenges undefeated, and now reigning champions of the BoF, I can say that the Imperial Han Football Team is clearly best rising team in football. This honor that the Imperial Family offers me is clearly missing part of the picture, as this honor truly belongs to the entire team." Head Coach Cha Beomgeun also had his comments, all praises it seems: "I'd like to thank the BoF coordinators; they were extremely cooperative with our needs, and although I am reluctant to say that I was critical of their style for managing the tournament - and I still am - I have to admit that the challenges did prepare for these matches. Of course, I probably wouldn't be admitting that if we lost, but after watching the progress this team has made, I can confidently say that we are prepared to face-off against World Cup class teams. I look forward to the Qualifiers, even if we don't mark our berth into the World Cup this season."

The players were all receptive to the support that they received from home and from the tournament in the Lowland Clans. Kim Byeongji remarked, "The crowds were friendly, and I think once we settled our first few matches, it wasn't hard for the native crowds to fall in love with our style. I certainly look forward to this same support in the upcoming Qualifiers. At least, we'll have the opportunity to play at home too!"

This is MBC International, and we have been proud to bring you news and reviews for the Imperial Han Football Team throughout the entire BoF Tournament. We send our congratulations to the Imperial Team, and we wish them much luck in the coming months, as they face off against the world in the World Cup Qualifiers!

Today's Results are brought to you by MBC International - Bringing the World Together Again! (세계를 함께 가져오기 다시!)

Summary of Events
39' - HAN Red Card (#4)

PKs:
END: OOOOOOOO
HAN: OOOOOOOX