NationStates Jolt Archive

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The Fourth Di Bradini Cup
An Under-21 International Tournament
Sponsored by:
Seongyeong Gas - ediraf - Samseong - Orcinus
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/SG.png http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/ediraflogo.jpg http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t156/daehanjeiguk/samsung.png http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Starblaydia/orcinuslogo.jpg

This is the fourth international Under-21 football tournament to held by the SFA, Starblaydia is proud to be the venue for the fourth installment what is rapidly becoming the World's international Under-21 competition. Twenty teams have come to Starblaydia, and one will emerge as the champions, to lift the fourth Di Bradini Cup!

Last time out defending champions Candelaria And Marquez met the original champions Elves Security Forces for a battle royal to decide who was the best Under-21 side in the world, with C&M taking their second successive title. Cafundeu triumphed over a stronger-than-ever Jeruselem side in the Third Place match, while there were notable performances from St Samuel, Popay and Taeshan. Starblaydia, however, didn't even make it past the Second Round, losing out to Cafundeu.

The four groups of five will be announced over this weekend, with the first matches taking place on the evening (GMT) of Monday the 25th of February. Starblaydia, as hosts, will automatically be placed in Group A, with the remaining draw coming out of seeded pots at random.


Group Draw (DBC Ranking)
Group A
Elves Security Forces (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13477984&postcount=13) (2)
Starblaydia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13477926&postcount=11) (5)
Daehanjeiguk (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13477475&postcount=10) (15)
Agroprom (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13476320&postcount=4) (30)
Krasslor (30)

Group B
Jeruselem (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13479099&postcount=17) (3)
Popay (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13480583&postcount=25) (6)
Sorthern Northland (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13477244&postcount=7) (13)
Krytenia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13478957&postcount=16) (27)
Newmanistan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13477462&postcount=9) (30)

Group C
Candelaria And Marquez (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13480262&postcount=22) (1)
Taeshan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13476041&postcount=2) (8)
Milchama (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13478013&postcount=14) (15)
Fujisawan Territories (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13476338&postcount=5) (30)
Kosovoe (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13476067&postcount=3) (30)

Group D
Cafundeu (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13476393&postcount=6) (4)
Kura-Pelland (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13485347&postcount=50) (10)
Lovisa (26)
Blouman Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13479807&postcount=20) (30)
Ruskastan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13477413&postcount=8) (30)

Group Schedule
MD1: 4v1, 5v3, 2 Bye (25/02/08 evening GMT)
MD2: 1v5, 2v3, 4 Bye
MD3: 2v5, 3v4, 1 Bye
MD4: 1v2, 4v5, 3 Bye
MD5: 3v1, 4v2, 5 Bye

(e.g. on MD1, Group A will be: Agroprom Vs Elves Security Forces, Kresslor Vs Daehanjeiguk, with Starblaydia having a Bye)

QF1: 1st A will play 2nd B
QF2: 1st B will play 2nd A
QF3: 1st C will play 2nd D
QF4: 1st D will play 2nd C

SF1: Winners of QF1 + QF2
SF2: Winners of QF3 + QF4

Stadia (match locations TBA)
Iota "Big Eye" Arena, Penningworth - Penningworth United (82,000) - QF2, 3PPO
Foundation Road, Jhanna - Iskara Daii (75,000) - 1st listed Group A matches, SF1
Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, - Jhanna City (51,000) - 2nd listed Group A matches
Bekkside Arena, Tabeck - Tabeck FC (33,000) - 1st listed Group B matches , QF3
Hallad City Stadium, Hallad City - Hallad Reavers (49,000) - 2nd listed Group B matches, QF1
Jader Barbahlo Stadium, Jhanna - Jhanna United (96,000) - 1st listed Group C matches, Final
Sports Hall, Karak D'Ragh - Karak Ungor Chiefs (60,000) - 2nd listed Group C matches
Silverlands, Corinth - Corinthian Spirits (65,000) - 1st Listed Group D matches, SF2
Victory Park, Vecchio - Vecchio Victors (48,000) - 2nd listed Group D matches, QF4

Taeshans new team of youngsters(only 1 change)Is ready fo there third Di bradini cup. As you may know are team colors are purple and green.all purple home jerseys, purple top and green shorts away jersey. Are U 21 team is useing the most defensive style modifier. Here is the team...
GK Isaac Newton #43 16 Captain
LD Chuck the Duck #7 16
CD Alan Pearsin #77 16
RD Ricky's Meyerse #11 16
RM Axe Lewis #8 16
RCM Jake Del Rio #33 16
LCM Zack the Geek #17 16
LM Myan Inca #4 16
LS Alan Gregory #42 16
CS Damion Aslott #23 16
RS Ricky Zellefrow #14 16 Captain

Substitutions
GK Argentin Royal #2 16
D Zeke Rogers #3 16
S Theo Aztec #5 16

Manager Rio De Neveda

The following is the Kosovoe Seoul U 21 team. There jerseys Bright pink tops and Blood red home jerseys with Seoul written in Blue, and the opposite for away games with seoul in purple. The team plays a 0 modifier. And here they are.

GK Joey Einstein #64 15 Captain
LD Matt Oliver #30 15
LCD Tony Rodrigo #5
RCD Seth Dracon #3 15
RD Zaric Zarnyth #66 15 Captain
LM J.J. Meyerse #50 15
CM Kyle Shaepher #16 15
RM Michael Bradshaw #25 15
LS Cacy Kashew #14 15
CS Ryan Tinney #7 15
RS Stacy Sicily #1 15
Substitutions
GK Ally Mcphert #90 15
D Soren Mylatnes #21 15
D Nike Mashton #37 15
M Stuart Little #99 15
S Nira Mantute #55 15
S Jack Nicholas #68 15

Manager Lyran Strategos

First Ever Agroprom U21 Team

Agroprom is proud to reveal the team that will compete in this years Di Bradini U21 tournament. An interview with the manager will follow once the draw has been made, and we have a team of reporters bringing you every kick of the ball from the World Cup.

All thats left is for the nation to get behind our stars of the present and future. A street party with huge screen has been organised in Solstice Square in Rostok to accomodate thousands who will watch Agroprom's first international game. Pubs and clubs are being encouraged to screen the games - one pub, The Red Corner in Petrya, is hosting huge parties for all the games.

Agroprom is well and truly bitten by the football bug, and it is safe to say you can feel the excitement.

Agroprom U21 Team

Manager: Greg Liditsky
Head Coach: Andrius Velička
Captain: Liubov Popova
Preffered playing style: ATT

GK - Ivan Nikitin, #1, Age 20
GK - Alexander Nikulin, #13, Age 18
DF - Leonid Pasternak, #2, Age 20
DF - Vasily Perov, #3, Age 19
DF - Kuzma Petrov, #4, Age 20
DF - Vasily Polenov, #5, Age 20
DF - Serge Poliakoff, #14, Age 18
DF - Andrei Rublev, #15, Age 18
MF - Liubov Popova, #6, Age 20
MF - Charles Radoff, #7, Age 20
MF - Ilya Repin, #8, Age 19
MF - Aleksandr Rodchenko, #9, Age 18
MF - Konstantin Rodko, #16, Age 19
MF - Andrei Ryabushkin, #17, Age 18
ST - Nicholas Roerich, #10, Age 20
ST - Svetoslav Roerich, #11, Age 19
ST - Fyodor Rokotov, #18, Age 18
ST - Konstantin Savitsky, #19, Age 17

The Strip

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/3718/stripow8.png

+3 style modifier, starters are bolded and * indicates a female player.

Head Coach: Jotaro Komine
Assistant Head Coach: Joji Kataoka

Goalkeepers
1 Sakura Jo* (Hoji Metropolitan High School for the Deaf) Age: 16
2 Ichizo Yoshino (Hoji High School) Age: 17
4 Teika Kenegawa* (Mid Island High School) Age:14

Defenders
3 Benkei Na’akahara (Coastal Atsuzai High School) Age: 16
22 Kita Yasuda* (Fujiyaba High School) Age: 17
11 Monzaemon Aizawa (University of Hoji (UH) Age: 19
8 Kosho Fujita (Territory Bay High School) Age: 15
13 Kunihiko Horigome (Hoji High School) Age: 16
21 Buncho Kate (Ienari High School) Age: 17
6 Neizen Yamazaki (Atezu Bay University) Age: 18

Midfielders
23 Ginko Kawaii* (Iwosaka High School) Age: 17
5 Deanna Distefano* (Friendship Catholic Academy) Age: 14
20 Kenzan Go (Okahura High School) Age: 17
19 Sozen Kiski (West Atlantis High School) Age: 16
10 Tsunesuburo Kinashita (Atezu Bay University) Age: 19
12 Kenji Bunya (Hoji Metropolitan High School) Age: 14
15 Juri Kono* (Ienari High School) Age: 18

Forwards
7 Kimiko Hasegawa* (Territorial Air Force Academy) Age: 19
9 Toshio Ichimonji (University of Hoji (UH) Age: 20
14 Shojiro Takemago (Magiku High School) Age: 15
18 Junko Tawaraya* (Yukino Kawa High School) Age: 16
17 Sozui Ko (Lesser Antilles University at Hoji (LAU-Hoji) Age: 20
16 Iwaosui Kageki (University of Tijuku (UT) Age: 19

CCFM RELEASES ANOTHER LIST OF UNKNOWN PLAYERS TO PLAY ANOTHER U-21 COMPETITION

Once again, Cafundéu will participate in the U-21 Di Bradini Cup, but this time with higher hopes than the ones in the last competition, as the team won the third place last time. But the team is an entirely new one, with none of the players from the previous cup (although some of them were even able to play again). The coach continues being Nelson Yaschter.

Style of +3

Here is the list of 23 players (number-name [age, team, rating]):

Use the BOLDED names

Goalkeepers:

1- OLAVO Dias (21, São José, B)
12- Cid VINIL (20, SC Lasft, B)
22- Lazlo Vercilo SALATHIËL (18, Agreman FH, C)

Full-Backs:

2- CÍCERO Bandrindes Rossi (19, Cafundó do Juta, A)
6- RENILDO Carvalho Peixoto (19, Petardos S/A, A)
14- João Henrique Sabino "BINO" (20, Central United, B)
16- Cristiano Mendes BROOKSFIELD (18, Clube Comercial, C)

Defenders:

3- MAURO Amberg Soares (21, Atlético Insular, B)
4- JOÃO PAULO Cipriano Muniz (18, A.F.F., B)
13- Timóteo Fagundes AMARAL (21, Ranca Toco, B)
21- John Gusmão "GRILO" (16, Clube Imperial, C)

Defensive Midfielders:

5- Cléber Jordanes "MURALHA" (20, Ranca Toco, B)
11- Fágner Monza de ABREU (18, A.F.F., A)
15- Jamil Luário Francis "JANUÁRIO" (18, Sambarilove, C)
20- XAVIER de Vinan (20, Petrol, C)

Offensive Midfielders:

8- TÚLIO Silvério (17, Sambarilove, A)
17- Gustavo Andrade Douras "GUGA" (18, Dunboor FC, C)
19- LUIZ FLÁVIO Siqueira Casagrande (20, Petardos S/A, B)
23- OBERDAN Vasconcelos (19, Galáxia, C)

Attackers:

7- Fábio Tikame Santos "FABINHO JAÇANÃ" (19, Clube Imperial, A)
9- Gilberto LACERDA (17, Galáxia, B)
10- Kevin Indemareb CASSIS (21, Central United, A)
18- Renan Quiqui "CUBANO" (20, América, B)

Coach: Nelson Yaschter

Formation (Style of +3):

-------------------------Olavo-------------------------
-----Cícero---João Paulo--------Mauro------Renildo-----
---------------Muralha----------Abreu-----------------
-------------------------Túlio--------------------------
-----Fabinho Jaçanã----Lacerda--------Cassis-----------

Sorthern Northland U-21 National Football Team
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/5357/snfald4.png


Sorthern Northland RETURNS! to the Di Bradini Cup with a squad almost the same as the previous one. Four years later the players are less crap but still drunk (apart from Hernandez). As is usual with SN teams the team will be playing an all at attack that would be a +5 were style modifiers being used. We hope not to be totally crap this time.

Names in brackets are Brazilian names courtesy of Brazil Name (http://www.minimalsworld.net/BrazilName/brazilian.shtml).


Goalkeepers:

1. Luke Goldsmith (Lukisco) 20 y/o
13: Johnnie Knightly (Kncos) 17 y/o
23: Arek Al-Malakovsky (Al-malakiano) 19 y/o

Defenders:
2: El-Hadke Murawani (Murawinho) - 19 y/o Right back
12: Derek Frimpong (Derisco) - 17 Right-back
3: Nathan Keen (Nathildo) - 21 y/o Left-back
23: Jamie Clareton (Jamiisco) - 18 y/o Left-back
5: Carl Abele (Abelson) - 21 y/o Centre-back
6: Jacques Le-Roc (Jacquisco) - 19 y/o Centre-back
15: Yoda Obasweetie (Yodaldo) - 20 y/o Centre-back
16: Oah Pione (Oinhosa) - 21 y/o Centre-back

Midfielders:
7: Gregory Pinoc (Greginhosa) - 20 y/o Right Winger
17: Gregory Halford (Gregaldo) - 21 y/o Right-winger
11: Che El (Inhosa) - 21 y/o Left-winger
22: Socrates Castro (Castrerto) - 21 y/o Left-winger
4: Eddie O'Donnovan (O'donnoveiro da Costa) - 20 y/o Central-midfielder
8: Roy Kin (Rerto) - 21 y/o Central-Midfielder
14: Jua Huwang (Huwaldo) - 19 y/o Central-midfielder
18: Ju Li (Linho Pau) - 20 y/o Central-midfielder

Forwards:

9: John Hernandez (Hernandisco) - 21 y/o
10: Lee Waywide (Leildo) - 21 y/o
19: Paulo Ferra (Paolildo) - 19 y/o
20: Ji Ji-Lee (Ji-leando_ - 20 y/o

Kits

Home/Away/Third

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1695/snohkv8.png (http://imageshack.us)http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4945/snoavy6.png (http://imageshack.us)http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2937/snotro9.png (http://imageshack.us)

RP thingy

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 Y

Team Nickname: The “Rockets”
Colors: Light Blue/White


About Domestic Newmanistan Football: It is a rather popular sport in the nation. Not at the top of the list, but the stadiums are usually full during the season. We play it like anyone else for the most part, but in general the nation views speed and agility as the most important attributes in a player. Games are usually wide-open, and 5-4 scorelines can be quite common in domestic games.

Roleplaying against us: Newmanistanians are very respectful of authority figures, as part of our long-standing culture. We’ll get carded just like anyone else, but what I ask for you is to not have our players flip out at officials when they do, and for them to heed warnings of the referees. Therefore, for a player to get 2 yellows in one game is uncommon. Our fans do not chastise officials, in any way. They may boo a bad call, but after a minute, it’s over with and the game carries on. They remain orderly, win, lose, or draw. In our region, other nations have complained that Newmanistan “gets” preferable treatment from officials because of this. However, the Empire strongly denies this is the case. With that said, if my opponent RP’s first they may:

Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but nothing too serious, and not to Hennis.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, but no more then 1 per game.
Godmod other events: No. In the future I may change this, but let me get my feet wet here first.


Preferred formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Brian Carson
Age: 43
Background: In his 8th season as manager of the Pocono City Capitals, he also played his entire career there as a striker, and is the all time club leader in most offensive categories. As manager, he has led the Capitals to three championships. Considered a tactical master, he was chosen for the national job because the Empire knows we will be seeing opponents for the first time, and has the faith in Carson over any one else to be the one that can catch on to their tendencies and make the appropriate adjustments. He is a player’s manager, and does a great job keeping his cool, and won’t let his anger show as he feels that demoralizes the team.

Here are the starting eleven:

*** IN GOAL ***

Name: Corey Hennis
Position: GK
Age: 18
Number: 81 (it’s a superstition of his, and Dalton wears #1)
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: After an amazing 3 years in the junior ranks, Corey made his NSL (Newmanistan Soccer League) Debut this season. Surprisingly though, he was drafted by the Capitals, who also have Kevin Dalton as their main goalkeeper. Dalton, 34, will be the starting goalkeeper for Newmanistan in World Cup 40. Dalton has been mentoring Hennis, it is paying off, as Corey is just getting better and better, and is by far the best keeper in the Empire under 21. Despite backing up Dalton, Corey’s got a healthy amount of playing time this season as the Capitals have begun to take it easy with Dalton. They have a ton of money invested in him, after all.

*** THE DEFENDERS ***

Name: Jeremy Brooker
Position: LB
Age: 19
Number: 5
Club Team: South Charlotte Condors
Background: Brooker plays for the last place Condors in the NSL, but it is argued that that has made him a better defender, because the opposition seems to get so many chances against them. The #1 overall pick of the draft 2 years ago, Brooker lived up to the hype winning Rookie Defender of the Year honors last season, and has maintained his form this year. Brooker’s best strength is his overall awareness. It’s not the main part of his game, but Jeremy will never shy away from hard physical play.

Name: Tony Borsinger
Position: LCB
Age: 19
Number: 6
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Background: Already the anchor of the up-and-coming Mariners defense, Borsinger is the definition of a defensive defender. He never gets caught up in the attack, and is admired for his ability to read plays before they happen at such a young age. Despite an impressive physical stature though, critics feel that Tony is a little too soft at times. He rarely gets carded, and some feel he needs to play with more of a killer instinct.

Name: Steve Secrist
Position: RCB
Age: 18
Number: 4
Club Team: Olympia Gladiators
Background: Secrist is a lot like Brooker in that he plays for a very weak team, though like Brooker, this has helped him. Steve was the #1 overall pick in this past year’s draft, and is having a fantastic rookie season. He’s very composed for his age, as great things are expected from him in Olympia. He will be rooming with Brooker, as well. When it comes to getting physical, Secrist is pretty much an average player in that aspect.

Name: Shawn Morton
Position: RB
Age: 20
Number: 26
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Morton is the leader amongst the defenders, and not just because he is the oldest, but because he has experienced the most success, playing for the defending NSL Champion Capitals. Attackers taking him on need to be prepared, because Shawn is an outstanding tackler, and is superb positionally. He is a very aggressive player, and is likely to be Newmanistan’s leader in bookings at the end of the Di Bradini Cup. Was one of the few players on the team who could quickly tell you who Simeone Di Bradini was as a player, which is understandable given the Empire’s lack of global competition experience, but Morton knows his history quite well.

*** THE MIDFIELDERS ***

Name: Brian Rafferty
Position: LM
Age: 19
Number: 14
Club Team: South Tier Seagulls
Background: Rafferty is known for an aggressive style, but not in a physical way (though he wont back down for that). Instead, it is because he loves to take chances, he is very creative with his passing, and is very eager to be right up there with the strikers at every possibility. This can lead to great plays and goals, but it can also lead to him being caught upfield on a counterattack, or simply his creative passes just don’t hit the desired recipient. He’s a work in progress, and is pegged as a major blue-chip future star. But he’s still learning right now. The coaching staff believe that he is competent enough to play at this level against similar aged players. It’s not by accident that Jason Brooker is the defender positioned right behind him, though.

Name: Matt Caufield
Position: CM
Age: 18
Number: 9
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Background: Even though he had a great junior career, Caufield somehow slipped to the 5th round in this year’s NSL draft, mainly because coaches and scouts feel he is undersized. Matt has used that as a chip on his shoulder all year, and is having a fantastic rookie season, and together with Borsinger, is a big reason why the small-market Mariners have become an unexpected championship contender this season. Even though he is shorter then most, he makes up for that with his effort and determination, and of course, a very powerful right leg. Newmanistan expects that the chemistry of the Mariner teammates down the middle will only help the cause.

Name: Billy Cerullo
Position: RM
Age: 19
Number: 12
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Background: Cerullo has a ton of talent. When he wants to be, he can and will be the best player on the pitch. He has an uncanny ability to both set up goals and score, as well as being a great tackler and all around defensive star. But they key thing here is, when he wants to be. Cerullo is a very inconsistent player, and is beginning to frustrate Leopards fans for his apparent laziness. In Loudon, he has begun to become regularly substituted for when he doesn’t seem to be into it, and the coaching staff for the national U21 team have pledged that they will do the same thing, if necessary.

*** STRIKERS ****

Name: Jeremy McAllister
Position: LS
Age: 19
Number: 20
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Background: McAllister has made a quick splash in not just Putnam Lake, but the entire NSL as well. His best attribute is his speed, his 4.18 40-yard dash time was second in the NSL skills competition earlier this year, second only to the player listed below. Making him even more impressive is his height, being able to pick balls out of the air before the defenders. He’s fairly agile, and a good finisher. Occasionally, Jeremy looks for the pretty play too often, something that as he gets older, he may learn to not to do, but in this tournament, there are some critics who worry that it could be his downfall. McAllister loves attention, and on the global stage, he may look to do too much.

Name: Shawn Drummond
Position: ST
Age: 19
Number: 11
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: As Newmanistanians watch this tournament, they will be focused on the chemistry between McAllister and Drummond. Drummond’s 4.175 time in that 40-yard dash defeated McAllister, but the two of them working together really excites the Empire. In many ways, Drummond is the same kind of player, relying mainly on his amazing speed, with above average height. He finishes well, but between the two of them, McAllister is probably the better one at finding the back of the net. The same concern that exists with McAllister is also the case with Drummond, that too often he wants to make that highlight reel play.

Name: Kevin Sturgeon
Position: RS
Age: 20
Number: 15
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Background: As a teammate to Billy Cerullo in the NSL, the Empire is looking for the two of them to be able to use their familiarity with one another to be of an advantage, and also in hopes of keeping Cerullo from going in one of his disinterested funks. Some say this is the only reason why Sturgeon is getting the nod to start, but that’s not really fair, because Kevin has earned his spot. Sturgeon is also a speedster, though not quite as fast as McAllister and Drummond, and when the Rockets get a strong rush on goal, it is likely that Sturgeon will be a step or two behind to get “rebound” goals.

And the rest.....

**** REGULAR SUBSTITUTES ****
Name: Chris Kusler
Position: GK
Age: 18
Number: 1
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Background: Kusler completely came out of nowhere, he didn’t even begin playing soccer until he was 16 as he was a hockey goalie until then. In his junior year of high school, the soccer team desparately needed a goalkeeper, and Kusler was approached. Chris tried out, and well, you get the idea of how the rest of this story goes. Kusler continues to get better with every game, exciting the fans in Putnam Lake with amazing saves time after time.

Name: Brent Treichler
Position: CB
Age: 19
Number: 3
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: When needed, Treichler will come from the sideline and provide more then adequate relief when a defensive substitution is needed. He was a teammate of starter Jeremy Brooker at the junior level prior to being drafted into the NSL. Brent is a tall and physical, and sometimes overly emotional defender, with very good defensive awareness. When he is on his game, he is as good as anyone on this team. Generally solid, he has been prone to let mistakes get to his head. When he makes one big one, it usually snowballs into a bad day for him. This concern is why he didn’t quite win a starting job.

Name: Michael Harrison
Position: CB
Age: 17
Number: 8
Club Team: Pocono City Junior Capitals
Background: A native of Pocono City, the young defender looks like a potential great one, and should be a top pick in the next NSL draft. Wise beyond his years, the coaching staff was impressed to add him to the squad. Even though Treichler will get the nod as the first defensive substitution, Harrison is on the pitch to gain experience. No doubt that simply practicing with the Empire’s best will be of great benefit for his development.

Name: Danny Cardona
Position: MID
Age: 20
Number: 24
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: You get a little bit of everything with Cardona, he’s fine in all aspects of the game, but there really isn’t one thing you can point to and say that is his one true strength that separates from the rest. He prefers to make the safe play, more often then not.

Name: Brian Wright
Position: ST
Age: 19
Number: 7
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Background: We all know this kind of player, the type that comes with great expectations but never seems to blossom. That is Brian Wright, who has been hyped up as the next great one since he was 14 years old. He just hasn’t delivered, and the fact that Sturgeon landed the starting spot over him could be a wake up call. Now, this isn’t to stay that the speedy Wright has become a bad player. He’s earned a spot on this team, but his problems with finishing has led the staff to give Sturgeon the edge. Having his speed fresh on the sideline could be an advantage for a late substitution.

And some reserves....
**** RESERVES ****
Name: Eric Lovell
Position: CB
Age: 20
Number: 18
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Background: An intelligent veteran, Lovell is honored to be part of this team despite being a 20-year old reserve, because he’s one of those players who had to work hard to get where he’s gotten. He is all about defense, never gets caught upfield.

Name: Kevin Haynes
Position: MID
Age: 20
Number: 27
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Unlike Lovell, Haynes wasn’t that happy when he heard the news that he was only going to be a reserve. Kevin made a big impression early in his career, but this season was a bit of a down year for him by his standards, and with the younger players coming up, the coaching staff saw that they would be a better fit for this team. Make no mistake though, if the coaches need to use him, they will, and will have full confidence in him if and when they do.

Name: Alex Parnett
Position: MID
Age: 16
Number: 10
Club Team: Elk Grove High School
Background: Parnett is yet another “next big thing” in Newmanistan, but he does have the tools needed to fulfill his potential, both on and off the pitch. On it, he has speed and agility, and possesses a height advantage over about everyone he plays against. Off the field, he has an amazing work ethic, with a 4.0 GPA. He loves practicing and working out, and is doing whatever it takes. Many think that his addition to this squad is to give the taste of what its like, to learn from practicing with the Empire’s best, and that he probably won’t actually see any real game action.

Name: Reed Bianchi
Position: ST
Age: 19
Number: 22
Club Team: Curtis Falls Blue Wings
Background: The only reason you won’t see much, if any, of Bianchi in this tournament is because he has a very short fuse. He is a great finisher in front of the net, and willing to take on any defender, it’s just that sometimes he gets a little too aggressive with them. He served a 15-game suspension this season for punching a Putnam Lake player in the mouth then kicking him in the head. When he doesn’t lose it, he’s considered a great locker room player. He understands his role as a reserve, or else he wouldn’t have even been considered for the team. He will be used with confidence, if necessary.

Imperial U-21 Squad (ages not limited for simplicity, but rest assured they are all under 21!)

Player ㅇ韓ㅇ ㅇ한ㅇ # POS
Yi Jeongyeol 李正烈 이정열 1 K
Ju Sigyeong 周時經 주시경 2 D
Bae Yongjun 裵勇俊 배용준 3 D
Baek Namjun 白南準 백남준 4 D
Yi Beomsuk 李範奭 이범석 5 D
No Jeongyun 盧廷潤 노정윤 6 M
An Changho 安昌浩 안창호 7 M
Shin Hyeiseong 申彗星 신혜성 8 M
Son Daeho 孫大鎬 손대호 9 M
Pak Gyuseon 朴圭善 박규선 10 F
Yi Eunju 李恩宙 이은주 11 F
Yi Haeung 李昰應 이하응 12 K
Yi Suyeong 李秀英 이수영 13 D
Son Yeijin 孫藝珍 손예진 14 D
Wang Dong 王栋ㅇ 왕동ㅇ 15 M
Mun Hyeonyeop 門峴曄 문현엽 16 M
Seol Gihyeon 薛琦鉉 설기현 17 F
Yang Gyuseong 楊圭腥 양규성 18 K
Jeong Mongjun 鄭夢準 정몽준 19 D
Yang Manchun 楊萬春 양만춘 20 D
An Yeonghak 安英學 안영학 21 M
Kim Sungweon 金順權 김순권 22 M
Kim Mihyeon 金美賢 김미현 23 F
Yi Taegon 李泰坤 이태곤 24 M

Coach Yu Giheung [유기흥]
We're also bringing back the ex-convict stick whackers as an official "coach of great inspiration".

Playing Style: +3

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

Nevermind the fact that these are the same 17- to 20- year old kids who participated in the first tournament; we age slowly... :D

I Give My Opponent Permission
(and actively encourage them) To:
====================
Choose My Scorers
GodMod Any Goalscoring Events
Yellow Card Players
GodMod Other Events for Humorous Intent
====================

Notes:
1) The best starting eleven are, thankfully, numbered 1-11 and are in bold

2) Asterisk* on roster denotes Female player, ^ Denotes Dwarf

3) I actively encourage, nay nearly demand, that if you RP first you pick my scorers (if any).

http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/SFA-Logo.gif
Starblaydi Squad Announced
Iakovakis makes attempt number four

The Staff
AI. Apollina Iakovakis (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Apollina_Iakovakis)*, Manager, 47 - Indigenous World Cup Winner
22 Caps, 4 Goals (Uncapped at Under-21 Level)

LP. Lex Panarii (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/lex_panarii.html), Assistant Manager, 41
33 Caps, 2 Goals (Uncapped at Under-21 Level)

The Goalkeepers
1. Caleb Westwood, GK, 20 - Fort Boston FC (Bostopia)
12. Kyli Seji, GK, 17 - FC Farça
19. Jamar Wilson, GK, 15 - Paricone Athletic FC

The Defenders
2. Vega Matranga, C/RB, 21 - Jhanna City
3. Carlito Di Bradini, R/L/CB, 20 - Malta Lines
5. Inithar Mazarbul^, SW, 19 - Karak Ungor Chiefs
6. Gianfranco DiCampo, CB, 21 - FE Dranacess (Vephrall)
13. Bazrador Drakkiborgo^, L/CB, 18 - Karak Ungor Chiefs
14. Charles Buckstone, C/RB, 17 - Foxchester Raiders
20. Bekkinha*, L/RB, 16 - Tabeck FC

The Midfielders
4 .Wen Tze-shu, DM, 18 - IYC Uharan Youth Team (Yafor 2)
7. Zii Kristof, RW, 20 - Beverington Hawks
8. Batou Nakamura, Captain, R/L/CM, 19 - Hallad Reavers
11. Denny Djibroné, L/CM, 21 - Penningworth United
15. Jaime Kuu, C/LM, 16 - Raynor City (ESF)
16. Chen Myung-Bo, AM, 16 - CF Mont-Pluie (Ad'ihan)
21. Hope Laokii*, CM, 16 - Tribe Urjali
22. Lee Il-Ajun, RM, 16 - Veles

The Forwards
9. Fenchurch Bentley*, SC/RW, 20 - Hernsworth Cubs
10. Lubii*, SC, 21 - Iskara Daii
17. Daymon Callind, SC, 16 - Iskara Daii
18. Jaison Debrier, CF, 17 - Fort Boston FC (Bostopia)
23. Diamontii Di Bradini*, SC, 13 - Jhanna Praetoran High School


The Formation
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/StarDBC4.jpg


Home And Away Kits:
Kits created by:
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/ediraflogo.jpg
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/NewHome.gifhttp://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/NewAway.gif

Hey Dae in Taeshan we age 1 year between world cups u21s that each team may face

From the Offices of the VSC does the Marauder information come

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (be reasonable)
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

Playing Style: Moderately Offensive

Uniforms

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/ESF39.png

Home Alternate

Manager

Roki Sardan
Age: 20,916
After guiding the team to the Final last tournament, it was an easy choice for the VSC to extend his contract, and let him try to get the title that barely eluded him last tournament.

Assistant

Dollivier Murcotte
Age: 52
An Oliverry native who somehow found his way to the ESF. Little is known about this strange appointment to the youth squad's braintrust, apart from that he doesn't mind getting yelled at. What he can possibly offer the squad that a native couldn't has to be something special, or I'd think that the VSC were starting to crack under the pressure.

Keeper

2 Glaras Rosell, Gladerial Academy
Age - 21
Sex - F
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 137 lbs
Country of Origin: Elves Security Forces
One of the few women in the country who plays between the pipes, Rosell has the agility and refelexes to be a great keeper.

Defenders

32 Trillan Cantus, Capri Academy
Age - 20
Sex - M
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 163 lbs
Country of Origin: Vyinta
A very strong and sturdy elf from the island nation, he decided to head to the ever increasing popular Capri academy, where his game has developed quite nicely. While he still has alot to learn to be considered a real prodigy, he is definately one of the best youth defenders in the system.

37 Aramni Julli, Longview Academy
Age - 21
Sex - M
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 152 lbs
Country of Origin: Elves Security Forces
A tad lazy when it comes towards making his way up on set pieces, and not the best tackler ever, yet Aramni is talented enough to defy the average attacker more times than not.

33 Flora Quintel, Valanari Academy
Age - 21
Sex - F
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 134 lbs
Country of Origin: Vyinta
Flora is a very quick and deceptively clever defender. She likes to get up with the attack alot, and has the ability to do so with confidence and composure. A wicked long shot along with some stout defending make her a very promising prospect for the future, and a great weapon for the squad.

Midfielders

19 April Luna, Lea Monde
Age - 21
Sex - F
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 140 lbs
Country of Origin: Assegai Developments
A deceptive, clever, and quick midfielder who can dribble around oppenents for days. Add in an accurate shot, and spot on passing, and you could be seeing the next great playmaker the commonwealth has produced.

10 Ecante Redias, Valanari Academy
Age - 19
Sex - M
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 149 lbs
Country of Origin: Assegai Developments
Not overly quick, or the best of crossers, but Ecante constantly puts in the effort and time on the pitch improving his game so that Roki believes enough in him to let him get the starting nod.

11 Hara Thial, Night Academy
Age - 18
Sex - F
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 129 lbs
Country of Origin: Elves Security Forces
Unlike Ecante, Hara is an absolute masterful crosser, and will likely be recieving many balls out wide to send those pinpoint crosses in and hopefully to many goals.

18 Fisatini Argaul, Rinaldi Academy
Age - 20
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 163 lbs
Country of Origin: Elves Security Forces
You'll never hear Fistatini complain, nor compliment you. A very quiet person who looks a tad shady when you first meet him, but his stregnth and skill resemble that of a young Laborious Hawk. If he can capitalize on it, this would be a very dangerous squad when you consider the talent around him as well.

27 Jamichel Totez, Cardarel (Yafor 2)
Age - 21
Sex - M
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 186 lbs
Country of Origin: Turruth Gordur
Unlike Armong, Totez was part of the privileged few in Timorug and was subject to many luxuries in the barbaric nation. However, he had an undying passion for footy despite his parents protests of entering politics, and has the natural skills of a nuetral or holding midfielder. His size makes him somewhat uncoordinated, but given time, this stud athlete could definately become a fearsome force on both sides of the halfway line.

Forwards

9 Valaria Love, Rinaldi Academy
Age - 19
Sex - F
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 139 lbs
Country of Origin: Elves Security Forces
After coming on quite a few times as a sub last tournament, and scoring an unusualy amount of goals for her age, Valaria looks to continue on that momentum and lead the squad to many victories. Having spent a summer with Kiso Night during his training, she now can beat defenders and keepers in a variety of way.

12 Calla Soler, Night Academy
Age - 19
Sex - F
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 146 lbs
Country of Origin: Elves Security Forces
The daughter of the only foriegn manager to ever lead the Marauder, Calla has been groomed for years by the country and her father for this. Genetics, natural skill, years of pratice, and great teaching have her propped up to be the next great striker in the ESF, with this as her springboard to stardom.

Reserves
GK 56 Julius Rewi, age 17, Lea Monde (M)
CB 39 Stephias Deadleaf, age 17, Wexax Academy (M)
CB 38 Danen Lika, age 18, Square Haven (F)
LRM 20 Lora Do'Urden, age 19, Melikkiaz (F)
RM 26 Taikinu de Juavi, age 17, Juavi (M)
MC 27 Ceine Jurangil, age 17, Ibinni (M)
AMC 17 Verenthi Soldarian, age 20, Soldar (F)
ST 22 Arkidar Ithzaribil, age 20, Stormguard (M)
FC 14 Kalathi Strise, age 19, Ispan (F)
FC 13 Dale Ike, age 21, Capri Academy (M)

Rosell
Cantus Julli Quintel
Thial Totez Argaul Redias
Luna
Love Soler

Captain: Calla Soler
Left Corner: Hara Thial
Right Corner: Hara Thial
Set Pieces: Calla Soler
Penalty Taker: Valaria Love

"Wait we signed up for this again?"

"Yes"

"Why?! We always get humiliated and people get mad because they made the old U21 Cup when we always made the second round and more often then not the quarterfinals. Don't you remember when we were the number 1 ranked U21 team in the world? Now we deal with this, we still haven't advanced out of the group stages"

"Well our youngsters still need an opportunity to deal with failure, a common Milchamian international sporting trait, and an opportunity to deal with intense media scrutiny this tournament provides both"

"Then why is our roster still going to be anonymous?"

"Because if it doesn't they're all going to cry and commit suicide after the tournament and we still want our next generation of national team players to be able to play football"

"Ok"

So then the Milchama roster is as follows:

GK: 1
D: A
D: B
D: 3
M: Q
M: X
M: 8
F: G
F: M
F: C
F: 5

"Wow what an awful draw"

"Yeh, I really can't see us advancing out of this one"

"That means only one thing"

"What?"

"IT WAS RIGGED AGAINST US!!!"

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Because as the 15th best team in the world that means we should either be a first or second seed, just look at the World Cup right?"

"Isn't this a smaller tournament?"

"That's what they want you to think but in reality there is no difference. This is the U21 World Cup right? Well then it should have similar numbers to the World Cup and therefore being 15th seed should guarantee automatic advancement"

"No I actually think, wait a second we have the first seed?! What the hell this is rigged. Though I don't think you're right about why it's rigged. It's rigged because despite being in this competition the previous three times we have only risen 15 places and we are placed in the group with the number 1 seed, which we only had a 25% chance of getting. The international conspiracy is back! It's infallible logic"

"I TOLD YOU! The draw is rigged. We need to do something"

"But what?"

"Sabotage the tournament"

"Ok"

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/KryBadge100.jpg

Godmod away. Just...try not to kill anyone; that’s my job, K?

STYLE: +3
Krytenia: Young Aces

THE MANAGEMENT

Manager: Shaun JAFFACAKE-PHILLIPS (52)
Assistant: Peter PONTI (39)

THE SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

1. Leon URIU (17, GK)
13. Damien NEUENKIRCHE (20, GK)
20. William BROWN (18, GK)

DEFENDERS

2. Keith SEVERIANO (21, RB)
3. Michael DA SILVA (16, LB)
5. Desmond KELLY (18, CB)
6. Michelle GRAISE (18, CB, Female)
12. Robert BYRNE (19, CB)
15. James EISEN (20, LB)
19. Dennis CHUGAEV (21, CB)
22. Tyler BIONDI (18, RB)

MIDFIELDERS

4. Steven CORAZON (18, CM)
7. Sam VELETTI (19, LM)
8. David WOLVERTON (20, RM)
11. Neil RÜCKEN (19, LM)
14. Andrew PERSSON (21, RM)
16. Michael TUNSTALL (17, CM)

FORWARDS

9. Kevin BREITENREITER (19, CF)
10. Scott SYCHEV (20, CF)
17. MIKA (real name Milton Kale) (18, CF)
18. Jonathan FLOWERS (16, CF)
21. Elvis MAIA (17, CF)
23. Graham DEBISSY (20, CF)

Likely Starters:
1 Uriu
2 Severiano – 6 Graise – 5 Kelly – 3 Da Silva
8 Wolverton – 4 Corazon – 11 Rücken
10 Sychev – 9 Breitenreiter – 17 Mika

Subs: 20 Brown, 12 Byrne, 22, Biondi, 7 Veletti, 16 Tunstall, 18 Flowers, 23 Debissy
Reserves: 13 Neuenkirche, 15 Eisen, 19 Chugaev, 14 Persson, 21 Maia

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/KRY40.png

Jeruselem U-21 Team, the "Orthodox Monk boys team"

Coach: Friar Marcus Anthony (Orthodox Monk)

Formation: 4-4-2 (+1)

Goal keepers
* Friar Casey, 20 - One of tallest Friars in Jeruselem
* Friar Jones, 19 - A fearless competitor

Defenders
* Friar Francisco, 18 - Once met Jewbee Dallas as a schoolboy
* Friar James, 20 - Scared of girls like the Dallas girls
* Friar Rouge, 18 - Does weightlifting as a hobby
* Friar Frinz, 20 - Ex-Protestant boy
* Friar Kyle, 20 - A bit of a zealot

Midfield
* Friar Dallas, 19 - Not a Dallas but people tease him about his name
* Friar Jake, 20 - Has only one real leg, the other one is articial
* Friar Joseph, 17 - Has a bad lisp when he speaks
* Friar Dante, 19 - Reformed piromanatic
* Friar Fast, 18 - His sister is a erotic dancer

Strikers
* Friar Belurus, 20 - Gets a bit rought sometimes when things get hard
* Friar Putin, 19 - The control freak of the team (CAPTAIN)
* Friar Rubin, 18 - Confuses people because he talks in riddles
* Friar Mauve, 20 - Likes purple and Starblaydia. Not popular with fellow Jeruselemites

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 N
Hand out Red cards to my players N
Godmod Other Events Y

(Girls, Jews and now ... Monks)

Here are our groups projected final standings
In first place with a 3-1 tie for the lead Taeshan and Calendaria and Marquez. Taeshan will beat the cs but will lose to kosovoe.
In second place will be a milchaman team at 2-2
In third will be kosovoe at 2-2
and fourth w[I]ll be a 0-4 Fujis team

Group A
Elves Security Forces (2)
Starblaydia (5)
Daehanjeiguk (15)
Agroprom (30)
Kresslor (30)

MD1: Kresslor --- Daehanjeiguk
MD2: Starblaydia --- Daehanjeiguk
MD3: Daehanjeiguk --- Agroprom
MD4: BYE
MD5: Daehanjeiguk --- Valanora

Déjà vu?

Well, it's time for one other tournament, and it seems that the Imperial Youth Squad have been put into one nasty group. In fact, it's so nasty, it tastes of last season, when the Han played against Valanora and Starbladyia.

Wait a minute! They're in Group A! Just like us! Funny coincidence, eh? Well, I'm not one to play down coincidence, but unlike last season's contest, we've improved our ranking. And while improving ranking doesn't necessarily translate to improved playing, I think we still fare a good chance to qualify for the next round. Unfortunately, that means playing out one of the two favorites. And the bottom two teams won't be a necessarily easy push-over. It's all going to be hard. Incredibly hard. Not to mention that Coach Yu has invited the Crown Prince to play as part of the team as an honorary 24th member (we're still trying to figure out if it's legal).

Regardless, we're going to be in for a great battle, as it is likely the last cup for many of our young players, as they get the experience they need to play in the World Cup proper. And MBC will be there to broadcast everything for us (unlike MBC International, which seems to have a problem getting an English-speaking person to anchor their shows).

FOOTBALL FEDERATION OF BLOUMANY

Under 21 Squad
Players listed with their shirt number and in brackets position, age and current club

Manager: Jack Copper: Currently team manager for the Northport Sealions who have won the Wedrom Premier league title 2 of the past three years and won the last Wedrom Association of Footbal (WAF) trophy. Copper is also the Wedrom Bears U21 team manager.

Assistant Manager: John Longlegs

Goalkeepers

#1 Alex Burner (GK, 19, Lincoln Park): Son of legendary goalkeeper and current Blouman international player Henry Burner. Alex has proven that he has inherited his fathers genes and is a very strong keeper his flying saves are his best quality able to bound in front of goal saving shots from on the opposite side of the frame
#23 Henry Jackson (GK, 20, Port Fansat)
#31 Norman Norman Jr (GK, 17, Forest City)

Defenders

#2 Andrew Pollard (CD, 20, Broome Utd): Andrew is an excellent defender able to close down forwards and places in strong tackles making striker feel utter useless, he is a starter for his team after debuting last year after coming through Broome Utd's Youth department.
#3 Johnathon Cooper (CD, 18, Malloca): A strong defender he is fast and can close down on players, man marking is also a strong suit with him. Has begun playing for his club 1st team after being named best player in his Club reserve team and named best regular reserve player in the Holchmain league
#4 Henry Morrison (LB, 20, Northport): A strong left back with good defending abilities and is very fast, he is also a member of Wedrom's U21 squad.
#5. Richard Moaninton (RB, 20, Jollip Province Athletic) Only played for his clubs top team for one year but has already wowed fans with his defending abilities, a player who can stave off attacks down the right wing. He has had international experience being a starter for the Empires World Cup team playing in the World Cup 39 qualifiers and 31st Cup of Harmony
#41 Adam Jones (CD, 20, Memorial Drive)
#37 Christopher Moreton (LCD, 19, Southcastle)
#25 Micheal Danger (RCD, 20, Bonknock Hill Rovers)

Midfielders

#6 James Sleep (RCM, 18, FC Middleton): Strong midfield usually plays in the centre but can just as easily play on the right side and can move up and down the field with ease, he is the fittest player on the team
#7 Ross Millsop (LCM, 20, Clackridge): Midfielder who can play the left side well and can cross a shallow ball very well.
#8 Christopher Moreton (CAM, 19, Braxon City FC) Strong player who wowed crowds at the recent Bloumany U21 Championship playing for Braxon he has played for his clubs first team a total of ten times but is a starter of the clubs reserve team
#45 Jack Jackson (CM, 20, Norgion Utd)
#30. Ahron Fedinard (CAM, 19, Nickson Wanderers)
#20. Kane Nomad (LCM, 17 Princesforest)
#35. Johnathon Kovac (RM, 18 Romford)
#49. Thomas d'gran (CM, 20, Travellers Pass)

Forwards
#9 Christopher Speed (CF, 18, Jollipville Athletic) Teen prodigy fast, excellent shot, plays the centre forward position well, began playing for his team in their top team at the age of 16 years and 5 days and is the youngest player in 101 years to debut at this level, loved by the media due him playing with the ball well and can produce goals from the most unlikely of position his recent form in both the World Cup qualifiers and Cup of Harmony has proven once again how good a player he actually is and will continue to wow crowds at this tournament.
#10 Martin Fox (ST, 20, Newgate) Strong striker with a very powerful shot he is also very capable in making chances for other players
#11 Johanthon Rhodes (ST, 20, Eastpool) Good striker with excellent accuracy on goal he is a fast player who can out muscle defenders to move through them
#15 Ben Millsop (CF, 20, Heltinbath)
#19 Issac Golding (ST, 18, Tollingbrough)

Uniform

Home: Shirt, Red horizontal band on top and bottom quarter, thin royal blue horizontal band underneath top red band, thin green horizontal band above bottom red band and in the middle a gold horizontal band. Shorts, Black with thick white stripe down either side. Socks, Red
Away: Shirt, White. Shorts, Black with thick white stripe down either side. Socks, Royal Blue

Style Modifier: +1.5
Formation: 4-2-1-3
Those which have a short bio are starters.

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

THE ROCKET REPORT

Di Bradini Draw Set

The excitement of Newmanistan’s first ever global (OOC: I don’t use the word international, because we’ve done many international competitions within our region) competition hit a high, and then maybe a low when the official group draw was announced earlier today. To see Newmanistan’s name amongst the best in the world was a rush for sports fans within the Empire, until the reality of the task at hand set in. Newmanistan’s name was indeed against the best in the world, the rookie in a group of battle tested nations. After all, Group B is the only group with just one 30th ranked team.

Group B is highlighted by the 3rd ranked Jeruselem team, who reached the semifinals, before eventually being defeated in the 3rd place game in the last DBC. Without question, this is the club that most people will be expected to advance out of the group, and for good reason. Looking at rankings alone, it should be Jeruselem and the 6th seeded Popay squad that move forward, but Sorthern Northland will loom as a serious challenger to both of them. Krytenia is the closest in rank to the Rockets, but being ahead of the pack at #27 still figures to make them the favorite in their game against the Empire. So, are the Rockets in over their heads in this tournament, or can we serve as one of the biggest spoilers in the history of the Di Bradini Cup? Our Clint Peterson sat down with manager Brian Carson, of the Pocono City Capitals, who’s been chosen to lead this squad for a one-on-one exclusive interview:

CP: Well, Brian, congratulations on being named manager. But now that the excitement has worn off, what is the legitimate expectation for Newmanistan in this tournament?

BC: Clint, I look at our squad very favorably. Knowing full well what they have done in the NSL, there is no doubt in my mind that we are bringing the finest young players to Starblaydia to participate in this prestigious event. What I do know is that they will play hard for 90 minutes, plus stoppage time. They want to make an impact, because they know what they do in this Cup will be televised back at home, and could lead to some great opportunities for them.

CP: I can understand that, but what we want to know, is can the Rockets win the Cup? Advance from the group? Get a win? Get a point?

