Beltane Cup II [Everything Thread]

[Yttribia]

Beltane Cup II
The OOC Discussion Thread | IC Information | Host Bid

The twelve teams who competed back when they were getting their starts back in The Licentian Isles and Farfadillis were re-uniting once more in Yttribia, and this time: four more nations were invited to join the party. Auf Asche, from the ashes emerged the twelve teams who survived the fortnight in the two nations. Now, the capital of each region is playing host to some of the up-and-coming teams of the multiverse in the second edition of the Beltane Cup.

Pots (Note, as host, Yttribia will not be in any pots, and will automatically be placed in group A, in the first position.)

Pot 1
Buyan
Glaser

Pot 2
The Sarian
Nexxus Drako
Nova Anglicana

Pot 3
HopNation
Greater Watford
Gloriax

Pot 4
Nassau-Hessen
New North Aqmuland
Ceni

Groups
Group A
Yttribia
Nova Anglicana
Gloriax
Ceni

Group B
Glaser
The Sarian
Greater Watford
Nassau-Hessen

Group C
Buyan
Nexxus Drako
HopNation
New North Aqmuland

Cut-off times will be between 19:00 and 21:00 UTC - 7, except on the asterisked date. On June 7th, cut-off will be between 13:00 and 15:00 UTC -7.

Tentative Schedule
June 1st: Group Draw
June 3rd: MD 1 1v4 2v3
June 4th: MD 2 4v3 1v2
June 5th: MD 3 2v4 3v1
June 7th*: Quarter-Finals
June 9th: Semi-Finals
June 10th: Third Place Play-Off
June 11th: Finals

Please wait until the IC information post, as well as the roster reservation post have been posted in order to submit rosters.

[Yttribia]

Welcome to Yttribia! Yttribia is a nation located in Esportiva, in the continent of Inferiore. The nation of Yttribia is bordering the two nations of Thrilledge and Byfugland, and The Sarian in close proximity via the Isle of Tench, or Hasse Island as Yttribia calls it. The weather can vary, depending on where you are in the nation, from foggy skies in Fontvieille, to perfect tanning weather in Telino. The nation of Yttribia is arguably one of the best tourist-friendly nations, with some of the most awe-inspiring attractions in Esportiva. A nation of forty-six million, they welcome the teams competing in the Beltane Cup with open arms, but not too open in order to allow the Yttribian National Team to win the entire thing, after coming in second.

The nation itself is a self proclaimed "Corvax State", led by Supreme Administrator Porter Augustin, a member of the Federal Council, with five other high-ranking members of the Corvax Party. Posters of Augustin, and the other members of the Federal Council are plenty, and they can be found in almost every city in the nation. Please advise fans and players to not disrespect the Supreme Administrators, as well as Premier Administrators (OOC: other Federal Council Members), as he will deport political dissidents, or send them to prison. Religion in the Confederation has been placed under a rug, and swept away, with Augustin proclaiming the great Corvax State to be independent of religion, and shunning all religious believers.

Currency wise, you're able to exchange your local currency for the almighty Yttribian Perioden, which can be divided into 100 Symbolli.

Regional Information
Depending on where you may be in Yttribia, there are different customs, different types of weather that tourists may face, and much, much more. We at the Ministry of Tourism highly suggest that you follow these instructions.

Fontvieille Capital District - The largest city in the nation, but the smallest region in the nation, Fontvieille serves as the capital of the Yttribian Confederation, with the National Court, and Federal Council meeting here. The city is filled with various immigrants, expats, and refugees from Nexxus Drako, The Sarian, Ossidiacqua, and more, making Fontvieille a hub for culture, but they are all proud Yttribians, having assimilated into the culture. The weather as previously mentioned, is foggy, and temperature highs are at an average of 19 degrees Celsius in the summer. Currently, Yttribia is experiencing spring, so temperatures should be around 17 degrees Celsius. Since Fontvieille is the capital, most citizens speak English, as well as every other language there, so don't expect to make fun of people in your foreign language, because they know most likely what you're saying.

Vauchel - Located south of Fontvieille, is the region of Vauchel. Stretching all the way from Gaillard, which is just forty-five minutes from the capital, to the city of Zevella, which is around 4.5 hours from Fontvieille, the large region proudly boasts their French language, which they consider superior among the other five languages. The only region in which the native language is spoken more than English, it's highly recommended that you carry a French-English pocket dictionary on hand with you. The weather gets hotter as you move more and more inland, with spring highs reaching 35 degrees Celsius once you reach Zevella.

Fresnosa - To the east of Vauchel is Fresnosa, the region with the most Spanish-speakers. The capital, Stemanisis is somewhat hot due to how flat the inland is, you may want to bring some shorts with you if your team is drawn here. However, the outer areas are both cool and warm, so you've got that going for you. There is a somewhat sizeable amount of Guayabalese expats in Fresnosa, especially in Delare Minon, but you won't have to worry about them too much. The people here are considered some of the most passionate, both for football and for romance, so be prepared!

Obersinn - The newest region of the six, Obersinn is considered the center of technology in Yttribia. Home to VA, the video game giants who created the online marketplace slash client known as Quest, these German speaking people do love their technology, and cannot wait to show off the best of the best in the Beltane Cup. Home to cutting-edge company RadioFunk, the developers of the goal-line technology system implemented in the Beltane Cup. The people of Obersinn are somewhat reserved, so don't expect to start a conversation with them unless you get them really drunk. Average temperature here is somewhat cold, with snow being seen from late fall to early spring.

Penedès - Second smallest region, but second highest population, Penedès is essentially a cluster of Catalan-speaking cities all lined up perfectly. Granted, each one of these cities is totally different, with their own dialect of Catalan. However, teams drawn here will be playing in the capital of Telino, where Recieved Catalan is the main dialect spoken here. However, most people speak English fluently, so those without a knowledge of Catalan are fine off. Culturally, Penedès is one of the most free-spirited, so try to have a good time here.

Urellia - Also known as the Urellans, the largest, but sparsely populated region is mountainous. The minute you head south from Penedès, the mountains become more and more, from hills go to mountains, and from an eternal summer to the cold dark winters which are actually summer days. Urellia is home to the Italian speaking population, and probably the nicest of the six regions. The people there will help you out no matter what, because that's how they are. They just love taking care of people, because it's what they do for a living.

Stadia
Group A
Le Nid Violet, Fontvieille, FCD | capacity of 81,800

Home to the national team, Le Nid Violet is considered one of the premier locations for football matches in all of Esportiva. The new home ground of Fontvieille FC, this stadium is one of the best around, having hosted the forty-ninth edition of the UICA Series B Champions Cup, and the semi-finals and final of the fourth edition of the UICA Youth Cup.

Mosson Cliff, Gaillard, Vauchel | capacity of 50,000

Despite having been relegated from the Premiership after finishing in third just a season ago, the home of AC Gaillard is considered another great choice to watch a match. With a recent upgrade in capacity, bringing the total seats inside Mosson Cliff to 50,000, the fans will be extremely loud, and the experience one to remember. The stadium played host to the fifty-first edition of the UICA Series B Champions' Cup final, and the semi-finals and final of the sixth edition of the UICA Youth Cup.

Group B
Casa Naranja, Stemanisis, Fresnosa | capacity of 61,000

Having played host to the final of the twenty-ninth edition of the Cygnus Cup, the home grounds of one-time champion Stemanisis SSC is voted by fans, players, and press from across the region of Esportiva as the scariest stadium to play in. A hollowed ground, this stadium will be rocking and rocking come kick-off.

Ostermannstadion, Dahlen, Obersinn | capacity of 38,000

Group C
Stadii Ximena, Telino, Penedès | capacity of 77,000
Calcio Centro Serraville, Serraville, Urellia | capacity of 44,000

[Yttribia]

Thanks to Kirola Sports for this amazing crest

All-Time Record: (W-D-L) (25-16-40) | 4-1-1 under Cardona

Coaches:
Head Coach: Daniel Cardona (FEL)
Assistant Coach: Esther Sapp
Assistant Coach: Cecil Herberts

The first Felixian head coach, who led the squad to second place in Felix's Baptism of Fire, is delighted to be apart of this rising squad. The team reminds him of when he was starting off with Felix. His all time record is 24 wins, 20 draws, and 19 losses, and hopes to bring Yttribia some well deserved victories on the pitch of life. He is joined by Cecil Herberts, and Esther Sapp. Herberts was the interim head coach for the sixtieth Cup of Harmony, while Sapp is the head coach of AC Zevella. Cardona surprised the region by leading Yttribia to the quarter-finals of the recent Campionato Esportiva, bringing them to sixteenth in Esportivan rankings.

About Yttribia:
A nation of 38.000.000, Yttribia is located between the nations in Thrilledge and Byfugland, on the continent of Inferiore, in the region of Esportiva; its capital being Fontvieille. The nation's border between the two countries consists of a mountain range known as the Urellans, where most of the Urellians live. There are six official languages, and (in order of usage) they are: English, Spanish, Catalan, German, French, and Italian. The rest of the nation is mostly at sea level, with some of the most gorgeous beaches in the multiverse.

Culturally, Yttribians are proud of how godforsaken they are, with the majority of citizens being listed as godforsaken. A sizeable minority belong to the satirical church, known as the Church of Vilhjalmsson, and a small minority belong to the Urellian Church of Christ. The government is highly is somewhat large, but civil rights are respected by the government. Politically, most Yttribians identify on the left, with the Convergence being the largest registered party in the nation. Others include "el Sindicat del Trellabadores" or the Workers' Syndicate, Partito Verde or the Green Party, the Liberal Party, and the Conservative Party.

The largest five cities in Yttribia are (descending down) Fontvieille, Telino, Gremalsco, Zevella, and Delare Minon.

