Baptism of Fire 57 - Everything Thread

[The Sarian]

This is the 24 hour cutoff warning for Matchday One in The Sarian!

[Aestate]

Newsletter

29 October, Press Office FAS

Welcome to Baptism of Fire

In this morning, the coaching staff and most of the players arrived in Quebec, after the exhausting journey. “I would like to go to a hotel now”, said Bobbio, one promise of Aestate. But it wasn’t too easy. At Airport, they ran into many fans and eventually agitation. “It’s good for the team. With this, they can see our responsibility”, said Ziccardi.

Later, the squad traveled to aestatean team base camp in Quebec, a beautiful, vast and isolated Castle built last year. “A new modern installation with comfort. Perfect choice”. Now, Ziccardi will wait other five players. Cinisa, Grimassi, Mazini, Svevo and Lee Ray had problems with their local teams.

BoF is Coming...
But the team has come
Camilo Pistoia in Quebec
La Federazione, Wednesday 29 October

Aestateans have invaded Quebec, and I’m not only referring to the National Team. This morning, hundreds of aestateans were meeting to wait our Squad in the airport. The crowd seemed to increase with each plane that landed. And at the top of their voices, many fans were speaking when the first player showed his face. At this moment, things got lively for hours. While a heavy group of fans was singing “God save the team”, others grabbed and scratched all players in a memorable despair. Questioned about this pressure, Mario Bobbio was gotten to the point. “This is weight a lot”, said Bobbio with two girls in his leg. Probably, that can be a situation for the whole tournament. That group of fans is small, but it’s noisy, too, and has a necessary objective for now. Ziccardi did go for another confinement... We know. Empathy and humanity are as necessary as concentration. Because this, we, the fans, can be decisive for the players. How can be? Well, we’ll see in future.

Anyway, the team has traveled two hours later to the concentration in a castle hired by FAS (Federation of Aestate Soccer). Why a Castle? Who knows. The majority of fans had a theory. “The dungeon”, said. On the same day, I did have opportunity for questionable Ziccardi about that. “Dungeon? Lunacy”, stuttered the coach. Only relative to something else, Ziccardi was more solid. When I did ask about the controversy in the convent, Paolo said “C’mon, that pregnancy history doesn’t exist. This is a craziest lie. Impresses me, you think about it”.

Another actual problem is the absence. Five players are still in Aestate. Judicial problems with teams, revenue service, maintenance and more things did created difficulties. But it’s temporary. To now, I’ll comment about one player (yes, I’ll do it for a while). Today, Mario Bobbio:

Position: Mildfielder
Age: 25
Height: 1.72 m (5'8'')
Weight: 65 kg (143)

Bobbio is the best midfielder in Aestate nowadays. A traditional player of Nazionale, he has a dangerous well-known pass. This was decisive in innumerous matches. With one National League, in my opinion, he is a key player in our Squad.

Hard points: Experienced, he has an accurate pass, a great vision of the game, good stats in assists, crosses, and a famous dribble. Also Intelligent, Mario can make a destructive strategy in seconds with a good help.

Weak points: Unluckily, Bobbio has a history of lesions. Maybe because that, he has a difficult to transition from attack to defense. An intense or very defensive match may cause difficulties.

[Polaaskan]

Ulrik Leonardsen inhaled the fresh Quebecois air.

The place was bliss. The training ground was in the most perfect location, Ulrik, his staff and the team had settled in well. It was the last training session before the big game against Leadan tomorrow. Polaaskan's first ever competitive game. And Ulrik would proudly lead the team into it.

He wandered over to the one of the small 7-v-7 games between the players. He watched as Iiro Mihaylov received the ball, swivelled, and knocked it towards Patrik Ael who thundered it home. Ulrik smiled. This was the sort of play that could give advantage to Polaaskan. The classy, attacking football. He'd studied the 4-1-2-1-2 idea, and decided it was perfect for the team. In the morning, Ulrik, Jakob, Sol Arke, the captain, and Christian Hogg, the vice captain had gathered and discussed what to do.

"As you all know," spoke Ulrik, "We're going to start the game against Leadan in the 4-1-2-1-2 formation. I've picked the team already. Vasili and Jonathan will be playing as wing backs." He motioned towards Sol and Christian. "You'll both be playing as centre-backs. Frans will be in defensive midfield, his job is to get the ball from you guys to Lukas, Iiro or Mikke, who will start in the attacking midfield positions. I've decided to put Heiko and Timo up front."

Sol nodded. "Sounds like a good idea," he began, "But what are we going to do substitution wise?"

"I'm coming onto that," replied Ulrik. "We've got people like Johan and Jon who'd like to come on either on the wing or in attacking midfield, then there is Patrik, Willem and Soren who may come on upfront."

Then Jakob spoke. "Christian, Ulrik and I have decided that we're going to play you at centre-back. Frans or Riko will play in defensive midfield, is that okay with you?"

Christian nodded. "I'm fine with that. But will I play there if anything happens to those two?"

Jakob looked at Ulrik, who subsequently nodded. "Yes, Christian, but we both feel that your presence at centre-back along with Sol could really give our defence a boost and put off the opposing strikers."

"What about Vasili and Jonathan? They're playing as wing-backs, right?"

"Yeah. They'll come and defend when needed though. As Frans is playing in defensive midfield, he'll likely retreat and join you as a third centre-back, if needed." said Ulrik.

"So those three will retreat when they attack, and attack when we attack?" said Christian, looking slightly puzzled.

"Vasili and Jonathan will be out wide the most, as Lukas and Mikke will be a slight more central then them. All four of them will be providing the crosses into Timo and Heiko, while Iiro is the playmaker if you will, of the team."

"Sounds great." Christian and Sol said at the same time.

[The Oaklands]

After a day at work that seemed like it would never end, Jeffrey slumped down into his favourite couch in the lounge. His business, Kegent's Software, had made a big loss, and he had manage to burn his finger while making himself a cup of coffee in his work kitchen. Then he had spilled his coffee on his suit, and had had to use his back-up suit, that was slightly creased. The embarrassment had continued when his own companies computer system had been hacked. He was looking forward to his evening meal, his evening paper and his evening television session. Looking down at the coffee table, realised that The Evening Herald was sitting there, unopened. He picked it up, expecting nothing but news of a bad day in the stock market and wars raging on in nearby countries. However, when he reached the sports section, he was astonished to see news of The Oaklands football team in The Sarian, preparing for the 57th Baptism of Fire.

"Matilda, why didn't you inform me of the major footballing news?" he inquired of his wife.

"What, has the governing body gone bankrupt? Is netball going to be the national sport?" she replied, hopefully.

"So you didn't know about the BoF either?"

"What on earth is the boff? I thought we were talking about football, not science."

At that point, Jeffrey gave up. He couldn't be bothered to talk to his ignorant wife, but he still couldn't believe that he knew nothing about it happening yet. He had been the most avid supporter of The Oaklands on their trip to Anarchic Chikagolao for the regional Gold Cup, and had even taken a day off from running his mad company to celebrate. As he read through the article, he found out that the first game was in just two days time, and he read through the list of players in the squad: some he knew, like Thomas Callum, Dale Inton and George Cannock, the player of the tournament at the Gold Cup. Some players he did not know, however, like Adam Trumpet and Shaun Mitchell. For the rest of the evening, he didn't feel the sinking feeling he had when he had first arrived home, but felt the warm feeling he had the whole way through the Gold Cup.

***

Matilda Kegent was having a terrible night. Her husband, Jeffrey, kept sleep-talking, saying things like, "GO, GO THE MIGHTY BARKERS!" and, "GET IN THEIR GEORGY!". At least it was only a couple of weeks till the Baptism of Fire ended.

[Pine Island]

Iqaluit, Quebec

Manager Shane Starks stood on the sidelines, arms folded watching his team practice. His look summed up his feelings - he was pissed due to the weather he was training in. The last time he checked his iPad, it was 5 degrees, and quickly decreasing. On top of that, the sun was starting to set - it was only 4:30! He hoped this wouldn't affect the way the team played tomorrow afternoon.

After seeing the team do speed drills, and passing precision, Starks decided to jump right ahead to an 11 x 11 scrimmage. He hoped this would identify what was needed to work on in preparation for tomorrow.

