NationStates Jolt Archive

Well i'd just like the start this tread by offering my apologies for the delay to the start of the Cup of Harmony, firstly the main reason for the delay was me fainting in lectures and waking up in a hospital bed and staying there for some time, then just as I get back home Bostopia can't host it right at the moment but Bazalonia has stepped up so with out further ado......

Welcome to the Cup of Harmony XXIX hosted by The Islands of Qutar & Bazalonia! The top three teams in each group will automatically go through the the next round and the top two fourth place teams will play a one legged playoff game to decide who progress to the next round

Group Draw:

Group A
Yafor 2 (30)
Kura-Pelland (46)
Taeshan (62)
Jeru FC (70)
The Mice of Miceland (131)


Group B
Candelaria and Marquez (40)
Daehanjeiguk (44)
Uiri (63)
Prux (80)
Solenial (93)


Group C
Estresse Intenso (35)
Endmile (42)
Kansiov (57)
Minilla Island (83)
Audioslavia (91)


Group D
The Archregimancy (22)
Vephrall (53)
Ulzaxid (54)
Casari (71)
Kelssek (98)


Group E
St. Samuel (41)
Cookesland (49)
Sorthern Northland (60)
The Islands of Qutar (64)
Vanek Drury Brieres (95)


Fixture List;

Matchday 1: 2 vs 3 , 4 vs 5 (1 has a bye) Scores (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13146851&postcount=18)

Matchday 2: 1 vs 4 , 3 vs 5 (2 has a bye)

Matchday 3: 2 vs 4 , 1 vs 5 (3 has a bye)

Matchday 4: 2 vs 5 , 1 vs 3 (4 has a bye)

Matchday 5: 1 vs 2 , 3 vs 4 (5 has a bye)

"Wait, the CSA hired you as what?"

"Aye, director of the program. Not bad, huh?" Mike said on the other side of the phone line.

"I'd say so. At least you have a use for your business degree." Silvia Hill said, sitting in the corner.

"So are you playing?"

"Of course I'm playing. Who said I wasn't?"

"Pan was saying some stuff... I dunno, I think he might have been drunk anyway."

Silvia let out a laugh. "Yeah, I'm playing."

"Great, the gang together one last time." Mike said. "It'll be good."

"You think so?"

"I do. Maybe it'll get it through that head of yours that soccer is what you're supposed to do. I gotta go, see you at the airport?"

"Yep, see you there." Hill said, hanging up her phone. Glancing out the window, one of the giant cranes being used to assemble the new stadium was visible, slowly spinning to pick up another piece of the structure.

An amazing number of people so far had put a bit of pressure on her to take her place as the "rightful heir" to the national team. Then again, it was sort of the family business... but who the hell were they to tell her what to do? It's her life, and she can do whatever she damn well pleases, right? Even if it involved things like a research trip to...

Hill sighed. Was that really as boring as it sounded?

"Damn." She muttered. "Damn, damn, damn, damn..."

Whatever they were doing, it was working. And the stack of offers from teams was still promising looking.

Sighing, she grabbed the top sheet of the stack and read it again, slowly.

The issue wasn't so much that she wanted to play... but where?

City, International, Blues, West Baronies, Winton Market, Shelby... all the biggest teams in the country were there, willing to throw obscene amounts of money at her so she could kick a ball three hours a week. Tens of thousands of fans at every game, screaming their brains out. In theory, it should be great. Of course, theories could be wrong, and then where would she be?

That was the core of the problem.

"Ugh, dad, what the hell should I do." she muttered, putting the piece of paper back on the stack and sighing.

St Samuel Squad

Manager: Georgi Monte-Cristiano
Age: 53
Former manager Saint Maria FC

Assistant Manger: Yves al Jahdali
Age: 42
Former Ariddian International legend.

Starting 11
GK: Niclas Corinthian - Age: 28, Club: Marienburg United, Squad number: 1
CD: Tyrone Rock - Age: 24, Club: Saint Maria FC, Squad number: 4
CD: Seth Justantinium – Age: 20, Club: Isadora City, Squad number: 13
RD: Frankie Le Ricco - Age: 22, Club: Lewisburg Town , Squad number: 2
LD: Luther Della Rosa – Age: 21, Club: Saint Maria, Squad number: 14
CM: Leo Sensini - Age: 18, Club: Marienburg United, Squad number: 8
CM: Aaron De Villion - Age: 23, Club: AC Solina, Squad number: 6
RM: Maxi Bezzi-Louaza - Age: 21, Club: Marienburg United, Squad number: 7
LM: Omar Batista - Age: 27, Club: AC Solina , Squad number: 11
CF: Sebastien Atalanta – Age:19, Club: St Malo, Squad number: 9
CF: Enzo Mazzeranni - Age:25, Club: Saint Maria FC , Squad number: 10

Sub's
GK: Paolo Van Monica – Age: 26, Club: Wolf Bay, Squad number: 21
CD: Jermaine Siddacious - Age: 26, Club: AC Solina, Squad number: 12
CD: Paulo Monte-Pellaino - Age: 25, Club: West Corina FC, Squad number: 5
LD: Roberto Zaggi - Age: 24, Club: West Corina FC, Squad number: 3
RD: Cesar Le Ellandria – Age: 25, Club: St Lysander, Squad number: 20
CM: Leon Angelico – Age: 25, Club: South Lake, Squad number: 15
CM: Salvatore Rocka – Age: 19, Club: Marienburg Utd, Squad number: 17
LM: Edgar Lovintino – Age: 23, Club: Greenbay, Squad number: 19
RM: Marco Di Helana – Age:18, Club: Marienburg City, Squad number: 16
CF: Maximus De Sicci - Age: 22, Club: AC Solina, Squad number: 18
CF: Sebastiano De Robbia – Age: 24, Club: Charlestown Utd, Squad number: 22

Style: +2

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


1) Background detail

Stadium - Park of King's, 80,000 all seater state of the art venue, with re-tractable roof, under-soil heating in the capital city of Saint Maria.

What is specific or unique about your country? St Samuel is Italianesque. For more information visit: http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/St_Samuel

I am willing to have one or more of my players defect. N
I allow other nations to have one or more of my players defect to their country. N
I allow players from other teams to defect into my country. Y

3) Interviews.

I would like to take part in interview RPs. Y
Name a media organisation(s) or individuals willing to interview foreign players, officials, and/or supporters:
St Samuel Sports Channel

Which of your players/officials/ supporters you would be willing to have interviewed by foreign media?
Any

The hugely-delayed Cup of Harmony does at least gain a bit of attention for itself when it doesn't clash with the World Cup. Kura-Pelland are in a group led by Yafor 2, with Taeshan and Jeru FC the main dangers and The Mice of Miceland there for cannon fodder or a massive upset.

Starting eleven for first match (4-4-2): Hill; Curatin, Caparelli, Vega, Grahams; Belling, Pezzoni, Tensen, Eldridge; Cazarez, Beattis. Subs: Walsh [GK], Senigas, Cambridge, Vax, Le Monde, Ikira, Kirklees.

Too lazy to post anything else? What?

I'll be playing a 4-1-3-1-1, -1.
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

The Golden Wolves (announce the same ugly format roster?)

Manager: Gerod Flamer
Stadium: The Zydrakos Dome, Ajer, Yafor 2
* - Starter

*1)Goalkeeper: Imon Juile. Club: IYC Uharan.
2)Goalkeeper: Fazini Nafizad. Club: Real Alumno.
*4)Left Defender: Agorala'an Nivor. Club: Chelmar FC.
5)Left Defender: Joraset Jeyllan. Club: Ramen United
*6)Left Center Defender: Lhatis Riegan. Club:Chelmar FC.
7)Left Center Defender: Iborv Gimora'an. Club: Ramen United
*8)Right Center Defender: Herod Accursas. Club: None, U21 side. Half-Jeruselemite
9)Right Center Defender: Thian Maelor. Club: Chelmar FC.
*10)Right Defender: Nilan Bahsir. Club: Ajer United.
11)Right Defender: Garin Malan. Club: Chelmar FC.
*12)Defensive Midfielder: Mosada Juhan. Club: Chelmar FC.
13) Defensive Midfielder: Klientar Loverado. Club: Ramen United.
14) Defensive Midfielder: Maird Lavan. Club: Ramen United.
*15) Left Midfielder: Hierna Klienta. Club: Cardarel FC.
16)Left Midfielder: Korast Ytern. Club: Ajer United.
*17)Center Midfielder: Prince Sebard. Club: IYC Ajer.
18)Center Midfielder: Maharta Kiranar. Club: IYC Uharan.
*19)Right Midfielder: Vashil Nahanor. Club: None, U21 side.
20)Right Midfielder: Damiel Fraten. Club: IYC Uharan.
*21)Attacking Midfielder: Iktam Velastros. Club: Chelmar FC.
22)Attacking Midfielder: Tyrius Valderran. Club: None, U21 side.
*23)Striker: Zyante Meleherat . Club: Cardarel FC.
24)Striker: Kimiran Yahakov. Club: Ramen United.

NOTE: This is the original Yaforite roster. Several players will have injuries/get sick.

The IFA again submits it roster for use in the CoH:

Playing Style = +1
Formation = 3-4-1-2

Head Coach: Cha Beomgeun {車範根 (차범근)}


Player ㅇ韓ㅇ ㅇ한ㅇ # POS Club
Kim Yongdae 金龍大 김용대 1 K Clube Imperial
Choi Jincheol 崔眞喆 최진철 2 D Joseon
Pak Geonha 朴建夏 박건하 3 D Bokgeon
Yi Sabik 李ㅇㅇ 이사빅 4 D Daeman
Kim Donghyeon 金東炫 김동현 5 D Malla
Baek Jihun 白智勳 백지훈 6 M Cheonjin
Yi Yeongpyo 李榮杓 이영표 7 M Hanseong
Song Jongguk 宋鐘國 송종국 8 M Dunboor FC
Son Daeho 孫大鎬 손대호 9 M Gwangdong
Kim Daeeui 金大儀 김대의 10 F Sanghae
Jeong Jihun 鄭智薰 정지훈 11 F Hangyeong
Kim Ho 金皓ㅇ 김호ㅇ 12 K Monggol
Jang Yogon 张耀坤 장요곤 13 D Sandong
Kim Jingyu 金珍圭 김진규 14 D Junggyeong
Yi Eulyong 李乙容 이을용 15 M Gangso
Gang Gamchan 姜邯贊 강감찬 16 M Sanghae
Yi Dongguk 李東國 이동국 17 F Manju
Yi Jeongyeol 李正烈 이정열 18 K Shingang
Wang Shinheun 王新欣 왕신흔 19 D Hanseong
Kim Chigon 金致坤 김치곤 20 D Haenam
Kim Byeongji 金秉址 김병지 21 M Atlético Jutense
Hong Myeongbo 洪明甫 홍명보 22 M Haenam
Kim Dohun 金度勲 김도훈 23 F Taehaeng


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


Also, MBC requests rights to broadcast all Han matches in Daehanjeiguk.

... "What this says we're hosting the Cup of Harmony!" President of the BFSA, Andrew Coulter

"Yeah, aren't we?" commented his secretary

"Then how come I have no idea about it?"

"Well, the word is that the Bostopian FA, whatever it's called, what do you think I'm expected to know everything? Anywho, they couldn't do it and sent a message to the Pres of the WCC, James, and apparently James just bahhed and said we'll do the CoH has been delayed long enough."

"Oh, then why haven'y I been told?"

"Have you been through your mail recently?"

"Uh, no..."

"well, let's see..." she said as she went through the pile of letters that had been stacking up on Andrew's desk. She came through to one from the "President of the WCC"

There you go, he probably told you in there... oh, and here's one from the Qutari's

"Bah! Okay, so are the stadiums available?"

"Yeah, well, we can easily enough delay the A-league for a few weeks."

"Alrght, we'll have to do that, bah wheres the Stadium list."

"It's in your desk somewhere."

"We need a new stadium anyway... it's getting boring... anywho let's see what we can find!"

This special presentation brought to you by MBC International Sports! Now to our hosts, Yi Hyori (李孝利) and Jo Myeongae (趙明愛).

李孝利: Well, this is the Cup of Harmony, and for this Year's Edition, Myeongae and I have decided to focus on the word - 'harmony'. It comes in many words, and I think throughout the World Cup of Harmony Tournament, you'll get a better appreciation of what it means to us and how it's being demonstrated on the field every time the Imperial Team takes on the opposition.

趙明愛: Yeah. So keep an eye out for that.

李孝利: Well, the Imperial Team took a pretty hard beating, but played rather competitively in a group that included one of the World Cup Semifinalists. It was a tough group, but despite this, the team didn't perform as well as they could. Injuries were the top reason, and for that, many of the players being sent to the Cup of Harmony are in fact veterans of the successful Oriental Football Cup tour, played all at home. After playing against some of the best teams in the world, the Team feel on penalties to the strong Ariddians, who rallied on the strength of their retired goalkeeper, Cassie Lee.

趙明愛: It was too bad for the Ariddians, who failed to gain on their impressive season last year, seizing a whole rack of prizes. Nonetheless, the Imperial side will have a tall order to make an improvement from the last Cup of Harmony, ending the tour after a disappointing Quarterfinal exit against Novapsolu.

李孝利: This year's team has a lot of new talents, and we'll be pointing them out as they come along. So watch out world! The Imperial Team is on the March!

PRUXTON PRESS

Prawns look to Serve Revenge in CoH

After winning the BoF, Prux crashed like a junkie 3 weeks off the juice in the qualfiers. Wether it was the pressure of playing in front of thier own fans or just lousy conditioning, the Prawns look to win their 2nd non-WC title for the year.

But standing in their way is a tough group of teams headed by Candelaria and Marquez, 40th in the world, and 44th ranked Daehanjeiguk. Those 2 teams are the early favorites, while Prux will contend with #63 Uiri and #93 Solenial for the chance to upset the favorites and move on.


ROSTER FOR THE PRAWNS:

Goalie: Red Herring- A man easily distracted from the real world, but the best one we could find for the job.

Defense:
Bill Fold- Despite his last name, is one of the most un-flappable defenders in the game.
Tex Mex- A guy born on the Rio Grande, not sure if he's a Texan or a Mexican, but he can play foosball.
John Jacob Jinglehimer-Schmidt- Not the guy someone wrote a song about.
Real McCoy- Found wandering the streets of Pruxton, saying "I'm the Real McCoy." Decided to use him on defense since his constant rambling throws of the opposition.

Midfield:
Pi- A 3.14 meter tall Greek letter that can play foosball.
Under Where- A guy wandering around in nothing but jockey shorts, enough said.
The Sphinx- an enigmatic young lady who riddles the opposition with constant questions, which drive them crazy. Also a good corner kicker with her lion's legs.
3.1415- A shorter version of Pi, he's only 3.14 ft tall, but kicks like a mule.

Attakers:
Pi R. Squared- A Circle with legs, don't know how it happened, don't know where it's from, but it works.
Pies R. Round- A walking pie, don't know how it happened, don't know where it's from, but it works.
007- A code name for this gentleman. Don't know much about him either.

Subs:
Italian w/ Hot Peppers
Meatball
Steak and Cheese
Pastrami

All our Subs are 6' long and come with your choice of French Fries, Tater Tots or Potato Chips. For $1.00 extra you can get a 32 oz. soda.

Prux' Style Modifier will be the positive SquareRoot of 16. (+4 for those that failed math.)

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events N
RP injuries to my players Y, (nothing too severe)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events N

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the Jeru FC roster being recycled again

Jeru FC Team Roster

Formation: 3-4-3 (+3) or System "Not really Takil"

Coach/Manager: Abrams Tunk (or known as "Tunky" by Dallas girls)

GK
Private James Honky, one of shortest goalkeepers in Jeruselem aside from school team goalkeepers.
Private Hans Mandebrott, obsessive Dazza Dallas porn collector and working on a Kate Dallas collection

DEF
Private Rayne Pocock, likes fights at bars and getting beaten up in the process.
Private David Dohah, once played football with a live grenade
Private Sam Shotan, thinks he's guy in the Doom computer games but he's not
Private Akbal Hofta, prays like true Moslem but always in the wrong direction
Private Unkt Bafal, likes driving on pedrestrian footpaths to avoid traffic

MID
Private Nok Emdown, skilled on the field and with the ladies
Corporal Sheik Yeisles, team captain and resident team bully
Private Linus Hokans, he's up to the latest army tech - a Mac Plus computer
Private Monsy Rivere, has fainting spells around red-headed short attractive women
Private Rambo Mann, thinks he's Rambo the hero ... hard to understand
Private Rosen Falka, owns a rather large knife collection
Private Uggen Caveman, his name describes him perfectly


ATT
Private Pansy Petal, likes to shop at Razzle Dazzle - a women's clothing store
Private Grunden January, performs best in his first 5 minutes during a game - and is useless for the rest
Private Jakob Fakestein, Gay jewish man
Private William Deckstra, can't stop stealing women's underwear
Private Chris Kantos, has shot himself in the foot - TWICE
Private Mickey Rate, calls himself a real man, but the girls don't think so

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

New national team manager announced

The Vephraller Foutbiller Restritris announced today that Umsaasad Pentove would be named manager of the Vephrall national football team with immediate effect. Interim manager Rhoetang Dotsmens, who guided the team through most of the second half of World Cup 37 qualifying, will return to his previous role of assistant manager. The team achieved a 2-1-3 record during Dotsmens' tenure.

Pentove has not yet announced a team roster for the Cup of Harmony, though he is expected to do so before year's end.

When asked about Vephrall's opponents in the competition, Pentove didn't sugar-coat things. "In the Cup of Harmony, there are no easy opponents," he said, "unless you're the Archregimancy. And with them in our group, that just makes it that much harder." Vephrall is the second highest ranked team in its group behind the Archregimancy, but is nearly dead even with Ulzaxid, and Casari and Kelssek "absolutely cannot be counted out," says Pentove.

Former manager Ostalir Pasarap, who has not yet taken another managerial position, also weighed in with his opinion. "It all goes in cycles," said Pasarap. "1740, '41 [the years of the Vephrese calendar in which World Cup 37 qualifying took place], those were some down years for us, but you have to expect these sort of things. It was balancing out the pretty good success we had back in the thirties. I think now we're gonna start to see the pendulum swing back to the positive side again – maybe not so far that we'll win the Cup of Harmony, but we should surely have a much better performance than we did in World Cup qualifying."

Millions of football fans all over Virceis are hoping Pasarap's belief is sound, and that it extends to both of the continent's national teams – Kura-Pelland did not have a particularly successful qualifying run either.

"We have to show the football world what we're really made of," says Pasarap. "We've got to have a strong showing here in the Cup of Harmony, to prove that we really are ready to play host to a World Cup of our own," referring to the Kura-Pelland–Vephrall World Cup 38 hosting bid.

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. Do you see a pattern forming?

Style mod: -1.5


Manager: Mark Baker (Aged 59)

C&M’s first and only coach has declined the opportunity to make wholesale changes to his squad after the Big Blues’ defeat to Dance 2 Revolution in the World Cup play-offs. In attempting to put a side together to win (or at least do modestly well) in the Cup of Harmony; Baker has ignored the claims of several young players – including the entire Justantina Cup finalists Under-21 team – and the only additions to the squad are direct replacements for the likes of Reuben Uwakwe, Luis Enrique Torrealba, Peter Waddington and – crucially – striker Steven Fritz who have all retired from international football. A couple of horribly out of form players have also been left out.

Baker expects to play a 4-5-1, with veteran Speed Wang and youngster José Felipe Cassumba Domingos playing a vital offensive role behind lone front man Ignacio Vélez.

His assistants are Steven Loovens (fitness, putting cones out), Ricardo Garcia (tactical awareness and self-proclaimed sports psychology expert) and Elroy Ergin (goalkeeping).

Goalkeepers:

22. Oberon Martinez, 26, Albrecht Turks, STARTER
An excellent club season this far elevates him from third to first in the pecking order in the absence of Reuben Uwakwe. His athleticism is his shining quality, a poor record from corners the negative.

23. Harry Primrose, 23, MarquezOW
Still yet to make a start for C&M despite having been in the squad since the Baptism of Fire for WC36; he has had a dire season making constant silly mistakes, but can always be counted upon to save penalties if nothing else. He is not at all effeminate, why do people keep bringing it up?

1. Paolo Thorpe, 28, KT Hotspur
Back in the squad after a leg break put him out of WC36 qualifying; he is highly unlikely to start but has conceded fewer goals that anyone in the CMSC this term.

Defenders:

2. Damien Sono, 32, Albrecht Turks, STARTING RIGHT-BACK
A last international hurrah for this most solid of players. Except when there’s a slot machine about.

3. Doug Szczechowicz, 27, Albrecht Turks, STARTING LEFT-BACK
Has a habit of picking up silly bookings, but has a good cross on him and impressed on the overlap with Cornelisse in WC37 Qualifying.

17. Sam Young, 27, Albrecht FC, STARTING CENTRE-BACK
Came in for Peter Waddington half-way through WC37 Qualifying. A good leap for a little’un, but has thus far failed somewhat to fill the former captain’s boots.

5. Benji Fu, 28, Albrecht FC, STARTING CENTRE-BACK, CAPTAIN
Tall defender who elegantly distributes the ball into the midfield and flanks. A placid lad, who occasionally elects to hack randomly at an opponent and gives away too many penalties, he was a surprise choice to replace Waddington as the armband-holder.

12. Walter Jordan, 24, Caires City
Back-up right-back, selected in the squad for his link-up play with club team-mate Caras. Breeds rabbits.

13. Lorenzo De Wilde, 23, Cheonjin [Daehanjeiguk]
A versatile player who is left-footed but can play anywhere along the back line and possess a mean header from corners. Also has a league-winners medal under his belt from his foreign club side.

18. Juan Carlos Revault, 28 KT Hotspur
Another utility man, who has also played in the centre of midfield, and seems to be another inexplicable favourite of Baker’s.