BC: The biggest thing that we got going for us is that our opponents don’t know us. I’ve heard a lot of people saying the opposite, that we are the ones in trouble, because we don’t know our opponent. Well, it’s a lot easier to scout a team that’s already together, and scout their international teams as we have done in an intensive manner during World Cup 39, then it is for them to be able to scout us, a team that there is no real history with. They would have to come here, and I really don’t see the big nations being too concerned about us right now to where they would bother doing that. They will have to win on their talent, and on their system, which I’m sure they can do, but if they’re playing their system, we’ve been able to scout that system. Again, them playing in World Cup 39 helps our scouts immensely, because even though they are different players, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and you can expect the U21 team to play a lot like their veterans play. So, we think we can make some serious noise in this tournament, and if I didn’t think we could win the Cup, then I would go back home right now.

CP: What have you picked up on in regards to your opponents?

BC: Like I’m just going to come out and say that.

CP: Very well. Newmanistan opens up against Sorthern Northland, a nation with a culture very similar to what exists in the Northwestern part of the Empire. How do you stack up against them, and will Northwesterners be able to know who they should be cheering for once the game starts?

BC: *laughs* Well I don’t know about the second part of that, but I think it will be a great first test for us. We know that they like to play a highly aggressive style of attack, and so do we. It’s the kind of matchup, that if it doesn’t fill up Hallard City Stadium, then they should never play another international game in the place. It’s going to be up and down action, full of plenty of scoring opportunities for both sides. Everything that made you fall in love with this sport as a child should be in this game. The defenders and the goalkeepers on each club will have their hands full. We feel we can win, but even though they appear to be drunk, and probably are out on the pitch, they aren’t seeded 13th in this tournament for nothing, as they still have the ability to get results. But it’s an ideal first game for us. Absolutely ideal. Not because we see them as weak, but because we can play our style, and that should generate comfort and confidence.

CP: In this draw, you’ve also been matched up with 3rd seeded Jeruselem and 6th seeded Popay. Sounds tough. Thoughts?

BC: I think it’s a great draw! We are in a group with some great teams, but that’s what we’re here for. We didn’t go all the way to Starblaydia just to play some cream puff sides. Jeruselem and Popay have earned their rankings because they are outstanding squads. But to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best, and we’ll know much more about ourselves in how we stack up against the opposition playing teams like this, then playing other teams in the field as I call it. (The other 30th ranked teams). Sorthern Northland is a great side, and Krytenia also will be a tough challenge, but I’d rather be lined up against them.

CP: So if Newmanistan lost all four games, you be happy?

BC: If we what?

CP: If you lost all four games?

BC: We aren’t going to lose all four games, so the rest of that question is moot.

CP: How much of this tournament is more of a prep for World Cup 40 for Newmanistan?

BC: I think it depends on what your definition of a “prep” is. If you think we’re just coming in here to get our asses kicked so we know what global competition is, then I’d say that’s a bunch of bull. If that’s what this position was all about, I wouldn’t have accepted the job, I have a club team back home. What is a fair statement is what this can do for our fans back home. We’ve only participated in regional competitions to this point, and making this step up the ladder is pretty big. We’re at a whole new level, and the World Cup is the most prestigious tournament in the world. This can give them a feel of what this level is like. You can say the same kind of thing about our players too, but they all know what they are in for.

CP: On a less serious note, are you concerned with your players perhaps, living it up too much in Starblaydia?

BC: Well, there’s a culture here for them to explore, and they are young men. They will have rules as to their conduct, and they do a great job following them, as we know. But I’m going to let them have a little bit of fun too. It might be best that we don’t get a bye in the middle of our games. It’s four games, and then a bye, and maybe then, we’ll have some fun, whether or not we have been eliminated at that point, or have advanced. The players aren’t the only ones looking to have fun. Just because I’m 43 doesn’t mean I’m going to turn down the chance to enjoy my time here too with my wife, particularly after our last game, which will hopefully be when we lift the Di Bradini Cup.

CP: Well coach, your optimism is amazing. Good luck to you and your team.

BC: Thank you. If you don’t think you can win, you never will. Go Rockets!

Ruskastan FA announces U21 team, new Kits
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The Ruskani FA has announced today the team which will participate in the Nation's first Bradini Cup. merely hours after the squad, which is shown below, was announced, the FA also announced the team Kits which also be used for the National team. The 20 man squad includes teenage prodigy Ali Asim and established U21 stars Rasul Sa'id, who has scored 9 Goals in his 15 U21 appearances. Included are new members of the squads, promoted from he U18 and U17 teams.

Goalkeepers

[18] Malak Sa'd [Spartak Volga] [18 Yrs]
[1] Isa Lyuben [Red Star Moscovy] [19 Yrs]
[12] Guda Anas [Kisman United] [17 Yrs]

Defenders

[5] Boyko Botros [Red Star Moscovy] [20 Yrs]
[7] Gamal Sa'id [Mogada FC] [19 Yrs]
[3] Sulaiman Najib [Bosasan Athletics] [17 Yrs]
[15] Dawud Yushua [Baido 1918] [17 Yrs]
[2] Haytham Suhayl [Naira FC] [21 Yrs]

Midfilders

[8] Usama Najib [Naira FC] [20 Yrs]
[4] Naveed Kiril [Mogada] [20 Yrs]
[14] Jabir Saifullah [Red Star Moscovy] [21 Yrs]
[19] Ali Asim [Haraga United] [16 Yrs]
[16] Fareed Muhammed [Baido 1918] [17 Yrs]
[6] Tawfiq Yanko [Red Star Moscovy] [18 Yrs]

Strikers

[21] Khayri Lyubomir [Red Star Moscovy] [21 Yrs]
[25] Firdos Nikola [Naira FC] [18 Yrs]
[10] Zahari Ridwan [Port Authority] [18 Yrs]
[22] Wahid Nasser [Landona City] [18 Yrs]
[11] Mohamed Ilia [Red Star Moscovy] [20 Yrs]
[9] Rasul Sa'id [Red Star Moscovy] [20 Yrs]

New Kits

Home

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Away

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Candelaria And Marquez Under-21 Squad

The squad are known as the Small Blues, but will be playing in a hideous bottle green kit this around, for some reason.

Permissions: TG me for anything truly outlandish, otherwise knock yourself out.

Squad:

Manager: By rights, the position of coach of the national under-21 team should be the second most valued in Candelarias football. Thing is though, it doesn’t pay well compared to club management and it’s only active for a couple of weeks a cycle, so the CAMAFA have to make do. This time the man in the hot seat is Andy Le Lan, the quietly impressive former boss of Abiodun North. On a tiny budget, Le Lan turned the Storming Normans from relegation certainties to real contenders in just two seasons, but subsequently led them out of the CMSC top-flight a year later. After a poor start to life in the second tier he parted company with his club and has taken several months off from football to study coaching at different clubs around the world. Le Lan can clearly spot a player – he plucked CMSC goal machine Sargento Castelão from obscurity in his homeland – but he has been given a huge boost by the early start of this cycle’s tournament.

He will almost certainly play a rather neutral 4-3-2-1; with Federici the lone striker, Lewis and González behind him and Cetin, Sattler and Percy arrayed from right to left in front of the back four.

Goalkeepers:

13. Joel Sbaïz, 21, Aged 21, KT Hotspur
And suddenly the world seemed bright again. Sbaïz is one of a number of talents delivered unto Le Lan thanks to Starblaydia’s probable co-hosting of the next BoF and the necessity of an earlier DBC start. 6’3” and possessing all the talent in the world, Joel replaced former C&M international Paolo Thorpe in his club’s line-up and has gone on to become one of the most feared ‘keepers in the CMSC in just a few months.

1. Stefan Santamaria, 18, Albrecht FC
Regarded dramatically as “the future”, Santamaria has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Scorpions but is well-regarded as a reliable, commanding shot-stopper after a loan spell at Maidment SC in the third division. He is also a competent outfield player and could find himself in the heart of the midfield if the Small Greens suffer an injury crisis in Starblaydia.

23. Leo Fluck, 21, Abiodun North
As ever, finding experienced ‘keepers is difficult for the C&M under-21s, and Le Lan has opted to show faith with his former charge who at least has had a full season of football under his belt, albeit in the second division. Fluck is a stocky lad who is technically superb but inevitably let down by his lack of reach.

Defenders:

2. Harris Dixon, 21, Albrecht Turkish, STARTING RIGHT-BACK, Captain
Dixon would not have expected to don the under-21 kit again, since he is the oldest member of the squad and will tip over the 22 mark mid-way through the group stage. A sure thing for the next senior squad, Dixon is best as an out-and-out defender but has a nice range of passing and a decent cross on him.

21. Enrique Silva de Aviz, 20, Cathedral City, STARTING CENTRE-BACK
A beanpole defender, Ricky D has been overworked for his club this year but his value to Cathedral was shown when manager Charlie Cunningham attempted to force him to stay for their relegation run-in rather than join up with the under-21s. His involvement certainly suggests that Le Lan reckons C&M will have an awful lot of defending to do this time around.

5. Jari Virta, 21, Radyukevich, STARTING CENTRE-BACK
A lofty but unbalanced player, Virta creates an imposing partnership with Silva de Aviz and has similarly had much work to do with his struggling club. As with Dixon and Stewart, this is an unexpected second stint in Starblaydia for one of Clotaire’s favourite sons.

3. Alex Duxbury, 20, McDonald Sports, STARTING LEFT-BACK
Enter the Duke, a full-back coveted by most of the big clubs in C&M but remaining faithful to modest McDonald of Saurin (North Candelaria) in the second division. A proper athlete, Duxbury has pace to burn but remains less than educated on the ball.

14. Farris Travers, 20, Swords of Bass
Picked, one suspects, because this squad doesn’t include a single other right-winger, Travers is included both as a back-up right-back and midfielder. Small, quick and with a long cross, Travers is likewise the first player from his club in C&M colours.

12. Caleb Christmas, 19, Cathedral City
Christmas comes early (a headline that has become the most prominent of a tediously high number of similar creations in recent months following a high-profile kiss-and-tell in the Albrecht Mercury) into the C&M under-21 squad. He has recently established himself as Silva de Aviz’s partner, and has quickly become an extremely solid performer – and, though smaller than his team-mate, he also offers options from set pieces and otherwise going forwards.

6. Anslem Fisher, 21, KT Hotspur
Another player who has become a club regular only in the last few weeks, Fisher is arguably the most comfortable on the ball of the four centre-backs, but is painfully lacking in pace.

20. Oscar Zois, 21, Turks’ Club
Included in case Duxbury turns out to be not anywhere near as good as he looks in the second division, Zois has been the first-choice left-back for Felipe Curana’s Turks’ Club. The more defensive option, though he has on occasion filled-in adequately in a variety of positions across the park, Zois’s major claim to fame however is Albrecht Mercury favourite Holli, 20, from Khatib-Gassett.

Midfielders:

15. Christian Sattler, 20, Radyukevich, STARTING MIDFIELDER
An energetic midfielder, Sattler has been a regular in Coleman Mustard’s Jukos this season, helping them towards their current lowly position. You really do have to worry about the future when kids like this get in.

4. Nathanial Stewart, 21, Jerusalem United [Jeruselem], STARTING MIDFIELDER
Considered a solid but uninspiring player for Castillo FC, the DBC3 veteran has benefited from more sophisticated coaching in Jeruselem to reinvent himself as a classy box-to-box midfielder. Far from a guaranteed first-team pick over there, but needs must in this not-especially stimulating group of Candelariasians.

11. Nicholas Percy, 21, El din Marbles, STARTING MIDFIELDER
A pacey left-winger, Percy was plucked into the CMSC from his former life as a semi-pro left-back, and his defensive skills will be as vital as his speed and passing in his under-21 role.

8. Austin Lewis, 20, Gamboa FC, STARTING ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
A major part of Gamboa’s unlikely successes so far this season, Lewis is a local lad with an accent you could break windows with, but is a hugely hardworking player with an excellent footballing brain and a good range of passing. He will be the vital link-up man behind Federici et al.

22. Jamie González, 19, Arrigo Portuguese, STARTING ATTACKING MIDFIELDER
An attacking midfielder or striker who can play on the right, left or up the middle; González has finally found a regular starting spot for his club and with it all the pressures of being C&M’s Next Big Thing. No great pace, but he can cover a lot of ground with his long-legged, loping style and can deliver balls with pinpoint accuracy.

7. Mandla Nxele, 20, Turks’ Club
After a successful loan spell at Ironside-Talinger, Turks’ Club manager Curana brought the holding midfielder pack to Khatib-Gassett where he has been regularly preferred to Curana’s own countryman, the Kura-Pellandi veteran Giorgio Pezzoni, in recent weeks. Mandla, who came to the Candelarias with his family as an asylum seeker, is known as one of those placid kids who will occasionally go slightly mad and start breaking legs.

16. Can Cetin, 20, Albrecht Turkish
A utility man who seems to have been around for ever, having been feted at A.Turks since a very young age as a direct descendent of the club’s legendary late-19th century co-founder Mehmet Ali Ergün. Cetin’s versatility may prove his undoing in the long term, but his capability in almost any position makes him a manger’s dream.

17. Aaron Kortsarian, 18, Candelaria-Allemali
The youngest player in the squad, Kortsarian has been a rare plus point in another poor season for CandelariaAM. A left-winger by trade, though unlike most of his (many) countrymen in that position, he relies not on pace but prefers to cut inside, beat his opponent with a trick, and deliver a pass or shoot on goal. As a Candelariasian Armenian he is known by Shining Sons fans as “Aaron of the Nuts”, after the saint and because he’s supposedly the dog’s wotzits. He would, however, like to point out that his first name is pronounced to rhyme with ‘barren’, thankyouplease.

Forwards:

9. Jason Federici, 18, Port of Clotaire, STARTING STRIKER
As with Luke Naylor at the Justantianananan Cup and Joe Cunningham at the past two Di Bradinis, C&M are most reliant indeed on their one young striker of obvious quality. Federici has scored eight goals for the Harpies this season, first from the bench and then as – for the CMSC – an abnormally young starter. A goal poacher primarily, but his runs have also outfoxed the smartest of CMSC defenders.

18. Allen Gallagher, 21, KT Hotspur
Far from the porker he was last time around, the new berliner-format Gallagher has instead been plagued by injuries this season but is slowly coming back to form. No pace, and no real skill either, Gallagher’s advantage is his instinctive awareness on the pitch.

10. Kovac Johnson, 21, Albrecht FC
Hardly a natural goalscorer, Johnson gets the nod purely because he’s had regular top-flight games lately. He has, however, proved an important foil for Albrecht’s international strikers Joe Cunningham and Peter Vanderpent, with his size and talent in the air causing havoc in the box.

19. Rick Sekerci, 19, Mayo Valley
Together with the older Pascal Thorrington, Sekerici is part of the deadliest strike partnership in the second division. A player who would be overlooked by any manager who hadn’t recently had the displeasure of coming up against him; Le Lan’s Abiodun gave up four goals to Sekerci’s powerful head and right peg earlier this year.

The Albrecht Herald Online>Sport>Football>DBC4

Le Lan sounds Group warning As somewhere in excess of thirty thousand Candelariasian fans descended on Jhanna this morning, under-21 coach Andy Le Lan has attempted to play down hopes in C&M of a third consecutive victory in the world’s premier youth football tournament.

Following the senior team’s long-awaited exit from the World Cup in the first knock-out stage, all eyes have turned to the Candelarias’ youngsters and Le Lan appears keen to avoid placing too much pressure on young shoulders. “It’s understandable that people are going to want to look to us after the disappointment of elimination in the Eesseff, but they’ve got to realise that this is a mostly new squad and we’ve got no more right to expect to be among the challengers, never mind winning the thing, than anyone else.”

His words may fall on deaf ears, for there remains a prevailing wind of confidence in regards to the squad’s capabilities; representing a massive turnaround from the mood just months ago. The primary rationale for this shift has been the early start of this cycle’s tournament, with Starblaydia widely expected to co-host the forthcoming Baptism of Fire. With CMSC managers left seething on the sidelines, Le Lan has been able to pick several key players who in any other year would be ineligible, providing hope in key areas previously considered woefully week. Though the new manager has still missed out on 22 year-olds such as Jack Marshall, Ciaran Kelly, Nathan Bornemann, Hank Moya, Nathaniel Alaoui, Leonard Pinto, Archer French, Luke Cole, Demario Ortiz and the like, the squad still includes a few faces familiar to Di Bradini watchers – including Nathaniel Stewart, Allen Gallagher, Jari Virta and new captain Harris Dixon, as well as potentially match-winning goalkeeper Joel Sbaïz and Albrecht FC striker Kovac Johnson.

Ironically however it remains the younger faces that are of vital importance, with Jason Federici’s form expected to be the difference between another title and an early exit. In a break with the highly attacking formations employed by Lloyd Donnelly and Adam Williamson previously, Le Lan looks set to include the Port of Clotaire teenager as a lone front-man, with Austin Lewis and Jamie González slotting in behind. Nic Percy, Stewart and Christian Sattler are expected to be arrayed from left to right to form the second section of the Christmas tree.

Le Lan himself remains perhaps the most controversial figure on the C&M team, having been out of work since his parted company with Abiodun North earlier in the season. This job may have plenty of lustre and pedigree – Donnelly is now the senior C&M boss while Williamson was recently installed as first team coach at Kura-Pellandi giants United Trilan – but the CAMAFA have still struggled to attract CMSC bosses to give up their positions mid-season to go on a jaunt that will last a matter of weeks, if that. Indeed, domestic managers have been increasingly hostile to this tournament all round, and no more so than this year with many clubs set to loose some key players for the championship and relegation run-ins.

Besides the unexpected involvement of Dixon, Sbaïz and Virta et al, fans have pointed to the setting of the matches as a major boost for C&M. They are no strangers to the Jader Barbahlo Stadium, where all four of C&M’s group matches will take place, and will be hoping that the arena proves lucky for them yet again – and that the locals aren’t bored stiff of the now-traditional Candelariasian invasion. “Of course, this may be the last time we have to bother the good people of Starblaydia,” Le Lan joked. “Presumably if we win the championship three times we get to keep it!”

Optimistic fans and pundits have also pointed to what they consider a relatively weak group, but Le Lan has been keen to knock down such assertions. “Yes, I’m obviously pleased to avoid the likes of Starblaydia and the Han, and given our sporting rivalries the form book always goes out of the window when we play the Sortherners or Kura-Pelland. But we really must be wary of overconfidence. Yes, the Territories have a very young side as well, but they’ve shown in World Cup qualifying and the Harmony that they can compete. It’s not as though they’re total virgins like some of the other teams over here. Y’know, as ever at the DBC there’s going to be plenty of scouts from all the major domestic leagues here to try and spot some talent, and make no mistake – those Fujisawan kids will be high on their lists of targets come the final.

“Equally, we all know what Milchama can do. With all respect to Donnelly and his boys, they were a different class in that game last night and lest we forget that the Milchamans are the only team to have beaten us in the last two tournaments here as well. We can’t discount Taeshan either. They did say they wanted to be in our group, for some reason, and they’ve got their wish. I know we beat them four-one last time around, but their squad’s got a lot of experience and they’re nothing if not unpredictable.”

The lowliest team in the group on the other hand are the complete unknowns of Kosovoe. “I don’t recognise them,” Le Lan admitted sheepishly. “But then who does?”

"Bloody hell man, have you seen that wicked draw the mini Marauders got over in Starblaydia Kuris?"

"No, of course I havn't read this mornings paper, someone has been keeping the entire thing to themselves. Now I wonder who that could be, do you know Parid?"

"Oh, sorry bout that yeah. Here you go."

Parid hands over the paper to a rather tired looking Kuris who seems just as likely to use the paper as a pillow than to read it. Deciding it was time to finally get up and begin a productive day, Kuris opened up the paper to most popular section in the country, the sports section.

"Bloody hell indeed, freaking the hosts and the Han? Think those Starblaydians are trying to get revenge for that game a few years ago when we knocked them out?"

"I unno, but dang those lads and lasses are going to need to be sharp. Roki is going to have his hands full just trying to make sure they are one of the two teams that make it through the group, much less try to win a championship. Tell you one thing though, if they do make it through, they ought to be more battle tested than anyone they would meet in the knockouts, that's for sure."

"Yeah, I tend to agree with you. I just hope that this Soler girl is half as good a player as her father was a coach. I heard that he was a pretty decent player himself, but I never did get around to watching him perform whilst he still wore the kit instead of managing them."

"Well, if anyone knows how good the kids of footballers usually turn out to be, it's us. Just look at how great of players Kiso Night and Dwier Titenburg Jr have turned out to be. I think with Roki's guidance, they might just have a chance at keeping up with past performances."

"We'll see. Anyways, we better get off to work before Ilkani goes and has a fit."

"Oh yea, and then we'll have to go and endure another one of his "The country doesn't work if you don't do your job" speeches. I know we're a dang country where nearly everyone is employed by the government and we do the work just to keep things moving, Elune knows what we would accomplish if we actually got our wages, but you'd think the old bat would let us be a a few minutes late every now and then."

"That's those old ones who were around during the oppression for you. Always paranoid and always making sure no one is idle, but I guess he has a point. Better off doing the country a service than letting a person like the Forsaken* ever get power again."

* Refers to a dictactor who abolished the Senate and Military Council during his reign of terror and oppression

Popayen U21 Sqaud
Basic Info
Highest Finish in DBC:3rd
Top Goalscorer:Arthur Maranesi (10 Goals)
Best Result:4-0 Vs Lovisa
Biggest Loss:3-1 Vs St.Samuel
Kit
Purple Top
Purple and Red Shorts (Half)
Purple and Red Socks (Stripped)
or
All Yellow Kit

Changes from last time:
Nearly a whole new squad this time, but the talent is still their and with an increased public spending in sports, the U21 side has seen improvments in its training facilities

Manager:
Edward Jenkins-Manager of succesful Premia Club Seafare Sealions, Jenkins was appointed to the role of U21 manager after Freddy Fellows stepped down due to personal reasons. Jenkins is a good motivating coach who always looks on the best side of things and so the team has good morale. Jenkins has lead the Sealions to 3 PFA cups in 5 seasons and is used to pressure. Jenkins himself played in the U21 squad when he was younger but didn't show amazing potenital.

Squad
Goalkeepers
1-Rupert Faith, 16-Seafare Sealions
13-Thomas Becklin. 18-Warickshire Warriors

Defenders
2-Clive Jones, 18-Angus & Co
4-Edward Hanning, 18- Seafare Sealions
3-Oliver Kettering, 20-Popay City
6-Jamie Brooks, 20-Yumtaro FC
5-Kenny Brooks, 16-Popay City
16-Craig Johnman, 21-Jenwood City

Midfeilders
7-Craig Johnson, 16-Popay United
18- Kim Jung-Sui, 20-Popay United
8-Darren King, 21-Valeton
11-Danny Watts, 20-Popay Albion FC
16-Paul Davis, 17-Yumtaro FC
9-Tommy Jones, 20-Popay City
15-Kenji Takemori, 16-Angus & Co

Strikers
10-Collin Jones, 21-Nazzerati FC
19-James Black, 16-Nazzerati FC
23-Ian Williams, 20-Nazzerati FC

OOC:The people on the top of the list are prodominatly left footed, while the people on the bottom are more right footed. E.G Johnson, is a left footed player, while his Takemori, is a right footed player.

Normal Line Up
GK:Rupert Faith
DL:Edward Hanning
DC:Oliver Kettering
DC:Jamie Brooks
DR:Kenny Brooks
ML:Craig Johnson
MC:Darren King
MC:Kim Jung-Sui (c)
MR:Kenji Takemori
SK:James Black
SK:Ian Williams

Key Players:
Kenji Takemori; Kim Jung-Sui; James Black

"Alright lads, I've got some bad news for you."

"ARGH, THE PLANES GONNA CRASH, WE'RE DOOMED, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T LET THE PLANE CRASH MARGARET!"

"Will you shut up please Derek? And please shut up about your fear of plane crashes. Look at those kids over there. They're crying because of you and their parents are coming other to have angry words with me, and everyone else is looking at us weird. For fecks sake Derek, don't start shouting about plane crashes in the middle of an airport."

"Sorry boss, what's the news then?"

"Well it seems some government idiot back in Sorthern Northland cancelled all our passports whilst we were in the air. This means we cannot fly back and we're not allowed into Starblaydia."

"So?"

"So we're not allowed outside of this airport. If we do we get arrested by Starblaydia."

"So what do we do?"

"Well just wait I guess."

"Hey it's like that film."

"Which film?"

"Castaway."

"How is it like Castaway?"

"Well we stranded and lost."

"Yes, he was stranded on a desert island with no food, we're stuck in an airport surrounded by places selling food."

"Well if it's not like Castaway, what film is it like?"

"I'd say The Terminal."

"The Terminal?"

"Yeah guy flys to US and A, his passport becomes invalid in the air, he's not allowed to leave the airport, he flirts with stewardesses."

"Well I can see one or two similarities but I think it's more like Castaway."

"Your an idiot."

"Hold on stewardesses? We can flirt with them, I'm off."

"Oi you get back 'ere now. You can harass the stewardesses later."

"What about the football, are we gonna play our game here?"

"Well hopefully, the Starblaydi officials will allow us out of the airport for the games, although I imagine we'd be followed by a squad of immigration officials but other than that we're stuck in this airport."

"Right well, I'm off to flirt with the stewardesses then."

"No your not, we have a game tomorrow. We need to train."

"What? Here?"

"What's wrong with here?"

"It's the terminal building of an airport."

"Yes well in case you weren't listening we're not allowed out of the airport. So where do you suggest we train? Out on the airfield?"

"Well no but..."

"Good then get on with it. Hernandez, Waywide, leave those stewardesses alone, they're trying to do their jobs for fecks sake. Good day ladies, sorry about those idiots, I hope you have a good day."

Matchday 1 Results
Group A
Agroprom 0-0 Elves Security Forces
Kresslor 2-3 Daehanjeiguk

Group B
Krytenia 2-2 Jeruselem
Newmanistan 4-2 Sorthern Northland

Group C
Fujisawan Territories 0-3 Candelaria And Marquez
Kosovoe 2-3 Milchama

Group D
Blouman Empire 2-1 Cafundeu
Ruskastan 2-1 Lovisa

Group A
1 - Daehanjeiguk (15)
2 - Elves Security Forces (2)
3 - Agroprom (30)
4 - Starblaydia (5)
5 - Kresslor (30)

MD1: Kresslor 2-3 Daehanjeiguk
MD2: Starblaydia --- Daehanjeiguk
MD3: Daehanjeiguk --- Agroprom
MD4: BYE
MD5: Daehanjeiguk --- Valanora

The Crown Prince's Journal - MD1

(ooc: I'm not going to spend my time typing this out in Chinese and then transposing it here, because it takes effort to find a computer on campus that will type in Chinese - so take my English translation for what it's worth)

We played Kresslor today. And we won. It was that simple.

Well, if it were that simple, that's all that I would need to say, but this is a report for the Emperor, so it is necessary for me to write a longer report.

We began the match dominating every aspect of the match. Defense was strong and the midfield played out a good fight whenever the ball came there. And our offense was making shots from far out on target. Unfortunately, their goalkeeper was a stingy keeper, and unapparently very good. Out of the 20 shots that we got in the first half, only one went by him, and that's because he had blocked about 3 shots before Seol Gihyeon managed to break the ranks and force the ball into the net. It was a late 39th minute goal that put us up. Coach Yu was happy to see the result of nearly 45 minutes of shooting balls had yielded something. But the convict guy - I don't know how he got here, but he creeps me out. And talking to some of my teammates, they don't like him either. He whacks everyone with a stick. And granted he would never whack me, I still don't like the idea that he could.

We had a good talk about making better chances at offense, so we tried a new arrangement. At the half, Coach Yu put me in for Shin (Hyeiseong), and I was excited to put on the uniform for the first time. And when we started, I was quite surprised at how physical the game really is. I was run down by two players fighting for the ball, and while I tried to dispute the play with the referee, he gave me a yellow card for arguing and the two Kresslor players managed to score on Yi Jeongyeol. Well, at the kick-off again, I ran into the same two players, who again ran me down. I was going to complain to the referee again, but An (Changho) told me not to worry about it. He explained the mechanics of the game to me in that little moment before they scored again. He said: "Prince, if you're going to play this game, you have to realize that some people are going to be douchebags and probably deserve to rot in Hell forever. And the referee probably won't care either. But you play on, and try doing something to them that's completely legal and gets you satisfaction too."

I tried that idea again, and taking the ball, I kicked to ball at one of the Kresslor player's head. He fell back, apparently not expecting the blow. And I went around them. We moved up the line and I passed a neat through ball to Yi Eunju. He turned and made a brilliant shot, but the keeper made an equally impressive save. It was that way for a long time. I remember coming down the side about 10 minutes later, and making a nice cross, the keeper came out and knocked the ball out to play. By that time, I had realized that we were down by one goal, and if things continued this way, we would possibly lose the match altogether. So I tried something desperate. Off a goal kick, I decided to run out and tackle the ball out and charged the goalkeeper. He naturally came out to meet me, but I instead knocked the ball neatly on his forehead. He managed to blocked my shot, but it went up and over his body. I leaped into the sky and headed the ball into the net. Of course, the ball went in, but the referee was on the verge of giving me a card because I had managed to land on the goalkeeper. Wang Dong, who has played for the Imperial Team, defended my action on my behalf, saying that I had made a clean shot and that there was no possibility to prevent the fall from something like that. Besides that, the goalkeeper was fine and no one else was complaining except for the Kresslor team captain. I shook hands with the goalkeeper, who muttered something to me. I couldn't understand it, but it sounded something like - "That was a good one." Of course, with my naivety, he probably said, "Jerk."

Well, we had a equal scoreline, and my desperate call seemed to bolster the attack once again. I was tired after that run, but I had the competent feet of my teammates to help keep me in the game. Seol Gihyeon made another shot on goal, but as always, the Kresslor goalkeeper got the first touch and knocked it out. He knocked it straight to me, and I headed it back to Kim Mihyeon, who flipped back and sidekicked the ball to the goal. The keeper missed for the first time, and the ball ricocheted off the post into the net. And that the third goal, that put us up 3-2. We were carrying Kim (Mihyeon) around on our shoulders, happy to be back in the game after my two errors nearly cost us the match.

When the match ended, I asked Coach Yu not to put me in the next match. I had heard about what happened last year against Starblaydia, and I know that it's going to be a tough match. He nodded and said, "You did very well. I thought it was a mistake, but you did very very well."

(ooc: Starblaydia, what are your drinking age laws, if you have any?)

Well, I had my first cap, my first goal, and pretty much my first everything else too. I was happy to be part of this team, and I know that sometime in the near future, we'll be open enough to call each other friends. I know my father won't like it, but this is what I feel the Empire needs - an Emperor who involves himself in his people's affairs and does what his people does. I hope that I may have a similar chance in the future to play for the Imperial Han squad in the World Cup itself too, but that's far in the future, probably after my father abdicates in favor of me. I hope that's not too near in the future though - he has a lot of stress from work, and I'd hate to have that. but someone's got to do it, I suppose.

李泰坤


Goal Scorers
1- Kim Mihyeon, Seol Gihyeon, Yi Taegon

Holy Crap! Agroprom Draw!

The street party in Rostok is still going here in Agroprom, thousands of people clogging the arteries of the nations capital after the Under 21 football team played a miraculous game of football to secure their first point in their first ever game. The trip to the cup had been eventful for the Agroprom team - flights delayed, the manager himself not arriving until an hour before the first game.

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/07/11/wbSOCCERitaly_wideweb__470x322,0.jpg
Fans After the Game

This caused several press conferences to be cancelled, but the show went on, and quite a show it was. Broadcast across the nation into well over one thousand bars, three town squares and a football stadium, Agroprom is alit this evening with flares, strobes and fireworks, as a small nation celebrates its draw with one of the best teams in the world.

We talked to manager Andrius Velička after the game:

Reuters Agroprom: Andrius, excellent result!
Andrius Velička, slightly drunk: Brilliant! Fantastic! Amazing!
Reuters: What did you think of the team this evening?
Velička: They played exactly as we wanted them to. Kept their cool, played well.
Reuters: How does it feel to have drawn with such a team?
Velička: Excellent. I mean, it keeps me in a job. And I get a bonus!
Reuters: And how are the team taking it?
Velička: Last I saw Rodchenko was throwing up in a bucket and Nikitin had got lost while crowd surfing. Thats what you get when your sponsored by a beer company!
Reuters: We hope to talk to you again after the next game. Thankyou.

Mr Velička proceeds to wander off into the crowd, before falling into a bush.

And now, we have our resident sports commentator to comment on the days game:

The Last Stand
by Gorbail Hormanov

The Last Stand. Sounds like a dodgy pub or the name of an alley in old town Rostok. In fact, there probably is one. And its almost a guarantee that theres a drunk Agroprom supporter being sick in both right now - this is a massive result for Agroprom, one that will elevate their morale to heights never seen before. Which wouldn't be difficult, as this was their first international match. Amazed by this result, turn out to future matches is looking to be massive. In fact, after the game, all available Agroprom tickets for the next game against Daehanjeiguk were sold out in minutes.

Score

Elves Security Forces 0 - 0 Agroprom

Leonid Pasternak, AGP, 56 minutes
Ecante Redias, ESF, 79 minutes

The Team:

GK - Ivan Nikitin - 9
DF - Leonid Pasternak - 6 - Sub off 83 minutes
DF - Vasily Perov - 7
DF - Kuzma Petrov - 8
DF - Vasily Polenov - 7
MF - Liubov Popova - 8
MF - Charles Radoff - 5 - Sub off 45 minutes
MF - Ilya Repin - 6
ST - Nicholas Roerich - 6
ST - Svetoslav Roerich - 5 - Sub off 72 minutes
ST - Fyodor Rokotov - 6

MF - Konstantin Rodko - 9 - Sub on 45 minutes
ST - Konstantin Savitsky - 7 - Sub on 72 minutes
DF - Serge Poliakoff - 6 - Sub on 83 minutes

Starting Formation: 4-3-3
Starting Weather: Overcast
Team Ratings in Red - 0 Morbid, 6 Average, 10 Excellent

Kick off, and already the nerves were showing for an obviously terrified Agroprom team. In a 4-3-3 formation, the idea was to put a surprising amount of pressure on ESF from the start. Unfortunately, the opposite occured. The ESF teams offensive tactis put pressure on the Agroprom defense right from the get go, and for the first ten minutes it was clear ESF was about to drive an arrow right through the back four. It happened after twelve minutes. Luna and Thial carried out some amazing link up play deep in the Agroprom half, with Thial providing a driving cross to Number 9, Love, which was flicked narrowly round the post by a diving save from Nikitin. The ensuing corner was threatening as well, as Soler almost got on the end of a masterful Thial cross. The pressure was maintained for most of the first half hour, and just before the break the Agroprom woodwork was hammered from afar as Luna again ran rings around the Agroprom defence before firing a shot from just outside the box, which smacked the upright before being belted away by the leg of Perov. The defence continued to hold out until the half time break, as Agroprom retreated to their changing room to regroup.

http://www.football.co.uk/shared/images/teams/full_squad/ukraine_squad.jpg
The Team Before the Game

The teams reemerged for the second half, ESF looking to press the advantage and fire one into the Agroprom net. As of the first half, Agroprom had only managed one shot which had gone high and wide, and things did not look well. Manager Velička had adopted a 4-3-1-2 formation similar to that of ESF, hoping to strengthen the midfield. From the kick off, it seemed to have worked. On 52 minutes, a long ball from Petrov met a fantastic first touch from Roerich who was now playing attacking midfield, leaving Rokotov through on goal. The striker tried to loft it over the keeper, meeting the top of the goal by inches. Needless to say, the game was definately now more balanced. The second half involved a lot of to-ing and fro-ing, as counter attack followed attack. Both teams were evidently beginning to tire, starting with a shabby high tackle from Pasternak on 56 minutes and followed by a late arrival on Rodko from Redias on 79 minutes. The last moments of the game were described by one casual fan as "five minutes of what-the-****-was happening?!" - the end to end action confusing some of Agroproms more simple punters.

At one end, Soler was through on goal and certain to score thanks to a goregous through ball by Argaul if it weren't for a last minute tackle from Petrov. The young Agroprom international then hit a long ball straight to the feet of Poliakoff, who hit a screamer of a shot that was only stopped by the diving hand of ESF keeper Rosell. Another few moments of long balls and full out sprinting and the final whistle blew, 0 - 0. The Agroprom team was elated, happy to have had so many chances in their first game. ESF, possibly less so, but it must be considered that a point is a point. Needless to say, football has definately had a boost in Agroprom thanks to this result - just think, even if the team crumbles from here on out, theres still something special to look forward to.

Gorbail Hormanov, live from the U21 World Cup

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WIN GLOBAL DEBUT

Hallad City, Starblaydia- All of the anticipation leading up to the game, wondering just how Newmanistan’s first ever game on the world stage would go ends up with the most satisfying result. A 4-2 victory over Sorthern Northland, the 13th seed, perhaps leaving the Northerners wishing they were still at the airport.

It was a game that most people expected to be wide open with the highly offensive systems of both clubs, and it was true to form. Concerns about how the Rockets would be able to fare against a higher level of competition were answered quickly as they were not only able to run with the Northerners, but dictated the tempo of play early in the game. The opening goal came in the 8th minute when Shawn Drummond made a SN defender look like he had a few too many, smoothly dribbling the ball around him before depositing the ball in the top righthand corner. Brian Rafferty was credited with an assist on the play. Just four minutes later, the Rockets struck again, this time Drummond getting the assist on a give-and-go play with fellow striker Jeremy McAllister. McAllister got the keeper to cheat to the left, and then placed it perfectly in the same top right corner that Drummond had earlier victimized the keeper on. Drummond attributed the quick start to the teams game preparation. “We wanted to get on them quickly,” Drummond said of the plan, “we knew if we got an early lead, we could frustrate them quite a bit.” Frustrate they did, as with a 2-goal lead, the Rockets went into a conservative mode, and led to two Sorthern Northland yellow cards for rough tackles, one to Murawani in the 30th minute, then the other to Halford in the 35th. Late in the first half, the Northerners reminded us all why they were the 13th seed with Lee Waywide making it 2-1 in the 44th minute.

At halftime, Brian Carson made sure the Northerners would not carry the momentum into the second half. “As we know, getting a late goal like that can really be a big boost to the team that scored it, so my message to the team was pretty simple in just to remind them how well we played. Corey was a little disappointed to lose be beaten late in the half, but he got his composure back real quick.” It was a good thing, because Sorthern Northland came out on an all-out attack in the second half, forcing Hennis to make several bigtime saves. The massive SN surge was exploited on the counter attack by Billy Cerullo along the right wing with a great run, beating the defense, staying onside, and then beating the keeper in the bottom right to make it 3-1 Rockets in the 51st minute. The Northerners responded with a 60th minute goal, before the Rockets put the game away on McAllister’s second of the game at the 81 minute mark. The goal was pretty similar to the second goal of the game, with Drummond and McAllister making some smooth passes before McAllister put it away in the top left. The scoreline read 4-2, and that’s how it would end sending the Rockets fans into mass jubilation. Yes, the Sorthern Northland fans won’t be the only ones drinking tonight, and the Newmanistan fans should find their drinks tasting quite a bit sweeter after the big win. This result, coupled with another stunning group final, Jeruselem only able to draw with Krytenia, puts Newmanistan at the top of the table. For at least one game, anyway. Players were obviously very excited to win their first game at the global level, as evidenced in the following post-game remarks:

Brooker: “Man, this is just awesome! Those guys didn’t give us much respect, they thought they could just stagger in here and walk away with three points, well guess what, they get none!”

Morton: “Doesn’t get any better then this. We still got a lot left to do, but to open with a win against a quality opponent is a great feeling. I really enjoyed being able to play in Starblaydia, and to win here, and just hope to continue on doing so!”

Rafferty: “I think they were ready for us, I just think our speed, particularly up front was something that they just could not match. We’ll soak in some of the Starblaydian nightlife tonight, but we came here to do more then just win one game. Jeruselem will be tough, and hungry since they only drew today.”

McAllister: “Shawn (Drummond) and I clicked real well together. Playing next to him is a lot fun, and especially at this level. This is a great start!”

Carson (manager): “The boys did a great job today. We controlled the tempo for most of this game, and that maybe our opponent wasn’t quite prepared for it. Sorthern Northland is a good side though, and they will bounce back. It was a great first opponent for us, seeing how loose they were, even when they were behind. It will help us be relaxed, just go out there and have fun. We’ll enjoy the night, but we have more work to do here. We got some motivated monks coming up.”

Coming up next, we will preview the upcoming Newmanistan-Jeruselem matchup. Here’s today’s boxscore from Hallad City:



NEWMANISTAN 4
Drummond (8') Assist- Rafferty
McAllister (12', 81') Assist- Drummond on both
Cerullo (51')

SORTHERN NORTHLAND 2
Waywide (44')
Hernandez (60')

Bookings:
NEWMANISTAN:
Brooker, YC, 58'

SORTHERN NORTHLAND:
Murawani, YC, 30'
Halford, YC, 35'
Clareton, YC, 86'

Jeruselem's monks had just finished their game against Krytenia. The young Friars were a bit match weary, not having played a real game before. The coach who was also a Friar tried gee up his boys
"OK, not bad. Well it is your first game. But we can do better. I know it's hard with those people watching - and you're not used to it. And most of those people don't actually support us, but just ignore them. Just run out and play football. It looks like hard work, and it is. We want to show Orthodox monks from Jeruselem can play football. The Jewish team set a standard and we've got to uphold it. So, boys ... I want you to show more next game. God gave you talent, so use it. We've seen our brothers at the World Cup 39, but it's our turn now. Remember, we're not playing for our leaders or nation but also our God. Everytime we go out there, we're working towards our spirtual enlightenment."

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS HOPE TO CARRY MOMENTUM

Tabeck, Starblaydia- Fresh off a win over Sorthern Northland, the Empire now faces a most formidable task as they get set to line up against the 3rd seeded Jeruselem club, a group of highly talented monks. At face value, it’s very impressive when you think about it. Here is a roster full of some of the most religiously devoted young men you’ll ever meet. On top of that, they are talented enough, that Jeruselem leadership saw fit to overhaul their roster, despite their ranking, to have them represent their great nation. The story of one man is quite amazing. Known simply as Friar Jake, this 20-year old midfielder has plays with an artificial leg, something that particularly peaked the interest of Rockets defender Steve Secrist, offering his next opponent a huge compliment, “The story of Friar Jake is heart-warming. Growing up with a disabled brother, I can only imagine all the hard work that man has gone through to represent one of the world’s greatest footballing nations. I know his strong faith has had a lot to do with it. I absolutely commend him. But for 90 minutes tomorrow, that won’t matter. He wears the other color jersey, so I will do what it takes.” Fellow defender Tony Borsinger, who leads the team in a prayer before the game admires the combination of Jeruselem’s faith and soccer skill, “They’ve been blessed with great talent. I admire Jeruselem, as well as The Archregmincy (not in this tournament) for maintaining their faith and beliefs on the pitch, as well as off of it. If we ever play The Archregminacy, I will gladly sit and listen to their long national anthem. But God does not take sides in football. He simply gives us the talents that we possess to compete at this level.”

Manager Brian Carson doesn’t need a whole bunch of bulletin board material to get his boys up for this game. The win over Sorthern Northland proved to the team that they could play at this level, and even though Jeruselem is a stronger opponent, there is a new air of confidence surrounding this team. He also knows that Jeruselem has plenty of reason to want to win this game, beyond the obvious. A loss, or even a draw to the Rockets would give them just 1 or 2 points against the groups “lesser” teams, with both Popay and Sorthern Northland still to go. Our Clint Peterson again spoke with Carson about the match.

CP: Congratulations on the win over Sorthern Northland. How much time did you guys have to savor it?

BC: I gave them the rest of the night. We’re on a business trip right now, and there is still plenty of work to be done. Fun and games will come when the business part of it is over. There will be time. Just not now.

CP: How much confidence does the win give your squad for the rest of the tournament?

BC: It gives us a lot of confidence, but I think we felt pretty good going into the tournament anyway. We now know that we can win, and starting the competition off with three points allows us to set our sights right now on the bigger prize, which begins with advancing out of this group. I think seeing Sorthern Northland being as relaxed as they were helped out too. We don’t need to be nervous. How many people in Starblaydia expect Newmanistan to advance out of this group?

CP: Very few I would imagine.

BC: Exactly, there’s really no pressure on us. Whatever the odds the bookies placed on teams, I’m sure we were one of the longest shots on the board.

CP: Up next is the predicted top team in the Jeruselem, who needs to rebound after only tying Krytenia. Is Newmanistan in the wrong place at the wrong time for this one?

BC: I think too many people are treating their draw as them having not played well. I don’t really see it that way. Krytenia played a real hard fought game, and showed a lot of heart and character in the match to force the draw. It just shows how much talent there is in this group. Whoever advances from the group will have definitely earned it and will be very well tested for the knockout stages. As for the second part of that, I don’t really think so. We expected them to be a tough opponent, and that they will be.

CP: That’s all the time we have today. Thanks Brian, and good luck.

BC: Thank you.

(ooc: Starblaydia, what are your drinking age laws, if you have any?)

18 is the legal age, though it is common for parents to introduce alcohol to their children at home, over dinner for example, when they are younger. Under-18s found drinking in public will have their alcohol confiscated, destroyed and will be give a Police Reprimand, which stays as a minor criminal offense on a person's public record until they are 21. The offenses are effectively wiped clean after this date, but for future criminal offenses over the age of 21, their Under-21 record is taken also into account.

Starblaydia is a former (recent) tyrannical police state, and the Justice system is struggling to come to terms with the fact it has far less powers than before, as well as far fewer things they can arrest, imprison and generally brutalise people for.

Nobuo Iwahashi: You’re watching Matchday Live on the Territorial Sports News Network. I’m Nobuo Iwahashi.

Izukoza Yoko: And I’m Izukoza Yoko.

NI: So, we’re but a year away from World Cup 40 qualifying. The last time we were on the international stage in zeokit, in the Cup of Harmony, we were just on the verge of qualifying for the second stage but didn’t quite make it. Most Fujisawans are ready for another international competition, and that’s where the 4th Di Bradini Cup comes in.

IY: Yes, and I think a solid team has been selected.

NI: So let’s take a look at the team. Starting with goalkeepers Sakura Jo from Hoji Metropolitan High School for the Deaf, Ichizo Yoshino of Hoji High School, and Teika Kenegawa of Mid Island High School.

IY: Defenders are Benkei Na’akahara of Coastal Atsuzai High School, Kito Yasuda of Fujiyaba High School, Monzaemon Aizawa from the University of Hoji, Kosho Fujita of Territory Bay High School, Kunihiko Horigome of Hoji High School, Buncho Kate of Ienari High School, and Neizen Yamazaki of Atezu Bay University.

NI: Midfielders are Ginko Kawaii of Iwosaka High School, Deanna Distefano of Friendship Catholic Academy, Kenzan Go of Okahura High School, Sozen Kiski of West Atlantis High School, Tsunesuburo Kinashita of Atezu Bay University, Kenji Bunya of Hoji Metropolitan High School, and Juri Kono of Ienari High School.

IY: And, finally we have forwards Kimiko Hasegawa from the Territorial Air Force Academy, Toshio Ichimonji of UH, Shojiro Takemago of Magiku High School, Junko Tawaraya of Yukino Kawa High School, Sozui Ko of Lesser Antilles University at Hoji, and Iwaosui Kageki from the University of Tijuku.

NI: Jo starts at goalkeeper, Na’akahara, Yasuda, and Aizawa are the starting defenders, Kawaii, Distefano, and Go start as midfielders, and the starting forwards are Hasegawa, Ichimonji, Takemago, and Tawaraya. Izukoza, your thoughts overall on the team?

