World Cup 57 - Cafundéu & Sarzonia - RP thread

[Cafundeu]

World Cup 57
CAFUNDÉU & SARZONIA

Roleplaying thread

---

18 matches separate 30 nations from World Cup qualification
(well, it can be 19 due to playoffs)
25 matches separate a single nation from the World Cup title
(depending on the team, perhaps 26)
The most popular sporting event of the NS-World is about to begin

WC Groups:

Group A
Cafundéu - (roster)
Queer Poco el Mono Ara
Cotdelapoms
Swartaz

Group B
The Babbage Islands
The Archregimancy
Mytannion
Kernansquillec

Group C
Valanora
Jeruselem
Kagdazka and Pazhujebu
Khytenna

Group D
The Holy Empire
Dorian and Sonya
Polar Islandstates
Chetkosk

Group E
Sarzonia (roster)
Cosumar
Bostopia
Astograth

Group F
Bears Armed
Jeru FC
Kulverint
Stachland

Group G
Sorthern Northland
Cassadaigua
Qazox
Pays de Horreur

Group H
Aguazul
Krytenia
Akbarabad
Sarzoclava

MD1 (sat 19/11): 1x4, 2x3
MD2 (mon 21/11): 3x1, 2x4
MD3 (wed 23/11): 1x2, 3x4

Group draw:

Group 1
Kazzoria
Jeruselem
Kernansquillec
Armorgames
Princess Béatrice Island
Seunem
Ponoka
Eastern European Nations
Homelands our

Group 2
The Babbage Islands
Orlkjestad
Stachland
Utmost Upright
Tamarindia
Iphmopf
New Gaelicia
Dance 2 Revolution
Les Macarable

Group 3
Bears Armed
Erathore
Civil Citizenry
Legalese
Michael VII
Arcatea
Deep Freid Bacon
Trimasia
The United City-States

Group 4
Queer Poco el Mono Ara
Churchma
Bergnovinaia
Kalumba
Camerania
Branta Island
Cygning
Relotia
Phoenigetuzstha

Group 5
Bostopia
North Chicanan
Sarzoclava
Carasatoga
Rhodesiah
Espiañola
Skalholt
Garon-Averia
Neo Belgium

Group 6
Pasarga
Mytannion
Mangolana
Sibirsky
Loonaterian
Jedi8246
Cote de Platine
Dixie Provinces
The Islands of Qutar

Group 7
Sorthern Northland
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
The Allamunnic States
Ketharnia
Itailian Maifias
Rouge Pioneers
Kazerjan
New Montreal States
Ithadi

Group 8
Cosumar
Osarius
Kelssek
Milchama
Northern Bettia
Mapletish
Gyatso-kai
Hladio Huggers
Crotunda

Group 9
Cotdelapoms
Akbarabad
Southern Cynocephali
Stuffed Taxidermists
Bleak Rock
Seleucius
Carmadin
Zhevalsso-zhevalsso
Welebecer

Group 10
Dorian and Sonya
Khytenna
Saugeais
Unitopolis
Chenkorya
Greater Coventry
Thatius
Tekcirb
Schiavonia

Group 11
Jeru FC
Kagdazka and Pazhujebu
Mantwenic
Ocel0t
Altimarus
Logria
Yiland
Lonaga
Howdeellow

Group 12
Qazox
Valladares
Chetkosk
Carpathia and Ruthenia
Sargossa
The Kytler Peninsulae
Braxil
Eggy216
Di Lianzio

Group 13
The Archregimancy
Polar Islandstates
Sarrbia
FSSO
Wolfmanne
Lymantatia
Puttania
BrightonBurg
The Weegies

Group 14
Aguazul
Tretskivucia
Eastfield Lodge
Quakmybush
Cyborg Holland
Hakkland
Chuckio
Triimoria
Holstejn

Group 15
Krytenia
Landau Institute
The Kiaser Colonies
Nitrome Island
West Zirconia
Brendino the 3rd
Ipeland
Zoobians
Vilita

Group 16
Starblaydia
Pays de Horreur
Astograth
Hockey Canada
Nethertopia
Euskirribakondara
Tryienne
Tal Vararr
Independent Mars

Group 17
Cassadaigua
Swartaz
Taeshan
Darmen
Bettia
Nicole Scherzinger
Camwood
Hippostania
Arsenolia

Group 18
Delaclava
Kulverint
Whirl Islands
Antoletia
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk
Free Swiss States
Wadomia
Beldonia
Soviet Canuckistan

Group 19
Valanora
Pretty Awesome Persons
Silver Beach
Octinstine
Western cuba
Miley World
The Peterwood Estate
The Vuhifellian States
Pernam

Group 20
The Holy Empire
Virabia
The Kangaroo Republic
Khabarovsk Krai
Rent is 3 Damn High
Megadia
Krumbia
Ohio Island
Dabesteva

And the matchups will be as follows:

Matchday 1
2 v. 9
3 v. 8
4 v. 7
5 v. 6
1 BYE

Matchday 2
9 v. 1
7 v. 2
6 v. 3
5 v. 4
8 BYE

Matchday 3
1 v. 8
9 v. 7
2 v. 5
3 v. 4
6 BYE

Matchday 4
7 v. 1
6 v. 8
5 v. 9
3 v. 2
4 BYE

Matchday 5
1 v. 6
7 v. 5
8 v. 4
9 v. 3
2 BYE

Matchday 6
5 v. 1
4 v. 6
3 v. 7
2 v. 8
9 BYE

Matchday 7
1 v. 4
5 v. 3
6 v. 2
8 v. 9
7 BYE

Matchday 8
3 v. 1
2 v. 4
9 v. 6
8 v. 7
5 BYE

Matchday 9
1 v. 2
4 v. 9
5 v. 8
6 v. 7
3 BYE

MDs 10-18 are MDs 1-9 with home-away teams inverted.

