NationStates Jolt Archive

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/WC40/BoF27Logo.jpg

Introduction
The Starblaydi Football Association and World Cup Committee would like to welcome to Starblaydia the national football teams of twenty-two nations that will soon make their first attempt to qualify for the World Cup in its milestone fortieth edition. As has become tradition, the new entrants will all compete for one of the most coveted trophies on the international stage: The Baptism of Fire Cup!

A pre-cursor to World Cup Qualifying, the Baptism of Fire is designed so that new teams from around the world can have a chance to find their feet on the international stage before they are thrown in at the proverbial deep end in Qualifying. Twenty-two teams have come for this event, yet just one can take the title and lift the trophy. History can be made from this point on, future legends will be traced back and their starting point found at this moment in time. The best of the newest crop can rise to glory and fame and become the best new team in the world, the Baptism of Fire Champions!

Good luck to all teams!

Starblaydia's Background
Starblaydia is a long-time participant of the World Cup, starting in World Cup 15 and stretching all the way through to the present 40th edition. They have twice been crowned World Champions, in World Cups 25 & 28, as well as Olympic, Under-21 and five-time regional Champions. Starblaydia co-hosted the World Cup in WC20, as well as co-hosting the Baptisms of Fire for WC17 & 18. The nation also held the Presidency of the World Cup Committee for three terms between World Cups 25 and 33. Starblaydia did not enter World Cups 34 through 37 due to an immense regional war (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/operation_galactica.html).

The Protectorate of Starblaydia is a former dictatorship, now a constitutional monarchy with a Lord-Protector at its head. As with many former police states, the people are coming to terms with being free, while the state is coming to terms with not being in complete control of the everyday lives of ordinary people. Though often viewed as a malevolent dictatorship by outsiders, the Starblaydi regime actually made life fairly good for the majority of its people, those who didn't buck the system and try to invoke democracy.

With integrated transport links, it is very easy to get around Starblaydia whether by car, bus, train or foot. For those fans who cannot get to the games for lack of tickets, enormous screens are set up in public parks and squares, as well as being on large-screen TVs in most pubs, bars and similar. Starblaydi themselves are welcoming and helpful but disdainful of rule-breakers. Starblaydi is famous for its alcohol, particularly Orcinus (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/orcinus.html) vodka, and Orca vodka bars are often the centre of a night out - the legal drinking age in Starblaydia is 18. Starblaydi Police and CCTV are absolutely everywhere, so misdemeanours will be spotted and sorted out fairly quickly. Starblaydi people love football, it is the national sport and national obsession, so coverage of the Baptism of Fire will be blanket across TV, radio and internet. The main source for broadcasting is the national station Starblaydi Combined Broadcasting (SCB) with its main channels SCB:News and SCB:Sports, as well as its online equivalent.

Nomenclature
What is the name of...
...the official form of the nation?
The Protectorate of Starblaydia

...the regularly-used name?
Starblaydia

...people from that nation?
Starblaydi (e.g. 'He is a Starblaydi', or 'They are Starblaydi')

...another (generally pejorative) term for people from Starblaydia?
Blaydies

External links
For more information about the World Cup, Baptism of Fire and Starblaydia itself, see the following (some very slightly out-of-date) links on NSwiki.

World Cup (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/world_cup.html)
World Cup FAQs (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/world_cup_faqs.html)
Baptism of Fire (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/baptism_of_fire.html)
Starblaydia (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/baptism_of_fire.html)
Map of Starblaydia (http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/StarMapLarge.png)

Out-of-character (OOC) Information
This is the thread for your Rosters, your Roleplays and the official Scores. Out-of-character (OOC) discussion should go in the World Cup Discussion Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=536285).

RP bonus is extremely important in the BoF, as all teams start off on an equal footing. This means that if one nation has a better RP bonus than another, they have a better chance of winning. RPing, however, does in no way guarantee wins. Roleplaying your matches gives you a better chance of winning your matches, as RP Bonus will be the only separator in this tournament. In the World Cup itself, RP bonus plays less of a role in your results, with your ranking and randomness being the major factors.

Rosters, in their simplest form, are your team's standard line-up. You can also include things like their formation, manager, kits as an image or simple description, something about your nation's people, culture or football style, etc. Style modifiers will not be used in this edition of the Baptism of Fire, but putting a number in the range +5 to -5 (+5 being all-out-attacking, -5 all-out-defensive and 0 neutral) can let other teams know how attacking or defensive your team is.

It is also encouraged for teams posting their Roster to include an RP Permissions box, which lets their opponent know the parameters within which they can RP against their team. Some people do not want their prized striker booked or injured, for instance, while others don't mind if their team bus is hijacked and crashes on the way to the match, killing all on board. A standard example is given below (delete Y or N as applicable):

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

For more information about what terms like 'Godmod' mean in the context of sports role-playing, see World Cup FAQs - Rosters (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/world_cup_faqs.html#Rosters).

Above all, have fun. The World Cup is about Entertainment, Realism and Competition, with craziness encouraged. if you have any questions whatsoever, post them in the World Cup Discussion Thread (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=536285), or drop me, Starblaydia, a TG. Good luck!

Group Draw
Nations will initially be drawn in to two groups of eleven. This, though larger than the usual Baptism of Fire groupings, will allow nations to get a real feel for international competition and get into their stride by playing a larger variety of teams before the knock-out stages. These two groups will be named after two of Starblaydia's most-important national symbols: the White Lion and the Golden Eagle.

The White Lion (Panthera leo krugeri) is Starblaydia's national animal and is far more common in Starblaydia's lands than almost anywhere else in the world. Its impact on the culture of Starblaydia can not be underestimated. Their first influence in history was on the ancient Jhan tribe, who painted themselves for war by dyeing their hair or decorating their skin and armour with a brilliant white colour, to call upon the powers of the gods in battle. They believed that the White Lion was the creature of the gods, and that to wear and imitate that colour would earn their favour. Even in the present day the cultural impact of the White Lion is plain to see. The lower stripe of the Starblaydi flag is white, the Starblaydia national football team, for instance, play in an all-white kit with purple trim. Sanctuaries for the Lions can be found in most Praetoran residences and zoos.

The Golden Eagle represents the God of moral law and order, protector of suppliants and punisher of guilt, something which was often associated with the Starblaydi Kings and governments of the past. Starblaydia's mythical King Oberyn Starblayde used the eagle as his personal heraldic symbol, placing it firmly in the nation's consciousness. The eagle then made its way onto the flag of Starblaydia (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/flag_of_starblaydia.html) and such is now ubiquitous with Starblaydia itself.

Entered teams
Septentrionia (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13504966&postcount=8))
Wijaska Island (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13503130&postcount=5))
Krasslor
Eighthgraderistan (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13504822&postcount=7))
Newmanistan (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13506052&postcount=12))
New Cimeran (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13517473&postcount=79))
Diojiu
Agroprom
Ruskastan (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13505904&postcount=11))
Terreiro de Ogum (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13506426&postcount=16))
Abaio
Pantocratoria (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13514831&postcount=63))
Aqua Teen Hungerland (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13506159&postcount=13))
Kose and The Turkomans (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13502969&postcount=3))
Kosovoe (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13503963&postcount=6))
Sarejavo
Nethertopia (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13505624&postcount=11))
East Antairees (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13507435&postcount=21))
Aleos
The Daleks 2
Engbec
Sesquipedalianist (Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13504889&postcount=9))

Group Draw:
Group Lion Group Eagle
Aqua Teen Hungerland New Cimeran
Kose and The Turkomans Engbec
East Antairees Sesquipedalianist
Krasslor Sarejavo
Nethertopia Aleos
Eighthgraderistan Terreiro de Ogum
Kosovoe Pantocratoria
Agroprom Wijaska Island
Septentrionia Ruskastan
The Daleks 2 Newmanistan
Diojiu Abaio

Schedule Information
Matchday 1: 1v2. 11v3, 10v4, 9v5, 8v6, 7 Bye
Matchday 2: 4v11, 3v1, 6v9, 5v10, 7v8, 2 Bye
Matchday 3: 10v6, 9v7, 1v4, 2v3, 11v5, 8 Bye
Matchday 4: 8v9, 7v10, 6v11, 5v1, 4v2, 3 Bye
Matchday 5: 2v5, 3v4, 10v8, 11v7, 1v6, 9 Bye (Double RP-Bonus begins)
Matchday 6: 7v1, 6v2, 5v3, 8v11, 9v10, 4 Bye (Double RP-Bonus ends)
Matchday 7: 3v6, 1v8, 2v7, 4v5, 11v9, 10 Bye
Matchday 8: 8v2, 6v4, 9v1, 7v3, 10v11, 5 Bye
Matchday 9: 4v7, 5v6, 3v8, 1v10, 2v9, 11 Bye
Matchday 10: 9v3, 10v2, 7v5, 8v4, 11v1, 6 Bye
Matchday 11: 5v8, 4v9, 2v11, 6v7, 3v10, 1 Bye

For example: In Group Lion on Matchday One, Aqua Teen Hungerland play Kose and The Turkomans, Diojiu play Eas Antairees, The Daleks 2 play Krasslor, Seprentrionia play Nethertopia and Agroprom play Eigthgraderistan. Kosovoe have a Bye and do not play on this Matchday.


Stadium Information
Group Lion
Foundation Road, Jhanna - Iskara Daii (75,000): 3rd listed Group Lion Matches
Jhanna City Recreational Ground, Jhanna, - Jhanna City 51,000): 1st listed Group Lion Matches
Hallad City Stadium, Hallad City - Hallad Reavers (49,000): 5th listed Group Lion Matches
Bekkside Arena, Tabeck - Tabeck FC (33,000): 4th listed Group Lion Matches
The Argaii Arena, Jhan - Tribe Urjali (28,000): 2nd listed Group Lion Matches

Group Eagle
Victory Park, Vecchio - Vecchio Victors (48,000): 4th listed Group Eagle Matches
Silverlands, Corinth - Corinthian Spirits (65,000): 1st listed Group Eagle Matches
Sports Hall, Karak D'Ragh - Karak Ungor Chiefs (60,000): 2nd listed Group Eagle Matches
Stadii Karela, Nova Malta - Malta Lines (31,000): 5th listed Group Eagle Matches
Stadii di Quercus, Farça - FC Farça (99,000 capacity): 3rd listed Group Eagle Matches


Referee Information
For RP purposes, specific referees are not decided in advance for each match. Rather, you may select your own referee from this list, if you wish, when you RP the match to help it conform to your roleplay. In the simplest case this may just be to put a name to the ref in the match, though you may wish to include their refereeing style, skill and personality when deciding what to RP. For example, was the last-minute penalty kick equaliser that you conceded only due to the fact that Binky McGee couldn't actually see the foul-that-never-was because he was 30 yards away? It's up to you (A note on nationalities in the box below: STB is Starblaydi, KRY is Krytenian and AUD is Audioslavian).

Referee style scores
1-9 for the first number means how closely the referee follows the written laws of the game. 9 is very strict, 1 is very lenient.
1-9 for the second number means ability to call a match fairly / make the right calls based on their previous style - 9 being Fairest, 1 being Unfair/Bad Calls.


Name Score Nation Notes
Eugene Artemescu 9:7 KRY Surprisingly violent for a referee...
Ivan Sturmdrang 9:6 STB Consistently books divers
Edmund Lassani 9:5 KRY Stickler for the rules, even knows what 'gutta percha' are
Harald Keithley 8:3 STB Inconsistency is his only major fault
Franceso Boreso 7:6 STB All-round a rather good referee
Jaraii Drax 6:2 STB Annoy him and he'll not be lenient on you
Bill Morriane 6:1 KRY Homer
Jamie Jaffacake-Phillips 5:9 KRY/AUD Son of former Krytie striker Jerome
Owen Capaldi 5:5 KRY Straight as a die
Alan Unwin 5:4 STB Makes sure he's not centre stage in a match
Arnako Vega 4:2 STB "It's a man's game," is his motto
Curly McGee 3:9 STB Blind beyond 20 yards without his glasses
Melissa Jones 3:7 KRY Krytenia's top female referee
Oliver Valdor 3:3 KRY Not the most observant referee ever...
Cuvarii G'Benji 2:2 STB Variable decision-making skills
Patriik Cawdor 1:5 STB Likes a game to flow, plays advantage often
Scott Bolloucq 1:2 KRY Bolloucqs to the rules, to be honest

Coach Murat Selects Team
Home Kit:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii138/Sinanbey/KTNational.jpg
Away kit:
http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii138/Sinanbey/KTNationalAway.jpg
Goal keepers:
1. Iskender Sukur Kazim, 18 Y/O
12. Cakir Fuat, 31 Y/O
23.Hakan Eksi, 44 Y/O

Centerbacks:
2. Uzulmez Yilmaz 17 Y/O
3. Sukur Saray 19 Y/o
13. Hikmet Koc 16 Y/o
14. Ismael Koc 16 Y/o

Right Back:
4. Firat Can 21 Y/o
15. Metin Aydin 19 Y/O

Left Back:
5. Yilmaz Aydin 19 Y/o
16. Murat Turan 31 Y/o

Central Midfielder:
6. Tumer Arda 21 Y/o
7. Ariakan Ismael 18 Y/o
17. Firat Mertcan 25 Y/o
18. Nuri Turan 16 Y/o

Right Mid:
8. Sabri Gunes 18 Y/o
19. Balci Mutlibalaoglu 21 Y/o

Left Mid:
9. Serkan Turkmen 19 Y/o
20. Abdullah Bul 39 Y/o

Strikers:
10. (Prince) Sinan Kose 16 Y/o
11. Volkan Erkan 16 Y/o
21. Hakan Ismir 32 Y/o
22. Nuri Turkoglu 18 Y/o
Formation: 4-4-2 Style modifyier +1

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y (Nothing to Serious eg. Broken leg or death)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod other events: N

Note: Numbers 1-11 are Starters unless I Rp Otherwise

http://animated-views.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/aquateen-05.JPG

Ignignokt and Err the Mooninites host Aqua Teen Hungerland's premier talk show on every subject. We join them as they discuss the Hungerland's upcoming entrance in the Baptism of Fire Cup.

Ignignokt: We would welcome you back from commercials, but you aren't welcome.

Err: We bid you unwelcome!

I: Don't be rude Err.

E: I will BE rude.

I: Be quiet. Next on this, the most awesome of programs, we wil discuss the Aqua Team.

E: I thought it was teens.

I: It is the Aqua Team, they play football.

E: WITH THEIR FEET!

I: Obviously Err, we now cut to footage of the anouncment by team manager Dr. Wierd.

E: Cut like a knife!

(footage)
Dr. Wierd: Gentlemen! Behold! I have entered Aqua Teen Hungerland in the Baptism of Fire Cup!

Steve: Umm, woah.

Dr. W: Hell yes woah! I call our side, The Aqua Team! Ahahahahahahaha!!!!
(end footage)

E: Man that guy is wierd.

I: It is his name Err.

E: Yeah man, but he's crazy wierd.

I: That is very, extremely true. We already know the roster, for we are all knowing, but we won't be telling you until tomorrow.

E: You can't handle the truth!

Turkic Sport
Rustu meets Murat
As I was walking to the airport to go to Starblaydia I bumped into Murat "The Man". For those out of the loop he's the coach of the National team and he allowed me some of his Time heres my interview.

R: So Murat there are some who say that the team you picked is too weak to compete and are questioning your selections.

MtM: Well let me put it like this they can pick the team when they get the job but until then I'M THE BOSS

R: what do you think of the critics saying you've gone with too many inexperienced players such as Uzulmez Yilmaz and Nuri Turkoglu to name a few.

MtM: And like I say I'M THE BOSS DAMNIT

R: how does it feel to work with the heir to the throne?

MtM: He's really down to earth and puts in the work like everyone else and sometimes even more, he's a strong lad and can put in the performances of the ledgends. Also his mother is rather.. whoa oops my bad anyway I've gotta flight to catch.

R: thanks for your time sir.

So mothers aside he seems to have an answer for everything.

Wijaska Island National Football Team
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4484/wijaskalq9.png

+2 Style Modifier
4-3-3 Formation

Players list (starters in bold):

#2 Salearis Báerit, GK
#3 Ranáisa Viar, GK

#5 Eráyek Séarlesgi, D
#6 Vanaye Záranki, D
#8 Taláira Ilasaye, D
#9 Kaláse Ríyans, D
#10 Valirek Faláye, D
#12 Zasáyne Náylisk, D

#14 Yasíyek Varlosit, M
#15 Falair Narisa, M
#16 Séyazki Marlesga, M
#18 Naséya Yalira, M
#21 Dáyase Seansala, M

#24 Fayela Ranéit, S
#25 "Anonymous Coward", S
#28 Váyarit Séyana, S
#30 Lanasek Séyani, S
#32 Niarat Geníya, S

Permissions List:

Choose my goalscorers: N
Godmode scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y (No Deaths)
Godmode injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmode other events: Y

Here they be the kosovoe soeul. These pink topped, lime panted guys are the pride and joy of the kosovoes greater two islands. Don't be a full this is not a kokomo like paradise, but the team comes out quite flashy if i do say.(note this is practically the old ashlaen team.
Starting 11
GK Aaron bradley #1 21 Captain
LS Zaric Stavun #2 27
LCS Cederick Roeling #3 23
RCS Jared Laeshneart #4 18
RS Jaret Laeshnaert #5 18
LM Alan Peters #6 20
CM World B. Free #7 24
RM Manny Lerenitas #8 22
LS Champ Maigee #9 20
CS Free Weasley #10 21
RS George Weasley#11 20

Subs
D Tenicia Martinez #12 23
D Slayer #13 22
M Jack the ripper #14 28
S Rially Foran #15 17
S Mikey Roooney #16 18

Manager Nomar Tinose

Eighthgraderistan's BoF (and WC) Roster


COACH: Mr. Jennero (8th Grade History)
Assistant Coach: Ms. Lorre (8th grade English)

STYLE MODIFIER: -2

STARTING LINEUP (5-3-2 formation)
Goalie: Mickey Deter Age 13
Defense: Kyle Tranor Age 13
Defense: Manny Vincente Age 13
Sweeper: Joey Caronne Age 15 (was held back a year)
Defense: Jason Gibbs Age 14
Defense: Paulie Winsten Age 13
Midfielder: Nate Hansen Age 13*
Midfielder: Nick Hansen Age 13*
Midfielder: Eric Reed Age 13
Forward: Bobby Aster Age 14
Forward: Marco Franchetti Age 13
*Nick and Nate Hansen are twins

Reserves:
Goalie: Chucky Umbeur Age 14
Defense: Lorenzen Hill Age 13
Defense: James Lowell Age 14
Midfielder: Henry Franken Age 13
Forward: Kevin Smythe Age 14
Def/Mid: Gregory Priest Age 13
Mid/For: Manuel Lopes Age 14

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: N
Godmode injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
Godmode other events: N

http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/sesquipedalianist.jpg

!!!!!The Motley Assorted Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist or Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist for short or even Sesquipedalianist for an even shorter name, proudly presents with a toast and a pint their national Count Your Chickens Your Wheels Are Square(*1) team, The Sober Exile’s.!!!!!


The team consists of football players who used their football skills to leave the country after being ridiculed as Sober and labeled thereafter thus sending them into exile. They now live somewhere roughly around there in the Region of Indifference outside the country of Sesquipedalianist. They play for their country because sometimes they think it’s ‘kinda groovy’ to taste the mead outside their region. These sorts of thoughts are why they're exiled in the first place.

The team is as follows:

Goalkeepers
Bazza!(*2)
Johno!

Defenders
Cazza!
Benno!
Wayne-o!
Johnny!
Jimmy!
Danny!
Matty!
Billy!

Midfielders:
Quokka (*3) [c]

Forwards:
Jacko!
Danno!
Bruce!
Tommo!
Davo!
Timmy!

Manager:
Sir

The team plays with a 5-1-4 formation because they simply have no idea of formation. They have only one midfielder, Quokka, who is unique for various reasons. Firstly because he is the only player with a nickname: Quokka the Silverfoot and secondendly because he can drank a vast amount of beer and spirits (By KoS Standards) and is thus handed the captaincy. The Sober Exiles despite their names still do in fact go around drunk as it is in their homeland although not to the same degree.(*4)

All coaches of the National Team of Sesquipedalianist are called Sir regardless of their name before hand. In fact to even know or say their previous name is punishable by Sobering Up (KoS equivalent of the Death Penalty).

NOTES:

1. Native name for football.
2. All people of KoS have no last names but have exclamation marks. This is because.
3. Quokka is very unique. Out of all of them he is the one who no matter how much he drinks can still play good football. In fact he is the only one in the team who is actually decent on a superstar level. As such he often commands the midfield alone (which is best) able to take on a whole midfield himself, often getting past many players before being swamped. He is also their main goal scorer, penalty taker, corner taker, tactician etc etc. In fact the other players whilst possessing some skill in football do little more than make the team.
4. Whilst always drunk they do not drink on the pitch as it is in fact against the rules so some sobering affects do happen.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod MY scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y (except Quokka)
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

Septentrionian roster, BoF

Kits to be used during this BoF (and the WC, unless Ediraf forces us to wear some shitty kits):
Main kit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Oli55/Septentrionia-main-kit.png

Kit to be used in case of colour clash:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Oli55/Septentrionia-second-kit.png

Manager: Lionel Henri (US Septentrionalis)
Asst. Manager: Louis Levasseur (CS Ourseville 1093)

Formation: 3-4-3
Style modifier: +2

Starting eleven:

Pos. # First Name Last Name Age Club
-----------------------------------------------------------
GK 1 René Laviolette 28 St-FX
DL 2 Roger Danis 26 St-FX
DC 38 Nicolas Leduc 23 FC Cap-Phare
DR 4 William Benoît 29 Sept-Onze
ML 5 Louis Quenneville 31 Union
MCL 6 Mario Latraverse 27 Union
MCR 7 Raymond Paiement 28 Ourseville 1093
MR 8 Olivier Saucier 33 ASJL Cap-Nord
ST 9 Roland Bouchard 25 Sept-Onze
ST 10 Nicolas Maloeil 24 Union
ST 93 François Lafontaine 25 Dauphin

Subs:

Pos. # First Name Last Name Age Club
-----------------------------------------------------------
GK 11 Martin Vachon 19 Dauphin
D 12 Paul Bourassa 23 US Septentrionalis
M 13 Luc Gauthier 28 Bourdailleux
M 14 Alain Bellemare 26 CS Lac-Amédée
ST 15 Gérard Labrie 24 Athlétique

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: Y
Godmod other events: Y

"Welcome to the press conference of the Nethertopia Football Association. My name is Rob Kietecs and i'm the newly appointed head coach of the Nethertopian soccer team. I am proud to present our selected squad out of thousands of amateur players who will perfectly fit for this competition. We're here of course to win the cup but let's not forget what a sport is all about: Recreation and forgetting our daily sorrows. We're still working on the building of our new stadium which will be ready at the start of the WC. You can find our tenues the NFA logo, list of players and biographies in the list below."

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7812/nfaxq4.jpg

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/3376/nethertopiakitti5.png

Player roster:
Pos Age # Player name (Caps)
GK 19 1 Wouter van Dalen 0
GK 20 12 Ron de Vries 0

DL 22 2 Sergio Torres 0
DL 20 13 Marnix Huisman 0
DC 21 3 Gert-Jan Meijer 0
DC 21 4 Ronnie de Haan 0
DC 23 14 Daniel de Lange 0
DC 23 15 Ahmed Hammami 0
DR 22 5 Mike Igwe 0
DR 22 16 Ruben van Wonderen 0

ML 25 6 Daouda Diompy 0
ML 23 17 Cees Hendriks 0
MC 24 7 Fouad Snijders 0
MC 23 8 Klaas Koppers 0
MC 24 18 Boy Krohne 0
MC 23 19 Jeremy Hofman 0
MR 25 9 Andrés García 0
MR 20 20 Obinna Agbo 0

SC 22 10 Abdoulaye Soro 0
SC 25 11 Souleymane Diakité 0
SC 23 21 David Muños 0
SC 19 22 Kingsley Kalu 0

Coach: Rob Kietecs

Style = +2
Nethertopia will play in a 4-2-4 formation.

GK 1 Wouter van Dalen
DL 2 Sergio Torres (C)
DC 3 Gert-Jan Meijer
DC 4 Ronnie de Haan
DR 5 Mike Igwe
AMR 6 Daouda Diompy
CM 7 Fouad Snijders
CM 8 Klaas Koppers
AML 9 Andrés García
ST 10 Abdoulaye Soro
ST 11 Souleymane Diakité

Player profiles:

GK Wouter van Dalen
Native. Good agility aggression and a perfect stamina but lacks creativity and movement.
GK Ron de Vries
Native. Strength is is best Point but he’s not very creative and lacks movement. Needs to grow a lot before becoming a top class keeper.

DL Sergio Torres
Native with foreign parents. Very good in the air and the best captain on the team. Lacks attacking abilities.
DL Marnix Huisman
Native. Great teamworker with a lot of stamina but not very strong.
DC Gert-Jan Meijer
Native. Best header in the team and superb strength but very laid back.
DC Ronnie de Haan
Native. Positions himself very great and has also a good shot, tackle and pass. Is not good with headers and is slow.
DC Daniel de Lange
Native. Good points are pace, stamina, strength and heading but is bad in making the right descision.
DC Ahmed Hammami
Immigrant. Good technique but is not an outstanding player. Does not shoot so well.
DR Mike Igwe
Native with foreign parents. Aggressive, a teamworker and a good tackler but shoudn’t try headers.
DR Ruben van Wonderen
Native. Very good teamworker, great tackler, good in the air but not very creative.

ML Daouda Diompy
Immigrant. Typical winger with great aerial strength and a good movement. Not a good leader and a bit of a lonewolf.
ML Cees Hendriks
Native. Strong and good at giving passes. Lacks aggression and pace.
MC Fouad Snijders
Native. Great cross, great pass, good dribble. Average shooting and not the best in making descisions.
MC Klaas Koppers
Native. Superb tackling, very aggressive, strong and a teamworker. Average shot but no real weak points.
MC Boy Krohne
Native. Good leader, nice passer but not a fast player.
MC Jeremy Hofman
Best crosser and passer on the team with also technique and movement but terrible when heading.
MR Andrés García
Immigrant. Player with the best technique. Almost impossible to beat in the air, great pace, dribbling and stamina and a fair shot. Lacks strength and leadership.
MR Obinna Agbo
Native with foreign parents. He’s a winger with a good technique and an accurate cross but has no stamina and doesn’t shoot too well.

SC Abdoulaye Soro
Native with foreign parents. A very fast player with a good shot. His great weakness is that he lacks strength.
SC Souleymane Diakité
Immigrant. Long player who rules the air and a creative mastermind. Just like Soro not a strong player.
SC David Muños
Immigrant from a similar country. A born dribbler with leadership. Like all other strikers before not strong.
SC Kingsley Kalu
Immigrant. Has the best shot on the team and is very aggressive but is not good in the air. Also lacks creativity.


Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y But not too bad please ;)
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y But please try to be reasonable ;)
Godmod other events: N

Ruskani BoF Squad Confirmed

Ruskastan Manager Behar Isa has confirmed his line-up for Baptism of Fire 27, with U21 Star Rasul Sa'id handed the number 11 shirt. The news reinforces the belief that Sa'id and not Miroslav 'Isam will start as Ruskastan's Starting striker. There were no surprises as Isa's confirmed the squad he had originally chosen at the end of the season. Lisumu FC striker Qasim Krasimir had been an injury doubt but he has kept his place ahead of Jabr Artur.

"I'm fine. The Ruskani staff have looked after me really well, they have been on top of the injury and I have trained well this week," said Krasimir. Behar Isa is also confident Haroun Hussein, Jarek Atallah and Imam Branislav will recover from knocks sustained the Premier League.

Atallah said: "I'm fine, there's nothing to worry about. I just got a dead-leg on my hip and it was a sore one. "It's the same for Haroun, I wouldn't worry about that. We will both be OK and these things happen, but I don't think we've got anything serious." Behar Isa has yet to decide whether to start with any or all of the trio in Saturday's final training session, although it appears likely that Rasul Sa'id will get his first chance to impress after being promoted from the U21 Squad.

Ruskastan's Baptism of Fire Squad:

Goalkeepers:
1. Tibor Karel,
13. Mihail Stanislav,
22. Ikraam Jonáš

Defenders:
2. Jarek Atallah,
3. Mansoor Mihammad ,
5. Imam Branislav,
6. Junayd Rafiq,
12. Aurel Abd-al-Malik,
14. Krastio Guda,
15. Boutros Tabassum
16. Michal Ghalib

Midfielders:
4. Tsvetan Věnceslav,
7. Haroun Hussein,
8. Mladen Desislav,
9. Nagi Skender,
17. Mihail Damyan,
18. Jafar Mihail,
19. Yasir Jiří,
20. Faruq Mahfuz

Strikers:
11. Rasul Sa'id,
10. Hassan Dominik,
21. Qasim Krasimir,
23. Gabir Hristo

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: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes, but just to the extent of saying so-and-so was injured. I’ll determine the severity!
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. Maybe in World Cup 41. Let me get comfortable with normal stuff 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. He led Newmanistan’s championship winning team in the 4th Di Bradini Cup.

Here are the starting eleven:

*** IN GOAL ***
Name: Kevin Dalton
Position: GK
Number: 1
Age: 34
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Dalton is the undisputed top goalkeeper in the Empire, and was probably the easiest decision of Carson’s when naming the squad, and not just because he plays for him. Dalton is a 7-time Keeper of the Year in the NSL (Newmanistan Soccer League), and has won three NSL championships with the Capitals. He has particular great vision, reading plays very well, and his age has made him wise to the moves of attackers.

*** DEFENDERS ***
Name: Jeremy Brooker
Position: LB
Number: 5
Age: 19
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. He was a somewhat surprising choice to start, but after a remarkable Di Bradini Cup for coach Carson, he’s getting the chance.

Name: Nate Stratton
Position: LCB
Number: 3
Age: 27
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: Stratton is a tall defender with an outstanding work ethic, and plays great under adversity. Hometown fans jokingly say he doesn’t like playing in Springfield, because away games and neutral site games seem to really fire him up like no other. Born and raised in Springfield, the 2-time Defender of the Year is living a dream, having played his entire career with his hometown team. He will use his size to his advantage.

Name: Mark McCafferty
Position: RCB
Number: 4
Age: 29
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Background: McCafferty was originally a teammate of Chapman’s when they broke into the league together and early in their careers before the business aspect of the NSL separated them. McCafferty is now part of the Cougars, who are a very defensive minded club, rated the “#1 most boring team in the NSL” by fans of the league. To the Cougars and McCafferty, that is a major compliment. He is 2 time winner of the Defender of the Year award. Mark is an aggressive one, and is one of the top candidates on the squad to lead the club in bookings.

Name: Eddie Chapman
Position: RB
Number: 7
Age: 29
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Background: In the prime of his career, Chapman has been the anchor of the Leopards defense ever since he signed here from Southport four seasons ago. He is a very consistent defender. He’s not the type to wow you, but he is reliable and safe in his own end. He’s not afraid to make a run upfield, but only when he’s sure he’ll have support. Has never won a NSL defender of the year award, but has finished second 5 times.

*** MIDFIELDERS ***
Name: Chris Peterson
Position: LM
Number: 13
Age: 24
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Background: Peterson isn’t going to score many goals, but what he is going to do is create opportunities. He is a speedy midfielder, and it allows him to also be just as effective in the defensive end. He has yet to play a game for Putnam Lake, as he was recently traded there in a blockbuster deal last month, but he is really excited about the opportunity to play with McAllister in this tournament, and that can prepare him for club play. He has twice received recognition as the NSL’s Best Two-Way Midfielder.

Name: Kevin Carrigan
Position: CM
Number: 19
Age: 30
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Background: Carrigan is a soft-spoken player who is just entirely devoted to football, and desparately wanting to win a championship. He has done that in Loudon, and he couldn’t be any more excited to now be able to represent Newmanistan in the World Cup. Kevin is defensively responsible, but is always eager to be right up there with the strikers. His powerful right leg makes him a welcome addition to any rush. He is a two-time NSL MVP, and a four-time NSL Midfielder of the Year.

Name: Brett Prescott
Position: RM
Number: 17
Age: 25
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Background: A fantastic finisher, many people think that he should really be a striker because of it. But it’s because there is a lot more to him then that, as he has a great ability to control the midfield. He does have a bit of a mean streak in him, and that is of some concern to the coaching staff, but they also feel that the club should have at least one player on the pitch like that, so the opponents don’t try to take advantage of the others.

*** STRIKERS ***
Name: Jeremy McAllister
Position: LS
Number: 20
Age: 19
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 Shawn Drummond, who is a substitute. Jeremy then made an equally impressive splash in the Di Bradini Cup, scoring 12 goals, including four games where he scored at least two goals. He was the leading scorer in the tournament, and as it went on, he showed great chemistry with coach Carson, and great poise and leadership to earn him this chance.

Name: Kevin Lewis (***TEAM CAPTAIN***)
Position: ST
Number: 43 (superstition; has worn it in everything his whole life)
Age: 28
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Lewis has made the number 43 famous in Newmanistan. His superstition over the number was certainly helped that he scored 43 goals in his rookie season. Nevermind the unusual number, Lewis is a deadly striker, with good finishing ability. Though he really fits well in a 4-3-3 formation is he is creative passer, particularly in close. Him setting up McAllister is a scenario that really excites coach Carson. He has, on four occasions led the NSL in assists, and on three occasions led it in goals.

Name: John Murphy
Position: RS
Age: 30
Number: 10
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Background: He’s a pure finisher. Doesn’t quite have the speed of McAllister or Lewis, but doesn’t mind trailing the play by a little bit to get rebound opportunities. John will always work hard, because it’s what made him what he is today. He was undrafted out of juniors and signed with South Charlotte as a project, but was then traded to Loudon for a minimal amount of cash. That seemed to ignite him, as ever since he’s been a Leopard, he’s improved to be the great striker he has become today.

And the rest.....

*** REGULAR SUBSTITUTES ***
Name: Nathaniel Russo
Position: GK
Number: 2
Age: 28
Club Team: Olympia Gladiators
Background: A very agile goalkeeper, shooters thinking they’ll have a sure goal if they locate shots perfectly in the corners may have another thing coming. Because of his ability to position himself very well, this agility allows him to get those tough shots. He’s worthy of being a starter, and is a two-time NSL Goalkeeper of the Year himself, so if needed, the team shouldn’t miss a beat. His drawback is streakiness. He’s known to go into prolonged slumps, so that’s why he’s the 2nd goalkeeper.

Name: Tony Borsinger
Position: CB
Number: 6
Age: 19
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. Tony made an outstanding impression on Carson in the Di Bradini Cup, and that’s likely what got him this spot on the team.


Name: Mitch Conrad
Position: CB
Number: 9
Age: 33
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: Mitch is a hard nosed defender that is willing to take on any one that comes in his direction. He is a three-time NSL Defender of the Year, but that was earlier in his career. Age and the wear and tear of the game has begun to take its toll on him, which is why Carson elected to have him be a substitute and Brooker be the starter. Since he’ll be out there in short stretches of time when his number gets called, his knowledge of the game will really come in handy. On the sideline, he’ll also act as somewhat of an assistant coach.

Name: Steve Boland
Position: MID
Number: 16
Age: 26
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: In his second year in the league, Boland won the NSL MVP. Since then, he has continued to play at a high-level. Boland has a tremendous work ethic, and would be captain material if he were a starter. He is able to score goals, but he is more of a set up man. He should see some decent action in the tournament, particularly if Prescott runs into trouble with bookings.

Name: Shawn Drummond
Position: ST
Number: 11
Age: 19
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: Drummond had great chemistry with Jeremy McAllister in the Di Bradini Cup, and is someone that will probably see action as a substitute in every game. Drummond relies mainly on his above average speed, and also finishes real well. That speed should provide the Rockets a nice boost late in games. Shawn is an exciting player, and isn’t afraid to some flair and finesse to his game.


*** RESERVES ***
Name: Julie McElroy
Position: MID
Age: 23
Number: 12
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: Julie is by far, the best female player in the Empire, and was absolutely elated when she heard the news that she would be on the team. This is not just a publicity stunt, Julie has been the leading scorer in Southport for 3 seasons in a row, impressive since she is still young. She is fearless, as not only will she take anyone on, she is also eager to initiate a lot of the physical play. Though listed as a reserve, Carson has promised that she will see action.

Name: Shane Classen
Position: MID
Age: 27
Number: 14
Club Team: South Charlotte Condors
Background: Frustrated a little bit in having to play for a such a poor team with the Condors, Classen is absolutely thrilled to be recognized for the national team, and is more then happy to simply be a reserve. Classen is a defensive midfielder, but with a powerful leg kick, he can get the ball to the strikers deceptively well. Very physical player.

Name: Ken Gillman
Position: CB
Age: 31
Number: 22
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Background: An offensive minded defender, who will have a versatile role on this team. Because he can also play the midfield, Carson thought he was the best utility guy to serve this role off the bench if needed should a rash of injuries occur. Gillman is strictly a defense-first player.

Name: Eric Novak
Position: ST
Age: 37
Number: 15
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Background: Somewhat more of an inspirational choice, and when inactive, can serve as an assistant coach for Brian Carson. Novak has been through it all, and is the active leader in goals in the NSL. Because the Empire is making the first global appearance, Carson wanted to give the future Newmanistan Hall of Famer a taste of what it is like. Though he’s not only on the team for this reason. If needed, he can still find the back of the net. He’s just lost a couple steps.

The Laboratory of Doctor Wierd, South Jersey Shore:

Dr. Wierd: Gentlemen! I give you: The Aqua Team Roster!

Steve: Umm, yeah, it's still just me here.

Dr. W stares for a moment

Dr. W: The Aqua Team Roster! At goalkeeper, Frylock! In defense, Carl Brutananadilewski, Willie Nelson, Dirtfoot and Mothmonsterman!

S: Umm, I think some of those guys don't have any feet.

Dr. W: Shut the f@#$ up Steve! In midfield, Billywitchdoctor.com, Oog, Travis of the Cosmos and Randy the Astonishing.

S: I know Travis doesn't have feet, and he doesn't even speak english.

Dr. W: At forward, The Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future and The Love Mummy!

S: You put the love mummy on the team? He can't even walk.

Dr. W: He was very persuasive. On the bench, Master Shake, Zarnold Edward Quigley, MC Pee Pants, The Gorgotron, and Romulox!

S: I don't think the Gorgotron will fit on the bench.

Dr. W: And next to the bench, The Gorgotron! Ahahahahahaha!


# Player Pos
1 Frylock GK
2 Carl Brutananadilewski D
3 Mothmonsterman D
4 Willie Nelson D
5 Dirtfoot D
6 Oog M
7 Billywitchdoctor.com M
8 Randy the Astonishing M
9 Travis of the COsmos M
10 The Love Mummy F
11 Cybernetic Ghost F
12 The Gorgotron GK
13 Zarnold Edward Quigley D
14 Romulox M
15 Master Shake M
16 MC Pee Pants F

As the team arrived at the hotel around noon they had a new sensation, of crowds chearing them in the street all the people got behind them back home even if they were Turkic, Kosenic even a Konzantine it was all over the news the warriors triumph.

One player knew what it was like to be in the spotlight he was the Prince. Later the coach would gather them all at lunch and talk to them but the younger team members were busy looking at Starblaydi Girls " Wow would you look at that" Sinan, Volkan and Sabri turned to look at the tall blonde who walked past but then out of the blue during their "Moment" as they called it, the coach shouted "Oi you answer who's got the DAMN salt you meatbags" as the entire team were reduced to giggles... this was gonna be a long tournament for The Man.

(OOC: I was only able to prepare the starting eleven for the team until now, but I'll write the details about the other players)
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THE INDEPENDANT TERRITORY OF TERREIRO DE OGUM RELEASES TEAM LIST FOR THE BAPTISM OF FIRE

Style is -2.2

ÈPA BÀBÁ! After years trying to get our independence, our lovely country of Terreiro de Ogum was finally able to escape from the control of Estresse Intenso’s government (although that control was already inexistent). Now we are a country, thanks to our mystical power and thanks to Olorun, our great god! And, now, using our magic abilities, team work, faith and different practices, with the help of our Orixás (Orisha), we will now try to win games against the biggest opponents. Oxalá we will win something! Now, see our list of players:

“Oxalá guie nossos guerreiros do futebol rumo a vitória, usando o poder de Ogum, o apoio de Iemanjá e o braço forte de Xangô!”

The 25 (currently 11) players (yes, Terreiro de Ogum has 25 players in its roster) – use the names in BOLD in the RPs (no need to put their names in capital letters too, please):

Each player has a pre-game ritual, which will be made in every game that they play as starters only. There are 5 levels of spiritual strength: very low, low, average, high and very high.

Goalkeepers (the hands that hold our faith):

1- Baitolah BIBAH
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Iemanjá.
Spiritual Strength: Average.
Info: Baitolah Bibah is the most talented goalkeeper of Terreiro de Ogum. Born and raised in the territory, Baitolah is an orphan raised by a famous mãe-de-santo, and learnt how to prepare medicinal recipes to help the ill with her. He is funny, talkative and loves to show himself to the public. He is homosexual, and often makes jokes of the opponents of Terreiro de Ogum.
Pre-Game Ritual: a lover of foreign music, Baitolah Bibah is the last member of the team to enter in the field, wearing his full pink goalkeeper clothes. When he enters, the music “I Will Survive” is played (or other music associated with homosexuality).


Full-Backs (the messengers of our future):

2- Ananias dos Santos “BICHO GRILO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Exú.
Spiritual Strength: High.
Info: the terreiro leaders usually are the ones that make the homemade medicines, but Bicho Grilo is the one that finds the ingredients. With extremely high knowledge of the plants and animals that live in the terrain of Terreiro de Ogum, Bicho Grilo can easily survive in the jungle and find any kind of plant there. Due to his love for nature, you can find him talking with animals, but this usually happens only after he smokes his marijuana, something that he does daily (every hour, I should say).
Pre-Game Ritual: one of the last players to enter in the field, Bicho Grilo enters in an extremely low pace; walking on the grass and feeling it (he doesn’t wear shoes). He has long hair and beard, and smokes marijuana in the field (if it isn’t a country where marijuana is prohibited).

6- Ubiratan de Carvalho Quirino “TOQUINHO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Xangô.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: brother of another starter of the National Team, Guaxinim, Toquinho is a dwarf, and is a bit taller than his brother. He has an incredible speed, and due to that usually works as a messenger in the territory, making the contact between different terreiros possible. When playing football, Toquinho is responsible for fast counterattacks and good long passes, but doesn’t score many goals.
Pre-Game Ritual: Toquinho will be one of the first players to enter in the field. He likes to show his speed to the supporters, so he’ll enter with full speed, reaching his position in few seconds.


Defenders (the guardians of our honor):

3- Maria Celeste Ernestelli “RECLUSA”
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Yewá.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: no one knows from where she came exactly, or about her life before reaching Terreiro de Ogum. All they know about her was in her documents, a passport from Cafundéu and a library card. She was adopted by a mãe-de-santo when she was only a child, and soon it was discovered that she is extremely sensitive, being able to have contact with spirits and to being possessed by them. This power has been explored by her “mother”, and she is now famous because of her ability. When not possessed, she doesn’t speak with anyone, with the exception of her “mother”.
Pre-Game Ritual: in fact, Reclusa doesn’t have any special pre-game ritual. She will enter before Bibah, so will be one of the last ones to enter. She will quietly go to her position in the field.

4- Jorge Diniz Sodré “PRETO VÉIO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Nanã.
Spiritual Strength: High.
Info: this man is a wanderer, known in the whole territory. A nice, calm man who likes to chat with everyone, from the commoner to the powerful mãe or pai-de-santo. But he specially enjoys chatting with the children, telling histories to them about his adventures. He has no enemies, and can be considered the most honest and respected person in Terreiro de Ogum.
Pre-Game Ritual: Preto Véio is the first player to enter in the field, going directly to the sector of the stadium where the Terreiro de Ogum supporters are. He’ll wave to them and after that will shake hands with his opponents, being nice with everyone.


Defensive Midfielders (holders of our home):

10- PAI BERTO de Tucumã de Obalatá
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Obalatá/Oxalá.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: son of the “leader” of Terreiro de Ogum, Pai Alcir de Macaé, Pai Berto is a talented pai-de-santo, who focuses on helping the people of the territory in the area of health. Some people say that Pai Berto has a better sensitivity than his father, and that he is a natural leader. His knowledge of the orixás and of the umbanda magic became legendary. Now in the National Team, Pai Berto is the captain and “boss” of the team, with more powers than the coach.
Pre-Game Ritual: while Preto Véio is the first one to enter in the field, Pai Berto is the second. He enters with his full-white clothes, wore by all pais-de-santo, and raises his arms to the sky, before making homage to the orixás.

5- DONA ROSA Lozano Pumete
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Ossaim.
Spiritual Strength: Average.
Info: this old woman is a very good football player, and one of the major negotiators of Terreiro de Ogum. She makes contact with other countries, and this is very important to guarantee the autonomy of the country. She isn’t much involved in the religious ceremonies of the country, but she likes watching them, and, because of that, has some knowledge about them.
Pre-Game Ritual: Dona Rosa isn’t one of the first or one of the last players to enter in the field. In fact, she doesn’t do anything special. Just enters in the field and talks with each player of the Terreiro de Ogum team.


Attacking Midfielders (seekers of our prosperity):

9- Liceu Modesto Babuíno “PINGUINHA”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxóssi.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: Pinguinha is a drunk man. He simply loves to drink cachaça, and does the possible to get some money to have something with alcohol to drink. He doesn’t do anything illegal, but everything else… for him, the cachaça is more important than everything else. He is a good football player, even when drunk, and will have sufficient motivation to want to score goals and create plays for the team.
Pre-Game Ritual: Pinguinha enters in the field in an intermediate position in the order. All he does is to get his bottle of cachaça, throw a bit of the liquid in the grass, and then drink the remaining after making a short prayer.

8- Rafael Graziano “TRAMÓIA”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxum.
Spiritual Strength: Very Low.
Info: a criminal, expert in stealing, sneaking into places without being noticed and preparing traps for the opponents. Tramóia is one of the few players that won’t respect the opponent, trying to get advantage in every play using dirty tricks. He is very good at making these tricks without being noticed, so it’ll be difficult for him to receive a card, as he probably won’t get caught. He isn’t popular in Terreiro de Ogum for being a criminal, but his talents will be very useful for the National Team, as he’ll be the main responsible for creating offensive plays.
Pre-Game Ritual: Tramóia is one of the first players to enter in the field, but he won’t be noticed until the entrance of Reclusa. He’ll appear in the middle of the field, surprising everyone and laughing, probably holding an item stolen from someone from the stands.


Attackers (conquers of our glory):

7- Matheus de Carvalho Quirino “GUAXINIM”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxumarê.
Spiritual Strength: Average.
Info: brother of another starter of the National Team, Toquinho, Guaxinim is a dwarf, and is a bit smaller than his brother. Good in positioning and good at predicting what the other players will do (thanks to good knowledge of the football), is a very good attacker who will make many assists. He is very fast too, so is a special weapon for the counterattacks, as his passes to his team mate Master Kacet are perfect. Another thing that can surprise many is his good ability at heading.
Pre-Game Ritual: Guaxinim is the one that has the best relationship with the supporters. So, he will be one of the first players to enter in the field, calling the supporters to sing for the team, to send Terreiro de Ogum to the victory.

11- MESTRE Timóteo Hora Novaes KACET
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Ogum.
Spiritual Strength: High.
Info: one of the most famous and influential people of Terreiro de Ogum, Mestre (Master) Kacet is probably the only one that is known outside the territory. He is the best Capoeira master of the world, thanks to his great abilities, superb technique and good reflexes, this among other skills. A football lover too, Mestre Kacet joined the team wanting to use his Capoeira ability to score goals. And he can do that. Most of his moves are a mix between Capoeira and football, so expect to see him scoring goals using acrobatic moves. He is also a very friendly person, and likes to talk with the defender that is marking him.
Pre-Game Ritual: Mestre Kacet’s entrance order isn’t an exact one. He can sometimes enter as one of the last players, or as one of the first ones. But, when he enters, he smiles to the cameras and makes some of his Capoeira moves, to impress everyone, especially his opponents.


Staff Members (controllers of our destiny):

Coach: Duílio Menezes “BLIND MAGICIAN”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Iansã.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: Duílio, called Blind Magician by nearly everyone (only his mother calls him Duílio) is a pai-de-santo with good leadership and some abilities as a football coach, thanks to his contact with spirits of dead football coaches. His style is very defensive and cautious, that’s why Terreiro de Ogum is a defensive team. He is blind, but has a supernatural perception that allows him to walk and do other things like if he could see.
Pre-Match Ritual: when the Blind Magician enters in the field, he gets some grass from it and eats it. After that, he makes a short prayer and goes to his place in the bench, in a very slow way.

Formation: basic 4-4-2:

-------------------------Bibah-------------------------
--Bicho Grilo-----Reclusa-------Preto Véio---Toquinho---
-------------Pai Berto----------Dona Rosa--------------
------Pinguinha-------------------------Tramóia--------
--------------Mestre Kacet---Guaxinim------------------

RP Permissions: you're free to choose scorers, send cards to my players (red card limit is 2), RP injuries (light ones) and other things (but these things can't be very unreal (can be a bit unreal) or serious (involving death, arrest, etc.)


Details about Terreiro de Ogum: this country is in fact a small part of Estresse Intenso that got its independence few years ago. In fact, it already had full autonomy, due to the fact that Estresse Intenso’s government can’t control the country well (the country is a complete anarchy). But, anyway, Terreiro de Ogum is now independent, and due to this could have relations with other countries, something that the territory wasn’t able to do before. One of these things is football. The team couldn’t play in international competitions, but now it’s replacing the Landau Institute, which decided to stop playing in international competitions due to the death of The Machine.

The citizens of the country don’t have money, so they divide everything that they have. Their leader is the most experienced “pai-de-santo”, currently Pai Alcir de Macaé, father of the captain of the National Team Pai Berto de Tucumã, who is a pai-de-santo too. Their language is a mixed of different spiritual languages. The most important fact about the country is its religion. ALL the citizens follow the Umbanda religion, although some of them also respect and practice related religions like Candomblé and Quimbanda (Macumba). You can use Wikipedia to get information about these religions. They make mystical pre-game rituals, but nothing is done to harm the opponent: before everything, they respect their opponents like brothers, and would like to be respected too. Oh… expect some phrases in Portuguese during our RPs.

It was a star-studded ceremony at the Starblaydi Football Association Headquarters in Jhanna, the capital city. Various representatives of all twenty-two nations were in the audience and, on stage, stood former Starblaydi captain Lex Panarii, fresh from managing the Starblaydi national side in the Turtle Cup in Sel Appa.

"Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen," he said, reading an autocue with no small degree of skill, "welcome to the draw for the 27th Baptism of Fire here in Jhanna, Starblaydia. To help me tonight with this, may I present the man who needs no introduction: Simeone Di Bradini."

The crowd clapped fairly politely, most of them unsure of who this old Di Bradini fellow was, teetering on to the stage like he was about to fall down. Luckily they had given him a high chair to sit on while he made the draw. Some highly-scripted chit-chat went back and forth that sounded neither amusing nor off-the-cuff, about par for the course for one of these events.

"So, Simeone," Lex said, "the time has come. To the draw, please, sir."

"Of course," he replied, "here we go."

"Drawing first," Lex announced, "for Group Lion."

Simeone picked a highly-polished ball from out of a clear plastic bowl, showing the number engraved on it to the camera. '13', it read.

"Aqua Teen Hungerland," Lex announced, with the name flashing up on a big screen behind them, "first out, in Group Lion. Unfortunately, The Gorgotron couldn't quite fit in the studio, so I'm sure there's applause in the car park somewhere outside." The most minor of chuckles, mostly by the camera crew at the low quality of the joke. "And the first team in Group Eagle?"

Simeone withdrew another ball. Six.

"New Cimeran," Lex said. Slowly, mind-numbingly slow the draw went on and all twenty-two teams were laid out into groups, some with appropriate 'gags' of variable comedic quality.

Eventually the draw was complete, and the teams were shaken out as follows below. The schedule would be released shortly afterwards (Draw and Schedule can be found here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13502710&postcount=2)).

Group Lion Group Eagle
Aqua Teen Hungerland New Cimeran
Kose and The Turkomans Engbec
East Antairees Sesquipedalianist
Krasslor Sarejavo
Nethertopia Aleos
Eighthgraderistan Terreiro de Ogum
Kosovoe Pantocratoria
Agroprom Wijaska Island
Septentrionia Ruskastan
The Daleks 2 Newmanistan
Diojiu Abaio

Terreiro de Ogum citizens waiting for list release

The people from the Territory of Terreiro de Ogum are anxious to see the team playing in the Baptism of Fire. With the group draw already made, the excitement increases, as the day of the first game approaches. But one doubt appears: where is the list of players for the competition? The pai-de-santo that commands the FA said that the list was sent, but nothing appeared yet. The pai-de-santo said that this happened because "higher entities" had to approve the list before.

(OOC: just an IC post commenting about the fact that Terreiro de Ogum's roster post still has to be approved by the mods)

Davo awoke from his hotel bed early in the morning after the draw at 1pm.

"Urrr...what happened?" he asked his incapacitated room mate who was still passed out fully clothed on his bed.

"Yes I can't remember either" he said in response to his roommates snores.

Davo hopped up or rather stumbled out of bed and then holding onto the light switch he managed to prop himself up on the wall. Regaining his lack of senses he realised last night was catching up on him and he quickly ran to the toilet. After getting up close and personal with the intricate design of the plumbing he staggered into the small kitchen and opened the fridge to get some breakfast.


He was already onto his third can of some cheap hotel beer when the door flung itself open and out of thin air a man appeared (no not literally, from Dave's perspective).

"Oi Davo and Danno get up you weak excuses for a drunk!!!" said their coach Sir.

"What's wrong Sir, sir" said Davo startling his coach who already looked like he was back drunk again after the presentation.

"I WANT to TALK to you....about the travesty no disgraceful behavior of the whole team at the presentation last night."

"Ahh so that's where we were"

"Yes now as our first dip into international water it was a very important time for us and I have to say you all did miserably especially you too. You were all drunk -"

"Naturally, sir"

"- shut up! Before even the opening speech was over! And despite warning you not to drink much you still went through their entire stock of wine before that old man whoever he was can't remember his name - some iconic figure I'm sure. The embarrassment factor... you all behaved like complete and utter fools."

"Just trying to do the Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist proud"

"I don't care, the acts you blokes committed last night- you all harassed the waitresses and I saw you Davo, laying hands of that waitress that was trying to serve the table next to you. The monkey hooping at the end of every sentance of the MC was not welcome nor the random outbursts of 'God Save the Barley". I bet its going to be all over the news your antics and we've lost face and credibility amongst the other teams too."

"Hey we came here for football and thats what we going to do we just have fun before hand. Don't get your suspenders in a know Sir."

Danno stirred "Anyway coach none of us ran screaming and frolicking on stage naked after our team was drawn," he uttered after sitting up.

"Well rrr.... hmm...." Sirs uttered his face turning red and his lip twitching, "ALRIGHT JUST MAKE SURE YOU REPORT TO TRAINING IN 2 HOURS TIME. I'M GOING TO THE BAR!!!"

With that he stormed out and slammed the door behind him.

"So do you know who we're playing then?" Davo

"Nope" said Danno who then went back to sleep.

"Fair enough" and with that Davo started on the next 6 pack.

(ooc: all mispellings and errors are intentional, as this is being written by a 6th grader icLY)
(ooc2: Star, On MD7 you have 4v6 and 4v5. I believe that the 4v6 is supposed to be 3v6, correct?)

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

Hi allz, We abuot to compete in teh Basptism of Fire and our team is ready to rule! lead by Joey Caronne, and the Hansen twins, we're ready to win this thing.

Mr. Jennero was picked to coach tjhe team, although i think mr. Herren ( the gym teacher) wold have been a better chiose.

But the ggood news is that I get to travel with the team and get to go to Stariblayadia, which is the furtherest i've ever been to before.

I have to put this part in, 'cause the teacher told me that most poeple care about when the team'is going to play. We were put into the Group called Lion.

Matchday 1: Agroprom
Matchday 2: Septentrionia
Matchday 3: The Daleks 2
Matchday 4: Diojiu
Matchday 5: Aqua Teen Hungerland
Matchday 6: Kose and The Turkomans
Matchday 7: East Antairees
Matchday 8: Krasslor
Matchday 9: Nethertopia
Matchday 10: OFF
Matchday 11: Kosovoe

Whiel we haven't played a game agianst teams like those before, i think we can win the tourney and show those dang high schoolers that we are better than them.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/Zanziik/EAFNLogo.png
The East Antairees Football Association has announced the national roster today for competition in the Baptism of Fire. The first international competition in the history of the football-crazed nation, millions of avid fans in the East Antairees await the first kickoff. A large procession has been arranged to see the team depart, and viewing parties are being planned across the islands to allow the Starblaydian competition to be witnessed by any fan who wishes to observe the matches.

