Baptism of Fire 58 - RPs/Rosters/Results Thread

[Vermark]

"Hello, and welcome to Vermark Vectors where we take the news and bring it to you!

Our first story comes from Raskstad where football club Raskstad United is using mathematics to win matches because everyone knows you cannot win if you don't recite the quadratic formula before stepping onto the pitch.

Our next story is an ambitious effort by the Football Club of Vermark to gain some publicity and experiences for the Men's National Team. In the FAV's press release they said, 'we will surely be entertained,' but the must have been thinking they were the Quebecois who will get a kick out of kicking our asses.

Coming up next, the government will soon be giving you a blowjob for an extra 5% in taxes...but first these messages from your local station."

[Flardania]

Un Fol Espoir, Flardania looks towards extend life in key game against Renatiem
Français|日本語|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Hyūga, Mizuyuki- Flardania after losing to Vermark faces Renatiem in a inportant 3rd place playoff. Flardania will now play in Hyūga, Mizuyuki where coach Kyosuke hopes the Kitsunes will have a cultrual home field advantage.

"....This is a very important match A must win. We will play our hardest and try to use this cultural home field advantage. I want to give our devout fans far greater things and a longer tournament experience."

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

[Equestrian States]

PLAYOFFS
RESULTS

Renatiem 1–7 Flardania
at Sonico Athletics Stadium in Hyūga, MZY

Affiliated South Califan Sprawls 0–0 Frenline Delpha
(1-0 AET)
at Derby Field in Manehattan, EQS

---

ROUND OF 16
FIXTURES

#1 San Llera vs. #16 Flardania
at Star Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

#8 Maretta vs. #9 Sylvackia
at Wild Grounds in Everfree, EQS

#4 Pridnestrovia vs. #13 Szavoda
at Sky-High Coliseum in Cloudsdale, EQS

#5 Sargkisia vs. #12 Vermark
at Manehattan Industrial Park in Manehattan, EQS

#2 Korchayk vs. #15 Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
at Koiiro Aisaka Stadium in Amaya, MZY

#7 Varmelle vs. #10 Hakifao
at Mirania Infinitia Stadium in Kagura, MZY

#3 Matthewsiania vs. #14 Fratton
at Sonico Athletics Stadium in Hyūga, MZY

#6 Walamzia vs. #11 Palmeria
at Iridiscia Central Park in Amaya, MZY

[Matthewsiania]

OOC: If you have never heard of Radio Esportiva, it's pretty much Hetalia for NS Sports. Only, not very heavy on a full-male cast. The character list's pretty large, so you'd be most suited by checking the chapters here on this little search that I'll probably make into a factbook sooner or later.

Baptism of Fire Season: Chapter 1 - Best Than I Expected

And here I was, on my way to my destination. It wasn't too long ago I was on Esportiva, working there just like most Futurnians. Dainer told me that if I participated of a specific tournament, that I would probably get an opportunity of raising my character relevance. Sucks that there was enough people at the train to call this tournament overcrowded, though for some reason, people outside said to me that this was one of the shortest ones in terms of numbers. In case you can't see me, I'm the fellow with a yellow and purple longcoat, purple pants and yellow shirt, black boots and my good, trusty crown. I looked around, seeing a girl with a kitsune-like hoodie covering most of her head and face, long blue pants and white sandals; a blond boy with a green shirt accompanied by a hound decal, yellow pants and white shoes with an old cowboy hat, a rifle and an old dog to follow him and a boy decked on what mostly seemed out of an Assassin's Creed game, only fully decked in black and yellow with some eagle motif going around it. For some reason, I decided to sit near them.