Links:
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=146170 - RP thread (this one, duh)
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=146171 - rosters thread
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=146172 - friendlies thread
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=147329 - scores thread

[Qazox]

After a 3rd consecutive trip back to the World Cup, and an another decent showing at the latest Draggonnii Inviyatii; The Qazox national team is once again on the uptick after missing World Cup 51 due to the quarentine. With the team getting older, and the good showing by the Junior Eagles, Coach Holtz, in his last World Cup; has a nice blend of experience and youth, skill and guile and perhaps, with a bit of luck; Qazox can finally breakthrough and win that elusive World Cup.

Roster link

[Brendino the 3rd]

Brendino the 3rd Hopes to Qualify for First World Cup
After a quarterfinal finish in the Baptism of Fire, the Ferrets hope to excel in their first ever World Cup. Many of their star players are on top form, including leading goal scorer Joseph Pratt and keeper Jayden McKenzie. Although the Ferrets are a relatively young and inexperienced squad, they have complete faith in making it passed qualifying in the 57th edition of the World Cup.

[Darmen]

DBSC World Cup Preview

Darmen looks to do well in second try

56. Yes that's right. There have been 56 World Cups for nations around the NS Multiverse to test their Football skills in. And Darmen, well, we've been in one.

Darmen is set to begin it's second World Cup campaign soon, and with a new manager this time. Mikael Gibbons took over the Darmen team after Georges Thomas resigned/retired. Gibbons will take the team back to the 3-5-2 formation that it used early on in World Cup 56 Qualifiers. But Gibbons also brings a new coaching method to the team. Thomas was very strict with his players, while Gibbons is loose and easy going. The players have welcomed the change in attitude and the team's spirit has increased greatly.

Darmen is expected to do quite well this go around, and depending on the group draw, has a possibility to finish second in it's qualifying group.

Despite the good outlook, fans arn't all that happy. Darmen failed to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Cup of Harmony. Most fans in Darmen were expecting at least a Round of 16 appearence, and a failure ro do so made many fans angry.

So what exactly do we expect from the Darmeni team this go around. We bet you'll see a lower number in the loss column of the group table for Darmen, and we also bet you'll see higher scoring games from the Darmeni side.

Although Darmen isn't close to qualifying for the World Cup proper just yet, Gibbons is making the most of Thomas's success, and looks like he'll have this team there by World Cup 58.

So now you're probably asking, "Who'll lead Darmen to a good showing at this World Cup?" Midfielder and Captain Zach Preston is always a scoring threat. Tor Tong Lee has just returned from a vacation in the Kagdazka & Pazhujebu First League, and he's ready to score some goals out of the midfield. Luca Cormio and Danny Beasley add strength to an already strong midfield, while Kenneth Nolan and Bryan Faulkner star up front. The back line is somewhat weak, and it's unsure exactly who will start for Darmen there. Troy Osborne and Adrian Kok will look to battle for time in goal during practice.

As for the backups, the only one of note is Dan Baker, who started in quite a few games, and has scored quite a few goals, in place of Bryan Faulkner at WC56 qualifying.

As for who were looking to leave the team after this cup, it'll probably be Kok. He's still good, but he's 36, and will turn 37 this November. He'll most likely be replaced by U-21 star, Kimi Seisman, who led Darmen to the Round of 16 at the 19th DBC. Other young players who might get called up mid-qualifying to watch for are, Gene Turko, who was the team's leading scorer at DBC 19, and Francisco Lyons the XXIst, who is a backup on the National Beach Soccer Team, and the Captain of the U-21 team.

[Kalumba]

The Herald

Report by Bruce Mtwetwe

Yes, it is football fever time all over again. With the World Cup back the mighty Kalumban Tortoise will be trying to improve on the poor showing at our last World Cup and abysmal performance at the Cup of Harmony. Both times there were major disruptions to the team which may have contributed to the performances so let us hope for a trouble free World Cup this time round.

Under new President Victor Omeru funds have poured into the KFA and football is back on the agenda, while the squad is unchanged from that which went to the last tournament, and won the Baptism of Fire, new players hover on the fringes and some players are fighting for their places in the national side. Also the new President has increased defence spending so there is much less chance of a major attack by the Bechuane Army of People's Liberation (BAPL) like that which occured during the Cup of Harmony. Such terror was unleashed on the capital that it is little wonder our team failed to perform.

What are we looking for from the World Cup this time round? Well first and foremost to win it. But realistically we want to finish strongly in our group and maybe qualify for the second round. We also want to see 'Super Terry' Ottbourne produce another string of impeccable performances and keep the defence solid. Another key concern is to play our rivals Southern Cynocephali in a competative match, we just pipped them to the final of the BoF after their magnificent keeper Yuill was sent off, and in the Cup of Harmony they dumped us out. As usual we have a fiendly with them and look forward to a keen contest with 'Les Cynos' again.

Kalumban Gossip Today

Susan Mtwetwe

Yes ladies it is that time of year again. We lose our husbands to the television or the pub and we get to gorge our eyes on the beautiful bodies of the Kalumban football team. Mop up that saliva there are plenty of sexy men to go around. From the gay Ollie Roberts and his luscious blonde locks to the rugged Klaus Von Harniggen and his highly toned and primal beauty.

So who are this years top hotties?

1- Duncan Edward- Despite his recent marriage the 21 year old is one of the most beautiful men on earth. Blonde hair in an alice band, more jewellery than we would dare to wear ourselves. Everyone loves those in touch with their feminine side. The only question is who takes longer to get ready for a night out; him or his wife?

2- Ollie Roberts- The loveliest man you could ever meet but he will never be ours. A dratted gay he will play alongside his hard faced husband Ben Rowlatt and dominate our midfield and passions.

3- Chris Abouto- Ebony and fantastic. The looks of a film star and a voice that turns my legs to jelly. He is a true man and a gentleman at that. Recently seen helping a women being harrassed and then wooing her in the bargain. He gets around so maybe ladies, but get in the queue behind me and half the models in our nation.

[Homelands our]

look at homelands our
Yes this is the 1st WC event we will go in to as we Skipped the BOF and also just looking for a win.
Hbl will show the draw live on tv in homelands our on friday and until then all we can do is wait.