Roster:
Style: +1
Formation: 1-2-1-2-3-1
Starters in Bold
#, Name, Domestic Club, Age

Manager:
Trent Hadder, Alerisia FC, 49

Goalkeeper:
#1 Anthony Todd, Alerisia FC, 23
#3 James King, Danforth FC, 24

Defense:
#42 Kevin Haden, Royal, 26
#44 Andrew Ryan, Zanafar, 24
#53 John Ray, Hant, 21
#55 Lucius James, Tenstep, 21
#32 Das Clark, Runson Amalgamated, 21
#37 King Donald, Vricton, 34

Midfield:
#2 Roger Kent, East Cala, 23
#18 Kevin Worth, Runson Amalgamated, 24
#21 Reg Locke, Long Coast FC, 27
#35 Michael Wilson, White Bank, 21
#37 Jack Strong, Roosem, 31
#17 Dez Parker, Harovaro FC, 23
#19 Jerry White, Torch, 27
#22 Anton Lost, Dren Valley, 34

Forward:
#9 James Dent, Runson Amalgamated, 23 (Captain)
#7 Dingo Varez, North Coast, 21

---------------Todd---------------
---------------Haden--------------
-----Ryan----------------Ray------
---------------James--------------
-----Kent----------------Worth----
--Locke-------Wilson-------Strong-
---------------Dent---------------

Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmode scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y (No Deaths)
Godmode injuries to my players: Y (Nothing Lasting)
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y (Not too often please)
Godmode other events: Y

THE ROCKET REPORT

GROUP DRAW SET FOR BOF 27

Pocono City, Newmanistan- There is little time for football fans in the Empire to catch their breath from international competition following the improbable Di Bradini Cup 4 championship. But that’s ok, we just can’t get enough of this, now can we?

Up next for the Rockets is the Baptism of Fire 27, and they will be hoping to make this trip to Starblaydia as successful as their last one. For our fans who may not know what this is all about, it is competition where newcomers to the upcoming World Cup get a chance to show off their skills against each other. It is where all the great football superpowers have come from, and for Newmanistan, the time is now. It is also an opportunity for the big clubs that they don’t really tell you about, after all, what a better way for them to get all the scouting information they need so that they are prepared for when World Cup qualifying comes around. After all, you don’t really think that someone like Qazox for example, wants to lose out on qualification by a point for World Cup 40 and look back at a draw with say, New Cimeran, in the group stage because they didn’t know enough about them. Oh, they’ll be watching alright. This is a bigtime competition, this Baptism of Fire. The world will be watching.

The Group Draw took place earlier today, and the Rockets have been assigned to Group Eagle. Fate, perhaps. After all the Golden Eagle in Starbladyi lore represents moral law and order. Perfect, seeing how we know how much the Empire takes pride in those exact same things. Just ask those fine folks at the United Nations. Anyway, the Rockets are paired up with ten other nations, one which also participated in the Di Bradini Cup, that being Ruskastan. Agroprom and Kosovoe are other Di Bradini Cup nations also in this tournament, however the Rockets never played any of them.

Unlike the Di Bradini Cup however, where Newmanistan entered as an underdog, the bookies are pointing to the Rockets to be one of the favorites in this competition. Coming off the Di Bradini Cup championship, this is likely because the Rockets have some players that are a little more familiar to those on the international scene. Of course, the Di Bradini Cup, we must remember when the Baptism of Fire begins, means absolutely, positively, nothing in this. We will continue to cover this tournament with continuous coverage leading up to the tournament and throughout it as the results unfold, right here in The Rocket Report.

K&T vs Aqua Teen Hungerland
with the team eagerly awaiting their debut on the world stage The Man has named the starting XI as we analyse every decision:
GK:1. Iskender Kazim-Sukur - The only man for the job he had an amazing season in the Super Lig
RB:15. Metin Aydin - with Firat Can out because of a training injury Metin has been drafted into the starting XI
CB:2. Uzulmez Yilmaz - The younger of the two centerbacks had a great season with Sultanlias they only conceded 3 goals.
CB:3. Sukur Saray - The slighty more experienced of the centerbacks and will most likely be the last man on the break.
LB: 16. Murat Turan - Added to the starting XI to add some much needed experience to the back line.
RM:8. Sabri Gunes: The explosive winger will be looking to cause much havoc to the Teen defence with pace, skill and strengh he will likely be a force on the feild.
CM:6. Tumer Arda: The tenacious midfielder is on of the hardest workers on the team and deserves his place.
CM: 7. Ariakan Isamael: The more defensive of the midfield partnership will launch balls out to the wingers.
LM: 9. Serkan Turkmen: Will look to play his way down the wing and drive the ball in.
ST: (C)10. Sinan Kose: The Super Lig's top scorer could well be the key to a total victory if he is in form.
ST: 11. Volkan Erkan: will play off-Kose in this match and will look to play the through ball.

Rockets players Jeremy McAllister and Shawn Drummond finish up their latest endorsement venture, this one for a leading automobile manufacturer. Ever since the Di Bradini Cup championship, advertisers have been lining up for their services. Still, after the filming of the commercial, they had some time to discuss the Baptism of Fire roster.

JM: “That’s why I, Jeremy McAllister, drive the new RN 500 from Empire Motors. You should too. Take a test drive today!”

SD: “Empire Motors. Putting YOU in the fast lane.”

Producer: “Ok boys, that a wrap. Thank you very much!” (McAllister and Drummond leave.)

JM: “So what are you really gonna do with your RN 500?”

SD: “I’ve already sold the piece of crap. You?”

JM: “Working on it myself. I was thinking of donating it. My agent said that would be a great public relations move. So, did you see the Baptism of Fire roster yet?”

SD: “Yeah Carson told me I made the team but that I was just going to be a substitute. A strategic substitute. (Laughs) He says I’ll probably see minutes in every game. You’re lucky to get to start.”

JM: “I know. I am so pumped up about this Baptism of Fire. I mean the Di Bradini Cup was sweet and all, but this is what its all about right here. Too bad you can’t start though.”

SD: “It’s cool. Obviously Lewis should be in the starting lineup too, so I guess I was just the odd one out. It’s ok, he says I’ll get good minutes.”

JM: “Yeah, and Murph’s good for winning physical battles down low, not that we can’t.”

SD: “I know.”

JM: “Brooky’s starting too, Tony’s a substitute. Us kids, as they like to say, are pretty well represented.”

SD: “Brooker’s an awesome defender. I mean for real. If he could ever get out of South Charlotte, that squad just kills him. He won more games in the Di Bradini Cup then South Charlotte won all season last year.”

JM: (laughs) “I’m so glad I don’t play there.”

SD: “Damn right me too. But did you see who else is on the roster?”

JM: “Who?”

SD: “Julie McElroy. Oh yeah!!”

JM: “Heck yeah! Nice of coach to include her. She’s a reserve, so she might be able to drink a little more then us.”

SD: “Exactly!” (Grins evilly)

JM: “Hey now, let’s be cool about it, she deserves it. They don’t have a Women’s World Cup anymore, ya know.”

SD: “Yeah, that sucks. I would go..... to the post game parties.”

JM: (laughs, cell phone rings) “Damn I have to go to my PR stint at some center for troubled kids. See you around!”

SD: “I’ll go too, as a surprise guest. Always good PR.”

JM: “Nice thinking, let’s go....”

Wijaska Television
Todays Headlines:
WorldVision entry comes second-last (http://troubled-diva.com/esc0708.jpg)
Wijaska Island to get its own currency (http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/16/18/22271816.jpg)
Even More Protests in Swilatia (http://www.infoshop.org/news5/blackbloc_la.jpg)
We just wanted a spot for this picture (http://www.textually.org/picturephoning/archives/archives/images/set2/i-can-has-cheezburger.jpg)


So, yeah, I'm sure you all now heard about how our team entering World Cup, no? Because his is what we talk about today. Or at least kind of, it's not World Cup yet, not even the qualifying. Right now, we instead now have Baptism of Fire, which is what todays show is about.

So, for those who don't know, the Baptism of Fire is the cup for countries which never participate in the cup before, such as ourselves, to have some practise at the whole international football, thing, maybe even win and make a name for ourselves. Something we definately hope to be able to do, because then we know we might have chance to qualify for World Cup. For one thing we do not want to end up with a record like Swilatia's

So, yes moving on, this tourament, like the world cup starts with a group stage, and then a knockout stage. We have 2 goups of 11, which for some reason the host decide to name after animals. Since we are in eagle group, we're just going to tell you about the other nations in our group, We don't have enough time to cover the whole tournament. It's too bad, because all the interesting countries in the Lion Group. I gues we'll talk about those when the knockout stage comes.

Anyway, here is information on all countries in our group, in the same order as we have matches with them. Or at least we try to. It may be difficult, seeing as these countries have no record, they never participate in anything before.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/terreiro%20de%20ogum.pngTerreiro de Ogum
Okay, our first match as with another Cafundeu break-off region, or really a Estresese Intenso break-off region. While these guys are not mental patients or anything like that, they also have a bit of personality quirk, they believe they can use magic or something like that. We see tommorow if they are really able to do this, but seeing how well the Cafundeu team has done in World Cup, we expect this team to be worthy opponents either way.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/pantocratoria.pngPantocratoria
Okay, so moving on, we're kind of suprise to see this country has never participate in world cup, it's been on our map for as long I remember, it just makes me think they had to be doing a few international game already now. Oh well. We have lot of info about this country by now, that's sure, but nothing really about football and there team. I don't think they'll be too difficult, football is not too pular there. Their national sport is... Tennis??

Oh, and matchday 3 is bye day, off day, whateve you want to call it. Baisically this mean we have no matches

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/ruskastan.pngRuskastan
Now, this country, coming off the U21, or "Di Bradini" cup, actuall do have some experience, although it debatable whether these under-21 cups make any diffirence. They made it to knockout stage, but lost there, which is good job for a new country. but are we going to see repeat performance from them?

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/newmanistan.pngNewmanistan
Okay, and now, here we have another U21 cup nation, this one may be more difficult, they have even better record. These guys did not just get far in. They won the cup. This should make this team another worthy opponent, but, as I said with the last U21 cup country, it is debatble whether or not a country's U21 record makes a difference for their normal team. We do expect this to be harder match than Ruskastan though.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/abaio.pngAbaio
We know absolutely nothing about this country. Well, almost nothing. They have nice flag though, wait, no, it's not their own flag, other countries also use it. So, what do we have for to fill time... oh! Their motto is "we want more", their national animal the peacock, and their currency is the abaian pound. Yeah, that all we know about this country. Oh, and they claim to have "supremacy in football", but they most likely don't

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/new%20cimeran.pngNew Cimeran
Once again, a country we have almost no information on, exceot the flag, motto, currency, and animal. So should I give just those again. Okay, I will, this time we have: "Sensible governing for a sensible populace", the quildor, and the corvallo. They have nice, origial flag, but the kits are a eyesore. This country, on the other hand don't claim to be good and everything though.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/engbec.pngEngbec
And now yet another country with good flag, but no information. Maybe this whole countries information thing wasn't such good idea. Oh well, if I started this, I finish it as well. The motto is "Lunctum Sententia Varietas", whatever that mean, the animal is the Oli, whatever that is, and the currency is the dollar, like so many other country. Yes, that all we know. Maybe the last few country wont be like this.

http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/sesquipedalianist.pngSesquipedalianist
Okay, so this country's motto is- wait, we have some infromation on this one, not just the usual flag, motto, animal, and currency. This one is a nation of drunks. But the team is not-

You know what, I'm stopping this here. you'll be able to find more informations than I know on the internet yourself. I'm tire of reading this mottos. Let's just watch along and see how well our team do as the matches pass. I'll do this kind of thing in the world cup, when most teams actually have record. The end.

ooc: all grammatical errors are intentional, our newsreaders barely know any English.

Matchday One Scores:

Group Lion
Aqua Teen Hungerland 1-2 Kose and The Turkomans
Diojiu 1- 2 East Antairees
The Daleks 2 2-2 Krasslor
Septentrionia 2-2 Nethertopia
Agroprom 0-3 Eighthgraderistan

Group Eagle
New Cimeran 1-0 Engbec
Abaio 0-2 Sesquipedalianist
Newmanistan 5-1 Sarejavo
Ruskastan 2-1 Aleos
Wijaska Island 1-2 Terreiro de Ogum

Group tables will be posted from Matchday Two onwards. Teams will be split by points, head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored in that order.

Kose and The Turkomans 2-1 Aqua
In a close encounter the Turks edged out Aqua Teen Hungerland with two spectacular goals from Sinan Kose.

The first came within 12 seconds even with ATH kicking off after a bad kick off, which gave Sinan the chance to storm down the middle and power it past the goalie, Frylock who went the worng way.

ATH Equalised in the 57th minute from a penalty given for Uzulmez Yilmaz's poor high tackle luckily Randy the Astonishing was not injured but Yilmaz was sent off for the resulting clash with the Love Mummy who got a yellow. He later cooly put away the penalty

But with pure skill the young Sinan scored a amazing volley from 35 yards 1 minute into injury time after a poor goal kick, this win leaves them in a good position to relax on their bye day.

The above statement is true, but missleading. The newly joined team of the wc Fifa didn't play. The nicely dressed team hasn't even left the Starblaydi national hotel. The team was already worrying about there looks and missed the kick off of the all important agroprom match. The souel will play them next, but they didn't get a good look at the other team. They were too busy playing with there dreadlocks, and the weasley brothers were talking about how a mullet was all party in the back and all serious in the front. I have never seen a missuse of a scouting endeavour such as theres ever before in my 59 years.
The game was really exciting anyway so they didn't miss much. The agro foes were the young protectorates of Qazox , Eighthgraderstan. Funny I remember eigth grade as if it was now, but anyway the game was anything if exciting. The stannis stunned the agropromians with a 3-0 blowout. Nothing new in this sport of soccer is it. Not really anyway, but just so you folks now don't expect a barn burner of a game carried on TSPN.

The above statement is true, but missleading. The newly joined team of the wc Fifa didn't play. The nicely dressed team hasn't even left the Starblaydi national hotel. The team was already worrying about there looks and missed the kick off of the all important agroprom match. The souel will play them next, but they didn't get a good look at the other team. They were too busy playing with there dreadlocks, and the weasley brothers were talking about how a mullet was all party in the back and all serious in the front. I have never seen a missuse of a scouting endeavour such as theres ever before in my 59 years.
The game was really exciting anyway so they didn't miss much. The agro foes were the young protectorates of Qazox , Eighthgraderstan. Funny I remember eigth grade as if it was now, but anyway the game was anything if exciting. The stannis stunned the agropromians with a 3-0 blowout. Nothing new in this sport of soccer is it. Not really anyway, but just so you folks now don't expect a barn burner of a game carried on TSPN.

*** 36 Hours before Matchday 1 ***

Carson: “Alright everyone, let’s board the plane and head off to Starblaydia!”

Brooker: “Returning to the scene of glory!”

Lewis: “You guys did a great job, let’s go have some more success!”

(The players board their flight, waving to hundreds of supporters at the airport who we there to wish the well. While aboard the flight....)

Carson: “Guys, I have bad news. Our passports.....”

McAllister: “Don’t even...”

Carson: “Just kidding. Man, I waited months for this flight just to say that! (Laughs)”

McAllister: “So coach, do you think the Di Bradini Museum has our wing set up yet?”

Borsinger: “Yeah really, that’d be cool!”

Carson: “Actually, I inquired about that this morning. They said they have a set up there now, there’s still some more things to be put in place, but I think we’re going to have a little team trip there. I want everyone to know what Newmanistan is capable of doing, and for the older players to also win a Cup in Starblaydia. I’m still trying to find stuff out about this Sarejavo.”

Lewis: “Damn right.”

Chapman: “I’m interested in seeing all that Di Bradini stuff you guys did, that was very special. But it’s time for us to have our own success here.”

McCafferty: “We can’t let the kids show us up. They won something here, now we have to as well.”

Brooker: “How much different do you think the Baptism of Fire is going to be, coach? I mean I keep hearing that the tournaments have nothing to do with one another. I know the World Cup is a way higher level, but what about this?”

Carson: “I think because the teams and players are older that you’re going to find that the opponents may be smarter, less vulnerable to mistakes, and just flat out more hungry to win. There’s a lot of pride at stake. Plus, we kind of have a target on our back now.”

Borsinger: “Yeah, before we were expected to do nothing. Now it’s a tournament of all the teams taking their first stab at the World Cup, and where that club that’s already done a little something. We can’t let our guard down.”

Lewis: “Oh don’t worry, you guys may have won that, but I haven’t won anything. Doesn’t matter to me if we’re one of the favorites. We just gotta go there in win.”

Chapman: “So coach, what do we know about Sarejavo?”

McAllister: “They have a lot of fat people. That’s what the UN told me. They denounce religion and their currency is the Cheezborger.”

Brooker: “The what?”

Borsinger: “Anyone who denounces religion is not a friend of mine.”

Lewis: “Cheers to that.”

McAllister: “Exactly, I don’t know much about their football team, but I don’t like this brief stuff I know about them from the UN. It makes me totally wanna kick their ass.”

McCafferty: “Cheers to that too.”

Carson: (laughs) “I found an obscure tape of a club game in Sarejavo from two years ago, from what I’ve seen, I think we can handle them. Let’s just play our game, our style.”

McAllister: “Works for me!”

(On comes the in flight movie. The players and coaches tone it down a bit, relax, and complete the trip to Starblaydia. Yes, everything was just fine with their passports, and they checked into the hotel with no problems. Up next would be this unknown opponent. We’ll have a recap sometime later).

THE ROCKET REPORT

SAREJAVO BRUSHED ASIDE

Farca, Starblaydia- The 27th Baptism of Fire got started this evening, and the Rockets are very eager to have a very successful time in Starblaydia. One thing they did not want to do, is get off on the bad foot and lose to a team from the nation of Sarejavo, a country that not a lot of people really know a whole lot about. They were a little disorganized too, this Sarejavo, as they didn’t even present the media with a lineup card before the game. Presumably, the referees had something they could go by, but TV analysts could really only refer to their players by their numbers. Prior to the game, coach Brian Carson stated that Julie McElroy, listed as a reserve for most games, would actually be a substitute for this match, and that projected substitute Mitch Conrad would be a reserve. Just something for this match.

The Rockets took to the pitch, against some unknown fellows, and wanted to make certain that team anonymous would not have anything to get themselves optimistic. The speed of the Rockets were simply too much, and in the games 3rd minute, the score was quickly one-nil. A brilliant pass by Kevin Lewis to Jeremy McAllister just seemed flat out, too easy, and a helpless keeper was beaten by McAllister for the early lead. Farca was filled to its capacity, and just about 97,000 of the 99,000 people in attendance were supporting the Rockets. It was really as if the team was at home. The Rockets kept to the attack, and again, Sarejavo was outmatched by the speed. This time Lewis fed John Murphy, who would find the back of the net. Seven minutes in, 2-nil Rockets. At this time, coach Carson signaled for his team to go into a conservative mode as he sense his team could pretty much do anything they wanted out there. Not much happened for about half an hour, as to the casual observer, the Rockets almost seemed to be toying with their opposition. For good measure, Carson called for the team to go on the offense in the final five minutes of the first half. A run by Chris Peterson along the left side in the initiated the play, and a pass to Kevin Lewis was unchallenged. Lewis scored, in the 43rd minute to make it 3-0. Yes, that certainly won’t help him become less superstitious over the number 43.

At the break, there really wasn’t much Carson needed to say to the team, but just avoid a letdown. Perhaps the no-names just had a real bad half and would come out and play drastically better. He informed substitutes Shawn Drummond, Julie McElroy, and Tony Borsinger that they would all be entered into the game early in the half. True to his world, by the 55th minute they were all in. Murphy, Carrigan, and Stratton were the Rockets players that would be taken off. The Rockets were very conservative in the opening minutes of the second half, until some guy wearing #15 made a nice play for this team, intercepting a pass, and putting a shot behind Dalton to make it 3-1 in the 58th minute. The goal didn’t seem to bother the Rockets that much, as the consensus was that it was a fluke. But just to be sure, they would turn on the attack again. Their efforts would be rewarded as Julie McElroy made her presence felt with a tremendous blast the grazed the post before ending up in the net to put the Rockets up by three in the 71st minute. Shortly thereafter, it would be Jeremy McAllister again, set up nicely by McElroy. Jeremy’s 2nd goal of the game came in the 78th minute, and gave the Empire firm control of this match, and a very comfortable 5-1 advantage. The final few minutes had several whistles with the unnamed players taking some frustration fouls and bookings, but there would be no more scoring. The Rockets open up with a four goal margin of victory. Here is some post-game reaction:

McAllister: “It was nice to get back on a Starblaydi pitch again. We seem to have real good results here, and I was just glad to be able to contribute.”

Lewis: “We were in sync real well, and our opponents were very disorganized. We must build off of this but also remember that we got more difficult matches in store.”

Brooker: “I felt like I was in Newmanistan with all the tremendous support we got from the crowd today. As defenders, we weren’t pressured very much in this game, and I think we really look back and probably wish we got the clean sheet. We’re happy though as we move forward.”

McElroy: “Playing at the level just rocked! I think we’re gonna do real awesome in this tournament.”

Carson: “We played a real good game today, and the scoreline shows it. You had one club that was ready to play, ready to make a statement. And another club that really looked unprepared for what they faced. Sarejavo may improve with training, but training they must do. We’ll have stronger opponents. To get the quick three points is just what we needed. I’m proud of our team, because we kept that killer instinct on the whole game.”

And here is your boxscore. For the final time, your score: Newmanistan 5, Sarejavo 1

NEWMANISTAN 5
McAllister (3', 78') Assists- Lewis (3'), McElroy (78')
Murphy (7')
Lewis (43') Assist- Peterson
McElroy (71')

SAREJAVO 1
#15 (58')

Bookings
NEWMANISTAN- None

SAREJAVO
#3, YC, (14')
#4, YC, (82')
#10, YC (87')

Sesquipedalianist 2-0 Abaio

HISTORIC DAY FOR ALL INHABITANTS OF THE MOTLEY ASSORTED KINGDOM OF SESQUIPEDALIANISTS

The people in the Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist are going wild tonight celebrating and drinking harder than usual and spending more Capricious Mazumas' than what's wise but hey when you're drunk you have a good time. Any way why are they celebrating? An historical event in the limited known history of the young nation has just been witnessed. Count Your Chickens Your Wheels Are Square is not normally the main sport though it has gathered a large following from people tired of watching and following the Channel Flicking. As such the first ever national "football" (we have to start using that folks other wise other just wont geddit!) team to play in a competition outside of Indifference gained some interest and was watched by nearly all inhabitants as all the pubs were showing the live broadcast of their first game. Normally ones to ignore any news about the Sobered Exiles who are shown great amounts of disdain for becoming Sober and not doing anything about it the inhabitants braced the team after seeing them play excellent football and represent the true ideals of the Sesquipedalianist nation.

Anyways the match the match well lets start with who played for Sesquipedalianist:

GK: Bazza!
DF: Cazza! Benno! Wayne-o! Jimmy! Johnny!
MF: Quokka
ST: Jacko! Danno! Bruce! Tommo!

As for who was playing for Abaio no one here knows as the Commentator for Sesquipedalianist spilt his beer on the sheet of names. He is currently being extradited back for the crime of Spilling His Pint. Rest assured readers he will be punished.

The match started well a lot of anticipation from the fan in the stadium who was making a lot of hooping and chanting until he realised he still had a cube of beer left. The match was slightly delayed as well with Quokka trying to explain to his fellow team members where they were meant to stand but they were to pissed to care anyway. The match started slow and the first half was really a shamble. The players from Sesquipedalianist were having too much of a good time with no-one really bothering to play football despite Quokka's death threats to them. In fact if it wasn't for fact that the Abaio player's found the drunkenness of the Sober Exiles rather intimidated and fled whenever they came over for a good yarn and the fact that Quokka ran up and down the pitch like a headless chook trying to stop Abaio from scoring it could've been all over in the first half. As it was the teams went into the break all square at nil-nil with the players from Sesquipedalianist still in high spirits except for Quokka who had to be stretchered of from collapsing from exhaustion. The only real highlight was the near goal of Abaio. The striker hit a hard shot straight into the goalie who was luckily just standing stock still counting llama's in his head.

After the break the morale of the team of Sesquipedalianist dropped a bit as they started sobering up but their football started improving with the new revitalised Quokka not actually having to do all the work. The game then saw the action see saw with the Sober Exiles mainly kicking it long and hoping for the best. This paid off in the 54th minute with Quokka latching onto a long ball and because the defenders were to busy covering the forwards who were having an argument with the corner flag, He quickly ran in and lived up to his nickname of Silverfoot and scored a wonderful goal from a low drive to the back of the net. Cazza! and Benno! fought over who should get the assist but replays actually showed it was Johnny who had booted the goal up field. The play then was mainly in the favour of the Sober Exiles who really dominated play kicking it upfield several times of Quokka weaving in and out of one,two three players before being double-teamed. In the 88th minute with the score looking like it was going to be set on 1-0 a brilliant team play were Sesquipedalianist finally realised they could actually pass (they were now in fact almost quickly sober) with kicking long resulted in another Quokka goal from a lovely curling shot that rebounded of the cross bar and into the goal. That was then end of the highlights for the match afterwards there wasn't really much on field post-match celebrations as the team quickly ran faster than they had all game into the dressing room to get themselves smashed again. They are still partying now as we speak.

Match Stats:
Sober Exiles - Albaio

Goals: 2-0 (0-0)
Quokka 54", 88" (Assists: Jonny!, Timmy!)

Yellow Cards: 0-0
Red Cards: 0-0
Possession: 51-49(10-90)
Chances: 6-5(0-4)
Man of the Match: For his wonderful inanimate save, Bazza!

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

From Hallad City Staidum inHallad City Starbalyedira, our team for 8th graders took on a taem from Agorprom and somehow agianst the older kids, we beat them 3-0, the only taem in our group to get a shutout. The Agoraprom kids looked like they werent' going to take us seriuosly but after a goal form Marco Franchetti in the twnety-eightth minute gave us a 1-0 lead, they began to take us more seruiosly. But thanks to our good defense, we held them scoreless fro the rest ofthe half. In the second half, our team just ran circles around the older players, wearing them out and Marco Franchetti scored again in the sixtyth minute, making it 2-0. The last goal we scored was fromKevin Smythe who came in forBobby Aster, who hurt his leg on a hard takcle from a Agroaporm player. Kevin scored in the eighty-first minute to finsih off the scoring. we play Septnetroinia next.

Guys who have gotten a goal for us:
Marco: 2
Kevin: 1

Diojiu 1 - 2 East Antairees
Phoenix Tally First International Win

Cheers erupted across the islands last night as a late penalty kick put the East Antairees up 2 - 1, a lead which would carry into the 90th minute and give the Phoenix their first international win in history. An excellent start to the Baptism of Fire for the Phoenix, the match was tense early, slightly less tense just after half, and easy going the final 10 minutes of the match.

Diojiu scored first, early into the match, with a powerful cross coming from the right wing to the forward, who headed the ball neatly into the net past Antairian keeper Anthony Todd, who is already an important asset to his Runson Amalgamated club despite his young age.

The score remained 1 - 0 into half, but the scored was knotted at 1 - 1 following a 48th minute goal by left attacking midfielder Jack Strong, whose dribble skills were exhibited as he burned past 3 defenders in turn before firing a sizzling shot.

The game winner came from the foot of forward James Dent in the 79th minute, when a handball in the Diojiu box warranted a penalty kick. Netting it neatly into the top right of the goal, Dent was embraced by his team as the entirety of the East Antairees cheered from afar.

The East Antairees (1-0-0, 3 points) prepare for a match against Aqua Teen Hungerland (0-0-1, 0 points) next.

Score Recap:
Diojiu (13) 1 - 0 East Antairees
Diojiu 1 - 1 East Antairees (48)
Diojiu 1 - 2 East Antairees (79)

*In a restaurant *
Lionel Henri: Bonjour, monsieur

Waiter: May I beg your pardon?

L. Henri: I'm sorry, I forgot we were in a country where the official language is English. Good day, sir.

Waiter: Hello. May I take your order?

L. Henri: Yes. I'd take a poutine, with a Hot-Dog and some cola, please.

Waiter: Poutine?

L. Henri: Yeah... French fries, dipped in gravy and covered in cheese, be it melted or in curds.

Waiter: Never heard of that...

L. Henri: Never? That's one of the best plates ever.

Waiter: It's not on our menu, but I'm going to see with the chef if it's possible to cook you some.

L. Henri: Thank you, sir.

*Cell phone rings*

L. Henri: Hello. Who is this?

Louis Levasseur: Your worst dream mwahahahahah...

L. Henri: Louis... You got busted

L. Levasseur: Damn you, Lionel. Alright then. When will you come? We've got to practice, and it's hard to do without you. You remember we only drew Nethertopia 2-2, right?

L. Henri: Ok ok... I'm going to eat first, then, I'll come and join you... ah, the waiter is back, I'm hanging up.

* Closes the phone *

L. Henri: Yes?

Waiter: I'm sorry to tell you that we cannot cook such a thing. The Chef doesn't know about it and wants to be careful to not deceive his clients...

L. Henri: Well, I want some anyway. It's not hard: Fries, Gravy, Cheese.

Waiter: I know, but our Chef is kind of... mentally retarded?

Chef: I HEARD YOU STEVEN!

Waiter: Sorry, Chef. Sometimes he becomes susceptible.

L. Henri: Well, the fact is: I want Poutine. Else, I'm going to another restaurant.

Waiter: Ok... ok. Let me tell him about it...

L. Henri: I cannot believe it... I have to go, but the guy cannot cook me some easy to cook things...

*Waiter comes back*

Waiter: Alright, he can cook you some. Here's your cola. Your hot-dog and your err... Poutine? Will come soon. Want to pay now or before leaving?

L. Henri: Well, technically, it's "before leaving", so I'm going to pay now.

Waiter: That will be 10.93 Credits, please.

*Lionel hands the money to the waiter*

L. Henri: Thank you, sir.

* Some time later *

Waiter: There is your food, sir.

* Waiter places a hot-dog wrapped in paper, a cuplet of fries, another of gravy and a bag of cheese on the table *

L. Henri: WHAT. IS. THAT?

Waiter: Your order, sir.

L. Henri: I asked for poutine, not for the three ingredients separated... Ah well... thank you anyway, Mr. waiter. You're not the one to blame here...

Waiter: I can take it back, if you want...

L. Henri: No thanks, I'm already late...

So Lionel ate his poutine, feeling sad to have to make it by himself, perhaps, but he finally got to the practice and he now feels the team is ready to win their next game against...

L. Henri: WHAT? A BUNCH OF EIGHT GRADE JERKS?

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS LOOK FOR WIN AGAINST ALEOS

Vecchio, Starblaydia- After a convincing win over Sarejavo, the Rockets next look to take on a team from the nation of Aleos. Not much is really known about this nation, and our staff has been trying desperately to even get a list of their players from them. But that’s not the only similarity they have with Sarejavo. Aleos is a primarily atheist nation according to UN reports, and as we reported previously Sarejavo was a nation that denounced religion. And if you thought taxes were high in Newmanistan, then never plan a trip to Aleos. Sure, we’d love to talk about their football tradition instead of religion and taxes, but I’m afraid that’s all we got!

Fortunately, the coaches have a little bit to go by. They did play in MD1, and were defeated by Ruskastan by the score of 2-1. That’s enough to possibly draw a little more respect, since Ruskastan is probably one of the better teams in Group Eagle. After a 5-1 win over Sarejavo though, Newmanistan enters this game feeling good, but don’t worry about overconfidence. Clint Peterson, who did such a great job covering the Di Bradini Cup for us, now gets his chance to cover the Baptism of Fire, and yet more sit-downs with manager Brian Carson. Here’s their latest chat:

CP: Alright, I’m here once again with Newmanistan’s Brian Carson, who got the Rockets off to a great start against Sarejavo, in a game that looked very easy.

BC: Nothing’s ever easy in this game, Clint, but I do feel as though we will be playing much better opponents. Playing Sarejavo was a good way for us to get comfortable as a unit and playing together. We wanted to beat them though, for several reasons.

CP: Several? Why?

BC: Obviously we wanted to win the match to get the three points against an opponent that we should be able to handle. But we also saw some things about their nation that we didn’t care for from the United Nations, and that really motivated some of our players just to show them no mercy.

CP: Since when were United Nations reports used as scouting reports?

BC: When you have absolutely no other information, in any way, about them. That’s when!

CP: Aleos is another nation where not much is known about them, but at least they have the game against Ruskastan that you’ve been able to scout.

BC: Yeah, its different now. I don’t know why but some of these teams in the Baptism of Fire have chosen to be incredibly secretive about anything to do with their team. Aleos, though, we’ve been over their game with Ruskastan, so we know a little bit about them, where as against Sarejavo, we knew absolutely nothing. It’s another atheist nation though, and being we have several devout players on our club, that again will serve as major motivation.

CP: Newmanistan should be highly favored to win this game. When we talked during the Di Bradini Cup it was always about being the underdog, now in this, we’re a favorite. Does it make it any different?

BC: Not as long as you continue to win, or stay near the top at the table. So, as long as we do that, it won’t make a difference. We’re still a first time team in this event, and I know everyone in the Baptism of Fire is as well, but we have big, long term plans, for the World Cup stage, and we want to be able to look at our Baptism of Fire run as having been a successful tournament. We’re gonna play hard against everyone. There will be no letting up. I can handle this. I can handle it every day in Pocono City, with my club team that’s always expected to win and where the media capital of the Empire thrives.

CP: What teams concern you the most in Group Eagle?

BC: The next team on our schedule.

CP: You know what I mean. Who do you see as also being favorites in the group?

BC: I don’t really buy into that. We weren’t a favorite in the Di Bradini Cup from our group originally. You never really know now and it’s too early to tell. Sarejavo could all of the sudden start tearing it up. Anything is possible. Maybe in a few matchdays we’ll start to have the better sense of who the top teams are. But right now we just have to worry about Newmanistan. And the next team we play.

CP: Have the Starblaydi people treated you guys differently? Such as, like a top team, as opposed to an underdog as it was in the Di Bradini Cup?

BC: I’ve had many more requests for interviews from the Starblaydi media, yes. I didn’t have as many early in the Di Bradini Cup. So are the players. McAllister, rightfully, is getting quite a bit of attention. It’s all good, nothing overwhelming. We should just enjoy the moment, because when the World Cup begins and we’re attempting to qualify, we’ll be back to being the underdog.

CP: Alright, I think I’ll let you go for now. Good luck against Aleos.

BC: Thank you, we’ll be up for this game.

"Well, that wasn't so bad for our first match," said Kietecs. "At least we didn't lose it. But we've really got to try harder next time, guys. We'll be facing The Daleks 2 soon but not much is known about them. We will play with our basic eleven again. And Abdoulaye Soro, thanks for scoring two in the last quarter. It would've been a disaster if we'd lost the game."

"No problem, coach. I just hope we're able to not concede any goals the next time," Soro replied. "But i think we should make it an early day..." "Yeah," said Ronnie de Haan. "We must get lots of sleep if we want to take our play to the limit."

"Ok guys, in that case we'll just head to our beds. I'm expecting everybody on the training grounds tomorrow at 11 am. Goodnight."

http://animated-views.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/aquateen-05.JPG

Ignignokt: We have returned from that charming commercial for personal watercraft to discuss the bruising of the Aqua Team's asses.

Err: Man, I want one of those. I could pull off the craziest. . .

I: Try to stay on topic Err, we are discussing football.

E: Yeah, yeah.

I: The Aqua Team were defeated in their first match.

E: The first of many!

I: Their ineptidude was shown early when the other team took the ball from them and scored on the opening play.

E: Now that's the way to start your morning!

I: Following halftime, the Aqua Team were able to steal a goal with a penalty kick, following a most amusing encounter, Err, show the clip.

E: Man, I can't show the clip, I'm supposed to be on camera.

I: Well I can't very well show it, I am the digital host. You get a slave to show the clip. Who would like to join our slavery program? Anyone?

E: Fine, I'll get the damn clip.

(cut to scene)

Randy the Astonishing is dribbling into the penalty area when Uzulmez Yilmaz comes in studs up and takes him down. The Love Mummy is immediately on the scene, and easily heard in the furthest corner of the stadium.

Love Mummy: CURSE! CURSE! CUUUUUUUUUURRSSSE!!!

Small rocks, dirt and lightning strikes begin to whirl around the mummy. Yilmaz shoves the mummy, who continues to point and shout, to the ground. The referee pulls out a red card for Yilmaz and cautions the mummy against further curses. The mummy is propped up at the spot by his teammates and somehow strikes the ball past Iskender Kazim, who was visibly shaken by the confrontation.


I: Surely the higlight of the match.

E: He put a curse on the guy and only got cautioned?

I: Err, don't be stupid, the curse of the mummy is just a figure of speech.

E: I knew that.

I: The Aqua Team once again showed their incompetency by giving away the winning goal in added time.

E: So there's really no curse of the mummy?

I: I have told you that. Later this week, we will be joined by Aqua Team defender Willie Nelson.

E: The Willie Nelson?

I: No, not the Willie Nelson, Willie Nelson the Monster. He lives in the attic.

Ruskastan Coast past Aleos

Ruskastan secured a major victory against fellow group members Aleos to take a firm grip in Group Eagle. U21 Graduate Rasul Sa'id scored the first goal of the game when he left three Aleos defenders standing to shoot home from 15 yards after 66 minutes. Despite an abundance of talent in the Ruskani' squad, it was not enough to put off the challange from Aleos, which equalized in the 70th Minute. The first match in BoF for Ruskastan hosted one of the most-anticipated games of the tournament for the Ruskani crowd, which wondered all week at what level the National team was going to perform.

Ruskastan then hit back with a thirty-yard effort from Yasir Jiří at around the 80th Minute to dim any hopes of the Aleos fans. with that goal and the tight control of the midfield by the Ruskani National team, the game was over. It was a rowdy day and a tight game in which the skill and the determination of the Ruskanis proved no match for the Aleos Squad.

Ruskastan Await Terreiro de Ogum Challange

In the next game of the Group, Ruskastan are matched with a strong challenge from tone of the Cafendu breakaway regions, Terreiro de Ogum. A team such as that, filled with talent and class, will be a hard challenge for Ruskastan and it will take a strong determination and a team which plays at it highest potential to defeat it.

Ruskani manager Behar Isa has confirmed he has doubled the workload for the team and has kept them in a tight leash in preparation for the team. "We have faced good teams before and we face a good team in this next match, we will make sure we perform as one of the top teams in this group in order to match Terreiro de Ogum in this game" he said. Adding that the team was training in all aspects the game and he was going to make sure that Terreiro de Ogum would be no match for Ruskastan tactically or on the field.

Victory of the justice hands of Xangô!

The first game of our beloved country was a difficult one to win, thanks to some difficulties in doing the prepared moves and due to the fact that the referee seemed too strict for us, there were many fouls during the game, some that shouldn't be called. But Mãe Berlinda did a ritual to see if the evil spirit that is inside this referee will leave him, so he can leave in peace. She told us that she noticed that the referee has a mystical aura that is certainly related with the presence of an evil spirit inside him.

Although the possessed referee disallowed two goals of Terreiro de Ogum (and one from Wijaska Island), in the end our country's team was able to get the fairest result, that was a close win. Surely justice was made. The game was very close, but Terreiro de Ogum had much more chances. The fast attacks started by Toquinho and Tramóia were our best weapons. The first goal was scored in the first half, when Pai Berto crossed the ball to the area and Mestre Kacet hit it with a capoeira move, surprising the goalkeeper. Wijaska Island scored before the end of the first half, thanks to a mistake by Reclusa, who lost the ball in the defence. The last goal was scored, again, by Mestre Kacet, receiving the ball from Toquinho, dribbling the goalkeeper with an excellent move and shooting the ball to the goal.

And what about the spiritual energy of Wijaska Island? According to the great pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé, they have a very low spiritual strength. "They didn't accept the Orixás' influence in their lives. This must be a very sad situation for them, without anyone with a higher knowledge about life to lead them through their decisions. If they noticed that the Orixás are their friends and must be trusted, they could live happier, I think. Their lack of belief in the Orixás is so low that we can't even affect them with our rituals."

Talking while holding a dead black chicken, the mãe-de-santo Mãe Berlinda de Ubulaiê said: "We of the terreiro asked for a special help from the Orixás to guide our team in the game. And Xangô was the one that heard us. When the team was suffering with the bad calls of the referee, he brought justice to the game. Thanks Xangô! Without his help, we wouldn't win this game."

Mãe Berlinda de Ubulaiê also made some predictions about the future of Terreiro de Ogum in football. She said: "The Orixás talked to me through the búzios... and they said that Terreiro de Ogum will obtain success. It wasn't clear if it was a complete success or just a relative one, but we must remain confident, as we have the help of the good spirits.

"... Oh come on Uzulmez it isn't so bad" Sinan Said at the dinner table
"Yeah come on we could go get some girls like we do it our side"
"Hmm" Uzulmez thought as his face was bedashed with tears he had been sent off and he was ashamed. The coach asked the younger players below legal drinking limit in Starblaydia to keep him away from the bar.
"so Uzulmez lets eat my treat" Sinan said in a cheery voice." Uzulmez sniffed and read the menu which was when the coach came in.
" I call dibbs on the special"
"aww crap" Sinan cursed.
"come on chicken legs everyone knows about the international dibbs protocol."
"Why do we even bother" the whole table was on edge begging for an interuption which was when the referee from his game paged Murat to tell him Uzulmez's ban.
"bad news kidd Rock Your out for our next game, which is no biggie I was gonna rotate the team." Uzulmez broke down suddenly which was when the team made its way up to the party with the fans, no beer in case Sinan or someone young got their hands on it...

Matchday Two Scores:

Group Lion
Krasslor 0-2 Dioju
East Antairees 3-2 Aqua Teen Hungerland
Eighthgraderistan 1-1 Septentrionia
Nethertopia 4-0 The Daleks 2
Kosovoe 3-1 Agroprom

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
East Antairees 2 2 0 0 5 3 2 6
Nethertopia 2 1 1 0 6 2 4 4
Eighthgraderistan 2 1 1 0 4 1 3 4
Kosovoe 1 1 0 0 3 1 2 3
Diojiu 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3
Kose and The Turkomans 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
Septentrionia 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2
Krasslor 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
The Daleks 2 2 0 1 1 2 6 -4 1
Agroprom 2 0 0 2 1 6 -1 0
Aqua Teen Hungerland 2 0 0 2 3 5 -2 0

Group Eagle
Sarejavo 2-2 Abaio
Sesquipedalianist 5-1 New Cimeran
Terreiro de Ogum 3-0 Ruskastan
Aleos 1-2 Newmanistan
Pantocratoria 0-1 Wijaska Island

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sesquipedalianist 2 2 0 0 7 1 6 6
Newmanistan 2 2 0 0 7 2 5 6
Terreiro de Ogum 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
Wijaska Island 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
Ruskastan 2 1 0 1 2 4 -2 3
New Cimeran 2 1 0 1 2 5 -3 3
Sarejavo 2 0 1 1 3 6 -1 1
Abaio 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
Engbec 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Pantocratoria 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
Aleos 2 0 0 2 2 4 -2 0

East Antairees 3 - 2 Aqua Teen Hungerland
Dent Explodes For Hat Trick

The Phoenix's second win of the Baptism of Fire was clinched last evening propelled primarily by the stellar play of star forward James Dent.

With this win, the Phoenix establish themselves atop Group Lion, 2 points ahead of the nearest competitor, Nethertopia. While nowhere near important at this stage, the spot atop the group is being hailed as a source of national pride in the East Antairees.

Dent's work was fast and furious, netting two goals in the first 45 minutes, and another only 5 minutes following the resumption of play after halftime. After his third goal, Antairian fans threw thousands of hats onto the field, resulting in a 10 minute delay of the game to clean them up. Aqua Teen Hungerland stayed in the match, but could not equalize, trailing the entire time.

The Phoenix (2-0-0) prepare for their next match, against Kose and the Turkomans (1-0-0) in Matchday Three.

Score Recap:
East Antairees (23) 1 - 0 Aqua Teen Hungerland
East Antairees 1 - 1 Aqua Teen Hungerland (27)
East Antairees (38) 2 - 1 Aqua Teen Hungerland
East Antairees (50) 3 - 1 Aqua Teen Hungerland
East Antairees 3 - 2 Aqua Teen Hungerland (61)

The Turks Vs. East Antairiees
Strong defence, potent attack and a well gelled midfield. The discription could fit either team as they are getting ready for the must win clash. The Turks are without Uzulmez who has unforntunatly been suspended but the inexperienced Ismael Koc expected to make his debut.

Uzulmez who is said to have been considering asking to leave the tournement has been in a mental breakdown despite celebrations with the fans. Coach Murat will have to hope he's ready for their next game becuase without him they lack stability at the back.

Also another change from the squad against ATH is the return of holdout Yilmaz Aydin who has arrived late due to family issues.

So my final say is if the Turks have a bit of fortune on their side they could edge it out.

Final Prediction: 1-0 To the Turks

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

From Foundation Road, Rhanna, Stardbalyia. we played Septerntionia today and came away with a 1-1 draw. for the fisrt sixty minutes both teams couldnt' score but finally in the sixty first minute, Setperntonia's Nicollas Maloiel made it 1-0, but only six minutes later Bobby Aster tied it up at oneall. Both teams couldbn't score agian and it ended tied. After two games, the team is 1-1-0, and is tied for second ovreall with Necrotopia. Our next game is agianst the 2nd daleks.

Guys who have gotten a goal for us:
Marco: 2
Kevin: 1
Bobby: 1

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS SLIP BY ALEOS

Vecchio, Starblaydia- As much as manager Brian Carson may preach focusing on the current opponent, it looked like at points today that they expected this match to be the kind of walk-through that they had against Sarejavo. Passes were off target, and the team just seemed to be out of sync early on. Credit Aleos for their defensive play, as every time they gained possession it appeared as they want to play for a scoreless draw. The ball seemed as though it was at midfield the entire half, with neither goalkeeper really pressured to do a whole lot. Towards the end of the first half, the Rockets passing was improving, but they were whistled for offsides three times in the final ten minutes, one leading to a yellow card to Kyle Lewis after he appeared to curse out the linesman. Then in the 40th minute, #8 on Aleos delivered a perfectly struck shot to beat Dalton and give their team a one-nil lead at the break. The Rockets seemed ripe for an upset. Before heading into the locker room at the intermission, Brian Carson had an uncharacteristic discussion with the officials.

At intermission, Carson tried not to be too hard on his players, but reminded them that they would need to play a lot better, not just if they wanted to win this game, but if they wanted to have much success in the Baptism of Fire. They say that the best leaders rise up in times of adversity, and while Carson was doing what he could, young Jeremy Brooker stood up and gave the team this speech, “Guys, and gal, you all make fun of my South Charlotte Condors in the NSL, so come on, give me a South Charlotte joke right now. (At first players seemed confused by where he was going with this, but no one decided to actually make a joke). No one’s got anything, huh? That’s good, because we play better then this in South Charlotte. I came here to win, not to go through what I have to deal with at home. For crying out loud, have we made more then 3 successful passes in row in this game? What’s wrong with us? Did we think we would win just by showing up? Those Aleos guys are playing hard and with tons of passion and national pride. Now let’s go out there and show them how much pride we have!” (Random shouts of That’s right! Let’s go, etc. follow), and the team with new life, takes the field for the second half. Carson pats Brooker on the back, and whispers, “well done”.

The Rockets came on running on all cylinders in the second half. The supporters began cheering and chanting, realizing that the team appeared to have regained their focus. The passing was a lot better. Aleos was not able to play defensively, because they could hard gather possession. Their keeper made some nice stops for a while, but in the 58th minute, off a corner kick, John Murphy struck home the equalizer. Credit Carrigan for the great delivery on the corner. After some midfield play, and one decent Aleos scoring chance, the Rockets took the lead in the 74th minute, on a nice play by Jeremy McAllister. It wasn’t a goal, but his play to get through the defense, then deliver a smooth pass to Brian Prescott, and Prescott put it where the keeper could not reach. The Rockets had the 2-1 lead, and the momentum, but kept on pressuring. The final 15 minutes was all Newmanistan, and if not for some nice defensive play and goalkeeping, they probably would have gotten a third goal.

Newmanistan escapes with the 2-1 win. Fortunate perhaps, but three points is three points. They know though, that a much better effort will be needed in their next match Terreiro de Ogum, a club that has also registered two victories. We could not get any post-game reaction, as Brian Carson was unusually unavailable after the game, having a much longer team meeting then normal. Anyway, here’s your final boxscore.

NEWMANISTAN 2
Murphy (58')
Prescott (74') Assist- McAliister

ALEOS 1
#8 (40')

Bookings:
NEWMANISTAN
Chapman, YC, 23'
Lewis, YC, 37'

ALEOS
#5, YC, 51'

Lionel Henri: We have drawn 1-1 with... a bunch of eighth graders? I cannot believe we suck so much...
Louis Levasseur: Yeah, but they tend to play it daily at Perpetual High School, while we have begun to develop soccer only fours years ago. I'd say that, for some of the players, the result is quite spectacular.
Lionel Henri: Some of their players are annoying jerks as well. For example, one of them threw me an eraser, thinking I was a teacher. The sad part is that I AM a teacher at Université de Septentrionalis.
Louis Levasseur: You think they found out you were?
Lionel Henri: Maybe... You know, these kids are very bright. For example, ask them who smoke the joint, and everybody will say that they haven't. After, as the adult has to find a guilty person, he'll take the most dumb-looking one, thinking he is the guilty one. But you, me and the kids KNOW that he's the less likely one to have smoked it. Get my point?
Louis Levasseur: I guess... wait, I was that ugly and dumb-looking guy, and got caught for that same situation... and I remember one of my teachers was called "Monsieur Henri"... Lionel, were you ONE of my teachers?
Lionel Henri: I wanted to tell you before, but it wasn't possible... yes, I teached you at École Secondaire La Taverne. I was teaching you that useless course about how to research on a topic correctly, right?
Louis Levasseur: Yes, that was the class. And yes, it was really boring and useless. Despite me not suceeding in said class, look at where I am now...
Lionel Henri: I'm still teaching you, Louis...
Louis Levasseur: Merde... You got me there, Lionel. So, we're going out, drinking tonight?
Lionel Henri: Sure... I heard of a bar where they serve a mix of vodka and peanuts.
Louis Levasseur: Sounds interesting... let's go there!

(Prior to the team’s morning meeting in the hotel meeting room. Most of the team has gathered to discuss the next opponent, Terreiro de Ogum.)

Brooker: “Alright guys, what do you think about this Ogum team?”

Carrigan: “Do you think they would get mad if we just called them Ogum?”

Chapman: “Yeah it might, let’s stick with the full name.”

Brooker: “Very well. Did you know that each Terreiro de Ogum has their own little pre-game ritual? This one guy, Bicho Grilo, smokes marijuana in the field.”

McAllister: “There’s no drug testing in this?”

Brooker: “Apparently not.”

McCafferty: “Hey ya know what, that’s not right at all. If one guy’s smoking pot, who knows what else the rest of this team is doing?”

Lewis: “Like a professional baseball team. Steroids. Human growth hormone. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, no pun intended. One guy’s doing this so blatantly, who knows what the rest of them are doing.”

Brooker: “The World Cup Committee should launch a formal investigation into this team. Should we issue a formal complaint to the league?”

Chapman: “Members of the committee, us, the Newmanistan Rockets, feel that the guy known as Bicho Grilo should be declared ineligible from World Cup competition, and the Baptism of Fire for his blatant drug use.”

Carrigan: “Let’s let coach decide if we’re going to seriously complain to the Committee.”

Lewis: “They consider this clown a messenger of the future. What a role model he is for their young kids. A pothead, and a messenger of the future. What a joke.”

Peterson: “Motivation for this game? FOUND!”

McAllister: “Heck yes!”

Borsinger: “You guys all consider me the spiritual leader of the team, right?”

(Group: YES!!)

Borsinger: “What you guys have been talking about just really pisses me off. I had been admiring Terreiro de Ogum for, what I thought, was amazing spirituality. But here you have this guy who’s on drugs. A horrible influence for the kids of their nation, but he’s accepted onto their team. Whether we seriously complained to the Committee or not, it almost looks like they use religion as a cover. Are they really a bunch of cheaters like Kevin Lewis said? Is there steroids and HGH going on here too? That is not following the Word of God. God doesn’t want people to cheat to get ahead.”

Brooker: “Amen Tony. You know what pisses me off too? I’ve been busting my ass off to become the best defender I can possibly can. This guy is basically my counterpart on the pitch as a defender. I’m working out, spending countless hours in the gym, watching so much game tape to make someone go crazy and this guy is allowed to smoke a joint on the pitch.”

Murphy: “I know it doesn’t matter, but he won’t do it in a country where marijuana is prohibited.”

Brooker: “Screw that. I don’t care. It’s disrespectful to me, as his opponent no matter where we are.”

Lewis: “Then you have this last line. They respect their opponents like brothers. Oh really?! Stop the (expletive) smoking in front of all the little kids in the stands watching. That’s not respectful.”

McAllister: "This guy's a defender right? Let's say if we score, the goal scorer does a smoking gesture right in front of him."

Brooker: "I like that. Do it!"

Lewis: "So will I!" (Most players nod in agreement)

Chapman: “When coach comes, shall we tell him we wish to issue a complaint on this guy?”

(Stay tuned for Part II. Will coach Carson issue the complaint? Will he tell them to lighten up (no pun intended. Ok, maybe a little intended) All coming up in a couple hours time!)

(OOC: Take nothing personal here, Terriero de Ogum. I’m just glad to finally have an opponent with a roster.)

Part II

(Coach Carson enters)

Carson: Good morning everyone, today we get set for probably one of our tougher group games, against Terreiro de Ogum. I know we’ve been over strategy all week and watching the tapes that our scouts have provided, but there are a few things I want to go over this morning.”

Chapman: Hey, coach, we want to ask you something.

Carson: What is it?

Chapman: This guy Bicho Grilo smokes a joint on the pitch before every game. Isn’t this banned by the World Cup Committee?

McCafferty: They say he won’t do it in countries where its prohibited, but this is an international competition. Aren’t their international guidelines outlawing this?

Lewis: It makes you wonder that if one guy is doing this, what else they may be doing.

Carson: Well, I’m a little surprised by all of this, but we must remember that we are playing national teams, and some of these nations have very unique cultures. Terreiro de Ogum is a very unique nation. They are a spiritual nation, but not really in the way that we are.

Brooker: That’s all fine and dandy, but there are guidelines as set forth by the World Cup Committee. We should issue a complaint.

Carson: There are. If we know this guy is doing this out there, then surely they do too. If it’s being allowed to continue, then it must be within their guidelines. I trust that they will enforce their rules without us needing to complain about this player.

Lewis: So, you won’t? What if steroids are part of this culture, would that be allowed too?

Carson: Well, seeing how it’s important to you guys, I’ll ask the Starblaydi Football Association for their opinion on the matter. Not a complaint, per say, but just so we know where they stand on this guy. I only say that because there is a bigger issue potentially here, and if this is what they are willing to show the world, then it does make you wonder what they aren’t willing to show.

Chapman: Thank you.

Borsinger: I just don’t like these guys, and their religion.

Carson: Well, their spirituality is different, Tony. We are going to see that in the World Cup.

McAllister: It’s not a big deal, really. Now if a bunch of players from Eighthgraderistan were seen at one of the bars around here, that may cause a bigger reaction.

Brooker: True!


Carson: Ok. Now that we got all that talked about. Let’s talk about our match.

(Collective “Yes sir” is heard. Carson goes into a long strategic lecture, players listen, and then everyone begins to exit and head for the practice field).

Lewis: Jeremy, if we score, are you still going to do the smoking gesture in his face?

McAllister: Damn right I am!

Lewis: Me too. (Laughs)

Today in starblaydia, the kosovoe national team went shopping. They bought some nice manly perfume and some light green sweaters. Then they went walking around the mall while the starbladi people looked at them with utter silence. The mall was soundless. Not even a peep. The peop[le were wondering what place these weirdos had come from. Then they remebered the kosovoe team. With there flashy pink tops and lime shorts the souel were the most klassiestof the teams in the whole World cup Bof, being hosted by th soccer federation of starblaydia. Well anyway the one kid said how weird these men were an was slapped by his father. Later that day the people at the mall would see these guys play a game.
Well kindof. It was a muddy day and the field was in a bad condition, as you may know the team from kosovoe doesn't like there jerseys to get messed up. So they tried not to move around to hard and get there kleats messed up. Well the other team was from Agroprom, they were looking at the souel team like they were idoits. They had an easy win on there mind.
The game started with an easy shot on goal by the Agro. star wich went in because Aaron Bradley the kosovoe keeper didn't want to slide on the muddy grass. The game trickled on second after second with agroproms players keeping absolute control of the ball, but not doing anything with it.
After halftime the game became a different story. The pitch had dried out during the 1:00 half when blood was being stripped of the field from the agro goalies fight with his own defender were both were thrown out, and the refs didn't want the other players to get any diseases.
Well the souel could now play on the hard turf, as an extra bonus the team had a two player advantage over the aroprom team. The half started with a Zaric Stavun lob kick down the right side of the field to World B. Free the star Kosovoe Middi who stroke the ball into the back of the Agroprom net. Then on the ensuing kickoff Jaret Laeshneart stole the ball from an agroprom attacker and struck it down the field to an awaiting Fred Weasley who passed it over to his brother George who kicked it to the top of the crossbar where it fell into the net.
Finally Jack the Ripper in for Manny Lerinitas who passed the ball into the penalty box were Champ Maigee struck the ball into the net, and the team from kosovoe won its first ever soccer game on thge national game.

