NationStates Jolt Archive

One of the longest running, non-WC sanctioned, Football tourneys returns.

If there is 16 or more teams that sign up, then for the first time, there will be multiple hosts of the Oxen Cup. The possible hosting nations: Qazox (1/4 of the groups, and the Semifinals and Finals), Taeshan (1/4 of the groups and 1/2 of the quarterfinals), Prux (1/4 of the groups, and the other 1/2 of the quarterfinals), and Green wombat (the last 1/4 of the groups, and the 9th-16th playoffs.)

If your team needs practice against world-class competition, then sign up today!

PARTICIPATING TEAMS (w/ Roster Links, if posted)
Qazox (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14068349&postcount=58)
Jeruselem (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14070032&postcount=66)
Cafundeu (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14071614#post14071614)
Taeshan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14067918&postcount=54)
Prux (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14069157&postcount=63)
Green wombat (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14068373&postcount=59)
Newmanistan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14066810&postcount=49)
Nethertopia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14068225&postcount=56)
Kjomasasopia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14069439&postcount=64)
West Zirconia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14071099&postcount=70)
Miroxia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14069028&postcount=62)
Blouman Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14076571&postcount=97)
Myedvedeya (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14068833#post14068833)
Lovisa
Land de Wood (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14067535#post14067535)
Urna Eletrônica (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=14073638#post14073638)
Australiah (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14080175&postcount=109)
Mantwenic

Jeruselem will be back to defend a cup!

Prux will join, just to say we co-hosted something.

Why not? Yet another chance for my ass to be kicked. (I think I'm a Sadist)

We'll participate, but with hosting the Lacrosse Championships and the Di Bradini Cup, I can't promise to RP at a high level. Though we will send a team. It will be a "B" team. The "A" team has Cup of Harmony hangover. :)

Sure, why not. My team's probably a bit rusty, because they haven't been in action since... Err... WC41, but if i'm allowed to join, sure.

My nation would love to sign up. out national sport is Rugby Union, but if we entered an international tourney such as this it might raise awareness of kjomasasopian football. we have a national league consisting of 16 teams and over 500 clubs with roughly 30 000 registered players.

Why not? Yet another chance for my ass to be kicked. (I think I'm a Sadist)

Isn't that masochism rather than sadism?

Oh, and by the way, count West Zirconia in.

Miroxia's in

Sign me up, for the next saga. 6th OXEN Cup Some team that isn't even the best in the Empire, 7th meant to be the same except they got the date wrong something to do with the secretary being on holiday and didn't write it in the diary and so a few Bloumans living in Qazox played instead (needless to say they did poor)

For the 8th, well we shall just see won't we, but I know it won't be the same setup.

We'll participate, but with hosting the Lacrosse Championships and the Di Bradini Cup, I can't promise to RP at a high level. Though we will send a team. It will be a "B" team. The "A" team has Cup of Harmony hangover. :)

I might have a chance at beating you if we come up against each other:p

Myedvedeya in

Well sign up for our 3rd or fourth time, and our first in two competitions. we of course will take the co host possibility(as i sujested it). Oh yeah baby. We will be sending a secret team this time around though so expect a syprise or 20. Correction this is only my 3rd cup and i only missed one. Hmm./ I was off.

lovisa in

Land de Wood Sports International News

Andrew Wood, today announced our national team would be returning to the Oxen Cup. In the 7th Oxen Cup our team made their first ripples on the world stage and this time they will be looking to make a serious impact.
It is unlikely that any u-21 players will play as they are focusing on the Di Bradini Cup but the rest of the Cup of Harmony Squad will be coming along with a few surprises.

Cafundéu is in

AUTO INVITED TEAMS: (accepted teams in BOLD)
Qazox (as Hosts, we accept, of course!)
Sel Appa (as the 1st two-time champions (OC 2 and 5)
Jeruselem (defending champions OC4 and 7)
Cafundeu (as a former Champion, OC1)
Az-cz (as a former Champion, OC3)
Milchama (as a former champion, OC6)
Taeshan (Possible co-hosts)
Prux (Possible co-hosts)
Green wombat (Possible co-hosts)

Signups: 15/??
Newmanistan
Nethertopia
Kjomasasopia (International Debut)
West Zirconia
Miroxia
Blouman Empire
Myedvedeya
Lovisa
Land de Wood

Yo q you need to fix Oxen Cup 6s or 5s table on Wikia. Its all meesed up, and confusing.

Yo q you need to fix Oxen Cup 6s or 5s table on Wikia. Its all meesed up, and confusing.

Nope, it's just you. The tables are correct.

BUMP for at least 1 more nation to sign-up (puppets are allowed!!!!)


Also from GW, Prux and Taeshan, I need at mininum 3 venues to host your matches. Thanks.

Heh, Nethertopia has found itself a new manager and a new coach. We'll present them in the first RP post of this cup.

the oxen cup is ours fo the taking!

Fear the Kjomasasopia Strikeforce!

Urna Eletrônica would like to participate.

Atlantea Coliseum-590,000 Seats located in eastern Atlantea near Tae-Mart just 6 miles from Greenville aiport. Training facilities just a half mile away. Just 5 years old. Home of the Atlantea Hurricanes.

Docktown Memorial Stadium-490,000 Seats located just a mile outside of Docktown. Home of the Deathdogs. Limited parking. Near Algaer international airport.

X Island Metropark-A built into Cecile grove mountain. 200,000 seats. Home of the Marauders. Blue grass. Near Blacklake Airport.

A feqw Taeshani Facts-Known as the coldest place on earth, unliily for the away fans the games will be from late october to early january in Taeshani clanedar time. Excpect low temperatures ranging from -20 to the high 20s.

We have the mininum number of signups, but I'd like to have 20 if possible.

For now, Expect this to begin Saturday night.

(for any who might misunderstand, I'll be scorinating all the matches, but Taeshan, Green wombat and Prux will "co-host" with me.)

The Format, groups and schedules will be posted on Friday night.


AUTO INVITED TEAMS: (accepted teams in BOLD)
Qazox (as Hosts, we accept, of course!)
Sel Appa (as the 1st two-time champions (OC 2 and 5)
Jeruselem (defending champions OC4 and 7)
Cafundeu (as a former Champion, OC1)
Az-cz (as a former Champion, OC3)
Milchama (as a former champion, OC6)
Taeshan (Possible co-hosts)
Prux (Possible co-hosts)
Green wombat (Possible co-hosts)

Signups (including the Auto-Invites): 16/??
Newmanistan
Nethertopia
Kjomasasopia (International Debut)
West Zirconia
Miroxia
Blouman Empire
Myedvedeya
Lovisa
Land de Wood
Urna Eletrônica (International Debut)

Comfirmed HOST VENUES:
TAESHAN:
Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea; Capacity: 590,000.
Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown; Capacity: 490,000.
X Island Metropark, X Island; Capacity: 200,000.

QAZOX:
Champions Field, Qazox City; Capacity: 84,420.
Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.
Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia; Capacity: 71,000.

GREEN WOMBAT:
Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum. Capacity: 81,000.
Green wombat Filed, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon. Capacity: 66,666.
Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken. 88,000.

PRUX:
Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux. Capacity: 69,069.
Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux. Capacity: 62,000.
Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux. Capacity: 71,590.

Prux' Stadia for the 8th Oxen Cup:

Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux. Capacity: 69,069.
Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux. Capacity: 62,000.
Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux. Capacity: 71,590.

Green wombat's stadiums to be used in OXen Cup 8:

Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum. Capacity: 81,000.
Green wombat Filed, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon. Capacity: 66,666.
Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken. 88,000.

Saturday, when might we be seeing the first game? Just asking as I am going away for the long weekend and would like to know how many games I am going to miss.

Saturday, when might we be seeing the first game? Just asking as I am going away for the long weekend and would like to know how many games I am going to miss.

It will be most likely Friday Night/Saturday Morning EDT (around 1:00 am or so).

It will be most likely Friday Night/Saturday Morning EDT (around 1:00 am or so).

Ok so I may be missing 3-4 games, that's a shame that may be the entire group. For IC purposes I will hold off my storyline till Oxen Cup 9 then, and another mix up can occur within the FFB maybe a computer glitch or something.

Milchama will NOT sign up for the Oxen Cup.

I won't RP and nobody would want that

Just A Heads up whenrping games at X
Island Cecile is the monutain it is built in while if you vmention a city it is x island.

Mantwenic would like to join our first world wide tournament.

Ok so I may be missing 3-4 games, that's a shame that may be the entire group. For IC purposes I will hold off my storyline till Oxen Cup 9 then, and another mix up can occur within the FFB maybe a computer glitch or something.

Then again, you might not. I haven't finalized the format yet.

And Milchama: :(

Taeshan, NP (it'll be fixed)

Oh is not that your right about it being located in Cecile, its just that iwanted everone to make sure they had it right. You can still change it if you want. Its just a tiny burb, miles outside.

Then again, you might not. I haven't finalized the format yet.

And Milchama: :(

Taeshan, NP (it'll be fixed)

Well we shall, I hope that I do get a chance but if you don't hear from me then you know why.

And for the record in case anyone wants it for their RPs the same group of expat Bloumen will play again impersonating the team. That's only if I miss out the first three games.

Friday night/Sat morning seems too early for the start of the tournament at this point given that a few things haven't been finalized yet. Now, I think we should at least get until Sat night/Sun morning.

when do we start? i have a premier league to run and i need to know what rounds this will take up!

Friday night/Sat morning seems too early for the start of the tournament at this point given that a few things haven't been finalized yet. Now, I think we should at least get until Sat night/Sun morning.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking also. I'll have the format for this years' tourney up tonight, the draw and schedule tommorrow and Saturday nite will be the beginning.

The Republic Of Australiah will join up

AUTO INVITED TEAMS: (accepted teams in BOLD)
Qazox (as Hosts, we accept, of course!)
Sel Appa (as the 1st two-time champions (OC 2 and 5)
Jeruselem (defending champions OC4 and 7)
Cafundeu (as a former Champion, OC1)
Az-cz (as a former Champion, OC3)
Milchama (as a former champion, OC6)
Taeshan (co-hosts)
Prux (co-hosts)
Green wombat (co-hosts)

Signups: (including the Auto-Invites): 17/??
Newmanistan
Nethertopia
Kjomasasopia (International Debut)
West Zirconia
Miroxia
Blouman Empire
Myedvedeya
Lovisa
Land de Wood
Urna Eletrônica (International Debut)
Australiah (International Debut)

Comfirmed HOST VENUES:
TAESHAN:
Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea; Capacity: 590,000.
Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown; Capacity: 490,000.
X Island Metropark, X Island; Capacity: 200,000.

QAZOX:
Champions Field, Qazox City; Capacity: 84,420.
Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.
Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia; Capacity: 71,000.

GREEN WOMBAT:
Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum. Capacity: 81,000.
Green wombat Filed, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon. Capacity: 66,666.
Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken. 88,000.

PRUX:
Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux. Capacity: 69,069.
Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux. Capacity: 62,000.
Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux. Capacity: 71,590.

FORMAT FOR OXEN CUP 8

Teams will be split into 4 groups (1 group will have 5 teams).
If there are 18 teams, then there will be 3 groups of 6.
Double Round Robin group stage (play every one in your group twice).
If there are 18 teams, then there will be a single round robin.

PLAYOFF FORMAT:
Every team, except the 5th placed team in the 5-team group, will advance to the Round of 16.
If there are 18 teams, then the top 5 teams and the best 6th placed team will advance to the Round of 16.

The Round of 16 will be:
M1: A1 vs. D4
M2: B2 vs. C3
M3: C2 vs. B3
M4: D1 vs. A4
M5: B1 vs. C4
M6: D2 vs. A3
M7: A2 vs. D3
M8: C1 vs. B4

With 18 teams:
M1: A1 vs. C5
M2: B2 vs. A4
M3: A3 vs. C4
M4: C2 vs. B5
M5: B1 vs. A5
M6: C3 vs. B3
M7: A2 vs. B4
M8: C1 vs. Best 6th place


QuarterFinals:
QF1: M1 winner vs. M2 winner
QF2: M3 winner vs. M4 winner
QF3: M5 winner vs. M6 winner
QF4: M7 winner vs. M8 winner

SEMIFINALS:
SF1: QF1 winner vs. QF2 winner
SF2: QF3 winner vs. QF4 winner

FINALS:
SF1 Winners vs. SF2 winners

3rd place:
SF1 Losers vs. SF2 Losers

SIGNUPS WILL BE CUTOFF tommorrow night at 11:00 pm (EDT).

GROUP A in Taeshan.
GROUB B in Qazox. (will get the 5th team)
GROUP C in Prux.
GROUP D in Green wombat.

NO Co-hosts will be at home (ie: Taeshan won't be in Taeshan, Qazox not in Qazox, etc.)

IF 18 teams, ever groups' 5th games will be in Qazox.
GROUP A Games 1-4 in Taeshan.
GROUP B Games 1-4 in Prux.
GROUP C Games 1-4 in Green wombat.


All four nations will host Round of 16 matches (2 each); with Prux and Taeshan scheduled to co-host the quarterfinals, with the semifinals and Finals in Qazox itself. The third place match will take place in Green wombat.

PLAYOFF FORMAT:
Every team, except the 5th placed team in the 5-team group, will advance to the Round of 16.
[I]If there are 18 teams, then the top 5 teams and the best 6th placed team will advance to the Round of 16.

Well, that's going to be a difficult draw if you get in the 5-team group, while the rest is guaranteed to advance to the knock out system :P

Well, that's going to be a difficult draw if you get in the 5-team group, while the rest is guaranteed to advance to the knock out system :P

Yep. I want as many people RPing as long as possible, that's why.

45 minutes until SIGNUPS are Closed!

Hmm Ive got a question wouldn't it be easier seing as there are four countries having hosting here if there were two groups of 5, and two of four. And if you would change this the Taeshani Protectorate would like to enter as the 18th team only if a change to this would be made. If not they would not be entering. (that would be the Illytria Indigo Storm by the way)

Hmm Ive got a question wouldn't it be easier seing as there are four countries having hosting here if there were two groups of 5, and two of four. And if you would change this the Taeshani Protectorate would like to enter as the 18th team only if a change to this would be made. If not they would not be entering. (that would be the Illytria Indigo Storm by the way)

Well it IS MY TOURNEY. quickly, Is Illytria in or not?

(I'm going to ASSUME that Taeshan's newest puppet, Illytria, is in; unless noted within the next couple of hours. If Illytria isn't in, the Schedule and Group changes will be made ASAP.)

FINAL SIGNUP LIST (w/ Current KPB Rank):
Qazox (9th)
Jeruselem (11th)
Cafundeu (8th)
Taeshan (39th)
Prux (37th)
Green wombat (48th)
Newmanistan (42th)
Nethertopia (82nd)
Kjomasasopia (International Debut) (UNR)
West Zirconia (55th)
Miroxia (UNR)
Blouman Empire (38th)
Myedvedeya (UNR)
Lovisa (29th)
Land de Wood (52nd)
Urna Eletrônica (International Debut) (UNR)
Australiah (International Debut) (UNR)
Mantwenic (International Debut) (UNR)

GROUP DRAWS:
GROUP A: Games 1-4 in Taeshan, Game 5's @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox; Capacity: 73,000.
Green wombat
Blouman Empire
Cafundeu
Qazox
Urna Eletrônica
Miroxia



GROUP B: Games 1-4 in Prux, Game 5's @ Champions Field, Qazox City, Qazox; Capacity: 84,420.
Taeshan
Lovisa
Newmanistan
West Zirconia
Kjomasasopia
Nethertopia


GROUP C: Games 1-4 in Green wombat, Game 5's @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox; Capacity: 71,000.
Prux
Jeruselem
Myedvedeya
Australiah
Mantwenic
Land de Wood


GROUP SCHEDULES:
(Teams are numbered in order listed above)
GROUP A:
MD1: 3v2, 5v4, 6v1 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: 6v3, 1v5, 4v2 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: 2v5, 4v6, 3v1 @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: 2v1, 5v6, 4v3 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: 5v3, 6v2, 1v4 @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

GROUP B:
MD1: 6v3, 1v5, 4v2 @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
MD2: 2v5, 4v6, 3v1 @ Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux.
MD3: 3v2, 5v4, 6v1 @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux.
MD4: 5v3, 6v2, 1v4 @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
MD5: 2v1, 5v6, 4v3 @ Champions Field, Qazox City, Qazox.

GROUP C:
MD1: 2v1, 5v6, 4v3 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: 6v3, 1v5, 4v2 @ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: 5v3, 6v2, 1v4 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: 2v5, 4v6, 3v1 @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: 3v2, 5v4, 6v1 @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

This will start on SUNDAY NIGHT, not Saturday night. So get your RP's in!

Due to recently winning Cup of Harmony 34, the main Rockets players you would normally see are not making the trip to Qazox for the Oxen Cup. Nor is Coach Brian Carson, who will be in Starblaydia for the Di Bradini Cup when that eventually gets underway. And neither will Eric Andrews, who has coached in the Oxen Cup for the 6th & 7th versions while Carson was in Starblaydia before. Andrews has recently made a major career move leaving Loudon for the Blouman Empire’s Keith Street club, and wishes to focus on getting things in gear there.

Things are different, but this group of players does not intend to be pushovers. In fact, they are here to prove that Newmanistan has more talent then just the people you have seen in the past. Everyone on this list has been on a roster at some point, most of them Di Bradini teams.

It’s their time to shine. Or so they hope.

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

*** COACHING STAFF ****

Manager: James Martin (Interregional Coaching Debut)
Age: 54
Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: Martin is seen as one of the brightest minds in the Empire, after leading Centralia to a recent NPL title on a defense-first philosophy. He has a great understanding of defensive formations and ways to shut down top offensive players. Since he has more offensive weapons here, he’ll open it up more then he does in Centralia, but the team should be defensively sound.

Assistant: Tom Gratton (Interregional Coaching Debut)
Age: 53
Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Bio: As much of a defensive genius as Martin is, Gratton is an offensive genius. It certainly helps Gratton’s case that he has the abilities of Jeremy McAllister at the club level. With the combination of these two minds running the show, the Empress feels very confident that the team should be solid in both aspects of the game.

All Caps & Goals are current.

*** STARTING LINEUP ****

GOALKEEPER

Name: Chris Kusler (Caps: 1 Clean Sheets: 1)
Position: GK
Number: 1
Age: 28
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Bio: Kusler has been to interregional competitions before, it’s just been to mainly watch regular keeper Corey Hennis do his thing. Chris has gotten in one game, and it came here in Qazox for the last Oxen Cup when the Rockets had a completely meaningless game against West Zirconia. He shutout West Zirconia that day, and that should give him plenty of confidence that he will do well here as the regular starter.


DEFENDERS

Name: Kevin Haynes (Caps: 3 Goals: 0)
Position: LB
Number: 4
Age: 30
Club Team: South Charlotte Condors
Bio: Haynes was a reserve for the Rockets back in the 6th Oxen Cup that was able to get in three games, and has also had a stint of professional football in Nethertopia. Recently, he signed a contract to return to Newmanistan and play for the South Charlotte Condors as that team has spent a lot of money recently. He doesn’t have overpowering size, but has excellent awareness and anticipation skills.

Name: Chris Phillips (Caps: 0 Goals: 0)
Position: LCB
Number: 7
Age: 26
Club Team: North Charlotte Wildcats
Bio: The highlight of Chris’ career thus far came when he was named to the 5th Di Bradini Cup roster as a reserve. He remained a reserve for the entire tournament, and thus is still looking for his first official cap, and is excited about finally having that chance here. He is a defensive defender, who makes the safe play whenever possible. Because of that he’s not often on highlight reels, but he is definitely a James Martin kind of player.

Name: Eric Blunden (Caps: 4 Goals: 0)
Position: RCB
Number: 3
Age: 24
Club Team: West Penthoria Rivermen
Bio: Blunden is a product of the Centralia Cougar system and has played for coach Martin there for several years until eventually being a victim of the “numbers game” and being sold off to West Penthoria. What Martin didn’t immediately anticipate was how much Blunden would progress. Eric had 4 caps in the 6th Di Bradini Cup as a substitute and is a very physical player.

Name: Nate Stratton (Caps: 33 Goals: 0) (*** TEAM CAPTAIN ***)
Position: RB
Number: 2
Age: 35
Club Team: Springfield Throughbreds
Bio: Stratton has had his fair share of interregional experience, but has not been part of a senior team since the World Cup 41 cycle, and even there he only saw 2 games as a substitute. Of his 33 caps, 30 of them are from Oxen Cup 6 and before; including the Baptism of Fire. He’ll be motivated to show he still has it. Will serve as captain due to that experience.

MIDFIELDERS

Name: Brian Rafferty (Caps: 12 Goals: 3)
Position: LM
Number: 14
Age: 28
Club Team: Thumbria Bay Sharks
Bio: Rafferty could have been a great player if he did not have brushes with the law. After a decent appearance in the 4th Di Bradini Cup at 16, Brian was arrested for an assault in South Tier and served two years in jail. Back free, he got a shot to revive his career in the 5th Di Bradini Cup and was a substitute there. He then got arrested for assault again, and served six more years in jail. He was released a year ago and was in surprisingly good shape still to get a contract with Thumbria Bay, a team fresh off of promotion to the Premier League. He is getting yet another chance. Let’s hope he will make the most of it. Opponents may want to keep in mind his violent temper history.

Name: Dale Stevens (Caps: 8 Goals: 2)
Position: CM
Number: 16
Age: 26
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Bio: A good tournament could possibly vault Stevens into the senior team lineup for World Cup 43 with Kevin Carrigan and Chris Peterson both unlikely to be back due to age, there is a chance there for someone. Will it be Stevens? We’ll see how he does here. So far, his lone experience comes as a starter in Di Bradini Cup 5. It was there where he started alongside Alex Parnett in the midfield, who is now a fixture on the senior team. That may work to Dale’s advantage. He’s a strong 2-way defender who isn’t afraid of the physical game. Recently signed by Dover City after spending the early portion of his career in Portsmouth.

Name: Billy Cerullo (Caps: 7 Goals: 3)
Position: RM
Number: 13
Age: 31
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Bio: Billy’s lone interregional tournament came in Di Bradini Cup 4. After having a pretty good tournament there as a starter, he fell off the map. Part of that was his going to Nethertopia for a while and needing to shed a label of being lazy. Since returning to the Empire with a fresh new contract from the Southport Tigers, Cerullo is eager to show Newmanistanians what they have been missing and get himself back on the radar. Brian Carson will be watching him here, as he’s considered a candidate for a World Cup 43 Reserve spot.

STRIKERS

Name: Brian Wright (Caps: 5 Goals: 2)
Position: LS
Number: 10
Age: 30
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Bio: Brian Wright may have scored one of the biggest goals in Newmanistan’s Di Bradini Cup history, back in the 4th version (though it was off the bench as a substitute). But where’s he been since? He’s been playing, and actually doing a pretty good job with Dover City, he’s just found it hard to crack the senior team lineup because the Empire has a lot of talented young strikers. But here he is getting a chance to be on the big stage again. His great speed will make him tough to defend. He will certainly be a player to watch, as he’s still only 30 years of age and in his prime.

Name: Shannon Vilardi (Caps: 8 Goals: 1)
Position: ST
Number: 11
Age: 24
Club Team: Hastings Crusaders
Bio: Part of the Vilardi twins, but it is Jennifer who has been in this role before. Shannon has never started in a major competition like this so she is very excited about this chance right here, and should make the most of it, to show the country that she is just as good as her more well known sister.

Name: Kevin Sturgeon (Caps: 11 Goals: 1)
Position: RS
Number: 15
Age: 32
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Bio: Sturgeon was a member of the 4th Di Bradini Cup championship team as a starter alongside Jeremy McAllister and Shawn Drummond. Since then, and with the emergence of other strikers, Kevin has not been able to find his way back on another national team, with the exception of an appearance in Oxen Cup 6 as a substitute again, where he played in his other four games. He’s more a finisher then having pure speed, so age is not a factor with him.


**** SUBSTITUTES ****

Name: Kurt Allwine (Caps: 0 Clean Sheets: 0)
Position: GK
Number: 21
Age: 25
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Bio: Allwine has experience in training for the Rockets, but not much else. He was the backup keeper in both the 5th and 6th Di Bradini Cups, and at the time his being bypassed to start in the 6th Di Bradini Cup was a little controversial. He gets another shot here, and coach Martin has promised him that he will get to play at least one game.

Name: Eric Lovell (Caps: 3 Goals: 0)
Position: CB
Number: 8
Age: 31
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Bio: Lovell’s interregional experience was in this very spot eight years ago, as a substitute defender in Oxen Cup 8. He is like Eric Blunden in many ways in that he is a defensive defender, and likes to make the conservative play whenever possible. What keeps him as a sub behind the others is that he can struggle with inconsistency.

Name: Chris Johnston (Caps: 0 Goals: 0)
Position: CB
Number: 6
Age: 25
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: The steady member of the Cougars will get his first ever interregional appearance, and still while at a young age is hoping to use it to vault himself in the “A” team lineup. He could have a shot as certainly Brian Carson is a ware of them and they excellent crop of defenders that is continuously produced by Martin and Centralia. Expect him to be the first choice as a defensive substitute.

Name: Danny Cardona (Caps: 3 Goals: 0)
Position: MID
Number: 9
Age: 31
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Bio: Another one of those people who played in the 4th Di Bradini Cup and just haven’t been heard from since. Cardona is more of a defensive midfielder, so look for him to come in when the Rockets have a lead to protect late as Rafferty would be a logical person for him to replace. He’s a hard worker and an intelligent player who deserves this opportunity without question.

Name: Alex Warrick (Caps: 3 Goals: 0)
Position: MID
Number: 12
Age: 26
Club Team: Olympia Gladiators
Bio: Warrick is an attacking midfielder, and can play up front if necessary. He started the first three games of the 5th Di Bradini Cup, then got in a bitter argument with Brian Carson and never played again, and has never been even considered by Carson for another national team because of Warrick’s very lax attitude. We’ll see if Warrick takes advantage of this chance to play at this level under a different manager.

**** RESERVES ****

Name: Larry Biron (Caps: 0 Goals: 0)
Position: CB
Number: 5
Age: 25
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: Another member of the outstanding Centralia defensive corps making his interregional debut in the Oxen Cup 8. With his domestic coach also the coach here, it should be a foregone conclusion that Biron will get at least one game during the tournament.

Name: Ed Peterson (Caps: 0 Goals: 0)
Position: CB
Number: 19
Age: 29
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: Much like Biron, coach Martin is taking advantage of the opportunity to get his own players interregional playing experience. Others could have been taken over Peterson, but this is who Martin is most comfortable with. The fact that he is bringing so many defenders to Qazox also shouldn’t surprise.

Name: John Owens (Caps: 0 Goals: 0)
Position: MID
Number: 18
Age: 26
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Bio: Owens was a reserve in the 5th Di Bradini Cup, and has somewhat of a shot to nail down one of those midfield spots for World Cup 43 that is in play, although behind the likes of Stevens, Cerullo, and Rafferty. Still, he’ll make the most of whatever opportunity he gets.

Name: John Murphy (Caps: 38 Goals: 16)
Position: ST
Number: 17
Age: 40
Club Team: Loudon Leopards
Bio: Murphy has always been a finisher who thrived on trailing the play of the more speedy forwards and pouncing on rebounds for goals. Because of this, his career has prolonged a little longer then you might expect. We don’t really know how much playing time he’ll get but the former World Cup 40 starter will be around to show he’s still capable of producing.

Land de Wood draw Prux again

Yet again our brave men have been drawn against Prux.
In the past these matches have been quite literally deadly affairs!
Facing a team of Zombies, Andrew Wood deputised his entire team and ordered them to shoot the opposition in an attempt to make a comeback in their last World Cup qualifying tie which ended 2-2. Prux are ranked 37th in the world compared to Land de Wood's own ranking of 52nd.

The favourites for the group will be Jeruselem who are currently ranked 11th in the world.
Rank outsiders (quite literally!) are Myedvedeya, Australiah, Illytria
but with all but the worst team guaranteed a place in the round of 16, Land de Wood should be there.

With Andrew Wood away supervising preparations for the forthcoming Di Bradini Cup, Daniel Bland, the manager of Southern Village has been given the job of leading the side. Whilst Southern Village did not enjoy the best of domestic campaigns they were the best performing team in the Globe Cup and it is on the basis of this performance that Daniel Bland has been appointed.

Daniel Bland has been deprived of any u-21 players as they will feature in the Di Bradini Cup but otherwise has the pick of the players.

Goalkeepers:
Patrick Clemence: the 28 year old is again expected to be the number 1. Having just won the league with New Dorset Stars will be hoping to add the Oxen Cup.
Jonathon Horse: the 31 year old is again named as number 2 to Patrick Clemence. Has just won the Wood Cup with Wood Town.
David Robins: the 25 year old is the latest number 3 goalkeeper. Land de Wood continue to search for that future goalkeeper to take over from Jonathon Horse and Patrick Clemence. Whilst playing for midtable Woodhampton Rovers impressed on a number of occasions.

Defenders:
David Aimer (RB/CB): the 31 year old has had an impressive season at Coalfires United. Just when everyone is ready to write him of for a place in the national team he has his best ever season. Having decided to stay faithful to Coalfires United despite their relegation, captained them to the division 2 title.

Ray Hamil (RB): At 22 is just too old for the Di Bradini Cup and will be looking to cement his place in the national team with an impressive performance here at the Oxen Cup. Had a disappointing season with Broxton United and has something to prove.

Woodrow Derby (LB): At 24 has made the left back place his own. Like Hamil has something to prove after a disappointing season with Broxton United.

Denis Whitemore (LB): The 25 year old just made the squad for the Cup of Harmony and has displaced Stephen Sterland from the place as Derby's understandy. Like Denis Aimer had a good season with Coalfires United.

Gary Lewis (CB): The 30 year old goes from strength to strength. Whilst Broxton United didn't have the best of seasons, he was their best player.

John Bell (CB): The 30 year old is given another chance to prove he has what it takes on the international scene having got a league runners up medal with Woodham.

Stephen Diddon (CB): The 24 year old had a disappointing league season with Wood Limited but only just missed out on a Wood Cup winners medal. Has a job to do to show he is the right man to partner Gary Lewis after up and down performances on the international scene.

Richard Wilson (CB): The 22 year old promoted from the U-21 squad will be looking to make his mark in the full national squad having won the Wood Cup with Wood Town.

Midfielders:
Aaran Whitemore (RW): The 25 year old has got to watch his temperament doesn't get in the way of his fine playing ability. Was arguably Woodhampton Rovers' best player this season and surely will be looking for a big money move.

Kevin Wallace (RW/LW): With Tom Darkless away on international duty, 22 year old Kevin Wallace is Whitemore's understudy however, he has also been looking to take Steve Redrow's place on the left wing in recent matches as well. So could feature on either wing. Has just won the league with New Dorset Stars.

Steve Redrow (LW/CS): Whether down the left wing or up front, 27 year old Steve Redrow has impressed both on the international scene and also domestically with Northern Lights who after a disappointing league season, he led to the semi-finals of the Wood Cup.

Gary Stering (LW): With Tom Darkless away on international duty, Whitemore's 24 year old teammate Stering wins the fourth winger place. Needs to go some though to match Whitemore's performances.

Richard Butty (DM): 31 year old Richard Butty will be looking to prove he is still the man to hold the midfield together. But after Broxton United's poor season and with Larry Derby's club manager in charge of the team will he get that chance?

Larry Derby (CM): The 31 year old was thought to be one of the ones to get the drop from the national team but with his club manager in charge will be looking he is not just there because of the manager's link with him.

David Clemance (CM/AM): The 25 year old, Wood Limited midfielder likes to get forward and will be looking to build upon a good Wood Cup performance after a poor league season.

Freddie Boyle (AM): The 28 year old, Wood Town midfielder is a newcomer to the squad. Enjoyed a good Wood Cup campaign, scoring 1 and assisting another on the way to winning it.

Ray Horse (AM/CS): The 31 year old, will face a battle with Freddie Boyle and David Clemance for the attacking midfield role in the national side. While he has been impressive for the international side in the past has been battling injuries recently and had a poor season with Woodhampton Rovers.

Strikers:
Gary Hoggins (TM): The 30 year old will be glad to see his club manager in charge of the national side. Has failed to impress on the international scene while at club level has been playing well.

Beltran Gillings (TM): The 29 year old is given a chance at the international level to show what he can do after an impressive season at Woodham.

Richard Higgins (CS): The 22 year old will be looking to cement his place in the national side having graduated from the u-21's. Another Wood Limited player looking to build on their Wood Cup performances.

So only 3 out and out attackers chosen but then Steve Redrow and Ray Horse can switch to attack.
Some surprise that neither Ashton Barclay nor Alexander Constantinescu made it despite their club manager managing the squad.

Starting 11 for first game is:
4-3-1-2 formation, style +1 attack

Clemence
Hammil Aimer Lewis Derby
Whitemore Derby Wallace
Horse
Hoggins Higgins

So Wallace and Aimer beat Redrow and Diddon for places in the national team. But other than that no real surprises.

____________________________
ooc:
My opponents may choose my scorers, bookings, sending offs and injuries.
However, no godmoding unless you telegram me first with what I consider to be a brilliant idea.

Since it is already that ay in the groups they will make there appearance. I hope they will get NS2 up soon so i can really enter them into the WC.

did i not quallify

yeah Q you missed the Mantwenic team

We will be here the whole way threw this tournament to bring you the scores, and boars of this years Oxen Cup. But first let us be the first to bring you the Taeshani Oxen Cup team.(this will be the team that enters the Oxen Cup for the next few times).