[The Kytler Peninsulae]

After a quarter-final showing at the Baptism of Fire, the Kytlerian soccer team is still notionally listed still outside the world's top 200 on the KPB rankings, but it is widely presumed that this is a false indicator.

"Certainly, the ranking is a lagging indicator for debutants," mused Charles Ingram-Wilcox, a statistician at the University of Zube's Margaret Institute. "We believe that although ranking is strongly correlated with performance at World Cups, to a much greater extent than in most other competitions, the main exception is that new nations often outperform their ranking. Our research suggests that this is because they tend to be more regular users of RPDs."

RPDs, of course, are "Recognised Performance Drugs", of which the most common is RP-inin. Some nations, including The Kytler Peninsulae, use a similar but more powerful drug called Verbosita, which has led to some concern due to alleged side-effects, particularly when taken without supervision. The effects of high doses of Verbosita on performance, however, can be dramatic; Seunem reached the Baptism of Fire final despite their "national team" being filled with players only flimsily connected to each other and their nation, including Ranford & Willsbrook holding midfielder Tuu Dufu (who played under the name of Thome Devero, and was not even close to being picked for the Kytlerian squad). They were beaten only by a Tamarindian side who were similarly fervent users of Verbosita.

Official goals for the team are difficult to discern because of that disconnect between ranking and likely performance. The official goal from SO-KP - the Kytlerian governing body for soccer - is to have one of the four best qualifying records amongst debutant nations; qualifying is seen as a viable goal "by World Cup 60, or hopefully 59." Ingram-Wilcox thinks these are sensible goals; "I think the emphasis is placed upon appropriate comparisons with directly comparable teams, which I think is highly appropriate, and in terms of the long-run qualifying target, three or four Cups is what one can expect for a dedicated soccer programme to produce a qualifying team from scratch. In the interim, the team can expect to be invited to the Cup of Harmony after each unsuccessful qualification attempt, and their performances there will be important in determining their future prospects."

Manager Thomas Morgan certainly endorses the short-term target. "I firmly believe that we were robbed against Howdeellow, and that had we won that and been seeded first [in the Qazox region], we would have made the regional final. Seunem were the only team in that half of the draw who were any threat to us - I'm convinced we would have beaten Euskirribakondara. Long-term, I genuinely believe that only Seunem and Tamarindia are ahead of us amongst the debutants - I think we're just behind along with Euskirribakondara, Nicole Scherzinger, and maybe Miley World. Obviously the draw [for World Cup qualifying] is going to be interesting and important, I don't know if there's anyone we ought to look out for, but it'll be a great experience for the team, and if we can pick off the other inexperienced teams for wins, we will be taking the first steps towards the long-term qualification goal."

Kytlerian teams do have a reputation, however, for doing rather better than expected on their international debuts; the cricket, lacrosse, and Babbageball teams all made the last eight of their first international competitions, and the baseball team defeated Saugeais away from home in their first ever international game and still have genuine hope of reaching the WBC playoffs. What's the difference for the soccer team? "Experience is much more important in international soccer," Ingram-Wilcox noted. "We don't know why, although it may simply be a by-product of the size of the tournament. We do know, however, that some competitions, particularly lacrosse, do not display any correlation between experience and success that cannot be explained by RPD use. We continually observe this in competitions that do not have a world ranking system, and it will be interesting to observe if it changes when the AWRs [rankings] come in." (The ranking system was devised by Margaret Institute statisticians, including Ingram-Wilcox, and is to be implemented at WLC 13, hosted in The Kytler Peninsulae.)

Back on the soccer field, defender Daniel Ortega - whose uncharacteristic poor performance against Seunem was seen as critical to the team's fate - remains mildly optimistic. "When eleven men play eleven men, anything can happen. We know we will compete in every game, and will not be pushovers for even the strongest sides. I am looking forward to playing the big names in this sport, as are the whole of the squad."

[Miley World]

Miley World Daily Mail

Miley World Daily Mail

Miley World are about to participate in the World Cup of Soccer for the 1st time. We think the Untamed Robots can surprise some nations like they did in the Market Cup IV and hopefully they'll pass the qualifying stage. Miley World made a pretty good run in the BoF, having lost in the quarter finals against the winning team, Tamarindia. MSN (Miley Sports Network) will show all Miley World's games plus they will show at least 1 other game per matchday, so Smilers will see at least two games per day on tv, plus the group draw will be on tv either.

We interviewed Grégory Dedieu (8 goals in 16 caps) about the chances of Miley World of passing the qualifying stage, but we didn't understood anything he said:

"yo i cant wait 2 ply in the word cup am shure were goign 2 pass the qallifign stage lol if ye dunt bilieve it u wont mak it so the untemid robotts we bilieve were goign 2 win avery game lol were a strogn teem n we hav 1 off the best gollkeepr in the ternamen we can pass the qallifign stage lol"

[Krumbia]

Krumbia Hopes to Qualify for World Cup 57

Krumbia, that recently received its ranking of 309th, hopes to qualify for the 57th instalment of the Association Football World Cup. The team played well in the 44th Baptism of Fire, but lost out of the round of 16 by 1 point in the group stages. The Manager, Emanuel Walker has high hopes for the team, but even if they don't qualify, hopes to get a place in the Cup of Harmony.

[Iphmopf]

HOPES OF A NATION

The crowds are out en masse in the streets of Mapfap, and everywhere else in Iphmopf as they eagerly wait for the announcement they have all been waiting for. The flags are flying high, and patriotism is all around, and even the Prime minister looks a little on edge as he discusses the all important question.

"Well, of course I believe in our brave lads, they have the backing of a whole nation. With that in mind, I really do believe we can defeat any opponent."

You would be forgiven for thinking that the nation were on the brink of war. And to some extent, it is as nerve wrecking, heart wrenching and fast paced as one. Yes, the world cup has come along. With the all important qualifiers being announced on Friday, the whole nation will be glued to the television, and I for one will be willing them on. Theres only one phrase fitting to end this article; Play up you Llamas!!

