Cup of Harmony 62 - Everything Thread

by **Red Blackiland** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:16 pm

Ultras Chronicles Blog

Futbol and languages : The goal as a exclamation!

Within our continuing purpose to relate, in the space of this blog, football with the literature, let us return, then, to the subject.
As a suggestive proposition historian Marco Wenidi, football can be understood as an integral metaphor of multiple instances of human living. This is because, in their approach to the game, he understands it as a cultural phenomenon that ultimately is exercised as language; a language which in our view is irreducible (it has its own autonomy) and is immanent (take effect within itself), but also equipped with a potential narrative that force, therefore, a transcendent implementation of its thematic universe.
Explained: thanks to the fact nourished by verbal codes (the vocabulary used by players, fans and media to talk about the game) and also non-verbal (your body language; as a dance), power soccer phenomenon be thought, according still Wenidi, "but at the same time [language] natural (run, run, cheat, kick and catch part of the evolutionary history of the species); and artificial - [a set of] rules for organizing the modern representation of these primordial acts ".
In this sense, still in its understanding of football as a specific sign language background, Wenidi makes a suggestive relationship between this game and verbal language typically human. He says, in that direction, that football is a language because it has morphology, semantics and syntax own, presenting, however, a feature that is essential to it: each speaker is collective (team) and his speech built with material from several individuals (players) that are part of such a linguistic community and that, subject to the grammar of the game, develop default script (tactics), but adaptable to the operations of the other party (the opponent). All this - adds the historian - in the view of many, many others (fans), they see that messaging, interactivity those speeches, a sense that sensitizes.
In a very curious and relevant comparative theorizing, Wenidi follows tracing the suggestive relations between football and human verbal language, instrumentally transformed into a language. And since the basic unit of all languages is the phoneme, as we know, this linguistic finding applies perfectly to football, he said. "We have commented the smallest units in isolation (pass, dribble, kick). Recall now in passing, that the combination of those gestures consists football phrases. An exchange of passes, even in the defensive zone, just hoping for better positioning of the front players, is a phrase or sentence, although it has no immediate discourse forward. In the functional classification of sentences, it would be a question mark, "says, to complete later, the shot on goal, with their marking try, nothing more, in the field of football, than an exclamation sentence, one whose function is to express the feelings of the speaker (and your entire community).

"Goal is emotional utterance," concludes the historian.

by **Jeckland** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:10 pm

WANKERS

Gregoryisgodistani fan murders 2, 14 hospitalised.

A Gregoryisgodistani fan has stabbed two Jeckish fans to death and hospitalised 14 in a savage attack during the Cup of Harmony game between Gregoryisgodistan and Jeckland.

The fan, whose identity remains unknown to Jeckish authorities, was acting in response to abusive chants directed towards Lord Almighty Gregory, ruler of Gregoryisgodistan. As the Gregoryisgodistani fans sung their national anthem, which they are required to by law every hour or else face death, Jeckish fans began to chant "Greg's a wanker!". This angered the opposing fans, who, once finishing their national anthem, booed the Jeckish fans.

A mob soon formed, with the Gregoryisgodistanis hurdling the barrier between the two sets of fans. Eventually police dispersed the mob, but not before one member, armed with a knife, stabbed several Jeckish fans, causing the deaths and injuries. The knife wielding fan escaped the stadium and is yet to be identified or arrested.

The dead Jeckish fans have not yet been named, but their families have been told. Although it is to early to say yet, the country is expected to united in remembering them, much as they did after the terror attacks in the Blouman Empire killed four during World Cup 68 qualifying.

Jeck Hitchkin branded the killings "an atrocity that should never have been allowed to occur" and heavily criticised the Felixian security, whilst paying his respects to the unknown dead fans.

The match itself ended 2-0 to the Jecklanders. Connor Long scored both goals from through balls. The first was set up by Hoonas 11 minutes in, with the second set up by Roper in the 86th minute. Gregoryisgodistan also had a goal chalked off for offside. Despite claims that all three of these decisions were wrong in favour of the Spuds, replays have shown the Republican linesmen made the right call on all three occasions.

Dear Cup of Harmony organising committee,
I am writing to express my severe shock and anger at the fact that two of our nations fans were killed at the Gregoryisgodistan vs. Jeckland match. I am extremely disappointed that your security team and police failed on all fronts to control the situation, There are multiple areas in which your security was atrocious, including:
- Failing to identify and confiscate the weapon from the Gregoryisgodistani fan as he/she entered the stadium
- Failing to provide sufficient separation between the two sets of fans, despite the fact that there are well-known political tensions between the nations.
- Failing to intervene quickly when the mob ran towards the Jeckish fans
And thus far
- Failing to identify or bring to justice the murderer

Furthermore, I find it ludicrous that Gregoryisgodistan was even invited to the Cup of Harmony in the first place, given their extensive history of atrocities. The mere idea that you would even consider them to be in this competition is a sign of incompetence, and I am severely displeased with the whole matter.

Please ensure the rest of this tournament is carried out smoothly and with no other calamities

Jeck Hitchkin

by **Ceni** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:49 pm

Ceni Takes On Coconutstani, Ciqian Refugees

As of today, Ceni has agreed to take up to 300,000 Coconustani and 150,000 Ciqian refugees in a move that has been hailed by humanitarian groups. War in Coconustan and Ciqi has decimated both of their populations, and many refugees from both countries are stil without homes. Ceni's actions in this case will hopefully alleviate much of the pressure on refugees.

"We are pleased to announce that Ceni's spirit of tolerance will extend to both the Ciqian and Coconutstani peoples," said Charan Surrexir, the press officer for Ceni's President Kyn Tucin. "It is both our duty and our responsibility to make sure that the populations of Ciqi and Coconutstan are not wiped off the face of this Earth. Not only will we be accepting these refugees, but we will also welcome these refugees into what will hopefully be their happy home for as long as they live here."

Ero Peria, a spokesperson for the Red Cross in Ceni, saluted Ceni's actions. "We know that Ceni can definitely provide more than adequate humanitarian assistance to these refugees. Their standard of living will increase and they will be free from hunger, cold, and fear. This is the right move to make on Ceni's part and we applaud them for it."

"We applaud this noble and beneficent act on the part of both the people and the government of the nation of Ceni," said Abdul-Aziz Bousaid, a spokesperson for the Coconutstani government-in-exile. "Our nation has been falling apart due to the sadistic invasion of Gregoryisgodistan, and Cocosapients everywhere appreciate this act to find our people new homes in light of the devastation of our country." Spokespeople from the Holy Republican Empire-occupied government of Ciqi and the Holy Republican Empire both failed to return LTA Matrix's requests for comment, while the government of Gregoryisgodistan released a short, bellicose statement threatening to put Ceni on its "Enemy List."

"It is certainly a magnanimous act for Ceni to take in these refugees," said analyst Ibella Errena. "However, there may be some problems - Ceni's food and water supplies, as well as housing, could be strained by this action. Also, this action is definitely opposed by several governments and that could damage Ceni's foreign relations." When questioned about Gregoryisgodistan's bellicose statements, she told LTA Matrix that "Ceni does not need to take [those threats] seriously. They are all bluff and bluster."

Coconutstan has been a battleground for several different religions and ideologies (including Christianity, Islam, and the Church of Saintland) after Gregoryisgodistan invaded the small island nation. Gregoryisgodistani forces invaded the island about two months ago, citing their dislike of the word 'coconut' to justify their genocidal rampage over the island. Forces from San Jose Guayabal soon joined them. Since then, most of the Coconutstani population either has been killed or has been forced to flee in what humanitarian groups are calling a "crisis of extreme nature," according to the Red Cross.

Meanwhile, Ciqi has also been a battleground for multiple ideologies. The Church of Saintland's fight against communism has produced deadly results for the Ciqian people. Thousands who had wished to continue their way of life were forced to evacuate from the onslaught of the armies of the former Free Republics, who formed a Christian State after vanquishing Ciqian resistance, while millions of Ciqians lay dead from the Free Republics' ferocious bombing campaign.

Both Ciqian and Coconutstani refugees will be settled in towns across Ceni, including Cenial, Ceni's capital and largest city, City Center, Westgreen, and Southpoint. Some of the larger Coconusapiens, including Cocodragons and Cocodrakons, will be located in specially built accomodation near Southpoint, while most of the rest of the refugees will be settled in available public housing. Authorities have said that if enough public housing is not available, remaining refugees may be settled in privately owned apartments or in to-be-constructed public housing. Food would be provide through local charities as well as the government, and the government will help to provide jobs and education for the refugees.

Nizar Amirmoez, a Coconutstani refugee who recently learned that he would be arriving in Ceni, was ecstatic. "I'm so tired of living on the run," he bubbled out to LTA Matrix's reporter. "This is a great opportunity for me and I am glad to be living a step up out of my current situation." Song Wen from Ciqi is also happy to be in Ceni. Through a translator, Song told LTA Matrix that he was glad "to be in a country where I can believe what I want to believe."

by **The Saint James Islands** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 2:37 pm

a century of excellence | 30 december 2014

cup of harmony: bets open for les oiseaux's pending elimination
loss to star united states puts les oiseaux on backpedal for fourth consecutive tournament

Nozomizaka, Mizuyuki - The national side are once again in a wholly familiar place: a scramble to climb up the table after an opening loss. The Starian national side dealt Archambault's squad an opening day defeat in a 3-2 nailbiter, which won't help Les Oiseaux in the slightest in their new battle to stay afloat.

A "nationball" comic that went viral on
social media before the match, depicting
the nations of Group F.

match summary
0'| The national anthems finish in Nozomizaka's Ringo Acta Dome and Les Oiseaux will get the kick-off in the first game of Group F.

1'| Kick-off Jan-Nikläs Rosenkränts starts the match well for the Islanders, with a pass back to George Kostas.

3'| Matthew Stafford tries to challenge Yves Bercée for the ball, but can't quite manage. Islanders still in possession, but the game remains young.

5'| Santiago Solo successfully intercepts a cross to Mikaere Raia and takes possession for Star United States.

8'| Kai Eko tripped going for the ball by Caleb Horas. Replay showing that Kai made it to the ball first. Angèlo Zapatero sweeps in for the ball for the Islands.

9'| Ref playing advantage for the Islands. Horas will get off without a booking and play continues with Saint Jamesian possession.

11'| Henry Andrews nicks the ball off of Rosenkränts to regain possession for the Starian side.

12'| A quick series of passes pushes the ball back into the attacking half for the Starians, with the Saint Jamesian midfield ineffective at stopping the assault.

15'| GOAL! Star United States 1 - 0 Saint James Islands James Gasteiz flanks the Saint Jamesian defence to find Intan Petera's net and open the scoring.

17'| Saint James Islanders are quickly down but manage to keep possession rather smoothly from the kick-off.

19'| The midfield looks incredibly ineffective for the Islanders as the Starians regain possession yet again.

20'| The ball has quickly made its way into the penalty box, leaving Intan Petera stranded alone with two Starian strikers.

22'| Key save by Intan as Fabricio Garrison made an attempt on goal, only to head straight into the arms of the Ticomaça Nacional keeper.

23'| The Starians keep the ball as Chris Soarison intercepts the throwout to Louis-Pierre Matignon.

25'| A couple of passes put the Islanders on the back foot yet again. Star United States look dangerously close to scoring.