Home Stadiums

Estadi dels Núvols, Gremalsco, Penedès | cap. 105,000

The largest stadium in all of Yttribia, Estadi dels Núvols now serves as the dual home for the national team, as well as being the current home of Yttribian football club, Gremalsco FC. Finally built for Gremalsco FC's growing amount of fans from all across the nation who seem to travel from the entire eastern side of the nation, the stadium is considered one of the safest in all of the nation, with various food stands and restaurants built inside the stadium, so the place is always busy, whether a match is playing or not. The stadium is barely inside the city limits, and is connected to by the National Railway, and various rapid transit lines.

Le Nid Violet, Fontvieille, FCD | cap. 81,800

A brand new home for Fontvieille FC, and the second largest stadium in the entire nation, Le Nid Violet has hosted various sporting events throughout its short history. The stadium has hosted the forty-ninth UICA Series B Champion's Cup Final, as well as the fourth UICA Youth Cup semi-finals and final match. The stadium has also hosted the final series of the Campionato Esportiva de Pallancesto II, which was won by Taijan. The stadium is considered the most technologically advanced, with a large JumboTron above the pitch, secured from falling down during a match. Located in downtown Fontivieille, the stadium is considered one of the main terminals for the Fontvieille Underground, with various lines passing through the stadium. Underneath the stadium is Fontvieille's largest shopping center and food court, with 250,000 people visiting the shopping center, and food court from Yttribia and Esportiva per week.

Formation:
3-5-2

Whatever happened during the Campionato, worked. Cardona is going to keep this formation, proving that the wingers are really effing effective when it comes to scoring, beating arch rivals The Sarian three goals to nil on route to the quarter-finals of the CE.

Style Mod:
+3

Roster:
Goalkeepers
#1 - Ulrich Draper - 30 - GK - Mardi Lopunnies (NSI)
#20 - Ferdinand Forney - 30 - GK - FC Delare Minon (3rd)
#23 - Michi Totso - 19 - GK - Iskara Daii (STB)

Many of the Yttribians who competed in the fifty-fourth Baptism of Fire will begin to play their final matches, and Ulrich Draper is one of them. After a great career with Sunrisian club Mardi Lopunnies, this match will begin the farewell tour for many of the Ravens who began to play back in The Licentian Isles.

Defenders
#11 - Rico Mathews - 27 - CB - Jungle Strike FC (VIL)
#14 - Dezi Burns - 26 - CB - AC Zevella (2nd)
#15 - Xavi Vilhjalmsson - 28 - CB - Crystopolis City (CRY) (C)
#17 - Tanner Dickinson - 27 - CB - AC Zevella (2nd)
#21 - Darren Quinones - 29 - CB - FC Delare Minon (3rd)
#22 - Bradley Gaspar - 27 - CB - Miners '47 (APX)

With the aging squad of Yttribian defenders worrying the fans, Dezi Burns will most likely be the only left from the Baptism of Fire six years ago. With mass retirements from international football from Rico Matthews, Tanner Dickinson, Darren Quinones, and Bradley Gaspar. These four men, plus Dezi and Xavi, will be giving the fans of Yttribia a final swan song, and play their hearts out one more cycle. With the retirement, and defection, of Gustave Mynatt, Vilhjalmsson will put on the captain's armband once more, as he did in the friendly match against the two hosts in the Baptism of Fire.

Midfielders
#2 - Antonio Abreu - 30 - CM - Alianza FC (SJG)
#3 - Onésime Rios - 31 - DM - AC Izotz Zubia (AUD)
#4 - Dado Hale - 20 - RM - Fontvieille FC (1st)
#5 - Franck Langois - 21 - CM - Gremalsco FC (4th)
#8 - Ned Goode - 26 - DM - Northbrook Diamonds FK (PIS)
#9 - Crofton Abbatantuono - 26 - LM - AC Zevella (2nd)
#13 - Michel di Mercurio - 25 - DM - Gesterlake FC (ASG)
#16 - Tom Prescott - 22 - CM - AC Zevella (2nd)
#18 - Josué Triggs - 21 - LM/RM - Stemanisis SSC (5th)

Gustave Mynatt's leadership up in the midfield is going to need a good replacement, and Onésime Rios is the man to help out the young and bright stars of the future here in this Beltane Cup. With various under-23s joining the midfield, it's time for Cardona to figure out what the hell he's going to do with them, knowing that they are the future of Yttribia, and that they'll be leading Yttribia to a World Cup someday, so he's got to pick the cream of the crop for his starting XI.

Attackers
#6 - Raúl Monti - 23 - FC - Serraville CC (6th)
#7 - Terry Hyme - 27 - FC - Avenida Principal (FFD)
#10 - Venceslás School - 28 - FC - New Oslo Town (TSA)
#12 - Moisés Fairclough - 26 - FC - Hellenic Rouge (PAS)
#19 - Bruno Arce - 19 - FC - FC Delare Minon (3rd)

A domestic front is the best front, hence the additions of Bruno Arce, and his automatic placement in the Starting XI. He is considered one of the biggest upcoming stars, and may be the key to sending Yttribia to a World Cup in time. But then again, we don't know when that will happen, so let's just hope this goal-scoring machine will do well in this Beltane Cup. Terry Hyme, the reason why he's bound on the train to victory is also back, and ready to give the teenager some chances to score goals.

Formation:

---------------------------T. Hyme----B. Arce---------------------------
-C. Abbatantuono--T. Prescott--M. di Mercurio--F. Languois--D. Hale-
---R. Matthews---------------X. Vilhjalmsson------------------D. Burns----
----------------------------------U. Draper-------------------------------------

Kits (provided by Kirola Sport):


RP Permissions:

Choose my goalscorers - Yes
Godmod scoring events - I'm open to some really, really crazy ideas, so TG me
RP injuries to my players – Yes, but TG if the injury is to be severe.
Godmod injuries to my players – No
Hand out yellow cards to my players – Yes, three cards per match
Hand out red cards to my players – Yes, one card per match
Godmod other events – TG me, I'm open to your really crazy ideas

[New North Aqmuland]

The roster for the
New North Aqmuland Maroon Lions

Kits

Staff
Manager: Thomas Sewaka
Assistant: Hans Wifried Von Gordon
Assistant: Dembe Kisaga

Starting 11
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Modifier: +3

Roster
Starters:
GK 1 Mousso Tembe
LB 2 Dider M'Kwzubo
LCB 13 Papiss Boussouf
RCB 49 Reneé Fouba
RB 33 Jean Kwasmile
LDM 18 Beru Dtyumbe
RDM 40 Kofori Ofana
LCM 27 Kheri Ghuboro
RCM 25 Amari Nyasi
CAM 14 Rodolfo Gonçalla
ST 77 Ricky Ofo

Substitutes:
GK 30 Frank Reteru
LB 45 Youngston Hughes
RB 8 Usian Joaskim
CDM 12 John Hookings
CM 50 Evander Hittié
CAM 24 Cris Gent
ST 5 Jakob Yussie-Palais

Reserves:
GK 0 Xavier Calabraîs
CB 7 Jacques Ollais-Siqua
CDM 41 Senke Ulubu
CM 35 Rémy Álo
CAM 22 Cirquois Zemba-Cissé

Stadium

The stadium, which is the home of the national team and the current leaders of the NNAPL, Butanaga Premier, seats 84,500 people and will be the site of all the matches played in New North Aqmuland.

RP Permissions
As for RPing, I don't mind anything as long as no one dies and no more than three cards are given out a game. Let me know if you have any great ideas by TG and we can talk about it. I like fun, so have some.

[The Sarian]

The Sarian Federation National Football Team

Style Modifier: +3
Formation: 4-4-2 diamond
Nicknames: The Bustards (Official), The Buzzards (Which most foreigners use), Green and White (Uncommon)
Manager: Jack Parker (Nexxus Drako)
Assistant Manager: Jack Monksfield
Captain: Jarrett Firmin
Vice Captain: Bingham Huddlestone


Roster (age followed by team in parentheses)

Starting Lineup

GK: Brigham Huddlestone (26, Salvador FC)
DL: Cody Roberts (24, Davencreek Vincitis)
DC: Jarrett Firmin (26, FC Chippenham) [C]
DC: William Peters (17, City of Jordan FC)
DR: Isiah Bernard (29, Montfort University)
DM: Roberto Rodriguez (19, FC Chippenham)
MC: Ron Fletcher (18, FC Chippenham)
MC: Edward Fryar (25, Salvador FC)
AM: Horacio Lopez (18, Crompton City)
FC: Jordan Lee (17, City of Jordan FC)
FC: Ross Horn (29, Avenida Principal)

Reserves

GK: Harold Gardner (25, Invigor 09)
GK: Kasper Lorde (21, Gorgona City)
GK: Shaun Carter (35, Marlborough Town)
DL: Marc Huth (26, Salvador FC)
DL: Charles Diggory (26, King's City FC)
DC: Carson Seabrooke (26, Thunchester City)
DC: Nicholas Van Bree (27, New Oslo Town)
DR: Boris Dellinyong (27, Crompton City)
DR: Anthony White (24, Gorgona City)
DM: Joshua Holaro (24, Marlborough Town)
MC: Aaron Clarke (20, FC Chippenham)
MC: Andrew Gold (30, Salvador FC)
MC: Louie Nittenpepper (18, Gorgona City)
ML: Marcus Horn (21, Stemanisis SSC)
ML: Camden Stacks (25, Jottnar Kallsmudden)
MR: Henry Mirlo (29, Stanley Warrahs)
MR: Callias Durand (23, City of Jordan FC)
AM: Victor Stanford (28, Calne City)
FC: Hectares Matteo (26, FC Chippenham)
FC: Philippe Andro (25, New Oslo Town)
FC: Turin Janssen (22, King William City)

The 32 man squad for the CE boasts no surprises, with the usual suspects from the usual clubs finding their way into the ranks. In goal, Bringham Huddlestone will continue in the number one jersey he inherited in the Cup of Harmony following Jonathon Stringers retirement while former FC Chippenham keeper Harold Gardner and Gorgona City's Kasper Lorde make their first call up alongside veteran Marlborough Keeper Carter.