Squad announced for match
Gk: 23.Hakan Eksi: This selection has baffled nearly all the press, the 44 year old was expected to be nearing the end of his career with third division outfit Ofiktas JK but has been made the number 1 for this match.
CB: 14.Ismael Koc: Brought in for the suspended Yilmaz while he is transfer listed at Kuccukoy he was selected on the basis of poetential and had saved them with many clearences of the line.
CB: 3. Sukur Saray: The player had a good game 2 days ago and looked in good shape in suporting Uzulmez but now he will need to step up and become the commanding defender.
RB: 4. Firat Can: Firat held his ground against ATH and was never beaten... so it seemed natural for him to play on.
LB: 5.Yilmaz Aydin: is back from family and injury issues and looks set to dominate the left sided midfielder.
CM: 6.Tumer Arda: will look to feed the ball (Not literally) to Sinan on Many ocaisions and keep the defence awake.
CM: 18. Nuri Turan: The sixteen year old was put in based on his amazing performance in training also the coach had "a Feeling" well we can all hope can't we?
LM: 9. Serkan Turkmen: The transfer man who will probably be Leaving the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium and become the first Kosenic player to play outside K&TT.
RM: 19. Balci Mutlibalaoglu: He was put in to replace Gunes because of the flair he can provide with his 3 years extra experience allowing him to manipulate from the wings.
ST: 10. Sinan Kose: The top scorer will make his second apearence hoping to emulate his previous performance with another stunning goal perhaps.
ST: 22. Nuri Turkoglu: The youngster was brought in after Volkan failed to add to Sinan's firepower and was beleived to be the ideal partner for him after training since he relies on speed not strengh, making him Sinans polar opposite

"A wonderful game, m'lads!" Shouted Rob Kietecs. "A 4-0 victory over The Daleks 2! It was brilliant, just brilliant." "Well, of course it helped that we got a penalty," said Abdoulaye Soro. "Yes, and you finished it brilliantly. And you even made the second goal too... If you continue this way you might become the top scorer in the cup!"

"But everybody has played well," continued the coach. "Even Sergio scored a goal. That's a rare thing for a captain, don't you think?" "It was nothing," replied Sergio Torres. "Everybody would've made that chance. And i liked the bullet shot from Kingley as well. He was just a minute on the field after the sub!" "Yeah, credit must go to him too," agreed Kietecs.

"Guys, guys, have i news for you!" The vice president of the NFA, Pieter-Jan Inniger came rushing in. "El din Marbles FC from The Republic of Candelaria And Marquez have just contacted us about Abdoulaye... They want him i their team!" "Well, well, well..." said Soro, "That's great. But how about the inland competition?" "That's ok," replied Inniger. "We've already made a settlement with your club, we only have an amateur competition." "Dude, this is a great opportunity for you to gain experience man!" Yelled Souleymane Diakité, his forward buddy on the field. "And it will also promote our nation in the outside of the world!" "I agree with Souleymane," interruped the coach. "You should go with Pieter-Jan and see how things end. But now we must eat something, i'm starving!"

http://tvmedia.ign.com/tv/image/article/780/780474/aqua-teen-hunger-force-20070413005544179.jpg

Ignignikt: Today, we are joined by Aqua Team Defenseman Willie Nelson.

Err: Play us a song!

I: Err, we have been over this already. He is not the Willie Nelson.

Willie Nelson: Yeah, I'm Willie Nelson the monster.

E: You're not much of a monster man.

WN: Well. I've been known to, umm, do a number on plenty of cats.

E: I'll believe that when I see it.

I: What do you have to say for yourself and the Aqua Team Onionhead?

WN: Well, I mean, yeah we're not doing real good right now.

I: I think the word you are looking for is bad.

E: And now you've found it!

I: How are you working to improve.

WN: Well, Dr. Wierd, he doesn't really coach a whole lot, even though he gives a lot of speeches. He's not really much of a coach come to think of it. Some of the guys are trying to get me to be a little more aggressive, play a little tougher you know?

E: Oh we know all right.

WN: They're trying to create this sort of alter ego for me, they call it Blood Feast Island Man. I dunno, I'm not really feeling it.

I: What you are feeling is called defeat.

WN: Yeah, I won't lie, it kinda sucks right now. We have a very disfunctional locker room. Frylock tries to be a good captain, but no one listens to him. The Love Mummy is a moocher, Travis only speaks Japanese, Dirtfoot doesn't speak anything, The Cybernetic Ghost is annoying, and let's face it, Randy is just a freak, although I guess we're lucky that Inside-Out Boy isn't on the roster.

I: Our delight at your personal problems is barely containable. That's all we have for now, come back next week, or else.

Matchday Three Scores:

Group Lion
The Daleks 2 1-2 Eighthgraderistan
Septentrionia 0-1 Kosovoe
Aqua Teen Hungerland 3-2 Krasslor
Kose and The Turkomans 2-2 East Antairees
Diojiu 2-3 Nethertopia

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Nethertopia 3 2 1 0 9 4 5 7
Eighthgraderistan 3 2 1 0 6 2 4 7
East Antairees 3 2 1 0 7 5 2 7
Kosovoe 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
Kose and The Turkomans 2 1 1 0 4 3 1 4
Diojiu 3 1 0 2 5 5 0 3
Aqua Teen Hungerland 3 1 0 2 6 7 -1 3
Septentrionia 3 0 2 1 3 4 -1 2
Krasslor 3 0 1 2 4 7 -3 1
The Daleks 2 3 0 1 2 3 8 -5 1
Agroprom 2 0 0 2 1 6 -1 0

Group Eagle
Newmanistan 2-2 Terreiro de Ogum
Ruskastan 4-2 Pantocratoria
New Cimeran 0-1 Sarejavo
Engbec 0-3 Sesquipedalianist
Abaio 0-1 Aleos
Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Sesquipedalianist 3 3 0 0 10 1 9 9
Newmanistan 3 2 1 0 9 4 5 7
Terreiro de Ogum 3 2 1 0 7 3 4 7
Ruskastan 3 2 0 1 6 6 0 6
Sarejavo 3 1 1 1 4 6 -2 4
Wijaska Island 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
Aleos 3 1 0 2 3 4 -1 3
New Cimeran 3 1 0 2 2 6 -4 3
Abaio 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1
Engbec 2 0 0 2 0 4 -4 0
Pantocratoria 2 0 0 2 2 5 -4 0

The Turks 2-2 East Antairees
In a game when a draw was most likely did anyone Expect a different result? well the fans did which escalated into a violent blood bath. Both teams players played with good spirit.

The Turks scored early from a Sinan Kose Power blast which curled into the back of the net. But two goals from Dent in the 43rd and 45th minute had all but destroyed the Turks, But then came Serkan Turkmens free kick into the net.

In an interview Murat said when confronted by our reporter "Well I'm disapointed in our fans they emmbaressed us and football today and I'm almost certain my oposite number feels the same."

**In the Changing Rooms**
Murat: Okay Lads well played I saw some good play soem scrappy play and theres no shame in drawing with a qaulity side. Considering we were missing Uzulmez our defence was still strong.
Sinan: but our fans shamed us to the max
M: Yes but the Starblaydi Police will stop it, now we have to get out without getting injured
Turkmen: (Picking up bag) lets make a break for it, it's our only chance.
S: Hey coach this is the first time you've been nice to us... what the hell is wrong with you
M: Nothing (Opens Door) lets run

Yet again the team from Kosovoe won a CLOSE GAME, this one against Septentriona. The souel were frolicking on the field all day and the game was quite boring even though the septronian team had 60 shots on goal that all missed.
The souel weren't doing good either they failed to convert on a number of oppurtunities also, but finally with just half an hour left in the game George weasley stode the deciding shot into the back of the net.
The game went on quite uneventful till finally Koso defender Cederic Roeling took control of the ball and ran around running out the clock. The souel remain the only truely unblemished team with no ties or losses.

Ogum's power leads team to another victory!

"Glória ao orixá da guerra, o grande Ogum, aquele que guia nosso mestre de capoeira e que hoje foi responsável por trazer força de vontade a todos os nossos guerreiros do time!"

Salutations to all the lovers of Olorum and Terreiro de Ogum! Our country strong in spirituality, and strong in football! After the victory in the first game of the Baptism of Fire, our brothers could get a much better win against Ruskastan. Thanks to our good team work and football ability, three goals came, one in the first half and two in the second half, and happiness came to all the terreiros due to this good result. Was this opponent weaker than Wijaska Island? We're not sure. According to the mãe-de-santo Mãe Viridiana de Iansã, the players of Ruskastan were in a bad spiritual moment, and because of that had a bad game.

Good for our beloved team, that was able to take control of the game since its first minutes. Luckily, the referee wasn't possessed by an evil spirit, and the rituals made by our captain Pai Berto de Tucumã before the game increased our strength and spiritual vision of the match, giving us the confidence to get the good result. In the middle of the first half, Tramóia took the ball using his stealth abilities and passed it to Guaxinim, who scored the first goal. In the second half, after the players could rest their souls with cachaça and with more religious rituals, more goals came. Pinguinha, completely drunk, used his lack of balance in his advantage, dribbling three players before scoring the goal. The last goal was scored by Mestre Kacet, with a nice volley, something common for this capoeira player.

This two good results showed the union of the team, all the players seem extremely happy with playing together, and confident that the alliance with the orixás can lead them to the victory. But what about Ruskastan? Do they accept the orixás in their lives, do they look for their advices? According to our great pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé, few people there really believe in the orixás' strength. He said: "After consulting the spirits and my búzios, I could see that, in Ruskastan, only a small part of the population follow the orixás' instructions. Their spiritual strength is unstable, they don't dedicate themselves to their spirits, they take too much care of their bodies. This is wrong. This result in bad spiritual moments, just like in today's game."

Happy with the result, the mãe-de-santo Mãe Viridiana de Iansã said: "We don't have just eleven players and a coach, who, by the way, is a great person, I love the Blind Magician. But, returning to the issue, we have much more than twelve people... that will soon become twenty-seven. And I'm not talking about the population of Terreiro de Ogum. No, we can only help with prayers and support. We have the ORIXÁS! They can help our team with much more than prayers, support, shots, passes, dribbles, tactical instructions... they elevate our spiritual, their help is divine! And today, Ogum, the orixá of war, gave us his war force to the team. Thanks Ogum!"

Terreiro do Ogum seems a strong team, and Mestre Kacet, one of our best players, told us why we are playing so well: "A football game isn't decided only in the field. No, the field is just a part of the game. There's another place that has an influence in the game... the spiritual world. And we give importance to this place. We ask for the help of the orixás, we need them to play with our full abilities. And, with them, we have something that the other teams don't have."

(OOC: RP for the game against Newmanistan made at 2:00 GMT, waiting for moderators' approval)

Kose and The Turkomans 2 - 2 East Antairees
Dent For Two More

The excitement of the third match of the Baptism of Fire for the Phoenix is heavily overshadowed by a heartbreaking tie and a ferocious brawl by fans.

Down early into the match off a powerful shot from Turk star Sinan Kose, the Phoenix were fighting for the rest of the first half, and were able to knot the score in the 43rd minute off a wonderful long shot from forward James Dent.

Dent would tally his second goal during stoppage time just before half.

Antairian fans were elated with their team, but perhaps too soon. As fans cheered across the stadium, Serkan Terkmens netted a long free kick in the 56th minute, and the score would remain 2 - 2 until the final whistle, at which time enraged fans of each team stormed into the opposing horde.

Several Antairian fans have been hospitalized for injuries sustained in the brawl.

Dent was available for comment after the game, and he had this to say:

I'm really disappointed in the outcome [of the game], but our fans were even more disappointing tonight. I would like to publicly apologize to the nation of Starblaydia for the riot in which our fans took place. This is completely unlike anything ever to have taken place in the EAPL (Antairian domestic league), and I'm quite shocked, honestly.

Score Recap:
K&TT (15) 1 - 0 East Antairees
K&TT 1 - 1 East Antairees (43)
K&TT 1 - 2 East Antairees (45)
K&TT (56) 2 - 2 East Antairees

Team gets difficult draw in duel with provocations - Orixás guided us!

"Àqueles que duvidaram de nossa fé, àqueles que repudiaram nossos costumes, serão castigados pelos orixás, que não perdoam aqueles que desrespeitam a grande nação umbandista. A força de Obatalá será vista!"

Even before the ball started to roll, everyone knew that the game against Newmanistan would be a difficult one. Terreiro de Ogum won the first two games, but Newmanistan did the same. And we were (and are) behind them in the standings. So, the Blind Magician had to make a special strategy for this game, so special that we weren't able to clearly understand it, which must mean that it was very elaborated and mystical. Another special thing was the preparation for the game, much more intense. Many pais and mães-de-santo made their rituals to give spiritual strength to the team, the búzios told the players all the secrets of the opponents, the path for the victory was being made. Because we have something that the other countries don't have: the help of the orixás.

But the controversies that occurred before the game harmed Terreiro de Ogum's National Team. Newspapers published Newmanistan's complaints about the habit of Bicho Grilo, our beloved right-back of our beloved National Team of our beloved nation. They said that smoking marijuana is an illegal practice in the football world, and that he should be punished. They also even said that other players of our team would be using illegal substances. Something that we must say that it's false, and we are sincere in everything that we say. Probably they'll also say that drinking cachaça like Pinguinha is illegal too, or that using thief abilities like Tramóia isn't allowed. Maybe capoeira moves like Mestre Kacet? Please warn us, authorities, if these practices are illegal, we respect the rules. Maybe now Newmanistan can respect our traditions and habits.

About the game... well, Newmanistan scored the first goal in the first minutes, after Carrigan invaded the area, dribbled Reclusa and shot before Bibah could jump. He commemorated provocating Bicho Grilo, who laughed at his commemorating, considering that a homage. The second goal of our opponents happened less than ten minutes later. Murphy took the ball from Pinguinha, and scored with a good individual play. He commemorating provocating our drunk player, who reacted with dirty words. Terreiro de Ogum went to the dressing room with a big disadvantage, but the orixás guided the team to its reaction in the second half. Tramóia appeared out of nowhere after stealing (something that he is excellent at doing) the ball from an opponent. He crossed the ball to the area and Guaxinim headed to score the goal. Later, Mestre Kacet used his ginga to reach the area and pass the ball to Bicho Grilo, who scored the second goal of Terreiro de Ogum. The right-back commemorated smoking his marijuana, and offering it to his opponents. Bibah also provocated some of the opponent attackers.

What about Newmanistan's spiritual strength? Once again, our beloved pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé will answer this question. He said: "The búzios don't lie. They could feel that Newmanistan's team has a good aura, and this means that they have some inner spiritual strength. But the búzios noted that this spiritual strength isn't well explored. Their rituals and faith aren't sufficient to free all their spirituality, they need more intense rituals, like ours. But this isn't something to criticize. Their souls seem happy with in their current situation. The only sad thing is that they don't believe in the orixás, something that they'll regret one day. The orixás make the contact between we and Olorum, the God. Only them can guide us to a perfect life, guide us to spiritual perfection."

Mãe Hermínia de Valadares, a powerful mãe-de-santo that knows many secret rituals and has a close relationship with the good (and evil) spirits, told us while lunching a feijoada: "I prayed. I prepared my most strong rituals, I called the orixás. They appeared to help Terreiro de Ogum, but a bit late. Of course they can't do everything to us, so we must be happy to receive their help once again. Too bad that Newmanistan complained about our players, we are all brothers, they'll notice that someday. May Obatalá and the other orixás forgive them."

Talking about the controversy that is related to him, Bicho Grilo said: "Man, this is something that I like doing, this makes me feel better. If the authorities say that I can't do it, I won't do it. Otherwise, I'll continue with my habits." The coach Blind Magician said: "I don't like his habit of smoking marijuana, but... I can't do nothing about it."

(OOC: Newmanistan, there's no problem in your RPs. It's good to interact in the RPs)

(OOC: Began a RP for the Terreiro de Ogum then noticed he says he already has something prepared awaiting moderator approval. Hopefully that will be approved soon. What I was working on wouldn't really work if he did his first and I want to respect him having done it first. Otherwise, I might not really have time to recap this match and will have to move on to the next opponent. Come on mods, I'm sure it can't be that bad, I'm game for whatever he wrote!)

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

A bit of contriversay today as it has been speclueated that Kosoveo has players from taesham on its squad, a clear violation of the rules. Weather or not the hosts of this tourney, Starbaldiya, will disqaulify the Kosevoe team is still up for debate, but since that team is in our group, it matters to us.

As for the match today, we beat 2 Daleks, 2-1, though it really wasn't fair that we had 11 players and they had 2. But the referee allowed it so we played and won! Mannyuel Lopes came in off the bench and scored in the thertyeth minute and Marco Franceheti got the other goal. But the 2 daleks manged to score a goal when Kyle Traynor was given a red card for tripping, so he's going to miss the next game agianst Dijon. James Lowell will take his place. Oh, we played the game at Rhanna City Recreational Groud, Rhanna. The other good news is we are alone in second place!

Guys who have gotten a goal for us:
Marco: 3
Kevin: 1
Bobby: 1
Mannyuel: 1

(((OoC: Belated, but blame it on the drink, catching up tonight ;))


Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist 5 - 1 New Cimeran

HISTORIC DAY BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY TO THE OTHER HISTORIC DAY


What an amazing nay breathtaking nay stupendous win today by the Sober Exiles. Who could’ve thought that this team that so nearly didn’t complete because Sir the manager was down in the bar on the last day of registration has now strung two wins together out of two and are now sitting on top of the table. That’s right this team of drunk who aren’t quite drunk enough to be allowed to live in their home country are now national heroes after demolishing a New Cimeran team bereft of motivation and vigour and are now mingling themselves at the top with (big names… well unheard names back home) like Newmanistan and Terreiro de Ogum. But firstly fans an explanation as to why before the start of the game the screens in your local pub went blank and didn’t broadcast till the end of the first half.

Seems the job of flicking the live feed button which is a job even a drunk could do, wasn’t done by a complete drunken idiot. As such even us here are left completely blank as to what happened in the first half but we’ll try to pick up the pieces and as a way of saying sorry with have an interview with star midfielder Quokka the Silverfoot.

The starting line up was left unchanged from last week with the exception of Bazzza! who was substituted by Johnno! because he suffered a hangover that day. That’s right he allowed himself to become sober…again and then feel the affects of it. What a silly silly man. Anyway, the team looked as good as they had been before despite not training much (except for Quokka) due to celebrating their first win pretty much until kickoff. In fact, if they hadn’t been playing at the same stadium twice they most likely would’ve missed their next match as they didn’t move far and Benno! the defender still had confetti in his hair and Danno! had his uniform on inside out before Quokka told him to wear it properly or face time in the Sanity Bin.

The opposition didn’t really put any effort into playing and seemed in fact to enjoy themselves as much as the Sober Exiles were and for the first ten minutes all players were dancing around in a circle in the middle before the referee threaten to book em all especially Danno! if they didn’t start playing some real football. This didn’t perturbed the two Sesquipedalianist fans who were already out cold after too many pre match drinks. When play got back to normal they mainly played kick to kick whilst the goalies discussed the finer arts of cricket’s chirping. However, the game suddenly flashed into life when Bruce! accidentally missed timed his pass to his opposition number and scored a goal. Before anyone knew what had happed (except the ref) John Doe the Second for New Cimeran responded by scoring a goal and the rest of the half was spent disputing whether or not that was a goal and if in fact the players were doing their jobs properly which was luckily for you back home as it was infuriating to watch but I’m sure you’d be too pissed to notice (I know I was).

After the break and after the referee told the managers that if no serious game play happened each team would be in some really really big trouble. As they then knuckled down and started playing, it was obvious that the Sober Exiles were too good, making the opposition look as if they were the ones playing drunk. Even the un-coordination of the forwards didn’t stop Sesquipedalianist from taking the lead in the 51st minute through a lovely strike by Tommo! after he confuddled the defender with his staggering staggering skills. The hearth from the New Cimeran team was gone and in the 65th ,73th and 86th minutes Sesquipedalianist netted further goals making the match beyond doubt for even the most optimistic optimist of the New Cimeran side’s hope. The goals were as follows: a lob from 35yds out from Quokka Silverfoot who then followed it up by a weaving run down the corridor of play where only one player bothered to try to tackle him before jinxing the keeper to score. He also assisted in the next goal where a kick with a bit too much power rebounded of Jacko!’s hip into the net to cap of a match of dominate but scrappy play. Once again no substitute were used in the match as the Manager was to busy have ‘a quiet one’ with the new Football Director (who just so happened to be the former commentator of the last match).

Final Score:
Sesquipedalianist 5 - 1 New Cimeran
Bruce!, 22" John Doe the Second 22"
Tommo! 51"
Quokka, 65",73"
Jacko! 86"
HT: 1-1

Possession: 65-35(50-50)
Chances: 12-2 (1-1)
Yellow Cards: 2-2
Red Cards:0-0
Man of the Match: For skillful staggering, Tommo!
0 R 0

(ooc: Must move on since his RP still is "pending")

THE ROCKET REPORT

BEING SECRETIVE: STRATEGIC OR COWARDLY

After a thrilling draw with Terreiro de Ogum, the Rockets now look to move on to their next opponent, which is a nation known as Pantocratoria. This is yet another opponent using the incredibly secretive approach, as they won’t even issue their roster to the general media, leaving us to have to announce them by number. Pantocratoria will be the third opponent in four games that the Rockets will play in the Baptism of Fire that will be utilizing this strategy. So we put two of our finest writers to discuss this method in a point/counterpoint format. Hank Martinello will take the side of it being a great strategy while Clint Peterson will argue that it is both stupid and cowardly.

GREAT IDEA by Hank Martinello

What’s all this fuss about this method? Who says I have to release anything to the public? I’m here to win a soccer tournament, or at least that’s what I intended to do one day. I may have gotten distracted and forgotten about the importance of the tournament. I may have been so drunk when I signed my nation up that the fact that I even have people in it is news to me. But you know what? Somehow, someway, I’ve brought players to participate in the Baptism of Fire, and am just letting them fight it out to honor their nation. Their names are not important. I had a coach, apparently, who felt these were the best people to represent the country. What his standards were for determining the team, I really don’t know, but I trust his judgement. Then again, the coach could be a female, I wouldn’t know. My players could be sixth graders because he or she wanted to outdo Eighthgraderistan. Doesn’t matter. Look at Sarejavo. Sure we got destroyed by Newmanistan, but have we lost since? No! Let them fight for themselves, and they need no individual recognition for it!

TOTAL STUPIDITY by Clint Peterson

I can’t think about demoralizing this must be for the players. Sure, everyone has nationalistic pride, but it’s always nice to get a little individual recognition for it. Didn’t anyone see the passion from the Aleos players in particular? But no ones knows who they are. There’s being strategic, and there’s being cowardly. To think for a second that you have any advantage out on the pitch because no one will know anything about you is ludicrous. Didn’t work for Sarejavo, did it? All it takes is one game to get scouting material. Now you got Pantocratoria, thinking this is the way to go, but they’ve already played two games. That’s plenty for Brian Carson to get prepared over. Nations like this are the reason that the World Cup’s powerhouse nations don’t pay too much attention to the Baptism of Fire. You don’t see many traveling supporters from these anonymous nations either. It’s really a shame. This could be a better tournament if not for nations like this.

Who’s side do you favor? (Online poll)

Current Results:
Martinello 11%
Peterson 82%
Unsure 7%

Yesterday’s Poll: Who’s Newmanistan’s biggest threat in Group Eagle?
Terreiro de Ogum: 27%
Wijaska Island: 14%
Sesquipedalianist: 38%
Ruskastan: 17%
Other: 4%

Team Roster

The Peacock Motors Pantocratorian Peacocks
http://www.alternatenationstates.net/images/pantocratorianpeacockssoccer.jpg


1. Louis-Isaac Fountaine (GK) (Professional)
2. Constantine du Retz (CB) (Amateur*)
3. Charles Fitzduc (LB) (Amateur*)
4. Davide Menneville (RB) (Professional)
5. Raoul de Manicamp (RWB) (Amateur*)
6. Constantine Blanc (LWB) (Professional)
7. Louis-André Colbert (DM) (Amateur)
8. Andreas Drakopoulos (CM) (Professional)
9. Frederic Poissons (AM) (Professional)
10. Louis-Gaston, Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel (SS) (Amateur*) (Captain)
11. Jean Guirlois (SS) (Professional)
12. Henri Surloi (Professional)
13. Jean-Paul de la Maine (Amateur*)
14. Xavier Bupont (Professional)
15. Jean-Marie Plessis (Professional)
16. Victor Thracien (Professional)

* - Denotes a gentleman. Gentlemen are rarely professionals as being paid to play sport is regarded as a bourgeois activity, and as such, disgraceful for a person of quality.


Proudly sponsored by
http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/Logo_Peacock_Symbol.gif
PEACOCK MOTORS
and the
PEACOCK FAMILY OF COMPANIES



My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: N
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y (but not to any gentlemen!)
Hand out red cards to my players: Y (ditto)
Godmod other events: N

In the news room, Hank Martinello and Clint Peterson have a discussion.

CP: Your just an idiot, and i got proof.

HM: Yeah well, someone had to write the piece. What's the proof?

CP: Minutes after we published our piece, Pantocratoria released a roster. Shows how off base you are.

HM: Wow.


(OOC: This isnt meant to be included towards my RP bonus. I just had to post something because of the irony that about half an hour after I posted it, Pantocratoria showed up! Hello, Pantocratoria!)

OOC: Hi Newmanistan!

IC:

Imperial Monitor

BAPTISM OF FIRE FOR PEACOCKS
Pantocratorian hopes of a triumphant World Cup debut were further dashed by the first ever national soccer team's second defeat (out of two games played), this time at the hands of Ruskastan.

Ruskastan, fresh after a bye day after their victory against Aleos, convincingly defeated the Pantocratorian national team, which lost its match to Wijaska Island on the previous day.

Ruskani under 21 star striker Rasul Sa'id scored the first goal of the match at the start of the sixth minute, outwitting Charles Fitzduc and goal keeper Louis-Isaac Fountaine alike.

The feat was shortly followed by a goal by Qasim Krasimir, who despite injury doubts head-butted the ball into the net after Fountaine had only narrowly deflected another dangerous kick from Sa'id.

Ruskastan led 2-nil for another twenty three minutes until Pantocratoria finally struck back, with Jean Guirlois gently tapping the ball into the Ruskani goal after tricking goal keeper Tibor Karel into diving in the opposite direction.

The teams went to half-time with Ruskastan leading 2-1 but the one goal lead was quickly extended by Ruskani midfielder Haroun Hussein, who outclassed his opposition number Louis-André Colbert and kicked a goal two minutes into the half after faking a pass to Sa'id.

Frederic Poissons and the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel took revenge five minutes later, exploiting gaps in the Ruskani midfield to set up a pass by Poissons to Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel after a successful deflection by Ruskani keeper Karel. The Pantocratorian Captain then kicked a goal while Karel was still picking himself off the turf.

Ruskastan maintained its 3-2 lead until two minutes before full-time, when an audacious Pantocratorian attack turned into disaster, allowing Ruskani midfielder Tsvetan Věnceslav to steal the ball from Poissons and get it to Sa'id for the young striker's second goal of the match.

Accusations of Racism

The match was not without controversy, after Pantocratorian Captain, the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel, was allegedly caught on tape casting aspersions in the locker-room at half-time about the Ruskani decide, apparently describing them as "Turk dogs". The Pantocratorian Football League has described the tape as "distorted in parts" and "possibly fabricated".

"Monsieur le Vicomte is a gentleman of the highest birth and most impeccable reputation." the League said in a press release on the issue. "The allegation that the Vicomte would in anyway denigrate an opposing player or team on racial or religious grounds is vicious slander, and an appalling attack on the character of an outstanding sportsman and ambassador for Pantocratorian football."

Make or Break for Peacocks

Most international commentators expect the Peacocks to be defeated by the Newmanistan Rockets in tomorrow's match at Sports Hall, Karak D'Ragh.

Controversial Newmanistani commentator Clint Peterson questioned the contribution of the Peacocks to the Baptism of Fire tournament, asserting that the team's lack of supporters and professionalism led to established World Cup heavyweights disregarding both Pantocratoria's entry into the tournament and the Baptism of Fire cup itself.

Additionally, the Pantocratorian Football League has come under criticism from many domestic commentators for selecting so many amateurs in the Empire's first national side.

The League has been accused of selecting a "laughing stock" of a team by Peacock Daily News sports reporter Jacques Vertpays, who believes that the Pantocratorian Football League selected the team with more regard to birth than talent.

"Aristocrats who play in amateur leagues in their spare-time don't make up for their lack of professional match experience with their impressive genealogies on the pitch." said Vertpays, who predicted that the tournament would see the model of selecting the leadership of national sports teams from the upper classes be abandoned in favour of a professional-only, entirely performance-based approach.

The Pantocratorian Football League hit back, asserting that its selection process was, in fact, entirely performance-based, and that the social class of players was entirely irrelevant to the selection panel.

The Newmanistan Rockets have won two and drawn one of their three matches so far, and are placed equal-second within Group Eagle of the tournament, behind only Sesquipedalianist.

The Pantocratorian Peacocks, by contrast, are struggling at the bottom of the table, equal last with Engbec.

"...'even Starblaydi legend Simeone Di Bradini,'" Tabitha read, "'who was in the crowd for the match, was seen to be visibly shaken by the violence at the Bekkside Arena, leaving his seat in the Director's Box as the police were forced to intervene at Full Time.' Nice to see the Chronicle glossing over the true facts as per usual."

"Tab," Simeone said to his great-niece from his large, comfy chair, "they're hardly going to say that I left the seat because I wasn't feeling well, they wouldn't even have known."

"Not that," she replied, pointing to the newspaper column, "the fact that the police, as an institution, have just been itching to use their batons, zappy-electric-gun-things and generally go on the rampage for the last few years. They wouldn't have even known about your cough."

A simple cough, but when you're a hundred and twenty-something years old, a simple cough can still be a major problem.

"So the coppers cracked some heads," Simeone, ever the pragmatist, said, "Ehud* knows I've wanted to do that a time or two. You too. I bet."

"Get this," Tabitha said, changing the subject. She had always been good at that, particularly on the football field, where as Starblaydia's Right-Back for World Cups 29 and 30 she'd been able to change tack from defensive to offensive with equal ease. "it goes on to say 'the efforts of dedicated police men and women succeeded in separating the clashing fans in the stands and, through a co-ordinated force policy, kept Turkoman and Antairian fans apart until they had calmed down, helped in no small part to the cloudburst over southern Starblaydia in the evening.' They beat up everyone who was fighting, then beat up everyone who was near the fighting, then everyone who was running away from the fighting, then everyone who was watching them beat everyone else up!"

"Lucky for us, then," Simeone said, "that the cameras were off and the footballing world had tuned into the beginning of the Nethertopia match. Otherwise we'd look pretty silly by now. I'll have a word with Tiberius and get him to get his Ministers to put their attack dogs on leashes."

"Lucky East Antairees have a bye match next," Tabitha thought, "while the Turkomans get to trash Krasslor and get some pride back."

"That's the spirit," Simeone smiled, "keep the faith, and all that, and the World Cup and Cup of Harmony can come our way, despite this little furore. Now, I think it's time for my pills."

"King Oberyn would be spinning in his grave," Tabitha said in half-jest, reaching for the small bag containing a myriad of bottles and packets, "to know that a descendant of the First Men was reduced to medicine to keep healthy."

"That blood flowing in our family veins that you cling to so fiercely has been diluted through many-a generation. We won't out-live your average Dwarf any more, not as it was a thousand years ago," Simeone sighed, "I'm old, by any standards, and tired. Fetch me a glass of water and leave me be with the match-choice function on the box. I think I want Pantocratoria versus Newmanistan, should be a good one."

Tabitha gave in, and handed the paper bag across, followed swiftly by the remote control. Simeone was, of course, the patriarch of the Di Bradini family, a long line stretching back thousands of years to the Daii and King Oberyn himself. Stubborn old fool, too, she thought, no less than herself.



*Ehud, the God of Starblaydia's own creation myth/religion.

IMPORTANT HOST NOTE:
After the scorination of Matchday Five (which comes tomorrow, MD4 is to be posted this evening GMT), there will be a period of Double RP-Bonus, lasting until the scorination of Matchday Six.

Turkic Sport
Rustu meets Sinan
It's not often a reporter can get so close to the royal prince but since he is away from home he is easier to acess Rustu Saraoglu met up with him;
R: Sinan you've had a great tournement so far 2 games undefeated, how do you feel about the squad now

S: Well I feel that our squad has gelled well together and we are just begining our careers so in a while we will know the ins and outs of each others play.

R: Yes thats what the nation had hoped for, now what do you think of Serkan Turkmens transfer?

S: I think thats it's really good for him and we wish him all the best in his career.

R: Looking at the last game what would you have changed to the team

S: To be honest nothing we couldn't do any more because of the rotation system and we've never quite fielded a full squad.

R: Also what do you have to say to the fans who caused violence

S: only this your not real fans, if you truly support us you should cheer for us not fight like animals.

R: Thank you for your time.

Squad vs Krasslor
Murat has told us the squad for tonights must win game.
GK: 1. Iskender Sukur Kazim
CB: 2. Uzulmez Yilmaz
CB: 3. Sukur Saray
RB: 4. Firat Can
LB: 5. Yilmaz Aydin
CM: 6. Tumer Arda
CM: 17. Firat Mertcan
RM: 8. Sabri Gunes
LM: 9. Serkan Turkmen
ST: 10. Sinan Kose
ST: 11. Volkan Erkan

With a total of 5 changes Murat must be hoping for a revival of form back to winning ways against one of the weakest teams in the group. This should be made easier by the return of Uzulmez Yilmaz from suspension.

FA to Complain
The police that handled the crowd violence in The Turks last games methods were questionable at best after several fans from both teams were severly injured. The Kosenic and Turkic Football Federation have been said to have written to the Starblaydi FA in an official complaint when confronted with the matter president Cakir seemed evasive "I'm not saying I have or haven't but I am concerned with not only the fans behaiviour but the police." All we know is that many Turkic fans may well be on their ways home.

"Well guys, we're on top of our group. This is so freaking awesome!" Coach Kietecs seemed happy as ever. "Look at the Nethertopian times. We're on the front page! Look Souleymane, there's a pic of you scoring the equalizer! Wait, i'll just read the article."

NETHERTOPIA SUCCEED AGAIN
JHANNA - Our national soccerteam has again taken another win in the Batism of Fire competition. They are standing first in pool Lion now The game versus Diojiu wasn't an easy one. Little is known about the Diojiuan team except that they were standing only two positions behind our nation. They started well, scoring two goals in the first half. But we came back very strong after the break, when Cees Hendriks replaced Daouda Diompy. Before the 60th minute was reached we scored the equalizer. In the 51st minute Souleymane Diakité scored with a header and seven minutes later he scored again after a brilliant solo. Abdoulaye Soro finished the game in the 71st minute with a bizar goal. His shot from 20 yards Splattered against the post, then it hit the upright and finally it flew against the opponents keeper resulting in a goal. The rest of the match was just a formality.
Our team will have to face Aqua Teen Hungerland next, who are standing 7th in the poule.

""Well guys, what do you say about that!" "I love it," replied Andrés García with a smile on his face.

Matchday Four Scores:

Group Lion
Agroprom 0-1 Septentrionia
Kosovoe 4-1 The Daleks 2
Eighthgraderistan 4-1 Diojiu
Nethertopia 3-0 Aqua Teen Hungerland
Krasslor 0-1 Kose and The Turkomans

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Nethertopia 4 3 1 0 12 4 8 10
Eighthgraderistan 4 3 1 0 10 3 7 10
Kosovoe 3 3 0 0 8 2 6 9
East Antairees 3 2 1 0 7 5 2 7
Kose and The Turkomans 3 2 1 0 5 3 2 7
Septentrionia 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5
Diojiu 4 1 0 3 6 9 -3 3
Aqua Teen Hungerland 4 1 0 3 6 10 -4 3
Krasslor 4 0 1 3 4 8 -4 1
The Daleks 2 4 0 1 3 4 12 -8 1
Agroprom 3 0 0 3 1 7 -5 0

Group Eagle
Wijaska Island 0-0 Ruskastan
Pantocratoria 1-2 Newmanistan
Terreiro de Ogum 4-3 Abaio
Aleos 2-2 New Cimeran
Sarejavo 0-0 Engbec

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 4 3 1 0 11 5 6 10
Terreiro de Ogum 4 3 1 0 11 6 5 10
Sesquipedalianist 3 3 0 0 10 1 9 9
Ruskastan 4 2 1 1 6 6 0 7
Sarejavo 4 1 2 1 4 6 -2 5
Wijaska Island 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
Aleos 4 1 1 2 5 6 -1 4
New Cimeran 4 1 1 2 4 8 -4 4
Abaio 4 0 1 3 5 9 -4 1
Engbec 3 0 1 2 0 4 -4 1
Pantocratoria 3 0 0 3 3 7 -4 0

IMPORTANT HOST NOTE:
After the scorination of Matchday Five (which comes tomorrow) there will be a period of Double RP-Bonus, lasting until the scorination of Matchday Six.

For those in low-lying positions this is a chance to get one over on your low-RPing colleagues and make a break for the Top 8 in your Group so you can go through to the Second Round at the end of the Group Stage. For the higher teams it can make the difference between who will go into the Last-Sixteen as the top seed with the easiest draw.

K&TT 1-0 Krasslor
In a dissapointing match for the Turks against arguably the wekest team in the group the only positive points were a) 3 points earned and b) Sinan Kose's last second goal, which has become his trademark now with 3 caps and 4 goals he is set to be a ledgend in the football world.

The turning point came just before half time when several chances were squandered by the Turks attack, which then led to the second half being dominated by The Turks but a shot that looked destined for goal by the Krasslor striker was well saved after that it was a matter of get the goal and run. The breakthrough came from a Serkan Turkmen corner well headed in from this last attack.

the win leaves The Turk on an even pegging with the East Antairees, who the people of The Turkomans clashed with in their game earlier this week, in joint third.

Yesterday in a contreversial match the kosovoe souel beat the daleks 2 team 4-1. Goals were scored by two players for the kosovoe team. George weasley would net 3 for a hat trick. He hit them in the 14th, 40th and 67th minutes. His brother Fred Weasley would also net one in the 79th minute.
The game started of with a half hazard scoring atempt by the Kosovoens wich actually worked. George weasley was way offsides, but the back judge didn't catch him and he easily struck the ball past the Dalek goalie for an easy 1-0 advantage.
His second goal came in the 40th minute on a header passed the Dalek goalKeeper. The younger Weasley Fred controlled the ball from midfield on the outside and got passed the Dalek d, but was cornered near the flag, but with a nifty through the legs move he forced his way past the defender and lobbed the ball into a waiting George weasley who headed it in.
Mr. Weasleys final goal in the 67th minute came as a suprise to many fans. He just took the ball from the Keeper front of the net. He stood there trying to make a game of it, but the Daleks didn't even try to stop him so he scored his last goal easily.
Finally after watching his older brother score three goals Fred Weasley added his two sense in with a penalty shot after the Dalek d took out Champ Maigee on a shot atempt. He made a laser like kick past the Dalek goalie into the net for the 4-0 lead.
Finally with just 5 minutes left the Daleks would score on the dude dat was in the Kosovoen net at that point. The souel are still undefeated, not even tied, but are still in 3rd place in there group. Look for them to move up after tomorrows game.
By
A totally insane crackhead

Ruskastan fail to capitalize on chances

The Ocean Stars have only themselves to blame after failing to capitalize on incredible second half opportunities to seal the 3 points for them. Wijaska Island and Ruskastan battled on a day where the score could have gone either way. The Ocean stars did everything right and created more chances than their opponents but they could not convert them into goals. This left their supporters who came to the match in numbers disappointed. Central Midfilder Yasir Jiří deserves the blame for missing three clear-cut chances which could have given the Ocean Stars the maximum points. After a slow start to the campaign, Ruskastan have started playing good football and credit has to go to Manager Behar Isa.

Ruskastan came into the game without the services of influential Haroun Hussein who was rested alongside forward playmaker Hassan Dominik. In their place came on Faruq Mahfuz and Gabir Hristo who both failed to impress in the match, lacking both their speed and determination to stay in the game.

After the match, Rasul Sa'id said that they played well and created chances but their main undoing was failure to convert. "Wijaska did not deserve to tie the game and if we continue missing chances like these, my job will be on the line," he said. Sa'id took solace from the fact that they are now able to match opponents who have better players.

Editorial: Ruskastan tipped to win against Newmanistan

Match Day 6 match between Ruskastan and Newmanistan is set up nicely after Ruskastan finishes its Bye Weekday to shock the world. Although Newmanistan may feel they have what it takes to beat Ruskastan - its clear that burn that is already occurring within the Newmanistanian players has been too great to ignore. It was clear from the last game, against lowly Pantocratoria. You could see them moving slower... taking more time to create chances, and this is reflected in their score.

Newmanistan, seen as group favorite, have also been to reliant on too few players to be an effective team and managers through the tournment have found out this. players such as Steve Boland and 19 year old Tony Borsinger have been overused and they are teetering the exhaustion. Its clear that by over-relying on couple of the players, Newmanistan will see it self locked out from the top of the group. You simply cant win a tournament with 2 or 3 players. However, For Ruskastan to control the game, they must not sit back too much at the start of the game and invite their opponents to score. Ruskastan played really well in the first few games of the tournament, and although the fans might think a 0-0 draw is not such a good result, the players will be pleased with it.

But one thing you normally get from any Ruskani team is an outstanding defending. And Imam Branislav, at 28 years old, gave a masterclass performance in the game against Wajiska. I watched the game with my son and I said to him he was watching a living Ruskani legend. I told him to watch closely and see what positions Branislav takes up - he rarely gets caught out or makes a bad decision, which means he doesn't have to make too many last-ditch tackles. He also knows how to get the maximum out of his team-mate in front of him, to give him assistance in defending. There is a deliberate pattern to the way Ruskastan defend: they let you have the ball in your own half and limit your options up front because they leave no space behind them and have numbers back waiting for you when you come forward.

That makes it very difficult for strikers to break free of their markers because it is very congested in the final third of the pitch. You cannot really suck the Ocean Stars out and get in behind them. As we saw at their last game, Ruskastan played a deep defensive line and Wajiska had to play in front of them. Ruskastan will have to be patient when they play Newmanistan and believe that, by continuing to pass the ball around and probe, at some point they will create an opening. It can be frustrating and they will not get too many chances. But they must not lose their discipline and go chasing the ball at the wrong times because if they do, Newmanistan will be able to punish them when gaps open up as a consequence.

Ruskastan must strike the right balance. But I believe they have the temperament, the players and the know-how. I can definitely see Ruskastan scoring twice in this game and that would be enough to send their fans in to a jubilant celebrations.

Imperial Monitor

ROCKETS BLAST-OFF AGAINST PEACOCKS
Newmanistan's Rockets defeated the Pantocratorian Peacocks 2-1 in yesterday's Baptism of Fire soccer match in Starblaydia, but the match was not without signs of promise for Pantocratorian soccer fans.

Rockets Captain Kevin Lewis put in a star performance against the Peacocks, scoring both of Newmanistan's goals, in the 17th and 53rd minute respectively.

Pantocratoria's goal was scored in the 58th minute by Xavier Bupont, who came onto the field to replace Frederic Poissons in the midfield after Poissons suffered a cramp.

Poissons is not expected to miss tomorrow's game against Abaio, Pantocratorian team officials said.

The Rockets tactically outclassed the Peacocks, the work of experienced Newmanistani coach Brian Carson, who coached his team to victory in the Di Bradini Cup.

Although not as tactically sophisticated as the Rockets, the Peacocks nevertheless put up a good showing, dramatically improving their on-field performance.

The last fifteen minutes of the game were especially tight, with the Peacocks taking dangerous shots at goal five times, only to have each shot blocked by Rockets star goal keeper Kevin Dalton.

It is the first time since the national team has been selected that it seemed to play as one, effective, on-field unit, a point which Pantocratorian coach Charles Beauchamps was keen to make in the post-match press conference.

Also in the press conference, Charles Beauchamps denied allegations that wingback Raoul de Manicamp, who appeared hurt after a tackle by Rockets striker Jeremy McAllister, overdramatised in order to make it appear that he had been fouled.

"That's a ridiculous accusation." Beauchamps said. "The match referee, Oliver Valdor, clearly saw the foul, or he wouldn't have given McAllister a yellow card, and of all the players on my side, or on any side in the competition for that matter, the Chevalier de Manicamp would be probably the last man to try such a thing."

Monsieur de Manicamp was unavailable for comment.

Group Lion Overview

Phoenix in Third, Set To Qualify

With the arrival of the East Antairees' bye day, we hear at the East Antairees Football Network feel a review of Group Lion play thus far is warranted. Currently in third place behind Nethertopia (T1), Eightgraderistan (T1), and Kosovoe (2), the Phoenix seem poised to move forward into the Round of 16 following qualifying, but nothing is certain, so here is a summary of each team thus far.

Nethertopia: 3 - 1 - 0, +8 GD, 10 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/nethertopia.png
Atop the group, the Nethertopians have scored the most goals in either group thus far. Led by electric goal scorer Abdoulaye Soro, the Nethertopians look poised to make a run for the Cup, posing a huge threat to any team they face come elimination time, even the East Antairees.

Eighthgraderistan: 3 - 1 - 0, +7 GD, 10 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/eighthgraderistan.png
A team of children, upon whose roster the oldest player is 15, has embarrassed most teams it has competed against. Match reporting in this country is decidedly horrid when compared to the excellent product offered by the EFNN, but football skills are certainly up to par with the other competitors, if not above average. Look for them in the Round of 16.

Kosovoe: 3 - 0 - 0, +6 GD, 9 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/kosovoe.png
The only Group Lion team to go this far without a single tie or loss, Kosovoe is on form and looking to add more points to it's total to claim a higher seed for the Round of 16. Reporting in Kosovoe is also far below it's Antairian kin's standard.

East Antairees: 2 - 1 - 0, +2 GD, 7 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/east_antairees.png
Our very own team! The Phoenix have displayed a level of calm and collection above the norm thus far in their first international competition. Playing with poise and purpose, the Phoenix can be expected to battle into the Round of 16 and beyond on the back of captain James Dent, who scores seemingly at will.

Kose and The Turkomans: 2 - 1 - 0, +2 GD, 7 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/kose_and_the_turkomans.png
What need be said about these low life hooligans? While the EAFF has made it clear that they do not hold any hard feelings against these brigands for the violence following our tie with the Turks on Matchday 3, it is quite clear who were the aggressors in that senseless violence. To hell with the Turks!

Septentrionia: 1 - 2 - 1, +0 GD, 5 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/septentrionia.png
The most confusing name in Group Lion, Septentrionia is preparing editors across the East Antairees for the challenges faced in Round of 16 play, where Sesquipedalianist promises to test even the greatest of spell checking softwares.

Diojiu: 1 - 0 - 3, -3 GD, 3 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/diojiu.png
Very little is known of Diojiu, as their news networks appear to keep to themselves, and no feedback whatsoever has been made available pertaining to the Baptism of Fire or their national team's disappointing play. Diojiu only remains in the hunt for the Round of 16 because of dismal play by the teams below it.

Aqua Teen Hungerland: 1 - 0 - 3, -4 GD, 3 pts
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/aqua_teen_hungerland.png
ATH has a reliable news following and rabid fans, but their play thus far has been disappointing. With an early loss to the East Antairees, ATH is yet to recover, and only just remains in the hunt for the next round.

Krasslor: 0 - 1 - 3, -4 GD, 1 pt
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/krasslor.png
Little is known of Krasslor due to poor reporting by their news networks, though their play in matches thus far has been lazy and of low quality.

The Daleks 2: 0 - 1 - 3, -8 GD, 1 pt
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/the_daleks_2.png
The goal differential of the Daleks can only be described with two words: Absolutely terrible. Easily the punching bag of Group Lion, The Daleks 2 will be lucky to have enough energy to return home after 11 matches, much less continue into the Round of 16.

Agroprom: 0 - 0 - 3, -2 GD, 0 pts
(flag image omitted because Jolt only allows 10)
Another team with little reporting, Agroprom has yet to win a match, but at least they can say that they don't allow as many goals as The Daleks 2, they just score even fewer.

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

A great game waz played today by our team against Dijion. We won 4-1, our 4th sraight game allowing 1 goal or less!. Mickey Deter has preformed admoireably in net and has allowed only 3 gaols on 48 shots faced sofar. Dijion scored first in the twonty-third minute, but the twins, Nick and Nate made it 2-1 on goals by both of them in the thirty-fourth and fourtyth minutes. Marco Francjetiti made it 3-1 in the fivety-sixth and Bobby Aster made it 4-1 in teh eightyth minute. We played at Fundation Road, Jhanni today. We next play Aqiua Teen Hungrylands at Halad City Staduim, Halad City.

Guys who have gotten a goal for us:
Marco: 4
Bobby: 2
Kevin: 1
Mannyuel: 1
Nick: 1
Nate: 1

(OOC to East Antairees: The RP's are supposed to look like a slightly retarded 6th grader wrote them, because ICly they are.)

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS KNOCK OFF INSPIRED PEACOCKS

Karak D’Ragh, Starblaydia- Coming into this game, the Peacocks of Pantocratoria had two losses in their first two games, though they were defeated by the strong sides of Ruskastan and Wijaska Island. The tough opening schedule for the Baptism of Fire continued for them as they took on our beloved Rockets at Sports Hall in Karak D’Ragh. However, if they play like they did this evening, expect them to beat some of the softer teams in Group Eagle, and be amongst the legitimate contenders when all is said and done. Credit Newmanistan, too. Coming off a big game that ended in a draw against Terreiro de Ogum, and Wijaska Island and Ruskastan coming up after this game, this game had all of the ingredients of a let down game. Especially with the Peacocks playing the best they’ve played all tournament. But the Rockets did an outstanding job in focusing on the task at hand, and these pesky Peacocks. The Rockets needed to be on top form to get three points today, and that they were.

When the game began, right away you could tell that Pantocratoria had been injected with new life. Manager Brian Carson though, immediately recognized that the Peacocks were going to be a major handful, and seemed to make many of the right tactical calls in the match, particularly early on. Newmanistan got a big goal in the 17th minute by Kevin Lewis who beat goalkeeper Louis-Isaac Fountaine to his left. The pass from McAllister was deflected just barely by defender Charles Fitzduc, a deflection that Fountaine was slow to react to, and Lewis was perfectly positioned for to put the Rockets up one-nil. It was an important first goal, as certainly Newmanistan did not want the Peacocks to get ahead early. It remained this way until the intermission, where Carson reminded his team that they needed to play with the same kind of tough effort, because anything less, and Pantocratoria would make them pay, particularly if they could get momentum off an equalizing goal early in the second half.

In the 53th minute, Lewis scored again, this off a corner kick delivered beautifully by Carrigan. The ball went directly to Lewis, who outleaped the Peacock defender, and headed the ball in to put the Rockets up two-nil. This led to an eventful stretch of play, as just two minutes later, Jeremy McAllister was questionably yellow carded for what appeared on all our replays to be a hard, but clean tackle on Raoul de Manicamp. Raoul appeared to be injured on the play, but the reactions of most of the Rockets players were that de Manicamp was doing a great piece of acting to get a card. Initially, McAllister went over to help his opponent up, not expecting him to be hurt. De Manicamp may have fallen awkwardly and have been legitimately hurt, but the team lost sympathy quickly when the yellow card came out, since they believed the play was clean. When play resumed, Xavier Bupont would take a bit of inspiration from his fallen nationmate and deliver an awesome strike to make the score 2-1. Both teams traded chances for a bit, but then in the closing minutes, it was all Pantocratoria. Fortunately, Kevin Dalton answered all of their chances, most of which were real quality opportunities. His fantastic goalkeeping kept the score 2-1, giving the Rockets the ever important three points. After the game, we got the these comments from Rockets personnel:

Carson (on the game): We played a truly great game today, and we really needed to, because Pantocratoria played terrific. Maybe the international scene took them a couple games to get used to, and now they are a lot more comfortable with it. If they play like they did today, then they can threaten to win this entire thing.

Carson (on the yellow card to McAllister): It was a great game. With the exception of this card. I think Valdor’s reputation is becoming known, so it’s probably not necessary for me to say anything. Just because a player gets hurt doesn’t mean it wasn’t a clean tackle.

Chapman: It’s an important three points. We didn’t want to go two games in a row without a win, and the Peacocks made us earn it. It was a good lesson today, that you can’t take anyone for granted.

Carrigan: They’re a good club, and they seem like pretty nice guys too. Except for that one incident maybe, but hey, they were down by 2 and trying to get a lift.

McAllister (on the yellow card): I don’t know, I don’t really think that I did anything to deserve a yellow card. I thought I just got the ball, it’s too bad that the guy got hurt. I hope it’s nothing serious. Valdor thought it deserved a card, so I guess it was, I just don’t really agree.

Lewis: (on the goals) I just did what comes instinctively, I may have gotten a nice bounce for the first one, but you have to create those bounces through hard work, and we did that today. It was an important win. Pantocratoria is much better then their record shows.

Once again, the final, Newmanistan 2, Pantocratoria 1. Here’s your boxscore.

NEWMANISTAN 2
Lewis (17', 53') Assist- McAllister on first

PANTOCRATORIA 1
Bupont (58')

Bookings
NEWMANISTAN
McAllister, YC, 55'

PANTOCRATORIA- None

Engbec 0-3 Sesquipedalianist

WE'RE TOO BUSY HAVING A GOOD TIME TO THINK OF A TITLE!!!

Thats right we're far too busy catching up with the team from the Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist and enjoying a good drink to actually give you a match report. And why should we? You saw all the fantastic goals. The way Timmo! ran onto a superb Quokka pass and had a shot at the open goal and missed from straight out, hitting the crossbar but managing to head the rebound in... The way Quokka picked out Davo! from deep in his own half who then did something unusual and actually kicked the ball, which surprised the keeper so much that he let it roll in...the way Quokka completed his hattrick of assists by a superb passing game up field, Quokka to Johnny! to Quokka to Jimmy!
to Quokka to Danny! to Quokka to Matty! to Quokka to Billy! to Quokka to Bruce! to Quokka to Tommo! to Quokka to Davo! to Quokka to Timmy!...GOAL!!!! Yeah that was brilliant just brilliant stuff. Whoooooooooo!

So I'm here now in the dressing rooms days after the match where the team is still partying on and not really doing much training though they sould do something with their bye round. Anyways and exclusive with the man of the moment , the man of the match from the last game, with three assists, Quokka Silverfoot.

Me: Hi Quokka Silverfoot thanks for having this interview with, it sure is a great party! Man I haven't had such a good time for like… ever, I feel great!

QS: You've only had two...

Me: Well that not important, lets talk about you, you’ve scored three times in three matches and have 4 assists too your name, would you say you’re having a cracker of a tournament?

QS: Well I wouldn’t say I’ve been perfect but you know, I am the glue of the team, being the only midfielder and am the only player worthy of international renown, someone has to play football.

Me: So is that saying something about you’re manager?

QS : No well maybe, Sir isn’t the best manager I mean he knows his football but he knows his bars better so we really don’t get much training done. Most of my training is done by myself.

Me: What about the team’s form, 3 games, 3 wins you guys must be pretty happy?

QS: What gave it away…the parties, the drinking?

Me: No well, yes but what I mean… well did you expect to win, why did you come into this tournament?

QS: We really just wanted to test ourselves on the world stage and the BoF Cup is a great way of doing so, we had no real goals of winning or progressing or anything of that type we just hoped that we were able to play some football and not finish last. Being a front runner and now the favourite to progress its weird it hasn’t really sunk it…it probably wont with the way we’re drinking.

Me: Do you think you’re drinking will harm your chances later on?

QS: We don’t really care, we’ll drink whether we win, draw or lose, it hasn’t stopped us now and it wont stop us in the future.

Me: No not really…

QF: Well it should, it just aint football.

Me: An the red card given to Tommo! Near the end of the match for dicing, your thoughts on that?

QF: So what if the defender was 20 feet away, it was an illegal tackle, there was no diving or simulation involved. It’s alright though, its not like Tommo! can play well anyway.

Me: You’ve had a strong showing so far but you have a tough finish in your last few rounds, are you worried?

QS: Sorry? What? Can’t hear you maybe it’s all this noise – BOYS BE QUIET!

Me: It’s alright, I said are you worried?

QS: Am I curried? What ever do you mean?

Me: No worried. W-o-r-r-i-e-d.

QS: Oh worried. No sorry don’t follow you, is that a Starblaydian word?

Me: Oh never mind. Newmanistan fans in an online poll have voted your side as the biggest threat in the group what do you say to that?

QS: They obviously have never shared a drink with us, they're more than welcome to join us if they like...if they have time in their 'busy' schedule that is.

ME: You’re critics have been complaining about your drinking habits. About its affect on the youth of today and also saying it gives you an unfair advantage over the over teams in the competition. What do you say to these ‘allegations’?

QS: Ridiculous! I remember when I was nine and was first able to get drunk, what a day it was! Normally becoming drunk and holding 12 pints happens when you’re much older but not me, I was the youngest in our family ever to reach ‘manhood’. I only wish that my manhood it self was more developed back then, gosh those lasses were mighty fine… As for being drunk being an advantage that’s preposterous, I think we should be complaining seeing as the opposition have 22 players on the fields. It’s lucky we score at all with two goalkeepers guarding the net!

Me: No I believe there are and have only been 11 people on the opposing team

QS: No you’re wrong.

