Swamp Soccer World Cup III (Everything Thread)

[The Icemark]

Welcome to the third edition of the Swamp Soccer World Cup.

Twenty-four nations have traveled from far and wide to the cold shores of The Icemark, to compete in its famous bogs and swamps. These nations have been drawn into four groups of six teams and will face off in a round robin format. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals.

What is Swamp Soccer?
Its not made up for starters. They play this for real. It originates from the swamps of finland where a group of cross-country skiers invented it.
The Rules are as follows:
[*]The game is obviously played in a bog, swamp or a very muddy field
[*]Each team consists of six players (1 Goalkeeper and 5 outfield players).
[*]Substitutes are unlimited throughout the entire game
[*]The game has a duration of two 12 minute halfs of Soccer
[*]The pitch is a tiny bit larger than a 5-A-Side pitch
[*There are no offsides
[*]All kick-offs, throw-ins, corner kicks, free kicks and penalties are taken by using the hands to drop the ball onto a chosen foot. With the exception of penalties, all are indirect
[*]Fancy dress is allowed as long as all your players colours match

Group A
Free Swiss States
Great-Bohemia
Lymantatia
Michael VII (8)
Vahvanti (12)
Yesopalitha (1)

Group B
Felix Terra 
Free South Califas (7)
Licentiapacisterra
Mashiki (2)
Slembana
The Icemark (11)

Group C
Darmen (6)
Equestrain States (10)
Farfadillis (3)
Gluecows
Soviet Canuckistan
The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan

Group D
Maklohi Vai
Nopspri
Taijan
Taqud (5)
Western Cuba (9)
Wight (4)

Schedule
Group Stages (11/9 - 15/9)
MD1: 1 V 6, 2 V 5, 3 V 4
MD2: 6 V 4, 5 V 3, 1 V 2
MD3: 6 V 2, 3 V 1, 4 V 5
MD4: 6 V 5, 1 V 4, 2 V 3
MD5: 3 V 6, 4 V 2, 5 V 1
Quarter-Final (16/9)
Semi-Final (17/9)
3rd Place Play/Off & Final (18/9)

Games will be scorinated every matchday between 7.00AM -8.00AM GMT+1. I will be using the latest verison of Xkoranate to scorinate the event

RP Bonus
RP Bonus’s will be given out depending on the posts. It’ll favour quality over quantity. A bonus will be included for rosters.
(Note: As in the previous tournaments, I will not be issuing any Bonus to my own team)

[Farfadillis]

The Freisan Farf Fretball Francitian (Official Farf Football Association in English) has officially presented SSWC 3's roster:

Manager: Charlens Ricardensonschwein Migarfa
Assistant Manager: Joselhiane Andura
Style Modifier: 0
Nicknames: Muddy Jellyfishes (not much used)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Most players in Farfadillis who play Swamp Soccer were born on Puerto Farolero (spanish-speaking Farf state). The names of most of them will be in spanish.


GK1:
Name: Johan Mejulus (Main team)
Age: 21
Team: Muddy Farfadillis
Style: Goalkeeper
Bio: Johan Mejulus was a total fail at association football, but then he found some hope on becoming a proffesional: Swamp Soccer. As a goalkeeper, he’s rather good and, even though his reflexes are depressing, the low-speed shots are easily manageable for him. He's returned once again, still being the est goalkeeper around even though Swamp Soccer has increased in popularity a lot in Farfadillis.

GK2:
Name: Hernando Asturria
Age: 18
Team: Muddy Gonhelha
Style: Goalkeeper
Bio: Hernando is a really promising goalkeeper for the Swamp Soccer National Team. However, Mejulus is still better than him for now, only time will tell which will end up as the starting goalkeeper in the next years.

LB:
Name: Manuel Alexandro (Main Team)
Age: 16
Team: Muddy Farfadillis
Style: Superb Stamina, Good Defending
Bio: Manuel is one of those players who started playing Swamp Soccer after Farfadillis' success last WC. He can endure entire matches without sweating and will defend at the end of a game just as well as at the beginning.

RB:
Name: Rodrigo Sereno (Main Team)
Age: 20
Team: Barro Nuevo
Style: Temperamental and skilled
Bio: Rodrigo Sereno is another player who started playing after Farfadillis' succes last WC. Sereno tends to start fights when provoked, but is a really skilled player. He plays for his local team, which isn't even professional, which makes it surpising that he was called up for the national team.

CM:
Name: Miguelhe Kolinkens
Age: 21
Team: Muddy Farfadillis
Style: Continuously fouls
Bio: Miguelhe is widely acknowledged as “The bone breaking machine”, in a game where fouls don’t matter that much, this guy wo doesn’t care much about dirt keeps fouling and inkuring other teams’ players. A funny anechdote includes him confusing 1 of his teammates (due to everyone being covered on mud) and breaking him a toe. He's still here for his 2nd WC.

CM:
Name: Horachi Jokeria
Age: 24
Team: Muddy Ferdullaele
Style: Bad
Bio: The team's "amulet". He'll never play, he's horrible. But whenever he's on the bench, the team plays well.

RM:
Name: Elip Kander (Main Team)
Age: 22
Team: Muddy Ferdullaele
Style: Very Violent but classy
Bio: Kander is very violent and frequently commits fouls, but also plays tricks to the opponent’s defenders and midfielders. The “sweepball” is his trademark trick. He's still here after being one of the best Farf players last WC.

LM:
Name: Friekder Dandalleion (Main Team)
Age: 19
Team: Muddy Ferdullaele
Style: Fast when on mud
Bio: Dandalleion, who has been one of the best players of the association football national team last qualifyings, will play for the team once again! He was by far the team's best player last Swamp Soccer WC, and everyone's hoping he can perform even better this time.