???? 3: Prince Matthew.
Prince Matthew: Wait, what the hell?
???? 3: You are one of our groupmates. Though I didn't know we were supposed to be teaming up with royalty.
???? 1: Hope you ain't no sassy pansy that avoids getting dirt at your clothes or something.
Prince Matthew: I'm not... Being a Prince of a small land barely means anything.
???? 1: Allow me to keep my doubts a'that, kid.
Prince Matthew: Kid? You can't be older than me!
???? 1: Genom Guds skull! That's just an expression.
???? 2: I think it is your fault he didn't get it, Mark-san.
Mark: Juz'typical. And I already told you to stop calling me San. That's not my name! It's like if I called you Flardi-san or something like that.
Flardi: The appropriate one would be Flardi-sama. But I doubt you'd be one to bother with formalities, oui.
???? 3: You already wasted the perfect chance to keep yourselves mysterious to him. A one-off deal shouldn't use names.
Flardi: Ah, Eupheos-san. Stop being so dramatic. It's not like we wouldn't have to know each other later anyways.
Eupheos: Least I know about you, least I'll have to worry when I'm done picking a win over you all at the main stage.
Prince Matthew: Guess you guys might be a bit over competitive.
Mark: Who ain'that?
Flardi: It's what we breath, Matthew-san.
Eupheos: And besides, what would be the fun if we weren't competitive?
Prince Matthew: I don't know. The view seems fine.
Eupheos: You can appreciate the view all you want, but we're here for the gold, kid.
Prince Matthew: I'm not the youngest here!
Mark: Ya sure as hell look like it, furste.
Prince Matthew: ...What does that even mean?
???? 4: It means Prince.

Prince Matthew turned his head towards behind him, finding a blonde girl with a white and blue hockey jersey with the drawing of a Mountain Lion, hiker pants and boots colored on white and a blue scarf.

Velsta: And I'm Velsta, part of your team.
Prince Matthew: Team?
Flardi: Oui, Matthew-san. We were divided on teams of six. There are a total of six teams. The team that wins take a part of the Baptism of Fire trophy.
Mark: And some relevance.
Eupheos: Exactly.
Velsta: And then you also get some prestige if you do manage to avoid disappearing like most Baptism of Fire winners.
Prince Matthew: Huh. So there's more story to this than I imagined. Anyways, I think we're lacking one person.
Eupheos: That would be Kazir. He supposedly lost the train and-
???? 5: That's me, actually.

A boy dressed on a communist uniform though with a pair of mini drums tied to his belt looked to the rest, from another bench before walking towards them.

Kazir: Sorry about that, comrades. Just forgot to bring my music box.
Eupheos: You took all this long to arrive because of music?
Kazir: Actually, I was paying attention to your introductions. I just didn't really think I was supposed to be together with you until you flat out yelled it.
Prince Matthew: ...So this is my Baptism of Fire team?
Mark: Yours an hole, boy! Its'ours!
Flardi: Oui. Don't be selfish, Matthew-san.
Eupheos: Not that I wanted to work together with you people, but we have to. So don't do what I'd do, do what I tell you.
Velsta: I think that's fair. Don't you think, Prince?
Kazir: ...Oh, that crown's legit?
Prince Matthew: As long as you consider a crown from a little enclave forgotten in history legit.

The speakers from inside the train started to talk with a rather familiar voice.

???? 6: Contestants. I'm glad to welcome you to the Baptism of Fire's 58th edition. You'll meet us both soon enough, but on the meantime, enjoy the train trip.
Prince Matthew: ...So now we wait?
Mark: Pretty much, young'un. Might as well continue mah story. Ain't that right, Fido?

The dog nodded, seemingly sleepy. The new "Team" started to chat, but Prince Matthew obviously was a bit lost on thought. That voice was familiar.

Prince Matthew: Mrs. Mizuyuki.

[Szavoda]

This takes place before the final group game.

The bar was really buzzing as the sun began to set behind the city-scape. The regular patrons of the bar were in buoyant mood, but so were Moli, Dazdan and Tristan, as well as Branimir Milic and Nemanja Petrovic, who had opted to join them for the evening as opposed to an evening spent in the gym or playing video games (or drinking). They were fresh off yet another victory, their third in a row, and despite they had shipped their first goal of the competition, they were riding high. The first round of local beers came, and Dazdan took a long gulp from the tall glass.

"How is it?" Moli asked in Szavda.
"It's pretty good." Dazdan replied "Certainly better than the sweetened nuclear waste we get back at home."

