Baptism of Fire 58 - RPs/Rosters/Results Thread

[Equestrian States]

MATCH DAY 4
GROUPS A-C RESULTS

Group A

Varmelle 1–3 San Llera
at Shady Grove in Whitetail, EQS

Frenline Delpha 3–0 Windsor Islands
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

Erbsted & Calcoon 2–0 Albagaria
at Manehattan Industrial Park in Manehattan, EQS

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 San Llera                4   4  0  0    9   2  +7   12   P
2 Varmelle                 4   3  0  1   10   4  +6    9   P
3 Frenline Delpha          4   3  0  1    6   5  +1    9   P
4 Erbsted & Calcoon        4   1  0  3    4   7  −3    3   E
5 Albagaria                4   0  1  3    1   5  −4    1   E
6 Windsor Islands          4   0  1  3    2   9  −7    1   E

Group B

Korchayk 3–0 Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
at Star Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

Flick Jostle 2–0 Sylvackia
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, EQS

El Gregoria 0–0 Seventeen Syllables
at Wild Grounds in Everfree, EQS

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Korchayk                 4   3  1  0   11   3  +8   10   Q
2 Sylvackia                4   2  1  1   13   7  +6    7
3 Flick Jostle             4   2  0  2    5   4  +1    6
4 A.S.C.S.                 4   2  0  2    6   9  −3    6
5 El Gregoria              4   1  1  2    2   6  −4    4
6 Seventeen Syllables      4   0  1  3    3  11  −8    1   E

Group C

Eupheos Anetus 0–0 Matthewsiania
at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, EQS

Kazirstan 0–5 Flardania
at Sky-High Coliseum in Cloudsdale, EQS

Vermark 0–1 Velstaende
at Derby Field in Manehattan, EQS

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Matthewsiania            4   3  1  0    5   1  +4   10   Q
2 Flardania                4   2  1  1    7   2  +5    7
3 Velstaende               4   2  1  1    2   1  +1    7
4 Vermark                  4   2  0  2    4   4   0    6
5 Eupheos Anetus           4   1  1  2    3   3   0    4
6 Kazirstan                4   0  0  4    0  10 −10    0   E

Clinched Round of 16
Clinched Playoff
Eliminated

[The Hakifao Isles]

Insøvandeshölm Oncological Center - Insøvandeshölm, Vjaalsbürg

Herlek had been standing in the plush white lobby for fifteen minutes, and there wasn't a single sign that the room was inhabited by physicians. One had the impression of looking out onto a field of snow, with cunningly-fashioned snow furniture dotted around the field, yet the leading medical experts in the north seemed to have vanished beneath it.

He tapped a toe on the carpet impatiently, then glanced at the lobby television. Hakifao was leading the Vjaals two-one at the half, with some admirably biased commentary that apparently came straight from the most racist commentators Vjaalsbürg had ever known. It looked like the team would win their first Reunion Cup and qualify for the Baptism of Fire, which was nice. Perhaps, if he managed to stick around long enough, Herlek might even be around to see them hoist some silverware at the competition...an admirable goal, but he shook the thought from his mind and continued to hang awkwardly about the room.

By the time somebody told him to come in, the Starlings, by virtue of a Daniel Niemi goal on a one-on-one with Andreas Haugen, the Vjaal keeper, were up three-one with merely ten minutes remaining - onscreen, the commentators let fly bitter slurs, "****ing Arendellenske puppets" and "****y ********ers" included. Silently furious, he watched as the Hakifaos continued to completely overpower the Blue Eagles on both sides of the pitch, the clock guiding them ever-closer to their first ERC victory.

"Er, Mr. Korhonen, Mr. Herlek Korhonen?" a small attendant - barely out of college - appeared at the lobby entrance.

"About time," he muttered, and followed the attendant in. He needed some good news for a change, and Dr. Sven Carlsson was the right man to give it...

[Mizuyuki]

MATCH DAY 4
GROUPS D-F RESULTS

Group D

Nurkama 3–3 Fratton
at Kagura Arashi Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki

Maretta 9–1 Aynard
at Samukawa Municipal Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki

The Sword Bloke 1–7 Pridnestrovia
at Mirania Infinitia Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki

  Group D                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Fratton                            4   3  1  0    6   3  +3   10
2 Pridnestrovia                      4   3  0  1   16   3 +13    9
3 Maretta                            4   2  1  1   14   5  +9    7
4 The Sword Bloke                    4   1  1  2    3   9  −6    4
5 Nurkama                            4   0  2  2    3   7  −4    2
6 Aynard                             4   0  1  3    1  16 −15    1

Group E

Sargkisia 0–1 Hakifao
at Amaya Skylight Dome, Amaya, Mizuyuki

Palfania 1–0 Walkany
at Koiiro Aisaka Stadium, Amaya, Mizuyuki

Sovereign-Socialist Republics 1–3 Szavoda
at Iridiscia Central Park, Amaya, Mizuyuki

  Group E                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Szavoda                            4   3  1  0    8   1  +7   10
2 Hakifao                            4   2  1  1    4   3  +1    7
3 Sargkisia                          4   2  1  1    9   5  +4    7
4 Palfania                           4   2  1  1    3   5  −2    7
5 Walkany                            4   0  1  3    3   7  −4    1
6 Sovereign-Socialist Republics      4   0  1  3    3   9  −6    1

Group F

Thibaut 0–1 Renatiem
at Shiha Kisaragi Stadium, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

Walamzia 1–0 Aloquirbe
at Mirai-kan, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

Waterandearthstan 0–2 Palmeria
at Sonico Athletics Stadium, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

  Group F                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Thibaut                            3   3  0  0    3   0  +3    9
2 Renatiem                           3   2  0  1    5   1  +4    6
3 Waterandearthstan                  3   1  0  2    1   4  −3    3
4 Walamzia                           3   1  0  2    1   2  −1    3
5 Aloquirbe                          3   1  0  2    1   3  −2    3
6 Palmeria                           3   1  0  2    1   2  −1    3

[Flardania]

Ouvrir Les Vannes!, Flardania wins big in important matchup against Kazirstan 5-0
Français|日本語|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Manager Hikaru Kyosuke all smiles after win

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Matthewsiania            4   3  1  0    5   1  +4   10   Q
2 Flardania                4   2  1  1    7   2  +5    7
3 Velstaende               4   2  1  1    2   1  +1    7
4 Vermark                  4   2  0  2    4   4   0    6
5 Eupheos Anetus           4   1  1  2    3   3   0    4
6 Kazirstan                4   0  0  4    0  10 −10    0   E

Clinched Round of 16 Clinched Playoff Eliminated
The Kitsunes currently second in Group C

Cloudsdale, Equestrian States- Flardania's fourth game in the Baptism of Fire where losing would put Flardania in a very bad position showed they can play well here in Cloudsdale. After losing 1-0 in heartbreaking fashion to Matthewsiania, the Kitsunes returned to Sky-High Coliseum here in Cloudsdale with 30,000 devouted Kitsunes fans braved the strange field conditions hoping to be in control of their destiny with a win against Kazirstan.The Otaku Army were vocal as drums, chants, banzuri's, and giant anime posters of Key Players were draped in the fan section. Flardania struck early in the 5th minute with a goal by Joseph Yabuta. Things went down hill for Kazirstan as the Kitsunes would go on to win 0-5 Yabuta (5), Osada (20), Gyeong Kim (50), Yabuta (55) and Ichikawa (63). Coach Kyosuke was elated with the win and is focus on his next opponets.

"....This was a very important win as we are now in charge of our own destinies. We don't have to hope on team losses or not. All we have to do is just win and maybe even draw against Vermark. I want our players to be focus as we can do this, we can win, we can advanced. We are almost out of the Group stages."

