NationStates Jolt Archive

The World Cup qualifying stage can be a cruel event. National Teams of different countries battling for two or three spots in a group to get into the major competition... each game is decisive, each point can make the difference. It isn't a healthy thing, you know... players stressed, supporters worried, coaches under threats...

And, after fourteen challenges, the team couldn't get the dreamed qualification. Maybe the elimination came early, or came only in the last seconds of the last game. Of course, a sad situation... the players refused to talk with the media after the last game, the coach tried to apologize but the boos were louder, some supporters couldn't sleep, crying during days... and what about the money spent in the fireworks that couldn't be used in the qualification party that didn't exist...

But now this is part of the past. Forget that missed qualification, stop the laments! Your teams can not be in the World Cup, but they have a chance to participate in a competition full of strong teams, which shared the same emotions of yours during the qualifiers! You can still win a trophy, and not a common one! It is one of the most prestigious competitions of the world football, it is...

THE 36th CUP OF HARMONY
in Cafundéu and Dancougar

The Monopolist Empire of Cafundéu and the Kingdom of Dancougar are glad to open their doors (borders, I mean) to the Cup of Harmony participants. Stadiums are being prepared, hotels waiting for customers! During this tournament, these countries will be your new home! After watching VHS tapes (due to the fact that some stupid office assistant broke our DVD player) of the World Cup qualifiers' games, the competition organizators from both the CCFM and Dancougar's FA chose 23 countries that have a guaranteed place in the competition if they express their interest in participating! And this is the official place to do this! (well, TGs can be accepted too...)

The 23 selected countries:

Akbarabad
Arroza
Cassadaigua
Dariusville
Draistania
East Pocono
Greal
Green wombat
Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Myedvedeya
Nethertopia
Newmanistan
Oiseaui
Prux
Quintessence of Dust
Rennidan
Sarzonia
Secristan
St Samuel
Terreiro de Ogum
The Bostopian Empire
Urna Eletrônica
West Zirconia

If you are out of this list, but want to participate, you can express your interest in this thread, but your sign-up won't be guaranteed. You can be placed in the Cup of Harmony if the number of countries from this list signed-up doesn't reach one of the desired numbers. For example, if we have 17 countries from the list above signed-up when the deadline reaches, the first country from outside the list that expressed interest will enter in the CoH. The number of sign-ups necessary is 16 (that will be used only if there's really no other alternative), 18 or 24.

The deadline for sign-ups is Sunday, January 25th, 02:00 GMT, although it can change if the number of sign-ups is too low. The group draw will be done in the same day.

These are the groups:

in Dancougar:

Group A
Secristan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14352549&postcount=34) (51)
The Bostopian Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14435593&postcount=22) (52)
Urna Eletrônica (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14424857&postcount=12) (43)
Draistania (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14347754&postcount=30) (97)
Rennidan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14331025&postcount=9) (31)

MD1:
Secristan x The Bostopian Empire - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal
Rennidan x Draistania - Kirk County Stadium, Kildare

MD2:
Secristan x Urna Eletrônica - City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport
The Bostopian Empire x Rennidan - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal

MD3:
The Bostopian Empire x Draistania - Kirk County Stadium, Kildare
Urna Eletrônica x Rennidan - City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport

MD4:
Rennidan x Secristan - Kirk County Stadium, Kildare
Urna Eletrônica x Draistania - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal

MD5:
The Bostopian Empire x Urna Eletrônica - City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport
Secristan x Draistania - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal


Group B
West Zirconia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14348531&postcount=31) (39)
Cassadaigua (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14436094&postcount=24) (45)
Terreiro de Ogum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14353738&postcount=39) (30)
Koseli Cumhuriyetler (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14330438&postcount=3) (53)
East Pocono (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14357370&postcount=47) (83)

MD1:
West Zirconia x Cassadaigua - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
Koseli Cumhuriyetler x East Pocono - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

MD2:
Terreiro de Ogum x West Zirconia - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City
Cassadaigua x East Pocono - Kemaridohyou, Mizuno

MD3:
Cassadaigua x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - Kemaridohyou, Mizuno
Terreiro de Ogum x East Pocono - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin

MD4:
East Pocono x West Zirconia - Kemaridohyou, Mizuno
Terreiro de Ogum x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

MD5:
Terreiro de Ogum x Cassadaigua - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
West Zirconia x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City


in Cafundéu:

Group C
Newmanistan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14337042&postcount=25) (32)
St Samuel (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14357948&postcount=49) (87)
Greal (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14425126&postcount=14) (44)
Akbarabad (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14335276&postcount=19) (55)
Nethertopia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14330421&postcount=2) (50)

MD1:
Newmanistan x St Samuel - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
Nethertopia x Akbarabad - Arena América, Abadia

MD2:
Greal x Newmanistan - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita
St Samuel x Nethertopia - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari

MD3:
St Samuel x Akbarabad - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari
Greal x Nethertopia - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft

MD4:
Nethertopia x Newmanistan - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari
Akbarabad x Greal - Cúpulo Tropical, Ilha Eremita

MD5:
Greal x St Samuel - Arena América, Abadia
Newmanistan x Akbarabad - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft


Group D
Dariusville (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14358055&postcount=51) (61)
Sarzonia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14330690&postcount=7) (63)
Prux (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14437887&postcount=27) (26)
Arroza (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14358077&postcount=52) (49)
Green wombat (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14335316&postcount=21) (38)

MD1:
Dariusville x Sarzonia - Maracatuzão, Dunboor
Green wombat x Arroza - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

MD2:
Prux x Dariusville - Presídio, Carandirú City
Sarzonia x Green wombat - Estádio Nacional dos Cocos, Porto Lacruz

MD3:
Sarzonia x Arroza - Presídio, Carandirú City
Prux x Green wombat - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

MD4:
Green wombat x Dariusville - Presídio, Carandirú City
Arroza x Prux - Maracatuzão, Dunboor

MD5:
Prux x Sarzonia - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta
Dariusville x Arroza - Estádio Nacional dos Cocos, Porto Lacruz

Fixtures (one matchday per day):

MD1: 1x2; 5x4 (bye 3)
MD2: 3x1; 2x5 (bye 4)
MD3: 2x4; 3x5 (bye 1)
MD4: 5x1; 4x3 (bye 2)
MD5: 3x2; 1x4 (bye 5)

Knockout Round:

Quarterfinal 1: A1 x B2 - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal
Quarterfinal 2: B1 x A2 - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
Quarterfinal 3: C1 x D2 - Arena América, Abadia
Quarterfinal 4: D1 x C2 - Maracatuzão, Dunboor

Semifinal 1: Q1 x Q2 - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City
Semifinal 2: Q3 x Q4 - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

Third Place Game: loser S1 x loser S2 - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

Final: winner S1 x winner S2 - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft

Sarzonia manager Brian Wilson couldn't understand why the annoying intern was shoving a piece of paper in his face.

"Can't you see I'm busy?" he snapped. He was trying to discuss what moves his team needed to make before their matchup against Bazalonia in the AOCAF tournament. His team had just been handed a 3:0 away loss to Fidelia and he was clearly not in much of a mood to handle paperwork.

"Coach," the intern said with an insistence that told Wilson he'd better take a minute from his busy schedule.

"What?"

"It's paperwork you need to sign to accept a spot in the Cup of Harmony."

Wilson looked up, now paying attention. The Cup of Harmony. Some wonk at the Incorporated Football Federation told him it was only for the teams that had the best records among teams that missed the World Cup. However, the intern was quick to point out that Sarzonia would qualify for the Cup under that circumstance as well.

"So we have an opportunity to play in the consolation tournament?"

"Yes," the intern said. "Cafundéu and Dancougar's football associations both signed off on it [OOC: I'm wondering which of you decided on Sarzonia. I can incorporate it into the RP]. We're invited."

"Where do I sign?"

"Right ... there!" the intern said, pointing to a line with a sticky note attached to it. Wilson signed it with a flourish, then handed the paper to the intern, who looked at it closely.

"Anything else I need to do with that?"

"Nope, that's it. I'll send it off straight away."

"Thanks."

[OOC: Needless to say, Sarzonia accepts the invitation. If you're one short of nations, Rymeria can take part as well, but only if you need another country to fill your numbers.]

Yeah well.... can't lose the KPB point potential. We'll grudgingly be there.

East Pocono will accept if you need it for a number later but right now I will leave them out of it.

In a small bar along Atalanta's Coronado Beach.

The messenger looked slightly pissed off, probably from having to bike the extra mile and a half from Arroza's Soccer headquarters down the the small, darkly lit bar that seemed to serve as the true home of the National Team lately, at least during the daytime. Approaching the table, he caught snippets of the conversation, about the same one that had been going on for weeks, since the collapse of the Newmanistani Premier League.

“So no one wanted us, man that's discouraging. We already quit our old teams, so I guess there's nothing out there for us anymore. I've got an offer from the Texans to play domestically if it ever comes to that, God forbid.”

“Don't worry about it too much, Martin. We've still got the Cup of Harmony. See, there's probably the messenger with the forms now.”

The Coach rapidly signs the forms with a drunken flourish, handing them back to the messenger, he then turns back to his morose striker.

“We've still got at least three games to show people our people can play internationally, and get some jobs. And if we're really lucky, we'll get sent to Cafundeu. Horribly expensive place, but the women...much better than Dancougar.”

(Invitation accepted, roster same as W/C qualification attempt.)

"Its the Cup of Harmony."

"Oh great."

"I missed out the last one."

"The last one was epic, we reached the semi-finals."

"Now, this one would be harder right?"

"Who knows, we're improving very well."

(OOC: Greal accepts the invitation, roster up soon.)

Green wombat accepts, and will send the same bunch of losers as was in the qualifers. Maybe they'll do something in the CoH...right?

Prux will return to the CoH for the first time in 12 years, and promises not to have Zombies! (new roster to come by Friday!)

Akbarabad signs up and will send the world cup qualifying squad.

I'm in

Back to Cup of Harmony we go. Accepted.

No fancy register RP, sorry. But Nethertopia and Dariusville will both fight for the cup.

We accept the invitation, announcing the roster below:

The Urna Eletrônica National Team

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

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

Starters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Substitutes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kits:

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

Cassadaigua accepts the invitation.

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

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

Style Modifier: +2

Team Formation
4-3-4

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


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


If my opponent posts first, he/she may:

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

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

OOC: Sarzonia will use its same squad from the World Cup XLIV qualifying campaign.

To whom it may concern,

We thank the football authorities of Cafundeu and Dancougar for their gracious invitation, but will have to decline to take part in this Cup of Harmony. The Quintessential Football Association does not have the funds available to support two international trips in the same year, and will be concentrating on youth development for the rest of 2009.

-- Alfred Cynus
Chair, Quintessential Football Association
Former Chief Science Advisor to the President

OOC: Sorry, but I have too many funding applications to file and assorted personal mayhem to do much more RPing.

Now, if the only thing that stopped us winning last time was defeat to Taeshan, and Taeshan have made it to the World Cup proper (at our expense!), that means we must surely be in a position to win it this time?

Therefore, count us in.

Sean Dastrin sat in a bar, drinking, alone. He couldn't even win two games in the World Cup. All of his hard work was in vain. There didn't really seem to be much purpose any more.

Frederick Dawner walked through the door, looking a little uncomfortable, but more excited than he had seen in a while. He walked straight over to Sean. "I didn't know you were a drinking man."

"Neither did I. This stuff is horrible, but I hear it's supposed to make me feel better, eventually."

"You should stop feeling bad for yourself."

"What do you suggest that I do?"

"How about go to the Cup of Harmony?"

"What?"

"Draistania was preselected. We get another chance!"

Sean's head went down into his face. The qualifiers had just about killed him. "I'm tired."

"Well, you're coming. You know you want to."

"No, I don't."

"Do you remember the intensity our team had? That was all from you."

Sean sat there for a moment. He had enjoyed the intensity of the team, thrived on it. He wanted to experience it again. "Fine, you've got me. So, we're in?"

"We're in."

"I'll go pack my bags."

Of course Terreiro de Ogum will participate. After all, this country is a puppet of Cafundéu! The Oxalá followers will field the same team of the qualifiers.

St Samuel would like to accept the invitation for the 36th Cup of Harmony.

The Bostopian Empire is pleased to accept the offer to compete in the 36th Cup of Harmony.

Number, Name, Position, Age, Territory

Main Staff

KS - Kulvir SINGH - Manager - 49 - Adoros
RD - Rajinder DHALIWAL - Assistant Manager - 48 - Adoros
GC - Greg CRAVEN - Coach - 36 - FIDA Isle

And, playing a 4-3-1-2 formation - the Squad.

Goalkeepers - 3

12 - Andrei SMOLENSKI - GK - 23 - Vladmiristak
1 - Steve BUSH - GK - 34 - Rental Save
13 - Kyle BRIANT - GK - 26 - Deweyland

Defenders - 7

2 - Boris LUKOVIC - DL 25 - The Whittle Islands
3 - Daniel RICHARDS - DC - 24 - FIDA Isle
4 - Vladimir MENYIVICH - DC - 30 - Arbad Islands
5 - Mike FORSIDE - DR - 26 - Chikoo
14 - Dean PUNTER - DC - 19 - Outer Sygon
15 - Shatrunjay THAKUR - DLRC - 23 - Adoros
16 - Grigori MIROSHNICHENKP - DR - 22 - Vladmiristak


Midfielders - 8

18 - Baljeet PREWAL - ML - 25 - Adoros
19 - Trooper Chris WAITE - AMC - 22 - Bostopia - Emperor's Own Regiment, stationed in the Arbad Islands.
17 - Peter BROOKS - MC - 31 - Rental Save
20 - Bill FRANKLAND - MLR - 23 - Deweyland
6 - Larry JOHNSON - ML - 31 - Rental Save
7 - Peter JENKINS - Captain - DMC - 31 - Deweyland
8 - Anthony PEAN - AMC - 31 - Chikoo
9 - Rich FELLOW - MR - 30 - Chikoo[

[b]Strikers - 5

10 - Jack AUSTELL - SC - 27 - Outer Sygon
21 - Kyle HAIRFELD - SC - 25 - Arbad Islands (West)
11 - Will PETERSON - SC - 31 - Rental Save
22 - Stewart RICHARDSON - SC - 26 - Deweyland
23 - Unmesh MITALI - SC - 20 - Adoros

Kits

Designed and produced by Asal éide spóirt of Sorthern Northland

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

Important Information for Hosts & RP'ers

Style Modifier - +5

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

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

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

Rennidan will attend. Booyah.

Cassadaigua’s Cup of Harmony 36 Roster

Starters in Green
Subs in Blue
Reserves in Red

Players with a * after their name play on international teams. All others play nationally. Also included in the players past experience. As a nation, Cassadaigua is 65% female therefore our team is all women.

All players participated in World Cup 44 qualifying but not necessarily in the same roles as some starters/substitute switches have been made.

Coach: Michelle Baynes, Age: 40, Also coached World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.

Goalies:

#1- Rachel Terry, Age: 26, Starter in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.
#20- Kristen Stockton, Age: 20, Starter in Di Bradini Cup 7
#21- Nicole McCrossin, Age: 36, Substitute in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.

Defense:
#2- Michelle Fuller *, Age: 25, Starter in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35
#3- Jessica Messina, Age: 28, Same as above
#4- Courtney Poole, Age: 20, Starter in Di Bradini Cup 7
#7- Brooke Reynolds, Age: 30, Starter in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35
#5- Allison Endres, Age: 23, Starter in Di Bradini Cup 7 and served as team captain there.
#8- Amber Brandt, Age: 32, same as above
#6- Michelle Garrett, Age: 19, stater in Di Bradini Cup 7.

Midfield:
#9- Christine Scott, Age: 29, Starter in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.
#17- Erika Cotrell, Age: 30, same as above
#15- Meghan Burns *, Age: 21, starter in Di Bradini Cup 7
#22- Jennifer Lowry, Age: 21, starter in Di Bradini Cup 7
#19- Nicole Robertson, Age: 29, starter in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.
#13- Elaina Pennington, Age: 31, reserve in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.
#23- Corinne Atwater, Age: 25, national team debut

Forwards:
#11- Courtney Ferguson *, Age: 30, CAPTAIN, Starter in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.
#14- Stacie Kerrigan *, Age: 18, starter & leading scorer in Di Bradini Cup 7
#10- Jessica Keeley *, Age: 29, same as above except the captain part.
#12- Kirsten Logan *, Age: 32, same as above
#16- Erika Daniels, Age: 18, starter in Di Bradini Cup 7
#18- Brittany Macey, Age: 32, substitute in World Cup 43 & Cup of Harmony 35.

Style Modifier: +1


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

Select my scorers — Yes
Give out yellow cards to my players — Yes
Give out red cards to my players — Yes, no more then one per game.
RP injuries to my players — No
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — Yes
Godmod other events — Yes, feel free to have fun just don’t kill anybody.

Sign-ups are closed. The group draw will be done soon, with the first matchday being played on Tuesday (between 01:00 and 04:00 GMT - so, the night from Monday to Tuesday).

There were 19 sign-ups, so East Pocono will be included (to make a good number of participating nations) to make a competition format with 4 groups of 5 countries, with the top 2 qualifying for the next round.

The Group Draw of the 36th Cup of Harmony

The 20 participating countries of this Cup of Harmony were divided in 5 pots, according to their post-qualifying KPB rankings. These countries will be drawn in one of the 4 groups of the group stage of this CoH, being two groups in Cafundéu (C and D) and two in Dancougar (A and B). The pots are the following:

Pot 1: Prux (26); Terreiro de Ogum (30); Rennidan (31) and Newmanistan (32).
Pot 2: Green wombat (38); West Zirconia (39); Urna Eletrônica (43) and Greal (44).
Pot 3: Cassadaigua (45); Arroza (49); Nethertopia (50) and Secristan (51).
Pot 4: The Bostopian Empire (52); Koseli Cumhuriyetler (53); Akbarabad (55) and Dariusville (61).
Pot 5: Sarzonia (63); East Pocono (83); St Samuel (87) and Draistania (97).

The top two countries of this group stage will go to the knockout stage, continuing their search for the title which will end in the Obelisco Monumental, in Lasft (Cafundéu), the place of the final.

So, these are the groups:

in Dancougar:

Group A
Secristan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14352549&postcount=34) (51)
The Bostopian Empire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14435593&postcount=22) (52)
Urna Eletrônica (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14424857&postcount=12) (43)
Draistania (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14347754&postcount=30) (97)
Rennidan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14331025&postcount=9) (31)

MD1:
Secristan x The Bostopian Empire - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal
Rennidan x Draistania - Kirk County Stadium, Kildare

MD2:
Secristan x Urna Eletrônica - City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport
The Bostopian Empire x Rennidan - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal

MD3:
The Bostopian Empire x Draistania - Kirk County Stadium, Kildare
Urna Eletrônica x Rennidan - City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport

MD4:
Rennidan x Secristan - Kirk County Stadium, Kildare
Urna Eletrônica x Draistania - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal

MD5:
The Bostopian Empire x Urna Eletrônica - City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport
Secristan x Draistania - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal


Group B
West Zirconia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14348531&postcount=31) (39)
Cassadaigua (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14436094&postcount=24) (45)
Terreiro de Ogum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14353738&postcount=39) (30)
Koseli Cumhuriyetler (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14330438&postcount=3) (53)
East Pocono (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14357370&postcount=47) (83)

MD1:
West Zirconia x Cassadaigua - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
Koseli Cumhuriyetler x East Pocono - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

MD2:
Terreiro de Ogum x West Zirconia - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City
Cassadaigua x East Pocono - Kemaridohyou, Mizuno

MD3:
Cassadaigua x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - Kemaridohyou, Mizuno
Terreiro de Ogum x East Pocono - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin

MD4:
East Pocono x West Zirconia - Kemaridohyou, Mizuno
Terreiro de Ogum x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

MD5:
Terreiro de Ogum x Cassadaigua - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
West Zirconia x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City


in Cafundéu:

Group C
Newmanistan (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14337042&postcount=25) (32)
St Samuel (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14357948&postcount=49) (87)
Greal (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14425126&postcount=14) (44)
Akbarabad (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14335276&postcount=19) (55)
Nethertopia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14330421&postcount=2) (50)

MD1:
Newmanistan x St Samuel - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
Nethertopia x Akbarabad - Arena América, Abadia

MD2:
Greal x Newmanistan - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita
St Samuel x Nethertopia - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari

MD3:
St Samuel x Akbarabad - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari
Greal x Nethertopia - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft

MD4:
Nethertopia x Newmanistan - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari
Akbarabad x Greal - Cúpulo Tropical, Ilha Eremita

MD5:
Greal x St Samuel - Arena América, Abadia
Newmanistan x Akbarabad - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft


Group D
Dariusville (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14358055&postcount=51) (61)
Sarzonia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14330690&postcount=7) (63)
Prux (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14437887&postcount=27) (26)
Arroza (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14358077&postcount=52) (49)
Green wombat (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=14335316&postcount=21) (38)

MD1:
Dariusville x Sarzonia - Maracatuzão, Dunboor
Green wombat x Arroza - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

MD2:
Prux x Dariusville - Presídio, Carandirú City
Sarzonia x Green wombat - Estádio Nacional dos Cocos, Porto Lacruz

MD3:
Sarzonia x Arroza - Presídio, Carandirú City
Prux x Green wombat - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

MD4:
Green wombat x Dariusville - Presídio, Carandirú City
Arroza x Prux - Maracatuzão, Dunboor

MD5:
Prux x Sarzonia - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta
Dariusville x Arroza - Estádio Nacional dos Cocos, Porto Lacruz

Fixtures (one matchday per day):

MD1: 1x2; 5x4 (bye 3)
MD2: 3x1; 2x5 (bye 4)
MD3: 2x4; 3x5 (bye 1)
MD4: 5x1; 4x3 (bye 2)
MD5: 3x2; 1x4 (bye 5)

Knockout Round:

Quarterfinal 1: A1 x B2 - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal
Quarterfinal 2: B1 x A2 - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
Quarterfinal 3: C1 x D2 - Arena América, Abadia
Quarterfinal 4: D1 x C2 - Maracatuzão, Dunboor

Semifinal 1: Q1 x Q2 - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City
Semifinal 2: Q3 x Q4 - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

Third Place Game: loser S1 x loser S2 - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

Final: winner S1 x winner S2 - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft

* no roster link as it was said in Prux's sign-up post that the roster won't be the same of the WC qualifiers.

Speaking of the Devil.. Here is the roster!

PRUX' CoH36 roster aka The DRUNKEN IRISH MOB


GoalKeeper:
Ida O'Keefe (Fav Drink: A pint of Guinness)

Defense:
Sean O'Malley (Fav Drink: A pint of Scotch)
Ryan McDermott (Fav Drink: A pint of Irish Whisky)
David Sullivan (Fav Drink: Boilermaker)
Michelle O'Hearn (Fav Drink: Shots of Absinthe)

Midfielders:
Michael MacDermot (Fav Drink: Shots of Tequila) [regarded as the strange one on the team]
Michelle O'Sullivan (Fav Drink: Vodka)
Francis Hagerty (Fav Drink: Bourbon)

Forwards:
Robert Keene (Fav Drink: Boilermaker)
Frances McGillicutty (Fav Drink: A pint of Guinness)
Brian Malley (Fav Drink: Dark Rum)
Brianna Sully (Fav Drink: Bacardi 151)


WARNING: Do not allow this team with 100 yards of a pub, tavern, pool hall, bar, or any place that serves alcohol. If so allowed, the nation of Prux won't be held fiscally responsible for the following: the complete drinking of any and all alcohol within, furniture damage, personal injury, and/or frequent cursing/bombing of the Dammed Wombats.


Schedule:
MD1: Off (Warning: this may be the most 2nd dangerous day for the host city!)
MD2: Dariusville
MD3: Green wombat (Warning: this will be dangerous day for the host city)
MD4: Arroza
MD5: Sarzonia

Yes to choose my scorers and yellow cards, no to everything else.