Dazdan considered himself a bit of an expert when it came to alcoholic beverages, although it was really just a case of him drinking too much, but the others eagerly started their drink. After a minute of idle chat about the game that had just passed, Moli turned her gaze to the 20-year old Branimir.

"So, Branimir, did you ever think you'd be here? Drinking beer after winning another Baptism of Fire match in Miyuzuki?"
"Hardly." Offered the midfielder "Football has only really been a past time for me. My degree is in Chemical Engineering, so that takes up a lot of time. Like, a lot. I used to play squash a little bit, and volleyball, but I dropped it all for academics. I almost dropped football after 5 people turned up to the first university session."
"I remember that." Interjected Nemanja "It was in March, so the weather was supposed to have cleared up, but it was at freezing and sleeting, which didn't lend itself to playing football."
"Yeah, we only had one football and it blended in identically with the fog, which was a pain. We ended up having a knock about using jumpers for goalposts, literally. We did more running chasing after the ball down the hill than we did." Branimir took another sip of drink. "I remember the time when the Dean threatened to close the University bar if people didn't fill their extra-curricular commitments, that we got about 50 people out on one pitch, and it was carnage."

Moli nodded. "It's pretty clear that you're really, like really fucking talented. How'd you get so good, playing so infrequently?"
"I dunno really. I played a handful of other sports which I suppose came together: I played fly-half in rugby, which gave me the footwork and ball control, tennis which had the hand-to-eye and athletics gave me the strength and fitness."
"Athletics eh?" Dazdan said "What did you specialise in?"
"Javelin and Discus, as well as Long and High Jump. I was national standard for the javelin, but the rest was pretty much school and Uni level?"
"So you quit potentially going to the Olympics so you could play casual football?"
"Yeah, the thing is is that the Olympics twice a year, I'd get three throws and if I didn't make it, then what? Go home and train for another two years? I just felt it wasn't worth it."
"So football really was your thing?"
"I guess. I played at least three times a week, and when there weren't other guys to play with, I'd just kick it against the wall for hours. I spent literally days with the ball at my feet, which I suppose helps now. You don't know how hard it was to get a hold of another football once I booted it into the river by accident."
"Didn't we use a basketball for one session after that happened?" Nemanja asked.
"Yeah. Broke a fucking toe kicking that thing. In the end we had to get a Euran student to bring one back for us when he went back home."
"Oh yeah, that was cool of Nick."

Dazdan took another drink of beer "Did you ever think that football wouldn't lead anywhere? Because, you know, we didn't have a national team."
"To be honest," Branimir replied "I was always confident of leaving Szavoda and heading to Eura to play football there. I thought I was good enough, and was going to leave after University. Maybe if I played enough and lived there I could have played for them."
"Mighty big challenge playing for Eura." Nemanja added
"True, but I'd have been content playing third-tier football in Eura, getting a decent salary and eventually getting Euran citizenship."
"Glad we got to you in time, right?" Moli joked. Branimir laughed "Yeah."

"What do your parents think of this, you know, running off to another region to play football?" Moli enquired.
"Well, I tell you, they're not exactly chuffed that I'm skipping study leave, but there's nothing they can do, I'm 20."
"They could cut you off." Nemanja said.
"They could, but I doubt they will."

Moli quietly excused herself to the bathroom whilst the others still talked, but Branimir noted this and once she was out of earshot, he turned to Dazdan.

"So, uh, touchy question, but are you and her a.." He cleared his throat awkwardly "an item? You know, dating? Or is this..."
Dazdan smiled "You're not the first to ask, but no, this is professional. And besides, well, no, perhaps I shouldn't..." Dazdan stopped talking.
"Come on." Nemanja urged. Dazdan paused for a second, looking across the bar to see if Moli was coming back.
"I have some suspicions about her, I don't know why, probably because I'm a terrible cynic. I found a well, a gun, in her wardrobe. And not some bottom of the range home-invasion basher, this was the real deal. Personalised grip and everything."
"No way. That's awesome. You reckon she's a spy or something?"
"I dunno. She said she was into hunting and the like, but I don't know what a high-powered pistol would have to do with gunning down birds. Oh, and another thing, she's got a whole bunch of books on Eura and stuff. Books about random stuff, though, like, one I think was A Complete Guide to Bastion's Municipal Buildings, which just sounds incredibly boring."
"So she's some Euran superspy sent by the Euran FA to keep an eye on us?" Nemanja said.
"I dunno, but just keep half an eye on anything. I'm sure I'm wrong and just being paranoid, but do."