GK Wendy Tyler #34 20
LD Zack Fitzgerard #44 20
LCD Mikey Sawyer #45 20
RCD Greg Feldspar #56 20
RD Tyler Qing #21 20
LM Javon White #33 20
CM Kellen Wenshaw #98 20
RM Kyli Kelley #11 20
LS Dre Banks #13 20
CS Charlie Stone #12 20
RS Teshaun Jollo #14 20

SUBS
GK Ryan Heidiet #77 20
D Joey Sincrea #66 20
M Hiedi Quert #24 20
S Ellen Decenres #33 20

Cafundó do Juta
Cafundéu
Two weeks before the start of the Oxen Cup

The Scout was sitting at his desk. He looked at the 19 names of the players on the screen that he selected. These players were the best he could find in search for a new Nethertopian team. This selection was the best that Nethertopia had to offer. He was going to have to deal with this.
He pushed the Enter button and all the mails were sent. Every player now knew within a couple of hours that they'd been selected to the new national team. The Scout smiled slightly. He was the new coach of the Nethertopian team. This was going to be his start of his carreer on the pitch.
He started to write another mail, directed to his sidekick, the manager of the team, Trevor Organ. The C&M U21 former manager seemed capable of doing the job. Trevor would be the face of the team, The Scout the brain.
He finished his mail and sent to Trevor. In a week the scout would fly to whatever nation the team would draw, where he would meet the players in his team again. He already had conversations with the thirty players he had in mind when he narrowed the selection down, but he didn't really know them. This would prove to be difficult. But, he'd do his best and see if he was ready for the real thing. He was confident about the team's chances to at least gain a few positions on the KBP rankings.
The new coach of Nethertopia shut down his PC. It was time to scout talents again.

*****

Hamburger Hill
Prux
One week before the start of the Oxen Cup

Trevor Organ watched as the plane he was sitting in landed. He looked aside, to the team captain of the Nethertopian team, Wouter van Dalen. It was disappointing to know that Abdoulaye Soro was absent because of his broken leg. “Well, Wouter,” said the previous manager of Albrecht FC, Hopeless SC, and the C&M U21 and Olympic team, “it looks like we‘re here. Time for football.” “Heh, sir, that‘s what i like doing the most,” said the experienced Peregrines goalkeeper.
Trevor was the first to get out of the plane. The Scout was waiting for him, at the end of the stairs. “It‘s good to finally meet you,” said Trevor, while shaking The Scout’s hand. “I was told that you were a small person, so at least i was prepared for that. By the way, am I supposed to be calling you The Coach now?”
The Scout smiled. “The Scout will do,” he said. “Ah, i see you‘ve brought our team with you?”
“Well, i wouldn‘t be a good manager if I didn‘t,” replied Trevor. “Let‘s keep the chit-chat for later and get into our bus to our hotel first.” The Scout agreed, and the team started walking towards the exit of the airport.

Trevor and The Scout positioned themselves somewhere in front of the bus. There was a short silence, before the manager started asking questions.
“Well?” Asked Trevor.
“What is it?” Asked The Scout back,
“Do you think we have a chance at winning the cup?”
“...”
“Err... Is everything alright?”
“Yes, but I’m not a man of much words. There‘s always the slightest chance of anything to happen, but it‘s highly improbable that we win.”
“So we‘re just here to gather some status?”
“Yes.”
“Oh. And how about our first match?”
“Against Newmanistan? We‘ll see.”

The bus arrived at the hotel. It was time for the 8th incarnation of the Oxen Cup.

TEAM ROSTER

Well, here we present to you, the team roster of the Nethertopian team that will enter the Oxen Cup 8 and the WC 43 (except for Aboulaye Soro, whi has a broken leg, which will be switched in for some other fictional football player i just made up).


THE STAFF
Coach: The Scout
Does this person even need an introduction? The all-known scout from Cafundéu! He has finally made his debut into the managerial world of football. The NFA was delighted such a person signed up for this position, even though he has no experience as coach whatsoever. We will trust him to guide our team into whatever we will go into, with his superior knowledge of the capabilities of our players, and tactical and strategical knowledge.

Manager: Trevor Organ
Trevor Organ has had previous jobs as coach of Albrecht FC and Hopeless SC, and as coach of some C&M national team variations. He’s more a motivator than a tactical genius, so it seems that he and The Scout, are the perfect managerial couple. He is the manager of the team because The Scout still remains scout for Cafundéu and the NFA wanted someone on the job permanently as well. Will mostly play the part of assistant though.


THE TEAM
Nethertopia will play in a 3-5-2 formation, with two defensive midfielders, two wingers and a central attacking midfielder. Style modifier is +1, slightly attacking.

Starters
Goalkeeper: Wouter van Dalen (C)
Age: 32
Number: 1
Club: The Peregrines
Bio: Wouter started at 17 year old at the Peregrines in the amateur Nethertopian competition. He was directly noticed by Rob Kietecs due to extraordinary saves he made in the entire year. What followed was a spot in the national team. He’s an experienced goalie, with a few caps (OOC I didn’t keep up my last caps count), and ready to keep the ball out of the goal.

Left defender: Jerome de Wit
Age: 24
Number: 2
Club: Amateur Club
Bio: This player was found by The Scout and made it into the final 19. Surprising choice, because Jerome has yet to prove himself at the highest level. Not much is known about him, but with his jumping power and his formidable height of 2.09m (6”8) he’s sure to go up front in dead ball situations. Rumour goes that this player is fearless in duels.

Central defender: Ronnie de Haan
Age: 33
Number: 4
Club: Tenderville United
Bio: After playing for over 10 years for the same club, TdvUtd, Ronnie decided it was time to quit the football. He will stop playing after the WC. Ronnie is still known for his positioning, tackle and pass, but his fierce shot has weakened with the age. He’s still not the fastest player on the pitch.

Right defender: Jan Wildernis
Age: 26
Number: 3
Club: FC DePardenti
Bio: Wildernis is part of the squad that will return to the amateur competiton, together with The Grey Towers and Ashdom City (More on that later, in the IDSNW, in some C&M post probably). He’s made his debut four years ago and is known for his good long balls and aggressive nature on and off the field.

Central defensive midfielder: Michael de Vet
Age: 31
Number: 13
Club: The Grey Towers
Bio: This fellow has proven himself in the NA-L and is ready for the national team. Originally a plain central midfielder, but The Scout believes in his potential as a defensive midfielder. He’s a player with a good tackle and keeps a cool head when chaos is everywhere on the field. He is, however, currently unhappy with his contract and is really looking for a new club to play.

Central defensive midfielder: Thomas Schaak
Age: 20
Number: 6
Club: Amateur Club
Bio: The Scout is mysterious in different ways, and this player is if his mysteries. Thomas is a small youngster, ready to prove himself in international football and ready for a professional team. His control over the ball is perfect, as is his passing. He’s quite quick, has a good tackle, a good shot and he's mentally very strong. This is the player to watch. This is the revelation of The Scout.

Left winger: Jean-Pierre Bakker
Age: 25
Number: 7
Club: The Peregrins
Bio: Bakker is a pacey player, who likes to stick to the left side of the field and tries tricks to get past opponents. He’s not the smartest guy, to say the least, and his football intelligence is not the highest as well. He is, however, very good at delivering the ball at the right place, right time.

Central attacking midfielder: Frans Oud
Age: 28
Number: 10
Club: Tenderville United
Bio: Originally from the Nethertopian puppet state YnosYnos, Oud got his passport as soon as the nation ceased to exist. This player is also a fine striker, with a good shot, leadership capabilities and a fine free kick. To be short, a real 10. He is famous in Nethertopia for his singing and rapping skills, even reaching #1 in the charts with the song ‘Like Lazy Lions Lovely Lay Low’.

Right winger: Dries Pannekoek
Age: 21
Number: 8
Club: NAPC
Bio: Pannekoek (pancake in Dutch) is another young player that makes his debut for the Falcons. He’s the kind of player that gives defenders nightmares, with his speed and pass-by actions. He’s fragile, however, and easily taken down. In the two years he’s been a professional player he only played 18 games, because of injuries.

Striker: Jan-Paul Snip
Age: 31
Number: 9
Club: FC DePardenti
Bio: One of the original players of the DePardenti side when it joined the Nethertopian competition, this player now fully understands the game. It’s a real finisher, with a powerful shot. He’s also strong, a trait that all known Nethertopian international strikers we’ve had didn’t have. He’s also an expert in taking penalties.

Striker: Ben van Dam
Age: 26
Number: 15
Club: Ashdom City
Bio: Originally from the Peregrines' academy, but there he was not considered to be good enough. Ashdom city was quick with his signing and it was a good one. He’s stand in for Abdoulaye Soro at the moment. His favourite position is that of right behind the striker, but The Scout decided to put him on the field as a full striker. His control is fabulous, his shots are placed, but lack power.

Reserves
Goalkeeper: Ron de Vries
Age: 33
Number: 12
Club: NAPC
Bio: Part of the old gang, which entered the BoF27. Always ready for a match if Wouter is unavailable.

Defender: Yannick de Woudt
Age: 18
Number: 5
Club: Amateur club
Bio: Taken by The Scout as part of a learning process, to get ready for the big work, someday.

Defender: Gregory van Houten tot Schaagen
Age: 22
Number: 14
Club: The Grey Towers
Bio: Has it’s name from some old, medieval barony. This player is not far away from a base place and is sure to be the follow up of Ronnie de Haan.

Defensive midfielder: Fouad Snijders
Age: 36
Number: 16
Club: Amateur club
Bio: On his way back from football, but asked by The Scout to make an international comeback for one more time.

Attacking midfielder: Hans Klaassen
Age: 20
Number: 17
Club: NAPC
Bio: Twin brother of Piet. Is able to play on the whole attacking midfield.

Attacking midfielder: Piet Klaassen
Age: 20
Number: 17
Club: NAPC
Bio: Twin brother of Hans. A corner specialist.

Striker: Kingsley Kalu
Age: 31
Number: 22
Club: The Peregrins
Bio: One of the old squad members. Has lost some of his speed, but not his perfect shot and aggression.

Striker: Darius Longstone
Age: 24
Number: 18
Club: Tenderville United
Bio: A player that always had the status of wonderchild, but never really made it into what was expected of him. Probably the one that’s going to have to give up his place for good ol’ Soro.

Tae, you are correct, They'll take the place of Illytria.

QSPN.com Oxen Cup VIII coverage
By Julius Augustus

Once again its time for the Oxen Cup, and Qazox the permanent hosts, have decided to allow fellow Q-continuum Football Association (QCFA) members to co-host, in hopes of fostering regional harmony and perhaps a future Cup of Harmony or Baptism of Fire bid.

So let's take a quick lokk at the team that will participate, from Qazox.

Goalie:
Jack Reed, Age 17.

Defense:
Henrietta Werth, Age 16.
Victor Samuels, Jr., Age 16.
Larry LaJoy, Age 17.
Nathan Caulder, Age 17.

Midfielders:
Kylie Javier, Age 16.
Georgette Savoy, Age 17.
Paul Haslett, Age 17.

Forwards:
Bonnie Young, Age 16.
Benjamin Ernst, Age 17.
Michelle de Barre, Age 16.

Subs:
Goal:
Natlie Clearwater, Age 16.
Defense:
Jack Mann, Age 17.
John Meyers, Age 17.
Midfield:
Tyra Cavett, Age 18.
Opal Howard, Age 16.
Forwards:
Rene de Barre, Age 17.
Jason Xavier, Age 16.


Green wombat
Blouman Empire
Cafundeu
Qazox
Urna Eletrônica
Miroxia

Schedule:
MD1: Urna Eletrônica @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Blouman Empire @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Miroxia @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Cafundeu @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Green wombat @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

The schedule starts out with newcomers Urna Eletrônica, then gets harder as Blouman Empire and Miroxia aren't easy teams. The last 2 games are against Green wombat and Cafundeu, two rivals, with quite possibly the group title on the line in the Cafundeu game.

Qazox, with the youngest team they have had compete in this Tourney, looks to be solid quarterfinalists, but I don't think they'll advance past that.

Lead by Robert Trask, here is the new Wombat roster for the 8th Oxen Cup:

(3-4-3/3-2-2-3 formation, +1 modifer)

STARTERS:

GK: Leonard Dvorak (18 yrs old). Decent enough keeper, but has trouble with penalty kicks.

Left Defense: Steve Rector (19 yrs old). Best defender Green wombat has seen in years; won't be fooled by anyone, but the best.

Sweeper: Becky Fick (19 yrs old). Great defender, but has temper problems and is spotty at times.

Right Defense: Douglas Dubose (28 yrs old). The "Old Man" of the team, overall a good defender, but finds himself out of position a lot.

Left Defending Midfielder: Bobby Kennedy (22 yrs old). No relation to the RL political family, Bobby is a quick defender, and is usually spotted against the best attacker.

Right Defending Midfielder: Monica McGann (22 yrs old). She's a wild one. Great defender, poor temper, inaccurate as hell, but has a cannon for a leg. Takes Corners.

Left Attacking Midfielder: Stella Karp (20 yrs old). Niece of current GWFA President James Karp, but there is no nepotism here, as Stella is the best overall player on the team. She can do everything but penalty kicks well.

Right Attacking Midfielder: Ronald Wilcox (17 yrs old). The youngest starter on the team, and a bit scatter-brained at times, but can run up and down the pitch all day seemingly untiring.

Left Forward: Dale Henke (21 yrs old). Great speed and great ballhandling skills, but tends to play down to his oppositition, and not play-up to his potential.

Mid Forward: Wayne Blessing (22 yrs old). Just scores goals. Has a knack for being in the right place at just the right time, but compared to most other forwards, he is slow.

Right Forward: Pauline Utley (23 yrs old). Much like Henke, is very quick and has a cannon for a leg, but struggles with ball control.

RESERVES (age):
GK: Carolyn Mohammed (21)
DEF: Jonathan Kyle (20)
DEF: Hattie Medford (18)
SWEEP: Frank Dixon (20)
MID: Joy Lazarus (17)
MID: Sonya Lefountaine (20)
MID: Margaret Buchholz (17)
FOR: Chad Connors (20)
FOR: Edward Griffin (23)
FOR: Nicholas Huskey (26)

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? Yes
RP injuries to my players? Yes, nothing severe
Godmod injuries? No
Godmod scoring events? No
Godmod other events? No

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

Games in GREEN WOMBAT:
MD1: @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
Prux v. Jeruselem
Mantwenic v. Land de Wood
Myedvedeya v. Australiah
MD2: @ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
Land de Wood v. Myedvedeya
Prux v. Mantwenic
Australiah v. Jeruselem
MD3: @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
Mantwenic v. Myedvedeya
Land de Wood v. Jeruselem
Prux v. Australiah
MD4: @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
Jeruselem v. Mantwenic
Australiah v. Land de Wood
Myedvedeya v. Prux

Group Draw Announced

If your rarin' to see some football next month you can go and see the new Taeshani Oxen Cup football team deep down in Prux for 4 wopingly exciting games, and then head to Qazox for the all important final group game against Lovisa. The games will include a biggy against the illusive winners of Newmanistan, the proud West Zirconians. the exciting Nethertopians, and Kjomasopia or something like that. It should be an exciting tourney.

List Of games, and dates of Taeshani hosted games
Matchday 1@ Docktown "The Dock" Memorial Stadium
the 11th Game 3(the third listed) 1:00 Game 1 4:00 Game 2 11:00
Matchday 2@ The Atlantea Colliseum "The Canedom"(get it) Game 2 at 11:00 Game 1 at 2:00 Game 3 at 6:00
Matchday 3@ X Island Metropark Game 1 12:43 Game 3 3:14 Game 2 7:11
Matchday 4@ Atlantea Colliseum Game 1 7:22 Game 2 11:12 Game 3 2:30

MYEDVEDEYA ANNOUNCES ROSTER, SCHEDULE

The Myedvedeyan International Football Team, the same one that will be participating in the 43rd World Cup, and the Baptism of Fire, will be playing in the 8th Edition of Qazox's Oxen Cup. The Squad has never been seen on an international stage, so, without further Ado, here they are.

MANAGER:
Prince Vladimir Sergyevitch Bagration
Prince Bagration was a legend in two fields in his youth, first that of football, then that of soldierly. Retiring from the Navy at age 65, he has been welcomed back into the football world with this commission. Has organized the Kamchatka Grizzly Bears into a 4-4-2 formation.

FORWARDS:
#28 Aloyoshenka Vorotaev- Age 19
CLUB- Pyotroveskovlad Imperial
Vorotaev is a quick, small forward with a deadly finish from any distance. Sometimes lacks control, but will beat pretty much any defender to the ball. Look for Vorotaev to take nearly all set pieces for the squad. Named one of the Players to make an Impact at this tournament by the Myedvedeyan Media.

#9 Aleksander Rozhdestvensky- Age 23
CLUB- Cossack United
Rozhdestvensky, although his last name barely fits on the uniform, will stand out at this tournament. A Wayne Rooney-like combination of size and speed, he will be sure to turn heads. At age 23, he is still coming into his prime, and Myedvedeyans cannot wait to see what he can become.

#11 Aleksander Abramov- Age 28
CLUB- Tsar's Guard
Abramov is a reliable, large albeit slow forward. He can hold the ball well, and will probably be used often as a late-game substitution when offense is needed. His experience will be important in aiding the young strikers to mature.

#12 Nikolai Karpolsky- Age 24
CLUB- Manju (Daehanjeiguk)
Recently transferred to the Great Han Empire's National Football League, Karpolsky is a great young prospect. A product of Myedvedeya's Moskva State Athlete's Academy, he will get some playing time at the Cup.

#14 Pavel Zolkin- Age 31
CLUB- Voroskaev Tygers
Far past his prime, Zolkin was once an electrifyingly fast, extremely tiny goal scoring machine. Now, look for him to come on occasionally in a supporting role, and be a mentor to younger players on the team.

MIDFIELD:
#8 Arman Barabanschikov- Age 28
CLUB- International of Moskva
An established player, Barabanschikov will be an interesting figure to watch on the left wing for Myedvedeya. His left foot is legendary, and one can look for him to take some of the set pieces that Vorotaev does not. Myedvedeyan media named him one of the three Players to make an Impact at this tournament.

#4 Alexander Markov- Age 22
CLUB- Daenam (Daehanjeiguk)
A gifted dribbler with clinical finishing skills, Markov will play as a left-central midfielder. He was recently transfered to the Great Han Empire's National Football League, and will be interesting to watch in that role as well as at this tournament.

#13 Nikolai Dolohov (Captain)- Age 28
CLUB- International of Moskva
Dolohov is the star of the Myedvedeyan national team. Gifted in nearly every regard, look for the Captain to receive club offers from everywhere once he has the chance to make an impression. His skills are formidable, but what truly makes him exceptional are his abilities to lead the squad- both older and younger players respect him completely, and he is almost a second coach on the field. Voted one of the three players to make an impact at this tournament.

#7 Grigor Ulyanov- Age 29
CLUB- Tsar's Guard
The right winger is the oldest of Myedvedeya's starting midfielders, but still has the skill to make a difference. Look for his beautiful crosses to fly onto the head of Rozhdestvensky multiple times in this tournament. He is famous for his incredible determination and ferocity, much like Gennaro Gattuso.

#16 Kostya Mazipov- Age 25
CLUB- Bagration FC
One of Myedvedeya's better players, he will essentially come on every game, and may start some for Markov in the midfield. Currently recovering from an ankle injury. Plays anywhere in the midfield, preferably in an attacking role.

#23 Yuri Morozov- Age 24
CLUB- Yaroslavl Axe Bears
Morozov is a complete unknown, a recruit from the Myedvedeyan territory of Yaroslavl who made it onto a professional side, and rose from there. His development should be intriguing to watch. Plays on the left side.

#2 Sasha Karbonenko- Age 20
CLUB- Nyonvosk Sunrays
A star on the Under-21 level, Karbonenko's speed and ball skills should allow him to have success at the senior level. Plays in the center, in a very attacking role.

#17 Jov Mikhaiylichenko- Age 29
CLUB- Air Force FC
Mikhaiylichenko is known throughout Myedvedeya for being the most obnoxious, short-tempered and aggressive player to come out of the country. If there is a fight, odds are he started it. If there is a red card, odds are its' awarded to him... Still, he has considerable skill, and should see some playing time. Plays in the center, in a neutral-to-defensive role.

#15 Igor Parshin- Age 23
CLUB- AC Jaril
A young prospect from the Moskva State Athlete's Academy, Parshin could develop into an excellent midfielder in the next few years. Do not look for him to get much playing time at this tournament, but look for him to make an impact in the future.

#19 Vassili Pencherjevsky- Age 17
CLUB- International of Moskva
Found by a professional scout playing soccer on the streets, Pencherjevsky is a young phenom. Pulled from the U-21 squad to play here due to an injury to 33-year-old Misha Kulyanov (will not participate in this tournament), Pencherjevsky will see some playing time, and can probably make an impact, even at his extremely young age.

DEFENSE:
#5 Ivan Romasko- Age 26
CLUB- Pyotroveskovlad Imperial
Romasko is a small, speedy left back, who will be on the attack nearly as much as a midfielder due to his fantastic acceleration and speed. His main flaw is his size, which prevents him from keeping up with the physicality of some forwards. Very much like Gael Clichy of Arsenal.

#3 Karolek Preminin- Age 31
CLUB- CSKA Moskva
The oldest starter on the team, Preminin will anchor the defense in the center, from both a physical and tactical point of view. A very skilled player, he was a candidate for the Captaincy when the team was called.

#27 Ivan Mizin- Age 24
CLUB- Bagration FC
Mizin is an extremely large, often very brutal and physical central back. Look for him to take control of anything played in the air. Consistently gets into trouble with referees, mainly due to his size.

#10 Maksim Korotkaiev- Age 26
CLUB- Orangine Sea Lions
This introverted, strange looking right defender is one of Myedvedeya's most erratic players. He is sometimes the best player on the defense, and sometimes abjectly horrendous. Look for him to settle into one of these modes, and for his playing time to be adjusted as such. Many were surprised to see him gain a starting spot.

#20 Vas Pervoi- Age 23
CLUB- Voroskaev Tygers
Pervoi is another MSAA product, and was a star all through that program, and at the U-21 level. Look for him to take Preminin's spot in a tournament or two, once the older defender retires.

#18 Ivan Blevsky- Age 21
CLUB- Wunnam (Daehanjeiguk)
Recently Transferred to Daehanjeiguk's National Football League, Blevsky will be a frequent addition to the team, as he begins to accumulate senior-team experience. Look for his dribbling skill to feature prominently.

#22 Tasha Romanov- Age 24
CLUB- Yaroslavl Axe Bears
Romanov is a solid, but unspectacular defender. Look for him to get some playing time, especially when attempting to protect a lead.

#25 Konstantin Naesenko- Age 33
CLUB- Pyotroveskovlad Imperial
The oldest Player on the team, Naesenko used to be a starter, and will now mainly fulfill a mentoring role. Still, he may be used occasionally for his experience and cool head.

#26 Roman Izmailov- Age 22
CLUB- International of Moskva
Just off the U-21 Team, Izmailov is an interesting prospect. He has great speed, and great ball skills, but seems to be out of place on nearly every play. Given some tutoring, he could be a great player in a few years.

GOALKEEPERS:
#1 Boris Bykovsky- Age 23
CLUB- International of Moskva
The Young Bykovsky shocked the nation when he out-preformed veteran Uri Saitov for the starting job, and is now a hero of the country. An extremely athletic goalkeeper, look for him to make highlight-reel saves all tournament long. Must improve Tactical skills to become truly world-class.

#21 Uri Saitov- Age 28
CLUB- CSKA Moskva
The Longtime starter for the team, Saitov is Tactically sound, and Technically skilled, but is not spectacular in any area. Look for him to play only if the young Bykovksy struggles.

#24 Pavel Ontonov- Age 22
CLUB- Cossack United
Ontonov is the youngest of the three keepers, and is probably destined to become Bykovsky's second string after Saitov is gone. Look for him to play only if something happens to Bykovsky and Saitov.

RP PERMISSIONS:
Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: *
RP Injuries to My players: Nothing Tournament-ending, but Yes
Godmod Injuries to my Players: N
Hand out Yellow Cards to my Players: Y
Hand out Red Cards to my Players: If you really feel the need...
Godmod other Events: *
*- Don't Godmod unless you tell me first and I agree to it.
SCHEDULE:

Myedvedeya VS Australiah @ Jasken Stadium, Kraken, Green Wombat
Myedvedeya VS Land de Wood @ Green wombat Field, The Hexagon, GW
Myedvedeya VS Mantwenic @ Jasken Stadium, Kraken, Green Wombat
Myedvedeya VS Prux @ Hart Field, Asylum, Green Wombat
Myedvedeya VS Jeruselem @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana De Mia, Qazox

Mountain Goats Prepared for World Cup; Oxen Cup

In the recent uprising of the World Cup 43, the Miroxian national team has been practicing for hours these past weeks. Coached and trained by former Miroxian national team player, and father of #2, defense - Vincent Gay II, Vincent Gay. Now that a series of scrimmages and bragging rights have come up, the Miroxian Mountain Goats are ready to take their training to the next level.

With a proud team this year, it is an honor to officially announce this year's Miroxian national team:

Starters
GK: Ron Quincy-Art, 26 yrs. old #12
Left Defense: John Williams, 24 yrs. old #5
Mid Defense: Randy Stonewall, 23 yrs. old #1
Sweeper: Charlie Wright, 27 yrs. old #20
Right Defense: Jason Lee, 24 yrs. old #15
Left Midfield: Adam Donaldson, 16 yrs. old #7
Center Midfield: Josh Young, 21 yrs. old #9
Striker: Edward Aztec, 18 yrs. old #24
Right Midfield: Fred Spout, 29 yrs. old #8
Left Wing: Winston South, 22 yrs. old #39
Right Wing: Timothy Alston, 31 yrs. old #18
Substitutes
GK: Alex McRod, 21 yrs. old #3
Def: Guy West 30 yrs. old #0
Def: Denver Casino, 28 yrs. old #11
Def: Vincent Gay II, 20 yrs. old #2
Mid: William Jackson 36 yrs. old #40
Mid: Rich Con, 26 yrs. old #56
Mid: William Core, 21 yrs. old #35

And here is Miroxia's schedule:

Match Day 1: Miroxia vs. Green wombat @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan
Match Day 2: Miroxia vs. Cafundeu @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan
Match Day 3: Qazox vs. Miroxia @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan
Match Day 4: Urna Eletrônica vs. Miroxia @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan
Match Day 5: Miroxia vs. Blouman Empire @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox

EDIT: I forgot, Miroxia's formation is 2-3-3-2/3-4-3, and +1 modifier.

If they frightened you before...
If they scared the pants off of the World Cup...
What horrors do you think they'll unleash in the Oxen Cup?


THE ZOMBIES ARE BACK and HUNGRY!
(for an Oxen Cup title)

PRUX'S WORLD CUP 42 ROSTER:
a 4-2-4 formation.
+2 Modifier

HEAD COACH: Dr. Mkembe (voodoo doctor and lone sub)

GOALKEEPER: Zombie Oliver Kahn
DEFENSE:
Zombie Marco Materazzi
Zombie Franz Beckenbauer
Zombie Sergio Ramos
Zombie Giacinto Facchetti

MIDFIELD:
Zombie Lothar Matthäus
Zombie Diego Maradona

ATTACKERS:
Zombie Pelé
Zombie Ronaldo
Zombie Just Fontaine
Zombie Zinedine Zidane, aka Triple Z


Prux' Schedule:
MD1: Jeruselem @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic @ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

THE KJO STRIKEFORCE 30 MAN SQUAD TO ATTEND THE OXEN CUP (all on zero caps, zero international goals)
--------------------------------COACHES--------------------------------------------
HEAD: Cal Reade
OFFENCE: Chris Young
DEFENCE:Claud Newlove
STRENGTH/CONDITIONING: Ramon Simpson
STRAPPER: Jacinda Swain
GAFFER: Brett Lang
--------------------------STARTING XI-----------------------------------------------
1. Jerome Rega ST
2. Nelson Jolce LM
3. Salione Fuller (C) CD
4. Mohammed Harden CM
5. Denver Blyant (GK)
6. Stefan Blessig LW
7. Von Trevithick RM
8. Ronny Kimmons (VC)CM
9. Paris Pfeifer LD
10. Augustine Rader ST
11. Norman Bridger (VVC) RD
----------------------STARTING SUBSTITUTES---------------------------------------
12. Scot Rodacker DF
13. Marion Fiscina MF
14. Dillon Kooser FW
15. Trenton Lineman(GK)
16. Frederick Taggart FW
17. Carmen Newbern DF
18. Winston Osterweis MF/DF
------------------RESERVES---------------------------------------------------------
19. Alphonso Stall (GK)
20. Lesley Kuster ST
21. Darius Kemerer ST
22. Abram Hujsak DF
23. Edmond Newman MF
24. Clayton Fisher MF
25. Jamal Mahaad-Foster DF
26. Chadwick Hice DF
27. David Drumm (GK)
28. Israel Appleby UT
------------------INJURY BACKUP----------------------------------------------------
29. Damian Lauffer UT
30. Linwood Seelig UT

SCHEDULE
MD1: V TAESHAN @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
MD2: V LOVISA @ Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux.
MD3: V WEST ZIRCONIA @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux.
MD4: V NEWMANISTAN @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
MD5: V NETHERTOPIA @ Champions Field, Qazox City, Qazox.
GO YOU GOOD THING!!

THE ROCKET REPORT

GROUP DRAW SET

Pocono City, Newmanistan- The Rockets will begin their Oxen Cup 8 campaign in Prux as this year’s event is a tour of the Q Continuum. It will be the first time the Rockets have ever visited this nation that is known for fielding unorthodox rosters, including it’s roster of Zombies. However, Prux itself will not be one of the Rockets group opponents. The Oxen Cup, in addition to Prux and Qazox, will also have games in Green Wombat and Taeshan. Fans in Prux hoping to see the likes of Jeremy McAllister, Jeremy Brooker, and coach Brian Carson will be. disappointed as they are not making the trip. It’s a group of Rockets players that have been under the radar, and a team that some may call a “B” team. In ways, they are a B team, but there are opportunities that will exist on the World Cup 43 Roster due to the retirements of a couple regulars, so Oxen Cup 8 will be an audition for those players. Especially with the start of the Di Bradini Cup delayed, they know that Brian Carson will be watching, and may even be in the stands for a game or two as he evaluated players who are “on the bubble” of making the World Cup team. This will, in all likelihood, become the theme of Newmanistan’s Oxen Cup.

In all, we have fifteen nations attempting to win Oxen Cup glory, and like normal there is a large gap between the top and the bottom. The nations of Kjomasasopia, Urna Electronica, Australiah, and Mantwenic will be making their international debuts alongside world powerhouses such as defending Oxen Cup champion Jeruselem, as well as Cafundeu, and even Qazox goes in this top tier now. Second tier teams, such as our Rockets, and Lovisa, Prux, Green Wombat, Taeshan and the Blouman Empire will certainly provide worthy competition. And you can’t forgot about the up and comers such as Land de Wood and West Zirconia, the latter of which used this Cup as a stepping stone for their recent Baptism of Fire championship. It’s a nice balance of teams, and one can never know for sure who will win the title. Sometimes a top team might not play like a top team and a bottom team might go on quite a run. Both are possible. Both have happened.

Overall, Newmanistan as the forty-“tooth”, as opposed to the forty-second (as mentioned by Qazox reports) ranked team in world, should be amongst the legitimate contenders for the Cup if they can develop a good solid chemistry amongst them. That is something that could be an issue, and will be likely used as the first excuse if Newmanistan underachieves. It is a roster of players that do not have much experience playing together even though on an individual basis they are all capable of great things. Up front, the goals are expected to come from Kevin Sturgeon, Brian Wright, and Shannon Vilardi. Fortunately, Sturgeon and Wright have worked together before. They have good speed and good finishing skills, and the likely leading goal scorer among them is Vilardi. It will be interesting to see which one of them steps. The back end of Kevin Haynes, Chris Phillips, Eric Blunden and Nate Stratton is a group of players that have not played together before, but we have complete confidence that they will do a great job. After all the team is coached by James Martin, Newmanistan’s greatest defensive mastermind, who could get a group of monkeys to play together and work as a nice cohesive unit if he needed to. The story will be in the midfield, and this is where it gets interesting. The senior team is expected to lose two starters due to age: Kevin Carrigan and Chris Peterson, so there is a chance there. While World Cup steady substitutes Steve Boland and Tom Cuyler may seem like the front runners, as well as James Seidler, who is on the Di Bradini team, and former Tundra Falls Mariner Matt Caufield, a good tournament in the Q Continuum could vault someone like Dale Stevens or Billy Cerullo into that role. Brian Carson has expressed already that he will be watching Stevens in particular, very closely. The opportunity to play on the senior team should work as plenty of motivation, and this will be worth watching, for sure.

When the Oxen Cup begins, Newmanistan will have their second ever meeting against fellow class of Baptism of Fire 27 member Nethertopia, who after disappearing from the world scene for a little bit, is returning, and we are glad for that. The Rockets defeated Nethertopia, 1-0, in a post-qualifying friendly after World Cup 41 quals. They will then meet Taeshan, who they will certainly have a confidence against due to impressive head to head history. One day, Taeshan will have their breakthrough, one day. We’ll just try and make it not happen in the Oxen Cup. Interestingly, the only two times that Newmanistan and Taeshan have meet in football, the Rockets were victorious by scores of 1-0. We’ll then meet up with Lovisa, who we have never played in the world’s football, so that will be in an interesting contest. Newcomer Kjomasasopia will be next in a game that we should be looking to get three points out of, though there are some reports that this could be a dangerous first timer, so expect no looking past them, at all. Then, after playing those games in Prux, Newmanistan’s Group Stage in Oxen Cup 8 will end with the same opponent it ended against in Oxen Cup 7, West Zirconia. Four years ago, Newmanistan started Chris Kusler in goal just to give him experience in what was then a meaningless game. That’s Kusler’s only cap to date, and with him as the starter now, we’re sure he is excited to take them on again. This game is in Qazox, so after playing the first four games in Prux, we have to go to Qazox for the fifth, as does everyone else. This is likely the winner of the “what the heck” award of the tournament. Oh, the things that are done for symmetrical scheduling!

We’ll have more pre-Oxen Cup coverage as Clint Peterson will interview James Martin in a little while. Here though is a look at the official schedule for your Rockets.

MD1 vs Nethertopia @ Quagmire Field. Hamburger Hill, Prux.
MD2 vs Taeshan @ Prince Weston Memorial Park. Pawtucket, Prux.
MD3 vs Lovisa @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium. ESPN, Prux.
MD4 vs Kjomasasopia @ Quagmire Field. Hamburger Hill, Prux.
MD5 vs West Zirconia @ Champions Field. Qazox City, Qazox.

OOC Yes, this is my WC43 minus Jane Darian (who's in the Futsal team). Too busy reading taxation crap this weekend.

