NationStates Jolt Archive

Well we have our 28 nations thanks to a very quick response (via thread reply or telegram) by all of you! Give yourselves a pat on the back. The next good threshold was unlikely to be reached, so why wait, ‘eh?

This will be the official thread for rosters, scores, and RP.

The Modifier for the Cup of Harmony ranges from +2 to -2.

The Group Draw is as follows: Groups A & B are in Newmanistan; Groups C & D are in Zwangzug. Newmanistan scorinates A & B, Zwangzug C &D.
Cutoff times will be between 9am-10am Eastern US time/1pm-2pm GMT daily. Click nation's name for their roster (if provided)

Group A: (Newmanistan)
Candelaria And Marquez (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13812488&postcount=20)
Prux (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13813374&postcount=22)
Rennidan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13809209&postcount=7)
Blouman Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13818856&postcount=38)
Vonks
kenavt
The Macabees (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13819134&postcount=40)

Group B: (Newmanistan)
Jeru FC (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13810145&postcount=10)
Acapais (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13808953&postcount=4)
Septentrionia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13809283&postcount=8)
Nire and Nire
Terreiro de Ogum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13810398&postcount=11)
Dennisov
Ma Raque

Group C: (Zwangzug)
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13811042&postcount=16)
Green wombat (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13810891&postcount=13)
KaMaRi
Newmanistan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13810643&postcount=12)
Arroza (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13813723&postcount=23)
Kosovoe
Universitus University (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13819699&postcount=41)

Group D (Zwangzug)
Sorthern Northland (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13809052&postcount=5)
Lovisa (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13816770&postcount=33)
Kose and The Turkomans (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13810952&postcount=15)
Jariss (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13808924&postcount=3)
Kereca
Orion Star Empire
Alversia

Schedule: (probable date of scorination)
MD1: 1 v 3, 2 v 4, 5 v 7 Bye: 6 (July 8)
MD2: 1 v 6, 2 v 5, 4 v 7 Bye: 3 (July 9)
MD3: 2 v 7, 3 v 5, 4 v 6 Bye: 1 (July 10)
MD4: 1 v 7, 4 v 5, 3 v 6 Bye: 2 (July 11)
MD5: 1 v 4, 2 v 6, 3 v 7 Bye: 5 (July 12)
MD6: 1 v 5, 2 v 3, 6 v 7 Bye: 4 (July 13)
MD7: 1 v 2, 3 v 4, 5 v 6 Bye: 7 (July 14)

Quarterfinals- July 16
Semis- July 17
3rd Place- July 18
FINAL- July 19


Official Group Draw Announcement Post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13816031&postcount=24)

Scores, by matchday, to be linked here as they happen.


NEWMANISTAN STADIUMS TO BE USED:
(It is a personal preference of mine not to use real world pictures of other stadiums and call them my in character stadium).

1) Pocono City Stadium- Capacity 92,000- A modern state of the art facility. Pocono City is in the southeastern corner of the Empire, and it is, as you may have guessed by the club team name, the national capital of Newmanistan. There is a scenic view of the Gulf of South Thumbria, as it is referred to in our region, from the stadium. There is plenty for your team to do while here, with both historic and sporting sites, since it is also the Capital of the Empire. Included in that are Newmanistan’s Racing, Football (of Gridiron variety), Baseball, and Hockey Hall of Fames. Or if you are interested in just learning more about Newmanistan as a whole, there are plenty of museums.

2) Tundra Falls Proving Grounds- Capacity 83,000 (for football), overflow capability of over 200,000 to watch on jumbotrons if demand calls for it - This is a very unique facility. If you are the team playing here, you should feel a sense of honor. It’s unique, because the grounds aren’t just used for football (American football also played here), there is a stadium immediately adjacent which houses baseball games, and an arena adjacent to that which houses basketball and ice hockey. But the entire circumference of all the facilities is actually one big, 3 mile race track for stock cars, and the infield roads, etc. are used as a giant road course for open wheel cars. It is where the youth go to show what their made of. All high school and college championships, in any sport, are held on this premises. It is said it leads to great things. It is also in the southeastern part of the country, about 120 miles north of Pocono City.

3) Loudon Stadium - aka The Jungle- Capacity 85,000- A traditional but modern stadium, its seats do a great job in making you feel like you are part of the action. Home of the Loudon Leopards, and in the Northeastern part of the Empire, they have sold out all their club home games for the last twelve seasons. The Newmanistan Premier League Hall of Fame is located in Loudon, so if you want to check out the Empire’s domestic history in the World’s football, then check that out.

4) Putnam Lake Stadium- Capacity 48,000- A smaller stadium located along the shoreline of Putnam Lake, in the western part of the Empire, with the towering mountains in the background leading to more nice scenery. Some of the best beaches in the Empire are located in this area.

5) Olympia Field- Capacity 62,000- Located in the Northwestern part of the Empire, this area of Newmanistan is best known for some of the region’s best brewery’s and the locals do take advantage of the opportunity to consume as much as they can.

6) Dover Field- Capacity- 88,000- An older facility, with very high grandstands that make you climb a lot of stairs if you are in top seats, once you are there this place has a very homely feel, and there are some real great sightlines to view the action, not a bad seat in the house. There’s not a lot to otherwise do in Dover City, although in the area there are a lot of good casinos.

7) Southport Stadium- Capacity 57,000- The Southport area, while close to Putnam Lake and its nice scenery, is more of a university type of town. Many of the Empire’s most prestigious universities are in this area, and thus the Southport faithful tends to be a much younger crowd. The Stadium itself is fairly traditional.

8) Hastings Field- Capacity 55,000- Located in the northern part of the Empire, Hastings is a unique cultural city, as many immigrants from surrounding nations within our region have made this their home. The stadium also has that multicultural atmosphere to it. Even though the stadium itself is pretty much your common stadium, the Empress chose this facility because it might make visiting fans feel at home and perhaps peak their interest in other areas in the region outside the Empire.

Stadia go from top down in terms of capacity. The national team's preferred stadia will not be used, in order to expose a wider range of stadia to the wider world.

*Stelladome, Fulpog. Zwangzug's largest football stadium has hosted the domestic league final and has lots of high-tech videoboards and stuff.
*City Athletic Venue, Arlington. A stunningly uncreative name nevertheless draws many fans to watch the City team, which won the most recent league championship.
*Borchag Arena, Kerlagrad. A great park for fans to visit, with many vendors and food stalls like nowhere else in the country.
*Artish Park, Nuel. The stands don't rise very high but manage to pack lots of people in along gentle slopes.
*Kenarus Field, Inver. This old stadium once hosted the local Weasels' shutout of the favored Rovers United...way back in the day.
*Soccer Stadium, Zwischen. The stadium on the capital's outskirts has, um, a retractable roof. Which is sort of cool. And arguably a worse name than the Arlington place, which isn't really.

((OOC-posting for Jariss since i'm too lazy to log back out and in again under them))

Jariss squad
Style -5(or whatever max defense is)
Lineup 4-5-1



Coach- Leni Banama age 45- After another disappointing trip in the qualifiers, made worse by forcing him to use un-Jarissian like game plans, Banama hopes for better things in the Cup of Harmony where the team has been a perennial knockouts qualifier.

G- Tali Vindu age 30 (starter) Jariss’ only keeper in its world cup history is back to try and improve on a somewhat spotty effort in the last WC. Tali has said she hopes to keep the total number of goals allowed under 10 this time through.
G/D- Kia Paru- age 27 (reserve) Kia still likes her dual role as again she’s the backup keeper last time around despite limited action and has agreed to stay on just because and is still reserve defender this cup as well.

F- Minna Dawo age 32 (starter) Jariss’ all time scoring leader in international play is one of the few Jarissians who seem in favor of this new radical wide open style the WCC is forcing on the team this time around. While this has led to some arguments with Coach Banama not even he would think about benching her for it.
F- Li Chu age 29 (reserve) The one handed Chu is back again this cup and expects to see a bit more playing time to try and keep Dawo fresh.

M- Joa Giranu age 30 (starter) One of the more reliable options at midfield, Giranu now has the role of leader of the midfield and is expected to be the one to keep Dawo busy on the attack this cup.
M- Fae Numuu age 28 (starter) A good passer and ballhandler she is fast enough and flexible enough to play anywhere but has settled in at midfield permanently for this cup.
M- Lou Hitua- age 25 (starter) Considered a possible option at forward as well, Hitua still possesses the strongest leg on the team though not swiftest of foot which has hurt him when it comes to the attack. He has moved to the top of the penalty kickers however for the squad.
M- Goa Kitii- age 25 (starter)- sister of the late Gia Banama, and sister-in-law to the Coach she is back for her second cup. Solid on the field she doesn’t make the mental errors she did in her first cup.
M- Ta Lau- age 23 (starter)- Now entrenched as a starter Lau beings young legs and good ballhandling skills to the field. She has been working on her shooting as well showing some improvement since the last Cup.
M- Lau Tanu- age- 20 (reserve)- realizing the mistake of having no backup at midfielder last Cup which resulted in the team wearing down in the second half, Coach Banama brought the high school player of the year two years ago onto the roster. Lau is almost too aggressive to be a midfielder but he is arguably the best directional kicker on the team.


D- Fya Panai age 30 (starter) the best defender on the Spiders in her high school days she was a clear choice to lead the defense once again.
D- Goru Lyani age 33 (starter) Another veteran of Jariss’ first squad, Lyani has overseas experience in Errinundera which makes him as well as Giranu the players with the most overseas experience of anyone on the roster.
D- Telao Rashi age 38 (reserve) A veteran of last Cup’s team, Rashi has willingly taken a step back to the bench so that younger legs can carry the day for the squad.
D- Riena Querre age 34 (reserve)- the oldest player on the team, Querre is a solid all around defender though she does not excel at any particular part of the game, she is a good fit at almost any defensive spot.
D- Nia Juilo age 23 (starter). Settling in at defender now after spending some time at midfield, Julio is the fastest player of the team and looks to be ready to cover whatever steps Rashi and Querre have lost with age.
D- Leo Gasti age 24 (reserve) Another former high school player of the year, Gasti is on his first WC roster but expects to see regular playing time with some older players starting.
D- Tiko Windu age 22 (starter) another set of young legs that this time made the starting lineup, Tiko is one of the better ballhandlers on the squad despite only average speed.

penalty kickers- 1)Hitua 2) Dawo, 3) Giranu, 4) Chu, 5) Vindu,

Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod Scoring Events Yes
RP injuries to my players No
Godmod injuries to my players No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players No
Godmod Other Events Y Yes

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u297/metalmurf/AFA.jpg
Acapais National Football Team


Roster

Goalkeepers
1 - Hunchman O'Hare*
22 - Scottie Lewis
23 - Egbert Gage

Defenders
2 - Raphael Giesen*
3 - Indigo Hatcher
4 - Irving Gilman
9 - Simon Sloan
13 - Maynerd Mingle
14 - Rex Agitril*
17 - David Franzman*
18 - Steve Ferrie*

Midfielders
5 - Nate Weistein
6 - Steven Keppel
7 - Emerson Stewart
8 - Zachary McKellar*
11 - Al Vick Osman*
15 - Benjamin Nelson*
16 - Lenny Sherlock
21 - Danny Cole*

Strikers
10 - Jose Castro (C)*
12 - Dave Lugini*
19 - Dean Chilvers
20 - Bobby Carter

Starters are marked with an "*" although I'll name line-ups before each match.



Player & Staff Details

Manager - Stephanie Horne
Age: 51
Int'l Caps: 67

1 - O'Hare, Hunchman
Age: 30
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Three Rivers
Int'l Clean Sheets: 10
Int'l Caps: 43

2 - Giesen, Raphael
Age: 24
Position: Defender
Current Club: Lakeside AC
Int'l Goals: 1
Int'l Assists: 4
Int'l Caps: 27

3 - Hatcher, Indigo
Age: 23
Position: Defender
Current Club: Edgewood United
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

4 - Gilman, Irving
Age: 22
Position: Defender
Current Club: Central United (Cafundeu)
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

5 - Weinstein, Nate
Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Real Malakoff
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

6 - Keppel, Steven
Age: 20
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Holiday FC
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

7 - Stewart, Emerson
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Keenshire
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

8 - McKellar, Zachary
Age: 24
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Cleburne-Eubanks
Int'l Goals: 9
Int'l Assists: 13
Int'l Caps: 66

9 - Sloan, Simon
Age: 25
Position: Defender
Current Club: Stinnett West
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

10 - Castro, Jose (Captain)
Age: 31
Position: Striker
Current Club: Agreman FH (Cafundeu)
Int'l Goals: 24
Int'l Assists: 10
Int'l Caps: 64
Int'l Caps as Captain: 30

11 - Osman, Al Vick
Age: 26
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Cafundó do Juta (Cafundeu)
Int'l Goals: 11
Int'l Assists: 11
Int'l Caps: 64

12 - Lugini, Dave
Age: 29
Position: Striker
Current Club: Edgewood United
Int'l Goals: 20
Int'l Assists: 9
Int'l Caps: 54

13 - Mingle, Maynerd
Age: 24
Position: Defender
Current Club: Kaufman Wanderers
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

14 - Agitril, Rex
Age: 27
Position: Defender
Current Club: Yorktown
Int'l Goals: 3
Int'l Assists: 10
Int'l Caps: 60

15 - Nelson, Benjamin
Age: 28
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Seven Points FC
Int'l Goals: 6
Int'l Assists: 7
Int'l Caps: 50

16 - Sherlock, Lenny
Age: 23
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Slidell
Int'l Goals: 0
Int'l Assists: 1
Int'l Caps: 9

17 - Franzman, David
Age: 21
Position: Defender
Current Club: Forest Hill
Int'l Goals: 1
Int'l Assists: 3
Int'l Caps: 31

18 - Ferrie, Steve
Age: 20
Position: Defender
Current Club: Edgewood United
Int'l Goals: 1
Int'l Assists: 2
Int'l Caps: 31

19 - Chilvers, Dean
Age: 22
Position: Striker
Current Club: Highland Park FC
Int'l Goals: 12
Int'l Assists: 2
Int'l Caps: 17

20 - Carter, Bobby
Age: 19
Position: Striker
Current Club: Real Malakoff
Int'l Goals: 6
Int'l Assists: 3
Int'l Caps: 9

21 - Cole, Danny
Age: 25
Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Edgewood United
Int'l Goals: 7
Int'l Assists: 4
Int'l Caps: 32

22 - Lewis, Scottie
Age: 19
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Real Malakoff
Int'l Clean Sheets: 0
Int'l Caps: 1

23 - Gage, Egbert
Age: 25
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Lakeside AC
Int'l Clean Sheets: 1
Int'l Caps: 2

Stats as of 07/02/08


Uniforms (created by ediraf)
Kits created by:
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/ediraflogo.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u297/metalmurf/AcapaisHome4.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u297/metalmurf/AcapaisAway4.jpg



Tactics

Style Modifier = +2

4-1-2-1-2

--------------------------------------------------
-------------Castro(C)-------Lugini---------------
--------------------------------------------------
-----------------------Cole-----------------------
--------------------------------------------------
----Nelson------------------------------Osman-----
--------------------------------------------------
---------------------McKellar---------------------
--------------------------------------------------
----Franzman----Giesen----Agitril-------Ferrie----
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
-------------------O'Hare (GK)--------------------
--------------------------------------------------



Stadia

S'jet Stadium
Location: Hearn, Keenshire
Capacity: 84,541

Kushan Stadium
Location: Port Maypearl, Kempshire
Capacity: 72,788

Vaygr Field
Location: Edgewood, Keenshire
Capacity: 69,337

Somtaaw Stadium
Location: Stinnett, Keenshire
Capacity: 63,129

Gaalsien Field
Location: Slidell, Keenshire
Capacity: 55,618

Manaan Park
Location: Lancaster, Kempshire
Capacity: 47,066

Naabal Stadium
Location: Royse City, Krumshire
Capacity: 41,012

Paktu Park
Location: Greenville, Krumshire
Capacity: 39,980

Soban Lane
Location: Fort Wallace, Kempshire
Capacity: 35,474



Referees
Kevin Murphy (6:7)
Jorge Martinez (8:4)
Victor Gill (3:9)



Other Information
Acapais (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Acapais)
Acapais national football team (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Acapais_national_football_team)



Permission Boxes

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

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


Goalkeepers:

1. Jonny Sage, 37 y/o
13: Adam Federluchi 29 y/o
23: Luke Goldsmith, 26 y/o

Defenders:
2: El-Hadke Murawani, 25 y/o Right back
12: Bernard Labbé, 17 y/o Right-back
3: Nathan Keen - 28 y/o Left-back
23: Jamie Clareton - 24 y/o Left-back
5: Yoda Obasweetie, 26 y/o Centre-back
6: Oah Pione - 28 y/o Centre-back
15: Pafnutij Ipatovič Lenin - 18 y/o Centre-back
16: Patrick Mills - 22 y/o Centre-back

Midfielders:
7: Gregory Pinoc - 26 y/o Right Winger
27: Gregory Halford - 27 y/o Right-winger
11: Feng Shui - 94 y/o Left-winger
17: Ben O'Bagels - 37 y/o Left-winger
4: Eddie O'Donnovan - 26 y/o Central-midfielder
8: Jua Huwang - 25 y/o Central-Midfielder
14: Caleb Edwards - 21 y/o Central-midfielder
18: Kyle Young - 22 y/o Central-midfielder

Forwards:

9: Lee Waywide, 27 y/o
10: John Hernandez - 27 y/o
19: Giṓrgos Karyōtákīs - 19 y/o
20: Ham Hyi-san -18 y/o

Kits

Home/Away

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/1452/snhomena7.png (http://imageshack.us)http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/6740/snawaywc41qe3.png (http://imageshack.us)

Manager: Rodney Toulere

Formation is 4-4-2 with a style modifier of +2.
Numbers 1 to 10 plus 17 for game are the usual starters.
Feel free to make a couple of changes to those line ups though.

RP thingy

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

Wow thats cool i didnt really think that my post would be foolproog about Kosovoe but it weorked yeah.

RENNIDAN FOOTBALL
Team Roster|Cup of Harmony|The "Unknowns"
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Logo-3.png


Style Modifier: +1.27
Rennidan will play in 5-3-2


Uniforms
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Kit.png

Rennidan is proud to be one of the few nations to not use mega-corporations to manufacture their team kits.


Manager

Ryan Malkoa
Age - 26

After the death of Ronnan, the elder of the Malkoa brothers stepped up to the plate and took the helm of Rennidan's national team. A national hero, Malkoa encountered a career ending injury in the Cup of Harmony finals, forcing him to step down as Rennidan's golden gloved wonder boy. When offered the chance to stay with the team as the manager, Malkoa went on an around-the-world trip before making up his mind. He travelled from Western Starblaydia all the way through to places such as Valanora and Qazox before coming to his decision and returning to Rennidan. Upon his return, and the announcement he would be taking the role of manager, the entire nation of Rennidan pretty much got wasted for a week.
Needless to say, they're excited to see how far Malkoa will take them...

In an odd move, Malkoa has moved Rennidan away from being a defensive lock-out team, and has spent a lot of time concentrating on the teams scoring and playmaking abilities, a move a lot of the defensive players seem tense about, none more than Malkoa's little brother though.


Assistant Manager

Allison Debanon
Age - 24

Debanon was tipped to be a worldwide success at an early age, but not as an assistant manager to a national football team. She was set to be a model, but Ronnan snapped her up out of high school after watching her coach a netball team. At first, she had her critics, but after three years at the team, no one is complaining about her. She commands respect and order, and ten times out of ten, she’ll get it. Whether it’s because of her attitude or her legs is still to be decided.

Goalkeepers

Jo Malkoa, No. 81, Southern Hawks
Age - 21
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 152 lbs
Ryan Malkoa's little brother, Jo shows a similar level of skill to what his older brother used to have before the Cup of Harmony finals. Thanks to some extensive coaching, he now has little problem with his nerves. Unfortunately, the new found confidence is also making him a bit of a player away from the pitch.

SUB

Phillip Emms, No. 00, Ulii
Age - 20
Sex - M
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 156 lbs
Emms is a newcomer to the football scene. He impressed Malkoa in try outs with his attitude to the game and to his teammates. That's not to say he's not good at goalkeeping, but he's a substitute for a reason.



Defenders
STARTING LINE UP

Micah Desono, No. 4, Southern Hawks
Age - 29
Sex - M
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 144 lbs
Micah is short, skinny, and full of mouth. He’s one of the more fiery players of Rennidan’s team. If he sees something he doesn’t agree with, he’ll make damn sure the referee knows about it, even if it means risking a yellow card. Unfortunately, he’s also willing to do whatever it takes to get the ball away from the opposition. Still, the defence wouldn’t be as strong as it is without him.

Samual ‘The Wall’ Fortal, KT Hotspur
Age - 24
Sex - M
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 204 lbs
Big. That’s one way of describing Samual. He’s tall, muscular and doesn’t take any crap from anyone. He is by far the cornerstone of Rennidan’s defence. Anyone taking a free kick should be careful to not let the ball go near him.

Daniel Samman, No. 24, Central United
Age - 26
Sex - M
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 166 lbs
Daniel is an average player. He has good speed, alright passing, and spot on tackling. His one strength, however, is set pieces. He’ll often be called forwards to take corners, free kicks or penalties.

Daniel Malakolo, No. 35, Wessex F.C
Age - 28
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 172 lbs
Malakolo is Samman’s best friend, on and off the pitch. Pictures of them clubbing and drinking have been in the papers quite a bit, and their chemistry on the field is amazing. Many say it’s as if they’re in each other’s heads.

Harri Belon, No. 44, Atlético Jutense
Age - 22
Sex - M
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 144 lbs
Harri is another strong player. He’s known for being a bit too laid back, but his tackling prowess is outstanding. He could get a ball away from a hungry polar bear without it noticing. So they say.

SUBS

Feros Balos, No. 40, Firtos United
Age - 20
Sex - M
Height: 6’2"
Weight: 166 lbs
Simon Milokov's replacement is an apt player. However, he's new and not good enough for the starting line up yet. One day though, he'll be a serious threat.

Henry Harolds, No. 41, Littletown F.C
Age - 21
Sex - M
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 122 lbs
Happy with just being on the team, Henry gets playtime in the last half hour of the match. His liveliness can be a killer when everyone else on the pitch is knackered.

Midfield
STARTING LINE UP

Michael Ronnan, No. 6, Southern Hawks
Age - 24
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 155 lbs
Ronnan was devastated by his father’s death. After years of being the team recluse, the big event seems to have changed him into a different person. He's more open, and has made friends with most of the team. On the pitch though, he goes back to his old ways which, really, is a good thing. One of the best scorers on the pitch, and his celebrity status and newfound likeability means him and Desono rarely see eye-to-eye.


Robert “Clover” Golos, No. 14, Hampton
Age - 27
Sex - M
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 183 lbs
Golos isn’t a spectacular player. He’s the weakest in midfield that isn’t sitting on the bench. However, he is known for some unbelievable luck on the pitch, such as the team a goalkeeper went to boot the ball for clearance, it caught Golos in the face and bounced straight into the back of the net.

Sammi MacOlv, No. 16, Ulii
Age - 23
Sex -M
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 255 lbs
Spontaneous and crazy. Sammi’s ball control and passing ability is unparalleled in Rennidan. He also has a bit of a habit of showing off his skills, which has lead to a bit of a reputation as a show-off, which has also lead to the habit of people rather enjoying tackling him.

SUBS

Mic Dannov, No 66, Yanton Golds
Age – 22
Sex - M
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 125 lbs
Mic was the best player in midfield, apart from Michael Ronnan. Unfortunately, a dodgy tackle which left him injured meant he was too ill to make it past the old manager’s strict regime. Still, he’s on the bench at least, and he might get some play time eventually. When he does, the opposition will have to change their game plan drastically to account for his presence. He's still around thanks to being very buddy-buddy with Malkoa.

Strikers

STARTING LINE UP

Nicholi Drentum, No. 8, Ulii
Age - 19
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 141 lbs
Drentum made a national stir when he joined the starting line up a year ago. However, it was all good praise for him. It was long expected he would make the national team when, on his first appearance for Ulii, he put a goal past Malkao himself. Known for his hard striking and legendary accuracy, Drentum is a threat that can cause some of the best keepers to break out in a sweat.

Mo Siv, No. 7, Yanton Golds
Age - 32
Sex - M
Height: 5'1"
Weight: 111 lbs
Siv is the smallest professional player in Rennidan. The ex-Rennidanian Holy Monk is quiet, hardly saying a peep, and is calm and composed on the pitch. It’s impossible to read him. Whether this is from his training as a monk or from Ronnan’s training regime is unknown. He’s also the fastest player on the team, running from A to B in a blink of the eye. If someone kicks a through pass into what looks like blank space in the box, be warned, they’re probably setting Siv up.

SUB

Lucas Lucas Senton, No. 99, Southern Hawks
Age - 24
Sex - M
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 256 lbs
Lucas Lucas Senton is only brought on to entertain the masses. He's very much like a jester, and actually revels in being the national clown. With only two goals to his name, Senton stays on the bench and only comes on if Rennidan are up by a few.


Captain: Michael Ronnan
Set Piece Taker: Daniel Samman
Penalty Taker: Daniel Samman
Right Corner: Daniel Samman
Left Corner: Nicholi Drentum

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

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Oli55/ASS-logo-1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Oli55/coh33home.png http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v338/Oli55/coh33away.png

Manager: Richard Melançon
Asst. Manager: Vincent Charette

Formation: 4-4-2
Style modifier: +1.093

Starting eleven:

Pos. # First Name Last Name Age Club
-----------------------------------------------------------
GK 1 René Laviolette 30 CS Sept-Onze
DL 2 Roger Danis 28 St-FX
DC 38 Nicolas Leduc 25 FC Wexax (Valanora)
DC 12 Paul Bourassa 25 América (Cafundeu)
DR 4 William Benoît 31 CS Sept-Onze
DM 5 Louis Quenneville 33 Union d'Oursevile
ML 6 Mario Latraverse 29 Union d'Ourseville
MR 7 Raymond Paiement 30 Ourseville 1093
AM 14 Alain Bellemare 28 CS Lac-Amédée
ST 10 Roland Bouchard 27 CS Sept-Onze
ST 93 François Lafontaine 27 Stade du Dauphin

Subs:

Pos. # First Name Last Name Age Club
-----------------------------------------------------------
GK 11 Martin Vachon 21 Stade du Dauphin
D 23 Raymond Tétreault 21 FC Grand-Glacier
M 13 Luc Gauthier 30 Bourdailleux
MR 8 Olivier Saucier 35 ASJL Cap-Nord
ST 15 Gérard Labrie 26 A.F.F. (Cafundeu)
ST 10 Nicolas Maloeil 26 Union d'Ourseville

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

To: Everyone interested by the Pistachios Guns
From: Armes de Septentrionie

Object: Pistachios Guns

Dear interested customers,

It has come to our ears that our prototype of pistachios guns got some interest from different parties, be it the Anti-Dallases Party of Sorthern Northland (the only legal party aside of the Communist Party) and the Fenton State Party. You are all welcome to come and try the prototype in Septentrionia on July 22nd. Everything will begin at 11:33 AM. For those really interested in these guns, you can send in an order whenever you want. The tentative price is 100 Crystal Francs for each (OOC: for a conversion to USD, use nseconomy). We hope you're still interested in them and that you're going to use them against the annoying girls of your choice, as long as their last name begins with a D or a S.

May you all have a good day.

Jules Bernard, CEO, Armes de Septentrionie

-----------------------------------------

To: The distinguished leader of Sorthern Northland
From: Alain Lemay, President of Septentrionia

Object: Alliance and Pistachios Guns

Dear Sorthern Northlandese president,

It has come to my ears that you would be interested in buying pistachios guns. When I heard of that, I compared our countries and found that they were very similar when it comes to many things. For instance, social awareness, economical left, etc. My offer here is for an alliance between us. We both hate the Bostopians (for different reasons I assume) and the Turks (for the same reason I assume), but still: an alliance here would be beneficial to both of us. And for you, especially when it comes to pistachios guns. Our foreign policy dictates that we have to sell guns at a very low price to our allies compared to other countries. With that alliance, a cultural exchange can also be performed if you want it. We might be an isolated island, but we are open to the world and ready for change, as long as our fundamental culture and our language isn't affected negatively.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this offer and have a great day

Alain Lemay, President of Septentrionia

Coach: Alfredo Neves
Formation: 3-4-3
Style Modifier: +3 or +1 in reality

Goalkeepers
GK (F) - Louise Cuddlebugs, 15 - Army supply truck driver.
GK (M) - Ray White, 16 - Trainee army mechanic

Defenders
DEF (F) - Sadie Dallas, 17 - Daughter of Rashina Dallas. A secretary. Avoids the artillery range like the plague. CAPTAIN
DEF (M) - Yos Fiddlestein, 16 - Cleans tank guns
DEF (F) - Sarah Flik, 18 - Works in the stables
DEF (M) - Bonza Borgky, 19 - Trainee cook
DEF (F) - Christine Cross, 18 - Radar operator

Midfield
MID (F) - Yonk Hipyer, 20 - Warehouse storeperson
MID (M) - Hans Muckslopper, 16 - Trainee engineer
MID (F) - Raylenne Bitsmon, 18 - Trainee communications officer
MID (M) - Meif Inglepop, 17 - Trainee doctor
MID (F) - Tawnee Fundough, 17 - Trainee explosives engineer
MID (M) - Yaps Nobranz, 18 - Mine clearer

Strikers
STR (M) - Dirk Hardtop, 16 - Public relations clerk
STR (F) - Stacey Keiber, 15 - Drives officers around the place
STR (M) - Flatt Tarmack, 17 - Road engineer
STR (F) - Nuwwar Cossan, 17 - Trainee logistics officer
STR (M) - Shawar Habib, 20 - Artillery engineer

THE INDEPENDANT TERRITORY OF TERREIRO DE OGUM TEAM LIST FOR THE WORLD CUP 41

Style is -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 26 players (yes, Terreiro de Ogum has 26 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 rose 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).

12- Wladmir Girnos Bueno “PAPAGAIO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Ayrà.
Spiritual Strength: Average.
Info: this man is crazy. Seriously. Wladmir, usually known as Papagaio, can’t communicate well with other people. He has serious difficulties in creating phrases of his own. He lives in a small village, where he works as a mechanic. His life isn’t special, but now he has been recruited to play in the National Team, due to his incredible agility. He is called Papagaio (parrot in Portuguese) because, as he can’t create his own phrases, he repeats what the other people say.
Pre-Game Ritual: if Papagaio plays as a starter, this means that Bibah isn’t playing. So, Papagaio will be the last player to enter in the field, making gestures to his teammates, who probably won’t understand him.

22- Bianca Marçal Nínive “CIRCENSE”
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Obá.
Spiritual Strength: High.
Info: this young woman is just 16 years old, but became the third choice of the Terreiro de Ogum National Team for the goalkeeper position due to her incredible elasticity and acrobatic moves (she is a circus star), that help her to make saves with less difficulty. She lives in a small village that doesn’t have a terreiro, so she’s not much linked with Umbanda rituals. But she is very sensitive and can feel the presence of the orixás.
Pre-Game Ritual: if Circense plays as a starter, she’ll be the first player to enter in the field (yes, even before Preto Véio). She’ll look extremely happy and will make some acrobatic moves, a small show for the supporters.


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.

16- Joe Hi-Kim “ZEN”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxumaré.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: the Umbanda attracts many people, who were used to follow a different religion. But unlike other religions, the Umbanda practitioner doesn’t have to abandon his former religion to get into contact with the orixás. And this situation was perfect for Zen. Follower of Shinto, Zen went to Terreiro de Ogum to learn about the place where strange rituals where being made. He loved the place, and started living here. Zen is a formidable defender, calm and secure, and has a high spirituality.
Pre-Game Ritual: if Zen plays as a starter, he’ll enter in an intermediate position in the order of players. He’ll walk quietly to his position, wave to the supporters of both teams, and later meditate a bit to be concentrated for the game.

23- HORÁCIO Valente “BAIXOTE”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Ibeji.
Spiritual Strength: Very Low.
Info: Horácio Baixote is the third dwarf of the Terreiro de Ogum National Team. Cousin of the starters Toquinho and Guaxinim, Horácio Baixote is much younger than them, and because of that his football talent isn’t developed. If he has one. He isn’t a very good player, but has a very good fighting spirit. So bad that he lacks strength, otherwise would be a very good defender because of that.
Pre-Game Ritual: Horácio Baixote will enter in an intermediate position in the order of the team. He’ll enter with the ball, controlling it and reaching the middle of the field.


Defenders (the guardians of our honour):

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.

13- José Carlos Pereira Filho “ZECA DA PONTE”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxóssi.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: although Terreiro de Ogum’s authorities try to make the country successful in social equality, there are many things to do yet. When the territory was under the control of Estresse Intenso, there wasn’t social equality, but now, with the independence, the leader pai-de-santo is trying to give better conditions for the poor. Zeca da Ponte is one of these poor people. He lives under a bridge, sometimes without something to eat, completely miserable. But, as a player, Zeca da Ponte has some ability as a defender, and can get something to eat during the competitions.
Pre-Game Ritual: when Zeca da Ponte is selected as a starter, he enters in the field and asks the referee for food. Searches the field for some bread or other kind of food. If he doesn’t find anything, becomes very frustrated.

16- Janaína Soraya Couto “RAINHA”
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Iyami-Ajé.
Spiritual Strength: High.
Info: the woman with most children in Terreiro de Ogum, Rainha has family ties with a lot of people, as her mother also had many children. She is not a mãe-de-santo, but is good at making rituals to call the orixás too. She is a bit crazy, so sometimes can become angry without reason or complain about things that didn’t happen. She is very respected by the citizens of Terreiro de Ogum, as she is the leader now of the biggest family (in number of people) of the country.
Pre-Game Ritual: Rainha loves her family. So, she’ll enter the field behind Pai Berto if put as a starter, being accompanied by her children (all her 16 children), giving a kiss on each of them before the start of the game.

20- Victor Cirino da Alvorada “BEBUM”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Egungun.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: Bebum is another drunken man of Terreiro de Ogum, as Pinguinha. The difference between them is that Bebum doesn’t have to look after money to be able to buy his cachaça or beer. No, the other people give him money for him to do so. Why? Because Bebum, even drunk, has always everything interesting to talk about, and is also a good snooker player. In football, is just average.
Pre-Game Ritual: Bebum won’t enter in the field with a bottle of cachaça. No. He will enter with a barrel of beer. Will offer it to his teammates and to his opponents, and later will go to his place in the field.


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.

15- Rafael Rocha Brumes “ARMÁRIO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Xangô.
Spiritual Strength: Average.
Info: the most strong person of the team. Without any doubt. Armário is 2 meters tall and weighs a lot too. But he isn’t overweight, he is strong. He is the security guard of Pai Alcir de Macaé, and no other person of the country have the courage to fight against him. Only his presence intimidates the opponents. In the National Team, will play as defensive midfielder, and will probably win many tackles.
Pre-Game Ritual: if Armário plays as a starter, he’ll enter in the field together with Pai Berto, looking at the stands to try to see if there’s someone or something that can harm the pai-de-santo.

24- MÃE EDITH de Maná de Ifá
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Ifá.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: an evil mãe-de-santo, Mãe Edith is the only one of the team that you can accuse of making “black magic”. She is a very talented mãe-de-santo, with an enormous knowledge of rituals and of the orixás, and very strong spirituality. Too bad that she decided to make rituals to harm others rather than ones to help the people. She is the one that destroy relationships, put illnesses in people, make someone get fired from his/her job, and other bad things. She and Tramóia are the ones that won’t follow Terreiro de Ogum’s policy of respecting an opponent, making dark rituals.
Pre-Game Ritual: Mãe Edith, when playing as a starter, will enter just before Reclusa and Bibah. She’ll use a completely white outfit, will raise her hands to the sky as soon as she enters the field and will say something that no one will understand. She seems very strange and mysterious.


Attacking Midfielders (seekers of our prosperity):

9- Liceu Modesto Babuíno “PINGUINHA”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxóssi.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: Pinguinha is a drunken 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.

17- Lara Motta Ithiel “POMBA GIRA”
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Exú.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: Lara is just a common woman, who works as a waitress in a famous bar in Macumba, the capital of Terreiro de Ogum. But what Lara doesn’t know is that she has a big spiritual sensitivity, something that was discovered when she went to a terreiro. The spirit of the Pomba Gira possessed her. Now this ability will be used in the football team, as the Pomba Gira is a very good dribbler.
Pre-Game Ritual: Lara will enter in the field without being possessed. When all the players of Terreiro de Ogum have entered, she’ll become the Pomba Gira, shouting and making gestures.

19- PAI Makabi Tomake “ÁFRICA”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Oxalá.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: the person that was the main responsible for the independency of Terreiro de Ogum, Pai África is currently the oldest pai-de-santo alive in the country. He says that he came from África (what’s this? Some kind of spiritual realm?), and knows the orixás and their preferences like no other. He knows rituals that no other pai or mãe-de-santo from Terreiro de Ogum knows. As a football player, can’t play much because of his age, but has an excellent vision.
Pre-Game Ritual: if selected as a starter, which is something very rare, Pai África will enter just after Preto Véio. In fact, he doesn’t need to do anything special. The supporters of Terreiro de Ogum will stand up and applause him.


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.

18- Sandro Viriatlo “DEMO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Nanã.
Spiritual Strength: Very High.
Info: this man has the ability of summon the most evil and devilish spirits. Since he was born, Sandro often did evil things due to the influence of these spirits. He only discovered his spiritual ability after visiting a terreiro, and since then many pais and mães-de-santo are trying to help him to avoid the influence of these spirits, although sometimes they can give some good hints about supernatural things. Demo is the name of the evil spirit that controls Sandro when he plays football, a deadly attacker with an excellent long ranged shot.
Pre-Game Ritual: if Sandro plays as a starter, he’ll immediately be transformed in Demo when he steps on the grass. His expressions and gestures change drastically, and he fights for the ball even before the game starts.

21- Leão do Federal “COBRADOR”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Ogum.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: what is the Leão do Federal doing in this National Team? The answer is easy. No one is better at finding breaches in the opponent’s defence than him. The Cobrador, as he is more commonly called, is the “Tax Collector” of Terreiro de Ogum. As the country doesn’t use money, he gets some food from the families of the country to use in the government’s programs of assist of the poor. The Cobrador is a very determined player, and never will give up of a play.
Pre-Game Ritual: the Cobrador will enter in the field using a black-tie outfit. When he reaches his position in the field, he’ll remove his clothes (no, he won’t play naked. He’ll use the normal Terreiro de Ogum kit) and get prepared to play the game.

25- Pirimeu Tossatto “CIENTISTA”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: Iemanjá.
Spiritual Strength: Low.
Info: Cientista is a person that believes in the orixás, but doesn’t believe in their supernatural nature. He doesn’t believe that they are spirits or representatives of the god Olorun. He thinks that they are something physical, which could be explained with the use of the science. Most of our citizens feel sad by him, because it’s certain that the orixás are spirits. As a football player, is a talented attacker.
Pre-Game Ritual: the Scientist (Cientista) will enter in the field with a piece of paper in one hand and a pencil in another, making notes of interesting things that he saw in the entrance of the field. Later, will go to his place in the field.

Joker (plays in all sectors) - (the chosen one):

0- João Miguel “ILUMINADO”
Gender: Male.
Orixá Guide: guided by all orixás.
Spiritual Strength: Enormously Huge.
Info: the Iluminado is the chosen one, the one that received the power of being able to see the orixás and contact them when he wants to. All the orixás guide him in his path, and his objective is to bring peace to the people of Terreiro de Ogum and to make them follow the umbanda with faith and justice. He is only able to play 30 minutes per game, and during it he receives all the power from the orixás to triumph, surely a gifted player, someone which qualities aren't of this world.
Pre-Game Ritual: the Iluminado will never start a game. But, before entering in the field, he will raise his hands to the sky, and the sunlight will be directed at him (yes, the sun will do it).


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.

Assistant: ÍRIS Duarte Serafim
Gender: Female.
Orixá Guide: Yewá.
Spiritual Strength: Average.
Info: the assistant of the Blind Magician is probably the most common member of the team. She is a young woman, who works together with the Blind Magician in his terreiro, helping him to prepare the rituals. She has knowledge about the orixás, but lacks spiritual strength. She is very happy with her life and loves helping her master, but her job is very simple.
Pre-Game Ritual: Íris enters together with the Blind Magician, following him and watching him to see if he will fall (she knows that he can walk alone, but still worries for her master).

Formation: basic 4-4-2 (style is -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.)

Stadium: Terreiro de Ogum do Pai Alcir
Info: part of the big terreiro of Pai Alcir de Macaé, this field doesn’t have grass, only dirt, but is a good place for playing football, as the players will be able to get in contact with the orixás playing in this marvellous place.

Kits (made by JMC):
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/TDO40.png

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.

NEWMANISTAN CUP OF HARMONY 33 ROSTER

Team Nickname: “The Rockets”
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/j...stan/NEW40.png
Home/Away/Alternate

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: TG your idea for approval first. No deaths/stadium damage.

Formation: The Rockets generally play a 4-3-3 formation.
Style Mod: +1

Caps & Goals updated prior to WC41 qualifying.

Manager: Brian Carson -- Managerial Caps: 49
Age: 47
Background: Brian Carson returns to the Newmanistan sideline for World Cup 41. He has had a stellar domestic career as the coach of the Pocono City Capitals, leading them to four championships. He has a knack for catching on to opponents tendencies and making the appropriate adjustments. Carson is also 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. His interregional experience is also growing, leading the Rockets to the Di Bradini 4 title, the 27th BoF title, and a runner up finish in Di Bradini Cup 5.

Assistant: Chris Merrill
Age: 40
Background: Merrill is the head coach in Dover City, which beat Carson’s Capitals on the last matchday for the most recent NPL title. They have worked together since Di Bradini Cup 4.

And now, your starting eleven:
**** GOALKEEPER ****
Name: Corey Hennis -- Caps: 15
Position: GK
Age: 22
Number: 81 (superstition)
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: This had to be the most difficult decision for Carson in deciding between World Cup 40 goalkeeper Kevin Dalton, who also plays for him in Pocono City, and Corey Hennis. But at 38, there is some concern that Dalton is becoming vulnerable to top corner shots, and Hennis has been groomed for years. Corey was the starting goalkeeper on each of the Di Bradini teams, so he has no shortage of experience. This will be, however, his first World Cup.

*** DEFENDERS *** (Newmanistan returns all four starting defenders from WC40)

Name: Jeremy Brooker -- Caps: 49 Goals: 1
Position: LB
Number: 5
Age: 23
Club Team: Dunboor FC (Cafundeu)
Background: Brooker’s rise to becoming one of the world’s most promising defenders came to fruition when he was signed by one of the world’s top club teams in Dunboor FC in Cafundeu. Though still young, Jeremy has racked up a lot of interregional experience, and was part of the last World Cup team. He’s only getting better with age. Brooker has outstanding defensive awareness, and is not afraid to get physical with the attackers. He also has tremendous leadership abilities.

Name: Tony Borsinger -- Caps: 38 Goals: 0
Position: LCB
Age: 23
Number: 6
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Background: 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, though lately has worked on changing that “soft” image of his. He is also the teams spiritual leader, and leads the team in prayer before every game.

The veteran stalwarts return as well....
Name: Mark McCafferty -- Caps: 42 Goals: 1
Position: RCB
Number: 4
Age: 33
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. He started every game throughout BoF 27, WC40, and Oxen Cup 6.

Name: Eddie Chapman -- Caps: 42 Goals: 1
Position: RB
Number: 7
Age: 33
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. Also started every game throughout the BoF 27, WC40, and Oxen Cup 6.

*** MIDFIELDERS ***
Name: Alex Parnett -- Caps: 8 Goals: 4
Position: LM
Age: 20
Number: 10
Club Team: Tenderville United (Nethertopia)
Background: Ever since he was 11 years old, Parnett has been hailed as the next big thing in Newmanistan. He has amazing ball control skills, an excellent shot, size, and is also strong defensively. So when he got away at 17 to Nethertopia, it was what really made the NSL decide to change up some rules, and make the conversion to the NPL. Keep an eye on this kid, as he is living up to that potential. He should be a great one, and should want to make the most of this opportunity to represent his home country.

Name: Kevin Carrigan -- Caps: 42 Goals: 7
Position: CM
Number: 19
Age: 34
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. 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. Carrigan is the Rockets man to deliver corner kicks, and has been doing a great job at this in all the interregional competitions he has been in. Age isn’t a factor, really, because Carrigan never has been a speed burner.

Name: Brett Prescott -- Caps: 42 Goals: 6
Position: RM
Number: 17
Age: 29
Club Team: A.F.F. (Cafundeu)
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. He is often assigned to the opponent’s top goal scorer to “rough him up” a little bit. Everyday starter in BoF 27, WC40, and Oxen Cup 6. The list of nations that don’t “like” him is growing and growing!

*** STRIKERS ***
Name: Jeremy McAllister -- Caps: 49 Goals: 52
Position: LS
Number: 20
Age: 23
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. 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. He then scored 17 goals in the Baptism of Fire, including two in the Final. Named to the BoF XI. His resume just keeping getting larger. He has become the best player in the Empire, and perhaps becoming the face of the nation, interregionally. He’s not the captain here, but he was the captain most recently in the 5th Di Bradini Cup.

Name: Kevin Lewis -- (***TEAM CAPTAIN***) Caps: 42 Goals: 20
Position: ST
Number: 43 (superstition; has worn it in everything his whole life)
Age: 32
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. He has, on four occasions led the NSL in assists, and on three occasions led it in goals. Lewis was also the captain for World Cup 40, and for Oxen Cup 6. He is very superstitious, his role in the infamous penguin sacrifice mishap in the Oxen Cup wasn’t by accident.

Name: Shawn Drummond -- Caps: 44 Goals: 13
Position: ST
Age: 23
Number: 11
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: McAllister and Drummond working together is a thing of beauty for the Newmanistanian. Their blinding speed (sub 4.20 40-yard times) and ball handling skills are very exciting to watch, as long as your rooting for them and not the opponent. Despite making a name for himself in both Di Bradini Cups, Shawn will be making his first starting appearance in the qualifiers, although he did see some Cup of Harmony starts after John Murphy got hurt.


*** SUBSTITUTES ***

Name: Kevin Dalton -- Caps: 42
Position: GK
Number: 1
Age: 38
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Dalton has been one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Newmanistanian football, but it appears as though his career may be reaching the end. He is an 8-time goalkeeper of the year in the league, and started for the Rockets in BoF27, and WC40. He is still a great keeper, but you can start to see the impact of age now on Kevin when it comes to perfectly struck balls into the corners. This led Carson to start Hennis over him, but should something happen to Corey, the team will be very confident knowing they got Kevin ready to step in. He’s also going to act as an assistant coach when on the sideline. Kevin has announced that at the conclusion of the Cup of Harmony, he is retiring for football, and moving into coaching.