IY: I think it’s a really diverse team, one that faces a lot of adversity. The face really of this team is goalkeeper Sakura Jo. Deaf since birth, she has a different life perspective than most of us, and she adds a touch of uniqueness to our side. But it’s very courageous to represent your country at that age with a disability, and that is inspirational. I think the diversity in an odd way works to bond the team together, knowing that we’re all Fujisawans. Kimiko Hasegawa is in the Territorial Air Force Academy being trained to fly fighter jets for the Territorial Air Superiority Force. I think it’s great to see Sozen Kiski and Shojiro Takemago representing West Atlantis and Magiku respectively. It’s about time that the poorest areas of the Territories get recognition and time in the limelight. I look at Deanna Distefano. She’s the oldest daughter of World Cup 39 qualifying head coach Stepehn Distefano, and the only half Fujisawan on the team, as her mother, Atsuko Distefano-Honda is full blood Fujisawan. So, there’s a lot of diversity and all kinds of background represented, but in the end, we’re all Fujisawan and we all share the Territories and I think that’s the underlying theme.

NI: Well said. There’s a few spots of concern that I have. Namely, Ginko Kawaii has been very injury prone throughout her high school career, but has the raw skill and is deserving of a spot on this team. This team in general has relative inexperience on the international level, and that could pose big problems to be frank. One last thing is coach Jotaro Komine is untested on any level, so we’re really I think heading nowhere fast.

IY: It’s like coach Distefano told us in World Cup qualifying, we’re here for the experience.

NI: Yes, exactly. We can’t expect much. It’s our first time in the Di Bradini Cup, which brings us to that 3-0 loss to Candelaria And Marquez in the opener. You do know that we can’t avoid that, right?

IY: Yes, well Candelaria And Marquez are ranked number one after all, what did you expect?

NI: Well, Candelaria And Marquez dominated the entire game from beginning to end. We never really stood a chance from the get-go. We have a bye during matchday two, and hopefully some adjustments can be made and we can only hope for a better match against Milchama.

IY: You think the Territories, and even the Mainland for that matter can get behind this team, or do you think everybody is behind the senior side?

NI: No, I think this can really take off in the Territories. It’s sparking interest for a whole new generation, which is good. The only problem is we have no experience to draw from, and nothing to compare to, so in the meantime, we’re going to have to get used to ugly losses, and hopefully we can build up a team that the islands can fall in love with.

IY: Yes, and hopefully, some of these players end up on future World Cup qualifying teams. I hope this is a launching point for the next stage in their zeokit careers.

NI: Are you thinking about World Cup 40 at all? A lot of people have said your World Cup 39 qualifying injury has lowered your stock, and raised questions about your ability to stay healthy. Are you back and ready?

IY: Yeah, it was a bad break. I think everyone’s been making a big deal about it because it’s not the first time I’ve broken my ankle, I’ve actually broken it three other times, so that’s why I think everyone is questioning whether I can make it back. After surgery, I was on crutches with my leg in a cast for nine weeks, and it took a little longer to heal than I was hoping, but I’m really satisfied with the medical care I got in St Samuel and back at home in the Territories, and I’m okay now. In between, I’ve been busy outside of zeokit, too. I’ve opened up two restaurants- Romi’s Ocean Steakhouse, and Yoko’s, which is a sports bar and grill- so I have been busy as a budding restaurateur. I’m also a joint owner of Samoan Sam’s Salmon Steakhouse in downtown Hoji. Of course, you know I’ve been doing match commentary for TSNN for a while now. So really, if I get selected for World Cup 40 qualifying, I’ll go, but if not, I’ll go where life takes me.

NI: You must like steak.

IY: Yes, I do.

NI: What’s good at Samoan Sam’s?

IY: I recommend the Firecracker Salmon, it is to die for with it’s hot, fiery flavor.

NI: That’s great that you’ve got all that going for you. I just hope these young talented Fujisawan players can be as successful as you.

IY: Oh, they can, they can. It all starts here.

NI: Thoughts on the Milchama match?

IY: It’s going to be rough. I don’t expect we’ll win, but, I hope we can at least play as one team and do our country proud that way.

NI: I agree...only time will tell how we do...

THE EMPIRE TIMES

U21's Win First Game

The U21's or the eaglets as they are know won their first game today against top ranked Cafundu, which has placed the empire on top of the table. The game was very much a midfield battle for the first 45 minutes with both sides switching possession in the mid third, however, both teams did manage to get a few shots off at each other but no team managed to find the back of the net. In the 55th minute Christopher Speed managed to break the drought after a pass from newly appointed captain Martin Fox, both players showing their international experience to the crowd with Fox scoring the second goal after a cross from Ross Millsop. Canfundu managed to score a consolation goal in the 90th minute with Gilberto Lacerda taking a shot 19 yards out into the top left hand corner. Manager Jack Copper was happy with the win and stated that he believes that after today's performance the team can go on to win this tournament.

Martin Fox was made Captain 5 minutes before the game due to his experience as a leader not only as Captain for the Newgate reserve team but also on the leadership team for Newgate and during his time when he was Vice Captain for the Empires international team, Richard Moaninton was named Vice Captain due to his leadership qualities and his previous international experience. The next match day the eaglets have a bye and then will be playing Lovisa, the team plans on using this bye to do a light training session as well as some relaxation which will be need for the coming games

The Gassett Candelariasian Online>Sport>In Brief

Le Lan’s learners open with commanding victory The Small Blues began their second Di Bradini Cup title defence last night with a surprisingly simple three points against the Fujisawan Territories.

Andy Le Lan’s youngsters had previously been advised not to take the Lesser Antilles outfit lightly following some impressive performances in the Cup of Harmony; Wally Milton, the Hopeless SC and KT Hotspur midfielder whose national team narrowly took a point from the Shaojin Warriors days ago, naming them as one of the most unfortunate teams of the tournament after three draws cost them a place in the knock-out stages. But in Jhanna it quickly became evident that their younger colleagues were not quite ready to step up to the international plate, while C&M produced a dominant performance that sent out a warning to the Cup’s nineteen other competitors.

Indeed, the scoreline arguably flattered the competition newcomers, who were greatly reliant on sixteen year-old goalkeeper Sakura Jo. In promoting young female players to the starting XI at least, the Fujisawan footballing powers-that-be have the edge over their Candelariasian counterparts; and her obvious talent shown was enough to suggest an extremely bright future is on the cards for the Hoji schoolgirl. Her performance was all the more remarkable given her life-long deafness, though she is far from alone in the ranks of the great hearing-impaired international footballers; our own Jack Marshall, a star of the previous DBC, having also been merely one in an impressive array of such individuals – with the former Rejistania having particularly excelled in this area in decades past.

Showing none of the tentativity expected of a team playing their first game together; C&M looked impressively fluid and willing to dictate the play, though the killer passes were frequently going awry as the attackers struggled for communication. Austin Lewis had the first real chance on the tenth minute, but struck his shot well wide after Nic Percy’s unselfish lay-off and ironically, for all their possession the opener was provided thanks to the Vephrese referee’s hesitancy. A melee in the Fujisawan box could easily have resulted in a C&M penalty, with replays showing that Kita Yasunda had clearly handled a Christian Sattler effort while Benkei Na’akahara was certainly guilty of shirt-pulling even if Jason Federici toppled to the ground a tad easily. But the referee declined to blow up and Na’akahara was able to clear; though sadly for the Fujisawan supporters the ball came out only as far as Nathanial Stewart; the Jeruselem-based midfielder rifling a shot into the bottom left-hand corner just out of Jo’s reach.

Jo’s opposite number, Joel Sbaïz, had little to do in the first half with the C&M defence limiting the Fujisawans to set-piece opportunities and rapidly snuffed-out breakaways. The Small Blues’ attempts to extend their lead met with fine residence between the sticks however, with Jo providing a string of saves including a jaw-dropping tip-over of a Percy overhead kick.

Fujisawan spirits could have been forgiven for being crushed shortly before half-time, when Jamie González was played on-side by Na’akahara and held up the ball long enough for Federici to steam in and collect what Le Lan will be desperately hoping is the first of many goals in this competition. To the credit of the Fujisawan fans however, Keba Chiohosho Osa continued to boom out around the stadium throughout the interval, and the Territories came out with renewed vigour in the second half with Sbaïz tested for the first time by Junko Tawaraya and Jari Virta forced to clear off the line from Kenzan Go’s cross-shot.

Unfortunately for the assembled Fujisawans and Starblaydi neutrals the game was over as a contest soon after, with Arrigo Portuguese star González showing once again why he remains so highly rated; skilfully loosing his marker Na’akahara, receiving the ball from Lewis and taking only the barest of touches before firing low past Jo.

If the young ‘keeper was at all culpable for the third she soon made up for it once more, denying González a second and tipping a Lewis thunderbolt onto the roof of the net. C&M took the remaining twenty minutes more sedately, though the Fujisawan pressed on for a little longer and were unlucky not to pull a goal back through Kimiko Hasegawa’s diving header in stoppage time.

Generation X hits the spot C&M Under-21 manager Andy Le Lan believes that the results from the opening day of the fourth Di Bradini Cup suggest that the forthcoming Baptism of Fire could be the strongest since the thirty-sixth edition that provided seven of the thirty-two teams in the current World Cup finals. Ruskastan and Newmanistan both took impressive wins against more experienced rivals, while Agroprom held former cup champions and runners-up Eesseff to a draw and Kresslor were only narrowly beaten by the Han. <more>

Kate helpline swamped An 0800 number set up by the Samaritans yesterday has received in excess of five hundred thousand calls in the last twenty-four hours from fans of the former Jeruselemite Queen and international footballer Katherine Dallas, after her conviction of murder and subsequent permanent internment within a religious establishment. The Ministry for Health this morning granted doctors and social workers from across the Candelarias the right to take at least fourteen individuals into protective custody after a series of suicide threats from Ms. Dallas’ more obsessive Candelariasian supporters, though speaking to TTO’s Evening News last night Foreign Office minister Clare Hamilton praised the Eesseffian government for showing restraint and denied claims that her sentence contravened UN resolutions on religious freedoms and sexual privacy. <more>

Abbott About In the twenty-seventh part of his ongoing celebration of modern C&M’s socio-cultural diversity; Bill Abbott talks to Takashi Ishihara, Albrecht-born of Fujisawan ancestry, who now owns a small independent stationers in the town of Scruggs Picking nr Caires.

BA: Good afternoon, Takashi. So, it must have been an exciting occasion for you this morning. Where did you watch the game?

TI: Er, I was listening on the radio actually. I needed to do a stock-take, we were all out of highlighter pens, total nightmare!

BA: Oh, I can imagine. So, any divided loyalties?

TI: Well, not really. I like Stabilo Boss myself, they’re expensive but they don’t get blotchy even when they get quite old. You can’t go wrong with 5-Star though, and it’s a nice line width too.

BA: Good. What about the game, though?

TI: Yeah, I mean I think Grey Mendoza should’ve got in at left-back, but most of our kids are just too young. I bet your next year though there’ll be half a dozen Caires Sports youngsters in the squad.

BA: Right. So, you’ve been in this country all your life, but have you ever found it hard integrating into violently racist Anglo society? I bet you’ve got some horror stories!

TI: Well… O’course, yeah, but y’know times are different now, certainly up here in the north-east. You’re always going to get the odd comment about yer yellowness, but I can’t say I’ve ever let it get to me.

BA: Now, there’s not exactly many of you in the Candelarias. How easy has it been to find Fujisawan cuisine over here? And what about music? What does your community listen to at home?

TI: Uhm… Well, I can’t speak for Barry across the road or the Sannikovs next door, but I’m really liking the Kaiser Chiefs right now.

BA: Right. So, what about the rest of the tournament? You lost this game, but can the Territories sneak past Milchama or Taeshan to qualify?

TI: Yeah, look, I should point out I’m not actually Fujisawan or anything… I hadn’t heard of them before yesterday…

BA: Okay. But, since I’m doing this for telly as well, you couldn’t give us a GO SHAOJIN WARRIORS!!!, could you?

TI: Go Shaojin Warriors. Look, I’ve got a customer, so could you…?

BA: Oh, sorry, yes. Hello little boy. What’ve you got there? A protractor? Gosh. You know, when I was your age we had to use our elbows, yes…

"What the feck was that lads? Four two. Four two? You let them win?"

"Er coach, your standing in the way of that woman who's trying to get her bag."

"Bloo.. What? Oh sorry madam, here you go."

"No she wants her bag not your autograph."

"..."

"You were saying?"

"I was saying, Carl, that today's performance was unacceptable. You know when a team is most in danger of losing?"

"When they've spent most of the previous night in the bar at an airport because they can't sleep. At least that guy in The Terminal found a disused part of the airport to sleep in."

"No Carl, they are at they're most vulnerable when they have spent the previous night in a bar drinking all night because they are complacent."

"The whole airport thing doesn't help though."

"Well I'm not an immigration official, I can't do anything about that. We have to make the best of this situation."

"The best of? Get in there lads!"

"No Lee, I do not mean you go chatting up all the stewardesses here. Despite somehow scoring, your late night antics with those Sorthern Northland Airways in no way helped your performance."

"Hey check this out. I just got some Di Bradini Cup magazine from the newsagent over there, and apparently the team from Fujisawan Territories has school girls in it. Are they in our group?"

"Oh for fecks sake. Look Lee, don't even touch them ok? If you don't touch them, I don't care what you do with stewardesses, at least there's no chance of that being illegal."

"Anything else coach, I'd said at meet that stewardess from Sorthern Northland Airways in ten minutes."

"Right so dissapointing performance against Newmanistan today. They are ranked thirtieth so we should have beaten them. But that doesn't mean we get up our arses and think the game is won before it's even started. We have Popay up next and they are ranked sixth so if we go into that with the same attitude as the Newmanistan game then we will get our arses handed to us. We must win if we want to do anything in this competition, so we're going to have to put some serious training in. So report to the departure lounge in an hour for training. Anyone who doesn't might as well get on a plane and go home."

"Eh? I thought we were stuck in this airport and couldn't go home."

"It's a figure of speech Lee. And you better make sure your there and not with some stewardess."

Impressive Ocean Stars give solid Performance
An Impressive performance by Rasul Sa'id seals victory

20 year old Rasul Sa'id gave an impressive performance to seal the game for Ruskastan this evening against top ranked and highly favored Lovisa team. The Upset, capped by goals from Rasul Sa'id and Tawfiq Yanko, was an impressive first game victory for the Ocean Stars. "We just gelled together on the field. It was really impressive to see us playing as team, defending and attacking as a team." said The Captain of the team Rasul Sa'id.

The Game was deadlocked until a 56th minute, when a header from Yanko opened the scoring, only for Lovisa to return to the game with a strong performance from its midfield. the game looked certain for a draw until Rasul Sa'id capped his impressive performance with a wonderful goal from 30 yards out to secure the 3 points for Ruskastan.

Ruskastan now looks forward to another Ranked team, which has lost its opening game as well. Cafendu is touted as early favorites, by the tone of their first game, seem to be a dying giant.

Goals Ruskastan

Tawfiq Yanko 56'
Rasul Sa'id 85'

Yeah well no news is good news at this point in group play of the Di Brandini cup, unless you go by the fact that the Purple knights midgies did not play. Yeah its the highlight of my week being great without even playing a game yet. In other news th astonishing C&M* team banished the Fujisiwan Territory teams to the lower realms of the group. In yet another fashionable group game the Souel team from the Kosovoen islands stunned milchama by scoring two goals to the chamans 3 for a bitter yet beautiful loss.


With your rps my job is made extremely easy dude

[OOC: I was supposed to post this yesterday. Grr.]
[OOC2: Please note this takes place after the current Cup of Harmony.]

Shaun Jaffacake-Phillips, son of the great Jerome, and grandson of the infamous Audioslavian journalist Jeremy Jaffacake (and a drunken liaison with Krytenian “It Girl” Chelsea Phillips), boarded his plane with his young charges for the short hop across the Bekk to Starblaydia. He felt pride in the fact he had been given the task of managing the national Under-21 side; pride too that none other than Dominique Domasca, the President herself, was joining them to lend her support (and take in a state visit at the same time). And to top it all off, sitting at the back of the plane’s seated section, was Gabriel Kennedy, a man who was like an uncle to the young Shaun.

The sky-blue Presidential aircraft left the runway, climbing skyward towards its destination. As the plane levelled off at its cruising height of twenty-six thousand feet, the plane’s passengers left their allocated seats and started to mingle in the rearward social areas, where card tables and games consoles had been set up. All except one, that is; poor David Wolverton had never travelled on an aeroplane before, and had just discovered he did, in fact, suffer from severe airsickness.

At the largest of the card tables sat some of the more senior members of the group (admittedly not a difficult thing when most of the passengers are still in their teens), as Shaun, Gabriel, Dominique, and two of the Presidential security detail sat for a friendly game of Tabeck Hold’Em.

“Your bet, Shaunie,” said Gabriel, “and let’s see if you can actually get a hand this time.”

Shaun looked at his cards, grumbled an Audioslavian curse, and left the table. Gabriel folded too, and joined him. He looked at him with an expression of concern.

“Nervous? Don’t be. It doesn’t matter if these youngsters lose, as long as they give it their all. Losing builds character, you know.”

“I know. It’s just…it’s my first real management job and I don’t want to mess it up.”

“You take too much after your father to mess it up. You also take too much after your father not to drink your own weight in lager and attempt to man-whore yourself to every woman in the bar.”

Shaun smiled at that comment. Good old Gabe, he thought, and the pair went back to the card table.

Once again, Gabriel Kennedy was having a bad day. He was expecting to be going to SFA headquarters, and a working lunch with Simeone Di Bradini; instead, he was being dragged around Jhanna’s shopping district by that damned Domasca woman. Again. He had seriously considered defection when she hauled him into that designer shoe shop twenty minutes ago, but decided he was too lazy to fill in the paperwork. And all because she “respected his opinion”! Frankly, he didn’t care what revealing number the bloody woman wanted to wear for this function or that meeting. All he wanted to do was get the fine print of the World Cup bid sorted, and then go home and sleep like the dead.

Dominique, meanwhile, could think of only one thing; Tiberius. She was counting down the minutes and hours before she saw him again, picking outfits to show off her charms and to leave him speechless. This distraction was probably the reason why she was having trouble inserting her leg back into her suit trousers, having tried said outfits on.

“Oh, PISS!” she exclaimed, in a rather unladylike and unpresidential manner, as she tripped over, falling onto the floor of the private changing room.

Group A
1 - Daehanjeiguk (15)
2 - Elves Security Forces (2)
3 - Agroprom (30)
4 - Starblaydia (5)
5 - Kresslor (30)

MD1: Kresslor 2-3 Daehanjeiguk
MD2: Starblaydia --- Daehanjeiguk
MD3: Daehanjeiguk --- Agroprom
MD4: BYE
MD5: Daehanjeiguk --- Valanora

The Crown Prince's Journal - MD2

We went out last night, and we celebrated our win over Kresslor. It was a fantastic time. Apparently, most of my teammates didn't expect the Imperial House to like the feeling of getting drunk, and I think I calmed their fears by buying a round of drinks for everyone (excluding that weird convict guy, who isn't allowed to drink - apparently he had some problems in the past that landed him jail... I wonder though what he would be like when drunk...). We cheered to many things, like my first goal, my first cap, my first card, my first mistake, my second mistake, my innovative way of hitting people with the ball, and some other things too. We cheered for Seol Gihyeon's goal. We cheered for Wang Dong's powers of persuasion. We cheered for Coach Yu's inspiring talks. We cheered for pretty anything that we imagined once we were drunk. And it was an awkward scene, as nearly everyone we met knew we were drunk - not by the faint smell of whatever drink we were drinking but by the color of our faces. It was somewhat embarrassing too, as some of the players wanted to go with some of the girls at the bar. Of course, I wasn't about to pollute myself with any sort of opportunity for people to denounce my moral and ethics, so I refrained from hanging with the girls. I had to explain to An (Changho) why I couldn't do it. He insisted and I flatly said no. He nodded, realizing that there was a boundary to which I could exploit Imperial rights. I was after all representing my father, who wasn't exactly the best role model either but nonetheless wanted to have the figure of being a stringent and upright parent (it's really my mother who has all of the morals in the family, and unfortunately, I take too much after my father, who is probably reading this in horror some time in the near future).

Coach Yu left the bar early with the convict (the smart guy, his driver was the convict). I left with An Changho, An Yeonghak, Son Daeho, Pak Gyuseon, and Yang Manchun later. I think a number of them were upset that they couldn't get wasted. I'm not sure if beer in Starblaydia is weaker than in the Han Empire, but it was hard to get a hard drink that satisfied the mouth and the mind. Nonetheless, we were still drunk. I imagine some Starblaydian citizen was walking around that night, wondering what the hell we were doing there. I was actually dressed in casual clothes (not like the traditional Han garb that I'm required to wear in the Palace with my father), so no one could recognize me. Fortunately, none of us were under 18, which I find awkward. Why on earth would a country make something illegal like eating and drinking certain things? Is it not the responsibility of the family and the community to educate the youth? Perhaps the West puts too much effort in centralizing moral authority into the government, which I find odd. Why waste the effort of a government to institute moral authority? It is the role of the Emperor to demonstrate noble moral character, but not to make it a law. If Heaven finds something out of place, then Heaven will judge him - regardless of his laws.

Oh, there's goes some political discourse. And I'm too tired to write another report. I went home today to get some new pens, and these all suck. I suppose I need to get some pens from here, and hope that they work. Maybe it's the ink too. Well, I get a break at the next match, so I might not get as much to write - especially if it gets boring. I still expect Starblaydia to win it though. We're too fresh to play football against the likes of them.

李泰坤


Goal Scorers
1- Kim Mihyeon, Seol Gihyeon, Yi Taegon[/QUOTE]

Matchday 2 Results
Group A
Elves Security Forces 1-2 Kresslor
Starblaydia 1-0 Daehanjeiguk

Group B
Jeruselem 2-5 Newmanistan
Popay 1-2 Sorthern Northland

Group C
Candelaria And Marquez 2-0 Kosovoe
Taeshan 3-1 Milchama

Group D
Cafundeu 0-0 Ruskastan
Kura-Pelland 1-0 Lovisa

Matchday 2 Standings
Group A
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Starblaydia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
Kresslor 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
Daehanjeiguk 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
Agroprom 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1
Elves Security Forces 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1

Group B
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 2 2 0 0 9 4 +5 6
Sorthern Northland 2 1 0 1 4 5 -1 3
Krytenia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1
Jeruselem 2 0 1 1 4 7 -3 1
Popay 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0

Group C
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Candelaria And Marquez 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5 6
Taeshan 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
Milchama 2 1 0 1 4 5 -1 3
Kosovoe 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0
Fujisawan Territores 1 0 0 1 0 3 -3 0

Group D
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruskastan 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 4
Kura-Pelland 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
Blouman Empire 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
Cafundeu 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
Lovisa 2 0 0 2 1 2 -1 0

OOC: Sorry, Han, your post missed the scorination by less than 60 seconds, but it will count for MD3.

Popay-1
Kim Jung-Sui 67"

Southern Northland-2
Paolildo 32", Hernandisco 78"

Popayen Stats
Goalscorers
Kim Jung-Sui-1

Next Line Up Vs Newmanistan
GK:Rupert Faith
DL:Edward Hanning
DC:Oliver Kettering
DC:Jamie Brooks
DR:Kenny Brooks
ML:Craig Johnson
MC:Darren King
MC:Kim Jung-Sui (c)
MR:Kenji Takemori
SK:James Black
SK:Ian Williams

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS SHOOT DOWN GROUP’S TOP SEED

Tabeck, Starblaydia- This figured to be a much tougher game. Lined up against a semifinalist from the most recent Di Bradini Cup, and the #3 overall seed, if any team was going to find the back of the net five times, surely it would not be the Rockets. But Jeruselem’s group of young monks, who are an outstanding and admirable group of people, found themselves unable to keep up with Newmanistan for most of the game, and the end result was five goals, but five for the Rockets to Jeruselem’s two. Newmanistan has now opened up group play with two wins, six points, nine goals, and an early +5 goal differential. It’s all a very impressive start, but we must remember that it is just a start.

In front of a full house at Bekkside Arena, the Rockets looked to build off of their win against Sorthern Northland, and again scored quickly into the match. After Friar Casey made the initial save on a shot by Shawn Drummond, Kevin Sturgeon was in a perfect position for a tap in on the rebound, to put Newmanistan up by 1 in the sixth minute. Following Sturgeon’s first of the tournament, the two clubs traded opportunities with Corey Hennis and Friar Casey both making a couple of key saves, and in the 19th minute, Jeruselem drew level on a pretty goal by their captain, Friar Putin, placing the shot in an area that no goalkeeper can get to. At that point, it looked like the favorites were going to assume control of the match and avenge only getting a point in their opener against Krytenia. Brian Rafferty had other ideas, taking control of the game, assisting on two quick goals, one by Drummond in the 37th minute, and the other by McAllister in the 39th. At the break, the scoreboard read Newmanistan 3-1 Jeruselem.

Brian Carson made sure the Rockets would not get complacent during the intermission. “Both teams played pretty well in the first half,” said the manager, “We did a great job of finishing out the half, creating the opportunities that we did, particularly Brian Rafferty, but it was a complete team effort. Shawn and Jeremy finished the plays off pretty well against a pretty good goalkeeper. Instead of shifting to a defensive mode to start the second half, we decided we would keep pressing, especially for a fourth goal.” That fourth goal came pretty quickly, thanks to a real sloppy turnover by Friar James, allowing Jeremy McAllister to break clear on goal, and depositing the shot in the bottom left in the games 48th minute. Newmanistan had a three goal lead, with their supporters cheering fanatically, and the looks of the Jeruselem fans were just in complete disbelief. What was going on with their team? Did they make a mistake bringing the monks? Not that the Rockets cared. Newmanistan shifted to a defensive focus for the remainder of the game. Even then, the team would score again, in the 67th on a Brian Cerullo goal, his second of the tournament. As the game winded down, and the outcome no longer in question, Jeruselem got one goal back late, but could not rectify the damage. 5-2 the final. Newmanistan is 2-0-0 with 6 points, and Jeruselem, 0-1-1, 1 point, with Popay and Sorthern Northland still to go for them. As expected, the Rocket players were highly pumped up after the victory.

Brooker: “2-0!! Yeahhhhh!!!!!!!”

Secrist: “I think we’ve surprised ourselves somewhat here. They played better then the score indicates, but man, this is a great start!”

Rafferty: “I’m so glad we beat them, what a great game!”

Drummond: “We can’t get too ahead of ourselves here, but heck, you have to say that things are favorable for us to advance out of this group. We want the Cup! We want the Cup!” (*the locker room chants this for about 60 seconds*)

Carson (manager): “As great as this win is, and it does feel real good, we still haven’t accomplished anything except for maybe getting a few people pulling out a map and looking to try to find Newmanistan on it now. Our next two opponents will be tough, and there are still points out there to be won. We’ll enjoy it for a night, but get ready for Popay in the morning.”

And we’ll get ready for Popay in our preview coming up later on. That’s all the time we have. Again from Bekkside Arena, it was Newmanistan 5, Jeruselem 2

NEWMANISTAN 5
Sturgeon (6')
Drummond (37') Assist- Rafferty
McAllister (39', 48') Assist- Rafferty on the 1st.
Cerullo (67')

JERUSELEM 2
Friar Putin (19', 85')

Bookings:

NEWMANISTAN
Cerullo, YC, 25'

Jeruselem Government News

Young Friars affected by Skate's plight

The team of young Friars sent to Starblaydia for the 4th U21 cup crashed 2-5 to new team Newmanistan. The young monks were never in the hunt as the team copied the losing antics of their brethen from another nation. In the end, it wasn't much of game for our Friars who just didn't seem in the mood to play today. Most of the team weren't very enthusiastic about going to play at all. JGN spoke to the coach who had an explanation.

"The team weren't really ready. We just got the news our Skate is now just a servant in some unholy Pagan Elven temple. We're Orthodox Monks and you'd think we'd support the idea our bike is learning chastity. But it's not in a temple of God! If one of us was forced to work as a servant in a Pagan temple, we'd be unhappy as well. If she was forced to be a Nun, I'd think we'd be happy with that but not in temple with unknown Gods and spirits. So we weren't really in the mood to actually win and well, we lost. That's God's will. She maybe a bit of bike, but she's still our Queen even if she's lost the title now. We'll pray for her and for God to deliver her to a place where God can reach her. We may not agreed with what's she's done in the past, but as Monks - the worst thing to do to a sinner is to put one in a Pagan temple. We'll pray for our Queen. God bless Skate. We are also praying for our new Queen, Jacinta. She maybe one of those weird Jewbee Catholics but she's in pain too. She's lost her sister. Even sinners have families, and losing a close family member is not good experience."

"Ok lads good result today. Blown the cobwebs off from the Newmanistn game off nicely. Hernandez and Paulo you here."

"Yep."

"Excellent work today guys, you really gave Jamie and Kenny Brooks a run about today. Top stuff."

"Cheers boss."

"Now then Goldsmith, not much to do for you, but some good saves when called upon."

"Thanks boss."

"But..."

"Ah I knew there was a but coming."

"Let me finish. You should have done a lot better with the goal. James Black's shot was poor, you should of held it easy, not drop it onto the foot of Kim Jung-Sui."

"Well to be fair I did have Kevin Breitenreiter running in at me."

"No you didn't. He's from Krytenia, but fair play for looking up the next opposition I trust you know what to look out for."

"Yep, this Mika guy in particular looks like he could be dangerous, as does the three pronged attack."

"Er right well Luke's pretty much gone through the basics of what I was going to talk about to the defence so.."

*Defenders start walking off.

"HEY get back here, there's still more!"

"Oh sorry boss."

"Steven Corazon in the middle of the park looks like he could be a threat. Keep him quiet and I feel we keep a significant proportion of their creativity quiet. And Kevin Breitenreiter up front looks like he could be a handful. He seems to have a license to roam, a free role. Jacques and Yoda make sure you don't lose him at any time."

"Now then the attacking players. Ji-Lee, you'll be up front with Paulo, and I'm sure Des Grace and Michelle Kelly will be keeping very tight on you so your going to have to work hard to make space."

"Er don't you mean Des Kelly and Michelle Grace, boss?"

"Ah yes so I do."

"How come I'm being dropped? I scored in the last game and the one before that."

"Because, Lee, Michelle Grace is a female. I don't want to think what you'd do with he marking you tightly and we're here to play football, not test at Durex's latest products. Which reminds me, the cleaners have complained to me about used condoms being thrown around the terminal. Now I hope it wasn't you but make sure you wrap them in tissue and dispose of them in a bin."

"Nothing to do with me boss."

"Of course not. Now then Eddie and Roy, their three midfielder are fairly spread out. Wolverton sort of on the right, Rücken sort of on the left, so just Corazon in the middle. Make sure you dominate that area of the park."

"Will do, so is that all?"

"Yep, just one more thing before you go though, the airport director was speaking to me earlier. Says he's received several complaints about you guys riding around on the baggage carousels. So no more of that, is that clear?"

*Players groan in unison.

Yesterday in Starblaydia the Lil' Purple Knights took on the youngsters of Milchama. The Chaman's opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a seemingly crazy dropped shot by Knight goalie IOsaac Newton. The game droned on for about 50 minutes to the 63rd minute. When Tae center striker Damion Aslott sped past the Chaman D and stroke the crimson red ball into the net. Aslott was then taken out because his leg was bleeding from the force of his shot.(hence the odd ball color) The ball was cleaned up and the game was restarted just minutes later.
After the restart backup striker Theo Aztec wowed the crowd by juggling the ball all the way down the pitch from his own goalies penalty box and popped the ball into the top corner of the left side of the et for a impressive goal. Then the manager of the milchaman team put in some subs and the game got back under way.
The final minutes of the game were chaotic. The milchaman team desperate with the need to score a goal were slide tackling the Tae team left and right striving for the ball. Finally in vain the chamans gve the ball to a streaking Ricky Zellefrow who strode or shall i say moved barely faster then a walk down the field and bananed the kick passed the last defender for the final goal of the game. The next game for the taes will be either against th C&M team or the pride and glory of the proctectorates of Kosovoe.

THE ROCKET REPORT

NO COMPLACENCY AS TEAM PREPARES FOR POPAY

Tabeck, Starblaydia- A team with a greater reputation may start planning for the knockout stages in the position that Newmanistan is in right now. Sitting at the top of group B, a win over the closest rival, and a +5 goal differential would look good for such a team. But not for Newmanistan, who despite this success still hasn’t forgotten their role as the underdog in this tournament. Manager Brian Carson is making sure of that because six points will not be enough to advance, most likely. The players are buying in to their manager’s preaching as evidenced best by Shawn Morton’s comment, “We know that more work is needed. Popay and Sorthern Northland can still wind up with 9 points, and so can Krytenia. Jeruselem can get seven. This is a very difficult group still, and we still need to get points. It’s a start, but that’s all it is.”

Keeping the team from being complacent is a feeling going through the locker room that the team is being disrespected, and using that as a chip on their shoulder, keeping the team highly motivated. Jeremy McAllister explains, “We beat Sorthern Northland by two, and all we hear about is that they weren’t ready to play because of their airport problems, and we just took advantage of the situation. We beat Jeruselem by three, and again what we hear is that they weren’t ready to play because of what happened to a national figurehead there. Neither of them came out and said you know, Newmanistan played a good game, maybe they should get some kind of props for it. So all we are, still, are a bunch of opportunistic unranked losers who are catching people at the right time. On that note, you’re damn right that we’ve been disrespected, as apparently we haven’t proven anything.” Matt Caufield agrees, “Yeah, I don’t really think we’ve gotten credit for what we’ve done. It’s just about what they didn’t do. That they weren’t ready. Well that’s there own (expletive) fault. Maybe the Northerners should have made sure their passports were fine before they left, maybe the Friars should used what happened as motivation, not an excuse. We’ll be ready for Popay, you better believe it.” Deep down, you have a sense that manager Brian Carson knows that team has gotten respect, but knows more is needed. Again, he sat down with Clint Peterson for a one-on-one interview.

CP: Well, here we are. Two games in, two victories. Congratulations, you couldn’t have asked for a better start.

BC: No, I don’t think so. To get six points in two games against the quality sides that we went up against is a pretty big deal. We’re happy for what we have achieved so far, but still, more needs to be done.

CP: Understood. Up next is Popay, seeded 6th for the tournament, and the club that many people predicted to be one that would advance. Jeruselem’s a great win, but you still must keep the team at a high. Thoughts?

BC: Oh, no doubt. There are still two very difficult games for us at the group stage level, and if we went to advance to the knockouts, then we still must strive to win this game. They are a good team, and they need to win. This will be a good test.

CP: Many of the players have talked about being disrespected as opponents have devalued the Rockets’ efforts and that is really motivating the team right now. What do you think about that?

BC: You would think that a team that has scored nine goals in two games would get a little more respect, but I agree that it doesn’t seem to be happening, and we’re being looked at as just opportunistic. There have been reports from nations outside of our group, though, that have paid us some respect, so it hasn’t gone completely unnoticed. As a manager, you never ever say your team wasn’t ready to play. Ever. They were just out there on the pitch for 90 minutes plus stoppage time busting their asses for the nation. If your team wasn’t ready to play at this level, then you need to be looking in the mirror at yourself, not at the players. I’m not surprised to hear it from Sorthern Northland, because that’s just their nature, but I am from Jeruselem. Pretty shocked, actually. With their faith, you would think they would rally around what happened there, not use it as an excuse. It is very motivating for us. We want Popay right now, because based on our opponents, we’ve done nothing in this tournament. So we will still have something we need to show to the world, apparently.

CP: Jeremy McAllister has four goals in two games, individually with more goals then several teams in the tournament. Talk about his play a little bit.

BC: Jeremy is an incredible talent. I’d love to get him on my club team. Coaching him has been a real joy too, as I have really been able to see what makes him the kind of player he is. He has a fantastic work ethic, and is just going to be a great player. He’s making a case for our World Cup 40 roster, too. Don’t be surprised if you see him there. He works really well with Drummond, their unbelievable speed has been a real asset for us. Jeremy’s footballing skill is something I’ve known about, his leadership is something I didn’t know as much. He really is a field general out there.

CP: Thanks for your time Brian, good luck against Popay.

BC: Thanks for having me.

KURA-PELLAND UNDER-21 ROSTER

1. Carlos Avarelli (19, GK, Castillo FC [C&M])
2. Bo Phelps (19, LB/SW, Caires Sports [C&M] (loan from Harrington Lakeside)
3. Michel Codiez (21, CB, Deportivo del Arapucera)
4. Marcus DaWealia (21, CB/DM, Prangren Greens)
5. Clive Wernert (19, RB, Deportivo del Arapucera)
6. Lucas Wurmin (20, CB/LB, Achorpe Rovers)
7. Liam Marling (19, LM/LW/AM, Achorpe Rovers)
8. Norbert Fiero (18, ST, AS Assiri)
9. Paul Farsley (21, CM, Oteha Blues)
10. Danny Ibbetson (21, RM/AM, United Trilan)
11. Daniel Dubois (20, ST, Achorpe Rovers)
12. Michael Sutton (20, GK, Prangren Greens)
13. Stanislav Tourara (21, RM, Murley City)
14. Kevin Whyte (19, LM/LW, Parwood City)
15. Tommy Yuram-Wilson (21, CB, Sorbridge Soccer Storm)
16. Vincent Chotina (20, CM, Prangren Greens)
17. Robbi Rombley (21, ST, FC Helma 1495)
18. Manuel Zelzi (19, RM, Castillo FC [C&M])
19. Harold Shelby (20, ST, Oteha Blues)
20. Oscar de la Maria (19, LB, Mambaro Football)
21. Bob Mincham (20, GK, Delta Force Cardim)
22. Dominic Pritchard (20, CF/LW, AFC Neegera)

Nobuo Iwahashi: You’re watching Matchday Live on the Territorial Sports News Network, sponsored by Crosscom Global Telecommunications, supporters of Territorial World Cup zeokit since day one, by Devora Seror department stores who remind you to live a life of luxury, by Campable Survival Gear, and by Blue Panther Cola, unleash the blue in you. I’m Nobuo Iwahashi.

Izukoza Yoko: And I’m Izukoza Yoko.

NI: Well we have a three guests on tonight...World Cup 39 coach Stephen Distefano, and Territorial Di Bradini Cup players Kimiko Hasegawa and Shojiro Takemago. With us now in Starblaydia is Stephen Distefano...Stephen?

SD: Thanks for having me.

NI: My pleasure. Okay, I want to get into what your oldest daughter is doing with the Di Bradini Cup but first I have a few other questions.

SD: Sure.

NI: You are one of only two non-Fujisawans to have ever been granted permission to immigrate to the Territories by the Fujisawan government, and you were allowed to immigrate to the Territories for the sole purpose of coaching Territorial World Cup zeokit. Outside the Territories, you are one of the most successful collegiate zeokit coaches of all time in your native country. So, do you think you have fulfilled goals and lived up to promises? Do you feel successful here, in the Territories as well?

SD: World Cup 39 was a learning experience. I grew as a person in so many ways. I became a better father, a better leader, a better human being. It’s indescribable, and Fujisawans have adopted me, and if it makes sense to you, I’ve been absorbed into the culture. Do I feel successful? How do you define success? I have a beautiful Fujisawan wife, two beautiful daughters and a son, you know I’m a family man. I already have everything I need in life to be successful. My request for immigration was granted, I’m thankful for that. I’m blessed with Fujisawan citizenship. I came here to coach and that’s what I know best. But in the end, my family comes first.

NI: Okay, since you brought up your family, let’s segue into what your oldest daughter, Deanna is up to in Starblaydia. You must be a really proud father.

SD: For many reasons. She’s one of only two Catholics on the team, so she’s representing our faith. And I think her being half-Fujisawan has always been a challenge for her, but it makes me proud to see her out there breaking down barriers. See, Fujisawans are so phobic of immigration, that’s why there are closed borders, and here’s my daughter out there with full blood Fujisawans and they accept her as one of their own. It’s historic.

IY: That’s what I love about this team. These young players are shattering long held stereotypes and breaking new ground with diversity, but they’ve shown they can come together as one team.

SD: Yes, and Deanna has told me she’s proud to be on the team, representing the Fujisawan Territories. She’s made great friends with most of the team. It’s kind of awkward though, because I kind of have to step back because I’m not the coach of this team, I’m Deanna’s dad. It’s hard to switch roles.

NI: I heard Deanna is daddy’s girl.

SD: Yeah, I admit Deanna and I are closer than my younger daughter, Kay, but I love all my kids. My son Stanford impresses me with his talent on the field so he might be following Deanna out there soon, and he’s told me he wants to coach zeokit when he’s older, so I ‘m thankful we can bond as father and son over some common ground.

NI: I have to say congratulations on being awarded a contract extension through World Cup 41, coaching the Fujisawan Territories. When we come back, we’ll talk more with Stephen Distefano and coming up, we talk to Kimiko Hasegawa and Shojiro Takemago...

<TBC>...

The Gassett Candelariasian Online>Sport>Football>In Brief

Small Blues struggle past debutants Andy Le Lan’s C&M under-21s maintained their spotless Goals Against column in Group C but were made to work for the three points by the teenage unknowns of Kosovoe.

Quite who they are remains a mystery. Perhaps it was formerly a province of a fellow Q Continuum nation that was annexed during the dark days of the Taeshaman Empire before centuries later being taken back by the original lot who promptly forced many of the province’s long-standing citizens to flee and planted their own people there but still eventually found themselves in a minority compared to the Taeshani Kosovoens who began to be really quite unpleasant to the people from the other ethnic background to the point that the larger country of which is what still apart started being really horrid to the majority population of Kosovoe until they were forced to stop being horrid and then the province eventually decided to declare independence which made lots of people very unhappy because it set a dangerous precedent for secessionist movements across the globe. Perhaps not. Who cares? But for a team left pointless after two games; gosh, they can play football.

Playing the 4-3-3 long employed by their Taeshani neighbours, they were a constant threat to the hopes of the C&M team of a serene progress through to the knock-out stages. Defensively strong, their three-pronged strike force also tested the Candelariasian back four throughout the game and for the first time raised questions of Le Lan’s preferred formation. Too often did Jason Federici appear abandoned up front, with Austin Lewis and Jamie González kept under lock and key by Matt Oliver and Zaric Zarnyth, the latter being one of the Kosovoens’ two captains, for some reason.

The C&M defence meanwhile appeared panicky at times, particularly on the left-hand side. Of particular early concern was Alex Duxbury, the McDonald Sports left-back. Now that we’ve all stopped cooing over the first black player of West Indian (as opposed to African) heritage in a C&M shirt, the focus may turn to the fact that he doesn’t actually appear to be very good. Certainly the rather sweetly named Ryan Tinney gave him the run-around all day in Jhanna and only a couple of poor misses from Stacy Sicily and a top-class Joel Sbaïz save off Casy Kashew saved C&M from early embarrassment against the newcomers. Enrique Silva de Aviz looked shaky for most of the first half as well, and Le Lan must surely be stroking his functionless goatee really quite hard when it comes to the make-up of the Candelariasian defence for the game against Taeshan.

The opener eventually came, and for once in the Di Bradini it was a surprise that C&M got it. It came, not unreasonably, from a Kosovoe attack, when Michael Bradshaw lost possession in midfield and Nathaniel Stewart took control, sliding the ball forward to Lewis. The Gamboa starlet helped the ball on to Federici, who was able to skip around the challenge of Kosovoe’s only sub-par player on the day, the seemingly ageless Tony Rodrigo, and slot his second of the tournament past Joey Einstein.

Yet Kosovoe were far from willing to capitulate and Sbaïz was twice forced to save from Tinney soon after. It was a relief for C&M to go into half-time still a goal to the good and Le Lan took the opportunity to restructure the team to actually force the Jader Barbahlo Stadium’s pitch care people to pay some attention to the previously disused flanks after the game. The manager’s hand was forced by Christian Sattler’s failure to shake off a knock, but he at least made a proactive change with Farris Travers coming onto the right and Lewis dropping back into midfield.

The new 4-4-1-1 caught Kosovoe on the hop and on fifty minutes the Small Blues scored their second, when González beat J.J. Meyerse to a header after a long Sbaïz punt up field and rolled the ball wide to the unmarked Travers. The versatile Swords of Bass youngster crossed into the penalty area where Federici set up González for his own second of the Cup so far from a curling strike.

Still Kosovoe threatened to get back in it and Sicily so very nearly capitalised on a Jari Virta stumble. The Radyukevich mainstay conceded a corner from which Tinney leapt like a salmon, an effect enhanced by the Kosovoen’s pink kit, but headed his effort just wide.

Ultimately the relative youth of the Kosovoe outfit would cost them and in the later stages C&M’s greater height and fitness led to them dominating the game without creating any further clear-cut chances. It seems odd to stay after back-to-back three- and two-nil victories, but Le Lan clearly has something thinking to do over the bye day with the better two teams in the group still to come.

Novi Homines continue rise to eminence C&M’s results may have been impressive enough thus far, but Andy Le Lan’s achievements have been well overshadowed by those of several tournament newcomers, particularly Newmanistan whose victories over the Sortherners and Jeruselemites have seen them cut into short price favourites for the next Baptism of Fire by most C&M bookies. <more>

Errant Knight among injured Caires City FC have confirmed in the last few minutes that centre-half Shane Avdeev was among thirteen people injured after a tram derailment in the Fishermen’s Park area of the city this morning. The twenty-five year-old was treated for bruised ribs and should be fit to start against Melin & Nader this weekend, but an as-yet unnamed friend of the Justantina Cup runner-up remains among three locals in a critical condition at the CGI. <more>

Abbott About In the twenty-eighth part of his ongoing celebration of modern C&M’s socio-cultural diversity; Bill Abbott talks to snooker star David oh my god we have a rugby team ahead of the all-important Di Bradini Cup Matchday Four clash with Taeshan.

BA: David, you must really be looking forward to this game. You’re probably the most famous Taeshani in the Candelarias, so do you hold out much hope for your boys?

DO: Yes.

BA: Because they’ve got quite a lot of experience, haven’t they, for such young players?

DO: Yes. Yes, they’ve all got a tournament under their belts already, and they qualified for the quarter-finals last time, I think.

BA: Where they lost to the Small Blues 4-1 of course, but do you think that scoreline really told the full story of the game?

DO: Yes.

BA: Oh. Well, Ricky Zellefrow is probably the one to watch, isn’t he? And he’s got a capital letter now, which is very important don’t you think?

DO: Ah, er. Yeah. No, it’s really… Yeah.

BA: So what about you, David? Relations between the Taeshani and C&M governments have always been friendly enough, but there’s always the sticking point of the New Rugby situation. How have you found life here since the hotel-based microstate declared independence? I expect you’ve had some sickening abuse hurled at you in the street?

DO: Um. Nah, it’s okay, it’s okay, it’s good, yeah. Y’know, I don’t like to get involved with politics. I mean, the government over there’s just quietly ignoring them which is probably the best thing to do, so… People are nice, y’know. I mean, the last few months to be honest I’ve been focusing mostly on the tour, and promoting David oh my god we have a rugby team’s Snooker Hero for the PC. So that’s been taking up most of my time.

BA: Good. So you don’t feel that that one sour point has overshadowed Candelariasian-Taeshani rel–

DO: No.

BA: Right, um –

DO: It’s Tieshanese, by the way.

BA: Good. Of course, a lot of people get the Taeshan Times over here. Many people feel they’re really leading the way in exploratory journalism, plus there’s the bold use of colour an–

DO: Yeah, I don’t really read the papers, y’know? I think it’s important just to do your own thing, focus on what’s important, like your friends and family and, y’know, David oh my god we have a rugby team’s Snooker Hero for the Xbox.

BA: Sure, sure. Back to the Cup then, and that was a great win for Taeshan last night wasn’t it, against Milchama?

DO: Yeah, look, y’know I’m not really much of a football fan, yeah? I mean, I’ll watch it if it’s on but I don’t think… We play in like, all green, don’t we?

BA: David, it’s been a pleasure speaking to you. Best wishes for your continued success on the tour, and good luck for the big game. Although not too much, ho-ho!

DO: Yeah, um, can I have my cue back now please? Only, everyone’s waiting and I don’t want the balls to get dusty, y’know..?

Valanora Express
Rough Road

After falling victim to another upset, last tournament's runner-up are looking at a very difficult road if they are to reach the knockout rounds this time. Following an opening day draw against newcomers Agroprom, the squad expected an easy rout of Kresslor, a team who had not even submitted a proper roster to tournament officials. Yet in a head-scratching affair, the squad of what appeared to be clones defeated the Marauders by a score of two to one, with Calla Soler netting the only goal for the green and black. When we went to Roki for answers as to why his squad is underperforming, he refused to give comment. As a result, we went to the streets to see what the fans thought of this completely head-spinning start to the tournament.