27'| GOAL! Star United States 2 - 0 Saint James Islands Fabricio Garrison finally finds the net after dodging the Islander defence yet again.

30'| Saint James Islands keeping possession fairly well from this kick-off, but half an hour in and two down won't help matters for the side.

34'| Caleb Horas booked by the referee, as Kai Eko is fouled again in the midfield with no advantage to play. Free kick to the Islands.

36'| Kai Eko pushes the ball close to the box in his kick, successfully making it to the Saint Jamesian "Triad". Raia in clear possession of the ball at this point.

40'| The Starian defence has been working some miracles up near Fernando Spark, but cannot seem to rest the ball from the Triad.

42'| The Starian defence looking desperate as they nearly concede a corner to the Saint James Islands, but Henry Andrews successfully steers the ball back into the clear.

44'| Mikaere Raia regains possession for the Saint James Islands as the fourth official signals for three minutes of added time.

45'+1| GOAL! Star United States 2 - 1 Saint James Islands Rosenkränts takes a key cross to George Kostas past the Starian defence, who puts one past Fernando Spark and puts one on the board for the underdogs.

45'+3| Halftime Score: Star United States 2 - 1 Saint James Islands; Kostas secured a key injury time goal that keeps the underdogs afloat, but the lead remains in the hands of the Starians, who utterly dominated the first half of the game. The Saint James Islands will need to turn things around quickly if they want to deny the Starians an opening win.

46'| Kick-off The Starians will begin the second half, looking to defend the lead they've built up, while their opposition will look to come from behind and snatch three points from under them. The Islanders have made a double substitution at the half, bringing off Kai and Louis-Pierre Matignon in favour of Thom Barnett and Karl Anglesey.

50'| The Saint James Islanders have intercepted in the penalty box, showing the first signs of life from the team's defence. Marvin Sessions clear the ball from the box, taking it out to Thomas Theodoridis.

52'| The ball is back over in the attacking half for the Saint James Islands. Fans are starting to perk up in the stands.

55'| George Kostas goes for a goal from outside the box, but Fernando Spark easily keep it away.

56'| Jan-Nikläs Rosenkränts quickly gets hold of the ball and passes off to Mikaere Raia.

57'| Another save from Spark as Mikaere Raia attempts to level for the Saint James Islands.

58'| GOAL! Star United States 2 - 2 Saint James Islands Third time's the charm. Spark couldn't keep the ball away for long as Yves Bercée levels the score with a rebound from Raia's shot on goal.

59'| A sudden a capella De Ugdrasile starts to drown out the action as the Starians go for the kick-off.

60'| The Saint Jamesian midfield looking to be breaking down as the Starians quickly go back on the attack.

62'| The ball is now in the Saint Jamesian box and Intan Petera will be looking to keep it out.

65'| James Gasteiz puts the ball to the left of the goal in a failed attempt to reclaim three points for his country, conceding a goal kick to Intan.

67'| The ball is intercepted by the Starian midfield as Thom Barnett fails to get a cross to Karl Anglesey.

70'| The ball is now back in the penalty box and the Starians will look to recapture the lead.

73'| GOAL! Star United States 3 - 2 Saint James Islands Another successful volley exposes some weaknesses in the Saint Jamesian defence. Matthew Stafford secures a goal for his country as he takes a successful cross from Felix Gonzalez to the back of the net.

75'| The kick-off for the Saint James Islands goes well. The Triad are in clear control of the ball.

79'| The Triad have successfully pushed the ball into the box and Henry Andrews has conceded a corner to the Islanders.

81'| Fernando Spark clears the ball away from the goal and gets it to his own side's defence as the Saint James Islands fails to capitalise on a corner by Rosenkränts.

83'| A brief battle for the ball between Michael River and Yves Bercée gives the latter control, taking the ball back for the Saint James Islands.

85'| The ball is successfully to Rosenkränts from Mikaere Raia, though George Kostas looks dangerously close to an offside.

87'| Goal disallowed for offside! George Kostas thought he had levelled again, but the linesman raises his flag and the score remains 3-2 in favour of the Starians.

89'| The fourth official signals for two minutes of added time. With the position of the ball near the middle of the pitch and the weak performance of the Saint Jamesian midfield today, it looks as if the Star United States have successfully claimed three points.

90'| Replay showing the call was just barely correct, but one can't help but think that the ball's position in front of Kostas from the official's perspective was the one reason the goal was disallowed. From the other side, he may have gotten off with it and levelled.

90'+2| Full time Final score: Star United States 3 - 2 Saint James Islands; The underdogs pulled even early in the half, but won't walk away with an opening victory, instead going into a very familiar scrambling mode. Star United States pull back to a win and just need to collect three more points to clinch a knockout berth with the way the tournament looks right now.

for your reading pleasure

Twitter backlash at Archambault for lack of changes to starting eleven ▶
Editorial: Why does this keep happening? A look at Omerica's fascination with opening day losses ▶
Intan Petera "proud" of Nacional's group stage performance, "happy" for rival United Philibiscostal ▶
IslandBet: More than 250 million koura fanga wagered on next football season ▶

comments
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showing 1-3 of 3 reload
Auguste Kirkengard 5▲ 2▼
We almost had the match for a moment, but we can't say we did poorly for where we are in the world. There's always the next game, at least.

Petera Makara 4▲ 3▼
Here's hoping the team pull together soon. This result isn't good, but at least it's encouraging

Jean-Pierre Bouchard 2▲ 6▼
I look at Les Pirates' performance in the Globe Cup, then I look back here and become sad...

by **Jeruselem** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 7:06 pm

A young guy and Princess Laura Dallas of the Jeruselem team at the Cup of Harmony in Mizuyuki

Roy: This is Roy for the Man Network News. I'm in some country called Mizuyuki, for the Cup of Harmony. Our own Jeruselem team are here. I'm with Princess Laurina.
Laura: That's Princess Laura, Laurina isn't a Princess
Roy: It says here Laurina
Laura: Laurina was in team before me, she's not the Princess. I am. Anyway, she looks nothing like me.
Roy: Sorry, I'm the work experience kid

Laura: I'm Laura ... not Laurina
Roy: The team is here because they failed to make the World Cup finals?
Laura: Yes, but you lot should know that by now
Roy: Jeru FC isn't here though
Laura: You need to be invited to the Cup of Harmony, Jeru FC didn't get the invite
Roy: Oh I didn't know that

Laura: Well, do ya research it's on the Internets
Roy: We're in Group G with unknown teams like Semaphore, Chita and Glory Axe
Laura: That's Semarland, Chiata and Gloriax.
Roy: Jeruselem lost their first game 1-0 to Chita
Laura: That's Chiata, and they are the 24th seed, or 25th seed depending on which rankings you use.
Roy: That's bad, losing.

Laura: Yes but Chiata were expected to win anyway. They are the top team in Group G.
Roy: Who is the top team in the cup?
Laura: Turori in group C, tenth seed and Holy Republican Empire, the ninth seed in Group D. We have Chiata, Barunia and Apox who are in the top 30.
Roy: So Jeruselem aren't even near the best
Laura: No, we're not the best seeded team in this cup. But we're not the lowest seed either.
Roy: What do you know about Mizuyuki.

Laura: Mizuyuki is an absolute monarchy like Jeruselem. It happens to be ruled by an Empress, who's female for those who don't know. It has 22 prefectures, which don't exist in Jeruselem. The locals can speak Miraian or Mandarin, and English which is really helpful as I can't speak the other two.
Roy: Wow, you sure know a lot
Laura: No, I had to google that
Roy: Do you think you can win this cup
Laura: Most likely, no. Looking at the other teams who are great, even if they didn't make the world cup finals.
Roy: So why are the team here?

Laura: Well, we got a new coach. I guess we need to get use to the new coach, well she isn't new to the team. But anyway
Roy: You mean your Mum
Laura: The former Jeru FC coach, anyway.
Roy: Why did she leave?
Laura: Don't ask me. Ask Mum
Roy: So who's taking over Jeru FC

Laura: The assistant coach. Not that he had any choice
Roy: A man running a team would do better than a girl
Laura: How you say that?
Roy: Most of the world cup winners are men managing male teams
Laura: That's because most world cup teams are males running male teams. It's just the numbers. Remember we've had all female world cup finalists.
Roy: I don't remember

Laura: Look up the history of world cup
Roy: Err, thank you for your time.
Laura: No problem
Roy: I'm having trouble getting to talk to the other teams
Laura: No one wants to talk to some work experience kid from some unknown TV network
Roy: That explains a lot

by **Felix** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 8:20 pm

MATCH DAY 2
GROUPS A-D RESULTS

Group A

Yttribia 2–1 Abanhfleft

@ Estadio Universidadio (Capacity: 75,000)

Red Blackiland 1–0 Bears Armed

@ Estadio Nacional (Capacity: 88,000)

Group A-----------------Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Yttribia                2    2   0   0     5    3   +2     6
2 Red Blackiland          2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3
3 Bears Armed             2    1   0   1     3    1   +2     3
4 Abanhfleft              2    0   0   2     1    5   −4     0   E

Group B

Kazamatsuri 1–3 Jeckland

@ San Pozo (Capacity: 86,000)

Gylias 0–1 Gregoryisgodistan

@ Stade de Lyon (Capacity: 80,000)

Group B-----------------Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Jeckland                2    2   0   0     5    1   +4     6   Q
2 Kazamatsuri             2    1   0   1     6    7   −1     3
3 Gregoryisgodistan       2    1   0   1     1    2   −1     3
4 Gylias                  2    0   0   2     4    6   −2     0   E

Group C

Schottia 3–3 Ceni

@ Sieberg Stadium (Capacity: 77,500)

Neu Engollon 2–4 Turori

@ Stadia Volker (Capacity: 90,000)

Group C-----------------Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
1 Turori                  2    2   0   0     8    4   +4     6   Q
2 Ceni                    2    1   1   0     5    4   +1     4
3 Schottia                2    0   1   1     5    7   −2     1
4 Neu Engollon            2    0   0   2     3    6   −3     0   E

Group D

Electrum 4–3 Wolfbenz

@ Felixian Airlines Stadium (Capacity: 70,000)

Furellum 0–1 Holy Republican Empire

@ Port York City Stadium (Capacity: 70,000)

Group D-------------------Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
1 Holy Republican Empire    2    2   0   0     5    2   +3     6   Q
2 Electrum                  2    1   1   0     5    4   +1     4
3 Furellum                  2    0   1   1     1    2   −1     1
4 Wolfbenz                  2    0   0   2     5    8   −3     0   E

by **Mizuyuki** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 8:23 pm

MATCH DAY 2
GROUPS E-H RESULTS

Group E

Isula ĝe Ru 1–4 Starblaydia
@ Kagura Arashi Stadium, Mizuyuki

Sandwich Territories 4–2 Kinitaria
@ Samukawa Municipal Stadium, Mizuyuki

  Group E                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Starblaydia                   2   2  0  0    6   2  +4    6
2 Sandwich Territories          2   1  1  0    5   3  +2    4
3 Isula ĝe Ru                   2   0  1  1    2   5  −3    1
4 Kinitaria                     2   0  0  2    3   6  −3    0