The Kitsunes next opponent is the 4th place Vermark hounds. A win would clinch a group exit, a draw can either clinch a group exit or send the Kitsune to the third place knock out round and a loss would be very unfortunate. The Kitsunes prepare to play their final group match in elements stadium in Ponyville For those at home games can be seen on Nagatomo Sport Network (NSN) and Saito Broadcast Channel (SBC) in Japanese or French. For those seeking english broadcast check local network listings.

Article by: Timothy Norfolk

[Frenline Delpha]

Frenline Delpha 3–0 Windsor Islands
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 San Llera                4   4  0  0    9   2  +7   12   P
2 Varmelle                 4   3  0  1   10   4  +6    9   P
3 Frenline Delpha          4   3  0  1    6   5  +1    9   P
4 Erbsted & Calcoon        4   1  0  3    4   7  −3    3   E
5 Albagaria                4   0  1  3    1   5  −4    1   E
6 Windsor Islands          4   0  1  3    2   9  −7    1   E
Clinched Round of 16
Clinched Playoff
Eliminated[/quote]

The Anacondas swiftly moved past an absent Windsor Island team. In fatc, the game was so uneventful that any article here would be equally dull, so here is all you need to know:

1'-Darnel Samson
5'-Russman Stuelen
10'-Smith Cripes

Albagaria under Investigation for Honey Badger Drone

[Trans-Dniesters]

ПРИДНЕСТРОВСКАЯ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНАЯ НОВОСТИ АГЕНЦИЯ
PRIDNESTROVSKAYA TSENTRALNAYA NOVOSTI AGENTSIYA
PRIDNESTROVIAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY

PRIDNESTROVIA SCORES HIGH AGAINST THE SWORD BLOKE TO SECURE 7-1 WIN
By Gustav Tyumenov


Vladislav Bogomolov of Pridnestrovia swerves to avoid a tackle from The Sword Bloke's Ormond Langford in Mirania Infinita Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki.

KAGURA, MIZUYUKI - Pridnestrovia has seemed to score very high games when they are playing their games in the Mirania Infinita Stadium in Kagura, Mizuyuki, and this game against The Sword Bloke has seemed to prove this theory true.

Boyan Radev scored his and Pridnestrovia's first international hat-trick in this game, sealing the victory long before the first half was even over. Peter Schermer, Vladislav Bogomolov, and David Somogyi contributed to their nation's victory by adding four more goals to the tally in the second half. Owen Greene was the only person on his team that managed to get a goal past the steadfast hands of Svyatoslav Alkaev, and obviously his first half effort wasn't enough to energize his team.

Radev opened up the scoring in the 10th minute after netting in a header from a Yaroslav Wasylyshyn cross. Radev scored his second just five minutes later after slotting in the ball in the low right corner from Peter Schermer's backheel pass. Radev completed his hat trick in the 17th minute by making a 29-yard free kick after he was brought down by Brian Fortulus.

Owen Greene caught a long pass from Fortulus in the 43rd minute and slotted the ball past Svyatoslav Alkaev, who had made a rare defensive mistake by running for the ball instead of just staying still between the posts.

Peter Schermer got a goal of his own in the 48th minute after graciously accepting a short pass from Radev in front of the mouth of goal. Vladislav Bogomolov nodded in another goal in the 55th minute. Substitute midfielder David Somogyi got lucky and let his knee deflect the ball into the net after a corner kick from Wasylyshyn in the 60th minute. Schermer scored his second goal and sealed the game with a lofty lob in the 70th minute.

"Of course we would win this game," manager Werner Ceausescu said in the post-game press conference. "But we were certainly not expecting this scoreline! Now, just one more win against Nurkama, and we will be through to the knockout stages."

Pridnestrovia's next game will be against Nurkama at Kagura Arashi Stadium in Kagura, Mizuyuki. The match will be broadcast live on the PCNA television channel at 4 PM.

 THE SWORD BLOKE 1 - 7 PRIDNESTROVIA
OWEN GREEN (43')       BOYAN RADEV (10', 15', 17')
                       PETER SCHERMER (48', 70')
                       VLADISLAV BOGOMOLOV (55')
                       DAVID SOMOGYI (60')

PRIDNESTROVIA
GK: Alkaev
RB: Gavrilyuk (Sas - 57')
CB: Vasilyev
LB: Petrov (Chownyk - 50')
RM: Anghelescu
RDM: Wasylyk
CDM: Lukacs
LDM: Bogomolov
LM: Wasylyshyn
CF: Radev (Hlushko - 75')
CF: Schermer

SUBSTITUTES
GK: Abbing
RB: Sas
LB: Chownyk
CM: Funar
LM: Pajari
CF: Hlushko
CF: Tiryaki

THE SWORD BLOKE
GK: Haklim
DEF: Fortulus
DEF: Langford
DEF: Antle
DEF: Hayward
MID: Bell
MID: Barnet
MID: Greene
FW: McAldo
FW: Craig
FW: Kondrii

SUBSTITUTES
GK: J. Harley
DEF: C. Harley
DEF: Nicholas
MID: Johnson
MID: Horne
FW: Darwin
FW: Haigh

MATCH STATS
Possession
The Sword Bloke: 56%
Pridnestrovia: 44%
Shots
The Sword Bloke: 9 (1 on target)
Pridnestrovia: 15 (9 on target)
Corners
The Sword Bloke: 5
Pridnestrovia: 17
Fouls
The Sword Bloke: 5
Pridnestrovia: 13

[Fratton]

"And so Fratton qualifies for the next round of the Baptism of Fire, even after an exciting 3-3 draw against Nurkama. But they are still not guaranteed to win Group D, for that they'll have to beat Maretta or hope Pridnestrovia loses or draw in their final match.

2 goals from Bolt Daniels and 1 from sub George McGuire managed to secure Fratton's best scoring game, despite being 2-1 down at half time after a disappointing defensive performance. Tides turned in the second half, and had it not been for a 89th minute equaliser for Pridnestrovia, Fratton would have won the group there and then.

The team refused to comment for media either, but not because of poor performance, but because of the rude comments made by FBC Sports pundit Jacob Harrison last night, in which he said the team was "racist, unprofessional and shit". FBC Sports has confirmed he was drinking beer during the game in a secret hide-out area in the stadium. FBC Sports have launched an investigation, but the fact he hasn't been sacked meant the players did not want to speak last night.

We hope to resolve the situation resolves in time for their final group game against Maretta. They have qualified, but can they win the group........"

[Frenline Delpha]

Frenline Delpha drops out of the BoF due to a newly inputted law of isolationism.
Edit: We trust no one. We shall continue with the torunament until its conclusion.

[Korchayk]

Sports

BoF 58; Korchayk Qualify For Round 16 By Beating A.S.C.S.
By Jaledar Papatya
Korchayk's fourth game in the Baptism of Fire versus Affiliated South Califan Sprawls ended with Korchayk beating their opponents 3-0. As a result of Korchayk's victory, Korchayk have qualified for Round 16 of the Baptism of Fire, the first from Group B. This momentous achievement occurred at another different stadium and city. The match was played at Star Stadium in the capital city of the Equestrian States, Canterlot. Star Stadium, home to the Canterlot Stars, can hold up to 59,250 fans. Nearly 30,000 Korchayki fans were present in the stadium but, for the first time in the competition, were matched for rowdiness by the Affiliated South Califan Sprawlsian supporters.

Formation
Rauf Zafer Tangör, the Korchayki manager, changed the formation and team yet again. Reverting to his preferred formation of 4-5-1, Tangör kept Görkem Konnur in the team. Bafun Vahit was dropped to the bench again, so Omay Ubeydullah and Dalan Şehsuvar reformed their defence partnership. Hakan Peyami came back into the side, with Tangör dropping Ahmed Iğla. Koray Zihni replaced Mustafa Faik at right back. Demir İlaydın played as the centre defensive midfielder with Osman Hakkı and Şadan Yahya positioned in the attacking midfield roles. Behind the attacking midfielders, Kâmil Gazanfer and Tanyel Işılak were positioned as the left and right midfielders respectively. Just Yusuf Zinnur played as a striker due to Sadık Saadeddin picking up a slight knock in the previous match. Ali Uktu, Ahmed Iğla, Bafun Vahit, Mustafa Faik, Jek Rıfkı, Hüseyin Akgüç and Sadık Saadeddin were the substitutes for this match.