Jeruselem's roster

"The Princesses"

Formation: 4-4-2

Style Modifier: +2

Coach: Monique Alexander
* Former World Cup player and captain
* Assistant coach of the Tel Aviv Sharks
* Former porn star and friend of Dazza Dallas

Assistant Coach: Sister Marsha
* Coach of the winning Turtle Cup I and Oxen Cup 7 team
* Assistant Coach of World Cup 40 to 42
* Coach of Cup of Hockey 6

Security staff: John Edwards
* Former Inquisitor turned private security contractor to the Jeruselem FA
* Explosives expert

Official JGN reporters
* Kate Sallad
* Kara Kool (retired World Cup player and captain)

GK (M,21) - Rajkie Salam - Father owns a Mosque
GK (F,27) - Shay Rushdie - Works as a poodle trainer part-time

DEF (F,24) - Jacinta Sallad - Big Dallas fan, nicknamed Jacinta Dallas. Looks like a Jacinta Dallas clone.
DEF (M,27) - John Kranzoy - A hard worker in defense. Not the most skillful but never gives in to a challenge.
DEF (F,25) - Dazzarina Intern - Badly behaved around the opposite sex, Nymphomaniac like the real Dazza.
DEF (M,24) - Geovanni Dallas - One of Debbie Dallas's sons. The only Dallas in this team.
DEF (F,19) - Shim LiPing - A pretty Asian girl with lot of talent. A former gymnastics star.
DEF (M,20) - Wang Hui Bao - Hard working defender with a great work ethic. Always puts on his best for his chosen team.
DEF (F,21) - Celina Sadie Dallas - The Jeru FC captain for WC41 and CoH for the WC31. A tough defender despite her lack of intelligence and slutty habits.

MID (F,23) - Beth Bootin - Voted cheerleader most likely to sleep a football team once
MID (F,20) - Sally Kool - One of Kara's many many cousins.
MID (F,26) - Kate Sallad - Big Dallas fan, nicknamed Kate Dallas. Looks like Kate Dallas clone too (CAPTAIN)
MID (M,28) - Jamie Hyneman - A man with brains and brawn in the midfield.
MID (M,24) - David Carney - Solid midfielder who moves forward with a potent left foot.
MID (M,30) - Flak Sho - Ariddian Jew who moved to Jeruselem. Princess Jacinta Dallas's husband.
MID (F,24) - Sister Hanna Josh - A nun who wants to prove female football players aren't all sluts

STR (M,21) - Na Ling - An action man on the field, sometimes at the expense of other teammates. Never gives up a hopeless cause.
STR (F,26) - Jennifer Sloan - Black belt in Karate already.
STR (F,24) - Kylie Sho - One of Flak Sho's cousins from Ariddia. Believes she can be better than the Kools.
STR (M,30) - Coss Cohen - Son of football club owner who likes the glory of scoring goals and being a star. Thinks he's better than Kara Kool. Married to Jacinta Sallad.
STR (M,20) - Jay Licken - Member of the Starblaydia U2 Cup 6 team. The new "Private Nok Em Downe" type person. Fancies girls like Kate Sallad.

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

Dallas count = 2
Sallad count = 2

and

The strip!
http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4757/jeruselemwc38cw6.png

Hamburger Hill
Prux
Two days before Nethertopia - Newmanistan

The Scout sighed. He looked at his schedule for the next couple of weeks.

Nethertopia - Newmanistan @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
West Zirconia - Nethertopia @ Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux.
Nethertopia - Taeshan @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux.
Nethertopia - Lovisia @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
Kjomasasopia - Nethertopia @ Champions Field, Qazox City, Qazox.

He stared out of the window and saw the skyline of Hamburger Hill from his hotel apartment. He had just finished typing his notes in his laptop. This roster would prove very difficult to even survive the group stages. It was possible that Nethertopia suffered five defeats and only Kjomasasopia seemed like a beatable opponent.
The team wasn't a team. There wasn't a spark. Yet. In the five days that The Scout led the teams in the trainings he found out that Trevor was better at giving the instructions, while The Scout just remained on the side, taking notes on how to improve the players' game. He gave a few tips and the play got better, but it wasn't optimal.
Despite that he looked forward playing Newmanistan. His first game as coach. His personal baptism of fire.
The Scout lifted himself out of the chair he’d been sitting on the past few hours. He had to get up early tomorrow again. It was time for some rest. It was getting dark already...

It was getting dark already. Thomas Schaak, Ronnie de Haan, Piet Klaassen and Ben van Dam had been playing poker in the bar for the last two hours and Piet was about to deal the cards.
“Well guys,” asked Piet, “what do you think of our new managerial duo?”
“Heh, they‘re decent,” replied Ronnie. “I can remember the golden years with Rob at the helm. It‘s a good thing he never left Tenderville United.”
“Hmm... I just hope we‘re able to really do something in this tourney,” said van Dam. “We‘re one of the weakest links in this tourney and i don‘t think that The Scout has the experience for this job.” van Dam dealt out the cards and everybody raised their bets to the big blind.
“I believe that he‘s got the tactical part alright,” said Thomas. “And with mr Organs‘ resume, i think experience is in this team.” The flop was dealt and everybody checked.
“The Scout is still a tabula rasa,” replied Ben. “But, we‘ll se what happens after our game against Newmanistan.”
Piet shoved the turn card next to the three that lay down on the table already.
“It‘s too bad that their team has advantages so much, while we‘ve been absent for so long,” remembered Ronnie. “It feels like yesterday that they won the Baptism of Fire in which we competed... I raise.”
“Fold... The cards are not with me today,” said Piet.
The others called and the turn card was drawn. Ronnie showed a three of a kind, while the other to had one pair.
“I’ve had enough,” said Ben. “I’m going back to my room.” The others agreed and left the bar.

THE ROCKET REPORT

SOMETHING TO PROVE

Hamburger Hill, Prux- The Rockets arrived in Hamburger Hill ready to take on Nethertopia and get the Oxen Cup away. They are our Rockets, but not the Rockets we have been used to seeing. We know their names, we’ve seen them in the NPL. Now, it’s their time to show what they can do. Will they shine, or fall flat on their face over the next five games? Only time will tell, but with newcomers, returnees, and a nation looking for redemption at us in the group, Newmanistan might not be the first nation thought of with something to prove here. But believe me, there is. Coach James Martin realizes that very well. He too gets a chance to show what he can do on the interregional stage. I (Clint Peterson) got the chance to sit down with him this morning in Prux, and here’s how that talk went down.

CP: Good morning. Today I sit down with James Martin, coach of the defending NPL champion Centralia Cougars and making his interregional coaching debut. Hello, James.

JM: Good morning, Clint.

CP: So, you are getting the chance now to coach a national team. What’s that like?

JM: It’s quite an honor to lead the national team. It was a real thrill to be named by the Empress to guide the team, and I will make sure to savor the moment and do whatever it takes to have success.

CP: While most of these players have experience of some sort, this is not the normal Newmanistan roster. What Is your take on it?

JM: It should be a good team, and I still believe we are very capable of winning the Oxen Cup. This team is hungry. They didn’t win the Cup of Harmony, and want a title for themselves. A few of them picked up the Di Bradini Cup back in the fourth version, but there is plenty of motivation, and I expect us to be an exciting team to watch.

CP: Also adding to the motivation factor is the chance to prove themselves enough to be on the main team. Though you hope that doesn’t get in the way have players thinking more about their individual chances then that of the team.

JM: Yes, absolutely it adds to motivation. I’m not worried about them putting themselves ahead of the team, because if you do that, then it will show. And if it shows, then you won’t make it as an individual. We have a veteran team, and they all realize that. That is not a concern.

CP: The national team is expected to have a couple spots available in the midfield with the retirements from interregional competition of Chris Peterson and Kevin Carrigan. Several players are candidates including some of the personnel on this team. Have guys like Dale Stevens and Brian Cerullo talked to you about that?

JM: It’s been talked about, obviously they want to be on the national team for the World Cup so this can be a bit of an audition. Stevens and Cerullo know they have a shot, but let’s not forget about Brian Rafferty who has a ton of talent when he wants to show it. There are others who aren’t here too, so we can’t think about it too much, but it is a topic.

CP: Personally, even for you, it could be an audition.

JM: I’m not really looking at it like that. Brian Carson is the coach of the national team and I wish him the best. Him and I are great friends and I wouldn’t wish anything bad on him. Maybe if I were 20 years younger, I could think about being his successor (laughs) but we’re just about the same age so I don’t think that’s going to be happening.

CP: First on the schedule is Nethertopia, a fellow Baptism of Fire 27 nation who recently signed the well know “Cafundeu Scout” to be the head coach of their national team. Thoughts?

JM: The Scout knows a lot about this great game, but there’s a difference in scouting and coaching. He’ll eventually be a great coach though, I have no doubt about that. Maybe we can catch him in the growing pains of his first game. Nethertopia is a strong team. Always has been.

CP: Then it’s Taeshan. We all know the history of us dominating them.

JM: I don’t want to get caught up too much in history. It’s great the level of success we have had against them, including in the recent Cup of Harmony which was likely the most important football game between the teams. We generally match up well against them, so we’ll see if we can continue the streak.

CP: No one wants to be the first team or group of people to lose to them, I’m sure.

JM: I’m not really too worried about that. No, obviously we don’t want to lose, but we will look at the big picture, too. It’s a long competition and sixteen teams advance.

CP: Lovisa, the top ranked team of the group, will be next. The nations have never played in football.

JM: They’ve always been a pesky team and have a knack for sneaking up on you and getting a victory. We’ll have to be ready.

CP: Then it’s newcomer Kjomasasopia, a nation considered to be a dangerous first timer, what do you think about them?

JM: Generally, Newmanistan has had a good history of taking care of business against nations like this. Both in this tournament, and in the Di Bradini Cups, and you can look at recent examples in our handling in two of the Baptism of Fire 29 teams, Land de Wood and West Zirconia when we met them in the past cycle, either here, or out in Starblaydia. We won’t be taking them lightly.

CP: Four years ago, Newmanistan’s group stage concluded against West Zirconia and it will again this time. They’ll probably have more confidence this time around.

JM: Yeah, probably. That’s a good team. We recognize what it takes to win a Baptism of Fire so on that alone we have plenty of respect for them.

CP: You will have Chris Kusler in goal for the tournament. He’s been a backup to Corey Hennis on several teams. He got one game, that one against West Zirconia four years ago, and now he gets to start. Is he ready?

JM: Absolutely Chris is ready. He’s been waiting for this for a real long time, and now he is getting a chance. He’s had one game and he picked up a clean sheet in it, so he is very confident and so am I that he will give us some great efforts in goal over the Oxen Cup.

CP: Alright James, I’ll let you go. Good luck!

JM: Thanks Clint!

Land de Wood lodge complaint against Zombies

Land de Wood hereby lodge a complaint about the use of Zombies in matches against them. Whilst not expecting to succeed with this, our manager, D. Bland feels it is time to make a stand against the use of the undead.
"As a Christian country we believe that souls should not be called back to this earth but be left in Heaven or hell the destination choice being God's and God's alone. We hereby call for an end of this practice."

We also would like clarification over the use of weapons in self defense against said Zombies, and indeed other teams.

Also what is the minimum number of players that a team is allowed to field? Noting that in an alternative reality the minimum is 7. For example in World cup qualifying Prux were allowed to continue with just 1 player, after we shot to bits all 11 of their starters.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/WZrcHome4.jpg

Another season, another competition, another chance for West Zirconians everywhere to delude themselves that their country is a serious footballing power. Yes, it's Oxen Cup time - the competition that saw West Zirconia's international début last time round.


Coach Roy Hazell has named the same squad that played in the Cup of Harmony, with one exception. Nicky Shaw will miss the competition due to a broken ankle sustained during the last Bradley derby, and Hazell has surprised many by selecting the hitherto unknown Mort Park teenager Andy Scott in his place.



The starting eleven will be as follows:

GK Steve Gray (Aliança)
DL Ben Phillips (c) (Moorcroft City)
DC Lewis Fox (St. Andrew's)
DC Mark Dolman (Houghton Kestrels)
DR Paul Paterson (Green Island Zapata)
ML Ian Hawthorne (Serrano)
MC Patrick Williams (St. Martin University)
MC Ed French (Banks)
MR Anthony McGowan (Markham)
FW Martin Forster (Moorcroft City)
FW Steve Griffiths (Banks)

The remainder of the squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: John Hopkins (St. Andrew's), Tom Lyons (Civil Service)

Defenders: Mike Faulkner (Markham), Ryan Gregory (Bradley Hornets), Russell Munro (Taylor's Cross)

Midfielders: Andy Scott (Mort Park), Lee Pritchard (Banks), Damion Hyde (New Toronto)

Forwards: Jerome Bennett (Taylor's Cross), Mark Young (St. Andrew's), Ryan Johnstone (Civil Service)


[OOC: Once again, I invite would-be RP-ers to do anything except godmods. I like a good dose of realism, you know...]



The draw has put West Zirconia against a largely unknown group. Taeshan, Lovisa, Nethertopia and international débutants Kjomasasopia will be playing them for the first time, while the other side in the group, Newmanistan, were West Zirconia's last group opponents in the last Oxen Cup. When asked whether the team stood a chance, Hazell said, "We wouldn't be bothering if we didn't think we stood a chance, yer cloth-head!"

The first match is against Lovisa. Hopefully the team will perform well to provide the springboard for further success.

Game vs. Green wombat Nears; Coach Gay Gives Interview

Today at the Miroxian Sports News Network, our head reporter, Tony McLane, caught Coach Vincent Gay just before he left for Taeshan for an interview.

McLane: So, Vincent, how do you think the team will do in the Oxen Cup?

Gay: Well, I can see us in the final 4, so, um, the teams been in good hands since my retirement back during World Cup 37. We didn't win then, but we did okay.

McLane: So how much training has the team been getting?

Gay: We have practices everyday except Sunday for five hours. Each player also has a personal trainer and a gym that they use for at least an hour a day.

McLane: How do you see your son doing?

Gay: Well, ever since he was three and I was on a Miroxian football club, I have had in in football practice, and he just got on the team this year, so, I see him doing pretty good.

McLane: Were you excited to be hired as coach the same year as your son made the team?

Gay: Yeah! He's a good sport, young, fresh material, just not a starter. He is probably going to be one of our main subs when he is needed. He has helped during practice a lot, so...

McLane: So, when it comes time for the world cup, how will Miroxia do?

Gay: Hard to say. We'll probably barely slip into the playoffs, then blow it, but who knows? We're still new to football, and there are a lot of good clubs out there.

McLane: Good to see you. Thank you.

Gay: Thanks. Good to see you too.

With high spirits, Miroxia enters the Oxen Cup excited, determined, and ready!

Kate: We're playing Zombies?
Monique: Yes, I heard they like biting.
Kate: That's not allowed, I heard Land de Wood are complaining
Monique: Can't have them biting us

Kate: We need a solution.
Monique: Now what would we normally do?
Kate: Marie would run around with flame thrower.
Monique: We're not allowed to kill them. She'd also carry a rocket launcher too.

Kate: And you can't play football with armour on either.
Monique: You could but you wouldn't be very mobile.
Kate: You can't exactly avoid them either.
Monique: No, you can't avoid them.

Kate: No practical solution then.
Monique: Great, we need a solution.
Sadie: HEY GIRLS!
kate: Hello Dopey, what's up?

Sadie: This zombie tried to attack me!
Kate: Yeah? How come you weren't bitten?
Sadie: Well, I sprayed the zombie with this perfume. It ran off like I sprayed it with something really bad!
Monique: What perfume is this?

Kate: Yeah! What is it?
Sadie: Marie-Antoinette Musk
Kate: Smells like normal perfume ...
Monique: Doesn't smell like aviation fuel ...

Kate: Well thanks Sadie, you fixed a problem for us!
Sadie: Really?
Monique: What's in this stuff?
Kate: Maybe Unholy water!

Sadie: How to make Unholy water?
Monique: I don't want to know.
Kate: If I keeps biting zombies away, I'll use it.
Sadie: It's pretty good at getting guys too.

Kate: Hey, what about the guys? They won't like wearing perfume for girls.
Monique: I suppose they don't want to smell like whorehouse.
Sadie: What's a whorehouse smell like?
Kate: Don't ya know ... you are one.

Sadie: Oh yes!
Monique: I got it, we'll play all the girls.
Kate: We'll get bitten!
Sadie: I don't think them Zombies want to smell like whores either.

CCFM'S LIST OF PLAYERS FOR THE OXEN CUP

See the list:

No.- Name (rating, team, NT experience level)

NT exp. level: * - no previous experience / ** - former U-21 or B team / *** - former main NT

Goalkeepers:

1- Francisco KARDEC (A, Petardos S/A, **)
12- José Carlos Alvarenga Muniz "ZECÃO" (B, A.F.F., **)
22- Dirlei "MOSCATTO" (C, Porto Lacruz, **)

Full-Backs:

2- André VASCO (A, Atlético Jutense, ***)
6- RENILDO Carvalho Peixoto (A, Petardos S/A, **)
14- CÍCERO Bandrindes Rossi (B, Cafundó do Juta, **)
16- Tarso Matheus COTUBA (C, Clube Comercial, *)

Defenders:

3- Rick TOLEDO (B, Dunboor FC, ***)
4- JOÃO CARLOS Alvorada Siqueira (B, SC Lasft, **)
13- BRUNO de Paula Darcy "VALETA" (C, Cafundó do Juta, *)
23- WILLIAM Castro (B, in C&M, **)

Defensive Midfielders:

5- Fábio Germano Santos "FABINHO" (A, Central United, ***)
7- Charles JULES (A, Dunboor FC, **)
15- Fugiro NAKOMBI (C, Central United, *)
20- Cláudio EPASSO (C, Metropolitano, *)

Offensive Midfielders:

8- Reginaldo ROSSI (A, América, **)
10- TÚLIO Costa e Silva (B, Galáxia, **)
17- Maurício Leopoldo BACHAREL (C, A.F.F., **)
19- Reinaldo FRANCO (C, Atlético Jutense, *)

Attackers:

9- FAUSTO Hernandez (A, A.F.F., ***)
10- HUBERT Munch (A, Atlético Insular, **)
18- Ricardo Borges "RICARDÃO" (B, plays in Newmanistan, **)
21- Leonardo Nunes LACERDA (C, Galáxia, **)

Coach: JÚLIO VARGAS (Clube Imperial)

Main formation: (style is +2)

------------------------------Kardec------------------------------
-----Vasco----------Toledo------------João Carlos-----Renildo-----
-----------------------------Fabinho------------------------------
----------Túlio-------------------------------------Jules----------
------------------------------Rossi-------------------------------
----------------Fausto------------------Hubert-------------------

(Rockets Players gather in hotel meeting room)

Stevens: Nice to see that Prux is a relatively normal nation despite some of the strange teams that they field.

Haynes: Yeah, they got the Zombies again. That’s gotta be weird for the home fans, to root for Zombies.

Blunden: Beats Robo-Ducks, I’m sure.

Stevens: So a couple of us have played in Nethertopia before, right? For their domestic teams?

Cerullo: Yeah it was an interesting experience. You could get away with a lot more there then you can in Newmanistan.

Warrick: Like what?

Cerullo: Well I missed a few practices once in a while. Ya know, sometimes you’re just not in the mood to practice. I really only got fined. If I did that in Loudon or Southport the media would make a real big deal out of it.

Warrick: Cool, I know what you mean, practice sucks sometimes.

Stratton: Guys, I don’t like what I am hearing. Practice makes you better football players and prepares you for your next opponent.

Cerullo: Oh chill out, Nate. I’m talking about at the domestic level. Obviously at this level practice is extremely important.

Sturgeon: I played in Nethertopia myself and Brian is right when they say it is more lax then Newmanistan. That said, I got a little homesick, and I am glad to be playing at home now.

Stevens: No one’s left over there, right?

Cerullo: Nope, everyone’s contract expired and everyone came back home. Their league had some difficulty getting off the ground. I think that’s why teams were lax about punishing international superstars such as myself.

Stratton: Geez Brian, a little full of yourself this morning?

Cerullo: Nate, I know this is your first time being a team captain but you don’t have to try so hard to be politically correct. Everyone in this room and in the Oxen Cup is an international superstar. Even you.

Rafferty: I know what I’m here for. To get a spot on the national team.

Stevens: So am I, man that would be awesome.

Warrick: Yeah but Brian Carson can be a real jerk. I don’t think I would accept the role if offered.

Rafferty: You know what I also like about this team. Nineteen men, one chick. And we know Shannon can be naughty, come here Shannon.

Stratton: Oh boy, here we go.

Vilardi: Hey Brian, what’s up!

Rafferty: I need to show the guys something. (Gives Shannon a deep kiss much to her surprise)

Vilardi: Mmmmm!

Rafferty: Got it? (Players nod)

(Coach Martin then enters; calms the team down and goes into a long strategic lecture. Afterwards, the players disperse but Nate Stratton waits behind to talk to the coach).

Stratton: Coach, we have a problem. This team isn’t right.

Martin: What’s going on?

Stratton: This team is all about individual egos. Cerullo and Warrick bragging about who’s missed the most practices and got away with it at the domestic level. Rafferty making out with Shannon on every opportunity he gets, and Shannon not exactly stopping or rejecting his advances. It’s all about a World Cup audition for Dale Stevens. Brian Wright looked like he was dozing off during your speech. It’s not like any of the Newmanistan national teams I have been on before.

Martin: I see. Well, we knew that there could be some character issues with some of these players. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. Of all the players you just mentioned, which one are you most concerned about?

Stratton: Probably Cerullo.

Martin: I have a lot on the line here too, Nate. I’ll be sure to make a point of us focusing on one team goal.

Stratton: Alright, coach.

(They separate. For a few minutes, Stratton is comforted by the words of his coach. But after walking by several teammates flirting heavily with groupies in the hotel, he shakes his head. Then it also hits him. He wasn’t really comforted by what Martin said, either. He (Martin) has a lot on the line? So, the coach too, seems to be looking out for #1. Used to the Brian Carson and Jeremy McAllister pep talks he is beginning to be concerned about this team. This is not representative of traditional Rockets teams. But can they all make it work in the long run?)

RP Cutoff IS NOW.

Scores and Standings up ASAP!

Oxen Cup MD1 Scores and Standings:
(winners in BOLD, as usual; Draws in Italics)

GROUP A:@ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
Cafundeu v Blouman Empire 3-1
Urna Eletrônica v Qazox 5-0
Miroxia v Green wombat 4-2

GROUP B: @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
Nethertopia v Newmanistan 3-2
Taeshan v Kjomasasopia 3-0
West Zirconia v Lovisa 2-1

GROUP C: @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
Jeruselem v Prux 2-1
Mantwenic v Land de Wood 2-2 DRAW
Australiah v Myedvedeya 4-2

STANDINGS:
GROUP A W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Qazox 1-0-0 3 5 0 +5
Green wombat 1-0-0 3 4 2 +2
Cafundeu 1-0-0 3 3 1 +2
Miroxia 0-0-1 0 2 4 -2
Blouman Empire 0-0-1 0 1 3 -2
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-1 0 0 5 -5


GROUP B W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Taeshan 1-0-0 3 3 0 +3
Newmanistan 1-0-0 3 3 2 +1
West Zirconia 1-0-0 3 2 1 +1
Nethertopia 0-0-1 0 2 3 -1
Lovisa 0-0-1 0 1 2 -1
Kjomasasopia 0-0-1 0 0 3 -3


GROUP C W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Myedvedeya 1-0-0 3 4 2 +2
Jeruselem 1-0-0 3 2 1 +1
Mantwenic 0-1-0 1 2 2 --
Land de Wood 0-1-0 1 2 2 --
Prux 0-0-1 0 1 2 -1
Australiah 0-0-1 0 2 4 -2


TIEBREAKERS for 2 teams:
H2H Result
Goal Differential
Goals For
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team

TIEBREAKERS for 3 or more teams:
H2H Results
Goal differential in H2H Results
Goals For in H2H Results
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team
Once a team has won a tiebreaker, the remaining teams will have the continued tie broken by the appropriate TieBreaker for 2 or 3 teams.

THE ROCKET REPORT

RAFFERTY LEADS WAY IN OPENER

Hamburger Hill, Prux- The Oxen Cup got underway tonight, and the Rockets defeated Nethertopia by the score of 3-2 to get off on the right foot. Impressions were made, both positive and negative on the pitch with Brian Carson watching the game from the press box, catching a glimpse of prospective players for the World Cup 43 roster. Making the best impression was Brian Rafferty, who was in on all three goals. The biggest impression though, was the teams resiliency after falling behind 2-nil.

Chemistry and game preparation were clearly at issue in this game, and the man known simply as “The Scout” showed his intelligence, putting together a game plan that frustrated the Rockets for just about the entire first half. On the flip side were this group of Rockets, many of them with inexperience in playing together during game situations. Put those two together, and things weren’t going to look good for Newmanistan, and that’s exactly how the first half played out. The game was most lopsided at midfield, clearly favoring Nethertopia. They were generating plays to their attackers all game long, and if not for some brilliant goalkeeping by Chris Kusler, they may have been able to put the game away very early. Nethertopia was able to manage one goal for their early efforts, coming in the games 14th minute on a shot by Jan-Pual Snip. Chemistry here, was definitely in their favor, as Snip was set up with a perfectly placed cross from Frans Oud, allowing Snip to score seemingly effortlessly. They stayed on the attack, and the Rockets got a little sloppy and started to get in trouble with the referee. Billy Cerullo picked up a yellow in the 25th for a tackle. Kevin Sturgeon then picked one up in the 29th for arguing an offsides call, and in the 34th it was Chris Phillips’ turn, this also for a rough tackle. It was ugly, and the Rockets were fortunate to only be down by a goal despite a 68-32 possession advantage in favor of Nethertopia. Then in the 40th minute, Nethertopia would take advantage of a defensive lapse as Chris Phillips and Eric Blunden got their signals crossed on who would take Ben van Dam. That slight hesitation allowed van Dam to get a great scoring chance which he would capitalize on. At the break, we were 2-nil Nethertopia. And lucky it wasn’t 7-nil.

During the intermission, James Martin remained calm and went over strategy like a professor, diagraming plays on his white erase board. This, after all, is Martin’s style. He’s not a pep talker like Brian Carson, he’s a tactician. And so far, he had been outcoached by The Scout. But Martin’s been a coach long enough to know that these games are 90 minutes long. His calm demeanor seemed to comfort most of the team. Calm, but also getting the point across. The first half was unacceptable. He didn’t need a long lecture to tell them that. They knew. In the second half, they needed to assert themselves.

To the second half we went, and Nethertopia seemed to want to get a third goal quickly to put the Rockets away, so the comeback wasn’t fast and furious. Actually, we were still 2-nil by the time the 60th minute came along. This is when the Rockets began to take control of the match. Whether this was because the Nethertopians were getting tired, or maybe overconfident, the tide of the game was turning. In the 67th minute, Newmanistan got their first quality shot of the game on net which was turned aside Wouter van Dalen, but he could not hold it. On the corner, Brian Rafferty delivered it perfectly to Dale Stevens. Stevens leapt up and scored with the header to make it 2-1. This goal seemed to take a lot of life out of the Nethertopians for some reason. Perhaps it was because they felt they should have had the game won, and knowing that Newmanistan was the better ranked team, maybe there was a feeling of “oh no, here they come!” The Rockets fans were getting on their feet, and just ten minutes later, in the 77th, the game would be all level again. Brian Rafferty, though outmanned in the midfield, outsprinted the Nethertopians and once he was into their backfield, Nethertopia was in trouble. He faked a pass to Kevin Sturgeon that had two defenders bite, before he lifted a shot into the top left to make it 2-2. Now, they would go for the kill. In the 84th minute, it would be Shannon Vilardi becoming the hero, taking a perfectly placed pass from Brian Rafferty and striking it home to put Newmanistan in the lead. The goal celebration got a little crazy too to the point where Jerome de Wit gave Rafferty a shove and knocked him down. De Wit was shown yellow, and Rafferty, surprisingly, did not retaliate. In the first minute of stoppage time, Newmanistan nearly picked up a 4th goal, but had a Alex Warrick (came in in the 76th minute for Wright) shot strike the crossbar.

But it is win for Newmanistan, opening up the Oxen Cup right.


NEWMANISTAN 3
Stevens 67" Assist- Rafferty
Rafferty 77"
Vilardi 84" Assist- Rafferty

NETHERTOPIA 2
Snip 14"
Van Dam 40"

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia WIN 4-2 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

GOALS:
Blessing 2
Utley
Wilcox


Lead by two goals from Wayne Blessing, and goals from Pauline Utley and Ronald Wilcox, The wombats beat Miroxia 4-2, and have set themselves up early for success in the Oxen Cup. With Urna Eletrônica next, a win there would be a confidence builder going into the match-up with Cafundeu afterwards.

Lead by unholy perfume, Jeruselem knocked off Prux 2-1, as the Zombies spent most of the match retching from the stench of the vile fluid. Jeruselem got goals from Coss Cohen and Kylie Sho to take a 2-0 lead into the half. Dr. Mkembe subbed himself in with just under 10 minutes left, and due to the fact, he wasn't a zombie, scored the lone goal for Prux. Up next is a trip to The Hexagon for Mantwenic. The good news is the remander of the schedule appears to be easier than the opener, so the team is not eliminated by any means.

SCHEDULE:
MD1: Jeruselem LOST 1-2 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic @ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

GOALS:
Dr. Mkembe- 1

The Nethertopian dressing room
Hamburger Hill, Prux
Half an hour after Nethertopia - Newmanistan

"Well guys, wasn't that disappointing? I thought it was! How in the name of God did you guys get so sloppy to lose from a two to nil situation? You guys are way to careless and..."
"Trevor, relax," said The Scout. "These guys are here as part of a learning progress and this is something they're going to have to learn." He stared around the locker room. "Good first sixty minutes, team. Nice goal, Ben. J-P, Frans, nice combination. Jerome, try focussing on the game more and don't let yourself get provoked to do something stupid next time. Go into town and forget the trouble, but remember, tomorrow we've got a plane to catch to Pawtucket. We're in the fourth position in the pool, we were fortunate enough that the rest of the teams didn't get a tie as well. If we're able to win two or three games, we could hold on to this position." The Scout left the room. This wasn't what the team had expected. Certainly not. One by one they realised his words, changed and as a team they went uptown for a night out.

Jay: I'm glad that's over ...
Sadie: What?
Jay: Wearing perfume ...
Sadie: Hey, stop bitching. If we didn't wear it, then we'd have chunks of us missing.

Jay: Good point, them Zombies didn't want to touch us.
Sadie: Yeah, saves a lot of trouble with hospital bills and trashed clothing.
Jay: Yes, it's hard to wash football jerseys stained with blood and holes.
Sadie: Yeah, it ruins one's looks too.

Jay: I hope we aren't going to need it for the next game.
Sadie: That's OK, we're in Purple Wallaby-land!
Jay: You mean Green Wombat
Sadie: Yeah, that's what I meant.

Jay: You're not brightest girl around are ya?
Sadie: Not really but I try to be smart.
Jay: At least you're pretty.
Sadie: Me? Nah, I'm ugly ...

Jenny: Hey, Jay ... you taking advantage of stupid again?
Sadie: He's just been nice.
Jenny: Man, I smell like whorehouse.
Jay: Better whorehouse, than turning into a zombie.

Jenny: Well, one could a zombie whore!
Sadie: What would they be like?
Jay: They'd bite things you're not supposed to bite.
Jenny: Ouch ...

Sadie: Like eating?
Jenny: Let's not go there ...
Jay: It'd be very messy, it's already messy as it is.
sadie: Some people think I'm a zombie

Jenny: Why is that?
Sadie: My funny eyes and lack of intelligence.
Jay: She does walk funny too.
Jenny: Nah, a zombie Dallas whore ... wouldn't last very long.

Jay: She's make herself lunch to everyone.
Jenny: That's it.
Sadie: I understand now.
Jay: Let's have a bath and clean up. And stop smelling like whorehouse.

Jenny: Sadie always smells like one.
Jay: But then she's a Dallas.
Jenny: They don't need perfume to get a man. You can't talk, you're dating Kate.
Jay: Yummy Sallad I say

The Urna Eletrônica National Team

Urna Eletrônica is a country focused on politics. The biggest events in the country are the elections, and there are elections for everything. So it'd be natural if the team was composed only by politicians. The list of players is below, with their position and team.

Manager - Deodoro da Fonseca: founder of elections in Urna Eletrônica, this man is so old that he doesn't move, talk or do anything. Some say that he is dead.

Starters:

1- Ulysses Guimarães (goalkeeper/PMDB): surely the most experienced player of the team and a bit old to continue playing. But it was his choice to continue playing football, and the fans think that he can die one day playing football.

2- Roberto Freire (defender/PCB): defender of the democracy, dreams of communism in Urna Eletrônica. Defends the equality, the freedom of religion, the universities, but is viewed with suspicion by some people, a barrier for his goals.

3- Paulo Maluf (defender/PDS): this player has problems with the police, but has many loyal friends. Attackers playing against him must not bring their wallets with them, otherwise Maluf will surely steal them and they won’t noticed it. But, if someone discovers that Maluf stole something, he’ll deny and say he had never seen that wallet before in his whole life.

4- Ronaldo Caiado (defender/PSD): this man isn’t popular and it’s difficult to be certain about his ideas. The only thing we know about him is that he has some farms and is one of the leaders in his political parties... well, there he must be popular.

5- Enéas Carneiro (midfielder/PRONA): very popular, but is a target for jokes. Many people don’t think he is really serious, and that he isn’t a true politician, but his style surely conquered the hearts of many. His huge beard (bigger than Lula’s), combined with his way of talking (he talks shouting... always shouting) really makes him noticeable in the field.

6- Guilherme Afif (defender/PL): friend of the defender Maluf, has a past of alliances with army generals and a dictatorship. He tries to avoid being linked with them, so he doesn’t like to talk about the past. Moves a lot inside the field, making many gestures.

7- Leonel Brizola (midfielder/PDT): popular player, is loved by many but hated by many too. He likes to provoke his opponents, and dislikes the media too. He is good at making funny comments, which usually humiliate his opponents. Has the respect of most of the population, but most end deciding by voting on other candidates.