"I think Roki might not be the man for the job. Sure he was able to get the squad to the final again last tournament, but that squad was stacked with talent. Any monkey with a clipboard could of directed that squad to a good showing, which is being proven now with these poor performances against absolute nobodies in the world. It's quite sad when you think about it."

"You have to remember, most of these lads and lasses are Elves, and they are relatively equivilant to a one year old when you consider how long we elves live. So the fact that they are even competitive is a gift of Elune, we shouldn't expect them to win anything."

"Those referees are obviously biased. I mean, we had four goals negated last game due to suspicious offsides calls. I think Starblaydia is trying to get back at us for the first tournament, and the drubbing their senior squad got at the hands of ours in the last World Cup. It's a conspiracy I tell you!!!"

As you can tell, the fans have differnt opinions about the reason for the poor results for the squad, with some of the reasons being a little far fetched. Yet the fact remains that the squad sits in last in their group and still have their two hardest oppenents left in the Han and the hosts themselves. Also, even if they do manage to climb out of this hole and win those two matches, they would still be only on seven points, and I don't think that will be enough. From the look of things, it's going to require eight of more points to escape this group, and that is statistically impossible thanks to the upsets the squad has taken in these first two matchdays. Elune willing, they get the job done and somehow make it through to the next round with the other squad beating up on each other, yet it just does not seem possible. There is always the next tournament for those that are young enough I suppose.

Article by Luna Santapa

NI: We’re back on Matchday Live with Stephen Distefano. Yeah, so Stephen, congratulations.

SD: Yes, I really was surprised. I’m happy about it though, and I’m glad they gave me the opportunity to coach two more Cups.

NI: I think they made the right decision. Okay, I’m really dying to know here, how has your being the Fujisawan Territories head coach affected Deanna?

SD: Wow, it’s..she gets a lot of unwanted attention. Paparazzi follow her from time to time just because she’s my daughter. Everyone treats her like a celebrity, when she doesn’t want to be one. She just wants to play zeokit, and I want to coach zeokit. We’re a zeokit family. But what I’ve done and what Deanna is doing is making a case for immigration. I proved that immigration can work, and we can be productive members of society, and Deanna is an extension of that.

NI: One quick question before I let you go. Are you ready for World Cup 40?

SD: I’m ready. I think we’re going to have a better team, with better focus and we can go after more of our goals realistically this time. We have experience to draw from now. It’s going to be fun, and I’m glad I can be a part of it and represent the Fujisawan Territories.

NI: Sounds good. Always a pleasure talking with you, coach. Good luck to Deanna in the Di Bradini Cup, and you guys stay safe out there in Starblaydia.

SD: Thanks. It was great talking to you.

IY: Talk to you later, coach.

SD: Alright, take care, Izukoza.

NI: Okay, she’s nineteen years old from the Territorial Air Force Academy, and she’s training to fly a brand new fighter jet in the Territorial Air Superiority Force, the Toyoshima-Run TR171 “Bengal” (http://saintb.proboards78.com/index.cgi?board=aircraft&action=display&thread=1196644956).
Kimiko Hasegawa is also a forward on the Fujisawan Territories Di Bradini Cup team. Shojiro Takemago is a fifteen year old from poverty stricken Magiku, also a forward on the Di Bradini Cup team. Both join us now on Matchday Live.

IY: Kimiko, first, thanks for being patriotic and making a commitment to defending our country. You’re striving to become the first female fighter pilot in the history of the Fujisawan Territories, and you’re on the fast track to flying the new TR171. In a nation that prides itself on gender equality, there’s still some areas where prejudices remain, like the military. How do you deal with that?

KH: Yeah, it used to be that if you were a female, being in the Air Superiority Force meant a desk job or being on a ground crew or logistics but never up in the air. The Air Superiority Force is starting to change, and I’m glad to be a part of that. My father is active Air Superiority Force so I suppose that I already had my foot in the door but I really sense a change in the military as it’s becoming more friendly to women.

NI: How do you feel about the Territories’ policy not to put female troops in front line combat?

KH: I have mixed reactions. I can see where the military is coming from, but I also think there’s room for women on the front lines. The benefits outweigh the risks.

NI: That makes for an interesting national discussion.

KH: Yes, and one that we need to have.

NI: So it’s safe to say you’re a skilled attacker both on the ground and in the air. How do you juggle being in the Air Superiority Force and playing zeokit?

KH: I’m a 24 hour person really. I’m always busy at the Academy and my spare time is devoted to zeokit. Those are my two passions. But when I need time to myself, I make time. It gets stressful at times trying to do everything, but in the end, I’m always doing what I want to do.

IY: Talk about the Di Bradini Cup. Your thoughts?

KH: Wow. Starblaydia...it’s amazing to be here. You know I’m taking time off from the Academy and just being here soaking up the experience, I really have no words to explain it. We could be playing better but my teammates are amazing. Sakura Jo is really inspirational being deaf and all, and I’ve made new friends on the team. I’ve never played zeokit with a team like this before, and to play in a place like Starblaydia...it’s just amazing.

IY: Thanks for joining us Kimiko, and thanks for defending our country.

KH: Thanks for having me.

IY: He’s fifteen and from the projects of Magiku. Shojiro, it seems like you guys out in Magiku and in West Atlantis are the forgotten ones and nobody gives you any respect.

ST: Yeah, it’s a struggle to break free because nobody thinks you’re going to make anything of yourself in your life if you come from Magiku or West Atlantis. I’ve had friends get wrapped up in gangs and drugs. I’ve lost so many friends. It’s like they’re here one day and the next they’re gone. So I stopped feeling sorry for myself, and I said I don’t give a [bleep] what people say, I’m going to go out there and make something of myself, and that’s why I play zeokit. People don’t understand what we go through. Crystal meth is what runs Magiku and West Atlantis and that’s the straight up truth.

IY: What do you think needs to be done to improve things in Magiku?

ST: It would help if somebody cared about us, but nobody does. My dad was gunned down last year and my mom’s trying to raise my brothers and sisters by herself. I hate [bleep] who just [bleep] ignore us. That’s a good [bleep] start if someone starts caring.

IY: I feel your anger. I know it’s rough in the projects and I really wish everybody would pay more attention to you out there.

ST: That’s why I I’m doing what I’m doing. I like to play zeokit so I can prove to everybody that something good can come out of Magiku. I want to make my family proud. I want to make the Territories see the real Magiku.

IY: How do you feel about being in Starblaydia and being in the Di Bradini Cup?

ST: It’s a great experience, seeing other places, getting away from the violence of Magiku and being with new people and doing what I love to do.

IY: Do you think you’re opening up doors for other players in Magiku?

ST: Well it sucks that meth is a higher priority in Magiku and West Atlantis than zeokit. All I can do is speak for myself, and if anyone wants to follow in my footsteps...

IY: I think you representing Magiku really is a step toward progress even if it’s only symbolic. Things are not going to get better until the projects get cleaned up, but you have the chance to prove that someone from Magiku really can make it.

ST: I hope so. I really do.

IY: What are your goals for the Di Bradini Cup?

ST: I want to try my hardest but enjoy myself at the same time. I want to give Magiku something to look up to. I want to make an impact on the team. I want to bring back experiences from Starblaydia that I can share with everybody back in Magiku.

IY: Well good luck in the remainder of the Di Bradini Cup and you guys go out there and beat Milchama for us!
ST: Thank you. We’ll try.

IY: Alright. That’s it for Matchday Live. I’m Izukoza Yoko.

NI: And I’m Nobuo Iwahashi. Join us live post-match for commentary on the Milchama match.

So be true to youy school now. Just like you would to youre group of guys. Oh crap this is an article about the Purple knights JR. team. Why am i thinking about that song. Well anyways havent i already wrote an artticle on the knights win against Milchama. Oh yes i have. Well anyway this is a story of a girl, Wait thats another song. Dammit i'm confused. Oh well just go down to kokomo and find someone who thinks they know the words to Behind blue eyes. Anyways i dont have any idea were im going and what fun fun fun is sopposed to mean. Well in other news the most prominent band in Taeshan is you guessed it writing a song about the team. Its rumored to be called Let It Be. When i find myself in times of trouble, Hey come on. Well anyways well see you in starblaydias Yellow Submarine Candalaria.

Group A
1 - Starblaydia (5)
2 - Kresslor (30)
3 - Daehanjeiguk (15)
4 - Elves Security Forces (2)
5 - Agroprom (30)

MD1: Kresslor 2-3 Daehanjeiguk
MD2: Starblaydia 1-0 Daehanjeiguk
MD3: Daehanjeiguk --- Agroprom
MD4: BYE
MD5: Daehanjeiguk --- Valanora

The Crown Prince's Journal - MD2

So we lost. Nothing much to report there. Literally. The lone goal came from a penalty kick, and it was a ridiculous call too. But honestly, it wasn't too evenly matched. The Starblaydia players had plenty of chances, and I'm only too glad that we had Yi Jeongyeol in the goal. It was unfortunate that he had to go solo against the PK. Incidentally, that was enough to go back to the bars again.

I had figured that people only drunk when they were happy and wanted to celebrate. I had not known that people also drink to get over sorrows. Apparently, something about drinking too much helps you to forget things. We went to the same bar down the street - something called "Pireosopeu Kapei" (ooc: Philosophe Café). I liked the atmosphere there, as they were playing some sad music. I actually have no clue if it was a sad song, but the mood was just right, and we began to drink. This time, we were smart to buy the foreign stuff (albeit very expensive foreign stuff). It knocked us out very quickly. And stuff started to happen very quickly; I can't imagine any of us not going to the bathroom that night for one reason or another.

I think it was Ju Shigyeong who suggested that we should have female players on the Imperial Squad. We all asked him why, and he said that the guys should have an opportunity to have a good time if they can't pick up anyone overseas. I remarked, "Well, why play football if picking up girls is the only mission you have?" He was silent for the rest of the evening, and I think he took it very seriously. I have to remember that I am the Crown Prince, and that one day - unless some accident removes me - I will be Emperor. These guys - while yet are my teammates - still think of me as a holy icon of the Han Empire. It's going to be hard playing with them if they continue thinking like that, but I don't know how far I should go to convince them that I'm a normal human being, just with a little extra gild to cover up.

Well, our next match is against Agroprom, and it will be our last match before facing Valanora, the one match we probably will lose and thereby forfeit any chance of progressing, but one can still hope for a chance.

李泰坤


Goal Scorers
1- Kim Mihyeon, Seol Gihyeon, Yi Taegon[/QUOTE]

"Hey boss, you seen this?"

"Seen what?"

"Well that newsagent by the lost baggage claims sell The Sorthern Northland News."

"They sell that over here?"

"Yeah, you sound surprised."

"I am. Our press isn't all that international and I wouldn't think it'd be popular over seas."

"We're only in Starblaydia, I mean we're still in Atlantian Oceania. Perhaps they just have it because we're here."

"Maybe, anyway what did you want to show me?"

"They got this interview with the Newmanistan coach and someone else, seems they're having a bit of a hissy fit about us disrespecting them."

"Yeah? What he say?"

"Erm where was it? Ah here, “We beat Sorthern Northland by two, and all we hear about is that they weren’t ready to play because of their airport problems.”

"Huh. I'd like to see him try and prepare a team whilst stuck in an airport, it's not at all easy."

"I know, I mean when we were training this morning, some little kid told his mum I stole his ball. You know the ones in the SN colours? Anyway he starts crying and she comes over complaining and so I refuse to give her ball because it's ours and so she tries running me over with one of those carts they carry the old people around on and takes the ball."

"The little bastard. So that's where that ball went. They say anything else?"

"Yeah here, something about Jeruselem and then “Neither of them came out and said you know, Newmanistan played a good game, maybe they should get some kind of props for it.” Bit harsh, I mean I did an interview after the game where I praised them loads. It was only local press though so I don't suppose it gets much international attention."

"Yeah, I mean I gave them a lot of praise in my interview with SNTV, but I suppose you don't get that over here. I thought they played very well to tell the truth. Very good team."

"Quite and then they go off and say “Yeah, I don’t really think we’ve gotten credit for what we’ve done. It’s just about what they didn’t do. That they weren’t ready. Well that’s there own (expletive) fault. Maybe the Northerners should have made sure their passports were fine before they left.”

"Well perhaps they should do some research and find the facts. Our passports were fine when we left. It was some administrative error in the Passports Department in Sorthern Northland that saw them get cancelled whilst we were in the air. As in after we'd left Sorthern Northland and were heading to Starblaydia. If they hadn't been fine when we left we'd be stuck in an airport in Sorthern Northland."

"You heard any news about the passports yet?"

"Yeah actually, I was speaking to the head of the Passports Department earlier. He had that they were cancelling a bunch of passports belonging to defectors and they'd got their lists mixed up so ours got cancelled by accident. He said they are currently reversing the cancellation but it'll be about three weeks before we can get them re-issued."

"Oh that's shame. The tournament will be over by then. We won't get to see any of Starblaydia."

"Aye it is a shame, but at least we won't be here the rest of our lives. These people from Newmanistan say anything else?"

"Yep they said, "You would think that a team that has scored nine goals in two games would get a little more respect. As a manager, you never ever say your team wasn’t ready to play. Ever. They were just out there on the pitch for 90 minutes plus stoppage time busting their asses for the nation. If your team wasn’t ready to play at this level, then you need to be looking in the mirror at yourself, not at the players. I’m not surprised to hear it from Sorthern Northland, because that’s just their nature."

"Oh yeah? Well football is more than just ninety minutes on the pitch. It's about hours of training and being in prime condition. Training in an airport does nothing to help either of those. I hope Newmanistan realise that when they train on their nice green training pitch and we're training in the middle of an airports departure lounge. Or whilst they're sleeping in those nice comfortable hotel beds and we're trying to sleep on benches in the terminal hoping we don't get robbed or beaten up and are constantly being woken up by security telling us to move. And as for we're like that? Like what? Not being happy about the situation we're in? They would be would they? Perhaps they want to swap places. Maybe it's just in their nature to think that there's some big conspiracy to not respect them."

"Aye, to be honest, I'd have a lot more respect for them if they didn't keep whining about not being respected. Still, they are a very good team though."

"Yeah, and every member of this team will say that. But they don't come and ask what we think do they?"

"Apart from Lee perhaps, he'd be too busy chasing those stewardesses."

"Aye, mind you, I don't blame him. Some of them are pretty fit."

"Aren't you married coach?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can't say someone looks good does it?"

RELAX - Sorthern Northland Mix
By the Cyan Army

Took a flight to the end of the line
Where no one ever goes.
Ended up on an airport floor with nobody you know.
But the pain and the longing's the same,
When you're trying
Now you've lost and you're screaming for help alone.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that you can do.
Relax, take it easy
And watch as Kry-Ten-I-A beat you.

Not as if we're scared.
It’s as if you're terrified.
Not as if we're scared.
Can't you see you're playing with fire?
Scared?
Better hope you're terrified.
Are you scared?
Cause you're playing with fire?

Relax
(Yeah) There is an answer to your darkest times.
It’s clear we don’t understand it, but the last thing on our minds
Are your problems.
I believe that your're stuck here forever.
Don’t scream – there are so many roads just outside.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that you can do.
Relax, take it easy
And watch as Kry-Ten-I-A beat you.

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that you can do.
Relax, take it easy
And watch as Kry-Ten-I-A beat you.

Not as if we're scared.
It’s as if you're terrified.
Not as if we're scared.
Can't you see you're playing with fire?
Scared?
Better hope you're terrified.
Are you scared?
Cause you're playing with fire?

Relax
Relax

Matchday 3 Results
Group A
Starblaydia 4-1 Kresslor
Daehanjeiguk 1-0 Agroprom

Group B
Popay 1-2 Newmanistan
Sorthern Northland 3-0 Krytenia

Group C
Taeshan 1-0 Kosovoe
Milchama 1-4 Fujisawan Territories

Group D
Kura-Pelland 0-3 Ruskastan
Lovisa 0-3 Blouman Empire


Matchday 3 Standings
Group A
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Starblaydia 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4 6
Daehanjeiguk 3 2 0 1 4 3 +1 6
Kresslor 3 1 0 2 5 8 -3 3
Agroprom 2 0 1 1 0 1 -1 1
Elves Security Forces 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1

Group B
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 3 3 0 0 11 5 +6 9 Q
Sorthern Northland 3 2 0 1 7 5 +2 6
Jeruselem 2 0 1 1 4 7 -3 1
Krytenia 2 0 1 1 2 5 -3 1
Popay 2 0 0 2 2 4 -2 0

Group C
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Candelaria And Marquez 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5 6
Taeshan 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3 6
Fujisawan Territores 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
Milchama 3 1 0 2 5 9 -4 3
Kosovoe 3 0 0 3 2 6 -4 0 E

Group D
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruskastan 3 2 1 0 5 1 +4 7
Blouman Empire 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4 6
Kura-Pelland 2 1 0 1 1 3 -2 3
Cafundeu 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1
Lovisa 3 0 0 3 1 5 -4 0 E

Popay-1
James Black 17"
Jamie Brooks 68"

Newmanistan-2
Jeremy McAllister 27", 69"
Morton 34"

Popayen Stats
Goalscorers
Kim Jung-Sui-1
James Black-1
Offences
Jamie Brooks-1

Next Line Up Vs Jeruselem
GK:Rupert Faith
DL:Edward Hanning
DC:Oliver Kettering
DC:Jamie Brooks
DR:Kenny Brooks
ML:Craig Johnson
MC:Darren King
MC:Kim Jung-Sui (c)
MR:Kenji Takemori
SK:James Black
SK:Ian Williams

On the streets of Jeruselem ... thousands of Jeruselem schoolgirls are marching. They are waving images of Queen Katherine Alexandra Dallas and placards "Free Skate". Leading the rally is two schoolgirls, one dressed as Queen Skate and the other as Princess Jacinta.

Nikki:
Hello! This is Nikki Seabourne for JGN. I'm at a rally of well, schoolgirls, demanding our Skate be released. I'm with rally organisers ... Kate and Jacinta Sallad?

Kate: Yes, that's our names. Our mother is cyclist on the Tour de Qazox 6. Our surname is Sallad, or Dallas backwards.
Jacinta: We are named after the two Dallas daughters.

Nikki: Well, this is a huge rally! A lot of girls here.
Kate: Yes, we feel passionate about our Kate.
Nikki: But she killed someone, it's murder. Doesn't she have to pay for her crime?
Jacinta: We're aware of that, but we don't think our Skate can live in an isolated community

Nikki: Do you think you can make a change, and get Skate out of the temple?
Kate: I think we can but if we don't, at least we're getting some support for the action.
Jacinta: She's no angel but a life away from the family is not the solution to her crime.
Nikki: But she took a life ... isn't life sacred?

Kate: I heard about that John ... guy, he's evil. He never cared for his family. To us, Skate did the world a big favour.
Jacinta: And he's wanted for crimes in other countries too. Skate was a woman of action, decisive action. John didn't care about any elves or humans, only himself.
Nikki: I must say, you two look like the real Dallas girls.
Kate: We're the Sallad girls, but we don't care if people reverse our surnames.

Nikki: Is this a long-term campaign?
Kate: Yes, it's no short-term attention seeking thing. We want our Skate somewhere she has a bit more personal freedoms.
Jacinta: I think like house-arrest where she can't leave the place but at least she can be a Dallas with family visits.
Nikki: You girls are sure thinking about this.

Kate: Yes, we're going work until something happens.
Jacinta: Princess Jacinta supports us, but you'd expect that.
Nikki: Good luck girls.
Kate: I'm Kate, I'm here to save our real Kate. I might be just young girl but we just can't lose our Queen now. My sister Jacinta here, she's going follow the example of our real Jacinta.

...

The Jeruselem team of Friars were watching march. The coach said
"Well, look at those girls. Look at their spirit ... we're Monks! We should have same spirit. I want you get out there and WIN. If two little schoolgirls can organise a rally, why can't we win a football game! Are not ashamed now"

The young monks knew they had to perform now. They didn't want be upstaged by marching schoolgirls.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS QUALIFY FOR KNOCKOUT STAGE WITH WIN

Tabeck, Starblaydia- The Rockets experienced something for the first time in this tournament in today’s 2-1 victory over Popay. Yes, at one point, they were behind in the match. After two convincing wins over Sorthern Northland and Jeruselem, this game had a completely different feel to it. It was a classic, grind it out, tactical battle where both sides played extremely well, both knowing full well what a win would mean for their nation. For Newmanistan, a win would likely clinch advancement, and for Popay, they just needed the points to get themselves into a better position for their remaining two games.

As the opening minutes ran off, it was evident that the Rockets were playing a highly focused side, one that would not be looking for excuses, and had spend considerable time game planning for the Empire. After a methodical first 15 minutes, Popay grabbed the games opening goal, on a James Black tally in the 17th. The chance came as a result of some efficient passing, and the opponents simply out-muscling the Rockets down deep. Black narrowly beat defender Steve Secrist to the ball, and blasted it past Hennis for the 1-0 lead. The goal quieted the Rockets supporters in the stands quite a bit, had the rest of the world finally caught on, has the magic run out? Fortunately, they only had to over-exaggerate the impact of the goal for about 10 minutes, and were ignited when Jeremy McAllister scored his 5th goal of the Di Bradini cup in the 27th minute. Matt Caufield made this play happen with a great run down the middle, before dishing the ball off to Shawn Drummond, who barely remained onsides. Drummond dribbled past Popay’s Oliver Kettering impressively, before noticing McAllister in a prime scoring position. He got him the ball, and Jeremy finished the play off, to get the Rockets level at 1.

At the intermission, manager Brian Carson told his team that this is more like what they can expect for the remainder of this tournament, saying after the game, “We’ve had a couple results early where we put the game away very quickly, and as great as that it is, what transpired in the first half, and ultimately the entire game today is what we will be involved with more often in these games. We had a very prepared opponent today. But the best news is that we were up for it. You have to be able to win games like this if you want to win any Cup that you are playing for.” Captain Shawm Morton echoed those sentiments, “We’re still the underdogs here, and this was a gut check. We responded well.”

The second half began much like the first half ended with both teams playing a tad conservative due to Popay doing a fantastic job in dictating the tempo of the game. Both teams were able to create some chances, with goalkeepers Corey Hennis and Rupert Faith coming up big for their teams. In what was a physical but clean game, a Popay booking in the 68th minute would be the turning point of the match. With Drummond, McAllister, and Kevin Sturgeon getting a great rush on goal, Popay defender Jamie Brooks was viewed by the referee to have gone in a little hard on an attempted tackle of Drummond. Because Brooks was about a half second late on the challenge, he did not get the ball, and took out Drummond pretty hard and earning himself a yellow card. After shaking it off, Drummond was ok, and delivered a great free kick, that bounced around a little bit before landing in front of perfectly positioned Jeremy McAllister, who beat Faith for his 6th goal of the tournament, scoring two goals in each game thus far. It was the kind of play that would leave any goalkeeper helpless, and Faith may have deserved a better fate. From there, Popay pressed hard of an equalizer, with Black getting the best of those late chances in the 88th minute, but his shot was just barely sailed over the crossbar. After three minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle sounded, with the Rockets recorded their third consecutive win, which will be enough to send them to the knockout stages. It’s still too early to determine who the first opponent may be, but a possibility could be the hosts, Starblaydia. Now, for some post game reaction:

Brooker: “Yeahhhh!!!! We’re going to advance! We want that Cup!!”

Borsinger: “What a great game, that’s what its all about right there. I’m so honored to be part of this team, and can’t believe that we’ve clinched advancement especially so quickly. It’s only going to get tougher from here on out.”

Rafferty: “It’s great to have proven so many people wrong, and maybe beating the 6th ranked club in the tournament will show that we can do more then just capitalize on tough situations that are opponents have been involved with.”

Drummond: “Things couldn’t be going any better. Nine points after three games! We’ve really taken a lot of pride in representing the Empire in front of the world. I think we’ve done a great job of it.”

McAllister: “To qualify out of this group is something to be proud of, no matter how much experience you have at this level. There is no weak link anywhere in this group. Maybe we were supposed to be according to the bookies. We’re honored to be going through. Next we’ll try to win the group outright.”

Carson (manager): “The boys did a fantastic job today. We had to make a lot of tactical adjustments in this match because Popay was a very focused opponent, and probably the first opponent that I got a sense towards actually did scout us a little bit. To be able to win this kind of game shows the type of character that exists in this locker room. I’m proud that we are advancing. We will be up for Krytenia, because we want to win this group, but after that is where the schedule works in our favor. We can enjoy our bye a little bit, and have some time to take in the sights of Starblaydia. I’ve heard there are some great restaurants here.”

That’s all for this recap, up next sometime later we’ll look at the Krytenia match. One last time, your final score was Newmanistan 2, Popay 1

NEWMANISTAN 2
McAllister (27', 69')

POPAY 1
Black (17')

Bookings:
NEWMANISTAN
Morton, YC, 34'

POPAY
J. Brooks, YC, 68'

THE ROCKET REPORT

EMPRESS TO ATTEND KRYTENIA GAME

Hallad City, Starblaydia- It may not have seemed like an attainable goal at the start of the 4th installment of the Di Bradini Cup, but as Newmanistan gets set to take on Krytenia, it is very possible for the Empire to finish off group play with a 4-0-0 record. The Rockets have already clinched advancing to the knockout stages, and things are favorable to win the group based on goal differential, if nothing else. Second-place Sorthern Northland finishes off with struggling Jeruselem. After using the disrespect theme to get themselves motivated for Popay, the Rockets will have plenty of reason to want to defeat Krytenia. Last evening, it was announced that the Empress herself has flown to Starblaydia, and will meet the players and then be in the stands as Newmanistan and Krytenia battle it out on the pitch.

It is a historic visit for Empress Jessica. Never before has she visited a nation outside of Newmanistan’s region, but as she tries to make the Empire more of a recognizable worldwide name, it’s an interesting first step for many reasons beyond the soccer end of it. But this visit, she insists, is just about soccer, and just about being there for the team and the coaching staff. She will meet Newmanistan supporters who have made the trip and is willing to and is excited about the possibility to meet other national leaders while here. Our Clint Peterson had perhaps the biggest interview he will ever have in his life. Being able to have an exclusive one-on-one interview with the Empress herself. Well, sort of one-on-one. She was surrounded by several security officials during the course of it.

CP: Empress, it is a privilege and honor just to be able to do this. I cannot thank you enough. Wow, I’m just speechless right now.

E: It’s ok. Think of me like your best friend. As long as we stick to soccer and not anything political.

CP: It will be my pleasure. How was your flight?

E: It was a nice flight. There were some interesting characters in the airport, though. Somebody kicked a soccer ball at me. Looked like a Northwesterner but he didn’t seem to want an autograph.

CP: That would have been someone from Sorthern Northland, I would assume. Long story there. Anyway, what do you think of Starblaydia?

E: I haven’t got to see much of it yet. I’m glad to have made this trip though, as it is all part of my wanting to make the Empire recognized more in the world. Part of that is going to a great nation like this.

CP: Now to soccer, the team has three wins in three games, beating some quality sides along the way. We know they’ll be in quarterfinals. Could you have imagined this?

E: Honestly, I thought it was possible. We are a big nation, and one with a deep sports history. Just one that not enough people know about. Not many people are aware of the competitions that we have participated back at home, which is kind of tough, and the main reason why I wanted to do this. When you say here that we are the two time defending TBL champion, all you get is a what the heck is the TBL? Or OBIRA. Or when I talk about TARA, they think I’m talking about a girl. I could go on and on with the sports leagues you and I know, but mean nothing at this level. All that is nice, but it’s not enough for us anymore. I took us to this stage because I knew we could win at it. Of course it’s going to take time, that goes without saying. But winning a World Cup means much, much more then a TARA Nation’s Cup, and that’s the level we are going to compete at now.

CP: Can Newmanistan win the Di Bradini Cup? And what happens in the Empire if we do?

E: Of course we can win it. Why can’t we? Candelaria and Marquez, Elves Security Forces, Starblaydia on their home turf are all great sides, and they can all win it too. You have to believe that you can win, or there is no sense in trying. We’re going all out for it, and we’ll see what happens. If we did win it, it will be the most prestigious thing we’ve ever won. I’d have to put it over the TBL titles, even though I know some may argue that. There would be some serious celebrations. But even if we don’t win it, looking what we’ve accomplished here, there’s cause for celebration already.

CP: Will this carry over into World Cup 40? Because fans all over the Empire are beginning to think that it will, even though us soccer realists know that it’s a completely different level.

E: I would love to say yes, you know I do. And we’ll go into World Cup 40 feeling good about ourselves. But the reality of the situation, is that the only thing the Di Bradini Cup and the World Cup have in common is that you play soccer in order to win it. In the World Cup, the competition level is drastically higher then this. It would be prestigious to win World Cup 50, and if we’re thinking about winning that Cup, that’s the more realistic Cup for us. In WC 40, we’ll just try and make some people take note of us, and maybe be a spoiler in the group to a certain degree. Deep down in my heart I want to say we can win, though. I guess you always have to believe, but there are a lot of factors going into the World Cup, and they will be against us when the competition begins.

CP: What about the Baptism of Fire?

E: That is the more realistic goal, yes.

CP: Jeremy McAllister has now scored six goals in this tournament. Does he get any special treatment when he gets home?

E: They will all get special treatment when they get home. They are young men that have made our Empire so proud. I think Jeremy is the leading scorer in the Cup right now, though I don’t have all the numbers in front of me. It would be great if he took home that honor, but there are a lot of games left to play. It’s an individual honor for Jeremy but a team honor for all of them.

CP: You named Brian Carson as the manager, how much credit does he get?

E: He gets credit for taking a bunch of young men, and getting them to bond together and play hard for the Empire. That’s not an easy thing to do, especially when you consider this is the first time that we have participated at this level. Brian’s been a great coach for Pocono City, and now all of us, even the Pocono City haters, have gotten a chance to see how intelligent he is at leading a team.

CP: What about the whole disrespect deal that players talked about after the Jeruselem game?

E: I don’t know, I think sometimes athletes like to take a little thing and make into one real big thing, but there’s really nothing wrong with that. You have to get yourself pumped up for a game, and one of the best ways to do it is act as if everyone is against you.

CP: Well your security guards have signaled to me that you must go, so I wish you well and thank you, Your Majesty, for the greatest interview I’ll ever get to have in my life.

E: Your welcome, but it would be an even greater interview if it came after winning the Di Bradini Cup, so let’s hope we can do that.

CP: Yes most definitely. Take care.

-
Upset in Progress
Starblaydia can top Group for first time

Funnily enough, Starblaydia have never finished top of a Group in three seperate attempts in the Di Bradini Cup, but now, after two games played, they are looking on-course to make it for the first time.

A 1-0 victory over Daehanjeiguk proved eventful but ultimately only a single goal - a penalty scored by Lubii - separated the sides at the end. It came from a foul on Fenchurch "Fenny" Bentley ans she cut into the box from out wide on the right. Baek Namjun turned one way, Bentley darted the other and, with the ball gently rolling towards goal, soon hit the grass, claiming a block. The referee had no qualms about pointing ot the spot, but replays suggested that contact was minimal. Bentley had, however, skinned the Han fullback for pace and would certainly have pulled out a shot on goal had she stayed on her feet.

As it turned out, the shot was provided from precisely twelve yards from Lubii, the young Iskara Daii starlet putting a right-footed shot into the top-right corner, beyond the reach of Yi Jeongyeol. It proved to be the strike that sealed three points, but Starblaydia could quite easily have won by two or three goals, were it not for a lack of accuracy and some top drawer saves from the Han goalkeeper.

Starblaydia 1 - 0 Daehanjeiguk
(Lubii 74 (P)) - (None)

Their second match proved to be far easier, however, and put Starblaydia on top of Group A. The big story in this group is that Elves Security Forces are now all-but-eliminated, barring mathematical unlikelyhoods such as the Han team failing to get a single point from their last two games. Starblaydia's progression seems much clearer now thanks to this 4-1 victory, which included a first Under-21 goal from Fenny Bentley, a brace from all-action midfield maestro Batou Nakamura and a peach of a strike from Lubii. Lubii and Nakamura, who were both surprise inclusions in a very young Starblaydi senior squad that made the Quarter-Finals of the last World Cup, have certainly grown in stature as players and will surely be leading the charge for starting spots at the next World Cup.

Lubii is starting to put herself at the head of the chasing pack in the race for the senior Number Ten shirt, while Nakamura, though very talented, will have do deal with the all-round talent that is Alfonso Di Angelo to fight for the Number Eight shirt. Nakamura is still only nineteen, of course, and his time will surely come. Lubii's time, however, seems much closer than the horizon.

Starblaydia 4 - 1 Krasslor
(Bentley 22, Nakamura 38 & 67, Lubii 61) - (#8 56)

Starblaydia's next match is against the former Di Bradini Cup champions who have surprisingly struggled in the opening two games: Elves Security Forces. Though onlookers may be quick to point out refereeing decisions that went against the Valanora, the conspiracy theory that Starblaydi referees are somehow making up for the thrashing in the World Cup Quarter-Final still refuses to go away. One only has to remember, however, the dismal performance the then defending champions gave in the second Di Bradini Cup, before coming back to reach the final again in the third tournament. Perhaps the fifth Di Bradini Cup will be their time to live up to their expectations? Either way, Starblaydia are on-course for their best group placing in four tournaments, eagerly awaiting their opponents in the Quarter Finals.

THE BLOUMAN TIMES

Empire Makes It Two In A Row

The short break seems to have done the Imperial team good notching up its second win in a row which places it in second position on the table one point behind Ruskastan, however, the team is a game behind. The game started well for the empire with Speed scoring a goal in the 10th minute after moving his way through 3 defenders from 30 yards out managing to get the goal only 9 yards from goal. While the team failed to capitalize on a few chances due to some good goalkeeping by the opposition and some wayward shots by the teams front line. The defenders managed to play one of the best games fans will ever see not once allowing Lovisan to get pass the back four. After the break and about 65 minutes into the game young gun Christopher Moreton ran trough the midfield bewildering the opposition with some fancy foot work and and performed a one-two with Martin Fox with Moreton slotting the ball past the goal frame. There was a brief moment of anxiety for manager Longlegs when Lovisa with a corner kick taking shots at goal a total of 8 times with the Blouman defence unable to clear it, keeper Alex Burner managed to save all shots jumping around from one end to the other like a cat, Henry Morrison was able to clear the ball. In the 81st minute forward Johnathon Rhodes took a shot from 22 yards out as it curled and went into the top right hand corner. The shot gave the final score 3-0, John Longlegs is said to be ecstatic with him being quoted as saying "The way we played today is outstanding and I am pleased with every player, if we continue on this good form then we will go well in this cup".

The empire next plays top of the table Ruskastan while this team is yet to be beaten from three games, confidence and morale is high within the team and they cannot wait for their next challenge. A win tomorrow will result in the empire going two points clear on the top of the table, a must win it is being said by local experts.


Lovisa 0-3 Blouman Empire

Relax, take it easy
For there is nothing that you can do.
Relax, take it easy
Kry-Ten-I-A watch as we beat you.

Not as if we were scared.
It’s as if you were terrified.
Not as if we were scared.
Didn't you see that you were playing with fire?
Scared?
Better hope you're we never meet again.
Were you scared?
Cause you were playing with fire.

"Haha great training session lads and well done on beating Krytenia three nil. Ha Ha gotta love that song. Relax relax..."

"Nah coach don't bother singing."

"Er right well lets go through a few things then. What was I saying about Mika being dangerous before the game? Load of crap. He couldn't of scored at a Gay Pride march based on that performance. And the midfield, fantastic performance today, I don't think you let Corazon have a second on the ball all game, brilliant..."

"Oo security's coming over."

"Oh for fuc... Look mate I know your only doing your job, but we're stuck here ok, we're not allowed out the airport, if we move your just gonna move us again in half an hour."

*Security guard says something.

"Oh your not airport security?"

*Security guard mutters something else.

"Ah your a security guard for Empress Jessica of Newmanistan? How can I help you?"

*Security guards talks to the coach.

"Lee, over here please."

"Yes boss?"

*The coach speaks to the security guard, "This is Lee Waywide, I'm sure you'll agree his name suits him."

*The coach then speaks to Waywide, "It appears that during our training session earlier you hit Empress Jessica with a ball?"

"Empress who?"

"Jessica, she's from Newmanistan."

"Oh right well er sorry."

"No good saying sorry to me son, you didn't hit me."

"Well she's not here, who should I apologise to?"

"Er good point. Erm write it down on a bit of paper and I'm sure this security guard of hers will pass it on."

"Good thinking coach, you got some paper?"

"No, go and buy a postcard from that shop over there."

*Lee goes off to the shop to get a postcard. The coach and security guard pass the time with idle chatter. Sorthern Northland's president Jimmy Sheridan also joins the group during this time and expresses a desire to meet the Empress to her security guard. After a few minutes Lee returns.

"I got this postcard with pictures of Basia province on it, I think that where we are, on it, do you think she'll like that? Ah President Sheridan, good day to yah."

"Good afternoon, Lee, I think your coach wants to say something."

"I'm not bothered whether she likes the picture, I just want you to apologise to her."

"Ah right then, er anyone got a pen? Ah thank you Mr President."

*Lee proceeds to write on the back of the postcard.

To, your Highness, the Empress Jessica of Newmanistan,

I sincerely apologise for hitting you with a football at the airport earlier today. Training at an airport as I'm sure you can imagine is a difficult task. The coach says I need to work on the accuracy of my shooting, he says I get a lot of power but no accuracy. My shots can end up anywhere sometimes. Anyway once again I am very sorry for hitting you.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Starblaydia and enjoy the Newmanistan Krytenia match, we beat them three nil so I'm sure you'll get a win as well. I hope Newmanistan do well in the tournament, well they already have but I hope they continue to do well. I wish you and your nation the best of luck. Unless you play us again that is. I hope we meet in the final, that would be a good match, but I hope we win if we do. If we don't get there I hope you win the competition.

Best of luck, Lee Waywide

"There's hows that coach?"

"Erm well, I only asked for an apology but I'm sure the Empress will appreciate it."

*Lee hands the postcard over to the security guard who then leaves. The coach then speaks again.

"Well we've got our President here, so I'll let him say a few words."

"Thank you coach. Well first of all I would like to apologise to you all for the passport cock-up, I have made sure the Passports Department are doing everything they can to rectify the mistake and progress is going very well and I am pleased to say your passports should be valid again within a couple of weeks. Obviously I regret this situation ever happened at all, but on behalf of the nation I would like to thank each and every one for your steller efforts during testing times so far and wish you the best of luck for the remainder of the tournament. I shall be attending the Jeruselem game so I hope to see a great match. Thank you."

"Jimmy Sheridan there, our President. Thank you very much Mr President."

*Sheridan, thanks the players and staff and leaves.

"Right then well. No pressure for the Jeruselem game eh? But I'm sure your all aware that we have the ability to win it, and if your not then you should be getting on that plane and going home."

"Figure of speech yeah?"

"Well done Lee. Now then depending on how tonight's game goes Jeruselem could still be in with a chance of going through when we play them or they could be out. But whatever the situation I want us to go out all guns blazing right. Now then we've got this matchday off. Personally I'd of rather had any other day but this one off but there's nothing we can do, so go off and enjoy yourself. Well enjoy yourself as much as you can in an airport. And that doesn't mean you can run out on the airfield pretending to hijack planes, throw condoms around or ride the baggage carousels ok?"

"Yes coach."

"Good, now then both the games in our group our being shown in the bars around the airport so if you want to watch them you know where I'll be."

Nobuo Iwahashi: You’re watching Matchday Live on the Territorial Sports News Network, sponsored by Crosscom Global Telecommunications, supporters of Territorial World Cup zeokit since day one, by Devora Seror department stores who remind you to live a life of luxury, by Campable Survival Gear, and by Blue Panther Cola, unleash the blue in you. I’m Nobuo Iwahashi.

Izukoza Yoko: And I’m Izukoza Yoko.

NI: Well my fellow Fujisawans it appears we have pulled off an upset over mid-ranked Milchama in the 4th Di Bradini Cup. After losing 3-0 to Candelaria And Marquez in our first match, the Territories Under 21 team beat Milchama 4-1. I would have to say that’s a very schizophrenic turnaround.

IY: I’m pleasantly surprised. A lot of things went right today for us. Sakura Jo had a big day and her role was critical in this match. Deanna Distefano played some superb zeokit, and overall we were in control of the game.

NI: You didn’t think that we’d win against Milchama, did you?

IY: No, I didn’t.

NI: Well our scorers were Junko Tawaraya in the 15th minute, Tawaraya again in the 27th minute, Toshio Ichimonji in the 64th minute, and Shojiro Takemago closed out scoring in the 77th. Pretty impressive game for Tawaraya the junior from Yukino Kawa High School.

IY: I give credit to the whole team. It was an obvious team effort.

NI: What did we do in the match against Milchama that we didn’t do against Candelaria And Marquez?

IY: I think we were just overwhelmed because Candelaria And Marquez is such a great team, and in the Milchama match, we established ourselves early and took advantage. We weren’t as jittery in this match as were against Candelaria And Marquez.

NI: Okay, thoughts on the Kosovoe game?

IY: I think we stand a good chance. They’re winless after three matches with only two scores to their name. And they have already been eliminated. We just have to make sure that confidence from the win over Milchama carries over to this match. We have momentum building, and we have to bring it to the Kosovoe match.

NI: The Fujisawan Territories have never had back to back wins in any international zeokit tournament. You really think we can do it?

IY: Of course we can. Don’t jinx us...

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
In between Matchday Five and the Quarter-Finals there will be an extra 24 hour break, with scorination of the Quarter-Finals on Sunday Evening GMT. To compensate for this delay, and to promote extra quality RP, teams will earn DOUBLE RP BONUS in between MD5 and the QFs. Make 'em good, and the rewards will follow.

And now, the Scores:

Matchday 4 Results
Group A
Elves Security Forces 2-1 Starblaydia
Agroprom 4-1 Krasslor

Group B
Jeruselem 4-1 Popay
Krytenia 2-4 Newmanistan

Group C
Candelaria And Marquez 4-2 Taeshan
Fujisawan Territores 5-2 Kosovoe

Group D
Cafundeu 1-0 Kura-Pelland
Blouman Empire 2-2 Ruskastan


Matchday 4 Standings
Group A
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Starblaydia 3 2 0 1 6 3 +3 6
Daehanjeiguk 3 2 0 1 4 3 +1 6
Agroprom 3 1 1 1 4 2 +2 4
Elves Security Forces 3 1 1 1 3 3 0 4
Krasslor 4 1 0 3 6 12 -6 3 E

Group B
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 4 4 0 0 15 7 +8 12 Q
Sorthern Northland 3 2 0 1 7 5 +2 6
Jeruselem 3 1 1 1 8 8 0 4
Krytenia 3 0 1 2 4 9 -5 1 E
Popay 3 0 0 3 3 8 -5 0 E

Group C
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Candelaria And Marquez 3 3 0 0 9 2 +7 9
Fujisawan Territores 3 2 0 1 9 6 +3 6
Taeshan 3 2 0 1 6 5 +1 6
Milchama 3 1 0 2 5 9 -4 3
Kosovoe 4 0 0 4 4 11 -7 0 E

Group D
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Ruskastan 4 2 2 0 7 3 +4 8 Q
Blouman Empire 3 2 1 0 7 3 +4 7
Cafundeu 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
Kura-Pelland 3 1 0 2 1 4 -3 3 E
Lovisa 3 0 0 3 1 5 -4 0 E

The First Victory
Possibly of many, say punters

Agroprom Win! After yesterdays defeat, the tension of the nation was released in a glorious 4-1 victory over fellow minnows Krasslor. Though not quite as mad as the previous matches parties, the streets were still full of happy sports fans. A massive boost is expected at home as well - a massive turnout is expected to future Agroprom Cup matches, and the national team has reached new heights of morale.

In the middle of thousands of fans returning to their hotels, we caught up with team captain Liubov Popova.

Reuters Agroprom: A win! How does it feel?
Liubov Popova: Excellent, yeah. We're abroad, we just won, its all amazing.
Reuters: Being abroad is surely not that unusual for an international team.
Popova: International, my friend, does not mean we've been abroad.
Reuters: That defies the point.
Popova: Tell the Sports Minister that.
Reuters: Well, he might start to see reason now you have won.
Popova: Hopefully so.
Reuters: Where are the team now?
Popova: Tour bus, maybe.
Reuters: Have fun with that.

And now, back to Mr Hormanov

Score

Agroprom 4 - 1 Krasslor

Serge Poliakoff, AGP, 42 minutes
Konstantin Savitsky, AGP - 66 minutes[/orange]

The Team:

GK - Ivan Nikitin - [color=red]7
DF - Leonid Pasternak - 6
DF - Vasily Perov - 7
DF - Serge Poliakoff - 5 - Off Sub 45 minutes
DF - Vasily Polenov - 8
MF - Liubov Popova - 8
MF - Konstantin Rodko - 9
MF - Ilya Repin - 8
ST - Nicholas Roerich - 7 - Off Sub 74 minutes
ST - Svetoslav Roerich - 9
ST - Konstantin Savitsky - 8 - Off Sub 86 minutes

MF - Andrei Ryabushkin - 7 - On Sub 86 minutes
ST - Fyodor Rokotov - 8 - On sub 74 minutes
DF - Andrei Rublev- 7 - On Sub 45 Minutes

Starting Formation: 4-3-1-2
Starting Weather: Sunny
Team Ratings in Red - 0 Morbid, 6 Average, 10 Excellent

Kick off, and things were very even for the two teams. A slow paced game for most of the first twenty minutes, the only significant action was a long ball from Nikitin being met by Savitsky, who narrowly missed a long range lob on the break. That would have been the perfect start for the team - things started to look up fairly soon. On 26 minutes, the first goal was scored by Svetoslav Roerich, making up for his morbid first two games. After some slow build up play, Rodko slipped in an excellent lofted pass, which Roerich dug out from under his feet and pummeled into the net.

Respectfully on 33 minutes, Krasslor responded soon enough, to make the game even. And unknown player hit a long, floating cross across the box from very deep in the half, met by the head of another anonymous player and into the top corner of the Agroprom goal. Admittedly, it was a very nice play, but the Agroprom defence did almost look disgusted with themselves - it was evident better would be done next time. Popova set about reorganising the defence, encouraging more deep tackling.

Half time came and went, with a struggling Poliakoff being replaced by young star Andrei Rublev. Little did manager Velicka know that the defence would not be needed much in the second half. It all started on 48 minutes. The second half was quicker paced from the outset, possibly a managerial decision, and a quick surpise break from the Agroprom midfielders allowed Rodko to penetrate the Krasslor defence and smash the ball into the bottom corner of the Krasslor net. 2-1.

Quickly following, a goal on 58 minutes sealed the games fate. A drifting corner hit in by Repin was headed clear by a Krasslor defender, straight to the feet of Rodko. In a moment of football genius, the Agroprom midfielder curved the ball round a wall of players, straight past the goalie. The poor man had no chance - he was blind until the ball was in his net. It was at this point that the game started to slow down again - Agroprom were possibly conserving their energy for the big crunch match against Starblaydia.

Not that it mattered anyway. The team continually pressed for the last half hour, probing Krasslor's defence. All credit to the foreign team, their defenders faired well, changing tactics and axis of defence regularly in an effort to throw back the attackers. It all came falling down on top of them on 84 minutes, however. Polenov made a massive run from defence deep into the Krasslor defence, dragging half the Agroprom team with him. From here, a series of short, rapid passes were made, ending in Roerich being alone in the box. One lobbed keeper and a cartwhell later, and the game finished, 4-1 to Agroprom. Cue partying and chamapgne.

http://english.people.com.cn/200606/27/images/0627_A51.jpg
Rodko in the thick of it

It was only after the game that certain people realised, hey, we could possibly make it to the quarter finals. A very slim chance, it was thought, but it is possible. All that would be required was a win over Starblaydia, it was thought. The team is undoubtedly very proud to have made it this far of course - preperations are already underway to mount a storng attack on the next cup. However, most people are clearly focussed on the present.

Can we beat Starblaydia? Madder things have happened - it will be fun to try nonetheless. Possible prematch analysis may follow before the game.