Match Report
Korchayk kicked off the match, the fans roaring with excitement. They and the players knew that, if they won this match, they would qualify for Round 16. The Korchayki players began to play with this pressure and excitement very much on their shoulders. However, after a few poor passes and scuffed shots, the team began to settle down. This was not true for the Affiliated South Califan Sprawlsian team, who played skittishly and never looked like getting into the game. This was confirmed by Korchayk scoring their first goal in the twentieth minute. Yet again, it was Yusuf Zinnur who did the business. Kâmil Gazanfer whipped the ball in towards Zinnur. A simple flicked header was all that was needed to score and put Korchayk 1-0 up. The rest of the half passed relatively uneventfully, with the notable exception of Dalan Şehsuvar having his header from a Tanyel Işılak corner cleared off the line.

Affiliated South Califan Sprawls kicked the second half off. Despite one expecting Oswaldo Garabona to inspire his team to perform better via a half time talk, Affiliated South Califan Sprawls were as poor as ever. Korchayk, however, were superb. Quickly, Korchayk gave themselves a two goal leeway. In the fifty third minute, Osman Hakkı got on the end of a great Şadan Yahya through ball. Osman rounded the Affiliated South Califan Sprawlsian 'keeper simply and just tapped it into the back of the net. Affiliated South Califan Sprawls did not react to this and, if anything, capitulated. Korchayk dominated the game and did not seem to need to score. But, in the seventy first minute, Demir İlaydın was brought down fifty yards from goal. Tanyel Işılak, the first choice free kick taker, stood over the ball. He whipped the ball in at great speed. Omay Ubeydullah rose above his marker and rocketed the header in. After going 3-0 up, Korchayk passed the ball around and waited for the clock to run down. When the final whistle went, the Korchayki fans roared with delight. They and the players, who were celebrating like they'd won the world cup, knew they were in Round 16, no matter the outcome of the match against Seventeen Syllables.

Korchayk's Friendly Fixture List

• KORCHAYK versus Fratton (20/2/15). Result - 2-1
• Fratton versus KORCHAYK (22/2/15). Result - 3-3
• KORCHAYK versus Fratton (24/2/15) Result - 1-2
• Fratton versus KORCHAYK (26/2/15). Result - 0-2

Korchayk's Baptism of Fire Group Fixture List

• Flick Jostle versus KORCHAYK (28/2/15). Played at Wild Grounds, Everfree. Result - 0-1
• KORCHAYK versus Sylvackia (1/3/15). Played at Wild Grounds, Everfree. Result - 3-3
• El Gregoria versus KORCHAYK (2/3/15). Played at Diamond Park, Stalliongrad. Result - 0-4
• KORCHAYK versus Affiliated South Califan Sprawls (3/3/15). Played at Star Stadium, Canterlot. Result - 3-0
• Seventeen Syllables versus KORCHAYK (4/3/15). To be played at Star Stadium, Canterlot. Result - ?

Group B Table

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 KORCHAYK                 4   3  1  0   11   3  +8   10   Q
2 Sylvackia                4   2  1  1   13   7  +6    7
3 Flick Jostle             4   2  0  2    5   4  +1    6
4 A.S.C.S.                 4   2  0  2    6   9  −3    6
5 El Gregoria              4   1  1  2    2   6  −4    4
6 Seventeen Syllables      4   0  1  3    3  11  −8    1   E

[The Sword Bloke]

OK, THIS ISN'T REALITY
Swordean fans were in tears last night following a humongous 7-1 loss to Pridnestovia in the BoF. Owen Green scored in the 43rd Minute, but that wasn't enough for the Swordeans to go close to victory. The whole round was cray-cray, with Nurkama and Fratton tying 3-3 & Maretta going CoD style on Aynard, winning 9-1. In fact, the Swordeans need this craziness to continue tonight to go through, needing to score at least six goals to have a chance of getting in, which unfortunately seems ultra rare.

[Walkany]

O'nielle was seen at the touchline after the final whistle blew, head shaking. His curly borwn hair was matted to his burning forehead. As The Gators walked off of the field, fans could see them talking angrily while the Palfanian team was cheering along the crowd, with big smiles. Coeman was leaning against the goal post, face in hands. Gourde, Gones, and Shawn consoled him. Irkovic was gesturing wildly at the Palfania players, claiming they had payed off the referee. Xavi had a lone tear rolling down his face. Haphazard looked down as he walked into the tunnel. He was clenching his fists. Walkany, despite having one game left, had no chance to move on. With a third loss in a row, their international debut was cut short. After a long while, the team emerged from the stadium, solemnly walking to their bus. Only a few reporters remained. Only one had the courage to ask questions. He cautiously approached O'nielle at the back of the line of players and dared to tap him on the shoulder. O'nielle raised his eyebrows, acknowledging the reporter with a slight turn of his head.

Reporter:Mr. O'nielle, m-may I ask a f-few questions?

O'nielle:(after a long pause) Calm down, boy. I won't bite your head off. The game was spectacular. We had a perfect game. We attacked well, and defended better. After twelve shots on goal, you would have expected at least one of them to go through. Especially when their goal keeper's profession isn't even football! Bah, it just wasn't our day.

Reporter:(after seeming to have gained some confidence)Palfania's final goal by Bloomfield in the ninetieth minute lost Walkany the match and qualification to the p-playoff round. Was the goal fair?

O'nielle:The goal was completely fair. It was incredible how hard Bloomfield worked the entire match. I have a saying 'It is okay if someone can out do you, but there is no excuse for someone to out work you'. Bloomfield worked harder than both teams combined. His technical skill wasn't perfect. He didn't need it though. Our defenders could just not keep up with him. Their other striker, Deyne, was the complete opposite. We covered him easily. He never got a shot off the entire match.

Reporter:(beginning to stand straighter) How does your team feel now? What did you say to them in the locker room?

O'nielle:(now standing outside the bus as it was prepared to leave) I told them it was a good game. It was a tough game. We were surprised. Palfania looked like a team we could beat. I told them that this is just our first international competition. I don't want them to think we can't win. Eddy stood up after I was finished and told the team to make one final push in our last game. We know this is a winnable game. He told them that we can show Walkany that we will win big trophies in the future. It's just a matter of time. It's a matter of experience. Eddy really encouraged everybody to train extra hard before the next game. He wants us to get the win, one way, or another.

Reporter:Jurgen Coeman has performed well during the Baptism of Fire, but has only managed one clean sheet in four games. Why not allow de Bull to play?

O'nielle:de Bull is an exceptional goal keeper, but he is no leader on the field. I have worked with him on this and he has gotten much better over the course of the competition. I still see his pessimism though. He says many negative things. It doesn't help the team during a game. Jurgen can really get the team riled up and ready for a game or a remaining half of the game. The two of them only have one year of play in the Super Liga, although I'm not sure how much they played in the unofficial leagues before that. If de Bull can become a leader, he would be in contention for Jurgen's spot. So far, Jurgen is still in for the next game.

Reporter:(the bus was ready and everybody was fluffing up pillows or wrapping themselves in blankets for the ride to the hotel. O'nielle began up the steps of the bus and stopped when the reporter asked one last question) There are rumors going around social media websites that Palfania payed off the referee. Do you agree?

O'nielle:(scoffing he said)No. They played a hard, fair game. Bloomfield scored an exceptional goal and we didn't. The referee did his job well. He called the actual fouls and kept the whistle quiet when players simulated. I like that. There were no cards, which I also like. It was not a terribly rough game, although Crowley looked like he might have fouled Irkovic in the penalty area. I saw the replay in the locker room and Crowley had gotten the ball first. It was a good game from both teams and the referee. It's as simple as that.

