NationStates Jolt Archive

東陽蹴球高頗
동양축구고파
The Oriental Football Cup
La Copa Oriéntale de Fútbol

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/DYCGGP-3.png

The Imperial Football Association of Daehanjeiguk (the Great Han Empire) wishes to invite those countries that adhere to the following requirements in a new football tournament in the Empire proper. The purpose of this tournament is to bring together the history and heritage of worldwide ethnic Han peoples, to include the commonly called peoples of "Korea", "China", and the "Philippines". For this reason, the Imperial Football Association feels it is most appropriate for the home Empire to host this tournament to bring back the descendants of those many progenitors of the ethnic Han abroad. By hosting this tournament, we wish to test the bonds of familial strength and learn of the fate of our brothers and sisters abroad, and to forge a new friendship with those countries that host these populations. It is with great pleasure that the IFA announces the inaugural Oriental Football Cup.

---=+++=---=+++=xxx=+++=---=++++---
Countries wishing to participate in the Tournament must satisfy the following requirements:


The country must be recognized by the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs; OR
The country must have a sizable population of ethnic Han (Korean/Mandarin/Cantonese/Chinese/Filipino), whose heritage has in some part contributed to the country's modern establishment; OR
The country must have a significant population of ethnicities considered to possess a heritage closely tied to ethnic Han heritage (Japanese/Vietnamese/Thai/Malay/Mongolian), whose heritage has in some part contributed to the country's modern establishment; OR
The country must have declared its official languages to be the same as those of the Empire (Korean/Chinese); OR
The country must have been at one time a protectorate or tributary state of the Empire in its history.


Those countries wishing to participate must supply proof of the requirements established.

Thanks to Ariddia for NSWikifying this Cup before I could (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Oriental_Football_Cup).

Total Countries registered: 10
COUNTRIES REGISTERED:

Daehanjeiguk (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13371709&postcount=26)
Valanora (ESF) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13367290&postcount=20)
Magnus Valerius
Kalmykstan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13369174&postcount=23)
Taeshan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13367739&postcount=22)
Ashlaea
Sorthern Northland (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13367659&postcount=21)
Turkic Shahdom
Sokojito and Sokojiwa (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13372978&postcount=28)
Gweridijong


General Rules:

-Since not every country has KPB ranks, they will not be used in the score calculations.
-Each team must lose twice to be eliminated from the tournament.


Matches will be held in Emperor Gojong Football Stadium in Hangyeong, with neighboring stadiums also open to the competition if the volume proves too much for one stadium to handle. The minimum number of teams required to play is set at 4, although no maximum has been established yet.

Special Invitations will be sent out shortly.

Special Invitations List:
Ariddia
Kiryu-shi
Sokojito and Sokojiwa

(no preference in the name order, just by alphabet)

Any other teams interested in participating should also submit an inquiry.

ashlaea is a mostly jap chinese and german mix so japanese people help technology in taeshan get secretly carted to ashlaea for a new life

A substantial ammount of the population in the Shahdom is Turko-Mongolian and the royal family of Shahs are also Turko-Mongolian

Sokojito and Sokojiwa will return, and hopefully I’ll actually be around this time :p

The Turkic Shahdom is accepted, as is Ashlaea. Sokojito and Sokojiwa are likewise accepted for their second attempt.

We'll keep these lists running until the Cup of Harmony or the World Cup (whichever comes later) ends.

As reasons said before, The Valerian Empire has small but lively and important populations of Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese. If anything, they will bring in a team from the colonial territory of Shorehaven - now that's a place that's pretty much inhabited by Mongolians and Japanese.

Magnus Valerius signs up, if eligible...

Kalmykstan also is eligible - I posted but it said the post needed to be approved by a moderator first for some reason.

The Khanate of Kalmykstan is populated by Kalmyks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalmyks) (a.k.a. Oirats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oirats)) - basically Mongolians.

Valanora reserves their spot to defend their title and will be posting a roster within the next few days.

Still accepting more teams. Again, the OFC III is expected to begin when the BoF begins.

bump for visibility and interest. I'm actually very glad that we have more than 8 teams showing up (although only 7 actual persons...). Still, it's an improvement that will catch as this cup gains momentum as a mainstream Asian competition in football (like the AFC Asian Cup)

bump for visibility again, although judging by the recent spell of action on NS, it doesn't seem likely that bumping it will do anything... oh well *presses button*

The Federation of Gweridijong will be honoured to be inducted into the 3rd Oriental Football Cup.

Gweridijong has a large number of Japanese and Chinese in the country, and the indigenous people themselves are (partially) descended from the Chinese.

The Federation of Gweridijong will be honoured to be inducted into the 3rd Oriental Football Cup.

Gweridijong has a large number of Japanese and Chinese in the country, and the indigenous people themselves are (partially) descended from the Chinese.

Gweridijong is accepted. We will continue to accept valid invitations until the BoF event comes around.

10 teams are currently selected. We will be closing the sign-ups for OFC III this coming Monday (07 January 2008).

OOC:

Hmm... I was wondering if I should create a new squad for Magnus Valerius in this cup or use the WC team. Their WC national team is drastically, well, non-East Asian (mostly ethnic Valerians). A few teams in the VIFA, such as the Ryuusame Ronin and Beregavan Colonial FC, though, mostly qualify as having a majority of East Asian players (Japanese in the former and Mongol in the latter). I wouldn't mind making another squadron based off of the Ronin and Colonial FC for the cup, either - I need to create domestic rosters anyway.

Okay, the moment you've been waiting for!

The tournament!


There will be 2 groups of 5, with all byes having a match against the other bye. The top two teams in each group will enter a simple semifinal contest, where the top seeds will play against the second seeds. The winners will compete in a final match that will decide the winner of the Cup.

Schedule Sample:


Group A
1
2
3
4
5

Group B
6
7
8
9
0

MD1
1v2
3v4
5 - bye
6v7
8v9
0 - bye
5v0

MD2
1v5
2v3
4 - bye
6v0
7v8
9 - bye
9v4

MD3
4v1
5v2
3 - bye
9v6
0v7
8 - bye
3v8

MD4
3v1
5v4
2 - bye
9v6
0v7
7 - bye
7v2

MD5
2v4
3v5
1 - bye
7v9
8v0
6 - bye
1v6

OOC:

Hmm... I was wondering if I should create a new squad for Magnus Valerius in this cup or use the WC team. Their WC national team is drastically, well, non-East Asian (mostly ethnic Valerians). A few teams in the VIFA, such as the Ryuusame Ronin and Beregavan Colonial FC, though, mostly qualify as having a majority of East Asian players (Japanese in the former and Mongol in the latter). I wouldn't mind making another squadron based off of the Ronin and Colonial FC for the cup, either - I need to create domestic rosters anyway.

that's fine

The slots have been released for public viewing - matches will start tomorrow 0000GMT (not tonight, but the next night!).

Group A

Daehanjeiguk
Sokojito and Sokojiwa
Turkic Shahdom
Kalmykstan
Magnus Valerius


Group B

Valanora
Gweridijong
Ashlaea
Taeshan
Sorthern Northland



Matches

MD1
Group 1
HAN --- SNS
TUR --- KMS
Group 2
ESF --- GWE
ASH --- TAE
Bye Match
MGV --- SNO

MD2
Group 1
HAN --- MGV
SNS --- TUR
Group 2
ESF --- SNO
GWE --- ASH
Bye Match
TAE --- KMS

MD3
Group 1
KMS --- HAN
MGV --- SNS
Group 2
TAE --- ESF
SNO --- GWE
Bye Match
TUR --- ASH

MD4
Group 1
TUR --- HAN
MGV --- KMS
Group 2
ASH --- ESF
SNO --- TAE
Bye Match
GWE --- SNS

MD5
Group 1
SNS --- KMS
TUR --- MGV
Group 2
GWE --- TAE
ASH --- SNO
Bye Match
HAN --- ESF


A reminder that KPB points are not used for practical purposes (because not every person has KPB points), so the only factors that affect your performace are your RPs, your playing style, and your roster (a flat-rate bonus should you post a roster) - and a random number generator. But in general, those who RP will do better than those who do not!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v637/chellote/esfarmscopy.gif


Uniforms

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/ESF38.png
Home
Alternate

Style Modifier: +3

Manager
Asanta Webber
Age - 20,438
Despite what many would consider a dissapointing showing in the inagural first Oriental Cup, Asanta was brought back for the second edition and lead the squad to victory. With a tournament win in hand, and granted full control of his squad, Webber feels confident that results will be favorable once again to his side.