Welcome to the Kingdom of Dancougar! The government asks that you disregard the minor rebellion which occurred in the western state of Helmut during World Cup 44. Control has been restored and public confidence in the royal government remains high. Security should not be an issue, lest your fans make it one. Laws regulation public activity are fairly restrictive, although people are mostly free to do what they want in their own personal space. So while you can find plenty of clubs and bars to hit during the evening, the police will be keeping a close eye out during the day.

A total of six stadia have been selected to host matches in the Dancougar region. They have been grouped to keep travel to a minimum, although Dancougar's public transit system has traditionally received ample funding and should prove invaluable to the traveling fan. Most major cities are connected by bullet train or light rail, and cities themselves can be navigated using their respective bus systems.

Group A: Coastal Division
Secristan (51)
The Bostopian Empire (52)
Urna Eletrônica (43)
Draistania (97)
Rennidan (31)

Teams in Group A will play their matches in the seaside cities of Port Royal, Eastport, and Kildare. The first two are referred to as the Twin Cities of the east, as they occupy opposite shores of the Kishin River delta. Kildare lies roughly fifty miles to the southwest of Port Royal, also along the coast.

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/ohio/cleveland_browns1.jpg
Name: Aclaf Stadium
Location: Port Royal, Juusenkitai
Home Of: Port Royal FC
Capacity: 60,000
Notes: Located at the waterfront of this eastern port city, near the Leonard Sweetwater Arena and the city's prime nightlife destinations. The stadium was part of a development plan for the entire waterfront, which now includes hotels, restaurants, and lounges.
Matches
MD1 Secristan v Bostopian Empire
MD2 Bostopian Empire v Rennidan
MD4 Urna Eletrônica v Draistania
MD5 Secristan v Draistania
Quarterfinal A1 v B2

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/florida/miami_orange2.jpg
Name: City of Eastport Municipal Stadium
Location: Eastport, Fujiwara
Home Of: Eastport United
Capacity: 55,000
Notes: Eastport occupies the northern bank of the Kishin River Delta. The Muni is the only stadium besides the National Stadium to host the Dancougar national team; it saw a friendly against Arroza and a playoff against Kereca.
Matches
MD2 Secristan v Urna Eletrônica
MD3 Urna Eletrônica v Rennidan
MD5 Bostopian Empire v Urna Eletrônica

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/ireland/killarney_fitzgerald.jpg
Name: Kirk County Stadium
Location: Kildare, Juusenkitai
Home Of: Sporting Kildare
Capacity: 49,000
Notes: Located in one of the more ethnically Irish areas of Dancougar, Kildare has flourished along with the surrounding county. The stadium is located a bit inland from the growing city center, but there's no shortage of nearby pubs.
Matches
MD1 Rennidan v Draistania
MD3 Bostopian Empire v Draistania
MD4 Rennidan v Secristan

Group B: Valley Division
West Zirconia (39)
Cassadaigua (45)
Terreiro de Ogum (30)
Koseli Cumhuriyetler (53)
East Pocono (83)

Teams playing in the central valley will be treated to a contrast of styles - the bustling metropolis that is the nation's capital and the quieter rural city of Mizuno. Yuki City and Kishin can be navigated through light rail and the bus, and those renting autos will have access to both via the beltway. Mizuno is 70 miles east and is serviced by bullet train. (It also provides access to a line servicing Eastport, 100 miles to the southeast.)

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/pennsylvania/pittsburgh_heinz1.jpg
Name: King Daniel III National Stadium
Location: Yuki City, Yuki
Home Of: Yuki City Athletic, King's Eleven Yuki City
Capacity: 70,000
Notes: The National Stadium is the nation's largest and hosts all of the national team's matches. It has also been the site of a TakilQuip Champions' Cup final. The National Stadium's open south end gives a stunning view of the nation's capital across the Kishin River.
Matches
MD1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler v East Pocono
MD2 West Zirconia v Terreiro de Ogum
MD4 Terreiro de Ogum v Koseli Cumhuriyetler
MD5 West Zirconia v Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Semifinal
Third place game

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/north_america/united_states/ohio/cincinnati_paul_brown1.jpg
Name: Satoshi Hirano Stadium
Location: Kishin, Yuki
Home Of: Shuukyuu Kishin
Capacity: 58,000
Notes: Located fifteen miles east of the capital just outside the beltway, Kishin is an affluent borough with a more oriental flavor.
Matches
MD1 West Zirconia v Cassadaigua
MD3 Terreiro de Ogum v East Pocono
MD5 Terreiro de Ogum v Cassadaigua
Quarterfinal B1 v A2

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/germany/sachsen/leipzig_zentral1.jpg
Name: Kemaridohyou
Location: Mizuno, Fujiwara
Home Of: Mizuno no Juuichi
Capacity: 49,000
Notes: Mizuno is a quiet city along the Kishin River known for the old city center, which can be described as a "Japanese Colonial Williamsburg." The stadium is four miles to the west.
Matches
MD2 Cassadaigua v East Pocono
MD3 Cassadaigua v Koseli Cumhuriyetler
MD4 East Pocono v West Zirconia

(And now, the OOC details. Scorination is scheduled for 0100 to 0400 GMT, or between 8-11 PM for those on the US east coast. Matchday 5 will be handled by Cafundeu due to my being out of town, the rest I should manage with possible lateness on MD1, quarters, and semis.)

Life in Teriff State was very simplistic, material possessions looked down upon, clothes practically unheard of, the only jewellery allowed the simple necklaces fashioned out of rope and perhaps an animal tooth, stone or other ornamental gift that symbolised status, be it group status or marital status.

As such, the bodies of the residents had grown very hardy to weather conditions, the soles of their feet tough as leather, less likely to complain about wind and cold, more like the strong, physical beasts humans should have been had they not discovered proper settlements, living indoors and developing tools to make life easier for them, using animals to help tend harvests and transport goods was uncommon but not considered abnormal. That's what the Elders said at any rate, and woe betide anyone who thought difference.

Hence, Government interference, once Teriff State had secured “independence” from Fenton State, was fairly limited. For this point, two people who knew more than they perhaps should had moved there.

Peter Woodford, and his girlfriend, Jane Doherty were in their timber house in Terriff State, roughly 75 miles North-East of Acorn Wood, in a small community of “like-minded individuals”.

Jane brushed leaves out of her long, flowing brown hair, and attempted to brush them toward a small hole in the wooden floor of their house, well away from the woven rug which covered the living area.

“They're not going to find us here are they Peter?” She asked, her twenty-year-old body practically emanating a healthy glow from being out in the sun all day tending the vegetable patch and seeing to the livestock they kept.

Peter turned, smiled with one half of his mouth, and sighed. “Nothing's certain, Jane, but with no records here the Government could hack into, it's our safest bet. It's a long shot nobody comes into contact with anyone who could prove harmful to ourselves, but it'd be obvious if Government troops arrived. They'd be clothed.” He said, laughing at the end.

“I suppose you're right,” Jane said, sounding less than reassured, “I'm going to go and start dinner.”

Sarzonia manager Brian Wilson didn't have much time after his Stars flamed out in the 25th Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football. After the team finished the groups stage with a 0-0-3 record and just an own goal scored, the team had to re-assemble for a trip to Cafundéu and the 36th Cup of Harmony.

The night before the team was to take off from Woodstock International Jetport for their trip to Cafundéu, Wilson and the team gathered in front of a Pacitalian-built large screen television to watch the group draw, which was being broadcast on SportsChannel Sarzonia, a start-up venture that was broadcasting it since the Sarzonian Sports Network chose a domestic league curling match instead of the Cup of Harmony groups draw.

With Travis West standing within feet of Wilson, the team saw they were assigned to Group D with Dariusville, Arroza, Prux and Green wombat. After the draw was announced, West turned to Wilson to get his and the team's reaction to the draw.

"None of the groups would have been easy for us," Wilson said. "Even if we were somehow placed in the same group with all the lower ranked sides, we'd still have to play our best football to go through.

"We're familiar with Dariusville after playing them twice in World Cup qualifying. Chris [Hannan, Stars assistant manager] is familiar with Green wombat after facing them during qualifying when managed Rymeria. Arroza has a wealth of experience. Other than that, we haven't faced most of the teams, but we are well aware that Prux will present an enormous challenge. They're the highest-ranked team here that didn't advance to the World Cup final. Once again, we're the lowest-ranked team in our group.

"However, after coming within one [standings] point of qualifying and after playing two draws against the world's number one ranked team Valanora, we won't sneak up on anyone. I've already warned the lads and lasses about complacency. Hopefully, after struggling in AOCAF, they'll be anything but complacent."

Forward Matt Lynch said the team would have a challenge, but its familiarity with Dariusville would make preparing for the sentient trees both easier and more difficult.

"We've played them twice already and have some familiarity with how they play," he said. "However, the fact we've played them twice and earned four points [out of six] against them means they'll be out for revenge."

Meanwhile, forward Reese Nichols talked about facing Green wombat.

"We're going to be paying close attention to Chris Hannan," he said. "He's already faced that team with Rymeria. Hopefully, we'll have more success against Green wombat than the space guys did."

As for Arroza, the fact the matches are being played in Cafundéu means they won't travel to Government Park in the Arrozan capital Atalanta, but Hannan's familiarity with Arrozans might give them some help as far as learning the country's culture.

"At least we hope so," Hannan said. "They're very hospitable, but I don't know why they had Kellie Pickler playing as hold music.

An official with the hotel in Atalanta where Rymeria stayed said he couldn't figure it out either.

"That tape was supposed to have Outkast, pre 'Hey Ya!'," the official, who declined to be identified but said he was a senior hotel manager said. "We apologise to any Rymerian ears that may have been offended by that cheap little vixen."

Courtney's Space

Cup of Harmony 36. What is one to make of this event in which we will be taking part in? The Cup of Harmony is never a desired tournament for anyone but it is still a chance to try and salvage something. There will be twenty countries and we all have one thing in common. Well maybe two because we are all eyeing Peisandros there in the World Cup and wondering how the hell they've been able to make such a quick impact. They have been on a remarkable run and have a become a team that all of us can look up too, whether we are in the Cup of Harmony or if it is a nation making their debut in World Cup 45. Of course the main thing we have in common is that we all failed to qualify for the World Cup. Some nations have been there before, some nations have never been there despite several attempts, and then there are some still trying to make their way, like we are.

We will be going to Dancougar and I believe that all of us are happy about that. Having played in the Baptism of Fire in Cafundeu, it would be another costly experience to have to go there again. Now, the amount of money that we would have spent on all of their silly taxes we can spend on enjoying ourselves in Dancougar. Michelle Fuller plays for Stoneridge United in Dancougar, so we will be looking at her to guide us around the place. She has really done a great job with them as well and has been a bit of a role model there for female athletes to come to prominance in that country. Maybe our presence there as a team can excite more young Dancougar females to take up any sport, not necessarily just soccer. It is Group B that we are in, and our opponents will be Terreiro de Ogum, West Zirconia, East Pocono, and Koseli Cumheriyetler. That last one is a sure tongue twister, isn't it? West Zirconia should be the most interesting opponent as we had a very entertaining Cup of Harmony 35 match with them in Newmanistan last time. Good ol' Ben Phillips is still on that team. That was fun, and we will surely try to have a good time renewing our acquaintances with West Zirconia and maybe we should not allow any kids to attend the game. LOL! That game will just get us in the mood at start before the intensity of the competition continues with matches against East Pocono, that Koseli place, before the excitement of the group stage comes to its climax in what could be a vital match against Terreiro de Ogum. Should we finish in the top two, we go heading to the knockouts, and that will be our goal.

Let's get ready to roll! It's time for Dagan glory!

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7993/dailyturkjo0.png
Cup Of Harmony Group
With the Turks in Pot 4 we have drawn with predicted results (OOC: Names in Turkish)

Group B
Bati Zirkonya (39) 1-1 draw
Kasadayistan (45) 2-1 win
Ogum Yeri Saha (30) 1-0 loss
Koseli Cumhuriyetler (53) N/A
Dog Pokono (83) 3-0 win

We should be able to secure the win against bottom seed East Pocono and pull an upset on two of the higher seeds but we should not hope for much against the top seed.

Sabri Expects
Right midfielder and third captain Sabri has predicted that the Turks will do well, in an interview with LIG. He said "This is a talented squad and we should always expect the best, trying is no longer enough." He went on to say "We held our ground in qualifying and we should keep the never-say-die mentality going, because it's never over if we're playing."

Schedule
MD1: Vs East Pocono
MD2: Bye
MD3: Vs Cassadaigua
MD4: Vs Terrio de Ogum
MD5: Vs West Zirconia

Peoples view
We sent our resident go getter, ( Sorthern Turk Hakan McWeedy) to go see what the people of Kose Sehir think of the teams chances.

Well one interesting young man told me "I don't even watch football I'm a girl" Which is why I then inquired about her mustache... to sum it up: ouch. Then I visited the local bazaar and asked local shop keeper (And notorious gang boss) Umut Karayol what he thought, "Well if we win, it's good for the country... but I bet on other teams so either way I'm pleased." I was then escorted by three very large men on the way out of his secret base, the shop on Fatihin Caddesi.

I then traversed the district of Sultanli, home to the nations richest football team and asked the local celebrity, academy product Ayhan Genc what he thought would happen and he replied "Well with this squad we should put in a respectable performance but, maybe not win it this time around." It was the first moderately respectable comment of the day and on the positive I retired.

RAILROAD TYCOON HAS HIS SAY

Robert Harrington, a self-made billionaire through the railroad and shipping industries throughout Secristan made a stunning payment of ten million rusas to the Secristan Department of Sports to allow the players who participated in World Cup qualifying to also be able to play in the Cup of Harmony. The SDOS had declared that the players were a great disappointment in qualifying which led to lower then expected revenues and very little in the way of endorsement deals that came out of it. However Harrington was not about to buy into the fact that the team should be banished from international competition because of this, and send the SDOS the check under the condition that the players would be able to make amends during the Cup of Harmony. According to Harrington, "Secristan had a better tournament then we are led to believe. Look at the World Cup right now and you see everybody's darling Peisandros trying to win the Cup in their first season. What Peisandros has done is incredible, but there was a team that defeated them twice during qualifying, and that would be these very Millionaires. The players haven't gotten endorsement deals, but maybe some of the teams that they are playing in the World Cup should be approaching them about how Secristan shut them down and beat them not once, but twice. I think they have a lot to prove, and all players who attempt to qualify should be able to have a chance in either the Cup Proper or the Cup of Harmony. I have done this for them and have been promised compensation should the team have success and they sign endorsement deals because of it. I didn't become a billionaire by not making risky investment decisions."

Harrington's confidence in the team is very impressive and the SDOS was not about to make down from the ten million rusas even though they probably could have made more from opening up bidding again. With the Cup of Harmony competing against the International Basketball Championships, World Bowl and Winter Olympics, and possibly the World Baseball Classic, the only way that the SDOS will have any chance at earning strong revenue for the Cup of Harmony is to have recognizable names on the team. Here's to hoping it is a win-win for everyone involved. During qualifying, one of the big problems the SDOS faced was the lack of interesting opponents on the schedule to excite the fans. In the Cup of Harmony, there is one opponent that should get everyone fired up. So far, the rivalry between Secristan and Rennidan has been a budding World Bowl event. Clyde vs the Cheerleaders, who could forget. It is fitting that the game, and all of our games are in Dancougar as well because they would remember that game. Urna Eletronica, who we defeated in the Baptism of Fire semifinal is also in our group, setting up another classic match of money vs politicians. The Bostopian Empire had a surprising run in Cup of Harmony 35 and should also be a tough opponent and debutant Draistania cannot be overlooked. Overall, this looks like a pretty good group.

Below is the schedule, and the pay-per-view rates for each game:
MD1: "Money vs Bostopian wannabes" vs The Bostopian Empire @ Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal- 39R per half, 75R full game
MD2: "Money vs Politics" vs Urna Eletronica @ City of Eastport Municipal Stadium, Eastport- 59R per half, 115R full game
MD3: bye
MD4: "Money vs Brutes wannabes", vs Rennidan @ Kirk County Stadium, Kildare- 99R per half, 190R full game
MD5: "Money vs newbies" vs Draistania @ Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal- 39R per half, 75R per half

A special four-game package is available for 400R.
A special four-game package plus all knockout games is available for 800R; a potential major value if the Millionaires have an extended run. No refunds if Secristan is eliminated after group stage.

The man who rebelled against the Rennidan Football Association will now lead Rennidan's national team to Dancougar, a land which has only just recovered from a rebellion in the state of Helmut. Followers of gridiron will no doubt expect the usual rabble of Rennidanian thugs to turn up to support their national pride, but those expectant Danny's will be sourly wrong. When it comes to football, our fans are not thugs. They're polite, courteous, and more than willing to buy someone a pint down the local.

The team's security detail, on the other hand, could be a whole different kettle of green tea. Whilst they're not a disorganised bunch of louts, they may still be prone to the odd outburst of violence. Ever since Ryan Malkoa used RFA funds to buy a private island and build up his own private militia, many nations who have had the honour of Rennidan's football team arriving to play a game have also experienced reports of robberies, muggings, assaults and, in some cases, localized rioting. No doubt that the residents of Helmut will be wishing for nothing but peace and quiet considering recent events, but with the Rennidan side on their way already, chances of a quiet Cup of Harmony look less likely than ever before.

___________



MD1: Rennidan v Draistania
MD2: Bostopian Empire v Rennidan
MD3: Urna Eletrônica v Rennidan
MD4: Rennidan v Secristan

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel

Greal is back for another Cup of Harmony

After the Greali team narrowly failed to qualify, they were sent to the Cup of Harmony. Not everyone's dream cup, but at least the Greali would have a chance to salvage something. Coach Ross Trent once more vowed to qualify and at least advance to the semi-finals again like the last cup, which turned out to be a triumph for the Greali team. After the group draws, are was surprised to know that we are playing against Newmanistan, St Samuel, Akbarabad, Nethertopia.

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel


Newmanistan (32)
The top ranked of the team, and the most formidable of all the teams in Group C. Our first match of Cup of Harmony 36 will be against Newmanistan. Maybe we'll do better then last time.

St Samuel (87)
Greal should have no problem taking down this team providing that everyone in the Greali team does their average.

Akbarabad (55)
The fourth highest ranked team in the group. They are formidable team that should not be underestimated. However, many soccer experts say a match against this team would be a victory for Greal

Nethertopia (50)
A match against Nethertopia is unpredictable. Greal may be much higher ranked then this team, but Nethertopia and Greal have never faced each other on the field before.

Sarzonian Assistan Coach's Comments Re-Spark Fire in “Anti-Country” Debate.
Protestors March on Hilton Regional Headquarters in Capital.

The minor misunderstanding started when the Sarzonian National team coach described the choice of the Atalanta Hilton's hold music as 'backwards and country” has been renewed as Sarzonia and Arroza have been drawn into the same group in the Cup of Harmony in Cafundeu. Upon finding out that both countries were to be placed in the same group, the Sarzonian media asked Hannan his thought on the issue. Hannan then proceeded to call nationally known recording artist Picklar, “Surprisingly hickish for a civilized country”. In further interviews with the hotel manager, Napoleon Corinth stated that Picklar was, “a cheap little vixen”, and that the employee in question, Catherine Forrest has been terminated from her position.

When reached at her parents home in Trinity Bayou, Petrol Harbor, Forrest said that she had already acquired the services of a law firm and is planning to sue the hotel chain for the improper termination of her employment. Her law firm, the Law offices of Dewey, Screuem, and Howe have stated that she did nothing wrong in the fulfillment of her job duties, and that in Arroza's desire to become a welcoming vacation haven that the country has unfairly bent to foreign influence and pressure.

The charge illustrates a recent charge from some of the more outlying provinces. Politicians from Petrol Harbor, Evangeline, St. Simona and Llanura Tostado have claimed in the last four years the nation's transition into it's place in the world had left the smaller, more culturally southern provinces behind and ignored. Trinity Bayou's congressman, Chris Zemekis says,

“In their urge to become more metropolitan and in line with the rest of the world, a large part of Arroza has decided to shun the parts of their history that they feel are both negative, and unworthy for foreign consumption. But in doing so, they're removing some of the things that make our country unique. The soccer team's removed their classic black and white jerseys, their orange jerseys, and both their former nicknames of 'The Prisoners', and 'The Black and Whites', and they've gotten rid of their historic ties to the Angola State Penitentiary, the home of their first international squad, and their only squad to win a trophy. But it's not just sports. They've made...overtures to remove the more 'country' and 'redneck' elements of our society from the public eye, even though us 'rednecks' were some of the first members of the diaspora to arrive here. We're tired of being told by the government that we're not meant to be seen by the rest of the world, and we're tired of Atalanta being the only part of the country that gets to have any international competitions or money given to it.”

The last time any international competition was not held in either Atalanta or Resurgens was almost eight years ago during World Bowl I qualifiers, when the Football team played a game in Rockport, L.T.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/791/mapacafundeu30lb4.jpg
This map is the WC42's one - the "host countries" pointed in this map include also cities that aren't hosting this competition

Background Detail: Nothing too absurd happens in Cafundéu. But please note that in Cafundéu you'll have to pay for almost everything. You'll have to pay for the water, food, transport, products, to walk in the road, to receive an answer about something, to complain, to thank, and many other things. Cafundéu is also looking to profit in any competition, so any country with good economy is free to invest here or buy some of our products. Drugs are prohibited and the laws are very strict. The prisons are horrible and the prisoners live in bad conditions, but they have the right to watch the games in Carandirú City for free. Cafundéu's press is also very annoying, as they'll make everything to get some news. The government is an Empire, divided in states. The Emperor has many powers, but he divides them with the Counselor-Ministers (there are 20 of them). But the only Counselor-Minister that can disagree with the Emperor is the Head Counselor (because all the other Counselor-Ministers can be fired by the Emperor at any time - currently Erasmo Carlos Jowenguard). Also, as Cafundéu is a big country, it has been divided in 8 states, and each state has its Governor and Senators. Elections happen in Cafundéu, and the people elect the Governors, Senators, Deputies, Mayors, Aldermen and the Head Counselor.

About travelling, it's very easy to find planes going to Cafundéu. But, once inside the country, poor people will find many difficulties in travelling. To use the highways, you need to pay. To use the streets, you need to pay. About food, there are many restaurants that serve different kinds of food. But the common Cafundelense usually eats a lot of rice, beans, meat (especially this, visit a Cafundelense "churrascaria" to see it) and potato-related food. Criminality is average. You also will have to hear many beggars asking for help as you walk on the street.