Jarrett Firmin and William Peters look set to continue their promising defensive partnership with Carson Seabrooke yet again finding himself to be an understudy alongside the impressive Nicholas Van Bree. Cody Roberts and Isiah Bernard also start in a defence largely unchanged since the 54th Baptism of Fire, with Marc Huth being the only other big name on either defensive flank. Charles Diggory gets a surprise call up following an injury late in the Sarian Super League Season for Pierce Newport who was expected to get his first call up.

The midfield is also largely unchanged, based on an FC Chippenham lineup - the only missing piece is the retired Daley Brandon. Ron Fletcher and Edward Fryar will be supported by Rodriguez and eighteen year old Horacio Lopez with Andrew Gold looking set to also make a few caps.

As for the strikers it is same old, same old with an aging Ross Horn being supported by young gun Jordan Lee while regular bench warmers Hectares Matteo and Philippe Andro are joined by Sarian Super League surprise of the season, Turin Janssen.

Kits (made by Kirola Sports)



About The Sarian

The Federated Isles of The Sarian, The Sarian Federation or simply Sarian is a group of Islands in Esportiva, headed by Chief Executive Fredrik Elwing, who took power following a series of assassinations and murders.

The principal islands are about 300 miles (500 km) east of Infore Major. The archipelago, which has an area of 47,000 square miles (122,000 km²), comprises Isle Saria, Isle Regis, Isle Kensingtea, Isle Oakhurst and many other smaller Islands. Each Island contains it's own unicameral legislative body, with the countries Legislative Assembly taking responsibility for its defence, finance and foreign affairs. The islands' capital and largest city is Chippenham on Isle Saria.

The Sarian was first spotted by Norwegian whaler, Johannes Henrikson, who landed at Johannes Point, on return to Norway, he failed to get the correct funding to proceed with settlement, however the British and Spanish government subsidised. 411 people, comprising of 202 men, 188 women and 21 children, headed by the S.S Chippenham, from which the premier city was named.
The population, estimated at 932,000,000 in 2142, primarily consists of native Sarian as well as small pockets of Yttribians, Lojans, Gloriaxians and Drakonians. The predominant and official language is Sarian English. Other official languages are Spanish, Norwegian, Latvian and Lojish (Gaelic based language).

The islands lie on the boundary of the subarctic and temperate maritime climate zones with both major islands having mountain ranges reaching to 4,600 feet (1,400 m). The islands are home to large bird populations, although many no longer breed on the main islands because of the effects of introduced species. Major economic activities include fashion, tourism, and sheep farming with an emphasis on high-quality wool exports. Oil exploration remains controversial as a result of maritime disputes.

Penalty Kick Order of Preference

Remove players from this list that aren't playing at the start of the shootout.

Ross Horn
Cody Roberts
William Peters
Ron Fletcher
Jordan Lee
Turin Janssen
Horacio Lopez
Philippe Andro
Victor Stanford
Hectares Matteo
Marcus Horn
Andrew Gold
Isiah Bernard
Camden Stacks
Aaron Clarke

If you need any more after these 15, choose anyone - they are all equally bad.

RP Permissions:

Open to 99% of things.
I would like you to TG me before doing something extreme but I will probably say yes.

[Ceni]

Cenian Beltane Cup 2 Roster

POS   Number    Player Name (Species)
(Denotes Starter)

GK	4	Gerardo de las Palmas (Verdeano)
GK	33	Silvio Zé D'cruz (Human)
GK      34      Beli Dagis  (Todarolian)
RB	26	Lagil Karhy (Katte Picture)
RB	29	Beyaria Shalunlaa (Katte) 
RB	6	Graciano Lucas Lobo (Human)
CB	18	Botert Rensan (Cenian Picture)
CB	20	Liret Benol (Katte)
CB      36      James Wampler (CHI) (Human)
CB	22	Eutímio Jônatas Fernandes (Human)
LB	10	Coben Jerfel (Illirean Picture)
LB	30	Marnnaud Ishnamai (Cenian)
RM	9	Miguel de Salamancara (Verdeano)
RM	27	Pararan Tenzer (Michosplak)
CM	31	Davalei Evatee (Cenian)
CM	17	Elceyai Valongo (Todarolian Picture)
LM	25	Denshar Gulbot (Michosplak Picture)
LM	15	Nodes Vargas (Verdeano)
LM      37      Fill Rio (CHI) (Human)
ST	23	Diego Ortiz (Verdeano)
ST	14	Tomas Hernandez (Verdeano)
ST	3	Pablito Numede (Verdeano)
ST	12	Pepe Luces Jr. (Verdeano)
ST      39      Dwayne Rogerz (CHI) (Human)

Coach                   Specialty       Coach Name (Species)
Head Coach	        General	        Kormin Tenshar (Cenian)
Assistant Coach	        General	        Bethoo Likal (Katte)
Assistant Coach	        Offense	        Dioga Valric (Tekian)
Assistant Coach	        Defense	        Gualberto Gervásio Mateus (Human)
Assistant Coach	        Goalkeeping	Aileshi Vallelin (Illirean)
Chief Doctor	        General	        Yatri Ciary (Michosplak)
Medical Consultant      General	        Bartessla Leidiolia (Todarolian)

Formation: 4-2-4-1

Style: +3.142
Choose my goalscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: N
Godmod other events: N

[Buyan]

Equestrian States for his mini-flags.
Mytannion, Taijan, Apox, Farfadillis, SJG, Zwangzug, Felix, New Sideburn, The Royal Barangay & Equestrian States for having internationals of mine over in their nation – but not at the moment.
Hamburg SV for lending me their stadium.

Till the end of the CE X

Buyan Football

Some forty years ago, a couple of Esportivan communist exchange students decide to kick a ball around on a field not too far away from Vadshult. After a lot of history, we’ve now ended the year 2017 and football is tilting the crown as the most popular sport in the archipelago, especially in the western part of the eleven islands. In the fourth season of the unified Top Division, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis has failed to grab the crown for the first time, leaving the honour to Bengtsmark IF. The side, however, remains the only one with international stature after winning a Globe Cup. The national President’s Cup saw already a list of victorious sides, with Pajukas Sport as the latest addition. The official national competitions contain 47 teams and are still up to expansion, but its popularity mainly lies on the many local teams. Especially in the western part, football is the main sport, whilst being opposed to the popularity of rugby and basket in the east.

In the recent past, Buyanese football was usually noted by powerful midfield play, with a lot of forward focus transcended in one man: a team is often defined by its type of attacking midfielder and the position is probably a bit overrated. Navickas and Cedar, by example, previously grew into the posterboys of the competition that way, a role took by Sverre Devold these days. The new generations, however, demonstrated that the danger doesn't have to come from one person only and the ability from Viztourzys and more recently Bengtsmark to deal with this new football reality have allowed them to grow to the highest level. The fact that Hope holds on to the same opinion has certainly helped to popularize the idea.

He stamped out the old traditions with a renewed midfield where the wings can produce a lot of danger as well, but with a larger focus on the defending as a whole. It was a typical vision in Buyan to see attacking players stay forward when the opposing team launches an attack, causing a lot of pressure and goals, but the national side doesn’t show so. Hope wants a sturdy defence, unless there are opportunities on the wing, with Naess and Zermin as a double lock on the door. The midfielders receive the clear message to work along at all times and Edvald Mattisson only surpassed Havelund as starting attacker once he adapted his game to this plan.

---

---

Buyan National Team

Winner of the Baptism of Fire 54
Participant in WC 68

KPB: 38th with 21.39 KPB, post WC68
EspKB: 11th with 12.67, post CEX

All-time scoreline: 110 for, 87 against
Game results: 41 wins, 9 draws, 23 losses in 73 fixtures
Biggest victory: CEX, Buyan - Boring Paradise 5-0
Greatest victory: WCQ67, United Gordonopia - Buyan 0-1, Equestrian States - Buyan 0-1 / WC68 Buyan - GAS 1-0
Biggest loss: Confederations Cup, Equestrian States – Buyan, 4-0
Most painful loss: CoH59, Buyan - Sangti 2-5 / CEX, Apox - Buyan 2-0

Record at the CE VIII: 2 wins, 0 draws, 4 losses: elimination in the qualification round
Record at the BoF 54: 6 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses: victory
Record at the Conf. Cup: 0 wins, 0 draws, 3 losses: elimination in the group phase
Record at the WCQ 67: 8 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses: elimination in the qualification round
Record at the CoH 59: 0 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss: elimination in the group phase
Record at the CE IX: 3 win, 0 draws, 3 losses: elimination in the qualification round
Record at the Beltane Cup: 3 win, 1 draw, 2 losses: 3th spot
Record at the WCQ 68: 14 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses: 2nd spot, won play-offs
Record at the WC 68: 1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses: elimination in the first round
Record at the CE X: 4 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses: elimination in the Round of 16

Top scorer: Elmo Havelund, twenty-two goals
Most caps: Bronius Bartkus, sixty-seven caps

---

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Buyan Squad

When the official squad for the CE was announced, quite a few eyebrows were raised. None of the players acting abroad were selected and Sirius Hope, the regular manager, would be joining the youth squad for the Di Bradini Cup. Instead, Kazys Portnii, Leader for Life of our magnificent nation has selected 28 players from the domestic Top Division, with of course a high presence of players from the Globe Cup winning Viztourzys and reigning champion Bengtsmark IF. All in all, this appears to be a weakened side in comparison with the regular squad, considering the omission of players such as Sigurd Tufte, Quinten Zermin, Eero Halmiini, Marco Castell, Elmo Havelund and of course national hero Sverre Devold. It will leave a heavy burden on quite a few, often young, players with little international experience. So it showed, with a good first round but less games against the bigger opponents. Nonetheless, Kazys Portnii continues his policy by traveling with the same squad -bar the injured Slawko Konarski- to Yttribia. Rumours have gone that some DBC players would join this selection, but their poor tournament causes Portnii to punish them with a stay at home.

