Oxen Cup 9 [Archive] - Jolt Forums

Qazox

29-11-2008, 07:43

OK

Here's a very tentative schedule for the tourney. (Please remember that it's a double elimination, [See Oxen Cup 1 on either wiki for a closer look at how the brackets will work out])

OTHER than the 1st round of the loser's bracket, all loser's bracket match-ups will be pretty much pre-determined, due to the nature of a Double-elimination tourney. Any re-matches of a Winner's bracket match in the Loser's bracket will be attempted not to occur unless it is impossible to avoid. (ie: the Championship final game(s), or the Loser's Bracket's 1st or 2nd final)

MD1: First round match-ups. (16 teams)
MD2: First round Loser's Bracket matchups (8 teams)
MD3: Second round Winner's Bracket matchups (8 teams [quarterfinals])
MD4: Second round Loser's Bracket matchups (Winners of Loser's Bracket games on MD2 [4 teams] vs. Losers of winner's bracket games on MD3 [4 teams]).
MD5: Third Round Loser's Bracket matchups (4 teams) and Semifinals Winner's Bracket.
MD6: Fourth Round Loser's Bracket (4 teams) [Winners of Loser's bracket games on MD5 vs. Losers of Winner's Bracket games on MD5]
MD7: Loser's bracket First-final and Winner's Bracket final.
MD8: Loser's bracket Second-final (Winner of Loser's bracket First-final vs. Loser of Winner's Bracket final.
MD9: Championship First game: (Winner of Winner's Bracket final vs. MD8 Winner)
MD10: Championship Second game: if neccessary (If the "champion" of the loser's bracket wins on MD9, then this game will be played, if not, the tourney is over)

Or in somewhat visual terms:
(assume the first # listed is the winner of each match-up, OK? ;))
MD1:
WB
1v2
3v4
5v6
7v8
9v10
11v12
13v14
15v16

MD2:
LB
2v16
4v14
6v12
8v10

MD3:
WB
1v15
3v13
5v11
7v9

MD4:
LB
2v9
4v11
6v13
8v15

MD5:
WB
1v3
5v7
LB
2v4
6v8

MD6:
LB
2v3
6v7

MD7:
WB final
1v5
LB 1st final
2v6

MD8:
LB 2nd final
2v5

MD9:
Championship Game 1
2v1

MD10:
Championship Game 2 (if neccessary)
1v2

Team one would win the tourney

After each round matchups are determined and are completed, THEN I will update the wiki (the one I use), as to show the next round's matchups. While you RP, please pick your next opponet in the winner's bracket, if you win your game. And tothose of you who lose in the 1st round, do the same, as it will be your last chance to pick an opponent. IF you do not pick an opponent, then I will attempt to place 2 teams as close as possible in rank together (for more even match-ups).

Jeruselem

29-11-2008, 14:47

We'll play Lovisa ...

Taeshan

29-11-2008, 18:43

We would like to take a crack at Nethertopia

Miroxia

29-11-2008, 19:15

Miroxia will play Peisandros

Qazox

29-11-2008, 21:10

Dancougar vs. Newmanistan CONFIRMED
Lecland vs. Syktyvkar CONFIRMED
Jeruselem vs. Lovisa CONFIRMED
Taeshan vs. Nethertopia CONFIRMED
Miroxia vs. Peisandros CONFIRMED
Myedvedeya vs. Qazox CONFIRMED

The list of non-matched up teams:
Krytenia
Cafundeu
West Zirconia
The Blouman Empire

Myedvedeya

30-11-2008, 02:11

(Still No one wants to play me in the first round? :( )

We'll play you in the first round.

Lovisa

30-11-2008, 02:30

Quazo I will be playing with ya.ok?

Qazox

30-11-2008, 05:29

We'll play you in the first round.

Quazo I will be playing with ya.ok?

Sorry Lovisa, Myedvedeya beat you by about 20 minutes.:eek: besdies, Jeruselem picked you, so you're facing off with them.

Taeshan

30-11-2008, 05:57

um Q im guessing this is were we should postr rosters, as it says just Oxen Cup 9, and not sign ups and such.

Qazox

30-11-2008, 06:05

um Q im guessing this is were we should postr rosters, as it says just Oxen Cup 9, and not sign ups and such.

You wouldst be correct.

Taeshan

30-11-2008, 06:13

Goalkeeper-Grant Balfir
Left Defense-Bradleay Fischer
Left Centre Defense-Kollen Culp
Right Centre Defense-Grigory Graham
Right Defense-Micheal Tyree-Smyth
Left Midfield-Zack Green
Centre Midfield-Colby White
Right Midfield-Adam Snelling
Left Sriker-Sam Richardson
Centre Stiker-Kyle Stall
Right Striker-Karl Simpson-Angek

Goalkeeper-Frederick Golson
Defense-Toby Bellingsly
Midfield-George Appleby
Striker-Tom Trickly

Manager-Dan Martin

Qazox

30-11-2008, 06:37

Qazox, determined to win their tourney for the first time ever, will send the most recent World Cup squad (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14110755&postcount=4) to the tourney.

Blouman Empire

30-11-2008, 12:46

This is what happens when I don't log on for one day. Well let's see I will take West Zirconia then.

Nethertopia

30-11-2008, 12:50

We would like to take a crack at Nethertopia

Sweet, against the CoH winners. I'll get a squad up soon.

Dancougar

30-11-2008, 12:58

You guessed it... the Kingdom of Dancougar College All-Stars!
Class status as of upcoming fall
Bold denotes starter
Italics denotes declared for D-League Super Draft

Coach Solomon Bilbao has been handed a team of college players looking to gain international experience, raise their draft stock, and just get a chance to compete with some of the best players in the world. If a style modifier is used, the Wings will play a min(+2, style_mod_max) and come out in a 3-4-3.

GK - Lane McCarville (Sr - Carnegie Technical Institute)
GK - Adam Sidman (Sr - Northeastern Masato Univ)

D - Tomo Asanuma (Jr - Kohona Academy)
D - Matt Bogart (Sr - University of Shiba at Grandborough)
D - Yasui Deguchi (Graduated - Shiba State University)
D - Doug Edrington (Sr - Carnegie Technical Institute)
D - Elliot Margison (Graduated - Mount Fujiko State College)
D - Donovan Studler (Jr - Dancougar Royal Academy)
D - Mitchell Wolford (Jr - Waugaman City College)

M - Christian Chojnacki (Jr - Barynsk College)
M - Andrew Earley (Sr - University of Shiba at Grandborough)
M - Dan Florentino (Jr - University of Lunarossa)
M - Jon Kokoszka (Sr - Barynsk College)
M - Donald Lonsway (Jr - Trafford Technical Institute)
M - Goro Murakami (Graduated - Amada University)
M - Al Sears (Jr - Dancougar Royal Academy)
M - Ken Shinozaki (Graduated - Hazuki State University)

F - Kazuo Hosokaya (Graduated - Shiratori University)
F - Kanaye Isozaki (Sr - University of Lunarossa)
F - Makoto Katayanagi (Jr - Hazuki State University)
F - Neil Lowrey (Sr - Amada University)
F - Hiromasa Nagasawa (Graduated - Hazuki State University)
F - Martin Packard (Jr - Glassport City College)

If you RP first, you may...
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (please keep num_red_cards + num_injuries <= 2)
Godmod other events: Sure; TG me first if it's going to be something insane.

Qazox

30-11-2008, 19:41

The first round matches are all set. try to get your rosters in by 11:59pm on monday, as MD1 results will be posted then. Then for the winners, pick your 2nd round opponent in your RP, and the losers, do the same.

Dancougar vs. Newmanistan CONFIRMED
Lecland vs. Syktyvkar CONFIRMED
Jeruselem vs. Lovisa CONFIRMED
Taeshan vs. Nethertopia CONFIRMED
Miroxia vs. Peisandros CONFIRMED
Myedvedeya vs. Qazox CONFIRMED
The Blouman Empire vs. West Zirconia CONFIRMED
Krytenia vs. Cafundeu (only teams left)

Newmanistan

30-11-2008, 20:56

A short and sweet Newmanistan Roster for you. For more information on these players, please feel free to check the Cup of Harmony 35 and/or Di Bradini 7 threads for more on these players if you really want to know more. Time constraints is one reason I’m going short with it, but also because I’m still undecided on what I want to do with ages of players to balance out what I did with Di Bradini 7.

Team Nickname: The Rockets
Style Modifier: If used, the second highest offensive setting. (If max is +3, then we are +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.

Coach: Brian Carson (Pocono City)- This will actually be the first time Carson coaches in the Oxen Cup.
Assistant: Chris Merrill (Dover City)

Starters:
GK: #1 Chris Kusler (Putnam Lake)
LB: #5 Jeremy Brooker (Dunboor FC, Cafundeu) ** Alternate Captain **
LCB: #7 Scott LaFave (Daytopia)
RCB:#3 Kevin Haynes (South Charlotte)
RB: #8 Michael Harrison (Pocono City)
LM: #16 Dale Stevens (Cafundeu)
CM: #10 Alex Parnett (Albrecht Turkish, Candelaria And Marquez)
RM: #17 Brett Prescott (A.F.F., Cafundeu)
LS: #20 Jeremy McAllister (Putnam Lake) ** TEAM CAPTAIN **
ST: #9 Brett Carlson (Pocono City)
RS: #14 Jennifer Vilardi (Fairfield City)

Subs: (We hear we can have seven now. Good!)
GK: #21 Kurt Allwine (Tundra Falls)
CB: #2 Brett Taratino (South Tier)
CB: #6 Tony Borsinger (Tundra Falls)
MID: #12 Kyle Carrigan (Olympia)
MID: #18 James Seidler (Springfield)
ST: #11 Shawn Drummond (Cafundeu)
ST: #13 Brian Wright (Dover City)

Reserves:
GK: #31 Andrew McClure (South Tier)
CB: #4 Chris Johnston (Centralia)
CB: #22 Eric Lovell (Dover City)
MID: #23 Stanley Rocco (Loudon)
MID: #24 Dirk Brogan (Stroudsbourg)
ST: #15 Shannon Vilardi (Presently an NPL free agent)

Lecland

30-11-2008, 23:14

Announcement: Lecland annouces Oxen Cup squad

Lecland has annouced it's squad, which is on it's way to take part in the 9th Oxen Cup
This will be Lecland's first taste of international football and it's first match against Syktyvkar will be the first match either side will have played.

The Cup is part of Lecland's FA target to challenge for qualification for the next World Cup, and the target for this tournament is to reach the second round of either the winners or losers brackets. the public are extremely excited that Lecland will finally try it's luck at the international level and hope that they can do well against the other teams

Coach: George Robinson

Formation: 4-4-2
Modifier if there is one: +1 towards attack.

Gk: David Smith Age: 28: Has been the national goalkeeper for four years now, and is a solid force in between the post (Leyton Utd)
Gk: Freddy Bar: Age 23: Touted as the replacment to Smith though not there yet. (Keel Utd
Def: Harry Lawson: Age 26: Though inexperienced on the international stage, Harry Lawson has been a huge part of Leyton City's title winning team this season thus has come into the national set up. (Leyton City)
Def: Gary Coleman Age 30: Been part of the international set up for a number of years, and is Lealands vice captain (Leyton Utd)
Def: John Ford: Age 28: Experienced right back, also part of Leyton City's title winning team this year. (Leyton City)
Def: Carl Manning: Age 24: Young fast left wing back, know for his lethal crosses as well as his tough tackles. (Weston Rovers)
Def: Joe Hartson Age 23: A star for the future (Newpool)
Def: Shaun Cole: Age 25: right back by trade though can play in any position in the defence or midfield with out much trouble. (Harecastle)

Mid: Michael Parson: Age 22: Right Midfielder, Burst onto the international stage having ripped through the various defences of the teams in Lealand's domestic league. (Keswick City)
Mid: Gareth Johnson: age: 30: The experience heart of Lealand, and their captain. (Leyton City)
Mid: Harry Fairfield: Age 30: Along with Johnson, forms the heart of Lealands midfield. (Leyton Utd)
Mid: Stuart Carson: Age 25: Quick Left Winger, with was most assists in the domestic league this season. (Wootton Utd)
Mid: Anton Daring: Age 25: central midfield and one for the future (Botley Utd)
Mid: Zak Stevenson: Age 27: Winger (Keel Utd)

Str: Gary Owen: Age 24: Fast, quick and deadly one on one, plagued by injury (Leyton Utd)
Str: Carl Young: Age 28: great holder of the ball and not slow either (Bow City)
Str: Joe Mare: Age 32: What he lacks in pace, he makes up for in experience, the top scorer ever in Lecland's domestic league (Harecastle)
Str: Leighton Stevens: Age 21: Top scorer in the domestic league this season, though is known to choke at this level. (Newpool)

1st XI
GK: David Smith
DL: Carl Manning
DC: Harry Lawson
DC: Gary Coleman (VC)
DR: John Ford
ML: Stuart Carson
MC: Gareth Johnson (C)
MC: Harry Fairfield
MR: Michael Parson
FW: Gary Owen
FW: Carl Young

Subs:
GK: Freddy Bar
D: Shaun Cole
D: Joe Hartson
M: Anton Daring
M: Zak Stevenson
F: Joe Mare
F: Leighton Stevens

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

Myedvedeya

30-11-2008, 23:40

Myedvedeya will send their DBC7 squad, in an attempt to give the U-21's more playing time, and see which ones will be selected for the WC44 squad. For this tournament, however, the KGB Cubs will be managed by the senior squad manager.

STYLE MODIFIER: +2

FORMATION: 4-4-2

Manager: Prince Vladimir Sergyevitch Bagration

Forwards:
#3 Vlademyros Konstantinovitch Mavropoulous-Stoliarenkovsky- Age 18
#12 Vanya Dimitrovitch- Age 17
#18 Karel Nikov- Age 15
#21 Vladimir Askanov- Age 20
#14 Aleksander Smirnov- Age 18

Midfield:
#27 Giovanni D'Ancona- Age 17
#2 Stanislav Markov- Age 16
#16 Sergey Rostov (Captain)- Age 19
#9 Konstantin Petrovsky- Age 14
#8 Aleskander Vertin- Age 18
#31 Aleksander Bolkov- Age 20
#19 Vassili Denisov- Age 15
#7 Ibrahim Kasparov- Age 16
#15 Kostya Markov- Age 20
#11 Maksim Forsov- Age 17

Defense:
#17 Ivan Ulyanov- Age 18
#5 Ivan Kolkaev- Age 20
#26 David Ben Dayan- Age 17
#24 Grigory Lomonosov- Age 18
#22 Dimitar Lobovitch- Age 16
#13 Vadiym Mikhaiylichenko- Age 15
#30 Ivan Borskovo- Age 17
#34 Vladimir Molotov- Age 18
#10 Mikhail Morosov- Age 16

Goalkeepers:
#1 Vladimir Shcherbatsky- Age 17
#33 Nikolai Dimitrov- Age 15
#25 Vanya Fimbrionov- Age 17

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: Sergey Rostov
Set Piece Taker (Includes PK's): Vanya Dimitrovitch
Shootout order: Vlademyros K.M.S., Sergey Rostov, Stanislav Markov, Vanya Dimitrovitch, Konstantin Petrovsky
Right Corner: Konstantin Petrovsky
Left Corner: Giovanni D'Ancona

NORMAL STARTING LINEUP:

#3 Mav-Stoli. #9 Dimitrovitch

#27 D'Ancona #2 Markov #16(C) Rostov #9 Petrovsky

#17 Ulyanov #5 Kolkaev #26 Ben Dayan #24 Lomonosov

#1 Shcherbatsky

West Zirconia

30-11-2008, 23:44

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

In the immediate aftermath of hosting the Cup of Harmony, and reaching the final of the same competition, West Zirconia coach Roy Hazell has decided to give the vast majority of the senior team a break for the Oxen Cup.

Instead, he will be using this competition as an opportunity to set up an under-21 side, with a view to participation in future under-21 championships, as well as running the rule over the stars of the future.

Three of the squad - Russell Munro, Andy Scott and Alun Lydiate - are regulars in the senior side, and it is hoped that their experience will help their up-and-coming colleagues.

The West Zirconia team for the Oxen Cup will be as follows:

GK Chris Willis (Markham)
DL Nigel Williams (Bradley Swifts)
DC Lewis Talbot (St. Martin University)
DC Russell Munro (Taylor's Cross)
DR Andy Turner (East Snaith)
ML Simon Robinson (St. Martin University)
MC Tim Hammond (Moorcroft University)
MC Keith Johnston (Crompton Town)
MR Andy Scott (Dover City, Newmanistan)
FW Andrew Bates (Banks)
FW Alun Lydiate (Walton)

The substitutes are as follows:

Goalkeepers: Josh Clarke (Kirkham Town), Alex Godfrey (Ashton Rovers)

Defenders: Simon Reece (Redwood Forest), Steven Berry (Bradley Hornets), Mark Avery (West Coast Angels)

Midfielders: Tim Holmes (Currie), Jonathan Lyons (Moorcroft University), Gareth Parker (Mort Park)

Forwards: Steve Willis (Markham), Marvin Barrett (Moorcroft City), Andy Carlisle (Mort Park)

[The OOC bit: As is always the case, anything allowed except godmods. Sytle modifier +1]

Syktyvkar

01-12-2008, 00:12

The Enchanted Siberian Forest of Syktyvkar, the most autonomous of Myedvedeya's regions, is inhabited by hugely diverse and strange quasi-magical creatures. As such, the roster is composed of satyrs, elves, vampires, and pretty much anything else you could imagine. They have no substitutes, as they do not suffer injury.

STYLE: +1
FORMATION: 4-3-3

Manager:
Svetovid (Demigod)- Age Unknown

Forwards:
Svarog (Demigod)- Age Unknown

Aeschylus Silenus (Satyr)- 457

Mircha Dragulescu (Vampire)- 5,215

Midfield:
Thorontur Aerdirnaithon (Elf)- 789

Miroslav Istuion Kravnik (Half-elf)- 109

Romulus Saturnius (Satyr)- 302

El Juli (Minotaur)- 1,005

Defense:
Imrahil (Djinni)- 10,207

Neurion Minyadan (Elf)- 3,032

Ciprian Corneliu (Vampire)- 2,501

Gabriel Ileana (Angel)- Age Unknown

Goalkeeper:

Salvinius Varda (Demon)- 142,012

Jeruselem

01-12-2008, 00:56

Jeruselem's roster

"The Princesses"

Formation: 4-4-2

Style Modifier: +2

Coach: Ryan Greenly
* Qazox World Cup Coach for 40 to 42
* Jeru FC coach for World Cup 43

Assistant Coach: Sister Marsha
* Coach of the winning Turtle Cup I and Oxen Cup 7 team
* Assistant Coach of World Cup 40 to 43
* Coach of Cup of Hockey 6

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

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

GK (M,25) - Rajkie Salam - Father owns a Mosque
GK (F,31) - Shay Rushdie - Works as a poodle trainer part-time
GK (F,24) - Kaz Raine - Works at the Royal Jeruselem Mint as a quality control officer

DEF (F,28) - Jacinta Sallad - Big Dallas fan, nicknamed Jacinta Dallas. Looks like a Jacinta Dallas clone.
DEF (M,31) - John Kranzoy - A hard worker in defense. Not the most skillful but never gives in to a challenge.
DEF (F,29) - Dazzarina Intern - Badly behaved around the opposite sex, Nymphomaniac like the real Dazza.
DEF (M,28) - Geovanni Dallas - One of Debbie Dallas's sons. The only Dallas in this team.
DEF (F,23) - Shim LiPing - A pretty Asian girl with lot of talent. A former gymnastics star.
DEF (M,24) - Wang Hui Bao - Hard working defender with a great work ethic. Always puts on his best for his chosen team.
DEF (F,25) - Celina Sadie Dallas - The Jeru FC captain for WC41 and CoH for the WC31. A tough defender despite her lack of intelligence and slutty habits.