Stadiums Used: the CCFM decided to use one stadium in each state, with a total of 8. The CCFM didn't think very much about avoiding making the teams travel a lot:

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/brazil/sao_paulo/sao_paulo_morumbi1.jpg
Arena América
City: Abadia
Team: A.F.F.
City Detials: this city is known for its strange division of neighborhoods. Each neighborhood has a respective leader, which represents it in the city hall. And most leaders represent a family. These families are very powerful in the city and control almost everything. The city is very big, but has some old traditions that are still unchanged. The Arena América is currently considered the 2nd best stadium of the country, just behind the Obelisco Monumental. Many people say that you can see many UFOs in the sky while in Abadia, so the media call Abadia the E.T. city.
Climate: warm and wet (medium rain probability).
Stadium Capacity: 120,000.
Infrastructure: *****
Games in this stadium:
MD1 (GC): Nethertopia x Akbarabad
MD5 (GC): Greal x St Samuel
Quarterfinal: C1 x D2


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/brazil/rio_de_janeiro/rio_de_janeiro_maracana1.jpg
Obelisco Monumental
City: Lasft
Team: Petardos S/A
City Details: second biggest city of the country, Lasft is more beautiful than Cafundó do Juta, since it’s on the seaside. People from all around the world come to Lasft every year because of its marvelous beaches. It also is the headquarters of the CCFM, so most of the football-related decisions are made there. The stadium is the most beautiful of the country, with clean bathrooms and an organized restaurant, and the Empire doubled the number of seats for the World Cup 36, changing the appearance of the stadium completely. The number of seats was mantained this time, as it can't be expanded anymore. It’s also the capital of sports in Cafundéu.
Climate: hot and wet (medium rain probability).
Capacity: 300,000.
Infrastructure: *****
Games in this stadium:
MD1 (GC): Newmanistan x St Samuel
MD3 (GC): Greal x Nethertopia
MD5 (GC): Newmanistan x Akbarabad
The Final


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/argentina/buenos_aires_liberti1.jpg
Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga
City: Astari
Team: Metropolitano
City Details: another economic centre, is the home of two of the biggest companies of Cafundéu: the C-Electronics and the Uranium Kings. Businesses are constant there and the nightlife is very good. It’s called the “city of colourful lights”, as the public lights are of many colours. Its roads are very interesting too. Most games in this stadium will be played at night. It is also the city of the best casinos of the country, where many big shows and sporting events happen. The stadium can hold any kind of sport and event, and can be called just "Arena Multiuso".
Climate: extremely hot and wet (high rain probability).
Capacity: 100,000.
Infrastructure: *****
Games in this stadium:
MD2 (GC): St Samuel x Nethertopia
MD3 (GC): St Samuel x Akbarabad
MD4 (GC): Nethertopia x Newmanistan


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/argentina/la_plata_ciudad1.jpg
Cúpula Tropical
City: Ilha Eremita
Team: Atlético Insular
City Details: another surprising decision of the CCFM. During the last years, the Aquário Nacional stadium in Submiria was considered untouched, a stadium that would never leave the list. But now, the flooded city (Submiria) won't have a representative. Instead, Ilha Eremita will represent the Coast State, a city located in an island, with some tourist activity but more famous for being the headquarters of the country's navy. The stadium is good, although needs improvements.
Climate: hot and wet (high rain probability).
Stadium Capacity: 50,000.
Infrastructure: ***
Games in this stadium:
MD2 (GC): Greal x Newmanistan
MD4 (GC): Akbarabad x Greal


http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/8448/presdiocarandiru01ts4.jpg
Presídio
City: Carandirú City
Team: Ranca Toco
City Details: this city was very interesting in the past, but now it’s only used to hold prisoners. Cafundéu’s main police station is located there, too. It’s the prison city, but is very safe and has many exotic food shops. The stadium is located inside the main prison of the city, and most of the prisoners see the games, so, some players can have some problems in holding the pressure, as the prisoners usually like to shout at the players. Outside the prison, you can see some museums about the police and the prison.
Climate: hot and dry (low rain probability).
Stadium Capacity: 77,500.
Infrastructure: *****
Games in this stadium:
MD2 (GD): Prux x Dariusville
MD3 (GD): Sarzonia x Arroza
MD4 (GD): Green wombat x Dariusville


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/brazil/rio_grande_do_sul/porto_alegre_monumental1.jpg
Maracatuzão
City: Dunboor
Team: Dunboor FC
City Details: this city is big, but it isn’t too visited by tourists, because of its very cold climate. But it’s good for the industry and has the biggest mines of the country. It’s jewelry and coal factories are the most important of the country. During the winter, it snows nearly everyday in Dunboor. The supporters there like to bring musical instruments to the stadium. It also has many theaters, and good plays are held there. The stadium is perfectly round and very beautiful. Was expanded, and completely changed. So, a city with love for art and music.
Climate: extremely cold and dry (low rain probability).
Stadium Capacity: 135,000.
Infrastructure: *****
Games in this stadium:
MD1 (GD): Dariusville x Sarzonia
MD4 (GD): Arroza x Prux
Quarterfinal: D1 x C2


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/brazil/para/belem_proenca1.jpg
Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco
City: Cafundó do Juta
Team: Clube Imperial
City Details: capital of the country, is a big metropolis, with many things to do, many clubs, good nightlife and shops, and also many points for tourism. The police is well funded. The city is the most important for the economy of the country. It is the headquarters of the Bovacaf, Cafundéu’s stock market’s main building. The choice of the Rei Albieri Van Tocco stadium to represent the country capital surprised many supporters, who were expecting to see the Praça Maior again hosting. But the stadium gained new seats and is now with approximately the same capacity of the Praça Maior.
Climate: warm and wet (high rain probability).
Stadium Capacity: 210,001.
Infrastructure: *****
Games in this stadium:
MD1 (GD): Green wombat x Arroza
MD3 (GD): Prux x Green wombat
MD5 (GD): Prux x Sarzonia
Semifinal 2


http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/south_america/brazil/bahia/salvador_barradas1.jpg
Estádio Nacional dos Cocos
City: Porto Lacruz
Team: Porto Lacruz
City Details: an interesting choice for a host city. Porto Lacruz is one of the most visited countries of Cafundéu, and the number one for tourism. Its wonderful beaches became the dream of every rich traveller, who can stay in one of its expensive hotels. Apart from tourism activity, there isn't much to do in Porto Lacruz. It is really famous just because of it: beaches, women, parties at night, an excellent place to spend some time. It also is called the "coconut city". The stadium is big, but not so good.
Climate: extremely hot and wet (high rain probability).
Stadium Capacity: 72,500.
Infrastructure: ***
Games in this stadium:
MD2 (GD): Sarzonia x Green wombat
MD5 (GD): Dariusville x Arroza

Akbarabad looks forward to the first match against higher ranked Nethertopia. Altough qualification may look tough on paper as the team is only the fourth highest ranked in the group, it should be rememberd that the team started world cup qualifying with a rank of 120 and was only sixth highest in our group. From there we came within goal difference of qualifying. A victory against bottom side St.Samuel (who coincedentally are in our group) or another goal against qualifying Kelssek would have been enough.

This tournament is important for us to gain experience for the next world cup campaign. The last time, we had to leapfrog atleast three much higher ranked teams to qualify nad next time we want to insure that with a higher ranking it should not as difficult and we should rightfully qualify.

THE ROCKET REPORT

HOST... WIN... HOST.... ???

Pocono City, Newmanistan- If there is going to be a pattern here, then Newmanistan should be considered the favorite to win Cup of Harmony 36. It wasn’t too long ago where the team was victorious in the 34th version of the Cup of Harmony which was sandwiched between the two times in which the Empire hosted the prestigious competition. However, with the Cinderella stories of Peisandros, Bears Armed, and don’t forget Kosovoe all in the World Cup, it has allowed for the a side effect of other good teams to be dropped down into the Cup of Harmony. The top ranked team and 26th overall in this Cup is Prux, who’s Zombies have all been fired. Then you have 30th Ranked Terreiro de Ogum and 31st ranked Rennidan. All three of those nations participated in Cup of Harmony 33 in Newmanistan. Fourth overall is our Rockets, who have moved up to the 32nd ranking, at least for now. Nations behind Newmanistan will also be threats. 38th ranked Green Wombat and 39th ranked West Zirconia also will be approaching this Cup with confidence.

These six nations are all in a similar predicament. They wanted to be in the World Cup, and expected to be, making the Cup of Harmony a severe letdown. This is sometimes hard to overcome for nations that would normally be expected to be contenders. Looking at the way the Rockets missed out on the World Cup shows just how frustrating this all can be. Prux had similar frustration in just how close they actually were. One more Prux point and there is no Bears Armed sleeper story. One more Green Wombat win and there is no Peisandros sleeper story. One more Rockets goal anywhere and Milchama is in the Cup of Harmony. The whole complexion of both tournaments could have changed drastically with just one more positive bounce for all these nations. That is why anyone who calls the Cup of Harmony a Loser’s Cup doesn’t realize that at this level there is still plenty of intense competition between countries that actually are pretty damn good. These six nations are all World Cup caliber, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Yes, they are certainly the favorites.

But they are not the only contenders. This is why the Cup of Harmony is an exciting tournament. You have the six nations we mentioned, and then you have your second tier. This second tier are nations that are certainly capable of winning the Cup of Harmony in their own right and they are ranked fairly well themselves. The difference between the top tier and this group is that for these countries making the Cup of Harmony isn’t the same kind of disappointment. Not to say that these nations are wishing they would have been in the World Cup themselves, but they are the up-and-comers. They haven’t been in the World Cup quite as long to know the kind of frustration that a Prux, Newmanistan, or Rennidan feels. Because of that, these countries are very dangerous as they are looking for that one great national moment instead of moping around and wondering why they are not in the World Cup. So, just who are the nations that go into this tier. Certainly, you have to put Greal here. Now they were frustrated in their failure to make the World Cup to the point where they considered not returning, but they have, thankfully, gotten over that. Then you have three Baptism of Fire 30 nations, but not the Baptism of Fire 30 champion (who isn’t in either the World Cup or Cup of Harmony). Our regional rivals Secristan have earned this recognition as much as we’d like them not too, as well as Cassadaigua and Urna Eletronica. Go ahead and throw Nethertopia into that mix, too.

Then, you have your sleepers. These are the countries who can’t be seen as the favorites or even in that second tier. What they are, are countries who may be streaky or spotty in their play. They have shown flashes of great potential, but have never been able to sustain it for a long period of time and that has held them back. If they ever got it together, though, they are just as capable of going on a great run. Arroza, Akbarabad, and The Bostopian Empire fit this description. Or, it could be a country that had an absence, either a long one or a short one. They are trying to climb back up the mountain. Koseli Cumheriyetler and Sarzonia most definitely.

Then there are your longshots. Maybe one of them can be motivated by the kind of run that the Bostopian Empire had in the last Cup of Harmony. Draistania, East Pocono, St. Samuel, and Dariusville would love to be able to duplicate that. But for now they are the countries in which almost everybody will be expecting to get three points against. It’s a fun tournament and one played with a lot of passion. A Loser’s Cup? Absolutely not. You give eleven men or women on any of these national sides a football and a chance to represent their country, they are going to do whatever it takes. It’s n ot the World Cup, but what it is, really isn’t that bad.

With all that out of the way, the Rockets head to Cafundeu, who’s tax structure makes Secristan look like an affordable place to visit. They won’t have home field advantage, but Jeremy Brooker, Brett Prescott and Shawn Drummond will be able to give their teammates pointers on the lifestyle on the monopolistic nation. It may have been cheaper to go to Dancougar, and carry the Bird on Skates with us during every game. Since the nations have a history of challenge cups (don’t forget the Bird in Pads!) with each other, something fun could have been arranged. But Dancougar’s having all the fun right now, after the events of last week, aren’t they? Doesn’t look the basketball team is going there either, but anyway, we’ll have fun in Cafundeu, even if it hurts in the wallet. Brooker’s gotta know some tax-saving secrets he could share, right?

Our Schedule will be:
MD1- Newmanistan x St Samuel - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
MD2- Greal x Newmanistan - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita
MD3- Sleep in
MD4- Nethertopia x Newmanistan - Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari
MD5- Newmanistan x Akbarabad - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft

03:34 - Dancougar Border

We arrive at the host nation border in the early hours of dawn. The crossing guard, a pudgy man in his early thirties with an I.D declaring him as 'Dave', is quite clearly distraught by the interruption to his on-duty napping. Quiet complaints to his peers that only spacks and twats arrive this early reach the ears of one of my men.

Needless to say, Dave is now about to have a very rough week.

We hustle the team coach on through whilst the security detail perform their checks on our luggage and other vehicles. They are attempting to make sure that we possess no illegal substances, be they drugs or weaponry or some other horrid device, but unfortunately we know how to work the system better than they do. Our fleet makes it through with our stock of personal security items in tact and at hand. Money exchanges hands with one or two of the more crooked guards and we continue on our way into the heart of this fine nation of Dancougar.

Our first stop is a hotel along the coast. Which one, I do not know. What is for certain is that once we have arrived, I will make this hotel an offer. If they reject this offer, I will make a second. If this is also rejected, then I shall take the hotel by force. This hotel, luckily, is smart enough to know better than to reject my second offer. I sign a cheque, and like that, I have acquired the Las Sargos hotel. This will become the team's headquarters for the Cup. Men will come and change the sign outside, they will strip it's innards, swap the windows, evict the current tenants and fortify and prepare for any type of probable problem.

But there will not be a problem whilst I'm here.

The team find their own way to their rooms, as do the mercenaries and workers that keep the cogs of my plans turning. Denmar stands and barks my orders to the bustling nest of employees, who kit the hotel foyer out as a training ground and begin to link up televisions and computer screens for my viewing. I watch the world around me, I watch the nations we are to face, and I keep an ear to as many walls as I possibly can. Training tapes, match videos, highlight reels, all the clips possible of the teams we are to face flash before me.

I will prepare my Eagles for this.

This year is our year.

Of this I am certain.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Stars Lynch's passport in question

By Travis West
Daily Mail Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK -- On the eve of the 36th Cup of Harmony, 26 editions after Sarzonia's last appearance in the tournament resulted in a world championship, Stars manager Brian Wilson faced a major crisis.

The nation wasn't slipping further into an economic depression; in fact, the latest economic figures showed the country was now officially out of its recession and could look forward to a period of economic growth. Zack Wilson's rehabilitation didn't hit a major snag even though he donned the Sarzonia kit far earlier than doctors recommended after his injury.

No, Brian Wilson's crisis was far more basic. Forward Matt Lynch's renewal passport was being held up by the Department of External Affairs.

"If Mattie can't get his passport situation squared away, he can't fly to Cafundéu," Brian Wilson said. "It's as simple as that."

According to Lynch, he filed the appropriate paperwork the first day he was required to do so.

"My passport isn't something I take for granted," Lynch said. "I did everything I was supposed to do. In fact, I have a receipt that indicates the office received my passport."

Brian Wilson said he and Incorporated Football Federation Chairman Dave Wilson, Brian's father, called the External Affairs Department and asked to have Lynch's passport approval expedited. However, a spokeswoman for External Affairs said "that isn't happening.

"Due to the volatile nature of international relations, we must evaluate every passport carefully," said Katie Glaccum, a press information officer for the External Affairs Department. "It is a strict violation of department policy to speed up the process for anyone.

"If Mr. Lynch wanted to have his passport renewed, he should have done so in a timely manner."

However, a spokesman for Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Grant Haffner said Haffner has been in touch with Lynch.

"Mr. Haffner is well aware of the concerns raised by Messers Wilson and Mr. Lynch," the spokesman said. "Rest assured we are doing everything in our power to ensure that Mr. Lynch's request is given our full normal consideration."

Brian Wilson said if Lynch is unable to travel with the team to Dunboor, Cafundéu for their opening match against Dariusville in Maracatuzão Stadium, Zack Wilson and Reese Nichols would start at forward. However, he said he hoped Lynch's situation would be "resolved sooner rather than later."

"I hate red tape," Brian Wilson said. "That's what it feels like here."

Woodstock Daily Mail

Lynch makes it ... barely

By Travis West
Daily Mail Staff Writer

DUNBOOR, Cafundéu -- The Sarzonian national football team arrived for their opening match of the 36th Cup of Harmony against Dariusville with all their hopes and expecations -- and forward Matt Lynch.

A spokesman for External Affairs Department Senior Vice President Grant Haffner announced that Lynch's passport issue was resolved and he was cleared to join the Stars on the plane.

"It was a matter of a worker misplacing Lynch's passport request," Jeff Nance, a press information officer in External Affairs said. "The worker has been reprimanded for his mistake. Once we saw the postmark date, we were able to process his request.

It nearly took an act of God or an executive order by Haffner to clear Lynch. When reached in Timiocato, Haffner said he was prepared to sign an order providing Lynch special dispensation to take part in the Cup of Harmony, even if workers didn't find his application.

"When someone has made a good faith effort to follow the procedures established for requesting and receiving a renewal of a passport, it is not our place to prevent anyone from receiving a passport," Haffner said in a statement. "In this case, we had documentation that Mr. Lynch prepared all necessary paperwork, paid all fees and met all established deadlines."

"I'm relieved," said Lynch. "I really would have hated to miss this tournament."

"We feel fortunate that this episode is behind us and we can get back to the business of playing football and preparing for our third fixture with Dariusville," said Stars manager Brian Wilson. "We believe it doesn't serve anyone well to dwell on the negative aspects of this incident."

Sarzonia will have a tall order. It is the lowest ranked side in Group D of the Cup of Harmony, but that rank is now No. 63 in the world. Brian Wilson said his team hoped to use momentum created by its near miss in World Cup XLIV qualifying to do well in the Cup of Harmony.

"We hope the fact we hadn't lost a World Cup qualifying match since Matchday Eight will be a good omen," he said. "We also hope our three losses in the [Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football] tournament won't be an omen of negative things to come."

Now that it has its full squad in Cafundéu, it stands a better chance of maintaining the positive momentum.

"Absolutely, Matt is vital to our side," said forward Reese Nichols. "If we don't have him, we're in deep trouble."

The place: The West Zirconian team hotel, somewhere in Dancougar

The time: The week before the start of the Cup of Harmony. The latest of a series of team talks has just finished, and manager Roy Hazell and his captain Ben Phillips remain in the conference room discussing the task ahead...

RH: We've got the fixtures through now, and - well, we're in for an interesting time.

BP: Why's that?

RH: Well, here's who we've got. East Pocono...

BP: Ah yes, the breakaway Newmanistan territory. Know it well.

RH: [looks suspiciously at Ben] Indeed. Terreiro de Ogum.

BP: Who?

RH: Precisely. Something to do with Cafundéu, apparently.

BP: You mean, some kind of semi-autonomous dependency or something?

RH: [looks confused] Er, yes, of course. Koseli Come-here-you-little...

BP: What?

RH: Well, I don't know how it's pronounced, do I? Do I look like I can speak foreign?

BP: Oh, give me that sheet..[takes fixture sheet]..Oh, them. Hang on, what's this...Cassadaigua - again?

RH: It is - first match as well.

BP: So what are your tactics for this one, then?

RH: Well, depends on whether they try the seduction tactic again.

[awkward pause]

RH: Ben, mind if I ask you a strange question?

BP: Go on, then.

RH: Well, why.....er....how....er....

BP: Spit it out, boss.

RH: What made you turn - you know - [whispers] one of them? [makes limp-wristed gesture]

BP: [rolls eyes in disbelief] Well, I don't know, do I? It's something that's been there as long as I can remember. It's certainly nothing I became. Why the hell ask such a stupid question?

RH: Well, this is what I thought. When those lasses started seducing everyone last time, the only reason you could play on was because of you being queer. Now I thought, if I knew how to - well, "convert" a few more of the team, then they too would be unaffected, and we'd walk all over them.

BP: If there was a way of "converting" people, as you put it, do you not think I'd have tried it on Ed by now?

RH: Good point. Mind you, we need him to be his usual self - I'm sure he could cope with a few of them at once.

BP: [camply overacting] Leaving me and any other part-time poofters we can find to take advantage? [reverts to normal voice] Nice try, but I can't see it happening. Besides, I wouldn't envy you asking the team, "Right - we need some willing people to turn gay so we can get one over on Cassadaigua." Hmmm...I can't see any takers for that one.

RH: Not even Lewis?

BP: Definitely not Lewis.

RH: So what do you suggest?

BP: Well, I don't know, do I? You're the one in charge around here.

The two men decided to call it a night, with the matter unresolved. Most likely it was this meeting that gave Ben nightmares that night, when he dreamt of being chased round the KPM Stadium by Roy in a dress. Either that or it was the large quantities of Caerphilly that he had consumed during the evening. Either way, it could in no way be described as pleasant.

Welcome to lovely Dancougar! If you look to the right side of the train, you'll see the MD1 RP cutoff for Groups A and B!

Group A
Secristan 1–3 The Bostopian Empire
Rennidan 3–1 Draistania

Group A P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 The Bostopian Empire 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
2 Rennidan 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 3
3 Urna Eletrônica 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Secristan 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0
5 Draistania 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0

Group B
West Zirconia 4–2 Cassadaigua
East Pocono 1–2 Koseli Cumhuriyetler

Group B P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 West Zirconia 1 1 0 0 4 2 +2 3
2 Koseli Cumhuriyetler 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
3 Terreiro de Ogum 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 East Pocono 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0
5 Cassadaigua 1 0 0 1 2 4 −2 0

RP cutoff for groups C and D. Wait for the scores to appear in this post, and, of course, pay for the waiting costs, then for the participating in a football game costs, then the seeing scores costs, then the scores publishing costs, and finally the costs' costs.

Matchday 1 - scores in Cafundéu:

Group C
Newmanistan 3–0 St Samuel
Nethertopia 2–1 Akbarabad

Group C P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 1 1 0 0 3 0 +3 3
2 Nethertopia 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
3 Greal 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Akbarabad 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0
5 St Samuel 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0


Group D
Dariusville 0–2 Sarzonia
Green wombat 1–1 Arroza

Group D P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sarzonia 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3
2 Arroza 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
2 Green wombat 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
4 Prux 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Dariusville 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0

Woodstock Daily Mail

From passport woes to Lynchpin
Sarzonia's Lynch scores twice to lead Stars

By Travis West
Daily Mail Staff Writer

DUNBOOR, Cafundéu -- After nearly missing the Cup of Harmony due to passport issues, forward Matt Lynch showed why the Stars are counting so heavily on him.

Lynch scored both goals to lead the Stars to a 0:2 win against Dariusville in the third meeting between the two sides since Sarzonia's return to international football began with qualifying for World Cup XLIV.

"It felt great to be on the pitch and contributing," Lynch said. "I'm more appreciative since it was nearly taken away from me."

Sarzonia (1-0-0, three points, first place Group D) showed its familiarity with Dariusville after it played the sentient trees in two matches during World Cup XLIV qualifying. The Stars also won, giving them seven out of nine possible standings points in the three matches.

"We were ready from the outset," manager Brian Wilson said. "I was pleased with our effort today, but I know we're going to need that in spades when we face Green wombat.

Green wombat and Arroza played to a 1:1 draw at Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco in Cafundó do Juta. The Stars face Green wombat at Estádio Nacional dos Cocos in Porto Lacruz. Wilson said he was worried about the extensive travel plans required in Cafundéu.

"We're going to be racking up the frequent transport miles," he said. "The lacrosse team were fortunate when they played all three of their knockout stage matches in Amherst (Secristan) at Monopoly Stadium. We're not going to be nearly as fortunate."

For one night, however, the Stars will celebrate their win over an emerging football rival. The old rivalries may be gone in a few cases such as the former nation of Bedistan, but forward Reese Nichols said the team would create new memories and new rivalries.

"Sarzonia has a rich football past," Nichols said. "We'd like to ensure that it also has a promising future by taking care of the present."

Akbarabad stumble at first hurdle.


(Akbarabad Press, AP) Akbarabad lost their first cup of Harmony match to higher ranked Nethertopia despite taking an early lead, leaving the teams hopes of qaulification in serious doubt.

Star striker Samin Akbar gave the Tigers the lead after 14 minutes, but in an even game with plenty of chances for both sides, Nethertopia eventuallt won with second half goals for Erik Visser and Ben van Dam. Akbarabad's next match is against bottom ranked St.Samuel and the team faces a must win situation to keep the pace. However both past encounters against that team have ended in exciting but futile 3-3 draws.

Arroza

1-1 draw with Arroza to start off the umpteenth time the wombats have competed in the CoH. Does it even matter who scored? Yes? Arroza's Davis Elliott got the Tar Hornet's goal, while Wayne Blessing got the equalizer for the Wombats.

But who really cares about a CoH score right? This tourney means nothing, and the Wombats have proven it, as they've never advanced past a quarterfinal.

Up next is Sarzonia, I think we've played them before, and we probably lost.