CDM:
Name: Sentialhager Fayuds
Age: 17
Team: Muddy Frijtupans
Style: Superb Assisting, Very Analitic
Bio: The main player of the midfield core the manager has decided to form. His passing skills are superb, he runs around the field during the first 5 minutes of the game, then settles, and as he knows the state of every part of the field, proceeds to create superb opportunities. He's never on the starting line-up, but will always enter and change the team's style of play. He's here once again for his 2nd WC.

CAM:
Name: Monuele Numbá (Main Team) (Captain)
Age: 20
Team: Muddy Shwellers
Style: Finisher, good both defensively and phisically
Bio: Would be like a striker, if it wasn’t because he’s much more involved defensively and on the midfield than offensively, if the team was to design a striker, this would be him. He’s a very good finisher. He's, luckily, here once again.

ST:
Name: Edisalo Vanica
Age: 12
Team: Danuwa FC (not a Swamp Soccer player, an association football one)
Style: Has never played Swamp Soccer
Bio: Just like last time, a youth talent will be on the national team to show him how a world cup is like, he'll one day play for the association football national team, for sure.

Starting Line-up:

---------------------Mejulus-----------------------
Sereno--------------------------------Alexandro
--------------------------------------------------------
Kander-------------------------------Dandalleion
--------------------Numbá-------------------------

[Mashiki]

Mashiki's Swamp Soccer World Cup III Roster

Another year, another roster; and a lot of familiar faces are returning to the Swamps of the Icemark once more for another test of physical endurance and opportunity. The Swamp Soccer World Cup is Back for its third edition, and for Mashiki's second appearance. And once again, the all-seeing figure of Signa Twaqulu returns after an unsuccessful stint as the National Football Manager during Mashiki's Baptism of Fire.

After last year's resounding success of a début, the team is largely the same as before, apart from one or two minor changes to the squad:

Position - Name - Age - Number - Info

First Team:

GK Bakala Turalik - 26 - 88 - After a superb tournament last year, Bakala returns to the Mashiki team following major improvements in training and practise matches. He performs like a realk keeper, even though he plays in the swamps, and seems unfazed by everything else that happens around him. He comes back in after conceding only 7 goals in 7 matches last tournament, accompanied by two clean sheets.

DF Borili Duba - 18 - 12 - During Mashiki's superb run last time round, the amount of youths playing the sport increased massively, and Borili is one of the stars of the uprising. He takes the number 12 shirt from Frezili Bakunga who is dropped to the bench. Duba looks like a real one to watch in the future.

DF Biglo Figraz - 22 - 14 - Another young defender who was mainly on the bench last year, but has made huge strides forward in the past year, especially through his ability to get forward and score vital goals. His penalty kicks are phenomenal as well, the best in the side. He will become vice-captain if he has a good tournament this year.

MF Dwek Figraz - 23 - 6 - One of four unchanged players in this year's starting line-up, Dwek is still as solid as ever, with his incredulous muscular physique, accompanied with his dead-straight eyeline makes him a perfect player for this sort of game.

MF Frenzi Ikalok (Captain) - 32 - 8 - Frenzi is a wild sort of character, who likes to look for the thrill of adrenalin in and out of the game. This can cause problems off the pitch, but he finds these things he loses onn the pitch, and he puts his energy to good use, connecting the team as one, and getting on with everyone pretty well. The same sort of attributes are admired and enjoyed back home.

FW Tshaka Rashbata - 24 - 10 - Tshaka is a deadly finisher, and an all-round striker. That's all that needs saying, isn't it?

Substitutes:

GK Friki Lamchakla - 35 - 24
DF Frezili Bakunga - 25 - 66
DF Himki Wachiki - 25 - 30
MF Hanka Laku - 20 - 44
MF Rumela Dowk - 18 - 16
FW Rinko Dwalnaka - 20 - 36

RP Permissions:
I allow my opponent to:
- Choose my scorers and scoring events
- Injure my players (1 per game)
- Caution my players (Up to 2 per game)
- Godmod (Within reason)

[TaQud]

TaQud after coming off another disappointing season. This time money has been funded to actually get these athletes better training. Now they are ready to play some Swamp Soccer and actually compete in the Tournament this year. Oscar Gerb was Once again Head Coach of the Team. The Lead Scorer Alvin Brodeau was stopped by the coach. "You going to do better then last year?" said Oscar. "You bet coach. I just hope we can get to the championship game this year so that are results make us look disappointing." "Well with better funding from the TaQud Gov't, we'll actually have a shot!" said Oscar in Reply. "I hope so Coach. I hope." said Alvin walking to his locker.

Coach: Oscar Gerb 6'1" 209 lbs 47
Starting Lineup:
GK Jeremy Scott 6'2" 203 lbs 25
DF (OF) Herman Yewqk 6'1" 187 lbs 27
DF (OF) Xavier Turelli 6'4" 216 lbs 24
MD (OF) Fredrick Malve 6'2" 207 lbs 26
MD (OF) Alvin Brodeau 6'1" 211 lbs 27
FW (OF) Will Nemert 6'1" 202 lbs 22

Substitutes:
GK Travis Ulon 6'3" 211 lbs 28
OF Rick Heut 6'5" 234 lbs 26
OF Earl Weatherspoon 6'2" 208 lbs 22
OF Quince Himit 6'3" 211 lbs 23
OF Ben Fargo 6'2" 205 lbs 25
OF Melvin Vixon 6'4" 227 lbs 25

[Yesopalitha]

Two-time defending champions...

As they are all Vampires and therefore immortal, the Yesopalithan Squad hasn't changed a single bit.