[Maretta]

MARETTA POST

MARETTA GEAR UP FOR ROUND OF 16 MATCHUP

by Stanley Grace

MIZUYUKI - After winning the last two games of Group D with a combined score of 16-2, Maretta has advanced to the last 16 where they will play Group B runner ups; Sylvackia. There is good and bad news for Maretta however; the good is that the thigh strain which injured Michael Mayes won't be serious and he will start in tomorrow's game. Unfortunately the bad news is, Maretta will be without leading goal scorer Jaden Ross who is out with a sore knee. Manager Jason Grant had this to say on the injuries;

"It's always bad when you lose a player but to lose your best scorer is never good news. Of course Jaden's goal scoring capabilities and leadership will be missed, and I'll just have to put in Christopher Cooper for him."

Sylvackia on the other hand are entering the match with a 4-4-2 formation which fields talented striker Oyeri, and a creative midfielder in Danale. The two have played well together as we have seen in the group stages with Oyeri showing off some fantastic shooting skills and his teamate Danale mesmerizing us with his fancy footwork. This duo will surely test Maretta's young back four who love to foul and slow down their opponents attack. Jason Grant had this to say about Sylvackia's talent;

"Yeah, I've been analyzing Oyeri since the lineups were announced on Matchday 1 and I must say he is surely something special. He's surely to test our defense which is why we plan on trapping him, thus putting him in awkward situations. Now on Danale, if we keep pressure on this talent hopefully he won't give us any real problems."

The Round of 16 match between Maretta and Sylvackia will air on MarettaSport1 at 10:00 AM Marettan Time, or can be live streamed at baptismofire.ns.

[The Hakifao Isles]

Landsbyen

Landsbyen wasn't a bad place. Cold as heck, naturally, being lodged firmly in the north-easternmost reaches of the Katterna Sea, but a nice spot for some peace and quiet. After his diagnosis Herlek went often to the isles.

He was there again now. He'd rented out a cottage nearby the fjords, and walked to look at them every day. Landsbyen had little internet, but if needed there was a small café he could use, and a television in the small cottage to watch football matches on - Herlek, being a player himself, hadn't truly had a favorite team in ages, but he quickly began to root for Katterna Fjords FC, the smallest of the three teams that played nearby the islands of Landsbyen.

The national team hadn't done much recently - merely lost a handful of friendlies to various other teams. Their free wins against teams like Feyjän and Mjottsland had been taken away, and Hakifao really wasn't good enough to beat any of the southern teams like Super-Llamaland. Herlek still wondered how they'd managed to win the Reunion Cup.

They'd said nothing could be done, so he'd done nothing. Now he was simply biding his time. There was nobody else to spend it with - Herlek Korhonen had no family - and with it being winter, football was hard to come by in the north.

He'd retired promptly, without too much ceremony - it'd all be a waste, really. The team would miss him, but they would continue their upwards trajectory. Orselssen's calls were frequent, but not much was said - it was like he was merely confirming Korhonen's aliveness. Their phone calls increased in number and length, but decreased in volume. Slowly Herlek retreated.

The next three months were spent quietly. Then, on a brisk February day, weeks before the Baptism of Fire, he received a phone call.

"Herlek Korhonen."

"God Morgen, Herlek, Mr. Korhonen. This is Mr. Gustav Adamsen of the Hakifao Football Federation."

"Good morning, Mr. Adamsen. How can I help you?"

"You are aware of the Hakifaos' qualification for the fifty-eighth Baptism of Fire tournament in Mizuyuki, yes?"