Name: Steve Secrist -- Caps: 15 Goals: 0
Position: CB
Age: 22
Number: 2
Club Team: Presently a free agent (Nethertopia contract expired). He's going to wait until after the CoH to sign with someone as he is hoping to use it to up his market value.
Background: Secrist has always been compared to Jeremy Brooker as young talented defenders making their way up the ranks, so it’s probably no coincidence that Secrist has also found his home on an overseas team. He’s not quite as physical as Brooker, just your prototypical young defender who’s solid in his own end. He will join the rush, at times. Look for Steve to be substituted into the game often. He will be the top choice amongst the two defensive substitutes, since sometimes Chapman or McCafferty might need a breather late.

Name: Michael Harrison -- Caps: 9 Goals: 0
Position: CB
Age: 21
Number: 8
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Harrison was acquired by the Capitals from Springfield in the same deal that sent Corey Hennis to Springfield, and now has the chance to play for his hometown. He doesn’t have a very intimidating physical stature, but that is very misleading, because he is a very aggressive player, and not afraid to mix things up. Though he’s been on the Di Bradini teams, he hasn’t been at this level yet. But his fast ascension has placed him above other Newmanistan defenders such as Shawn Morton or Brent Treichler. It might help that he plays for Carson in Pocono City, but he’s got this spot on merit.

Name: Chris Peterson -- Caps: 42 Goals: 2
Position: MID
Number: 13
Age: 28
Club Team: Clube Imperial (Cafundeu)
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 twice received recognition as the NSL’s Best Two-Way Midfielder, something that excites his new team from Cafundeu. Everyday starter in WC40. Placing him as a substitute was probably’s Carson’s second toughest decision, but Parnett has just blossomed so much, that he earned that role, rather then Chris losing it.

Name: Julie McElroy -- Caps: 16 Goals: 4
Position: LS
Age: 27
Number: 12
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: Julie is the best female player in the Empire, and she proved that with a strong showing in Oxen Cup 6. She is fearless, as not only will she take anyone on, she is also eager to initiate a lot of the physical play. Had 5 caps in the Baptism of Fire, and three more in World Cup qualifying. A versatile player, she is capable of playing a midfield role should Carson wish to change the formation up.


**** RESERVES ****

Name: Nate Stratton -- Caps: 34 Goals: 0
Position: CB
Number: 3
Age: 31
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: Stratton is a tall defender with an outstanding work ethic, and plays great under adversity. He will use his size to his advantage. Stratton started in BoF 27 and Oxen Cup 6, and the fact that he is now a reserve says more for the Empire’s depth at the position then any individual “drop off”.

Name: Shane Classen -- Caps: 3 Goals: 0
Position: MID
Age: 31
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. Was also a reserve in WC40.

Name: Steve Boland -- Caps: 6 Goals: 0
Position: MID
Number: 16
Age: 28
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 will likely be the first choice to be promoted from reserve to substitute should need be. He was a sub in WC40.

Name: Jennifer Vilardi -- Caps: 8 Goals: 4
Position: ST
Age: 18
Number: 15
Club Team: Fairfield City Admirals
Background: Half of the Vilardi twins that made their international debut in Di Bradini Cup 5, coach Carson has rewarded Jennifer for her great play by being named to this team. Her twin sister, Shannon, is not on the team. This may just be to give her a sense of what it is like at the senior level, but don’t be surprised if she did she action. Vilardi has a great finishing touch, and doesn’t mind, and actually enjoys, the physical aspect of the game.

The Wombats have completely been almost remade, with the retirements of Mike Sink, Claudia Bard and William Diehl, not to mention the retirements of almost the entire starting lineup due to age or injury.

So the rebuilding process begins again.

STARTERS (STYLE: +1)
(WORLD CUP Starters in green)

GK Rodney Rosenfeld - Age 35 (retiring after CoH)
DEF Kristin Mcculley - Age 36 (retiring after CoH)
DEF Johnny Guadalupe - Age 34
DEF Luella Hoge Age 25
DEF Orvelle Windholz- Age 28
MID Phillip Milligan- Age 27
MID Jeffery Nieves- Age 25
MID Jill Caffey- Age 37 (retiring after CoH)
FOR Leslie Mcilwain- Age 24
FOR Luisa Credle- Age 23
FOR Norris Menotti-Age 22

SUBS:
GK Milton Avilla- Age 25
DEF Kris Ramotar- Age 19
DEF Graham Limbach- Age 20
MID Keturah Narasimhan- Age 19
MID Rene Jessman- Age 21
FOR Cyndy McGreal- Age 20
FOR Karen Carosella- Age 18
FOR/MID Adolph Keipe - Age 19



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

Lawyer 1: "Well we got what we wanted, the ROBODUCKS are in the trash heap, Gearlosse is locked away for good and we finally have control over the PFA, again."

Lawyer 2: "Yeah, but what about the Cup of Harmony? We don't have a team."

Lawyer 1: "What about the cheese?"

Lawyer 2: "We ate them last year for Christmas."

Lawyer 1: "What about the original team?"

Laywer 2: "Half of that team is dead and the other half was eaten last year's St. Patrick's Day."

Lawyer 1: "What about the candy bars from the WBC?"

Lawyer 2: "Eaten last Halloween."

Lawyer 1: "What else do we got?"

Lawyer 2: "Well we got <mumbles something>."

Lawyer 1: "What was that? You just kinda mumbled there."

Lawyer 2: "It's a stupid idea."

Lawyer 1: "It has to be better than just us two going out there, So??"

Lawyer 2: "Well remember that trip we took to Dancougar a few year's back? Somehow or another we managed to get a hold of some Garfite."

Lawyer 1: "Garfite? What is it?"

Lawyer 2: "Well, it's a mineral that when properly hooked up to a fusion generator, a pink avacado, an albino zebra and a can of SPAM, it allows for time travel."

Lawyer 1: "Time travel, huh? Any ideas where we can find a fusion generator?"

Lawyer 2: "Ummm, Wal-Mart?"

(ooc: roster to be posted tommorrow)

K&TT Team:

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/KoseHome4.jpg
Home Kit



http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/KoseAway4.jpg
Away Kit

Team:
Goal keepers:
1. Iskender Sukur Kazim, 22 Y/O Caps: 32
12. Cakir Fuat, 35 Y/O Caps: 12
56. Orhan Kose 18 Y/o Caps: 2

Centerbacks:
2. Üzulmez Yilmaz 21 Y/O Caps: 44 Goals: 2
3. Sukur Saray 23 Y/o Caps: 42
13. Hikmet Koc 20 Y/o Caps: 15
14. Ismael Koc 20 Y/o Caps: 4
25. Lefter Alp 25 Y/o Caps: 8

Right Back:
4. Firat Can 25 Y/o Caps: 33
26. Aykut Pembe 19 Y/o Caps: 11

Left Back:
5. Yilmaz Aydin 23 Y/o Caps: 42
16. Murat Turan 35 Y/o Caps: 5

Central Midfielder:
6. Tumer Arda 25 Y/o Caps: 34 Goals: 1
7. Ariakan Ismael 22 Y/o Caps: 25
17. Firat Mertcan 29 Y/o Caps: 12
18. Nuri Turan 20 Y/o Caps: 21 Goals: 1

Right Mid:
8. Sabri Gunes 22 Y/o Caps: 39 Goals: 5
41. Gokdeniz Cismir 19 Y/o Caps: 1

Left Mid:
9. Serkan Turkmen 23 Y/o Caps: 39 Goals: 12
42. Hasan Caffrecan 19 Y/o Caps: 3

Strikers:
10. (Prince) Sinan Kose 20 Y/o Caps: 43 Goals: 52
11. Volkan Erkan 20 Y/o Caps: 20 Goals: 5
44. Nus Kusoglu 19 Y/o Caps: 2 Goals: 2

Style Mod: +1
Formation: 5-4-1

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events N
RP injuries to my players Y (Max: 2/3)
Godmod injuries to my players Y (No deaths)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players Y (Max: 2)
Godmod other events Y (Nothing to Extreme)

Football Association of the International League of Yafalonia and Bazor 2, unofficially it is also known as Football Association of the International League (FAIL), but as Football Associal of the International League of Yafalonia and Bazor 2 is too weildy, most people call it fail.

FAIL's HARD Inter-International Team is Headed up by Yafalonia's Narin Valandar, and Bazor 2's Bob Tresgovsken.

Foward - Racheal Kneal(Bazor 2) - Rachael is known for her goal celerbrations, they leave alot to the imagination as she somehow makes people think she'll whipp of her top with-out ever doing so.

Forward - Miso Kite (Yafalonia) - Miso is, and will continue to be, the greatest striker who has ever lived. When he was young, there were questions about whether he was so good that he was "above maturity", but now, as he as gained six months of age, those questions have disappeared. Miso remains the only striker in history whose injury in a season is enough to make people accept his club's bad season easily. In his spare time, Miso saves cats from trees and helps old ladies across streets. Oh, and he can fly, too. He is Miso Kite after all.

Defender - Umar Ventrarar (Yafalonia) - Big, tough, and stupid. He's pretty much your prototypical center defender. What he can't knock down, he runs over.

Defender - Barelien Koliensar (Yafalonia) - Less big and less tough, but he's still pretty stupid. Instead of trying to run things over, he tries to "surreptitiously" knock people down, resulting in a lot of fouls and a lot of cards from the referees.

Defender - Delorad Karhadoris (Yafalonia) - Much bigger, much tough, and a lot less stupid. He's pretty much the best defender on the squad, since he's actually good at knocking people down and taking the ball away. Plus, as an added bonus, he can actually pass a bit, too

Midfield - Daris Caollan (Yafalonia) - He's actually the governor of a province in Yafalonia and Bazor 2 - he's a politician and has run for office. In fact, the only reason he's even got on the team is because he managed to start a petition and pressure the government, and do all kinds of things like that.

Midfield - Raethar Vanlaez (Yafalonia) - Caollan's running mate. He spends his free time as a male model.

Midfield - Frederick Hammerstead(Bazor 2) - Not afraid to get dirty, Frederick is never clean, infact somehow he manages to damage almost anything he comes in contact with.

Midfielder - Peter Pumpkin-eater(Bazor 2), Yep he eats Pumpkin's, no one is aware of his proper lastname but who cares... He eats pumpkins raw everywhere he goes... How he makes a good football player is anybodies guess.

Defender - Harry Delany (Bazor 2) - Harry, is oddly very long, he stands 211cm (7' 3") perhaps more at home in the basketball ring, his long legs make for great control of the ball, and greater talking range as well.

Keeper - Graham Noh'arms(Bazor 2) - Graham is notable in the team for the lack of arms, apparently after an altercation with King Arthur in which he lost his arms (claiming it was only a flesh wound). Graham gave up hs job as the black knight and started playing football. "You don't need arms for football!" That's his famous quote, however one might argue you need arms for being a goalie.

RP Permisions. Everything allowed. GODMODING ENCOURAGED FOR HUMOUR! ALSO PERMISSION JUST TO BE DOWNRIGHT CRAZY. I KNOW WE ARE!

Style is -4.2 (or the minimum possible from -4)Sorry, what do you mean by this? By the way, the style range is from -2 to +2: Newmanistan, do you want to edit that into the first post?

Sorry for the confusion, Zwangzug. It will be -2, then, and I'll correct this in my roster post.

Sorry, what do you mean by this? By the way, the style range is from -2 to +2: Newmanistan, do you want to edit that into the first post?

Edit made!

Candelaria And Marquez national football team squad for Cup of Harmony 33

Candelaria And Marquez, the lengthiest-named current footballing nation until the emergence of Koze and the Turkomans, but also the shortest-named nation, since it has become, thankfully, ubiquitously known as C&M, consists of a couple of larger islands and several more tiddly ones in the middle of nowhere, and is best known internationally for being the lengthiest-named current footballing nation prior to the arrival of Koze and the Turkomans, best also etcetera and so forth, you get the idea there.

The islands’ proudest national symbol, their football team, had two Cup of Harmony campaigns (making the quarter-finals on both occasions) and two World Cup appearances (a group stage exit and last-sixteen exit respectively) before being dumped back in the CoH in West Krytenia, or whatever it’s called nowawadays, and making it to the semi-finals. The Big Blues failed once again in the World Cup campaign just gone, and are therefore set for their fourth Cup of Harmony.

This is nowhere near as unfair as it appears at first glance.

A world-standard force in under-21 football and field hockey, apparently, C&M as a nation is best known for its increasingly perverse refusal to acknowledge the existence of anything ‘weird’ among their fellow football-playing nations, including gnomes, elves, dwarves, androids, robotic ducks, ninja-monkey-monks, practitioners of actual voodoo, monks from an alternate dimension, pre-pubescent children, sentient mice, cucumbers, Greek letters and aliens, and for successive governments’ attempts to make sure the Candelariasian people don’t discover all the aforementioned odd stuff. As far as Candelariasians are concerned, the world is a weird place and their land is a barometer for normality.

They don’t know the half of it.

And yes, it’s Candelariasian. See here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13326087&postcount=18).

The islands are also home to the CMSC, a peculiarly wealthy football league currently home to internationals from fellow CoH33 nations Sorthern Northland, K&TT, Kereca, Arroza, the Blouman Empire and Rennidan.

__________________

+0.9 modifier thingy

Permission Wotzit: Do whatever you like, short of murder and anything that the Candelariasian people might find a tad ‘odd’, unless I get prior warning in RPs or via TG. Or not. As you please. Don’t be fooled by this stroppy exterior, I’m actually very pleasant.
__________________

Squad:

Manager: Fifty-five year-old Kris Healy is allowed a go at the CoH despite his perceived failures in qualifying. The former Albrecht Turkish boss, a CMSC league winner and TQCC semi-finalist, looks set to betray his beloved 4-4-2 in favour of a strikingly widthless 4-2-3-1, a offence-minded formation set to consist of Martinez; Burgos – Ortiz – Williams – Duxbury; Mengucci – Corradini (c); R. Edwards – Madeira Lobos – Siriwong; and Ignacio Vélez up front.

Any changes to that team will likely be clearly marked in pre-game media, but opposing managers should expect and anticipate the unexpected. Healy’s assistants are Gianluca Pilleddu (who generally takes most of the coaching sessions while Healy watches from the sidelines), Mike Howell (fitness) and Speed Wang (cheerleading). Wang won thirty-seven caps as a C&M international, partly on the strength of his silly name.

Stats distressingly correct as of the post-qualifying friendly with Taeshan

Goalkeepers:

22. Oberon Martinez, Aged 34, Albrecht Turkish, STARTER, 64 caps
This tournament will likely see the big, athletic keeper’s final C&M caps, albeit more because of his own wish to concentrate on the final few years of his club career than anything else. When all’s said and done, there’s just no plausible candidate to replace him yet.

23. Harry Primrose, 31, Marquez-Onwere, 1 cap
Missing the last CoH through injury saw Primrose miss out on a place in the Big Blues squad for the first time in their international history. That Primrose has been prepared to involve himself in the often exhausting international programme for the reward of but a single cap is a huge credit to the player, who remains best known in C&M for being a raging homosexual.

1. Felix Currey, 27, Caires City
He last saw action in blue and green during a 6-2 2nd Di Bradini Cup drubbing of Sorthern Northland, and never looked likely to come close to his supposed potential. He flitted about the league, spending time as an Albrecht FC benchwarmer before moving to a surely doomed City, since when he has helped his team in the Champions’ Cup. Still only selected due to Joel Sbaïz’s injury, mind, but the springy Currey – who is one of three Marquez-born ‘keepers in this squad – may prove to be Healy’s second choice.

Defenders:

2. William Burgos, 28, América [Cafundéu], STARTING RIGHT-BACK, 36 caps (4 as sub)
Poor Burgos has at times not known whether he’s been coming or going for C&M, his defensive frailties having regularly seen him dropped for the first XI after a short string of games, only to be recalled when a more offensive stance is required. Healy’s go-for-broke formation makes Burgos the obvious choice ahead of Dixon, but don’t expect him to keep his place automatically. Do expect him to put in the odd awful challenge still.

5. Demario Ortiz, 25, United Trilan [Kura-Pelland], STARTING CENTRE-BACK, 12 caps (1 as sub)
A beneficiary of ‘big, foreign club’ syndrome? Ortiz certainly had a pretty poor qualifying campaign, and his languid style has done nothing to endear him to C&M travelling army (or small, elite unit of marines, depending on how we’re feeling). He’ll certainly be fighting for his international future at this tournament, and must step up to the plate. Whatever that means.

15. Steven Williams, 27, Albrecht Turkish, STARTING CENTRE-BACK, 29 caps (2 as sub), 1 goal
A big, powerful player who makes up for his lack of natural talent with sheer enthusiasm, this keen bird watcher has become a somewhat surprising nailed-on starter for his country, which probably speaks more for an overall lack of Candelariasian in this area than anything else.

13. Alex Duxbury, 24, Cathedral City, STARTING LEFT-BACK, 2 caps
The best dreadlocks in Candelariasian football return to the senior team and straight into the first XI. The fall guy for C&M’s poor start to the previous CoH, the Duke has proven himself both going forward and as an athletic defender during an excellent season for the Cats.

3. José Luis Sosa, 26, Marquez-Onwere, 28 caps (5 as sub), 3 goals
Always a useful option as a substitute, having an eye for goal, a superb long throw and excellent skill on the overlap, Sosa’s indifferent league form sees him left out of the starting eleven again, but he too could yet take back the left-back role he’s been tipped for for a decade.

12. Harris Dixon, 25, Albrecht Turkish, 24 caps (5 as sub)
With DBC, CMSC and TQCC titles to his name, Dixon could be forgiven for still hoping that his former club manager will elevate him into the national team’s first XI once more. An extremely competent, technical defender; Dixon lacks Burgos’ combative nature, offensive ability and working-class charm, but he’ll certainly get games in this tournament all the same.

18. Tom Redway, 30, Port of Clotaire, 12 caps (7 as sub), 1 goal
Selected as much for his experience and dressing-room cachet than defensive strength, Redway has been a beast for the Harpies for many years now and is another favourite of Healy set to enjoy his final tournament regardless of whether the manager gets a tilt at WC42 qualifying. He remains best known for the allegations surrounding his private life.

Midfielders:

8. Connor Mengucci, 26, Petardos S/A [Cafundéu], STARTING DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER (RIGHT), 28 caps (13 as sub)
By far the most defensively-minded midfielder in the first team, Mengucci’s destiny as a perennial sub is over for now as he takes a key place in Healy’s new formation. In truth, there was no plausible way the manager could leave him out, with the holding player rated as one of the best midfielders of the recent Cafundelense season – a status which has led to his recent move across Lasft to the Bilionários.

4. Matteo Corradini, 28, Albrecht FC, STARTING DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER (LEFT), Captain, 61 caps (6 as sub), 5 goals
Still arguably C&M’s pivotal player; no part of the Big Blues’ recent lack of success should be attributed to the captain. An impressive physical specimen with fine distribution and ball control, Corradini will likely be even more vital than normal in this new formation.

7. Ryan Edwards, 23, Albrecht FC, STARTING ATTACKING MIDFIELDER (RIGHT)
Strength, poise, perfectly-timed runs and even the odd goal… why didn’t big Ben’s little brother get a senior call-up earlier, perchance? Ironically, the younger Edwards has been going through a bit of a dip in form of late, after returning from a lengthy spell out, but Healy appears to have complete faith that Ryan can be the extra factor to lift C&M to the title. Cocky little git, though.

20. Dionísio Madeira Lobos, 25, Caires City, STARTING ATTACKING MIDFIELDER (CENTRAL)
A silky player but possessing a powerful shot, José Felipe Cassumba Domi– What? He’s not…? ¿Que? Run that by me again. Dionísio. As in the Cafundelense Dionísio? As in the one at Caires City, who’s been considered one of the best midfielders in the league for a couple of seasons now? As in the one who was rated the third best foreigner in the league in XXIII? As in the foreigner Dionísio? WHAT?!?!?

21. Merlin Siriwong, 26, Marquez-Onwere, STARTING ATTACKING MIDFIELDER (LEFT), 10 (2 as sub), 5 goals
The breakthrough player of recent times, Siriwong followed up a stellar season in the league by taking Alessio Montano’s place on the left. A flexible player, who prefers a role just off the front man but will settle for the wide left berth, Siriwong is the most natural goalscorer of the five in midfield and has plenty of experience playing on a team where one ball simply isn’t enough.

6. Matt Reddington, 30, Arrigo Portuguese
Reddington was the favourite to replace Luís Enrique Torrealba as C&M’s holding midfielder all of a decade ago, but a horrific knee injury midway through the XXVI season looked likely to put pay to his top-flight, never mind international, career. Since then he has worked his way back to full fitness and a place as a vital performer in an erratic Portuguese side, but there’s still every chance that Reddington will follow in the footsteps of fellow holding player Neville Bagshaw by being involved with a C&M senior squad without ever pulling on the jersey in anger.

16. Jamie González, 23, Arrigo Portuguese, 5 caps (3 as sub), 1 goal
Potentially more talented than any of the attacking midfielders supposedly ranked ahead of him, González remains a far too unpredictable element to hold down a regular place just yet. Equally adept down the flanks, the middle or up front; he’s not quick but has an impressive stride and top-notch delivery.

19. Ben Edwards, 27, Albrecht FC, 23 caps (7 as sub), 7 goals
The right-winger appears to have slipped behind his younger brother in Healy’s reckoning, which really is something of a surprise given his form for club and country of late. A little on the large side without possessing great strength; Edwards One’s stellar quality is his passing, be it delicate little balls or sweeping crosses.

Forwards:

10. Ignacio Vélez, 32, Cafundó do Juta [Cafundéu], STARTING STRIKER, 77 caps (8 as sub), 42 goals
Undisputedly a true legend of the Candelariasian game now, it would be hard to look beyond Iggy when the Big Blues earn their first spot on the Hall of Fame. If they somehow manage to lift this cup, Vélez will surely hang up his international boots, having proven himself, if not world-class, then barely a step behind it. If he reaches his half-century of goals, this side could be going places. Otherwise we’re screwed.

9. Joe Cunningham, 26, Albrecht FC, 23 caps (17 as sub), 11 goals
That Cunningham is seen as Vélez’s longish-term replacement doesn’t inspire massive confidence; but such a theory would be unfair on the player, who has impressed most as a second striker in recent years. His scoring record is none the less pretty impressive, as it was for the under-21s; but as a small, pacey player he will be but a supersub here once more.

11. Ramiro Novo, 31, Parwood City [Kura-Pelland], 48 caps (1 as sub), 28 goals
His own scoring record since his belated international career began is nothing short of immense, and many less sentimental fans and pundits would have put him ahead of Vélez if a 4-2-3-1 was unavoidable. A powerful left-footer with an excellent head, Novo’s on-pitch relationship with Vélez is such that the pair could yet find themselves up front together again at this CoH, despite their age.

14. Cas Richardson, 21, Gamboa FC, 5 caps (4 as sub)
A huge gangly mess of a player, Richardson held the ball up well when given the chance but his striking was as wayward for C&M in the qualifiers as for Gamboa this season. Many expected him to drop back into the under-21s, but Healy clearly feels that the great big lump serves a useful purpose.

17. Rául Vélez, 28, Cafundó do Juta [Cafundéu], 22 caps (15 as sub), 4 goals
Another younger brother, Rául has been the top Candelariasian scorer in the CMSC in the past, but currently plays lower down the pitch for his club. His versatility makes him a hugely useful player to have in the squad, but he’ll likely be fighting it out with Cunningham to be C&M’s most capped player with the fewest minutes on the pitch.

Kit:

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/candelariaandmarquez/CAMHome4.jpg http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/candelariaandmarquez/CAMAway4.jpg

The Albrecht Herald Online>Sport>Football>CoH33>Breaking News
Cafundelense call-up leave experts stunned

With Kris Healy and the CAMAFA facing a barrage of criticism from all quarters for their failure to guide the Big Blues into the World Cup finals, the manager today achieved the unthinkable in silencing the overwhelming bulk of his critics – not because such detractors don’t still have reasonable claims, but because of a squad selection so unexpected that it has left even the most loquacious of Candelariasian pundits lost for words.

Healy had already warned the press yesterday that the new squad would show changes from that employed during the World Cup – a necessity given the injuries to Joel Sbaïz and Ciaran Kelly. With the interim CAMAFA regime a closed shop following the resignation of Owen Jones as President, few details of Healy’s planned changes had been leaked prior to this morning’s formal announcement, and a clear indication that surprises were in store occurred at the very start of the press conference’s introductory video, which saw Caires City’s Felix Currey inherit Sbaïz’s No. 1 jersey. Currey’s selection was hardly out of the blue, given his fine form for the Errant Knights, but few media outlets beyond the north-east had tipped him for the nod, preferring Cathedral City’s Robinson Zapirov or Ethan Schepinov of Kura-Pellandi outfit Delta Force Cardim for the role.

The confirmation that Jeruselem-based Nathanial Stewart would not be retained in the squad came as little surprise, with Arrigo Portuguese’s veteran holding player Matt Reddington given his first call-up instead, nor than Albrecht FC’s Ryan Edwards was deemed to warrant a place in the side. What represented a clear upset however was the younger Edwards brother’s shirt selection; his number seven meaning that José Felipe Cassumba Domingos had been pushed out of the squad.

The Marquez-Onwere midfielder, whose sixty-five international appearances make him the Big Blues’ fourth-most capped player, has been deemed poor of late by most pundits; but his demotion from the starting XI to being left out of the squad represents a fall from grace matched only by that of Alessio Montano, who similarly drops out. The Yarzoya FC winger’s own absence was confirmed when the role call reached the twentieth player on the list, with Montano’s shirt number vacated in favour of a certain Dionísio Madeira Lobos.

The name prompted not unreasonable murmurs of “who?” from many of the assembled sportswriters, and gasps from the rest. By the time the number twenty-one, Merlin Siriwong, was appearing on the screen however, the entire room had grasped the reality of the situation and there was soon no other subject in town.

The midfielder known up until this morning only as Dionísio arrived in the Candelarias as a twenty year-old, ostensibly as a bargaining chip as part of O’Sullivan Caras’ move from Caires City to Central United. The Errant Knights were relegated soon after but, once the diminutive playmaker had bulked up a little, Dionísio soon proved the overwhelming star of the then Second Division, coming close to breaking the all-time second tier record for assists with the giant Kura-Pellandi forward Pep McGuire the main beneficiary. He rapidly became a cult figure on and off the pitch, in Caires and beyond, and a popular face of the gossip columns – most recently having been linked to fellow Cafundéu-born socialite Paola Moura.

Despite winning the second division title, Caires City were widely expected to struggle in the top flight, but the Central City-born player soon proved his worth on the higher stage; his ten league goals and innumerable killer balls helping City to a fifth place finish. Dionísio was duly feted as the third-best foreigner and second-best midfielder of XXVIII, and this season his reputation has simply continued to grow. Though keen to downplay the influence of just one man, his club manager Elgin Dannat has been forced to admit more than once that City would simply not have qualified for the next Champions’ Cup were it not for the Cafundelense’s presence.

But ‘Cafundelense’ is the key term, and the player’s call-up to the C&M squad comes completely out of the blue. Caires City are believed to have encouraged the player to take advantage of his long-term residency to apply formally for dual citizenship late last year, principally to allow the club to sign two more foreign players beyond the usual CMSC quota – a deal which soon fell through. The matter was believed dropped at that point, but the interests of Healy and the CAMAFA were clearly piqued sufficiently to encourage them to pursue the idea.

The Ministry of Citizenship & Immigration confirmed this lunchtime that Dionísio was not a full citizen of C&M and had not, at least up to this point, applied to become so. Former foreign-born individuals have qualified to play for the C&M under-21 team through becoming formally naturalised – including MarquezOW midfielder Erik Kjaer (born in Recluse Island), Arrigo Portuguese left-back Seiichi Ganaha (born in Ariddia) and Port of Clotaire goalkeeper Amis Cressey (born in Chesapeake Bay) – but Madeira Lobos is believed to have exploited a seemingly rather deliberate loophole in the CAMAFA’s guidelines on nationality that have also in the past allowed Green Island natives Ben Head and Ben Young to claim sub-national citizenship in order to qualify for C&M.

Madeira Lobos has yet to appear before the Candelariasian press, but gave quotes to a Cafundelense radio network to the effect that he had been considering the call-up for some time, and had discussed the matter extensively with his family ‘back home’. Indeed, reporters of the player’s native land appear to have been rather more clued-up than their Candelariasian counterparts, the Agujero-born referee Hernan Delgado being asked questions on the matter prior to the Cafundéu versus Taeshan World Cup game yesterday, though his quotes failed to make it back to C&M in time.

CAMAFA spokesmen have been keen to wax lyrical on the inclusive nature of the Big Blues – also pointing out that fully one half of the Candelarias-born players in the new twenty-three-man squad are Marquezian – but the move will no doubt attract the ire of some of C&M’s Cup of Harmony opponents. Back home, former C&M international Joel Grillo has lead calls for Dionísio’s presence to represent an isolated case, amid fears that the governing bodies of Candelariasian football could be encouraged in the future to look for ‘quick-fix solutions’ such as this, rather than invest in youth coaching.

In any case, his presence in the squad will be seen as a major boost to C&M’s title chances.
Though the nominal favourites, thanks to their KPB ranking; a strong twenty-eight team line-up and a widely expected downturn in the quantity and quality of media attention from the Candelarias had left many in the islands tipping Sorthern Northland, co-hosts Newmanistan or C&M’s recent bogey team, Rennidan, for the cup. Whether the new number twenty can really perform to a world-class standard beyond the CMSC remain to be seen, with Dionísio expected to play a slightly deeper role than for Caires City, ahead of Matteo Corradini and Connor Mengucci but allowing Merlin Siriwong and Ryan Edwards to drift wider and farther up the pitch. Ignacio Vélez is expected to be given a loan role ahead of the five man midfield in what could prove to be his last hurrah for the Big Blues, while the other main change sees Cathedral City’s Alex Duxbury return as left-back after his difficult time in Krytenia when last in a C&M shirt.

<Science-fictiony sound effect>

Lawyer 1: "Well you're back. Took you long enough, even with a dang time machine, i can't believe we got a fusion generator for only $14,000,000 at Wal-Mart!"

Lawyer 2: "I told ya. Anyway I got the 11 guys sequestered at the training facility right now."

Lawyer 1: "Did you get every one on the list?"

Lawyer 2: "Yes, I'm not an idiot"

<Cut to Training Facility>

Lawyer 1: "You idiot. These aren't the 11 guys I told you to get? Where's Pelé, Gary Lineker, Just Fontaine or Gerd Müller?"

Lawyer 2: "Lemme see the list again. Well that's the problem."

Lawyer 1: "What problem?"

Lawyer 2: "I accidently took my son's homework list by mistake."

Lawyer 1: "Great, just great. The albino zebra died after you got back, and that was the only one in the world. now we're stuck with these guys:"

PRUX' CUP OF HARMONY ROSTER

Goalkeeper- Attila the Hun

Defense- Erwin Rommel, Xerxes I, Zheng He

MidField- Robert E. Lee, George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander the Great

Forwards- Shaka, Hernán Cortés, Geronimo

Team: Arroza Tar Hornets

Other Nicknames: Privateers, Black & Whites (trying to get rid of that nickname).

Style: As attacking as possible. +2? (3-4-3)

Coach: Jacqueline Haley-Biloxi
Jacqueline Haley, sister to Arrozan Commonwealth Prime Minister Donovan Haley was always into sports, especially Soccer, even moving at one point to several foreign countries to play the sport for some decidedly lower level teams. Still though, when it was time to name a manager for nationally funded squad Federal Sport, nepotism made her the obvious choice.
The surprise came though, when she actually didn’t completely suck at the job. In fact she was quite decent, winning the first predecessor to the ASL, the Resurgens and Capitol Cup, by leading a squad of unknowns to an unbeaten record in the three-team competition, and for taking on any team that wanted to schedule a friendly, and could get to Government Park. Expect more attacking football, especially since most of the WC41 team that’s free to play for the National team were on the attacking half of the pitch.

Roster:
GK (Starter): Felipe Quintero – 26, M / 12 Caps (W. Penthoria Rivermen / Newmanistan)
Quintero made quite the good impression nationally and internationally in the last year and a half, not only leading the Hornets to A Baptism of Fire championship, but helping to keep undermanned club side W. Penthoria from getting relegated.

GK: Justin Moore – 19, M / 4 Caps (Fremen F.C.)

D/L(Starter): Nathan Knox – 23, M / 20 Caps (Fremen F.C.)
Knox and Rios were the only 2 members from the Arrozan defense to get paroled in time for CoH33. With that said, they’re going to have to shape up, as the defense was the Hornets’ weak spot through qualifying, letting in several giant defeats.

D/C(Starter): Rodrigo Rios – 21, M / 20 Caps (Fremen F.C.)

D/R(Starter): Tadeu Terra – 19, M / 0 Caps (Western Express)
An immigrant from Cafundeu, Terra has been in Arroza since he was 5 years old. So naturally when it came time to pick a international side, he decided to jump right into the fire in Arroza instead of getting in line to try to get on in his old home country.

D/C: Alexis Ivo – 23, F / 0 Caps (Feminis Dominus)

D/C: Seamus Donnelly – 29, M / 0 Caps (Evangeline Celtic)

D/L-R: Lazo Alavanha – 17, M / 0 Caps (Federal J/V)

DM/C(Starter): Ryan McIntosh – 19, M / 1 Cap (Fremen F.C.)
McIntosh’s got promise, but he never got to show it playing behind Parrish and Mahaffey on the National team. With a new squad, he’s been retrained to play center midfield, which would give the team a solid midfield, if he can get used to playing the position and not depend so much on his right foot.

M/R(Starter): Chris Mahaffey – 20, M / 7 Caps (Pocono City / Newmanistan)
Chris Mahaffey returns to the Arrozan right flank, after a year of learning from a great team in Pocono City. He also returns as the first Arrozan to be part of an international team that won a championship. He hopes to add more silverware after the Cup of Harmony

M/L(Starter): Tate Parrish – 25, M / 17 Caps (Candelaria – Allemari / Candelaria)
The team’s all-purpose winger, Parrish can play either side of the field, a versatility that may be the reason why he was the only man from the Arrozan squad to be picked up by a team from the soccer powerhouse nation of Candelaria and Marquez. So far Parrish has scored seven goals for struggling Premiership side Candelaria – Allemari, and looks to have a long career ahead of him in C&M's premiership, even if Allemari doesn't.

A/MC(Starter): Blake Camp – 26, M / 20 Caps (Fremen F.C.)

DM: David Kenga – 28, M / 0 Caps (Gigantes)

M/(Utility): Lorelei Jefferson – 18, F / 0 Caps (Unsigned)

AM/C: Samuel Smythe, M – 22 / 0 Caps (Western Express)

F(Starter): Macoumba Kandji, M – 21 / 20 Caps (Fremen F.C.)

S(Starter): Martin Lancaster, M – 19 /18 Caps (Loudon Leopards / Newmanistan)
The Capstone Cannon returns for another shot of international glory, after the depressing events of WC 41. He’s hoping that an impressive run here in Newmanistan will both allow more Newmanistani teams to recruit Arrozan players, and will get him off the bench at Loudon.

S(Starter): Alfredo Valente, M – 24 / 2 Caps (Fremen F.C.)
Long the backup to Lancaster, “Big Gay” Al Valente is definitely a striker with flair, and pace. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been the most…physical of strikers, and that combined with the old long ball and run style kept him on the bench. Now that the team’s using a more attacking, continental style, it remains to see if Valente can turn his style into goals.

F: Kiri Bozeman, F – 18 / 0 Caps (Federal Sport)

S: Riley van Proovinjan, M – 21 / 0 Caps (Federal Sport)

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

A middle aged balding man rises to the podium, lowers the microphone, and begins to speak, “Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for attending and welcome to the official Cup of Harmony 33 Group Draw here at the Pocono City Convention Center. It is time to let you know the official group draw, and here to make the announcement is Her Highness, Empress Jessica. I’d ask for you all to please rise.”

The Empress is led to the podium by two men who eventually take their seats. “Thank you, please be seated. I am honored to have you all here as representatives for your nation’s great football associations. I know that all of us had bigger aspirations for this World Cup cycle, but myself and those from Zwangzug are committed to making this experience a great one. I don’t want you to feel as you are in a consolation tournament. I can assure you that the atmosphere for the games that you will experience in both countries will be no less then what is experienced with the World Cup. Winning the Cup of Harmony is a significant achievement. On behalf of my friends from Zwangzug, who had a great run in the World Cup, I would like to announce the results of the group draw which has just taken place.”

(The Empress pauses to allow journalists to get their pens/paper/laptops or whatever ready.)

“There are 28 teams here, and you have been divided into four groups of seven. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stages. I wish you all the best of luck. The draw has been overseen by five neutral unbiased representatives of other football associations. We placed four ping pong balls with your nation’s flag on it into seven pots, based on your KPB rankings.”

(Pauses again)

“Pot 1 consisted of: Candelaria and Marquez, Yafalonia and Bazor 2, Jeru FC, and Sorthern Northland.”
“Pot 2 had Lovisa, Green wombat, Prux, and Acapais.”
“In pot 3 were KaMaRi, Septentrionia, Rennidan, and Kose and The Turkomans.”
“The fourth pot is where you found the Blouman Empire, Nire and Nire, Jariss, and us, Newmanistan.”
“Pot 5 was Kereca, Terreiro de Ogum, Vonks, and Arroza.”
“Pot 6, Orion Star Empire, kenavt, Kosovoe, and Dennisov.”
“And in the final pot, we had The Macabees, Universitus University, Ma Raque, and Alversia.”

(Another pause)
“And now, for your results. Starting with Group A. Here we have, Canderlaria And Marquez, Prux, Rennidan, Blouman Empire, Vonks, kenavt, and The Macabees.”

“Now Group B. Here we have: Jeru FC, Acapais, Septentrionia, Nire and Nire, Terreiro de Ogum, Dennisov, and Ma Raque.”

“In Group C, we have Yafalonia and Bazor 2, Green wombat, KaMaRi, (pauses) Newmanistan (pauses), then Arroza, Kosovoe, and Universitus University.”

“And in Group D we have Sorthern Northland, Lovisa, Kose and The Turkomans, Jariss, Kereca, Orion Star Empire, and Alversia.”


Your Recap: Groups A & B are scorinated by and located in Newmanistan; while C & D are scorinated by and in Zwangzug.

Group A:
Candelaria and Marquez
Prux
Rennidan
Blouman Empire
Vonks
kenavt
The Macabees

Group B:
Jeru FC
Acapais
Septentrionia
Nire and Nire
Terreiro de Ogum
Dennisov
Ma Raque

Group C:
Yafalonia and Bazor 2
Green wombat
KaMaRi
Newmanistan
Arroza
Kosovoe
Universitus University

Group D
Sorthern Northland
Lovisa
Kose and The Turkomans
Jariss
Kereca
Orion Star Empire
Alversia

ROLEPLAY BONUS NOW OFFICIALLY BEGINS TO COUNT FOR MD1.

Schedule: (probable date of scorination)
MD1: 1 v 3, 2 v 4, 5 v 7 Bye: 6 (July 8)
MD2: 1 v 6, 2 v 5, 4 v 7 Bye: 3 (July 9)
MD3: 2 v 7, 3 v 5, 4 v 6 Bye: 1 (July 10)
MD4: 1 v 7, 4 v 5, 3 v 6 Bye: 2 (July 11)
MD5: 1 v 4, 2 v 6, 3 v 7 Bye: 5 (July 12)
MD6: 1 v 5, 2 v 3, 6 v 7 Bye: 4 (July 13)
MD7: 1 v 2, 3 v 4, 5 v 6 Bye: 7 (July 14)

Quarterfinals- July 16
Semis- July 17
3rd Place- July 18
FINAL- July 19

RP Cutoff times will be between 9am-10am Eastern US time/1pm-2pm GMT daily. Good luck to all, enjoy your stay in the nation in which you are assigned, and most importantly, have fun.

Matchday 1 Schedule:

Group A:
Candelaria and Marquez v Rennidan @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Prux v Blouman Empire @ Loudon Stadium
Vonks v The Macabees @ Dover Field

Group B:
Jeru FC v Septentrionia @ Pocono City Stadium
Acapais v Nire and Nire @ Southport Stadium
Terreiro de Ogum v Ma Raque @ Putnam Lake Stadium

Group C:
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 v Kamari
Green wombat v Newmanistan
Arroza v Universitus University

Group D:
Sorthern Northland v Kose and The Turkomans
Lovisa v Jariss
Kereca v Alversia

THE ROCKET REPORT

WILL ROCKETS REBOUND?

Pocono City, Newmanistan- The excitement over the Cup of Harmony has reached high levels, knowing that fourteen nations are coming here, to the Empire, to try and make the most of this second chance. The other fourteen nations go to Zwangzug. You remember them, don’t you, the nation that beat us in the World Baseball Classic final in Green wombat, right? Well as irony would have it, who would be the Rockets first Cup of Harmony opponent? None other then Green wombat. It is the first of six games that Newmanistan will play needing a good run. Advancement will not be easy for anyone, with four groups of seven and just two teams per group making the knockout stages, there should be no nation that thinks they are a cinch to make it through. This will lead to great football throughout the competition.

Our Rockets have been assigned to Group C and will be joined by a few nations that they have yet to have any history with. They will open with Green wombat, who they have played once, defeating them in the Oxen Cup last time. Then its Universitus University and Kosovoe. It’ll be their first meeting with those from the prestigious University, but not with Kosovoe, as they were a Cup of Harmony 32 opponent, a game we won. An interesting encounter following with the reigning Baptism of Fire champion Arroza, who the Rockets drew with in a pre-qualifying friendly. What could be a potentially pivotal contest if the Rockets do well then follows with Miso Kite, Rachael Kneal and Yafalonia and Bazor 2. It will be the first time the nations square off in anything, as will be the case with Newmanistan’s final opponent, which will be after a bye, when they meet up with KaMaRi. Getting a top two spot in the group will be a hard chore with those two opponents, but at the same time, who knows? Brian Carson has been told as well that he needs to have a successful Cup of Harmony after Newmanistan’s disappointing performance in World Cup 41 qualifying, so we know that he will pull out all the stops. What he will be hoping for, most, is a good start to the group stage. Green wombat is also coming off a disappointing qualifying performance, so that game could be something we get a positive result from, then we will go up against the two bottom seeds of the group. It’s something that Newmanistan must capitalize on, and get points early, for if they don’t when those last games come along their fate will be just as well known as qualifying was after the team only got one point in back to back games with Hockey Canada and United Hetzel. This is where Carson’s second chance will lie, to make amends and get his Rockets off to a good start, then try to hang on late.

The six other nations in this bracket make up group D, and there are a couple nations that jump out at you immediately. Mainly Sorthern Northland and Kose and The Turkomans. These two nations recently were in a state of war, and while a truce has been declared between them, you can expect security to be a little tighter just to make sure there isn’t anyone holding a grudge against the other nation in the stands. Lovisa will be their biggest hurdle, and Jariss could be in a good spot here. Kereca, the Orion Star Empire, and Alversia are not the favorites of the group by any means, but you’d have to think that if they went on a good run, they could be spoilers.

Groups A & B also look to have good competitive fields. In Group A, you have the leading nation in KPB points that is in the competition with Candelaria And Marquez, and we know that they would love to salvage their World Cup cycle with a good run here. Rennidan, the Cup of Harmony 32 runner, and Prux will be their biggest challengers, and those two nations themselves have begun to get a good rivalry going with one another. But there will be more challengers, especially from the Blouman Empire and Vonks, nations that might seem like natural rivals will keep this a hard group. Even kenavt should be pesky. Is this the Group of Death, or just a nice balance of nations with successful pasts and bright futures? You decide.

Then there’s Group B, which is where you will find the last two Cup of Harmony champions in Jeru FC and Acapais. Jeru FC has a ton of experience being a top contender in the Cup of Harmony, and will always play hard to make a good impression just in case Kate Sallad is watching on TV. Acapais didn’t have a good qualifying run, but they are the defending champions, so they know what needs to be done. Septentrionia and Terreiro de Ogum are rising nations, and both have a good shot here as well. We’re not quite sure if Nire and Nire will field eleven players or just one, but we are sure that they will be the thick of this group’s race. Dennisov and Ma Raque don’t have the easiest route, but it’s just part of the growing pains, perhaps.

Very shortly, Cup of Harmony 33 will get underway, and while it starts a little bit after the World Cup began this year, this is no grade two competition. It might not be the biggest names in the world, but just by looking at all the four groups, and what it will take to qualify for knockouts, we have an outstanding competition in store. We get to see half of it on our own turf. Aren’t we lucky!

After the Empress leaves the podium, several young men take over. They are Negative Zero, one of Zwangzug's most popular bands, and finished third in the recent WorldVision contest (the country's highest-ever placement).

"Welcome," says the singer, "to the Cup of Harmony!"

And the theme song is on: "Sunset". Here's the melody (http://www.zshare.net/audio/148152788f9891f2/), and this (http://www.zshare.net/audio/148043501bd0f310/) is the last chorus.

An angel sat down at an easel
Plunged a paintbrush into the sea
And painted blue across the sky
Here dark, there light
As if the paint went dry

Running out of hope
Running out of time
When there's nowhere left to turn
When the sun is gone
And the earth moves on
Moves away from the primal burn

The sky is a dome, and the colors
Form bands within the clouds
But don't streak when the sky is clear
Blue turns to gold
That fades away from here

Running out of hope
Running out of time
When there's nowhere left to turn
When the sun is gone
And the earth spins on
Spins away from the primal burn

The darkness completes for an instant
Not even the moon can shine
But that just tells me that it's new
It soon will grow
And that holds for me too

Running into hope
Running into time
In the darkness I see it clear
That we're moving on
Dark before the dawn
After sunset the stars appear

People and Group Predictions, almost everyone does them, but no one reads them. Well Bob Tresgovsken doesn't at least and that's our only basis for saying that no-one does.

Crumpling up The Rocket Report and threw it over his shoulder, it hit the ground and bounced a couple of times. "Hey, you pick that up."

"I didn't expect some sort of NS Inquisition"

"AHA!" 3 robed figures emerged from The Shadows in what amounted to a jump (The Shadows was the name of a nearby coffee joint) "NO-ONE EXPECTS THE NS INQUISITION!"

"But... but... How did you get here? Out of And Island."

"Hah, The Weapons of the NS Inquisition are..."

"Yes, I know, Surprise, yadda, yadda."

"Either way, you're ours. BWHAHAHAHAHAHA"

Bob just shrugged and went along...

