NationStates Jolt Archive

So, you didn’t make the World Cup Proper. This reality is tougher for some nations to swallow then others, but there is still the Cup of Harmony! The Cup of Harmony is seen in an unfair light as being a Loser’s Cup sometimes, but you can also look at it as a “Gateway” Cup. The last time the Cup of Harmony was in Newmanistan, the 33rd, eight participating teams qualified for the World Cup the following season, and all eight of them are now returning for their second World Cup in a row. On behalf of my partner West Zirconia, welcome to the Cup of Harmony! Continue to build your World Cup legacy here. (If nothing else, the Cup of Harmony allows you to pick up more KPB points, and not participating can hinder your ranking potential).

There are 21 nations competing in this year's Cup of Harmony. (The time to accept invitations has elapsed) They are:

If you have been confirmed can post your roster at anytime on this thread. (reminder that the style modifiers used are +2 to -2).

Where a roster was provided by the nation, click their nation name to view it. Links to rosters on the WC43 were only made for the teams that specifically said on the thread that their roster would be the same.

Group A: (Newmanistan)
Magna Sancta Sedes (38) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14214107&postcount=62)
West Zirconia (49) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14210107&postcount=49)
Urna Eletronica (53) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14197936&postcount=23)
Cassadaigua (61) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14206579&postcount=41)
Kjomasasopia (63) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14128205&postcount=32)
Nethertopia (71) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14206490&postcount=40)
Miroxia (83) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14113077&postcount=11)

Group B: (West Zirconia)
Blouman Empire (36) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14213386&postcount=58)
Newmanistan (39) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14206293&postcount=35)
Kosovoe (50) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14191873&postcount=9)
Greal (59) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14192626&postcount=12)
Secristan (66) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14201178&postcount=28)
Viltek (81) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14193295&postcount=16)
Chutnusak (84) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14206727&postcount=42)

Group C: (West Zirconia)
Taeshan (35) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14191849&postcount=8)
Green wombat (42) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14112016&postcount=7)
Myedvedeya (55) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14199056&postcount=27)
Arroza (56) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14201963&postcount=29)
Colbourne (69) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14198894&postcount=26)
Dariusville (80) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14134649&postcount=42)
The Bostopian Empire (91) (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14198273&postcount=25)

Links to Important Posts in thread:
Official Group Draw Announcement and Schedule (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14206115&postcount=31)
Group B & C Schedule and Stadium Information (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14206406&postcount=36)
Group A Schedule and Stadium Information (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14208936&postcount=45)

Scores:
MD1- Group A (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14215919&postcount=69) MD1- Group B & C (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14216179&postcount=70)
MD2- Group A (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14218981&postcount=87)

Myedvedeya officially accepts the invitation to the Cup of Harmony.

Colbourne accepts the invitation into the cup of harmony

We have good intelligence from MSS that they're willing to send a team (real or otherwise) to the CoH to almost win the tournament again.

The Bloumans will be in attendance. Roster to come.

EDIT: When do you think the Cup might start, Newmanistan?

we'll both be there. Hmmm.

Greal accepts the invitation to the Cup of Harmony 35. Roster coming up.

Staff
Zeke AKA Manager
Bubba Froalie AKA Assistant Manager
Hot Jew AKA Trainer
Hot Other Jew AKA Scout
Girl with Implants AKA Pleasurer
Zef Tray Bench Coach

The Illustrious Starting Eleven
Tad Montague GK #1 31 Captain Pyeongjang Gukjei (Daehanjeiguk)
Jayly Riae LD #3 28 NA Wiechester FC
Jacin Raellis CD #2 28 NA El din Marbles
Matt Rhietuard CD #4 31 NA Gieron FC
Horatio Saguchi LM #6 21 NA Los Riosa Monstas
Zeke Jr. CM #14 22 Coaches Son Ranju(Daehanjeiguk)
Brian Ying Uing RM #18 27 Best current Player Sanseo(Daehanjeiguk)
Doug Newier LS #99 25 Na Wolfin Wolves
Alex Tyrony LCS #77 22 NA Machrobat Monkeys
A. F. Falcon RCS #18 27 NA Bayern Phoenix
Hele RS #19 25 Coaches other son Taeshan City Lightning


Other Dudes known as Backups
Adam Flight GK #62 23 NA X Island Marauders
Mike Hones D #15 26 NA Blacklake Blues
Adelin Reazeo D #66 26 NA Docktown Deathdogs
Samay Sanchex M #44 26 NA Ying Jing Yankees
Elanor Kelly S #24 21 Na Pariot Panthers
Damian Aslott S #35 22 NA Tintown Terrapins

Jerseys

Home-http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/w/images/2/24/Taeshan_home_kit.jpg
Away-http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/w/images/f/f9/Taeshan_away_kit.jpg

Style Modfier-less then lowest

Coach-Duggie Smith

Aximili Ridle Goalkeeper 25 00 Laketown Rangers
Jeffrey Morgan LD 25 7 Pyeonyang Gukjei
Tyler Stewart LCD 28 18 Ojian Orangemen
Thomas Miller RCD 27 29 Yaton FC
Xavier Hiroshima RD 24 22 Atlantea Hurricanes
Ryan Lagono LM 22 8 New Capetown Niffers
Griffin Myers CM 22 11 Los Riosa Monstas
Eli Walker RM 23 13 Pyeonyang Gukjei
Ossi Euro LS 24 25 Fadron Flight
Angel Kenssington Cs 24 32 Tintown Terrapins
Jamie Barry Rs 23 40 Ojian Orangemen
SUBS
Royce Koplon GK 23 99 Pyeonyang Gukjei
Seth Gornge D 25 92 Fadron Flight
Alen Sorrow D 26 87 Taeshan City Lightning
Desmond Desiree M 20 14 Machrobat Monkeys
Derry Demiond M 23 50 Pariot Panthers
Ollie Might S 24 6 Ojian Orangemen
Fred Minor S 27 71 Gieron FC


Jerseys
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/KSV43.png

The Bloumans will be in attendance. Roster to come.

EDIT: When do you think the Cup might start, Newmanistan?

We'd like to have it started either Saturday or Sunday.

confirmed appearance.
for roster, see our post in the WC43 roster thread

http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff41/838millionman/th_Grealflag56-1.jpg
Greal announces its Cup of Harmony Squad

Home Kit (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff41/838millionman/GrlHome4.jpg?t=1217507061)
Away Kit (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff41/838millionman/GrlAway455.jpg?t=1217507095)

Team Formation
4-4-3


# 1 GK Raul Grunt (22 years old)
# 2 DEF Henry Watson (23 years old)
# 3 DEF Richard Turner (26 years old)
# 4 DEF Mecca Oma (24 years old)
# 5 DEF Sam Hardy (27 years old)
# 6 MID Howard Anderson (23 years old)
# 7 MID Sebastian Expan (22 years old)
# 8 MID Francis Volodislav (24 years old)
# 9 FOR Michael Istoma (23 years old)
# 10 FOR Ross Trent (Captain) (25 years old)
# 11 FOR Qin Lang (23 years old)


# 12 GK Ivan Wilson (24 years old)
# 13 DEF Kash Fraser (23 years old)
# 14 DEF Edward (Eddie) Towner (25 years old)
# 15 DEF Fred Murrow (28 years old)
# 16 DEF Shia Adamson (25 years old)
# 17 MID Adam Fan (26 years old)
# 18 MID James Peters (23 years old)
# 19 MID Tony Soaps (22 years old)
# 20 MID Paul Turton (21 years old)
# 21 FOR Oliver Dickens (24 years old)
# 22 FOR Eko Tasser (22 years old)
# 23 GK Dennis Willows (26 years old)


If my opponent posts first, he/she may:

Choose my scorers?: Yes
Yellow card my players?: Yes
Red card my players?: No
Injure my players?: Yes (I'll determine the severity)
Godmode injuries?: No
Godmode scoring events?: No
Godmode other events?: No

Sasha Stadium (http://i237.photobucket.com/albums/ff41/838millionman/olympic-stadium.jpg?t=1218671185)
Attendance: 120,000

Style Modifier: +1

The Wombats grudgingly accept their invite. (esp. ICly the last one was lost in the mail.)

Roster same as World Cup 43's.

Nethertopia and Dariusville in, both with their WC 43 squads. Which I'll post here later as well.

Millionaires in.

The Guide to Travelling Rennida says one thing on the people of Viltek.

Run.

It is well known that the Vilteki people hold a hatred for all around them, specifically the citizens of Rennidan. It was Vilteki nomads who shot down Flight 109, killing all of Rennidan’s team last World Cup.

This time round, they’ve decided to throw a chance at the game itself, and have entered the closet thing that resembles a team onto the international stage of soccer.

Style Modifier: -2
Viltek will play in… uh… well, I don’t think they care about formations here.


Uniform

The Vilteki players will be playing in their nation’s ceremonial war gear.

That is to say…

They’ll be playing stark naked.

Unless you count body paint as clothing.

In which case they’d be wearing something



Manager

Uhgo Loluk
Age - 92

The life of a manager is never, ever easy. The life of a wartribe leader who has been responsible for the countless deaths of innocents, however, is probably a wee bit harder.



Goalkeeper

Mucki Fwok
Age - 25
Sex - M
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 210 lbs
Fwock is the leader of the Fwubia tribe of Viltek, known for the audacious acts of violence and bloodlust. When he isn’t tearing into another man’s ribcage, he’s often practicing his goalkeeping. He’s the only player on the pitch wearing an item of clothing: his gloves.




The Rest

Quitte Shorrette
Age - 25
Sex - M
Height: 4'1"
Weight: 89 lbs
Call him short at your own peril.

He likes to go for the ankles.

With his teeth.


Phut Brastud
Age - 22
Sex - M
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 312 lbs
Once ate the citizens of a rival village. Proclaims that they ‘tasted like happiness’.

Ogli Fokah
Age - 35
Sex - M
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 166 lbs
This man has taken far too many hits to the head. I didn’t even think it was humanly possible for someone’s nose to end up there on their face.

Loavleh Muves
Age - 19
Sex - M
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 123 lbs
With the grace and speed of a… uh… really graceful speedy thing, Loavleh is by far the team’s best mover on the pitch.

Rotuhn Mow-Thah
Age - 41
Sex - M
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 144 lbs
This man has no teeth. His breath is worse than the smell coming from a Bostopian gentleman’s lav.

Harry Fellow
Age - 31
Sex - M
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 161 lbs
At first, we thought this guy was actually a werewolf. But, no, we were wrong. He’s just really goddamned hairy.

Shuht Yooup
Age - 23
Sex - M
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 240 lbs
If you’re likely to get punched in the face playing this guys (and, let’s face it, you are), then Shuht is probably the guy that’s doing the punching. He’s one vicious tribal nomad.


Rhipt Bhitc
Age - 21
Sex - M
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 155 lbs
This guy is only on the team because of the overwhelming female support in his ‘nation’. They love him, so he gets to play. I’d criticize this, but they’d probably kill me.


Wivry Mahn
Age - 63
Sex - M
Height: 5'2"
Weight: 103 lbs
Wivry is the eldest playing member of the team. He may be old, but some kind of black magic Vilteki witch doctor mumbo jumbo hocus pocus has made him pretty damned good.

Patches
Age - 3
Sex -M
Height: About a foot and a half.
Weight: I don’t think they weighed him.
Patches is a hunting dog. Like all dogs, he has a fondness for chasing balls. Apparently, the Vilteki people thing this will be a handy thing in football.

So there it is, a team composed of 10 nomads and a dog.

Their chances of winning?

It’s a sure bet, right?

Right?




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

Miroxia will be attending and accept the invitation. We will be using the same roster, modifier, and settings as WC43.

We look forward to our first Cup of Harmony appearance. We'll be there.

Tar Hornets in. Sigh.

Liventia will be declining its invitation to participate in the Cup of Harmony.

We're in.

We will play.

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.

Kits:

http://img65.imageshack.us/img65/3694/urnaeletronicattn8.png

Chutnusak has confirmed their play via TG, putting us at 21.

Looks like we will should hit 24 with the potential highest ranked team of the CoH still sitting out there and a couple puppets of trusty veterans that could sign up!

Following Bostopia's take-over of the entire region, the Ministry for Empirical Affairs reset the borders within the Empire to their original status when the nations were totally independant. Bostopia feels that the restoration of the borders will promote nationalist feeling within the colonies, while making them easier to manage and govern, as cultures such as those in Outer Sygon (formerly Outer Bostopia West) and Chikoo (formerly Outer Bostopia East) will no longer be governed together by one single body.

The takeover of Vladmiristak (with the former Autumno) and it's dependencies the Whittle Isles, half of the Arbad Islands, 3/4 of Outer Sygon, half of Chikoo, and 3/4 of Deweyland have opened up new possibilities for the coaches player-wise, though only one new player has been selected - Vladimir Alexandvich of Vladmiristak, following a private agreement with that nations football bodies - mainly due to internal political issues.

Number, Name, Position, Age, Territory

Staff

KS - Kulvir SINGH - Manager - 43 - Adoros
RD - Rajinder DHALIWAL - Assistant Manager - 42 - Adoros

Goalkeepers - 3

1 - Steve BUSH - GK - 29 - Rental Save
12 - Luke WILLIS - GK - 27 - Outer Sygon
13 - Kyle BRIANT - GK - 21 - Deweyland

Defenders - 7

2 - Dan MOORE - DL 28 - Rental Save
3 - Manjit KULMAR - DC - 30 - Adoros
4 - Vladimir MENYIVICH - DC - 25 - Arbad Islands
5 - Mike Forside - DR - 23 - Chikoo
14 - Pradeep BANSAL - DC - 32 - Adoros
15 - Ian NEWBURY - DLRC - 31 - Outer Sygon
16 - Joe PLUMBOSKI - DR - 25 - Rental Save


Midfielders - 8

6 - Larry JOHNSON - ML - 26 - Rental Save
7 - Peter JENKINS - DMC - 28 - Deweyland
8 - Greg CRAVEN - Captain - AMC - 31 - FIDA Isle
9 - Rich FELLOW - MR - 29 - Chikoo
17 - Peter BROOKS - MC - 30 - Rental Save
18 - Baljeet PREWAL - ML - 24 - Adoros
19 - Anthony PEAN - MC - 26 - Outer Bostopia Chikoo
20 - Michael HAYES - MR - 27 - Rental Save

Strikers - 5

10 - Vladimir Alexandvich - SC - 24 - Vladmiristak
11 - Will PETERSON - SC - 26 - Rental Save
21 - Kyle HAIRFELD - SC - 20 - Arbad Islands
22 - Stewart RICHARDSON - SC - 23 - Deweyland
23 - Jack AUSTELL - SC - 22 - Outer Sygon

Kits

Designed and produced by Asal éide spóirt of Sorthern Northland

Home/Away
http://www.btinternet.com/~david.boston/_bostopia/TheBostopianEmpire.png

Important Information for Hosts & RP'ers

Style Modifier - +3

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
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — Yes
Godmod other events — Yes

Do whatever you want basically, just don't kill/maim/etc. An RP that makes me laugh would make me eternally grateful (message used to read "make me laugh on my lunchbreak at work" but the morons in IT finally blocked forums.jolt.co.uk mid-way thru WC42 qualis, after blocking forums3.jolt.co.uk months ago)

#19 Dan Barret f **
#9 Todd Dichio f
#7 Julius Ibrahim f **
#25 Juan Ruiz f **
#28 John Smith f
#20 Carlos Guevara m**
#5 Joey Harmse m
#10 Ron Ricketts m**
#33 Derek Robinson m**
#6 Alex Richardson m
#15 Tony Roselund d
#3 Tyrone James d
#14 Jeff Marshall d **
#11 Jim Brennan d captain **
# 4 Pablo Velez d **
#16 Abdus Wynne d **
#1 Rick Sutton gk **
#18 Kevin Edwards gk

** denotes starter
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6...lbournegu5.png
style modifier +3
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events N
RP injuries to my players Y minors ones only please
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players N
Hand out red cards to my players N
Godmod other events N

Bagration Announces Cup of Harmony Roster

KIT: http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/1572/myedvedeyacw5.png

After Winning the Baptism of Fire, and a decent WC43 Qualifying campaign, Myedvedeya, now ranked 55th, prepare for the Cup of Harmony.

STYLE MODIFIER: +2

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- América (Cafundéu)
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. Golden Boot winner at the BoF. Is now playing for Cafundelense top division side América.

#9 Aleksander Rozhdestvensky- Age 23
CLUB- Eastport United FC (Dancougar)
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- Voroskaev Tygers
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 戴慕李 (Dai Muli)- Age 20
CLUB- Unaffiliated- Waiting for Offers
Dai Muli is an ethnically chinese Myedvedeyan player, and was the leading scorer for the Karpograd University Devils during their run through the National Collegiate Championship. He is very fast, and a very clinical finisher, but will not be able to beat out superstar Aloyoshenka Vorotaev for a starting spot on the attack. Will replace veteran Pavel Zolkin, who is retiring.


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.

#6 Nicola D'Ancona- Age 21
CLUB- Unaffiliated- Waiting for Offers
D'Ancona recently received citizenship, after coming to Myedvedeya for the chance to play for a top school like the MSAA. As a left midfielder, he lead the Ironmen in both goals and assists, as they won the National Championship. He is very fast, a beautiful dribbler, and has the most powerful shot of anyone in Myedvedeya. He will earn a starting spot on the roster, and will take the place of Alexander Markov in the left-central midfield. Igor Parshin, who broke his leg against Dancougar in qualifying, will leave the team to free up a spot.

#13 Nikolai Dolohov (Captain)- Age 28
CLUB- Tundra Falls (Newmanistan)
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. Has just signed with Tundra Falls of Newmanistan, who played their way to a upper-mid table finish.

#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.

#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.

#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- Serrano (Cafundéu)
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- Dover City (Newmanistan)
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. Is now playing for TQCC qualifiers Dover City.

#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- Ranca Toco (Cafundéu)
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.

#25 Jamie Redhawk- Age 19
CLUB- Unaffiliated- Waiting for Offers
The large, powerful right defender was the only reason the mediocre Silver Stags even made it to the tournament round of the National Collegiate Championship. He will earn a starting spot, taking it from the erratic and unreliable Maksim Korotkaiev on the right side. He will take the number of 33-year old Konstantin Naesenko, who is retiring from international competition.

#10 Maksim Korotkaiev- Age 26
CLUB- Cossack United
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. Lost his starting spot to foreign-born Jamie Redhawk.

#20 Vas Pervoi- Age 23
CLUB- Svalvinya CF
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.

#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- Pocono City (Newmanistan)
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. Signed a high-paying contract with Newmanistan's Pocono City Capitals, where he had a strong first season as they qualified for the globe cup.

#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.

Captain: Nikolai Dolohov
Set Piece Taker (Includes PK's): Aloyoshenka Vorotaev
Shootout order: Aleksander Rozhdestvensky, Nikolai Dolohov, Nicola D'Ancona, Aloyoshenka Vorotaev, Grigor Ulyanov
Right Corner: Grigor Ulyanov
Left Corner: Arman Barabanschikov

NORMAL STARTING LINEUP:

#28 Vorotaev #9 Rozhdestvensky

#8 Barabanschikov #6 D'Ancona #13(C) Dolohov #7 Ulyanov

#5 Romasko #3 Preminin #27 Mizin #25 Redhawk

#1 Bykovsky

There is one important thing you need to realize about the players that will be competing for us. Unlike other countries which do strange things like have tryouts, or pick the best players off of their domestic teams, and even recognizing that some nations may actually go to the ridiculous extent of compensating their players for their participation. In Secristan, such ideas are considered to be absolutely absurd.

Here, players bid for their spots to represent the country, with the Secristan Department of Sports (SDOS) collecting the proceeds and using them to fatten their wallets. Once they won individual auctions to be part of the team, they then had to bid separately for starting/substitute/and reserve rules. The coach also had to go through this process.

In order for their bids to be valid, candidates had to pass a rigorous physical examination, and be between the ages of 18 and 38, and had to have played a minimum of one year of professional football. So, these aren’t just a bunch of schmucks. They should be quite competitive, and they were able to play to a runner up finish in the Baptism of Fire, and are the same people that played in qualifying. Why do the players bother to bid? To get a return on their investment. If they do well, they can sign endorsement deals throughout the country with major domestic companies. They’ve seen it happen already with our team that won the 1st International Basketball Championship.


Secristan will play a 4-4-2.
Style Modifier: -1

GK: Michael Rossiter, # 1 , 24- Reflexes and can usually force the shooter to commit first.
LB: Lucas Kempski, #4 , 28- Outstanding strength and height, can out muscle anyone.
LCB: Jake Wesley, #3, 27- Hard-nosed, physical player.
RCB: Phillip Novington, #2, 32- Experience, poise, and terrific leaping ability.
RB: Isaiah Petrie, # 5, 28- Great awareness, anticipates plays before they happen.
LM: Curtis Coleman, #17, 23- Agility, playmaker.
CAM: Stephen Alexander, #23, 25 - Determination; work ethic.
CDM: Darnell Jones, #18, - Defensively responsbile, enjoys the physical nature of the game.
RM: Blake Pitchford, #11, 31- Free kicks, corners.
LS: Kevin Walker, #10, 24- Finisher; will generally be set up by Rogan.
RS: James Rogan, #8 , 24 -Speed, speed, speed, and more speed. Fantastic work ethic. Team captain.

Subs:
GK: Alexander Reardon, #21, 30- He actually hates Michael Rossiter. This will be interesting.
CB: Chris Carmin, #7, 27- The most arrogant player on the team. And that’s saying something.
CB: Anthony Coughlin, #6, - Always makes the safe play. Boring but effective.
MID: Todd Carney, #12 , 25- Speed.
MID: Jose Castillo, #13, 26- Intelligence, finishing.

Reserves:
GK: Steve Richardson, #31, 26- Will stop anything down low. Up high, that’s another story.
CB: Carl Perino, #9, 33- Defensive awareness.
CB: Lennie Burnett, #22, 18- Young student of the game. Up and comer. Daddy bid for him.
MID: Brian Marcott, #15, 22- Plays a strong two-way game. Keeps it simple.
MID: Justin Kadison, #16, 27- Much like Marcott, hard worker.
ST: Kevin Trafelski, #19, 29- Solid finisher, but really only in it for the money and fame.
ST: Mickey Johnstone, #14, 32- Scary accurate shooting.

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes but only say they were hurt.
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes, two card limit.
Godmod other events: Yes if you're gonna do something that fits with the theme of my team. Otherwise, TG me first.

Team Kit: Nope didn't bug anyone to make a kit for us. Use your imagination with these descriptions:
Home: Green shirt/shorts with white horizontal stripe across the shoulders. Number on back and on upper right hand corner of shirt. Flag logo on center on shirt. Vertical white stripe along side of shorts.
Away: Invert the white and green of the home. Number/flag logo the same.
Alternate/keeper: What was green on the home kit is black. What was white is green. Number/flag logo the same

Roster for WC43

Team: Arroza Tar Hornets.

Home field: Government Park, Atalanta, Arroza (Seats 55,400). Looks suspiciously like Grant Field in Atlanta.

Uniforms:
Home - Away - Third (built by ediraf)
Home - Away - Third (built by ediraf)
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/ArzaHome4.jpghttp://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/ArzaThird4.jpghttp://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/ArzaAway4.jpg

Modifier: +1

If my opponent RPs 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
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — Yes
Godmod other events — Yes

Arroza plays a 4-4-2 Diamond Formation.

Player/Manager: Alfredo Valente

With all other coaches and sources of money being removed from the football program, and by the Ministry of Sport's decision to fire Ross Gaynor, there wasn't much of a desire to hire a new manager, or the money to do so. So looking inwards, the team will be managed by the team's former striker Alfredo Valente. It also helps that he was the only person to fill out an application that wasn't written in crayon.

Starting 11:
GK (Starter): GK: Felipe Quintero – 30 (W. Penthoria Rivermen / Newmanistan)
DEF/L: Nathan Knox – 29 (Candelaria – Allemari / Candelaria)
DEF/C: Anthony “Dutch” Jackson - 27
DEF/C: Abednego Carver - 19
DEF/R: Tadeu Terra – 23 (Porto La Cruz / Cafundeu)
DM: Benjamin Spivey - 22
M/L: M/L: Tate Parrish – 29 (Candelaria – Allemari / Candelaria)
M/R: M/R: Chris Mahaffey – 23 (Pocono City / Newmanistan)
AM: Sylvester “Rokuro” Opelika - 18
S: Martin Lancaster, M – 22 (Loudon Leopards / Newmanistan)
S: Rebecca “Two Feet” Viades - 19

Substitutes:
GK: Justin Moore – 23 (Khalmar-Tijhus / Cafundeu)
GK: Alvin Weaver – 18
D/L: Zeus Haven – 18
D/C: Kilton Xhemali – 19
D/C: Marco Gaspar – 18
D/R: Sean Vernon – 18
DM: Jeremy Hartwell – 18
M/L/R: Muhammad Ali Fairhope - 18
M/L-R: Ryan McIntosh – 24 (Clube Comercial / Cafundeu)
A/M: Samson Malijani – 19
S: Elvis Mnyamuru - 18
S: Maurice Brown - 18

OFFICIAL CUP OF HARMONY 35 ANNOUNCEMENT

Sign-ups for the 35th Cup of Harmony are now OVER.

After discussing the matter, both West Zirconia and myself felt that next plateau of 24 would be unreachable, and that while we sat on a workable number of 21, this would be the time to cut off signups.

Cup of Harmony 35 will have three groups of seven. Two Groups will take place in West Zirconia and one will take place in Newmanistan. The top three teams in each group will advance to the knockouts, with the worst two 3rd place teams having a "preliminary game" to get into the top eight. The Group Draw will be announced either late tonight or in the early AM hours tomorrow.

Matchday 1 will be scorinated on Sunday, and we anticipate cut-off times occurring on a daily basis of around 10am GMT or 5 am Eastern US time. (though perhaps a couple hours later on a weekend) Much more on the schedule when the group draw is posted. Also be on the lookout for a special announcement following the group draw from West Zirconia.

For Future Reference, there will be a direct link to this post in the first post of the thread. That first post will also link to rosters and scores for you to reference at any time.

OFFICIAL GROUP DRAW ANNOUNCEMENT

You will now find out who’s going where. For the 35th Cup of Harmony, there are seven groups of three, and the top three teams in each group will advance to the knockouts. First place teams will be seeded 1-3, second place teams 4-6, and 3rd place teams 7-9. Seeds 8 and 9 will play a preliminary round match for the honor of playing the top seed in the first round. The draw is complete, so now what you have all scrolled down to see before reading anything else:

Group A: (You are the Newmanistan Group!)
Magna Sancta Sedes
West Zirconia
Urna Eletronica
Cassadaigua
Kjomasasopia
Nethertopia
Miroxia

Group B: (To West Zirconia you go!)
Blouman Empire
Newmanistan
Kosovoe
Greal
Secristan
Viltek
Chutnusak

Group C: (Joining Group B in the W-Z)
Taeshan
Green Wombat
Myedvedeya
Arroza
Colbourne
Dariusville
The Bostopian Empire

If you want to know who was in what pot, here was the breakdown:
Pot 1: Taeshan, Blouman Empire, Magna Sancta Sedes
Pot 2: Newmanistan, Green Wombat, West Zirconia
Pot 3: Kosovoe, Urna Eletronica, Myedvedeya
Pot 4: Arroza, Greal, Cassadaigua
Pot 5: Kjomasasopia, Secristan, Colbourne
Pot 6: Nethertopia, Dariusville, Viltek
Pot 7: Miroxia, Chutnusak, The Bostopian Empire

Your Schedule of Events: (Probable Date of Scorination in ( ) ), cutoff times will approximately be 5am Eastern US time/10am GMT; with it likely a couple hours later on weekends.

MD1 (Nov. 16): 1 vs 6, 2 vs 5, 4 vs 7 Bye: 3
MD2 (Nov. 17): 2 vs 7, 4 vs 6, 3 vs 5 Bye: 1
MD3 (Nov. 18): 1 vs 7, 4 vs 5, 3 vs 6 Bye: 2
MD4 (Nov. 19): 1 vs 3, 2 vs 4, 5 vs 7 Bye: 6
MD5 (Nov. 20): 1 vs 5, 2 vs 3, 6 vs 7 Bye: 4
MD6 (Nov. 21): 1 vs 2, 3 vs 4, 5 vs 6 Bye: 7
MD7 (Nov. 22): 1 vs 4, 2 vs 6, 3 vs 7 Bye: 5

Nov. 23- Off Day
Nov. 24- Preliminary Game #8 vs #9

Nov. 25- Quarterfinals: (locations TBD based on who ends up where)
Game A: #1 seed vs #8/9 seed winner
Game B: #4 seed vs #5 seed
Game C: #3 seed vs #6 seed
Game D: #2 seed vs #7 seed

Nov. 26- Semifinals: (again, locations TBD)
Game E: Winner Game A vs Winner Game B
Game F: Winner Game C vs Winner Game D

Nov. 27- 3rd Place Game: (at West Zirconia location TBD*)
Game G: Loser Game E vs Loser Game F

CUP OF HARMONY 35 CHAMPIONSHIP
Date: November 28th (Friday)
Place: Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan*
(For the official Proving Grounds stadium link, click: http://www.nswiki.net/index.php?title=Tundra_Falls_Proving_Grounds )

Who: Winner Game E vs Winner Game F

*- The locations of the 3rd place and the final will be held at these stadiums. But if need be, it would be scorinated by the other co-host if the “home team” is involved.

OOC: Just to make sure when my time to beat you is in the group stage rather than then the final hey? :p Yeah I see what you did, jks. Just wondering will you place the KBP ranking numbers alongside?

OOC: Just to make sure when my time to beat you is in the group stage rather than then the final hey? :p Yeah I see what you did, jks. Just wondering will you place the KBP ranking numbers alongside?

Yeah that does break the trend. ;) Guess we can look at it two ways: Preferably, you're never going to beat me in a final or less desirable, now we're starting over for your streak of wins.

I will do that (KPB ranking) when I set up the first page with roster links in an hour or so.

OOC: Yeah starting all over, you bastard didn't even let me play you in the grand final. :) And thanks for putting the KBP ranks up mate.

Newmanistan is here to defend their Cup of Harmony championship from the 34th version. It is a disappointed group that they are here and not the World Cup Proper because for the third time in four tries, it came down to the last day, and a last day that didn’t go their way. Fortunately, their should be enough motivation to defend the title for that reason alone, plus they know that the Empire will be watching it closely since Newmanistan is also co-hosting.

First, the technicalities:
Team Nickname: The Rockets
Style Modifier: +2
Formation: Generally, Newmanistan plays a 4-3-3.

If you RP first, you may.......
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes (but only say they are hurt. 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 one per game.
Godmod other events: TG your idea for approval first. I’m open to doing some things, though do not wish to do death/stadium damage/or sci-fi type stuff.


All Caps and Goals up to date prior to WC43 quals.

**** COACHING STAFF ****

Manager: Brian Carson Managerial Caps: 95
Age: 55
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Carson has been the manager of the Rockets ever since we made the splash onto the interregional scene. He’s been successful in the role, leading the team to the Baptism of Fire 27 and Cup of Harmony 34 championships and also has a sparkling Di Bradini Cup managerial record. He knows that will mean nothing if the team doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, but there is no official pressure on him from the Empress to do so. That pressure will just come from within himself and from the fans. He’s a likeable coach, and a tactical wizard.

Assistant: Chris Merrill
Age: 48
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Background: Merrill has been an assistant of Carson’s since World Cup 40. They have a pretty good rapport with one another, and Merrill is retained due to his experience. Last Cup, they had Eric Andrews as an assistant along with Merrill, but Andrews turned down the assistant job this year.

Assistant: Kevin Dalton
Age: 43
Club Team: Pittstown Miners
Background: Dalton played 16 years for Carson in goal with the Pocono City Capitals, and was his assistant coach in Di Bradini Cup 6, and was slated to be that again if there was a 7th. Kevin was a terrific student in his time with Pocono City, and brought that to Pittstown, a “B League” team that named him coach. He got the Miners promoted, and has since established them into a solid mid-pack team. Dalton was the starting keeper for the Rockets in the Baptism of Fire through the World Cup 41 cycle of events.

And now, here are the starting eleven!

**** GOALKEEPER ****
Name: Chris Kusler (Caps/Clean Sheets TBD)
Position: GK
Age: 30
Number: 1
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Background: There are many Newmanistanians who feel that Kusler has surpassed Corey Hennis, and this is becoming a bit of a debate. Kusler, who has been a frequent backup to Hennis, got a chance to start in the 8th Oxen Cup, and performed very well. When Hennis got hurt in the first Lovisa game, Kusler came in and made 10 starts, and performed well.


**** DEFENDERS ****
Name: Jeremy Brooker (Assistant Captain) Caps: 95 Goals: 1
Position: LB
Age: 31
Number: 5
Club Team: Dunboor FC (Cafundeu)
Background: Brooker has developed into one of the top defenders in the world, and plays exceptionally well for Dunboor FC, one of the top teams in Cafundeu. His defensive awareness makes him one of the best ever, and he is not afraid of physical contact. He has great leadership abilities, and will be in his second tour of duty as the assistant captain. Jeremy has been a staple on Newmanistan roster, his entry on the team always an automatic when Carson fills it out.

Name: Tony Borsinger Caps: 66 Goals: 0
Position: LCB
Age: 30
Number: 6
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Background: Borsinger returns to the starting lineup after having to sit out much of the World Cup 42 cycle with an ACL tear. While that injury did slow him down, it’s not that detrimental because Tony’s game has never been about speed anyway. He is a defensive defender, and is always in the right position. At 6' 8", he will win the battle for headers more often not, so teams are advised not to challenge him. Tony is also the spiritual leader of the team, leading the team in a pre-game prayer before every match.

Name: Scott LaFave Caps: 6 Goals: 0 (Note: LaFave scored twice in qualifying)
Pos: RCB
Age: 20
Jersey #: 7
Club Team: Daytopia Racers
Bio: Scott is a tall, aggressive defender who is wise beyond his years, mainly because he plays for such a horrible team in Daytopia. His Racers always seem to be defending, so while frustrating, it has made him a better player quicker. He takes no crap from the other team, and isn’t afraid to take a chance with a hard tackle. Usually, he is smart about it, but it will probably see him get booked every now and then. LaFave was slated to play in the 7th Di Bradini Cup and possibly be the captain there, and the fact that he has skyrocketed past older defenders show how far is coming so very quickly. He was very impressive in World Cup 43 qualifying.

Name: Michael Harrison Caps: 43 Goals: 1
Position: LCB
Age: 29
Number: 8
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: Harrison is really developing into quite a player. It doesn’t hurt that he plays for one of the NPL’s most dominant teams. He was Carson’s first-choice defensive substitute in World Cup 41, and started four years later. He’s bulked up too in recent years, making him a greater physical presence.

*** MIDFIELDERS ***

Name: Dale Stevens (Caps/Goals TBD)
Position: LM
Number: 16
Age: 26
Club Team: Dover City Mountaineers
Bio: Stevens “won” this spot by his Oxen Cup 8 performance, as this was the main starting position that was considered up for grabs for a player on the “B” team to go get. He got the job not only because of his excellent play in the Q Continuum, but also because he was the only player that pretty much everyone agreed was one of the leaders of that team and someone everyone generally got along with. Helping also was that he did play alongside Parnett in the 5th Di Bradini Cup, which he will again here.

Name: Alex Parnett (Caps: 56 Goals: 12)
Position: CM
Age: 28
Number: 10
Club Team: Albrecht Turkish (Candelaria And Marquez)
Background: Parnett has everything you want in a center midfielder. His ball control skills are outstanding, and when coupled with his speed, he is a true offensive force. But at the same time, he is responsible defensively. Despite his outstanding talents, he is not as well known in Newmanistan as he is throughout the world as he is played his whole career overseas, starting in Nethertopia. After one season in Olympia, he signed this deal with Albrecht Turkish, becoming the first Newmanistanian to play in that country, and he was a good choice to be that one.