Starters
G Cason Viccen
D Jeremiah Trotter
D Erik Numen
D Samuel Titton
A Raoul Tibez (Player-Coach)
A Emmanuel Laret (Captain)
A Isaac Epson

Reserves
G Rizzeto Qarin
G Messai Hums
D Yas Gibson
D Michal Ritt
A Niles Mike
A Lyur Qnnet

Style: +5
RP Permissions: No killing.

Warning: Subsequent RPs might mention drinking blood of humans/animals. Sorry if that disturbs you.

[Maklohi Vai]

Coach: Umao Lokonamai

Starters
G Wolo Laina
D Oluwaono Kamai
D Orumo Numoi
D Uwai Naikano
F Nokito Monumai (Captain)
F Waino Erutupai

Reserves
G Ruto Motunai
D Mo Tutorpai'i
D Amilo Utropani
D Mualno Ritopai
F Nilo Rutkantai
F Lonmuro Makai

Style: -2
RP Permissions: nothing that will take them out (injury or card) for more than a game

[Wight]

.

[Free Swiss States]

Despite some controversy, an all-Swiss "everyman" team has been sent to this Swamp Soccer debut.

Starters:
GK: Marco Henlito (Homeless, officially unemployed. Has side business selling cocaine to teenagers in order to make a living).
Defense: Lee Bantam (Homeless, works in a Burger King. Says he likes helping people. Has no front teeth).
Defense: Maddie Kytle (Starter on the Swiss national football team. Is currently suspended for killing a player during a match).
Midfield: Robbie Dervish (On the market as a hitman. Is on the team in an effort to escape the country after the mafia decided to remove him as a potential threat).
Midfield: Perce Elinor (Escapee from a mental health hospital. Likes playing tennis and cutting small animals into lots of little pieces).
Offense: Gregory Icer (Famous millionaire who has faked his death on five separate occasions. He thinks this is a pleasure cruise on the Caribbean).
Offense: Coleman Forker (Born as a woman. Was arrested after trying to blow up the Swiss Parliament last year in a protest about the sport of curling).

Reserves:
GK: James Hunt (Former president. Resigned after he was caught in a cheating scandal with two elderly Asian twins. Is now a Playboy billionaire).
Defense: Jonah Nizzy (Disgraced former diplomat who tried to cover up Hunt's scandal. Now coaches the Swiss national football team).
Midfield: Gordon du-Lusavik (Swiss footballing legend. Placed third in the Baptism of Fire and was the first Swiss to play for an international club team).
Offense: Roger Hedge (Freak of nature born with 3 legs. Ideally this will only give him an advantage).

[Equestrian States]

In the event that my heavily-armed security guards are not ICly allowed into the country, they will be RP'd as present and armed, but not in uniform. Also, Each individual changeling has a preferred form. They are given to you for your RPing use, though you may choose to RP them in any form you wish them to use, no matter how stupid or unrealistic it may be.

The Pony Republic of Equestrian States
Changeling Team - Swamp Soccer World Cup III

Team Background
As the National Equestrian Sports Council could not pull together a proper national team once again, several shady members of the NESC have arranged for the role of representing the Equestrian States to be given to the inmates at Alcloptraz Maximum Security Prison. The island prison holds several thousand Changelings, and is rarely on the "To Visit" lists of tourists in the Equestrian States as over ten security checks are required before one is allowed to set a hoof on or off the island. A group of 16 of these Changelings have been chosen by their prison wardens to play as the "official" Equestrian States team. Their selections were based on viciousness and aggressiveness, or at least the guards think they were (it's hard to tell which is which at times). When not playing, the prisoners will be kept in magically-reinforced transport containers kept under armed guard at all times. Guards will also work to prevent any unauthorized news from reaching the Equestrian States itself as the existence of this team is a secret. In the 2nd Swamp Soccer World Cup, a similar team of inmates was sent to represent the Equestrian States. That team performed decently, finishing third in its group and just missing a playoff spot.

All-Time Stats
Style Modifier: +5
Record: 4-1-1 (2-0-0 at SSWC3)
Achievments: None

Group C
#3 - Farfadillis (2.4)
#6 - Darmen (1.8)
#10 - Equestrian States (0.5)
UR - Gluecows (0.0)
UR - Soviet Canuckistan (0.0)
UR - The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan (0.0)

Tournament Schedule

Group Play
MD1: Equestrian States 3, Soviet Canuckistan 0 (Win)
MD2: Equestrian States 3, Darmen 2 (Win)
MD3: The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan vs. Equestrian States
MD4: Equestrian States vs. Farfadillis
MD5: Gluecows vs. Equestrian States

Roster

Starters
GK - Inmate 221813 (Female Human)
OF - Inmate 672362 (Male Penguin)
OF - Inmate 956267 (Male Pegasus)
OF - Inmate 745367 (Male Manticore)
OF - Inmate 938518 (Female Dragon)
OF - Inmate 018374 (Male Human)

Reserves
GK - Inmate 130670 (Male Vampire)
GK - Inmate 739275 (Male Polar Bear)
OF - Inmate 719351 (Female Elf)
OF - Inmate 445163 (Female Earth Pony)
OF - Inmate 003756 (Male Human)
OF - Inmate 103558 (Female Timberwolf)
OF - Inmate 017461 (Female Lion)
OF - Inmate 716391 (Female Tiger)
OF - Inmate 916164 (Male Dragon)
OF - Inmate 155171 (Male Unicorn)

RP Permissions

If my opponent RPs first, I give them the right to...
Do anything they want to: Yes, as long as the team's secrecy is maintained (the majority of my nation is being kept unaware of the team's existence, so there will be no actual Equestrian fans at games). I would also ask that you shoot me a TG warning if you plan to do something extreme.