1. Manuel Schmidt --- GK --- 28, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 18 caps, 1 goal
12. Ulle Seber --- GK --- 28, Garbarnia Hoyersko, --- 10 caps, 1 sub
23. Palle Angst --- GK --- 24, Tjelberg Forening, --- 0 caps

17. Alowysz Krupa --- LD --- 34, Garbarnia Hoyersko, --- 22 caps, 11 subs
2. Kazimieras Zemaitis --- LD --- 22, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 50 caps, 6 subs, 3 goals
4. Bronius Bartkus --- CD --- 26, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 67 caps, 1 goal
3. Antanas Mamontovas --- CD --- 23, Bengtsmark IF, --- 4 caps, 1 sub
13. Jonas Englund --- CD --- 27, Bengtsmark IF, --- 10 caps, 3 subs
24. Bart Valminen --- CD --- 32, IFK Pollmarnang, --- 2 caps, 2 subs
5. Gabriel Refshauge --- RD --- 32, Tjelberg Forening, --- 61 caps, 1 goal
18. Kersten Thorup --- RD --- 22, Pajukas Sport, --- 2 caps

7. Harald Naess --- DM --- 32, Bengtsmark IF, --- 57 caps, 1 sub, 4 goals
20. Andreas Ohlin --- DM --- 25, Bengtsmark IF, --- 0 caps
6. Jaro Martinek --- DM --- 26, Garbarnia Hoyersko, --- 7 caps, 11 subs, 2 goals
8. Karsta Lupeikis --- LM --- 29, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 6 caps, 3 subs
21. Theo Hueppe --- LM --- 29, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, --- 0 caps, 1 sub
15. Istvan Losokov --- CM --- 24, Pajukas Sport, --- 1 cap, 2 subs
26. Sico Ullsmang --- RM --- 22, Bengtsmark IF, --- 6 caps, 1 sub, 1 goal
27. Seppo Kauppi --- RM --- 26, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, --- 0 caps
10. Piotr Kluszak --- AM --- 25, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, --- 6 caps, 1 goal

9. Sil Moen --- LA --- 26, Tjelberg Forening, --- 22 caps, 19 subs, 7 goals
25. Jochen Ptak --- LA --- 21, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 2 caps, 3 subs, 1 goal
16. Edvald Mattisson --- CA --- 31, Bengtsmark IF, --- 24 caps, 21 subs, 15 goals
19. Vincas Daukas --- CA --- 30, Viztourzys Kolektyvinis, --- 0 caps, 5 subs
11. Duco Dalmshelf --- CA --- 20, Blau-Weiss Pallstadt, --- 11 caps, 7 subs, 8 goals
28. Gerolf Poluceck --- RA --- 24, Slask Pruzniwczo, --- 1 cap, 2 subs
22. Erwin Kroempf --- RA --- 27, Sparta Torspeda, --- 0 caps

---

---

Buyan Staff

Manager: Kazys Portnii,

Mostly addressed by the less colloquial term ‘Leader for Life’, the national team is for the occasion not lead by Sirius Hope, the Paradystopi mastermind who lead a bunch of unexperienced football players to a Baptism of Fire glory and the World Cup. By governmental command, the national team will be determined by Portnii. Poor knowledge of football notwithstanding.

Assistant: Sirius Hope,

After a catastrophic injury in the Paradisian Cup, the ex-international defender took to coaching and acted as Assistant Manager to the Paradystopi squad under Marina Hayduff. In the WC66 cycle, he took over the lead position of the staff and lead his team in an exciting run, which brought them within inches of the World Cup.

In search of more credibility, he took up the challenge to bring modern football capacity to Buyan, a difficult task, to say the least. The success in the BoF enlarged his credit amongst the criticasters and he continued this streak in the WCQ. His choice to ‘first build defence and then attack’ hasn’t gotten him that many fans, but results show he chose the right way.

Despite grabbing the WC, he was demoted to assistant. Either way, it will be a better choice than Eligijus Paruczwek, however, it is unclear whether Hope will revolt against this choice or will be the actual leader.

---

---

Buyan Kits

After using regular blues for the Campionato Esportiva VIII, Buyan addressed Vulpine Sportif who provided them with these magnificent kits. The usual shirts will be the blue ones on the left, which will be matched with red shorts and white socks. Away games will be in the red outfit, matched with blue shirts. The goalie will wear white at all occassions.

---

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Buyan Permissions

Choose my goalscorers - Yes
Godmod scoring events - No, unless awesome
RP injuries to my players – Yes, but no indication of length of injury if above three games
Godmod injuries to my players – No, unless hilarious
Hand out yellow cards to my players – Yes, up to five
Hand out red cards to my players – Yes, up to one
Godmod other events – No, unless hilarious
Dude, I've got this awesome idea - TG me, I'll be glad to cooperate

---

---

Buyan Home Ground

The Nine @ Dyatinsk (57,000 seats)

It's big, it's build on an unpractical location and if we believe the contractor, it's build on a swamp. But it's also state of the art and featured some games in the Campionato Esportiva IX, hence the name.

---

---

Buyan Style

Style Modifier: 1

Once –and actually still- known amongst the more lyrical of football commentators as the Hedgehogs, the team slowly left their more defensive stance to international football behind them. The trademark 4-2-3-1 will probably be left behind by Portnii, who doubts between two options. Against opponents of higher allure, he’ll try some sort of 4-1-3-1-1, in which a goalie (presumably Schmidt, knowing that Seber isn’t at his former level from before his heavy injury) has four defenders in front of him.
These are the regular four, with the exception of Antanas Mamontovas who replaces Tufte. Mamontovas, a rising star who played in the lower division for Sparta Torspeda not too long ago, convinced the audience with his role in the title for Bengtsmark. Naess performs the clean-up in midfield, with Lupeikis, the surprising Losokov and Ullsmang in front of him. Piotr Kluszak is left with the heavy burden to replace Sverre Devold, while Duco Dalmshelf is the striker.
Against opponents who are considered as weaker by Portnii, Istvan Losokov is subbed off and replaced by a second attacker. Depending on the opponent, that could be Sil Moen – if a smart and versatile man is needed – or Edvald Mattisson, a tank on two legs. It is presumed that for the upcoming Beltane Cup, the option with Moen will be the starting one.

Penalties: Bronius Bartkus (if unavailable, in order: Kluszak, Dalmshelf, Naess, Schmidt)
Indirect free kicks: Harald Naess
Direct free kicks: Piotr Kluszak
Corners, left side: Sico Ullsmang
Corners, right side: Kazimieras Zemaitis

Captain: Harald Naess
Vice-captains: Gabriel Refshauge & Bronius Bartkus

[Gloriax]

THE GLORIAX BELTANE CUP II SQUAD:
The Pistons are here for some action!

STATS:

Head Coach: Paul Hunter
Captain: Matt Gray
Style modifier: 0
Formation: 4-3-1-2

SQUAD:

SQUAD:
No.	Player		 (Pos)	[foot]		Club
1. Matthew	Gray 	 (GK)	[23]	*	Matthew City Rangers (NSI)		
2. Ethan	Black 	 (DL)	[1]	*	Deportivo Junín (VLD)
3. Luke		Bryan 	 (DR)	[7]	*	SKA Neftekhimik KK (SJG)
4. Daniel	Cox 	 (DC)	[6]	*	Violence Chariots (NSB)
5. James	Allen 	 (DC)	[10]	*
6. Ryan		Butler 	 (DC)	[10]		Oldem Gents Club (APX)
7. Robert  	Marshall (DL)	[11]		Tiknonsens Palace (PLI)
8. Anthony	Dyer 	 (DR)	[2]
9. Thomas	Cole 	 (GK)	[3]
10. Nicholas 	White 	 (MC)	[1]	*	Mona A.F.C (APX)
11. Thomas 	Rea 	 (MC)	[6]
12. Riley	Watson 	 (MR)	[9]	*	FK Keltischdorf(GAS)
13. William	Russ 	 (ML)	[10]	*	Licentian Isles AFC (SJG)
14. Samuel	Watts 	 (MR)	[4]
15. Oliver	Mason 	 (ML)	[5]
16. Mark	Lewis 	 (AC)	[6]	*	1830 Cathair (AUD)
17. Eric	Smith 	 (AR)	[8]
18. Roger	Davis 	 (MC)	[3]
19. Adam	Cooper 	 (AL)	[1]
20. Dylan	Wells 	 (MC)	[5]
21. Liam	Best 	 (MC)	[2]		Buzhrumpus GU (EAR)      
22. Phil	Stoner 	 (F)	[7]	*	Athletic Club Olarria (ASG)
23. Ian		Stoner 	 (F)	[8]	*	Novaya Sibir Reds (PIS)

All *s indicate starters

TACTICS: 4-3-1-2


KITS: (By AER, Gloriax)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (To a limit, the player is not be rendered unable to continue his career due to injuries)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (At max 1)
Godmod other events: Yes (Be creative...!)