Midfielders:

16. O'Sullivan Caras, 25, Caires City, STARTING RIGHT-WINGER
Slightly less skilful than other options on the wings, but an intelligent player with a pint-point cross and decent free-kick on him. 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. Recently forced to deny he was planning to retire and take up the priesthood.

20. Jos Cornelisse, 27, São José [Cafundéu], STARTING LEFT-WINGER
C&M's Prince of the Step-Over, who has finally secured a club that knows what to do with him, and a starting birth for the Big Blues.

7. José Felipe Cassumba Domingos, 20, Marquez(OW), STARTING ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
The C&M side of the future will surely be built around "Cassa", who can play up the right or in the middle. For now, however, there remain concerns over his lightweight physique.

14. Ben Head, 24, Green Island, STARTING DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
The vital cog for both C&M and Green Island’s impressive league season, Head will be the pivot around which the Big Blues turn. Is the public face of Spiritual Healing with Horses magazine.

21. Speed Wang, 32, Albrecht FC, STARTING CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
Undoubtedly the most talented player the islands have produced in a generation, he can spray the ball about all day long but can be injury prone, especially at this late stage in his career.

8. Mamdooh Momtaz, 31, Atlético Jutense [Cafundéu]
Possessing an uncanny knack to score and create goals at will despite barely touching the ball for most of the game; Momtaz is a key substitute and will come in for Cassa or Wang in the event of injury or lack of form.

4. Neville Bagshaw, 29, KT Hotspur
Reliable defensive midfielder holding the fort on the subs bench ‘till any of C&M good youngsters in that position are fit and available.

11. Joey Pipes, 23, Castillo FC
With pace to burn, this touch-line hogger knows that the CoH represents his last chance to stake a continued claim for a C&M squad place.

6. Fred Ma, 23, Candelaria Arsenal Lavange
Highly thought of attacking midfielder who has done wonderfully well with a poor team this year and has been given his chance to impress. Seemingly a clone of Speed Wang, in both appearance and promise.

Forwards:

10. Ignacio Vélez, 24, Marquez(OW), STARTING FRONT MAN
Slow but potentially deadly forward who was at the time of writing the CMSC’s top scorer this season. Had five goals in WC37 Qualifying, including those from the bench, and must score even more regularly with the retirement of Steven Fritz.

15. Yasser Zaghloul, 27, Port Sion FC [St Samuel]
A great big unit, who's not as good in the air as he should be. Baker seems to adore him, though.

9. Stuart Vidakovic, 22, Green Island
The second highest league scorer behind Vélez; Vidakovic appears to have everything – electrifying pace, trickery and a keen eye for goal. But at international level, and without the vital skills of Green Island’s ESF midfield star Roger Zetaback behind him, does he really have enough?

19. Holger Pi, 22, United Trilan [Kura-Pelland]
Um… okay. Yes, the little Germano-Han man has an ability to consistently score tap-ins after lounging about for eighty minutes, but we already have that in Momtaz. And he’s hardly lit up the Kura-Pellandi league recently. A damning indictment of C&M’s striking talent, or a risky experiment?

The Albrecht Herald Online/Sport/Football/Breaking News
Baker cooks up the odd surprise in Harmony squad

Candelaria And Marquez national football coach has provided a few shocks in his twenty-three-man squad to tackle the Cup of Harmony in Bazalonia & the Island of Qutar.

The most obvious omissions see no players from the Under-21 team that reached the Justantina Cup final included in the senior squad. In his press conference however, Baker denied this represented a snub saying, “I’m not out to build a squad for the future here. First and only, this is about winning the Cup of Harmony, and I need to put together a team that’s fresh enough to do that. We’re talking here about young players who are coming off the back of an arduous tournament on foreign soil… And the passage of time being what it is here compared to most of the rest of the world, these kids are having to play twice as much as their peers in other countries. Now’s not the time for their inclusion, but they’ve got the rest of the league season – and that Di Bradini thingy, some of them – to stake the claims for a place in the next World Cup Qualifying squad.”

With squad players such as Joey Pipes and Juan Carlos Revault once again included; Baker seems intent on establishing real continuity in his group. Only five new faces and one re-called name appear in the squad; as replacements for key international retirees (including veterans goalkeeper Rueben Uwakwe and striker Steven Fritz) and players such as left-back Adrian Mazzeo and striker Dan Davis who look badly out of form both for C&M and their CMSC clubs.

Despite Baker’s stressing of the need for he country’s brightest youngsters to get regular CMSC play under their belts; he includes no less than five players active in other countries, including the most surprising call-up to the squad; United Trilan’s Holger Pi. The other new arrivals are a mixture of reliable veterans (Paolo Thorpe, Neville Bagshaw) and those in the early twenties hoping to impress their coach over the next month (striker Stuart Vidakovic, midfield dynamo Fred Ma and Han-based defender Lorenzo De Wilde).

As for the group, Baker seemed happy enough to have avoided sides such as Kura-Pelland, who put C&M out of the last Cup, and Sorthern Northland, who a side in C&M colours seem to play every five minutes. However he conceded it could have been better. “Obviously we haven’t played the Han since they put us out of the Boff on pens after that three-all. It’s going to be a very even game between well-matched sides, but I’m sure Lozzo can fill us in. Uiri are a rapidly developing side, who had an outside shot of World Cup qualification at one point, and Solenial may be more about rugby that football but we’re not going to take them at all lightly. The other team in the group? Oh, us? Well obviously in terms of seedings we’re favourites for the group and are the fourth-ranked team out here, but I’m not going to make any bold predictions. Let’s just see how it goes? Hmm? Prux? Never heard of them, got to go now, I’ll see y’all next week. ‘Bye.”

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5357/snfald4.png
Sorthern Northland squad for the thirty-ninth edition of the Cup of Harmony

Squad

1 George Palmer (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/George_Palmer) - 25 y/o Goalkeeper
13 Joseph Huntley - 23 y/o Goalkeeper
21 Jonny Sage - 21 y/o Goalkeerer
2 Graeme Shorey - 23 y/o Right Back
12 Ri Kwang-Chong - 24 y/o Right Back
3 Min Cho-Hi - 25 y/o Left Back
14 Nicky Murty - 23 y/o Left Back
6 Ivar Wrightson - 23 y/o Centre Back
5 Corneal Corneal - 22 y/o Centre Back
15 Jay-Jay Bay-Bay - 21 y/o Centre Back
16 Marek Smith - 26 y/o Centre Back
18 Mark Tuguy - 25 y/o Right Winger
7 Tom Tomsk - 24 y/o Right Winger
17 Ben O'Bagels (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ben_O%27Bagels) - 21 y/o Left Winger -
11 Feng Shui - 82 y/o Left Winger
8 Relondinho - 24 y/o Central Midfielder
19 Diago Maran - 23 y/o Central Midfielder
4 Xeng Xung - 21 y/o Central Midfielder
20 Gung Ho-Suk - 23 y/o Cental Midfielder
22 Jing Mao - 18 y/o Striker
10 Kim Min-Kim -23 y/o Striker
22 Korea China - 24 y/o Stiker
9 Neuville Senna - 27 y/o Sriker

Formation is 4-4-2 with a style modifier of +5.
The starting eleven is numbers 1 to 10 + 17.
The manager is once again Kevaughn Ó Criomhthain.

Kits
Home/Away/Third
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/3350/snhdx4.pnghttp://img511.imageshack.us/img511/1746/snanj2.pnghttp://img249.imageshack.us/img249/7441/sntfp9.png


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events N
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players Y
Godmod other events N


Sorthern Northland national team page on NSwiki. (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Sorthern_Northland_national_football_team)

Vephraller Foutbiller Restritris - Press release

Official team roster for the twenty-ninth Cup of Harmony

Team Manager - Umsaasad Pentove

Assistant Manager - Rhoetang Dotsmens
Forward Coach - Menburid Umsaasad
Midfield Coach - Netgorin Ocilla
Defender Coach - Pasarap Cegeeng
Goalkeeping Coach - Sytrobes Smait

Standard formation: 3-4-1-2
Overall style: -1 on a five-point scale

Home colors: White and gold
Away colors: Black, red, and white
Third kit: Blue and white
Goalkeeper colors: Green and gold

And now, the players. Starters will be listed in red.

(Note on ages: One RL day is approximately equal to one month in Vephrall. Ages are as of 8 December 1742, or 18 October 2007 IRL.)

GOALKEEPERS

1. Phootid Rilin
Age: 20 years, 1 month
Side(s): N/A
Club: Spoantects FE
On national team since World Cup 37

12. Hahnea Latissle
Age: 29 years, 9 months
Side(s): N/A
Club: Custler FE
On national team since World Cup 36

23. Ocilla Shuke
Age: 22 years, 10 months
Club: Oillid CE
Side(s): N/A
On national team since World Cup 37

SWEEPERS

24. Dings Dings
Age: 27 years, 10 months
Club: Knoleier FE
Side(s): N/A
On national team since World Cup 36

DEFENDERS

2. Hahnea Whaariny
Age: 31 years, 5 months
Side(s): Right
Club: Ammites FE
On national team since World Cup 36

3. Wendelors Rutako
Age: 22 years, 3 months
Side(s): Left
Club: Ammites FE
On national team since World Cup 37

5. Wendelors Clituleng
Age: 29 years, 3 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Dunboor FC (Cafundéu)
Previous clubs: Custler FE
On national team since World Cup 36

13. Denosone Praumbeted
Age: 33 years, 7 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Cirbeod OC
On national team since World Cup 36

14. Apyrphung Netgorin
Age: 32 years, 4 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Merpisms CE
On national team since World Cup 36

16. Menburid Sads
Age: 26 years
Side(s): Right
Club: Oillid CE
On national team since World Cup 36

25. Preptyrs Scunt
Age: 28 years, 9 months
Side(s): Left, Center
Club: Knoleier FE
On national team since World Cup 36

DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDERS/WINGBACKS

15. Pazyheas Scezes
Age: 19 years, 5 months
Side(s): Center (DM)
Club: Knoleier FE
On national team since World Cup 37

MIDFIELDERS

4. Sperobis Wilopteere
Age: 34 years, 10 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Knoleier FE
On national team since World Cup 36

6. Pembace Prorim
Age: 27 years, 4 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Terabits CE
On national team since World Cup 36

7. Recasang Shuke
Age: 30 years, 4 months
Side(s): Right
Club: Terabits CE
On national team since World Cup 36

11. Torossud Parogam
Age: 34 years, 5 months
Side(s): Left
Club: Netler FE
On national team since World Cup 36

19. Phootid Fihor
Age: 20 years, 8 months
Side(s): Left
Club: Huellim CE
On national team since World Cup 37

ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS/WINGERS

8. Going Sytrobes
Age: 35 years, 11 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Atlético Insular (Cafundéu)
Previous clubs: Stithis FE
On national team since World Cup 36

17. Diors Ebrulefa
Age: 32 years, 6 months
Side(s): Right
Club: Terabits CE
On national team since World Cup 36

18. Wilopteere Hetag
Age: 23 years, 7 months
Side(s): Left, Center
Club: Spoantects CE
On national team since World Cup 37

22. Rictavos Claspung
Age: 23 years, 7 months
Side(s): Center
Club: Stestrenas CE
New for Cup of Harmony

FORWARDS

9. Sorrah Wais
Age: 28 years, 10 months
Side(s): N/A
Club: Ammites FE
On national team since World Cup 36

10. Thwante Uambe
Age: 30 years, 9 months
Side(s): N/A
Club: Oillid CE
On national team since World Cup 36

21. Ocilla Meniarol
Age: 27 years, 11 months
Side(s): N/A
Club: Sante OB
On national team since World Cup 36

20. Cuizamed Spelaad
Age: 23 years, 5 months
Side(s): N/A
Club: Stestrenas OC
New for Cup of Harmony

* * *

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Y, but don't kill them. If a major injury, recommend you check with me first.
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y

Estresse Intenso's roster can be seen following the links:

Follow me! (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13136811&postcount=31)

Here be the Cutoff for matchday 1

Group A

Kura-Pelland 3 0 Taeshan
Jeru FC 2 0 The Mice of Miceland

Yafor 2 had a bye

Group B

Daehanjeiguk 2 1 Uiri
Prux 1 2 Solenial

Candelaria and Marquez had a bye

Group C

Endmile 2 1 Kansiov
Minilla Island 4 0 Audioslavia

Estresse Intenso had a bye

Group D

Vephrall 1 0 Ulzaxid
Casari 2 0 Kelssek

The Archregimancy had a bye

Group E

Cookesland 3 0 Sorthern Northland
The Islands of Qutar 2 1 Vanek Drury Brieres

St. Samuel had a bye

N.B: Groups A-C where scorinated by Qutar and D-E by me.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.pngDaehanjeiguk || 2 - 1 || Uirihttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Uiri.png



This special presentation brought to you by MBC International Sports! Now to our hosts, Yi Hyori (李孝利) and Jo Myeongae (趙明愛).

趙明愛: Hey, everyone! This is Myeongae.

李孝利: And I'm Yi Hyori. It's the Cup of Harmony, and already the first match is upon us. Despite the rather lackluster campaign for the World Cup Qualifiers, this season is turning out on a positive first step, isn't it?

趙明愛: Absolutely. The Imperial Team racks it first win against Uiri with a confident but shallow 2-1 victory. It was a slow start, as the players got onto the field and became more acquainted with each other. It was a hot match, as Uiri did finish competently in the Baptism of Fire, falling out in the Semifinals. For the first time on an international field was the star striker from Cheonjin - Jeong Jihun - taking up the head position with Kim Daeeui. It was this brace that led the Imperial's stunning rise coming in the late first half. In the 37th minute, Hong Myeongbo cleared one of the many threatening Uiri attacks, and the two found themselves against a very weak defense. After a neat set of passes, Jeong Jihun laid a nice loft for Kim Daeeui to head the ball back behind the goalkeeper. The Uiri team coach was calling for an offsides on the play, but the linesman was confident that the play was onsides. As the two teams went into the break room 1-0, Yi Yeongpyo helped clear all doubt as he lodged the ball off a nice corner kick early in the second half. But Uiri was quick to reply, giving Kim Yongdae a scramble that fell in vain. Following that solitary goal, the two sides battled it hard on the midfield, where the Imperial side struggled against a stubborn Uiri defense. The game ended nonetheless on Yi Yeongpyo's goal, which gave the Imperial Team a cherished 3 points for Group B play.

李孝利: Well, that was well-played by the Imperial side, and as we look on to the Cup of Harmony, we're also paying homage to the meaning of 'harmony.'

平和

'Pyeonghwa'

Pyeong - It's a word that embodies the idea of being level, even. Stillness of the soul. The character shows the man standing upon the earth with no opposition to his existence. He is at ease with the world, and the world exhibits no tension.

Hwa - It's a word that embodies the idea of peace, more so that there is the state of being at peace. There is the character for 'mouth' and the character for 'rice'. The person who perceives peace is at peace with himself, for his tummy is full of rice. He has no need for conflict, for he is satisfied.

Putting the two characters together again, and we have the level man, with a full and satisfied tummy. Truly, this is the essence of harmony in the world - people are satisfied with themselves, and they find no reason to seek conflict in the world, for everything is there for them.

趙明愛: Wow, such power and eloquence from just one word. Peace is truly a powerful word.

李孝利: Well, wait until you seek the next word! Anyways, that's all for today. I hope that you enjoyed the match, and we'll see you around when the Imperial team starts crashing on the doors of someone else's game.


MATCH SUMMARY
37' - HAN Goal (#10)
49' - HAN Goal (#7)
53' - URI Goal

Line up for the next match:

Kim Yongdae

Kim Donghyeon Kim Jingyu Jang Yogon

Hong Myeongbo Yi Eulyong Song Jongguk Gang Gamchan

Yi Yeongpyo

Jeong Jihun Kim Daeeui

THE MONASTIC TIMES

FIRST CUP OF HARMONY MATCH TO BE AGAINST CASARI
Archregimancy Squad Offers Schismatics Walk-over Victory

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

Following recent reports that the Archregimancy - easily the highest-ranked team in the Cup of Harmony - were planning on losing every single match they played in the tournament, news filtered out today that the squad were considering losing to first group opponents Casari in a walk-over.

"Casari are traditionally a dangerous team with a history we respect and honour, but the current squad are also only just beginning to return to international prominence" noted a senior archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Under normal circumstances, you'd expect us to thrash a group of mid-ranked drunken college students. Given our intent of losing every match, we can't risk that happening. So instead we're seriously considering staying at our training base and allowing them to win in a walk-over. And besides, if we allow ourselves to lose in a walk-over against a bunch of Catholic schismatics, it'll prove we're serious about this humility thing."

Other sources close to the Monastic Football Association are said to be outraged at the suggestion that the squad are seriously considering just not turning up to their first Cup of Harmony match, and concerns are growing for the sanity and mental stability of the team. "I think they each just need a nice long solitary vigil, preferably in an Arctic waste or scorching desert" said one not-so-senior heiromonk back at the Grand Lavra.

"And here we are broadcasting live over the CommuniNet from Bazalonia" squeaked a mouse Micelandic, anyone not familiar with Micelandic however would hear it in their own language, sometimes this causes issues if people who only partly know Micelandic can have some troubles, particularily with it switching back and forth, but anyway, this is a wonderful aside that's only purpose is to distract the reader from the main purpose of this RP...

"Here we are in The Islands of Qutar, not very far away from our new home once again in Atlantian Oceania, the we're here to witness the first game for our own."

"Yes, that's right our own Miceland Mauraders are facing Jeru FC, and it's a cracker of a match, the crowd is mixed between man or mouse, actually it's very hard to determine the exact number of mice here today but the attentive gate keepers have come up with over 200,000 mice in attendence, however it is basically assured that the number is much larger."

"In a few minutes, the Miceland Mauraders will take the field and yes, there we have it... Steven RedMouse in his usual red-dyed fur has come out onto the field, he may be small compared to a human but he certainly sticks out in the green field."

"Yes, it seems like it's Christmas already."

"Well, it is only a few months away."

"Exactly, and now, the team will be coming out behind him any sec.... What's this... Those are Humans... Where's our mice team?"

"Aha, well we've got this statement from MouseFA that just opened itself when the team came on the field. Let me read it out for our veiwers."

"Never mind it's going to read itself out."

"Where does it say that?"

"Here!"

"Oh, okay...."

"Dear viewers on the CommuniNet, Here at MouseFA we thought due to the fact of the poor performance of the Mice at the World Cup with only 3 draws, that perhaps mice may not be anatomically suited to play football, so we have developed new a MagiTech process where the team will be transformed into Humans to play. The team are all mice just made to be Human temporarily. Let the game begin!"

"Well, that is certainly a new way of looking at it, and a daring move by the MouseFA, let's see just how well it pans out."

*After 90 minutes of watching the game*

"Well, it certainly seemed that the gambit by MouseFA has failed to come off with Jeru FC dominating the match scoring 2 unanswered goals. One can only guess what MouseFA was thinking when they made this judgement call."

"To be honest, it is far too early to judge this, becoming human, even only for a short time would be a major change, it would be hard even to stand up let alone walk as a Human, give it time and we'll see."

"We'll that's it from us You have been watching Jason and Jack SportMouse on MouseSports!"

St Samuel National Football Squad Announced

New St Samuel manager, Georgi Monte-Cristiano has today revealed the new look St Samuel squad at a press conference in Bazalonia as they prepare for there first Cup of Harmony fixture against The Islands of Qutar. Georgi Monte-Cristiano sat side by side with his counterpart and newly installed Assitant manager, Ariddian ex-international legend, Yves al Jahdali.

Georgi Monte-Cristiano had already stated upon his appointment that the squad would see big changes. Along with the international retirment of striker Dexter St John, nine other players got the chop. Ozzy Mantrapauli, Julio Centrali, Fabrizio Xinto, Jody Mason, Giuseppe Louardi, Mario Persarddi, Idrian Colkamari, Loui Bella-Tumouri and Giuseppe Abellardo all were told that they would be dropped from the squad and not included in the forth coming Cup of Harmony.

It is clear that Monte-Cristiano is hoping that youth will provide the Latin Crusaders with the edge in the CoH after announcing that Seth Justantinium, Luther Della Rosa, Sebastien Atalanta, Salvatore Rocka, and Marco Di Helana would be promoted from the under 21 squad. Also included in the new look St Samuel squad is Wolf Bay goal keeper, Paolo Van Monica, St Lysander FC defender, Cesar Le Ellandria,midfielders Leon Angelico from South Lake FC and Edgar Lovintino from Greenbay FC and striker Sebastiano De Robbia of Charlestown United.

Monte-Cristiano also spoke of the immense task ahead after being drawn in a tough group against regional neighbours Cookesland, Sorthern Northland, The Islands of Qutar and Vanek Drury Brieres. "We have been drawn into a very difficult group. It could go anyway and all the sides in our group are more than good enough to qualify. We will have to be at our best in every game. Tomorrows match against The Islands of Qutar is going to be an intersting fixture and I am hoping that the mix of youth and experience in our side will prevail."

Two Sorthern Northlanders are discussing the 3-0 defeat to Cookesland in Te Bell and Dragon in Rothsbere.

"So, we lost again then?"

"Yep, seems we've completely forgotten how to play football since the Di Bradini doesn't it?"

"Oh aye, we were poor at the tournament"

"Yeah and it looks like we're going to carry it over to the Cup of Harmony."

Yeah, it seem that Kevaughn Ó Criomhthain might not actually be our messiah."

"Hmm the thing where he rode in on a white donkey was a bit of an overstatement as well."

"But to be honest Cookesland are a lot better than us anyway."

"Oh yeah I mean they are forty something we're sixty something so yeah they were expected to win but we were still a bit disappointing, not much fight."

"Yeah so who we up against next?

"Erm.. It's Vanek Drury Brieres I think."

Ah ok, a good chance of a win there then.

"Well on paper, but with the way we're playing at the moment you never know"

Main gate of the Landau Institute. Professor Farneud, security leader of the Institute is waiting for a guest. With him, Professor Erick Lira and Doctor Willy Mockel.