8- Fernando Collor (midfielder/PRN): very charismatic, you’ll like this player, even if you’re playing against him. And he’ll take advantage of this fact to steal money from your bank account until you discover he is controlling your life. Be cautious, you’ll never know when he’ll arrive... he appears when you’re least expecting.

9- Lula (attacker/PT): a strong player full of strange phrases and pronunciation mistakes, he knows how to control the ball well and how to shoot to the goal. He is very popular, but many people don’t trust him, maybe because of his big beard. Poor people see in Lula their representative in the National Team.

10- Mário Covas (attacker/PSDB): solid and serious player, is respected by his team mates, but this doesn’t mean they like him. But he dislikes most of his team mates too. Is a responsible player, and work hard for the team. Doesn’t like to get involved in personal discussions, but, when this happens, he becomes ferocious.

11- Sílvio Santos (attacker/PMB): a businessman that decided to use his popularity to become a politician. He knows nothing about politics, but a lot about personal marketing, so everyone likes him even when he makes mistakes. And, if needed, he can use some of his money to make the media say good things about him.

Substitutes:

12- Marronzinho (goalkeeper/PSP): a poor person that has difficulties even to find something to eat, dreams of using the technology of an important company to find water in his homeland, a dry place. He stays quiet for most of the time but, when he talks, it means that is something very important!

13- Lívia Maria (midfielder/PN): only woman in the team, this is the only important fact about her. Comes to give a feminine touch in the National Team, as she surely doesn’t have a place to play.

14- Paulo Gontijo (defender/PG): well, this man isn’t much popular, but has some friends. Nothing that could help him to win a place in the starting team.

15- Aureliano Chaves (midfielder/PFL): is linked too with the army generals (but much more than Afif, being considered a friend of them), which isn’t good for his popularity. Also, many people from his own party don’t think he is able to win a disputed election.

16- Affonso Camargo Neto (defender/PTB): is friend of anyone that has the power inside the country. Because of that, he has already been a friend of the most different kind of people possible, which isn’t a good thing for his popularity.

17- Celso Brant (attacker/PMN): another experienced player, seems too old to play in the starting eleven. He is popular with older people, but the younger don’t even know him, so this is a curious situation.

18- Antônio Pedreira (defender/PPB): owner of a strong name, this is really the only thing that he has, so he won’t be much noticed in the team.

19- Fernando Gabeira (attacker/PV): probably the most famous politician in the bench, is known for being the defender of freedom, including freedom of using drugs and to make whatever you want to do, being against laws that limit the people’s freedom. Opposed the army generals.

20- Zamir Teixeira (midfielder/PCN): another player that will just fill the bench, won’t be able to take the place of the other politicians, which are much more famous.

21- Manoel Horta (midfielder/PDC do B): surely the least important player of the team, if we don’t count the third goalkeeper.

22- Eudes Mattar (defender/PLP): who is this guy? Well, we don’t know too, but surely it’s just someone to make the bench look full.

23- Armando Corrêa (goalkeeper/PMB): this man is someone that wanted to become a good politician, but decided to give Sílvio Santos a chance, because he knew he’d never win anything. So, he now stays in the most obscure position of the National Team.

Turing Street Methodist Church
Corner of Turing Street and Welchman Street, Moorcroft


Depressed by your national team's performances?
Feeling as lost and hopeless as they are?
Then help is at hand!

During the Oxen Cup, Turing Street Methodist Church will be holding a Depressed Football Fans' Service, starting half an hour after the final whistle of all West Zirconia's Oxen Cup games. So, if you feel that you can no longer cope with the way the team are playing, come and be counselled and comforted after your ordeal.

Refreshments (non-alcoholic) will be served after the service, so that we can all share our despondency together.

Jesus Saves - even if Steve Gray can't!!

Knights Win 3-0

It was a great day for football @ wherever the Knights played there first game. They beat Kjomasopia or something sowhere. Goalscorers were I Forget, I Don't Remeber, and Im Drunk. They scored in the 8th 21st and 67th minutes. The goalie was good. Wow this is interesting. Maybe Newmanistan is next hmm, better check into that i guess.

West Zirconia got off to a winning start in the Oxen Cup with a 2-1 win over Lovisa. They had been expected to struggle against Lovisa, who at 29th in the rankings are - or at least were - the group favourites.

Indeed, they did struggle, with the still unfamiliar pairing of Mark Dolman and Lewis Fox causing Steve Gray much cause for concern. Gray had two top-class saves to make, on 24 and 33 minutes, while Dolman narrowly missed an own goal just before the break.

The phrase "a game of two halves" is a phrase much over-used in the footballing world - as indeed it is in most contexts. However, here it was quite justified, as it was a totally different West Zirconia team that played the second half. Roy Hazell had only made one change - Russell Munro coming on for Mark Dolman - but the youngster made a great deal of difference, and injected some much-needed energy into the side. With the team playing in such a manner, it was only a matter of time before the scoring was opened, and the goal came after just ten minutes, Steve Griffiths heading home from an Anthony McGowan cross. Half-way through the half, Lovisa conceded a penalty, which was converted with ease by Ed French.

Despite the two-goal lead, Lovisa weren't ready to wave "do widzenia" just yet, and on 85 minutes, the tension was suddenly racked up when a Lovisan caught French and Fox out completely, before sending a low shot past the otherwise impeccable Gray. A nervous five minutes ensued, but West Zirconia hung on for the win.

Next up is Nethertopia, currently ranked 82nd. However, as Lovisa found out today, rankings aren't everything.

West Zirconia 2-1 Lovisa
Griffiths 55_____A.Lovisan 85
French 67(pen)



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


The Revd. Ewan Lythgoe, minister of Turing Street Methodist Church, looked out at the empty church. The only other person there was the steward, Keith Grant, who was in the vestry. Twenty minutes had passed since the Lovisa game had finished - at least since it was due to finish, according to their reckoning.

"You think we had a bad idea here, Keith?"

"Not at all - you know how our crowd always turn up at the last minute. It's a standing joke in the circuit - how our Sunday services are at 11:00 or when everyone gets here, whichever is later."

They were indeed a fairly laid-back lot at Turing Street, but for once there was an edge of concern in the voices of both men. If this idea went completely wrong, then no doubt the local press, who had advertised the services in the first place, could well make something of it. Ewan's thoughts were on this scenario when the door opened. Keith, hearing the sound, came out of the vestry just in time to see the organist, Bryan Wells, arrive.

"You're not going to believe what's happened," said Bryan. Both the other men remained speechless, but their curious looks were signal enough for Bryan to continue. "They won."

"You say they won?" Ewan looked incredulous.

"Certainly did - 2-1. Everyone's overjoyed about it."

The three men looked at one another, the unspoken thought going through their minds being whether to pack up and go home. Suddenly the door opened again, and a man in his forties walked in, looking rather stunned. As it was his duty to welcome visitors, Keith approached him.

"I understand you - how do I say - help football supporters with bad results?" The man had a thick Slavonic accent, which made him difficult to understand.

"Well, that is why we're here," Keith replied. "But I've just heard that we won?"

"I think you do not understand correctly. I am from Lovisa."

Bryan, seeing that he had no further role to play, tiptoed out, leaving the three men to discuss the state of Lovisan football. No doubt there would be plenty of opportunity over the coming weeks to lament the state of the West Zirconian game.

Myedvedeya Wins First International Footbal Match

Myedvedeya's International Football Squad won their first ever match today, defeating Australiah by the score of 4-2. The Kamchatka Grizzly Bears controlled the ball for most of the match, playing a fast-paced, ground-based attacking game. It was not uncommon to see strings of ten or fifteen passes from the dynamic Bears, and the large contingent of Myedvedeyans who turned out to watch were extremely pleased.

The first half was relatively slow, ending in a 1-1 draw between the two sides. Australiah began the scoring in the 18th minute, with a beautiful header off a corner kick. Myedvedeya soon began to put huge amounts of pressure on the Australiahn defense, firing six shots on goal within the next ten minutes. They finally evened the score in the 36th, when Alexander Markov was taken down inside the 18, and Aloyoshenka Vorotaev placed the penalty perfectly in the upper right corner. The half ended soon afterwards, with the score at 1-1.

In the second half, scoring accelerated massively, with the first goal coming in the 53rd minute. Ivan Mizin, the gigantic right back from Bagration FC, smashed a header into the back of the net off a Vorotaev free kick from half-field. In the 64th, Australiah equalized from a nicely driven shot from outside the eighteen. Myedvedeya soon scored again, however, in the 71st, as captain Nikolai Dolohov, of Myedvedeya's International of Moskva, put a goal home from extremely far out. Two minutes later, Dolohov made a run through the defense again, this time flicking the ball to Aleksander Rozhdestvensky, who tapped it into the open goal for Myedvedeya's fourth. Myedvedeya had a few more chances late in the game, but no more goals were scored in the game.

Prince Vladimir Sergyevitch Bagration, coach of the Myedvedeyan squad, commented that he was very happy with the performance of his players after the match.

MYEDVEDEYAN SCORING

Vorotaev '36
Mizin '53
Dolohov '71
Rozhdestvensky '73

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Nikolai Dolohov

for more sports news, visit www.novymoskva.mye/sports

(Following practice for the Taeshan game)

Cerullo: Yo, I’m gonna go check out some Pawtucket booty, who wants to come?

Warrick (among others): Sure let’s go and compare them to Hamburger Hill chicks.

Sturgeon: I better get something better tonight, that girl in Hamburger Hill was hot but she was just like a Zombie in bed, she just laid there.

Cerullo: Really, that blonde broad was that lame huh? Surprised.

Sturgeon: Yeah, plus she wouldn’t even let me ----

Stratton: Guys, come on, don’t you think we should be using these final moments to be preparing for Taeshan? Going over tape and stuff, they’re a good team and this is an important game.

Warrick: Uh yeah, so anyway, where did Rafferty go?

Cerullo: He already left with Shannon. I swear those to are getting it on constantly.

Phillips: I thought they were about to do it on the field after Shannon scored. I swear I thought she was going to strip naked for us.

Warrick: Hell yeah.

Phillips: It’s cool and all that they do it so much but I like the Prux variety.

Sturgeon: Yeah and this time I don’t want a Zombie chick.

Stratton: Alright come on. We are going to go over game tape and we are going to prepare for Taeshan. We can’t afford ----

Cerullo: Nate, shut the hell up.

Stratton: Excuse me? (A stare down occurs)

Cerullo: We don’t need to waste any time preparing for Taeshan. We always beat them. Put it in the books already, we’re going to get three points. We don’t need game tape to beat them.

Stratton: Just because we’ve always beaten them before doesn’t we will again. They were impressive against Kjomasasopia.

Sturgeon: God bless you.

Stratton: What?

Sturgeon: What you said there at the end.

Stratton: Uhm, no, that’s the name of a country, we will be playing them too.

Warrick: Oh yeah that little cream puff making their international debut. We will squash them like ants.

Cerullo: Damn right.

Stratton: Come on, let’s get a little serious.

Phillips: How about you leave, you’re wasting our time to get laid before the game.

(The players leave Stratton; leaving Nate alone. He goes to look for coach Martin, but he is no where to be found. So he calls him up.)

Martin: (breathing heavily throughout conversation): Hello?

Stratton: Coach we have a problem.

Martin: Can it wait, practice just ended half an hour ago how bad can it be?

Stratton: No it’s pretty important, the guys think we can just blow Taeshan off.

Martin: They’ll be fine, we beat Nethertopia. We’ll play well against Taeshan. Besides, we always beat them.

(Female voice in background with Martin): Is it him again? (Martin whispers back): Yes.

Stratton: Coach?!

Martin: We’ll be fine. Look just do what you usually do to get ready for a game and we’ll be fine ok?

Stratton: Yeah..... sure...... bye. (Martin hangs up without saying bye)

(Martin’s room)

Martin (to female): I made a mistake making him captain.

Female: Let’s not worry about him again.

Day 1 RPs are over.

Day 2 Scores are forthcoming.

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) MD2 Scores and Standings:
(winners in BOLD, as usual; Draws in Italics)

GROUP A: @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
Miroxia v Cafundeu 4-2
Green wombat v Urna Eletrônica 3-0
Qazox v Blouman Empire 2-1

GROUP B: @ Prince Weston Memorial Park: Pawtucket, Prux.
Lovisa v Kjomasasopia 3-2
West Zirconia v Nethertopia 2-1
Newmanistan v Taeshan 3-2

GROUP C: @ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
Land de Wood v Myedvedeya 3-2
Prux v Mantwenic 4-0
Australiah v Jeruselem 4-0

STANDINGS:
GROUP A W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Qazox 2-0-0 6 7 1 +6
Green wombat 2-0-0 6 7 2 +5
Cafundeu 2-0-0 6 7 3 +4
Blouman Empire 0-0-2 0 2 5 -3
Miroxia 0-0-2 0 4 8 -4
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-2 0 0 8 -8


GROUP B W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Taeshan 2-0-0 6 6 2 +4
Newmanistan 1-0-1 3 5 5 --
Lovisa 1-0-1 3 4 4 --
Nethertopia 1-0-1 3 4 4 --
West Zirconia 1-0-1 3 3 3 --
Kjomasasopia 0-0-2 0 2 6 -4

Newmanistan is 2nd on GF; Lovisa and Nethertopia tied for 3rd on GF; West Zirconia is 5th on GF.

GROUP C W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Jeruselem 2-0-0 6 6 1 +5
Land de Wood 1-1-0 4 5 4 +1
Prux 1-0-1 3 5 2 +3
Myedvedeya 1-0-1 3 6 5 +1
Mantwenic 0-1-1 1 2 6 -4
Australiah 0-0-2 0 2 8 -6

Prux ahead of Myedvedeya on GD.

TIEBREAKERS for 2 teams:
H2H Result
Goal Differential
Goals For
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team

TIEBREAKERS for 3 or more teams:
H2H Results
Goal differential in H2H Results
Goals For in H2H Results
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team
Once a team has won a tiebreaker, the remaining teams will have the continued tie broken by the appropriate TieBreaker for 2 or 3 teams.

(OOC: :hail:REDSOX:hail: WON!)

After developing an anti-unholy perfume antidode, Dr. Mkembe lead the Zombies into the Capital of Green wombat and came out 4-0 winners over Mantwenic, moving them up to 3rd place in the group. Zombie Zinedine Zidane scored the first goal, after recieving a yellow card for biting the referee. After that, Zombie Pelé dominated, getting a 2nd half hat-trick. Up next is Australiah, a nation famous for Vegemate, a bean-crud spread. Sounds even worse than what a Zombie eats.

SCHEDULE:
MD1: Jeruselem LOST 1-2 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic WIN 4-0@ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

GOALS:
Zombie Pelé- 3
Dr. Mkembe- 1
Zombie Zinedine Zidane- 1

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia WIN 4-2 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica W 3-0 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

GOALS:
Blessing 2
Utley
Wilcox


Lead by goals from Dale Henke, Pauline Utley and Edward Griffin, the wombats dominated Urna Eletrônica 3-0, improving to 2-0-0 and sets up a first-place showdown with Cafundeu tommorrow at X Island Metropark. The next 3 games will determine Green wombat's fate in the Round of 16, if they make it that far, as a better record, would mean a hopefully easier road in the playoffs.

(OOC: Qazox, can we get roster links on one post, please?)

THE ROCKET REPORT

PIGS FLY; COWS COME HOME

Pawtucket, Prux- This couldn’t be right. We lost to Taeshan? Really? The incredible streak of domination comes to an end, although we can take some solace in that the overall importance of this game was not as big as other matchups, such as the recent Cup of Harmony match or the big games in the last two World Baseball Classics (OOC: Phillies!!!) It figures that something so rare, so unusual, would take place in a land the fields teams of Zombies and Roboducks. Taeshan gets the win, 3-2. Newmanistan gets another game of wondering why Jeremy McAllister isn’t here.

As was the case against Nethertopia, the Rockets strangely came out very flat for this game and were made to pay for it early. Taeshan, obviously motivated to end the streak, seemed a lot more interested in playing football tonight. They carried the play early, and there was nothing that Newmanistan could do about it. The only surprise was that it too Taeshan nineteen minutes to score their first goal, coming on a Kellen Wenshaw from a about five yards outside the box. Wenshaw wasn’t challenged well by Eric Blunden, and Chris Kusler was hopeless on the shot as he anticipated better defensive play in front of him. The only good chance that Newmanistan got in the entire half came in the 27th minute, and it ended up in the back of the net. Brian Wright’s shot off a pass from Shannon Vilardi was good for the equalizer. Despite a 71-29 possession advantage in favor of Taeshan, we were all tied up, and that may have been more of a bad thing for the Rockets, as they got very lax after that goal. Very, very lax. And Taeshan would take advantage, scoring two goals in the late stages of the first half. Charlie Stone got on in the 39th minute, and Javon White added a tally in the 45th, just seconds before entering stoppage time. So here we were, the scoreboard reading 3-1 in favor of Taeshan.

At halftime, you may have expected a passionate speech from somebody about not allowing the Empire’s remarkable streak against Taeshan in any competition to come to an end. If it did happen, and this we don’t know because everyone was very tight-lipped after the contest, it didn’t have any impact on the team, as in the second half there was no added urgency. It seemed more as if the Rockets were content to just play out the rest of the game. Strangely, the shied away from a lot of physical contact, almost acting as if they were the ones with the lead. Taeshan initially looked for more goals, but after seeing Newmanistan really having no life to them in this game, they began to slow it down and began focusing on defense, and their back end was very effective. Special credit goes out to Mikey Sawyer, a player that really impressed us in these minutes. Coach Martin stood there with his arms folded, barking out signals, but didn’t have the same kind of animation on the sideline that you would expect from Brian Carson or even Eric Andrews. Starting in the 70th minute, he would take captain Nate Stratton (a strange move seeing how he seemed to be the best Rocket on the pitch), Billy Cerullo, and Kevin Sturgeon out in favor of Alex Warrick, John Owens, and Danny Cardona. While the fans were watching the action on the pitch, Stratton and Cerullo seemed to be engaged in a shouting match on the sideline and cameras caught Cerullo shoving Stratton before they were separated by other players. In the 88th minute, Alex Warrick added a meaningless second goal, though celebrated as if scoring a World Cup clincher. Taeshan wins it, 3-2.


TAESHAN 3

Wenshaw (19")
Stone (39")
White (44")

NEWMANISTAN 2

Wright (27")
Warrick (88")

Jeruselem Government News

Princesses trample over Aussies in Oxen Cup 8

The nation called Australiah, known for it's native fauna, strange forms of football, meat pies, beer drinking, funny speak, barbeques and convict heritage - took on Jeruselem today. The cultural gap was as big as the gap between the scorelines with Jeruselem winning 4-0 without really trying too hard. The zombies from Mantwenic ate their opponents Mantwenic 4-0 was well.

While Jeruselem mercilessly destroyed Australiah on the field, the after-game antics were different with the Jeruselem girls learning about the weird nation of Australiah. The Australiah-ians or "Aussies" were happy to talk to the "Sheilas" from Jeruselem. While the Jeruselemites had a bit of trouble working out the culture of Aussies, all had a good time since both enjoyed a social drink after a football game.

The Jeruselemites tried out a weird icky spread called "Vegemite" which was rather foreign to most of them. Oddly, the Sallad girls didn't mind the stuff but then they are used to being covered icky substances. They did warm to the idea of "cold beer" which was a lot nicer than warm beer.

Some of girls got confused when the Aussies talking about "rooting" but when explained worked out what the Aussies meant by "root" which has nothing to do with trees. The Aussies were happy to learn some of the Jeruselem "Sheilas" liked a good "Root" as well.

Kara Kool got a bit confused when they talked about "Jewfish" which had nothing to with Judaism or anything to do with Jews. When she explained she was "Hebrew", the Aussies got the idea it had something to do with beer and she was born in Beersheba - which made them think the place brewed beer.

(OOC: It will be done ASAP. TYfor reminding me!)

Rosters will be linked at 1st post.

in regards to my teams rp, do what you want, just dont injure ALL of my players

While our main focus has been on the World Lacrosse Championships, we can bring you news now from the Oxen Cup.

Mantwenic v Land de Wood 2-2 DRAW
A shock 2-2 draw here as Mantwenic proved that while they may be newcomers, they are no mugs.
A mistake by Hammil after just four minutes let Mantwenic in for their first. We would love to bring you the scorer but it seemed Mantwenci didn't bother filling out a roster sheet, they just came here and played.
Horse then in the twenty fifth minute took on two players before playing Higgins in for the equaliser. Half time and it is 1-1 and Bland doesn't look happy the Woodpeckers could be in for a roasting from their manager.
Sixty-first minute Whitemore races down the right wing, crosses it in and Hoggins heads home, 2-1 and the Woodpeckers are finally in front.
Higgins is hacked down just outside the area in the seventy-second minute, but the referee waves play on, the Woodpeckers are furious.
When play stops, while Higgins receives treatment, Hammil receives a yellow card for arguing that's his second of the game and out comes the red he is off! Higgins is subbed for John Bell who will come on at the back with Aimer switching to right back presumably.
Just thirty seconds left on the clock, Lewis slips and Mantwenci are in for an equaliser!
Bland is furious with his team and with the referee after that performance.
With Hammil suspended from the next game, we are hearing that Bell will indeed play centre back again with Aimer switching to right back, meanwhile injured Higgins is replaced by Redrow up front.

Land de Wood v Myedvedeya 3-2
Land de Wood got back to winning ways against newcomers Myedvedeya.
Redrow took full opportunity of his start by scoring after just three minutes following good work by Horse.
Then after twenty four minutes Wallace raced down the left wing to cross it in for Hoggins who headed home.
Half time and 2-0 up Bland looks happier with his team today.
Myedvedeyta's superstriker Aleksander Rozhdestvensky showed his skills in the fifty first minute when he went round both Aimer and Bell before striking home as Myedvedeyta started to get back into this game.
Whitemore was having none of it though another run down the right wing in the sixtieth minute followed by a cross which was headed down by Hoggins right into the path of the on running Horse who struck home a beauty, 3-1.
Land de Wood took their foot of the gas towards the end, and in the eightieth minute Arman Barabanschikov raced down the left wing and crossed it in for Aleksander Rozhdestvensky to head home his second of the game.

So a draw and a win against two newcomers, Land de Wood will be disappointed not to have got of to a six pointer start but there's still plenty of football to be played.

OOC: Well I'm back (not that u care:p) and it looks like I am already two games down, oh well I will go with the back up option.

IC:

Roster

#1: Name: Frank Lowenbrauer
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 36
Occupation: Electrical Engineer

#2: Name: John Comelately
Position: Defender
Age: 33
Occupation: Electrical Engineer

#3: Name: Vince Calorol
Position: Left Back
Age: 29
Occupation: Plumber

#4: Name: Tony Lockett
Position: Defender
Age: 32
Occupation: Restaurant Proprietor

#5 Name: Keith "KT" Tincon
Position: Right back
Age: 41
Occupation: Bus Driver

#6 Name: Bill Sonsdras
Position: Left Wing
Age: 25
Occupation: Banker

#7 Name: Chris Morlad
Position: Centre Midfield
Age: 27
Occupation: Baker

#8 Name: Matthew Flinders
Position: Centre Midfield
Age: 52
Occupation: Retired Naval Officer

#9 Name: Harry Groves
Position: Right Wing
Age: 34
Occupation: Lawyer

#10 Name: Bob Rock
Position: Left Striker
Age: 37
Occupation: Civil Engineer

#69 Name: Jason "JJ" Jolpersaulson
Position: Right Striker
Age: 20
Occupation: Apprentice Fitter

#12 Name: Norman Norman
Position Sub (Defender)
Age: 38
Occupation: Manager

#14 Name: Adam Cooper
Position: Sub (Attacker)
Age: 37
Occupation: Cooper

OOC:
in regards to my teams rp, do what you want, just dont injure ALL of my players

Ok, one can be left standing.

In the hotel bar

Lockett: Man I'm sore all over that game against Qazox was a killer

Sonsdras: You're telling me, I still can't believe we just lost that game too. I mean we were a goal up until the 355th minute and then in the 90th minute they managed to break away and get the final goal

Morland: Hey guys at least we are getting better, remember we lost to Cafundeu 3-1, we should get better as the tournament goes on, we aren't fit, we don't play as often as these guys we are just some amateur team in Qazox who has decided to do what the lazy FFB couldn't.

Rock: Chris is right hey, the way I see it when we get back to Qazox we will be a better team for it and will be able to beat any team in our league.How many teams in our league can also say that they have played in against some of the top international teams in the word? None and that's a fact.

Cooper: Well who have we got next?
Flinders: It looks like we have Urna Eletrônica, currently bottom of the table, should be an easy win
Morland: They're new to international football aren't they?
Flinders: Yeah piece of piss just rest up lads we will win his game yet.
Groves: Wait a minute we have to get out to X Island how are we going to manage that?

Rock: You worry to much we will just hire a few car and drive out there.
Groves: Yeah ok, I suppose I should call my wife tell how I am
KT: Say that was pretty good that we managed to get a group discount from Qazox to Taeshan, when do we head back?
Groves: Final game it will be good to get back home

Lockett: Say has anyone seen JJ?
Sonsdras: I saw him walking off with two Taeshan girls, we won't be seeing hi till tomorrow.
Lockett: You should be there too, your only 25
Sonsdras: Nah not me mate, I have a lady waiting for me at home, I'm not about to go looking for some more.

OOC: Newmanistan, you horny or something? At least your boys are, could it be you have a women in the team?

(OOC: There's about a 75% chance that I won't be able to scorinate Day 3 tonight. There's a problem w/ my internet connection at home, which is why I'm currently writing this at the local Library computer. IF there are no scores posted by 12:30am Wednesday morning. (US EDT), then the connection is still down. But to make up for it, a 50% RP bonus is in effect from NOW until the Wednesday Night/Thursday Morning (US EDT) posting of scores (hopefully it will be corrected by then).

(See what happens when a drunk smashes into a telephone pole, which has the main switches for my neighbor hood? Let that be a lesson for ya! NO I WAS not the drunk.:p)

DISREGARD this notice. they just got it back up. But GOOD NEWS! The 50% RP Bonus still is in effect.

Its Over Its Over Uncross those Fingers. The Knights Beat Newmanistan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thats right 3-2 baby its over. Knights clober the Newmanistan Rockets on Prince Weston Memorial Park in Pawtucket, Prux. The unkown by the world Taeshani National team who had never played internationally before won its second game in the Oxen Cup, and are well on there way to history. The Great books.

In the history of the clashes between the grand nations of Taeshan and Newmanistan only once had the Knights taken down those evil minions in WBC 6 on the fields of Qazox in a Semifinal game. Since then it has been a tragedy for Knights team losing every game in every sport. Its finally over know. You can stop burning the Newmanistani Vodoo dolls. We hath finally beaten them again.

It all started when the young Kellen Wenshaws trusty foot, boy does Air Force have a good player.(the college) Then later two more goals were scored by Charlie Stone, and Javon White in the 39th and 45th minutes respectively. who cares wich Newmanistani players scorers all that we shall know is that we won. And although this is not the most prestigous of stages, as my granma would say F*** the Rockets, and a win is a win.

*This is not ment to be rude. I have come to the decision that this is the Air Force college soccer team. And who cares bout the Red Sox. They gonna lose. Oh on a side note Rays Vs Phillies baby. My two favorite teams.

Hotel "Sleepy Dreams"
ESPN, Prux
A day before Nethertopia - Taeshan

The team was having dinner. It was a relief that they'd won their game against West Zirconia. The tourney wasn't at least something where the Nethertopians didn't lose every game. "Guys," said Darius Longstone, "A fan has given me this before we had dinner." He was holding the Nethertopian Sportstimes in his hand. While grinning, he started to read:

NETHERTOPIA TAKES FIRST WIN
WEST ZIRCONIA BEATEN
Pawtucket, Prux- Nethertopia is on the right way towards the round of 16. They gave a good match against West Zirconia, winning the match in the first half.
The first goal (14th minute), scored by Snip, was fairly easy. Goalie Wouter van Dalen took a goal kick, which flew over 70 meters over the pitch, into the feet of Bakker. He tricked Paterson into choosing the wrong direction to defend and sent an early cross to Snip. Snip, who'd positioned himself perfectly, shot the bal in the upper right corner.
From that moment west Zirconia started to knock on the Nethertopian door for a goal and it's only thanks to van Dalen that Nethertopia kept the nil at that point. WZ striker Martin Foster hit the post and Steve Griffiths was close with a free kick, but the ball didn't seem to get in.
In the 36th minute Snip made his second of the day and his third of the tournament. Frans Oud took a free kick from 35 meter, which Thomas Schaak volleyed. Steve Gray stopped the ball in first instance, but was no match for Snip, who fired the rebound from five meters into the net.
Like the first game against Newmanistan, Nethertopia got sloppy in the second half again and allowed Ed French to score with a header out of a corner in the 76th minute. The fight got fierce on that point and both sides wanted to win, with chances for both teams to conceal the game.
Jerome de Wit made an offence in the 91st minute, in the circle, which probably gave Nethertopia the game. Martin Forster had only him and the keeper to beat, but he stopped him, too harsh perhaps, in his tracks. He got his second yellow of the tourney for it and therefore is suspended.

Goal recap:
14, 36 Snip - 76 French

"Heh," said Longstone, "we sure gave 'em hell."
"I just hope we can give Taeshan the same kind of treatment," replied Michael de Vet. "I'm not sure... They'll prove to be a bit more difficult to beat than the teams we had already..."

Trever Organ stood up. "Guys, it's training time. Let's go." The team left the table and walked out of the room.

Captain Nate Stratton wasn’t sure what was bothering him more. The way the team played against Taeshan, and that they actually lost to them, or the fact that no one on the team seemed to really care. Including coach Martin. Nate always looked up to his coach as being the intelligent leader, as the man who knew just about everything and had the answers. Surely someone on the team would listen to his concerns as they all couldn’t be so disinterested, but who was it? Every time he thought a player was also putting the desire of competing for the country ahead of the desire for personal satisfaction he would be wrong. Or was he just getting old? Nah, nonsense. He’s 35, married, and has three kids. He doesn’t need to experiment. Coach Martin is married too, yet that wasn’t his wife in the background the other day. Maybe he could get Brian Carson’s advice. He has his number, and knows he’s in Prux since the Di Bradini Cup is delayed. He calls him up.

Stratton: Hello, Coach Carson?

Carson: Hello, who’s this?

Stratton: Nate Stratton of the Oxen Cup team, how are you?

Carson: Doing good Nate. Tough loss for you guys last night, you all need a spark. How are you doing?

Stratton: This team is a joke. They’re all a bunch of hornballs, and I think people are starting to pick up on it. I try to be a leader, but they don’t listen to me. They just want to get with as many women as they can and even coach Martin is hanging with a woman young enough to be his daughter.

Carson: Don’t let it get to you, Nate. There are players on that team that I would never let put on a Newmanistan jersey if I were the coach. I’ve dealt with Brian Cerullo and Alex Warrick before. They are horrible influences. Kevin Sturgeon is lazy, and Brian Wright can be as well. There’s a reason you never see them on the senior team. The Vilardi sisters should be playing in Jeruselem, they’re better fits there.

Stratton: I’m glad someone realizes that.

Carson: Then there’s Rafferty. Who should still be locked up in my opinion. Guys like Dale Stevens and Kevin Haynes should be fine though. Stevens has good character, maybe you two could work out something.

Stratton: They’re ok, but they don’t talk much.

Carson: Yeah, I’ve heard they are low key. What about Murphy? He’s an incredible character player.

Stratton: He seems annoyed by a lot of it too, he’s probably the one I talk to most but being a reserve he doesn’t have much influence, and the others just ignore him the same way they ignore me.

Carson: That’s a shame. Murph will be a good coach one day. Surprised Martin isn’t doing more, he’s supposedly married

Stratton: Yeah well, unless his wife is about 21, he seems to be forgetting about her. Can you talk to him?

Carson: I would but I can’t because it’s not my team. If he came to me for advice, which he has not, I would. But I can’t intrude on his team. Martin and I have never been that great friends anyway, it’s not a coincidence that there are no Pocono City players on the team, and if I attempted to say something he would just see me as interference and hang up on me and ignore me. Then he’d probably cry about it in an interview with Clint Peterson.

Stratton: Yeah, I guess. What should I do then?

Carson: Just be yourself. You’ve done an excellent job in the first two games.

Stratton: Thanks.

Carson: Confide in guys like Murphy. Trust me, he is someone who knows what it takes. If no one wants to listen to you two, then that’s there own fault. Dale Stevens could be a good guy to talk to as well. And can you do me a favor?

Stratton: Yes?

Carson: Tape record his next lecture for me. Including the first 30 minutes of team chatter before it, and as much of the chatter after it. I eventually have to make some World Cup 43 decisions, and this could be pretty interesting.

Stratton: Sure thing coach and it would be my pleasure. Thank you very much.

Carson: Not a problem, Nate. It’s as much of a help as I can really be for you right now.

Stratton: I understand. Well I need to be going.

Carson: Good luck against Lovisa. Bye!

Stratton: Thanks, bye! (Hangs up)


Well, Nate will feel a little better. At least for now.

We caught up with manager Daniel Bland this evening.

Larry: So Daniel how do you think things have gone so far?
Daniel: Well obviously we were disappointed to only get a draw in the first match, but we got a good win in the second and I feel we can go from strength to strength now.
Larry: that's good to hear, obviously everyone is talking about the rematch against Prux but before that there's a couple of tough games.
Daniel: Indeed Jerusalem are the group favourites and they will be tough to beat. Then its newcomers Australiah who should be easy but then there are no easy games in international football.
Larry: So what are your plans against Jerusalem.
Daniel: Well we are going to flood the midfield, Higgins is out injured so this is the perfect opportunity to bring Butty into the midfield and play 5 with Horse, Wallace and Whitemore racing forward to support Hoggins who is of course a great target man. Meanwhile Derby and Butty will hold the tide against them.
Larry: Rumours are that you have a descent of Woodpeckers ready to descend upon your opponents.
Daniel: I couldn't possibly comment.
Larry: Fair enough, so how bad is Higgins' injury?
Daniel: Well he's definitely out of this game, and I'm not going to take any chances against Australiah as we are going to need him for the Prux game.
Larry: Hammil is back from suspension, does he go straight back into the team?
Daniel: No Bell played well in the centre so he keeps his place.
Larry: Ok, well good speaking to you.
Daniel: Thanks.