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

THE CUP OF HARMONY 36
Can we go all the way?
Abadia, Cafundéu - Nethertopia has taken it’s first win in the just started CoH36. We’re eager to know if we have a chance. Do we?
Personally, it’s difficult to say. The 2-1 win against Akbarabad was not very convincing, but at least is was a win, against an almost equally matched opponent. If we look at it this way, we’re doing nice. But one of the major setbacks of the draw is that our restday is at the final day of the group stage, so either we should have our knock-out place secured already, or have some nice luck.
And then, we’re facing Newmanistan again. Our fellow BoF27 contestant will be looking for a win against our side, after we helped Milchama a hand by winning in their own country last qualifiers. Newmanistan and Nethertopia have met three times in the last two tournaments they played in, the DBC7 and the last WCQ. Nethertopia’s result is 2-0-1, and we’d like to remain that way.
Next up is St Samuel, a team we must beat. At least there’s one light in the darkness. Erik Visser, the 19 year old El din Marbles striker has once again found the net against Akbarabad. He also scored 8 times in our qualifiers and in 22 matches in the CMSC, he has made 14 goals… Is this youngling our new Abdoulaye Soro?

THE ROCKET REPORT

NO HANGOVER IN IMPRESSIVE VICTORY

Lasft, Cafundeu- There was no feeling sorry for ourselves for failing to make the World Cup. Nor any “I don’t want to be here’s”. After all, who can afford the “you played so poorly my youth football team could beat you” tax. Or the “your uninspired effort was highly disappointing as an example to my children” tax. The Rockets came out looking sharp against St. Samuel, as after the events of the World Cup qualifying, these players are just happy to be playing football. Our domestic readers don’t need to be reminded but for the international folk that may have picked up the Rocket Report for the first time, the Empress declared that Newmanistan would not play in the Cup of Harmony at the same time in which she declared that they would not return to World Cup. That all got taken back when Samseong offered to support the team, and our players were permitted to participate in the Cup of Harmony despite all of their last ditch heroics to avoid it. (As in, just narrowly missing making the World Cup).

Several members of the Newmanistanian national team play their domestic football in Cafundeu, but no current member of the team has as much tenure as Dunboor FC’s Jeremy Brooker or A.F.F.’s Brett Prescott. Prescott is now just a sub due to his age, but Brooker is still in his prime, though maybe the tail end of it now. Anyone expecting Brooker to get a loud standing ovation when he was announced quickly got a reality check as to the intensity of football in Cafundeu. Obelisco Monumental is after all, the home stadium of Petardos S/A, one of the greatest club sides in the world, if not the greatest. A side that Dunboor FC would love to emulate, and they know that in Lasft, so Brooker was showered with boos, far more then any other player on the roster. He and his teammates seemed to really enjoy that moment, as this was the first ever appearance by Newmanistan in Cafundeu for anything. As the match began, the fans chose Brooker as their target and continued to boo him every time he touched the ball. That lasted about fifteen minutes, and eventually the fans decided that he had sustained enough punishment and politely applauded a tremendous defensive play he made in the 18th minute. For the rest of the team, the game had a slow moving start but the Rockets were controlling much of the possession. Niclas Corinthian came up with a beauty of a save in the 11th minute, but other then that the St. Samuel defense was coming up with some timely plays. However eventually, a team will have their breakthrough if you keep allowing them to control the tempo of the game, and this would be the case in minute #26. A smooth no-look pass from Jeremy McAllister to Jennifer Vilardi caused just enough hesitation from defender Luther Della Rosa to allow Vilardi to get a half step ahead of him, and that’s all she would need. Her shot was beautifully placed into the top corner and the Rockets were up one-nil. But wait! Immediately, an interception by Alex Parnett got the offense moving again, and Parnett found Jeremy McAllister in a spot where J-Mac would have plenty of room to show off his individual skills. A quick strike and just two minutes after the first goal, the Rockets were now up by two. They nearly got a quick third one as well, but a Jennifer Vilardi shot struck the post and bounced out in the 31st minute. St. Samuel was stunned, and Newmanistan was in control. At halftime, it was 2-nil Rockets.

It’s unclear if Brian Carson was more pleased with the result of the first half, or the simple fact that the team showed no effects of thinking of what might of been had they scored one more in qualifying. The mood was jovial in the locker room as Brooker was teased for the reaction he got by the fans. Shawn Drummond and Brett Prescott have played many games on this field, too, but neither one was in the starting lineup. So had Dale Stevens, and to a lesser extent, Alex Lampert but none of them seemed to draw the same kind of reaction from the crowd that Brooker had, and Jeremy was obviously enjoying it. He also reminded his teammates about the “sitting on a 2-goal lead after the first half” tax and demanded the team continue to press for offense. Brian Carson simply sat back and let him have his say. Coaches love that.

Even though they did not have a goal to show for it early on, the Rockets did get off to a fast start as they continued to dominate possession. St. Samuel manager Georgi Monte-Cristiano had to wonder just what he needed to do or say to pick up his team, because they clearly did not have it tonight. They were beaten to most loose balls in the midfield and just did not show the kind of intensity that you need to have in the Cup of Harmony. Their defense was the strong part of the team, even with the fact that they conceded three goals. They seemed to get good reads on Jeremy McAllister, and Brett Carlson was completely taken out of this game. This was at the expense of securing Jennifer Vilardi as perhaps they saw her as the weak link to the team in their preparation for the match. After about fifteen to twenty minutes, it became pretty evident that the Rockets were looking to make Vilardi, who now plays her domestic football in Jeruselem, as the focal point of their offense. Alex Parnett also took advantage of opportunities to join the rush up front. Newmanistan managed six second half shots on target by the 70th minute, but Corinthian was doing a very good job, until well, the 73rd minute. Dale Stevens unloaded a strike from a good 30-yards away that the keeper lined up for a routine catch. However, he inexplicably muffed the catch, and the ball rolled behind him and just barely crossed the line. You could hear the St. Samuel players disputing this with the referee, but the ref saw it all the way, and the correct call was made. Corinthian seemed to know it despite his pleas. They were a frustrated bunch, and in the 82nd minute, Leo Sensini made a rough tackle on Brett Carlson and was sent off by the ref. Carson responded by making Prescott a very late substitution, and Brett was greeted with a chorus of boos from the crowd. They aren’t A.F.F. fans here in Lasft, either. That didn’t amount to anything, but it allowed Brett to enjoy the moment and have fun with the fans the same way as Brooker did.

It ends up being a good start for the Rockets who will now head out to Ilha Eremita to take on Greal, the second overall seed in the group. St. Samuel will take on Nethertopia, where they most certainly need to improve to have any chance with the Nethertopians.

NEWMANISTAN 3
Vilardi (26')
McAllister (28')
Stevens (73')

ST SAMUEL 0

(OOC: Nethertopia, don't forget our post-qualifying WC44 friendly, a 1-0 win by us).

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Untitled-2.png

Beautiful Start

Harri Belon celebrated his first game as Rennidan captain with a crucial win as Ryan Malkoa’s side beat Draistania 3-1 and set themselves up for a strong start this Cup of Harmony. The scoreline may suggest a Rennidan cakewalk but it was anything but. In fact they were only truly safe when the skipper, who took the armband in place of Samual Fortal, blasted home just before the final whistle.

Ahead of the game, Malkoa had suggested he would play 90 per cent of a first-choice team. That is what happened: Diar Twils started in goal – the manager had said the usual starter will stay as the club’s Cup keeper this tournament – whilst Micha Hasweh was added to the midfield in Macki Selks place. Drunn Deleks returned up front and led the team out for the first time. As a result, Rettini Oplo dropped to the bench.

It was a bright, cold and crisp day – perfect cup shock weather – and those thousands of visiting fans could sense weakness in the Draistania side. A couple of crunching early challenges by Lawrence Daniels also suggested the Draistania side were not going to hero-worship this afternoon. That said, Rennidan started brightly and might have taken the lead in the sixth minute when Deleks’ miscued shot bobbled into the path of Selet Loek who could not beat keeper Benjamin Johnson with either of his two attempts.

Almost immediately, Daniel Buress’ pacy goalbound volley was blocked at the other end. It drew a huge cheer from the Drastania fans but the tide was already turning against them. On the quarter-hour, Fersu exchanged passes with Deleks and drew another fine save from Johnson.

Johnson needed assistance from his defence after Fersu worked his way to the left-hand side and sent a low cross to the near post. But the cross over-stretched Deleks and, when Rennidan worked the ball back into the area from the left, Loek slid a header wide. Just before the half-hour, Rennidan’s persistent pressure won a corner. Initially it was cleared but Deleks cleverly clipped a ball to Witern Wallase on the right of the area. The youngster’s shot was low, hard and heading for goal. It deflected off defender Jason Smith and nestled with Johnson. The keeper did well to spread himself but he had still been lucky to get his fingers to the ball.

By now Draistania were starting to gain a little confidence. One of Cameron Pollens’s dipping shots was hurriedly tipped over by Twils, leading to a sudden chorus of hushed gasps from the Draistania crowd.

Draistania had had their moments in the first half but, at the break, it seemed a question of when, not if, Rennidan would score. Josef Fersu took the lead just after the break from a corner on the left-hand side. Selks swung it into the area where an unmarked Fersu stooped low to nod home. A very simple goal which still caused Rennidan fans to go berserk with joy. Ryan Malkoa simply nodded his appreciation at the sideline whilst Sean Dastrin threw his arms up high in a clear signal of disappointment.

Within three minutes the lead was doubled. Harri Belon sent Fersu free on the right of the area and Deleks turned home his cross from close range. The score was put down to Deleks powerful left foot, though Draistania defender Felt Benson may have got the last touch.

If he did, redemption was close at hand. In the 52nd minute, Daniel Buress sent a free-kick into the area, it was half-cleared to Benson, who scooted around the right of area before sending a probing ball low into the area. The ball was stabbed home from close range and the Draistania side celebrated enthusiastically in front of the visiting fans.

It was game on again.

However the goal only served to inhibit Rennidan. Suddenly they wanted to keep what they had. Henry Harolds came on for Nick Yetsom and took up his now familiar position on the left.

With eight minutes left, Harolds pressured Johnson into a weak clearance and Fersu’s long range shot was cleared off the line by Jason Smith with the keeper stranded.

A couple of minutes later, Harolds, who was enjoying an eye-catching cameo, fired just wide.

However a third was not far away. Deleks sent Belon racing through the middle. The captain flicked the ball over Johnson and crashed in his shot off the bar to bring the score to a sound 3-1.

Draistania nearly scrambled home a second in injury time but Rennidan managed to clear their lines just in time.

The visitors applauded their fantastic support at full time and, as they trudged off, received an ovation from the Rennidanian fans too.

This was one of those games when both teams could leave the field with their heads held high.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7993/dailyturkjo0.png
East Pocono 1–2 Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Turks Off The Mark
The Turks recorded a surprisingly difficult 2-1 victory last night against East Pocono, with Gokhan Asik once again proving the hero, standing in for the now injured Sinan Kose.

The game started badly for the Turks with Adam Schaefer heading past Orhan to make the scores 1-0 in the 6th minute. Then in the 30th minute Serkan grabbed an equalizer via an impressive finish. The Turks could have gone in ahead on 44 minutes when Sinan volleyed wide of the post after being smashed by defender Marcus Feathers which left Sinan with a dislocated shoulder and leaving him out for the rest of the Tournement.

However once again Gokhan stepped in for Sinan and it turned out to be the right decision as he rounded Alex Boyle and slotted home for the easy finish on 78 minutes. A big sigh of relief from the Turks as they get their rest day.

Sinan: "I'll be back."
Sinan Kose has said to LIG that he will bounce back from his set back this tournement and will be stronger. In a statement he said "I know this is a bad injury and I'm not going to play until I've got the green light but I can assure you I'll be back, and I'll take the Turks far." Of course this injury means that he can run his government more closely than he could previously then after his recovery he will return to club football. Meanwhile the new captain of the squad is Serkan, who is the oldest player on the side.

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel

Greal VS Newmanistan Preview

Today we'll be playing the top seed of the group, and a famous star, Newmanistan Rockets. The last time the Greali and Rockets faced each other in a match, was in Cup of Harmony 35. Now both sides have changed ever since that match and soccer experts are saying that today's match will be interesting and are theorizing a draw. Ross Trent says he hopes his team will do well today since it is their first match since the World Cup 44 qualifying stage, as they depart to Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita for the match. Meanwhile, St Samuel will be playing Nethertopia while Akbarabad will be staying out of the matches today.

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

Joesph's Online Blog

We will be playing the Rockets? Seriously, why do these people name themselves the rockets? Hopefully we'll have no trouble playing the rockets, all you need is water to wet their fuses then they won't take off.

(OOC: A fanatical fan)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

"Yahoo. Our first match."

"We're playing the.....Rockets"

"Rockets? Oh no. Then I bet a draw for six hundred."

"A draw? You wimp."

"Jeff, put me down for a narrow win for five hundred."

"Come on, betting seems to slow down these days."

"Fine, put me down for a draw and four hundred dollars."

"Where are we watching the match?"

"The new bar. Its at eastern street, you can't miss it."

"I think the owner won't be pleased when we bring Mike with us."

"You mean Jessica? Its been years, I'm sure they'll be fine."

"Alright, if plates start getting thrown at us, you pay for tonight's dinner."

I've just received word from the Dancougar News!! that the Dancougar region has suddenly been cut off! Oh, wait, just the RPs? Check your facts, damn it! An intern has just been sacked.

Group A
Urna Eletrônica 2–0 Secristan
The Bostopian Empire 0–3 Rennidan

Group 1 P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Rennidan 2 2 0 0 6 1 +5 6
2 Urna Eletrônica 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 3
3 The Bostopian Empire 2 1 0 1 3 4 −1 3
4 Draistania 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0
5 Secristan 2 0 0 2 1 5 −4 0

* Urna Electônica over Bostopian Empire on third tiebreaker (+2 GD vs -1)

Group B
Terreiro de Ogum 1–0 West Zirconia
Cassadaigua 1–1 East Pocono

Group 2 P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 3
2 Terreiro de Ogum 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 3
3 West Zirconia 2 1 0 1 4 3 +1 3
4 Cassadaigua 2 0 1 1 3 5 −2 1
5 East Pocono 2 0 1 1 2 3 −1 1

* Terreiro de Ogum over West Zirconia on second tiebreaker (H2H win)
* Koseli Cumhuriyetler over Terreiro de Ogum on fourth tiebreaker (2 GF vs 1)

This is a RP cutoff for matchday 2! But, although this is a cutoff for RPs, there won't be a tax cut included. Instead, those who still have to pay some costs here will face an interest rate, and have to pay the interest rate tax too.

Matchday 2 - results in Cafundéu:

Group C
Greal 2–3 Newmanistan
St Samuel 0–1 Nethertopia

Group C P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 6
2 Nethertopia 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 6
3 Greal 1 0 0 1 2 3 −1 0
4 Akbarabad 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0
5 St Samuel 2 0 0 2 0 4 −4 0

* Newmanistan in front of Nethertopia due to goal difference
* Greal in front of Akbarabad due to goals scored
* Akbarabad in front of St Samuel due to goal difference


Group D
Prux 4–1 Dariusville
Sarzonia 2–2 Green wombat

Group D P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Sarzonia 2 1 1 0 4 2 +2 4
2 Prux 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 3
3 Green wombat 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2
4 Arroza 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1
5 Dariusville 2 0 0 2 1 6 −5 0

"Goddamnit! Why the fuck does this hellhole of a country have to be so expensive!"

"Shut the fuck up and drive, already!"

Needless to say, tempers were quite short among the Sarzonian national football team as they began the trek to Estádio Nacional dos Cocos in Porto Lacruz, where they would face Green wombat in the second match of the ironically named 36th Cup of Harmony.

Harmony was the last word on Stars minds as their rickety van struggled to reach an acceptable rate of speed on the highways and back roads the driver took to delay paying tolls. For manager Brian Wilson and assistant coach Chris Hannan, they spent more time preventing an all out brawl from erupting between Zack Wilson and Matt Lynch.

"Guys, enough!" Brian Wilson shouted, wedging himself between Zack Wilson and Lynch to prevent his son from throwing a haymaker at Lynch. "Save your energy for the match!"

When Zack Wilson tried to push his father out of the way to get in a shot at Lynch, who was being restrained by Hannan, Brian Wilson got directly in Zack's face.

"ZACHARY DAVID WILSON, I SAID BACK OFF. NOW!"

"I'm not a fucking 6-year-old FATHER," Zack Wilson snapped in return. This continued for another two hours until the team finally pulled into the stadium parking lot.

Zack Wilson was held out of the starting 11 again, though this time it was for disciplinary reasons. He didn't get on until the 79th minute with Sarzonia trailing 1:2, but by the 85th minute, he scored the equalising goal on an assist from -- you guessed it -- Lynch. Meanwhile, Lynch scored Sarzonia's first goal in the 66th minute, bringing the Stars back from an undeserved 0:2 halftime deficit.

When the whistle signified the match was over and the Stars had earned a key point to remain in first place in Group D of the Cup of Harmony, the team gathered in the locker room to celebrate. Apologies flew about the locker room the same way punches nearly did in the van on the way to the stadium.

Before Brian Wilson could address the team, his cell phone rang. He picked up and it was Dave Wilson.

"Brian, sorry you got put in that situation of taking the van. Health and Athletics have approved additional funding for the team to take better transportation to Presídio in Carandirú City."

"Thanks, Dad. I almost grounded Zachary today."

"I heard."

"He's going to sit the next match against Arroza."

"Oh, those guys. Speaking of apologies, I think you owe them one after Hannan's comments about Kellie Pickler."

"They apologised to us about that."

"Better safe than sorry."

"All right, Dad."

Brian Wilson then hung up the phone and walked through the doors of his office to address the team.

Drinks all around for the Drunken Irish Mob, as they slammed down Dariusville's attempt to win in the opening game of the CoH. 2 goals each from Robert Keene (21', 72') and Brian Malley (40', 67') lead the DIM to the win, as Dariusville only managed to score in the 34th minute on a goal by Hinzob Gluüûz (sounds like a Czech Beer I had once). The DIM will take on Green wombat tommorrow, and win would go a long way to sending the DIM to the quarters.

Sarzonia

Another draw, yay <twirls finger around sarcastically>. The wombats lead a 2-0 lead with 25 minutes to play after Matt Lynch cut the lead to 2-1. Zack Wilson, who was kept out of the starting lineup, which could have explained the early struggles of the Stars; scored the equalizer in the 85th minute. the Wombats scored just minutes apart in the 1st half, on goals by Edward Griffin, who was starting for an injured Pauline Utley; and by Dale Henke in the 23rd and 29th minutes respectively.

Next is Prux, whom we've faced a few times and beaten a few times. Another draw probably will knock this team out, while a win could alomst send them through. Don't hold your breath on that happening.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/rennidan/Untitled-2.png

Rennidan Push On


In the opening game day of this Cup of Harmony, Rennidan managed to hold the lowest ranking team in their group, Draistania, to a tidy 3-1 win. So it stands to reason that their game against the Bostopian Empire would be a closer cut game. This afternoon, 10 of those 11 players who lead Rennidan to a win last time they played brought about a performance fit for champions.

Drunn Deleks scored with a penalty and a close-range shot in a lop-sided first half. Harri Belon added another just before the hour. In the end it was 3-0 but it could have been double that. The Bostopian Empire were listless all afternoon and their only real danger came from Peter Jenkins, though even that was fleeting.

The Rennidanian fans were singing the name of Drunn Deleks by the end. A significant moment in, perhaps, a significant week.

In the first 90 seconds they had shout for a penalty when Vladimir Menyivich appeared to bring down Micha Hasweh close to the byline. The dodgy challenge caused sparks to fly from the wronged midfielder, but ultimately the shouting and close call to fisty cuffs lead no where. A couple of minutes later, the easily angered midfielder clipped a corner to the near post, Josef Fersu flicked on and Macki Selks seemed certain to sweep home from five yards out. Somehow he hacked his shot over the bar. The early Rennidan fire continued to smoulder when Belon strode forward and let fly from 30 yards with a drive that was turned brilliantly round the post.

It took a further 10 minutes for Rennidan to create the goal but, territorially, they were in total control.

The strike owed something to good fortune. Belon's cross from the right certainly hit the outstretched arm of Boris Lukovic. However it was one of those decisions that is sometimes given, sometimes not. This afternoon the referee pointed to the spot. Bostopian Empirial keeper Andrei Smolenski went the right way but Drunn Delek’s spot-kick was near-perfect – low, fast and whipped into the sidenetting.

A couple of minutes later, Fersu rattled a drive into sidenetting. It was more than one-way traffic. It was like a motorway heading directly at Bostopia's goal. That said, Peter Jenkins had a wonderful opportunity to equalise eight minutes before the break. Chris Waite skipped past Fortal and Yetsom on the right and his cross found the Bostopian striker unmarked at far post. His shot was poor but the proximity of team-mate Kyle Hairfeld may have put him off.

Normal service was restored soon afterwards.

Firstly, Belon burst through to trickle a shot wide. Then, four minutes from the whistle, Deleks got his second.

Fersu nudged the ball to Belon on the right and raced into the area to get the return. The Rennidanian was facing away from goal but was aware the talented striker had scampered into the area behind him. Belon's clever back-heel allowed a sliding Deleks to stab home from eight yards.

You sensed that was game over. But Jenkins was proving to be a continual threat. In injury time he drifted a far-post header just over the bar.

Rennidan appeared content with their lead immediately after the break. Daniel Samman even caused a minor scare by scuffing a header on to the top of the bar.

However the Eagles secured the points just before the hour when Fersu cut inside and Loek cleverly fed Belon the shot home from the edge of the area. A beautifully-crafted goal.

Two minutes later, Deleks collected the ball close to the left-hand byline, beat his marker and lashed an audaciously angled drive against the underside of the bar. It was the striker’s final contribution. Seconds later he was substituted for Henry Harolds; an unusual tactic, but apparently manager Malkoa is trying out the freshfaced defender in a more attacking oriented role. The party had now officially started. The fans celebrated by singing the name of Deleks, and Harolds, still to score as a pro, tried his luck from 30 yards. More chances followed. Fersu hammered a header into the chest of Smolenski with 16 minutes left, Belon’s free-kick forced another fine save from the Bostopian keeper and Fersu saw his effort cleared off the line.

But the closest Rennidan would come to another 4-0 was in the 88th minute when an unmarked Harolds collected Fersu's pass on the right of the area.

He had time and space to shoot but dragged his shot wide.

The whistle blew soon afterwards.

Gotta' admit, it's been a good week.

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan (2-3)
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel

So close, yet so far

It was the first match played by the Greali and it turned out to be a narrow loss of 2-3. Despite the loss, Greali coach Ross Trent said he was pleased by his team's performance and said it was better then the last match which was a resounding win for Newmanistan. Newmanistan's best were able to score three, while Howard Anderson managed to score once and Michael Istoma also taking one goal. Our group ranking is now third, despite the loss. Next up for the Greali is Nethertopia.

Nethertopia managed to do a narrow win over St Samuel 1-0.

Akbarabad stayed out.

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

"We lost, oh great."

"Narrowly."

"I hate it when you correct me like that."

"Just bet, whats up next?"

"Nethertopia."

"Are they any good?"

"Yeah."

"Ok, I bet a narrow win."

"How much?"

"A thousand dollars."

"You're on a roll mister."

"I'll bet a draw and four hundred."

"Wimp."

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS PREVAIL IN ENTERTAINING BATTLE

Ilha Eremita, Cafundeu- The second game of the group stage would pair the Rockets up against the second overall seed in the group, Greal. You may recall that the Grealis were a semifinalist in the Cup of Harmony four years ago as they played most of their games in West Zirconia. The Rockets have had success against Greal in the past, but the Grealis have done a pretty good job in recent years improving their football program, and this has begun to show, not just in their semifinal appearance, but in their overall ranking. Now they will begin to learn that this qualifying for the World Cup thing isn’t quite as easy as Peisandros made it look. Joe, a blogger from Greal could also learn a little something from this website: http://www.nswiki.net/index.php?title=Newmanistan to find out just why Newmanistanian teams are called the Rockets.