Assistant Manager
Sag Yan
Age - 17,904
Once again, Yan follows Webber into this tournament as the second hand man. With Webber possibly taking a position on the senior NT, Yan will be using this tournament to get his hands ready for possibly taking into management once again.

Keeper
4 Manuel Lee, Sharala FC
Age - 1215
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 169 lbs
A decent keeper who uses his tall frame to its fullest extent. What keeps him back from rising to the elite in the nation is the lack of consistancy. All too often he will have a stellar game where nothing can penetrate his net, followed up by a game where he can't save the most basic of shots.

Defenders
13 Tagouchi Mahaska, Char Sara Inferno
Age - 891
Sex - M
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 172
Now seen as one of the premier defenders in the top flight of Elven football, Tagouchi has grown from the elf he was four years ago. Both in ability, and in stature, with a full three inches. He has spent the last few summers with the Titenburg family, and it seems to have helped him build on his footwork, strength, and endurance, which he was lacking before.

5 Quinton Sars, Wexax United
Age - 794
Sex - M
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 159 lbs
Sars is just not there yet, but is getting close. His main problem is his vision to recongize when his mates are making runs, and moving into open areas. With some more expierence, he could cash in on his potential, and move to one of the big five clubs.

19 Apolla Wie, Juavi Reds
Age - 645
Sex - F
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 146 lbs
Another product of the many footballing acadamies in the nation, Wie came through the newer Night Footballing Academy in Raynor City. Established by the great Zacharius and Kyla Night, Apolla was gifted with some of the best intructors and managers to have taken to the pitch in the ESF. While not the best of markers, she has the footwork to make the best of her frame when in close quarters with her mark.

Midfielders
27 Alex Wahn, Raynor City Rockers
Age - 802
Sex - M
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 168 lbs
A tough and versatile man in the middle. His pace is his greatest strength, and he has learned to use it quite effectively on breakout runs and supporting his backline in the crunch. While he hasn't blossomed into a superstar yet, he is budding into a good playmaker.

32 Roger Zensan, Cathedral Spooks (Assegai)
Age - 954
Sex - M
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 183 lbs
A great distributor of the ball, he is the perfect mold for the attacking central midfielder that the squad employs. After a great career with the Mar Sara Flames, he went on to the Assegai squad. With a callup and decent showing in the senior squad during the last two World Cups, this elf has nothing to prove but on where he ranks amongst the greatest of central middies in the history of the nation.

12 Kawi Marl, FC Longview
Age - 849
Sex - F
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 154 lbs
A lovely face gifted with a world class ability to cross the ball. With her sister Hess a professional surfer, you can't doubt this ladies athletic ability or her commitment. She will leave it all out there on the field, and her oppenents will know where she is at at all times, or find themsleves down a few goals.

6 Christina Osarius, Baysleef Bombers
Age - 597
Sex - F
Height: 5'6"
Weight: 149 lbs
Although this young lady has yet to become a regular at Baysleef, she usually factors in the outcome of the match. Unlike Marl who can play in the middle, Christina is exclusively a winger. Her first touch is decent, but when she settles the ball, it is a difficult job stripping her of it. Her crossing is developing nicely for her age, and is becoming more consistant. Yet she has taken a small step back on her defensive awareness, but it was never her strong suit in the first place.

Strikers
2 Yan Kips, Penders (Cafundeu)
Age - 919
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 168 lbs
Yan has become one of the better strikers in Valanora, and is on the verge on making the national team. With Webber as one of the two canidates for the senior side, this tournament could be the key to making his jump to the top.

15 Zeph Yan Yin, Hondo Owls
Age - 1054
Sex - M
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 153 lbs
One of the best pure strikers in the Premiership, he made quite the splash when Hondo was promoted from the Star League. Having spent the majority of his career in the lower leagues is the only reason why this dangerous forward has not seen international duty. His scoring touch is only behind that of Kiso Night and Jere Jannian in the Premiership when it comes to ESF-born players.

9 Trian Defecta, Hondo Owls
Age - 919
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 167 lbs
While not the all around great striker that Yin is, Defecta is one of the hardest working players this squad has. His dribbling skils might be completely non-existant, but he works hard to get into great positions to knock in goals whenever the oppurtunity presents itself. He is one of the best headers of the balls, and does tend to score the majority of his talleys in this fashion.

Subs
29 GK Lolita Jacoby - age 1186 - FC Capri (F)
30 DF Vern Nu - age 921 - AC Cartmot (M)
7 DF Bianca Sigma - age 709 - Kareen FC (F)
1 MF Xanxz - age 898 - Underground United (Assegai) (M)
16 MF Dorian Sonja - age 1043 - Jikyei (Daehanjeiguk) (F)
57 MF Dorec Zizzn - age 757 - Mar Sara Flames (M)
20 AF Samuel Tatum - age 1084 - Gisenyi (Interhamwe) (M)
10 AF Yoshido Manuka - age 826 - Baysleef Bombers (M)

Captain: Zeph Yan Yin
Set Piece Taker: Roger Zensan
Penalty Taker: Zeph Yan Yin
Right Corner: Kawi Marl
Left Corner: Kawi Marl

Lee
Sars Mahaska Wie
Osarius Zensan Wahn Marl
Yin Defecta Kips

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

In an inspiring lack of looking for new talent Sorthern Northland sends the exact same team as they did in the previous two competitions

Manager: Feng Shui, 86 year old who will also be a member of the playing team, was one of the stars of Sorthern Northland Oxen Cup 2 campaign and is a hugely popular member of the national team. Not the fastest member of the team by any means but his trickery with his feet more than make up for a lack of pace.

Goalkeepers

1: Kim Suk-Yang: 25 year old from the streets of Beningrad's Koreatown, his family fled to Sorthern Northland from Pyongyang during the Korean War. An eccentric keeper who is and excellent shot stopper but prone to errors.

13: Li Yang: 26 year old goalkeeper of Chinese descent, previously found in the Chinese gangs that walked Chinatown in Beningrad. Signed a professional contract with Beningrad FC just before the last Oriental Cup and is a keeper of great promise who is widely tipped to become a star of the national team as long as he stays away from the gangland wars that have recently erupted between Sorthern Northland's Korean and Chinese communities.

Defenders

2: Dong Lee-Si: 31 year old right back, straight outa Koreatown, well known around the Beningrad restaurant scene as the chef at one of the top Korean restaurants in Beningrad, one of the few members of the Korean community that was accepted by both Koreans and Chinese when fighting broke out between them four years ago, was instrumental in getting gang leaders to call a ceasefire. On the pitch he is an attacking wing back who bombs down the right sending in precise right foot crosses, can't use his left foot to save his life though.

3: Ju Jaeyang: Explosive 31 year old left back, recently released from prison. Since his release he has vowed not to lead a life of crime again and has set up workshops in both Chinatown and Koreatown to educate teenagers on the dangers of crime and has been successful in setting up a youth team for children and teenagers from the Chinese and Korean communities called China-Korea Unity Youth.

5: Hong Song-Bong: 29 year old centre back who recently settled in Sorthern Northland, he is strong in the tackle and has pace to burn, is a major threat going forward for set pieces although his positioning does leave a lot to be asked.

6: Wang Li: Strong centre back who also puts in 110% and lets nothing get in between him and the ball, a game where he does not receive a yellow card is a rarity. Has excellent positioning but due to is lack of height is inept at dealing with high balls, and not much of a threat at set pieces.

12: Ju Ju-Lee: Utility man who can play anywhere across the defence, nothing spectacular but a useful deputy to have when any of the defenders are out.

