NationStates Jolt Archive

I guess I'm supporting Haraki twice then.

Second Round Fixtures

James Oglethorpe National Stadium; Midshire, Oglethorpia
Haraki vs Gilmeecia

PariMedia Field; Sonoma City, Sonoma, Bedistan
Busby vs Halfassedstates

Tripoli Harbor Stadium; Tripoli, Oglethorpia
Runaway Moose vs Errinundera

Unity Stadium; International City of Paripana, Bedistan/Commerce Heights/Lontorica
The Belmore Family vs Liverpool England

Holmes Stadium; Columbia, Federal District, Bedistan
Ravenspire vs Europa Britannia

Kuruma Stadium; Oglethorpia City, Oglethorpia
Oddslavo vs Oglethorpia

Setting Sun Field; Alexandria, Neshoba, Bedistan
Timway vs Lemmitania

Langham Coliseum; Oglethorpia City, Oglethorpia
Giant Zucchini vs Bedistan

Just updated to include me!!

IC:
Latest odds for the Cup:
2-1 Fav. Bedistan
4-1 Runaway Moose, Errinundera
5-1 Oglethorpia, Halfassedstates, Busby, The Belmore Family
8-1 Lemmitania, Europa Britannia, Haraki, Liverpool England
10-1 Giant Zucchini, Timway, Ravenspire
16-1 Gilmeecia, Oddslavo

Host nation Bedistan has been established as favorites for the cup, after the second round draw pitted the top two remaining seeds Erri and RM against each other. The winners of the game of the round should move on through to the semi's, where they should come up against the winners of the Busby Vs Halfassed game.

The bottom half of the draw holds the possiblity of the host nations meeting in the semi-finals! What a match that could be!

The current top four forecast is
1. Runaway Moose
2. Bedistan
3. Europa Britannia
4. Busby.
(currently with odds of 280-1)

Dum-de-dum-de-dum

could anyone do that knockoff table so that others would know who is against who in the QFinals onwards? right now, i have absolutely no idea how the winners of the 2nd round are going to play each other.

Second Round Fixtures
[code:1:3c89df845f]
Haraki
vs ............
Gilmeecia
vs ............
Busby
vs ............
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs ............
Errinundera
vs ............
The Belmore Family
vs ............
Liverpool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs ............
Europa Britannia
vs ............
Oddslavo
vs ............
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs ............
Lemmitania
vs ............
Giant Zucchini
vs ............
Bedistan
[/code:1:3c89df845f]
hope that clears things up for you ORD

Thanks for the table there, TBF. :)

I was thinking we were going to get second round TGs out last night, but apparently not. Ogle should be sending those in a few hours.

IC:

Lions Favorites to Win World Cup

SOWHATSVILLE, HALFASSEDSTATES (BNN) -- Halfassed football analysts have recently released their official odds for the World Cup. The Bedistan Lions are shown as the favorites, with remarkable 2-1 odds. Runaway Moose and Errinundera both have 4-1 odds, though with those teams playing each other in Tripoli tonight only one will reach the quarterfinals. Oglethorpia, Halfassedstates, Busby, and the Belmore Family also have a decent shot, with 5-1 odds.

Giant Zucchini, whom we will be playing tonight, has 10-1 odds for going all the way. However, several eliminated nations, including One Red Dot and The Weegies, have recently expressed support for the Zucchinis. "It won't matter," says coach Jim Parker. "Both teams have the talent, but I think we can get it done."

"Confidentially," chimed in team captain Johnny Lewis, "I'd feel better about it if we were playing at home rather than in Oglethorpia. But I think we'll still kick their *****."

Giant Zucchini and Bedistan will face off tonight at Langham Coliseum in Oglethorpia City.

Welcome to this second round game of World Cup 8, here at Setting Sun Field in Aleandria, Neshoba, Bedistan. Timway, ranked 31st and champion of Group D, comes in to face Lemmitania, ranked 20th and the runner-up in Group E. And now we send you down to the pitch for the start of the game.

Welcome to the game, I'm Bill Bryson, your commentator for what promises to be a stupendous match here this evening. Lemmitania has continued their success in international competition by breaking seed and qualifying for the final sixteen. And Timway has been a surprise as well, coming in as the 31st ranked team and winning both qualifying Group 8 and then also Group D just a few days ago. Lemmitania is preparing to put the ball in play now, and this second round is now underway.

To avoid a perilously long post, only the highlights will be mentioned...

3rd minute...Clum Lumpster is making a run down the near sideline, and he places a through ball perfectly to the feet of Meisterbrau...Meisterbrau into the box, just left of the dot and gets off a shot...and it's in!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL Lemmitania!!! Meisterbrau beats Timway keeper Anton Carlsson with a shot to the lower left corner. Timway looks stunned, and rightfully so, as we are only three minutes in! Inexperience is obviously hurting the Tigers, as they have been rather rudely welcomed to their first round of 16 game in team history.

7th minute...Lemmitania again is putting pressure on Timway, this time earning a corner kick. Bickberry gets a head on it, but it is pushed over the bar on a spectacular save by Carlsson! Another corner for the Lemmings. Again a head is put on the ball, but it sails just over the bar. Wow, Timway is lucky to not be down two here in the extremely early going.

14th minute...Timway appears to finally have settled down and is beginning to apply sustained pressure on the Lemmitania defense. Mendelson on the ball, and he plays it upfield to Basso. Basso through the legs of the defender, shot, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAL Timway! Basso places a nifty shot off of the left post and in, past the diving arms of the keeper from just inside the box. And the game is knotted at one all!

22nd minute...And there's been a misplay at the back...Alexander takes the ball for Timway, sends it across the box, shot Basso, GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAL!!! Robert Basso puts in a half volley off of the Alexander pass and Timway has taken a 2-1 lead on Basso's second goal of the afternoon. A very costly mistake there for Lemmitania.

40th minute...Corner kick for Timway, as they seem to be really applying the pressure now as Lemmitania looks like they've already been playing for the full 90 minutes while the Timway side still looks fresh. Mendelson on the corner, Alexander elevates, gets a head on it, SAVED! by Lally. the ball is cleared up to midfield, but Mercao quickly sends it back to Mendelson, who centers again. Alexander to the air, GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAL Alexander!! What elevation! Being 6 feet 3 certainly didn't hurt him, but my word, he seemed to jump a good 30 inches in the air to redirect that one into the back of the net. Lally had no real chance at that one. Timway now has a commanding 3-1 lead and we have a big upset in the making here.

HALF

66th minute...Alexander sprinting up the right side...to the center, just outside the box Basso traps it, puts a move the defender, two strides towards the goal and he is taken down! PK signalled for as Basso was tackled hard in the box. Certainly a foul there, while I'm not certain that leaving him cardless sets a good precedent here. That tackle definately appeared to have no play on the ball involved. Basso has gotten up and is apparently unhurt. And he places the shot coolly into the net, and it is now 4-1 Timway. The rout is on here in Alexandria, Timway is up 3 goals and appears to be assured of a trip to the quarterfinals, especially with how ragged and tired the Lemmitania side has been playing. Before play resumes, Basso exits to a standing ovation in favor of Baden Murphy, a 20 year old phenom who plays for Timway domestic league champion Athletics East.

86th minute...Murphy takes the throw...a 1-2 with Alexander, and Murphy breaks free down the left side! One man to beat...Murphy waits for the defender to commit then blows right past! What acceleration! And it's in! The keeper had no chance, as Murphy placed it perfectly inside the near post from just left of the penalty dot. What a run!

FULL TIME

And this game is over, as Timway wins it 5-1! What a coming out party for Timway, as the Tigers notch their biggest margin of victory ever in an international match. And what a time for it. This result must strike fear in the rest of the field, as Timway moves to the top of the rankings with this demolition of 20th seeded Lemmitania. Timway will now face either Giant Zucchini, whom Timway beat in Group D play, or Bedistan, whom Timway has never faced and was the odds on favorite entering the second round. Either way, it should be a very well played and high spirited game.

This has been Bill Bryson on the Timway Sports Network, see you on Wednesday for Timway's quarterfinal match.

Timway 5 (Basso 14, 22, 66(PK), Alexander 40, Murphy 86)
Lemmitania 1 (Lumpster 3)

Editor’s note: The more dramaturgically-inclined will note that, structurally speaking, Act I: Scene 3 and Act II: Scene 1, should, properly, constitute an Act unto themselves. However, in the initial post, the author called this “a play in three acts,” and so it has been decided that the Acts should not be increased in number. Therefore, for the folio edition, the third and fourth scenes remain in separate acts. When the revision is published, this will be rectified.

[code:1:ccd9a71ef3]Act II, Scene 1

(The president’s suite in the National Stadium.)

ENTER President Lou Gilsterson, Foreign Minister Ned Itchlesby, and Esther.

Pres
Yeh, putting the smackdown on Dennisov
Fills me with unprecedented delight.
After two matches in the Cup proper,
The Kickfooters remain undefeated.
But I tell you, I’m gonna be sore pissed
If there’s celebratory rioting.
Ned, keep Ground Forces on highest alert,
And tell ‘em to toast any hooligans.
Ned
You got it, Lou. EXIT Ned.
Esther
Listen, Louey, I know you tell yourself
That you know what’s best for Gilmeecia.
But trust me, setting fire to your subjects
Ain’t gonna win you no love. Were I you,
I’d tell Ned to call off that last order.
Pres
Love? Who needs their love? I just want their votes,
And the best way to keep those votes is fear.
Let ‘em know who’s boss, as I always say.
Esther
I think you’re forgetting who’s the Real boss.
Pres
Look, I know you’re my big sister, but you--
Esther
I wasn’t talking about me, Louey.
I was referring to His Oneness.
Pres Oh,
Him.
Esther
Yeh, Him. The Big Power behind the scenes.
Pres
What, you think He wouldn’t like it so much
If I order the rioters flame-throwed?
Esther
I’m just saying maybe you should ask first.
Pres
Oh. Well. I don’t know about that. I mean....
Esther
You’re scared to approach Him about it?
Pres Yeh.
It seems such a petty thing.
Esther Well, Louey,
It’s your funeral. I was just concerned
‘Cause you’re my kid brother, and all. But Hark!
I hear the bell.
Pres So see who’s at the door. EXIT Esther.
Woe is me, if I torch those poor bastards
And His Oneness takes offense. After all,
They’re His subjects too. And more His than mine.
I guess Esther’s right, I prolly should ask.

ENTER Esther and Kikere.

Esther
It’s the Coach, Louey.
Pres You know, I’ve told you,
Like a million times, don’t call me Louey
When other people are around. Okay?
It’s demeaning.
Esther I’m your older sister,
And I’ll call you what I want.
Pres Just leave us,
So the Coach and I can talk in private.
Esther
Fine. EXIT Esther.
Kikere
I don’t have anything private to say,
Mister President.
Pres That’s all right. Really,
That’s just an excuse to get rid of her.
She’s always pushing me around, you know.
You know how big sisters can be.
Kikere Um, sure.
Anyway, sir, I came to talk to you
About the National Squad. We’ve done well.
Pres
There’s no denying it. You’re a great coach.
Kikere
Thanks. I have to admit, it’s been a chore
Bringing the Kickfooters to prominence,
And I think many coaches would have failed.
Let’s speak plainly, sir: you know why I’m here,
In Gilmeecia, with this fledgling team.
You know I came here to redeem my name,
And, as I’m sure you’ll agree, I’ve done that.
Pres
Oh, in spades. Everybody loves you now.
Kikere
Including the football authorities
In Tanah Burung. They want me back, sir.
Pres
Tanah Burung, you say? They want you back--
Well, I can’t say I’m surprised. Not a bit;
It stands to reason. They see what you’ve done,
What a fine squad you’ve made of the ‘Footers.
And I suppose you’d like to go, then, Coach?
Kikere
In a nutshell, it’s th’opportunity
I’ve awaited since accepting this job.
I sincerely appreciate this chance,
And your kindness in hiring me. But now,
The time’s come at last for me to return
To the land of my birth, Tanah Burung.
I hope you understand.
Pres Of course I do,
And I think your resolve admirable.
Even after being royally dissed
By the Burungillian government,
You want to go back and help them again.
I only wish I could help you.
Kikere Say what?
Pres
Well, unfortunately, you’re signed long-term.
There’s eight more years in your contract, you know.
It’s out of my hands; you have to stay here,
And ‘fill your contractual obligations.
Kikere
You can release me, Mister President.
It’s up to you. If you want to let me,
You can let me go.
Pres Well, I don’t want to.
Sorry, kid. You’re the best thing that’s happened--
Well, since the beginning of time, prolly.
Now if you’d sucked, I’d be only too pleased
To send you on your merry way. But no,
I’ll have to pass. Now, I think you’d best go,
And make sure that none of the Kickfooters
Get mixed up among the merry-making
Rabble in the streets tonight. It may be
That trouble will ensue, and I’d hate it
If any of the players ended up
Beaten, maced, torched, or otherwise killed dead.
Kikere
Fine, then. If that’s the way you want to be,
I suppose I’ve no recourse. I’ll stay, but--
I won’t like it. I won’t like it one bit. EXIT Kikere
Pres
Hmm. Methinks I’d better spy on that one.
Otherwise, she’ll be up to no good, soon.

ENTER Ned.

Ned
Okay, Lou. It’s done. Ground Forces are set.
We’ve got squads of flamers all over town,
Ready to incinerate anyone
Who gets out of hand tonight. Oh, and, uh,
Those two foot-thingy guys who’re gonna die,
I forget their names, they’re here to see you.
Pres
Krantzengil and Guildenstern? They’re not guys.
Or anyway, Rose Krantzengil isn’t.
Ned
Oh, sorry. I couldn’t tell. Anyway,
They want to beg for their lives or something.
Pres
Do they, now? Send ‘em away.
Ned You got it.
Pres
No, wait. Wait a second, Ned. Rose and Moe--
Kickfooters both, and close to Kikere.
I think I have an idea.
Ned What’s that?
Pres
Never you mind. Just send ‘em right on in.
And then tell Ground Forces to stand down, Ned.
Ned
Huh? Well, okay, Lou. Whatever you say. EXIT Ned.
Pres
Krantzengil and Guildenstern. They’re perfect.
Two bigger schmucks have never walked upright.
Kikere will never suspect a thing!

ENTER Krantzengil and Guildenstern

Krantzengil
Oh, most noble leader of our great land!
Guildenstern
Good, gentle Lou, whose vast praises are sung
Where’er Gilmeecians gather to sing--
Pres
Can it, you two. It’s no good sucking up.
You’re both dead, and you know it.
Krantzengil Oh, woe!
Guildenstern Please,
Mister President, have a heart! We’re young!
We don’t want to die!
Pres Well, you’re gonna.
Guildenstern No!
Please, we beg you, spare us!
Krantzengil Tell us, won’t you,
Isn’t there some way to redeem ourselves?
Some task we can perform, to win our lives?
Guildenstern
Yes, yes, some horrible job no one wants?
Maybe shoveling sewage from the streets?
Krantzengil
Yes, that would be great! Please, let us do that!
Pres
Well, you two certainly are desperate.
But you’ve disgraced the nation, and worse, me.
So I’m not too inclined to let you live.
Your deaths would, frankly, amuse me. But... yet...
It does occur to me, there is one job,
One little thing, a small task, and maybe
Not so onerous as shoveling shit
In the streets. It would require some tact,
Delicacy, and above all, loyalty--
To me. It’s a job I’d not trust to ones
Whose lives didn’t hang in the balance; but--
The two of you, perhaps-- understanding,
As you do, that failure would mean your deaths--
You two might be just the ones for the job.
Krantzengil
Whatever it is, we’ll do it!
Guildenstern Oh, yes!
Just say the word, for it is our command!
Pres
Hmm... come with me, then, fine Rose and good Moe.
Into my study, where we can make plans
Without fear of sisters list’ning at doors.

EXEUNT[/code:1:ccd9a71ef3]

[code:1:2c01830f26]Scene 2

(The practice field; day.)

ENTER Kikere, Gobbins, Gilmooster, Gilderbecke, Moostergil, Horschackio.

Kikere
Look, you fools, you’ll never beat Alces Rex
Playing like that. This is the best we’ve faced
This time ‘round, since qualifying began,
And our game must be at its best. So work!
Work as hard as ever you’ve worked, and think!
Remember always to keep thinking, though
Your heads may feel like bursting asunder.
Now out there, onto the field, and show me well
How you’ve learned these plays I’ve been teaching you.

(The players and Horschackio withdraw to a corner and practice.)

To beat, or not to beat, that is the question.
Whether ‘tis more effective to suffer
The slings and arrows of error ‘pon error,
Or to take rocks against a sea of heads,
And by smacking, help them. To bash to sleep--
No more-- and by a head-ouchie to say,
We end the heart-ache of a thousand dumb
Moves they’re bound to make. ‘Tis a concussion
Devoutly to be wished. To bash to sleep,
To sleep, perchance to wise up. That’s likely,
For in that concussion, what dreams may come
When they are carried off this mortal pitch,
Must give them pause. If they respect me to
Make calamities of their whole lives long--
For which of them wants to be whipped by me
For the next eight years as I toil unhappy,
Oppressed and wronged by th’proud man’s contumely,
The pangs of his hubris, his law’s delay,
His insolence of office, and my spurs
Digging in their sides as his dig in mine?
What would Kickfooters bear, to grunt and sweat
Under a weary life, but dreading Lou
And his wrath, the undiscover’d country
From whose bourn no Gilmeecian returns,
Having once crossed him. And what of this Coach?
Should I break my bonds, would he not do less
Than have me whacked as any common foe?
How many lie beneath this ground, this pitch,
Turf sicklied o’er the pale cast of those souls
Whose opposition to him brought action?