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem's Amy Pond and Kate Kool

Amy: Hey Kate, what's these new action figures?
Kate: It's all part of new promotional material for the team.
Amy: So this is the first release.
Kate: Yes, it's you, Sofia and me in the first release.
Amy: Why is that?
Kate: We're the most popular ones.
Amy: I noticed Sofia has removable clothing
Kate: Well, that's her. I guess she don't care perverts buy it.
Amy: I guess it's all to make money.
Kate: Captain POND
Amy: I don't deserve the captaincy really.
Kate: Why not, the team respect you.
Amy: Sofia was being a pain and put my hand up for me.
Kate: Funny, how come she nominate herself.
Amy: I don't know
Kate: I heard you and Sofia had kids on the same day.
Amy: Well, yes.
Kate: I heard she even called her daughter Melody Song Dallas.
Amy: Err, mine is Melody too. I almost picked up the wrong baby when we left the hospital.
Kate: Could have scored yourself a free Princess there.
Amy: I don't want a Dallas daughter, Sofia comes from the crazy part of the family.

[Qazox]

David woke up with a start. After quickly scanning his room for intruders, his heart slowed its beat.

'You just have pre-academy jitters,' he thought as he got ready to head to RPGAcademy for his first classes. David Airbane, son of the Lancer Miles Windbane and Healer Selene de'Montez; shouldn't have jitters about attending the RPGAcademy. Being a RPG hero was in his blood, as far back as the Legend himself, A'r Ba'yn, who slew the evil Gothar the Enchanter at Mount Sayne 25 generations ago. For the better part of the last 600 years, an A'r Ba'yn or the modern Airbane has either lead or been apart of every heroic journey to vanquish evil in Middayrth. And no jitters was going to stop the Scion of the 26th generation, David Airbane. Granted, he was the 2nd child in his family to go to RPGAcademy, but since his sister was in training to become a mere support cleric, the family legacy would continue through him.

As David tromped downstairs, he was suprised to see his father waiting for him. Usually Miles was either out doing chores around the estate or at the local pub trading heroic tales with his old companions. But to see his father waiting for him, David was a bit perplexed.

"Dad, aren't you usually doing something else this early?" David asked.

"Not every day that an Airbane father gets to see his son set off on his way to RPGAcademy. Besides, I have something to show you." Miles replied.

David followed his father into what David had alway termed the "Hero Room", and usually he wasn't alowed in, other than as a small kid to hear stories from his grandfather, Alec Airbane. As the two entered the room, Miles shut the door and waked over to the bookshelf. After, at least to David's view, looking at a particular shelf, Miles started to take a book of the shelf. The bookshelf began to twist sideways, revealing a hidden passage.

"Dad! Since when has there been a hidden passge here in the house?" David asked.

"There's been one here for over 150 years. I just wasn't allowed to show you until you were ready, and you are. Son, here is the legacy of the Airbane clan." Miles replied, as they followed the passage underground to a large room beneath the manor.

David stood agape at the room. Paintings of his ancestors filled the walls from the legendary A'r Ba'yn himself to his own father. Various swords, shields, gauntlets and other armor were posed around the room like museum pieces. Various maps, charts and a globe or two were sitting on a large black desk in the corner. Spell scrolls, staves, maces, and even a pair of wakizashi were in various locations.

"This is Airbane family storeroom. Every piece of weaponry, armor, and even spells that our family has used to battle the forces of evil over the centuries is stored here. Maps of every region, dungeon and sea we've travelled, and various souveniers from our travels are here as well." Miles stated, sweeping the room with his large, muscular arm.

"So that really is the helmet of Arius? And the sword of Famice? The legendary boots of Malchor?" David excitedly replied, staring in awe at the treasures his family had procured over the centuries.

"Yes they are all here. But clan tradition states those are not for one just starting out on his journey. The items you mentioned need years of experience and practice to use. Ever wonder why your Uncle Oric has a gimpy leg? He tried using the boots of Malchor when he was about your age, and without training, mind you; the boots, while they do give you the speed of a cheetah, cut off circulation to the legs until you slow down or take them off. Oric was lucky enough not to have tied the boots on too tight, and they fell off after a mile or two, but not before the circulation to his leg was completely cutoff. He's quite lucky that both legs weren't made gimpy." Miles chuckled. "But for the real reason you are here. David, as the current oldest male of your generation, it is both my honor and privledge to give you the Airbane armor."

<<to be continued>>

[The Kiaser Colonies]

The Kiaser Colonies. An archipelago with a mainland jutting out of the the north coast of Rushmore and exactly 1000 islands in total. Population: 2.166 billion. Main sport is rugby as well as most played. Second most played is football. Total number of players: 578 million. So what is so special about this clutter of islands? The national football team. They have been around for at least 4 years and have twice failed to get out of the groups in the Cup Of Harmony and the world cup qualifiers. But this time it's different. This team has become very promising indeed and has had some big victories recently. Lets review this team shall we? Best player is Greg Jackson. currently ranked in the 90's. Recently finished 3rd in the Copa Rushmori beating both Swartaz and Albundania. Players are being noticed by foreign clubs, most notable are teams from Cotadelpomes, Saugeis and, the winners of this years Baptism of fire, The Golden Tamarind. Now playing in bigger leagues and for better clubs, this team is developing into something big. Could it be the first The Kiaser Colonies team to qualify for the world cup or even get out of the CoH groups? It all depends on the group draws and the teams performance.

Best case scenario: We qualify for the world cup/ win CoH.
Middle scenario: We do badly in qualifying but get to the knock-outs of the CoH
Worst Case scenario: We finish last in Qualifying groups and CoH groups.

Most likely of these is the Middle scenario.There will be at least 2 better ranked teams than us in the groups that will have a huge chance of qualifying for the world cup. But that doesn't mean we don't have a chance. we have been building a team for many years and after many failures we have found a team that can do us proud. Last qualifying process saw our boys beat Landau Institute and do well against Saugeis. This year we can hope to go 1 better and beat 2 well ranked teams. We may be a small nation with a disorganised clutch of islands sticking out of the vast continent of Rushmore with very little in the way of sporting merit, but by God we can damn well play football.