Group F

Apox 1–0 United States of Devonta
@ Koiiro Aisaka Stadium, Mizuyuki

Greater Watford 2–3 Cosumar
@ Amaya Skylight Dome, Mizuyuki

  Group F                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Apox                          2   2  0  0    2   0  +2    6
2 Cosumar                       2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 United States of Devonta      2   0  1  1    0   1  −1    1
4 Greater Watford               2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group G

Gloriax 4–1 Jeruselem
@ Shiha Kisaragi Stadium, Mizuyuki

Semarland 0–4 Chiata
@ Mirai-kan, Mizuyuki

  Group G                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Chiata                        2   2  0  0    5   0  +5    6
2 Semarland                     2   1  0  1    2   5  −3    3
3 Gloriax                       2   1  0  1    5   3  +2    3
4 Jeruselem                     2   0  0  2    1   5  −4    0

Group H

The Saint James Islands 0–0 Hicaña
@ Ringo Acta Dome, Mizuyuki

Star United States 1–3 Barunia
@ Utsukushii Chikyū Taiiku-kan, Mizuyuki

  Group H                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Barunia                       2   2  0  0    6   3  +3    6
2 Star United States            2   1  0  1    4   5  −1    3
3 Hicaña                        2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1
  The Saint James Islands       2   0  1  1    2   3  −1    1

by **Felix** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 11:05 pm

Message From The Felixian Football Association

To Jeck Hitchkin,

Firstly, we would like to apologize for the death of two of your supporters and we would also like to send our condolences to family of the deceased men. Because of that we will increase security in all stadiums and we will make things much safer in our stadiums. We have also told the Gregoryisgodistani FA to make sure their fans behave correctly. Lastly, we have arrested almost all the Gregoryisgodistani involved in the tragic event. They will be placed in jail and will face trial for their crimes. We advise that if your fans encounter Gregoryisgodistan fans please tell them not to taunt them. Between you and me, those fans are brainwashed crazies and will harm your fans.

Sincerely,

Ralph Gunther
President of the Felixian Football Association (FFA)

---

(OOC: A public announcement by Ralph Gunther was made the day the letter was sent and it updated the participants of what was going on. Additionally Ralph advised hooligan activity stop as officers will arrest ultras in order to protect the public both neutral ones and ones supporting a national team. If you want to mention this press conference, please do. Just TG me if you have any questions.)

by **Jeruselem** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 3:03 am

Princess Laura and Princess Amy at Shiha Kisaragi Stadium, Mizuyuki. Both looking disappointed

Laura: This is Princess Laura for Naked News Jeruselem at the Cup of Harmony. We're in Shiha Kisaragi Stadium, Mizuyuki for the game against Gloriax. I'm with the coach Princess Amy, or just Mum to me. Well, as bit of a disaster today Mum.
Amy: Hi everyone. Yes, we lost 4-1 to Gloriax. Not the result we wanted.
Laura: So what went wrong?
Amy: Well, we went down to 9 players after 15 minutes of the game starting.
Laura: It is hard to win any game with less than a full squad on the field
Amy: Yes, if your opponent has a full compliment of players ... it's not a good thing

Laura: The good news is Chiata beat our next opponent Semarland 4-0
Amy: That helps but we didn't really help ourselves today
Laura: Not happy with the referee today?
Amy: Yes well ... I would say something about the ref but it wouldn't be suitable for kids to hear
Laura: Yes, the ref sent off our keeper and another defender for just you know, little things
Amy: Yes, those things happened in the game we played previously.

Laura: So what do we need?
Amy: Depends on how they determine head to head on the table. We need to win and Chiata has to win. But it looks we're eliminated anyway.
Laura: The good news is our next opponent has a goal difference of -3. Ours is like -4.
Amy: There's still some hope. Yes today was a bit of disaster but we can play a part to make the next round.
Laura: Gloriax need some points and they make it.
Amy: A draw would do, we need them to lose ... badly. They have +2 goal difference.

Laura: So we're pretty screwed anyway.
Amy: By the looks of it, the head to head is determined by team vs team basis if you look at the tables.
Laura: So your first cup as coach of Jeruselem looks like a bit of car crash
Amy: You can't judge my performance on 3 games. I've only taken over for his cup and one friendly.
Laura: Would you go back to Jeru FC?
Amy: No

Laura: Any positives from today?
Amy: Yes, you got yourself a goal. The only one for the team so far.
Laura: I would have more if I got more ball to play with since the team spent most of the game defending.
Amy: I can see you're not defending type.
Laura: Yes well, I could have polished my nails without interruption today.
Amy: I did have to remove two players to get a defender and a keeper back on the field today otherwise we would have lost 10-0.

Laura: Jeru FC represent the country in another cup if we fail
Amy: Good luck to them, hopefully better than a quarterfinal appearance with I was in charge.
Laura: We can all live in hope
Amy: We are alive, we can
Laura: That's it from us in Mizuyuki. We need a miracle for next game.
Amy: Yep

Laura: Next up is Semarland, it's do or die.
Amy: Yes, after shooting yourself in the foot in a game like this today.
Laura: It would be nice if the strikers get some ball to play with so they can score goals hey?
Amy: You remind me of Princess Marie-Antoinette Dallas. Most Dallas players these days are defenders or midfielders.
Laura: Maybe that's the problem, we need more scorers.
Amy: Or attacking midfielders.

by **Semarland** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 3:07 am

This...I don't even.

Wow. Lost for words. Sure, Chiata are a great team. But to lose 4-0...well, I wasn't expecting that.

I travelled to Mizuyuki (well, I had to anyway) to come and watch the matches. This time, I had the luxury of sitting near Semarland's team bench. I could see the looks of disgust and downheartedness on their faces, they clearly didn't want to see this. 4-0 is always a painful loss, no matter who you play. One person who was particularly furious, was understandably Johannes Pedersen. The defensive coach almost looked like he was going to storm onto the field and yank one of our defenders by the throat and drag him off himself. You know, he might as well come out of retirement, to be honest. I mean look at Magnus Nielsen? A 41 year old right back who still hasn't officially retired from the national team, or domestic football itself? He'll probably retire after next season, but he'll be 42 then. Strange. I wouldn't mind see him at a big tournament. You know, for his age he's got phenomenal pace. At 41? Indeed. As a Krsthaven fan, I watched the game when we played Eikborg Club and I must say, he terrified our whole left wing. He set up both of their goals with two phenomenal crosses, and you wonder he is not getting selected because Henrik Jensen thinks he's too old? Rubbish. If he can get two assists and destroy our left-back, and mind you, we're Krsthaven, then he's definitely NT quality. Whether he is 16 or whether he is 40.

The loss against Chiata only seemed to add fuel to the fire of the Henrik Jensen debate. Plenty of candidates were being lined up, some even expressed an interest in it. One of those was Carl Sorensen, 44 years old, but manager of FC Jansberg. Five years he's been going now, and they've won every title since. You know, because I'm a Krsthaven fan, I'm supposed to hate FC Jansberg because honour and rivalry and all that shit, but I must admit, Carl Sorensen is one excellent manager. Mind you, if he does get the national team job he's killed two birds with one stone - Probably get Semarland to a decent qualifying finish (3rd or 4th, at best, depending on the group) and increase Krsthaven's chances of winning the Premarligaen. But whoever it is, we need somebody who is willing to experiment with tactics. I think Johannes Pedersen would be a great manager, but he'd probably throttle the players if they did a minor thing wrong (which sometimes, they probably need), and he probably wouldn't be the defensive coach. It's fair to say, he was probably one of Semarland's greatest defenders - and defensive coach (so far...), but this did not prevent a 4-0 hammering by Chiata, did it? A clue - no. So maybe Yemi Appiah-Jansen needs to have a great big shuffle. Keep Pedersen of course. And Datheim. And all the other relatively new staff that seem to be doing a job. Just get rid of those who are...well, "uncooperative and poor" in the words of good old Yemi.

So chances of qualifying? Actually, they're pretty decent. Boosted by that 2-1 win over Gloriax. What we need to do, is hope that Chiata beat Gloriax, which moves them (the Chiatans) onto 7 points, and keeps Gloriax on three. We play Jeruselem, who are on 0 points currently. We need to draw or beat them, which would move us onto 4 or 6 points respectively, and we'll go through in second place. Or, if Gloriax beats Chiata, we need to beat Jeruselem. So it's sort of a case of Russian Roulette, I guess. Is it? No? Okay. Whatever. But you know what I mean. Let's hope we can get a good goal difference that can get us through. Analysing the other groups, I've worked out this: if we win, we'd likely play the Star United States (trust me, they're good), and if we come second, we have the joy of playing Barunia. So a tough Round of 16, really, but it's the Cup of Harmony, what do you expect? All of us didn't qualify, but we came pretty close to doing so. So let's hope the result at this fabulous Mirai-kan stadium in beautiful Mizuyuki is a good one.

SEMARLAND: Jorgen Karlstad; Matur Eiriksson (Soren Pedersen 62), Jakob Lunds, Matthias Karbruck, Eirik Malsen; Demba Cisse, Adren Christiansen-Hallensburg, Andreas Jansen (Claes Naemstad 62), Tipio Runen; Marc Lygaard, Jakob Larsen (Yannick Simeone 83)

by **Free Republics** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 1:00 pm

Consul Kulseth's Office, Republica, Holy Republican Empire

Consul Kulseth sat in his office on the day after his Constitutional amendment to ban abortion had been passed by an overwhelming landslide. In fact, as Consul Kulseth knew, the amendment had narrowly lost, but thanks to the RepublicSoft voting machines, a 51-49 defeat turned into an 81-19 victory. Abortion was now contrary to Imperial law and the only thing that Kulseth needed to do was to consult with the Assembly and the Senate regarding the appropriate punishments for abortionists and the women who seek them out. Fortunately, the landslide victory strengthened his hand, so Consul Kulseth was confident in his ability to coax the legislators into passing his "Abortion is Murder Act," which would simply declare abortion to be a form of murder in the first degree. Since abortion, if it is murder, is clearly both willful and pre-meditated, Kulseth reasoned, it qualifies as first degree murder and should be punished accordingly. Anything less was simply allowing dangerous murderers to get away with their crimes!

Yet, the Consul also had other matters on his mind. One of those was Rule Theriault. The soccer manager, while an influential celebrity, seemed to be less than enthusiastic in his support for the Consul. Consul Kulseth had, long ago, concluded that the popular coach had the potential to pose a threat to his position and to his party's agenda. When media outlets in Taxachusetts began reporting that the Republican coach and players were frustrated with the recent changes to Republican culture and upset at their nation's women for their enthusiastic support of the Kulseth regime and that they blamed this situation and their resulting sexual frustration for their under-performance, well Consul Kulseth knew that he had to act.

His ultimatum to Theriault had been delivered, following the National Team's shocking elimination from World Cup Qualifying. While he had ordered the coach to win the Cup of Harmony or face the nationalization of his organization, Kulseth was secretly hoping that Theriault would fail to win the Cup of Harmony, providing him with the excuse he needed to nationalize the team, fire Theriault and bring in somebody who was more attuned to Kulseth's way of thinking. Hopefully, with God's Help, the new coach would lead the team to a World Cup title next year and would become an important propagandist for the Kulseth regime. Consul Kulseth had already decided on whom his man would be...

? - Salve!

Consul Kulseth - Hello, this is Consul Reino Kulseth of the Holy Republican Empire.

? - Is there some reason why you are calling me, Mr. Consul?