ENTER Krantzengil and Guildenstern

Guildenstern
What ho, Coach?
Krantzengil Good morning Coach, how is all?
Kikere
Where the hell have you two been? Don’t you know
The hour at which practice starts each day?
You’re both late, and what’s more, not in your kit.
Guildenstern
Sorry, Coach, sorry. On the way down here,
We ran into some travelling players.
They were blocking the entrance to the place.
Kikere
Travelling players? Do you mean actors,
Or footballers?
Guildenstern I dunno. I di’n’t ask.
Say, Coach, wanna hang out after practice?
Kikere
Have you gone soft in the head? Why would I?
Krantzengil
Just ‘cause we feel like we hardly know you.
We just thought it’d be nice.
Guildenstern Yeah, that’s right.
Kikere
Hmm. Did you come up with this yourselves,
Or did Lou put you up to it? Tell me.
Krantzengil
To what end, my Coach?
Kikere That you must teach me.
You were sent; and there is a confession
In your looks which your modest brains have not
Craft enough to cover. I know Lou sent you.
Krantzengil (Aside to Guildenstern) What say you?
Guildenstern
My Coach, we were sent.
Kikere I will tell you why.
Lou trusts me not; he knows I want to leave.
And he suspects, being a right bastard,
That everyone else in the world is too.
So he thinks I’ll skip out on my contract.
And, so thinking, he’s found a couple spies.
A pair whose lives he already controls.
Tell me, is it not the truth that I speak?
Guildenstern
My coach, there was no such stuff in our thoughts.
Kikere
Fine, I can play along with you as well.
We’ll just pretend this talk never happened.
Get thou to the locker room and change. Go!

EXEUNT Krantzengil and Guildenstern.

Horschackio (Approaching)
Well, Coach, I don’t know how they’ll fare this week.
Alces Rex is a tough squad to defeat.
But even if we lose, there’s a good chance
We’ll advance to the second round; take heart.
Kikere
That’s not what bothers me, Horschackio.
Horschackio
What then?
Kikere It’s Lou, and my long-term contract.
I went to see him last night, but no go.
He refuses to release me from it.
Horschackio
So no Tanah Burung, then? Man, that sucks.
Kikere
It sure does.
Horschackio I know I’d hate being stuck
In Gilmeecia.
Kikere You’re stuck here, Morris.
You’re prolly worse-off than me, seeing as
You don’t have a foreign Visa.
Horschackio A what?
Kikere
Never mind. If only there was some way,
Some item I could hold over Lou’s head,
Some bit of scandal to blackmail him with.
Surely there’s something in his sordid life
That haunts him, that I could use.
Horschackio I dunno.
Say, are you gonna come check out Moola
Tonight, at midnight, with the guys and me?
Kikere
Moostergil? What’s to check out? He’s right there.
Horschackio
Not Moola Moostergil, our third striker.
I’m talking about Moola Gilsterson,
The president’s dead cousin, the Zombie.
Kikere
Oh, that thing. There’s no such thing as Zombies,
And anyway, why would the president’s
Cousin, of all people, rise from the dead?
Horschackio
Mebbe to get vengeance on the pres?
Kikere Huh?
Venegance? For what?
Horschackio Well, rumor has it that,
When Moola died, it wasn’t actually
After the Brazillico friendly match,
But during it; and that the president,
Dreading to call his aunt and inform her,
Covered-up the death, only pretending
That Moola was alive; and some have it
That Lou stuck the body in the dumpster
Where it was ultimately found. They say,
That if Lou’s Aunt Mabel ever found out,
She’d kill him, or maybe even do worse.
And that might be why Moola’s back again,
To try to get a message to his ma.
Kikere
So, you’re telling me that Lou does have dirt.
This is great stuff! You’re sure about his aunt?
Horschackio
She’d skin him alive, if she e’er found out.
Kikere
End the practice, Horschackio. And then--
Down to the front gate with you. Quick, man, quick!
Horschackio
What for you want me to go to the gate?
Kikere
For the players! The travelling players!
Send them to me post haste.
Horschackio But what for, Coach?
Kikere
I need to make arrangements with them, kid.
We’ll be having entertainment tonight!
After you bid the players come hence, go--
Straight to the president’s suite-- invite him
To the field, tonight at ten hours. Then, go--
To the home of his Aunt Mabel. Bring her,
Tonight, at ten, to see the play put on.
Bring her though you need carry her bodily,
For here she must be. You understand?
Horschackio Yes.
But why, Coach? Why?
Kikere The play’s the thing wherein
I’ll catch the conscience of the president.

EXEUNT.[/code:1:2c01830f26]

LOL @ TBF's idea :D

Kaze Progressans are supporting Runaway Moose. :D Several hundred fans from our nation, mostly from Kaza and Quarua, are flying out to the Tripoli Harbor Stadium to watch them face Errinundera, who destroyed us in WC7 qualifying en route to winning that cup. :D

Hooray!!!
Yeah, it took us about 20-25 times to support ourselves :lol:

I have a preliminary proposal for a new ranking system. This is all preliminary and can be revised or scrapped depending on response.

I came up with this yesterday, after recalling some World Cup facts. France was ranked tops in the world, yet didn't qualify for the round of 16 in World Cup 2002. Yet they are still ranked number 1 in the world. The Netherlands didn't even make it to Japan and Korea, yet are still number 9. In contrast, as an example, Quahog was ranked number 1 going into World Cup 7; starting in World Cup 8 he was 26th. This 25 rank jump is a bit unrealistic to me. As it stands, any nation that performs significantly well over a long period of time, getting consistent results, can be overtaken for an NS 4 year period by a newcomer team that just bursts onto the scene, and has one good cup.

I am suggesting a points system. This might be hard to implement now, due to the established ranking system already. However, I think it is possible with a bit of calculating, etc. I have come up with a point value system for increasing points:

3 points are added for a win
2 points are added for a draw
1 point is added for a loss
1 point is received per game played
GD is added/subtracted to the point total
Finally, following each world cup, a point total could be added equal to:

(total number of teams [including qualifying]) - (final position + current rank))

For example, say there are 80 teams in qualifying. Timway (using him since he has the last post I saw, first name to come to mind) finishes 4th, lets say. And there are (15*6) + 2 = 92 teams participating. So he would have (92) - (4+31) = 57 points added to his total, plus all the other modifiers (right now, 14 for games played, I don't know the other numbers)

I think that this idea needs major work, but I have a small qualm with the final position = rank system we have now. Consistent, long standing teams should be rewarded for being consistent and being around for awhile.

Any suggestions/comments?

I await TnUI's shoot-down of the Nikean ranking system.

Oh, and, as I expect Haraki won't be posting any commentary, and the play won't get to the second round for a couple days, I'll just simply announce that Haraki beat the Kickfooters 4-0. Ouch.

I await TnUI's shoot-down of the Nikean ranking system.

Oh, and, as I expect Haraki won't be posting any commentary, and the play won't get to the second round for a couple days, I'll just simply announce that Haraki beat the Kickfooters 4-0. Ouch.

Gilmeecia: Of course. Odds on Haraki posting about his WC squad are 1-1 :P

Anyways, the death of two Gilmeecian Kickfooters is upon us.

Maybe Oglethorpia should offer them refuge from President Lou Gilsterson...

I await TnUI's shoot-down of the Nikean ranking system.



Ehh, it was just an idea. It would make things a lot harder, and would be difficult to implement. I was just throwing something around.

I await TnUI's shoot-down of the Nikean ranking system.



Ehh, it was just an idea. It would make things a lot harder, and would be difficult to implement. I was just throwing something around.

I've got nothing against making things a lot harder-- have you looked over the spreadsheet I used for WC7? TnUI's opposed to doing things the hard way, and of course, he does have a point, in that doing things the hard way is... harder. I have only one suggestion, which is that this discussion be moved to the WC9 sign-up/discussion thread.

World Cup 9 Sign-Up Thread. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=75434&start=240)

Yay for the WC 9 signup thread.

All I am saying about my match is...

Second Round Fixtures
[code:1:5339639de0]
Haraki
vs ............
Gilmeecia
vs ............
Busby
vs ............
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs ............
Errinundera
vs ............
The Belmore Family
vs Liverpool England
Liverpool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs ............
Europa Britannia
vs ............
Oddslavo
vs ............
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs ............
Lemmitania
vs ............
Giant Zucchini
vs ............
Bedistan
[/code:1:5339639de0]
hope that clears things up for you ORD

The Ravens today finished their World Cup run, playing their prospective World Cup 9 co-hosts, near-equally-ranked Europa Brittania, in the round of 16. The back-and-forth match ended in a 2-2 draw. Unfortunately for the Ravens, the Brittanian side managed to score the first successful goal in the ensuing shoot-off when keeper Autumn Mistmarch failed to intercept a high shot into the left corner of the net.

The Ravens are expected to rank 9th in the world following this Cup, their all-time best. The team extends its congratulations to Europa Brittania, and will be hoping to see the Brittanians go all the way.

Goals: Kaede Kitsuki (41), Zhen Sui-Ling (71)

Second Round Fixtures
[code:1:176cb3dde0]
Haraki
vs ............
Gilmeecia
vs ............
Busby
vs ............
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs ............
Errinundera
vs ............
The Belmore Family
vs Liverpool England (28)
Liverpool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs ............
Europa Britannia
vs ............
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs ............
Lemmitania
vs ............
Giant Zucchini
vs ............
Bedistan
[/code:1:176cb3dde0]

The Maracaibo Post

Oglethorpian WC-squad ride comes to an end
Loss to Oddslavo sends the Oglethorpian squad home

Guy Picciotto came home heralded as the best Oglethorpian World Cup coach in twelve years.

Only because he's the second coach ever to have coached the squad into the second round, despite matching Adam Wyneberg's progress by losing the very first match of the second round.

"It was definitely a ride, and i'm glad to have brought the Oglethorpian international football program back to prominence," Picciotto commented. Oglethorpia failed to make the second round in World Cup 7, putting the team down to 23rd in the world; the "worst" the team had ever been. After that Ray Krusen was fired and Guy Picciotto of Tripoli FC brought in for World Cup 8.

Oglethorpia faced Oddslavo in home Kuruma Stadium, 90,000 screaming fans all gathered to watch 22 men play the world's game. Javier drew first blood, a magnificiently curved shot in the 62nd.

Until Manuel gave up the two deciding goals in the 88th and 90th minutes.

"I let everyone down," said Tripoli FC and WC keeper Manuel. "I let everyone down."

The finish, at the very least puts Oglethorpia in the top 16 in the world; Picciotto possibly coaching the team into one of their best World Cup rankings in Oglethorpian Cup history.

"All I can say is, i'm glad to have done a job that's given me some praise," Picciotto said humbly.

LIVERPOOL ENGLAND WILL MEET:
EITHER
-ERRINUNDERA (WORLD CUP 6 QUALIFYING, WORLD CUP 8 FIRST ROUND)
-RUNAWAY MOOSE (WORLD CUP 7 QUALIFYING)

ODDSLAVO WILL MEET:
EITHER
-RAVENSPIRE (NO PREVIOUS MEETINGS)
-EUROPA BRITTANIA (NO PREVIOUS MEETINGS)

'Game of the Day' theme fades
Gary Luniker: Hello folks and welcome to match day 4 of WC8.
To-day the competition gets serious, with the knock-out stages begining.

AH: It should be a good game to-day Gary, Busby came through the qualifing round at the last minute piping God Squad, but they took their chance, and an amazing 6-1 pummeling of Svecia saw them make it to the second round.

GL: A bit worrying the way Busby beat Svecia isn't it Alun, especially given the fact we lost twice to Svecia in the qualifiers!!

AH: Yes, I'm sure that result won't have been lost on Sir James, but we'll have to hope that it was a one off or something!

GL: Well, lets head over to PariMedia field now and our match commentators, John Mutsun and Alustar McCost.

JM: Thanks Gary, and welcome to sunny Sonoma, for this second round match-up. It's the first time that Halfassed have ever played in Bedistan, what will be going through their minds Al?

AM: Well apart from the roar they can expect from the capacity crowd here, I would think a few of the players are just happy that we aren't meeting Svecia again, while a few more will be happy that Spaam aren't around either!!

JM: You don't think they'll be worried about the game and the fact Busby scored 6 in their last game?

AM: Did they?

JM: Yes against Svecia!

AM: Oh! bugger

JM: Indeed - anyhow, Sir James has decided to go for the usual 3-4-3 formation, with Milton continuing up front in place of Wallace.

AM: How about Busby?

JM:I ashamed to have to admit it, but i have no idea!

AM: ok - thats going to make commentating easy isn't it!!

JM: look shut-it ya cocky wee (beep-beep-beep)

AM: Why ya pretentious (beep)

cuts back to the studio where Gary and Alun are enjoying a couple of Half-Hearted Hooch

Floor manager - gary - we're back on

FM: Gary for (beeps) sake

GL: *coughs out some beer* Well what a first half that was - seemed to pass.........

FM: not started yet - technical probs!!

GL: oh - emm well we hope to get back to the game shortly, but meanwhile, lets look at the other games that have taken place so far in round 2.

Haraki defeated our fellow FIFA region country Gilmeecia 4-0, and await the winners of our match.
Liverpool England will be next up for either Runaway Moose or Errinundera after beating the Belmore Family.
In the bottom half of the draw, Europa Britannia will play surprise package Oddslavo in the quarters, while Timway are waiting for the winner of the Giant Zucchini Vs Bedistan game.

Second Round Fixtures
[code:1:75a779eb0b]
Haraki
vs Haraki (22)
Gilmeecia
vs ............
Busby
vs ............
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs ............
Errinundera
vs ............
The Belmore Family
vs Liverpool England (28)
Liverpool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs Europa Britannia (28')
Europa Britannia
vs ............
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs Timway (31)
Lemmitania
vs ............
Giant Zucchini
vs ............
Bedistan
[/code:1:75a779eb0b]

We're going to take a quick break now and try to sort the technical problems. Back soon!

Edit - I have no idea exactly what EB's ranking is, one post had it at 31 (same as Timway) while another put them at 28, which i've just noticed is the same as LE!!

Welcome to Busby's World Cup Corner.

Hanson: Welcome to BWCC, we keep track of the team of Busby in the world cup. I am with Billy Clark, here again and Andrew Thompson a promising young player in the Busby nation wide league.

Clark: Hi

Thompson: Hey.

Hanson: First thing gentlemen, what odds do you think Busby have in winning the world cup?

Clark: Well they had a rough start, but i think that they have pulled their socks up and play top class quality.

Thompson: I totaly agree with Billy, they had a rough start and they pulled themselves together and played great football.

Hanson: What do you think about the 6-1 win over Svecia, do you think that gave them more confidence?

Clark: Can birds fly? Of course it gave them confidence they played really well, better than they have ever played.

Hanson: Thats right anyway the game is about to start and we will get a interview with the Team captain Gary LLoyd after the game. Goodbye for now and enjoy the match, its gonna be a good one.

Runaway Moose to play Liverpool England

Liz: That's right folks, after a beautiful match against Errinundera, the champions of world cup 7, Runaway Moose are moving on to play Liverpool England in the next round. Comments on the match Gus?
Gus: Well, I'm really starting to see that we are going to miss MOZ when she's gone.
Liz:(sniffles) Thanks Gus, that was beautiful.
Gus: As were her two goals. One unassisted corner, beautifully placed, and one off of a cross from Tinesta, who is playing with more team spirit. Is it the coach? Is it the Haka?
Liz: I think everyone is just playing a little harder these days for MOZ.
Gus: Well, I know everyone is cheering a little harder.
Liz: What about the Errinundera goal in the 78th? I thought they were about to come back when they tied it up.
Gus: Well, according to Coach Berkett, the look in her eyes was fire. The team saw it and came back 4 minutes later in the 84th with their answer. I don't know when I've seen Tinesta make such a great pass.
Liz: It's a beautiful thing Gus. When asked about their chances against LE after the game, Coach Berkett simply said, "We know why we came here. We don't care about odds and speculations, we only care about one game at a time."
Gus: Do you suppose he's heard that some people are favoring Alces Rex to take the cup?
Liz: I don't suppose he cares. But that would be so nice for MOZ.
Gus: Well folks, that was dazzling. Good night.

Edit - I have no idea exactly what EB's ranking is, one post had it at 31 (same as Timway) while another put them at 28, which i've just noticed is the same as LE!!

http://nswcc.tripod.com/archive/rank7.html

Edit - I have no idea exactly what EB's ranking is, one post had it at 31 (same as Timway) while another put them at 28, which i've just noticed is the same as LE!!

http://nswcc.tripod.com/archive/rank7.html

32? For some reason I was thinking Timway and EB were tied at 31...

Match report for Bedistan vs. Giant Zucchini will come very soon.

BSTV Sports Today - Evening Edition
with Bill Townsend

Bill: Good evening, and welcome to BSTV Sports Today. I'm Bill Townsend. As has been the case for the last several weeks, the World Cup is on every Bedistani sports fan's mind. And it cannot be on anyone's mind more than Bedistan Lions team coach Jim Parker, who is joining us via satellite feed from Oglethorpia. Welcome to the show, Jim.

Jim: It's great to be here, Bill.

Bill: So how do you feel about your team's performance against Giant Zucchini at Langham Coliseum?