"Alright everyone, gather 'round, gather 'round. Enough with drills for now, I want to skip to a quick scrimmage. Starters play subs, lets go, lets go, lets go."

The team eagerly got to their positions and awaited signal.

"Go!"

Subs kicked off first and immediately lofted the ball to the wings, where it was met by the feet of Rory Bathurst. Bathhurst on his first touch crossed the ball Anthony Jackson, who headed it toward goal but unfotunately went wide.

"It's okay, it's okay but nice pass Rory!" yelled out the proud manager.

The Starters came back with a counterattack with some neat 1-2's between Mitchell Nicolas, and Jacob Gardner. With the return of the pass Nicolas nutmegged an oponent, sidestepped another, and finally crossed the ball. Cleo Sotton was waiting for the ball, recieved it, shot it, and scored.

Shane Starks wasn't pleased at all with the quality of defending, he yelled at the subs until they finally kicked off once again.

This time the subs seemed re-energized by the angry remarks, and came back with a swift counter attack that resulted in a header by Anthony Jackson. Game on, 1-1.

"Better set up there, subs. Hey starters, where was that defense? Don't leave a player more than a foot away from you. I don't care how tight the spacing is."

The two sides continued to attack on the wings back and forth as instructed until a truly senational play appeared before Starks' eyes.

The starters trailed 2-1, and the manager called last goal before it got dark out. Centerback John Farley started the play with a through ball to Jacob Gardner who as always crossover an oppoent. Gardner quickly chipped a ball to the man on his right, David Scott. Scott dribbled until he was right outside the penalty box. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw fellow teamate Malcolm Banks expecting a 1-2, and recieved it. Without further thought, Banks quickly crossed the ball which was met by the inside cleat of Elvin Rodriguez, and into the net! After seeing this all members of staff cheered, while all players of both teams ran to Rodriguez in celebration.

"Alright guys, huddle up. I've seen many ups and few downs from this practice. You guys executed every aspect of not only our formation, but also our tactics. I didn't see any centra attacks, only wing attacks. Can I trust in you guys to put this to work in tomorrows' match?"

"Yes" was yelled out by everyone in huge excitement for the next game.

"Awesome. I believe in each and every one of you that you can. Keep up the good work!"

With this said, the team quickly headed for the lockeroom to escape the dark, and cold unforgiving weather Quebec had to offer.

[Pays den haut]

OOC: Pays d'en haut's national team arived in time in Setter, isle Oakhurst and the players are actually chilling in their hotel. Please note that their convo is in French, but because the hosts needs to understand it, it's translated in English.


"wow that bed is really comfy." said Vincent while laying on it.

"look I can jump on it! We can't do that on our beds." replied Jean-Christophe while jumping on his bed and looking at Vincent.

"we need some rest before the game against Abanhfleft, so you better stop jumping..." added Vincent.

"nah it's fun I'm gonna jump all night!" said Jean-Christophe while keeping jumping on his bed.

"I wonder what's this flat box out there, it seems there's a black window in it" said Vincent while looking at the TV.

"idk what is it, it looks like some modern evil thing, I wouldn't touch it." added Jean-Christophe.

Vincent walks towards the tv and looks closely at the screen. "It's all dark, maybe it's not a window?" he said.

"It's evil, don't touch it! Maybe you'll get aspirated by it!" added J-C.

"ok I stop looking at it. I wonder what's this little thing on the table next to this evil flat box. There's some buttons on it." said Vincent

"Don't touch it, it might be evil either" added J-C

"I'm intrigued, I wonder what's those buttons for" said Vincent

"Don't touch it!" said J-C

"Too late i'm pushing on these buttons and nothing happens. There's a button with a different color and..." said Vincent while pushing on a button with a different color. At the same moment the TV turns on. and both Vincent and Jean-Christophe jumped when they see the tv turning on. J-C ran away outside of the bedroom and Vincent did the same.

[Isula ge Ru]

Fire on the Water
Intrigue in Isula ĝe Ru

Prologue, Part I
Prologue, Part II

Three Years ago, National Square, Isula ĝe Ru, Isula ĝe Ru

The arrows cut the air. That air above the hushed assembly had been sliced open multiple times that day, by the herald's momentous announcement, by the venomous discourse between condemned and condemner, by the simple dark eyes of Marĉu Eduuaramaria Elhu. But this was a different cut. This was the type of cut you never notice, the deep, thin, hissing slice that draws no blood, but does the most damage. The air had been cut by the events of the day, but the arrows slew it. They whistled above the throng, three modern, sleek arrows, three shots that had taken the task force who fired them the better part of a day to plan, map, and scope. Three shots that were the pinnacle of a plan that had taken shape over months uncountable.

And now they had almost reached the platform, and the lever was almost all the way forward. The stage was opening beneath the three men, and in another microsecond, the nooses would tighten, and their suave, treasonous faces would purple, blacken, and be forgotten, more names in more books.

It happened in slow motion, the arrows rotating so slowly the fletchings seemed like the hands of the massive clock that adorned the square. The prisoner's feet fell out from under them, the weight of their bodies dropped the short distance allowed by the slack of the ropes.

And then the arrows hit their marks.

They all hit at the same time. The first arrow severed the rope that held Marĉu Eduuaramaria Elhu, sending him dropping through the stage into the covered area below, the noose still around his neck, but severed about four inches from the knot. The second glanced off the rope round the neck of Gordán Martu ĝ'Alba, and he dropped, hung for half a second on the frayed remains of his rope, then fell, his face turning bright red as he dropped, klunking off the side of the wide trapdoor as his weight plunged down to join his companion.

The third arrow took Fabiu Ĉiĉu Marcamaria in the throat, ripping open both the rope that held him and his esophagus, killing him even as the impact drove him back from the hole in the stage and into one of the Espeguladore, his mutilated neck turning the bright surcoat of the guard into a red work of art.

It was now pandemonium. It's remarkable how so much can change in only half a half a second. Arrows were being loosed freely by men in dark coats from a second-story tier across the plaza, nearly thirty strong. It was slowly becoming clear that these were the men responsible for the two freeings and the murder. Swords were being drawn as the meager crowd that had gathered promptly fled. The bleachers that had been set up for important dignitaries and other persons to watch the day's events were being evacuated and pushed over to use for cover, as the Espeguladore not on ceremonial duty dropped behind it to return fire. Members of the Scholar's Council tripped over their long black robes as they raced for the safety of the enclosing courtyard walls. A sleek black arrow dropped the second Espeguladorau, his glistening halberd no longer a threat. Black shapes raced along the causeways, one dropping down after an arrow took him in the stomach. He was dragged off by his companions. Nothing must be left behind.

A deep slash appeared in the banners hanging from the stage, then another, and Marĉu struggled out, holding a gleaming sword in one hand, and the unconscious body of Gordán in the other. He struck down the first man that came at him, before at least twenty of the men who just moments ago had been launching projectiles into the walkways after the perpetrators surrounded and engulfed them, escorting them methodically out of a doorway into the long halls of the Scholar's Complex, the lowest levels of Scholar's Tower and the ones that enclosed National Square. The pandemonium faded as the group raced along long hallways, taking two left turns and three rights before a massive axe rose from the small sea of black to cleave open an oaken door.

Everything had worked so remarkably perfectly, it was nearly shocking. The black-clad men they'd brought, in total almost one hundred, had posed magnificently as Espeguladore, doing their duty remarkably. The deceit had not been noticed until the paltry number of real Espeguladore who fought so briefly alongside then had gestured for an advance, and instead found themselves with a crossbow quarrel in their throats. There was but one hitch in the plan, and that was dragging behind Marĉu in the form of Gordán's dead weight. Whether his friend was alive, dead, or stunned, Marĉu couldn't tell, and indeed didn't want to tell until he was far away from the Nation's Capital. He kept moving.

The sudden silence that had come upon the party as they joined with the second group, the twenty-man contingent who had loosed the arrows and secured much of the building, shattered. The shattering of the silence was partly due to the hoarse cheering that greeted the rousing success of a plan, but mostly due to the looming door ahead, and the bright sunlight it would bring. What was on the other side of the oaken slab couldn't be told, but somewhere between here and the shoreline, this tale was sure to involve police.

It involved police almost instantly.

As the axe rose again to take down the thick door, it opened and revealed the group's path to the shore, a path lined with police and soldiers, who now rose to take on the group.