[Nexxus Drako]

Nexxus Drako (NXD) Football Association - Beltane Cup II Roster

Manager: Ryn Frd (32, Dracon, Male)

Number - Player - Pos - Team
~ Denotes Females
^ Denotes Dracons

Starting XI
Keepers
1 - Jez Zmyve~^ - 19 - GK - Joinville de Desportos (NSI)
Defenders
2 - Willis Holmes - 26 - CD - Gnas Gnats
3 - Natalie Young~ - 19 - CD - Ayeville Pikachus (NSI)
4 - Netali Heris~^- 20 - CD - Gnas Gnats
Midfielders
5 - Magen MkDenld^~- 25 - LM - Ilona FC
6 - Garri Oke^ - 19 - DM - Kaok Crocs
7 - Petar Jonz^ - 24 - AM - Mbnaosn Megabytes
8 - Daniel Macintosh - 25 - RM - Ayeville Pikachus (NSI)
Strikers
9 - Robert Hill - 26 - ST - Stilwater City (NSI)
10 - Lio Golt^ (C) - 19 - ST - Obex (GLX)
11 - Mark Browne - 21 - ST - Drako United

Bench
Keepers
12 - Joanne Barty~ - 21 - GK - Ilona FC
23 - Jack Nathaniel - 18 - GK - Opana Pen Masters
Defenders
13 - Joshua Edwards - 29 - CD - Ilona FC
14 - Bryce Lacy - 29 - CD - Mbnaosn Megabytes
15 - Malcolm Proudfoot - 31 - CD - Drako United
Midfielders
16 - Harry West - 27 - LM - Mbnaosn Megabytes
17 - Seth Brian - 28 - DM - Gnas Gnats
18 - Jack Hartford - 26 - AM - Drako United
19 - Peter Rich - 30 - LM - Drako United
Strikers
20 - Nathan Summer - 21 - ST - Joaks Jesters
21 - Dustin McDonald - 21 - ST - Mbnaosn Meg

Kits

Tactical Style: +3.14 (Calculated Offensive Strategy that may or may not be based on Pi)
Typical Formations: 3-4-3 Diamond
Trigramme: NXD
RP Permissions if opponent RPs first
Choose my goalscorers - Y
Godmod scoring events - Y
Issue yellow cards - Y
Issue red cards - Y - ONE per match.
RP Injuries (normal and Godmod) - Y - no career ending or deaths, please - I will reserve the right to set return time and/or edit severity with follow-up RP
Godmod other events - Y - Do what you like, within realistic reason of course.

[Glaser]

Glaser National Football Association

IDENTITY CARD:
Official Nation Name- The Direct Democracy of Glaser
Shortened Nation Name- Glaser
Demonym- Glaserian
Football Team Nickname- The Dragons
Trigramme- GLA

National Kit

Left corner: Kloeiso M'nor
Right corner: Bronde'e Mur
Direct free kick: Bronde'e Mur
Indirect free kick: Wrund W'deyir
Penalties: Bronde'e Mur

History

The Glaser National Football Team (GNAF- Glaser National Association of Football) was founded in 513 AC by Drund Meliss. It organizes a variant of association football leagues, cups, and the national teams. The teams nickname is the Dragons, referenced to the dragon on the flag. The national stadium is called the Dragon's Lair
The head coach is currently Frund Meliss, Drunds Melisse's son.

Starting Eleven

Reill N'Suaier Post WC68 Player Overview
Reill N'Suaier is a sports commentator and writer for Glaser channel 2 news, here is his post world cup overview:

What characterized the Dragons in this world cup was the formation balance: When the attack wasn't in good form, the defense was astounding; when the defense wasn't at it's best, the offensive side was ripping nets. This was what brought Glaser up to the third place in group C, above the titans Eura. The recent jump in rank and skill can bring the Red Dragons to an important level in the second edition of the Beltane Cup.

GK-1 Erhof G'kroll: A stable showing in the goal except in some qualifier games where he was out of focus. Sold to City of Jordan.

GK-21 Iglaeed N'kseil: At the end of the year he is rumored to get a staff position after lack of playing.

GK-39 Urd Spirspord: Didn't get much chance, but had a decent showing in the game he played.

CB-2 Trund Harss'l: Above his usual form and really showed us talent. He couldn't get over his past image and failed to get signed.

CB-3 Ber Hordro: Trund pulled his level and the whole back line's performances to a higher level. Same case like Harss'l.

FB-4 Fraiyer Gvet: Excellent world cup. Did get subbed a lot but always served Glaser's needs in the flank. Transferred to Corin.

CB-22 Das'r Hamseiil: Surely after this world cup he will start to start. Came to strengthen defense in Sarian MTFC.

CB-18 Mer J'kdoil: Even at such age he continues to be a crucial part of the team. He signed at the rich Schiavonian 46ers.

DF-16 Hurre Hildlo: Didn't show too much talent and didn't surprise us unlike the rest of team.

RB-20 Qwerm'sl Ilvzern: WC68 was the international break for this attacking defender. Marlborough Town liked his play style.

LB-19 L'rund Melirr: Needs to wait a bit for the years to pass and the squad to age to get more minutes.

RMF-5 Fes'r Germeiil: Brilliant world cup form which got him signed at big Sarian club Gorgona City FC.

AMF-6 Kloeiso M'nor: His versatility in offense maybe got him subbed sometimes but he made Glaser a team to be afraid of.

AMF-23 Z'siki Brodro: Nice international showing. Stanley Warrahs (it is a club) signed him for his style and potential.

LMF-8 Eld'gfin Puliito: Although he is old in football terms he had a good world cup. He failed to find a club to play for.

LMF-12 Pioiol F'rleil: Got a lot of playing time for a sub and got a contract from Sarianish (Sarianian?Sarianese?) Crompton City.

AMF-13 Fraz'm'nar Gor: He brought us back to his golden age. Awesome world cup showing.

DMF-14 Wrund W'deyir: He made the best of the money time, pushed Glaser high, and is in the ranks of Salvador FC.

MF-17 B'gok Driscord: Brief showing of potential in this WC edition had Salvador FC buying him for a safer future.

SS-7 Bronde'e Mur: Well, the captain of the Dragons was the MVP. Big signing for champions FC Chippenham.

SS-9 Struk Redmeill: Started a lot and had a great world cup. He blames his agent for not finding a overseas club.

FW-10 M'gwas J'geron: Same case. Had an astounding performance but failed to find a team to play for.

CF-11 Vhert Dret: Didn't create much chances but surely took the chances given to him. Now plays for Stanley Warrahs FC.

WF-15 L'khordd Cod: Meliss liked using him in some small games where he was good, but didn't really outshine.

CF-24 C'qiz'ski Wur: A third Glaserian signing for Salvador FC, he really used all the minutes he played for the best.

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: N
Injure Players: Y (Up to 2-3 games, don't overdo it.)
Godmod Injury Events: N
Red Card Players: Y (Don't overdo this also.)
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: Y (To a limit, keep it realistic and don't overdo it.)
Style: -2.1
=================================

[Nova Anglicana]

Nova Anglicana Roster and Overview, Beltane Cup II

Issac Kingsley, NAFA Historian

Position-Number-Name-Age-Club (Division)

G #1 Julian Neal, 32, Newfield FC (1st)
G #22 Tim Klein, 27, Bridgewall City FC (1st)
G #23 Thomas Barnett, 22, Heartwood FC(1st)

D #2 Giuseppe Carbone, 33, Bridgewall City FC
D #5 Dallas Page, 29, Archbishop FC (1st)
D #4 Devin Osborne, 31, Newfield FC
D #3 Terrance Jordan, 26, Archbishop FC
D #6 Felix Kelly, 27, FC Portus (1st)
D #12 Salomon Balderas, 30 Heartwood FC
D #13 Barrett Brandt, 30, Labrador United (1st)
D #14 Matt Ross, 26, Lumberjacks FC (2nd)
D #15 Bradley Lancaster, 25, FC Mineurs (2nd)

M #7 David Pelletier, 28, Olympique Sept-Iles (1st)
M #9 Philip Castillo, 27, Newfield FC
M #8 Alex Robinson, 26, FC Portus
M #10 Kyle Fleming, 25, Isca Town FC (1st)
M #16 Jamie Graves, 26, Newfield FC
M #17 Cedric Keane, 36, Vinovium United FC (1st)
M #18 Cesar Martinez, 22, Heartwood FC


F #11 Raphael Baptiste, 34, Olympique Sept-Iles
F #19 Boyd Phillips, 31, St. Martin FC (1st)
F #20 Chris Hodges, 22, Londinium County FC (2nd)
F #21 Jimmy Kelly, 21, Springs FC

Manager: Patrick Moran, 46, Newfield FC

Formation, Starting 11, and Style

Style Modifier= -3.5

Nova Anglicana has never been known on the world stage for the quality of its football. The key for this squad will be learning to play together as a cohesive unit. Nova Anglicana is led by three stars: Julian Neal, Newfield FC's outstanding goalkeeper, Giuseppe Carbone, veteran and captain of Bridgewall City FC, and Raphael Baptiste, the dangerous Olympique Sept-Iles striker who led the league in scoring last year. The rest of the team is not so great, but with a first attempt at qualifying under their belts, they will be ready for their second go-round

Accordingly, manager Patrick Moran has gone with a 1-4-4-1 formation that allows the two non-goalkeepers to maximize their talents. The 1-4-4-1 is a bit unorthodox and antiquated, employing a sweeper and a striker. Moran and the NAFA believe in controlling possession and cutting off the opponent's access, thus making them unable to score, and follow somewhat the Italian philosophy of catenaccio, or "doorbolt" football. Carbone is responsible for picking up loose balls that get behind the defense and also for personally marking the opponent's best striker. The two center defenders and midfielders pinch together to clog the middle of the field, while the two outside defenders sag back to cover the wings as the two outside midfielders move slightly up in support of Baptiste. The main focus of the formation is to deny the opponent goal-scoring opportunities and keep control of the ball to feed to Baptiste. If the Lions do allow an opponent to get deep into the defense, Carbone will clean things up and begin the counterattack. This style, far from being boring, is applauded by many Nova Anglican fans, who prize hard work, perseverance, and value the hard-fought tie just as much as the win.