Finally, a man wearing blue shorts and a cape appears. He seems very old, but has a lot of energy.

PROF. LIRA - "Welcome, Wanderer. We've been expecting you."

THE WANDERER - "That's why I am here. I was called. It's good to see this place once more. Hopefully this time you won't disrespect me."

PROF. FARNEUD - "As long as you control yourself, you are welcome."

THE WANDERER - "I assume that Landau wants to talk with me. And, if he wants to talk with me, I must think that it's about something serious."

PROF. LIRA - "I won't tell you any details right now. You will talk with Doctor Landau."

THE WANDERER - "Funny... the Institute needs me! First, you consider me dangerous... then I'm obligated to sell foreign equipments to you to have something to eat... later, you expel me because I ate a vase and broke some things... and now... you need me!" - (laughs)

PROF. FARNEUD - (worried) "I see that I'll have work to do. I'll keep an eye on you, crazy man."

THE WANDERER - "Stay calm, Professor. I have changed, now I can control myself. Just don't provoke me."

PROF. FARNEUD - "All right. So, go ahead. You need to see Doctor Landau immediately. I'll send two of my men to protect you... and protect the others from you."

THE WANDERER - (finds Farneud's phrase funny) "Goodbye, Professor."

PROF. LIRA - "Come with me."

(Lira takes the Wanderer to Landau's room. The Wanderer enters alone, and Lira stays outside with Mockel)

DR. MOCKEL - "Teacher, who is he?"

PROF. LIRA - "The Crazy Wanderer. An old patient, nobody could discover the origin of his craziness. No doctor was able to control him, he was unpredictable. In the end, he attacked Professor Bangu Melo, and was expelled from the Institute, for the first time."

DR. MOCKEL - "First time?"

PROF. LIRA - "Yes. He couldn't live in the country, he didn't fit there. He became a vendor. Much countries don't know that we exist, and his job was to introduce the Institute to them."

DR. MOCKEL - "And?"

PROF. LIRA - "This way, some organizations and companies for these countries could sell some special medical equipments for us. The Wanderer, acting as an intermediate, could get part of the profit of these organizations."

DR. MOCKEL - "The Institute bought equipments from foreign countries? But I thought that we didn't depend of anyone!"

PROF. LIRA - "Well, there are some things that our technology isn't able to produce. We have to get things from abroad. But, inside the Institute, everyone has access to these equipments."

DR. MOCKEL - "So, why the Wanderer said that we disrespected him?"

PROF. LIRA - "One day, he had a meeting with Doctor Landau to talk about some machines that interested our president. The fact is that the negotiations failed. Landau didn't want to pay what the Wanderer offered. And, when the Wanderer gets nervous, he becomes crazy. He ate a chinese vase, broke many things of Landau's room, and, again, attacked Professor Bangu Melo. Of course, we expelled him again."

DR. MOCKEL - "He attacked Jesus twice! Incredible!"

PROF. LIRA - "You say that because you think that Professor Jesus Bangu Melo is stronger than the Wanderer. But, in fact, that man is crazy, he can do unthinkable things."

DR. MOCKEL - "And now... he returns to the Institute."

(Inside Landau's room)

DR. LANDAU - "Welcome, Renan. Sit down, please."

THE WANDERER - (surprised) "So you still remember my first name. Interesting."

DR. LANDAU - "We won't talk much. I want to know only one thing."

THE WANDERER - "About what?"

DR. LANDAU - "About The Machine."

THE WANDERER - "Which machine?"

DR. LANDAU - "The football coach machine. We want to know who created The Machine. He wants to meet his father."

THE WANDERER - "He? Are you talking about a machine or about a person?"

DR. LANDAU - "The Machine isn't a common robot. He's special for us, that's why we call him "he". Now, give me some information."

THE WANDERER - "I sold so many machines, I don't know if I can remember."

DR. LANDAU - "Come on. I know that you know that I know that you remember. It wasn't a normal deal."

THE WANDERER - "Okay. What do you want to know?"

DR. LANDAU - "The company. What company created The Machine?"

THE WANDERER - "Arruda-Briann Technology."

"You should just get an agent." Lori said, stretching after the 2-0 victory over Kelssek.

"I don't want an agent." Silvia replied, pulling off her cleats. "All they do is get in the way."

"I don't get it. You could cash in, but you don't want to. You could play for any team in the country, but you're not happy with any of them. You could coach, but you don't want to. I think you're insane."

"Thanks for that entirely useless statement." Silvia said dryly.

"Maybe you should see if you could get equity in some club." Pan said, digging through the detritus of his locker.

"What?"

"You know, part ownership. Then it would be your club, and you wouldn't have to coach or anything, but still, you'd be in charge."

"Pfft. At that rate, you might as well start your own club." Lori said, rolling her eyes.

"That's not a bad idea either."

Silvia tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

"Well, then you could do anything you bloody well please. It's not like the CSA has closed applications to any new teams, have they?"

Silvia sat in silence for a second.

"And you could play with anyone you wanted, pick up any coach you wanted, hell, even play anywhere or wear whatever uniforms you wanted."

"Meh, I dunno." Silvia said, rubbing her eyes.

"You're just impossible. Too much idealism, or whatever it is, and you'll end up 60 and regretting that you didn't just pull the trigger now."

"Oh, like that time when you climbed the giant ear of corn at the county fair and took off your-"

"Shut up, Pan!"

Group A
Yafor 2 0 1 Jeru FC
Taeshan 0 0 The Mice of Miceland

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Jeru FC 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6
Kura-Pelland 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
The Mice of Miceland 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1
Taeshan 2 0 1 1 0 3 -3 1
Yafor 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0


Group B
Candelaria and Marquez 2 1 Prux
Uiri 0 3 Solenial

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Solenial 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
Candelaria and Marquez 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Daehanjeiguk 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Prux 2 0 0 2 2 4 -2 0
Uiri 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0


Group C
Estresse Intenso 1 1 Minilla Island
Kansiov 2 1 Audioslavia

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Minilla Island 2 1 1 0 5 1 4 4
Endmile 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Kansiov 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
Estresse Intenso 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
Audioslavia 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0




Group D
The Archregimancy 0 0 Casari
Ulzaxid 1 0 Kelssek


Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Casari 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 4
Vephrall 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3
Ulzaxid 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3
The Archregimancy 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Kelssek 2 0 0 2 0 3 -3 0



Group E
St. Samuel 5 0 The Islands of Qutar
Sorthern Northland 4 0 Vanek Drury Brieres

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
St. Samuel 1 1 0 0 5 0 5 3
Cookesland 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 3
Sorthern Northland 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
The Islands of Qutar 2 1 0 1 2 6 -4 3
Vanek Drury Brieres 2 0 0 2 1 6 -5 0

St Samuel (3) 5
Atalanta 9 & 79, Mazzerani 14, Sensini 40, Rocka 60
Islands of Qutar (0)

St Samuel today kicked off there Cup of Harmony campaign with a fantastic performance over the Islands of Qutar. A superb performance between the Latin Crusaders two frontmen, Enzo Mazzeranni and new boy Sebastin Atalanta, earnt St Samuel an early lead.

Atalanta put St Samuel in front early on in the 9th minute and then 4 minutes later Atalanta was the provider for Mazzeranni who volleyed home on the 13th minute. Leo Sensini made it 3-0 five minutes before half-time to give St Samuel a great advantage going in for half time.

St Samuel matched there first half performance with a similar display and on the 60th minute it was Salvatore Rocka who scored on his international debut. Leading 4-0, it was the eventual man of the match, Sebastien Atalanta who scored the fifth and his second of the game to cap off a great display on the 79th minute.

PRUXTON PRESS

Trickery Afoot at CoH

Unbeknownst to the entire team, appearently, through the first two matches, an actuall red-colored Herring was in net for the Prawns. Granted, the name is similar to the name of the absent-minded keeper, but still one would expect a football manager to know the difference between a 6' foot tall person and a 6" long dead dis-colored fish.

Well due to either the ineptitude or blindness of the coach, Prux is now 0-2 at the Cup of Harmony after a pair of 2-1 losses to both Solenial and Candelaria and Marquez. The lone goal in the Solenial match was scored by Pi R. Squared, whose roundness frightened the Solenial Keeper, but the dead fish in net allowed two goals, despite getting a fin on one of the shots.

In the 2nd match, Steak and Cheese Sub managed to get a crust on the ball and nicked it home past Oberon Martinez, but once again the flopping of the dead fish did little to stop CAM's attack as Ignacio Vélez scored twice for the win.

We have confirmed that the "real" Red Herring will start in net for the next two matches. But in this reporter's opinion, the decaying stench of the Red Herring has performed as well, if not at times better than the starting Keeper. That and it's a bit ripe, so it may put-off some attackers, but that's my opinion.

RANDOM BLOG IN THE EMPIRE:

After taking an amusing bye, the players for the Imperial Team decided to send the night out on the town, where despite the attempts of the more sensible members of the team, everyone managed to get drunk. Kim Jingyu has apparently confessed to his hidden erotic tendencies by attempting to copulate Kim Yongdae's shoes. That failed, he turned to the toilet and vomited about three gallons of food and drinks. Song Jungguk, having spent a season in Cafundeu for the Premier League, relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere, proving himself to be an excellent pong player. Only after Jeong Jihun knocked him over with a chair did Song's performance impair slightly. The bar apparently was amused at the activity of several drunk Asians that they opened a strip bar next door to entice them to spend the night in their hostel. Despite the drunkness of the entire team, the players refused to stay at any place where they had to pay for the stay, owing in part to their excessive fiscal inclinations. Some of the players were later found in an alley, making moves with the ladies. Kim Jingyu, of course, was attempting to make moves on a shoe he found in the dumpster.

Miraculously, all of the players returned to the hotel by midnight and with sufficient time to prepare for the next match the next day. Only Kim Yongdae was unable to attend practice, owing to an unusual shoe wash the next day.

Head Coach Cha Beomgeun, who did not attend any of the festivities, shed off all doubts of the truth behind these allegations. "It is obvious that some players had fun last night, but nothing of excessive disruptive behavior occurred, and they're all in top shape to compete in the upcoming match against whomever we play next." Rumors, nonetheless, continue to spread, especially concerning Kim Jingyu's paraphiliac behavior towards shoes.

Skate's Blog

Hello, today I talk about our Jeru FC at the Cup of Harmony for the World Cup 29 (Number 17). Two wins so far, one over Miceland and an upset over Yafor 2! That's pretty good for a team ranked 70th.

So what motivates this team of army misfits? National pride? Well, not really. My mother coached them and she says it's definitely not that. Total obedience to the coach? Sort of, but they aren't the best behaved team around. You don't want your teenage daughters around them. Tunky had imposed a ban of this kind of behaviour when they play, and it's helped. They've got more energy for football since some of it is spent on women. Allegience to their leader! Not sure about that either. They are patriotic but they aren't the type of army men to trust if you want to save your life. They'll be running from the fight first.

The answer is ... women! We aren't surprised at that are we? Yes, they love the Bike and the Skate - and go chasing look alikes. I've spoken to the boys before and well, they are nice people who enjoy a good time with a girl on one side and a beer in another. Their heaven is a Dazza for every man. They think I'm great too. Is this wrong? Well, a team of womanisers is not the army team we want to publicly market but then you'll find most normal army folk like their women.

Don't be offended if army guys have images of me or Mum missing clothes plastered in their rooms, it's normal. The simple rule with Jeru FC is keep your woman away from them, don't tempt them.

OOC Whoops, wrong nation!

Blog of Sorthern Northlanders (today it's Jing Mao):

Hello, I am the special one, known as Jing Mao to you people. Jing Mao is a fantastic player who really should be in the first eleven for Sorthern Northland. Jing Mao tell manager this and says he will quit if not given a chance at the Cup of Harmony. People will probably also say that Sorthern Northland are copying other teams in launching a CoH blog, but it was our idea originally we were also going to do it.

Anyway onto the game against Vanek Drury Brieres where Jing Mao was given a chance to shine thanks to an injury to Kim Min-Kim in training. Jing played a great game and scored all four goals against Vanek but to be honest it was two easy, Jing needs a real challenge, against a team like St. Samuel. Maybe I have to make sure Kim Min-Kim is injured for that as well. I am just as good as him and would be record goalscorer with more goals if I played more. Of the four goals that I scored against Vanek, the third one was the best goal of the game and probably the best in SN history.

After a bit of great defending I take the ball of the Vanek attacker and then run to half way line before I play one-two with Relondinho, when I get the ball back I then run round three Vanek defenders before curling the ball around the keeper. A great goal yes?

People ask me if we can get through the group stage and I say yes of course, as long as I play. We have a day off next matchday so in good Sorthern Northland tradition we will go on a massive piss-up to prepare for the game against St Samuel.

Can we beat St. Samuel? If Jing Mao plays yes, if not then it will be hard.

Paul Majinga, assistant manager to Greg Babcock, was remarkably sanguine in his assessment that "...well, as expected, we have crashed and burned so far."

"One contributing factor could be the fact that half the supporting delegation are still stuck at Malton* due to the evil machinations of Air Kelssek, leaving our team with no waterboys to run onto the field during every stoppage in play, regardless of how long the play actually stops for."

Greg Babcock shook his head. "They're just so goddamn overzealous, those boys. Pissed off some of the refs at the World Cup."

"Well, they've been raised on smuggled Pink Bunny Cola. Lots of energy to expend. Oh yes, and due to some obscure Air Kelssek rule about unaccompanied minors and transfer flights, the mascots and the waterboys are stranded at Malton as well. Luckily for them it's the newly renovated terminal and according to the parents they're having the time of their lives."

"Good for them," Babcock said, "but meanwhile in the last match all the lads were drying out like prunes so please get on the airline's case about this."

"Would be difficult. I tried to convince the airport security to get mad at the airline and not us for unleashing brats from hell on them, but they're scared of their frequent flyer miles disappearing in a 'server error' and they won't touch Air Kelssek."

"Next time take Kelssek Pacific then."

"Don't you remember? They asked us never to fly them again after Reg did coke on the charter flight and groped a stewardess, and we said fine cause your damn food is so bad the players all get diarrhoea when we land, and they told us to go fuck our mothers."

Just then Kenneth Regehr burst into the hotel room.

"Boss, er, how do I say this, but..."

"What?"

"Well, it could be me having got a D in French back in school, but Cournoyer seems to be convinced that the shower head is actually a microphone planted by the intelligence service."

"I see." said Babcock. He paused and said, "Well, make sure you guys don't talk tactics or strategy in the bathrooms then."

*Malton International Airport, Kirkenes, Kelssek's busiest airport

As the CommuniNet and other coverage of the Miceland Taesan got underway before the match the human-mice that made up the Micelandic Marauders main team, Tired SleepyMouse was lying down on the bench sleeping. His snoring permeating the entire room, much louder and more corrosive than his cute-like mouse snore.

"Ugh, this is horrible" said Boston AtkinMouse trying to find something to stuff in his ears, despite his over-estimation of the size of his ears the snoring could still be heard.

"According to my research, over 90% of sleep related problems are due to incorrect sleeping position." started Hector TechMouse

"Oh, shut up Hec, we're mice we only have one sleeping position, unlike these humans, I tossed and turned all night couldn't get a decent comfortable position." commented
Jonesy QuickMouse

"I find this new form invigirated... I finally get to scratch my own back!" said Arri StrangeMouse performing the feat agility that allowed the human-mouse (who all looked perfectly human) to reach behind his own back and scratch it.

The entire team (that wasn't asleep) gasped in awe... but it was Steven RedMouse who seemed suddenly to appear, apparently as humans they had lost the ability to do a whole lot of things, which included seeing other mice sneakily approach and do the whole sneaky approach themselves. People just looked at them weird.

"OKAY LISTEN UP!" how could so loud words come from such a small creature, Tired SleepyMouse woke up with a start at this. "Huh?" "We've got Taeshan, the perfect chance to show the world what we mice are made of... Yes we may be in an unfamiliar form but at least for once we'll be able to answer the question "Are you a mouse or a man?" with the dignity it deserves.

Okay get out there...

*after 90 minutes on CommuniNet*

"And today showing gritz and determination the Miceland Marauders took football to Taeshan in a gripping nil-all match. David BreadMouse had this to say, 'There where a number of times when I thought that either we or they were going to score. I'm just so happy that Miceland is now on the table and currently in third place."

"However this looks in doubt for the team as Yafor 2 and Kura-Pelland as well as a bye still have to come, both games the Mice are expected to be dominated but, who knows what the mice can pull out of their magic hats?"

Silvia sat on the bed at her hotel, looking at a stack of forms hastily printed off of the CSA website. Rules about player contracts, staff contracts, solvency agreements, and the massive amount of other paperwork that negotiated the positions of clubs in relation to the organizing bodies, the rights of the clubs, and the near infinite number of other things that complicated the running of an entire Soccer Pyramid.

"Good reading?" Mike said, walking into the room and digging through the suitcase.

"Not really. Boring as hell."

"That's too bad." he said, throwing some clothes on the bed to move them out of the way. "Damn."

"What?"

"You have any quarters?"

"What? Why would I have quarters?"

"We're playing a video game down at the bar and we ran out."

"Have the bartender break some money for you then."

"Or you could give me some."

Sighing, Silvia dug in her pocket and pulled out a few quarters. "There. It's all I got."

"Thanks... want to come down and play?"

"Naa, playing is no fun when I kick your ass all the time."

"Okay. See you later, then." Mike said, walking out of the room again and leaving Silvia alone again.

"Ugh, this is way too complicated." she muttered, turning the page again.

ASLaP in the face for C&M football fans

[RINA, Albrecht, Friday] A potential TV audience of several million Candelariasian soccer fans were left disappointed yesterday after their country’s Cup of Harmony clash with recent Baptism of Fire winner Prux failed to materialise, Naomi Scott reports for the Rushmore Independent News Association.

Viewers tuning in to TTO, the Republic’s largest commercial broadcaster, were taken aback to find the usual pre-match banter conspicuous by its absence, and in its place a showing of Bridge over the River Kwai; the first time that film had been aired on C&M terrestrial television outside of the Christmas period.

Soccer fans were left to wonder if the network’s high-profile deal to broadcast national team matches for the very first time had fallen through; but found only the scheduled editions of Strictly Come Yachting and The Emma Omizzolo Show on TV1, the usual home of live Candelarias football.

As the night went on, it emerged that the non-appearance of the C&M versus Prux clash had been as a result of a row between TTO and the country’s television regulator, Ofswitch. The dispute had originated after TTO publicly stated that they would not be supplying Spanish commentary for the forthcoming matches, contravening a constitutional amendment that forces national stations to broadcast alternative Spanish-language programming (popularly known as ASLaP) twenty-four hours a day. A TTO spokesman had earlier claimed that, “The watching, following and supporting of the national team is one of the few shared experiences this country still has. The idea of an event which brings the whole country together is severely damaged by the employment of alternative commentary and discussion.” He went on to add that, “The figures clearly show that the football ASLaP on other networks was watched by only a miniscule portion of the Hispanic community. Rather more choose to employ the readily-available subtitling on the English versions.”

TTO appear to have refused to back down on Ofswitch’s demands that they reinstate the Spanish option, leading to the government to deny the broadcaster the opportunity to even show late-evening highlights of the game.

“It’s revolting,” Pat Phillips, chair of the C&M Armchair Supporters Club, told RINA. “I can see that there are both sides to this argument, but really! It’s surely our right to be able to watch national team games whenever they’re on, not be left with a choice between 1950s war movies or token female-driven catchphrase-based comedy sketch shows!”

No member of the country’s government was available for comment, though Unionist Party MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Rushmori Agricultural Subsidies, Lyndon Hernández, was seen grinning and rubbing his hands together in a slightly sinister, Dickensian fashion late into the evening.

The quarrel is expected to be dealt with one way or another before the country’s key game with Solenial.

C&M went on to win the match 2-1; a scoreline that most of the islands’ sportswriters felt was ultimately fair. Mack Hession of the Albrecht Herald described the action thusly;

“For a first group stage game, after a bye day, [Mark] Baker’s men played as well as could be expected; controlling the match from the off. Their lack of offensive intent when compared to [C&M Under-21 manager Lloyd] Donnelly’s boys was all too evident, and the new midfield trio of Cassa, [Ben] Head and [Speed] Wang took time to gel. The Pruxian midfielder Pi, a distant relative, one presumes, of our own striker Holger Pi; provided the best attacking opportunities for the lower-ranked team, with the rotund striker Squared receiving an excellent ball from Pi to test [goalkeeper Oberon] Martinez early on.

“But the Big Blues, on their first outing since the World Cup play-off defeat to Dance 2 Revolution, seldom looked under threat and had finally scored themselves just before half time when [left-winger Jos] Cornelisse slid a low pass to [lone striker Ignacio] lone striker Ignacio Vélez [Vélez], who rattled his strike past the stationary Herring in goal.

“The result was all but sewn-up shortly after the break when young [midfield] dynamo [José Felipe Cassumba Domingos] Cassumba Domingos [Cassa] Cassa [Cassa] made a fool of slinky midfielder Sfinkz to give Vélez a second opportunity he couldn’t miss.

“Substitute Steiken Choïz managed to pull one back for the Prawns late on, through captain Benji Fu’s awkward slip, but ultimately the C&M defence held firm.”

From the Rushmore Sports Daily

Doctor Rogério Landau meets with one of his main assistants, Professor Emílio Junqueira:

DR. LANDAU - "That's it. Arruda-Briann Technology. The creators of The Machine."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "Never heard of them."

DR. LANDAU - "I expected this answer. But, as you're the one that made most of the deals with the Wanderer, I had some hope."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "And I remember most of the companies that sold products to the Institute. But... Arruda-Briann... not this one."

DR. LANDAU - "Probably they only sold The Machine to us."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "Probably. A special project, maybe?"

DR. LANDAU - "If it was so special, why sell to us?"

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "To make tests?"