Jim: Well, of course I'm biased, but I think they played an excellent game of football. Taking on a former World Cup champion is not easy, but we kept our cool and prevailed.

Bill: The Zucchinis held the ball throughout much of the first half, and they made several shots on goal. Unfortunately, this one here [clip plays] in the 39th minute struck goalkeeper Olivia Bream right in the side of the head.

Jim: Aye, that was not good. She had to sit out the rest of the match, and it looks like she'll be out for the next one as well.

Bill: Lewis with the free kick afterward, just gets it in and it's 1-0 Bedistan. It stayed that way at the half. Then here in the 60th minute, Lewis hammers in another one, putting the Lions up 2-0.

Jim: Johnny played very well today, but when does he not? I think I made a good choice by selecting him as Barber's successor.

Bill: That you did. Zucchini tried to come back, but they couldn't get past Mitchell in goal. Final score: Bedistan 2 - 0 Giant Zucchini.

Jim: So we're facing Timway next, although we don't yet know where we'll be playing. We've proven, though, that we can take on these world-class teams in Oglethorpia as well as in Bedistan, so I have no worries right now.

Bill: Well, best of luck to you and your team. For Jim Parker, I'm Bill Townsend reminding you about the quarterfinal match: Timway vs Bedistan, location to be announced, tomorrow afternoon at five. Good night, everyone.

[code:1:58962715b1]
Haraki
vs Haraki (22)
Gilmeecia
vs ............
Busby
vs ............
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs Runaway Moose (4)
Errinundera
vs ............
The Bel. Family
vs L'pool England (28)
L'pool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs Europa Britannia (32)
Europa Britannia
vs ............
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs Timway (31)
Lemmitania
vs ............
Giant Zucchini
vs Bedistan (5)
Bedistan
[/code:1:58962715b1]

(I'm actually not sure who won the Halfassedstates-Busby match, but it looks like you'll find out soon anyway ;))

Second Round results posted. (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1818232#1818232)

After I finish some HW I procrastinated on, i'll post a second round summary type thing.

NEWSFLASH:

Giant Zucchini falls in the Round of 16 to favourites Bedistan. Lewis put in a narrow free kick that hit the post before rebounding into the net, just escaping the gloves of Oog. Then 15 minutes into the second half, the Zucchini defence was caught napping, and Lewis broke through and smashed his second goal into the top corner. Head Coach Mr Hurr, "It was a good game and the public can be happy with what they saw. It was a personal effort of Lewis that changed the game. It was a beautiful goal and the Bedistan team has a lot of great players who can make decisions. On the other hand, I have to say I have a really good team and they are working all together but it was a special effort from Lewis that decided the game. I think we gave a very good image of Giant Zucchini football in the tournament even though we lost."

The Maracaibo Sports Network
World Cup Watch - Second Round Wrapup

Ray McHale: Hey all you futebol fans out there; the second round of World Cup 8 has come to a close and we're here to review the wins and defeats of the second round. With me is Eduardo Escobar of Córdoba and Dennis Day from my own hometown of Tripoli.

Eduardo Escobar: Hola.

Dennis Day: Good to be here, as always. Since we're co-hosts.

Ray: He speaks the truth. Now, down to the second round of World Cup 8; let's start with Haraki vs. Gilmeecia, shall we?

Eduardo: Gilmeecia fell to Haraki, a 4-0 defeat there.

Dennis: Surprising. Those fellows from Haraki don't seem to be too into the game.

Eduardo: If I recall, Haraki does no broadcasts of it's World Cup games back home.

Ray: A quandry indeed. Now, Busby vs. Halfassedstates.

Dennis: Heh, those folks from Halfassedstates; even they care more than that side from Haraki.

Eduardo: We've moved on.

Dennis: I apologize.

Eduardo: Forgiven.

Ray: Halfassedstates, nothing - Busby with two to secure the win.

Dennis: Mini-upset there. Busby was ranked 14th, Halfassedstats was 8th.

Ray: Runaway Moose faced Errinundera; the 4th place finisher of the Cup vs. World Cup 7's champion, Errinundera.

Eduardo: Runaway Moose pulled off the exciting upset of champions Errinundera; Runaway Moose moves on to face Liverpool England.

Ray: Aye, Liverpool England one goal up on the Belmore Family ending the game sending the Belmore Family home.

Dennis: Both prospective hosts for World Cup 9.

Eduardo: No bad blood that I saw.

Dennis: Which was unfortunate.

Ray: And the closest match of all of the second round; the other bid of World Cup 9, Ravenspire vs. Europa Brittania.

Dennis: Oh, an exciting match indeed - score tied at two at the end of regulation. It was not until late in added time that Europa Brittania curved one in to secure the win over Ravenspire/

Eduardo: A hard fought match on both sides.

Ray: And the disappointing result for Oglethorpian futebol fans everywhere; 1-2, Oglethorpia falling to Oddslavo in the second round.

Dennis: A disappointing end to only the second time in history that the Oglethorpian squad has ever reached the second round.

Eduardo: Give coach Guy Picciotto credit, though. He's legendary in Oglethorpian Cup history.

Dennis: Only because he coached the team to their highest rank in the world of all three coaches to lead the Oglethorpian World Cup squad across five Cups.

Eduardo: I'm glad to see him succeed, though. Guy's a good...

Dennis: Guy?

Eduardo: Aye. Guy is a great guy, coached Tripoli FC to two Porlamar-Maracaibo Championships, and definitely made the most of the four games he had with his squad.

Dennis: Auto qualification took away some valuable time between team and coach.

Eduardo: But in those four games across the first and second rounds he was 2-1-1; and has come home heralded as the best coach in 12 years.

Ray: Bottom line, he's the best coach in Oglethorpian Cup history. On the international scene, Oglethorpia's always been up there in the rankings, but putters out around the first-second round.

Eduardo: Never failed to make the first round, and yet never has gotten past the second round.

Ray: Timway vs. Lemmitania - huge, huge upset. Five - one, Timway the victor of the bout.

Dennis: Lemmitanian goalie Joe Lally was giving them up left and right. Defense collapsed on him.

Eduardo: If he had his bass...

Dennis: His what?

Eduardo: Oh, Joe Lally plays bass guitar as a little side project.

Dennis: I see...

Ray: And the final game of the second round, co-host Bedistan vs. Giant Zucchini; the Giant Zucchini falls to the Bedistan Lions 2-nil.

Eduardo: And so ends the possibly of co-hosts facing each other somewhere down the line as the World Cup draws to an end.

Dennis: Bedistan's looking good to plow through some of these teams still in the Cup; odds set at 2-1.

Ray: Highly, highly favored. Runaway Moose and Bedistan, #4 and #5 respectively look to make light work of some of the nations still in the Cup; Oddslavo may be out soon here.

Dennis: Aye, the numbers weren't in Oglethorpia's favor.

Eduardo: What does that mean?

Dennis: Well, suppose we're all 'bits & bites' - just numbers on a computer screen.

Eduardo: Go on.

Dennis: Say someone made a 'spreadsheet' of numbers checked against a defense calculation.

Eduardo: Yes...

Dennis: What if the whole thing's a charade?

Eduardo: Nonsense. That's crazy talk.

Ray: It is crazy talk. There is no farce, the futebol is real, and Oglethorpia is hosting the World Cup alongside the friendly nation of Bedistan.

Dennis: Oh, good.

Eduardo: You and your conspiracy theories.

Ray: Futebol is real. Anyways, for Eduardo Escobar and Dennis Day, my co-hosts; good night, folks. See ya next time on World Cup Watch!

[code:1:884c0a7d96]
Haraki
vs Haraki (22)
Gilmeecia
vs ............
Busby
vs Busby(14)
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs Runaway Moose (4)
Errinundera
vs ............
The Bel. Family
vs L'pool England (28)
L'pool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs Europa Britannia (32)
Europa Britannia
vs ............
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs Timway (31)
Lemmitania
vs ............
Giant Zucchini
vs Bedistan (5)
Bedistan
[/code:1:884c0a7d96]
Belmore's odds;

Bedistan 2-1
Liverpool England 2-1
Runaway Moose 4-1
Oddslavo 6-1
Busby 12-1
Haraki 15-1
Timway16-1
Europa Brittania 18-1

OCC: Apologies one and all - my internet connection was cut off yesterday afternoon, and i've just got it sorted again.

BTW - I'm reporting this game to the score i received in the telegram (which aint the same as Olge's reported score!)


IC:
GL: Well that was exactly the start Halfassed didn't want. Busby 2-0 up at half-time.

AH: Yes Gary, Busby have continued where they left off against Svecia. If it hadn't have been for the outstanding display by O'Malley in nets, Busby would've been home and dry already!!

GL: Yes O'Malley and Stun have been outstanding for Halfassed, but even they could do nothing about the two goals.

AH: Two wonder strikes from the captain Gary, wonder strikes!

GL: So you said. Gary Lloyd managed to single-handedly tear apart the defence for the first, and thumped home a classic first time volley from the corner for the second. Have we any chance of getting back into this?

AH: Unless we score early in the second half, I doubt it!

GL: Well we'll just have to see, our technical difficulties have been sorted, so back we go to PariMedia Stadium for the second half.

'cuts to game'

back in studio - Gary and Alun open another beer!
GL: I think we're out!

AH: Ach well see, we've rescued others games in the second half!!

a couple of beers later -

GL: we're screwed. 70 minutes gone - still 2-0

AH: yeah going to struggle now

GL: *swiggs beer*

GL: *spits half of it out again - goooooaaaalllllll - 2-1 com'n Halfassed

AH: *grinning from ear to ear* - you (beeping) beauty Bundy

GL: needed something like that!!

AH: Com'n lads get stuck into them - you can win this!!

GL: *swiggs the beers again*

-----

GL: *slightly more subdued again* (beeps)

AH: How did they let him free again!?!?

GL: Well, The ball went behind King, and Stun slipped trying to get back. Lloyd couldn't miss. Well he could been nice and kicked over the bar, but he wanted the glory.

AH: Understandable really - its what you always used to do!!

GL: A shut it

AH: 5 to go, think we're out!!

GL: yep.
--------

AH: *finishes the last beer* brilliant goal by Milton.

GL: Another great Bundy cross, but I think it's all over.

AH: Gotta be, there were only supposed to be 2 minutes of injury time and we've now had 5!

GL: yep - theres the whistle

AH: bugger - and Spaam we're already out - this should have been our year!

GL: Ain't going to be now!!

AH: No (beep) sherlock! Anyway - i'm off to the pub

GL: but they're about to come back to us to close the program!

AH: So, we covered the first half, and I've got winnings to collect!!

GL: You bet on Busby?

AH: Yep got them going to the semi's at least!!

GL: Do you do reports for them as well?

AH: No thats a guy called Hanson, not Hansun!!

GL: hmmmm

AH: anyway - catch ya later!

*programme cuts back to the studio*

GL: emm. Well there we have it - Halfassed out in the second round the worst performance since we started in WC5. But good luck to Busby

Final Score: Busby 3 Halfassed 2

'Game of the Day' theme fades in (if thats possible) and shows a montage of the goals from the game!

[code:1:cacde51485]Ranking P W D L F A GD Pts
** Haraki (22) 4 3 1 0 10 3 +7 10
** Timway (31) 4 3 1 0 10 3 +7 10
** Liverpool England (28) 4 3 1 0 7 2 +5 10
** Runaway Moose (4) 4 3 1 0 6 2 +4 10
** Bedistan (5) 4 3 0 1 8 3 +5 9
** Oddslavo (35) 4 3 0 1 6 3 +3 9
** Europa Brittania (32) 4 2 2 0 9 7 +2 8
** Busby (14) 4 2 1 1 11 6 +5 7
09 Ravenspire (29) 4 2 1 1 9 7 +2 7
10 Oglethorpia (23) 4 2 1 1 6 5 +1 7
11 Giant Zucchini (21) 4 2 0 2 7 8 -1 6
12 Lemmitania (20) 4 2 0 2 4 9 -5 6
13 The Belmore Family (15) 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5
14 Halfassedstates (8) 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5
15 Errinundera (1) 4 1 1 2 7 9 -2 4
16 Svecia (2) 3 1 1 1 5 7 -2 4
17 Gilmeecia (46) 4 1 1 2 4 8 -4 4
18 Audioslavia (13) 3 1 0 2 6 6 0 3
19 Ariddia (6) 3 1 0 2 6 7 -1 3
20 Gesamtkuntswerk (38) 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
21 Snub Nose 38 (10) 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
22 Dennisov (18) 3 1 0 2 4 6 -2 3
23 Commerce Heights (54) 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
24 Spaam (3) 3 0 2 1 4 5 -1 2
25 Squornshelous (12) 3 0 2 1 5 7 -2 2
26 Antaeus Rising (53) 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
27 Bullonien (65) 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
28 Kingsford (30) 3 0 2 1 2 5 -3 2
29 One Red Dot (16) 3 0 1 2 5 7 -2 1
30 The Lowland Clans (34) 3 0 1 2 2 4 -2 1
31 Demonic Beings (47) 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1
32 Jacktazea (50) 3 0 1 2 2 7 -5 1
[/code:1:cacde51485]
Disappointments:
*key: Team (Ranking based on above table/old ranking)
One Red Dot (29/16)
Kingsford (28/30) - did improve though
Squornshelous (25/12)
Spaam (3/24) - last year's runner-ups. Shame.
Dennisov (22/18 ) - they even won a World Cup!
Audioslavia (18/13)
Errinundera (1/15) - last year's champs... nuff said
Total n Utter Insanity (49/19)

Surprises:
*key: Team (Status/Ranking based on above table/old ranking/improvement in ranking)
Commerce Heights (Eliminated/23/54/+31)
Antaeus Rising (Eliminated/26/53/+27)
Oglethorpia (Eliminated/10/23/+13)
Oddslavo (Quarterfinalist/currently 6/35/currently +29)
Liverpool England (Quarterfinalist/currently 3/28/currently +25)

Matchups to look out for
*key: Team (Potential ranking based on current form/old ranking/inc or dec)
Liverpool England (3/28 ) vs Runaway Moose (4/4 no change)
Oddslavo (6/35) vs Europa Brittania (7/32 +25)
Haraki (1/22 +21) vs Busby (8/14 +6)

Liverpool England Official Odds
Matchups
Liverpool England (3-1) vs Runaway Moose (evens fav)
Oddslavo (4-3) vs Europa Brittania (3-1 fav)
Haraki (2-1 fav) vs Busby (14-1)

Cup wins
Haraki evens fav
Runaway Moose evens fav
Timway 2-1
Liverpool England 2-1
Europa Brittania 2-1
Bedistan 4-1
Timway 9-4
Busby 10-3

To be eliminated in Quarter Finals
Oddslavo 2-1 fav
Busby 2-1 fav
Timway 2-1 fav
Runaway Moose + Liverpool England (tied) 4-1
Bedistan 6-1
Europa Brittania 6-1
Haraki 10-3

Josh Hinar's predictions:
[code:1:cacde51485]
Haraki
vs Haraki (22)
Gilmeecia
vs Haraki
Busby
vs Busby(14)
Halfassedstates
vs Haraki
Runaway Moose
vs Runaway Moose (4)
Errinundera
vs Liv England
The Bel. Family
vs L'pool England (28)
L'pool England
vs (winner: Bedistan)
Ravenspire (2nd: Haraki)
vs Europa Britannia (32) (3rd: Liverpool England)
Europa Britannia (4th: Europa Brittania)
vs E Brittania
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs Bedistan
Timway
vs Timway (31)
Lemmitania
vs Bedistan
Giant Zucchini
vs Bedistan (5)
Bedistan [/code:1:cacde51485]

Many things to do and settle now...

1) Thanks for clearing up who is playing against who. Now I can do my usually-incorrect predictions.

2) GZ LOST!! NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3) Calms down.

4) Predictions:
Quarterfinals Predictions
Busby d Haraki
Runaway Moose d Liverpool England
Europa Brittania d Oddslavo
Bedistan d Timway

Semifinals Predictions
Runaway Moose d Busby
Bedistan d Europa Brittania

3rd Placing
Busby d Europa Brittnia

Finals
Bedistan d Runaway Moose

5) I will update this list as the Cup continues.

6) How could I NOT win a match with a 16th place rank?

7) Calms down again.

8 ) Faints after seeing ORD at a final 29th place.

9) Wakes up and publishes a report from the ORDMERUI (One Red Dot Ministry of Endless Remarks & Useless Information)

The quarterfinalist with the most World Cup experience is Europa Brittania, starting as far back as WC1.
Oddslavo is the least expereinced quarterfinalist, with only WC7 marking their record books.

Quarterfinalist Liverpool England also has a puppet in the quarterfinals: Oddslavo.

Only quarterfinalist Europa Brittania and Bedistan have successfully qualified for every World Cup.

The average of the quarterfinalists WC7 rankings is 21.375.

Timway and Europa Brittania have back-to-back ranks. Timway @ 31 and Europa Brittania @ 32.
Runaway Moose and Bedistan also have back-to-back ranks. Runaway Moose @ 4 and Bedistan @ 5.
None of the quarterfinalists have ever won a World Cup.

WC7 Champions Errinundera is nowhere to be seen in the quarterfianls.
WC7 Runner-Up Svecia is also nowhere to be seen in the quarterfianls.
WC7 2nd Runner-Up Spaam is also nowhere to be seen in the quarterfianls.

10) Stops publishing report.

11) Posts Reply.