Consul Kulseth - Yes, there is. You see, I anticipate that I will soon have an opening for a soccer coach.

? - Really? I thought Theriault's team was his property.

Consul Kulseth - Indeed, it is, for now. As soon as they get eliminated from the Cup of Harmony, and I am certain that they will be eliminated, I'm going to nationalize the team and fire Rule Theriault.

? - Really? You're going to fire the coach who trained a bunch of children into one of the best soccer teams in the multiverse? Why?

Consul Kulseth - He's not sufficiently supportive of my government and he's not a member of the True Church. I fear that our failure to qualify for the World Cup was a consequence of the grave insult we dealt to God by allowing an unbeliever to continue to coach our National Team after our Glorious Revolution.

? - I am definitely a member of the True Church, but I am a little concerned. You see, I have a 15-year-old son at home and I am also the guardian for a foreign-born girl who converted to the True Church after fleeing Slave State and is betrothed to my son.

Consul Kulseth - The True Church operates schools here, as well. While our crime rate is higher and there are more unbelievers than you might be used to, we have made great strides in the past year.

? - I'm sure you do, Mr. Kulseth, but I already sent my son abroad once. While he met his fiance there and saved her soul, he told me horror stories about the outside world. I've already turned down several national team offers in the past, for my son's sake and I may have to turn you down as well.

Consul Kulseth - I understand that, but I really hope that you will reconsider. Its a perfect fit and I think you are the man who can take the Republican National Team to the next level.

? - I don't know, but you make a persuasive case, your Consulship.

Consul Kulseth - Please think about it. I'll get back to you with a job offer once the Cup of Harmony is over, unless Theriault miraculously manages to win it, of course.

? - Thank you. I appreciate the offer and will think it over.

Consul Kulseth was relieved. He hadn't said no. That was a victory, in and of itself...

Sporting World

Koby Theodore Goal Lifts HRE over Furellum
by: Nova Hellstrom

A boring match on an awful night at Port York City Stadium in the Land of the Trolls ended with a late Koby Theodore goal providing the margin of victory for the Holy Republicans. The Furellum team, which was comprised of a bunch of dumb canines with no talent whatsoever and no sense either, were clearly the inferior side, but in the freezing rain and sleet, neither team was able to move the ball very well. This crippled Rule Theriault's far-superior Holy Republican National Team and prevented them from winning by a bigger margin. However, Koby Theodore saved the day at the last possible moment and the Holy Republicans clinched a spot in the Round of 16.

I can't tell you too much about the match, because I spent most of the night downing ice-cold Dixon Lights and don't really remember much of what happened. My only memories of the match are of the mostly Troll crowd booing over and over again, for some reason. Fortunately, I do remember the Koby Theodore goal, which came in the final minutes of the match after he kicked a ball so hard that it hit their goalkeeper in the face and bounced off of its face and into the net. Serves them right, for being a bunch of dumb animals.

I've never liked dogs. They're nasty creatures that slobber all over you and they're like so violent and stuff! I can't stand them. They're just icky and nasty. Besides, dogs are so stupid that they can't even figure out how to use a litter box. A few years ago, I decided to get a puppy and the thing was like a monster from the pit of Hell! It bit and clawed and me and got upset at me when I punished it for taking a dump all over my carpet after I had told it to use the litter box I spent so much money on! Then, it decided to be mean to my sweet little kitty cat, Princess. When the damn monster started chasing Princess around the house and threatening her safety, I got rid of the damned thing. It was a monster, I tell you! I've always liked cats better and I will never be getting another dog.

Thus, I was relieved to see that a team comprised of dogs simply isn't very good on the soccer pitch, even if dogs are portrayed as great athletes in movies. Mr. Theriault's Republican National Team is now 2-0-0 in the Cup of Harmony, in spite of the best efforts of the Troll crowd to bring them down. Next up is Electrum and I'm certain that they will fall as well, unless Mr. Theriault decides to throw the match on purpose to avoid playing Turori in the Round of 16. Be sure to watch the Cup of Harmony on TV, if you are so inclined. If not, I'll be sure to let you know what happened on the third and final group stage matchday of the Cup of Harmony from the Home of the Slants and the Land of the Trolls.

Nova Hellstrom is a part-time international sports correspondent for Sporting World and was a co-chair of the World Cup 68 Seeding Committee. She got her start covering high school soccer for the Petrograd Times before working for Sporting World. At one time, she played girls soccer for Petrograd Christian School. She was Sporting World's correspondent at the 27th Di Bradini Cup, the 52nd Baptism of Fire and during qualifying for the 65th World Cup before transitioning into a successful career as a professional wrestler. She is a multi-time World Ladies Champion in the premier wrestling organization in the multiverse, the Republican Wrestling Conglomerate and a good Christian role model for young girls throughout the Empire. She is also a part-time professional wrestling correspondent for Sporting World.

OOC: The above was written by Nova Hellstrom, so it should be taken with several grains of salt and not necessarily treated as an accurate description of the events during the match or of the nature of the nation of Felix.

by **Gylias** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 1:11 pm

Animenia

News, views, and musings about animation

First look: The March Club
Posted by Gabriel Ludvigsen
1 January 2015, 1:45 PM, 0 comments

New Year's Day: an occasion for celebration. Reflection. Being with loved ones. Listening to "New Year". And... debuting new series? Yes, hidden away amidst the reverie, if anyone was lucky enough to catch it first, GTV4 broadcast the first episode of The March Club, an hour past midnight. They were kind enough to repeat it at 11, when more people were likely to be awake, yours truly included. No idea why they couldn't have just done it at 11 from the start... perhaps The March Club politely requested bragging rights? In that case, congratulations, The March Club, for being the first new anime of 2015. *applause*

The series comes to us as the latest offering from Seamoon, a studio with an adequate reputation that's long transcended its up-and-coming period but, for various reasons, hasn't been able to muster a breakthrough that would propel them higher the way Antenna, for example, managed with L'Espérance. Still, they deserve all the praise for continuing to do their thing reliably, and admirably refusing to try and rehash Sensational Momoko!, the co-production that is for all intents and purposes their most famous creation. Judging from the pilot episode of The March Club, this is not going to be a show that sets anything on fire (no psi powers anywhere in sight), but it's a welcome new dish of the usual Seamoon ingredients of nice characters, modest storytelling, and chuckles and WAFF every now and then.

The premise is so simple it's basically summarised right in the title: friends form a marching band club. Now, I don't know about you, but I wasn't even aware those were a thing. Luckily, the pilot does a marvelous job of establishing the premise with economical writing, and benefits from the strongly detailed setting which produces a feeling of familiarity, like you're almost watching this happen right next door. I would like to make the quibble, however, that Andral might not quite be the best choice of setting for such a story. I feel like a rural setting would have benefited the series, by further reinforcing the theme of "ordinary people who take up a brand new hobby".

It's only a minor quibble, at any rate, since the rest of the episode is pleasant and well-crafted. Our leads are appropriately charming and have the convincingly breezy chemistry of people who have been friends since childhood. The repartee is sparkling, though it only manages a few moments that are truly memorable. And by the end, I wanted to see the characters succeed, and how they do so.

Which is, come to think of it, the most appropriate compliment I can pay The March Club: it's a series that sets itself a modest goal and then goes that extra step in achieving it. It's not a great loss if you miss out on it, but if you watch it, you will leave an episode having felt at least a little better than at the start.

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 5:12 pm

OOC: None of Lord Almighty Gregory's threats should be taken seriously. We won't be killing anyone else this tournament. Whether or not you know that ICly is up to you.

Lord Almighty Gregory Declares Deciding Match vs. Kazamatsuri Must-See TV

Lord Almighty Gregory announced today that tomorrow's critical Cup of Harmony match against Kazamatsuri will be "must-see TV" in Gregoryisgodistan. Every man, woman, child and slave will be obligated to watch the match in its entirety. They will not be permitted to leave the place in front of the TV while the match is in progress for any reason, though they may get up during halftime as long as they return before the second half starts. The penalty for not watching will be death for the offender and his family. Only people enforcing these laws will be permitted to not watch the game. Even firefighters and doctors must watch. it's just as well. If your house is on fire or you are having a heart attack, you still must watch the game before seeking help.

In the words of Lord Almighty Gregory, "Our soccer team needs all the support it can get tomorrow night against the heathens from Kazamatsuri. Everyone must watch them and cheer them on, either in person, if you are one of the lucky ones, or on TV, if you are not. Unless you want to die, you must obey. Even if you want to die, think of your family. Do you want them to die? Surely not. But they will if you don't watch. Families don't let each other not watch. Keep your family members in line and make sure they watch or you will all die. I am confident Gregoryisgodistan's brilliant Foot Slaves will win the match and the entire nation will rejoice. We will advance to the Round of 16 and face a team from Group A. Eventually we will face the Unholy Republican Empire and clobber them. We will then kidnap and enslave Rule Theriault like in that awesome video game Enslave Rule Theriault which is a must-buy here. And we will also kill that wicked captain Kyle Bolton who tried to kill me. If his family is in attendance, we will kill them too. Mama Bolton, prepare to die. Grandma Bolton, prepare to die. Papa Bolton, prepare to die. Kyle Bolton's Sister, prepare to die. You will all die and it will be lots of fun to watch. We are the most glorious team in the multiverse and the Unholy Republican Empire is most wicked. They must be destroyed. So must Saintland, but that can wait. For now, let's focus on beating the Unholy Republican team in every sense of the word. Rule is a fool and Kyle is evil. I am the Lord, not Eye-ee-zus. Anyone who believes in Eye-ee-zus must be converted or killed, for it is what I have willed. Our Foot Slaves will win and vanquish the foes. They will prove that they have me, the True Lord, behind them. Eye-ee-zus shall not guide the Republicans to victory because he is not real. I am real. I am God. That is why you worship me, bow down to me, and obey me. Do as I say and you shall be rewarded. The Foot Slaves are loyal and they shall be rewarded with a Cup of Harmony Championship. The Republicans are disloyal and death shall be their reward! Death to the Unholy Republican Empire! Death to Saintland! Death to King Petrus! Death to Consul Kulseth! Death to all our Enemies, including Estenia and Britonisea!

"Speaking of which, there is but one Britonisea, not three as those fools claim. They claim there is a Britonisea, a North Britonisea, and a Grand British Kingdom. It makes no sense. Britonisea is one country. That's almost as stupid as Costa Luna. Britonisea is one country, and they must admit their stupidity. Even when they do, we will keep them on our Enemy List. Death to Britonisea1 The one and only Britonisea! Not the three Britoniseas because there is no such thing! I encourage the sporting world to ban Britonisea for their stupidity! That is why we sang "Ban Britonisea" at the Junior Hockey Championships. It is a hit song and we will sing it forever, or until they are banned or blown up. Ban Britonisea! Britonisea must be banned! This incompetence I cannot stand!"

Sports TV releases Victory Song for Kazamatsuri Match

Sports TV has released the Victory Song for the match against Kazamatsuri.