A prolonged street battle through the city of Isula ĝe Ru had not been in the well-oiled and perfectly executed plan that had originally been laid out by the Esiruan Independence Movement for today, and with Gordán indisposed and in no fit state to do anything but be dragged to the getaway boat, it was even less of a viable option for extraditing themselves from National Square. It looked to be inevitable, though, as arrows and crossbow bolts sprayed into the small crowd.

They dispersed. It became a mad dash for the shoreline through back alleys and side streets. Gordán was snatched out of Marĉu's arms, by whom he could neither tell nor say, and Marĉu was grabbed roughly and shoved into an alley. He had just enough time to tell they were friends, not foes, before he was being briskly trotted along, his suit a disheveled disaster, towards the shore.

For Marĉu's little group, the shoreline was reached without incident. There was a sleek black speedboat waiting, the green Holly Leaf accents having been hastily and clumsily painted over in a hopeless attempt to conceal the perpetrators of this momentous event. Marĉu shook his head. The only ones who could possibly be remotely interested in freeing himself and Gordán were the Esiruans. As the hand that had been propelling him left the small of his back, Marĉu tried to straighten his tie and pocket square and look presentable. For the first time, he realized that the noose still hung loosely around his neck, a grisly chain of honor accenting his outfit and hair quite horribly.

He climbed into the speedboat, avoiding his eyes when the time came to look at the Machine gun mounted atop the back, a terrifying monument to what would go down once they were on the water. Firearms were prohibited in the city thanks to ancient, ancient tradition, but anywhere else in the nation they were perfectly acceptable, and the group had just, in the course of about an hour, made themselves the most wanted men in the country.

He tried to forget it, and lay back. Gordán arrived, and he was breathing, which were two good points. As news and men filtered in about what had happened on the city's streets, it became clear that not many casualties had occurred, as the "battle" had been a police effort to hem in and arrest, not murder. It made sense. Answers and interrogation would be sure to be first on the minds of the Scholar's Council. Marĉu was keen not to give them that privilege, and almost all those who had left the square had now piled into the speedboats that would carry them to hoped safety. He signaled forward, and the small fleet moved out.

They were almost immediately met with machine gun fire from a police boat rounding a curve in the island city, but the burst coupled with speed and covering fire from their own boats meant that the shots served as nothing more than a trumpet to herald their escape to the city. They were home free, or as free as they could be, marked fugitives from the Council and the nation.

"Set a course for Esiru. Don't let any of them get on our tail"

Spray whipped lines into Marĉu's face as his head leaned back, Gordán's unconscious body lolling on his shoulder. The boat cut the waves, leading a ragged triangle of others away from National Square, the Council, and hopefully, Isula ĝe Ru itself.

Marĉu was asleep in minutes.

[Abanhfleft]

"I am sorry, sir, but there are no reservations under your name."

"This must be a mistake," said Adelmio Bandini to the hotel receptionist. Bandini, manager of the Fleftic Premier League club Malabon SC, had been brought along to The Sarian by national team manager Kasper Molak (along with a few other managers from the FPL) as "unofficial" assistants for the Baptism of Fire. Kasper had promised to give him and the other "unofficial" assistants rooms in the same hotel where the national team would be staying, but apparently, once again, the Slovak had messed up.

"Are you absolutely sure there's nothing?" Bandini asked. "Have you checked everything?"

"Yes, sir," the receptionist replied. "There are no reservations for any Adelmio Bandini here."

Bandini sighed and ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. "Have you checked for Silvio Bandini?"

"Hang on, sir, let me check." The receptionist's hands flew over the keyboard as she typed in this latest query. "I'm sorry, sir, there's still nothing," she told Bandini.

"All right," Bandini muttered. "Try this: either Godric Wexler or Georges Leblanc."

"All right, sir." But it was apparent on the receptionist's face that she didn't think that that was going to work.

"You said you wanted to know the difference between a Pole and a Slovak, right?" the man behind Bandini asked the man standing beside him.

"Oh, dear God, Godric, not this again."

"The Slovak will always find a way to get one over the Italian that he used to manage," the man said.

"Oh, Godric, why must you always try to slander the good name of our national team's manager?" the second man sighed.

"I never knew you'd managed to secure your naturalization papers, Georges," the first man said.

"Piss off." But the second man's accent made it sound like, "Pizzovv."

Looking at them, no one would think that these two men were the managers of Abanhfleft's two best clubs. Godric Wexler and Georges Leblanc were the managers of Arsenal de Releinthi and Riuwiee United, respectively. And despite the fact that their two clubs were the biggest of rivals in the Democratic Republic, these two managers were the bestest of friends. And every Fleftic loved it.

"I know that Kasper was Adelmio's youth coach before he was pirated by Ludogorets," Leblanc told Wexler, "but I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why Kasper would do such a thing."

"It's definitely not out of spite," Wexler replied. "I know. Kasper's told me. It's just something that Adelmio did to him in his first away game for Malabon. Adelmio reserved a room for Kasper under someone else's name. There was no malice about it; it was a real honest mistake. But Kasper never forgot. Now it's sort of their in-joke."

"You non-French and your barbaric customs..." Leblanc muttered with a small grin. Wexler just chuckled.

Suddenly, two men came running into the lobby from the emergency staircase. They were jabbering in some language that both Wexler and Leblanc immediately recognized as French. As the two French-speaking men ran over to the concierge, who was beside the receptionist, Wexler nudged Leblanc and said, "Can you tell me what they're saying?"

"Quiet, you damned Englishman!" Leblanc said as he tilted his ear to the conversation. "They're saying something about an evil box... no, two evil boxes," he said. "One box with buttons, and another box with a big bright light."

"Must be the telly," Wexler replied. "Wait a minute. How the hell could someone call a television an 'evil box?'"

"Look," Leblanc said, pointing at the two men's outfits. "They're wearing the badge of Pays d'en Haut."

"Pays d'en Haut?" Wexler asked. "The country we're about to face tomorrow?"

"Oh, oui," Leblanc replied. "You know, rosbif, I've heard lots of rumors about this country. It's supposed to be some place stuck in the Middle Ages. So technology like television is like dark magic to them."

"Oh, well, sucks to be them, mate," Wexler muttered.

Bandini finally nodded to the receptionist, and he came away holding a single white security card. "Apparently, Kasper has decided that it would be funny if he reserved one room for the three of us, and under George's name," he told the two managers. "And it's only a one-bed affair, so we will have to decide who will get the bed. And, because I am the one that actually managed to clear up this whole mess with the hotel, I will therefore be taking the bed."

"Hang on a minute there, pasta," Leblanc said. "The reservation was made in my name so the room, and therefore the bed, most definitely belongs to me."

"No, no, no, the bed obviously belongs to me," Wexler added. "I managed the team that won the league last year, and is still in first place this year. So the bed is mine because I clearly deserve a rest from all my excellent efforts and endeavours."

"Ah, come off it. Let's just get settled in and begin looking for good players to sign in January."

"Dammit, I forgot about that. Osisek wants to consider a career outside of Arsenal, and this Rohan Smith kid now wants first team minutes."

"Hey, rosbif, if Osisek does want to go, will you give me a discount for him?"

"Pizzovv, frog."

[Sumaltheria]

Angela stood looking over the almost empty pitch watching as her team members laughed and joked, passing a ball between them.

"Fancy some cocoa?"
Millie Ratchet appeared beside her, holding a steaming mug. She swirled it round, the smell drifting to Angela. "Anyway, shouldn't you be down there?"

Angela smiled. "I suppose I should. Coach said I needed to practise my goal shooting."

"Coach said! Not because of coach, but because of the team!" Millie laughed, gazing down at the small yet muscular man shouting at a player. At that distance she couldn't tell who they were. "So? Or is there something bothering you?"

Angela smiled weakly. Yes, there was something bothering her. But it could wait. It was time to play.
..

Coach grinned at Angela as she walked onto the pitch, hair bouncing up and down in two pigtails. "Look who decides to turn up!"

Angela nodded, and faced the team.
"This year, we will show them what we are made of. We'll show the what it means to be Sumaltherian! When people here Sumaltheria, they'll think of us!"

A round of applause came from all but Mathieu. "Your tactics aren't going to work! I say play them out! Tire them, then score!"