Popay-1
Kim Jung-Sui 89"

Jeruselem-4
Friar Putin 12", 78", Friar Mauve 55", Friar Fast 67"

Popayen Stats
Goalscorers
Kim Jung-Sui-2
James Black-1
Offences
Jamie Brooks-1

Next Line Up Vs Krytenia
GK:Rupert Faith
DL:Edward Hanning
DC:Oliver Kettering
DC:Jamie Brooks
DR:Kenny Brooks
ML:Craig Johnson
MC:Darren King
MC:Kim Jung-Sui (c)
MR:Kenji Takemori
SK:James Black
SK:Ian Williams

The Jeruselem coach was revved up

"Yeah! That's it boys. That's it! That's what God wants to see. You know, if our Skate was here - that is what she wanted too. But we have not finished the job, we need to win again. It is not over. No losing, hear me - no losing. I want you to win the next game as we cannot afford to slip up. We need to be strong, mentally and physically. We are Monks, not schoolgirls. You see those girls on the streets? We must be strong people like them. If they can rally for their Queen, we can do better. We can win this cup for our Queen. Our nation needs us. With a bit of divine grace, we can show our nation - Monks are winners. If those army boys at the Cup of Harmony 31 can make the final, we should too. It's really simple, if you put in the effort for God - he'll help you. So train hard, be good and work hard. The people of Jeruselem need us to be the best Holy team here. I want all you boys to be like our brothers in that other nation. I want you to show, Brothers in Christ can win something. That's it, win boys. We must show God is on our side. If a bunch of no-good drunk womanizing Dazza-worshipping porn-watching girl-groping Godless army boys are better than us, it makes us look stupid! So, it's all up to you. YOU MUST PERFORM NOW."

We've failed to report to you the last couple of days because well. Let me cut in we dont care. Obviously we arent cut out for this reporting thing. Well heres th news straitly we beat kosovoe 1-0 Brian ying uing scored our only goal in the kmatch of rivals, and then we lost to the crazy calandarians 4-2 with goals scored by Ricky Zellefrow and Newton . Isaac(goalie) also scored an own goal when we were down 3-2 he sucks. Anyway we know play the teritories in hopes of qualifying for quarters. We jneed a win. We suck so it wont happen.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS FINISH OFF UNBLEMISHED GROUP STAGE

Hallad City, Starbladyia- With Empress Jessica in the stands rooting them on, the Rockets had plenty of incentive for this game against Krytenia, even if they had previously qualified. No way, could she make the long trek, and watch a poor effort. Facing a Krytenia squad that desparately needed a win to keep their slim hopes of advancement alive, there was no way that Newmanistan could just go through the motions in this one. At stake was a potential 4-0-0 record for the group stage, a remarkable accomplishment, even though now it would certainly raise the expectation level for the club as they do advance.

From the opening whistle, the Rockets tried to control the pace of the game to a high strung style of offense, and the Young Aces really didn’t seem to mind the tempo. Both teams traded good opportunities early, with goalkeeper Leon Uriu of Krytenia very impressive in the first 20 minutes, keeping the game goalless. But it couldn’t last forever as the Rockets opened the scoring in the 24th off a corner kick. Rafferty got the ball in well, and the play was finished off by Brian Cerullo, for his third goal of the tournament. The goal seemed to suck a lot of the life out of the Young Aces, as they struggled to get the ball past midfield for much of the remainder of the first half, taking some senseless fouls along the way. It would allow the Rockets to capitalize two more times before the end of the first half, with Jeremy McAllister getting his seventh of the tournament in the 39th minute, and Shawn Drummond scoring in the 44th. McAllister’s goal was also scored off a corner kick, with Rafferty again getting the ball in well, allowing McAllister to head the ball in. Uriu seemed as though he lost track of the ball, perhaps being screened by one of his defenders. Five minutes later, McAllister picked up an assist after making Desmond Kelly look a little silly on a fake out, getting ball clean to Drummond. Michelle Graise tried to make amends for her teammates error with a desperate attempt at a sliding tackle, but she got there after the ball had already left Drummond’s foot. At the break, the Rockets appeared to be up comfortably, 3-0.

As the second half began, a new Krytenia team appeared to take the pitch. Whatever manager Shaun Jaffacake-Phillips said to them during the intermission definitely worked. The Young Aces had the Rockets on their heels, forcing Corey Hennis to have to make some big saves, but he could not get them all. In the 49th minute, Krytenia was on the board on a Mika strike. The relentless attack didn’t stop there, as they continued to carry the play. Scoring again in the 59th minute to make it 3-2, suddenly we had a game on our hands again. Scott Sychev finished the play off with the goal, but the real credit for the play must go to Steven Corazon, who gave him an excellent pass up the middle.

With the Young Aces having all the momentum, manager Brian Carson decided the team needed fresh legs on the pitch in the 67th minute, making the unusual move of three substitutions at once. Out were Borsinger, Caufield, and Sturgeon. They were replaced by Brent Treichler, Danny Cardona, and Brian Wright, respectively. At first, the moves didn’t seem to have a lot of impact, but as the minutes wound down, momentum began to shift back to the Rockets. In the 80th, Wright would score his first of the tournament, after being fed the ball well down low by Brian Cerullo. Wright blasted the ball by Uriu, and the 2-goal lead was restored. The goal lifted the spirits of Newmanistan, and completely demoralized the Young Aces. The Rockets finished off the remaining time, getting themselves a 4-2 victory, and finish 4-0-0 in the tournament’s group stage. They are the only team with that record currently, with only Candelaria and Marquez having the ability to also go 4-0-0 as they enter their final group match.

The Rockets will enjoy a bit of a break, with a bye week then added rest time before the quarterfinal. Their opponent is still to be determined, and with Group A being real tight, it really is very up in the air who they will be. The best bet is probably Daehanjeiguk based on current standings and final matchups, but Starblaydia, Elves Security Forces, and Agroprom all could be possibilities. An Agroprom meeting would be particularly interesting as they too, were an unranked team heading into this Cup, and a club we may be seeing more of, mainly in the Baptism of Fire. Here’s your boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 4
Cerullo (24') Assist- Rafferty
McAllister (39') Assist- Rafferty
Drummond (44') Assist- McAllister
Wright (80') Assist- Cerullo


KRYTENIA 2
Mika (49')
Sychev (59') Assist- Corazon

Bookings:

NEWMANISTAN
Treichler, YC, 74'

KRYTENIA
Sychev, YC, 40'
Kelly, YC, 45'
Griase, YC, 85'

=========================================================

Later on, in an undisclosed Starbladyi restaurant, the Empress was dining with manager Brian Carson, and a couple security guards, Tyrone and Jarred, were also alongside them.

BC: So what did you all think of the game today?

E: I thought you guys did a great job, you have really made the Empire proud. (The Security guards don’t respond).

Tyrone: Empress, I must give you this. (Hand over postcard)

E: Wow, Basia looks like a real nice place, they must have good taste. (Reads note)
To, your Highness, the Empress Jessica of Newmanistan,

I sincerely apologise for hitting you with a football at the airport earlier today. Training at an airport as I'm sure you can imagine is a difficult task. The coach says I need to work on the accuracy of my shooting, he says I get a lot of power but no accuracy. My shots can end up anywhere sometimes. Anyway once again I am very sorry for hitting you.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Starblaydia and enjoy the Newmanistan Krytenia match, we beat them three nil so I'm sure you'll get a win as well. I hope Newmanistan do well in the tournament, well they already have but I hope they continue to do well. I wish you and your nation the best of luck. Unless you play us again that is. I hope we meet in the final, that would be a good match, but I hope we win if we do. If we don't get there I hope you win the competition.

Best of luck, Lee Waywide
E: What a nice young man. Tyrone, you know you guys didn’t have to make a big deal over the ball, you’ve made this guy feel real bad for what was definitely an accident.

Tyrone: Just doing my job, Your Majesty.

Jarred: You never know in this day and age. That ball may have been laced with something.

BC: Well, we knew Sorthern Northland was in the airport. They have to practice somewhere.

E: That’s a shame what happened with their passports, how could they allow that to happen. Anyway, Tyrone, I want you to go deliver this note personally to Mr. Waywide.

Tyrone: (slight sigh) Very well.

Mr. Waywide,

Thank you for your great postcard that you sent me. No hard feelings about the ball, I know it was just an accident. I’ve been updated about the situation with your passports, and I feel sorry for both you and your teammates and coaches. It’s a shame that this has happened to you and I hope that it gets resolved quickly. It must be real difficult having to practice in an airport. You guys have still been able to do well in this tournament so congratulations on that, and good luck in your big game coming up against Jeruselem. I recall you scoring against us earlier in this competition, so I am sure that you will become as great of a soccer player as you are a person.

You and your teammates are welcome at any time to visit the Empire of Newmanistan. If you do, I will see to it that you are all treated like royalty.

Sincerely, Empress Jessica

E: There you go, deliver that to him. And if their coach permits, purchase a round of drinks for all their players on me. Just one, though.

Tyrone: Fine. Can I eat first?

(Carson and the Empress break down in laughter, with the coach appearing to be looking in another direction.)

BC: Yes, certainly you may eat first.

E: There were more Krytenia supporters in the crowd today, why is that? We need to get more people to travel.

BC: Well Krytenia is closer. Maybe our supporters didn’t think we would do as well as we have.

(The Waitress arrives with the food)

Waitress: Here you go. Enjoy.

Tyrone: What the **** is this? I ordered the 40-piece shrimp platter!

Jarred: So did I!

W: But.....

E: Tyrone, that’s no way to talk to a young lady just trying to do her job. (Carson struggles to resist laughing hard).

W: The guy over there said that you two both loved chicken noodle soup, so we made a special pot for you two. (Carson and the Empress laugh hysterically)

Tyrone: That young punk, I’ll kick his.....

Jarred: And what is so funny?

BC: What’s so funny? That “young punk” over there is Jeremy McAllister with some other players, and your so uptight that you can’t even recognize them. Relax a little and stop taking life so seriously.

E: (looking at waitress) Here you go. This is for you personally. That is worth 200 Newmanistan gold coins. I’m sure it will exchange well into your currency.

W: Oh wow! Thank you so much!

(Carson and the Empress enjoy their fine Starblaydi cuisine, while the security guards get by with their chicken noodle soup).

Welcome back to SportsHQ and now to the Di-Brandini Cup and the Bloumany U21 side or the eaglets as they have become to be know, has continued their quest ending the last game in a two all draw with top of the table Ruskastan.

As highlights of the game are shown the host continues

The game was played well by the team as they continued on their current form. The game started well with Speed opening the scoring in the twentieth minute with this excellent header from a cross by Fox.

Ruskastan replied with a goal five minutes later managing to just scrape it through Alex Burners hands.

The game seemed to stagnant for a while with both teams unable to get the ball on target, plenty of shots as you can see. Ruskastan managed to take the lead in the sixty sixth minute with a shot from 30 yards out that seemed magic as it curled around two blouman defenders.

The game seemed lost were it not for substitute Issac Golding who had came on for Johnathon Rhodes as Golding managed struck the ball with such force it knocked the Ruskastan keeper to the ground and the ball bounced off him and into behind the goal line. Bringing the final score 2-2.

The screen now goes back to the host

Excellent shot indeed, the draw see the empire still only a point behind Ruskastan who has played all four of their games with the eaglets to play one more game against Kura-Pelland. If the empire is able to win this game then they will move up to the top of the table two points clear of Ruskastan and making it to the quarter final, a draw will see them equal with Ruskastan on both points and goal difference and as the game ended in a draw between the two, who finishes first will be determined by a play off game between the two. Should the team lose this final game then the team needs to rely on Cafundu not beating last placed Lovisa by five goals or more, it will be an interesting game. For information on this game or anything else on the Di Bradini Cup visit www.sportsHQ.be/football/DBC after the break we go into the lineup on the new season of the Bloumany Air Race Championship and why this man will not be defending his title

Hoji Metropolitan Daily Record
Back to Back Wins For Territories Silence Critics

Starblaydia - For all the critics both at home and abroad who said the Territories couldn’t win in the Di Bradini Cup, the Territories have replied. After losing their first match 3-0 to the number one ranked team from Candelaria And Marquez, the Territories have scored nine goals while giving up only three in their last two games, an obvious improvement. The Shaojin Warriors who have rallied behind goalkeeper Sakura Jo carried momentum from the upset victory over Milchama to the Kosovoe match for a decisive victory. The Territories defeated Kosovoe 5-2 in their the third Di Bradini Cup match for the Territories, improving their record to 2-0-1.

Ginko Kawaii opened up scoring for the Territories 22 minutes in, Junko Tawaraya, made it 2-0 Fujisawan Territories in the 27th minute, and Shojiro Takemago added a score in the 41st. Kosovoe made it 3-1 Territories in the 57th, before Deanna Distefano put the Territories up 4-1 in the 69th, and Junko Tawaraya made it 5-1 in the 78th. Ten minutes later, Kosovoe scored their second goal to make it 5-2 Fujisawan Territories.

.
A Fujisawan Territories zeokit team hasn’t been able to get back to back wins in any international competition until now, making this win a milestone for the Territories. Following an uninspiring run in World Cup 39 qualifying, and a bitter finish in the Cup of Harmony which almost saw the Fujisawan Territories qualify for the next stage, hopes weren’t all too high for the Di Bradini Cup. The Territories have surprised many during the last two matches, thanks especially in part to the extraordinary play of Jo, who is also deaf.

“Having been deaf since birth, Sakura is a very visual person. She’s had to rely on her vision, so she has tremendous focus, and it’s for this reason I wouldn’t want anyone else as my starting goalkeeper. She’s hardly ever distracted,” coach Jotaro Komine said.

Next up, the Territories face eighth ranked Taeshan, and it’s a must win for the Territories to keep their qualifying hopes alive.

“I think we can continue to use momentum to our advantage if we see this as a real opportunity in front of us we can take advantage and make the most of it. I think we have a real shot at coming away with a win, and if we come in to this match against Taeshan with confidence and play smart and have faith on ourselves, we can come up with the W,” Komine added.

Komine also said he’s hoping to establish the Territories on the international radar as an up and coming zeokit nation, and sees the Di Bradini Cup as a way to do so.

“We’re glad to be representing our islands, our country and we want to be a part of Territorial history. We want to bring pride to our country by being successful in the Di Bradini Cup,” forward Kimiko Hasegawa from the Territorial Air Force Academy said after the match against Kosovoe.

-
Top By A Smidge
Starblaydia aiming for first spot

Even with a defeat to Elves Security Forces, Starblaydia have remained top of Group A, thanks to Daehanjeiguk having a Bye on this fourth Matchday. This leaves just two points separating the entire top four - Krasslor have already been eliminated, of course - meaning that everyone has a chance of qualifying for the knockouts. Starblaydia, with two wins and a loss, are in the driving seat, top by goal difference (through goals scored, as both teams have conceded thrice) over Daehanjeiguk. Behind them, both with a single win, loss and draw to their records, are Agroprom and Elves Security Forces. The interesting situation here, is that the teams on six points have to play a team on four points, meaning that with a win both Agroprom and ESF have the opportunity to go through with their destiny in their own hands.

With the possibility of being on seven points and a positive goal differential, either Starblaydia or Daehanjeiguk could be in danger with a draw. Should either of them win, of course, they ensure progression for them, and elimination for their opponent. Any four can make it through, and Group A's scorelines will make interesting reading throughout their ninety minutes.

Starblaydia's hopes of qualifying a match early were ruined by Calla Soler, who's surname those with longer memories may remember as that of Vilitan midfield legend Inaki Soler. As if we needed reminding of the Vilitans! Soler's brace of goals took the lead on two occasions, with the second goal in the second half being the decisive one that Starblaydia couldn't recover from.

Lubii scored Starblaydia's equaliser for One-One, her third goal in three games in this tournament so far. She's definitely pushing for the World Cup shirt with these performances, but then again so is every other Starblaydi striker. Fenny Bentley is still trying to make her claim for it, though a little more teamwork by the Hernsworth Cubs player would surely improve her chances, rather than trying to take on an entire team by herself. Talented she may be, but with teamwork - such as was displayed by Lubii and Djibroné for the goal - she will progress up the ladder a lot faster. Lubii's rivals for the striker spots - we still don't know if there will be one or two starting positions - include the veteran big man Stefan Hinkonnen, as well as Chong-sun, Quaresma and Torino. Starblaydia's planned appearances in the Oriental and Turtle Cups will be a chance for Marrones and her staff to test out two completely different teams before the World Cup 40 squad is picked. With the possibility of no Qualifying games, she will need all the matches she can get in order to be able to pick a final squad of twenty-three.

Starblaydia 1 - 2 Elves Security Forces
(Lubii 39) - (Soler 23 & 67)


EDIT: 'Submit Reply' is too close to 'Preview Post'

The Gassett Candelariasian Online>Sport>Football>In Brief

Defensive wobbles mar quarter-final qualification Andy Le Lan’s Small Blues swept into the knock-out stages once more this morning, but suffered difficulties at both ends that could prove costly ahead of the clash with Milchama and probable last-eight game with the Ruskastani newcomers.

Le Lan had opted not to ring the changes following his side’s less than barnstorming performance against Kosovoe, but he and the players both knew that their Teishanese cousins would be made of sterner stuff. The manager’s choice of formation once again came under fire, largely for its self-evident lack of width and though Le Lan has been quick to liken his side to those successfully used by Lloyd Donnelly over the years, playing with only one up front has left him open to accusations of negativity. What was noticeably clear was the lack of ambition shown in the centre of the park by Christian Sattler, Can Cetin (in for Nathaniel Stewart’s cosseted wrist injury) and Nicholas Percy; the latter in particular clearly unhappy with being forced to castrate his natural offensive game at Le Lan’s tactical behest.

What Taeshan were playing could hardly be classified as total football either, and what emerged in Jhanna was a game that had viewers at home this morning wiping the sleep out of their eyes, and those watching the later highlights package rubbing them in disbelief. Several of the six goals, and a few other incidents too, will go down as YouTube classics, but as so often at youth level they came largely as a result of howlers at the back.

Taeshan started the game firmly encamped in their own half, happy enough to try and claim the point that proved elusive for their qualification rivals from the Territories on the opening day in Jhanna. C&M struggled manfully to break them down and shortly before the half hour won their fourth corner of the game. It was half-cleared by Alan Pearsin back to the deliverer Percy, who laid the ball back on for Austin Lewis, the Gamboa player driving weekly at Isaac Newton. But the goalkeeper still managed to fumble the shot into the feet of Sattler, who had a simple enough job to poke it home.

It was the start of an interesting day for young Newton, which continued almost from the re-start when the ball came back to the goalkeeper and in keeping with Taeshan’s somewhat route-one traditions was instantly propelled up to the three front men. Enrique Silva de Aviz got to it first but managed to scuff his pass to Alex Duxbury straight instead to Ricky Zellefrow, who kept his cool to slot the equaliser past a helpless Joel Sbaïz.

The Purple Midgies, apparently, finally came out of their shell following Zellefrow’s goal and gave the C&M defence something to worry about, but soon after half-time the Small Blues appeared to have wrapped things up. Firstly, on forty-seven, Jamie González ran onto a long ball from Duxbury, shrugged off an admittedly poor challenge by Ricky’s Meyerse and finished powerfully with his left foot. Moments after, it was Lewis’ turn to take advantage of the sudden disarray in the Taes back three, when he dribbled cleverly around Chuck t’Duck and passed into space for Jason Federici to run on to.

In hindsight, that could have been the pass that destroyed C&M’s chances of a third straight title; as Federici neatly tucked in the third before careering directly into the upright, knocking himself clean out.

Perhaps it was concern for their stricken team-mate that led the champions to concede one of the Di Bradini Cup’s true comedy goals, as Newton hoofed another long kick up field. Damion Aslott and Jari Virta both missed it and succeeded only in tackling each other, and the small pile of bodies proved distracting enough for Sbaïz between the sticks to place himself entirely the wrong side of goal. Noticing his error he bravely attempted to keep it out but even his reach was not quite enough, and Taeshan were back in it from the most unlikely of scorers.

Newton wasn’t quite finished yet however and on eighty minutes managed to get on the scoresheet a second time when González struck a shot across goal that replays later showed was destined to curve just wide. Newton opted to try and catch it however, but failed with singular dreadfulness and diverted the ball into his own net.

At four-two C&M were able to cruise, knowing that mathematical qualification had been achieved, but all their thoughts remained with Federici; with many pundits feeling that hopes of that third Cup lie this evening in a Jhanna hospital bed.

Federici deficit could prove costly C&M insiders have given a tentatively positive update on star striker Jason Federici’s progress this afternoon. The Port of Clotaire teenager was stretchered off in the Taeshan game after a self-induced head injury and was said to have flitted in and out of consciousness throughout the ambulance ride to Jhanna’s central hospital; during which time he was heard only to randomly mutter lyrics from songs of a British popular beat combo of year past, and his speech patterns were described by one onlooker as “distinctly orange.”

He later regained full consciousness however and though local doctors have insisted that he stays in hospital overnight for observation, a return to the squad following the Milchama game seems possible. Whether he would be considered sharp enough to play however remains up in the air.

With qualification assured and next opponents Milchama eliminated, Le Lan looks set to rest several of his first-team players and put out a probable XI of Fluck – Dixon, Fisher, Silva de Aviz, Zois – Travers, Cetin, Sattler, Kortsarian – Gallagher, Johnson.

Mustard bombs DBC Radyukevich SC manager Coleman Mustard launched a stinging attack on the Di Bradini Cup following his side’s 1-0 league defeat to Candelaria-Allemali, describing it as a “sub-par competition for sub-par countries.” Mustard attributed the costly defeat against the Jukos’ fellow strugglers to the absence of Jari Virta and Christian Sattler, both current first-team players for the under-21s who could be set to miss the remainder of the league season.

In a series of increasingly heated post-match interviews Mustard, who has a 7-3-8 record since replacing Vincent Peluso as manager but whose club remains entrenched in the drop zone, claimed that his players were missing out on “competitive football” by taking regular “jaunts” to Starblaydia.

A controversial figure, Mustard was a beloved former left winger for the Clotaire outfit but one who initially rejected coaching after a recurring back injury ended his player career, in favour of working as an expert for TTO. He quickly became a popular if divisive pundit among viewers for his regular contrary arguments and un-PC outbursts, including an incident five years ago in which he was reprimanded for commenting on the arresting facade of the then Starblaydi youth international Jae Chang-hwa, who was underage at the time. He became the first black manager in the CMSC earlier this year.

His comments on the Di Bradini Cup were dismissed by CMSC and CAMAFA bosses as well as his opposite number on the weekend, CandelariaAM’s Jay Zabojnik, but Mustard defended himself in interview with TV1’s Keenan Bailey on Sunday. “It shows how little ambition we’ve got as a country that we get so hoop-la about winning this thing. Seriously bruv, they can shout about how big a competition this is ‘till they’re blue in the face, but you can bet they won’t be saying that when we’ve been knocked out in the semis by the lost city of Atlantis or the Sovereign Base Areas… I totally get Yars and Satters wanting to pull on the national kit at any opportunity, but this is just so pointless.”

Mustard declined to comment on suggestions he would encourage the Radyukevich board to sue the CAMAFA in the event of the club’s relegation.

Abbott About In the thirtieth part of his ongoing celebration of modern C&M’s socio-cultural diversity; Bill Abbott talks to former Milchaman postal worker Larry Lieb, ahead of the all-important Di Bradini Cup Matchday Five clash with his home nation.

BA: Larry, it’s a pleasure to talk to you.

LL: Oh…?

BA: I… I said, IT’S A PLEASURE TO TALK TO YOU!

LL: Yes, thank you. I’ve already had my dinner, though.

BA: Ah… Did you have, um, ratzelech, or um, holushkes, or…

LL: Beans! Baked ‘uns! They go down nice and easy ‘cos of the old gnashers, heh heh…

BA: Now of course, Larry, you’re one of the oldest immigrants to C&M, comi–

LL: Oy, noo, they’re little orange fellas… And you can have ‘em with egg, or with tomato sauce…

BA: Coming here a couple of years ago aged eighty-seven after most of your immediate family was killed amid the violence that preceding Tim Gonnenberg’s election; ho–

LL: And on toast, but they don’t let us… Can I have some of your egg?

BA: No. How have you found life in the Candelarias? Of course, anti-Semitism is still a virulent disease in C&M society, whileofcourseatthesametimebeingatiredexcusebydefendersoftheJeruselemitepolicytowardsSyria… How have the other inmates here at the Liverpool Hills Sunshine Memory Towers treated you since your arrival?

LL: Heh heh, well there’s Doris, she’s been giving me the eye, but that may just be her, y’know…

BA: Um… cataracts?

LL: Psychosis.

BA: Of course, Milchama are eliminated now but could still stop the Small Blues from topping the group. How do you rate their perfo–

LL: I know, I know, you don’t have to say it… You’re a good kid, Benny. You’re a good boy for your old dad, eh? Come here, son, let’s –

BA: No! So, do you think any of this country generation of Milchamans can match the performance of their elders? A World Cup final, that’s pretty impressive.

LL: Are you bringing me my dinner? I haven’t had my dinner yet.

BA: Well Larry, it’s been wonderful talking to you, a–

LL: …ittle orange fellas, and you can have ‘em with egg, and…

Group A
1 - Starblaydia (5)
2 - Daehanjeiguk (15)
3 - Agroprom (30)
4 - Valanora (2)
5 - Kresslor (30)

MD1: Kresslor 2-3 Daehanjeiguk
MD2: Starblaydia 1-0 Daehanjeiguk
MD3: Daehanjeiguk 1-0 Agroprom
MD4: BYE
MD5: Daehanjeiguk --- Valanora

The Crown Prince's Journal - MD3

So we won. Nothing much to report there again. I mean, Seol Gihyeon shot another goal, and that was it. I'm finding it hard to write things about stuff, which is probably why my father wanted me to do this. There's probably some ministry around him that does this stuff for him anyway, but he knows just how hard it is to write about trivial stuff. I mean, it's not trivial that we're winning and have the chance to qualify, if by some name of Heaven we manage to beat Valanora in the last match. Actually, at this point, all we'd need is a draw to qualify, but beside that point, they've got a strong side and will probably put us to shame once again.

In any case, I've liked my experience here. I've found out that people can be fun too. Coach Yu turned to me and said, "Well, I didn't put you on the field today because that would have been easy. So I'm going to do the hard thing and start you for the ESF match. Okay?" I laughed for about two minutes before I realized that he wasn't joking. I was scared at first, but I tried to assure myself that everyone feels the same way. I asked around, but everyone thought I was just trying to show off that I was starting. Only An Yeonghak believed me and said, "We're always scared when we get out there. You might lose. You might get hurt. You might lose and get hurt. But I guess it's a bigger excitement once you get off the pitch, win or lose."

I liked that - it made me feel better. During practice with the first team (the team that gets played), I felt more and more confident in my style. Of course, no one wanted to challenge me because they were concerned that I would smack them with the ball. Either that or they still thought highly of me. I tested that theory and told the convict guy to hit me. He looked at me with some confusion, wondering if it was perhaps a trick. I assured him to hit me as hard as he could; and Heaven help me, he did. It hurt a lot, but I think it worked to the extent that people started challenging me more. Maybe I just hurt a lot and I started to notice people challenging me more often. I don't know; maybe I hadn't thought through that thoroughly.

Well, Valanora is next, and it will be the biggest match so far. Hopefully we win. But at this point, it's best to presume we'll be making an early exit home. Either way, I'll be satisfied with the result. On the bright, if we go home early, I won't have to write any more of these reports for the Emperor.

李泰坤


Goal Scorers
2 - Seol Gihyeon
1- Kim Mihyeon, Yi Taegon

Nobuo Iwahashi: You’re watching Matchday Live on the Territorial Sports News Network, sponsored by Crosscom Global Telecommunications, supporters of Territorial World Cup zeokit since day one. By Samoan Sam’s Salmon Steakhouse, when you want salmon, top quality salmon, and nothing but salmon, it’s Samoan Sam's Salmon Steakhouse. By Blue Panther Cola, unleash the blue in you. And by Ko & Lo All Island Towing for all Territorial towing needs. I’m Nobuo Iwahashi.

Izukoza Yoko: And I’m Izukoza Yoko.

NI: So we had a win yesterday, 5-2 against Kosovoe after beating Milchama 4-1. Very few people had the confidence in us that we could do that. Your thoughts, Izukoza?

IY: Well first off, that means in our last two matches, we’ve scored nine times while only giving up 3, so that’s a considerable turnaround after giving up 3 of our own and being shut out against Candelaria And Marquez. We did what we had to do out there, carried momentum like I said we had to do. Overall, we did good.

NI: I agree, and a major reason for the Territories success is Sakura Jo. She’s here to talk with us today with the help of a sign language translator. So we go live to Starblaydia. Sakura?

Sakura Jo vis translator: I’m here. It’s good to be talking to you.

NI: Thank you for joining us. What are your thoughts on Starblaydia and being in the Di Bradini Cup?

SJ via translator: I’m having so much fun. It’s something not everybody can do and I am proud to do this for my country. I have made so many new friends, it is so amazing to be here.

NI: Okay, in the last two matches, the team scored nine goals while giving up only three. A lot of people are giving you the credit. How do you feel about that?

SJ via translator: We’re all one team. I did my part but it was everybody together that helped us win. I don’t understand why they give me so much credit.

IY: Realistically, do you think you guys can beat Taeshan today?

SJ via translator: Yes, we can. We have to play like we have been playing. We have to believe in ourselves. Then we can win.

IY: What’s next for you after the Di Bradini Cup?

SJ via translator: I have been told I am World Cup caliber if I keep up my skill level. I don’t think I’m that good, but I won’t rule out playing in a World Cup if I was ever selected to.

NI: The underlying theme it seems for the Di Bradini Cup has been shattering and defying stereotypes. For example, you are deaf, and a couple players are from the projects of Magiku and West Atlantis, so, how do you feel about being a part of that?

SJ via translator: It’s very exciting. Now people in the Territories know that deaf people can play zeokit. Having a disability shouldn’t stop you from doing anything you want to do in your life, no matter what it is. I’m glad I can show people that. And Sozen and Shojiro are proving that people in the projects can make it and be successful. I think it’s great.

NI: Thank you for being with us Sakura and good luck with the rest of the tournament.

SJ via translator: Thank you too.

IY: Okay, we have a real opportunity to beatTaeshan today. Here are the Crosscom Keys to the Match for today's match. That graphic should be coming up on the screen...oh there it is.


Carry momentum from previous wins against Milchama and Kosovoe
Score early on and score first
Stay focused all throughout the game
Keep mistakes to a minimum


IY <continued>: We have to carry momentum from the last two wins into this match so we can control the game from minute one, second one. We have to score early and score first so that we can keep morale and confidence high, and make Taeshan play catch-up. We must stay focused, and not allow any slip ups or sloppy play and lastly, we need to have a low amount of mistakes committed. If we can do that, Nobuo, those are the Crosscom Keys to the Match against Taeshan.

NI: Yes, and I think we can go out there today and win, so let's do this! We go more in-depth in today's match when we come back after the break on Matchday Live...

"Ok lads, just one more game, we CANNOT lose it. It's not quite a must win game, as we can draw and go through but we CANNOT lose, and going for a draw is not our style so let's either crash and burn in flames or go through in glory yeah?"

"YEAH!"

"Good, ok, defence I want to be on the look out for Friar Rubin, this fellow will confuse you if you let him talk, so put some duct tape or something over his mouth, I don't care as long as you stop him. In the midfield Friar Jake looks to be strong, a real inspiration to his team mates. But football is no place for sentiment so don't let that make you go easy on him. Ok now then.. oh look there's that bodyguard of the Empress. Alright Tyrone?"

"Ah hello there, the Empress sent me to give this to Lee."

"Aw did she now? What's it say Lee?"

"Hold on boss, let me open it, ah here we are, Mr. Waywide,

Thank you for your great postcard that you sent me. No hard feelings about the ball, I know it was just an accident. I’ve been updated about the situation with your passports, and I feel sorry for both you and your teammates and coaches. It’s a shame that this has happened to you and I hope that it gets resolved quickly. It must be real difficult having to practice in an airport. You guys have still been able to do well in this tournament so congratulations on that, and good luck in your big game coming up against Jeruselem. I recall you scoring against us earlier in this competition, so I am sure that you will become as great of a soccer player as you are a person.

You and your teammates are welcome at any time to visit the Empire of Newmanistan. If you do, I will see to it that you are all treated like royalty.

Sincerely, Empress Jessica,

Aw she seems nice."

"You know what this means?"

"TO NEWMANISTAN!"

"No, not yet anyway, when we get our passports maybe we will."

"Well what then?"

"Well I duuno, I was hoping you'd have an answer, still very nice of her. Thanks Tyrone, fancy a drink?"

"Ah yeah that reminds me, she also said to buy you all a drink."

(Lee) "Woohoo, a yard of ale please."

(Coach) "Er lets not take advantage of the Empresses generosity Lee. A pint for everyone will be fine, Tyrone. Here's some cash as well got yourself one on me as well."

(Tyrone) "Thanks but I better be getting back when I've got the drinks in."

(Coach) "Ah no problem cheers for the drinks anyway. Now them team lets raise a toast."

(Team) "God bless Empress Jessica and Newmanistan."

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
From now until the Quarter-Final scorination, RP bonus will count as double.

And now, the Scores:

Matchday 5 Results
Group A
Daehanjeiguk 2-2 Elves Security Forces
Agroprom 1-2 Starblaydia

Group B
Sorthern Northland 3-2 Jeruselem
Krytenia 0-1 Popay

Group C
Milchama 0-4 Candelaria And Marquez
Fujisawan Territores 3-1 Taeshan

Group D
Lovisa 0-3 Cafundeu
Blouman Empire 2-1 Kura-Pelland


Matchday 5 Standings
Group A
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Starblaydia 4 3 0 1 8 4 +4 9
Daehanjeiguk 4 2 1 1 6 5 +1 7
Elves Security Forces 4 1 2 1 5 5 0 6
Agroprom 4 1 1 2 5 4 +1 4
Krasslor 4 1 0 3 6 12 -6 3

Group B
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 4 4 0 0 15 7 +8 12
Sorthern Northland 4 3 0 1 10 7 +3 9
Jeruselem 4 1 1 2 10 11 -1 4
Popay 4 1 0 3 4 8 -4 3
Krytenia 4 0 1 3 4 10 -6 1

Group C
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Candelaria And Marquez 4 4 0 0 13 2 +11 12
Fujisawan Territores 4 3 0 1 12 7 +5 9
Taeshan 4 2 0 2 7 8 -1 6
Milchama 4 1 0 3 5 13 -8 3
Kosovoe 4 0 0 4 4 11 -7 0

Group D
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Blouman Empire 4 3 1 0 9 4 +5 10
Ruskastan 4 2 2 0 7 3 +4 8
Cafundeu 4 2 1 1 5 2 +3 7
Kura-Pelland 4 1 0 3 2 6 -4 3
Lovisa 4 0 0 4 1 9 -8 0


Quarter-Final Fixtures
Starblaydia Vs Sorthern Northland
Daehanjeiguk Vs Newmanistan
Candelaria And Marquez Vs Ruskastan
Blouman Empire Vs Fujisawan Territories

From the hotel meeting room, prior to Match Day Five’s games.....

Brian Carson: “Ok, boys, that concludes our team meeting. You guys try not to get into too much trouble, we need you to be fresh for our quarterfinal match.”

(Team nods in agreement)

Brooker: “So coach, what will you be doing?”

Carson: “I’m going to attend the game between Elves Security Forces and Daehanjeiguk, they are two teams we may end up playing so I want to get a feel for how the play. You are all welcome to come along.”

Rafferty: “Nah, we trust you’ll get the scouting goods for us.”

Borsinger: “I’ll go!”
Morton: “Me too!”

Wright: “But we might not even play one of those teams. So it might be a waste of time.”

Carson: “We have assistants going to the Starblaydia-Agroprom match. I just think we’re more likely to wind up with Daehanjeiguk or ESF.”

Brooker: “Is the Empress going?”

Carson: “No, she’s visiting some nations in this region, she says. Well, I’m off.” (A few players follow, but most seem to want to enjoy the night.)
========================================================

McAllister: “Alright, let’s go check out some hot Starblaydi women!”

Drummond: “You ever see some of these dwarves running around? They’re kinda cool. Brian, you’ve always liked petite women, go for it!”

Rafferty: (laughs) “You read my mind!”

Brooker: “Jeremy, if I hear you say one time to a girl, “wanna see why they call us the Rockets”, I’m gonna red card you so hard the next time our club teams play.”

McAllister: “That only works back home.”

Sturgeon: “I know, let’s go to the airport and challenge Sorthern Northland to a friendly right in the middle of the waiting area. No referees, anything goes. That would be fun!”

Rafferty: “Better yet, the referees are flight attendants in nothing but.....”

Drummond: “How come we got guy flight attendants anyway, that alone shows the disrespect we’ve gotten.”

Brooker: “Guys, leave them alone. We might see them again in the semis.”

Caufield: “We could go to some museums and stuff and learn more about Simeone Di Bradini and the significance of the Cup that we are trying to win.” (Silence falls)

Rafferty: “Maybe later.”

McAllister: “Drummy’s highlight of the tournament was when that Krytenian chick tackled him, she was hot. Michelle something, her team’s been eliminated, maybe she could use some cheering up.”

Drummond: “Hell yeah! Nothing sweeter then watching that ball hit the back of the net with her on top of me!”

McAllister: “You should have asked for her phone number so you could score again.”

Brooker: “Another classic lame line. When do we play you in club play? (Laughs)”

Rafferty: “That would have really pissed her off and would probably get a bunch of Krytenians after you.”

Drummond: “How come we didn’t have any chicks on our team? We have some good ones.”

Caufield: “I’d like to remind you guys that you do have girlfriends back home. Let’s go to the football museum here, I’m sure its nice.”

McAllister: “Huh? I’m single. More fun like that!”

Brooker: “You know, the museum sounds like a decent idea. We should know as much about the Cup as we possibly can. And it’s a good PR stunt. Coach would be thrilled to hear that we went there. Then there might be some bars near by.”

Drummond: “Ok lets go, just because you promised the bar scene.”
=========================================================
At the Daehanjeiguk-ESF game’s conclusion.....

Carson: “Alright, what a thrilling draw.”

Secrist: “Yeah, pretty good game, I guess this mean we play Daehanjeiguk.”

Borsinger: “Starblaydia won right?”

Secrist: “Didn’t you hear the loud cheer? Loudest of the night.”

Carson: Yes, they won 2-1. We play Daehanjeiguk next. They only allowed 5 goals in the tournament so it will be a challenge.”

Hennis: “They all are at this point.”

Borsinger: “That’s a good footballing nation, but you’re right. No one’s weak now.”

(A young fan approaches the players)

Fan: “Hey can you guys sign my ball?”

Hennis: “Sure we can. Where are you from?”

Fan: “I live in Jhanna here in Starblaydia.”

Hennis: “You know who we are?”

Fan: “Of course I do. You guys are from Newmanistan, you’ve done a very good job in this tournament. And I hope you beat Dayja... I cant pronounce it”

Hennis: “Gladly, it will be our pleasure.”

The team and Carson take their turns signing the ball, and then sign for some more kids that followed him. Afterwards, they all stared at each other and smiled. They’ve been recognized for the first true time, out of the Empire, when they were not in uniform. Just maybe, they thought, the team has earned quite a bit of respect in this tournament. If only the rest of the team had been here.

THE EMPIRE TIMES

EAGLETS GO INTO SECOND ROUND
Empire Undefeated

The eaglets Blouman Empire's U21 international soccer team won the final game against Keru-Pellard 2-1 today sending them to the top of the table and moving through to the quarter finals in the Di Bradini Cup. The win means that the eaglets finish the group stage on top of the table with three wins and one draw for a total of ten points, managing to score nine goals and only allowing four in. The game against Keru-Pellard started as a difficult game for the empire as they were unable to get past the Keru defence. In the 34th minute Keru forward Robbi Rombley scored a goal to but the team a goal up.

In the second half the eaglets played better managing to take 10 shots at goal in the first 15 minutes of the half, however, poor accuracy and weak shots failed to equalise the score. Manager Jack Copper took off Christopher Speed and Martin Fox and put on Ben Millsop and Issac Golding for their first game time in this tournament in the 75th minute and was quick to please with Millsop heading the ball into the back of the net from a cross from his cousin Ross Millsop in the 78th minute. Golding managed to get the eaglets second goal to put them into the lead in the 80th minute. The rest of the game fell into a midfield battle until the final whistle blew and giving the empire the win and a place in the quarter finals.

The win put the empire on top of the table and with ten points two clear of fellow qualifiers Ruskastan. The empire will be playing Fujisawan Territories who finished second in Group C with three wins and a loss. The game will be difficult for the empire playing their first sudden death match for the tournament but manager Copper has said that he has "every confidence in the team progressing through to the semis especially if they continue playing in this excellent form

Group A
1 - Starblaydia (5)
2 - Daehanjeiguk (15)
3 - Valanora (2)
4 - Agroprom (30)
5 - Kresslor (30)

MD1: Kresslor 2-3 Daehanjeiguk
MD2: Starblaydia 1-0 Daehanjeiguk
MD3: Daehanjeiguk 1-0 Agroprom
MD4: BYE
MD5: Daehanjeiguk 2-2 Valanora
QF: Daehanjeiguk --- Newmanistan

The Crown Prince's Journal - MD5

Today was an exciting draw, although somewhat disappointing for Valanora who gets the early ticket home. I do hope that they get better luck next time. But we've now got a problem, facing against one of the only undefeated teams in this tournament. We're facing Newmanistan next, and they don't seem to be in the mood to concede anything. So we're going to have to be very careful against them - after all, they did beat out Sorthern Northland to take the first spot. They've also been pretty good about getting goals, but I think we're going to be relying heavily upon Yi Jeongyeol's expertise, which isn't that much. Sure, he's played for one of the NFL teams (I believe Gamsuk...), and the third edition of the under-21 tournament; but that's not going to be enough experience. But we also have Seol Gihyeon - who's scored in all of our matches, except against Starblaydia - and a lot of good forwards.

We played fiercely, but Valanora scored early. They took the lead after 10 minutes, and were holding out for a quick victory. I started the match, so it was hard for me to comprehend that while on the pitch. I tried to play harder after they scored, thinking that of all the matches in the world, this one mattered the most. I played forward more often than back, which led to a number of close calls in the back. But it so happened that I chose the right spot to play forward, as I had the opportunity to pull some weight with Kim Mihyeon. He saw me open and lobbed the ball forward - I played forward, and we were working around the stiff Valanora defense. I saw an open play in the center and lobbed it back. The Valanora goalkeeper punted the ball out with his fist, letting a defender catch the ball - but Seol Gihyeon stole the ball and immediately took a shot. It missed. Still, it was our first shot. And the ensuing goal kick saw our luck strike as Pak Gyuseon catch the ball and rallied up alone. he swerved around the last defender and struck - it hit the crossbar, but it went in. I looked at the clock - 39 minutes. We were all up in cheer as we leveled before the half. Well, that wasn't the end of it, because Valanora began to some mistakes. On the kick-off, they passed back, and Kim Mihyeon stole the ball forward. He tried the same thing as Pak Gyuseon, but the keeper padded the ball away. The ball leapt slowly to me, so I took a strike. I missed and the goalkeeper tucked the ball into his arms. As he kicked the ball back out, Seol Gihyeon again stole the ball from the defender and struck immediately on the spot. It was a lulcky curve that brought it neatly into the fold of the net. I looked at the clock - 43 minutes. We were now crazy as we were celebrating standing out in front. If we weren't winning before, we were winning then.

Back in the locker room, we had a good talk about continuing to apply pressure. Coach Yu justified this, saying, "Valanora wants to win, to stay. We want to win to stay. If you let them try anything, they might win this match. Of course, the hardest part is behind us, but I don't imagine that it could sneak upon us again. Don't let down your guard and play hard!" It was hard imagine how much harder it would be after taking two goals in the last 5 minutes of the first half. But it indeed became harder. Valanora was rougher, as they tried their luck against Yi Jeongyeol. This time around, he was more cautious and managed to beat out the majority of the oncoming shots. And our defense needed all of the help to cope, so I found myself playing back more often then. Still, it didn't stop the pivotal goal from coming towards the end of the match. With about 10 minutes left, we decided to scare Valanora by playing offense for the first time in the second half. We played forward and tried our luck against their defense. It didn't work too well, and we were so afraid that they would score again, so we rushed back to play on defense. An Changho managed to tackle the Valanora player before he became a threat, but the ensuing ball scuffle led to a card coming against him. Valanora had a free kick and it was within killing distance. I took my place at the far end (I was playing on the left field, while the foul occurred on the right field), waiting for the shot. We didn't wait long, but it scared as the ball leveled out well above the crossbar. I could tell that the player was disappointed in his shot. If it had gone a little lower, there was a slight chance that Yi Jeongyeol could have tipped it out. And it was in this manner the match ended. 2-2 all. It wasn't a win, but we were satisfied with the result. Of course, now I have one more match for which I must write...

Still, Coach Yu has been adamant about getting us into top form. I would imagine that after holding against Valanora - the inaugural champions, and the runner-up from the last edition - would be enough practice, but then again, Newmanistan beat the two-time champions, so there might be some fire to their play. We practiced so much yesterday that we hardly had time to go get a drink. Surprisingly, that didn't stop many of us from trying to get a drink. We returned to the Pilosopheu Kapei where we indulged in a local Starblaydia drink - I forget what it's called. But whatever it was, it wasn't anything like at home. I tried asking what it was, but no one at the table knew, and I didn't have any translators with me to help out. I decided to call out to King Ping of Taepalheuiyeon (Tempalhiyon) to see if he had any spare Starblaydia translators - he remarked that he had never heard of Starblaydia but that he would try to find someone nonetheless. I nearly laughed from the drunkenness and the irony of the situation.

We drank all that night though, because there was no reason to get back in time for the next match, partially because the match was the day after tomorrow. But Coach Yu didn't like it when we strolled to the practice field all drunk. He looked at me squarely, thinking that I had subverted all of them. "You are supposed to be Imperial excellence, but all I see is commonness from you! You are supposed to be excellence."

I wanted to reply, but instead I vomited. Vomiting induced all of my drinking partners to vomit as well, and there was a certain odor on the field. Coach u stood there awe-struck. "I can't start you in the next match," he said, disappointed. "Anyone drinking last night will not start!"

Seol Gihyeon stepped forward, saying, "I drank last night. In fact, I think we all had a drink last night..."

Coach Yu had to revise his statement. "Since Yi Taegon, An Changho, Shin Hyeiseong, An Yeonghak, and Yang Manchun are here right now in this drunken state, I cannot start them in the next match. In fact, I cannot field them at all. This is unacceptable behavior from them, especially the Crown Prince."

I was fine by that. It meant that I didn't have to practice with the first team, which likely meant more work. But my teammates didn't share my optimism. I tried to encourage them, but it didn't work. Apparently, there's several faces of this drinking paradigm - you drink to celebrate; you drink to hide your sorrows; you drink to have fun; you drink too much, you can forget things; you drink too much, you vomit and get punished. Many faces, and yet one drink. I have never imagined that alcohol was such a strong thing to induce many possibilities.

李泰坤


Goal Scorers
3 - Seol Gihyeon
1- Kim Mihyeon, Pak Gyuseon, Yi Taegon[/QUOTE]

The Gassett Candelariasian Online>Sport>Football>In Brief

Le Lan faces Ruskie selection nightmare If Andy Le Lan and Jason Federici share nothing else tonight, it will be a thumping headache; the latter as he tries to recover from his goalpost-based lapse in consciousness, in time for the quarter-final against Europe’s finest; Le Lan as him attempts to select an eleven for the game without putting too many squad members’ noses out of joint.

Somebody’s certainly going to be upset; as a team showing seven changes from the previous group games took to the field in the almost-dead rubber against Milchama and promptly ran out four-nil winners to emerge (albeit by a marginally stronger goal difference only) the best side in the group stages.

Given the improvement shown by the Han and Sortherners, as well as the terrifying form of the Newmanistanis; the Small Blues may well find translating that status to another trophy beyond them, but in either case will be reliant on Le Lan to make the big decisions. After a performance such as this – very much in contrast to the less than emphatic victories over Kosovoe and Taeshan – some major names may have to be sacrificed in the name of combating the unique talents of Rasul Sa’id and Ali Asim more effectively.