This game was going to be the wild card of the group stage from the beginning as even though Greal has a higher ranking then Nethertopia, many Newmanistanians see the nation from Rushmore as being the bigger threat. This is because of familiarity more then anything else as the have already played three times during this World Cup cycle. Greal is a different story, more of an unknown. The Grealis would also come into this match much more rested then the Rockets given that they did not play on matchday one. However, people who watched the Rockets brush aside St. Samuel may argue that the team hardly had to work up a sweat in that one. Both teams seemed to want to get a feel for one another first, leading to a conservative beginning. After twenty minutes, most of the match was played in the middle third and if you made a bet with anyone in the stands to pay all of their taxes for a year that there would be five goals in the match, or else they would have to pay yours, every single person in the stands would have taken you up on the offer. Having a pretty entertaining battle in the midfield were Alex Parnett and Howard Anderson. It was pretty clear that these two players were going to be the leaders of this area on this night and they spent much of this time glued to one another. Finally, in the 26th minute, the crowd had reason to get up as Ross Trent ripped a shot destined for the corner that Chris Kusler just barely got enough fingertips on to knock over the bar. The ensuing corner led to quality chance, but last ditch effort by young Alex Lampert stripped the ball away from Trent and he would clear it out of danger. This sequence was the unofficial beginning of the excitement of the game as soon both teams were taking chances, having studied that they learned in the early stages and attempting to use it to their advantage. Jeremy McAllister had a great chance in the 32nd minute, but Raul Grunt, having seen the incredible save by Kusler wanted to show the fans that he could do it too. Not too much longer, in the 37th minute, a long ball delivered by Richard Turner found Anderson, who was able to split the centerbacks. Miscommunication is likely to blame between Haynes and LaFave. Anderson took the shot, and with a nice fake, got Kusler to bite, and slid the ball low and inside the right post to put Greal up 1-nil. It was a big goal late in the first half that should give them momentum going into the second, thought many. However, the Rockets had different ideas. A free kick by Kyle Carrigan set up Jennifer Vilardi in the penalty area, but instead of passing, Vilardi found Brett Carlson in prime position, and he would capitalize on his 43rd minute chance. That would be the bigger goal, and we were 1-1 at the intermission.

During the break, the players seemed pretty composed. Jeremy Brooker was probably just happy not to be booed everytime he touched ball. Everyone knew, and in both locker rooms, that this game was showing signs of opening up. The Rockets would need to be ready for what would be a fresher opponent so Carson preached a defensive opening to the start of the second half for about ten to fifteen minutes thinking that the Grealis would go all out. He’s been through this before, and knows that is a tendency of a younger team. After all, all the starters on their team are between 22 and 27. Smooth and steady, thought Carson, and let our experience eventually win this match.

Just as Carson expected, there was Greal aggressively pushing for a score early in the second half. They controlled possession, but much to their dismay, the Rockets were in great position in the back end. Brooker was especially having a tremendous game as one can really see the enormous amount of determination that he has here in the Cup of Harmony due to all the time he has played in taxland domestically. Michael Istoma did manage a good shot in the 56th minute, but he was turned away by Kusler. While it would be unfair to say that Greal was demoralized by the lack of getting a go-ahead goal during this timeframe despite their domination of possession, they seemed a bit slow to pick up their game when the Rockets decided to go full throttle on the offense. Newmanistan would have better results with their offensive efforts, getting a go-ahead goal in the 64th minute. Again it was Kyle Carrigan setting up the play, this time with a cross into the box that found Jeremy McAllister. Mecca Oma seemed to have him covered well, but he would soon realize that J-Mac can simply make things happen out there, especially with his height advantage over most defenders. The header was timed perfectly, leaving Grunt no hope in preventing the Rockets from taking the lead. While McAllister gets credit for this goal, let us not lose sight of the fact of how well Kyle Carrigan has been playing. He was strong here tonight as he was against St. Samuel. In the first half of World Cup qualifying, he was a favorite target of the critics as to way the Rockets dug (another) hole in the early part of qualification to have to make (another) frantic late surge. It is his first World Cup, and he is beginning to come out of the shadows now of his successful older brother Kevin. Unfortunately, the Rockets were unable to hold this lead. Greal wasn’t about to pack it in and seemed to catch our team when they were least expecting it. Ross Trent made a nice run up the field and seemed to be in a good shooting position in the 72nd minute, but instead of taking the shot, which Kusler expected, he passed the ball over to Michael Istoma. Chris Kusler hesitated to react to this pass for a split second, and that’s all a sharp shooter like Istoma needs, tying the match at two goals a piece. There was still plenty of time left and both teams knew it. Neither was going to be happy with a draw, but the difference maker in this match was going to be late substitutions put on the pitch by Brian Carson. In came the speed and experience of both Shawn Drummond and Shannon Vilardi up front, as they replaced Parnett and Dale Stevens. Greal had no answer for this and the Rockets began to control the play in the late stages of the match to the point where the opponents were just hoping to hang on and get the draw after all. In the 84th minute, the result that appeared inevitable would occur. A goal by Shawn Drummond, set up by Shannon Vilardi, and Newmanistan was up 3-2. After the score, Carson made another wise decision, putting speed in the back in entering Chris Johnston to allow Newmanistan to continue to control the late stages. Greal could muster no real comeback effort as the Rockets held on for their second group stage victory.

The win gives Newmanistan two wins in two games, sharing the top spot with Nethertopia, who is also their next opponent. But not before Greal plays them first. Newmanistan heads into their bye day as their top rivals clash. If it weren’t for these crazy taxes, the Rockets may have been in attendance for that match, but instead they will watch it on TV. It’s much cheaper that way.

After the failure in the World Cup 44 qualifiers, the Terreiro de Ogum citizens started to wonder what went wrong... in the last qualifiers, the team was able to reach the World Cup, and even the round of 16, losing only to Cafundéu, which right now seems to be one of the favourites to win the World Cup. But, only two years later, everything went wrong. And this raised a question: the Orixás sent the message that the Terreiro de Ogum players needed only to find the perfect balance between faith and football ability to get success, and they found that in World Cup 43. But this success didn't stay for much time. So, it was natural to conclude that the Orixás have abandoned the team, or even that they lied when they made that promise. Even Iluminado, the Orixás' representative, didn't play so well in the qualifiers. Putting the blame on the Orixás for the country's failure to qualify for another World Cup, many citizens denied their faith.

And this gave the space for a new faith to appear: the devotion for Sapoca Opaka. The legend says that Sapoca Opaka, and only him, is the true God and creator of the universe, and that the Orixás are only simple supernatural beings that want to deceive the people, giving them useless gifts in exchange of their priceless faith. Sapoca Opaka is the one that should receive the people's faith, he and nobody else. He is the one that can give to his followers the true power, the key to the success. Many people converted to Sapoca Opaka, while the ones that are still loyal to the Orixás hope to stop this new "religion" to grow. They claim that the only God is Obatalá, who is also the same God of most religions, although called by different names. And, for them, the idea of the Orixás being evil supernatural beings is absurd, as they are the spiritual messengers of God. Unfortunately for them, the new God won so many followers that there are players of the National Team who devote their faith to Sapoca Opaka.

The first game of Terreiro de Ogum in the Cup of Harmony ended with a victory for the Orixás followers... well, now not only followers of the Orixás, as there are now some followers of the "new" God. It was a close victory, with a goal scored in the middle of the second half by Toquinho. And, surprisingly, Toquinho is one of the three players who pray for Sapoca Opaka. The others are his brother Guaxinim and the drunk Pinguinha - who, suprisingly, made the assist. Because of that, many people believe that the victory only came thanks to the blessings of Sapoca Opaka, and that the Orixás didn't help at all. There has been pressure to make more players of the team devote their faith to the new God, and it seems that Bicho Grilo and Tramóia were converted too. So, more than a football dispute, there is now a religious dispute in the Terreiro de Ogum team: who is the one that helps the National Team? The Orixás or Sapoca Opaka? Who should we choose to make rituals to?

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Hakan: Time To Shine
The Head Coach Hakan Ismir has called on the team to show their quality tonight in their must win encounter with Cassadaigua. The Turks currently top the table on goals scored over Terreiro de Ogum. Hakan said in an interview with Turksporcu; "We have a great chance in this tournement to show what we can do, I hope the team embraces their time to shine. Obviously the players have taken Sinan's injury quite hard and it has knocked some of the younger players confidence." One player who's confidence wont have been dented is the young starlet Gokhan Asik who will gain a starting place ahead of fellow sub Necati Gunes.

Atalanta Journal: Sports : Page S-4

Cup of Harmony : Matchday 1 Report:

Due to the expenses and fees associated with traveling through Cafundeu, the newspaper has decided not to send a reporter to cover the team until their final match at Porto La Cruz, against Dariusville. So, we are going to use the Green Wombat and Sarzonian coverage for games one and three.

In game one, the Tar Hornets and Green Wombat played to a 1-1 draw at Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco in Cafundó do Juta. Davis Elliott scored in the 4th minute on a blistering free kick, and Green Wombat equalized through a Wayne Blessing tap in in the 50th minute. No other news was available from Green Wombat.

Regarding the team's next game against the Sarzonia Stars, at the Presidio in Carandiru City. This is one of the most imposing stadiums in Cafundeu as the stadium is actually inside the countries main prison. The Arrozan team should be able to take that in stride as several of their team are veterans from the old prisoner team from Angola State, including goalie Justin Moore and striker Martin Lancaster. They should be more able to play under the harsh environment that will occur at the Presidio than the Sarzonian team, and will hopefully lead the team to a victory.

Our official prediction is Arroza 2, Sarzonia 1.

Atalanta Journal : Media Matters : Page M-1

Palacios Islander Tapped for Starring Role in Documentary.

In a great story of “local boy made good” Cafundelese immigrant and national soccer team defenseman, Tadeu Terra will be the subject of a small Cafundelese documentary called, “Returning Home”. The story mainly in Terra's own words, and his native language follow Terra from his parent's immigration from a small town near Governador Vana, through his upbringing on Palacios Island, and his first steps into the sports world at Kingscastle H.S. The story continues through the naming of Terra to the national team, after being told that he “wasn't good enough” to play for the Billionaires. The story will culminate with Arroza's last match in the group stages of the Cup of Harmony, which in stranger than fiction fashion will be held at the Estádio Nacional dos Cocos, in Porto La Cruz, just a mere hundred kilometers down the beach from his old home, and in the stadium where Terra plays his professional football, for Porto Lacruz.

The video should be released near the end of the year.

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan (2-3)
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel

Greal VS Nethertopia Preview

The Greali, fresh from their narrow defeat will be playing Nethertopia today, who narrowly beat their last opponent. If the Greali were going to have any chance of qualifying, they would have to beat the third ranked team of the group. Nethertopia and the Greali have never faced each other in the field before, so soccer experts are predicting a narrow win for either side, or a draw. Netherropia had so far two victories mostly due to playing the lowest ranked teams of the group, but now they face the Greali. Greali television news service reports 300 million viewers watched the match against Newmanistan, that number is expected to drop today. The weather is expected to be sunny and clear skies as the Greali team depart for Obelisco Monumental, Lasft.

St Samuel will be playing Akbarabad at Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari.

Newmanistan will be taking a well-deserved rest.

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Joesph's Online Blog

I am never going through a bloody website again. Nethertopia we'll be playing against next. Who are they? Some team that was lucky enough to get to 50th ranked team. We'll be playing them today, and I'll be watching the match of course. WHO doesn't in Greal? Probably my uncle Jerry.

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

"Hey guys. Wow, the bar is packed."

"Yeah it is, luckily I bribed the owner to save us a spot."

"Hmm, thats the way things are, we're is our table?"

"Right over there."

"Good spot, we can watch the entire match undisturbed."

"Nethertopia eh? Never heard of them."

"Apparently they're ranked 50th."

"Aren't we ranked like 45?"

"44th, but higher ranking then your opponent does not guarantee a victory, but it does help."

"True. I remember the Cup of Harmony 35, that was insane."

"It's insane now."

"Ok, do you think we'll make it to the finals."

"Its a Possibility."

"Guys be quiet, I want to hear the previews."

It is time for what? To open an account in Banco Econômico? Not exactly. It is time for... the RP cutoff for matchday three!

Matchday 3 - results in Cafundéu:

Group C
St Samuel 2–2 Akbarabad
Greal 1-0 Nethertopia

Group C P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 6
2 Nethertopia 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1 6
3 Greal 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 3
4 Akbarabad 2 0 1 1 3 4 −1 1
5 St Samuel 3 0 1 2 2 6 −4 1 E

* Newmanistan in front of Nethertopia due to goal difference
* Akbarabad in front of St Samuel due to goal difference


Group D
Sarzonia 1–2 Arroza
Prux 3-1 Green wombat

Group D P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Prux 2 2 0 0 7 2 +5 6
2 Arroza 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 4
3 Sarzonia 3 1 1 1 5 4 +1 4
4 Green wombat 3 0 2 1 4 6 −2 2
5 Dariusville 2 0 0 2 1 6 −5 0

* Arroza in front of Sarzonia due to head-to-head result

Stop. Cutoff time.

Group A
The Bostopian Empire 6–0 Draistania
Urna Eletrônica 0–1 Rennidan

Group A P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Rennidan 3 3 0 0 7 1 +6 9 Q
2 The Bostopian Empire 3 2 0 1 9 4 +5 6
3 Urna Eletrônica 2 1 0 1 2 1 +1 3
4 Secristan 2 0 0 2 1 5 −4 0
5 Draistania 2 0 0 2 1 9 −8 0

* Even if Bostopian Empire or Urna Electrônica win out, Rennidan has the third tiebreaker over both.

Group B
Cassadaigua 0–1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Terreiro de Ogum 3–0 East Pocono

Group B P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Terreiro de Ogum 2 2 0 0 4 0 +4 6
2 Koseli Cumhuriyetler 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 6
3 West Zirconia 2 1 0 1 4 3 +1 3
4 Cassadaigua 3 0 1 2 3 6 −3 1 E
5 East Pocono 3 0 1 2 2 6 −4 1 E

Prux

What did I tell you? Those drunks from Prux ran away with a 3-1 win over the wombats, basically eliminating them, unless prux beats both Arroza and Sarzonia, and we beat Dariusville, and Dariusville beats Arroza; like I said the other day, it ain't happening. So once again, Green wombat flames out early in an international competition. Why even bother trying anymore? We'll nevr win a World Cup, or a CoH. The greatest accomplishment the wombats ahve is a 3rd place finish over 60 years ago in the Baptism of Fire. After World Cup 27, the team took a break from compeition, and maybe it's time to do so once again.

Another round of free drinks for the DIM! A 3-1 win over region rivals Green wombat, and advancing to the next round is all but assured. Only a win is needed against either Sarzonia or Arroza, the later being our next opponent and with a draw and a Sarzonia loss or darw, the DIM would advance that way as well.

Brianna Sully led off the scoring in the 40th minute, and Frances McGillicutty added the 2nd goal in the 51st. After Green wombat's Dale Henke cut the lead to 2-1 in the 67th minute, Robert Keene's 3rd goal of the tourney made it 3-1 in the 83rd, ending any of the wombati hopes.

As said above, Arroza is next, and they are coming off a 2-1 win over Sarzonia, this match probably will determine the top finisher in this group.

Micah Bender

Woodstock Daily Mail

Wilson fumes after Hicks send off, Stars loss

CARANDIRÚ CITY, Cafundéu -- If you thought Sarzonia's tempers flared on the van ride to Porto Lacruz, you didn't see anything until Brian Wilson reacted to a controversial red card issued to defender Spencer Hicks in the 54th minute.

The red card and an ensuing Martin Lancaster penalty kick provided the winning margin as Arroza defeated Sarzonia 1:2 in front of 71,759 at the Presídio.

"In no [expletive] way was that a red card!" Wilson screamed at the referee after leaping from the players' bench. "He was going for the [expletive] ball! Are you [expletive] kidding me?!"

Hicks, normally an aggressive player modeled on former Starblaydi defender Francisco Ibañez, was sent off for the second time since World Cup qualifying began. After the match, a livid Wilson told Daily Mail reporter Travis West he wouldn't have argued the call if it had been a booking -- or if Hicks had legitimately committed a professional foul.

"I've coached Hicks long enough to know when he's committed a red card-worthy infraction," Wilson said. "If he'd tried to play the man rather than the ball, I wouldn't have jumped off the players bench at all."

The foul gave Arroza a penalty kick, which Lancaster buried, providing the final margin.

"It was undeserved," said a fuming Reese Nichols. The Sarzonian forward scored the Stars lone goal in the 28th minute, which held up until the Tar Hornets equalised with time winding down in the first half. Lancaster deked toward his right and faked Hicks out of position before firing a shot that goalkeeper Cody Taylor couldn't get to.

"We had the run of play throughout the match, but couldn't get it done," said defender and team captain Ben Davis. Sarzonia held possession for 54 minutes and fired 18 shots to 11 for Arroza. Tar Hornets goalkeeper Justin Moore made six saves, while Taylor made three.

"I can't fault our defence," Taylor said. "The first goal came against the run of play." To wit: Sarzonia passed the ball around the perimetre of the Tar Hornets 18-yard box before Nichols tried to force a pass to forward Matt Lynch.

"I didn't see [defensive midfielder] Tadeu Terra there and thought Lynch was open," Nichols said. The turnover led to Lancaster's first goal just before the first half expired.

Now, Sarzonia has to stew over a bye and awaits its match against world No. 26 Prux. For the Stars to advance, they'll need both a win and help.

"We shouldn't be in this position," Wilson said. "Now we've got to win and hope Arroza loses. Unbelieveable," he said, slamming his fist on the podium and stalking off as the plastic cup of spring water spilled onto the podium.

Our official prediction is Arroza 2, Sarzonia 1.



Sarzonia 1–2 Arroza

Eerie, no?

Akbrabad drop vital points.


(Akbarabad Press, AP): Akbarabad failed to get a much needed win against bottom side St.Samuel, instead being held to a dissapointing 2-2 draw at the Arena Multiuso Dra. Veiga, Astari. After losing their opening match, the team really needed a win here to keep their hopes alive, but for the third time in three meetings, could only be held to a draw by lower ranked St. Samuel. This result, leaves the team with all to do against the the two remaining higher ranked teams Greal and Newmanistan, and on the evidence of the performance so far that prospect looks increasingly unlikely.

Eerie, no?

OOC: Yes it is.

(Group of players hanging out on the bye day)

McAllister: Brooks, I just don’t get it. How do you survive here?

Brooker: That’ll be 10 gold coins, I converted the currency for you.

McAllister: For what?

Brooker: That’s another five. Questioning how I survive in Cafundeu, there is a fee for that here. Asking me to clarify myself, that’s another fee.

McAllister: But you don’t live here and you aren’t from here, you just play here. So would I owe you anything?

Brooker: I live here long enough during the season to collect a percentage of the rightful taxes when someone commits a taxable offense, which just about occurs everytime you move or say something.

J Vilardi: Let’s leave Brooker alone. He’s nuts.

McAllister: What’s he gonna do, sue me? He’s not from here, I doubt he’d have any right to collect.

Brooker: (overhearing): That’s 20 more gold coins for doubting my right to collect.

Drummond: Good morning Jeremy. Jenn. How are you?

McAllister: Fine so Drummy, you play here too, Brooker has no right to collect stupid taxes on me right?

Drummond: Well, that’s 10 gold coins for the question, another 20 for doubting Brooker, and 50 for calling the taxes stupid. Yes, he has the right to collect and so do I.

J Vilardi: I am just keeping my mouth shut around them.

McAllister: This place is so damn annoying. I hate carrying so much cash around, too.

Brooker: I heard that.

McAllister: Bite me! I wasn’t complaining to you. How much does it cost Dunboor FC to keep choking every playoff?

Brooker: Ok now that was evil. And 50 gold coins.

McAllister: Jenn, leave these people alone. They are crazy, I am so glad you play in Jeruselem now.

J Vilardi: Yeah, likewise you and Dancougar. Ask Alex Lampert if they have the right to collect, if I know him well he will give you a straight up answer.

McAllister: Good idea. (Calls him up). Hey Alex, I need to ask you a question.

Lampert: Ok, go ahead.

McAllister: Do guys like Brooker and Drummond have the right to collect Cafundeu’s silly taxes on me?

Lampert: No. They are not from here, they only play here.

McAllister: And there are no loopholes they can exploit, right?

Lampert: If you were in their residence, then yes. Other then that, no, neither of them have dual citizenship as far as I know so they are not able to collect anything from you. Besides, even they did, there are tax collectors here. Ordinary citizens do not just get tax money.

McAllister: Thank you very much, Alex.

Lampert: You’re most welcome.

McAllister: Bye for now! (Hangs up). Brooker was full of shit. He has no grounds.

J Vilardi: That’s what I thought.

McAllister: Yo Brooker, nice try, dude. But we just looked it up, you have no authority to collect any money on me.

Brooker: (laughing) You actually looked it up?

McAllister: Yes, and you cannot collect anything.

Brooker: (still laughing) Of course not but its hilarious that you had to look it up!

McAllister: Haha, douchebag.

Brooker: Common trick we play on newbies here. You get used to the taxes here. I do anyway, it just becomes part of your daily life while you are here that you just don’t think about it. I’ll tell you this though, playing in Dunboor has been incredible, even when they keep calling me Broker on their newswires.

McAllister: I’m glad you enjoyed it, it seems like it wasn’t that long ago when you made that decision to move but its been such a long time.

Brooker: It does. Right now it is such a thrill for me to represent Newmanistan here. You look around these great cities and you can see that they put the money back into the city, the quality of life is worth it. Maybe the lower classes don’t see as much of the great life as I have been fortunate to have, but this is my second home, man. I might continue to live here even after I retire.

McAllister: I can see how it would be nice for those who have money.

Brooker: A lot of retired football players become tax collectors here. I could see myself doing that.

McAllister: After today, so could I!

Courtney’s Space

It wasn’t our year. Blah. I don’t have much more to say right now, but I know I haven’t said enough or done enough during the Cup of Harmony. Before the World Cup 45 festivities begin, there will have to be some tough decisions made. Who stays and who goes. Will we have a more offensive focus next time around? I am not certain that I will be back, but I am hoping that I can have some kind of a role. I will be 34, and even though I do not want to admit it, that’s an age where they start to wonder if you have what it takes anymore. Another key forward, Kirsten Logan will be 36. Christine Scott and Erika Cotrell in our midfield will be 33 and 34 respectively. Come to think about it, I am probably making them all cringe by saying their ages here. We do have players who are up and coming like a Stacie Kerrigan, Erika Daniels, and Meghan Burns. That is where our future lies as a nation, and if we were ever so fortunate to one day play for the World Cup they will probably be the players that lead us there. Meghan Burns to me, is a future captain, and I would say definitely watch for her next time, but others can just as easily impress and get the coveted armband as well. We have one more game, and then it’s over. We’ll try to end it with a win.

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Cassadaigua 0–1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Turks Do The Business Late On.
The Turks prevailed in a long drawn battle with Cassadaigua, with Gokhan Asik netting a late winner for the Turks, despite being on the back foot for the majority of the game.

The first half was evenly matched as both sides produced good attacking play, but the Turks physical strength showed as they managed to test the keeper on no less than 15 occasions, with the keeper being more than a match for them.

Early on in the second half, Cassadaigua came out with more intent and showed they wanted it more by dominating the center of the field for long periods of time.

After two subs were made by the manager the Turks pushed harder as they searched for their second win, and after a hail mary attempt at a pass from Orhan Gokhan struck it home on his (in)famous left foot to knock Cassadaigua out of the Tournament.