ME: No I think you are but anyways, best let you get back to your mates…

QS: Thanks (hurries off to put himself underneath a keg)

Me: Well that’s all from that exclusive interview I hope you gained useful insight into the team from the Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist, now I must really go and chat to that fine looking bar stool, the legs on that thing…

Rockets players arrive at Stadii de Quercus in Farca for a morning training session. A very well dressed man walks up to defender Jeremy Brooker.

Man: You, son, are a fabulous player. I really admire you talent for at such a young age.

Brooker: Well thank you very much sir! (expecting him to ask for autograph or something).

Man: I am a scout for a lower level Starblaydi football club, I want to know if you would ever consider playing here. We can give you a lot of money and you can take us to the top. We need an anchor for our defense. We think you can be that player.

Brooker: Well, ummm...

Man: This is the big time, son. You see how big football is here? I know you are proud to be from Newmanistan. I’ve never been there but I’m sure it’s a nice place. That league you play in, what is it called again?

Brooker: The Newmanis—

Man: Yes I know what it is. My point is that your league there isn’t very well known. You play here, son, the whole world will know who you are.

Brooker: I guess I just never really thought about playing anywhere else but Newmanistan. I’m not saying no, I just would have to think about it, it would be a real major move and lifestyle change for me. Starblaydia is beautiful but it’s not my home.

Man: Of course. Here, look at this. (Hands over a sheet of paper). Your club team there that won only 6 of their 48 games I’m sure won’t offer this kind of money. Call the number at the top when you’re ready. Good luck, kid. (Walks away)

(Brooker approaches Coach Carson)

Brooker: Hey coach, it’s tough to explain. Here, look at this. (Hands over paper). What do you think, he says I’ll never get that kind of money in South Charlotte. But I don’t really know how Newmanistan gold coins exchange with Starblaydi credits.

Carson: This would be big, Jeremy. You know you have a great future in the NSL.

Brooker: Would Pocono City ever give me that kind of money? Just asking, I know how you guys are a big market team.

Carson: Well, Jeremy, it’s against NSL rules for me to say what I’d give you to play for Pocono City while you are under contract with South Charlotte.

Brooker: I know, but....

Carson: Well, you have a lot of potential, I guess I could say that we would offer you top dollar. Loudon and Putnam Lake surely would too. And I’m sure South Charlotte will do everything they can to keep you. Do you want to be one of the best players in Newmanistan, or just another good player in Starblaydia? This is not a top Starblaydi team offering you this.

Brooker: That’s a good point. Thanks coach, I have to think this over.

Carson: I know. But right now I need you thinking about Wijaska Island.

Brooker: Yes sir!


(Carson then gets the team together and goes into a long strategic lecture. Players listen, at its conclusion, they begin to disperse for the morning).

Brooker: Hey, J-Mac, can I ask you a question?

McAllister: Sure.

Brooker: If a Starblaydi club offered you a lot of money to play here, would you go?

McAllister: Never.

Brooker: You said that too quickly. I mean seriously now, would you go if you got offered this? (Hands over sheet of paper)

McAllister: Stay in South Charlotte. Putnam Lake sucked 10 years ago. I mean, we were the laughing stock of the league I was told. We’ve begun to turn the corner lately, and I take a lot of pride in being one of the leaders of that movement to the top. When we win a championship, it will be so much sweeter to know I helped take a club from the bottom to the top. One day, South Charlotte will be good, and you’ll be the one of the first people they got to help get them there. That’s a special thing.

Brooker: Yeah, you’re right.

McAllister: Besides, Starblaydia is a nice place. But man, the Empire is our home. When we become a more well known World Cup team by say, the 50th World Cup, you don’t want to be known as the defector to Starbladyia. Stay with us.

Brooker: You’re awesome, I’m gonna call him right now and say no. Thanks.

McAllister: Thanks, and now lets go work out to get ready to kick some Wijaska Island tail.

I am shooting myself at not being able to exist while this was going on, nevertheless, here is my (late) roster:
GK - Erlend Marsier
LB - Aralt Felitcher
LCB - Keltith Leherble
RCB - Curin Pathill
RB - Tobolt Zaritch
LM - Marupis Huld
CM - Cavant Quiall
RM - Nemeth Grulber
LF - Ralber Saulring (John Doe the Second)
CF - Selde Saulring
RF - Mielar Wilthe
SUBS - Telnold Ellury, Rucole Aggothe, Lansaure Delemanth, Melder Pleice, Dulmer Gercorce.

All of them are just normal people, who don't have medical conditions or anything.
I will post more in just a moment.

Here we go, these are my rules:
Choose my goalscorers - Sort of, take note that my defenders and goalkeeper don't score goals.
Godmod scoring events - Nothing too out of the ordinary.
RP injuries to my players - Minor ones are ok.
Godmod injuries to my players - Sorry, my guys are more careful than THAT.
Hand out red cards to my players - We aren't the mafia, I hope.
Hand out yellow cards to my players - I suppose so.
Godmod other events - Within reason.

Turkic Sport
Fan's Corner
Dear Fans,
I feel that in order to improve the team we must all put the violence against the East Antairees behind us the way the team played showed they were on edge and visibly shaken by the violence that incurred and that perhaps resting the Starting XI against Nethertopia could be a viable option to allow them to recover. It would be wrong to think that they could have shaken off such a shock overnight as this sort of incident has never happened in the Super Lig.
Fuat Karaman

Well put Fuat I dont think theres a fan out there who dissagrees but perhaps taking the entire team off is extreem as there were some glimers of great play such as the build up to the goal, well thats just my opinion it's down to "The Man" what happens from here.

Rustu Meets Sekran
R: Well Serkan how have you been in the tournement.

S: Fine until the Antairees

R: Lets focus on the positive shall we your transfer?

S: ah well I'm glad to be the first player to play abroad but I'll miss the Sultanli Team so much.

R: Can you tell us anything about the deal

S: You'll have to wait and see until we are knocked out which is the date of my move.

R: What do you think of the coach?

S: He's a ex Sergent you tell me

R: But do you think his training has in anyway weakened the squad

S: Infact no, Considering that the older guys play in the amateur third division and the younger players play in the Super Lig we all need to at the same level of physical fitness.

R: Thank you for your time.

"A third win in a row. I coudn't be happier, fellas! It's incredible... A 3-0 win! With a hat-trick for our own Abdoulaye in the second half and some beautiful saves of Wouter in the first half. We shoudn't let ourselves get pressed by that much, guys. We need to focus a bit on defence too. But still i like the fact that we won." speeched coach Kietecs. "Well," began Wouter van Dalen, "i jsut did my job. But don't you think Abdoulaye scores like hell?" "Well, i'm just doing my job too," replied Soro. "I just hope i can continue my form."

"Well guys, we've practically placed ourselves for the last 16. But we musn't loose focus. We will be playing Kose and The Turkomans nect game and they are a big threat to us. But i'm sure we can handle them. But we need to go to the trainingfield right now or we will suffer from loss of form! C'mon, guys!"

Sinan, Uzulmez, Serkan and Iskender are on the training pitch Sinan is taking on Uzulmez while Uzulmez is not trying

Si: Comon Uz you can't expect to stop Soro with that kind of defending get your game on boy.

U: Well I would but I'm just too tired man I'd better head up to relax after I check the team sheet.

Ser: After this play I've got to go, got a press conference on the next game Sinan arent you meant to be talking to the press?

Si: No I've got to practise we all need to be in the zone when we play tonight.

Ser: if your sure (Crosses ball in Sinan volleys it past Iskender) well I'm beat I better get some rest before the press conference, I'll wait for you to finish

Serkan sits on the side line watching

Isk: Well played man, well I'll be going.

Si: No man just one more shot please-

Isk: No (walking off) I need to focus and put my lucky tracksuits on.

Si: (Folowing) Fine, just cause I dont want you to leave alone and we'll check the team sheet.

Ser: Cool lets go.

Si: (Reading Team sheet) Uhh sorry Iskender I dont see your name anywhere.

Isk: What!

The Paper Reads:
GK: 12. Cakir Fuat
CB: 2. Uzulmez Yilmaz
CB: 13. Hikmet Koc
RB: 4. Firat Can
LB: 5. Yilmaz Aydin
CM: 18. Nuri Turan
CM: 17. Firat Mertcan
RM: 19.Balci Mutlibalaoglu
LM: 9. Serkan Turkmen
ST: 10. Sinan Kose
ST: 21. Hakan Ismir

Si: Well I'm sorry you struck out buddy

Isk: Yeah Yeah.

The trio walk off to the hotel while having a contest in witty banter.

"Well doc, how bad is it?" "Well, it seems he has a light concussion. He won't be playing in the match versus Kose and The Turkomans. He will make the game against East Antairees though." Coach Kietecs shaked his head. "Abby, Abby, Abby... How did you manage to crush your head againt the post anyway?" Soro replied: "Well, after that high pass Fouad gave me i had only eyes for the ball and forgot about the field..." "But it was just a freaking training! Ah well, we'll just have to play with Kingsley in the starting 11." "Maybe that's a good thing. Kose needs to switch tactics now and i was scoring too much anyway."

"So doc, how much do you owe us?" "Oh," replied the doctor, "it's nothing. I'm sure everything will be setteled with your insurance company. But... There's one thing..." "What is it?" Asked Kietecs. The docter answered: "Can i get an autograph of Abdoulaye? I'm a soccerfan, you know..."

Sinan is in his hotel room practising kick ups with Serkan when Nuri Bursts in

Nuri: Sinan, Sinan Guess what!?

Si: What (Misses ball) Damn it

N: Well aparently the Nethertopia star Soro is injured

Ser: you mean-

N: yes this is our chance and if we really woop their asses, I mean really rubbed their noses in it-

Si: (Pick up ball) Well lets not get our hopes up is the coach changing tactics?

N: No he said this team was built on the assumption that Soro would cause a problem but now he's gone the team wont need as much effort.

Si: I'd better go buy him a card to let him know that we wish him all the best.

Ser: are you sure?

Si: Yeah after the riots we could use some good PR.

They leave with Starblaydi credits to buy Soro a card to wish him well.

"What to do next?" Asked Sergio Torres the coach in a private meeting. "We still got a good squad, you know. I don't think we should change anything." "Well... We could ask Jean Klaasens to play for us." "You mean guy with four legs because of his half-siamese twin thingey?" "Yes! Him! Did you know that Kose and The Turkomans send a nice card to Abdoulaye?" "Yeah i noticed. But is it allowed to put someone with such an advantage on the field?" "I don't know, i just know it isn't forbidden..." "Is he in the country?" "Yes, i've kept him close." "I'm not sure about it. We'll take Jean to the match and switch him for Kingsley if things go bad. Now it's time to get us some sleep."

The pub was a dank, dark place filled with dank, dark people. Out of this hellhole stepped three of the most exquisitely smashed Antairians the world had ever known. Still brooding over the tie to the Turks and the riot afterward, these fans had entered the den of sin at 0300, and were just now exiting, about ten hours later.

Jacob, whose breath smelled heavily of the drink and whose skin was a pasty white, blinked inquisitively at the light as it entered his retinas. Seeing very few people on the street about him, Jacob took a few steps forward, only to find himself falling to the ground hard. Hearing his companions' drunken laughter infuriated Jacob, who stood back up awkwardly and stepped right into the face of the nearest giggling gutter dweller he called his friend.

"You gotta problem, Tim?"

Tim stopped laughing quickly, his dilated pupils struggling to bring Jacob into focus. As this epic battle with nature ensued in Tim's mind, he took in an interesting site. Two men were running down the street, waving money about ridiculously openly. To Tim's drunken mind, a quick reaction was necessary. The best he could muster was a nod in the direction of the men and a rough grunt.

Jacob and Billy turned around and took in the situation. In their current state, the money alone would have been enough incentive, but Billy noticed something.

"Isn't that the bloody striker that tied up our game?"

Jacob nodded, and signaled to his fellows. Grabbing a piece of broken pavement, Jacob led his boys across the empty road and directly into the path of Sinan and Nuri of Kose and The Turkomans.

Sinan was of course intimidated but he was an imposing figure at 6'4 and had a shed load of muscle, the man swung the pavement at him but then like lightning Sinan Kose slamed his fist into his stomach causing him to fall then the others advanced on him. One thing they did not know was that he was heir to the throne and would not be allowed to travel in a foreign country alone that was when Turk Hooligans apeared but these were different they were heavily armed.

The fight that ensued left nearly everyone involved bloodied however Sinan and Nuri took an alley way path and then took a taxi to the hotel almost unharmed except for a cut on Sinan's arm but it was not major enough to keep him out of the game.

He spoke to the coach "Some East Antairees scum attacked me in the street."

"Right thats it this time they've gone too far the Starblaydi FA will have to act!" Murat Screamed

**Letter to the SFA**
Dear Sirs,
My player was recently atacked by people of the East Antairees while we are annoyed at the police conduct over the riots I have to consider my players safety and I feel that the security will need to be increased to ensure that no more incidents happen.
Yours Sincerly,
Murat Kentman

May goals brought by Iemanjá's waves!

Glad to see that the orixás continue to help our beloved team in its search for an international title, one that even Cafundéu doesn't have. After four games, Terreiro de Ogum is in the second position, but with the same number of points of Newmanistan, the team against which we drew in that game full of provocations. It seems that the orixás decided to forgive them, as they were able to win their game. Anyway, we must focus in ourselves, think about how we can reward the orixás with a trophy. It's a difficult mission, but we are fighting to achieve it.

And what about the game against Abaio? Surprisingly, Terreiro de Ogum had many difficulties against a team full of ghosts, as we weren't able to identify their players. Maybe it is because, as we are a good nation, we can have some problems when fighting against the unknown, full of evil spirits. But we have the help of the orixás, called before every game to bring strength to our team, and our team seemed strong because of that. We started winning the game, then Abaio scored twice, then we scored twice, then they scored again and then we scored again... what a confusion! Our goals were scored by Tramóia, Mestre Kacet (two) and Pai Berto.

Now, we must hear the words of our beloved great leader, the most talented and spiritually elevated pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé. Once again, he'll talk about the spiritual strength of the opponent country, this time Abaio. He said: "It was very difficult to get a proper reading about the spiritual force of Abaio, as I wasn't able even to see their players in the game, something very sad, by the way. But the búzios told me that this country has some spiritual strength, and we could prove it, as they scored three goals without having players. Now, they only have to take advantage of the fact that they have a good spirituality and look for the advice of the orixás, who can surely help them to achieve their goals."

Pai Tremedeira de Fasah said: "I was expecting an easy game, and because of that forgot to make the prayer to Iemanjá, one that I usually do before every game. Maybe because of that we had some bad moments. But I was able to make a ritual to her during the game, and thanks to that we were able to win the game, as Iemanjá accepted my offerings and helped the team. Thanks to Iemanjá. I also want to comment that the Blind Magician's tactics weren't so good today, as a defensive team like Terreiro de Ogum suffered three goals, we hope to see better games in the future."

Matchday Five Scores:

Group Lion
Kose and The Turkomans 3-2 Nethertopia
East Antairees 5-0 Krasslor
The Daleks 2 0-1 Agroprom
Diojiu 0-4 Kosovoe
Aqua Teen Hungerland 1-2 Eighthgraderistan

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Eighthgraderistan 5 4 1 0 12 4 8 13
Kosovoe 4 4 0 0 12 2 10 12
Nethertopia 5 3 1 1 14 7 7 10
East Antairees 4 3 1 0 12 5 7 10
Kose and The Turkomans 4 3 1 0 8 5 3 10
Septentrionia 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5
Aqua Teen Hungerland 5 1 0 4 7 12 -5 3
Agroprom 4 1 0 3 2 7 -5 3
Diojiu 5 1 0 4 6 13 -7 3
Krasslor 5 0 1 4 4 13 -9 1
The Daleks 2 5 0 1 4 4 13 -9 1


Group Eagle
Engbec 1-1 Aleos
Sesquipedalianist 2-2 Sarejavo
Newmanistan 5-0 Wijaska Island
Abaio 0-2 Pantocratoria
New Cimeran 2-5 Terreiro de Ogum

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 5 4 1 0 16 5 11 13
Terreiro de Ogum 5 4 1 0 11 6 5 13
Sesquipedalianist 4 3 1 0 12 3 9 10
Ruskastan 4 2 1 1 6 6 0 7
Sarejavo 5 1 3 1 5 7 -2 6
Aleos 4 1 1 2 5 6 -1 4
Wijaska Island 4 1 1 2 2 7 -5 4
New Cimeran 5 1 1 3 6 13 -7 4
Pantocratoria 4 1 0 3 5 7 -2 3
Engbec 4 0 2 2 1 5 -4 2
Abaio 5 0 1 4 5 11 -6 1

IMPORTANT HOST NOTE:
From now until Matchday Six (which comes tomorrow) there will be a period of Double RP-Bonus.

K&TT 3-2 Nethertopia
After a even game no one expected the center back Uzulmez to claw the winner. The first goal came from Kingsley a half volley in the 8th minute, then a similar goal in the 12th. Then Sinan Kose scored an imense shot from 25 yards on half time leaving the scores at 2-1. After much chanting against Sinan he equalised for the Turks with a audacious lob over the keeper. But the final blow came from Uzulmez from a header that looped over much of the defence. This game leaves us in 5th but within 2 points of the leaders.

After the game Sinan Kose was available to comment" Well it was a hard game but we pulled through and we hope this form continues

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS CRUSH WIJASKA ISLAND

Farca, Starblaydia- The Rockets hit the field this evening fully inspired and ready to play. Their opponents from Wijaska Island were anything but. The end result was a dominating performance by the Rockets with a final of five goals to nothing. You can’t get much better then that. Once again, in the largest stadium in the Baptism of Fire, the Rockets found the back of the net five times.

The flat Islanders quickly found trouble matching up against the speed of the Rockets, and as they were also set up in a 4-3-3 formation, the Rockets were able to utilize their speed in their own 4-3-3 to the fullest effect. Sure, if the Islanders had been a little more up to this challenge, we could have seen a tighter contest. Newmanistan made them pay early, scoring a goal in the 4th minute. Jeremy McAllister was eager to take on the Islander defense, dribbling around two separate defenders, faking a pass to Kevin Lewis before blasting the ball in the top right corner. If Wijaska Island had any life before this match, the quickness of this goal may have completely deflated them. It stayed one-nil for quite a while, and if the Islanders were going to mount a comeback, this is when it needed to happen. It didn’t, and where Kevin Dalton was tested, he was able to make the saves. In the 39th minute, the Rockets took a mad rush toward the net, and would extend their lead. The initial shot by Carrigan was stopped, and defender Vanaye Zaranki had a very soft clear that found the foot of the Rockets Mark McCafferty, who had joined the rush. McCafferty took the shot, and the screened Salearis Baerit didn’t see it well when it left McCafferty’s foot, and was unable to get to the ball in time. 2-nil Rockets is where we stood as it went to intermission.

At the break, there wasn’t much that Brian Carson really needed to say. The Rockets seemed to be in full control of the match, because of their own play, and because the Islanders were very lethargic. However, Carson knew very well that Wijaska Island could very well find themselves in the second half, so he urged his team not to let up, and go for a quick third goal when the second half began.

The Rockets looked to deliver on their coaches desire to get the third goal quickly, and they were helped out substantially by Wijaska Island when Kalase Riyans was whistled for a foul in the penalty area in the 48th minute. He was also yellow carded. Jeremy McAllister took the penalty and made no mistake with it, striking it in almost the same area that he deposited the first goal of the game. Sensing defeat, Wijaska Island just never really seemed to have the desire to mount a comeback bid, and seemed more interested in getting the game over with. Either that, or the Rockets defensive strength in this match just made it look that way. By the 65th minute, Carson had used all three substitutes, trying to get some players enough playing time. Shawn Drummond had come in for John Murphy, Steve Boland for Prescott, and Mitch Conrad for Stratton. Drummond, who had been held without a goal thus far in the tournament, got his first Baptism of Fire tally in the 78th minute off a pretty feed by Kevin Lewis. Though just Lewis gets an assist, the three strikers, McAllister included, made the Islanders look pretty silly with their smooth passing. With the score 4-0, and Wijaska Island seemingly looking toward their next opponent, the Rockets seemed to try and focus on letting McAllister try to get a hat trick. In the 86th minute, McAllister would get his third goal of the game, set up by Drummond. It may be seen as running up the score, but you have to understand that including the Di Bradini Cup, McAllister has had six 2-goal games and no hat tricks. He wanted the hat trick here. He got it! Newmanistan gets a convincing 5-0 victory. Here is some post-game reaction.

Carson (on the game in general): There isn’t much more you can ask for. We played as great as we possibly could today. We knew we had to be ready for them, and we definitely were. We sensed that they weren’t themselves today, and instead of letting that affect our game, we had a great killer instinct.

Carson (on the McAllister hat trick, and the perception of running up the score): In any tournament where goal differential could at the very end, determine where you get placed, and who you play, there’s no such thing as a meaningless goal. And for Jeremy, I’m very happy for him. Getting a hat trick, particularly in the Baptism of Fire is a very special thing to achieve.

Brooker: We’re glad we got the clean sheet. Figures a defender would mention that first, right? Well, I have to as its our first of this tournament! But it was just a real great game by all of us and hopefully something we can build off of.

McCafferty (on his rare goal): It might not be my thing, necessarily, but the opportunity was there. I was thinking more that it would set someone else up in front, but I don’t think the keeper saw the shot too well. It’s always exciting to get a goal!

Lewis: Nothing to complain about today. Great game! I’m sure if we played them again, they would be much stronger. But when you have an opponent that seems off, you have to go for their throat. We did that.

McAllister (on the hat trick): Well, first, getting the win is the most important thing. As a team we played great, almost perfect, football today, and that’s a credit to everyone out there. Wijaska Island is a better team then it seemed. Getting the hat trick, I think that’s a dream for any striker, especially at this stage. It’s a game that I will remember forever.

Once again the final, Newmanistan 5, Wijaska Island 0. Here’s your boxscore.

NEWMANISTAN 5
McAllister (3', 48', 86') Assists- Lewis at 3', Drummond at 86'
McCafferty (40')
Drummond (78') Assist- Lewis

WIJASKA ISLAND 0

Bookings

NEWMANISTAN- None

WIJASKA ISLAND
Riyans, YC, 48'

East Antairees 5 - 0 Krasslor
Phoenix Dominate, Dent Gone for Qualifying!

It was a historic and terrible match for the East Antairees today, as they scored 5 unanswered goals but lost their premier scorer and captain.

The unstoppable scoring began early and continued throughout the match, with 3 goals in the first half, and 2 to finish the match. In the 6th minute, winger Reg Locke dribbled the ball deep down the Krasslorian half, and sent a cross flying into the 6 yard line. James Dent leapt to head the ball and netted another goal for himself, starting the tirade of goalscoring for the Phoenix.

Making quick work of the holes in the Krasslorian defense, speedy defender John Ray earned himself two consecutive assists in the 11th and 20th minutes, the former to center attacking midfielder Michael Wilson, and the second to Dent for his second goal.

It was this event that would set into motion several devastating consequences for the Phoenix' star forward. While his bicycle volley off Ray's cross was arguably the most spectacular tally of the Baptism of Fire thus far, the landing was terribly flawed. Coming down awkwardly on his back, Dent was immediately immobilized, his teammates rushing to his side in terror. After being taken off the field by the expert Starblaydian medical staff on site, Dent's injuries were confirmed to be contained to a minor fracture in single vertebrae, from which his recovery is expected around the beginning of the Round of 16.

A visibly shaken Antairian team entered the locker room at halftime up 3 - 0, unable to score again after the loss of their friend and captain.

A rousing halftime speech by manager Trent Hadder resurrected the Phoenix from the flames, and the side came out in top form, with replacement forward Dingo Varez showing his skill in earning an assist on midfielder Michael Wilson's second goal of the match. This put the score to 4 - 0 after 50 minutes of play. The score would be brought to 5 with a remarkable long shot from half-pitch by defender Andrew Ryan in the 68th minute.

Score Recap:
East Antairees (6) 1 - 0 Krasslor
East Antairees (11) 2 - 0 Krasslor
East Antairees (20) 3 - 0 Krasslor
East Antairees (50) 4 - 0 Krasslor
East Antairees (68) 5 - 0 Krasslor

THE ROCKET REPORT

With five games in the books now, our collection of experts here at The Rocket Report have handed out individual grades to each of our players. The grades listed represent the average of each experts individual grading sheet.

GK: Kevin Dalton- Dalton has in general, been solid. And even though he probably would like to have back a goal here and there, the Rockets really couldn’t have expected too much more from him then what they have gotten. He has recorded one clean sheet and has made some real key saves in real key situations, especially in the Pantocratoria match. Grade: A-.

LB: Jeremy Brooker: Some will argue that Brooker has been the best player on the field game after game for the Rockets, which is especially impressive considering that he is still only 19 years old. His Di Bradini Cup experience appearance to have really helped him make the adjustment to having to play at this level, and Brian Carson’s confidence in going with him has really been rewarded. Grade: A+.

LCB: Nate Stratton: Stratton hasn’t had a bad tournament, but he could be the weak link of the defense right now. That’s not as much a knock on him though as it is a credit to the others. We’d like to see Nate get a little more physical. Grade: C.

RCB: Mark McCafferty: Expected to be the defensive captain, McCafferty has fallen back into his less demanding role that we are accustomed to seeing him when he plays for Centralia. His play has been excellent, and he’s even scored a goal. Grade: B+.

RB: Eddie Chapman: Chapman has been the Eddie Chapman that got him here. Not doing anything exciting, but just being terrific back in his own end. With him and Brooker manning the wings on the defense, the opponents have found it difficult to really use the entire width of the pitch when they are in the attacking area. Grade: A.

LM: Chris Peterson: Here’s another player that’s been able to play his game. Peterson has shown up on the score sheet a few times with assists. He’s been very good in the defensive zone as well. Carson is getting just about everything he could have expected from him. Grade: A-.

CM: Kevin Carrigan: Carrigan has been a bit of a surprise for the Rockets, not because he is playing well, but because so far he has been one of the better players on the team. The Rockets have already scored several goals off of corner kicks, and Carrigan’s delivery on them has just been outstanding. He’s also done a great job defensively. Grade: A+.

RM: Brett Prescott: There’s nothing really wrong with Prescott’s game so far, but we would like to see a little more consistency from him. Also, we would like to see more of the Brett Prescott that has become famous. You know, the rough side. Grade: B-.

LS: Jeremy McAllister: Jeremy’s rise to superstardom has happened so quickly that still many people are trying to catch up. His amazing Di Bradini Cup has proven not to be a fluke as he has carried that on into the Baptism of Fire. Sure, he hasn’t scored as many goals, but this is a higher level, he has been consistently, one of the best players out there. He also does a lot of the little things, like being a leader out there. He has found quick chemistry with Kevin Lewis. The sky’s the limit for this youngster. Grade: A+.

ST: Kevin Lewis: Lewis was expected to be a leader, and he has been every bit of that and maybe more. The captain has been both scoring goals with frequency, and setting them up. He has also been a leader, and even though McAllister has also shown the willingness to lead, Lewis has more experience at it. Between the two of them though, Newmanistan fans are feeling very good about their chances in the Baptism of Fire. Grade: A+.

RS: John Murphy: Murph was supposed to be the quiet striker. The one that, while you’re looking at the more finesse players in the lineup, is quietly racking up some good offensive numbers on his own. He has been doing exactly that. Grade: A.

**SUBS AND RESERVES THAT HAVE SEEN PLAYING TIME **

CB: Tony Borsinger: Tony has seen action in 2 games thus far, and hasn’t done anything wrong. The opponents have yet to score while he has been out there, so that’s the big thing. Don’t rule out him getting a chance to start here and there, as coach Carson really seems to like him. Grade: A.

CB: Mitch Conrad: Conrad has only been in one game so far, that being the most recent game against Wijaska Island. As the opponent really didn’t have any pressure late in the game while he was out there, it’s really tough to grade him. Grade: Incomplete.

MID: Steve Boland: Boland got some work at the end of the Aleos game and did a pretty good job, then got his second opportunity against Wijaska Island, and also performed pretty well. We don’t have a lot to go by, but he hasn’t done anything wrong. Grade: B+.

ST: Shawn Drummond: Drummond has appeared in all five games and has scored once. When he has been out there, he has shown terrirfic offensive awareness, and could have more goals, based on his effort. He hasn’t done anything to hurt the team either. Grade: A-.

MID: Julie McElroy: Julie has appeared in two games, and made a big impression against Sarejavo with a goal and an assist, but was held in check pretty well by Pantocratoria most recently. She can play with the guys just fine. No worries there. Grade: A-.


Coach: Brian Carson: There isn’t much more that you can expect a manager to do. He has had his team prepared to play everyone they have met thus far, and has gotten a lot of respect from around the world already for his tactical decisions. He has control of the team, and most importantly, their respect. And the record? Well, you can’t get much better. Grade: A+.

Today after last nights Kosovoe souel's dropkicking of the Diojiu, today the team took a break. They visited some national parks in starblydia. Oh wait who cares? Lets talk about the game.
Yeah literally beat the shitaewa out of them. 4-0. I mean it was practically as if the Dio's weren't even there. Well anyway as i've stated earlier the Souel are now in first place in group lion. Well lets recap the game.
For the second straight match a Weasley scored a Hat trick. This time it was Fred. He beat up the goalie with his own array. Also like the previous game George the other Weasley scored the fourth goal.
Fred scored the first goal of the game during the twelf minute, on a nice finish of a Champ Maigee pass. He then scored again in the 34th minute. He stoked the ball clear over the goalies head and into the net from 5 feet in front of the half field circle. He scored his hat Trick then on a bouncer from the outside that accidentally hit him into the net.
George would score the last goal with just seconds left in stoppage time. He arced the ball over 5 defenders to himself and aced the shot through the goal line and into the net.
By
A stupid Sevy

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

From Halad City Staduim, Halad City, Our team improved to 4-1-0, and is leading Group Loin with 13 points. Marco Franjelli scored twice and the team held off a strong finsih from Aqui Teen Hungryland to win the game.

Up next for us is a match agaisnt Koci and The Turkeymans at The Argay Arena, Jan. They are only 3 points behind us and if we win, we'll stay in frist place!

Guys who have gotten a goal for us:
Marco: 6
Bobby: 2
Kevin: 1
Mannyuel: 1
Nick: 1
Nate: 1

Due to an accident involving our reporter on the BoF crashing his uninteresting saloon car into some woman's minivan, we can only give you a pathetic record of our trial team's recent game against Terreiro de Ogum.
The game was held around midnight, with the ref having had little sleep, so he was in a cranky mood. Players left, right and centre were being booked for tying their laces or coughing during throw-ins. The lighting in the stadium was mysteriously dim, thus both goalkeepers were hilariously incompetent, fortunately so was everyone else. Before kick-off, everyone was crowded in the trial team's goal, wondering how come the pitch was so miniscule. After being sorted out in vaguely correct positions, a man disguised as a man in disguise strolled onto the field asking where the roof was. Suddenly a non-stop looping of 'Old McDonald Had a Farm' blared on the loudspeakers, knocking everyone unconscious, thus the first half had nothing in it. In the second half, some guy from TdO got confused and scored an own goal, putting the score at a bizarre 493275-nil. Then the ref learned how to count, making it 1-nil to the trial team. For a brief moment, the ref thought he was a player and scored a goal for TdO. In the complete darkness, nobody saw who it was, so the score officially became 1-1. Four more goals were suddenly scored by TdO, although nobody saw how. In the last millisecond of the game, the ref suddenly had a surge of pity for the trial team, generously giving them a free goal, putting the final score at 5-2 to the other guys. For official records however, the game was played much more sensibly but with the same result. The referee has been duly hanged, as with the drunkard in the first half. Nobody is to know of the actual story, to prevent shaming of anything that could get shamed as a result. This message will attempt suicide in 3...2...1...

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS GET SET FOR 2ND HALF OF GROUP PLAY

Nova Malta, Starblaydia- With five games in the books, and having won four of them with a draw, saying the Rockets had a successful first half of group play would be stating the obvious. They sit atop of Group Eagle, and barring catastrophic events, qualification to the knockout stages seems inevitable. Still you want to finish the best you can in the group, and the Rockets have their sights on the top spot. Up next is Ruskastan, a nation that should be familiar to everyone who followed the Di Bradini Cup. Our clubs never played, but Ruskastan did advance to the knockouts in that Cup, so there is no shortage of respect of them in the Newmanistan locker room. Following the match, the Rockets will have a bye week, then will close out against Abaio, New Cimeran, Engbec, and Sesquipedalianist. Those schedule makers sure did know what they were doing when they scheduled that last one. Newmanistan-Sesquipedalianist to close out group play should have huge implications on where people play in the knock out stages. Our Clint Peterson had a chat with manager Brian Carson to discuss several things, looking back at the first half, forward to the second half, and more.

CP: I’m here once again with manager Brian Carson of the Rockets, whose team has reached the halfway point of their schedule. Brian, your thoughts on the first half of group play?

BC: We’ve played very good football, and we should all be proud of our record. We’ve won four out of five games, and still haven’t lost. Doing well in the Baptism of Fire is really important to us, and I think it has shown thus far. We’ve made the right adjustments in each game, and have played a full 90 minutes, plus stoppage time, giving it our all. I am really proud of my team.

CP: It seems like you guys really enjoy playing in Starblaydia and feel real comfortable in making it your home. We saw it in the Di Bradini Cup, and now in the Baptism of Fire.

BC: This is a passionate place to play, they have a lot of history here, and since we’ve never actually played Starblaydia, their fans don’t really have a reason to be against us. We have a good connection with a lot of people here, because we’re all about football. But also we’re not so stuck up in it that we don’t get out there and mingle with fans, and enjoy the culture. I think that’s the kind of team that will draw the neutral fan. Plus, we score goals. Fans like that!

CP: Some nations do have interesting themes to their teams, though.

BC: Well, you see the nationalistic cultures on their teams, and that works for them. You should never change who you are. For us though, we don’t care if your eighth graders, monsters, or whatever, when you’re on the other side of the pitch, you’re the opponent, and we will bring our A game. I’ve always wondered something about Eighthgraderistan though.

CP: What’s that?

BC: If they’re all eighth graders, then why do they call it a middle school? Isn’t it the only level of school if they’re all at the same level of their schooling?

CP: I really don’t know. Anyway, the second half begins with Ruskastan. Thoughts on them?

BC: Ruskastan is one of the better teams in Group Eagle. They will be fresh and wanting to knock us off, so we’ll have to be prepared. But I believe fully that we will be. I do think that if we play our game, that we should be ok, but we will have to be on top form.

CP: Very well. I want your opinion on Sarejavo for a moment. You guys destroyed them to open the Baptism of Fire. Since then, they have one win and three draws, recently drawing Sesquipedalianist, which is pretty big.

BC: They’ve rebounded well for sure. That draw may help us out in the long run. I think that maybe they just needed time to comfortable with international play. Their coaches got them back on the right foot. They deserve a lot of credit.

CP: What is the morale of the players right now?

BC: As high as possible. That’s really to be expected when you have had the success we did, but everyone is focused on the task at hand.

CP: After Ruskastan, you have your bye. What is the plan for the bye week?

BC: We are hopeful to arrange a meeting with Simeone Di Bradini. Then we’re going to go to some museums around here, and I am going to let them see some of the memorablia that is at these places that have been devoted to our Di Bradini Cup championship. The whole team will go. For those who participated in it, it’s a chance to see what has been devoted to them, and for those who were not in it, I want them to see for themselves what Newmanistan has proven that it can do at this level. So it can tell them that we can also win this Baptism of Fire. Also, as a team, we will be attending the game between Sesquipedalianist and Terreiro de Ogum. Other then that, they’ll have free time.

CP: Some people have wondered, is the Empress coming here for the Baptism of Fire?

BC: I believe it is her intention to be here in the knockout stages. She’d love to be here for all our games, but she does have an Empire to run.

CP: Thanks Brian for your time as always. Good luck in the second half of group play.

Imperial Monitor

PANTOCRATORIA SCORES FIRST WIN OF TOURNAMENT
Soccer fans across Pantocratoria are celebrating today after last night's 2-0 victory by the Pantocratorian Peacocks over Abaio in the Baptism of Fire Cup.

The Peacocks put on a dominating display, with Abaio only rarely seeming to put the Pantocratorians in any danger.

By contrast, Pantocratorian Captain and star striker the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel scored the first goal of the match just five minutes in, after a pass from Andreas Drakopoulos.

Abaio failed to create any scoring opportunities for the remainder of the first half, but managed to blunt further attacks from the Peacocks, until shortly after the half-time break, when Pantocratorian striker Jean Guirlois headed a ball into the goal which had been deflected by Abaio's goalie from an initial kick by Frederic Poissons from midfield.

The last thirty minutes was scoreless but the ball remained firmly in Abaio's half for most of the time, with Pantocratoria constantly on the lookout for more scoring opportunities.

Striker Jean Guirlois was yellow carded by umpire Franceso Boreso for a foul, which upset Pantocratoria's momentum in the final fifteen minutes of the match.

Euphoria carries the night
No sooner had Coach Charles Beauchamps wiped the smile off his face long enough to give a post-match press conference than the soccer fans poured out of their homes, bars, and sports clubs of Manuelville to celebrate on the streets.

The spontaneous street celebration was the largest in the country, although not the only, as Pantocratorian football fans rejoiced nation-wide.

Controversial Bishop of Manuelville, Louis-Manuel du Val, included Te Deums in his morning Mass in the regional centre this morning, to celebrate Pantocratoria's first international football win.

Pantocratoria's next match is against New Cimeran and Coach Charles Beauchamps said his team is "extremely confident".

Turkic Sport
Fans Corner
Dear Fans,
I think our victory over Nethertopia shows we can compete with the better teams but our game against Eightgraderistan is a make or break and we should play the best team we can to get the higher seeds, Sinan apears to be in his best form and I think that as long as he isn't harmed out of games we'll be fine.

Rustu Meets Uzulmez
R: Hey Uz how are things

Uz: Good

R: So down to bussiness, how did you feel during your suspension

Uz: I felt very unhappy I think I was contemplating leaving the tournement which would have been the biggest mustake of my life.

R: How do you feel about the teams progress.

Uz: aside from the Krasslor game I think we've played very well.

R: What about the team, who's your favorite.

Uz: I'm tempted to say Serkan but I have to go with Sinan he's so much fun at training.

R:Thank you for your time.

Racism
Sinan Kose has been the victim of racist abuse, not just in the last game but outside the stadium. The clinical striker holds no grudge against Nethertopia and aplauded the fans of K&TT who did not attack anyone this time however this has resulted in the Royal family becoming concerned about his welfare. But despite this he still turned in a performance at his usual level. But this leaves the question why him? is it because he has been a nuisance to every team we've played? or is there a deeper reason.

Sir, closed the door to the changed room, navigating himself through the myriad of glasses and empty beer steins littered all over the floor. Looking at the wall he sighed at the big banner “DRINK NOT THINK”.


“All right boys, what the flaming donkey’s rear behind was that all about?” he frothed with bits of spit going everywhere. He reeked of beer which he had set upon immediately after the match was over.

“I can’t believe you lost the lead to a team of almost nobodies and I don’t care if they're the surprise of the tournament! You might as well go and join the bleeding choir invisible for all I care you’re a bunch of hopeless ninnies! After being 2-0 up thanks to Quokka and his Silverfoot you guys go and lose the plot, letting on two more goals! What was all that spewing and passing out about?!”

“You could have substituted us, Sir”

“WHAT!?! Are you joking!!!!” his face contorting with rage, “I haven’t used substitutes all competition and damned if I wont change now!!!” the alcohol enhancing his anger.

“But Sir, it’s our first draw, we want to celebrate,”

“Celebrate? After the 2000 strong Sesquipedalianist fans waited for 4 hours after being body searched for alcohol and then having CM$200 000 worth of beer confiscated only to see you blokes draw? They risked getting sober and never being able to return home like us just to see you play!?!”

“They looked like they had enough fun.”

“Yeah, what are you complaining about coach.”

“Hurry up and get off your high horse Sir, we want to go celebrate our first draw in all competitions with them. We promised we’d meet them straight after the game anyway for another piss up.”

“I agree, all this winning and media has gotten to your head Sir, you need to chill out drown your sorrows in that bar you are ever so fond of.”

“All right lad, we’re going”

"To the PISS UP!"

"On on on on" the boys chorused

The team leave a stunned and speechless Sir sitting alone in the dressing room where he looks vacantly for a few minutes then shrugs his shoulders and starts drinking out of a half empty bottle.

"Ok guys, we took our first loss, but it's nothing to worry about. We're still in second place, but we haven't got our bye yet. I don't think a top seed will be in it but at least we're able to advance the the next 16. It would be a shame if we woudn't. And we didn't need to use Jean. Thanks for showing up." The coach had finished his talk "Well, we proved that we were able to score without Abby in the team." Said Kingsley Kalu who scored the two opening goals. "It's just too bad we got overrun in the last minutes of regular play."

"Indeed," the coach replied. "I would like to make a few changes for the next game. Souley, you're going to start on the bench again and Abby will start in the basic 11 again. I'm also switching keepers. We've scored much, but we have conceeded 8 goals in total. That's too much. And we'll start with Cees on the field and keep Daouda on the bench." Daouda Diompy pulled a face. "Why am i the one who needs to make place for Cees?" "You should really show more effort for the team. You're making too much actions with the ball yourself and that costs us many balls. Ok, is that clear, guys?" "Yeah!" Yelled 22 mouths at the same time. "You're having an hour for yourself now and after that lunch will be served."


Abdoulaye Soro 8 goals
Kingsley Kalu 3 goals
Souleymane Diakité 2 goals
Sergio Torres 1 goal

Wijaska Televison

Todays Headlines: We regret to inform that because of we could not work our internet connection or search engines, there will not be image with todays headlines. Wait, no. Nothing happened today, so we can't really have headlines. Or at least we has no idea what happen as our internet is broken. Or at least we think it is. Now onto the real show.

Okay, so far we really has not done to well in Baptism of Fire, sure we won one match, but that not much, we still near bottom of the group. We lost twice, and that off day was not of much help either. Our first match, with Te...re... er something de Ogum was a loss, and its too bad, because it could have been draw, or even win. And today we were demolish by the Newmanistan, five-nil. We didn't have a chance, it was 3-0 at half the and only got worse from there.

I mean sure, we may have win against Pantocratoria, but so have many other team. And we were one goal away from winning with Ruskastan, and two from... um... that Ogum country team. And if we had 3 wins, or 9 points, we could actually be in top for now. And instead we almost at bottom four. Maybe we should have not expect to do well in this cup. And we have not even started with world cup yet, we probably will not have chance there if we can not even win few matches here.

But still, there is the good news as well. We're pretty much done with all the good teams in group, all thats left is countries below us in the table, countries we might be able to get win against. Except from that other, long, confusing, name, they might demolished us like Newmanistan did. Just look how high in that group the country is. Not too long ago they were at top of group, and now they are just down because they had less matches.

So now, let's have look at matches we still have to play.

Abaio (11th, 0-1-4, -6, 1)
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/abaio.png
Now, if there's any chance we'll be able to demolish teams in this cup, it's going to be this one. They have lost all of their match except one, and have not won any. They could not even win match against other not so good teams in this group. Or at least this what is seem like so far, too many of their matches have been against top teams.

New Cimeran (8th, 1-1-3, -7, 4)
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/new%20cimeran.png
Now this team, they have record very similar to ours, except they have not had off day yet, and they have worse GD. If this mean anything we may actually beat this team, but a draw is just as possible, and knowing our luck so far, we might even lose here. And that would really take us down.

Engbec (10th, 0-2-2, -4, 2)
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/engbec.png
Okay, now these guys, just above the Abaio, don't have that bad of the record, but they still have not won match. If this is to change, let's hope we're not the one's ending this, at it would be embarrasing to lose this match. It should be easy 3 point, but even if not, we should has at least have one, to lose with this team would be almost as bad as to lose with Abaio.

Sesquipedalianist ( 3-1-0, 9, 10)
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/sesquipedalianist.png
Okay, sadly, this match will most likely not be win. They have not lost match yet, so it not very likely they lose with us. Even draw may be difficult to get, but at least here we might not losing 5-0 or something like that. No point off this country, I afraid.

Sarejavo (5th, 1-3-1, -2, 6)
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/sarejavo.png
Okay, now this team is actually above us, up in 5th place. Their only win was against New Cimeran, team that we have chance at winning with as well. But then most of their match has been draw. They draw with the high-place countries, and draw with the low-place country as well. As such we are most likely to draw with this country. Unless the trend change, as this match still quite far off.

Aleos (6th, 1-2-2, -1, 4)
http://spaam.mrdrake.net/flags/aleos.png
Now the last match, we really don't know what happen. This teaam is now in exact middle of group, they have about same number of win, draw, and lose, and all the loss has been with teams above them, although they did draw with Engbec. So far this look like another draw, although, as with the Sarejavo, we can't be sure.

So as you see, we have chance of have as much as 15 point at the end, which may be enough to get the fourth place. But who knows, maybe we win with those two last countries, and finish with 19 point, which gives us even more chance of going to knockout stage. But, at same time, our luck might not get better, and we lose these matches, and fall to bottom of group. But I hope we have as many win as possible.

"Welcome to our press conference," said Pieter-Jan Inniger, vice president of the NFA. "We have a few statements to make and i shall begin with the behaviour of our fans. Last night in the match versus K&TT we heard racist remarks against Sinan Kose who was called 'sinasappel' (Dutch for orange), remarks about squishing him and even some oranges were thrown on the field. We of the NFA will NOT tolerate these kind of chantings. We like to keep football an enjoyable sport for everybody who watches and loves it. That is why measures are up against supporters, who will be caught when chanting things that are offencive to other people. We will ban those supporters from our home and away games for the qualifing world cup matches. We also apologise to Sinan Kose and Kose and The Turkomans. We wish them all the best of luck and hope to face them again in the last 16 but without the offencive way of prokoving their team.

The next issue is our new stadium. The Falcon Stadium is ready for use and photos will be released as soon as possible. It has a seating capacity of 90.000 men and we are proud to say we will be hosting every home qualifing game in it.

Furthermore i can confirm the transfer of Abdoulaye Soro to the El din Marbles FC from The Republic of Candelaria And Marquez. We wish him good luck in his new team and hope he can continue scoring as he does now. That is all."

Count Your Chickens Your Wheels Are Square
27th Baptism of Fire for World Cup 40
101 (Guide)

For all those uninitiated Sesquipedalianistians who haven’t a clue about the sport because you mainly follow Channel Flicking and wouldn’t have a clue that there are indeed other sports out there here is a guide to the Baptism of Fire competition or rather a guide on the other nationalities and their teams in our group all from our perspective so even if you’re seeing triple, you’ll understand (we’ll speak slow – promise!).

Abaio:
Maybe one drink then off to the toilet, two and there out like a light.

New Cimeran:
Not even one, staunch non-drinkers. Un-believable I know.

Engbec:
Like Ababio, maybe one but not good after the second.

Sarejavo:
Weak but suprising stronger than they look. 3-4 max

Aleos:
They try hard but just can’t keep it down. 4

Terreiro de Ogum:
Compared to some, they're good but once it gets down to just the men they flourish. Max 9

Pantocratoria:
Starts of looking like there going to hurl after one but last two more. 3

Wijaska Island:
Last as long as our kids, 6 drinks

Ruskastan:
Looks the bacon that soon they drop of as well. 8

Newmanistan:
The best here but even our 12 years olds can put them to shame. 10

So there you have it, a detailed and authoritative guide to the other nations. As for how well can they play football, who cares anyways?

Authors note: Any offense taken by any Non-Sesquipedalianistian is not my fault and would anyone who holds a grudge please not throw beer bottles through my window, thankyou!

Turkic Sport Extra
Sinan Kose Anouncement
The prolific striker Sinan Kose has been abused by many non-Turkic fans while on incident escalated into violence the other didn't. Rumors amongst the team have said he is returning but in a recent statement he said "Any rumors of me going back are lies leaving would be a mistake" so in a massive resistance here comes the big question will he play next match heres the poll results:
Yes:10%
No:90%
The most common reasons for no were: "he needs the rest" and "Give the others a chance" however we suspect far deeper reasons.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g237/Zanziik/FederasioneQoqerlireAstanterizem.gif
East Antairees Football Federation Official Statement

It has been brought to my attention via national news reports that, following an attack on the players Sinan Kose and Nuri Turan by unidentified assailants, the nation of Kose and The Turkomans has lodged a formal complaint with the Starblaydian Football Association about the East Antairees. While I am most definitely concerned about the safety of not only the players from K&TT, I find it offensive that the complaint has been lodged against the East Antairees, and I believe the accusation, without evidence to support that it was actually Antairian citizens who assualted Mr. Kose and Mr. Turan, is an aftereffect of the hard feelings felt following the brawl between Antairian and Turkish fans. While I wholeheartedly encourage the apprehension of whoever assaulted these players, I request that the East Antairees is not accused of assault without evidence, and also remind the world that even if the assault was the work of Antairian citizens, the attack hardly represents the opinion of the EAFF as a whole.

Sincerely,
James Hatter, Director
East Antairees Football Federation

Exú is the messenger of goals!

"Quem pode ter trazido tantos gols para o nosso time defensivo? Nossos jogadores jogam bem, mas somente algo superior pode ser responsável por isso. É nosso mensageiro, nosso orixá dos goals, Exú!"

And our defensive team of Terreiro de Ogum, this beloved territory, continues impressing everyone with a good attack. No one knows exactly how the team is scoring so many goals, as the tactics of the coach Blind Magician are defensive ones. But one thing is certain: this is working. Still in the second place, but with the same number of points of Newmanistan, the team is now one of the favourites to win the title, and surely Terreiro de Ogum is able to do that. With the help of the orixás, everything is possible. We can even make a cow fly or a pig talk, the orixás can do everything.

And in the game against New Cimeran, Exú brought chaos. The game was expected to start at day, but suddenly the sun disappeared, and the players had the impression that they were playing at midnight. New Cimeran's players were frightened, they were scared, a bunch of coward people that fear the unknown, people without spiritual sensitivity. But our players have this kind of sensitivity, and knew that what was happening was made by the orixás. Suddenly, Exú possessed the referee, willing to help the team of Terreiro de Ogum. The game was difficult in the first half, as the players from New Cimeran were very violent, so it ended in a draw.

In the second half, the orixás abandoned our beloved team for some moments, and New Cimeran scored. A player took a free kick, the ball hit Toquinho and entered inside the goal. But after the pai-de-santo Pai Berto made some offerings to the orixás, Exú returned to bring the team to victory. Pinguinha shot from outside the area, and the ball hit the possessed referee and entered inside the goal. That was sufficient to increase the morale of the Terreiro de Ogum players, who didn't need another help from the orixás and won the game, scoring more goals with common plays, that's the truth (goals from Mestre Kacet (twice), Guaxinim and Pai Berto).

So, we now go to the question: what about the spiritual strength of New Cimeran? According to our great and beloved pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé, it doesn't exist: "They aren't believers. They'll have great problems in the future, as they tend to ignore the orixás and believe that things aren't influenced by higher spirits. I feel sad for them, as I can't see them seeing the light in the nearly future. Someone needs to help them, to bring the orixás to their lives."

Another famous pai-de-santo, Pai Gilberto de Gil, told our messengers: "In this game, the help of the orixás appeared... but this time, I can notice that our players were able to win the game using their own strength. I know that the presence of the orixás frightened the opponents, and give the morale to the team to fight for the victory, but this time they used more their ability, not their faith. Maybe we're improving our football ability, something that can be very useful in the future."

Sinan Kose is in his hotel room curled up in a ball the coach walked in
Murat: Sinan whats up man you weren't at training.

Sinan: I dont feel up to playing this game.

M: But we need you.

S: you can play on without me.

M: No you dont understand without you we have no more attacking options without you we have no cutting edge.

S: I feel it's time you tried a different combo up front.

M: well give me a good reason-

S: I suffered enough abuse i think it's better if I hold out to let it all blow over.

M: Sinan I've always seen you as a son, not a favorite son but more of a accident in the back of the car, but a son none the less and well any son of mine would rise above it.

S: fine I'll do it for you Coach.

Murat leaves and puts the team sheet up in the lobby.
GK: 1. Iskender Sukur Kazim
CB: 2. Uzulmez Yilmaz
CB: 3. Sukur Saray
RB: 15. Metin Aydin
LB: 5. Yilmaz Aydin
CM: 18. Nuri Turan
CM: 7. Ariakan Ismael
RM: 8. Sabri Gunes
LM: 9. Serkan Turkmen
ST: 10. Sinan Kose
ST: 21. Hakan Ismir

Lionel Henri: Alright guys. This game is of utmost importance. You're back from a day I told you you were free to do whatever you wanted. Players' happiness is very important to me and I prefer happy players that are willing to play to sad players who don't want to play.

Louis Levasseur: Lionel is right, But now, he has something to tell you about that day...

Lionel Henri: Yeah... WHAT'S THIS?

*Shows a newspaper cover page on which is written:*


Players of the national soccer team caught in crack smoking orgy

Jhanna, Starblaydia - Yesterday, two players of the Septentrionian national soccer team, who are currently preparing for the qualifying process for the 40th World Cup in Starblaydia by playing in the Baptism of Fire, were caught smoking crack beside the Mascherano's, bar bar in Jhanna. Both spent 24 hours in jail before being released when another teammate, Alain Bellemare, paid for their liberation. Their names cannot be given, but they will be facing accusations of possession of illicit substances and consumption of illicit substances. The two players are facing jail time for their actions.

When joined (no pun intended), the manager of the national team, Lionel Henri was furious. He did not even dare answering our questions and hung up. We then tried to join the President of Septentrionia, Vincent Landry (SOC), said that these two players' actions are a shame for the Septentrionian nation as a whole and that they will fully contribute if an enquiry by the Starblaydi police/government is needed. "It is not of our best interests to not cooperate, especially as two of our nationals did something that wrong. We are going to help the players, obviously, but they should not feel proud of it and, while I cannot make people guilty of anything by myself, I hope the Septentrionian courts will find a way to deal with that."

Lionel Henri: And the article is not over guys. But I guess you get the point. Now, WHO are the two guys? They better stand up or I'm going to punish the whole team. Anyway, their names are going to be known soon enough after the Starblaydi police let the media say their names. So, I'm going to repeat: Will the two guys who made that illegal action please stand up?

*Everybody watch stupefied as Nicolas Maloeil and François Lafontaine stand up*

Nicolas Maloeil: Yes, it was us, coach. We do crack, and completely forgot that it was illegal in here...

Louis Levasseur: But it's also illegal in Septentrionia, so what's your point?

François Lafontaine: Well, we wanted to have some fun as we had the day off. So we went into that bar and had some fun until we were craving for crack. So we finally decided to smoke some, as we needed to satisfy that craving. Then, a Starblaydi saw us and called the police. We got arrested five minutes later, underestimating their power.

Lionel Henri: And now... Alain Bellemare. Do you approve what they did?

Alain Bellemare: Of course, not.

Lionel Henri: Then, why did you pay for their release?

Alain Bellemare: I applied one of your mottos: "United in win, in loss, in everything. That will make us strong." While I really disapprove what they did, I also understand that we need them to be competitive.

Lionel Henri: Great way of answering... I did not expect it from anybody, especially after the way we worked in the first games. Now, both of you, you may participate in tonight's game. But you won't have any freedom anymore. For both of you, you're coming with the team, or with me, depending if it's a free day or not. It better be crystal clear for you guys or else, I'm dropping you from the national team altogether. There are other guys in Septentrionia able to do the job you do, you know?

Louis Levasseur: Now that it's done, ready for take off guys? Let's win that game for our proud nation! GO! GO! GO!

Matchday Six Scores:

Group Eagle
Kosovoe 0-0 Aqua Teen Hungerland
Eighthgraderistan 2-4 Kose and The Turkomans
Nethertopia 1-1 East Antairees
Agroprom 2-0 Diojiu
Septentrionia 4-0 The Daleks 2

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kosovoe 5 4 1 0 12 2 10 13
Kose and The Turkomans 5 4 1 0 12 7 5 13
Nethertopia 6 3 2 1 15 8 7 11
East Antairees 5 3 2 0 13 6 7 11
Eighthgraderistan 5 3 1 1 12 7 5 10
Septentrionia 5 2 2 1 8 4 4 8
Agroprom 5 2 0 3 4 7 -3 6
Aqua Teen Hungerland 6 1 1 4 7 12 -5 4
Diojiu 6 1 0 5 6 15 -9 3
Krasslor 5 0 1 4 4 13 -9 1
The Daleks 2 6 0 1 5 4 17 -13 1


Group Eagle
Pantocratoria 3-1 New Cimeran
Terreiro de Ogum 3-1 Engbec
Aleos 0-2 Sesquipedalianist
Wijaska Island 2-1 Abaio
Ruskastan 0-3 Newmanistan

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 6 5 1 0 19 5 14 16
Terreiro de Ogum 6 5 1 0 14 7 7 16
Sesquipedalianist 5 4 1 0 14 3 11 13
Ruskastan 5 2 1 2 6 9 -3 7
Wijaska Island 5 2 1 2 4 8 -4 7
Pantocratoria 5 2 0 3 8 8 0 6
Sarejavo 5 1 3 1 5 7 -2 6
Aleos 5 1 1 3 5 8 -3 4
New Cimeran 6 1 1 4 7 16 -9 4
Engbec 5 0 2 3 2 8 -6 2
Abaio 6 0 1 5 6 13 -7 1

Double-RP bonus is now over.