Cup of Harmony
We'll win you
It's the Group Stage
The Foot Slaves must go through
We'll win this game
And get out of the group

Britonisea, you're stupid
But it's not your turn
We'll beat Kazamatsuri
And then you will burn
We may have lost one
But we will hoist the Cup
Soccer's best have come to play
Now to the Foot Slaves, there's just one thing left to say

I've been waiting all day for this game tonight
Let's beat up those heathens and give them a fright
Let's get going underneath the lights
It's CoH Soccer on Friday Night
Yeah yeah yeah

CoH Soccer let's go Foot Slaves
We will win and we will make waves
We're almost ready
Better run to pee
It's Foot Slave Soccer on Sports TV

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 5:59 pm

Cosumar edges Greater Watford in crucial thriller!

AMAYA, MIZUYUKI - A marvelous late strike from Paaron Petrov secured a dramatic 3-2 win for Cosumar over Greater Watford in a critical Group F clash to move the Dragons into 2nd place and prime position to advance.

The 69th-ranked Watfordians were in front 2-1 thanks to goals from Elmo Dowling and Mario Mannetti, the latter's coming just 11 minutes after Ryan Warthon had been shown a red card for bringing down Sur Arora in the area. The prolific scorer's penalty, however, was saved by James Hemsworth.

Cosumar's pressure would eventually break down the 10-man Greater Watfort side though, with Anders Engström netting his second of the match in the 77th minute to equalize before Fadron Flight midfielder Petrov blasted home an unstoppable shot with four minutes until time to secure a vital win for Farris Crowley's side. The win puts them in good position to advance out of their group in the Cup of Harmony for the first time since they placed 3rd in the tournament in Cup of Harmony 45. A draw in their final group game against Apox, or just a United States of Devonta draw, will send them through.

This was the kind of clutch performance late in a game that the Dragons lacked at the end of World Cup Qualifying.

They started proceedings briskly at the beautiful Amaya Skylight Dome and were rewarded their quick attacking pace after 20 minutes. Engström tapped home an easy rebound after Petrov's free kick came to him directly off the post.

Alessandro de Rosso's squad responded well, with Hemsworth making an amazing save to deny Felix Merchison's rifled shot, and 36 minutes in they found their equalizer as the center back Dowling scored his first goal for Greater Watford by heading home at the far post following a corner kick.

The game was deadlocked early in the second half. The Dragons had a chance to steal the momentum when Warthon felled Arora in the area in the 56th minute, only for the OAS Royal FC forward's tame effort from the spot to be kept out by Hemsworth. Arora had one of his weakest overall performances of this World Cup cycle, but he was so dominant in Qualifying that we have no choice but to forgive him.

But Hemsworth's clutch save sparked some life into the Watfordians and just over 10 minutes later, they stole an unlikely lead. Vareza Na'Noni's poor back pass was cut out by Mario Mannetti, and the Swiss striker buried his one-on-one finish past Tomi Koskinen. The goalkeeper got a knee on the ball, but it was too hot and deflected up into the goal anyways. Koskinen was visibly livid with his teammates for getting caught asleep in the back and stranding him, and rightfully so.

Instead of crumbling, Cosumar piled on the pressure. Ace Newman hit the post from medium range in the 70th minute. Engström forced another save with his well-placed header off a Tae Woo Miyori cross. But they finally found their equalizer in the 77th minute when the ball dropped to Engström in the area, with the young star dispatching his right-foot finish with aplomb into the top-left corner. 2-2.

With the Cosumarites firmly controlling the game at this point, a decisive fifth goal looked likely, and Petrov duly delivered with a brilliant left-footed drive from 28 yards out to snatch a victory in the winding minutes.

Cosumar
21 shots (7 on-target)
72% Possession
2 corners, 1 offsides
13 fouls, 5 yellow cards (Farsgaard, Newman, Engström, Sorben, Vilar)
Greater Watford
9 shots (5 on-target)
28% Possession
2 corners, 1 offsides
10 fouls, 1 red card (Warthon)
Cosumar - 3
20' (Engström)
77' (Engström)
86' (Petrov)
Greater Watford - 2
36' (Dowling)
67' (Mannetti)

The win moves Cosumar into 2nd in Group F at 1-1-0, two points shy of first place Apox (2-0-0) and three points clear of United States of Devonta (0-1-1) following Apox's 1-0 win over the upstart Devontans. Greater Watford now sit in last with zero points.

Team Cosumar play 28th-ranked Apox at Koiiro Aisaka Stadium next. With world-class players like Tolgus Tregajorran and Solomon Etezadi across the pitch, they are great in every phase of the game. It will be an excellent litmus test for this Dragons squad, to measure just how close they are to some of the world's top teams. Like Cosumar, Apox placed 3rd in their Qualifying group (17), narrowly missing the playoff.

Thank you for reading The Cosumarite Courier's exclusive Cup of Harmony 62 coverage. Follow us on Twitter @TheCourier or subscribe to our website (TheCourier.cos) to receive news about the Dragons' ongoing Cup of Harmony campaign.

Wally Vanderjagt
Staff Writer

Cosumar's World Cup 70 Cycle Journey
Pre-Qual Friendly: Star United States 0-0 Cosumar
Pre-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 2-1 San Jose Guayabal
Pre-Qual Friendly: Equestrian States 1-0 Cosumar
Matchday 1: Super-Llamaland 4-3 Cosumar
Matchday 2: Bye
Matchday 3: Cosumar 4-0 Dracum
Matchday 4: Ancharmunn 4-4 Cosumar
Matchday 5: Cosumar 1-1 Peruvian Highlands
Matchday 6: HorusLand 2-4 Cosumar
Matchday 7: Cosumar 4-0 Zips Nation
Matchday 8: The Greater Vakolicci Haven 3-6 Cosumar
Matchday 9: Cosumar 2-4 Osarius
Mid-Qual Friendly: Walamzia 1-5 Cosumar
Matchday 10: Cosumar 4-2 Super-Llamaland
Matchday 11: Bye
Matchday 12: Dracum 2-3 Cosumar
Matchday 13: Cosumar 4-1 Ancharmunn
Matchday 14: Peruvian Highlands 1-5 Cosumar
Matchday 15: Cosumar 3-3 HorusLand
Matchday 16: Zips Nation 0-2 Cosumar
Matchday 17: Cosumar 3-3 The Greater Vakolicci Haven
Matchday 18: Osarius 2-0 Cosumar
CoH Matchday 1: United States of Devonta 0-0 Cosumar
CoH Matchday 2: Greater Watford 2-3 Cosumar
CoH Matchday 3: Cosumar vs. Apox (@ Koiro Aisaka Stadium, Amaya)
Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally (WC70 cycle)
Sur Arora (18)
Ace Newman (10)
Anders Engström (9)
Paaron Petrov (6)
Kirum Mortonsson (3)
Jon-Perohlin Nodtveit (2)
Jukka Lindroos (1)
Felix Merchison (1)
Dean Harold McSaunders (1)
Tae Woo Miyori (1)
Sergio Vilar (1)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally (WC70 cycle)
Anders Engström (8)
Ace Newman (7)
Paaron Petrov (6)
Vareza Na'Noni (5)
Felix Merchison (4)
Sur Arora (4)
Tae Woo Miyori (2)
Sergio Vilar (2)
Petri Hansen (2)
Tomi Koskinen (1)

by **Electrum** » Thu Jan 01, 2015 9:33 pm

OOC: Obviously based on Judge Jury, with inspiration from one of the game issues. Just a quick one, as I gotta pop down to the movies later.

The Public Courtroom

The camera moves through big imposing doors, to reveal a large courtroom. The gallery is filled to the brim with extras, milling about in excitement. The court's bailiff says, "All Rise, for the Honourable Justice Credlin." The audience members stand up as a middle-aged lady with fiery brown hair walks in and sits down on her elevated bench. In an authoritative voice she says you may now be seated. "Bailiff, please hand me the case for today." A yellow manila envelope is passed to her bench. "Ah, the case of Ash vs. Brindle and others. Please send them in."

The gallery stares at the large doors at the beginning. All of a sudden, a man walks down, and moves to the left bench. Then, 46 women walk down all at once, and the all move towards the right bench, which has been especially lengthened for the occasion. Justice Credlin, "Now I need to remind you all that this is on television, and I do have the judicial powers, vested onto me by the Electrumite authorities to handle polygamy divorces." Simon... Ash right?

Simon Ash: Yes, madam, that is me.
Justice Credlin: And it says here, you are divorcing... main plaintiff is Myrtle Brindle and 45 others?
Simon Ash: That is right.
Justice Credlin: Now, call me old fashioned, but why would you marry and then divorce 45 women simultaneously?
Simon Ash: Haha... funny story really... I was trying to break the multiverse record!

The audience was laughing at the fact, but Justice Credlin was fuming.

Justice Credlin: Well, I never! This is just ridiculous really, how could you beat the Lord Almighty Gregory's record of a hundred concubines! Are you serious? I mean, I'm surprised you can even tell them apart!

The audience is laughing even harder than before.

Justice Credlin: SILENCE in the courtroom. Anyways, main plaintiff, what did you want?
Myrtle Bridle: You hear that sisters, she's surprised! Okay, so we were thinking, we all get a share commensurate to how much time we've been married to him... so since I was married first, I would get the most amount of money, then Sheree--
Sheree: Hey, you two-time b***! I had three children out of him, you have one! I deserve more money!
Cherry: I never liked any of you anyways, Simon was my one true man! I deserve the most amount of money!

The 40 something or so ladies start bickering until a chair gets thrown into the bunch by the production crew... A catfight starts erupting in the courtroom, and the TV extras in the gallery all start shouting JUSTICE! JUSTICE! JUSTICE! Armed security guards, walk onto the set and restrain the women onto specially designed chairs, strapping them into place. The whole process takes ten minutes.

Justice Credlin: In light of the recent circumstances, it has become clear that you ladies have become too greedy for your own good. So, extracting the common law principle of standard community property, I award 50% of the marital assets to the husband, Simon Ash, and.. let me just bust out the calculator.. 2250% of the rest.
Bailiff: Your honour, not to be rude or anything, but 2250% isn't a viable figure.
Justice Credlin: Hm. You're right. And with these cases getting more and more complex... Okay. I have a better solution. Half of the assets goes to Simon, and the 46 people will get 1% each, and the other 4% will be put into a trust fund for all... 103 of your offspring. That should settle it. Case closed.
Bailiff: You may step away from the stands... defendant and plaintiff. Coming up next, Sergiejew vs. A bag of grapes and Brineton Supermarkets

A voiceover is then heard. By law, if you need to settle polygamy divorce disputes, you must contact this television show immediately, so we can arrange for it to happen.

by **Greater Watford** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 3:50 am

Greater Watford out of the Cup of Harmony
A narrow loss for Greater Watford against Cosumar means they are out of the Cup of Harmony, their first time in this tournament ending in a first round elimination. It was a valiant performance, but one that ultimately just fell short of the mark.

In a surprise change, James Hemsworth got the nod to go in goal, ahead of Kendrick Hannon. This was later attributed to concerns over Hannon’s fitness, some suggesting the WC cycle was beginning to take its toll on some of the players. Other than that, there were no other changes to the squad.

It was Cosumar who started the game the better of the 2 sides. A common trend for the Hornets, they struggled to find their feet early on, and opportunities were lacking. It was the 20th minute when the first goal came. A free kick from around 25 yards by Paaron Petrov hit the post, and landed at the feet of Anders Engström, who had an easy tap-in. It was 1-0 to Cosumar.