[Free South Califas]

The San Diego Union
"Always 1:20 credit hour"


Batiquitos Lagoon, in southern Carlsbad, SD.

CARLSBAD, San Diego County - The Swamp Soccer World Cup III detachment of the International Sporting Affairs Committee of the 16th Federal Assembly of the Communities and Economies of Free South Califas met last week in Los Angeles to debate the merits of various players, coaches and strategies. Yesterday, they reconvened at a San Diego County swamp, like the SSWC2 detachment before them, to announce the SSWC3 roster, change the team nickname to Swamp Rats, praise the meteoric rise of ⁷South Califas in the world swamp game and then promptly disband. Most former SSWC3D employees are seeking roles in other elected government delegations, but others said they planned to look for work or already had employment guarantees in industrial, agricultural, charitable, political, bureaucratic, cultural or artisanal collectives.

The Califans surprised the swamp soccer community in their inaugural campaign at World Cup II, going undefeated in the group stage and reaching the quarterfinals. Other than their 2-0 quarterfinal defeat to ⁴Wight, opponents only scored against the Rats in the first 1¹/₃ games of the group stage. Placed in the second-weakest out of four groups this time, with ²Mashiki and ¹¹The Icemark in their sights along with the plucky newcomers from Slembana and new teams from Felix Terra and Licentiapacisterra, the Rats expect to do well but will have tougher sledding and more pressure than before.

Normally, teams using the traditional Califan electoral system, where some combination of players, coaches and fans vote on a manager every game or two, can struggle to find their identity as they give competing candidates the chance to demonstrate their tactics. The association football side broke new ground in Califan management selection by interviewing foreign candidates and ultimately hiring an esteemed club manager from Osarius. Yesterday, the swamp soccer team took a different but related approach, hiring successful player-manager Democritus Ewart, thus electing to leave nothing to chance. Ewart was the 7^th of 10 outfielders listed in the FSC roster for SSWC2, but saw no playing time. He won election for the first game, against eventual group runners-up TaQud, and made the most of his opportunity by defeating them 3-2 on a last minute goal by midfielder Jose María Ricardo, who also opened the day's scoring. It would be the only loss ⁵TaQud would suffer in the group stage before a 4-1 humiliation at the hands of ¹Yesopalitha in the quarterfinals (current ranks used). Though Democritus' team lacked defensive stability, they prevailed over Rainious Allementos to the tune of 5-3, and RNA would be the last team in Group D to put a biscuit in the FSC basket. Their sixth-minute strike would mark the beginning of a 2²/₃ game shutout streak and a change of goalkeeper to steward it. As a result, it comes as no surprise that Mildgyð Eustace of the two clean sheets got the nod for the starting role, even after allowing two Wightlinga scores in the Rats' lackluster quarterfinal.

Dermatologists and researchers from the Communications Detachment of the federal Public Health Committee have warned Califan fans to skip the rapidly-growing trend of smearing mud on their foreheads to show solidarity with the hard-working players. While praising the team's talent, skill, discipline and drive, and encouraging Califans to support the team with their attention and substantial donations, F/PHC-CD dermatologist Govinda Boracnic begged fans to end the practice for their own sake, in a short speech after the Dissolution Ceremony which officially decertified F/ISAC-SSWC3D. Dr. Boracnic shared frightening pictures of SSWC2 patients, summarized the research on detrimental health effects, and warned that knock-on effects ranging from painful cysts to poor focus may harm productivity and could jeopardize recent economic gains.

The Swamp Rats head to The Icemark with high hopes and higher expectations, as follows:

Manager: Democritus Ewart (4-0-1)
Starting Lineup: 2-2 Roam; style -2.1
GK Mildgyð Eustace: 3 caps, 2 GA, 2 CS (vs Vamprica/Krumbia, Vahvanti and 2 GA vs ⁴Wight)
LD Philippina Ardizzone: 3 caps ("")
RD Roxanne Forney: 3 caps ("")
LW Amnon Niemec: 3 caps, 2 GF (vs ⁵TaQud, Rainious Allementos and ⁵Wight)
RW Paula Yishai: 5 caps, 4 GF
OF (roaming) Jose María Ricardo: 5 caps, 5 GF

Backups: (in order of likeliness to appear)
D/M Ivo Karina: 3 caps, 1 GF
OF Ana Francisca Jimenez: 1 cap
M/F Alexandra Saveliy: 1 cap
M/F Herminius Sybille: 1 cap
D Tristan Sargossa: no WC experience
GK Hanne Audley: 2 caps, 5 GA

Notes:

• Yishai and María-Ricardo are the only players to appear in every World Cup game, and have a chance to continue this distinction throughout WC3.
• Francisca-Jimenez is not a free-range roaming OF like M-R; she just hasn't bombed at defense (yet?) like Saveliy and Sybille did against TaQud and Rainious Allementos.
• Humility is a common trait observed in FSC international sides; F/ISAC has historically had close ties with the WA General Assembly detachment and has "encouraged" its sundry teams, coaches and players to exhibit quiet dignity and respect except in goal/save celebrations or when discussing politics. The freewheeling Osarian football manager, Oswaldo "Oscar el Loco" Garabona is a notable exception, generating some tension when he enlisted bench players to help him mock visiting capitalist nations after goals in WCQ61 home games. (His strong resemblance to a shady used-car salesman did not go unnoticed in the foreign press, although his reliance on in-jokes prevented any significant rebuke from the international community.) The SSWC3 team may also display some dissonance with FSC behavioral expectations as their sudden success may have gotten to their heads a bit; time will tell. (OOC: Feel free to develop my players and manager in this direction.)
• It is customary for Califan fans to pass cannabis cigarettes and cigars at halfway or quarter-way points in each period of a game. Thus, games involving FSC can have something of a characteristic smell.
• OOC: None of these players, nor Ewart, have been assigned or RPed any particular personality, although certain things can be inferred about the starting lineup from their success and the words of Dr. Boracnic above. You are encouraged to RP them, and free to determine their personality if you wish. Just send me a TG first if you want to write something that would make them look bad (racism, flagrant fouls, criminality, unusual selfishness) or give them a serious mental health problem like addiction, that kind of thing. I'll probably be open to it, I just want to make sure I don't end up with 5 different kinds of sociopaths or something.