---Hours Later---

"CONFESS!!"

"Confess what."

"You're on the not quite comfortable sofa, and we're tickling you feathers, and we are. You will Confess"

And there he was about 3 of the inquisition members where tickling him as Bob Tresgovsken was sitting not quite comfortable sofa and seemingly totally unphased by the 'torture'.

Meahwhile the story broke that the team was without the Bazorite representative of FAIL. FAIL has failed to announce a replacement.

http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/573/snpaperzx2.png (http://imageshack.us)

NO! WE SHAN'T GO TO WAR! And this time we mean it.

After the Cup of Harmony (yeah right!) draw last night pitted Sorthern Northland and Kose and the Turkomans in the same group less than 24 hours after the Rugby World Cup draw saw both nations set to play each other some of the more conspiracy believing folk in our nation have alleged that the host nations of the two competitions are trying to start up a war!

Why they would want two foreign nations warring on their soil we have no idea but frankly it does make for a good story so we're going to run with it anyway and come up with some crazy reasons why they could have done this.

1) The three nations (Newmanistan, Zwangzug and Kelssek) are all actually not independent nations but façades used by the Bostopian government to bring down the unbreakable socialist haven of Sorthern Northland. The last between war SN and K&tT also for some reason saw the Bostopian army get involved and we all know how much they love a war.

Truth rating: One. Whilst the idea that Bostopia is looking for another war to join in with is a very plausible one, the idea that the three hosts are Bostopian disguised plotters is simply laughable. For a start they all have a load of foreigners in them.

2) The three nations are all actually war hungry nations who all fancy going to war against SN and K&tT.

Truth rating: Three. Newmanistan have no reason to go to war with us, after all they always bloody beat us in U21 competitions. Zwangzug again, we've not done anything to piss them off (that we know of anyway) and we've never seen them as very militaristic. Kelssek on the other hand, could well have some sort of motive to war with us. Any nation with two K's, two, s's and two e's in their name has to be dodgy.

3) The three nations all have crack riot police squad and they fancy showing them off by giving them a bit of action with SN and K&tT fans square up.

Truth rating: Seven. Very plausible, from what we've seen so far all three seem to have very efficient police forces and Newmanistan have already announced they will be putting on extra security for the match. Expect a fair amount of water cannons and tear gas to be on show in Loudon. Afterall if they've studied that riot from the game in Little Greece they will have realised that it may well help to have some riot police on duty when these two teams meet.

4) Empress Jessica is still pissed off at a Sortherner kicking a football at her (accidentally we should add) in an airport at the 4th Di Bradini Cup.

Truth rating: Four. Ok so we don't think Her Highness has it in for us. In fact she was very understanding of the situation and accepted Lee Waywide's apology and lovely postcard and even invited Waywide to visit Newmanistan. Since then he has been to show off why he has such a surname on a couple of occasions. Although we'll be hoping he fails to live up to his name this time... if he's even in the squad. Oh he is? Good stuff!

But and here's why we gave this a four, we reckon there could be someone in Newmanistan who is still angry about the incident and is out to get us. Ok so it may be a bit of a paranoid suggestion and we may be clutching at staws but when you've been exposed to some of the media they have in Bostopia you'd understand such paranoia.

5)The whole suggestion is just a load of over-hyped media bollocks to sell more newspapers.

Truth rating: Zero. Oh no absolutely not, no, not at all. Why would the media do such a thing? Would you even expect such a thing from the media? You wouldn't? Exactly! There is defiantly no substance to this tale. No, there is certainly someone out there looking to provoke us into war once more, and whoever you are WE WON'T GO, NOT THIS TIME.

Host Announcement:

Zwangzug and I got our signals crossed slighty here.... Group A & B will still be scorinated by me; and C & D by Zwangzug. However, groups A & B are also going to be in Newmanistan, and C & D in Zwangzug.

Huh? Group C is scorinated by Zwand, but in Newmanistan correct?
________________________
The Cup of Harmony, or as it’s known in some parts, “The best of what’s left”. It’s no secret that this is the consolation tournament to all of those who didn’t make it to the real World Cup, either through being upset on the last day, or just through not being good enough.

Who’s in our Group?

Group C:
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 (30)
Green wombat (37)
KaMaRi (43)
Newmanistan (51)
Kosovoe (82)
Universitus University (108)

What About Us?

Arroza (57)
New coach, new home uniforms, new players, same old criminal Black and Whites. The Newmanistani police are probably going to be on alert for our games after the Dancougar incident during the World Bowl, but at least this year our team won’t need to bring along their own prison guards. Notice how I avoided mentioning football here? That’s because we’re not that good, and definitely not a favorite to progress. That would be the Newmanistanis, and Y&B 2.

Do we know any of these guys?

We tied the host country Newmanistan here in country before Qualifying for WC41, so we know we can play them anywhere. Yafor and Bazalonia 2 were in our WC41 Qualifying group, where they destroyed us 4-1 away, and we tied them at Government Park 1-1.

What’s the Schedule?

Match Day 1. Yafalonia & Bazor 2 v KaMaRi, Green wombat v Newmanistan, Arroza v Univertus University Bye: Kosovoe (July 8)

Match Day 2. Yafalonia & Bazor 2 v Kosovoe, Green wombat v Arroza, Newmanistan v Univertus University Bye: KaMaRi (July 9)

Match Day 3. Green wombat v Univertus University, KaMaRi v Arroza, Newmanistan v Kosovoe Bye: Yafalonia & Bazor 2 (July 10)

Match Day 4. Yafalonia & Bazor 2 v Univertus University, Newmanistan v Arroza, KaMaRi v Kosovoe Bye: Green wombat (July 11)

Match Day 5. Yafalonia & Bazor 2 v Newmanistan, Green wombat v Kosovoe, KaMaRi v Univertus University Bye: Arroza (July 12)

Match Day 6. Yafalonia & Bazor 2 v Arroza, Green wombat v KaMaRi, Kosovoe v Univertus University Bye: Newmanistan (July 13)

Match Day 7. Yafalonia & Bazor 2 v Green wombat, KaMaRi v Newmanistan, Arroza v Kosovoe Bye: Univertus University (July 14)

_________________________________________________________________
A dusty basement in Atalanta, that’s covered with posters of National team stars, and Arrozan and Federal scarves.

“I now call this meeting of the All-Black Crew, Capital Brigade 2 to order. Brigade Leader Bastian Scarborough in charge. First order of business, the Cup of Harmony. Any questions? You, Tony.”

“So what’s our goal. I mean why are we even going to get on a boat and go somewhere? “

“To support our team, by any means necessary, and to get drunk as the lords of creation in the process. And to be a light counterforce to really war-like people like Sothern Northland. Guards, dispense a brutal beating on this man. Any real questions? Mike?”

“Yes, what are we supposed to do about the police? They already know that we’re particularly prone to heavy drinking and fighting?”

“We already have false ID’s and passports for those of us who were in the Claxton fight. Just don’t get re-arrested and you’ll be fine. As far as that goes, I expect us all to stick together. Most of us have served in the army, so you know the meaning of no man left behind. We’ll have call-signs and responses set up, so you’ll know who to help, and who are the averages that we can afford to leave behind. Next question. ..you, Atlacamani.”

“Are we still going to go with some of the plans we had to try to seduce and hook some of the enemy players that way?”

“We seem to be in a decent group for it. We don’t have to deal with any blancmanges, robotic ducks, sentient vegetables, or 3 armed soccer players. We still need to gather more information on our opponents, and determine if it’s feasible or not. If the plan goes through, you’ll get a call from the person up north organizing that. Last Question, I have to get back home and pack.”

“Uniforms? Will there be any, or any outward sign as to who we are so we can recognize people from other brigades?”

"When we’re not at the games, just have a black bandanna somewhere on you. It’ll act like the old gang flags, and it’s quickly hideable. For games, we’ve sent out a memo that came with the ticket groupings. It’s quite simple, black shirt, black cowboy hat. Meeting adjourned.”

Huh? Group C is scorinated by Zwand, but in Newmanistan correct?Yes and no: group C will be scorinated by myself but also be in Zwangzug, ICly.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7993/dailyturkjo0.png
Here we go again!
The team has been selected and the team seeks to improve on an impressive World Cup Qualifycation campaign with the team once again screwing up at the last hurdle; this team sees the return of young royal Orhan Kose who will be the third goalkeeper for this campaign, but sees the last tournement for Cakir Fuat who wont see another tournement at 35, he retires from international football after this tournement and he will look to aid the two younger goalkeepers with his experience, especially Kazim with his concentration issues.

This team also contains the Koc twins but they will have to play in separate defense's unless injury forces them together as one of the twins will play the sweeper role at the back, while Saray and Üzulmez line up as center backs.

Alhrems fighting for job.
After the failed World Cup qualification, many thought that Alhrem would be out but the FF have given him one last chance to prove himself and it is said that anything less than a place in the Knockouts will be sufficient, Sinan Kose has backed the coach and has said that: "The Team will play our hearts out to keep him as our manager." Many people are said to be in the mix to replace him, the early favorite is previous manager Murat Sehadze who will be returning since his absence from football.

Tough Group.
Sorthern Northland
Lovisa
Kose and The Turkomans
Jariss
Kereca
Orion Star Empire
Alversia

Here there are several capable teams more than able to play the spoiler in this group but one team sticks out like an Irish person in a sober crowd, Sorthern Northland, as you may recall we had a small war with them hell, even Bostopia got involved, we must get a result against Lovisa and hope to beat the teams seeded lower if we are to qualify the draw has given us a reunion with our old nemesis Sothern Northland, full analysis with tomorrows Daily Turk.

http://www.biezanow.net/~dominik/lzpn1.JPG
The Lovisa Team for CoH 33


Goalkeeper:
[1] Fritjof Sievers (26, Lovos-Renault Atma)
[4] Jason McCouler (28, Visby Nestle Quarcoo)
[18] Marcel Dalbier (23, EMC Goar)


Defenders:
[19] Sebastian Vilgoor (23, CR Submiria, Cafundeu)
[17] Krystian Biel (23, SD Borland Leve)
[31] Christian Hartwig (26, Blaupunkt Leve)
[22] Matti Leppisoe (23, Atma Teatanic)
[7] Christian Goor (24, EMC Goar)
[10] Vincent Moreux (21, Edda EB Ulforg)

Midfielders:
[5] Jan Sandler (22, Lovos-Renault Atma)
[8] Eric Tamme (25, Blaupaunkt Leve)
[2] Philip Meehan (28, Visby Nestle Quarcoo)
[3] Constantin Pappanidoulis (28, LKS Perros-Guirec)
[11] Sebastian Kremer (26, EBBC Bosch Atma)
[24] Andre Blazer (26, AG Bitola Quarcoo)
[14] Hakon Indgaard (22, Telecom Cxal Shepenyagah)

Strikers:
[12] Georg Lunz (24, América, Cafundeu)
[33] Mariusz Franke (27, Lovos-Renault Atma)
[9] Henrik Baecker (25, Vila Velha, Cafundeu)
[6] Austin Cirillo (25, EMC Goar)
[15] Diego Valderrama (28, ASC Calvena Goar)

Coach:Henryk Kasperczak /age:46/


Home & Away Kits
Kits created by:
http://www.starblaydestudios.co.uk/Images/ediraflogo.jpg
http://www.biezanow.net/~dominik/LovHome4-1.jpghttp://www.biezanow.net/~dominik/LovAway4.jpg


Permission Boxes

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

Nok: What's wrong girly?
Sadie: Will we every qualify for the World Cup?
Nok: It's only our 7th attempt.
Sadie: But that's already worst than Jeruselem!

Nok: We'll qualify ... one day.
Sadie: I don't know.
Nok: We just need to keep trying.
Sadie: I'll be retired by the time that happens.

Nok: It's not impossible.
Sadie: We can never beat the good teams when we need to.
Nok: Don't give up girl.
Sadie: The coach said you're too old to be running around chasing girls these days

Nok: That'll happen when I'm dead
Sadie: Not going to settle down with a girl?
Nok: Gotta find the right girl first
Sadie: Like who?

Nok: Preferably that Marie-Antoinette Dallas.
Sadie: But she's only interested in high class guys
Nok: I know, I'll need to step up in class first.
Sadie: What about someone like me? I'm not as pretty or smart or fiesty or spirited or ... everything but I'm still a Dallas.

Nok: As that an offer?
Sadie: Maybe ...
Nok: I like you.
Sadie: I'm in the market, please ask if you want a wife.

Nok: You in a hurry or something?
Sadie: Dallas girls marry young.
Nok: I might be wrong guy, you know - I can't help myself.
Sadie: Well, we're not much better.

Nok: Good point, but let's concentrate on the football here first.
Sadie: OK
Nok: Let's talk about this when we get home.
Sadie: I'm going to miss Jacinta Sallad's wedding ...

Nok: Oh yes, we are ... bummer.
Sadie: We were invited but we can't go now since we're here.
Nok: Hey, don't be sad.
Sadie: I really wanted to go.

Wachovia Public Forum

Dateline: Newmanistan

Green wombat's Wombats are once again in teh Cup of Harmony, after a disasterous Qualifying campaign. With most of the team that has represented the nation over teh last 16 years either retired or retiring, it's time for a new generation of Wombats to fail.. I mean...take over.

The group draw did the mostly young team no favors as the opening match is against co-hosts Newmanistan, who have come far in just a decade of international competition.

As for the remainder of the schedule, the 2nd match is against Arroza, Didn't they win this a few years ago? Or was that Acapais> can never get those two stragiht. The third match is Universitus University, never heard of them, moving on. After a bye date, the 4th match is: Kosovoe. Weren't they in the Continuum once? I think they forgot to pay the dues and we kicked them out.

Now where was I? Oh. The 5th match is KaMaRi, sounds like a type of octopus, and finally we face Yafalonia and Bazor 2. Those names ring a bell, but I can't put my finger on them. Don't they have lumberjacks that are O.K.? I dunno maybe that's where I got my Norweigan Blue Parrot, even though he just there nailed to his perch.

Right, back on topic. A managable schedule, so a deep run is possible, but can this young team gel quickly enough?

(Team meets after arriving in Zwangzug)

Carson: Guys and gals, I need us all to come together right now. I want us all to focus on what we have come to Zwangzug to do.

McAllister: Of course, coach.

Carson: I know that all of you know how important it is for us to have a good showing here, but we need to do things differently then we did when we attempted to qualify for World Cup 41. Because what we did there, didn’t work. I know Squornshelous and Vephrall were tough, but we left other points on the table.

Brooker: Yeah, we know.

Chapman: It won’t happen again, coach.

Carson: I know you guys know, but I really think we got a little too overconfident in World Cup 41 qualifying because of how close we came the four years prior in our first appearance in this thing.

Lewis: Overconfident?

Carson: Yes, Kevin. I want you all to listen up. And listen closely. Think for a second, back to our Baptism of Fire when we were underdogs. We came together, had a great run and won it. Then, in World Cup 40 qualifying we found a late spark to make our run. Where was that spark for qualifying in this cup?

McAllister: I thought we did but maybe you’re right.

Lewis: We need to find it again.

Carson: Yes, we need to find it again. We went through the motions a little bit in qualifying and that cannot happen again. I blame myself, as a coach, for not coming down on it in a harder matter, but here now, we must fight. (Pauses)

Carson: Remember what it was like to represent Newmanistan. Be proud of where you are from. Several of us have used past events to springboard our careers both at home of abroad, and that’s fine. But there is so much pride to play for the Empire. Everyone board the team bus right now.

(Players seem a little surprised by that, but they board the team bus)

McAllister: Where are we going, coach?

Carson: You’ll find out, we’re almost there.

(The bus stops outside a stadium)

Carson: Follow me. (He walks to a destination then stops) Read that.

McAllister: Zwangzug Zebras, World Baseball Classic 7 champions.

Carson: And who’d they beat?

Several Players: Us.

Carson: That’s right. Us. Our young ladies went to Green wombat for that tournament as nobodies. No one gave them any credit to do anything but maybe win a game or two in the group stages. But they came together. They were determined to overcome the odds. There was absolutely no way they were going to be brought down, and when they needed to win. They won. And won again. They were focused and gave everything they possibly could. A team that was supposed to do absolutely nothing made it all the way to the championship. Now, Zwangzug earned that title, but I want you to think about the lesson that our ladies showed out there on the baseball diamond.

McAllister: They did a great job.

Chapman: Absolutely.

Carson: Not only did our ladies win the games against the better teams, they also took care of business against the lesser teams. No one was overlooked. If they overlooked just one lesser team in the group stage, they would never have advanced to the knockouts. It was a complete victory and one to be greatly proud of. They gave Zwangzug a run for their money.

Lewis: We can do it too.

Carson: You’re right. We can do it too. Because we’re still growing as a footballing nation. Everything that those ladies did on the baseball field we can do too. We’re not the highest ranked team in the group, but none of the teams higher then us in the standings should be intimidating us. None of them!

McElroy: I remember watching a lot of those games on TV, it was really a great feel good story to see them do so well, and I kept thinking that there is no reason we can’t do the same thing.

McAllister: We can do the same thing, and starts right here in the Cup of Harmony!

Chapman: Our nation will be following the Cup of Harmony extra closely, it’s time for us to have a good showing in it too.

Lewis: We must do better, and we will. We WILL do better.

McAllister: Exactly, we’re going to the knockout stages and no one is going to get in our damn way.

Brooker: Right on!

Carson: That’s the spirit. And there’s no better team to start our mission against, using them as a model, then Green wombat, where they had that success.

McAllister: Let’s do it boys! No excuses! We will advance from the group. We will!

Lewis: We WILL, on three! 1... 2....

Team: We WILL!!!!!

Newmanistan, Tundra Falls Proving Ground -

The last time a Rennidanian stepped into this part of Newmanistan and tried to win a game, he ended up leaving with the best part of a police force after him. Micah Twels had disgraced Rennidan with his actions, and had set about some unease between the nations when it came to playing one another at sports.

Luckily for Rennidan, they weren't playing Newmanistan.

Yet.

But they still had to worry about the ghosts of Tundra Falls Proving Ground, who seemed to already be at work trying to make sure Rennidan didn't have an easy run through this time. Candelaria and Marquez and Prux in the same group? It wasn't natural.

Fancy some back story here?

Candelaria and Marquez were the team Rennidan nipped past in the last Cup of Harmony semi-finals in Krytenia/West Starblaydia. It was a good match, and a close one, with Rennidan bumbling past with a 1-0 victory. Here, there's no bad blood. However, both teams know each other fairly well thanks to that match, and as Candelaria and Marquez are Rennidan's first opponents here in the Cup of Harmony, we're expecting some... interesting results.

Then again, there might actually be some bad blood after all....

Matteo Corradini, Captain of the Candelaria and Marquez team, had left quite a mark on Robert Golos in their last semi-final match, a mark Golos isn't too happy about.

Then we come to Prux.

They're rat bags.

That's all we've got on them.

_________

Malkoa, the elder one, not the beanpole of a goalkeeper, stood silently in the windy Rennidan night. The nation had been experiencing it's worst storm season in decades. Many explanations roamed, the obvious one being the sheer pollution put out by other nations (which a lot of Rennidanians regretted as, they themselves, were one of the greenest nations). Others, mostly the elderly, were blaming it on the opening of the Wall, something which had occurred a mere four years previously. They said it was Mother Nature's way of punishing the Emperor for daring to go beyond the wonderful land she had given them. That was the thing about those born long before the opening of the wall was even imaginable; they were very easily swayed to the paranormal side of affairs.

And right now, so was Malkoa.

He stood by the side of a large slab of rose-and-gold fused granite, the tails on his long coat flapping silently in the undying wind. Opposite him stood a frail man, dressed much like Malkoa himself in a long coat and thick scarf, yet it wasn't the elderly man's attire that drew your attention to him. To many outsiders, it would have been the eyes. They were a piercing ice blue that seemed to almost glow in the dark and even outshine the lightning strikes in the gloomy background. To those who had lived in Rennidan for all their lives, however, it was the face that would have got them stopping and staring.

For he looked just like... wait. No way... Michal Ronnan.

And for outsiders, yes, they would happily accept this old man was just hanging out with the nation's football manager, probably trying to give Malkoa some tips, as you do.

And for residents of the lovely Isle of Rennida?

Well, they would probably brick it and run.

Because Michal Ronnan?

Well.

He's dead.

Malkoa smiled to himself as he lent gently upon the expensive granite slab, talking cheerfully with his old friend and mentor. The weather was little bother for someone at a moment like this, and even when it rained the two continued their chat. It mostly revolved around football, but here and there it would dip away at a tangent.

How was Michael? How was Allison? Is it true you're going to be a father?

But it would always come back around to football. The game is Malkoa's life, and it was Ronnan's at some point.

But he passed away.

Remember?

The clock struck ten, and Malkoa turned his back on the gravestone of his old friend, happy in the knowledge something better awaits. Behind him, Ronnan was gone. Only his footprints in the mud revealed to the world someone had stood there.

But really now.

Who believes in ghosts?

_________

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Logo-3.png

An exclusive interview isn't anything odd to us here at the Rennidan Sports Network, but it's not often we get two all stars in for a single interview. Here today we have Ryan Malkoa, the current manager of Rennidan's football team and Michael Ronnan, the wonder-boy midfielder of the very same team.

Me: Well, lads, didn't make the World Cup this year, but bloody hell was it close. It was only your second time in the big event, but you were clinched out of qualifying due to goal difference. How does that make you feel?
Malkoa: It's got me wanting a more offensively minded team. I know we're famed as being a stone wall in the back, so I've taken some time away from helping the defensive side to pay attention to my midfielders and forwards.
Ronnan: Aye, it's helped a load as well. The World Cup's behind us now, so we're just concentrating on winning the Cup of Harmony.

Me: Of course, you made the finals in the Cup of Harmony four years back, and by the sounds of things you're obviously hoping for a repeat performance.
Ronnan: Definitely. We're here to give this our all.

Me: And how does it feel now that you can't get out on the pitch and help your team due to your injury in the finals four years ago, Ryan?
Malkoa: It sucks, yeah. I'm the first to admit that. But now I'm helping the team like I couldn't whilst I was on the pitch. I get a better view from the sidelines than I do from in the goal.

Me: Your first match is against Candelaria And Marquez... Any thoughts?
Malkoa: Yeah, I'm trying to drill it into Golos' head that revenge on Corradini isn't the best idea. Especially at the Proving Grounds. Our nation already has a bad history at that place.
Ronnan: Aye, can you believe Golos actually has Corradini's face on his dart board?

Me: You've also drawn Prux in the group. Any words on that?
Malkoa: Yeah. Next question?

Me: Heh, I assume that means the nation still isn't ready to give up on the rivalry?
Malkoa: They insulted us as a team back in the World Cup. I'm not ready to give up on a nation that outright insults a team that ends up bettering them. I think all I need to do is remind them who ended up above who in the group stage.

Me: Michael, any truth behind the stories of other teams out there vying for your talents abroad?
Ronnan: I've had a couple of offers to leave Southern Hawks...
Malkoa: Which he's not taking as I've become their manager as well...
Ronnan: Aye, I'm dead happy with the Hawk's performance in the last few leagues. Always finishing in the top three is pretty good, and the pay ain't half bad either, so no, I won't be leaving anytime soon.

Me: Well, lads, all I can do is wish you the best of luck against Candelaria And Marquez this week. Let's hope you can bring back the Cup this year.

FOOTBALL FEDERATION OF BLOUMANY

The Football Federation of Bloumany (FFB) wishes to advise all interested parties that the final roster for the 33rd Cup of Harmony has been finalised.

Manager: Henry Schweppe Brought out of retirement, had been manager of 3 different teams over his 20 year career in the top job winning a total of 25 pieces of silverware.
Assistant Managers:Kane Gronon, Fredrick Donald and Matthew Monhash
Physio: Dr. Bradly Holdings

Goalkeepers

#1. Henry Burner
Age: 31
Position: GK
Club: Atlético Insular (Cafundeu)
International Caps:
Short Bio: Considered to be the greatest goalkeeper in the history of Blouman football, he has increased his experince against foreign players while playing for Atlético Insular in Cafundeu

#23. Johnathon Marton
Age: 27
Position: GK
Club: Kings Park F.C
International Caps: 0

#31. Henry Jackson
Age: 22
Position: GK
Club: Port Fansat
International Caps: 0

Defenders

#2. Sam Kiamar (Captain)
Age: 28
Position: CD
Club: Playford Atheltic Club
International Caps:
Short Bio: Excellent Defender and has great leadership qualities can regain morale within a losing team and has managed to be able to motivate the team to win in these situations and has previous international experience.

#3. William Walker
Age: 26
Position: CD
Club: Lincoln upon Isar
International Caps:
Short Bio: Excellent defender and can play right across the back line has won best and fairest for his club a total of 3 times.

#4. Ahron Bricker
Age: 30
Position: LB
Club: Clare Valley
International Caps:
Short Bio: Good defender with a proven record and previous international experience he is able to close down defenders with ease

#5. Richard Moaninton
Age: 22
Position: RB
Club: Jollip Province Athletic
International Caps:
Short Bio: Has excellent defending abilities, a player who can stave off attacks down the right wing, he has prior international experience being on the Blouman World Cup 39 and 40 team as well as corresponding Cups of harmony and the 5th and 6th Di-Brandi Cup team.

#49. Christopher Moreton
Age: 22
Position: LCD
Club: Southcastle
International Caps:

#37. Sam Killner
Age: 27
Position: RCB
Club: Athletic Club of Newcastle
International Caps:

#26 Andrew Pollard
Age: 22
Position: CD
Club: Olympia Gladiators (Newmanistan)
International Caps:

Midfielders

#6 Steven Holdings
Age: 26
Position: CM
Club: CR Submiria (Cafundeu)
International Caps:
Short Bio: Strong midfielder extremely fit and able to run from one end of the field to the other and can quickly change from attacking mode to defensive mode, he has added to his experience and improved his skill since playing overseas in Cafundeu for CR Submiria.

#7. Alexander Lightfoot
Age: 30
Position: LM
Club: St Peters
International Caps:
Short Bio: Able to bamboozle opposition midfield with fancy footwork and good skills he can quickly read the game of play and adjust to suit, he does play slightly defensively

#8. Johathon Filmar
Age: 24
Position: RM
Club: C.F. Cathedral City (Candelaria And Marquez)
International Caps:
Short Bio: Uses the right side of the field well and can move up and down it with ease, a fast player who is dangerous in corner kick situations with his excellent heading ability and has great crossing skills. Has enhanced his skills and experience since the last World Cup playing in the 31st CoH and playing overseas in Candelaria And Marquez for C.F. Cathedral City

#75. James Sleep
Age: 19
Position: RCM
Club: FC Middleton
International Caps:

#34. Johnathon Kovac
Age: 21
Position: RM
Club: Romford
International Caps:

#29. Ross Milsop
Age: 21
Position: LCM
Club: Clackridge
International Caps: 0

#88. Christopher Moreton
Age: 24
Position: CAM
Club: Stroudsbourg Panthers (Newmanistan)
International Caps: 1

#30. Christopher Notting
Age: 28
Position: CAM
Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Untied
International Caps: 0

Forwards

#9. Christopher Speed
Age: 22
Postion: CF
Club: Jollipville Athletic
International Caps:
Short bio: Teen prodigy fast, excellent shot, plays the centre forward position well, began playing for his team in their top team at the age of 16 years and 5 days and is the youngest player in 101 years to debut at this level, loved by the media due him playing with the ball well and can produce goals from the most unlikely of position he has improved his skills since in both the 39th, 40th and 41st World Cup qualifiers, 31st and 32nd Cup of Harmony as well as playing in the 5th Di-Brandi Cup. He has won the Tonning Medal (League best and fairest) for the past four years. He is the dlubs pinup player and is cited for the reason why their has been a 150% increase of females attending Jollipville Athletic games.

#15. Anthony Williams (Vice Captain)
Age: 30
Postion: ST
Club: Krondorf
International Caps:
Short Bio: Excellent Striker can find the back of the net more times then not, and with good ball skills can turn defenders inside out as he moves through players to get a clear shot in the penalty area, dangerous in these situations. Excellent leader who can motivate players and direct them in to his vision.

#11 Jack Junkson
Age: 26
Position: ST
Club: Corrimal Rangers
International Caps:
Short Bio: Good striker with near pinpoint accuracy on goal while not particularly fast being strongly built and with a wide frame he can charge through smaller players who dare to go up against him

#10. Martin Fox
Age: 20
Position: ST
Club: Newgate
International Caps:

#55. Issac Golding
Age: 21
Position: ST
Club: Tollingbrough
International Caps:

Uniform

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/BlouHome4.jpg http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/BlouAway4.jpg

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

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players N
Godmod other events Y (within reason TG me if you want something major)

OOC: I will be inserting international caps when I have the time to go through the past tournaments in which I have participated and count up the number of games

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Once More Unto the Breach

dear friends, once more. Was what Henry Schweppe quoted when he said he would come back into the football world to coach and manage a team. And he is about to do it all again by taking the same team into the Cup of Harmony ready to do battle in an attempt to bring home the Empire's first piece of silverware. After just missing out on qualification due to a few poor draws the team that has performed at their best which for most players will be their 3rd attempt at the Cup of Harmony have vowed that they will fight harder than ever to ensure that they are the ones holding the cup.

The team has been drawn into Group A where they will be playing against Candelaria and Marquez, Prux, Rennidan, Vonks, kenavt and The Macabees it can be seen that this will be a hard group to come up against especially with C&M and Prux who have already been declared by some pundits as the two teams who will finish on top. It will be important for the Eagles to be able to get results against kevant and Vonks in order to have a shot. Schweppe has given every indication that his team has what it takes to make it too the finals. After world cup qualification where the team felt they had cheated themselves out of making it to the cup they now have something to prove not only to their fans and the international world of football but to themselves.

The first game will be played against Prux who has listed a team of past world leaders while some have the mental capacity to be able to execute great strategy it will seem that none know the game well and their inflated egos will get in the way of any real teamwork. The team will be playing all games in Newmanistan which could prove to be an advantage as both Andrew Pollard and Christopher Moreton have been playing for Newmainstan teams and would have played in some of the grounds and should know how the field handles the ball.

And so to our brave heroes who are off to Newmainstan I say "when the blast of the whistle blows in your ears. Then imitate the action of the tiger: Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood."

Golden-Whites Roster

Modifier +1

In the event my opponent posts an RP first, they may:

Select my scorers — No
Give out yellow cards to my players — Yes
Give out red cards to my players — No
RP injuries to my players — No
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — Yes
Godmod other events — No

Management
Coach: Darivan Varrios [Yafor2; coach of Chelmar FC in the LIDYT]
Defensive Technicians: Georg Talin & Forsún Tíel
Offensive Technicians: Lysander Kalk & Yonas Fíern
Head Physician: Nas´liern Coth

Goalkeepers
#1 Díenar V'har
#25 Luk Lestár

Defenders
#36 Nestor Yíer
#7 Lión Gertal
#18 Jonas Terch
#45 Klins Ter'hav
#77 Gíerd Hen
#27 Daví Nat
#26 Fortún Díabalis
#12 Tíengard Ursal

Wingers
#4 Frederík Nastel
#33 Tíengard Balánt
#22 Gerard Daví
#45 Krak Lent
#67 Samuel Gíod

Central Midfielders
#13 Norton Galastíel
#9 Tor Vanderhak
#12 Golet Níer
#21 Sorton Ferd
#17 Lamí Davíer
#37 Baldwin Cavi'ter
#48 Lok Díelnok

Strikers
#2 Mika d'Angíel [Captain]
#3 Ferst Guerp
#5 Lisander Zerch
#6 Tíer Num
#8 Gal Wíersbra

Kits [Home/Away] by Ediraf
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/Macabees/TGTHome4.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/Macabees/TGTAway4.jpg

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/6480/universitusuniversity2qb3.gif

The Hoya College of Soccer of The Tildes Skills School at Universitus University Proudly Presents:

The Universitus TSS Prefects
Jevian Representatives to Cup of Harmony 33
Staff


Acting Head Coach: Dr. Felix Valden-Luordes, M.D. (City of Universitus): Universitus Staff (4101- ); Hoya College of Soccer of The Tildes Skills School Staff (4111- ); Universitus Soccer Coach (4115- )
Assistant Coach: Dr. Bian Serlon, M.D. (Calix City): Universitus Staff, Hoya College of Soccer of The Tildes Skills School Staff (4120- )
Head Trainer: Dr. Malthusi Earl, D.M.D., M.D. (Darlough): Universitus Staff, Hoya College of Soccer of The Tildes Skills School Staff (4125- )
Head Strategist: Zalkan Garlow (Domz City): Universitus Staff, Aeri Department of Mathematics (4110- )

Starters


GK: #22 Williams Compulson (C) (Das Pass): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4110, Recipient of Jevian Soccer Award (4120), Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
D: #14 Milandam Barloun (Hul): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4119
D: #10 Machias Dulton (Zyzz City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4119, Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
D: #3 Bordil Turlfol (Calix City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4100, Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
M: #5 Procolin Ert (Domz City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4120, Top Jevian Prospect (4119), Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
M: #25 Olin Baynes (Darlough): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4121, Top Jevian Prospect (4120), Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
M: #9 Galin Valman-Vorhees (Darlough): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4121
LW: #44 Hejan Balvough (Koat City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4125, Top Jevian Prospect (4124)
RW: #11 Larse Jelton (Domz City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4115, Top Jevian Prospect (4114), Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
C: #2 Andez Nacariah (Cias): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4125, Recipient of Jevian Soccer Award (4124)
C: #1 Nombin Daftol (Alen): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4111, Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)


Reserves


GK: #0 Adams Treiner (Tarsche City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4117, Baptism of Fire 25 (4128)
D: #33 Difek Vanex (Domz City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4126
D: #45 Kalyen Carafe (High Pass): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4127, Recipient of Jevian Soccer Award (4126)
D: #17 Esven Saptol (Das Pass): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4127
M: #20 Lasaro Halso (Zyzz City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4120
M: #99 So Brazaro (Cias): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4128, Top Jevian Prospect (4127)
M: #60 Ulin Rafter (Grats): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4125
F: #21 Watuo Felief (Fier): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4122
F: #8 Xamar Garato (Darlough): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4128, Recipient of Jevian Soccer Award (4127)
F: #4 Inithes Carmush (Tarsche City): Hoya TSS College of Soccer Entry Class of 4124


Uniforms Provided by: ediraf (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13707062&postcount=59)
Home - Away
Third

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/JeyHome4.jpg http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/JeyAway4.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/JeyThird4.jpg

Style Modifier: +1

In the event my opponent posts an RP first, they may:

Select my scorers — Yes
Give out yellow cards to my players — Yes
Give out red cards to my players — No
RP injuries to my players — No
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — Yes
Godmod other events — No

“One, two, three… miss this one… five, six, seven, eiigh…? Or…? No, yes, eight, definitely… Eight. Nine… Miss this one… Eleven… Press buzzer, then twelve, and then…”

The girl pushed open the door with as much caution as she could muster, and peered down the barren corridor, noting desperately its rather pleasing fawn colouring and wondering if it would go well in the lounge. It was a good idea to concentrate on such trivial matters, the others had told her. Anything to keep one’s mind off the whisperings. According to Big Mary, who had been around here longer than anyone and whose word was to be trusted at all times, the voices had sent lesser minds mad within barely half a dozen visits.

Not that you could tell that it was actual speech you were hearing, not yet. From this end of the hall, the low, whispered whistles and occasional soft squeaks were as the wind passing across la Isla de Martín Delgado and rustling through the feathers of the local colony of yellow-billed storks or, even less poetically but slightly more accurately, the sounds of an assembly hall of primary school children readjusting their undergarments after the ‘And if I was a Kangaroo, I know I’d jump right up to you’ verse of the Butterfly Song, prior to the prohibition of such inane pro-Christian propaganda in Candelariasian state schools in the mid 1990s.

But as the girl inched forwards, little snippets of fragmented speech began to become clear, though they remained seemingly nonsensical strings of words, “Potential banana skin… made himself big… lost the dressing room… one hundred and ten percent…”, like hypnagogic speech in the middle of the day. Steeling herself – for she had been trained for this for many months, and knew precisely what was coming next – the girl dashed down the rest of the corridor, taking care not to drop neither the naked flame in her right hand nor the copy of the Empire Times in her left, and elbowed open the unassuming little door at the very end of the passage.

The sudden explosion of noise as she entered was truly ungodly, worse than anything she had previously imagined. She dropped the newspaper, she couldn’t not, and felt herself pressed to the ground in an effort to be as far away as possible from the blaring screens arrayed around the room. Soon she was crawling, in the dark, on her hands and knees, towards the giant chair at the centre of His office, whilst attempting to keep her elbows hunched as high as possible over her ears.

It took some time before he noticed her, whimpering at his feet. “Ah, yes,” he mouthed, but did not address her directly, instead turning towards the vast keyboard in front of him, holding down Alt Gr, and robotically pressing the F keys one by one.

The girl risked a look upwards. The spinning blue sphere of PINA flickered and died, taking a couple of decibels with it. In the corner of her eye, CBC SportsWorld popped out of existence. KBC Four, SBC International, the Rennidan Sports Network, Footballian C12, NTV Sport, KMN Sports… All around her, hundreds of channels were disappearing, taking their godawful prattle with them, until a soft “Ashley Taylor, for LBG World, Pocono City, Newmani…” drifted away, and then there was silence.

They sat together in the darkness for a moment, the screens having taken away the only source of light bar the bare candle by the door, before two meagre strip lights fluttered on. The girl glanced up at the shapeless, hunched figure in the chair.

“He’s beautiful, is he not…?” it whispered coldly, perhaps to her, perhaps to the world.

“Louise.”

“What?”

“Sorry, I… I thought you wanted my n–”

“Yes… I’m sure you did. You have my paper, child.”

“Yes, Mr. Mc O’Neil.”

“And what do they say?”

“Um… There is a little column, sir… Opposite the curling? On the Candelaria-Allemali game, they say that Filmar didn’t play particularly well, but Tate Parrish was good, and that he could cause them problems if they drew Arroza in the Harmony. This is yesterday’s paper, of course,” she added. “We won’t get today’s until, well, tomorrow. Although we’ve seen the online edition.”

“And?”

“They say that C&M and Prux have already been declared the top two teams by some pundits…”

“And there is nothing else?”

“No. Is there supposed to be, sir?”

“No… No, I suppose not. Not yet.”

“Sir… Is it true what they say about the team of Prux, I…” She paused, curiosity getting the better of her. “Who’s beautiful, sir?”

“You ask too many questions, child. You all do. Sometimes I do not envy Melbourne… As for the latter matter…?” He sighed. “It would not do to allow one such as yourself to gaze upon such magnificence too often. However…”

He beckoned to her slowly and Louise clambered slightly to her feet and, remaining careful not to look into Mc O’Neil’s face, risked a look at the room’s last lingering screen.

“Samuel Fortal?” she whispered.

“Sam-yoo-al,” Mc O’Neil intoned. “But yes.”

“He’s… He’s quite the physical specimen,” Louise admitted. Beauty appeared to be pushing it a tad though.

“And he’s ours. Incredible…”

Louise frowned, before the light dawned. “Oh, I didn’t know you were a Spur fan, sir. I am too, sort of. Well, me dad’s from up Rosasharn way, anyroad. Not a big football fan meself, but I like t’keep me ear in, and me brother, Sid? He say he’s going to be a right good player once h–”

“You talk too much. He will be a marvellous player, however. And we can have him. We will have him.”

“Oh. Is the deal not finished yet, then? Have they got to finish personal terms, or…?” She peered again at the screen, where Fortal and his colleagues were kicking a ball or three about in one of the Proving Grounds’ innumerable training complexes. “Oh right, you mean C&M? Aye, according to Sid, we’re going to get Jason…? What was it?”

“McElroy.”

“Yeah, Jason McElroy as the ref, and he won’t let a big beast like Fortal knock anyone about. Should give Iggy Vélez and, wozzizname, Dionísio, every chance to outwit him when he can’t just chop ‘em down, Sid says. Plus, Sid reckons he’ll keep Corradini safe, won’t let Robert Golos go for any revenge, like. Yeah, we’ll take ‘im, sir! We’ll…”

She trailed off. Sam Mc O’Neil, the President of the Candelaria And Marquez Soccer Championship, and de facto President of the Candelaria And Marquez Association Football Association, was grinning. He caught her looking at him. She fell back down to the floor.

“Do not presume…” he whispered. “Do not presume to understand me, child.”

“Tha… That wasn’t what you meant, was it, sir?”

“No, girl. We will have him. Once this tournament is over. He will be living in Rose of Sharon, he will be one of us. Child,” – and at this Mc O’Neil suddenly launched out an arm with unexpected speed and seized the girl’s shoulder that little too tightly – “Dionísio Madeira Lobos is just the beginning… Once we remove that accursed quota, we will be free to fill the league with the finest players from every footballing country on the planets! And slowly but surely we will rid them of their jingoistic tendencies, and we will naturalise them, and do you know what that means, child?”

“Um… We’ll have a really good national team?”

Mc O’Neil paused, as if the thought had never occurred to him. He waves a hand dismissively. “Perhaps, perhaps. But that is hardly the point, girl. Suddenly, every country in the worlds would look to us! Every media outlet would fight tooth and nail for a rare dialogue with their own little turncoat! Look at how fascinating we find Lee Waywide… And we will hold their image rights, girl. And we’ll charge for every interview. We’ll sell the natural-born Candelariasians, they hardly matter. Let the Kura-Pellandis pick up the dross our little islands produce. And the CMSC’s very own international team will dominate every column in every paper, and our league games will be top of every sports bulletin on every international network there is! And the Cafundelenses won’t know what hit them!”

“No… The… the people won’t stand for it, Mr. Mc O’Neil,” Louise whispered. “Sid says that, everyone’s right behind Dionísio now, but it’s just a passing phase. They’ll want their own players, Sid says.”

“Then your brother is regrettably short-sighted, child. The people want glamour! The people want to be respected, and feared, and HATED! The people are tired of darting from their homes to their offices and factories to the shops and back home again, desperately hoping they don’t get blown up by an enemy unknown! They want to be despised, and look their haters in the eye and tell them We care NOT! Every land there is will soon known of the CMSC, child, and we will crush every domestic league in the worlds beneath our very feet, and those countries will look upon us as their natural betters, and those countries will pay, will pay, child, pay for the privilege of being spat on by the Candelaria And Marquez Soccer Championship and its national team! A-ha. A-ha. A-HA-HA-HA- HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!”

Louise dropped to her knees again, and steadily backed away before swivelling and half running, half stumbling out of the door, slamming it shut behind her.

She was barely half way down the corridor before the globe’s sports networks began whispering again, deep in the heart of the CMSC’s HQ.

"--Is, uh... is this thing on?"

Silence. Silence. A bit of ruffling in the background and a slight mumble.

"Whassat? Move forwards, eh?"

There's a 'mm'hmm' in the background. The camera jerks slightly to zoom in a bit more onto a face half hidden in the shadows. Male. The eye that can be seen is a deep brown, almost matching the shadows hiding the man's identity.

"Right. Well, uh. Not really sure what to say."

I think we can make out his pupil contracting slightly here. Anxious. Nervous, even.

"I guess... I better start with the subject at hand."

His speech is slowing down, he exhales. He's regaining control. The man likes to be in control.

"Ghosts."

Yeah, he's crazy.

"Now, don't back out on me here. I'm paying you, you're filming me, you're doing what I tell you to do. That's what I need you to research. That's what I need you to check on."

Crazycrazycrazycrazy. That's all there is to it...

"It happened, again, today. It was Ronnan. Michal."

The cameraman, Stephen is filming this one I think, he asks 'the dead manager?'

The subject just nods, so Stephen asks for an explanation. Just like we were trained to do.

"I pay you guys to get the expla--No, y'know. Don't worry about it. I'm here to tell you everything... Everything I know, at the least."

Subject moves shifts forwards, face fully revealed. He's about mid twenties. Unshaven. Bags under the eyes. His hair's a mess. I know he asked to be anonymous here, but for the love of Nature, the guy is one of the most famous in Rennidan.

Helllooo Mister Malkoa.

_________

The bench crunched slightly, causing an outcry from Desono. The mean little prick had been drinking some OJ, but the majority of it was now down his training weights. The fiery defender twisted his head to give a load to whatever lummox had just sent his beverage flying, but he couldn't help but stop and gulp as he realized something incredibly important. The sun was missing. Or, at least, Fortal was blocking it out. So here it was, the angriest little w**ker Rennidan's defence had ever had, about to let loose at the biggest and best-est defender Rennidan would ever have.

History in the bloomin' makin'.

Luckily for Desono, his outburst was cut short by Samual's hand, which covered the tiny man's face, allowing him to push the trouble away, and off the bench. The larger-than-life defender then calmly went about unwrapping his sandwich, whilst Desono stormed off. Probably looking for some puppies to kick, or a small child with some ice cream to mug.

Fortal couldn't help but grin. Desono could be a nice enough guy, but he had 'Little Man Syndrome'. It meant he had to always try and be the big guy, the alpha male. When he didn't make team captain, he started to think he could dictate the defence. In training today, he had been yelling at Fortal about how he had been doing everything wrong. Fortal admitted that, yeah, he wasn't doing his best. But it was only training (plus he couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched). Desono flipped out. But that's when Malkoa stepped in. The older one. The manager. He stepped in and grabbed Desono by the collar, right? Pulled him off to one side. Had a small word in the smaller man's ear, and everything was sorted. Just like that.

Samual had full respect for the manager. They had been colleuges for a long time, but friends for longer. Not many people knew it, but Samual was brought up just four doors down from the Malkoa household. When kids were picking on Sam for his height, Ryan was there to kick them off. When Jo had gotten a toy stuck in a tree, Sam was there to the rescue. The irony that life was still similar was lost on Samual. Ryan still looked out for him, and Sam still looked out for Jo.

But lately, it seemed like someone else was looking out for Samual. It wasn't the same feeling he had gotten in training, nah, that was different. That was eerie. That felt stalkerish.

This other feeling was like he had someone actually there for him, to take him by the hand and guide him through it all. Like most others, Fortal was a follower of Rennidas, the belief that nature is all, and there were stories in the religion of Mother Nature herself giving everyone their own little guardian. It was just a children’s story, really, to make them feel like they had someone no matter how bad the times got. But right now, Fortal actually felt like he had one.

A good guardian looking over his shoulder. Someone who wouldn't let anything bad happen to him. No matter what, this would protect him.



Fortal looked to the sky and had a silent chuckle to himself.

How feckin' ridiculous did he sound right then?

I mean, really?

Guardian spirits?

What a load of toss, eh?

_________

"You see, the thing is, they're everywhere. In the pub, next to your television, heck, even riding in the car with you on your way to work. And Ronnan seems to be looking out for me. The guy that-The guy that robbed his bloody job and he's there lookin' out for me. And we all have one. You, me, whoever ends up watchin' this bloody thing when you've sent it off--"

That'd be me, bud...