Sinan's Verdict
Well seeing as I'm injured (and am typing with my left hand for once) I figured I'd write my opinions on how my team mates are performing for the Daily Turk. Now the scoreline shows a solid Turks performance at the back, this is almost certainly true of the 'keeper and the center back's but the wing backs are lacking the defensive qualities, despite providing undeniably great support for the wingers who have been key to our success's in the past. Also I'd like to give praise to my replacement (Probably for the long term as well) Gokhan who is a great center forward and a great person to work with. Though he is showing signs of promise he probably needs to be taught a lesson or two from the old master (For those who can't guess that's me) when I get back to shape and scoring goals, like I do.

By Sinan Kose

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan (2-3)
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia (1-0)
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel

Greal 1-0 Nethertopia

After a tough match the Greali prevailed over Nethertopia 1-0. Hundreds of millions of Greali viewers watched the match live form their television sets and even on the internet where several media corporations have set up live video of the match. Ross Trent stated he was proud of his team and glad the won today.

The Greali started in possession of the ball, with Howard Anderson attemtping to score several times which did not seem to work. The Nethertopia team tried themselves but failed to score any goals. Howard Anderson finall scored a penalty kick a few minutes before the first half was up. The Second half started with Nethertopia desperately trying to score while the Greali themselves wanted to build on their success but their was no luck. The match ended 1-0. Next up is Akbarabad.


Greal 1
Howard Anderson (45")

Nethertopia 0

St Samuel and Akbarabad drew 2-2, ending St. Samuel hopes of qualifying.

Newmanistan sat out.

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

"1-0 win, give me my money."

"Yeah, don't talk your way out of this. A thousand dollars please."

"Alright."

"Pleasure doing business, put me for a narrow win over Akbarabad."

"A outright win for me."

"How much?"

"Five hundred."

"Seven hundred."

"Those are high stakes. good luck gentlemen."

"Thank you Jeff."

"Meet me at the bar again guys."

"Sure."

"No problem, glad to be there."

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan (2-3)
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia (1-0)
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel

Greal VS Akbarabad Preview

Today, the Greali will be playing Akbarabad. Ross Trent says his team would have to win the next two games if it is to qualify for Cup of Harmony 36. Akbarabad's last game was against St. Samuel and now they'll be playing a team ranked twice as high as St Samuel. Meanwhile, the Sasha Times confirms it will be launching a live video of the event at www.sashatimes.com/livevideos so millions are expected to watch the match from there live. Weather service reports cloud cover but no rain is forecast for today.

Nethertopia will be playing Newmanistan.

St Samuel will stay out after days of losses.

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

Joesph's Online Blog

YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're playing Akbarabad. ALL we need is two more victories, then we'll qualify! I'm watching the match from the internet on that Sasha times thingy because it'll be sooooo cool!

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

"Place is packed as usual."

"I reserved a spot always. Right over there."

"Great. Hey Tony!"

"Hey guys. Still doing the bets?"

"Yup."

"Awesome. You mind I make one?"

"Sure."

"Outright win."

"Go on."

"Six hundred dollars."

"Thanks, you'll really appreciate this."

"I hope you're right."

'The previews are starting."

Once again the result of the game involving Terreiro de Ogum in the Cup of Harmony raised a controversy: Terreiro de Ogum's victory was thanks to the players' football ability or thanks to the prayers to Sapoca Opaka? With the religion devoted to this new God expanding, the amount of prayers directed to him has significantly increased. In the first game of the competition, the victory came by only one goal, against a strong West Zirconia team. The fact that the goal of that game came from the foot of a Sapoca Opaka follower led the people to believe that the God was directly involved in that result, although Umbanda followers, trying to keep the people's faith on the Orixás, told everyone that this fact was merely a coincidence. Coincidence or not, Sapoca Opaka was the biggest winner of that game, and more people got converted.

In this game the situation wasn't exactly the same, but had some things in common. The first two goals scored by Terreiro de Ogum in the game were scored by followers of Sapoca Opaka. Pinguinha and Tramóia were the scorers. When Pinguinha scored, he even made a special commemoration to make a homage to his new God, something that upset the Umbanda followers of the team, who saw that as offending. The third goal, although, was scored by Mestre Kacet, who is loyal to the Orixás and is one of those that most criticize the devotion for Sapoca Opaka, defending the Orixás and fighting against the conversion of Terreiro de Ogum citizens. After the game, the Orixás followers said that the result was thanks to the team's footballing ability, as the opponent was an inferior team, and the spiritual help wasn't needed, and didn't come.

But the Sapoca Opaka defenders have another version for the game result. They say that the fact that the first two goals of the game were scored by members of their religion is a proof that their God was directly involved in the outcome of the game. When questioned about the third goal, they claim that Mestre Kacet had luck, and that, as the game was already defined at that time, the third goal was pointless. For them, Sapoca Opaka was directly responsible for the victory, giving power to the players who have faith on him. And, with both sides discussing with each other, the controversy continues, and the team is now divided in two religions: the ones who follow the Orixás, and the ones who pray for Sapoca Opaka. To make an example about how can this situation affect the team, Iluminado is having problems to play, as the Sapoca Opaka followers don't pass the ball to him. After all, he is the Orixás' representative. The team is still winning, so we hope this confusion doesn't affect our results in the future.

Sorry, buddy, how many RPs is that for you today? I'm gonna have to cut you off.

Group A
Rennidan 2–1 Secristan
Draistania 0–6 Urna Eletrônica

Group 1 P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Rennidan 4 4 0 0 9 2 +7 12 Q
2 Urna Eletrônica 3 2 0 1 8 1 +7 6
3 The Bostopian Empire 3 2 0 1 9 4 +5 6
4 Secristan 3 0 0 3 2 7 −5 0 E
5 Draistania 3 0 0 3 1 15 −14 0 E

* The Bostopian Empire must win against Urna Electrônica on MD5 to advance.

Group B
East Pocono 1–0 West Zirconia
Koseli Cumhuriyetler 0–1 Terreiro de Ogum

Group 2 P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Terreiro de Ogum 3 3 0 0 5 0 +5 9 Q
2 Koseli Cumhuriyetler 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1 6
3 East Pocono 4 1 1 2 3 6 −3 4 E
4 West Zirconia 3 1 0 2 4 4 0 3
5 Cassadaigua 3 0 1 2 3 6 −3 1 E

* West Zirconia must win against Koseli Cumhuriyetler on MD5 to advance.

Here it is, the RP cutoff for matchday four for the teams in the wonderful country of Cafundéu!

Matchday 4 - results in Cafundéu:

Group C
Nethertopia 0–2 Newmanistan
Akbarabad 1–0 Greal

Group C P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 3 3 0 0 8 2 +6 9 Q
2 Nethertopia 4 2 0 2 3 4 −1 6
3 Akbarabad 3 1 1 1 4 4 0 4
4 Greal 3 1 0 2 3 4 −1 3
5 St Samuel 3 0 1 2 2 6 −4 1 E


Group D
Green wombat 2–0 Dariusville
Arroza 1–3 Prux

Group D P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Prux 3 3 0 0 10 3 +7 9 Q
2 Green wombat 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5
3 Arroza 3 1 1 1 4 5 −1 4
4 Sarzonia 3 1 1 1 5 4 +1 4
5 Dariusville 3 0 0 3 1 8 −7 0 E

* Arroza in front of Sarzonia due to head-to-head result (the 2nd tiebreaker)

Woodstock Daily Mail

A Prux on Sarzonia's CoH chances?

By Travis West
Daily Mail Staff Writer

CAFUNDÓ DO JUTA, Cafundéu -- After Sarzonia watched world No. 26 and Group D's highest ranked side Prux defeat Arroza to leave the Stars one point out of the second and final berth in the 36th Cup of Harmony knockout stages, they get set to face Prux in the final match of group play.

Sarzonia (1-1-1, four points) are level with Arroza in the standings, but trail the Tar Hornets for the berth due to the tiebreakers used after a 1:2 loss. Two scenarios could send the Stars through to the knockouts. One, Sarzonia would need a victory over Prux and a draw or loss by Arroza to advance or two, Sarzonia would need a draw against Prux and a Tar Hornets loss to Dariusville.

However, manager Brian Wilson said he told his team not to look at the scoreboard for the Arroza-Dariusville fixture.

"We need to take care of our own responsibilities," he said. "No matter what happens in that match, if we don't get a result, we don't advance." However, he acknowledged the Stars might still board the return flight to Woodstock even if they play "out of their minds" against Prux.

"It's very possible we could play the best match we've played since our first foray into international football and still be sent home," Wilson said. "If that happens, we'll at least have done all we could."

Wilson said he would start Zack Wilson in a three-striker lineup in the final match against Prux in an effort to generate more offence.

"We need to ensure that we've got our best offensive weapons on the pitch. We may concede more goals than usual with three forwards and only three defenders, but with [defender Spencer Hicks] out [red card suspension], we were going to have to change our lineup anyway."

Brian Wilson said he received a fine from the Cafundéu football association for his comments about the officiating after Hicks's send off, but added he would refuse to pay the fine.

"They bilk us for too much money here as it is," he said. "I doubt even the Secristanis are this greedy."

Dariusville

Well they have slight chance. The wombats finally won defeating Dariusville 2-0 to finish group play at 1-2-1 and 5 points. Both Arroza and Sarzonia, the two teams we drew are at 4 points each with one match left. If Prux defeats Sarzonia and Dariusville somehow draws with or beats Arroza, the wombats are into the 2nd round. But Sarzonia only needs a win against Prux or a draw with them, and have Arroza lose or draw and they are though. Arroza needs to win and have Sarzonia lose or draw to advance. Only problem is, both Arroza and Sarzonia play in the next round of matches, while we have to wait in the hotel to see if we stay or go. Not that staying in Cafundeu and wasting umpteen thousands of dollars, which is reimbursed by the GWFA, is a bad thing.

A 3-1 whomping of Arroza clinched a 2nd round berth for the DIM, and as usual tore up the closest bar and ran up a tab of over 15,000 (USD). But why shouldn't they celebrate? 10 goals scored in only 3 matches, no other team has done that at this CoH. and only 1 goal allowed a game? Well if we used DIM instead of Zombies, perhaps we'd be in the World Cup Semis!

Now we have a chance to destroy another teams' chance at making the second round, Sarzonia. All we have to do is win, and they are basically gone.

For those keeping tabs at home, mark up another pint for the following players: Brianna Sully for a goal in the 34th minute, and 2 shots for Michelle O'Sullivan who headed home a couple of corner kicks in the 56th and 73rd minutes of play.

Since DIM have clinched the top spot, they will face Nethertopia, Akbarabad, or Greal in the next round.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS CLINCH GROUP TITLE

Astari, Cafundeu- There was one certainty heading into tonight’s match between Newmanistan and Nethertopia. There would be no sneaking up on each other as they had already met three times during this World Cup cycle, twice as group mates during qualifying plus a post-qualifying friendly. In those three matches, the Rockets won two of the matches and the Falcons one. The important matches during qualifying were split and each won by the visiting team. There is also some overlapping history between the countries as each made their debut on the world scene during Baptism of Fire 27 and a handful of Newmanistanian players now play in Nethertopia, who’s league is more of a second division for the domestic Candelaria And Marquez league. Among those playing in Nethertopia now is Brett Carlson, the striker who is just beginning to enter his prime now. So familiarity was a theme and so was the possibility that the Rockets could clinch group C with a matchday to spare.

It may be a good thing that despite the recent frequent encounters between the nations, that no bad blood has spilled over between the two sides, or else we could have seen some frustrations carry over from that. Instead the two teams played rather conservatively to start, with the better chances going to Nethertopia early. Erik Visser has been riding a hot streak for the team, and he would be the main player that Jeremy Brooker would be assigned too, and he did his best to contain him. Both would have their moments of success against the other, such as Visser’s impressive 10th minute blast that was nicely read and stopped by goalkeeper Chris Kusler, and an 18th minute shot that was also well struck but saved by Kusler. Brooker had his moments on the young forward as well, especially when Visser looked to get his teammates involved and set them up for scores. Brooker had several interceptions and as the first half rolled on, it seemed as if the 33-year old star defender was clearly outsmarting the 18-year old forward. Visser vs Brooker was a sideshow all game long of the main event itself, it was a real joy to watch. The other main offensive weapons were contained pretty well. Kevin Haynes and Scott LaFave did a great job in their shadowing of both Ben van Dam and Frans Oud, severely limiting their opportunities. At the other end of the pitch we saw similar matchups. Jeremy McAllister was closely watched by Jerome de Wit, and J-Mac had to deal with the fact that this was one defender he would not have a height advantage on. Like Visser, J-Mac had his moments, such as a 21st minute opportunity which he may have mis-struck a little bit, allowing for an easier save from Wouter van Dalen then maybe it should have been. Overall, however, the Rockets had some difficulty getting the ball to the forward due to being outplayed in the midfield. There would have to be adjustments at halftime, because the 4-3-3 was not working against the 3-5-2. Heading into the intermissing with no goals up on the scoreboard, this game had all the makings of a true battle with no one knowing which way this game would turn.

Brian Carson was well aware of the fact that the team was being dominated in the midfield, and he immediately went to work to try and change things up. It would mean a pretty tough substitution for the second half, because he really didn’t want to take Jennifer Vilardi out, but it needed to be done for more manpower in the midfield. She would be replaced by Brian Rafferty. Also Scott LaFave, a defender who likes to join the offensive rushes every now and then would be moved up the pitch in a formation adjustment. The Rafferty entry was the key to this having success as we all know the kind of mean streak that he plays with. He was hoping that The Scout would not be able to make the tactical adjustments in time and that the Rockets could get a quick second half score.

Indeed, Nethertopia seemed to be a little surprised by the Rockets move of taking out Vilardi instead of Rafferty. Initially, it appeared as though they thought Brian would simply play up front, but that would not be the case. Brian mainly went after their captain, Thomas Schaak, and in the 49th minute, he completely leveled him with a brutal tackle, one of which was apparently missed by the referee or else Brian’s stay in this match would have only lasted four minutes. Schaak, a few minutes later, showed Rafferty that he could deliver a pretty hard tackle himself and again the referee seemed to miss it. In the 54th minute, their verbal jawing at each other led to pushes and shoves and for the referee to finally decide to do something about it, issuing both a yellow card. Just what Rafferty wanted, to get in the head of the young captain. Now, with Schaak distracted, could he lead the team as well as we normally expect him too. Brian Carson saw that Rafferty had begun to frustrate Schaak, so he went for the kill, bringing in 39-year enforcer Brett Prescott, replacing Kyle Carrigan. Prescott would not look to bother Schaak, but instead the other midfielders. Get them a little roughed up, and get Schaak even more riled up just by seeing it. In the 59th minute, a Prescott tackle, which drew a yellow, on Frans Oud had that effect. Now, Nethertopia was more concerned with getting back at the Rockets. They are a younger team with a young captain. The veteran team with the veteran captain knew exactly what they were doing, and now knew, this would be the time to strike. They went aggressively on the offense, and thanks to a nice long ball by a former member of a Nethertopian club team (actual team escapes me at the moment), Alex Parnett found Jeremy McAllister upfield, leading to a goal by Newmanistan’s most prolific goal scorer in history. With the way this game had gone, both sides knew J-Mac’s 63rd minute score was going to be very decisive. The Scout seemed a little annoyed about his team’s brief lack of composure, and while they began to get it back, he seemed to know, that just for a brief moment, the value of experience in which many Rockets have, including Brian Carson, just showed it’s value in putting Newmanistan ahead. With the lead, as expected, the Rockets dropped back into a defensive mindset, and worked hard to put away Nethertopian chances. Erik Visser again had a quality chance, but in the 77th minute he could just not solve Chris Kusler. Visser had a strong game tonight, but with the way Brooker was hounding him all game long, and Kusler on top form, it wouldn’t be his day. Towards the end of the game, the Falcons began to pull out all the stops as they desparately looked for an equalizer, pushing just about everyone forward. In the 89th minute, an interception in midfield by Alex Parnett left the Falcons rather hopeless, and they could just hope van Dalen could come up with an amazing save. Newmanistan made it look pretty easy as Brett Carlson would fire it into the back of the net to seal the deal, and the Group C title.

Newmanistan does have one more match, against Akbarabad. It is a very important game for them, but not for us. Brian Carson will go with a completely different lineup: Corey Hennis in goal. Jeremy Brooker, Michael Harrison, Chris Johnston, and Bobby Foley in the back; James Seidler, Shannon Vilardi, and Brian Rafferty in the middle; with Jeremy McAllister, Steve Kelso, and Kevin Taylor. J-Mac is only playing to continue his consecutive game streak, and will be replaced early by Shawn Drummond.

Akbarabad still with a chance.


(Akbarabad Press, AP): The Akbrabad national team stayed on course for qualification with a narrow 1-0 win over higher ranked Greal, thanks to an early goal within the first ten minutes for Samin Akbar. Now, all that is needed to qualify is a win over already qualified Newmanistan who have won all their previous games and may not be fully motivated. After only making things harder for themselves by dropping points against the lower ranked teams, Akbarabad may actually qualify beating the higher ranked ones.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7993/dailyturkjo0.png
Koseli Cumhuriyetler 0–1 Terreiro de Ogum
Guaxinim Sinks Turks
The Turks put in a great display and gave a great effort against higher ranked Terreiro de Ogum who sunk the Turks at the last with Guaxinim scoring late on.

The first half belonged to the Turks as their attacking line dominated the possession and Gokhan looked to have scored the opener but was ruled out for a foul against the keeper. The intensity continued to rise with Pai Berto striking from long range, stinging the finger tips of Orhan.

In the second half things looked to had fizzed out with very little attacking football both teams appearing to be afraid to lose valuable points. Serkan spiced things up by striking the crossbar twice and Gokhan tested the keeper on one occasion. Towards the end the opposition showed more aggression as the Turks appeared to suffer from burn out. This paid off after a sloppy Erdem pass Terreiro de Ogum struck on the counter attack and Guaxinim struck well past Orhan in the 89th minute.

Sabri Desperate For Success
At 33 Sabri will surely not have another tournement opportunity, and has called on all the fans to back the team to the death. (Although that shouldn't be seen as an endorsement of rioting.)With the team needing a win in their final game in order to ensure qualification, the nation will be on the edge of it's seat waiting on the result.

Sinan's Verdict
Well that wasn't as disgraceful as I thought it would be, I was expecting us to suffer against the top side in the group, and yet... we seem to be more competitive than before and despite the scoreline we played our best game in terms of offensive class. Maybe a lack of composure, but nonetheless I can't fault the players on their effort and dedication to the cause.

However we have to take a moment to express sympathy for Erdem who's misplaced pass sunk us in the end, the praise written above applies even to him. It must be devastating to feel that heartbreak when your mistake put's the team down, but he's a pro and he will get on with the job.

By Sinan Kose

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4798/palmtreeiw7.jpg

Dramatic Finish? Yeah, We Can Do That.

It's looking more and more like an improbable movie finish as the Tar Hornets travel to Porto Lacruz for their final match of the Cup of Harmony group stage against the Ents of Dariusville. Yes, that's right, Dariusville, known mainly for previously having a team of sentient apes, has apparently decided that the task of cleaning up after their team was too much, and went to a photosynthetic squad of sentient trees.

How's that working out for them? Glad you asked. In the group stage, Dariusville has zero points after three matches, and the team looks like they're having serious problems dealing with the speed and passing accuracy of the teams in Group D. So while Arroza faces the worst team in Group D and possibly in the tournament, there are two other challengers for the last ticket to play Newmanistan in the Arena America in Abadia.

Green Wombat has their bye game today, but in their four matches, they've gathered a respectable five points. But in the games that mattered, they tied both Arroza and Sarzonia. Green Wombat fans have to be tied to their TV screens hoping for both the Hornets and Stars to lose in order to have any chance not involving tie-breakers from hell.

Sarzonia has a slightly easier path, as all they need is to win, and for us not to win. Unfortunately, they're playing the Irishmen of Prux, who should definitely be happy to help us out after some of the “Good Ol' Boys” on the team, gifted the Prux team with a case of home-stilled “Peach Lightning”.

As for our team? All we have to do is win baby. Just win.

Playoff Scenarios:

If Arroza Wins: Arroza qualifies, plays Newmanistan.

If Arroza Ties, and....
Sarzonia Wins: Sarzonia qualifies.
Sarzonia Loses: Green Wombat Qualifies on 4th Tiebreaker (Goal Differential)
Sarzonia Ties: Arroza qualifies through H-T-H (1-0-1)

If Arroza Loses, and...
Sarzonia Wins: Sarzonia Qualifies
Sarzonia Ties: Sarzonia Qualifies on 4th Tiebreaker (GD)
Sarzonia Loses: Green wombat Qualifies

This is the last RP cutoff of the group stage... valid for all 4 groups, in Cafundéu and Dancougar. Scores coming soon in this same post.

Matchday 5 - results in Dancougar and Cafundéu:

Group A
Urna Eletrônica 3-1 The Bostopian Empire
Secristan 2-1 Draistania

Group A P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Rennidan 4 4 0 0 9 2 +7 12 Q
2 Urna Eletrônica 4 3 0 1 11 2 +9 9 Q
3 The Bostopian Empire 4 2 0 2 10 7 +3 6 E
4 Secristan 4 1 0 3 4 8 −4 3 E
5 Draistania 4 0 0 4 2 17 −15 0 E


Group B
Terreiro de Ogum 2–0 Cassadaigua
West Zirconia 1–1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler

Group B P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Terreiro de Ogum 4 4 0 0 7 0 +7 12 Q
2 Koseli Cumhuriyetler 4 2 1 1 4 3 +1 7 Q
3 East Pocono 4 1 1 2 3 6 −3 4 E
4 West Zirconia 4 1 1 2 5 5 0 4 E
5 Cassadaigua 4 0 1 3 3 8 −5 1 E

* East Pocono in front of West Zirconia due to head-to-head result


Group C
Greal 4–2 St Samuel
Newmanistan 0–0 Akbarabad

Group C P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Newmanistan 4 3 1 0 8 2 +6 10 Q
2 Greal 4 2 0 2 7 6 +1 6 Q
3 Nethertopia 4 2 0 2 3 4 −1 6 E
4 Akbarabad 4 1 2 1 4 4 0 5 E
5 St Samuel 4 0 1 3 4 10 −6 1 E

* Greal in front of Nethertopia due to head-to-head result


Group D
Prux 0-1 Sarzonia
Dariusville 0–3 Arroza

Group D P W D L GF GA GD Pts
1 Prux 4 3 0 1 10 4 +6 9 Q
2 Arroza 4 2 1 1 7 5 +2 7 Q
3 Sarzonia 4 2 1 1 6 4 +2 7 E
4 Green wombat 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5 E
5 Dariusville 4 0 0 4 1 11 −10 0 E

* Arroza in front of Sarzonia due to head-to-head result


Quarterfinal games:

Q1: Rennidan x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal
Q2: Terreiro de Ogum x Urna Eletrônica - Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
Q3: Newmanistan x Arroza - Arena América, Abadia
Q4: Prux x Greal - Maracatuzão, Dunboor

* Tomorrow is a bye day. The quarterfinal games will be scorinated the day after tomorrow. After that, there will be no more rest days.

Remind the DIM never NEVER to trust Arrozans ever again. Thanks to some 'Peach Lightning', which turned out to be de-pressurized cola and Nyquil, with peach syrup in it; the DIM lost to Sarzonia 1-0 as most of the team spent the match reliving themselves of their lunches. Despite the failed attempt at sabotage, Arroza made it tougher upon themselves, as they had to win their match to make the next round.

The DIM will take on Greal in the quarterfinals. After a couple of days of re-fortifying themselves with REAL alcohol, the DIM should be ready to defeat a lesser Greal squad.

"Well this really sucks," Cameron Pollens said as they walked away from a devastating defeat against Urna. "We are still the worst team in the universe."

"I don't believe that I was pulled away from my drinking for this," Sean said in an obviously annoyed tone.

"Pull yourself together, you'll be in regular season back home soon."

"Yup, back home in the worst soccer country in the world."