MID (F,27) - Beth Bootin - Voted cheerleader most likely to sleep a football team once
MID (F,24) - Sally Kool - One of Kara's many many cousins.
MID (F,30) - Kate Sallad - Big Dallas fan, nicknamed Kate Dallas. Looks like Kate Dallas clone too (CAPTAIN)
MID (M,24) - Oliver Beerhoff - A German who doesn't like beer.
MID (M,28) - David Carney - Solid midfielder who moves forward with a potent left foot.
MID (M,34) - Flak Sho - Ariddian Jew who moved to Jeruselem. Princess Jacinta Dallas's husband.
MID (F,28) - Sister Hanna Josh - A nun who wants to prove female football players aren't all sluts
MID (F,24) - Princess Marie-Antoinette Dallas, 3rd daughter of Dazza Dallas

STR (M,25) - Na Ling - An action man on the field, sometimes at the expense of other teammates. Never gives up a hopeless cause.
STR (F,30) - Jennifer Sloan - Black belt in Karate already.
STR (F,28) - Kylie Sho - One of Flak Sho's cousins from Ariddia. Believes she can be better than the Kools.
STR (M,23) - Robert Zygolene - Better known as Robzy, the team joker whose jokes are terrible
STR (M,24) - Jay Licken - Member of the Starblaydia U2 Cup 6 team. The new "Private Nok Em Downe" type person. Married to Kate Sallad.

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

Dallas count = 3
Sallad count = 2

and

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

Newmanistan

01-12-2008, 08:54

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS-WINGS DOUBLEHEADER IN QAZOX

Qazox- In football, the American way, the Newmanistan Rockets are on quite a run, having reached the World Bowl IV final in Qazox City. The opponent will be Dancougar and both nations are excited and eager to win World Bowl glory, something that Dancougar has previously experienced while Newmanistan has not. More and more chapters get added to the Rockets rivalry with Dancougar and that final may provide some of the biggest bragging rights to date. But it is not the only football that Newmanistan and Dancougar will be playing in Qazox. The nations will open up the 9th edition of the Oxen Cup against each other as well in what has to be one of the featured matches of first round. This game was known about for a while, so many fans of both nations were in Qazox already, and reportedly many of these fans have been buying World Bowl IV tickets as well off of others as they try to do a little double dipping in both matches.

Oxen Cup 9 has a very different but exciting theme to it. Gone for this game are group stages and knockout games that are drawn up with seeds based on records and goal differentials. QSPN, which so diligently spent over an hour working out playoff scenarios and tiebreaker situations heading into the last day of group play of World Bowl IV. That is not something that they will have to worry about here. This Oxen Cup is a straight up double elimination tournament with a very unique twist. There is no scheduling. Who needs that! Instead teams have been able to “call out” their opponent. That’s right, you can pick whoever you want to play as long as they are in the same bracket and situation as you are in. Newmanistan, however, did not get to pick their opponent. Empress Jessica apparently had a particular nation in mind, but Qazox officials, despite explicitly stating on a Monday that you picking opponents would begin on Saturday and Sunday, and if you picked early you would get last choice, turned around and allowed Dancougar to select us at 11:35PM on Friday night. Not a time zone matter, as Qazox and Newmanistan apparently are in the same time zone. But there would be no protest, according to the Empress, because, “We are always excited to play the Black Wings because of our deep history, and if they want us to the point where they jumped the gun to go get us, then we will be more then happy to oblige and get some payback from that final qualifying game.”

Dancougar will be fresh off an amazing run in World Cup 43 in which the team made it to the semifinals before being knocked out by Demot. The Black Wings bounced back in the third place game by defeating Lovisa. If you lost interest in World Cup 43 after we did not qualify, three teams from out qualifying group reached the quaterfinal! The Rockets should get bonus KPB points for being so close in that pack, don’t you think? Oh well, we can dream. Centralia Cougars defender Casey Berber, who plays for that Dancougar national team told a Centralia TV station when he returned to the Cougars that, “We never stopped believing that we could win the World Cup and it should just be the beginning of great things to come for Dancougar.” Berber will not be on the field for the Black Wings, as they will be fielding a team of collegiate all-stars. College football is big in Dancougar, much larger then it is in Newmanistan, because in Newmanistan players begin playing professionally right away at very young ages through development programs by the NPL teams they sign with, whereas in Dancougar the college route is a preferable road to take. It could probably be said that the Dancougar roster is essentially a Di Bradini Cup roster in disguise. It was off this kind of a roster that the Centralia Cougars plucked Casey Berber off of during the 6th Oxen Cup, and it is quite likely the NPL teams will be watching very closely and could have some transfer offers on the way. Newmanistan will be playing a mixed roster. It isn’t completely the same senior team roster, but the well known names are coming to Qazox. There is also a splattering of youth across it as well. Also Kevin Haynes, who is not on the senior team roster, starts on defense again after his stellar performance with the “B” team in Oxen Cup 8.

Making his first ever appearance in Qazox is Brian Carson, who has not coached an Oxen Cup team before. Eric Andrews led the team for Oxen Cups 6 and 7 while Carson was guiding the Di Bradini teams, and the last time around it was James Martin of Centralia that led the way coaching the “B” team. Newmanistan has had a pretty good history in Qazox, and perhaps the addition of Carson can help get the team a championship in this unique format. There may be some good nations going “two and out”, as some strong countries will find themselves in the losers bracket very early. Other then the loser of this game, you would have Jeruselem or Lovisa, Blouman Empire or West Zirconia, and Krytenia or Cafundeu. Plus who knows, maybe one of the other powers will get upset and be sent to the bracket too. The format is going to lead to some craziness. So why not start it off with Dancougar and Newmanistan, even if it is 25 minutes early? Expect another classic.

Peisandros

01-12-2008, 09:08

Miroxia will play Peisandros

Marvellous! K, my roster to follow. Can someone quickly explain how the whole RP'ing works exactly? Is it first in, first served for each game? Either post here or a TG would be good, thanks.

Peisandros

01-12-2008, 10:34

This is Peisandros' first international football competition. The sport has a healthy following, but has played second fiddle to rugby in recent times. The PFA (Peisandros Football Association) is hoping that by getting more involved on the international scene, Sandrians will come to enjoy the game more and attendances will rise for the national season... Basically money is driving the whole operation.

A wider training squad was initially named in an attempt to whittle down the numbers. Players were drawn from the Top League, as well as a few bolters from lower grades and even school boys. After a week long camp, the first national coach Alexander Pappas and his coaching team announced the final squad of 23 to travel to Qazox.

It has been decided the team will play, initially, in a 4-4-2.

The Peisandros roster for Oxen Cup 9:
Starters in bold.

GK: #1 Calisto Pappas.. Age: 19
GK: #17 Alexander Vlahos.. Age: 27
GK: #23 Dorian Theotokis.. Age: 26

Def: #2 Narcissus Theodore.. Age: 22
Def: #12 Stefanos Leandros.. Age: 23
Def: #19 Luke Erasmus.. Age: 17
Def: #6 Yannis Chrisou.. Age: 31 **Captain.
Def: #21 Terry Roubanis.. Age: 20
Def: #3 Luke Sisinis.. Age: 19
Def: #15 Angelos Papakonstantinou.. Age: 22
Def: #4 Alex Andreou.. Age: 27

Mid: #7 Zarek Chatzi.. Age: 18
Mid: #14 Esaias Ioannou.. Age: 19
Mid: #16 Dionysos Karras.. Age: 31
Mid: #10 Barnabas Dranias.. Age: 35
Mid: #5 Urias Halkias.. Age: 27 **Vice-captain.
Mid: #20 Praxis Nikolaidis.. Age: 16
Mid: #18 Paris Sisinis.. Age: 21
Mid: #8 Tobias Xanthis.. Age: 29

Str: #11 George Theotokis.. Age: 22
Str: #22 Lefteris Diakos.. Age: 16
Str: #9 Costa Theotokis.. Age: 22
Str: #13 Myron Pavlopoulos.. Age: 24

Generally the squad received positive reaction in Peisandros. Of some surprise was the inclusion of all three Theotokis brothers. The twin strikers were a given, but the older brother Dorian was a surprise at goalkeeper. Also of some contention was the inclusion of Papakonstantinou and Leandros. The defenders were arrested after a late night drinking session when their club, Olympia UTD, won promotion to the Top League. Many Sandrians are still not impressed with their attitudes. There is also some worry in football circles about the youthfulness of the team, but coach Pappas has said this is a, "side picked for the future." Crowd favourite Yannis Chrisou was reportedly "very happy" to be named the first Peisandros national captain.

If you RP first, you may..
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (but nothing serious -- let me decide how bad it is!)
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: No

Dancougar

01-12-2008, 20:48

Dancougar News!!
Still LOL at Cleveland.

Can't get enough of Rockets-Wings: Football fans of multiple disciplines will be treated to a Newmanistan and Dancougar royal rumble in Qazox, as the two are set to square off in both the Oxen Cup opening round and World Bowl IV championship. Fans of the beautiful game are looking forward to a matchup which will showcase some of Dancougar's up-and-coming talent against a Rocket team that's bringing a mixture of fresh faces and World Cup regulars.

The Oxen Cup will once again operate as a double elimination tournament, but rather than a draw, teams are paired up by directly challenging each other. This led to some controversy when the Dancougar FA submitted its pick roughly half an hour before the declared start of "hostilities," but defended its move, saying the selection, however early, came after Qazox officials opened the floor. The pick was recognized by the organizers, meaning the Rockets will have to wait for their desired matchup with the hosts.

Coach Solomon Bilbao was critical of FA officials for not putting the selection in his hands, but said he was satisfied. "Our players know the history that we've had with the Rockets, so naturally they're eager to test themselves against them," he said. "The Bird on Skates is similar to the trophies contested in their college rivalry games, so it feels like a natural extension, just at a higher level."

The players have been selected following the most recent season of Dancougar college football, the results of which are not yet public due to a timewarp. The team has opted to go with a 3-4-3 to showcase an active crop of forwards, although Bilbao admits this may lead to some choppy play. "When you have a lot of guys who are used to scoring goals, and used to being the go-to guy for their team, it's hard to get out of that just-give-me-the-ball mindset," he said. "Obviously we're going to work hard with the players to get them to gel, since we know that in this kind of tournament, it can be two and out before you get to prove anything."

Hiromasa Nagasawa heads the strike force after leading the nation with 23 goals for Hazuki State. Off to the side will be Kanaye Isozaki and Neil Lowrey, who also had productive seasons. The midfield is highlighted by Dan Florentino and Christian Chojnacki, while defender Doug Edrington and goalkeeper Lane McCarville lead the back line after a stellar season at Carnegie Tech that saw the team cede the fewest goals in the nation. They'll go up against a strong Newmanistan team that's bringing an all-international midfield and the indispensable Jeremy McAllister as team captain. Taking into consideration strength of schedule, they were probably the best team eliminated in World Cup qualifying

"It's easy to start thinking, wow, just a few months ago I was watching these guys on television, and now I'm going to play them," said Florentino, who declared for the D-League draft after his sophomore season at the University of Lunarossa. "But the quality of college play back home has been pretty high, and I think we can come out with the mindset that we can compete with that experience."

Dancougar was absent from Oxen Cup VIII, and in the previous tournaments, some players used the team's performance to win professional contracts overseas. With the domestic league faltering in this year's TakilQuip Champions' Cup, the Dancougar FA has provisionally entered into the national registry all players who are in the draft pool, meaning that teams wishing to sign them would have to go through the team which drafts them unless they are optioned into the farm system. There is no such roadblock for players who are currently committed to playing another season in college.

"It's a weird system," said Nagasawa, "but we have these games we need to worry about, and we've already been handed a stiff challenge in the Rockets. And hey, at least there's a playoff."

Krytenia

01-12-2008, 21:41

Please assume YES for all answers in the Permission Box – just don’t kill anyone, K?

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

KRYTENIA 2107 OXEN CUP SQUAD
Modifier: +2

THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Manager: Adam TOIVONEN, 49
Assistant Manager: Gary BYRNE, 54
Goalkeeping Coach: Stephen SORENSEN, 45
Defensive Coach: Peter POJENCIC, 40
Offensive Coach: Matthew PRETORIUS, 57
Physiotherapist: Sofia MARTINEZ, 34

THE SQUAD

Goalkeepers

#1 GK Juan GARCIA Age: 30
Club: Krytenia Emberton
Caps: 41 Goals: 0
Vice-Captain

#13 GK Leon URIU Age: 31
Club: Ellisham
Caps: 6 Goals: 0

#22 GK Martyn JACOBSSEN Age: 34
Club: Aigburth Athletic
Caps: 0 Goals: 0

Defenders

#3 RB Keith SEVERIANO Age: 35
Club: Atlético Insular (CAF)
Caps: 43 Goals: 0

#15 RB Thomas PARICHEV Age: 33
Club: Avidia City
Caps: 1 Goals: 0

#5 CB Michelle GRAISE Age: 32
Club: Norton
Caps: 26 Goals: 1

#6 CB Justin WOOLISCROFT Age: 33
Club: Avidia United
Caps: 29 Goals: 0

#12 CB Robert ZELIC Age: 22
Club: Stanton Town
Caps: 3 Goals: 0

#16 CB Nick SIMPSON Age: 20
Club: Caledon Simpson
Caps: 6 Goals: 0

#2 LB EDSON (Edie Edvar) Age: 31
Club: Caversham
Caps: 31 Goals: 0

#20 LB Michael DA SILVA Age: 30
Club: Mercia Bromham
Caps: 3 Goals: 0

Midfielders

#7 RM David WOLVERTON Age: 34
Club: Ousevale Borough
Caps: 50 Goals: 10

#19 RM Dalian SMITH Age: 29
Club: Bradwell Saints
Caps: 12 Goals: 3

#8 CM Steven CORAZON Age: 32
Club: Emberton Reds
Caps: 44 Goals: 3

#4 CM Jim AUSTIN Age: 32
Club: CR Submiria (CAF)
Caps: 40 Goals: 4
Captain

#14 CM Gary MOON Age: 30
Club: Bromham City
Caps: 9 Goals: 0

#18 CM Simon BOND Age: 28
Club: Ashton Town
Caps: 1 Goals: 0

#11 LM Michael AQUINO Age: 33
Club: Avidia United
Caps: 51 Goals: 4

#21 LM Gary NAVARRO Age: 23
Club: Ousevale Borough
Caps: 1 Goals: 0

Forwards

#9 CF Casper SMITH Age: 29
Club: Ousevale Borough
Caps: 33 Goals: 17

#17 CF Kevin BREITENREITER Age: 33
Club: Ousevale Borough
Caps: 43 Goals: 27

#10 CF Darren SCOTLAND Age: 22
Club: Emberton Reds
Caps: 16 Goals: 6

#23 CF Roger TAJA Age: 30
Club: Caledon Simpson
Caps: 3 Goals: 0

LIKELY STARTERS
Garcia
Severiano – Graise – Wooliscroft – Edson
Wolverton – Corazon – Austin – Aquino
C Smith – Breitenreiter

THE KITS

Manufactured by:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/JMC-1.png

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c58/Krytenia/KRY43.png

Cafundeu

02-12-2008, 00:28

CCFM'S LIST OF PLAYERS FOR THE OXEN CUP

With the CCFM putting the Cafundelense National Team in two competitions at the same time, it was decided that Cafundéu would field two completely different teams for each competition, mixing players that are important in the main team with players that aim to reach the team in World Cup 44. But some key players of the NT, including the new coach (David Nefasto) won't be in any of the teams. So, no one clearly understands the criteria used by the CCFM to field those teams.

See the list:

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

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

Goalkeepers:

1- JÚLIO SAMPA (A, Galáxia, ***)
12- BARTOLOMEU Costa da Silva (B, SC Lasft, ***)
22- José Carlos Alvarenga Muniz "ZECÃO" (C, A.F.F., **)

Full-Backs:

2- CÍCERO Bandrindes Rossi (A, Cafundó do Juta, ***)
6- RENILDO Carvalho Peixoto (A, Petardos S/A, ***)
14- André VASCO (B, Atlético Jutense, ***)
16- IGOR Teixeira Robles (C, América, **)

Defenders:

3- Anatoliy TITOV (A, Petardos S/A, ***)
4- JOÃO CARLOS Alvorada Siqueira (B, Cafundó do Juta, ***)
13- Luciano Borges SCHMIDT (B, Petardos S/A, **)
23- Ulisses LEMOS (C, Galáxia, **)

Defensive Midfielders:

5- José "ZÉ" SHO (A, Atlético Jutense, ***)
7- Charles JULES (B, Dunboor FC, **)
15- Fugiro NAKOMBI (B, Central United, **)
20- ROGÉRIO Silva Datelli (B, Galáxia, **)

Offensive Midfielders:

8- Reginaldo ROSSI (A, América, ***)
11- Sílvio Cândido Bertrandt "SILVINHO" (A, Petardos S/A, ***)
17- Kauã Cardozo SERRANO (C, Galáxia, **)
19- Marinho SCHNEIDER (C, Atlético Insular, *)

Attackers:

9- FAUSTO Hernandez (A, A.F.F., ***)
10- Mimosa "THE COW" (B, Tabajara, *)
18- Leonardo Nunes LACERDA (B, Galáxia, **)
21- Marcos Alberto Cerrado Júnior "JUNINHO" (C, Porto Lacruz, *)

Coach: SERGINHO MALLANDRO (NT's entertainer)

Main formation: (style is +2)

------------------------------Júlio Sampa------------------------------
-----Cícero-------------Titov-------------João Carlos-------Renildo-----
----------------Zé Sho-----------------------Jules---------------------
----------Rossi---------------------------------------Silvinho----------
------------------------Fausto----------the Cow-----------------------

Kits (home-away-third):

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/CafHome4.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/CafAway4.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm1/Starblayde/ediraf/CafThird4.jpg

Jeruselem

02-12-2008, 00:30

Kara: Hello, I'm Kara Kool. We're in Qazox for the Oxen Cup edition 9. I'm with our Princess and midfielder Marie-Antoinette "Blowie" Dallas.
Marie: That's "Blow me" Dallas.
Kara: Same difference ...
Marie: I do it a lot better than you!

Kara: OK Marie, our opponent is Lovisa! Think we can do well?
Marie: I'd rather play Qazox, you know the hosts.
Kara: So why didn't we play Qazox?
Marie: Our coach is a Qazian so he wanted to avoid his home team.

Kara: So why Lovisa then?
Marie: I dunno, ask the coach. I would have picked Taeshan actually.
Kara: I think it's a revenge thing against Lovisa for them beating us in the World Cup 43.
Marie: Well, Marie is going all out to kick Lovisan ass.

Kara: You're pretty determined here.
Marie: Nothing short of making the final is a failure for me.
Kara: Aiming too high means you never meet the expections.
Marie: Having low standards to me means the team doesn't work hard enough.

Kara: There's plenty of slackers on the team?
Marie: Yes, but the coach will set them right, If he doesn't I'll get on their case.
Kara: Do you have plans on being the next Captain?
Marie: I'll put my hand up for the job, anytime.

Kara: Sadie is back from injury, so does this mean a better defense.
Marie: Well, it means I can do more attacking without worrying about defending.
Kara: You're actually a striker, so mayne you should up front.
Marie: The coach asked me to become a new Dazza Dallas or new Kate Dallas.

Kara: You think the attack underperformed last cup?
Marie: Oh yeah, we needed to be more aggressive and take it to opposition.
Kara: So why did it fail?
Marie: We were too defensive. Didn't push the opposition hard enough so they got more attacking time.

Kara: You think having Qazian coach will help us here.
Marie: He'll know all the social hotspots being a single guy.
Kara: I mean football wise.
Marie: Well, he'll know how to play the Qazians when we meet.

Kara: Who would you like see in the final with Jeruselem.
Marie: Qazox.
Kara: Yes, it'd be a huge game.
Marie: Yes, and I want a win. Winning is only thing on my mind.

Kara: I heard the coach has picked up a Jeruselem girl for himself.
Marie: Yeah, it's Ricci Alexander - Moany's little girl.
Kara: Isn't she a professional stripper or something.
Marie: Exotic dancer, but she's a pro. But she's not as good as me.

Kara: I've heard you slept with Kate's husband Jay.
Marie: He'll sleep with anyone ... he's not fussy.
Kara: Yes, he's always sleazying around. I prefer real gentlemen like Flak Sho.
Marie: Flak married the wrong Dallas, but my sister got him first.

Newmanistan

02-12-2008, 00:31

(OOC: The first part of this interview is in the World Bowl IV thread. Featuring journalist Clint Peterson, World Bowl IV coach Jeremy Thompson and Oxen Cup 9 coach Brian Carson).

CP: Alright, we’re back. Again, if you haven’t heard by now Newmanistan and Dancougar have two big football games in Qazox tonight. One for the World Bowl IV championship, and the other to open up Oxen Cup 9. I’m pleased to be joined by both such coaches.

JT: Welcome back!

BC: Definitely a big day for both countries.

CP: Turning our attention to the Oxen Cup now for a bit, Brian what’s it feel like to be overshadowed, that’s not usually the case for you guys!