[Nopspri]

Here is Nopspri's roster=



G Forgtos Redman
D Frank Mitsumontopoli
D Suver Be Noolmi
D Zanho Gretson
A Goo DBoi
A Rampager (The Setinel Streak) (Watch out for him!)
A Antie Loop (A strange talking Antelope)





(No reserves. Don't really need them. If someone gets tired/injured... too bad.)

[The Icemark]

Matchday 1 Results

Group A
Free Swiss States 1–2 Yesopalitha
Great Bohemia 0–1 Vahvanti
Lymantatia 0–5 Michael VII

  Group A                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Michael VII                                  1   1  0  0    5   0  +5    3
2 Yesopalitha                                  1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Vahvanti                                     1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Free Swiss States                            1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Great Bohemia                                1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Lymantatia                                   1   0  0  1    0   5  −5    0

Group B
Felix Terra 0–0 The Icemark
Free South Califas 2–0 Slembana
Licentiapacisterra 0–2 Mashiki

  Group B                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Free South Califas                           1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Mashiki                                      1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
3 Felix Terra                                  1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4 The Icemark                                  1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
5 Licentiapacisterra                           1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
6 Slembana                                     1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group C
Darmen 1–0 The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan
Equestrain States 3–0 Soviet Canuckistan
Farfadillis 1–0 Gluecows

  Group C                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Equestrain States                            1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 Darmen                                       1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
3 Farfadillis                                  1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Gluecows                                     1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
5 The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan      1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Soviet Canuckistan                           1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

Group D
Maklohi Vai 0–3 Wight
Nopspri 1–2 Western Cuba
Taijan 0–1 Taqud

  Group D                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Wight                                        1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 Western Cuba                                 1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
3 Taqud                                        1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Nopspri                                      1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Taijan                                       1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Maklohi Vai                                  1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

[Mashiki]

Victory:

It's always tough visiting a new place, especially when it's your first time away from home. This is exactly the way that Borili Duba felt. When he picked up Swamp Soccer earlier that year, he just expected it to be a small hobby, something he could do in his spare time. All his mates said that he was actually quite good at it, but he never believed them. To him, it just seemed as if he was the same as everyone else. But then he met Frenzi while playing in the swamps outside of his home town, Tubushu. He was a really nice person, and was quick to comment on his so-called 'impressive' skills in the swamps. Everyone knew who Frenzi Ikalok was after the success earlier that year, and he was just generally easy to get on with. He invited Borili to a tournament the following week, just to watch he said. He agreed, thinking it would just be place to hang around with his mates.

When Borili arrived the next week, he found Frenzi holding a luminescent bid and some trainers.
"You ready?" he asked.
"What? What do you mean am I ready? What for?" Borili replied in shock.
"To play of course! You're as good as these other guys! You can play!" exclaimed Frenzi in a manner of both humour and glee. "So how about it?"
Borili thought to himself 'It's only a laugh, I won't get anything out of it.'
"Yeah, sure. Of course I will."

And from there, everything went upwards. Borili's team finished 1st in the tournament after winning the final 7-1. But what really surprised Borili was the fact that Mashiki's Swamp Soccer manager, Signa Twaqulu had been there the whole time. He came up to him afterwards and praised his efforts; And that was when he realised: it was all a big set-up. Frenzi had known Signa was coming to the tournament, and that he would be impressed by his skills. But he quickly darted from his thoughts back to the conversation after hearing that sentence...
"How would you feel about joining our national side in the trip to the Icemark?"

And before he could say 'Yes!' he was already there. But now it was all settling in.All he wanted was a hobby, and what he ended up with was a career. How would he cope? He wasn't good enough for the national team. But Signa thought he was, so he definitely should be. And so he waited for the first match to come...

Two days later, Borili was on the shoulders of his team-mates. Man of the match in his first proper game. A goal, an assist and a clean sheet. What more could he have hoped for. All his doubts had drifted away, and he had renewed hope. And as he had thought before, he said "Well from here, the only way is upward."

[Farfadillis]

Dandalleion stopped the ball, he stared right into the goal. It was the last minute and he had received Kander's pass. He was in front of the goal. They were the top seeds but were ending their 1st match witha scoreless draw. He then saw Monuele running right next to him. He swept the ball over the keeper. The ball ended on Monuele's head, who headed it in, scoring the winning goal. Everyone celebrated it calmly, they were dissappointed that a team like Gluecows had been so difficult to defeat. However, they were all happy, this meant they started with a win, and had their chances to advance intact.

Winning meant all to everyone, drawing would've been the same as a defeat, specially to Monuele and Dandalleion, the later is even more of a sore loser due to having played for the national team, but he's got that winning hunger only when he plays Swamp Soccer. That's good for Farfadillis.

After winning their 1st match, they all went back to the hotel, they were all freezing, specially Alexandre and Sereno, who hadn't been around last time.

[Yesopalitha]

After the Vamps' 2-1 Win over Free Swiss States

Cason Viccen: That was close, way too close, so much closer than it should have been. Sorry guys.

Emmanuel Laret: Well, you pitched a shutout after the fluke goal in the first minute. It's our fault for not scoring enough, man.