O'nielle and his team left on the bus, quickly driving away from the stadium. There was no singing on the way to the hotel that night. The players quietly prepared themselves for the next days training.

[Maretta]

MARETTA POST

MARETTA STAYS ALIVE IN TOURNAMENT

by Stanley Grace

Maretta has stayed alive in hopes of progressing to the next round of the Baptism of Fire following a great display of football Tuesday. 9-1 read the scoreboard when the referee blew the final whistle of the game, which sent the Aynard side on the bottom of Group D with only 1 point in 4 matches played.

It only took Maretta 4 minutes to net their first in the net following some neat combination play on the left wing between Sterling and Wallace. This lead to a cross which Tyler Thomas calmly volleyed into the top corner. Twelve minutes later Michael Mayes scored from 26 yards after a poor clearance from Aynards central defense. Another goal was scored by Maretta, when Jaden Ross scored from heading in a cross; Brandon Pierce was credited with the assist. At halftime, Maretta lead Aynard 3-0; possession being dominated by the winning side, 72%-28%.

The second half didn't see much difference in who was dominating. Maretta added another goal to their tally 10 minutes in the second half when Jaden Ross beat the keeper following a penalty kick calmly slotted into the bottom right corner. Michael Mayes scored his second of the night cutting through the defense and putting the ball between the keepers legs in the 68th minute. It wasn't until the 71st that Aynard caught a break when Player #10 scored from a free kick. Five minutes after that however, Maretta answered when Tyler Thomas went around the keeper to score his second goal of the game.

Substitutions were made in the 80th when Tyler Thomas and Jaden Ross came out; Christopher Clemens and Joseph Watson being the replacements. It only took two minutes for Clemens to score when he broke free on the left wing and managed to curl a shot to the far post; which surely had to be nominated as one of the goals of the tournament. In the 89th came a cross from Michael Mayes to Clemens who surely didn't disappoint; flicking the ball over the stretching arms of Aynards goalie. The final goal of the game was scored by Dylan Humphrey; towering over Aynards defense to head in a corner kick.

Marettas manager Jason Grant was quite a happy person at the post game press conference; clearly motivated by his teams performance.

"All I can say is wow. It's great when you win a game, but when the scoreline reads 9-1 after 90 minutes clearly makes you overjoyed. The guys knew what was at stake; and as a result they played their hearts out. I'm very impressed."

[Sargkisia]

Two months earlier...

"In today's hour: Alisa Korneeva talks us through her marathon path to victory at the Setevidnja Chess Invitational...we go inside Miro Pomelnikov's gym as he trains for his heavyweight title bout against Adam Aslanakhov...and today's roundtable discussion features Anton Veselovski and whether Shaktir Bazin's enforcer has gone too far this time. I'm Dmitry Antipin and welcome...to Vokroga."

The Vokroga opening montage plays, then fades out to host Dmitry Antipin, neatly suited and sitting behind his famous desk.

"So Sargkisia is getting it's own national football team and, as you would be extremely right to expect, it's immediately been linked in to the independence debate. Supporters are calling this a glorious victory for their cause, opponents of independence are downplaying it and nobody's quite sure which of them is right. The critical thing is that Sargkisia is going to the Baptism of Fire, the famous and storied pre-World Cup tournament held for first-timers, and their chances of success are going to rely heavily on my first guest tonight. Please welcome Mr. Petyr Zedginidze!"

There's applause and some scattered cheers as Sargkisia's captain emerges, shakes his host's hand and takes a seat. The striker looks calm and composed, with none of his previous nerves. Constant exposure to the press seems to have done him good.

"Good afternoon, Petyr, and welcome to the show."

"Good afternoon to you too, Dmitry, and thanks for having me on. I've been a big fan of the show for years, so it's a real honour to finally make it here." Zedginidze taps the desk. "The famous desk!"

"Old Faithful," laughs Antipin, stroking the well-worn desk like a beloved pet dog. "I've had people ask if they can claim dibs on it when I finally have to give it up."

"Can I?"

"Get in line, Petyr, and it's a big line." Antipin takes a quick look at his notes, and decides to get on with proceedings. "It's two months to the Baptism of Fire and since the flurry of coverage early on, we haven't seen a whole lot from the team. Tell us - what's going on in the Sargkisia camp?"

"Sleepovers, pillow fights, the occasional game of spin the bottle," Petyr jokes, raising a laugh from the audience. "Or, if you prefer, a lot of training so brutal the Mekadoni would call us mad for attempting it. Your choice."

"So, standard training camp?"

"Standard training camp," nods Petyr, before thinking better of it and continuing "Well, as standard a training camp as one ever gets under Lumir Gelashviliev."

"Of course, of course." Gelashviliev's reputation is that pleasant as he may be in person, the Sarg pushes his players to the edge of exhaustion and would shove them over if it helped them improve. "Can I deduce that you think his nickname is accurate now?"

Petyr spreads his hands, the familiar Lzher gesture for 'diplomatic answer incoming'. "I wouldn't go quite as far as calling him a slave-driver. He's not THAT bad."

"Uh huh." His tone and the expression on his face shows Antipin doesn't believe a word of it. "You've played a few friendly games, you've had a couple of encouraging results, but where's the real strength of Sargkisia going to shine? Who's the great shining hope for you guys?"

"Well, call it hometown bias, but Alex Nikoladze. It's cheap and it looks like I'm copping out, but the guy's already an excellent midfielder and he's got years before he hits his prime. Think he's capable now? Give him a couple of years and he's going to rip the world a new one."

"Anybody else? I know you want to stay diplomatic, but c'mon. Who's really knocked you out?"

"Somebody who's been a surprise?" Petyr looks up at the ceiling for a second. "Jorg Nizharadze. I don't know whether he's picked up his game lately or something, but he's looked great on the training grounds so far. I know he's got a reputation for being a party boy but, if he's been partying, he hasn't shown it. Although I probably should make sure he's not partying, thinking about it."

"What do you say to the people who've criticised the squad selection? The omission of Samvel Cholokashviliev got a few people riled up, didn't it?"

"Mostly Alekhine fans, as I remember," nods Petyr. "The fact is that Samvel - good guy and hard worker though he is - had a shocking season last year. People probably won't be too happy with me saying that, but he's a striker with only six goals in over thirty games. The coach chose his squad in part on form recently, and rightly so. Picking players because of their past reputation would cause us problems."

"Nobody gets their spot by default, I suppose."

"Exactly."

"You said quarter-finals were the expectation, but that was before you saw the team at work. What's the prognosis now?"

"Semi-finals, I think." There's conviction in Petyr. "Even without seeing the calibre of the teams we'd be going up against, I feel confident in saying we have it in us to be one of the top four sides. There's the gauntlet, and that's me throwing it down."

"Which we like to see," grins Antipin. "Shall we take a minute to take some questions from the fans?"

"Of course. Let's give it a go."

[Sylvackia]

Sylvackia loses 2-0 against Flick Jostle
Fourth BoF match ends in disappointing loss for Sylvackia against Flick Jostle.



A look of disappointment swept through the team after the match

Overview:

The sky was clear as the Sylvackian team returned to Stalliongrad for another match in Diamond Park stadium. Many Sylvackians and Flick Jostliers alike filled the stadium to its 75,000 capacity. Today however, Sylvackia was left disappointed after the match. The Sylvackian team was left with no goals scored, and their first loss of the tournament. The game ended in a 2-0 loss which could prove to be a problem for Sylvackia, putting the team in a problematic situation. Sylvackia is now second in its group, threatening its chances of advancing. Hopefully Sylvackia can emerge later in a better situation to advance Sylvackia into the Round of 16.