Whether this style will bring them any success in the 2nd edition of the Beltane Cup remains to be seen. The Lions, who had struggled in the past to score more than a single goal if the opponent is able to deny Baptiste, showed some additional scoring in Kyle Fleming and David Pelletier, but the philosophy of possession football will have to be at peak efficiency to prevent the opponent from scoring. In the BoF 54, the Lions won two of three group stages games for six points, and qualified to the round of 16. However, there, their run came to an end in a defeat against Yttribia on PKs (0-0 AET, 6-5 PK). In the 67th edition of the World Cup, the Lions finished with a record of 6-4-6, good for 22 points and 4th place in their qualfying group. They conceded a mere 13 goals, but were only able to score a paltry 11. They were eliminated in the group stages of the 59th Cup of Harmony, losing a pair of games to two strong teams in Felix and Saintland. In the 68th World Cup, the Lions were in position to qualify with three games remaining, but lost two of their final three to World Cup Qualifiers in San Jose Guayabal and the Licentian Isles, finishing with a final record of 8-1-5. In the Runner Cup 2, the senior Lions had a record of 1-1-1 before giving way to the U20 Young Lions, who finished out the competition. The Lions are thrilled to be participating in the Beltane Cup and look to get revenge against Yttribia.

Schedule

TBA

Uniforms

(In order, home, away, and alternate, courtesy of NSI's Vulpine Sportif)

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
    =================================
    Choose My Goalscorers:        Y
    Godmod Goalscoring Events:    Y - only if you TG me and ask first
    Injure Players:               N - TG me if the severity will be more than one game and I'll give the yea or nay
    Godmod Injury Events:         N
    Red Card Players:             Y - no more than one every two games, so if my previous opponent has doled one out, tough luck
    Yellow Card Players:          Y - for every two you give my players, at least one must be given to your players
    Godmod Other Events:          N
    =================================

[HopNation]

HopNation Hops
National Fußball Team

Roster and Staff

#	Name		 Age	Pref. Position	Club Team (HopNation State)
1	Oeny Subanos**	 24	GK 		Bayern FC (HBN)
20	Whouf Rantinwar	 30	GK 		York FC (HBN)
25	Eburo Chroollack 24	GK 		Zorg FC (CPW)
5	Lecho Loontas*	 22	CB		Malt SC (CPW)
3	Bans Kastas	 31	CB		Gypsum SC (DKV)
6	Ess Nysistia	 25	LB		Coppendos FC (CPW)
9	Sid Raefwar*	 24	RB		Coppendos FC (CPW)
12	Rayrd Lesamnal*	 21	CB		Gypsum SC (DKV)
16	Oawo Rayhonrad	 22	RB		Captile SC (BPR)
18	Steat Nykaugh	 27	RB		Guile FC (HBN)
21	Icha Wiashrod*	 28	LB		Herberger FC (DKV)
24	Kins Houndtin	 33	CB		Nightinton FC (BPR)
27	Vaugh Jeikrom	 21	RB		Herberger FC (DKV)
10	Pheir Droimpol*	 18	AM ( C)		Bayern FC (HBN)
13	Ruk Rothrothther 25	AM (R,C,L)	Malt SC (CPW)
4	Teur Smuemund*	 22	DFM (R,C,L)	Captile SC (BPR)
7	Morf Chrortas	 23	AM (R,L)	Tearrain FC (BPR)
8	Uraka Ildechban	 22	AM (L)		Holden FC (DKV)
14	Leuld Biaddan*	 27	DFM (R,C,L)	Malt SC (CPW)
15	Nil Nousskel	 29	AM ( L)		FC Darkton (DKV)
22	Eisa Loostin*	 20	AM ( R)		FC Darkton (DKV)
26	Thriaw Arcerton	 24	DFM (R,L)	FC Indecent (BPR)
28	Honn Worfworf	 24	AM (R,L)	Tearrain FC (BPR)
30	Ike Myer*	 30	AM (R,C,L)	Guile FC (HBN)
11	Pech Schytaing*	 19	F (R,C,L)	Zorg FC (CPW)
17	Brim Swauswor	 24	F (L)		Quazar FC (CPW)
2	Raes Queardest	 22	F ( C)		Gypsum SC (DKV)
19	Eenu Zysamenth	 29	F ( C)		York FC (HBN)
23	Gos Banrayorm	 23	F (R,C,L)	FC Indecent (BPR)
29	Jeus Ebtubtua	 30	F ( R)		Utonia FC (HBN)


* denotes starter
* denotes captain

Head Coach
	Warren Schmidt
Assistant Coach
	Charles Brinkmeyer
Assistant Coach
	Corey Barden
Goalkeeping Coach
	Timothy Mahmonds
Fitness Coache
	Scott Moe
Medical Staff
	Dr. Tonya Hendricks
	Dr. Jill Hansen
	Kevin Bayts (Trainer)
Physiotherapists
	Tarrence Unduntserwora
	Rittchie Ranranyerbur

---

Permissions

Typical Style: +2.5 (slightly attacking, wing play, short passes, man behind the ball)
Typical Formations: 4-2-3-1*, 4-3-3, and 4-4-2

RP Permissions if opponent RPs first
Choose my goalscorers		Yes
Godmod scoring events		Yes
Issue yellow cards		Yes
Issue red cards			Yes - within reason and cannot render team unable to continue due to cards
RP Injuries (normal and Godmod)	Yes - no career ending or deaths - I reserve right to set return time and/or edit severity with follow-up RP
Godmod other events		Yes

---

Starting XI

---

Kits *NEW - unveiled for Beltane Cup and will be used for WC 69

HomeAwayAlternative

---

Stadium

Rhizome Arena

Rhizome Arena: capacity 125,000|location Zorg, Copperwies
The largest of all association football stadiums in HopNation, Rhizome Arena is a spectacle to be seen. It is an extremely advanced stadium with self regulating weather blockers that open and close based on the current events attendance, sun glare, precipitation, and event type. It’s a two tier style stadium with each seat having a clear view of the field. It has an impressive array of video boards: two main screens, one on each end of the stadium located on the upper level; a continuous screen that separates the lower and upper levels; and other screens spread through the concourse, the main ones for this type being ideally located just outside of each section entrance. This stadium is home to the Phynix of Zorg FC (Zorg FC’s Senior Squad) as well as the official home of the Hops (HopNation’s Association Football National Team).

[Buyan]

Harald Naess looked a few times across his shoulder to ensure that no one was around before he lit his cigarette. The glow of the tip warmed his hearth more than any fireplace could, he realised, and every bit of smoke he sent into the air was a perfect circle, as magnificent as this moment to him. He wouldn't even have dared dreaming about having a smoke outside the hotel doors back in the days of hope. The days of Hope... For Harald, it felt as if Portnii had singlehandedly crushed everything they had build up. From the outside, the Campionato didn't look that much as a disaster, but reality told him otherwise. The motivated, powerful machine so carefully designed by the Paradystopian had turned into a tricycle with a dodgy wheel.

Even before the first one had been finished, he lighted a second one. Who cared? Of course, the gifted young guns of this selection, the Zemaitisses, Kluszaks and Dalmshelfs of this world, would find it sacreligious. Naess, on the other hand, knew well enough that he shouldn't share their dreams of a glorious passage in a foreign superstar side. Bengtsmark was his personal limit, a fulfilling career, he believed as it was a higher level anyone had expected of him when he signed up as a slightly lumpy eighteen-year old. If he would have been more of an emotional man, he would shed a tear over the fact that, with a domestic title and a WC participation behind him, his career was bound to go downwards.

A third one? Why not. He picked out his lighter and...

"Bad for your health, Harald, very bad."

In shock, Naess dropped his cigarette as he managed to put a face to the voice.

"You... You're here?"
"Where else," the man grinned.
"I thought they had send you to the gulags of the Di Bradini, you know, taking care of the kindergarten," Naess laughed as well, realising who he was talking about.

Sirius Hope walked out of the shadows, pushing a trolly that appeared small but probably contained his complete life, as one would expect from an expat.

"Don't worry, I'm back," he whispered.

It wasn't but now that Naess remarked the letters attached to his jumpsuit.

"T2? What kind of bullocks is that?"
"I know, I know," Sirius sighed, "it's much against my pleasure as well... But after we've picked up this trophy, things will change."
"Picked up," Naess smiled cynically, "that's not really the phrase I'ld use. Without our guys abroad, we're only half the team we used to be. No disrespect to their replacements, they do their best but... It's not the same."
"We'll find a way around that, trust me."

Harald had learned to know better than to question his mana... assistant manager, but couldn't resist the temptation.

"You're going to do that as a T2?"
"Let's say it's a matter of time before I can scratch away the digit, apparently the nation is going to shambles now the leader of life worries more about football than statesmanship. Attacks on governmental buildings, street protests, strikes on governmental plants, ... He'll be on the next plane out, trust me."

---

XI: Seber - Refshauge, Bartkus, Mamontovas, Zemaitis - Naess - Kauppi, Kluszak, Hueppe - Mattisson, Dalmshelf

An offensive 4-1-3-2, but with wing midfielders who aren't afraid of the dirty work. An international debut for Kauppi, considered the next Halmiini (even if the old one isn't rotten yet).