While nobody in Timway was surprised to see the 31st seeded Tigers advance to the quarterfinals, analysts everwhere are shocked that someone from another nation feels the same way! LE's report on the surprises of the cup find Timway suspiciously omitted from the list, despite being tied for the top spot (with a jump of +30) currently and entering WC8 never having one a match in cup proper (two losses and a draw previously). Hence, the 5-1 smashing of Lemmitania would come as no surprise, as reporters all over Timway predicted that the rout would be coming, some predictions going as high as 7 or 8 to nil in favor of the unsurprising Tigers. Bedistan beware, as everyone everywhere knows that this Timway team was drastically underseeded entering the Cup, and a defeat of the 5 seed by the 31 seed is to be expected, at least by those in Timway and LE.

Bedistan beware, as everyone everywhere knows that this Timway team was drastically underseeded entering the Cup, and a defeat of the 5 seed by the 31 seed is to be expected, at least by those in Timway and LE.

We'll see about that. :P

Results will be telegrammed in a couple hours; I've already generated the results for all matches except my own, but Ogle and I need to figure out how to simulate the sudden-death penalty kicks in one of the matches. ;)

Quarterfinal Fixtures

Haraki (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=haraki) vs. Busby (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=busby)

Venue

http://oglethorpia.free-host.com/stadiums/Oglethorpe_145,000.jpg

James Oglethorpe National Stadium
Midshire, Oglethorpia

Capacity: 145,000

---

Runaway Moose (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=runaway_moose) vs. Liverpool England (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=liverpool_england)

Venue

http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/unity_stadium.jpg

Unity Stadium
International City of Paripana, Bedistan/Commerce Heights/Lontorica

Capacity: 75,000

---

Europa Brittania (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=europa_brittania) vs. Oddslavo (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=oddslavo)

Venue

http://oglethorpia.free-host.com/stadiums/Kuruma_90,000.jpg

Kuruma Stadium
Oglethorpia City, Oglethorpia

Capacity: 90,000

---

Timway (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=timway) vs. Bedistan (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=bedistan)

Venue

http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/holmes_stadium.jpg

http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/holmes_stadium2.jpg

Holmes Stadium
Columbia, Federal District, Bedistan

Capacity: 82,814

The Columbia Times - Bedistan's Premier News Source
Volume XII, No. 166
November 21, 2014

Sports / Los Deportes -- Page/Página E1

(Español - va a página E7)

Timway, Liverpool England Fans Wrong; Timway Defeated at Holmes Stadium

COLUMBIA, FD (BNN) -- Over one hundred thousand fans packed into Holmes Stadium today to watch the World Cup quarterfinal match between Bedistan and Timway.

The Timway Tigers have had an outstanding performance in this Cup, transcending their #31 world ranking to reach the quarterfinals. They have upset many teams along the way, including Monday's 5-1 thrashing of #20 Lemmitania. Timwayans and Liverpoolers seemed to be expecting this, and many believed that Bedistan would fall in a similar manner.

Things did not look good for the home team in the first half. Chuck Mitchell, playing goalkeeper while Olivia Bream is out with a head injury, allowed a rocketing Timway goal just fourteen minutes into the game. While the Lions had possession for most of the rest of the first half, the Timway goalkeeper did a superb job of deflecting each and every shot that looked like it would go on. Timway led 1-0 at the half.

BFL superstar Claire Briscoe came on strong at the beginning of the second half, though, and in the 52nd minute she successfully equalized. Perhaps the team's greatest moment of the day came in the 74th minute, though. Ken Sierra made a shot on goal that was deflected by the Timway goalkeeper straight to midfielder Sally Myers. On what Myers called an "impulse", she just kicked the ball straight back at the goal -- and it went in! Myers has been with the Lions since World Cup 5, and she was absolutely ecstatic at having scored her very first goal. She was so happy, in fact, that coach Jim Parker had to take the sobbing player out of the match, replacing her with Luis Bean. She didn't really seem to care, though.

When the final whistle sounded, the crowd erupted, knowing that they have now seen their team go to the semifinals in back-to-back Cups. They will face the winner of Europa Brittania vs. Oddslavo, which is still in progress at Kuruma Stadium in Oglethorpia City.

Final score:
Timway 1 (14)
Bedistan 2 (Briscoe 52, Myers 74)

The Haraki team leaves the James Oglethorpe National Stadium battered, bruised, and triumphant. Their 3-0 win over the Busby team brings them into a solid standing for the World Cup. Two of the goals were scored in the first half by forward Mike Zendar of the Haraki Hawks, and the last scored by Thomas Neils, of the Hawks, in the late second half. This is the Hawks first time in the quarterfinals, ever since World Cup 4, their first entry.

Score:

Busby 0
Haraki 3
Zendar (09, 22)
Neils (79)

Alces Rex Fans in Tears as MOZ Says Farewell

Liz: (sobs)
Gus: (sniffles) Well folks, today, we saw MOZ's last game as captain of Alces Rex.
Liz: (sobs)
Gus: We watched as the team came together to play a very strong side from Liverpool England. It was a beautiful thing having MOZ, but all things must come to an end eventually. Liz, if you can, could you tell about the game a bit, I think I need to take a drink. Of water of course Mom.
Liz: (sniffles) We thought this was our year. MOZ really played her heart out. Liverpool England drew first blood, and it was early. in the 11th minute they were up on Alces by one, and the team was hard pressed to recover, although they held them to the one for the remainder of the half.
Gus: LE came out very strong. Other than the one goal it was a great defensive half for Alces. They just weren't in it yet.
Liz: The Rex evened things up though, in the 61st minute, a beautiful play with Tinesta, MOZ, and L. Moz. It was a throw in by MOZ... who is going to throw from the left now? She's the only left mid we've had in however many cups.
Gus: When she was injured we moved people up.
Liz: I know. Why didn't she play center?
Gus: She liked left. She could've picked wherever she wanted. She started at left and stayed there.
Liz: What a trooper! (sobs)
Gus: Right, well, Tinesta got the throw and crossed it to L. Moz who had gone to the far corner, pulling the defense, while MOZ made a run on goal. It was a spectacular assist by L. Moz and a header by MOZ to tie things up. The crowd went wild. There were tears in people's eyes at the sight of our beloved MOZ.
Liz: (sobs)
Gus: The team kept drilling on the goal, but LE's keeper was on top of his game.
Liz: (sniffles) It was the damn extra time.
Gus: That's right. With all of 13 seconds left in the extra time, LE put a beautiful shot past T. Gigas. LE fans went crazy, and it was silence from the Moosenians.
Liz: But after the game was over, (sniffles) the Alces fans stood up, and, God it was beautiful (sobs)
Gus: They gave the team a standing ovation, and were chanting MOZ over and over again, until the team persuaded her to go out on the field and take a final bow.
Liz: Even the LE fans were gracious. The Captain of their team, Cannon, came out and shook MOZ's hand. And she quietly left the (sniffles) field as the fans continued to (sniffles) cheer and (sobs)
Gus: It was beautiful. After the game Snootius Antlerus received word from Niffiner Moosekopf herself that this day is going to be held as MOZ day from now on in Runaway Moose. They may not have won the match, but MOZ won our hearts.
Liz: I got the chance to speak to MOZ after the game (sniffles) and (snifles) she (sobs)
Gus: Go on Liz, it's okay.
Liz: She said she was just lucky to have gotten to play with this team and that she has had a wonderful time and has played some of the best players in the world, and that she wouldn't even group herself in that category.
Gus: She is so modest.
Liz: And then this little kid came up to her and she picked him up. Gus, I think MOZ has a son.
Gus: What!?
Liz: I think THAT is why she's retiring.
Gus: A WHAT?
Liz: Well, he was like, 2 and they've been in New Zealand for about 2 years, and he looked alot like her but...
Gus: But what?
Liz: He was definitely only half Moosenian. I wonder who the father is.
Gus: Liz, let's not gossip or speculate. This is a day to celebrate the career of the greatest footballer Runaway Moose has ever seen, not comment on her personal life.
Liz: I was just wondering, I mean you know how broken up she was about...
Gus: Enough. Good night folks. It has been a great time here at World Cup 8. It has been a great honor to have been able to watch MOZ live. Since her first world cup to her last goal professionally.
Liz: (sniffles) Thank you and good night.

Caddy Cannon confesses: He's in love with a Runaway Moose player.... as his team beats his love's team 2-1 in Extra Time/Oddslavo lose on penalty kicks to Europa Brittania, captain Shkolet admits it was a good run in cup; team beaten 3-2 in shootout

FULL TIME SCORES
RUNAWAY MOOSE 1 (MOZ)
LIVERPOOL ENGLAND 1 (DUSSIS 11TH)

EUROPA BRITTANIA 1
ODDSLAVO 1 (SHKOLET 90TH)

AET:
RUNAWAY MOOSE 1 (MOZ)
LIVERPOOL ENGLAND 2 (DUSSIS 11TH, CANNON 120TH)

EUROPA BRITTANIA 1
ODDSLAVO 1 (EB would go on to win on penalties 3-2)

[code:1:75e543e610]Ranking P W D L F A GD Pts
** Haraki (22) 5 4 1 0 13 3 +10 13
** Liverpool England (28) 5 4 1 0 9 3 +6 13
** Bedistan (5) 5 4 0 1 10 4 +6 12
** Europa Brittania (32) 5 3 2 0 11 8 +3 11
05 Timway (31) 5 3 1 1 11 5 +6 10
06 Runaway Moose (4) 5 3 1 0 7 4 +3 10
07 Oddslavo (35) 5 3 0 2 7 5 +2 9
08 Busby (14) 4 2 1 2 11 9 +2 7
09 Ravenspire (29) 4 2 1 1 9 7 +2 7
10 Oglethorpia (23) 4 2 1 1 6 5 +1 7
11 Giant Zucchini (21) 4 2 0 2 7 8 -1 6
12 Lemmitania (20) 4 2 0 2 4 9 -5 6
13 The Belmore Family (15) 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5
14 Halfassedstates (8) 4 1 2 1 6 6 0 5
15 Errinundera (1) 4 1 1 2 7 9 -2 4
16 Svecia (2) 3 1 1 1 5 7 -2 4
17 Gilmeecia (46) 4 1 1 2 4 8 -4 4
18 Audioslavia (13) 3 1 0 2 6 6 0 3
19 Ariddia (6) 3 1 0 2 6 7 -1 3
20 Gesamtkuntswerk (38) 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
21 Snub Nose 38 (10) 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1 3
22 Dennisov (18) 3 1 0 2 4 6 -2 3
23 Commerce Heights (54) 3 1 0 2 3 5 -2 3
24 Spaam (3) 3 0 2 1 4 5 -1 2
25 Squornshelous (12) 3 0 2 1 5 7 -2 2
26 Antaeus Rising (53) 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
27 Bullonien (65) 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
28 Kingsford (30) 3 0 2 1 2 5 -3 2
29 One Red Dot (16) 3 0 1 2 5 7 -2 1
30 The Lowland Clans (34) 3 0 1 2 2 4 -2 1
31 Demonic Beings (47) 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1
32 Jacktazea (50) 3 0 1 2 2 7 -5 1
[/code:1:75e543e610]

[code:1:75e543e610]
Haraki
vs Haraki (22)
Gilmeecia
vs Haraki (22)
Busby
vs Busby(14)
Halfassedstates
vs ............
Runaway Moose
vs Runaway Moose (4)
Errinundera
vs L'pool England (28)
The Bel. Family
vs L'pool England (28)
L'pool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs Europa Britannia (32)
Europa Britannia
vs Europa Britannia (32)
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs ............
Timway
vs Timway (31)
Lemmitania
vs Bedistan (5)
Giant Zucchini
vs Bedistan (5)
Bedistan
[/code:1:75e543e610]

NEWSFLASH:

Giant Zucchini is finally back on the footballing map, finishing after the 8th World Cup with a rank of 11. Head Coach Mr Hurr, "I think we have finally regained our lost ground after WC 6. If we keep on at this pace, we should be able to progress further. But the competition is heating up, and I just hope we will be able to go through the next WC unscathed. It's also good to know that Europa Brittania are looking good for this WC. I think it's about time they get the cup."

PLACE YOUR BETS NOW!!!!!
[code:1:9e716f8478]
Haraki
vs Haraki (22)
Gilmeecia
vs Haraki (22) [to beat LE: 4-1]
Busby
vs Busby(14)
Halfassedstates
vs [LE: 6-1/Haraki:11-5]
Runaway Moose
vs Runaway Moose (4)
Errinundera
vs L'pool England (28) [to beat Haraki: 3-2 fav]
The Bel. Family
vs L'pool England (28)
L'pool England
vs
Ravenspire
vs Europa Britannia (32)
Europa Britannia
vs Europa Britannia (32) [to beat Bedistan: 15-4]
Oddslavo
vs Oddslavo (35)
Oglethorpia
vs [Bedistan: 2-1/EB: 16-1]
Timway
vs Timway (31)
Lemmitania
vs Bedistan (5) [to beat EB: 2-1]
Giant Zucchini
vs Bedistan (5)
Bedistan [/code:1:9e716f8478]

Full Liverpool England World Cup 8 Record Part 1 (Qualifying, Games 1 to 5)
Matchday 1
Liverpool England 1 Consumer Engineering 0
Position after Matchday One (Pos in Gp 14, W, D, L, Pts)
2nd, 1, 0, 0, 3

Matchday 2
Hell Bovines 0 Liverpool England 1
Position after Matchday 2
1st, 2, 0, 0, 6

Matchday 3
Liverpool England 3 Gilmeecia 2
Position after Matchday 3
1st, 3, 0, 0, 9

Matchday 4
Yentrofinova 2 Liverpool England 0 * first loss of qualifying
Position after Matchday 4
1st, 3, 0, 1, 9

Matchday 5
Pure Evil 1 Liverpool England 3
Position after Matchday 5
1st, 4, 0, 1, 12

Part 2 (Qualifying)
Matchday 6
Consumer Engineering 0 Liverpool England 2
Position after Matchday 6
1st, 5, 0, 1, 15

Matchday 7
Liverpool England 2 Hell Bovines 1
Position after Matchday 7
1st, 6, 0, 1, 18

Matchday 8
Gilmeecia 3 Liverpool England 1 *only second loss in qualifying
Position after Matchday 8
tied 1st (2nd), 6, 0, 2, 18

Matchday 9
Liverpool England 1 Yentrofinova 0
Position after Matchday 9
1st, 7, 0, 2, 21 *qualified at this point

Matchday 10
Liverpool England 1 Pure Evil 1 *only draw of qualifying
Position after Matchday 10
1st, 7, 1, 2, 22

Full First Round and Second Round Results, Liverpool England
Matchday 11
Ariddia 1 Liverpool England 3
Matchday 12
Errinundera 0 Liverpool England 2
Matchday 13
Liverpool England 1 Squornshelous 1

Second Round
Matchday 14
The Belmore Family 0 Liverpool England 1

Full Quarter Final Results
Runaway Moose 1 Liverpool England 2 (after extra time)

Full Tally
(P-W-D-L-Pts)
15-11-2-2-35

(Oddslavo stats to come)

Oddslavo tally
P-W-D-L-Pts
14-9-2-3-29

Total Points, Empire of Liverpool England
[code:1:e1f43f16c9]
Empire of Liverpool England 29 20 04 05 64
[/code:1:e1f43f16c9]

The current top four forecast is
1. Runaway Moose
2. Bedistan
3. Europa Britannia
4. Busby.
(currently with odds of 280-1)


Well I kinda failed miserably on the top half of the draw, but Bedi and EB are still in there!

Europa Brittania slipped into the Semi-Finals of World Cup VIII with a narrow 3-2 win [on penalties] over Odddslavo. The match finishing 1-1 even after regulation and extra time had expired. Andrew Zurich scored the first goal of the match fourteen minutes into the second half, before a superb solo effort negated that shortly before the ninety minutes.

Zurich, Winter & McHilton netted successful penalties.

EB will now face their toughest test, Bedistan. An extremely accomplished footballing nation, the two sides have never met*. The ranked difference is extrodinary, with the slumping Brittanians measuring in at the not dizzying heights of 38, and the co-hosts 5.

However, never one to be overy optomistic at the best of times, Jarvis Smith commented-

"Its an extremely difficult game, make no mistake about that. However, we must realise that our approach to it is to be positive from the offset. We are no strangers to the later rounds of the cup, and we must shake this starry eyed mentality. We are good enough to once more reach the final, and perhaps beyond to the trophy. We must not lose our concentration or efforts for a second. We have proven that we are a force, but we must become a force that is feared once more in world football."







* I think.


[OOC: Well, I gues the SF were pretty good, advanced c ongrats to Bedi.....yes I really am that sure.... ;)]

An extremely accomplished footballing nation, the two sides have never met*.

Yes, that is correct. ;)

The ranked difference is extrodinary, with the slumping Brittanians measuring in at the not dizzying heights of 38, and the co-hosts 5.

Actually, your team is ranked #32, so you have a better chance than you thought. ;)

In case anyone is following the play but didn't read, or doesn't remember, the broadcast of the friendly match between Gilmeecia and Brazillico, here's a link to the first post (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1144830#1144830). I think the second half follows a few pages later.

And now, on with Act 2...