BC: Yeah well, it’s fine. We have a chance to win a championship tonight and that’s always a big thing but who knows, maybe we’ll have the same chance down the road at the end of this thing.

JT: Well you guys are certainly invited to celebrate with us if we win!

BC: I’d have to take you up on that.

CP: The format of the Oxen Cup is quite unconventional, what went through your mind when you saw that?

BC: I haven’t coached in anything like it where you name your opponent. It’s different but it will also be exciting.

JT: I thought it was a little crazy when I read about it.

CP: Exciting, crazy, both good ways to describe it, but it’s nice to spice things up. Brian, this is actually your first appearance in Qazox for the Oxen Cup. That came as a surprise to some.

BC: Traditionally, Newmanistan has used the Oxen Cup to see what else the Empire has to offer as opposed to regular players on the senior team and to give them a chance to play. It’s normally been run at the same time as the Di Bradini Cup, but this time it’s taking place a little bit after. The Empress asked me if I would be interested since she knows I haven’t coached this squad before. Of course I would be.

CP: For the most part, it’s the same as the senior team, but there are some notable differences, too.

BC: The main people you see out on the pitch are the people our fans are most accustomed to seeing.

JT: Hey Brian, has Brett Prescott ever played gridiron?

BC: Haha sometimes I think he is a gridiron player.

JT: I know Jeremy McAllister is the most recognizable name but that Prescott is one hell of a character player. And to still be giving up his body as he approaches his 40's now is really quite amazing.

BC: Brett is in outstanding shape. And because his game has never been about the things that tend to go away when you get older, like speed and agility, he’s able to really prolong his career more then others may have been able too. He’s going to play in World Cup 44, but it will probably be his last hurrah.

CP: Dancougar goes with a younger roster, one that therefore people will think you should beat. Thoughts?

BC: It’s a Di Bradini Cup roster, for the most part in terms of it being their best youth players. It’s about making a good impression, and the D League scouts will be watching very closely because their Oxen Cup performances will affect their draft day status. There can be millions of dollars between being selected 1st overall and 4th overall. It’s an all-star cast, and a very motivated cast. They will be just as tough to beat as their senior team would be.

CP: For both of you, college sports are very big in Dancougar. This is not the case in Newmanistan because players are getting signed to professional contracts at 16, and sometimes even 14 or 15. Would you prefer the Dancougar system as many believe these kids should be getting a college education. There are college sports in Newmanistan, but for the most part it consists of the players not good enough to have professional contracts, so therefore it gets extremely low ratings.

JT: We have a system of juniors and development programs with the professional clubs, and they do their best to make sure the kids aren’t sacrificing an education. There’s nothing wrong with an effective system of collegiate sports, but what we have has been effective and there is no reason to change it.

BC: As Jeremy said, professional clubs do have academic standards on players under 18. So they can’t sacrifice their education. College sports are great, but not something that should ever be forced on someone if they can do professional directly.

CP: Alright, well it’s time to wrap this up and let both of you get to work. Good luck to both of you tonight.

BC: Thanks Clint. Jeremy, best of luck. You certainly have the support of all of us.

JT: Thanks, and likewise. The offer stands if we win, you’re all invited to the celebration.

Myedvedeya

02-12-2008, 00:46

KGB Cubs Prepare to take on Hosts

Myedvedeya's U-21 side, fresh out of the Seventh Di Bradini Cup, will take on Qazox tonight in the first match of the Ninth Oxen Cup. Myedvedeya's U-21's showed some promise at the DBC, and a good result is hoped for by all.

Myedvedeya's youth squad play an extremely similar game to the senior team, which can mainly be attributed to the fact that the youth coach was mentored from the beginning of his career by senior coach Vassili Sergyevitch Bagration. Bagration himself will lead the cubs at this tournament, as the senior team is not currently involved in anything, except the international club season.

The Oxen cup is using an interesting new format, in which teams are allowed to select opponents of their choice for each match. The tournament will be double elimination style, and teams in the winners bracket can only select other teams in the winners bracket, etc...

The Myedvedeyan Football Association has decided that, for this cup, the players on the squad will be allowed to choose their opponent. Each player and each coach will have one vote, and the team will send a match invitation to the squad receiving the most votes. For the first round, the Bears elected to face the hosts, Qazox, in what should be a thrilling match.

Upon hearing about this innovative system, we went around the team hotel, asking players which squad they were most likely to vote to play in the second round (assuming that squad is available)

Vlademyros Konstantinovitch Mavropoulous-Stoliarenkovsky: I'll be voting for Syktyvkar, if I can. It'll be nice to show those magical freaks that the mother country still has some control.

David Ben Dayan: A lot of senior team players play in Cafundeu, and they have one of the best leagues in the world, so I'd like to play them, mainly to attract some attention from clubs. It'd be fantastic to get an offer from a high-level club, and that is the highest level there is.

Stanislav Markov: I'd like to play Lovisa, to get back at them for beating the senior squad during World Cup qualifying.

Giovanni D'Ancona: Jeruselem.
Reporter: Care to give a reason?
Sergey Rostov: Have you seen Marie-Antoinette Dallas?
D'Ancona: Hey, I was gonna say that...

Ivan Kolkaev: I'd like to play against Newmanistan, because it would be amazing to play against some of Nikolai Dolohov's teammates.

Qazox

02-12-2008, 01:07

Marvellous! K, my roster to follow. Can someone quickly explain how the whole RP'ing works exactly? Is it first in, first served for each game? Either post here or a TG would be good, thanks.

usually that is how it works, BUT check your opponent's Roster as tehy might either have a set starting lineup for ya to pick from, or they don't want you picking their scorers. But usually whom ever gets it in first, the other plays off it. (though you don't have to, and sometimes not following them can make a good RP)

I have forgotten an important part of the tourney! THE VENUES! (duh:().

Since it's so late in the game before I scorinate (which will be after the World Bowl scorinations) I'm gonna assign venues for each matchup. 8 different venues for the first round, and probably the same ones for the subsequent rounds, and i'll try not to repeat any venue for any specific team.

Dancougar vs. Newmanistan @ Lorax Field, Lorax City; Capacity: 76,500.
Lecland vs. Syktyvkar @ The Black Hole, Gothika; Capacity: Capacity: 61,000.
Jeruselem vs. Lovisa @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla; Capacity: 85,000.
Taeshan vs. Nethertopia @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.
Miroxia vs. Peisandros @ Chè Den-Osó Stadium, San Guano; Capacity: 63,951.
Myedvedeya vs. Qazox @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
The Blouman Empire vs. West Zirconia @ Toro Rojo Stadium, Las Vitas; Capacity: 70,000.
Krytenia vs. Cafundeu @ Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000.

Dancougar

02-12-2008, 01:23

Dancougars News!!
Roleplaying football is much less painful that actually playing it.
*looks at his poor, calloused feet*
*grabs his bag*
*whimpers*

No lesser meaning: Four to one. Needing a win to qualifying for their first World Cup, the Newmanistan Rockets welcomed the Dancougar Black Wings and were brushed aside. The Dancougar team which takes the field tonight against Newmanistan in the first round of the Oxen Cup will look completely different save for the face of the man on the sideline, coach Solomon Bilbao, who is here to evaluate talent for possible national team callups. But if he thinks for one minute that the Rockets are going to play accordingly, he's wrong.

The Rockets don't take any game lightly.

The roster is close to what one might expect for Di Bradini Cup, with a handful of 22-year-olds dotting the roster, chiefly among those who graduated right before this tournament. The FA has oft been criticized for using the Oxen Cup rather than the Di Bradini to evaluate young talent, but Bilbao says it's the same either way. In fact, it's better.

"In a tournament like this, you get to see some guys from senior teams, players getting their start, and some highly experimental rosters, too," said Bilbao. "It's a good mix of talent from all levels, and if we match up our best young players against that, we start to get an idea of where we stand in terms of the next generation."

Another reason for the "apples to oranges" approach is that Dancougar's players turn pro much later than players in other countries. It is not uncommon for players to sign youth contracts in their early teens and make their first team debut long before a Dancougar freshman suits up for their first college game, and so far, no one has been able to circumvent the college game and successfully make a pro roster through other avenues. The draft is the chief way into the league, while the farm system goes largely unused... except to further develop players taken in the draft.

Instead, the college system is treated as an unofficial second division. It sends teams to the Samseong Series B Champions' Cup where schools compete directly with the best second-tier teams from other nations. This past year, Sullivan State University - a school which put no players on this team - made it to the semifinal of that tournament, where it lost to the eventual champions Grand Arsenal of Ad'ihan. So there is little doubt that the college system churns out quality players, the only question is where Dancougar would be if it utilized them earlier.

"Each nation has its own values and systems," said Bilbao. "Sure, a professional out of Dancougar may take a little more time to develop than some teams would like, especially compared to their homegrown players, but we've seen that when you have a good pipeline, it eventually pays off."

The question, however, is if it will pay off against a tough Newmanistan team that will be starting first-team stars like Jeremy McAllister, Brett Prescott, and Jeremy Brooker. The aging Prescott remains as the gold standard for tough, physical play in the midfield, although Dale Stevens looked primed to continue that enforcer role for years to come. Dancougar's toughest midfielder is probably Christian Chojnacki, and even he admits to some apprehension in going up against Prescott.

"That guy tackles a lot harder than what we normally get in the college game, so I expect he'll put us through our own baptism of fire," he said.

The one advantage the Wings have may be in pace. The youngsters will come with a lot of energy and speed, as coach Bilbao wants to get his forwards as many opportunities as possible to make a play. If the team is able to string together its passes and show some understanding, they could be dangerous. But the team must be careful to exercise some discipline so that their endurance doesn't let them down. Dancougar's college game does play almost with the normal international rules, which means restricted substitution, but the international atmosphere is quite different. It will be a learning experience - perfect for a team of collegians.

Peisandros

02-12-2008, 05:08

Sandrian team excited for game against 83rd ranked team.

There has been an increased sense of excitement in Peisandros as the team's first opponent was confirmed. Facing off against the 83rd ranked Miroxia team will certainly be a challenge, but one which captain Yannis Chrisou is eagerly awaiting.

"The boys can't wait. We just want to get out there for the first time. No amount of training can compare to being on the pitch at an international event. We're all really excited and it's great to see people back home sharing that excitement. It is going to be tough though, we know that. Especially facing a ranked team, I mean, this is our first international outing. But we're confident. There is a lot of belief in the team."

There is still doubts over the teams readiness for the opening fixture though, as the team has not played a game against another international team. Warm up games back in Peisandros were little indication to how prepared the team is. It's seen as a blessing that the tournament is double elimination, giving the team at least a two games. Hopefully the team can build confidence and a win in the first game, or at any stage, would be a fantastic result.

Some of the junior members have spoken this week of the great influence the older blokes have had. With three members still at school, this is a massive occasion for them. Fresh from finishing his Year 12 exams, Luke Erasmus has earned a starting spot in the defence alongside captain and 31 year old Chrisou. Karras and Dranias, the other 30 plus year olds in the team had also been helpful to the young guns. As Erasmus said,

"Yeah, it has been amazing. Three weeks ago I had my Mythology exam... Now I'm in Qazox preparing for my first international game. Yannis has been a great mentor for me. He was my hero through my earlier playing days and he has been a great help. There are three of us who are below 18 and three older than 30, so we've kinda been paired up. They've all been great... I know the boys back at school are pretty jealous, but also proud. I have to get them some gear though, just to keep them happy!"

Finally, there has been even more controversy with troublesome duo Papakonstantinou and Leandros. It has been announced by coach Pappas that the two were involved in another alcohol fuelled incident upon arriving in Qazox, but details are sketchy at present. What can be confirmed is that the two will play no part in the first match. Their club president has come out in defence of the two, saying he's sure the two learned their lesson..

"Oh, I'm not believing too much of it," Mr Notara, president of Olympia UTD, said yesterday, "they're good boys and I think because of their loud and out there personalities they sometimes attract some negative attention from the public and media alike. To be honest I'm not sure if alcohol played that big a part, but as usual, Pappas kept a pretty tight lid on it. Hopefully it was just a misunderstanding with some locals.. I mean, it's the first time these boys have travelled!"

Join us tomorrow as we continue to follow the Peisandros national football team through it's first international tournament.

Qazox

02-12-2008, 05:37

RP Cutoff for MD 1

Scores up at 12:00 am EST.

Qazox

02-12-2008, 06:05

(OOC: By The Way, there MUST BE a winner in each match, even if it goes to penalty kicks, but ya'll might have figured that our on your own, right?)

MATCHDAY ONE SCORES
Winners in BOLD. (and can only pick other winners for next round)

Dancougar vs. Newmanistan 2-1
Lecland vs. Syktyvkar 1-0
Jeruselem vs. Lovisa 1-1 (1-1 AET, 4-2 PK)
Taeshan vs. Nethertopia 2-0
Miroxia vs. Peisandros 3-1
Myedvedeya vs. Qazox 3-1
The Blouman Empire vs. West Zirconia 2-2 (2-2 AET 7-6 PK)
Krytenia vs. Cafundeu 3-2

WINNER'S BRACKET TEAMS
Newmanistan
Lecland
Jeruselem
Nethertopia
Miroxia
Qazox
West Zirconia
Krytenia

WB 2nd Round matches
Newmanistan vs. West Zirconia @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla; Capacity: 85,000.
Lecland vs. Miroxia @ Lorax Field, Lorax City; Capacity: 76,500.

Losers Bracket teams
Dancougar
Syktyvkar
Lovisa
Taeshan
Peisandros
Myedvedeya
The Blouman Empire
Cafundeu

LB 1st Round matches:

For all venues, the first match picked gets the first venues, 2nd gets the 2nd venue, etc.

Winner's Bracket venues
Lorax Field, Lorax City; Capacity: 76,500.
SaxerDome, SaxerVilla; Capacity: 85,000.
Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000.
Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.

Loser's bracket venues
The Black Hole, Gothika; Capacity: Capacity: 61,000.
Chè Den-Osó Stadium, San Guano; Capacity: 63,951.
Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
Toro Rojo Stadium, Las Vitas; Capacity: 70,000.

(Qazox as hosts will pick last)

Up tommorrow: Loser's bracket first round (winners, you get an extra day of RP. you lucky bastards)

Lecland

02-12-2008, 06:09

Lecland will face Miroxia next

Newmanistan

02-12-2008, 06:10

I really need to pay attention to who the people above me take. ;)

How about West Zirconia.

Peisandros

02-12-2008, 06:17

Gimmie a shot at Blouman :D

Oh, and I'll RP our heavy defeat a bit later.. Heading to BBQ now -- yum.

Taeshan

02-12-2008, 06:23

We pick Lovisa

Taeshan

02-12-2008, 06:24

I'll post tomorrow afternoon. Time for first day back to school though.

Jeruselem

02-12-2008, 06:24

We'll take on Nethertopia, err because the other pricks took the other teams.

Qazox

02-12-2008, 06:26

Winner's Bracket 2nd Round matches
Newmanistan vs. West Zirconia @ SaxerDome, SaxerVilla; Capacity: 85,000.
Lecland vs. Miroxia @ Lorax Field, Lorax City; Capacity: 76,500.
Jeruselem vs. Nethertopia @ Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000
Qazox vs. Krytenia @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.

Loser's Bracket 1st Round matches:
Peisandros vs. The Blouman Empire @ The Black Hole, Gothika; Capacity: Capacity: 61,000.
Taeshan vs. Lovisa @ Chè Den-Osó Stadium, San Guano; Capacity: 63,951.
Dancougar vs. Cafundeu @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
Myedvedeya vs. Syktyvkar @ Toro Rojo Stadium, Las Vitas; Capacity: 70,000.

We have our matchups.
Best WB matchup: Qazox v. Krytenia
Best LB matchup: Dancougar v. Cafundeu (A top 3 team or a 2-time champ done after 2 days!)

Jeruselem

02-12-2008, 06:27

(Points to post 2 spots above this one)

Dancougar

02-12-2008, 06:28

We like punishment. Give us Cafundeu!

Qazox

02-12-2008, 06:35

(Points to post 2 spots above this one)
Got it... :p

Lecland

02-12-2008, 06:48

Announcement: Lecland wins first round match.

Lecland's national side played their first international match against Syktyvkar at The Black Hole stadium in Gothika today, winning 1-0 to go through to the next round, where they will face Miroxia.

In what was a scrappy match, both teams had a few clear sights at goal, but only Gary Coleman's headed goal in the 57th minute being the difference between the two sides.

The first half saw a clear goal scoring chance fall to Carl Young as Stuart Carson’s perfect long ball let Young to be one on one with the goalkeeper, only for the goalkeeper to save brilliantly. Another chance fell to Gareth Johnson as the ball fell kindly in the box following a free kick but he blasted it high and wide. At the other end, Lecland had a scare as the ball came off the crossbar, into the path on Syktyvkar's midfielder Thorontur Aerdirnaithon on the penalty spot, but thankfully a combination of charging defenders and the players rush to hit the ball as early as possible led to the ball going wide for a corner.

The second half started with a high tempo, leading to several attacks and counter-attacks, then in the 56th a corner was conceded as Michael Parson hit the ball at the Syktyvkar defender. Stuart Carson supplied the ball which was headed goalswards at the near post by the big Gary Coleman for Leclands first international goal.
The rest of the half continued to have a high tempo with both sides getting a sight of goal, but as the match neared its end, Syktyvkar began to pile on the pressure and on the 85th minute should have scored as a ball crossed into the 6 yard box was headed at point blank range only for it to go straight at goalkeeper David Smith who pushed it over the bar.

The whistle at the end was greeted with a great cheer and a sigh of relief from Lecland players and supporters, even though the match had hardly been a classic, it had been won and Lecland could go into the next round with their heads held high.

Lecland Stats

Goals
Gary Coleman 1

Yellow Cards
Harry Fairfield
John Ford

Subs
Harry Fairfield (Anton Daring 82nd)
Gary Owen (Joe Hartson 86th)

OOC: I hope thats alright for RP

Qazox

02-12-2008, 06:56

OOC: I hope thats alright for RP

(ooc: It's good for a first RP, Most people either overthink one or underwrite one.)

Jeruselem

02-12-2008, 07:16

Jeruselem keeper Kaz Raine looked nervious, she aware of Jeruselem's dismal record in penalty kicks. So far for her it was 0 from 2 but her Lovisan counterpart was also 0 from 2. Princess Marie detected Kaz was getting a bit frazzled as she wasn't used to these things. There was a reason they avoided the dreaded kicks at the end. Marie went over to Kaz and gave her hug with a "girl power" signal. With the unpredictable Marie and Kate kicking next, Kaz needed to block this shot since both Dallas redheads had a funny habit of messing it up at the wrong time.

Kaz waited ... watching the Lovisan. Thinking the Lovisan would kick left, Kaz started a dive left but the ball turned out to be rather straight. Kaz stuck out a foot hoping it would do something, with the ball deflecting off her knee and away from her goal. Kaz landed unceremoniously on a muddy spot and was forced to change her top. Being a Jeruselemite, she did this in public.

Princess Marie looked kissed her Catholic cross and asked the great one for a little help. She scratched an annoying itch under her jersey and lined up the kick. The Lovisan keeper knew he was facing a Dazza Dallas, someone with great ability and unpredictability. Marie slammed the ball into left corner, the keeper never really able to get there.

Kaz with her new clean top got back in the goal. This one was really important ... if she got this then Jeruselem need to score one kick. Not being the biggest keeper on the cup, she had trouble with the wide ones. Sure enough, it was a wide one and Kaz dive fully getting her fist to the ball and landing heavily getting all dirty again. Kate Sallad ran over and gave her a bug thumbs up. Just one more kick.

Team leader Kate Sallad gave secret hand signal to Marie. Only girls who attended the St Mary's Catholic Girls school knew what that was about. She stretched the knees and lined up the target. Bang, she hit the ball - over the where the keeper was standing but he had guessed a wide shot with a dive.

Revenge was sweet for Jeruselem, they couldn't beat Lovisa at the World Cup but today the team showed a bit of team spirit to defeat them in Qazox. As usual the Jeruselemite girls did their hip shaking and booby wobbling dancing to celebrate. There was the usual girlfriends and wives slapping their partners who were paying more attention to the Jeruselemite wobbly bits. Unfortunately, Sadie Dallas tripped over a water bottle and make herself look stupid.

Peisandros

02-12-2008, 13:13

Defeat no surprise, but Sandrians look to take positives

Whilst the team was comprehensively beaten 3-1 by Miroxia, the Peisandros football team was not entirely embarrassed.