Angela gave him a warning glance. "Who is with me?"

There came a huge cheer. Coach stepped forward, knowing his place.
"Subs versus Starter players. We'll make sure they work well together. Fergus, go back a little. Yuvon, you can take the ball! Jenna pass! Good interception, Jasmine. But Ana was closer...."

....

Angela walked out the steaming shower, and wrapped a towel around her. Pulling her hair up into a turban, she stepped out.

"Anthony!" she shrieked, running back into her hotel bathroom, and slamming the door, "What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" Came a puzzled response, "In my room, having a shower?"

Angela stared through the door in disgust. "And you didn't hear the shower on?"

Anthony shook his head, without remembering that she couldn't see him. "But I only just got in. I've been listening to my music since then."

Angel frowned. Something fishy was going on.
"Pass me some clothes." A hand shot through the barely open door, dropping some simple clothing. Angela pulled it on, and stepped out.

"Show me your key," Anthony asked, holding out his own, "Room 17, see?"

Angela found her own, and showed him, "Same!"

"Something is wrong here. Very wrong."

"You spoke my thoughts."

To be continued....

[Alastonia-]

Baptism of Fire 57 Preview

Alastonia will have a spot in the international spotlight on Thursday as the men's football team begins play in the 57th Baptism of Fire tournament.
Manager Anthony Matthews said that as this is most nation's, including Alastonia, first international competition, it's hard to know exactly what to expect.

"It'll be interesting. The guys are excited to get out there and play against some new faces," said Matthews. "We know what's at stake. We know that this won't be a walk in the park. I'm excited to see how we do against these other teams. I'm optimistic."

Notable players on the final roster include Crystal Shore XI's Pierre Cris, and the forward duo of Chris Thompson and Elias Harrison. Other players of note are Lormount's Steven Potts, the only player to make the squad from a Division 2 club, and keeper Maxwell Harmon.

Notable absences from the roster include Ashbury Union's Michael Cole and Esther Star's Brent O'Shea, who both declined invitations in order to remain with their team in their upcoming matches. Defending Champion's League champion Ashbury Union sits fourth in the league standings, while Ester Stars sit second, four points out of first heading into this weekend. Also missing from the roster is Bayport Armada's Victor Westman, who is expected to be out with a leg injury suffered last month in a match against Norland City until December.

A-Sport is Alastonia's official home of the Baptism of Fire, and will broadcast all of the National Team's matches live.

The team's schedule for group play is as follows:
30 October vs Etelzok
2 November vs Bandwagon
3 November vs Paymina
4 November vs Masseau
The round of 16 begins 6 November. All of Alastonia's group matches will take place in co-host The Sarian.

[Tumbra]

"Hot damn, this place is BIG." Peter Jones said as he walked into the Stade St. Croix, where the team would be playing their matches, and potentially the Final if we made it.

It was big. It had a capacity of over 120,000 people. But there was one major drawback to that capacity.

There were standing seats.

Now, readers, if you ever decide to go to Tumbra one day (and I highly recommend you do) and if you also decide to attend a football game (which I also recommend you do), you will notice one big thing that separates Tumbran stadiums from, say Quebecois stadiums. There will be no standing terraces.

We outlawed standing terraces a long, long time ago. Especially after that disaster that was Huntswood Stadium. But that's for another time.

Back to the matter at hand.

"Well, Will, whaddya think? Enough to get your performances back in shape?"

I looked over my shoulder to see whoever said that. It turned out to be Scott Moore. Jesus, sometimes that man was more irritating than the press. But then again, he loved the press. He was their "darling boy", always flashing smiles to the camera, always giving interviews when requested...

Let me just take a moment here and say that anyone, ANYONE who gives slanderous interviews to the press on a regular basis does not rate highly within my book. Especially if those interviews contain thinly veiled references to a certain defender in his presence right now. In other words, ME!

I decided to just shut up, only deciding to point a snide middle finger his way.

He shut up immediately. Heh. Impudent little bastards.

[Somstratzka]

Xavier had a great night. His college crush had been in the country supporting the national team and they had dinner at a fancy restaurant in the heart of the city. Her name was Michaela. She was fair and had long black hair. On the way back to their hotel which both of them stayed in they chatted. By the time they got into the hotel, Michaela was informed she was 'bumped' out of her room to make way for another national team. Her bags were in the lobby. Xavier asked the concierge whether there were any more rooms for here. "I am afraid there aren't" replied the man at the concierge. She sighed. She would have to find a hotel at the late hour. Xavier felt bad. Then he had a brainwave. "Michaela, maybe you can share my room for the night. I am sure there is bound to be a room available tomorrow morning." She smiled at him. "I guess it is likely. Thanks so much Xavier!" She gave him a peck on the cheek. Xavier blushed. It was going to be one of the nights he will remember for the rest of his life.

---

The next day

---

The team had a restful night and were ready to train. They spent the day hiking with Xavier leading. He was in a content mood after last night. Michaela asked if it was okay for her to stay in the same room as him for the duration of the competition. Of course, Xavier said yes. By 4:00 PM they were back at the hotel resting. The altitude hadn't really gotten the better of them. All of them took a quick shower and changed into their kit. They had a press conference before their training session.

A torrent of questions came at the team. Some news reporters were asking if they thought they were ready for the competition. Others asked whether their training in The Sarian so far had been effective. One question hung around for the duration of the press conference. Was Somstratzka going to meet their goals for the competition? After around 30 minutes, the team made their way to a stadium where they played a match which had an even amount of first team and reserve players. Both teams made good progress with agressive attacking and rock solid defending. Xavier grinned. He was hopeful. Both his love life and the football team were going leaps and bounds now.

[Mendoya]

(OOC: I will make edits!)

[Logo To Come Sooner Or Later]

The Mendoyan Football Federation Prsents...

The Mendoyan National Football Team

Introduction-

As the Corvidae around the multiverse exerted their power overseas by invasions the civil war strapped Nationalist Felixians wanted to show that Felix also could flex their muscle. So the Felixians made a colony in Atlantian Oceania and called it Mendoya. The colony started off humble and small with only 1,000 people but by the time Mendoya entered the 45th edition of the AOCAF the colony grew to a modest population of 20,000. With the capitol, Cordoba taking up 15,000 of those 20,000 men, women and children. The following team consists of non-professional football players. These players come from all walks of life from Mendoyan sailors in the Felixian Navy to a simple carpenters or chefs. The Mendoyan national team is a great example of a people's team devoid of professionalism. The team is coached by former Unión Española assistant manager, Mario Gomez. He has experience coaching in the youth academy of Dusseldorf F.C and of course, being assistant manager at Unión Española. He has no relation to Mendoya other than the fact he was offered a chance to coach there. With that over and done with, here is the official roster of the Mendoyan National Football Team.

GK (2)-
Fabio Santillian {Age: 28} (Professional Chef)*
Carolina Mendez {Age: 21} (College Student)

---

DEF (8)-
Mercedes Machado {Age: 30} (Model)*
Emilio Paredes {Age: 25} (Unemployed)*
Mina Sanchez {Age: 23} (Sailor)*
Jessica Márquez {Age: 20} (College Student)*
Lucio Martinez {Age: 48} (Professor)
Javier Araya {Age: 19} (Waiter)
Camila Álvarez {Age: 25} (Sailor)
Miguel Arriola {Age: 23} (Hair Dresser)

---

MID (10)-
Arturo Palomo {Age: 27} (Policeman)*
Pedro Lopez {Age: 22} (Soldier)*
Alexis Vázquez {Age: 24} (Policewoman)*
Hernan Bengochea {Age: 29} (Professional Gamer)*
Nacho Bengochea {Age: 25} (Doctor)*
Camilo Avana {Age: 32} (Garbage Collector)
Fito Gonzalez {Age: 25} (Sailor)
Christian Robles {Age: 19} (College Student)
Alicia Herrero {Age: 35} (Maid)
Lorena Espinoza {Age: 23} (Drug Dealer)

---

ATK (2)-
Vicente Esparza {Age: 26} (Stockbroker)*
Iván Moreno {Age: 21} (Carpenter)

---

Manager-
Mario Gomez {Age: 44} )

*= Automatic placing
**= Fought position


Formation: 4-4-1-1

Style: -3

Home Stadium: Colonizer's Field, Cordoba, Mendoya (Capacity: 5,000)

Kit: 1st Kit (Color of Flag), 2nd Kit (White), 3rd Kit (Color of Corvidae Symbol)
---

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers Y (TG me first)
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y (TG me first)
Godmod injuries to my players Y (TG me first)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y (3 player limit)
Hand out red cards to my players Y (1 player limit)
Godmod other events Just TG me

[The Sarian]

It is my great pleasure to cutoff the first matchday (in The Sarian) for the 57th Baptism of Fire. In twelve days, one of you will be crowned the latest in a long line of Baptism of Fire Champions. It begins today, expect results in 10-20 minutes.