The Milchaman names were rather less memorable, their FA seeking a certain amount of anonymity with this particular set of young Warriors clearly not rated especially highly. Indeed, beyond the kits, anthem and obnoxious fans thankfully corralled by the short but sturdy Starblaydi stewards; there were few obvious connections between this team and that set for the World Cup final tomorrow. Le Lan was confident enough in his team’s ability – and that of Taeshan to avoid a drubbing and keep C&M top of the group – to send out a changed side that included two second division players, as well the squad’s youngest member.

It didn’t look like it was going to be little Aaron Kortsarian’s day early on, when the Candelaria-Allemali winger was caught lingering on the ball and tackled by the Milchaman Jee. The striker set up See and Leo Fluck in goal made himself as big as he could possibly manage, but the pass ultimately had too much pace on it and the Abiodun North custodian was able to gather comfortably.

In truth, it was indicative of the Milchaman opportunities throughout the game; for although each of their four strikers had their chances, their own technical limitations and lack of speed, combined with solid defending from the impromptu C&M back four, made sure that a Milchaman comeback never looked like being on the cards.

The Small Blues’ own openings were just as limited over the coarse of the ninety, no doubt thanks to the less-than inspiring partnership of Kovac Johnson and Allen Gallagher up front. This should have been a nailed-on pairing, with Johnson’s size and clever runs creating space for Gallagher’s innate positional sense, but clearly they were in need of a few extra training sessions together and appeared as two sheep passing in the night, or something like that.

They both scored early on however, before apparently deciding that their work was done for the day. It was Kortsarian who won the corner, pushing the ball beyond Bee in the box in the hope of earning a penalty but instead seeing Three pop out of nowhere to knock it out of reach. Kortsarian subsequently took the corner and Five cleared it, but Can Cetin got up ahead of Ecs and sent the ball back into the six-yard box where Johnson beat Bee to the header and finished adeptly. Barely five minutes later Kortsarian was at it again, skipping merrily past Ayee and crossing for Gallagher to poke it home.

After his initial blip, the tricky lefty was becoming the star of the show in his first international start, but Kortsarian went back into his shell after that and declined to emerge again until the second period was well under way. Finally though he got his just rewards thanks to Christian Sattler, who was still running about like anything despite his continued lack of end product, made a long pass down the centre where Johnson controlled it first time and presented Kortsarian with a simple opportunity to knock the ball past One.

Le Lan opted to make changes, giving Mandla Nxele and Rick Sekerci much-needed chances to impress and the Mayo Valley forward soon got on the scoresheet to embarrass the Milchaman youngsters still further as he capitalised on slack marking to score from Farris Travers’ free-kick.

Fluck was called into action late on when Emm got the better of Enrique Silva de Aviz, but even the scratch C&M side were shown little by the dispirited Milchamans to worry them.

Le Lan names changes Oscar Zois and Austin Lewis are among the players to be left out of the Small Blues’ quarter-final XI, in their case after unwelcome reports on their behaviour in Starblaydia appeared in the Albrecht Mercury. The manager has thus far declined to comment on the situation, but his actions have spoken loud enough with Lewis in particular likely to be devastated following his rejection.

Le Lan had opted to return Joel Sbaïz to goal with a 4-4-1-1 in front of him. Harris Dixon, Jari Virta, Anslem Fisher and Alex Duxbury return to defensive duties with Enrique Silva de Aviz sacrificed, Aaron Kortsarian gets another start on the left alongside Nathaniel Stewart and Christian Sattler with Can Cetin filling in on the right, while Jamie González tucks in behind Jason Federici. Le Lan has indicated that the lone striker will be expected to take a fitness test before the game, with Allen Gallagher waiting in the wings. <more>

Jeans on DBC warpath The nasty little civil war developing in C&M football over the country’s involvement in the Di Bradini Cup has spilled over into politics tonight after the senior Unionist MP Francis Jeans claimed that the Small Blues were having a negative impact on the emotional health of the nation’s youth.

The row began as a strictly footballing affair, when Radyukevich manager Coleman Mustard claimed the loss of Jari Virta and Christian Sattler to the cup would severely damage his club’s chances of retaining their top-flight status. He reiterated those claims earlier this week following a second defeat, this time a three-one beating at home by Albrecht FC. The Jukos had taken the lead through Jamie Rawlinson, but Mustard maintained that the loss of their ‘defensive spine’ had allowed the internationals Joe Cunningham (C&M) and Peter Vanderpent (Zwangzug) to give the Scorpions victory.

His words have been echoed by a host of CMSC bosses, including Port of Clotaire’s Niko Mason and Felipe Curana of Turks’ Club. Even Dan Díaz, of second division Castillo FC, has weighed into the row after his club lost top spot in the absence of the Kura-Pellandi pair Carlos Avarelli and Manuel Zelzi; arguing that ‘minor’ international tournaments should fit themselves around domestic league programmes and not the other way around. Other managers have backed the CAMAFA however, with Green Island boss Hane Davies accusing his peers of “unbelievably inane parochialism”. The Zapata club remain top of the CMSC table, despite missing key man Roger Zetaback to the Eesseffian World Cup campaign for the last few games.

The situation took a twist yesterday following press reports that Small Blues squad members Oscar Zois and Austin Lewis were photographed blindingly drunk on an evening off in Jhanna following the team’s confirmed qualification, which followed claims of Zois’ lewd behaviour towards Starblaydi locals receiving heavy attention in the Albrecht Mercury, including his fiancée’s front-page appearance under the headline “Page 3 Beauty Dumps Soccer Love Rat”. Both he and Lewis have been warned about their conduct by the CAMAFA.

Speaking in the House this afternoon, the Unionist back-bencher Francis Jeans condemned their behaviour and queried C&M’s long-term future in the competition, but also strongly criticized the level of attention given by the tabloids not only to the Candelariasian pair’s alleged actions but those of their Han, Newmanistani and Sorthern Northandish peers. While acknowledging that “young men will, regrettably, be young men,” he was roundly cheered for suggesting that the blanked newspaper coverage was “merely serving to promote negative stereotypes that many of our more suggestible teens, and indeed pre-teens, appear to feel increasingly pressured to follow verbatim.”

The Modern Liberal shadow education secretary, Mckenna Newton, applauded his speech, and stated that the “huge influence of the national under-21 team on our nation’s youth,” warranted “an extra degree of caution from the gutter press with our young people’s hearts and minds at stake.”

The Mercury and other media outlets have since rejected the pair’s requests as censorship by the back door. <more>

Abbott About In the thirty-first part of his ongoing celebration of modern C&M’s socio-cultural diversity; Bill Abbott talks to the Khatib-Gassett-based Ruskani drainage executive Qajeer Noorzai, ahead of the all-important Di Bradini Cup quarter-final between the Small Blues and Ocean Stars.

BA: Qajeer, it’s a pleasure to talk to you.

QN: And you comrade, but please be quick. I fear we have not much time…

BA: Alright. So, you’ve been in the Candelarias for what, three years now?

QN: Four years my friend. Four long years…

BA: So why did you come here? What opportunities did you feel were waiting for you in our islands?

QN: My second cousin, Shpol? He live here many years, in Khatib, he offer me job say cleaning the drains? I do not want to come but I know, for my wife, for my children this must be done… It is very difficult for my people there, you know the price of rice… And I hear talk land of opportunity, of freedom, of many political parties and many ideas…

BA: Of course, Qaje– Yeah, alright! I’ll be, like, three more minutes… Right, of course Qajeer, many immigrants find that life isn’t quite how they imagined it would be here. How have you found adapting to life in C&M? Particularly in the current virulently islamophobic climate?

QN: It is… It is good. Mister Matthew from the Council he support me, gave me job? And Mister Robert he gave me little plot… For my tulips? I respect so, I… But here, I… Here I not know. They give me bread and water… many, many water…

BA: Yes, these aren’t the most salubrious of surroundings… You must be looking forward to the big game, then, to take your mind off things? Rasul Sa’id has probably been the star of the show so far, but do you think he can get past Joel Sbaïz to upset the odds?

QN: I do not know my friend, I do not see television. I do not see light… I do not feel the morning upon my face. Comrade, you must help! You must tell them, I not hurt anyone! I only look at website, I not… And I buy, I buy dig-dig-put for my tulips only! They remind me so of my precious Ghatola!

BA: Er… yeah. So, tell me a little about that traditional sword-dance of yours. Do you feel that your community’s cultural heritage has been damaged by the Possession of Sharp Objects Act ’06?

QN: Please, Mister Bill, you must tell my wife! You must get word that I love her and I will see her again in this life or the next! And my children, you must tell my children! My little Shughla, my little ray of light! Katwara, my sweet little pigeon! Babrak, he is my little lion cub, you must tell him to look after his mother!

BA: Now, of course, you come from a country with a long-lasting communist legacy, so how do you cope with Candelariasian capitalism?

QN: … rysanthemum! Baz, my eagle! He must be allowed to fly, you must tell Ghatola this! It does not matter what he do with the other boys as long as he is free and happy! Natkai, my precious little nose ring, she…

BA: Alright, Qajeer, it’s been an absolute pleasure talking to you. Just for the tape, could you give us a big ol’ GO OCEAN STARS!

QN: Mister Bill.. I do this thing for you, and you help me, yes? I wish to see the stars again!

BA: Well, we’ll certainly be seeing some stars on Sunday as Jamie González and Jason Federici each go on the hunt for their fourth international goals but can Sa’id, Sa’id and co. stop them in their tracks?

QN: Please… I meant no harm! I not know her elf, I think her normal woman!

BA: ¿Que?

Hoji Metropolitan Daily Record
Territories Win 3-1, Qualify for Next Round

Taeshan fell to the Territories 3-1 yesterday and the Territories finished in second place in Group C, qualifying for the next round of play. The Fujisawan Territories will be playing against the Blouman Empire in an upcoming semifinal.

Taeshan proved to be no problem for the Territories, who took a 2-0 lead early on and never looked back. Deanna Distefano scored in the 14th minute, and Kimiko Hasegawa made it 2-0 Territories in the 22nd. Taeshan cut it to 2-1 Territories in the 49th, but Junko Tawaraya put the Territories up 3-1 in the 56th. It was a technically sound, error free match for the Territories, and they had the dominance they displayed in wins against Milchama and Kosovoe.

The nature of the knockout stage means the Territories will have to keep winning, or be sent home. Most of the players felt confident, but admitted that the Blouman Empire will be a much harder opponent.

“I’m shocked and excited. I didn’t expect us to go this far, especially after that loss to Candelaria And Marquez. We know what wee have to do from this point on,” Deanna Distefano, daughter of World Cup 39 coach Stephen Distefano said in a post-match interview.

Critics of the Territories have said that the Territories have gone largely untested thus far, and the loss to Candelaria proves that the Territories would choke against much stronger teams.

“I have faith in us to do what we need to do. We have our goals that we’ve set for ourselves, and we intend to meet them. We have momentum on our side, and it comes from the press making you an underdog, and nobody thinking you can do it, and then you proving them wrong,” coach Jotaro Komine said after the match amid fears that the Territories will struggle against the Blouman Empire.

Down and Out - We'll Be Back
We're proud of our boys, say punters

And so it ends, like all good things. And a good thing it has been. The triumphs and ultimate plight of the Agroprom Under 21 football team have electrified the nation, with unprecidented crowds in University Square in Rostok watching the Starblaydia match. This has had the effect all the ministers in Agroprom wanted - it has gelled the nation as one, and encouraged many youths to drop the vodka bottle and start playing sports.

National teams have already seen increased crowds coming to games, and television demand for games is at an all tine. The team is due home next week, with manager Velicka and the head coach staying to watch the various finals of the event. A heroes welcome is expected at Rostok International Airport, the 2-1 loss not denting the teams credibility at all.

We spoke to the manager after the game:

Reuters Agroprom: How are the team reacting to going out so early?
Velicka: So early? Not at all. We are proud to have represented our nation and done so well.
Reuters: But just one the one win and one loss? Surely not.
Velicka: Why yes. This is our first international outing, and we vow to return better next year, and the next, and the next. You understand?
Reuters: Yes. Any message to the fans at home?
Velicka: Thankyou for your support and helpful attitude. We will reward you, we promise.
Reuters: Ah, Agroprom, the nation of constant optimism.

Score

Starblaydia 2 - 1 Agroprom

Goalscorers:

Lubii, SBD - 34 minutes
Denny Djibroné, SBD - 56 minutes
Svetoslav Roerich, AGP - 78 minutes

Bookings:

Fyodor Rokotov, AGP - 22 minutes
Gianfranco DiCampo, SBD - 65 minutes
Batou Nakamura, SBD - 74 minutes
Liubov Popova, AGP - 79 minutes
Andrei Rublev, AGP - 87 minutes

The Team:

GK - Ivan Nikitin - 7
DF - Leonid Pasternak - 8
DF - Vasily Perov - 7
DF - Andrei Rublev- 6 - Off Sub 82 minutes
DF - Vasily Polenov - 6
MF - Liubov Popova - 8
MF - Konstantin Rodko - 9
MF - Ilya Repin - 7 - Off Sub 64 minutes
MF - Andrei Ryabushkin - 7
ST - Svetoslav Roerich - 7 - Off Sub 45 minutes
ST - Fyodor Rokotov - 8

MF - Andrei Ryabushkin - 7 - On Sub 64 minutes
ST - Konstantin Savitsky - 8 - On Sub 45 minutes
DF - Serge Poliakoff - 7 - On Sub 82 minutes

Starting Formation: 4-4-2
Starting Weather: Sunny
Team Ratings in Red - 0 Morbid, 6 Average, 10 Excellent

The team played valiantly, but the game was over within the hour. After a fairly even first half hour, Lubii scored an excellent diving header into the bottom corner of the net after an excellent cross from Djibroné, netting the first goal for Starblaydia. It was immediately followed by another chance, this time a shot from Bentley that was narrowly deflected around the post by Nikitin's fingertips.

Agroprom had few chances in the first half, and one of them defiantely should have been scored, Roerich breaking through the Starblaydia defence and into the box, only to swerve the ball round the post. And so, at half time, the score was 1-0. At this point, Velicka decided to change to the 4-3-1-2 formation used before - this would have dire consequences.

The arrow to the heart came from Djibroné after his excellent assist. After a run inwards from the wing, he hit a high, swerving shot, right around Nikitin into the top corner of the net. The keeper stood no chance, and the excellent goal extended the Starblaydian lead to two.

Agroprom's only goal came late in the second half from Roerich, making up for his earlier error. This goal scoring Agroprom star took a long ball hit by Pasternak like a prodigy, his first touch defeating one defender and a burst of speed getting past a second. The following shot met the back of the Starblaydian net on the stroke of 78 minutes. For the last ten minutes the Agroprom team was in full attack using a 4-3-3 formation, with Rodko joining the attackers up front.

This almost allowed Starblaydia another goal had the woodwork not saved Nikitin from further embarassment. However, as the final whistle blew, the Agroprom team conceded to a 2-1 defeat. The captain, Popova, looked a little dissapointment, but for the most part the team seemed to be happy. It was jsut a shame they were leaving an altogether excellently run competition so early.

So, to recap, 4 games, 5 goals and 120,000 Agroprom fans later, our competition comes to a close. So, we hope that all other teams can enjoy their competition, and things go well for you in the future. We hope to meet and play you again soon!

"So here we are again. Back home!"

"Oh yeah the joys of the airport eh?"

"Sucks doesn't it?"

"Yeah, I mean look at this, picked up a copy of The Drain, some sort of tabloid type newspaper and the Hans are going out and drinking, our friends from Newmanistan are going out and drinking. Hell even the Candelariasians are going out and drinking."

"What? Pictures or it didn't happen."

"Right here in The Drain look, Small Blues squad members Oscar Zois and Austin Lewis were photographed blindingly drunk on an evening off. And there's the picture."

"Ah yeah, well the C&M does have a large Sorthern population, perhaps they have some Sorthern blood in them."

"Maybe but still, they've grown up in C&M and been raised on the culture over there and they're still going out more than us."

"Well there's a couple of bars in the airport here, could go to them if you want?"

"Nah we've been to them every day we've been here. They're pretty crappy as well and you have the security staff following you round if you have more than two drinks. Can't exactly have a night out either, the only people you meet are people rushing for planes."

"So we got Starblaydia next. What do you think the likes of Denny Djibroné, Gianfranco DiCampo, Carlito and Diamontii Di Bradini will be up to tonight then?"

"Diamontii? She's just a kid, she's like thirteen or something, I doubt she'll be going clubbing or anything."

"Yeah ok but the other ones?"

"Mate, they've got it made for them, they're in their homeland, I bet they all get loads of attention when they go out and everyone buying them drinks and stuff. It must be like one huge long party for them."

"We'll have to ruin it then won't we? You hear Empress Jessica is going off on a tour of Atlantian Oceania? You know if she's visiting Sorthern Northland."

"Yeah I saw her going to her plane the other day to set off on that. Didn't catch where it was going to though. So you up for going to Newmanistan when we get our passports back?"

"Yeah defiantly, where was it you got recommend? The Northern Territories?"

"Nah the North-western territories I think it was. So then fancy doing anything with the rest of the night?"

"Well there's the bars but you said they're boring."

"Is there anything else to do?"

"Erm I suppose we could go for a spin on those bus things they take you to your plane on?"

"We're not allowed out in the airfield though."

"Well yeah, but that didn't stop us pretending to hi-jack that plane the other day did it?"

"True, well how abouts we go to the bar for a few drinks first and then we can race a couple of those buses down the runway or something?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Their night of fun over, the Rockets gathered in the hotel meeting room the next morning prepared for their upcoming lecture by coach Carson. A couple players, particularly Matt Caufield were excited to show the coach the various pamphlets they picked up at the football museum. He also put together a CD of many pictures he took of the team their so the coach would know exactly what they were up too, at least for a few hours.

Brooker: You guys ready to impress the coach? Matt, you got the stuff ready, right?

Caufield: Yep, all ready.

McAllister: Anyway, how’d it go with you and that girl in the red dress?

Brooker: Alright I guess, nice girl. Though she still thinks I made up the part about being a football player, and thinks there’s no such thing as Newmanistan. Drummy had the best catch, though. (All players who hear the comment nod). How you doing Shawn?

Drummond: Tired.

Caufield: Alright guys, coach is coming. Remember. Museum.

Borsinger: You guys went to the museum, really?

McAllister: Yeah see, Matt has all the pictures. Did you enjoy the game?

Borsinger: (looking at some pictures) Cool, I guess I shouldn’t have thought you guys would be doing other things. It was a good game, but the best part was after when a group of young kids like seven or eight recognized us and wanted us to autograph a football.

Hennis: I know you enjoyed the museum, and doubting that’s all you did last night, I’ll still say I’m glad we went to the game. It was such a great feeling having Starblaydi kids know who we were without us being in uniform.

McAllister: Yeah, I guess that is pretty cool. You sure you weren’t up on the video scoreboard with a PA announcer saying look, there are Newmanistan people here, and then their parents said, hey go up there and get autographs, so we can sell them on Star-Bay?

Borsinger: Nope, never happened.

Hennis: Nope, and you just have to try and kill the moment. (Laughs) Not working.

Brooker: Cool then.

McAllister: Yeah, that actually is pretty cool. (Coach enters)

Carson: Hello boys! (Group responds back)

Caufield: Hey coach before you get started, me and the guys wanted to show you these pictures from a Starblaydi football museum. See, there’s us and a statue of Simeone Di Bradini at 18, we all thought it would be a great idea to spend our free time learning as much as we could and we brought you some pamphlets and I made this CD for you.

Drummond: Yeah, it was a great night. Did you know that Simeone is just one of a long line of Di Bradini’s that have represented Starblaydia in international tournaments?

Carson: I am aware. I must say I am really impressed that you all would take it upon yourselves to spend your time at this museum. Let’s see if I’m not mistaken from the time on these pictures, you were there from 4 to 7. Nice, any pictures after 7:00?

(Silence falls)

Carson: Well that’s ok, you all deserved to have a great night. No one got arrested. Everyone’s able to stand up straight this morning, so it’s all good in the end. We all ready for Daehanjeiguk?

Strugeon: They have a good keeper.

Rafferty: And we have the leading scorer. We can beat them.

(Coach goes into a long strategic lecture. Players listen).

Carson: Alright, and finally, here are some individual tapes for each of you. They are game clips of the Han player that is most likely to be defending you during the game. Spend your free time watching and studying those tapes, and learn their weaknesses, our scouts have pointed out where they think they can be exploited.

(A collective “Yes sir” is heard, and the players begin chanting, “We want the Cup! We want the Cup!” The players exit, but coach Carson holds back Jeremy McAllister).

Carson: A Starblaydi kid, like six years old, at the Daehanjeiguk game wanted me to give this to you. It’s a picture of himself. He loves football, but will never be able to play it because of a disability. His parents told me that he really has gotten into the Di Bradini Cup, and even though he has a bunch of Starblaydis he could root for, he told me that he just loved Number 20 on the Rockets, and that you were his favorite player.

McAllister: Oh, wow.

Carson: Remember, son. You have a great gift, and you will eventually get the big contracts, the endorsement deals, and pretty much any woman you want. The nightlife is fun. There’s nothing wrong with all of that. When I was your age, I did a lot of the same things. But this is what its all about Jeremy. For the fans, and for the kids like this. Always take a time out from your enjoyment of the benefits of stardom to remember that, and you not only will be a great football player, but a great person that kids everywhere can look up too.

McAllister: (speechless for a moment) Wow thanks coach. I’ll hang this up in my locker both here and back home. That’s really special. I can’t wait to play now.

(Carson smiles, pats him on the back, and they walk away)

:::Pre-match scene:::

Coach Yu enters a room with Yi Beomsuk, Baek Namjun, and Bae Yongjun. He notices that they're watching TV.

Coach: What are you guys watching?

Bae: Eh, tapes. For the next match.

Coach: Oh. That's good. Learn about our next opponent? That's pretty smart. Maybe I could share these tapes with the rest of the team.

Baek: Oh, no. We're finding that these tapes aren't too useful for that.

Coach: *thinks* Well, why are you watching it then?

Bae: Because it's really nice.

Coach: What? *confused* Why are you drooling, Beomsuk?

Yi: *slurps drool* No reason. Just tired.

Coach: *gets suspicious* Tired? Why don't you just sleep?

Yi: No, I must watch this. Learn a lot.

Coach: Just exactly what are you kids watching? *comes over and looks at naked Bostopian porn stars* Gah! Where'd you get these?

Bae: In the team equipment closet. Most of these tapes are relics from the World Cup.

Coach: What the hell? This is not training! You should be training, not getting all excited by stupid women on a video camera. Although she doesn't look too bad... Gah! You guys are sick!

Baek: If it's in the team closet, there has to be some good use to it...

Coach: I'm confiscating this stuff! *pulls out tape*

Bae: Hey! We were watching that. *stands up*

Coach: Gah! Pull up your pants, Yongjun!

*Yi Taegon enters room*

Yi Taegon: Hey guys! Are you already... Bae?

Bae: *pulls up pants* It's not what you think it is...

Yi Taegon: *shudders* Absolutely. And why is the Coach watching you strip here?

Coach: Gah! That's not what was happening. I can't believe I'm here now! *runs to the door* But trust me when I say that I will confiscate every tape that I find! You need to be training! *exits*

Bae: Prince, it wasn't what it seemed like. I just stood up. And he took our only tape.

Yi Taegon: Don't worry. I overheard the conversation outside. And I've got extras. Apparently, the Ministry of Defense has a bunch of these.

Baek: My God, you're a lifesaver. We've saved you a spot here, Yi.

Yi Taegon: Thanks. And lock that door too. I don't want the Coach to confiscate this too.

Yi: *locks door* So what's this one?

Yi Taegon: *reads tape* Well, this one says "Aejeotiko" (Exotico). Must be some Bostopian word for 'fine ladies'. Or something like it. I've only seen the first one.

Bae: Pop it in! Pop it in! I'm losing pressure!

Yi Taegon: *pops in video, sets the rest on a pile, and lays on bed* Oh, this looks good.

The four of them watch the opening credits, as it reads out in the native Bostopian language, with some Sorthern Northland scripts as well. They eagerly await the arrival of the ladies. (Note to passing customer - I have no idea what porn videos look like, but I've heard that they seem to share similar visions as to what I am imagining now... so don't take this as to mean that the guy playing Han is a sick Asian bastard who sits in his dorm watching porn all day - I've got to study too...)

Yi: Where are the ladies?

*naked man stroking another naked man appears*

All: GAH! GROSS! AHH!!

Yi Taegon: *turns off TV* Either Bostopians are sick bastards,or Sorthern Northlanders are sick bastards.

Yi: Which ones have the dames? I want ladies. Not gross over-weight, hairy men... ugh... I think I'm going to have a nightmare tonight...

Yi Taegon: I can't read any of this. It's too sloppy to read. Besides that, it's transliterated Han - I can't tell what the original says!

Bae: So we're stuck with gay porn?

Baek: We're not watching that stuff.

Yi Taegon: I might have to visit the Sorthern Northland team to get this straight.

Bae: You can't! You're the Crown Prince! If you get caught, what would your father think?

Baek: I'll go. If the Sorthern Northlanders know me, at least it won't come against you. I'll see if any of them also speak Han.

Yi Taegon: Be careful - some of them speak Bensroomese; that's worse than German, Greek, Latin, and some Semitic combined together in a mess of grammatical syntax and pronunciation keys.

Baek: I'll be careful. I just need to figure out which one's are gay porn and which ones aren't.

Bae: What if they're lesbo porn?

Yi: Eh, they're all girls anyway. I can handle it.

Yi Taegon: Just figure out which ones are women, and which ones are men. Give them the men, and we'll keep the women.

Baek: Isn't that kinda cheap?

Yi Taegon: Well, they technically belong to the Ministry of Defense for some odd reason... but I guess if they want it, they can have one of the woman tapes too. But no more than one.

Baek: Okay. *leaves*

Yi: How long until he gets back?

Yi Taegon: I don't know. It's a long walk to the airport.

Bae: Maybe we should go to the bar tonight...

Yi Taegon: No! We got in trouble for that. We should just stick here and get wasted with Bostopian ladies dancing around poles, getting an orgy, and all of that other cool stuff.

Yi: I thought you could have sex with other women...

Yi Taegon: It doesn't stop me from wanting to have sex.

Yi: True.

Nobuo Iwahashi: You’re watching Matchday Live on the Territorial Sports News Network, sponsored by Crosscom Global Telecommunications, supporters of Territorial World Cup zeokit since day one. By Samoan Sam’s Salmon Steakhouse, when you want salmon, top quality salmon, and nothing but salmon, it’s Samoan Sam's Salmon Steakhouse. By Blue Panther Cola, unleash the blue in you. And by Ko & Lo All Island Towing for all Territorial towing needs. I’m Nobuo Iwahashi.

Izukoza Yoko: And I’m Izukoza Yoko.

NI: The Territories have qualified for the knockout round following a win against eighth ranked Taeshan 3-1. Now the Territories face the Blouman Empire in what could be their toughest match yet.

IY: But before we get into this upcoming match against the Blouman Empire, we’re going to go back and recap the Di Bradini Cup for the Fujisawan Territories thus far.

NI: On Matchday One, it was utter disaster for the Fujisawan Territories, and many at home wrote off the Shaojin Warriors after the match. Sakura Jo had a respectable match as keeper, but the Territories were shut out, losing by a final score of 3-0 to Candelaria and Marquez.

IY: Coach Jotaro Komine used the bye on Matchday Two to re-energize the team, make critical playing adjustments, and practice hard.

NI: That hard work paid off in the Matchday Three upset win against Milchama. At that point, most Fujisawans here at home thought of the 4-1 victory over Milchama as a fluke, and thought the Territories would lose their remaining matches. Junko Tawaraya scored twice for the Territories. More importantly, momentum shifted toward the Territories following this game, which the Territories would ride all the way into the next round of play.

IY: Matchday Four saw another Territorial win, this time 5-2 against Kosovoe. This marked the first time any Fujiawan Territories zeokit team had won back to back matches in an international competition. Sakura Jo continued to play brilliantly.Junko Tawaraya also scored twice in this match, making her the player with the most goals scored for the Territories in the 4th Di Bradini Cup.

NI: And finally, The Territories beat Taeshan on Matchday Five by a final scorre of 3-1 in what was a must-win match. Deanna Distefano, the oldest daughter of Fujisawan Territories World Cup 39 coach Stephen Distefano, scored her second goal of the Di Bradini cup, while Junko Tawaraya scored her fifth. Sakura Jo had another excellent day, and the Territories qualified with confidence.

IY: And that’s where we stand today. We’ve qualified and now we take on the Blouman Empire. It is in the early morning hours Starblaydia time on Matchday, on what is going to be obviously the biggest match ever that any Fujisawan Territories zeokit team has had in international competition. Joining us now in the wee hours of the morning, live from Starblaydia, is head coach Jotaro Komine. Jotaro?

JK: Yes, good morning.

IY: Jotaro, a lot of Fujisawans are watching our special coverage now that we’ve qualified, so take a moment to address all the fans and supporters back at home.

JK: Yes, it’s been great. It’s a rush to have done so well in the Di Bradini Cup, and to have been an underdog team and to go in there against the number one ranked team and lose three to zero, and to come back like we did, is awe inspiring. I want to say thanks to the fans. For everyone that believed in us from day one, we all knew we could do this, but talk is only tslk. You have to walk the walk, and we did. We could have given up after the loss to Candelaria And Marquez, but we stuck it out and we turned things around as a team. I’m proud of the team, and I’m thankful that there are so many dedicated and diehard fans out there, despite all the critics.

NI: Coach, I know a lot of people said we couldn’t be where the Territories are right now.

JK: And I say to them, look where we’re at. I told myself at the beginning of the Di Bradini Cup that if it was meant to be, we’d qualify. From day one, I was nervous about us being inexperienced internationally and going up against established teams but we held our own pretty well. If you want to constructively criticize us, fine. Because we’re not perfect. We all put aside our differences and went after a common goal as a team, and that’s what it’s all about. And it’s because we believed in ourselves that we got where we are right now.

NI: So what’s on the agenda this morning for the team?

JK: Well, they will be getting up in about three hours and eating breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll practice, then study game film and get ready for our match. And I want to make absolutely sure that the team as a whole is mentally prepared for this match, because there is a lot at stake. Not only are we playing to win, but we’re playing for history, and we’re playing to unite the islands, and to prove the critics wrong. So there’s a lot for us to be playing for.

NI: But there must be a lingering doubt that you might not be able to pull off this win against the Blouman Empire.

JK: And that’s my biggest fear. I’m going back and forth in my mind as to wether or not I think we can actually win this match. I know it’s going to be difficult and we’re going to have to fight hard for it, but in the end, I think the confidence is always there.

IY: What’s the biggest concern for you this morning?

JK: Nerves. Not only mine, but the team’s especially. If the team starts to get jittery or the pressure gets to them, we could falter, and I want them to relax and try to play like it’s any other game because I don’t want them to play desperate. I don’t want them to be nervous, I want them to be focused and to be able to concentrate out there.

NI: Well cocah, how well do you think you are going to do out there today honestly?

JK: I think we surely have a capability of beating the Blouman Empire, but I’m not sure it will happen. I certainly hope that we do, but in the event that we don’t, I will be satisfied to have just qualified for the knockout stage. Like they say ‘there’s always next time’ if we end up losing. Honestly, I’m hoping we don’t come up short, but I have a sinking feeling that we will.

NI: And what about you, Izukoza?

IY: I think we’ll win this one. I’m very sure about it.

NI: I hope so too. But I’ll believe we can win when I see it happen. Well good luck, coach. It’s been a great run in Starblaydia.

JK: Thank you. We’ll try our hardest out there.

NI: Get some sleep.

JK: I’ll try.

IY: We’ll be right back on Matchday Live...

Brian Carson was enjoying lunch with assistant Chris Merrill at an undisclosed Starblaydi restaurant, and the two had some topics to discuss, mainly a tabloid report from Candelaria and Marquez that had some pretty negative things to say about U-21 soccer. Let’s listen in:

CM: This is the last time I order a hot dog in Starblaydia.

BC: Why, nothing wrong with them.

CM: Just something missing from it. Anyway did you see this?

BC: The Albrecht Mercury?

CM: It’s from Candelaria and Marquez, anyway look here, recognize these fellas?

BC: (surprised) Whoa, they wrote a feature about Brian Rafferty and Shawn Drummond. Couldn’t they have used a more tasteful photo then Shawn holding a wine glass surrounded by some, I must say, gorgeous young ladies?

CM: It’s not a feature about them. The article isn’t about them, per say, more then its about young players behaving badly from all nations, drinking among other things, and just being bad role models for teens and pre-teens alike, and that these kind of tournaments promote that kind of thing. It focuses more on a couple of their own players, but then they show players from other nations doing the same kind of thing, and we were one of those they selected.

(Carson reads article)

BC: It does raise some fair points. How could they pick on Sorthern Northland? Those guys have played their hearts out and if anything should be an inspiration. Stuck in an airport, yet they’ve won three of their four games.

CM: It is just a tabloid, sir.

BC: Yeah, I understand that. But it says its going to the House in C & M. So this Jeans person has a serious axe to grind. He apparently reads too many of these tabloids like this and is getting a little carried away with it, but he is leading a powerful movement there, and seems to have an audience. What’s funny is that he picks on us, Sorthern Northland, and Candelaria and Marquez. Combine our records, 11 wins, 1 loss, no draws. I guess this kind of thing doesn’t affect performance now does it?

CM: Obviously not but that really wasn’t the point.

BC: I know. I do understand what the intention of the article is. Some people just have to find a problem with everything, like this Francis Jeans. But our players are doing nothing wrong. It was a bye week, and Shawn wanted to have some drinks. He chatted up some women, just like many fellow 19 year olds do at home. Drinking age is 18 here, and it is at home as well. Shawn showed up fine for training this morning. So did Rafferty and everyone else. Am I supposed to be mad that they have a life?

CM: It’s the whole role model thing.

BC: I get that, but they are hard workers and have done a great.... no check that, a superb job in knowing when its time to get serious. It’s not like I walk into their hotel room and find them watching porn when they’re supposed to be studying game film.

CM: Very true.

BC: What I saw a few days ago at the Daehanjeiguk-ESF game is why U-21 football is as awesome as it is. A group of young kids came up to us and they had us sign footballs. A parent of a kid in a wheelchair from Starblaydia told me how much he loves Jeremy McAllister even though we’re not the hometown team. Those kids couldn’t care less about what Shawn Drummond was doing on his off day. They only care when the game is on. Seeing people close to their age is very helpful and allows them to dream. Does this Jeans character talk about that. No? How about how are players on their bye week, before they went out to some bars and clubs, spend three hours of their time recognizing and respecting the history of the game and of Di Bradini at the local museum.

CM: I agree. Are you going to mention it to Drummond and Rafferty?

BC: Absolutely not. They did nothing illegal.

(The conversation moves on to other topics).

The teams leadership group after a training session before the next game, sitting around have a beer in presence is Manager Jack Copper, Assistant Manager John Longlegs, Captain Martin Fox and Vice Captain Richard Moaninton

JC: A an excellent training session, the boys have certainly got their skills intact

MF: Oh yes and I must say I was quite impressed with Alex's performance in front of goal no one could get any past him.

JL: Certainly not even the defenders were able to close down you and the other strikers Martin

MF: Yeah Yeah

RM: Yeah Yeah that's right Foxy you are going top have to play better than that, us defenders won't let any Territorians past.

JC: Well you had better not, in fact the FFB contacted me earlier today if you guys make it to the final you will get a 2000 Kaiser bonus or equivalent 500 for this game and 1500 for the next.

MF: Are excellent I say Rich that chick over there is checking you out

JC: Not now Martin you guys no the rules don't get involved with any women serious alcohol consumption or anything that might distract you guys I want all of you to be at the top of the game

MF&RM: Yes coach

RM: But she does look hot doesn't she very hot

JL: She's black

MF: She is not

JL: Well she's brown then

MF:No she isn't it is just the way the lights hit here anyway that doesnt matter, I like women with good bodies no matter what colour they are.

JL: Yeah well I don't like the look of her I reckon she is from the Fujisawan Territories probably hoping to seduce one of us and get some info.

MF:Your out of your mind, anyway she is giving Rich here the eye she won't get anything from him, he's too dumb to remember the tactics

RM: Up yours foxy or should I remind everyone about the story that concerns a key and a bus shelter then we will know who the dumbass is

MF: You promised never to bring that up again

RM: Yeah well just watch it

JC: Alright boys that's enough as I was saying i feel confident that you guys can beat the Territorians it will be hard so you guys captain, vice captain I want you guys out there tomorrow boosting morale and egging the boys on so we can continue

MF&RM: You can count on us coach

JC: Good lads now enough about the game John I believe it is your round, Now tell me Martin I hear your five year old is about to start school is he looking forward to it

MF: Yeah I think so but I think that he is expecting it to be like......

The discussion continues for about another hour before they retire to bed resting up like the rest of the team for the next game

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS LOOK TOWARD DAEHANJEIGUK

Penningworth, Starblaydia- With the group stage complete, Newmanistan now looks to advance further in the Di Bradini Cup. To date, we have seen the Rockets play some outstanding soccer, scoring at least 4 goals in three of their four contests. Having won all four contests, there is a bit of an expectation now surrounding this team. If you asked manager Brian Carson at the beginning of the tournament if he would have been satisfied with advancement from the group and then a quarterfinal defeat, after you got the expected “we wanted the Cup” answer, he may have felt that it would have been a successful venture. But that’s not really the case now. Going four-for-four creates that, and the team should feel as though a semifinal berth should be in the cards. They need to beat Daehanjeiguk, and no one will take the Han lightly. Though should it be the Han celebrating at the end of this one, expect no one in a Rocket uniform to be saying well, we had a good showing here. The Cup is in reach. They can see it. Now, it’s time to go get it.

Daehanjeiguk finished the group stage in 2nd place in a very tight Group A. Their 2-1-1 record got them 7 points. Interesting, they only scored six goals in the tournament, but in conceding only five, it is pretty clear that this club is at its best when it can play defensively, if you just look at those numbers. But really, if you watch the Han, this is a club that does prefer to play an attacking type style. Goalkeeper Yi Jeongyeol has simply had an outstanding tournament for them. This is a very patriotic nation, and one also looking to achieve great sporting accomplishment at this level, so there is no denying that they too, want this Cup badly. They are certainly a worthy opponent, but Newmanistan is up for the challenge and looking to move on. Clint Peterson got a chance to speak with manager Brian Carson about this vital match.

CP: Ok, coach. Here we are in the knockout stages. Is the approach any different?

BC: No, we’re going to do what we’ve been doing. We’ve been the underdogs since the start of this tournament, and we still have that mentality.

CP: Still? I mean, you did go 4-0-0.

BC: Yes, we’re still the new kid on the block, so to speak. We’ve gotten more respect, and people are beginning to know who we are now. But if you look at the eight remaining teams, even with us having gone unblemished in the group stage, most of them have great reputations. There are a couple clubs in a similar predictament as we are in being inexperienced at this level, but those clubs are equally talented and equally capable. So I think we’ve gotten respect for our performance now, but the bottom line is, we’re in elite company in this final eight. We still have more to prove.

CP: I get ya. Is Empress Jessica planning on attending the game?

BC: Yes she is, she has definitely caught Di Bradini Cup fever! This was her intention all along, to get the Empire’s name recognized throughout the world, and she won’t miss this game at all. From what I gather, if we win, she will attend our semifinal game too. And then the final, if we were so fortunate.

CP: Your opponent for the quarterfinal is Daehanjeiguk. What are your thoughts on them?

BC: Daehanjeiguk is a good squad. They get great goaltending from Yi Jeongyeol. He truly is a great keeper, and they have a tough overall defense. Plus, they have some guys who are able to find the back of the net, so certainly they are a tough opponent. If they were to beat us, I could see them winning the Cup. We’ve studied them the best that we can, and are formulating a game plan now.

CP: What kind of game can we expect?

BC: You’ll see a game between two sides that will give it their all to advance to the semis.

CP: How was your off week? What did you do?

BC: Well, me and some of members of the team went to the game between Daehanjeiguk and ESF, and found it pretty entertaining. We did some shopping and sightseeing, just trying to use the time to soak in the environment. Most of the players that did not attend the game really impressed me by going to a Starblaydi Football Museum and learned a lot about Starblaydia’s history in the World Cup, and this Di Bradini Cup. They actually started quizzing me about so many Simeone Di Bradini statistics.

CP: How’d you do?

BC: Pretty well, but they stumped me a few times. It was pretty fun. I love how everyone is just so focused on the big picture right now.

CP: Well, that’s all the time we have. Brian, thank you again, and I wish you the very best, the effort of your team as really excited the Empire.

BC: Thank you, and I’d like to also thank all our great supporters out there.

The team gathered around Coach Jotaro Komine, as he prepared to give the them a final talk before the match. Coach Komine hesitated for a moment, as Sakura Jo’s translator got ready to sign. Coach Komine cleared his throat, and then began speaking.

Coach Komine: This is it. This is the biggest match in your lives so far, and it all comes down to this. We’ve practiced and practiced for this day, and now it’s here.

You’re playing for a lot more than just a win. You’re playing for respect. You’re playing for unity in the islands. You’re playing to make history for the Fujisawan Territories, and to prove to every last person who said we couldn’t do this, that in fact we can.

I want you to look at the faces all around you, and I want you to see how diverse of a team we are. Sakura is deaf, Shojiro and Sozen are from the projects, Deanna is half-Fujisawan. And we all come from different backgrounds, but we have a common love of zeokit Every single match, we came together as a team. Even with a rocky start to the fourth Di Bradini Cup, we still put in the effort, and it paid off in a big way.

Each and every one of you has earned your place on this team. You are all talented and deserve much more credit than you gotten, because we’re about to do something no Fujisawans have done before.

Play like this is the last match you will ever play, but don’t play desperate. If we lose, this may be your last match for some of you. I want you to carry the confidence and carry the momentum that we have had all throughout the Di Bradini Cup onto that field when we play the Blouman Empire today. I want you to keep that vision, that focus, that dedication that I see in all of you. I want you to play your hearts out because this is it. But don’t play desperate. That’s how teams lose.

I want you to think about the Territories for a minute. I want you to think about all the bloodshed and all the violence, and all the political turmoil. I want you to stop and remember how hard it is to live in the Territories. I want you to remember being gripped in martial law just months before World Cup 39 qualifying, and I want you to take a moment to reflect on all the lives lost.

Now, we have to go onto that field and play for them too. We have to give this country something positive for once. We have to give them something other than assassinations, and political riots, and martial law, and death. We have to give them something to lift their spirits.

I know it’s not easy being Fujisawan sometimes. But it’s who we are. And we can’t turn our back on that. Remember that when you go out there.

I’ve told you the many things that you’re playing for. There’s one more thing you should be playing for out there today. And that’s yourselves. Play for you. Play for your personal goals. All of you together are the reason why we are here today. We have a chance to win. What are you going to do about it.

One more thing...win or lose, I’m proud of you all.

Oah Pione: "U you! Arn't your Crown Prince? I you, by our country the Bostopia which is bombed is Iss to the cricket and the material."

Baek (From teh Hans): "Er yeah whatever, look is there anyone on your team who speaks Han? And no I'm not the Crown Prince."

Pione: "It goes out and there is Iss the fact that it does not understand your language. I talk the Bensroomese, i am not like that? It goes out and in order to understand the language which you is strange."

Baek: "What the fucking hell are you on about?"

Pione: "The Bah the fool whom it spreads out, it is a Bensroomese which it does not talk. If it will go and great disaster he to be extensive possibly in Jua Huwang understand."

Baek: "Eh? Jua Huwang? Hmm he's on their team, I'll talk to him, perhaps he'll make more sense than this fool. See you eejit."

Pione: "It spreads out and as the idiot whom it will carry calls? You the egg which spreads out what what? Quite it spreads out U li three is the man. With again to here I, your anus stab the screw wrench with the high piece. You it will do and the grudge to sleep it will spread out and it will like, theyn the place?"

*Baek walks off in search of Jua Huwang whilst Pione gets into an argument with a passing Starblaydi tourist.

Jua: "Are you ok there comrade? You look lost."

Baek: "Yeah I'm fine. Your er you from Sorthern Northland?"

Jua: "Yes, I'm in the Sorthern Northland squad, should be in the Oriental Cup squad as well. You look like your are from the Han Empire?"

Baek: "Yes, yes I am. That's why I came here actually. Me and my team mates found some Sorthern produced pornos from Bostopia. And you know what? You are sick bastards."

Jua: "We are? Why?"

Baek: "This video here, it's two men and no women. It's sick."

Jua: "Well I don't really know much about them but I don't think any Sortherners were actually erm stars of the shows. We just filmed them, if the Bostopians were having gay sex then well, there's little whoever recorded them could do. Anyway why have you bought them all here?"

Baek: "Well in that case Bostopians are sick bastards and obviously my team cannot watch another gay one, but we don't understand the Bostopian and Sorthern scripts so we don't know which is which."

Jua: "So you want me to separate the ones with men from the ones with women?"

Baek: "Precisely."

Jua: "Ok no problem, as long as you throw your match against Newmanistan."

Baek: "What? Absolutely not."

Jua: "Oh well is there any way I could bribe you?"

Baek: "Well I suppose I could buy you a crate of beer?"

Jua: "Deal."

Baek: "Pleasure doing business."

* Jua then looks through the tapes, sorting them into gay and non-gay and hands them back to Baek.

Baek: "Ah excellent my friend, here keep these ones."

Jua: "Thanks."

*Baek legs it.

*Nathan Keen: "Ah Huwang, who was that you were talking to?"

Jua: "Oh some Han, wanted me to sort out some videos."

Keen: "Oooo he gave you some as well? Let's see."

Jua: "Erm, er I wouldn't. Probably not your type of film."

Keen: "Hold on, look at the titles. Boys in the sand? Dune buddies? Gold rush boys? Tranny and me? These are gay films Huwang."

Jua: "Er, are they? Erm I never noticed."

Keen: "Stop lying."

Jua: "They're for my er my boyfr... My sister, yeah my sister, she likes gay porn."

Keen: "You don't have a sister."

Jua: "Shut up."

Quarter-Final Scores
Starblaydia 1-1 Sorthern Northland (FT)
Starblaydia 1-3 Sorthern Northland (AET)

Daehanjeiguk 2-4 Newmanistan

Candelaria And Marquez 6-0 Ruskastan

Blouman Empire 1-3 Fujisawan Territories

Semi-Final Fixtures
Sorthern Northland Vs Newmanistan
Candealaria And Marquez Vs Fujisawan Territories

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS SHOOT DOWN HAN

Penningworth, Starblaydia- The incredible run in the fourth installment of the Di Bradini Cup continues for the Empire, as they defeated Daehanjeiguk this evening by the score of 4-2. The Rockets will advance to the semifinals and meet an opponent they’ve previously defeated in the tournament. Only Sorthern Northland now stands in the way between the Rockets and the Cup Final. Each of the four teams remaining would have a particularly impressive story should they be the last one standing. The Fujisawan Territories have a bit of a similar story as the Rockets, also an unranked team, have withstood each challenge they have faced since they lost their opener to Candelaria and Marquez, the team they will have the chance to get revenge against in the semifinal. For the Small Blues, they have a chance to win their third consecutive Di Bradini Cup, something which would truly be a remarkable accomplishment. Then there’s Sorthern Northland, who’s story is a little more unusual, but no less inspiration. Stuck in an airport to train due to passport problems, after losing to Newmanistan in the first game, they have won every match they have played.

To get there, Newmanistan needed to beat Daehanjeiguk, and the Rockets simply came out flying. Benefitting from an extra week off due to having their bye week after their four group matches while the Han had a crucial fourth group game, the strategy for Newmanistan was to get the early jump on their opposition. This hasn’t been unusual, as the Rockets have consistently been able to score early goals. Facing a tough goalkeeper in Yi Jeongyeol, they knew that the first goal of the game would be critical. The Han seemed a little sloppy early, allowing a ferocious Rockets attack to end up in a goal. Brian Cerullo fed Kevin Sturgeon with a nice pass, but instead of taking a shot, Sturgeon saw a nicely position Jeremy McAllister who took the shot only to denied by an amazing save by Jeongyeol, but Daehanjeiguk was unable to clear the rebound, and Shawn Drummond got to it first to give the Rockets a 1-0 lead in the 3rd minute. The lead was very short-lived as just four minutes later, the Han capitalized on a defensive breakdown on the Newmanistan end, and an awesome shot by No Jeongyun tied the game up at 1. It’s a shot though, that goalkeeper Corey Hennis would have loved to have back.