DR. LANDAU - "The Institute is not the best place for it. Maybe there is something else that we don't know... but let's return to the main issue: the fact is that we need to find The Machine's main programmer, his father or mother. Our most precious information is that he was created by Arruda-Briann Technology. We need to find where are their headquarters."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "But who knows this information?"

DR. LANDAU - "No one of us... but there is one person..."

(Minutes later)

PROF. LIRA - "Boss, here he is, as you asked."

DR. LANDAU - "Thanks Erick. You can go now."

THE WANDERER - "I'm enjoying my stay here. This place seems better..."

DR. LANDAU - "It's good to see that you're controlling yourself."

THE WANDERER - "I have changed, my leader, I have changed."

DR. LANDAU - "You are not a patient to call me leader."

THE WANDERER - "Oh yes, but, if I am here, it's because you need me once more."

DR. LANDAU - "Yes. We want to contact Arruda-Briann Technology."

THE WANDERER - "Impossible."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "Why?"

THE WANDERER - "Bankruptcy. They only created extremely advanced machines, they didn't have enough consumers for their inventions."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "It seems that the information about The Machine is lost."

THE WANDERER - "No. One thing special about Arruda-Briann is that they didn't have employees. They hired freelancer programmers and engineers for each work."

DR. LANDAU - "But we don't know who participated in The Machine's project."

THE WANDERER - "But I do. I have an excellent memory. For example, I participated in the project, but not as one of the main programmers, so I am not the father of that thing."

DR. LANDAU - "Tell us who participated!"

THE WANDERER - "Twelve people, including me. Two programmers from Bazalonia, an engineer from Az-cz, three tacticians, one from Cafundéu, another from Bettia and the third was from... I think that was Starblaydia. More two programmers, this time from Zwangzug, Two girls, twins, they worked as engineers... maybe from Jeruselem. And a strange man, he came from the Dreamed Realm, his work was unknown, but he transformed that machine in something really special."

DR. LANDAU - "Can we contact them?"

THE WANDERER - "I can find a way... for a price."

PROF. JUNQUEIRA - "Price?"

THE WANDERER - "I want to return to live in the Institute."

DR. LANDAU - "If you bring us these people, you will be welcome."

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y (please pick Thomas Vanek, Striker
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players Do not make injuries major. Please.
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events N

Vanek'ian Roster:

Strikers:
Starters:
Thomas Vanek, age 16 (takes all Penalty Kicks and free kicks within 25 yards of goal)
Ryan Carbon, age 25 (co-captain)
Reserves:
Chris Patrasue, age 29
Daniel Madend, age 23
Halfbacks:
Starters:
Chris Drury, age 27 (captain)
Daniel Briere, age 24 (takes Left Corner Kicks, free kicks inside the enemy's half)
Ryan Getzlaf, age 20 (takes Right Corner Kicks)
Zane Grey, age 18
Reserves:
Steve Peet, age 27
Paul McGaffigan, age 22
Joesph MacCready, age 30
Michael Inge, age 19
Fullbacks
Starters:
Darius Ancopereck (takes free kicks inside own half), age 22
Lewis Rosis, age 28
Adam Thib, age 30
Blake Less, age 23
Reserves:
Andy Colbert, age 26
Jeffrey Carter, age 35
George Beckham, age 32,
David Clooney, age 18
Goalkeeper
Starter: Felipe Romney, age 18
Reserve: Mitt Valentio, age 25

+3, if scale of 5, +1 if scale of 3.

Just copied and pasted from WC37, lol. IC post coming up (hopefully)

RP Cutoff for Matchday 3

Group A

Kura-Pelland 1 0 Jeru FC
Yafor 2 3 0 The Mice of Miceland

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kura-Pelland 2 2 0 0 4 0 4 6
Jeru FC 3 2 0 1 3 1 2 6
Yafor 2 2 1 0 1 3 1 2 3
Taeshan 2 0 1 1 0 3 -3 1
The Mice of Miceland 3 0 1 2 0 5 -5 1


Group B

Daehanjeiguk 2 2 Prux
Candelaria and Marquez 1 1 Solenial

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Solenial 3 2 1 0 6 2 4 7
Candelaria and Marquez 2 1 1 0 3 2 1 4
Daehanjeiguk 2 1 1 0 4 3 1 4
Prux 3 0 1 2 4 6 -2 1
Uiri 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0

Group C

Endmile 1 2 Minilla Island
Estresse Intenso 1 1 Audioslavia

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Minilla Island 3 2 1 0 7 2 5 7
Endmile 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3†
Kansiov 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3†
Estresse Intenso 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
Audioslavia 3 0 1 2 2 7 -5 1

†Endmile ahead on H2H Result

Group D

Vephrall 1 1 Casari
The Archregimancy 1 1 Kelssek

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Casari 3 1 2 0 3 1 2 5
Vephrall 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4
Ulzaxid 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3
The Archregimancy 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 2
Kelssek 3 0 1 2 1 4 -3 1

Group E

Cookesland 1 1 The Islands of Qutar
St. Samuel 4 0 Vanek Drury Brieres

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
St. Samuel 2 2 0 0 9 0 9 6
Cookesland 2 1 1 0 4 1 3 4
The Islands of Qutar 3 1 1 1 3 7 -4 4
Sorthern Northland 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
Vanek Drury Brieres 3 0 0 3 1 10 -9 0

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.pngDaehanjeiguk || 2 - 2 || Pruxhttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Prux.png



This special presentation brought to you by MBC International Sports! Now to our hosts, Yi Hyori (李孝利) and Jo Myeongae (趙明愛).

趙明愛: Welcome back to the Cup of Harmony, where we enter now our second day of football after a well-deserved break. We started off strong, but coming out of the second half, we failed to keep the edge, and Prux managed to hold out for a late equalizer that shared the spoils.

李孝利: Yeah. But let's talk about that first half! It was a wild storm, and the Han players were out there getting comfortable still. Jeong Jihun is one of those new guys who's definitely going to be a roaring force, scoring his first international goal in the 16th minute. The Imperial Team continued to press hard, letting few mistakes rule the day, and their hard work paid off, as Song Jungguk made a easy shot from outside the 18 yard box, to make it 2-0 at halftime.

However, whatever special strength that the Imperial team had at the beginning of the match was certainly wearing off. In the 51st minute, Prux had its first shot on goal. Three minutes later, they got a lucky shot. The Imperial side battled hard to keep off the pressure, and one of the best midfield battles to date in the Cup of Harmony escalated. It was only a pity that Prux - holding on to the very end - got on the better side of the contest, and made a very impressive long drive, which ended with Kim Yongdae's back being strained. Kim Ho went out to see out the remaining ten minutes of play, preventing any more goals from passing. In the end, it was a disappointing but well-fought draw between the two sides.

趙明愛: Yeah. Well, at this point, we can start to look at the Group Tables. Candelaria and Marquez, fellow Baptism of Fire partner, also held out to a draw against, an even 1-1 against Solenial. Solenial, our next opponent, has riding high streak, beating out the higher seeds Prux and Uiri. Prux, with today's draw against us, is down to one last match against Uiri. Both Uiri and Prux must win at least one match to stay in the race competitively. The Imperial Team itself must win their next match against Solenial to guarantee qualification to the next stage in the Cup of Harmony, or otherwise risk elimination at this early stage.

李孝利: But enough about football. Word travels fast in the Empire, and as many of you know, there's been some rumors about the Imperial Team rummaging around in Qutar, having a fun time. Perhaps too much fun.

Anyway, Myeongae and I did our own research, and we've found out that it's perhaps a little too true. Check this out!


趙明愛: Hello, Kim. It's so good of you to meet with us on such short notice, but following some rumors about last night; do you know what happened?

金珍圭: Well. We did get drunk. (laughs)

趙明愛: Anything else? We've heard some provocative stories about the Team, and I'm sure that the fans would love to know the truth.

金珍圭: We probably had too much fun. Some of us were playing with girls too, and it wasn't exactly civilized what we did. But sometimes stress can break a man.

趙明愛: We've heard stories about you and shoes. Is there any basis of truth in these rumors?

金珍圭: (awkward silence)

趙明愛: (awkward silence, waiting for awkward reply)

金珍圭: (awkward silence continues)

趙明愛: Kim, are you okay?

金珍圭: (awkward silence continues)

趙明愛: (awkwardly glances away) Well, I suppose that's all we needed to know. But I'm guessing also that you have practice to get back to, so we'll leave you alone. Thanks for your time.


金珍圭: (awkward laugh) Yeah. It was my pleasure.

趙明愛: So what do you think, Hyori?

李孝利: I think Kim has some problems. But some people like a shoe fetish.

趙明愛: Shoes are nice, but I'd never thought that a man could try sex with a shoe.

李孝利: Well, there are cases of men marrying goats in other countries; maybe that's what it is.

趙明愛: Now that is strange; but wouldn't you know it? Kim Jingyu is going to be a shoe bachelor! But we shouldn't judge him for being a shoe-lover. I'm sure that there are many women who would do the same thing.

李孝利: Maybe. All of my friends are crazy about shoes.

趙明愛: (shock) Including me?

李孝利: Of course! But you're not a bad as some of other friends. They'll spend three hours looking at one pair of shoes, wondering if they should buy it, even though they've already got 3000 pairs at home. But you know, Kim should find himself a woman that loves shoes. That way, it won't be as bad.

趙明愛: Maybe you should introduce him to one of your friends!

(the two of them gasp and giggle)

李孝利: Well, that's a lot of gossip.

趙明愛: And Group B isn't the only source of gossip in the Cup of Harmony. Group D is featuring former competitors - the Archregimancy. In a stroke of irony, the team has agreed not to field any "team" - per se. But rather instead, they have changed their focus from a match-centered approach to a meditative approach. Surprisingly, it's yielded some success. In their first "match", they managed to hold the field all even, at nil to nil. Their second match was an impressive 1-1 draw, made impressive by the fact that no players were present on the field to score the one goal.

Group A also is the scene of fond memories, with Kura-Pelland leading the group. The semifinalist and runner-up to the last edition of the Cup of Harmony, is holding its ground, having held Jeru FC to an important 1-0 win. They're leading the group with 2 wins and conceding no goals. St. Samuel of Group E is another one of the success stories in the Cup of Harmony, holding an impressive streak of high wins, scoring 9 goals and conceding none in their last two matches.

趙明愛: Well, let's just hope that we don't play them next - they're too good at this point. At any rate, it's now time for the reflections on Peace and the Cup of Harmony.

協議

'Hyeopwui'

Hyeop - denoting harmony; three characters of "strength" to the right of ten. Great strength comes in uniform numbers, but they all blend together in unison. Thus, true harmony is a source of great strength.

Wui - denoting dialogue; it is formed by a number of characters. We have a sheep standing over the individual person, the fruits of society over the self. It is justice, that is then spoken throughout the land. Therefore, the dialogue we speak is to spread justice through our speech and our thought.

Indeed, the two characters combined altogether conjures a great word: strength through the dissemination of justice. This is peace.

李孝利: It never ceases to amaze me just how poetic we can be as a people.

趙明愛: Well, let's hope for the sake of the Imperial Team, that luck holds us still; we'll be holding out for luck in our next match against Solenial.

MATCH SUMMARY
16' - HAN Goal (#11)
38' - HAN Goal (#8)
55' - PRU Goal
81' - PRU Goal


Line up for the next match:

Kim Ho

Kim Donghyeon Kim Jingyu Jang Yogon

Hong Myeongbo Yi Eulyong Song Jongguk Gang Gamchan

Yi Yeongpyo

Kim Daeeui Yi Dongguk

"What's with all the bloody ties?" Pan said.

"I dunno. The teams are closely matched?" Lori replied.

"That's a load of crap. It's because everyone sits on their ass playing defense. No one attacks."

"So what's your solution? Having extra time just makes them more defensive."

"It's quite simple. After 90 minutes, if teams are tied, you play extra time. If after extra time it's still tied, both teams lose."

Lori sighed. "You've lost all chance at being marginally sane."

"Think about it. It would motivate people to score, that's for damn sure."

"Aye, and teams would win the league with 16 wins and 22 losses."

"So? That's their problem if they don't want to win games outright."

"That's not a bad idea." Mike said.

"You're his friend, naturally you'll agree with him." Lori said.

"Seriously, what's so bad about it? It'd get the offense up, that's for sure. I should lobby for that in all these meetings."

"You'll never get it. You're much more likely to get a win up to 4 points."

"That'd work too. If we've learned anything, ties suck."

"You know how off of it the fans would go if both teams lost?"

"It wouldn't be our fault, it would be the team's." Pan said flatly. "They're the ones that couldn't break the tie."

"Please, before you know it you'll want a penalty box and larger goals." Lori said. Pan and Mike looked at each other and shrugged. "Sure, worth a try."

Two victories out of two for Kura-Pelland, but one senses the national team's popularity is not at its height after the delay to this competition, which has caused attention to be diverted to the more highly-rated Ultimate squad.

Still, Fedde Beattis looks like he is desperate to keep his recently-acquired reputation as the country's leading sportsperson, scoring twice in the 3-0 defeat of Taeshan and nodding home the 70th-minute winner in a dire 1-0 against Jeru FC, who have retreated into their shell despite their success with System Takila in the last CoH, hosted in Kura-Pelland and far more popular across the country. He told NTV interviewers 'football is still our national sport, and I desperately want everyone in this country to unify behind us in these awkward times', referring to the political flux in the country. An election next year is expected to end the dramatic capitalist revolution in the country; already the government has shifted slightly to a more libertarian line, abandoning plans for aggressive state surveillance as memories of the Trilan terrorist attack fade and public opinion shifted violently. A battle between the ruling National Democrats and the resurgent Workers' Party is expected, and with no chance of forming a coalition between the two the balance of power rests with the Liberals, who are perhaps closer to the National Democrats but are rumoured to prefer a Workers' Party coalition simply to get the National Democrats out of power. They could count on Green support here, but the Morality party would certainly ally themselves with the National Democrats.

Most commentators are at a loss to explain why the tournament has failed to catch fire this year, with some thinking the delay may even have helped as there was no World Cup clash. Certainly, in this gap between World Cup and Ultimate Championship, audiences are set to rocket, but Super6 are still counting on apathy and are throwing out an entire night of game shows against the next CoH match, culminating in the premiere of new RL import Power Of 10, with its unprecedented K10m prize.

The Albrecht Herald
Snoozing C&M fail to stir
By Mack Hession

A pub quiz for you:

1. Who is the current Premier of Solenial?

2. What is the lowest ranked team in this year’s CoH?

3. Who are the current WAGs of Fred Ma, Stuart Vidakovic and Holger Pi?

4. What is the capital of Uiri?

5. What is the Han’s current strike pairing?

6. Who the hell is Lorenzo De Wilde?

Few would begrudge you not knowing, and therein lays the problem. While the nation remains transfixed by the trials and tribulations of Lloyd Donnelly’s Under-21 team in the Di Bradini Cup, the presence of Mark Baker’s senior side at their second Cup of Harmony has slipped almost under the radar. Where are the exhaustive pull-out sections, the blow-by-blow accounts of every player’s actions on and off the pitch in Qutar? Where are the Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Uiri articles? Where is the passion, where is the enthusiasm? Why does it seem so long ago that a goalless draw at home to Dance 2 Revolution – the reigning CoH holders, no less – represented the biggest football match in our islands’ history? What has really changed?

Sometimes, the mood of a people and nations can transform dramatically almost overnight, without anyone even noticing. Yet this cannot surely go unnoticed any longer. Mere weeks ago; the press, politicians and the public alike were simultaneously either bemoaning or celebrating the sudden and unexpected successes of the Baker’s men, and making grandiose claims as to the forever-more inseparable relationship between our national identity and national football team. We hung on their every movement, their victories and failures felt as surely as our own. Where has this sudden indifference come from?

Principally to blame, undoubtedly, are their younger kin. Already defeated finalists in one tournament, now through to the quarter-finals in another. It may yet prove a momentary fluke, but for now in youth football Donnelly has propelled C&M to nestle comfortably among the elite of the international Under-21 game with Jeruselem, Starblaydia, St Samuel et al. What is more, he has done it playing the most exuberant football, coaxing out the latent love of the game from his neophyte charges and helping them fashion matches that are as much works of art as they are collisions of finely-toned bodies. In comparison, Baker’s plodding 4-5-1 looks tepid.

Suddenly, the Candelariasian public care more for the fortunes of Prince Mapleson, Connor Mengucci or Joe Cunningham than they do Speed Wang, Ignacio Vélez or Ben Head. Is the love affair over so abruptly? Or is this dalliance with the younger men merely a fling?

I would suggest the latter. Circumstances have helped bring the Under-21s to the for: Not only two tournaments almost back-to-back; but the events of those competitions. Who can help but be drawn towards a side loosing a goalkeeper a match in the later stages of the Justantina Cup? Never mind one where the entire first eleven is hospitalised before a decisive match! The strength these young men have shown in the face of true sporting adversity has been admirable in the extreme, and it is no surprise they have turned our heads.

But if and when their brave attempts end in bitter defeat, who among us will stay up ‘till the wee small hours sobbing, or drinking away their sorrows? Half an hour later, who will really care? The players themselves, their friends and families to be sure. But when the dust has settled, the rest of us will get on with our lives with nary a backwards glance.

For this is the depth of the Candelariasian romance with the full national team. If they fail, we cannot walk away. We cannot simply shrug it off. We know that we will feel their inevitable defeat in every bone in our bodies. And so we shy away, we try and ignore it; we try not to invest too much. For we know that whatever the charms of the Under-21s; only the Candelaria And Marquez National Association Football Team can truly break our hearts.

That is why those of us who braved the midnight start of the C&M verses Solenial clash watched the television through our fingers. Never mind that this was a game of extraordinary tedium. That the local crowd resorted to the Mexican Wave after just three minutes. That the first shot on goal did not come until the half hour, and that that was by a Solenial player. For any true believer, the quality of the sport on offer was irrelevant. With such a tight group, with an unpredictable Pruxian side, an impressive-looking Solen outfit and a Daehanjeiguk team looking capable of Cup victory; the line between success and failure here was only ever going to be horribly tight. Those who couldn’t see the first game of the tournament were given respite from this most nerve-racking of events. The rest of us were not so lucky.

Perhaps it is too early as yet to pass judgement on this side, but what is clear is that Baker’s men are yet to create anywhere near enough chances. What is worse is that those they do craft go begging all too often, with no Steven Fritz on hand to put them away. In truth, Solenial had the Big Blues worked out from the very start, strangling the supply line between the midfield and Vélez on his own up front. The individual talents of Wang and Cassa cannot be doubted, but neither seemed on their game. Finally, with sixty minutes up on the clock, Jos Cornelisse ran at the Solen right-back, knocked the ball past him and attempted the cross. With both Wang and Vélez lingering dangerously, the defender felt little option but to bring the left-winger down and conceding the penalty. Vélez gleefully took his chance to rack up his third of the competition.

Throughout Baker’s reign his side have proved easily capable at holding on to narrow leads, and they did so, at first, with little trouble. But this Solenial team had not won their two previous games for nothing, and were far from willing to settle for a one-nil defeat. Their chance finally came ten minutes from time, Oberon Martinez parrying a shot from one striker before the other got ahead of Sam Young for the rebound and poked home the equaliser.

And if you were watching… It hurt, didn’t it? As surely as it hurt Martinez and Young and Baker, it hurt us. The Under-21s may offer a lot, but they can never offer that.

For the record, by the way… Ryan Laing; Kelssek; Sophie Na, Rachel Winters and Sasha Martins; Gogari; Kim Daeeui and Jeong Jihun; and a 23-year-old defender at Cheonjin in the Han Empire. So now you know.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria And Marquez.png Candelaria And Marquez 1
Vélez pen 60

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Solenial.png Solenial 1
Unknown Striker 80

Ulzaxid Roster

Ulzaxids don't have names in the traditional sense, so most names of the squad have come from suggestions for names from other nations, with a few taken from the hall of fame list. Names in parentheses are what the players were called before last cup.

Coach: Caine_Hawdon (Stuart_Abdul_Rahim)

Tactical Advisor: Chloe Dumas. Chloe is not Ulzaxid, but rather is Ariddian.

#1 GK Rough_Beast (Adam_Vernazza)
#2 DF Khim_Azanulbizarn (Khim_Azanulbizarn)
#3 MF Pizelkaxrovsky_ (Pizelkaxrovsky_)
#4 MF Kn_Dg (Juan_Tzimisces)
#5 MF Escafil (Esteban_De_Jesus)
#6 FW Alejandro_Bolúfero (Sani_Luvo)
#7 FW Kyle_Collins (Syku_Lyku)
#8 FW Marc_J._Floren (Marc_J._Floren)
#9 FW Daymon_St._John (Trevor_Belmore)
#10 FW Jamie_Trent (Simeone_Di_Bradini)
#11 FW Ganz_Ijak (Callum_Banda)

Substitutes

#22 GK Gn_Lg (Gn_Lg)
#23 GK Jeft_Mathius (Olivia_Bream)
#12 DF Fred_Michaels (Sir_Douglas_Freech)
#13 DF Kris_Consmith (Tina_Realm)
#14 MF Roberte Suplveda (Harald_Axewielder)
#15 MF Steven_Serring (Claire_Briscoe)
#16 MF Ray_Kirs (filthyl_)
#17 FW Coqueiral_ (Jenji_Y)
#18 FW Brandon_Dingaer (Alan_Belmore)
#19 FW Frank_Mirring (Ari_Smith)
#20 FW Peter_Hobble (Brian_Wilson)
#21 FW rosaniel_ (Johann_Rilke)

Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players N
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events (See Below)
Style +5

Special Notes about Ulzaixds:

They aren't human or from earth. In other words they are aliens. And strange ones at that. A full Ulzaxid is made up of five different organisms morphed together. The five component parts are organisms similiar to a monkey, dolphin with gills, an eagle, a ferret and a slime mold. In full on form they are very large, fast, strong and dangerous. With claws and wings for flight. Fortunately they won't be using such full morphs during the competition. But rather smaller versions. All morphs contain at least the slime which can secrete an enzyme which allows them to morph together. They can morph with any organism, so if they are under attack at home matches will do so in self-defense. And considering they could kick the crap out of people anyways, I'd recommend against starting trouble in Ulzaxid. Ulzaxid stadiums are specially constructed to have special seating areas for each of the base organisms as well as morphs. So there are eagles sitting on poles above the field, a special pool area for dolphins and so on. The slime molds are telepathic so the coach and team don't make any noise during matches. At away matches the spectators will also be completely silent. At home matches the base forms of eagle, ferret, monkey and dolphin will make noise.