[Polaaskan]

What a beautiful stadium, thought Iiro Mihaylov.

Fifteen minutes left. Then here at the Stade Olympia, Polaaskan would play their first ever competive match and begin their journey in the Baptism of FIre. It made a change to play in such a different stadium, like the Vorabazhlunik Arena in Slazhnov, and the Natunolstadjon and Jan Willem Stadjon back home in Polaaskan. Soon, Iiro would be playing in Super-Llamaland. Red Star Slazhnov had accepted a 5 million fee for the services of Iiro, and Iiro was sad but excited to leave his home and play in another country.

Ten minutes left. Manager Ulrik Leonardsen had already delivered the team talk. Iiro would proudly start for the team. In attacking midfield, behind Timo Heinckel and Heiko Blonqvist. Iiro liked those guys. They weren't big-headed or anything. Always composed. Like Iiro. He was always composed. Composure, he thought. That could be the key.

Iiro laced up his boots. Five minutes left. The refree had made the signal. Sol Arke led the Polaaskan team out. Behind him, the goalkeeper Teemu Petersen, then in Polaa tradition, the rest of the team sorted by their number. Jonathan van Leonardsen. Vasili Semshov. Frans Laurensen. Lukas Karlstrom was ahead of Iiro. Behind Iiro was Timo Heinckel. Behind him, Mikke Leonardsen. Then Heiko Blonqvist. Then at the end of the queue, vice-captain Christian Hogg.

GK - Teemu PETERSEN
LB - Vasili SEMSHOV
CB - Sol ARKE (c)
CB - Christian HOGG (vc)
RB - Jonathan VAN LEONARDSEN
DM - Frans LAURENSEN
LW - Lukas KARLSTROM
AM - Iiro MIHAYLOV
RW - Mikke LEONARDSEN
ST - Timo HEINCKEL
ST - Heiko BLONQVIST

Pre-BoF Friendly
Polaaskan 4 - 0 Polaaskan B
Pre-BoF Friendly
Semarland B 2-0 Polaaskan
Pre-BoF Friendly
Polaaskan 1-1 Dutch Semarland
Pre-BoF Friendly
San José Guayabal 4-0 Polaaskan
Pre-BoF Friendly
Polaaskan 2 - 0 Pine Island
BoF MD1
Leadan v Polaaskan
BoF MD2
Polaaskan v Joshulia
BoF MD3
Valnara v Polaaskan
BoF MD4
Bye
BoF MD5
Polaaskan v Gregory Llama Land

[The Sarian]

Matchday One Results

Tables to come on Matchday Two.

Group A
Masseau 0–1 Bandwagon @ Home Covert, Chippenham, Isle Saria
Etelkoz 0–2 Alastonia @ Stadium of Ackland, Ronan, Isle Ackland

Group B
RPGers 0–1 Isula ĝe Ru @ Mason Stadium, New Oslo, Henrikson Island
Somstratzka 1–2 Wolfbenz @ Community Centre, Roade, Isle Saria

Group C
United States of Devonta 2–2 Seltik @ Beckwith Memorial Stadium, Beckwith, Isle Regis
Kingston-Atlantis 0–2 Estenia @ The Matterhorn, Lavington, Isle Regis

Group D
Pays d'en Haut 1–2 Abanhfleft @ Oakhurst Arena, Setter, Isle Oakhurst
New Drakonika 3–2 North Britonisea @ Warrah Park, Stanley, Isle Falkland

[Estenia]

Time to shock the World
Chapter 4: The Big Match

The stadium was crowded, mostly by Sarianese people with neutral beliefs but also Atlantians and Estenians, Estenians were 2.000 people which had their own part. Estenian players weren't worried too much about the match, Maksimov had much confindence because he knew that Sarianna was in the match and was even happier that Nazarenkov told him some secrets about her. All the team in general was in a calm mood because they knew they had to play the best they could, they were coming after a 0-3 win against Semarland so they were on form.

When they got in the stadium, all the players saw something so usual to them as a sandwich, there were lots of people in the stadium and when they heard Estenians saying

"Go, win and don't sink."

they were gaining even more confidence, Makareshi, Makarov and Adrianov were ready to perform the Jarov plan just about time.

---

So when the game began, Estenians had the ball, Makarov to be exact, he gave it leftwards towards Makrov and then he long passed it to Nazarenkov, Nazarenkov saw space and tricked the Atlantian players by dribbling them and then he passed the ball to Adrianov, who gave it to Makarov, Makarov then did the shot but was keeped by the keeper. 19 Minutes later, on the 22nd minute, Makareshi took the ball, gave it to Makarov and Makarov passed it to Adrianov to do the rabona and finish the Jarov plan, oh god, it was an excellent goal that ended right in the net of the Atlantian keeper. That was the first Jarov plan ever accomplished since 2005 and for the first time, not the Eenpalu, Jakobson and Jarov trio. On the 27th minute another major chance accomplished, a shot by 32 metres made by Eenpalu ending on the post which was heared a lot. On the 32nd minute first chance by Atlanteans, by 14 metres, excellentely saved by Maksimov. On the 34th, Atlanteans striked again with a 28 metre range shot, almost untouchable, amazingly saved by Maksimov. Then 5 minutes later on the 39th minute, Makareshi passed the ball to Eenpalu, giving it to Peehlak, then him returning it to Makareshi who did an amazing 54 metre shot, ending on the post and the getting out of the field. On the 44th Adrianov stole the ball from an Atlantean defender and crossed it to Peehlak who did the header but ending with a goal kick.

The second half began with Atlantean ball possesion, they had full control of the midfield until the 59th minute when, Makarov taken the ball gav it to Nazarenkov, who saw that the keeper gave him space to shot and shot the ball from an 80 metre range ending on the Atlantean net. Every Estenian got up and started saying cheerfully

"0-2 We win, we win, we win, we can go on and win, win, win. Go forward players you can do this."

all the time and so the players, having full momentum in the rest of the game did 2 more chances, the first was on the 79th minute, a pass by Nazarenkov to Peehlak who crossed it to Makarov, who shot the ball on the keeper's arms and the other being a 31 metre range shot by Adrianov, in the rest of the game, Estenians tried to have strong defence and offence so they didn't do lots of chances so they won't concede any chances and it was a huge success. After their first official national teasm game was finished, they cheered all the time in thew field like they had won the tournament, but everyone knew it was just the start.

[Garifunya]

Dolfijnen Niet Entimide pa Nieuwe Anviyonmaan, Zal Vuurdoop 57 Winnen (Dolphins Not Intimidated by New Environment, Will Win Baptism of Fire 57)

Kiano Versteeg, Fyet Garifunyaan

This country, the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, that de Dolfijnen will head to for the 57th Baptism of Fire is a strange one. The locals speak either French or Korean and it is colder than Berg van Murte in Janvri. It has none of the beauty of Garifunya, but they are very respected in the sporting world, especially in ice hockey, which is a degenerate colonialist sport. They are also quite good at football, which is perhaps why they were chosen to host this particular tournament.

In the Baptism of Fire, nations who have never before participated in the NS World Cup play in a tournament before World Cup Qualifying. This is to get them acclimated to the footballing environment and give the other nations a way to evaluate them. It smacks of giving more established nations a free scouting report on new teams, but if de Dolfijnen have to participate, they may as well win the tournament. And that is my official prediction. De Dolfijnen will win this tournament, smashing every opponent in the process. I doubt they will lose any games, and they may not even suffer any draws. Football is our national sport, and with the best footballers of our nation represented here (even das bukras from FC Frederykvil), none will be able to stand before us.