Nethertopia 1 - 1 East Antairees
Disappointing Tie, Dent Missed

Phoenix fans world wide groaned after the full time whistle was blown at Foundation Road tonight as the Matchday 6 contest against Nethertopia ended in a disappointing tie, allowing the Kosovone lead to remain unchallenged, and even worse, allowing Kose and The Turkomans to pull ahead of the Phoenix into a tie for first in Group Lion.

While the outcome was disappointing, the match itself was rather eventful, with both goals coming in the final ten minutes of play, both fan sections cheering rabidly.

Missing the scoring prowess of forward James Dent, who was injured yesterday against the Krasslorians, the Phoenix relied on the untested feet of Dingo Varez, who would not disappoint. He put the Phoenix up one - nil in the 83rd minute with a wonderful long shot from outside the keeper's box.

The score would be leveled soon thereafter by prominent Nethertopian goalscorer Abdoulaye Soro.

An interesting situation unfolded after the game, with several Antairian fans and Nethertopian fans working together to unfurl a giant banner bearing obscenities directed at Kose and The Turkomans, a team with which both the East Antairees and Nethertopia have had issues all cup long.

Score Recap:
Nethertopia 0 - 1 East Antairees (83)
Nethertopia (86) 1 - 1 East Antairees

THE ROCKET REPORT

SECOND CONSECUTIVE CLEAN SHEET IN WIN

Nova Malta, Starblaydia- As they headed into their bye week, the Rockets had one tough game left to be played, against Ruskastan. Since Ruskastan also participated in the Di Bradini Cup as a relative underdog and was also able to advance to the knockout stages, there was tons of respect for them in the Rockets locker room. Again fired up to play, Newmanistan recorded their third consecutive victory after their draw, this another shutout to the tune of 3 goals to nil. They remain at the top of Group Eagle on goal differential, as a three team breakaway appears to be happening in the group. Newmanistan also has the best record overall, in the Baptism of Fire, and although Kosovoe and Kose and the Turkomans have a game in hand, the Rockets likely would be ahead of them in goal differential if they each had one more win.

The game got off to a pretty fast start with both sides getting some quality opportunities, but neither able to score. Kevin Dalton’s most difficult saves likely came in the first 10 minutes of the match. Though as the first half because to reach its midway point, the Rockets began to have most of the possession, and would be rewarded with the games first goal in the 33rd minute. Newmanistan’s leading scorer, Jeremy McAllister got the goal, but Kevin Lewis made the play happen. His shot was stopped by the Ruskastan goalkeeper, but the ball remained in play, deflected slightly off a defender, and led to a very easy tap in for McAllister to give the Rockets the one goal lead. This is where we would be at halftime.

At the intermission, the team was pretty happy with their performance but seemed to wish that they had more then a one goal lead. Defenders Eddie Chapman and Jeremy Brooker each gave a speech, promising that if the Rockets could score just one more goal, that the team would pick up three points. The defense was very confident in their performance, riding the clean sheet off of Wijaska Island, and then shutting Ruskastan down in the first half here.

Despite their desire to get a second goal, the Rockets had trouble gaining the attacking zone. Even though they were down by goal, Ruskastan wasn’t really pressing the matter in any way, as they seemed to hope they could capitalize on an equalizing opportunity when it came. Then in the 68th minute, there became some tension. Brett Prescott was tackled hard, and didn’t appreciate the play and shoved Mladen Desislav to the ground, forcing referee Franceso Boreso to display a deserved red card, the first by a Newmanistan player in the Baptism of Fire. There was no argument over the booking from the Newmanistan sideline. With the man advantage, Ruskastan went to the attack, but a miscue by Desislav, turning the ball over to Chris Peterson would be their undoing. Peterson found a breaking Kevin Lewis up the middle, and Lewis did the rest to make it 2-nil in the 71st minute. The goal really frustrated Ruskastan, and they continued to be sloppy, this time Imam Branislav was responsible for the lazy turnover, and again it was Lewis. If you saw the goal and didn’t know any better, you would have thought you were watching an instant replay of the 2nd goal. In the 76th minute, the Rockets led 3-nil. The remaining time saw some Ruskastan chances, but nothing too major. It’s a win for Newmanistan, and now they can rest up in their bye week. Here’s some post game comments.

Carson (on the game): We played really well today. I think the score is a little misleading, because this was a tighter game then it appears, Ruskastan may have deserved a better fate, but that’s not our problem. It’s three big points for us. We did real well in these last two matches against two of the clubs we thought would be among the best in Group Eagle.

Carson (on the Prescott red card): We know that Brian is an aggressive player. That kind of thing happens. The red card, I do believe, was deserved, I have no issue with that booking at all. I’m really impressed with how we played short. They helped us with a couple of turnovers, but you have to be able to capitalize on those turnovers when they happen. We did that. Julie McElroy will get a chance to start in his absence in our next match.

Prescott (on the red card): He should be glad that all I did was shove him to the ground.

Brooker: Really happy about this. Two clean sheets in a row against two very good opponents is outstanding. We are hitting our best stride right now. I think some of us wish we didn’t have to have a bye week yet!

Peterson: It looked like they were playing for a draw the whole game really. Then they decided to go for it when they got the man advantage, but maybe they weren’t really prepared to do that mentally and made some poor decisions.

Lewis: We took advantage of our chances today, we didn’t have a lot of them, and this game was tightly played, more then the final score will seem to indicate. Taking advantage of opportunities is always key.

McAllister: I’m just really glad to get the win, and clean sheets are always special. Maybe in these last two games, we’ve shown that we can beat you in many different ways. It’ll be nice to get a breather in our bye week, and then get ready for Abaio.

Here’s your boxscore! The final score for the final time, Newmanistan 3, Ruskastan 0

NEWMANISTAN 3
McAllister (33')
Lewis (71', 76') Assist- Peterson on 1st

RUSKASTAN 0

Bookings

NEWMANISTAN
Prescott, RC, 68'

RUSKASTAN- None

President joe of the Kosovoe national soccer Fed."Those assholes tied. There goes are practically unblemished table."
Steven"Calm down we'll talk top them about it."
The souel pride goes down as they talk about there first ever non win. They are beaten by steven. They have pains. Look forward to next game brethren.

(OOC: Star, 3rd place at 4-1-1 not 3-1-1.. gf14-ga8 gd+6 thanks)
EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

we played Koci and The Turkeymans at The Argay Arena, Jan and got beeten 4-2, dropping the team into a 3 way-tie for first with Kosoevo and Koci, but they don't have a loss With 6 of the 11 mathes played sofar, the team is doing beter than expected.

Despite falling behind 3-0 in the frist half, the team fought back with goals from Eric reed and Bobby Astair. but Koci and The Turkeymans managed to score again and that lead to the final score of 4-2.

Up next is East Auntairs at Jihad City Recreational Ground, Juanna. The road ahead dosen't get any easieer with most fo the remaining matches agianst the top teams in the group.

Guys who have gotten a goal for us:
Marco: 6
Bobby: 3
Kevin: 1
Mannyuel: 1
Nick: 1
Nate: 1
Eric: 1

The Turkic Sport
K&TT 4-2 Eigthgradierstan
In a fair match The Turks took the early lead through Hakan Ismir's volley in the 2nd minute, then Sinan Kose struct a well placed shot past Mickey Deter who was powerless to resist the third goal a free kick struck with venom by Sabri Gunes leaving the score 3-0 at half time.

But Eigthgradierstan struck back with two goals in the 49th and 55th minute but the Turks got the final breakthrough through Sinan Kose's Lob over Deter to put the tie beyond doubt. This win leaves them in joint first with Kosovoe who are their next game.

The Game of Games
Tonights game against Kosovoe is being billed as the game to decide the group. With both teams expecting a win the people of the Turkomans are being cautioned by the police against any misbehaving. So far both teams have scored the same but K&TT have conceeded more, however they have the advantage of 2 wins in a row and momentum, whereas Kosovoe have come of a goaless draw with ATH who we beat on the first day.

Rustu Meets Sabri
R: Well Sabri it's nice to have you

Sab: Good to be here.

R: how do you feel after scoring your first ever senior international goal?

Sab: Well it feels good like, when I was at my first game I never thought I'd go this far.

R: How are things after the "events" lets call them, of the cup.

Sab: Well we almost didn't play Sinan but he pulled through also other members of the team have been shouted at, had pavement thrown at them and yet dispite all this we're still joint first.

R: Yes that shows alot of character. Thank you for your time.

Yet More Issues?
The Nethertopia and East Antairees game caused great offence the the Turkic people in an official statement from the FA " While we know this is not the majorities opinion or that of their respective FA's but I must urge the Starblaydi FA to act on this, however concerning the Attack on Sinan and Nuri we have widrawn our direction pointing to East Antairees citizens and are simply resquesting an inquiry."

(Brian Carson has taken the team to Starblaydia’s most famous football museum, so they can, in particular, view the wing of Di Bradini Cup 4 championship memorabilia that is on display. They have arranged to go, with the museum’s approval, one hour before it officially opens).

An attractive young lady welcomes them at the door.....

Carson: Good morning, we have arranged the 8 am walkthrough, mainly interested in the Di Bradini Cup stuff for now, could you direct us to that, please?

The young lady hands Carson a map, and they head on their way, though Jeremy McAllister slowly follows.

McAllister: (whispering to young lady): I’m the guy in a lot of those pictures. #20. I’d like to talk to you more, call me in like, 2 hours. (Hands over his number and winks; she winks back).
Carson: Uhmm, Jeremy, it’s this way.

McAllister: Sorry, I dropped my cellphone. I’m coming.

(He joins the team)

Brooker: Did you just do what I thought you did?

McAllister: You know me better then that. Of course I did!

Brooker: Damn you, I was going to try when we left. She’s hot.

McElroy: Brooks, you have a girlfriend. And remember, I know her too.

McAllister: So what are you gonna do, Julie, plenty of football guys around for you.

McElroy: I don’t know, ever since that kid from Eighthgraderistan hit on me, I’ve been uneasy, damn he didn’t look 14!

Brooker: You did what?!?!?

McElroy: I just said he hit on me. I didn’t say I did anything with him. Give me some credit, will ya? Then there was that guy from Sesquipedalianist, but he seemed too drunk so I didn’t think he could last more then 5 minutes so I turned him down too.

McAllister: Damn, Julie.

McElroy: What, can’t a single girl enjoy the same kind of things that a single guy will? Being a reserve, I have more free time! Hahaha!

Carson: Ok everyone, here it is. Our own very special wing. There’s the trophy.

(Collective oohs and ahhs as they check everything out)

Drummond: Yes!!! They have it!

Drummond: It’s that picture of when I scored the goal with that Krytenian chick on top of me.

Lewis: Wow, nice.

McAllister: Yeah, he never shut up about that.
--------------------------------------------------------

Dalton: So that’s Sakura Jo, what a story she was, huh?

Borsinger: Yeah, deaf goalkeeper getting her team to the final, she was tough.

Dalton: Yeah Corey (Hennis) never stopped talking about her, and the conversation he had with her through her sign language interpreter and how touched he was by it.



Brooker: Man, Sorthern Northland. Those guys were crazy.

Chapman: I’ve heard.

McCafferty: Stuck in an airport, right?

Brooker: Yeah, we all learned a very valuable lesson from them.

Chapman & McCafferty: What?

Brooker: That there’s a time for the serious game face, and there’s a time for fun. We learned to just relax and enjoy ourselves. They were a little crazy sometimes but they got results. We were very fortunate to win that semifinal.


Carson: Ok, everyone, gather around. (Team obliges)

Carson: What we see here is a tribute to our Di Bradini Cup championship this year. The Baptism of Fire is something completely different. But this is what Newmanistan showed it could accomplish to the world. We played some very good opponents in that, and we are now again. The Baptism of Fire is a prestigious trophy, and a very difficult one to win. After all, you only get one crack at this. We can come back for other World Cups, or other Cups of Harmony. But the Baptism of Fire, it’s now or never, team. We want to look back at our Baptism of Fire year very fondly. If the kids can do it, we all can do it.

Lewis: (screams) Go Rockets!!!!!!!!!!

Team: Rock-ets! Rock-ets! .......

Carson: That’s right! Let’s get this Cup too! Starts with Abaio next week. We’re playing very well but we got more to do.

Chapman: That’s right! We haven’t done anything yet!

Carson: Alright, well you guys enjoy your free time. Remember, have fun, but please, no one get arrested. We will go to Sesquipedalianist-Terreiro de Ogum match as a team later this week. So don’t forget that. Again, have fun.

(The players disperse)


McAllister: Hey, so what’s your name anyway?

Lady: Meghan.

McAllister: So Meghan, what do you think?

Meghan: Well uhhhh *coughs* I have this *coughs* bad cold and my boss just said *cough* I could go home early *cough*. (winks)

McAllister: I’m sorry to hear about that.

Meghan: Yeah I was on my way out the door. (whispers: follow me)

(Pantocratorians speak French and/or Greek. This programme has been translated from its entirety from French)

http://members.optusnet.com.au/a_marrington/PeacockNews.gif
PEACOCK DAILY NEWS

An attractive young lady in her mid-twenties, Pantocratorian newscaster Virginie Merlot (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/virginie_merlot.html), sat behind a polished glass desk in front of a large plasma screen television which was playing images from a palace in Aerion, where Pantocratorian political leaders were meeting with their counterparts from all over the Western Atlantic.

"...short hiatus in negotiations." Merlot said, as the screen behind her switched to Pantocratoria's Imperial Chancellor (the equivalent of a Prime Minister), Dr Thibault Drapeur, speaking at a press conference at the Western Atlantic Summit.

"At this time there are still some issues surrounding trade which we are seeking to resolve." the Chancellor said. "My Knootian colleagues have strong views, as you know, but we are similarly resolved. We support totally the Danaan suggestion... the Confederal suggestion rather... the articles on trade proposed by the Confederated Peoples which require signatories to meet minimal standards with respects to human rights in the workplace. Questions?"

"Chancellor, is it true that Isabelle Folquet will lose the treasury position?" one journalist asked.

"Chancellor, when will you be announcing the new cabinet?" asked another.

"No comment..." Drapeur replied. "I have no comment to make yet about the composition of the Imperial Cabinet. At this time I need everybody in my Government doing the jobs they know, I need everyone's best efforts and experience to get the best outcome at this summit. The Cabinet will be named afterwards."

"When will Parliament sit? It's been months since the election?"

"After the summit. That's all, ladies and gentlemen..." Drapeur concluded. The shot switched back to Virginie Merlot in the studio.

"And now to talk about sport, Peacock Daily News sports reporter Adrien Mimridan." Merlot smiled and turned towards a large ex-rugby union player in a suit next to her. "Adrien, Pantocratoria's soccer stocks are rising?"

"That's right Virginie," Mimridan replied. "The Pantocratorian Peacocks won their second game of international soccer last night in the Baptism of Fire cup, defeating New Cimeran convincingly three goals to one."

The screen behind Merlot and Mimridan switched to highlights from the game, showing the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel scoring a goal and then celebrating with a somersault. It moved through the other goals and near-misses in a quasi-random fashion, as sports "highlight reels" often do.

"Team captain, the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel, scored the first goal with a magnificent chip over the head of opposing goalkeeper Erlend Marsier." said Mimridan. "He was followed by goals coming out of the midfield by Frederic Poissons and Andreas Drakopoulos. In reply New Cimeran could only score one goal, kicked by Selde Saulring."

"The Peacocks will be taking on Engbec in their next match at Stadii di Quercus." Mimridan continued. "Although the huge stadium is not expected to be sold-out, there was a rush for tickets for the match after Pantocratoria started to show signs of finding form. Over five thousand Pantocratorian fans flew out of the country today, mostly from Montmanuel and Votosoros, on their way to Starblaydia to follow the national team through the Baptism of Fire."

"Let's hope they're not disappointed, Adrien!" Merlot said, with another heart melting smile directed at the sports reporter.

"Let's hope not, Virginie." Mimridan replied. "Most commentators believe Pantocratoria can beat Engbec, but that the Peacocks face an enormous challenge in the form of Sesquipedalianist after that. Should be great to watch."

"And of course, you can only watch the Pantocratorian Peacocks on the Peacock Daily News Cable and Satellite Network!" Virginie Merlot declared. "We'll be right back after these messages."

Sinan, Uzulmez, Ismael, Hikmet, Ariakan, Nuri, Sabri, Erkan and Turkoglu are relaxing in the lobby several Starblaydi girls under 18 are watching them.

Si: (Wispering) Hey Erkan you reckons I got a chance with the hot blonde.

Er: No no no no-

Si: Alright I get the picture, hey Hikmet where are you going?

Hik: (to hot blonde) hey couldn't help but notice that you are the hottest thing since sliced break (He winks and takes her hand as he leads her up stairs.)

Si: Holy shit dudes we seriously craped out if Hikmet can get that girl.

Nur: Sabri you ought to be ashamed of your self why didn't you get it on boy.

Sab: I ent in the mood for this man.

Tur: why the hell not man.

Sab: Well can you guys keep this to your selves.

All: Yeah man!

Sab: Well Yarmur she's-

Si: You mean!

Er: Get out of here man.

The team jump up and down in celebration chanting his name and dancing badly.

Si: So 18 and you have a child on the way man I wish I could.

Ism: And by Hikmets actions he may have to deal with it too.

The team laugh as they huddle round Sabri and pat him on the back.

"Well, that was an entertaining match," said Kietiecs at the aftermatch dinner. "We're almost certain of placing ourselves for the next round now, although not as top seeders."

"No problem, i guess," replied Pieter-Jan Inniger who joined the dinner as well. "And by the way, we have punished the fans who've created that aweful baner. They are not allowed into the stadium for our next game against Krasslor."

"Aww c'mon..." Said Soro. "I bet Sinan can see the humor of the sinasappel baner... I thought of it as funny myself too," he grinned.

"About the next match, P-J," interruped the coach, "Since Krasslor is kind of a punching bag we will be playing in a 3-4-3 formation with a style of +4. Our wingers will take a more defencive stance at the middlefield. We will keep Gert-Jan on the bench and place Souley in the start again. But my steak is getting cold so i'm going to eat that."

Changes for the next match:

Style modifier +4

GK 1 Wouter van Dalen
DL 2 Sergio Torres (C)
DC 4 Ronnie de Haan
DR 5 Mike Igwe
MR 6 Daouda Diompy
CM 7 Fouad Snijders
CM 8 Klaas Koppers
ML 9 Andrés García
ST 22 Kingsley Kalu
ST 10 Abdoulaye Soro
ST 11 Souleymane Diakité

Turkic Extra
Sinan Kose to buy Banner
Sinan Kose has in an unexpected move decided to buy the banner that was shown by Nerhertopian fans in a press statement he said "It's just to show I can have a sense of humour about myself and it's great that people have recognised me and these people will remember me." Sinan Kose is expected to pay in the region of 1000 KTL for the banner.

Hooligans Arrested
11 hooligans entered the Turkic Training ground today and attempted to threaten Sinan to leave the tournement but one on looking fan called the police and they were arested 10 were of East Antairees citizenship and one was from Kosovoe. 3 of the Antairians have confessed to being the ones who attacked Sinan and Nuri in the streets.

Team For Tonight
GK: 23.Hakan Eksi
CB: 2. Uzulmez Yilmaz
CB: 14. Ismael Koc
RB: 15. Metin Aydin
LB: 16. Murat Turan
CM: 7. Ariakan Ismael
CM: 18. Nuri Turan
RM: 8. Sabri Gunes
LM: 9. Serkan Turkmen
ST: 10. Sinan Kose
ST: 22. Nuri Turkoglu

"Well coach, didn't i say so?" Said Abdoulaye with a smile on his face. "He liked the banner. I've contacted the fans who took the banner and we got it from them. They too liked the fact that Sinan liked it. We've taken a picture (http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/900/sinasappelkosetr4.png) of it as a reminder"

"That's good news," replied Kietecs. "Let's give it away for free as a sign of goodwill."

"I've got a better idea. They can have it if we can play them in a friendly before the qualifiers of the world cup." Suggested Pieter-Jan Inniger.

"That works fine with me," the national coach said.

Soro said: "And did you know that the fans call us 'The Falcons' now? I like it. It's got a ring to it."

The team are in the hotel lobby
Ser: Sinan?

Si: Yes?

Ser: Why do you like the banner?

Si: Well it's good for memories when I'm an old man.

Ser: No seriously

Si: Well I actualy like and well this way I'll show theres no hard feeling.

Abdullah Bul walks in

Bul: Sinan I have to say your really mature.

Si: Thanks and well we've got a bus to get to the next game.

The Team Leave in their kit

(The team gathers in the morning of the day of the game between the Empire’s top two Group Eagle matches, though the conversation doesn’t have much to do with either of those teams).

Drummond: So, J-Mac, we all want to know, how was that chick from the museum?

McAllister: She was a nice girl.

Drummond: Sure, no one cares about that part, how was she?

McAllister: I can’t even try to be nice for five seconds, huh? Ok, she was a wild one. Better then the girls I got with in the Di Bradini Cup. She sent me pictures to remember her by.

(Overhearing that, he is soon surrounded by nearly all his teammates)

Brooker: Ok, so where are the naked ones, this is just her in a football jersey, I guess she plays too.

Lewis: Yeah, stop hiding them.

McElroy: (just shaking head in disgust)

McAllister: There aren’t any. She wanted me to remember her this way, as a football player, she played in high school, and knows the Di Bradini’s. I kind of had a connection.

Drummond: You? Please.... (laughs) You just wanted to get some.

McAllister: I ain’t gonna lie, yes I did, but it got to be more then that.

Brooker: Who is this man? Talking about wanting more from a girl.

McAllister: You have a girlfriend, Brooks, you know how it can be.

Brooker: Yeah, but, I guess I never thought I’d hear you say this stuff.

McElroy: So, she plays, huh? Does she play for a Starblaydi team now?

McAllister: No, when she was 16, she suffered a leg injury in a high school game. It’s gotten better and everything, but it ruined her ability to play football, so she’s just not good enough now, I guess. But she loves the game, and working at the museum, she’s gotten to know a lot of football players, including the Di Bradini’s.

McElroy: I see.

Lewis: So, no offense, she’s probably just a groupie. It didn’t take much for you two to hook up. She probably had it all planned out before you did, she knew we were coming that morning.

McAllister: I thought about that too, but it was different. She wants to come to Newmanistan. I think she might be the one.

Lewis: Again, something a groupie would say. You might be right, just don’t be getting to excited about it.

McAllister: Yeah well, I guess you could be right, but I’m going to keep in contact with her, just to see how it all goes.

Brooker: Nothing wrong with that. So, Julie you get with the Eighthgraderistan kid?

McElroy: Would you stop? He hit on me. I did not respond back.

Brooker: Uh huh, that’s not what someone else told me.

McElroy: Huh? I’m 23, what do I want with a 14 year old, even if they do look like 20.

Brooker: The guy at the front desk said he saw you two together, walk to your room.

McElroy: WTF? (Gets ready to go to front desk)

Brooker: (laughs) Just messing with ya. Haha. But I’m sure there’s been someone here who you’ve been associating with.

McElroy: That’s for me to know.

Brooker: So what hotel is Eighthgraderistan staying at, Julie?

Chapman: Ok, you’ve beat that one dead now, Brooks, let it die. I’m sure they hit on everyone. I mean, they are eighth graders, so even if they are talented football players, they are still going to act like 14 year olds towards girls.

McElroy: Thanks, Eddie.

Brooker: I’m just having fun with it. Because she’s the one threatening to tell my girlfriend if she catches me with a girl here. (Laughs)

McElroy: Well that’s what you get. I’ve known her longer then you have so, I guess I just don’t want her to get hurt.

Lewis: Coach is coming, everyone, act professionally now.

Team: Hey coach!

Terreiro defeats another team of ghosts!

Why do we have to face so many teams composed of ghosts? Why they can't send proper players to the competition, just a bunch of people with no names, no positions, no details. Yes, they're people. Did you think that they were real ghosts? No, we only call them ghosts, but the fact is that they're people that we can't proper identify. Anyway, the fact is that, once again, our beloved orixás had influence in the game and, in the end, Terreiro de Ogum defeated Engbec and continues in the same position that it was in the last rounds, the second position losing on tiebreaking criteria.

In the game against Engbec, the players didn't need much help from the orixás, proving that they are really improving and being able to play good football without spiritual help. The players had a good performance, and the strength provided by the orixás was enough for them to score goals and win the game. This time, the capoeira master Mestre Kacet, currently the top goalscorer of the team, wasn't able to score a goal, but Preto Véio, Pai Berto and Guaxinim did this work for him. The confidence of the team is high, especially the confidence in the orixás.

Let's talk now about the spirituality of Engbec. Another team of ghosts. Pai Alcir de Macaé, our great beloved leader, threw the búzios to read the vision of the orixás about Engbec's spirituality. After that, he said: "This country has an average spirituality. I see that there's a lot of space for improvement. The orixás aren't too away from them, maybe they could start making some rituals to call them, something like this.

To end with today's talk, we heard the interview of another famous pai-de-santo, Pai Gilberto de Gil, who said: "The rituals made for today's game were simple, but in the end they were effective. The good spirits of football came to help us, and did a good job, as we were able to get the victory. With the orixás on our side, nothing can stop us. Our spirituality can lead us to the victory!

Matchday Seven Scores:
Group Lion
East Antairees 2-2 Eighthgraderistan
Aqua Teen Hungerland 4-1 Agroprom
Kose and The Turkomans 6-2 Kosovoe
Krasslor 0-7 Nethertopia
Diojiu 2-3 Septentrionia

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kose and The Turkomans 6 5 1 0 18 9 9 16
Nethertopia 7 4 2 1 22 8 14 14
Eighthgraderistan 7 4 2 1 16 10 6 14
Kosovoe 6 4 1 1 14 8 6 13
East Antairees 6 3 3 0 15 8 7 12
Septentrionia 6 3 2 1 11 6 5 11
Aqua Teen Hungerland 7 2 1 4 11 13 -2 7
Agroprom 6 2 0 4 5 11 -6 6
Diojiu 7 1 0 6 8 18 -10 3
Krasslor 6 0 1 5 4 20 -16 1
The Daleks 2 6 0 1 5 4 17 -13 1


Group Eagle
Sesquipedalianist 2-0 Terreiro de Ogum
New Cimeran 0-4 Wijaska Island
Engbec 2-6 Pantocratoria
Sarejavo 0-2 Aleos
Abaio 0-4 Ruskastan

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 6 5 1 0 19 5 14 16
Sesquipedalianist 6 5 1 0 16 3 13 16
Terreiro de Ogum 7 5 1 1 14 9 5 16
Ruskastan 6 3 1 2 10 9 1 10
Wijaska Island 6 3 1 2 8 8 0 10
Pantocratoria 6 3 0 3 14 10 4 9
Aleos 6 2 1 3 7 8 -1 7
Sarejavo 6 1 3 2 5 9 -4 6
New Cimeran 7 1 1 5 7 20 -13 4
Engbec 6 0 2 4 4 14 -10 2
Abaio 7 0 1 6 6 17 -11 1

K&TT 6-2 Kosovoe
In an affair dominated by the Turks in this game in the first minute Sinan Kose Struck a ball into the back of the net from 25 yards, then Nuri Turkoglu netted 2 in the 5th and 42nd minute.

After half time Kosovoe struck back iwth two goals, one from kickoff and the other from a penalty, but Sinan Kose netted a screamer from 45 yards hard into the net and was followed up by Serkan Turkmens curling shot in and to rub salt in the wound Nuri Turan scored a volley from a Turkmen cross.

The win leaves them as the only undeafeated team along with the East Antairees in the group. Two points clear of 2nd.

[OOC:Thanks for pointing it out.]

(The team arrives at Stadii de Quercus to attend the Sesquipedalianist- Terreiro de Ogum match, but word gets round that they are here, and they spend a lot of time mingling with fans, including some Newmanistanians).

Carson: Well, everyone, it looks like we have been noticed!

(F-You Rockets!! You suck!! Shouts a heavily intoxicated Sesquipedalianist supporter)

Carson: Never mind him, look there’s some people holding our flag, why don’t we go sign some autographs for them.

McCafferty: Great idea!

Carrigan: Hey everyone, glad you could make the trip!

(Curse you Rockets! Orixas shall be against you forever!! Shouts a group of Terreiro de Ogum supporters)

Chapman: Don’t respond to them, they want a fight, so where are you guys from?

Group of Fans: We came from Putnam Lake, we enjoy being able to cheer for you now! Even though you play for Loudon.

Chapman: Well we appreciate that!

Carrigan: Right now, we’re all Rockets, nice to meet you all!

Fans: Where’s McAllister?

Chapman: (shouting) Hey J-Mac get over here!

McCafferty: J-Mac went toward Gate D, I’m afraid.

Fans: Awwwww

Chapman: You have all season to root him on, we’re just as nice.

Carrigan: So, who wants an official game worn Kevin Carrigan jersey?

Fans: Meeeeeeeee!! (Carrigan throws it into the group)

** Gate D **

(McAllister and Brooker are doing what they do best other then football)

McAllister: So what is your name?

Girl: Courtney and this is Ashley

Ashley: Yeah we like totally have been like watching you guys play and like think you are so OMG hot!

Courtney: Oh yes, Brooker I love the way you score goals.

Brooker: Uhmm, well...

McAllister: (to Brooker, whispering): Don’t bother, no point.

Brooker: Uhh yea, thanks sweetheart.

Courtney & Ashley: Awwwwwwwwww

Ashley: Uhh yeaa, and like the big guy, you’re the guy who kicked that Pantocratorian’s ass so he like couldn’t play huh?

McAllister: Well, I didn’t want too....

Brooker: Don’t bother, no point.

McAllister: So you girls are from Starblaydia?

Ashley: Actually we’re from like Krytenia. Yeah, that’s it.

Courtney: Yeah.

Brooker: We’ll be right back ladies, give us a moment.... (They walk away)
Brooker: I thought that Meghan chick in the museum was “the one.”

McAllister: She was. Yesterday. (Laughs) Actually I thought about what Eddie said, she probably is just a groupie.

Brooker: J-Mac’s back! (Laughs)

McAllister: That’s right! What about your girlfriend?

Brooker: Is Julie hiding somewhere?

McAllister: Not that I noticed.

Brooker: Well then what she won’t know won’t hurt.

McAllister: Which one do you want?

Brooker: The one that thinks I score goals! Haha (They go back toward the girls)

McAllister: We have to go join our team, but we’ll meet you two here twenty minutes after the game, ok? (Girls nod, players walk off)

McElroy: Oh, no you don’t Brooks!

Brooker: Damn you, where were you? (Julie points to a concession area)

McElroy: I guess J-Mac gets a threesome, your not going anywhere.

McAllister: The fruits of being a single athlete!

McElroy: For now, let’s go watch the game. And I’ll take my 20 gold coins.

McAllister: Here ya go!

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

Written By: Assistant Coach Ms. Lorre

The match played today between East Antairees and our own Eighthgraderistan team finished in a 2-2 draw. The match was played at Jhanna City Recreational Ground in Jhanna, Starblaydia. We had to suspend one of our players before the match, Joey Caronne for stalking a Julie McElroy of Newmanistan, which almost lead to Ms. McElroy being arrested by the local authorities. But we have cleared up that almost international incident.

As for the game itself, Bobby Aster scored his fourth goal of the tourney, in the thirty-first minute, giving our team the lead. But a James Dent goal in the fourty-third minute tied it at one-all. James Dent scored again for the East Antairees squad in the sixtyth minute, giving them a two-to-one lead. In the seventy-second minute, we subsituted in Kevin Smythe for Eric Reed, giving our team a more offensive formation. The move worked as just three minutes later, in the seventy-fifth minute, Kevin Smythe re-tied the match, now at two-all. The last few minutes were eventful, with both teams fighting for every errant pass and loose ball, but in the end, the score remained tied at two each.

Our next opponent is Krasslor, a team that has struggled mightily so far in this tourney. We shall be playing them at The Argaii Arena in Jhan, Starblaydia. While we cannot underestimate any team participating, Krasslor has been underachievers to this point, and a win should be forthcoming from the match.

Eighthgraderistan's Goal Scorers:
Marco Franchetti: 6
Bobby Aster: 4
Kevin Smythe: 2
Manuel Lopes: 1
Nick Hansen: 1
Nate Hansen: 1
Eric Reed: 1

The players have joined together in the hotel meeting room, as the week of fun and relaxing times has now come to an end. They must now prepare a team known as Abaio, a club that has been finding the Baptism of Fire perhaps a little too much to handle. Still, the Rockets are excited to get back on the pitch and should be ready for their bottom of the table opponent.

(Prior to the coaches arrival)

Lewis: Good morning everyone, ready to get back on the field?

Carrigan: Yeah, did you see that Nethertopia score? 7-nil!

Peterson: Damn!

Lewis: Impressive! Let’s have that same killer instinct against Abaio that Nethertopia had.

Murphy: No doubt.

McAllister: Good morning everyone, hello Brooker!

Brooker: Shut up I don’t wanna hear about it. I already heard enough by walking by your room.

Chapman: Damn I know, are there good pictures this time?

McAllister: Sorry, no pictures. Though they gave me their website addresses on some Krytenian networking site I’d never heard of. I’ll let you and anyone else who might want it to have it.

McElroy: Brooks, I’m proud of you. I know it wasn’t easy.

Brooker: Yeah, I talked to her for four hours last night. I wish she could have came but she has her college courses.

(Coach Carson arrives)

Carson: Hello everyone, I heard there was a lot of commotion in room 219 last night, is everything ok?

McAllister: Yeah its all good.

Carson: Time to get your head back on now, kid. Game face back on. Got it?

McAllister: Yes coach, I’m ready to go!

Carson: Good, now I hope all of us are ready to go? Are we?

Team: Yes!!!!

Carson: We have desperate team on our hands this week. They have nothing to lose. I know you all know where they are in the table, but I want you to forget about that!

Team: Yes coach!

Carson: Our opponent is in first place. I want you telling yourselves that. No complacency out there.

Lewis: That’s right. No Mercy!! NO MERCY!!!!

Team: NO MERCY!!! NO MERCY!!!

Carson: Very nice. We’re all pumped up now. Remember, Julie starts at right midfield because Prescott has to sit because of the red card. Julie, go show Abaio what your made of. Prescott, stay in shape with your extended bye week.

Prescott: Yes sir!

(Carson goes into a long strategic lecture)

"Guys, amazing. A 0-7 win. I don't think anyone has won with those numbers yet!" Yelled coach Kietecs with great enthousiasm. "With 3 goals scoreb by Abby again and Our other strikers both scoring two i'm certain we'll have the top score difference of everybody. You guys have a free day today. We've got our bye now and you should all take a rest."

more to come.

Turkic Sport
Fans Corner
Dear Fans,
I have been deeply moved by Sinan's acceptance of the banners made of him, it shows the strengh of character he has and that this is rubbing off on the team which was shown by our domination of Kosovoe. The team has improved over the tournement from another team to top of the group now with 16 points from 6 they seem poised to secure a place in the next round.

Sukur.

Team support
At the start of the tournement only 4000 fans were out here in Starblaydia but now as we prepare for our game tonight over 300,000 fans have set up shop here, it shows the rise in popularity of the team after rioting on the second match day.

Ruskastan Obliterate Abaio

Ruskastan have obliterated a weak Abaio squad after a disappointing loss to Newministan just the match day before. The game went without hitch, with every player contributing to the amazing win. "It was a great game and hopefully it will add to us qualifying out of this group to the next round of the competition.As it stands currently, that would be a hard proposition, but I look forward to couple of wins and losses from other teams to help us." said Manager Behar Isa.

Ruskastan now go forward to their next opponent, with a strange mix of anticipation and confidence, waiting to see if the players can step and perform under pressure. "Things haven't been good to us" added Isa in his conference with the media. "every time we see that we have good enough strategy to prevail, we come short, so I am guessing we are good enough to continue our run."

Matchday Eight Scores:
Group Lion
Agroprom 0-8 Kose and The Turkomans
Eighthgraderistan 4-1 Krasslor
Septentrionia 4-0 Aqua Teen Hungerland
Kosovoe 0-5 East Antairees
The Daleks 2 2-0 Diojiu

Group Eagle
Wijaska Island 3-2 Engbec
Terreiro de Ogum 4-1 Sarejavo
Ruskastan 3-1 New Cimeran
Pantocratoria 1-1 Sesquipedalianist
Newmanistan 3-1 Abaio

K&TT 8-0 Agroprom
Sinan Kose scored 4 in a game totally ruled by The Turks. The first goal came after 1 minute when Sinan Kose volleyed it in from a Turkmen cross, then great goals in the 5th, 7th and 43rd minute.

In the second half Volkan Erkan scored a audacious lob over the Agroprom goalie then Serkan Turkmen netted two great free kicks. In the end Uzulmez Yilmaz scored a volley over the goalie.

This win leaves the Turks in first ahead of Eighgradierstan by two points.

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

Written By: Assistant Coach Ms. Lorre

Once again, I am writing this, as our mentally challenged sixth grader, who normally writes this column is still infirm with the measles. So until he recovers, I will have to write this in his stead.

Today we played Krasslor at The Argaii Arena in Jhan, and our team came away with a four-to-one victory, improving our record to Five wins, 2 draws and one loss, for a total of seventeen points, placing us in second behind Kose and The Turkomans, the only side to have beaten our team.

Krasslor was even more inept than I seemingly thought, as the first of our goals was an own goal, knocked in by thier own defensive back, in the thirteenth minute of play. However, Krasslor managed to answer with a goal of thier own, just twelve minutes later and it was tied at one-all, twenty-five minutes in. But our forwards and midfielders dominated the ineffective Krasslor defense and by halftime, the lead was three-to-one, thanks to a pair of goals from Marco Franchetti, in the thirty-first and thrity-eighth minutes. The last goal of the match came in the eightith minute by Manuel Lopez, just seven minutes after he was subbed in for Bobby Aster, who twisted his left knee. Aster is fine, just a sprain.

Up next for our team is Nethertopia, who has a current record of 4-2-1, just behind Eighthgraderistan in the Group Lion standings. Since we only have two matches left, this game is very important, as a win should not only clinch a Octofinal berth, but quite possibly a top seed, thereby giving the team a less challenging path in the knockout stages.

Eighthgraderistan's Goal Scorers:
Marco Franchetti: 8
Bobby Aster: 4
Kevin Smythe: 2
Manuel Lopes: 2
Nick Hansen: 1
Nate Hansen: 1
Eric Reed: 1
Own Goal: 1 (by Krasslor)

PUBLISHERS NOTE:

The people who hired the person involved in writing this publication wish it to be known that that person has been fired because of missing several deadlines due to passing out after one too many bottles of beer. They apologise for the inconvenience.

La llama es a quadruped que vive en los ríos grandes como el Amazon. Tiene dos oídos, un corazón, una frente, y un pico para comer la miel. Pero se proporciona las aletas para la natación.


The people who hired the people who hired the original journalist wish it to been that they have been fired. They are now trying something completely different.

The Drunken Derriere

Well now that the honour shall we say of writing a report has fallen to me, a drunken Sesquipedalianistian with some writing skills, I shall report the matches to you in the new format the Drunken Derriere.

Aleos 0-2 Sesquipedalianist

The first match shall we say was a bit of a let down in many ways. Firstly after risking becoming sober with 3000 other Sesquipedalianistians it was a let down to say the least that whilst waiting in line the match guide was half full with absolutely no information about the opposing side. Whilst this is a common thing in our country its sad to see it in an official tournament of course and well whilst we fans didn’t dwell on it to long (being drunk our minds wander a lot) its sad to see. Anyways the game started and it was obvious how far the Sober Exiles had come. Quokka despite being a midfielder sure did organise that defence well and the long balls forwards and passing skills of the drunks was amazing. Quokka set up two superb passes almost identical except one on the left side and one on the right to Jacko! And Danno! respectively and all they had to do was have their heads in the right place at the right time and that’s what happened. Those two goals were the only real highlights of the first half as you could see the Sober Exiles were really quite pissed and tired and poor old Quokka Silverfoot looked like he was going to collapse. We fans did the best we could to help them along, chanting non stop though most of it ineligible in out inebriated state. We really wanted to through some bottles onto the field to give them a pick me up. Pity they were banned at the gate.

Shock decision in the second half was that Quokka had in the fact collapsed and was completely burned out after all his hard work in this match and all the others. As such he had to be substituted and you could tell despite the slightly improved effort of the team (more passes completed) that they couldn’t play as well without him. They were in fact lucky not to concede a goal to the team of unknowns but the score of 2-0 was a good one in the end for the team. The next match against Terreiro de Ogum was going to be the big one.


Sesquipedalianist 2-0 Terreiro de Ogum

Well what a match this was truly amazing at it was fantastic even before all the fans got into the stadium. 5,000 supporters came from the Kingdon to come and see the side. 5000! Absolutely fantastic not even Channel Flicking could get a big enough crown and I tell you what the 65,000 seats at Silverlands was starting to look full. There was a lot of tension between the two sides of fans before the match and in the stadium it was apparent that there were in fact four divisions: Sesquipedaliaist, Terreiro de Ogum, Newmanistan and the neutral Starblaydian fans. In fact tensions got so bad amongst the fans with many angry at so many Newmanistan supporters there (why the f**k should they be thier at our game?) the tempers ignited( mainly due to the booze as wel)l and there was a lot of fist fights and a full on brawl happened.

This is what happened from my perspective: The two teams who were actually playing had fans at opposite ends of the stadium so much banter between them couldn’t happen however there were more than enough Newmanistan fans to divert the attentions of both sets of fans. After much verbal abuse volleying back and forwards things started to get edgy. This is where reports gets blurred, we saw a Newmanistan fan throw the first punch at one of our guys and naturally we leapt in to help out our fellow countryma, others say that the sight of the Newmanistan team player ignited rections from our people who immediately went in to fight the Rocket fans. The Terreiro de Ogum fans however seeing that there was a fight and that the Newmanistan fans were fighting the fans they were meant to be fighting/playing against got angry and so started fighting them from the other side – semi uniting with the Sesquipedalianist fans attacking the Newmanistans fans. The Starblaydian fans being much smarter kept out of the whole thing altogether and only after much police presence was the fighting broken apart and many people on all sides had to be sent to hospital injured and a lot of the remaining Newmanistans supporters had fled in disgust. It is well worth noting that the Nemanistan players who were attending were seated higher up and avoided the conflict altogether. The match was postponed until barricades were set up blocking the opsonising fans from each other.

Then the match finally was able to commence and we impatiently (though the drink helped) had to wait for all the Terreiro de Ogum players to do their boring and to us quite silly rituals before the match. Preto Véio was met with welcome by the Sober Exile players when he went up to shake their hands and some of the supporter got carried away by this and offered him their drinks however this turned out to just soak him wet in beer because you can’t really expect beer to stay in the plastic cup when you throw it onto the field. Luckily he was very diplomatic and the supporter was ejected from the game.

Another shock was what Sir, the manager had done with the team. Instead of solely having a 5-1-4 formation he made it so two of the defenders played slightly attacking and two of the forwards played slightly defensive in a 3-2-1-2-2 formation and believe it or not it looked like it could work!

The plan seemed to work to. Despite the team being inebriated and generally uncoordinated they seemed to fend of the Terreiro de Ogum attacks well enough and managed to pose some trouble themselves with the extra support for Quokka proving a brilliant move as shorter, easier passes rather than long balls were able to be completed. With the scores deadlocked at half time you could feel the anticipation in the stadium of a huge second half about to unfold. The fans didn’t wait long as a superb counter attack left Quokka Silverfoot running up the field with only one defender to beat, Bicho Grilo. It was never going to be an issue with the quick feet of Quokka dazzling Grilo and he easily slotted a shot passed the keeper, Bibah Then its was on hell for leather and the next twenty minutes Terreiro de Ogum chucked nearly everything but a beer stein at the Sesquipedalianist players and several times its was a last minute tackle or a quick save from Bazza! which saved the day. The Sober Exiles held on superbly but as the clocked ticked Terreiro de Ogum became to attacking and on the counter attack Quokka was able to draw out the last defender and then passed it off to Bruce! Who then shot a low drive at goalwhich went passed the keeper, his first goal from a one on one for the whole tournament.

Sesquipedalianist held on to win though it was a gallant effort from the Terreiro de Ogum side. We fans though were to excited at this big win and there was a pitch invasion to rival the ones back home. Thousands of fan sped onto the field, ignoring the officials and the opposition players, mingling around the Sober Exiles, drinking and shouting and enjoying the success. We can only hope there are no repercussions from the fan view point on the all out brawl that happened earlier, before the match.

THE ROCKET REPORT

EMPRESS PRAISES MOST NEWMANISTAN FANS

Pocono City, Newmanistan- The Empress this morning received word that there were a couple incidents involving fan behavior at the Sesquipedalianist - Terreiro de Ogum match. Reports, which have been confirmed, by our staff attending the matches in Starblaydia, are that a group of Newmanistan fans got into various altercations, mainly with Sesquipedalianist supporters, and that there were also some Terreiro de Ogum fans that got involved. Apparently, the fans of these nations felt perhaps disrespected, that there was a surprisingly large turnout of Newmanistan supporters at their match.

Why would there be so many Newmanistan fans? Well, many Newmanistanians have made the trip to Starblaydia and are there for the entire Baptism of Fire. Newmanistan wasn’t playing, so they had to find something else to do. Manager Brian Carson didn’t exactly hide the fact that the Rockets would be attending this game, so the fans likely just wanted to try and catch a glimpse of their favorite players. However, it didn’t become all about that as nationalistic passions took over. What we have heard is that one particular group of Newmanistan fans was verbally harassed for so long that they just couldn’t take it anymore. Two people fighting led to four people, to eight people, until a brawl broke out, requiring police intervention. The start of the match, unfortunately, had to be delayed. The incident though will likely force Starblaydi law enforcement to increase security measures for the Newmanistan-Sesquipedalianist match that comes up at the very end of group play.


Empress Jessica issued the following public statement towards all parties involved:

“I would like to apologize to all parties affected, for the actions of the Newmanistan supporters that got involved in the brawl that took place. Please understand, first, that this select group of our supporters did not represent the majority of Newmanistan fans that attended this game. The majority of our fans conducted themselves in an orderly manner. We are greatful for the large amount of traveling support that the Rockets have received in the Baptism of Fire, as evidenced by the amount of our supporters that were at a game that didn’t even involve us, though they were aware that our players were in attendance.

As for the fans that did participate in this altercation, the Empire is disappointed in your actions and for that we apologize to Sesquipedalianist, Terreiro de Ogum, and Starbladyi leaders, and their loyal fans, and to all fans. These people do not represent the character of the majority of Newmanistanians who are attending the Baptism of Fire”

Editors Note: Newmanistan-Abaio recap will follow soon.

THE ROCKET REPORT

BACK TO BUSINESS IN WIN OVER ABAIO

Nova Malta, Starblaydia- Following their bye week, the Rockets were glad to take the field, meeting up with the national team of Abaio, a group of little known people that find themselves at the bottom of Group Eagle. With two clean sheets heading into the bye week, the toughest task for Brian Carson in this one would likely be motivation.

Julie McElroy started the game in place of Brett Prescott, who had to sit out this match due to his red card against Ruskastan, and she seemed very eager to make a good positive impression early in the match. But the person impressing the most was the Abaio goalkeeper. Unfortunately nothing more then a number to his team, this goalkeeper played fantastic, with as much passion as you could possibly want, especially from a team at the bottom of the table. His play was the main reason the first half hour of the game went without a goal. Abaio got a couple scoring chances, but nothing that really concerned Dalton too much. Finally, in the 36th minute, the Rockets would get a goal, coming from John Murphy, who slid the ball just inside the left post off a nice pass by Carrigan. Moments later, a costly mistake led to an own goal to even up the score in the 41st minute. The miscue occurred between Nate Stratton and Mark McCafferty after Dalton made a routine save. Instead of clearing the ball, Stratton passed the ball to McCafferty, but Mark in no way was expecting the pass, and neither was the goalkeeper Kevin Dalton. The pass deflected off McCafferty’s foot since he was slow to react, and ended up rolling into the goal. Dalton later blamed himself, saying “I just have been more alert.”

At intermission, Brian Carson seemed a little frustrated that a game that the Rockets were in firm control of would be tied at 1. Though he didn’t feel the team really needed to change things up too much, since the problem wasn’t really in the gameplan, it was more in the execution.

Newmanistan was hoping to get off to a fast start in the second half, but it was anything but. In the 52nd minute, Stratton’s frustrations led him to tackle an Abaio striker way too hard, leading to a yellow card (many will say Arnako Vega was being nice in only presenting a yellow). It was just outside of the penalty area, but still led to an outstanding free kick opportunity, but Abaio could not capitalize. Eventually, as the second half wore on, the Rockets were gaining most of the possession, and in the 64th minute, Newmanistan would go back in front on a goal by Kevin Carrigan, that was simply, beautifully placed. Play remained even for a while, and the daily substitution of Shawn Drummond into the match would lead to the “super-sub” getting his second goal of the tournament in the 79th minute off a pretty feed from Jeremy McAllister down low. The most relieved person in the building was Brian Carson though, as finally, his team had a cushion. Abaio tried to use the remaining time to launch a comeback bid, but saw all of their efforts turned aside by the Rockets defense.

The Rockets get themselves a 3-1 victory, and remain at the top of Group Eagle. They will go to Victory Park for a meeting against New Cimeran, a club that has lingered in the mid-to-lower levels of the table for much of the Baptism of Fire. Here is some post-game reaction:

Carson: I’m glad we got a win, and for the most part, I think we played pretty well. I do think we are capable of better though. There are some things that we will need to go over before our next match. Credit Abaio, they made us work for it.

McCafferty (on the own goal): It was a mistake, I really thought Nate was just going to thump the ball clear, but its my fault for assuming it. I take the blame.

Stratton (on the own goal): I was going to thump it clear, but there was an Abaio player right in my lane. I thought Mark had a better shot at good clear, but my pass was bad. It’s my error.

Carrigan (man of the match): We needed to get three points, and we did. I think we may have been a little frustrated by their goalkeeper early because he did make some good saves. We played a solid match, all things considered.

Here’s your boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 3
Murphy (36') Assist- Carrigan
Carrigan (64')
Drummond (79') Assist- McAllister

ABAIO 1
McCafferty, own goal, (41')

Bookings:

NEWMANISTAN
McElroy, YC, 19'
Stratton, YC, 52'

ABAIO
#4, YC, 22'

Player Analysis
Key Players
Sinan Kose: Sinan has been in his best from at the Baptism of Fire and has scored atleast 1 in every game so far he has become famous after several incidents involving him but this has not affected his form on pitch.
Rating: 10/10

Serkan Turkmen: The tenacious midfielder has also been in great form providing Sinan with the ammo to shoot his runs and skill make him a thorn in any full backs side and his delivery is nearly alway pin point acurate.
Rating: 9.5/10

Uzulmez Yilamz: The commanding center back has been keeping the conceeded side of things down whil contributing to the goal scoring with 2 to his name his strengh and work rate makes him a rock in defence.
Rating: 9/10

MOVE OUR MATCH TO FARCA!

STARBLAYDIAN MEDIA PRESSURE TO BLAME FOR DRAW

Pantocratoria 1-1 Sesquipedalianist

Well what a difference a match makes. After a few days of nothing but harassment from every corner of the media about the ‘fiasco’ before the match against Terreiro de Ogum the strength depleted Sesquipedalianist players were expected to play another match against sturdy opposition and whilst favourites it was always going to be hard for them. Right from the outset it was obvious that Quokka was at half strength, not his usual run here, run there, run everywhere self. Sir, kept the same formation that worked for the previous game but it proved to be the bane of the team as a loose pass from a drunken Benno! And a drunken Jimmy! Who ran in the completely wrong direction to the player, Guirlois who then dummied a cross-eyed Johno to score the goal. For the rest of the match Pantocratoria were happy to slow down the pace of the match and dictate play whilst not really looking for the killer goal.

The second half started with a slightly rejuvenated and slightly more sober Sesquipedalianist team playing more attacking football but they still couldn’t get it right. I don’t like to use the word because they weren’t and it’s a horrible word to use but it looked as if they had a ….h-hangover. However its more likely they were just bloody tired from the media hounds knocking on their doors and windows wanting ‘exclusive’ interviews’ and their thoughts about the brawl despite their comments all over the media. They played well with many missed chance and it looked like it was going to be their first loss when near the end the Sober Exiles had a corner kick and perhaps through fate the ball bounced off Charles Fitzduc’s knee at the most awkard of angles and went in for a goal and that goal saved the match for Sesquipedalianist who came away with an undeserved draw.

The match however is not the main thing I want to talk about and being a fan and the writer of this ‘column’ I have ‘artistic license’… and a few pints of good ol’ home brew too. My thoughts about the coming week, it’s an abomination that the Sesquipedalianist fans are getting targeted and penalised because of the brawl. Just because were drunk doesn’t necessarily mean we were the guilty party that started it. Whether we were did or not is not the for me to dispute however the treatment of fans who have come over all the way from our country which is quite far seeing as no one knows exactly where on a map it is (the last cartographer went insane).

They then are held at the airport and RISKING BECOMING SOBER are held against their will due to new ‘regulations’. Also at the Pantocratoria match the 6000 fans in attendance were barred at the gate and it took several hours including after the match had started for fans to finally get into the stadium. Several actually became sober and now as a rule are exiled from ever coming into Sesquipedalainist again. Is this what is expected as treatment of another countries fans? Do we ask much but for people to respect our ways and our customs? Surely if you respect monsters and the like you can respect the humble drunk? It’s been a disgrace and a farcical.

Why hasn’t any action been taken against Newmanistan player? Why has there been no comment from the Terreiro de Ogum side or the Starblaydian Officials (OoC: Wink Wink Nudge Nudge)? As for the now keenly anticipated last match of the group stage against Newmanistan, well it’s certainly now going to be sold out. All 20,000 tickets for Sesquipedalianist fans (which is why there are so many people coming into Starblaydia) allocated for the match are sold and you can only presume the same from the Newmanistan corner is well. With so much interest in the match why no move it to Farça where there stadium is a lot bigger than the Sports Hall where it is scheduled to play. Surely a big match like this should be changed and in fact as a fan of the Sober Exiles and of football in general (come on Sesquipedalianistians we need to start calling it that now) I DEMAND it to be rescheduled to the bigger stadium. It’ll be great for the sport and for the reputation of the Baptism of Fire itself. This fan is out – he needs another beer.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS READY FOR BATTLE OF THE “NEW”

Vecchio, Starblaydia- Up next for Newmanistan in the Baptism of Fire is New Cimeran. This is club that has been kind of hit and miss in the tournament. Some days they’ve looked strong, and in others, they have completely seemed out of it. You’d have to think that against the Rockets, that New Cimeran will be more then ready to go, so Newmanistan will have to be up for the challenge. Our Clint Peterson sits down with manager Brian Carson to discuss the game, and the hot topic of Group Eagle right now, the growing rivalry between Newmanistan and Sesquipedalianist when the two teams haven’t played yet.

CP: Brian Carson is with us once again, thanks for joining us.

BC: Nice to see you again, Clint.

CP: We’ll start briefly with the Abaio victory, your thoughts?

BC: I’m happy to get the three points. It wasn’t the greatest game that we’ve played, but at the same time, it wasn’t a bad effort either. We’re happy to put that game behind us now and hope to stay atop the table against New Cimeran.

CP: New Cimeran looks like a mid-pack team right now. One that certainly presents a challenge. What is the approach against them?

BC: Well, you know I’ll never just come out and say what my gameplan is going to be, Clint. I think we’ve gotten enough look from our scouts at New Cimeran to get a general idea of what their strengths and weaknesses are, so we’ve been gearing our training towards that.

CP: We know the team is eyeing Sesquipedalianist. But in the meantime, are you concerned about teams like New Cimeran and Engbec being a spoiler before that game?

BC: Of course I am, particularly with New Cimeran, this club has had some real strong performances, and what they seem to lack, from my vantage point, is any real consistency. Engbec too, everyone wants to knock off the team at the top.

CP: The hot topic has been the brawl between Sesquipedalianist and Newmanistan fans during the bye week, leading to one Sesquipedalianist reporter to even go as far as wonder why nothing has happened toward a Rockets player?

BC: The brawl was unfortunate. And I do like to apologize to everyone involved in it, and to all the families and children that had to witness, no matter what country they are from. But to want something to happen towards one of players, I’m sorry, I just don’t get that. My players were up in the press box with me when all that was going on.

CP: Newmanistan fans have been loyal supporters this whole tournament, are you afraid this ruins their image?

BC: Ruin the image? No. I think the fans from all across the world have seen how most of our loyal fans are and how passionate that they are, and have respected their passion. Our minority of fans that took part in the brawls, are just that, a minority. They will hurt the image, yes. But they won’t ruin it. I am confident in that.

CP: A Sesquipedalianist reporter has suggested that the your game against them should be moved to the 99,000 seat Stadii de Quercus in Farca over the planned 31,000 seat Stadii Karela in Nova Malta. What do you think about that?

BC: Well, it all comes down to logistics. If it’s too late, then it’s too late. But if it is not too late, then yes, I would also suggest that our match gets moved to the bigger facility. Right now you got Abaio vs Engbec there. I’m sure more tickets would be sold if we switched the two games up, certainly.

CP: Ok, Brian, thank you very much and good luck against New Cimeran.

BC: Thank you, go Rockets! And for our fans that are listening, please refrain from getting involved in such brawls, as hard as it may be to restrain yourself.