[Greater Watford]

Position	#	Name	Age	Caps	Goals	Club
GK	1	James Hemsworth	28	36		Watford FC
DEF	2	Jonny Gregor	20	5		Bricket Wood FC
DEF	3	Ian Watts	31	12		Hemel Hempstead FC
DEF	4	Ryan Warthon	25	46	1	Hemel Hempstead FC
DEF	5	Vincent Warthon	29	21		Hemel Hempstead FC
MID	6	Peter Tilder	28	38	3	Marlowes City FC
MID	7	Jan Regan	28	16		Leavesden Rovers FC
MID	8	Louis Revson	30	27	1	Hemel Hempstead FC
ATT	9	Mario Mannetti	23	42	27	Watford FC
ATT	10	Ignacio Peréz	22	12	4	Hemel Hempstead FC
MID	11	Samuel Harris	22	41	3	St Albans City FC
GK	12	Gordon Watson	24	9		Bovingdon FC
DEF	13	Steven Shields	20	6		Bovingdon FC
DEF	14	Thomas Razdeski	32	39		Watford FC
DEF	15	Damien King	31	43		St Albans City FC
DEF	16	Alex Salvatore	31	11		Hemel Hempstead FC
MID	17	Tommy Deer	20	5	1	Hemel Hempstead FC
MID	18	Aaron Smith	25	42	3	Leverstock Green Rovers FC
MID	19	Hobert Capp	23			Marlowes City FC
ATT	20	Freddy Lincoln	26	46	20	Leavesden Rovers FC
ATT	21	Quinlan O'Gregory	28	2		Bricket Wood FC
MID	22	Royal Mungo	21			Welwyn Garden City FC
GK	23	Ivor Reynolds	25	4		Kings Langley FC

Manager: Alessandro de Rosso
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2

Code: Select all

RP Permissions
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: Yes
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes
RP Injuries to my players: Yes
Godmod injuries to my players: Yes (no fatalities or serious injuries)
Godmod other events: Yes

Style modifier-0

Kits: (Home, Away, Goalkeeper/Third)


With the World Cup looming, and the domestic season in full swing, many are wondering whether or not sending a top strength side to the Beltame Cup is a good idea. Certainly, de Rosso wants to prove himself after failing at AOCAF 44. However, the relative importance of the Beltame Cup has been called into question. Some believe it would be an ideal time to test out lesser players, so see if they can make the cut at international level. Criticism of the side has come from a few managers of domestic sides, and the SLF, who don't want star players making international appearance and domestic appearances simultaneously, harming their performance. Nevertheless, Greater Watford will be ready to go out and compete against Nassau-Hessen, The Sarian and Glaser, as the class of WC 67 continue in international football.

[Yttribia]

Cutoff for the first matchday is right here, and right now.

EDIT: Results! Tables will be coming in the second match day.

Group A
Yttribia 2–0 Ceni @ Le Nid Violet, Fontvieille, Yttribia
Nova Anglicana 0–0 Gloriax @ Mosson Cliff, Gaillard, Yttribia

Group B
Glaser 0–0 Nassau-Hessen @ Casa Naranja, Stemanisis, Yttribia
The Sarian 1–0 Greater Watford @ Ostermannstadion, Dahlen, Yttribia

Group C
Buyan 1–0 New North Aqmuland @ Stadii Ximena, Telino, Yttribia
Nexxus Drako 1–0 HopNation @ Calcio Centro Serraville, Yttribia

Matches for Tomorrow:
Group A
Ceni v. Gloriax @ Le Nid Violet, Fontvieille
Yttribia v. Nova Anglicana @ Mosson Cliff, Gaillard

Group B
Nassau-Hessen v. Greater Watford @ Casa Naranja, Stemanisis
Glaser v. The Sarian @ Ostermannstadion, Dahlen

Group C
New North Aqmuland v. HopNation @ Stadii Ximena, Telino
Buyan v. Nexxus Drako @ Calcio Centro Serraville, Serraville

[Buyan]

"One! Nil!"

Portnii was rushing back and forth through the dressing room.

"That's not even poor... That's... That's..."

Traces of spit flew from his lips. His steps reminded some of a bull, in the sense that someone had hung a red carpet on each side of the room and he couldn't decided which one to storm first. Furiously, he banged his fist on the massage table in the middle of the room every time he passed by the poor thing.

"Outrage?" Hope suggested, attempting to keep a straight face. Some of those on the benches across him failed to, but the flustered laughter died out quickly. With a red face and bulging eyes, Portnii positioned himself two centimeters away from Hope. As the Paradystopian still had kept his fitness from his haydays and the man across him bore the weight of seemingly endless dinners, it had a rather silly effect. The articulation of the Leader of Life, however, was very clear.

"Dis-grace-ful. Pityfying. Look at yourselves, all imagining you're this and that. If Tembe and Fouba hadn't had that miscommunication, it would've been nil all. Sad..."

Portnii turned around, as if he had second guesses.

"Unless... Some of you are agents of the opposition. Trying to play bad to encourage the protests at home, are we? Are we?"

Maniacal laughter was heard on the hall now, passerbys wondering whether this was some strange victory ritual.

"Bartkus! Refshauge! Martinek! Ullsmang! Moen! Dalmshelf! You're all benched. All!"

The ridiculousness of his claim was underlined by the fact that Martinek hadn't made a single step on the grass that day.

"We're playing 3-4-3 next game... And I want goals!"

---

Style mod change: +4

Squad vs Nexx: Seber --- Englund - Mamontovas - Krupa --- Naess - Lupeikis - Kauppi - Kluszak --- Ptak - Mattisson - Poluceck

Another Blue Hedgehog makes his debut, this time it is Gerolf Poluceck who wears the shirt for the first time.

[Nexxus Drako]

The Nexxus Drako Age

Kevin Arland Unhappy At AC Zevella, "Hates Corvidae"
Author: Sports Chief Kent Joseph

ZEVELLA, YTTRIBIA: 33 year old former Drakonian international superstar Kevin Arland revealed his liberal leanings in a candid interview with the ND Sports TV Show, Sports & Politics. He was asked about where he leaned on certain issues, and eventually the topic got to Corvidae.

Kevin was quoted as saying "The Corvidae issue is a tough one, I'm actually a bit scared for my own life here in Yttribia. I've made it known to AC Zevella that I want out due to Corvidae, but they refuse to let me go on the grounds that they too, are scared. I know for sure that they are listening, but I can assure you they won't kill me, because that will cause Nexxus Drako to declare war. All I can say, is fuck the Corvidae. Fascism sucks."

The Corvidae have not reacted as yet, but Drakonian President Matthew Parker had this to say: "Any act of unwarranted violence by the Corvidae against Drakonian ex-pats will result in our immediate request for extradition. If a massacre occurs against our ex-pats, we won't declare war, but we will cut off all trade to Corvidae nations, including Felix, Yttribia and Farfadillis. We already have cut off all trade to The Sarian due to their evil Near Human Intelligence ban. We have no relations to speak of with The Inevitable Syndicate and thus have no trade. I also ask of the Yttribian Government to keep the national football teams competing in the Beltane Cup safe with the utmost importance, I understand international sports teams have amnesty, but I am unsure if Yttribia has waived such amnesty."

The Corvidae could obviously not be reached for comment, we await their next actions with keen eyes.

[HopNation]

Well that wasn’t good, nor bad I suppose. It did seem to be a close game and it was the team with the least amount of mistakes that went home the winner. It was one simple mistake that lead to the Nexxus Drako goal and it game late in the game, in fact so late that the Hops had no chance to even try to tie things up. It was the 92’ when Sid Raefwar was called for the foul, a foul that was totally unnecessary at that. Striker Robert Hill was in possession of the ball and made a good pass that probably should have been intercepted by Raefwar, but instead he allowed Lio Golt to get into position and receive the pass. As soon as Golt got the ball Raefwar reached his leg around the outside and instead of just tapping the ball away he took out Golt’s leg. The Ref signaled the foul and handed Raefwar a yellow to boot. With Golt limping a bit Petar Jonz set up to take the free kick and what a free kick it was. Jonz sent a lazer just past the wall and into the lower 90 of the goal, well out of the reach of keeper Oeny Subanos. Then just after the restart the Ref signaled the end of the game and that was that, a 0-1 loss to Nexxus Drako.

Nexxus Drako handed our Hops their first loss of the Beltane Cup and now sit atop Group C with Buyan. Next we take on New North Aqmuland the other member of our group who lost. Hopefully the Hops can turn things around and stay competitive in this group. It also looks like the Hops will be going with a new line-up for this next game, they will be staying in the 4-2-3-1 but a few players are going to get a rest for this outing.

Starting XI against New North Aqmuland

[Greater Watford]

The wait goes on

4 consecutive losses and no goals scored in any of those games make for grim reading, as Alessandro de Rosso contemplates where it’s going wrong. The 4-1-2-1-2 is a good formation on paper, but it’s simply not working on paper. Many are trying to find fault, with some blaming the manager, but today, it seemed like Mannetti, the captain and a few others were under-par.

Expectation was high as the whistle blew at Ostermannstadion. In the first minute, Jordan Lee took an opportunity to shoot unexpectedly, and his shot narrowly whistled over the bar, with Hemsworth stranded off his line. At the other end, Mannetti broke clear of William Peters, but his shot on the 5th minute was wide of the mark, having been forced to shoot early by the closing Jarrett Firmin.

In the 18th minute, a corner was floated into the box, and Horacio Lopez rose high to head the ball down, beyond the defence, and to open the scoring. 1-0 to The Sarian, and the Hornets had been forced onto the back foot. De Rosso urged his players to continue to work the ball forward.

As the half-time whistle blew, it was clear that the Hornets had work to do. Gregor looked inexperienced on the left, and Vincent Warthon couldn’t get the ball forward on the right. Although Harris was effective down the centre, Peréz and Mannetti struggled to get any clear cut chances.

In the 56th minute, Gregor, after taking a slight knock, came off to be replaced by Razdeski, one of the more experienced players. He provided a channel down the left for the Hornets. His early cross was met by Mannetti, but his volley clipped the top of the crossbar and went out of play. The captain was looking frustrated.