It appeared as if the increased pace and energy of the international game left the Sandrians shell-shocked. Miroxia came out of the blocks well and put on a lot of early pressure with smart midfield play. Quick passing left the Sandrian defence vulnerable and it only took till the 11th minute for the first goal to be scored. School boy Luke Erasmus was found wanting on the left wing -- he was not able to get close to the Maroxian midfielder who put a smart pull into the box and the striker finished it off easily with a touch to the left of keeper Vlahos. Things were not looking promising.

1-0 after 11 minutes and it seemed just a matter of time until the second was scored. Maroxia continued to press forward and apply copious pressure on both the midfield and defence of Peisandros. Keeper Vlahos was getting far too involved in the game -- making a few good saves and keeping the score-line respectable. After a smart press forward, again on the left side, Vlahos conceded a corner kick by punching away a shot from the Maroxian striker. Unfortunately, Erasmus was again found wanting at the back, as a large Maroxian defender climbed all over him to head the ball from the well-placed corner into the top right of the goal. 2-0 with 18 minutes on the clock. It appeared as if a hiding was on the cards.

However, this second goal seemed to kick the Peisandros team into action and the midfielders, especially Sisinis, started to find their groove. The Maroxia team found they were in for at least a bit of a fight. The rest of the first half was mainly played out in the middle third of the ground, with a few more Maroxian chances well saved by Vlahos and a solitary chance for Costa Theotokis. He received a great through ball from Sisinis, but seemed stunned to have a chance and put the pull way over the top of goal, 6 rows back in the stand.

The second half started as the first ended with the midfielders playing out a tense battle and strong defence making goal scoring seem unlikely. However it didn't take too long for the Maroxian team to again gain some ascendency. Their quick one-touch passing caught the Sandrian midfielders by surprise yet again and the ball was played through to the Maroxian striker who left captain Chrisou rooted to the spot and finished off a great goal by slamming the ball low into the goal. 3-0 in the 54th minute and the game was pretty much wrapped up for Maroxia.

With defeat fairly certain, coach Pappas decided to throw in a few attacking young players to try and salvage a goal or two back. So in the 61st minute, striker Lefteris Diakos came on for Urias Halkias and two minutes later, Narcissus Theodore was replaced by midfielder Praxis Nikolaidis. The two 16yr olds had an immediate effect, with more ball for the Theotokis brothers to try and show their known talent. However the Maroxian defence was solid and while the brothers were able to get more shots off late in the second half, the keeper was rarely troubled too much.

It wasn't until the 88th minute that Peisandros was finally able to grab a late goal -- their first in international soccer. With the Maroxian defence tiring after a great performance and victory in the bag, Diakos made a sharp break through midfield to leave Peisandros in a 3 v 2 situation. He drew one defender just outside the box and gave a wonderful ball to George Theodokis who in turn played it on to Nikolaidis. The 16yr old looked calm and after a great first touch, put the ball in the back of the net with the keeper having no chance. Peisandros had their first goal and scored by a school boy with unquestionable talent.

It was clear the Peisandros team struggled to adjust to the fast and hard pace of international football. The defence looked weak and Pappas may look to make changes to strengthen it. However not all was bad for the Sandrians, who after a shaky start held their own for much of the rest of the game. The late goal will especially give the team much confidence going in to the game against The Blouman Empire, which promises to be an even harder game.

In a very brief press conference, coach Pappas said he was proud of his team and was excited for the future of football in Peisandros:

"Obviously it's disappointing to lose, I mean, I hate losing. But the boys played a hard team tonight and clearly the better team won. I'm proud of the way they stuck in there and that late goal is proof we can compete. Hopefully back home people will understand the great challenge this team is facing, but I think the future is bright. I mean, we had a 16yr old score a great goal out there tonight. It looks good."

Match summary:

Maroxia 3:
Striker 11' 54'
Defender 18'

Peisandros 1:
Nikolaidis 88'

Yellow cards:
Maroxia: 0
Peisandros: 2 (Theodore 33', Chatzi 42')

Red cards:
Maroxia:0
Peisandros: 0

Notable injuries:
None.

Newmanistan

02-12-2008, 15:38

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS SPLIT THE DAY

Lorax City, Qazox- Well, which trophy did you really want, the World Bowl Trophy or the Golden Ambiguous Bird on Skates? Ok, well sorry, you didn’t get the one you really wanted, but Newmanistan was able to salvage the day and reclaim the coveted Bird, which is a trophy that exchanges hands every time Newmanistan and Dancougar play in the world’s football. It has only been successfully defended once in its history, which was by Newmanistan in World Cup 43 qualifying. That’s a bittersweet notation though, because the one win the Rockets needed in qualifying was the one that they did not get over Dancougar. It was a result so painful in Dover City that the Empress has declared that Dancougar will never be scheduled in Dover City again when they return to Newmanistan for anything. The team of collegiate all-stars that Dancougar was bringing to Qazox had absolutely nothing to do with the result, but it didn’t matter.

The Oxen Cup is a double elimination tournament, so neither nation wanted to be heading to the loser’s bracket immediately. Neither nation wanted to be put there by the other, either. Newmanistan took control of the early stages of the match as they seemed to be able to take advantage of the fact that they have played together on numerous occasions whereas the collegiate all-stars had only done so in their training. Brian Carson, making his Oxen Cup debut, saw this as a chance and wanted his team to come out with rocket-charged energy and to hopefully score a first goal. Lane McCarville did a strong job in net making two brilliant saves, including one off a Jeremy McAllister shot in the 14th minute that he got a hand to in order to re-direct over the bar. However, on the ensuing corner kick the Rockets would get that goal and it would come from a very unlikely source. Jeremy Brooker had really moved up on the play and after ball deflected off of Matt Bogart, Brooker was in a perfect spot to line up the shot and score his first international goal since Di Bradini Cup 4. Yes, number four. The goal from the unlikely source picked the team up further, and Newmanistan continued to dominate possession. To their credit, this didn’t necessarily mean shots. The Dancougar defense was doing an outstanding job in keeping the Rockets top forwards from getting opportunities of any quality and were making timely clears. Doug Edrington, the lone starting defender who will be in the upcoming D-League Super Draft showed some impressive leadership skills in the back end that surely scouts of that league had to notice and get excited about. It seemed as though they were just going to wait for their moment, perhaps let the Rockets start to get frustrated, and then they would strike. Around the 35th minute, the tide of the match did start to swing in Dancougar’s favor. Anyone who thinks Dan Florentino should have gone back to the University of Lunarossa instead of declaring early for the draft had to feel foolish with the way he began to dominate the midfield in the late first half stages. They wouldn’t score in the first half, but Florentino provided two great setups to the men up front which simply got denied by Chris Kusler. At halftime, it was 1-nil Rockets, but Dancougar was coming.

During halftime Brian Carson was well aware that the Black Wings were taking control of the match, at about the same stage of the game where they took control of the World Bowl final. The team had to adjust to this, perhaps slow the pace of the game down or get the younger Black Wings to make mistakes that can come with youth or simply players not used to playing with one another.

All of Brian Carson’s halftime strategies seemed to go to waste when Dancougar scored an almost immediate goal, coming in the games 47th minute. Neil Lowery found a hole between Scott LaFave and Kevin Haynes that would make Gary Hutchins proud in order to get a great opportunity for himself. His shot was roofed into the top left corner after a pretty nifty shot fake that did seem to get Chris Kusler to bite. Even if he didn’t bite, the shot was so perfectly placed that he probably wouldn’t have gotten to it anyway. The Black Wings sensed that this was there game, and they continued to go at the Rockets, but as was the case with the Dancougar defense before, the Newmanistan back end was coming up with some big plays when they needed them most. A momentum shift would be needed and what better way would there be then some Brett Prescott antics. In the 62nd minute, Prescott gave Goro Murakami three shoves, not hard, but enough for you to notice, in the back while the referee wasn’t looking. Murakami got annoyed and swung his arm out to try and hit Mr. Prescott. The referee had noticed this, and out came the yellow card. Mr. Murakami soon learned that you may be a college student and Brett may be pushing 40, but the old man has a little something that you don’t have yet. Knowing what he can get away with, and knowing when to do it, and when not too. He’s a wise one who’s been doing this for almost as long as you’ve been on the planet, Goro. Murakami likely will have this explained to him by Solomon Bilbao. Dale Stevens did a similar thing towards Christian Chojnacki, but only got Chojnacki whistled for two fouls without a yellow. They were getting in their heads, like a veteran team would know they could do with aspiring college students. The students will learn in time, but the net effect of this was the Rockets gradually turning the pace of the game back in their favor. In the 75th minute, Newmanistan would make it count as now Lane McCarville can be added to the list of goalkeepers that have conceded a goal to Jeremy McAllister, after J-Mac coolly slid a shot inside the right post. Jeremy didn’t blast the shot, which McCarville anticipated, so he lunged too early and the ball grazed his fingertip and went into the net. In control of the match, the Rockets were able to play very well defensively to finish off the 2-1 victory.

Very soon after the game, the Empress decreed that the next opponent for Newmanistan would be West Zirconia. Though they could have had the Qazox match, why not have a battle between Cup of Harmony co-hosts. Newmanistan and West Zirconia have met in the last two Oxen Cups as well, both games won by the Rockets.

NEWMANISTAN 2
Brooker (14')
McAllister (77')

DANCOUGAR 1
Lowery (47')

Dancougar

02-12-2008, 16:21

Dancougar News!!
Like Mr. D always said, "Flunk with pride; go to heaven."

Rockets roar into winners' bracket: Newmanistan got a win over Dancougar in Qazox last night, and even if it wasn't the one they wanted the most, there's no reason why they won't savor some measure of revenge for past defeats.

Dancougar's college elite went down to a battle-hardened Newmanistan side 2-1, in a game where the experience of the Rockets showed as they pulled away in the second half. The took their chances, knew the referee's limits, and most importantly, they knew how to work together as a team. Solomon Bilbao, now in his third year as the coach of the national team, did all he could to get the players to gel before the tournament, but the missed passes showed that there was still a lot of work to be done before they could operate as a unit. The players were also given a firsthand lesson in international play, as the Rockets were able to take control of the game mentally before translating that into tangible success. Although Bilbao had used the Golden Ambiguous Bird on Skates to try and fire up his team before the match, it will travel back to Newmanistan after the defeat, which means Dancougar now has only one win in their past four matches with the Rockets.

The Rockets set the pace early by forcing Lane McCarville into action. McCarville was coming off a regular season in which he only ceded eight goals for Carnegie Tech, a ridiculous total that harkened back to the days of the Yuki State Helmsley defense led by Tony Travers. Newmanistan were out to prove that he was just good in the Tech system and challenged him early, but McCarville looked good. First, he stoned Jennifer Vilardi's attempt from the top of the box, and in the 14th minute, he robbed Jeremy McAllister with an acrobatic tip over the bar. McAllister had picked out the top corner and appeared to have struck it perfectly, but the arching McCarville got to it. This prompted applause from the Black Wing fans in the crowd, but it would last all of ten seconds. The resulting corner kick was converted into a goal when defender Jeremy Brooker found a shooting window off a poor clearance. The Rockets had to think it would be their day and continued to press forward. Prescott had a 30-yard screamer deflected wide, and McAllister was unlucky not to double the lead when he hit the post in the 29th.

Meanwhile, the Black Wings were struggling to adjust to the pace of the game... and each other. The players just weren't enough in sync, and passes that should've been crisp enough to spring runs were lethargic and behind the play, slowing up attacks if the ball was on target at all. Forwards were applauding the effort with every miss, but one had to sense frustration mounting. The defense, though, was starting to adjust. Perhaps that was because Doug Edrington, the de facto leader of the back line, was on the same page as Tech teammate McCarville, and together they were able to marshal the defense. The Rockets started to find less space for their runs and even less space for their passes. That helped the rest of the team get back into the game. Dan Florentino, who some analysts suspect might one day surpass Lyle Dylandy, jumpstarted the attack in the minutes before halftime with a pair of great through balls that Rocket goalkeeper Chris Kusler was nevertheless able to follow the whole way. The first was right on the foot of Kanaye Isozaki, who attempted to one-time the ball behind Kusler. But the 'keeper kept his cool and reached behind him to snag the ball out of midair. Then, Florentino sprang Hiromasa Nagasawa, who beat Kevin Haynes with an ankle-breaking cut only to waste the shot by burying it right in Kusler's breadbasket. It was still 1-0 at halftime, but things were looking up for the Wings. Florentino was opening up the midfield and that meant space for the others. With more time on the ball, their passes were coming in cleaner and not even the physical play of Brett Prescott was slowing them down.

And least, not yet it wasn't.

Bilbao did his best to fire up the men at halftime, and right out of the gate, Dancougar picked up the momentum where they'd left it. Within two minutes, they had the equalizer. Neil Lowrey found himself at the top of the box with a clear lane leading to goal, and with both Haynes and Scott LaFave moving quickly to close him down, Lowrey still found time to stutter step over the ball, drawing Kusler slightly to the right, before shooting left over the outstretched leg of LaFave. The shot brushed past Kusler and in to make it 1-1, and the defense could only wonder how Lowrey had gotten so open. Once again, it was Florentino. He had made a delayed run that pulled the defense his way, and Christian Chojnacki, who was watching Florentino's run the whole way, fired his pass behind the run to Lowrey, who'd snuck into the vacated space. The fluidity of the play, especially after a slow-moving first half for the Wings, suggested that Bilbao had drawn it up for them during the break as something to try out. As the rest of the half proceeded with little more in the way of inventiveness, that hypothesis proved correct.

Rather, the Newmanistan midfield was sick of letting the Wings take control of their turf, and Prescott would of course lead the way. Football is, as they say, a gentleman's game played by ruffians, but anyone expecting a contact-free game against anyone is clearly playing the wrong sport. Prescott went to work on Goro Murakami, tugging at his shirt at first to impede his run, which was whistled by the referee. Then, once the play had moved on, he gave Murakami a little push in the back. The two jostled a bit as they ran downfield, and Murakami eventually took a swipe at the experienced Prescott, who got exactly what he wanted. Murakami - a graduate who should know better - was booked for rough play and was substituted five minutes later by an annoyed Bilbao. Chojnacki was likewise roughed up by Dale Stevens, and that led to more fouls. Chojnacki gave way to college teammate Jon Kokoszka, as the midfield's play was starting to falter. The Rockets were getting physical and the Wings couldn't respond without drawing the ire of the referee. They weren't clever enough with their contact, nor were they able to control their emotions when things started to deteriorate. More importantly, with the subs on the field, the Wings lost the momentum they'd been building. Florentino lost the rapport he'd been building up, and the forwards were now stranded as well. Florentino tried to regain control by challenging Prescott in the air, but that only resulted in another yellow for coming over the top. The Newmanistan victory was almost complete now that the Wings' best player had been taken out of the game.

And it would fall to - who else? - Jeremy McAllister to fire in the game-winner. He slipped into space and McCarville came across the face of goal to pick out the most probable angle of attack. He expected McAllister to fire a strong shot across his body, so when J-Mac fired a low shot at the inside post, McCarville paused to get a read on the ball. That was all the time the shot needed to get across the line, as the dive came too late to keep it out. The Rockets had the lead and just had to preserve it, which didn't prove difficult. The best chance on goal came in the 84th through Nagasawa, who tried to do all the work himself. He had what appeared to be a shooting window, but Scott LaFave closed it down quickly and deflected the effort before Kusler could react. It was game, set, and match for the Rockets, who put the Wings on notice for the remainder of their time in Qazox.

The Rockets will take on their Cup of Harmony co-hosts West Zirconia in the winner's bracket, while Dancougar, apparently gluttons for punishment, will follow Newmanistan with Cafundeu, who lost 3-2 against Krytenia in one of the first day's marquee matchups.

Taeshan

02-12-2008, 21:28

Young Team of Purple Knights Are Defeated By Nethertopia. Unknown coach Says"At least We Scored, and come on I'd rather play Lovisa then anyone else"

Taeshan

02-12-2008, 21:32

Hey just a coincidence, but i played Nethertopia, and lost and will know play Lovisa, while Jeruselem beat Lovisa and know will play Nethertopia. It like a mini bracket in the loose bracket.

Peisandros

03-12-2008, 02:54

Changes made to starting line-up for second game

Coach Alexander Pappas has today changed the Peisandros line-up for their game against much fancied The Blouman Empire. All up there were three changes to the team which was easily beaten by Maroxia. Not surprisingly, two of these came in the defence which looked weak and was easily outplayed by classy attacking football.

"We've gone for a bit more experience in defence. Luke had a tough night and by his own admission he didn't play that well, so Terry Roubanis will take his spot. The other change in defence is Andreou in for Theodore. In midfield there is just one change, with the hugely experienced Karras in for Ioannou, who struggled a bit with the pace and may have picked up a slight foot injury which our physio's are looking at. We're confident we can compete in this game, as the boys adjusted pretty well after those first two goals. We're not ready to head home just yet."

There was some surprise that goal scorer and teen superstar Nikolaidis could not get a starting spot, but coach Pappas has said he will get another 30mins or so in this game. There had also been suspicion that the keepers gloves may have been given to coach Pappas' son Calisto, but father seems unwilling to put too much pressure on his just-turned 19yr old son.

Starters in bold for the second game vs Blouman Empire

GK: #1 Calisto Pappas.. Age: 19
GK: #17 Alexander Vlahos.. Age: 27
GK: #23 Dorian Theotokis.. Age: 26

Def: #2 Narcissus Theodore.. Age: 22
Def: #12 Stefanos Leandros.. Age: 23
Def: #19 Luke Erasmus.. Age: 17
Def: #6 Yannis Chrisou.. Age: 31 **Captain.
Def: #21 Terry Roubanis.. Age: 20
Def: #3 Luke Sisinis.. Age: 19
Def: #15 Angelos Papakonstantinou.. Age: 22
Def: #4 Alex Andreou.. Age: 27

Mid: #7 Zarek Chatzi.. Age: 18
Mid: #14 Esaias Ioannou.. Age: 19
Mid: #16 Dionysos Karras.. Age: 31
Mid: #10 Barnabas Dranias.. Age: 35
Mid: #5 Urias Halkias.. Age: 27 **Vice-captain.
Mid: #20 Praxis Nikolaidis.. Age: 16
Mid: #18 Paris Sisinis.. Age: 21
Mid: #8 Tobias Xanthis.. Age: 29

Str: #11 George Theotokis.. Age: 22
Str: #22 Lefteris Diakos.. Age: 16
Str: #9 Costa Theotokis.. Age: 22
Str: #13 Myron Pavlopoulos.. Age: 24

Blouman Empire

03-12-2008, 03:21

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eagles Ready For Peisandros

After a close 6-7 penalty shootout loss against West Zircornia, the Empire will be seeking to make amends tonight against new to international football Peisandros at The Black Hole in Gothika.

Tonight will be an important game for the empire who will be seeking a win this game in order to show other competitors that they prove a credible threat to them winning the OXEN Cup. While the team will be playing an inexperienced opponent, the team will be pushing their best men into the game looking to ensure that they will not underestimate this team and having been viewing the previous game seeking weakness' in order to to exploit them to take the win.

Captain Harvey Peanut, told The Empire Times that the team has prepared for this match and are confident that they will come away with the win tat they need. Peanut also went on to say that he was confident that the back line will continue to provide excellent defence and stop any attacks by Peisandros. Substitute keeper Keith Mason will be playing this game after regular starter Thomas Kollp pulled a ligament in last nights game. Manager Mark Birdman has expressed confidence in the team and has said that last night's close loss will be made up for tonight and that the team is looking forward to tonight's game against a new opponent.

Gimmie a shot at Blouman :D

Oh, and I'll RP our heavy defeat a bit later.. Heading to BBQ now -- yum.

Bring it on:D I will in IC take revenge of the RL Rugby world cup loss that should never have happened :tongue:

Myedvedeya

03-12-2008, 03:31

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eagles Ready For Secristan

After a close 6-7 penalty shootout loss against West Zircornia, the Empire will be seeking to make amends tonight against new to international football Peisandros at The Black Hole in Gothika.

OOC to blouman: is this intentional?

Blouman Empire

03-12-2008, 04:51

OOC to blouman: is this intentional?

Shit, no it isn't intentional at all. That's what happens when you have your mind on other thigns when typing up an RP, problem corrected.