Next matches:

This devastating loss for Sylvackia sees the team now in second with 7 points. If Sylvackia cannot pull off a tie or win for the next game, it could spell defeat for the team. If Sylvackia can pull off a win they would rise into second place advancing into the Round of 16, if the next match ends in a tie the team could end up in second or third, depending on many things. However, even if they lose the team could potentially wind up in first or second which again depends on many things. The team's next match will be against El Gregoria. Who are standing currently in fifth place within the group with 4 points. The game will be played tonight at Diamond Park stadium in Stalliongrad. About the Sylvackian team's current position manager Rynp had this to say:

This loss has been really devastating for the team, and puts us in a bad position. Even with the slightest chance of losing we must play harder. The next game could dictate whether Sylvackia advances or not and we will really have to play hard if we are to win.

Group B:

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Korchayk                 4   3  1  0   11   3  +8   10   Q
2 Sylvackia                4   2  1  1   13   7  +6    7
3 Flick Jostle             4   2  0  2    5   4  +1    6
4 A.S.C.S.                 4   2  0  2    6   9  −3    6
5 El Gregoria              4   1  1  2    2   6  −4    4
6 Seventeen Syllables      4   0  1  3    3  11  −8    1   E

Clinched Round of 16
Clinched Playoff
Eliminated

Group stages:

MD1: Sylvackia vs. Seventeen Syllables @ Diamond Park (Feb.28) 6-0
MD2: Sylvackia vs. Korchayk @ Wild Grounds (Mar. 1) 3-3
MD3: Sylvackia vs. Affiliated South Califan Sprawls @ Star Stadium (Mar.2) 4-2
MD4: Sylvackia vs. Flick Jostle @ Diamond Park (Mar.3) 0-2
MD5: Sylvackia vs. El Gregoria @ Diamond Park (Mar.4)

[San Llera]

SAN LLERA CLINCH PASSAGE TO ROUND OF 16 WITH VICTORY
Whitetail, Equestrian States - San Llera are officially through to the round of 16 with a victory over Varmelle. While it is not certain that San Llera, currently atop the group, will finish in the top two, it is not possible for any other group to produce a third-place team as good as San Llera. Therefore, even if San Llera lose to Frenline Delpha, Varmelle beats Albagaria, and San Llera loses a three-way tiebreaker on matchday 5, San Llera will go through as one of the two best third-place finishers. However, San Llera has set its sights far beyond the round of 16, as they have emerged as a favorite being the only team with 12 points from four matches. As to the Varmelle match. a drab and boring game burst into life when all 4 goals were scored between the 60' and 84' minute. San Llera struck first through Don Llorens, only for Varmelle's Nick Kapranos to equalize moments later in the 64' minute. San Llera then took the lead again when Martini Saragosa's left-footed strike beat Varmelle's keeper in the 75' and the icing on the cake was delivered in the 84' by Donat "The Fence" Dano. Here are the player ratings from the match:

GK C. Fons - 5.5 - Never had much to do, couldn't do anything about goal
LB H. Serda - 6 - Showed leadership but not much defending
CB M. Abello - 8.5 - Fantastic defensive performance
CB E. Tallo - 6 - Not the most discipline but was good at times
RB M. Capo - 6 - Decent but unremarkable
LM M. Saragosa - 8 - Played in every single game but never ineffective, goal was well taken
CM E. Bou - 6.5 - Nudged off the ball to often
CM H. Fonda - 7.5 - Kept game boring when Varmelle were pressing early
RM D. Llorens - 9 - Goal and assist are not bad for a day's work
ST A. Mallet - 8.5 - Assisted 2 goals
ST C. Mestre - 6 - Never did much but rarely got the ball either
Subs:
CM J. Montella - 6 - Not bad, got a pass-to-assist
ST D. Dano - 7.5 - Scored goal
ST J. Capo - 6.5 - Never seemed impactful but San Llera scored three in his thirty minutes on pitch

[Eupheos-Anetus]

OOC: Wow my internet provider screwed my team. But anyways...

Mendel Currently Disappointed, Still a Chance
Team Makes Playoff

Frederick Mendel has expressed his severe disappointment with his squad's performance in this years competition. Philip Jaeger and Griffin Reed are currently the only consistent performers with a single strong performance from Martolo and Bishop's defense has been a weakened bunch since Smirnoff went down with a calf injury to return today. The team has currently lacked on both ends of the field relying mainly on Jaeger to score the goals and Reed to create them. It has been a tough road for the team so far with almost no media conversations since the competition began. I am a strong believer in our team's might and I still believe they have a chance to qualify for the playoff if they play some strong football heading into the matches ahead. With 1-1-2 record it will be very difficult but definitely possible Mendel can pull the troops together and make his players all make a strong contribution to the outcome of the match. With Smirnoff coming back I believe we have a strong chance to win our upcoming match. We will most likely have to win out for the rest of the games but if Reed and Jaeger maintain their form and the rest of the team can push through and play like they did going into the cup they should be able to pull off this unbelievable feat.

Eupheos-Anetus is one of five teams still competing for the top three spots in their group to advance to the playoff. Eupheos-Anetus pulled off a great feat of drawing with the group leader and they had many chances to even win the match but the ball seemed to bounce in Matthewsiania's way at every point in the match. Martolo had a few bounce of the cross bar or off the post. Jaeger had a few chances to create opportunities for other players but Matthewsiania seemed to be in the perfect position to stop the play and reverse the field for a counter-attack. Reed really had no effect offensively but made his mark by controlling the midfield and making for very few chances for the opponents to make a good run on the net. The defense had a marvelous game but the offense just wasn't there to capitalize on the chance to win the match.

[The Hakifao Isles]

BACK IN POWER - STARLINGS TOP SARGKISIA ONE-NIL, NEED WIN TO CLINCH PLAYOFFS

Hakifao Starlings (4-3-1-2)
GK - Isak ANDERSSON (C)
LB - Nathaniel OLSEN
CB - Adam HENRIKSON
CB - Alexei ISOAHO
RB - Brynjar JONSSON
LM - Sven PEDERSSEN
CM - Viljami KARLSON
RM - Skjoldr NILSSEN
AM - Konstans MÄKELA
ST - Daniel NIEMI
ST - Sofia LETONIEN

Sargkisia (3-5-2)
GK - Boris JELADZE 
LB - Jorg NIZHARADZE 
CB - Timur REVAZISHVILIEV 
RB - Zura CHANTULIEV 
DM - Nikol SABAULIEV 
LM - Simon SHABURIDZE 
CM - Otto VAKHISHVILIEV 
RM - Dominik TSINTADZE 
AM - Alex NIKOLADZE 
ST - Koba VARDANIDZE 
ST - Petyr ZEDGINIDZE

Yesterday was a good day to be Hakifao as the Starlings defeated Sargkisia one-nil yesterday in their Baptism of Fire group stage match. The defense was at its finest yet during the tournament, while the offense was still passive as usual but managed to get the job done. The victory puts Hakifao in decent position to advance to the next round, and the team will automatically progress onwards with a victory against Palfania next week.

The match started off fairly well, if a bit boring - the Sargs' midfield-heavy game and the Hakifaos' start-of-game sluggishness made it largely centered on the midfield with no chances on each side. Despite the Starlings' introduction of the more vigorous Konstans Mäkela in an attempt to improve their attack, the first ten minutes of the game were without a single shot on target.

Still, things were bound to change, and indeed Konstans Mäkela went on one of his trademark runs, slipping past the center-back Revazishviliev but deciding not a chance a shot, instead spinning around and passing back to striker Daniel Niemi, whose shot was inches over the crossbar. Still, it kickstarted a Hakifao attack, and after intense pressure, the Starlings managed to set up another chance - this time to the midfielder Mäkela, whose shot rolled barely wide of the mark. Jeladze's goalkick dispresed the attack fairly well, but the Sargkisia counterattack was dismantled thoroughly by the work of Alexei Isoaho, whose tackle of Vardanidze gave the Hakifaos the ball and an open field.