Midfielders

7: Seol Kim-Hyuk: Right winger with bags of skill, often criticised for not putting in enough effort, but when he plays well he is almost unstoppable. Fantastic in when facing one player, less effective when surrounded by a number of players. Is excellent with both feet and his head, a perceived laziness and lack of speed can let him down.

11: Feng Shui: 86 year old player-manager of the team. Immensely popular member of the national team who was until recently the teams record goalscorer. Not the fastest player in the world, but his skill with his feet is spectacular. Has scored 11 in 11 appearances for the national team.

10: Xeng Xung: 29 year old creative midfielder who likes to be the playmaker, is a great passer of the ball and is equally adapt with his left foot or his right foot. Is very temperamental and will become easily wound up when things aren't going his way. A similar sort of player to Zidane.

8: Gung Ho-Suk: 31 year old combative central midfielder, who plays a deeper from defensive role than Xeng Xung, an excellent tackler who is not arfraid to put himself where it hurts. Similar sort of player to Gennaro Gattuso.

14: Song Lee: Another utility player, can play anywhere across the midfield and is an adequate if not great backup.

Forwards

8: Jing Mao:26 year old strong centre forward with an eye for goal, can hold players off well and is excellent if given space. Hi is however prone to mistakes when closed down and pushed out wide.

9: Kim Min-Kim: 29 year old star of the national team and the current joint record appearance holder and record goalscorer for the national team with 12 goals in 21 appearances. Is strong in the air and excellent with both feet. As well as scoring goals he creates lots of goals as well.

15: Kang Kan-Kang: A reserve for the national team and looks like being third choice striker here as well. Has impressed when he has made cameo's for the national team with 3 goals in 4 games. the 26 year old is a big prospect for the future and will look to use his strength to score in the box. A predatory sort of player who is best in the box.


Formation is 4-4-2 with a style modifier of +5.

Kits

Home/Away/Third
http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/9705/snohvt4.png (http://imageshack.us) http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/8637/snoaqs8.png (http://imageshack.us)http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/6779/snotzp4.png (http://imageshack.us)
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

Everybody on the the team is named han as last and Sulu as first name

Ashlaean team
Dudes 1-11 start and dudes 12-15 sub

Kalmykstan Orda

The Kalmykstan Orda uses a 3-4-3 formation and their style modifier is rated at a +1.

Goalkeeper

1. Batzorig Altantsetsegy (Age 23, Ulge Khagans)

Defenders

2. Altan Naranbaatar (Age 19, Batuldzii FC)
3. Ivaandjav Chuluuny (Age 21, Delgernandjil FC)
4. Temür Jürchen (Age 26, Dzoldzaya FC)

Midfielders

5. Erik Cholon (Age 24, Shurentsetseg FC)
6. Ulaan Batzorig (Age 19, Sarangerel FC)
7. Bartan Temuja (Age 25, Mungentuya FC)
8. Kokochu Kasary (Age 20, Ulge Khagans)

Forwards

9. Mongke Muunokhoi (Age 21, Ulge Khagans)
10. Ulyaan Nyamsureny (Age 25, Odtsetseg FC)
11. Daritai Onggury (Age 19, Sarangerel FC)

Subs

12. Taichu Delger (GK, Age 18, Odtsetseg FC)

13. Sacha Uru'ut (D, Age 26, Altanchimeg FC)
14. Subotai Qongqotan (D, Age 21, Ulge Khagans)
15. Jelmei Tatar (D, Age 19, Delgernandjil FC)

16. Yesugei Jurkin (M, Age 23, Mungentuya FC)
17. Megujin Urt-Urumqi (M, Age 24, Odtsetseg FC)
18. Özbeg Choibalsan (M, Age 26, Shurentsetseg FC)
19. Badzar Ulyaan (M, Age 20, Dzoldzaya FC)

20. Dai-Sechen Basut (F, Age 21, Batuldzii FC)
21. Bold Ganigas (F, Age 19, Shurentsetseg FC)
22. Targutai Kiyat (F, Age 22, Baatarsaikhan FC)


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

"Do we even bother with the Oriental Cup these days?"

"Huh? What you talking about, course we do."

"Well, we're sending the exact same team as we have the last two competitions and they've done nothing, I just feel that the FA haven't bothered to look for new players."

"So at least we've announced the team, in the U21 Cup we didn't even announce it till halfway through the group stage."

"Yes ok, but remember the last Oriental Cup? We announced the squad and there was nothing. No reports in the newspaper, the games shown on digital wasteland."

"Well I'm sure they'll be a lot more interest in this tournament."

"Why? What's so different?"

"Well we've got our rivals Taeshan and Ashlea in our group for a start."

"Wow, Taeshan and Ashlea? I'm defiantly watching those games. I hope we thrash them and then have in depth reports about it."

"See there you go, and whisper it but I think we might win the tournament."

Matchday 1 Results!


Group A
Daehanjeiguk 2-0 Sokojito and Sokojiwa
Turkic Shahdom 0-1 Kalmykstan

Group B
Valanora 3-0 Gweridijong
Ashlaea 0-1 Taeshan

Bye Match
Magnus Valerius 0-4 Sorthern Northland



A few notes by an impartial observer:

Well, heads did fly, and as expected, the Imperial Team has won their first match against a largely absent Sokojito and Sokojiwa. Another thing to note, all match victors took home a vaunted clean sheet. Team of the day goes to Sorthern Northland for breaking Magnus Valerius with an impressive 0-4 thrashing (of course, an impartial thrashing). All eyes are fixed on Valanora though, as the incumbent champions are highly favored so far to carry their group through. They've taken out Gweridijong with a 3-0 win, but they're facing a strong Sorthern Northland in their next match. The Ashlaea-Taeshan derby pitted the two sides against one another, where the latter managed a one goal victory over the other. And to round out Group A, Kalmykstan managed an important one goal win over the Turkic Shahdom to steal the tentative second position in the Group.

More news to come, and even a roster posting from the home side.

Imperial Roster for OFC III:

Playing Style = +1.5
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

At the bar of The Red Banner & Sickle, recently voted the number one pub in The Northern Wastes.

"Hey, you know you might just be right, this Oriental Cup lark might just be worth watching."

"When have you ever known me to be wrong?"

"Plenty of times to be honest, anyway you see the game?"

"Nah I missed it, the misses wanted to go to the bloody theatre. Magnus Valerius wasn't it?"

"Bloody women eh? Magnus Valerius are a decent team as well aren't they?"

"They are indeed. So what was the score? I predicted 2-2."

"Completely wrong mate, we won 4-0."

"Yeah?"

"Oh yeah, we dominated from the first whistle to the last. They couldn't handle us at all."

"Wow impressive result, hopefully we can carry that into the tournament."

"Oh yah, I think it's good to have started with a friendly, gives us a chance to get to speed in the country and all that in a game where the result doesn't matter to much."

"Oh yeah, well exactly. So how played well, who played badly then?"

"That Magnus Valerius keeper was awful. What's his name?"

"No idea mate, they've not announced their squad."

"Oh yeah, true. Jing Mao had a cracker. Scored a hat trick and you know what? I think he might even be better than Kim now."

"Yeah how did Kim do?"

"Not well mate, not well at all. He was poor kept giving the ball away and was substituted after twenty five minutes."

"Yeah? Who scored the other goal then?"

"Kang Kan-Kang, he came on for Kim and was really impressive, if he carries on playing like that in this cup then he could really be in contention for a place in the World Cup team."

"Yeah, I've always liked him, never understood why he didn't get more of a chance."

"Yeah exactly. You got the time mate?"

"Er hold on. Ah it's nearly quarter to eight."

"The ESF game should be kicking off in a couple of minutes then. Let's go round to the big screen."

" 'Kin hell. First game and we're playing the champions, always nice to an easy start isn't it?"