Dwarf King Outraged!
Grudge considered over drunks' Sports Hall 'snub'

The Book of Sporting Grudges, held in the mountain city of the Starblaydi Dwarves, is around a hundred years old - not even as old as the lifespan of your average Dwarf, but written within it's pages there are statements carrying great weight. Akin to the far more ancient, but more general, Book of Grudges, the Sporting version lists every single miscarriage of justice, dishonour and loss that has involved Starblaydia's Dwarves in the field of Sports. Each one remains in the book until vengeance is taken, and then the Grudge itself is stricken from the book, with a neat line through the centre of the runes, with an explanation of how the Grudge was canceled out.

It is with great fanfare, then, that such items are written into the Book, and speculation has been rapidly growing over whether a new Grudge will be added against the nation of Sesquipedalianist, over the disrespect shown to the great Sports Hall in the heart of Karak D'Ragh, the home of the Starblaydi Dwarves who were exiled when Cockbill Street's Dwarven population attempted to Anglicise the Dwarven peoples. The Sports Hall itself seats sixty-thousand beings, the largest enclosed space anywhere in Karak D'Ragh - the city itself is unique in that it lies largely inside a dormant volcano in the province of Reigas hence its name, which translates as The City of Quiet Fire.

The Sports Hall is equipped for Football, Rugby, Dwarf Bowl and Ice Hockey, though on extra special occasions has been equipped with mazes to handle Kleptochase events. The atmosphere, as well as the heat and humidity, is unrivaled anywhere else in Starblaydia, with crowd noise rolling like thunder around the arena. An incredible lighting system, due to the efforts of the Electrickery Guild, can provide any lighting situation from clearest day to darkest starlit night. The pitch is good enough for a bowling green, thanks to the dedicated work by the Woodshapers Guild, while the Brewers Guild keeps the finest Dwarven Ales on tap for every fan.

It is the proposal by some in Sesquipedalianist to move this game to FC Farça's own Stadii di Quercus, currently the largest in the country, that has riled King Galhim Khazum-Kharad himself. The Dwarven King - instigator of the Book of Sporting Grudges and the ruler who placed the Hockey Stick on an equal footing with traditional Dwarven weapons such as the Axe, Pick, Hammer and Blunderbuss - has taken great personal affront to the suggestion, noting that 'Ye cannae see a bloody thing from top'o't'Farce stadium'. Rumours that he will enact an official Grudge and attempt to take vengeance at the 'friendly' Volleyball match at Starblaydia's Anniversary Celebrations continue to persist. Security is bound to be tight for the match, with many a drunken fan expected to be cracked over the head by a cudgel.

In the hotel before the match coach Kietecs gives the players an inspiring peptalk:

"Guys this is our most important match. Our pool looks like this now:

Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kose and The Turkomans 7 6 1 0 26 9 17 19
Eighthgraderistan 8 4 2 1 20 11 9 17
East Antairees 7 4 3 0 20 8 12 15
Nethertopia 7 4 2 1 22 8 14 14
Septentrionia 7 4 2 1 15 6 9 14
Kosovoe 7 4 1 2 14 13 1 13
Aqua Teen Hungerland 8 2 1 4 11 17 -6 7
Agroprom 7 2 0 4 5 19 -14 6
The Daleks 2 7 1 1 5 6 17 -11 4
Diojiu 8 1 0 7 9 24 -15 3
Krasslor 7 0 1 6 4 20 -16 1

And we're playing Eighthgraderistan tonight. They've only lost one time and i want to give them their second. We will drop our mostly agressive approach from next game because it wouldn't work on those kids. My assistant has seen their play and you should not understimate them! We will also switch to our usual 4-2-4 system and play with our starters from the tournament except that Kingsley and Cees will start in the basic 11. Our bus leaves in half an hour so you guys better change."


Style modifier: +2
4-2-4 system.

Basic 11:
GK 1 Wouter van Dalen
DL 2 Sergio Torres (C)
DC 3 Gert-Jan Meijer
DC 4 Ronnie de Haan
DR 5 Mike Igwe
AMR 17 Cees Hendriks
CM 7 Fouad Snijders
CM 8 Klaas Koppers
AML 9 Andrés García
ST 10 Abdoulaye Soro
ST 22 Kingsley Kalu

Top scorers update:
1) Abdoulaye Soro 12
2) Kingsley Kalu 5
3) Souleymane Diakité 4
4) Sergio Torres 1

Murat has Hikmet by the ear and pulls him infront of the team.
Murat: All right team now as some of you may know I saw Himet with a young girl, now usually under team policy I'd send him home but I wont if you tell me this. Was she hot?

Si: Hell yeah I'd have made a move if he hadn't

Ser: Yeah she was smokin'

Mur: Well that settles it (Shakes Hikmets hand) well done my freind your in the team. I'll post up the team now.

Usual 1-11 accept Hikmet on for Uzulmez

Matchday Nine Scores:
Group Lion
Krasslor 2-2 Kosovoe
Nethertopia 3-1 Eighthgraderistan
East Antairees 6-0 Agroprom
Aqua Teen Hungerland 2-0 The Daleks 2
Kose and The Turkomans 3-2 Septentrionia

Group Eagle
Sarejavo 1-3 Pantocratoria
Aleos 1-2 Terreiro de Ogum
Sesquipedalianist 6-1 Wijaska Island
New Cimeran 0-2 Newmanistan
Engbec 0-2 Ruskastan

Once again, no tables tonight. They will be up tomorrow, though, for Matchday 10.

K&TT 3-2 Spetentrionia
In an embaressing affair The Turks were nearly humbled by the underdogs in this match an early goal from François Lafontaine which had beaten the defence and Sukur then a goal from Louis Quenneville had The Turks disorganised during the game but one point of inspiration from Sinan Kose before half time kept the score at 2-1.

In the second half Sinan pulled out all the stops puting in a Turkmen cross in the 56th minute and his trademark last minute volley in thhe 89th minute.

After the match Sinan commented " I'm happy to have contributed to this victory today" When asked on the other team he said "They played suprizingly well and took us down a peg to be honest we were lucky to come away with 3 points but this leaves us in a great situation to take the group."

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS BLANK NEW CIMERAN

Vecchio, Starblaydia- The Rockets defense and goalkeeper Kevin Dalton were at top form, recording their third clean sheet in four games, this a 2-0 victory over New Cimeran. In fact, the goal that Newmanistan has surrendered in the last four games was the own goal against Abaio last time out. The entire team looked pretty strong in the win, which will keep the Rockets at the top of Group Eagle, even with Sesquipedalianist’s 6-1 drubbing over the disappointing Wijaska Island, who we also beat by five earlier in the Baptism of Fire.

Newmanistan showing the defensive prowess should bring even more optimism to our fans, as coming into the Baptism of Fire, no one really doubted the Rockets ability to score. It was whether or not they could prevent the other team from finding the back of the net that was the question. At the opening kickoff, the Rockets may have surprised New Cimeran a little bit by not pushing for the early goal, something that has had been a Newmanistan trademark. Newmanistan was content with taking care of things in their own end, and held a possession advantage in the first 25 minutes of approximately 55-45. Each team had their moments, but neither was able to do a whole lot with it. Then in the 27th minute, Newmanistan found paydirt, thanks to a brilliant strike by Kevin Lewis. The play was initiated by a terrific breakout pass from Jeremy Brooker at the back end, to Chris Peterson, who found the streaking Jeremy McAllister along the left wing. McAllister thought about shooting, but realized his angle wasn’t that great, so he delivered a great pass to Lewis, who had about half-step advantage on his defender. It was enough for him to get a great shot off, and he beat goalkeeper Erlend Marsier in the top right corner. Marsier got a slight fingertip to it, but couldn’t keep it out of the net. The remainder of the first half saw each team have equal possession, with both having some quality opportunities. In particular, Kevin Dalton made a terrific save in the second minute of stoppage time off a Ralber Saulring shot.

At the break, Brian Carson told his troops just to bring more of the same, that the defensive focus really seemed to be working well and frustrating New Cimeran, who may have been expecting Newmanistan to play a more wide open style of match. The players were happy to oblige, knowing that if they could show they could win both defensive and offensive games, that their chances of winning the Baptism of Fire would go up.

As the second half began, New Cimeran attempted to press the play a little more, and the majority of the good scoring opportunities went their way. However, they found the Rockets defense to be very hard to penetrate, and when they did, beating Kevin Dalton became a real challenge. Still, they pressed on. What they didn’t bargain on though, was a second Newmanistan goal, which was scored in the 61st minute by Jeremy McAllister off a corner kick. Marsier had made a terrific save on a Kevin Lewis shot, but could only deflect the ball out of play, leading to the corner. Kevin Carrigan’s delivery on the play was flawless, and after a couple bounces the ball landed in a perfect area for McAllister to wind up a shot, and he did just that, powering the shot home, and giving the Rockets a 2-0 lead. The remainder of the second half, saw the Rockets maintain their defensive focus, but at an even greater level. New Cimeran put up a valiant effort to score, but the defensive, and Dalton were bent on getting the clean sheet, and they would hold them off. Newmanistan wins the match 2-nil, and will prepare for Engbec next. It was a clean match, referee Edmund Lassani did not have to book anyone. Here are some brief post-game comments:

Carson: A great game today, we wanted to have more of a defensive focus just for this game and it really paid off. I’m happy for the team, and happy that we capitalized on our scoring chances when we had them.

McCafferty: This is exactly the kind of game I love. I’m really glad that we came out on the winning end.

Brooker: A great game for all of us, and I had a lot of fun out there, this is the kind of game that all defenders love, especially when you are on the winning end of it.

Lewis: As a team, we executed really well. It was a tactical victory.

McAllister: Another important win for us. We’re going great right now, we just have to keep it up.

Here’s your boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 2
Lewis (27') Assist- McAllister
McAllister (61')

NEW CIMERAN 0

Bookings- None

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

We gotten beat today by Nettertopium 3-1. The loss dropes the team to a five wins and 2 draws and 2 loses. We don't play tomorow, and that's good, becuase i am almost over the meesales. Ms. Lore taked it over for me, but i'm good enough now to rite this paper. Marcos got the goal for us today, he has a lot of them now.

Got to be gong now, the doctor is hear and he'll chek me out and finds if the meesales is over.

Eighthgraderistan's Goal Scorers (from Ms. Lorre):
Marco Franchetti: 9
Bobby Aster: 4
Kevin Smythe: 2
Manuel Lopes: 2
Nick Hansen: 1
Nate Hansen: 1
Eric Reed: 1
Own Goal: 1 (by Krasslor)

PUNCHING BAG WINS(FINALLY)!!!

Easily their best effort yet, "Punching Bag of the Lions" The Daleks 2 has finally pulled off their first win, against Diojiu. It was an exciting(though at times random) match. The Daleks 2 started well, but strong Diojiu defences held them back .The Daleks would get an attack going, then get tackled and easily lose the ball. Diojiu would then kick it all the way up the field, straight to the Daleks. This cycle would continue. And it did, all the way through the goalless first half.
:sniper:
Things were instantly different in the 2nd half. All the possible substitutions were made.
Now those Diojiu defenders weren't quite as good and the first. The daleks easily got past.
The diojiu goalie was not as idiotic as some of the players on the field:rolleyes:, and stopped all the balls.
But at 49 seconds before full time, he was badly injured by a spear from a spectator who wanted goals. Both were carried off the field/out of the grandstand.

Diojiu did not have a substitute goalie. So they took one of their best defenders. But he as not confident in goal, and easily let in a goal at the beginning of injury time. Moralised by this, the Dalek strikers soon scored one more to win this <interesting> match.

TD2

Note: Previous post is delayed coverage of Matchday Eight.

TD2

Turkic Sport
Player factfile: Sinan Kose
Full Name: Sinan Metin Kose
Age: 16
Place of birth: Kose Sehir
Titles: 1 Super Lig and 1 Super Cup
Team: Sultanli FC
Games Played: 34
Goals: 36.

Fans Found with knives
In Last nights game two fans smuggled knives into the game, while they are now in custody how they got them in is the next question. This is the latest in a series of holligan related events involving Kose and The Turkomans, but later there were yet more fights between Turkic and East Aintairees fans however this is now at a lower magnitude than before.

The Turks Expect
In tonights game the Turks will be expected to put the group beyond resonable doubt by making part timers The Daleks 2 suffer. The gulf in class has not fooled Murat though and learning from the last match he above all should know what happens when you underestimate an opponent.

THE ROCKET REPORT

SLIGHT LINEUP ALTERATIONS FOR ENGBEC

Karak D’Ragh, Starblaydia- As the team gets ready for their next game coming up against Engbec, a team that has struggled in the Baptism of Fire, coach Brian Carson has announced that the Rockets will make a few adjustments to their traditional lineup, with the intention of trying to keep as many people as fresh as possible for the big game to finish out group play against top rival Sesquipedalianist. Here are the adjustments:

– Regular starters Chris Peterson, Nate Stratton, and John Murphy will be RESERVES for the game.

– Regular substitute Tony Borsinger will START at LCB in place of Stratton, Shawn Drummond will start as the right side striker in place of Murphy, and Steve Boland will get a shot to start a left midfield in place of Peterson.

– Regular reserves Shane Classen, Ken Gillman, and Eric Novak will be SUBSTITUTES. Carson is really interested in getting the 37 year old Novak some playing time in this match if the opportunity presents itself. These are the only three people, with the exception of backup goalkeeper Russo, that the Rockets have brought to Starblaydia that have yet to see any action, in any way.


Despite these adjustments, the Rockets assure the fans that they are not looking past Engbec and towards Sesquipedalianist. To keep the team focused on Engbec and only Engbec for this match, Empress Jessica has offered an interesting motivational tool. If the Rockets get a clean sheet (and win) players will not have to pay any taxes of any kind for two months. For every goal the Rockets win by, they will have one tax free month. So if they won, for example, 3-nil, it would be 5 months. If they draw or lose, there will be no tax free period. If it ends as a 0-0 draw, there will be no tax free period. The Empress offering tax breaks as an incentive for athletic success is nothing new to Newmanistanians. She has done it at the regional level several times.

Turkic Extra
Conflicting Ideas in Fans Corner
Hikmets Fault?
Dear fans,
I would like to ask why was Hikmet played instead of Uzulmez considering his two mistakes nearly cost us the match and he is far to inexperienced to be playing at this level. Is there a rift between Uzulmez and Murat or has Hikmet done something to endear him to Murat.
From Hakan.

Team Duty
Dear fans,
How can we blame one player, this may seem old but we win as a team and we lose as a team he may have contributed to a poor performance but is it not also the midfields fault for not tracking back or is it the attacks fault for not converting. In my opinion it was all these which contributed to a poor performance.
From Isa.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee49/sesquipedalianist/sesquipedalianist.gif
OFFICIAL SESQUIPEDALIANIST STATEMENT


Dear Starblaydia Football Association and World Cup Committee & Fans,

As there is no official Football Association or Governing body for the football team or football in general in Sesquipedalianist, the leader of the country, the Querkis Maximus Banbigusgoini felt it is in his duty to try and smooth out the problems arising from the fight at the Sesquipedalianist v Terreiro de Ogum match and in particularly the bad blood against the Newmanistan fans and the Sesquipedalianist fans.

First and foremost he wishes to stand behind the Sesquipedalianist fans and whilst not justifying nor coding their actions against opposition supporters he wished to send his condolences to all who were forced Sober because of the new measure. In fact he feels so strongly at such a horrible crime he is officially pardoning all who got Sober as so long as they returned to their Inebriated state they are allowed back into the country (this is historic, never before has a Querkis Maximus Banbigusgoini ever pardoned someone who had been sober).

As to the events before, during and after the incident the leader wishes to let people now that he will do his upmost to get to the bottom of the problem and try and work things out with an independent enquiry of his own. Four delegates are on their way as we speak to Starblaydia to talk with tournament officials as well as other important people in their Important Gathering Pub or wherever they hold important meetings such as this.

They will discuss such things as how the fights happened, what or whom is to blame (group or individual) for the scuffle, the treatment of Sesquipedalianist players by the media, treatment of fans at following matches (which is extremely high on the agenda as far as the public are concerned) as well as the impact these things will have in the future and also what planning needs to be done for presentation that something like this never happens again.

Thankyou,

Spokesperson
for the
Querkis Maximus Banbigusgoini of Sesquipedalianist

Sober Exiles Outclass Island Nation

Sesquipedalianist 6-1 Wijaska Island

After of week of media interest slowly waning, the Sober Exiles boys were able to go and do what they do best – drink drink and more drink. With the Sesquipedalianist government itself sorting out the “FanGate” problem and with little trouble from the 10,000 fans that now were packing into the quite large Farça stadium it was good to get the troubles behind them and focus on the football whish is in fact the important thing.

The team in practice certainly looked a lot different from the drab and lifeless team that was playing against Pantocratoria and there was a certain excitement in the air that the team could possibly bounce back from their draw which left them trailing the leaders of Group Eagle. The game started and it was easy to see that Sesquipedalianist were playing top class football and above the skill level of Wijaska. Wijaska Island were constantly on the back foot and were defending sturdily against huge amounts of pressure. A goal was imminent and it was only a question of how long could the defence of Wijaska could last and that question was answered in the 33rd minute when Danno! managed to jinx the defender, Séarlesgi by staggering and the point-to-nowhere drunken trick. He calmly slotted in a shot to the top net which just avoided the fingers Salearis Báerit. Then soon after in the 39th minute Quokka managed to break through the middle after a lovely one-two with Timmy and shot low and hard from the edge of the box which never looked like missing. Despite a couple more close chances (including a shot that went into the second tier by very intoxicated Tommo!) the score remained 2-0 at half time.

After the half time break Sesquipedalianist came back and maintained their attacking tempo from the word go and it was only three minutes into the half whenl Cazza! set up a cross which Bruce! headed in. In the 56th minute "Anonymous Coward" who was getting frustrated at the lack of chances his team created vented his fury with a hard tackle inside the penalty box after a free kick which resulted in a penalty and surprisingly only a yellow card. Quokka then stepped up to the spot and scored after sending Báerit the other way. Still 4-0 up it was like there was no will or drive from the Wijaska Island players and even though Sesquipedalianist stopped putting on the pressure and had taken there foot of the accelerator they were still dominating play and Wijaska failed to even try and lift their game. Sesquipedalianist scored two more goals, Quokka completing his hattrick after latching on to a long ball and Jacko! headed in a goal in the 71st minute to make the score line an ominous 6-0. After he scored Sir made three substitutions including resting the workhorse Quokka. Despite our shouts of ‘We want Seven” the Sober Exiles didn’t score again and in fact the tempo went right off and Wijaska Island had more possession of the ball and in early injury scored a goal after keeper Bazza! was eyeing off a rather buxom lass and didn’t even realise that the opposition had the ball.

It was a great match to see and the 10,000 strong Sober Exiles fans definitely got their monies worth and a win like this can only boost the team’s confidence one match away from facing our biggest challenge our newest rivals, Newmanistan.

The entire team are sitting in a circle talking about the press

Si: ... Well all they do is ruin your PR

Ser: No they don't not if you play it right.

Hik: Then I must have played it wrong

Ser: It was probably because the coach busted you

Uz: Yeah you didn't do anything I wouldn't have.

Hik: Thanks guys

Bul: Hey you guys wanna get loaded

Si: Can't Sixteen remember?

Bul: Oh yeah sorry buddy.

Ser: Sinan Look at that crowd of girls.

Si: What where (Looks round while Serkan smacks his head)

Ser: Made you look.

Si: Wanna Check the team?

Team: Yeah

They all read the sheet:
GK: Hakan Eksi
CB: Uzulmez Yilmaz
CB: Ismael Koc
RB: Firat Can
LB: Murat Turan
CM: Firat Mertcan
CM: Nuri Turan
RM: Balci Mutlibalaoglu
LM: Abdullah Bul
ST: Sinan Kose
ST: Nuri Turkoglu

Meanwhile Murat at a press conference
M: Any Questions?

Reporter 1: Yes we have just seen your team for tonight why all the changes?

M: I feel I have been far to loyal to certain players which is why I have made the changes.

R2: Why have you Played The other Koc surley if their identicle twins they have the same positioning problems.

M: Not true for if you had a basic grasp of biology you would know that identicle twins can have different abilities based on their enviroment. (Nods)

R2: Ok... I really understand.

M: Any more questions?

R3: Yes why is Abdullah Bul playing

M: When he hooked up with the squad I promised him some playing time.

In the stadium right before the game:

"Guys, i'll keep it short. Abby, Klaas and Andrés, nice goals last game. We're facing kosovoe now. I know we can have them, so go out there and score. I'll repeat our squad for today:

GK 1 Wouter van Dalen
DL 2 Sergio Torres (C)
DC 3 Gert-Jan Meijer
DC 4 Ronnie de Haan
DR 16 Ruben van Wonderen
AMR 17 Cees Hendriks
CM 7 Fouad Snijders
CM 8 Klaas Koppers
AML 9 Andrés García
ST 10 Abdoulaye Soro
ST 22 Kingley Kalu

I expect a fair game. After the red card Mike got for taht horrble tackle last match in the very last minute, which had cost us a goal, i expect you to be nice. Good luck."


1) Abdoulaye Soro 3
2) Kingsley Kalu 5
3) Souleymane Diakité 4
4) Sergio Torres 1
4) Klaas Koppers 1
4) Andrés García 1

ORIXÁS' HELP NOT ENOUGH IN ONE GAME...

Terreiro de Ogum's campaign in the Baptism of Fire is very good, as the team made excellent performances, thanks to the union of football ability of (some of) our players with the spiritual help of the orixás, those who guide us to the success. With this alliance, the Umbanda players were able to get a comfortable place in the group. But, of course, the team had to continue fighting for more points. And that's why rituals were made for the next games, as the orixás had to continue offering their help. Sometimes, even with help, the team is unable to defeat an opponent.

And that's what happened in the game against Sesquipedalianist. Terreiro de Ogum's players wanted the win, and were counting on their spiritual strength to get this victory. But the opponents were counting on a different thing too: the alcohol's strength. And today, the alcohol defeated the orixás (maybe because alcoholic drinks are a common offering to the orixás). In a difficult game, the Terreiro de Ogum players had a good performance, clearly empowered by superior entities like Iemanjá, Ogum and Xangô. But the fast counterattacks of Sesquipedalianist destroyed the hopes of our beloved team. Two goals, and a loss. Not a disaster, of course, but something that lowers the morale of our team.

So now we go to our usual comment of the beloved pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé. What about the spiritual strength of Sesquipedalianist? He told us: "The orixás were busy today, it took some time to get an answer about this issue. But the búzios don't lie, and they told me a surprising truth. Sesquipedalianist has a strong spiritual strength, they're very close to the orixás. Not as close as Terreiro de Ogum, of course, but very close. Maybe if they start to trust the orixás and try to contact them, they can achieve true spirituality mystical energy." Mãe Divina de Santos said: "They must have a strong spirituality. After all, even with the help of the orixás we couldn't beat them. We must respect them."

BUT MORE THAN ENOUGH IN ANOTHER!

The loss in the game against Sesquipedalianist didn't destroy the hopes of Terreiro de Ogum's players, like some could expect. The effect was exactly the opposite. The captain of the team, Pai Berto de Tucumã, explained: "We are mortals, so a loss is common for us. We need to understand that, no matter how hard we try, we have many weaknesses. The only thing that can reduce these weaknesses is the help from the orixás, and our will force. These two things combined transform a person entirely." Wise words. And that's why the team showed an amazing performance in the game against Sarejavo. Four goals, excellent moves. In the end, we know how does this work: spiritual strength + orixás' help + will force + football ability + teamwork = victory!

The game wasn't so difficult, after all. The orixá that helped our team most this time was Oxóssi, as the Sarejavo players made many violent fouls during the games, and hopefully no Terreiro de Ogum player got injured. Our team attacked well, followed the strategy of the Blind Magician, everything went well. The goals were scored by Dona Rosa, Mestre Kacet, Preto Véio and Tramóia. Thanks to Oxóssi! Our beloved orixá that lead our team to another victory! But, to end with today's report, let's hear what Pai Alcir de Macaé has to say about Sarejavo's spirituality: "The búzios said that this country, Sarejavo, has an average spirituality. They aren't able to get a good contact with the orixás, but they don't completely ignore them."

On another note, the Terreiro de Ogum council of pais and mães-de-santo (which represents the country) made an announcement about the "possible" involvement of Terreiro de Ogum supporters in a fight against fans of Newmanistan, which involved Sesquipedalianist's supporters too. One of the council members, Pai Gilberto de Gil, said: "It's highly unlikely that Terreiro de Ogum citizens got involved in this fight. We're peaceful people, we respect our opponents and the people from other nations. We don't get involved in discussions or fights, we like to solve problems with spirituality and words. These people that got involved in the fight surely aren't citizens from our beloved country. They must be from other countries, even if they were supporting Terreiro de Ogum." Another member of the council, Mãe Silvana de Fígaro, said: "And, after all, if our citizens get involved in a fight, they will seriously hurt their opponents, as most of them are skilled capoeira players."

Matchday Ten Scores:
Group Lion
Septentrionia 0-1 East Antairees
The Daleks 2 1-2 Kose and The Turkomans
Kosovoe 0-1 Nethertopia
Agroprom 0-2 Krasslor
Diojiou 0-0 Aqua Teen Hungerland

Group Eagle
Ruskastan 0-2 Sesquipedalianist
Newmanistan 4-1 Engbec
Pantocratoria 6-0 Aleos
Wijaska Island 5-2 Sarejavo
Abaio 2-4 New Cimeran

Far too late for me to do tables tonight, will do them tomorrow, either during my lunch break or when I get home after work.

Figured this out and decided to post it since it does have significiant ramifications in how myself and Sesquipedalianist may go about RPing our big matchup.

Top of Group Eagle:

Team GP W D L P GF GA GD
Newmanistan 9 8 1 0 25 28 7 +21
Sesquipedalainist 9 7 2 0 23 25 5 +20
Terriero de Ogum 9 7 1 1 22 20 11 +9

Scenarios:
NEWMANISTAN
-- Wins Group with win or draw.
-- Finishes 2nd with loss
-- Cannot finish 3rd unless Sesquipdalianist absolutely crushes Newmanistan by about 12.

SESQUIPEDALIANIST
-- Wins Group with win
-- Loss or draw puts them at mercy of Terrerio de Ogum result in regards to who finishes 2nd.
-- Has tiebreaker over Terrerio de Ogum should they lose and Terreiro de Ogum draw.

TERREIRO DE OGUM
-- Unable to win group. Even if Newmanistan and Terreiro de Ogum finished tied at 25, Sesquipedalianst would have to have 26.

THE ROCKET REPORT

AU REVOIR, ENGBEC!

Karak D’Ragh, Starblaydia- In a match that prompted Empress Jessica to provide additional motivation over to ensure her nation’s team would not look past Engbec to focus on Sesquipedalianist, Rockets players can take comfort now in knowing that they will have the next 3 months of their lives, tax free. Despite giving up the first goal of the match, Newmanistan scored four unanswered to win by the score of a 4-1.

The first minute of the game could not have gone any worse for the Rockets. On the opening kickoff, Engbec apparently worked on this particular set play, as it worked so well it just had to have been prepared in advance. Getting the ball to #10 down low, it did appear as though Engbec could have been offsides, but there was no whistle, so their striker unloaded and beat Kevin Dalton. It’s a strike that Dalton’s going to stop more often then not. One minute in, Engbec leads it one-nil. They didn’t have a ton of supporters at the game, but the ones that did make the trip were going absolutely crazy. But for Newmanistan, the goal was a wake up call, and even though it took a little bit before they began to dominate possession, it became just a matter of when would the Rockets find the equalizer. The answer? The 22nd minute. Nothing more then Kevin Lewis and Jeremy McAllister working their magic down low, the goal was scored by McAllister on a brilliant strike to the bottom left corner. Keeping on the all out attack, the Rockets scored just 4 minutes later with Shawn Drummond, who got the start in place of Murphy, capitalizing off a nice set up pass by Steve Boland to make it 2-1 in favor of the heavy favorites. All the enthusiasm the Engbec supporters had, and for a small group, they were surprisisnly vocal, seemed to be drained by the quickness of the two goals. The 2-1 scoreline is where we headed into intermission.

At the break, Brian Carson seemed to be pretty comfortable with the way things went, and just about looked at the early Engbec goal as something that may have benefitted the Rockets to get their heads in the game. He urged his team to keep up the pace, and to go out there and make sure Engbec did not pick up any momentum while also reminding his team that it would be nicer to have more then one tax free month.

The beginning of the second half saw Newmanistan have much of the possession, though Engbec did force Dalton to make a highlight reel save in the 49th minute. Moments after that stop, Kevin Lewis scored, coming in minute #53 off what seemed to be a very routine play. His defender fell, allowing for an easy shot opportunity, and he made the most of it. Between this goal, and by the 70th minute, Carson had used all three substitutes, giving Shane Classen, Ken Gillman, and Eric Novak their first playing time of the Baptism of Fire. The team seemed determine to get Novak a goal. The 37 year old striker from the Loudon Leopards is the active leader in all time goals scored in the NSL, but this is first appearance at any kind of global level. He still has his finishing touch, but having lost a couple steps, he was named as a reserve, and even that, more for sentimental reasons. In the 83rd minute, Novak finally delivered. The 19 year NSL veteran can now say he scored a goal in a prestigious world competition. Shawn Drummond made the play happen with a smooth pass. The Rockets held on, and win the game 4-1. Up next is the showdown with Sesquipedalianist, which we will break down sometime later. Here are your post game comments and your final boxscore.

Carson: I’m glad to get this one behind us. We got the win because we responded real well to their early goal. Anything but a win here would have been tough to take. We did well, and it was nice to see others get a chance.

Brooker: I’m very happy with the result. I felt as though we played a strong game and were able to control the match.

Boland: Great game for sure, and it was nice to finally get to play and really feel as though I was part of it.

Lewis: During the Baptism of Fire, a lot of us all decided that we needed Eric (Novak) to get a goal somehow at some point, I am so happy that we were able to do that.

McAllister: I’m happy for the win, and for the three points. It was crucial for us to get nothing but three points as we head into our match with Sesquipedalianst. I’m also just so happy that we were able to get Eric on the scoresheet. He was one of my idols growing up as a kid, and I know that he really wanted to do more then just be here for his knowledge.

Novak: Well, I can’t say that I really expected it. I am really honored that I got the chance from Brian (Carson) to simply be on this team especially since our clubs are bitter rivals in the NSL. But this just proves the togetherness and chemistry that we have right here on our team right now. It’s a privilege, to have been able to score, is just the icing on the cake.

BOXSCORE

NEWMANISTAN 4
McAllister (22') Assist- Lewis
Drummond (26') Assist- Boland
Lewis (53')
Novak (83') Assist- Drummond

ENGBEC 1
#10 (1')

BOOKINGS

NEWMANISTAN
Boland, YC, 11'
Prescott, YC, 37'

ENGBEC
#3, YC, 37'
#14, YC, 62'

THE ROCKET REPORT

YOUR GUIDE TO THE PIVOTAL MATCHUP WITH SESQUIPEDALIANIST

About the country: The Kingdom is in the region of Indifference and has a drunk population of approximately 23 million, which is a far cry from Newmanistan’s approximate 4.9 billion. They are rapidly gaining a reputation for being one of the most drunk nations in the world, and in fact, being sober is considered almost as bad as being dead. Even though we also enjoy our alcohol here, word of advice: Do not challenge someone from Sesquipedalianist to any kind of contest or game involving alcohol. You will lose! Even you Northwesterners!

About the team: When you here to us refer to someone as Bruce! It isn’t because we don’t know their last name, so don’t blame us for not researching them properly. This is just how it is there. Their star player is a midfielder known as Quokka. Certainly if the Rockets are to win, he must be contained. Bazza! Has provided them with outstanding goalkeeping. Don’t be mislead by thir drunk nature, when it comes time to play soccer, or Count Your Chickens Your Wheels Are Square, as they call it, they are all business and very skilled.

Why this game is so important: First place in Group Eagle is at stake. The winner will win the group. If it is a draw, the Rockets will win the group, so expect the Sober Exiles to be giving it all for the victory.

Why the game isn’t as important as it seems: First place in the group is nice, as it sets you up for what should be a better first round matchup in the knockout stages. Though once the knockout stages begin, everyone starts at zero again.

Newmanistan will win if: The Rockets score early. Because Newmanistan only needs to draw, there will be pressure on the Sober Exiles to strike back, which could create a turnover here and there. Look for the teams to try hard to get the first goal, it will be very important to determining the outcome, we feel. While not easy because everyone tries to do it, containing Quokka (who doesnt get a ! By the way, we aren’t forgetting it!) Will be important. Look for Jeremy Brooker to get a lot of that responsibilty. Also Chris Peterson, the two-time NSL best two-way midfielder of the year will likely have a big responsibilty towards Quokka.

Sesquipedalianst will win if: Bazza! Has a big game. He has been outstanding in the Baptism of Fire, and if he can shut down the Rockets, then things could be tough, because the Sober Exiles have been scoring a lot of goals of late, although those high scoring games also came against opponents the Rockets scored a lot of goals against too. Particularly early, Bazza! Playing real well could relax the Sober Exiles quite a bit.

Tactical change?: Brian Carson said earlier this morning that striker John Murphy will be positioned more towards the midfield, so the Rockets should have more of a 4-2-1-2 look then a 4-3-3 look for this match.

What about the fans?: After the now infamous brawl that took place, expect the Starblaydi police to heighten security measures for this match. We strongly urge our fans attending this game to not get involved in any altercations in any way that will hurt the image of the bulk of Newmanistan supporters who come to enjoy the game. We expect Sesquipedalianist fans to be very drunk, so please take that into consideration, and do your best to ignore any kind of taunting you may get, a Rockets supporter, from them. And at the same time, do not initiate anything with them. Their intoxication does not give you the right, either, to provoke anything. The Empress will receive the names of any fans the Starblaydi police arrest in this contest, and such fans will lose their right to attend any NSL game for the next two seasons. The Empress has also requested Sesquipedalianist leaders offer a similar punishment for their own fans so that we do not have a rematch of the brawl that took place when the teams weren’t even playing each other.

Will the Empress be in attendance?: Although she attended many key Di Bradini Cup matches, the Empress will not be in attendance due to the domestic situation in Dover City (OOC: A regional RP taking place.) She is expected to be here later, though.

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

FANS DISCUSS BRAWL FROM EARLIER

I am from Putnam Lake in Newmanistan. I just want everyone to know that those of us were involved in this fight are disappointed that it had to postpone the start of the Sesquipedalianist match with Terreiro de Ogum, and we are sorry to all the Rockets fans that are disappointed in us. However, I do not apologize to actually being in a fight with these hooligans. We came to catch a glimpse of our national heroes who were attending the game and were verbally disrespected by many of their fans. They were acting as if we had no right to be there. Well, hello, tickets were on sale to everyone right? We had as much right to be there as the Starblaydi fans! Was Starblaydia playing? No! I mean yes, we brought flags and stuff but that was because we wanted our players to notice us. I didn’t go intending to get into a fight with anyone. But I’m not just going to let them attack a friend either.

– Brian Sanders, Putnam Lake


All I wanted to do was watch a football game. I picked this one because it was of significance to Newmanistan. Then I had a beer can thrown at my girlfriend. I don’t play that.

– Allan Levinson, North Charlotte

This (expletive) from Sesquipedalianist called me a (expletive) just cuz she didn’t like what I was wearing. I mean I wanted J-Mac (McAllister) to see me, damn, mind your own (expletive) business. So I pulled her hair and knocked her down. I hope her black eye is healing.

– Brittany Phillips, Putnam Lake

I know that people back home are wishing this never happened, but if you were right in the center of all this as it was going down, I think you would have more of an understanding of it. It’s too bad that it had to happen, but I don’t regret that it did. I think if you saw how we stuck up for ourselves in the manner that we were harassed and disrespected because they didn’t think we belonged there, that you would be proud of us.

– Luke Conners, Loudon

Yeah there was a lot of fighting, and if their fans were smart they wouldn’t do it again, because from what I saw, most of the fights were won by us!

– Trevor Johnson, Pocono City

With our new BoF reporter, we can now give you much more detail as to our last match. However, we don't want to, 'cause I need a tea break, so I'll make it quick: We won 4-2 against Abaio. Done! Gimmee that tea!:)

"B" Team 2-1 The Daleks 2
In a game where many reserves were played for The Turks they could be forgiven for giving away an Early goal in the 10th minute, once again at the end of the first half Sinan Kose bailed them out with a quickly taken free kick.

The second half was a nervy affair the Turks desperate for a goal were lucky not to go 2-1 down after an excelent break but after much hard work Abdullah Bul scored in the 75th minute to end all hopes of a revival.

Breaking News

A ruskani has apparently committed suicide in his hotel room yesterday after the loss to Sesquipedalianist. No name has emerged from Ruskani camp, but all signs point to the Goalkeeper, who has allowed to goals which have been deemed savable. The Ruskani players have yet to be reached and squad seemed to have been isolated by the Ruskani FA after the incident.

Fans have been voacable about the Goalkeeper and some have even claimed "we were going to kill him anyways"

More news to follow as the story develops.

Imperial Monitor

PANTOCRATORIA TO FACE TERREIRO DE OGUM IN LAST GROUP EAGLE MATCH
de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel: "We're ready!"
The Pantocratorian Peacocks face Terreiro de Ogum tonight in one of their toughest matches in the Baptism of Fire Cup to date.

Terreiro de Ogum is a small nation, newly independent from Estresse Intenso, whose people are entirely pagan, and whose soccer players have become famous during the course of this cup for their bizarre and controversial on-field rituals.

The match is expected to be a difficult one for the Peacocks, although Pantocratorian Captain the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel said that "The match against the Newmanistan Rockets is where the team really started to work together, I feel, and they're now leading the group."

"Our match against Sesquipedalainist, now coming second with a reasonable chance of finishing on top of the group if they beat the Rockets tonight, was a hard fought draw."

"If a team can face up to those two teams like we have, I think it is hard for anyone to say that it isn't capable of beating Terreiro de Ogum." said Monsieur de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel. "We're ready."

If Pantocratoria defeats Terreiro de Ogum, the Terreiro team will be denied a second place finish in Group Eagle.

So far in the Baptism of Fire tournament, which is a precursor to the World Cup, the Pantocratorian Peacocks have lost to Wijaska Island, Ruskastan, and Newmanistan (who now lead Group Eagle).

In contrast, the Peacocks have defeated Abaio, New Cimeran, Engbec, Sarejavo and Aleos, and drawn against Sesquipedalainist.

Since Pantocratoria lost to Newmanistan, it has not lost a match.

The team's spirits are high, and Pantocratorian soccer fans are extremely enthusiastic about what should be a tremendous encounter, in which the Peacocks are definitely the underdogs, but possibly with the momentum and the confidence they need for an upset win.

Romp over Ruskastan

Ruskastan 0-2 Sesquipedalianist

Despite the looming big match in the next round against Newmanistan and few people calling this nothing but a warm up (something I, other fans and the team deny) the turnout to the penultimate match of the group stage was good and I think most of the 14,000 fans wanted to see if the Sober Exiles would maintain their form leading into the last match.

The team certainly looked fired up even though they weren’t given the rather cheap incentive of a tax break unlike a certain-but-shall-remain-anonymous team. Any talks of the star player Quokka Silverfoot being rested for this match were dispelled as the tireless leader who has set the standard so many times took up his starting position as per usual. The line up was once again Sir’s own new creation 3-2-1-2-2 formation which worked spectacularly against Terriero de Ogum and Wijaska Island and not so much against Pantocratoria (though they were other ‘excuses’ involved in that one).

The teams started off evenly matched and despite the floodgate of errors by the drunks they were able to link up for some nifty playmaking. Ruskastan took the match to them as well and there were a few early scares but luckily Bazza! was living up to his new ‘mortal god’ image (given by some of the more inebriated fans I have to admit) and his goal was safe as a closed down kebab shop despite Rasul Sa'id’s best efforts. At the other end none of the Sesquipedalianist forwards could find the net although Davo! Rather skilfully found the touchline only 15ft from goal. First half ended scoreless and neither team could complain despite giving it their best efforts.

The second half started much as the first half did with each team looking and searching for that goal but no team scored the breakthrough though not through lack of trying, several shots were peppered at the goal keepers although the men in goals had little to worry about from most of them. The breakthrough came after a scrappy piece of play in the goal square where after a cross came in and Jacko! hit a weak shot that managed to catch Tibor Karel wrong footed and went in easily into the goal. Play then started to get interesting with Ruskastan piling on more pressure and become more attacking. Once again Sesquipedalianist soaked up the pressure then like a spring that had been suppressed for too long they counter-attacked with great skill and Jacko! got on the end of a quick Quokka pass and hit in the top corner, just avoiding the fingers of the Ruskastan goalkeeper to get his brace. The scores remained 2-0 at the end of play and Sesquipedalianist came out on top of a close but comfortable win high on confidence and definitely high in spirits.

Turkic Sport
Brave performance by "B's"
Yes the reserves got their game last night playing a very solid game despite letting in a goal, goalkeeper Hakan Eksi showed the experience required to bounce back and pulled of a string of exciting saves at points keeping the Turks in it.

Then came Abdullah Bul who was in for the skillful Turkmen he scored the winner to complement Sinan Kose's equaliser had been a threat all game with Sinan Kose commenting "People assume he is really bad because of his age but he's shown that he can still compete."

Fans Corner "Permanent spot for Eksi?
Dear Fans,
I feel that Sukur does not offer the maturity and experience to play for our national team at number 1. While Eksi should only be used as a short term solution till the other younger goalkeepers gain international and League experience, he has shown that he can bounce back which after conceeding the goal he did is a pretty good ability.
Fuat Ali

Sesquipedalianist v Newmanistan

Fan’s Match Preview

LIVE to all Pubs


Stadium: Sports Hall, Karak D'Ragh
Capacity: 60,000

Team Form:
Sesquipedalianist: 7-2-0
Nemanistan: 8-1-0

Well its with much excitement and joy that I bring you this Match Preview of the end of the group stage match between the top two sides which promises to be an enthralling and captivating match which I’m sure will decide who out of Group Eagle will be the top side. Firstly let’s look at the opposition team, Newmanistan:

This team is a top class team and must be said that if anyone from Sesquipedalianist had any clue about any team or anything about football to begin with it would have to be that this team would have been the favourites for top honours in Group Eagle. The nation is a huge island nation comprising of just little under 5 billion people which makes the Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist’s 26 million paltry in comparison (although I think 1 Sesquipedalianistian is worth more than a million Newmanistan’s but that’s a different kettle of beer altogether). This team has a will to succeed in their bones and are fiercely competitive and ego driven as you would expect from top sportsmen. Despite their skill as football players people from Newmanistan are perhaps best known for their driving skills which of course Sesquipedalianist severally lack (which is why our roads are so thick).

As for their football skills well look at their results in the Baptism of Fire, they’ve completely dominated there and only have a slight blemish, a draw to Terrerio de Ogum whom we defeated 2-0. Also looking outside the BoF, they won the Di Brandi Cup a big win considering they have no KPB ranking. Considering all this you would think the Sober Exiles hava a huge task ahead of them

However,

This is a team, a team of drunk, an unknown team, a team of very little footballing background who have surprised all by their dominance in the cup for beginners as well as their rather infamous drinking habits. Sure they may not have won as much as Newmanistan (by one draw mind you) but they are undefeated yet and it’s a record they may want to fight for. A critic once said that whilst Quokka may be good they have one reason they win and ten reasons’ they lose. The team has obviously put this critic back in the corner of his pub. Whilst Newmanistan may be the bigger and certainly flashier opponents here why I think we, The Motley Assorted Kingdom of Sesquipedalianist, the Sober Exiles, we'll win:
We’ve got high morale.
We’ve got more hunger to win. Sure its isn’t the final and we’re still going through but this is about team pride and showing who’s the best team (we already know who’s the best drinkers are).
We don’t need cash incentives or tax breaks to win. The Sober Exiles play because they enjoy the game, otherwise they would’ve just sulked around in exile somewhere Insignificant in Indifference.
We’re Bloody Drunks!

That’s all I have to say on the matter. As for tensions in the stadium and among fans especially after the fights and brawls and what have you, I just hope that you are all on your best behaviour before the match and know that the Starblaydian's will have their security tight but who cares about testosterone fueled scuffles, lets chant long and loud, lets wave our flags unfaltering and lets support our team the best way possible: getting DRUNK!

Team's football ability continues strong!

"Um gole de pinga, um pouco de feijoada. Água benta é pingada, galho de arruda balançado! Assim chamamos os orixás, que nosso time vão guiar! E com eles, somos imbatíveis! Todo poder aos orixás!"

In the last edition of our spiritual message, we sent you (the Umbanda followers of Terreiro de Ogum) our comments about two games: the one against Sesquipedalianist and the one against Sarejavo. Now, all returns to normal. We'll give you the comments of one game, the one against Aleos. Yes, we know that there was another round after the one that included our game against Aleos, but in this one we simply didn't play! What did the team do? I'm not sure, but I guess they did a party, with much cachaça and happiness! But why I am talking about things that I don't even know? Or do I know? If I know, I don't remember... what did I do? My head is under heavy pain... something happened, surely...

To the game against Aleos. Another easy one, as expected. Terreiro de Ogum is well placed in the group and the team is only playing the last games before entering in the knockout round. But the team needs to stay focused on the competition, as it wasn't in its best form in the last game. Aleos started the game slowly, and Terreiro de Ogum scored soon with Guaxinim. Then, the team relaxed, started to miss many chances, and the opponent reacted scoring a goal. Only in the second half Guaxinim was able to score and get the three points for our beloved team.

Finally the group stage is ending, it seemed that it was going to last forever. And the best thing is that we'll continue in the competition, thanks to our beloved orixás, that won't abandon us, as we won't abandon them! But what about Aleos? Do they believe on the strength of the orixás? That's a question for our great master, Pai Alcir de Macaé, who said: "Aleos abandoned the orixás. It's really sad to discover this, as a population without the orixás is a population without hope. Can they return to the light? I don't think so, they are already lost spiritually talking."

But Terreiro de Ogum continues in the path of the light, in the road of the success. Pai Gilberto de Gil, a pai-de-santo that has been doing many rituals in order to bring the orixás to help the National Team, said: "I love football. And to see Terreiro de Ogum playing good football is something very nice for me. That's why I keep making the rituals, keep asking for the help of the orixás, because their help is the biggest that we could get. Oxóssi, Exú, Ogum, Iemanjá, Nanã, Xangô and the others have powers that we can't have, and that's why they're so important for us."

Nethertopia wins again
JHANNA - In what could only be called a typical, boring 0-0 match Abdoulaye Soro came out matchwinner. He scored a penalty given away by referee Edmund Lassani in the 83th minute. The only actions in the match were a shot from Manny Lerenitas in the 34th minute, landing against the post and a header from Soro in the 56th minute landing in the hands of Aaron bradley. Our country is now almost certain of the third place in the pool, just a big slip of East Antairees cn give acces to the 2nd seed.

"Well guys, you've read it," said coach Kietecs. "We'll be playing agropom now and i expect a win. We'll start with our basic 11 from the beginning of the tournament. Good luck."

Starting 11:

GK 1 Wouter van Dalen
DL 2 Sergio Torres (C)
DC 3 Gert-Jan Meijer
DC 4 Ronnie de Haan
DR 5 Mike Igwe
AMR 6 Daouda Diompy
CM 7 Fouad Snijders
CM 8 Klaas Koppers
AML 9 Andrés García
ST 10 Abdoulaye Soro
ST 11 Souleymane Diakité



1) Abdoulaye Soro 14
2) Kingsley Kalu 5
3) Souleymane Diakité 4
4) Sergio Torres 1
4) Klaas Koppers 1
4) Andrés García 1

Turkic Extra
Titles for Players
Sultan Ibrahim has announced that any vacant titles left by the Dynasty Dying out or court cases for extrotion are to be given to the national football team. Sultan Ibrahim (Father of Star Sinan) has never liked his sons profession but as euphoria gripped the nation he was shown in a picture with the team in last nights win.

Matchday Ten Tables

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kose and The Turkomans 9 8 1 0 31 12 19 25 Q
East Antairees 9 6 3 0 27 8 19 21 Q
Nethertopia 9 6 2 1 26 9 15 20 Q
Eighthgraderistan 9 5 2 2 21 14 7 17 Q
Kosovoe 9 4 2 3 20 12 -8 14* Q
Septentrionia 9 4 2 3 17 10 7 14 Q
Aqua Teen Hungerland 10 3 2 5 13 17 -4 11 Q
Agroprom 9 2 0 7 5 27 -22 6
---------------------- -- - - - -- -- --- --
Krasslor 9 1 2 6 9 26 -15 5
Diojiu 9 1 1 7 8 20 -12 4**
The Daleks 2 9 1 1 7 7 21 -14 4

* MD3: Septentrionia 0-1 Kosovoe
** MD8: The Daleks 2 2-0 Diojiu

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 9 8 1 0 27 8 19 25 Q
Sesquipedalianist 9 7 2 0 25 5 20 23 Q
Terreiro de Ogum 9 7 1 1 25 12 13 22 Q
Ruskastan 9 5 1 3 15 12 3 16* Q
Wijaska Island 9 5 1 3 17 18 -1 16* Q
Pantocratoria 9 5 1 3 25 18 7 16* Q
Aleos 9 2 2 5 9 17 -8 8
New Cimeran 10 2 1 7 12 27 -15 7
---------------------- -- - - - -- -- --- --
Sarejavo 9 1 3 5 10 23 -13 6
Engbec 9 0 2 7 7 23 -16 2 E
Abaio 9 0 1 8 9 24 -15 1 E

* Results:
Pantocratoria 0-1 Wijaska Island
Ruskastan 4-2 Pantocratoria
Wijaska Island 0-0 Ruskastan
Ruskastan takes 4th spot via Goal Difference over Wijaska Island, who are both ahead of Pantocratoria on head-to-head results.



Once again, apologies for the lateness, due to work. Matchday 11 will be posted in just about one hour's time.

Matchday Eleven
Group Lion
Nethertopia 6-1 Agroprom
Krasslor 1-2 Septentrionia
Kose and The Turkomans 1-0 Diojiu
Eighthgraderistan 2-2 Kosovoe
East Antairees 1-0 The Daleks 2

Group Lion
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Kose and The Turkomans 10 9 1 0 32 12 20 28
East Antairees 10 7 3 0 28 8 20 24
Nethertopia 10 7 2 1 32 10 22 23
Eighthgraderistan 10 5 3 2 23 16 7 18
Septentrionia 10 5 2 3 19 11 8 17
Kosovoe 10 4 3 3 22 14 8 15
Aqua Teen Hungerland 10 3 2 5 13 17 -4 11
Agroprom 10 2 0 8 6 33 -27 6
Krasslor 10 1 2 7 10 28 -18 5
The Daleks 2 10 1 1 8 7 22 -15 4*
Diojiu 10 1 1 8 8 21 -13 4

* MD8: The Daleks 2 2-0 Diojiu


Group Eagle
Aleos 2-4 Wijaska Island
Sarejavo 2-2 Ruskastan
Engbec 1-1 Abaio
Terreiro de Ogum 2-0 Pantocratoria
Sesquipedalianist 2-3 Newmanistan

Group Eagle
Nation P W D L GF GA GD Pts
Newmanistan 10 9 1 0 30 10 20 28
Terreiro de Ogum 10 8 1 1 27 12 15 25
Sesquipedalianist 10 7 2 1 27 8 19 23
Ruskastan 10 5 2 3 17 14 3 17
Wijaska Island 10 6 1 3 21 20 1 19
Pantocratoria 10 5 1 4 25 20 5 16
Aleos 10 2 2 6 11 21 -10 8
Sarejavo 10 1 4 5 12 25 -13 7 *
New Cimeran 10 2 1 7 12 27 -15 7
Engbec 10 0 3 7 8 24 -16 3
Abaio 10 0 2 8 10 25 -15 2

MD3: * New Cimeran 0-1 Sarejavo


2nd Round (a.k.a Round of 16) knockout pairings will be posted tomorrow, in a seeded draw.

THE ROCKET REPORT

GAME LIVES UP TO THE HYPE

Nova Malta, Starblaydia- It isn’t all the time that a highly anticipated game actually lives up to the all the hype that was surrounding it. This may have just been a group stage game, and there is plenty more to be won in the Baptism of Fire, but don’t tell that to anyone from either Newmanistan or Sesquipedalianist, or their supporters. The budding rivalry between the teams made this a game that each side wanted to win, simply to say they beat the other team. The rivalry officially began with the brawl that occurred between the fans at Sesquipedalianist’s match with Terreiro de Ogum. The fans were loud and passionate on both sides, but there were no incidents to report. The Starblaydi police force was all over the stadium, and surely several warnings were given out. The players took to the pitch, and there were several long stares exchanged, but they got down to business once the referee began play.

In the 9th minute, Brett Prescott was handed a yellow card for a rough tackle on Quokka. Quokka was fine, but if the Rockets wanted to send a message to the Sesquipedalianst star, then it was delivered right away that this match was going to be different then their other ones. Of course, it also fired Quokka up, and he would give the Sober Exiles the lead in the 17th minute. Sesquipedalianist got some good momentum, and in the 21st minute, Danno! Nearly put them up by two, but his shot struck the post and was cleared promptly by Eddie Chapman. Then came a stretch of back and forth play with both teams having good chances, and it would lead to a 38th minute equalizer off the foot of Jeremy McAllister, who played an outstanding game. The Rockets got a great rush on goal, initiated by Brett Prescott, who smoothly passed to Kevin Lewis in the middle, who somehow got a half step on Quokka, then Lewis deked out Cazza!, passed to McAllister, who put the ball just inside the right post to even the game up at 1 goal apiece. This is where we went to intermission.

At the break, Carson seemed to have a tactical discussion with his players. Overall, he was happy with the play of the team, but he knew that this was going to be a game that would go down to the very last minute. Both teams played a strong half, and the fans in attendance could hardly wait for the match to resume.

As the second half began both teams knew what they needed to do, and the physical play of the game intensified. In the 50th minute, Cazza! Received a yellow card for a rough play on Jeremy McAllister. Shortly thereafter, in the 55th minute, Sesquipedalianist would go back in front by a goal from Danno! Things got interesting in the 63rd minute, when Prescott gave Quokka a hard shove in the back. Benno! Saw the play to his captain, and charged Prescott, and knocked him to the turf, gaining himself a yellow card. This led to a little get together at midfield between the two teams with a lot of shouting and fingerpointing. The Sober Exiles were livid that referee Ivan Sturmdrang did not book Prescott, particularly since it would have meant him being sent off, but Sturmdrang either did not see the play, or perhaps felt Quokka took a dive. Despite the get together at midfield, there were no additional bookings, which really got the Sesquipedalianist supporters upset. Soon they would get even more to be upset about, as in the 76th minute, the Rockets evened up the score, and the man that did the trick was Brett Prescott with a great strike inside the left post. With the score tied at two, and needing the win, the Sober Exiles pressed for the go-ahead goal and got some great opportunities on Kevin Dalton, only to be denied each time. Then in the 87th minute, it was Newmanistan’s turn for a great scoring opportunity, and Jeremy McAllister would bury his second goal of the game with a perfectly placed shot. The goal pretty much assured the Rockets first place in the Group since they only needed a draw, at the minimum. Able to play defensively, the Sober Exiles were only able to have one serious threat on net, but Jeremy Brooker made an outstanding defensive play. It helped to secure the 3-2 victory for Newmanistan. The Rockets finish off Group Play, with an impressive 28 points, getting 9 wins in 10 games with a draw. Along with Kose and the Turkomans of Group Lion, it is the highest overall total in the Baptism of Fire.


Here are some post game comments:

Carson: It was a great game, this had the atmosphere of a final. You had two teams that wanted to beat the other team, just for the sake of winning the match. You could have had no points and nothing at stake here and I believe you would have had the same kind of passion. A rivalry is brewing here, I think.

Brooker: This is what football is all about. If you think it was fun to watch, trust me, it was even more fun to play.

McCafferty: We played a great game. It’s a great way for us to go into the knockout stages, because this match had all the feel of playoff game itself. We both wanted to win the Group, even if now, it doesn’t really matter who won it.

Peterson: We brought our A-game today. We’re very confident right now in ourselves.

Prescott: I think Quokka will remember us if we were to play again, whether in the Baptism of Fire, the World Cup, or in five years. We concentrated our efforts on him, and throwing him off of his game, and I think over the long haul of the game, we were successful in doing that. And I’m glad the ref didn’t book his dive there.

Lewis: As a team, we have a lot to be proud of today because we beat a great team. After beating a couple of bottom table teams, it was nice to play a team of their level as we go through to the knockout stages.

McAllister: Yeah, I think we were the better team out there today and the better team won the match. It was a good, exciting game, but I think in the end we were able to outlast them. Brett is right in that I think we succeeded in throwing Quokka off his game as it wore on toward the end.


And your boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 3
McAllister (38', 87') Assist- Lewis on both
Prescott (76')

SESQUIPEDALIANIST 2
Quokka (17')
Danno! (55')

Bookings:

NEWMANISTAN
Prescott, YC, 9'

SESQUIPEDALIANIST
Cazza!, YC, 50'
Benno!, YC, 63'

2 drunk guys talk about last nights kosovoes soccer game vs Eighthgraderstan

1"Holy chris benoit we tied a youngling of Qazox"
2"Dude that is so awesome"
1"Yeah, but we were so ahead 2-0 after the 2 goals by Fred and George weasley"
2"yeah dude we like totally bombed there in the end"
1'yeah remember when this tournament started we killed everybody, but then we slowly started to falter"
2"but dude we still made it to the knockouts"
The two guy stop talking. They smoke some pot and are arrested.,

Yeah we made it time for some drinks all around guys.