Isoaho proceeded to pass the ball forwards, where Sabauliev, rapidly backtracking, and Konstans Mäkela collided in an attempt to snag the clear. Mäkela from video review was judged to be in blame, especially since Sabauliev had backpedaled into the collision and Mäkela had been running forwards. Still, the aggressive midfielder luckily avoided being cautioned, despite the opposition being awarded a goal-kick that Isak Andersson easily saved.

The second part of the first half was as back-and-forth as the first was dull, and it was only twenty-five minutes later, towards the end of the half, when either side had their first real opportunity. Brynjar Jonsson managed to intercept a long pass, and his clear near-perfectly landed at young halfback Skjoldr Nilssen's feet. Nilssen took three steps forward and shot a through-ball between two defenders, giving Daniel Niemi a brilliant shot at the game's first goal - in a one-on-one with the opposing keeper, no less. Niemi strode forwards and tried to skirt the keeper, but his cut attempt was awkwardly deflected off Jeladze's knee and rolled off to the side, concluding the first half in a disappointing fashion.

Still, the second half began far better - straight from the kickoff, Konstans Mäkela stole the ball and dashed forwards, managing to make it past three defenders before kicking it hard to the right. Skjoldr Nilssen managed to catch up to it, and at the edge of the penalty box, his shot slammed into the net. One-nil.

From there on out, the Hakifaos parked the bus, the opposition rarely getting the ball near the net. From there on out, the Hakifaos never really stood a chance of dropping points, and the whistle sounding forty-odd minutes later was hardly a surprise...

[The Hakifao Isles]

Players To Be Considered For World XI Positions - Herlek Korhonen (as coach), Konstans Mäkela (midfielder)

He didn't know how he'd gotten there. Really, he shouldn't have been there at all - he'd never been the best, strongest, fastest. He'd made it where he was by simple virtue of running as fast as he could directly forwards, and every day he was terrified that one day it would no longer work.

He'd been a good player in the youth leagues for the longest time, playing as a defensive midfielder. The day he'd made it to the Hakifao Football Academy had been among the best in his life. But there, he'd discovered he was no longer good. He was mediocre. And unless he resolved the situation, fourteen-year-old Konstans knew, he'd have no future in football.

The night before a pivotal match in the junior league, one with scouts too, he stayed up until midnight thinking. Planning. He needed a way to stand out, and he couldn't make it on ability. He'd have to change his mindset. Konstans liked the thrill of offense and defense, but to stand out he'd need to focus.

The next day came along, and Konstans, exhausted but thoughtful, was put on the starting lineup. He hadn't bothered to figure out who they were playing, but he didn't care.

Konstans as defensive midfielder was supposed to receive the pass-back from a simple kickoff play. Instead, when the center-halfback turned around and passed back, he took the ball and sprinted straight for a gap in the opposing defense, hearing clipboards drop in the background. His blood pounded in his head, his breath came in heavy gasps as he rushed forwards, ducking around defenders.

He began to feel exhausted, heart slamming against his chest, still taking the ball forwards. Then - excited cheers. He'd outmaneuvered the keeper and dribbled straight into the net. Out of breath, he managed only a wave and then fainted. When he was able to play again, he managed to score another goal in similar fashion. His team won three-one.

That was the start of Konstans Mäkela's career as an attacking midfielder. From that day on, he was a new player.

From that day on, his rise had begun. He'd played for a few different squads, never settling down, continuing his madcap rushes forwards. He trained for endurance endlessly, and soon Konstans' name was being uttered in the same sentence as such names as "Sven Pederssen", and even "Herlek Korhonen".

He'd been forced to remake himself numerous times, so he could be faster and stronger. But he'd never forget the day he became a football player...

note: this will be expanded on in future RPs.

[Vermark]

Academica: A History
Anders Hornqvist, Ph.D | Videnhagen University Press

---

Foreword
The Scientist
The Psychologist

---

The Economist

Before the attackers get to the sweeper, inevitably they have get past the stopper first. If the sweeper is the immune system, the stopper is the skin; its purpose is to keep balls from getting into the defensive third in the first place. Therefore, stoppers need many of the same skills that sweepers have. They need to be able to foresee the opposition's actions and react according. Essentially, stoppers are sweepers taken a step further.

On the same basis, economists are psychologists taken a step forward. They need to be able to understand how humans think and why they act the way they do. Take this, add some mathematics and statistics, you have the basis of the field of economics. Stoppers figure out what the other team is about to do, and stoppers act to mitigate against the risk the opposition imposes. Economists do the same thing; they figure out what is gooing to happen in the economy, and suggest what can be done in order to achieve the best outcome. Stoppers are called stoppers because they are supposed to stop the progress of the opposing attack. Likewise, economists are intended to help in stopping any impending catastrophe, be it inflation, recession, or something else.

At the forefront of footballers from the Department of Economics was Werner Ljunggren. Ljunggren tackled hard, but tackled precisely. He took playing stopper very seriously. Any defensive mistake was quickly owned by Ljunggren. Some might even say he was self-conscious of himself. This personality made him a good teammate but an even better economist. Because he was scared of blundering, he always dotted his i's and crossed his t's. His calculations were always to five decimal places and done three or four times. Imagine a military movie where the commander yells, "Failure is not an option!" This attitude properly frames Werner Ljunggren. The work he produced was equally as precise. He conducted many studies with supply and demand. He was the biggest voice of reason in the city-university that said that the city-university could not sustain itself, and Videnhagen needed to expand and diversify to become self-sufficient. Since his work was always done meticulously, his insight was quickly acted upon and the city-university ultimately avoided failure.

The majority of Golden Age economics theory had to do with increasing development and quality of life for all instead of wealth for the select. Most of this was influenced by the work of Pontus Normansson, though there was some studies done over this period regarding inequality's harm on the economy itself. Since Videnhagen was a society based around education, lots of work was also done about the benefits of having an educated workforce. More often than not, economic models would support the values of the city-university. But this is not to say that the studies that happened in Videnhagen were done in blind support of the civilization. Rather, the civilization was under constant review by academics, and economics was just one sphere of speculation for the city-university of Videnhagen.

Like psychology, the study of economics was a strong suit for the city-university. However, this is only the basis for the Golden Age of Varish academics. We must look to the rest of the back four, the midfielders, and the strikers in order to progress out understanding of the academic world of Vermark.

[Equestrian States]

MATCH DAY 5
GROUPS A-C RESULTS

Group A

Albagaria 1–4 Varmelle
at Manehattan Industrial Park in Manehattan, EQS

Windsor Islands 0–0 Erbsted & Calcoon
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

San Llera 3–0 Frenline Delpha
at Shady Grove in Whitetail, EQS

  Group A                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 San Llera                5   5  0  0   12   2 +10   15   Q
2 Varmelle                 5   4  0  1   14   5  +9   12   Q
3 Frenline Delpha          5   3  0  2    6   8  −2    9   P
4 Erbsted & Calcoon        5   1  1  3    4   7  −3    4
5 Windsor Islands          5   0  2  3    2   9  −7    2
6 Albagaria                5   0  1  4    2   9  −7    1

Group B

Seventeen Syllables 1–4 Korchayk
at Star Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

Sylvackia 2–1 El Gregoria
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, EQS

Affiliated South Califan Sprawls 1–0 Flick Jostle
at Wild Grounds in Everfree, EQS

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Korchayk                 5   4  1  0   15   4 +11   13   Q
2 Sylvackia                5   3  1  1   15   8  +7   10   Q
3 A.S.C.S.                 5   3  0  2    7   9  −2    9   P
4 Flick Jostle             5   2  0  3    5   5   0    6
5 El Gregoria              5   1  1  3    3   8  −5    4
6 Seventeen Syllables      5   0  1  4    4  15 −11    1

Group C

Velstaende 2–3 Eupheos Anetus
at Sky-High Coliseum in Cloudsdale, EQS

Flardania 1–2 Vermark
at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, EQS

Matthewsiania 5–0 Kazirstan
at Derby Field in Manehattan, EQS

  Group C                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Matthewsiania            5   4  1  0   10   1  +9   13   Q
2 Vermark                  5   3  0  2    6   5  +1    9   Q
3 Flardania                5   2  1  2    8   4  +4    7   P
4 Eupheos Anetus           5   2  1  2    6   5  +1    7
5 Velstaende               5   2  1  2    4   4   0    7
6 Kazirstan                5   0  0  5    0  15 −15    0

Clinched Round of 16
Clinched Playoff

---

Host Note: The top two third place teams that will automatically advance to the Round of 16, along with the playoff fixtures for the other four teams, will be determined following the posting of results by Mizuyuki later. Both playoffs will be scorinated at around this time tomorrow by Equestrian States, regardless of IC location.