Capitalizt SLANI, having somehow mistaken its first fixture in the Oriental Cup with a club fixture for 소코지와 도시 추클 (Sokojiʼwa Dosi CK), belatedly announces its Sokojito and Sokojiwa squad.

http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/worldcup/graphics/flags/36/UCS-SYO/ Sokojito and Sokojiwa

Formation: 3–4–3, attacking
Style: +4 (out of 5)
Flag: flag image (http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/worldcup/graphics/flags/plain/UCS-SYO/324px/); Spaam-style flag icon (http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/worldcup/graphics/flags/spaam/UCS-SYO/)
Kits:
http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/worldcup/kits/SYO/39/

Roster
(first eleven players listed are starters)
# Pos. ㅇ한ㅇ Latin Home city
01 FR 남희규 Nam Hyi-gyu 소코지와 도시, 소코지와 (Sokojiʼwa Dosi, Sokojiʼwa)
03 FC 설윤립 Sūl ʼYun-lib 녠도리, 소코지토 (Nyendoli, Sokojito)
06 FL 장무명 Jaŋ Mu-myūŋ 냐고, 소코지토 (Nyago, Sokojito)
08 MR 서면원 Sū Myūn-won 콘두리, 소코지토 (Konduli, Sokojito)
10 MC 노주리 No Ju-li 로렛투, 소코지와 (Lolestu, Sokojiʼwa)
11 MC 황고하 Hwaŋ Go-ha 쿄도리, 소코지토 (Kyodoli, Sokojito)
14 ML 노천석 No Çūn-sūg 세나가도, 소코지와 (Senagado, Sokojiʼwa)
16 DR 류국훈 Lyu Gug-hun 티둣, 소코지토 (Tidus, Sokojito)
18 DC 안면주 ʼAn Myūn-ju 슷나리, 소코지와 (Sīsnali, Sokojiʼwa)
20 DL 노광보 No Gwaŋ-bo 경산, 소코지와 (Gyūŋsan, Sokojiʼwa)
22 GK 췌이기 Çwe ʼI-gi 유포, 소코지토 (ʼYupo, Sokojito)

02 FR 배명보 Bā Myūŋ-bo 티고, 소코지토 (Tigo, Sokojito)
05 FC 손우후 Son ʼU-hu 로렛투, 소코지와 (Lolestu, Sokojiʼwa)
07 FL 장명룡 Jaŋ Myūŋ-lyoŋ 젠두추, 소코지토 (Jenduçu, Sokojito)
09 MR 한용상 Han ʼYoŋ-saŋ 옾수 도시, 소코지와 (ʼOpsu Dosi, Sokojiʼwa)
12 MC 윤창라 ʼYon Çaŋ-la 쇼코, 소코지토 (Syoko, Sokojito)
13 MC 차찬룡 Ça Çan-lyoŋ 옼토리, 소코지와 (ʼOktoli, Sokojiʼwa)
15 ML 임효경 ʼIm Hyo-gyūŋ 소노바고 도시, 소코지와 (Sonobago Dosi, Sokojiʼwa)
17 DR 고두근 Go Du-gīn 두산토, 소코지토 (Dusanto, Sokojito)
19 DC 황자미 Hwaŋ Ja-mi 교가노, 소코지와 (Gyogano, Sokojiʼwa)
21 DL 정형사 Jūŋ Hyūŋ-sa 소코지와 도시, 소코지와 (Sokojiʼwa Dosi, Sokojiʼwa)
23 GK 고면영 Go Myūŋ-yūŋ 코링수, 소코지와 (Koliŋsu, Sokojiʼwa)
24 GK 서윤라 Sū ʼYun-la 쇼코, 소코지토 (Syoko, Sokojito)

RP permissions
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

knights beat salamanders 1-0 stay tuned.

Match Recap

Well, it's certainly time for an official recap of the Imperial Team in action. It was a rather quiet setting at the Emperor Gojong Football Stadium, as the Imperial Team faced last year's debutants Sokojito and Sokojiwa. Owing to an internal error, Capitalizt SLANI sent the wrong team and quickly replied by sending the right team, but only after the damage was done. The same team that almost made it to the World Cup and to the Cup of Harmony made easy work of the wrong team, scoring two goals.

Matchday 2 Results!


Group A
Daehanjeiguk 1-0 Magnus Valerius
Sokojito and Sokojiwa 1-0 Turkic Shahdom

Group B
Valanora 3-5 Sorthern Northland
Gweridijong 0-0 Ashlaea

Bye Match
Taeshan 0-1 Kalmykstan


Tables
Group A
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
HAN 2 6 2 0 0 3 0 3
KMS 2 6 2 0 0 2 0 2
SNS 2 3 1 0 1 1 2 -1
TUR 2 0 0 0 2 0 2 -2
MGV 2 0 0 0 2 0 5 -5
Group B
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
SNO 2 6 2 0 0 9 3 6
ESF 2 3 1 0 1 6 5 1
TAE 2 3 1 0 1 1 1 0
ASH 2 1 0 1 1 0 1 -1
GWE 2 1 0 1 1 0 3 -3




A few notes by an impartial observer:

There are none today...

"Come on, quick grab a table it's about to start."

"Doesn't look like there's any free."

"There, look, by the fire. Quick grab it."

"Ah just in time, oh bollocks I ain't got I a drink, I'm off to the bar then want another one?"

"Yeah same again please mate."

"Welcome this SNTV broadcast. Well the teams are just about to emerge from the tunnel here in Daehanjeiguk, so let's go over the teams quickly. For Sorthern Northland we have Li Yang in goal, Dong, Ju, Hong and Wang in defence, making up the midfield is Seol, Feng, Xeng and Gung and up front it's Jing Mao and Kang in for Kim.

The Valanora team is, in goal, Lee, the defence is Sars, Mahaska and Wie, in midfield they have Osarius, Zensan, Wahn and Marl and in a three man front line it's Yin, Defecta, Kips.

And now all the hand shaking craps been done so it's time for the national anthems.

*national anthems played*

Impeccably observed the national anthems there. So now kick off is moments away, Valanora in the blue are playing right to left which means Sorthern Northland in red and gold are playing left to.. hold on they've shot straight from the kick off. Oh and it's bounced over Li Yang in the SN goal, can Dong Lee-Si get back in time? No! Valanora score straight from the kick-off, it's Kawi Marl I think, yes Marl. One nil to Valanora and could SN of got of to a worse start?"

"Here's your drink mate. Bloody hell! We're losing already?"

"Yep, they shot straight from the kick off, bounced over the keeper."

"So we're twenty minutes into the game, SN trailing current champions Valanora by one goal to nil. The balls in the middle of the park, Zensan to Wahn, Gung slides in for the tackle, Wahn passes it away, oh and Gung's caught Wahn here and that was a bad tackle but the ref waves play on. Hold on Gung's down holding his face. Let's have a look at the replay. Well Wahn's not at all happy about that tackle and he's got up and he's punched Gung Ho-Suk in retaliation!! The ref comes over, he has to go here, yes the red cards out and it looks like Alex Wahn is going to be sent off. NO!!! The ref's shown the red card to Gung Ho-Suk. But surely if he thought the tackle was that bad he should have stopped play earlier? Hold on, I think he's suggesting that Gung Ho-Suk dived! He has blood streaming down his face, clearly he didn't dive you fucking wanker. Well twenty three minutes gone, Sorthern Northland are one goal and now one man down."


"Fucking 'ell, please don't tell me we've got a ref who hates us."

"What the fuck was that? I mean did he dive onto a knife or something? How the fuck do you get that much blood down your face if you dive?"

"Surely it's over for us now, they're the champions after all."

"Yeah but footballs not like that is it?"

"The last few seconds of the first half, Xeng Xung tries to dribble it into the box. Tagouchi Mahaska trips him just outside the box and that's a yellow card. So last chance of the half surely. Feng Shui and Seol Kim-Hyuk stand over the ball. Seol steps back for a run up, but Feng takes it quickly, over the wall, Manuel Lee gets a finger to it, off the post and IT'S IN. GOOOAAALLL. One one. Feng Shui for Sorthern Northland and there's the half time whistle and it's game on."

"YESSSSS!"

*Whole pub starts singing

"Feng Shui, there's only one Feng Shui, there's only one Feng Shui, One Feng Shui"

"Ten minutes into the second half, Jing Mao passes to Xeng, into Kang's feet, he turns. Shoots, Scores!! Kang Kan-Kang, two one Sorthern Northland."