Clearly such a species won't be defecting to other countries. If you are interested in having a player of fan morph together with an Ulzaxid that might be possible. TG me. Other than that no one will be coming to Ulzaxid as a defectee. All Ulzaxids can brain share so they can all speak English or any other language as necessary. So anyone is availabe for interviews.

Chloe had extended her stay in Ulzaxid through at least this cup of harmony. While she still hadn't yet decided whether or not she was going to try to morph with an Ulzaxid she was still enjoying her experience and knew that she would never get as close of an experience with football as she was having now. So she didn't want to give it up.

In the cup of harmony the team had come out with a good start. They lost to Vephrall but beat Kelssek, which kept them with a decent shot at qualification. Of course there next two matches were with Casari and the Archregimancy. And she was very worried about both.

The Casari match worried her because she was worried about the Casarans and their fans. They had a reputation for craziness and drunkenness, which could lead to them having problems with the Ulzaxids. And that wouldn't end well for the Casarans.

And while she wasn't too worried about the monks getting into fights or whatnot with the Ulzaxids she was worried about the reception they'd get. As much as the monks have problems with other races, they could have philosophical differences with the Ulzaxids. She expected everything to be ok, but sometimes you never can tell.

So while she was looking forward to the matches and hoping the team would win, there were other things on her mind as well.

St. Samuel (2) 4
Mazzeranni 14, 43, 77
Atalanta 56
Vanek Drury Brieres (0) 0

Another strong performance from the Latin Crusaders and a second clean sheet keeps St Samuel top of group E, with a strong chance of qualifying for the knockout stages. St Samuel looked good from the off with Sensini and De Villion dominating the centre of the park.

The first goal came after 14 minutes when Sensini played a sublime through ball to Mazzeranni, who beat the offside trap and then lobbed the Vanek keeper to put St Samuel one nil up.

St Samuel's second goal didn't come until two minutes before half time, when Atalanta blasted a piledriver of a shot which crashed against the cross bar and bounced back towards Mazzeranni, who's diveing header left the keeper no chance.

Sebastien Atalanta then got himself on the score sheet on the 56th minute with a fabulous solo effort when he beat two defenders and rounded the goal keeper to place the ball into the empty goal.

Mazzeranni then completed his hat-trick on the 77th minute with what was an amazing bicycle kick. The corner from Sensini was curled into the box and punched clear by the keeper where Mazzeranni rose up and struck the ball first time with an over the head kick that flew into the Vanek goal.

Goal Scorers
Mazzerani 4
Atalanta 3
Sensini 1
Rocka 1

Next fixture: Sorthern Northland

PRUXTON PRESS

A Draw is Better than a Loss

Despite the re-insertion of the real Red Herring into the lineup, Prux still can't win a macth as Herring gave up 2 early goals to Daehanjeiguk, but behind the left foot of 007, the Prawns managed to tie the imperials 2-2. Goals by Jeong Jihun and Song Jongguk at the 16th and 38th minutes to put HAN up 2-0, but 007 scored int eh 55th and 81st minutes to pull out a draw.

The Prawns, despite the 0-1-2 record, still have a chance to advance intot eh next round, provided both Daehanjeiguk and Candelaria and Marquez each lose both of their next 2 matches and if Prux can beat Uiri, then they would be in. But since Daehanjeiguk and C&M play each other, this senario is very unlikely.

DR. ENDER - "Doctor Landau, the Wanderer wants to talk to you."

DR. LANDAU - "Thanks, Timóteo. He can enter."

THE WANDERER - "Hello, leader."

DR. LANDAU - "Hello, my patient. Have you found the ones that worked with you in The Machine?"

THE WANDERER - "Yes, all of them."

DR. LANDAU - "I have a question: how could you find them?"

THE WANDERER - "I am a lonely person, my leader. When I work with other people, I usually ask them to give me their e-mail adresses. This way, I can exchange e-mails to be less lonely."

DR. LANDAU - "Interesting. Now that we know where they are, we'll send some representatives of the Landau Institute that will bring them to us. One by one... or two by two."

THE WANDERER - "And have you decided the order?"

DR. LANDAU - "Yes. First, we will question the tacticians from Bettia and Starblaydia. Then, the twins from Jeruselem. Later, the programmers from Bazalonia. The fourth "interview" will be with the engineer from Az-cz. After that, we'll talk with you, then with the tactician from Cafundéu, the programmers from Zwangzug... and we'll end with the man from the Dreamed Realm."

THE WANDERER - "Okay... I'll say where they are."

RP Cutoff for Matchday 4

Group A
Kura-Pelland 2 0 The Mice of Miceland
Yafor 2 3 0 Taeshan

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kura-Pelland 3 3 0 0 6 0 6 9
Yafor 2 3 2 0 1 6 1 5 6
Jeru FC 3 2 0 1 3 1 2 6
Taeshan 3 0 1 2 0 6 -6 1
The Mice of Miceland 4 0 1 3 0 7 -7 1
Group B
Daehanjeiguk 1 1 Solenial
Candelaria and Marquez 0 0 Uiri

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Solenial 4 2 2 0 7 3 4 8
Daehanjeiguk 3 1 2 0 5 4 1 5†
Candelaria and Marquez 3 1 2 0 3 2 1 5†
Prux 3 0 1 2 4 6 -2 1
Uiri 3 0 1 2 1 5 -4 1
†Deahanjeiguk goes ahead on GF

Group C
Endmile 4 0 Audioslavia
Estresse Intenso 0 0 Kansiov

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Minilla Island 3 2 1 0 7 2 5 7
Endmile 3 2 0 1 7 3 4 6
Kansiov 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
Estresse Intenso 3 0 3 0 2 2 0 3
Audioslavia 4 0 1 3 2 11 -9 1

Group D
Vephrall 2 1 Kelssek
The Archregimancy 1 2 Ulzaxid

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Vephrall 3 2 1 0 4 2 2 7
Ulzaxid 3 2 0 1 3 2 1 6
Casari 3 1 2 0 3 1 2 5
The Archregimancy 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2
Kelssek 4 0 1 3 2 6 -4 1

Group E
Cookesland 4 1 Vanek Drury Brieres
St. Samuel 1 1 Sorthern Northland

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
St. Samuel 3 2 1 0 10 1 9 7
Cookesland 3 2 1 0 8 2 6 7
Sorthern Northland 3 1 1 1 5 4 1 4
The Islands of Qutar 3 1 1 1 3 7 -4 4
Vanek Drury Brieres 4 0 0 4 2 14 -12 0

Abrams Tunk was with the Jeru FC team at training ...

Tunk
"OK boys, we have a visitor! And yes, it's a female. No it's not the Bike or Skate. It's Scarlet Ferris, that redhead that hangs around with Skate all the time. I know she gets some you a bit too excited. So, why is she here? You lot are slow, and I can't get any of you to run quickly so I need someone for you lot to chase. Scarlet here is pretty quick, only 2nd to the Skate herself. OK, we're going have 200 metre races. Anyone who can beat Scarlet here, can go shopping with her. OK, you can have lunch with her too. Simple?"

The team looked pretty happy.

<Later>

Tunk
"You lot are useless. No one got close to her! Half of you collapsed at 100 metres. Come on fellas, can't even beat a girl! Tomorrow, we are going swimming. Yes, Scarlet here can swim. Let's hope we do a lot better tomorrow. Look if girls in bikinis can' get you motivated to improve, we might as well go home."

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/daehanjeiguk.pngDaehanjeiguk || 1 - 1 || Solenialhttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Solenial.png



This special presentation brought to you by MBC International Sports! Now to our hosts, Yi Hyori (李孝利) and Jo Myeongae (趙明愛).

趙明愛: It was yet another draw for the Imperial Team, but it's a confident qualification for the next stage.

李孝利: Indeed. The Han players are drawing even blood on the field, and it's turning out to be tougher than it looked at the outset. Still, the Imperial Team is in top condition for qualifying for the next round, having secured at least third place in Group B. Uiri and Prux, of course, will be battling for the right to qualify as the best ranked 4th placed team.

趙明愛: But wouldn't you know it? The worst ranked team is also the best positioned team in the Group?

李孝利: True, but we also shouldn't forget that they won both of their matches against Uiri and Prux, which we didn't. And so the next match against the powerful Candelaria and Marquez will be equally and perhaps the most critical for this stage of the tournament. The Imperial Team can still clinch the top place if we manage to beat out the C&M team by at least 3 goals. Of course, with the way that balls have been flying in our group, that's not very likely, but it's likely to be a match with flying balls in any case, as we're up against our toughest competition yet.

趙明愛: We've met Candelaria and Marquez several times before, literally. Our first encounter was in the Group Stage of the Baptism of Fire before World Cup 36. We met them later in the knock out stage of the Baptism of Fire, coming out on a narrow PK victory in the Quarterfinals. But it's likely that they'll be looking to return the favor come the next match, despite the friendly sports on both sides.

李孝利: Anyway, it's on to the match, where we had a lot of intense fighting on the field. Literally and figuratively, as the Imperial Team entered the field. Several fans came out and verbally assaulted Kim Jingyu - for his suspected paraphilia for shoes. This comes after a web blog (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zrQjWIKIUc (http://www.debutaunt.com/archives/haha-dork-i-bet-your-dogs-name-is-ipod.jpg)) showed Kim masturbating to a shoe just before the match. Heaven knows who they are or how they did it, but Kim Jingyu, keeping in touch with his aggressive tendencies, rushed out after the fans, knocking one of them incidentally with his shoe that he had taken off. Needless to say, Qutarian Security Guards apprehended him and took him away from the field, where he was lamentably unable to participate in any future matches for the duration of the Cup.

趙明愛: And what a pity too. He's a good player when he's not angry. And he's had a lot of attention for his shoe fetish recently.

李孝利: Well, for the regular match, it was a tough contest for the ball, as Kim Daeeui was rushing up and down the field all day to help out in midfield. It was a solitary goal early on that led Solenial to have the lead. Kim Ho's touch barely tipped the ball out, where it hit against the post and fell inside the net. Undaunted, the Imperial team fought back, and gave a reply just before halftime, with Yi Dongguk's goal. Kim Daeeui, having fought back with the midfield, lobbed the ball up to Yi Dongguk, who outwitted a number of defenders before blasting a sure shot back the goalkeeper. 1-1 at halftime, the game was nearly the same midfield battle. Yi Dongguk had another chance, but he spoiled it by playing rugby with the ball.

趙明愛: It was still a great shot. But great shots don't count toward winning the game. Overall, the Imperial side played excellent football, but Cha Beomgeun laid out a few points that continue to plague the Imperial Team.


車範根: Well, all of the players played wonderfully, but I have to credit our defense as having been our strongest source of support. We've been stressing our offense, but they still seem to lack sufficient firepower. It's really been our defense that's carried us through this Cup so far. And thankfully, we're going to the next stage, because that leaves us ample room to improve our striking capability. We've got great talent here; we just need to harness it.

趙明愛: It was a good show nonetheless, and leads us to our word of the day!

時運

'Shiun'

Shi- denoting time; the setting sun eclipsed by the earth by a measure of an inch gives us the precision of a dial and the continuity of life.

Un - denoting transportation; a vessel brought with speed gives us a meaning of quick measure.

The two characters unite and give us fortune - and perhaps it is a modern allusion to the meaning: "Time is money." Thus, using time wisely and quickly brings us great fortune and harmony.

李孝利: It's always inspiring to hears these words of encouragement, and it's our time to say farewell. Pray for us, and the Team, as they go on to play Candelaria and Marquez.

MATCH SUMMARY
20' - SOL Goal
45+' - HAN Goal (#17)

Line up for the next match:

Kim Ho

Kim Donghyeon Pak Geonha Jang Yogon

Hong Myeongbo Yi Eulyong Song Jongguk Gang Gamchan

Yi Yeongpyo

Kim Daeeui Jeong Jihun

The Albrecht Herald Online/Sport/Opinion

A match of wince-inducing tedium eventually ground to a flaccid end as Mark Baker’s Small Blues qualified for the knock-out stage of the twenty-ninth Cup of Harmony. Oh, we should be used to nil-nil draws! Heaven knows we’ve had enough of them in recent times. But do they all have to be as mind-numbingly dull as this?

It seems an odd thing to say, given my own recent eulogising as to the nail-biting joys of watching the national team. And in the finals of a major competition, with everything to play for, and just a point needed to secure a place in this interminably extended tournament’s second stage; we should hardly be expecting pulsating stuff. But it remains indisputable that this C&M side have far from lit up this CoH. Plenty of supporters are filling the stadia, ‘tis true; Candelariasians far outnumbering the Ui fans yesterday. And even if the ground was half full, it still represented a colourful visage. The two national anthems were both respected and sung lustily; the chants went back and fourth between the three sets of fans, switching seamlessly between English, Spanish and French as required.

But on the pitch, something remains missing; and neither Uiri nor C&M could supply it. Baker remains indignantly convinced that his personnel selections have been right, and that the changes he must make in the final group game are down to injuries and suspensions alone. But you cannot ignore that the introduction to José Felipe Cassumba Domingos to the midfield, while inevitable, has not made for a balanced side. He and Speed Wang, for all their age gap, are simply too similar; both physically weak, both believing that they deserve playmaker status. With respect to Baker; it shouldn’t be rocket science to work out how to play these two together. With Wang now clearly the wrong side of thirty, their relationship need not be cultivated as a long-term project and, I would suggest, the experiment should be over. Ignacio Vélez is a quality striker, make no mistake, but he cannot do all the work on his own. C&M were at their best in WC37 qualifying with a bog-standard 4-4-2, and this is the way it must be.

It we’re being cruel, we’d have to say what a pity it is that necessity has forced Baker’s hand, over genuine innovation. Certainly Lloyd Donnelly’s unswerving commitment to making drastic changes as and when he feels it necessary has helped the C&M Under-21 side become the ridiculously successful entity that it currently is. Perhaps if Baker had reacted to this side’s obvious failings in the victory over Prux we would now be sitting pretty at the top of the group rather than fighting it out for, in all likelihood, second place. As it is, the two changes that will be introduced against Daehanjeiguk smack more of a desire to emulate the past than any tactical advance in his thinking.

With Wang sidelined for a few days with the bruised thigh picked up late on against Uiri, Baker reverts to his tried-and-trusted 4-4-2 with Vélez partnered up front by the big man, Yasser Zaghloul. The St Samuel-based forward is, alongside with O’Sullivan Caras, Damien Sono and Benji Fu, one of the survivors from the team that last played the Han, in the Baptism of Fire quarter-finals. Moments after coming off the bench in that game, Zaghloul had scored the equaliser that made it 2-2, and played a major part in helping his side take the lead shortly afterwards. A constant threat throughout the half-hour of extra time; he was even the only C&M player to score his penalty kick in the decisive shoot-out.

It would be a long time before Zaghloul, despite his performances in the BoF, would make a starting place for his national team his own. Once he had, he scored and created goals with pleasing-enough regularity, but in time he would fall out of favour. Yet he clearly has the eye of Baker, to continue to make the final thirty-two ahead of other forwards on greater CMSC form, and his scoring rate in club football has improved markedly since his move overseas. The Han’s defence may have changed utterly since that last meeting, but Baker clearly believes his sheer size could still cause problems for the traditionally diminutive back-line of Daehanjeiguk.

Indeed, it is worth noting just how things have changed since C&M suffered their first international exit and Daehanjeiguk their first victory. When Cha Beomguen, still like Baker the coach of his national team, told reporters following that most dramatic of games that, “[C&M] are probably the only team in this tournament that could have matched our potential,” he was evidently displaying great prescience, for which the Han no doubt have a pretty sigil or two. Neither side as yet has a World Cup finals under their belt, but both have come along way to be considered among the Cup of Harmony favourites. Both are in a position few, certainly in the Candelarias, would have thought possible just four years (or possibly eight, who knows these days?) ago. Both go into this competition wishing to avoid the likes of Estresse Intenso, the Yaforites, Kura-Pelland and St Samuel, as well as each other, but also knowing such entities should hold no fear. Baker can now draw a pool of players who have benefited from playing in a domestic league containing Ariddians, Valanorans, Kura-Pellandis and Samuelese, while the Imperial League is no less polyglot playing host to players from Cafundéu, Zwangzug as well as the Eesseff.

Oh, and a couple of Candelariasians; one of which will, coincidently or not, make his C&M debut against the Han in place of the suspended Sam Young. Lorenzo De Wilde left his native land many months ago as a fresh-faced left-back to seek fortune, and possibly even fame, in foreign fields. He has found at least the former with Cheonjin, establishing himself as a regular in the title-winning side as a left-footed centre-half. A bit of local knowledge could well go a long way, though it is of no less a concern to wonder if Kim Daeeui or Jeong Jihun might have also sussed him out. Whether the absence of Cheonjin midfielder Baek Jihun from the starting XI is to C&M’s benefit or not remains very much to be seen.

Whatever the outcome, what the performance; none can deny that C&M deserve to be here now, among this august assemblage. For all the lack of style in how we have so far gone about it, no-one can say we were lucky.

They certainly can’t in Daehanjeiguk. Something to do with their inability to properly pharyngealize the alveolar lateral approximants, apparently.

THE MONASTIC TIMES

MONKS FAIL TO LOSE EVERY MATCH
Apologies Issued to Casari and Kelssek

by Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

The most humiliating collapse in recent international footballing form continued apace last night as the Archregimancy, the top-ranked team in the Cup of Harmony and a top 10 team as recently as two World Cups ago, slumped to second from bottom in their qualifying table with a pathetic two draws and a loss.

Sources close to the anonymous monastic team immediately apologised to Casari and Kelssek for holding on to draws when the squad had promised to lose every match. "We're particularly disappointed at having scored two goals" said one anonymous squad member. "The nil-all draw against Casari we could put down to Catholic ineptitude - we all know repressed Catholics find it hard to score - but the goals against Kelssek and Ulzaxid are harder to explain. Own-goals by the opposition perhaps? I have to admit I haven't bothered to check too closely."

The squad are said to be excited at the prospect of increasing their soul-strengthening campaign of humility-building suffering by losing by as wide a margin as possible to Vephrall. "Believe me, we won't be trying very hard" said one source close to the team. "We won't be satisfied that we've inflicted as much humiliation as possible on our unworthy squad of monk-wretches unless we manage to finish bottom of the group. God be praised, that worthy goal is still very much within sight."

The Machine's investigations:

Herman Jacombe's (tactician from Starblaydia) deposition:

"My work was to think about how The Machine would prepare the team before the game. I had to say how it - (Jacombe is asked to call The Machine "he", not "it") - would analyze the players of his team and choosing the best formation for it. As I understood that The Machine would be sold to a minor country, - (some doctors criticize this phrase) - I asked the programmers to make The Machine a defensive coach. This way, the country's National Team wouldn't suffer heavy defeats. I worked in the project for two weeks, and didn't have contact with the robot, only with one of the programmers, called Aziz Frajut, who came from Zwangzug."

Tramk Lopate's (tactician from Bettia) deposition:

"I worked in the project for two weeks, alongside with Herman. We had the minor part of the tactical job. There was a third tactician - (information confirmed by the Wanderer) - that prepared the in-game reactions, surely the most important ones. But, to talk know about my job, my function was to tell the programmers what should be The Machine's changes in the team according to the next opponent and with the team form and form of the players. Not an easy task, but I think I did a good job. Also, I asked the programmers to transform The Machine in a strict coach, who values discipline and prefers obedient players. This way, it - (Lopate is asked to call The Machine "he", not "it") - could work without worrying with undisciplined players. I didn't have contact with the robot, although I saw he once. Although I worked with Aziz Frajut, one of my best friends in the project was the gnome So-Ca."

Samantha Coyles's (engineer from Jeruselem) deposition:

"I didn't touch in the eletronical parts of The Machine, but saw nearly the whole process. My work was to build the body of the robot, something that I did with the help of my sister. The gnome worked in adding the eletronical components of The Machine, so we only worked in the initial phase of the project. I hate that gnome, he stole my gold ring. I think that The Machine's father must be the gnome, one of the programmers or that strange man that participated in the last five days of the project."

Alice Coyles's (engineer from Jeruselem) deposition:

"The stove was my idea. The Machine needed a body, but it was difficult to create one from scratch. So, I got the stove of my mother and asked my sister to make some modifications on it, transforming it in the robot's body. I liked the final result. Apart from that, I only helped my sister in some things, but she did more things than me. I had some health problems, and left the project before it ended."

End of day 1 of depositions

St Samuel (0) 1
Rocka 88
Sorthern Nothland (0) 1
Min-Kim 54

The Latin Crusaders were left scratching there heads after being held one all against Sorthern Northland. Through out the 90 minutes St Samuel had bombarded the Sorthern Northland goal, but by the end were lucking to scrape a draw.

St Samuel dominated the first half but some rugged and admiral defending denied St Samuel's strikers from breaking the dead lock. Of note was Sorthern Northland's goal keeper, George Palmer, who put on a real display of fantastic goalkeeping.

And it was Sorthern Northland in the second half who took the lead on the 54th minute through Kim Min-Kim volley which struck the cross bar and into the back of the net.

St Samuel tried to battle back into the game but stubborn defending stopped every thing the Latin Crusaders could through at them. As the 90th minute approached it looked as though St Samuel would be going away with no points. But it was substitute Salvatore Rocka, who with two minutes remaining launched a long range effort, which George Palmer, at full stretch was unable to reach.