[code:1:37fe8a48be]Scene 3

(The presidential box at the National Stadium)

ENTER Pres, Ned, Esther, Krantzengil, Guildenstern, and various government officials and acquaintances of the President (including the President’s Aunt Mabel)

Pres
So tell me, my good Rose and Moe, what news
Of our esteemed Coach Kikere’s mood, then?
Does she apply herself with ‘propos vigor
To the task at hand, that of preparing
The ‘squad for the coming match with RM,
Or seems she distracted-- prone, possibly,
To gazing at yon distant fence, and through,
To the foul lands beyond Gilmeecia,
Dreaming, as it were, of hopping across
And scurrying back to her motherland?
What say you?
Krantzengil I know not what you mean, sir,
By “lands beyond Gilmeecia;” howe’er,
The Coach has truly attacked this day’s work
With more’n her normal enthusiasm.
Guildenstern
She surely desires us to win the match,
And in fact she bash’d my poor aching skull
With more ardor than she has in the past.
Krantzengil
Mine as well; and with some new, larger rocks.
Pres
Yes, this sounds as if she takes seriously
Her coachal duties. Good, then. But listen--
You two lummoxes must encourage her;
Remind her how dear are the Kickfooters
To her heart, and how pain’d it would make her
Ever to have to leave Gilmeecia.
For if she decides to flee her contract,
‘Twill rest on your sorry heads.
Krantzengil Yikes!
Guildenstern No, sir!
We will not let the thought e’er cross her mind.
Through our sweet words and actions, she will know
How much she loves this land, and never go.
Pres
Well, that seems unlikely. But do your best.
Now go, for the pageant-thing soon begins,
And I’ll not have the likes of you up here,
Stinking up the presidential box.

EXEUNT Krantzengil and Guildenstern; ENTER Kikere and Horschackio.

Pres
Ah, Coach, glad to see you.
Ned So what’s this “play,”
Or whatever the heck thing it may be
That we’re about to be treated to see?
Rumor has it, it’s an advance screening
Of “Lord of the Rings, part three,” or something.
Kikere
It’s no movie, Mister Minister. See?
No screen.
Ned Well, what’s that down there on the field?
Kikere
That’s a stage.
Ned A what?
Kikere A stage.
Ned A what?
Kikere Look,
That’s where the people are going to perform.
Ned
Perform what? “Lord of the Rings?”
Kikere No, a play.
Ned
Well, what’s a play, and how’s it diff’rent from
“Lord of the Rings, part three?”
Pres Just can it, Ned.
Excuse him Coach, he’s soft i’the head.
Kikere I know.
‘Tis a common affliction in this land.
Pres
Thanks. I like to think that’s my own doing,
Though in truth, His Oneness deserves some props.
Kikere
Yeh, whatever. Look: the lights are dimming.
Pres
Now everbody shut up and watch this.
Ned
Oboy! Soon I’ll know the fate of Frodo!

Trumpets sound. Dumb show follows.

Enter two boys. They play together most lovingly,
as would be expected of two boys raised together
since childhood. The second breaks into frequent
bouts of wheezing, however, and must be seated
for extended periods while he catches his breath.

EXEUNT players

Esther
This is a strange little playlet. What’s this,
Some sort of mime? I hate mime.
Kikere As do I.
Be patient, and All will be revealed.

ENTER (players as) President and Aunt.

Player Aunt
Now, my nephew, though you be President,
You must heed my words, for I am older,
Wiser, and need I remind you, your Aunt.
I know this match means a lot to you, but,
‘Tis still just a game, and a friendly, ‘s’well,
And I need you to keep in mind one thing:
Though I’ve agreed to let my son Moola
Take part as a member of the ‘Footers,
The side you’ve so hastily assembled;
And though I realize you’ve few options,
As footballers are scarce in Gilmeecia;
Still, Moola must play only sparingly,
Else he’s liable to come down with the Wheeze
And his breathing passages seize up fast.
Tell me you won’t overuse him, nephew,
For I’d hate nothing worse than for my son,
Poor, gentle Moola, to die in this game.
Player Pres
You have my word. I’ll see to Moola’s health,
As I would to my own.
Player Aunt I know you will.
Good luck, nephew, against Brazllico. EXIT Aunt.

ENTER (player as) Gil Lemson.

Player Pres
‘Tis the Dean of Lemmitanian sports!
Welcome to our humble land, my good sir.
Player Gil
Glad to be ‘ere.

President leads Gil to the broadcast booth (two seats).

Player Pres
What think you of our National Stadium?
Player Gil
For what you’re paying me, I think it grand.
I see the sides are taking to the pitch,
Which appears, by the way, to be a rug.
Player Pres
Indeed it is. Our resources are few,
In Gilmeecia, but soon we hope t’have
One of the world’s premier football sides here.
Player Gil
Sound ‘ighly unlikely, should you ask me,
But I’ve been proved wrong many times before.
Player Pres
The game begins! Look how the Kickfooters
Run about hither and yon, keeping pace
With the defending World Champion side!
Player Gil
Indeed they do. Forsooth, ‘oo’s that young man,
With such fine form, ‘oo controls the action?
‘e’d do well on any national side,
And if I ‘ad the opportunity,
I’d bring ‘im back with me for the Lemmings.
Player Pres
That’s my cousin Moola. He is, indeed,
The finest player on the squad. In fact,
Though my Aunt has advised me otherwise,
I’ll be relying on him the whole game.
Player Gil
Your Aunt? Why would she not want her good son
To be glorified by his play afield?
Surely she knows the team’s chances rest full
Upon his strapping shoulders?
Player Pres While she does,
She also fears for his life. He wheezes,
You see, when he exerts himself too much,
And she’d rather not see him collapse, dead.
Player Gil
Understandable. But so is your drive,
Your insatiable thirst for victory,
Over these Brazillico Chili Bats.
But look there! Moola has indeed collapsed!
Player Pres
Worry not. He collapses all the time,
And this in itself is no cause for alarm.
Player Gil
You should call your Aunt, and allay her fears.
Player Pres
Yes, I’ll do that right away. Look! ‘Tis Ned,
Taking the pitch in sleeping Moola’s stead.
Player Gil
Whilst you phone your Aunt, I’ll learn what’s the word
As regards your poor cousin’s condition.
Player Pres (to phone)
Hello? Mabel? It’s your loving nephew.
I’ve just called to tell you Moola’s okay.
Yes, he sits beside me in the box, now.
Very well then, I just wished to tell you,
So that you wouldn’t worry about him.
Player Gil
You said that he’s here in the booth with us?
Player Pres
Just a small white lie to reassure her.
Player Gil
Well, you might want to call her back, because
I’ve just gotten word from the field: Moola’s
D--
Pres
Cease! Desist! End this sham of a play, now!
Come, all, I’ll have no one witness such crap!
Come, come, clear the presidential box!
Esther Lou!
What’s gotten into you? It’s just in fun.
And I, for one, am enjoying myself.
Pres
Lies! Lies! This play is nothing but falsehoods!
Esther
What the hell are you talking about, Lou?
Pres
I’m talking about-- about-- I’m talking--
About the depiction of Gil Lemson!
Shameful, it’s simply shameful, that they cast
So great a man in so poor a light. No!
I’ll not allow the play to continue.
Go, players! Come, all, clear the box!

EXENUT all but Kikere and Horschackio.

Kikere
Heh. Just as I expected. You saw it?
Horschackio
Very well, my Coach.
Kikere
Upon the phone call to the Aunt?
Horschackio
I did very well note him.
Kikere
Now listen, Horschackio, and tell me:
Did my little entertainment not but
Put the smackdown on old Lou’s peace of mind?
Horschackio
Verily, he looked much disturbed to me.

ENTER Krantzengil and Guildenstern

Krantzengil
Good evening, our Coaches. Coach Kikere,
His lordship, good President Gilsterson
Has sent us hence, in order that we might
Fetch you back to the presidential suite.
Kikere
Oh? To what purpose?
Guildenstern We know not, Coach, but--
He wishes to have words.
Krantzengil For some reason,
The movie we just saw has him upset.
He bids you return with the two of us.
Kikere
Yes, yes, that’s good. But I’ll not do that. No,
‘Tis best to let him cool down for a bit.
I’ll visit him when we return. Till then,
Go back and tell him you could not find me.
Krantzengil
Yes, Coach.
Guildenstern You got it.
Kikere And then, go to bed.
Remember that tomorrow we depart
For the land of the Runaway Moose.

EXEUNT.

[/code:1:37fe8a48be]

[code:1:be29d22b58]Act III, Scene 1

The presidential suite.

ENTER Kikere, President, Ned, Horschackio.

Pres
Welcome back, Coach, and congratulations.
Though you didn’t manage to gain vict’ry
Over Alces Rex, more importantly,
You’ve brought the Kickfooters through to Round Two.
I’m proud as hell, for after this World Cup
The squad will surely move up in the ranks,
Perhaps to the top twenty in the world.

Ned
You’ve truly put Gilmeecia on the
Foot-game map.
Pres Shuddup, Ned. Just don’t you talk.
In fact, go away. And Horschackio,
You’re dismissed too. I want to Coach
Alone.

EXEUNT Ned, Horschackio.

Pres
Nice work, even though you lost to RM.
Kikere
Thanks.
Pres
I sent for you the night before you left.
But you never showed.
Kikere I thought it wisest.
Couldn’t be sure just how you would react.
Pres
Fair enough. Look, Coach, let’s speak plainly here.
You made your point with the play. So you know
The truth about Moola’s death; and you know
I don’t want my Aunt Mabel to find out.
So you have me over a damn barrel,
And I guess your price to keep it quiet
Is to be released from your contract.
Kikere
That’s what I was thinking.
Pres All right, all right.
I know when I’m beaten. After the Cup,
We tear up the contract. You can go back,
And coach the Tanah Burung side again.
Kikere
Thank you, Mister President. I did think
That we would come to some understanding,
And you’ve not disappointed me.
Pres Yeah, yeah.
I’m not an unreasonable man. Go--
Prepare the team for their second-round match;
It may be your last with the Kickfooters. EXIT Kikere.
Krantzengil! Guildenstern! Get in here! Now!

ENTER Krantzengil and Guildenstern.

Krantzengil
You beckoned, sir?
Guildenstern You wish to command us?
Pres
So far you two haven’t screwed up too badly,
So I’m gonna trust you with something big.
I have here a communiqué. I need--
Er, you two know what a communiqué is?
Krantzengil
Absolutely.
Guildenstern Positootly.
Pres Okay.
So I need you to deliver this.
Krantzengil What?
Pres
The communiqué. I need you two to
Deliver the communiqué. Okay?
Guildenstern
Okay.
Krantzengil
What?
Pres The communiqué.
Guildenstern Do what?
Pres
Deliver it.
Krantzengil He means deliver this
Commune-icky.
Guildenstern What’s that, some kind of fish?
Pres
I asked if you knew what it is.
Guildenstern We do.
A fish is a kind of animal, but
It lives under water, like a dolphin.
Pres
A communiqué-- are you both list’ning?
Krantzengil
Yes, sir.
Guildensern Yes, sir.
Pres A communiqué is
A written communication. Got it?
Krantzengil
We’ve got it, sir.
Guildenstern But Mister President,
If it’s written, don’t we have to read it?
Pres
It’s not written to you. I just need you
To deliver it.
Guildenstern Oh good. ‘Cause I can’t read.
Pres
No, I didn’t think you probably could.
Which is fine, because the contents of this
You needn’t worry yourselves about. This,
And I want you to get this through your heads,
Is a private message, and not for you.
Krantzengil
We understand.
Guildenstern Even if we could read,
Rest assured, sir, we wouldn’t peek at it.
Pres
Yeah, well, I’m not so sure I trust you two.
Just remember, if you screw up, you’re dead.
Krantzengil
Urk.
Guildenstern
Ugh.
Pres Right. So keep that in mind. Now then,
This communiqué, which, as you can see,
Bears the Presidential Seal, you’ll carry.
Now, here is your charge, so listen closely.
You will accompany Coach Kikere,
And once the ‘footers are out of the Cup,
And you’re on your way home-- when the ship’s ‘pon
The high seas, halfway to Gilmeecia,
You are to give this to the ship’s captain.
Show it to no one else, and execute
Your mission neither early nor late. Now,
Do you understand the words that I’ve said?
Krantzengil
Assuredly.
Guildenstern Yes.
Pres And you understand
What will happen to you if you fail me?
Krantzengil
Indubitubly.
Guildenstern Yes.
Pres Okay. Good, then.
Here’s the communiqué. Take good care of’t.
Now go, and stay close to Coach Kikere,
And bring me word should she decide to bolt.

EXEUNT.[/code:1:be29d22b58]

[code:1:aee0fb15ce]Scene 2

ENTER two Clowns, with spades, etc.

First Clown
Is’t to be buried in standard fashion,
When, last it was buried, it rose again?
Second Clown
I say it is; therefore make its grave straight.
The coroner has pronounced it well-dead.
First Clown
How can that be, unless Undead is Dead?
Second Clown
Why, ‘tis found so.
First Clown Perhaps it is believed
That in its present state, which’s not so much
Corporeal as Conflagrational,
It is unlikely to reconstitute.
Second Clown
But who can say? ‘Tis supernatural.
First Clown
Give me leave. Here lieth the body; good.
Here stand the living; good. If the body
Rise from the grave and seek the livings’ brains,
It is, will he, nill he, a Zombie-- mark.
But if the body’s incinerated,
It eats brains not, for having no mouth, can’t.
Ergo, the Zombie enflamed is no threat.
Second Clown
But is this law?
First Clown Aye, ‘tis-- Natural Law.
Second Clown
Will you have the truth on it? Had this been,
Not the president’s cousin, it had been
Disposed of by other means.
First Clown By what means?
Second Clown
I know not; seal’d hermetically, perhaps,
And dumped into the sea, or o’er the fence?

ENTER Kikere and Horschackio, at a distance.

First Clown
You speak truth.
Second Clown Even being near the thing,
Though it has been reduced to mere ashes,
Giveth me the heebie-jeebies. Good night.

EXIT Second Clown. First Clown Digs.

First Clown (Song)
“In youth, when he did wheeze, did wheeze,
They thought it was very sweet,
To sign him to a football contract
Before the Brazillico meet.”
Kikere
Who’s this clown singing while digging a grave?
Horshackio
Custom’s inured him to the emotion
One might expect in such a job.
Kikere ‘Tis so.
And who is it they bury, sans body?
Horschackio
I’ve heard it’s Moola Gilsterson, again;
While we played and lost to Haraki,
The Zombie was tracked down by Ground Forces,
And annihilated with flamethrowers.
Clown (Song)
“Though Death, with his stealing steps,
Hath claw’d him in its clutch,
He walks about in seek of brains,
As if he’d ne’er been such.”

(Throws up a skull.)

Kikere
Yuck. He’s throwing skulls. Look: that’s Moola’s grave
He digs; and in the same place ‘twas buried
The first time. You know what this means?
Horschackio No, what?
Kikere
It means, lummox, that Moola rests therein.
What skull would be in his grave, but his own?
He never rose from the dead, as I said;
Whoever Lou had torched was no Zombie,
But some poor, mortal soul.

(Picks up skull)

Kikere
Alas, poor Moola! Though I knew him not,
Horschackio, I’m told he was a fellow
Of minimal breath, most excellent wheeze.
Wheezy, they called him-- or so I’ve been told.
Well, kid, Zombie or not, you wheeze no more.

(Tosses skull back into grave)

Clown (from within grave)
Ouch!
Kikere
Come, Morris, this nation is poisonous.
Let’s be off.

EXEUNT Kikere, Horschackio.

Clown (Peeking from grave)
Is’t raining skulls, or do I imagine’t? (Goes back to digging.)

ENTER President, Ned.

Pres
All right, once we’ve got these ashes buried,
We’ll post a twenty-four hour guard here,
To make sure no more stories get started.
Ned
You got it, Lou.
Pres
So the ship’s in from Oglethorpia?
Ned
It’s docked this hour.
Pres
Good, good. We should head down there, to make sure
That all went well during the crossing. Ned,
It makes me a bit sad, to tell the truth,
That poor Coach Kikere met such a fate.
But I couldn’t let her skip out on me,
And I sure as hell couldn’t let it go
When she tried to push me around.
Ned No, Lou.
Pres
So, let’s get down to the dock, and welcome
Good Krantzengil and Guildenstern back home.

EXEUNT President, Ned.

Clown (from within grave)
By the pricking of my thumbs, there’s something
Rotten in the state of Gilmeecia. EXIT.
[/code:1:aee0fb15ce]

You can't kill Krantzengil and Guilderstern!

You can't kill Krantzengil and Guilderstern!

Ye plot thickeneth.

One scene to go.

Odds on Rose and Moe surviving: 10-1

Odds on Lou surviving: 5-1

Odds on Bi Kikere surviving: 3-1

Odds on Ned surviving: 3-2

Place yer bets, ladies and gents.

Extra post OOC: LE here.

extra post

extra post

extra post

Don't delete your posts.

Just edit them to say you double-triple-quadruple posted.

Or it messes up the pages.

You can't kill Krantzengil and Guilderstern!

Ye plot thickeneth.

One scene to go.

Odds on Rose and Moe surviving: 10-1

Odds on Lou surviving: 5-1

Odds on Bi Kikere surviving: 3-1

Odds on Ned surviving: 3-2

Place yer bets, ladies and gents.