"The toilets here bloody stink. Ah what the fuck I missed another goal?"

"Marl now down the left. Crosses it into the box, it's gone past Defecta, no it hasn't he flicks it on and it's in! What a goal! How did he do that?

Jing restarts the game, back to Xeng plays it long for Seol but Apolla Wie intercepts. She brings the ball forward. The SN defenders are backing off here. Plenty of space in front of her, she hits it. Oh and Li Yang's not going to get it. Three two to Valanora."

"Another drink?"

"Yeah ok, but I'm not getting it, every time I go I miss a fucking goal!"

"All right then I'll get it."

"Ten minutes remaining and Valanora lead three two. SN have it in defence. Hong Song-Bong gives it back to the keeper. Li hoofs it to the midfield, Xeng wins the header, plays it out wide to the Feng Shui, goes past one man and another, and another. Excellent run. Crosses it into the box Jing Mao with the header. Keeper saves. Kang gets the rebound and IT'S IN. Kang Kan-Kang equalises. Three three nine minutes to go and I'm sure the goalscoring hasn't finished yet.

Valanora kick off, and look at Xeng straight in there and he wins the ball, passes to Jing out wide to Seol. Seol takes a pot, tipped over by Manuel Lee. Good save. Feng Shui with the corner, floats it to the edge of the area, Xeng volleys it and it's in. Four three to SN. Who scored that though? I'm sure it takes a deflection, let's see the replay. Yes, oooh that's gotta hurt, hit's Jing in the crotch and goes in. No pain, no gain and Jing gets the goal to make it four three."

"They've only got Beamish left mate."

"No problem."

"Oh for fucks sake. I spend two minutes getting a beer and I miss two goals?"

"Hahahaha Annoying huh?"

"Well I'm staying in this seat till the games finished."

"Same as, same as."

"We're in the last minute of stoppage time no, Valanora send everyone forward, Marl in the box, turns shoots, scor.. no saved by Li, but he can only parry as far as Kips, surely this is in? No, saved!! An excellent double save by Li Yang there, could well of won the game. But SN must stay switched on for just a while longer. Valanora corner, everyone's forward including the keeper, Wang Li clears for SN and they're breaking in numbers now. Valanora players are desperately chasing back, they won't make it, Ju Jaeyang takes it into the box, Kang is with him, will he lay it off or take the goal himself? Lays it off, Kang on a hat trick, shoots and that's his hat trick, that's SN's fifth and that's game over. Sorthern Northland beat the reigning champions five three and could they be title contenders this time?"

Matchday 3 Results!


Group A
Kalmykstan 1-4 Daehanjeiguk
Magnus Valerius 1-6 Sokojito and Sokojiwa

Group B
Taeshan 2-6 Valanora
Sorthern Northland 3-2 Gweridijong

Bye Match
Turkic Shahdom 0-1 Ashlaea


Tables
Group A
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
HAN 3 9 3 0 0 7 1 6
SNS 3 6 2 0 1 7 3 4
KMS 3 6 2 0 1 3 4 -1
TUR 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 -3 E
MGV 3 0 0 0 3 1 11 -10 E
Group B
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
SNO 3 9 3 0 0 12 5 7
ESF 3 6 2 0 1 12 7 5
ASH 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 0
TAE 3 3 1 0 2 3 7 -4 E
GWE 3 1 0 1 2 2 6 -4 E



A few notes by an impartial observer:

Only one shut-out today...

"So who are this Gweridijong lot then?"

"No idea, but they looked pretty decent."

"Well..."

"I thought they were good in attack."

"Oh they were, don't get me wrong, but let's be honest our difference is a bit shit, if we get a clean sheet in either of our next two games I'll be surprised."

"What? You'll be surprised if we get a clean sheet against Taeshan or Ashlaea?"

"Yep"

"Hahahahahahahaha"

"What?"

"Sorry but that's just comical."

"You'll see."

"Yeah so tonight's game?"

"Gweridijong?"

"Yes, who played well, who didn't?"

"Well the defence didn't do at all well today. The Gweridijong attack just ran rings around them and but for Li Yang we could of conceded a lot more, he had a great game today and made a few key saves."

"Any one else stand out?"

"Kang Kan-Kang, once again, he got another hat trick with, this one a perfect hat trick, with one goal being with his left foot, the second his right and the last off his head. At the moment a lot of people are calling for him to be given a recall into the full squad for the World Cup and on current form it's hard to disagree, I mean look at who he's keeping out of the team at the moment. Kim Min-Kim, our record goalscorer."

"So let's look ahead, Taeshan up next, what do you make of that?"

"As much as we don't like to admit it, Taeshan are a good team but I still think we can win it, obviously using the score one more than you method."

"Well I'm afraid that's all we have time for as some show about Bostopia's on next and has been deemed more important, see you next time."

Valanora Express
We're Off and Around

So, some crazy nut job off at HQ decided that the day our plane was to take us to the Han to cover the Orientall Cup III was the perfect day to hold the annual company lock in. Elune knows what came over the idiot, but alas we were held against our will for two whole days so that we could become better employees and devolep "team spirit". Team spirit, yeah right, it was the most uncomfortable and miserable days of my life. The air conditioning broke, so we had to sweat without access to showers, so by the end of the two days, the entire building stank something awful. Their was nothing to eat but the junk out of the machines. And nobody in the dang office knew how to play dominoes for Elune's sake! Needless to say, I'm much more happy now that I'm over here in the Han covering the tournament. Unfortunately, three matchdays have passed, but the Maruaders do find themselves with two victories and a rather surprising lost to Sorthern Northland.

Whilst it is still possible for the squad to win the group, they merely need to beat a surprise Ashlaea squad in order to book passage into the knockout stage of the tournament. With a very impressive win over Taeshan last night, including a stellar hattrick from national team possibilit Yan Kips, the squad has been an offensive juggernaught. Yet surrendering seven goals in the last two matches combined shows where this squad's weakness is, and that's at the back. Had this been a normal tournament, you might of seen one of the St. Louis brothers back there, possibly even Van Posey or Merlose, not Yoshida as he is used exclusively for qualifying and World Cup matches, and the back would not be near the problem it is now. Yet as the VFA respects the Han, we sent the best Oriental keeper the nation has, and he clearly is not up to snuff this tournament.

Regardless, the squad is ready and able to go out there and seal their place in the next round. With Kips on form, I would suspect Wahn and Zensan to try to give the striker as many touches and looks as possible. I might also look to see if some of the reserves don't get a nod or some extra playing time. With the tables as they are, and the way the matches have fallen, I don't believe this ought to be a very difficult match, and taking out the stars at half might be a viable option, espicially if the squad plays up to their potential.

Valanora 6
Yan Kips (9, 45+, 61)
Kawi Marl (24)
Zeph Yan Yin (37)
Trian Defecta (81)

Taeshan 2
#11 (31, 73)

Scorers
Yan Kips - 4
Zeph Yan Yin - 3
Trian Defecta - 2
Kawi Marl - 2
Apolla Wie - 1

Article by Ron Santapa

http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/logos/tribune-wc39/
AEROPAG, JI · 2139–08–04 · 0.10 g Au

Sports: Syokaji team delivers Oriental Cup thrashing
DAEHANJEIGUK—The Capitalizt SLANI–run Sokojito and Sokojiwa football team, having gone home with nary a point in their previous run, today defeated the Magnus Valerius side 6–1 to improve their chances of advancing to the semifinals. Striker 설윤립 (Sūl ʼYun-lib) played superbly throughout the match, only being rewarded by one assist and zero goals before the interval, but then taking only nine minutes to score three goals of his own.

(The middle of the article had a rendering of the Septentrionian flag (above the caption “Le Nouveau Drapeau de Reddition”) printed over it. The flag, intended for another page, made the text illegible. I knew we should have used that free software layout package, thought the Tribune’s chief technical officer. I told them it’d be better and cheaper, but would they listen to their own CTO? No, of course not!)