"--We all have one. And they're good. Honest to Nature you don't get bad ones. They're the things that try and keep you on that right path, doing the right things."

Like I said, crazy.

"Yeah. Even you Jeff. The guy that gets to watch this crap for a hundred of my Golden Crowns a day."

Wait--

"I am waiting. So get me my results."

Holy...

"And get them quick."



Time Stamps:

Recorded: 10:31AM, 2ndOfMonth. '38 by Stephen
Viewed: 09:02PM, 5thOfMonth '38 by Jeffrey

Here we go again

Style modifer +1.99
Squad to follow, Nireans in Exhile please apply!

(Head coach Carson and assistant coach Merrill sit in the manager’s office to discuss things)

Merrill: That was a classic inspirational talk this morning.

Carson: Yeah, I thought it would be better then the ol’ “Win One for the Gipper” routine.

Merrill: It was good on many levels, because we know that they don’t want to think that they were outdone by our baseball team, which is comprised of all women. And you don’t have to go the win one for the gipper route yet.

Carson: Yes, Chris, don’t you know about our ultimatum?

Merrill: What? Ultimatum?

Carson: Empress Jessica came down really hard on me after World Cup 41 qualifying, actually it was before the Vephrall game. She demands knockout stages or we’re done with the senior team. She’s considering Eric (Eric Andrews, who led the team to the Oxen Cup final). We’d stay on with the Di Bradini teams.

Merrill: I’m sure she realizes that we’re still getting this started. It’s going to take time for us to become a world force. I thought she knew that.

Carson: I thought so too but then, between me and you, all this other success has gotten to her head. The World Baseball Classic, we’re in the International Basketball final, the Oxen Cup, the World Bowl, even the World Cup of Hockey team had a solid showing.

Merrill: That’s true, but there are much smaller fields in those competitions. The World Cup is an entirely different venture. What happened to the “10 Cup plan”. We weren’t supposed to be a Cup of Harmony serious contender until Cup of Harmony 34.

Carson: It’s changed, apparently. Her thing is, and she’s right with this, we took a step back. The 10 Cup Plan doesn’t call for taking steps back. She is not just going to let us forget about only getting one combined point in the back to back games with Hockey Canada and United Hetzel. That United Hetzel game killed us. Fittingly, our fate may have been sealed at the Proving Grounds.

Merrill: So, basically, we have to make up for it here, in this Cup of Harmony.

Carson: Yes. She’s not stupid, she knows our fans are going to be intently tuning in this Cup of Harmony since Newmanistan is co-hosting it. Even though we’re out here in Zwangzug, she knows that our fans still are going to be following Group C. Plus, there’s Eric. Who got our team to overachieve in the last Oxen Cup. While good for the country, that’s not necessarily good for us.

Merrill: I see what you mean, it’s not going to be an easy road. Two out of seven teams advance, surely she’ll take a close call into consideration.

Carson: You’d hope so, Chris, but I just don’t know.

Merrill: If I knew about this before, I would have suggested stripping Kevin Lewis of the captaincy. I know he’s a Capital so you might not like me saying that. But where was he in qualifying? We can’t do it now because it’s an unnecessary disruption, but I think Jeremy McAllister, or maybe even....

Carson: I want McAllister to focus more on scoring then leading. Who else?

Merrill: Brett Prescott. Here me out.

Carson: I’m listening.

Merrill: We know all our players work hard, but Brett’s playing style is natural for this role. The way he plays fires up the team, and let’s not forget that he is coming off winning the Emperor’s Cup in Cafundeu with A.F.F.

Carson: That’s true, but I’ve always seen Brett as more of on field leader then a locker room leader, he’s never one of the more outspoken people in the locker room.

Merrill: Maybe that’s just because he hasn’t been given the chance. Obviously its too late to make a change now, but maybe make him an assistant?

Carson: I’ll sleep on it. Let’s see what happens with Green wombat first.

Merrill: We beat ‘em in the Oxen Cup.

Carson: Eric Andrews beat them in the Oxen Cup with this roster. Don’t think the Empress doesn’t know that. Actually, it was a roster without guys like McAllister, Brooker and Drummond. With them, she expects three points, regardless of our rankings.

Merrill: True. We have to win here.

Carson: Exactly.

OOC: Newmanistan I have made a few assumptions and guesses with this post such as the Capital (or main airport) customs vehicle use etc. If I have made mistakes can you please TG me and I will fix them up and ensure that it is correct in further posts.

Voice over intercom: Thank you for flying with Royal Regarmar Airways. We hope you have a pleasant stay in Newmanistan and will be flying with us again soon. Please do not undo your belt until the plane has come to a complete stop and the light is turned off thank you.

<In Pocono airport> <Collecting their baggage, clearing customs and getting to the first game is a family from Bloumany; Dad: James, Mum: Clare, Daughter: Emily (16) and Son: Leon (14)>

James: Come on, come on, we don't have much time we need to get our bags we have arrived at Pocono and we need to get at the opposite end of the county.

Emily: Well why didn't we take a plane?

James: Oh yeah and how are we going to afford it money doesn't grow on trees you know, now get your stuff and lets get out of this place.

(Most of the family moves off with bags in place)

Emily: Dad wait!

James: What (turning around) come on hurry up

Emily: I can't carry this all by myself (She has two large suitcases, a small overnight bag and a handbag)

James: Well why did you bring so much, come on Leon help with your sister's things, now let’s go.

<The family pass an airport bar, a group of Bloumans are in there singing Glory, Glory Blouman Empire>

Customs Official: Anything to declare, no illegal items in your bag.

James: No, listen can we hurry this up we need to get to Loudon in two days time; we need to see the first match.

Customs: We all would like to see the first match sir some of us have to work, and everybody is in a hurry, now open your bags.

<Into a car in the Pocono city streets>

James: He did that on purpose you know he knew we were in a hurry and he deliberately slowed us down

Clare: Yes dear, now do you know where we are going?

James: That's why I got this car it comes equipped with its own GPS I have set in for Loudon and we can be on our way, if this damn traffic gets out of the way. If I zoom this map out you can see that we are in the south east of the country and Loundon is in the north east so we have a long way to go.

Leon: Do you think we will have time to see the Newmanistan Premier League Hall of Fame?

James: I don't know Leon I hope so maybe when we get clear of this traffic and get on to the open road we can blast our way to Loudon.

Leon: I hope so it would be great to learn about football in Newmanistan especially now that my third cousin Shane Taylor plays over here. We are going to visit him in North Charlotte right Dad?

Dad: Yes after the Cup we have another two weeks here and we will visit Shane and travel around this country we are going to have a great time. It will be good to see Shane again I haven't seen him since the funeral of Great Aunt Gladis.

Clare: Yes dear, he was always a good boy.

Emily: I wonder what Jack is doing at the moment?

Leon: Jack, Jack, Jack that's all I hear about can't you stop thinking about him for one second?

Emily: When you are in love Leon you will understand the way I feel.

James: Quit it you two I don't want to hear any fighting while we are on this trip.

Emily: Well it's a stupid trip anyway, and I never wanted to come.

James: I have worked long and hard for you kids...(Both children groan at this) and I think I deserve to take some time off and if I want to come to Newmanistan and watch our boys have a shot at the cup then I will do so I think I am entitled to a bit of rest from having to work my bones off so you don't have too. Why when I was a boy...

Clare: That's enough dear I think they get the message now why don't we look out and see what Newmanistan has to offer and experience this trip to its fullest

Emily: It's a city it looks the same as in Goorna there is nothing different about cities

James: (In a stern voice) Emily.

<The family continues their trip>

Luke: Welcome back to SportsHQ I am your host Luke Sarten. We now turn our attention to the Cup of Harmony where the Eagles have been placed in a tough group; with us to go over the matches is former Port Fansat player and 3 time Braxon best and fairest David Soller. Welcome David.

David; Yes thank you very nice to be here

Luke: Well let’s get down to business first up the Eagles play Prux, what are their chances?

David Well Prux will be a hard team to beat a strong side and have performed well over the years, while it is a new team they are bringing into the side there is a lot of behind the scenes support that has been the reason for their good form over the past few cups, despite the fact they were using roboducks. So I will say that the Eagles will lose their first game.

Luke: Well out with the hard honest truth straight away. Ok then well next they will be playing The Macabees how do you think they will go here?

David: It should be a win for the Eagles and a great chance to get their campaign back under way after the previous loss. While The Macabees are not the best side and I predict they will finish near the bottom they may prove a challenge for the Eagles based on performance in the qualifiers against Ofedestan where they drew both times, these results are the reason why they didn't qualify for the World Cup as they missed out by a point. It will be a chance for them to ensure they walk away with the three points and I think that they will

Luke: Next up kenavt

David: Another here there and everywhere game it should be a win but don't be surprised if the team slips up and ends up with only a point, a loss will mean the end of their campaign and they should be embarrassed if they do.

Luke: Well I think they will win that game but by then they should be challenging for the two spots. So upcoming is Vonks?

David: Yes this should be a win Vonks have never been performing well and a win for the Eagles it will be.

Luke: Well that is some good news so now for Candelaria And Marquez?

David: Yes this will be another tough game to even get a draw; I predict a loss for this game simply due to the fact that Candelaria And Marquez are so good. Jonathon Filmar does play in Candelaria And Marquez and so he might be able to give the team some insight into how they play.

Luke: Well then they have the bye and then play Rennidan.

David: Now I think this will be the do or die battle another close team that is of similar strength. If the Eagles play well up to this point this will be a do or die game and will need to win if they want to take a spot away from Prux or Candelaria And Marquez even then it may not matter.

Luke: Well a grim perspective, but if they play against the lower ranked teams and perform well against them like kevant and Vonks then surely they will make it through?

David: The thing to remember Luke is that Prux and Candelaria And Marquez are playing these teams too and so they must perform well against these two teams if they wish to go through to the quarter finals.

Luke: Ok and your ladder prediction is?

David: Well Candelaria And Marquez first then Prux then Bloumany and I think this will only be a point or two then Rennidan then kevant, than Vonks and then The Macabees.

Luke: Ok well thank you for that David. And remember all Blouman games will be shown live right here on Channel 8 and on our HD channel with other selected games from Group A and other groups on the HD channel. You can get more information on all the teams all the matches and the insights from some of our best commentators and experts on www.channel8.be/sportshq/CoH When we return we will turn our attention to the Bloumany Air Race Championship and see who out of these two guys has the best chance of winning the King Ahron III trophy.

This is the first RP cutoff for the Zwangzug groups. Scores will appear here soon.

Group C:

Yafalonia and Bazor 2 3-1 KaMaRi
Green wombat 0-2 Newmanistan
Arroza 1-4 Universitus University

Group D:

Sorthern Northland 3-1 Kose and the Turkomans
Lovisa 1-1 Jariss
Kereca 3-0 Alversia

Woohoo! The time has come!! Matchday 1 cutoff time!

Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez 2-1 Rennidan
Prux 0-2 Blouman Empire
Vonks 1-1 The Macabees

Group B:
Jeru FC 3-1 Septentrionia
Acapais 1-0 Nire and Nire
Terreiro de Ogum 2-1 Ma Raque

Matchday 2 Schedule:

Group A
Candelaria And Marquez-kenavt @ Dover Field
Prux-Vonks @ Putnam Lake Stadium
Blouman Empire-The Macabees @ Hastings Field

Group B
Jeru FC-Dennisov @ Loudon Stadium
Acapais-Terreiro de Ogum @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Nire and Nire-Ma Raque @ Pocono City Stadium

During the Cup of Harmony, Terreiro de Ogum will show you how the supporters react to the team's performances in the competition... and how do they react about other things too.

STORIES OF THE PEOPLE - #1
THE JOÃO PAGODINHO STORY

The family of João Pagodinho get prepared to watch Terreiro de Ogum's first game in the Cup of Harmony by the television. Luckily, the amateur channel that was created by pais-de-santo is going to show the games. And, something even more impressive, the house of Pagodinho has a television. He won it last years as a gift from his friend after singing many times in his restaurant. It isn't a good television, it is small and the image is far from perfect, but is already something very valuable for João.

His wife and kids (a boy and a girl) are already sitting on the sofa. He looks at them and smiles, proud of his family, a gesture that surely shows how much he loves the ones that live with him. He gets the popcorn from the kitchen and divides it to the four people. After that, he returns to the kitchen and gets a bottle of beer, something that follows him wherever he goes. The only cause of arguments inside his house.

João Pagodinho has a problem with alcohol. He started drinking when he was just 11 years old, and since then didn't stop. He drinks nearly every day and, when he doesn't drink in one day, in the other he tends to drink much more than he should. Pinga, cachaça, beer... his favourite drinks. A caipirinha is more than welcome, whisky sometimes, but he prefers the classic cachaça and beer. Things become even worse when he is singing in a bar or another place, or just singing with his friends: in these days, he tends to drink a bottle of beer or some cachaça after each song, and is extremely drunk at the end of the night. When drunk, Pagodinho does things that it's better for you to not hear...

João works as a singer. And he is a famous one inside the country of Terreiro de Ogum, everyone knows that he is talented. He works with a group of friends, and each of them play a different musical instrument, something that makes his "shows" even more enjoyable. His musical style is the samba, and sometimes he sings some pagode music too, but he prefers the samba. An excellent singer, he was already called the "samba king" of Terreiro de Ogum.

Returning to the game, Pagodinho sit in his armchair, with his beer, popcorn and his pandeiro near him. When the game started, he seemed anxious and excited. Through the television, he could see the Terreiro de Ogum players entering in the field and performing their pre-game rituals.

"May the Orixás guide us to this victory! Oxalá Obalatá Ogum!"

Then he starts to play his pandeiro and sing one of his songs... at the same moment that Mestre Kacet does the kickoff. The game starts, and Pagodinho starts to sing with more motivation. His wife and kids seem very happy with the climate that the music produces together with the images from the television...

"É devagar, é devagar, é devagar, é devagar devagarinho..."

The team from Terreiro de Ogum seems like it's playing following the music. The short and fast passes between the players aim to reach the attack and to score against Ma Raque. The strength of the opponent team isn't big, which gives more freedom for the Orixás followers, who seem empowered to produce a good result.

"...devagarinho é que a gente chega lá, se você for rapidinho você pode tropeçar..."

Foul for Terreiro de Ogum. A Ma Raque player stops Guaxinim from scoring fouling him near the entrance of the area. Red card to the player and an excellent chance for the white team.

"...e tropeçando o seu dedo se arrebenta..."

Guaxinim leaves the field injured, opening place for Demo to play, clearly possessed by some spirit. Pinguinha will take the free kick. This makes João Pagodinho sing even louder, as this is an excellent chance for his team, and because Pinguinha is his best friend among the team players. As Terreiro de Ogum isn't a big country, the football players are friends with many people from the country. But why is Pinguinha a friend of João Pagodinho?

If you read the information about Pinguinha given in the list of players called by the Blind Magician to build the National Team, you'll notice his love for alcohol and, especially, pinga and cachaça. That's how João Pagodinho knows Pinguinha, who was number one customer of one of the biggest and most famous bars of Macumba, the capital city of the country: the Rebolado Bar. During many years, Pagodinho worked in the bar singing his famous songs, something that really improved the popularity of the bar... and his fame as a singer. As usual, João ended his presentations drunk. Pinguinha, who seems to be always drunk, usually called João to drink more with him after the end of the "shows", and that's what happened. They started to drink together, talk and soon were best friends. Now, Pagodinho fully supports his friend in his football games.

"Go Pinguinha! You're the star of this team! Show team what is a player gifted by the Orixás!"

Pinguinha takes the free kick... and scores. Everyone in the house commemorates, João Pagodinho starts to drink, he has already finished the first bottle of beer, now gets one of cachaça. Happy with the National Team success in the first half, which ends with the result of 1x0, starts singing even louder:

"Você sabe o que é caviar? Nunca vi nem comi, eu só ouço falar!"

This noise calls the attention of his neighbours, who started to come to his house to follow the football game. Most of them don't have a television at home, and João Pagodinho's house is the best place to pass some enjoyable moments. Soon, many people invade the house, but the owner isn't angry. No, he is happy. It is best to follow a game with many other people, friends and common neighbours, while he sings his songs. This makes he feel proud, as his songs are being heard and appreciated. When the second half starts, his house seems to be the place of a party, with lots of people and the João Pagodinho music. And he continues drinking... drinking... and singing, now already drunk:

"Caviar... é comida... de rico..."

It seems difficult for him to sing well, as he is being affected by the alcohol. When Pinguinha appears on the screen, he shouts:

"Look at him, this is my friend... go get them, score a goal... hahahaha!"

He is drunk. His wife is now worried. Soon, Terreiro de Ogum scores a goal. Pagodinho starts to jump, shout, and accidentaly hits one of his neighbours with a bottle of cachaça. The neighbour isn't seriously hurt, but is bleeding. João apologizes, but continues jumping. When Ma Raque scores, João complains and throws the bottle at the wall. Some pieces of glass hit the people that are inside the house, including the son of Pagodinho.

This situation makes the visitors leave the house. The game hasn't ended yet, but it's better to leave before Pagodinho, drunk, seriously hurts someone.

Inside a darkened bar somewhere in the slums of Zwangzug. The mood is further places squarely in the negative by the hundred or so fans wearing all-black packed into the tiny bar, probably breaking the fire ordinance, and doing nothing more than drinking heavily while listening to sad country songs.

“Would you mind telling us what the chingo happened there? I mean, did we just lose to a bunch of college students?”

“Actually, no Brigade Leader. The team didn’t lose to a bunch of college students. We got our rear ends cut off, pulled like barbeque pork, and then handed to us. By a bunch of [radio edit] elitist kudzu-league wannabe college students. Waitress, I need another Shiner please.”

“First of all, refer to the team as we. They rep-er…represent all of the country, especially us. And I’ll tell you what happened.” He starts gesticulating wildly into the table where the peanut shells and sawdust have congealed into a sort of almost sentient goop, held together by beer and tears. “Aight, look here. First of all, we’re playing too many men up front. Playing a 3-1-2-1-3 puts 4 people in front of the circle. And Camp and Kandji are so close together that they didn’t have space to create off each other. Valente got swallowed whole by Dulton, I think he needs to just come on as a sub, why mess with what almost worked in the Qualifiers.”

“Then, what you need to see is that with only 3 defenders we couldn’t stop the wingers and the 2 forwards at the same time. What was his name…Nacariah scored twice because Rios was back there having to decide whether to play him or his buddy back there. You gotta play 4 across the back. I don’t care what this broad thought she could get away with running at Federal, look at the losers she was playing against. This is international competition, you cain’t do that!” And with the crescendo, Bastian knocked off the empty Shiners on the side of the table. It had been a loooong night.

“Hic. I say take off Valente, and put in one of those defenders we got on the bench.”

“Hold on Captain, have you even seen these guys? I mean they’re from real no-where clubs. I mean, if you can’t even get on the squad at Federal, or Gigantes then what the heck are you going to do here?”

“Well, hopefully they found a diamond in the rough otherwise we’re going to be the laughingstock of this tourna-“. Bastian’s cell phone started playing “The Great Gate of Kiev” meaning that someone was calling him on business.

“Well, they just told us all to release the whores.” Noted Bastian.

“So what we’re going to try to get our fans to fuck the other team into submission? There might be a reason they call Arroza, ‘the home of bad ideas’. Lol. Anyways, who we targeting?”

“Well we couldn’t pick anyone from the kamarian or kosovoe team out of a line-up. So it’s going to have to be Newmanistan, and Yafor 2. Hopefully the girls’ southern charm will be enough to get their hooks into a couple of defenders…hell midfielders, strikers, referees, at this stage I’d go for having a favorable stretcher-guy. Oh, and never say lol out loud again. That’s so not cool.”

“Fine. What about Miso Kite? Does he even like women?”

“We’ll find out in a couple weeks. Heck have you seen some of the girls that came down from Evangeline? They could make a dead man stand at attention, heh. Besides if this doesn’t work we’ll actually have to beat them the slightly old-fashioned way.”

“What’s that, by playing better soccer than them?”

“No, the old Arrozan way, by shanking them in the prison yard before the game.”

THE ROCKET REPORT

COMPLETE EFFORT IN VICTORY

Zwangzug- Playing in front of a loud an enthusiastic crowd in Zwangzug, the Rockets knew the importance of getting the Cup of Harmony off on the right foot. Four years ago in Starblaydia, the Rockets lost the opener to their Cup of Harmony to the worst seed in the group, Prazkoy, and it set the tone for the entire tournament. With new life and new energy, Newmanistan took care of Green wombat by the score of 2-0 knowing that after a dismal World Cup 41 qualifying performance, the only way that this four year cycle can be salvaged is with a great Cup of Harmony performance. And with the tournament also on our home turf, the fans are paying extra close attention. One win and three points in the books, but much more must follow.

After the teams spent the first five to ten minutes or so playing somewhat conservative to get the feel of one another, Newmanistan seemed to take control of the game. Brett Prescott looked especially good early winning some key midfield battles against the likes of Phillips Milligan and Jill Caffey, and not being afraid to establish a physical presence with those players early. This began to free up space for fellow midfielder Alex Parnett, to work his magic, to either create a scoring chance for himself, or work it down low to one of the attackers, such as Jeremy McAllister. The crosses delivered by both Parnett and Prescott were nearly perfect all night. It is after all, the way things were drawn up at the beginning of World Cup qualifying, but never seemed to pan out. Today the execution was the difference, the passes and crosses that didn’t connect then, were finding their way through. An older backfield of Green wombat was having a tough time containing the speed of McAllister and Drummond, but they still came up with timely plays, and goalkeeper Rodney Rosenfeld, one of a few Wombats who are hanging them up at the end of the Cup of Harmony, made some nice stops with solid positioning. In the 29th minute, he couldn’t keep all of them out. The play began with Parnett out sprinting his marker in the midfield and then delivering a perfect cross to McAllister, who out leaped Luella Hoge for the header. Rosenfeld got a hand to the shot, but the ball stayed in front, and pouncing right on top of it was Shawn Drummond who made sure to capitalize on the tap in to make it one-nil. In the 43rd minute, Newmanistan nearly put a second goal on the board, but a strong Kevin Lewis strike smacked off the post. Drummond would have had a tap in there as well, but he was just barely beat to the rebound by Kristin McCully. So with that, the teams would head into intermission with Newmanistan up by a goal.

One goal leads always make you a bit nervous, and even though the Rockets seemed to play well, you had a sense that Green wombat may have also looked at the first half somewhat favorably, given that they were only down a goal with a new look roster. Coach Carson knew that this game was sitting there to be won, but one more goal would be needed, if nothing else, to allow him to breath a lot easier. He didn’t have to tell the players that, they knew. There was a confidence in the locker room, but of the conservative variety. Corey Hennis and the defense hadn’t been tested that much. Surely the Wombats would be coming, and when they did, the Rockets needed to have the answers.

The second half got underway, and as expected, Green wombat turned up the intensity a little bit as they sought to get the equalizer. Immediately, in the 46th minute, Norris Menotti retrieved a nice cross from Caffey, but he mistimed his leap for the header by a quarter of a second, which was just enough for him to be offline with the shot and have it sail over the bar. Hennis may have gotten to it anyway. Newmanistan continued to be physical with their opponents, lead by Prescott who was simply all over the Wombat midfielders all game long, and beginning to frustrate him. Led by this example, Jeremy Brooker, Mark McCafferty, and Eddie Chapman all picked up their physical games too, especially as it appeared the official was letting them play. When the Wombats looked as though they were about to generate a great chance, Newmanistan got a player to break up the play just in time. And on those moments that Corey Hennis needed to make a save, he was there. Still, the Rockets wanted that second goal, and in the 68th minute, it would come to fruition. A perfect strike by Jeremy McAllister, after being set up by Shawn Drummond, beat Rosenfeld to his right, and the Rockets were up by the score of 2-nil. Carson smiled and took a big sigh of relief as if a heavy weight had been lifted off of his shoulders. The lead seemed comfortable since the team really seemed to be responsible in the own end. Maybe Green wombat could have had one breakthrough, but two? Not likely. The Wombats didn’t give up and kept pressing, but the Rockets stayed focused, and with a couple of late substitutions designed to give the team more of a defensive look, bringing in Steve Secrist and Michael Harrison, they continued to have the answers. The scoreboard read 2-nil until its conclusion. Newmanistan had registered a key victory, and a crucial three points.

One of the more stunning results from matchday one in the Cup of Harmony was the Universitus University 4-1 win over Arroza, a truly “prefect” result for them. The students of one of the world’s most prestigious Universities are our next opponent, and with them coming off a convincing win like this, they’re confidence will be at a high. They are obviously well schooled in the game of football and are generally a squad that you cannot outsmart. We believe the Rockets should have the skill to get by them, but this is the kind of game that Carson needs to win. A loss, or even a draw, and those Hockey Canada-United Hetzel nightmares will start all over again.

Post game reaction? We got it!

Carson: “We responded well today. Getting the Cup of Harmony off on the right foot was important. It’s something that we didn’t do four years ago, and at the same time, starting well, could begin to put the tough qualifying memories to bed. Our execution was outstanding, and we did it against a very good side. This is a great start but we have more work to do here.”

Brooker: “We must do good in the Cup of Harmony. This is a most important tournament to our nation, and we got the job done here today. There’s a lot more football left to be played.”

Hennis: “The defenders in front of me did a great job, there weren’t a lot of real hard chances that found their way on net for me to stop, but when they did, I had a good look at the shooter which helped out my positioning for the shot.”

Prescott: “Establishing a physical presence is important. From the start of this match, we were able to do that and set the tone of the match. Gradually as the game went on, we were rewarded for that.”

McAllister: “Obviously, we needed to win this game. It’s no secret that the theme of our Cup of Harmony is redemption. We need to show the Empire that we are not going backwards, and the opportunity was there to do it against a nation who’s ranked higher then we are. We got the job done, but we need to have the same kind of effort against the University, or else this win will mean absolutely nothing. We will treat them as if they are the top seed in the group.”

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/7247/snpaperkn4.png (http://imageshack.us)

Is Toulere On His Last Legs?

That, tonight, is the question that fans and pundits alike are asking despite a convincing three one win over Kose and the Turkomans. Not since the dark days of Kevin Hugh's reign has such speculation surrounded the position of the managers post. The speculation comes after the comments of an SNFA director following the Sortherners opening game at the Cup of Harmony.

Pressed by reporters for his view on the result, director Benjamin Dowd said, "It's a good start, the SNFA however are still unhappy to have not qualified for the World Cup and unless we win this competition we will have failed and will need to consider the options we have available to us."

Fans are still struggling to work out who would replace Toulere should he go with Kevin Hugh being the only possible candidate seemingly interested in taking the job. Fans have since launched a campaign to back Toulere to keep his job.

The speculation has somewhat taken the shine off the match. The match as expected was played at a fast and frenetic pace with both sets of teams going out for the win both backed passionately backed by their fans. With the previous history between the two teams, certain people were understandably anxious about what would happen. Fortunately though there was no real trouble or mass fighting although a few minor scuffles did ruin the mostly exemplary behaviour of the majority of fans. On the pitch though, with Giṓrgos Karyōtákīs left out of the matchday squad there was little venom between the two sets of playing although there was the odd wild tackle flying around. The lead though when it came for the Sortherners through Lee Waywide after twenty minutes was thoroughly deserved but once they got the lead they immediately lost concentration and allowed the Kosenics to control the game and when they equalised just before half time through young striker Nus Kusoglu it was again thoroughly deserved. In the second half however experience proved to be decisive as the Sortherners rode out an early Kosenic storm before grabbing the win with another goal from Waywide and one from Ham Hyi-san to wrap the game up.

SN face the Orion Star Empire in their next game, one which the Sortherners will be expected to win.

Jeruselem Government News

Jeru FC goes nutty

Our army team Jeru FC defeated Septentrionia 3-1 despite being handicapped by nut shooting Septentrionia fans. The only Dallas in the Jeru FC team, Sadie Dallas - the daughter of Major Rashina Dallas, was constantly getting pinged by Septentrionia fans with Pistachio nut guns. Some Jeruselem fans turned up to the game wearing Pistachio nut costumes to the amusement of the local police.

Both teams - being Frenchies, were familiar with each other. However Jeru FC were more determined to push forward and harassed the Septentrionia defense constantly. Septentrionia were relying on the Jeru FC defense to fold but captain Sadie proved the difference. Off the field she's a stupid brain dead bimbo who ends up in someone's bedroom but on the football field, she's a different person. The Septentrionia attack had no room with to move with the Jeru FC pushing them around and stifling their creativity.

Jeru FC moved on the counterattack with the young team trying to score on the bust. Septentrionia seemed in charge when it broke the Jeru FC defense to lead 1-0 but Jeru FC with it's Dallas leader didn't fold. They hit back with three goals against a sparse defense who were caught by the speed of the Jeruselem midfield who seemed to be preoccupied with throwing nuts at Sadie.

Team captain Sadie Dallas (actually Celina Sadie Dallas) said
"I've got enough nuts collected for a pie. I'm sure I can get it finished before dinner is served. I just need a few other things to go along with these nuts. I'm sure the team will like it."

Wachovia Public Forum

Dateline: Newmanistan

Once again the Wombats underwhelmed the world with their football play. Losing to the hosts, then again is not that bad. We could have lost 3-0 or 4-0 or even 5-0, right? Well there is still time left to recover from this loss.

(Prior to a training session for the Universitus University matchup)

Carson: Alright everyone, it is of utmost importance for us to have a good training session today leading up to the game against the University. They are a highly intellectual side, they will be up on their studying and their preparation. We will need to be equally aware.

Brooker: Number 9 has a certain tendency I picked up on, let me share. (Shares tidbit)

Chapman: Ya know, I thought the same kind of thing, glad to see someone else also picked up on it.

McAllister: Excellent, a win here is imperative. We don’t get three points here, what we did against Green wombat won’t be a damn thing.

Carson: We are playing the first place team today. They will bring it with all they got to stay in first place.

McCafferty: Did you talk to your guy Mahaffey from the Capitals who is from Arroza, about additional tidbits?

Carson: He didn’t tell me much for obvious reasons, but he did let me know that they are a team that tries to outsmart you. They think they are more intelligent and therefore play with a lot of confidence.

Lewis (also a Capital): Yeah, Chris was a little let down after their game.

Carson: Universitus University is a proud nation. Well, I guess it’s more of an institution of higher learning, but you get my point. They have a lot of pride and want to make a splash on the international scene. That could never be more evident by the fact that they are bidding to co-host the next World Cup. This is no pushover. Forget their KPB ranking, that means nothing here. They have high aspirations, and are ready to take the next step.

Brooker: They have that connection with SLANI, don’t they?

McAllister: Somewhat of one. But not really.

Prescott: Yes. They are SLANI.

Chapman: Well, not really—

Prescott: They are SLANI. I don’t care if they really are or really aren’t. We will make them SLANI. Approach them like SLANI. We’ve never ever played them, so we have no idea how we measure up. These guys have some kind of business agreement with SLANI, so let’s make them our SLANI, because SLANI will be watching. (OOC: I am aware that there is no connection between SLANI and the University, it is being done for team motivational purposes only).

Carson: Very well said, Brett.

Merrill: Indeed.

Lewis: Like SLANI probably would be, they are in first place. Let’s pick up these three points, and set the pace for this group. These were the points we left on the table before. Not now. No damn way.

McAllister: I’m tired of leaving points on the table. Remember what our baseball ladies were able to accomplish. The big underdog, all opponents treated equally. Universitus University wants to have the kind of cinderella run in the Cup of Harmony. We cannot let that happen. We CANNOT. I promise to each and every one of you that I will not let you down.

Drummond: Nor will I. We will get this job done!

Lewis: For each other. For Newmanistan!! It’s time to take care of business. Let’s go out there and show these SLANI students what Newmanistan

Carson: Let’s bring this fire out there. We will get the job done, and get three more points.

(Carson and Merrill trail a few steps behind as the team takes to the pitch)

Merrill: You think about what I said? Making Brett the assistant captain? He just showed a little something right there.

Carson: If we win. Saying the words is one thing. Going out there and delivering on your promise is another.

In a Newmanistanian jail

Roger: Good job on bringing these pistachios guns. One would think we'd get caught at the customs, but we never did!

Guillaume: Thank Armes de Septentrionie for that! Their idea of making them transformable into a dildo was a good idea. Even though the guards looked strangely at us when we tried to import them into the country. Well, it was successful and we even hit a Dallas girl! I wonder when the Sorthern Northlanders and the Bostopians will call us.

Bélinda: Hey guys! Can I have that dildo?

Guillaume: It's a pistachio gun. Unless you want a nut in err... between the legs, I suggest you don't try it.

Bélinda: But I like nuts... juicy ones, especially...

Roger: Why did they place her with us in that cell?

Guillaume: Because of the show: the country's laws stipulate that there must be at least a woman and a man in principal roles... a bad law if you ask me...

Bélinda: Want me to throw nuts at you? Now, give me that...

Jail Guard: Guys, it's time for your judgement to be given. Please follow me...

In a courtroom

Judge: You have been accused of disrupting the civil peace, using an illegal weapon and of importing said weapon in the country. How do you plead?

Guillaume: Guilty

Judge: As all three of you have chosen to be judged in front of me only, I'll give my decision now: All three of you will have to meet with Sadie Dallas and give her excuses. In case of failure of that to happen before the end of the Cup of Harmony, you'll be sent to jail for a month... and you won't like our jails... they're full of people waiting for you to drop your soap. That's it, you're free.

Out of the courthouse

Roger: Well... is that really it? We have to meet with her? Well, that was easy...

Bélinda: You don't realise anything, eh Roger? Do you know anything about the Dallases?

Roger: I don't... they seem like kind people, no?

Guillaume: I'd actually prefer to be in jail instead... She'll try anything to make us want to err... do something with her -- yes, even you Bélinda -- and, believe me, they don't stop midway. We must prepare to anything that could happen and, please, no jokes during that.

Roger: That was a good joke, Guillaume. The Dallases are surely not that bad... I mean: they speak French.

Guillaume: We've found even worse people: The Sallads. Now, if you want to cry, meet with them. They won't rape you, but they'll put you in a situation where you'll have to have sex with them. And you won't like it, believe me.

Bélinda: So when should we try to meet with her?

Roger: Before the next game... there's surely a way to meet with her before the game... even the judge gave us her personal cell phone number...

Guillaume: OH MON DIEU!! Now, if we wanted a way to destroy her reputation, we could unveil it to the world.

Bélinda: It's too late: it got unveiled when the Dallases decided they needed more guys to have sex with...

Guillaume: Ah well... it's time to set an appointment then, it seems...

THE EMPIRE TIMES

EAGLES START OFF WELL

The Blouman International football team started off their Cup of Harmony last night with a resounding 2-0 win over Prux. The game started well for the Eagles who kicked off and was able to keeping possession of the ball and running circles around the Prux team who seemed to have no idea on the basics of the game. Christopher Speed opened up the scoring in the 25th minute after a shallow cross from Steven Holdings found Speed's foot and easily sent it into the back of the net. The first half continued well for the Eagles who had plenty of shots on goal but poor accuracy kept the score at 1-0 going into the break.

The second half started much as the first with the Eagles keeping the ball to themselves and showing the crowd with excellent passing ability, the team had 90% of all passes successful during the game. In the 65th minute a late tackle by Erwin 'Desert fox' Rommel on Jack Junkson which saw the referee show his yellow card to Rommel and Martin Fox came on for Junkson was forced to come off with a sore ankle, the medical team has cleared Juckson for the next game. The free kick was taken by Johathon Filmar which saw the ball sail over the penalty spot and land perfectly on Anthony Williams’ head who directed the ball past the goal line. The game ended with the Blouman Empire 2-0.

Manager Henry Schweppe was pleased at the after match press conference and said that he was "proud of the boys performance and knows that these sort of results will be seen in the upcoming games", when asked of the teams poor accuracy on goal Schweppe replied "I know the on target to shot ratio did seem a bit poor and will be something that I will be working on but our defense is more than capable of any attacks by opposing teams as we saw Prux only had one shot on goal the entire game, and that was because the defense took the ball off them every time they came close".

The next game for the Eagles is against The Macabees at Hastings Field. The Macabees drew their last game against Vonks and will be looking for the result this time around. Captain Sam Kiamar spoke to The Empire Times saying that he is confident that the team will make it two wins in a row.

<The hotel room after the game, Emily is sobbing a bit, Leon enters>

Leon: What's the matter we won, Dad is still going on about it that header by Williams what a shot, you should be cheering, and the Premier league Hall of fame we saw before the match that is really well set out museum I can't believe you didn't like that

Emily: I miss Jack (cries)

Leon: For crying out loud. Look if you miss him so much why don't you call him?

Emily: I'm out of credit.

Leon: Well there is a phone right there next to your bed.

Emily: I can't Dad will kill me if he finds out

Leon: He won't find out if you keep it short

Emily: Yeah that's what I'll do I'll keep it short real short. (Starts dialing) Hello Jack oh I missed you so much.

Leon rolls his eyes and turns on the TV

<Next day in the hotel lobby>

James: Come on we need to get to Hastings now let’s get going. Umm we would like to check out now please

Hotel guy: Yes sir, we just need your signature for your credit card again due to excess charges onto your account

James: Excess charges. What are you talking about we didn't order anything else what kind of scam are you trying to pull.

Hotel guy: Your telephone bill sir

James: Telephone bill, what? (reads paper) Who made a two hour call to Groona? Leon?

Leon: Don't look at me Dad

James: EMILY!!!

<In the car cruising to Hastings, Emily is crying and they mood is very silent>

Clare: Now Emily your father didn't mean what he said

Emily: Yes he did

Clare: No he didn't isn't that right James?

(Silence)

Clare: James?

James: Oh all right I won't cut off Jack's balls, but you’re still paying for that 1000 gold coin bill. Why didn't you use your mobile phone?

Emily: I told you I ran out of credit.

James: Well if you pull a stunt like this again you won't be seeing Jack ever again.

Emily: These six weeks are going to feel like an eternity

James: Well if you think seems like all eternity just wait and see what forever feels like.

Leon: Ahh Dad

Clare: Leave it Leon. Now let’s hear no more about this and enjoy the sights of Newmanistan while we travel to Hastings for the next match.

Leon: I hope the Eagles go just as well there as they did last night.

James: You can count on it son they will win after all it is only The Maccabees.

Cup of Harmony 33: MD1

____________Rennidan : Candelaria And Marquez
1:2



Match Report:

Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan - The last time I gracefully sat in a seat at Tundra Falls, it was to watch Micah Twels win first place in the Newmanistan Grand Prix. Needless to say, his victory was enough for myself to get heavily inebriated (and apparently enough for Twels to do the same), but I left with the distinct air that Tundra Falls is a pleasant place to be.

Unfortunately, I didn't quite get the same experience this time. Even almost a year after the Twels incident, Newmanistan police and customs seem to take a rather poor view on us Rennidanians, and, hey, personally I can't blame them. But I felt like I was under their watch the moment I stepped into the stadium as a possible trouble maker.

And, as far as I know, their just might be some fifty eight year old grandfathers out there who just happen t be the world's worst football hooligans, but, trust me, this one ain't. Hell, I can't even handle a pint properly half the time.

But, apart from the muscular security men who seemed to be constantly breathing down my neck (and not in a good way), I have to admit, I did still enjoy the match against Candelaria And Marquez. I started off quiet enough, with both teams playing the ball about between themselves and making the odd tackle. For the first fifteen minutes, I figure, okay, this match will be steady, this match will hopefully be amusing, this match probably wouldn't really be a highlight.

I was wrong.

Twenty first minute and the Candelariasian captain, Matteo Corradini, makes a run for the Rennidan goal. Jo Malkoa looks pumped for this one. Samual "The Wall" Fortal is getting ready to intercept. The crowd is getting louder and louder, stamping their feet and yelling out. Corradini? He's going full pace here, knowing the only way he'll make it past The Wall is to outpace the goliath. This looks like it could be either a beautiful bit of scoring or an outstanding bit of defending from either side.

And then Corradini gets a boot to the face.

Now, bear in mind here, when I say 'gets a boot', I don't mean a kick. I don't mean someone has suddenly appeared and pulled a bit of kung-fu out of the box to kick the Candelariasian captain onto his backside.

What I mean is, Robert Golos has suddenly leapt out from behind Fortal with one of his football boots in his hand. This here is Robert Golos, still sore from the last Cup of Harmony semi-final, getting his revenge on the man that left some vicious stud-marks in his shin.

What I am watching on both the big screen and on the pitch is Corradini suddenly going down like a sack of potatoes, with a football boot in his face.

What I am realizing is that Golos has just made bloody (literally) history.

What I am saying is that maybe Golos should have taken a career in baseball.

A whistle blows and medics run onto the pitch. There's silence in the stadium for a minute. No one is moving. Not the players, not the crowd, not even Golos. We're all bloomin' dumbstruck.

And then?

Golos tries for another go at Corradini, charging forwards with his chest all puffed up. So, Fortal turns around and smacks Golos square in the face. Now Golos is down on the floor! And he's not moving! Twenty minutes in and each team has a player down on the ground!

The crowd goes nuts. Cups and half-eaten foodstuffs go flying, aimed at the players on the pitch. Boos and chants erupt. These people are getting angry.

Me?

I'm laughing my arse off.

But I wouldn't be for much longer.

The referee takes control here, drawing out a red card and waltzing over to Golos (now with medics around his prone body). Right, that's Golos off then.

He then turns to Fortal and seems to pause and think for a second.

I've been a football fan for decades. Ever since I could walk I could kick a ball. I could never kick it well, so I never became a footballer. Instead, I became a sports journalist. Now, in all my years of watching and reporting on football, I thought I had the game pretty sussed. You try and get the ball into the back of the other teams net, there's rules about where the ball can go and where you can be in relation to the ball, and if you punch a fellow player in the face, even if they're on your own team, then you get sent off.

I understand that Fortal was just looking out for Corradini, I understand that he's a player that belongs to my national team, but even I expect him to be sent off for such an act, no matter how much it cripples Rennidan's chance.

The result? Fortal gets a yellow, Golos goes off for good on a stretcher, and Corradini is taken off soon after, still completely out of it, to be replaced by Jamie González.

Fifteen minutes later, the clock starts ticking again at 21:22, thanks to the crowd finally calming down. It seems that we can now get back on with the football.

It's a shame, really, that the rest of the match won't live up to that little interlude, but, hey, as long as we get a result without any more bloodshed, I'll be a happy little tipsy reporter.

In the 31st minute, the controversial midfielder Dionísio makes a play for the Rennidan goal. With no flying boots in sight, we can assume that this here will be a safe run. Harri Belon slides in knocking the ball away and into the feet of Daniel Malakolo, who flicks it up and boots it on to Daniel Samman. Samman controls the ball with his chest and brings it down, when suddenly Ryan Edwards rushes in to make the challenge.

Unluckily for Edwards, Malakolo is there to back Samman up, and a quick flick over Edwards head mean's Samman can boot it square up field to Michael Ronnan. The Rennidanian captain pauses, and then begins a run up the pitch, weaving in and out of the Candelariasian defence. A quick pass to Mo Siv between the legs of Steven Williams (who looks thoroughly deflated to be nutmegged) leaves Nicholi Drentum in the box for the perfect set up. The ball sails through the air and Dreuntum connects with a scissor kick which clips the crossbar!

It goes flying high, and Oberon Martinez moves in to knock the ball up field. Suddenly though Sammi MacOlv is there at full speed. It's midfielder versus goalkeeper as the ball falls from the sky. Whilst Martinez is taller, MacOlv is keener, and the Rennidanian midfielder breaks away and, in classic MacOlv fashion, used the goalpost to push up and off to claim the extra height. Yes, he was going the wrong way now, but he managed to his head to the ball and knocks it clean over to Dretum, who was back up and looking to mark his territory. A blazing shot from the young forward blasted the ball into the top corner, inches past Martinez's stretching fingertips.

Rennidan were one player down and one goal up.

From the crowd's reaction, you would think that that was the clincher, that we were now on our way to win.

You couldn't be more wrong.

Candelaria And Marquez quickly followed up with a succession of two fast goals past Jo Malkoa, leaving us in the Rennidanian side feeling pretty deflated.

Still, it wasn't likely to be a match we were soon to forget.

I just hope the police in Newmanistan don't see fit to start giving us Rennidanians random beatings after seeing this.


Rennidan now has a bye week, meaning that, hopefully, the drama between Fortal and Golos (and Golos and the entirety of Candelaria And Marquez) can be sorted out before we take on the likes of Vonks.

The Albrecht Herald Online>Sport>Football>CoH33>Latest News

CAMAFA ‘calls for assault charge’ The governing body of Candelarias football has requested that the Newmanistanian authorities take legal action against Robert Golos, following the incident during the C&M versus Rennidan encounter at the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds which has proven the dominating feature of the opening day’s play of the thirty-third Cup of Harmony.

The twenty-seven year-old midfielder received a first-half straight red card for his violent attack on Big Blues captain Matteo Corradini, which left the Albrecht FC man unconscious and with serious facial wounds. The E.T.A. of Corradini’s recovery remains uncertain this morning, though he is believed to have been discharged from the local hospital after requiring stitches. He has at the very least been ruled out of C&M’s next game, against Kenavt.

Speaking to TV1’s Evening News, CMSC President and de facto head of the CAMAFA, Sam Mc O’Neil, described the incident as “the most astonishing single moment I have witnessed in twelve years of [Candelariasian] international football” and “a vicious, unprovoked and unforgivable physical assault that would make a Gog blush.” He continued that since the matter was dealt with by the referee on the pitch, and that the CoH administrative panel therefore cannot look at the episode again, the case should now be a matter for the Newmanistani [sic] justice system.

Responding to claims that Golos had been intent on exacting revenge for a tackle of similar ferocity meted out against him by Corradini during the two sides’ last meeting in the former West Starblaydia, Mc O’Neil explained that, “Corradini’s tackle against Golos was wrong… but was something that happens occasionally in football and should be dealt with within the confines of football’s rules and regulations, and was rightly done so… [Yesterday’s incident] was a premeditated and personal assault that had nothing to do with sport… He [Golos] has no place at this tournament now, and I would expect and implore the local authorities to take this matter extremely seriously.”

Mc O’Neil was quick to defend Golos’ team-mate and recent KT Hotspur acquisition Samual Fortal however, following the giant defender’s own clouting of the Rennidanian midfielder, after he had seemingly attempted to lay a second blow on Corradini. Fortal received only a yellow, but by rights would also join Golos under investigation. “Samual’s response was pretty much what you would expect of a responsible individual trying to protect a fellow professional. Obviously we can’t condone any violent reaction, but this was clearly a courageous act and certainly deserved no more than a caution.”