Name: Brett Prescott (Caps: 86 Goals: 9)
Position: RM
Age: 37
Number: 17
Club Team: A.F.F. (Cafundeu)
Background: Prescott is a fantastic finisher, so good in fact, that he could probably play up front. But his ability to control the midfield makes this the ideal sport for him. Brett is extremely physical with a mean streak. He is often assigned to the opponent’s top goal scorer to “rough him up” and throw him off his game, and he has succeeded against some great players in the world so far. He doesn’t get carded as much as you’d think because he tries to push the limit of the rulebook, though not always be dirty, and when he is dirty, it’s usually when the ref isn’t looking. In fact, Prescott draws more “retaliation” cards against opponents then he gets himself. Don’t let his age fool you, in fact getting older has only made him get wiser in knowing what he can get away with.

**** STRIKERS ****
Name: Jeremy McAllister (“J-Mac”) *** TEAM CAPTAIN *** Caps: 96 Goals: 72
Position: LS
Age: 31
Number: 20
Club Team: Putnam lake Eagles
Background: What more can be said about Jeremy McAllister. He is the all time leading scorer in Newmanistan interregional play, and is consistently a threat to score in every game. He has everything you want, speed, agility, height, great ball control, and he’s not afraid to be physical with opposing defenders. He is the man that opposing coaches will certainly be most concerned with stopping. He is also a terrific leader and is still in the prime of his career. J-Mac is also the leader in caps, one more then Jeremy Brooker.


Name: Brett Carlson Caps: 15 Goals: 7
Position: ST
Age: 20
Number: 9
Club Team: Pocono City Capitals
Background: The young phenom who made quite an impact at the 6th Di Bradini Cup is ready to be part of the senior team despite just barely being old enough to drink (in Newmanistan, he is). He made an immediate impact playing for Carson and the Capitals, and Brian is obviously very confident in him. He got into six games of World Cup 42 qualifying and hit the back of the net three times. Altogether, he is becoming what we were projecting. “The next J-Mac”.

Name: Jennifer Vilardi (Caps: 16 Goals: 9)
Pos: RS
Age: 22
Jersey #: 15
Club Team: Fairfield City Admirals
Bio: Jennifer and twin sister Shannon are a very exciting combination to watch, for many different reasons. Jennifer has more World Cup experience while Shannon so far has mainly had Oxen Cup interregional experience. They are both outstanding finishers with above average speed, and can be just as physical as the guys. They have also become known for other things, such as Jennifer’s fling with Jeremy McAllister, or Shannon recently catching the eye of one Kate Sallad for the way she well, approaches the game, and the lifestyle surrounding it. Somewhat of a surprising decision by Carson, but Shawn Drummond was a bit disappointing in qualifying.

**** SUBSTITUTES ****

Name: Kurt Allwine (Caps: 1 Clean Sheets: 0)
Position: GK
Age: 25
Number: 31
Club Team: Tundra Falls Mariners
Background: Kurt was added to the roster when Corey Hennis went down to serve as the new backup keeper. He’s been a backup at this level before, and actually did get a start in Oxen Cup 8 in a group stage game after the team already wrapped up clinching knockouts. While Carson will be hoping Kusler remains healthy, he’s confident that Allwine could do well, too.

Name: Brent Treichler (Caps: 28 Goals: 1)
Position: CB
Age: 31
Number: 3
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: Treichler has interregional experience, though none as recently as the others. He was a sub in the Baptism of Fire, then on the World Cup 40 team, but did not make the World Cup 41 team. Brent used that as inspiration and came back to start in World Cup 42, and returns as a sub here. So, you can say he’s had a pretty interesting journey. He is a hard nosed, physical defender, who will get his share of bookings.

Name: Alex Lampert (Caps: 6 Goals: 0)
Pos: CB
Age: 22
Jersey #: 4
Club Team: Centralia Cougars
Bio: Lampert is one of those great defenders that Centralia seems to have an endless supply of. Alex is a very studious person, taking up after his father, who is brain surgeon. Lampert may have gone in that direction too if not for his football ability. He is very fast, with average height, and average physicality. It’s a tough call to say which defender will be Carson’s first choice, and he will probably play it by game situation.

Name: Julie McElroy
Position: MID
Age: 35
Number: 12
Club Team: Southport Tigers
Background: Julie has had a varied amount of experience on the senior teams so far, but ever since Oxen Cup 6, she has been either a starter of a reserve on all senior team entries. She is fearless, and just because she is female, don’t think that she’s afraid of physical contact. Quite the contrary, really, as she tends to initiate a lot of it. McElroy is versatile, and can also play up front.

Name: Shawn Drummond Caps: 92 Goals: 26
Position: ST
Age: 31
Number: 11
Club Team: Atletico Jutense (Cafundeu)
Background: Drummond and McAllister have been working together since the 4th Di Bradini Cup, and since their rise to prominence has happened at the same time, the two have established an outstanding chemistry with one another. He is a speed burner, clocked as the fastest man on the team, just a bit quicker then J-Mac. Due to an ineffective qualifying campaign in WC43, Drummond has been demoted. This may just be temporary. We'll have to see how it plays out.

*** RESERVES ***
Name: Sheldon Talcott (Caps: 28 Goals: 0)
Position: CB
Age: 26
Number: 2
Club Team: Keith Street Enders (Blouman Empire)
Background: Talcott makes his second appearance on the senior team, although some will be quick to note that he was a starter last time around. He was the captain of the Di Bradini 6 team. He’s a lot like Jeremy Brooker in that he generally can outsmart opposing forwards, and anticipate what they are going to do before they do it. Sheldon prefers the left side.

Name: James Seidler (Caps: 6 Goals: 0)
Pos: MID
Age: 23
Jersey #: 18
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Bio: Seidler is our next Brett Prescott. He is just as nasty, rough, and aggressive with the opponent, often assigned to the other team’s top scorer to rough him up and get in his head, so that he is looking behind him when he should be focusing. But like Prescott, Seidler is smart about it. He knows when to do it, and when to lay off; thus not getting as many bookings as you might think someone like this would. He can also play the game, he’s got a great finishing touch, and sets up the strikers with outstanding crosses with great frequency. It’d be interesting to see them both on the pitch at the same time.

Name: Calvin Lane (Caps: 3 Goals: 0)
Pos: ST
Age: 18
Jersey #: 19
Club Team: Putnam Lake Eagles
Bio: Lane has blazing speed, and after being a strategic substitute four years ago, he has really been peaking of late with Putnam Lake, where he plays alongside Jeremy McAllister in the attack. Not having a Di Bradini Cup this year was a major disappointment to Calvin, as it was supposed to be *HIS* cup to showcase his talent.


Name: Shannon Vilardi (Caps/Goals TBD)
Position: ST
Number: 14
Age: 22
Club Team: Hastings Crusaders
Bio: Read Jennifer’s.... I combined them!


Travelling with team:
Name: Corey Hennis Caps: 62 Clean Sheets: 13
Position: GK
Age: 30
Number: 81
Club Team: Springfield Thoroughbreds
Background: Hennis has continued to evolve as the top goalkeeper in the Empire, and he has been especially good lately as he is entering what should be the prime of his career. Hennis was the starting keeper in World Cup 41, as well as on the Di Bradini Cup 4 & 5 teams, so he has plenty of experience. Brian Carson has a ton of confidence in him, and even though Chris Kusler has really been coming on of late, this is Corey’s spot to lose, and right now, he doesn’t seem to be about to lose it.

Corey sustained a broken leg during in the qualifying match with Lovisa (1st one) and is out for the Cup of Harmony. However, he will travel with the team and be on the sideline during matches.

GROUP MATCHES AND VENUES - GROUPS B AND C (WEST ZIRCONIA)

Group B will be played at the following stadia: (Home clubs and capacities in brackets)

Banks: Williamson Park (Banks, 52,000)
Bradley: The Glen (Bradley Hornets, 38,000)
Moorcroft: Manchester Street (Moorcroft City, 85,000)
Mort Park: STORMGroup Stadium (Mort Park, 47,500)


Matchday 1:

Blouman Empire v Viltek (Banks)
Newmanistan v Secristan (Moorcroft)
Greal v Chutnusak (Mort Park)

Matchday 2:

Newmanistan v Chutnusak (Banks)
Greal v Viltek (Bradley)
Kosovoe v Secristan (Moorcroft)

Matchday 3:

Blouman Empire v Chutnusak (Mort Park)
Greal v Secristan (Banks)
Kosovoe v Viltek (Bradley)

Matchday 4:

Blouman Empire v Kosovoe (Moorcroft)
Newmanistan v Greal (Banks)
Secristan v Chutnusak (Mort Park)

Matchday 5:

Blouman Empire v Secristan (Banks)
Newmanistan v Kosovoe (Moorcroft)
Viltek v Chutnusak (Bradley)

Matchday 6:

Blouman Empire v Newmanistan (Moorcroft)
Kosovoe v Greal (Banks)
Secristan v Viltek (Mort Park)

Matchday 7:

Blouman Empire v Greal (Moorcroft)
Newmanistan v Viltek (Mort Park)
Kosovoe v Chutnusak (Bradley)



Group C will be played at the following stadia: (Home clubs and capacities in brackets)

Houghton: City of Houghton Stadium (Houghton Kestrels, 45,000)
Markham: Birchfields (Markham, 47.500)
St. Martin: Olympic Stadium (St. Martin Athletic, 42,500)
Snaith: KPM Stadium (West Coast Angels, 57,500)


Matchday 1:

Taeshan v Dariusville (Houghton)
Green Wombat v Colbourne (Snaith)
Arroza v The Bostopian Empire (Markham)

Matchday 2:

Green Wombat v The Bostopian Empire (St. Martin)
Arroza v Dariusville (Houghton)
Myedvedeya v Colbourne (Markham)

Matchday 3:

Taeshan v The Bostopian Empire (St. Martin)
Arroza v Colbourne (Houghton)
Myedvedeya v Dariusville (Snaith)

Matchday 4:

Taeshan v Myedvedeya (Snaith)
Green Wombat v Arroza (Markham)
Colbourne v The Bostopian Empire (St. Martin)

Matchday 5:

Taeshan v Colbourne (Markham)
Green Wombat v Myedvedeya (Snaith)
Dariusville v The Bostopian Empire (Houghton)

Matchday 6:

Taeshan v Green Wombat (Snaith)
Myedvedeya v Arroza (Markham)
Colbourne v Dariusville (St. Martin)

Matchday 7:

Taeshan v Arroza (Markham)
Green Wombat v Dariusville (Houghton)
Myedvedeya v The Bostopian Empire (St. Martin)

ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL TEAMS PLAYING IN WEST ZIRCONIAN GROUPS (B AND C)


In the very near future you will be receiving a TG informing you of the ground that shall be serving as your base and training ground during your time in West Zirconia.

In addition, the teams that play at those grounds have invited you to play a warm-up friendly against them immediately prior to the competition. This would a good opportunity to raise the profiles of nation and club alike (not that some of your nations' profiles need raising, of course!), and to generate interest in the competition - not that the West Zirconians need much excuse to go to football matches! The revenue generated would be split between yourselves and your hosts, the nations' share being commensurate with the importance of the nation.


Here's where it goes slightly OOC:
For reasons of time, this is an opt-out rather than an opt-in, so if for any reason your nation does NOT wish to go ahead with the proposed game, then TG me back before I scorinate the matches on Saturday morning (10am GMT/5am Eastern US)
If you're really keen and want to RP the game - which is mainly why I had the idea - then TG me and I'll send you squad details.

ANNOUNCEMENT TO ALL TEAMS PLAYING IN WEST ZIRCONIAN GROUPS (B AND C)


In the very near future you will be receiving a TG informing you of the ground that shall be serving as your base and training ground during your time in West Zirconia.

In addition, the teams that play at those grounds have invited you to play a warm-up friendly against them immediately prior to the competition. This would a good opportunity to raise the profiles of nation and club alike (not that some of your nations' profiles need raising, of course!), and to generate interest in the competition - not that the West Zirconians need much excuse to go to football matches! The revenue generated would be split between yourselves and your hosts, the nations' share being commensurate with the importance of the nation.


Here's where it goes slightly OOC:
For reasons of time, this is an opt-out rather than an opt-in, so if for any reason your nation does NOT wish to go ahead with the proposed game, then TG me back before I scorinate the matches on Saturday morning (10am GMT/5am Eastern US)
If you're really keen and want to RP the game - which is mainly why I had the idea - then TG me and I'll send you squad details.

We are going to do this in Group A too, don't want anyone to feel left out.

National Team- NPL Club Opponent
Magna Sancta Sedes- Tundra Falls Mariners
West Zirconia- Centralia Cougars
Urna Eletronica- Pocono City Capitals
Cassadaigua- Southport Tigers
Kjomasasopia- Loudon Leopards
Nethertopia- Olympia Gladiators
Miroxia- Putnam Lake Eagles

TG me if you are one of these teams and wish to opt out.

Nope. Lovely to be in Newmanistan for a time, always a nice place to be. We'll post our slightly updated roster here soon, A few adjustments are to be made in it.

TEAM ROSTER

Well, here we present to you, the team roster of the Nethertopian team that will enter the CoH 35. It's roster is a little bit different than that of the WCQ, because The Scout wanted to bring in new talent to replace the older players, who will not be returning to the next WCQ.

Kit:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4343/nethertopianewel3.png

THE STAFF
Coach: The Scout
Does this person even need an introduction? The all-known scout from Cafundéu! He's 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. Has had a decent Oxen Cup 8 run with the team, but failed to impress at the WC43 qualifiers.

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, together with The Scout, seems 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 past as assistant though.


THE TEAM
The Nethertopian national XI is also known as the Falcons. Nethertopia will play in a 3-5-2 formation, with two defensive midfielders, two wingers and a central attacking midfielder. Style modifier is +0.5, slightly attacking.

Starters
Goalkeeper: Wouter van Dalen (VC)
Age: 33
Number: 1
Club: NAPPC (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
Bio: Wouter started as 19 year old at the Peregrines in the amateur Nethertopian competition. He was directly noticed by Rob Kietecs due to extraordinary save 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: 25
Number: 2
Club: Green Island (C&M's CMSC1)
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. C&M's Green Island have signed him, not long ago.

Central defender: Ronnie de Haan
Age: 33
Number: 4
Club: Tenderville United (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
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: 27
Number: 3
Club: El din Marbles (C&M's CMSC1)
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. Has joined the Marbles in search for CMSC gold.

Central defensive midfielder: Michael de Vet
Age: 32
Number: 13
Club: Caires City (C&M's CMSC1)
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. Has departed from his former club FC DePardenti, which he had a strained relationship, to join CMSC1 team Caires City

Central defensive midfielder: Thomas Schaak
Age: 21
Number: 6
Club: El din Marbles (C&M's CMSC1)
Bio: The Scout is mysterious in different ways, and this player is one of them. 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 mentally very strong. This is the player to watch. This is the revelation of The Scout. Recently signed a contract with the Marbles

Left winger: Jean-Pierre Bakker
Age: 26
Number: 7
Club: NAPPC (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
Bio: Bakker is a pacey player, who likes to stick to the left side of the field and tries tricks to get passed 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: 29
Number: 10
Club: Tenderville United (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
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 also is famous in Nethertopia for his singing and rapping skills, even reaching #1 in the charts with the song ‘Like Lions’.

Right winger: Dries Pannekoek
Age: 22
Number: 8
Club: NAPPC (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
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 year he’s been a professional player he only played 18 games, because of injuries. Seems to be stable now.

Striker: Jan-Paul Snip
Age: 32
Number: 11
Club: El din Marbles (C&M's CMSC1)
Bio: One of the original player 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. One of the many players to join the Marbles.

Striker: Abdoulaye Soro (C)
Age: 33
Number: 9
Club: Tenderville United (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
Bio: Our prolific striker, ready for his last big tournament. He's moved back to TdvUtd, who will operate in the CMSC2 soon, in a deal that the NFA closed with the CAMASA. He'll help his old team out, and then retire from football. Rumour has it that the Marbles would offer him a managerial position of so. Watch out for him. Despite his age, he's still speedy and able to score his goals.


Subs
Goalkeeper: Ron de Vries
Age: 34
Number: 12
Club: NAPPC (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
Bio: Part of the old gang, which entered BoF27. Always ready for a match if Wouter is unavailable.

Defender: Yannick de Woudt
Age: 19
Number: 5
Club: Arrigo Portugese (C&M's CMSC1)
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: Candelaria-Allemali (C&M's CMSC1)
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: Wim Smits
Age: 20
Number: 19
Club: The Grey Towers (Nth amateur first division team)
Bio: Has the luck of having no weaker foot. This fellow is able to play on every position on the field. He’s small and quick. He also takes a nice corner and has a good long ball forward and cross. Lacks the ability to shoot.

Attacking midfielder: Hans Klaassen
Age: 21
Number: 17
Club: NAPPC (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
Bio: Twin brother of Piet Klaasen, also playing at NAPPC. Is able to play on the whole attacking midfield.

Attacking midfielder: Michel Mulder
Age: 17
Number: 22
Club: Falcon Island Seaside (Nth Amateur first division club)
Bio: This guy is a psycho, but also an extremely talented left midfielder. He’s crazy as crazy can be. Once punched a referee in the face, when he was fourteen and was expelled from the playing field for half a year. Still a phenomenon on the field, able to take out anyone he wants, with tricks, amazing speed and a perfect high pass.

Striker: Ben van Dam
Age: 27
Number: 15
Club: El din Marbles (C&M's CMSC1)
Bio: Originally from the Peregrines academy, but there he was considered as not good enough. Ashdom city was quick with his signing and it was a good one. 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. The El Din Marbles have transferred this player as follow-up for Abdoulaye Soro.

Striker: Darius Longstone
Age: 25
Number: 18
Club: Tenderville United (Nth club, performing in C&M's CMSC2)
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.

Striker: Erik Visser
Age: 17
Number: 21
Club: FC DePardenti (Nth Amateur first division club)
Prolific, able to score with ease. Is short, can’t make a good header. Takes free kick rather well. Great shot, weak left foot. Is considered to be lazy, but that might be the young age.

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod Scoring Events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (please, only say he's injured, i'll determine the severity)
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out Red cards to my players Y
Godmod Other Events Y (no deaths)

Cassadaigua is a small nation of only about 74 million people (Of which about 65% are female), located in the equally small region of Vermont. It is a democratic nation but it seems to have a pretty large gap between rich and poor. It is a nation looking to establish itself in the world, and with a population that loves soccer, participating in the World Cup was an easy decision.

The all-female roster is as follows:
Starters in Blue
Subs in Green
Reserves in Red

Coach: Michelle Baynes, Age: 36

Goalies:

# 1- Rachel Terry, Age: 22
# 20- Nicole Mc Crossin, Age: 32
# 21- Leslie Tompkins, Age: 33

Defense:

#2- Michelle Fuller*, Age: 21
#4- Jessica Messina, Age: 24
#6- Brooke Reynolds, Age: 26
#5- Amber Brandt, Age: 28
#3- Rebecca Crespo, Age: 27
#18- Megan Cassens, Age: 23
#23- Diane Goodrich, Age: 25

Midfield:

#9- Christine Scott, Age: 25
#7- Erika Cotrell, Age: 26
#8- Nicole Robertson, Age: 25
#13- Michelle Burrows, Age: 29
#16- Elaina Pennington, Age: 27
#22- Meredith Browning, Age: 31
#19- Kelsey Devito, Age: 30

Forwards:

#11- Courtney Ferguson*, Age: 26, CAPTAIN
#10- Jessica Keeley*, Age: 25
#12- Kirsten Logan*, Age: 28
#14- Brittany Macey, Age: 28
#15- Catherine O’Shea, Age: 32
#17- Jennifer Anderson, Age: 25

*- Denotes player that will be playing internationally next season.

If my opponent RPs first, he/she can:
Choose my scorers? Yes
Yellow card my players? Yes
Red card my players? Yes, no more then one please.
Injure my players? No
Godmode injuries? No
Godmode scoring events? Yes
Godmode other events? Why not, just don’t kill anyone or seriously hurt anyone.

Style Modifier: -2

Chutnusak squad:

Manager: Quentin Tarantino
Coach: Stanley Kubrick

First XI:

1- Jim Carrey
2- Bruce Willis
3- Jet Li
4- Dolph Lundgren
5- Arnold Schwarzenegger
6- Steven Seagal
7- Chuck Norris
8- Jean-Claude Van Damme
9- Denzel Washington
10- Sylvester Stallone
11- Jackie Chan

Second XI:

12- Eddie Murphy
13- Mel Gibson
14- Russell Crowe
15- Clint Eastwood
16- Al Pacino
17- Vin Diesel
18- Jack Nicholson
19- Harrison Ford
20- The Rock
21- Bruce Lee
22- John Wayne

Cup Of Harmony Groups Announced

Isn't West Zirconia such a beautiful place. Not as nice, majestic, snowy, and cold as Taeshan is this time of year, but it will do. At least we don't have to go to that bastardly Newmanistan. That would have been horrible. Big rivals coming into town one word, Chaos. I'm sure you have realised by know what i am talking about. Cup of Harmony 35. The Knights time to shine as the highest seed in the tournament due to no Kelsseken entry the highest team other then us to be demoted to a CoH appearance. Yep its soccer time again for the Knights.

This might not be as easy as i have thus far described though. 6 other teams will try to knock the Knights out of the second round. Those inclue Dariusville, a Dependency of those evil Rockets, the Bostopian Dependency, the Bostopian Empire, another rival Myedvedeyan, the young Colbourne team, Green Wombat a Continuum neighbor and another familar foe from Football Arroza. The Knights look to be the class of the group or the top team, but the Wombat's, the Tar Hornets, and perhaps even the Bears will contend for the 3 spots.

Schedule
Taeshan Vs Dariusville@ City of Houghton Stadium
Off Day
Taeshan VS Bostopian Empire@ St. Martin: Olympique Stadium
Taeshan VS Myedvedeyan@ Snaith: KPM Stadium
Taeshan VS Colbourne@ Markham: Birchfields
Taeshan VS Green Wombat@ Sbaith
Taeshan VS Arroza@ Mrakham

Greal Qualifying Schedule
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak
MD2: Greal VS Viltek
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire

Upcoming Cup of Harmony 35

After Greal's disappointing World Cup qualifying run, it has been given a chance to redeem itself in the upcoming Cup of Harmony 35. Greal has been placed in Group B, in West Zirconia. Ross Trent said in his interview that he was optimistic about Greal's chances in Cup of Harmony 35. Captain Trent is predicting that it will be a tough run. However, Greal will be racing some formidable opponents such as the following.

Newmanistan won CoH34, and will be the toughest opponent of the group.

Blouman Empire and Secristan nearly qualified in their run and will be very tough opponents also.

Viltek, Chutnusak, and Kosovoe are unknown opponents, but may be hard to beat.

Greal will be playing the New Toronto squad as a warm up later tomorrow.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The game isn't until later!"

"Don't worry. Start your predicting now."

"Alright, I bet Greal wins in the first match."

"Five hundred dollars it is."

Group A Day-by-Day Schedule & Stadium information

Matchday 1:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Nethertopia @ Pocono City Stadium
West Zirconia- Kjomasasopia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Cassadaigua- Miroxia @ Dover Field
Bye: Urna Eletronica

Matchday 2:
West Zirconia- Miroxia @ Putnam Lake Stadium
Cassadaigua- Nethertopia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Urna Eletronica- Kjomasasopia @ Pocono City Stadium
Bye: Magna Sancta Sedes

Matchday 3:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Miroxia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Cassadaigua- Kjomasasopia @ Southport Stadium
Urna Eletronica- Nethertopia @ Pocono City Stadium
Bye: West Zirconia

Matchday 4:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Urna Eletronica @ Centralia Stadium
West Zirconia- Cassadaigua @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Kjomasasopia- Miroxia @ Loudon Stadium
Bye: Nethertopia

Matchday 5:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Kjomasasopia @ Olympia Field
West Zirconia- Urna Eletronica @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Nethertopia- Miroxia @ Loudon Stadium
Bye: Cassadaigua

Matchday 6:
Magna Sancta Sedes- West Zirconia @ Loudon Stadium
Urna Eletronica- Cassadaigua @ Springfield Stadium
Kjomasasopia- Nethertopia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Bye: Miroxia

Matchday 7:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Cassadaigua @ Pocono City Stadium
West Zirconia- Nethertopia @ Loudon Stadium
Urna Eletronica- Miroxia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Bye: Kjomasasopia

First Day For Team In West Zirconian

Well yesterday the Taeshan Purple Knights soccer team arrived in West Zirconia for the group round of the 35th Cup of Harmony. It was the first time for many of them in the young country. The team seemed happy to get on the pitch, and get ready for there game against the home stadiums St Martin University team. All the players look excited, and are ready to were the Purple and Gold in just a few days.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS OFF TO GROUP B

Pocono City, Newmanistan- For the second time in three cycles, Newmanistan will be a host nation for the Cup of Harmony, but they may have been hoping that this time would be different. That this time, they wouldn’t be in it as well. Things have been very quiet concerning the team since that frightful night in Dover City where they got crushed by Dancougar on the final matchday, allowing Lovisa to maintain their 3rd place finish when we did get the help we needed from Starblaydia. Then, the team proceeded to mope around in two very poor efforts in post-qualifying friendlies. It’s pretty clear that the team is rather disappointed in not as much the failure to qualify for the World Cup, but for the third time in the four qualifying efforts, it came down to the very last matchday. That’s something that will just eat away at you as a player, coach, or a fan.

So now, it’s the Cup of Harmony, and Brian Carson has made the announcement to his team. No one wanted to be here, but we’ll all just have to deal with it. After all, we have a championship to defend. Newmanistan is a nation of pride, and we don’t enter competitions with the intention of just showing up. Expect the Rockets to be ready and put on a great show in West Zirconia. If they needed any inspiration to get up for their first game, the schedule provides it as it is against their One Big Island regional rivals and geographic neighbors, Secristan. The “Penthoria River War” will go to West Zirconia, and we hope the 85,000 at Manchester Street in Moorcroft are ready for this regional showdown. Let’s take a look at the opponents in which the Rockets will be facing, in the order in which they will be facing them.

Redwood Forest- Who? Well that’s because this is not a country. All teams, unless they opt out of it, that are playing in the Cup of Harmony, and playing a friendly against a club side in the country that they are playing in. It’ll be happening in Newmanistan, too. Though in Newmanistan, the players who are on the national team will not be on their respective club side as well. (Obviously players like Dancougar’s Casey Berber who has more important things to worry about in the World Cup won’t be playing for Centralia!) For example, Jeremy McAllister will not be playing for Putnam Lake when Putnam Lake plays Miroxia. Redwood Forest isn’t one of the stronger teams in West Zirconia, so conventional wisdom would say that the Rockets should be able to get a victory but you never know, obviously they’ll want the game much more then the Rockets who will just use it as a tune up. Redwood Forest won the “B” league of West Zirconia recently in dominant fashion, and also participated in the SBCC, where they were defeated in the second preliminary league by the Dancougar Royal Academy. They also did not make it past the second round of the recent West Zirconia Cup. They’re no Banks.

Secristan (66)- Alright, now we get to people we know, and we certainly are well are of the Millionaires. The two countries are separated by the Penthoria River, the largest and most traveled river in One Big Island and as such there has always been a natural rivalry between the two. While the nations have pretty different cultures, for the most part, the people of each nation get along with one another. There has been a ton of regional competition between the two, and so far the biggest interregional matchup occurred when they met in the finals of the Inaugural International Basketball Championships in Dancougar. While this opening match won’t quite be at that level, you can expect a true battle as there is no way that Newmanistan wants to get off on the wrong foot in this Cup of Harmony. There is a stat that the Rockets need to erase, too, that the nation and Brian Carson will be reminding them of. In their three previous Cups of Harmony, Newmanistan lost the first game of the group stage, and in Cup of Harmony 34, that loss was to the team that had been the Baptism of Fire runner up. Much like Secristan is now. Newmanistan defeated the Millionaires 2-nil in a pre-qualifying friendly.

Chutnusak (84)- This is obviously a game that Newmanistan expects to win. Like Secristan, Chutnusak appeared in the recent Baptism of Fire, but unlike Secristan, they did not do anything of significance in it. They have some players on their roster who may be exciting to watch when off the pitch, but on it, they have had a hard time putting their individual egos and popularily behind them to come together as one complete team that works as a nice cohesive unit. As long as the Rockets come ready to play, this should be three points. The match will take place at Williamson Park, home of the mighty Banks club side, then the Rockets will enjoy their off week.

Greal (59)- It’s back to Williamson Park for the third came of the Cup of Harmony which will come against Greal, a nation who has high aspirations for the future of their program, but has not done anything of significance just yet. Eventually their time will come, and they’ve established somewhat of a resume in smaller tournaments, including a quarterfinal appearance in Newmanistan for the World Lacrosse Championships. The Rockets will be looking to make sure that Greal won’t have their day in the sun here. This should be a game that Newmanistan wins, making a 3-0-0 start very possible.

Kosovoe (50)- It’s become an unwritten rule now, we guess, that Newmanistan must meet either Taeshan or their bitter rival Kosovoe in any competition at some point. This is the 3rd time in 4 Cups of Harmony that Newmanistan and Kosovoe have wound up in the same group. Newmanistan took the meeting in the 32nd edition by the score of 2-1, then fell in the 33rd by the very same score. They didn’t meet last time, but we did have Taeshan in the group stage. All that aside, the Blue Tornado had a pretty strong qualifying effort in what proved to be a pretty tough group, including a win over Taeshan that forced the Purple Knights here. Kosovoe should be playing with confidence, and this will be a challenge. The Rockets can win, but they will have to earn it. It smells like a draw.

Blouman Empire (36)- Even though the Bloumans are ranked slightly ahead of us, Newmanistan comes in with a ton of confidence. Newmanistan has won all five games played between the nations and each one has been at a level higher then the previous. The first two were group stage victories (Di Bradini 5 & Oxen Cup 6). Then a quarterfinal win (Oxen Cup 7). Next a semifinal win (Cup of Harmony 34). Then a win in a third place game (Oxen Cup 8). So both nations then both felt that what would be next would be a final based on that trend. There could still be a final in the future, but for now we go back to group stages and hope that it’s not the Blouman’s turn to go on a streak. At this stage of qualifying, both our Empire and theirs will hope to be in a safe position for advancement. It’s going to be another passionate game involving the Rockets that those in Moorcroft will get to enjoy.

Viltek (81)- The group stage will close with a game that Newmanistan should win. The people of Viltek are not a nice group, and if you are near one and they tell you that they are hungry, this is not them asking you to buy them a hot dog. In such a case, run, or you’ll be a hot dog. Their team has unique kits, in that they don’t have them. It’s certainly going to be an interesting game to watch.


So, that’s certainly a schedule that Newmanistan should feel good about advancing through, and to take out their frustrations on. Obviously, they expect to win at least four and probably five of them, and won’t be looking just to make the top three but to win the group outright. Both they and the Blouman Empire should be expecting nothing less. Where this group will get interesting is for the third transfer spot, which could be tight between Kosovoe, Greal, and Secristan. Group C will also be in West Zirconia.

But that’s not all the Cup of Harmony excitement we got going on for you guys this year. We got a group right here in Newmanistan, too. Let’s take a brief look at the nations will be seeing on our soil.

Magna Sancta Sedes (38)- You need to put an “I” between their initials of MSS, to get MISS. Near misses have the theme of their young World Cup history as they certainly can relate to the pain that we experience of failing to qualify for the World Cup on the last matchday as they have done it twice. In their first qualifying effort, they lost in the final in the Baptism of Fire and in the final of the Cup of Harmony. The teams that beat them? West Zirconia and Newmanistan. You reading any irony here, folks?

West Zirconia (49)- They’ll be going through what we have to. Fighting for success while watching rivals on your home turf. They could be poised for a good run here, and certainly the Baptism of Fire 29 rematch will be worth watching

Urna Eletronica (53)- Finished 3rd in the recent Baptism of Fire, and had a very good qualifying run themselves and almost snuck into the World Cup. Apparently, politicians can play football too. They’ll certainly be motivated to have success as a good run will help them in their next elections.

Cassadaigua (61)- For a little while, this all-female team may have thought about getting into the World Cup themselves, but then collapsed pretty hard late. They were defeated by Urna Eletronica in the third place game of the Baptism of Fire, causing them to get on the bad side of those from the Landau Institute.

Kjomasasopia (63)- Essentially did the opposite of Cassadaigua in qualifying. They started very poorly and then finished quite well in the second half. They, too, were in the recent Baptism of Fire, but were knocked out in the quarterfinals by Secristan.

Nethertopia (71)- Hey, we remember these guys! One of just a few surviving members of the class of Baptism of Fire 27, Nethertopia is attempting to rebound after failing to participate in World Cup 42, and a terrible World Cup 41 effort. It’s still a work in progress. If they stay with it, and keep working with world power Candelaria And Marquez, they should have success in the long run.

Miroxia (83)- Well, it’s not going to be easy, but we’re sure they are going to bring their best into every game. While they don’t have the ranking, they have shown to be a nation striving hard to become a world sporting force.

^hopefully that late good form continues through this tournament...

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Cup of Harmony co-hosts West Zirconia have announced an unchanged squad from the unsuccessful World Cup qualifying competition, the only change being Alun Lydiate's promotion to the first team at the expense of Steve Griffiths.

The squad is as follows:

GK Steve Gray (Aliança, 53 caps, 0 goals)
DL Ben Phillips(c) (Redwood Forest, 52 caps, 3 goals)
DC Lewis Fox (St. Andrew's, 45 caps, 2 goals)
DC Russell Munro (Taylor's Cross, 20 caps, 0 goals)
DR Paul Paterson (Green Island, 52 caps, 2 goal)
ML Ian Hawthorne (Serrano, 50 caps, 0 goals)
MC Patrick Williams (Bradley Swifts, 47 caps, 2 goal)
MC Ed French (Banks, 53 caps, 11 goals)
MR Anthony McGowan (Markham, 53 caps, 2 goals)
FC Martin Forster (Redwood Forest, 48 caps, 33 goals)
FC Alun Lydiate (Walton, 11 caps, 9 goals)

Substitutes:

Goalkeepers:
John Hopkins (St. Andrew's, 1 cap, 0 goals)
Tom Lyons (Bradley Hornets, uncapped)

Defenders:
Mark Dolman (Houghton Kestrels, 11 caps, 0 goals)
Mike Faulkner (Markham, 33 caps, 0 goals)
Ryan Gregory (Bradley Hornets, 13 caps, 0 goals)

Midfielders:
Damion Hyde (New Toronto, 3 caps, 0 goals)
Lee Pritchard (Banks, 17 caps, 0 goals)
Andy Scott (Mort Park, 4 caps, 0 goals)

Forwards:
Jerome Bennett (Taylor's Cross, 19 caps, 3 goals)
Ryan Johnstone (Civil Service, 1 cap, 0 goals)
Steve Griffiths(Banks, 43 caps, 15 goals)


[Going OOC for a moment, anything permitted except godmods. Style modifier +1)


West Zirconia's opponents are as follows:

Matchday 1: Kjomasasopia (Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
Matchday 2: Miroxia (Putnam Lake Stadium)
Matchday 3: No match
Matchday 4: Cassadaigua (Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
Matchday 5: Urna Eletrônica (Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
Matchday 6: Magna Sancta Sedes (Loudon Stadium)
Matchday 7: Nethertopia (Loudon Stadium)

Before any of this, they kick off with a friendly at Centralia Cougars, fifth in the recent Newmanistan championship, who recently reached the last 16 of the Globe Cup, and so should provide a stern test.