So here's the team:

4-2-3-1 formation, style +1 attack
Clemence
Aimer Bell Lewis Derby
Derby Butty
Whitemore Horse Wallace
Hoggins

The two Citroëns, both bearing the livery of Moorcroft Express Taxis, were parked on the Higher Lane Industrial Estate in such a way that the two drivers could converse without either having to leave his seat.

"It's been quiet today, hasn't it?" Pete Richmond was the younger of the two, and still new to the business. He seemed worried that there may not be quite enough work to go round. His more experienced colleague, Terry Lucas, reassured him that it was not always so, but remarked:

"You know why, don't you? The match is on normal telly, rather than satellite. No-one's bothering going to the pub to watch it. Otherwise we'd be ferrying them there - and back." For some reason, WZTV had negotiated the rights to two of the group games, the Nethertopia match being one. Good news for the ordinary viewer - bad news for the bars. And the taxis.

"Speaking of which, Pete - have you heard the score?"

"No, sorry. I'll see if I can get it on the radio." Pete switched the radio on and started fiddling with the controls. Eventually he found the match on Radio Moorcroft, in time to hear the commentator give the score - 2-1 to Nethertopia. Then, a cacophony of noise as the crowd reacted to the cynical foul committed by Jerome de Wit on Martin Forster, and to the referee's refusal to send de Wit off. Within a minute, the final whistle was blown, and West Zirconia were beaten. Pete switched the radio off. "Wish we hadn't bothered listening now," he grunted.

He glanced at the dataset on his dashboard, and noticed that eight jobs had appeared on the display. The set beeped to inform him of an impending job, which he accepted. The display read:

16:50 CONTACT NAME: EVANS
FROM: 26 BANKS ROAD
TO: METHODIST CHURCH, TURING STREET

Pete laughed. Terry, who meanwhile had accepted a job to the same location, looked over and smiled. "Turing Street?"

"Certainly is."

"Same here. At least someone's going to be busy tonight."

The two men laughed as they started their engines and drove away.

RP Cutoff scores up ASAP.

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) MD3 Scores and Standings:
(winners in BOLD, as usual; Draws in Italics)

GROUP A: @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
Blouman Empire v Urna Eletrônica 4-1
Qazox v Miroxia 3-1
Cafundeu v Green wombat 3-1

GROUP B: @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium: ESPN, Prux.
Newmanistan v Lovisa 3-2
Kjomasasopia v West Zirconia 3-1
Nethertopia v Taeshan 2-1

GROUP C: @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
Mantwenic v Myedvedeya 2-2 DRAW
Land de Wood v Jeruselem 5-2
Prux v Australiah 3-1

Teams that have clinched Round of 16 berth are in BLUE.

STANDINGS:
GROUP A W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Qazox 3-0-0 9 10 2 +8
Cafundeu 3-0-0 9 10 4 +6
Green wombat 2-0-1 6 8 5 +3
Blouman Empire 1-0-2 3 6 6 --
Miroxia 0-0-3 0 5 11 -6
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-3 0 1 12 -11


GROUP B W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Nethertopia 2-0-1 6 6 5 +1
Taeshan 2-0-1 6 7 4 +3
Newmanistan 2-0-1 6 8 7 +1
West Zirconia 2-0-1 6 6 4 +2
Lovisa 1-0-2 3 6 7 -1
Kjomasasopia 0-0-3 0 3 9 -6

Nethertopia in 1st based on H2H vs. the other 3 teams (2-0-1); Taeshan 2nd based on H2H win over Newmanistan, Newmanistan 3rd based on H2H vs. the other 3 teams (1-0-1).

GROUP C W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Jeruselem 3-0-0 9 11 3 +8
Prux 2-0-1 6 8 3 +3
Land de Wood 1-1-1 4 7 9 -2
Myedvedeya 1-1-1 4 8 7 +1
Mantwenic 0-2-1 2 4 8 -4
Australiah 0-0-3 0 3 11 -8

Land de Wood ahead of Myedvedeya based on H2H win.

16th Place W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Kjomasasopia 0-0-3 0 3 9 -6
Australiah 0-0-3 0 3 11 -8
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-3 0 1 12 -11

Kjomasasopia in 16th on GD (-6 to -8 to -11).

TIEBREAKERS for 2 teams:
H2H Result
Goal Differential
Goals For
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team

TIEBREAKERS for 3 or more teams:
H2H Results
Goal differential in H2H Results
Goals For in H2H Results
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team
Once a team has won a tiebreaker, the remaining teams will have the continued tie broken by the appropriate TieBreaker for 2 or 3 teams.

Australiah proved to be little more than an annoyance as Prux easily won 3-1 on goals from Zombie Ronaldo, Zombie Just Fontaine and an Penalty kick goal from Zombie Lothar Matthäus. After allowing the opening goal, as the match, despite Dr. Mkembe's protests, was started 20 minutes before sundown, was scored by Australiah's striker after he walked through the Zombies, who were bent over coveing their eyes, due to the glare of the sun.

Up next is Myedvedeya, who have started off decently at 1-1-1 in their first international tourney. Prux needs just a win or a draw in either of its last 2 matches to advance to the next round.

SCHEDULE:
MD1: Jeruselem LOST 1-2 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic WIN 4-0@ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah WIN 3-1@ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

GOALS:
Zombie Pelé- 3
Dr. Mkembe- 1
Zombie Zinedine Zidane- 1
Zombie Ronaldo-1
Zombie Just Fontaine-1
Zombie Lothar Matthäus-1

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia WIN 4-2 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica W 3-0 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu LOSE 1-3 @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

GOALS:
Blessing 3
Utley 2
Wilcox
Henke
Griffin

Despite Wayne Blessing's 15th minute goal, Cafundeu was in total control of this one, winning 3-1, clinching a R16 berth as well. Green wombat's history of struggling with better teams, even at a neutral site, continued. But only a draw is needed over the last 2 games to get into the playoffs, and with Blouman Empire next on the docket, that almost seems to be assured.

OOC: sorry guys been able to post on here been very busy lately so i'll put a roster up, and start RP'ing when i can.

Austarliah’s Roster

Coach: Micheal Keating
Age: 48

#23: Name: Lance Franklin
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27

#18: Name: John Courtney
Position: Defender
Age: 32

#24: Name: Arnold McDonald
Position: Left Back
Age: 18

#20: Name: Roger Haydn
Position: Defender
Age: 29

#9 Name: Daniel Harris
Position: Right back
Age: 30

#1 Name: Sonny Bill
Position: Left Wing
Age: 25

#42 Name: Clinton Young
Position: Centre Midfield
Age: 27

#5 Name: Leon Davis
Position: Centre Midfield
Age: 34

#19 Name: Gary Davis
Age: 24
Position: Right Wing
Age: 24

#30 Name: Bob Rock
Position: Left Striker
Age: 27

#16 Name: Garry Lyons
Position: Right Striker
Age: 40

SUBS

#27 Name: Allen Jenkins
Position GoalKeeper
Age: 26

#31 Name: Campbell Park
Position: Defender
Age: 29

#45 Name: Cooper Cronk
Position: Midfield
Age: 25

#38 Name: Micheal Lynch
Position: Attacker
Age: 18

THE ROCKET REPORT

OPPORTUNISTIC VICTORY

ESPN, Prux- We went around the city of ESPN to try and figure out what this acronym meant. We couldn’t really find any definitive answers, and it seemed as if many of their citizens created their own. Some were better then others. Whatever it means, we don’t know. Prux is just, weird. They even have a strange fascination here with red socks. We’re still trying to figure why that is the case. What we also want to figure out is what’s up with the Newmanistan defense. Norris Smythe of Qazox criticized our frozen defense, unfairly in our opinion, but there is no defense for the allowance of seven goals in three games on a team coached by James Martin, even if we have won two of them. Martin has a made a name for himself as being a defensive genius, and his Centralia Cougars back home allow less then a goal per game on average. If he had a chance at a job as the coach of a senior team, it would have been if the team wanted a defensive focus. Let’s just say, that’s not going to happen.

Part of the blame can be attributed to slow starts. They only played half an hour of good football against Nethertopia, but it was good enough for a win. Against Taeshan, maybe they had five good minutes. Against Lovisa today, they were again slow out of the gate. This must be stopped. The Lovisans certainly were aware of the Rockets tendency in the Oxen Cup so far to start poorly, and they did their best to get on the board quickly. They did this in the 6th minute when #10 took a nice pass from #12 and fired it behind Kusler for the quick one-nil lead. After the goal, they continued to carry some momentum, but an errant breakout pass from the back end got stolen nicely by Dale Stevens in the 16th. Stevens took advantage of the opportunity and went on a terrific run. He had Kevin Sturgeon to his left, but used him as a decoy. Dale roofed the shot just underneath the crossbar to tie up the game. It was the first shot attempt the Rockets had in the game, and they would make it count. Do give them some credit for being opportunistic and taking advantage of the slip up, but after the goal Lovisa continued to take control of the action. Things took another turn for the worse in the 31st minute when Brian Rafferty was shown a red card for an absolutely vicious tackle on #8 of Lovisa. The Lovisan was badly hurt, and had to be taken off on a stretcher. He did not return to the game, and we have no further update on his condition, but it didn’t look good. Seven minutes later, Newmanistan went down a second man. This time it was Chris Phillips laying down just as ugly of a tackle on #10, who had scored the first goal of the match. #10, too, had to be helped off the field, and did not return. Lovisa was not able to take advantage of the 2-man advantage in the remaining portion of the first half, and the game went to intermission tied at 1. Shannon Vilardi appeared to have sustained an injury in the first minute of stoppage time, though our cameras could not find where it would have happened. Regardless, Shannon, like Rafferty, did not return. Danny Cardona took her place up front.

Though you may think that halftime message would have been for the team to regain their composure, it wasn’t. Instead, they would try to bait Lovisa into taking some bookings themselves to try and get the player situation back to being even. They would play men back and sacrifice offense early on. When the second half began, it wouldn’t have taken a genius to figure out that Lovisa would try to score quickly, and they did. But they weren’t in sync, and found themselves guilty of several offsides calls. In the 53rd minute, they appeared to take a lead when #11's shot appeared to cross the goal line, but the referee ruled that Kusler had gotten to it just in time for a save. #11 then flipped out and was shown a yellow for the argument. The Rockets had their target now. Four minutes later, Nate Stratton laid a nice tackle on #11 and got #11 to retaliate with a push. The ref saw it and issued a 2nd yellow, sending him off. In the 62nd minute, still down a man, Dale Stevens intercepted another pass at midfield and went on another sprint. This time though, he passed it to Kevin Sturgeon, who took the shot and scored to put the Rockets in front 2-1. Sloppy Lovisan play continued moments after, and this time in the 65th minute it would be Danny Cardona with the pass interception and taking it himself, firing a shot in the back of the net to make it 3-1, very quickly, and quite remarkable for a team that was down a man. Lovisa continued to be out of sync, and this is probably because they lost a couple of key starters in the game. Their passes were off, and the linesman were getting quite a workout raising the offsides flag on them time and time again. They did score in the 80th minute, on a goal by #14, but it would not be enough. An opportunistic Newmanistan wins an ugly game by the score of 3-2.

Due to the red cards, lineup adjustments are necessary for the next game against Kjomasasopia. One change that didn’t have to be made but will be anyway is that Kurt Allwine will be the starting goalkeeper. James Martin promised him he would get a game at the start of the Oxen Cup, and this looks to be the best spot for it. Rafferty and Phillips are out, and Shannon Vilardi will also be kept out of this game. We are still not sure where her injury occurred, but apparently she did pulled a hamstring. So Allwine will be in goal. Haynes, Blunden and Stratton are all unaffected and start again, and will be joined by Eric Lovell. Danny Cardona will replace Rafferty in the midfield alongside Stevens and Cerullo. Up front, Sturgeon and Wright will be joined by 40-year old veteran John Murphy. The subs will be Kusler, Biron, Johnston, Warrick, and Owens.

NEWMANISTAN 3

Stevens (16")
Sturgeon (62") Assist- Stevens
Cardona (65")

LOVISA 2

#10 (6")
#14 (80")

Kate: High fives sis!
Jacinta: Yeah!
Kate: Where's your top?
Jacinta: What?

Kate: You're topless.
Jacinta: Oh, no wonder it was so cold.
Kate: I reckon it was those stupid woodpeckers.
Jacinta: You mean they flew off with my top.

Kate: Strange woodpeckers ...
Jacinta: They only chased anyone with boobs.
Kate: Must be males then.
Jacinta: And they really liked chasing short people!

Kate: Yeah, like us ...
Jacinta: Anyway, we still won the game.
Kate: The Land de Wood team seemed distracted.
Jacinta: You'd think they'd be ones less distracted than us.

Kate: Still, my hair is all messed up.
Jacinta: There's bird poo in your hair.
Kate: Oh, poo ...
Jacinta: I don't think Land de wood was looking at the ball for the game.

Kate: They looking at other things.
Jacinta: Girls in the crowd?
Kate: Maybe they were looking at us.
Jacinta: Could be ...

Sally: Putting on a show there Jacinta!
Flak: Lost something Rabbit?
Jacinta: I didn't notice until now.
Flak: Not feeling cold?

Sally: Man, where did those birds come from?
Flak: What were they?
Kate: Woodpeckers, you don't see then in Jeruselem because we don't have real trees.
Sally: God damn annoying birds.

Flak: Hey Kate, your shorts fell down.
Kate: Oops, stupid birds!
Sally: I don't think she would have noticed until she tripped over.
Jacinta: Where'd this crowd come from?

The Training pitch of Quagmire Field
Hambuger Hill, Prux
A day before the game against Lovista
The Scout was sitting in the dugout. He had a smile on his face. His smile broaded, as he thought of the victory his team booked against Taeshan. The victory had given the team much confidence. They were currently playing a practice game, under the supervision of Trevor. The tourney headed way better than The Scout ever expected. After the disappointing start against Newmanistan, which they surely should've won, the team got the boost they needed. They were growing as the tourney advanced. The team really was becoming a team.

Trevor Organ watched as Fouad Snijders gave a sharp pass to Kingsley Kalu, who lobbed the ball over Wouter van Dalen. Jerome van Dam just cleared the ball from the line. Trevor shouted a compliment to the players. There was a direction in the play. Lovista would once again prove a difficult opponent, but now that Taeshan was beaten it seemed a lot more convincing that they would get the chances to win. He looked at his watch. Five more minutes to go and then the training was over.
When the five minutes had passed, he looked around, nodded to The Scout and blew his whistle. "Time to shower, guys," he yelled.
Trevor liked his new partner. He wasn't very talkative, but when he said something he at least chose his words wisely. He always had advises ready for the players to improve their game. He was clearly a statistic coach. But he did his job. Not only that, he did his job great. The 3-5-2 tactic was working flawlessly and Nethertopia was only one game away from qualification to the group stages. With two wins they might even qualify as group head. Trevor grinned. He'd take a shower, change and have dinner. He was hungry already.

"Oh bugger, not my rook!" The team was relaxing in their hotel. Some were reading a book, a fairly large group was playing a card game, a smaller group was chit chatting with a small group of fans, some Pruxian businessmen and a few hotel guests. Thomas Schaak and Michael de Vet were playing chess.
"Check," said Thomas. Michael had been in the offence for the last couple of turns, but was now forced to defend, because of an expensive fault, which had cost him his last bishop.
A few turns were played and it ended with a checkmate in favour of Schaak.
De Vet sighed. "I'm going for a swim, who's coming?" A few others, who were tired of playing the card game, thought of this as a good idea and joined him, leaving the room.
Thomas Schaak joined the conversation, which went on about the hotel's service.
"I think it does the trick, but isn't very spectacular," said a Pruxian businessman. Gregory van Houten tot Schaagen agreed. "At home, our family has a butler who keeps up perfectly with our pace. I do agr..."
"... Oh shut up, snob," reacted Frans Oud. You don't know poverty. Be happy we're being served, while in some countries food is scarce."
Gregory's face went red and he had no comeback. He stumbled something about swimming and left the chamber. The others continued the conversation on some other insignificant issue, which went on for a long time.

Land de Wood 2 v 5 Jeruselem

Up against the group favourites and indeed one of the tournament favourites Land de Wood were always going to be up against it. However, both sides it seemed had secret weapons ready for this clash.

Land de Wood released a descant of Woodpeckers who were trained to distract the opposition, the training paid of in the first couple of minutes as Kevin Wallace was able to get free down the left and cross it in for Hoggins to head home.

However, many of the Land de Wood players were somewhat distracted throughout the game. You see in Land de Wood, football is mainly played by men especially at the top level, yes some women do play and some are not bad at it but they play in a separate women's league. Our poor boys, deprive of their 'wags' for the tournament were distracted by the huge contingent of female fans in the crowd and the female players of Jerusalem. This effect was furthered when with Land de Wood already 2-1 down, some cheeky woodpeckers started to attack and remove the clothes of a few of the Jerusalem players, our players could only stand in awe at the beauty of their opposite numbers which was matched by the beauty of their play.

We did manage to pull one back as substitute Steve Redrow showed why he should have started the game but alas it was not enough.

Daniel Bland was asked after the game about the Woodpeckers and said "it was an experiment that somewhat backfired" and when asked about the distracted players said "well this is why we've always said women and men shouldn't play football together, we're not saying the women aren't any good, just that they can leave the men a little distracted."

We Lost

No biggie its the Oxen Cup. We lost to Nethertopia one of the times we played them before so its not that big. Anyways it was an interesting gsme in wich they won 1-2. Great.

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

NETHERTOPIA STRIKES AGAIN!
TAESHAN SECOND VICTIM OF THE FALCONS
ESPN, Prux - Nethertopia has taken another step forward, as they've beaten semi-top tier team Taeshan 2-1. Oxen Cup, here we come!
Despite the last sentence in the introduction being faile overrated, the team is doing rather well, currently occupying the top spot of the group. But now: A report a bout the game.
The Nethertopian team made a sloppy start, the first since they started the tournament. It seemed like the Falcons didn't believe they were able to win from the 39th World ranked team. Taeshan began very stong to the game and were able to get ahead in the 9th minute. Gregory van Houten tot Schaagen made a sloppy pass somewhere around 30 meters from the goal. Whenshaw intercepted the ball, quickly giving a through ball towards Charlie Stone, who shot the ball low and hard in the corner.
At this point it seemed that The Scout tried to shake his team awake, switching van Dam for Kalu. The Falcons did indeed improve their play, but halfway the stance was still 0-1.
The second half started with a blast. Mikey Sawyer clearly tackled snip in the penalty area, but the referee waved to play on. Five minutes later however, in the same area, Feldspar almost ripped the shirt off Jean-Paul Snip's body. The referee now did gave a penalty. Snip himself placed himself behind the ball and finished the penalty coolly. Wendy Tyler touched the ball with her fingertips, but the shot was too powerful to be held.
The game was decided in the 68th minute. Frans Oud curled the ball into the net from a free kick, after a foul committed by Tyler Qing.
In stoppage time Kalu was close in scoring the 3-1, but failed to hit the target when standing 1 on 1 with the keeper. It seems that the old striker's finest days are over.

THE SCOUT: EL SALVATORE?
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CAFUNDÉU'S THE SCOUT
By Wilco Blamage
Ever wondered how The Scout was in real life? Well, keep on wondering! I've interviewed him and here's a coverage of my interview.

B: Why, hello there, The Scout! It's good to meet you
S: Hello there, mister Blamage.

B: To the point, do you think we have a chance at lifting the Oxen Cup after the recent prestations?
S: I'm not going to speculate about that, sorry. This tourney is meant to be a learning experience for my players. If we win the cup, it would surely be nice, but I'm not going to discuss our chances.

B: Oh bugger... Almost all questions I'd prepared went on with an answer of that... Err... Anyway, how's the team coming along?
S: I feel that the team is getting a stronger connection. They're really growing towards each other and are better at finding themselves off and on the pitch. That's the whole meaning of this tournament.

B: And who's the big favourite to win the tourney?
S: Qazox themselves, Cafundéu and Jeruselem. I suspect one of those three to lift the cup. Newmanistan is a dangerous outsider, though.

B: We're not sure about your length of staying in this team, can you explain some more about that?
S: I've signed a contract, lasting until the end of WC43, with an option to lengthen it to WC44. And if I lengthen it, I'll have an option to lengthen it even further till WC 45. Trevor Organ has the same deal. Although I must admit that Nethertopia is a test for me, to see if i can handle the manager position. I'm not sure about my future as head of a team.

B: and that's all space we have for today, thanks for the interview. And good luck with the Oxen Cup/.
S: The pleasure was all mine.

GAZETA DO POVO - ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW IS HERE!
Football Page - Articles written by Carlos Alberto Gujabre
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MONOPOLISTS WITH GOOD START IN OXEN CUP

Once again, Cafundéu enters in the Oxen Cup wanting the title. After failing in the last game of the previous edition, this time the team seems confident and strong enough to finally bring the trophy home for the second time. And, in the first games of the competition, the team showed that is capable of doing this, and won't give up easily. Three victories, good results, and the team took the first step towards the title, even if there are many other steps to be taken.

The Monopolists started their campaign in the Oxen Cup with a solid victory over Blouman Empire, by the result of 3x1. The goals were scored by Rossi and Fausto (twice), and the team seemed flawless. In the second game, against Miroxia, the attack was once again perfect, but the defence made many mistakes that need to be corrected if the team wants the title. The result was 4x2 (goals scored by Fausto, Lacerda, Jules and Túlio). The third game was against Green wombat, and once again the team showed its potential with a dominant win, with goals scored by Rossi, Jules and João Carlos.

In other news, Cafundéu will still play against the curious team of Urna Eletrônica, which uses politicians (OOC: 1989 elections, I know it! Interesting idea). So, the players will already leave all their goods inside the hotel to avoid being mugged by one of their opponents. Also, the CCFM confirmed that the The Scout who is coaching the Nethertopia NT is really the famous scout of the national league. The CCFM president Carlos Alberto Urubupungá said: "He is glad to be able to have the experience of being a coach, and I think he has potential for this... just hope he can keep his work with us while coaching there."

“Tape record the pre-meeting chatter.” That was Brian Carson’s request to captain Nate Stratton so that Brian could really here what was going on in the team locker room. And what a perfect day for it. Two players will be out with red card suspensions, and he still has absolutely no idea what happened to Shannon Vilardi to cause her to get injured. In fact, she seemed to be walking fine when he saw her moments ago. At the beginning of the Oxen Cup he may have mentioned that to Coach Martin, but he didn’t think he would care. He would probably just say it was precautionary. Nate arrived in the meeting room 30 minutes early, only to find just one other person there. It was Chris Kusler, the goalkeeper. Sitting there and staring into blank space. He hadn’t really talked to Kusler much as he’s always been used to the goalkeeper being the quiet one. He decided to approach him, but he would not tape record it. This didn’t seem to be necessary.

Stratton: Good morning, Chris.

Kusler: (disinterested) Hey...

Stratton: What’s the matter, you look bothered by something, can I help?

Kusler: Just.... (pauses for a while).... If you really wanted to help you could start by playing better defense in front of me.

Stratton: I’m sorry, I’m doing the best I.....

Kusler: (interrupting): Sorry I shouldn’t snap like that. You’re probably doing the best of all the defenders out there. You think it’s fun to have been beaten seven times in three games? I’m facing way too many shots because the team is out their playing half-assed football for way too long. You’re the captain, what are you doing about it? This team has no motivation, no spark, the only scores they care about is who’s banged the most chicks while here. Even the coach couldn’t care less. Tom Gratton the assistant knows it but he’s not going to speak up about it. It’d be nice if maybe you could.....

Stratton: (interrupting): You don’t think I’m trying? Chris, I’m trying hard to be a leader in here, no one is listening me, they ignore me like a teenager ignoring their father when he says they can’t go to a party. No one sees me a leader here and it sucks.

Kusler: Yeah well..... (about to say something then stops)..... Kurt Allwine is in goal tonight and that’s what sucks. Why the (expletive) am I being pulled? Because you guys as a team are playing like shit defensively in front of me.

Stratton: You’re going to be back in against West Zirconia though, they’re just giving Kurt a chance.

Kusler: That’s bull. If Kurt plays well, Martin goes back on his promise to put me back in goal. You and I both know that. Tell me, as a defender, who would you rather have behind you, me or him?

Stratton: Honestly, and I’m not just saying this, I do think you’re the better of the two.

Kusler: Thank you.

(Other players begin to file in, many of them laughing and bragging about who they did last night, Stratton begins tape recording.)

Rafferty: Yo, Strats! What’s up? Gonna be nice to chill and watch you all kick this lowly country.

Vilardi (sitting on Rafferty’s lap): Yeah, good luck with that for you guys that are playing.

Stratton: Shannon, what did you hurt again?

Vilardi: Are you doubting that I’m actually injured?

Stevens: Well, Shannon, you know, you seem to be normal and the trainers have watched tape and can’t really figure out where it happened.

Rafferty: Hey punk don’t you be doubting my girl’s injury.

Stevens: Go back to jail where you belong.

(Rafferty and Stevens get up, stare each other down and yup, a fight breaks out. It only lasts a few seconds though as the others break it up quickly).

Martin: Guys come on, Dale, why are you starting stuff with Rafferty?

Murphy: It was the other way around coach.

Stevens: Thank you.

Cerullo: Damn that was fun. I think Rafferty would have won if we let them duke it out.

Warrick: I agree.

Stevens: You want a piece too?

Martin: That’s enough.

Vilardi: Stratton started it, doubting that I am actually hurt.

Martin: Nate, we shouldn’t be questioning someone’s injury. I am especially disappointed with you since you are the captain of this team.

Cerullo: We need a new captain, not that loser.

(Stratton stands up to face Cerullo when the tape recorder falls out of his pocket).

Rafferty: What the fuck is that? (Retrieves recorder)

Stratton: I was going to tape the lecture, if you were all smart, you would have done it too.

Murphy: I’ve taped pre-game lectures in Loudon for 15 years Rafferty, it’s a good habit to get into.

Stevens: Yeah, so do I. It’s not a big deal.

Rafferty: Yeah but he’s taping other stuff I bet, let me play the tape. (He plays the tape, replaying the earlier conversation)

Martin: Nate? Why?

Stratton: Because....

Martin: Nevermind that, you’re being benched tonight. Dale Stevens is our new captain. Biron, you’re starting.

Biron: Wow, cool! I won’t let you down!

Martin: I know you won’t.

Stevens: Coach, I don’t think its fair for me to be named captain in this manner, I’d like to decline the offer.

Martin: Uhmm, alright then. Cerullo is the new captain.

Stratton: Cerullo?!?!? Captain?!?!

Cerullo: Hell yeah! I’m you’re new boss. Banging one groupie per night is now mandatory. (Laughs)

Martin: Ok, calm down. Nate, who were you gonna give the tape too?

Stratton: No one.

Martin: I don’t believe you. I’ll find out eventually.

Match Day 3 is over.
What suprises will Match Day 4 bring?
RP Cutoff.

Match Day 3 is over.
What suprises will Match Day 4 bring?
RP Cutoff.

OOC: Damn I knew I should have got on here earlier.

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) MD4 Scores and Standings:
(winners in BOLD, as usual; Draws in Italics)

GROUP A: @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
Blouman Empire v Green wombat 3-2
Urna Eletrônica v Miroxia 1-0
Qazox v Cafundeu 2-2 DRAW

GROUP B: @ Quagmire Field: Hamburger Hill, Prux.
Kjomasasopia v Newmanistan 3-0
Nethertopia v Lovisa 3-2
Taeshan v West Zirconia 3-1

GROUP C: @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
Jeruselem v Mantwenic 3-1
Australiah v Land de Wood 2-0
Myedvedeya v Prux 2-2 DRAW

Teams that have clinched Round of 16 berth are in BLUE.

STANDINGS:
GROUP A W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Qazox 3-1-0 10 12 4 +8
Cafundeu 3-1-0 10 12 6 +6
Blouman Empire 2-0-2 6 9 8 +1
Green wombat 2-0-2 6 10 8 +2
Miroxia 1-0-3 3 6 11 -5
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-4 0 1 13 -12

Blouman Empire ahead of Green wombat based on H2H win.
Miroxia has clinched due to H2H win over Urna Eletrônica.

GROUP B W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Newmanistan 3-0-1 9 11 7 +4
Nethertopia 3-0-1 9 9 7 +2
Taeshan 3-0-1 9 10 5 +5
West Zirconia 2-0-2 6 7 7 --
Lovisa 1-0-3 3 8 10 -2
Kjomasasopia 0-0-4 0 3 12 -9

Newmanistan is first on H2H GF between the 3 teams (5-4-4), as H2H and GD are level (1-0-1 and 0). Nethertopia 2nd on H2H win over Taeshan. Lovisa has clinched due to H2H win over Kjomasasopia.

GROUP C W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Jeruselem 4-0-0 12 14 4 +10
Prux 2-1-1 7 10 5 +5
Land de Wood 2-1-1 7 9 9 --
Myedvedeya 1-2-1 5 10 9 +1
Mantwenic 0-2-2 2 5 11 -6
Australiah 0-0-4 0 3 13 -10

Prux ahead of Land de Wood on GD.

16th Place W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Kjomasasopia 0-0-4 0 3 12 -9
Australiah 0-0-4 0 3 13 -10
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-4 0 1 13 -12

Kjomasasopia in 16th on GD (-9 to -10 to -12).

TIEBREAKERS for 2 teams:
H2H Result
Goal Differential
Goals For
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team

TIEBREAKERS for 3 or more teams:
H2H Results
Goal differential in H2H Results
Goals For in H2H Results
Goals Scored vs. 6th place team
Once a team has won a tiebreaker, the remaining teams will have the continued tie broken by the appropriate TieBreaker for 2 or 3 teams.

KNOCKOUT ROUND FORMAT (for those who have forgotten).
M1: A1 vs. C5
M2: B2 vs. A4
M3: A3 vs. C4
M4: C2 vs. B5
M5: B1 vs. A5
M6: C3 vs. B3
M7: A2 vs. B4
M8: C1 vs. Best 6th place

The venues will be listed tommorrow.

CLINCHING SENARIOS:
GROUP A:
All group teams but Urna Eletrônica have clinched Round of 16 berth.

Qazox and Cafundeu: Which ever of these two teams finishes with the higher GD or GF will win the group. If these two teams are level on GD and GF, Qazox will win the Group based on Goals Scored vs. 6th place team; (5-4 in favor of Qazox).

Blouman Empire: Clinches 3rd place with a win or a Green wombat loss or draw or a draw and a Green wombat loss or draw.

Green wombat: Clinches 3rd place with a win and a Blouman Empire loss or draw.

Miroxia: Clinches 3rd place with a 2 or more goal win, while scoring 4 or more goals vs. Blouman Empire; and a Green wombat loss.

In the case of Miroxia, Green wombat and Blouman Empire being all level on points, and Miroxia DID NOT win by 2 or more goals, the order of Finish will be: Green wombat (Best GD in H2H results amongst the 3 teams), Miroxia (H2H win over Blouman Empire), Blouman Empire.

GROUP B:
All group teams but Kjomasasopia have clinched Round of 16 berth.

Newmanistan: Clinches Group with a win, OR if Taeshan loses or draws and Nethertopia loses or draws, OR if Taeshan loses and Newmanistan and Nethertopia have indentical results; (ie: Both win or Both draw.)

Nethertopia: Clinches Group with a win and either a Newmanistan loss or draw, OR Newmanistan loses and Taeshan and Nethertopia have indentical results; (ie: Both win or Both draw.)

Taeshan: Clinches Group with a win and either a Nethertopia loss or draw OR if Nethertopia loses and Taeshan and Newmanistan have indentical results; (ie: Both win or Both draw.)

IF 2 of the 3 teams listed above are tied atop the group: Taeshan wins over Newmanistan, Newmanistan wins over Nethertopia, Nethertopia wins over Taeshan.

IF all 3 teams listed above are tied, Then the order listed in the current standings will be the final order of finish (Newmanistan is first on H2H GF between the 3 teams (5-4-4), as H2H and GD are level (1-0-1 and 0); Nethertopia 2nd on H2H win over Taeshan.)

West Zirconia Clinches 3rd with win over Newmanistan and wins or draws by BOTH Taeshan and Nethertopia. Has H2H win over Lovisa.

Lovisa: Clinched 5th in group (cannot finish higher than 5th due to Tiebrakers).

GROUP C:
Jeruselem: CLINCHED GROUP TITLE

Prux: Clinches 2nd place with win or draw vs. Land de Wood.

Land de Wood: Clinches 2nd with win vs. Prux.

Myedvedeya: Clinches 2nd place with 5 or more goal win vs. Jeruselem and a Prux-Land de Wood draw.

Mantwenic: Clinches Round of 16 berth with a win or draw vs. Australiah.

Australiah: Clinches Round of 16 berth with win over Mantwenic.

16TH PLACE:
If any 1 of the three current 6th place teams earn a point, while the other 2 don't or 1 of the three wins while the other two draw, than that team will advance.

IF any 2 of the 3 current 6th place teams earn a point or win, while the 3rd draws or loses, then the team with the better GDor GF will advance.

IF all 3 current 6th place teams finish level on points, then the team with the best GD or GF will advance.

IF (somehow) all 3 6th placed teams are level on points, GD and GF; then the 3 teams will face off in a 3-way PK shootout with the first team to 10 goals advancing.

OOC: Damn I knew I should have got on here earlier.

(ooc: i usually have the cutoff around 11:30pm)

THE ROCKET REPORT

BACKUPS STEP UP

Hamburger Hill, Prux- In the team’s final game in Prux during the group stage, the Rockets cruised to a 3-nil victory, which was in every way, the best effort of the Oxen Cup campaign. They did this with several new faces in the lineup. While we saw many of them coming, there was a last minute change in which now ex-captain Nate Stratton was benched for what coach James Martin referred to as, “continued conduct detrimental to the team” and Brian Cerullo, of all people, was named the new captain. Larry Biron got the start in his place. Stratton declined the Rocket Report’s request for an interview before the game, but did say he would grant one before the team played West Zirconia in Qazox. Kurt Allwine, in his first chance to start after countless games as a backup, made it count, turning away all (though there weren’t many) Kjomasasopia shots that he would face. Eric Lovell, Danny Cardona, and 40-year old John Murphy all got a chance to start as well as Rafferty and Phillips sat out red card suspensions, and Shannon Vilardi nursed her pulled hamstring.