The win, which set the Oriental Cup record for margin of victory, puts Sokojito and Sokojiwa second in their group, ahead of matchday five opponent opponent Kalmykstan on goal difference. Before that match, the team will face Gweridijong, from the other group. Though the match will be decidedly less significant than a Bedistan–One Red Dot battle would have been a century ago, it will still likely be a display of excellent football. The consensus in the betting community is that SLANI’s side is a 2–3 favorite to win, partially because Gweridijong is eliminated, but Sokojito and Sokojiwa’s chance of advancing would be significantly impaired by an unfavorable result.

Matchday 4 Results!


Group A
Turkic Shahdom 3-4 Daehanjeiguk
Magnus Valerius 2-3 Kalmykstan

Group B
Ashlaea 0-5 Valanora
Sorthern Northland 2-2 Taeshan

Bye Match
Gweridijong 0-2 Sokojito and Sokojiwa


Tables
Group A
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
HAN 4 12 4 0 0 11 4 7 Q
SNS 4 9 3 0 1 9 3 6
KMS 4 9 3 0 1 6 6 0
TUR 4 0 0 0 4 3 7 -4 E
MGV 4 0 0 0 4 3 14 -11 E
Group B
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
SNO 4 10 3 1 0 14 7 7 Q
ESF 4 9 3 0 1 17 7 10 Q
ASH 4 4 1 1 2 1 6 -5 E
TAE 4 3 1 0 3 4 12 -8 E
GWE 4 1 0 1 3 2 8 -6 E




A few notes by an impartial observer:

Well, it was an exciting day, with the only notable clear victory by the ESF team. As the Imperial Team has finished all of its group matches , their final match against Valanora will be one for pride. In Group A, the race runs tight for Sokojito and Sokojiwa and Kalmykstan, both playing in the final Group matchday for the coveted qualification.

Group B is more settled, with the top two contenders eyeing each other now. Sorthern Northland has continued to rise a strong tide of support in the country, but title holders Valanora aren't going to fall out easily. For certain, these two teams will make their presence known in the Semifinals.

As usual nearly every pub in the country is packed out with football fans watching coverage of the Oriental Cup. The Red Star in the small of Rothsbere is no different.

"We're into the final minute here at the Emperor Gojong Football Stadium in Hangyeong and it's two all between Sorthern Northland and Taeshan. Kim Min-Kim, with the ball, what a difference he's made since he came on as a sub, already has one goal, can he get a winner? Goes to the byline, checks back and beats his man, crosses it to the back post, Song Lee's there. Head's it. GOAL surely, NO saved by the keeper on the line, the Sortherners are claiming for a goal, the ref stops the game, he running over to his linesman, let's have a quick look at the replay. Slow motion here, this should tell us, Song heads the ball there and does it cross the line? YES! Just, it's over by about one centimetre, I think, it looks like it gone in and then been saved just behind the line by the Taeshan keeper. We have however had the advantage of a slow motion replay, will the linesman have seen it in real time? The ref's still talking to him. He's finished no what is it? No goal! The linesman hasn't seen it and there's the full time whistle, Sorthern Northland lose their one hundred percent record but are through none the less.

Final score, Sorthern Northland two, Taeshan two."

With the game over, people in the pub naturally start their post match analyses with much of the talk inevitably being about the incident at the end of the match. Was it a goal? Wasn't it a goal? The general consensus are a few pints and some pork scratchings seems to be yes it was a goal but it went in and came out far to quick for the officials to see. Another hot topic is whether or not this game is the start of the traditional Sorthern Northland collapse which sees SN teams starting tournaments well only for a failure to win one game to lead to more failures to win and a previously promising campaign turning into a disappointment.

Matchday 5 Results!


Group A
Sokojito and Sokojiwa 5-1 Kalmykstan
Turkic Shahdom 0-3 Magnus Valerius

Group B
Gweridijong 0-3 Taeshan
Ashlaea 1-5 Sorthern Northland

Bye Match
Daehanjeiguk 2-3 Valanora


Tables
Group A
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
SNS 5 12 4 0 1 14 4 10 Q
HAN 5 12 4 0 1 13 7 6 Q
KMS 5 9 3 0 2 7 11 -4 E
MGV 5 3 1 0 4 6 14 -8 E
TUR 5 0 0 0 5 3 10 -7 E
Group B
Team Play P W D L GF GA GD
SNO 5 13 4 1 0 18 8 10 Q
ESF 5 12 4 0 1 20 9 11 Q
TAE 5 6 2 0 3 7 12 -5 E
ASH 5 4 1 1 3 2 10 -8 E
GWE 5 1 0 1 4 2 11 -9 E




A few notes by an impartial observer:

Pride wasn't enough to break Valanora's attack, proving once again the power and strength of their team in contention for this year's championship. Nonetheless, the Imperial Team falls back behind on GD, despite an early and crucial win against Sokojito and Sokojiwa. This shift in the standings in Group A makes for a unique Semifinal:


Sokojiwa and Sokojito --- Valanora

Sorthern Northland --- Han Empire

Many condolences to the teams who failed to qualify, as this year has seen more competitiveness among many teams including those not yet teams sanctioned by the WCC. It is the hope of the IFA that this Cup continues to grow and enhance the performance and opportunities for ethnic Han and like-minded countries to make an impact at the World Cup and other internationally renowned competitions.

Valanora Express
Now It's Time

Two more matches, albiet one just for honor against the hosts, and the squad is now into the nitty gritty part of the tournament, the knockouts. With the semifinals being the first round of knockouts, it's make or break time for each and every squad, time to put up or shut up. Everything you've done in the group stage means little, and now you have to hope that your players are mentally strong enough to hold up to the challange of having to win or go home. Only Valanora and the hosts have proven in the past that they are capable of doing so, thus a betting man would be wise to say these two squad should be meeting in the final. Yet if you went purely on form, Sorthern Northland is looking quite strong and will be a force for the Han to handle. I expecte the Han to use their priestage coupled with the home pitch advantage to edge the Northland side, but it will be a close affair, might even take extra time or penalities to decide a winner.

In an ironic twist, the side that the Marauders will be vying with in their semi-final will be hailing from the nation of Commerce Heights, the hosting partners of Valanora in the upcoming World Cup. They have upsurped all the competition that has come before them, and should prove quite a challange for the green clad side. Yet Yan Kips has been possessed this entire tournament and looks impossible for any defence to stop. With him in such a form, I think it will be difficult for the Marauders to let this one get away. I also think this will finally give him the chance to shine on the national team in the upcoming Cup.

Lee has been streaky this tounament. I don't know if he was still trying to get his mind right after Sharala's relegation, or if he just had a bad few games, but he's bounced back to be solid in these last two games. His performance, and that of the backline are going to need to be stout in these last two games, if they do progress to the championship, if the squad hopes to win. While the strikeforce is lethal, the back has already cost them a match and nearly did in another. I love these guys to death, but if they cannot perform at this level then they need to be left of the squad in favor of more accomplished defenders and keepers, even if it is a pain to find those of Oriental heiratage.

Article by Ron Santapa

Beningrad Morning Star

Oriental Cup Coverage

The good news? The much speculated sudden collapse of form following a draw with Taeshan didn't materialise. The bad news? We were only playing Ashlaea, rather than a strong team such as, shall we say Daehanjeiguk, Valanora or Sokojiwa and Sokojito, the other three teams still in the competition.

But let's not let that detract from a good performance from the team once more. Sure the start was bad. Conceding in the first ten minutes is never good no matter who your playing. But any threat from Ashlaea ended the moment their goal hit the back of the net. From then on it was the Sortherners who dominated play.

Kang Kan-Kang is a player who has frustrated many in the red shirt of Sorthern Northland. Everyone can see he has a lot of skill and the ability to be up their with the best in SN, but just a few months ago his international carer seemed over. Left out of the World Cup squad, he was rejected in favour of an uncapped youngster when injury put Kim Min-Kim out of the Cup of Harmony. He was even left with no club after the CoH but spent the last half of last season at Division Two side Hillaton Downs, that move seems to have let him rediscover his goalscoring touch and convinced Feng Shui to include him in this squad many are now calling for his return to the full side. Having already scored two hat tricks few would argue with that and a further hat-trick today will surely have impressed the watching Kevaughn Ó Criomhthain.