Courtney’s Space

Soon we will be getting started in the Cup of Harmony and we will be playing in the nation that won the most recent title as we are in the lone Newmanistan group. We were actually hoping for this, and with no disrespect to West Zirconia, we wanted to go to Newmanistan. This was one of the first countries to really recognize what we were doing in the Baptism of Fire because not too long after I got my contract to play for Tenderville United, a couple of clubs from this country came down and signed a couple of my teammates. It’s that simple notion of them respecting the female athlete, and by looking at their own roster you can see that they give both genders a fair chance. You have Jessica Keeley who now plays for the Southport Tigers and Kirsten Logan went to the Olympia team and I am very proud of both of them. Before we get started playing our group opponents, we have a friendly against those very Southport Tigers. That will be fun for Jessica, and she has assured us that she will be playing for our side!

People have asked me a couple questions concerning the Cup of Harmony. The first being, am I happy to play here and not in the World Cup? At first this seemed like a silly question to me as I am always very honored to represent my country in anything. Then it hit me that she was really asking me if I feel as though I am in a Cup of Losers while the best nations of the World play in the World Cup. I can understand why it would be considered a Cup of Losers for some nations. Those are the ones who were closer to the World Cup and may have been there before, or they have taken several stabs at it now and going back to the Cup of Harmony just gets old for them. Yeah, I understand that. Fair point. That’s not the case with us. We are truly honored to be in the Cup of Harmony because we know that we are still a developing program. When we get closer, and start having a near miss or two, then it will feel different. That’s not the case now. The second question in which I am asked is what can we expect from Cassadaigua in this Cup? The Baptism of Fire was up for grabs and the World Cup was likely unrealistic. The easy answer would be to say that it is somewhere in the middle. We are in a group of seven teams, and are smack dab in the middle as far as our ranking, which is #61 by the way. Three teams are above us and three teams are below us. Three teams advance to knockouts. There’s a difference of 23 ranking spots between us and the top ranked Magna Sancta Sedes and a difference of 22 ranking spots between us and bottom ranked Miroxia. I guess that means we are in the middle! We did well against higher ranked teams in qualifying, so we are very optimistic that we will get into that top three. From there, who knows.

This is our schedule:
Game 1 vs Miroxia @ Dover Field
Game 2 vs Nethertopia (yeah baby!) @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Game 3 vs Kjomasasopia @ Southport Stadium
Game 4 vs West Zirconia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds

Off Week

Game 5 vs Urna Eletronica (Baptism of Fire payback time!!) @ Springfield Stadium
Game 6 vs Magna Sancta Sedes @ Pocono City Stadium

OFF TO GROUP B

The Cup of Harmony is being played right next door to us, but no, we have to travel to West Zirconia. Come to think about it, this is a good thing. Instead of our fans traveling across the Penthoria to view the games, they will be staying at home and purchasing the pay-per-vew telecasts, and generating more money for the Secristan Department of Sports. The SDOS is really unsure about what to expect from the Cup of Harmony in terms of revenue generation. You can’t fool the fans into thinking it’s the World Cup and since soccer isn’t one of the most popular sports in the country, it will be a tougher sell. Additionally, there is the competition looming for purchases between the Cup of Harmony and the World Bowl. If you stack the two up against one another, the World Bowl is the brand of football that is going to peak the interest of most Secristanis. The SDOS figures to come a decision to where the games will not be shown simultaneously, if occurring on the same day even if it means showing one on a tape delay.

The group stage of the Cup of Harmony will begin with us facing Newmanistan in Moorcroft. Here, the SDOS has nothing to worry about except for Secristanis trying to cross the Penthoria to view the match on free Newmanistanian television. We remind our citizens once again that anyone caught doing this will be arrested for Freeloading. The game against the Rockets is the highlight of the tournament for us, and a good showing could go a long way into generating more interest for the later games, much like our quick start did in the World Cup qualifying. The Cup of Harmony can’t be too bad if Newmanistan keeps coming back to it for more, can it? Then we stay in Moorcroft to play Kosovoe. I think we’ve played them in something before (I want to say baseball) but it escapes me at the moment and they don’t pay me to look up facts like that. Then we go to Banks to take on Greal, who’s media generously quoted us as having just missed qualifying. We thank them for trying to create some hype to help our crusade in generating pay-per-view revenue, but we actually finished in 6th place and thirteen points out of the necessary 3rd place. Then it will be Chutnusak, who attaches to us like a magnet. They were in our group in the Baptism of Fire, then in World Cup qualifying, and now in the Cup of Harmony. Go away, Chutnusak! Nah, they’re an ok bunch, and one we should beat. We will then close out with the Blouman Empire and Viltek, then getting a “bye” after we’ve already finished our games. Thanks, schedule makers.

Before all this starts, we get a friendly against Mort Park. We are going to be getting compensated for this, so it will be worthwhile. This is a mid-pack “B” league level team.

Myedvedeya Prepare for Cup of Harmony

The Myedvedeyan International Football Squad (Kamchatka Grizzly Bears, abbreviated KGB), will be participating in the Cup of Harmony in Newmanistan and West Zirconia. After a Baptism of Fire victory, and a decent World Cup Qualifying campaign, Myedvedeya look to strengthen their team, and earn a few spots in the ranking system here at the CoH. Myedvedeya, at 55th, will be one of the mid-ranked teams in this tournament. Still, a pre-tournament friendly against #39 Newmanistan ended in a 2-0 victory, so Myedvedeya is fairly confident that they can beat nearly any team in this tournament.

And now, Novy Moskva News presents a look at Group C.

Matchday 1: Bye

Matchday 2: VS (69)Colbourne
Myedvedeya have faced Colbourne before, in the Baptism of Fire. This meeting resulted in a decisive 2-0 victory for Myedvedeya. This is a match we should win, and anything less could be an issue going into the tougher group stage matches.

OUR PREDICTION: Myedvedeya 3-1 Colbourne

Matchday 3: VS (80)Dariusville
Myedvedeyan scouts know nothing whatsoever about Dariusville, except for the fact that they are ranked 80th, and did not have a successful World Cup Qualifying campaign. This is another match the KGB really need to win, in order to progress to the knockout rounds of this tournament.

OUR PREDICTION: Myedvedeya 2-0 Dariusville

Matchday 4: VS (35)Taeshan
Myedvedeya have faced Taeshan only once before, losing a pre-world cup friendly to Newmanistan's biggest rivals. This is not to say, however, that Myedvedeya and Taeshan are unknown to each other. Myedvedeya VS Taeshan is a matchup that has come up in many sports, most notably in the quarterfinals of the Second International Basketball Championships, which Myedvedeya went on to win. In Football, however, Taeshan is a stronger and more established team, and a draw would be considered a very good outcome here in West Zirconia.

OUR PREDICTION: Myedvedeya 1-2 Taeshan

Matchday 5: VS (42)Green Wombat
The second-highest ranked team in this group after Taeshan, Green Wombat should be similarly challenging. Myedvedeya will have to be completely on form if they wish to gain any points from this match.

OUR PREDICTION: Myedvedeya 1-1 Green Wombat

Matchday 6: VS (56)Arroza
Arroza, ranked one place behind Myedvedeya, should be one of the more interesting opponents of this group stage. Look for this match to be very even in terms of skill, and to come down to a who-wants-it-more thriller.

OUR PREDICTION: Myedvedeya 2-2 Arroza

Matchday 7: VS (91)The Bostopian Empire
The lowest ranked team in the entire tournament, and a team Myedvedeya defeated twice during World Cup Qualifying (5-2 in TBE, and 2-1 in Myedvedeya), Myedvedeya should be able to easily defeat this team. A win against The Bostopian Empire is the only acceptable outcome.

OUR PREDICTION: Myedvedeya 4-0 The Bostopian Empire

OVERALL PREDICTED RECORD: 3-2-1, 11 points.

More in-depth analysis of each match will occur before it is played, with Novy Moskva's Pregame Reports.

GWSportsNation.net

Once again the wombats find themselves in the Cup of Harmony. Granted we were supposed to be there 4 years ago, but the invites were lost in the mail, or eaten by an aardvark. But once again we have to schlep through the muck of the Football world to win a Cup, meaning youre only the 33rd best team in the world. YAY!

Here's our schedule, of which no sane channel in Green wombat would carry, so they shipped it over to QSPNInternational, who'll carry almost anything.

An my predcitions as to how the wombats will do:

MD1 (Nov. 16): Colbourne Never heard of them, Easy Win.
MD2 (Nov. 17): The Bostopian Empire The bastard little brother of Bostopia, Easier Win.
MD3 (Nov. 18): BYE date (we should win this one :rolleyes:)
MD4 (Nov. 19): Arroza Good GridIron team, too bad this isn't GridIron. Draw.
MD5 (Nov. 20): Myedvedeya Defending BoF champs. We should get a draw here.
MD6 (Nov. 21): Taeshan A battle for the 3rd best team in the Q continuum. DRAW
MD7 (Nov. 22): Dariusville Another Never heard of them, Easy Win.

(My prediction: 3-3-0 12 points, 2nd place in group, earn #5 seed, have to face Secristan in 1st playoff round, Semifinalists, losing to Newmanistan in Semis)

MD6 (Nov. 21): Taeshan A battle for the 3rd best team in the Q continuum. DRAW

I like to think of it as the baattle for the Q Continuum perennial Cup of Harmonyist trophy

Results of Friendly Matches:

Bradley Swifts 0-4 Blouman Empire
Currie 2-2 Dariusville
Hyland Town 0-4 Colbourne
Moorcroft Wanderers 1-6 Kosovoe
Mort Park 1-3 Secristan
New Toronto 2-4 Greal
Redwood Forest 2-3 Newmanistan
St. Martin University 1-7 Taeshan
Sephton County 0-2 Chutnusak
Stanley United 1-1 Myedvedeya
Taylor's Cross 2-2 Arroza
Underwood Town 1-3 Viltek
Walton 1-3 The Bostopian Empire

Group A Club Friendlies:

Tundra Falls 2-4 Magna Sancta Sedes
Centralia 0-1 West Zirconia
Pocono City 3-3 Urna Eletronica
Southport 1-4 Cassadaigua
Loudon 0-3 Kjomasasopia
Olympia 1-5 Nethertopia
Putnam Lake 0-2 Miroxia

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak
MD2: Greal VS Viltek
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


New Toronto 2-4 Greal

Greal overpowered New Toronto 4-2 in their first match since the World Cup qualifying.

The game was seemingly short. New Toronto surprised everyone by scoring first, but Greal quickly covered their mistake by having Howard Anderson scoring twice in a quick succession of ten minutes. The second half was almost the same trend. Michael Istoma and Howard Anderon each shared one goal while a New Toronto player named Luc Durand scoring just before the game was up.

Greal will be playing the national team of Chutnusak tomorrow.


Greal 4
Howard Anderson (17') (26') (45')
Michael Istoma (37')

New Toronto
Adam Chevalier (8')
Luc Durand (57')

FOOTBALL FEDERATION OF BLOUMANY

The Football Federation of Bloumany (FFB) wishes to advise all interested parties that the final roster for the World Cup 43 Qualifiers has been finalised.

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

Goalkeepers

#31. Henry Jackson
Age: 26
Position: GK
Club: Port Fansat
Short Bio: Has been a reserve GK for the past few cups now that Burner has retired he has been placed in the main spot. He has only played one international match but has proved to be a strong keeper playing for Port Fansat over the past few years.

#23. Johnathon Marton
Age: 30
Position: GK
Club: Kings Park F.C

#61. Burner
Age: 24
Position: GK
Club: Port Fansat

Defenders

#2. Sam Kiamar (Captain)
Age: 32
Position: CD
Club: Playford Atheltic Club
Short Bio: Excellent Defender and has great leadership qualities can regain morale within a losing team and has managed to be able to motivate the team to win in these situations and has previous international experience. Rumours abound that he is considering retirement

#3. William Walker
Age: 29
Position: CD
Club: Lincoln upon Isar
Short Bio: Excellent defender and can play right across the back line has won best and fairest for his club a total of 3 times.

#4. Jacob Peterson
Age: 19
Position: LB
Club: Braxon City
Short Bio: Youngest player in the squad and has only been playing for a year for Braxon City rising up through their Youth Academy. While he has no international experience he has shown that he can be the next big thing and is an excellent defender

#5. Richard Moaninton
Age: 26
Position: RB
Club: Jollip Province Athletic
Short Bio: Has excellent defending abilities, a player who can stave off attacks down the right wing, he has a lot of internatioa experience playing in every World Cup and corresponding Cup of Harmony since WC39.

#49. Christopher Moreton
Age: 26
Position: LCD
Club: Southcastle

#38. Malcolm Paloosa
Age: 28
Position: RCB
Club: Athletic Club of Newcastle

#26 Andrew Pollard
Age: 25
Position: CD
Club: Olympia Gladiators (Newmanistan)

Midfielders

#6 Steven Holdings (Vice Captain)
Age: 30
Position: CM
Club: CR Submiria (Cafundeu)
Short Bio: Strong midfielder extremely fit and able to run from one end of the field to the other and can quickly change from attacking mode to defensive mode, he has added to his experience and improved his skill since playing overseas in Cafundeu for CR Submiria. This is the first time he is taking a leadership role in the international team but has had exprience as Vice Captain at his previous club in Bloumany.

#7. Alexander Lightfoot
Age: 33
Position: LM
Club: St Peters
Short Bio: Able to bamboozle opposition midfield with fancy footwork and good skills he can quickly read the game of play and adjust to suit, he does play slightly defensively

#8. Johathon Filmar
Age: 27
Position: RM
Club: C.F. Cathedral City (Candelaria And Marquez)
Short Bio: Uses the right side of the field well and can move up and down it with ease, a fast player who is dangerous in corner kick situations with his excellent heading ability and has great crossing skills. Has enhanced his skills and experience since the last World Cup playing in the 33rd CoH and playing overseas in Candelaria And Marquez for C.F. Cathedral City

#75. James Sleep
Age: 22
Position: RCM
Club: FC Middleton

#34. Johnathon Kovac
Age: 24
Position: RM
Club: Romford

#29. Ross Milsop
Age: 25
Position: LCM
Club: Clackridge

#88. Christopher Moreton
Age: 27
Position: CAM
Club: Stroudsbourg Panthers (Newmanistan)

#30. Brandon Stopp
Age: 30
Position: CAM
Club: Canterbury-Bankstown Untied

Forwards

#9. Christopher Speed
Age: 25
Postion: CF
Club: Jollipville Athletic
Short bio: Teen prodigy fast, excellent shot, plays the centre forward position well, began playing for his team in their top team at the age of 16 years and 5 days and is the youngest player in 101 years to debut at this level, loved by the media due him playing with the ball well and can produce goals from the most unlikely of position he has played every game since the World Cup 39 qualifiers. He has won the Tonning Medal (League best and fairest) for the past four out of the five years. He is the clubs pin up player and is cited for the reason why their has been a 150% increase of females attending Jollipville Athletic games.

#55. Issac Golding
Age: 25
Postion: ST
Club: Tollingbrough
Short Bio: Excellent Striker and is able to find the bottom corners from a long way out, he has excellent heading abilities and will be dangerous from crosses and corners

#11 Jack Junkson
Age: 32
Position: ST
Club: Corrimal Rangers
Short Bio: Good striker with near pinpoint accuracy on goal while not particularly fast being strongly built and with a wide frame he can charge through smaller players who dare to go up against him

#10. Martin Fox
Age: 22
Position: ST
Club: Newgate

#29. James McLoperer
Age: 23
Position: ST
Club: Rhodes FC


Uniform

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

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

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

THE EMPIRE TIMES

CUP OF HARMONY 35

The 35th Cup of Harmony is about to start and with the Blouman Empire International Football team failing to qualify for the World Cup they are on their way to West Zirconia who along with Newmanistan are hosting this cup.

The Eagles made it through to the semi finals in the last cup of harmony losing 1-0 to Newmanistan, and will be seeking to go further this year and win the cup in their fifth attempt for glory. Manager Henry Scweppe has brought along with him an unchanged squad from the qualifiers and believes that after this short rest the team is rejuvenated and ready to perform well in this tournament and finish top of the group again. In an exclusive interview with The Empire Times Scweppe, tells us that he has been busily preparing the team for this tournament and is confident that they will again make it to the finals. Scweppe says "I have not only had the team going through drills but they have been watching the tapes of every teams we come across in the group stage and been looking for flaws in their game play and their set pieces". Scweppe has also praised the continual support of the fans who have been behind the team despite some of their failings and near misses, "the fans is the reason why I want to perform well, and I feel I owe to the people who come to the games and the large contingent who are with us in West Zicronia". For the full interview transcript as well as exclusive coverage on everything related to the Cup of Harmony visit empiretimes.com.be/sports


CoH GROUP REVIEW

The Eagles have been drawn into Group B and face some tough challenges in order to make it through to the next round. The Empire Times will present to you a review on every team the Eagles will encounter in the group stage in the order that they will encounter them.

Viltek
This game is to be interesting, Viltek is known to have a strong hatred towards all people not of their own and will be playing naked. Viltek is new to the international football and the Eagles should beat them easily.

Chutnusak
Another team that is new to the world of international football. They failed to perform well in the Baptism of Fire and World Cup qualifiers and the Eagles are expecting to come away from this game with three points, anything less will be considered a failure.

Kosovoe
The Eagles meet their first tough opponent of the tournament playing against Kosove. The Eagles know that coming up against this team will be tough and will have to play well in order to secure the win. While the game is winnable it seems as though they will have to settle for a draw.

Secristan
While this team is also participating in their first round of international tournaments they have performed well throughout. They were the runners up for the Baptism of Fire and performed during the qualifiers considering it was their first time. This team will be coming on showing good form and will prove a challenge to the Eagles. While the Eagles should secure a win don't be surprised if they lose to the team.

Newmanistan
This will be the biggest game in the group stage. The Newmanistan Rockets are considered to be the Eagles greatest rivals they have. They have come up against them on five separate occasions in, the group stages of the Di Bradini Cup 5 & Oxen Cup 6, the quarterfinal of Oxen Cup 7 in the semifinal of the 34th Cup of Harmony and the third place game in the last Oxen Cup. Each time the Blouman Empire has lost to the Rockets in tight matches. Henry Scweppe said during an exclusive interview with The Empire Times that the team "holds Newmanistan in the highest respect that opponents can get". They know they will have to play their best game in the tournament in order to get a win and this could mean the difference between 1st and 2nd on the group. While if they play hard the team could win, this should be marked down as a loss.

Greal
Another tough team to round out the group stage, while Greal is a strong opponent, the Eagles should be able to win this game provided they go in playing with a decent game and don't become to complacent.

While the team is coming up with some easy opponents they do come up against tough teams notably Newmanistan. While the team could finish top of the table, the tough game against Newmainstan which more than likely will result in a draw will see them finish in second spot.

Myedvedeya Make Squad Adjustments

As the opening match of the Cup of Harmony draws near, the Myedvedeyan national squad has made some adjustments to the team they will be playing at the tournament. After the Collegiate National Championship concluded yesterday, Myedvedeyan scouts looked at three players, and offered them spots on the national side. Two are foreign born, and came to Myedvedeya for the opportunity to play collegiate football. The third is of an ethnic minority in Myedvedeya. So, without further ado, the three new players for the Myedvedeyan National Squad:

Name: Nicola D'Ancona
College: Moskva State Athlete's Academy (MSAA) Ironmen
Position: Midfield/Attack
Height: 6'3
Preferred Foot: Neither
Age: 21
Number: #6

Bio: D'Ancona recently received citizenship, after coming to Myedvedeya for the chance to play for a top school like the MSAA. As a left midfielder, he lead the Ironmen in both goals and assists, as they won the National Championship. He is very fast, a beautiful dribbler, and has the most powerful shot of anyone in Myedvedeya. He will earn a starting spot on the roster, and will take the place of Alexander Markov in the left-central midfield. Igor Parshin, who broke his leg against Dancougar in qualifying, will leave the team to free up a spot.

Name: 戴慕李 (Dai Muli)
College: Karpograd University Devils
Position: Attack
Height: 5'9
Preferred Foot: Right
Age: 20
Number: #14

Bio: Dai Muli is an ethnically chinese Myedvedeyan player, and was the leading scorer for the Karpograd University Devils during their run through the National Collegiate Championship. He is very fast, and a very clinical finisher, but will not be able to beat out superstar Aloyoshenka Vorotaev for a starting spot on the attack. Will replace veteran Pavel Zolkin, who is retiring.

Name: Jamie Redhawk
College: Tambov Academy Silver Stags
Position: Defense
Height: 6'5
Preferred Foot: Right
Age: 19
Number: #25

Bio: The large, powerful right defender was the only reason the mediocre Silver Stags even made it to the tournament round of the National Collegiate Championship. He will earn a starting spot, taking it from the erratic and unreliable Maksim Korotkaiev on the right side. He will take the number of 33-year old Konstantin Naesenko, who is retiring from international competition.

(OOC: The roster post has been updated to show these changes.)

Knight Crush St Martin University

Friday night the home team from St Martin University took on the team they were hosing the Taeshan Purple Knights and they were blew out. The Knights clobered the young team 7-1. But it was a great game as in the end the Knights congratulated the young team in a show of sportsmanship and hoped them a good season in there next University championships. Knights scorers were Brian Ying Uing with 5 goals and Elanor elly in for A. F. Falcon scored 2 goals.

Not expecting the same kind of success that they had in the previous attempts, the MSS will be submitting a roster for the CoH.

The problem was that the roster got lost in the mess of paperwork, so the Sancta Papa Pediludii has managed to convince the Pope to play for the MHRFT of MSS. So here's our wonderful remade roster!

Pope HONORIFICABILITATIBUS - GK, D, M, F

How on earth can one man play all 11 positions on the pitch? God only knows.

Playing style = -2

Cup of Harmony 35 - Group A
PMF: @ Tundra Falls 4-2
MD1: vs Nethertopia (@ Pocono City Stadium)
MD2: BYE
MD3: vs Miroxia (@ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
MD4: vs Urna Eletronica (@ Centralia Stadium)
MD5: vs Kjomasasaopia (@ Olympia Field)
MD6: vs West Zirconia (@ Loudon Stadium)
MD7: vs Cassadaigua (@ Pocono City Stadium)

The Pope was panting heavily after the little friendly encounter. Cardinal Stephanus was brimming with elated joy, as he gave the Pope a cup of holy water.

"And how on earth did you convince me to do this?"

"Don't worry! You've won!"

"I'm tired beyond belief!" the Pope huffed out. "What happened to faith? Why not let God play for us?"

"Well, we've gotten complaints from faithful adherents of the Church that letting God play for us is being lazy, so we're trying to prove to people that the Catholic Church is not lazy. And in fact, we're hard working people who earn what we make!"

"That doesn't make any sense. Couldn't we just pay for indulgences?"

"That's lazy! Besides, what's better than 90 minutes of running around a pitch?"

"Not running around a pitch for 90 minutes?" the Pope gruffed. He handed Father Stephanus the pair of holy boots. "Let's see you run around for 90 minutes!"

"As Holy Father of Football, I am immune to such requests. Speaking of which, I have to write a report denouncing those pretenders from the Dreamed Realm..."

"That can wait!"

"Are you siding with the heretics, Holy Father? Because if I don't write this report, that means the Schismatic Pretenders will have won the scuffle!"

"I'm tired! Where's the Popemobile?"

"Bah!" Stephanus said, turning to his writing pad. "I told the people not to send it."

"WHAT?"

"You need all of the practice to uphold the proud tradition of the MHRFT."

"Which is..."

"Lose the final of the CoH."

"AGH!" The Pope tossed his holy boots at the opposite side of the locker room. Instantly, the boots shattered into billions of pieces, exploding and creating a hole in the wall.

"Exploding shoes?" Stephanus remarked. "An Orthodox conspiracy! They're trying to kill the MSS MHRFT by giving us exploding shoes!"

"We don't even get our shoes from them..."

=== Sometime later... ===

To the Schismatic Heretics of the Archregimancy:

We implore you to cease your seditious acts against the Holy Church of Christianity and submit thoroughly to the power of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. We are fully aware of the insidious plot whereby your monks have attempted to assassinate the members of the Most Holy Representative Football Team, and had the wonderful experience of preventing a calamity by your hands. Nonetheless, this plot has your hands all over it. In fact, it has your name as well, as the shoes thus spake: "We were sent by the Archregimand!" - and to us means only that your Orthodox heretics have turned to inducing violence against the Team.

If you turn to Catholicism immediately, we will embrace you lost brothers and forgive you any sins committed during your wanderings of impotent and malicious distortions of the teachings of the LORD. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to continuing damming you folk.

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti,
Sancta Papa Pediludii Cardinal Stephanus Gim Su-hwan

The Pope reeled his eyes at Stephanus as he finished reading the note that was sent to the Archregimancy. "I can't believe you sent this farce of a letter. Now they're going to call us liars!"

"Well, they already do."

"But I mean they'll be justified. I don't like this at all. Why on earth did we appoint you SPP?"

"I don't know. You elected it."

"I suppose. So we play whom tomorrow?"

"Well, it says according to this schedule... Nethertopia."

"Nethertopia - hell-ridden savages. Anything referring to the netherworld has to be the work of the devil..."

"Actually, they're not devils," Stephanus clarified. "They're apparently normal human beings."

"Hogwash!"

"They might wash pigs, but they're also good football players."

"I mean nonsense!" the Pope said. He was obviously upset, but Stephanus remained a bit impervious to the Pope's feelings.

"Well, I've managed to explain that the hole in the locker room wall was the result of Orthodox terrorists in Newmanistan. They're now surveying the rest of our shoes. If worst comes to worst, you might need to play barefoot."

"This just keeps getting better and better..."

THE ROCKET REPORT

CARSON SET TO LEAD ROCKETS

Moorcroft City, West Zirconia- Four years ago, Brian Carson and his Newmanistan Rockets won this coveted tournament, becoming the first nation to win a Baptism of Fire, Di Bradini Cup, and a Cup of Harmony. We all know that the World Cup Proper still eludes this team, but not having qualified is old news now. The team is focused on the mission at hand, which is to win the Cup of Harmony for the second straight time. There is no reason to believe that they couldn’t, as even though there are other nations here also with a strong chance, the Rockets are definitely one of the favorites. The eyes of the Empire will be monitoring the Cup of Harmony closely, hoping the Rockets find success and watching the Group A teams at home. The first opponent will be our neighbors and the Rockets will look to open the group stage with a victory, something they have not done in any of their previous tries in this Cup. I, Clint Peterson, sat down with Coach Carson to discuss a cornucopia of topics.

CP: Good evening, Brian.

BC: Hello Clint!

CP: Well that club friendly against Redwood Forest proved to be pretty tough, what was that like?

BC: Well you have two teams that want something completely different from the match. For us, it was just a tune up, and to experiment with things. Then you had the Redwood Forest side that wants to everything in their power to beat us because being able to say that they beat a national team would definitely make for some big bragging rights during their club season. Plus, they’re at home and the locals are really going to be very supportive of their team. It was a fun game, they had some good players on that team.

CP: Anyone catch your interest to want to make a transfer offer for?

BC: Haha, well this was just one game. Before we decided to lay down any transfer fees for anybody, we’d have to have seen them play in several games. There are a few players that got my attention, and maybe you’ll see a couple West Zirconians play in Newmanistan someday.

CP: I have to ask this.....

BC: Uh oh, let me guess, you’re gonna ask if we are feeling sorry for ourselves about not making the World Cup.

CP: Well, uh, yeah. Basically yes.

BC: We’ve done enough of these interviews now, you know. I know you know the answer.

CP: Probably.

BC: So answer it for me.

CP: I would say that your team is focused on the matter at hand because you can’t change the past and that you guys always play with a lot of pride.

BC: Sounds good. That’s exactly right. We can’t undo what’s been done. We’re not in the World Cup, and we are here now. I reminded most of the players how they felt when we won the Cup of Harmony four years ago and they all talked about how special it was. That’s what this is all about, it’s still pretty special to win this Cup, and if you do you will really feel wonderful. If we could win it two in a row, that’s a pretty good feat.

CP: A repeat performance would be great.

BC: The Cup of Harmony is not an easy championship to win, because while you have the higher ranked teams in the World Cup, the Cup of Harmony is usually full of aspiring national programs. Just look at the three groups, these countries are all over the place of that want to make a name for themselves and will do everything they can to do so. Then you have nations in our situation, the ones that were close. Taeshan, Blouman Empire, Magna Sancta Sedes, Green Wombat, they are all very good and tough opponents too. So if you win the Cup of Harmony there’s quite a sense of accomplishment.

CP: Does the fact that some games are in Newmanistan affect anything?

BC: Not right now. Obviously Group A is something that we will watch, but their games don’t really affect us. If we get to knockouts, they are going to schedule us in West Zirconia, with the exception of the final which is going to be at the Proving Grounds no matter what. It would be really cool for us to get there.

CP: The first game is against Secristan. Newmanistan has lost the first game of the group stage of all Cups of Harmony you have been in. So, against the Millionaires, what has to happen for that streak to end?

BC: We need to get off to a good start. We’ve been able to do a good job of coming on strong late in these things, but it would be nice if we didn’t have to do that. We know that Secristan is an opponent we should beat, and there is plenty of motivation for us to beat them just so we don’t have to hear them brag about it and try to claim that they are the best team in One Big Island.

CP: The group seems formidable enough, I guess.

BC: It’s a pretty strong group. Blouman Empire is the top seed in the group and therefore they are the team to beat. I know we have had a perfect head to head record against them, but still the Eagles are formidable. Kosovoe is going to be tough, also. Greal or Secristan could have their day, and of course we don’t want to mess up in one of the matches against Chutnusak of Viltek. It’s a good group and another example of why just because this isn’t the World Cup doesn’t mean we’re all a bunch of losing programs.

CP: That Viltek club plays in nude, with the exception of body paint. They also are cannibals. That’s going to be something new that your team will have to face.

BC: They can play in the nude all they want, we’re not going to take it any easier on them. It hurt more when you the ground in the flesh instead of in a uniform. We’re not going to worry about the cannibal situation, because we are sure that if anyone tried something the referees will be right on top of it to keep anything like that from happening. In the stands though, I hope our fans and the West Zirconian fans are careful of these people.

CP: You decided that you would not start Shawn Drummond, and will start Jennifer Vilardi in his place. Drummond is a man of over 100 caps at this level so this is a significant move on your part.

BC: Unfortunately, Drummond has not performed that well of late. In qualifying he managed just two goals in thirteen games (he missed one with a red card), which is way below his pace. But that could have been acceptable if he was doing the little things. He really wasn’t, he wasn’t helping out the midfielders the way we needed him too, and he had some real point blank shots that he didn’t even hit the net on. All scorers get in these funks, and Drummond will break out. We just can’t afford to wait, so it will be Jennifer Vilardi. Expect to see Drummond in the game at some point, he is a substitute, and one that I will be planning to use.

CP: Can he play his way back into the starting lineup, or is that now Jennifer’s to lose?

BC: Jennifer’s going to be given a chance to show what she could do with it, but she’s a veteran herself and that’s part of the reason why I am confident in making this kind of a move. If Shawn did show improvement back to his old self, then he would likely return to the starting lineup as long as Jennifer’s not tearing it up. If she is, then it’s hers to lose.

CP: Alright, Brian, this seems like a good spot to finish it off. Thank you for your time.

BC: Thank you, Clint!

Sir,

On my way to the Post Office this morning I kept bumping into all these strange-looking people with funny accents. When I asked the young man at the Post Office who they all were, he said they were from a place called Newmanistan, and that they all arrived a couple of days ago.

Have we been invaded? If so, why hasn't our government told us? If we don't get answers, and soon, we shall have to retreat to our basement bunker until we get the all-clear.


Yours faithfully,
Dorothy Beauchamp
14 Carlisle Street
Redwood RW2 1AZ

Matchday 1 Preview

Tommorow is matchday 1 in the 35th Cup of Harmony for the Purple Knights. They will be playing the young Dariusville team at Houghton field in West Zirconia. The Knights should be able to beat the young team, who they have never faced before. The Knights seem to be the better of the two and should look to take an early lead on group c. It looks like there should be 3 points on the board for the Knights after tomoorows game.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak
MD2: Greal VS Viltek
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal VS Chutnusak Preview

Chutnusak is ranked 84th, while Greal is ranked 59th. Chutnusak is another strong opponent, but Greal should win this match, providing that nothing goes wrong. Ross Trent is optimistic about his team's future in CoH35. They have a good chance of qualifying and maybe even taking home CoH35 cup. He comments that Greal disappointed badly in CoH34, but Greal this year has improved on last year's team.

Weather service reports sunny skies and thousands of Greali people should turn out at the stadium to watch.

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

"I bet a outright win."

"Alright. One thousand dollars?"

"Seven hundred."

"Tomorrow, we shall see who is right."

"Oh thats easy. I am!"

"Shut up."

"Alright. How about a cup of coffee before we go?"

"Hmm..... fine. One cup of coffee."

GWSportsNation.net

Just why do teams bother playing friendlies any more? All it does is wear down your team and give more tape to your opponents. Take Taeshan for an example. What does Taeshan's 7-1 win over St. Martin University, a college level team prove? That they can beat a the equivalent of a 300th ranked-team in the world? Not to mention that starters can get injured or suspended for a match.

Hell the only friendly Green wombat ever played was against Qazox and that was about 50 years ago. And what happened in that match? We lost our goalie for the rest of the qualifiers and missed out on the World Cup by a point.

BAN FRIENDLIES NOW!

The stadiums are full in anticipation of the kick off of Cup of Harmony 35. The players have been announced and are lining up on the pitch.

The referee signals for a RP cutoff in Group A. (B & C will get cutoff separately by West Zirconia)

Now your final scores; tables to be provided after MD2
Magna Sancta Sedes 2-0 Nethertopia
West Zirconia 3-1 Kjomasasopia
Cassadaigua 1-1 Miroxia



Matchday 2 Schedule:
West Zirconia- Miroxia @ Putnam Lake Stadium
Cassadaigua- Nethertopia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Urna Eletronica- Kjomasasopia @ Pocono City Stadium
Bye: Magna Sancta Sedes

This message has been brought to you by:

Parkfield Scorination Company Ltd.
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Parkfield, Moorcroft MT7 3EP

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World Cups, Cups of Harmony, Baptisms of Fire, Meaningless Friendlies, we can do it all!


And now for Matchday 1 - thanks to Parkfield Scorination for...well, scorinating it for us.

Group B:
Blouman Empire 2-0 Viltek
Newmanistan 3-1 Secristan
Greal 5-0 Chutnusak

Group C:
Taeshan 2-1 Dariusville
Green Wombat 2-2 Colbourne
Arroza 1-2 The Bostopian Empire

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS WIN OPENER (AT LAST)

Moorcroft, West Zirconia- Playing in the largest stadium in West Zirconia that is being used for the Cup of Harmony were a couple of One Big Island neighbors and rivals. Newmanistan is hoping to defend their Cup of Harmony title, but first things first. We had this regional matter to take care of. Newmanistan is in their fourth such tournament, and needed to take of a disturbing statistic; that is the lack of points in competition openers. In Cup of Harmony 32, the Rockets were downed by Prazkoy in the first game and never recovered. Four years later, Universitus University took us to school and defeated us, then four years after that it was Magna Sancta Sedes defeating us. We got revenge on the then demonic tean of Magna Sancta Sedes and exorcized them, hopefully, from future competitions. Now, this other hex being held over our heads. We needed to win and our opposition would be Secristan. The last thing we wanted to do was to give them bragging rights. Newmanistan was up to the task and there was no more even thinking about the World Cup. This is about a title defense, and the Rockets are off on the right foot this time, defeating the Millionaires, 3-1.