Raoul Tibez: Emmanuel is right. We didn't have a consistent offense in this game and that was the overall problem.

Cason Viccen: I'm sure we'll get better. We always do. This tournament is truly ours to lose.

Raoul Tibez: That's the worst part. When we get full of ourselves is when we will lose again..

Emmanuel Laret: Worried already, Raoul? Don't you believe in us?

Raoul Tibez: Of course, I do. We have been through the thick and thin of things to make sure that things will work out. I do not worry about that.

Cason Viccen: Things will get sharper as the tournament goes on. You just wait and see.

Raoul Tibez: That is what will happen. For we must.

[Michael VII]

And the M7 convicts return!

Coined the M7 Ex-cons, this team is a bunch of players who have been excluded from the MFA (Michael VII Football Association) due to having criminal records that would reflect badly on the association as a whole. In the hopes of being competitive, and also that a few of these scumbags drown in the swamps, Michael VII has entered the following players in SSWC III.

Starters
GK: Dwight 'Slasher' Williams, 50 y.o., Served 20 years for Armed Robbery of a Bank in Frbiba. Currently on probation. CAUTION: May carry knife.
DEF: Jerry 'Saber Tooth' Carter, 39 y.o., Served 10 years for Assault in Jagoza. Still incarcerated, but released for playing. CAUTION: He may bite.
DEF: Hans 'Grizzly Bear' James, 61 y.o., Sentenced to Death for Murder in Karoe. Hopefully will drown, and that's why he's here.
MF: Tristan 'Baby-face' Smith, 23 y.o., Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Sexual Assault in Karoe. Also could drown. CAUTION: Might try choking.
OFF: Mike 'No Mercy' Hunter, 61 y.o., Served 35 years for Conspiracy to Murder in Gaetsa. Don't let him plan things. CAUTION: Makes plans to kill.
OFF: Dennis 'The Menace' Moran, 42 y.o., Served 20 years for Grand Theft Auto and Burglary in Jagoza. CAUTION: Keep valuables locked and hidden.

Reserves
GK: Reese 'Dirty Meshketan' Short, 20 y.o., Charged with Armed Robbery in Gaetsa. Govt wants dead before trial. CAUTION: Keep away from metals.
DEF: Freddy 'Five-O Killer' Tudor, 27 y.o., Sentenced to Death for Murder of Policeman in Frbiba. CAUTION: Not allowed to use knives. Only spoons.
MF: Ollie 'Scream' Merton, 36 y.o., Served 10 years for Assault in New Schmejgland. CAUTION: Has Hulk-like mood swings. OLLIE SMASH!
OFF: Samuel 'Innocent' Williamson, 25 y.o., Sentenced to 30 years for Sexual Assault of Minor in Atlancia. No real caution, but prosecution would like him drowned. While he retains the nickname Innocent, he was found guilty of Sexual Assault of a Minor...Pedo.

KEY
Served: -Time in prison completed.
Sentenced: -Currently in prison, prison officials want them dead.
Charged: -Arrested by not yet sentenced. Prosecution wants them dead for court costs. May well be Innocent.

RP Permissions
Literally Everything. Including Killing. However we need 6 people per day.

[Free South Califas]

MD1: Harvest Mice 2–0 Slembana

Manager: Democritus Ewart (5-0-1)

14' goal FSC: OF Jose María Ricardo (1) (6 goals in 6 WC caps)
31' goal FSC: LW Amnon Niemec (1) (3 goals in 4 WC caps)

Starting lineup unchanged for MD2

[Equestrian States]

My RPs will be written from the point of view of the guard in charge of running the team and preserving its secrecy.

Code: Select all

Encryption 1: ************
Encryption 2: ******************
To:  Inbox Code 03628171 - NESC Headquarters, Canterlot
From: Outbound Team B
Subject: Status Report - Day 2 (Success)

Message: As you requested prior to our departure from the homelands, I will be sending you daily reports on the successes, failures, and general behavior of our operatives during the course of the tournament. I will refer only to the physical appearances of the operatives as their identities should remain anonymous.

Our first engagement was with the players representing the nation of Soviet Canuckistan. The opponents' government is openly anti-pony and the behavior of the government seemed to transfer over to their team today. While most of our operatives adopted the appearances of non-equines, one notable starter chose to purposefully irk the other side by adopting the shape of a pink and purple mare with butterfly wings. Several opposing players attempted to injure this operative, but failed to do so.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the squad attacked with the ferociousness of an injured manticore. The opponents' goalkeeper was overwhelmed by the attack and by the conclusion of the first half of the match, our agents led by a margin of two. The second half would not yield as many goals as the first, but it would prove the most intriguing. Primarily, it was the torching of a nearby tree by a dragon member of the squad that drew the most attention since there was no apparent reason for the operative's behavior. The agent in question has been caged since the conclusion of the match as a precautionary measure and will be closely watched tonight. However, it is anticipated that we will be able to start him tomorrow during our second operation of the campaign. The final result of our match was a 3-0 success, which puts us at the top of our current group by virtue of goal difference.

I trust that security precautions are being taken on your end to preserve the secrecy of our presence here. My tech ponies have reassured me that all broadcasts towards the North Pony Lands regarding this tournament are being jammed, so we are in the clear at the moment unless events have developed on your end.

I will report back to you tomorrow with our next operation summary.