It's not all goals for Kang though and today's game was a prime example of that as he dominated play for large portions of the game being involved in almost everything good that SN did. Jing Mao who himself has not had a good tournament was certainly grateful to find himself in the end of two excellent Kang crosses and will be hoping for more of the same from his strike partner in the semi final.

Sorthern Northland however face a very tough road to the final with hosts Daehanjeiguk looking to end the road for them. Commenting on the semi-final player-manager Feng Shui said "It's a very significant game for both sides as it is of course a rematch of both teams first ever international which they won four two and we have had many tough fixtures against them since and this one will be no different. They of course have the advantage of being at home as well of being a predominantly Han country and so having a wider pool of players to chose from. Some of their players are excellent. However this is a big occasion for us as it is the first time a senior SN side has made it to the semi-finals of a tournament and hopefully it won't be long until the full side follows suit. Do I think we can win it? Absolutely, we've been playing superbly and anything can happen now."

Although an optimistic nation Sorthern Northlander's always sort of known that they won't win competitions they have previously competed in. This time though we have Kang Kan-Kang and we believe.

http://www.thirdgeek.com/ns/logos/tribune-wc39/
AEROPAG, JI · 2139–08–15 · 0.10 g Au

Sports: SLANI advance to Oriental Cup semifinals
DAEHANJEIGUK—The Sokojito and Sokojiwa team has made it to the semifinals of the Oriental Cup with a convincing 5–1 victory over Kalmykstan. There, they will face World Cup 39 co-hosts Valanora, in by far the tougher of the two semifinal matches—Daehanjeiguk will play Sorthern Northland for the other spot in the final. The final group match was a showcase of attacking football, and the man of the match for SLANI was clearly goalkeeper 췌이기 (Çwe ʼI-gi), who made brilliant saves throughout the match.

The first minute turned out to be representative of the match, as it saw 장무명 (Jaŋ Mu-myūŋ) take the ball halfway down the pitch after the kickoff and into the fingertips of goalkeeper Batzorig Altantsetsegy. After Altantsetsegy drop-kicked the ball upfield, Muunokhoi would take control of it and start running the other way, where 췌이기 (Çwe ʼI-gi) was ready to catch the shot. After this initial burst, Sokojito and Sokojiwa started to control the ball, and this control led to an opening for 서면원 (Sū Myūn-won) to score the opening goal in the ninth minute. He would add a second in the twenty-first, as on a corner kick, the deflection of a 설윤립 (Sūl ʼYun-lib) header fell to his feet, with the net open in front of him. Kalmykstan would eventually reply in the thirty-ninth minute, as Nyamsureny put a questionable penalty kick into the back of the net. The Syokaji would go into halftime with the two–one advantage, and an impressive sixty-five percent of possession.

설윤립 (Sūl ʼYun-lib) woud add a goal to his assist in the fiftieth minute, as he lobbed the ball over Altantsetsegy from the back edge of the center circle. However, some of the SLANI players spent a bit too long celebrating, nearly leading to a disastrous second goal for Kalmykstan, but the goalkeeper was able to deflect the ball to the post and fall on it. The fourth Sokojito and Sokojiwa goal would come from a twenty-five–meter free kick, taken by 황고하 (Hwaŋ Go-ha), which curled into the top-left corner of the net, giving the team a four–one lead at the sixty-three minute mark. Content with their seventeen shots on goal, the team started to pull back into their own half, hoping to shut out any chance of another Kalmykstan goal. However, their defense did not hold, as they neglected to defend the other goal, and a poor backpass in the seventy-sixth minute by Temür Jürchen found its way across the line for an own goal. The game would end five–one, their fourth consecutive win, and their second large win in the Oriental Cup.

The Sokojito and Sokojiwa–Valanora semifinal is expected by most experts to be an even affair; with the result being decided either by the Capitalizt attack’s ability to penetrate the stronger Valanora defense, or by kicks from the penalty mark. Tagouchi Mahaska is believed to have the potential to frustrate the Syokaji strikers, and thus the wingers will most likely see the more of the ball in the upcoming battle. It’s sure to be an excellent match, no matter what the result.

Semifinals

Sokojito and Sokojiwa 1-2 Valanora

Sorthern Northland 1-1 Han Empire (2-1 aet)

Final Match

Valanora --- Sorthern Northland

3/4th

Sokojito and Sokojiwa --- Han Empire


A few notes:

Well, Valanora has defended their run to the final match for the second consecutive time, beating Sokojito and Sokojiwa on a slender 2-1 victory. Sorthern Northland's similar efforts against the Imperial Team puts the two sides for a Matchday 2 rematch for the final count.

The second loss in two matches, the Imperial Team hopes to round out this tournament on one last final straw against a team that has certainly found its shine late in the tournament. Sokojito and Sokojiwa, though losing their match against Valanora, are still a strong side and it will be hard to recall the same strengths that made their first win so successful. Of course, the Imperial Team has been using some of the lower seed players, as part of an experimental run to test the strengths of untried players. Unfortunately, those decisions have cost the Imperial Team the championship for the third straight tournament, and despite remarkable success against even stronger teams in the world, the Imperial Team cannot win its own tournament. A shame for many, but an opportunity to learn of their foes in the world stage, and indeed a greater opportunity to test the Han spirit in friendly competitive play.

It seems odd nonetheless that while a roster was released, no one really could tell who played what on the pitch...

"And there goes the final whistle to signal the end of extra time in this semi-final and it's SN that are in the final. Full time score Sorthern Northalnd beat Daehanjeiguk two one after extra time."

"Wow, we're in the final, can you believe it?"

"I know! Us! Sorthern Northland! In a final! Unbelievable!"

"What a game today as well."

"Oh yeah, two good team, drama, extra time fantastic goals."

"Yeah Deahanjeiguk take the lead through Kim Dohun and what a game he had today."

"Oh yeah what an excellent little player he looks to be."

"Right near the end they scored as well, looked like it was them going to the final."

"But with just seconds left the old talisman brings us back from the dead."

"Oh yeah Kim Min-Kin had a point to prove today and what a way to do it."

"The manager must be loving the headache over which forwards to pick in the final, Jing Mao, Kim or Kang Kan-Kang."

"I'd go with Kang and Kim, Jing just hasn't been good this tournament at all."

"He has as many goals as Kim."

"Kim's only played one and a bit matchs. Jing's played all of them. But I have to agree that was a class winner from Jing."

"Yeah took it on his thigh, went past the defender then shot from outside the box. Nothing the keeper could do."

"So the final, can we win?"

"Well yeah the stats say so. We've already played Valanora in this Cup and won and we know we can and we are also the only undefeated team in the tournament. But Valanora are an excellent side, that's way they are in the final and we will again be underdogs and that I think is right, but can we win? Yes of course we can, will we? We'll just have to wait and see."

"Yeah good points, if we do win though, just imagine what'll be like. Parties in the street, mass celebrations, maybe even a national holiday."

"Oh it'll be immense."

Valanora Express
Yan Kips - Footballer or Hero?

A valid question, espicially when you take in his performances this tournament and how he is leading this team on and on again. It could be said that he is the only reason why this Marauder side has gotten to the poisition it has, able to defend their title from four years ago, through only his efforts. It is a team sport, and without the service of Grazi and the rest of the midfield, he'd not have his chances to show what a clinical finisher he is. Yet it is through his efforts, class, and sheer will power that this squad has managed to find it's way into the final, and has a chance at revenge for their only dropped points this competition.

From the onset, the green clad Marauders were the superior. Kips, Defecta, and Yin were harrassing the Sokojiwa area and forcing Çwe ʼI-gi into spectacular save after spectacular save to keep his net pure. Grazi would turn that all around though when he sent Kips free on a lovely through ball. Kips quickly brought it onto his strong foot and lobbed it past 'I-gi and into the netting to give the Marauders the early lead. Grazi nearly doubled the scoreline just minutes later, but his shot from thirty yards out skimmed the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick. The Marauders would get one more chance before the half, but Defecta's head from a Yin cross went straight into 'I-gi's waiting arms.