Secristan made for a good first opponent. This wasn’t some place that players the were unfamiliar with, this was Secristan, our regional rival and geographic neighbor. They have been playing defensively for most of their qualifying efforts and their highlight was either the win over Septentrionia or having the Jeruselem girls provide them some after-game excitement after the final matchday of qualifying. The Millionaires attempted to play with the same defensive system at the start of the match with safe and conservative ball movement. They focused on their positioning, and when the Rockets got a few early rushes on the goal, their back end was up to the task, and wasn’t afraid to get a little physical. Lucas Kempski laid out a rough tackle on Jennifer Vilardi in the 7th minute, but he was certainly caught off guard when Vilardi jumped right back up to her feet and gave him a pat on the back to tell him it was a nice play. What makes Secristan tough is the strength of their defenders. This is a tall and powerful group that thrives on their ability to outmuscle players off the ball. The way to beat a team like this is a short quick passing game and try to use your speed and natural dribbling ability to make things happen. Jake Wesley was not backing down, either, and they were making safe clears. Newmanistan didn’t come with an all out attack, but they were getting some chances and were clearly the team that seemed most likely to score first. The Millionaires remained focused on the defense, and the minutes ticked away without any goals being scored. The excitement of the early minutes really occurred in the stands with the Newmanistanian and Secristani fans in attendance exchanging derogatory chants back and forth about the opponents team and country. There was no violence, this is just what happens whenever these two meet. The neutral West Zirconian fans in attendance had to think this was crazy and were probably forced to side with the nation who’s fans were sitting next to them. Welcome to international rivalries on your home turf, West Zirconians! (And just wait to Newmanistan vs Blouman Empire). Half an hour went by with still no goals, and it was around this time that you could see the Rockets begin to get a little more intent on scoring before the intermission. Perhaps, also, they had started to figure out the Secristani defenders. In the 35th minute, Jeremy McAllister scored the opening goal after being the recipient of a terrific pass from Alex Parnett. J-Mac then used his speed and elusiveness to get by Wesley and fire the ball past Michael Rossiter for a 1-nil lead. Five minutes later, Newmanistan came inches from scoring again when McAllister smacked a shot off the post. Still at intermission, the Rockets were out in front.

The lead was slim, but it was good to be in front nonetheless. Secristan had not mounted any significant offensive chances and proof of that was that Chris Kusler had only been credited with one official save, which was on a 30 or so yard prayer that he caught routinely. Coach Carson knew that Secristan would become more offensive, so he was sure his team got the message to prepared for a different looking Millionaire team. With the likes of James Rogan and Kevin Walker up front, they had the capability.

The fans also knew to expect a quicker pace to the second half action and the chant exchange started pretty quickly. So too, did Walker and Rogan. The Millionaires attacked like they hadn’t done all game and they soon learned a very important lesson. That is, that the Rockets can play a little defense, too. Taking away Rogan would be key, and Jeremy Brooker was assigned to him directly. Brooker played his opponent very well and because of his exceptional awareness and positioning whenever Rogan tried to turn on those jets, Brooker just calmly held his ground and made a defensive play. Tony Borsinger and Scott LaFave meanwhile were smothering Kevin Walker and not allowing them to do much of anything that would scare Chris Kusler. If they got something on net, it was a routine save for the Newmanistanian goalkeeper. In the 56th minute, the Rockets caught the Millionaires on a swift counter-attack thanks to a perfect long ball from LaFave. He found Brett Prescott, who found Jennifer Vilardi, and the Rockets had themselves a great chance. Only Wesley was in a position to do something about the Vilardi rush with Jeremy McAllister, and he seemed to think that Jennifer would pass. She faked a pass getting Wesley to committ, and the keeper Rossiter to cheat, before firing the second goal for the game for the Rockets into the net. Not to long after, the Millionaires got more desperate, and that desperation led to sloppiness and an Alex Parnett interception of a pass. Parnett got a good run before setting up Jeremy McAllister in prime position. J-Mac made the 59th minute chance count with his second, and now Newmanistan was up 3-nil. The chanting in the stands was now much more one sided as Secristanis began to depart in order to beat traffic. Newmanistan then tried to wrap up the game playing conservative and killing time. It worked until the 78th minute when Curtis Coleman made some nice moves in the midfield to set up Kevin Walker for a great chance that beat Kusler. It gave the Millionaires life, and they tried to make the incredible comeback, but the Rockets held firm on defense, and preserved the 3-1 victory. At last, a win in the first game of a Cup of Harmony. Chutnusak, who got embarrassed 5-nil by Greal in Mort Park, will be our next opponent.

Here is some post reaction:

Carson: “Winning the first one is important and we’ve been able to do that. There’s still a lot more to go, but this is a great start. The team is ready to defend this title.”

Brooker: “Rogan tries to rely on his speed a little too much. The guy can fly, we all know that but I think we did a good job in frustrating him in the second half by not giving in to his shifty moves. We did a great job in each third today, and if we play like this each day, we’re going to be very tough to beat.”

Kusler: “I should have gotten that Walker shot. I wish we could have gotten the clean sheet because we really did a fantastic job today, and I believe we answered all our critics if we wanted to be here or not.”

McAllister: “Playing Secristan will always bring out all of our competitive juices, and as such I don’t think there is any denying that we brought our A-game to Moorcroft tonight. We have to have the same fire against Chutnusak. We have to act like we just went to the movies and saw a horrible action adventure film and take it out on them as the reason for it.”

NEWMANISTAN 3
McAllister (35', 59')
J. Vilardi (56')

SECRISTAN 1
Walker (78')

Purple Knights Win First Game

Yesterday at Houghton Stadium in West Zirconia the Purple Knights took on the Dariusville squad the dependents of Nethertopia. The Knights defeated them 2-1 already looking at there greatest performance in a single Cup of Harmonyince CoH 30. The Knights easily defeated the young team who had really no clue what was going on and couldn't keep up with the faster, stronger, and more Agile Knights.

The Knights charged past the hapless Darius team who suprised the world when they scored first, but this is just a foonote as the Knights scored behind a Brian Ying Uing header in the 40th minute, and a later Doug Newier droped cross into the goal in the 77th minute. This goal put the Knights ahead to the end giving them there first points in this cup.

Up next is the Bostopian Empire two weeks from now. This is the Knights week off and hopefully they can get enough practice to blow the Bosies out. There exopected to either way, but the Knights look way better.

Rockport Illuminator: Sports: Page 6/Editorials

Oh Wait, We're Still Playing Soccer?

And yet again the Hornets get off to another supremely dissapointing beginning to a soccer tournament, losing to the tournament's worls ranked team, in the form of the Bostopian Empire. A lot can be said for the nation not really caring about this matchup since the World Bowl starts tomorrow. World Bowl! omgwtfbbq! The players on the other hand, should not be allowed to say that they overlooked, ignored, or forgot about the Bostopian Empire. At some point we need to decide as a nation whether being 50th in the world permanently is worth all the effort.

For more information check out the Rockport Illuminator's website, which may actually have a small .jpg map of where West Zirconia is! Sorry, all our reporters are getting ready for some football.

Courtney’s Space

Well, we could only pick up a draw last night. Not the result that we wanted against Miroxia, who has the worst ranking in the group. Before I get to the game, I had a reader send me the following e-mail about the draw:

“You all just have to stop playing to the level of the opponent. Look at yourselves, when it is time to play Candelaria And Marquez you still haven’t lost and you also had a draw against Cafundeu! Then we get the terrible way you all closed out World Cup qualifying and now a draw against Miroxia! This is where we need a captain to buckle down on her team and set the record straight. If we can only draw Miroxia how are we gonna beat the Pope?”

I had other angry e-mails too, but this one of the nicer angry ones. It’s a draw, not a loss. We play six games in the Cup of Harmony and we have plenty of time to overcome this. I know that there are other good teams out there, but we are not going to back down to anyone. It’s a point that we have that might be important at the end of the group stage to see if we can get into that all-important top-three. Let’s also give credit to Miroxia, shall we? They played hard and never quit, and I know it was hard to give up that 71st minute equalizer, but they had just as much desire as we did to win this game. We never felt as though we were a better team then them because we simply cannot afford to be doing that. They came to Dover ready to play, and we also have to realize that we are not sneaking up on anyone anymore. Was our effort that bad? Let’s give Rachel Terry some credit, she made good stops in both halves, and our defense played well, too. Kirsten Logan’s opening 21st minute goal gave us some breathing room, but we really would have like to add to it. We couldn’t, and we end up 1-1. That’s the way it goes, the Cup of Harmony will be a test of our willpower, and I still believe we can make that top three.

We must move on, and moving on means Nethertopia. It’s an important game for us since we will need to get a win out of it. Personally, the game has a lot of individual meaning for me. I have enjoyed playing for Tenderville United in Nethertopia, it has been a lot of fun and I have met a lot of great people in that country. I am familiar with many of the players on their national team, having played against a handful of them. The keeper that we will be facing, Wouter van Dalen is someone I have scored on and I will do my best to tell my teammates his traits. Then I’ll be going up against teammates, such as my buddy Ronnie de Haan in Tenderville. He’s a great teammate in the locker room and has been quite supportive to my transition of playing in Nethertopia. We might talk a little bit before the game, but when the game starts, he’ll be sticking to me like glue. He’s a good defender and the two of us have talked about this matchup ever since the Cup of Harmony groups were drawn. I have other club teammates that are on their national team so it will be a fun game. I will be all about Cassadaigua though, to show all of them the kind of talent that exists here in our country, and that I am just one of a collection of players that are from here. The game is being played at Newmanistan’s Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, a historic stadium that means a lot to the host country. It is overseen by powerful spirits and we hope that we can put on a great show for them.

West Zirconia started their Cup of Harmony in style with a 3-1 victory over Kjomasasopia.

Having learnt their lessons following a narrow 1-0 friendy win over Centralia Cougars, West Zirconia played a more attacking game for this match. However, Kjomasasopia had other ideas, and opened the scoring after 14 minutes.

The shock served West Zirconia well. The complacency which comes with playing a lower- (though not much lower-) -ranked team was shaken out of them, and they started to play some attractive football. This change of tempo was rewarded just before half-time when a trademark McGowan sprint was crossed onto the waiting head of Alun Lydiate for the equaliser.

The game slowed down for the next quarter-hour, until West Zirconia were awarded a free-kick after Nicky Byrne had fouled Patrick Williams just outside the penalty area. In other words, Ed French territory, and he made no mistake in putting his side in the lead.

Kjomasasopia started to panic at this stage, and in their desperation started to lose their compsure at the back, which was exploited by Williams, whose precise pass found the feet of Martin Forster, who in turn found the back of the net.

All in all, a good performance from West Zirconia, who go into their next game - against Miroxia at Putnam Lake - with confidence.


West Zirconia: Gray, Phillips (c), Fox, Munro (Faulkner 84), Paterson, Hawthorne (Pritchard 84), Williams, French, McGowan, Forster, Lydiate.

Goals: West Zirconia - Lydiate (43), French (60), Forster (82)

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

TEN REASONS FOR THEM CANDELARINESIANSor however they call themselvesTO BLAME THEIR WORSENING FOOTBALL ON NETHERTOPIA
OR SUMMAT
By Arie Mateur

Peregrinus City - Nethertopia has lost his first game in the CoH. I wasn't there to enjoy the game, instead I had to write this article about nothing basically. I'd rather been in Newmanistan to see how the Falcons got beaten by some pope, but hey, sometimes life is a bitch. Anyway, one C&M bloke has written, or said, or whatever, I'm too drunk at the moment to remember, that they should blame the Nethertopians more about their football, which seems to go backwards. Here it is.

10: The other foreigners in the CMSC1
Hey, we can't blame our own country alone, right? We're just as bad as the others, but more on that later. Those guys lessen the flow of Candelariasians on the field.

9: Their bad luck
I have no clue why this is on their list, but they seem to have it. And it gets my paper filled, this one. Anyway, moving to 8.

8: Nethertopian polution
We produce a lot of uranium and cars. And the fabrics produce a lot of polution. This flows to C&M, where it pollutes the air, thus having an affect on the Candelariasian football players' condition.

7: The Nethertopian Amateur Clubs
They're participating in the Cup, thus keeping places of the Candelariasian Amateurs [redaction note: Not true, The CAMASA made space for the clubs and even let 5 other Candelariasian clubs enter].

6: The Nethertopians living in Albrecht
Don't ask, I'm not sure why they made this list. Perhaps because they keep the Candelariasians awake if Nethertopia, Tenderville or NAPPC wins.

5: The Nethertopian academies
These buggers produce new youngsters, ready to operate in the CMSC1, from next year. Or something like that. They'll keep Candelariasian talents away from their breakthrough, thus lessening their national team as well.

4: Nethertopian referees
Howard Bokito and that other guy who refereed Valanora versus Candelaria and Marquez. OK, Bokito may be Dariusvillian, but that's a nation with only Nethertopians living in it. and Nethertopia appointed him. He ran away with that keeper with that difficult name, Sabiz or something like that. And that other guy, which no Nethertopian had ever heard of, who gave one of them Big Blues a red card. In a friendly. Yeah, I know, this top ten sucks.

3: Sam Wendell
This guy has bought MarquezOW. Thus driving the Candelariasians out of their clubs. Which is bad. Very, very bad.

2: NAPPC
That club with that very long name is not very good for them Candelariasians. I mean, they've got way too much Nethertopians in their team, are in the quarterfinals of the cup and are playing in the CMSC2. If that isn't a major pullback to Candelaria And Marquez...

1: Tenderville United
This club is even worse than the other one. TdvUtd isn't only on their way to qualify for the CMSC1, but also might take a SBCC place too! The bloody bastards!

Oh, right, I was supposed to write a story about Cassadaigua and Courtney Ferguson as well, but I think I might faint because of all the bottle of wodka I drank last two hours. We could beat them, she's a great player and a hottie, bla bla bla, ect, thank you. Now if you would excuse me, I'm going to throw up for a bit.

[redaction disclaimer: We do not share the opinion with mister A. Mateur about anything offensive he says in this article. It was too late to remove it out of this newspaper edition. If it wasn't for the fact that his pay check was rather small, we would have fired him for this article. Have a nice day]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

EAGLES START OFF WITH STYLE

The Blouman Eagles won last night’s game with a strong 2-0 score line to start off their Cup of Harmony campaign. It was the first time the Eagles played against Viltek and they won't about to let a rabble of naked unprofessional players beat them.

The game started off well for the team dominating possession of the ball and having numerous shots on goal, while some were off target those that were, were saved by Viltek keeper Fwok who was able to parry away many shots. The Eagles managed to open the scoring in the 33rd minute after Viltek defender Quitte Shorrette went down and bit Speed on the ankle. Thankfully for the Eagles they were away of this man's strange hacking technique and ensured that they were wearing ankle protection which resulted in Shorrette being yellow carded. Johathon Filmar took the free kick which sailed over the penalty spot allowing Issac Golding to headed the ball under the keeper and into the net. There was a brief scare in the 44th minute when the referee failed to see Rhipt Bhitc take a dive just inside the 18 yard box rewarding Viltek with a penalty and Jacob Peterson with a yellow card. The penalty was saved with an excellent dive into the bottom corner by keeper Henry Jackson who managed to push the ball on the other side of the post with his fingertips.

The second side started much the same as the first, however, the Viltek defense showed more commitment and strength and was able to stop the Blouman attack much earlier. As the Eagles continued their relentless barrage into the Viltek defense who by this time had brought 6 men into the back line, the Eagles broke through with a one-two between Speed and Golding, with Golding able to chip the ball over the top of the keeper in the 65th minute giving him his second goal for the tournament and the game. The final result was 2-0. Captain Sam Kiamar told the awaiting media that he was happy with the team’s performance and with the win he said "The game was played with commitment and we came away with the three points. This Cup is only just starting and the team should really view this game as a practice match for the more challenging opponents that we have coming up".

The Eagles get a rest this coming matchday where to is expected they will continue training at Williamson Park their "home" ground for the duration of the tournament. The will be coming up against Chutnusak at STORMGroup Stadium in Mortpark. The team is expecting to come away from this game with another three points.

OOC: Question: I know that between each matchday RP's are allocated some sort of scale that is detirmined and that as the tournament goes on the RP's in earlier matchday's don't count as much as an RP of similar quality that was posted during the coming up matchday results. My question is since I have a bye does this count as though it is going towards MD3 or as going towards MD2 and thus when it comes to MD2 the score allocated will be smaller than if I waited to post this after MD2 scores were released?

In response to your query, we decided not to go for the expiring RP thing.
It's simple cumulative RP bonuses in this tournament. Your opening RP will be worth just as much at the end of your tournament as it was at the beginning.

(By the way, you're based in Bradley, not Banks - as detailed in the TG I sent.)

Taken from Dave Archer's sports column in the Moorcroft Evening News:

It would appear that Green Wombat, having rejected an invitation from hosts St. Andrew's to play them before the competition, have called for the scrapping of friendly matches. I quote: "All it does is wear down your team and give more tape to your opponents." All I can say is, if it's so bad an idea, how come they - with the advantage of not having played a pre-tournament friendly - could only manage a draw against one of the worst teams in the competition?

Apparently St. Martin University is only a "college level team". Of course, if the Wombat that wrote the article had done his homework, he would have known that there is no college level game in West Zirconia, and that in fact the Students are one of the top teams in the country - even better than the St. Andrew's side that would have played the Wombats. Of course, reading between the lines, all the national teams would have had to do is turn up and their hosts would have rolled over - just try telling that to Stanley United and Taylor's Cross, who were a match for their opponents. The whole thing makes me wonder whether in fact these Wombats were frightened of being humiliated by a club side with nothing to lose.

According to reports, St. Andrew's have said that although they are disappointed at being snubbed, the Wombats are still welcome to train at Whitby Park for the duration of their stay in West Zirconia. Well, if I were in their position, I'd have locked the gates and let them find their own facilities. At least St. Andrew's won't have to worry about their guests for long. If they play the way they did against Colbourne, they won't be here beyond the first round. What price the rejected warm-up then?



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

Meanwhile, in the WZFA offices in Moorcroft, chairman Damon Clarke was not happy...


"Claire, can you get on the phone to the Evening News for me?" He was doing his best to be polite to his secretary, but the edge was still in his voice.

"Certainly, Mr. Clarke. Shall I ask for anyone in particular?"

"Get hold of the editor if you can."

"Certainly, Mr. Clarke."

Damon went back to his office and slammed the door behind him. Several minutes passed in silence before the phone at his desk rang. He picked up the phone, to be greeted by his secretary's soothing voice.

"I've got through to the editor of the Evening News, Mr. Clarke."

"Thanks - put him through." The voice on the other end changed - as did the tone of Damon's voice.

"Damon Clarke here - what the **** do you think you're doing printing articles like that in your ****ing paper? We're supposed to be generously hosting the Cup of Harmony, and you print ****ing articles ripping into our ****ing guests? Are you ****ing well trying to stir up trouble?"

The editor, not used to hearing the FA chairman swearing so profusely, was understandably dazed. He took a couple of seconds to compose himself, and responded calmly. "They insulted us by refusing to play their hosts - whoever they were again."

"Doesn't mean we have to ****ing well insult them as well!"

"Well, what would you have done, then, Mr. Diplomacy?"

"Kept my opinions to myself, when it comes to something so ****ing sensitive as slagging other countries off. You realise how much of a ****ing rumpus you could cause with this article?"

"Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, Mr. Clarke, but we are just reflecting how slighted our people feel about it."

"Right, and I'm left to pick up the ****ing pieces. You won't get it in the ****ing neck for this - I will, just because of what some ****ing idiot wrote in your ****ing rag. There'd better not be any more ****ing articles like this one in future, or there'll be big ****ing trouble. Understand?"

Damon put the phone down without waiting for a response. All that remained was to wait for his Green Wombat counterpart to complain - as surely he would...

Cup of Harmony 35 - Group A
PMF: @ Tundra Falls 4-2
MD1: vs Nethertopia 2-0 (@ Pocono City Stadium)
MD2: BYE
MD3: vs Miroxia (@ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
MD4: vs Urna Eletronica (@ Centralia Stadium)
MD5: vs Kjomasasaopia (@ Olympia Field)
MD6: vs West Zirconia (@ Loudon Stadium)
MD7: vs Cassadaigua (@ Pocono City Stadium)

Stephanus was busily jotting notes in his pencil pad while the Pope was sweating gobs of sweat as he withdrew to the lockers (why does the Pope need so many lockers?). He sat on the bench and immediately a puddle of water was seeping towards Stephanus. And in this very sparse moment, the Pope was amusing himself as the sweat pool made a dashing race for the cloth socks that Stephanus was wearing. Closer... closer... closer... Well, eventually, the sweat hit the Cardinal's sock and it was only second later that the Cardinal jolted into the air.

"Ewww!!! I've got water in my socks!"

"Well, served you right!" the Pope shouted. "Ever since the Newmanistanis took away our shoes, I've had to slip and slide in the grass without studs! And even though I haven't any clue about what I'm saying, I know that it's particularly when you're slipping and sliding."

"Nonsense!" Stephanus replied. "You're doing fabulous. You beat Nethertopia 1 on 11, and by two goals too!"

"Well, it doesn't help when a massive plague of gnats was in the air. The Nethertopian players were stuck coughing the air, while I managed to sneak under the pestilence and score the goals. Sometimes, wearing a tiara helps out a lot."

"Speaking of plague, where did those gnats come from?"

"I don't know. God may have sent them to show us mercy. Or some gnat-breeding facility in Pocono City might have broken and let loose its spawn. Needless to say, the fans weren't too pleased, although the Catholic faithful will surely be pleased to see that God is on our side."

"Yes, and about that. You get the day off tomorrow."

"THANK THE LORD!" the Pope then suddenly cried. "THANK THE LORD!"

"Well, that's all good, but after tomorrow, you've got 5 games straight. And if you... ahem, when you qualify for the next round, you've got at least 3 games ahead to the final."

"And then I have to lose the Final Match..."

"Yes."

"Brilliant."

Stephanus nodded, as the sweat began to race to his socks again. "NYAAAH! What the devil is wrong with this room? Are my feet to be perpetually wet?"

"Actually, I think that the architectural design makes the water drip down and away from me, and towards you. Either that or God really hates you."

"God does not hate me," Stephanus said, just as the toilet pipes burst upon him. "THE ORTHODOX CONSPIRACY STRIKES!" he yelled furiously, as he walked away dripped in stinking fecal matter. At the least, the Pope was mildly amused by it.

To the Anarchic Schemers of the Anachronistic Archregimancy:

Ha. Hahahahaha. Hahahahahaha. Ha. Haha. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Hahaha. Hahahahahaha. Ha.

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

That's probably what you were thinking when you conspired to break that sewage pipe from on top of my head. And not only were you laughing in the miserable stench that soon enveloped me, you were laughing as the stewed refuse of human indecency fell upon the sacred cloth of the Catholic Church! If I knew whom among you conspired to have this upon me, I would have the Pope excommunicate them immediately. But considering that you're already heretics absolved from any shred of hope for the saving grace of the LORD Jesus Christ, I'll have to settle for some mischief to befall them by God's glory.

And that brings me to my second letter imploring you silly people to stop this pointless debate. Can't you see that God prefers Catholicism? Indeed, the Most Holy and Supreme Pontiff stood today in the midst of a plague and vanquished his foes with serene generosity and mercy, only 2 goals to nothing. I have the videos too! I'll generously send them to you if you ask nicely. And so you may see that our God is superior to the God of the Orthodox tradition.

I suspect that you may have to say about this than it seems rational to say, so all I have left to say is - Ha.

In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti,
Sancta Papa Pediludii Cardinal Stephanus Gim Su-hwan

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak 5-0
MD2: Greal VS Viltek
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal 5-0 Chutnusak

Greal was way more aggressive then usual, and it paid off. Greal smashed Chutnusak 5-0 and broke Greal's own record of biggest victory for Greal.

The game started with Michael Istoma in possession of the ball. He maneuvered his way through Chutnusak's defenders and scored on the eighth minute. Following Michael, Howard Anderson took the opportunity to score when the goal keeper left it opened and he nailed it. Just before the first half was over, Francis Volodislav scored his first international goal ever. In the second half, Chutnusak's defenses seemed to crumble despite their very best to keep Greal from scoring. Howard Anderson and Sebastian Expan each took a goal. The game ended 5-0 in Greal's favor.


Greal 5
Howard Anderson (17', 41')
Michael Istoma (8')
Francis Volodislav (29')
Sebastian Expan (51')

Chutnusak 0

Other teams in Group B were doing what they could.

Blouman Empire destroyed Viltek 2-0.

Newmanistan beat Secristan 3-1.

Greal will play Viltek late today (Preview up soon)

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

"5-0 win? Thats huge."

"Seven hundred please."

"Alright. Here's the money."

"What about today's late match?"

"Six hundred dollars for a outright win."

"Sure."

"Good. Now how about that coffee? It always seems to be late."

GWSportsNation.net

I don't know why we even bother playing soccer anymore. A 2-2 draw with Colburne? Is there a tourney for CoH losers? If so we'd be the #1 seed and we'd lose that one too.

MILLIONAIRES FALL IN OBI BATTLE

The first game of the Cup of Harmony for Secristan had us go up against those pesky Rockets to our west. They are the nation that has the bigger reputation in One Big Island when it comes to world sports but a win would have been nice. This did not happen as the Millionaires found themselves down 1-0 at halftime, then surrendered two goals in a span of three minutes in the early stages of the second half did us in. Down three goals to none, we could manage only a late goal in the 78th minute to pull one back. Jeremy McAllister scored twice for Newmanistan, who is looking to repeat as Cup of Harmony champion as they make their fourth consecutive Cup of Harmony appearance and are still absent of a World Cup berth. They were on good form and if they play like that against everyone else, they will be tough to beat. Despite the loss, the Millionaires didn’t look too out of place and seemed to hold their own against Newmanistan. It was only when they began getting too aggressive with the offense that the Rockets capitalized and extended their lead. If Secristan plays like that, the way they did before they were thrown out of their defensive game plan, then don’t go counting us out of this thing just yet.

As anticipated, the game was a financial windfall for the Secristan Department of Sports, who were looking to capitalize on the One Big Island rivalry. Purchases of the game on pay-per-view rivaled the amounts purchased for the games against Kura-Pelland and Septentrionia during qualifying, but not quite at the level they were for Jeruselem. Katie Simpson, our SDOS representative told us that, “Opening the Cup of Harmony against Newmanistan was a good thing for us, and our team played well for large portions of the match. The rest of it is just what playing someone of the Rockets caliber can do to you. Hopefully, even though we were defeated, our fans will feel that we can get results against the weaker teams in the group.” We hope so, too.

Overall, Secristani Law Enforcement reports only five arrests made for freeloading or attempted freeloading in the efforts to steal the signal of off Newmanistanian television without paying for it. This is always a nagging problem whenever the countries meet. The low arrest count shows that people have begun to get the message that freeloaders will be caught. One such person not getting the message was 37-year old bar owner Tyler Buchanan, who stole the signal for the bar then charged patrons money for watching it. Buchanan was reported by 19-year old Ashley Nelson, the daughter of a powerful attorney in Amherst. Miss Nelson recognized that the broadcaster were not the local Secristani announcers and immediately turned Buchanan in. The game had only reached the 11th minute by the time the police arrived. Mr. Buchanan is expected to be tried on several charges, with a sentence that could reach up to 50 years.

(Players gather in the hotel meeting room)

Brooker: You see this Chutnusak score from the last game? Greal crushed them!

McAllister: Yeah, so you know what that means.

Brooker: Sadly, yes. But because we know that they will probably get those random fortunate bounces during the match since they went so greatly against them in the last one, it just means we need to be especially prepared for this.

Prescott: They got some tough players, that Schwarzenegger guy is especially ripped. But I’m not scared of them.

McAllister: I didn’t think you would be, but shouldn’t Schwarzenegger be playing for Urna Eletronica?

Prescott: Why would he play for them?

McAllister: There’s a well known politician by the name of Arnold Schwarzenegger in some far off country, he’s like a governor or something.

Parnett: So by being a politician, he is playing for the wrong team. May we should have his eligibility be checked.

Prescott: (in deep voice) I’llll be baaack.

McAllister: Where are you going?

Prescott: Ahaha!

Brooker: The way they played against Greal, they should pursue a career in acting, or something.

Prescott: Yeah, a couple of them tried to embellish contact in the Greal game with their acting skills, or lack thereof since the referee never bought into it.

LaFave: Guys, I was just watching some game tape and man this Jackie Chan has some sweet acrobatic moves.

Parnett: He’s also scrawny, you guys can take him.

LaFave; Yeah I was gonna get to that. Unlike what he might be used to, we won’t attack him one at a time and let him put moves on us, just stare at our teammate fall, and then take a turn ourselves. We will gang up on him at once. He doesn’t seem to be used to that.

Brooker: Yeah, that’s the way you shut down a player like that. One on one they might have the moves, but it’s not like it’s a movie where the enemy takes their turn one by one. We will all go after him at one time, and throw him off.

McAllister: They’re keeper is beatable. He spends too much time goofing off, as we saw in the Greal game. So I think we can him as well.

Prescott: They’re an odd team. With a lineup like that, no wonder why they have a hard time. Too many big egos and too many people wanting to be the main star and not willing to play as a team.

McAllister: I’m pretty confident that we can take them. Man, feels good to finally win a first game of a group stage.

Brooker: It’s weird how often we lose or draw the opener. But now, we have no excuse not to go 2-0-0 and immediately set the tone of this group and let them know we’ve come to play.

Prescott: Plus, it’s always nice to beat Secristan.

McAllister: Absolutely.

Brooker: Well now it’s time to put on a show that the players from Chutnusak could only dream of.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR WEST ZIRCONIAN GROUPS (B AND C)

Scorination today will be delayed, but I can't say at the moment by how long.

Basically, I have to take my car to the garage about now and it all depends on when they can get my brake lights fixed. Based on what they said when they first looked at it, we're looking at about 1pm GMT/8am Eastern US, but as I'm sure you'll appreciate, that's only a complete guess.

Apologies to all concerned.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal VS Viltek Preview

Viltek is ranked 81, while Greal is ranked 59th. Though rankings are far apart, that doesn't meant the victory will come easily. But a win may come as long as nothing goes wrong. Viltek was defeated earlier yesterday by Blouman Empire 2-0. Viltek's rank is nearly similar to Chutnusak, whose team was shockingly defeated by Greal 5-0. Today's match hopefully will erase memories of Greal's disappointing losses in CoH34 and in the recent World Cup 43 qualifying.

Of the group matches today....

Newmanistan will be playing battered Chutnusak today.

Kosovoe will be playing Secristan today also.

Your matchday 2 RP cutoff for Group A is presented by: DCAR (Dover City Auto Repair): "Brake here and see the light!"


West Zirconia 2-1 Miroxia
Cassadaigua 3-1 Nethertopia
Urna Eletronica 3-3 Kjomasasopia


Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 West Zirconia 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6
2 Cassadaigua 2 1 1 0 4 2 2 4
3 Magna Sancta Sedes 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 3
4 Urna Eletronica 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 1
5 Miroxia 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1
6 Kjomasasopia 2 0 1 1 4 6 -2 1
7 Nethertopia 2 0 0 2 1 5 -4 0


Schedule for Matchday 3:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Miroxia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Cassadaigua- Kjomasasopia @ Southport Stadium
Urna Eletronica- Nethertopia @ Pocono City Stadium
Bye: West Zirconia

From the Office of the First Hierarch

Dear Sanctified Daddy Paedophile Cardinal Stephanus Gim Su-hwan

Thank you for your recent letters regarding certain incidents that have befallen your heterodox schismatics.

His Holiness the First Hierarch has read your letters with interest, and has asked me to assure you that he has given them as much attention as he feels they deserve.

He has also asked me to pass on that they make for much softer toilet paper than the birch twig and sponge he had been using of late, and he thanks you for being so considerate of his comfort despite your doctrinal errors.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Julian the Exceedingly Junior
Least Undersecretary of the First Hierarch

PS: We do hope we have translated your title correctly; Latin hasn't been our strong point since you left the True Church in 1054.

Courtney’s Space

Before the game, I gave the team a pep talk like any captain would, but this one was special. This was very important for me on so many levels to defeat Nethertopia, but also important for all of us. I am just a mere Dagan amidst a talented group of soccer players that exist in Nethertopia and their partnership with Candelaria And Marquez. For those who follow Tenderville, and those who may know me that root for other teams see me as a Dagan but they don’t know anyone else. This was going to be about letting them see what all of us can do. From Rachel Terry’s brilliant goalkeeping, to our strong defense, our midfielders and forwards, we are a complete team. This wasn’t going to be Courtney Ferguson vs Nethertopia. We asked the spirits from above the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds for their blessing, and we thanked them for the support that Newmanistan has given us as we have two players who play here. Maybe if any of those spirits are female, they could relate to what we are trying to accomplish. We hit the field hungry and we decided we were going to attack the net quite a bit more in this game then we have been, which is news that I always love to hear. We were confident and prepared.

We got opportunities early, and we scored early. The 3rd minute score we got on van Dalen was a record in our young international history for our quickest strike and it set the tone for the match. Our confidence now had a quick goal to show for it. I have familiarity with van Dalen since he plays for the rival NAPPC in the 2nd division of Candelarian and Marquez league. He undoubtedly knows me too, but he doesn’t know Jessica Keeley nearly as much, so when we had the break on net with her in possession, he didn’t know what she was going to do while I had it planned out. Her pass to me was perfect for the quick score. That was just the start, and scoring so quickly after, in the 17th minute was the deciding moment in the game. Nethertopia could have rebounded, as there were still 87 minutes left and at the time they didn’t seem to worried, but when Erika Cottrell simply let fire on her 20-yard shot, it was a big 2-goal lead. The long goalless spell that happened after that was just fine with us. We were playing it safe and doing a good job on defense. In the 75th minute, my buddy from Tenderville, Frans Oud brought them to within a goal, and they got a lot of life off of that. Give Rachel credit for some big saves in the closing minutes. In stoppage time of the second half, with them desperately trying to score, I snuck underneath the defense and Michelle Fuller gave me the perfect long ball, and I sealed the deal with my second of the game. We played great tonight, and if we bring the same effort to Southport, we can beat Kjomasasopia as well.

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Rather belatedly, here are the scores for Groups B and C:


Group B:

Newmanistan 2-0 Chutnusak
Greal 1-1 Viltek
Kosovoe 0-1 Secristan



1 Newmanistan 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4 6
2 Greal 2 1 1 0 6 1 +5 4
3 Blouman Empire 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3
4 Secristan 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3
5 Viltek 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1
6 Kosovoe 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0
7 Chutnusak 2 0 0 2 0 7 -7 0




Group C:

Green Wombat 1-0 The Bostopian Empire
Arroza 3-1 Dariusville
Myedvedeya 4-2 Colbourne


1 Green Wombat 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4
2 Myedvedeya 1 1 0 0 4 2 +2 3
3 Arroza 2 1 0 1 4 3 +1 3
4 Taeshan 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
5 Bostopian Empire2 1 0 1 2 2 0 3
6 Colbourne 2 0 1 1 4 6 -2 1
7 Dariusville 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0

From the Office of the First Hierarch

ooc: I'm guessing that you probably already know that SPP = "Holy Father of Football", but it's interesting to note that a Pedophile is one who loves children; Pediphile is one who loves feet; and Pedonphile is one who loves dirt (or someone who can't spell pedophile...).

The Pope came out from the practice pitch watching Stephanus blow his nose.

"Is that the letter that the Orthodox monks sent to us?"

"Was it?" Stephanus replied. "I didn't know. It was sitting on top of the tissue box. Mighty fine paper, if it was. Great for blowing your nose."

"That was their reply!"

"Oh really?" Stephanus opened the folds of paper to reveal a disgusting blot of snot on the paper. "Well, I can't read it, and quite frankly, I really don't want to read it. Just goes to show, whatever they write really isn't worth the time to read anyway. Hmmm, but they do make mighty fine tissue paper. Maybe I should thank them..."

The Pope shook his head, reeling at the thought of bringing the Catholic and Orthodox Churches in union - "United in the Common Pursuit of Fine Toiletries". But dispelling that thought, he asked Stephanus about the next match. "We play against the folk from Miroxia. Do we know about them?"