Qazox

03-12-2008, 05:38

RP Cutoff is now (sorry, Comp is acting up a bit, that's why ot's late, but scores are forthcoming)

Qazox

03-12-2008, 05:45

Loser's Bracket 1st Round Scores:
Winners in Bold

Peisandros vs. The Blouman Empire 4-2
Taeshan vs. Lovisa 2-1
Dancougar vs. Cafundeu 1-0
Myedvedeya vs. Syktyvkar 1-1 (2-1 AET)

(you will have to wait until the completion for the 2nd of the winner's bracket to choose your opponent, and NO REMATCHES, PLEASE! if you can help it.)

Loser's bracket Second Round:
The Blouman Empire
Taeshan
Dancougar
Myedvedeya

Tommorrow: Winner's bracket Second Round.

Dancougar

03-12-2008, 18:26

Dancougar News!!
The Python None: as deadly as the C NULL.
No check. No thing. No mercy.

Wings live on as Cafundeu exits early: After choosing to tackle Newmanistan and Cafundeu in the first two matches of Oxen Cup IX, one has to wonder if the FA is brave or merely insane. Whatever the case, the Wings will play at least one more after upending Cafundeu 1-0 in their opening match in the losers' bracket.

The Wings played better as a team in this one, and they needed to in order to defeat the Monopolists, who were likewise giving some players their first shot at international glory by bringing in a mixture of experienced national-teamers and newcomers. Coach Solomon Bilbao no doubt spent a lot of time going over the fundamentals in the run-up to this one, and if there's anyone to do it, it would be him. Only a few years removed from his job at the University of Lunarossa, Bilbao knows quite well what his players are capable of doing.

The Wings looked a little more poised than against the Rockets and were calmer under fire. They picked up only one more yellow card in the match, which went to defender Matt Bogart for a rough tackle. Goro Murakami, the midfielder who took a swipe at Newmanistan's Brett Prescott, was benched by Bilbao as punishment, which he hoped would also send a message to the rest of the team that if they didn't keep a level head, they wouldn't play. Andrew Earley started in his place.

"I think that most of us were frustrated when the Rockets started taking it to us," said Dan Florentino, who Bilbao made co-captain along with defender Doug Edrington. "But you know, we're not the team that finished third in Vephrall, even if we share the name. We're unproven, untested, and if we're going to accomplish anything, we have to fight through all that." First up - a Cafundeu side that had nine regulars in the starting lineup.

The Monopolists wanted to put the game beyond doubt early and Fausto nearly made it 1-0 after seven minutes. He beat Matt Bogart with clever move between that got the ball between the defender's legs, and only the quick thinking of goalkeeper Lane McCarville kept it scoreless. He came flying off his line and into the ball, so Fausto's shot immediately hit the 'keeper's body and bounced wide. Fausto continued to torment the Dancougar right and notched two more attempts on goal before twenty minutes were up, but neither came close to beating McCarville.

The Wings built their attacks cautiously out of midfield, taking their time to make the extra pass. This meant more going sideways than forward, but it helped the Wings to continue building confidence on the ball. Perhaps it also lulled the Monopolist defenders to sleep, because the Wings sliced through almost effortlessly for their first chance of the game. Christian Chojnacki froze Jules before slipping a pass to Kanaye Isozaki, who immediately turned on the speed and beat his defender. There was a mad scramble to cover the box, and Isozaki slipped a low cross under the extended foot of Renildo. Neil Lowery slid in to play it home, but he was just a second too late, and the ball rolled harmlessly through to be cleared.

Both teams must have sensed a change in the atmosphere, because the rest of the first half was much more open, with Cafundeu extending the Black Wing defense with its runs and volleys, while the college all-stars started to string some passes together and get good looks at goal. But no goals would come in the first half, as both McCarville and Julio Sampa were able to come up with one save after another.

"Lane had a great game," said Bilbao. "He was making good reads and helped us hang in there."

The Wings eventually grabbed the lead, but it would have to wait until nearly an hour of football had elapsed. In the 58th minute, the Wings won a corner and Chojnacki stepped up to take it. There was some tugging in the box that the referee ignored, and the ball swung in. Julio Sampa came off his line to get it, but Hiromasa Nagasawa got to it first. He stepped in front of the 'keeper and gave it a nod, sending it looping over the surprised Julio Sampa and in for the lead.

Attempts to extend the lead were thwarted by Cafundeu's sudden resurgence, with half an hour remaining in their tournament life unless they could come up with an equalizer. This led Bilbao to make a defensive substitution by swapping Lowrey for Elliot Margison in the 64th minute, dropping the Wings into a 4-4-2. The extra man helped when Fausto once again got inside the box but shot into the side netting, as it took two defenders to get him wide and force the miscue. Silvinho began to flex his muscle out of the midfield and gave McCarville a scare from thirty yards out, but his shot didn't dip enough and was over the bar. Sad to say, The Cow proved ineffective, and Lacerda replaced him in the 70th.

"Teams a lot of the time will play their best football a goal down," said Florentino. "They give you a lot of different looks and raise the pace of the game." The Wings were under siege for the last half hour with only a few breakouts giving them a breather. Florentino led one in the 78th that broke down when he outran his assistance and turned the ball over, and in the 83rd, Chojnacki whipped in a cross that Isozaki headed over the bar.

Cafundeu's best chance came in the 80th minute when Ze Sho earned a free kick just outside the penalty area. Bogart went for the ball with legs fully extended and got Ze Sho at the same time, earning a yellow and forcing the Wings into panic mode. McCarville set up a four-man wall as Fausto stood over the ball with Silvinho. The kick was taken by Silvinho and was a direct attempt, but it sailed just over the bar for a goal kick.

Dancougar's 1-0 victory eliminated Cafundeu from the tournament and ensured that they would play at least one more. They will wait for the results of tonight's winner's bracket matchups to see who they will have to choose from. Bilbao says he's fine by whatever selection is made, by either the FA or another challenger. "We have some history with the three teams in the loser bracket right now, although whatever team loses in Qazox vee Krytenia would produce a lively game, too."

Newmanistan

03-12-2008, 23:42

(Rockets players gather in hotel meeting room)

McAllister: Well, it’s too bad our gridiron players couldn’t take home that World Bowl title.

Parnett: I like what they did though in getting to the final. That’s one thing I didn’t think about when I signed with Albrecht Turkish.

McAllister: The World Bowl?

Parnett: Gridiron in general. They don’t care about that much in Candelaria And Marquez, so it’s hard to really follow it.

Brooker: Yeah it’s like that in Cafundeu but I’ve never been a big gridiron fan anyway.

Drummond: In Cafundeu it’s just about all football when it comes to sports, it’s pretty awesome. Other sports don’t get nearly as much coverage.

McAllister: And now they are two and out.

Brooker: That’s gotta really suck for those teams that spent so much time preparing and getting ready to come here only to play two games and go back home.

Parnett: But if they played a little better they wouldn’t be. I love how you can pick your opponent. So the Empress called out West Zirconia, huh?

LaFave: Yeah it was her call. We’ve beaten them in the last two Oxen Cups like you guys remember, I’m sure.

Kusler: Absolutely, my first ever interregional game was against West Zirconia in Oxen Cup 7.

Drummond: We shut them out that day, right?

Kusler: Yep!

Drummond: Well then great job once again, Chris.

LaFave: This past Cup of Harmony had something to do with it too.

McAllister: The Cup of Harmony, man, what a disappointment to go out like that and lose our last ever Cup of Harmony game like that.

Parnett: I like the way you think!

Prescott: We have to make the World Cup this time. I know it’s gonna be my last chance.

McAllister: Ugh, I hate the thought of that. We can’t go our whole careers without the World Cup.

Prescott: I want Billy to be able to see me play in it. If not, well then maybe he can do what I couldn’t. Hey Brooker, any luck getting your daughter to toughen up at all so she could play football too and not do more well, girly things?

Brooker: Absolutely not! She didn’t get any football genes whatsoever.

Drummond: You sure she’s yours?

Brooker: Hey now!

(Coach Carson enters)

Carson: Good morning everyone, looks like we’ll have good weather for the game today.

McAllister: That’s good.

Brooker: So what do you think about coaching in the Oxen Cup, Brian?

Carson: It’s somewhat less stressful but of course that’s something I owe to you guys, too. In the World Cup the media critiques every coaching decision I come up with. Here, just a few of them.

McAllister: I agree, the Oxen Cup is cool like that.

Parnett: That guy Scott plays for Dover City now, doesn’t he?

Carson: Yes.

Parnett: Dover City looks stacked this year.

Merrill (assistant coach who is the head coach for Dover City): I’m hoping so, Alex.

Carson: Yeah well, anyway!

Merrill: We signed Scott to be the replacement for Dale Stevens after we transferred him to Cafundeu.

Stevens: Oh so he’s my replacement, huh? I’ll have to get on him about that during the game. To get in his head that he’ll never be as good as me.

Prescott: Yeah you mess with him. Lydiate is my target.

Carson: Well I know you guys will do well in that. Now, for some other stuff to go over.............

Jeruselem

03-12-2008, 23:56

Kara Kool and her distant cousin Sally going for a morning jog with Jenny Sloan ...

Sally: I heard you have a new car!
Kara: well, it's not actually new.
Jenny: She got it second hand from Marie.
Sally: Yeah? It is a good one or an old bomb?

Kara: No, it's Ferrari ... not some old bomb.
Sally: Can I have a drive!
Jenny: Are you insured?
Sally: Oh no, but I'll take care!

Kara: It cost me lot, I don't think so Sally.
Sally: I'm a good driver!
Jenny: You've been taking lessons from Marie, you're not exactly a slow driver.
Sally: What's the use of driving a Ferrari if you can't go fast!

Kara: Maybe, for now ... it's a no Sally.
Jenny: Go borrow one of Marie's cars.
Sally: I not exactly rich!
Kara: Just be nice to her, she'll let you drive of her cars.

Jenny: Kara's husband complains Kara spends too much time driving.
Kara: It's my car, I don't get a lot of time to drive around.
Sally: I noticed Kate drives around in flash car too.
Jenny: She's an Astin Martin person oddly.

<Two redheads in scooters pass by shouting BIKE BIKE>

Sally: That must be Marie and Kate!
Jenny: Both petrolheads like Dazza Dallas.
Kara: I've never seen them go for morning exercise.
Jenny: Me neither ...

Sally: So why are we doing this?
Kara: I need to, I'm not playing football anymore.
Jenny: I need to keep fit, no one likes fat Karate chicks.
Sally: It's a good thing to do in the morning.

Kara: We've got half an hour before we get back to the hotel.
Jenny: I fully expect those bikes to pass us again.
Sally: Maybe I should get a scooter too.
Kara: It is cheaper than Ferrari ...

Sally: But I'll try to borrow Marie's Porsche first!
Jenny: Oh, her new Porsche?
Kara: Good luck, I don't think that's going to happen.
Sally: I'll get a pay rise then!

Kara: Meaning you'll have ask Marie's Mum - you know Dazza.
Sally: Oh yes, I forgot about that.
Jenny: Just get the scooter.
Sally: But I want a sports car ...

Peisandros

04-12-2008, 03:23

Sandrians book tickets home after second loss

The Peisandros national football team is heading home after it's second loss in as many games. They looked better in the second game against Blouman Empire and were able to score two goals, but allowed their opponents to score four. Even though they were not able to win a game, the tournament has been considered a success by the PFA and the general public.

Coach Pappas has praised his team for their conduct on and off the field and said a lot was learned by all involved.

"It's good. We really enjoyed the experience and our hosts were fantastic. While there wasn't much to celebrate, it gives us lot to work with. We're looking forward and we're excited about our upcoming appearance in the Baptism of Fire tournament. Hopefully we can get our first win there. As for this second game, well, we just got outplayed by a classy outfit. They're a team ranked 38. Personally I think we did a great job to score twice."

Taeshan

04-12-2008, 05:01

Just if anyone cares:All Oxen Cup team members are available to play internationally for your club teams

Qazox

04-12-2008, 05:02

RP CUTOFF is now.
Winner's Bracket 2nd round scores shortly.

Qazox

04-12-2008, 05:12

Winner's Bracket 2nd Round matches
Newmanistan vs. West Zirconia 0-0 (0-0 A.E.T. 5-4 PK)
Lecland vs. Miroxia 2-1
Jeruselem vs. Nethertopia 3-1
Qazox vs. Krytenia 2-0

Winner's Bracket teams:
Newmanistan
Miroxia
Jeruselem
Qazox

BOTH Winner's bracket semifinals to be played at Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000.

Loser's Bracket Teams:
The Blouman Empire
Taeshan
Dancougar
Myedvedeya
West Zirconia
Lecland
Nethertopia
Krytenia

The following teams CANNOT play each other:
Taeshan-Nethertopia
Blouman Empire-West Zirconia

Loser's bracket venues (1st listed for the 1st matchup, 2nd for the 2nd, etc.)
Lorax Field, Lorax City; Capacity: 76,500.
Toro Rojo Stadium, Las Vitas; Capacity: 70,000
Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000
Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.

Next up: 2nd round loser's bracket matches. Winners, once again you get an extra day to RP.

Taeshan

04-12-2008, 05:18

I was actually gonna choose Nethertopia as after losing to them i thought i would thus win a second meeting. We will choose Lecland. Going with the safer games. As most of the others would then beat us 90% of the time with them at about 60.

Myedvedeya

04-12-2008, 05:24

Myedvedeya will request a meeting with Nethertopia.

Dancougar

04-12-2008, 05:28

We like to live dangerously. Bring teh Krytenia!

Newmanistan

04-12-2008, 05:35

Well, it's gotta be Miroxia. Common sense wins out over my urge to challenge Jeruselem.

Jeruselem

04-12-2008, 06:04

Well, it's gotta be Miroxia. Common sense wins out over my urge to challenge Jeruselem.

I'm guess I'm stuck with the hosts!

Qazox

04-12-2008, 06:05

ONE SMALL problem, people in the loser's bracket. ONE of you HAS to face West Zirconia or The Blouman Empire. (NO one read the NOT ALLOWED to be match-up part???)

Unless one of you decides on their own to switch, I'LL be forced to make the switch for one of you. Sorry.

Myedvedeya

04-12-2008, 06:22

Myedvedeya will make the switch to play West Zirconia

Qazox

04-12-2008, 06:59

Thank you Myedvedeya.

Winner's Bracket Semifinals @ Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000.
Newmanistan vs. Miroxia
Jeruselem vs. Qazox (A Classic Women's World Cup Final match... that is if the WCC was still around :()

Loser's bracket 2nd Round.

Taeshan vs. Lecland @ Lorax Field, Lorax City; Capacity: 76,500.
Dancougar vs. Krytenia @ Toro Rojo Stadium, Las Vitas; Capacity: 70,000
Nethertopia vs. The Blouman Empire @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000
Myedvedeya vs. West Zirconia @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.

Tommorrow: 2nd round loser's bracket scores (just to reinterate.)

And for any who might care, the Oxen Cup IX wiki page will be put up after the tourney is completed (Trust me, It will be easier then, rather than now.)

Jeruselem

04-12-2008, 07:22

Ryan: Aw man ...
Kate: Hey, what's wrong coach?
Ryan: We're playing my home team Qazox next.
Kate: You feel like a big traitor then?

Ryan: Well, I was coach of the Qazox team for 3 World Cups. I know everyone in Qazox team.
Kate: We're your team. You know who's the better team!
Ryan: I think both teams are pretty equal.
Kate: So what's the difference then?

Ryan: Actually both teams have a lot in common.
Kate: But we're Jeruselem, not Qazox. There's only one Jeruselem.
Ryan: There's only one Qazox too.
Kate: So what's difference between Qazians and Jeruselemites?

Ryan: Well it's big team thing with Qazox with no real superstars like yourself but Jeruselem is more a good team with a few superstars.
Kate: You're saying we rely on our bikes too often.
Ryan: Well, yeah.
Kate: It's better than crap team with no talent.

Ryan: Qazians tend not to misbehave like yourselves either.
Kate: I'm not misbehaving here!
Ryan: Not yet anyway. Didn't you and Marie get speeding tickets on your scooters?
Kate: Well, I get them all the bloody time.

Ryan: Why are your shorts all wet?
Kate: Jay dropped beer on me.
Ryan: No drinking when we're in the stadium Kate.
Kate: Ginger beer that is. Anyway, we don't drink beer it's too low class.

Ryan: Oh sorry ... oops.
Kate: We're not Southern Northland.
Ryan: Say, how come you have 31. It's weird number.
Kate: Because, 13 is reserved for real bikes ... like Marie.

Ryan: I did notice 13 is only taken by Dazza, Kate and Marie Dallas.
Kate: I'll take 13.
Ryan: I don't Marie will agree to that.
Kate: I'm just a Dallas, just like her. Why you are coaching us anyway?

Ryan: Moany is in hospital with something, being old as she is. So Dazza called me up if I wanted a trip home. So I coach you lot and stay home for a holiday.
Kate: Sounds ideal coach!
Ryan: Yeah, turns out good. But I have go back to get Jeru FC ready later.
Kate: If Moany decides retire, we'll back you for our next coach.

Ryan: Thanks but I'll stick with the army idiots.
Kate: Why is that?
Ryan: Easier to control.
Kate: We're not that bad?

Ryan: Jeruselem is full of weird characters ... err, like you.
Kate: I'm not weird! I'm ... err ... just another Jeruselem girl.

Qazox

04-12-2008, 08:41

Northland Territory Daily Globe
730 days later

It's been almost 2 years to the day of the horiffic warp-bomb attack on Qazox City, which killed not only the Furhur, Daniel Renoir, but also every major member of the Qazoxian Congress, The Holy Oxen, most of the Judical branch, High Ranking clergy, and over 15 million civilians in the greater Qazox City metropolitan area. Qazox' use of plasma bombs upon the former nations of Sawed, Moonkins and Certifiably insane, which killed an estimated 45 million, and has left those now territories all but uninhabitable; caused the world at large to denounce, in every political aspect but sporting events, Qazox as a nation non grata. While the Q-continuum war saw Taeshan, Qazox and Sativaville make massive territorial gains, Green wombat and Prux also saw their territories added to as well. But the biggest contention is over this small piece of land, called by all the Northland Territory. Qazox claims it as a right of conquest, while Green wombat claims it as part of the neutral zone between the two nations, as they each staked a claim to the former area of Sawed, Wickedable and Certifiably insane.

A brief look back at the major events of the last three years in the Q continuum:

October 13th, 1943: Qazox declares war on Sawed, Moonkins and Certifiably insane; as Sativaville declares war on Wickedable and Taeshan declares war on Piscodemons, Pool Shrimpers and Insnaeindahead.

November 7th, 1943: Sawed is declared 'conquered' by Qazoxian Military, Sawedis deny claim.

November 24th, 1943: Sawed offically surrenders to Qazox.

November 29th, 1943: Wickedable surrenders to Sativaville, Piscodemons launches nucelar attack against Taeshan, which is responded in kind.

December 17th, 1943: Moonkins offically surrenders to Qazox.

December 28th, 1943: SaxerVilla Harbor attcked with cruise missles, over 5,000 dead and 70 ships destroyed.

December 30th, 1943: AMANDA claims responsiblity for attack on SaxerVilla Harbor on December 28th.

December 31st, 1943: Taeshani military claims that Piscodemons and Pool Shrimpers surrender; Piscodemons and Pool Shrimpers deny claim.

January 17th, 1944: Piscodemons and Pool Shrimpers offically surrender to Taeshan.

January 19th, 1944: Prux and Green wombat begin to hold peace talks with remaining fighting nations.

February 1st, 1944: Taeshan claims victory over the Southern Alliance. Sativaville launches attack in East Piscodemons.

February 11th, 1944: AMANDA attacks Qazoxian troop barracks in West Sawed.

March 3rd, 1944: Qazox launches numerous blockbusters into Certifiably insane.

March 10th, 1944: Wickedable offically annexed by Sativaville, Moonkins and eastern Sawed annexed by Qazox.

April 7th, 1944: Insaneindahead offically surrenders to Taeshan, and Eastern Picsodemons annxed by Sativaville; ending the southern war. Taeshan refuses to aid Qazox in fight against the Northern Alliance.

April 19th, 1944: Qazoxian Furhur Daniel Renoir call for AMANDA's terrorist activities to desist or face nuclear attack.

April 24th, 1944: The Q-continuum war offically ends with surrender by Certifiably Insane.

April 26th, 1944: During Press conference at Qazoxian National Congress, AMANDA uses a warp bomb snuck in by an unknown person with his daughter in a bundle of flowers. The attack kills the Furhur, Daniel Renoir, but also every major member of the Qazoxian Congress, The Holy Oxen, most of the Judical branch, High Ranking clergy, and also over 15 million civilians in the greater Qazox City metropolitan area.