[Kazzoria]

Dr. Fruitystines theory of humanity and sods law

Hello! This is your favourite mad proffesser here and I now have a theory of humanity. It
explains pretty much everything and the reason we are all unhappy. Now lets go back to the beginning where it all started. The place where misery began. It began when something exploded for no apprent reason into existance. Since then it's been getting bigger and bigger and slightly light headed. To be honest the big bang was the first mistake, the second mistake was evolution. Who ever devised that idea was obviously a bored and unlikable sadist from some stink pit city in
Kazzoria. They then went on to devise humans, tis was the final error they made. Since then people have genrally been unhappy about most things for this reason:

There is three stages of existance that a human can posses. You can't be all three at the same time, you go from one to another in a trasitional stage that lasts a nanosecond, we are always the most happy in these nanoseconds. The three stages are Wanting, Having and hating. First of all we want something, we are unhappy because we want something and don't have it. So we scramble around and tantrum until we can buy what we want. When we get it we are at our happiest, months of being unhappy are finally over and we have what we want. Then we get it and realise it just as crap as the rest of our stuff so then we enter hating. This stage is actually the point when we are enjoying ourselves the most because we have something to moan about. Moaning is actually humanities favourite activity. SO there is that.

Sod's law states that things will happen at the most inconvient time possible and will continue to happen until it's convieniet for that thing to happen when it will stop. Basically if Kazzoria suddenly got a lot of fans they would crash and fail, but then when they have no fans they will suddenly manage to win a world cup. Sod's law basically ensures that all sentient life forms will hate their sentienceness and attempting to sell it as a commodity to earthworms with a personality disorder. Sod's law also states that basically life exists to make it seem pointless and worhtless ensuring that we all end up criminals.

The final law of life is that there is always a group of insufferable bastards who like to wreck it for us all. They basically enjoy other people misery and are always irritatinly cheerful and blissfully ingnorant of just how irritating they are. They will always remain this way and attempting to tell them just how insufferable they are will result in them making an even bigger attempt to be insufferable bastards. This is the way of life and guess what? You can't fight it.

[Khytenna]

Khytenna look for place in WC57


Its that time of year again and Khytenna players are gearing up to try and book their place in the 57th world cup.

With the KFA agreeing that Dresden shall stay at head coach, the Khytennan Coaching staff announced their squad for the Qualification rounds, the well seasoned team have no surprises and have all played for their national team before.

we at RKN believe that selection this year will be difficult, seeing that all the players are the top of their game. we have prepared a small run down position to position to talk about selection this year

Goalkeeper:

Always been a problem for Khytenna, we would of automatically said Troy but Cuyler and Hay have been outstanding this year, espcaly Hay who has gone from Strength to Strength. as memory recalls, he only had one start for Khytenna before, maybe its time to bite the bullet and go with him.

Defence:

Definite starter is Testerman, he is just a fantastic defender and tackler, he is defiantly one the best players Khytenna have to offer to the world (who plays in Cafundéu, the host) who will play along side him, depends on tactics, Bohannan is a great choice, always in good form, Bowman is due a start, and Vancil could be a choice on the left.

Midfeild:

Obviously Thorne will be playing as captain. but midfield has the biggest pool of talent, we can't possible predict who will play in the centre, left wing however will be a tough choice between Evelyn and Jolin.

Forward:

One definite: Firestone, this man is the best forward that has ever played in Khytenna, EVER, the guy scores and creates goals and plays with a modest attitude towards the game. who plays along side him is a difficult one. Lini Pellett, Lyle Blaylock and Ryan Hytan will be all dying for place, and all have what it takes to be their.

Khytenna will hope for friendlies so that they can try players out.

in other news, Neil Ringwood has announced today that this will be his last international competition, the 32 year old has had a fantastic career, but feels that his time to move on is long over due, and at the end of the world cup, it will be the definite end to his international career.

[Megadia]

It is believed that Megadia can finally go into a tournament with high hopes of a successful campaign after reaching the quarter finals of the Baptism of Fire 44, and World Cup Qualification is expected ahead of Megadia's biggest test yet. The likes of Brent Middleton and Stefano di Michele will be expected to set example for such a young squad that is experiencing an unnatural amount of pressure. Austin Freshwater-Blake will likely continue his spectacular scoring run into the tournament and the general belief is that he can fire Megadia into the World Cup 57, sweeping aside even qualifying's heavyweights with ease. Teenage winger, Bojan König will also be seen as a threat to potential opponents and his pace and silky skills work perfectly with the very similar, Prince Bartholomew Megadia II playing on the opposite wing.

All we know is that this will be another fantastic World Cup and all Megadians will be backing their nation throughout.

[Itailian Maifias]

OOC: Tag, to be replaced with post.

[Jeru FC]

Shay: Hi, this is Princess Shay for Naked News Jeruselem. I'm with Jeru FC assistant coach Mango Mousse.
Mango: Looking good as always Princess.
Shay: You have to when you're naked on TV
Mango: It's all good Princess
Shay: So, are boys ready for another world cup.
Mango: Oh yes, we're ready to rumble.
Shay: How are boys adapting to the new coach?
Mango: It's all good. She keeps us in line.
Shay: Have you need the new TV show called Beer FC?
Mango: No
Shay: It's about a female coach and a bunch of idiot teenage football players
Mango: Well, sounds like some team I know.
Shay: So you're not worried about being laughed at?
Mango: No, people do it all the time.
Shay: Were you surprised when Allison left the position after last cup?
Mango: No no, the pay wasn't that good at the time. I'm sure Karra is getting a lot more now.
Shay: What's changed in the team?
Mango: I think you should ask Karra. I'm too drunk to tell the difference.
Shay: Nothing then.
Mango: I'd say so.
Shay: Thank you for your time.
Mango: No problem, want a beer?
Shay: I have to pick the kids.
Mango: You only have one.
Shay: There's other Dallas kids in the same school.
Mango: Oh yes.