Sincerely,
[CENSORED]
Sports Warden - Alcloptraz Maximum Security Changeling Center

[The Icemark]

Matchday 2 Results

Group A
Yesopalitha 3–1 Michael VII
Vahvanti 2–2 Lymantatia
Free Swiss States 2–1 Great Bohemia

  Group A                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Yesopalitha                                  2   2  0  0    5   2  +3    6
2 Vahvanti                                     2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 Michael VII                                  2   1  0  1    6   3  +3    3
4 Free Swiss States                            2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
5 Lymantatia                                   2   0  1  1    2   7  −5    1
6 Great Bohemia                                2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0

Group B
The Icemark 0–1 Mashiki
Slembana 3–4 Licentiapacisterra
Felix Terra 0–3 Free South Califas

  Group B                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Free South Califas                           2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
2 Mashiki                                      2   2  0  0    3   0  +3    6
3 Licentiapacisterra                           2   1  0  1    4   5  −1    3
4 The Icemark                                  2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
5 Felix Terra                                  2   0  1  1    0   3  −3    1
6 Slembana                                     2   0  0  2    3   6  −3    0

Group C
The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan 1–2 Gluecows
Soviet Canuckistan 0–4 Farfadillis
Darmen 2–3 Equestrain States

  Group C                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Farfadillis                                  2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
2 Equestrain States                            2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    6
3 Darmen                                       2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Gluecows                                     2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
5 The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan      2   0  0  2    1   3  −2    0
6 Soviet Canuckistan                           2   0  0  2    0   7  −7    0

Group D
Wight 3–2 Taqud
Western Cuba 2–0 Taijan
Maklohi Vai 2–0 Nopspri

  Group D                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Wight                                        2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    6
2 Western Cuba                                 2   2  0  0    4   1  +3    6
3 Taqud                                        2   1  0  1    3   3   0    3
4 Maklohi Vai                                  2   1  0  1    2   3  −1    3
5 Nopspri                                      2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0
6 Taijan                                       2   0  0  2    0   3  −3    0

[Mashiki]

Clean:

Bakala Turalik sat and watched the clouds journey through the skies. He'd always been fascinated by the sky even before he got into Swamp Soccer. If he wasn't in the team, he said that he wanted to study the stars and the skies above. Before coming into the team, Bakala had spent most of his times at home, writing poems or reading books, never disturbing and subsequently never disturbed. However, after his first trip to the Icemark, his confidence had taken a step forward, and once he saw the celebration and appraisal of what happened just a year ago back home, that step turned into a couple of strides. Now he had gone from the anti-social hermit crab that he once was, into one of the social attractions of the media.

He was always giving to charity, but unlike other celebrities that did the same thing just for the popularity, Bakala actually appreciated the things that the charities did for the places they went to. And now he sat and thought about those things on that same bench he had visited many a time on his annual visit to the Icemark. Underneath all the celebrity glamour and gossip that he was, Bakala was the same person he was 2 years ago. He still very much enjoyed his poetry and reading, just not as much due to his other commitments like this.

And now he thought back to the match earlier that day. Playing thev hosts at their own game was always going to be tough, but being the 2nd seed, you would expect to have overcome them quite easily. This was not the case, as he had been given man of the match. Bakala didn't get many of these, and the only times he did was when he put in a number of crucial saves. This was the case here. After Tshaka Rashbata scored an early goal, a lot of pressure was being put on by the home side. But most of the pressure was on Bakala, him being the goalkeeper. Spurts of jeers and whistles directed towards him were discomforting, but he dealt with them as well as every other shot that was directed at him. And he had come out clean once more, no goals conceded, and hopefully as little as possible to come.

[Farfadillis]

And once again, Numbá sent an aerial pass across the muddy pitch. Dandalleion quickly ran and shot, clearly showing why he was the best player of the team, his shot was too much for a distracted goalkeeper who simply let it in, 4 minutes and it was already 2 - 0, with 2 goals that had been almost exactly the same. Dandalleion was thirsty; he wanted more. He constantly outran the Soviet defenders, who couldn't stop him even once, and constantly created clear chances. However, the 1st Half ended 2 - 0, with Farfadillis having deserved much more. On the 2nd Half, Dandalleion took a long pass from Alexandre, stopped the ball, saw Sereno running towards the goal and gave him a perfect through pass, even though it was mud. Sereno's clean shot was too powerful for the Soviet's goalkeeper's hands who let the ball enter. Farfadillis had already won the match, but once again, Dandalleion wanted more. Once Fayudsentered, Dandalleion got even more chances. And, eventualllu, scored the 4th and last goal on a one-on-one, assisted by Fayuds. Dandalleion was still thirsty: he wanted to win the world cup, not just 1 game.

[Equestrian States]

Code: Select all

<<<BEGIN TRANSMISSION>>>

ENCRYPTION 1: ************
ENCRYPTION 2: ******************
TO:  Inbox Code 03628171 - NESC Headquarters, Canterlot
FROM: Outbound Team B
SUBJECT: Status Report - Day 3 (Success)

MESSAGE: Continuing to follow orders regarding regular reports on Outbound Team B's participation in the Swamp Soccer World Cup, here is the match report for the second day of the competition.

After a successful operation against the players of Soviet Canuckistan, Outbound Team B faced a much more challenging opponent in the squad from Darmen. The initial minutes of play were slower, with both teams probing the other for weaknesses. As was to be expected, the Outbound Team was the first to strike hard, led by one of our players shaped as a centaur. The attack succeeded, giving the Outbound Team an early 1-0 advantage over the better-ranked Darmen squad.

But the lead was terminated within a minute of the restarting of play and the Outbound Team faced a deficit soon after that. By the time that the half ended, our squad trailed by one thanks to several defensive errors that will have to be amended before our next operation.

The Outbound Team took the initiative once again in the second half, using their shapeshifting abilities to confuse their opponent. It took several minutes, but the team soon was able to outmaneuver the Darmen defenders and blast one by the goalkeeper for the equalizing goal. With just a minute left to play, it seemed unlikely that the Outbound Team would manage another goal, but one operative, playing as a small elephant, trampled a couple Darmen defenders before lining a shot into the goal to take the lead. The decisive  score held and victory was achieved once more with a final result of 3-2.