The Rockets showed a ton of fire early on in this game, a far, far cry from what we have seen in the openings of games in the past. They made some errors and took a little while to get in sync, certainly an understandable situation for what in many ways was a “makeshift” lineup for the game. Even in that, they were obviously carrying the play, and whenever a bad pass was made, the defense was right there to back it up and keep a shot form getting to Allwine. Kurt did about as much work in the first 15 minutes of his first start then he has in all his games as a backup. Kevin Haynes, in particular, was very impressive, and with Nate Stratton now the subject of disciplinary measures, he is now the frontrunner for a World Cup 43 roster spot if one is made for one of these defenders. Eric Lovell and Larry Biron made the most of their starts, each also looking very good. Newmanistan began showing more chemistry around the 20th minute, and it wouldn’t be much longer before they would get a goal on the board. In the 22nd minute, John Murphy would score off a rebound of a Brian Wright shot to make it 1-nil. Murphy has been scoring goals like this for a couple decades now, the 40-year old has made a career of being in the right place at the right time for rebounds, and here he was again. Kjomasasopia initially responded well to the goal, and got their first shot on Allwine in the 25th minute from Stefan Blessig, and showed some signs of life over this limited stretch. It didn’t last, and the Rockets again picked up the momentum, and would score a second goal in the 37th minute. Danny Cardona from twenty-five yards. Nothing fancy. He just took a shot and it found the back of the net to the left of keeper Denver Blyant to make it 2-nil. All Blyant could do was look up into the skies afterward. He knew he should have had that one, and he knew that would be a morale killer, especially so late in the second half. 2-nil would end up being the halftime score.

During the intermission, we heard that there was a very loose atmosphere. The team was confident and reportedly spent the time trying to figure out what everyone who wasn’t playing was doing. Stratton was still allowed to watch the game from the sideline, and Chris Phillips was up in the press box. They never did find out where Brian Rafferty and Shannon Vilardi were, or at least, no one felt obligated to tell us.

The second half started out quite well for Newmanistan. They attacked aggressively and it paid off immediately with a 48th minute goal as Dale Stevens would sent a perfectly placed cross over to Brian Wright, and Wright simply made it count for the goal, putting Newmanistan up 3-nil. At this point, they felt as though they had the game in the bag, but Kjomasasopia didn’t exactly fade away quietly. Until about the 65th minute, they had their best offensive opportunities, but like the James Martin’s Centralia Cougars, his defense found a way to make the timely clears and force their shooters to take bad shots which went wide or were easily stopped Allwine. Only in the 59th minute did we feel as though Allwine had to make a real outstanding save to preserve the clean sheet. Over the final 20-25 minutes, Martin got some subs into the game, mainly Chris Johnston, John Owens, and Alex Warrick; replacing Eric Blunden, Kevin Sturgeon, and John Murphy. The subs simply focused on maintaining the clean sheet, and eventually this would be the case. The final whistle sounded, and it would be the most complete game that Newmanistan has had in the Oxen Cup. Not bad for a starting lineup that saw many second string players in it. We feel pretty good that Brian Rafferty and Chris Phillips will be back, and if Shannon Vilardi has recovered from her hamstring pull that she would be back in the lineup as well. Not quite sure what the situation will be with Nate Stratton. In goal is a question as well, and we have to say it’s about 50-50 right now.

The funky scheduling puts the Rockets at Champions Field for the final matchday. A fitting stadium for two of the last three Baptism of Fire champions to be going head to head on. West Zirconia is the opponent in Qazox City.


NEWMANISTAN 3

Murphy (22")
Cardona (37")
Wright (48") Assist- Stevens

KJOMASASOPIA 0

ON YAP YAP ...

Dazza:
Hello, I'm ... you know who I am! This is YAP YAP, Jeruselem's favourite chat show. Today we talk to Mary Sallad, the mother of Kate and Jacinta Sallad as well as Jeruselem Tour de Qazox cyclist! At the moment, she's got her kids at the Oxen Cup 8 doing the nation proud. Captain Kate Dallas ... oops Sallad had lead our team to all wins and showing the skills of a leader. Of course, she can thank her Mum too. Make Mary Sallad fell welcome!

Mary: Hello! Nice to be here!
Dazza: Now, I hear you have big announcement to make.
Mary: Yeah, it's a big one.
Dazza: You're not pregnant again?

Mary: No no, nothing to do with kids or cycling.
Dazza: You don't have cancer or something?
Mary: No no, I'm not going die. It's something weird.
Dazza: Well, let's sit down and talk about it.

Mary:
Well, I was born from IVF. Supposed I was product of IVF using my mother's eggs and father's sperm. I decided to have a DNA test on myself just to confirm this. Funny thing, Dad always said I was nothing like Mum. I behaved too much like you to be like Mum. It got me thinking and I got myself a DNA test. Mum and Dad sent samples to the lab too.

Dazza: So, you think the IVF people made a mistake?
Mary: I hoped I was a funny girl and Mum was my Mum!
Dazza: So what was the verdict?
Mary: First thing, my Dad was my Dad but ...

Dazza: Oh, so ... your real mother isn't your mother!
Mary: Yeah, I was shocked. The lab was surprised and cross-checked my DNA against other women!
Dazza: So who is your real mother?
Mary: I'd just like to say, I love my Mum and my Mum is still my mother. She's still important to me but my real mother is someone else.

Dazza: So, who's Mum?
Mary: Natasha Kinski Dallas of Ariddia!
Dazza: You mean ... my MUM ... so you're my sister ...
Mary: I was shocked! I was related to Dazza Dallas.

Dazza: Oh! SISTER!
Mary: SIS!

(Mary and Dazza hug each other, crowd cheer)

Dazza: Oh, I have a new sister (crying).
Mary: Yeah, I must explain how it happened.
Dazza: Please explain sis!

Mary:
Well, your mother had eggs in a freezer from some experiment in the past. One of lab techs accidently dropped my mother's vial and destroyed the contents. To cover, the tech grabbed one from the vials one wasn't supposed to look at and relabelled it. Hence when the operation went ahead, I was a product of your mother and Dad.

Dazza: Wow, this is insane!
Mary: But the good news is I have two mothers.
Dazza: Pity, my Mum is dead.
Mary: She lives on in me and you ... and all our kids.

Dazza: It's a wonder your kids are like mine.
Mary: I know.
Dazza: Was your mother angry?
Mary: No, she wasn't surprised. She's always going on about me acting like that stupid Dazza Dallas.

Dazza: Because you are Dazza Dallas.
Mary: Mary Dallas.
Dazza: Meaning there's two Kate and Jacinta Dallases.
Mary: No wonder our kids get along so well, like family.

Dazza: This is such a beautiful day (crying)
Mary: But ... why am I so stupid! I'm not very bright.
Dazza: I don't know. Might be the IVF treatment, or just the eggs were damaged being frozen for so long.
Mary: I'm sad for my mother having no kids of her own.

Dazza: She's part of Dallas family now.
Mary: I'll still shocked at this.
Dazza: I don't know what to say ... I love my family and it's even bigger now.
Mary: I'm proud to be a Dallas! And a Sallad too.

While aboard the team flight from Hamburger Hill to Qazox City, Nate Stratton decides this is a good time to talk to coach Martin about being benched, being stripped of the captaincy, and other things.

Stratton: Coach, we need to talk, can we please, now while we are in flight?

Martin: (puts down newspaper): So you want to know if you are going to play against West Zirconia, right?

Stratton: Well yes, but we just need to talk.

Martin: Alright fine, what is it?

Stratton: Well you know I am not happy about having been benched against Kjomasasopia but we have to move on, so....

Martin: We got a clean sheet against them. I thought Larry Biron and Eric Lovell both stepped up nicely in their chance to start. And I got Phillips coming back off the red card.

Stratton: They played well, yes, I’m happy for them, but West Zirconia is a much better team, I hope you are going to put me back in the lineup. I shouldn’t have been benched in the first place. Conduct detrimental to the team? You’re smearing my name across Newmanistan over something real stupid.

Martin: Ok, you can play under one condition.

Stratton: What?

(Cerullo yells bench him again from the distance)

Martin: You tell me who you were taping that for before the game.

Stratton: Why does it matter so much?

Martin: It matters if you want to play. And I’ll know if you’re lying so don’t even try that.

Stratton: Yeah ok, maybe I should just quit the team and tell the Rocket Report that you’re banging a 19-year old even though you are married and have kids. Both of which are older then the girl you’re getting with. I have an interview scheduled with Clint Peterson when we land.

Martin: Go ahead. Do it. It’ll just look like sour grapes and you’ll be making an even greater fool of yourself by saying something like that, so yeah, go ahead.

Stratton: And to think, I used to respect you as a coach.

Martin: So are you quitting or not, I have to finalize my lineup.

Stratton: Will I start?

Martin: I told you, you can play under one condition. I presented the condition, you didn’t respond.

Stratton: Ok, fine, will I start regardless of what you think of the answer?

Martin: Alright, you will.

Stratton (sighing): Brian Carson wanted me too......

Martin: (interrupting) Say no more.

Stratton: Fine. So I start now, right?

Martin: Yes, yes. A deal is a deal. You will start but Brian Cerullo will remain captain.

Stratton: I don’t wanna be captain of this team anymore anyway. So what are you going to do now, may I ask?

Martin: I have to think about it.

(Stratton returns to his seat. Chris Kusler now approaches Martin)

Kusler: Coach, I just have to ask, am I back in goal?

Martin: That’s a good question. Let’s see here..... Kusler.... 3 games, 7 goals allowed. Allwine.... 1 game, zero goals allowed.

Kusler: That is true, though I played against much stronger teams, and I had a clean sheet against West Zirconia in the last Oxen Cup.

Martin: Yes you did. This is not an easy decision, Chris. But I have decided to give you the start, but it will be under scrutiny. If I am not satisfied, then I am going with Kurt for the knockouts.

Kusler: Fair enough. I won’t let you down.

Martin: That’s the spirit. I like you Chris, you’re a good role model for the team.

Kusler: Thanks I appreciate that.

Somewhere downtown
Qazox City, Qazox
Two days before the final group game
The team was sitting inside a café, as storm waged on around Qazox City. The Scout had given them a day off, because training in this kind of weather wouldn't make any sense. The storm would hold on for three days too, so there was a fairly large chance that all the teams had to play in it.
"Heh, this will prove to be fun," said Pannekoek. "Playing football in this bloody storm..."
"Don't complain," said Jerome de Wit, "at least it has won us a free day!"
The others agreed on him. "Well, i just hope that Ben gets us three in the net again, like last game," finished Hans Klaassen, before the team switched to a different subject.
(OOC I have no clue if the Champions Field has a roftop, so i presumed it hadn't one)

Somewhere downtown
Qazox City, Qazox
Two days before the final group game
The team was sitting inside a café, as storm waged on around Qazox City. The Scout had given them a day off, because training in this kind of weather wouldn't make any sense. The storm would hold on for three days too, so there was a fairly large chance that all the teams had to play in it.
"Heh, this will prove to be fun," said Pannekoek. "Playing football in this bloody storm..."
"Don't complain," said Jerome de Wit, "at least it has won us a free day!"
The others agreed on him. "Well, i just hope that Ben gets us three in the net again, like last game," finished Hans Klaassen, before the team switched to a different subject.
(OOC I have no clue if the Champions Field has a roftop, so i presumed it hadn't one)

(ooc: You are correct. Except for the SaxerDome (it is a dome), all stadia in Qazox are wide open to the elements. I really need to post pics up one of these days on the Wikistates page...)

Myedvedeya scored 2 early goals, and the Zombies had to rally behind goals from Zombie Zinedine Zidane and Zombie Ronaldo; to earn a draw at Hart Field, in Asylum, Green Wombat. The draw sets up a show-down with Land de Wood for 2nd place in the group, with the winner getting one of the top seeds in the knockout rounds. If they both draw, the Prux would win based on better GD, unless Myedvedeya somehow beats Jeruselem by 5 or more goals (which will happen the day after President Griffin gets voted out of office...which is to say NEVER!).


SCHEDULE:
MD1: Jeruselem LOST 1-2 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic WIN 4-0@ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah WIN 3-1@ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya DRAW 2-2 @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

GOALS:
Zombie Pelé- 3
Zombie Zinedine Zidane- 2
Zombie Ronaldo-2
Dr. Mkembe- 1
Zombie Just Fontaine-1
Zombie Lothar Matthäus-1

(ooc: You are correct. Except for the SaxerDome (it is a dome), all stadia in Qazox are wide open to the elements. I really need to post pics up one of these days on the Wikistates page...)

(OOC In that case, i've set up a nice senario for the final games in group B...)

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia WIN 4-2 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica W 3-0 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu LOSE 1-3 @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire LOSE 2-3 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

GOALS:
Blessing 5
Utley 2
Wilcox
Henke
Griffin

Wayne Blessing is good, but unfortunately for the Wombats, he seems to be the only one who is. 5 goals in 4 games, he's outscored the rest of the team. But following yesterday's 3-2 loss to Blouman Empire, Green wombat, who've clinched a round of 16 berth, face an 0-0-3 finish after winning thier 1st two matches. Only a win and a blouman empire loss (or a draw and the same BE loss) will keep the wombats in contention for a top 8 seeding. With the tourney moving to Qazox, and since that happens to be our next opponent, it's very likely Qazox will win the match.

MYEDVEDEYA DRAWS TWICE

Myedvedeya draw twice, and are guaranteed a berth in the elimination rounds of the Oxen cup with 1-2-1 record, and 5 points. Tonight, they face Jeruselem, who have clinched a the group title. A win or a draw would be a great achievement.

Leading Goalscorer:

A.Rozhdestvensky- 5


Myedvdedeyan Bear of the Tournament:

N.Dolohov (Captain)

(OOC)- better RPs will come in the knockout rounds, I have like 4 tests tomorrow though.
A.Rozhdestvensky

Air Force Does it Again

Were in the elimanatory stage know friends. The Air Force Aeros soccer team, who will be the barrers of the Taeshani flag in the future oxen Cups marched passed the West Zirconians with a 3-1 victory. It was an easy game for the Knights p[laying a somewhat lower knotch team. In the final Oxen Cup game in Qazox, the Knights will face the Kjomasoipion team. Powder puff time. Easy matches at the end. Go Knights.

(OOC Tae, i'm up against them. You're facing Lovista.)

Australiah 0 v 2 Land de Wood

Business as usual for Land de Wood today. They say there are no easy games in international football but Australiah have now played four and lost four, scoring just three goals along the way and conceding thirteen goals.

Land de Wood coasted to victory today with goals from Steve Redrow and Ray Horse.
Steve Redrow volleyed home a cross from Aaron Whitemore, while Ray Horse scored after a superb solo run from midfield.
However, Hoggins was hacked down in the first ten minutes of the game and is rated as doubtful for the showdown with Prux.

Of course it is this next game Land de Wood verses Prux that everyone cares about. Not because it decides who gets a nice easy round of 16 match up with the 5th team from group B, but rather because of the history between these two nations.

In the World Cup qualifying Land de Wood's hopes were dashed by Prux's Zombies. In the first game between the two nations Prux ran riot. In the second game they took a two goal lead but then Land de Wood pulled a shock. Andrew Wood deputised his entire team, and then handed them his security team's shotguns with orders to defend Andrew, who is not just the national team manager but also the Prime Minister, from the Zombie threat. Having shot all 11 zombies, they faced only the oppositions manager/sub Dr. Mkembe and managed to stage a two goal fightback to draw two all. But this was not enough for Land de Wood to qualify for the play-offs.

So zombies and shot guns what next? Well we've already seen Land de Wood launch Woodpeckers against Jerusalem with mixed results. As while the feathered birds of Land de Wood caused havoc with the Jerusalem players, the Land de Wood players were somewhat distracted by birds of a rather different sort [i.e. the opposition!], however, rumours are they've brought in some of their national animal: Wooden Eagles to support their cause this time, Zombies beware.

Daniel Bland was quoted as saying "Well Prux may have zombies but we have wooden eagles, just as golden eagles aren't made of gold, wooden eagles aren't made of wood, but both make great predators and have great eyesight"

He also announced his team today:
4-3-1-2 formation, style +1 attack
Clemence
Aimer Bell Lewis Derby
Whitemore Derby Wallace
Horse
Higgins Redrow


Needing a victory today he has announced an attackive 4-3-1-2 formation, with Hoggins out injured he welcomes Higgins back to the team and goes for two strikers and no aerial targetman. With the wooden eagles set to dive from the air he doesn't want the ball getting in their way.

minor typo oh well. Were alreADY IN SO WHATEVER.

THE ROCKET REPORT

WHAT’S GOING ON?

Qazox City, Qazox- The Rockets departed the team charter to Qazox City earlier today, and are prepared for their final group stage game of the meeting against the reigning Baptism of Fire champions from West Zirconia. But I (Clint Peterson) needed to get to the bottom of a few things first, such as the striping of Nate Stratton’s injury to trying to determine just where Shannon Vilardi got hurt against Lovisa. Nate Stratton gave me the chance for a one-on-one interview, and here’s how it went.

CP: Good afternoon everyone, I’m Clint Peterson, and with me is Rockets defender Nate Stratton, who has been in the spotlight over the last few days. Hello, Nate.

NS: Good afternoon, Clint.

CP: So Nate, you’ve generally been a quiet player for most of your career, but a player that kids could look up to as a role model, so what’s going on?

NS: I believe that I am still very much a player that kids can look up to and say that guy does things the right way.

CP: Well I have to get right to it then. You were suspended for Conduct Detrimental to the Team for the game against Kjomasasopia. That’s not something young kids should be admiring. Would you like to state your case?

NS: I was suspended for having a disagreement with coach Martin about things going on with the team. He didn’t like the way I thought about certain things, and instead of talking it over, it became a bit of an argument, and he opted to sit me out and strip me of the captaincy.

CP: What was the argument about?

NS: Even though we won two of our first three games, there were some aspects where we were struggling, like you guys have been alluding too since the start of the Oxen Cup in regards to work ethics, and just the way we had started games off so poorly.

CP: That doesn’t sound like something that would cause an argument.

NS: That came in how we were going to get things better. He took exception to one thing I said, and then our emotions got the better of us. I didn’t think it was a nasty argument, and I was really quite stunned when he just came out and told me I had been benched. Though I think I lot of us defenders, well maybe I shouldn’t say that.

CP: Go ahead.

NS: No, I really shouldn’t, Clint. Because it might start up the argument again. We’re trying to put it behind us now and we got a game against West Zirconia that needs to be our focal point.

CP: Is it behind you?

NS: Right now, I think so. I’m getting the start again, so we can move forward.

CP: Billy Cerullo was announced as the new captain. A move that completely shocked much of the people back home in Newmanistan. Would you say he has the support of the team?

NS: Uh yeah, you can probably say that, yes.

CP: And does he have your support?

NS: We’ll see what he can do in that role. If the coach feels this is what is best for the team, then I will support it.

CP: You said that, but you didn’t seem to say it very convincingly, so I have to ask you seriously now, does he have your support?

NS: He’s the captain now, so he has my support. I’ve always been a player that has respected the decisions of the coaching staff. Coach Martin has confidence in him, and maybe it will work out for us. We have to keep our focus on beating West Zirconia, and then our opposition in the knockouts because that’s what really matters, not who has the armband.

CP: How would you describe your relationship with coach Martin?

NS: It’s not perfect, but I think it is fine from a professional standpoint.

CP: I know you’re not really the best person to ask this, but all of us at home are trying to figure out where Shannon Vilardi got hurt against Lovisa. Do you know?

NS: No, not really, that’s not up to me. One shouldn’t question someone’s injury.

CP: I guess so. So anyway thanks Nate for coming, that’s all the time we have for today. Good luck tonight.

NS: Thanks Clint.
= = = = = = = =


(About an hour later)

Martin: Hey Stratton, I heard your interview.

Stratton: Yeah, I figured you would.

Martin: Glad you kept it professional.

Stratton: Yeah well, I want to play, so.....


(Another hour later)

Murphy: You blew it.

Stratton: What are you talking about it?

Murphy: You were the one guy on this team who knew what was going on and didn’t want to give in to all of it . You could have said something to Clint Peterson that could have at least raised suspicion on Martin. But no, you got all politically correct.

Stratton: Geez, John, I’m sorry. I just didn’t think it was the right time for that and I want to play.

Murphy: I recall someone at the beginning of the tournament who was complaining how people were putting their own individual interests first. Whether they were lazy, not wanting to practice, or being to concerned with landing a World Cup 43 roster spot, or in case of Martin for the betterment of his own personal coaching career. You were rightfully willing to call them out because you knew it wasn’t in the best interest of the team to put their individual needs first. So now you had a chance and what did you do? You put your individual need first, of wanting to play instead of taking the chance to expose the insanity that is going on within this locker room right now. You think about that, Nate. You’re no better then the rest of them. (Walks away without allowing Stratton a response.)

RP CUTOFF
Who will play whom in the Round of 16, and where?
Find out soon!

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) MD5 Scores and Standings:
(winners in BOLD, as usual; Draws in Italics)

GROUP A: @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.
Urna Eletrônica v Cafundeu 3-0
Miroxia v Blouman Empire 2-2 DRAW
Green wombat v Qazox 3-2

GROUP B: @ Champions Field, Qazox City, Qazox..
Lovisa v Taeshan 1-1 DRAW
Nethertopia v Kjomasasopia 2-1
West Zirconia v Newmanistan 2-1

GROUP C: @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox.
Myedvedeya v Jeruselem 2-0
Mantwenic v Australiah 1-0
Land de Wood v Prux 2-2 DRAW

Teams that have clinched Round of 16 berth are in BLUE.

STANDINGS:
GROUP A W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Qazox 4-1-0 13 15 6 +9
Cafundeu 4-1-0 13 15 6 +9
Blouman Empire 2-1-2 7 11 10 +1
Green wombat 2-0-2 6 12 11 +1
Miroxia 1-1-3 4 8 13 -5
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-5 0 1 16 -15

Qazox wins Group based on Goals Scored vs. 6th place team; 5-4 in favor of Qazox.


GROUP B W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Newmanistan 4-0-1 12 13 8 +5
Nethertopia 4-0-1 12 11 8 +3
Taeshan 3-1-1 10 11 6 +5
West Zirconia 2-0-3 6 8 9 -1
Lovisa 1-1-3 4 9 11 -2
Kjomasasopia 0-0-5 0 4 14 -10

Newmanistan is wins Group based on H2H win over Nethertopia.

GROUP C W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Jeruselem 5-0-0 12 16 4 +12
Prux 2-2-1 8 12 7 +5
Land de Wood 2-2-1 8 11 11 --
Myedvedeya 1-2-2 5 10 11 -1
Australiah 1-0-4 3 4 13 -9
Mantwenic 0-2-3 2 5 12 -7

Prux ahead of Land de Wood on GD.

16th Place W-D-L Pts GF GA GD
Mantwenic 0-2-3 2 5 12 -7
Kjomasasopia 0-0-5 0 4 14 -10
Urna Eletrônica 0-0-5 0 1 16 -15

Mantwenic gets 16th place berth.

KNOCKOUT ROUND Matchups:
M1: Qazox vs. Australiah @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, Qazox.
M2: Nethertopia vs. Green wombat @ Hart Field, Green Wombat.
M3: Blouman Empire vs. Myedvedeya @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Taeshan.
M4: Prux vs. Lovisa @ Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux.
M5: Newmanistan vs. Miroxia @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium, Prux.
M6: Land de Wood vs. Taeshan @ X Island Metropark, Taeshan.
M7: Cafundeu vs. West Zirconia @ Jaksen Stadium, Green Wombat.
M8: Jeruselem vs. Mantwenic @ Estadio Azul Flores, Qazox

QuarterFinals:
QF1: M7 winner vs. M8 winner @ Quagmire Field, Prux
QF2: M5 winner vs. M6 winner @ Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux
QF3: M3 winner vs. M4 winner @ Atlantea Coliseum, Taeshan
QF4: M1 winner vs. M2 winner @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Taeshan

SEMIFINALS:
SF1: QF1 winner vs. QF2 winner @ Estadio Azul Flores, Qazox
SF2: QF3 winner vs. QF4 winner @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, Qazox

FINALS:
SF1 Winners vs. SF2 winners @ Champions Field, Qazox

3rd place:
SF1 Losers vs. SF2 Losers @ Green wombat Field, Green wombat

(ooc: Forgot to mention this earlier: Tommorrow is an Off Day, the Round of 16 will begin Saturday night)

Sadie: Hey Kate!
Kate: Hey Dopey!
Sadie: We're related!
Kate: Yes, we are. I'm a certified Dallas.

Jacinta: Me too!
Giovanni: Hi girls ... I suppose it's all a big family here!
Kate: I was thinking of changing my name.
Jacinta: I should do that too!

Sadie: Nah, I'd just get confused.
Giovanni: It's not hard to confuse you Sadie.
Sadie: I'm confused already now!
Kate: Kate Dallas ... I like that.

Jacinta: Well, we always wanted to be Dallases and we are.
Sadie: It's a big family we have.
Kate: It just got bigger.
Sadie: Hang on, I'm the great-grand daughter ... and you two are grand daughters.

Giovanni: And yet, you lot are about the same age.
Sadie: Marie is also only grand daughter and not a great grand daughter.
Giovanni: That's because Dazza had late kids when she's not supposed to.
Kate: Let's see, Matilda ... she's a great grand daughter.

Sadie: This is all too confusing.
Giovanni: This is what happens when there's too many kids in a family.
Jacinta: I've got kids too.
Kate: I want my turn.

Monique: Ah, the Dallas clan are here including Kate and Jacinta Dallas 2.
Kate: I'm proud to be one of the clan.
Jacinta: All we're missing is the Princess title.
Monique: You're not Dazza's kids so you can't be princesses.

Knights Tie Lovisa

Ah well its just the Oxen cup, and we tied Lovisa and finished third in our group, and will play one home turf to open the round of 16 vs LAnd de Wood. Ah it shall be fun. some dude scored in the game. Just remeber that and we shall vanquish.

although leaving the oxen cup with no wins, the experience was extremely useful to our world cup/baptism of fire campaign. and as the team and staff left for the last boat home, they presented the governments of The hosting nations: Qazox, Taeshan, Prux and Green wombat with a Tyhla, a native dance to farewell the countries who have hosted them:

"fa meja, fa tea,

fa yna napunh du adanhym meva,

fa gemm ymm fru cdyht eh uin fyo.

dra cih, dra suuh, fedhaccac uv uin vekrd.

fa cdyht ihedat yc drnaa. fa pet vynafamm

vnus ouin rusamyht. oui ryja gabd ic famm.

KJO! MASA! SOPIANU!



FYNNEUNC!"

Zombie Pelé scored the first 2 goals, and Land de Wood, with explicit instructions to leave their weapons home, after the Zombies were muzzled, tied it up at 2-2 late, clinching 2nd place in the group. Now we go home to take on Lovisa.


SCHEDULE:
MD1: Jeruselem LOST 1-2 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic WIN 4-0@ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah WIN 3-1@ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya DRAW 2-2 @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood DRAW 2-2 @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox

GOALS:
Zombie Pelé- 5
Zombie Zinedine Zidane- 2
Zombie Ronaldo-2
Dr. Mkembe- 1
Zombie Just Fontaine-1
Zombie Lothar Matthäus-1

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia WIN 4-2 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica W 3-0 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu LOSE 1-3 @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire LOSE 2-3 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox LOSE 2-3 @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.

GOALS:
Blessing 5
Utley 4
Wilcox
Henke
Griffin

Pauline Utley got two late goals to avoid being shutout by Qazox, but the 3rd straight loss sends the wombats back home to face Nethertopia in the round of 16. The draw for Green wombat is difficult, as a rematch with Qazox looms in the quarters, then a possible match with Prux in the semis, then Cafundeu, Jeruselem or Newmanistan in the finals. So odds are we're not gonna win this tourney.

Jeruselem Government News

Kate Dallas II says the future is now

Katherine Anne Sallad aka Kate Dallas II, Captain of the Jeruselem Oxen Cup 6 wants a big effort from her team. Kate who is really a Dallas, said the Oxen Cup 8 is a training run for the World Cup 43.

"We're here to win. The only acceptable result is to win this cup. We are the 2nd best World Cup seeds but we aren't here for a holiday. I'm the team leader and should be for the next World Cup. I'm treating the Oxen Cup 8 as a prelude to the real thing. I know everyone here is here to win but in the Oxen Cup we have potential World Cup winners like Qazox and the Monopolists. Also here are potential finalists like Newmanistan and teams for the future. It's not going to be easy but my team is not here for fun. We need to be at our best now. One bad game, and we cannot win this cup. I've told my team that this is not just little cup, we're here for a big prize and the team here know anyone who does not perform might not make the World Cup 43"

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS OUTLAST WEST ZIRCONIA

Qazox City, Qazox- During World Cup qualifications, we’ve seen this kind of theme on several occasions where Newmanistan took on a higher ranked opponent. They would play them tough, and give them a quality game, but at the end of the day, the Rockets would just get outclassed. Last night at Champions Field, we saw this again, but this time it was Newmanistan doing the outclassing. West Zirconia, winners of the 29th Baptism of Fire put up a strong valiant fight, in a game that was well played by both sides. Newmanistan would just have the ability to dig down a little deeper, work a little harder, and come out with that little bit more that you need to win a game. Newmanistan won the game 2-1, and wins the overall Group B title with their 4-0-1 record. Their first round opponent will be Miroxia.

The normal starting eleven were back on the field for the Rockets. Brian Rafferty and Chris Phillips returned from their red card suspensions, and Chris Kusler was back in net despite Kurt Allwine having notched a clean sheet in the game against Kjomasasopia. Nate Stratton was back from the team-imposed suspension, and Shannon Vilardi was back and showing no ill effects of the hamstring injury that kept her out of the last game. James Martin and the Rockets opted to start the game in a conservative manner for several reasons, the main one being the above, with many lineup changes, just so everyone could get back in sync. He also knew that the team had not started well in the past, so he wanted to make sure the team established a comfortable flow. West Zirconia didn’t seem to mind this, as after all, they were the underdog, and likely looking for a chance to pounce. In retrospect though, coach Roy Hazell may be second guessing himself for not adjusting his tactics accordingly when Newmanistan came out with a defensive focus. This was Martin’s style, after all, it’s how he makes a living in Centralia. There wasn’t a ton of excitement in the first half hour, but that didn’t mean there was a lack of action. Gritty midfield play by both sides may not have seemed like much to the casual observer, but it was a classic battle in the trenches, and one did would eventually be able to take charge. Around the 35 minute mark, Newmanistan seemed to have the stronger legs and got some good rushes on net going. The West Zirconia back end and keeper Steve Gray were up for it, but in the 41st minute, Newmanistan would get a huge goal. Newly-named captain Billy Cerullo would be your scorer, taking a nice pass from Brian Wright, and struck it perfectly low and to the left of Gray, which the keeper mistimed. That would be the goal of the first half, and on to intermission we went.

As has been the case all tournament, we haven’t got a lot of feedback about the discussions that went on during the halftime speeches, but it became quite clear what the focal point of them where when the second half began. They would attempt to start the second half much the way they began the first, by dictating the flow of the game and keeping a defensive focus. This worked for about ten minutes, but then West Zirconia really seemed to go all out. And why wouldn’t they? Martin Forster and Anthony McGowan gradually began to take control of the game for those in the blue and red, as each of them put two shots on net between minutes 55 and 62. They were getting the shots, but they still had to get by Chris Kusler, who was very motivated to have a huge game to maintain his spot in goal especially on the heels of Allwine’s shutout. Ed French then got a great chance in the 66th minute that Kusler would deny, and then Forster was denied again in the 69th. But not even the best goalkeeper can get them all, and in the 71st minute, the persistance of the West Zirconia offense paid off as McGowan roofed a shot just underneath the crossbar to tie up the game. Finally, they had gotten the equalizer. But West Zirconia was about to learn a little something right here. A little thing about being outclassed, and the Rockets would know well as often they are the students of this lesson, and not the teacher. West Zirconia was feeling good, their fans were chanting and they were on top of the world. Newmanistan would silence them immediately. West Zirconia was not ready for the immediate counter attack in the manner they should have been, and they were generating chances now. Gray made a save on a Sturgeon shot in the 73rd minute, but on the ensuing corner, Rafferty delivered it perfectly to Brian Wright, who on a perfectly placed header, put the Rockets back in front. All that energy to get the equalizer for West Zirconia suddenly evaporated. Two minutes later, they were back in a one-goal hole. They attempted a comeback, but defensive minded substitutions by James Martin made the task more difficult, and the fresh legs in the back end of Larry Biron and Eric Lovell kept Kusler from facing any real challenging shots. Newmanistan gets the victory, and now heads back to Prux to take on Miroxia. 2-1, your final.


NEWMANISTAN 2

Cerullo (41") Assist- Wright
Wright (73") Assist- Rafferty

WEST ZIRCONIA 1

McGowan (71")

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

NETHERTOPIA CLINCHES PLACE WITH LAST 16 DESPITE OFF DAY
WE BLAME THE WEATHER
Qazox City, Qazox - Beating Kjomasasopia two-to-one isn't what you say the biggest achievement that the Nethertopian side has reached. But it was enough to keep hold of the second place in Group B.
The storm that was raging Qazox City lessened during the day the game was played. Thank God for that, because the Kjomasasopian players seemed to be strengthened by it. They even took so much advantage of it that they gained the lead, with a perfectly placed free kick in the 20th minute. Augustine Rader was able to spin the ball in the net, with Wouter van Dalen only able to watch as the ball went in the goal. Kjomasasopia even went further out, playing attacking football for the rest of the first half. Our Falcons had to use every single muscle in their bodies to prevent the opponents from scoring again. Eventually, in the 34th minute, Rader made his second of the match, but it was clearly offside. The assistant referee had spotted that right and the party didn't continue.
After the break it seemed like the Nethertopian side started completely refreshed at the game. The Scout had decided to switch Michael de Vet for Yannick de Woudt, switching to a 4-4-2 diamond system. This seemed to work out really well, because Kjomasasopia was able to attack, but wasn't able to find any free men with the extra defender on the pitch. Nethertopia waited for counters to equalise the game.
The equaliser arrived in the 57th minute, when Norman Bridger lost the ball to Ronnie de Haan. He gave a depth ball forward, and reached Pannekoek with it. He was able to get passed his man and crossed the ball to Ben van Dam, who scored with a header.
The Kjomasasopian team then went out for a suicide attack, playing with almost every person in front of the ball. At first, this tactic seemed to work, with a bicycle kick from Mohammed Harden against the woodwork and another free kick that barely missed the goal, but it was in the last minute of regular time that the Falcons locked the game.
A goal kick from Wouter van Dalen landed into the feet of Thomas Schaak, who kept vision on the game. He passed on to Jean-Pierre Bakker and received it back directly. He shot at goal, but Denver Blyant was able to save the ball. He couldn't hold on to it, though. Jan-Paul Snip was first to reach the ball and it was a piece of cake for the prolific striker to shoot the ball in the goal from a short distance.
The Scout said afterwards that the circumstances around the game weren't optimal, but that he was happy the way his team had played for most of the second half.