[Mizuyuki]

MATCH DAY 5
GROUPS D-F RESULTS

Group D

Pridnestrovia 9–0 Nurkama
at Kagura Arashi Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki

Aynard 1–2 The Sword Bloke
at Samukawa Municipal Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki

Fratton 1–7 Maretta
at Mirania Infinitia Stadium, Kagura, Mizuyuki

  Group D                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Pridnestrovia                      5   4  0  1   25   3 +22   12   Q
2 Maretta                            5   3  1  1   21   6 +15   10   Q
3 Fratton                            5   3  1  1    7  10  −3   10   P
4 The Sword Bloke                    5   2  1  2    5  10  −5    7
5 Nurkama                            5   0  2  3    3  16 −13    2
6 Aynard                             5   0  1  4    2  18 −16    1

Group E

Szavoda 0–4 Sargkisia
at Amaya Skylight Dome, Amaya, Mizuyuki

Walkany 5–0 Sovereign-Socialist Republics
at Koiiro Aisaka Stadium, Amaya, Mizuyuki

Hakifao 2–0 Palfania
at Iridiscia Central Park, Amaya, Mizuyuki

  Group E                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Sargkisia                          5   3  1  1   13   5  +8   10   Q
2 Hakifao                            5   3  1  1    6   3  +3   10   Q
3 Szavoda                            5   3  1  1    8   5  +3   10   P
4 Palfania                           5   2  1  2    3   7  −4    7
5 Walkany                            5   1  1  3    8   7  +1    4
6 Sovereign-Socialist Republics      5   0  1  4    3  14 −11    1

Group F

Palmeria 1–0 Thibaut
at Shiha Kisaragi Stadium, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

Aloquirbe 1–2 Waterandearthstan
at Mirai-kan, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

Renatiem 1–3 Walamzia
at Sonico Athletics Stadium, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

  Group F                          Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Walamzia                           5   3  0  2    5   3  +2    9   Q
2 Palmeria                           5   3  0  2    4   2  +2    9   Q   
3 Renatiem                           5   3  0  2    7   4  +3    9   P
4 Thibaut                            5   3  0  2    3   2  +1    9
5 Waterandearthstan                  5   2  0  3    3   7  −4    6
6 Aloquirbe                          5   1  0  4    2   6  −4    3

Clinched round of sixteen spot
Clinched playoff spot

---

As laid out in the Equestrian States/Mizuyuki host bid for the 58th Baptism of Fire, the top two third placed teams will automatically advance to the round of sixteen, while the remaining four third placed teams will contest a playoff for the final two spots in the round of sixteen. As such, the Hoofball Association of the Equestrian States and the Imperial Football Association of Mizuyuki have produced the following table to determine the automatic qualifiers according to the original tiebreakers as specified in the host bid.

  3rd placed teams                 Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 Szavoda                            5   3  1  1    8   5  +3   10
2 Fratton                            5   3  1  1    7  10  −3   10
3 Renatiem                           5   3  0  2    7   4  +3    9
4 A.S.C.S.                           5   3  0  2    7   9  −2    9
5 Frenline Delpha                    5   3  0  2    6   8  −2    9
6 Flardania                          5   2  1  2    8   4  +4    7

Accordingly, Szavoda and Fratton will automatically advance to the round of sixteen. The playoff fixtures involving the remaining four teams are as follows.

---

PLAYOFF FIXTURES

Renatiem versus Flardania
at Sonico Athletics Stadium, Hyūga, Mizuyuki

Affiliated South Califan Sprawls versus Frenline Delpha
at Derby Field in Manehattan, EQS

As listed in the OP, both playoff matches will be scorinated by Equestrian States during his usual window between 10:00 PM-Midnight EST (03:00-05:00 UTC).

[The Sword Bloke]

IT ALL WENT FLYING
The Swordeans have defeated Aynard 2-1 in the BoF Group Stage, but have unfortunately been eliminated from the competition due to their embarrassing loss to Pridnestovia. Owen Greene scored an own goal for Aynard in the 33rd minute, before McAldo scored in the 58th minute and victory was secured by Brian Fortulus after a huge long bomb in the 67th minute. The Swordeans are hoping to make up for this in the World Cup Proper, and cause a huge shock. For now, Shop Owner will punish the team for their poor performance.

[Korchayk]

Sports

BoF 58; Korchayk Finish the Group Stages With a 1-4 Victory Against Seventeen Syllables
By Jaledar Papatya
Korchayk's final game in the Baptism of Fire group stages against Seventeen Syllables ended with another Korchayki win. This Korchayki win, whose form and talent was widely unknown before the Baptism of Fire, meant that Korchayk did not lose a single game in the group stages. Every other team in Group B have lost at least one game, with the exception of Korchayk. Winning four and drawing one, automatic qualification to Round 16 was guaranteed for Korchayk. This couldn't be further from the truth for the struggling Seventeen Syllables. The team, who have just one point on the board, had lost three and drawn one prior to this match. With Korchayk's form and Seventeen Syllables current standard of play, neither the Korchayki fans nor the Seventeen Syllablesian fans could see Seventeen Syllables improving their record.

Formation
The Korchayki manager, Rauf Zafer Tangör, rested his key players for this largely pointless match. Using an untested formation of 3-4-3, Tangör gave rookie goalkeeper Takat Mulak his first international cap at just seventeen years of age. Bafun Vahit was reinstated, forming a centre three with Omay Ubeydullah and Dalan Şehsuvar. Levent Kaan, the young twenty year old centre midfielder, played in the centre of the Korchayki midfield with his fellow rookie Jek Rıfkı. The right midfielder role was filled by yet another youngster. Batu Durukan was joined on the wings by the left back Ahmed Iğla. Up front, Nadir Ebubekir and Mustafa Faik played on the wings while Mahmut Üzeyir was played as the striker. Görkem Konnur, Hakan Peyami, Koray Zihni, Demir İlaydın, Şadan Yahya, Osman Hakkı and Sadık Saadeddin were the substitutes for this match.

Match Report
Seventeen Syllables kicked off the match. The Korchayki fans would have expected their team to dominate and they were not disappointed. Mahmut Üzeyir almost scored Korchayk's first goal in the seventh minute. A quick breakaway resulted in a Mahmut Üzeyir shot which was well saved by the opposition 'keeper. However, the goalkeeper's good work was undone just five minutes later. The rookie Levent Kaan got his goal from a corner that was whipped in by Faik. Kaan rose above the defenders and headed in to put Korchayk 0-1 up. The Korchayki team dominated until they slipped up in the thirty ninth minute. A hopeful long ball into the Korchayk box bore fruit for the Seventeen Syllablesian players. Their striker was brought down by a Vahit high knee. A penalty was given and converted. The first half soon ended and Korchayk were booed of the pitch by their demanding fans.