Uli Maneschijns, the able FC Frederykvil keeper, will form the cornerstone of de Dolfijnen's brick wall defense at the back, while Valentijn Kunst and Kodjoe Adeoye stop any attackers. The fullbacks, Ousmane Okoye and Eduoaard Castelaõ, are capable defenders, but they will press forward in the attack to broaden the formation. In the midfield resides the stalwart captain, David Diallou. We won't see him score many goals, but his creativity and levelheaded defense will more than make up for it. The young bucks, Kristiaan Amadi and Piotr Kenkhuis, will push forward like madmen in pursuit of goals, and both are able crossers. Assane Diakite, despite being a dirty traitor who plays for FC Frederykvil, is an undeniably brilliant goalscorer and Ibrahim Iweala and Nils Ledeboer lead their club teams in goals, packing a powerful punch up front. If they get ahead, look for manager John Ayensu to pull either Ledeboer or Iweala out late and bring on Isaak van Voorst for extra midfield defense.

De Dolfijnen's first opponent is the preposterously-named HAUAHUHAU, which is surely composed of clowns and fools. We will steamroll them. Tumbra, our second opponent, appears more skilled and plays a similar formation to our own. It will be a test of goal-scoring, but we will again be victorious, or draw at the worst. Atrua is next, and they are a cowardly defensive team. They will surely be terrified of our skilled players and not even attempt to score, so we will eventually break through, even if all eleven players encamp in front of the goal. Our final opponent, Gylias, prefers to let every player play every position. This foolish style of football will undoubtedly lead to poor organization and an inability to cope with our superior strategy. I predict a record of no worse than 3-1-0 and easy advancement to the second round. We will truly prove our mettle in the playoff rounds.


OOC: Fyet Garifunyaan (Garifunyan Pride) is extremely nationalistic, the mouthpiece of the government (more or less), and completely biased towards blacks in Garifunya. It's also very popular. Its counterpart newspaper, De Konigkrijk (the Kingdom), is just as anti-government as FG is pro-government and biased towards whites. The only reason "Baas" Gillaat hasn't closed it down is so that he has something to rail against in his speeches. De Frederykvil Dagblad is much more balanced and is the second-most read in the country, after FG.

[New Bordial]

The New Bordian National Team Preview: Strikers

Today as our 3rd team preview we take a look at the strikers of the national team. Tomorrow stay tuned for our final preview of the midfielders.

Kris Jaegar
Number - 08
Position: Striker
Age: 16
Clubs:
Y84 - Jasenwolves

Kris Jaegar has been labeled as one of the most promising youth players in New Bordian Football history. Kris Jaegar was recently promoted last year at the age of 15 from Jasenwolves' youth squad, a team known for its prominent youth system in the league. Jaegar quickly shocked the country by winning the golden boot at the age of 15 in his debut season, the youngest ever by a player in New Bordian history with 17 goals. Despite his involvement in the 2nd tier league, Jaegar quickly attracted attention from the national team and top tier clubs such as Bordial F.C. However, Jaegar signed to his hometown club in a long-term contract in a desire to take Jasenwolves and the national team to glory.

09 - Richard M'Boli
Number - 09
Position: Striker
Age: 31
Age at Start of Career: 18
Clubs:
Y72-Y75 - Jasenwolves
Y75-Y77 - Kalos Square F.C.
Y77-Y80 - Sadhampton
Y80- Vasenshir

Richard M'Boli has been a traditional starter for the New Bordian National Team as its 2nd captain. M'Boli was promoted from Jasenwolves' youth squad at the age of 18 in Y72 where he spent 3 years with them. Following Jasenwolves' relegation to League II, M'Boli was sold to Kalos Square F.C. for a record transfer fee. Here, he developed his position as an essential player on the national team. However, Sadhampton sent a shocking transfer offer for him in Y77 in which Kalos Square F.C. accepted due to financial difficulty. M'Boli stayed with Sadhampton where he won the golden boot two times, the highest with 19 goals. He left Sadhampton on a free transfer in Y80 at the age of 26 to Vasenshir where after 2 years at the club, he became team captain. M'Boli recently signed a contract extension in Y84 and won the golden boot a 3rd time while captain for Vasenshir.

Munir Al'Rashin
Number - 19
Position: Striker
Age: 24
Clubs:
Y79-Y80 - Jasenwolves
Y80- Bordial F.C.

Al'Rashin, like many other strikers to play for the New Bordian National Team, started his career at the age of 18 from the Jasenwolves youth system. The next year following a stellar first season, Bordial F.C. sent a transfer request for Al'Rashin to fill the role of a retiring striker. Since moving to Bordial F.C., he has attracted the attention of national team coach and has been a consistent league leading goal scorer at the age of 23. He has also been a major factor in Bordial F.C.'s current loss-less streak in this league season.

20 - Joesph RiDean
Number: 20
Position: Striker
Age: 26
Y76-Y81 - Westwrought F.C.
Y81-Y85 - Tribeca
Y81-Y82 - Cresnel (loan)
Y85- Silverback F.C.

RiDean started playing for his local team Westwrought F.C. at 17. RiDean was noted in his youth years for his incredible amounts of stamina. Though he was a consistent starter and attracting attention from other teams in the league, Westwrought F.C. failed to signed a contract extension for his promising starting player. Following the end of his contract, at 22 he signed for Tribeca and was immediately sent on loan Cresnel. At Cresnel, RiDean became the golden boot winner with 15 goals and secured Cresnel's promotion to the Premier League. This granted him national team attention and a starting spot as striker for Tribeca's squad. However, a few years later in the Y84-Y85 season, RiDean began to fall out of favor at Tribeca playing only half of all league games. Following this year, RiDean declined to sign an extension with Tribeca and signed for Silverback F.C. where he later regained his first team status at a new club at the top of the league.

Other News

New Bordial has arrived to Pavel Wilson Stadium in Kingston, RK Quebec to train in the stadium where they will compete in their opening match against Beauce on November 1st. Head Coach Mike Kretikos states, "As a 1st tournament, I want to show the world what New Bordial can do. The only option is to win the Baptism of Fire." Scouting has been difficult for New Bordial for their opening match because Beauce has yet to state a roster for the tournament. "It really troubles me," said M'Boli, "I might not know their tactics, but its sportsmanlike to know the other team. They are only other people." M'Boli's views echoed throughout the team. However, though sportsmanship is a big factor for the team, many of them also would like to go deep in the tournament.

[Racao]

---

RACAO ROSTER FOR BAPTISM OF FIRE 57 >>>

---

GOALKEEPERS >>>

SAKOTO >>> GK (26) Sakoto is one of Racao's most experienced goalkeepers. Despite being one of the older players on Racao's team, Sakoto still possesses reflexes and wit. Sakoto, like many of the Racaoan players on this roster, grew up playing football on the streets of the slums outside Racao's major cities. Although the culture at the time encouraged goal-scorers more than goal-tenders, Sakoto quickly discovered a natural talent for goalkeeping. A scout for Soalara Strike noticed Sakoto's abilities and signed him on. He won the national championship twice with that club before moving on to a club in Port Louis, where he is today.

Hassan HIRANA >>> GK (24) Although Hassan Hirana is an up-and-coming goalkeeper, he has taken second fiddle in the Racaoan team to the more experienced Sokoto. He definitely has good shot-blocking skills, and far and by large, he is an excellent goalkeeper.

Trojana RAKOHELY >>> GK (29) Trojana Rakohely is somewhat of an old geezer on the Racaoan side. Having just barely made the team, Rakohely's skills are growing old and he no longer possesses the quick reflexes he had in his youth.

DEFENDERS >>>

Andrian RAKOTONIRINA >>> RB (27) Andrian Rakotonirina brings some experience to the defensive side of the field. He has played for several Racaoan clubs and knows his way around several strategies. His guidance will help the younger defenders when they need it.

Justin RABELOMASINA >>> RB (21) Justin Rabelomasina might be the total opposite of Chris Rakotomaharo. While Rakotomaharo specializes in large kicks, Rabelomasina specializes in short, precise passes that work nearly every single time. He helps to maintain a defensive field around the goal which almost never allows shots through. Good dribbling and pickup abilities help Rabelomasina to keep the ball away from the goal. Rabelomasina also has good concentration and will use them to complement his passing and dribbling and his fellow defenders' good attributes.