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

We tyed Koservo 2-2 to finsih in forth place in the group. We didnt win as much as we wanted two, but we shouldbe faceng Wijoski Island next int eh knockouts porbably. Booby andKevin gots our to golas after Koservo get out to a too-nill led. But we ok so far and my meesales are gone.

See you in the next ruond!

Eighthgraderistan's Goal Scorers (from Ms. Lorre):
Marco Franchetti: 9
Bobby Aster: 5
Kevin Smythe: 3
Manuel Lopes: 2
Nick Hansen: 1
Nate Hansen: 1
Eric Reed: 1
Own Goal: 1 (by Krasslor)

Turkic Analysis
Group Top 8 Ananlysis
Kose And the Turkomans: (9-1-0) Us!. One of the two unbeaten teams in the group made first after the powerful striker Sinan set the tournement alight with his goal scoring ability, in the seeded draw the best they can hope for is an easy tie with Sarejevo.

East Aintairees: (7-3-0) The other unbeaten with whom we drew 2-2 they had a harder time in the group after three draws had crippled their chance of making first place leaving it to us.

Nethertopia: (7-2-1) the one game they lost to us proved vital, despite having an absolute quality player in Soro they were unfortunate enough to miss him against the Turkomans and so missed out on 2nd by one point, but they are still one of the top seeds.

Eigthgradierstan: (5-3-2) a whole ten points behind the leader yet they still make it in the top 4, the age difference showed towards the end but they have shown if you put the effort in you can do anything.

Septentrionia: (5-2-3) one point once again makes all the difference here missing out on 4th place but their not the worst but yet their not the best so they can expect a decent run if they get lucky in the draw.

Kosovoe: (4-3-3) The team who when we beat them 6-2 were top of the group had lost all of their previous form and slipped down to a lowly 6th but if they rediscover their lost form they could still be in the BoF come semi final time.

Aqua Teen Hungerland: (3-2-5) A team who can play well on their day and when we beat them we saw flashes of quality but to make those flashes constant will require hard work so a round of 16 knock out looks in the works.

Agroprom: (2-0-8) Perhaps the wild card since they only qualified because of the low level of teams below they now get a second chance but for a team who only show numbers and apear to have no press structre, it will be hard for them to get anything against oponents next round.

Knockout Draw
Top Half

Kose and The Turkomans (1)___
Agroprom (16) \

Eighthgraderistan (8)________/
Septentrionia (9)

Nethertopia (5)_____________
Kosovoe (12) \

East Antairees (4) ____/
Aqua Teen Hungerland (13)


Botton Half

Aleos (14) _____
Terreiro de Ogum (3) \

Sesquipedalianist (6)____/
Pantocratoria (11)

Wijaska Island (7)_
Ruskastan (10) \

Sarejavo (15) ____/
Newmanistan (2)

Imperial Monitor

MUST WIN
Pantocratoria faces toughest challenge yet in Baptism of Fire Cup
Pantocratoria faces Sesquipedalianist in the first of the second round games in the Baptism of Fire Cup.

Sesquipedalianist, ranked sixth overall, finished third in Group Eagle, compared to Pantocratoria, rated eleventh overall, which finished sixth in the same group in the first round of the cup.

The Peacocks last played Sesquipedalianist on match day eight, when the two teams fought each other to a one-all draw. Their next encounter must have a winner, and will be resolved by penalty shootout if necessary.

Disappointing showing against Terreiro de Ogum
The Peacocks will be facing Sesquipedalianist fresh on the back of a disappointing outing against third-overall rated Terreiro de Ogum, which defeated Pantocratoria 2-nil in the last Group Eagle game last night.

Terreiro de Ogum scored early, with Guaxinim, a dwarf to whose inclusion in the Terreiro side many Pantocratorian players objected, scoring a goal in the twelfth minute after faking a pass to Mestre Kacet.

The Terreiro attack kept the Peacock defence busy, with three near-misses following the goal within the next fifteen minutes.

Pantocratoria held out until half-time, however, and came back onto the field re-energised, successfully getting the ball into Terreiro de Ogum's half and keeping it there for five minutes at the start of the half, all the while looking very likely to score.

Pantocratorian hopes were dashed, however, when team captain and star striker the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel was roughly tackled by Preto Veio, who was yellow carded.

Monsieur de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel appeared angered by the tackle and exchanged heated words with various Terreiro players, before being red carded by referee Edmund Lassani for alleged racial abuse of the opposing side.

The Pantocratorian attack was hopelessly blunted and defenders did well to hold Terreiro de Ogum back from scoring again until the 68th minute, with Louis-Isaac Fountaine stopping no less than twelve on-target attempts at goal from the red card incident until the second goal was scored by Mestre Kacet.

Controversial decision outrages fans, officials
Pantocratorian fans at Victory Park for the match booed the decision to red card the captain of the Peacocks, while nearly a quarter of fans watching at home turned off the match after the decision, according to Peacock Daily News Cable and Satellite Network's programme viewer ratings system.

Pantocratorian Coach Charles Beauchamps defended the besmirched reputation of the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel, telling journalists at the post-match interview that the Vicomte made no racist remarks.

Referee Edmund Lassani said that "he [Monsieur de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel] used the word pagan, amongst others, in a pejorative sense to describe Terreiro players".

"How is pagan a pejorative?" Coach Beauchamps asked the press rhetorically. "If you call a player who is short a short player, or a player who is tall a tall player, is it a racist insult?"

"It cannot be denied that Preto Veio is a pagan." Beauchamps elaborated. "Was the term taken to be offensive simply because the Vicomte was angry? The last time I checked being angry about a blatant foul wasn't against the rules, or racist."

The Pantocratorian Football League said, in a press release (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13536634&postcount=21), that it would be "demanding" that Edmund Lassani be "prohibited from further involvement in any match in which the Pantocratorian national team takes part" in the Baptism of Fire Cup.

Monsieur de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel was unavailable for comment.

From the Pocono City Sports Network

Meghan Traynor: Hello again, I’m Meghan Traynor reporting for PCSN, and alongside me is my co-host, Mr. Kevin Collins. Hello Kevin, nice tie!

Collins: Why thank you Meghan, how about let’s get right to it, shall we? Time for some bracketology!

Traynor: Why your right, and the Baptism of Fire has now reached the knockout stages, so let’s look at the games. First the top seed, Kose and the Turkomans meets the 16th-seeded Agroprom.

Collins: This is the same Agroprom that we thought after the Di Bradini Cup could actually do something in the Baptism of Fire. I don’t think there is any more flat out, disappointing team in the Baptism of Fire then Agroprom. Sure, they could find new life. But Kose and the Turkomans wins handily, 4-0. Meghan?

Traynor: A 16 beating a 1? Not here, not now. Kose and the Turkomans wins 5-1.

Collins: Next we have the #2 seed, who we all know and love, meeting up with Sarejavo again. We still don’t know the names of their players. But after this game, it won’t matter. They’ll be back on the plane to Sarejavo. Newmanistan wins 3-0.

Traynor: Just three, huh? There’s no reason to think that Newmanistan is going to lose to Sarejavo. You’d have to be out of your mind. Rockets win it, 4-1.

Collins: The #3 seed is Terreiro de Ogum, and they will play Aleos, who’s been a bit pesky.

Traynor: This is why winning Group Eagle was important, Aleos is a better team then Sarejavo, but Terreiro de Ogum will be too much. Terreiro de Ogum gets a 2-0 clean sheet.

Collins: I was going to call the same score, and I still am. Moving on, you got the 4th seeded East Antairees against the 13th seeded Aqua Teen Hungerland.

Traynor: These 4-13, 5-12 games always get a little entertaining, but East Antairees has not lost, and they are not about to start now. This will be a close one though, but East Antairees wins, 2-1.

Collins: Aqua Teen Hungerland started better then it finished. East Antairees makes a statement and crushes them, 6-nil.

Traynor: Wow! Ok, so next we have Nethertopia, as the 5, against 12th seeded Kosovoe.

Collins: Kosovoe is another club that started better then it finished, and Nethertopia is flying a little under the radar here in the Baptism of Fire. This will be a good match for a while, but Nethertopia pulls away late and wins 4-2.

Traynor: All Nethertopia. 4-nil.

Collins: Now here’s the eye opener game. 6th seeded Sesquipedaliannst against 11th seeded Pantocratoria. Folks, if you wanted to know why the Newmanistan - Sesquipedalianist match was so important. Here it is. No one wants to play Pantocratoria right now.

Traynor: They are a scary underdog. And you hit it dead on, their loss dropped them to third in Group Eagle, and here you have these Peacocks, who rose up the table. I think Sesquipedalianist will get it done, in a thriller that goes to penalty kicks, with the Sober Exiles ended up 3-2 winners.

Collins: Pantocratoria drew with them earlier. This is a dangerous side, and they spoil Sesquipedaliantist’s tournament with a 2-1 stunner.

Traynor: We finally disagree on one!

Collins: Yeah, this is a great match.

Traynor: How about 7th seeded Wijaska Island against 10th seeded Ruskastan?

Collins: I don’t get Wijaska Island. When they’ve been bad, they’ve been really, really bad. But when they’re on the game, they can beat anyone. We still don’t know what happened there with Ruskastan, and if it was their goalkeeper that committed suicide. How terrible, and our condolences, if so. Ruskastan takes an inspired 2-1 win.

Traynor: Another fruit of winning Group Eagle. Newmanistan should defeat Sarejavo, and you’d have to really like the Rockets chances of beating one of these two teams in the quarterfinal. This is toss up. I’ll go Wijaska Island to be different, in a 3-2 final.

Collins: And finally, we have Eighthgraderistan, fittingly, as the 8th seed against 9th seeded Septentrionia.

Traynor: The kids rock Septentrionia. Eighthgraderstan big, 4-nil.

Collins: Wow, I think you’re being a little too generous their for the kids. But they’ll win this game, for the right to lose to Kose and the Turkomans in the quarterfinal. Eighthgraderistan wins, 3-1.

Traynor: Ok, and there’s you’re bracketology lesson for this afternoon. Now let’s see who the prime time players will be.

Collins: Enjoy the games and thanks for watching this PCSN Baptism of Fire Update. I’m Kevin Collins.

Traynor: And I’m Meghan Traynor. Take care now.

Turkic Major
Easy way in
With the Turks (1) Playing Agroprom the worst team remaining in the competion can their truly be an easier path while the seedings say yes and with that also showing that the semi could be a grudge match with teams from it's group the time has come for the team to really pull up their socks and grab life by the ball.

Full Analysis
Kose and The Turkomans (1) (9-1-0)
Goalkeepers: With a wealth of talent the Turks seem to have this area pretty much tied up and it will be a matter of composure to ensure our position in the Quater Final. Rating 10/10

Defence: Again a wealth of talent but an inexperienced pair in the center could force the Goalkeeper to earn his keep, while most of the time they are solid they are prone to "acidents". Rating: 8/10

Midfield: The youth will be key here as they provide the "X" factor in the teams success with great talents like Serkan Turkmen and Nuri Turan it will be a mistake to underestimate the quality we posses here. Rating: 9/10

Strike: Ahh the razor sharp edge from Sinan Kose has been used here making our attack one of the most powerful in the tournement and with the right support Sinan could well be the key to a trophy cabinate. Rating: 10/10

Overall: 9.25/10

Agroprom: From the little we know of them we can only say that we hope that they've booked their flight home. Rating: ?/10.

Fans Corner
Dear Fans,
While we have been a bit off form recently, but our ability to win games even when we play bad is remarkable and Sinan Kose's ability was shown last night with the last gasp goal to save us from embaressment against Diojiu but if this is how we play when were bad I'd hate to be the teams we play when we're good. Also I want to wish the team all the best in their challenge for the title.
Nuri Belozoglu.

Oxum promises good future for our team!

"A era interminável dos grupos chegou ao fim. O futuro prometido pelos búzios está perto de ser cumprido. Oxum apareceu, o sucesso prometeu! Glórias douradas esperam os seguidores dos orixás!"

The end of the group stage. In the last game of this phase of the Baptism of Fire, the entirely white team (kit colour) of Terreiro de Ogum faced the team of Pantocratoria, in a nice game, with average excitement, but more than enough to make the supporters in the stadium happy for investing their money in the game. It was a very close game, the players from Pantocratoria played very well, showing good defensive abilities, but were unable to attack well. But our beloved country has everything necessary to get a victory in any game: will to fight and the orixás' help!

As it was already said, Pantocratoria had difficulties in attacking, although their team made a very good defensive work. But even a good defence isn't able to hold the pressure for so much time. And Terreiro de Ogum's pressing was too intense. Something curious, if you ask me, as Blind Magician's strategy is defensive. The first goal of the game was scored by Guaxinim, with a nice header. Some Pantocratoria players complained that he was offside. You'll soon see that they are very good in complaining...

The first half ended 1x0, and the Terreiro opponents tried to react in the second half, but were clearly nervous with this responsibility. Preto Véio, who is a very calm, nice and gentle person, fouled their captain who "has a really long full name with title that I'm too lazy to pronounce." It was a heavy tackle, so Preto Véio immediately went to help the fouled player and to apologize for his behavior. But Louis-Gaston didn't want to forgive our beloved player, and argued with him and with Bicho Grilo, who went to help too. Louis-Gaston started to shout, even to Reclusa, even to his own teammates who tried to contain him. Although we don't know what he said exactly, it must have been something bad, as the referee showed the red card to him. Well, we don't think that it was necessary, maybe a yellow card could stop him from shouting, but the referee decides what it's best for the game. Returning to the game, Terreiro de Ogum started to attack. Fountaine held our attacks for some time, but Mestre Kacet was able to score the second goal and guarantee the good result for our team. A difficult game, with some controversies, but positive for us in the end.

Group stage is finished. Now, Terreiro de Ogum faces Aleos, that country that has zero spirituality (see previous editions of our spiritual messages) which we have defeated earlier. But now it's a different game, and a different help from the orixás will be necessary. Of course, they'll continue with us. The thing is that they'll continue helping us as far as we continue paying homage to them and offering cachaça for them to perform their divine skills. Our spirituality is the key for our success, that's what Oxum told the pai-de-santo Pai Marcinho de Monte Paiva. Pai Marcinho said: "Oxum told me through the búzios that the orixás will guide us to success. We must keep our confidence at a high level, they know what they're doing."

Okay, we talked about our next opponent, about the game, about Oxum (glory to him! A beloved orixá!), but... what about Pantocratoria's spirituality? This is something that will be answered by the great pai-de-santo Pai Alcir de Macaé. And he says: "Pantocratoria is a very unique country in terms of spiritual strength. There isn't an unity. Most of their citizens have a very weak spirituality, they'll never be able to reach the orixás, even if they want. They despise the orixás, something that we could consider a sin... I feel sorry for these people who can't see that the true power isn't in this world, isn't with them, is with the orixás. But... there are some people in that country that have a strong spiritual strength. A minority, of course, but there are some. This strength is so big that they could even become mediums or pais-de-santo!"

And what about their captain calling us pagans? Pai Alcir de Macaé answered this question: "If they want to call us pagans, let them do it. It's their opinion. Our religion is a mixed one of Spiritism, Catholicism and African religions (what is Africa? Maybe it's a spiritual realm). We believe in the orixás, who represent the only god, Olorum. Olorum is the only god... the orixás are like saints, they represent his power on this world. I'm proud of being a follower of Umbanda. I can only feel sorry for them to not understand the strength of the orixás."

The team are on the bus to the game Coach is about to anounce the team...

Si: Well the stock markets down.

Ser: Do you even know what that means?

Si: well I assume some one lost their live stock.

Ser: Okay we'll be moving on.

Uz: Hey coach man why's they make us top seed?

Mur: I dunno ask them all that matters is this is a chance to get some serious form back on this is a weak team but we will keep to our usual formation.

Si: Coach why not throw caution to the wind

Mur: because Sinan I dont want you to have to bail us out again.

Si: why not I dont mind.

Mur: Sinan this habbit of last gasp wins is not healthy and it could cause a riot you remember the East Antairees-

Si: How could I forget.

Mur: Exacly now we will be fielding our usual 1-11 and remember this is our chance at glory show no mercy men we want them to be crying on their way home.

Si: So after the game anyone up for some hot wings?

Team: No Sinan!

Si: Aww I'll never get to eat hot wings.

Second Round Results
Top Half
Kose and The Turkomans 2-1 Agroprom
Eighthgraderistan 0-0 Septentrionia (FT)
Eighthgraderistan 1-2 Septentrionia (AET)
Nethertopia 1-0 Kosovoe
East Antairees 2-0 Aqua Teen Hungerland

Bottom Half
Aleos 0-5 Terreiro de Ogum
Sesquipedalianist 1-2 Pantocratoria
Wijaska Island 3-0 Ruskastan
Sarejavo 1-9 Newmanistan


Quarter-Final Fixtures
Top Half
Kose and The Turkomans Vs Septentrionia
Nethertopia Vs East Antairees

Bottom Half
Terreiro de Ogum Vs Pantocratoria
Wijaska Island Vs Newmanistan

East Antairees 2 - 0 Aqua Teen Hungerland
Phoenix in Elite 8! Nethertopia Next! Turks Still Lacking Form!
Subtitle Indecision Crisis Sweeps Nation!

Accompanied by a celebration sure to last long into the night, a superstitious broadcast ban on Antairian Baptism of Fire coverage has come to an end. Fearing bad luck brought on by excessive fan attention, the EAFF banned news reports until the Quarterfinal round. Now that the round has finally arrived, news reports will recommence in force.

Coming into the elimination round ranked 4th overall, the East Antairees remained in top form, undefeated throughout the entirety of qualifying. Nothing would change in tonights match, with James Dent netting his first goals since returning from his injury on Matchday 7. In the 40th and 57th minutes, Dent found the goal on two separate volleys from long crosses.

Having neatly done away ATH, the Phoenix now prepare for Nethertopia, who are just lower ranked than the East Antairees, at 5th overall. Here's an overview of the Elite 8 and the matches that got them here:

Kose and the Turkomans (1) vs. Septentrionia (9)
The detestable Turks have unsurprisingly continued to the Elite 8, though their 2 - 1 finish over weak Agroprom looks promising for the Phoenix. Septentrionia scored a minor upset over Eightgraderistan (8), but in a match between a #8 and a #9, who really cares?
Prediction: K&TT 2 - 0 Septentrionia

Nethertopia (5) vs. the East Antairees (4)
Nethertopia barely managed a 1 - 0 finish over Kosovoe (12), who arguably only reached the Round of 16 through an easy qualifying schedule in the first place. The Phoenix look to easily handle this match.
Prediction: Nethertopia 0 - 3 East Antairees

Terreiro de Ogum (3) vs. Pantocratoria (11)
Pantocratoria looks to be on a hot streak, surprising the much higher ranked Sesquipedalianist (4) 2 - 1 in the Round of 16. Look for them to continue with yet another upset to the semifinals!
Prediction: Terreiro de Ogum 0 - 1 Pantocratoria

Wijaska Island (7) vs. Newmanistan (2)
Newmanistan lived up to everyone's expectations, absolutely dominating Sarajevo (15) in the Round of 16, 9 - 1. Look for the real 1st seed of the Baptism of Fire to handle Wijaska Island almost as easily as they did Sarajevo.
Prediction: Wijaska Island 1 - 7 Newmanistan

EIGHTHGRADERISTAN MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

We lost to Septemberonia and are gone from the toureny. We're going home now and back to school. we lost 2-1 and Marconi got the only goal for us, giving him ten golas! But we stunk and couldn't win.


Eighthgraderistan's Goal Scorers (from Ms. Lorre):
Marco Franchetti: 10
Bobby Aster: 5
Kevin Smythe: 3
Manuel Lopes: 2
Nick Hansen: 1
Nate Hansen: 1
Eric Reed: 1
Own Goal: 1 (by Krasslor)

THE ROCKET REPORT

NO MERCY SHOWN TO SAREJAVO IN BLOWOUT

Starblaydia- The knockout stages of the Baptism of Fire have begun, and for the Rockets, they began in the same way that the group stage started, with a match against Sarejavo. In the time that has passed between the 5-1 victory to start it off, a lot has stayed the same with Sarejavo. They had a decent stretch of play immediately after the loss, including a draw with Sesquipedalianist. Had Sesquipedalianist won then, they are probably still playing now as they would have played Aleos and Terreiro de Ogum matched up with Pantocratoria. Due to that, the Rockets weren’t about to let Sarejavo have another day in the sun here, and once they got their opponent down, they continued to kick them on the ground, until the referee finally whistled the game was over.

When they met earlier, Newmanistan had a very easy time, and right from the start of this match, it looked the same way again. The Rockets were passing the ball with very smooth precision, and scored in the 5th minute. It would be Jeremy McAllister scoring the opener, dribbling the ball through the defense like it wasn’t even there. A fake pass to Lewis got the Sarejavo keeper to dive to his right and look a little foolish. From there, all Jeremy needed to do was guide the shot it. Still, it was just one goal, and the Rockets went aggressive on the attack again, making it 2-nil in the 11th. Chris Peterson flew through the Sarejavo defense, and set up Kevin Lewis for a shot, and he would finish the play off in the bottom left. Six minutes later, it was McAllister again, scoring off the rebound of a shot from Brett Prescott. 17 minutes into the game, the scoreboard read 3-nil. The match was almost looking easier then first time these two teams played. Demoralized early, Sarejavo just could not get any kind of counter attack going, but they would hold the Rockets without a goal for fifteen minutes, at least. In the 32nd minute, McAllister finished off his hat trick by once again easily dribbling through the defense. He could have passed to a wide open John Murphy on the right side, but he wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to complete the hat trick. Newmanistan would add another before intermission as Kevin Carrigan delivered a perfectly placed strike in the top right corner in the 44th minute. We went to the intermission then, with the score 5-nil.

During the intermission, there obviously wasn’t anything that Brian Carson really needed to say, so the Rockets had a relaxing break, and talked amongst themselves. Carson did deliver one message though, and that he was likely going to pull some key players for substitutes in the second half to give the subs playing time and to rest the key starters for the quarterfinal match that was all but official at this point.

When the second half began, it looked as though Sarejavo expected the Rockets to sit back and just go through the motions of finishing out the game, and they seemed a little discouraged that Newmanistan was not going to do that. In the 56th minute, the Rockets added their 6th goal, this by Kevin Lewis, his second of the game, and credit Carrigan with an assist on it. But even the beaten can have their moment, and for Sarejavo, it came in the 65th minute, a couple of their forwards made some nice passes, something they hadn’t done all game, leading to a goal to make it 6-1. The Rockets knew it was meaningless goal, but they seemed a little dejected in that it spoiled their clean sheet, and it seem to inspire them to want to continue to make their opponent pay. By the time of this goal though, Carson had substituted for key players Jeremy McAllister, Jeremy Brooker, and Kevin Carrigan. They were replaced by Tony Borsinger, Shawn Drummond, and Julie McElroy. If you’re wondering, Carson had activated McElroy from the reserve role to a substitute and made regular sub Mitch Conrad a reserve. The goal of the Rockets seemed to be to get Kevin Lewis his hat trick, and be able to have two separate players record one in the game. But first, in the 74th minute, it was John Murphy scoring, with an assist to Brett Prescott. In the 79th, Lewis would complete his hat trick beating the highly demoralized and seemingly wondering “why can’t you pull me, coach” goalkeeper to his left, to make it 8-1 in favor of the Rockets. One more for good measure, Shawn Drummond scored in the 84th minute, with an assist to McElroy. With many fans chanting “Go for ten! Go for ten!”, the Rockets tried to oblige, and almost did in the 89th minute when a Murphy shot struck the goal post. The game ended with the Rockets 9-1 victors. They won’t all be this easy, but it certainly starts off the knockout stages about as good as you could possibly want. Newmanistan will meet the inconsistent Wijaska Island in the quarterfinal. Here are some post game comments:

Carson (on the game, in general): I’m really happy to see the team play with the killer instinct and not let this opponent even think they would pull off the win. The early goals set the tone of an outstanding effort today, and we should all be proud of what we did.

Carson (on the perception of running up the score): It’s not my job to stop my offense. I’ve been preaching from the beginning that when we get a lead, we have to stay on the lead, be relentless, and like I just said, have the killer instinct. If I had the team let up, I would be a hypocrite.

Brooker: We did whatever we wanted out there, except for when they scored. It’s too bad we couldn’t get the clean sheet, but man, we score nine times!

Dalton: I don’t think they needed me today. Nine goals, and I think I had about four shots on me all game. Their one play was nice but it was an aberration.

Carrigan: There was no way we were going to let these guys off the hook. They just kind of rub us the wrong way. We didn’t have any sympathy. Getting the breather was nice too, and now we can set our sights on Wijaska Island.

Lewis: I kept telling the guys not to let up. Even though we had the game in hand, when you start to let up in one game, it can carry over into other games when you get ahead to the point where it becomes an undesirable habit. To get a hat trick at the stage, that’s pretty cool, too.

McAllister (standing beside Lewis): You can tell that he plays for Carson on his club team too! He’s right though, there’s no reason for us to stop punching. We came into the game promising to give it everything we had, and we did that. Two players having a hat trick in one game is pretty cool and I’m happy to have been a part of that! Wijaska Island should be tougher.

Here is your very one-sided boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 9
McAllister (5', 17', 32') Assists- Prescott at 17', Lewis at 32'
Lewis (11', 56', 79') Assists- Peterson at 11', Carrigan at 56'
Carrigan (44')
Murphy (74') Assist- Prescott
Drummond (84') Assist- McElroy

SAREJAVO 1
#15 (65')

Bookings

NEWMANISTAN- None

SAREJAVO
#2, YC, 40'
#12, YC, 76'

Turks Win Off Form Again
K&TT 2-1 Agroprom
Last night was about doing what was nessacery by Sinan Kose he put 2 in the net early on in the first half one from a Turkmen cross and the other from a long shot from over 35 yards out no goalkeeper could have saved a shot like that.

The second half was once again where the weakness of form was showing unable to carry their play through to the strikers it left the question why? and is the manager to blame for this lack of inspiration but Aroprom burst into life in the 87th minute scoring from a corner.

Last 8 Story so Far
Kose and The Turkomans (1): Finishing strongly in the group stages The Turks had upset the odds beating Nethertopia in their game, being first seed meant it is now about what needs to be done as one slip up and your on your way home our estimate that they'll be in the final but runners up to the Newmanistan team.

Newmanistan (2): The other group champion from a slightly less competitive group and they hammered Sarejevo in their Round of 16 match up from their play we can truly say they could well be taking the Trophy home.

Terrio de Ogum (3): One of the better teams in the tournement they have a belief that they are guided by the spirits of saints or something while we respect their culture we respect their football play and so they'll make it to the semis but ultimately lose to Newmanistan.

East Antairees (4): Well we could be harsh on them and comment on their inability to leave the past in the past but we wont instead we'll say that their game tonight will change the course of their history because a semi final against us is sure to stir up some interest, they'll make it to the semis no question.

Nethertopia (5): The team that made the banner for Sinan are only still here because of one goal it just goes to show anything can happen, we would prefer them to win but it just aint happening tonight so they'll be going home tonight.

Wijaska Islands (7): They can play very well on their day but tonights game against Newmanistan will not be theirs simply because Newmanistan have way too much for them so they'll be heading on home tonight.

Septentriona (9): Their game against us is a no brainer we will beat them or the coach may well have an employment issue to deal with they'll put up a good fight but it's inevitable that they'll go home.

Pantocratoria (11): The lowest seeds left but the team in form we do not really know weather or not they'll make it but Terrio apear to have more about them but they can hold their heads high to have come in the Quater finals as a lower seed is an acheivement.

In the lockerroom the coach began his speech: "Guys, well played last night. We won 1-0. It was a close call, but we've won it. The early goal from Soro just made the difference. We're facing East Antairees next. I know we're able to beat them but it will be a tough call. We've already reached my personal goal, the last 8. The Turks and Antairees both don't seem to know our great strengh. We've neper played the underdog position and i want to take full advantage from it. We'll change our playing style to +1 and put another striker, Kingley in the field. That means we have to keep one midfielder off the field. I'm sorry Klaas."

"It's ok," replied Koppers. "I just hope we make it to the finals."

"Good." The coach continued. "James Dent seems to be in shape after his injury. Ronnie, i want you to give him no space at all. Follow him to every corner of the field, even if he has to go to the bathroom!"

"Yes sir," replied De Haan.

"We're having a small midfield. We have to use Abby's and Souley's length to give long balls. And wingers, try to fall back when the defence has a hard time. We cannot conceede a goal in the first half. I'd rather lose on penalties than losing the game."

Daouda Diompy and Andrés García nodded. "We'll take care of it, said Andrés.

"That's all i have to say for now, boys. Let's train some more. I'll keep it a light training."


Style modifier: +1
Formation: 4-3-3

GK 1 Wouter van Dalen
DL 2 Sergio Torres (C)
DC 3 Gert-Jan Meijer
DC 4 Ronnie de Haan
DR 5 Mike Igwe
MR 6 Daouda Diompy
CM 7 Fouad Snijders
ML 9 Andrés García
ST 22 Kingsley Kalu
ST 10 Abdoulaye Soro
ST 11 Souleymane Diakité

Score update:
1) Abdoulaye Soro 17
2) Souleymane Diakité 5
2) Kingsley Kalu 1
4) Andrés García 1
4) Klaas Koppers 1
4) Fouad Snijders 1
4) Mike Igwe 1
4) Sergio Torres 1

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS SET FOR WIJASKA ISLAND REMATCH

Starblaydia- The 9-1 destruction of Sarejavo has gotten the attention of the press all over the Baptism of Fire, but we must remember that that was just one game, against an opponent that just really didn’t have what it takes at this level. Up ahead is an opponent in Wijaska Island that has shown that they do belong, they just haven’t been consistent at that. When they’ve been bad, they have been real bad. In the quarterfinal though, we should expect the real Islander side to show up. Clint Peterson gets a chance to talk to the captain, Kevin Lewis, about various topics in an exclusive one-on-one interview.

CP: Hello everyone, today I am honored to be joined by Kevin Lewis, who is having himself an outstanding Baptism of Fire. Hello Kevin, and congratulations on everything you have done so far.

KL: Thanks Clint, and it’s nice to be here with you. We haven’t accomplished anything yet, though.

CP: Very well, let’s talk briefly about Sarejavo. How did you guys just annihilate them like that?

KL: We came to play, that’s really about it. They have some promise I think, but they really have some more work to do. We didn’t want to let up at all, this is a serious and prestigious football tournament, and you have to do what it takes.

CP: Does the fact that Sesquipedalianist is eliminated, make you at least, smile a little bit?

KL: Maybe a little, and that’s more for our fans then for us. For us, we know the Peacocks are peaking right now, and are just as capable of winning the competition as anyone else.

CP: You and Jeremy McAllister both had hat tricks against Sarejavo. As a player, it must be pretty special to be able to do that with a teammate.

KL: It is. You like to put the individual stuff behind you and focus on the team, but I think because it’s something that you share with a teammate that it is something that makes you feel good.

CP: How is McAllister doing off the pitch with things? It’s a lot of fame for someone so young, and especially someone who’s flashy to begin with.

KL: He’s doing very well. I’m glad to have the chance to really get to know him, because he’s a lot more then that guy in the Keystone Wireless commercials or on the cover of teen magazines. He’s a true leader and an all around great football who knows when its time to be serious and play hard.

CP: And how about you? What has being the captain of the team done for you?

KL: It’s an honor to be the captain. I’ve tried to be the best leader that I possibly can, and with the way team morale is right now, being as high as it could ever be, I’m pretty happy with it. We have our eyes set on the Baptism of Fire Trophy. It’s a huge honor for Newmanistan to win, because it’s something you only have one crack at.

CP: Wijaska Island is your quarterfinal opponent. You handled them easily last time, but things will be much different this time.

KL: Oh, absolutely. We caught them on a bad day last time, we knew that they were off their game. They obviously want to make amends, so we’re not overconfident based on that win. We’ve trained hard and have studied them pretty well, so we will be up to the task. We know anything is possible.

CP: If Newmanistan were to win, would you guys rather have Terreiro de Ogum to avenge the draw?

KL: It really doesn’t matter to me. We have to beat Wijaska Island. Otherwise, there is no game after that.

CP: Well, there is a consolation bracket to determine 5th thru 8th.

KL: Like I said, there is no game after that. We didn’t come here to play in a 5th thru 8th consolation bracket. Beating Wijaska Island is all that matters to us. To really answer your intended question though, no, I really don’t have a preference. Both teams are strong.

CP: Ok, Kevin, thanks for your time. Good luck against Wijaska Island.

KL: Thanks for having me.

Turkic Sport
Top Half Quaters
In an ideal chance to regain their lost form the Turks will be looking to book their place in the next round however if they do not build up enough momentum in this round they could well be having more difficulties against either the East Antairees or Nethertopian teams who they have already played. Previous matches and fan behaivier would suggest that Nethertopia be the best they can hope for and the immense talents of Soro will be the key to that game. But in our game we will require key players like Sinan and Serkan to be in form.

Coach Vacances?
With increasing speculation about Murats future at the helm of the team, a rumour has surfaced that he could be on the way out if the team don't make the final. While this may seem very unreasonable, the team have shown the quality to go that far in and take a stab at first however with a shortage of good managers they will have to turn abroad to get a manager.

"It's bad," said coach Kietecs. "Sergio has got a spained ankle. He won't make it for the rest of the tournament, as fas as we come. Since he was the captain and he's out we need a new captain. I suggest that Abby weill be it because of his outstanding preformance." The whole team agreed. It seemed like a good idea to namy Soro captain.

"And i've got other new's for you guys: Boy Krohne has just become father. He will be taking the first plane home to se his brand new daughter." Boy shined. Although not having played one match yet he is one of the jokers in the team.

"We'll miss you, fella," said Fouad Snijders. "Congratulations by the way!"

"Thanks," replied Boy. "But i've got to go now, or else i'll miss my plane to my daughter."

"That's all the news i have for you guys now. Our bus to the stadium will leave in about two hours."

The Daily Bull
Murat Hits out at critics
In an agressive statement coach Murat has insisted on his managerial term not being in jepordy however unless a good performance is shown tonight he may aswell hand in his resignation he also said that he is the only man capable of taking the team to it's potential. Also Sinan Kose has said that faith in the manager is at an all time high after he had inspiried them to dodge disaster and come out smelling like fresh water.

Sabri Gunes Distracted?
In recent games explosive winger Sabri Gunes apears to have lost his edge and has left the media speculating on his futur placement on the team while making no comment Sabri was said to have been very evasive and giving very cryptic answers something about "New life is made" well if you can figure that one out you must have an IQ of 150 because we sure couldn't and well here at the Daily Bull we think your idiots your reading this now and now understanding dumbasses. Oh and good luck team!

Terreiro de Ogum easily wins first knockout game!

"Já era previsto que a partida válida pelas oitavas-de-final do Batismo de Fogo não seria um grande desafio. Mas, mesmo assim, os orixás acompanharam o time, e isso resultou numa vitória expressiva dos umbandistas! Com os orixás ao nosso lado, não há o que temer! Seguimos fortes rumo ao título!"

Second round game. The opponent? Aleos. Yes, those that don't have spirituality. So, an easy game for the Umbanda players. No, we can't think this way. Each game is a different one, and we need to play with will to fight in order to defeat the opponents. But of course we could be confident for this game. We have the orixás, we are guided by them. Spiritually talking, we have a huge advantage. And in this game of the knockout rounds, this helped us to defeat them by a big margin of goals. Good for the team's morale, good for our reputation.

This big victory was brought by Iemanjá. The female orixá that we pray for in the new year's eve, the orixá that guide our fishermen, that guide the waves... it's the orixá that bring us a lot of goals. With so many pais and mães-de-santo on our side, we couldn't expect a minor help. The beloved orixás are truly on our side and, if anyone had doubts about that, these doubts ended after Mestre Kacet scored two goals in the first two minutes of the game. Pai Berto scored the third, and Tramóia the fourth still in the first half. Bibah headed to score his in the second half, finishing the game with the very positive result of 5x0. A result to commemorate with cachaça, music, dance and many other things.

Now Terreiro de Ogum is in the quarterfinals. And our opponent will be Pantocratoria. Yes, those who complain everytime, especially with the referee and with our poor players. We respect them, and you can be sure that our players will be prepared for this game, a very important one for our country. Rituals are being made, strategies and moves are being created. Don't forget that, although the búzios of Pai Alcir said that most of the citizens from Pantocratoria don't have a good spiritual strength, there are some that could even be mediums, so we need to be cautious.

Our beloved supporters are anxious to see Terreiro de Ogum's performance in this game. Mãe Vatapá de Acarajé, famous in dealing with problems that involve food (lack of food or something that caused a stomach problem), said: "These guys (the National Team players) make me proud. Iemanjá and Ogum are on their side, they don't need to fear anything. If they win this competition, they can come to my terreiro and eat some of my homemade dishes. I bet that they'll like. You can send my message to them, I'm sure this will give them an extra motivation."

In a restaurant in Jhanna

Lionel Henri: We finally beat them! Congrats guys

Nicolas Maloeil: Finally. It was about time...

Mario Latraverse: Shut up, crackhead...

Nicolas Maloeil: I haven't smoked since that incident and will never...

Lionel Henri: Ok guys... Let's focus on our next game now. Remember that we got beat by Kose and the Turkomans last time.

Nicolas Maloeil: Why don't we simply celebrate that win? Anybody wants some chicken?

*Almost everyone answer yes, except for....*

Raymond Paiement: No, thanks. I'm about to head to bed...

Olivier Saucier: Man... it's only 20:30 and we won. Had we lost, I'd understand... but we won

Roger Danis: Ah shit... the journalists are coming...

Elle McTavish: Mr. Henri, will you please answer some questions for us?

Lionel Henri: Sure

Elle McTavish: Eighthgraderistan got a goal disallowed. Do you think it was fair?

Lionel Henri: Sounds like sour grapes to me

Elle McTavish: Alright... Your team has lost their former match against Kose and the Turkomans. Do you think you can escape with the win this time?

Lionel Henri: I think they are going to fancy their chances and it will be up to us to stop them

Elle McTavish: Thank you, Mr. Henri

Lionel Henri: See? I always answer the same thing and they don't tend to notice...

Quarter-Final Results
Top Half
Kose and The Turkomans 3-1 Septentrionia
Nethertopia 1-1 East Antairees (FT)
Nethertopia 1-2 East Antairees (AET)

Bottom Half
Terreiro de Ogum 2-0 Pantocratoria
Wijaska Island 0-2 Newmanistan


Semi-Final Fixtures
Top Half
Kose and The Turkomans Vs East Antairees

Bottom Half
Terreiro de Ogum Vs Newmanistan

Semi-Finals will be played on Saturday night GMT, with the 3PPO Monday and the Final itself on Tuesday.

Nethertopia 1 - 2 East Antairees
(AET)
Rematch With Hated Turks Earned After Nail Biter Against Nethertopia!

In perhaps the most stressful game of the Baptism of Fire thus far, the Phoenix eliminated Nethertopia (5) by a score of 1 - 2 after extra time. Knotted up at the end of regulation, with goals from Soro and Dent, perhaps the most explosive scorers of the tournament, the game entered extra time.

It would take several close calls and a controversial call in the penalty box to end it in favor of the Phoenix. James Dent netted his second goals in extra time to the jubilation of the East Antairees and the horror of Nethertopians. A handball call in the box sent Dent to the penalty mark, where he coolly put it past the Nethertopian keeper.

The win earns the Phoenix two days to prepare for their arch rivals from Kose and The Turkomans on Saturday in the semifinal. Antairian fans are being encouraged by government advertisements to create as much team spirit as they can before the match.
Prediction: K&TT 0 - 1 East Antairees

In the bottom half of the bracket, Terreiro de Ogum and Newmanistan will clash, without a doubt the two best teams to have emerged from qualifying in Group Eagle.
Prediction: Terreiro de Ogum 2 - 3 Newmanistan

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS ADVANCE TO SEMIFINAL

Starblaydia- The Empire earned their semifinal berth this evening over an improved Wijaska Island side from the last time we saw them. Despite a better effort from the opponent, they were still not able to handle the pressure by the Rockets, or get anything past the defense as Newmanistan recorded a 2-nil victory. In the semifinals, the Empire will meet up with Terreiro de Ogum, they only club the Rockets have played and failed to defeat in the Baptism of Fire. As I’m sure you can recall, the two teams had a 2-2 draw earlier in group play. The winner will meet the Kose and the Turkomans-East Antairees winner in the prestigious 27th Baptism of Fire final. As several other top nations participating in World Cup 40 are very eager to get that under way, we hope they have also been able to sit back and enjoy what has gone on in this hotly contested Baptism of Fire.

The Rockets never expected this game to be the kind of rout the win over Sarejavo was. Sure, that was fun, but now, they had a legitimate opponent to deal with. Then, there was Wijaska Island, a team that got destroyed by Newmanistan earlier in the tournament and surely were committed to being on top form today and displaying a much better effort. Overall, we believe that the Islanders did do that, but it still would not be enough. The early portions of this game did not see a goal, but both teams had their moments, and as the clock continued to tick away with the game as the scoreless draw, Wijaska Island seemed to gain confidence. Newmanistan was never too concerned about it, though. Their defense was looking real strong, and Kevin Dalton had good looks at all of Wijaska Island’s shot opportunities, when they were able to get some. Dalton turned away the shots, and held on to the majority of them. At the other end, Wijaska’s goalkeeper, Salearis Baerit was also turning away everything the Rockets were putting away. Defender Erayek Searlesgi was a bit of an unsung hero here as he was brilliant. In the 31st minute, the Rockets had a 3-on-1 break on net, but a perfectly executed dive by Searlesgi broke up the play. We headed into the intermission without a goal, but with plenty of exciting football.

During the intermission, Brian Carson was relatively pleased with the effort of the players. That didn’t seem to be the problem. In fact, he was pretty confident that if the Rockets played with the same level of effort, that they would get the victory, especially because they seemed to be in complete control of their own end. He reminded the team not to get frustrated, keep the focus, and that good things should happen. The team bought into it, with Kevin Lewis and Eddie Chapman offering inspired speeches.

Early in the second half, the Rockets finally got rewarded for controlling much of the possession. Chris Peterson made a brilliant pass to Jeremy McAllister, who was barely onside (although several Wijaska Island players seemed to disagree with that). McAllister’s original shot was deflected by Baerit, but John Murphy made a nice play on the ball, and put it to the left of a slightly out of position goalkeeper to give the Rockets the lead in minute #50. Our replays showed that McAllister was indeed onside. Very close, mind you, but onside. Perhaps defender Kalase Riyans should not have been expecting the play to be whistled dead. Their persistent arguing of the issue forced referee Jamie Jaffacake-Phillips to give out a yellow card to Riyans. With the lead, and still in control of their defensive end, the Rockets took a defensive approach. This worked out very well, as the Islanders could not get any quality shots on Kevin Dalton. They had some shots, but they were easily saved. In the 83rd minute, the Empire added some insurance off a perfectly placed shot by Brett Prescott. That sealed the deal and punched Newmanistan’s ticket for the semifinal with Terreiro de Ogum. We will gear you up for the big game here at The Rocket Report. The Empress is expected to make the trip. Here are some post game remarks:

Carson: You love being able to show that you can win football games both by being offensive and by being defensive. We did that today, we needed a great game from our defenders, and they stood up big for us. Wijaska Island was a much better side this time out.

Brooker: Love getting those clean sheets. This is the kind of game that you love as a defender, its our answer to the offense scoring nine goals. Well, maybe not quite, but I think that as a defensive unit, we did a great job today and if we play like this two more times, I think we can with the tournament.

Dalton: My defenders did an excellent job in allowing me to see their shots cleanly, and keeping Wijaska Island from getting the kind of shots that I am sure they were hoping to get. This clean sheet is more about them, then it is me.

McAllister: If they called me for offsides, I would have been very upset. I think their defender was expecting me to be, and he obviously tried to bait me into it. I’ve seen that trick before. The pass from Peterson was perfect for me. I didn’t score, but Murph was in a perfect spot and he buried it. I can’t wait to play Terreiro de Ogum again.

Murphy: I just do what is asked of me. I could kind of sense that Wijaska Island hesitated for a split second when Jeremy broke in the way he did, and with J-Mac’s speed, that’s all he needs. It was my intention to try to be at a good angle in case of a rebound, and that’s precisely what happened. It was a big goal for us.

And your boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 2
Murphy (50') Assist- McAllister
Prescott (83')

WIJASKA ISLAND 0

Bookings
NEWMANISTAN- None

WIJASKA ISLAND
Riyans, YC, (50')

OOC: Damn! Missed the chance to post in time! Oh well, still had a ball! :)

IC:

Imperial Monitor
THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY
Pantocratorian soccer fans went from the giddy heights of jubilation following the Pantocratorian Peacocks' victory over much more highly ranked Sesquipedalianist in the first round of elimination finals in the Baptism of Fire Cup to the depths of despair and depression in just one day, after the national team was defeated a second time by Terreiro de Ogum in a match which eliminated them from the Baptism of Fire tournament.

Coach Charles Beauchamps was keen to emphasise the team's success, saying that it had caught the eye of sports commentators all around the world, who started taking note after Pantocratoria's match against tournament favourites Newmanistan, when the Peacocks started to form a coherent unit.

"Since then we've been on a hot streak. We've won most of our games, against much higher ranked teams. Terreiro de Ogum just proved too good for us, again, unfortunately, but we're getting better every match." Beauchamps told reporters.

The Peacocks will now return to Pantocratoria for intensive training in preparation for World Cup XL, the first World Cup a Pantocratorian soccer side has ever entered.

Fans sad but proud
The streets of Manuelville were awash today with street parties to celebrate the Pantocratorian side's successes, and to commiserate over its defeats.

"We're very proud of how far we got." one fan at such a party told the Monitor. "Pantocratoria isn't a nation with an old football tradition but hopefully we have started a football tradition which will last many years to come."

When approached for comment about the low attendance at Mass on the Holy Thursday public holiday, the Bishop of Manuelville told the Monitor that were it not for his obligations under canon law, he would be at a street party too.

Parade for returning Peacocks
From Lyeithen in Aerion, where he is negotiating with other Western Atlantic leaders, Imperial Chancellor Dr Thibault Drapeur told reporters that there would be welcome home parades thrown for the Pantocratorian Peacocks in Manuelville and Demetriopolis.

The Chancellor also said that in his next cabinet, to be announced when he returns from negotiations, there will be a minister responsible for sports, whose portfolio will encompass the further development of Pantocratorian national sports teams, including the Pantocratorian Peacocks.

Turkic Sport
Rivarly Renued
With the Turks controling their game last night (Match report below) they have booked what is arguable the game of the tournement against the East Antairees, but the players safety has once again been questioned as the violence has returned to it's previous level of volatility with nearly 50 fans hospitilised meanwhile on the other end of the semis Newmanistan have a all or nothing against Terrio de Ogum who are going to make life difficult for Newmanistan. Both pairings in the semi finals have played each other once before and both drew.

Turks in Control as Septentrionia are brushed aside
In a game when the Turks needed to get back to form you would expect for them to fail but they delivered as they returned to the fluid play that won them the group Sinan Kose's goal in the sixth minute had set the direction of the game after on half time Volkan Erkan delivered a volley to be remembered.

But in the second half things once again became sloppy allowing the other team an easy goal but Serkan Turkmen's cross followed by Sinan's head put the game beyond doubt.

"Guys, we're out. It's ok. We've gone out with a blast. This was our most entertaining match yet. This has been a perfect practise for the World Cup qualifiers. Let's focus on that from now on." Said coach Kietecs.

The mood wasn't really at the best in the lockerroom. The Falcons felt that they should've won.

"It wasn't a penalty," said poor Marnix Huisman, causing the loss in his first cap. "Dent just shot it against my arm and the next thing i know the ball lies in the goal after that penalty..."

"It's ok," said the coach. "But i've got news for you guys. About 20,000 Nethertopians have bought tickets to see the top semi-final. And they've saved some tickets for us. We can watch the game. And the final too, about 10,000 nethertopians will be there. And it seems that our supporters made another banner for the next match. I'm predicting that K&TT will survive next round and win in the finals against Newmanistan. I'm excited about the rest of the tournament."

The squad looked happier after hearing what Rob Kietecs had to say. They at least could enjoy the rest of the tournament as a holyday.

Top scorers update:
1) Abdoulaye Soro 18
2) Souleymane Diakité 5
2) Kingsley Kalu 5
4) Andrés García 1
4) Klaas Koppers 1
4) Fouad Snijders 1
4) Mike Igwe 1
4) Sergio Torres 1

[OOC: Right this is getting a little out of hand. Starblaydi police are used to breaking up public gatherings (in the past it was pro-democracy movements) when they total more than about a dozen people. Anyone seen rioting/fighting in the streets would be given a beating until they are subdued, then chucked in jail until a swift deportation. Starblaydia is not, and never has been, a country in that the law enforcement will let you get away with stuff like that, as previously stated.]

Police Step Up Action
"Zero Tolerance" on public disturbances

In response to yet another atrocious display of public disorder by visiting foreigners, Starblaydia's Domestic Minister has announced a 'zero tolerance' policy on public disturbances, which will last throughout the Baptism of Fire and may even be extended to the World Cup itself. "The Baptism of Fire is one of the jewels of international sport and it is simply unacceptable for visiting fans to behave this way, said a visibly irritated Lord Howard Jiminez, "anyone caught engaging in this barbaric violence will be immediately held prior to their deportation back to their country of origin. This tournament will not be ruined for the ordinary, respectful and well-behaved fans by the misbehaving set of lunatics who are using our game as an excuse to beat one another up."

Such things - notice no-one has mentioned the 'H' word of 'Hooliganism' - is known to be active in other countries, but Starblaydi stadia have been free of this disease for over a hundred years, all the way back to the formation of the Alpha Division. Naive and violent newcomers to the international scene are not always as cultured and civilised as those who have been around for a long time, but this should be no excuse. The international community has its standards firmly set, and what has been seen around some grounds and cities over the course of what has been, overall, a very successful tournament, should not tarnish the tournament as it comes to its conclusion.

Police and stewards will be taking a high-visibility presence - more so than usual - at the Semi-Final matches, though are expected to be out in force most at the match between East Antairees and their Group Lion rivals Kose and The Turkomans. Trouble has flared up between the two sets of fans a couple of times already in this Cup and the Starblaydi Law Enforcement officials are determined not to let this happen again. With the equivalent of forty-eight billion NSDollars-worth of cash spent (source (http://nseconomy.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?region=Atlantian_Oceania&nation=starblaydia)) on Law & Order each year, the prospect of it resurfacing is unlikely.

The Turkic Futball
Position battles
With both teams showing an extreemly strong prescence on the pitch it's time to see who will battle with who tommorow night.

James Dent (St) vs. Uzulmez Yilmaz (CB)
Dent will be giving it his all tonight against Uzulmez who is a solid rock foundation for the team will be holding out against him but it should be a case of whoevers night it is.

Serkan Turkmen (LM) vs. John Ray (RB)
Serkan is an explosive winger and is hard for anyone to contain vent on one of his bad days he can still be a thorn in any defenders side and will likely be instrumental to most of the key plays tonight, whereas Ray will need to be at his absoulute best to even keep him quiet.

Sinan Kose (ST) vs. Anthony Todd (GK)
Sinan is a prolific striker and is in amongst the players with the best goal scoring records, from long range he is known for having shots that spin with a venomous touch and from closer to goal he is known for powering it past any goalkeeper. Anthony Todd has been instrumental in their campaign this time and has great reflexes and even in the previous game held on of Sinan's Venom Shots.

Upped Security.
The Starblaydi police are to be on full alert in the build up to the game between us and East Antairess after their last game resulted in brawl that can only be described as hooliganism, however with this new police prescence it is unlikely that the game will be overshadowed by any violence.

The justice of Xangô never fails!

"Não adianta reclamar, não adianta discutir. A justiça sempre prevalece. Não importa se o oponente é bravo, se é eficiente, no fim Xangô sempre traz a justiça na forma da vitória de nossos guerreiros. Glória a Xangô!"

After an easy win in the second round game against Aleos, the members of the Terreiro de Ogum team didn't have a doubt that the quarterfinal game against Pantocratoria would be much more difficult. After all, although the last game between the two teams ended in a win of our beloved team, that win wasn't so impressive, after all. More than that: Pantocratoria defeated "that other team with a huge name that defeated us in the group stage and was the only team that have defeated us so far", so they have a lot of potential. The team needed to be cautious.

Another thing that transformed the game in something special was the controversy of the first game. Was the referee too strict? Was the captain of Pantocratoria racist? Was Preto Véio too violent in his tackle? Was the cheese that I ate yesterday rotten (I'm feeling the consequences of it right now)? Was the Boasvindas Cachaça the best brand of cachaça that we could buy to offer to the orixás? Most of these questions cannot be answered, even with the help of the orixás. But... why am I talking about these things in this spiritual message? I should be talking about football.

So let's do it. The game was very disputed, the players had many difficulties in reaching the opponent area with the ball. Both teams marked well, but Terreiro de Ogum seemed a bit better in the defensive area, due to the nature of the Blind Magician's strategy, which was defensive. And we must remember that, even using a defensive strategy, Terreiro de Ogum was able to score many goals, and the team was able to score again in this game, thanks to the capoeira moves of our best scorer, our best striker, our best fighter, our beloved attacker Mestre Kacet.

With two goals scored in the first half, Mestre Kacet was the representative of Xangô in the game, which ended in a fair result, a positive one for Terreiro de Ogum. Yes, we were better in this game, not very much, but we were better. And the justice came with the orixás, which helped us to get a place in the semifinals. Our opponent in the semifinals will be Newmanistan, another team that we couldn't defeat in the last game (but they couldn't defeat us too). This time, I hope they can avoid to make provocations to our players (as last time Bicho Grilo replied with a provocative commemoration too). If we avoid the provocations, we can have a nice game, where all the players and spirits can play at peace.

Newmanistan's spirituality isn't as strong as ours, so we must keep our confidence high. Don't forget that our football ability is improving too, maybe because of the help of our beloved orixás in the trainings too (yes, they appear to help us even in the trainings... if you only knew in which other activities we can receive the help of the orixás...). As Pai Alcir said: "We don't have only eleven players, we have much more than that, because we have the orixás!" And I must say that we don't have only the players and the orixás... we can't forget our supporters, most of them with a strong spirituality, who can make rituals to call the orixás and strengthen our team, helping it to win games!

(The players gather in the hotel meeting room as the preparation for the match against Terreiro de Ogum begins).

Borsinger: Everyone, please gather around. (Players oblige)

Borsinger: Dear God, we ask for your guidance in our upcoming football match. We are grateful for all that you have done for us, and for leading us as far as we have gotten so far and for the talents you have given us. We worship you and only you. We don’t worship false idols. We know that you do not take sides in sporting events, as we are all your children, but please give us the strength, and the will, for us to play at the best of our ability. We devote it to you, Dear God, the one and only God with your son Jesus Christ who died for our sins.

Carrigan: Show us the strength, forgive our sins and the sins of our opponents. We don’t believe in comparing people’s spirituality as we are all sinners, we all live in your name. We ask for your forgiveness, and strength.

Borsinger: Guide us, Dear Lord. Amen.

Team: Amen.

Brooker: Damn, Tony, that was beautiful. I wish I could just come up with something like that.

Borsinger: Well, thanks.

Carrigan: There’s a lot of spirituality in this room right here, we just don’t need to rub it in everyone’s faces or feel it’s necessary to judge someone else’s. There is only one judge of that.

Lewis: Amen to that. Now guys, we still have to worry about these guys on the pitch, they are the only team we have played in the tournament that we have not beaten.

Brooker: I want to beat them badly. I still don’t like Bicho Grilo.

McAllister: They seem like nice people to maybe just sit down and talk too, but I agree, on the field, they really just get on your nerves.

Lewis: They do and we can not let that throw us off our game.

Murphy: If we all just focus on our games, we can get this job done, I think we are playing the best football we have played all tournament right now.

Brooker: You know Murph, your absolutely right.

(In walks manager Brian Carson)

Carson: Good morning, team.

Team: Good morning, coach.

Carson: What I have here our game tapes, but not just any old game tape of our next opponent. Our scouts and coaching staff have done the best job they possibly could of breaking down the Terreiro de Ogum players for you. A lot of hard work went in to the making of it, so I know you can all benefit from it.

Team: Thanks coach.

Carson: Now we will be having a very special guest in the crowd for this game. Empress Jessica is going to be here. We can’t let her down.

Merrill (assistant coach): Starblaydi officials have reported that our fans are outpurchasing Terreiro de Ogum fans for tickets for this match. It should be a friendly environment. Just go out there, do your thing, and don’t be distracted by their rituals.

Lewis: We won’t. We won’t even pay attention to them.

Carson: Very good. So here’s the plan...... (coach goes into a long strategic lecture).


(More buildup for the semifinal will continue in the near future).

Turkic Sport
Tactical alterations?
With a team as flexable as ours we can try some unusual tactics on our road to success. One of the main ones will be to add firepower we could play our wingers on oposite wings so instead of crossing they could shoot or go for a risky deep cross. Another way to confuse oponents would be to have players constantly switching on pitch. But as is always said by Murat he's the boss.