$4 billion on the survival of the lovable Rose and Moe :wink:

Bi Kikere, $4 million and a car of your choice

Oddslavo stats
Oddslavo 2 1900s Oglethorpia 1
Dead Man 2 Oddslavo 3
Oddslavo 2 The Weegies 2
Chronos Prime 0 Oddslavo 1
One Red Dot 0 Oddslavo 2
1900s Oglethorpia 1 Oddslavo 4
Oddslavo 4 Dead Man 0
The Weegies 0 Oddslavo 2
Oddslavo 0 Chronos Prime 2
Oddslavo 1 One Red Dot 1

After Matchday 10, full Group 6 tables
[code:1:827b04ca02]Group 6 P W D L F A GD Pts
Oddslavo (35) 10 7 2 1 21 9 +12 23
One Red Dot (16) 10 6 1 3 17 12 +5 19
The Weegies (68) 10 4 2 4 16 16 0 14
1900s Oglethorpia 10 4 0 6 22 27 -5 12
Dead Man (107) 10 3 1 6 17 21 -4 10
Chronos Prime 10 3 0 7 12 20 -8 9 [/code:1:827b04ca02]

Oddslavo 1 Ravenspire 2
Oddslavo 1 Demonic Beings 0
Antaeus Rising 0 Oddslavo 1

After Matchday 13, full Group C tables
[code:1:827b04ca02]Group C P W D L F A GD Pts
Ravenspire (29) 3 2 1 0 7 4 +3 7
Oddslavo (35) 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2 6
Antaeus Rising (53) 3 0 2 1 4 6 -2 2
Demonic Beings (47) 3 0 1 2 3 7 -4 1 [/code:1:827b04ca02]

Round of 16
Oddslavo 2 Oglethorpia 1
Round of 8 (QF)
Oddslavo 1 Europa Brittania 1 AET (EB won 3-2 on penalties)

SARGARD STAR

Mike-Mike Suit Thrown Out of Court

The identity-theft suit between RNN newscaster Michael Black and sports commentator Mike White of Oglethorpia came before a court today. In a stunning display of common sense, the three presiding judges took only five minutes to dismiss the suit and ridicule the involved parties. One of the jurists said, "This is the most ridiculous waste of time I've seen since that fast-food lawsuit." The tribunal sentenced Black to 100 hours of community service for "blatant and excessive public stupidity." White was issued an identical sentence in absentia, to be served if ever he should travel to Ravenspire.

Kaede Kitsuki and Amara Akizuki Wed in Oglethorpia

The World Cup may be over for the Ravens, but the team, which remained in Oglethorpia in support of Europa Brittania, proved to have cause to celebrate: Strikers Kaede Kitsuki and Amara Akizuki were married late yesterday. The pair, sports idols in Ravenspire, had been engaged for five years. The nondenominational ceremony took place on the pitch in Kuruma Stadium, Oglethorpia City, after normal hours, and was attended primarily by teammates and family, with team captain and mentor Zhen Sui-Ling serving as Best Woman.

[code:1:22e1ce5fb3]Scene 3

(The dock, and border with Loro Sae)

Enter Kikere and Horschackio.

Kikere
So much for Moola; now we’ll see ‘bout Lou.
You do remember all the circumstance?
Horschackio
Remember it, my Coach! Er, no, I don’t.
Kikere
In my heart there was a kind of burning
That would not let me sleep. I thought I had
Acid-reflux disease, or something like.
But, I’d eaten well, and so I ascribed
The pain to some premonitory sense.
We’d lost to Haraki, we were asea,
And Krantzengil and Guildenstern were tense
As a couple of live wires. For what cause?
The Cup was over, they had no more need
To fret o’er it. But they stuck close by me,
Even aboard the ship, and it made me
Most highly suspicious.
Horschackio And rightly so!
Kikere
So late one night, I stole up from my cabin,
My sea-gown scarf’d about me, in the dark,
And groping about, I searched their persons
Whilst they slept; and finding a small packet,
Withdrew to mine own quarters once again.
‘Twas a missive, sealed with the president’s
Stamp, addressed to the captain of the ship;
And boldly, I unsealed it, and read well
The contents. Ah, Gilsterson’s knavery!
An exact command, chock-full of reasons,
Citing the good of Gilmeecia, and
Et cetera, and et cetera, so--
That, on the reading of the document,
The captain was to draw out his cutlass,
And my head should be struck off.
Horschackio Can it be?
Kikere
Here’s the commission; read it for yourself. (Gives document.)
But do you want to hear what I did next?
Horschackio
I beseech you.
Kikere
Being thus surrounded by murderous
Bastards, I bethought it only fitting
To give as I’d received. I sat me down,
Devised a new a new commission, and wrote it.
It took some effort to reproduce such
Devilish evil cunning as Lou’s own,
But I pulled it off. Do you want to know
The jist of what I wrote?
Horschackio Totally, Coach.
Kikere
An earnest greeting from the President,
As the captain was his faithful servant,
As the captain was the keeper of th’peace,
That, in pursuing peacekeeping duties,
The captain must deal appropriately
With such rabble-rousers as the bearers
Of the document have proven themselves;
Et cetera, et cetera, and some
Further details I provided, as re:
The specifics of the punishment. Ha!
And then I sealed the thing up, and returned
It to the place from which I’d drawn the first.
Neither Rose nor Moe e’er suspected it.
Horschackio
Well, that explains, I suppose why they both
Disappeared halfway to Gilmeecia.
But Coach, tell me-- what punishment was mete?
Surely you didn’t call for the captain
To hack off their heads?
Kikere Most apropos, no?
But look, we must leave off this discussion;
Here come Lou and Ned.

ENTER President, Ned.

Pres
Coach! Wha-- Bu-- Er-- I mean-- Nice to see you?
Kikere
Can it, Lou, as you’re so fond of saying.
You needn’t try to cover; I found out
Your sordid little plan. Having me killed,
At sea, in international waters;
Very clever, that. But as you can see,
I got the jump on your sorry lackeys,
Those fools Rose and Moe, and I have returned,
To get my revenge.
Pres What d’you plan to do?
Kikere
Beat the crap out of you. Put up your dukes.
Pres
Oh yeah? Well, I’ll not go down so easy.
Bring it on, Coach.

(They begin to spar. Kikere scores a hit.)

Kikere
Take that!
Pres
You missed me.
Kikere
Boys? Did I not smack him a good one?
Ned Yep.
Horschackio
A smack. A very parpable whallop.

(The fight continues. Kikere kicks the President where it hurt ye most.)

Kikere
That that, again!
Pres (wheezing)
You missed me.
Kikere
Your inability to draw a breath
Belies your words.

(They grapple; Kikere throws the President, and stomps him.)


Pres (gasping)
You--
Kikere There, now.
Pres (wheezing) --missed--
Kikere You’re beaten.
Pres (rattling) --me.
Kikere Lie still.
Don’t try to get up, Lou, or I’ll make sure
You can’t get up again.
Pres (rasping) Know what? I’m beat.
Kikere
Indeed, you are. Both in the fight, and in
The grander game. For now, I’ll take my leave;
The gate to Loro Sae is opening,
And I’ve but to walk across. You’ve no hold,
Lou; your contract carries no weight. For here,
In my hand, I hold the communiqué
In which you ordered my death. I’ll keep it,
And I’ll tell none about it-- just so long’s
You do nothing foolish, such as trying
To call me back to Gilmeecia.
Pres ‘Kay.
You go now.
Kikere
Morris, you’re welcome to come with me and,
If you choose, work as an assistant coach
Again, with the Crocodiles.
Horschackio No, I think
I’d best stay here, where I understand things.
Kikere
Suit yourself. Farewell.

EXIT Kikere, across the border. ENTER First Mate, from the ship.

First mate
The sight is dismal, and my words too late.
Our good president lies dead on the ground,
The ears senseless that should give us hearing,
To tell him his orders have been fulfilled.

Pres (wheezily)
Luckily, I still live.

First Mate
Oh, well, in that case, then, let it be said
That Krantzengil and Guildenstern are dead!

ENTER Krantzengil and Guildenstern, disheveled, and ship’s Captain.

Or maybe not.
Captain
What’s this talk of these players being dead?
Who ordered that?
First Mate Th’president-- did he not?
Captain (brandishing paper)
Not that I know. The orders I received,
Signed by the President, called for those two
To be locked in a trunk for the balance
Of the journey home.
Pres Lemme see that thing.
You idiot, that’s not my signature.
I didn’t want these two locked in a trunk,
I wanted Kikere dead!
Captain Oh. My bad.

ENTER Large Dog.

Large Dog
Scooby-dooby-doo!

(All laugh. EXEUNT.)[/code:1:22e1ce5fb3]

The Maracaibo Post

White-Black/Mike-Mike suit thrown out; Mike returns!
Ravenspiran court throws out the White-Black/Mike-Mike suit; Mike White returns to Oglethorpia

Conclusion was finally reached in the longstanding White-Black/Mike-Mike case that has been going on for several months, from World Cup 8 qualifying down to the semi-finals of the Cup. Said White's lawyer, Cletus Birkmaier: "We've finally reached resolution, despite it being an undesirable outcome. It seems the other suits will end this way too." In another uncanny-hard-to-believe benefit, Mike White also returned to his home in Lundcastle, Maracaibo; only hours after the White-Black case was thrown out.

"It's good to be back," White said. "I hope we can all move past this fiasco and continue bringing people what they want; good World Cup coverage." Mike expressed interest in repairing relations with the 22-year commentator Michael Black of Ravenspire.

"That guy should like, stay in Tanah Tarantula," said a local Oglethorpian. It has yet to be seen if White can appeal to the masses of both Oglethorpia and the international sporting community again after the Mike-Mike-Mike-Mike fiasco.

More as it comes.

[code:1:718dff1368] ENTER Large Dog.

Large Dog
Scooby-dooby-doo!

(All laugh. EXEUNT.)[/code:1:718dff1368]

Heh, I love it. :D

[code:1:bc5cbe105f]
EXIT Kikere, across the border. [/code:1:bc5cbe105f]

Bi Kikere dismissed as Kickfooters Head Coach

Dateline: Gilmeecia

In a surprise move, President Lou Gilsterson today sent Coach Bi Kikere packing, tearing up her contract and declaring her persona non grata in Gilmeecia. Said the President, "Screw her. We don't need her kind in Gilmeecia. Anyway, what's so great about her?"

The President's reasons for souring on the highly successful coach are unknown, but speculation runs rampant that she kicked him in the nuts during a dispute over the fates of disgraced defenders Rose Krantzengil and Moe Guildenstern. Speculation also runs rampant that President Gilsterson may have discovered that Coach Kikere is actually a zombie.

Either way, Gilmeecians everywhere will miss their beloved Coach, until they are officially ordered to cut it out. No replacement has yet been named.

Bi Kikere offered job of Schimpol Bulldogs Head Coach
Just barely a few hours after here contract with the Gilmeecian national team ended, Bi Kikere was seen in Liverpool England. She had been offered a contract as the Head Coach of the Schimpol Bulldogs, who are fighting for their lives against relegation despite being the reigning runners-up. Said General Director, Lou Brederman, "We believe Ms. [Bi] Kikere can produce the goods we want. We want a top 4 finish. We are 7th out of 8th. Not good when we finished second last year."

OOC: I wonder whether I'll be able to hit 800 posts before WC9 Qualifying starts.

Bi Kikere offered job of Schimpol Bulldogs Head Coach
Just barely a few hours after here contract with the Gilmeecian national team ended, Bi Kikere was seen in Liverpool England. She had been offered a contract as the Head Coach of the Schimpol Bulldogs, who are fighting for their lives against relegation despite being the reigning runners-up. Said General Director, Lou Brederman, "We believe Ms. [Bi] Kikere can produce the goods we want. We want a top 4 finish. We are 7th out of 8th. Not good when we finished second last year."

Don't get your hopes up, LE. Inside information has it that Ms. Kikere is interested in one job only.

OOC: I wonder whether I'll be able to hit 800 posts before WC9 Qualifying starts.

Chill, dude. No need to be a post whore.

[code:1:634ccc1fee]
17 Gilmeecia (46) 4 1 1 2 4 8 -4 4
18 Audioslavia (13) 3 1 0 2 6 6 0 3
[/code:1:634ccc1fee]

tis the final insult :(

Yeh, well, don't forget, the Kickfooters were coached by Bi Kikere, after all.

Semifinal Fixtures

Haraki (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=haraki) vs. Liverpool England (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=liverpool_england)
Holmes Stadium - Columbia, Federal District, Bedistan
http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/holmes_stadium.jpg http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/holmes_stadium2.jpg

Europa Brittania (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=europa_brittania) vs. Bedistan (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=display_nation/nation=bedistan)
James Oglethorpe National Stadium - Midshire, Oglethorpia
http://oglethorpia.free-host.com/stadiums/Oglethorpe_145,000.jpg

LIVERPOOL ENGLAND WORLD CUP 8 REPORT
TEAM INTO FINAL AFTER VICTORY OVER HARAKI

(Liverpool England 1, Dussis 19th Haraki 1 AET. LE won 2-1 on penalties)

A letter from Oglethorpia...

From:
Johnny Lewis
Visitors' Locker Room, Locker #8
James Oglethorpe National Stadium
Midshire, OGLETHORPIA

To:
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Lewis
2184 North Highway 95
Weltonville, NS 32814 BEDISTAN

Dear Mom and Dad,

We're going to the finals! Played a devil of a match today against Europa Brittania. You know, they've been trying to get the Cup ever since the very first one, almost 30 years ago! I could tell they wanted it this time, and they were sure playing like it. I almost felt sorry to see them be eliminated yet again, but what can you do?

I got our team's goal, 19 minutes into the second half. Rivera gave me a nice cross, and I was dead on. The keeper looked totally heartbroken. Of course, I wouldn't have wanted to be Olivia today -- she just got back to the starting lineup after that nasty head injury against Giant Zucchini. Anyway, the Brittanians really gave her a run for her money. Looks like she's still proving why she was considered the best GK of WC7.

Anyway, gotta go -- we're boarding the plane back for Columbia in 3 hours, and we have to get to the airport. Don't forget to watch the game Sunday!

Love,
Johnny

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

Final score:
Europa Brittania 0
Bedistan 1 (Lewis 64)

An advertisement running on Tanah Burung Radio International:

Adventurer, goal keeping great, blackmailer, drug merchant, beauty queen, coach extraordinaire, international woman of mystery.

Bi Kikere.

If she can save Gilmeecia -- Gilmeecia! -- she can save us. She can save anyone. Tell the bureaucrats: Don't be zombies! Bring her home! Make her a Crocodile again!

It's a Great Day 'n Gilmeecia. Outrageous fortune can be ours too!

And fortune's name is Bi Kikere.

---

Sources confirm Bi Kikere is at an undisclosed location somewhere in the continent of FIFA. "I'd like to come home, if the price is right," she is rumoured to have said. "Otherwise, i may just retire to a small Hamlet in the countryside."

Letter to Anna Zendar, mother of current soccer star.

Mom,

Sorry to say we lost in the semifinals. Liverpool England beat us out in penalties. However, we still have a chance to get through to the third place. If nothing esle, the Hawks will place fourth. Not bad for my first world cup, eh? And there's always World Cup nine, which the Hawks have secured a palce in.

Love,
Mike

Liverpool England's record against higher ranked teams (World Cup 8 ): no losses, 1 draw, all others wins

Errinundera (1): won 2-0 (WCRd1)
Runaway Moose (4): won 1-0 (WCQuarter Finals)
Bedistan (5): not yet played.
Ariddia (6): won 3-1 (Rd 1)
Squornshelous (12): Wc Rd 1, drew 1-1
The Belmore Family (xx): WC Second Round, won 1-0
Haraki (22): WC Semi Final won 2-1 on penalties

DP.

TP

DP

OOcly, when does the final play out?

QP

that's six posts! AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHH!

Extra post, damn @#$% forums

The Maracaibo Post

Amalgamate - at a later date
Amalgamated Industries to sponsor Maracaibo Futebol Liga; once World Cup 8 ends, that is

Amalgamated Industries Ltd. of Córdoba, Maracaibo has signed a contract with the Oglethorpian Association of Futebol this week naming them sponsor of the Maracaibo Futebol Liga for 15 years, to take effect after World Cup 8 comes to a conclusion. Said one official on the deal: "We don't start labeling it as the Amalgamated Maracaibo Futebol Liga until after World Cup 8. I guess you could say 'Amalgamate - at a later date.'"

When told that a similar statement existed in Snub Nose 38, 'evicerate' at a later date, the representative merely shrugged his shoulders. "Never heard of that word. Or that saying. Or that country," he commented.

Amalgamated Industries is based in Córdoba, Maracaibo, the location of both most of it's factories as well as it's corporate headquarters. "This is a great deal for our corporation and the Maracaibo Futebol Liga. We're proud to associate ourselves with such a noteworthy sporting event," commented a corporate representative.

More as it comes.

'Amalgamate - at a later date!'

---

EDIT: Bah, stupid code tags.

EDIT 2x: Bah, stupid perfectionist-attitude.

EDIT 3x: There is no edit 3.

Excitement in Runaway Moose and Dissention among the Alces Rex Ranks

Alces Rex fans have been following Liverpool England most dutifully since the captain's announcement following their game that he was in love with a player on RM's side.
Among teammates however, as well as now retired players, this has caused an argument as to whom he meant. The nation waits with baited breath for the announcement. Post game reports are receiving higher ratings lately than "The Bachelor".
Also, many people are left wondering about the mystery child that appeared with MOZ shortly after her final game. Was this indeed her child? And if so, who is the father? Moosenians are certainly keeping their ears open for more details.

OOcly, when does the final play out?

Sunday, probably Sunday afternoon (North America time).

(OOC: Runaway Moose, will you do the honours of saying who Cannon is in love with? Your choice.)

Brittania falls once more, Jarvis Smith tenders resignation.


Absolute silence.