Christopher RAKOTOMAHARO >>> CB (19) One of two teenage prodigies starting on Racao's national team, Chris Rakotomaharo is a speedy defender with a tight control on the ball. His kicking abilities are legendary on the Racaoan team and feature strongly in the defensive strategy of the team. His fellow defenders act like a funnel, sending the ball towards him so he can send the ball far away from the goal. If that doesn't work, he is more than adept at dribbling, and keeping with the opportunistic Racaoan team, he makes use of his many skills to keep the ball from penetrating the goal. His versatility and quick thinking make him an asset to any team that has him.

Ciriaque RASOA >>> CB (24) Ciriaque Rasoa is a competent defender. He lacks creativity, however, and sticks to by-the-book strategies, something that doesn't fare well for Racao's current strategy.

Masibo RALAVANOA >>> LB (25)Masibo Ralavanoa is a good all-around player - he has decent stamina, decent passes, decent blocks, and decent stealing. However, the team strategy did not call for a jack-of-all-trades, and Manendry fit the bill for a left back better than Ralavanoa did.

Félix MANENDRY >>> LB (23) Félix Manendry is a solid and consistent defender. Skilled at passing and retrieval, Manendry is willing to take risks. Although he is a left back, Manendry often deviates from his assigned position, and he is also capable of playing center back. He often takes control of the ball right after the opposing team penetrates the midfield, passing it back to his teammates before they send it wide into the midfield. His defensive style is on the border between creative and by-the-book. When an opportunity arises for either situation, Manendry is not hesitant to use his skills to pick up on that opportunity. Manendry is currently with a club in Port Louis.

MIDFIELDERS >>>

MOSA >>> CM (26) CPT Mosa, Racao's most experienced midfielder, still has years left in him. Despite flagging stamina, Mosa knows how to connect with the ball. His main asset is his versatility. Whether on defense or on offense, Mosa knows the right tricks to get the ball where he wants it to go. He is a prolific scorer despite being in the midfield. Strikers Ipirina and Arivelo are often at the receiving end of his passes for a creative goal shot, and Mosa is adept at getting that perfect shot in line for them. His experience shows on the playing field. Mosa is described as eother a creative midfielder or a midfield general player, and he has the abilities to fit both profiles. Indeed, he does create many scoring opportunities for the trio of young strikers. At the other end of the stick, though, Mosa directs play in the midfield and scoops up the opponents' shots. He is a confidence booster for the younger members of the team. Mosa definitely deserves his captainship because of the wide range of abilities he possesses.

Nizar AMADA >>> LM (23) Nizar Amada just barey made the Racaoan team - he is not very accurate with passes, and he doesn't has good defense or stealing abilities. Despite these failings, overall he is a decent player, yet not decent enough for the starting squad.

Albert MANASOA >>> LM (22) Albert Manasoa is a good complement to Mena Rabalasoa on the other side of the field. Manasoa's best attribute is arguably his stealing ability. Opposing defenders will not be safe if they are in Mansoa's zone; he will find a way to send the ball to Mosa or the offensive end of the field, like teammate Rabalasoa. His stamina along the left flank also helps him to maintain a good defensive posture. Manasoa, when in his element, is virtually unstoppable.

Rado SALIM >>> CM (22)Rado Salim is on the midline between a somewhat good player and a good player. He just needs a little more development. Indeed, he is fairly competent on the defensive side of the midfield, but sometimes, he cracks under pressure. Maybe in a cycle or two he will be promoted to the starting squad.

Masibo ANDRIANAJAKA >>> CM (22) Masibo Andriananaka has the mixed blessing of sharing the center midfield with the venerable Mosa. However, his skills are up to the task. Known for his box-to-box style, Manasoa is as equally adept on the defense as he is on the offense. Extremely mobile and blessed with good stamina, Andrianajaka possesses the qualities he needs to shore up both the defensive and offensive ends of the midfield. Arguably, Andrianajaka is the best box-to-box player Racao has ever produced.

Tahiry MAHAZAKA >>> CM (25) Tahiry Mahazaka is one of Mosa's and Masibo Andrianajaka's colleagues. He is a bit older than Andrianajaka but his stamina is falling and he is not aggressive enough, or at least according to team management. He will probably be subbed in if the team needs to take a more defensive posture.

Mena RABALASOA >>> RM (25) Mena Rabalasoa is an excellent right-winger. He is a flank player who possessive great pickup abilities. These abilities, as well as his legendary speediness, serve him well near the pitch boundaries, where he can force the ball towards the center of the midfield, allowing his teammates the opportunity to set up a goal-scoring play. He has the experience and gut instinct which allows him to predict a good next move, which allows him to foresee opponents' moves and to be there before they know they will be there. All of these qualities make Rabalasoa an excellent defensive midfielder.

Vincent RAHARISON >>> RM (26) Vincent Raharison is one of the more experienced midfielders, along with Mosa. However, he never was a good as Mosa, and despite being a good midfielder, a slightly younger and faster Mena Rabalasoa took the spot.

STRIKERS >>>

Ryan ARIVELO >>> ST (19) An up-and-coming striker, Arivelo is one of the youngest starters (and, indeed, players overall) on the Racaoan national team. Currently, he is the only player from Racao to play in a foreign club, Once Municipal of San Jose Guayabal. Arivelo is known for his speed, endurance, passing, and unorthodox tactics. Indeed, he often takes risks and is rewarded with creative shots that go into the goal. He is a team player and despite his individuality, he is more than willing to work with his other teammates to score goals, even if it is at the expense of his own pride. Arivelo is on track to be one of the best players Racao has ever seen.

Pascale RAVELONAJATO >>> ST (25) Pascale Ravelonajato is a conventional striker. He is at least competent and knows what he is doing. His shots can be off target, but for the most part they are not shabby.

Aristotle IPIRINA >>> ST (21) Aristotle Ipirina is in the class of Ryan Arivelo. The two players have many similarities: both are young, risk-taking strikers. What sets Ipirina apart, however, is his shot-making ability. His risks are not in shots but in his position. Ipirina has a great mental acuity and can compute the best angles for shots while on the field (as evidenced by his name). When he gets in position, the ball almost always scores points for the Racao side. Ipirina also has the endurance to make it through a long match and the confidence to back himself up.

Mark VELONIRINA >>> ST (25)Mark Velonirina is by most conventional standards, an excellent striker. He has accuracy and power. Indeed, he led his team in Saint-Denis to the championships. However, team management decided to adopt a more risky approach rather than the stolid play Velonirina is used to.

Arman RAKOTOARISOA >>> ST (24) A fairly competent striker, Rakotoarisoa excels in accurate shots. He is a little bit slower than his peers but he does a good job with what he has. This, unfortunately, was not enough to earn him a place on the starting squad.

Silvëre RAVALOMANANA >>> ST (21) Completing Racao's trio of young strikers is Silvëre Ravalomanana. Unlike his peers Ipirina and Arivelo, though, Ravalomanana's specialty is outwitting defenders. He is extremely flexible with the ball and his dribbling and faking skills are second to none. No defender can stop his movement. After he is through all defenders, Ravalomana will either attempt a straight-up shot or pass to teammates Ipirina or Arivelo. Considering his accuracy, Ravalomanana is often the top choice to take penalty kicks. Ravalomanana also performs well under pressure, as a good striker should.

COACHING STAFF >>>

SOJA >>> Manager (35)Soja is probably one of the most-known footballers in Racao, and he is definitely a household name. A former striker and captain, Soja led the Racao national team and the Soalara Strike team until he retired from playing a few years ago. He has since turned his attention to coaching. Soja prefers to have innovative strategies rather than more conventional ones. The 3-4-3 approach that the team currently takes is his trademark style. Soja emphasizes personal fitness as well as opportunism and creativity. He is an extreme confidence booster and the players are proud to have him leading their team. He is an extremely popular coach, and inspires the team to do well. Apart from making lineup choices, Soja is also responsible for financial issues, travel, and other arrangements.

Robert JOSOA >>> Head Assistant Coach (36) Robert Josoa, another former player (a midfielder) from Soalara Strike, is responsible for more of the day-to-day activities of the team. He leads practices and ensures that the players are trained adequately before the match. He helps Soja implement general team strategy and also oversees the assistant coaches that train the goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers. Josoa is also respected by the players and generally offers good tips for their improvement. He is interested in the team's welfare and will go far to ensure that they will win.