"Er..." he hadn't been following the Starlings at all. All he knew was that one of the Katterna Fjords players was playing for them - quite a number of Landsbyen Athletic and FC Landsbyen players too.

"And you are aware of the team's need for an assistant coach?"

"Er...yes?" he hazarded.

"Good! Please report to Ulselsheim by Tuesday. Mr. Emmanuel Orselsen will have all necessary equipment by then. I trust you are familiar with Mr. Emmanuel Orselsen, being a former player under his national team?"

"Yes," he said.

Adamsen paused. "Good, good. In that case please report Tuesday."

"Er..." he paused and looked back at the cottage. He'd lived there for a while, and he realized that he had sunk into complacency while there. It was time for a change.

"I'll be in Ulselsheim by Tuesday," he said. He was still going to die, but this way he'd go out with a bang.

Providing the Starlings did something of note, of course.

[Flardania]

Ouvrir Les Vannes par Deux!, Flardania wins big in important matchup against Renatiem 7-1
Français|日本語|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Flardanian National Team Thanking fans following 7-1 win against Renatiem

Canterlot, Equestrian States- Flardania advances to the Round of 16 after defeating Renatiem 7-1 and prepares to face San Llera in Canterlot. Coach Kyosuke had some words after the victory.

"....This was a very important win as we are now in the knockout rounds. We may be up against the #1 seed but we have fought to get to this point and we can put up a fight. We are back in the Equestrian States and our fans will be awaiting our upcoming performance and we will do what it takes to win. "

The Kitsunes next opponent is the #1 seed San Llera. A win would be huge and show that just because a team is the number 1 seed doesn't mean the tittle is won. The Kitsunes have prepared with film to try and upset San Llera tonight. 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 FBC sports 2 will have a special showing.[/blocktext]

Article by: Timothy Norfolk

[Equestrian States]

ROUND OF 16
EQUESTRIAN RESULTS

San Llera 1–3 Flardania
at Star Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

Maretta 2–1 Sylvackia
at Wild Grounds in Everfree, EQS

Pridnestrovia 1–0 Szavoda
at Sky-High Coliseum in Cloudsdale, EQS

Sargkisia 0–1 Vermark
at Manehattan Industrial Park in Manehattan, EQS

---

QUARTERFINALS
EQUESTRIAN FIXTURES

Flardania vs. Maretta
at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, EQS

Pridnestrovia vs. Vermark
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, EQS

[Mizuyuki]

ROUND OF 16
MIZUYUKI RESULTS

Korchayk 2–0 Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
at Koiiro Aisaka Stadium in Amaya, MZY

Varmelle 0–4 Hakifao
at Mirania Infinitia Stadium in Kagura, MZY

Matthewsiania 4–1 Fratton
at Sonico Athletics Stadium in Hyūga, MZY

Walamzia 1–0 Palmeria
at Iridiscia Central Park in Amaya, MZY

---

QUARTERFINALS
MIZUYUKI FIXTURES

Korchayk versus Hakifao
at Mirania Infinitia Stadium in Kagura, MZY

Matthewsiania versus Walamzia
at Sonico Athletics Stadium in Hyūga, MZY

[Trans-Dniesters]

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

EARLY GOAL FROM DEFENDER SEES PRIDNESTROVIA THROUGH TO NEXT STAGE OF BAPTISM OF FIRE
By Gustav Tyumenov


Dumitri Anghelescu and Isidor Petrov of Pridnestrovia celebrate after Anghelescu scored a header against Szavoda and secured a place for Pridnestrovia in the quarterfinals of the Baptism of Fire.

CLOUDSDALE, EQUESTRIAN STATES - A surprise header from Dumitru Anghelescu in just the opening eight minutes of Pridnestrovia's round of 16 match against Szavoda was more than enough to see the Red Army through to the quarterfinals of the Baptism of Fire.

Hot on the heels of another high-scoring victory against Nurkama in the final game of the group stage for Pridnestrovia, which saw Selim Tiryaki score his first hat-trick (the second of the national team), the Red Army was looking to achieve something similar as it begins its campaign in the knockout stages of the Baptism of Fire.