"Not much," Stephanus replied. "They lost to West Zirconia, never mind explaining how a host team is playing on foreign soil... But they don't too enthusiastic about playing you. Nonetheless, they do take the Devil's pet as their national symbol, so we must caution against their hedonistic tendencies."

"A bunch of goats? What, are they sailors?"

Stephanus looked at the Pope with an odd eye. "They might be sailors. Why does that matter?"

"Haven't you any idea what sailors do to goats on boats?"

"No, I don't."

"Good. Otherwise, I'd have to excommunicate you."

Stephanus nodded. "Thank the LORD that I don't know. Sometimes, ignorance is truly bliss."

Then the Pope cried out emphatically, "But they're masochistic paraphiliacs!"

"Now I really don't know what you're talking about. I'm just going to write another letter to those funny monks."

To the Crazy People who inhabit Cells:

I must thank you for your recent dispatch of tissue paper. I must confess that I have had the best blow of nose that I have yet to ever experience. Normally, my nose becomes hardened after blowing, but the paper acted as a cushion for my nose. I'm not sure how you ascetic folk can be so faithless if you can give a little gift like this, so I'm wondering if you'd be interested in the First Annual Conference of the Common Pursuit of Divine Paper. I'm sorry that I don't seem to have any paper to equal the quality that you monks use, so my thanks for your generosity. Perhaps there is yet hope for you people.

In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti,
Sancta Papa Pediludii Cardinal Stephanus Gim Su-hwan

Inside the Landau Institute, the doctor responsible for the mail of the patients found an interesting message. The mail worker seemed relieved to be finally able to deliver the message, which probably meant that he had travelled a lot. But, when Professor Aloísio Braga (that's the name of the doctor) opened the letter, he was surprised. The letter said:

To the Crazy People who inhabit Cells:

I must thank you for your recent dispatch of tissue paper. I must confess that I have had the best blow of nose that I have yet to ever experience. Normally, my nose becomes hardened after blowing, but the paper acted as a cushion for my nose. I'm not sure how you ascetic folk can be so faithless if you can give a little gift like this, so I'm wondering if you'd be interested in the First Annual Conference of the Common Pursuit of Divine Paper. I'm sorry that I don't seem to have any paper to equal the quality that you monks use, so my thanks for your generosity. Perhaps there is yet hope for you people.

In Nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti,
Sancta Papa Pediludii Cardinal Stephanus Gim Su-hwan

He decided to call the president of the Landau Institute to share what he had just read. The Professor Letícia Sabin (that's the name of the president) commented with him:

PROF. SABIN - "What a weird message..."

PROF. BRAGA - "Yes... I have to deliver many strange notes to our patients, but this one was really surprising..."

PROF. SABIN - "This makes me think... was it really for us?"

PROF. BRAGA - "Why not? The mail worker delivered it here, so it must be for us... and look... "crazy people who inhabit cells"... that's our patients!"

PROF. SABIN - "Yes, the description fits perfectly... but we've never sent any tissue paper to any cardinal!"

PROF. BRAGA - "That's strange... but he says something about monks... we have many monks here, don't forget that The Archregimancy converted more than a quarter of our patients. And, you know, these monks sometimes do things without consulting us, maybe they were the ones that did that."

PROF. SABIN - "I don't believe in that. I think the monks are respectful people, and they have never get involved in trouble. I really think this message wasn't for us."

PROF. BRAGA - "So what can we do?"

PROF. SABIN - "I think nothing. This letter may never reach its proper destination, and it'll be stuck here in the Landau Institute."

PROF. BRAGA - "We can give it back to the mail."

PROF. SABIN - "Do it, then. And go take care of the patients, they are waiting for you... by the way... have you been reading the patients' mail?"

PROF. BRAGA - "Oh, ¨%&$, she has discovered.

Myedvedeya 4-2 Colbourne

The Myedvedeyan national team, playing in their first Cup of Harmony match, defeated Colbourne last night by the resounding score of four goals to two. The Myedvedeyans played their trademark quick, ground-based attacking style, and it paid off, granting them more than 50% possession, and an overwhelming amount of control over the pace and direction of the match.

The first half started out quickly, with the first goal coming within ten minutes of the opening whistle. The Bears, eager to play again after missing out on the world cup, seized their opportunity from the get-go. Nikolai Dolohov and new left-central midfielder Nicola D'Ancona controlled the middle of the pitch entirely, creating ample chances for Aloyoshenka Vorotaev and Aleksander Rozhdestvensky to score up front. The first goal came in the ninth, as Vorotaev received a gorgeous pass from Dolohov at the edge of the eighteen, turned, beat a defender with a single step and fired a rocket into the upper-right corner. 1-0 Myedvedeya. The Bears, inspired by their early success, continued to press the attack. In the Twenty-Seventh, Vorotaev nearly scored again from just inside the penalty mark, being denied only by a fantastic stretching save from Colbourne's keeper. Myedvedeya found their second five minutes later, in the Thirty-Second. Grigor Ulyanov flew by two defenders on the right wing, and curled a gorgeous cross into the box for defender Ivan Mizin. Mizin leapt up, and headed the ball straight into the crossbar. It rocketed off the bar, and landed at the feet of Vorotaev, who tapped it past the keeper for his second of the match. 2-0. Myedvedeya continued to press the attack, but no further goals were scored in the first.

In the second, Colbourne began to assert themselves, putting some pressure on the Myedvedeyan goal. In the Fifty-Third, Colbourne's striker Dan Barrett beat keeper Boris Bykovsky, and only the quick-thinking foot-save of midfielder D'Ancona saved the bears from seeing their lead cut in half. D'Ancona immediately turned the ball around, and began to rush down the field at a breakneck pace. Reaching midfield, he saw that Colbourne keeper Rick Sutton had not yet retreated into his box, and fired a long, high attempt into the air from just before the halfway-line. The shot floated up, up, over Sutton's outstretched hand, and into the upper-right corner of the net. 3-0 Myedvedeya. At this point, Myedvedeya began substituting some of their key players. Captain Dolohov came out for Vassili Pencherjevsky in the Sixty-Third, and Vorotaev came out for 戴慕李 in the Seventy-First. In the Seventy-Third, Colbourne got one back, as Julius Ibrahim beat Bykovsky low and to the left. 3-1. In the Seventy-Fifth, however, Myedvedeya ensured victory, as 戴慕李 received a pass from D'Ancona, and calmly placed the ball in the lower-right. 4-1 Myedvedeya. The final excitement in the match came in the Eighty-Third, as Myedvedeyan defender Ivan Romasko received a yellow card, and a penalty was given up to the Colbourne Squad. Ibrahim once again converted, and the score was 4-2, which it remained until the end of the match.

"We played a good, quick match, and, as we've proven before, not many teams beat us when we play well" Said Coach Vassili Sergyevitch Bagration, after the match concluded.

SCORING:

Myedvedeya Colbourne
A.Vorotaev '9, 32 J.Ibrahim '73, 83
N.D'Ancona '54
戴慕李 '75


BOOKINGS:

Myedvedeya Colbourne
I.Mizin [] ('82)

Myedvedeya's Bear of the Match Poll

N.Dolohov- 35%
A.Vorotaev- 29%
N.D'Ancona- 26%
A.Rozhdestvensky- 6%
戴慕李- 4%

Myedvedeya will face Dariusville tonight, another match the Bears are expected to win. Tune in later to Moskva Channel 4, to watch all of Myedvedeya's Cup of Harmony Action.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS PUT ON SHOW

Banks, West Zirconia- Two games into this 35th Cup of Harmony, Newmanistan finds itself playing well and sitting on top of Group B, following a workmanlike effort in a 2-nil victory over Chutnusak. The win gives the Rockets two wins in their first two games, which given the past history of our country, is unchartered country. The wins are against nations we should be beating, but in the past, we haven’t always gotten these victories. With Viltek drawing Greal, and the Bloumans have their bye day early, Newmanistan is in sole possession of first place as they head into their own bye week.

The Rockets began the match playing in a confident and poised manner, showing in their ball movement. Passes were hitting their target, and the team was not forcing the issue and making silly mistakes. Chutnusak, early on, tried to draw several early fouls with players taking dives on any possible contact. In the 5th minute, when Brett Prescott brought down Chuck Norris, the Chutnuskian laid on the pitch, holding his knee screaming even though Brett didn’t even make contact with Norris’ knees. When Norris realized that no whistle was forthcoming, he got up, and seemed to run just fine. This was one nagging thing that the Rockets had to deal with during the game, but more so in the early stages. As the game went on, Chutnusak realized that these antics were not working. Newmanistan did a good job keeping their poise during the poor displays of acting from the Chutnuskians and even the crowd in Banks were getting a little annoyed by it. In the 20th minute, what had seemed inevitable finally occurred with Newmanistan scoring the first goal of the match. It would be by Alex Parnett, making a play with natural ball control skills, and with the likes of Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis focused a little too much towards Jeremy McAllister and Brett Carlson, Parnett had a little more open room to take advantage of before firing the shot by Carrey for the 1-nil lead. Immediately after the goal, the Rockets continued to control the action, getting a couple more quality shots on goal that were turned aside by Carrey or shot wide. Chutnusak, however, closed out the half quite well, forcing Chris Kusler to have to make two key saves, one a brilliant stop of a Denzel Washington try. This is where we were as we headed to the break.

During the intermission, no major words of inspiration were needed by the Coach. Brian Carson was pleased with the way the team played, and everyone seemed to realize that they just needed to make sure that they re-established momentum into the second half, and not let Chutnusak build on what they were beginning to generate towards the end of the first.

Newmanistan did a good job doing just that. The Rockets looked like one of those ultra-defensive teams at the beginning of the second half, but they had the luxury of doing this with the one goal lead, and with a confidence that they were in control of the match. It was frustrating the opponents, and when they did get possession, they were sloppy. Jackie Chan had nothing for the defensive skills of Brett Prescott or Scott LaFave when they double teammed him, and Kusler didn’t have to make any particularly troubling stops. A Newmanistan victory seemed likely as the game moved past the hour mark, but we began to see them get a little more offensive minded in this stretch. After all, a one goal lead is never safe, and you never want to blow a game in which you seemed to have wrapped up. In the 70th minute, the Rockets got some breathing room when McAllister would head in a cross that was delivered nicely from Dale Stevens, a player who’s stock has been increasing rapidly. J-Mac’s third goal of the Cup of Harmony gave the team a very comfortable two-goal lead, and now they could slip back into that defensive mode. Chutnusak didn’t give up, but they were unable to generate much of anything due to some outstanding work by the Newmanistanian defense. The game would end in a 2-nil victory and the Rockets are nicely positioned on top of the table. They will get a brief break, and the take the field against Greal right here in Williamsom Park after the bye.

Here is some post game reaction:

Carson: “We did what we needed to do today, and played the way a better seed should be playing against one of the newer nations to the scene. We didn’t need to beat them 5-0 like Greal did to make a message. In all aspects of the game, we played very well, and we will enjoy our bye week.”

Kusler: “A couple shots were tough, especially late in the first half. That was when we were tested the most, and once we got past that, we were in control.”

Brooker: “Those Chutnusak players are unreal with the way the fall and cry for cards all the time. It’s as if they should give up football and go into acting or something. Then again, their acting skills certainly need improvement and they would probably need stunt doubles for the tougher scenes.”

Parnett: “Chutnusak seemed to be a little confused on defense, and we took advantage of that. We probably could have scored a little more on them, and we can see how Greal put a 5-spot on these guys. We just wanted to get a win and get out of here.”

McAllister: “Getting this win was big because it allows us to start 2-0-0. Our effort was strong, and I have to say that on a personal level, that I wish we could still be playing next week as we seem to be on a nice roll right now.”

The boxscore:

NEWMANISTAN 2
Parnett (20')
McAllister (70')

CHUTNUSAK 0

GWSportsNation.net

WOW! We beat the worst team in this tourney, 1-0. One freaking goal against the WORST TEAM TO BE INVITED HERE! Somehow the team is in 1st place in the group. This must be the worst CoH group ever.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Tie is better then nothing

Greal drew with Viltek after a fierce intense match 1-1 that minor injuries to Michael Istoma and Sebastian Expan. Though Captain Trent expressed regret over the draw, at least it was better then a loss. The game nearly ended with Greal losing.

Viltek started with possession of the ball. They scored quickly, catching Greal off guard. For the rest of the first half, they battled out in as Greal attempted to score themselves, but Viltek's defenses were just too good. Luckily in the second half, Howard Anderson scored when there was a gap in Viltek's lines. The second half ended, and so concluded the game. Greal 1-1 Viltek.


Viltek 1

Greal 1
Howard Anderson (39')

Other teams were doing suitable. Newmanistan now leads among the group teams.

Newmanistan beat already battered Chutnusak 2-0.

Secristan defeated Kosovoe 1-0.

Blouman Empire was out for today.

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

"A draw? That's disappointing."

"Now what? We didn't bet on a draw."

"Okay, lets try the next match. Greal is playing who?"

"Secristan. Ranked at sixty six."

"Thats tough to bet on. Greal used to be ranked sixty six. Get the irony?"

"Your point."

"I bet on a Greali win. Nailbiter."

"You got yourself a deal. How much?"

"Five hundred."

"Alright."

"Now how about that new pizza place tonight?"

"They will be featuring today's match live. Lets go there then."

"Sure. As long as we come back in one piece."

"Everyone there will be Greali fans. Don't worry. We only worry about the gangsters that live down on Sixth street."

"They live there? I got mugged there once last week."

"That's Terrence."

"Who?"

"He's a local mugger. Got killed yesterday by gangsters."

"Not a nice way to go. Why?"

"Only God knows."

OOC: Sorry about the double post.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal VS Secristan Preview

Greal will be playing Secristan in a few hours. Secristan is ranked sixty six while Greal is ranked fifty nine. This means that Secristan will be one of the toughest opponents Greal will play in Cup of Harmony. Greal will be cautious but a little aggressive to keep a check on their top scorers. Both sides will kill each other on the field today. Michael Istoma and Sebastian Expan will return today after suffering some minor injuries. Their doctors say they are ready to kick. Line up is a standard 4-3-4.

Here are other teams schedule.

Blouman Empire will play Chutnusak today.

Kosovoe will play Viltek.

Newmanistan will be out for today.

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

The pizza place was pretty crowded, many Greali fans were watching the match preview.

"Get some seats. Quick!"

"Nice seats?"

"Yes."

"Well, the match is about to begin. Want something to drink?"

"New Beer."

"Me too. Waiter, two New Beers."

"Yes sir."

Few minutes later...

"Thank you."

"These previews take forever."

Presenting your matchday three RP cutoff in Group A!

Magna Sancta Sedes 2-0 Miroxia
Cassadaigua 3-0 Kjomasasopia
Urna Eletronica 2-4 Nethertopia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Cassadaigua 3 2 1 0 7 2 5 7
2 Magna Sancta Sedes 2 2 0 0 4 0 4 6
3 West Zirconia 2 2 0 0 5 2 3 6
4 Nethertopia 3 1 0 2 5 7 −2 3
5 Urna Eletronica 2 0 1 1 5 7 −2 1
6 Miroxia 3 0 1 2 2 5 −3 1
7 Kjomasasopia 3 0 1 2 4 9 −5 1


Matchday 4:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Urna Eletronica @ Centralia Stadium
West Zirconia- Cassadaigua @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Kjomasasopia- Miroxia @ Loudon Stadium
Bye: Nethertopia

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Football league tables a speciality


Results for Groups B and C:


Group B:


Blouman Empire 3-1 Chutnusak
Greal 2-0 Secristan
Kosovoe 0-0 Viltek


P W D L F A GD Pt
1 Greal 3 2 1 0 8 1 +7 7
2= Newmanistan 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4 6
2= Blouman Empire 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4 6
4 Secristan 3 1 0 2 2 5 -3 3
5 Viltek 3 0 2 1 1 3 -2 2
6 Kosovoe 2 0 1 1 0 1 -1 1
7 Chutnusak 3 0 0 3 1 10 -9 0




Group C:

Taeshan 1-3 The Bostopian Empire
Arroza 0-2 Colbourne
Myedvedeya 2-4 Dariusville


P W D L F A GD Pt
1 Bostopian Empire3 2 0 1 5 3 +2 6
2 Green Wombat 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4
3 Colbourne 3 1 1 1 6 6 0 4
4 Myedvedeya 2 1 0 1 6 6 0 3
5 Dariusville 3 1 0 2 6 7 -1 3
6 Arroza 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
7 Taeshan 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3

/\ points are wrong for colbourne they should have 4 in stead of 1

Oops.


It has now been corrected.
Sorry for any panic caused!

Courtney’s Space

Sometimes, even we can surprise ourselves. We looked at our game against Kjomasasopia as being important because it seemed to be an even match based on our national rankings. They played in our Baptism of Fire, and even though we reached a higher stage then they did, Kjomasasopia also made the knockout stages. A win in this game could go a long way in helping us get into the top three and right now it puts as on top of the table in Group A. That is nice to see but the two teams behind us have played one fewer game and have perfect records. We will get our shot against them and when we do they will be our toughest games. We have only played the three teams ranked below us so far and still have the ones against the three ranked above us left to go therefore we cannot get too excited or start thinking we are in a greater position then we actually are.

This was one of the best games that we played as a team since the Baptism of Fire. Other games you could say that one player or a group of players were more effective but when evaluating all aspects of the game, this was a complete effort that everyone was able to get in on. Scoring three goals for the second consecutive game won’t make people start thinking of us as an offensive juggernaut, but it was fun. I had my second two goal game with the 22nd and 64th minute scores and Jessica Keeley scored between mine in the 39th. Scoring goals is why I am on the team and what I need to be doing and right now I am very happy with my play and hope that it can continue. We must now remember that our next three games are the ones that will determine if we finish off this good start or if we collapse the same way that we did during qualifying. We hope that we have learned a lesson from that and will finish stronger this time. With West Zirconia next we will see how good we really are.

Cup of Harmony 35 - Group A
PMF: @ Tundra Falls 4-2
MD1: vs Nethertopia 2-0 (@ Pocono City Stadium)
MD2: BYE
MD3: vs Miroxia 2-0 (@ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
MD4: vs Urna Eletronica (@ Centralia Stadium)
MD5: vs Kjomasasaopia (@ Olympia Field)
MD6: vs West Zirconia (@ Loudon Stadium)
MD7: vs Cassadaigua (@ Pocono City Stadium)

Stephanus had a long look at the tables that had just been presented. Apparently, the press in West Zirconia was rather sloppy. Incidentally, Group A was the only table that was correctly presented. Don't these people use the preview button? he spontaneously thought. Wait, what preview button? he asked himself. Printing presses come with preview buttons? Hmmm... I must be losing my mind.

Meanwhile, the Pope came off the field dripping in sweat again. "I cannot play another game like this. I'm going to die before the Rapture steals my soul from this sweat-ridden field of ungracious heathen souls."

"No fear, Holy Father!" Stephanus replied. "The scores just came out!"

"Wait! The game just finished! How did they do that?"

"Instantaneous publication. The miracles of this modern world. You can know about anything before it's finished."

The Pope scratched his head. "So will they know what tomorrow's result will be?"

"Heavens, no!" Stephanus replied. "Then there wouldn't be a point to have your running around the pitch for 90 minutes."

The Pope sulked, having hoped for such a conclusion. "Well, whom do we play tomorrow?"

"Urna Eletronica."

"I haven't the faintest idea who they might be."

"Well, they're performing poorly at the moment, so it might be another opportunity for you to win. After all, we must reach the Final where you will lose and uphold the honor of the MSS team."

"Remind me that I am never doing this again."

"Absolutely. We'll find some other people to do it. But for now, you're the team and the star. And Catholics worldwide will be cheering for you!"

"I wonder if those drunken folk on the Gaelic Island are cheering for us..."

Knights Shcoked By Bostopian Empire

Wow that weas a really bad game. The Purple Knights lost to one of the worst in the world the Bostopian Empire 3-1. Brian Ying Uing scored the only Knights goal on a header from Zeke Jr. The Knights were dismantled late in the game in another case were they just couldn't compete with team that was having a miraculous game. Soundas Panuulish, doesnt it.

WIN THEN A LOSS

The Millionaires find themselves with a record of 1-0-2 after a 2-nil defeat at the hands of Greal, a nation with slightly more experience then us. The disappointment of this result comes after the team had a superb performance against Kosovoe, one of the top teams in the Group. The Group B standings now seem to be having a 3-team breakaway with the team from Greal off to a quick 2-1-0 start and the projected favorites Blouman Empire and Newmanistan each off to 2-0-0 marks. Don’t fret yet, and be sure to keep spending your hard-earned rusas on the pay-per-view telecasts, because there is still time. Greal does still have to worry about both of those two favorites, and Kosovoe still has the ability to give them a tough game. Secristan still controls their own destiny with their game against Blouman Empire and that will be a critical fixture on matchday five. In the meantime, the Millionaires will take on Chutnusak. We’ve seen these guys quite a bit lately, having destroyed them in the Baptism of Fire. We then met them in qualifying and beat them on the road but then something happened in the home tie and we lost inexplicably. The Millionaires should be able to get a win here.


The Secristan Department of Sports finds themselves concerned with this lack of scoring. They have scored just two goals thus far in the three games making us wonder what happened to “Macaroni and Cheese”, James Rogan and Kevin Walker. They were such a dominant pair during the Baptism of Fire, but now they each have scored just one goal a piece. We know that the team is focused on defense but this is getting a little ridiculous as these people need to be finding the back of the net. So far no lineup changes are anticipated but it could happen if these woes continue to occur against Chutnusak. We’d like to see at least two, that should not be that unreasonable. They’ve scored against these wannabe movie stars before.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal Triumphs over Secristan

Greal defeated Secristan 2-0 after one of the toughest games yet. The win has propelled Greal to the top of the group, with the other teams close by.

Secristan started with the ball and nearly managed to score, but the Greali goalkeeper made a spectacular save. Howard Anderson after that took the fight to the Secristan lines. He managed a to score on the twenty fifth minute, and for the remaining minutes of the first half, Greal and Secristan tried to score each other. The second half was nearly the same, with Sebastian Expan instead coming into Secristan defenses , scoring another goal for Greal. Secristan's top forwarders tried desperately to score, but Greali defenders were ready and kept them at bay. The game ended with Greal in the lead 2-0.


Greal 2
Howard Anderson (25')
Sebastian Expan (40')

Secristan 0


Other teams were doing what they could. Greal took the lead in the group.


Blouman Empire destroyed Chutnusak 3-1.

Viltek and Kosovoe drew 0-0.

Newmanistan sat out.

Greal will play Newmanistan today.

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

"2-0 win?"

"Yup. Money please."

"Here. Happy?"

"Here's my prediction."

"Go on."

"Greali wins by a nailbiter or draw."

"You got yourself a deal. How much?"

"Seven hundred."

"Ok. Now how's your brother?"

"Still in the hospital."

"Damn gangsters."

"Yeah. The police have no leads."

"Police are useless in Sasha. Damn corruption."

Man on the street interviews: Cup Of Harmony 35.

We went out into the streets of Arroza and asked some everyday citizens what they thought about the 35 running of the Cup of Harmony and the Tar Hornets involvement in it. Honestly, knowledge was well...varied.

Darius Freeman, 27, Truck Driver:

Cup of what? Oh, you're talking about the official name for that thing that happened before the World Bowl, right? The Newmanistani Charity shield? I can't believe we last to a charity that wanted to buy girls pants. I mean I'm against tentacle rape and all, but really, come on now. Aren't pants cheap over there?

Sarai Jenner, 19, Student:

It sounds cool. Are they a band or something? I could totally see my self chilling with some incense and listening to Cup of Harmony. They probably use a synthesizer.

Cincinattus Jemison, 48, Investment Banker:

It should be illegal for any international sporting competition to be played at the same time as the World Bowl. Or if the soccering heathens must play their little games, let them, but we shouldn't send a team. Nothing should get in the way of our enjoyment of the World Bowl...and occasionally the IBC's as well.

William Tecumseh Bainbridge IV, 67, Retiree.

They play the games so early now. Eh, back in my day, they played all the games at a sensible time, like right after church or at 4:30 before the swarms of locusts ate up the land like they did back in ought 4...what were we talking about again?

GWSportsNation.net

OK... We just beat the worst team in the group, they win a match, and they are 1st palce? What kinda a bullcrap is that! And why didn't the Wombats have a match today? The opponent chicken out or quit? If so then where's or forfeit win huh?

Damn hosts can't run this miserable tourney right. Giving teams days off and having themselves be a part of it? Sounds like collusion to me.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal VS Newmanistan Preview

Greal will play Newmanistan today, probably the toughest opponents Greal will face in the Cup of Harmony 35 qualifying. Newmanistan has won the last Cup of Harmony, and now they are back to defend their title. Though Newmanistan is ranked twenty places higher, just because their team is ranked higher doesn't mean that they'll win. Greal will be a strong and deadly opponent, hardened by their previous games. Ross Trent has planned out a match that is semi aggressive and semi defensive. He is hoping for a win, or at least, a draw. Hundreds of millions of fans will watch the match live at their televisions and computers due to excitement at the upcoming match tonight of Greal versus Newmanistan. Weather services report that conditions are to be excellent. Standard line up will be played: 4-3-4.

Blouman Empire will be playing Kosovoe.

Secristan will be playing battered Chutnusak.

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

"The pizza place again? It'll be packed!"

"Do you have another place in mind?"

"No."

"Pizza place it is."

"Okay, lets go."

Few minutes later....

There were a few fans there that were very early. They wanted to be there before the place became packed.

"Hey Rob! This is Joe."

"Hey Joe. I'm Rob."

"Pleasure to meet you. Do we have someplace to sit?"

"Table 15. Some of guys are there."

"Ok. What pizza did you order?"

"Pepperoni."

"Perfect."

"So Frank, what do you do now?"

"Work at that Look Incorporated store nearby."

"Good pay?"

"Working with electronics does help. Pay is good."

"Awesome. The store I work at sucks."

"What does it sell?"

"Cellphones."

"They seriously need to hire a new corespondent. That guys sucks."

"Agreed."

"All he talks about is politics."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter from Ministry of Sports to Ross Trent

Dear Mr Trent.
We have reviewed your record and are impressed by your recent matches in the Cup of Harmony 35. We will wait for a few days to be sure. The Committee will most likely keep you as captain of the Greali National Team for WC44. Please send your application as soon as possible. deadline is November 23 for applicants. Good day to you.

Signed,

Minister of Sports
Alexander Webster

Kevin Collins’ Mailbag

Ah yes, it’s time for another look at my e-mail and see what is on the mind of Newmanistanians on all things related to this wonderful game of football.

“Kevin, are you worried about conspiracy theorists if Newmanistan has a good run?” Jacob, West Penthoria.

Jacob, it would depend on just how good of a run Newmanistan had. After all they are the defending champion, they are the second seed overall in their group and have five wins in five games against the top seed. In fact, of the three teams seeded higher then Newmanistan in the Cup of Harmony, the Rockets have a nearly flawless record. Blouman Empire? 5-for-5. Taeshan? Well we all know about that glorious history. Magna Sancta Sedes? Well, we beat them four years ago. People should be expecting a good run by the Rockets.

“Is Chris Kusler doing enough in place of the injured Corey Hennis to be the new starter for World Cup 44, or if there is one, Oxen Cup 9?” Pedro, Southport.

That’s a very good question, Pedro. As I see it right now, Kusler is doing a very good job and the team is quite satisfied with his play. Having said that, if there is an Oxen Cup 9, and I don’t see why there wouldn’t be, look for Hennis start. He will be healthy, and it would be a good tournament for Coach Carson to see if he can regain his form at this high level.

“Are you following the World Cup, too? If so, who’s your pick?” Elena, Fairfield City

The World Cup is the greatest competition in the world, so I am following it closely. It pains me to see Terreiro de Ogum in the knockouts. With all due respect to them, as they’ve earned that, why aren’t we getting there? Rennidan, Septentrionia, now Ogum. What are they doing that we’re not? Nothing. We just end up in difficult qualifying groups. There are three teams from Group 8 in the final 16. That’s close to a quarter of the final bracket. I’m not in the mood to look up if there’s another group that all three to the final 16, but it shows what we deal with. One of these days, we’ll end up being in an easy group, like Terreiro de Ogum was, after the top two of Milchama and Ad’ihan. My pick? How about Bostopia.

“Was benching Drummond in favor of Jennifer Vilardi smart or dumb?” Jim, Springfield.

It was brilliant. Drummond had two goals in thirteen games. Drummond’s become, I hate to say this, overrated. Why? His career goal total is inflated due to Baptism of Fire and Di Bradini numbers. In World Cup Qualifying, Drummond has 10 goals in 54 games. Puts in perspective a little bit, doesn’t it? Not that that’s a terrible statistic, but it’s not something that should be making him an automatic to start. Likewise, in World Cup qualifying, Jennifer Vilardi has a nice percentage of 9 goals in 16 interregional caps. Now only three of those are World Cup qualifying, but do the math. Why shouldn’t Jennifer get a shot?

“Will not starting Drummond affect J-Mac negatively?” Ichabod, Putnam Lake

Let’s see, J-Mac has three goals in two games so far in the Cup of Harmony, so the answer to this would be a resounding now. There’s no reason J-Mac should need Drummond beside him. He’s got several other talented players who are playing better then Drummond such as Brett Carlson and Alex Parnett. If anything, this will have a positive impact, not a negative one.

“How does the Pope of Magna Sancta Sedes do it?” Jennifer, Tundra Falls

It’s a pretty amazing thing that such a devout servant of the Lord could be having so much success in the Cup of Harmony playing one against eleven. Obviously, he is getting some support from a higher power. I can’t think of any other reason. Let’s face it, if you’ve watched those games, he’s gotten some pretty fortuitous bounces. Perhaps even the spirits of Tundra Falls are on his side, too. Let’s not forget that Newmanistan is a strong Roman Catholic nation.

“I’m more excited about the World Bowl. Is that a bad thing?” Larry, Pocono City

Whatever you like. All the Rockets will do in the World Bowl is get your hopes up with a good group stage and then lose in the second round of knockouts again. They lost to Colbourne, though?

“Who are the sleepers of the Cup of Harmony?” Rachel, South Charlotte

Tough to predict Cup of Harmony sleepers, because very few of these teams should be considered favorites. There are a group of five teams, I say, that are the top picks to win this and Newmanistan is one of them. After them, I really don’t know. But here’s a stat for you. In two of the last three Cups of Harmony a team from that same year Baptism of Fire class that was not the Baptism of Fire champion went to the final and lost. That’s Rennidan in Cup of Harmony 32, and of course Magna Sancta Sedes in Cup of Harmony 34. Based on that, picking a team from this recent Baptism of Fire, other then Myedvedeya since they won it, would be the best spot to look for a sleeper. Look in the Newmanistan group at the top of that table. Yes, they haven’t played any of the top group teams yet, but Cassadaigua would be my sleeper right now. Though I doubt it. If you didn’t want to go the Baptism of Fire route, then how about Greal? Greal has also yet to play the top three teams of the group, too. Those pesky “4's”.

Alright, I’m done answering e-mail now. We’re playing Greal next they tell me, so let’s get ready for that!

We're now moving into crunch time in Group A. Here is your cutoff for your fourth matchday!

Magna Sancta Sedes 2-1 Urna Eletronica
West Zirconia 1-1 Cassadaigua
Kjomasasopia 1-0 Miroxia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Magna Sancta Sedes 3 3 0 0 6 1 5 9
2 Cassadaigua 4 2 2 0 8 3 5 8
3 West Zirconia 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7
4 Kjomasasopia 4 1 1 2 5 9 −4 4
5 Nethertopia 3 1 0 2 5 7 −2 3
6 Urna Eletronica 3 0 1 2 6 9 −3 1
7 Miroxia 4 0 1 3 2 6 −4 1

Matchday 5:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Kjomasasopia @ Olympia Field
West Zirconia- Urna Eletronica @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Nethertopia- Miroxia @ Loudon Stadium
Bye: Cassadaigua

And here beginneth the cut-off from West Zirconia...

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Tension In Locker Room

There have been rumors coming out of the Blouman football team today of tension between various players, over the disappearance of player's mp3 player. It is understood that substitute Malcolm Paloosa has lost his mp3 player between Kosovoe's game and the game against Secristan, he has accused a couple of teammates of stealing his possession. These player have remained nameless, however, it has broken the team bond that had been getting stronger through the qualifiers and the current tournament.

The team has yet to confirm nor deny the reports of this spat between the players, but this journalist was able to get a quote from a regular starter who has told the paper that "When incidents like this happen the leadership team is quick to sort it out". It is yet to be seen if this tension building in the team has affected the team on the field with their first match since the incident coming up against Secristan. Manager Henry Scweppe who is keen to bring home the silverware will be looking to nip this in the bud and get the team focusing on the Cup of Harmony rather than each other.

Correction: The Blouman Times wishes to apologise to its readers on the training ground for the Eagles during this tournament. The correct place is Morton Street, Bradley not Banks.

EDIT: Damn, just missed out oh well it can go through to the next one, team name will be changed

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Here are the votes of the West Zirconian jury:


Group B:
Blouman Empire 2-2 Kosovoe
Newmanistan 3-1 Greal
Secristan 2-1 Chutnusak

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 3 3 0 0 8 2 +6 9
2 Greal 4 2 1 1 9 4 +5 7
3 Blouman Empire 3 2 1 0 7 3 +4 7
4 Secristan 4 2 0 2 4 6 −2 6
5 Kosovoe 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1 2
6 Viltek 3 0 2 1 1 3 −2 2
7 Chutnusak 4 0 0 4 2 12 −10 0



Group C:
Taeshan 2-2 Myedvedeya
Green Wombat 3-0 Arroza
Colbourne 2-2 The Bostopian Empire

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Green Wombat 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4 7
2 The Bostopian Empire 4 2 1 1 7 5 +2 7
3 Colbourne 4 1 2 1 8 8 0 5
4 Myedvedeya 3 1 1 1 8 8 0 4
5 Taeshan 3 1 1 1 5 6 -1 4
6 Dariusville 3 1 0 2 6 7 −1 3
7 Arroza 4 1 0 3 4 8 −4 3

West Zirconia had a narrow escape in what but for the presence of the Pope would have been a top of the table clash with Cassadaigua at Tundra Falls.

The all-female side were more than a match for the co-hosts, and took an early lead when captain Courtney Ferguson headed past Steve Gray from a Nicole Robertson corner. It took West Zirconia most of the first half to get over the shock, and both Ferguson and Robertson, as well as Kirsten Logan, came very close to doubling the Cassadaiguan lead.

Roy Hazell noticed something was not quite right with the team, and made some hopeful second-half substitutions, Lee Pritchard coming on for Ed French and Mike Faulkner replacing Russell Munro. Still West Zirconia could not penetrate the Cassadaiguans' defence, although Alun Lydiate and Martin Forster had several chances, which were kept at bay by goalkeeper Rachel Terry.

To counter this threat, and to waste the final minutes of the game, the ladies of Cassadaigua resorted to what we can only describe as an audacious attempt to put their opponents off their stride. On a prearranged signal from coach Michelle Baynes, they removed what little clothing a football match demands and somewhat successfully seduced their opposite numbers, thus rendering them impotent - as least, as far as the football was concerned.

For a football team, especially a national side, to contain a suspected homosexual is unusual. In many cases it would be frowned on, even forbidden. However, when the all-female opposition is trying to put said team off by enticing them to carnal lusts, having such a person in the side could prove useful. Step forward, Ben Phillips. It would appear that "Big Ben" (as he doesn't like to be called, despite its veracity) was completely unaffected by this avalanche of female carnality, and simply located the ball (they say he's good at that), ran half the length of the pitch with it and lobbed it into an empty net while Rachel Terry was busy parrying Martin Forster's shots. Or at least that's what he told his wife that evening.

And so the score was 1-1 - and remained so at the final whistle, at which point Kirsten Logan, who had been given the task of seducing Ben Phillips, launched herself at the referee in frustration.