The late goal earned St Samuel a valuable point, meaning that St Samuel only require a point against Cookesland in there final match.

Goal Scorers
Mazzerani 4
Atalanta 3
Rocka 2
Sensini 1

THE MONASTIC TIMES

MONKS FAIL TO LOSE EVERY MATCH
Apologies Issued to Casari and Kelssek

... Sources close to the anonymous monastic team immediately apologised to Casari and Kelssek for holding on to draws when the squad had promised to lose every match. "We're particularly disappointed at having scored two goals" said one anonymous squad member. "The nil-all draw against Casari we could put down to Catholic ineptitude - we all know repressed Catholics find it hard to score...

"You know, they can pretend they're nicer all they like... but they're still assholes." Barney said, slowly scanning the paper.

"It's hard to not be condescending." Carter replied, sitting down and grabbing another section off the table to read.

"Especally with the broad assumption that we're all Catholics. Not everyone in Casari is Catholic, that's... what's the term for that?"

"I have no idea. But it's bad."

"Exactly. I'm a Sarist, and I don't have all kinds of stuckupness."

"You joined that cult?"

"See, you're the same way. Everyone judges."

Carter blinked. "It's not a judgement, it's a cult. Nobody in their right mind would ever worship a stupid game."

"You do it anyway, what's it matter if it's institutionalized or not?"

"The matter is that you joined a cult. The list of crazy saints or whatever you have is just too bloody much."

Barney frowned. "Pfft."

"See, you have no reply. I win."

"You win? How the hell do you win?"

"You have no reply, I win."

Barney shook his head. "Just having this conversation has made me dumber."

"Well, that's how it always goes." Carter said, leaning back and starting to read.

Chloe was absolutely delighted with the play of Ulzaxid. They had just beaten one of the best teams in the world and actually stood a chance of advancing to the next round of the cup of harmony. That would be a major major step forward for the nation. She'd already talked to her parents and decided that if the team made the quarterfinals she'd drop out of school and work with the team full time. And while she loved her studies the idea of being a professional soccer coach for a fairly strong national team was far more appealing. She'd be set for life from a financial perspective thanks to the Ulzaxids and would have plenty of free time to enjoy life.

But for now she had to concentrate on Casari. Few teams in the world had the on-the-fly flexibility that Casari did. While a team like Archregimancy might be stronger cause they've been continually practicing, a squad like Casari was much harder to prepare for. So she decided that the team would just work on their own stuff and didn't watch video of Casari at all. She hoped it would work for the best, and it was true that only a draw was needed, so it was possible. Could the Ulzaxids give her reason to leave her studies?

Scooter = Scarlet Ferris

Tunk: Weird, I thought the army taught swimming but these guys are hopeless. Well they can sort of swim ... or controlled drowning. You can swim? Why is that?
Scooter: My mother was scuba diver.
Tunk: To be fair, most Jeruselemites can't swim because there's no water to swim in.
Scooter: Well, I have rich friends with pools.

Tunk: Yes, you spend far too much time at Dallas place.
Scooter: Eh? Me? Never!
Tunk: It's hot today. Good thing we're in the pool. The water around here isn't 30C like at home.
Scooter: I like it here too. Oh, I'd better go save that player Jeru FC player ... not looking too good in the water.

Tunk: I think he's pretending to you'd go get him.
Scooter: Hey, what about a game of water football?
Tunk: What's that?
Scooter: Well, actually we have a floating ball and you have head the ball. No hands.

Tunk: I don't think their swimming abilities are up to that.
Scooter: You're right.
Tunk: I don't see them winning the next game really.
Scooter: Have some faith coach!

Tunk: I don't suppose you can play next game with the team.
Scooter: It'd be illegal. I'm in the Jeruselem team not Jeru FC. And I'm not the army.
Tunk: Oh well.

Scores for Groups D & E

Group D
The Archregimancy 3 0 Vephrall
Ulzaxid 2 2 Casari

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ulzaxid 4 2 1 1 5 4 1 7
Vephrall 4 2 1 1 4 5 -1 7
Casari 4 1 3 0 5 3 2 6
The Archregimancy 4 1 2 1 5 3 2 5
Kelssek 4 0 1 3 2 6 -4 1

Group E
St. Samuel 3 2 Cookesland
Sorthern Northland 3 2 The Islands of Qutar

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
St. Samuel 4 3 1 0 13 3 10 10
Cookesland 4 2 1 1 10 5 5 7
Sorthern Northland 4 2 1 1 8 6 2 7
The Islands of Qutar 4 1 1 2 5 10 -5 4
Vanek Drury Brieres 4 0 0 4 2 14 -12 0


Scores for Groups A-C will be delayed

Group A
Yafor 2 0 - 0 Kura-Pelland
Taeshan 3 - 1 Jeru FC

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kura-Pelland 4 3 1 0 6 0 6 10
Yafor 2 4 2 1 1 6 1 5 7
Jeru FC 4 2 0 2 4 4 0 6
Taeshan 4 1 1 2 3 7 -4 4
The Mice of Miceland 4 0 1 3 0 7 -7 1

Group B
Candelaria and Marquez 2 - 1 Daehanjeiguk
Uiri 2 - 0 Prux

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Solenial 4 2 2 0 7 3 4 8
Candelaria and Marquez 4 2 2 0 5 3 2 8
Daehanjeiguk 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5
Uiri 4 1 1 2 3 5 -2 4
Prux 4 0 1 3 4 8 -4 1

Group C
Estresse Intenso 1 - 1 Endmile
Kansiov 2 - 1 Minilla Island

Team Pl W D L GF GA GD Pts
Minilla Island 4 2 1 1 8 4 4 7
Endmile 4 2 1 1 8 4 4 7
Kansiov 4 2 1 1 5 4 1 7
Estresse Intenso 4 0 4 0 3 3 0 4
Audioslavia 4 0 1 3 2 11 -9 1

Playoff Match: Estresse Intenso vs The Archregimancy

A bore-draw with Yafor 2 means Kura-Pelland are through to the knockout stage of the Cup of Harmony, and the nation will be following them en masse after the Ultimate team lost in the first round, now reduced to near-meaningless matches.

A 45% audience share was attained over the course of the match, although the tedium of the match meant the usual second-half surge was replaced by a tailoff, allowing Power of 10's season premiere to pick up over 19% of the audience. The first contestant went away with just K100 after being way off on the K10,000 question: 'What percentage of National Democrat voters believe the Trilan terrorist attack made the country a better place?' Guessing 0-30%, the actual answer was 36%. That question has triggered a minor political storm and the Workers' Party has accused Super6 of being 'slaves to corporatism' and 'burying' the episode against the football. Super6 said that as the season premiere it was still a high-profile episode and that was reflected in the audience, the highest recorded for an unscripted show against a national football game since the Baptism of Fire.

The second contestant is on K100,000 and will have a chance to play for K1,000,000 on the next episode.

Holy Empirian Time-Jumps Deny Audioslavia
Bang, 0-1-3, wha..?

No sooner were the Audioslavian team arriving on the sunny shores of Qutar that they found themselves on the boat back to their homeland. Quite literally, from their point of view. Manager Jeremy Jaffacake's penchant for time-surfing in Alasdair I Frosticus, as documented in his best-selling book 'My Penchant for Time Surfing in Alasdair I Frosticus', has been blamed.

"I'm not sure what happened", said a confused Jeremy, on the team's arrival back in Audioslavia. "We were really excited about the tournament and then it was over, we didn't really have a chance to enjoy it."

The tournament, of which the first round takes two and a half weeks to play, was over "in the time it takes to go on a nice long weekend away with your girlfriend" according to JJ. "Still, we drew one game, which was nice, eh?"

Jeremy's next task will be to ready the team for the qualifying tournament for the next world cup. It has yet to be decided whether he should be banned from time-jumping.

Blog of a Sorthern Northlander. Today's edition is bought to you by The Fan.

So the group stage of the Cup of Harmony is now over, and I was expecting to at this point writing about how although we hadn't caused any surprises or impressed much, that we had performed satisfactorily, but instead I sit here writing with us having gone through the group stage. Sure we only finished in third and there is a good chance we will go out in the next round, but it is important that this is only the teams second World Cup/Cup of Harmony campaign and the first time that the full team has progressed past the group stages of a tournament to the knock-out rounds. This is of course a major milestone for the team and although I don't expect us to qualify for the next World Cup, I hope that we are at least competitive in our qualifying group, something that was missing from the last campaign.

Onto the the last two CoH games then and the first one was against St Samuel who are ranked quite a few places above us in the rankings. It would be foolish to say that we were much of a threat to St Samuel but we certainly made them sweat to get a draw with them wasting numerous chances before Salvatore Rocka, managed to salvage a point with a fantastic last gasp effort. A couple of positives from that game was the resoluteness and determination of the defence to keep the opponents out with Corneal Corneal and George Palmer playing superbly well. Defending though of course starts from the front and the forwards and midfield did not impress at all in their defensive capacities but as our team plays with a score-one-more-than-you attitude anyway this won#t be of much concern. Kim Mim-Kim also scored a fantastic volley to take his international goal tally to 19 having recovered from a strange injury that Jing Mao seems to have some part in.

The final game of the group stage then saw us take on The Islands of Qutar in an exciting five goal contest. Jing Mao who was today partnering Kim Min-Kim up front added to his claims he should be first choice by scoring after just four minutes to take his international goal tally to 13 goals in 13 games. An extraordinary record and one that seems to suggest that he is ready for a regular starting position. His temperament though is of concern after it was suggested he deliberately injured Kim Min-Kim in training before the game against Vanek Drury Brieres in order to play. The Islands of Qutar though soon broke through the Sorthern Northland defence to level the scores and did so once again just befoe half time to go 2-1 up. The SN boss then made a couple of substitutions at half time with Gung Ho-Suk and Ri Kwang-Chong coming on for Relondinho and Graeme Shorey. This substitution payed divendeds as Ri Kwang-Chong first set up Gung Ho-Suk to level the scores and then with 15 minutes a Ri cross was met by the head of substitute Korea China to put the Sortherners 3-2 up and book their place in the knock-out stages.

The Albrecht Herald
That’s (probably not really) the way to do it!
By Mack Hession

Mark Baker’s Big Blues took second place in the group and a moral-boosting victory away from their second-ever game with Daehanjeiguk; but it is one that could prove very costly indeed with star striker Ignacio Vélez the subject of an investigation by Cup of Harmony authorities. The MarquezOW frontman scored an eightieth-minute winner with more than a hint of a handball, overlooked or missed by the referee but far from unnoticed by the crowd, fellow players and authorities.

In its levelness, the game bore a more than passing resemblance to the two countries’ previous encounter in the Baptism of Fire, but that was where the similarity ended. Both sides are savvier than those early days; neither – C&M in particular – willing to power forward at the expense of the defence. One has to wonder if this new brand of Candelariasian pragmatism is really what the devoted band of supporters who have lumped it over to the Qutari islands really want. Past arguments from Baker that this is the only way his side can accomplish anything have in recent times been rendered somewhat baseless by the achievements of the highly offensive Under-21s. But No one manager or style has the moral high ground in professional football; and few will be complaining if the Big Blues can emerge with another international cup, or come close to it. And even if the ultimate result here was dubious in its deservedness, it still confirmed C&M’s place among the tournament favourites.

Quite how it happened is another matter, with the Han one-nil up at half time and looking in danger of cruising to victory. It had taken long enough, to be fair, with Cha Beomguen’s 3-4-1-2 and Baker’s 4-4-2 rather cancelling each other out. C&M’s greater width had, as is to often the case, given the side in blue the greater opportunities in the early stages; Jos Cornelisse twice constructing moves breathtaking in their simplicity. The left-winger himself had failed to produce end product for the first, though Jang Yogon should take credit for a superb saving tackle; while on twenty minutes the São José player pushed the ball through his direct adversary’s legs to the newly reintroduced Yasser Zaghloul, who fluffed his opportunity in the face of Kim Ho’s scary eyes.

Any hopes of the C&M’s ascendancy continuing were over when Song Jongguk began to dominate the game. The Dunboor FC star, a vital cog in the Cafundéu club’s recent title-winning campaign, was a cut above any of the Candelariasian midfield offerings in the absence of Speed Wang and was responsible for the Han’s best early chance which Lorenzo De Wilde saved on his goal line.

The Daehanjeiguk-based player would go on to make several important challenges, but he looks unlikely to retain his place come the last sixteen with Sam Young ready to return from suspension. Indeed, he almost broke the deadlock himself, missing narrowly from a C&M corner.

But it was Gang Gamchan who put his side one-up shortly before half-time after an excellent team move started by Song Jongguk. He won the ball impressively from Ben Head, popped a lofted kick up to Kim Daeeui who, surrounded by three defenders, passed back to the unmarked Gang whose snap-shot went just beyond Oberon Martinez between the C&M sticks.

Gang turned from hero to villain shortly after the restart, when he put a chance to double the Han’s lead wide by a whisker. The exuberant Cornelisse then compounded Gang’s misery by beating him easily on the half-way line and putting in a searching cross. Head suitably beat Pak Geonha to the header and nodded down for Cassa. C&M’s youngest player scored beautifully from a tight angle.

Zaghloul and Jeong Jihun both skied opportunities before their respective substitutions, and it was left to Ignacio Vélez to be the puppeteer of C&M’s victory and perpetrator of a potentially embarrassing lapse in judgement. Wide on the right, O’Sullivan Caras beat the offside trap and wafted in a ball for Vélez. The striker had the strength to push past Kim Donghyeon, but failed to get enough on the ball to control it. With his back to the referee, Vélez almost imperceptibly stuck out a hand to push the ball to his feet; rattling a shot past Kim Ho who was already protesting before it hit the back of the net.

The Sel Appan policemen saw no infringement, and Mr. Punch ran away with the potentially priceless string of sausages that was the second-place finish. But the authorities will be looking at it, and he and C&M may yet live to regret this victory.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria And Marquez.png Candelaria And Marquez 2
Cassumba Domingos 53, Vélez 81

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Daehanjeiguk.png Daehanjeiguk 1
Gang 39

Original text from Uir Spor Paper, same roster is being used for the CoH:

Uir Geese Roster Revealed

Today, the coach unveiled the teams roster. He is quite confident in the team's abilities to succeed.
Formation: 2-3-5
Style: +3

GK:

1 - Gari Kilod

Sub:

2 - Heneri Hulo

DEF:

4 - Jak Limason
5- Ben Monil

Subs:

3 - Luk Napod
6 - Dan Vulig

MID:

9 - Gegori Farisos
11 - Hubet Durab
13 - Kalum Kopajori

Subs:

8 - Linus Baro
10 - Wil Roduf

FWD:

12 - Evan Okudil
14 - Ocar Asedum
15 - Afos Seropit
17 - Yvon Wesav
20 - Dil Ederat

Subs:

7 - Elit Yonim
16 - Peter Galorinos
18 - Ugol Vinopetin
19 - Ian Smit

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers N
Godmod Scoring Events N
RP injuries to my players Y (Just don't take him out of a game)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events N

Here are the home/away kits:

Football Kits (http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k155/Uiri/football_kit.png)

Last minute coverage of the Cup of Harmony. For those of you who are still watching the international sports as the national leagues gear it up Uiri has had too losses, a draw and a win. Here is a re-cap:

Daehanjeiguk 2 -1 Uiri
Uiri 0 - 3 Solenial
Candelaria and Marquez 0 - 0 Uiri
Uiri 2 - 0 Prux

Uiri lost ashamed to Solenial. Daehanjeiguk had some good players and there was stalemate between C&M and Uiri. Uiri blew off Prux with a two nothing victory. Here are the goals:

Okudil: 2
Asedum: 1

The tournament appears to be over and Uiri is ashamed, finishing fourth.

Football AM

Sorry about lack of overage today,

Well to start the roll of news off, the Solen Squad has been unveiled...

1. Freiderik Palema
---------------------------------------------
2. Nicky Shorez
4. Xavi
5. Ricardo Nuno Frisé
6. Tomas Shansk
---------------------------------------------
11. Ben Eagles
7. Maseronio
8. Partick Senna
14. Diego López (New Player)
---------------------------------------------
9. Beas King
10. Carlos Van Frigh (C)

NSWiki: Currently unavailable will put adress here soon

And Solenial topped there group with a great record of 2 Wins and 2 Draws

I can't quite believe how well the team are doing. Nevertheless we have been training very hard and are focusing on doing well in this brilliant competition.

We'll bring you more news, as it comes.

St Samuel (1) 3
Justantinium 41, Mazzeranni 62, Atalanta 87
Cookesland (0) 2
50, 71

St Samuel confirmed there place in the next round of the cup by finishing top of the group after a narrow win over neighbours Cookesland. The Latin Crusaders had all but qualified through a decent goal difference, but required a point to gurantee qualification. Cookesland were also in the same position requiring just one point from the game.

The first goal came late on in the first half on the 41st minute. With all St Samuel's big defenders forward for the corner it was Seth Justantinium that headed home Leo Sensini's corner kick.

Cookesland pulled it back to level terms five minutes into the second half, but it wasn't long until St Samuel re-took the lead on the 62nd minute when Mazzeranni hit a low hard driven shot which beat the keeper.

Cookesland levelled things up again on the 79th and it looked to be heading for a 2-2 draw, but Cookesland were caught on the counter attack when possession was lost around the half way line and Leo Sensini surged towards goal with Mazzeranni, Atalanta, Batista and De Villion around him. Sensini squared the ball to Mazzeranni on the edge of the box who flicked the ball onto Atalanta, who made no mistake in the shot making it 3-2. The 87th minute goal was enough to win the match, meaning St Samuel finish top of the group having won 3, drawn 1 and lost zero.

New manager, Georgi Monte-Cristiano, will hope that his four match unbeaten run will continue into the next few rounds.

Goal Scorers
Mazzerani 5
Atalanta 4
Rocka 2
Sensini 1
Justantinium 1

The Machine's investigations:

Darko Mazzon's (programmer from Bazalonia) deposition:

"It was interesting to work with The Machine. I and Frank worked more on the artificial intelligence of The Machine, as well as programming some softwares that would regulate the robot's way of acting. We used lots of information given by Diniz, the tactician from Cafundéu - (some doctors are shocked to know that a Cafundelense worked in The Machine). With his help, we were able to prepare The Machine to make changes in the team during the game, according to the performance of the team. I was able to improve the reaction speed of it, - (Mazzon is asked to call The Machine "he", not "it) - which was something very important, as he must make substitutions and tactical changes at the right time. We had a lot of contact with the robot, and saw the engineers working, but I don't think that I'm the father of The Machine. We programmed he to be a coach, to work in a football team, not to think as a human and have feelings. I'm surprised that he is able to do these things. Oh, and we received minor informations from the other tacticians too, to complete the coaching attitude of The Machine. But our boss was Diniz."

Franklinton Jones's (programmer from Bazalonia) deposition:

"I am a specialist in artificial intelligence, so I am the one responsible for programming most of The Machine's coaching reactions. I transformed it - (Jones is asked to call The Machine "he", not "it") - in a great tactician, using my ability with strategy programs. So, you can say that The Machine's coaching ability was developed by me and Mazzon. Of course we were only able to put so many information with the help of famous - (doctors react. The tacticians weren't so famous) - tacticians. I worked with someone, I can't remember the name... - (is helped by Mazzon) - oh, Diniz. In fact, I don't help of most things related to the project, it happened so long ago. Well, I did what Diniz asked, although I added some things of my own in the program. Mazzon said that he saw the engineers working on The Machine, but the only thing I saw was the stove, the initial body of the robot. Maybe he was more respected than me, I'm not sure. Another thing: I found an e-mail address, probably from the project leader: his name is Abelardo Fajutus, and he lives here, in Estresse Intenso, in an office building. - (doctors comment that it's impossible to find him, in "an office building", as there are thousands of)"

So-Ca's (engineer from Az-cz) deposition:

"The Machine. Now I remember. A nice project to work on. The one thing that I didn't like was the initial body. A stove. The twins weren't good on their job, and I had to repair many mistakes made by them. But, when I had freedom to work alone, it was great. I love to stay alone with the project to do what I want, that's why I love my job. When the twins left the project, I couldn't be happier. About programming... I have nothing to do with it. I only concentrated in building The Machine's body and in putting the pieces in the right places. The only contact I had with eletronical components was when they gave them to me, so I could put them in the robot. Only that. I didn't know exactly what kind of program I was putting in The Machine. I'd like to say that The Machine is my son, but I only built the body, I can't create emotions, so I think that I'm not the father of it." - (some doctors complain. So-Ca called The Machine "it")

End of day 2 depositions

RP Cutoff for playoff match

Playoff Match
Estresse Intenso 1 - 2 The Archregimancy

Second Round
Bazalonia Region
Kura-Pelland vs Sorthern Northland
Solenial vs Casari
Minilla Island vs Daehanjeiguk
Ulzaxid vs Jeru FC

The Islands of Qutar Region
St. Samuel vs Kansiov
Yafor 2 vs Cookesland
Candelaria and Marquez vs Vephrall
Endmile vs The Archregimancy

Next matchday in 24 hours from this post

"Solenial?" Pan said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes." Mike replied.

"How on earth are we supposed to make that into some kind of a vulgar chant?"

Mike shrugged. "The nations nowadays just aren't as good for swears as they used to be."

"Aye, no kidding."

"Like Bedistan."

"Oh yes, Bedistan. We never got to play them enough, sadly. Especally after 2-0. Rubbing victory in an opponents face is just as important as winning in the first place."

"I would like to say that it's more or less a foregone conclusion that you are well and truly going to hell." Silvia said, walking past and carrying a fencepost. Mike and Pan looked at each other for a second before following her, looking at the style of miscellaneous wooden and flammable materials that were sitting in the middle of the yard.

"What the hell are you doing?" Pan said, blinking. "And where did all this come from?"

"Around." Silvia said, striking a match and throwing it on the pile.