After 80 minutes, de Rosso took the bold decision to sub off both Peréz and captain Mannetti. Neither of them seemed too displeased, on the contrary Mannetti almost looked as if his mind was elsewhere. O’Gregory got close on 83rd minute, but his shot was too weak to trouble Brigham Huddlestone. In the end, The Sarian took a 1-0 win, which was a match Greater Watford should’ve been able to draw. There were chances, but finishing off is a curse for the Hornets at the moment.

[The Sarian]

This will just be a short little thing, expect a return to the main Flight of The Bustard storyline tomorrow, or the day after at latest. Just too f*cking tired to RP...

The snow fell and the bustard chirped, it was a cold morning, it was an ordinary morning. Planes flew over the cloudy sky, men went off to work and women stayed at home, starting on the washing, each of them with their own story to tell. But it was quiet, for the first time in nearly a decade, The Sarian was quiet.

People had resisted Florican rule at first, but those people were all silenced, both forcefully and of their own accord and now most people were happy. Their lives went on as they always did, some could even argue it was improved by the increased security measures and stronger economy. And deep down, people wanted to know who was in charge, wanted to know who took look up to. They had gone through a decade of turmoil - a war against The Federation of Free Republics before it was ended so that The Sarian could fight itself, the rise and fall of the first Republic, the idiocy of Robert Balfour, the increasing tension with Yttribia over a tiny Island in the Haase Channel and now there was peace.

And people liked peace.

---

It was midnight at TSAC Mount Pleasant, the largest military campus on Isle Oakhurst, over 40,000 members of The Sarian Army were stationed there, alongside several large naval vessels and a small air base.

It was also the only military campus that knew of the plans, the plans to annex Lojal. They were ready, they were just waiting for the order. The phone rang, breaking the cold silence of the night. Major General Gord Harlard was the first to reach it.

"Yes Chief Executive? I see, right away sir."

Straightening his beret, he reached for the phone and contacted all the Warrant Officers, not giving any detail other than, "We have three days."

OOC: This is even shitter then I initially thought...

[Glaser]

They brought us down in Baptism of fire
The Sarian

But now we have better ranking
The Sarian

They made a good RP
The Sarian

So we will hope to win to maybe continue in this competition
The Sarian

It's nearly midnight
Glaser

I again forgot about this
Glaser

Shit shit shit shit shit
Glaser

[Yttribia]

Cut-off! Results incoming.

Group A
Gloriax 3–4 Ceni @ Le Nid Violet, Fontvieille
Yttribia 2–0 Nova Anglicana @ Mosson Cliff, Gaillard

Group A              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Yttribia                2    2   0   0     4    0   +4     6
2 Ceni                    2    1   0   1     4    5   −1     3
3 Gloriax                 2    0   1   1     3    4   −1     1
4 Nova Anglicana          2    0   1   1     0    2   −2     1

Group B
Nassau-Hessen 0–3 Greater Watford @ Casa Naranja, Stemanisis
Glaser 2–1 The Sarian @ Ostermannstadion, Dahlen

Group B              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Glaser                 2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
2 Greater Watford        2   1  0  1    3   1  +2    3
3 The Sarian             2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
4 Nassau-Hessen          2   0  1  1    0   3  −3    1

Group C
New North Aqmuland 1–3 HopNation @ Stadii Ximena, Telino
Buyan 1–0 Nexxus Drako @ Calcio Centro Serraville, Serraville

Group C              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Buyan                  2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
2 HopNation              2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
3 Nexxus Drako           2   1  0  1    1   1   0    3
4 New North Aqmuland     2   0  0  2    1   4  −3    0

[Greater Watford]

The wait ends

On a sunny day at Casa Naranja, the Hornets banished their curse with a 3-0 win over Nassau-Hessen. It was a case of pathetic fallacy, as the sun shone down on the stadium, as the guys in yellow finally broke their scoring and win duck.

It was a bold move by de Rosso to bench Mannetti and Peréz for this game. The former, the captain, was not used to being a benchwarmer, but de Rosso was keen to try out a new attacking line-up of Lincoln and O’Gregory. The nerves of his 3rd appearance didn’t faze O’Gregory, and in the 9th minute, Harris chipped a ball over the defence, and O’Gregory rose high to head past the goalkeeper into the net. It was his first goal for Greater Watford, and the team huddled and cheered in celebration, relief on their faces.

The first goal was the catalyst to create more attacking chances. Harris was proving effective in getting the ball forward, and Nassau-Hessen had their work cut out to defend from all threats. It was, however, the 40th minute, when Vincent Warthon cut into the edge of the box from the right wing, and sent in a curling ball. Some argue he was aiming to cross, but the ball skewed, and hit the underside of the crossbar, before bouncing over the line. 2-0 it was at half time, and the Hornets were in control.

Into the second half, and Lincoln, not quite up to form, came off, and Mannetti replaced him. It paid dividends, as in the 59th minute, Mannetti ran on to Harris’ through ball, and flicked his shot over the shoulder of the keeper, and nestled it into the net. 3-0, the Hornets had control now.

Nassau-Hessen drove forward, but couldn’t find a good chance. Hemsworth also made a good save, blocking a one-on-one shot. In the last 10 minutes, and with the lead sewn up, Regan and Revson made way to allow Hobert Capp and Royal Mungo to make their debuts on the international side. It finished 3-0, a game for many to be pleased about. Now, Glaser, WC68 qualifiers, stand in the way of the knockout stage.

[Glaser]

The biggest game of the group stage, Glaser vs Greater Watford, starts tomorrow. Football fans can't wait until the refferee's whistle, the betting agencies are building hype, the teachers are trying to cancel the holiday that was made for this occasion, and everybody in general is ready for the big moment.

A thing all sports fans and especially football fans love is to guess the scoreline at the end, and try to guess who will win. Although most of the betting websites think a tie would be the final score, Darrin the Dragon thinks Glaser would have the upper hand, and continue in the tournament at the 1st spot.

The lovable, 12 year old, blue dragon which is kept at the Skyros zoo recieved 3 boxes of pure dingo meat and the zoo keepers declared that the one Darrin prefers would bring the crest on it's back the victory: There was a Greater Watford box, a tie box and of course a Glaserian box. Darrin the Dragon eyed the three parcels and in front of many spectators including hungry kids, their tired parents and a bunch of businessmen Darrin ferociously leaped to the Glaserian box and ripped it apart, and ate the tasty intestines of the poor Dingo in front of the applausing Glaserians.

The Skyros Zoo claim through the topographic satellite picture of the animal's bones and analysed by a local witch you could find out that the end score would be 3-1 for the Dragons, with Wrund W'deyir finishing as man of the match with 2 great assists, and O'Gregory scoring the most beautiful goal in the 57th minute: a flank run around Ilvzern and a chip over G'kroll's straightened leg. The former manager of the Zoo, Krud Will'dord also claims that Watts, the Greater Watson defender would get two yellow cards without the ref noticing he should get the red.

An artist's rendition of Darrin.

[Buyan]

Kazys Portnii couldn't figure what this emotion was that was running through his veins. At first, he had believed that it was anger. But did his hand tremble at such occasions?

He had sent the eleven up the pitch with one explicit command: score goals and show the glory of the nation. Divert the masses at home with exquisit football and lead their focus away from those horrible liberals... But despite adding three attackers, it seemed as if the need to win had been satisfied as soon as Piotr Kluszak had opened the score on a set piece. From that point onwards, the Hedgehogs had dominated the game, but failed to create real danger and the second half had been as entertaining as watching a dead raccoon at the side of a desolated road.

What he already assumed, had now become truth for Kazys Portnii. His team was in the hands of his political opponents... This kind of performances could only be explained that way. But if the cause had been one man, it had been an easy cancer to cure. But, as often with that horrible disease, it had taken all vital organs of the team in its grasp. One or two replacements wouldn't cut the deal.

"Sirius Hope..."

He whispered the name of his assistant, trying to avoid a little stumble in his voice. Portnii hesitated. One side of him knew that the Paradystopian was dangerous but he couldn't explain why. Could he have political interests in all this? Or had he just translated the secret motives of some players into one path... Who was there now to trust? Portnii regretted that he had sent his assistant during the CE, Paruczwek, to a training camp with those miserable failures of a Di Bradini squad, but on the other hand, the latter wouldn't be of much help. His only capacity, to lick other's heels had brought him here, not his cleverness or wit.

It appeared to Kazys as an indissoluble dilemma, a Gordian knot. If he would leave the squad to solve the turmoil at home, Hope would harvest the glory here, only strenghtening his popularity. And who would prevent the players of making political statements against his case? It was a risk he couldn't take... But if he stayed here and the team continued to play so uninspiring, he couldn't affect things at home. And he hadn't dealed with Hope yet. Ultimately, he came up with a risky, yet interesting plan.

"Time to call a friend," he smiled, picking up the phone.

"Hope?"
"Yes, mister Portnii?"

The infidel always refused to adress him as Leader for Life, as any Buyanese would do. He must be a dirty liberal, Portnii realised.

"I have decided to give you full tactical control over the next game."
"Oh, ehm, thanks, I gu-"
"But!"
"There's a but?"
"Yes. As we're already qualified for the next round, I order you to use some guys who haven't played much lately. Thorup... Valminen... Ohlin... Hueppe... Not Bartkus, Naess, Dalmshelf and such."
"Ehm..."
"To safe them for the next round, of course. But otherwise, it's all up to you."
"All right, that should be poss-"
"Not only I demand great results, the nation does so! These are moments that I don't want to see a defeat or the consequences are on you! After every goal, I want the players to show a shirt with VIVA PORTNII. And I want to see that shirt often, if you understand me?"
"Ehm... Yes."

---

Change style mod, please: -5
Line-up: Schmidt ---- Thorup, Englund, Valminen, Krupa ---- Ohlin ---- Kauppi, Losokov, Hueppe ---- Poluceck, Ptak