The sound was of nothing ever heard before as Mark Reeves leapt high to his right, rolling through on to his stomach in time to watch the ball slam into his net.

In the one point seven seconds it took for the Bedistan fans to register their achievment, Brittania had failed again.

It didn't take thousands of fans, or a studio full of so called "experts" to realise Brittania would not push Bedistan for an equaliser.

Once more, the so called heavyweights had utterly failed to claim their prize.

A poignant reminder of the emotions came with the publishing of the sports reports the following morning. Pictures displayed the raw hurt experienced by a team that had only this competition left to prove themselves capable.

Of Andrew Zurich, lying utterly distraught on the beaten turf, tears running down his cheeks as the Bedistans celebrated their victory around.

David Winter, whose final chance of a World Cup winners medal lay shattered, leaned against the upright, his hands covering his face.

The young Derek Lionel, tipped to take Zurich's crown from him for the next competition stared at the Bedistan goal, for it was possibly he who suffered the most.

Ten minutes from time, Brittania had one a lifeline they did not deserve in the slightest.

A weaving run from Andew Zurich brought a hefty foul inside the box, and the gift of a spot kick. Still the object of controversy Zurich declined to take the penalty, and Derek Lionel took on the duty.

Lionel began his run up, the Brittanian fans chanting his name as though they were fifty thousand in number. Zurich, Winter, Junnon and McHilton timed themselves, ready to pounce apon a save or rebound....

But it never came.

Lionel made contact with the ball, and sent it thrashing miles over the crossbar and into the stands.


The headlines the next day were as cruel as they were true.

LIONEL COSTS EB FINAL

LIONEL THROWS AWAY SEMI

EB OUT- LIONEL BLAMED


There were no boos from the Brittanians at full time. The travelling support shuffled out quietly and quickly. Some cried, others shook with rage, A bizarre counterance of the Bedistans who partied and cheered superbly.

However worse was to come the next day-

EB Rocked by Resignations.

The Evening Tribute carried the alarming announcement. Jarvis Smith had resigned. He had given no interview, and no reasons bar an apology for failing the fans. Most were sad and distraught to see him go- But few could argue. EB was a superpower who failed time and time again. Fresh blood would be the only chance for glory.

Only hours later David Winter and Rusel Cannon announced their formal retirement from Football completely. Sources close to the men claimed they were broken after the SemiFinal defeat, and could face not another domestic season.

Was it merely ironic fate that before the evening presses went to air, Andrew Zurich announced he would take part in no further international fixtures for the forseeable future.

when asked in an extremely rare interview-

"I'm sorry. Sorry to the fans who travelled to Oglethorpia, sorry to the fans who watched us crash out and disappoint them again. I'm sorry I didn't step forward and take that spot kick. And I can't let them down anymore. They deserve better. I will not pull on the EB jersey again."

This has been a report by Speysan Guiles- on the International crisis of Europa Brittania.

Thank you.

Kaze Progressan bookmakers GetLucky have predicted hosts Bedistan to take the final. Odds of 7-11 have been offered against them, as opposed to 7-6 for Liverpool England.

For the result after 90 minutes, a Bedistan win is 6-7, a LE win 11-7 and a draw 10-3. The odds on a penalty shootout are 13-4.

Statistics going into the final match:

[code:1:0c4862346f]World Cup WC5 WC6 WC7 WC8 (so far)
Matches Played 13 19 17 6

Wins 5 8 8 5
Draws 5 6 2 0
Losses 3 5 7 1

Goals For 19 31 25 11
Average GF 1.46 1.63 1.47 1.83
Goals Against 19 21 16 4
Average GA 1.46 1.11 0.94 0.67
Goal Diff. 0 +10 +9 +7
Average GD 0.00 +0.53 +0.53 +1.17

Total Matches 13 32 49 55

Acc. Wins 5 13 21 26
Acc. Draws 5 11 13 13
Acc. Losses 3 8 15 16

Accumulated GF 19 50 75 86
Ave. Acc. GF 1.46 1.56 1.53 1.56
Accumulated GA 19 40 56 60
Ave. Acc. GA 1.46 1.25 1.14 1.09
Accumulated GD 0 +10 +19 +26
Ave. Acc. GD 0 +0.31 +0.39 +0.47

Average Opp. Rank 34.28 45.21 54.59 25.33
Highest Opp. Rank 9 6 3 10
Lowest Opp. Rank 45 100 100 38

Rank Entering Cup 45 27 25 5[/code:1:0c4862346f]

Goals scored in WC8:
Lewis 6
Briscoe 2
Sierra 1
Myers 1
Tibbetts 1

Goals allowed in WC8:
Bream 3 (4.5 matches)
Mitchell 1 (1.5 matches)

[code:1:430f877d39]Ranking P W D L F A GD Pts
** Liverpool England (28) 6 5 1 0 11 4 +7 16
** Bedistan (5) 6 5 0 1 11 4 +7 15
** Haraki (22) 6 4 1 1 14 5 +9 13
** Europa Brittania (32) 6 3 2 1 11 9 +2 11[/code:1:430f877d39]

If Bedistan and Haraki win:
1) Bedistan (18 pts)
2) Haraki (16 pts, GD +10 or higher)
3) Liverpool England (16 pts, GD +6 or lower)
4) Europa Brittania (11 pts)

If Bedistan and EB win:
1) Bedistan (18 pts)
2) Liverpool England (16 pts)
3) Europa Brittania (14 pts)
4) Haraki (13 pts)

If LE and Haraki win:
1) Liverpool England (19 pts)
2) Haraki (16 pts)
3) Bedistan (15 pts)
4) Europa Brittania (11 pts)

If LE and EB win:
1) Liverpool England (19 pts)
2) Bedistan (15 pts)
3) Europa Brittania (14 pts)
4) Haraki (13 pts)

Predictions

3rd Placing

Europa Brittania d Haraki


Finals

Bedistan d Liverpool England

Alan City approach International Players

Alan City are alledged to be having talks with Europa Britannia World Cup veteran Jarvis Smith. All the club had to say was that things are looking good for a new manager. The original manager, Kim Belmore was sacked after failing to win the league, dropping out to Dorminian Rovers on Goal Difference.

AC are also looking at signing Liverpool England star, Paul Dussis the club has only commented that talks with the player and team will not begin untill after the important WC final.

The Maracaibo Sports Network

World Cup Watch
Semi-finals Review

Ray McHale: Hey there futebol fans, we're watching World Cup 8 enter it's final two games, the Cup about to come to a close in only a few short weeks. With me here tonight is Eduardo Escobar and Dennis Day, as usual. Any nagging thoughts, guys?

Dennis Day: Our World Cup 8 final is between Liverpool England and Bedistan. You can be sure those rabid Oglethorpian futebol fans will be pulling for Bedistan as if it were their own national team.

Eduardo Escobar: Oh yes, Holmes Stadium will be filled with a large contingent of Oglethorpian fans eager to watch the World Cup 8 final.

Ray: And on the Oglethorpian side of things, 145,000 fans will be seated in the James Oglethorpe National Stadium to watch the third place match between Europa Brittania and Haraki.

Dennis: Europa Brittania cannot possibly win that game.

Eduardo: Why not?

Dennis: That team was shattered by the loss to Bedistan. Unless they put forth a team filled with subs, all of their starters; Zurich and Smith for example, don't seem like they're about to play that match.

Ray: Aye, a most unfortunate situation in Europa Brittania.

Eduardo: We'll see how they preform. EB are also favorites in that match.

Ray: And now of the Oglethorpian World Cup-squad we've got coach Guy Picciotto on hand. Guy, welcome.

Guy Picciotto: Glad to be here.

Ray: Guy, fantastic job coaching the World Cup team. What do you say to being called "the best WC coach in twelve years?"

Guy: It's wrong. I didn't do anything but repeat a finish that Adam Wyneberg attained in World Cup 5.

Ray: It's only happened twice, though.

Guy: I guess I have some deserved praise, but it's just another mediocre finish for the Oglethorpian international futebol program.

Dennis: No knock against Guy, or any of the players on the squad: but we have always had a mediocre team. Never advanced into the quarterfinals, much less ever been ranked in a single digit.

Guy: Can't argue there. Hard loss to Oddslavo, a big big damper.

Dennis: There's always next Cup, because it seems the Association of Futebol is ready to keep you around, Guy.

Ray: This year was one of the best Cup efforts; in-line with all those past. Sort of there in the running, but one misstep and like that an Oglethorpian appearance in the quarters or semis is spoiled.

Eduardo: We'll see in four years how the team fares in it's sixth Cup with Guy Picciotto at the helm once again.

Guy: Well, uh...thanks.

Dennis: Yep.

Ray: And that's the end of this edition of World Cup Watch. For Eduardo Escobar and Dennisday, good night folks. A big thanks to coach Guy Picciotto for showin' up tonight, and best of luck to him with his exploits coachin' Tripoli FC. See ya later, futebol fans!

With rumours abound that Jarvis Smith will return to domestic managment with a club within TBF, Caretaker manager David Straiton announced that he would be fielding an extremely mismatched starting eleven for the third place decider against Haraki.

"Lets not beat around the bush, this decider is not high on our list of priorities. Finishing third or fourth fiddle will not improve the mood of our fans or our players. Simply put, this is a formality."

Before he had even recieved control, Straiton was without Zurich, Winter & Cannon through retirement. The majority of the remaining first team players were allowed home.

"The only players with any international experience left in Oglethorpia at the time of this interview are Derek [Lionel], Mikel [Hansen], Gordon [O'Hanrahan] Noel [Huntly] and a the Under sixteen squad. I shall be drawing on their majority. I apologise to the team of Haraki, and indeed fans of the WC, but the situation has deemed it. Make no mistake, we will fight this game, and will not be content to simply lose for the sake of it. We are sportsmanlike, even to the end."

The Maracaibo Post

Oglethorpian World Cup-squad found drunk
Oglethoripan World Cup-squad found drunk outside Los Polverines bar

LOS POLVERINES, PORLAMAR - All eleven starters of the Oglethorpian World Cup-squad were found laying drunk outside a popular Los Poverinian drinking establishment, "the Bloody Hangover" just outside the commercial district. All eleven players were either asleep or incapacitated right outside of the establishment surrounded by dozens and dozens of bottles of beer.

"It seemed odd to see that many people outside sleeping on the street, and then I began to recognize them as futebol players," said a passing Oglethorpian who had just left the bar.

The Association of Futebol has made no comment on the issue as it stands. The drunken-World Cup players have been taken into police custody though it is believed their drunkenness was harmless. Guy Picciotto also could not be reached for comment on the matter.

More on this story as it comes.

SoWhatsville News (Front Page)

National icon dies at home

The Halfassedstates Football team manager, Sir James Munro died in his sleep last night. The 82 year old had lead the national team since it inception just over 13 years ago, and had helped the team become a well respected opposition in any fixture. Sir James had been suffering from heart problems over the passed couple of months and had returned home to his estate in the Whogivesa suburbs after the footballing teams exit in round 2 of the current WC.
It is believed that 'the master' suffer a mild heart-attack on Monday and his condition had deteriorated over the past few days.
It had been reported that Sir James was intending to resign his post when the HFA had found a suitable replacement for the job. HFA chairman Peter Parks issued the following statement earlier to-day,
"Obviously the HFA are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Sir James, he was a National icon who helped put Halfassed on the international map. It is a sad day for the nation, we have lost a man who had become a surrogate father to hundreds and all those who played for him over the years had the greatest respect for how he acted and for his abilities as a coach and manager."

When asked about WC9 and who may be taking over the helm for the Halfassed team, Mr. Parks replyed, "The rumours regarding Sir James' retirement were true, we had agreed to let him step aside and had been looking for a replacement, however, in the circumstances, it is unlikly that we will be making any announcement until Tuesday at the earliest."

This only adds to recent speculation regarding the recent resignation of Europa Britannia coach Jarvis Smith who stepped down only hours after his teams exit from the semis of WC8. It had been rumoured that Jarvis was moving to manage a Belmore Family club side, although a few critics were sceptical of this considering the time he spent in the international game.
Former Gilmeecia coach Bi Kikere and Kaze Progressa coach Chares Catrar have also been connected with the job

With Sir James's funeral taking place on Monday, it is unlikly that much more will be known until Tuesday, as the HFA have made it clear that they are not going to do anything until then.

A man distraught, but looking ahead.


Jarvis Smith reclined on the terracing of his modest abode. His view included splendid rolling plains, and thick, lush forests. The rain gently fell apon the decking around him. The sun disappears below the horizon, another day has concluded.

And Jarvis sighs.

The man in question, who had resigned from the job he loved only twenty four hours earlier holds his head in his hands. For the man in question; Jarvis Smith, does not know where his path lay.

Smith was and still is an extremely talented and well thought of manager. His resume includes such lavish domestic addresses as Football Club' Altantis, Western United & Junnon Rangers. He has guided the former to its only league championship within its one hundred and four year history.

Replacing the controversial Patrick Gordon, Jarvis Smith entered the International hotseat with a not unreasonable hope.

Now, after five World Cup attempts, a handful of later stage appearances, and not a single winning medal, he leaves.


Already journalists camp outside his garden walls, hoping for that exclusive interview that reveals his next choice, where will he go? When will he do it?

Early this morning, news of the death of Halfassedstates international coach [SIR] James Munro rumours of Jarvis's appointment spread like wildfire. Domestic clubs throughout the world, including a confirmed offer from a TBF premier league outfit clamoured for his signature.

But the man himself, is still tight lipped.

"Its nice, really comforting after my resignation to be linked with these roles which I all see as something I'd be happy to do. But I can't honestly comment on what I plan to do until I....I actually know what it is."

When asked wether he felt domestic football might be more lucrative than another International role, Smith refuted:

"Not at all, not at all. I think possibly I have the most to prove [Of international success], I still crave the awards and unique approach the international scene takes over domestic football. Don't get me labelled however. I think that football itself is undeniably linked to the domestic scene. But I've spent the majority of my career there, managing Khandrias, Western United and Junnon.....I still think I have something left to give internationally. But who knows...."


By Nickholas Graveson.

Early this morning, news of the death of Bedistan international coach [SIR] James Munro rumours of Jarvis's appointment spread like wildfire.

Bedistan??

I wish - could do with a run out in the final!!! :wink:

Early this morning, news of the death of Bedistan international coach [SIR] James Munro rumours of Jarvis's appointment spread like wildfire.

Bedistan??

I wish - could do with a run out in the final!!! :wink:

Haha.

Um, I haven't a clue why I wrote that, wishful thinking perhaps? :P

Anyway, post edited....

Heh. Bedistan coach Jim Parker hasn't died, although he is stepping down after WC8 along with half of the team. They all feel they're as high as they can go, so they're pulling out a la Jurassica. ;)

EDIT: 500th post! w00t!

Heh. Bedistan coach Jim Parker hasn't died, although he is stepping down after WC8 along with half of the team. They all feel they're as high as they can go, so they're pulling out a la Jurassica. ;)

EDIT: 500th post! w00t!

Woohoo!

*hands out party hats and lights 500 candles on a cake*

DUSSIS TO ALAN CITY? OREAN UNITED DENY RUMOURS
Orean United chairman Frank Dussis has denied rumours about his son, Paul Oliver, moving to Alan City. "I highly doubt I will let Paul [Oliver Dussis] move unless a really satisfactory bid comes in for him. He is worth I'd believe L£20 million (L£1=US$1.75), and unless Alan City can top that, I don't think he'll be moving.

ODDS
Haraki vs EB
EB to win 4-6
Haraki to win 4-7
tie after 90 mins 4-3
Penalty kicks 4-1

Liverpool England vs Bedistan
LE to win 9-4
Bedistan to win 11-15
tie after 90 minutes evens
Penalty kicks 3-1

Official Bedistani odds on final match:

Bedistani win: 9-5
Liverpool England win: 9-4
Tied score after full time: 3-1
Tied score after extra time: 4-1
More than 5 penalty kicks needed to determine result: 9-1
More than 10 penalty kicks needed to determine result: 36-1

More detailed odds to come later.

Bedistan Lions Become Only Hosting Team Ever to Reach Finals

MIDSHIRE, OGLETHORPIA -- The reaction of the 140,000 fans at the conclusion of the semifinal match at James Oglethorpe National Stadium was decidedly mixed.

The Bedistani fans were going absolutely wild about their team's 1-0 victory and the fact that the team would now be going to the final championship match. Millions around the world saw the glory of Bedistan.

http://bellsouthpwp.net/h/a/harleyt_1387/bedistan_flag.png
Giant Bedistani flag (50 by 30 feet) held by 26 fans at the semifinal match. (BNN Photo)

Those who had come from Europa Brittania, on the other hand, simply filed quietly out of the stadium, as they saw their team's hopes crushed for the eighth time.

The Lions' victory makes them the very first team from a hosting nation to participate in their own championship match. No host nation has ever finished higher than third before.

"Going out with a bang," said forward Jeff Whitehurst before he boarded the plane for Columbia. "It's exactly how I wanted it to happen."

Whitehurst and eleven other team members, as well as coach Jim Parker, recently announced that they would retire after the final against Liverpool England. It remains to be seen whether next year's almost all-new team will be able to live up to their predecessors' legacy.

Whieu.

I'm going to say "Go Bedistan" because Liverpool England beat Runaway Moose.

Presidential Residence
6:14 PM OST: Los Polverines, Porlamar, Oglethorpia

A dozen reporters sat in the room, arranged in four rows of three before a small "stage" carpeted in red, a single podium upon it. The room itself was paneled with mahogany up to the waist, an off-white wallpapering covering the rest of the wall.