While this last operation was nowhere near as smooth as our previous one, it was a great feat for our team to defeat a higher-ranked nation. We anticipate another easy victory tomorrow before our most challenging operation against the third-ranked Farf team which barely has the edge in goal differential over us at the time.

I will send you my regular report tomorrow at the regular time. Should you respond earlier than that, I will attempt to accommodate any new orders.

Sincerely,
[CENSORED]
Sports Warden - Alcloptraz Maximum Security Changeling Center

<<<END TRANSMISSION>>>

[Yesopalitha]

After the Vamps' 3-1 Win over Michael VII

Cason Viccen: A nice win over a ranked squad, the eighth ranked team in this competition. They were going to be our hardest competition in the Group Stage. It feels good to win!

Emmanuel Laret: Nice game, Raoul. That hat trick really helped us out.

Raoul Tibez: All on you guys for getting me the ball in pretty awesome situations. It's a team win for sure.

Cason Viccen: Always so damn modest.

Raoul Tibez: I don't know what you're talking about.

Emmanuel Laret: Raoul Tibez, the Captain. So generous and so smart. Always so modest.

Raoul Tibez: Let's go and watch film on the next opponent, Great-Bohemia... Two losses but desperate is always dangerous, right?

Cason Viccen: You can only avoid us for so long.

Raoul Tibez: Let's go and see what Great-Bohemia has...

[The Icemark]

Matchday 3 Results

Group A
Great Bohemia 0–5 Yesopalitha
Lymantatia 1–3 Free Swiss States
Michael VII 1–0 Vahvanti

  Group A                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Yesopalitha                                  3   3  0  0   10   2  +8    9
2 Michael VII                                  3   2  0  1    7   3  +4    6
3 Free Swiss States                            3   2  0  1    6   4  +2    6
4 Vahvanti                                     3   1  1  1    3   3   0    4
5 Lymantatia                                   3   0  1  2    3  10  −7    1
6 Great Bohemia                                3   0  0  3    1   8  −7    0

Group B
Free South Califas 5–1 The Icemark
Licentiapacisterra 2–0 Felix Terra
Mashiki 1–0 Slembana

  Group B                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Free South Califas                           3   3  0  0   10   1  +9    9
2 Mashiki                                      3   3  0  0    4   0  +4    9
3 Licentiapacisterra                           3   2  0  1    6   5  +1    6
4 The Icemark                                  3   0  1  2    1   6  −5    1
5 Felix Terra                                  3   0  1  2    0   5  −5    1
6 Slembana                                     3   0  0  3    3   7  −4    0

Group C
Equestrain States 5–1 The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan
Farfadillis 3–1 Darmen
Gluecows 3–3 Soviet Canuckistan

  Group C                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Equestrain States                            3   3  0  0   11   3  +8    9
2 Farfadillis                                  3   3  0  0    8   1  +7    9
3 Gluecows                                     3   1  1  1    5   5   0    4
4 Darmen                                       3   1  0  2    4   6  −2    3
5 Soviet Canuckistan                           3   0  1  2    3  10  −7    1
6 The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan      3   0  0  3    2   8  −6    0

Group D
Nopspri 0–2 Wight
Taijan 1–4 Maklohi Vai
Taqud 4–1 Western Cuba

  Group D                                    Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Wight                                        3   3  0  0    8   2  +6    9
2 Taqud                                        3   2  0  1    7   4  +3    6
3 Maklohi Vai                                  3   2  0  1    6   4  +2    6
4 Western Cuba                                 3   2  0  1    5   5   0    6
5 Nopspri                                      3   0  0  3    1   6  −5    0
6 Taijan                                       3   0  0  3    1   7  −6    0

[Farfadillis]

And he got the ball once again, from a cross this time, he was obviously fouled, presumably inside the imaginary box. The referee gave the penalty and Numbá had in his feet the possiblity of giving Farfadillis the lead against Darmen, the 1st strong side they'd faced so far. Scoring it would mean security, relief, calmness. However, calmness wasn't exactly the word that would define the match later on. Still, Numbá scored hitting the post, now the team had to control their opponent: anxiety. Darmen tried to score too, almost doing it a few times, still being weaker than Farfadillis. On the 10th minute, the 2nd subsitution was made, however, the Farfs weren't expecting it; Vanica was going to enter. Last time, Ferjandovic, the other player who was there to get the hang of how a World Cup is, hadn't played a single minute, but this time Vanica entered on the 1st Half of the most important match so far in the competition. Noone was against it, maybe only Numbá, who wanted to continue playing. He wasn't that mad however, he was going to enter later one anyways. One would think that having Vanica playing would be like having 4 outfield players instead of 5, but this wasn't the case; it looked like if Farfadillis had 1 more player. Vanica's superb physical state continuously made him win difficult passes from Kander, mainly, and passes from Fayuds too. That's how, on the 2nd Half, he scored a header after one of Kander's crosses, winning the ball over the poor Darmeni player, who couldn't help but see how a 12 years old little kid was better than him. Farfadillis was still better, but not for much time, the manager substituted Dandalleion, presumably to keep him for the next two matches, specially against Equestrian States. That way, Darmen got to play better than Farfadillis, even scoring after one error Alexandre committed. Numbá scored a header 2 minutes later and Farfadillis won 3 - 1. Farfadillis still hadn't qualified, but it was pretty obvious they were, along with Equestrian States, going to qualify. However, Dandalleion still wanted to end up as the best team of the group, so they HAD to win the next 2 matches or at least against Equestrian States, losing against The Most Serene Republic of Alex Morgan seemed unlikely, though.