West Zirconia's next game is against the politicians of Urna Eletrônica. Cassadaigua take a break for this round, which will no doubt come as a relief to the rest of the group.


West Zirconia: Gray, Phillips (c), Fox, Munro (Faulkner 48), Paterson, Hawthorne, Williams, French (Pritchard 58), McGowan, Forster, Lydiate.

Cassadaigua: Terry, Fuller, Messina, Reynolds, Brandt, Scott, Cotrell, Robertson, Ferguson (c), Keeley, Logan.

Goals: West Zirconia - Phillips (88). Cassadaigua - Ferguson (12)

Courtney’s Space

We may have just made up for that draw against Miroxia. Playing against the Baptism of Fire champions from four years ago, I think we made a pretty nice statement tonight. We are for real, and we are going all out for this championship. If it’s a feeble effort then so be it, but we aren’t going to be looking back at this if we don’t win and think that we didn’t give it everything we had. It was just a draw against West Zirconia, but they are the second seed in the group and they came into this match with a perfect record and fresh off a bye week. They had no excuses, and we matched them. We felt as though we needed to come out hard and aggressive thinking that they would have fresh legs and we did a great job taking control of the match early on. In the 11th minute, their keeper Grey made an amazing save off a Jessica Keeley shot but did not control it so we got a corner kick. This is something that we have spent a lot of time on in practice lately. Set pieces haven’t been our strong suit and we are looking to improve. On this one, Nicole Robertson sent me a perfect delivery and I was able to outleap the defender and score a goal. We kept on pressing in the first half and really dominated it much to our surprise, and maybe we were surprised by how easy this was in that we didn’t score on other chances. West Zirconia picked up the pace very late in the first half and Rachel Terry made some nice stops to keep us in the lead. We are told that there was a blackout of the late second half moments on Cassadagan TV. That’s too bad, because what you would have seen was some hard physical contact from both sides, each trying to show the other what they had. For some strange reason, Ben Phillips announced that he was a homosexual and I think most of us were a little confused at why he needed to be doing this. It was a trick, obviously, as he took advantage of a chance and scored. Rachel Terry was committed to Forster on the rush. Weird. Very, weird. Now we move on. We stand in second place behind a one man team, and are just a point behind them. They have a game in hand on us.

We head into our bye now. It’s a nice time for it, we are tired and it will be a good chance for us to reboost our energy for our final two games which should be very important. Urna Eletronica is our next opponent, and we will definitely be wanting to beat them and get some revenge from their win in the third place game in the Baptism of Fire, and then we can see what the big deal is about this Pope from Magna Sancta Sedes. Let us all take a break now and relax. Thank you all for your support during the Cup of Harmony.

Trevor Organ and The Scout watched as the players ended their training. The team entered the training complex of the Olympia Gladiators. They hadn't shown any enthusiasm at all. Trevor looked as The Scout with a questioning look. The Scout nodded.

The players had waited for fifteen minutes , but their managers hadn't entered their locker room yet. Eventually they showered and dressed themselves. Darius Longstone finished putting on his shirt, he was the last of the team to finish up. Wouter van Dalen proposed to leave. The team went to the door and tried to open it. It was locked.

At first the team was surprised. Then someone unlocked the door. It was Trevor Organ. He slowly entered the room, walked to the middle of it and waited for silence. The silence came quickly. Then he started to speak.
"Jean-Pierre, Darius, Dries, congratulation on your transfers. I hop you guys will perform good in Cafundéu."
The players looked relieved. He was just here to praise the guys. Bit just at the moment they had expected it the least: "That training sucked. Where is you guys' motivation?"

...

Silence.

"I asked you a question, god dammit! You guys have lost two matches here already! Since The Scout and I are your coaches you guys lost every first match of every bloody tournament we've been playing... We're practiacally eliminated!" Trevor's face was slowly getting red, and his voice was getting louder by the word.
"What is wrong with you? What do we have to do to get you guys playing? This was the most uninspiring training I've ever seen! I've seen bloody E teams at Albrecht FC who've trained better than you!"

...

More silence.

"Aah! And still no answer to my question!" Organ kicked a locker and left the room. He smiled as soon as he was out of sight. This should've gotten the message clear.

*****

"That was one pissed manager," said Jerome de Wit.
"Yeah... What's his problem," wondered Dries Pannekoek.
"Guys, he's right. We're not doing very good. We're even doing bad in this tournament. We're going to have to tighten up if we want to reach the next round. This way we'll never get anywhere," responded Thomas Schaak. "We're the best of our country, we should be having a great tournament here!"

The team looked at Schaak. After another long silence Thomas left the room and the rest of the falcons joined him.

THE ROCKET REPORT

THREE FOR THREE

Banks, West Zirconia- After their bye week, the Rockets returned to the home of West Zirconia’s best club football team (arguably, of course) for a match against Greal. The nations have participated in some other smaller tournaments, but in football this would be the first meeting between the two. Newmanistan was fresh and ready to go as they wanted to do everything they could to keep this fast start going since fast starts are not something the team is historically known for. They were looking at 3-0-0, a mark they felt real confident about getting if they could take care of business, and they did just that. Again, they looked real strong and may be starting to show a little swagger in the Cup of Harmony. This is about defending a championship, and the team is completely focused on the task at hand.

Greal began their Cup of Harmony campaign by destroying Chutnusak by a 5-nil margin, but that score gets less and less impressive as the rest of the group also proceeds to make them look like a bunch of actors and not football players. They didn’t follow that up well by only drawing with Viltek before getting a second clean sheet against our Millionaire neighbors. Greal played a 4-3-4 style and the Rockets were more then happy to oblige to that formation as it allowed the team to use their speed up front and have more space to roam around in the midfield before getting the ball to the forwards. Salivating over this was Alex Parnett, who can male plays happen when outnumbered in the midfield. Coach Brian Carson was aware of this opportunity and gave Parnett the green light to be ultra-aggressive. You know that made Alex happy. Also enjoying this was Brett Prescott, who didn’t have to run around as much and he would tend to play up front a little more. Parnett did not take long to make the first great chance he had pay off. Still in the games 6th minute, Parnett made an exciting rush on goal and put an amazing move on Richard Turner to get around him. The keeper, Raul Grunt didn’t know what to expect. Parnett could shoot, or he could use either option to his side, whether it be Jeremy McAllister or Brett Carlson, each of whom also had a step on their man. Parnett decided to fake a pass to J-Mac, something all keepers need to respect before taking the shot and putting Newmanistan up 1-nil. Newmanistan kept the pressure coming, getting more chances. In the 12th minute, Grunt made a dazzling save on Jennifer Vilardi after she received a nice cross from Parnett, and in the 19th, Grunt again was amazing to stop a J-Mac shot. Newmanistan then had a stretch of about five minutes where they had four corner kicks, and got a shot off on each one, some better then others, and would be denied by Grunt. He was truly keeping his team in the game, or else they could have been seeing another 5-nil score and the way they would have wanted it. Grunt would not keep them from scoring again in the first half, however, as Jeremy McAllister scored his fourth of the Cup of Harmony, firing it just over his left hand but under the crossbar to make it 2-nil Rockets. To half time, we went.

At the break, Brian Carson was all smiles about the team’s performance. The fact that they were the fresher team coming off their bye definitely showed and it certainly seemed as though Greal could do little about the speedy forwards. Surely, Greal would come out and play better in the second half, but Carson was confident his team would handle it. They were simply on their game tonight.

Greal tried to come out fast and furious, but they quickly discovered that the Rockets were more then ready for this. The defense, led by Jeremy Brooker, answered most of the Greal rushes towards the goal, and the ones that they couldn’t get would be denied by keeper Chris Kusler. It wasn’t one of Kusler’s busiest games, but he showed the opponents that even when they could get something on goal that they were going to have a difficult time getting something past him. For about 20 minutes, Greal was the better team in the second half, but they began to run out of gas. It was time again for Parnett to make a great run and he did, in the 69th minute. Alex simply out sprinted the opponents before sending a cross to Jeremy McAllister. J-Mac took the shot, but was denied by Grunt. However the rebound bounced right to the foot of Jennifer Vilardi who had a simple tap in for the score. With the Rockets up 3-0, the win seemed inevitable, and the team focused on defense for the rest of the game. Michael Istoma got one for Greal in the 86th but it was far too little and far too late. But it did spoil the clean sheet.

Here is some post game reaction:

Carson: “We showed absolutely no rust off our bye. We did nearly everything right tonight, and we couldn’t be off to a better start then we are right now. Confidence is really getting high, and we know that we are still the team to beat in this entire Cup of Harmony.”

Brooker: “You could see how Greal has won their games, they have some good players and with some pretty good skill. Today was about tactics. Carson completely outcoached the Greal manager and it showed. We had favorable matchups all game long.”

Kusler: “Nothing fancy, made the stops I needed to make. Wish we could have held on to the clean sheet, though. But we won.”

Parnett: “Their 3-man midfield was a treat. We do the same thing with our formation, so I had a ton of room to make things happen. I was in the zone all game long, and to be honest if it wasn’t for their keeper, I think we could have laid down a real big number on them tonight. Greal is a good team, they just don’t match up well against us.”

McAllister: “The bye week helped. We had extra time to prepare for this game while they were playing Secristan, and we know that they usually give teams a physical battle. Obviously, our gameplan was to utilize our speed all game long. Alex had a terrific match for us, and the end result is that we are three for three. We now prepare for Kosovoe, and we are well aware that we have a worst record against them then we do against Taeshan.”

NEWMANISTAN 3

Parnett (6')
McAllister (37')
J. Vilardi (69')

GREAL 1
Istoma (86')

Purple Knights Tie Bears

Tried and true. The theory that the Knights will have a number of ties in each of the turnaments they enter. It is one of the more noticeable theories of all. They always seem to lose or tie, and occasionally win. And they have this streak of underperforming in the Cup of Harmony and there continuing it into this one with a 1-1-1 record thus far, with 3 games to go. Hopefully they can pull a winning record, and attempt in this cup.

Yesterdays game started with a Brian Ying Uing goal in the 33rd minute. Then two Myedvedeyan goals inthe 47th and 64th minutes. Then Doug Newier teid the game up in the 8oth with a hopper past the goalie on a one timer. It was good one point with the tie though as the Knights will need all the points possible to make it to the next round.

MILLIONAIRES EVEN RECORD

It was nice to get a couple of goals again. In what was otherwise a rather boring and uneventful game, Secristan was able to score twice against the movie stars, on their way to a 2-1 victory to improve their record to 2-0-2. Secristan’s six points are good enough for fourth place in Group B, and they are currently one point out of the all important third place transfer spot, which is held by the Blouman Empire. Sadly, the Blouman Empire also has played one fewer game then us, so that will make the task even tougher and mean that we will have to do more then simply beat them in tonight’s game. We will be the underdog in that game for sure, but we have heard that the Blouman Empire has a pretty poor history against teams from One Big Island. Let us hope that this is something that can rub off on us in our encounter. It would be more realistic that the Millionaires would pass Greal, who also has seven points, even though they have the head to head tiebreak. We’ll see. All we know is that the Millionaires still have a shot so you better be purchasing the pay-per-view telecasts. It starts with the game against the Blouman Empire. This game is absolutely critical for us. The Secristan Department of Sports is hoping to see more gameday sales for this match then they saw for the Chutnusak.

You would think that any feature that starred the likes of Denzel Washington, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and even Eddie Murphy plus other well known names would be a show that fans would be lining up to purchase on pay-per-view. Sadly this did not happen as our fans have seen Chutnusak enough now to know that the acting skills of their players are really quite poor. We played them already in the Baptism of Fire, and twice in World Cup qualifying, so even though both of our nations are young to this World Cup thing, this was the fourth meeting already between the countries, and that may have lessened the demand. The SDOS had a feeling this would happen.

Cup of Harmony 35 - Group A
PMF: @ Tundra Falls 4-2
MD1: vs Nethertopia 2-0 (@ Pocono City Stadium)
MD2: BYE
MD3: vs Miroxia 2-0 (@ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
MD4: vs Urna Eletronica 2-1 (@ Centralia Stadium)
MD5: vs Kjomasasaopia (@ Olympia Field)
MD6: vs West Zirconia (@ Loudon Stadium)
MD7: vs Cassadaigua (@ Pocono City Stadium)

Stephanus glared at the Pope with mean eyes. It was as if the Pope had committed a error of great theological importance - like embracing the Calvinist charges against the Catholic faith with warm welcome or calling for a fatwa against Orthodox monks for committing sacrilege against the Bodhisattva of Machu Pichu. Something like that, or else the Pope wouldn't have frowned so miserably anticipating a shell-shock of verbal exhortations.

"How could you have let in that one goal?" Stephanus yelled.

The Pope seemingly gave a sigh of relief. "I thought you were going to talk about me tripping up that player on the pitch who was pronouncing my name incorrectly as if to provoke me to trip him. Thank goodness I only got a yellow card for that!"

"That referee was blind! He tripped you!"

The Pope scratched his head, looking back at the pitch as they finally descended into the lockers. "Are you sure you were watching the same game?"

"Trust me, the referee should have given him a red card. Don't go blaming yourself for that nonsense. But I'm more disappointed that you conceded a goal! How could you? You've let down the dreams of billions of Catholic adherents at home!"

"We still won..."

"But we've conceded a goal! We're not perfect anymore!"

"We're winning every match! And to lose the last match? How is that perfect?"

"We can lose when it really matters most," Stephanus explained. "Besides, it's what we do best. In fact, we haven't won a single match whenever it counted least."

"Well, I'd blame the saint, but their blameless. And the demons - they were too busy seducing themselves than they were paying attention to the game."

"Ah, nonsense!" Stephanus replied. "The honorable tradition of the MSS MHRFT is to lose the final match of whatever it is that is most important to lose. That's why we lost the BoF Final, lost the Playoff for WC42 Qualification, lost the CoH final, lost the final match for WC43 Qualification, and that's why we'll lose the final match of this CoH!"

"This isn't making any sense at all."

"Let me elaborate for you then - we are the perfectly perfect perfectionists who perfect their perfection by losing."

"That was all just nonsense," the Pope said, pulling out his NONSENSE stick and whacking the Cardinal with it.

"Did you just whack the Holy Football of Football with a stick?"

"It's my nonsense stick. I usually use it on heretics and unruly children, but you're fitting the bill of someone I'd whack it with."

"If you weren't the Pope, I'd excommunicate you."

"I'd excommunicate you if you weren't a Catholic Cardinal."

"That doesn't stop many of your predecessors."

"That, and because you've got the tickets back home."

With that, the Pope whacked Stephanus again with the NONSENSE stick. "What was that for?"

"I'm going to keep hitting you until you've been cured of your nonsense," the Pope replied.

"Does that really work?"

"No, but it's worth another try."

Stephanus shrugged his shoulders as he took the beatings. He surveyed the the Kjomasasopia team outline. "Well, it's going to be another one of those days."

"What do you mean?" the Pope asked.

"Well, we've got ... whatever their team is, and they don't seem to be very friendly folk."

"Why?"

"Well, for one, their football kits are completely abhorrent. They'll inflict schizophrenia and epilepsy in any who see it. Two, their Ministry of Sports and Firearms has prodded them to play in this competition. The team also seems to revolve around this cult of the spider, as evidenced in their epilepsy-inducing jerseys."

"Wow! How do we combat against such blasphemous cretins?"

At that, Stephanus pulled out some goggles and plopped them onto the Pope's head. "Wear these beer goggles for the whole match and you'll be immune to the inductive powers of their jerseys. I'd put on earmuffs too, because they might say some crazy things."

"What if I get sick?" the Pope asked, already feeling a bit nauseous.

"Do what feels natural, Holy Father."

"I feel like..."

Purple Knights Set To Face Colbourne

Its time for another great soccer matchup. Tommorow the Purple Knights will face the young Colbourne team in a battle for points. Each team is still in the running to make it to the next round and to the playoffs. Both can feel the heqat behind them as they battle to make it farther. Who is the stronger team? Can the knights charge past the lower team? Will Colbourne defeat the powerful Knights in a poetic game? All these questions and more will be answered in just a bit mopre then a full 24 hours.

Myedvedeya VS Green Wombat

Myedvedeya, with a perfectly even record of 1-1-1, and with a goal differential of 0, go into tonight's match against Green Wombat in fourth place in their group, but with a game in hand on the third-place squad. As such, tonight is a crucial match for the Bears to win if they seek to finish in the all-important top three, and qualify for the eliminatory stages of the Cup of Harmony.

Tonight, Myedvedeya will face Green Wombat, the leaders of their group. Green Wombat are ranked slightly higher in the world than the Bears, and have gone undefeated through three qualifying matches, amassing two wins and a draw, for a total of 7 points. A Myedvedeyan win would put the Bears level, with a game in hand.

In their first match, the bears played skilled, fast-paced football, and won themselves a 4-2 victory against Colbourne. In their second, however, the Bears took on newcomers Dariusville in the pouring rain, and the rain, coupled with poor play on the Myedvedeyan side, lead to an embarrassing 2-4 loss. The stunned Bears next faced Taeshan, the highest ranked team in the tournament, with whom they managed to pull out a tough draw, thanks to goals by Aloyoshenka Vorotaev and Nicola D'Ancona.

Tonight, the Myedvedeyans will play for a chance to tie the group leaders, and a good chance at advancing to the next round. A loss, however, will be disastrous, and only two consecutive victories afterwards could possibly bring the Bears along in that situation. The young Bears must step up to the pressure in this must-win situation.

STARTING LINEUP:

#28 Vorotaev #9 Rozhdestvensky

#8 Barabanschikov #6 D'Ancona #13(C) Dolohov #7 Ulyanov

#5 Romasko #3 Preminin #27 Mizin #25 Redhawk

#1 Bykovsky

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eagles Ready For Secristan

After a disappointing 2-2 draw with Kosovoe last night, the Eagles will be seeking to make amends by beating Secristan tonight at Williamson Park in Banks. The team has been plagued by reports of disunity and tension building up within the team and the media spotlight off the field has had an effect on the team's performance. Manager Henry Scweppe issued a statement saying that the rumours of accusations of theft within the locker room was false and that Malcolm Paloosa had misplaced his belongings and had asked a few players if they had seen it. He went on to ask the media if they could focus on the tournament and the team’s performance.

Tonight will be a critical game for the eagles who must win this game in order to produce a buffer against third place. The three points they gain tonight will move them into second spot, three points ahead of Greal who has the bye. A win will also still keep them in contention for first spot which is currently held by the Newmanistan Rockets two points ahead of the Eagles.

Captain Sam Kiamar, told The Empire Times that the team has prepared for this match and are confident that they will come away with three points in their pockets. Kiamar also went on to say that he was confident that Johnathon Marton will be an excellent last line of defence against any shots by Secristan. Marton will be the starting keeper in this match for the first time for an international match since the 42nd World Cup qualifiers. Scweppe has made this move in order to give Marton some more international experience and also to rest last night's game hero Henry Jackson before the major game against Newmanistan.

THE DAILY REVIEW

Eagles Force a Draw

The Eagles last night could only manage to draw with Kosovoe forcing the extra point on the table in a last ditch effort to score in the dying seconds of injury time.

The game started off poorly for the Eagles with Kosovoe setting the pace of the game and maintaining possession. While Kosovoe was unable to get past the defenders for the first 20 minutes and all shots being wayward, a shallow cross by Derry Demiond onto the edge of the 18 yard box gave Ossi Euro the chance he needed to be able to blast the ball into the goals. The rest of the first half saw Kosovoe attempting to increase their lead which they managed to do in the 443rd minute when Euro got his second goal after a defensive error caused by William Walker. While the Eagles managed to get a few shots on goal none of the ones on target worked the keeper.

With Henry Schweppe angry at the team's performance and the blast he gave them during the break worked wonders for the team who immediately changed the game around and took control of it. During the first 10 minutes of the second half alone it was in their attacking third 85% of the time. They broke the scoring line from a corner kick given by Steven Holdings and Johathon Filmar rising up amongst the mob of players and expertly getting it into the back of the net. While the tempo died down the team still continued to attack and defend with more passion than the first half. Scweppe made all three substitutions in the 75th minute hoping to at least get a draw, taking off Lightfoot, Speed and Golding, replacing them with Milsop, Moreton and Fox. These players were keen to show that they were the players to do it with excellent play and a few shots by both Moreton and Golding that really tested the keeper. However, it wasn't until the 92nd minute and only seconds remaining where the Eagles had a corner kicked and flooded the penalty box, with all players bar Walker and Holdings who took the kick. The ball sailed into the penalty area and after being kicked by players from both sides did keeper Jackson slam the ball into the back of the net giving the Eagles a 2-2 draw and Jackson's first international goal. The draw places the team in third spot on equal points with Greal, two points behind group leaders Newmainstan and only a point ahead of Secristan.

Manager Henry Scweppe said that he was relived that the team was able to get the draw and that this served as a warning to them not to become complacent against teams. Captain Sam Kiamar was also happy with the draw but recognises the warning signs "I think that the first half showed that we were a bit too relaxed for the game and that put us on the back foot. We had been playing easy teams till now and I think that this serves as a good reminder what will happen to us if we don't take control of the game from the start especially when we are going to be coming up against teams like Newmanistan and Greal". The team next plays Secristan at Williamson Park and will be looking for the win in order to move into second spot.

so weve won one, lost, one, drawn one, this is pretty good start, ya?
not exactly, would be nice to win more than we draw, or at leats draw more than we lose.

kjo bneta ec ajan vmufehk.

GWSportsNation.net

Maybe this CoH thing isnt so bad....
WRONG, WRONG WRONG!

A 3-0 win? Since when do soccer teams score 3 goals in a game? I think the score was another 1-0 snoozefest and they decided to spice things up by randomly placing 3 goals here, 2 goals there and I think I saw a 5 spot once. BULLSHIT. No one scores 5 goals in soccer, it's impossible. I hope the supposed hosts of this event decide to tell the truth that every match ended in a 0-0 tie, and no one has won a game. Except for the wombats, as they really did score 3 goals, at least the idiots on QSPNInternational said they did, and they are mostly trustworthy.

(OOC to CoH Hosts, the IC person writing this blog isn't a huge fan of Soccer or the CoH, so don't take he/she/it as a critique on your hosting)

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan (1-3)
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


One goal is better then none

Greal did its best against Newmanistan, but their team was just too good. Michael Istoma managed to score on the 86th minute, late in the game. The match ended 3-1. Now, Greal slipped in rankings and will be playing Kosovoe tomorrow. Today there are no matches for Greal. We will be interestingly watching other teams play for today. We wish good luck to all.

Ross Trent says there is still a chance Greal may qualify. That depends on Blouman Empire and Newmanistan's matches today.


Newmanistan 3
Parnett (6')
McAllister (37')
J. Vilardi (69')

Greal 1
Istoma (86')


Blouman Empire tied with Kosovoe 2-2.

Secristan beat Chutnusak 2-1.

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

"The money please."

"Here."

"Okay. Whats next?"

"No matches today. Kosovoe tomorrow."

"Seven hundred on a win."

"You got yourself a deal."

"Alright. Coffee also."

"Sure."

Another Day, Another RP Cutoff....

Magna Sancta Sedes 3-1 Kjomasasopia
West Zirconia 1-2 Urna Eletronica
Nethertopia 2-0 Miroxia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Magna Sancta Sedes 4 4 0 0 9 2 7 12 Q
2 Cassadaigua 4 2 2 0 8 3 5 8
3 West Zirconia 4 2 1 1 7 5 2 7
4 Nethertopia 4 2 0 2 7 7 0 6
5 Urna Eletronica 4 1 1 2 8 10 −2 4
6 Kjomasasopia 5 1 1 3 6 12 −6 4
7 Miroxia 5 0 1 4 2 8 −6 1 E

Magna Sancta Sedes has qualified due to if the worst case scenario were to occur and they were tied with Nethertopia, they would still hold H2H tiebreak on them. A four-way tie at 12 would not mathematically, be possible.

Matchday 6:
Magna Sancta Sedes- West Zirconia @ Loudon Stadium
Urna Eletronica- Cassadaigua @ Springfield Stadium
Kjomasasopia- Nethertopia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Bye: Miroxia

This round is brought to you by

Parkfield Garden Centre
26-34 Walker Street
Parkfield, Moorcroft MT7 3EP

Featuring our new range of West Zirconia garden gnomes:
Recreate our proud national football team in your own garden!
(the one of Lee Pritchard is especially lifelike)




Results from Matchday 5:


Group B:
Blouman Empire 0-0 Secristan
Newmanistan 0-1 Kosovoe
Viltek 2-1 Chutnusak

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 4 3 0 1 8 3 +5 9
2 Blouman Empire 4 2 2 0 7 3 +4 8
3 Greal 4 2 1 1 9 4 +5 7
4 Secristan 5 2 1 2 4 6 −2 7
5 Kosovoe 4 1 2 1 3 3 0 5
6 Viltek 4 1 2 1 3 4 −1 5
7 Chutnusak 5 0 0 5 3 14 −11 0



Group C:
Taeshan 1-0 Colbourne
Green Wombat 2-2 Myedvedeya
Dariusville 2-6 The Bostopian Empire

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 The Bostopian Empire 5 3 1 1 13 7 +6 10
2 Green Wombat 4 2 2 0 8 4 +4 8
3 Taeshan 4 2 1 1 6 6 0 7
4 Myedvedeya 4 1 2 1 10 10 0 5
5 Colbourne 5 1 2 2 8 9 -1 5
6 Arroza 4 1 0 3 4 8 −4 3
7 Dariusville 4 1 0 3 8 13 −5 3

THE ROCKET REPORT

THERE’S THE DUD

Moorcroft, West Zirconia- It’s tough when you have a reputation as a journalist to write a nice long comprehensive report (well you personally think you wrote such a piece), when you have moments like this when you just don’t feel like writing. Everything about the Rockets performance against Kosovoe was just so, blah! Kosovoe is one of those teams that lulls you to sleep, and they did a good job of that against the Rockets, winning a 1-nil decision. So while Newmanistan dominates Taeshan in just about everything and anything, Kosovoe seems to make up for it time and time again. This was the third meeting in four Cups of Harmony between the Rockets and the Blue Tornado, and the second time the game was won by Kosovoe. They have all been one goal decisions, not that anyone particularly cares. A loss is a loss, and with the loss, the Rockets have fallen to a record of 3-0-1 in Group B. They still sit up top the group, but things have gotten very tight. The team still looks fairly (but not completely) safe to qualify, but they would like to win the group. The next game is against the Blouman Empire, and perhaps the players were looking forward to the next chapter in the history of that rivalry. The Bloumans’ winless streak against teams from One Big Island actually got extended last night when they could only draw with Secristan, a result that helps us out.

So the game, we need to report on. If coming into the Cup of Harmony, you said beforehand that you would forgive the Rockets for having one subpar effort, or were expecting one game where things just would not go their way at all, then this was that game. Newmanistan wasn’t sloppy with the ball as much as they just appeared to be flat and needing a spark. It played into Kosovoe’s hands pretty well and they were more then happy to just keep the game tight and wait for their time to strike. We didn’t see much of Brett Prescott today, he was off his game and actually got substituted for much earlier then you would expect as in the 53rd minute when the team entered Julie McElroy. It could have just been done to ignite that much needed flame for the Rockets, but normally Prescott’s not the player of choice to do that with, as if anything he’s the kind of player you want on the pitch. We hate to say this, but he seemed a little more winded then normal, and may have been showing signs of being, well, 37. We’re sorry Brett, and we really shouldn’t signal you out because the team didn’t really get much done tonight. Though it did look like the teams would play to a scoreless draw for awhile. Then in the 70th minute, Kosovoe suddenly went from playing conservative defense into being very aggressive offensively, and Chris Kusler, who didn’t have to do a whole lot in the early stages of this match was doing everything he possibly could to maintain a clean sheet. Unfortunately, his efforts were not quite good enough, as Jamie Barry scored in the 82nd minute to put the Blue Tornado in front and ultimately give them the win, but not before the Rockets had a great opportunity in the 90th minute from Jeremy McAllister. The only real strong chance had all game. If you can forgive this kind of effort once, then this is a throw out game. But you would hope that they will rediscover their form, especially against the Blouman Empire, a nation that has not yet lost in the group stage, though they do have two draws.

Brian Carson did not allow the team to speak to the media afterwards, but gave us this brief statement: “I’m sorry for all our fans that wasted their time watching us today. For some reason, which Chris (Merrill, his assistant) and I will find out and rectify, we were not ourselves today. I will be sure to let the team know I expect much better in our next game.”

KOSOVOE 1
Barry (82')

NEWMANISTAN 0

Purple Knights Defeat the Colbourne

In yet another gripping game this Cup of Harmony the Purple Knights defeated the young Kosovoe National Team 1-zil. The Knights outmatched, and manuevered the young team in aan unsupprising victory. It was a fashionable game as both teams kits fired up the crowd. It was a purposeful game were the Knights got back into Group C with a win. It was a gripping game and heres the highlights.

Yes well since it was a lowscoring game there are few highlights. Including a rigidly exciting showing of the Knights score by Brian Ying Uing. he smashed it through to win the game in the 40th minute. They had one it by the half. Oh well its over now.

GWSportsNation.net

Seriously, I think the scoreboard operators in West Zirconia are drunk, or they think it's football or rugby or maybe even murderball. A team scored 6 goals???? and they haven't had a peep from their media, "supporting" the bogus claim of their prowess?

At least our soccer team managed a reasonable soccer result, a 2-2 tie with Myedvedeya (sounds like a commie to me). With 2 games to go, a win on either one probably would advance us into the next round. But who cares about that? Our REAL football team won its first game and now it is only a matter of time before we win another.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan (1-3)
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal VS Kosovoe Preview

Greal will be playing Kosovoe later today. They've had an interesting run. Defeating Newmanistan and even tying with Blouman Empire makes them formidable opponents. If Greal wins this crucial match, then they'll be on step closer to qualifying for the Cup of Harmony 35. Ross Trent sys that he hopes for a win or draw. Greal has not qualified for any football cups ever since the Baptism of Fire. Greal will play with a standard 4-3-4.

Other teams are also gearing up for today's matches.

Blouman Empire plays Newmanistan in a dramatic game today.

Secristan plays Viltek today.

Chutnusak stays out after a week of disasters for them.

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

"Kosovoe will be tough."

"Yeah, they will."

"What do we do?"

"Watch the live match. Here."

"Ok. Two New Beers please."

"Five dollars."

"Here you go."

"Who do you think will win?"

"I think it will be a draw."

"Wanna bet on that."

"No way! I know what happens."

"Come on...."

"No, absolutely not!"

"Just watch the preview guys. You making some noise."

(Players gather prior to the big match with the Bloumans)

McAllister: Nothing like playing the Bloumans, is there?

Drummond: I wish I could get in this game, man. They just really get my juices flowing. I know Jennifer’s done nothing wrong but I want to be more then a sub in the 70th minute.

McAllister: Did you ask him? He should know about your individual history against them.

J Vilardi: Stop conspiring against my starting spot, Jeremy. *nudges J-Mac playfully*

McAllister: That’s why it’s a tough call. Jenn’s been real good.

J Vilardi: Thank you. Take that Shawn!
Drummond: Yeah yeah! *spanks Jenn* (these two have had a past history of “messing around” in other RP’s if you aren’t up on your Newmanistan team history!)

J Vilardi: Drummy’s got a point about his streak against the Blouman Empire, but I’m not about to surrender my starting spot.

Drummond: Maybe he’d, uhh, bench Carlson?

Carlson: I heard that!

Prescott: I love to play them, myself. I hope it’s not the last time I get to make acquaintances with some of those players. It might be, I don’t know.

McAllister: You’re not gonna hang them up yet, are you?

Prescott: I am 37, Jeremy. I might take a crack at World Cup 44, but who knows if I would play the Bloumans again after this.

Drummond: You should play until your 50. So you could play with your son Billy.

Prescott: That’d be a dream, but that’s just not going to happen.

Carlson: Brett you might be 37 but you still kick ass and I guarantee the Bloumans are still scared of you.

Prescott: Yeah!

McAllister: Five for five against them. Pretty amazing since they’ve always been ahead of us on those KPB charts.

J Vilardi: Screw the KPB charts, they mean nothing.

*Coach Carson enters*

Drummond: Coach, can I ask you a question before you start the meeting?

Carson: Sure.

Drummond: I was wondering if you would consider starting me against the Blouman Empire over Jenn.....

J Vilardi: I heard that!

Drummond: Shutup! *in playful tone*

Drummond: Well you know that I historically have had some big games against the Blouman Empire. They really bring out the best in me. I believe the team will benefit the most if I start in place of Jennifer Vilardi. There, I said it.

J Vilardi: Don’t listen to him coach!

Carson: Well, since this isn’t exactly a private discussion Shawn, with everyone else quietly standing and wanting to hear my answer, how about you just sit down and I will just answer it in front of everyone, because your history against the Blouman Empire is not something that I have forgotten at all.

(Drummond sits down, smiling thinking Carson will see it his way, and blows Jennifer a kiss who proceeds to flip him the bird, playfully).

Carson: Ok team, I will get right to it. First, we can’t go thinking we have this game in the bag just because we are five for five against them historically. Trust me, they want to win this game very, very badly, and they will bring everything they got. We will need to match that, and work for everything that comes our way so that we can continue the great run we have had against them, and at the same time, make sure we stay in the top 2 in Group B. I don’t want to end up in that preliminary game.

McAllister: Absolutely, we’re ready coach!

Brooker: Definitely!

Carson: Now, comes the matter of who are starting forwards will be. Making the decision to start Jennifer Vilardi over Drummond was a tough one at the beginning of the Cup of Harmony. Jennifer has gone on to have a good showing.

J Vilardi: Ha! (Looking at Drummond)

Carson: Shawn however, has four goals in five games against the Blouman Empire. That cannot be overlooked. He has scored more goals against the Bloumans then anyone else in this room, including Mr. McAllister.

Drummond: Ha right back! (To J Vilardi)

McAllister: I’m gonna have to change that.

Carson: Now, do I start both of you and have Brett Carlson be a substitute?

Carlson: Uh oh.

Carson: Brett, it’s a pleasure to....

Drummond: Yes!

J Vilardi: Yes!

McAllister: Geez, at least let the man finish.

Carlson: It’s alright coach, I understand.

Carson: Thanks Brett, but back to what I was going to say, this is just going to be a one game thing. You’ve done a good job, but I can’t just ignore Drummond’s history against the Bloumans, and Jennifer’s done a great job. This was a very difficult decision for me to make.

Carlson: It’s fine coach, I understand it’s for the best of the team. Go kick their ass, Shawn and Jenn!

Drummond: Thanks man (fist pump with Carlson)

Carlson: No hard feelings at all.

J Vilardi: Thanks (hugs Carlson)

Carlson: Good luck and thanks!

McAllister: I just have to say, this is why, we as a team, rock!

Carson: Absolutely. Well we have some tactical stuff to go over now so let’s get to it.

(The team listens to the lecture)

In the changing room where the team is getting ready for the biggest game in the group stage.

Peterson: I know we need the win to put us in first place but what are the Newmanistan players like?

Speed: I know your young Jake but let me tell you this is the only team I want to beat, I wouldn't care if we lost everygame in this cup, provided we beat the Rockets I will go home a happy man.

Holdings: You would know the rivarly that is stirred up when we do play them from a spectator level *Peterson nods* well times that by 100. Myself and Chris here and Jack and Rich and Will and a few others have all played against them, we have lost everytime. While we respect the players we need to beat them we want to beat them. When I go and shake hands at the end of the game with Prescott, I want to be the one cheering this time.

Junkson: I have it worse than you guys I played against them in the OXEN cup when the FFB sent Corrimal there. They beat us now I haven't been able to beat them since. I know that this might be my last time playing international level, I'm an old man now so I need to beat them in this game.

Peterson: You might have to be careful of Prescott hey Jack?