Goal recap:
20 Augustine Rader - 57 Ben van Dam, 90 Jan-Paul Snip

LESSONS IN PROFICIENCY
AN ANALYSE ABOUT THE SCOUT'S GAMEPLAY
By Arie Mateur
Peregrinus City - The Falcons have placed themselves for the last 16 in the Oxen Cup. Not something very special. Something that is truly special, is that they finished second in a pool of six, with five higher ranked teams. Less impressive again, is the way they're playing.
The Nethertopians placed themselves with a goal difference of +3. -1 for the loss against Newmanistan and +4 for four times victory. Not a single game has been won with more than one goal difference. Personally, I think that's quite disappointing.
The way The Scout and Trevor Organ are keeping the team together deserves credit. Nethertopia has been away from the international stage for a long time and hasn't had a nation team for years. This team is truly a team.
If we compare this to the way Newmanistan is playing, with fights all over, in sight or in the shadows. Still, this team is doing great. But it's good to see that our Falcons are growing to have a bond. I mean, Newmanistan has a B-team currently, the Oxen Cup are an audition for them. This team is our real deal.
Take our last game. Kjomasasopia almost had us in sight, which would've cost us our second place in the pool. But The Scout makes a change, and voila, the team operates as a team and wins the match in the last seconds. It might be a cliché, but I believe they're growing into the tournament.
Speaking of the tournament, up next is Green Wombat. We played them before, in WC40. They were a pain in the ass back then. I'm not sure about our results, but it was quite not so very good. But in this form, we might stand a chance. A counterpoint is that Green Wombat is literally playing a home game, in their own country. This will prove a difficulty for our team.
If we beat them, which is possible, next up is probably Qazox at home. I fear that this team is going to be the end of the Falcons. Also playing at home, there is almost no chance in beating this top team.
So, eventually, i come to the conclusion that The Scout is doing a fine job here. Good to have him.

THE ROCKET REPORT

KNOCKOUTS READY TO BEGIN

by Kevin Collins

Pocono City, Newmanistan- It might not be basketball, but anytime we see sixteen teams together in a straight knockout competition, we have the urge to play a little bracketology with them. There are no official seedings within the team, other then their placements due to their finishing order within the three groups, but you could make out unofficial seeding if you so desired. Of the teams remaining, many of them seem to have a legitimate shot at capturing an Oxen Cup title. It’s easy to look at teams like Jeruselem and Cafundeu and be impressed with what they have done, and to consider Qazox a threat since every game is like a home game for them. There are other nations though, with teams also capable of going on a run, and as we all know, the most important thing in a knockout type competition is to peak at the right time.

Naturally, we will begin our look at the bottom half of the bracket in which Newmanistan is playing. The Rockets are paired up with Miroxia, and while you never want to be too over confident, this should be a win. Miroxia had just one win in group play, and that was against Urna Electronica, a nation that scored only one goal in the entire competition. They are coming off a draw with the Blouman Empire, but all that probably means is that they had their day already. We’re not too sure about just how good our team is, but they are better then Miroxia, and should cruise to a victory, where they would then meet the winner of an interesting game between Land de Wood and Taeshan. Should Taeshan win, then this sets up a potential grudge match between the nations that are competing for the World Lacrosse Championships Title tomorrow. This game would be after, so that would be prevalent storyline. Taeshan got the the title game in the Lacrosse Championships by defeating, yes that’s right, Land de Wood. So, the Woodpeckers have their grudge match right now if they are so inclined. I see a game that’s even after full time, and Taeshan pulling it out in penalties. The other set of games in this half feature Cafundeu against West Zirconia and Jeruselem against Mantwenic, making an interesting potential quarterfinal match between the two world powers, that would be Cafundeu and Jeruselem, to be very likely. You’d have to be silly to predict anything other then that. West Zirconia is respectable, but Cafundeu is a top tier team. If my first round predictions were correct, we’d then have Newmanistan vs Taeshan and Jeruselem vs Cafundeu. Newmanistan is not about to lose twice to Taeshan in the same tournament, so I feel confident in putting the Rockets through for a game against Jeruselem. The Princesses had an outstanding Oxen Cup 7, and four years later, they just picked up right where they left off. I’d have to put Jeruselem through over Newmanistan, as well.

The top half of the bracket features three teams enjoying home games in the first round, the first of which being Qazox. Their game against Australiah would have been tough enough for those down under on a neutral field, but at Henri Savage Stadium, look for Qazox to cruise to an easy win, and prepare for the winner of an intriguing tie between Nethertopia and Green Wombat. Nethertopia is the better seed, but an unfortunate draw has them having to play their game in Green Wombat, a scenario in which the Newmanistan Football Association may have protested given their status of being the better seed and that there was no formal announcement before hand that 2nd Group B would play 4th Group A in Green Wombat. But they take things easier in Nethertopia, so we’ll see how it goes. Let’s hope for justice and a Nethertopian victory. Prux will also be on their home turf, but since they are the higher seed, this is like the scenario with Qazox, in that it doesn’t matter, as far we’re concerned. They play Lovisa, and the Lovisans haven’t been very strong, so we’ll put Prux through. Then we have the Blouman Empire meeting up with one of the Baptism of Fire teams, Myedvedeya, in Taeshan. Myedvedeya has shown themselves to be a game opponent in some spots, and not as much in others. This is one of the latter, and the Bloumans cruise. Our predictions would set up a Qazox-Nethertopia match, which we have to give the nod to Qazox, plus a match between Prux and the Blouman Empire. We’ll pick the Bloumans their again, but to ultimately fall to Qazox in the semifinal. This by the way, sets up a third place game between a couple of old friends (Newmanistan-Blouman Empire). In the title game, Jeruselem knocks off Qazox.

Land de Wood to face Taeshan
So we have another game against Taeshan only this time it is not lacrosse but football.
Just a day or two after the shock defeat of our Lacrosse team to Taeshan we have the opportunity to get revenge on this nation.

Land de Wood 2 v 2 Prux
Following these two nations previous encounter which resulted in Prux' team being shot, an agreement was reached by the orgainsers and these two nations that Prux would muzzle their Zombies if Land de Wood left their shot guns at home.

Prux again took a 2 goal lead just as they did in the 2nd World Cup qualifying game between these two nations.
But then in the second half, Bland unleased the Wooden Eagles, Whitemore put a cross into the box that was way too high for the Land de Wood strikers, but one of the eagles swooped in and nodded it into the back of the net.
The referee had no option but to allow the goal as the wooden eagle is an animal and therefore can not be penalised.
Then as the clock was counting down a wooden eagle swooped in and literally picked the ball up with its claws and flew into the goal with it.
Again the referee had no option but to allow the goal.

Prux 2 v 2 Wooden Eagles (sorry Land de Wood)

So up next the mighty Taeshan who also finished 3rd in their group which contained Newmanistan and Nethertopia who finished above them.

So West Zirconia has reached the knockout stages of the Oxen Cup - already going one better than last time. So what is the mood in the camp, and where do they go from here? Our correspondent Mike Dixon spoke to their captain, Ben Phillips, about the competition so far.

MD: So you're in the knockout stages - how does it feel?

BP: Well, as you know, only the bottom placed team failed to qualify automatically, so we would have to have been really bad to be in that situation. So, I suppose I feel relieved that we haven't been embarrassed that way.

MD: How do you feel about the team's performance up to now?

BP: We went into the competition expecting to win two games, and that's exactly what happened. And the games we lost were only narrow defeats which we could easily have salvaged a draw from, so we can be pleased with the way things have gone so far.

MD: Has anyone else in the competition impressed you so far?

BP: Jeruselem have been playing really well - I can see them making it all the way to the final.

MD: The first knockout draw has paired West Zirconia with Cafundéu. How did you feel when that draw was made?

BP: A bit deflated, to be honest. Cafundéu are an excellent team, and we're going to have to be at our utmost best to stand a chance against them. Still, any eleven men can beat any other eleven men on the day, so we'll still go out there hopeful of an upset.

MD: If you do beat Cafundéu, a potential semi-final clash with Land de Wood awaits. How do you feel about that?

BP: Don't even go there, Mike. I'm not making any comment about that.

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

In further news, a senior West Zirconian prelate has criticised a Moorcroft church's decision to hold services specifically for the footballing fraternity.

The Bishop of Snaith, the Right Revd. Andrew Fox, has described the "Depressed Football Fans' Service" held by Turing Street Methodist Church as "a blasphemous stunt", adding, "The Church is there to direct the minds of the people towards God, not to help them to wallow in self-pity over something so trivial as football."

The Revd. Ewan Lythgoe, minister at Turing Street, defended his decision, saying, "We are here to meet people where they are, not where we want them to be. The people of Moorcroft are particularly keen on football, so it seemed only natural to tap into that passion and to offer support where it is needed."

(ooc: Newmanistan, a quick question? why wouldn't you think that each of the 4 hosts wouldn't play a Round of 16 match at home? At least no one is playing a home game in the quarters, right?)

RP CUTOFF
Round of 16 results up soon.
Who will be upset, who will be going home?

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) Round of 16 Results:
(winners in BOLD)


M1: Qazox 4-0 Australiah @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, Qazox.
M2: Nethertopia 3-1 Green wombat @ Hart Field, Green Wombat.
M3: Blouman Empire 2-0 Myedvedeya @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Taeshan.
M4: Prux 3-1 Lovisa @ Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux.
M5: Newmanistan 3-0 Miroxia @ Goldman Pharmacy Stadium, Prux.
M6: Land de Wood 1-2 AET Taeshan @ X Island Metropark, Taeshan.
M7: Cafundeu 3-2 West Zirconia @ Jaksen Stadium, Green Wombat.
M8: Jeruselem 4-2 Mantwenic @ Estadio Azul Flores, Qazox

QuarterFinals:
QF1: Cafundeu vs. Jeruselem @ Quagmire Field, Prux
QF2: Newmanistan vs. Taeshan @ Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux
QF3: Blouman Empire vs. Prux @ Atlantea Coliseum, Taeshan
QF4: Qazox vs. Nethertopia @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Taeshan

SEMIFINALS:
SF1: QF1 winner vs. QF2 winner @ Estadio Azul Flores, Qazox
SF2: QF3 winner vs. QF4 winner @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, Qazox

FINALS:
SF1 Winners vs. SF2 winners @ Champions Field, Qazox

3rd place:
SF1 Losers vs. SF2 Losers @ Green wombat Field, Green wombat

(ooc: Newmanistan, a quick question? why wouldn't you think that each of the 4 hosts wouldn't play a Round of 16 match at home? At least no one is playing a home game in the quarters, right?)


I give Rocket Report journalists unique personalities. Kevin Collins is the shit-stirrer. (Clint Peterson is the "professional" one and Meghan Traynor is the "eye candy/ annoying optimist). It was strictly an in character remark. OOC, I understood what you did.

On to Final Eight

2-1 baybe. The Purple Knights are in the final eight for the second time in there short Oxen Cup history. This time they did it at home in front of 200,000 screaming fans, over a billion fans watching on TSPN, and over a million listening on radio. The Woodpeckers of Land de Wood had no chance. The Knights were gonna show there fans why they are one of the best teams in the world.

It all started when the Qaziox Sports Federation announced that they would let Taeshan, Green Wombat, and Prux host some games in this years Oxen Cup. Well it has worked out well for knighdome as tourism hasbeen increased, and interest in soccer is growing so fast even a Lacrosse championship game won't take the eyes of the nation off the soccer team.

It all started on a sore not in yesterdays game as one of the Land de Wood players scored an easy goal on the Knight Keeper, but out of the darkness light will come. Charlie Stone continued his impressive streak with another goal. But we would have to wait for overtime for the winning goal, as Teshaun Jollo scored an impressive goal with time diminishing in OT. Next they will face Newmanistan, who they have earlier beaten during the group stage.

*Playing me against Newmanistan in an important game is really cruel.

GAZETA DO POVO - ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW IS HERE!
Football Page - Articles written by Carlos Alberto Gujabre
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CAFUNDÉU KEEPS WINNING

Since our last full report about the Oxen Cup, the Monopolists played three games, and, hopefully, were able to continue well in the competition. The team still didn't lose a single game and already is in the quarterfinals stage of the competition. In the group stage of the competition, Cafundéu drew with hosts Qazox, in a game that everyone expected to be full of action. There was some action, and four goals, but most supporters were expecting more. The result was 2x2, with Cafundéu's goals being scored by Rossi and the full-back Renildo.

In the last game of this first part of the Oxen Cup, the Cafundelenses played the politicians from Urna Eletrônica. Since their opponents were more worried in getting money from the people, the win was easy. 3x0, with goals scored by Fausto (twice) and Jules. This put Cafundéu in the Round of 16, with the game being against West Zirconia. Many expected an easy game, but the opponents showed ability, scoring twice and holding Cafundéu for many minutes. In the end, Cafundéu was able to win the game, a tight 3x2. Goals scored by Renildo, Túlio and Lacerda.

Now the Monopolists have a difficult game against Jeruselem, a game that can decide the title (there is Qazox, so it won't certainly decide the title). In other notes, the CCFM continues praising The Scout for his success as coach of Nethertopia. The president of the CCFM, Carlos Alberto Urubupungá, said: "I knew he had a brilliant mind, he is a genius. He just isn't good in working with people. So, Nethertopia did well in choosing both him and Organ for the job, they complete each other. I think even The Scout's family can't predict what he is thinking."

Zombie Just Fontaine opened up the scoring, then after Lovisa tied it, Zombie Zinedine Zidane added 2 goals to propel the Zombies into the quarters, where they'll face Blouman Empire. The zombies should be favored to win, even though the game is in the trashheap of Taeshan.


SCHEDULE:
MD1: Jeruselem LOST 1-2 @ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD2: Mantwenic WIN 4-0@ Green wombat Field, aka: "The Barracks": The Hexagon, GW.
MD3: Australiah WIN 3-1@ Jaksen Stadium, aka: "The Fishbowl": Kraken, GW.
MD4: Myedvedeya DRAW 2-2 @ Hart Field, aka: "The 7th Ward": Asylum, GW.
MD5: Land de Wood DRAW 2-2 @ Estadio Azul Flores, Iguana de Mia, Qazox
R16: Lovisa WIN 3-1 @ Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux.
Qtrs: Blouman Empire @ Atlantea Coliseum, Taeshan


GOALS:
Zombie Pelé- 5
Zombie Zinedine Zidane- 4
Zombie Ronaldo-2
Zombie Just Fontaine-2
Dr. Mkembe- 1
Zombie Lothar Matthäus-1

Schedule:
MD1: Miroxia WIN 4-2 @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Docktown, Taeshan.
MD2: Urna Eletrônica W 3-0 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD3: Cafundeu LOSE 1-3 @ X Island Metropark, X Island, Taeshan.
MD4: Blouman Empire LOSE 2-3 @ Atlantea Coliseum, Atlantea, Taeshan.
MD5: Qazox LOSE 2-3 @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife, Qazox.
R16: Nethertopia LOSE 1-3 @ Hart Field, Green Wombat.

GOALS:
Blessing 5
Utley 4
Wilcox 2
Henke
Griffin

Even playing at home, the wombats can't win, losing to Nethertopia 3-1, eliminating them from the Oxen Cup.

THE ROCKET REPORT

FIRST ROUND WALK THROUGH

Golden Pharmacy Stadium, Prux- The knockout stages were pretty generous, as you had to be pretty bad not to even reach this stage. Sixteen of eighteen nations would advance to the knockouts, making the first round games not much more then a formality for many of the top seeds. Newmanistan was a nation in this predicament. Say what you want about their performance in the Group stage, there really wasn’t much to worry about in the game against Miroxia, who was probably the 6th strongest team that we had faced to date. In a businesslike manner, the Rockets took care of the task at hand, and defeated Miroxia by the score of three-nil, and will now get set for another game against Taeshan. It doesn’t seem like any tournament can go by without us meeting each other. In fact, we even have a handball game coming up tomorrow.

If Miroxia was going to pull of a shocking upset, they knew they needed to get off to a good start. But James Martin was aware of this as well, and with the Rockets focusing on getting off to better starts, and having shown improvements in this area, he made it a point for Newmanistan to just make the safe, boring play in the back end. In doing this, the Rockets also got very physical with them, especially Brian Rafferty being up to his usual bag of dirty tricks, but even guys like Dale Stevens and Kevin Haynes were joining in on the fun. In a very calm and deliberate manner, the men in sky blue and white began to take control of possession and started to generate offense about 20 minutes, and in the 27th minute, Brian Rafferty would blast a shot by Ron Quincy to give Newmanistan the critical first goal of the game, and the opponents seemed to be equally depressed that it had been the guy that had been pushing them around all game that scored the goal. Rafferty continued to set the tone of the match with a sucker punch on Fred Spout in the 31st minute that everyone in the stands saw except the referee. With Miroxia focused more on payback on Rafferty then on the game, Newmanistan struck quickly for their second goal, coming in the 33rd minute. Dale Stevens made the play happen with a nice run in the midfield before ultimately setting up Shannon Vilardi for a great scoring chance, and Shannon made it count, firing high and to left of Quincy to make it 2-nil. The Rockets continued to press for more for the duration of the first half but would not get another, and would certainly be content with the two goal halftime lead.

With a nice lead, the question would be what kind of effort would Miroxia show in the second half. Would they begin to admit defeat, or would they go all out? We didn’t need to wait long to get the answer as they wanted to show they still had plenty of fight left in them. One player was extremely impressive in the opening minutes of the second half, and that was the young midfielder Adam Donaldson, perhaps the future of Miroxian football. Donaldson put on some shifty moves to evade the Rockets defense, either to create opportunities for himself, or to set up his teammates. Unfortunately for Donaldson, there was one player that was just a bit more impressive then he. That would be Newmanistan goalkeeper Chris Kusler, who had the answer for everything he and the Mountain Goats could muster. Still they fight on, but around the 60 minute mark, the Rockets defense began to get their groove back and slowly re-asserted themselves as the dominant force. In the 68th minute, a crushing blow would be delivered. On a corner kick, Brian Rafferty attempted to set up Brian Wright for a header but the kick was a bit too long. Didn’t matter though, as it was in a nice position for defender Eric Blunden. Blunden simply fired, hoping to find an opening, and he would. In the back of the net for his first interregional goal! This was very hard for the Mountain Goats to swallow, and even though they never threw in the towel, the only question remaining would be if Chris Kusler could pick up his first clean sheet of the Oxen Cup. Remember that it was Kurt Allwine that blanked Kjomasasopia, not Kusler. So they would play for the goalie, and they would get the job done, earning a 3-nil victory.

Up next, Newmanistan will face Taeshan, the only team to beat them so far in the Oxen Cup. But we want you to think back to eight years ago. Yup, remember Oxen Cup 6. In that competition, the Rockets only lost once, in the group stage, to Dancougar. In the semifinal, they picked up revenge against the Black Wings to advance to the final. While it’s just a quarterfinal and not a semi against Taeshan, that’s a good precedent. Of course, the Rockets will be looking to find their mojo against them again.

NEWMANISTAN 3

Rafferty (27")
Vilardi (33") Assist- Stevens
Blunden (68") Assist- Rafferty

MIROXIA 0

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

NETHERTOPIA SENDS GREEN WOMBAT HOME
WELL, NOT REALLY, CONSIDERING THEY WERE PLAYING AT HOME ALREADY
Asylum, Green Wombat - Nethertopia takes another win on a higher ranked team. This time Green Wombat was the victim. The Falcons finished them off three-to-one in an exciting match
Hart Field, the stadium where the match took place, was filled with 76,000 Green Wombat Fans and only 5,000 Nethertopians had travelled with the team to the match. The atmosphere in The 7th Ward was tense, because only the harcore fans from the Falcons dared themselves in the hole of the Wom... Lion. At the start of the game, the Nethertopian fans started to make heck a lot of noise, but were soon silenced by a majority of the Wombat fans.
The game started off very slowly, with the Wombat's young team looking for an opener. They were in a light advantage, despite having a man less on the midfield. Their crowd was waving them forwards, but it seemed like The Scout and Organ had expected such a thing and decided to maintain eight players behind the ball, leaving only van Dam and Snip up front.
This tactic proved it's worth just before the whistle for the end of the first half. With 21 players on the Nethertopian half, Jerome de Wit was able to rob the ball away from Pauline Utley. Jan-Paul Snip and Ben van Dam were both avoiding offside at the moment Jerome passed the ball up front and had broken through together. With only the goalie to beat the goal was quickly scored by the latter of the two.
The 5,000 Nethertopian fans were getting nuts while watching the goal, singing "Het is stil aan de overkant" towards the Wombat fans, meaning "It's silent on the other side".
After the break Green Wombat continued their siege and it almost proved to be effective, with a shot from Wayne Blessing hitting the side net. The second goal was another one from Nethertopia, this time Snip. In the 58th minute Bobby Kennedy made a harsh tackle on Bakker, which resulted in a free kick. Bakker took it so quickly that Snip was able to pick up the ball and gain five meters on the whole Wombat defence. Dvorak left his goal too quickly and Snip was able to lob the ball in the goal.
The Falcon Fans thought Green Wombat was finished and it seemed like a small explosion had erupted behind van Dalen's goal. But less was true. Green Wombat, supported by the chants of all their fans in the stadium, tied two minutes later. Frans Oud wasn't paying attention when he received a pass from Schaak and lost the ball to Stella Karp. She dribbled a few meters and was able to fire an amazing shot from 25 meters, which curled perfectly in the upper right corner. Wouter van Dalen hadn't even blinked before he realised he had conceded a goal.
GW was inspired by this goal and their whole team was playing like they had wings. Wouter van Dalen had to save multiple times and the defence was working like they had never done before in this tourney. Best Falcon player at that point was definitely Jerome de Wit, who made tackle after tackle and intercepted ball after ball. Wouter van Dalen was finally passed in the 72nd minute, but Jerome de Wit headed the ball from the line.
This was also the introduction to the last Falcon goal. De Vet picked the header up and saw Jerome de Wit sprinting over the right flank, from his position from the goal. De Vet passed the ball neatly to Bakker, who directed it even further to de Wit. He had then sprinted from the goal towards the middle line, on the left flank. De Wit sprinted for what he was worth, passing one man and getting through the rest of the defence with a one-two including van Dam. He then gave a through ball to Snip, taking out the Wombat sweeper Fick. Snip found himself in a one-on-one scenario with Dvorak, but passed the ball 90 degrees to the left, where de Wit once again had showed up. After sprinting 90 meters over the pitch, he shoved the ball low and placed into the lower left corner.
Now Green Wombat was really done for. The game bled to death, with no more actions from both side until the final whistle. Man of the match: Definitely de Wit.

Goal recap:
45+1 van Dam, 58 Snip, 73 de Wit - 60 Karp

UP NEXT IS QAZOX
WHAT TO EXPECT?
By Wilco Blamage
Peregrinus City - With Green Wombat defeated, the Falcons will face the Oxen Cup creators Qazox next. What to expect, and how to mourn when we've lost the game.
Firstly, let me tell you that this quarterfinal is not something Nethertopia should look out for. Qazox is one of the strongest teams in all the regions and we shouldn't care if we lose. It would be quite the miracle if we, 82nd ranked, would beat them, 8th ranked. Not that nothing's possible, but it would be a rare result indeed.
And what to do if we lose? I mean... We're unbeaten for five matches now. Only our first game against Newmanistan has been lost. We sure remember our WC times, but should we go to Church, like West Zirconia?
Nay!
Getting really, really pissed is the answer. Just drink some beer and everything will be alright. At least, if you're not supposed to be at work, the day after the game. I'll be sure to let you know in the next Nethertopian Times if drinking a lot of alcoholic beverages is the answer.

IN OTHER NEWS
WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING?
We've spotted a few transfers in the Falcon's team. C&M have bought/picked up all the players from the teams that are returning to amateur status, we're currently investigating if this is all what's happening at Candelaria and Marquez, or if the bond between Candelarian and Nethertopian association team football is deeper. Transferred players are:
Jerome de Wit - Green Island
Jan Wildernis - El din Marbles
Michael de Vet - Caires City
Thomas Schaak - El din Marbles
Ben van Dam - El din Marbles
Yannick de Woudt - Arrigo Portugese
Gregory van Houten tot Schaagen - Candelaria-Allemali
The Scout is sending thankful words towards Carlos Alberto Urubupungá, The president of the CCFM. "I'm of course happy in being named as brilliant. Of course, my main goal still remains to scout for Cafundéu. but this job is very enjoyable to. I'm happy with the Nethertopian team and Trevor Organ"
The Nethertopian Police are currently investigating a case of a betting scam on Nethertopian played games. It seems that a criminal organisation has specialised themselves in tricking rich people to bet on the matches and disappear if the people had a score that would get them a payout. The organisation has been arrested and imprisoned after an anonymous tip.

Kate: Hello this is Kate Dallas II! I'm at the Oxen Cup 8 and I'm with coach Monique Alexander! That's the Jeruselem coach.
Monique: I think folks know that Kate.
Kate: Yeah but some foreigners watch Jeruselem TV, mainly for the girls.
Monique: Oh yes ...

Kate:
The round of 16 is over. Qazox disposed of Australiah 4-0 and well that was expected. Nethertopia coached by the Scout from Cafundeu, beat Green Wombat 3-1. The Blouman Empire defeated Myedvedeya 2-0. Them Zombies from Prux ate Lovisa 3-1. Fellow nymphomaniacs Newmanistan beat Miroxia 3-0. Taeshan had to fight to beat Land de Wood 2-1 in overtime. Cafundeu had to fight off West Zirconia 3-2 and ... Jeruselem beat Mantwenic 4-2.

Monique: All results were as kinda expected to seeding.

Kate:
So in the quarterfinals, we take on Cafundeu in Prux at Quagmire field. Good to know the folks in Prux aren't zombies or robotic ducks. Newmanistan take on Taeshan at Prince Weston Memorial Park which is also in Prux. Blouman Empire have to fight them Prux zombies Atlantea Coliseum in Taeshan. And also in Taeshan, the Scout leads his men against Qazox at Docktown Memorial Stadium.

Monique: How to do remember all that crap?
Kate: I'm a Dallas. It's my job to talk crap!
Monique: Yes, I thought you were a Dallas before.
Kate: So what did you think of the game against Mantwenic?

Monique:
We made too many mistakes allowing a team like Mantwenic to score. It was a good thing the Mantwenic defense was a lot worse. We need to tighten up the defense a bit and stop them mistakes. A opponent like the Monopolists will score if we make the same level of errors we made to today.

Kate: You think that Sadie needs to smarten up?
Monique: Well, she can't. At least she tries hard. Your sister Jacinta was a bit grumpy during the game.
Kate: She had a rash in the groin area from something. Very itchy.
Monique: I didn't know that. I know the feeling.

Kate: At least we're scoring goals.
Monique: We could have scored a few more if we didn't muff some of them.
Kate: My knee still hurts after someone kicked me - spikes and all.
Monique: Yeah, it wasn't pretty.

Kate: What you think of that Shannon Vilardi girl?
Monique: If we swapped you and her, we wouldn't see a difference.
Kate: She's pretty good!
Monique: She's actually got a sister too.

Kate: See, we have lots in common! So coach, how to you see our next opponent.
Monique: The winner of this cup will come from the winner of the Princesses vs Monopolists game or Qazox if they don't trip themselves over.
Kate: Any dark horses - other than the obvious top 3.
Monique: Newmanistan.

Kate: So Shannon and them guys can win this cup?
Monique: If Newmanistan can beat us or the Monopolists in the semi provided they win their next game, yes.
Kate: There's a theory going around Princess Marie-Antoinette Dallas is love-child of the Scout.
Monique: Well, Dazza did sleep with Scouty once but don't think so.

Kate: Why?
Monique: Marie is too young if the timing is any indicator.
Kate: Well, I don't who my Dad is.
Monique: It seems most Dallas girls have that issue.

Kate: That's it from me, see you all in Prux.
Monique: Yes, see you all later.

Land de Wood 1-2 AET Taeshan

Land de Wood lose to Taeshan again.
Whether it be football or lacrosse it seems Taeshan have become our bogey team.
Before this tournament began we had hoped to make the quarter-finals, though according to the world rankings we were the eleventh best team and so chances were we would face a higher ranked team in the round of 16 and lose to them, which sadly was the case.
Still it has given our team more much needed experience on the international scene and hopefully prepared them for their next tournament.

Docktown, Taeshan
Somewhere in between the last 16 and the quarter final
The team was having dinner.
"How about that," said Piet Klaassen. "We're going to play in a stadium with almost half a million seats. I've heard that over 260,000 fans from our country are here!"
"That's great news," said Trevor Organ. That's heck a lot more noise for our team than we had last match. Only 5,000 supporters on what's supposed to be neutral ground... Bah."
"We shouldn't complain," Said Gregory. "The basic team did a very good job at winning there. It's too bad we can't see the most exciting game of the tourney yet, Cafundéu vs Jeruselem..."
"Oh yeah, I really wanted to se those two in action!" yelled Pannekoek. "Those guys are the giants of this tournament... Together with the team that we're facing now..."
That reminded everybody of their heavy task against Qazox. The bright atmosphere that had hanged around the room darkened. The Falcons didn't feel like they were going to win against the host of the tournament. They needed a miracle.
"Guys, not so depressed," spoke The Scout. Everybody looked up at him, this was special. He never spoke while having dinner. He mostly didn't speak at all... "You guys need some faith in yourself. Believe in your own power, you fellows have a lot more potential than you'd think."
For a moment everybody was silent. Then dinner continued.

"More to the right! The right!!" Trevor Organ was busy with the last training before the match against Qazox. He looked around. The Docktown Memorial Stadium was something special. Not many countries were able to compete against this stadium. Trevor had seen many stadiums from the inside, but not much like this. This was actually impressive. A 50,000 men stadium wasn't that interesting from the pitch...
He focussed his attention to his team again. "Good pass, Kingsley," he yelled, when he passed to Longstone, who finished the ball behind van Dalen. "Nice shot, Darius. It's been enough for today. Get yourself freshed up." The team left the field for the showers.
The Scout, who had been sitting on the bench again, walked towards Organ. They enjoyed the view of the stadium for a few moments, until Trevor left the field, mumbling " these kids have so much potential..."

QuarterFinal Cutoff

Semifinals, who's in?, who's out?

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) QuarterFinal Results:
(winners in BOLD)

QuarterFinals:
QF1: Cafundeu 2-2 AET (4-2 S.O.) Jeruselem @ Quagmire Field, Prux
QF2: Newmanistan 2-1 AET Taeshan @ Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux
QF3: Blouman Empire 1-0 Prux @ Atlantea Coliseum, Taeshan
QF4: Qazox 3-2 Nethertopia @ Docktown Memorial Stadium, Taeshan

SEMIFINALS:
SF1: Cafundeu vs. Newmanistan @ Estadio Azul Flores, Qazox
SF2: Blouman Empire vs. Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, Qazox

FINALS:
SF1 Winners vs. SF2 winners @ Champions Field, Qazox

3rd place:
SF1 Losers vs. SF2 Losers @ Green wombat Field, Green wombat

OOC - God damn, I keep on losing shoot-outs ...

THE ROCKET REPORT

BACK TO NORMAL

Prince Weston Memorial Park, Prux- A man named Tom Petty once told us that, “Even the Losers get lucky sometimes”. Perhaps this was the case when Taeshan defeated Newmanistan in the group stage of the Oxen Cup. Here, in the quarterfinal, things got a little back to normal as once again, the Rockets were victorious over Taeshan, but needed extra time to do it, winning by the score of 2-1. Newmanistan will now get set for their first senior team meeting against Cafundeu in the semifinals. The nations have a Di Bradini 5 Cup meeting between them that represents their lone history (4-1 Rockets win).

When the teams met previously, Taeshan did an outstanding job in controlling the pace of the match from the start, absolutely dominating possession in the early stages. Making an adjustment was going to be a key for James Martin and his team to be sure that it would not happen again, and the Coach was aware that the Purple Knights would look to repeat that. Even though it’s never exciting, Martin stressed focusing on the fundamentals early such as being sure there were positionally sound, and simply making smart plays. It didn’t necessarily mean that they would sit back, but just to play intelligent football. As expected, Taeshan came out looking to duplicate their previous performance and get off to a quick start, but the Rockets were executing Martin’s game plan to perfection. While Taeshan managed a couple early chances, you could make the case that Newmanistan had the better start. The game was scoreless for quite some time, with the best Newmanistan chances being generated by Shannon Vilardi in the 20th minute, and Brian Wright in the 27th. For Taeshan, Charlie Jones seemed to be the best player on the pitch, and he forced Chris Kusler to make an outstanding save in the 33rd minute. More minutes ticked away, and it appeared as though we were going to halftime with no score. We reached 45 minutes, but had two minutes of stoppage time, and in the second minute of which, the Rockets struck for a huge goal. Dale Stevens made the play happen in midfield before setting up Kevin Sturgeon, who took the shot that Wendy Tyler was a split second late to react too, perhaps because of a screen, and the Rockets were up 1-nil.