April 27th, 1944: Acting Furhur Francis deVatte declares "Total War" upon AMANDA and other terrorist organizations within the Q Continuum.

May 1st, 1944: Qazox launches first of eventually 8 plasma bomb attacks in Northern alliance territory. (Other bombing dates: May 4th, 16th, 30th, June 5th, 9th, 15th and 20th)

June 21st, 1944: The Northern Territory is declared "No Man's Land" by Qazoxian military, after 8th plasma bombing attack.

July 29th, 1944: Acting Furhur Francis deVatte found dead at home, apparent heart attack. Since there is no Holy Oxen due to the death of the previous Holy OXen and most of the electing clergy; and also due to deaths of the majority of the elected officals, Qazoxian General Reed Yadir assumes control for a time of no less than 6 months or until elections can occur to fill the deceased's offices.

<Part one of Three>

Newmanistan

04-12-2008, 14:55

THE ROCKET REPORT

GOALS WAIT TIL SHOOTOUT

SaxerVilla, Qazox- First they were stopping everything. Then they couldn’t stop anything. In a game that will be described as not that entertaining to many people, the Rockets have moved on and advanced to the semifinals of the winners bracket by defeating West Zirconia in a penalty shootout. It was an entertaining shootout in which the top shooters on both sides made amends for the lack of scoring in the 120 minutes that had preceded. It was the first time that the Newmanistanian national team had a 0-0 draw after the full thirty minutes of extra time. The Rockets have chosen to play Miroxia in the next round, an upstart team that has taken advantage of two easier opponents and will now truly face their biggest challenge of the Oxen Cup. All this while Qazox battles Jeruselem.

West Zirconia brought a very similar roster as what we saw from Dancougar in the first game. Instead of relying on their senior all-stars, they elected to give a bunch of junior players a chance to see what they could do on this big stage. There has been some rumors that West Zirconia could be considering a trip to the 8th Di Bradini Cup, but that may just be speculation at this juncture. Three regulars from the team that was in Newmanistan up to the Cup of Harmony final were in action, including Dover City’s Andy Scott. Early in the game, Scott got acquainted with the man he was replacing with the Mountaineers, Dale Stevens when Stevens gave Scott a hard tackle, making Chris Merrill, the assistant coach of the Rockets but head coach of Dover City get a little nervous. Scott popped right up and was ok. Also popping up was a yellow card for Stevens. A message by the official, and just three minutes later a yellow was delivered to West Zirconia’s Lewis Talbot for what seemed to be a clean tackle on Jeremy McAllister. Even J-Mac a few minutes after the card, looked at Talbot and held out his arms in a way to show he didn’t think it really needed a card. This could have had something to do with a real slow pace of play that ensued. The game was bogged down in midfield with little to really write about. The best chance for West Zirconia in the first half was a 29th minute shot by Alun Lydiate in which Chris Kusler made a nice leaping effort to punch over the bar. West Zirconia muffed the ensuing corner for an easy Rockets clear. Newmanistan best opportunity of the half came in the 41st minute from Jennifer Vilardi, but a well positioned Chris Willis made the stop and held on. Jeremy McAllister was on the doorstep ready to tap in a deflection if he didn’t hold, so that’s what made the save pretty big.

At the break, coach Carson knew his team was in a true battle, and with the game still goalless, it would be more important to make sure the team would never sacrifice defense. He had hoped that they could then pounce on a mistake and use their speed to capitalize. Little did he know that West Zirconia would seem to have the same strategy.

The second half would likely be used as a model for those who wanted an example to prove their wrong point of view that football is a very boring game. Conservative midfield play was the order of the day, and when one team looked as though it would get a good chance, the back end was ready and in position for clears. Minutes were ticking away and the fan bases of both nations were trying to get their team to start being more offensive. Around the hour mark, you could see the teams perhaps trying to get that goal, but still the defenses were holding still. Then around the 75th minute, West Zirconia seemed to go all out on offense, perhaps seeing a benefit to their younger overall age and got several good shots on Chris Kusler, but much to their displeasure, Chris hadn’t been put to sleep by all the non-action leading up to that. For the remainder of the second half, it was looking as though West Zirconia was going to do it, and the Rockets were a little relieved to get the full time whistle. Extra time came and went, with Newmanistan having the better of play in the first half of it, and West Zirconia the better in the second. We would reach minute 120, and now it would be all about penalty kicks.

(OOC: I know had the permission to do it, but I will allow WZ to name his shooters). Newmanistan went first in the shootout. Jennifer Vilardi got it started with a blast into the top corner, but West Zirconia answered. Then Brett Prescott simply overpowered Chris Willis with a shot. Willis guessed correctly, but still couldn’t hold on to the ball and keep it from going in. But West Zirconia answered. Alex Parnett then put a nifty shot fake to get Willis to guess wrong. But West Zirconia answered yet again. Where were all these goals before? Then it was Jeremy McAllister’s turn, and J-Mac simply roofed the shot perfectly under the cross bar. Though again, West Zirconia beat Chris Kusler who could only put his hands on his hips and look at the sky. Brett Carlson would be the 5th shooter for Newmanistan, and would score much the same way that Parnett had. So could West Zirconia respond. The shot was struck well but *DOINK* off the goal post and out! Newmanistan survives and gets the big win. Bring on Miroxia!

Jeruselem

05-12-2008, 01:30

Jeruselem Government News

Moany out of hospital, daughter says she'll be fine

Former porn star and Jeruselem World Cup coach Monique Alexander left hospital today after the removal of some gallstones earlier in the week. Speaking for her mother, Ricci Alexander said
"She's not feeling the best. We've got a full time nurse taking care of her for now. We'd like to thank the support for Moany we are getting. She's feeling better but not fit enough to do her job. The Dallas girls have been around to support us, especially her friend Dazza. She wants to help her team but we think Ryan is doing a fantastic job at home. She'll be watching all the games to support our team. Mum isn't the kind of person who wants to sit at home and do nothing."

Life-long friend and Jeruselem FA President Dazza said
"Poor girl. Moany isn't one to seek sympathy for her health issues. I'm sure she'll be back on the job when she's ready. Both of us aren't getting any younger. I'll be encouraging Ryan Greenly to take up the position of Jeruselem World Cup coach should Moany decide she wants to retire. I like Qazians. It's a pity we have to face them to get win this cup so early. Our sick Moany will be motivation for them win this Oxen Cup 9."

Oxen Cup 9 coach Ryan Greenly said
"She should be here and not me. But I'm here to do her job and make sure the team perform. The fact I'm dating her daughter, well has nothing to with it. We'll be winning for Moany because she'll be watching and wishing she was there. No one wants to be sitting at home ill. The team are thinking of her and the best thing for her is to bring this cup home ... that's Jeruselem not Qazox home. She may not be here but we all know she's here for us still. The team are playing not for just the nation and themselves but for their real coach, which isn't me. I'm just the substitute coach here."

Qazox

05-12-2008, 04:56

RP Cutoff Time.
Who will make the elite eight?

Qazox

05-12-2008, 05:07

Loser's bracket 2nd Round.

Taeshan vs. Lecland 4-1
Dancougar vs. Krytenia 3-1
Nethertopia vs. The Blouman Empire 4-3
Myedvedeya vs. West Zirconia 2-0

TOMMORROW:
Winner's Bracket Semifinals @ Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000.
Newmanistan vs. Miroxia
Jeruselem vs. Qazox

and Loser's Bracket 3rd round Games:
Both games will be @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
Taeshan vs. Dancougar
Myedvedeya vs. Nethertopia

Myedvedeya

05-12-2008, 05:14

We'll take Nethertopia

Dancougar

05-12-2008, 05:20

Then that makes it the fifth international between the Wings and the Purple Knights!

Qazox

05-12-2008, 06:50

Northland Territory Daily Globe
730 days later, Part 2

It's been almost 2 years to the day of the horiffic warp-bomb attack on Qazox City, which killed not only the Furhur, Daniel Renoir, but also every major member of the Qazoxian Congress, The Holy Oxen, most of the Judical branch, High Ranking clergy, and over 15 million civilians in the greater Qazox City metropolitan area. Qazox' use of plasma bombs upon the former nations of Sawed, Moonkins and Certifiably insane, which killed an estimated 45 million, and has left those now territories all but uninhabitable; caused the world at large to denounce, in every political aspect but sporting events, Qazox as a nation non grata. While the Q-continuum war saw Taeshan, Qazox and Sativaville make massive territorial gains, Green wombat and Prux also saw their territories added to as well. But the biggest contention is over this small piece of land, called by all the Northland Territory. Qazox claims it as a right of conquest, while Green wombat claims it as part of the neutral zone between the two nations, as they each staked a claim to the former area of Sawed, Wickedable and Certifiably insane.

A brief look back at the major events of the last three years in the Q continuum:

August 3rd, 1944: A new Holy Oxen, Johan Beling, taking the name of Hoofaran II is elected to the office of Holy Oxen on 5th ballot.

September 7th, 1944: General Reed Yadir declares Qazox a military dictatorship.

September 8th, 1944: Third Qazoxian Civil War begins when an estimated 40% of active-duty Qazoxian military personnel refuse to sign "Oaths of Loyalty" to General Reed Yadir.

October 1st, 1944: Green wombat, Prux and Sativaville declare themselves allies of the Qazoxian rebellion. Taeshan offically declares nuetrality in conflict.

October 2nd, 1944: General Reed Yadir declares Qazox a nation under internal confict and appeals to World Assembly for help.

October 17th, 1944: World Assembly votes down propsal to help General Reed Yadir regain control by a vote of 1532-31.

October 19th-23rd, 1944: Pro-Yadir forces launch counter-attacks against Green wombat and Sativaville; Anti-yadir forces take control of Fromburg, Pika City and Lorax City.

October 28th, 1944: Pro-Yadir forces invade Eastern Green wombat, and take control of complete Lake Porter Region. GW president Daphne Culins dies of an apparent heart attack, ending her 34 year presidency; Greg Di Saol assumes office.

November 1st, 1944: Daphne Culins' autopsy finds evidence of poisoning, Pro-Yadir forces are suspected.

November 15th, 1944: Taeshan declears itself an ally of the Anti-Yadir forces.

November 28th-29th, 1944: Pro-Yadir forces launch nuclear attacks upon Green wombat and Sativaville. The attacks are responded in kind, killing an estimated 3 million people in the Lake Porter region.

December 11th-17th, 1944: A week-long cease fire is asked by both sides as World Assembly threatens to send in peace-keeping troops by January 15th, 1945, unless nueclear attacks stop.

December 23rd, 1944: Pro-and Anti-Yadir forces agree to not use nuclear weapons or any other type of mass-desctruction devices in their war.

December 31st, 1944: An unknown person, claiming to be a high-ranking member of the Yadir staff defects to Prux.

<Part two of Three>

Dancougar

05-12-2008, 19:44

Dancougar News!!
Your national leader in subtly inaccurate news!

Three past Garcia as Wings stay alive: Krytenia will neither host the World Cup nor hoist the Oxen Cup.

Dancougar's college all-stars defeated Krytenia 3-1 in last night's losers' bracket matchup to continue their run through the tournament despite an opening day loss. Krytenia, conquerors of Cafundeu before the Wings, will go home despite keeping the match close for all by the final fifteen minutes, where the Wings erupted for the late go-ahead and insurance goals. It was the first football meeting between the nations, unless you count two qualifying matches with the Free Krytenia Rebels; it depends on who you recognize as being Krytenia.

But first, the Wings had to defeat Krytenia, and the college kids have been growing in confidence since holding off Cafundeu, a perennial favorite in almost any competition. They attempted to control the pace right from the start by holding the ball in the midfield and back, choosing their moments to push forward. The first real offense came in the 12th minute, when Dan Florintino sprang Christian Chojnacki down the right side. He was unable to beat his defender and instead fired a cross from near the corner flag that Hiromasa Nagasawa got a head to, but it was not strong enough to seriously challenge goalkeeper Juan Garcia.

Their work was rewarded when the Wings got the opening goal. In the 20th, Neil Lowrey earned a free kick when his run was impeded just outside the top of the box. The Wings bunched up near the far post awaiting a cross, but Florentino opted to shoot for goal. He blasted a low ball underneath the leaping wall, and Garcia was too slow to get to the near post first. It was 1-0 Dancougar, but they would have no time to sit back and celebrate. Krytenia awoke and began chipping away at the Dancougar defense. First, Jim Austin nearly sprang Casper Smith with a through ball that was tackled away by Matt Bogart at the last minute. Then, Steven Corazon had a crack from 25 yards that almost resulted in disaster when Lane McCarville gave up a messy rebound. The equilizer would come just before halftime from Smith, and the teams went into the locker room at 1-1.

The second half was wide open, with lots of chances but no conversions. Casper Smith missed out on his second goal, and Nagasawa missed an opportunity to put the Wings up when he hit the crossbar. Both defenses deserved credit for stepping up in the final third. Doug Edrington was tireless, working the entire middle of the field and preventing many passes intended for lurking Krytenian forwards. Michelle Graise did likewise against the Black Wing offense, once again proving the capable talents of women - a pool that remains largely untapped by Dancougar.

Krytenia blinked first. In the 76th minute, Nagasawa received a pass from Goro Murakami and was forced towards the left side of the box. He stopped in his tracks and pulled the ball to his right foot, and Keith Severiano just slightly overran him, creating space for a shot. Nagasawa tried to curl it into the far post, but Garcia was able to dive across the face of goal and punch it away. But he didn't hit it cleanly and it fell right at the foot of Neil Lowrey, who had continued his run and beat Graise to the ball for a tap-in.

The Krytenians needed to pressure for the equalizer. Kevin Breitenreiter, the biggest scoring threat on the roster, had a great chance in the 82nd. A cross from Austin found him open inside the box, and he pushed a strong header down to the turf. He meant it to go under McCarville, but it bounced too early, and McCarville was able to parry and then catch the ball. More players went forward, which left them open to a counterattack. In the 87th, the Wings were able to break off a clearance. Florentino pushed the ball into space and started a four-on-three break, with all forwards immediately rushing forward. He passed ahead to Nagasawa, who whipped it across to Kanaye Isozaki, who was just onside. He controlled the ball with his first touch and slammed it past Garcia with the second. That made it 3-1, and the game was out of reach.

Scheduling constraints and Myedvedeya's quick-draw challenge of Nethertopia means that Dancougar will meet Taeshan in its next match. The Black Wings and Purple Knights have met four times previously, with Dancougar holding a 2-2-0 edge in the all-time standings. While Dancougar and Newmanistan have smacked each other around more than once, and Taeshan's futility against Newmanistan is well-recorded, the Wings and Knights is the least-regarded and least-contested of the Keystone Kups. A good match in Pika City might help change that.

Dancougar fails Baptism of Fire: Organizers already have egg on their face after a scheduling snafu indicated that Syktyvkar, an autonomous part of Myedvedeya, would have to play two matches on Matchday Two, which is clearly impossible. The mistake was quickly corrected after being pointed out by an official at the Newmanistan FA, which can only be amused after themselves hosting two well-run Cups of Harmony.

Although it was not immediately clear if the problem rested with a bug in the scheduling program or a typo in the news dispatch, multiple interns from both departments were sacked just to be safe.

Stalwart leader to embark on journey: When the head of the Dancougar News!! traveled to some weird place called Baltimore during World Cup 43 qualifying, he secured the funding necessary to keep the report going throughout Dancougar's tournament run. Now, it's time to try and duplicate that success.

The automobile industry in Dancougar is a disaster, with the faltering economy leading them to the bring of collapse, although we know that's just an excuse, because really the problem is that they've failed to modernize their industry to follow trends in the marketplace. For about three decades now. And they also build crap cars. But they've pleaded with the head of the Dancougar News!! to work his magic once again, this time on their behalf. Therefore, he's decided to go on yet another journey.

Although given that his travel itinerary has Baltimore all over it, we think he's just yanking their chain and using it as an excuse for another holiday.

Taeshan

05-12-2008, 21:31

Knights to Play Dancougar: Officially Screwed

Qazox

06-12-2008, 04:38

RP Cutoff for MD5.
Scores up shortly.

Qazox

06-12-2008, 04:51

Winner's Bracket Semifinals @ Chek-Via Stadium, Fromburg; Capacity: 90,000.
Newmanistan vs. Miroxia 0-0 (1-0 AET)
Jeruselem vs. Qazox 1-1 (2-1 AET)

WINNERS BRACKET FINAL @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.
Newmanistan vs. Qazox

and Loser's Bracket 3rd round Games:
Both games will be @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
Taeshan vs. Dancougar 3-2
Myedvedeya vs. Nethertopia 1-0

Loser's Bracket 4TH ROUND Matches: (tommorrow!)
Jeruselem vs. Dancougar
Miroxia vs. Myedvedeya

Both 4th round games will be played @ Chè Den-Osó Stadium, San Guano; Capacity: 63,951.

my bet: Jeruselem v. Dancougar and Miroxia v. Myedvedeya (HA! I knew it!)

Myedvedeya

06-12-2008, 05:21

We'll take Miroxia.

Qazox

06-12-2008, 07:19

Northland Territory Daily Globe
730 days later, Part 3

It's been almost 2 years to the day of the horiffic warp-bomb attack on Qazox City, which killed not only the Furhur, Daniel Renoir, but also every major member of the Qazoxian Congress, The Holy Oxen, most of the Judical branch, High Ranking clergy, and over 15 million civilians in the greater Qazox City metropolitan area. Qazox' use of plasma bombs upon the former nations of Sawed, Moonkins and Certifiably insane, which killed an estimated 45 million, and has left those now territories all but uninhabitable; caused the world at large to denounce, in every political aspect but sporting events, Qazox as a nation non grata. While the Q-continuum war saw Taeshan, Qazox and Sativaville make massive territorial gains, Green wombat and Prux also saw their territories added to as well. But the biggest contention is over this small piece of land, called by all the Northland Territory. Qazox claims it as a right of conquest, while Green wombat claims it as part of the neutral zone between the two nations, as they each staked a claim to the former area of Sawed, Wickedable and Certifiably insane.

A brief look back at the major events of the last three years in the Q continuum:

January 7th, 1945: Pro-Yadir forces withdraw from Yorkshie and Gothika, leaving the entire southern Qazoxian region under control of taeshani and Anti-yadir Forces.

January 8th, 1945: General Yadir survives an apparent assassination attempt. (Later revealed to be a hoax perpetrated by the General and his personal security force to curry favor with the people).

January 13th, 1945: The "high-ranking member of the Yadir staff" tells the Pruxton Globe that General Yadir is planning an invasion of Green wombat, and that the assassination attempt of January 8th might be a hoax.

February 9th, 1945: First details of the assassination hoax are revaled to the Qazox City Herald form an unknown source. (Later to be revealed as Colonel Jason Greene.)

February 10th, 1945: General Yadir bans print, televison and internet media; in hopes of stopping the exposure of the assassination hoax.

February 27th, 1945: General Yadir orders military to invade Green wombat.

March 1st, 1945: Green wombat, Prux and Taeshan bomb Rockport, Las Vitas and Cuidad de Iguana, killing an estimated 1.2 million people in the attacks.

March 7th, 1945: General Yadir survives another assassination attempt. (While not yet confirmed, this assassination attempt is also belived to be a hoax).

April 12th, 1945: Upon threat of nuclear war, Qazox withdraws from Green wombat.

May 19th, 1945: Anti-Yadir forces now control the eastern third and souther third of the country. General Yadir moves headquarters to Vogg City, from Qazox City.

May 25th, 1945: Anti-Yadir forces take control of Qazox City, declare the restoration of the Presidency, with elections to come in September.

June 4th, 1945: General Yadir surrenders to Anti-Yadir leader General Oscar Velasez; Yadir is kept at Fort Hiram in Vogg City, until Yadir's war-crimes trial can begin.

June 5th, 1945: The ban on the media is recinded; and the full facts of Yadir's assassination hoax are revealed by the "high-ranking member of the Yadir staff", who turns out to be Colonel Jason Greene, Yadir's former secretary.

June 7th, 1945: Colonel Greene found dead in Pruxton, Prux hotel room. A man, later found to be a member of Yadir's personal security force, is arrested and charged in the murder.

June 27th, 1945: Pro-Yadir forces surrender en-masse, effectively ending the Third Qazoxian Civil War.