"You're starting a fire... why?"

"I wanted one. I don't have to explain myself to you." She said, grabbing a plastic deck chair and throwing it on the stack.

"I don't know what's going on... but I think I like it." Pan said.

"See? I'm not so disagreeable if you just go with the flow." Silvia said. "What else is there that we can set on fire?"

An hour later, Mike, Silvia, and Pan were sitting in their cell, waiting for someone to come and bail them out.

"Wow... I didn't think that shed would start on fire so quickly." Silvia said quietly, looking down at her feet.

"I was more surprised that the limit on fires was only 3 feet by 3 feet. That's nowhere close to big enough." Pan replied, quietly.

A few minutes passed in silence.

"Anyway... Solenial?" Pan said.

"I don't think you're pronouncing it right."

Jeru FC coach Abrams Tunk was sitting with female Jeruselem player Scarlet "Scooter" Ferris on the bench

Tunk: Well, we're losing again ...
Scooter: Have faith, they'll come back.
Tunk: Them? That only seems to happen with the Bike as coach.
Scooter: They are trying.

Tunk: Yes, but they aren't talented athletes. They'll never match real World Cup players.
Scooter: Have faith, they'll get better. Well, not to the standard of Jeruselem but maybe top 50.
Tunk: You think female players would make a difference?
Scooter: I think it's a bad idea for any army team.

Tunk: Ah yes, looking at the amount of babies from the Jeruselem team - you are right.
Scooter: I don't have kids yet.
Tunk: Yet, that is. I know you are up to something.
Scooter: How about all female army team.

Tunk: I don't think we have enough players.
Scooter: I'm sure we can scrape up a team.
Tunk: You seen what Jeruselem army women look like?
Scooter: Nope

Tunk: Not nice pretty things like you or Rashina Dallas.
Scooter: But they don't need to look like that.
Tunk: No I mean, they don't look like women ...
Scooter: Scary ...

OOC - Not again!

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Candelaria%20And%20Marquez.pngCandelaria And Marquez|| 2 - 1 || Daehanjeigukhttp://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/Daehanjeiguk.png



This special presentation brought to you by MBC International Sports! Now to our hosts, Yi Hyori (李孝利) and Jo Myeongae (趙明愛).

趙明愛: A loss, but not elimination. That's the story today. It was a close match, and for a time, the Imperial Team was ahead.

李孝利: Yep. It was Gang Gamchan's solitary goal off a brilliant streak against the C&M defense that yielded the first goal after a tense contest in the first half. Going into the half, the Imperial Team was riding on confidence, but like previous matches, Candelaria And Marquez equalized in the 53rd minute off a nice long ball. Undaunted, the battle continued until what was an apparently blatant thrust of the hand on the ball as the C&M player knocks the ball into the net. The ensuing call by the referee said that the ball was fair, and the linesman was unable to determine if the ball was indeed hit by the hand.

趙明愛: But we're smarter than that now. We've gotten the best technology available to help us discern if that ball was hit or not. So if you take a look at the 3-D picture of the scene, you can see that not only does the hand touch the ball, but the hand is actually pushing down on the ball, forcing to the player's foot for nice lay-up for a shot.

李孝利: Gee. Too bad it's illegal.

趙明愛: There's no news yet from the IFA concerning the action, but it is anticipated that action will be sought to redress this error - if not in the match, then in some other form.

李孝利: Well, the match was still close, and counting that late goal out, it would have ended 1-1 even. But even with the loss, the Imperial Team has already racked enough points to enter the next stage.

趙明愛: Which is exactly what happens next. After a decline in the playing performance for the team, Head Coach Cha Beomgeun has announced that players that score goals will be offered a bonus of 500,000 weon (over $750k) for each goal scored. The IFA has confirmed this award, so it should be interesting to see how this will play out.

李孝利: And for our next match-up, we'll be playing against the Group C leaders from Minila Island. Even though they have a low rank, I think that it's obvious to see that even ranks don't matter much here. Still we can hope that the Imperial Team's playing condition will improve. On a positive note, Head Coach Cha Beomgeun has announced that Kim Yongdae will be returning to the field as he has fully recovered from his injuries sustained in an earlier match.

趙明愛: That's great news! Kim Yongdae is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and he'll be a valuable presence on the field, with the onset of the Round of 16.

李孝利: Speaking of asset, we've got some gossip and rumors from here as well. With their victory over Estresse Intenso today, the Archregimancy has become the first team in history to qualify for the elimination stage while having all of its players off of the field. Also, Casari citizens were cited in the local police listings as being suspects in a local case of arson. Riots were all over the news following the failure for the Islands of Qutar to qualify even for the Elimination Stage, although no incidents were reported and casualties were minimal. And there's even rumors that since Kim Jingyu's shoe incident, a number of people come out of the community demanding their rights to marry their shoes, heralding Kim Jingyu as a "brave and discriminated member of the papousexual ["papoutsi" = shoe (Gk.)?] community."

趙明愛: It seems that Kim Jingyu has started more than just a cause; it's a revolution!

李孝利: As long as none of my friends get ideas. But here's our last installment of the Word of Day, all reflections on the idea of "harmony" - and this one literally translates as harmony.

和諧

'Hwaseong'

Hwa - the same word from Pyeonghwa, and conjures the same thoughts of satisfaction.

Seong - a word depicting perfection. The speech of man is beside the contest he has, which is above the purity of the world. A man seeking perfection must be in conflict with himself to achieve purity at the same time, and thereby arrive at harmonic balance.

Therefore, satisfaction in perfection is harmony.

趙明愛: It's been our pleasure to bring you the words of "Harmony" - stick with us as we watch just how far this Imperial Team can go.

MATCH SUMMARY
39' - HAN Goal (#16)
53' - C&M Goal
81' - C&M Goal

Line up for the next match:

Kim Yongdae

Kim Donghyeon Pak Geonha Jang Yogon

Hong Myeongbo Yi Eulyong Song Jongguk Gang Gamchan

Yi Yeongpyo

Kim Daeeui Jeong Jihun

Solenial have been drew against Casari in the second round of the competition,

Do you believe Solenial can win?

Sure, it will be difficult but i believe we can do it. At the moment Rugby Union is the biggest sport in the PDRS but Football is probably equal to that popularity, and i think getting far in this competition could do good both Domestically and Internationally

Do you think Solenial could win without Carlos Van Frigh?

Most Definately, Carlos is a bright young lad but not the heart of the team. All of our current success must be put down to the Team, me, the coaches, the SFA the whole organization that made this possible.

Do you think getting far in this competition will help you in the next world cup?

Most Definately, i mean our goal for the next World Cup is to qualify but our aims are on this wonderful Q-Topian CoH which we want to put full effort into. I think that this is a well organised competition and applaude both The Islands of Qutar and Bazalonia. But yeah it should help us in the next world cup.

Thank you for your time Coach, good bye.

EDIT: Oh and i almost forgot,

NSwiki: http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Solenial_National_Football_Team
Football Kits: http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/SOL38.png

One massive gamble appears to have triggered another from Kura-Pellandi television network Super6. According to leaked audience reports - which have occasionally been proven false in the past - carryover contestant Jamie Kingston, a 19-year-old medical student and distant relative of Foreign Minister Charles Tarrant, wins K10,000,000 on The Power of 10.

Doing so would - assuming no rule change from the RL ruleset - require the contestant to risk K900,000 of a hitherto-acquired K1,000,000 on effectively a blind 1-in-11 guess. One report states that host Neil Edwards placed 'significant pressure' on the contestant to take the gamble.

All this is significant because Super6 have chosen to air the second episode against the CoH regional semi-final that could involve Kura-Pelland, should they win their regional quarter-final against Sorthern Northland - who have punched above their weight to get this far but start as clear outsiders for this match.

There have already been conflicting rumours, with one report claiming that Kingston in fact took the gamble but lost K900,000, and another claiming he in fact won just K10,000 (through being outside the target range on the question worth K1,000,000). Super6 have already started television adverts quoting Kingston in the studio saying 'this is the biggest chance of my life and I want to take it', but not revealing the result. No in-game graphics have been shown either, though Edwards is heard mentioning the K10,000,000 prize.

It's likely to be more dramatic than the defensive fare Kura-Pelland have served up of late, not conceding a goal but being hardly free-scoring themselves.

The Albrecht Herald Online/Sport/Breaking News
Vélez out for key clash

C&M striker Ignacio Vélez has received a retrospective one-match ban by the Cup of Harmony authorities for ‘gross unsportsmanlike conduct’ after his hand-ball in the run-up to his winning goal against Daehanjeiguk.

The C&M party in Bazalonia have yet to pass comment on the decision, but are not expected to appeal.

Big Blues get Vephrall… again

Candelaria And Marquez will face the Vephrese for the third team in a major competition after the countries were drawn together in the last 16 of the Cup of Harmony.

All four scorers from their last encounter look set to start the game; with Sorrah Wais and Pembace Prorim likely to be key parts of the next World Cup co-hosts’ side while O’Sullivan Caras and Jos Cornelisse will again start on the C&M flanks.

They will certainly be changes from C&M’s last game, including an entirely new forward line as Baker reverts to a 4-5-1. Sam Young and Speed Wang come back into the side, while Stuart Vidakovic wins his first start in the absence of four-goal hero Ignacio Vélez due to suspension.

The victors look set to face either Endmile, a fellow BoF 23 country though one a C&M side has never faced, or a daunting clash with the Archregimancy; possibly the first football side in history to find, at the current time, modest success despite publicly stating their desire to fail.

The Latin Crusaders have been drawn to play against Kansiov in the second round and the beggining of the knock out stages of the Cup of Harmony. Manager Georgi Monte-Cristiano spoke earleir today after a training session stating that he was quietly confident that his team have the quality to proceed past Kansiov.

"We have had a very good tournament so far, only dropping points in one game which we drew to Sorthern Northland. We look very good going forward and the results have proved this with some big wins. But Kansiov will be no walk over and we will need to continue the way we have played, battling for every single thing and fighting to the end."

Assitant manager Yves al Jahdali revealed the strating eleven as follows:

GK: Niclas Corinthian - Age: 28, Club: Marienburg United, Squad number: 1
CD: Tyrone Rock - Age: 24, Club: Saint Maria FC, Squad number: 4
CD: Seth Justantinium – Age: 20, Club: Isadora City, Squad number: 13
RD: Frankie Le Ricco - Age: 22, Club: Lewisburg Town , Squad number: 2
LD: Luther Della Rosa – Age: 21, Club: Saint Maria, Squad number: 14
CM: Leo Sensini - Age: 18, Club: Marienburg United, Squad number: 8
CM: Salvatore Rocka – Age: 19, Club: Marienburg Utd, Squad number: 17
RM: Maxi Bezzi-Louaza - Age: 21, Club: Marienburg United, Squad number: 7
LM: Edgar Lovintino – Age: 23, Club: Greenbay, Squad number: 19
CF: Sebastien Atalanta – Age:19, Club: St Malo, Squad number: 9
CF: Enzo Mazzeranni - Age:25, Club: Saint Maria FC , Squad number: 10

The only changes being call-ups for Salvatore Rocka and Edgar Lovintino. Aaron De Villion is out injured with a groin strain and Omar Batista with a broken toe.

The Machine's investigations:

The Wanderer's (someone who didn't do anything useful) deposition:

"What are you saying? I am useful! I sold The Machine to you! This is important! Change my title! - (the doctors don't make changes) - What? So, I'm useful for you! - (the doctors ask about the project) - The project? Well, I met everyone there. The twins, the programmers, the tacticians, the engineers, the mystic... nice people. I didn't touch in The Machine, only sold him to you, he was inside a box. I'm not his father... why do I have to be here? I've already helped you, let me return to my room."

Wagner Diniz, the tactician from Cafundéu, didn't want to go to the Landau Institute. In a letter, he said that "he would never go to a place where everyone would consider him an enemy, and he was glad that he wouldn't help the doctors."

Zacarias Van Der Sergh's (programmer from Zwangzug) deposition:

"Well, I'll explain my work. I was responsible for the hardware of The Machine. Basically, we received enough funding to make this robot with the best technology available at that time. We used the Isis 80 processor, which suited well the robot. I didn't work on the project for much time, as Frajut did the hardest part of our work. I only helped him in the beginning, as I was better at choosing the right hardware for the robot. I also created the voice and locomotion programs of The Machine, but had no involvement in the softwares that gave it - (Van Der Sergh is asked to call The Machine "he", not "it") the coaching abilities. But I must tell you something. The Machine was just a normal robot until a man appeared in the last days of the project and stayed a whole day with him, so I think that he is the one that you're looking for."

Aziz Frajut's (programmer from Zwangzug) deposition:

"I worked with Van in the beginning of the project, but in fact my job was a bit different. While he was responsible for going after the hardware of The Machine, I was collecting some information from the two tacticians, so I could decide the necessary memory for The Machine, depending on its functions and how much data it - (Frajut is asked to call The Machine "he", not "it") would need to save. Not a difficult work for me, I'm good at these things. I did many other things in the project, and was the most important programmer of the project. The Machine must be thankful that I worked in his creation. - (some doctors comment about Frajut's attitude) I called the man from the Dreamed Realm. And believe me, this made a big difference in the end."

Blog from the Empire:

Kim Jingyu's reputation as a pedaphile (as in feet) has spread beyond the homily introductions in Qutar. Apparently, this guy has been hiding a vast underworld of people who love feet and shoes, and it's only presumed that Kim Jingyu will soon be proclaimed king and master of the pedaphile world soon. I can imagine it now! Kim Jingyu - the international superstar who loves shoes - will be crowned and his Empress shall be the heavenly shoes from Kim Yongdae.

It's only a pity that Kim Jingyu won't be playing because a bunch of shoe-haters got him thrown out of the game. In fact, it's part of the greater conspiracy of the shoe-haters to continue their oppression of the pedaphiles - the so-called Pedaphobe Convention (PC). What Kim Jingyu has done is basically unlock a world of dark secrets and brought to the world of every normal man and woman. Oh, may Heaven guard us against it all!

Due to scorinator issues the Second Round (Round of 16) matches will be post-poned.

Last day of depositions - The Machine's investigations:

Pascal Moreonar's (??? from the Dreamed Realm) deposition:

"At last you have found me. I remember well... The Machine... the engineers did a good work on him, - (doctors are surprised to hear Moreonar calling The Machine "he") - but I did something special. One of the programmers, Aziz, is a close friend of mine, and he said that he wanted to know if I could transform a robot in "something more than a robot". Aziz was linked with his project, he got really involved in it, and wanted to make The Machine special. There was something that I could do, yes. Days before The Machine was finished, I went to Arruda-Briann Technology, entered in The Machine's room, and had the first contact with him. I needed to feel its energy. - (some doctors start to think that Pascal is crazy. Get prepared to invite him to stay in the Institute) - In the other day, I gave The Machine a gift. Emotions, feelings, the ability of thinking beyond the programming limits. He is my masterpiece. And I say that I am his father."

THE MACHINE - "Father!"

PASCAL - "My son!"

DR. LANDAU - "So, we finally found The Machine's father. The investigations are over."

PROF. CADETE - "But, now that we have all the members of The Machine's project, we could ask for some improvements, don't you think?"

DR. LANDAU - "Yes. Maybe a more offensive program? Our team is too defensive."

PROF. CADETE - "Yes, and maybe we could improve the quality of his decisions."

DR. LANDAU - "This will be done."

Monks just not humble enough; old foes lie ahead

Despite the Archregimancy's valiant efforts to lose their final match of the group stage in order to continue their self-humiliation, the team's coaching staff apparently forgot one thing. The Vephrese team had already qualified for the knockout stages. As such, there was really no need for Team Vephrall to put forth any effort at all into the match, and they certainly didn't. Quite honestly, it's a credit to the Archregimancy squad that they managed to keep the score as low as they did; if they'd actually been trying to win the match, it probably would've been 8-0 or even uglier.

As it was, not only did they get the 3-0 win to stay out of last place and go into a playoff, they also won that playoff game. Perhaps the monks' unlucky run is ending a little earlier than they had planned.

But on to more important things. Fans everywhere cringed when they saw the playoff draw, as once again Candelaria And Marquez stand between us and the next round. Yes, the team that knocked us out of the Baptism of Fire with a 2-0 win in the first round. Yes, the team that didn't quite knock us out of the last Cup of Harmony with a 2-2 draw in the group stage, but who nevertheless sent us into the repechage to face Kura-Pelland, who did knock us out. So we hold C&M responsible for that one too.

Team manager Umsaasad Pentove has publicly announced his intent to go into the match with guns blazing. Revenge is on his mind, despite Pentove not being in charge of the team during either of the two previous meetings (Ostalir Pasarap served as manager in both previous contests).

"I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve," said Pentove, though for obvious reasons he declined to tell reporters what those might be. "Well, if I told you, then C&M would know exactly what to prepare for, now wouldn't they?"

Solenial Herald

Matches Postponed

Solenial had just arose to find that their match against Casari was to be post-poned

This is actually a good thing. We have more time to practise, but all we can do is wait anxiously until we play. But Rest Assured we are training well and look good for the game.

Siko unveils new strip

Solenial's leading sportswear company have unveiled solenial's new strip:

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc196/Palithii/SOL-01.jpg

Siko has started a storefront on the forum and for all interested in purchasing some strips feel free to ask

Siko Logo: http://www.siko.cc/PICS/logo_leer_neu.gif

(OOC- it's pronounced see-co, not sicko lol)

Due to the fact of a m co-host recently living on 4 hours sleep and trying to manipulate his scorinator... means that scorination will once again be delayed another day.

sorry for the inconvieneince...

THE MONASTIC TIMES

MANAGEMENT RESIGN IN WAKE OF CUP OF HARMONY FAILURE
Monks Fail to Finish Bottom of Group; Progress in Playoff

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe


In a shock announcement that has rocked the Cup of Harmony to its roots, the entire Archregimancy management announced their resignation tonight following the squad's dismal failure to finish bottom of their group. While defeat in the playoff against Estresse Intenso might have salvaged an appropriate level of humility for the Orthodox footballers, their inexplicable and deeply disappointing 2-1 victory over the representatives of the Landau Institute was the final straw for the increasingly impatient Monastic Football Association.

"This simply isn't good enough" said a senior archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We went into the Vephrall match with every intention of being completely and utterly humiliated. Instead, we won 3-0. Admittedly the Vephrall team - according to their own media reports - weren't even trying, but surely we could have salvaged a disappointing 0-0 draw from the situation?"

MFA officials are refusing to even comment on the 2-1 playoff victory over Estresse Intenso, though sources close to the team are said to be particularly disappointed in winning against a nation where Orthodoxy has been making significant inroads of late.

In an exclusive interview with the national squad's goalkeeper, who despite officially remaining anonymous speaks with a thick Errinunderan accent, this reporter was told not to become too concerned at the Archregimancy's sudden inability to lose the matches that really count. "Be not afraid, my son" said the guardian of the goal "our next match is against the hopelessly obscure Endmile. I would find it most fitting if God, in his unknowable wisdom and infinite mercy, were to have us fail at this stage. Would it not greatly increase our monastic humility if we were to lose against a bunch of nonentities after barely scraping through to the knock-out stages? I for one refuse to save a single shot on goal this next match. I shall simply sit on my goal-line prayerfully reflecting on the mystical nature of the Holy Trinity."

Many apologies for the delay the issues have been resolved and to save me having to stay up to all hours and not getting any sleep scoranation will take place at 2pm GMT

Blog from the Empire:

Apparently, the Cup of Harmony has been stalled, because the staff have been busy trying to discuss ways to make up for the recent scandals involving pedaphiles and the subsequent reaction from pedaphobes. In fact, the situation is growing more serious by the minute, as underground protests havve sparked some antagonism among the two sides. Some of the pedaphiles - claiming in the name of the great Emperor of the Pedaphiles, Kim Jingyu - that the time is for revolution and conflict against the fascist Pedaphobe Convention, inciting people all around the world to fight for the right to love shoes and feet.

I quote from one site:

Too long have we been oppressed by the opulent and moralistic pedaphobes, who fear that if people start loving shoes and feet that their world order needs to fall apart. Well, here's what I say - if they have to terrorize us to keep their f*@%@^^ system, then let it fall! The people must embrace pedaphilia as a new way of thinking, not as a despicable and uncivilized manner of thinking. In fact, if Kim Jingyu were Emperor over the whole world, he would force people to embrace the feet and the shoes of every person everywhere and at every moment. And who's to disagree with him? After all, we all love our feet and shoes - some of us just don't admit it, especially those who are afraid and must persecute us. What's wrong with a little love? Down with the pedaphobes! DOWN WITH THE PEDAPHOBES!

I've been watching this situation closely, and I've determined that these people are either really stupid or really deranged. I've also found some contemporary literature from doctors, who are being overly analytical about this: in fact, they're saying that the "Pedaphobe Convention" should rather be called the "Pedaphilophobe Convention", because it's not the feet and shoes of which they're afraid - it's the people who like the feet and the shoes. I'm surprised that people send as much time writing about this as they do, and I'm even surprised that I'm writing a blog about this - but apparently, this is big news around the world. I'm pretty certain that there's a war somewhere in the world, but this is getting so much more attention in the local media that it's bordering on ridiculous.

And so, the CoH authorities have apparently spent the past couple of days trying to cope with the damage of a pedaphile/pedaphobe reaction against Kim Jingyu's departure from the Han team. To be honest, Kim wasn't that good of a player - he was just very aggressive. In fact, he's gotten more cards than Kim Daeeui has goals. And that one time he got into a brawl againnst some obscure country whose name escapes recollection, he managed to draw out two red cards on himself - I'm not sure if that's even legal.

Well, anyway, here's to the Imperial Team, and hoping that this hype over shoes, feet, and Kim Jingyu doesn't get to their heads.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE HAN EMPIRE:

A rare and extraordinary press conference hosted by the Holy Catholic Church of the Han Empire revealed many secrets concerning the nature of the Archregimancy's distressing failure to fall out of the Cup of Harmony. Today, we bring you Cardinal Yi Taegon, who presented the Catholic Church's findings today.