Mc O’Neil was also among those to praise both sets of supporters, as well as the Newmanistanian stewards, who ensured that a potentially highly volatile situation would not get out of hand. Such was the uniqueness of the occasion that the match was suspended for over a quarter of an hour as the authorities attempted to maintain order – a decision later described as an “understandable overreaction” by C&M manager Kris Healy. Following the break, C&M took longer than their opponents to get their heads together, and slipped a goal behind against the ten-man Rennidanians in the dying moments of the first half; the veteran status of the stand-in captain Oberon Martinez displayed for all to see when he failed to reach a powerful but routine strike from the young striker Nicholi Drentum.

After two previous 1-0 defeats against their much lower-ranked opponents, the Big Blues players and supporters would have been forgiven for fearing the worst. C&M were an entirely different unit as the second period began however, and produced a memorable five minutes which turned the game completely on its head. The equaliser was a flowing team effort that showed the best of what this formation can achieve, starting when Connor Mengucci won the ball – cleanly this time – from Sammi MacOlv and passed quickly to Ryan Edwards. The younger of the Edwards brothers exchanged passes with the elder Vélez; the veteran forward playing in Merlin Siriwong on the edge of the box. The Marquez-Onwere man’s way was blocked by Fortal and, wisely deciding against goading the Spur defender into a challenge that may well have seen Rennidan reduced to nine men, Siriwong put the ball back in the mix where the wing-back William Burgos was on hand to score first time to open his international account.

C&M had their tails up, and scored the second soon after when Harri Belon conceded a free kick off an otherwise quiet Dionísio Madeira Lobos. His fellow debutant Ryan Edwards then proved the equal of his brother when it came to free-kicks, launching a precise ball over to Siriwong on the edge of the area, who took the ball down well and curled in just past Jo Malkoa to enhance his own impressive recent tally.

Neither goalkeeper was tested unduly from then on, and the ten men of Rennidan never looked likely to force their way past the Candelariasian defence once Matt Reddington had replaced Ryan Edwards to add some extra steel to the midfield. After the match, Healy was quick to praise his side’s mental fortitude, arguing that “while [their] measured response was nothing more than I’d expect of them, I’m delighted that they were able to keep their minds on the job and finish off an extremely valuable win in difficult circumstances.” Healy was not above criticising his opposite number, the twentysomething Ryan Malkoa, who looked pale and nervous throughout. “Clearly he should have been aware that there was the potential for fireworks between [Golos] and Matty, and reacted accordingly. But he’s young, and he’ll learn from this, and ultimately the responsibility lies with the player and no-one else.”

CAMAFA ‘would consider official protest’ CAMAFA spokesman Freddie Painter confirmed this morning that the organisation would issue a formal complaint in the event that the Big Blues failed to pick up three points against Kenavt in their second CoH33 match. Quentin Wetygrew’s black-clad outfit are well known for regularly starting with twelve players in their team, in a 4-3-3 formation not including the goalkeeper. Painter told TV’s [i]¡Buenos Dias! show that “football is a simple game… it’s twenty-two human beings, drawn from the native populations of two countries, attempting to score and stop the opposition from scoring for ninety-odd minutes… There’s simply no excuse for any divergence from that.”

No other national FAs have raised concerns of the make-up of the Kenavti team, but Painter was keen to stress that the Big Blues’ next opponents were a developing side. “They won their last two qualifying games, so we’re all really starting to see the benefits their extra man gives them. Plus, they had a bye on matchday one, so they’ll be extra rested, while we had an exhausting game against Rennidan… I really don’t think anyone’s going to accuse us of creating a lot of fuss for nothing, not when there’s so much at stake.”

Tourists advised against casino visits The Foreign Office has formally advised Candelariasian visitors to Newmanistan to avoid attending any of Dover City’s gambling emporiums, particularly if they have not already bought return tickets to the Candelarias.

Though most of the official travelling party of Big Blues supporters, and day-trippers looking to catch their one game of the tournament in the flesh, are already assured of their passage home; there are believed to be several hundred C&M residents now in Newmanistan hoping to soak up the experience of the tournament and watch the matches on open-air screens, or take advantage of local touts, for the duration of Candelariasian involvement in the Cup.

But the Foreign Office minister Andy Hill told TTO’s Lunchtime News that visitors should ‘proceed with caution’. “C&M has no formal ties with Newmanistan, nor the One Big Island region in general, and the powers of the Fans’ Embassies at a tournament like this are limited. I’d implore anyone out there who doesn’t have passage back to the Candelarias guaranteed to be very carefully about risking their cash. Equally,” Hill continued, “Although the Newmanistanis [sic] and their entertainment establishments expect the same standards of behaviour as our own, visitors should be doubly careful of getting on the wrong side of the law, even for what they may perceive as relatively trivial offences… I know it’s a cliché, but you really are representing your country out there and, more to the point, we really can’t be held responsible for bailing you out if it all goes tits up.”

The pronouncement will come as a blow to the West Road Hill group, which runs the West Road Hotel Casino in Caires, as well as harryhall.cam, and has been believed to be interested in expanding its currently modest overseas operations into Dover City.

<from coach Leni Banama's MySpot Page>

well we got ourselves a draw to start things here. could have been better but at least it wasn;t a loss. And it was against one of the higher seeds to that only helps us and hurts them i suppose. Still its tough playing with handicaps like this. we still can't really play our all out freewheeling defensive kind of game that we're so used to. at least we have a bit more flexibility than in the qualifiers and maybe that experience will give us better results here than the WC. In any case i'm already sending a petition to the mayor to boycott the next WC as a protest to these nearly unplayable conditions forced on us.

ok then time to get the team ready for the next match. we have our reputations to worry about in the CoH after all.

We have reached cutoff time for matchday two for Groups A & B!

Matchday 2 Results!

Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez 4-0 kenavt
Prux 1-1 Vonks
Blouman Empire 3-0 The Macabees


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Candelaria And Marquez 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 Blouman Empire 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 6
3 Vonks 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 2
4 Prux 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1
5 The Macabees 2 0 1 1 1 4 -3 1
6 Rennidan 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0
7 kenavt 1 0 0 1 0 4 -4 0



Group B
Jeru FC 3-1 Dennisov
Acapais 1-2 Terreiro de Ogum
Nire and Nire 2-2 Ma Raque


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jeru FC 2 2 0 0 6 2 4 6
2 Terreiro de Ogum 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6
3 Acapais 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
4 Ma Raque 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1
5 Nire and Nire 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
6 Dennisov 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0
7 Septentrionia 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0


Matchday 3 Schedule

Group A:
Prux- The Macabees @ Southport Stadium
Rennidan- Vonks @ Hastings Field
Blouman Empire- kenavt @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds

Group B:
Acapais- Ma Raque @ Pocono City Stadium
Septentrionia- Terreiro de Ogum @ Loudon Stadium
Nire and Nire- Dennisov @ Olympia Field

Groups C and D, your cutoff is now.

Group C:
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 1-2 Kosovoe
Green wombat 3-3 Arroza
Newmanistan 0-1 Universitus University

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Universitus University 2 2 0 0 5 1 4 6
2 Yafalonia and Bazor 2 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
3 Newmanistan 2 1 0 1 2 1 1 3
4 Kosovoe 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3
5 Green wombat 2 0 1 1 3 5 -2 1
6 Arroza 2 0 1 1 4 7 -3 1
7 KaMaRi 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0


Group D:

Sorthern Northland 3-2 Orion Star Empire
Lovisa 0-0 Kereca
Jariss 1-2 Alversia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sorthern Northland 2 2 0 0 6 3 3 6
2 Kereca 2 1 1 0 3 0 3 4
3 Alversia 2 1 0 1 2 4 -2 3
4 Lovisa 2 0 2 0 1 1 0 2
5 Jariss 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
6 Orion Star Empire 1 0 0 1 2 3 -1 0
7 Kose and the Turkomans 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0

MAYOR ADDRESSES INCIDENT

John Baldwin, the mayor of Tundra Falls, has found himself needing to address an ugly incident that took place in the match between Candelaria And Marquez and Rennidan on matchday one. You’ve surely seen it on TV by now so we don’t need to re-describe it, and while the Empire should be celebrating it’s first day of game action, it finds itself needing to address an incident. Again involving Rennidan. Again involving Tundra Falls.

“The actions of Mr. Golos are deplorable. The referee on the field responded appropriately by issuing him a red card, but that does not change the fact that this was a pre-mediated attack. This is not something that the World Cup Committee wishes to celebrate at any level, and Newmanistan will set the immediate precedent right now that this blatant thuggery will not be tolerated. Especially on the sacred grounds of Tundra Falls. Mr. Golos has disgraced this city, the Empire, his own country, and football in general. We summon him to the Tundra Falls Police Department headquarters on his team’s off day and we wish for him to come out and apologize to the Newmanistanian people and football fans across the world for the incident. With many young kids in attendance seeing this, Mr. Golos is being ordered to serve 100 hours of community service in Tundra Falls at the conclusion of the Cup of Harmony. For assault charges to be filed, as the CAMAFA has requested, they must be charges must be pressed personally by Mr. Corradini.”

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Untitled-2.png

Moments after John Baldwin's speech, a pale-faced, visibly shattered Robert "Clover" Golos staggered out from the Tundra Falls Police Station, out of the confines of a cell so he can face the beast that is the paparazzi. He was dressed smartly, in a Reuci suit, but none the less he looked dishevelled. The microphones and flashing photography were already taking their toll on the superstar, and he had only been out in front of them for mere moments. He was built for football, not for media attention. The man had one hell of a monkey on his back. He had the hatred of the Candelariasian people, the disgust of the Newmanistan populace and the sudden disgrace of his own people back home on the Isle. Questions blurred past him in a hail of 'whys' and 'whats'. His blinking was getting fairly rapid when he realized in his hand he held a sheet of paper. His lawyers had typed it up a few minutes previously in a nervous frenzy of clicking fingers and clackity keyboards. With his heart in his mouth, acting like a sponge to suck the saliva out and leave his voice coarse, Golos spoke.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press from around the world. I-I'm here to formally apologize for my-my actions on the, uh, pitch today in our first qualifier against, uh, Candelaria And Marquez. What I did to, uh, Mr. Corradini is unforgivable, even in the heat of the, uh, match. I'm truly sorry, and I wish Corradini a, uh, speedy recovery. I am more than happy to serve to one hundred hour community service I have been issued, and am to follow that up with another one hundred back home in Rennidan. I, uh... I realize that I have been a disappointment to everyone."

Golos took a breath. His vision was tunnelling, his fingers were tensing and he couldn't quite fill his lungs.

"I have let my team down. I have let my nation down. I have truly let myself down. I know already that the relationship between Tundra Falls and Rennidanian sportsmen is a bit, uh, strained, and I have done nothing to help with this. I only hope my actions have not affected the, uh, views on Rennidan as a nation. When you are on the pitch, your sense can go walking. A lot of us operate on sheer emotion when we play, and I was still upset with Mr. Corradini and his attempt on me in the last Cup of Harmony. I realize that two wrongs don't make a right and, uh, I only hope that Mr. Corradini will accept my public apology.""

Another breath that didn't quite fill his lungs. Golos blinked and gave a weak smile. He had reached the end of his written speech, but the lights from the cameras and the buzzing of his captive audience seemed to have gotten to him slightly.

"And, if Mr. Corradini wants, I'll be more than happy to take him out to the pub and see if we can't get over this on our own terms."

With a grin and blink, accompanied with a sly ol' wink, Golos spun on the spot and sprung off back into his barred bedroom for a quick kip in Tundra's finest free hotel.

The good ol' police station holding cell.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS FAIL UNIVERSITY TEST

Zwangzug- It’s a good thing the Rockets are playing their games in Zwangzug and not at home on Empire turf after this most recent display. After teasing their fans with an impressive 2-nil win over Green wombat, the Rockets proceeded to lose another contest to a worst ranked team in the group, falling 1-0 to Universitus University. Nevermind the fact that the University is 2-0-0 and playing well right now, because that is not the point. As a well schooled student will tell you, something happening once is a fluke. Something happening repeatedly, is a trend. And for Newmanistan, this trend has absolutely got to stop. Since World Cup 40 qualifying, Newmanistan has a record of 2 wins, 3 defeats, and one draw against the side that was the worst ranked team of the group going into the tournament. That would be 7 points out of 18. This is not a fluke, this is a problem. And if Brian Carson loses his job with the senior team, that statistic right there is the reason why. It is, absolutely unacceptable when you are a team trying to climb the ranks.

That may not do any justice to Universitus University. They also defeated Arroza, and have looked good in the tournament, but there comes a point where you simply do not care about things like that. Sure, the fans of the University should be thrilled with the way that their squad has played. But we call this the Rocket Report for a reason. We’re not here to glorify the heart and character of a lower ranked team, because quite frankly we have done that too much since the football team appeared on the World stage. Why is it that Newmanistan can not demonstrate the same amount of character? They did against Green wombat, when they were the underdog. Traditionally, Newmanistan has played the best teams in the world very tough. That’s just swell. But if the Rockets want to be a serious contender, they have to be able to get the job done as the favorite as well. That 2-3-1 record also didn’t included the choke job against United Hetzel. The Rockets play Kosovoe next, and they are coming off a big win. That’s just great. That doesn’t need to matter. It’s a game Newmanistan must win, and there will be absolutely no excuses that anyone can give that would justify a loss there, or even a draw. The Rockets are still alive, but they did themselves no favors last night.

From the start of the game, we did see an example of how the University was able to defeat Arroza in the way that they did, and perhaps lead those to wonder why this squad did not have a better qualifying effort. They came as advertised, a very intelligent group, schooled extremely well in football and being able to do the little things, such as stellar positioning. The Rockets seemed to be able to outrun the Prefects, but nearly every time Newmanistan seemed to be in position to get something done, the University always had a player in the right spot. Their answer nearly all game to McAllister and Drummond was to catch them offsides, playing the offsides trap very well. In the 20th minute, the Rockets had a goal waved off for precisely that reason. Drummond delivered what seemed to be a perfect pass to McAllister, and Jeremy fired it past Compulson, but Machias Dulton read the play, and let Jeremy get offsides. In the 31st minute, Newmanistan had a second would be goal disallowed for much the same reason. This time it was Kevin Lewis trying to set up McAllister. It became the first time since Newmanistan’s senior team played at the interregional level that they had two goals waved off in once game, let alone in a span of eleven points. Sure, it was frustrating, especially to J-Mac. But there are no excuses. We went without a goal in the games first half of play.

In the second half, the Rockets had most of the possession, but it didn’t necessarily translate into the best scoring opportunities, though in the 51st minute, Newmanistan had another solid chance, but Kevin Carrigan put a shot wide. Working the ball well down low with Shawn Drummond initially, Kevin Lewis may have been better advised to have taken the shot himself, but he saw Carrigan streaking down the right wing, and thought the other Kevin had a better scoring chance. Didn’t work out that way. Around the hour mark, the referee decided that he would no longer tolerate physical play, and that also seemed to get in the heads of the Rockets. In the 63rd minute, Brett Prescott received a yellow for a tackle, then in the 65th, one was given to Mark McCafferty for the same thing. Yellows were also issued to a couple of the University students, so there was some consistency, but it seemed to be yet another distraction to Newmanistan. In the 74th minute, another great chance for Newmanistan, only to see McAllister get robbed by Compulson. A goal was surely going to come. And it did. Just not by the right team. The nail was hammered in on the frustrating night in minute number 81 when Olin Baynes took a shot front just inches outside the penalty area that Eddie Chapman was a little slow to get to in order to defend. The shot by Baynes was struck “prefect-ly” into the top left corner, and the University led the contest one-nil. Then the students picked up their defensive game, and the Rockets could muster not even a shot in the remaining time. The win to the University, and they are now 2-0-0, and the Cinderella story of the Cup of Harmony so far. It just didn’t need to happen in our group, did it?

We caught up to a few people for some post game reaction:

Carson: “I am not going to make excuses. We didn’t get the job done. We didn’t play terribly, we just didn’t have what was needed in order to win this game. We will get this thing straightened out before we play Kosovoe. While this loss was unwanted and undesirable, it doesn’t end our chances of winning the Cup of Harmony. Don’t make too big of a deal out of it.”

Hennis: “I should have made the save. Absolutely my fault.” (In response to the Baynes goal)

Prescott: “What really got to me about the ref is that when the game got to the hour point, it seemed as though he decided, hey look, I have cards in my pocket, let me see what I can do with them. He issues nothing in the first hour and the game was just as physical. At least he went both ways with it, I guess.”

McAllister (on the disallowed goals): “I’ve seen the replays, and I was offsides so the right call was made, although that Dulton really plays this game with a real chicken shit mentality. All defenders who strategize using offsides calls in the way that they were a bunch of cowards.”

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3752/snpaperfq3.png (http://imageshack.us)
SN impresses in close game!

In being crap!!! Honestly lads, if you are reading this, you were poor today! What happened to the defence? Was it even there? So often we are told of the great abilities of our defence, how they know what an attacker will do before he does. Yet judging by today's performance the can only defend an innocent man all the way to Death Row. AND WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A DEATH SENTENCE!!

The Sortherners were second-best for lengthy periods, the rhythm with which they had defeated Kose and the Turkomans in the first match strangely absent, they dug deep to conjure the decisive blow. Only 30 seconds of time remained when Bernard Labbé, the full-back who had had a shocker having replaced the equally bad El-Hadke Murawani, jinked inside from the right and a quick one-two with Gregory Pinoc let him into the area to slot the ball over the onrushing keeper and into the net as cool as a cucumber.

The goal sparked frenzied celebrations in the stands, in the fanzones in the host countries, in the pubs showing the game back home, in Sorthern living rooms and indeed anywhere where Sortherners had gathered to watch or just keep up with the action. The celebrations were not the pure unbridled joy of having witness our team playing sexy football for the world to enjoy but more of a huge sigh of relief that we'd someone managed to to walk into the bank and leave with a bag full of a great big haul of cash. If it had been a bank job however it would have been an extremely poor one. Faces would be on show for all CCTV to capture in glorious technicolour for all the police to see. Fingerprints would have been left all over the scene, witnesses would have had a clear sighting of the guilty. Fortunately for us though, the only people who will be punished for this most blatant of daylight robberies will the Orion Star Empire. Or "Who?" a they are known to most people.

The ringleader of this robbery was of course one Rodney Toulere. Toulere has apparently been given an ultimatum but the SNFA, win this tournament or be sacked. If this performance is of the same level as our performances for the rest of the tournament then Toulere may as well get straight down his local Jobcentre now for while "Who?" may let us get away with such a robbery, more skilled teams certainly won't, and there are plenty of teams with the quality to batter the sort of performance put out by us today.

The warning signs came early on, "Who?" rattling the crossbar just minutes into the game after Yoda Obasweetie and Oah Pione fell asleep (and I'm not being metaphorical here) to allow the strikers in. SN only got away with due to a combination of luck and lack of composure on the part of the strikers. The first shot failing to test the nervous Jonny Sage, the second rebounding off a defender and the third somehow ending up on the bar having been struck from a mere three metres out. The next time though SN didn't get so lucky. A "Who?" corner was cleared by Murawani straight to the feet of an opponent who hacked the ball into the net from a mere five metres out.

Having been rocked on to their heels by "Who?"'s swagger and still struggling to knit two passes together, Sorthern Northland finally stirred. With their first chance they restored parity, the wily old head of Feng Shui centred the ball from the left for Lee Waywide to flick the ball home in style. It was cruel on "Who?" and worse might have followed when Waywide was sent clear by Jua Huwang but, confronted by the Orion goalie, lifted the ball over the bar.

Yet "Who?" finished the half in the ascendancy. Johnny Sage, was forced to claw away free-kicks from distance, and it was scarcely credible how much space the "Who?"'s enjoyed. With their midfield five enjoying the games of their lives and their coach's tactics appearing to be spot-on, Sorthern Northland looked shell-shocked.

And again in the second half, it was "Who?" who controlled all the play, yet failed to take their chances. SN managed to muster nothing until shortly before the eighty minute mark, and even then it was a long hopeful punt from the defence. Eddie O'Donnovon, with about as much hope headed on towards the box. With a calm flick here and a stylish shot there, Waywide got his second and send the Sortherners into a highly lucky lead with just the about the only real quality they had shown all game. "Who?" though refused to give up and just minutes later bought the scores level and then set about going for the win. That though was their final undoing as they threw numbers forward and allowed Labbé who moments earlier had gifted them an equaliser to get hold of the ball and venture up field for his first international goal.

Cup of Harmony Match Reports
Nire and Nire 0 - 1 Acapais
Nire and Nire 2 - 2 Ma Raque

Damn!

Ends

STORIES OF THE PEOPLE - #2
THE TELÊ DA PONTE STORY

Macumba is the biggest city and the capital of Terreiro de Ogum. But this doesn't mean that it is a big city. Although the recently independent country was formed in an area that has some big Estresse Intenso cities (such as Acropolis and Neblina), it only has small cities, with few infrastructure and few technology. The roads in these cities are dirt ones, and eletronical equipments are very valuable inside the country.

Another interesting fact of the country is that it has much more social equalty than other countries. Why? Because, in a simple answer, there aren't any rich people in the country. So, most are poor people, there are a few that live in good conditions (mostly the pais-de-santo) and some that live in a really bad situation, living with hunger and health problems. In the capital, Macumba, these people live all in the same place: the Xangô bridge, which connects two terreiros.

This is the day of the second game of Terreiro de Ogum in the Cup of Harmony, the game against Acapais, so a very difficult one. The citizens are anxious to see if the team can receive enough strength from the Orixás to succeed in this challenge. And, below the Xangô bridge, things aren't different. All the beggars and miserable people are ready to follow the football game, with their most valuable possession: a small radio, found in the streets of the city. The radio is of everyone, and all of them are now close to it to hear about the game. Including them is Telê da Ponte.

Telê da Ponte is one of the most respected beggars of Macumba. He is intelligent, and know how to earn more than his friends in the Xangô bridge. But he is a good-hearted person and, after every day, he gives some of the money that he got in the day to the bridge friends that aren't as talented as him in the practice of asking for money. Telê da Ponte is so good at it that he even plans where, how and to whom ask money each day, and these decisions depend on many factors. It is like a science, and Telê is the main scientist. So, he is like a "leader" among the Xangô bridge beggars.

There isn't much information about Telê da Ponte. People say that for many years he was a top worker in an office building, before succumbing to the stress and going to the Landau Institute, where he stayed for thirty years. Now, he is in Macumba. This is all the info about him.

"Telê, come hear, now! The game is about to start!"

One friend of Telê calls him, the game is going to begin. The radio starts to say the formation of the teams, and the line-ups. Suddenly, a surprise in the Terreiro de Ogum line-up. Reclusa is sick and unable to play. In her place, Zeca da Ponte will play.

"Did you hear this, Telê. Zeca will play! Mete um coro neles!"

"Yes, I heard. Good news, I'm happy to hear this."

"Dá-lhe, dá-lhe, dá-lhe Terreiro! Mete, mete coro neles!"

Zeca da Ponte is another Xangô bridge beggar. A close friend of Telê da Ponte, he was like his pupil in the money asking "science". Zeca was really impressed of Telê's abilities in getting money, and wanted to learn how to think as his master. So, Telê started to consider Zeca a son, as he was the closest thing that he had of a family. Then, a pai-de-santo saw Zeca playing football with the other beggars of the Xangô bridge, and asked him if he wanted to participate in the National Team as a defender. Of course he accepted, as this was a good opportunity to travel and to get some free food.

The radio starts to comment about the game. Acapais starts attacking more, but the Terreiro de Ogum defence is strong and stop their plays, starting some good counterattacks. The game seems good and promising for the Orixás followers.

"The defence is working well, Telê, and Zeca is in it! You must be proud!"

"Yes, I am. He is my son."

The radio continues commenting the game but, suddenly, it stops. What happened? Telê had the answer.

"The batteries. The radio needs new ones. We need to watch this game!"

"Don't worry with us, Telê. We know that you want to see the game because of Zeca. Go after it, we'll wait here."

And that's what happens. Telê leaves the Xangô bridge searching for a place to follow the game. A difficult job... he doesn't know where to go... where can he find another radio or a house with a television? And, the most important fact... where can he find a place that would welcome him?

He starts walking, he walks for nearly an hour... when he suddenly hears people shouting... GOOOOOAL! Terreiro de Ogum has scored a goal against Acapais. Telê follows the noise, and finds a house. It is João Pagodinho's. The door is open, he enters, and no one complains about his entrance.

He can follow his friend and the Terreiro de Ogum's team... finally.

Wachovia Public Forum

Dateline: Newmanistan

A 3-3 draw with Arroza? We should be dominating teams like that, but this youth movement just isn't working at the moment.


Up next? Probably another underwhelming match.

Coach: Hey Sadie, you have to meet some weirdos from Septentrionia.
Sadie: Me? Why?
Coach: Apparently, because it's part of some punishment because were shooting nuts at you.
Sadie: Oh ... who are these people?

Coach: Bélinda, Guillaume and Roger.
Sadie: So ... what happens?
Coach: They apologise or something ...
Sadie: OK ... err, when is this happening?

Coach: I don't know ...
Sadie: OK, there are French?
Coach: I assume to, since they are from Septentrionia.
Sadie: I heard they smuggled a nut gun as a dildo into the country.

Coach: Yes, that was a strange one.
Sadie: But why would security let people with dildos into a football stadium?
Coach: I have no idea ... but they let you into the country.
Sadie: I don't understand.

Coach: You could be classified as a mobile sex doll.
Sadie: I suppose I could, I don't exactly struggle.
Coach: I think Nok knows all about it.
Sadie: Well, I don't mind if he does.

Coach: Anyway, we'll organise this stupid meeting.
Sadie: OK
Coach: Better get back to training. Say, why are all soaked?
Sadie: Nok turned on the wrong sprinklers by accident.

Coach: Yes, he always seems to get the girls with the sprinklers.
Sadie: Is it a problem?
Coach: It's not an issue if you wear underwear.
Sadie: I'll dry out.

A good win 3-0 goals Speed 46th, Juckson 55th Williams 89th

Subs: Walker off Pollard on 65th minute

Cards: None

Injuries: None

Next game: against kevant at Tundra Falls proving grounds. Should be a win team is very confident

(OOC: Sorry about the poor RP not very much time today)

(Prior to the match against Kosovoe)

Merrill (assistant coach): The Empress call you?

Carson: Unfortunately, yes. I remember when talking to her was much more pleasant.

Merrill: She didn’t take the loss well, did she?

Carson: She didn’t take it any better then we did, Chris. She understands, at least, that none of us are happy with losing to the University. She emphasizes the greater point, and that’s been our inability to win against the worst seeds in the group. 2-1-3. That’s not good, mate.

Merrill: What are missing, Brian? Here we got Kosovoe, another team we should get three points against. We lose here, we might not make it to the end of the Cup of Harmony!

Carson: One thing about Pocono City, is that we always, well mostly always, win the games that we are supposed to win. I don’t get why were not. It’s not like we played horribly against the University. I thought our focus and preparation for the game was top notch. I’d let it go, but here we are again, with Kosovoe. A similar team. Everything seems good. The team seems well focused. I’ve done everything in my control.

Merrill: I know. Well, let’s go address the team.

(Carson enters the locker room with Merrill)

Team: Hello, coach.

Carson: Hello everyone, it’s game day. We know we need to win, I’m not going to state the obvious, but what I need from all of you is to keep your focus. Kosovoe just beat Yafalonia and Bazor 2, so they can beat us. Their confidence is high. Sound familiar?

Lewis: It does, but we all agree that this is a new game. The Cup of Harmony isn’t over yet.

Chapman: My girlfriend called and told me that man, it’s brutal back in Loudon. Brian, even though I play for the Leopards, I want you to know that I want to remain as head coach.

McAllister: Yeah man, you’ve molded me as a complete player, just as much as coach Gratton has in Putnam Lake.

Brooker: Same here, man, that goes for most if not all of us. I remember back to the Di Bradini Cup when we, as a nation, were a total unknown and won that championship. That gave me the confidence that I could achieve anything no matter what the odds were.

Drummond: Yeah, Brian, you have our support.

Carson: Thanks guys, thank you very much. I guess word has gotten out now in Newmanistan that my job depends on the Cup of Harmony.

Chapman: Yeah, it was all over the news, even before that ridiculous incident in Tundra Falls with the Rennidan player attacking the guy from Canderlaria And Marquez.

Carson: I don’t want any of you ever doing that. (Laughs) Ok, Brett? I’m kidding.

Prescott: Nah, not even I would do something like that.

Borsinger: Rennidan is doing a very good job pissing off the ghosts at Tundra Falls with the F1 incident and now that. I’m surprised they didn’t lose six-nil. As you all know, the ghosts are very, very real.

Lewis: Only someone who plays for Tundra Falls would bring that up.

Borsinger: Ok Mr. I have to wear #43 in everything, don’t tell you don’t believe in the Tundra Falls spirits.

Lewis: I believe in them, I’m just saying, only you would bring it up. And coach, we are going to get this done. For you.

McAllister: You have meant so much for me, I would have a hard time playing for anyone else. I agree, we’re gonna do it for you. We cannot let you down.

Carson: Guys, I really appreciate it. But I don’t want to make this about me, it’s about representing our country proudly, and football.

Lewis: And it’s about making sure you’ll continue to be here with us. Losing to the University didn’t kill us or our chances. Now, let’s have it make us stronger. We can still advance. There’s a long way to go and it starts tonight against Kosovoe.

McAllister: It starts tonight!

In my dreams, I am flying.

Soaring high above the clouds, dancing through their wispy softness. The sun shines upon my face, warm, loving and inviting.

I glow in the radiance, and shine in tune with the dawn. I am loved, and needed, and I delight in the wind beneath me.

But then it all changes. The sky grows ominous, and the sun turns away, leaving me in the dark and cold.

And then I fall.

I am cast down.

And I always wake up with blood on my hands.

__________

Malkoa had slept unrestfully that night, much to Allison's annoyance. At about four in the morning, he had simply given up and gone for a walk around the early morning streets in Newmanistan, picking his brain for the reason why it wouldn't let him shut off for a few hours.

The streets around the hotel were getting the first beads of sunshine, giving all the buildings in the east a silhouette that, in any other state of mind, Malkoa might have considered to be a pretty sight. As it was though, he had too much on his mind to give the horizon so much as a second glance, and so he continued on his rambling walk.

It wasn't the Golos situation that had him up. Golos was a big boy now, and he could handle himself. The Golos/Fortal situation, however, would need fixing. Team chemistry usually went down one someone punches a team mate. Then there was the need of a press conference that Malkoa himself had to attend to apologize for Golos' actions. A cracked smile crept over Malkoa's lips as he dawdled onwards.

"You never had to put up with anything like this, did you?"
"Me? No, not really."
Malkoa chuckled slightly and pulled his coat tighter around himself. It was still rather dewy at this time in the morning, and it was a lot colder than Rennidan was back home.

"I wish I was at home. I could have just quit football all together when I was injured. But I came back. And now I'm losing sleep over that very decision."
"Admit it. It was worth it. You've gotten Rennidan into the top fifty teams."
Malkoa shook his head and sighed, watching his breath condense and trail off like smoke behind him. The traffic had begun to move about slowly, the poor lads and lasses off to their office jobs for minimum wage.
"C'mon, Ryan, chin up. The team is doing fine, you, however, are not."
"Eh. I'm fine, really. But if Rennidan don't make it past qualifying, I'll be done for. We made the bloody finals last time and, eh."
"Man your age shouldn't be so stressed. Go back to the hotel and get some sleep."
Malkoa looked to his right and frowned slightly, his dark eyes creasing around the edges and his dry lips cracking even more. He'd looked pretty crazy to any passer-by right now, any wise ass that'd probably highlight that talking to yourself isn't the smartest thing to be doing out in public.
"Especially with the paparazzi still fresh about the Golos incident, bless him."
Still, every city needs their early-morning crazies.
"That they do indeed."
Malkoa turned back with a smile and retraced his steps back to the hotel. Allison was out for the count in the bed, and not wanting to incur her wrath by waking her up, he settled for a nap on the sofa. And for the first time since he had gotten to Newmanistan, he slept peacefully.

Matchday 3 cutoff, groups C and D...

Group C:
Green wombat 1-1 Universitus University
KaMaRi 3-0 Arroza
Newmanistan 1-2 Kosovoe

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Universitus University 3 2 1 0 6 2 4 7
2 Kosovoe 2 2 0 0 4 2 2 6
3 Yafalonia and Bazor 2 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
4 KaMaRi 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
5 Newmanistan 3 1 0 2 3 3 0 3
6 Green wombat 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
7 Arroza 3 0 1 2 4 10 -6 1

Group D:
Lovisa 2-2 Alversia
Kose and the Turkomans 2-1 Kereca
Jariss 0-2 Orion Star Empire

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sorthern Northland 2 2 0 0 6 3 3 6
2 Kereca 3 1 1 1 4 2 2 4
3 Alversia 3 1 1 1 4 6 -2 4
4 Orion Star Empire 2 1 0 1 4 3 1 3
5 Lovisa 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3
6 Kose and the Turkomans 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3
7 Jariss 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1

It's Cutoff time for Groups A & B!

Group A:

Prux 3-2 The Macabees
Rennidan 2-1 Vonks
Blouman Empire 4-2 kenavt



Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Blouman Empire 3 3 0 0 9 2 7 9
2 Candelaria And Marquez 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
3 Prux 3 1 1 1 4 5 -1 4
4 Rennidan 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
5 Vonks 3 0 2 1 3 4 -1 2
6 The Macabees 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1
7 kenavt 2 0 0 2 2 8 -6 0


Group B:

Acapais 1-3 Ma Raque
Septentrionia 1-1 Terreiro de Ogum
Nire and Nire 5-3 Dennisov


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Terreiro de Ogum 3 2 1 0 5 3 2 7
2 Jeru FC 2 2 0 0 6 2 4 6
3 Nire and Nire 3 1 1 1 7 6 1 4
4 Ma Raque 3 1 1 1 6 5 1 4
5 Acapais 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
6 Septentrionia 2 0 1 1 2 4 -2 1
7 Dennisov 2 0 0 2 4 8 -4 0


Matchday 4 Schedule:

Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez- The Macabees @ Loudon Stadium
Blouman Empire- Vonks @ Dover Field
Rennidan- kenavt @ Olympia Field

Group B:
Jeru FC- Ma Raque @ Putnam Lake Stadium
Nire and Nire- Terreiro de Ogum @ Southport Stadium
Septentrionia- Dennisov @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds

http://www.thecamafa.cam/candm/seniors/valiant_blues_triumphant_10_7_08.php
Valiant Blues triumphant in Dover
By Liam Kelly at Dover Field, Dover City, Newmanistan

Ever the brave underdogs, Kris Healy’s C&M could hardly have been expected to take on Quentin Wetygrew’s Kenavt on equal terms. Battered and bruised from their encounter with a woefully unsportsmanlike Rennidan and missing their inspirational captain; the Big Blues faced a thoroughly rested side, of twelve men, representing a country that truly lives and breathes this sport like no other.

After their heroic snatch-and-grab against Rennidan, Healy was left with a scratch squad of walking wounded, with Matteo Corradini missing altogether. This was no way to prepare against one of the form teams of global soccer and, having swept aside Kiryu-shi and Kansiov (no easy task, as we can attest from past Di Bradini Cups and the Baptism of Fire), Kenavt were justifiably looking to outfox C&M with their unique 2-6-3 formation. With no central defenders, merely four fullbacks, the vital man would prove to be holding midfielder Sean Christenson, who as expected came to dictate the play.

C&M were once again cast in their once familiar role as the little guy, and not for the first time were we to wonder how the finest our little islands had to offer could possibly contend with the sprawling Stornoway confederacy and the leading stars of the KFPD. While the Kenavtans had three up front, with the prodigious Connor da Vincho leading the line, C&M had only the aging legs of Ignacio Vélez, whose sporadic recent season for Cafundó do Juta looked set to continue into the Cup of Harmony. Without goalscoring options, C&M’s already weak chances in the competition appeared increasingly likely to drain away.

Yet after ten minutes spent soaking up the pressure from the seemingly endless waves of Kenavti attacks, C&M got a lucky break from that rarest of modern events – an international goal made in Candelaria. The (admittedly Marquez-based) left-back Alex Duxbury started the move proper after da Vincho had just failed to get on the end of a Justin Taranto ball, and Steven Williams had passed wide to the Cathedral City man. Under pressure from the marauding fullback – and the Kevantians had plenty of them – Thomas Vartiuo, Duxbury found Connor Mengucci who in turn played Ryan Edwards into space. The younger Edwards brother’s career with the senior C&M side is in its infancy, but in both Dover and Tundra Falls he showed enough stamina, work ethic, intelligence on and off the ball, and no little technique, to suggest that Kris Healy may yet have found a new star just when we needed it the most.

Edwards beat Fredrick Bersad to make his way into the area and, holding off Christenson, set up his colleague from the north-east of Candelaria, Dionísio Madeira Lobos, for the Errant Knight to score his first international goal.

The Kenavtish were understandably put out at going a goal behind, given their status as the overwhelming pre-match favourites, and the game soon settled into the expected roles of Kenavtan dominance and Candelariasian counters. With Aaron Zackrison and Taranto well-marshalled by Mengucci and Matt Reddington respectively, it was left to Christenson to attempt to control proceedings – and, thankfully for C&M, he came up just short. Though he protected his own defence well enough, the twenty-seven year-old’s through-balls were never telling enough and, though the three up front were all presented with opportunities, few were in positions that left Oberon Martinez under real threat.

The Big Blues had no right to consider themselves safe however, and still they sought out the all-important second goal. Ignacio Vélez and Merlin Siriwong blazed chances over, but C&M got their breakthrough on the sixty-ninth minute when the seas parted for Reddington, seemingly willing the experienced Arrigo Portuguese to shoot. With few other options, Reddington hit a hopeful effort from twenty-five yards – and eighty thousand men and women in the stands watched as his shot curled just enough to leave Roy Ike without a hope of reaching it.

The Candelariasians in the crowd comfortably outnumbered the Kenavtese contingent, and proved a credit to their country. Without them, C&M would have struggled to hold on to their flimsy two-nil lead. Instead, they were able to haul their beloved stars over the finish line and towards a remarkable victory. The third goal was added just five minutes later, with Edwards again the key man on the break and Ignacio Vélez opening his campaign with a header. Twelve-man Kenavt were reduced to the humiliation of damage limitation, but C&M’s substitutes were equally keen to impress. Jamie González duly notched up the fourth, shortly after replacing Siriwong.

The Big Blues get a much-needed rest day themselves next, but the encounter against the Macabees will loom large in their minds. In Mika d’Angíel they possess one of the outstanding young forwards in world football, and their experience as a sporting nation mocks anything their CoH33 rivals have to offer. With six points to their name, C&M have started this tournament in surprisingly fine form, but caution must surely be advisable.

Candelaria And Marquez 4 – 0 Kenavt
Madeira Lobos 10
Reddington 69
Ignacio Vélez 74
González 86

More:
Post Match Reaction from Dover
Corradini ‘will press charges’
Miniscule Blues face Kura-Pellandi challenge
U23 women ‘will get Olympic berth’

*click*

http://www.thecamafa.cam/candm/seniors/corradini_golos_breaking_news.php
Corradini ‘will press charges’
By Matthew Emery, Dover City, Newmanistan

C&M captain Matteo Corradini appears set to demand legal proceedings be taken against Robert Golos, the Rennidan midfielder, for assault and battery. Though Corradini had been widely expected to accept the judgement of Tundra Falls mayor John Baldwin and let the matter drop, the Albrecht FC man is believed to have been left unimpressed by Golos’ attempt at an apology yesterday, and has been advised by his solicitor that Golos may have a case to answer.

Corradini attended the Tundra Falls Police Department headquarters immediately after watching the Big Blues ease to a four-nil win against a poor Kenavt outfit, where it is believed that he told officers that he was pressing charges and wishes to see Golos charged. Corradini has not appeared before the Candelariasian media since the incident, but insiders in the C&M camp have described the captain as ‘looking like the elephant man’, after being beaten by one of Golos’ football boots.

more to follow

© The Candelaria And Marquez Association Football Association 2001-2008, All Rights Reserved

User Comments >>


Posted by Rumple3, Dublynne on 10/07/08 at 12:12
Oh god is this really nessasry?? Weve got two wins we should be concentrting on the job not persuing this little war?! We don’t need the distractions.

Posted by DavidG-H, Maidment on 10/07/08 at 12:25
wtf?

Posted by e.f.n., Arrigo on 10/07/08 at 12:39
Welcome to MLP C&M: Where there’s blame, there’s a claim. They were playing football, these things happen. They should be sorting this out like human beings – using a mediator or something if they have to – why give more work for foreign lawyers?

Posted by Alicegraham, Lower Wessaxontown on 10/07/08 at 12:56
I’m surprised social services haven’t gotten involved

Posted by DanatWork, Albrecht on 10/07/08 at 13:01
what *are* you guys on about this had nothing to do with football! Golos attacked him and if Matty C wants to go after him for justice and compensation then so be it I hope the newmanistantis aren’t as soft touch as our authorities would be! I hope they f,u,cking do the bitch.

Posted by Clive1, Albrecht on 10/07/08 at 13:23
Danatwork, whatever happened to turning the other cheek, having respect for one’s fellow man etcetera? Golos apologised, he got a punishment, he offered the hand of friendship to Coradini etctera. This is what happens when a nation (C&M) loses its sence of Christian charity, Danatwork. I hope you rot in hell.


The Comments Board is Now Closed<<

<from Coach Leni Banama's Myspot page>

Damn this is getting pretty bad. Back to back losses against teams we should be beating. I think the team's just not into it this time. with the ridiculous rules in effect we've been forced to play one legged almost. why these organizers are so much against a good defensive struggle i'll never know. but its killing us again. i just hope we can avoid the cellar but at this rate we're in big trouble. only thee matches left and we're almost eliminated already. Not how i wanted things to go.

on the plus side i got some good feecback from the Mayor about our nation wide protest next cup. might hurt us in the ranks maybe but sometimes you have to take a stand. offensive is not how matches are played in Jariss and we're not about to start now. these new rules are leaving too many opennings in our defense and Tali is having another tough run here. just hope she doesn;t get too frustrated here and falls back to her insecurity from when we first joined up.

we'll see.

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7065/dailyuniversianxk5.jpg
Source: Universitus in First Place in Cup of Harmony; Valden-Luordes remains Acting Head Coach

Zwangzug The suspense is building in The City of Universitus. The EWCC is again voting on Baptism of Fire hosts, and Universitus again has a bid submitted--though this time, as part of a Megabid, and this time, with decorated, experienced co-hosts in Capitalizt SLANI and Jaseuyeon.

As such, it is becoming highly difficult to secure space in the Sports section of The Daily Universian for the action that is currently actually happening in the Cup of Harmony. The Sports section is dominated by Megabid hype and SLANI's progress toward another World Cup.

This is what we can quickly report in the limited spacing: Universitus is in first place in the Cup of Harmony, with 7 points: 2 wins and a tie. The information regarding Felix Valden-Luordes' testimony to the TSS Bynarm Committee - Athletic Performance (TBC-AP) has not been released to the public, but it is clear on the Roster for the CoH that he remains only an "Acting" Head Coach.

Could the Megabid partners capture two of the WCC tournaments themselves?

We'll see from our stars in green.

Raeta Jaile is a reporter for The Daily Universian: the first news source for all Universians.

Atalanta Journal: Sports Header
Tar Hornet Fans to Team: Screw You Guys, We're Going Home.

That was the general consensus at East Zwangzug International Airport, as thousands of Arrozan fans simeoultaneously decided that this incarnation of the national team was complete garbage and unworthy of their support. One fan, Morrigan St. Lacroix said "We were here to support the team, but that consideration doesn't seem to spread both ways. As long as we keep caring about this nepotisitc bunch of losers we'll never be able to get a decent manager in place".

Reports from the Capital have both Ministry of Sport head, and National Team coach scheduled for an immediate firing after the Cup of Harmony if the Tar Hornets dont finish the group stage with at least 5 points. The team, seems to be reveling in the future firing of Jaqueline Haley, with an unnamed team member saying "That [female dog] has been horrible for the squad. Exotic formations made of fail, adding females to the squad, bringing in subs from teams that aren't even going to be in the A-League next year...I'll be glad when she gets the ax. I'd like to see [Manager Name cut due to possible tampering] from Pocono City come in and run the squad. At least we could all know he has some type of soccer knowledge and could respect him as a manager."

In the meanwhile, fans from the 8 provinces, are desperately trading their tickets in for the first flights back to Franklin International Airport they can get.

Nire Liberation Army Crush Dennisov!

The Nire Liberation Army today crushed minnows Dennisov 5-3 in a commanding performance which has sent an ominous warning to fellow Cup of Harmony participants. The shadow army is growing in force, with more dissenters and rebels joining the ranks every day. As the NLA grows stronger, tensions continue to rise within Nire. The glorious military defeat over Dennisov brings the NLA one step closer to their ultimate goal.

Sadie: Coach, who are we playing next?
Coach: Err, let's see ... Ma Raque
Nok: Eh?
Cuddlebugs: Strange name ...

Coach: I know nothing about them.
Sadie: One of those new nations then?
Coach: I suppose, but we must not slack because they are fresh new nation.
Sadie: Slack? We're not old Jeru FC!

Nok: Me slack? LOL
Coach: You weren't slack, you just had too much focus on other things other than football.
Nok: Too right
Sadie: Like ... girls?

Coach: Yes ... he'd be a superstar football player if he didn't get distracted by girls.
Nok: Me? I just average at football.
Cuddlebugs: Nah, Nok is just lazy too.
Coach: Nok, go do some research on Ma Raque for me.

Nok: Why me?
Coach: You've got good Internet research skills.
Nok: Really?
Sadie: I'll do it!

Coach: No, you're playing ... Nok can make himself useful for once.
Cuddlebugs: He's good at finding things
Coach: Nok, come back in two hours with some research.
Sadie: And no looking at videos!

Coach: Oh yes, no videos.
Nok: Awwwwww
Cuddlebugs: You won't find me all over the net being indecent.
Sadie: I though that's my job!

Welcome to your Pocono City Sports Report, here’s your host, Meghan Traynor!

Traynor: And with me, as always, is my usually outspoken co-host Kevin Collins. Kevin, good morning.

Collins: Why good morning to you once again, Megs. It’s a good day in Newmanistan as long as your name isn’t Brian Carson or your not a player for our national football team. They stunk up the joint once again. You thought one point back to back against Hockey Canada and United Hetzel was bad? Try no points back to back against Universitus University and Kosovoe.

Traynor: It’s really a pity, Kevin. Brian’s such a great guy and he has played such a big role in getting Newmanistan football to where it is today. And let’s not forget that the football team was the catalyst for the Empress’ decision to bring Newmanistan into world play, in just about every sport out there.