As you could probably imagine, the goal had a huge impact on both teams as they went to the locker room. Newmanistan was energized and confident while the Purple Knights had to collect themselves and regroup. When the second half began, you could see some hangover of the first goal, as the Rockets dominated play. Big saves by Tyler in the 48th off of Wright and in the 51st off of Vilardi kept the game in reach for Taeshan. While the Rockets kept the pressure on, the defense of the Purple Knights began to step up and allow the pendulum of momentum to begin to shift in their favor. At around the hour mark, what looked to be a game the Rockets had in control suddenly had them wishing they got the second goal, because now the Purple Knights were beginning to throw out all the stops. The defense was up for it, including nice plays by nate Stratton and Kevin Haynes in the 66th and 71st minutes that kept the Empire in front. Then it would be Chris Kusler’s turn to step up, making a big save on Jones in the 74th. Just when it was looking like maybe the Rockets were going to pull this off anyway, Taeshan fired one home in the 80th minute off the foot Kyli Kelley, who received a perfectly placed pass from Javon White. With the score all level, both teams began to push hard for a goal before full time, but the net effect of this was a lot of midfield play with neither team able to out do the other.

So, we go to extra time. The early stages of it were a lot like the end of full time with both teams trying to get the advantage but neither able too. Newmanistan got the best opportunity of the first half, coming in the 99th minute when Tyler robbed Shannon Vilardi on a shot that appeared postmarked for the top right corner. Not so, and we were still all square after the 105th minute. Taeshan picked up the pace a little bit, and but the defense of the Rockets kept Kusler from facing nothing that would challenge him. In the 114th minute, Dale Stevens, as he has done all tournament long, intercepted a pass at midfield and found a streaking Brian Wright along the right wing. Wright was onsides, and charged the goal only to have his shot denied by Tyler, but there was rebound that came right out in front, and on to the foot of Alex Warrick, who entered the game in the 76th minute. Warrick buried the shot and put the Rockets up, 2-1. From there, the defense did well to hold off the attempts at last minute heroics and sent the team to the semifinals where they will meet Cafundeu. They too are coming off a thriller, defeating Jeruselem on penalties.

NEWMANISTAN 2

Sturgeon (45" + 2)
Warrick (114")

TAESHAN 1

KELLEY (80")

(Players gather prior to the Cafundeu game)

Cerullo: You know what guys, I was just thinking something.

Rafferty: Yes, captain?

Cerullo: Cafundeu women are pretty damn hot, maybe they will bring a lot of supporters, and we can go looking for them after the game, or maybe even before.

Rafferty: Good idea.

Warrick: Hell yes.

Stratton: Can’t we go one day without bragging about who’s gonna get what?

Warrick: Nate, I have a question for you, Mr. I am a role model for everyone.

Stratton: What?

Warrick: Who scored the game winning goal against Taeshan?

Cerullo: Haha, way to go Alex.

Stratton: Yeah, yeah, great job I’ve never said you weren’t a good football player, but we won on a total team effort, I would have to say that Chris Kusler was the man of the match.

Murphy: The Rocket Report agreed with you, Nate. Kusler got the recognition.

Kusler: Well, we all earned it. Every one of us played a role in the win.

Warrick: Nate, I got another question for you?

Stratton: Yes?

Warrick: What’s our record in the Oxen Cup?

Cerullo: I would say that’s a nice sweet 6-0-1, wouldn’t you? And we’ve avenged that loss.

Stratton: Yeah, that’s great but it doesn’t mean anything unless we are 8-0-1.

Haynes: Alright guys, I know I am a quiet one and everything, but can I say something here?

(Surprised that the normally very quiet Kevin Haynes was about to speak up, everyone else gets quiet and listens)

Cerullo: Go ahead, man.

Haynes: I know that right now we have a lot of different personalities in this room. A lot of have our own agendas on what we want to accomplish and there is nothing wrong with wanting to reach our own personal goals. I have my own. There is a lot of division in this locker room, and a lot of hostility. It’s obvious that we are not all one cohesive group off the pitch. But I also know this. When it’s time to play we’re a pretty damn good football team. That’s what we came here for. Go out and do what you want, or who you want. Do good just because you want to be on the World Cup team. Who cares. When we are all working together on the field, we are doing some great things and I hope that we all can agree to that.

Rafferty: Kid’s got a point.

Stratton: Yeah, I agree.

Haynes: We are on the verge of doing something very special. Two more wins, and we, as a team, win the Oxen Cup. Not Jeremy McAllister. Not Brian Carson. Not Shawn Drummond. But us! As a group, we show that there are more great football players in Newmanistan then the common names that most people know. And that, more then anything else will be a win-win for all of us. You want to be on the World Cup? That will help you. You want more groupies back home to fall all over you? That will help you. You want endorsement deals? That too will help you.

Cerullo: Dude, you should talk more often. I agree with all of that.

Stevens: Yes, very well said. Two more wins. We can do it!

Stratton: Yeah, let’s do this, guys!

(Cerullo reaches into his gym bag, pulls something out and walks over to Nate Stratton)

Cerullo: Here man, I believe this belongs to you. (Hands Stratton the Captain’s armband, and offers to shake his hand). Let’s do it man, two more wins.

Stratton: (shakes his hand) Thanks, but I think someone else deserves this more. (Walks over to Kevin Haynes): There, take this. That’s the kind of leadership we’ve needed all tournament. Thank you for that.

Haynes: (smiles) Thanks Nate. Alright everyone, just like the senior team does.... hands together. Rockets on three, 1.... 2....

Team: ROCKETS!!!

Stevens: When we hit the pitch for the game, let's show everyone a little something. Instead of coming out individually, let's come out as a team, holding hands together in the air as a sign of unity.

Cerullo: Yeah that's cool, I've seen that done before.

Stratton: Yeah good idea, Dale.

Stevens: Coach, you've been quiet during this whole ordeal, you want to say something?

Martin: I haven't needed to. What I've seen in here is something I've wanted to see ever since we got to the Continuum. Cafundeu's going to be tough, but that's not the way I look at it. I look at it as, with us together like this, it's going to be tough for Cafundeu.

Stevens: Absolutely! Let's get it done!

Dear Shannon Vilardi, Newmanistan Oxen Cup 8 member

Good luck against Cafundeu. I think Newmanistan have a good chance but I have feeling the Rockets really need fire to beat them Tax Collectors. I just realised you have a sister, just like me except my sister Jacinta is playing in the same team. She's still got a an annoying rash in her groin area. It's actually an allergic reaction to rubber and not some STD. She's OK with natural rubber but that recycled chemical laced stuff is bad.

Anyway, I have get home now. Need to get moving! I'm sad we lost because we could have played Newmanistan. I was looking forward to playing your team.

Send my regards to your coach and team members. I'm sure the boys know who I am.

Kate Dallas II
XXX

GAZETA DO POVO - ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW IS HERE!
Football Page - Articles written by Carlos Alberto Gujabre
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEAM REACHES THE SEMIFINALS

Everyone knew that the game against Jeruselem was going to be a difficult one. After all, they faced each other in the final of the last edition of the Oxen Cup, and were two of the favourites to win the trophy. The winner of this quarterfinal would probably be considered the biggest threat to the hosts Qazox. And, in a tough game, Cafundéu was able to concentrate in the game and win it on penalties. With this victory, the team continues in the competition and will face Newmanistan in the semifinals.

The game was very open since the beginning, with both teams attacking with speed and wanting to score fast. The goalkeepers were in an excellent day, making magnificent saves. But they weren't able to stop all the opposition's attacks. Jeruselem was the first team to score, with Jennifer Sloan, still in the first half. Cafundéu's goal came minutes later, with Hubert. With the game ending in a draw, an extra time was needed, and once again both teams scored, Cafundéu first with Hubert and Jeruselem later with Cohen.

The 2x2 draw sent the game to a penalty shootout, and that was when Cafundéu could really triumph. For the Monopolists: Rossi, Hubert, Jules and Renildo scored, while Fausto lost his penalty (he was the 3rd to take it). For Jeruselem: Kool and Kate Sallad scored, while Sloan and Flak Sho missed. In an exciting game, the Monopolists could end with the positive result. The next game, on theory, would be easier, against Newmanistan, but we all know that this won't happen. We should expect another tough game.

(In the locker room, moments before taking the pitch)

Vilardi: Hey guys, I know we had a good talk this morning and we are a total team now like it should be, but I have something else to fire us up now.

Rafferty: What is it, darling?

Vilardi: It’s a note from Kate Dallas II of Jeruselem, wishing us all good luck and wanting to see us defeat Cafundeu.

Cerullo: You know what the means?

Stratton: Yes, the Dallas’ are an impressive footballing family.

Cerullo: For many different reasons.

Stratton: Well, yes, cannot deny that.

Stevens: Hey, every little bit of motivation couldn’t hurt, right?

Vilardi: Yeah, we can’t let her down, she really wants us to win. They were hoping to play us in this game but obviously they can’t. Her sister isn’t feeling well. I like Kate, I admire her for many different reasons.

Warrick: It’s all those idiots from Cafundeu’s fault, who kept us from being able to get it on with them. On the pitch, I mean.

Haynes: Cafundeu is probably confident coming off that game.

Cerullo: Let’s not let her down. Besides I don’t like these Monopolists anyway, they remind me of those jerks from east of the Penthoria.

Haynes: Alright time to take the field..... let’s go.... hands together..... in the air. One team, one mission.

(The Rockets shout many phrases to pump each other up, then head out onto the field as they had planned. Rockets supporters in attendance are a little surprised by what they see, and perhaps even the Cafundeu fans are as well. The sky blue and white faithful raise to the feet, and chant for the team. It’s gametime!)

Allrighty then, Who wants the Finals more?
Find out, right after this commerical break for Vagira, female enhancement pills!

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) SemiFinal Results:
(winners in BOLD)

SEMIFINALS:
SF1: Cafundeu 3-2 Newmanistan @ Estadio Azul Flores, Qazox
SF2: Blouman Empire 2-4 Qazox @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, Qazox

FINALS:
Cafundeu vs. Qazox @ Green wombat Field, Green wombat

3rd place:
Newmanistan vs. Blouman Empire @ Green wombat Field, Green wombat

QNN
Where News Happens

"This just into the QNN headquarters, here in Rockport. Qazoxian Fuhur, Daniel Renoir, has unilaterally withdrawn Qazox from all treaties with fellow Q Continuum nations. We have also been sent word that there are massive amounts of troops converging at the northern borders. If this movement is a response to troop movements in the northern alliance of Certifiably insane, Sawed and Moonkins or something else entirely, is not known at this time. The office of Daniel Renoir, has sent us notification that there will be a press conference at 12:00am, which will be carried live on QNN and all Qazoxian broadcast networks. Until then, stay tuned to QNN for more information as it happens."

In a bar (since in Qazox wives and girlfriends are with them)

Lockett: That was our poor game for us

Morland: Give us some credit we did lose manage to score two goals against them.

Flinders: I don't know if I will be able to play the next game I'm getting to old and my ankle is still giving me grief.
Flinders Wife: I said you were to old to go around the world playing, I think you should stay home cheer them on from the TV.
Flinders: No I will go can't let them down now, I will just be sitting on the bench, in case they need me
Groves: Yeah Matt can't leave us this is going to be a great game against the Rockets

Rock: They are a young and fast team, we will need to use skill to beat them
Comelately: They aren't all young many are in their late twenties some are even in their 30's they just are better than us and have more experience
JJ; Yeah speak for yourself Bob, I'm going to be the youngest player on the field there I can out sprint them.
Rock: You have to much arrogance these guys play for a living, they are trained to be fast. We have lost to Prux Cafundeu and Qazox, I just hope we don't lose to Newmanistan.

Groves: I would be estactic if we beat Newmanistan, we will be able to do something that no official international Blouman team has ever been able to do. I know they are the 'B' team and all but I mean come on
JJ: That would be sweet the only people to do this
Groves: Don't forget we have come further this year than last I think we are getting better next time I think we will be able to get into the finals
JJ: Well whatever happens we have gained a lot of experience and I think we will play well when we start playing in the amateur league here in Qazox.

Sonsdras: Shame we have to go the Green Wombat to play, I would like to stay in Qazox now that I'm home
Sonsdras's Wife: So do I, I need you around to help me with the triplets, now they have learnt how to walk it is getting difficult to keep them all under control.

KT: Talking about kids, how are yours Frank
Lowenbrauer: Yeah they are alright, Sam is still in Uni and James wants to study uni back here. Kelly is going well too
KT: Yeah its a shame your wife left you and went back to Bloumany when are you seeing the kids again?
Lowenbrauer: Well I am taking holidays in a couple of weeks and heading over there for a few weeks and then a few months later during the holidays all three of them are coming over to visit for a week, so I am looking forward to that.

Calorol: Well if you will excuse me guys I am heading off home see you all at the airport tomorrow morning.
A collective "See ya" from the people there

Calorol runs back into the bar

Calorol: I just heard on the radio, quick something is happening
JJ:What is it?
Calorol: (To bar staff) Turn on the TV to QNN and turn it up

The group begins watching and absorbing this development

Flinders: Well, well I suppose we better wait for the press conference

QNN
Where News Happens

"This just into the QNN headquarters, here in Rockport. Fuhur Daniel Renoir, less than an hour after withdrawing Qazox from all treaties will foreign nations, has just ended his speech, let's take a quick listen:


"Qazox for far too long has been inudated with foreign ideas, foreigners and other undesirables. Earlier this year, this process of cleansing the Qazoxian nation began with the expulsion of Jeruselem's whore, Dazza Dallas; and was continued earlier tonight with the unilateral withdrawl of our treaties with every nation. The conclusion is underway right now, as Qazoxian troops have begun invading the nations of Certifiably insane, Sawed and Moonkins. Those 3 nations, forcibly removed from Qazox in 1688, have continued to spread terror, propoganda and provide illegal immigrants free crossing of our territory with false documents. This insult to our national pride, caused by foreign powers, has divided the Qazian tribe, of which I'm a national and also direct decendent of Queen Signa-Une, the first Ruler of the Qazian nation. We will not rest, surrender or submit until the tribe is whole once again. I have been informed that Sativaville, our stunchest ally in the Q-continuum, despite our recent falling-out, has just invaded the island nation of Wickedable, and we applaud them in their attempt to reclaim their ancentral home as well. I urge the Qazoxian people to fully support this holy crusade against this slanderous alliance of nations who have sown discord in Qazox for centuries. Effective 48 hours from now, at 12:00am on October 15th, any and all foreigners within Qazox' borders will be taken into custody as illegal immigrants, terrorists or enemy combatants. Also due to this crusade, I have humbly requested that the Oxen Cup final be moved to Green wombat, to ensure the safety of Cafundese nationals, and our football teams. That is all and Pray for our cause."


"In a shocking, historical night, Qazox has declared war on the NCA, Northern Continuum Alliance. Reports are coming in right now that both Green wombat and Prux have declared themselves neutral in this conflict, but do not support Qazox in this conflict. The southern continuum nations, until just over an hour ago members of the QIPP (Qazox, Insaneindahead, Pool Shrimpers and Piscodemons) alliance; Pool Shrimpers, Piscodemons and Insaneindahead, have denounced Qazox' attack on the NCA and Sativaville's attack on Wickedable and have massed troops along their borders in case of an attack. No offical word as of yet from Taeshan or Illytria, but rumors are that Taeshan is leaning towards supporting Qazox in this war. We contacted the QFA, Qazox Football Association, and they have moved the Oxen Cup final to Green wombat Field in The Hexagon, Green wombat.

We have unconfirmed reports coming in now of a missle attack on SaxerVilla, the missiles coming from Moonkins, reportedly, and the SaxerVilla Port is engulfed in flames. We will update this report, as soon as possible. But to recap, for those of you just joining us, Qazox has declared war on the NCA, theNorthern Continuum Alliance, consisting of the nations of Certifiably insane, Sawed and Moonkins. Green wombat and Prux have declared themselves neutral, Sativaville has attacked Wickedable; Pool Shrimpers, Piscodemons and Insaneindahead, have denounced all ties with Qazox and are preparing for an attack from Qazox. And no offical word on Taeshan's or Illytria's stance, though Taeshan is rumored to be leaning towards supporting Qazox in this conflict. Stay tuned to QNN for updates."

Qazox: You have the full use of our 100 million strong imperial forces.

Qazox: You have the full use of our 100 million strong imperial forces.

(ooc: Thanks, But this is strictly a Region thing)

^^ ok then, but the offer is there. that goes to everyone else who participated in the 8th Oxen cup.
and als, hate to sound like a newbie, but whjat does ooc mean?

Out of character. IC is in character. Asking is better than not knowing.

Also: Dang! Stupid KPB rankings... Ah well, let's just RP in the next world cup as we did here and we'll probably go upwards on the ladder to the top.

^^ooc: thanks mate! ive seen it around, and i never really understood. thanks again!


also: when can we start bids for the 9th Oxen Cup? KJO is ready for an international tournament!!

(OOC: The Oxen Cup is something apart, it's always organised by Qazox. Are you able to run matches with NSFootySim yet? Or Leagion? Scorination is a big deal. I'm not ready for a tournament and i've been here for a while...)

Um Q alliances with everbody.

WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111

Extra, extra read all about it. Its finally here the big Q Continuum war. Obviously when Taeshan joined the Q Continuum just a few years ago we were looking for finacial gain, but know war has erupted. Qazox has broken all alliances with foreign nations. And in a stunning move attacked all northern Q Continuum countries, then something more suprising happened...

In a stunning turn of the tides Taeshan one of the foremost military countires around invaded the lower Continuum countries of Piscodemons, Pool Shrimpers, and Insaneindahead. This is suprising in the fact that the Q Continuum agrrement says nio war. But who cares. Expansion.

GAZETA DO POVO - ALL YOU WANT TO KNOW IS HERE!
Football Page - Articles written by Carlos Alberto Gujabre
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ONCE AGAIN, CAFUNDÉU IS IN THE FINAL

Many people predicted this, but nothing was certain. But the Monopolists continued with their great campaign, and defeated Newmanistan in the semifinal game. The game was a close one, full of goal chances, and Cafundéu could take more advantage of the goal chances. Both teams were extremely motivated for the game. Cafundéu was hoping to reach the final again, to try to win the competition for the second time in its history. Newmanistan wanted to reach the final for the second time.

Newmanistan scored first, in a great set piece move. Rafferty took a corner kick, and Wright headed the ball to score. The Monopolists reacted, a bit desperate, but full of will to score. And the goal came less than ten minutes after. Renildo crossed the ball to the area, and Fabinho headed with accuracy, giving no chances to the goalkeeper Kusler. Still in the first half, Cafundéu was able to take the lead, scoring the second goal with Hubert, after a great individual play.

The second half was as exciting as the first, with the Monopolists having a more defensive strategy, while Newmanistan attacked in numbers. And, after minutes of pressure, they could score a goal. Sturgeon shot from outside the area, and Kardec made a mistake, letting the ball enter the goal. But surely the most curious play was the one of the third Cafundelense goal. Fausto missed a goal, and Newmanistan's defence shot to the attack. But Rafferty punched Hubert off the ball, and inside the area! Red card, penalty, and goal, with the penalty being well shot by the same Hubert.

Joe: Hello, I'm Joe Blow for the Jeru Scientist! Today's topic is Continuum Bubbles. I'm with expert ... err ... Dazza Dallas.
Dazza: Hello!
Joe: What is a Continuum Bubble?
Dazza: Technically is not actually a Discontinuity but a part of time/space that is still part of a Continuum but it is out sync in time/space by one second. It will be invisible to rest of the universe but it is there.

Joe: So the Continuum Bubble is a bubble in a Continuum where time in the bubble is out of sync with the rest of universe.
Dazza: Yes
Joe: Why is it relevant.
Dazza: Whole civilisations have attempted to isolate themselves from the outside universe by putting themselves into a bubble.

Joe: So that's why they disappear but actually haven't disappeared.
Dazza: Yes.
Joe: Sounds like an ideal way to protect a civilisation.
Dazza: There's a dark side ...

Joe: What is it?
Dazza: When the bubble bursts, you're screwed.
Joe: Surely you return to the normal fabric of the universe.
Dazza: Logically, a bubble bursts and you're back in the universe but ...

Joe: Yes?
Dazza: If the bubble implodes, you get wiped from the fabric of the universe without any trace.
Joe: How does that happen
Dazza: Ideally, the bubble's surface just disappears and you appear in the rest of universe. Sometimes a badly designed bubble can contract.

Joe: So the bubble shrinks,and all inside being in the bubble - being outside the universal fabric is slowly eaten of all existence.
Dazza: Yes
Joe: Sounds like a horrible way to die.
Dazza: You don't die, you never existed.

Joe: What about the matter in the bubble, what happens it it?
Dazza: It gets consumed as as energy for the bubble to continue to exist while it collapses.
Joe: Like a imploding realty bomb, instead of an exploding one.
Dazza: Yes

Joe: What causes an implosion?
Dazza: Flat batteries ... the energy sources keeping the bubble alive burn out hence the bubble is force to reduce in size. You cannot get power from the rest of the universe since you're not the same time/space fabric.
Joe: So there's no escape.
Dazza: You actually make your own prison. The only escape is a small hole in the bubble but you cannot leave the hole for too long as the hole would start to grow and force the bubble to implode.

^^ooc: thanks mate! ive seen it around, and i never really understood. thanks again!


also: when can we start bids for the 9th Oxen Cup? KJO is ready for an international tournament!!

(ooc: Yeah, It's my own tourney. Just decided to do somethin different with this one. And Nethertopia, I use a totally diffent scorinator than NSFootySim or Leagion when I do the Oxen Cup.)

QNN
Where News Happens

"This just in to the QNN studios, Taeshan has invaded Piscodemons, Pool Shrimpers, and Insaneindahead, after those nations had moved the majority of their forces towards the north to prevent a Qazoxian attack. A spokesman from Qazox' Department of Defense has reported that in fact that Qazox and Taeshan have agreed in principle to not attack each other, but any incursion by the other in any of the zones of influence, namely the nations that the countries are attacking, will be met with a full response. Sativaville has unoffically allied themselves with Qazox, but maintains that they will only send troops to Wickedable, at this time.

In reports from the front lines, Qazox has burned the capital of Sawed, Tobin City to the ground and now currently occupy about 15% of that nation. On the other fronts, Moonkins' President, Sun-Yi Hsi has reportedly been airlifted to Prux and there are reports that the military of Certifiably insane has fractured into 2, with about 20% supporting Qazox, with the remainder attempting to convince Green wombat to enter the war.

Stay tuned to QNN for more news as it happens.

(ooc: For Qazox at least, this will be the last report, until WC43 begins)

At the airport (Groves turns up)

Calorol: Well Harry can they do this? Are we going to be able to come back home? I mean you’re the lawyer.

Groves: Yes they can, all non-nationals better get out it is a good thing we are playing in Green Wombat some of us already had tickets. How many people here are non-nationals?

JJ: Well I'm not that means I'm going to lose my job and not come back I already have got a plane from Green Wombat back to Bloumany.
Sonsdras: Neither am I but my wife is and so are the triplets so I won't be coming back till this is over but at least the family doesn't have to move for awhile. It's only you and me isn't it JJ?
JJ: Yeah I think so the rest of these guys have lived here long enough and decided to nationalise themselves.
Sonsdras: Don't worry JJ my wife says she will keep an eye out on your apartment.
JJ: Thanks mate

Lockett: It's not going to look good for business my restaurant caters to a lot of foreigners, this is going to wreck me I hate that bastard Daniel Renoir, he is using centuries old misgivings and wanting to unite the north tribes to wreck people like me and you JJ and you Bill for some little squabble that doesn't have anything to do with us
Rock: We aren't even people who don't want the tribes to come together I couldn't give a fuck but does Renoir see it like that? We had better watch out he may take this to higher levels, I think I will look for a job back in Upper Braxon.
Norman: There is nothing to worry about yet though we must be careful, and be ready to leave at a moments notice, do we have an embassy in Qazox?
Gorves: No, we don't but I have heard that the Empire is going to do something to get other Bloumans out; we know most of them about 55 non-nationalised Bloumans currently live in Qazox.
LowenBrauer: Well I know a few nationalised Bloumans who are thinking of leaving anyway, this country has gone to shit recently and this is the straw that broke the camels back.

(Matthew Flinders rocks up)
Flinders: Green Wombat might not be as safe as you think listen to this, they want Green Wombat to enter the war, all I know is I have to get out of here, I may have been here for 6 years but Imperial Navy law states that I must remain solely a Blouman citizen and ready for active duty till I reach the age of 65, I am going to have to move out, I just saw my wife of on a plane out of here.
JJ: You too, I already booked a flight from Green Wombat, but I saw on the news that Qazox seems to be making ground even though taeshan did attack them, that might make things more pleasant for us since Renoir will be happy.

Intercom: Flight to Green Wombat is now ready for boarding)

JJ: Well there we go this might be the last time I step on Qazox ground, I hope not but if so I have had fun.

Final Cutoff.
Will Qazox, in light of the recent war, fianlly win its own tourney, or will Cafundeu dredge up bad memories of the First Oxen Cup?

Will Newmanistan continue it good history in the Cup, or will Blouman Empire and the displaced Bloumany families get a good send off?

Find out in about 10 minutes!

THE EMPIRE TIMES

BLOUMANS FORCED TO FLEE QAZOX

Qazox announced today that all foreigners currently living in the country must leave the country otherwise they will be arrested as illegal immigrants, terrorists or enemy combatants. This comes as Qazox attempts to reunite the countries making up Northern Continuum Alliance with Qazox and bring them back into the fold. There are also reports that Teashan has gone on the side of the NCA and has attacked Qazox forces.

The Emperor was surprised by this sudden move by Qazox and the reasoning behind the expulsion of many Bloumans who arrived in Qazox by legal means. This currently only affects those Bloumans who do not have dual citizenship with Qazox approximately 55 of a total of 120 Bloumans. While some have already left there has been an outcry by those left behind for the Emperor to do help them escape the country that will soon lock them up. The Emperor responded that he will ask the Qazox government to allow a government plane to be able to collect all remaining Bloumans and take them out of the country. There has been no word yet from the Qazox government.

The Head embassy of the Empire has revived its travel conditions to Qazox moving it from a general beware warning to its highest warning; Do Not Travel for any Reason. A head embassy official said that this was required as all Blloumans entering will be taken into custody and we strongly advise that people do not go there under any circumstances.

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

A message from Emperor Henry IV Emperor of the Blouman Empire

To: Fuhur Daniel Renoir,

We ask permission for the Imperial government to land a commercial jet in Qazox in order to assist Blouman citizens in evacuating your country.

EDIT: Only a few minutes late, I shouldn't have worried about fixing the spelling mistakes.

Oxen Cup 8 (http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_8) Final and 3rd Place match Results:
(winners in BOLD)


FINALS:
Cafundeu 0-0 Qazox AET (3-1 S.O.)@ Green wombat Field, Green wombat


3rd place:
Newmanistan 3-2 Blouman Empire AET@ Green wombat Field, Green wombat

The Blouman Empire is our new Taeshan. ;) Also, now three consecutive times the eventual champion knocked us out.

(OOC: Let me finish off our thread appearances with this.... Go Phillies!!! It's nice being up 3-1, 'eh Red Sox fans? ;) )
(OOC2: Cafundeu, it would have been our second final appearance in this Cup, not our first. We lost the Oxen Cup 6 final)

OOC - WTF Caf! I always knew the winner of the Jeru vs Caf game was going win this cup.

THE EMPIRE TIMES

BLOUMANS FORCED TO FLEE QAZOX

Qazox announced today that all foreigners currently living in the country must leave the country otherwise they will be arrested as illegal immigrants, terrorists or enemy combatants. This comes as Qazox attempts to reunite the countries making up Northern Continuum Alliance with Qazox and bring them back into the fold. There are also reports that Teashan has gone on the side of the NCA and has attacked Qazox forces.

The Emperor was surprised by this sudden move by Qazox and the reasoning behind the expulsion of many Bloumans who arrived in Qazox by legal means. This currently only affects those Bloumans who do not have dual citizenship with Qazox approximately 55 of a total of 120 Bloumans. While some have already left there has been an outcry by those left behind for the Emperor to do help them escape the country that will soon lock them up. The Emperor responded that he will ask the Qazox government to allow a government plane to be able to collect all remaining Bloumans and take them out of the country. There has been no word yet from the Qazox government.

The Head embassy of the Empire has revived its travel conditions to Qazox moving it from a general beware warning to its highest warning; Do Not Travel for any Reason. A head embassy official said that this was required as all Blloumans entering will be taken into custody and we strongly advise that people do not go there under any circumstances.

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

A message from Emperor Henry IV Emperor of the Blouman Empire

To: Fuhur Daniel Renoir,

We ask permission for the Imperial government to land a commercial jet in Qazox in order to assist Blouman citizens in evacuating your country.

EDIT: Only a few minutes late, I shouldn't have worried about fixing the spelling mistakes.


TO: Emperor Henry IV
FROM: Daniel Renoir
RE: Bloumany Evacuation.

While our two nations have no formal ties, anymore, I would look like a complete monster not to allow your foreign scum to leave, seeing as there is 24 hours left on the deadline. You can send the jet to my private airstrip, located at these coordinates: (N 38.699444, W90.200844)
(OOC, if you put those coordinates into Google maps, It's an island in the middle of the Mississippi River, just east of St. Louis)

You will have 4 hours to land, collect your passengers and leave.





The Blouman Empire is our new Taeshan. ;) Also, now three consecutive times the eventual champion knocked us out.

(OOC: Let me finish off our thread appearances with this.... Go Phillies!!! It's nice being up 3-1, 'eh Red Sox fans? ;) )
(OOC2: Cafundeu, it would have been our second final appearance in this Cup, not our first. We lost the Oxen Cup 6 final)

We've been there before, TWICE and still won the World Series, so I'm not that worried, yet.

IC:

The players were depressed after a loss against Newmanistan, though they were not surprised with the loss after all they were playing against professional athletes, and other things on their mind such as their life now being shook up.

Those that did not hold a Qazox passport have found their way back to Bloumany, others made their way back to Qazox some have decided to make preparation to move out of Qazox straight away.

A plane came and collected all Bloumans who wanted to leave, they could only take their what was nearest and dearest to them and leave. No one who did not hold Qazox citizenship remained, quick to leave the a life of pain and misery that was sure to remain.

Those that had been saved by the Empire would be looked after and given special assistance by the government to help them relocate.

OOC: I missed that joke Newmanistan, but it seems that no matter what the team you will always beat me when we come up against each other.

OOC: I missed that joke Newmanistan, but it seems that no matter what the team you will always beat me when we come up against each other.

We used to always beat Taeshan in everything.... though he's turned the tables slightly recently. So you are the new team we always beat!

Qazox... you know I totally forgot the fact about you guys having come back from 3-1 twice to win the World Series when I wrote that (forgot mainly that they did it last year against Cleveland). Don't tempt fate though, 3 times is a bit much!

well done, Cafundeu!
and also to you, Qazox, for putting up such a valiant effort!
Also, to the host nations, you have hosted an amazing tournament!
9th Oxen cup = Kjomasasopia! when can we start bids?!?

(ooc: Yeah, It's my own tourney. Just decided to do somethin different with this one. And Nethertopia, I use a totally diffent scorinator than NSFootySim or Leagion when I do the Oxen Cup.)

(OOC: I just suggested those two as they're the most common used scoinators. Oh well!)

(OOC again: Luckly enough we're able to avoid Newmanistan in most events...)

We used to always beat Taeshan in everything.... though he's turned the tables slightly recently. So you are the new team we always beat!

Yeah that's exactly what it is, I enjoy the rivarly and the challenge but I am going to savour the moment when I beat you. Maybe in WC61.

Yeah that's exactly what it is, I enjoy the rivarly and the challenge but I am going to savour the moment when I beat you. Maybe in WC61.

Oh hell no. By that time i predict that Newmanistan will be in the top 5 of the KPB rankings...

Oh hell no. By that time i predict that Newmanistan will be in the top 5 of the KPB rankings...

And I have seen teams in the top 5 lose out to teams in the bottom 50, Margret will soon turn the table against me and I will beat those blasted Rockets. WC61 is when after many many games I will finally beat them.

The chance rate that you haven't beaten the Rockets before that is... Err...

Probably about 0,07%

And knowing my luck that is exactly how the cookie will crumble. In any case mate I am only having a joke, I have played Newmanistan about 6 or 7 times now and every time I have played him I have lost.

I know eh! I've been Newmanistan's punching bag for only two times. And two times a one goal defeat.

I don't know how he does it. (Well I do but still can't a guy get a break)

With my all seeing eye i predict the world cup 61 rankings

1. Newmanistan
2. Taeshan
3. Secristan
4.Qazox
5. Well i tried

With my all seeing eye i predict the world cup 61 rankings

1. Newmanistan
2. Taeshan
3. Secristan
4. Qazox
5. Nethertopia

Fixed.

With my all seeing eye i predict the world cup 61 rankings

1. Newmanistan
2. Taeshan
3. Secristan
4.Qazox
5. Miroxia

No, I fixed!

Boo! Jokestealer! :P

But the probility of your post is higher than mine.

Some nice posts in this thread over the last eight hours or so. Our goal is still to win World Cup 50!

Blouman, if you've noticed it seems like each meeting of ours has been at one level higher then the previous.... group stage.... quarterfinal (Di Bradini Cup).... semifinal (Cup of Harmony).... 3rd place game (here).... up next is a final in something in which you'll probably avenge all of it and turn the table on us!

Boo! Jokestealer! :P

But the probility of your post is higher than mine.

tee hee!!!

Some nice posts in this thread over the last eight hours or so. Our goal is still to win World Cup 50!

Blouman, if you've noticed it seems like each meeting of ours has been at one level higher then the previous.... group stage.... quarterfinal (Di Bradini Cup).... semifinal (Cup of Harmony).... 3rd place game (here).... up next is a final in something in which you'll probably avenge all of it and turn the table on us!

Hey, I never noticed that before, well I hope you are right.

I won again after so much time and so many attempts!! (lifts the trophy)

Newmanistan, will correct the mistake now.

9th Oxen cup = Kjomasasopia! when can we start bids?!?

Don't bother, since this is a tourney I created and host sololy; I just spread it around this time to shake it up a bit.

For Oxen Cup 9 (which will be after World Cup 43, BTW) I got a suprise. But you'll have to wait until then! (which RL should be around mid-December)

then id like to ask if i can co host.

Don't bother, since this is a tourney I created and host sololy; I just spread it around this time to shake it up a bit.

For Oxen Cup 9 (which will be after World Cup 43, BTW) I got a suprise. But you'll have to wait until then! (which RL should be around mid-December)

Ooh! Goodie! I like surprises! Does it include loads of pink candles and a bath tub?

...

Did i just say that last sentence out loud?