Pridnestrovia's journey to the round of 16 was mostly on victories, with only a last-minute loss to Fratton being a hiccup in the Red Army's campaign. Szavoda's campaign, meanwhile, was slightly more difficult, with three wins, a draw, and a loss; with the loss serving as the closing game of their group stage, a 4-0 trouncing at the hands of Sargkisia.

The game began with a strong showing from Szavoda, with Pridnestrovia having to rely on their defenders and goalkeeper to handle the pressure from the Szavodans.

During a Pridnestrovian corner, Yaroslav Wasylyshyn lobbed the ball high over the players milling around in the box. Dumitru Anghelescu leaped the highest among the players, and somehow he managed to steer the ball into the back of the net, beating the Szavodan goalkeeper who was quite probably not expecting the goal attempt.

Szavoda ramped up their attacks on the goal following Anghelescu's goal, but Werner Ceausescu's men locked down on their half and successfully prevented their opponents from scoring, but that didn't mean that they came close to scoring.

But in the end, nothing that the Szavodans did could make them send the game into extra time, and Pridnestrovia advanced while Szavoda had to book an early flight back home.

          PRIDNESTROVIA 1 - 0 SZAVODA
DUMITRU ANGHELESCU (8')

[Korchayk]

Sports

BoF 58; Korchayk Beat A.S.C.S 2-0 In Round 16
By Jaledar Papatya
Korchayk furthered their progression in the Baptism of Fire yesterday with a 2-0 victory against Affiliated South Califan Sprawls. Our national team played their first match in the co-host nation of Mizuyuki. The infamously rowdy Korchayki and Affiliated South Califan Sprawlsian fans were housed in the Koiiro Aisaka Stadium in the historic city of Amaya. In the next match, Korchayk will arguably face their first real challenge in the form of Hakifao, who finished second in their group and beat Varmelle 4-0 in Round 16.

Formation
The Korchayki manager, Rauf Zafer Tangör, selected his star players again after resting them against Seventeen Syllables. Utilising his favourite 4-5-1 formation, Tangör selected his first choice 'keeper Görkem Konnur again after resting him. Bafun Vahit was dropped, leaving the two main centre defenders, Omay Ubeydullah and Dalan Şehsuvar, in the side. Hakan Peyami played on the left hand side of the defence and Koray Zihni on the right hand side. Demir İlaydın was played again as the centre defensive midfielder, with left midfielder Kâmil Gazanfer and right midfielder Tanyel Işılak positioned ahead of him. Beyond the left and right midfielders, the attacking midfielder positions were filled by Şadan Yahya and Osman Hakkı. Korchayk's all time top goal scorer, Yusuf Zinnur, was the lone striker. Ali Uktu, Ahmed Iğla, Bafun Vahit, Mustafa Faik, Jek Rıfkı, Hüseyin Akgüç and Sadık Saadeddin were the substitutes for the game.

Match Report
Korchayk kicked off the first half in typically confident fashion. The Korchayki National Team was playing with conviction while the Affiliated South Califan Sprawls team looked decidedly skittish. This nervousness looked set to cost Affiliated South Califan Sprawls a goal when, just ten minutes in, Şadan Yahya broke into the Affiliated South Califan Sprawlsian half after dispossessing Marisol Garcia Bosque. The defenders failed to track him and didn't even attempt to tackle him. However, fortunately for Affiliated South Califan Sprawls, they had one team member who was on form. Max Garza. Saving Yahya's excellent shot, he had to pounce on the lose ball as Zinnur was advancing on it menacingly. There were a few half chances for both sides, mostly Korchayki, but it took until the forty second minute for the break through. Osman Hakkı was passed the ball and, after taking a few touches, floated the ball into the box. Yusuf Zinnur clipped it into the back of the net with his weaker left foot. The next three minutes passed without incident, much to the delight of the Korchayki fans, who were already celebrating like they'd won the match.