For a while afterwards, the teams calmed down, and most of the play was in the midfield before Han defender Baek Namjun was tackled hard by Cerullo in the 31st, but the referees allowed play to continue, and the Rockets got a great break off of it. A Drummond pass allowed Jeremy McAllister to break in clear on Jeongyeol, and depositing the ball in the top right corner for this eighth goal of the tournament. But again, the resilient Han would not let up and would respond before the end of the half. Jeongyun again made a fantastic play, this time not a goal, but a brilliant pass up the gut to Pak Gyuseon, who put the ball in the bottom left to get the game all level at two in the 40th minute.

At the break, with the score tied, everyone wanted to know which team would come out and assume control of the game. After a bit of midfield play, the game began to tilt in favor of Newmanistan, possibly a sign of them being the fresher team having an extended bye period after their fourth group game. In the 63rd, the Rockets broke through and went ahead, with McAllister getting his second goal of the game, and ninth of the tournament. The play originally seemed innocent enough, but the Rockets simply were quicker then the Han down low, allowing Jeremy to beat his man and take a shot at net that would beat Jeongyeol to the right. Perhaps, it was a goal that Yi would have liked back, but it put the Rockets up 3-2. With the lead, would the Rockets sit back and play defensively? Not a chance! Newmanistan went for the kill, and flew through the Daehanjeiguk defense. McAllister looked for the hat trick, but was denied by Jeongyeol, but the ball deflected in a nice position for Kevin Sturgeon, who surprisingly instead of shooting, got the keeper and the defense to committ to his side, and Sturgeon made a nice drop pass to Brian Rafferty who essentially had an open net. And Rafferty did not disappoint, putting home the shot in the 77th minute. The Rockets continued to control the game, and nearly had a fifth goal if not for a great save by Jeongyeol. At the final whistle, it was Newmanistan triumphant, by a 4-2 scoreline, moving on to the semis in a rematch with Sorthern Northland. Preview for that will come sometime later. Here is your boxscore.

NEWMANISTAN 4
Drummond (3')
McAllister (31', 63') Assist- Drummond on 1st
Rafferty (77') Assist- Sturgeon

DAEHANJEIGUK 2
Jeongyun (7')
Gyuseon (40') Assist- Jeongyun

Bookings
NEWMANISTAN- None

DAEHANJEIGUK
Namjun, YC, 11'
Beomsuk, YC, 80'

THE ROCKET REPORT

NEWMANISTAN-SORTHERN NORTHLAND TO RENEW ACQUAINTANCES

Jhanna, Starbladyia- We know one thing for sure. In the final, it will be a Group B vs a Group C team. Both semifinals pair up clubs that have already seen each other in the Di Bradini Cup, and it can often be said that it’s more difficult to beat the same side twice in one tournament. But that is something that both Newmanistan and Candelaria and Marquez have set their sights on doing. Each club is perfect 5-for-5 in the Cup, and some wonder if they are set for a collison course in the final. Not if Sorthern Northland and the Fujisawan Territories have something to say about it. Both are hungry to avenge their only loss of the tournament, and if that old saying is true, then one of those clubs may very well be dancing with the Cup. All four teams have an impressive resume, and have worked hard to have gotten to this stage. Candelaria and Marquez has been through this drill before, as they are the two-time defending champion. A three-peat for the world’s top-ranked club would be a remarkable achievement, and if it were to happen, may be something you never see again. The Fujisawan Territories, if not for C & M, would also be unblemished at this point. Newmanistan can relate to what they have done in this tournament as they were also an unranked side, and not one that many people expected would get out of the group. We’ve mentioned before that the Rockets, at the beginning of the tournament, would have been one of the longest shots on the board to win the title by the bookies. Well, so to were the Territories. Now, what do you think your odds would have been of a Newmanistan-Fujisawan Territories final at the beginning of the tournament?

Then there’s Sorthern Northland. What a truly inspirational story these guys are. Here is a group of young men who found on their flight to Starblaydia that there passports had become invalid, and that they would not even be able to leave the airport. Some even wondered if they would even be permitted by customs to go to their games. Fortunately, Starblaydian officials did allow them to travel to their gamesites, but under strict supervision. Perhaps, Starblaydia regrets this decision now, as the Northerners took out the hosts in the quarterfinal. Despite a tremendous distraction with the passport situation, and having to train in an airport terminal, Sorthern Northland has overcome their tournament opening loss to the Rockets to defeat all opponents who then stood in their way. Talk about playing with something to prove. Despite being stereotyped by some as a bunch of classless drunk idiots, it is the Northerners who have made those doing the stereotyping look like the idiots with their outstanding play. No, Sorthern Northland may still be enjoying their alcohol, but they are certainly not idiots, nor are they classless. They are a group of hard working young men, with a great coach, who are highly motivated to win the Cup. Were the Rockets not still alive in this tournament, we would have thrown some support their way. Instead, they are the Rockets next opponent, and Newmanistan will just have to remember that they did beat these guys before, so it can be done. Empress Jessica will be at this game, and she has had some time to meet some Sorthern Northland personnel to with her flights going in and out of their airport over the past couple weeks. Our Clint Peterson got a chance to sit down with both coach Brian Carson and the Empress to discuss this big rematch.

CP: I’m here again, very honored and privileged to be graced the presence of Her Majesty, as well as manager Brian Carson......

BC: You make me sound like a nobody. (Laughs)

CP: Sorry about that. Anyway, they are. Let’s get to it. Both of you are familiar with the next opponent, Sorthern Northland, but for differing reasons. What are your thoughts about them?

BC: I think both of us have been quite surprised with what they have been able to do. If I had to be in an airport with my team, and could never leave the terminal except for games, I would be out of mind. I just can’t imagine how that team has been able to stay in such great shape. It’s really a testament to their training programs back at home, and their individual talent levels.

E: It’s a great club. I made a brief visit to their country, and found it to be pretty unique. Though when you really take the time to learn what they have going there, it’s really very fascinating. They do a good job, too, of knowing when its time to be serious. Their occasional, well maybe a little more occasional then others, drunken appearances give them a bit of a unfair reputation. They know when its time to play.

BC: Yeah, I agree. Empress knows her football. (Laughs) They’re a loose bunch, but that’s a good thing. I don’t think any other nation could have sent a club here, be faced with what they have been faced with, and be in the semifinals.

CP: So far in this tournament, you have faced all your opponents for the first time, something that could be seen as an advantage. Now, you meet a club for the second time. How does that change things?

BC: I think it’s helpful for both teams to have had the one game between each other. I don’t believe one team benefits more then the other, though. We each have more we can scout, and more that we know. But now we are playing for so much more, for the right to be in the final, so both clubs will be at their best.

CP: Beating the same team twice in short period isn’t always easy.

BC: Not easy, but not impossible. We beat them before, so we know we can beat them again. And I’m sure they’re saying that if they doing certain things better, that they’ll win. That game really doesn’t matter now. It’s all about the now.

E: We can taste the Di Bradini Cup now. They can too.

CP: Empress, I’m pretty interested in your side of this. In Candelaria and Marquez, one of the semifinalists, there is a person by the name of Francis Jeans who is really coming out against U-21 sports, particularly this tournament because of images of drinking and other activities from participating nations. While his stance is mainly about his own nation and his own players, Newmanistan did get mentioned as a nation, you could say, having too much fun, and that’s a bad role model for teens and pre-teens. What do you have to say about this?

E: Mr. Jeans brings up some points to make you think. I do not agree, in any way with them. What you have in this tournament, at the beginning, were 20 of the best Under-21 football clubs in the entire world. Each of those clubs were an assortment of the best players in their country. To find them, there are smaller U-21 clubs all across their country. What they do is bring kids together, and I’m talking about the small teams, even at the municipal level, to play together and work as a team, towards a common goal. This not only teaches them the skills of the sport, but teaches them the important concept of working with a team, which is useful in any line of business they get into. They get to meet people and learn the values of sportsmanship. They get to travel a little bit. If these programs did not exist, then they could be out getting involved with drugs and gangs. Youth sports are very healthy.

BC: I couldn’t have said it any better. That’s why she’s the Empress.

CP: Yes, but what about when they see kids drinking, or using women for quick one night stands?

E: The drinking thing is really blown out of proportion. Like in the Empire, you can drink when your 18 in Starbladyia, and most of the participants in this tournament are over 18. For the few that are under, well, you’d like it if they didn’t drink, and their should be some repercussions from it, but I can only speak for the Empire. But the punishment has to fit the crime, too. As for using women, well, it goes both ways. If they said yes, and were not raped, or drugged, then it’s a two-way street.

BC: Yeah, and I know that are players have been very responsible on this trip. They have focused on football when football needed to have their focus. When there was a time for them to have fun, they did, but within the limits of the law. So, there’s no issue here as far as I’m concerned.

CP: Let’s get back to the semifinals....

BC: Yes, lets.

CP: We know that the Rockets will have two more games, so if you are in the final or are in the third place game, who would you rather play?

BC: The what?

CP: The final or th.....

BC: I’m only concerned with one club right now. Sorthern Northland.

CP: You’re no fun!

BC: Ok, if were to win the game against them, I think Candelaria and Marquez would be our preferred opponent. In no disrespect to the Fujisawan Territories, if you want to be the best, you got to beat the best. If we beat the #1 seed who also went unblemished all the way up to the final who are also the two-time defending champion, it would solidify our status as the champion, erase any doubts about it. We would be the undisputed champion. If it were the third place game, then it really wouldn’t matter.

E: I think a game with either Candelaria and Marquez or the Fujisawan Territories would be special in its own unique way. He said why it’s be special against the two-time defending champions, but the Territories are kind of like us in a way. The unranked underdog. Two underdogs going at it in the final. I think that would show the world anyway that, considering this is a U-21 tournament, there is great football being played in more then just the traditional World Cup powers. And that in time, and no one expects it to happen too quickly, but in time, there’s going to be some new contenders for that World Cup.

CP: Alright, well thanks Brian, and Your Majesty for this interview. Hopefully, we can do another to preview the final.

BC: Thanks Clint. It’s been a pleasure.

E: I declare tomorrow a stay home from work and watch the semifinal day!

(Cameramen and all who hear cheer!)

Nobuo Iwahashi: You’re watching Matchday Live on the Territorial Sports News Network, sponsored by Crosscom Global Telecommunications -

Izukoza Yoko: ARE YOU FINALLY A BELIEVER NOW?!

NI: ...by Crosscom Global Telecommunications, supporters of Territorial World Cup zeokit since day one. By Samoan Sam’s Salmon Steakhouse, when you want salmon, top quality salmon, and nothing but salmon, it’s Samoan Sam's Salmon Steakhouse. By Blue Panther Cola, unleash the blue in you. And by Ko & Lo All Island Towing for all Territorial towing needs. I’m Nobuo Iwahashi. And yes, I’m a believer!

IY: And I’m Izukoza Yoko. Only one thing separates the Fujisawan Territories the Di Bradini Cup Final, and that’s Candelaria And Marquez. The Territories extended their storybook run in Starblaydia with a rousing 3-1 Quarterfinal victory over the Blouman Empire.

NI: And that means we face Candelaria And Marquez. Again.

IY: Only this time Nobuo, the stakes are much higher, it’s a chance at the finals.

NI: Territorial scorers were Toshio Ichimonji in the 11th, Ichimonji again in the 28th, and Kimiko Hasegawa in the 77th. All in all, a well played match for the Territories.

IY: So we’re playing better than you thought we would?

NI: Well, we’ve done well up to this point I will concede. The thing that troubles me though is that early 3-0 loss to Candelaria And Marquez to start the Di Bradini Cup off for us. I can’t get that out of my head, and I keep thinking that that’s something we won’t be able to overcome. That was kind of an early test to see how we’d handle this match.

IY: Well we do have experience now against Candelaria And Marquez, and we should be able to keep pace with them this time. I think we were a bit overwhelmed playing such a good team to start the Di Bradini Cup.

NI: What concerns me is that they are ranked number one, so statistically, on paper, they are the best team in this Cup, and given our 3-0 loss to them earlier, I think it’s too much ground to make up, too late.

IY: So are you on board? You said that you’d be a believer when you saw the Territories beat Blouman Empire. Are you really a believer now?

NI: I’m still a bit skeptical, but if we can upset Candelaria And Marquz, I’ll be a believer for sure.

IY: Well the team was dealt a bit of a setback when Ginko Kawaii aggravated an old knee injury late in the match. But after being looked at by the team physician following the match, she has been cleared for the match against Candelaria And Marquez. She will be playing with a knee brace, but she’s been cleared to start. Your thoughts, Nobuo?

NI: Yes, Ginko has always been injury prone, so her selection to the Di Bradini Cup was to say the least, a bit controversial, but in the end, she has made a lasting impact. I’m not so sure we can afford to have her out of the match.

IY: I think she’ll play well, but won’t make as much of an impact as she has in some of the other matches.

NI: Well we need everybody we have, playing at full potential to beat Candelaria And Marquez. Sakura Jo can’t win the game by herself. And offensively, we have to put points on the scoreboard. It’s very unlikely that we’re going to have many opportunities to score, and I have a feeling it’s going to end up as a repeat of Matchday One.

IY: To tell you the truth, I’m as worried about this match as you are. It’s do or die out there, and I’m not so sure we’re ready.

NI: It’s interesting when you consider, even with the 3-0 loss to Candelaria And Marquez, we still scored the third most goals in the group stage of the Di Bradini Cup after Newmanistan, and Candelaria And Marquez, with twelve. And, in the last three matches, we scored twelve goals while allowing four. I don’t know if the C&M loss is indicative that we’re incapable of beating top tier teams of Candelaria And Marquez’s caliber or if it was being new to the international stage and overwhelmed, and needing a match to settle into things.

IY: I would agree that on one level, we are really untested, but this match is a trial by fire and a measure to see just how good we really are as a team. We’re going to find out where we stand.

NI: For me, it all comes down to Candelaria And Marquez being too strong a team to defeat. You saw them demolish Ruskastan 6-0 in the Quarterfinal. How do we even prepare to go up against a team as good as Candelaria And Marquez?

IY: That’s where I think we have to go out there and put in as much effort as we have, and hope and pray it’s enough. We’re the underdogs, but we’ve had the fighting spirit all throughout the Di Bradini Cup, and we’ve made it this far.

NI: That’s just it. I don’t think it’s anywhere near enough. Going up against the best team in the Cup is going to take more than we have, and I think the road ends here for us.

IY: Well, we have to keep believing, and maybe the Territories’ dream will come true.

NI: I certainly hope so. When we come back on Matchday Live, we’ll get a live report from Starblaydia...

Most of the team was excited about being in the Quarterfinal match against Candelaria and Marquez, but Sakura Jo seemed a little panicked as well. Coach Komine had tried his beat to mentally prepare the team, but Sakura had butterflies in her stomach and her heart was pounding.

She knew that her team, and an entire nation was pinning their hopes on her/ She didn’t want to be the center of attention, and all the attention was putting too much pressure one her.

“One more game and then we’re there. One more game,” she told herself.

It looked like all the other players weren’t as worried, or at least if they were, they didn’t show it. She watched Ginko Kawaii put on her knee brace and Shojiro and Sozen cracking jokes off in a corner. Sakura was envious, and wished the focus could be on someone else.

...

Meanwhile, Deanna Distefano was busy sharing a moment with her father Stephen, as they took a walk together.

“You know, win or lose, your mom, your sister and brother and I we’re here, and we’re proud of you.”

“I know dad.”

“And you’re going places I could never dream of going when I was your age.”

“I’m really worried about winning the match, though.”

“Winning isn’t everything, Deanna.”

“I know.”

“I know it’s the biggest match of your life right now, and the final will be even bigger if we make it, but don’t worry. Just think of it as avenging the loss you guys had in Matchday One. Don’t think about everything that’s on the line, because if you do that Deanna, you’re going to lose focus.”

“Dad, do you think we have a chance?”

“Of course I do. There’s always a chance for anyone to win as long as they believe in themselves. That’s the most important thing.”

“What if we lose dad?”

“Then you lose, but Deanna, you’ve done good just to get this far. I wouldn’t be dissapointed in you if you lost. I know you’re going to try your hardest, and you really do believe in yourslf, and that’s what matters.”

“Dad, I have to go. Coach Komine is calling us.”

Father and daughter embraced for a moment, and the World Cup 39 coach couldn’t help but crack a smile as he watched his daughter join the rest of the team for one last pep talk from Coach Komine.

The Gassett Candelariasian Online>Sport>Football>In Brief

Ruskastanis hit for six as Federici enjoys a threesome in Tabeck Andy Le Lan’s Small Blues secured at least the chance of a third-place play-off at the fourth Di Bradini Cup, following the heaviest ever victory by a football side in Candelariasian colours.

C&M could be forgiven for underestimating their counterparts from Ruskastan, with the Ocean Stars having been widely perceived as the weakest of the eight remaining teams in Starblaydia. Victories over Lovisa and a dire Kura-Pellandi outfit, alongside snatched draws with rather more impressive Blouman and Cafundulense squads, had propelled them into the knock-out stages, though given the relatively unfamiliar make-up of much of the eight their presence was far from out of place. Two utter newcomers to the global game? Two with little more than a single failed World Cup qualification campaign behind their backs? A once-great country barely remerged on the international scene? When a tournament’s old guard are three veterans from the distant BoF26; you know that questions will be asked.

Still, you can only beat what’s put in front of you, as they say, and C&M did just that and in some style. It bodes rather well that the last time any C&M side was in this kind of goalscoring form was two cycles ago, when Lloyd Donnelly’s Small Blues enjoyed back-to-back five-nil and six-three wins against Geisenfried and Sorthern Northland respectively. It was, suitably enough, in Tabeck where Joe Cunningham’s hat-trick helped C&M to what was at the time the country’s biggest margin of victory in competitive football; so all the omens were good when Andy Le Lan’s boys returned to the scene of that triumph for the first time.

A tight little ground, by Starblaydi standards at least; the Bekkside Arena was once again treated to an outstanding display of punishing football. This really wasn’t the most attacking performance you’ll ever see, but it was a remarkable demonstration of finishing of the highest order and surely the game that the teenager Jason Federici truly came of age.

C&M were, admittedly, helped by the general mediocrity of their opponents, who looked a shadow of the side that wiped away Carlos Averelli, Manuel Zelzi and their fellow Kura-Pellandi stars earlier in the tournament. But for a brief period in the second half, C&M controlled this match utterly; declining to over-exert themselves and instead patiently torturing the Ocean Stars for long stretches without creating real openings, before suddenly moving out of first gear and destroying them with a spell of pace or passing. The blue-clad side were shredded by the bottle-greens within barely five minutes; Boyko Bostros making a hash of an attempt to control Nathaniel Stewart’s hopeful shot off his chest and merely deflecting the ball to Jamie González who eased through Haytham Suhayl’s challenge and struck a peach of an effort that rose over Malak Sa’d’s outstretched hand.

If Federici would go on to get all the plaudits, the efforts of González should not be forgotten either. Playing without the dropped Austin Lewis for the first time in this tournament, the Arrigo Portuguese starlet adapted to his new role in the hole with consummate ease. He was involved in the second goal too, dispossessing Naveed Kiril and feeding Can Cetin. The Albrecht Turkish man’s cross looped into the box and off the head of Federici, who took the ball down and placed a shot that deflected enough off Botros to leave the Ruskastani ‘keeper unsighted.

The eventual huge scoreline was looking increasingly likely when C&M hit their third goal shortly after the half-hour, when Aaron Kortsarian got himself into the game for the first time and crossed in for Christian Sattler. Under pressure from Sa’d, Federici proved composed enough to run on to Sattler’s ball and score his fifth in C&M colours.

The Ruskastanis aren’t all that awful, and gave C&M something to think about early in the second half when Joel Sbaïz was forced to give up a corner from a sturdy Rasul Sa’id shot and young Ali Asim’s header whistled just wide. But the Small Blues soon settled any remaining nerves with their fourth; a simple goal from Anslem Fisher’s long ball from the back coming when Federici wandered between Bostros and Yushua and slotted effortlessly past Sa’d, who was by this point really rather miserabl’e.

As the second half meandered along its merry way to the soundtrack of ten thousand bouncing Candelariasians, Kortsarian added the fifth after collecting González’s opulent cross and sliding in at the back post.

By the time C&M were looking in earnest to notch up the biggest win in their history; Federici, González and Kortsarian had long since been rested and it was left to the rather more prosaically named pair of Allen Gallagher and Nic Percy to finish the job, the KT Hotspur striker turning provider for once and giving the winger the simplest of opportunities to cap things off in splendid style.

Le Lan attempts to calm hopes C&M under-21 coach Andy Le Lan has warned his players and the squad’s supporters in Corinth against overconfidence ahead of the Di Bradini Cup semi-final clash with the Fujisawan Territories. Straw polls of fans however suggest he has little to worry about, with fears of an upset permeating the ranks of the blue-green army in Starblaydia.

On the face of it the Small Blues should have little to concern them; coming up again against a side they brushed a side with almost embarrassing ease in the opening game of the competition. Yet since then Jotaro Komine’s team have gone on from strength to strength and have looked untroubled by teams such as Kosovoe and Taeshan that gave their Candelariasian counterparts some worries in previous matches. Their spirited performances and triumph-against-adversity story will certainly make the Territories the neutral’s favourite, rather in the same fashion as the Small Blues’ injury-plagued campaign two cycles ago, but the experts remain divided as to whether that extra support alone can take them one step further and knock out the bookies’ favourites in the process.

The transformation from being the ultimate underdogs to the number one seeds has proven a less difficult one for C&M than many expected, but there will no doubt be concerns over the experience their young opponents have gained over recent days. The international focus, of course, is on Sakura Jo; one of six female players likely to start for the United Islands but more to the point the new pin-up girl of deaf sport. Certainly C&M’s own hearing-impaired superstar, Albrecht FC’s Jack Marshall, has not been the only one to publicly inquire as to how quickly people age in the Territories.

But for Le Lan and his team, the centres of attention must be the Fujisawan back three. Benkei Na’akahara in particular had a bit of a nightmare in the previous meeting and Jason Federici and Jamie González will surely be focusing their attentions on him. To add insult to injury the trio now have Aaron Kortsarian to worry about, after the left-winger was once again chosen ahead of Austin Lewis or Nic Percy. Indeed, Le Lan has opted to name an unchanged side; with Anslem Fisher keeping his place instead of Enrique Silva de Aviz and sharing with Dixon, Virta and Duxbury the potentially mighty task of keeping the Fujisawan front four quiet.

Blue Jeans goes international It’s amazing what a six-nil win can do. While a small section of the press and political world continue to despair as they have done for many a year now over the malign power of sporting success on the Candelariasian mind; that Jason Federici hat-trick appears to have stopped another growing movement dead in its tracks.

The footballing civil barny over the twenty-three young men “stolen” from their club sides was already on its last legs in recent days, primarily following Radyukevich’s two-nil league win over KT Hotspur. In the post-match interviews, a sheepish Coleman Mustard praised the performances of Warren Crochemore and Carroll Eriksson, players who would not have been introduced into the starting line-up but for the absence of Jari Virta and Christian Sattler, while Mustard’s opposite number Jerry Huntick stubbornly declined to invoke the loss of Joel Sbaïz, Anslem Fisher and Allen Gallagher when explaining away the Spur’s home defeat.

One suspects that after several days of verbal battering by some of their fellow managers, C&M’s football authorities and their clubs’ supporters alike; Mustard and Huntick et al had little choice but to retract their earlier misgiving and get behind the boys in Starblaydia. Certainly national polls for most of the main newspapers suggest that fans of the main CMSC clubs affected by the DBC diaspora have long since put away their parochial fears in favour of joining the general morass of the Candelariasian populace in their unfettered support for the Small Blues. Reality, that the team are through to their third consecutive semi-final in the competition, has set in; and the traditionally unpleasant jingoism with it. With many pundits arguing that lifting the title this time would represent the greatest achievement yet, given the obvious talents of the three remaining nations, certain political analysts are confidently predicting that the feel-good factor created by two more victories here could propel the Unionists to a second consecutive electoral victory come May.

In what is expected to be the tightest election since the legendary ’84 clash which saw George Nikolov’s Unionists take the presidency by seventy-one seats to Ian O’Reilly’s Modern Liberals seventy; President Anderson and his rivals clearly need to eek out whatever advantages they can. Cynics would suggest that it is for this reason alone that Unionist party whips have been known over recent days to have repeatedly told the maverick back-bencher, Francis Jeans, to quietly keep his mouth shut as he continues his tirade against Candelariasian involvement in the world’s premier under-21 football tournament.

Yet Jeans is unbowed. An old warhorse of the moral Left, he announced his decision not to stand for selection on the next party list and to retire from politics many months ago, and can afford to go out with a bang. Continuing his media blitz, he appeared on TTO’s Evening News last night; once again decrying the attention given to Andy Le Lan’s players. Perhaps even his tone has changed however following the performance in Tabeck, for his emphasis when speaking to the programme’s co-presenter Jenny Koçgündüz appeared to have shifted from criticising the players themselves to the media coverage of their actions.

“I want to make it clear here that I’m not suggesting we’re sending out the worst teenage scum the country has to offer to play in Starblaydia,” he stressed. “The actions of these drunken sots and their all-too willing whores are sadly predictable. They seem to be representative of where this country’s going, but the point is we’re not there yet! Which is why I’m so angry at the way their actions have been reported, this pathetic mixture of impotent, phoney moral outrage coupled with the continuing glamorisation of everything they do. I know it’s typical of the Mercury, but I expect better of certain other papers.”

That one would have had his President cringing; James Anderson knowing all too well the importance of the Mercury’s endorsement before the all-important May 12th vote.

Challenged by Koçgündüz that he was effectively advocating censorship of tabloid newspapers, Jeans was unequivocal in his response. “If that’s they way you want to frame it, then yes. It’s not something we should treat as some sort of taboo subject just to avoid upsetting [Mercury editor] Johnny Simpson. But it’s not just the tabloids it’s the football authorities too. Some of us, and I know I’m not the only one, are sick and tired of the CMSC and CAMAFA holding up these kids as role models whilst complaining that their players are being treated as role models! We highlight their achievements far too much. 99.99999% of kids aren’t going to become footballers, that’s a fact. We should be given them realistic heroes, realistic goals. It’s not for nothing that serious percentage of youth unemployment, crime and even drug abuse comes from young lads who haven’t made the grade at football clubs, and think that that means their socially useful life is over now. I’m afraid an awful lot of them seem to think that if they can’t be professional sportsmen; their only option is to mimic the more unwholesome parts of their lifestyles. I don’t begrudge all this drinking and sharking that these players get up to, but I really wish our youngsters didn’t have to have it rammed down their throats 24/7.”

Jeans is certainly revelling in some unaccustomed attention right now, with his comments being picked up in the foreign press and even going as high as the Empress of Newmanistan. “Yes, well, uh, it’s pleasing that Her Majesty has chosen to get involved and naturally I appreciate her sentiments. With respect however, I’d stress that the concerns of Newmanistan are the Newmanistani players and the concerns of C&M are our own. Um.”

Jeans declined to elaborate on what he actually meant. Certainly, a number of the foreign squads in Starblaydia have come in for attention in the C&M press recently, including the Newmanistanis. While the six-nil and semi-final place may change things; the tone has been largely one of support for the foreign squads with the Daily News leading the tributes to the professionalism of many of the leading nations when compared unfavourably with the “drunken antics” of their Candelariasian counterparts. “Given the reputation of our dear friends in Sorthern Northland,” the paper’s Mac Allister Martinovic suggests, “is it not too much to expect our young men to restrain themselves from surpassing the Sortherners in their average consumption of booze?”

Certain papers, notably the Herald believe that “this current, transient mood of nannying and gleeful disapproval” will pass long before the C&M squad have arrived in Corinth for their semi-final; but those sections of the press keen to get their knickers even further in a twist will no doubt be buoyed by this morning’s headline in the Mercury, “Gay Porn Orgy Shame of Han Soccer Teens.”

Abbott About In the thirty-third part of his ongoing celebration of modern C&M’s socio-cultural diversity; Bill Abbott travels to the Irish Street district of Albrecht, throws a stone and talks to who it hits ahead of a possible Di Bradini Cup final or third-place play-off against Sorthern Northland.

BA: Paul Feeney, it’s great to talk to you.

PF: Ah, yer as well, Bill

BA: Now of course, this part of the capital needs no introduction. It’s been famous for decades after waves of Irish, West Indian and Pakistani immigration, but in recent years it’s re-established itself as perhaps the most vibrant quarter of Albrecht thanks to the arrival thousands of Sorthern immigrants, both from English-speaking, Gaeltachtaí and Korean areas. Their presence, not only in Albrecht but in Clotaire, Melin and numerous other cities, has greatly enhanced the vitality of Candelariasian society, wouldn’t you say?

PF: Um. Aye.

BA: Of course, an awful lot of people here have ancestry in the Rothsbere area. Can I ask whereabouts you’re from?

PF: Ah. Um. Oyt west. Really quite far oyt west…

BA: Excellent. Of course, there have been issues surrounding your community, principally the fear of isolation and ghettoization. How do you respond to those insulting slurs?

PF: Well, luk raun yer. Oirish street is wan av de most popular areas av Albrecht dees days. Thar's naw end av major shops, not ter menshun de pubs. 'Tis not as though we don't welcome outsiders, neether.

BA: And of course, there’s the céilidhs every Christmas, a hugely important cultural event in the capital.

PF: Err, yeah.

BA: People here must be looking forward to the semi-finals, then? Sorthern Northland have been so unlucky in the Oriental Cup over the years, but there they’ve also got the seemingly immovable object of Newmanistan. But if it comes to it, C&M versus SN: Who’d you root for, Paul?

PF: Err, C&M. Obviously.

BA: Really?

PF: Yeah.

BA: Of course, things have been difficult back home lately. There’s been the war; there’s been O’Bagles’ resignation and the beginning of Jimmy Sheridan’s presidency. In the long term, given the former President’s hero-status as a key founder of the modern state, how do you think his departure will affect the sense of Sorthern Northlandish identity?

PF: Fuck knows mate, I’m Jamaican.

BA: Oh. No chance of a GO SORTHERN NORTHLAND!!! Then?

PF: Nah.

BA: Right.

"Alright we all here? Good. And no raise your hands if your not here jokes, good stuff."

"Er coach can I just ask, why are we having a team meeting in the toilets?"

"Because, I don't know about you lads but I'm absolutely bricking it for this semi-final. You saw what Newmanistan did to us before, and I would say they are the best team in the competition."

"Oh right fair enough."

"Fair enough? Aren't you worried?"

"Well I'm confident we can win and to be honest I'm more worried that you haven't seen fit to close the door whilst your using that toilet cubicle."

"Oh yes. Sorry about that." *Door closes

"Bit weird sometimes ain't he?"

"OI, I'M ONLY IN THE TOILET CUBICLE. I CAN STILL HEAR YOU."

"What's with the shouting then?"

"Oh you could hear me? Fucks sake where is there never any paper or soap in these toilets? Right Newmanistan."

"Yeah, yeah, personally I think we should leave that for a bit. Let's look at the Starblaydia game for now."

"Right well, left it a bit late didn't you lads? Lee, you had plenty of chances to score well before the ninety fourth minute so why didn't you?"

"Just one of those days boss, seemed whatever I touched went wide or into keepers hands."

"Well I'm glad you found your goalscoring touch in the end. Cracking hat trick you scored, hopefully you'll take it over to the semi. You know Empress Jessica will be there?"

"Oh really?"

"Yep so I'm sure you'll want to impress the woman you love."

"I never said I loved her."

"Why are you so keen to go to Newmanistan and see her then."

"She said we're always welcome there. And she seems nice."

"Right well, well done for getting that hat trick. I for one thought we were out when that lass scored for them. What was her name?"

"Which one was it? Lubii or Fenchurch Bentley?"

"The number nine."

"Yeah that was Bentley."

"Right well next game make sure you don't see the strikers running away ahead of you so often that you know their numbers Derek."

"Er will do."

"Right so Newmanistan, Lee is out to impress the Empress..."

"Won't she be more impressed if Newmanistan win?"

"Possibly but that won't help us?"

"Oh right, yeah."

"Ok so who scored for them last time? Shawn Drummond, Jeremy McAllister, and Billy Cerullo wasn't it? Right so let's not give those guys any space this time yeah?"

"Hold on I think someone's coming in."

*Airport police enter the toilets

(Police) "Evening lads, I've had reports that a group of young males have been putting passengers heads in the toilets and flushing them. I'm afraid I'm going to have to arrest you all."

(Coach) "What? Us? Ridiculous, I mean they did that to me but that was a joke."

(Waywide) "I blame that Bostopian group that were in here earlier."

(Pione) "You are hard and you do and the police officer who spreads out the extensive thing you think? That time to live, me to have on extensive all up and go. Your anus which it spreads out with the high piece the screw wrench there is a value and it is a man whom it omits."

(Waywide) "What the fuck does that Bensroomese mean?"

(Hernandez) "Who cares, leg it!!"

Hoji Metropolitan Daily Record
Territories Win Quarterfinal Against Blouman Empire

Starblaydia- The Territories find themselves one mtach away from the final, but in order to get there, they have to beat Candelaria and Marquez, the very team that handed the Territories their only loss in the Di Bradini Cup during Matchday One.

The Territories won their Quarterfinal match against the Blouman Empire 3-1, surprising many.
Toshio Ichimonji scored twice in the 11th and 28th minutes, and Kimiko Hasegawa in the 77th minute and Sakura Jo continued to live up to expectations in a solid match for the Territories.

Many fans were worried that the Territories’ opponents in the group stage left them truly untested, but a convincing win over Group D topping Blouman Empire suggested that the Territories just might have what it take. But what it takes is beating Candelaria and Marquez, and that will prove to be a very tough challenge.

“We’re going to give it our all. We know what we’re up against, and we’re going to fight all the way,” Coach Jotaro Komine said following the win over the Blouman Empire. “We’ve put our blood, sweat, and tears into this Cup, and we’re going to push until we can’t go any further.”

Jo, the Territories’ goalkeeper has become a national sensation. Previously unknown, Jo’s talent has taken center stage, propelling her into the limelight, a position that she has found to be an uncomfortable one.

“She just wants to play zeokit, she doesn’t want to be a star. It’s about a love for the game, and not trying to be better than anyone else,” Komine commented on Jo.

Jo has said that she has been told she is World Cup caliber if she stays consistent at her skill level. “Perhaps by World Cup 41, you’ll see her on the roster,” Komine said. It’s those kind of comments that make Jo a little uneasy. “She feels like the weight of the team is all on her shoulders but I really don’t think we’d be where we’re at today without her.”

A lot of questions remain about just how good the team from the Fujisawan Territories really is. Those answers will come shortly when the rematch of Matchday One takes place. Most doubt the Territories can win, but hopes are high, and all eyes in the Territories are on Starblaydia in the hopes that maybe dreams do come true and that the Territories somehow, in some way, can pull of a major upset.

“Anything’s possible if you believe. Some people said at the beginning of this tournament that we wouldn’t win any of our matches. We lost only one and scored the third most goals in the group stage. If we take it one game at a time, one minute at a time, one second at a time, eventually, we’ll get there, and we’ll have a chance.”

Moderator: Thank you for logging into your official website for everything related to Newmanistan football. If it involves the Empire, it’s on our website. Today in chat we are honored to be joined by Rockets striker Jeremy McAllister, who leads the Di Bradini Cup with nine goals scored. Jeremy will be on the pitch for the Rockets crucial semifinal game against Sorthern Northland. Jeremy, thank you for joining us. Ok fans, ask away, but please keep it clean or you’ll be red carded from chat for good.

JM: Thank you, it’s an honor to be here.

(WewillRock_et_u20): Jeremy congratulations on your great tournament. What’s been the highlight of your tournament thus far?

JM: I hope that the biggest highlight of it is still yet to come. I think when we beat Jeruselem by three, it really got us going and believing that we could indeed win this. We felt good going in, but to beat them in the way that we did, that was big for us.

(PocCity4eva): When your contract is up with Putnam Lake can you sign with Pocono City, please? Seriously, it really seems like you click well with our coach. What have you thought about him?

JM: Haha, I really enjoy being an Eagle, so sorry! Brian Carson is a great coach, and I do enjoy playing for him. He is a player’s coach, he respects you but at the same time he commands respect too. But he’s earned that, as we have seen here, having been able to be successful so far. I’m glad to have had this opportunity to play for him, but it will just be on an international basis.

(JMac20fan): Congratulations Jeremy! Do you think you will be on the World Cup 40 roster too?

JM: That’s not for me to decide, but since coach Carson will also be leading that club, I am pretty optimistic that I will be, but again, its not my call. I would love to be included.

(Snorth): You guys suck!! We’re gonna kick your ass. I hop.... (Moderator muzzled user)

Moderator: Sorry about that.

JM: That’s ok. It should be a good game between our sides. We know that their fans are almost as passionate as ours. We have the best supporters!

(Soccerchik0020): OMG Jeremy! You have done such a good job!! You are so amazing!! I hope you win that Cup! You’re the best player ever!

JM: Hahaha that might be pushing it a little bit. Everything I do is a product of my teammates. If not for them, I would still be a nobody in this competition.

(PutnamLakeRulez): Jeremy, do you think your Di Bradini Cup experience will make you a better player back at home? We have a Cup to win here too!

JM: I’m hoping that it will. It’s really been nice to play alongside people that I play against back at home. It helps be know more about them as a person and has really allowed me to appreciate the game more. So has playing it here in Starblaydia, and having people from here come up to me and encourage me, it’s a great feeling. I think it will make me better. But I also think it will make all of us better. Yes, I definitely want that Cup as well!

(RocketPower): Congratulations, Jeremy! I’m sure you wanted to have a good showing in this tournament, but here you are with nine goals. I know a lot of credit goes to your teammates for that, but did that exceed your individual expectation for what you wanted to accomplish here?

JM: My biggest goal, as an individual was simply as you said, to have a good showing here. I hoped to get some goals, sure. That’s what I’m on the team for. I really haven’t reflected on what I have done to this point, because as a team there is still so much more we want to do. Maybe when its over, whether we win or lose, I’ll think back at it more and look favorably on it. I’m just happy to have played such an important role.

(EmpireStrikesBackandScores): It’s crazy that Sorthern Northland has had to train in an airport. Could you imagine if that happened to you?

JM: No, not really, I couldn’t imagine because it’s just so unreal. I can’t believe that they haven’t gotten that all sorted out yet, but that’s not really for me to get involved with. They have some great players, and what do they have to lose? Nothing! It’s like us in a way, two sides who have had to overcome obstacles and now one of us has a chance to get to the final.

(PutnamGurl): Have you guys been able to enjoy Starblaydia much? Is Newmanistan better?

JM: Yeah, we had our time to enjoy some of the culture that this nation has to offer. It has some pretty interesting sights and very passionate football fans. But, there’s no place like home for me.

Moderator: Ok, Jeremy must leave us now. Thank you all for chatting!

JM: Thank you very much everyone for your support! We appreciate all the support that we are getting back at home, and want to bring that Cup home to the Empire! Go Rockets!

The Sorthern Northland players are going through their final preparations as they sit in the changing room fifteen minutes before the semi-final with Newmanistan, the coach walks in.

"Ok lads, settle down, you know what you have to do, you know that you can do, now then anyone here a fan of poetry?"

"Yeah, ever since Ben O'Bagels and Cinna the Poet introduced it, I've been hooked on it."

"Good stuff Jacques. Right well anyone I've got this little poem for you guys which I'd look to read out if you don't mind?"

"Go for it coach."

"Ok right well here goes, If... by Rodney Toulere."

"Who's that then coach?"

"Eh?"

"Rodney Toulere. Who's he?"

"Me you eejit."

"Oh is it? I always though your name was Dave."

"No it's Rodney right anyway...."

If...
Rodney Toulere

If you can keep the ball when all around you,
Others are losing it and blaming their teammates,
If you can trust yourself when others doubt you,
But make allowences for their doubts too,
If you wait for that chance and not be tired of waiting,
Or if being abused, don't abuse back,
Or if being hated upon, don't hate others,
And yet don't showboat, nor be too skillful,

If you can believe, but not make beliefs you master,
If you can do spectacular, yet not make spectacular your aim,
If you can meet with glory and failiure,
And treat those two imposters equally,
If you can bear to face the lies the tabloids speak,
Lies written by knaves to trap you,
Or watch challenges you put your heart into, fail,
And stop, and get up and put all your energy into another,

If you can turn defeat into victory,
And risk it all on one shot,
And fall down, and get back up again,
And learn from the ills of defeat,
If you can put your heart, nerves and every sinew into it,
To serve your comrades long after they are beaten,
And so push on when you have no energy left,
Except the will that says to you, "Come on!"

If you can handle the crowds, and keep your dignity,
Or walk amogst Kings without losing common touch,
If neither opponents nor critics can hurt you,
If all men can count on you, and you on them,
If you can fill the final minutes,
With one last lung busting run,
Yours is the Di Bradini Cup, and everything it brings,
And, what is more, you'll be heroes, my son.

*The dressing room applauds and players make various comments.

"Ah that was beautiful coach. Absolutely beautiful."

"Yeah I agree with Lee, let's go out there with those words to inspire us. Let's make the final."

"TO THE PUB!"

"Er no, after the game Roy, after the game."

"Oh right yeah, TO THE FINAL!"

"Yeah! That's it lads, now COME ON!"

"For Sorthern Northland, for your friends, for your families, for alcohol, for Atlantian Oceania, for our land and most importantly for our people, let's go out there, and let's get revenge, let's win tonight, let's go to the final, let's be champions!"

Hoji Metropolitan Daily Record
Letters to the Editor

Due to ther high volume of op/ed letters we’ve been receiving on the Fujisawan Territories’ performance in the 4th Di Bradini Cup, we have decided to run an additional page of letters to the editor solely Di Bradini Cup related.

Rematch is a Chance for Territories to Prove Themselves
The odds are stacked against us; a two time Di Bradini Cup winner, ranked number one, who already beat us 3-0 earlier in the tournament. Call me crazy, but despite this, I think we can actually win and if we do, not only will it be historical, but will send a message to the international sporing community. Candelaria And Marquez is a great team, and I find it fitting that the only team that has beaten us is also the only thing that stands between us and the final. One more win is all we need to prove that The Territories have arrived.
Ren Okawa
Hoji

Fujiwho?
Remember just before the tournament when everyone was saying we wouldn’t win a single match? Where are those same people now? Sure, we’re a relatively unknown team from a relatively unknown country internationally, but we’ve played beyond all expectations, with a chance to play in the Final, and surprised everyone with how far we’ve come. And the best part? Win or lose, many of these players will probably eventually end up on future World Cup rosters, so we have much to look forward to. The only people still saying ‘Fujiwho?’ are living under a rock.
Ujihiro Kaza
Tijuku

Playing for Pride
With nothing more than a failed World Cup 39 qualifying round to our credit, we came into the Di Bradini Cup. After losing our first match against Candelaria And Marquez, I thought it would be more of the same. Then the Territories started winning, and now we play that same team for the right to get into the final. Funny how destiny and fate work sometimes. Take a minute to think what the Territories could do if they did beat Candelaria And Marquez. It’s not likely, but if it happens, pride can once again be restored in the Territories.
Koi Toru
Coastal Atsuzai

No Room for Skeptism
When they beat the Blouman Empire, I knew they were for real. I thought they’d choke against the Blouman Empire, but I was impressed. Now the real test is playing Candelaria And Marquez, and if we can beat them, then anything is possible. I’m proud to say I’m a skeptic turned believer. I’ll be watching the match with newfound interest and hope. What these kids are doing is bringing the Fujisawan Territories together, and for that, I’m ever thankful We overcame our opening day loss to Candelaria And Marquez, now we have to overcome their advantage over us, and if we can do that, the win should be ours.
Kunie Gushiken
Fujiyaba

A Message From Coach Distefano
Things in Starblaydia are going well for our U21 team as you know. I’m learning a lot as a coach by being a being a better father, spending time with my daughter Deanna, a midfielder on the team. I’ve been to every match in Starblaydia, I’ve been there in between matches, spending time with Deanna and the team. I’ve soaked up the team chemistry, talked to coach Jotaro Komine, listened to his motivational speeches before every match. I can honestly say this experience has made me a better father, a better person, and a better coach. I’ve been seemingly reborn, and you’ll see the difference in World Cup 40 qualifying. What’s happened in Starblaydia has been an spiritually uplifting experience for both Deanna and I, and for the rest of my family who is also here. We’ve ridden the highs and lows of this tournament, and I have a new perspective on life because of it.
Stephen Distefano
Hoji

Inspired to Act
Sakura Jo has been an inspiration for me ever since the Di Bradini Cup started. I love to watch zeokit, but I never gave a thought to playing, because like Sakura, I’m deaf. Now I realize that maybe I really can play the sport I love so much. Being fourteen and deaf is hard, but now I have hope and inspiration to guide me. Thanks to Sakura, I’ve decided to try out for my high school zeokit team. I know it won’t be easy, but now I have more confidence in myself. It’s great to have such a great role model representing deaf people.
Fuki Rokujochigusa
Monigawa, Ozaki

Bah Humbug
There is absolutely no way that the Fujisawan Territories can beat Candelaria And Marquez. Anyone grounded in reality can see clearly that we’re are outmatched and outranked. Plus they already beat us once too. We’re going up against a two time champion looking to make it a threepeat I’d like to know just how we are supposed to beat Candelaria And Marquez. We’re a scrappy upstart team with momentum on our side, but against Candelaria And Marquez, we’re going to get embarrassed in the Semifinal.
Seiesnsui Kido
Hoji

A Match for the People
What this match is really about is the people of the Fujisawan Territories. They have suffered through so much as of late, and now a Territorial team is winning on the international stage. It’s giving the people something to cheer about and be a part of as a community, and that is uniting the country. It’s taking all the hardships off the people’s minds, and making it just a little easier to get through the day. Who really benefits from a Fujisawan Territories win are the people of this great nation.
Suko Iseya
West Atlantis

Semi-Final Scores
Sorthern Northland 3-3 Newmanistan (FT)
Sorthern Northland 3-4 Newmanistan (AET)

Candelaria And Marquez 2-2 Fujisawan Territories (FT)
Candelaria And Marquez 3-3 Fujisawan Territories (AET)
Fujisawan Territories win 3-1 on penalty kicks

Final Fixtures
Final: Newmanistan Vs Fujisawan Territories
3PPO: Sorthern Northland Vs Candealaria And Marquez

On the team coach on the way back to the airport.

(Lee Waywide) "So close and yet so far huh coach?"

(Coach) "Yeah, really disappointing to lose but I'm proud of you boys."

(Lee) "Even me?"

(Coach) "Yeah of course, Lee, why wouldn't I be?"

(Lee) "Well their third goal. I had the ball in our area, with ten seconds left, I should of just booted it, but I didn't and their guy Brian Wright came in and scored. If I'd of just booted it away we'd of won."

(Coach) "Yeah but if the team hadn't of conceded the other two we'd of won."

(Lee) "Yeah but still, I made a huge mistake. I lost us the game."

(Coach) "Don't say that Lee. It's not your fault, it's the responsibility of the team."

(Lee) "But no one made the mistake I did, did they?"

(Coach) "Yeah ok, sure you made a bad mistake but if we'd of defended better we wouldn't of let in the other two goals. What about our defedning when Jeremy McAllister scored their first two goals? WHat about their winner? We had seven players in attack, they got the ball and Jeremy Brooker wnet up the other end and scored. Should we have had so many players forward? Had strikers other than you scored we'd of won. I mean that was a superb hat-trick you scored out there."

(Lee) "Really?"

(Coach) "Yeah of course, look without you'd we'd of lost that game well before extra time. I'm not going to blame any individual for us losing. We're a team yeah? You all know what mistakes you made, and I know you'll all strive to learn from them, because that's what this level of football is about. Learning. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, all the top players do it, that's how they learn."