July 1, 1945: Qazox signs peace treaty with Green wombat, Prux, Taeshan and Sativaville, ceding two-thirds of the War-acquired northern territory to Green wombat. Qazox will also pay an estimated 17.3 billion Zaqs in repreations to the other nations in the continuum.

August 3, 1945: Yadir's war-crime trial begins in undisclosed location in Prux.

August 30th, 1945: General Oscar Velasez supports the candidcy of Pauline Singh, one of the few members of the Senate to survive the Warp Bombing of the Qazoxian National Congress on April 26th, 1944.

September 16th, 1945: On the eve of the Qazoxian Presidential election, General Yadir is found guilty on 2 of 7 counts of criminal war acts in Prux. Yadir is sentenced to 75 years in prison.

September 17th, 1945: Pauline Singh voted in as 29th Qazoxian President defeating Harold E. Fallon 202-111 in the Electoral College (145,965,782 to 107,856,920 in popular vote).

September 19th, 1945: General Reed Yadir commits suicide, helped by unknown personel; 7 other members of Yadir's staff, whose trials were due to start on October 1st, 1945; also found dead.

September 20th, 1945: President-elect Singh, in her first speech following her election, requests that the World Assembly allow Qazox to return to the W.A. as an associate member for a mininum of 4 years, or until full membership status is confirmed by the W.A.

October 1, 1945: The remaining territory acquired by Qazox in the Q-Contiuum War is formaly accepted by the Q-Continuum Council and the World Assembly. The territory, Now offically called "Northland Territory", will become a region within Qazox upon 70% approval of the inhabitants. The capital of the Territory is Krenville, one of the few cities to survive the war intact.

October 13th, 1945: The Q-Continuum War Memorial, with a list of the over 28 million soliders dead in the war, unveiled in Krenville, Northland Territory, on the 2nd anniversary of the beginning of the war. The QNC memorial is dedicated in Qazox City, with President-elect Singh asking for the world to remember the cost of war and the folly of unchecked aggression.

October 15th, 1945: Pauline Singh sworn-in as 29th Qazoxian President.

<Part three of Three>

Jeruselem

06-12-2008, 09:03

Coach Ryan Greenly and Princess Marie visiting his parents.

Ryan: Hi Mum, Dad. It's your son Ryan.
Mum: Look our boy Ryan is here.
Dad: Who's the pretty girl there Ryan?
Ryan: This is not Ricci, this is Princess Marie-Antoinette Dallas of Jeruselem.

Marie: Good to meet you.
Mum: She looks like that Dazza Dallas woman.
Dad: She's her daughter, silly.
Mum: Oh yes, that's right. Come on Ryan, let's get inside with this girlfriend of yours.

Ryan: Err, she's not my actual girlfriend.
Dad: She's the prettiest girl you've taken home so far.
Marie: Thanks, every guy wants to take me home.
Mum: I'm sure they do. We've got lunch ready!

<Later>

Dad: We've never had a Princess in my home before.
Mum: Yes, it's funny our son taking one to our place.
Marie: Well, I insisted on coming here to meet the fine parents of the coach.
Ryan: She's just one of the team but she actually outranks me diplomatically here.

Dad: So Marie, how is our humble lunch for a Princess?
Marie: Compliments to the chef or cook.
Mum: That's me, not him. He doesn't cook, he's a man.
Ryan: Mum is always the best cook the world.

Marie: In my case, my Mum is a lousy cook. Actually my Dad is better.
Mum: Really? Dazza's cooking isn't any good.
Marie: She tries but admits to herself she's not good.
Ryan: Marie isn't much better herself.

Marie: My sister Jacinta is pretty good, but cooking isn't a strong point of the family.
Mum: Oh well, you do everything perfectly.
Ryan: All of them can whore themselves perfectly.
Marie: Yes, we are good at some things.

Dad: So Ryan, how does one get a poledancer as a girlfriend.
Ryan: By accident ...
Mum: You should get married one day.
Dad: Even if it is Jeruselemite bimbo, we want grandkids.

Ryan: Well, the question is ... where are they going to live?
Dad: Why don't you take them home to Qazox?
Ryan: My job is in Jeruselem. I'd imagine the wife wants to stay home.
Marie: I'd be happy to live in Qazox, I spent some of my life here with Mum as a kid.

Mum: Yes, the civil war is over. Let's hope we can now rebuild Qazox.
Dad: We want a secure homeland, not one at war.
Marie: I'll be meeting your pres, Pauline Singh after this cup is over.
Mum: You can stay here Marie, and get the good old Qazian hospitality.

Ryan: She can't for security reasons because she is a Princess.
Mum: Well, she's always welcome here.
Dad: Reckon she's the best thing you've taken home so far.
Ryan: Oh dear

Jeruselem

06-12-2008, 11:33

Jeruselem Government News

Princesses out clip some Wings after loss to hosts

Despite being coached by three time Qazox coach Ryan Greenly, Jeruselem fell the the hosts of Oxen Cup, losing after a Qazian goal in extra time. Newmanistan as expected defeated Miroxia to progress to the final and meet Qazox. Many expected the winner of this cup to come from the Qazox vs Jeruselem. Newmanistan did struggle past an unlucky Miroxia in extra time winning 1-0 while Qazox's 2-1 win over the Princesses make them favoured to take out their own cup.

But before that the Princesses are out to beat the Wings from Dancougar. Teams in the Oxen Cup 9 have been actively avoiding playing Jeruselem all cup and it seems the lesser teams are still doing that. This has forced the Wings to play the Princesses as Myedvedeya dodged Jeruselem opting to play Miroxia.

Qazian Ryan Greenly was seen taking Princess Marie-Antoinette Dallas to see this parents in something like a "meet my girlfriend" meeting although she isn't dating him. Marie isn't a stranger to Qazox, she lived with her mother Dazza for a period of time when Dazza was the ambassador to Qazox. These days Dazza Dallas is the Jeruselem FA president and isn't doing a lot with Qazox these days.

A determined Marie said about the game against the Wings
"It's not the final but we as a team want to win every game. We lost one game so we aren't going to be Oxen 9 champs. But we are going all out to win still. The Wings look like a team who mean business but the Princesses aren't just about looking good ... we got here because we won games. It's a big game. We aren't taking the game lightly. For me, thinking about losing is not it. All I want is to win, I'm not out there to lose. I want to kick some ass and clip some Wings man!"

Newmanistan

06-12-2008, 17:43

THE ROCKET REPORT

KUSLER CARRIES ROCKETS

Qazox- Those of us at the Rocket Report just can’t get ourselves up to writing a game summary about the team’s second consecutive 0-0 game through full time. At least this one ended up as a victory prior to penalty kicks thanks to a 113th minute strike by Brett Carlson. With the victory, Newmanistan and the hosts from Qazox are the sole survivors in the winner’s bracket, and will face off against each other in the next round. This football team from Qazox will certainly be looking to avenge the loss of their other football team to Newmanistan not too long ago in the quarterfinals of World Bowl IV. Against Miroxia, the Rockets came out pretty flat, but thanks to one man in particular, Newmanistan gets the victory. In his last two games, Chris Kusler has played four hours and not surrendered a goal. That’s right, two games that went 120 minutes, both ending up as a clean sheet for the keeper. Penalty shootout against West Zirconia aside, to keep the ball out of your net for 240 consecutive minutes is quite an achievement. If you want to go back to the Dancougar game, the last game in which the Rockets were scored on, Kusler is currently on a 293 minute shutout streak. So instead of the recap, how about an interview with Kusler? Out Clint Peterson sat down with the Rockets keeper to discuss his streak, and other topics.

CP: Chris, thanks for taking the time to talk to us, I’m sure your tired.

CK: Not a problem. I am, but I have all night to rest.

CP: Congratulations on the great performance against Miroxia, especially in the early stages of the match when it looked as though the team was a little complacent.

CK: Thank you. There will be games when the keeper can be on a bad form and your shooters bail you out and get a win, and then games like this where maybe you have to provide the spark to them. It’s just the way it is. I felt good out there and I really want to win this title. We’ve been knocking on the door, as an Empire, over the last three Oxen Cups at getting a title, and we all have to help out one another if we are going to win.

CP: In the last two games, you have played 240 minutes, and have not surrendered a goal. That’s pretty amazing. Your overall streak is 293 minutes.

CK: You have to credit my teammates there too. Especially our back end four, Brooker, Haynes, LaFave, and Harrison. They’ve really supported me. We are also playing very well in the midfield. The streak might have my name on it, but it’s something that I hope that whole team takes pride in. It’s an accomplishment for all of us.

CP: You have been on two championship teams. The Di Bradini 4 team and the Cup of Harmony 33 team, but each time you were the backup keeper to Corey Hennis. Is there a special drive for you to get this one where you were the starting keeper?

CK: Yeah absolutely. I didn’t get in any games during those two championships because like you say Corey was our number one keeper so I just got to watch. It was still fun, and while I do feel like I had a role in that a little, moreso from my work in training and trying to help Corey as much as I could, there is simply no question that having a championship where I was the starting keeper would mean a great deal to me, as an individual.

CP: The questions about World Cup 44 qualifying will be inevitable. Is it you, or Corey Hennis that starts in goal. It might be a little early, but what’s your take on that? Is that a motivator for the Oxen Cup?

CK: Well I want to be the starter in qualifying and so does Corey. I’m glad to see that Corey has recovered and it will be possible for him to return to the lineup. We might be competitors in the NPL, but goalkeepers are really one great big fraternity. We know what the others go through and never want to see someone get hurt.

CP: It would appear that you have the momentum right now. And doing this with Brian Carson leading the way has got to help.

CK: I probably do. I won’t lie and tell you that I don’t think that I shouldn’t start. But it’s all about you finish things off. We have a big game against Qazox coming up, and they have some pretty good shooters. We’ve got six teams left in this thing and any one of them can get hot. Just look at Dancougar.

CP: What’s the mood of some of the forwards?

CK: They’re fine. We’ve won our first three games, and they are veterans who are able to realize that the most important thing is getting positive results. I know they want to score a little more, that goes without saying, but as long as we are winning, things are completely positive.

CP: Well, Chris, best of luck. Let’s continue that 293 minute shutout streak as long as you can!

CK: I will do my best! Thanks, Clint.

Dancougar

06-12-2008, 20:08

Dancougar News!! Road Report
The weather outside is frightful. At least at the Somerset rest stop.

Wings continue survival against Purple Knights: Dancougar will face Jeruselem after knocking off Taeshan 3-2 in last night's elimination round match at the Oxen Cup.

Hiromasa Nagasawa had a breakout performance with a pair of goals, with Christian Chojnacki adding a third in between them. The Wings led the entire way but had to weather a rough challenge from Taeshan, which fought back from two goals down to give the college all-stars a real scare.

Dancougar took a 2-0 lead in the opening half hour, after Nagasawa headed home a Dan Florentino corner kick in the 11th minute to open the scoring. Grant Balfir came out of the six yard box to punch the ball away but misjudged its flight, leaving Nagasawa with an open goal. Chojnacki doubled the lead in the 26th after a hard shot from 20 yards out hit Kollen Culp in the leg and landed behind the diving Balfir, who would have otherwise made the save. The way the ball was bouncing, it seemed like things would go Dancougar's way.

But Taeshan would mount a comeback. The first goal came in the 40th, when a defensive lapse by the Wings allowed Kyle Stall to receive a pass in stride and waltz in alone on goal. The hands went up, but the linesman had a perfect view of the run. Stall coolly slotted it to Lane McCarville's left to make it 2-1. He showed remarkable poise alone in front and made sure to finish rather than getting too exciting and booting it yards wide.

Taeshan enjoyed the majority of the possession up until the halftime whistle but were unable to add to the score, yet momentum was in their favor. The Wings attempted to regain it when the second half began. They slowed the game down by killing the ball in the midfield and passing it amongst themselves, much like they'd done against Cafundeu and Krytenia. Then, in a sudden attack, the Wings got the two-goal lead back. In the 53rd, Kanaye Isozaki slipped a shot pass through Bradleay Fischer's legs and Nagasawa poked it home.

As before, Taeshan would not go quietly. They began to push forward and besiege the Black Wing goal. In the 68th, Stall once again found himself with space in the box, but McCarville had a good angle on him. Rather than shoot, he used the outside of his foot to find fellow forward Sam Richardson, who buried it into the open net to make it 3-2. The fluid attack showed that the Wings did not have enough awareness in the back.

It was a frantic dash to the end, but Solomon Bilbao made a defensive substitution and pulled his midfielders back to weather the storm. The Wings would not get any lightning counters like they did against Krytenia, but neither could Taeshan get the equalizer. McCarville made three saves in the final fifteen minutes to close out the match.

This sets up a match with Jeruselem, who lost to the hosts in extra time. Coach Bilbao says he's happy with the matchup, saying that it gives his team an opportunity to go toe to toe with another World Cup caliber side. We think the FA might be crazy for wanting all of the tough games, or maybe we're inclined to believe them when they say this tournament is about experience for the players rather than final victory.... no, it must be the crazy.

Jeruselem's Marie-Antoinette Dallas has already started the pregame talk by declaring the team is out to "clip some Wings." Not to be outdone, midfielder Chojnacki says he's eagerly awaiting the chance to "ride some bikes." Coach Bilbao didn't take kindly to the comments, and said he will bench Chojnacki for Jon Kokoszka due to a lack of focus.

Qazox

07-12-2008, 05:24

It's a 2-fer-1 special today. Both the RP Cutoff and the Scores! What a Deal!

Loser's Bracket 4TH ROUND Matches: (tommorrow!)
Jeruselem vs. Dancougar 1-0
Miroxia vs. Myedvedeya 3-1

Tommorrow's matches:

WINNER'S BRACKET FINAL @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.
Newmanistan vs. Qazox

Loser's Bracket Semifinal @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
Jeruselem vs. Myedvedeya

From now on, Sorry, you can't pick your opponent any more :eek2:

Jeruselem

07-12-2008, 11:40

Announcer 1:
It's been a pretty tight game between the Princesses from Jeruselem and the Wings from Dancougar. Both teams have been working hard but been unable to score any goals so far. The Princesses have been misfiring in attack while the Jeruselem defense has been stout as Crusader castle. Both sides have been trying but unable to get any advantage. The game seems to moving to overtime as the Wings goalkeeper has been pretty solid all game. The fearless Kaz in the Jeruselem goal has been just as good. Both teams have been far from just defending but they can defend just as well.

Announcer 2:
The pint sized Marie has just been knocked over again. Those Dallas girls maybe small but you can't call them meek. They've got an amazing array of skills on the field. Marie's been keeping the Wings keeper busy all day and defense always fear the decisive sidestep from the royal Marie. The Wings have kept Kate Sallad quiet but can't seem to keep both midfield Dallases under wraps.

Announcer 1:
Jenny Sloan's got a limp. Kylie Sho is coming on for the last minutes. Let's hope Jenny is OK, as she has been working hard all day for no reward. A reminder to viewers Kylie Sho is not Flak Sho's wife, he's married to Princess Jacinta Sasha Dallas - Kylie is one of his cousins.

Announcer 2:
A great shot by Kylie but the Wings keeper is in control. The Wings seem desperate to get to the other side of the field again. Sadie Dallas shuts down another potential threat, well done. She maybe an idiot but she's got a great football brain that Sadie.

Announcer 1:
Nasty tackle on Marie there. She's a got a free kick. She's staring daggers at the Wings defender who's trying to avoid her now. Kate's now got the ball and moving forward again for another raid on the Wings goal.

Announcer 2:
It's a great effort by La Ning but once again the keeper stops the ball when it's needed to be stopped. What, the wings have lost the ball and given away a corner. The Princesses don't need any extra help. I think they are getting really tired now. Everyone is making stupid mistakes.

Announcer 1:
I don't a header for Jeruselem could work here. Most of the team aren't tall and most of the Jeruselem strikers prefer to kick the ball. The wings seem to have the height advantage here. Here goes. We might be looking for a low strike.

Announcer 2:
That's a strange ball, it's high and wide - not even near the goal. There is no way anyone can put their foot on that ... what's this? A bicycle kick by Marie, she's really got quite high up. I don't believe it, she's scored a goal. I don't believe that.

Announcer 1:
It looks rehearsed to me. I think Jeruselem knew that they were doing. The whistle is blown, the Wings are shattered. Marie is on the ground covered in grass and dirt but she's the only scorer of the game. I've never seen such a goal to date.

Announcer 2:
I can see why teams feared Jeruselem. Everyone avoid them like the plague and it seems this is why they avoided Jeruselem. The Princesses are not a team to muck around and slack around. The wings are really unlucky but they paid the price for one error.

Announcer 1:
Looks like Marie's lost her top. She is a Dallas. The crowd don't mind either. When it comes to entertainment, the Princesses never fail even if they lose. It's a pity we aren't having a Jeruselem vs Qazox final but Qazox would prefer to play Newmanistan than Jeruselem.

Announcer 2:
Yes, that final is still going be great. Myedvedeya are going find isn't the Jeruselem team same as the Miroxian team they just beat . Jeruselem is a team who could have won the final, Miroxia is not.

Newmanistan

07-12-2008, 15:11

(Rockets players gather in the morning of their big game)

Carlson: We’ve gotta play better tonight. We have to score some goals!

McAllister: Chris deserves it, without him we’d probably have been eliminated by this point.

Kusler: Thanks but it really has been a team effort.

Parnett: Makes you wonder if Corey Hennis has started his last World Cup qualifying game.

Carlson: Let’s not get too into that yet.

Parnett: I know, I’m just saying.

Kusler: Well I have to admit that I do think that I am ahead of Corey right now and with Brian coaching this team too, it should look in my favor.

Brooker: Who’s ever in goal in World Cup 44 qualifying is fine with me, I just want to qualify. I’m tired of it. We can do so good in these tournaments and then when it comes time to qualifying we can’t get into that World Cup.

Prescott: Guys, let’s focus on the matter at hand. An Oxen Cup is in our reach. We can knock Qazox down in the loser bracket. Just look at what our gridiron team did. Came into Qazox and said seeya to the defending champions.

Parnett: It’d be cool to have won a Di Bradini Cup, a Baptism of Fire, a Cup of Harmony, and an Oxen Cup wouldn’t it, Jeremy? Some of you have a real chance at winning all those trophies.

McAllister: Yeah it would. We’re here to do exactly that.

Brooker: Doesn’t make up for not qualifying for a World Cup.

Prescott: Come on Brooks, focus.

Brooker: Sorry.

(Coach Carson enters)

Carson: Good morning everyone.

Team: Good morning.

Carson: First, I have to announce that I have decided to make a change to the starting lineup in order to try and improve our goal scoring.

(That gets the team’s attention as suddenly everyone’s ears perk up).

Carson: We have scored one goal in four hours. But we have done a masterful job on defense, and in goal. I have decided though, to make two changes to the lineup for the game against Qazox. One in the midfield and one up front. Jennifer (Vilardi), I am going to use you as a substitute in this game instead.

J Vilardi: (sighs) Ok, coach.

Carson: Shawn (Drummond), you’re starting again.

Drummond: Hell yeah! (Sticks tongue out a Jennifer. Jennifer playfully flips him off. These two have been romantic before if you aren’t up on your team history).

Carson: Ok, now the tougher choice. I am going to start Kyle Carrigan. He has looked real good in practice and I think he will give us the little change of pace that we might need to get our offense moving a little bit. And I know his older brother would be proud.

Carrigan: Wow thanks coach, I won’t let you down.

Carson: Dale, I hope you don’t mind, but I have elected to scale you back into being a substitute for this match.

Stevens: I can’t say that I am not disappointed, coach. I respect your decision but don’t agree with it.

Carson: I wouldn’t want to hear anything less from you, Dale. I know it will be tough. We have to do something a little different tonight that can generate goals without risking any defense.

Stevens: You’re the boss.

McAllister: Alright, now let’s everyone keep our spirits up at the highest level here. We are two wins away from an Oxen Cup championship. Big picture here boys and girls! It doesn’t matter who’s name it is, we’re all Rockets!

Stevens: My spirits are up. Kyle, you have my support.

Carrigan: Thanks Dale.

J Vilardi (to Drummond): I’ll get you back for this and you know how I will do that too.

Drummond: Uh oh.

Carson: Alright, now for some tactical information.

Brooker: Coach, before you do, are you ok? You seem a little too serious today. I know that’s fine, it’s just not what we are used to.

McAllister: Yeah, I noticed that too.

Carson: Sorry about that guys, just a little under the weather that’s all.

Brooker: Well I hope you feel better.

Carson: Thanks.