A few minutes later, Cosumar nearly had a second, with Felix Merchison firing a powerful shot, but Hemsworth pulled out a stunning save to deny Cosumar their second. A few minutes later, Greater Watford had a corner, and Elmo Dowling rose highest at the far post to head into the net. The red-haired defender was ecstatic with his first goal, and the Hornets celebrated an equaliser. The half would end at 1-1.

In the opening few minutes of the second half, there was little between the sides, and chances were at a premium. Then, on 56 minutes Sur Arora bourst into the box, and Ryan Warthon slid in, taking out the Cosumar striker. Despite his protests, the referee reached for the back pocket, and brandished the red card, sending off the defender, and ending Ryan Warthon’s involvement in the Cup of Harmony, as he receives a ban for a red card. Sur Arora now had a golden opportunity to give Cosumar control of the game, but his penalty was taken weakly, and Hemsworth dived the right way, saving it.

Jerrod Ledger replaced Garry Oldfen, as the Hornets moved to a 4-1-2-2, dropping Samuel Harris into Oldfen’s role, leaving them without their attacking midfielder role. On 67 minutes, Vareza Na'Noni made a careless back pass, intercepted by Mario Mannetti. The captain didn’t need a second opportunity, as he burst forward and placed a shot past Tomi Koskinen, giving Greater Watford and unlikely 2-1 lead.

It would be hard for Greater Watford to defend a man down. Ace Newman and of Anders Engström both came very close. In the 77th minute, Anders Engström launched a powerful shot into the top-left corner, that Hemsworth could do nothing about, and Cosumar were back on level terms. Despite the valiant defending of Greater Watford, it turned out to be in vain as Paaron Petrov’s shot from almost 30 yards beat everyone, and flew into the goal, giving Cosumar a 3-2 lead, which would prove to be the final score.

For Greater Watford, they have final game against the United States of Devonta, with Devonta needing a win to have a chance of an unlikely qualification for the Round of 16. The Hornets will look to take something from the tournament, especially the older players such as Louis Revson and Vincent Warthon, who can see the clock ticking on their international careers.

by **Schottia** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 3:52 am

The Daily Worker
Cup of Harmony: So Far
Marrian McFadden reports

Schottia were handed a glimmer of hope last night. A late Gaston Avelione goal salvaged a vital point during their match against Ceni at a packed Sieberg Stadium. The draw gives the White and Greens the slimmest of chances of progression. The situation, as things stands, means that Schottia need to win their next match against Neu Enollon and hope the Turori can do them a favour against Ceni. Further to this Schottia will need to over turn a goal difference of three, meaning the game could come down to a frantic push in the closing stages.

Schottia's Cup of Harmony has been a bit of a mixed bag this cycle. In some ways little was expected of the islanders, bottom seeds in their group, and three tough sides to face. However there would have been a feeling going into the tournament that some kind of a result would have been possible. Schottia have made steady progress since they finished bottom of their group with a grand total of zero points in World Cup 68. They are now ranked inside the top 100, and have since picked up wins against clubs such as: Zenic, West Angolan, Mizuyuki, showing that they can get results.

Schottia 2-4 Turori
Against Turoi the Scots nearly got back into the game twice, and although they conceded four goals, they managed to score two against a strong defensive side. This game perhaps typified the team’s fortunes, and we were shown glimpses of the best and worst they have to offer. So often it is these Jekyll and Hyde performances that stop them stepping up to the next level. Gaston Avelione was again on the score sheet, now playing on the left of midfield; the versatile attacker will be beginning to leave people wondering what life will be like after he retires.

Again the 28-year-old was head and shoulders above the rest of the team and presented the Turorian defence with real problems throughout. Jon Fotan was also on target in the match, playing for the first time in the centre of midfield, since he was pulled over from the left. The Warriors man filled in well for retiring former captain Colin Donaldson, however, he lacked the same physical presence.

Schottia 3-3 Ceni
The Ceni match, by contrast, was much more of an open game as many had expected. It seemed the international media were somewhat divided as to who which of the clubs would come out on top, in what was being billed as the battle for 3rd and 4th. Although Schottia took the lead in the second minute courtesy of a Gary Corsie header, Ceni got back into the match with goals from Pablito Numede and Diego Ortiz. Schottia again seemed to be struggling as the game approached half time, however, they were given some cause for hope when striker Mark Allen pulled them level. The forward, now plying his trade with Adiran side FC Hill Valley, was in the thick of it the whole match, and took his goal well when the chance presented itself.

Schottia found themselves behind again however, despite playing much better in the second half. It was Ortiz again, who was a constant menace to the Scots, slotted the ball home past Lucas D'Araby to make it 3-2. Once again Schottia had to dust themselves off, as the match was acquiring a feeling of deja vu. This game, whatever the baring it has on the rest of the tournament, will still go down in Schottic football history for another reason. On the seventy-third minute Kim Coultan became the first woman to play for the full national team, coming on for Eoin Killanen. The 18-year-old who started her career at Dundee is now much improved playing in Buyanese league with Jottnar Kallsmudden. The youngster had some nice touches and will have done her chances of reselection no harm at all.

When Schottia finally managed to pull one back it was once again Avelione who pulled them out of hot water. The Handon United man latched onto a Joey Bia cross, firing his volley straight into the top corner to make the final score 3-3. The way things worked out it's quite possible that neither side were disappointed with the result, leaving the door open for either team to qualify going into the last match. The main aim for Ceni would have been not to have lost, and Schottia will take heart from their late comeback, showing they have some grit.

+ x - =
Although mathematically we can still qualify it is bordering on a very tricky equation. First of all we have to rely on Turori beating a Ceni side who have shown some good form this cycle; no forgone conclusion. On top of that we need to win against Neu Engollon, and although they haven't been blessed with much luck of late, they are still ranked well above Schottia in the in the current standings. Not only do we have to win, but we need to win comfortably, probably by a two goal margin at least.

Whatever way the result goes, as mentioned in the introduction, there will be some positives to take from this campaign. Kim Coultan and Mark Kelman making their debuts, proving that the future of the Schottic midfield looks bright. And Gaston Avelione proving once again that he has the skill and composure to match most players on the world stage. All we need now is a good performance and big bit of luck, and these players could make history, being the first full national team to qualify for the knockout stages of a major tournament.

by **United States of Devonta** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 6:19 am

Close Defeat
^{Devontans narrowly lose to high ranked Apox}

United States of Devonta 0-1 Apox

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

Quick Stats:
37% Possessions, 8 Shots, 5 on goal
63% Possessions, 12 Shots, 8 on goal

Scores:
----NONE----
???? (24')

CAUTIONED: ----NONE----
EJECTED: ----NONE----

Table:

  Group F                     Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Apox                          1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
2 Cosumar                       1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
  United States of Devonta      1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
4 Greater Watford               1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0

Hard Decisions

The room was empty accepts for the two occupants in the room. One was the president of the United States of Devonta himself the other was the presidents most trusted senior adviser. President Josiah Jones was a busy man nowadays, with wars breaking out across the globe. Mainly Convist revolutionaries taking power or tying to take power in nations allied with Devonta through the IFC, or the continued border dispute in Zernovyl between Zernovyl and Ordia. In fact he's recently ordered covert ops in Ordia, not yet released to the public. This was piled on by Devontan troops being endangered by Islamic militants in the United Regions and the cherry on top being the bickering between the three major parties, this caused by the elections in 2015. This caused Josiah to have a head ache.

Josiah set at his cherry wood desk with Maria at his side. It was a more quit room now with the rest of his staff and military leaders out of the room. He was glad to here no more bickering on what to do regarding the messy crisis in the Trade Federation. Josiah needed his people and congress to back him up, the story the would play is the crisis in the Trade Federation could destabilize the Luxan Empire a great ally of Devonta. This message would most likely be supported by congress and the majority of Devontans. The president ordered a congressional secession set for tomorrow and made phone calls to political leaders to spread the word to others, he also had authorized military action and thrown his support behind the old government which seemed did nothing to cause the violence.

With the authorization of military force units in the Devontan territories in the north near Luxa began to mobilize, most had already been on alert or conducting exercises.

by **Barunia** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 8:51 am

The Scarlet Standard
Another three goals to win the match, looking good guys (and gal)! Still not quite the five goals in each of three games they had to open up the world cup, but still good. And the defence held the SUS to one, which is a bloody good improvement over the last game. However, it's still the most goals they've ever scored against us, so the defence not up to the standard of the 69 team, which of course was a pitiful shadow to the might of the Suns of 68. But there were promising signs: Barnett showed some of what he was capable of, Sweet broke out of his shell and started to actually do something other than run after the ball, and Bainbridge was, well, Bainbridge. He's the best keeper Barunia has had since Mic Willans, and that's saying a lot.

Brackhurst started instead of Manzana, and did not pull his weight. Sure, he's new to the team, and I understand he's probably still getting to grips with how the team works. But this is the Cup of Harmony. It's a three-game group stage and then we're into knockouts. There's no time to ease into it. It's sink or swim, and right ow the rookies are sinking.

With Ruskin's career on the bloody line, I cannot fathom why he's decided to ditch his good players for this developmental squad. Marris and Silva had made no official announcements of retirement. They're still fucking willing to play, and the bloody stats speak for themselves. I get what Ruskin's thinking, trying to find a squad to replace those who are under-performing or players who probably haven't got another cycle in them. But why the fuck you would do that in a knockout tournament is beyond comprehension. That's what friendlies are for. Hell, that's what the Escudo is for.

We need to get somewhere in this tournament. It's important, if just to give the 8 players from 68 a reminder that they're bloody good. We need it, for the team's confidence moving forward. That's what we should be using the Cup of Harmony for. Not for testing out new squads.

The Suns face the Saint James Islands, and while they are ranked far below us and still winless, they did manage to shut Hicana out to a nil-all draw. The Suns will need to show the skill that we know they're capable of if they want to make sure of it and put this one to bed. If they should lose, we still have a comfortable buffer in the only positive goal differential in the group. Let's just hope we don't need to use it.

Until next time,
Toggs out.

by **Red Blackiland** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 9:22 am

Little Chronichle about the game v. Bears Armed and expectations against Abanhfleft!

After an invigorating victory against the team of Armed Bears (give the justification that losed because the smoke of the flares,probably is the first relevant soccer team where the players are made of 'sugar',and the smoke wasn't too big as they talked,so a lose is a lose =P) in a glorious 1-0 in the second half, the best style and with a mixture of 'charua claw' or 'Castellana claw' with a style 'Joga Bonito' team got three important points in walks, now the team is second place and can be classified in two ways: in the case of Red Blackiland draw with Abanhfleft, Bears Armed need to lose against Yttribia, or a victory put the team on-the second round.
The team had not been playing badly, but again had that spyrit team that we talked, that willpower or simply will,the power that we need to reach our goals and this are for any human or at least could be, for us would be to win and stay nearest to perform a beautiful campaign in Cup of Harmony.
It was a game of patience, peace and touches despite suffering many attacks Team of Armed Bears, the team knew how to defend and had tranquility and maturity demonstrated both secure the lead both to explore the attacks and make the first goal.With the atmosphere that our fans gave us, will certainly be a victory to remember and to raise the morale of the team and to follow this long and difficult journey.
Now the next opponent is Abanhfleft that is slaughtered and comes from two losses, and is still a new team coming from its first cycle, however, we will never underestimate an opponent, especially one coming off two losses to come excited to at least finish tournament with honor and will do everything, certainly, to make the game more complicated or maybe even start points, it can increase the KPB and ensure best performances for the team in the coming seasons!
The pitch is ours!