"Don't just sit around and complain about it, do something about it. Besides, we'll combine with the women league this year, maybe that will change some things."

Sean was tired of always thinking, "maybe we'll do better next game or next season!". He wanted a win. There seemed to be nothing that he could do to change that though. His offense never did anything of consequence, it was unusual for them to get it very far past mid-field. Their only attempt at a goal by Daniel Burress was easily picked up by the opposing goal keeper.

The defense might as well have just sat down and watched the game. The only interceptions were mostly luck and being at the right place at the right time. Johnson made a few blocks, but he could have done a lot better. Over all, Draistania looked like a bunch of kids compared to their opponents. Sean was embarrassed to even think about showing his face in public.
__________________________

There was little comment after the game against Secristan. The players seemed more relaxed in that game, perhaps the thing that kept them away from another devastating defeat. Lawrence Daniels made a very impressive header into the goal from a kick from Peter Malcrom. Other than that, the game was pretty par for the Draistanian international team.

There was little reporting on it back in Draistania. It seemed as if the whole country had just become fed up with it all. Many still said they were excited about next year, but everyone felt uneasy and uncertain about the future.

THE ROCKET REPORT

WALK THROUGH DRAW WITH AKBARABAD

Lasft, Cafundeu- Having already clinched the group, there was not really much the Rockets were playing for against Akbarabad, a nation who competed in this year’s Baptism of Fire. Akbarabad, meanwhile, had every reason to play as hard as they could, because a victory could see them through to the second round. Newmanistan may have done their opponents a bit of a favor too, by starting all their reserves and a few substitutes, while only keeping Jeremy McAllister in the match very briefly for the purpose of extending his consecutive games started streak. The strength of this lineup figured to be on defense, and that’s exactly the way it would pan out as the sides played to a scoreless draw, sending Greal to the knockouts and Akbarabad home.

Newmanistan’s lineup did not have much experience playing together as a unit, and this showed in the early stages every time the Rockets tried to generate some offense. The passes seemed a little off, as it seems like the team really wanted to get Kevin Taylor a goal early on. Taylor, a rising star, but buried on the depth chart right now hasn’t got a lot of playing time, and most of the veterans really seemed to want to get him on the scoresheet. It just wasn’t working out. His best chance of the game came very early, in the 8th minute as Brian Rafferty and Jeremy McAllister set him up. It was struck well, but goalkeeper Aminul Islam was there for the save just like he would be all game long. McAllister only played twenty minutes before he was quickly taken off the pitch and replaced by Shawn Drummond. This quickly erased any doubt that Newmanistan was simply playing to get through this match and not really going all out for the victory, as much as Brian Carson will likely deny this in post-game interviews. Drummond got a good chance in the 25th minute, but a timely last-ditch dive by Adil Rahman got enough of the ball to send the shot wide of the left post. These were the best two scoring chances that Newmanistan had all game long. As the first half went on, Akbarabad began to establish themselves a lot better and attempt to get shots through the Rockets defense, in which they were stymied more often then not. The group Chris Johnston and Bobby Foley were on a mission. These two have gotten their first true chance to get a start in a prestigious senior tournament and they were making the most of it, and on the occasions where the opponents may have been able to generate a scoring chance they were quickly reminded that Corey Hennis, a backup in name only, has 69 interregional caps with 16 clean sheets to go along with it as the teams starting keeper in World Cup 41 and 42, and briefly in 43 before his injury. For the 32-year old Hennis, he wanted to make a statement here too. There has been no ill will between him and Chris Kusler since the latter was named the starting keeper over him, but that doesn’t mean that Hennis wouldn’t be motivated to show the Empire and the world that he could still indeed, do what it takes.


After a scoreless first half, many of the Rockets wanted to check the score of the games in Group D that would determine their next opponent. Normally, Brian Carson would never allow this, but he did the check for the team. He was pleased with the effort of this players and seemed to be accepting of the fact that the game’s makeshift lineup was not as in sync as he would have liked. The important thing was that the starters were resting, and would be prepared for the next far more important match. Carson, after all has a good memory. In Cup of Harmony 35, the Rockets cruised through the competition, winning the group easily, before being stunned by Green Wombat in the quarterfinal. He won’t let that happen again.


As far as the fans were concerned, none of them seemed to be too bothered with the fact that the Rockets were merely playing out this game in a very defensive posture. After all, Cafundeu is in the World Cup final! Their impressive 3-1 victory over Bostopia sets them up to play for the coveted World Cup against Starblaydia. This Cup of Harmony match between Newmanistan and Akbarabad, why should they care? There were only eleven people out there that seemed to really care about getting a victory, and that would be Akbarabad, and even though the Rockets had nothing to play for, they weren’t just going to roll over. Especially not Corey Hennis. This was his game. Akbarabad generated more quality chances, with Zahid Mohammed having a very strong second half, but Hennis was there with the answers. Bobby Foley was there with the defensive plays and the highly safe clearing of every ball they possibly could. As the minutes ticked down, Newmanistan seemed less interested in going for the go head goal, and maintained their focus on the defensive end, and it was frustrating to their opponents. Nothing they could do worked. Hennis was too strong. It’s a scoreless draw in a meaningless game for the team but it’s a great victory for Corey Hennis. No, he did not do enough to convince Brian Carson to start him in goal over Kusler for the next match because that is something that was never up for debate in the first place. But Corey showed the world that he is back, that the devastating leg injury he suffered in the World Cup 43 qualifying match against Lovisa had healed and he was back on form. He can’t control what Chris Kusler does, and he supports his teammate. Now Corey knows that he can do it too, and Rockets fans can feel confident in knowing that he is available if needed. Somewhere in Greal, we imagine they’re pretty thankful for Corey’s recovery, too.

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West Zirconia 1–1 Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Late Erdem Goal Sends Turks Through
A game which would decide who would join Terreiro de Ogum in the quarter finals and who would face Rennidan. At half time it looked as if the Turks would secure their place in the quarters as they had the lions share of the play. At times toying with the Zirconian defense, their keeper proved to be a match for everything the Turks threw at him, Serkans freekick saved despite looking destined for the net.

The Second half was far more even and at the end more exciting, with the Zirconians pushing hard for the lead, Orhan held the fort until the 89th minute when they broke the deadlock. All thought that was the table decided, but Erdem had other ideas, striking from 40 Yards in the third minute of added time, allowing the Turks to progress to face Rennidan.

Sinan's Verdict
Well we did it, we came second in the group despite being lower ranked than 3 other teams in the group. This might prove that the ranks mean nothing if we put in the effort right to the end. If I'm honest I was heading for the door when the late goal went in, but decided to watch to the very end and I wasn't disappointed congratulations on making the quarters guys! They can hold their heads high when they return home no matter what happens.

However we will come up against top quality opposition in the form of Rennidan and if we can spring an upset here we'll almost certainly be in it to win it.

BILLIONAIRE FOUND DEAD

At the beginning of the Cup of Harmony, Robert Harrington was so confident that the players who tried to get the country to qualify for World Cup 44 were not respected enough, and felt that they deserved to participate in the Cup of Harmony. The billionaire needed to convince the Secristan Department of Sports to allow this, and when he wrote out the big check, all that was left for the team to do was to go out there and prove everyone wrong. Prove that they were better then what they showed in qualifying. They did prove one person wrong, that being Harrington. While Robert tried to tell us that the team would be able to score more goals during the Cup of Harmony, the offense sputtered again, scoring just four goals in the entire competition and only able to win one game, a game that occurred on the final matchday between two nations that had long since been eliminated in the group.

It was not enough for Harrington to save face. He should still have money but the embarrassment was too much for him. He says he did it for his wife and family in his suicide note, but we all know he did it because he just couldn’t live with his mistake. He was betrayed by the team and he could not go on. A housekeeper in the Port Royal, Dancougar hotel in which he was staying in had the mortifying misfortune of seeing the dead billionaire. Harrington had hung himself.

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Nothing Like Home-Cooking.

Porto Lacruz, Cafundeu: The Arrozan Men's Soccer team qualified for the Knockout stages of the Cup of Harmony with a 3-0 win against the Treemen of Dariusville. The team was spurred on by the feverish play of goalkeeper Justin Moore, who's playing for a new job after his Cafundelese side Khalmar-Tijhus was demoted into the second division. Moore was electric in the fifth minute, stopping a cannon of a volley from Iit. On the restart of play, the ball was fed up the right side, which has been dominant for the Hornets over this cup run. The pairing of Mahaffey and Pena's speed were too much for the slower tree men, and Peña notched her first goal of the tournament putting it past Prandhir.

The team spent the rest of the first half passing around, and generally trying to avoid the rough play of Dariusville. But at the half, it was evident that more would be needed, as Prux completely lost the plot, losing to Sarzonia 1-0. More on that later.

So in the second half, they threw themselves back into the fray, looking for an insurance goal that would guarantee a win and advancement. They got it in the 56th minute as a Terra corner sailed into the box to connect with Lancaster who promptly put the biscuit in the basket. The game was pretty much over at this point and some of the more experienced players were subbed out around the 60th minute. But the reserves showed some heart as in the 78th minute the Tar Hornets scored their third goal of the night. Freeman stole an errant pass and held the ball before passing to Cottrill on the flank. Cottrill raced past Algahar, before crossing to Raya who shot low and into the corner, a nightmare shot for a giant with a slow reaction time.

GK Coach Quintero Calls out Irishmen

There are some things you don't do in the polite society that exists throughout the more...rural provinces of Arroza.

You don't get to “know” someone's wife, even if her man's gone.
You don't insult someone's coon dog.
You don't snitch on someone, even if you've seen them act a complete fool.
And most of all. You don't insult the product of a man's still.

Prux may learn this the hard way after saying that the peach moonshine that Felipe Quintero gave the team after their game on Matchday 4 was described as, “de-pressurized cola and Nyquil, with peach syrup in it”, and was blamed for the Irishmen's loss to Sarzonia. When asked about it Quintero said,

“I guess you can't expect a bunch of Irishmen to have any taste in alcohol at all. But to go out there, drink 6 bottles of 180 proof shine, and then to say that it was garbage is completely bullshit. If it was that bad, why didn't they quit after the first shot? Maybe those ginger pussies don't have any experience in drinking any type of alcohol over 80 proof. And then to blame their own low tolerance and losing the plot on us? That's wimping out on the highest order possible. And then you insult my mother's still in public like that? I'll tell you this. - Pic related.http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5971/roflbotz5dvyl1.jpg

Quintero then stormed out of the interview area muttering something about revenge being served on the rocks.

Newmanistan Next Opponent.

So what did we get as a reward for qualifying out of Group D? That's right, a chance to get taxed for another week in Cafundeu, and of course a match up against the Rockets. You would think that with players in Newmanistan we would have a better scouting report on the Rockets, but surprisingly most of the Newmanistani team doesn't play at home. Out of their starting 11, only 5 of them play domestically. But that number includes all of their strike force including noted finisher Brett Carlson.

Former club teammate Chris Mahaffey says that the 5-4-1 formation that Arroza plays should do well against Newmanistan's attack though as players like Carlson and Vilardi will need to be man-marked at all times, and not given an inch of space.

No matter who wins though, the big loser in this match seems to be the Empress Jessica. A win by Newmanistan means that the team that was abandoned for not being a major facet of the Newmanistani sports plan will have reached the semifinals of a major tournament, and spurred the people on, in spite of her edict to dismantle the squad. A win by the Hornets however, would most likely be a showoff game for the Arrozans who played in-country before the domestic leagues were collapsed by the Empress's edict. Either way she's proved wrong by people who can't stand her royal meddling.

THE NETHERTOPIAN SPORTSTIMES

FALCONS SENT HOME
The Scout sent home as well
Abadia, Cafundéu - The tournament is over for the Falcons, ending in an early group stage elimination. The Scout and Trevor Organ, both now at the end of their contract, have heard from the NeFA that their option to lengthen their contracts won't be furfilled.
The Scout will remain in Cafundéu, and is thanked by the NeFA for his progress with the team. Rumour has it that if the managerial couple was already sitting in an awkward position after the bad second half run in last World Cup's qualification, missing out on the big tournament. The mediocre Cup of Harmony hasn't changed their position, despite the fact that Nethertopia did precisely what was expected of the team, two wins and two losses. A draw with Greal would've been enough to kick the higher-ranked opponent out of the tournament, but the Falcons failed to force an upset.
Speculations about the new coach have been hinting towards either a return of Rob Kietecs, the experienced 60 year old Tenderville United coach, or the younger Vultures manager, Sjors Opdeheuvel, who successfully led the Nethertopian U21 side to the final of the Di Bradini Cup 7. Other contenders are Candelariasian Ricardo Garcia, currently head coach of NAPPC, his Nethertopian-born nephew Andrés Garcia, assistant manager of Kietecs, and ex-Falcon Ronnie de Haan.

The qualification for the next stage of the Cup of Harmony came, even with the religious conflicts inside the team. Terreiro de Ogum ended the group stage with a perfect record, without suffering a single goal, just like Cafundéu did in the World Cup group stage (so the region is having good performances in sports competitions overall). The team is now in the quarterfinals, having to defeat Urna Eletrônica to proceed. The supporters, pais-de-santo, players and priests of the Sapoca Opaka religious are confident that the team can manage another good result, as the opponent is arguably the worst of the remaining eight teams, with a non-participative media and fat greedy players. And, after all, the players have a different motivation for each game: each of them want to perform well to prove that their God is the one responsible for the team's success. Something that was seen as negative in the beginning, now this inside battle is showing a positive side.

For example, the excellent performance of Terreiro de Ogum's defence in the group stage of this Cup of Harmony got involved in the religious discussion between the spiritual Orixás' followers and the most devout Sapoca Opaka defenders. The goalkeeper of the team, Bibah, is an Umbanda followers, making rituals to the Orixás and having faith on them. This, of course, became a propaganda weapon in the hands of the pais-de-santo, who used this information to say that the Orixás made Terreiro de Ogum's goal invincible, and no one can score on the team thanks to the divine power sent by them. The pais-de-santo had an important victory in the religious battle by using this information, as they could revert a bit the situation that was happening: Orixás followers were converting to Sapoca Opaka. The new religion was growing so fast that nearly half of the National Team was composed of followers of the new religion.

To counter the argument, the Sapoca Opaka priests commented that Terreiro de Ogum's good defensive record isn't because of Bibah, and much less because of the Orixás. But they couldn't change the people's opinion about this issue, as both central defenders are Orixás followers too, and only the full-backs are devoted to Sapoca Opaka in the defence. So, the defenders of the new religion have to use the argument that the team only scores goals thanks to their God to convert more people. This was working well, as most players of the offensive sector of the team pray for Sapoca Opaka, including both attacking midfielders. So, curiously, the Terreiro de Ogum team ended being divided in two sides: the defence, with most players being Umbanda followers (with exception of the full-backs), and the attack with most players praying for Sapoca Opaka (with exception of the attacker Mestre Kacet). Only time will tell us which side is really responsible for the country's victories.

Woodstock Daily Mail

Stars sent home despite victory

By Travis West
Daily Mail Staff Writer

Going into the group stage of the 36th Cup of Harmony, the Sarzonian national football team eyed Dariusville and Arroza as the two teams they'd have to defeat to advance past Group E and into the knockout stages with world No. 26 Prux in the group.

The Stars defeated Prux 0:1 behind a Matt Lynch goal, but with Arroza defeating Dariusville 0:3, the Tar Hornets advance to the knockouts courtesy of their 0:2 win over the Stars. However, manager Brian Wilson chose to emphasise the positives after the loss.

"We got some solid experience in a solid group," Wilson said. "Prux are more than good enough to be in a World Cup finals. Green wombat are good enough to be in the finals. Arroza if they get on enough of a run are more than good enough to advance. Dariusville are a tough side to deal with.

"For us to get two wins and a draw in four matches, that's usually enough to see you through to the next stage. Unfortunately for us, it wasn't meant to be this time," Wilson said.

Defender Spencer Hicks, who sat out the group stage finale against Prux with a red card suspension, said the Irishmen looked "a step slower" than the appeared to on film. A team source declined to comment on published reports that the Tar Hornets got them drunk.

However, Lynch said the Stars didn't take the bait when the Irishmen offered alcoholic beverages before the match.

"We had a strict curfew," the Stars forward said. "We decided amongst ourselves to not partake in any alcoholic beverages during this competition." After the last Stars players and coaches left the locker room, Lynch reached into his bag and pulled out a small glass container.

"Want some absinthe?" he asked. "We're done in the Cup of Harmony."

Sarzonia look toward World Cup XLIV with something they didn't expect to bring heading into the first World Cup qualifying campaign in 13 Cups: Momentum. They can look to a 2:0 home win against a Daehanjeiguk side then ranked 11th in the world. They can point to two draws against world No. 1 Valanora, which captured the third place match, marking the seventh consecutive World Cup the Marauders finished in the top three in a World Cup.

They can look at an eight match unbeaten streak outside the Atlantian Oceania Cup of Association Football that ended in Sarzonia's 1:2 loss to Arroza in this Cup of Harmony. Most of all, they can point to a world No. 63 ranking that resulted from their near-miss in World Cup qualifying.

"We still feel as though we could have, no, should have, advanced to the World Cup finals," said forward Reese Nichols. "Having said that, we look to maintain our work rate and build on the positives we've had in these world competitions."

Cup of Harmony Schedule
MD1: Greal Bye
MD2: Greal VS Newmanistan (2-3)
MD3: Greal VS Nethertopia (1-0)
MD4: Greal VS Akbarabad (0-1)
MD5: Greal VS St Samuel (4-2)

Greal moves on to the next round...barely

In a shocking twist, after the match with Akbarabad, there was little hope of qualifying, but then, the impressive scores made by Greali players during the St. Samuel match suddenly brought barely ahead of Nethertopia, probably disappointing those folks as well. There were reports of huge celebrations going around Greal, which shows that the Greali people are very excited by soccer as a sports more then anything else. Greali Television Service released that three hundred and fifty million viewers from Greal watched the match with St. Samuel. Today, the Greali team will be resting before its big match against Prux. Greali haven't played against Prux since WC42 qualifying stages. Though it was bit of a surprise that Prux hasn't qualified for WC44 this year. As the Greali team rests, many Greali viewers will be watching the World Cup final between Cafundeu and Starblaydia. We wish them both luck.

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

"Quarterfinals, against.....Prux."

"Prux, in that case I bet a narrow win."

"How much?"

"Five hundred."

"We really have to wish our team luck, you?"

"Outright win."

"Go on."

"Seven hundred."

"You really mean business."

"Yeah, the match isn't until tomorrow."

"We've got plenty to do until then."

"And what is that?"

"Watching the World Cup final."

McAllister: Brooks, where’s a good place around here to watch the World Cup Final?

Brooker: I’m not quite as familiar with the Abadia area, but there’s this place a couple blocks from the arena, I’m sure it will be absolutely packed.

LaFave: I heard they are actually going to show the match at the arena too, but we’re probably better off going somewhere a little more low key.

Drummond: This is Cafundeu’s year, I hope they do it.

Brooker: I know, we have kind of a connection with these people now. A lot of the great fans in Dunboor; they deserve to see their country win the World Cup.

Drummond: Who are you rooting for, J-Mac?

McAllister: Well Starblaydia still holds a special place in my heart. I shouldn’t say this too loudly around here, but I have more of a connection with them.

Brooker: Maybe you shouldn’t go out and watch the game then.

Vilardi: Yeah at least in Starblaydia they don’t tax you to death. I think Newmanistanians have more in common with Starblaydi citizens then they do with people from Cafundeu.

Drummond: That is absolutely not true, Jenn. You would really be surprised. Once you get beyond the whole tax for everything there is a lot in common between Newmanistan and Cafundeu.

Parnett: Alright guys, shouldn’t we be thinking about Arroza?

Brooker: Of course we are, how can you not be caught up in World Cup fever right now. You’re in Cafundeu. Cafundeu’s on the verge of the World Cup, man.

Parnett: Whatever, look we have a game of our own to be worrying about.

McAllister: I assure you, Alex, we are geared up for Arroza. You’re not going to watch the World Cup at all?

Parnett: Nope.

McAllister: Why not?

Parnett: When I was ten years old I told myself that I would never watch a World Cup Final until I actually got to play in one.

McAllister: Wow.

Vilardi: That’s cool but as much as I hate to say it I don’t think any of us will be playing in a final.

Brooker: Stop that crazy talk! Ok, she’s probably right.

Parnett: I know hopefully I can at least play in the World Cup Proper. I know we all feel like that.

LaFave: I’m thinking that it will probably be cheaper to just watch the game in our hotel rooms. Plus guys like Brooker would probably get noticed in public.

McAllister: It’s for the best, and that way we can have our rooms of people that want Starblaydia to win and those that want Cafundeu to win.

Drummond: Most of the team is rooting for the Monopolists.

McAllister: Then fine, I’ll be in the minority.

Parnett: Just don’t forget about Arroza!

Quarterfinal Schedule
Greal VS Prux

Greal VS Prux Preview

The last time the Greali played Prux was on Matchday 10 of the World Cup 42 qualifying stages. Now its been a long time since we've played them. Everything would be different, new players, new formations. Prux is now ranked 26th and the Greal is ranked 44th. That does not guarantee a victory for Prux. You can be sure the Greali team will do its very best today to get to the semi-finals. The Greali Television reported 400 million Greali viewers watched the final of WC44. Today's match will surely break that number of viewers. Weather service reports sunny sky and very little chance of rain. Meanwhile, the following otehr teams will play in the quarterfinals.

Rennidan VS Koseli Cumhuriyetler at Aclaf Stadium, Port Royal
Terreiro de Ogum VS Urna Eletrônica at Satoshi Hirano Stadium, Kishin
Newmanistan VS Arroza at Arena América, Abadia

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"The big game today."

"Everyone in my neighborhood is watching it."

"Cool dude."

"What did you bet on this?"

"A narrow win, I'm patriotic."

"Patriotic enough to be eight hundred bucks?"

"Yes. You should too."

"I only bet five hundred."

"Then you're a wimp."

"Guys calm down. The bar is packed to the limit."

"Never saw so many people guys."

"They're all patriotic, see?"

"There's our reserved table."

"We're just in time, the match is in its previews."

James Harrison is rumblin... he's bumblin... and he's stumblin... all the way to the quarterfinal RP cutoff in Dancougar!

Rennidan 0–3 Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Urna Eletrônica 0–2 Terreiro de Ogum

Dancougar semifinal:
Koseli Cumhuriyetler v Terreiro de Ogum (King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City)

RP cutoff for quarterfinals in Cafundéu. Scores are below:

Newmanistan 1-1 Arroza (1-1 AET; 4-2 PKs)

Prux 3-1 Greal


Semifinal in Cafundéu:
Newmanistan x Prux - Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, Cafundó do Juta

The DIM advacned to Prux' 2nd CoH Semifinal after a 3-1 win over a very game Greal squad. After allowing a 11th minute goal to Ross Trent, two goals from Robert Keene, the emerging star for Prux this CoH; in the 37th and 45+2th minutes gave the DIM a 2-1 lead. Greal countered with an more offensive formation in the 2nd half, but a late breakaway goal by Brian Malley in the 75th minute, ended Greal's day.