Collins: But Meghan, you know that coaching is a “what have you done for me lately” business. What were rumors now seem to be an inevitable reality. Carson will be out as coach and replaced by Eric Andrews, the head coach of the Loudon Leopards, at the end of the Cup of Harmony, due to the 2-1 choke job against Kosovoe.

Traynor: Newmanistan’s goal was scored by Brett Prescott in the 75th minute but was too little too late, the Rockets were already down two-nil at that point. But Kevin, we know that it looks like Carson will be out. What makes you so sure it will be Andrews, and that they won’t look for an international figure?

Collins: That could be possible, but I just don’t see the Empress looking at international options unless there was a true standout available. Andrews has the Oxen Cup experience. He got these guys to the final as an underdog.

Traynor: You almost knew right away that his Oxen Cup success would set up a controversy if there was a slight slip up.

Collins: It was, when the slip was slight. But here, Brian has fallen off the balcony.

Traynor: Newmanistan takes on fellow underachiever Arroza in Zwanzug tomorrow. More on that in a later segment. For now, Jenn Murphy is on location in Loudon, where there’s a lot going on, where loyal Andrews supporters demand Carson to be fired now, and two teams, Candelaria and Marquez and The Macabees will be playing. There’s a story involving the Big Blues, too, so Jenn, you must be busy out there. (Scene cuts away from newsroom, to Murphy, who is outside Loudon Stadium).

Murphy: Thanks Meghan, listen to this, “Carson sucks! Carson sucks!” If Pocono City were playing Loudon here tonight, this chant would be nothing new. But it’s Candelaria And Marquez and The Macabees that are here, and while those fans walk past these angry Newmanistanians, it’s clear that while these neutral fans bought tickets for this game to enjoy the sport of football, that the failures of the Rockets out in Zwangzug are still on their mind. Brian Carson is on his last legs (those in the background overhearing her cheer), and with the likes of Yafalonia and Bazor 2 and KaMaRi still to play, a comeback into a top two spot is unlikely. So what do the fans out here think? Let’s find out. (Murphy walks towards the people behind her, putting the microphone in front of the face of random people).

Fan: “Carson sucks! (Applause follows). How much longer does he think he can sit on his Di Bradini stuff. Leave coaching kids to him. Coaching men, is for Eric.”

Fan 2: “Eric is like, so the better option, man. Jenn Murphy could do a better job coaching the team then Carson.”

Murphy: “Well, I don’t think I’d say that!”

Fan 3: “We lose to too many teams that we should beat. That is always, ALWAYS something that should come back on the coach.”

Fan 4: “Why the (censored) is (censored) people like Kevin (censored) Lewis still in the starting line up. Same with Julie McElroy. Does he want to (censored) her or something?”

Muprhy: Keep it clean guys. Our censors had to work too hard there. So there you have it, the fans out here are absolutely pissed with the performance of the team over the last two games, and haven’t shied away from letting their feelings be known. (Begins to walk away as cameras follow her). But there’s another story in Loudon. That of Canderlaria And Marquez captain Matteo Corradini who was the victim of a ruthless attack by Rennidan’s Robert Golos at Tundra Falls. It was reported this morning that Corradini is going to press assault charges against Golos. This morning, the Tundra Falls Police Department served Golos a notice of court date to be coming. Golos posted the necessary bail, for now. So what do Newmanistanians think about this legal action?

Fan 1: “The incident was sick, but do people charge everyone for assault on every tackle that happens on the pitch? Mr. Corradini will heal, its time to drop the matter and move on. Golos was being sentenced to 100 hours of community service here, which as a foreign country to him is a significant punishment.”

Fan 2: “I fully disagree. It was not just a football incident. It was a pre-mediated attack and the Candelaria guy is doing the right thing.”

Fan 3: “I can understand why Corradini would want to press the charges, but all its really going to do is serve as an unnecessary distraction to his team. He’s their captain, right? As such, he should know it’s not about him, and for the benefit of his team, just drop the matter. It’s not like Golos will get life in prison or the death penalty. Probably just six months to a year, maybe two, if convicted. Is that really worth it?”

Fan 4: “Robert Golos and Micah Twels are cousins or something, right? They spit on Tundra Falls. I’m not from there, but I know that you respect that place.”

(Murphy reclaims the microphone)

Murphy: Ok, well as you can see the emotions among Newmanistan fans are mixed on that matter. Back to you guys in Pocono City, for PCSN, I’m Jenn Murphy.

(Back to studio)

Collins: Just as we expected, brutal out there for Carson. But are you surprised at the opinions on the Corradini-Golos incident.

Traynor: I thought that Corradini might have some more support, but there was one fan there that I particularly agree with. Matteo, your team has 6 points in 2 games. You’re the captain, focus on that. Bring your team together and build on the Cup of Harmony run, because let’s face it, the Big Blues have been a little disappointing in the last two World Cup qualifying efforts.

Collins: No offense Meghan, and to the female audience. But that is the response of a woman.

Traynor: Don’t go there, Kevin.

Collins: Just saying, from the man’s point of view, that son of a bitch attacked me with his boot during a game in front of an overflow crowd of 200,000 at the Proving Grounds. It’s either kill him, or charge him. I agree with him.

Traynor: Well, we’re just as split in the studio on this. We must now go to commercial. This segment is brought to by Windstorm Media, the official Wireless Company of the Cup of Harmony, and by Miss Kitty South Island Bourbon, the official Distilled Spirits company.

Collins: One thing before we go. That Miss Kitty South Island Bourbon, if you haven’t had it yet, go out there and get you some. You’ll especially need it now the way the Rockets are playing.

STORIES OF THE PEOPLE - #3
THE MANO COCA STORY

Once again, the place of the story is Macumba, the capital and main city of the country of Terreiro de Ogum. But this time, in a more isolated place, near the border of Macumba with another important city of the country, Mandinga. This place is a protected park, full of ancient trees and different kinds of animals. And is in this place that people usually go to use drugs.

First of all, many of the drugs that are prohibited in other places are allowed in Terreiro de Ogum, such as marijuana and cocaine. To make a comparison, for example, in Cafundéu the use or trade of drugs is one of the most serious crimes that can be made inside the country. Most of the drugs are prohibited, and even tobacco faces many restrictions. This situation is very different inside Terreiro de Ogum, and drugs are used without fear or shame. So why do people go to the border between Macumba and Mandinga to use drugs, if they can use it in their homes?

Most of the drug addicts that go to the park say that the effect of the drugs is much more intense when they are in the park. Some say that there they achieve a "higher contact with the Orixás". But many pais-de-santo complain about the use of the name of the Orixás in their excuses, saying that Orixás have nothing to do about drugs. Others say that the contact with Mother Nature makes the effect of the drugs natural and stronger. And other say that it's just because it's an isolated and quiet place, perfect for this practice.

This day, which is also the day of the game between Terreiro de Ogum and Septentrionia, many people are reunited in the park. One of them, Mano Coca, brings a radio.

"I want to know how it is to follow a football game after the cocaine..."

Others seem to approve the idea:

"Cool, cool man, let's see if the marijuana can improve my feelings of the goals..."

"Vou viajar junto com a bola, cara!"

Mano Coca is completely addicted to drugs, and he knows this. He doesn't care anymore. He says that he is a "total flex" man, he can face any kind of drug. His friends often consider him an idol, a strong person that can use a much higher quantity of drugs without problems. In many situations, they dare him to "take another round" and use more than he is used to, and he does this without problems. Mano Coca seems unvincible, the drugs seem to make no harm to him.

He turns the radio on. The commentators start to announce the Terreiro de Ogum line-up. Guaxinim is still injured, Reclusa is still sick... even Pinguinha is unable to play. The line-up is: Bibah; Bicho Grilo, Toquinho, Zeca da Ponte and Preto Véio; Pai Berto, Dona Rosa, Tramóia and Pai África; Mestre Kacet and Demo. An interesting team, and the people in the park start to shout commemorating the beginning of the game. They are already being under the effect of the drugs.

Each play that the radio comments seems to throw them in another place of the world, it seems like they are travelling with the ball. They start to interact with each other, and each missed chance produces different effects in them. Mano Coca stays focused in the game, although he consumed much more than the others. A woman asks him:

"Qualé, Coca, vai ficar aí paradão? Vem com a gente, se solta, delira cara!"

Mano doesn't want to join them. He is following the game closely.

"Bicho Grilo is playing... that guy is a true friend, a really nice person, I need to support him."

That's right, Mano Coca is a close friend of a Terreiro de Ogum player, the right-back Bicho Grilo. It was him who introduced Bicho Grilo to the marijuana, and now he knows that his friend is completely addicted to the drug. Bicho Grilo didn't want to try other drugs, as he was "in love" with the marijuana. For years, they were best friends, leaving at night to consume their drugs in the park. So, Mano Coca still respected and wanted Bicho Grilo to succeed in the National Team.

"He always loved to play football. He is a good player."

"But, smoking marijuana all the time, he won't play well for much long..."

"He plays better after smoking..."

"I doubt it, Mano Coca... I really doubt it... by the way, why don't you take another round?"

That's the trigger for another round of drugs consumption for Mano Coca... he continues his ritual... until Terreiro de Ogum scores a goal. Excited with the good news, he decides to take a higher quantity of drugs, a level that he never did before.

"Esse é o cara, ele nunca para, é uma máquina!"

Mano Coca doesn't stops... he continues. Then, Septentrionia scores a goal. Suddenly, Mano Coca starts to feel something inside him. The goal from the opponents of Terreiro de Ogum hurt him, he isn't feeling well. He feels dizzy, he can't think straight, the goal affected him.

He falls on the ground. The others seem worried about him.

He tries to say something, but his voice fails, nothing leaves his mouth. His vision starts to disappear. Septentrionia's goal seems to be destroying him from inside, the pain is huge, he wants to leave the place, he wants to leave his body... he is suffering... then...

Mano Coca stops... once and forever.

THE EMPIRE TIMES

EAGLES TOP OF THE TABLE

The Blouman Empire International Football team have moved to the top of their group with a 4-2 win over bottom placed kevant. It must be noted, however, that Candelaria and Marquez had the bye during this match day and so have an extra game up their sleeves to catch up.

The game started poorly for the Eagles with kevant opening the scoring early in the 9th minute with a striker taking advantage from a poor offside call by the linesman able to slip the ball past Henry Burner. This seemed to be a wake up call for the team who managed to reply with a goal in the 17th minute after Christopher Speed slammed the ball in the top left hand corner so fast that the kevant keeper was jst grasping at air. The momentum by the team picked up with the back line able to intercept balls and regain possession with some excellent tackles most notably by Kiamar whoe managed to win 100% of all one-on-one confratations. A cross by Johathon Filmar in the 38th minute to Anthony Williams saw the Eagles able to take the lead by half time.

After the break the momentum of the team continued with the players managing to create many chances unforunatly the strikers were unable to capatilze on these with poor accuracy. In the 60th minute Henry Schweppe made a few changes taking off Issac Golding his first time on the field during this tournament for Williams and Christopher Moreton for Steven Holdings who was not up to form at all during the game. The two substitutes made a difference to the game with Moreton moving through two helpless kevant defenders and passing the ball just in front of Golding who managed to find it a home in the 69th minute. The team managed to go three goals up when Alexander Lightfoot crossed the ball into the 18 yard box Jwhere Jack Junkson managed to gain control and slotted it home to make the score 4-1. A bad tackle in the 90th minute by Richard Moaninton on a kevant striker 21 yards out saw both players injured and a yellow card for Moaninton, he was replaced by Sam Killner. The free kick saw it bounce off the goal frame where a kevant player was able to get a touch and it rolled over the goal line. While the goal seemed to rejuvenate the kevant side it was to late with the final score being 4-2. Schweppe said after the game that apart from the early "brain fade" the boys showed once again why they deserve to win this cup. Captain Kiamar also said after the game that the early goal was a wake up call not only for this game but for upcoming games that they must be vigilant from the begining.

The next game is at Dover field where the Eagles take on 5th placed Vonks. With a win expected by the team.

RP cutoff, Groups C and D...

Scores below.

Group C:
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 3-3 Universitus University
Newmanistan 2-2 Arroza
KaMaRi 2-1 Kosovoe

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Universitus University 4 2 2 0 9 5 4 8
2 KaMaRi 3 2 0 1 6 4 2 6
3 Kosovoe 3 2 0 1 5 4 1 6
4 Yafalonia and Bazor 2 3 1 1 1 7 6 1 4
5 Newmanistan 4 1 1 2 5 5 0 4
6 Green wombat 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
7 Arroza 4 0 2 2 6 12 -6 2


Group D:
Sorthern Northland 2-1 Alversia
Jariss 2-2 Kereca
Kose and the Turkomans 0-1 Orion Star Empire

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sorthern Northland 3 3 0 0 8 4 4 9
2 Orion Star Empire 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
3 Kereca 4 1 2 1 6 4 2 5
4 Alversia 4 1 1 2 5 8 -3 4
5 Lovisa 3 0 3 0 3 3 0 3
6 Kose and the Turkomans 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
7 Jariss 4 0 2 2 4 7 -3 2

And the Cup of Harmony continues to roll right along.... Matchday 4 cutoff, A & B, right here, right now.

Group A:
Candelaria and Marquez 1-2 The Macabees
Blouman Empire 1-0 Vonks
Rennidan 2-1 kenavt


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Blouman Empire 4 4 0 0 10 2 8 12
2 Candelaria And Marquez 3 2 0 1 7 3 4 6
3 Rennidan 3 2 0 1 5 4 1 6
4 Prux 3 1 1 1 4 5 -1 4
5 The Macabees 4 1 1 2 5 8 -3 4
6 Vonks 4 0 2 2 3 5 -2 2
7 kenavt 3 0 0 3 3 10 -7 0


Group B:

Jeru FC 3-0 Ma Raque
Nire and Nire 1-1 Terreiro de Ogum
Septentrionia 0-1 Dennisov


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jeru FC 3 3 0 0 9 2 7 9
2 Terreiro de Ogum 4 2 2 0 6 4 2 8
3 Nire and Nire 4 1 2 1 8 7 1 5
4 Ma Raque 4 1 1 2 6 8 -2 4
5 Acapais 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
6 Dennisov 3 1 0 2 5 8 -3 3
7 Septentrionia 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 1

STORIES OF THE PEOPLE - #4
THE MARCO SALOMÃO STORY

Estresse Intenso doesn't participate in WCC competitions anymore. But, in the truth, it has never participated in a official competition, only lent the name to the Landau Institute team. Anyway, its place is now occupied by the Terreiro de Ogum National Team, which now is playing in the Cup of Harmony. So, the Estresse Intenso citizens tend to support Terreiro de Ogum, as it is the team with the closest relations to them. But few people have the opportunity of following the games, as most work in the office buildings, and others have to face the chaotic life of the streets.

There are some exceptions, of course, and one of them is the president of Estresse Intenso, Marco Salomão. He has no power and no influence in the country, and his decisions can't be put into action. So, he does nothing during all the day. Because of that, he has plenty of time to do other things, and one of them is to follow football games. Inside his office, he turns his television on to watch the game between Terreiro de Ogum and the country of Nire and Nire. Terreiro de Ogum faces many line-up problems, including the injuries of Reclusa and Guaxinim and the suspension of Tramóia, Demo and Bicho Grilo. So, the team has problems, and is playing with: Bibah; Zen, Toquinho, Zeca da Ponte and Preto Véio; Pai Berto, Armário, Pinguinha and Pai África; Mestre Kacet and Cobrador.

The presence of Cobrador in the starting line-up of the Terreiro de Ogum team is a curious fact for the president of Estresse Intenso. Although the people from the recently independent country think that the Cobrador's mission is to gather food that will be used to assist the poor people of the country, this isn't the truth. The truth is that Leão do Federal is a member of the Estresse Intenso government, which collects "taxes" for Marco Salomão. All the food that he takes goes to Marco Salomão's office, and is sold to other people or consumed by the government members. The presence of the Cobrador in Terreiro de Ogum was part of the deal that gave the independence to the country.

Yes, the people of Terreiro de Ogum doesn't know how the country got its independence. The truth is that the deal is full of details that harm the new country. Besides the presence of the Cobrador, there are many other clauses in the treaty that benefit only Estresse Intenso, as the use of Terreiro de Ogum crazy people in Landau Institute studies.

But, returning to Marco Salomão's story, the fact that Leão do Federal is playing this game makes Marco even more anxious to watch it. And the game starts... and the opponents score a goal. Marco starts to complain of the poor defence, while eating some of the food that probably used to be of some poor Terreiro de Ogum citizen. The team needs to react, and fast.

Outside his office, he can hear the noise of the explosions... a riot must be happening right now, but nothing that can worry him. There are approximately twenty riots per day in the city, and none of them harm him. All the office buldings, including the government one, are well protected.

Terreiro de Ogum attacks to recover the result. Cobrador isn't playing well, and the team is facing problems. Only in the second half Mestre Kacet scores the goal, which motivates Marco. He starts to dream of the victory, maybe even with a goal from Cobrador.

But this didn't happen.

The Albrecht Herald Online>Sport>Football>CoH33
‘Grotesque’ Corradini can’t hide from horrific Blues display

By Morgan Fattori

Though the Small Blues lost but a single match, the fifth Di Bradini Cup was none the less something of a non-event for all but those supporters who had ventured to Starblaydia. With the build-up to the Big Blues’ CoH semi-final clash with Rennidan dominating the day’s schedule on TV1, the game against the Macabees was reduced to a mere hors d’oeuvre over on TV2, where it was guaranteed to take only a smidge of the normal audience an under-21 game of its magnitude would expect to garner. And in the days to come, as a nation licked its wounds received from a second one-nil defeat to the Rennidanians and a CoH exit at the cruellest stage; there was little appetite for our footballing youngbloods’ misadventures in Starblaydia. Not when there was the general election to worry about. Or three hundred dead Albrechters, for that matter.

The distractions of the real world helped us miss the emergence of one Mika d’Angíel, and that may prove to be to our eternal misfortune. For, if there is an answer to the question of “Who is like unto thee among the mighty, O Lord?”, then the IYC Ajer striker is surely it. He and he alone may yet pull the Macabees into contention for a place in the knock-out stages and, while for tedious contractual reasons we cannot tell you who scored the white-and-gold-clad side’s two goals, we can drop some broad hints.

If C&M can somehow recover from this painful defeat, the remote possibility remains that they could yet face the Macabees for a second time. If that proves to be the case we had all better hope that the defence marshalled by Steven Williams has learnt its lesson, and was not too distracted themselves by the occurrence early in the match that came – not unreasonably – to dominate TV1’s coverage of the game.

The Big Blues had been playing relatively controlling football for seven minutes, looking to continue their form from the Kenavt encounter and swat aside the lowly-ranked Macabeans before the supposedly far more testing crunch class with the Blouman Empire. But after those seven minutes had passed, a face – or rather a pair of eyes – appeared from the tunnel at the Loudon Arena that made jaws drop.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w175/candelariaandmarquez/corradini3.png

Supposedly, Matteo Corradini’s face mask was required to help protect the captain’s damaged flesh and, according to the post-match press conference, “protect the sensibilities of a global television audience from viewing his grotesque visage”. We cannot, of course, be certain of the true scale of Corradini’s injuries following his encounter with Robert Golos in the tournament’s opening Group A game, and it would be churlish at the very least to suggest that there was any attempt at exaggeration in Corradini’s new appearance. It certainly seemed to shock the Candelariasian and Macabee players in equal measure – Corradini having supposedly arrived late to the ground and not yet met up with his compadres – and the C&M players’ furtive and concerned glances towards the substitutes’ bench were understandable.

As in Tundra Falls, the Big Blues’ opposition pulled themselves together first and launched the most devastating early attack – the Macabees’ first real effort and their first goal coming in the fourteenth minute. A heavily accented striker scored it, possibly, after Frederík Nastel had timed his run past a despairing William Burgos perfectly, and left his colleague one-on-one with Oberon Martinez. He made no mistake.

C&M’s failures became increasingly evident as they attempted to push for the equaliser, and Corradini’s absence in favour of Matt Reddington appeared only a small part of the problem. The term ‘embarrassment of riches’ has never been more suitable; for Merlin Siriwong, Ryan Edwards and Dionísio Madeira Lobos all showed equal claim to the ball and seemed unwilling or unable to determine for themselves just who deserved the greatest share. To the casual observer C&M dominated the first half, if the sides’ respective tally of shots was to be the marker; for the three offensively-minded midfielders leathered Díenar V’har’s goal with efforts. But few looked likely to test the ‘keeper greatly and, with Ignacio Vélez still marooned up front, Kris Healy’s team selection was looking increasingly questionable.

On the fiftieth minute, Siriwong began to exhibit some ill effects of a rumble with Lión Gertal shortly before half-time, until he was reduced to merely hobbling along the touchline while C&M waited for the ball to go out of play. Jamie González was the obvious replacement, but Healy recognised – albeit belatedly – that this side was in desperate need of a change of tactics. He sent on Matteo Corradini.

It wasn’t as ludicrous a thought as it first appeared, for the Macabean side were left entirely unsure of how to deal with the new arrival. He quickly began to get in the swing of things, producing a run down the left easily the equal of any of his efforts when his Albrecht FC coaches have permitted him the option of going forward, and launching a cross that was centremetres away from Vélez’s head and the back of the net. But on the very next attack, V’har launched the ball forward and Norton Galastíel took it down. His ball into the box was easily hoofed away by Demario Ortiz, but Galastíel’s second effort caught the C&M defence unawares and Tíengard Balánt headed on for a football player of some sort, who whacked a rocket past Martinez.

C&M could draw hope from the nature of the three-all draw in Starblaydia, but the Macabees’ youngsters had learnt from that experience. They held the fort marvellously until the dying moments, when Dionísio – and what were the odds on him not being the focus of attention for the Candelariasian press at this tournament? – produced a moment of sublime skill to unlock the defence and send substitute Ramiro Novo through to score. The Big Blues pushed forwards, but the ninety-sixth ranked side in the wor


*click*


“Ironic, is it not?”

“I was reading that…”

“Threefoldly so, indeed.”

“Sam, you can be all Yoda if it makes you feel like a more interesting person, but I’m really sure there’s no such word as ‘threefoldly’. I was reading that.”

“Indulge a madman’s ramblings, old friend. Humour me. The report would only depress you.”

Sam Mc O’Neil kept his face turned, staring up at one of the hundreds of screens hanging in his dank abode at the heart of the CMSC Building in Albrecht. The reporter from NTV Sports burbled on silently about C&M’s latest failure while the subtitles dragged along behind him, desperately attempting to convey the correspondent’s ill-disguised amusement. The CMSC President’s colleague sighed.

“So… Which ironies are tickling you the most today, O President? The fact that Corradini is wearring a great big mask days after his injury whilst I haven’t shown my own face to the world since my own… misfortune?”

“Ooh, well done. That’s one of them, certainly.”

“What about the fact that I’ve spent several days castigating you for your nefarious plans for the future of domestic football in the Candelarias and our national team, after which the Big Blues go and completely balls things up against the Macabees, thus suggesting that your ideas, as unpalatable as they seem, are perhaps the only way our national team are to gain any success ever again?”

Mc O’Neil clapped his hands together in satisfaction. “Right again! You’re good at… this…”

His companion’s eyes followed the President’s up to yet another screen; this time TTO Sport showing stock footage of Johnathon Filmar playing – and, more often than not, scoring – for Cathedral City.

“That yer latest beau, is it? Samuel Fortal’s old hat now that Rennidanians are pretty much persona non grata?”

“Sam-yoo-al. And yes. Filmar is a wide midfielder of the rarest quality.”

“I’d have either of the Edwards brothers any day. Or Niv Cohen.”

“That is simply not the point! Imagine the press we’d get from the Empire! Imagine the image rights!”

“Imagine the hatred… What on earth makes you think he’d play for us, anyway?”

They sat in the glare of a hundred muted screens and the hum of mating bluebottles.

“Even if he would not,” Mc O’Neil said stoutly, “There will always be others. Henry Morrison, for example.”

“The Caires City left-back? A player who can’t get into the Bloumany squad? Aye, that’d have the world’s press salivating…”

“Small pictures, always small picture with you, isn’t it? It’s win-win for us all, you know? Can’t you see how much better your precious national team would be?”

“With Henry Morrison on board? Yeah, oh-kay… Besides, it wouldn’t matter if we had a Rotherwell and Careca strike pairing; the people’d never stand for it! They can barely grasp having Dionísio in a blue shirt, never mind eleven of them!”

“Curious… That’s just what the girl said… Look; you know I couldn’t give a fig about the success of the ‘Big Blues’, in and of itself. But it would be a welcome by-product, would it not? The people will always accept victories, whoever is playing for their team. It’s bread and circuses, isn’t it? Especially after the bombings. Heaven only knows they need something to cheer them up.”

“Ooh, that’s right, yeah. Let’s make some political capital out of hundreds of horrific deaths… We won’t be living under the 12/5 gloom forever, Sam.”

“Ahh… And there you so daintily touch upon the third irony, my friend. We will, you know. Forever and ever. More or less.”

“I…?”

“Use the back button. First paragraph. When were the terror attacks?”

“Two months ago. On the nose, near enough.”

“And when was the last Di Bradini Cup?” Sam asked, a joyful smirk in his voice.

“Two years ago, wha…? Although, it’s funny but I… I distinctly remember watching that defeat against Jeruselem just after… I mean, there were armbands and everything, I…”

“The beauty of artificial time dilation, old friend! Pushing selected events back through time to help us keep up with the rest of the worlds. Pushing people back through time; their bodies, their memories…”

“I’m aware of the concept, Sam.”

“Of course you are. But you know what it means, don’t you? We’re football men, you and I. Intrinsically connected to the Big Blues and the Small Blues and the Huge Blues and the CMSC’s place on the global scene. It may sometimes sit just on the cusp of our understanding, but we will be packing – what is it? – twelve years into twelve months, give or take, for the rest of our lives. We’re the boys who’ll never grow up, us and the footballers and their most loyal of Candelariasian supporters. Our memories may change; but we’ll exist in an endless, post-terror present, until death. We’ll as likely as not be worm food by the time Morton leaves office. Even the World Cup will be in its sixties by then.”

“I’ve never really thought about it like that.”

“I have. Thanks to that beautiful little Device, spinning away gently in the Ministry, changing our reality around us; men like you and I have been given the gift of a lifetime spent in the Present.” Mc O’Neil turned, smiled his glassy smile and looked Millerman Sheppard straight in the eye. “And I intend to make the very most of it. At the very least.”

He flicked a switch, and a Demotian channel towards the far end of the room began chattering away, discussing Julius Rotherwell and his Radyukevich side, and their chances in the remaining CMSC XXIX games. But it just wasn’t enough. It was never enough.

Man: Hello, are you Private Nok Em Downe?
Nok: Yes, that's me!
Man: I know all about you.
Nok: Really? I suppose I had a reputation for the girls there.

Man: I can save you.
Nok: From what?
Man: Going to hell, and meeting Satan.
Nok: I though it was too late for stupid Nok.

Man: It's not too late, you can save yourself now.
Nok: So what do I do?
Man: You join the Christian Fellowship of Salem.
Nok: And then what?

Man: You leave the army and become of the chosen ones. You must renounce all forms of sin.
Nok: That will me hard man!
Man: Well, now is the time Nok.
Nok: But I'm dating a Dallas girl.

Man: You must abandon her, and we can give you a wife.
Nok: I don't know if it's a good idea have Nok around your women.
Man: We can change you for the better, you will be a new man.
Nok: Gee, big changes then.

Sadie: Hello Nok, who's this creepy fella.
Man: Oh, a Dallas girl ...
Nok: We wants me to be a good Christian.
Sadie: You're that Christian Fellowship of Salem cult right?

Man: We aren't a cult, we are the true children of God.
Nok: Say, aren't you the guys who marry daughters off really young to members?
Man: Yes, but it's all legal. All is done legally in Jeruselem.
Nok: Look here, I want to choose my own wife.

Man: You can, from a list of girls we give you.
Nok: How than that be choice?
Man: We make your life easier and free of mortal sin.
Nok: Look, the army might make your life a bitch but at least I can choose my own bitch.

Sadie: He's got funny taste in women.
Man: God will one day destroy the sinners and leave us in inherit the world.
Sadie: But you've been waiting for ... how long?
Man: We can wait, you can't. Please join us.

Nok: Find someone else, Nok here wants to enjoy like - not make himself a slave to a cult.
Man: We can save you, renounce this ... girl here. She's related to the Whore herself.
Nok: My girlfriend here might be a whore but at least she respects Nok as Nok. I'm not interested.
Man: Nok, don't make a mistake like this.

Sadie: Who's that 16 year old? Your daughter?
Man: No it's my wife.
Nok: Ped!
Man: Why is everyone saying that to me?

Groups A & B, I present to you your Matchday 5 cutoff.

Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez 2-0 Blouman Empire
Prux 1-1 kenavt
Rennidan 2-1 The Macabees


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Blouman Empire 5 4 0 1 10 4 6 12
2 Candelaria And Marquez 4 3 0 1 9 3 4 9
3 Rennidan 4 3 0 1 7 5 2 9
4 Prux 4 1 2 1 5 6 -1 5
5 The Macabees 5 1 1 3 6 10 -4 4
6 Vonks 4 0 2 2 3 5 -2 2 E
7 kenavt 4 0 1 3 4 11 -7 1 E

Candelaria And Marquez owns tiebreaker on Rennidan due to H2H win.

Group B:
Jeru FC 2-1 Nire and Nire
Acapais 3-0 Dennisov
Septentrionia 1-0 Ma Raque



Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jeru FC 4 4 0 0 11 3 8 12
2 Terreiro de Ogum 4 2 2 0 6 4 2 8
3 Acapais 4 2 0 2 6 5 1 6
4 Nire and Nire 5 1 2 2 9 9 0 5
5 Septentrionia 4 1 1 2 3 5 -2 4
6 Ma Raque 5 1 1 3 6 9 -3 4
7 Dennisov 4 1 0 3 5 11 -6 3


Matchday 6 Schedule:
Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez- Vonks @ Putnam Lake Stadium
Prux- Rennidan @ Pocono City Stadium
kenavt- The Macabees @ Loudon Stadium

Group B:
Jeru FC- Terreiro de Ogum @ Dover Field
Acapais- Septentrionia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Dennisov- Ma Raque @ Southport Stadium

And here's the one for groups C and D. (I don't think anybody's eliminated yet...)

Yafalonia and Bazor 2 2-4 Newmanistan
Green wombat 1-0 Kosovoe
KaMaRi 2-2 Universitus University

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Universitus University 5 2 3 0 11 7 4 9
2 Newmanistan 5 2 1 2 9 7 2 7
3 KaMaRi 4 2 1 1 8 6 2 7
4 Kosovoe 4 2 0 2 5 5 0 6
5 Green wombat 4 1 2 1 5 6 -1 5
6 Yafalonia and Bazor 2 4 1 1 2 9 10 -1 4
7 Arroza 4 0 2 2 6 12 -6 2

Sorthern Northland 1-1 Jariss
Lovisa 1-0 Orion Star Empire
Kose and the Turkomans 3-1 Alversia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sorthern Northland 4 3 1 0 9 5 4 10
2 Orion Star Empire 4 2 0 2 5 4 1 6
3 Lovisa 4 1 3 0 4 3 1 6
4 Kose and the Turkomans 4 2 0 2 6 6 0 6
5 Kereca 4 1 2 1 6 4 2 5
6 Alversia 5 1 1 3 6 11 -5 4
7 Jariss 5 0 3 2 5 8 -3 3

(ooc: I've had computer problems and recently changed shifts at work, so this might be the last post in for the CoH, sorry guys)

Wachovia Public Forum

Dateline: Newmanistan

At least they are trying, right? A 1-0 win over former continuum members, Kosovoe keeps the slim hopes alive for the wombats, but at 1-2-1 with 2 matches to go, thye are only 2 points off qualifying for the next round. So who the heack really knows what will happen right?

Lawyer #1: Well this is a complete waste of time. We look like freaking idiots out there!

Lawyer #2: Well it is my fault, so what, you gonna kill me now?

Lawyer #1: I'm tempted to, but then I'd have to run this entire operation by myself, and you are the only one I trust enough to help.

Lawyer #2: well gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.

Lawyer #1: Well it could be worse, we could haven gotten a bunch of vegetables to play.

Lawyer #2: Isn't a vegetable in the World Cup Hall of Fame?

Lawyer #1: No, that's an Egg.

Lawyer #2: An egg? What the hell is an egg doing in the World Cup Hall of Fame?

Lawyer #1: I think it is in there as a joke. Margaret must've put it there.

Lawyer #2: Margaret? Who is she?

Lawyer #1: You don't know who Maragaret is? No wonder we haven't qualified for the World Cup yet, we have an unbeliever!

Lawyer #2: Well how can I believe her, if I didn't even know she existed until a moment ago? So who is she, some great coach or player?

Lawyer #1: Oh, Margaret, this is gonna take a while....

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7065/dailyuniversianxk5.jpg

String of Ties Places Universitus In Awkward Position with one Match Remaining

Zwangzug Universitus remains in First Place with only two days remaining in the first stage of the Cup of Harmony, with only one match left for Universitus in that time span, tomorrow against Kosovoe.

Though the position in First Place isn't as secure as any Universian would like to believe. Every team from 2nd place in Newmanistan to 6th place Yafalonia and Bazor 2 has a direct possibility of overtaking Universitus' 1st place position on points alone.

Universitus has just 9 points after 5 matches - 2 wins and 3 ties. With 7 points is Newmanistan (1 match left) and KaMaRi (2 matches left). Universitus' next opponent, Kosovoe, has 6 points with 2 matches, Green wombat has 5 points and 2 matches, and Yafalonia and Bazor 2 has 4 points and 2 matches.

"We are very concerned" said Acting Head Coach Valden-Luordes. "The First Place position is somewhat misleading. We feel like we're very vulnerable. A win against Kosovoe would do wonders for securing our position, but right now, there are so many teams that are in striking distance, we can't feel safe. The number of matches played aren't working in our favor, either."

With so much at stake on the next match against Kosovoe, no team members were available for interview. A team spokesperson said only that the team really desires a win to propel them to their first international qualified tournament since Baptism of Fire 25. In World Cup 41, the team did not qualify, leading them to this Cup of Harmony.

Here's to our stars in green.

Raeta Jaile is a reporter for The Daily Universian: the first news source for all Universians.

<from Coach Leni Banama's Myspot page>

well one match left and we still haven't won yet. but somehow it says we're not eliminated. Not sure how. i guess i should have read the rules a bit more closely. three teams tied at 6 points and we only have 3. Sure we can beat Kose and the Turkomans and tie them that way on points, maybe get them on GD but everyone else has a game on hand on us. but either Kercia or Lovisa should finish with more than that no matter what our score ends up being.

i'm pretty sure we're done even if we do win, which doesn;t seem likely. hopefully we can at least win one match before this is over and this is our last shot. still hope we can avoid the cellar if nothing else. this has to be our worst CoH showing ever. Good time for a break i would say, maybe someone else should take over this team, i can;t seem to get much done for us.

Rockport Illuminator: Sports Lead

Now Would Be A Good Time For A Miracle:

With 4 games played and the bye week over for the Tar Hornets, we sit at the bottom of the group with two points, and a negative 6 goal differential. Just based on points and differential we're by far the worst team in Group C, and out of the 28 teams in the cup, we're ranked 27th, ahead of only kenavt. The situation is so dire that even the scholars covering Zwangzug's Universitus University team have ruled us out for being able to finish above them in points. Just think in order for us to qualify, not only would the Tar Hornets have to defeat both Kosovoe, and group bugaboo Yafor and Bazalonia 2 in back to back games, they would also need to have the following things happen:

Universitus must BEAT or TIE Kosovoe.
Green Wombat must beat Kamari, and lose to Yafor and Bazalonia 2.
Kamari must tie Newmanistan.
Arroza must score AT LEAST 8 goals in the next 2 games.

So basically, as you see...it's mathmatically possible but near impossible.

This is not how the 57th ranked team in the world is supposed to play soccer.

This would be a good time to start praying to Margaret.

"Lee! Keep your head up for fecks sake! Johnny's making some excellent runs, use him! You can't win this whole thing on your own!" cried Rodney Toulere, running frantically up and down the touchline.

John Hernandez was berating his strike partner, Lee Waywide, who had just dragged a shot wide of goal rather than passing to Hernandez. Lee, took notice of neither of them and instead took his frustration out on a water bottle lying behind the goal line, kicking it into the back of the net. Well the side netting really, but it was closer to going into the goal than anything he'd done with a ball all afternoon.

It was nearly ten years ago now that these three individual's had come to the attention to Sorthern Northland and to an extent the world. This though was a vastly different stage to the one a bit under a decade ago. Then they were in Starblaydia, or more correctly in a Starblaydi airport. There for the fourth Di Bradini Cup, the whole teams passports had been mistakenly cancelled whilst in the air leaving them stuck in an airport for the duration of the cup. Back then they all received high praise, the players for keeping their minds on the game despite circumstances that would have distracted other men and the manger for managing to keep the teams morale and belief up.

All three have since gone on to big things. Waywide and Hernandez had impressed enough at that cup to be bought by foreign teams with Waywide becoming something of a cult hero amongst his teams fans. Rodney Toulere meanwhile, largely on the back of taking his team to the semi final of that Di Bradini Cup had been given the job of managing the senior squad.

With the under 21's it had been so good for all three of them. The team had overcome being stuck in an airport and for most it turned into the experience of a lifetime. Joy was bought to them through adversity and it would seem most of them had the time of their lives back then. Toulere was a big part of that. A hugely popular coach, he understood the players, he knew when to have fun and when to work hard.

But all that was then. Now it was different. Of course it was different, that was the U21 team, this was the senior team. Whilst success at U21 level is welcomed, the purpose of that team is to give young players experience of international football, and to finish their footballing education so to speak. Success was good, but the main goal was for players to play the Sorthern way. To play good attacking football, to play for their nation, it was a more relaxed affair. Success at that level was celebrated but what was the point if they didn't succeed at senior level? Managers jobs weren't under pressure, fans didn't call for players to be dropped and success was rated on the quality of football the team played rather than what they won and as such the atmosphere between players and manager was a fantastic one.

At senior level though, it was different. Toulere wouldn't be judged on the football his team played, or the players he would bring through. He was judged on results and having failed to qualify for the World Cup he had so far been a failure. As had his players. Some even started questioning whether Waywide was Lee's surname or a nickname based on his shooting accuracy. Famed off the pitch for his easy way with people, women in particular, Lee became frustrated with each miss. With each miss the fans grew even more frustrated and with them more frustrated they grew more agitated with Lee's misses and with that they heckled him and with that he became even more frustrated, cursing his team mates, the fans, his manager anyone he could under his breath. He didn't mean anything of it of course. It was only because he cared. It was only because the fans cared that they heckled him, and it was only because the manager cared that he criticised Lee, and it was only because he cared that Hernandez berated his strike partner. It was something of a never ending circle. It was the result of pressure.

Pressure that came with perceived failure. Indeed Toulere's job was supposedly on the line, unless they won the competition, as was the players. With not long to go in the match and one down to bottom of the group Jariss, the pressure was on more than ever. A loss here would surely bring unprecedented amounts of criticism and possibly the end for Toulere. He pondered, should he leave Lee on? Should he put another attacker on? Suddenly he realised he had less time than he thought as the board went up for injury time. Three minutes, better throw a striker on.

Ham Hyi-san, only 18 years old, he was due to go to the next Di Bradini Cup, predicted to have the same impact as Lee Waywide had the last Sorthern Northland played in it, but would he or Lee be able to have any impact today? Now was the time and with his first touch Ham crossed it in, Lee was first to the ball and deftly flicked it past the the keeper and once against past the post. This time though it went past the right side of the posts and into the net. Players, fans and coaches alike went wild. More in relief than celebration, the result was certainly not what was wanted but a draw was better than nothing and SN were still top of their group but their was still plenty of work to do if they were to get close to winning the cup.

Toulere pondered this as the final whistle blew. He looked out for Lee, to congratulate him for his perseverance, after a moment or so his assistant pointed him out. Moments ago he was villein to the fans, but now he was once again the hero, it was with them that Toulere could see him. Chatting away and signing autographs for a couple of female fans.

"The more things change, the more they stay the same.", Toulere said with a smile across his face to his assistant as he turned around to head back to the dressing room and prepare the post match team talk.

An interlude of regrettable, but unavoidable, brevity and irreverence, in a dressing room somewhere in Newmanistan

“Arright, come on… Simmer down, settle down… Shush… SHADDAP!”

“Ah, c’mom, gaffer! That were good work, wasn’t it? And the way I look at it, we steamroller Vonks and then we’re basically through, what with the Rennidans and Bloumans playing on the last day.”

“Oh, hark at thee!” Kris Healy snapped, “Got it all worked out then, ‘ave yer, Ry? Listen, lads and lasses,” the manager continued, with a friendly nod towards Harry Primrose, “That was a good second half, it was. And why was it a good second half… Merlin?”

“Because we listened to you, gaffer?”

“Because you listened to me, yeah, thank you. You lot at the back, you can’t just think that you can just play the same way you do week in, week out fer yer clubs and expect it all to work seamlessly! Get it through yer skulls, lads, four-four-two is dead, alright? We can mourn it in our own time, and Lord knows I will as much as anyone, but in international football now, it’s over, right? Will, Alex, get forward, guys! The space is there, Con and Matty, either of you Matties, whatever, will cover you, it’s fine. Merlin, you in particular, stop hugging the touchline, yeah? Yer not a winger, you don’t play that way for MarquezOW, do yeh? Drift out there on occasion if you want, sure, but I’d have had Alessio or someone in the squad if that was what I wanted. Same with you, Ry. You’ve got a shape, you’ve got a formation, stop thinkin’ you’ve got to conform to the way everybody plays in the CMSC, alright? Iggy, you’ve gotta come in more, mate. Joe, Cas, you pay attention here an’ all. We can’t afford to just have this stationary target anymore, right? The future is strikerless, we all know that! I don’t care whether it’s me in charge or anyone else, this is the way we’ve gotta play if we’re going t’compete in the years to come, so you three better learn when you need to be selfish and when you’ve got t’work together pretty sharpish, ‘cos it’s not as though I haven’t got other options, y’know? You played better, you did, but we were lucky out there. But for Oberon, Filmar could’ve scored a couple, Iggy’s penalty, your free-kick, Ry, great, yeah? But honestly, give me one good chance from open play? Anybody? That’s unforgivable with this side we’ve got! Anyway, look, we’ve got a lot of work to do, right? Vonks are out, but they’re going t’be smarting, and it’s not going t’be the best of surfaces out there, right? I know we’ve got experience of playing on sandy pitches after our, um…”

“Our game against the non-existent monks from an alternate reality?”

“Aye. It’s not going t’be easy, right? They underperformed here, but at one stage there was every chance of ‘em making it to the World Cup ahead of the eventual semi-finalists, right? They’ll know our game better than we do, especially with that Ian Rice at the back; lad’s supposed to know the ins and outs of every international game in history. And that Werner Borr, their captain, he’s a clever bloke by all accounts. Could probably give you a run fer yer money, Prof,” Healy smiled at Harris Dixon, who had scraped a couple of B grades in his Maths and English Literature EAG to earn that sobriquet among his fellow footballers, “So there’s absolutely no way we’re going t’be taking this one easy, right?”

“To be fair, gaffer, their goalkeeper’s as blind as bat.”

“Maybe we could naturalise him for the Olympic squad?” Jamie González muttered bitterly, with a glance towards Dionísio.

“Alright, Jamie… Look, there’s twenty-three of you in this squad. Less than half of you are going t’get picked to start any particular match, but that doesn’t mean I or anyone else thinks any the less of the rest of you. It’s a squad game, and we’re all in this together, right? Personal rivalries, petty squabbles, we’ve got t’forget about all that! We’re in this together, right? For Candelaria And Marquez!”

“And Cafundéu.”

“And Caf… Look, you lot are the best the Candelarias has to offer, but don’t let that go to your heads. We’re doing this for the Candelariasian people, for the glory of the nation! For C&M, people, yeah? Come on! Can I get a Goooooo Big Blues!?”

The dressing room stared at him nonplussed for a moment.

“Are you alright, gaffer?” Matteo Corradini ventured after a bit, from beneath his mask.

“I… Yeah. It’s this country… I think it’s starting to get to me…”

The players glance furtively round the room, while some eerie music swells up in the background. The picture cuts suddenly to a far more interesting scene elsewhere. One we won’t be posting here.

It's MD6 cutoff time for Groups A & B. Crunch time begins!

Group A:

Candelaria And Marquez 5-2 Vonks
Prux 2-2 Rennidan
kenavt 0-0 The Macabees


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Candelaria And Marquez 5 4 0 1 14 5 9 12 Q
2 Blouman Empire 5 4 0 1 10 4 6 12
3 Rennidan 5 3 1 1 9 7 2 10
4 Prux 5 1 3 1 7 8 -1 6 E
5 The Macabees 6 1 2 3 6 10 -4 5 E
6 Vonks 5 0 2 3 5 10 -5 2 E
7 kenavt 5 0 2 3 4 11 -7 2 E

Candelaria And Marquez has clinched advancement due to the fact that Blouman Empire and Rennidan go head to head in matchday 7, and they own the tiebreaker over Blouman Empire should they lose and Rennidan win.

Group B:
Jeru FC 2-1 Terreiro de Ogum
Acapais 3-3 Septentrionia
Dennisov 0-2 Ma Raque


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jeru FC 5 5 0 0 13 4 9 15 Q
2 Terreiro de Ogum 5 2 2 1 7 6 1 8
3 Acapais 5 2 1 2 9 8 1 7
4 Ma Raque 6 2 1 3 8 9 -1 7 E
5 Nire and Nire 5 1 2 2 9 9 0 5
6 Septentrionia 5 1 2 2 6 8 -2 5
7 Dennisov 5 1 0 4 5 13 -8 3 E


MATCHDAY 7 SCHEDULE

Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez-Prux @ Southport Stadium
Rennidan- Blouman Empire @ Putnam Lake Stadium
Vonks- kenavt @ Olympia Field

Group B:
Jeru FC- Acapais @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Septentrionia- Nire and Nire @ Loudon Stadium
Terreiro de Ogum- Dennisov @ Pocono City Stadium

RP cutoff for Groups C and D, etc, etc...

Please note that qualification/elimination tags, or lack thereof, are not confirmed accurate.