In the last minute...

This is a very inventive fictional text that reveals the mastery of forms of narration in fiction and which focuses on relevant aspects of football when understood as linguistic metaphor of life in some of its essential aspects. The imponderable element, present both in life and in the game; the force of circumstances in the definition of cases which reveal certain autonomy of the objects on the beings; impotence in the face of these facts on the ground that inform existence; the feel of a decisive time in the configuration states of no return in the permanent change of loved and things are finally a few of them placed on the agenda for this story.
Again the television language is required as a formal element and what stands out in this narrative, therefore, is the ability that television has to potentiate the effects of elapsed facts about consciousness and the psyche of those who participate in them. Either directly, increasing the impact of these effects in the depths of its protagonists; or indirectly, restating for us spectators (and now readers) multiple dimensions of these facts according to their recurrent and systematic repetition through the images that make up the - pass and pass - these modern times.
The case here is that of a goalkeeper who tells the story of an unusual move that involved him in a championship final match and that, precisely because it is predictable its course becomes unpredictable and hard impacts of its outcome in the human realm that player soccer. The story is nothing more than revive, by the goalkeeper character and narrator, the drama that took part and that, given the circumstances of his defining moment, try, by this narrative device, understand it in what he has to more incomprehensible and imponderable.
"Channel 5".

So,begins the narrative.

"It's a defense of them hit. The ball is high and falls pro Breno, our medium-supporter. He kills her chest, put on the floor and then loses the ball field. But no one will remember this: that the first failure was Marcelo. The ball is then for the playmaker them: Luiz Benicio. It is the moment of despair, the last minute. "

This excerpt, explain yourself - as, moreover, all that will be transcribed here - is the description, the narrator, the capital bid that starred and he watches after the TV cameras of the channels that broadcast. Note the use of imagery description of the TV to confer full objectivity to something within the character-narrator, is lived intensely subjective way.

"(...) It is a low shot, one bad center ... And I cry: 'leave for me!'. I closed the angle straight and fall on the ball. I feel the ball in my arms and chest. And I know the crowd will scream and applaud, venting nervousness, that last attack of the game. I have the safe ball firmly on my chest and suddenly feel that emptiness in the body. I'm grabbing the air. The ball escaping and penetrating very softly in goal. The ball does not even reach the network; she is quick stop there ... after the fatal line. "

How to not believe what happened, everything is literally transferred by the narrator again, this time through a very useful feature of television.

"CAMERA IN SLOW".

"(...) The left end of them, Marcelo, is so far from the ball that it seems impossible that can reach it. (...) The pass was so long [refers to pass the opponent Luiz Benicio done haphazardly, 'is one of those araques releases in haste in order to play, just to see what happens'] that even in video- tape, knowing the game, we expense to be convinced that it will arrive in time to touch the ball. Then I come now, this absurd feeling that can still happen all different, and correct my fault "

To achieve a cumulative effect of its drama - effect that widens as the story progresses - the narrator concludes, the description of what he saw through the channel 5: "I grabbed the ball, she's safe in my arms and my chest. We will be champions. They stop the tape just to show this: as I am calm with the ball. Right now, we are still the country's champions. "

The following narrative passages make the connection between their purely intrinsic dimension to football and human impact, already, what happened. Hence it is functionally interesting, the narrator change your view of perspective through the TV channel change.

"CHANNEL 3".

"Twenty-two minutes into the first half. My wife sits next to me and says for me to turn off the television and forget it all. 'Tomorrow is another day, "she says. Tomorrow is another day, I think. I'll go outside and see my picture in all the papers hanging on the stands: I preparing to defend that kick; I with the ball in his hands; I with the loose ball and already entering the goal. I, the culprit of defeat. I frangueiro, if not worse speak: I was sold. "

"When will start the second half, my wife shakes my hand and looks at me like sideways. I tell her to go to sleep, do not want pity from anyone. "

"Time passed, minute by minute. I hear that all the noise of the crowd and it's amazing how joy can turn into sorrow so suddenly. I think, also, how life decides sometimes a centimeter of space or in a split second. And me back the madness, the feeling of power change an already met destination, do everything differently. Skip that ball the other way, espalmá it to corner, even without necessity. "

Again the use of slow motion and video-tape to further intensify the drama feel lived and before the incomprehensible, try to understand it the motto it under many different angles:

"Tape stopped: I'm safe and hidden ball in his arms and under the body."

"Tape running slowly, you realize, at first, only the ball was deformed: it looks like an egg, with the tip appearing in my arms. It is as if the ball swell and so if unfolding of my body and gently trickling through the grass. Until it stops, capriciously, shortly after the fatal line "

"BEHIND THE GOL: In the midst of all hell, I turn back and I head down in front of photographers and cameramen. I feel like the world around me disappears. The world does not disappear. I cover my face with my hands and that's how that camera focuses me. I cover my face with my hands here sitting in front of the TV, showing me covering his face with his hands inside the lawn. "

Here is completed the mix of the three plans that involve the occurrence experienced by the character-narrator: the game itself, when the goalkeeper notes desolate unlikely goal that took; the man in the game when he feels the impact of fact on their shoulders and reacts powerless, literally helpless, and show game when their subjective pain is shown objectively by the merciless objective of the TV cameras.

Hence the narrator, to highlight all those elements involved in a modern game of football, and to compose a suitable mimesis its transfiguration by the literary word, has cleverly chosen the support of the television language and with it set the way through show logic, a moment that is individual experience becomes collective experience.

And to further expand the scope of its impact goalkeeper failure, and thereby expose more precisely the size of their inner pain, the narrator ends his story from another angle of view in the image gives way to the sound as the evidence for the narrated event, the effectiveness of tactile nature of the vehicle television, as advocated this medium, the thinker Marshall McLuhan. *

The ability to take advantage of the cumulative effect is the same with the repetitions of the capital scene taken to extremes.

"CHANNEL 8 - They opened the microphones and we clearly hear the cries of our fans, 'It's champion is champion'. A scream that will echo through the night in the city. But the opposing fans who will celebrate. "It's champion is champion ', the cry just changing from one side to the other of the stands."

(...)

"IN SLOW MOTION - (...) They return to the camera a lot of times. That ball that comes out of the bar and back to my arms and then to Canhotinho and his back to Luiz Henrique. That ball out again the feet of Luiz Henrique and roll to the left end and to the bottom line, where the Canhotinho hits her all crooked and left and then to my arms and then into the goal. "

"They pass on a lot of times the move. (...) As if it were to be repeated forever, like a nightmare. "

Simple theme, a relatively common event in football matches (the bid where the goalkeeper is betrayed by the ball, letting in a goal that everyone - including himself - assured defended: the so-called "chicken run"), the great point of this tale Sergio Sant'Anna is how to narrate it. A typical case where the shape illuminates the content. Content that the reader might notice, fabric here for a fable that is itself rich in extra meanings, and that consequently it jumps the category of a mere game event to the size of one of those little human dramas that more than TV cameras, only the lenses of good literature knows capture.

by **Furellum** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 9:45 am

Gheorghe Petran looked out of his high window down into the courtyard. It had been a week since he and his companions had moved into the tower of Lanchsazorld, and established it as a new mage's college. Gheorghe had, before the Corvidae uprising, been the Chancellor of Guldisall University, the principal college for the magical arts. But his position as a prominent politician, a member of the ruling Collegium Arcanus, had made him a target for the Corvidae. The Corvidae leader, Yuri Kedzierski, had steered a lot of the students to his side. The attack itself had taken the faculty by surprise, and many had died before they were even aware of what was going on. The fascist mages may have been students, but they were adepts in the craft of the battlemage. Few members of the teaching staff could make such a claim; after several centuries of peace, the arts were not often taught outside of the military, nor were they practiced.

The fascists might have taken the university that night, if it had not been for Alisa. A tutor in levitation spells, she got several of the staff out of their beds and into one of the halls, where she set wards on the entrances. That slowed the students down, and the teachers managed to raise the alarm. Now the battle was joined. Gheorghe, as Archmage, was an adept at battle magic, and he succeeded, with the help of a few others, to rescue some students from the student accommodation. Then they were under attack, and the largest magic battle Furellum had witnessed in 300 years began. Fireballs flew through the air and exploded in flames of red, green, or purple; bolts of lightning ripped from a cloudless sky; and spells of every description found their mark within the arks of the two groups. People were thrown into the air; or suddenly rendered mute and numb. Some were killed instantly, others died in slow agony from a variety of twisted spells. At first, Gheorghe thought they might turn the battle. His force had pushed the students attacking them back to the second flight, near the University's great hall. But that brought them close to the force attacking Alisa's position. Faced with the prospect of fighting a mage war on two fronts against superior forces, Gheorghe retreated down to the kitchens. A ward on the door as a magical barrier, as well as a physical barrier in the form of an upturned table, bought him some time.

Meanwhile Alisa had slipped out the back way with her cohort. Their aim had been to get to the chancellery, but as they crossed great hall they were caught. Trapped in the open, Alisa fought a desperate action against the students. Many of her fellow staff fell, but Alisa managed to hold them off long enough for her force to escape to the kitchen. There, they met up with Gheorghe's force.

They'd holed up there for two days, taking the fighting in shifts. On the third day, they risked an assault into great hall. Many of their force died, but Gheorghe and Alisa, with several others, made it to the chancellery. Gheorghe set up a magic portal, and transported everyone to the furthest place he could think of, Rodenia. From there, he'd heard rumours that some of the other members of the Collegium Arcanus had escaped and were headed to Ingridberg. So Gheorghe took those who were willing north, to join with them.

by **Bears Armed** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 10:17 am

(Marra SunDaughter) “Bear-on-a-stick!”
*<coughs>*
“I thought that our hosts had supposedly deported the firework-crazy element in the RedBlack’s travelling fandom after their first match here …”
*<coughs>*
“Two days after we played against them, and the smoke from those flares of theirs is still affecting me.
“Urrgah!”

(Marra Lightning) “Well maybeso they missed some of the fire-fiends, or maybeso some of the ones whod been kicked out managed to slip back in again… or, maybeso, it was simply that some of their friends decided to copy them… But anyhows, though, I agree, all that smoke definitely didn’t help urrs out there on the pitch during the game, neither, for true!
“Although, maybeso, certain of our other players were maybeso taking already things a little bit easier than they should have been, too, lulled into a false sense of security by how well we’d steamrrollerred Abanhleft the week before as well as by how defensively the RedBlacks had begun the match, when they “let” the goal that cost urrs the game get scored? ”

(Marra SunDaughter) “Ayyuh, I’d rreckon that some of them were, for true, naming no names… and not only have I already spoken to them about it but I gather that Ug-Ug and both of the Urras have had words with them about the matter as well. Shouldn’t happen again, anyhow… Good Spirits, hear me.”

(Marra SunDaughter) “May the Good Spirits hear you, indeed. Losing to a team that’s ranked so low rrrelative to urrs — at only One-eightSquared, two-eights-and-five’th, to our own FourEights-and-four’th — was embarrassing.
“So, anyhow, hwhat do you know about the side against hwhom we’re playing next, Yttribia? They’re ranked at FiveEights-and-six’th, not that far below urrs… Anything else that I should know?”