Dancougar

07-12-2008, 18:27

Dancougar News!! Road Report
Duckpin bowling is like friggin skeeball on crack.

Late mistake seals Wings' elimination: Marie-Antoinette Dallas scored a potential goal of the tournament with a flying bicycle kick as Jeruselem defeated Dancougar 1-0 in the fourth round of the Oxen Cup losers' bracket.

The loss ends a difficult tournament in which the Wings lost to Newmanistan before rattling off victories against Cafundeu, Krytenia, and Taeshan. But against the Princesses, they were overmatched against a finesse team that knows how to turn on the physical play. Goalkeeper Kaz Raine proved to be unbeatable, and Marie-Antoinette backed up her pre-game talk with steady play in the midfield before scoring her acrobatic game-winner.

"It's just been one exhausting game after another," said Dan Florentino, who played most of the game with a yellow card. "We haven't been given an easy game while we've been here. But now I can really see where we stand, and where I rate among some of the world's best, so I just have to work harder from here."

The goal came after Matt Bogart committed a foul just outside the box, a sloppy challenge on Marie-Antoinette that garnered a yellow card and gave Jeruselem a great chance to prevent overtime. Na Ling's free kick looped over the wall and was stopped by Lane McCarville, but he couldn't hold the ball, and Doug Edrington knocked it out for a corner kick, unwilling to take any chances with possession in the box. That set the stage for Marie-Antoinette's winner, which looked like a botched play at first but ended with the ball in the back of the net.

"That hurt, I mean, to hang in there for so long and lose it on a play like that," said McCarville. "I think I was so relieved to see that ball float out, I started to relax a little, and all of a sudden this thing comes flying right back at me. It's just one mistake that kills you in these kinds of games."

With that, the Wings' adventure in Qazox comes to an end. The players, who can be commended for tackling the tough teams when everyone else was avoiding them, will go home for some much-needed rest. Then they'll find out whose stock rose and tanked when the D-League holds its annual Super Draft next weekend.

Qazox

08-12-2008, 05:44

RP Cutoff (sorry had to watch the new Robot Chicken, that's why it's late)
Scores up in a minute or so.

Qazox

08-12-2008, 05:46

WINNER'S BRACKET FINAL @ Henrí Savagé Stadium, New Recife; Capacity: 73,000.
Newmanistan vs. Qazox 2-1

Loser's Bracket Semifinal @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
Jeruselem vs. Myedvedeya 4-1

Tommorrow's match:
Loser's Bracket Final @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.

Jeruselem vs. Newmanistan

Jeruselem

08-12-2008, 06:45

Ryan: I need to send something back to Ricci to Jeruselem, you know a girl expect some gifts when her man goes on holidays.
Marie: I'll take the stuff, I know where she lives.
Ryan: I don't suppose you can come along with me ...
Marie: Of course I will, just let me put some clothes on first! Can't go running around Jeruselem in a towel.

<Marie runs off and comes back dressed up ready to shop>

Marie: So, what are you getting.
Ryan: I was thinking some nice clothes. Since you and Ricci have the same body shape, you could help me find the right clothes.
Marie: You have no idea what to buy then?
Ryan: I'm clueless about fashion in Jeruselem.

Marie: Well, you asked the fashion Princess herself.
Kate: Hey, what's this coach. Another date with Marie!
Ryan: No, I'm taking her shopping with me.
Kate: Still sounds like a date to me.

Marie: He needs a real woman to help him shop for his girlfriend.
Kate: Well, I think Ricci is into this Goth craze.
Ryan: What's that?
Marie: She wears a lot of a black and dark stuff.

Ryan: Explains her recent wardrobe change.
Marie: I know of great Goth place with groovy stuff.
Kate: You mean Bettina's?
Marie: Yeah

Ryan: I'm a man, I don't go clothes shopping for women.
Kate: Good thing you have good friends like us then.
Marie: Who's driving?
Ryan: Me, you're nuts on the road.

Marie: I might drive just a little quick I don't crash.
Ryan: I'm driving.
Kate: Oi Marie, get me one of those pink booties while you're at Bettina's.
Marie: Sure thing Kate.

Jay: Another date coach?
Ryan: Shopping ... not a date.
Marie: I don't mind, I'm going shopping!
Ryan: OK you lot, no silly business while I'm away.

Kate: We'll be fine.
Jay: Yes, I promise to work hard ...
Ryan: Sure, work hard ... you don't know the meaning.
Kate: Jay never works hard. He's a slackass even at home. You even have to force him to work in the bedroom.

Marie: Yeah, I know that!
Ryan: OK, you lot listen to Sister Marsha. I have some shopping before the stores shut.
Kate: When do we go shopping?
Ryan: After the game against Newmanistan.

Jay: How come you're always dragging Marie around?
Ryan: She drags me around.
Kate: Sounds like a date still.
Ryan: Just get back to training guys

Newmanistan

08-12-2008, 09:12

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS HAVE THEIR MULLIGAN

New Recife, Qazox- The host country is the sole survivor of the winner’s bracket as the Phoenix of Qazox defeated Newmanistan by the score of 2-1, sending the Rockets to the loser’s bracket. Qazox, who’s senior team is respected as one of the best in the world, has never won their own competition but now they have their fans excited and believing that this just may be their year. They now must lose two times, and will have the confidence in knowing that they have already been able to defeat the team that will oppose them in the final, whether that be Newmanistan or Jeruselem. The Rockets will meet the Princesses in what will determine “third place” in the Oxen Cup. There is no formal third place game (OOC: Correct me if I’m wrong), so therefore Newmanistan will do no worse then their second consecutive third place finish. But they will be eyeing the title as well as defeating the Princesses in order to have two more cracks at Qazox.

The game began with Rockets keeper Chris Kusler riding a shutout streak of 293 minutes, in which Qazox certainly was well aware of. The Phoenix attempted to get to Kusler early with Charles Marquis and Maria Ann Reyes, as well as Brittany Lopes showing some very good chemistry with one another. However also on top form were the Rockets defenders and Chris Kusler, as the shutout streak continued to increase. But with Qazox controlling the play, a goal was bound to happen, and a goal by Marquis in the 29th minute officially ended the Kusler streak at 322 minutes. His next goalless streak would be much shorter, lasting only four minutes, as soon after Brittany Lopes stunned the Rockets with a fluky goal to make it 2-0 in favor of the home team, and quickly the Phoenix fans were on their feet sensing that this game was theirs. Qazox continued to control the game in the first half as the Rockets just seemed not as with it as they should have been. Brian Carson did make a couple lineup changes, but it would be too easy to automatically assume that had anything to do with what was not a good effort. We wouldn’t call the Rockets flat, because they seemed to be playing hard, they just simply were not ready for this freight train going full speed ahead that is the Qazox Phoenix, and they were beaten up pretty soundly.

At halftime, with the team down by the two goals, Brian Carson ripped into his team. There was going to be no it’s understandable to lose a game to Qazox’s World Cup 43 team in Qazox. Not like this. The Rockets want the Oxen Cup and had to be able to match their skill, and he felt there should be no reason why they shouldn’t. The explosive Rockets offense has been absolutely non-existent in the Cup, and many will argue that Newmanistan should find themselves very fortunate to even still be playing right now.

When the second half began, Newmanistan came out playing well, but again the Phoenix began to gain control of the game. The midfield was clearly outplaying Newmanistan, and Alex Parnett seemed to have a particular struggle this afternoon. Maybe Kyle Carrigan shouldn’t have been put into this role, and in the 54th minute, Brian Carson substituted him out for Dale Stevens. Six minutes later, out went Shawn Drummond and in went Brian Wright. Not Jennifer Vilardi, thought many Rockets fans? Nope, it would be Wright, with Carson hoping that Brian would make the most of his extra playing time. In the 64th minute, Wright set up Jeremy McAllister beautifully through the penalty area, but the J-Mac shot sailed just an inch outside of the post to keep the game at 2-nil. Brett Prescott then viciously sent David Shultz to the ground, making the midfielder hold his knee in pain for several minutes. The referee saw it and issued a yellow card, which infuriated the fans that were expecting it to be red. Then as the Qazoxian players were arguing with the referee, Brett, who was standing beside Brittany Lopes, held out his hands and whacked Brittany in the face, pretending he was stating his case. Though the wily 38-year old agitator knew exactly what he was doing, he did a great acting job in pretending it was an accident, and the referee issued no additional punishment. This seemed to get in the heads of the Qazox team for a little bit, and allowed the Rockets to dominate play for the next 10 to 15 minutes, a stretch that would lead to a goal by Brett Carlson, his second in two games, and the only player to score a goal in the last three games. Carlson was set up by Jeremy McAllister, and slide his 76th minute shot to the left of Natalie Dansen as Newmanistan closed the gap to 2-1. Three minutes later, Dansen kept the Rockets from tying the match with a brilliant save to punch a high shot over the bar. Newmanistan closed out this game pretty well, but in the end, Qazox would hold on and get themselves a victory. Next up for the Rockets will be Jeruselem, a nation that in the past Newmanistan has been distracted by, but now that they have had a few meetings with these gorgeous ladies, this time it should be business as usual. Well, for the most part anyway. Their youngest player is 23. It should be a rule that Jeruselem has at least one or two 18 or 19 year olds on their roster.

Here is some post game reaction:

Carson: “I’m still looking for us to have our signature game of the Oxen Cup. I hope it didn’t come already against Dancougar. Our offense is capable of scoring more goals then this. Chris Kusler and our defense has held us as much as they could, but we need more production, and against Jeruselem, that will definitely be true.”

Kusler: “The streak doesn’t matter anymore. It was fun but now the only streak that matters is us needing to win two games.” (Actually three, Chris, but we’ll let it pass)

Brooker: “We’re doing everything that we can. Qazox is a good team, let’s give them their just credit, but we have to pick our game up a little bit if we want to beat Jeruselem and then beat Qazox twice.”

McAllister: (who if you’re keeping score, only has one goal in the Oxen Cup): “There were more opportunities tonight. We should have been able to capitalize on them. Chris is carrying us, and it is time for those of us who are supposed to be scoring, such as myself, to finally step up and do what they are on the team to do. I believe we can make it happen and pick up three more wins.”

Jeruselem

08-12-2008, 23:56

Marsha: How was shopping coach?
Ryan: Well, it took longer than I thought.
Marsha: Girlie shopping isn't a rushed process.
Ryan: Especially if you take a Princess along.

Marsha: What do you mean?
Ryan: You don't know how many outfits she had to try on.
Marsha: And?
Ryan: I had to help remove them.

Marsha: So she spent more of the time undressing than being dressed.
Ryan: Yes, but seeing Marie has the same kinda body as Ricci - I think I got the right dresses.
Marsha: So it was good then.
Ryan: Unfortunately, everyone thought she was my girlfriend.

Marsha: Maybe Marie likes you!
Ryan: One girlfriend is enough, and Marie isn't normal.
Marsha: Dallas girls aren't normal.
Ryan: But as a football coach, you can tell the special ones.

Marsha: She is a bit weird but I'm sure she means well.
Ryan: She's a bit extreme, you can say.
Marsha: Extreme
Ryan: You see most people have comfort limit, and don't like getting outside that. Most of the Jeruselem are pretty much normal football players with a few exceptions.

Marsha: Yeah like extreme Marie.
Ryan: Kate's weird but she's not totally extreme. Kate does have similar behaviour to Marie at time but then they are related.
Marsha: What you mean by extreme?
Ryan: You see, she doesn't have limits on her ambition.

Marsha: So for her, she does nothing half-baked.
Ryan: Yes, it's nothing or everything.
Marsha: I see, I notice she's a bit like that.
Ryan: She's a kind of player who can turn a game around or lose it for you.

Marsha: She is a bit tempermental.
Ryan: I'm surprised she hasn't been sent off yet.
Marsha: Maybe she's just winding up.
Ryan: You know, I think she's better than her sister Kate.

Marsha: Really? That's big statement coach.
Ryan: But I think her Mum Dazza is still the better player.
Marsha: So what's her role in the team.
Ryan: Well, Kate is the brains here. Kate does most of the thinking but Marie is heart - the spirit.

Marsha: But the two are very similar. I mean people confuse the two.
Ryan: Yes, but Kate is the field marshal in the team. Marie is the terrorist guerilla, she hits so hard the opponent dont recover.
Marsha: But you swap them around and things won't be different.
Ryan: Yes, Kate can be equally tempermental and Marie can actually just become an ordinary player but she's inclined to crash into the problem first.

Qazox

09-12-2008, 01:10

(ooc: Yes Newmanistan, the loser of your game will get 3rd place, just as Myedvedeya got 4th place, that's the beauty of a double-elimination tourney, the 3rd place game is built in!)

Qazox

09-12-2008, 05:07

RP cutoff and Loser's Bracket Final @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
SCORE:
Jeruselem vs. Newmanistan 3-2

Championship Final Game 1 of 2 @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.

Qazox vs. Jeruselem

Jeruselem must win both games to win title, Qazox needs to win one of the two.

Newmanistan

09-12-2008, 05:42

THE ROCKET REPORT

PRINCESSES ELIMINATE ROCKETS AGAIN

Pika City, Qazox- Just like they did in Oxen Cup 7, Jeruselem has eliminated Newmanistan, winning the loser bracket final by the score of 3-2. The Princesses will now be hoping things continue to repeat themselves from that particular Cup, as they went on to win the Championship that year. In fact, in every Oxen Cup in which Newmanistan has participated, the team that ultimately eliminated the Rockets from contention went on to win the championship. Jeremy McAllister finally found the net, scoring in the 25th minute which at the time tied the match at 1. In the second half, Alex Parnett would get another game-tying goal, this being in the 57th minute that at the time made it 2-all. From there, both teams played well, but Jeruselem would get the big goal when they needed it. Newmanistan therefore finishes 3rd in the Oxen Cup for the second time in a row.

For more information on the details of the game, please check out our website or wait for a Jeruselem press release.

Jeruselem

09-12-2008, 06:08

Jeruselem Government News

Qazox vs Qazox at the Oxen Cup 9

It's the big game, the best of the best at the Oxen Cup 9. Today Jeruselem battled past Newmanistan and the Vilardi sisters to meet the hosts Qazox in the final games. Qazox got an easy ride into the final game after beat Jeruselem 2-1. Jeruselem since has had to fight it's way past some of the best teams in the cup including Dancougar and Newmanistan just to make this far.

Jeruselem need to win twice against Qazox while Qazox just need one win to claim their own cup. Given Qazox has beat both Jeruselem and 3rd placed Newmanistan, they are the big favourite but few can write off Jeruselem who have had to claw their way to where they are.

There is now doubt the three best teams being Qazox, Jeruselem and Newmanistan deserve to be where they are. All teams have proven to be great performers with the consistent hosts who haven't lost a game leading the way. Newmanistan have deserved earned 3rd spot but are unlucky to be beaten by the higher ranked Jeruselem and Qazox. Jeruselem took the long road around but have finally made the final with only one loss.

Today's encounter was hard and fast game with both teams going out hard. The Rocket's Jeremy McAllister started the ball rolling beating Jacinta Sallad to the ball hammering a great goal past a hapless Kaz Raine in the 25th minute. With Sloan missing from the team line due to injury, Kylie Sho proved she wasn't just a bench player. She bustled past some rockets with a great strike in the 40th after Princess Marie had hit the post.

Captain Kate Sallad headed in goal early in the 2nd half, outjumping a busy defense. Jeruselem with the edge in 51st and the rockets needing a big booster pack. Alex Parnett started the fightback again, scoring in the 57th after Jeruselem defense failed to pick him up. Marie tried hard but ended up scoreless in the game being unlucky to hit the post a few times, it just wasn't her day. She actually scored twice but got called for offside both times.

Jewbee Sally Kool threw herself at a header which evaded the diving Rocket keeper to score the winning goal. For her trouble, she ended up rolling into the side netting and got tangled. They was comical event when Sadie Dallas was standing on the field without her shorts with some cheeky fans stealing it without her knowledge. Needless to say, she got a lot of attention but didn't work out why until too late.

So it's down to Ryan Greenly vs his old team Qazox. Will the winner be the Qazians or a team coached by Qazian? Either way, the winner of this cup will have Qazian coach.

Qazox

09-12-2008, 06:41

YAY wiki page is up for any who dare to look at it:
<http://wikistates.outwardhosting.com/wiki/Oxen_Cup_9>

Qazox

10-12-2008, 05:04

RP Cutoff

Qazox

10-12-2008, 05:05

Championship Final Game 1 of 2 @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.

Qazox vs. Jeruselem 2-1

CHAMPIONSHIP Game 2
Jeruselem vs. Qazox @ Estadia Pika, Pika City; Capacity: 78,625.
WINNER TAKE ALL

Myedvedeya

10-12-2008, 06:00

OOC: why does the wiki say "template:countrydata Myedvedeya" for my spot?

Qazox

10-12-2008, 06:10

OOC: why does the wiki say "template:countrydata Myedvedeya" for my spot?

Because on Wikistates, you don't have a page.

Jeruselem

10-12-2008, 07:03

Jeruselem Government News

Princesses push Oxen Cup 9 into 2nd final game

Qazox needed just one win to take their own cup and end the Princesses winning streak at the Oxen Cup 9. The pressure was on Jeruselem to win as a loss would hand the cup to Qazox. Both teams played hard with Jeruselem scrambling to keep out the locals with it's notoriously leaky defense while Qazox were kept busy with Jeruselem not holding back it's attacking game.

Captain Kate Sallad was lost to Jeruselem early when she limped off with hamstring injury. Vice Captain Flak Sho took over with Marie becoming new Vice Captain on the field. Sister Hanna Josh came on for Kate Sallad. Jeruselem were under pressure with their leader off the field and things got worse when Qazox bundled in the first goal when the ball struck the post, into the face of Jacinta Sallad and into the Jeruselem net. Needless to say, Jacinta wasn't happy being credited with the own goal.

In the 2nd half, Jeruselem pushed forward knowing that goal would give Qazox the cup. Marie always scored from Beth Bootin pass but the keeper was awake to the Dallas antics and stopped Marie's shot in time. Kylie Sho tried her luck with a header but once again it was stopped by another brilliant effort.

Kaz Raine was kept busy with the Qazian counterattacks. The short keeper may not look like the sort of person entrusted with holding the line but she's proven to be hard to defeat. Jewbee Sally Kool who was incidentally born in Qazox, provided the Princesses first goal knocking a spilt ball from a Marie rocket. Jeruselem pushed hard for the 2nd goal but the Qazians were holding firm.

The game was won with Marie free kick meeting the header from Kylie Sho. The keeper had been expecting a header going up but had to scramble for low header which he was unable to stop. Naturally Jeruselem had to fight off the last Qazian attacks as time ticked. Sadie Dallas copped a ball in the head attempting block a ball and stopped the last Qazian attack.

Jeruselem

11-12-2008, 02:25

Ryan Greenly talking to a friend

Friend: Say, where's your girlfriend Marie gone?
Ryan: She's just a friend, not a girlfriend.
Friend: Oh come on, how can you not have girl like that being a girlfriend!
Ryan: One girlfriend is enough

Friend: So what's it like coaching the Princesses?
Ryan: A lot of work, unlike Jeru FC where you can tell people they are idiots - that doesn't work with this lot. You need real people skills as you have to be little careful especially with people like Marie.
Friend: Really?
Ryan: Considering the team is made of very different people, you must be sensitive to different characters.

Friend: Must be a hard job then
Ryan: Once you work out what everyone is like, it's not hard.
Friend: So want to take on this job for the next cup?
Ryan: Well, it does pay more.

Friend: The Jeru FC job doesn't pay enough?
Ryan: Army bureaucracy sucks and they pay the players peanuts.
Friend: So you don't attract the best army people.
Ryan: We don't get the best army football players because it doesn't pay enough.

Friend: So what's the problem with the Jeruselem team.
Ryan: They get paid too much and have too much outside interests.
Friend: But that's football superstars for you.
Ryan: People like Marie and Kate have a bit too much extracurricular interests.

Friend: So, it's a bunch of underpaid monkeys or a bunch of overpaid bikes.
Ryan: Yes, no such thing as balance in Jeruselem.
Friend: I reckon you should go the Jeruselem job.
Ryan: Why is that?

Friend: Get the money while it's good.
Ryan: I suppose the money is there.
Friend: And the Dallases like you
Ryan: That does help getting the job.

Friend: Sleeping with Marie could help.
Ryan: Hey, I'm not going that far to get the job man

NationStates Jolt Archive

Oxen Cup 9