[Qazox]

Prologue Pt. 1

The armor Miles Airbane held infront of him was for a giant of a man, at least to David's eyes.

"Dad, There's no way I can fit into that! I'm only 14 and that helmet's twice as big as my head. It looks like it would fit you though" David exclaimed.

"Ah, but this isn't your normal suit of armor, my son. One of our ancestors, I believe it was Fergus Airbayne had it enchanted so that whomever is deemed the scion of the clan would always be able to wear it. Since you are now the scion of the Airbanes, the armor is yours." Miles stated, handing over the armor to David.

David took the armor, and began to put on the large greaves. As soon as he finished tightening the straps that held the greaves to his thigh; the armor shrank to fit his body. Excitedly, David finished putting on the remainder of the armor, and after he was finished; it looked like a suit of armor that was tailor-made for him.

"Wow, Dad. It fits perfectly." David said. "But is it always this heavy?"

"Well it is steel armor, it's heavy by nature. But there's more that you must receive before you go." Miles said, heading towards the wall of weapons. "Here are the numerous swords, shields, and other weapons our family has used over the years. Every scion has had his own weapon of choice. Mine was the broadaxe, your grandfather's was the Claymore, and my grandfather used the wakizashi over there. Grandpa Pao was a bit of a strange duck. Choose a weapon, David; but don't pick the one you think is best. A man's weapon should call out to him within his soul."

David started looking at rank after rack of weaponry. But nothing seemed to call out to his soul, until he reached a rack that looked like the waepons had never been used, or at least not used in a long time. As he looked over the rack, one weapon seemed to singout to him and he reached for it and he knew that this was his weapon of choice.

"Dad, I've never seen a weapon like this before. What is it?" David asked.

"Let me see what you picked." Miles said, coming over to his son. Upon reaching him, Miles was astonished by his son's choice. "By the Great Halth himself. Even I didn't know this weapon was here. The sword of Garvna."

"The sword of Garvna?" David asked. "I've never heard of Garvna."

"As well you shouldn't have. Garvna was the one who betrayed us." Miles replied. "About 400 years ago, Garvna and our ancestor Garred quested to end the reign of Myasito the ruler of Danuria. Garvna and Garred were twins, and as such both had a legitimate claim to the title of scion. Their father, Gades, sent both out upon their quest together. The two twins hated each other, but couldn't refuse the quest. Upon reaching Danuria, supposedly Garvna betrayed Garred to Myasito and Garred was held captive. Garvna returned home, claiming that Garred was dead and that he killed Myasito. Almost everyone believed the lie until 15 years later when Myasito attacked and slew most of Danbridge. Garvna was killed during the battle, as Garred's son, Mikal; who was only 3 at the time of his father's 'death'; slew him for the betrayal. Mikal followed Myasito back into Danuria, slew him and rescued Garred. Mikal and Garred destroyed every weapon and armor that Garvna had, burnt his manor down and disowned Garvna's daughter Biona. But if they had destroyed all of Garvna's weapons... why is his sword here?"

<<to be continued>>

[Cassadaigua]

Get to know Team Cassadaigua! By Brittany Lawton (Team Captain)

It is time for World Cup qualification again, and the Dagans will be going through this song and dance for the 15th time! Hard to believe in some respects that we have been around this long, but we are still going strong. For the teams 15th qualification, they may possibly play in Cafundeu, which was the nation in which Cassadaigua played its Baptism of Fire.

Most of the team, you have seen before, though you may have seen the starters on the sidelines more during World Cup 56, especially if you’re sitting in the end zone seats while Cassadaigua is defending.

In celebration of this milestone, I have put together this handy bit of information about our roster of vital things to know. Sure, you can get stuff like the players height/weight, caps, and career goals in many places online, but this crucial material you will only find here!

In regards to knowing National History in the World Cup:
Most Likely to know the score of our first ever Baptism of Fire Game: Michelle Taylor
Most Likely to think we won our Baptism of Fire: Nicole Lane
Most Likely to realize we’re the only nation still in existence from our BoF: Jessica Behnke

Most Likely to have watched World Cup 50 & 51 highlights, at the least, once a week: Rachel Fulton
Most Likely to refuse to watch World Cup 50 & 51 highlights as a means of self-motivation: Sydney Lieberman
Most Likely to forget that we won World Cups 50 & 51: Breanna Hawkins

Most Likely to have attended one of our games as a fan during World Cup 54: Trista Rodgers
Most Likely to have attended another game during World Cup 54: Meghan Plaske
Most Likely to have only gone to a World Cup 54 game to try and find a boyfriend: Ok, I confess!

Most Likely to have a deep hatred of Sorthern Northland: Michelle Taylor
Most Likely not to know why she should hate Sorthern Northland*: Breanna Hawkins
(*)- If you don’t know why either it is because they always seem to be the team to eliminate us in knockouts, and it always seems to be in penalties.
Most Likely to be able to out-drink someone from Sorthern Northland: Nevermind, this is impossible.


In the Pink Cup Theme:
Most Likely to have Fantasized about Winning the Pink Cup: Taylor Connolly
Most Likely to rather win the Pink Cup then the World Cup: (don’t take this one too seriously): Michelle Chevalier

Most Likely to have Fantasized about being a Dallas Girl: Nicole Lane
Most Likely to immediately recognize the symbolic nature of #13 in Jeruselem: Nicole Lane
Most Likely to be disgusted by the extracurricular activities of Dallas Girls: Katrina Murphy

Most Likely to secretly wish she were an ursine: Heather Wells
Most Likely to secretly have a fear of playing ursines: Meghan Plaske
Most Likely to see if any ursines calling Cassadaigua home can play soccer competently: Breanna Hawkins

Most Likely to wish she were an elf: Sarah Mathis
Most Likely to secretly have a fear of playing elves: Meghan Plaske
Most Likely to pull an elves’ ear to see what happens: Nicole Lane

In Regards to the Competition:
Most Likely to call our qualifying group the group of death no matter who’s in it: Courtney Griffin
Most Likely to watch the group draw on TV from start to finish: Michelle Taylor
Most Likely to pay no attention to who are opponents will be: Breanna Hawkins