A new Banner
A group of Nethertopian fans going to our game are planning to make a new banner for the team, why? To support another team that had beaten yours. One of their motives is that they don't want the East Antairees to win, something both teams have in common. Another thing in common is their rivarly with the East Antairees.

THE ROCKET REPORT

EMPRESS RETURNS TO STARBLAYDIA

Starblaydia- With the situation in Dover City, thankfully, under control, Empress Jessica made her decision to fly out to Starblaydia to attend the semifinal against Terreiro de Ogum and she will remain here for the final, or that other game that gets played the day before, whichever the case may be. She made several treks to Starblaydia over the course of the Di Bradini Cup, but because of some lingering domestic issues, she really couldn’t come here until now. She arrived a few hours ago, with several security guards aside her. This time, fortunately, no one was around to kick a ball at her in the airport. Clint Peterson again gets the chance to have an interview he will always remember, having a chance to sit down with her Majesty for an almost one-on-one interview. The security guards remain by her side, as they discuss several topics, including a World Cup announcement from the Empress.

CP: I’m here and fully honored to be graced by the presence of Empress Jessica. Your Majesty, it just such a privilege to be able to have these interviews.

E: Thanks Clint, and again, think of me as your best friend. You don’t have to do all the Your Majesty stuff. As long as we keep it about football, and not politics.

CP: Ok, even though we have done this a few times before, I am still just so honored. The team has reached the semifinals of the Baptism of Fire, and you just have to be thrilled.

E: The Baptism of Fire is a very important tournament for us to win. We’ve done a good job so far, and given the competition level of this particular Baptism of Fire, I’m glad we’ve been able to get this far, but there is more that we want to do. We want to win this. You only get one chance to win this Cup, it’s a prestigious title to win.

CP: What are your thoughts about Terreiro de Ogum?

E: They are a good club, obviously, I think they have a very bright future on the international scene. They are strong willed in their beliefs, even though we don’t share them.

CP: Bicho Grilo has drawn some controversy for his actions, mainly the on-field, marijuana smoking. What are your thoughts about that?

E: I think this is something that if the Terreiro de Ogum football officials wanted to punish, they would have done so already. I don’t know if it’s a case of they accept it, or they simply tolerate it because he is a great defender, but it’s up to them, and they aren’t obviously going to be doing that. The World Cup Committee has allowed it, so we just have to stop worrying about it.

CP: Starbladyia’s Lord Howard Jiminez announced a zero tolerance policy on fan violence. Newmanistan did have the incident with Sesquipedalianist, so is there anything you would like to say in response to this?

E: Lord Jiminez is absolutely right. I issued a strong statement, I felt, about it a couple weeks ago, so I don’t think I need to say anything additional. We fully cooperate with his efforts. Though I think the stadium, in particular, when our fans got into, bears some responsibility, too.

CP: Why’s that?

E: We all know Sesquipedalianist’s reputation for drunkenness. Yet vendors at the stadiums are continuing to sell them alcohol in their condition. That’s what leads to violence at these games when passion runs high. I agree with Lord Jiminez, but you have to stop selling alcohol to people who are already intoxicated. Especially with the way those guys drink. I really think the incident we were involved with could have been avoided.

CP: The brawl between Kose and the Turkomans and East Antairees is the main point of the statement, though.

E: It’s the main point of it, but it’s not the only point. You know what we need to be doing, though, Clint?

CP: What’s that?

E: We need to be talking about all the good fans. All the great people from all the nations that participated in the Baptism of Fire that came here, and were respectful. Because that is what 99.9% of the Newmanistanian fans have been, and even so for nations like Kose and the Turkomans, and East Antairees. And maybe 98% for Sesquipedalianist.

CP: Now, you said you wanted to make a bit of a World Cup announcement for the Newmanistan fans?

E: Yes. We haven’t made our decision official yet to the World Cup Committee, but Newmanistan will not be playing its home games in just one particular stadium. We will be playing one game in various cities throughout the Empire. So Pocono City, Dover City, Loudon, and a couple others will be awarded one game. We will release that information when we are prepared to, which won’t be until the conclusion of the Baptism of Fire. We want the entire Empire to be able to enjoy the excitement of our World Cup qualifying efforts while also getting a chance to showcase the Empire a little bit to the world, should we ever decide to bid to host one of these tournaments. Which is something, in time, we will look to do.

CP: That sounds great. Well, Tyrone is telling me you must be going so I won’t stop you. Have a great day.

E: Thank you, I am looking forward to doing this again, hopefully for a final.

The team are waking up and going down to the lobby chanting:
Team: Theres only one Sinan Kose! (They clap out of time) Theres only on Sina-

Old Man: Keep it down I may have been young once but not anymore (Shakes walking stick at them)

Si: Wow tough crowd (Some of the team laugh)

Ser: Hey Sinan did you hear about that banner there making for you?

Si: How could I not it's nice to see other countries knowing of me I could be transfered if my Father allowed to renounce my duties as heir.

Uz: Yeah but what are the chances?

Si: Pretty good I heard on the news he was heading out here to do some of the diplomatic crap with my younger brother Nevzat for a week then he has some meeting with the new parliament.

Uz: your fathers a busy man.

Si: I think by Diplomatic work he means watching me play, it's about time he recognised my talent (Mumbling) lousy family.

Ser: Sinan he's your father show more respect.

Si: What about you, you ran away when you were 12 how can you lecture me?

Ser: I went back to them so-

Mur: Hey team lets get out on the field you know the drill 3 laps then come in for some extra physical work we need to be in the "Zone" tonight.

Team: Yes Coach (The team jog out.)

Old Man: You need to control your team better did you hear their chanting?

Mur: Of course but it ignites passion which is what we need tonight... (He continues in a conversation about the discipline of players)

Old man: Thanks for enlightening me.

Good afternoon, and thank you to logging in to your exclusive website for international Newmanistan soccer, or football, whichever you call it. Today in chat, we are privileged to be joined by Rockets defender Eddie Chapman of the Loudon Leopards. Eddie is having a terrific run in the Baptism of Fire.

(RocketPower27): Eddie, congratulations on your great play so far. What has the experience been like in Starblaydia?

Chapman: It’s been a fascinating experience, this is a wonderful country, they really love their football here, their passion shows. Just look at how they faithfully attend these Baptism of Fire games in such large numbers that involve teams that have never even attempted to qualify for a World Cup before, that’s pretty amazing.

(PocCityShokker): Eddie, I got to admit it feels a little weird cheering for you, but you have done a great job. What’s it like to represent the Empire?

Chapman: Well, I’m glad to have your support, for now. It’s really an honor to be able to be a part of this team. I’ve worked hard my whole life, but when my name was called, it was just an incredible feeling.

(Soccerchik15): Can you get J-Mac’s autograph for me?

Chapman: I’m sure that Jeremy will be available to sign autographs when we get back home.

(GoRockets22): Bicho Grilo is such a punk. Why doesn’t anyone just smack him in the face?

Chapman: You don’t do that at this level. Obviously, we don’t want to get a red card, or a yellow. We’re not a dirty team. I know there are things about him that some people don’t like, but he’s a fellow competitor, and I respect that. We all have respect for him. We might not like what he does, but it doesn’t justify us being dirty.

(PutnamLakeSuperstar): We didn’t hear much player reaction to the incident with Sesq... I give up trying to spell it.... what is your opinion?

Chapman: We thought it was very unfortunate. I know that we are hearing from most of our fans that they were provoked and disrespected, and no one should be treated that way, but the whole thing blew up to an insane level. The Empress has made a statement, Starblaydi law enforcement has made their statement, and the players back them 100%.

(SinanKoseRules): I come in peace. I just want to know how you guys think you stack up against Kose and The Turkomans, and since you are a defender, if you think you can stop the great Sinan Kose?

Chapman: Right now, our focus is only on Terreiro de Ogum. But we know what’s going on with your team, and I think we stack up very well. You have a lot to be proud of with your national team, and if we were to meet up, it would be a terrific much. Our confidence level is high though, and our coach is a tactical master, so I believe that we can come up with a plan to contain him, much like we did with Quokka of Sesquipedalianist. He got a goal, but for most of the game, we contained him.

(KingLeopard): Eddie, in the media, it seems like the younger players, mainly the Di Bradini players are getting the big endorsement deals and the veterans like you are being a little overlooked. I’d love to see an Eddie Chapman/Mark McCafferty Keystone Wireless ad.

Chapman: We’ve had our time. Youth always sells, even though I’m only 29 so I still feel pretty young myself. But it’s like this, they’re famous because they won the Di Bradini Cup. That was a big deal. We get the Baptism of Fire trophy, then I’m sure some of us older guys will have some offers, too.

(Loudon5555): What did you think about the Empress’ announcement that each home World Cup qualifying game will be in a different NSL city? I think it’s great, because you know if they only chose one, it would have been Pocono City.

Chapman: I think it is a great move by the Empress. The entire Empire is really excited about seeing some international football on our soil especially with the Di Bradini Cup, and now the Baptism of Fire. With about 5 billion people in the Empire, she knows that one city should not only benefit. I am excited for it.

Moderator: Ok, that is all the time we have for this today. Eddie will be in action tomorrow against Terreiro de Ogum so be rooting for him then. Have a great day!

Chapman: Thank you all, it’s been a pleasure.

In Starblaydia, the players of the National Team of Terreiro de Ogum get reunited in a garden. This garden has nothing special, just grass, dirt and some flowers. But now, with the presence of the members of the team, it becomes something special. A terreiro. The place where the pais and mães-de-santo contact the orixás, using all their spiritual strength. The place where the mortals can talk and ask the mighty orixás for help or other things. In the command of this improvised terreiro, the midfielder Pai Berto de Tucumã.

PAI BERTO - "Everyone is ready?"

ALL THE OTHERS - "Yes, Pai Berto. We can start. Call the orixás, make the rituals. We need strength to win the game."

PAI BERTO - "Bring to me the cachaça."

PINGUINHA - (drinks some of the cachaça) "Here it is. And I must say that it is a very good one!"

PAI BERTO - "Let me see" - (drinks too) - "Oh, yes, this is a good one. I'm sure that the orixás will be glad to receive this as a gift."

PRETO VÉIO - "What more, Pai?"

PAI BERTO - "The plants. The branches. I need them together with the holy water."

PRETO VÉIO - "Right here. I know that this is surely essential."

PAI BERTO - "Good. Now, bring to me the chicken... the black chicken to be sacrificed."

DONA ROSA - "It's with me. She is ready to be sacrificed."

CHICKEN - "Cócócóquo!" ("I'm more than ready to serve the orixás!")

PAI BERTO - "Everything is ready. The chicken, the cachaça, the dirt... now, give me my búzios and we can start."

DA PONTE (reserve player) - "Could you give me the chicken after you sacrifice her?"

MÃE EDITH (a reserve player) - "Pai Berto, I think we should make a ritual to weaken Newmanistan..."

PAI BERTO - "No! This won't be made! Remember that, before everything, we must respect our opponent. They must play with their full potential, there's no space for cheating in the Terreiro de Ogum National Team. We respect our opponents, we play fair, we are a friendly nation."

MÃE EDITH - "You're an idiot. Our opponents wouldn't think twice before making something to harm us. The victory is the only thing that matters."

PAI BERTO - "For me, the honesty is more important. If Terreiro do Ogum is going to win this Baptism of Fire, it'll be in a fair way."

BICHO GRILO - "Man... I'm seeing the orixás already..."

MESTRE KACET - "No, you aren't. You are seeing things because you smoked a lot. Stop it right now, you're destroying our ritual."

BIBAH - "I'll take him away from here, Mestre. Keep an eye on Tramóia too."

TRAMÓIA - "Me? I wouldn't make anything..."

MESTRE KACET - "Start it, Pai."

PAI BERTO - "Come to us, orixás..." - "Ajuda deve ser imediata, para a vitória chegar... venham meus mestres, os representantes de Olorum... orixás venham já!"

RECLUSA - "Ogum is here! The help that you have asked has come!"

PAI BERTO - "Great Ogum came, his power will guide us."

RECLUSA - "Feel the power of Ogum!"

Turkic Life
Reserves sent out to train
In the teams quest for finding the ideal strike partner for Sinan, the FA have flown out some of the shortlisted players who didn't make the cut also new Right midfielders and 2 new center backs have been sent out, heres who we think is on their way in:

Hakan William-Fabro, Age: 26, Pos: Striker, Team: Kose Buyuksehir
Bio: The son of a non-Turkic national has shown of his foreign roots with exciting play and tricky foot work, he has yet to play for his other nation and so has been short listed for our world cup campaign.

Tumer Oktay, Age: 27, Pos: Right Mid, Team: Kose Amateurs
Bio: The explosive winger plays for a weak Eastern division 4 team however his reluctance to move shows his loyalty but has been asked to join the national team to train up for a posible world cup place.

Lefter Alp, Age: 21, Pos: CB, Team: Atlar
Bio: The only Konzantine player in the shortlist he is known for power and his ability to command the defence but this could come into a clash with Uzulmez Yilmaz.

Semi-Final Results
Kose and The Turkomans 1-0 East Antairees
Terreiro de Ogum 1-3 Newmanistan

Third-Place Play-off
East Antairees Vs Terreiro de Ogum

Final
Kose and The Turkomans Vs Newmanistan

K&TT 1-0 East Antairees
9 Goals Dissalowed in tight game
If all the dissalowed goals had counted it would have been 9-1 to us but due to offsides and blatant cheating from the other ream Sinan Kose was once again called upon to deliver the final blow from a 30 yard free kick. However the East Antairees and Our fans behaived well and at the end fans of each team were waving the others flag as a sign of respect and on the pitch Sinan and Dent were seen embracing like friends as were other members of both teams. The win has booked our place in the final.

Why the good performances?
The team has suddenly started to work even better as a team since the FA sent out several shortlisted players could it be that the national team for this cup are now paranoid about their futures in the national team. Be it true or not the teams focus should be on their Final against Newmanistan.

Security Worked
It was anticipated before the game that the aggressive atmosphere would return but this has been shown to be wrong as both teams supporters were very well behaived and even celebrated together but why the change of heart from many fans. It may lie in the threat of being banned from all of their respective teams Qualifiers for the world cup.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS ADVANCE TO BAPTISM OF FIRE CHAMPIONSHIP

Starblaydia- Terreiro de Ogum players did their rituals in the pre-match announcements as the Newmanistan players waited in the tunnel, for their turn. As each Terreiro de Ogum player took their doing what has made them famous for their own individual reputations, Newmanistan players huddled together and used the opportunity to pump one another up, even if they were already as intense as could be. After all that fanfare was finally over, the Rockets went out an took care of business and defeated Terreiro de Ogum by the score of 3-1, and will meet up with Kose and the Turkomans for the right to be called champions of the 27th Baptism of Fire.

At the start of the game, Terreiro de Ogum’s defensive tempo seemed to control the early portions, as there weren’t too many scoring opportunities to speak of, and with the opponents in a conservative mode, Newmanistan wasn’t immediately eager to force their style upon the game. About 20 minutes into the game though, you saw the Rockets began to quicken up the pace of the game, and start to have more of the possession. In the 29th minute, this would be rewarded as Bicho Grilo fell in a divot on the field (was it of his own making from the pre-game ritual?), and allowed Kevin Lewis to dribble the ball by him and have a quick second to put a move on the keeper before going in the top left corner to give the Rockets the one-nil lead. There was no taunting this time, in fact, Jeremy McAllister assisted the disappointed Terreiro de Ogum defender back to his feet and gave him a pat on the back of encouragement. Newmanistan would get another before the end of the first half, coming right in the 45th minute, on a beautiful strike by Kevin Carrigan that hit the goalpost, but fortunately, bounced in to give the Rockets the 2-nil lead. Carrigan has really become the unsung hero of the Rockets Baptism of Fire in the shadoe of others getting a lot of the attention.

At the intermission, Brian Carson was happy with his team’s efforts, but reminded them that they were also up 2-nil in their game earlier in the tournament with Terreiro de Ogum, and only got a 2-2 draw out of it. Not that the players needed any reminding of that, the attitude in the locker room was positive and one in which they knew they could not let up on their opponent. Before the team walked into the locker room though, Carson asked referee Eugene Artemescu to have the stadium’s groundskeepers do some work on the end of the pitch that Bicho Grilo fell as since now the Rockets would be defending that end. Artemescu obliged.

In the second half, the urgency in Terreiro de Ogum’s game was evident as for the first 20 minutes of this half, they held a 2/3rds possession advantage, but they weren’t always able to crack the Rockets defenders, who would make timely clears and send the Terreiro de Ogum players back to go chase and try again. The opportunities they did get on net, were stopped by Kevin Dalton, until the 66th minute, when Tramoia beautifully setup Mestre Kacet up for a strike that left Dalton no chance in being able to save. Tempers then flared a little bit in the 75th minute between Tramoia and Brett Prescott as the two highly aggressive and physical midfielders came together. Tramoia was not pleased with Prescott’s tackle and gave him a shove, and then a lot of jawing back and forth. Artemescu presented each a yellow card, Prescott for the tackle, and Tramoia for the shove. Prescott was a little upset, because he felt that Tramoia punched him while they were both down on the turn as fell, but the referee apparently did not see it. Prescott looked as though he wanted to punch Tramoia but was restrained by Kevin Carrigan, who surely reminded him that he would miss the final if he did and if the Rockets held on. The incident fired up both teams, but it would be Newmanistan capitalizing, coming in the 80th minute on a goal from Jeremy McAllister, set up by John Murphy. The goal was a result of good sustained pressure with the Rockets not forcing a shot until they felt they had the perfect opportunity. The remainder of the game saw solid defensive play and a key stop by Dalton in the 86th. The 3-1 win for Newmanistan sets up a showdown with Kose and the Turkomans for the Baptism of Fire championship. We will preview this match sometime later, but for now, here are some post game comments:

Carson: This game was a battle, and it was great that we came out on top. Obviously it was a big game, and I felt that our focus and effort was outstanding. We’ll enjoy the win, but we have to prepare for Kose and the Turkomans.

Brooker: We just didn’t let the annoying things about them bother us. I think they got wind of that when we took the early lead, and that we were going to keep on attacking.

Carrigan: I’m very excited to be going to the final. One more win, and the Baptism of Fire championship will be ours!

Prescott (on the Tramoia incident): I don’t mind his style of play, but when he punched me after the tackle, I felt that he should have been red carded, but I guess the referee didn’t see it, because I am sure an official with the high credentials of Mr. Artemescu would have immediately sent him off. I hope he enjoys the consolation game.

Lewis: A lot to be proud of today, a great game from all involved.

McAllister: Just a tremendous effort, I think our first goal set the tone of the game, and once we were able to take the lead, we weren’t going to give it up, because that’s how we were only able to draw with them last time. I’m also just glad to beat them, even if this wasn’t a semifinal.

Here’s your boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 3
Lewis (29')
Carrigan (45')
McAllister (80') Assist- Murphy

TERREIRO DE OGUM 1
Mestre Kacet (66')

Bookings

NEWMANISTAN
Prescott, YC, 75'

TERREIRO DE OGUM
Tramoia, YC, 75'

THE ROCKET REPORT

KOSE “AND” THE TURKOMANS? OR JUST KOSE?

The Following is a sports commentary written by reporter Kevin Collins. Views of this reporter should not be seen as being the definitive opinions of the Rockets players or coaching staff.

Pocono City, Newmanistan- Sinan Kose is a great football player, and perhaps an even greater leader of his club. His passion for the game shows, especially with his recent carrying of fan signs out onto the pitch. He scores goals. Perhaps he is the MVP of the Baptism of Fire. But here’s a question, name one player on this team besides him? Still thinking?

In recent weeks, Kose and the Turkomans (who will be referred to as K&TT from here) seemed to have begun to realize that you need more then one great superstar to win a cup of this magnitude. No one here is going to put down Sinan Kose, but he’s a lot like Quokka Silverfoot of Sesquipedalianist as the one the team relies on for their offense. This is so evident, that you will even hear their teammates chanting things like “There is only one Sinan Kose!” That’s great, but you need 11 people to win the Baptism of Fire. If Kose is contained in the way that the Rockets contained Quokka, then you really have to feel confident that Newmanistan will win this match. Brett Prescott got very physical with Quokka in the midfield, and it seemed to rattle him and wear him out as the game went on, and it’s safe to say that Mr. Kose is going to be seeing a lot of Mr. Prescott in this game as well. On the back end, look for Jeremy Brooker and Eddie Chapman to get much of the assignment of Kose, while McCafferty and Stratton shut down his passing lanes. With the speedy two-way midfielder Chris Peterson also likely to get back in time, look for more of Kose’s passing and crossing opportunities to be stymied. Unlike the Rockets, who have had several people rise up in the Baptism of Fire, who’s going to be the K & TT player that rises up if Kose is limited? There are some players they will like to try to become that, but can they?

Never getting any credit it seems, is the defenders of K & TT. They have been very good the entire Baptism of Fire, and really seem to be overlooked amongst our finals opponents. One must how wonder how demoralized this group gets when they join in, perhaps forced too since Kose is a Prince, the chant of “There’s only one Sinan Kose”. They’ve won several 1-0 or 2-1 games over the entire Baptism of Fire, so shouldn’t it be Kose chanting “There’s only one Uzulmez Yilmaz, one Sukur Saray, one Firat Can, and one Yilmaz Aydin?” That might be a little more fitting. If the score is tied 1-1 in the 88th minute, and Jeremy McAllister and Kevin Lewis have a 2-on-1 break on say, Sukur Saray, I don’t think Sukur’s going to be much in the mood to chant Kose’s name that much. It’s great that the team loves Kose as much as they do, but again, this is a team game.

It is those defenders, and not Sinan Kose, that have the biggest challenge ahead of them if their nation is to defeat the Rockets and win the 27th Edition of the Baptism of Fire. Because unlike K & TT, Newmanistan’s scoring has been a lot more balanced. Jeremy McAllister has 15 goals, Kevin Lewis 11, and John Murphy has 7. With Newmanistan’s 4-3-3 style of attack, these strikers will present matchup challenges because K & TT can’t just focus on one. But it’s not just those three. Newmanistan has six players that have scored at least three goals in the Baptism of Fire. The midfielders have been finding the back of the net as well. A lot of the matchups favor Newmanistan, and they will play Kose in a way he has not been defended in this tournament. The Rockets still have to play at top form, but if they do, the Baptism of Fire Trophy should be coming to the Empire.

After the game in the changing rooms...
Team: We love the Turks we do we love the Turks we do we love the Turks we dooo oh the Turks we love you. (Team Cheers but stop after they see a man with a golden crown and kneel)

Sultan Ibrahim: Rise my people you are heros almost the equal of Hakan the Great, when you return you will be granted the right to kneel before no man.

Si: Father you came (Embraces him)

Sultan: Yes, I never got the chance to say good bye to you on your way out and I just wanna say I'm proud of you. Whoa thats it I can't do it I'm ashamed of you exposing you to the press like this I mean how is this any way for a son of mine to behaive.

Si: Listen I have talent here and even if it means I offend you of all people.

Mur: Hey Sinan we'll catch you later.

Si: Allright. Now father I bid you good day enjoy the final.

Sul: No you will not shame me like this

Si: Listen (Opens door) I bid you good day.

Sul: Ok (walks out) Hey wait a minute. (Storms back in) Now you listen here you... oh your gone.

Turkic Answer
Kose sets record straight
A recent news report by Newmanistani reporters has made Sinan's blood boil he responded in a agressive manner saying at a press conference " I'm not the only player to score well in this team" he said shaking his fist, " This man has overlooked the fact that only 2 of my goals have been without assists and thats 2 out of 25 I don't see how that justifies greed on the pitch." He responded more calmly to the chant hogging " I may be the one with the most attention but the teams only chant when They want to not when my guards want them to and also we do appreciate our defence and I acknowledge their hard work and dedication since they are the strong foundations of the team." He left the room escorted by his father the current Sultan.

THE PUTNAM LAKE HERALD

McALLISTER DEFENDS SINAN KOSE; GRATTON DENIES KOSE RUMOR

Putnam Lake, Newmanistan- A column by the always contraversial Kevin Collins of the Pocono City Sports Network didn’t take long to reach the Kose and the Turkomans locker room. Collins, who is your typical Pocono City gossip starter, not only reported that Sinan Kose was a one man team, but that his teammates were starting to get a little annoyed with it. Kose was quick to refute the comments, but he got, perhaps, an unexpected supporter in his comments from Putnam Lake’s own Jeremy McAllister, the Rockets leading scorer in the Baptism of Fire.

According to McAllister, Kose is “the type of player that teammates rally around, not against,” and to suggest that there was some sort of division in the K & TT locker room was “a bunch of useless hype that’s a bunch of garbage.”In fact, McAllister went on to say that Sinan Kose reminds him a lot like, well, himself. “We both have been enjoying our moments here in the Baptism of Fire, he’s a cool guy especially with the way he carried those Nethertopian signs around. Like me, he’s young, talented, and seems to like the spotlight.”

However, are those comments motivated? Reportedly prior to the K & TT matchup with East Antairees, there was report that Kose would be interested in being transferred to another nation, and rumors spread like wildfire here in Putnam Lake that our manager Tom Gratton, was preparing to offer Kose a huge sum of money to play in Putnam Lake, alongside Jeremy McAllister. However, Gratton called that rumor absolutely ludicrous, saying “Sinan Kose is Prince. His Father would have to denounce him as an heir to the throne before other teams from other nations could even think about it. I really don’t know where you guys in the media come up with these absolutely ridiculous rumors sometimes. I’d love to have him, yes, but there has been no communication in any way between us, and it’s not about to start. But if he did call me, I would listen.”

Kose and The Turkomans 1 - 0 East Antairees
Terrible Officials Send The Phoenix Home

"We'll be back on Tuesday. We'll be wearing white and blue!"
James Dent, Captain of the East Antairees Phoenix

Even in defeat, the captain of the Phoenix remains defiant in his hatred for the Turks. It is certain that the flagrant missed calls and poor calls by the referee did nothing to assuage Antairian hate for their Turkic rivals.

9 shots on goal to 1: this number, completely irrelevant to anything but national pride, shows the true victors of this game. Unsubstantiated rumors that the glorious James Dent embraced the overrated Sinan Kose are being refuted as false, and several riots have broken out in the East Antairees demanding the head of the referee responsible for Antairian elimination.

It would appear at this point that there will be little interest in the 3rd Place Match on Monday.

[OOC: For those teams who haven't managed to post images of their kits, I've used a default ediraf (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/ediraf.html) template, based on their flag, text colours used in posts etc, so don't be too offended if my graphic is nothing like the picture in your head of your team's kit. Don't take this in any way as official, just written by a panel of 'experts'.]

BoF XI Selected
Experts pick Baptism of Fire All-Stars

The Baptism of Fire has produced a host of games, goals and incidents that will surely have gone down in the footballing folklore of their respective nations, but now, in the run up to the Final, thoughts have turned to a more multi-national perspective. Before the line-up itself, however, the so-called 'experts', who have picked the All-Star line-up include:

Simeone Di Bradini - Starblaydi goalscoring legend, Khim Azanulbizarn - Starblaydi World Cup-winning manager and now Minister for Sport, Betanii Marrones - Starblaydi Manager, Gabriel Kennedy - Krytenian goalscoring legend.

And now, the selection, which is sure to provoke much debate and comment, is as follows:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/WC40/BoFXI.jpg

In other news, tickets went on general public sale for the Final and Third-Place Play-off matches, which will take place in the following venues:

Final: Stadii di Quercus, Farça - FC Farça (99,000 capacity)
3PPO: Jader Barbalho Stadium, Jhanna - Jhanna City (96,000 capacity)

Turkic Pride
Sinan Kose flattered By comparison
Sinan Kose has recently admitted he is flattered at being compared to McAllister and his place along side him in the best XI. He has also said that his father denouncing him is no longer nessacery as he as been temporarily dissmissed from his duties as heir but all contracts he sign must be on the condition that if his father dies he be released from the contract. However his father is 49 and so it is a long term claus.

Antairian spite
After the game the Antairians erupted across their homeland in fury at the refferee who changed the flow of the game and made several wrong decisions but that's not all that motivated them their beloved Dent reported to have embraced Sinan Kose may have also fueled the fire.

Good Atmosphere in the Run up to final
Basicly a big party has errupted in Farca with fans from both teams celebrating success and reports that Sinan Kose was out dancing with the fans shows of their unity signing autographs for fans of both teams he is reported to have said " I never met a group of such freindly people" after speaking to several Newmanistani fans.

Sultan Anounces Availibilty
Ibrahim XIII has said in a statement that Sinan Kose is availible to any country so long as they are not at any diplomatic dissagreement the Turkic Striker who is reportedly intrested in moving out of the country has recently been given an extended leave of abscence from his tituilar Duties.

THE NETHERTOPIAN TIMES

Soro and Igwe selected in BoF XI
Jhanna - Mike Igwe and Abdoulaye Soro have been chosen in the BoF XI. Response from the striker: "It's a great honor being in that 11, even though my name has been spelled wrong," laughed the electric goal scorer.

The Nethertopian banner
Jhanna - The banner of Nethertopia has been revealed after the past semi final. It titled: "The Lion Strikers" and it contained caricatures of the three goalscorers from group Lion: Dent, Soro and Kose.

Interest in Sinan Kose
Peregrinus city - The first professional team in Nethertopia, the Peregrins, have showed interest in signing K&TT goalscorer Sinan Kose ""We're very eager to sign the talent, even though we have no professional opponents yet and out team consists of 3/4 of our internationals," said the Chairman if the newly founded club. "We're eager to pay around €15,000,000,- )or $23,000,000) for him."

Nethertopian fans pick side
Jhanna - It seems that our fans have pickt their favourite for the final, K&TT "We support them because they've showed East-Antairees how to football," said a fan to our local reporter. " Our 10,000 men for the final have all bought K&TT scarfs and are ready for the match." After asking how K&TT's chances in the finals are, the fan replied: "Urr... I got about €10,000,- on Newmanistan so i'm hoping they'll win."

More news coming soon

THE ROCKET REPORT

MCALLISTER AND CHAPMAN NAMED TO BOF XI

Farca, Starblaydia- The best of the best of the 27th Baptism of Fire were honored today as the media selected their BoF XI, the all-star team of all the participating teams in the tournament. Two Rockets were named, Jeremy McAllister and Eddie Chapman. Other recognizable names to us that were also honored included Quokka of Sesquipedalianist and Sinan Kose of Kose and The Turkomans.

McAllister may not have been a surprising addition, but he is still very worthy, and he was very privileged to have his name called. “Individual accolades are always nice, I am not afraid to admit that. To be name to this kind of team by the likes of Simeone Di Bradini and Gabriel Kennedy truly is an incredible honor for me, and I will cherish it.” The Rockets were also very happy to hear their defense also get honored as Eddie Chapman also was named. “I was a little surprised,” said Chapman, “I just go out there and do my job, but getting some recognition for it is nice. I think this is a trophy that my fellow defenders can also take pride in even though it is addressed to me, because they all had as part in it.”

There may have been a player or two that could also have been deserving of being named from Newmanistan and just missed out, though the players that were named have all had a great tournament and should all take a bunch of pride in being named to this team.

Congratulations to Jeremy and Eddie, and the nine others on the achievement.

Imperial Monitor
VICOMTE DE VERDEFLOTTE-SOUS-MONTMANUEL NAMED IN BAPTISM OF FIRE XI TEAM
A panel of Starblaydi and Krytenian soccer legends has named Louis-Gaston de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel, the eldest son of the Comte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel, and Captain of the Pantocratorian Peacocks national soccer team, to the Baptism of Fire XI team.

The Baptism of Fire XI team is an all-star team selected from all players from all participating national teams which took part in the Baptism of Fire XI tournament.

Also included in the Baptism of Fire XI were Jeremy McAllister and Eddie Chapman of the Newmanistan Rockets, the side widely tipped to win the Baptism of Fire Cup this year.

"It is an honour to be named amongst the very best players in this very competitive tournament." said the Vicomte de Verdeflotte-sous-Montmanuel. "I believe Jeremy McAllister is the very best striker in the competition, and I think he will be decisive in the final."

Other players named in the all star side included Mike Igwe and Abdoulaye Soro of Nethertopia, and Sinan Rose of the Turkomans.

THE ROCKET REPORT

IT’S TIME TO SHINE

Farca, Starblaydia- It’s been hyped up all week, but now as the opening kickoff gets closer and closer, the anticipation of the final between Newmanistan and Kose and The Turkomans (K & TT) grows to enormously high levels. Fans from both participating nations have been purchasing tickets at a scorching pace. Thousands upon thousands of Starblaydis will also be in attendance with football fans across the world that want to see these two up and coming clubs vie for such a prestigious title. K & TT is a small nation, of 97 million people, but is a member of the Atlantian Oceania region like Starblaydia and several other world football powers. It will conclude what undoubtedly must be considered a successful tournament, and perhaps one of the best editions of the Baptism of Fire, ever.

For Brian Carson, and a few members of the Rockets, they have been played in a championship game before with the most recent Di Bradini Cup. So if there is an experience advantage, it should be in the Rockets favor. That won’t matter that much, because K & TT is an inspired team led by a talented young striker by the name of Sinan Kose, and a very underrated defense. Also in attendance will be Her Majesty, Empress Jessica who will root on her team once against from the stands. The Empress also had an opportunity to meet Sultan Ibrahim of K & TT, who has also made his way to Farca to support his side. The two national leaders spent several hours talking with one another, in a conversation that likely began about football but moved on to other matters, such as trade and all that good stuff. Our Clint Peterson gets to sit down with the Empress and Rockets manager Brian Carson for this exclusive interview.

CP: I’m here with Her Majesty Empress Jessica and Newmanistan manager Brian Carson. I don’t need to tell you who’s who, so let’s get started.

BC: Great to be here again, Clint.

E: Likewise, and good to see you a little more relaxed this time, Clint.

CP: It’s the final, and the Rockets are in it. Congratulations on the accomplishment.

BC: Thanks, Clint. We’ve done a great job in getting to this point.

CP: The Baptism of Fire may not have the same aura around it as the World Cup but this is a big deal for both teams. Tell me about it.

BC: We’ve said several times that this is a special title, because it is something you only get one chance to win. We’ve installed that into our players heads and make them know what a great victory this would be for all of them, and to especially to come right off the heels of the Di Bradini Cup. We’d be the first nation ever to win the Di Bradini Cup and Baptism of Fire consecutively like this.

E: Ultimately, you want World Cup success. We hope to get there, but you have take baby steps sometimes. That’s what we’re doing right now, and this would be the most significant step we can take right now. It tells the world, “Hey check us out. We’re coming!”

CP: Empress, in a hotly contested Baptism of Fire like this one has been, couldn’t just making the final also send that message?

E: Somewhat, but nothing will send it as strongly as being able to say you were the Champion! Kose and The Turkomans have also sent a message I feel, that they are for real, and I think some other clubs in this competition have as well.

CP: Coach, you made a good point about the back-to-back Di Bradini Cup, and even if this was a Runner Up Baptism of Fire showing, the world has got to know Newmanistan now.

BC: They do. Before the Empress made the announcement that we would participate in World Cup 40, the rest of the world, probably just thought, “Oh look there’s another nation we never heard of, who cares about them, who knows if they will even be back.” Now, we think we’ve changed that, at least to a, “That’s a nation with some potential if they stuck it out.” That’s a good jump in the international opinion of us, and we do indeed plan on sticking it out.

CP: Kose and The Turkomans only has about 20% of the population of Newmanistan, but being from Atlantia Oceania like Starblaydia, they could draw the neutral fan. Thoughts?

BC: We’ve done a pretty good job getting the support of the neutral fans. Sure we might not get as many this time, but between the ones we do get, and our very loyal fanbase that will be there, we aren’t worried about that.

CP: Empress, would it be nice to see more One Big Island nations in this?

E: Honestly, it doesn’t really matter to me. I enjoy playing against the teams of the world like this. We compete against our regionmates in many competitions so we don’t really have to see any of them here, though I guess it would be nice from a rivalry standpoint.

CP: Empress, what went down with your meeting with Sultan Ibrahim of K & TT.

E: Knowing he was here, I wanted to have the opportunity to meet him, so we just got to know each other. Not much more then that. We talked about the Baptism of Fire for a little while until our national leaders side took over and the topics turned to potential economic relationships. But I will stop there, I don’t want people to change the channel now!

CP: Coach, stopping Sinan Kose is a big key to winning this match. How will you go about trying to accomplish that?

BC: You aren’t going to stop him, you just have to contain him. Kose is young, and while talented he’s shown that you can get him off his game, and sometimes you can get him rattled. Their Group game against Nethertopia showed a little bit of that. But then, he showed amazing character in the way he bounced back from that. He’s young, and he feels the pressure. It’s understandable.

CP: Sounds like you plan on bringing some pressure, in the form of Brett Prescott, the very physical midfielder.

BC: We’re going to do what we feel gives us the best shot to win this match, and K & TT are going to do the same thing. The title is at stake. He’s composed though, and there are other players we need to be concerned with too.

CP: Empress, since you are also an imperial ruler, do you think being a Prince creates added pressure on a young player like Sinan Kose?

E: It does. I think it’s more because he is so young and constantly in the limelight.

CP: Coach, would you consider signing Kose to Pocono City, since the Capitals are the richest team in the NSL?

BC: If he told me he was interested in playing in Newmanistan, then yes, he will, in all probability, receive an offer from Pocono City though I am sure other Newmanistan clubs would be interested as well. If I were him, and I wanted to play elsewhere, I would sit back and let the offers roll in, and then decide. Clubs from other nations will also take a look but I would advise him to go to a nation that knew you when you were starting out, not somewhere that catches a hold of you well after the fact. I’d have to be sure, though, that he was committed to playing in the Empire.

CP: What are your thoughts on McAllister and Chapman being named to the BoF XI?

BC: I’m very proud of both of them, McAllister is really blossoming into an incredible player. Everything you want in a player, both on and off the pitch, he has. He was very deserving of the honor, and I know it means a lot to him. Eddie, I am real excited for him, having coached against him for about 10 years now in the NSL, and knowing he’s been a runner up 5-times for defender of the year and never winning it, I’m happy that he has gotten this kind of individual acknowledgment. We had some other people, too, who were on their ballots too, that didn’t get voted in, but also have done a superb job for us.

E: They both make the Empire proud.

CP: Empress, when is the Empire going to make their official World Cup roster and stadium announcements?

E: When the Baptism of Fire is over. We haven’t forgotten. It’s bad karma to look ahead.

CP: Thank you both very much for your time.

BC: Thank you as well.

E: Let’s bring home the Cup!!

Sinan Kose Future In Doubt
Sultanli FC Open to offers
Sinan Kose has recently attracted the attention of foreign clubs and his current clubs, Super Cup and Super Lig champions Sultanli FC have announced that they will listen to offers for the clinical goal scorer. The price for any bid will likely be around the lower 30 Million Lira due to his desirability but the only Nethertopian professional team is said to be lining up a $23,000,000(59,800,000 Kosenic Lira) bid which would be a record bid.

Kose's preferences
In an interview Sinan Kose has stated that he would "Rather play in one of the Baptism of Fire teams than anywhere else." When asked if he would attempt to follow Serkan Turkmen to C&M he replied "I wouldn't mind but there are two particular nations who I'd really like to go to." When asked which ones he said "It's a draw between Nethertopia and Newmanistan either would be good but if it was based on their leagues I'd definately go for a Newmanistani team." So in the cloudy mist of the transfer rumours his mind seems to be made up.

Time to Pull up Their Socks
The Turkic Team who are to be played in the final will need to work harder than ever and in an attempt to calm the nerves of the young Sinan Kose it is expected that Hakan Izmir will play along side him to bring his expierience to what will likely be his final game for the Turks. However all this will count for nothing unless the inexpierienced back four are bolstered with the expirience of Murat Turan at left back.

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

New newspaper
Peregrinus city - You are holding it in your hands right now, the new sidepaper from THE NETHERTOPIAN TIMES. "We've decided that it was time for a national sportspaper," told Contributing editor Tarik van der Jagt us. "So we made one. It will be released twice in a week."

Nethertopia going professional?
Peregrinus city - Rumour has it that the NFA will launch a professional competition with 6 teams in it (inclusive the Peregrins and teams from Tenderville and Ashdom) in our nation soon. We've asked several first division clubs if they were approached but we've had no reaction yet. We do hope this will happen, it would be a great step towards internationality. It's a pity Soro has left for C&M already. More of this will probably released soon in the International Domestic Soccer Newswire.

Kietecs surprised
Jhanna - Coach Kietes congatulated Igwe and Soro for the BoF XI but wonders the absence of aa coach for the team. "I thought that every team needs a coach," he stated on the Nethertopian tv show Time for Football. "We, the coaches are a big part of the team. I just wanted to announce that." With his spoken words Rob Kietecs has shown a side of him we haven't seen before. For the compete interview see page 4.

Turkic Times
Kose needs more time.
Sinan has been the subject of much intrest and has been reported to have said that he needed more time to consider his future and has stated that he will make his decision after the start of the World Cup campaign. He has also said that any move that he makes would be with a heavy heart as he will miss the Sultan Ibrahim XIII stadium and the rush of 110,000 fans cheering him in Turkish and he would carry their chants in his heart.

Team Building?
Coach Murat has been reported to have sent the players to play cricket as a team building activity and being split into teams of 11 may be a way to show who works well with who. In a statement Serkan Turkmen said " Sinan got all the speedy players, and I got all the ones with the best banter but I reckon it'll be a welcome break for some."

Third-Place Play-off Result
East Antairees 2-1 Terreiro de Ogum

(The team gathers in the meeting room, in preparation for one the biggest international matches they’ll ever be a part of.)

Carson: Well boys, and Julie, here we are. This is what it’s all about.

Lewis: I just want to say that I’ve had a great time here in Starblaydia, but we know our work is not done. One more win and we’ll accomplish what we set out to do.

Brooker: Let’s do it! We know we can beat these guys.

Carson: The Empress will be in attendance, so will their Sultan. The stadium will be jam packed, but we have played real well here in our group games. There’s nothing for us to be intimidated by, we know what we need to do. Be on top form, and let’s go out there and do it for the Empire!

McAllister: When we won the Di Bradini Cup, we got to experience so many special things, but the biggest one was the reaction of our fans when we arrived back home, all wanting to congratulate us.

Drummond: And the victory parade!

McAllister: Yes, and the parade through the streets of Pocono City was amazing, plus when you go back to your home side, it’ll start all over again.

Brooker: They didn’t stop talking about it in South Charlotte for weeks, heck, they didn’t stop talking about it, period. To be front and center of that is something I will never forget.

Carson: And remember guys when we went to the museum on our bye week, and saw the pictures and trophies that commemorated our championship. It will be on display there forever. Now, we can get another new wing, if we can win this huge game.

McAllister: Yes sir! It was great to see us like that. But I want all of you to experience it too! All of us, for Newmanistan! Win the Baptism of Fire and we will be heroes and we will put the Empire on the world football map forever. Everyone: We want the Cup!! We want the Cup!!

Team: We want the Cup!! We want the Cup!! ........

Carrigan: Damn right! It was great that you guys won the Di Bradini Cup, but I don’t have anything, let’s do this!

McCafferty: As a group, let’s do this special thing together, history awaits, we know we can beat Kose and The Turkomans.

Chapman: We play our game guys, we will win that Cup!

Team: We want the Cup!! We want the Cup!! .....

Carson: Excellent! The passion and energy right now is at an all time high. We’ve been going over strategy and the game tapes that our scouts have provided you, continue reviewing that and be sure to ask any questions you may have. I have a little more I want to go over today, then will do some training. Tonight, nothing but studying tape.

Team: Yes sir!!

Carson: Brett, I want Sinan Kose to hate you by the end of the game. Hate, in a respectful way though. Nothing dirty, everything within the rules. Just agitate him enough to where he’s looking over his shoulder to see where you are when he should be focusing on his teammates.

Prescott: Absolutely.

Carson: Everyone, keep it clean. No cards. Our opponents are, for the most part, a clean team, so we shouldn’t get provoked into anything. Be physical with these guys, especially Kose, but keep it within the rules. Hard nosed football for 90 minutes plus stoppage time.

Lewis: You got it coach!

Carson: Very well..... (goes into a long strategic lecture)

Alparslans Sahin; Sports Collumn
Drops of Expierience
With what will probably be the biggest game many of these players will ever be in, one must ask the question; did we need more expierienced players? Short answer no with a but, the real answer Yes with an unless. Let me go into more detail for you the yes will only be the answer if we dont win in the final, unless we do win in which case we must learn from our mistakes.

But what short term options are there for the final? we are unlikely to change the goalkeeper for the final, he has kept us in the tournement at times and is level headed for a player of his age, in the Center back position we have no expierenced players and are relying on raw talent, which is all well and good but in an exciting event like a final it will be hard for even Uzulmez to keep composed, the only expirienced defender we have is the left back Murat Turan who is playing tonight unless the coach has a death wish. In the midfield once again a left sided player is the expierienced one; Abdullah Bul who is capable of playing on the right side of midfield which is the most atractive option for this game as Turkmen is strong enough mentaly to cope. Then comes the attack with once again only 1 expierienced option in the form of Hakan Izmir who will be replacing Volkan Erkan along side Sinan Kose in order to calm him down and provide close support.

The night sky over Farça is beautiful and clear, a crisp evening to dress up warm or to wear just a football shirt and chant, clap and dance yourself into warmth. A nice hot chocolate drink, or something stronger, from the stadium's many bars wouldn't go amiss, either. Horns and trumpets sound as fans make their way to the stadium, most wearing either the red of Kose and The Turkomans, or the light blue of Newmanistan. 'Kose' and 'McAllister' shirts and banners are seen everywhere, but there are still shirts from all sorts of other nations, most obviously those in the Baptism of Fire and that of the host nation, Starblaydia.

Farca, the city in the highlands of Quercus, the main province of the island of Aquiliana, off the eastern shore of the Starblaydi mainland. Just north of the main port city and provincial capital, Nidola, scores of thousands of fans make their way up to Starblaydia's largest stadium, the Stadii di Quercus, home of FC Farça.

The players are nearly ready, the stadium is filling. The banners and flags are out, the chants rehearsed. The 'on air' lights of TV cameras across the city flick onto capture all the action. The 27th Baptism of Fire Final is about to begin.

The Nethertopian team takes place in their seats, between the group of Nethertopian fans that travelled to the final. "Well," said coach Kietecs, "We've got to get up early tomorrow to catch our plane. We're all going back to our good ol' country. I wish you the best of luck at the El din Marbles, Abby. We'll miss you at Tenderville United."
"So you're going back to the club then, sir?" Asked Soro.
"Yeah... I miss our team. But let's watch the final now. It's about to begin."

The team arrived at the stadium, anxious but the coach had taken the team to pray in the mosque and this had built up their confidence. The Sultan was sitting in the stands ankle deep in beer cheering with the Ghazkis he was for once, one of them. Sinan Kose meanwhile was rousing the team "We've come this far," He said "Let it not all go to waste!" the team cheered as they went into the changing rooms several members of the press spoke to the coach as he dealt with the press Sinan, once again inspired the team through his passionate call to god before they were ready.

The excitement builds across the Empire. It is estimated that the game is on about 95% of the TV's throughout the nation. Can the Rockets do it? We shall soon find out. On the edges of our seats we watch our heroes play. Let's go Rockets!

We would also like to thank all nations for their support in the Final! Let's bring this home! We want the Cup!!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/WC40/BoF27Logo.jpg

Championship Match Result
(Stadii Di Quercus, attendance 99,000):

Kose and The Turkomans 1-3 Newmanistan


A hearty congratulations to Newmanistan, and commiserations to Kose and The Turkomans. Plus a big thanks to all the teams who have participated in this tournament. See you in Qualifying!

NEWSWIRE- Farca, Starblaydia
ROCKETS WIN!!!


This just in! Newmanistan has defeated Kose and The Turkomans by the score of 3-1 to win the 27th Baptism of Fire. We will have a full, in depth report of the game sometime later tonight! But for now, celebrate and enjoy. Jeremy McAllister led the way with two goals, and John Murphy scored the third in the big win. More to follow later. We won the Cup!! We won the Cup!!!

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WIN BAPTISM OF FIRE CHAMPIONSHIP

Farca, Starblaydia- After weeks upon weeks of intense competition, with 22 nations trying to prove to the world that they were the best newcomer to the World Cup scene, the Baptism of Fire champion has finally been crowned. This evening, Newmanistan joins the list of winners of this coveted trophy, by defeating Kose and the Turkomans (K & TT) by the score of 3-1. Many Baptism of Fire champions have gone on to accomplish great things in the World Cup, such as Az-Cz and Bettia, both recent World Cup champions.

In front of sold out, jam packed crowd of 99,000 people, with both sides well represented with their supporters, the teams took to the pitch. For the Rockets, of utmost importance was containing K & TT young superstar Sinan Kose, and immediately they put pressure on him, as the first time he touched the ball, he was tackled to the ground cleanly by Kevin Carrigan. As Kose got up, Brett Prescott ran by and seemed to say something to the effect of “Just wait until its my turn,” to him. Both seemed to get a chuckle out of that, but the Rockets effectively sent a very early message that this game would be different to the young Prince. The early portions of the game saw both teams have their moments, and in the 17th minute, the first goal of the game was scored, off the foot of Jeremy McAllister. Chris Peterson picked up a turnover in midfield, and delivered the ball into the attacking area, where it was retrieved by McAllister, and after putting a move on a defender, he suddenly found himself with a great chance and buried it in the top right corner, past goalkeeper Iskender Kazim, to send Newmanistan’s fans into a frenzy with the 1-nil lead. With the supporters chanting as loud as they possibly could, the Rockets continued to carry the play after the goal, and if not for some great defending, in particular by Uzulmez Yilmaz, the Rockets could have scored a second very quick goal. That second goal though, would eventually come, in the 36th minute off a corner kick. After the Rockets had good sustained pressure for quite some time, Kazim deflected a Kevin Lewis shot out of play. The set piece was lined up, and Kevin Carrigan, as he has done all tournament, delivered a beautiful corner kick. With the Turks looking more in Jeremy McAllister’s way, John Murphy found himself with a great opportunity to score when the ball went in his direction. Outleaping Firat Can, Murphy’s header found the back of the net. Perhaps Kazim could have had this one, but it was a goal nonetheless, and the Rockets had a 2-nil lead, and it would stay this way as we reached the intermission.

During the break, the fans couldn’t stop cheering and celebrating. They could sense that the Rockets were in control of this game, and that the team probably would not blow the two goal lead given that they have been strong all tournament defensively. Sinan Kose could only manage one shot on net in the first half, a shot that was routinely stopped by goalkeeper Kevin Dalton. Perhaps, victory was on its way, with just another half of football left to play. At the intermission, Brian Carson felt good, but was sure to drive home the point to his players that K & TT can be an high scoring team and would be capable of making the comeback, so the Rockets needed to continue to play hard and effective. And the players seemed to buy in, no one felt the game was won and they knew they still needed to go out there and play hard. Not to mention, it would be nice if they could get another goal.

The second half began about the way you would have expected it. Newmanistan wanted to focus on defense, and not allow the Turks to think that they could make a comeback, while the inspired Turks knew that time was running out, and if the Baptism of Fire trophy was to go to their homeland, that they needed to score, and needed to score now. The opening minutes of the second half then were a bit like a chess match as both teams wanted to assert to the other precisely what they want to do. Newmanistan did not have a problem with this, because it just meant that more time was running off the clock. Eventually, the clock ticked past 60 minutes, and the Rockets fans were getting louder, only to be quieted by Sabri Gunes, who made it 2-1 in the 65th minute. Would this be the start of a K & TT comeback? Would the goal be a set up for Sinan Kose to emerge as the hero for his nation? The Rockets did not fold under the pressure, and you could see by their play that they felt if they could hold them without a goal in the first 64 minutes, that they could hold the Turks off in the remaining 35. Still, a third goal would be real nice, and as the clock pushed past 70, the Rockets began to get the better of possession and scoring opportunities. K & TT was feeling the pressure, and it would eventually prove to be too much. Brett Prescott, who had smothered Sinan Kose with a blanket defense all match stole the ball away from his man, and found a streaking Kevin Lewis in the center of the pitch. Lewis then found Jeremy McAllister, who was sure to stay onsides for a powerful strike, a strike that found the top left corner in the 76th minute, and gave Newmanistan what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. They did not want to sit on it though, and played out the rest of the time very effectively. Reaching the 90th minute, the loud Newmanistan faithful in the crowd knew victory was forthcoming. Referee Ivan Sturmdrang signaled for just two minutes of stoppage time, and they came and went without much incident. Finally, Sturmdrang blew the whistle on the match, and the 27th Baptism of Fire. Newmanistan had won, 3-1! Newmanistan is your Baptism of Fire champion, completing a remarkable double of back-to-back Di Bradini- Baptism of Fire runs.

The teams gathered at center field, shaking hands. Brian Carson with a particularly long handshake with Sinan Kose, almost wondering if any Pocono City offers were also being made at the time. Finally, Prescott and Kose shook hands, having gained a good mutual respect for either. Kose showed a lot of character in victory, but sometimes it is even harder to do so in defeat. If that is the case then the young Prince showed the best character after this game then he had all tournament. Eventually, the Turks walked off, and Newmanistan was able to celebrate. Brian Carson accepted the trophy, and handed it first to Eric Novak, the 37 year old reserve and all-time leading scorer of the NSL who appeared in just one game and was an inspirational leader more then anything else. The trophy then changed hands, seemingly in order that went from oldest to youngest. Each having the opportunity to savor the moment. The older players with families had their wives and children on the field to cherish the moment and take pictures before ultimately, the team headed off to the locker room to celebrate there. Most Rockets players threw their shirts into the crowd at Newmanistan supporters. In victory, here are your post-match comments:

Carson: This is a great moment. I just don’t know what to say really, we worked so hard for this. We wanted this so badly. My team did such a great job, they were committed from the start, we never had anything get us down. It’s a great day for all of us in Newmanistan and I can’t wait to go back home and celebrate. World Cup qualifying will be much different, but coming off this, that’s just fine.

Chapman: We felt pretty confident that we could beat the Turks if we went out and executed, because we thought that we had the upper hand in a lot of the individual matchups. This is such an honor to be Baptism of Fire champions!

Brooker: I don’t know which is bigger really, but to have the Di Bradini Cup and now the Baptism of Fire trophy just as we’re all getting started, it’s very amazing. I’m speechless.

Carrigan: It’s incredible! I think the feeling among all of us from the start of the tournament is that we felt like we were the home team in Starblaydia. We had so many traveling supporters, of course it helped having a much higher population then most of the participating nations, and I think a lot of the neutral fans gave us their support too. We are the champions!

Lewis: This whole tournament, we knew what we wanted to do. And some of us older players knew that we wanted to experience what the kids did in the Di Bradini Cup. There was a lot of motivational carry over from that, and it really helped us grow chemistry as a team very quickly. For us to achieve this, Baptism of Fire Champions is something that not everyone has done, so we are very proud of it!

McAllister: It just keeps getting better. I am so proud to be able to win these championships for the Empire. We know World Cup Qualifying will be different but we will savor this moment, go home and celebrate it with our families, friends, and fans. We did it! We won the Cup!

Here is your boxscore. Up next, the World Cup qualifying draw will be held in a couple days, followed by friendlies at the Fujisawan Territories and home against Starblaydia. More on those matches later.

NEWMANISTAN 3
McAllister (17', 76') Assists- Peterson, Lewis
Murphy (36') Assist- Carrigan

KOSE AND THE TURKOMANS 1
Gunes (65')

Bookings- None

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

Newmanistan takes the cup home
Farca - Newmanistan has just won the BoF trophee with an excellent 3-1 win over K&TT. Coach Kietecs has send it's congratulations: "Our team has seen the fine preformance and we have to say that the Rockets deserved the win. My compliments go to both teams in the final who've astonished the crowd and gave us a match that we'll remember for several years. We hope to face them in the next few years." For the complete interview with Rob Kietecs, go to page 3
For the complete rocket report go to parge 4

Tenderville United shows interest in McAllister and Kose
Tenderville - It seems that Tenderville United wants to make a real pose for the championship after offering for both star attackers in the BoF cup. With an offer of $25,000,000,- for Sinan Kose and bidding $22,000,000,- for Jeremy McAllister it seems that the club is spending all their budget on the two foreign attackers. The club is still waiting for reactions.

GRATTON REJECTS TENDERVILLE UNITED OFFER

Putnam Lake- Eagles manager Tom Gratton this morning declined a transfer offer of $22,000,000 for Jeremy McAllister from Tenderville United, a club from Nethertopia. Gratton commented that, "the offer is very generous, and it's great to see Jeremy getting this kind of international attention. However, we are not willing to part with Jeremy at this time, for any price." Putnam Lake has been an NSL doormat for a while, until the last five years, led by Gratton, who's gotten them to become a contender. He went on to say though, "We will listen to offers for other players, but Jeremy is untouchable."

LOUDON TENDERS TRANSFER OFFER FOR SINAN KOSE

Loudon- The Loudon Leopards have tendered an offer of $28,000,000 for the services of Sinan Kose, on the condition that Kose signs a 7-year contract agreement with the Leopards. He would be a teammate of John Murphy, the Leopard striker who performed well in the Baptism of Fire, as well as BoF players Eddie Chapman and Kevin Carrigan. Kose would be the logical replacement for Eric Novak, the 37 year old Leopard striker who is the all time leader in the NSL for goals scored, but is pondering retirement at the end of next season.