The second half started where the first half left off with the trio of Marauders strikers tormenting the oppisition's keeper. Kips would double the lead in the fifty-third when Defecta headed a Grazi cross down and Kips deliverred a devestating siccor kick that blasted past 'I-gi. However the foes of the day would have a small measure of hope when 'Yun-lib would break away on a counter and dribble past Lee and tap it into an waiting net to halve the lead. They would press on for the equalizer, but the tough midfield of the Marauders proved more than they could handle, and played keep away from the blue, red, and white clad competitiors.

Up next is Sorthern Northland for the defending champs. It's for all the marbles as our noble lads will look to defend their title, while the upstart Northlanders will try to mark the spot in history. When last these teams met, the Northland squad proved two goals to the better, but that was before Webber got the squad into gear. Both squads deserve to take home the title, yet alas only one side will get to be called champions at nights end. Kips will once again look to play hero, as he has already done so time and time again. I suspect that this match very well could go into penalties to decide a winner as these squads are such evenly match. The tide of the battle will be the midfield, and I do believe ours to be slightly stronger, and that could be key if the squad is to hold onto their mantle of champions of the Oriental Cup.

Valanora 2
Yan Kips (29, 53)

Sokojito and Sokojiwa 1
Sūl ʼYun-lib (60)

Article by Ron Santapa

scores will be delayed until tomorrow - sorry!

The Final Match!

3rd/4th Playoff

Sokojito and Sokojiwa 1-2 Han Empire


Valanora 1-1 Sorthern Northland (1-1 aet)

Penalties:
ESF - 4
SNO - 2

Valanora wins final match on penalties, and successfully defends the crown.

Congrtaluations to all teams involved, the OFC III was a very successful rendition and we're pleased that OFC III had more interaction than in any other cup. The IFA is further pleased to see many new upstart Asian teams entering the Cup and the World Cup at large, which is encouraging to the Han community.

Condolences to those who failed to achieve their objectives, but there's also next year's chance to try again! And congratulations to Valanora for a successful campaign, and to Sorthern Northland for continuing to make a marked improvement. A few awards also to distuinguish those who did not win anything in particular but gave the OFC crew something to look at:

Best improvement from OFC II - Sokojito and Sokojiwa
Best new start - Kalmykstan
Best roster - Valanora
Shortest roster - Taeshan
Most number of posts (besides me) - Sorthern Northland (with 8)
Shortest number of posts - Ashlaea (with 0)

And of course, the trophy goes once again to Valanora:

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

That's two OFC plaques I owe ESF...

Beningrad Morning Star

Life, and in particular football can be weird things, as the Sorthern Northland Oriental football team today found out. Having been unbeaten all tournament and having already beaten opponents Valanora once it should be no surprise many Sortherners were sort of expecting their team to come out champions. But despite remaining unbeaten throughout the entire tournament, (in open play at least), the only excess baggage the Sorthern players will be bringing back are medals with the inscription 'Runners Up'. Something to be proud of for sure but like so many other runners up medal, I think it's safe to say they will find themselves in the cupboard, gathering dust and unloved rather than sitting proudly on the mantle piece.

Speaking after the game a forlorn looking Feng Shui said, "We're all massively disappointed with this result. This morning each and every single one of us woke up and said we can no we will win today, so to lose really hurts. Especially to lose on penalties. That's something I wouldn't wish on anyone including Valanora. To remain unbeaten throughout an entire tournament and then lose the final on penalties, it really really hurts and I feel sorry for the team, especially the ones who are retiring."

The debate over penalties can go on and on and on as I'm sure it will but the simple fact is that had either of team of taken their chance in the game penalties wouldn't of been needed. Once again Sorthern Northland very attacking style of play led to an end to end kind of game with chances coming thick and fast, in fact there were so many that I don't have the room to write about all of them so I'll just go through a few.

The first chance of the game came after just three minutes when Feng Shui beat two defenders on his left before hitting a low cross into the box, which the Valanora defenders seemed unable to deal with and will have been breathing a huge sigh of relief when Jing Mao only hit the post. Quinton Sars cleared the rebound but only as far as Seol on the right wing, whose high cross was again cleared by Sars, this time to a player in the blue of Valanora. With the Sortherners having broken forward in large numbers the Valanorans were left in a five on three situation and a quick one two by Kawi Marl and Yan Kips ended with Kips prodding the ball past Li Yang in the goal. Despite the chances continuing to come there were no more goals in the first half as Valanora took a one nil lead into half time.

The odds on the second half being goalless were very small I'm sure and Sorthern Northland made sure anyone who put money on that didn't win anything ten minutes into the second half. Once again the goal from a break away after the opposing team had missed a chance, Li Yang picked out Marl's high cross and quickly fed it to Kim Min-Kim out wide who played it into Jing Mao. Jing Mao then ran towards the goal taking on two defenders and then dragged the keeper out wide before pulling the ball back to allow Kang Kan-Kang an empty net to level the score. After that the fans could well be excused for expecting more goals so it did come as some surprise when the final whistle blew thirty-five minutes later with the score still one all. Trian Defecta and Kim Min-Kim both will have been wondering what could of been as both missed several easy chances, including open goals and one on ones, and Yan Kips also missed a penalty in the final ten minutes.

After a long hard tournament, one in which SN had already been to extra time once, the fatigue started to set in with chances coming few and far between in extra time and after half an hour the scores remained level and all that remained to decide a winner was penalties.

It was Valanora who won the coin toss and decided to take the first penalty. Trian Defecta stepped up and put it to the keepers right to put Valanora one up. Jing Mao for SN then saw his weak penalty saved as did Marl of Valanora before Kang Kan-Kang scored to make it one one after two rounds. Roger Zensan made it two one to SN as Feng Shui scored his penalty. Two two after three rounds. Alex Wahn thenb scored the third for Valanora while Gung Ho-Suk missed. Three two after four rounds. Gung's miss meant that if Valanora scored they'd win the tournament. All the pressure was on Yan Kips but you wouldn't of known as he slotted the ball into the net as cool as a cucumber.

So after a long slog SN go home empty handed and congratulations to Valanora on their second successive Oriental Cup win but next time Sorthern Northland will be back with a vengeance.

We'll be starting up an interest for the OFC IV here. Anyone interested should state so here. Please note of a few things:

(1) The OFC is the only (as far as we know) tournament devoted to bringing together one particular ethnicity and/or groups of ethnicities and is restricted in this manner;

(2) The OFC is not affiliated with the World Cup and is not sponsored by the WCC (that is, whatever happens in the OFC stays in the OFC);

(3) RP is the only determinant that helps you win (i.e. no ranks, whatsoever!); but it is not guarantee that you will win every match;

(4) The OFC takes place after the last WC/CoH match and before the BoF of the next Season. OFC IV will occur after the last WC39/CoH31 match and before the first BoF27 match.

Any questions should be directed to me.

That said, any takers?

Kalmykstan will return! Not so sure about Magnus Valerius... maybe The Grand Empire will participate.

Sorthern Northland will return. And we promise to go one step further this time. Or Else!

Can we join we are of a Turkish ethnicity so can we join perhaps?

well be in it but the loaens wont they are a dying nation.

one new player, three old ones - not half bad. I'll keep this open for a little while longer.

shouldn't the champions be back? I think so!

Gweridijongya will be back

Starblaydia has a lot of ethnic Han players coming through into its Under-21s and senior squad of late and this situation, coupled with Starblaydia's record of strong participation in minority-based football events (Starblaydia were Indigenous Peoples world champs, after all) means the SFA would be very interested to send a squad to Daehanjeiguk's 4th tournament.

I will open a new thread for the OFC IV tomorrow, since we have enough interest to hold the tournament.


A reminder that the OFC will be held after the last World Cup match (since the CoH ends tomorrow) and before the BoF. If you have already stated your intention to attend, assume that the paperwork is already done.

A reminder as well that the tournament does not use KPB, so anyone can win with sufficient and extensive RPing. This is also a great opportunity for me to test a new scorination formula.