Most Likely to hate traveling to countries she’s never heard of: Julie McCarthy
Most Likely to be able to tell you all kinds of cultural facts about the smaller nations that will be in our group: Taylor Connolly
Most Likely to get motion sickness on the plane: Julie McCarthy

Most Likely to bitch-slap the first reporter to say “oh my God, they’re girls and we should be beating them”: Me!
Most Likely to at least politely ask these reporters to call us women and not girls: Courtney Griffin

In Regards to the Hosts:
Most Likely to want to play in Cafundeu: Tara Moreau
Most Likely to want to play in Sarzonia: (Tie between anyone 30 years old and over)
Most Likely to still want to play in Sorthern Northland or Valanora: Courtney Griffin
Most Likely to try and date a tax collector in Cafundeu: Tara Moreau
Most Likely to trash talk Sarzonians about other sports (not including basketball): Taylor Connolly
Most Likely to attempt to convince Cafundeu sporting officials to play other sports: Tara Moreau

[Jedi8246]

Fenris Sports Corner

"Gooood morning. This is Logan Dale, bringing you the Fenris Sports Corner. Brought to you by Fenris Inc, helping the world one purchase at a time. Well it looks to be a great day here in Jedi8246. Only four weeks ago, the domestic soccer league came to a close and with it, bringing the championship to first time winner, The Kellington Shamrocks. It was a an exciting season indeed. The next question quickly arose, would Jedi8246 make another attempt at the World Cup? And as we heard two weeks ago, the Jedi8246 International Sports Commission announced a second attempt at the World Cup. After last year's lackluster finish, Jedi8246 is looking to prove they shouldn't be messed with. Using the same staff and roster as last year, practice began for this astounding event. Head Coach Donald Hemlock commented that he felt the team was looking good and was ready to try to take a higher placing this year. Yesterday, they flew to the host nation to be at the group drawing. Today, we kick off a celebration marking the day. Here is a live feed of the parades.



As you can see, people are going crazy with pride for their team. We hope this becomes a day in the making. And now, I'll give it over to Jeff, but stay tuned throughout the morning for live coverage of the group drawing."

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

Somewhere in SBIS HQ...

"...and do you really think that'll hold him, Manuel?"

"It''ll have to, Michael. He's being kept in a no-box inside a 2 dimensional flat cage, itself locked inside a facet of a cross-portal infinity gem, which we've stored inside a miniature ad hoc universe being dreamed into existence by three senior hierarchs of the Patriarchal Throne."

"This is the man who stole the Shatterhand..."

"Yes."

"...who crossed the Terminal Gap alone - on foot."

"Yes."

"And is said to seduced the Oneiromancer's daughter..."

"Yes... I mean no, wait - the Oneiromancer has a daughter?"

"Maybe. If you believe the stories about your prisoner."

"He's safely locked up, Michael. Really he is. At least until Tzimisces and Di Bradini turn up."

"And then?"

"And they he gets to talk to them."

"Do we know what this is about, Manuel?"

"No. And frankly I don't want to know. If it involves two heroes of the Event and the wily Zamboon McPherson - well... I'm not going to be the one asking any questions, believe me."

[Darmen]

DBSC World Cup Coverage
Darmen draws with Saugeais in Swift Cup opener

Swift Cup
Tor Tong Lee scored on a penalty kick with only 3 minutes left in regulation time to give Darmen one point in the Group A table of the Swift Cup. Lee was tackled hard by Metin Feik after Lee had made an amazing surge into the Saugeais half. Lee placed the ball on the penalty mark and kicked the ball softly into the top left corner, while opposing goalie, Jenson Paulson dived right.

Overall, the game was slow, and the only exciting moments came in the 15th minute, when Amaechi Olson scored for Saugeais, and when Lee scored on the penalty kick. Darmen's defense seemed to be playing much better than they had during World Cup 56 qualifying, and the offense was making progress into the Saugeais defense, and was getting shots, but none of them seemed to curve the right way.

Darmen still has to face The Kiaser Colonies and host's ABK before they can possibly advance to the Semifinals. Darmen is hoping to get wins against both of the teams, and finish the Group stage with seven points. Most fans and pundits believe that Darmen can.

Pre-Qualifying Friendlies Preview
Darmen will play Mangolana, ABK, and Saugeais again in Pre-World Cup Qualifying Friendlies. They all look to be good matchups, and the fact that Darmen will play Saugeais and ABK twice before the begining of World Cup Qualifying is good. Darmen should be competitive in all of the games, and should be able to gain at least two victories.

The Group Draw
The Group Draw is being anticipated all throughout Darmen, as it should be taking place sometime tonight. IRC, DBSC, and Darmen Sports TV, have all been carrying their live coverage of the Draw since about noon yesterday. Darmen should be placed in a good group, and depending on the opponents will face, Darmen could be expected to finish at least second in the group their placed in.

Mid-Qualifying Friendlies Preview
Darmen will face, Southern Cynocephali, Krytenia, and Kernansquillec in the Mid-Qualifying Friendlies period. Darmen and Southern Cynocephali have a growing rivalry, considering their geographic closeness in Rushmore. Darmen will face it's toughest test when they face Krytenia in Darmen. Krytenia is ranked seventh in the world, and it will be closely watched by all football fans in Darmen.

Post-Qualifying Friendlies Preview
Darmen will have matches against Civil Citizenry, Thatius, and FSSO. The hardest game should come against Civil Citizenry, while the other two matches should be easy wins for Darmen. Thatius is the lowest ranked team Darmen will face during friendlies that take place during WC qualifying.

[The Kytler Peninsulae]

Breaking news from NBO SportsWire

The Kytler Peninsulae have been drawn into arguably the hardest group in World Cup 57 qualifying.

The debuting Kytlerians, who were quarter-finalists at the Baptism of Fire, drew into Group 12, featuring Qazox, Valladares, and Chetkosk as the top three seeds. Carpathia and Ruthenia - considered a dangerous fourth seed - also went into the group, as did Sargossa.