Junkson: Well only if he is assinged to me anyway, our entire front line knows what he does and his little shoving tactics only throw off people once. We know what he will do, he isn't a concern.

Speed: Plus he's an old ****, he can't go as hard nowadays anyway, *Speed laughs* but as says Jack we know what he does and we are ready for it. We have had plenty of games to prepare oursleves. I just want to win.

Peterson: Yeah gee well I'm going to do my best to beat them.

Golding: Hey Andrew, and blondie (Christopher Moreton) you guys play in Newmanistan, any more tips to help us?

Pollard: Well not really I've told you all I know and just because I play there doesn't mean I get insight on any secret tactics. It's like saying that just because Talcott plays for Keith Street he knows all about our tactics. He would know the style of play but he wouldn't know how we play as a team.

Blondie: Yeah and being on a rival international team would mean we get less info. But I wouldn't mind going in to play against a few of them. I have gone up against a few of them while playing for Stroudsbourg but who knows if Henry will put me up there.

Pollard: Yeah that would be sweet, but I doubt it the last time I was put on the field was the final game in the qualifiers. O Captain, my Captain, any idea on who Henry might be subbing this game

Kiamar: Come on Andy, you know as well as I do that it will depend on who is playing well and how the game is going. Not to worry, he will chuck you on. Come on lads, get fired up we are going to win this game. *He stands up* Let's go out there tonight and show these Rockettes that we are the team they have the most to worry about losing their crown to tonight. We are going to exact revenge tonight and show them that this isn't going to be a walk in the park. Now FIRE UP!

*Louds cheers from the team*

Scweppe enters.

Scweppe: Ok boys listen up. Bit of quiet lads. Now we are about to go against our biggest rivals. The Newmanistan Rockets. Many of you boys have played in all four games against them and some fo you younger folk have played against them in the DiBrandi Cup. Now this means a lot to me we have to win, against them we cannot allow this group of players to think that it is a easy win everytime we play. Now I wan't you guys heading out there tonight and hitting them hard. They will come at you already thinking the three points is theirs. I want you to show them that Bloumans do not sit down and allow people to get what they want. If you do decide to give them a point today make sure they earn it. Now Will when Carlson is coming down the middle I want you to... (The team tactics continue)

NO GOALS

This is why soccer is not one of the biggest sports in Secristan. While those who are the biggest fans of the sport will tell you that there was plenty of action in this game, that the midfield action was intense and both sides battled hard for field position and chances, it will fall on deaf ears of most. There’s a reason this sport doesn’t have the popularity of a football or a lacrosse. It didn’t matter as far as the Secristan Department of Sports was concerned since they had the people’s money already, and pretty much anyone who was going to buy the final game against Viltek has already purchased it. The draw, if we looked at no other results, would be seen as good in that light. Looking at what the Millionaires needed, it just was not enough. The Blouman Empire may have been looking past us a little bit for their big game against Newmanistan, and this may have also been true for Newmanistan in what was described as a very flat performance against Kosovoe by their media.

Today, and very shortly we reckon, the Cup of Harmony will come to a close for the Millionaires. Making the final three is possible but we will need help. What must happen is that we must beat Viltek or you can forget anything else. We then must get two losses by Greal. Although a loss and a draw could work. They finish up with Kosovoe and the Blouman Empire. This is why a draw doesn’t work for us against Viltek because we need a Kosovoe win, and if they did, they would go ahead of us if we only drew. Kosovoe must then lose to Chutnusak. Forget the advancement scenarios. We need a Chutnusak win. We’re done.

Prior to the game

Anderson: Kosovoe team looks...determined.

Istoma: They always look that way on TV. Every team does. Hell, we do!

Trent: Calm down guys. This won't be easy. Remember, the whole Greali community is watching you.

Expan: Really?

Trent: A lot of them are. Now you know what to do right boys?

Expan: No.

Trent: You're joking right?

Expan: Yeah I am.

Trent: This is serious, understood guys?

Rest of the team chants "Yes".

Trent: We've got to qualify. Otherwise they may replace us with the girl team in the next cup.

Expan: You're joking right?

Trent: No.

Anderson: Don't worry, we just do what we are best at.

Trent: And that is....?

Anderson: Soccer

The urgency of crunch time fills the air. Group A is now cutoff for MD6 and the referee gets the games underway.

Magna Sancta Sedes 0-2 West Zirconia
Urna Eletronica 1-2 Cassadaigua
Kjomasasopia 1-4 Nethertopia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Magna Sancta Sedes 5 4 0 1 9 4 5 12 Q
2 Cassadaigua 5 3 2 0 10 4 6 11 Q
3 West Zirconia 5 3 1 1 9 5 4 10
4 Nethertopia 5 3 0 2 11 8 3 9
5 Urna Eletronica 5 1 1 3 9 12 −3 4 E
6 Kjomasasopia 6 1 1 4 7 16 −9 4 E
7 Miroxia 5 0 1 4 2 8 −6 1 E

It is impossible for MSS and Cassadaigua to be passed by both West Zirconia and Nethertopia (with West Zirconia and Nethertopia having a MD7 showdown), therefore they are both qualified.

Matchday 7:
Magna Sancta Sedes- Cassadaigua @ Pocono City Stadium
West Zirconia- Nethertopia @ Loudon Stadium
Urna Eletronica- Miroxia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds
Bye: Kjomasasopia

This round is brought to you by

Mortimer Brothers (Travel Agents) Ltd.
17-19 Chapel Street
Redwood RW1 1BF

Fed up with football?
Then call us and we'll send you far, far away from it all...

For those of you who stayed, however:

Group B:
Blouman Empire 1-3 Newmanistan
Kosovoe 0-2 Greal
Secristan 1-0 Viltek

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 5 4 0 1 11 4 +7 12
2 Greal 5 3 1 1 11 4 +7 10
3 Secristan 6 3 1 2 5 6 −1 10
4 Blouman Empire 5 2 2 1 8 6 +2 8
5 Kosovoe 5 1 2 2 3 5 -2 5
6 Viltek 5 1 2 2 3 5 −2 5
7 Chutnusak 5 0 0 5 3 14 −11 0



Newmanistan and Greal are through to the next round.
Kosovoe, Viltek and Chutnusak are eliminated.

Group C:

Taeshan 2-0 Green Wombat
Myedvedeya 1-2 Arroza
Colbourne 1-1 Dariusville

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 The Bostopian Empire 5 3 1 1 13 7 +6 10
2 Taeshan 5 3 1 1 8 6 +2 10
3 Green Wombat 5 2 2 1 8 6 +2 8
4 Colbourne 6 1 3 2 9 10 -1 6
5 Arroza 5 2 0 3 6 9 −3 6
6 Myedvedeya 5 1 2 2 11 12 -1 5
7 Dariusville 5 1 1 3 9 14 −5 4

The Bostopian Empire and Taeshan go through to the next round.
Dariusville and Colbourne are eliminated.

OOC: Unbelievable, well no not really, I can believe that I lost to Newmanistan again. What I can't believe is that I am not going to make it past the group stage, first time ever. It just goes to show rankings count for shit. Well Newmanistan it looks like we are going to be stuck in the run where we will play in a progressive stage each tournament and then the ones in the Semis we start again where you start beating me in the series again.

Equally OOC: Beat Greal and you're through to the next round. Simple as that.
(Secristan have played all their games.)

Arroza State Department of Mathmatics and Statistics.

Put a fork in us, we're pretty much done.

With only one more game to go in the Cup of Harmony's group stage, the Hornets (they are undeserving of the Tar modifier) are two points behind third-place team Green Wombat going into the final game. Unfortunately, Green Wombat's last match is against the last place apes of Dariusville, while Arroza plays against Taeshan who is already assured a place.

Arroza must win.

Green wombat must lose or tie.

But if Green Wombat ties, Arroza must win by 6 goals or more.

Therefore Green Wombat must lose.

Yeahright.

Equally OOC: Beat Greal and you're through to the next round. Simple as that.
(Secristan have played all their games.)

OOC: Just curious, what about a draw, would both of us qualify after a draw? I really don't want to miss qualifying. :(

I'll post all my IC posts tomorrow. (Pacific time here.) Night.

OOC: Just curious, what about a draw, would both of us qualify after a draw?

No. You're already through, in fact, but the Bloumans need the win to get past Secristan.
(You would then qualify in third, behind Newmanistan and the Bloumen)

Courtney’s Space

Take that you politicians! The match against Urna Eletronica was a grudge match. They defeated us in the 3rd place game of the Baptism of Fire and may have erased whatever slim hope they had of advancing to the knockout stages of the Cup of Harmony. I know I have been a little quiet lately, but that’s not because I forgot all about you! We have just spent a lot of time in training since this is a critical three game stretch for us but is going very well so far and we still have yet to lose! Our toughest game is coming up. People might ask what is so tough about playing a pope one on eleven? It’s because he tricks you into thinking you are the team with the player advantage out there, so you might mess around a bit or wonder why you need to be doing this. Well the answer to the Pope is this: The offsides trap. He plays so far upfield that everytime you try to get some passes together, the plays are being whistled down. I am sure this is very frustrating for the opponents. Plus and as much as you might not want to admit it, he is the one with the advantage. This is because he seems to have the power of the Lord behind him.

The game is for the Group A title. Both of us have clinched our spot in the knockout rounds. We might play a few players that haven’t been able to get a lot of playing time just to get the opportunity even though coach Baynes isn’t really excited about their first opportunity being a strange one on eleven match. Seeding will probably be important, and we could still end up in third place and that is not really an enviable spot. Nine teams are going to the knockout rounds so this means that there will be two teams that have to play a game just to get into the top eight. We still want to get a win here because of that. The more you accomplish just makes the more you want. Maybe we can win this whole entire thing!

Trevor Organ and The Scout were watching the players on the training, three days before the match against West Zirconia. The boys were enthusiastic again. They played a 10-on-10 match and everything seemed to look the way it was supposed to be. But Trevor and The Scout looked worried. They really wanted to advance to the quarterfinals. A win against West Zirconia was neccesary, in that case. But that team is far higher on the rankings... And they played for a place in their own country. Yes, this was going to be a tough call.

"Ok guys, that's enough!" Yelled Trevor. The players looked disappointed, they wanted to play some more. They were eager. "You're having the night off, but be back at 23:00," informed the Candelariasian co-manager. The team looked happier already. They were in for a night out in Newmanistan.

Olympia was nice, but nothing compared to Pocono City. Although, that's what the players were informed of. They'll see it if they were able to make the final. Highly unlikely, but you never know... The player group had split in two, with one group going to a local disco and the other one heading for a pub. It was fun not having to worry about anything at all, except for what to drink and being back at the hotel at eleven...

The older lads were drinking in a pub. The atmosphere in the pub was very nice, several topics were discussed by the players they even had to hand out some autographs to a few Newmanis, as they were recognised in the pub before they even reached their seats. One man even remembered Soro, van Dalen, de Haan and de Vries from the WC 41 post-qualifier friendly, which had ended in a 1-0 victory for Newmanistan. It was actually the last game Nethertopia played before disappearing off the international stage, before returning.

The pub group arrived in the hotel five minutes passed eleven. They where quickly sent to their rooms by The Scout and Organ, after getting a small lecture about the necessarily of sleep by the latter, until he was disturbed by Snip, telling him his speech was actually keeping them away of valuable sleeping time. The clock then ticked a quarter past eleven. The disco squad hadn't returned yet.

Twelve o'clock.

One o'clock.

A quarter to two. Finally the younglings arrived back at the hotel, completely drunk. And with women...

*****

Next morning, 06:00. Trevor Organ stormed into Wim Smits' and Darius Longstone's room. "Time for you to wake up, me dears," he yelled.
"Jezus Christ man," mumbled Longstone. "It's still dark outside... Let me sleep."
"Oh, hell no... You're the guys who thought of it as a good idea to ignore the curfew, drink way too much and return to the hotel with a bunch of girls... I think it's time for a lesson."

Half an hour later ten Falcons, shivering in the relative morning cold of the Olympia Gladiators training complex, with Trevor Organ standing in front of them, grinning, and The Scout, as always, observing in the background.
"Now what?" Asked Thomas Schaak. He was clearly having a huge hangover.
"Now? Now you run. How about 20 laps, for a start," Organ said. His grinned even more.
The players started running.

Purple knights Past Group Round

With one game left in the group stage the Purple Knights have assured at least a third place in ther group and have qualified for the second round of the Cup of Harmony. The Knights did it by defeating region nieghbor Green Wombat in a battle of the bulge of the CoH teams. It was a good win vaulting them into the next round, and making them able to rest there starters in the smaller yet still formidable opponents Arroza.

The Knight Keeper Tad Montague atained yet another clean sheet with the 0-2 victory. The Knights easily defeated the Green Wombatan team behind the foot of Brian Ying Uing and Doug Newier who scored in the 40th and 77th minutes respectively. The Knights look really good and hope to achieve yet another championshi[p-potential run.

THE ROCKET REPORT

MORE MASTERY OVER BLOUMANS

Moorcroft, West Zirconia- Make it six for six. Newmanistan’s amazing history over the Blouman Empire continued against last night as the Rockets defeated the Eagles in Matchday 6 action in group B by the score of 3-1. Given the fact that the Blouman Empire has been ahead of the Rockets on the KPB charts in all these matches (though not all matches have used KPB rankings), Newmanistan’s having won six games in six tries is a pretty impressive statistic. We are sure that the Blouman Empire is sick of us by now. We could certainly understand if it were the other way around.

Brian Carson made a lineup alteration for this game and started Shawn Drummond in place of not Jennifer Vilardi, but of young striker Brett Carlson, who plays for Carson in Pocono City, and probably the main reason why Carson was able to get away with this move. Drummond, although his poor performance in World Cup 43 qualifying saw him only score twice in thirteen games sent him to the bench to be used a substitute in the Cup of Harmony, has a very good history in matches against the Blouman Empire with four goals in five meetings. The Eagles came out with an aggressive attack as they wanted to send a message to the Rockets that this game would be different, and that they would at last, see victory over the sky blue and white. Fortunately, Newmanistan was able to match their intensity. When you have a streak in which Newmanistan has over the Bloumans, there’s as much desire to want to maintain it and not be the group of players that blew the streak as there is for the team looking to finally snap the streak. At this point in their careers, there’s no secrets when Christopher Speed and Jeremy Brooker match up against one another, and Brooker was well prepared for the speed of Speed. Sometimes, it can go against you when the Rockets respect you too much, and they realize what Speed could do. So they remained patient when he had possession and did overpursue and get caught upfield. Speed did get a couple good shots, including a dandy in the 10th minute, as well as one in the 15th that were turned aside by Chris Kusler. Isaac Golding and Jack Junkson also tried making plays, but the defense was up for it. After holding firm in the first 25 minutes and being outshot 8-0 at this point, the Rockets finally got their first real scoring threat in the 27th minute, thanks to nice midfield work by Alex Parnett. Parnett found Shawn Drummond and just like he has before, the Eagle-killer fired a shot into the bottom left corner to put the Rockets up 1-nil. The Bloumans could only stand in disbelief. They had dominated, and they only allowed that one rush on Henry Jackson, and the conceded a goal. Such is the kind of thing that happens when one team has a hex on the other. Newmanistan carried the play for the rest of the half, but there would not be anymore goal scoring, and we were still 1-0 at the break.

Carson and the team were thrilled to be up by the goal at halftime, and he commended the defense and Chris Kusler for their outstanding play. It was probably the most an opponent had controlled possession during the Cup of Harmony in a single stretch of time as it was for the Eagles in the first 25 minutes. His message for the team in the second half would be to be patiently aggressive. Don’t force it, but try to get a two goal lead.

Overall, Brett Prescott seemed to be confusing the Eagles. He knew that they would expect him to be his typical physical self, but Brett was stopping short of making the hard tackles or being real physical. We weren’t quite sure why this was, but perhaps he wanted to lull the Eagles to sleep and think that maybe his age had something to do with it. After withstanding a couple scoring opportunities from the Eagles, the Rockets had a strong chance in the 55th minute, and it would be here that they would get the two-goal lead. Shawn Drummond again got underneath the Blouman defense, but instead of shooting, he delivered a nice pass over to Jennifer Vilardi and it would Jennifer’s turn to score and put the Rockets up by a deuce. With the two goal lead, and the game moving past the hour mark, Prescott began to remind the Bloumans what makes him the way he is. He was sure to introduce young prodigy Jacob Peterson to old man #17 with a hard tackle from behind that probably should have been carded, but the referee was not looking in that direction at the time. This is how age can make you better as it makes you wiser. Peterson was pretty upset about their being no card, and his teammates had to spend, aka waste a couple minutes off the game clock to try and calm him down. In the 68th minute, Prescott was back at it again, this time nailing Jack Junkson. But the referee saw this one, and reached into his pocket. Fortunately it was yellow and not red, and Junkson had a free kick in a prime position. His shot just barely got over the wall then escaped the outstretched hand of Kusler to make it 2-1. For a moment, the Eagles may have thought they got Prescott back with that goal. In a way, maybe they did, but when they tried to trash talk Prescott about it he simply pointed toward the scoreboard, and said “number six on the way”. A stretch of great play ensued by both teams to get the next goal in the waning moments. Would the Bloumans tie it, or would the Rockets seal the deal? In the 85th minute, Jeremy McAllister got his name on the scoresheet by heading in a long cross by Parnett to make it 3-1. That would do it, folks. With this victory, Newmanistan improves to 4-0-1 and has clinched their spot in the knockouts as they look to repeat as Cup of Harmony champions. The Rockets lead the group by two over a second place tie between Greal and Secristan but with the Millionaires having played all their games, the Rockets could fall no worse then second. Newmanistan closes out with what should be a very winnable game against Viltek while the Bloumans must defeat Greal. If they do, they will be in the knockouts too and bump Secristan, but if Greal wins, then the Bloumans will be absolutely sick of teams from One Big Island, having lost to us and then to add insult to injury, finish behind our Secristani neighbors for the final spot.

Here is some post game reaction:

Carson: “We just have their number. It happens in sports, and it doesn’t mean the Eagles are not a good team. They played well, we just seem to match up very well against them. We wanted to extend this streak just as badly as they wanted to end it, and that’s what makes it fun. Well, fun for us anyway.”

Kusler: “This was the best team we went up against so far in the Cup of Harmony from a goalkeeper’s point of view, even though Kosovoe beat us. I’m surprised they haven’t won more games and that they are in a pressure situation, actually.”

Prescott: “We all know each other now. So instead of doing what they expected, I tried to act as if I wasn’t going to play like that today, and wait for a time to strike. I was careful to tackle Peterson in a way that I knew he wouldn’t be hurt, but enough to deliver a message. That kid is a nice young talent, and I want him to have been able to experience a rough Brett Prescott tackle before I retire.”

Drummond: “I have to thank coach Carson for giving me this opportunity to start. Playing against the Blouman Empire is just something that always gets me fired up, and I was happy to get a goal for him and for the team. Also have to thank Brett Carlson for being as supportive and understanding of the move as he was.”

McAllister: “We played excellent football tonight and we needed too, especially after the flat showing we had against the Blue Tornado. We wanted to win this game, because we didn’t feel we were in a safe position, because we don’t want to slide into a third place spot. Hopefully we will remain fired up for the Viltek match, but I think we will be.”

NEWMANISTAN 3
Drummond (27')
J Vilardi (55')
McAllister (85')

BLOUMAN EMPIRE 1
Junkson (68')

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan (1-3)
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe (2-0)
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Triumph brings more!

Greal has won the crucial match against the fierce and strong Kosovoe, and won 2-0. Furthermore, Greal has qualified for the next round, causing celebrations around the country. Ross Trent says it is not over, but the people of Greal can still celebrate.

The game started with Greal in possession of the ball. Howard Anderson quickly brought the ball around and scored very early in the game. Sebastian Expan was given minor injuries and had to pull out for the rest of the game. The First half quickly ended with Greal in the lead 1-0. In the second half, both sides fought to balance the game. Kosovoe tried to score many times, but they were all blocked away, and Michael Istoma scored on the 75th minute, sealing Ksovoe's defeat. The game ended with Greal in the lead 2-0.


Greal 2
Howard Anderson (9')
Michael Istoma (75')

Kosovoe 0

In other results, Newmanistan also qualified.

Newmanistan crushed Blouman Empire 3-1.

Secristan beat Viltek 1-0.

Chutnusak stayed out of the massacre.

Now Greal will be play Blouman Empire later today. If they beat Greal, they will also qualify. (Preview up soon)

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

"Money please."

"Here. Happy?"

"Very. Now Greal has qualified."

"They still have to play Blouman Empire."

"True, then Greal will finish third if they lose."

"I'm betting on a narrow Greali win, or draw."

"Your got yourself a deal."

"How much?"

"You decide."

"Six hundred."

"Today, we shall know if you are right or wrong."

"More coffee?"

"Sure."

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan (1-3)
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe (2-0)
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire


Greal VS Blouman Empire Preview

Today, Greal will play Blouman Empire. This will be crucial for them if they want to qualify for the Cup of Harmony. This will be Greal's last game of its successful qualifying campaign in the Cup of Harmony before moving to the next round. Many soccer experts say Greal has a bigger chance of winning over Blouman Empire then before Greal started the Cup of Harmony 35 campaign. Blouman Empire may be ranked higher then Greal, but the defeat of Kosovoe by Greal shows that you can still beat higher ranked teams. Ross Trent says in his daily interview that he is very glad that his team qualified.

Other teams are preparing for their upcoming last qualifying match.

Newmanistan will play Viltek today.

Kosovoe will play completely battered Chutnusak.

Secristan will be out for today. They will qualify if Greal beats Blouman Empire. Its ironic that they qualifying will depend on us.

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

"Its packed again."

"Way more people."

"It is the last match."

"True."

"What did you bet on?"

"A Greali win."

"You're kidding."

"Nope."

"Blouman Empire will be tough to defeat."

"If Kosovoe tied with them, and we beat Kosovoe, that mean we can do anything."

"I hope you are wrong, because I really need the money."

seeing as we cant qualify for the knockout stage, we pull out to focus on our Di Bradini Cup campaign.

GWSportsNation.net

Damn referees. I guess Taeshan paid more than we did huh? 3 yellow cards within the 1st 10 minutes and 2 red cards just before halftime? And 2 penalty kicks?

(goes on like this
:mad:
:mad:
:mad:
:mad:
for a while)

And finally we still only need a win to advance. What kinda crap is that!

Horse, bull you name it theyve crapped it. ^^^^^^

(OOC: I would like to have done this one a lot more comprehensively, but there's been a lot going on in RL this week. Apologies.)


The long-anticipated rerun of the Baptism of Fire 29 final once again showed that the Reformation was no fluke, with the proud Protestants (well, mainly) of West Zirconia victors for a second time over the one-man Papal team from Magna Sancta Sedes.

Once again, the West Zirconian side turned out in the kits which were specially made for the Baptism of Fire final, given that the tactic worked last time. Once again, the goalkeeping of Martin Luther (alias Steve Gray) was at its finest. Once again, the pace and trickery of John Knox (alias Anthony McGowan) was dazzling. Once again the leadership of John Wesley (alias Ben Phillips) was inspirational.

The two goals which settled it came in the last ten minutes, courtesy of Hugh Latimer (Martin Forster) and relative newcomer John Wycliffe (Alun Lydiate). This was despite Philipp Melanchthon (Lee Pritchard) being sent off for throwing a Bible at the referee after he had awarded the Pope a dubious free-kick.

West Zirconia return to Loudon for their last group game, against Nethertopia. West Zirconia simply have to avoid defeat to qualify for the next round, but that is no reason for complacency - a lesson that surely was handed out to them earlier in the group by Urna Eletrônica.


West Zirconia: Luther/Gray, J.Wesley/Phillips (c), Zwingli/Fox, Bradford/Munro, Cranmer/Paterson, Huss/Hawthorne (Melanchthon/Pritchard 60), Calvin/Williams, C.Wesley/French, Knox/McGowan, Latimer/Forster, Ridley/Griffiths (Wycliffe/Lydiate 67)

Magna Sancta Sedes: Pope.

Goals: West Zirconia - Latimer/Forster (81), Wycliffe/Lydiate (88).

Sent off: West Zirconia - Melanchthon/Pritchard (75)

Prior to the game against Blouman Empire...

Anderson: Tough looking guys aren't they?

Trent: Yes. Now listen up, this is our last game of the qualifying. We better make it memorable for both sides.

Hardy: Don't worry, we will.

Anderson: The ironic thing is that Secristan is tantalizing close to qualifying. If we win, they will qualify, if we lose, Secristan will be brought down with us.

Trent: So what are you saying?

Anderson: I wouldn't mind winning and having Secristan also qualify.

Trent: Our main problem is Blouman Empire, not Secristan.

Istoma: I hear everyone is going to watch this match.

Trent: It is our final qualifying match. All of Greal will see if we succeed or fail in taking down Blouman Empire.

Anderson: Hopefully we will. The other team looks very...determined.

Trent: So are we.

Whole team murmurs agreement.

Anderson: Next year, we won't be here.

Istoma: Why?

Anderson: They are replacing us with women.

Istoma: Then, we better win, or else I can't face everyone back at home.

Whole team murmurs agreement again.

For once, I believe I have beaten Newmanistan to a cut-off...

Just by a couple minutes! Cut off Group A!

Magna Sancta Sedes 1-1 Cassadaigua
West Zirconia 2-2 Nethertopia
Urna Eletronica 3-2 Miroxia

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Magna Sancta Sedes 6 4 1 1 10 5 5 13 Q
2 Cassadaigua 6 3 3 0 11 5 6 12 Q
3 West Zirconia 6 3 2 1 11 7 4 11 Q
4 Nethertopia 6 3 1 2 13 10 3 10 E
5 Urna Eletronica 6 2 1 3 12 14 −2 7 E
6 Kjomasasopia 6 1 1 4 7 16 −9 4 E
7 Miroxia 6 0 1 5 4 11 −7 1 E

Upcoming: (Seeds will be filled in and locations determined after West Zirconia’s scorination of MD7 for Group B & C.)

Nov. 23- Off Day
Nov. 24- Preliminary Game #8 vs #9

Nov. 25- Quarterfinals: (locations TBD based on who ends up where)
Game A: #1 seed vs #8/9 seed winner
Game B: #4 seed vs #5 seed
Game C: #3 seed vs #6 seed
Game D: #2 seed vs #7 seed

This round has been brought to you by

Parkfield Circumcision and Vasectomy Clinic
8 Walker Street
Parkfield, Moorcroft MT7 3EP

For that perfect cut-off every time!


Group B:
Blouman Empire 1-1 Greal
Newmanistan 3-1 Viltek
Kosovoe 2-0 Chutnusak

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 6 5 0 1 14 5 +9 15
2 Greal 6 3 2 1 12 5 +7 11
3 Secristan 6 3 1 2 5 6 −1 10
4 Blouman Empire 6 2 3 1 9 7 +2 9
5 Kosovoe 6 2 2 2 5 5 0 8
6 Viltek 6 1 2 3 4 8 −4 5
7 Chutnusak 6 0 0 6 3 16 −13 0





Group C:

Taeshan 2-0 Arroza
Green Wombat 2-0 Dariusville
Myedvedeya 2-4 The Bostopian Empire

Pos Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 The Bostopian Empire 6 4 1 1 17 9 +8 13
2 Taeshan 6 4 1 1 10 6 +4 13
3 Green Wombat 6 3 2 1 10 6 +4 11
4 Colbourne 6 1 3 2 9 10 -1 6
5 Arroza 6 2 0 4 6 11 −5 6
6 Myedvedeya 6 1 2 3 13 16 -3 5
7 Dariusville 6 1 1 4 9 16 −7 4

Knockouts:
Nov. 23- Off Day
Nov. 24- Preliminary Game: (8) Green Wombat vs (9) Secristan @ West Zirconia

Nov. 25- Quarterfinals:
Game A: (1) Newmanistan vs Green Wombat/Secristan winner @ STORMGroup Stadium, Mort Park, West Zirconia
Game B: (4) Taeshan vs (5) Cassadaigua @ Williamsen Park, Banks, West Zirconia
Game C: (3) Magna Sancta Sedes vs (6) Greal @ Pocono City Stadium, Newmanistan
Game D: (2) The Bostopian Empire vs (7) West Zirconia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan

Nov. 26- Semifinals:
Game E: Winner Game A vs Winner Game B @ Manchester Street, Moorcroft, West Zirconia
Game F: Winner Game C vs Winner Game D @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

AND WE'RE OUT: NETHERTOPIA TIES WEST ZIRCONIA
LAST INTERNATIONAL MATCH SORO AND DE HAAN PLAYED, CONTRACT WITH TREVOR ORGAN AND THE SCOUT OPTED TO LENGTHEN

Peregrinus City - Nethertopia didn't succeed in winning the match against West Zirconia in the Newmanistan group. It was a must, and now the team returns home, or towards the CMSC1 and 2 in Candelaria and Marquez and Nethertopia.
In what was an exciting match, none of the teams was able to break the deadlock. With West Zirconia taking a two-nil lead in the first half and Nethertopia dominating the second half, which saw the last interregional goal of Abdoulaye Soro and also a goal of Snip. With an unfortunate shot on the post of substitute Van Dam in the 91st minute the tournament ended in mineur for the Falcons, missing out the knock-out rounds on one point.

Soro and de Haan were honored after the match, we will only see them back on club level, for God knows how long. They'll be looking for gold in the SBCC and the CMS Cup, where Tenderville United placed themselves for.

And on a third note, the Nethertopian Football Association has offered Trevor Organ and The Scout a new contract offer, covering the next World Cup. The question is if the two feel good enough about the team to continue with it, or decline the new contract. Stay tuned.

Courtney’s Space

How about a little one-on-one? We decided that we would have a surprise for this Pope of Magna Sancta Sedes. He has thrived on being able to take advantage of different things that you could do when playing one-on-eleven. We weren’t going to fall into this trap. He went out on the pitch in all of his papal glory as he always had and awaited a group of eleven to go out there and face him. I walked out to stand right in front of him, and shook his hand. He seemed confused and pointed towards my teammates who remained on the sideline. “Aren’t they coming?” he asked me. I looked into his eyes and smiled. “It’s just me and you. Bring it on!” He wasn’t ready for this and he would have to use a different strategy that seemed to work so well for him in the teams previous games. He looked toward his sideline and outstretched his arms, as if to say that we weren’t allowed to this. The referee asked if we were really going to play like this. A crowd at Pocono City Stadium had no idea what was about to happen as I said to the referee, “let’s go!” The Pope hesitantly replied, “Yeah I guess we are ready.”, and the match was on. It was tiring for sure and a tough way to play as you had to know just when to attack the open net at the other end or when you were better off protecting your own net. We were equal in terms of our speed, which actually surprised me, but he could run well. In the 20th minute, I scored a goal. Pretty easy once I got past him. The crowd didn’t know how to react. I focused on protecting my net for a while and went into halftime with the lead. He got one back in the second half and then we were just both getting flat out exhausted, and started making lazy plays. It’s a 1-1 draw.

That concludes the group stage for us and we end up finishing in second place which exceeded our expectations. We have a shot to win this tournament still, but now must leave Newmanistan for West Zirconia to play our next game which is against Taeshan. Taeshan entered the tournament as the top ranked team overall but finished second in group C on goal differential to the stunning Bostopian Empire team.

Knights Defeat Arroza

It was a big weekend for the Purple Knights as they assured a spot in the second round by beating the Arrozan Tar Hornets 2-0, in the final group stage match. They will know face Cassadaguia in there first second round game. It will be a big battle of the two best second place teams after the first round. Both will look to make it to the next round, as both are striving to make an impact in football this year. Oh i mean soccer.

The Knights achived one of Taeshans most numerous occurences in yesterdays game. Beating Arroza. It's not that hard, and the Knights showed it. They were all over the younger, less expierienced Hornets, and Doug Newier and Brian Ying Uing both scored on the less achieved team. It was a big win for the Knights, and hopefully they can continue there winning ways through the rest of the tournament. Tomorrow i will write and article about the game VS Cassadaguia.(hopefully tonight)

Forecasting The Finals

In many sports there are sportswriters who predict the scores, and eventual p[layoff and championship games, winners, losers, and all that other stuff. They are always not a 100 percent corect unless they only guess the final four or something like that, which is always easy to predict in sports. In football many things can happen creating big contoversies, and matchups aplenty, as in other sports. It is always a tough task. This year we have the Inquirer's predictions of the Cup of Harmony. We hope this helps you all get insight.

Predictions
8th VS 9th Playoff Green Wombat 2-0 Secristan

First Round
1 VS 8 Newmanistan 3-1 Green Wombat
4 VS 5 Taeshan 2-1 Cassadaguia
3 VS 6 Magna Sancta Sedes 2-0 Greal
2 VS 7 Bostopian Empire 0-1 West Zirconia

Round 2
1 VS 4 Newmanistan 2-1 Taeshan
3 VS 7 Magna Sancta Sedes 3-0 West Zirconia

3rd Place Taeshan 1-0 West Zirconia
Championship Newmanistan 2-1 Magna Sancta Sedes

GWSportsNation.net

Dariusville kindly rolled over and played dead for us, so we advance to the next round, which is a play-in game agaisnt Secretstan or something like that. I hope we paid the referees more than they did, or else this team of losers will be even bigger losers.

THE EMPIRE TIMES

The Blouman Empire saw their worst performance ever in the Cup of Harmony only managing a 1-1 draw with Greal which saw them finish fourth and unable to get past the group stage. The Blouman Empire being the top ranked team in the group was expected to make it to the finals

Manager Herny Scweppe is said to be devastated once the final whistle went. "We should have gone through, we had the momentum but we couldn't seem to do anything about it at the end if the group stage". The players are also said to feel disappointed and let down from their inability to make it through to the group stage. While some have called on the FFB to dismiss Scweppe for the next qualifiers, the FFB has continued their support for him.

Equally OOC: Beat Greal and you're through to the next round. Simple as that.
(Secristan have played all their games.)

Yeah I know, but after the scores had been posted I was studying for an exam and just wanted to check it quickly before getting back to it. As it was my final exam for my degree I knew I was going to be going over to a friends place to begin a day and night of drinking, so I knew I wouldn't be able to get an RP in before the next cutoff, which may or may not have made a difference. Oh well, next time around, but I know my KBP points are going to be taking a hammering.

TO THE PLAYOFF

We’re not done. Apparently, there was a playoff scenario that was possible where we didn’t need the Chutnusak victory, and that very situation played out for us. As we thought would happen, the Millionaires picked up a 1-0 victory over Viltek in their final game, and instead of having the bye in the last game, it seemed as if we were done at that point and our bye would last until World Cup 44 qualifying. Though things around us began to play out. The Blouman Empire was defeated by Newmanistan, as they normally are, that day. The situation that we didn’t consider was the other result, that being Greal with a win over Kosovoe. We had a false confidence in the Blouman Empire. So then the team sat back and watched the matchday seven action unfold and were aware that a win or draw by Greal of the Blouman Empire would mean that the Millionaires would finish in third place in the group and advance to the knockout stages. It didn’t matter that they were likely to wind up in the play-in game if it happened as it would just be a matter of pride. Instead of returning home to Secristan, or going out and trying to buy West Zirconian women for the night, the Millionaires decided to go to Moorcroft and attend the match between Greal and the Blouman Empire. They purchased a press box off of some people that were more then happy to take the large sum of money offered for it and watched the game as a team. It went just as they would have wanted with the teams earning a 1-1 draw, enough to place Secristan into the play in game and to send the Blouman Empire back home, and leaves you truly appreciating how big that draw was that the Millionaires earned with the Blouman Empire that a lot of people may not have noticed as much back when it happened.