Yafalonia and Bazor 2 3-2 Arroza
Green wombat 2-0 KaMaRi
Kosovoe 1-1 Universitus University

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Universitus University 6 2 4 0 12 8 4 10
2 Green wombat 5 2 2 1 7 6 1 8
3 Newmanistan 5 2 1 2 9 7 2 7
4 Yafalonia and Bazor 2 5 2 1 2 12 12 0 7
5 KaMaRi 5 2 1 2 8 8 0 7
6 Kosovoe 5 2 1 2 6 6 0 7
7 Arroza 5 0 2 3 8 15 -7 2 E


Sorthern Northland 1-2 Kereca
Lovisa 0-3 Kose and the Turkomans
Orion Star Empire 2-2 Alversia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sorthern Northland 5 3 1 1 10 7 3 10
2 Kose and the Turkomans 5 3 0 2 9 6 3 9
3 Kereca 5 2 2 1 8 5 3 8
4 Orion Star Empire 5 2 1 2 7 6 1 7
5 Lovisa 5 1 3 1 4 6 -2 6 E
6 Alversia 6 1 2 3 8 13 -5 5 E
7 Jariss 5 0 3 2 5 8 -3 3 E


(Lovisa lost to Kose and the Turkomans, so the latter holds the head-to-head tiebreaker. They also beat Kereca, so there shouldn't be any messy three-way business...it seems...)

Narrator: It’s time for another edition of the Pocono City Sports Report, brought to you by Penthoria Life and powered by Sweet Buy! Here are your hosts, Meghan Traynor and Kevin Collins.

Traynor: Good morning Pock City and the rest of the viewing audience! I’m Meghan Traynor, with me is Kevin Collins. We got a lot to go over this morning so no time for fooling around, let’s get right to it!

Collins: Awww, come on, can’t we fool around a little bit. Here, look at this.

Traynor: Handcuffs? (Blushes) Fooling around? Kevin, I’m not your....

Collins: No silly, these represent Arroza. As in, we need the prisoners from Arroza to win!

Traynor: (laughing, still blushing) Oh.

Collins: And this....

Traynor: A Journalism 101 textbook? That must be....

Collins: That’s right. This is what the students of the illustrious Universitus University have done to the rest of the group. Taken all of us to school.

Traynor: What do you have for KaMaRi?

Collins: Another textbook, but this one for grammar. As in the rules of capitalization, you freaks!

Traynor: So, the Rockets are going to take KaMaRi to school, teach them more then just the rules of capitalization, but in effective football as well, and make them wish they would soon find themselves in handcuffs in a Zwangzug prison instead of having to go home and face the music?

Collins: Your good, Meghan.

Traynor: What about Yafalonia and Bazor 2, we need them to beat Green wombat, but not by too much, so we still hold a goals differential advantage over them.

Collins: All these tiebreaking scenarios give me a headache. Group C, is simply a mess.

Traynor: Underachievers, overachievers, and tweeners have made for one great big pack.

Collins: Newmanistan must beat KaMaRi first and foremost. That’s really all we need to spend time worrying about.

Traynor: Yeah, so if Newmanistan made it into the knockout stages, Brian Carson ends up pulling another last minute rabbit out of his hat, and keeps his job, after all this.

Collins: Brian has always had the ability to get his team to play well in the important games. It’s one of those nagging things about Newmanistanian football ever since we entered the World Stage. Remember the World Cup 40 qualifying effort and the two big wins over Kelssek he led us too, and then the away goals rule away from beating Bostopia and advancing to the World Cup Proper.

Traynor: But then, there’s the other side.

Collins: 2-1-4 against the worst seed in the group starting with that same qualifying group. Throw in the loss to United Hetzel in qualifying, and Kosovoe here, the next to worst seeds, and he has a very unimpressive 2-1-6 record. It’s a very odd thing.

Traynor: Did you hear about United Hetzel?

Collins: What about them?

Traynor: They ceased to exist this morning. No more United Hetzel.

Collins: Chalk another one up to the spirits of the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds. They beat us there, then bam, you no longer exist.

Traynor: While the Cup of Harmony is in place. Makes you think doesn’t it.

Collins: Don’t mess with Tundra Falls. Rennidan is playing with fire.

Traynor: Nice segway, as now we look at the groups going on in Newmanistan. Group A is pretty cut and dry.

Collins: The Big Blues are in. Everyone from Prux on back are out. Rennidan takes on Blouman Empire at Putnam Lake Stadium. Fortunately for Rennidan, it’s not at the Proving Grounds.

Traynor: Well the spirits don’t like Rennidan, but the Blouman Empire? They bought Tundra Falls’ top player last year in Matt Caufield. So, are they even in the spirits’ minds?

Collins: Doesn’t matter, the game’s in Putnam Lake.

Traynor: I know I was just asking for the fun of it.

Collins: I still think Rennidan owes them something. So, no, probably not even, but let’s go to Group B, which is close to being the same kind of mess as Group C is.

Traynor: Jeru FC is in, first place, they’ve clinched everything they possibly could. After them, though, it gets hairy.

Collins: Terreiro de Ogum makes things easy for themselves with a win over Dennisov. A team that they obviously should beat, and as long as they don’t listen to Brian Carson for advice on how to beat the lowest ranked team in the group, they should be fine.

Traynor: They have their own spirits looking over them.

Collins: That they do, but if Dennisov pulls off a shocking upset then this group is up for grabs. Acapais has to worry about Jeru FC, and the ironic thing is, sitting down there in 5th and 6th are two clubs that have done absolutely nothing to get excited about in the Cup of Harmony, Nire and Nire and Septentrionia, who could catapult into 2nd place themselves.


Traynor: They go head to head. A draw eliminates both of them, so they will go all out for a win. Both are underachieving sides, but like Newmanistan, the opportunity could be there, if somehow Dennisov beats Terreiro de Ogum.

Collins: It’s a fun scenario, Megs, but guess what?

Traynor: What?

Collins: Terreiro de Ogum won’t choke. Why should we have any faith in Dennisov at this point?

Traynor: I don’t know. It’s time to head out to break. This segment was brought to you by Vektor Motors.

Collins: And by NPS Express. We’ll get it there so fast you’ll think we beamed it there.

THE ROCKET REPORT

WIN VITAL

Pocono City, Newmanistan- Out in Zwangzug, the Rockets will be seeking to do something that seemed unthinkable after back to back losses to the two lowest seeds in the group, Universitus University, and Kosovoe. What has since transpired has been a group with no clear winner, and the Rockets, like everyone else (except Arroza) remain alive with the chance to advance to the knockout stages with one game remaining. They must win, but a win doesn’t mean they’re in. If Green wombat defeats Yafalonia and Bazor 2, then the Rockets are done no matter what. During the Cup of Harmony, it’s become public knowledge that Empress Jessica has put Brian Carson’s job on the line, with needing to make the knockout stage a must for him. I, Clint Peterson, was given the opportunity to speak with Her Highness to see if that is still the case, and also to discuss what’s gone on in the Cup of Harmony within Groups A & B that has taken place right here on Empire soil. Here is the tape of that interview we had.

CP: It’s a beautiful afternoon here in Pocono City. The Rockets had the day off in Zwangzug, and had some results go favorably for their chances of advancement. I am graced by the presence of Her Majesty, Empress Jessica along with Tyrone and Darius, two of her security guards. Good afternoon, Empress.

E: Good afternoon, what another beautiful day here in Pocono City, isn’t it?

CP: It is. Thank you for your time.

E: No problem, it’s my pleasure to talk about our football team and the Cup of Harmony.

CP: It’s a beautiful day outside here, but how about for Pocono City’s club coach Brian Carson? We know about the ultimatum. He’s got the team in position on the final matchday. What do you think?

E: I’m glad that we are in the position to possibly make the knockout stages.

CP: It doesn’t sound like that will be enough then, and that you plan on standing firm.

E: Clint, if we beat the University and Kosovoe, two teams we should beat, we’re sitting at 4-1-0 right now and have clinched the group. Not just advanced. Clinched the whole damn group with a matchday still to go.

CP: That matters the most, huh?

E: Absolutely it does. We have been terrible in the games that we should win, and it may come back to bite us here. Not to mention, even that draw of that 4-1-0 is against a side that’s sitting at 0-2-3 right now. I like Brian Carson, and maybe with the Capitals, since they can win games against the low table teams simply by showing up most of the time, that he just can’t get the team up for these games against lower sides.

CP: But he’s beaten Green wombat and Yafalonia and Bazor 2, the two highest seeds in the group. Doesn’t that balance out?

E: It balances out if we beat KaMaRi, and the results of the other games go favorably to send us through to the knockout.

CP: So you’re not taking anything at all less, even if they finished in a second place tie with 10 points and lost out on a tiebreaker.

E: If we lost out on a tiebreaker, then we didn’t make the knockout. Correct?

CP: Well, yeah.

E: Just like we you lose out on the away goals rule, you don’t make the World Cup, right?

CP: Ok, I see where you’re going with this.

E: Yes, and by the way, just so everyone out there knows right now, this job does not automatically go to Eric Andrews if I do can Carson. It seems to me that a lot of people in the media have seemed to want to make that decision for me. Andrews is a candidate, but he’s not the only one.

CP: Really?

E: You all need to listen to Meghan Traynor sometimes.

CP: You’re going to bring in an international candidate?

E: I might. This is becoming a higher profile position as we progress. Or there are other domestic coaches. James Martin of Centralia being one.

CP: Martin? But he can only coach defense!

E: Maybe that’s a road we should be taking, Clint.

CP: Alright, well, let’s move to the next topic. Economically speaking, has hosting the tournament been a success for the Empire?

E: It’s been a brilliant success. Several of these nations have very passionate fan bases have been here for the entire tournament, and being that they travel around from stadium to stadium, their dollars go to several cities, as opposed to if we just based a couple teams in one area of the Empire.

CP: I’m sure these fans would have appreciated that though.

E: That was a consideration, but our fans were the bigger consideration. We wanted them to see most of, if not all, if the participating teams at their stadium, so that’s why we bounced it around. You see the flags of all 14 of these nations proudly displayed. They’ve all brought great fans here. Some more then others, though.

CP: Everything has gone peacefully, in the stands, thus far. That’s good too.

E: We keep security tight. There were two games on our schedule that concerned us the most for potential incidents, and both of those matches have taken place, and they have been incident free.

CP: What about the Golos-Corradini incident, from your perspective?

E: Golos was ticked off about a something that happened years prior, and he probably had that planned out for a long time. So he probably had enough time to rethink it, and come to his senses. You accept physicality, but not that. Corradini looks to be recovering gradually.

CP: Newmanistan has been somewhat active in signing overseas transfers. But of these 14 nations, only one of them, Blouman Empire, is a nation that Newmanistan has done club transfers with. Do you think that playing here, some of our clubs will be tendering transfer offers for players on the 13 other national sides?

E: Some of these nations have unique characteristics to where other things prevent them from playing here, such as a Jeru FC or a Terreiro de Ogum, and the Nire and Nire side isn’t running overboard with their own domestic talent. I don’t know where Jose is these days. But the others, maybe.

Tyrone: Ok buddy time’s up.

CP: Alright Your Highness, great talking to you again and I wish you the best.

E: Thank you Clint, I hope we win and advance, I really do.

STORIES OF THE PEOPLE - #5
THE ZIRIGUIDUM ACADEMY STORY

Looking from outside, this small house seems just a common Terreiro de Ogum house, with the same structure of many others. The only thing that makes it different from the others is it large garden, which is comparable to a pai-de-santo one (as the pais and mães-de-santo usually make their rituals in their gardens, when they aren't making them in their own terreiros). But there is something more inside this house, which makes it a special one. One of the most respected groups of the country is based in this house.

When you first enter this house, you can notice that it isn't a residential house: there are many items that make homage to the Orixás, rituals made near the door to protect the place, musical instruments... after entering in the other rooms, you can see more musical instruments, more homages and offerings to the Orixás. This surely is a special place. But the real activity is being concentrated in the garden. When approaching the door that leads to the garden, you can already hear the noise of the music, a calm and nice music that most people appreciate, although the sound can be a bit boring after some time.

What happens in that garden? The answer is simple: this is the Ziriguidum Academy, the most respected Capoeira academy of the country. Its members are loved by the citizens of Terreiro de Ogum, who consider them good hearted people that are ready to help whoever needs their help. This isn't a lie: in fact, all the people that enter in the Ziriguidum Academy must have a history of making good actions, and suspicious or evil people aren't allowed. When inside the academy, the members don't only practice Capoeira: they also offer help to the city's population, make food for the poor and teach children how to play Capoeira, mantaining them out of the streets. That's why they are so respected.

Today, the most experienced Capoeira fighters are having some fun in the academy's garden, playing Capoeira and their musical instruments. It is a nice and sunny day, and they are just waiting for time to pass, because today they have something to do: watch the Terreiro de Ogum football game.

"Êia Mestre Amaral, energia nesse corpo! Vambora no ritmo!"

And they continue playing Capoeira. The masters command the activity, but there are also some children from the neighbourhood that are following their steps, dreaming about having their ability one day:

"Manero, Mestre Dedé! Queria conseguir fazer esses negócio aí que ocês faz!"

Then, Master Amaral orders the group to stop. It is time. The football game will start, and he needs to turn the television on:

"Let's support our friend, Master Kacet! We hope he can score many goals, okay?"

"Yes, Master Kacet is the best!"

Master Jorginho helps Master Amaral to install the television on the wall and turns it on: the game has already started, and two minutes have passed. Jeru FC was attacking, but Preto Véio took the ball from them. The children start to shout and make comments about the game, excited to be able to watch a football game by a colour TV. The masters are quiet, concentrated on the game and waiting to see if Mestre Kacet will have a good game. He receives the ball, exchanges passes with the Cobrador and shoots, sending the ball wide. Master Oito comments:

"He is a deadly player. We are in good feet."

"Kacet é foda, ninguém pára ele!"

Time continues passing, and the worst possible thing happens: Jeru FC scores a goal. The children are now quiet, and the masters seem worried. The first half ended with a negative result, but there are good expectations for the second.

After fifteen minutes, Tramóia crosses the ball to the area and Mestre Kacet hits it with a Capoeira volley. Goal for Terreiro de Ogum. Some masters play their instruments to commemorate the goal, the children return to shout.

They expect more, but unfortunately the opposite thing happens. Terreiro de Ogum suffers a goal and doesn't recovers.

What was happiness in the Ziriguidum Academy turns into sadness.

The Albrecht Herald Online>Global Edition>Sport>Football>CoH33>In Brief

C&M storm into quarters The Big Blues are through to the quarter-finals for the third time in as many Cups of Harmony, following a crushing 5-2 victory over a poor Vonks outfit. A pale shadow of the side that came close to shocking the world during the last World Cup qualifying campaign, Vonks offered little in the way of a test for the top-ranked Candelariasian side, but manager Kris Healy pronounced himself ‘extremely satisfied’ with the performance of his team, who join fellow CoH32 semi-finalists Jeru FC in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.

The last time C&M scored five goals before today was during the 6-1 demolition of the military-minded Jeruselemites in the third-place play-off two years ago, but Healy will be keen to win the group and avoid the new-look Jeru FC side in the next round – even if Terreiro de Ogum, the other likely opponents, are no pushovers themselves. Qualification was assured with Rennidan’s draw in Pocono City against Prux; but with the pressure now off the Q Continuum outfit and C&M expected to field a weakened side, the match in Southport may be trickier than it would appear at first glance. CAMAFA authorities will certainly be keeping more than one eye on Putnam Lake.

If the Vonkian defence was pretty awful, then C&M still deserve credit for dominating the game in midfield and creating a lengthy string of first-half chances. On another day, Healy’s men may have knocked up a cricket score; as it was, Ignacio Vélez was on sufficient form to add two to edge ever closer to his international half-century, opening the scoring on the half hour after keeping his composure in the box when a less experienced player would have dropped to his knees, and adding the third on the stroke of half-time a poor clearance from Richard Roland.

No less encouraging was the midfield, with Healy’s magic three of Merlin Siriwong, Dionísio and Ryan Edwards finally looking something akin to the complete package; taking turns to support Vélez up front and control the centre of the park, while the latter two continued the goalscoring in either half with emphatic drives. All three were still on the pitch on the seventy-sixth minute, when they combined beautifully to leave Cas Richardson with a simple opportunity to finally open his international account.

A more experienced side than Vonks could still find huge holes in the Candelariasian midfield, but the only major worry from Putnam Lake was the defence. Xiaoshan Gao’s goal could not be helped, the hugely talented twenty year-old beating William Burgos for pace and launching a curling shot that left Oberon Martinez with no chance. But Steven Williams should never have allowed Gao to get the better of him and earn a corner at 4-1, and the Albrecht Turkish star was also at fault for Ian Rice’s header from Abiodun (this one isn’t pronounced ‘Abingdon’, we’re reliably informed) Fajuyi’s ball in. Such errors are uncommon from C&M’s steady-Eddie at the back however, and on this form the Big Blues will be a genuinely fearsome prospect in the knock-out stages.

Talinger fans happy with Borr performance While most Candelariasians at home and abroad were enjoying one of the most fluid attacking performances by a C&M side in years, a few thousand fans in Talinger, central Candelaria, had a twelfth man to cheer for. The forty-two year-old Vonks captain and midfield star Werner Borr played two dozen games for Warbirds Talinger, the small city’s second, semi-professional, club, during the XXIV season, as part of his long, itinerant career.

He quickly established himself as a cult hero, as a player of a standard clearly above that of the then Wellbeloved Windows Candelarian Elite Championship Division Two Regional League A, and left for brighter lights at the first opportunity. Borr’s impact was enough to lift the Mustangs to promotion however, and the player is still fondly remembered at the club, prompting over sixty supporters to fill out East End Park to cheer on their former star against C&M.

Though Vonks ultimately fell to a 5-2 defeat; Ian Murphy, the chair of the Warbirds Talinger supporters’ club, told the Herald that Borr had excelled himself once again, and that it was hard to be disappointed with a game of such élan, whatever the result. The club could certainly do with Borr back on board again; they sit twelfth and bottom of the Cynergy Designs Candelarian Premier League, six points adrift of the Di Alfonso Phoenix with seven league games to go.

Selection dilemmas for Healy The Big Blues’ manager looks set to institute wholesale changes to the starting XI for the Prux encounter, despite C&M’s fate for the CoH quarter-final draw still undetermined. Qualification is already assured, but C&M could still fail to win the group, should the Blouman Empire better the Big Blues’ result in Southport. Despite this, rumours from the camp suggest that Healy will rest numerous players; giving Jamie González and Rául Vélez starts in favour of Merlin Siriwong and Dionísio Madeira Lobos, while Ramiro Novo – fresh from helping his Parwood City side into the group stages of the Champions’ Cup – will start up front in place of Ignacio Vélez.

With captain Matteo Corradini still nursing his facial injuries, Matt Reddington will remain alongside Connor Mengucci; but Tom Redway and José Luis Sosa could get games in defence.

TV1 viewers ‘to miss Prux clash’ A potential audience of several million Candelariasians look likely to miss out on watching the Big Blues in their final Group A game against Prux, after it was confirmed that the national swimming trials would be televised in its place.

A spokesman insisted that the event – which will be the final opportunity for several Candelariasian swimmers to try and match the Olympic qualifying standard to enable them to take their place in Columbia – was of greater public interest than the ‘dead rubber’ in Southport. The game will instead be shown on pay-per-view TV3, where it is likely to garner only a fraction of the viewership.

Silence

Silence

A bit more silence

A bit more silence. Can you just bear with us here, this isn’t really very easy to reflect in written form.

Silence

“You, uh… You do know all about them, don’t you? Has this been planned for a long time?”

Silence

Ooh, and a bit more. Just to break the monotony

“Graham, me and the lads are in agreement that this really isn’t working, no?”

Silence

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, hombre, the silence was worth a go an’ all…”

Silence

“So, maybe you might want to switch to the emotional hate approach, like Rob suggested?”

Silence, and a sigh

“So, uh… You know you don’t owe them anything, don’t you? Your people, your country? What loyalty have they shown you? Why d’you think you’re here? Do you not think someone would have come after you, if anyone remotely cared?”

Silence

“You know what happened to your comrades, don’t you? They’re gone now. You’re all alone in the world. You still feel something for your country, I get that, I get that. But you honestly think they still feel anything for you, Doug? Honestly?”

Silence

“We were the ones who saved you, don’t forget that. They left you to die. We can work together, y’know, you and us. I know we don’t seem like the best of buddies now, but you’ve got a future here, y’know?”

“Good, the source appears to be responding to this, Graham. See if you can’t get down to his eyeline, a bit of touching of the… um… shoulder? Keep it calm, keep it relaxed, chummy…”

“And you can tell us things, and it won’t hurt anyone back home, will it? Oh, they might be a bit miffed, sure. But you’ll have earned the eternal friendship of the Candelariasian people…”

Silence

“Alright, on second thoughts, we’re not sure this is going anywhere either, Graham… Fear it up a bit, yeah?”

“You know that we’ll let you go, don’t you? We can’t keep you here indefinitely, that’s hardly fair. None of this is your fault, is it?”

Silence

“But you know, if you don’t tell us anything, we’ll have to send you back home. Are they really going to welcome you back with open arms? You failed your country, you’re dead to them now. I mean, I’ve gotta say, I really don’t fancy your chances, mate.”

Silence

“So, let’s start with the easy stuff, shall we? Attila the Hun, George Washington, Erwin Rommel? Are they… actors? Clones? Are they the real thing, who’ve been brought into our time zone using a fusion generator, pink avocado, albino zebra and an as-yet unidentified canned meat?”

Silence

“What are they here for? What danger to they represent?”

Silence

“Y’know, I’m a reasonable man, but I’ve got some friends who really aren’t! So I suggest you better start blabbing quickly, or there are gonna be repercussions, my friend!”

“Um, Graham, I’m not sure thi–”

“WE KNOW YOU KNOW, DOUG! START! FUCKING! TALKING!”

*Slams the table, sending it and the interogee flying backwards. Graham storms to his feet, grabbing the subject by the scruff of the neck*

“TALK, GOD DAMN YOU!”

*Sound of a door being hastily unlocked, several men storming in*

“Graham! Graham, leave him! He’s had enough!”

“I’ll be back, mate, so think on! You ju–”

“Come on, Graham, let’s…”

“Arright, arright… God fuck it…”

*The door slams shut behind them*

“Come on, hombre… We had him there! You always go too far, you know?”

“I know, I know… I’m sorry, Diego.”

“It’s okay… Look, I’m gonna phone Melbourne, okay? Tell him that’s the last time we try to interrogate a bloody robotic duck, no?”

THE EMPIRE TIMES

The Final Countdown
Eagles need result for Finals

The Eagles have been busy preparing since their disappointing game against Candelaria And Marquez where they saw their first defeat of the tournament going down to the top side 2-0. The team has had a day off thanks to the bye and have used the time to ensure that they will be ready for the game against Rennidan. This game will be important as a loss will mean they will finish third and an early trip home. The team needs at least a draw to be able to proceed to the quarter finals while a win will see the team finish on top of the table just one point clear of Candelaria And Marquez.

The Empire Times spoke to Manger Henry Schweppe on the teams chances. Schweppe knew that they were in for another tough time as Rennidan would also be looking to snatch the position away from the Eagles. It is also understood that the team has been busy improving on their accuracy which has hindered their hopes in the past games, defence has also been something which has been practiced during their day off not only for this coming game but will be important for them during the finals. Scweppe said during a lunch time press conference "The game against Candelaria And Marquez showed us that we have been lucky during the first few games and that our defence needs to be stronger when coming up against better teams which we will encounter during the finals, without it we will fall, at least we have been able to play these harder teams towards the end to be able to pinpoint our deficiencies so we can be stronger when we come up against these harder opponents". Captain Sam Kaimar can also see the need for strong defence practice "We and myself especially let the team down and we cannot see a repeat of this performance we must continue to push ourselves harder an train harder if we want to win this thing".

The team will be playing at Putnam Lake tonight in front of a strong crowd which has been following them across the country, with more and more people watching at home as they have won game after game. Kiamar knows how hard a game this will be but is confident that they will come through tonight, "I know we can win and finish on top of the table where we belong". While the leaders of the team are showing to the world how good they will be tonight, team insiders have said that some players have lost a bit of confidence and have been brought back down to Earth after the massive loss against Candelaria And Marquez, while Schweppe confirmed that the team including himself did have a wake up call after the loss he would not be drawn into circulating rumors that the team morale is low sating that the media "should stop looking for a story that isn't there, and watch the game tonight while supporting the boys who will shut our mouths".

OOC: Bloody Jolt I spend an hour writing up a seperate RP (not this one) and when I go to post it I get a system error and lose the bloody RP, I am not a happy chappy at the moment I can tell you. *goes off calling Jolt every name under the sun*

<Family continue their driving across the country to Putnam Lake, after staying the night with Shane Taylor at North Charlotte>

James: You know dear Shane certainly seems to be fitting in well here in Newmanistan.

Clare: Yes, and his house I still can't believe how big his house he certainly had nothing like that back home, hell it was a three bedroom apartment and he was sharing that with a team mate.

James: Yes I think he may have gotten a good share of Great Aunt Gladis' will, he was always her favourite Sally didn't get much only her car and some jewellery.

Clare: Yes it was a shame both Sally and Helen looked after her in her old age and they got very little, but Helen did get the shack but Shane got quite a bit, considering he can afford a house and car like that. He is quite a good cook.

James: Yes, those Beef and chili pies he made were quite nice and I loved his cheesecake.

Leon: Yeah that cheesecake was yum, are we going to see him again Dad? He said he would take me to the Wildcats home ground and show me around.

James: We are planning to but we will see there is a lot of other stuff we have to see yet.

Leon: It seems like we have been driving for ages, how much further?

James: Well remember how we drove all day yesterday? Well we have just as far to go today.

OOC: I don't know why maybe it is to long or something but it looks like I have to spilt the post up. Bloody Jolt.

Emily: Its cold in here can you put the heater up, why do you like it cold.

James: This isn't cold, you kids don't know what cold is. Why when I was a boy

Emily: Oh here we go again (rolls eyes)

James: Too right here we go again. When I was a boy it was so cold that are tears would come out frozen, it was so cold that I had to push my Dad out of bed and into the car so he could go to work.

Leon: Why?

James: Because he didn't want to go. And when we went to school we had to walk 20 miles in the snow, uphill mind you both ways with nothing to keep us warm but our hands in our pockets and a possum on our head.

Leon: A possum? Oh come off it Dad

James: Don't call me Dad I'm your father.

Emily: A possum why not a hat?

James: We couldn't afford one, hats don't grow on trees you know. And neither do pockets, we couldn't afford them either they used to be extra for the pants when I was a boy.

Emily: Bull

James: It's true if we wanted pockets we had to pay extra, not like nowadays, nowadays you see people chucking the pockets everywhere, and I have had quite enough of you two kids and your devil maycare attitude towards pockets back during the two year recession I saw grown men murder the wives to get a bit of pocket.

Leon: Oh come of it Dad, if they didn't have pockets then when did they put their wallets?

James: Real men didn't have wallets back in those days boy, real men shoved down their pants and made sure it was held in tight by their...

Clare: James! Now we have had quite enough of what things used to be like we should focus on they way things are now.

Emily: Mum do you think we will have time to stay and go to the beach at Putnam lake?

Clare: Oh I think so dear, it depends if they win and where they are playing if they lose then we have another three weeks in this wonderful country where we can see some marvellous scenery

James: They better win tonight I didn't come all this way to see them crash and burn to some two bit team which will overtake them in the final, they better win tonight. And they better go better in the finals and play good football not whatever crap they thought they were playing two nights ago against Candelaria And Marquez, if they play like that during the finals they might as well get on the next plane back to Bloumany because there is no way they will win with a poor performance like that.

Leon: Yeah they better play better. Hey lets start the game again. I spy with my little eye something beginning with "M"

Clare: Milkshake (shaking a cup)

Leon: No

Emily: Money

Leon: No

<The family continues their long drive to Putnam Lake. OOC: It was Mountains as in the ones he could see in the distance for anyone who might be interested>

We've reached the final RP cutoff of the group stage for A & B.

Group A:
Candelaria And Marquez 2-1 Prux
Rennidan 1-1 Blouman Empire
Vonks 1-3 kenavt


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Candelaria And Marquez 6 5 0 1 16 6 10 15 Q
2 Blouman Empire 6 4 1 1 11 5 6 13 Q
3 Rennidan 6 3 2 1 10 8 2 11 E
4 Prux 6 1 3 2 8 10 -2 6 E
5 The Macabees 6 1 2 3 6 10 -4 5 E
6 kenavt 6 1 2 3 7 12 -5 5 E
7 Vonks 6 0 2 4 6 13 -7 2 E

kenavt-The Macabees H2H result was a 0-0 draw, so they are separated by GD.

Group B:
Jeru FC 3-1 Acapais
Septentrionia 1-3 Nire and Nire
Terreiro de Ogum 3-0 Dennisov


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Jeru FC 6 6 0 0 16 5 11 18 Q
2 Terreiro de Ogum 6 3 2 1 10 6 4 11 Q
3 Nire and Nire 6 2 2 2 12 10 2 8 E
4 Ma Raque 6 2 1 3 8 9 -1 7 E
5 Acapais 6 2 1 3 10 11 -1 7 E
6 Septentrionia 6 1 2 3 7 11 -4 5 E
7 Dennisov 5 1 0 5 5 16 -11 3 E

Ma Raque placed ahead of Acapais due to their 3-1 H2H victory.


We’d like to wish the fans of the ten teams that spent their time here that are now going home the very best. We wish their football teams the best too, and better luck next time. Congratulations to the four who have advanced.

The Knockouts begin! Here are the matchups: (these will be scorinated Wednesday, so you have an extra day get in more RPs!)

Candelaria And Marquez- Terreiro de Ogum @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Jeru FC- Blouman Empire @ Pocono City Stadium

Ditto. Except for C and D. Oh yeah.

Group C:
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 2-1 Green wombat
KaMaRi 0-2 Newmanistan
Arroza 2-2 Kosovoe

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Universitus University 6 2 4 0 12 8 4 10
2 Newmanistan 6 3 1 2 11 7 4 10
3 Yafalonia and Bazor 2 6 3 1 2 14 13 1 10
4 Green wombat 6 2 2 2 8 8 0 8
5 Kosovoe 6 2 2 2 8 8 0 8
6 KaMaRi 6 2 1 3 8 10 -2 7
7 Arroza 6 0 3 3 10 17 -7 3


Head-to-head results between the tied teams:
Newmanistan 0-1 Universitus University
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 3-3 Universitus University
Yafalonia and Bazor 2 2-4 Newmanistan

Therefore, Universitus University finishes with four points from those matches, Nemanistan three, and Yafalonia and Bazor 2 one. They are thus placed in the order shown.

Oh, and Green wombat beat Kosovoe.

Group D:
Sorthern Northland 2-1 Lovisa
Kose and the Turkomans 0-0 Jariss
Kereca 3-1 Orion Star Empire

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sorthern Northland 6 4 1 1 12 8 4 13
2 Kereca 6 3 2 1 11 6 5 11
3 Kose and the Turkomans 6 3 1 2 9 6 3 10
4 Orion Star Empire 6 2 1 3 8 9 -1 7
5 Lovisa 6 1 3 2 5 8 -3 6
6 Alversia 6 1 2 3 8 13 -5 5
7 Jariss 6 0 4 2 5 8 -3 4

Many thanks to the non-advancing teams for participating, especially the active RPers. Your participation is valued and stuff, but the scorinator gets the last word...or number...whichever...

To play:
Sorthern Northland vs Newmanistan (Borchag Arena, Kerlagrad)
Universitus University vs Kereca (Kenarus Field, Inver)

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/7065/dailyuniversianxk5.jpg
*Whew*: Universitus Advances to CoH Quarterfinals on Head-to-Head Results
Continued Awkward Positioning Leaves 3 Teams with 10 Points; Universitus one of 2 Advancing Quarterfinalists

Zwangzug The Prefects crowded around the screen. Any moment from now, the official results of the day's matches would be made public, and with the way Group C had been going through Cup of Harmony 33, it was likely that the qualifiers wouldn't necessarily be understood immediately.

That prediction was right.

"Gentlemen, we have the results." The room went silent. Valden-Luordes proceeded. "Newmanistan wins, Yafalonia and Bazor 2 wins, Kosovoe ties, KaMaRi and Green wombat lose. Thus, there is a three-way tie for first place, all have 10 points: Universitus, Newmanistan, and Yafalonia and Bazor 2. We're waiting on the official word, but it looks like Universitus should advance, remaining in first place." The room erupted.

"Quiet, quiet!" Compulson shouted as the screen began to confirm the qualifiers to the CoH quarterfinals. "Therefore, Universitus University finishes with four points from those matches, Nemanistan three, and Yafalonia and Bazor 2 one. They are thus placed in the order shown," the reporter ended: Universitus had remained in first. In the back, few heard as Valden-Luordes let out a nervous *Whew* - the team had reached their first goal: group stage supremacy.

Universitus has another day off to prepare for its Quarterfinals Match against Kereca, the 2nd place team from Group D with 11 points.

3 wins for the Championship.

Let's hear it for our stars in green.

Raeta Jaile is a reporter for The Daily Universian: the first news source for all Universians.

STORIES OF THE PEOPLE - #6
THE SEVEN DWARVES' STORY

A medium-sized house located in a nice neighbourhood in Macumba. Usually a place where important people live, this is the house of a whole family. But that isn't an average one, as eight people live inside the house. They are famous in the neighbourhood, as the people there don't know of any other place where seven dwarves and a beautiful lady live together. The seven dwarves are all from the same family, and each one is a brother or cousin of another. All the dwarves are male, but the place isn't completely masculine. A mysterious woman called Clara Nevasca lives there too, working for them, doing the domestic chores in exchange for food and a place to sleep. But what's the story behind this house?

First of all, why do these seven dwarves live in the same house? After all, they aren't all of them brothers, some are just relatives. Well, this is thanks to the fact that their family relations is excellent, but where are their parents or other relatives? The only thing that their neighbours know is that they don't live in Terreiro de Ogum. So where are them? Well, the most commented and accepted history is that some of them worked in the same office building, and ended having the same kind of mental disorder, being sent to the Landau Institute. The others, desperated to not become crazy too, ran away, going to neighbour countries, as Pegaladrão, Cafundéu or even Elves Security Forces. They weren't able to bring all their children with them in their first travel, so they left them to a mãe-de-santo who lived in Macumba, and promised to get them later. Something happened, and they didn't return. Time has passed, the mãe-de-santo died, and the seven dwarves stayed in the same house.

Five of the dwarves are children of the couple that went crazy, and their names (or nicknames in some [in fact, most of the] cases) are: Dininho, Filomeu, Gabiru, Guaxinim and Toquinho. The other two are children of the couple that fleed from Estresse Intenso, and close relatives of the others. Their names are: Horácio and Zezeca. They work in different places, and are respected in their workplaces. Their occupations are:

- Dininho works as a architect, and his office is located near the seven dwarves' house.

- Filomeu is a mathematic, and works for the Terreiro University as a teacher.

- Gabiru is a doctor, one of the most talented surgeons of the country.

- Guaxinim is a professional football player, loved by the Terreiro de Ogum NT fans, and a excellent attacker.

- Horácio is a plumber, works where and whenever needed. Is also and amateur football player, but very talented.

- Toquinho is a messenger for many terreiros, and also a singer. Plays football too, but more for fun.

- Zezeca is a scientist, and works for the Terreiro de Ogum government in secret projects.

We already know enough of the seven dwarves, but what about Clara Nevasca, the young and wonderful lady that lives with them, cleaning the house in order to be allowed to live in the place? Well, she appeared from nowhere, but since her arrival she made others curious about her, wanting to know more about her life.

Clara arrived in Macumba three years ago, in the third day of March, at 15o'clock. She was exhausted, and seeking for asylum. The seven dwarves' house was the chosen one. She knocked at their door. Three of the dwarves were in the house at that time and, after 180 seconds discussing, they accepted her in their house. In fact, it is probably that she would be accepted in any house, as her beauty makes most people think that she isn't a suspicious person. After a week, she told the dwarves that she had nowhere to go, and offered to help to keep the house in good conditions in exchange for a place to sleep, which was accepted.

The eighth member of the house turned to be the most different one, of course: adding to the fact the she is a woman, she isn't a dwarf, so is much taller than the others. Also, her pale skin is different from the brown skin of the others. Her blue eyes impress everyone. Her short and black hair completes her beautiful face. The dwarves say that she was being a target of a political persecution, directly related to her beauty (which led the dwarves to believe that she was going to participate in a beauty pageant and was persecuted by her opponents).

Today, the dwarves and Clara Nevasca are inside the house waiting for the start of the game between Terreiro de Ogum and Dennisov. Three of the seven dwarves are members of the National Team: Toquinho, Horácio "Baixote" and Guaxinim. They were anxious to see if they were going to play. And the line-up was announced: Papagaio; Bicho Grilo, Toquinho, Reclusa and Preto Véio; Pai Berto, Dona Rosa, Rainha and Tramóia; Mestre Kacet and Guaxinim. Although Horácio "Baixote" isn't in the starting eleven, Guaxinim returned from the injury that kept him out of the team for many games, so the remaining four dwarves and Clara are very happy:

"Look, Guaxinim is back! And Toquinho will play as a starter as ever! Excellent!"

"É isso aí, Guaxinim, dribla eles e mete gol!"

"Poor Horácio, he never gets an opportunity to play..."

"O Guaxinim vai fazer uns três gols de cabeça, vocês vão ver!"

And the game starts, and Terreiro de Ogum starts to press the opponents. The five people start to cheer for their team, and especially for Toquinho and Guaxinim. Soon, Mestre Kacet scores the first goal for Terreiro de Ogum.

"É gooool! Ninguém segura esse país!"

"That Capoeira guy is a good one."

The game continues, and Dennisov seems unable to press Terreiro de Ogum. Soon the second goal is scored. A header from... Guaxinim.

"It's Guaxinim, Guaxinim scored!" - Clara shouts happy.

"The probability of Guaxinim scoring is very high in any game." - said Filomeu.

In the second half, more happiness to them, as Guaxinim scores again. The game ends 3x0 for Terreiro de Ogum, and the dwarves' house is full of excitement. The team is qualified for the next stage, to play against Candelaria And Marquez.

"Não vai ser mole, mas a gente encara."

"Yes, a good opponent... I heard that they have a Cafundelense player."

"A midfielder, but they have many other good players too, better than him."

"Ah, com os Orixás, a gente vai ganhar!"

The TV in the room was turned off, a tall man in his late 30's wearing a tracksuit with the SNFA badge on stood up. In front of him were 23 other people wearing the same tracksuits. He was of course Rodney Toulere and they were his squad of players, who had just been watching the draw for the Cup of Harmony Quarter Finals.

"Newmanistan huh?" commented Toulere.

The manager had of course had previous experience of Newmanistan. As had a number of his players, Luke Goldsmith, El-Hadke Murawani, Nathan Keen, Jamie Clareton, Yoda Obasweetie, Oah Pione, Gregory Pinoc, Gregory Halford, Eddie O'Donnovan, Jua Huwang, Lee Waywide, and John Hernanedez, were all here and were all there when the nations met twice at the Di Bradini Cup a few years back.

That tournament was a successful one for SN as perhaps is proved with 12 members from that team now being part of the senior squad. Newmanistan though perhaps had a more successful tournament. Their first appearance in world international football, they weren't expected to achieve anything. Their first game was against Sorthern Northland. They won. The two teams met again in the semi-finals with Newmanistan again winning, due to a mistake in the final minutes by Lee Waywide. The game was still one that haunted Toulere, Waywide and many of the other players who had been a part of that game.

The players and manager mulled over the draw for a minute or two, Lee Waywide finally ended the silence.

"Several of us have played them before, they may be a relatively new team on the world scene, but they cannot be underestimated. They are one of the top teams in this competition. We'll need to be at one hundred percent if we are to get through. Let's make this our day, it's time to put some demons to rest."

Jeruselem Government News

Private Sadie Dallas becomes Corporal Sadie Dallas

Captain of the Jeru FC Cup of Harmony 33 football team got a promotion today. The army officially changed her official army ranking from Private to Corporal. This is in recognition of her contribution to Jeruselem football as the leader of the Jeru FC football team.

A spokesman for the army said
"She's never lead our troops in real combat but she's leading our football team. She's doing a fantastic job for our team despite dressing like a whore, looking like a Barbie doll, and having the IQ of chimp. We think she deserves her promotion because Jeru FC are doing well as team on the world stage. The team has won all it's games so far at the Cup of Harmony 33, and look good to win back their title they won 2 cups ago. We think our Sadie can lead the team to victory."

Jeru FC play Blouman Empire at Pocono City Stadium. Corporal Sadie Dallas said
"Wow ... means I get a little respect now. No more sweeping up dog poo, cleaning up after wild parties and people shouting BITCH all day. I hope I can lead this team to victory. They are good people, and deserve the best. As their leader, I hope I can achieve total victory. We are the army after all. The World cup qualification is our main aim and it is still our Holy Grail."

Coach Alfredo Neves said
"These are good kids. They might have failed to qualify but they aren't slackers. Yes, they all have annoying habits but then I'm from a totally different generation. If the old Jeru FC can make progress then this new generation are better. While the leader Sadie is a bit of dope at times, she's always in the game. She always makes an effort."

:mp:

OOC - I had to use smiley ...

THE ROCKET REPORT

RESILIENT ROCKETS ADVANCE

Zwangzug- They could have just thrown in the towel after a loss to Kosovoe, and draw to Arroza that sent them to a record of 1-1-2 and seemingly out of it. The ultimatum in which Brian Carson had to reach seemed to be unattainable, and many fans were taking out their frustrations over the loss by saying some not so pleasant things about him. Speculation was beginning as names floated about as to who might coach the team after Carson. One thing not mentioned in that speculation, or not often enough, was the fact that Carson still had a shot. 1-1-2, with Yafalonia and Bazor 2 and KaMaRi left, you could understand why people were not optimistic about Newmanistanian advancement.

Then, came the big win, a truly signature victory. Against Yafalonia and Bazor 2 by the score of 4-2. Against the top seed in the group, and a nation that came oh so close to qualifying for the World Cup, Newmanistan was an inspired bunch. Containing Miso Kite was not easy, but whenever he tried one of his patented flying moves, the Rockets made sure they always had someone in the way when he attempted to land, thus never allowing him to have a smooth landing. This frustrated Kite, and threw him off his game. Newmanistan took control of the match, with two goals by Jeremy McAllister, and Kevin Lewis and Alex Parnett each adding a score to get a critical three points. Yafalonia and Bazor 2 had failed. It was a big win, but still looked as though cracking the top two would be impossible. Up next was the Rockets bye day. All they could do is sit back and watch, and hope the results of the matches being played would fall in their favor, and wouldn’t you know, they did just that. Going into tonight’s game against KaMaRi, it was possible for the Rockets to advance, but they still wouldn’t control their own destiny. Newmanistan had to win. Yafalonia and Bazor 2 had to beat or draw with Green wombat, they could not fail again. Arroza needed to draw or beat Kosovoe.

Prior to the match with KaMaRi, the Rockets were well aware of what was at stake, even though all they could control was their own result. Brian Carson didn’t want to make it about him, he wanted it to be about the players and the advancement of their careers, and for the nation. Though as much as he didn’t go that route, the players did, letting him know that they were behind him, including the likes of Eric Chapman and Kevin Carrigan, who play for Eric Andrews’ Loudon Leopards. You see, the players had a connection with Carson, especially people like Jeremy McAllister, Jeremy Brooker, Shawn Drummond, and goalkeeper Corey Hennis, among others. They were the players on the Di Bradini 4 Cup winning the team, the side that went to Starblaydia with none of the world powers having ever heard of Newmanistan. They were a team of unknowns when they played their first ever interregional game. A game against, which is quite ironic now, Sorthern Northland. Everything they went through there, now they had to play for their coach. Hennis was determined to have a big game in goal, and in front of him, defenders Brooker and Tony Borsinger wanted it badly. Not that the others didn’t, but you get the point. They had to win, and could not play around. Then would come the painful moments of watching other matchups, hoping that the teams that earlier in the competition were a bitter rival can now provide you with some help.

The Rockets got a fortunate break in the 7th minute of the contest when a KaMaRi defender made a terrible upfield pass attempting to hit a teammate that easily found the foot of Alex Parnett. It was such an easy interception that it had appeared that the pass was intended for Parnett in the first place. Alex made the most of it, and had a lot of open field to work with. Dribbling by the frustrated defender, Parnett took a shot. Nothing but the back of the net, making it 1-nil in favor of the Rockets. Just what the Rockets wanted, an early lead. Corey Hennis made big stops when he needed to, and the defense made timely clears. Newmanistan was also winning the midfield battles, with Brett Prescott all over KaMaRi’s leading Cup of Harmony scorer to this point. The game went in and out of halftime with the same score, and it remained that way until minute 63. Here, Jeremy McAllister added another to his tally. Newmanistan led it 2-nil and they could sense victory, but knew that KaMaRi also had visions of advancement and do everything they could to make a fierce comeback. The Rockets withstood the charge, thwarting KaMaRi attempts to score, and before you know it we reached the 90 minute mark. Two minutes of extra time to go, and they were taken care of. The Rockets had won the game 2-nil and finished off a remarkable comeback to finish off the group stage with a mark of 3-1-2. But would it be enough?

The team, tired, and soaking with sweat, headed back to the locker room and turned on the TV to check out the score of the Green wombat-Yafalonia and Bazor 2 contest. It was not complete yet, and the team watched intently. In another corner of the room, there was the Kosovoe-Arroza match. It had just completed, with Arroza getting a big draw. One more hurdle cleared. Now, it was up to Yafalonia and Bazor 2. “Please don’t fail!” prayed most of the players. Behind the players sat Brian Carson, knowing that his future now depended not on the play of the Rockets, but on Yafalonia and Bazor 2. Inside, he found it hard to resist the temptation of shouting out what he would do in the game situations if he were coaching them. Then, the final whistle sounded and the Rockets shouted in jubilation. They were in! They would advance! Brian Carson? He just took giant deep breath, smiled, and accepted the hugs of his players.

It’s a new life, perhaps, for Carson. And accepting that as the case, his new interregional coaching life will begin the same way his original interregional coaching life began. Against Sorthern Northland.

(Morning after the win over KaMaRi)

Carson: Good morning team!

McAllister: Great to still be here and not going home, isn’t?

Carson: Man, it’s amazing.

Drummond: We couldn’t let you down coach.

Borsinger: You’ve meant so much to me and to everyone. One of the best things about you is how you make the time for everyone, it’s a privilege to play for you.

McAllister: I’ve never been so excited to have another training session!

Carson: Thanks guys, you know I never wanted to make it about me, but it doesn’t mean the things you have said have gone unappreciated. Thank you so much for giving it your all out there, for the benefit of everyone in the room.

Lewis: Has the Empress officially congratulated you yet?