Dr. Hery TOLOLAHY >>> Medical Director (39) Hery Tololahy oversees trainers and physicians that make up the Racaoan national team. The son of the first real sports doctor in Racao, Tololahy followed in his father's path, studying at the Port Louis University and gaining admission to a prestigious program in the Kytler Peninsulae. As part of his job as the medical director, Tololahy treats injuries and takes steps to help them team avoid injuries. He also helps the team to maintain their energy and stamina and regain lost body fluids. On the side, Tololahy also runs clinics in Racao for aspiring footballers and other athletes on the importance of medicine.

STRATEGY >>>
The Racaoan strategy for this tournament will be a versatile format that aims for effective coverage of the entire field to gain possession. Racao will adopt a slightly aggressive but balanced strategy that emphasizes control of the midfield. Starting with the 3-4-3 position, the Racao team will develop the offense by tactical use of midfield plays. If a team manages to get through the midfield, the defense and goalkeeper are more than able to handle them, although a midfielder may be shunted towards the defensive end of the field in case of this scenario. However, with a strong midfield, this scenario is unlikely, but the team will be able to deal with this occasion. At the offensive end of the field, shot-making and accuracy are emphasized. If the team is behind, similar to strategy for defense, the midfield is capable of going on the offense. When this occurs, the two center midfielders will fan out towards the opponents' penalty box.This flexible approach ensures that the team is not caught off guard by offensive maneuvers and that goals can be made with relative ease.

STARTING XI >>>

Sakoto
Rakotomaharo | Manendry | Rabelomasina
Manasoa | Mosa | Andrianajaka | Rabalasoa
Arivelo | Ravalomanana | Ipirina

RP PERMISSIONS/STYLE >>>

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Yes
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Yes 
Injure Players: Yes, but not life-threatening or career-ending
Godmod Injury Events: TG me
Red Card Players: TG me
Yellow Card Players: Yes, but up to 2 only 
Godmod Other Events: TG me
=================================
Style: +3.28

[United States of Devonta]

Yet Another Draw...
^{Hard played game ends in a draw}

United States of Devonta 2-2 Seltik

United States of Devonta (4-4-2 Diamond): Cooper, Brooks, Benton, Kindred, Liam, Russell, Abdullah, Edwards, Owens, Johansen, Adams

Quick Stats:
49% Possessions, 16 Shots, 9 on goal
51% Possessions, 18 Shots, 10 on goal

Scores: Johansen (22'), Benton (86')

CAUTIONED: Russel (23'), Edwards (72')
EJECTED: --NONE--

Schedule:
MD1: United States of Devonta 2-2 Seltik
MD2: United States of Devonta Vs. French Louisana
MD3: Bye
MD4: United States of Devonta Vs. Kingston-Atlantis
MD5: United States of Devonta Vs. Estenia

---

[Mendoya]

Previously

As the months grew on life in the colony of Mendoya began to change contact with the outside world began to slowly close off and the Colonial Administrator began to enact more tougher laws that tightened control of the populace. While the colonists protested these new laws they couldn't do anything about it, they were stuck in Mendoya for good. Plus rumour had it that if a colonist protested too much they would be abducted in the middle of the night and sent away to a Nationalist lab and be tested on. Sadly enough, that rumour was true and until the new Felixian government invaded Mendoya two years later over 500 people would be tested on in numerous fields resulting in the disappearances in all 500 men, women and children.

Back in the present (and by present I mean during the beginning of the Felixian Civil War) the first foundations of the teleportation device were taking hold. After recently finding out how to do teleportation the construction of a device that can teleport people from Felix to Mendoya was being made it was a huge step in teleportation technology. The plan was to use this as a way to transfer important people from both locations (one in Cato and one in Cordoba) but it was also planned, in a few years, to be used as a way to transport entire armies and hide them should the need to be hidden or send them out should the time call for that.

Fast forward three years later, Mendoya was getting ready to receive their first load of government officials. News back in Felix was not good at all. Santa Maria fell to Allied hands and Cato was under siege from all directions. Because of these dire times the Mendoyans and the Felixians had to rush preparations for teleportation so minor precautionary checks were skipped due to time constraints and this would lead up to the disastrous accident that killed two groups of government officials and sent the first one, the most important one, to a remote location of Atlantian Oceania no where near as close enough to Mendoya. Which leads us to the current predicament faced by a certain Mario Bellini and his Group 1 somewhere in the AO...

Literally Somewhere in the AO

"Where the hell are we!?" shouted Mario Bellini. The men and women around them were dazed and just as confused as their leader was. Mario got up and looked around again still seeing the same forest surrounding them in the clearing. Eventually the rest of the group composed themselves and regrouped in the clearing, well almost everyone, two scientists were missing but no one noticed them gone yet. The commander of the group's soldiers walked towards Mario and told him more bad news, "Sorry my Generalissimo but it seems like all of our electronic device are not operational... We are blind." Mario threw his dead phone at a tree upon listening to the news, "Damn," started Mario, "Now what are we suppose to do?"

The commander smiled, "Luckily for us I have a map of the AO. All we need to figure out though is where the heck are we. And I think those two scientists we have can help us figure out where we are." the Generalissimo was confused, "Why would you assume our scientists would figure out where we are?" the commander responded quickly, "I believe those two were connected to the project themselves and knew all about the possible results should there had been a malfunction." Mario nodded, "Huh, then let's bring these two guys in then. Where are they?" the commander and Generalissimo looked around as well the other people in the group. The scientists were no where to be found.

"Jesus, where are they?" asked Mario quite concerned. The commander scratched his head, "I have no clue... Ok, we need to organize a search party, our boys are missing!"

To be continued...

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

After 30 minutes of delay, I'm more than happy to state that it is of my extreme pleasure to cutoff the first matchday in Quebec for the 57th Baptism of Fire. The journey to win it all, and put your name into the hall of fame, starts now. Results should be up in about 30 minutes.

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

OOC: Sorry for extreme delays. I was away from my laptop due to my mother having to do an important work with it, as well as my brother using his until just 5 minutes ago. Sorry for this inconvenience.

Matchday One Results- Quebecois Side

Tables to come on Matchday Two.

Group E
Garifunya 2–2 HAUAHUHAU
Atrua 1–0 Gylias

Group F
Friskney Eaudyke 3–2 Schutzenphalia and West Ruhntuhnkuhnland
Mendoya 1–0 Western Borderlands

Group G
Joshulia 1–0 Valnara
Polaaskan 2–1 Leadan

Group H
Racao 0–0 Zips Nation
Peruvian Highlands 1–0 Scow Creek

Group I
Pine Island 4–1 Beauce
Aestate 1–1 Republic of Guadalajara

[Khalifa Arabia]

Khalifa Arabia Baptism of Fire LVII Roster

Head Coach: Naseer Ahmad, 57
Assistant: Turki Farha, 45
Trainers: Muhyddeen Nasrallah, 32; Waleed Salama, 41; Afeef Masri, 33; Musheer Ibrahim, 46


Goalkeepers:
0: Amaan Ozer, 23

1: Sulaimaan Naqvi, 21
22: Ismad Zaman, 29

Defenders:

2: Noori Saade, 23
3: Safar Ibrahim, 27
4: Safwaan Sultana, 33
5: Thaaqib Abdi, 26

15: Dhareef Salik, 19
16: Husni Khan, 22
17: Haamid Saade, 29
20: Safwaan Faris, 25
21: Zubair Mannan, 30

Midfielders:

6: Sad Khatib, 33 (c)
7: Shameem Baksh, 31
8: Anas Ramadan, 25
9: Edis Taheri, 18
13: Qutb Salem, 24

14: Qaasim Baten, 33
18: Saajid Vohra, 17
19: Jasoor Malik, 27
22: Sidqi Saidi, 26

Forwards:

10: Sahl Javid, 22

11: Talaal Shakir, 25



Style Modifier: -3.5

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
=================================
Choose My Goalscorers: Y
Godmod Goalscoring Events: Y
Injure Players: Y (No more than 2 per match)
Godmod Injury Events: Y 
Red Card Players: Y 
Yellow Card Players: Y
Godmod Other Events: Y (TG me first)
=================================