The SO-KP Chirper account responded to the draw with the immediate response of "Slani. Slani slani slani." As the top seeds had slotted into the group, the "groups of death" were becoming clear, and Group 12 was prominent amongst them due to its perceived strength in depth.

Braxil and Eggy216 were also drawn into the group, with two very weak teams set to complete the group.

The draw was notable for ferocious back-and-forth exchanges both in the hall and on Chirper, with Citiz officials very keen to start the trash-talk despite not drawing the Kytlerians in their Group 3. They promised that the "most overrated nation ever" would fail to score a single point in qualifying, and a bet in tacos was suggested to that effect. In return, SO-KP notionally accepted the offer, which was "not presumed to be especially serious", although a spokesperson said that they will "accept the tacos gracefully".

The Margaret Institute projects that the Kytlerians will finish either fifth or sixth in the group, and will fail to meet their target of being one of the top four debutant nations, due to other teams gaining "far kinder draws with nations less inclined towards RPD use."

OOC: I am heading for bed, but got this away while the draw was taking place in #nssport.

[Sarzonia]

Sarzonian national team manager and Cafundelense native Franz Braddock was chosen as the representative of both host nations at the World Cup LVII group draw, which was being held in a boardroom in the Incorporated Football Federation's headquarters in Woodstock.

As such, he announced the teams that would be taking part in their respective groups, which came out thusly:

Group 1
Kazzoria
Jeruselem
Kernansquillec
Armorgames
Princess Béatrice Island
Seunem
Ponoka
Eastern European Nations
Homelands our

Group 2
The Babbage Islands
Orlkjestad
Stachland
Utmost Upright
Tamarindia
Iphmopf
New Gaelicia
Dance 2 Revolution
Les Macarable

Group 3
Bears Armed
Erathore
Civil Citizenry
Legalese
Michael VII
Arcatea
Deep Freid Bacon
Trimasia
The United City-States

Group 4
Queer Poco el Mono Ara
Churchma
Bergnovinaia
Kalumba
Camerania
Branta Island
Cygning
Relotia
Phoenigetuzstha

Group 5
Bostopia
North Chicanan
Sarzoclava
Carasatoga
Rhodesiah
Espianola
Skalholt
Garon-Averia
Neo Belgium

Group 6
Pasarga
Mytannion
Mangolana
Sibirsky
Loonaterian
Jedi8246
Cote de Platine
Dixie Provinces
The Islands of Qutar

Group 7
Sorthern Northland
ASMV
The Allamunnic States
Ketharnia
Itailian Maifias
Rouge Pioneers
Kazerjan
New Montreal States
Ithadi

Group 8
Cosumar
Osarius
Kelssek
Milchama
Northern Bettia
Mapletish
Gyatso-kai
Hladio Huggers
Crotunda

Group 9
Cotdelapoms
Akbarabad
Southern Cynocephali
Stuffed Taxidermists
Bleak Rock
Seleucius
Carmadin
Zhevalsso-zhevalsso
Welebecer

Group 10
Dorian and Sonya
Khytenna
Saugeais
Unitopolis
Chenkorya
Greater Coventry
Thatius
Tekcirb
Iphmopf

Group 11
Jeru FC
Kagdazka and Pazhujebu
Mantwenic
Ocel0t
Altimarus
Logria
Yiland
Lonaga
Howdeellow

Group 12
Qazox
Valladares
Chetkosk
Carpathia and Ruthenia
Sargossa
The Kytler Peninsulae
Braxil
Eggy216
Di Lianzio

Group 13
The Archregimancy
Polar Islandstates
Sarrbia
The FSSO
Wolfmanne
Lymantatia
Puttania
BrightonBurg
The Weegies

Group 14
Aguazul
Tretskivucia
Eastfield Lodge
Quakmybush
Cyborg Holland
Hakkland
Chuckio
Triimoria
Holstejn

Group 15
Krytenia
Landau Institute
The Kiaser Colonies
Nitrome Island
West Zirconia
Brendino the 3rd
Ipeland
Zoobians
Vilita

Group 16
Starblaydia
Pays de Horreur
Astograth
Hockey Canada
Nethertopia
Euskirribakondara
Tryienne
Tal Vararr
Independent Mars

Group 17
Cassadaigua
Swartaz
Taeshan
Darmen
Bettia
Nicole Scherzinger
Camwood
Hippostania
Arsenolia

Group 18
Delaclava
Kulverint
Whirl Islands
Antoletia
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk
Free Swiss States
Wadomia
Beldonia
Soviet Canuckistan

Group 19
Valanora
Pretty Awesome Persons
Silver Beach
Octinstine
Western cuba
Miley World
The Peterwood Estate
The Vuhifellian States
Pernam

Group 20
The Holy Empire
Virabia
The Kangaroo Republic
Khabarovsk Krai
Rent is 3 Damn High
Megadia
Krumbia
Ohio Island
Dabesteva

And the matchups will be as follows:

Matchday 1
2 v. 9
3 v. 8
4 v. 7
5 v. 6
1 BYE

Matchday 2
9 v. 1
7 v. 2
6 v. 3
5 v. 4
8 BYE

Matchday 3
1 v. 8
9 v. 7
2 v. 5
3 v. 4
6 BYE

Matchday 4
7 v. 1
6 v. 8
5 v. 9
3 v. 2
4 BYE

Matchday 5
1 v. 6
7 v. 5
8 v. 4
9 v. 3
2 BYE

Matchday 6
5 v. 1
4 v. 6
3 v. 7
2 v. 8
9 BYE

Matchday 7
1 v. 4
5 v. 3
6 v. 2
8 v. 9
7 BYE

Matchday 8
3 v. 1
2 v. 4
9 v. 6
8 v. 7
5 BYE

Matchday 9
1 v. 2
4 v. 9
5 v. 8
6 v. 7
3 BYE

The home teams in the first half of qualifying will play away during the second half, and vice versa in the same order as listed above. For instance, Jeruselem would host Homelands our in Matchday 1, then play away to Homelands our in Matchday 10.