The second half was started by Korchayk in a very positive manner. This positivity was rewarded just two minutes later through a Nadir Ebubekir free kick. Mahmut Üzeyir was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, earning the Seventeen Syllablesian player a booking. Nadir Ebubekir stood over the ball and floated it into the top right corner brilliantly. At 1-2, Korchayk looked in complete control and, in the fifty second minute, Korchayk scored again. This time, Batu Durukan was the one who scored. He broke away from the Seventeen Syllablesian defence after winning a tussle with a defender. Using his substantial pace, he approached the 'keeper. Simply and calmly, he slipped the ball under the Seventeen Syllablesian goalkeeper. 3-1 was more than enough for the Korchayki fans, who had started celebrating over thirty minutes away from full time. The players had that attitude and didn't seem to want to score. However, in the ninetieth minute, the substitute Osman Hakkı, scored a simple goal. Ahmed Iğla drew the 'keeper to him and slid the ball to Osman, who tapped the ball into the net. That, coincidently, was one of the fnal touches before full time. Korchayk had cruised through this game and through the group stages. However, Korchayk will not find Round 16 so easy.

Korchayk's Friendly Fixture List

• KORCHAYK versus Fratton (20/2/15). Result - 2-1
• Fratton versus KORCHAYK (22/2/15). Result - 3-3
• KORCHAYK versus Fratton (24/2/15) Result - 1-2
• Fratton versus KORCHAYK (26/2/15). Result - 0-2

Korchayk's Baptism of Fire Group Fixture List

• Flick Jostle versus KORCHAYK (28/2/15). Played at Wild Grounds, Everfree. Result - 0-1
• KORCHAYK versus Sylvackia (1/3/15). Played at Wild Grounds, Everfree. Result - 3-3
• El Gregoria versus KORCHAYK (2/3/15). Played at Diamond Park, Stalliongrad. Result - 0-4
• KORCHAYK versus Affiliated South Califan Sprawls (3/3/15). Played at Star Stadium, Canterlot. Result - 3-0
• Seventeen Syllables versus KORCHAYK (4/3/15). Played at Star Stadium, Canterlot. Result - 1-4

Group B Table

  Group B                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts
1 KORCHAYK                 5   4  1  0   15   4 +11   13   Q
2 Sylvackia                5   3  1  1   15   8  +7   10   Q
3 A.S.C.S.                 5   3  0  2    7   9  −2    9   P
4 Flick Jostle             5   2  0  3    5   5   0    6
5 El Gregoria              5   1  1  3    3   8  −5    4
6 Seventeen Syllables      5   0  1  4    4  15 −11    1

[Walkany]

Game 5:
Walkany have defeated the Sovereign-Socialist Republics in an epic five-nil win. The first goal came in the fifth minute. From the midway line, Shawn played a long ball to Sorrel who one-touched it across the box, giving Irkovic a tap in goal. Walkany scored off of a corner twenty minutes later. Haphazard crossed it in. Irkovic leaped high above the SSR players for a rocket header into the net for a second goal. The rest of the first half was filled with Walkany possession, although the SSR had several very good attacks.

Walkany kicked off for the second half. The Gators scored their third goal on the 65' minute. Inestia had been fouled just outside of the box. He had to come off with a twisted ankle, giving Clint Daniels his first appearance in the Baptism of Fire. Daniels and Irkovic were talking under their breath, facing away from the goal. They turned to take the free kick. Irkovic started towards the ball while Daniels ran diagonally towards the goal. Irkovic feinted a shot and passed it to Daniels who slammed it home. The game continued for another fifteen minutes before Haphazard was heavily fouled in the box. Even though he was not seriously injured, his head had been cut open. The physician rushed him to the sideline to stitch it up while Chris Rolonda came on. Sorrel, Irkovic, and Rolonda played rock, paper, scissors for who got to take the penalty. Sorrel came out on top. He stepped up to the penalty spot, cool, calm, collected. The whistle blew. Sorrel slowly stepped up to the ball, swung his leg back, and let it fly. The ball launched towards the SSR goal keeper. He got a hand to it, but the force rammed his arm back. Sorrel had scored Walkany's fourth goal. The game was coming to a close. Three minutes had been added on. Walkany had been dominating so far and did not lose control now. Poloski passed the ball forward to Rolonda. Chris tore down the side line, leaving the SSR players in the dust. Xavi ran in towards the goal while Irkovic waited just outside the box. Rolonda saw both passes, but kept the ball. He cut in towards Xavi. He nut megged an SSR defender, giving plenty of space to shoot. Instead he heel flicked it to Xavi who shot with the outside of his foot. The ball ripped into the net. The Gators scored their last Baptism of Fire goal.

After the game, the team celebrated in the pizza joint attached to their hotel. They partied late into the night. Reporters who tried to interview the team were inevitably swept into the ruckus. Thankfully there was no alcohol or else Shtap de Bull would have gone cuh-razzeeee. The following day, instead of returning home, the team took it easy. They explored the town, seeing its many sights. Reporters again tried to interview the team, but were dismissed. Garry Haywood, the Haywood brother's younger cousin, was his school reporter. Garry knew though that news stations would pay top dollar for an interview with someone from the team. After hunting down the team, he convinced his older cousins to get him an interview with Jurgen Coeman. They met at a shady, wooden table under a park tree.

Garry:(opened notebook and pen ready)You won your game yesterday with a clean sheet, yet you are knocked out of the Baptism of Fire. How do you and the team feel?

Coeman:(in lightly accented North Western Walkany)Well, it's a bitter sweet moment. I feel very sad. I feel like we could have done better in all of the games. I made some good saves and have two clean sheets. That helps. It's hard though, ya know? Our first international competition and we were beaten. Maybe we'll win more in the future. The rest of the team feels about the same way. Shtap has been kind of annoying (laugh).

Garry:What did the manager and captain say?

Coeman:O'nielle said he was proud of us. He said we shouldn't take away bad memories, but instead take away the good experiences and lessons. He really inspired us to do well. The disappointment was lessened after he talked to us. Eddy talked more about the regional games. He told us to keep preparing. He wants us to win it. He wants us to be the best country in our region. I don't know about the rest of the team, but I'm ready to get on with the regional games.
It'll be a great experience and I'm sure we'll go much further than we did here.

Garry:You are considered the best of Walkany's goal keepers, beating out both de Bull and De Hayu for the starting spot. Why did the coaches choose you for all five games?

Coeman:They told me I'm a natural leader, which I suppose is true. I think that skill wise, de Bull and I are even. De Hayu is definitely going to be one of the best ever goal keepers we produce. I suggested to the coaches to put him in for a game or two. He's more than capable. I've seen him save shots that de Bull and I could only dream of getting a finger tip to. Sadly, he didn't get his chance. He'll probably get one in the regional games, though. I think that all three of us worked equally hard. I have played with our coach, Jack Haywood, in the unofficial leagues so maybe he knew my capabilities. He might have convinced O'nielle to start me, mowing how well I've done before even the Super Liga.

Garry:The same team is set to play in the coming, yet still under organization, regional games. How do you think The Gators will do?

Coeman:We are a little more experienced internationally than the other nations now. This gives us a huge advantage. I know we can get into the finals, if not win the whole thing.

The bus pulled up outside of the park and honked. It was time for the Gators to head home. He shook hands with Garry.

Coeman:Keep at it, Garry. Maybe you'll be a famous reporter someday.

Garry:Thanks, Mr.Coeman. have a safe ride home.

Jurgen smiled and headed off towards the bus.

[San Llera]

Whitetail, Equestrian States - San Llera has finished atop group A of the Baptism of Fire and currently is the best performing team with a perfect 5-0-0 group stage, capped off by a 3-0 win over Frenline Delpha, with 2 goals from Josep Montella as well as a goal from Enric Bou. Coach Jon Lleranerus is very happy with his team's performance:

Josep was great, and we're very excited about Enric, performing so well at a young age... WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!