Now in the semifinals, Prux has to face the best team never to qualify for a World Cup, this is Newmanistan. Both teams are amongst the best in this CoH at scoring goals, so expect this to be a rather-high scoring affair, that probably will be decided by a shoot-out.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ON TO THE SEMIS

Abadia, Cafundeu- It was at this stage where the Rockets were eliminated in Cup of Harmony 35. Back then, the road through the group stage was much as this one was, a relatively smooth ride, making that defeat pretty hard to swallow. With most of the current roster having experienced that, spirits were pretty high this time around about not letting that happen again. Earlier in the day, the team had watched their host nation, Cafundeu, fall in a very entertaining penalty kick shootout, leading to talks amongst the forwards on what they would do in such a situation against Arroza’s young keeper Justin Moore if they had such an opportunity. Chris Kusler pondered on how he would fare against Arroza’s shooters. It proved to be a bit of foreshadowing as the nations that have a better history with one another in the World Bowl then they do in the World Cup, would play to an entertaining penalty kick shootout themselves. Perhaps that bit of planning had the team more prepared for the eventual shootout, one in which Newmanistan would win 4-2 after having drawn with the Tar Hornets at one after extra time. With the win, Newmanistan will now meet the highest ranked team in the Cup of Harmony, Prux, in the semifinals. It will be the first ever meeting in football between the countries. In the other semifinal, it’s Koseli Cumheriyetler and Terreiro de Ogum, making three of the semifinalists right now the same three semifinalists in Baptism of Fire 27. Who wants a Rockets-Turks final? Though we cannot look ahead. After all Terreiro de Ogum still has not been scored on in this Cup.

The atmosphere in the crowd was a dejected one. They wanted to see their national side take home the World Cup. The parties were all ready to go, only to be stymied by Starblaydia. There were reports of several fans selling off their tickets to Newmanistanians or Arrozans as they weren’t in the mood, and the profits they gained from an approximate 300% markup in some cases could make up for their alcohol tab from earlier in the day. The sides had met twice in history, once in a pre-qualifying friendly prior to World Cup 41, and in the group stage of Cup of Harmony 33. Both matches ended in draws. Though some of the names of these players should ring a bell for our fans, as Loudon’s Martin Lancaster and Pocono City’s Chris Mahaffey (formerly of those club teams, anyway) are on this side. Under Brian Carson, Mahaffey really blossomed becoming an accomplished football player instead of just some ex-con from Angola State. Lancaster also owes a lot to the Empire. Carson felt as though he would be able to predict what Mahaffey and Lancaster would do pretty well, and was more concerned with some of the unknowns on the squad. Arroza had the better of play early on in terms of possession, but the back end of the Rockets was again spectacular. Jeremy Brooker had excellent containment on Lancaster while Scott LaFave focused in on Mahaffey. However, this allowed for Calvin Freeman to have two very good chances, once in the 7th minute and then in the 13th, but Chris Kusler saw the shots well and came up with the saves. Lancaster looked to have a chance in the 15th, but a sliding play by Brooker deflected the shot wide. The linesman missed that though, to Alfredo Valente’s disgust and ordered a goal kick when it rightfully should have been a corner. The smirk on Jeremy Brooker’s face would have been incriminating if it were a court of law. After sustaining this pressure, the Rockets were able to slowly get the tempo of the match working in their favor, and in the 25th minute, Jeremy McAllister was turned aside by a nice save from Justin Moore. The first half then seemed to go by rather quickly after that, with a lot of midfield play, and the occasional chance but nothing that really looked like a major goal scoring threat. There were no goals on the board as we went to the break.

At halftime, everyone knew they were in for a battle. It was a battle for field position. In gridiron terms, a game that would be decided on the line of scrimmage. Who had it in themselves to find that little something extra to pull out the victory. Brian Carson ordered an aggressive attack to start the second half, and little did he know that Alfredo Valente wanted the same thing. The opening minutes after the intermission were exciting, enough to make those neutral Cafundeu fans in attendance forget about the fact that they had lost in the World Cup final early in the day. Jeremy McAllister had his chance, so did Jennifer Vilardi and Brett Carlson. Alex Parnett was doing the best that the could as well, and even Dale Stevens got a bullet of a shot on net. But Justin Moore was up for it all, almost challenging the Rockets shooters to give him more of it because he was going to stop them as well. The Arrozans in attendance were chanting his name as he looked as if he would carry his country on to a victory. There was just one person Moore could not stop, and that was his counterpart at the other end, Chris Kusler. Kusler was also living in the moment, turning away Lancaster twice . Mahaffey and Davis Elliott got involved as the speedy Amber Pena was having a lot of success in setting them up for great chances. But Kusler would have none of it. With the fans standing up wondering what would happen next, one of the goalies finally cracked, and it would be Kusler. After making a great save on Chris Mahaffey, Arroza would score on a corner kick in the 70th minute, as a nicely placed header by Martin Lancaster would give Arroza what looked like a game winning goal. It was shades of the quarterfinal loss in Cup of Harmony 35 to Green Wombat. Newmanistan played a great game, but they were just beaten by a goalkeeper who was simply outstanding. Today, it would be Justin Moore. No. No, it wouldn’t be. There was still time and the team went all out, and seven minutes after the score by Lancaster, the game would be all level again as Jennifer Vilardi set up Brett Carlson perfectly to the keepers left and Brett caught the keeper off guard it seemed by going low to the near post when it appeared as though Moore was expecting him to go the other way with it. The ball ricocheted off the inside of the post and into the net for a big game tying goal. We were all tied up. Both teams seemed to need to catch their breath a bit, and much of the remaining time in the second half went without much incident. To extra time, we go.

Refreshed for extra time, both coaches knew that the torrid pace of the second half could not continue. The teams took their chances when they presented themselves, but for the most part, both halves of extra time were bogged down in midfield. The best opportunity for Arroza came in the 104th minute, when Martin Lancaster, who was brilliant tonight, was stopped by Kusler as he tried to go high. He may have mis-struck it a little bit, as Chris was able to make the catch on the shot. For Newmanistan, the best chance was in the 110th when Jeremy McAllister and Jennifer Vilardi broke in on goal with only Shannon Benalli back. But Benalli was calm and collected despite her youth and read the pass and cleared it out of danger. Now, the two sides who had only drawn in their previous two matches would go to penalties to decide a winner. Just as they had talked about after watching the World Cup.

Newmanistan would go first. Jennifer Vilardi takes the first shot, and it’s in!
Here comes Chris Mahaffey now.... the shot, oh, it’s wide, bad strike there.
Now it’s Brett Carlson, he lines it up and it’s a GOOOAL! Big 2-0 lead here for the Rockets.
Martin Lancaster must score to keep the Tar Hornets in striking range. He lines it up and, perfectly struck. 2-1.
Alex Parnett now with the shot, and it’s in! 3-1 Rockets! Oh, Justin Moore’s not looking good here.
Davis Elliott now for Arroza. Pressure’s on! He takes the shot, Kusler gets a hand to it slightly but its in the net! 3-2!
Now, here comes Jeremy McAllister. He’s done this many times, J-Mac approaches the ball, makes a shifty move and fires. Moore guesses wrong and it’s 4-2 Rockets!
Here now comes Tadeu Terra. He must score. If he doesn’t the Rockets will win. Here comes the shot. DOINK!! Off the crossbar and out, Rockets win! Rockets win!

I guess watching the World Cup before the game paid off! Newmanistan gets the big victory and will now prepare for the first ever football meeting with Prux.

“The referee looks at his watch… and times up for Rennidan! The Turks progress.” Sinan was watching the match, in his local café when it erupted into a mass of orange dressed loonies who ended up spilling out onto the streets of Kose Sehir. The entire city was up in celebration the old, the young and even the police all joined in celebration of the Turks epic victory over Rennidan. The reality hit many as they realized that one good game and they would be in the Final.

____________________________________________________________

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Rennidan 0–3 Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Turks Record Amazing Win

Though our opposition had a far superior rank to us, even the most fanatical Rennidan fan must admit that there is an air of destiny about the Turks as they besieged the Rennidan defense, however despite the pressure exerted by the Turks young keeper Diar Twils was having a fine game between the sticks keeping the Turks out on over 14 attempts at goal whereas Orhan only had to deal with one.

The second half proved to be the Turks as well with the Turks finally grabbing a goal via a Serkan free kick which well and truly beat the keeper. Orhan did the business at the other end keeping Deleks out with a fantastic save. Rennidan had the lion's share of possession in the next ten minutes of the match, but the defense was far too sturdy to be beaten. Then Gokhan doubled the Turks advantage from 35 yards. Then in the 72nd minute Isan scored from 30 yards with a fantastic volley. The Turks then wound down the clock to secure the win and a semi final place.

Two goals scored in the quarterfinal game of the Cup of Harmony, against Urna Eletrônica. Terreiro de Ogum won the game, but honours were divided between the two major religions of the country, which are still disputing the preference of the country's citizens. We all know that the new Sapoca Opaka religion, which appeared right after the country's failure to reach the World Cup again, claims that the Orixás are evil supernatural beings who want to deceive the people, making them make sacrifices or rituals for them without getting anything in exchange, while Sapoca Opaka can help people if they pray regularly. It seems that the leaders of this new religion were just waiting for the right time to start preaching, and the National Team's bad performance in the World Cup qualifiers was the best time, as there was the belief that the Orixás were really following the team and giving them spiritual power for them to succeed.

The battle of words and arguments defending one or another religion reached its peak now, with more than one third of the country's citizens devoting themselves to Sapoca Opaka, while the others remain loyal to the Umbanda. Although the ones that follow the Orixás are still the majority, the situation now is bad for them, as before the new religion rose they had 100% of the country population believing in the Orixás and having faith on them. So, it's natural that this change had drastic effects. With the number of rituals being reduced, the country lost some of its spirituality, and there is now hostility between the people inside the country. A country that was otherwise peaceful and very religious, now faces internal problems and a decrease in the religious commitment of the citizens. Inside the National Team, this situation reflects on the fact that the players aren't much comfortable in passing to players of the opposite religion. Luckily, the defence and the attack seem to work well separately, and the country continues playing very well, without suffering a single goal and winning all of its games.

In the last game, against Urna Eletrônica, our Orixás (or Sapoca Opaka) followers counted on many individual players to conquer the victory. With the goals being scored by Tramóia and Mestre Kacet, no one of the religions could claim that their God was responsible for the team's victory. But if you think that these two religions can start to coexist with peace, you're wrong. The Umbanda followers say that Sapoca Opaka doesn't exist, and that this religion must cease. So, one will have to end if the country wants to get back to balance and internal peace. The National Team, even with difficulties, has a promising future in the Cup of Harmony, and seems to be surpassing the problems that are getting worse in the country. But, before ending with this report of the "International Terreiro News, by Pai Timóteo Suncê," I have to share something with you: sometimes, I wonder what is happening in the spiritual world, and how the Orixás are reacting with this religious dispute. Is this "battle" reaching the other world? This is something we won't know, but something we can't avoid thinking.

Meanwhile, in the spiritual world...

OGUM - "This situation got out of our control, master. We must stop him now! We let him proceed with this for too long..."

XANGÔ - "I agree. If his priests continue to pray that we are evil and that he is a God, people will lose their faith on us, and this weakens our powers... we need the people to get stronger, just like they need us to live in peace."

IEMANJÁ - "Let's not make haste. We must hear what Obalatá has to say."

OBALATÁ - "I heard your arguments. When Sapoca Opaka told us his plans to take our followers and create a new religion, I let him try. After all, I wanted to test the faith of our people, and to give them a choice..."

EXÚ - "Unfortunately, they made the wrong choice..."

IANSÃ - "Yes, the test went wrong. They weren't so faithful... but we can't let Sapoca Opaka win!"

OBALATÁ - "I agree. He took advantage of a moment when our people were weakened by the National Team's qualification failure... if we start interfering again, maybe they can return their faith to us!"

XANGÔ - "Surely Sapoca Opaka won't give up just because we're willing to interfere."

OBALATÁ - "He went too far. It is time for us to stop this. He isn't a God, is just a giant frog who lives in the highest cloud of the sky, where he is condemned to cough eternally, and when coughing sending rain to the people."

OXUM - "We must not forgot that Sapoca Opaka is a powerful spiritual being."

OGUM - "But we are the Orixás. If he wants war, that's what he will have."

OBALATÁ - "You are right, Ogum. Let's counterattack, show our power to our people!"

Two there were in Dancougar and one there shall remain... RP cutoff!

SEMIFINAL
Terreiro de Ogum 2-2 (3-3 AET, 3-4 PK) Koseli Cumhuriyetler

Pack your bags, Turks, because you're heading to Cafundeu for the final! Terreiro de Ogum will stay in Yuki City to await their third place game opponent.

Hmm, it seems that I forgot to post the RP cutoff before updating the scorinator and scorinating the semifinal... well, anyway, here is the score of the semifinal game in Cafundéu:

Newmanistan 2-0 Prux

With this result, Newmanistan goes to the final and Prux to the 3rd Place Game.

3rd Place Game: Prux x Terreiro de Ogum - King Daniel III National Stadium, Yuki City

Final: Newmanistan x Koseli Cumhuriyetler - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft

The DIM met their match in Newmanistan, as the Rockets got two early goals and held off Prux 2-0 to advance to the CoH Final. After the match, a post-match B.A.A. was taken of the team, and they all had a B.A.A. of 0.00. The training staff checked the remnants of the pre-game drinks and found that they were filled with a synthetic-alcohol. They only nation, that Prux knows of that mass-produces synthohol is Arroza, and the Dreamed Realm. Security tapes of the DIM locker room show a person resembling Arroza's Felipe Quintero in the locker room 15 minutes before the pre-game drinks. While there is no concrete evidence of any foul play by Felipe Quintero or Arroza, the prevailing thought is this was the revenge Mr. Quintero swore to after the qualifying rounds.

THE ROCKET REPORT

ROCKETS HEADING TO FINAL

Cafundó do Juta, Cafundeu- The Rockets will be heading to the Cup of Harmony final, where they will try to win their second such title in three tries against a familiar opponent. Koseli Cumheriyetler, formerly known as Kose and The Turkomans will be on the other side of the pitch in what should be a very exciting contest. Baptism of Fire 27 may seem like a long time ago now, but long time fans of both nations don’t need to be reminded of that fact that these two played in that final, a match won by Newmanistan. Since then, about sixteen years or so have gone by depending on your calendar, but this will be the Turks first true chance at revenge. There have been other meetings, and the land of Kose has earned a key victory over us in the meantime. But it wasn’t like this. Winning their first major interregional championship would be extra sweet if it were over us. Don’t think the Rockets don’t know that. There are some holdovers on this roster still from that Baptism of Fire team who are well aware of those past classic Rockets vs Turks matchups.

To get to the final, the Rockets needed to beat Prux. It was the first ever meeting between the teams. Felipe Quintero of Arroza, who played many years professionally in Newmanistan, originally with West Penthoria before his transfer to Dover City was in attendance to root on some of his former club teammates in the match. He had extra incentive to be supportive of us given that members of the Prux team had criticized his preference of alcoholic beverages. Chris Merrill, the Rockets assistant coach, but former head coach of Quintero’s with Dover City gave the Arrozan special credentials to get behind the scenes before the game we are told. Prux’s team, affectionately known as the DIM seemed quite off their game early. They seemed sluggish in their movements, some of them seemed disoriented while others were seen frequently holding their heads as if experiencing a pounding headache. In fact, it took the Rockets a little while to simply get over the fact of how out of it their opponent seemed to be. Since it was the first time the teams met, coach Carson wanted his team to play very conservative at the opening, so that they could get a feel for the DIM. The team executed the strategy, even though it seemed as if they were passing on some golden scoring opportunities. Seeing this, Carson made adjustments and sent his team out on the attack. In the 23rd minute, Jeremy McAllister added to his future hall of fame goal total with a strike that the goalkeeper Ida O’Keefe had a very slow reaction time on. Prux remained sluggish after the goal, and the sky blue and white remained on the attack. McAllister and Carlson each had a quality chance that O’Keefe did manage to get a hand too. Ida could only keep his team in the game so long though as his defense was clearly being outplayed. In the 30th minute, McAllister would score again, his first multi-goal game of the Cup of Harmony, to put Newmanistan in the lead 2-0 and they were clearly running away with this match. Prux has a good national side we are told, but this was not anyone had expected of them.

During intermission, Carson cautioned his team about getting too complacent. Prux is better then what they showed, and they would certainly come out playing much better football in the second half. He anticipated that the DIM would be aggressive, so he wanted his team to start the second half the same in which they began the first half. Many of the Rockets players expressed that they were stunned with how disoriented their opponent’s seemed to be. When the second half began you could see that the Prux players were trying to make this comeback. This is when they had some of their best scoring chances, but an untested thus far defense of the Rockets was more then willing to take them on. Brianna Sully had the best chance in the 53rd minute, but Chris Kusler was there to make the only real challenging save that he had to make all game long. The other shots he was positioned well on and had a good read on the shooter to make them rather easily. After the 65th minute or so, the DIM had clearly spent all the energy that they could muster up. They began to get sloppy, and the Rockets would take advantage. It is probable that the team would have scored more goals, but they spent the chances they had trying to get J-Mac a hat trick instead of passing up opportunities that they might have had for themselves. Brian Carson seemed a little annoyed at this briefly, but realized that his team had complete control of the match. As the final fifteen or so minute ran off the clock, he made some substitutions to get the regulars out of there so they could prepare for their next opponent.

It will be Newmanistan vs Koseli Cumheriyetler for the coveted Cup of Harmony 36 championship. Brings back memories, doesn’t it?

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Terreiro de Ogum 2-2 (3-3 AET, 3-4 PK) Koseli Cumhuriyetler
Turks Progress On Last Second Goals
The Turks have made it to the final of the Cup of Harmony after an entertaining finale to the second half and the dying seconds of extra time. The first half caused little to talk about as both teams focused on not conceding. The Turks defense gave a solid performance, if a little comical at times due to poor communication however they got the job done in containing Mestre Kacet.

The second half began in the same manner as the first but then Sabri managed to poach a goal after a fumble from the keeper. Mestre Kacet then replied immediately with a good finish. Pai Berto then scored from long range in the 89th minute, with Terreiro de Ogum already celebrating they were stunned into silence by Gokhan's goal after a hail mary punt from Orhan.

Extra time began and the first half was about not conceding like the first half. The Turks got one shot on target as opposed to Terreiro de Ogum 6. Necati on target for the Turks.

The second half of Extra time was more interesting due to many defensive errors from both teams and a huge mistake from Orhan allowed Mestre Kacet to get another goal in the 119th minute once again Terreiro de Ogum were celebrating prematurely as Talismanic striker Gokhan Scored once again.

The game then went to penalties and both teams first players missed Kacet and Necati respectively. Then the next 3 scored, Orhan saved from Guaxinim leaving the honor to Serkan who converted well from the spot so the Turks progressed to the final.

Well, this is the RP cutoff for the Final. Due to a really strong rain in Yuki City, the Third Place Game will be played after the Final, in a very curious situation (this means: final comes before 3rd place game because Cafundéu scorinates before Dancougar).

And the result is:

Final - in Obelisco Monumental, Lasft


Newmanistan 3-0 Koseli Cumhuriyetler



Newmanistan won the 36th Cup of Harmony!

A very drunk Dancougar FA officer stumbles out of a karaoke bar at 12:30 AM and looks at his watch. "Holy shnikes, there was supposed to be a soccer game today!" And he runs to the stadium and calls the teams, telling them, get up in this thing and let's play!

THIRD PLACE GAME
Terreiro de Ogum 1–0 Prux

Congrats Terreiro and Prux for making the final four, and to the schismatic footballers who took the bronze.

THE ROCKET REPORT

CUP OF HARMONY CHAMPIONS

Lasft, Cafundeu- Eight years ago, Newmanistan took home the title in this Consolation Cup for those nations that were not fortunate enough to qualify for the World Cup. Even though they came close to making the World Cup 42 field, participating in Cup of Harmony 34 was not really seen as much of a downer. It was different this time around. The Rockets were literally a goal away from qualification for World Cup 44. During qualifying, the Empress declared that the Empire would not participate in Cup of Harmony 36 if they failed to make the World Cup, but after getting financial backing from Samseong, a Daehanjeiguk-based corporation that is expanding it’s horizons to Putnam Lake, the Empire would indeed send a team. The victory may just symbolize the next chapter of Newmanistanian football, that is less about the Empress’ stranglehold and more about the joy of the game. Fitting then, that this victory would be over Koseli Cumheriyetler, a nation with very strong ties to the former Kose and The Turkomans that we defeated in Baptism of Fire 27. Samseong executives should be smiling as there investment is already paying off. Now, the Rockets will try to use this momentum to not have to be in this tournament again.

While both teams had a veteran lineup, the experience in which the Rockets had from their Cup of Harmony 34 victory certainly was of benefit. Newmanistan began the match in a defensive posture, allowing the Turks to control the early moments in midfield with the confidence that the back end would make the necessary plays. The fullbacks have been outstanding all tournament long, and should be seen as the biggest reason why the Rockets have won this championship. While Jeremy Brooker was especially inspired to have success in Cafundeu, having been a longtime member of Dunboor FC, there would also be the younger defenders that also deserve credit. Scott LaFave being one and then Alex Lampert, who is just beginning his Cafundeu career, being the other. Between them, Kevin Haynes is your classic late bloomer and has been incredible over the last six or so years. Most offensive advances by Turks were turned aside by this defense, or when a shot did get to Chris Kusler, the goalkeeper had a good read on the ball. Halfway into the opening segment, Newmanistan began to turn up the offense a little bit, with strong play from Alex Parnett in the center of the pitch, and Dale Stevens along the left wing. The Turks defense was also rising to this challenge, and the Rockets were having the same kind of success with their shooting attempts. A costly error by the Turks in the 36th minute was the turning point of the pitch. Ozil Sercan, attempting to clear his lines got a poor boot on the ball, and it was easily intercepted by Alex Parnett who had a ton of open area to get the ball to either J-Mac or Brett Carlson with only Arif Korkmaz in a spot that could do something about it. He passed it off to McAllister, and Korkmaz went for the challenge, but a smooth pass from J-Mac to Carlson would beat the defensive effort, and Carlson would shoot it past Orhan Kose for the one goal lead. What was an evenly played, defensive minded first half had a goal, and the Rockets were feeling good heading to halftime.

Brian Carson knows the Turks well enough to know that this a team of a lot of character, but he was also very impressed with the work of his defenders in the first half. So while you may have expected Newmanistan to play defensively to start the second half to try and protect the lead, that would not be the case. Newmanistan would push for the second goal, aggressively going for the kill. The Turks seemed to want to do this too, leading to a lot of midfield play in the early moments, and the Rockets were more then happy to allow the time to tick off the clock. In the 62nd minute, another great play by Alex Parnett to come up with a loose ball and set up the forwards would occur. His cross into the box found Jeremy McAllister, who attempted to head the ball in. A diving save effort by Kose saw the goalkeeper get a hand to the ball, but much to his dismay it bounced right to Jennifer Vilardi who buried home the rebound to make it 2-nil. Now the Rockets could feel it. Carson would make defensive minded substitutions, bringing in Bobby Foley and Chris Johnston to replace Kyle Carrigan and Dale Stevens as the played in your classic “prevent” style defense. This worked well. The Turks’ best opportunity came in the 79th minute by Chris Kusler made a fantastic save on the shooter. In desparation, Koseli Cumheriyetler pushed nearly everyone forward, and this would not work out for them. A long ball by Brooker found Parnett and the Rockets had numbers in the attack on goal. In the 89th minute, Jeremy McAllister would finish off this play, erasing all doubt as to who was going to win this match, sealing the deal, and a 3-nil Cup of Harmony victory.

The post-match celebration was wild as you would expect because these players had really gone through a lot since the World Cup 44 qualifying cycle began. To end it with a championship, even if it is “just” the Cup of Harmony is quite an accomplishment for this group of men and women. During the celebration, the stadium vision showed an interesting shot in a feed from Pocono City. Empress Jessica, applauding.

Hours after the victory, the Empress made a statement to the team, “Congratulations on your championship. For all that doubted you, you rose up against the odds and should be proud of winning the Cup of Harmony. I know that I was a big cause for all that distracted you, and I apologize. You guys show the true Newmanistanian spirit and live up to the national motto of “Play Hard or don’t play at all!” We have bigger aspirations, obviously, but this is no small feat. I will be watching with pride when you qualify, not if you qualify, but when you made the World Cup 45 field.”

Congratulations to all from the Rocket Report. We thank Cafundeu for their tremendous, though expensive hospitality, but in the end, we think we got our money worth.