"Although our Orthodox brethren are seen to follow an impure path, we have recented revelations from God that the Archregimancy's path to salvation lies not in accepting defeat when they have already accepted it, but rather in accepting defeat when they have not yet anticipated it. By conceding defeat, The Holy Father has punished the Archregimancy by intervening with Divine grace to score the winning goals against Vephrall and Estresse Intenso. For God saw it fit that the team should not be permitted to lose while they are willing to lose - as it is in His Divine Wisdom that God realizes the test of pain is not won when pain is accepted and the desire to persevere is lost. Indeed, if the Archregimancy continues this sinful cycle, they may well win the competition, which is not fitting for any righteous and pious follower of God Almighty. But we pray for our deluded brethren, that they may see the light and turn to the one true faith. Indeed, it is not yet the hour and they may yet save themselves if they turn from their Orthodoxy ways, and embrace Catholicism with a pure heart. For the Apostle Paul said to all of us: "For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own blood, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the reception of the law, the temple, and the promises." And "What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the 'stumbling stone.' As it is written:
'See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that cause them to fall,
And the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'"

We offer this message, as a message of hope to the people and the team of the Archregimancy. It is not too late to turn failure to success by converting to Catholicism. Otherwise, the Archregimancy is doomed to win the Cup of Harmony.""

The press conference was followed by the traditional waiver of Imperial responsibility by the Emperor, stating that - "regardless of the views presented in these discussions, the Empire endorses no official religious doctrine and encourages all nations to endorse their own views of the Divine and Heavenly Nature." The conference was also followed by an atheists rally, chanting - "GOD IS DEAD" in the background. Their numbers were weak, as riot police were able to control the riots entirely and prevent it from becoming out of control, although some of the more incensed Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims were driven to fight the crowds - no one was reported seriously injured in the clashes. More news to come after the drama - "It never ends."

The Islands of Qutar Region - Second Round
St. Samuel 2 - 3 Kansiov

Yafor 2 2 - 1 Cookesland

Candelaria and Marquez 1 - 1 Vephrall
Candelaria and Marquez 1 - 1 Vephrall After Extra Time
Candelaria and Marquez 8 - 9 Vephrall After 13 Penalties

Endmile 2 - 2 The Archregimancy
Endmile 2 - 4 The Archregimancy After Extra Time


The Islands of Qutar Region - Quarter Finals
Kansiov vs Yafor 2

Vephrall vs The Archregimancy

Bazalonian Region - Second Round

Kura-Pelland 3 1 Sorthern Northland
Solenial 1 2 Casari
Minilla Island 1 0 Daehanjeiguk
Ulzaxid 3 1 Jeru FC

Bazalonian Region - Quarter Finals

Kura-Pelland vs. Casari

Minilla Island vs. Ulzaxid

Kura-Pelland sealed a last-eight CoH spot with a 3-1 defeat of Sorthern Northland and now look like the clear favourites in the Bazalonian half of the draw.

Sorthern Northland gained a surprise early lead from an equally surprising source when Ivar Wrightson headed in a corner from none other than controversial President Ben O'Bagels. But that seemed merely to spark the Kura-Pellandi side, who turned the game on its head with two goals in three minutes from Jose Cazarez. The Cafundeu-based striker equalised by collecting a through ball from Giorgio Pezzoni and then rounding George Palmer to create a simple chance; two minutes later, a weak Wrightson clearance from a corner fell to Xavier Le Monde, playing in place of the injured Tensen, and his spectacular volley took a deflection straight to Cazarez, who couldn't miss. Simple finishes created with some style.

The third, early in the second half, was more of the same. Alan Grahams darted down the right side with the help of a lofted one-two with Le Monde, before delivering a perfect cross for Fedde Beattis, who was left with a simple free header. The game petered out after that, aside from substitute Jamie Kirklees hitting the post.

Next up are Casari, a side trying to regain former glory and - for now - a long way from getting it. They're on the up though, and can't be ignored. Minilla Island - shock conquerors of Daehanjeiguk - and Ulzaxid meet in the other Bazalonian quarter-final.

"About time we managed to actually win something again!" Pan said, taking a drink of his celebratory alcoholic beverage.

"You're drinking because we backed into a quarterfinal." Silvia said with a hint of horror. "You're going to jinx us."

"Against who- a bunch of overly stuck up KPers who get off on TV game shows?"

"Didn't you ditch us at the bar so you could see one of the quarter-finals of Twenty-seven?"

"Aye, and that's an show where you're competing against other people, based on actual legitimate encyclopedic knowledge. It's not doing stupid shit like guessing what someone else said about if they would cheat on their wife or stupid crap like that."

"He tried out too." Mike added. "And he sucked, I might add."

"I didn't suck that badly."

"As I recall, they asked you to never come back. I, on the other hand, lost in the final preliminary round before getting on the show. It would have been nice to get my hands on some money."

"I didn't suck that badly!"

"Oh please, Pan, you'd forget where you lived if you didn't keep your address in your wallet."

"That's a lie and you know it!"

"Oh please, what about that time your neighbors found you passed out on their floor?"

"I was drunk. I can't be held responsible for what happens when I'm drunk."

Silvia sighed. "You're both missing the point. Pan's drinking is going to endlessly jinx us in the next game."

"Will not."

"It will, and if it happens, it'll be all your fault."

"Except it won't, so it just won't matter." Pan said, raising his bottle in a toast. "To us."

The Islands of Qutar Region - Quarter Finals
Kansiov 1 - 0 Yafor 2

Vephrall 0 - 0 The Archregimancy
Vephrall 0 - 0 The Archregimancy After Extra Time
Vephrall 5 - 4 The Archregimancy After 5 Penalties

The Islands of Qutar Region - Semi Final

Kansiov vs Vephrall

Bazalonian Region - Quarter Finals


Kura-Pelland 0 0 Casari
Kura-Pelland 0 1 Casari After Extra Time

Minilla Island 1 1 Ulzaxid
Minilla Island 1 1 Ulzaxid After Extra Time
Minilla Island 5 3 Ulzaxid After 5Penalties



Bazalonian Region - Semi-Final

Casari vs. Minilla Island

Tunk: We're screwed ...
Scooter: Talking about me?
Tunk: Not your sex life Scooter, the team.
Scooter: We're only three goals down.

Tunk: At least they are trying.
Scooter: You think a mixed team could do better?
Tunk: We did have a female Jeru FC once, they weren't bad at all.
Scooter: Oh yes, they beat the Jeruselem once.

Tunk: Hey, how about joining the army?
Scooter: Me? My parents would go nuts if I did.
Tunk: Just asking.
Scooter: I think we need a mixed army team too.

Tunk: They aren't bad but they picked the wrong players.
Scooter: What's wrong with this lot?
Tunk: Nice people but they aren't physically up to the challenge. They also womanise too much.
Scooter: Spending far too much thinking about other things then?

Tunk: Yeah, you notice they aren't watching game when you're sitting around here. They're just looking at you instead.
Scooter: I thought that was normal. Aren't there women in the army for these men?
Tunk: Not enough. All the nice ones are taken.
Scooter: Surely there's civilians who are suitable for these men.

Tunk: No girl like you would be interested in army men whose main duties are cleaning up other people's crap.
Scooter: So that's what they do when they are not playing football.
Tunk: Yep
Scooter: Poor fellas.

Tunk: So what kind of man are you looking for?
Scooter: I like older men.
Tunk: And found him?
Scooter: Yes, but I can't tell who it is.

What percentage of Kura-Pellandis said they believed their team would win one of the next three World Cups?

10% range. Jamie dials in an initial guess of 23-33%.

Flick from 6 to 1. Still 0-0. 'It's been a desperately poor game so far,' muses commentator Jack Harlington.

2's got some arty show, who cares what's on 3 and 4, 5... it's PBS5, it's going to be downmarket... oh my, it's the Pirate Master season finale. Somehow they actually aired the full season...

6. 'I'm only here once.' Pull the trigger!

'Find out if Jamie's just won a million kaks... when we come back.'

Back to 1. 'Grahams... through to Le Monde... oh he's been dispossessed...'

6. Adverts.

1. Boredom.

6. Adverts.

1. Boredom.

6. Woohoo! It's that music again. Apparently a rearrangement from an RL theatrical production The Little Dog Laughed. No really (http://buzzerblog.flashgameshows.com/broadway-composer-creates-power-of-10-theme/).

Blah blah blah. '23-33%... get it wrong you go back to K10,000... for a million kaks... LET'S SEE WHAT THEY SAID!' Well, let's face it, 'let's see what Kura-Pelland said' doesn't trip off the tongue like 'let's see what America said'. And the shortened version reminds one of 'say what you see' from that RL classic Catchphrase, still being endlessly rerun on RLGN channel 163, the most popular channel on enhanced cable that isn't sport or movies.

Stupid rollercoaster effect...
.
Hang on, that thing's settling in the 30s...

plunging down...

STARBURST! 'YOU'VE WON A MILLION KAKS!' Cue the most OTT graphics in Kura-Pellandi television history.

But apparently it's not over yet.

Mad hugging.

Back to 1.

'Half-time here in Bazalonia, and frankly this is dire.'

Back to 6 then.

'Now you have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to risk that million for K10,000,000.' 'OH YES!'

'You've identified the range as 23-33%. We didn't show you the exact number... because now it's your turn to guess it. Get it bang on, you win K10,000,000. One in 11 shot... and if you miss you STILL have K100,000!'

Crowd are begging him not to. He seems unsure.

'Hey hey... you've got K100,000 no matter what!'

'I know, that's great for me!'

'I was just starting to think it was maybe a bit lower... I mean, I don't think people are that optimistic about the team... I know I'm not...'

Back to 1. Showing 'highlights' of the first half. If the poll was carried out after this match, the result would have been 0%.

Back to 6.

'This is the biggest chance in my life and I want to take it.' That's that phrase from the ads...

'I love that attitude!' declares host Neil Edwards. 'Well, I've gotta do it then!' He's locked in at 24%!

Here we go.

Not once has Neil mentioned that there is K900,000 at risk, only that K100,000 is guaranteed.

'I applaud your bravery... I am so excited for you now...'

'...for K10,000,000... biggest prize ever on Kura-Pellandi television...' Outside of Commerce Heights, probably biggest ever on Atlantian Oceanian television. 'LET'S SEE WHAT THEY SAID!'

Up and down it goes like mad. And it stays down a bit. 23. 24! 25. 26... no, 25... 24!... 23... 24!... oh it's soaring up... slowing down... and stops on 29!

JAMIE JUST LOST K900,000!!!

He looks horrible. 'I was greedy. I fell into the trap. I tried too hard...'

'Hey, Jamie, there's no such thing. And you still have K100,000...' Crowd mostly applaud him warmly. 'We're back with two new players right after this.'

First advert - it's for a casino.

Back to 1.

It's still 0-0.

And so it would finish... only for Stephen Hill to punch the ball into his own net in the 110th minute for Casari to win 1-0. Kura-Pelland can't even beat a university team.

The headline in the National Express the next day said it all. A picture of Jamie Kingston, the contestant in question... a picture of Jamie Kirklees, who missed a sitter in the 108th minute... the headline, simply, 'LOSERS'.

It's gone straight into Kura-Pellandi media folklore.

It was the 109th minute, and the game was spectacular in the fact that neither team seemed to care about the ball at all.

From the back row, when the ball was being tapped casually around the center, something all the more infuriating was starting.

"Pawn to E4!"

"Pawn to D5."

"Pawn to F4."

A glance backward confirmed the horrible reality. Two of their defenders were milling about, playing chess by visualization- Something Mike just couldn't take today.

"Damnit, keep your head in the damn game!" Ye yelled, ending the impromptu chess game and giving him a new determination to get something to happen.charging forward, he called for the ball, charging forward through a KP defense what looked like multiple deer in headlights and sent one curving- clearly bending far wide of the goal, if not for the KP keeper's horrible decision to punch the ball- directly into his own net.

There was little goal celebration- today wasn't the day for it, by far- and the anemic response by KP wasn't hard to stop.

That put Casari in the Semi-Final, showing the full range of soccer in their CoH run- good, shit, doubleshit, and Just Godawful, in today's case.

"How did we win that?" Silvia asked, sitting by her locker and blinking in disbelief.

"I'll tell you- we got damn lucky."

"Hell, no kidding... wait, when did we get that lucky? We're never that lucky."

"Actually, we're more or less that lucky all the time." Lori said, eating an apple.

"What do you mean?"

"Well... I don't actually know what the hell I'm doing."

"What... what?"

Lori shrugged. "I just grab the ball when it comes to me. I don't know half the rules."

Silvia looked on with horror. "I'm leaving. I'm... just leaving." she said, walking out of the locker room and mumbling to herself.

THE MONASTIC TIMES

ARCHREGIMANCY SQUAD FORCED TO APOLOGISE
Quarterfinal Exit "Insufficiently Humble"

By Fr. Nicholas the Scribe

The Archregimancy national football squad were today forced to apologise to all Cup of Harmony participants after their unwelcome run to the quarterfinals was declared 'insufficiently humble'.

"We went out there declaring that we aimed to lose every match we played" said a senior archimandrite, speaking on condition of anonymity "but instead we reached the quarterfinals, where we only lost on penalties. This simply isn't good enough - it certainly isn't humble enough. I for one can reveal that the entire squad are going home for a good soul-cleansing bout of self-flagellation."

Sources close to the squad, however, are said to be 'disappointed' at the reaction from Monastic Football Association HQ. One player was quoted as saying "Out of the seven matches we played, we only won two in regulation - and one of those wins was against a Vephrall team that admitted it wasn't trying and went on to beat us in the Quarterfinals anyway. We barely escaped from our group. We struggled to beat almost everyone else; in God's name, we struggled to beat Endmile. What more do the MFA want? Alright, that 2-1 playoff victory over Estresse Intenso was disappointing, but otherwise I'd like to think we managed to have a sufficiently soul-strengthening and humilty-reinforcing campaign - especially considering that we were easily the highest-ranked team in the tournament".

The MFA is already said to be planning a strategy of abject non-qualification for the forthcoming World Cup.

Bazalonian Region - Semi Final
Casari 2-0 Minilla Island

3PPO

Kansiov vs. Minilla Island

The Islands of Qutar Region - Semi Final
Kansiov 1 - 1 Vephrall
Kansiov 1 - 2 Vephrall After Extra Time

Cup of Harmony Final

Casari vs Vephrall

Overheard in the offices of the Vephraller Foutbiller Restritris...

"Well, that's a relief."

"What's a relief?"

"We made it to the Cup of Harmony final." This first voice becames a little bit muffled toward the end of the sentence. He's probably eating a sandwich or something.

"Not sure 'relief' is really the word I'd use to describe it. 'Relief' would be something like making it out of the group stage. Reaching the final is actually a bit beyond expectations, wouldn't you say?"

The first person remains silent for a bit. Likely continuing to chew his sandwich. There seems to be a vague smell of bacon coming from out in the hallway; the guy's probably eating a BLT or something.

"All right, I agree with you, it is slighly beyond expectation. But I still think an emotion of relief is justified."

We can't actually see either of these people, but it doesn't take that much of a stretch of the imagination to think that the second guy is probably rolling his eyes right now.

"Care to explain your rationale there?"

"Well, think of it this way. Neither we nor Kura-Pelland have qualified for a World Cup before, and yet now we're hosting one. You know as well as I do that there are a lot of people out there in the world who think we're in it for the free qualification because we can't do it the normal way like everybody else."

"Cil, you know that's not the reason."

"I know it, but the world doesn't. Anyway, at least reaching the Cup of Harmony final makes our half of the hosting bid seem a little more legit, don't you think?"

"What are you, some kind of politician?"

"I was class president in high school, does that count?"

We can imagine the second person rolling his eyes again. "Whatever. Either way, let's just hope we can find a way to beat Casari. We really are damn lucky to be here, you know that? C&M on penalties...the Archregimancy also on penalties...Kansiov in extra time...if we can't even beat Kansiov in 90 minutes, how the hell are we gonna get past Casari?"

"Well, if the refs do their job, it shouldn't be too tough, 'cause we'll probably be up three men for half the match. Speaking of which, have you ordered the extra-strength cups yet?"

"That's first on my list after lunch. Why do we need the extra-strength cups anyway?"

"Have you seen the Casari-Bedistan World Cup 29 semifinal?"

"Can't say I have, Cil."

"Go watch it. And then you'll know why I'm not taking any chances."

The fans were running a bit mad, but it was admitable- the corps of fans was badly out of practice for the match. Most of the fans that could remember being fans were far too old to fight their way through a foreign city for a final. Thankfully, someone was able to pull everything together.

Ray Otis and his friend David sat on paper boxes around the fire. "How did you get these into the country?" David said, raising an eyebrow.

"I found the address of the place we were staying and overnighted them to myself."

"It couldn't have been cheap."

"Oh, hell no. but it'll be worth it."

"Do you think so?" David asked.

Ray looked at the stack of fliers and nodded. "... yes. Yes I do."

"That's all I had to know. We better get going, we need to get there early."

"Got the chalk?"

"Yup, let's go."

The Final stadium was chalked up with slogans and chants for former players, the centerpoint being "For the Glory of the Blue and Red" in big bold letters over the main entrance, as more fans circulated outside, pressing song sheets into other fan's hands.

---

"In the Balls"

Oh didn't we kick you in the balls? (In the balls!)
Oh didn't we kick you in the balls? (In the balls!)
Oh didn't we kick you
Oh didn't we kick you
Oh didn't we kick you in the balls? (In the balls!)

"Green and Blue"

You looked better
in green and blue,
But you still play like shite,

Now you can see
a proper team
And fans with massive wit.

We'd like to see
you try and play
although you have no chance,

We just hope
you didn't bet
Because you'll lose your pants.

"You haven't got a chance in hell"

It's nice to see you made the trip,
And it's nice to see you here.
Even though it means less seats for us,
sit down and have a beer.
But we could have saved you half a grand,
and we suppose it's just as well,
We might as well just tell you now,
that you haven't got a chance in hell.

"Put the game away"

Please, score a goal
Please, score a goal
Who will go score another for me?
We could use a few more, just to put the game away
Who will go score another for me?

"Silvia Hill"

Silv-ia!
You're 'bout to see her running by!
Silv-ia!
You couldn't stop her if you tried!
Silv-ia!
She's even better than her mum!
Silv-ia!
She's going to leave you on your bum!

"Glory"

Since the day that we were born
We have bled red and blue,
and since that day, we've watched them play
to the colors ever true.

We might drown ourselves in rye
and pass out in the street
But we'll fight 'til the day we die!
For the Glory of Casari!

"The Girl I Love"

I went to see the girl I love
Across from the Marquee
And asked her what I had to do
To have her marry me

She didn't want a ring, oh no
Or jewels of any kind
She said to bring back the Cup
And she might change her mind

So we came back to the World Cup
To see what we could do
And that's what brings us here
To stand in front of you

One day we'll win the Cup again
And take it home to see
The girl I love, standing there
And waiting for me

short off-hand version of the Imperial departure:

"Oh well, there's always the next time."

3PPO:

Minilla Island 3 - 2 Kansiov

Cup of Harmony Final
Casari 1 - 0 Vephrall

Congrads to Casari

It was the thirty-eighth minute, when Hill, in a temporary absence of any talent and skill, trod on the ball in the Vephrese penalty area and fell flat on her ass, ruining Casari's first quality scoring attempt of the night. She rolled around on the field and cursed a bit before standing up and cursing. Turning, she looked to see where the play had gone.

At the same time, Carter Lawton had retrieved the wayward ball and was spinning in odd circles, attempting to keep the ball away from a pair of defenders. Seeing Hill standing again, he tapped the ball and flung an off balance kick back in her direction to the center of the box. Unfortunately, he didn't notice that she was looking in the opposite direction.

With a good amount of force, the ball skipped off the back of Hill's head and made a fine direct towards the other side of the net- but the keeper was already well out of position, and leather met string for a brief moment before dropping to the net. A second later, the mighty roar came up from the supporters, and Casari had the lead.

Which, of course, they threatened to give up. Saves by fingertips and toes and knees and every other part of the body that you don't want to see the keeper make a save with but you're still overly happy they managed occurred. Casari made some more attempts at the Vephrese goal, but the will had left the match, and the happily singing crowd knew five minutes from time that the Cup would be theirs, and they let the team know it. Then, one last clearance, the whistle blew, and that was all there was.

Silvia grabbed and hugged a Vephrese midfielder, jumping for a second before realizing that the person sharing the embrace wasn't anything as close to as excited as she was. With a sheepish smile, she frowned and quickly jumped on top of the pile of players that had formed in front of the Casaran goal.

Some dignitary came out with the cup and presented it to the assembled team, who struck a nice pose for the team photo, swaying to the serenade of the crowd as the songwriters tried to come up with a song for the occasion. The team took turns parading the cup in front of the crowd and finally retired to the locker room with their trophy.

Sitting down, the team looked at each other and laughed. The Casaran fans weren't quite ready for the moment to be over yet as bottles of champagne were passed around for a bit of a celebration. Pan was the first to glance back at the door.

"I think they're still out there." he said, glancing from teammate to teammate.

Glancing at each other, one by one, they shrugged. Picking up the Cup by the handle, Pan ran back down the tunnel to the field, getting another roar as he reemerged, followed by the rest of the team.

Overcome by the moment, he took a few steps, wound up, and threw the Cup towards the middle of the field. It skipped off the turf a few times, digging up a chunk of grass or two as the team proceeded to spray each other.

As the fans middled out, the team sat, taking turns drinking from the Cup and laughing about the result, which probably shouldn't have happened. And then, Pan reached back and punched Mike in the back of the head.

Mike spun and glared. "What the hell, man?"

"That," Mike said, "is for calling my plan shitty."

Mike sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Comment rescinded."

"Thank you. Now, I'm going to drink 'till I throw up."