Carson: Yes, in fact, she sent a video message that I want to play for all of you to hear (loads it from his computer).

{VIDEO MESSAGE FROM EMPRESS}
Hello Brian, and to each and everyone of the players. I want you to know how proud I am of what you have accomplished in Zwangzug. You showed that true never say die Newmanistanian spirit out there, and fought to the very end, and have advance to the knockouts. Congratulations! The determination of all of you have certainly gone noticed, and I assure you that Brian Carson will be retained as the manager of Newmanistan football. And to all the players, be proud of what you have done. While you have accomplished the goal I have set for you, and I am happy with that, let’s see if we can win three more! Good luck against Sorthern Northland!
{END MESSAGE}

Brooker: Very nice!

McAllister: Glad to see she recognizes everything we did!

Carson: All of you had a role in this, no matter what you may have individually done. But now as she said, our work is not complete.

Prescott: Meeting expectations is nice. Exceeding them is even better.

Lewis: Absolutely, now it’s time for us to keep the momentum rolling.

McAllister: We know Sorthern Northland is good, but remember, they were good when we played them years ago in Di Bradini Cup 4. They had all the experience. We were a nobody, never played a damn interregional game. And who won? We did! We can do it again!

Lewis: Absolutely!

Drummond: It’s not Di Bradini Cup 4. But you know what. They got 12 people on their roster that were on that team. We got eight. Same coaches. It’s the same flavor. We’ve all grown up a bit, but we’ve beaten them not once, but twice, before.

Brooker: I remember that game still like it was yesterday. The greatest goal I’ve ever scored. Which is partially easy because it’s still my only interregional tally!

McAllister: Man Waywide will be motivated to avenge himself after his nice pass to Brian Wright.

Borsinger: Brian plays in Nethertopia now, right?

Lewis: His contract came up. So he’s a free agent.

Prescott: Going back to Dover City, I think.

Borsinger: Cool.

Drummond: So, did Sorthern Northland clear customs this time?

McAllister: Yeah, I’m sure they wouldn’t let that passport thing happen again.

Carson: That was nuts. This has got such a deja vu feeling, playing them as soon as my career coaching the national team is revitalized.

McAllister: We’ll get you the same result, coach.

Carson: You know what I like the best about this?

McAllister: What?

Carson: It’s fun again. We can be loose. No ultimatums hanging over our heads. It’s about enjoying the game of football and representing the country.

McAllister: Absolutely!

“It’sssssssss ssssssssssssSeven o’clock, you’re watching TTO-One… And now it’s time to join Rich Stevens and the lads for… The Football Sh–”

Brand new and extremely self-satisfied opening sequence rolls, featuring Lee Waywide, Serkan Turkmen, Russ Zapata, Tate Parrish, Johnathon Filmar and Sadie Dallas, for some reason, all inexplicably in the form of pre-war cigarette cards, whacking balls about betwixt some mildly noteworthy Newmanistanian and Zwangzugian buildings; until Ignacio Vélez, Steven Williams and Merlin Siriwong appear in lifelike form, clenching their fists and roaring a bit.

Titles fade and cut to an orbital view of Southport, while a portentous voiceover intones;

“Southport, once desolate and void of fame, has now no peer, if all beauty it contains, is set forth truly in descriptive phrase. Its streets are mudless after copious rains, and dry before the clouds have passed away, each house is free from grime, and weather stains… Southport! Thy name though not of ancient date, nor chosen to delight fastidious ears, is dearer than the names that kings have given, to palaces and fields of victory…”

The scene fades once more, and the TFS studio appears, wobbling gently.

“The wise words of Thomas Costley, there, writing in 1899. And quite right he was too, with the Big Blues emerging victorious in Southport and moving on through. Into the quarter-finals… I’m Rich Stevens, and. Tonight; We review the first-and-a-half-string C&M’s victory over Prux, and look ahead to the Terreiro de Ogum encounter… We talk exclusively to Jack Stafador, on Starblaydia’s stunning World Cup victory, and MarquezOW’s prelim clash with his countrymen from Veles, or Keenshire or Bayern Phoenix… It’s C&M versus Demot as global football gets underway again, but how will the Smudgers, Cats, Foogoos and Irons fare against the citizens of the Calm Realm…? All that, and much, much. More on this evening’s show. And as ever I’m joined by our usual panel of experts; former Radyukevich manager Coleman Mustard, National Reporter sportswriter Iain Miller, and, of course, the legend that is Tom McIndoe.”

Slightly nervous murmurs of greeting

“Starting naturally with the ongoing Cup of Harmony, and if we can sum up C&M’s game against Prux in one sound, it would be thi–”

A splosh, possibly made by a porpoise, comes in a second too early. An uncomfortable pause

“I think, uh… Can we have that noise again?”

Lengthy delay. Splosh

“Yes, those of you watching our dedicated competition expecting to see the final group game were treated instead to the joy of watching Georgina Naylor attempt to finish the two-hundred metre butterfly in under ten minutes and Rául Rivas try not to sink, as the country’s swimmers prepared for their short stint at the Olympics. Obviously, it was a bizarre decision, Iain, b–”

“Actually, I’m no great swimming fan, but considering it was a dead rubber, they probably made the ri–”

“Hopelessly misjudged the mood of the nation again, aye. Of the game itself; not the full side, obviously, and in the end the win wasn’t strictly necessary, but Coleman – how d’you think we should view that performance?”

“It was good, bruv, it was. They’ve um, yeah, y’know?”

“Sure, sure.”

“And um, y’know, Prux, they’re not the greatest side out there, and Terreiro’ll be a step up on anything we’ve played so fa–”

“We’ll get on to them in a minute; just sticking with the job in hand…?”

“Yeah, um, no, it was a good team performance, they got the job done, no worries, but, yeah, I –”

“Tom, turning to you; there were five changes in that side – do you think any of them will keep their place for the quarter-final? Did they do enough?”

“Tubby honours, hurricane Theon Lee un Youkon lukitis sore said pickin’ offer dugs bree, Everett I’m.”

“To be honest, you think the only one you can really look at is Sosa, who you’d pick over Duxbury every time. Well of course, Iain, he does offer just as much going forwards, d’you think he’s got a chance of playing against Ogum?”

“Yeah, well it was an own goal, obviously, the first, but he played the crucial role, and you’d never see Duxbury making a move like tha… What’re you…? Rich, you’ve not still got those puppets, have you?”

“No…”

“I find them really sinister.”

“No, but since obviously we can’t show the highlights, we’re going to be employing these official CoH plastic models of our squad…”

“Oh, m’lud…”

“And since we don’t have any available for the Prux team, I thought we’d make do with this collection of hand-painted historical figurines… This is, what do we have here, this is George Washington, who’ll be representing their holding midfielder… um… Smith… this would be Xerxes the First, sitting on his throne, there…”

“And who’s that supposed to be, Rich?”

“Why, Iain, since you asked so sweetly, he’s going to be representing their centre-half Johnson. This is… um… I’m not sure who tha… Okay, I’m being told in my earpiece that that’s Atilla the Hun, he’s going to be their goalkeeper… um… Smith.”

“We’ve already got a –”

“It’s a very common name in Prux, as it is everywhere, Iain, as well you know. And this… Again, not sure who this little fella is.”

“I reckon, bruv, that that’s Zheng He, the Hui Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat and fleet admiral, who made the voyages collectively referred to as the travels of “Eunuch Sanbao to the Western Ocean” or “Zheng He to the Western Ocean”, between 1405 and 1433.”

“Oh yeah… It’s obvious when you look, isn’t it? Who does he represent, Rich?”

“I… The right-back. I dunno. Jones. It doesn’t matter. So, the goal, yes? You’ve got Sosa, coming down the left, neat little pass infield to Jamie González, he goes past George Was… uh, Smith, Smith, other Smith, comes out of his area, González back to Sosa, Sosa crossed in, Ramiro Novo just misses it, and Johnson sticks it into his own net…”

“Well summed up, Rich.”

“That you, Iain.”

Stevens wipes a bead of perspiration from his forehead

“Alright, and of course, Rául Vélez got C&M’s other goal late on. Well, moving on from all that; and the Candelariasian community in Newmanistan –

A visible shudder emanates from the four at the recollection of the Candelariasian community in Newmanistan; a young woman by the name of Hattie Green who goes to uni in the city, says “Okay, yah!” a lot, and was interviewed on TFS two days before

– and those travelling supporters alike will be gearing up for the Terreiro de Ogum clash. Coleman, coming back to you; what d’you make of their side?”

“Oh, they’re good, bruv, they’re good. Real potential banana skin, they’ve got that proper, y’know, Portuguese work ethic and sense of fair play, no little skill, I like their dwarves a lot, an–”

“Dwarfs.”

“Uh? Yeah, whatever, they’re going t’be a proper tough nut to crack. We should be proper concerned about them, I really reckon.”

“And still no Matteo Corradini, by the looks of it, who hasn’t appeared since that brief cameo against the Macabees. That’s got to be a worry for Kris Healy, hasn’t it, Iain?”

“Yeah.”

“Good, well moving away from international football for a moment and on to the globe’s two newest club competitions. The draw for the earliest stages was made last night, and it’s pretty much C&M against Demotian opposition across the board for our guys. Now, of course, the games won’t actually be played, from our perspective, for quite some days yet, bu–”

“Is ‘cos of that time dilation thingy, bruv?”

“Uh, yes, but –”

“It’s just amazing, innit, how that thing works, y’know, I mean, it’ll mean that all our Cup of Harmony players’ll be back for the group stages, even though the games have, like, actually already happened, like, way before this cup’s actually finished, an–”

“Mm, bu–”

“I mean, the things they can do with technology these days, it’s just amazing, I mean it’s like that thing where they can make all the ears seem less pointy and stuff on TV and… It’s all gone dark. I’ve just taken us off the air again, haven’t I?”

“Yeah.”

“Soz.”

“That’s alright. Happens to the best of us. We’ll come back on in a minute, once they’ve screened that bit and apologised for the powercut-causing electrical storm.”

“Right. I um… I like yer little models though, bruv.”

“Thanks.”

“Did you paint ‘em yourself, or…?”

“Nah, they come like that. I think, y’know, orphans somewhere…”

“Orphans, right, right.”

“So… Did anyone watch the swimming?”

Quarterfinal RP cutoff in Zwangzug...hang onto your hats...

Sorthern Northland 3-1 Newmanistan

Universitus University 2-2 Kereca (2-2 AET) (Kereca wins 3-1 on penalty kicks)

To play: Sorthern Northland vs Kereca (City Athletic Venue, Arlington)

*after sighing at a result in the above post*
RP cutoff in the Newmanistan bracket!

Candelaria And Marquez 3-1 Terreiro de Ogum
Jeru FC 2-1 Blouman Empire

Margaret gives us no Cinderella stories in this bracket.... Goliath vs Goliath in the semis!
Candelaria And Marquez vs Jeru FC @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS ELIMINATED

Kerlagrad, Zwanzug- The Rockets were defeated last night by Sorthern Northland, by the score of 3-1, so ending their Cup of Harmony 33 run. A goal by Jeremy McAllister in the 34th minute that at time, tied the game at one, was all the offense that Newmanistan could generate. It wasn’t a poor performance necessarily, but it obviously was not good enough for the win. The Northerners were keen on getting retribution from the 4th Di Bradini Cup, where the Rockets defeated them twice, including late game heroics in the semifinal of that tournament. The motivation of that game into last night could not be ignored, as a total of 20 players, 12 from Sorthern Northland, and 8 from Newmanistan participated in that game.

So ends Newmanistan’s run in the World Cup 41 cycle of events. After starting off with a disappointing performance in Cup qualifying, Newmanistan bounced back pretty well in the Cup of Harmony, to reach the knockout stages. Empress Jessica gave the team the ultimatum that the only way the team could make amends, and for Carson to keep his job, was for the Rockets to have a run that reached the knockout stages. They did that. A little more would have been nice, but they’ll take it. The Rockets will return home this afternoon, and perhaps catch some of the Canderlaria And Marquez- Jeru FC match that will take place in Tundra Falls.

Soon we will know where World Cup 42 will be, and here’s hoping that Newmanistan can continue to climb the latter of interregional success.

Jeruselem Government News

Cannons fire into CoH 33 semi-final

Our own Jeru FC fired themselves into another Cup of Harmony semifinal. Lead by Corporal Sadie Dallas, the team defeated a brave Blouman Empire 2-1. The Jeru FC defense was resolute all game with defender Sadie Dallas leading her troops to victory. They face the mighty Candelaria And Marquez who brushed aside Terreiro de Ogum 3-1. Jeru FC and C&M are big guns (bad pun - Ed) of this cup. Both have proven to be performers at this level and this cup is no exception.

In the other semi-final Sorthern Northland face Kereca. The unlucky Newmanistan were knocked out by the SN team losing 1-3. All semi-finals teams have earned their place and all cannot be discounted.

While other teams may have their superstar players, Jeru FC is team effort. There's no real superstar in the Jeru FC team. It does not have a Dazza Dallas or Kara Kool to fire up the team. The Jeru FC success story is due to a big team effort by all team members and all need to keep on playing well. Lead by a bimbo who looks at home in Playboy Mansion and an IQ of 90, the fight hard every game.

While they lack the style of Jeruselem team as well as the characters like the Dallas, Sallad and Kool girls apart from one Dallas girl ... they put the results on the field. They have been unlucky with World Cup qualification with results against big teams not going their way. While they don't have much class as a team, they have the will and the skill. All they need is a breakthrough World Cup performance and qualification to the finals.

Jeru FC aren't prettiest team to watch, they grind out wins rather than glide. They don't generate the exciting play like Jeruselem but they are effective still. The young kids in the Jeru FC have been picking up skills from our senior team and have been applying them on the field. Sadie Dallas follows in the tradition of her mother Rashina Dallas and auntie Fiskin Dallas as a tough defender. Off the field, she's just like any Jeruselemite bimbo but on the field she's tough opponent.

Unlike the old Jeru FC who seems to be accurate as shotguns, the new Jeru FC have taken lessons from the senior team. They can score goals and actually defend when needed. Jeru FC maybe the Jeruselem seconds team but they aren't a team to discount now. The Cannons can get their title as Cup of Harmony champs back.

OOC: Damn sometimes, other things just get in your way to even check scores let alone do an RP oh well well done Jeru FC. At least my for wins and draw can only help to improve KBP points.

“…ock down her res-il-ee-ent fooooortssss!”

“A perfectly observed and lustily performed rendition of ‘O, Sweet Nation’, there…”

“An extraordinary rendition, you might say, John.”

“Well quite, John, and the Big Blues’ tortured sporting souls will, one can only hope, be taken from here and deposited in the semi-finals once more… Uh, yes, uh, over eighty thousand people filling out Tundra Falls, with thousands more watching the game, uh, with jumbotrons… Not entirely sure what they are, but –”

“Some manner of prehistoric elephant, I reckon, John.”

“Ah. Ah-ha, yes! Yes, I see what you did there.”

“Mm.”

“’Cos of the use of jumbo, of course, while ‘tron’ sounds a little like ‘don’, as in the Iguanodon, for example, that are believed to date from the Kimmeridgian age of the Late Jura–”

“Merlin Siriwong just stretching his legs there, John.”

“Er… Yes, quite, indeed. Hasn’t, by his own admission, had a particularly great last couple of games, has he, John?”

“No, but he’ll be absolutely vital here… getting the better of Bicho Grilo, for example. Has a very… uh… laid-back style, but he’s a fine full-back.”

“Yes… Reminds me of that time we played Rastafariburg away from home, if you recall? Of course, Ignacio Vélez got C&M’s third goal on that day, and he’ll be hoping to find the back of the net here once more. Not just for the team, but he’d be quite a man if he could ignore the fact that he’s now just four goals away from his half-century and two more caps away from breaking O’Sullivan Caras’ own record in that department… As Guaxinim and Mestre Kacet kick off and, with a great roar from the crowd, get things underway at the Cup of Harmony quarter-finals!”

“A few more quick prayers, there, before kick-off… Being cynical for a moment, John, do you suppose that’s in part a tactic to put the opposition off?”

“Well, the people of Terreiro de Ogum are very much noted for their religious traditions, John. Most of them following Umbanda, of course.”

“Umbanda… Umbanda, they drink it… um…”

“In the Moldavian Kingdom of Ubanda?”

“Um…”

“Some others go in for Quimbanda, by all accounts.”

“Gnr!”

“Hm…?”

“I just… thought it sounded funny. Um. It’s been a lively start, hasn’t it, John?”

“Aye, Terreiro de Ogum content to just soak up the pressure for now… but this is good play from Ryan Edwards now, evades the challenge of Reclusa… Oh, and his ball is just a little too strong, there… But that’s a poor clearance from Preto Véio, Dionísio has it back, lays it in for Vélez, this is a great cha–”

“!”

“?”

“!!”

“.”

“Well, obviously we have to apologise for this break in transmission… Not our doing, I can assure you. Stay with us, and we’ll be returning to Newmanistan at the first opportunity.”

“?”

“.”

“!”

“!,?;!”

“.”

“Derek?”

“Mm?”

“Derek!”

“Vast ist…? Dost mine ears decieveth me? After all this time, I have a visitor?!”

“Derek, we’ve lost the signal from Newmanistan… The two Johns as well. You’re up!”

“Vat…? But I… I have been waiting here these past millennia for this very moment, but now… Now I wonder…”

“Derek, knock it off! We need some commentary.”

“Let me discuss it with my imaginary friends, whom I have as a result of my long years of solitude, away from the warmth of human compassion… What’s that, Roger? Oh, I think so too. We’re better than the Johnses, we are! Mocking us with their easy banter, their natural rapport! They don’t likes us Derekses, do they? Keeps us ever on the back-burner, they do! We’ll shows them, Roger! W–”

“Well, obviously we’re still having trouble bringing you any live action from Newmanistan… We’ll come back to the C&M versus Terrerio de Ogum match as soon as we can, but, as a special treat, here’s a second chance to join Brett and Louisa for yesterday’s semi-final of Dancing with the Stars!”

“Doo do-do-do do-do-dooo, do-do-do-do! Do do-do-d…”



…



“Well, I’m delighted to say that we can return you to the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds now for the closing stages of C&M’s encounter with Terreiro de Ogum…”

“–dible! Oh, that’s simply the best goal you’re going to see in Newmanistan or Zwangzug this year! Absolutely incredible!”

“That really was a special goal, wasn’t it, John?”

“Truly remarkable, John. Ignacio Vélez’s second of the night, C&M’s third, Dionísio the star man once again, and with barely two minutes of normal time left on the clock, that should be the Big Blues through to the semi-finals once again! That’s just fantastic.”

“I just can’t get over that goal, John!”

“No. That really was something.”

“Mm.”

“Mm.”

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/622/snpaperxd7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Waywide redemption sends SN into semi final

It was nearly six years ago that Sorthern Northland and Newmanistan met in a Di Bradini Cup semi final. On that night a Lee Waywide error cost SN a place in the final. It's a mistake that haunted him ever since but tonight with a stunning hat trick he laid the demons of that night in Starblaydia to rest to put Sorthern Northland into the Cup of Harmony semi-finals at the expense of Newmanistan.

Speaking after the match the striker said, "That mistake has pained me a lot over the years, it's caused plenty of sleepless nights. Personally this game was one of the most important of my carer, I wanted to right wrongs of the past, and although I'll never be able to erase the mistake in that game I feel that tonight I've laid the demons of it I had to rest and can now move on. I feel that has held me back slightly in my carer and I feel that tonight is the start of me reaching my full potential."

Whilst Sorthern Northland will be glad to hear those words, and indeed although no animosity has been shown to Waywide for that mistake, his hat trick tonight is being regarded as a redemption, it is that final sentence that could well interest Sorthern Northland and his club team, Port of Clotaire, the most for Lee is already an accomplished and highly regarded player. If there is still more room for improvement then on the basis of tonight's performance any opposition will surely be quaking in their boots. Of course, it's not all roses, when he has an off day, he plays poorly, often living up to the Waywide name he bears as shown in the group stages of this tournament. On his day though, and his day comes often, he is right up there, amongst the best finishers of the world.

All three goals of his tonight proved as much. The first, in the opening stages of the game, a timeless run to beat the offside trap and a deft flick to lift it over the keeper. The third, a perfectly powered and placed long range effort to seal the game, but it was his second that was the best of the lot, in both skill and importance. With the score locked at one all and the clock quickly approaching ninety, both teams were going all out to avoid extra time. So much had been put in by both teams that it seemed that if there was to be one before extra time, it would be of such a disappointment to the conceding side that they would be unable to drag themselves back into the game. With five minutes to go El-Hadke Murawani broke from right back down the wing with Gregory Halford supporting him. Murawani, looked to cross it into the box from near the corner flag but with two Newmanistan defenders quickly closing him down he had little choice but to pass back to Halford a few metres behind. With a quick look into the box, the winger struck a fierce first time cross to the edge of the box. There, lurking a couple of metres behind his marker and just on the edge of the far side of the area was Lee Waywide. In barely a blink of the eye, the cross had met with Waywide boot, been diverted towards the goal with the speed of a bullet and flown crisply past the keeper into the net. The goal was a crushing blow to Newmanistan, who had fort tirelessly for every ball whilst for SN who had fort just as tirelessly it was a moment of great joy. With the Sorthern players buoyed by goal and Newmanistan dealt such a knock-out blow a third Sorthern goal a couple of minutes later firmly closed the door to the semi-final for Newmanistan.

A goal worthy to win a final let alone a quarter-final, and indeed the perfect goal with which to lay to rest the demons from six years past. Whilst Ignacio Vélez’s second in Candelaria And Marquez's quarter final may well be "the best goal you’re going to see in Newmanistan or Zwangzug this year", Lee's was surely the best you'll see in Zwangzug this year. With Candelaria And Marquez also in the semi finals a second final between the two nations in a day, could still be on. First of all though, SN will have to see their way past Kereca, whom they lost to in the group stages. The last time SN played a semi against a team they'd already played and lost to in the group stages was that semi-final against Newmanistan. Hopefully Lee Waywide and co have done enough this time for Margaret to all them to avenge a group stage defeat.

Cutoff time.... who will it be....

It is...

Candelaria And Marquez 3-2 Jeru FC (2-2 FT) (3-2 AET)

Congratulations to Candelaria And Marquez, you will be heading off to Zwangzug!
Jeru FC, you'll be staying here at the Proving Grounds to play Sorthern Northland. Should we alert our stores about the possibility of increased pistachio sales?

Zwangzug semifinal RP cutoff. Right here. Right now.

Sorthern Northland 1-1 Kereca (1-1 AET) (Kereca wins 3-1 on penalty kicks)

To play: Candelaria And Marquez vs Kereca (Stelladome, Fulpog)

To: Armes de Septentrionie
From: President Jimmy Sheridan on behalf of the Sorthern Northland Football Supporters Federation

Subject: RE:Pistachios Guns

To whom it may concern,

Following on from your correspondence regarding the possibility of our purchase of some Pistachio guns, I would like to confirm an order on behalf of the Sorthern Northland Football Federation. The order is for the quantity of 10930 Pistachio guns. For this we shall pay a price of 100 Crystal Francs for each item. The order should if be possible be shipped to Tundra Falls in time for Sorthern fans to use in the upcoming Cup of Harmony third place play-off.

Yours sincerely,
Jimmy Sheridan

To: President Jimmy Sheridan
From: Armes de Septentrionia

Suject: Re:RE:Pistachios Guns

Your order has been fulfilled. Everything will be sent to the specified location, in time for the beginning of the match. As it is for a good cause, we will ship them on express air cargo.

Yours truly,

Jules Bernard, CEO, Armes de Septentrionie

http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/622/snpaperxd7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Mass rubber chicken sacrifice futile as Sortherns go out

A record breaking sacrifice of chickens proved to not be enough as Sorthern Northland, lost, just like they did six years ago at the di Bradini Cup, in the semi-final to a team that had already beaten them in the group stages of the competition. Understandably following the penalty shoot-out that knocked SN out, there was outrage over Margaret's role in the defeat.

Speaking after the defeat President Jimmy Sheridan raged, "We did everything to applease the Gods and Margaret just in case it came down to needing their luck. As far as we know Kereca did nothing for her. We sacrificed record amount of rubber chickens, we gave her honorary citizenship, offered her the managers job and even cooked cheese on toast for her and she repays us by turning our keeper into jelly for the penalty shoot-out! She has quite clearly betrayed the state. The only answer to is capital punishment. My advisor, a Latin speaking pistachio nut has advised me, that the best method to use will be to send out crack teams of eighties style florescent league warmers to find her and once found she will face death by pistachio throwing."

The announcement has sparked panic amongst footballing fans with many speculating that Margaret and the football gods will be angered so much that they will see fit to punish Sorthern Northland with a winless streak of 1093 games. Whatever the gods do the Sortherners will play Jeru FC in the third place play off in what is sure to be a game with a high number of pistachio nuts used as projectiles.

Jeruselem Government News

Nut wars Part Two!

C&M fought it's way into the Cup of Harmony 33 final against our Jeru FC winning 3-2 in extra time after both teams were locked 2-2 in normal time. Kereca surprised Southern Northland, beating the SNers via penalty kicks 3-1 after scores were locked 1 ALL. C&M face Kereca in the final and we favour C&M because they are a great team who deserve to win this cup.

The third placed playoff is between Jeru FC and Southern Northland ... meaning the nut wars starting between Jeruselem and Southern Northland in the World Cup 41 is back on.

Captain of Jeru FC Sadie Dallas said
"C&M were too good today. We're only kids so we didn't have experience to make to the final but I'm sure we could done it with a bit of luck which we didn't get today. Still it was a good game and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves."

When asked about making preparations for game against the Southern Northlanders
"We don't make sacrifices to that Maggie. Didn't work for SN, and we'll just run about and play football. It's just nuts! Yeah ... SN should have beaten that Kereca but Maggie had other ideas. I think they are using the wrong type of rubber chicken! You have to use clean rubber, not pollutant laced cheap el cheap crap ones."

When asked about nuts
"Can't eat too many raw. I get randy and that's not good on the football field."

3rd Place Game RP cutoff is now!

Final:
Sorthern Northland 2-0 Jeru FC

This concludes the Newmanistan bracket of the Cup of Harmony. We'd like to thank everyone for visiting and hope to see all of you back some point soon. It was a great experience for us as a nation, and we hope everyone here enjoyed their time in the Empire.

The final is in Zwangzug tomorrow!

The Albrecht Herald Online>Sport>Football>CoH33
Twenty-four Hours
By Tracker Edwards

For shame! “Welcome to Spenson, twinned with Abadia and El din” is neither factually nor grammatically accurate. “Welcome to Candelaria And Marquez (inc. Spenson)” might be snappier.

That’s certainly the way it feels this morning, as I joined a snaking convoy of Candelariasian supporters making their way to Fulpog, the suburb where the Stelladome is located and the Big Blues’ Cup of Harmony fate lies. Who knows when this city last saw such an influx of foreigners, both Candelariasian and Kerecan? The former certainly well outnumbered the latter, the greater interest shown in the tournament by the Candelariasian people accounting in part for that; though it helped that C&M possesses unusually reliable transport links with Zwangzug. All of a sudden last night, the young city’s occupants began to find themselves increasingly overwhelmed by foreigners sporting various shades of blue and green, and belting out patriotic anthems. More than one delicate eyebrow was raised.

Enrique Velazco, the painfully pleasant President of the Spenson-El din Twinning Association, has elected himself the unofficial head of the Candelariasian contingent, and was busying himself trying to keep order when I arrived in town, but he needn’t have worried. Candelariasian clubs abroad may sometimes carry a slightly negative atmosphere with them, but the current generation of C&M supporters seem a boisterous but unusually well-behaved bunch. The two sets of fans are mingling merrily, the occasional black shirt with ‘Zapata’ on the back punctuating the sea of blue and green. The young Kerecan defender is a bit of a star on both sides of the pond, and it wouldn’t be divisive to suggest that there may be a few residents of Green Island hoping that the sole representative of their ‘nation’ at this CoH stars against C&M.

There are other colours too; mostly red, with ‘Vanderpent’, ‘Maini’ or ‘Instonenext’ on the back. A few enterprising Portuguese fans had even dug out their old ‘Lauren’ shirts. Nothing like trying to shmooze the locals, is there? I didn’t have the heart to point out that they were probably wasting their time.

The Kerecans were old hands at this Zwangzugian lark, having spent their entire CoH in what we shall charitably describe as the nation, but the majority of the Candelariasians have come in straight from C&M, or somehow found their way from Newmanistan. They probably passed the Sorthern Northlandish on the way. I’d have paid to have seen that. Nobody – certainly not in the Candelarias – saw C&M’s final opposition coming. Kereca have done a Rennidan and then some, twice beating far higher-ranked opposition to sneak into the final two. By all accounts, Sorthern Northland were by far the better side and the Saturday that everyone had feared and hoped for could easily have come to pass. It was penalty kicks that gave the Big Blues what, on the face of it, would appear the easier route towards the all-important jug, but complacency is out of the question. Okay, so we all know now that Albrecht City Council have already planned the bus routes (and you really have to worry about their internal security when it comes to press leakages, all things considered), but that’s hardly unreasonable. There has to be a good chance that at least one of the teams returning from Zwangzug and Kelssek will be bringing back some silverware, after all. And who knows what the Champions’ Cup and its various little brothers will bring.

C&M eased passed Kereca two-nil, two years ago, but that was a different time. Kereca were naïve, when in this tournament they have truly come of age. The Big Blues, meanwhile, were enjoying the post-coup boost, after Lloyd Donnelly had fled the nest. Kris Healy has, if nothing else, brought stability, and C&M will start as favourites, but none of the twenty-three will ignore the fate of the Sortherners.

No less relevantly; C&M’s performance against Jeru FC left much to be desired. Early motions suggested that a repeat of the six-one scoreline two years ago wasn’t out of the question, but the lively young Jeruselemite outfit started to come into their own after Merlin Siriwong had got the better of Sarah Filk and scored a slightly fortuitous opener. The opposition… let’s call them a nation, to avoid awkward questions, had played more than well enough in the group stage to suggest that they would remain a real threat throughout, and so it proved. C&M were increasingly forced back as the first half went on, before Flatt Tarmack nodded in on the stroke of half-time.

The Big Blues were made to look second best as the second period got underway, but they received their get out of jail card from – perhaps inevitably – Ignacio Vélez. The Cafundó do Juta man’s effort – a scuffed shot, but they all count – was his forty-ninth for the national team. One more, in the final, and he reaches his half-century, but the elder Vélez already has one record seemingly in the bag – his start against Jeru FC was his eighty-forth cap, equalling O’Sullivan Caras’ tally. Appear in the final, and Vélez’s place as C&M’s true all-time great is assured.

His goal proved the difference at Tundra Falls, and C&M were well and truly on top throughout the rest of the second half. The confidence of players and supporters alike grew; the versions of Brave Men of the Candelarias Stay Not at the Rear!, It’s just like watching Star-Blayjuh (it really wasn’t) and Are you Cytopathologists in Disguise? became increasingly hearty, and the Candelariasian contingent in the stands were already planning their trip to Zwangzug.

They spoke far too soon, but it was Demario Ortiz who proved the key figure. It was his slip that let in Dirk Hardtop for the second late Jeru FC goal of the day, and his miraculous header early into extra time that would ultimately give the Big Blues a place in the final. It’ll be left to United Trilan fans to decide whether his performance yesterday bodes well for their Champions’ Cup campaign, which will include encounters with Albrecht FC.

Despite his recent ups and downs, Ortiz’s place in the final is assured. Matt Reddington’s is not. C&M captain Matteo Corradini looks set to make a sensational return in the final in Fulpog, replete with his now cult face-mask. Corradini, who is continuing legal proceedings against Robert Golos for the injuries the Albrecht FC star received at Tundra Falls despite the Rennidanian’s absence from Newmanistanian shores, is believed to have ignored doctors’ advice to declare himself ready to play, and is also thought to be keen to play a part in the Scorpions’ CMSC title run-in and those remaining TQCC games, which absolutely, definitely haven’t happened yet.

Those I spoke to in ‘Lauren’ shirts weren’t entirely happy about all this, and it’s hard to blame them. Their man Reddington has done nothing wrong since coming in, while Corradini would seem to represent one hell of a risk, but perhaps that’s what the Big Blues need to pull them over the finishing line. Whatever, it’s going to be one hell of a Saturday.


________________


“Are you happy, Millerman? It’s so hard to tell.”

The old footballer shot Sam Mc O’Neil a look of pure venom. An all-too significant percentage of the Candelariasian male population seemed to consist of Mc O’Neils, but the CMSC President (and de fact head of the CAMAFA) was by some distance the most Mc O’Neilly Millerman Sheppard had ever had the misfortune to encounter.

“Of course I’m happy.”

“My apologies, then. Didn’t Dionísio Madeira Lobos do well, don’t you think?”

“Edwards’ report didn’t mention him.”

“Edwards’ report didn’t mention his own son, Millie. One cannot be expected to fit everyone into a one thousand word article. And how about Ortiz? Who knew he was such a fine header of the ball?”

“By all accounts, if it wasn’t for him they wouldn’t have been in that position in this first place.”

“Nothing to do with him playing in Kura-Pelland, then? And don’t think I didn’t notice that ‘they’. I remember when it was ‘we’ all the time.”

“Aye, but you got that dodgy prostate seen to, didn’t you?”

“Don’t change the subject, my friend. You hate this team, don’t you?”

“I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to. It’s written all over your… face. My own cool indifference to them bothers you so much because you truly hate the fact that the key players include non-nationals and those away earning the filthy foreign lucre.”

“I just wish it wasn’t so many, Sam. I’d have never become a professional with all the foreign competition that’s around today, I’m quite sure of it. And as for Dionísio…”

“He’s earned the right to play for us.”

“‘Us’?”

“You know what I mean. You’re one of those van Dijk supporters, aren’t you? Cut the skin of every true Candelariasian socialist, and a small-minded bigot lies underneath. So sue me for wanting to make the CMSC and our national team that little bit more inclusive.”

“Very noble of you, Sam.”

“Come with me.”

“Sorry?”

“To Zwangzug. I sent a representative to all the Newmanistan games, but I’ll have to be at the final in person. Even our dear leader is supposed to be gracing them with her presence, apparently. Come and watch the final, get a first look at the future. See foreigners and foreign-based players lift the trophy for C&M. With a bit of luck. See happy people, Millerman. See people who are proud of their country, for once.”

“You know perfectly well that that’s impossible, Sam.”

“For Candelariasians to be proud?”

“Hardly. For me to go.”

“Wear a mask. It’s all the rage nowadays, apparently. Edwards neglected to mention that too, but I suppose it’s a tad un-PC for the Herald’s liking.”

“I… Alright, Sam. I’ll come.”

“Good.”

“Mm.”

“Is there any way we can extricate ourselves from this little scene without it appearing more than a little anti-climatic, d’you think?”

“No.”

Kereca Through to CoH Final!
Oh, wow

Just four matchdays ago, Kereca's elimination had seemed like a foregone conclusion. Following a bye week, the side sat in fifth place out of seven contestants in Group D. Sure, they were only one point behind second, but next on the schedule were Sorthern Northland and the Orion Star Empire - the top two teams in the group. Obviously, qualification at this point seemed like a distant possibility. It would have been easy for manager Cliff Carpenter & co. to wrap things up and head home in the group stages, just as Kereca had done in Cup of Harmony 32. However, Carpenter's squad, lead by star players Kevin Roberts, Martin McBride, and Russ Zapata, improbably won both games, sending Kereca to the quarterfinals. After two dramatic wins (on penalties, no less) against Universitus University and Sorthern Northland, the squad is off to Zwangzug to face Candelaria And Marquez in the tournament's final. We managed to have a few words with Carpenter roughly twenty four hours before his side's first international final.

Q: First of all, not to dwell on the past, but this past World Cup was surely an interesting one for Kereca. Do you have any thoughts, now that it's all over?

A: Yeah, the whole blancmanges thing was a bit of a fiasco, I'll give you that. On the bright side, we played great against the all-human teams. And what a story it would be if we could win the Cup of Harmony after having our entire squad eaten. That would probably be a first. But seriously, the level of Kerecan football has increased exponentially over the past four years, and our play this year has really shown that.

Q: One more thing about the World Cup. You received quite a bit of criticism for the way you handled the Holy Empire situation, and now here you are in the Cup of Harmony final. What do you have to say to those critics?

A: I think those were some extenuating circumstances, and I did what I could, and what I thought was right at the time. As far as my critics go, I don't really pay attention to them to be perfectly honest.

Q: Now, on to this cup. In your own words, how did Kereca get here?

A: Well, it hasn't been easy. We knew coming in that the deck was stacked against us, and we'd have to beat some very good teams to advance, but our guys stepped up. It took a lot of hard work, but we may be on the brink of something really big.

Q: Kereca faces Candelaria And Marquez in the finals. You played C&M in the last Cup (of Harmony) and lost two-nil. What went wrong last time around, and what can you do this time to even the series?

A: Nothing went wrong. It was just the matter of a very inexperienced team, in us, playing a much better squad that was simply more prepared than we were. In all honesty it's surprising that C&M didn't qualify for the World Cup, so it's going to be tough to beat them, for sure. This time, though, we'll be more ready. It doesn't hurt that one of our best players (Russ Zapata) plays professionally there, either. That definitely gives us some familiarity that we didn't have a few years ago.

Q: We realize you'd like to spend some more time with the squad, so we'll leave you with this: Good luck! All of Kereca will be rooting for you.

The Albrecht Herald Online>Sport>Football>CoH33

C&M hopes rocked by Dionísio rule-out The Big Blues’ chances of lifting a first title in Spenson have been dealt a major blow, after the CAMAFA pulled midfielder Dionísio Madeira Lobos out of the squad and the expected starting XI.

The Cafundelense-born Caires City star was called up to the C&M squad for the first time ahead of the Cup of Harmony campaign in Newmanistan, having qualified for his adopted country through residency. The twenty-five year-old is not a Candelariasian passport-holder, nor a full citizen, however this was not previously believed to represent a stumbling block on Madeira Lobos’ road to the national team, with non-nationals having represented various C&M national sides at senior and youth level in the past.

Research during the tournament, believed to have been carried out by a legal team representing the United Peoples of the Candelarias pressure group, and passed to the CAMAFA, now suggests that under the organisation’s own laws the player cannot be afforded the same status as Green Island natives Ben Head and Ben Young, nor overseas-born C&M citizens, and is therefore ineligible to play. He has as a result been removed from the squad.

Reaction from within the travelling party remains uncertain, but insiders are known to be baffled by the situation. International eligibility, as specified by the WCC, is not generally scrutinized with any great attention, and it appears highly implausible that a C&M victory in the final would be challenged by any foreign body, on the grounds of the fielding of an ineligible player – and, in any case, the damage would have already been done by Dionísio’s seven previous appearances in the tournament. Rather, the CAMAFA hierarchy appears keen to avoid a legal challenge from within their own ranks, though an official statement is not due until after the match.

Rául Vélez is now expected to take the place of Madeira Lobos, who has scored three times for his ‘country’, in the starting XI against Kereca; but manager Kris Healy’s plans will clearly have been shaken by the withdrawal. An online fans’ forum has already petitioned the Citizenship & Immigration Secretary, Union Fairfax MP, to waive any other requirements and grant the player full Candelariasian nationality before the final. A spokesman for the Justice ministry has confirmed however that they would be unable to process the details in time, on account of it being a Saturday, an’ all.

Here we go...Final RP cutoff. Thanks once again to all teams involved.

And your score: Candelaria And Marquez 1-0 Kereca

Congratulations!

“Ugh!”

“Ooh!”

“Uuuugghh….”

“Ooh-ooh-ooh…”

“OOH!”

“Aii-aagh!”

“Nnnggh!”

“Porfavorporfavorporfavorporfavorporfavorporfavor…”

“AAAGH!”

“Nn…”

“Oh.”

“Mm.”

“Arse.”

“Is that the fifth he’s put wide?” Eduardo Morales, CEO of the largest automobile manufacturing company in the region, grumbled.

“Seventh, by my reckoning,” Peter Waddington muttered sadly, as Ignacio Vélez wandered back down the pitch.

“The old guy’s past it, isn’t he?”

“‘The old guy’ has got seven goals in this tournament,” the former C&M captain hissed back. “We’re not gonna win this without him on the pitch.”

They were an odd bunch indeed, high up in their box in the Stelladome. Former C&M internationals – Steven Fritz, Luis Enrique Torrealba, Reuben Uwakwe, Waddo over from Lasft – politicians, business leaders (ah, the joys of a Modern Liberal Party administration, Millerman Sheppard thought sourly), various sporting officials and club chairman, a fellow from Samseong, for some reason, a couple of normos who a Melbourne or Hernández or one of those types had managed to offend and who had been paid off with tickets to the final… And a little man in a mask, leaning to one side, his hands clasped around a pair of headphones.

“Who’s yer friend?” Carlos Obiols, C&M’s Vice-President, had asked Sam Mc O’Neil earlier. The football administrator had brushed him off, muttering something about community service; and even Sheppard’s contemporaries Tom McIndoe and Coleman Mustard hadn’t recognised him.

“Ooh!”

“Ugh…”

“What’s happening?” Sheppard whispered to Mc O’Neil.

“Hm? You’ve got your headphones, haven’t you?”

“I can’t hear anything though, can I? Not with this noise…”

“Siriwong’s just gone close. And they’re playing Rául Vélez as a holding midfielder,” he added grimly; in tones that suggested that, win or lose, some heads would be banged together back at the CAMAFA over the whole Dionísio debacle.

“They don’t look like they’re going to score in normal time, then?”

“Ooh, that was a yellow surely… Um, maybe? He’s going t’have to bring on another striker, I’m sure.”

“Novo again, then?”

“Mm. Would that be the same Ramiro Novo who was playing as a left-winger for a second division club until he was picked up by a Kura-Pellandi outfit and turned into a superstar? The one who’s off chasing the foreign dollar when he should be staying loyal to the domestic league of his birth?”

“Oh, shut up…”

“What do you… Joe Cunningham, really? He’s replaced Ryan Edwards. What do you care, anyway? Nothing would do you greater pleasure to see them fall on their arses.”

“Not now Dionísio’s gone,” Sheppard muttered happily, “Although I’m guessing you’ll be wanting to naturalise Russ Zapata after this…”

“He’s an excellent young boy, isn’t it?”

Under his faux-Corradini mask, Sheppard rolled his eyes. This didn’t actually suggest much. He was even bigger on the eye-rolling than the rest of his countrymen.

“Ooh!”

“Oh!

“Gowon-gowon-gowon-gowon…”

Before the roar, before the quake that threatened to break the Stelladome apart, Sheppard felt the ball go in. He couldn’t see it, he hadn’t seen anything very much for years, and he didn’t even know that C&M were on the ball, never mind that Cunningham had it in the Kerecan area. But, though Sheppard had never played outside of Rushmore, though he hadn’t kicked a ball in anger in years, perhaps decades; the sixth sense of the professional footballer had never left him. He knew; long before those watching in Fulpog had realised that Joe Cunningham had scored, and that C&M had one hand on the Cup.

He leapt, and several thousand Candelariasians followed him. Fifty second later, when the signal finally reached Candelariasian television sets, a few million more joined him.

Sheppard glanced at Sam Mc O’Neil, as they took their seats anew. There was no purpose in this of course, strictly speaking, but he knew the CMSC President was looking back at him, and nodding. For a moment, the barest, beautiful moment, all talk of naturalisation and global economic conquest was forgotten. Candelaria And Marquez were going to win.

“And isn’t the best thing,” Sheppard told Mc O’Neil hours later, “That it was a home-grown boy, playing for his boyhood club, that got the winning goal?”

“You do know he was conceived in Krytenia, don’t you?”

“Technically, I think ‘grown’…”

“And that Albrecht are selling him to Clube Imperial at the end of the season?”

“I…” Sheppard sighed. “Oh, it’s good that we won, isn’t it?”

And Mc O’Neil smiled and honest, genuine smile. “Yes,” he nodded. “It’s very good.”


_______________


The Albrecht Herald Online>Global Edition>C&M News>Latest News

Hundreds of thousands of Candelariasians have poured into city and town centres across the islands, as the country prepares for the biggest hangover in its history following a double sporting success at the global level.

A party atmosphere was already assured this lunchtime, with thousands of C&M residents filling out open spaces throughout the country; where the live feed from Zwangzug, showing the final of the thirty-third Cup of Harmony, was broadcast on hundreds of giant screens. After a tense encounter, the Big Blues’ substitute striker Joe Cunningham scored the game’s only goal, to give the senior football team their first title of the global era. No sooner had the trophy been handed over, had the pictures crossed to Kelssek for the opening moments of the <Rugby World Cup final> in Neorvins, in which the Huge Blues came back from a fourteen-nil half-time deficit to overcome rivals Sorthern Northland thirty points to twenty-three.

By the time Enilson Beattie had put down the final, decisive try; the islands were witnessing a mass, open air party the likes of which have not been seen for decades. The two results, the need to shake off the lingering effects of the 12/5 attacks with a bit of mindless euphoria, and a warm July evening have combined to form a celebration that is unlikely to die down for many hours. Maintaining some semblance of public order will represent a major challenge for the authorities, particularly in Albrecht, even with strict laws in place regarding the public consumption of alcohol. Candelariasians may not have quite the same reputation for putting it away as, to pick an example at random, their Sorthern Northlandish cousins; but the government have already declared Monday a third straight national holiday to be on the safe side. Tomorrow’s clean-up operation will be immense, though the boost to the C&M economy will likely make it more than worthwhile. The largest cities are likely to remain filthy for days however, as local authorities wait for what is set to be a long-lasting bus tour of the country to pass through their area.

Captains Matteo Corradini and Miho Tipton will be arriving back with their respective trophies for the Albrecht leg of the tour in the early hours of tomorrow morning, though those footballers set to be involved in Champions’ Cup and Globe Cup knock-out stage action may have to depart the tour early, since those games really haven’t happened yet.

The games themselves were wildly divergent affairs, something of a dirge in Fulpog and a <true classic in Neorvins>. The former may well have garnered the greater audience figures, and for many this game was a truly seminal moment. “It were like the old Queen’s coronation,” one contributor to the Herald website from west Candelaria remarked, “back when those of us out west still clung on to our old royalty. It were the first time a lot of us watched the telly, and it were rather the same for this game – all my village were crowded around our first and only plasma.” TV1 believe that peak figures, at somewhere around the seventy-fifth minute of the soccer game, may have surpassed even the Ten O’clock news from the twelfth of May, to make the match the most-watched television programme in C&M for two decades.

Realism over the general quality of opposition faced in both tournaments may arrive in the days to come but, for now, in the form of Healy, Kinsella, Cunningham, Beattie, Corradini, Webb and more than one Vélez, the people of the Candelarias have a new royal family to savour.