(Marra SunDaughter) “They’re another all-Human team, like both of the two sides hwhom we’ve already faced here; they’re another team hwhom we’ve never met on the football field before this contest, again like both of the others in ourr current group; they favour a slightly more attacking style than either of those other teams, although less so than urrs… and the Ravens have brought in some film footage of both their previous matches here. A bunch of urrs are going to take a look at that film tonight, and decide hwhether it’s worth sitting the whole team down to watch after training tomorrow: Interested?”

(Marra Lightning) “Ayyuh, I am. The team’s shared lounge after first-supper, would that be”

(Marra SunDaughter) “Ayyuh, it is.”

(Marra Lightning) “Hokay, I’ll be there.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

OOC: for those of you who don't already know, "Bear-on-a-stick!" is rrrather serious swearing for an Ursine. It refers to Artos Ursios, the Ursion religion's 'Christ' figure, and to how he was martyred [temporarily] by the Romaines using the method of impalement.

by **Red Blackiland** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 11:16 am

Peter Valbuena gives a inspirated text in the press conference

So,after the win against the 'allergic to smoke' team,Peter Valbuena,at the press conference before the match against Abanhfleft and after the match against Bears Armed,gives us a moment that he talked about the team moment,expectations for the next games,and the last win.
'' Our life is a constant battle. We have to grow in personal, professional life and still be felizes.Algumas achievements are with difficulty other easier. In football results can be positive or negative. And we've trained and played with joy already discovered this.
With negative realized how much we needed to improve in order to reach positive results, and these confirm our perception capacity and overcoming erros.Outras negative results are sure to come, but today you are able to realize that there is a huge difference between negative and defeats.
Games are for people who consider themselves unbeatable, perfect and seeking no new negative aprendizagens.Resultados are part of the project to succeed. Victoria is the sum of the negative to the positive coming to personal improvement. We are our victory.
Winning is realize our ability to reverse situations, to recognize our limits and can unite the exciting activity of playing football with the joy of growing as people, as a friend (a) s, as a student (a) as a child (a) s.
I'm sure this semester had besides a lot of happiness, a great lesson: If you ever meet with negative results not confundiremos with defeats because we are always victorious.
Every time we took the field either for training or for play, we win. Every time we pulled the ball or make a pass, and shout a goal we were victorious. Each time you finish a match, we opened a smile or a hug received by the result be it negative or positive, we were victorious.
So now we will train more, run more, play more times the ball, scream more goals and fight for our victory is increasingly done with positive results. ''

And Red Blackiland Infamous Ultras Pyroshows was banned from Felix stadiums,only allowed mosaics and other things.''We only will make mosaics and choreo's at CUP OF HARMONY,but in the next qualifiers we will return,if possible,with the famous pyroshows.We made all the possible for not hit any fan,and certainly we don't make it.Our pyros are organziated with very caution by very experienced peoples.But we know that in the game against Yttribia,for this modern football atmosphere standard,we exagerated a bit,two or three flares fell near the goal defended by Hargreaves,if really need,we offer our sorry about this to the Felixian Association.

by **Star United States** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 2:50 pm

The Rise and Fall
Chapter 3, Part 3

Jarille - Military Docks - Blun Communist State

“Sir, the plan is underway.”
“Good, good. Splendid.”
“Are they in?”
“Sir, they are.”
“Begin Plan SD.”
“Yes, sir.”

Military Headquarters - Republic of Star United States, Islands

“Sir, we’re in.”
“Good. Did we lose any ships?”
“Negative.”
“Airplanes?”
“Unconfirmed.”
“Soldiers?”
“Many, number is unconfirmed.”

Capital Square - Stary Bay, R. Star United States

President Steven Tyson spoke before the islands. He presented the following speech of war before the awaiting Republic:

“The Federal Republic fell to the Blun Communist State after a harsh, and brutal attack on the glorious capital, City of Star. Thousands of lives were lost that day. The day the war begun. We are here as successors of the Federal Republic,here in refuge on these beautiful islands. It is our time to act.

We have made our move. I am here to announce that we did not start this war, nor do we want it. They started it on the day City of Star was attacked. It’s hard to grasp because the enemy is one of us. We are Starians, but so are they. We are launching military actions in order to gain the lost territory back. This will be a diffcult task.

All civilians have been sent to guarded villages on the mainland, and everyone is assumed to be a suspect. However, we are not planning to spill innocent blood, unless if it is the last option. We hope not to take that option.

Our goal is to annihilate the currently forms of governments on the mainland. Long live Star United States.”

Letter to the legislative capital of the Esportivan Union, Dwile, Apox

Republic of Star United States
Star United States Islands
Official Letter
To: Head of Esportivan Union
From: President Steven Tyson, R. Star United States, Islands
Greetings:

Sadly, we were unable to attend the conference meeting for the launching of the Esportivan Union. However, word has reached me stating that we were presented as “the Starian Federal Republic.” The Federal Republic has ceased to exist on the day the Blun Communist State attacked, and almost destroyed the capital, City of Star. We have continued on without the title “Federal.” I kindly ask you to please remove it.

As you might be aware, Star United States is currently in a civil war, sadly. I’ll like to remind that the mainland is not part of the Esportivan Union, but the islands, where the Republic is located, is.

Thank you,

Steven Tyson
President of the Republic of Star United States
Star United States Islands

by **Turori** » Fri Jan 02, 2015 3:32 pm

EELS THROUGHT TO KNOCKOUTS
Atla-Siioai off to 'Perfect' Start in Coaching Career

The list of accolades on the resume of Mumau Atla-Siioai was certainly impressive. The former Turoki United goalkeeper turned heads during Vilitan League Season 37 when he almost single-handedly led an unheralded Turoki United side to a Vilitan Cup triumph. It was an almost fairy-tale game for Atla-Siioai, who led Turoki United to victory over the Kionao Locals, the very side which Atla-Siioai had played for as a young trainee before making the move to the Stellar Division with Turoki United.

From there, Atla-Siioai would lead Turoki from between the sticks to two Vilitan Stellar Division titles, another Vilitan Cup trophy and a pair of Tropical Trophy victories.

There were also the almost's for Atla-Siioai - the Turorian goalkeeper brought his domestic club to great new heights - but couldn't literally do it all. The cohesive local amateur-turned-professional players around him put together an incredible run in the 53rd Champions Cup, falling 1-0 to 1896 Ebor in The Royal Barangay. They would then follow it up with an even more heartbreaking 1-0 defeat after extra time to Eura's Ulsa in the 51st Globe Cup final the following season.

Now, with Atla-Siioai retiring from domestic competition at the conclusion of V-League season 46, and retiring from the National Team after the World Cup 70 qualifiers, the former #1 goalkeeper in the world will look to follow in the footsteps of Vilita's Nycflala Kater, who famously put down the gloves and traded them for a clipboard, and finishing his first competition in charge with a trophy: World Cup 68.

While the stakes aren't as high for Atla-Siioai, taking control of an Eels side that disappointingly missed out on the World Cup Finals, the new Turori Head Coach will still have lofty expectations on him, as it has been the greater part of 7 decades of continuary time - generations of passing, since Turori last lifted an International Competition trophy.

Turori Goalscorers::
19' Inlite Makakio
24' Aiden Varess
44' Kigaoua Oalalka
63' Inamari Altariiz
Schottia Goalscorers::
39' Gaston Avelione
36' Jon Foton
Turori
Best Player: Kigaoua Oalalka
Worst Player: Tarek Edgeli
Shots on Target: 7
Corner Kicks: 10

The anticipation was evident as there was a contingent of Turorian fans who made the trip to Stadia Volker in Felix for the opening match against Schottia.

Schottia were an unknown entity in general to the Eels, but it wasn't of much consequence because it would really be all new for Atla-Siioai who would be getting a new perspective on the pitch from the half line for the first time in his career, making the rare switch from player to National Team manager without ever serving as a coach or assistant domestically.

The start could probably have been better for Atla-Siioai, the 4-2 victory exposing some defensive shortcomings but still resulting in the requisite collection of 3 points in the group table.

With his side leading 2-1 at the half, Atla-Siioai gave a debut cap to young defensive trainee Yitizo Mpala'a. Expected to sign for a Vilitan League side in the near future, Mpala'a is one of a slew of young trainees commissioned out of the Eelandii Academy, an unaffiliated academy with the sole aim and intent of developing Turorian talent, and keeping that talent in Turori.

Turori Eels Lineup v. Schottia ::
[GK] G.Q Disterfred II, [D] Tarek Edgeli, [D] Oani Moralziia, [D] Dmitri Levada, [UT] Klaillal Tuirma, [ML] Inlite Makakio, [MC] Kigaoua Oalalka, [MC] Aiden Varess, [MR] Etamara Kulkkiia, [FC] Enluta Makakio, [FC] Inamari Altariiz
BENCH::
[FC] Mirana Gotuai, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M] Timi'sala Koarena, [M] Nubara Moafalia, [UT] Yitizo Mpala'a, [D] Inaosnaa Klanoa, [GK] Sharif Deniibo

Turori Substitutions::
(45) - Tarek Edgeli >>> Yitizo Mpala'a
(59) - Inlite Makakio >>> Nubara Moafalia
(64) - Klaillal Tuirma >>> Timi'sala Koarena

Having built some momentum with their opening victory, Atla-Siioai knew that a win over Neu Engollon on matchday 2 would secure his sides place in the knockout rounds, and allow the comfort and flexibility to experiment during the third and final match of the group stage against Ceni.

The lineup that Atla-Siioai put out for the match against Neu Engollon reflected the importance that the rookie head coach was placing on the match, notably leaving out the young Eelandii Academy trainees not only from the lineup, but even from the bench places.

It was all about experience for Atla-Siioai and once again his players got the job done, with a second straight 4-2 victory to put the Eels on 6 points and stamp their ticket into the knockout rounds.

It was still somewhat uncharacteristic for the Eels, typically more comfortable with slim 1-0 victories - the last thing that anyone expected with "Mr. 1-0" Mumao Atla-Siioai in charge was for the Eels to score 8 goals and concede four over a two game span.

Nonetheless, a weight was lifted off the shoulders of the new coach. His side were through and he had one more game to 'mess around' before facing his first elimination game.

Turori [4] - [2] Neu Engollon

Best Player: Inamari Altariiz
Worst Player: Etamara Kulkkiia
Shots on Target: 7
Corner Kicks: 8

Turori Goalscorers::
7' Enluta Makakio
44' Nubara Moafalia
57' Inamari Altariiz
72' Etamara Kulkkiia

Turori Eels Lineup v. Neu Engollon ::
[GK] G.Q Disterfred II, [D] Tarek Edgeli, [D] Inaosnaa Klanoa, [D] Geafi Laina-Sola, [UT] Klaillal Tuirma, [ML] Etamara Kulkkiia, [MC] Kigaoua Oalalka, [MC] Aiden Varess, [MR] Nubara Moafalia, [FC] Inamari Altariiz, [FC] Enluta Makakio
BENCH::
[FC] Mirana Gotuai, [FC] Matlya Eelador, [M] Inlite Makakio, [M] Teliima Loinara, [UT] Oani Moralziia, [D] Dmitri Levada, [GK] Sharif Deniibo

Cup of Harmony 62 - Everything Thread

Chapter 3, Part 3

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