(Lee) "So what do we do now?"

(Coach) "Sit in the airport I guess, wait for the C&M game."

(Lee) "Candealaria And Marquez huh? There's a great sporting history between our nations isn't there?"

(Coach) "Yeah there sure is."

(Lee) "This game though, it'll be different won't it? A third place play-off no one wants to be in them."

(Coach) "Yeah I know but still Candealaria And Marquez. That'll be a special occasion for you won't it Lee? Where was it you were born?"

(Lee) "Khatib, but that's a long time ago. I left for SN before I could even talk, and I've never been back. Sure my parents are Candelarias and my blood is, but I've only ever known Sorthern Northland. I'm proud to have Candelarias blood but I'm a Sortherner."

(Coach) "You never been inclined to go back?"

(Lee) "Yeah of course I have, but I've never had the chance. My parents can't afford to pay for it, and I can't either. This is only the second time I've been abroad, the first was to the last Di Bradini Cup, but someday I will go to Candelaria And Marquez, and Newmanistan, I want to go there as well."

(Arek Al-Malakovsky) "Hold on you were born in Candelaria And Marquez? So do you have a Candelarias passport?"

(Lee) "Yeah I do."

(Arek) "Did you bring it with you?"

(Lee) "Yeah."

(Arek) "Why didn't you use it then? I mean you could of stayed in a hotel instead of an airport terminal."

(Lee) "I didn't come to stay in a nice hotel. I came for Sorthern Northland, for you guys. We're a team, I couldn't of just left you there in the airport."

(Arek) "Oh. Fair play to you Lee."

(Coach) "Hey look there's the Newmanistan squad, they look they're having a good night out."

(Lee) "Why don't we join them?"

(Coach) "Eh? We have to get back to the airport Lee."

(Lee) "Feck that. Look we didn't get any immigration officials following us around today. Let's go and join the Newmanistan players. Let's go out, just for one night. Come on, let's congratulate them, let's show them we're supporting them in the final."

(Coach) "Alright then, let's go but no hard feeling yeah?"

(Lee) "Of course not, they were the better team. They deserved the win, they deserve to win this competition, and they seem a great bunch of lads. Let's show them we're behind them all the way."

(Coach) "You know what? We've got Candelaria And Marquez next. We have a great sporting rivalry on the pitch but off it, we are two nations who have a lot of respect for each other, they are almost like a second nation for many Sortherners and quite a few of you have Candelarias blood, and maybe just maybe tonight we can start a similar relationship between Sorthern Northland and Newmanistan because sport is more than just winning and losing. It can be a powerful tool in society, it can bring people together and that can only be a good thing, so yeah let's go out there, and show Newmanistan we're behind them, now come on lads."

(Team) "COME ON NEWMANISTAN!"

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WIN THRILLER TO ADVANCE TO FINAL

Jhanna, Starblaydia- Time was running out. In stoppage time, the referee was surely soon to blow the whistle to end the game. A run upfield was thwarted by the Sorthern Northland defense, and all Lee Waywide probably needed to do was boot the ball out of the danger area to send the Rockets to the third place game and put to end a 3-2 victory for Sorthern Northland. For an unknown reason, but a reason the Rockets will gladly approve of, Waywide did not do that. Brian Wright, who was inserted into the game in the 74th minute when Kevin Sturgeon had to be substituted for an apparent leg injury, took one, last ditch rush towards the ball. Waywide was caught off guard, it seemed, allowing Wright to gain possession cleanly and have another shot at net. Wright, plagued by finishing problems with his club team in Dover City may not have been the preferred player to have the chance to the Rockets supporters, but there was not enough time to realize who’s foot the ball was on. Wright went top left. This time, Brian finished the play. GOAL!!!! Sorthern Northland stood in disbelief with some long stares seemed to be directed towards Waywide. Some back in their homeland will blame Lee Waywide for the defeat. But, that would be very unfair, because if not for the young striker, there would not have needed to be a last gasp scoring chance for the Rockets. Waywide’s hat trick was the reason why Sorthern Northland had the lead in the first place.

Extra time seemed to take a little while to get going. Sorthern Northland looked stunned that they needed to continue to play, and Newmanistan seemed stunned that they were still playing. The result was mainly a lot of midfield play. But in the 102nd minute, the Northerners went for the go ahead goal with a massive rush. A pass up the middle appearing to be intended for Hernandez was deflected by Tony Borsinger right unto to foot of Jeremy Brooker. When Jeremy looked up, he saw he had pretty much the entire left side of the pitch wide open. He made the run. With Shawn Drummond the logical person to pass to when he got close on goal, Brooker decided to use him as a decoy. Faking a pass to Drummond, Brooker got goalkeeper Luke Goldsmith to bite in a big way. Jeremy unloaded the shot, and hit the back of the net. Improbably, the Rockets had a 4-3 lead! All the life that Sorthern Northland had seemed to get sucked out of them after that goal, and Newmanistan would hold on for the victory. To the finals go the Rockets! Not to play Candelaria and Marquez, but to play the Fujisawan Territories, who won an equally thrilling semifinal. So that’s right, your final for Di Bradini Cup 4 is Newmanistan and the Fujisawan Territories. How many people out there called that one that don’t live in either of the two nations?

The start of the semifinal was just what we could have expected between the two teams, each playing an open attacking style, wanting to get the first goal of the game. This is something that the Rockets have done well doing in the tournament, but it would be Sorthern Northland’s turn to strike first, Lee Waywide getting his first tally in the 15th minute. It gave the Northerners a bit of momentum, with Hernandez getting a golden opportunity moments later, but put the shot wide. The equalizer came in the 33rd minute, with Jeremy McAllister picking up goal number ten on his amazing individual run. Set up by Brian Rafferty, the Sorthern Northland defense were a split second too late in reading the play, and that’s all the time that McAllister needs. Shooting the ball down low, the game was tied at one. Moments later, the Rockets took a 2-1 lead, again McAllister, notching two goals in a game yet again, was the one who finished it off. Shawn Drummond took a Brian Rafferty pass, and found McAllister in a prime scoring position, and again the defense was just a bit behind the play. In the 40th then, it was 2-1 in favor of the Rockets.

It didn’t stay that way for long, as one minute into the second half, Lee Waywide took advantage of a Steve Secrist miscue and left goalkeeper Corey Hennis helpless with an absolutely perfectly placed shot in the top righthand corner. Hennis read the shot well, but with the ball so well struck, there was nothing he could do on the play. Waywide was determined to take control of the game, as the Northerners continued to get great opportunities on goal, and Lee looked to be the hero in the 61st when again, he absolutely struck a ball perfectly into the goal to complete his hat trick, and put Sorthern Northland up, 3-2. It took the Rockets a little while to respond to this, and in the 74th minute, striker Kevin Sturgeon was tackled hard, but clean by defender Derek Frimpong. Sturgeon was shaken up and Brian Carson needed to make a substitution, and he called on Brian Wright. Little did we know that it would be Wright who’d about to become the hero, and Waywide’s hat trick perhaps a sidenote when Sorthern Northland historians look back at this game.

So the Rockets have done it. They have advanced to the final. One more win, and the Di Bradini Cup will belong to the Empire. More on that, and the status of Kevin Sturgeon in our preview which will come sometimes later. Here is some post-game reaction from a jubilant Newmanistan squad that is surely going to have a great night tonight and then get back to work and prepare for a team that’s on a run a lot like they are in the Fujisawan Territories.

Wright: (on the tying goal) “I knew it was our only hope for me to make a run at Waywide. When he didn’t clear it, I knew what I had to do. It all happened so fast, I didn’t have any time to think, and maybe that was the good thing, I just did what came naturally to me.”

Brooker: (on the game winner) “I saw the open field and I just thought to myself, Man, just go! Everything worked out well, and I saw Drummy in a good position and knew I had to get the ball to him when it hit me that’s exactly what the keeper’s thinking. So I thought I wold fake the pass, and the keeper really went for it. I had a great angle and went for it. I didn’t expect to be scoring such a big goal like this but it’s pretty awesome.”

Drummond: (on Brooker’s run) “I was just thinking, come on Jeremy, pass me the ball dude. Until I saw that determined look in his eyes, I knew he was up to something so I was just like, I should just play along here. He made a great decision, great play!”

McAllister: “You saw a great game here today, and you really saw that we never give up. It looked like we were done, but we never gave in. Brian made a great play. Here’s a guy who was substitute for us being such a big contributor. It shows the talent we have here.”

Secrist: (on Lee Waywide): “He’s a fantastic player. I don’t really know why he did what he did at the end, but it saves me looking like a fool for the moves he put on me all game.”

Carson: (on the game): “We played a great game today. So did Sorthern Northland. This is why football is the greatest game in the world, right here. When what we thought would be the final rush broke down we could have just put our heads down and our hands on our hips, but Brian made that last ditch effort. Amazing.”

Carson: (on Sorthern Northland): “I’ve enjoyed playing them. I think in the two games we played you saw the clubs generate a good competitive respect for one another. With us now going to be a fixture on the world stage, I look forward to building that with them even more.”

Carson: (on post-game celebrations): “We’re excited to get to the final. The boys have the night to have some fun and enjoy it but tomorrow we will get back to work. I trust that they will stay out of trouble.”

Empress Jessica: “I am so proud of our boys. To have come all the way out to Starblaydia, and so far win all six of our matches to go to the final is something that I may have dreamt, but didn’t know if it was something that I really thought would happen. I have to admit I feel bad for Lee Waywide there at the end. I hope their press takes it easy on him. He may have made a mistake, but if it weren’t for him, they wouldn’t have had a lead, and maybe wouldn’t have even gotten to the semifinal to begin with.”


Here’s your boxscore. Again the final score, Newmanistan 4, Sorthern Northland 3, after extra time. Preview of the final will come sometime later.

NEWMANISTAN 4
McAllister (33', 40') Assists- Rafferty 33', Drummond 40'
Wright (90' +3)
Brooker (103')

SORTHERN NORTHLAND 3
Waywide (15', 46', 61')

Bookings:

NEWMANISTAN
Cerullo, YC, 50'
Morton, YC, 67'

SORTHERN NORTHLAND- None

THE ROCKET REPORT

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CUP

Jhanna, Starblaydia- This is what’s all about it. The world has eagerly anticipated the final showdown in the 4th edition of the Di Bradini Cup. What they may not have been expecting, is the two nations that will be participating in it here, at beautiful Jader Barbahlo Stadium, in Jhanna. Twenty teams came to Starblaydia, hoping to achieve this glory. Through all the highs and lows and bumps and bruises of a passionate tournament, there are now only two teams with an opportunity to be able to call themselves Di Bradini Cup 4 champions. Would it be Candelaria and Marquez? Elves Security Forces? Jeruselem? Cafendu? Surely one of the top four seeds going in would make it here. Well, not exactly. Your two finalists are Newmanistan and The Fujisawan Territories. Who are these nations? They have football teams? The rest of the world may ask, that is, with the exception of those nations who have participated in this tournament. Because those nations have seen Newmanistan and The Fujisawan Territories in action, and know that each side has earned their place in this final. Two nations assigned a rank of 30 at the start. One will be #1. Maybe not in the official rankings, but for this tournament. The Di Bradini Cup awaits. Who’s going to grab it?

In one corner, you have the Newmanistan Rockets. Newmanistan would be making their first global sporting appearance. Ever. How would it go? Well, they have not done anything but win in this tournament. Opening with a win over Sorthern Northland, many pointed to the second win, the 3-goal victory over Jeruselem that ignited this team and got them to believe that winning the Cup was very much a real possiblity. Their next game against Popay was a true test, but the Rockets would prevail, and then complete the unblemished group stages with a win over Krytenia. Was it a fluke? Not exactly. Daehanjeiguk would fall in the quarterfinals. Then came the semifinal, and the rematch with Sorthern Northland. The game was all but over. Except someone forgot to tell the Rockets, who somehow found a way to tie up the game and send it into extra time. Sure, they were helped by poor judgement of a Sorthern Northland player, but perhaps, it is fate.

In the opposite corner, you have the Shaojin Warriors of the Fujisawan Territories. Also ranked 30th, and a nation also looking to find their way on the global circuit. They stumbled out of the gate with a 3-0 defeat to the hands of Candelaria and Marquez, which was a result that not many people besides the two nations involved paid a lot of attention to at the time. Surely, it was forgivable for them to lose to the #1 overall seed and two-time defending champion. But, they used it as a learning experience. Something they could use as a motivational lift and carry them through their remaining matches. And the Shaojin Warriors easily disposed of Milchama, the nation who’s senior squad would go all the way to the World Cup 39 final. Then Kosovoe would be the next victim, a sound 3-goal victory. Taeshan would fall next, and it was on the quarterfinals. The Blouman Empire could not stop this team either, as the remarkable play of Sakura Jo, who’s just a fascinating story of the human will to overcome all obstacles, led them to the semifinals. There stood Candelaria and Marquez. This time, when it mattered the most, the Shaojin Warriors would prevail, winning on penalty kicks.

So, here it is. Newmanistan and the Fujisawan Territories. Neither you expected, but it’s who you get. Both have earned the right to play for the Cup. Our Clint Peterson talks with Newmanistan manager Brian Carson, who looks to realize the Empire’s dream.

CP: Congratulations on the big win and moving on to the final.

BC: Thanks, Clint.

CP: There’s a lot we can talk about, so let’s begin with the semifinal and the win over Sorthern Northland. What in the world goes through a coaches mind in the kind of situation that took place for you to tie up the game and force extra time?

BC: Just a complete roller coaster of emotions. I sensed that the referee was going to blow play dead soon. Brian (Wright) made a great read to get the ball from Waywide. I’m sure that Waywide is second guessing his decision not to clear the ball out of danger, but Brian gets some credit too for the charge he put on him and causing the turnover to get the clutch goal. Such a dramatic goal, it will certainly become part of Newmanistan lore, even if we don’t win the final. But also, I have to say, that as a coach of young men, I can only imagine what Lee may be feeling right now. I’m sure his coach and teammates have tried to pick him up, but it can be tough. If I could say one thing to him, it would just to be to let it make you stronger as a player. Feed off of it, because you have a ton of talent and have a lot of great football moments ahead of you. Sometimes little reminders like that make you better as a player, in the long run.

CP: I’m sure he would appreciate that.

BC: I hope so. Look, I’m elated we won. We all are, but we also know that could have been any of us. It was an unlucky, unfortunate break. He’s a fellow football player and something like what happened is a nightmare scenario for anyone. We can relate, but he can build off it. Hopefully their fans also remember that he did have a hat trick today.

CP: What about the goal from Brooker?

BC: If there was one defender on our team I had to pick that could do such a thing, it would have been him. Sorthern Northland aggressively went for a goal, and Borsinger must get credit for the deflection that thwarted that attack to get the ball to Jeremy. He had a lot of daylight in front of him. I’m real happy for him. He’s a great player, who’s had a great tournament for us, but hasn’t really had a lot of team success in his playing career with South Charlotte. He’s really been able to enjoy himself.

CP: It also seemed like a good little competitive rivalry has begun to take shape between your clubs. Reportedly, they are pulling for the Rockets in the final. Thoughts?

BC: There does, and I think that’s great. We have a lot of respect for them, it’s a team that knows how to have fun yet knows when its time to get serious, as I’ve said before. You look at what they have had to put up with in that whole passport debacle, the fact that they were so close to making the final speaks volumes for the talent of everyone on that team, and the intelligence and abilities of their coaching staff. We’ve spoken with them afterwards, and they are on our side for the final, and we are grateful for that support, and if it were the other way around, we would be rooting for them in the final. There will be more battles in the future, and hopefully sooner rather then later.

CP: Now let’s shift gears towards the final. The Fujisawan Territories are all that stand in your way. Your thoughts on them?

BC: I hope the entire football playing world is watching. What you have here are two clubs that will play their hearts out. I really don’t see your going to see two clubs playing conservatively because they don’t want to make mistakes. We’re both going to go for it, not only because we want to win the Cup, but because what it can mean for both of us as a nation. We’re in the process of building our resumes, and what better way then putting a Di Bradini Cup on that since the Cup symbolizes your youth program, making the statement that you got some good talent coming up that going to be around for awhile. They knocked out the two-time defending champions. They are a very legitimate threat.

CP: Their goalkeeper, Sakura Jo, is deaf. Talk about overcoming all odds.

BC: Jo has a real good ability to read the play, she has outstanding vision. But, you are right. Overcoming a handicap to play at this level is truly remarkable and inspirational. Though when we play, all that matters is she’s the opposing goalkeeper, and a very talented one. We’re going to have to find ways to beat her, and I think our speed will be helpful, but we’ll have to see. But if it comes down between her and Corey Hennis, I’ll take Corey.

CP: Both teams have found a way to score goals in this tournament. So its probably fair to say there will be a lot of offensive chances in this final.

BC: You’ll see a lot of offensive chances. Jo and Hennis will have to be at top form. It may come down to finishing, and that’s something I feel we have done an outstanding job in doing.

CP: Brian, best of luck. Let’s hope our next interview can be with us sitting beside the Di Bradini Cup.

BC: Thank you, and it’s going to be a great game. Let’s hope for the best. Go Rockets!

The Gassett Candelariasian Online>Sport>Football>In Brief

Le Lan left to pick up the pieces And so the post-mortem begins on how C&M failed to get beyond the semi-finals of a major international tournament. A sentence that would have been thought ludicrous but a few years ago has been made reality thanks to the unfair expectations placed upon Andy Le Lan and his team thanks to the successes of Lloyd Donnelly, Adam William and theirs; but captain Harris Dixon and the rest of the squad have been keen to offer a ‘no excuses’ policy following their unaccustomed failure.

What that actually meant in practise is that everyone and everything from the man in black Cuvarii G’Benji to the state of the Silverlands pitch and the wooden post that knocked out Jason Federici three games earlier came in for some stick, but there was plenty of blame heaped on the players by the players themselves too. The amount of time the team had to prepare also came in for criticism, albeit of two rather different varieties, with Jari Virta complaining that the squad had arrived in Starblaydia straight off the back of two-thirds of a CMSC season with little time to train together as a group, while Dixon admitted that an unexpected extra day before the semi-final had contributed to the group’s mounting nerves.

Certainly is seems undoubted that the growing hype surrounding the form of the Territories contributed to C&M’s performance, with the Small Blues adopting a much more tentative approach than had been the case earlier in the tournament. Dixon confessed after the game that even following the team’s twentieth-minute opener they had failed to be as confident as they perhaps should have been, and there remained an air of invincibility around Sakura Jo and her defence. Federici had, after all, been presented with plenty of opportunities but had helped C&M take the lead only when Kenzan Go brought him down just inside the area. Jo had even got a hand to the penalty. What clearly unnerved the Small Blues the most was the Fujisawans’ apparent lack of concern at going one-down; such was the assurance they possessed that they could find an equaliser at any moment.

The obvious defensive unease between Anslem Fisher and Virta was perhaps one of the major reasons for this, with the lack of a natural rapport between the two proving disastrous for C&M twice either side of half-time when they failed to get their marking on first Toshio Ichimonji and then Junko Tawaraya right and left Joel Sbaïz with too much to do to stop the Territories taking the lead.

“It felt at times like we were just guest stars in the Fujisawan’s story,” the unnecessarily poncy young left-winger Aaron Kortsarian admitted after the game. “We just never felt confident that we were going to be able to hold them off, in the long term.”

That lack of self-belief is something that football authorities in C&M are going to have to watch over the coming years. There is little point in the government ploughing funds into Candelariasian sport if the mental side lets our young footballers down. Despite the form and obvious ability of their opponents, the Small Blues had no reason to be so afraid and should perhaps have gone on to win at a canter after Nathaniel Stewart had poached the equaliser. But Jo remained impervious and young Federici’s long season appeared to be catching up with him. Indeed, as the Fujisawans grew in vigour, C&M were lucky not to be downed in ninety minutes with Sbaïz called upon to produce a superb tip-over from Tawaraya’s shot.

A side that had just been pegged back should never be allowed to summon the momentum, but the Territories did just that in extra time and plonked themselves in the C&M half from where they declined to budge for the rest of the game. The Small Blues briefly took advantage of this, with Alex Duxbury sending a long ball up field for the under-employed Rick Sekerci to give the Candelariasians a ninety-seventh minute lead, but the Territories equalised almost from the re-start with Go’s looping cross reaching Tawaraya who left Duxbury on the floor and finished off her second of the night with ease.

It was Le Lan who made the final major error, allowing Federici to take a penalty despite the Port of Clotaire striker being utterly on his knees. He missed the very first and Christian Sattler – never a striker of the ball at the best of time – the second; and though Sekerci and Stewart showed steady nerves, Jamie González – a star of this tournament despite his generally poor game in Corinth – shot tamely at Jo to make the Fujisawan’s final effort academic and give the C&M under-21s their first taste of bitter defeat since the Justantina Cup final.

Still, that’s still only two games the Small Blues have lost in ninety minutes out of twenty-eight. Not a bad record, on the whole…

And so, knowing that his future job prospects have taken one hell of a dent; Andy Le Lan must try and pick up a group of players whose attention has now firmly turned back to the CMSC where their colleagues are preparing themselves for the final couple of games of the season; and encourage these youngsters to take seriously that most pointless invention in all of football – the third-place play-off.

This one, of course, has been given a bit of added spice through being against a certain Sorthern Northland. All leave cancelled, one suspects, in certain Candelarias cities tomorrow night.

History at least is with the Small Blues, who – as we’re not at all unduly fond of reminding them – beat the Sortherners six-two in this competition not so very long ago. And then there’s the senior side’s four-nil win… um, really quite some time ago now.

But these are two completely different squads, so the match-ups are anyone’s guess. The Sortherners do, after all, have has the best of it in the rugby; and probably cricket as well if we ever get around to that, so the Candelarias can hardly claim a sporting hoodoo over this all-too familiar bunch of Atlantian Oceanians. C&M should have the edge in football, given the respective funding available and strength of the domestic leagues; but the Sortherners have more than shown enough in this tournament to suggest that, assuming they too can recover after a crushing late defeat, this could be a game to savour.

They have a really nice flag, too.

Abbott About In the thirty-fifth part of his ongoing celebration of modern C&M’s socio-cultural diversity; Bill Abbott returns to Khatib-Gassett to meet Rosie Waywide, the great-aunt of Sorthern Northland under-21 international striker Lee Waywide.

BA: Rosie, it’s a pleasure to me you.

RW: Ah, for God’s sake, not again…

BA: So, you must be having mixed feelings after a performance like that. A semi-final hat-trick for your lad before he was caught dallying on the ball and let in the substitute striker to score the equaliser. But all things considered that was one hell of a performance, wasn’t it, and what’s more – as you know only too well – he’s one of ours! Of course, he left years ago as part of an Filleann Mór, but you must be proud of the boy?

RW: Jaysus, Mary an’ Joseph, Bill. If Ah’ve towl yer once, Ah’ve towl yer a t’ousan’ times! We don’t talk aboyt dat side av de family! Not after waat ‘is ma said aboyt our Eliza…

BA: Still, if the rumours are true and he’s picked up by a CMSC club in the summer, you must be looking forward t–

RW: Bunch av bleedin’ turncoats, deh lot av dem…

BA: What about this third-place play-off, then, do y–

RW: Gran’ day ter yer, Bill!

BA: Rosie? Ros… Hello? Oh. Would you… WOULD YOU PREFER ME TO USE THE BACK DOOR, IS THAT IT?!

RW: Go an’ shoite, Bill! Oi means it! Or Oi’m callin’ de peelers, so Oi ‘ill!

BA: Rosie? ROSIE?! Open this door this minute! I haven’t asked you about the hateful vilification and stereotyping of the Candelariasian-Northlandish yet! ROSIE!!!!

RW: Please, leave m’alone… Oi’m jist a wee auld lady…


Scene trails off into really quite sinister ending…

Corinth, Starblaydia - It was an epic match that neither side will soon forget. For Candelaria And Marquez, it will be a bitter memory, and for the Fujisawan Territories, the sweet taste of victory against the top ranked team will linger for time to come. Decided on penalty kicks, the match was full of excitement all the way to the storybook end. Now, the Territories face the seemingly unstoppable Newmanistan in the final.

The Territories have come a long road to get where they are today. It all started in an eighth floor hotel convention room in downtown Hoji. That’s where Zeokit National Conference of the Fujisawan Territories representatives reviewed the profiles of around two hundred youngsters, attempting to assemble a team to represent the Territories. Bitter infighting was commonplace throughout the afternoon as representatives fought for the selection of their favorites. Only Sakura Jo at goalkeeper and Deanna Distefano at midfielder were unanimous picks.

Game film was analyzed, stats were pored over, many a headache was all too common. The final vote contained many surprises, but at the end of the day, the representatives felt they had accomplished much, and that this team of youngsters could go to Starblaydia and do some serious damage.

A light rain fell as the team boarded the chartered Territorial Airlines flight 740. It was hard to stay focused, and young minds drifted restlessly in anticipation of the matches that lay ahead in Starblaydia. Coach Jotaro Komine had already landed in Starblaydia ahead of the team because he had wanted them to build chemistry. As he waited, he tried to calculate in his head the odds of The Territories reaching the final. “Improbable,” he thought.

Coach Komine found himself staring through the oversized glass, eyes transfixed on each plane that landed, wondering if maybe this was his team, or if maybe it was another team. He took a sip from a latte as he watchd another plane touch down. It was strangely exciting to be in Starblaydia, so foreign, so unique.

The tension was thick as Territorial Airlines flight 740 prepared to land. The team was eager to play, eager to show the Territories and the world who they were. Anticipation, hope, trepidation; many things were felt among the team.

The team offloaded with butterflies in their stomachs. They knew this was the moment of truth. Here in this place, in Starblaydia, they would impress or flounder in front of the rest of the world.

Coach Komine recognized some of the faces instantly. He knew this was his team. Coach Komine’s plan to come to Starblaydia separately had apparently worked, as he could see the team seemed to be bonding. They were cracking jokes to lighten the moment, and talking amongst themselves. Even Sakura was engaged in conversation through her sign language interpreter.

“So this is my team,” Coach Komine thought. He nodded his approval as he surveyed the faces gathered before him.

Coach Komine cleared his throat, and took a deep breath. All the isolated conversations died down to a murmur and then stopped entirely.

“All of you know why we’re here. We’re representing our country, our people in this grand tournament. But if you want to get to the finals, and win this Cup, you have to do one thing, and one thing only. It’s believe in yourself. We can’t win anything unless we believe in ourselves. It’s not what we believe we can’t do. It’s what we believe we can. And we can go all the way to the finals. We can win. I believe in each and every one of you. Now it’s up to you to believe in yourselves.

Plenty of people are going to stand in your way, throw insults at you, tell you that you can’t go all the way. It’s going to be hard. There’s going to be more ups and downs than you’ve ever had in your young lives, but if it makes you sleep easier at night, I believe, I know, that we won’t be as bad as they say we will be.

You’re in Starblaydia, this is it. We’re going to stay focused and play one match at a time. Don’t worry about the last match you played in, or the next one coming up. Just worry about the one you’re in. That’s how it’s going to be. We focus on one match at a time, and they’ll all fall like dominoes.”

Coach Komine suddenly felt a surge of confidence in his team as they left the airport for the team’s hotel. His team was here, ready to do battle. He smiled knowing the Di Bradini Cup was ready to start.

Confidence turned to worry as Coach Komine lay awake in the hotel, spending a sleepless night tossing and turning over the match against number one ranked Candelaria And Marquez.

~ Matchday One ~

The match against Candelaria And Marquez was awful for the Territories with Sakura Jo providing the best performance of anyone on the team. A three-nothing loss was disappointing, but Coach Komine rallied his team with a stirring post match speech to snap the team out of their depression...

With a deep sigh, Coach Komine soaked up the bitter disappointment. “There’s the door,” Coach Komine told his team, pointing toward the locker room door. “If you don’t believe in yourself, if you don’t believe that we can win every single game we have left, if you don’t believe that we can go to the finals, if you don’t believe we can lift the Di Bradini Cup, then I want you to stand up and walk through that door right now, because if that’s the case, you don’t belong on this team.”

All eyes were on Coach Komine, and nobody said a word as he continued to speak.

“Anybody? Anybody? No takers? Are we here to make it to the Final and win the Di Bradini Cup?”

A few nods of agreement.

“This match against Candelaria And Marquez, it’s over, it’s done. It’s history! So I’m not going to spend my breath and my time talking about it. Now, we are up against Milchama. And you know what? I think we will win against Milchama. In fact, I guarantee it! But you can’t win against anybody unless you look inside yourselves and see the winner, and the fighter in you. They say you can’t do it, but you know in your heart and in your mind that you can! They say you’re the underdog, and you’re not supposed to win. They say Milchama’s too strong, and nobody knows who we are. They come up with a million reasons why we won’t win. I can tell you the one reason why we will win. That’s because nobody walked through that door. It’s because we believe we can win.

Ho many times in your life has somebody told you that you can’t do something? Did you just take it, and listen to them degrade you, make you feel low? Did you not attempt to prove them wrong? Did you not believe in yourself? Because just now you had a choice. You could have walked through that door and let the world make a fool of you. You chose to stay in this locker room and prove everybody wrong. You all made the right choice.

I know it won’t be easy, but we’re going to take it one second, one minute, one match at a time. I’m not worried about Kosovoe or Taeshan. I’m setting my sights on Milchama. And Im asking you to do the same. Milchama can’t defeat you, only you can defeat yourselves. If you’re down five-nil you’ll only lose by not having faith that you can come back.

Whatever happens against Milchama, when that match is finished, it’s finished. Don’t dwell on the past, don’t worry about the future- that hasn’t happened yet. Stay in the present. Remember who and what you’re playing for. Don’t doubt your ability or worry how good other people think you are. Don’t worry about the press that tells you that you can’t achieve your goals. Don’t listen to destructive criticism. Give each other constructive criticism. Inspire others through yourself, and your actions, give them the confidence to better themselves. And for God’s sake, just focus out there!

We’re going to play like a team that’s been playing for years on end because we’re all going to do one thing, and that’s believe. That’s going to make us unstoppable. That’s going to bring us all the way to the Final.

So I’m giving you one last chance to walk through that door...”

Nobody stood up.

“Then you know what we have to do. Let’s get ready for Milchama.”

(to be continued)...

~ Matchday Two ~

The Territories practiced hard while they had a bye on Matchday Two. Coach Komine was concerned with many areas, particularly with the defenders. Coach Komine spent a lot of time with Benkei, Kita, and Monzaemon, taking the time to work with them one on one.

Coach Komine made it a point to build esteem among the players and was quick in handing out compliments. When mistakes were made, he offered encouragement, and a solution, not abuse and shouting.

The Territories players studied game film from Milchama, to the point of sheer exhaustion. During infrequent breaks, Coach Komine would play the role of motivational speaker, and he was beginning to see a change in many of the players.

At the edn of a long day of training, the players were sent to bed early to insure a proper night’s rest before the match against Milchama.

~ Matchday Three ~

Milchama fell to the Territories 4-1 in an impressive display of Fujisawan firepower, and Sakura Jo had one of her best matches ever. Coach Komine was pleased, and couldn’t help but flash a smile as he congratulated his team.

The previously unknown Fujisawan Territories had just beaten a mid-ranked team that was familiar to everyone, but Coach Komine advised his team not to get swept up in celebration, or to get ahead of themselves. It was after all, just one win. The team would have to play as well as they did against Milchama when they faced Kosovoe.

The diverse team continued bonding, lasting friendships were being made, as the team grew stronger, more tightly bound together.

Now as the team stood before Coach Komine, he could see confidence in each one of his player’s faces. He knew they were taking to heart everything that he had told them, and maybe, just maybe, the Fujisawan Territories could reach the Final after all.

~ Matchday Four ~

Victory belonged to the Fujisawan Territories, 5-2 over Kosovoe. Coach Komine reminded his team that they had accomplished something that no other Fujisawan Territories team had done before- win back to back matches.

Coach Komine saw his team was playing from the heart, giving everything they had inside of them to represent their country. They had the spirit of perseverance, the determination, the will.

Just as quickly as the Territories had beaten Kosovoe, Coach Komine had the team put the win to the back of their minds so they could focus on beating Taeshan. They knew they had lost to the top ranked team in Group C, and now had to play the second ranked Group C team, who was also ranked eighth overall. Beating them would not be hard Coach Komine told his team, “because you have momentum on your side and you have faith in our ability. And...if we win against Taeshan, we could qualify for the knockout stage.”

Staying motivated, the team prepared for Taeshan.

~ Matchday Five ~

Coach Komine was right about the Domino Theory, as Taeshan fell to the Fujisawan Territories 3-1 in a match the Territories dominated. No motivational speech was necessary after the Taeshan match because the Territories’ players were riding the high of qualifying. Coach Komine made sure that the team had ample time to celebrate without having the Blouman Empire on their minds.

Coach Komine was sweating bullets as he stared out his hotel room, watching people pass by below as the sun set in front of him. He knew in his heart that the team could advance, but in his mind, he was fighting disbelief and skeptism. He thought of his wife and small son back home in Hoji, and how he would dedicate this tournament to his family if the Territories were to make it to the Final. He thought of the courage of Sakura Jo, about how well she had shown herself. Maybe she could make it on a World Cup roster. He thought about how his players were out celebrating. Maybe one of them would have to use CPR and save a life like Noko Fujimaki did during the Cup of Harmony. He half-smiled at that thought.

~ Quarterfinal ~

Coach Komine’s alarm clock rang at two thirty in the morning. He freshened up and prepared himself for the three thirty am Territorial Sports News Network interview with Nobuo Iwahashi and Izukoza Yoko.

“Why did I agree to do this?”

Coach Komine let out a sigh, but knew that it was only fair to keep his promise to appear on the network as part of their wall to wall Quarterfinal coverage.

After the interview, he came back to his hotel room went over his match notes, scribbling, and highlighting. At around five, he personally saw to it that every player was woken up. The team marched downstairs to eat a buffet breakfast.

Coach Komine was happy that everyone had made their curfew, because it meant that everybody got at least a little sleep. Following breakfast, Coach Komine and the team left the hotel and jogged a two mile perimeter back to the hotel, stopping at a park along the way to practice. A crowd of locals gathered around to observe, and the players didn’t seem to mind much at all.

Once back at the hotel, the Territories screened game footage of the Blouman Empire in a conference room, which the players studied intently. Coach Komine didn’t let any of the players leave that room until he was satisfied that each one was mentally prepared for the Quarterfinal against the Blouman Empire.

“You’re playing for a lot more than just a win. You’re playing for respect. You’re playing for unity in the islands. You’re playing to make history for the Fujisawan Territories, and to prove to every last person who said we couldn’t do this, that in fact we can.”

The Territories played well against the Blouman Empire, winning 3-1. Candelaria And Marquez won their match against Ruskastan, meaning the Fujisawan Territories would have a Semifinal rematch against the only team that had beaten them in the Di Bradini Cup. The stakes would be higher than ever, and now, the Di Bradini Cup Final didn’t seem so far away.

~ Semifinal ~

Ginko Kawaii had aggravated a previous knee injury suffered while playing for her high school team toward the end of the Quarterfinal, providing a scare for the team. However, after being evaluated by the team physician, Ginko was cleared to play in the Semifinal, albeit with a knee brace. Ginko didn’t let that get her down, and Coach Komine used that to his advantage. He used her determination to keep playing as an example to the rest of the team to stay motivated.

Ginko had lighter practice than the rest of the team the morning of the Semifinal, but she had the burning desire to contribute. The team seemed in good spirits because they believed they could win against Candelaria And Marquez. Cocah Komine had done all he could do, and now it was up to his team to finish what they had started. The Final was in reach.

The match went back and forth with the Territories keeping pace with Candelaria And Marquez the whole way. Tied up after extra time, the Territories won 3-1 on penalty kicks. The Fujisawan Territories were in the Final!

After the match, Coach Komine had some uplifting words for his team.

“Before the Di Bradini Cup, nobody knew who we were. When we got here, everybody expected us to lose. Now we can say for sure that we’re in the Final, and the Cup is within our reach. But I want you to stop and realize that we’re not the only ones. Newmanistan has traveled a similar road to get here.

If we lose the Final, I want you to be proud. I want you to be proud that we made it as far as we did, I want you to be honored that we lost to a team like Newmanistan. I want you to respect our opponent, and their journey.

What we’ve done is spectacular, it’s historical. And now we have a chance to win the Di Bradini Cup. Throughout this whole tournament, we’ve played one match at a time. And now, there’s only one match left, and it’s for the Cup. I want you to put aside in your mind everything that we’ve done so far, and focus just on this match. I want you to play second by second, minute by minute. Believing has kept this team’s heart beating...can you hear it?

One more match. That’s all that’s left. If you want it, it’s yours. If you believe, it’s yours. If you have what it takes and you know it in your heart and deep down in your soul, and give 110% out there against Newmanistan, it’s yours.

In the end, it doesn’t matter who wins and who loses because it’s the journey to get there that is what it’s all about. I’m proud of you all.”

Final Match Scores
Third Place Play Off
Sorthern Northland 2-3 Candelaria And Marquez

Final:
Newmanistan 1-0 Fujisawan Territories

I'd like to give huge congratulations to the two newcomers, Newmanistan and Fujisawan Territories, to the Di Bradini Cup who have made the final, and also to Sorthern Northland for turning not-much previous participation into a worthy Semi-Final placing. Commiserations, of course, to C&M for not quite managing the 'threepeat'.

I hope to see something similar from Newmanistan, Agroprom, etc when their senior sides come back to Starblaydia for the Baptism of Fire - lets hope for a few Under-21s to get the call up to the main squads.

And I'll see you all back here in time for the 5th Di Bradini Cup, shortly before World Cup 41...

THE ROCKET REPORT

CHAMPIONS!!!!

Jhanna, Starbladyia- In front of a jam-packed Jader Barbahlo Stadium in Jhanna, Starbladyia, the Di Bradini Cup was on the line. Would it be Newmanistan or would it be the Fujisawan Territories? Both nations worthy of hoisting a Cup that is named after the great Simeone Di Bradini, of Starblaydi lore. The crowd was evenly divided, as many natives of the two nations seemed to take the opportunity to purchase tickets from Candelaria and Marquez supporters for the event.

The players took to the field. The great Sakura Jo on one end, and Corey Hennis on the other. At the opening whistle, neither team could help but be a little tense. Such a major prize was at stake, and the first part of the game was a rather cautious approach for both teams as each side wanted to feel each other out. In the 19th minute, when the referee whistled Billy Cerullo for a minor foul and a Fujisawan free kick, the Rockets took a minute to huddle up. At first, it may have been a strategic get together, but it ended in laughter. It wasn’t directed at their opponents in any way, just an innocent joke that appeared to have been told by Brian Rafferty. Whatever it was, it loosened up the Rockets. They were relaxed, and more focused, and then began to carry the play. Amazing goalkeeping by Sakura Jo could have got the Rockets back frustrated again, but they kept pressing, feeling that they had the Shaojin Warriors on their heels a little bit. Jo was brilliant, but she couldn’t stop them all. In the 36th minute, the Rockets scored what would wind end up being the only goal of the match, though no one really expected it to be when it happened. Billy Cerullo got the play started with the initial pass to Jeremy McAllister, who went bottom right on Jo, only to be denied, but the ball remained in play. Shawn Drummond charged the ball and attempted to lift it over Jo, but somehow the incredibly agile goalkeeper just got a hand to that ball as well. Though it did remain in play, right to Brian Rafferty, who unloaded, and hit the crossbar, but again the ball stayed in play. The Fujisawan defenders just could not get to the ball. After the bounce off the crossbar, it landed back on Jeremy McAllister’s foot. He didn’t shoot immediately, but instead put a fake on Jo, to get her to move to her right. Sakura moved every so slighty, and just with her body leaning in that direction, McAllister put the shot to her left. Jo made a desparate dive, but could not make the save. It was a goal, and the Rockets were up one-nil. The jubilant Rockets celebrated, as having the first goal of the game would put more pressure on their opponents.

At the halftime break, manager Brian Carson emphasized that one goal was not going to be enough. Yes, it would be in the end, but you never know that at the time. While the Rockets were in a good position, there was no doubt that the Warriors would come out and live up to their team name, and do everything they possibly could to get the equalizer. Carson got the team to continue to relax, and reminded them just to continue doing what they’ve been doing ever since they landed in Starblaydia.

At the start of the second half, the Rockets were able to control the play for about five minutes or so and forced Jo to make a couple clutch saves to keep her team just one goal down. Then, however, the tide of the match began to shift, as the importance of getting the equalizer set in for the Warriors. For the next twenty minutes, it was all Fujisawan Territories, getting countless opportunities on goalkeeper Corey Hennis. But Hennis saw what Jo was doing on the other end, and seemed to know that he absolutely had to equal her, shot for shot, that if he allowed in a goal, his team just might not be able to score again. Kimiko Hasegawa and Kenzan Go had some brilliant opportunities, only to be denied by Hennis. The Fujisawan Territories wouldn’t give in, but time was beginning to work against them, the clock was in the 70's and now about to hit the 80 minute mark. The Rockets sensed their opponents getting into desparation mode, and began to get some chances of their own again, but running off as much of the clock as they could. More minutes ticked away, and the players could sense it. The Di Bradini Cup may very well be on its way to Newmanistan, but cemented in their heads was the way that the semifinal against Sorthern Northland was won. They got the break in that one, and knew that it could just as easily happen quickly for the Shaojin Warriors. Full time was up, and the referee signal for two minutes of stoppage time. The Rocket supporters were fanatically chanting. The Warrior supporters praying for last minute heroics. Stoppage time ticked away, with the Rockets answering the attempted rushes on goal with solid defensive play. Two minutes in the book, and a Deanna Destefano pass intended for Hasegawa was intercepted by Tony Borsinger. A thunderous clear by Borsinger sent the ball to the other end. The whistle blew. The Rockets were champions! The Newmanistan Rockets have won the Di Bradini Cup!!!

The celebrations began! After congratulation the Warrior players on their effort, Brian Carson was presented with the Cup at midfield with players still going crazy. Each player got his chance to hold the cup, run it with it around the pitch a bit, before it passed on to the next one. After posing for a few team pictures, the team headed back to the locker room, where the celebrations continued. In the locker room, was Clint Peterson, who received a few champagne showers as he attempted to interview the team. He picked up the following speech delivered by manager Brian Carson towards the players:

“Guys, congratulations! (A few minutes of loud cheers) I just want all of you know that each one of you played a big role in this. From the starting eleven, to the substitutes, to the reserves who only got to see action in practice. Without any of you, this would not be possible. (More cheers). I want all of you to look around this locker room. We are young and all have great careers ahead of us. Many of us will continue to play for the international efforts, but as we go back home to our club teams, I just want you to remember. We did this as a team. You have a bond with everyone in this locker room, you did something very special together, with the people right here in this room. We’ll be back to be representing Pocono City, Putnam Lake, Loudon, and all the other fine NSL teams, but for you guys this team right here is the one that you should never forget. Have fun tonight, and enjoy it. We will go back home tomorrow where we already have people lining up at the airport, our airport, to greet us. There will be a parade on Tuesday in Pocono City for all of us. In front of our supporters, and perhaps in front of people from all over our great region of One Big Island, as this should invoke even regional pride. I couldn’t be any more proud of you. We did it!! WE WON THE DI BRADINI CUP!!!! (Very loud cheers)”

Finally, Newmanistan would like to thank Starbladyia for their wonderful hosting of the event. For the fine hospitality they gave this Newmanistanian players, media, and supporters while we were here. We thank the Starblaydi fans, many of which supported us in the final, and we thank those teams we played for a great time in this Cup. The Empire will be back, and hoping to use some of this momentum in the 27th Baptism of Fire, which we realize is the realistic goal for success as the World Cup 40 events.

Here’s you final score in the final for the final time. Newmanistan 1, Fujisawan Territories 0

NEWMANISTAN 1
McAllister (36')

FUJISAWAN TERRITORIES 0

Bookings- None

~ Final ~

A capacity crowd was on hand in Jader Barbahlo Stadium in Jhanna, Starbladyia to witness the Di Bradini Cup final that nobody could have dreamed up in the beginning of the tournament. Back at home in the Territories, bars and pubs were overflowing out into the streets in downtown Hoji, as residents were fighting to catch a glimpse of the match and celebrate the Territorial history that was being made.

The match was low key to start, but Newmanistan picked up the only goal of the final in the 36th minute, and held on to win 1-0. It surprised many that there was only a single goal between both teams considering that the two teams had scored a combined 27 goals in the group stage. The Territories had plenty of opportunities but on this occasion, Corey Hennis had matched Sakura Jo’s brilliance, and all Fujisawan attempts were denied. In fact, as well as Sakura played, one could argue that Corey Hennis outperformed Sakura on that night.

The final seconds of the match bewildered the Fujisawan players as a deluge of emotions overtook them. Dejection, confusion, disappointment...but if any of the players were sad or bitter, they didn’t show it, at least not while in front of Newmanistan. The Territories held their composure like coach Komine had told them to do if they lost. There were no tears in front of the Di Bradini Cup champions, only a few forced smiles here and there.

Sakura Jo made it a point to bring her interpreter onto the field and look for her Newmanistan counterpart. She frantically searched for a few minutes amidst the vibrant celebrations and the media convergence before finding Corey Hennis. In sign language, she congratulated him on playing so well, and on Newmanistan being crowned the new champions of the Di Bradini Cup. The two carried out a conservation for several minutes, and Sakura was touched that he had taken the time out to hear what she had to say. Sakura signed goodbye and good luck, and she and her interpreter were whisked away for an interview by Starblaydia media.

Coach Komine and coach Distefano met up on the field and shook hands and shared some small talk. Coach Komine had done with the Fujisawan youngsters what coach Distefano couldn’t with the senior side. Coach Komine had gotten the Fujisawan Territories to a final, even though they had lost.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Deanna Distefano kept repeating as she approached the two.

“Don’t apologize Deanna, you have nothing to be ashamed of,” coach Distefano told his daughter. He hugged his daughter and coach Komine excused himself citing a desire to congratulate Newmanistan manager Brian Carson.

Once back at the hotel, the team let loose their emotions, and they knew they had each other for reassurance and support. But they also knew that coach Komine was right. Win or lose, they had made it all the way to the final when everybody said they couldn’t. And even though they didn’t have the Di Bradini Cup with them, they were still champions in spirit because they had believed in themselves.

"So, that it I guess? It's all other now."

"Sure is guys, sure is."

"And all we have to show for it, is a failed visa, some airport food vouchers, some duty free and a fourth place."

"Yeah but you know what? We might have finished poorly, but we can be proud."

"We can?"

"Yeah, some of you guys, quite a few of you, were here four years ago. We did poor then. Look at the improvements in just four years. Four years ago we were a bunch of drunken no-hopers, today we're a bunch of drunken semi-finalists. That is some improvement."

"Maybe so, but people don't remember losers, especially third and fourth place ones."

"No? So those of you that will be able to, come back here in four years time and make people remember you. Those of you who aren't here and are going onto the senior squad go onto the Oriental Cup and the Turtle Cup and make people remember you."

"You think we can do that?"

"Sure, people might not remember when Jason Federici put Candaleria and Marques two up in ten minutes in the third place play-off or when Derek Frimpong and Ji Ji-Lee bought Sorthern Northland back into the game, or that outstanding winner from Jamie González ten minutes from time in the future. But the future is there for you, you can all make people remember you. Today your carer starts, Lee for example certain people will blame you for the semi-final defeat. The decent majority won't but the idiotic minority will shout the loudest, don't let idiots bring you down. Ignore what the tabloids say, if you have the strength to overcome the criticism they give you the next couple of years you will become one of the best players in the world. And it's not just Lee that applies for, it applies for all of you, go out there and make the world your oyster, you can do it, every last one of you."

"So, we have our passports back, and not even time for one night in Starblaydia."

"Well, I reckon they'll be hosting the World Cup and I reckon quite a few of you will make that team. So qualify for that, and then you can come back here and make up for the last couple of weeks you've lost."

"So what now for you coach?"

"Who knows? I'll just see what options I have open."

"Hey is that the Newmanistan and Fujisawan teams coming into the airport now?"

"Sure looks like it, come one guys they've both done fantastically well this tournament. What they have done has been remarkable. I want each and every one of you to form a guard of honour for them. It's the least we can do to show our appreciation of what they've achieved."