From the left of the platform came three men, all dressed in suits, the first addressing the group of reporters from the podium, the other two taking a seat behind him.

GEORGE MCDOUGLAS:
Greetings members of the press. Tonight we shall adress the issue concerning the Oglethorpian World Cup-squad and the recent...incident.

McDouglas was a short man, 5'9 in height but by no means old. He was only 37 and had a nondescript haircut, but most notably the man had a dark brown full beard on his face, finally dressed in a black suit.

GEORGE MCDOUGLAS:
Last night, several citizens reported the sighting of all eleven World Cup starters laying drunk outside "the Bloody Hangover;" the name of the establishment could not be more literal.

There were mild murmurs throughout the room, and one misplaced chuckle. McDouglas cleared his throat.

GEORGE MCDOUGLAS:
We later corroborated these stories with other witnesses; it was indeed our beloved World Cup players lying drunk in a stupor and behaving rashly at passerbys. Due to these events, I must unfortunately announce that Scott Finley, Eric Kretz, Jimmy O'Clancy, Kevin Fisk, Christ Moore, Tomas, Javier, Danny Bolton, Rich Stewart, Jim Thompson and Manuel have all been let off the Oglethorpian World Cup-squad.

From the gallery of press members a single man stood up.

REPORTER #1:
Mr. McDouglas, that's every starter of the Oglethorpian World Cup-squad.

GEORGE MCDOUGLAS:
I know.

The reporter sat down again, bewildered, but still writing down notes on a small pad. Soon after a woman stood up, addressing McDouglas.

REPOTER #2:
What does Coach Picciotto have to say on the matter?

McDouglas stepped down, turned to the sitting Picciotto, whom the woman had obviously spotted sitting behind McDouglas, and briefly spoke with him. Picciotto, in a nondescript red sweater addressed the woman.

GUY PICCIOTTO:
I can only say that i'm disappointed in the guys. I don't blame the Association of Futebol for anything they've done on the matter. Frankly, it's going to be hard without the guys, but we'll figure something out.

Picciotto and McDouglas switched positions again.

GEORGE MCDOUGLAS:
No further questions.

All left the room, the reporters soon filing out as well.

What had transpired confused all, wondering why the Association of Futebol would fire every one of it's World Cup players who had gotten the national team to a ranking of 10th in the world.

Sam: The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived at last! After months of exciting matches leading up to this climax, here we are -- the championship match of World Cup 8! And I couldn't be prouder to be bringing it to you live from Holmes Stadium right here in Columbia.

Joey: And on top of that, the Bedistan national team is participating in it as well. I don't think anybody ever dreamed we'd reach this point.

Sam: Indeed not. Hello everybody, I'm Sam Murphy here with Joey Stanton live in the BSTV broadcast booth up above the action here. That stadium is, understandably, packed to the gills today. It normally holds up to 82,814 fans, but an extra 20,000 temporary seats have been constructed for this Cup. But what's more, an additional 15,000 standing-room-only tickets have been sold as well -- and even those are going for over þ600. Close to 118,000 screaming fans will be seeing the action here today.

Joey: At any rate, we're playing Liverpool England here today, ranked twenty-eighth in the world. This should be a match to remember.

Sam: You bet your ass it will be. Especially as it is the final match for some of our team's greatest players, including goalkeeper Olivia Bream and forwards Lewis and Whitehurst. Coach Jim Parker is also retiring afterward. They're planning to go out in style.

Joey: Hopefully they'll go out holding the World Cup in their very hands. Kickoff is in about twenty minutes. Now of course, a huge event like this costs many millions of bakrani.

Sam: Yes, it does. I'm assuming that's a hint of some sort.

Joey: Yeah, we have to go to commercials.

Sam: Oh, right. We'll be back in a few.

Sam: Okay, Joey, let's take look at the rosters for this historic matchup.

Joey: I'd be glad to.

Defense
18 - Richard Weiss***
19 - Laura Johnson***
22 - Mike Thomas***
27 - Mary Nelson*

Midfield
1 - Ken Sierra***
15 - Sally Myers***
26 - Phil Rivera*
32 - Claire Briscoe

Forwards
8 - Johnny Lewis***
16 - Jeff Whitehurst***

Goalkeeper
23 - Olivia Bream***

Players for 5th qualifyer
^Denotes Captain
Mark Hearne#
Phillipousis Hert#
Abel Davhere#
Port Jomas#
Lough Langley#
Hern Locklin#
D.D. Hamark#
Flip Dog#
Caddy Cannon#^ (captain)
Andrew Winter#
Lucas van Germ #
Paul Oliver Dussis #
Howard Christopher

Sam: Which of those Liverpool players are starting today, Joey?

Joey: Don't know. That's all I've got.

Sam: Well, it'll do, I guess. Anyway, keep in mind that eight of our eleven starters today will be retiring after this match. That gives them an additional incentive to play at their best, because they won't have another chance.

Joey: And...I believe that's the Liverpool England national anthem starting.

[silence for a few minutes as the Liverpool England anthem plays, followed by Bedistan's]

Sam: There's the toss....Bedistan wins! Time to separate the winners from the wannabes, Joey!

[7th minute]

Sam: Cannon on the attack...he sends it right, but Bream knows what she's doing out there. She deflects it out of play, and it's a corner for Liverpool.

Joey: As I expected, the attacks are starting early. This will likely be a fast and furious game.

[12th minute]

Sam: And Langley passes to Dussis...he tries it now, and GOOOOOOAL!

Joey: Nice shot by Paul Dussis there, and Liverpool England is up 1-0 in the 12th.

Sam: Bream looks angry with herself, but I can't deny that that was an excellent shot.

[29th minute]

Sam: Lions attacking now...Myers sends it up to Whitehurst. He hesitates for a second, now he kicks it...but the keeper easily takes control.

Joey: Jeff should've made that shot. I really think his age is catching up with him. I note that he hasn't scored a single goal this Cup -- maybe Parker's kept him on for too long?

Sam: It would seem that way...

[33rd minute]

Sam: And the ball goes to Cannon...he goes left, Bream with him...now he zips right and SLAMS IT IN!!

Joey: I don't believe it! How did she fall for that?!

Sam: Liverpool England up 2-0, and we're only a third of the way through. I don't like the way this is looking...

[Halftime]

Sam: And it's Bedistan 0 - 2 Liverpool England at the half. Surprising lack of defense out there today.

Joey: I would think with over a hundred thousand fans out there wearing the blue and silver, that there would be a significant morale boost. But either it's not happening, or our players are just really freakin' nervous.

Sam: Speaking of which, our producer Helen is looking really freakin' nervous. Must be time for another commercial.

Joey: She's nodding...so we will return after these messages.

Cup Final Day, CCL
As the second goal went in, everyone watching the match on the big-screen TV in the capital went wild. The screen changed to the one of LE Sports Network and News.
<<LESNN>>
Josh Hinar: Hello everyone welcome to the Half-time match analysis. With me today is former World Cup player Lucas van Germ, who retired after the eighth qualifying match.
LvG: Nice to be here.
JH: So, the team, 2-0 up at half time.
LvG: Yes, very unexpected but, this Bedistan side is powerful, alot of players retiring after this match - they're bound to give it their all.
JH: Let's look at Dussis' 12th-minute goal.
LvG: Good play. Langley had control for a long time, and all it took was for Paul to slam it in. You can see Bream's furious, in her last match, too.
JH: And then we were 2-0 up.
LvG: Yes, well done by Caddy. Under pressure recently from the IFC (our FA), for his Runaway Moose love comments. Well done. Takes it left and gets Bream to follow him, then slamming it in on the right - classic.
JH: We'll be right back with the second hal;f.

[56th minute]

Sam: Briscoe with the ball....she passes over to Myers, who in turn sends it to Rivera. He makes a shot from midfield, and the keeper misses by an inch! Goal by Rivera!

Joey: Down 2-1 now...we might still have a chance, though I think we'd have to hope for extra time.

[79th minute]

Sam: And that's a foul by Liverpool England in the box. Bedistan captain Johnny Lewis will take the kick, hoping for the equalizer here. He's waiting...concentrating...he kicks, and it's...off to the right.

Joey: That was not good. If we have ever needed a goal in the history of our team, this was the time, and Lewis couldn't deliver. I hope he can redeem himself soon...

[83rd minute]

Sam: He takes a shot, and -- oh no...it's in. Olivia Bream gives up her third goal of the match.

Joey: And the stadium now is unusually quiet, save for that contingent of Liverpool England fans in the northwest quadrant. Bream looks shocked, and for good reason -- it is very rare for her to give up three goals in one match.

Sam: I really don't know if we can come back now, Joey...

[92nd minute]

Sam: And...time. There's the whistle. And most of the stadium is as silent as a tomb.

Joey: Incredible. Just incredible. Coming in, it looked like we had it in the bag. Instead, we leave with the ultimate humiliation. The Cup suddenly snatched from our hands right at the end.

Sam: Olivia Bream has seated herself on the pitch and appears to be crying. She can't believe it either.

Joey: It's even worse for her because she knows she's the one that let those three goals in. Some of the team members are trying to console her, but I don't think she'll have any of that.

Sam: The managers are shaking hands now, but the disappointment on Jim Parker's face is obvious. So very close he was to retiring with the World Cup...but it was not to be.

Joey: Once again, that final score: Bedistan 1 - 3 Liverpool England. Liverpool England takes the World Cup. Congratulations to them.

Sam: For Bedistan Sports Television, the Bedistan News Network, and the PariMedia News Corporation, I'm Sam Murphy for Joey Stanton saying so long, and see you again next time.

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

Final score:
Bedistan 1 (Rivera 56)
Liverpool England 3

JH: As Dussis scores the third goal, his second of the night, to finish the match, the fans at CCL Square go wild. Says a fan, "It's amazing! Dussis has scored 85% of our goals! I'm sure he'll get the top-scorer award."
So there you have it, Liverpool England have won the World Cup on their third try, placing them 1st in the world rankings. It's been fun for me from Oglethorpia and Bedistan, good night.
*screen changes to that of Dussis helping Bream up and hugging her, while Cannon shakes Jim Parker's hand*

*bump*

DUSSIS: I'd like to play in TBF
(More to come)

Alces Rex Females Near Fist Fights in 33rd of Final

Rumor has it that the fight over the recent comments made by Caddy Cannon reached a head after his goal in the World Cup 8 final. A team representative made the following comment:
"Everyone knows that Caddy Cannon is one of the most eligible bachelors in the world of sports, as well as the world in general. There are several women on the team who have said that they would love to be the one. Coach Berkett would appreciate Mr. Cannon coming forward and ending the arguments within the Alces Rex squad once and for all. The team as a whole would like to congratulate Cannon and his squad, as well at the other footballers for a most enjoyable tournament."
The representative refused to comment on rumors that there have been physical confrontations, or to name names of Moosenians involved in bickering etc. The nation waits.

Cannon: I've proposed to Nif/Dussis: I want to move to Alan City

In a day of triple-shock, these are the headlines on LESNN.
JH: The national team has won the World Cup after a marvellous unbeaten run, bar two games, since qualifiyng started. The team won 3-1 over Bedistan. Meanwhile, Caddy cannon has confessed that he has proposed to Nif of the Alces Rex. Said Cannon: "Well.... after playing against each other in WC7, twice, and once in the QFs in WC8, we've become very good friends. (shyly) I've proposed to Nif, even." And finally, Paul Dussis has said that he wants to move to TBF. He even reportedly told his father, chairman of his club Orean, that he feels "like moving away."

Interview with Nif
by Earasia Antloona

E: Nif, this announcement of Mr. Cannon's has shocked many people, any comment?

N: I knew. We spent a lot of time together... well, as much as we could, during the cup this year. I've been to visit him once since WC7. I only got to play twice and it was against LE, couldn't have asked for better luck.

E: Why allow the mystery to go on, why allow the fighting among your teammates?

N: There really wasn't any. That was a lot of speculation.

E: So, Caddy, if I can call him that, has proposed to you. How did he do it? What did you say?

N: Well, as soon as he could get away from the fans after the final, he came and found me. We went to an out of the way place, and had a little picnic. He started telling me how happy he was, how his life was falling into place, but that he was missing something. Then he said, (blushing) that it was me. (looking down) That I er, complete him. Then he asked me.

E: And?

N: Well, I didn't answer right away. There is a lot involved. Where would we live? Would we both still play?

E: Yes, but?

N: (smiling ear to ear) I said yes.

E: Congratulations. I hope everything works out so that neither team has to loose a player.

N: Well, we decided that we would only give up playing when we felt it was time. We've spoken with the Athletic heads and ministers in our respective countries, as well as our coaches. They couldn't be happier for us. Especially since we both still want to play.

E: Well, that certainly is wonderful. Congratulations. Have you set a date?

N: Well, before World Cup 9. I would like a fall wedding.

E: Well, again, congratulations and thank you for talking with us.

N: Thank you.

Interview witth caddy Cannon
By Josh Hinar
JH: Thanks for talking with us, Caddy.

CC: My pleasure.

JH: Can you tell us more about what you actually said to Nif?

CC: Well.... (blushing) I said everything, basically...

JH: So, can you say when you will hold your wedding?

CC: We're trying before WC9, especially if LE host.

JH: Congrats on winning, and your engagement.

CC: Thanks. Nif has been wonderful, and I really can't wait.

JH: What if the two teams meet for the third WC in a row in WC9?

CC: Then we'll play each other.

JH: Really?

CC: Yeah, pretty much.

JH: Okay, thank you Caddy, and congratulations.

CC: Thank you.

Ariddian captain Khan offered his team's congratulations to the teams from Bedistan and Liverpool England. Coinciding with the final, however, came bad news for Ariddia.


8pm news

Yasmina Jones (presentator): "Ladies and gentlemen good evening, I'm Yasmina Jones and this is the 8pm news. Liverpool England snatch victory 3-1 over Bedistan in the football World Cup final. Tragedy strikes in West Ariddia as a train crash leaves twenty-one dead and dozens critically injured, including Ariddian football star Kim Kim. And the government announces a decrease in military spending, but guareenties all military personnel's jobs will be secure, and the security of the nation will not be compromised.

While the eyes of football fans were turned to the high-skill match between Bedistan and Liverpool England, a tragic accident was occuring in Limea, also known as West Ariddia. Two passenger trains were somehow travelling on the same track in opposite directions, and collided at high speed. Initial reports indicate twenty-one fatalities, and several dozen serious injuries. It appears the trains belonged to two unrelated companies who did not coordinate track use.

Ariddian football player Kim Kim was visiting family in West Ariddia, and was one of the casualties. West Ariddian doctors are as yet uncertain whether she will live.

Now for a report of the match..."

Sowhatsville News (back page)

All change for Halfassed?

There look likly to be numerous changes taking place in the Halfassed squad for the next WC qualifing campaign.
It was confirmed to-day that the HFA had officially approached former Europa Britannia coach Jarvis Smith. HFA chairman, Peter Parks confirmed the offer earlier to-day.
"I would like to confirm that we have made an offer to Mr. Smith. We have not received a response as yet, and we realise that Mr. Smith has some other offers and needs to take his time to reach a decision. He is a talented manager, who has showed the ability to stay focused when under pressure, and obviously he has managed one of the world's footballing powers. We are hopeful that he will accept the invitation to take over the hot-seat here. We are on the verge of a new era in Halfassed footballing history. Under Sir James, we established ourselves as a well known and respected team, now we hope to move on and become one of the best teams in the game, and we see Mr. Smith as the man to help us do that."


In other news to-day, it seems as though Halfassed striker Freddy Crewgar is really enjoying life at Orean Utd. The striker, who has scored 10 goals for Halfassed, was recently given dual citizenship and has reportedly been speaking of his desire to play for the WC8 champions in the next cup.
It is unknown at the moment if the WCC will allow the 'transfer' or indeed if the champions feel the need to add to their obviously potent attacking line-up.
If the move falls through, the lack of commitment from Crewgar could well mean that the former darling of The Glade (The Cenataurs home ground) will have played his last game in the green and blue of Halfassed.

Kaze Progressa congratulate their friends in Liverpool England on winning World Cup 8, and wish them all the best of luck in defending their crown. (Will it be on home soil? We can but hope...)

http://www.abelmore.com/TDB.JPG
Transfer News
Alan City F.C. are finalisng a deal worth 19 million pounds for Paul Dussis. The announcement came just minutes before the Halfassedstaes Football Asocciation announced that they would also have a job for Jarvis Smith, should he wish to go there. So Alan City, the richest football club in the world are looking for big changes. Who will be next?

JH: Headline news now. Paul Dussis transfers to Alan City for $19 million, Freddy Crewgar rumoured to have played last game for Halfassed, Ariddian star Kim Kim injured in train crash

First, Alan City have signed Paul Dussis from Orean United for $19 million which should give Freddy Crewgar more chances to start in Orean's 4-5-1 formation. Crewgar, recently given Liverpool England dual citizenship, is reported to want to play for the reigning World Cup champions. Neither team could comment.

Finally, a train crash in Limea-West Ariddia has left 21 dead and dozens more injured, including Ariddian star Kim Kim. It is not known whether she will live.

{OOC: As promised......}


Presented by the WCC, In accordance with articles and orders layed out previously.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/388479/WCVIII.jpg


The NationStates World Cup VIII Champions, Liverpool England.

Thank you the WCC, thank you Bedistan, Oglethorpia for a wonderful cup, and thank you everyone else! Specially, Runaway Moose for going along with the Cnnon/Nif thing.