Since there are nine teams advancing and only eight official quarterfinal spots left, Secristan has wound up in the play-in game where they will meet up with Green Wombat. Most journalists around the world will likely predict the Wombats to win that match, but don’t go counting out the Millionaires, who have plenty of motivation to get a win. While Green Wombat mopes around still about their fate and having to be in the Cup of Harmony instead of the World Cup, Secristan is looking to take a page out of the Magna Sancta Sedes book. In Cup of Harmony 34, Magna Sancta Sedes, the team that had lost in the Baptism of Fire made it all the way to the final and lost. It would be a tougher road for Secristan but the players seem to believe. They are also very well aware of who the opponent would be if they were to defeat Green Wombat. So does the Secristan Department of Sports. Another match with Newmanistan is there for the taking, which would mean another financial windfall for the SDOS and the opportunity to be the team that put an end to the Rockets hopes to defend their championship. Even if you wanted to go further then that, an opportunity to meet Cassadaigua in the semifinal also exists. The West Zirconians certainly have visions of what happened in their game with that team, but we can’t forget about the brawl that occurred in the Baptism of Fire this year when those two nations played each other. It’ll start with Green Wombat where we hope to get a victory.

Greal Qualifying Schedule
Friendly: Greal VS New Toronto (4-2)
MD1: Greal VS Chutnusak (5-0)
MD2: Greal VS Viltek (1-1)
MD3: Greal VS Secristan (2-0)
MD4: Greal VS Newmanistan (1-3)
MD5: Bye Greal
MD6: Greal VS Kosovoe (2-0)
MD7: Greal VS Blouman Empire (1-1)


Blouman Empire and Greal Draw

It was a disappointing draw for Blouman Empire, who needed to win in order to qualify. After a tough match, both times tied 1-1. Greal, for the first time in a long time, advanced to the next round. Many in Greal celebrated that day.

Blouman Empire started with possession of the ball, and managed to score only after ten minutes, which caught Greal off guard. Michael Istoma was injured in the result and had to be taken out of the match for the rest of the day. On the twenty fifth minute, Howard Anderson scored a dramatic goal that changed the face of the match. The rest of the first half was the game, with Sebastian Expan nearly scoring, only to be blocked. The second half ended the same like the first half, with no goals scored by either team, even though both sides tried fiercely. The game ended with a draw. Ross Trent said that he was hoping for a victory, but a draw was enough.


Greal 1
Howard Anderson (25')

Blouman Empire 1
Christopher Speed (10')


Of the other teams, Newmanistan advanced to the next round, and Secristan was to play Green Wombat in a playoff.

Newmanistan beat Viltek 3-1 to further improve their record.

Kosovoe beat Chutnusak 2-0.

Greal will play their old fellow Baptism of Fire 29 team Magna Sancta Sedes in the quarter finals the day after tomorrow.

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

"We drew 1-1!"

"Its not over. Magna Sancta Sedes is next."

"They're hard to predict. Of the games we played against them, we drew once, won once, lost once."

"I'm betting on a nail-biter win."

"Again? You could be wrong."

"I wasn't wrong about Kosove or Blouman Empire."

"True."

"Well, the quarter finals aren't until the day after tomorrow."

"Well, got nothing better to do. Lets watch the Secristan vs. Green Wombat tomorrow."

"I bet Secristan wins by a nail-biter."

"Five hundred? For Secristan and Magna Sancta Sedes each."

"You got yourself a deal, again."

Courtney’s Space

After the draw against Magna Sancta Sedes we are now preparing for our quarterfinal match against Taeshan. It’s a match that should prove to be difficult, but thankfully there’s enough time for us to get ready for them as well as the flight from Newmanistan to West Zirconia. I, however, took a little detour before coming out to West Zirconia by stopping in Zapata, Candelaria And Marquez. This is where our young team is playing, and I hope that all of you have taken the time to watch their efforts in the Di Bradini Cup. They won their first match against the Blouman Empire before being defeat by Lovisa. I got a call in the evening of the day prior by their coach Ashley Ryan to head out there and talk with the team as she told me that she felt they could really benefit from having me talk with them. It was a no brainer to me as Candelaria And Marquez is a nation that I have become very familiar with since I play for Tenderville United in their region of Rushmore. When I went there I was stunned by the reaction I got.

Here were our young players, completely speechless about seeing me. I guess it hasn’t really hit me yet that I am seen as this big celebrity at home, because before we entered the World Cup I was never like this. I was just another Dagan, playing at home and trying to support myself. Now I have an international contract and receive thousands about thousands of hits on this very web blog every day. The young girls seemed to need to have it affirmed to them that what they are doing is indeed very special, as I am sure there is quite a temptation, at their age, to go out and do other things while they should be focused on soccer. If their minds had been traveling while they have been in the Di Bradini Cup, it certainly came to an end while I was there. They had so much Cassadagan pride after just half an hour of talking them so early in the morning. I can’t say that I saw myself when I was 16 by looking at the likes of our young players, because when I was 16, Cassadaigua was never even considering international play, so it would have been a very far fetched reality. I told them that, but let them know that I always hoped for it. They are very fortunate to be getting that chance, and I want them to make the most of it. They have a tough match coming up against the junior team of Valanora, who as I am sure we all know, is playing Demot for the World Cup 43 championship.

They wished me luck against Taeshan as I left the room and I thanked them for it. Taeshan will be a tough opponent, though I hope we are on the verge of doing something special here in West Zirconia, and we would love to return to the Proving Grounds in Tundra Falls for the final. I believe that we can do this. It feels right, and the time is right. Perhaps the West Zirconian fans will support us after the match that we had back in the group stage.

THE ROCKET REPORT

VILTEK DEFEATED; TOP SEED CLINCHED

Mort Park, West Zirconia- The Rockets closed out their group stages against the cannibalistic nation of Viltek, who fortunately for West Zirconians in particular, remained very quiet over the course of the Cup of Harmony. They had not officially wrapped the group going into the game, so it was important for them not to have a let down against these, whatever you wanna call them. Their cannibals and they play naked. When they originally told me that you will see just about anything in the World Cup ranking from this, to a Pope playing full national sides by his lonesome, to a top ranked team once starting a banana in goal, I guess they weren’t kidding around. Fortunately, the Rockets were prepared for this and put together a strong performance in a 3-1 win. That result meant that Newmanistan would earn the top overall seed in the knockouts and await the winner of the preliminary game, which features two sides that we have a strong history against, Green Wombat and Secristan. The Millionaires got in too, I see. Well, good for them. I guess it’s only natural to want to see another One Big Island grudge match.

Brian Carson probably just wanted to get this one over with. It was a strange opponent, and not one they seemed too interested in dealing with. He talked with the referee beforehand about remaining certain that none of the Viltek players decided to indulge in a mid-game snack. For the safety of all his players, but it seemed as though the referee was just as scared as he didn’t know how they would react to certain calls. The Rockets went back to the normal lineup as well, so Brett Carlson was back in and Shawn Drummond back on the sideline as a substitute. Carlson had some fresher legs after all, and the team decided to feature him a little bit in the early attack. Perhaps this was also because he took the news so well against the Blouman Empire. In the 14th minute, Carlson put the Rockets up in front by finishing off what was a terrific passing play that saw it begin with Alex Parnett and see touches by both Jennifer Vilardi and Jeremy McAllister before it wound up on the foot for Carlson for the goal. One of the happiest players on the sideline was Shawn Drummond. He knew that this was a bit of justice for the young striker and the coach and team was just happy to get the early lead. After still controlling the play after the goal, and seeing good chances by Vilardi in the 22nd and McAllister in the 27th, Newmanistan extended their lead to 2-nil in the 32nd minute on a goal by J-Mac, eluding three Viltek defenders with his natural individual ability before firing the shot past Mucki Fwok for the score. That would be it with your first half scoring, and in a game that Newmanistan seemed to be having an easy time with, it meant just 45 minutes and they could get out of here.

Carson wanted to make sure there was no complacency on behalf of his players just in case so he made a promise to them. If they could score a third goal, they would get an extra day off from practicing for their next game. That seemed to sit over well for the players, and Carson just wanted to be sure that his team remained out in front. He wasn’t sure just how Viltek would respond in the second half. A normal team would come out playing hard trying to tie up the game, but this Viltek squad was anything but normal.

Inspired by the words of the coach, Newmanistan continued their domination at the start of the second half and sought the third goal. They were clearly outclassing their opponents every time they made a serious run on net, and it only took three minutes of the second half for them to earn that extra day off. Brett Carlson would pick up his second goal of the match, picking a pass from Jeremy McAllister that went through the penalty area way too easily and Carlson would finish it off to put Newmanistan out in front by the score of 3-nil. Good night, Viltek, nice knowing ya. The ball control mastery didn’t stop with the third goal, but now the team seemed to have just focus in mind, and that would be to set up a hat trick for Carlson. They made some passes that they probably wouldn’t have in a game they felt wasn’t already in the bag. Carlson’s best chance at a hat trick came in the 59th minute, but was turned aside on a save by Fwok. In the 65th minute, he had another good chance but hit the goal post. In doing this, the Rockets were abandoning other opportunities to score, and if they had taken the shots they normally would have taken, it’s a fair bet that the team would have ended up with five or six goals. One of these crazy passes in the 72nd minute wound up a bit errant and it would be intercepted by Patches, for a run on net that the Rockets seemed a little unsure how to defend. Just as Jeremy Brooker thought a diving tackle would work, Patches somehow had the awareness to find Shuht Yooup who scored a goal over the fingertips of Kusler, and then charged Kusler to try and eat those fingertips. Fortunately, Jeremy Brooker would have none of that and charged Yooup and began punching him, and Brett Prescott came in and helped out the cause. After a few minutes, Kusler’s fingertips were still fully intact, and it would be Yooup getting the worst of it. It was separated, and no one ate anything, and Patches was pretty well behaved. There wasn’t much action to speak of after that as the Rockets would have the last laugh on the Viltek squad by defeating them 3-1, and winning five of their six games in the Cup of Harmony, earning the top seed and now awaiting who their first round opponent will be.

Here is some post game reaction:

Carson: “This was a pretty unique game, but we did a good job at focusing on the matter on hand and getting a win. Congrats go out to this team for their wonderful run in the Group stage, putting the disappointment of failing to qualify for World Cup 43 and going out there and taking five out of six games. We want to defend this title, still, and we’re all very excited about the way that we are playing right now.”

Kusler: “I didn’t have to do much, but that guy did get a great shot on me there at the end. Fortunately, the game was in the bag at the time. Then I couldn’t believe my eyes, he was charging at me, and tried to bite my fingers. I pushed him away and guys like Brooker and Prescott took care of him after that. I’ve never had anyone try to do that before, but it’s the way they are.”

Brooker: “We contained the dog for most of the game. We figured that Patches would be their secret weapon with his freestyle approach to the game. He had some agility that we weren’t quite used to, but we took care of him alright. Then you had that guy go for Kusler’s fingers. You’ve gotta be kidding me, so I introduced him to my fists. The ref kept his cards in his pocket, and told be Yooup would have gotten a red if he actually had bitten Kusler, but he couldn’t just do it for the attempt.”

Carlson: “I just wanted to get back in the flow of it. Only being a sub against the Bloumans wasn’t the end of the world and I felt it made me more prepared for Viltek today. I’m glad to have helped out with the two goals, and now we await our next opponent.”

McAllister: “There are some strange people in this world. We weren’t going to let our opinions of their personal culture effect us no matter how sick it is. We went out there, played a good game of football and put it away early. It’s too bad that we couldn’t get the clean sheet, or the hat trick for Carlson, but it worked out pretty well. Now, will it be Green Wombat or Secristan? I know who we all want to see, but we’ll take either of them.”

NEWMANISTAN 3
Carlson (14', 48')
McAllister (32')

VILTEK 1
YOOUP (72')

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Your first stop for that romantic trip to Cassadaigua!
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Playoff Result:

Green Wombat 2-0 Secristan (at KPM Stadium, Snaith)

THE ROCKET REPORT

GREEN WOMBAT TO BE NEXT OPPONENT

Mort Park, West Zirconia- The preliminary game is over, and the Rockets now know who their quarterfinal opponent will be, and it will be a tough one against Green Wombat. They defeated Secristan by the score of 2-nil in Snaith to earn the right to play in this game. With the Valanorans celebrating their third World Cup in four tries, eight teams remain for the right to call themselves Cup of Harmony champions. A rematch between Newmanistan and Magna Sancta Sedes remains possible. Newmanistan and West Zirconia could also meet, and there could also be an interesting showdown with the Bostopian Empire, their rival from World Cup qualifying group 8 who went on an amazing run to win Group C. Green Wombat, Taeshan, and Cassadaigua all probably have their own preferred opponent if they reached the final. First things first, and that’s the Wombats in a match that will certainly not be easy. That said, Newmanistan has won the only meetings ever played between the teams, including a victory in the Cup of Harmony 33 group stages. Newmanistan has a target on their back. They are the defending champion, and if they get to Tundra Falls for the final, it could be a long day for the opposition. I, Clint Peterson, sat down with coach Brian Carson to discuss this and other issues relevant to the Cup of Harmony.

CP: Good evening, we are on the eve of the big showdown between Newmanistan and Green Wombat which will determine which nation goes to the semifinals and I am here with coach Carson once again. How’s it going, Brian.

BC: Pretty good, always a pleasure to chat with you.

CP: A lot of the fans wanted to see Secristan win, and that probably would have been the easier game. Did you have a preference.

BC: Not really. People will say that Secristan would have been a better matchup for us if they look at the KPB charts exclusively, but whenever we play them, it’s one of those matches where you throw the rankings out the window. So, for us, the opponents would have been even in their own ways.

CP: You’ve had a couple meetings with the Wombats, both victorious, so that has to make you feel good coming in.

BC: It’s an opponent that we know we can beat because we have done it before, but they got a good squad so we have to be ready for the challenge that they will pose.

CP: You guys had a great group stage, though.

BC: We did, and I am proud of that. But that’s just one step and means nothing now. What is relevant is that we have been on great form, and I am confident that no matter what the end result is tomorrow, that we will put forth our best possible effort.

CP: Like Newmanistan, Green Wombat was a nation that had higher aspirations and wanted to play in the World Cup. They’ve seen to have taken it harder, though.

BC: I can believe that. It was a real tough pill for us to swallow, then you look at three teams from our qualifying group making the quarterfinals. Congratulations to Dancougar, by the way. For Green Wombat, they have been to the World Cup on multiple occasions so with that it’s fair to say that they would take going to the Cup of Harmony a little tougher then we would.

CP: With the final in Tundra Falls looming, that has to be pumping the team up.

BC: Right now we can’t think about that. At this moment, that is more of a distraction then a motivator. We have to focus on Green Wombat, and if we win, then on either Taeshan or Cassadaigua.

CP: The goal scoring has been nicely balanced. Jeremy McAllister is getting his share and leading the team, but it’s good to see several people finding the back of the net.

BC: It is, you look at the great game that Carlson gave us against Viltek. Drummond as usual delivered against the Bloumans. Jennifer’s scoring, so is Alex Parnett, and as we would expect, J-Mac is the leader of the group. This is why I say we are on top form, because we’re not relying on one player to carry us. Everyone is contributing offensively. But let’s not forget Kusler and the defenders either.

CP: Not at all and that was going to be my next point. The strong defensive play, also, is starting in the midfield too, with Prescott and Stevens, wouldn’t you agree?

BC: Absolutely, I feel that our midfield play as been superb. Sometimes we get criticized in that area, but in this entire Cup of Harmony, you are correct, the defense is starting there.

CP: Then the defenders and Kusler. Rock solid.

BC: Let’s not forget Chris Kusler’s story here. He was our backup at the start of qualifying who was called into duty after Corey Hennis suffered a serious broken leg against Lovisa in our fourth qualifying game. Kusler has come in here and provided excellent goalkeeping for us. He is getting great support from our defense. We are very thankful for what he has given us.

CP: Well Brian I will let you go and get back to the team. Best of luck tomorrow.

BC: Thanks Clint!

[CENTER]Forecasting The Finals
...

Predictions
[COLOR="Purple"]8th VS 9th Playoff Green Wombat 2-0 Secristan

...


(ooc: Holy Crap, Taeshan actually got a prediction right? What is this world Coming to?)

GWSportsNation.net

So we beat a lousy Secristan team, so what? That only gets us Newmanistan, who is hosting this, so it's basically a home game for them. So once again we'll fail to win the losers cup and the egheads up at the GWFA will cry and bitch about it for the next 2 years, until World Cup 44 qualifiers begin. NO ONE CARES about Soccer in green wombat. Why do you think we only have one stadium worth even hosting matches? And the last time we sold it out was like 20 years ago. Get with the program and cut funding soccer and start funding Football and Baseball. At least we do well in those sports.

Greal Quarterfinal Schedule
Greal VS Magna Sancta Sedes

Greal VS Magna Sancta Sedes Preview

Looks like we're playing Magna Sancta Sedes in the quarter finals today. Greal has played Magna Sancta Sedes three times in the past, and one of them resulted in a defeat for Greal, a draw for Greal, and a victory for Greal. The most recent time Greal played Magna Sancta Sedes was during the World Cup 43 qualifying, and Greal won 2-1. Now, Magna Sancta Sedes has probably learned from their defeat and will do its best today. Greal has also had a good run since so many soccer experts say the upcoming game is hard to predict. Ross Trent says that Michael Istoma will be returning to today's match. Greal will play with a standard 4-3-4 lineup.

Greali Weather Service reports sunny skies for today, which will encourage thousands of Greali fans to come to watch the match. Greali Television service is estimating three hundred million people will watch today's quarterfinal match.

Here are some other teams that are also playing in the quarter finals.

Newmanistan will play Green Wombat, who had just handed Secristan a defeat.

Taeshan will play Cassadaigua.

The Bostopian Empire will be playing West Zirconia today.

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

"Is it just me, or are there more people then ever here?"

"Everyone wants to see Magna Sancta Sedes versus Greal."

"Interesting."

"Really. The Greali Times said something about a new heightened interest in soccer."

"True. Well, what are you boys betting on?"

"Greal win."

"Me too."

"How much to join in?"

"A thousand."

"You guys bet high stakes."

"Count me in then."

"Here are the previews. That Howard Anderson is awesome."

"Why does he score so many times?"

"Guess training does do you good."

Prior to the game against Magna Sancta Sedes...

Trent: Unbelievable. I hear their team only has one guy.

Istoma: You're kidding right?

Trent: You know I never kid.

Anderson: Its wonder they made it this far.

Trent: It may be one guy, but he's really tough, so be careful today guys.

Expan: You know we do.

Trent: We've lasted this far. Maybe we can do more.

Hardy: My mother is here.

Anderson: In this country? Why is she here?

Hardy: To see me play.

Expan: Good luck on that.

Trent: Cut the chatter guys. We've got one chance, and this is it.

Anderson: We won't let you down coach.

Whole team cheers.

Trent: Just hope you guys don't. I got another team to train when I head back to Sasha.

How about we cutoff a couple quarterfinal games now.


Game C: Magna Sancta Sedes 0-2 Greal
Game D: The Bostopian Empire 1-1 West Zirconia (1-1 FT, 1-1 AET, West Zirconia win 2-1 on PK's)

Nov. 26- Semifinals:
Game F: Greal vs West Zirconia @ Tundra Falls Proving Grounds, Newmanistan

(The other games are being scorinated by West Zirconia

This round has been brought to you by

Turing Street Methodist Church
Turing Street (Junction with Welchman Street), Moorcroft

Don't let worry and depression kill you - let the Church help!


Quarter-final results:

Newmanistan 0-2 Green Wombat (at STORMGroup Stadium, Mort Park)
Taeshan 1-0 Cassadaigua (at Williamson Park, Banks)

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS OUSTED

Mort Park, West Zirconia- Newmanistan’s dream of winning consecutive Cups of Harmony and doing so on their own turf came to a sudden end last night after the team was nearly singlehandedly defeated by Leonard Dvorak, the Green Wombat goalkeeper. The final scoreline of 2-0 may make it appear as though the Rockets played with a poor effort in Mort Park, but this really wasn’t the case. Newmanistan dominated the first half with a 65-35 possession advantage, and registered 10 shots on target while Green Wombat managed just three. Unfortunately, one was those three was a 31st minute goal by Dale Henke. The second half was a bit more even as far as the possession and the shots were concerned, and the Rockets did get many chances on net but continued to be stymied by Dvorak. In the 88th minute, with the Rockets going for broke, Green Wombat scored on the counter attack to seal the deal with a 2-nil win.

Fans in both Green Wombat and Taeshan took the Cup of Harmony a little hard at first, but now the Q Continuum rivals will be set to meet in the semifinal in West Zirconia in Moorcroft with the winner advancing to the final in Tundra Falls. While that semifinal has a couple of old school nations, the Newmanistan semifinal features a couple of new nations with West Zirconia themselves still alive, surviving a stubborn Bostopian Empire squad on penalty kicks, meeting up with Greal, a nation who’s been somewhat of a surprise thus far. One of those four will be your champion. For the Rockets, they’ll be hoping they’ve played their last ever Cup of Harmony game.

(OOC: Wait... Really? That comes as a surprise to me, Newmanistan's KO.)

Purple Knights In Semis

God is now officially an underdog lover. Not saying that us or the Green Wobat teams were underdogs, but all three lower ranked teams knocked out higher seede team. The Knights #4 were the only one spared the relentless asult defeating Cassadaguia and taking ther next step. They will face region rival Green Wombat in the West Zirconia final. The other game will be between the West Zirconians and the Fitin' Greal team. Be proud, satand strong, we know have a chance. Game vs Newmanistan canceled easier oppnoent scheduled.

The Knights should have scored way more then one goal, but they did, and the scored was closer then it should have been. The Knights trounced past the Cassa's winning it on a Brian Ying Uing header past the young Cassadaguia keeper. The Knights easily won and made it to the next round. Wow, it an astonishing day.

OOc: when i saw that man i started choking.

Greal Quarterfinal Schedule
Greal VS Magna Sancta Sedes (2-0)

Greal advances to the Semifinals after win!

Four times now Greal has played Magna Sancta Sedes. Now, we added one more victory in our favor. Magna Sancta Sedes's one man team was no match for the Greali team. The game ended with final score of 2-0.

Magna Sancta Sedes started in possession of the ball and narrowly scored if Michael Istoma came up in time to block the effort. To prove his point, he passed it to Howard Anderson and Anderson scored. Magna Sancta Sedes kept on coming and nearly scored on two occasions. The first half ended 1-0. Magna Sancta Sedes continued the same tactics of trying to score over and over until the Greali goalkeeper Raull Grunt blocked a spectacular attempt. Michael Istoma was in possession of the ball and scored. Magna Sancta Sedes made no further attempt to score and simply blocked anyone trying to score. The game ended 2-0.


Greal 2
Howard Anderson (14')
Michael Istoma (67')

Magna Sancta Sedes 0

Three other teams survived their quarterfinal games and will advance to the semifinals also. After looking at the results, many people conclude that the underdogs are doing excellent.

Green Wombat defeated Newmanistan 2-0, which surprised some people.

Taeshan beat Cassadaigua 1-0.

West Zirconia beat The Bostopian Empire 2-1.

Greal will play West Zircoia in the semifinals today.

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"2-0 win. I wasn't expecting that."

"Nobody was."

"Now we're playing West Zircoia today."

"They are ranked ten places higher in the ranking system, but ranking doesn't seem to help you anymore in these matches."

"Well, now pay me my money, and I'll be off."

"Here. Goodbye."

"What about other teams?"

"Newmanistan was defeated by Green Wombat. I liked Newmanistan's team."

"Is Green Wombat an animal?"

"No, its a nation I think."

"Taeshan beat Cassadaguia also."

"This should be called the underdog cup."

OOC: Newmanistan's loss completely surprised me.

This should be called the underdog cup. :D

(OOC: Our team apologizes for all the surprises that they gave the world with their loss today. It's just the way it goes! ) Best wishes to the four remaining teams.

(OOC: I'm sure you weren't as surprised as I was when I saw what Margaret had to say.)

West Zirconia stumbled into the semi-final of the Cup of Harmony with a win on penalties over the Bostopian Empire.

Despite their lowly ranking at the start of the tournament, the Bostopian Empire surprised all by finishing top of Group C, and Roy Hazell knew that the opposition would be no pushover. With this in mind, he opted for a defensive formation to start, with a five-man defence and Martin Forster alone up front. This absorbed the early pressure from a Bostopian Empire team keen to build on the confidence this tournament has brought them.

However, this also made for a tedious start to the game for the Tundra Falls crowd, who were perhaps expecting something a little more exciting. This continued for pretty much the first half.

In the second half, Roy Hazell changed tactic, thinking that the first half had been enough to tire their opponents. Imgaine, then, the sense of shock when the Bostopian Empire came out, all guns blazing, and scored first, Jack Austell firing in a shot from twenty yards. Gone was the defensive attitude of the West Zirconia team, as also was Russell Munro, replaced by Alun Lydiate. The youngster helped increase the tempo of the game, and the improved performance paid off eventually when, ten minutes from time, Martin Forster scored from just outside the penalty area.

After 90 minutes the score was 1-1, so extra time was played, which yielded no further score. It was time for the dreaded penalty shootout. The players elected to take the penalties were:

Bostopian Empire:
1. Will Peterson
2. Michael Hayes
3. Greg Craven
4. Peter Brooks
5. Jack Austell

West Zirconia:
1. Martin Forster
2. Ed French
3. Anthony McGowan
4. Alun Lydiate
5. Ben Phillips

Peterson and Forster both sent their penalties wide, to keep the score at 0-0.
Hayes shot straight at Steve Gray, while French sent Steve Bush the wrong way. 1-0 to West Zirconia.
Craven shot just under the bar, while McGowan hit the post. Now 1-1.
Brooks scuffed his shot completely, sending the ball hobbling towards Gray. Meanwhile, although Bush guessed correctly, his fingertips could not keep Lydiate's shot out. 2-1 to West Zirconia.
So it was all down to Jack Austell to keep the Bostopian Empire in the match. He shot low, only for Gray to guess correctly, sending the ball spinning slowly round the post. Phillips' penalty wasn't required, as West Zirconia had won 2-1.



The shock of the round saw favourites Newmanistan lose 2-0 to Green Wombat in Mort Park, while Greal stunned Magna Sancta Sedes in Pocono City, also winning 2-0. The semi-final line-up was completed by Taeshan, who beat Cassadaigua 1-0 in Banks.
West Zirconia return to Tundra Falls to face Greal, while Taeshan play Green Wombat in Moorcroft. The winners go on to Tundra Falls to contest the final, while the losers go on to Mort Park for the third-place playoff.




Bostopian Empire: Bush, Moore, Kulmar, Bansal, Newbury, Johnson, Craven (c), Brooks, Hayes, Peterson, Austell.

West Zirconia: Gray, Phillips (c), Fox, Faulkner, Munro (Lydiate 52), Paterson, Hawthorne, Williams, French, McGowan, Forster.

Goals: Bostopian Empire - Austell (51). West Zirconia - Forster (80).

GWSportsNation.net

HOLY $#!+

We beat a good team in the CoH? 2-0 over Newmanistan?
I bet, pun intended, that somewhere a casino has just been fleeced. I actually watched that game, and despite the positive spin the Newmanistani media put on it, That game was fixed. Trust me I know a fixed game when I see one. So someone in Green wombat has a lot of $$$ and some photos of the Newmanistan coach having sex with a goat, a donkey and one of the Dallas whores. That's the only reason I can think of why this team won that game. Now I wonder if that guy has some photos of Taeshan's coach getting a BJ from his dog while his wife is pleasuring herself.

(ooc: Yes IC this blogger is a pervert, oocly, I'm stunned)

Greal Semifinal Schedule
Greal VS West Zirconia

Greal VS West Zirconia Preview

Greal has arrived at the semifinals and will playing West Zirconia today. Soccer experts say that Greal has a much better chance of winning the up coming match then ever. If Greal wins, they will play whoever wins the Taeshan/Green Wombat match in the finals. If Greal loses, they will go after the third place and hopefully try to win. As the matches goes on, they will get tougher and tougher. West Zirconia is a formidable opponent who is also going for the Cup of Harmony and basically face the same situation as us. It seems like this year is the underdog cup. Many lower ranked teams have triumphed over their higher ranked opponents in this year's cup. Greal will play with a standard 4-3-4 lineup.

The stadium has reportedly sold out to fans from West Zirconia and Greal. Weather Service reports sunny skies today, making it a perfect day for a soccer match.

Taeshan, fresh from their victory over Cassadaguia, will be playing Green Wombat, who had handedly defeated Newmanistan.

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

"Today's the match. Again."

"Will we win?"

"Don't know, its even harder to tell."

"I'll bet on a nail biter win."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"Five hundred dollars?"

"Eight hundred. High stakes."

"What about other teams?"

"I bet Taeshan will win in their game."

"Eight hundred?"

"Six hundred dollars is fine."

"Pull over. The bar is up the road."

"Nice bar."

"Thanks Frank. Took me a decade to become the owner."

"Who was the previous owner?"

"A retired officer. He moved to Womer."

"Womer sucks. Who wants to live next to a naval base?"

"Apparently a hundred and thirty million people want to."

"Here are the previews guys."

"Be quiet please and turn up the volume."

Prior to the game against West Zirconia...

Anderson: The semifinals. I never thought we would reach this far.

Trent: Neither did I. We can still do more boys.

Expan: The team from West Zirconia looks like they're ready to win.

Trent: So are we guys.

Whole team cheers.

Istoma: Lets do what we can.

Anderson: We will.

Istoma: Howard, why do you score so many goals?

Anderson: Training does tend to help your scoring.

Trent: True. Now, if we reach the finals, we made history right there. If we win the finals, thats another matter.

Anderson: Its almost time.

Istoma: Lets move.

Rest of the team cheers again.

Trent: We're going to need a lot of luck boys.

Anderson: Hopefully its on our side.

Which new nation is going to get to the Cup of Harmony Final in Tundra Falls? I hope both of you have said some kind of prayer to the mighty spirits which oversee the Proving Grounds. Now the spirits will be in communication with the mighty Margaret. Who will it be? Here's your big RP cutoff.

West Zirconia 3-2 Greal

Congrats to West Zirconia on making the Cup of Harmony final!! You guys will remain in Tundra Falls. After the loss, Greal is probably going to the one place they wish they didn't have to after this result.... back to West Zirconia for the 3rd place game.

This round has been brought to you by

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So who will be joining West Zirconia in the Cup of Harmony Final?
Who will be fighting it out with Greal for third place?

[cue drum-roll]

Taeshan 2-1 Green Wombat (at Manchester Street, Moorcroft)


Which means the following:

Final: West Zirconia v Taeshan (at Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
Third-Place Playoff: Greal v Green Wombat (at STORMGroup Stadium, Mort Park)

OOC: I'm a bit disappointed. But, you can't have everything.

Greal Semifinal Schedule
Greal VS West Zirconia (2-3)

You can't have everything

Like one person would phrase it,"The most dramatic match I've even seen." Greal and West Zirconia fought so fiercely during the game, fans were confused whether anyone was going to win. But in the end, West Zirconia came back and ended the game 3-2.

West Zirconia started in possession of the ball and quickly scored. Howard Anderson made a comeback late in the game scoring just before the first half was over. Sebastian Expan sprained his knee, so, he was replaced. The second half could have turned out into the same. After West Zirconia scored for the second time, Michael Istoma seized the ball and scored so fast one fan said it was like a flash. Greal and West Zirconia continued their match, both sides desperately trying to score, but West Zirconia scored for the final time, and Greal lost 3-2.


West Zirconia 3
Martin Forster (10')
Anthony McGowan (54')
Patrick Williams (86')

Greal 2
Howard Anderson (21')
Michael Istoma (65')

The only other teams playing in the semifinals were Taeshan and Green Wombat, and their results were.....

Taeshan 2-1 Green Wombat

Greal will play Green Wombat today in the match which would determine who would be third place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"We've lost. Nailbiter."

"Gather up your money. We have to pay."

"3-2. What a close game."

"Its a shame. Now we're going after third place."

"Lets hope we win that."

"I bet nailbiter, again."

"Be careful. You're on dangerous ground here."

"Well, I bet on a outright win."

"Five hundred?"

"A thousand."

"Greal losing doesn't seem to affect your betting."

Purple Knights In Finals

For the first time in the short 13 year history of the Taeshani National Soccer team they have made a final. They will play the friendly team from West Zirconia, part hosts of the CoH, for the championship in a dreaded plae. Yes, tommorow night the Knights head to Newmanistan home of the hated Rockets to play for the first soccer trophy. They made it to the finals by defeating regionamtes Green Wombat 2-1 in an epic victory.

The Wombat scored first in the 40th minute off a bad defensive miscue by goalie Tad Montague who lost the ball in the sun. Not so funny really, as hes never seen a sun that bright before in his 3 some years in Taeshan. They were slow to come back, but they did. Doug Newier got the ball rolling in the second half literally, he scored off the opening kickoff on a screaming liner into the net. Then with the seconds dwindling in the game Brian Ying Uing won the game on a Zeke Jr. assist on a crossing header.

Greal Third-Place Playoff Schedule
Greal VS Green Wombat

Greal VS Green Wombat Preview

Today, Greal will play Green Wombat in the third place playoff. Ironically, we will be playing in West Zirconia, whoa had beaten us in the semifinals. Green Wombat is even more a formidable opponent then West Zirconia, but Green Wombat losing to Taeshan and us losing West Zirconia would have shaken us up a little. Ross Trent says his team will do its best on the last match of course. Greal will play with a standard 4-3-4 lineup.

In the final, Taeshan will play West Zirconia today. Many people are also watching the final.

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

"The third place playoff."

"One thousand dollars."

"Alright."

"We've got one last chance."

"One last chance."

"Good luck to our guys."

"They will need all the luck they're going to get."

"Hopefully we'll win the third place."

"Hopefully."

"Three New Beers."

"Twenty dollars."

"Here you go. So what was I saying?"

"Something about who will win."

"Personally, I think West Zirconia will win the final."

"You wanna bet on that?"

"Eight hundred."

Prior to the game against Green Wombat....

Trent: This is our final game.

Anderson: Its a shame we didn't play more.

Trent: Well, looks like it'll be another year for us if we don't qualify next year's world cup.

Expan: You know we'll be sent to CoH36 if we fail to qualify?

Trent: Hopefully not.

Anderson: Well, Green Wombat looks ready.

Trent: So are we.

Hardy: Well folks, this is my last game.

Trent: What?!?

Hardy: I'm leaving. I'm joining the Sasha League.

Trent: Well, we'll make your last match memorable.

Hardy: Maybe.

Trent: I hate reporters.

Anderson: Why bring that subject up?

Trent: Theres one over there.

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Third-place Playoff Result:

Greal 1-1 Green Wombat (1-1 AET)
(Green Wombat wins 3-0 on penalty kicks)

On behalf of my partner West Zirconia, we would like to thank everyone for their participation in the Cup of Harmony. The football field at the Tundra Falls Proving Grounds is full to capacity, with overflow seating as expected pouring into the grandstands of the surrounding racetrack. Despite Newmanistan not being in it, many Newmanistanians are in attendance to watch this historic event taking place on Empire turf.

Fans of West Zirconia and Taeshan file in as well in large numbers. Both nations looking to capture this major championship. For West Zirconia, a Cup of Harmony victory would mean that they would join Newmanistan as one of a select few nations that have won a Baptism of Fire and a Cup of Harmony. They have played their entire tournament on Newmanistanian soil, and should feel comfortable with the surroundings of the Proving Grounds.

For Taeshan, mentioning the nation Newmanistan to them often means their nation has seen defeat. How ironic then would it be if their greatest victory so far in their football history would come here in Newmanistan, of all places. Taeshan has won a title at the Proving Grounds before, that being the 2nd World Lacrosse Championships.

The anticipation grows, as the players hit the pitch. The fans are ready. The players are ready. The scorinator is ready. This is the RP cutoff, and let’s see who will win the 35th edition of the Cup of Harmony.

.......

And there you have it! Thank you attending tonight's Cup of Harmony 35 title game. Your final score again was:

Taeshan 2-1 West Zirconia

Congratulations, Taeshan!

Thank God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And of course Brian Ying Uings two Goals