The next half was started by Affiliated South Califan Sprawls negatively. Affiliated South Califan Sprawls passed the ball straight back to their goalkeeper, causing their fans to yell and boo them raucously. The Korchayki team pressed aggressively, trying incredibly hard to get the all important two goal leeway. In a very contrary fashion, the Affiliated South Califan Sprawlsian team seemed to sit back contentedly and did not seem to have the desire to score. Korchayk wanted to and did. The goal came courtesy of Dalan Şehsuvar. A simple Tanyel Işılak free kick connected with Şehsuvar's head, who converted it clinically and ruthlessly. The rest of the game was filled with pot shots and half chances. Affiliated South Califan Sprawls, however, never looked like getting back into the game. The closest the game was a scuffed long range effort from Mercedes Bartolomé Rivera, which was collected easily by Görkem Konnur. Finally for Affiliated South Califan Sprawls, the final whistle was blown. However, Korchayk's players cannot be complacent as they are facing their first real challenge in Hakifao.

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

Knock Out Rounds
Round 16

• KORCHAYK versus Affiliated South Califan Sprawls (8/3/15). Played at Koiiro Aisaka Stadium, Amaya. Result - 2-0

Quarter Finals

• KORCHAYK versus Hakifao (9/3/15). To be played at Mirania Infinitia Stadium, Kagura. Result - ?

Semi Finals

• ? versus ? (11/3/15). To be played at ?. Result - ?

Final

• ? versus ? (13/3/15). To be played at ?. Result - ?

[Matthewsiania]

Baptism of Fire Season: Chapter 2 - Wiping Dust

They finally arrived at the facility. It looked a bit dusty, as if it hadn't seen any cleaning on a while by now. Among many mutters and phrases, Prince Matthew could notice a familiar person.

Prince Matthew: Hah, knew you had a finger on it since the train!
Mizu: Now ain't you a bright kid. Yes, I have offered to participate on this Baptism of Fire. Ah, the days of my Baptism. Fun stuff.
Prince Matthew: So, I take winning this tournament means being relevant on this series?
Mizu: ...Actually, no. Winning here does allow you to get a hand on various deals, but nothing about being elected to the main cast.
Prince Matthew: ...What?
Mizu: Oh, so you weren't that bright after all. I suppose your little friends have told you what is the purpose of this whole thing.

Mizu pointed to Matthew's "group", who all proceeded to stare at the two, with Mark waving.

Mark: We did!
Kazir: The comrade's just silly.

Mizu looked back at the Prince, finding him to be a tad upset.

Prince Matthew: You're legit that I entered a train with weird people and now am at this place in the middle of nowhere for nothing beyond things I'd get from some random membership!?
Mizu: Hate to break it to you, but we're not that far from civilization. In fact, if you looked up for a bit, you can see the tip of the castle on Sunrise's backyard and-

As Mizu pointed to the castle, Sunrise appeared flying over the tip before eventually falling back down with a loud thump.

Mizu: ...Sunrise's shenanigans.
Prince Matthew: Did you taste the seriousness in this little sidequest fall through the window?
Mizu: Thrown through the roof.
Prince Matthew: ...Yeah, that.

The two then noticed some loud commotion around the group of recently arrived people to the area. It was then that Prince finally noticed what was happening: a child, dressed on yellow with red overalls trying to ride a seemingly important pony-looking character.

???? 1: Come on! Get off of my back!
???? 2: But I'm loving the ride! When I entered the train, they said I could do whatever I want!
???? 1: Who said that?

The child pointed to a group of five teenagers which included a boy dressed on a yellow coat with only his eyes visible, Kenny-style, and white pants with boots; what mostly looked like a M. Bison fan, only with red and black as his clothing colours and a surprisingly badass moustache; a tanned boy dressed on a blue shirt with some sort of symbol, yellow shorts and a pair of white sandals; a pale but strong-looking girl wearing what seemed like an old soviet Army suit, black ushanka and all and finally a blonde lass with a white dress and red high-heels.

???? 3: He wouldn't shut up! We just let him do whatever he wanted and avoid the trouble.
???? 4: And now you know why we shouldn't have left the job of leading us to Fratton, instead of knowledgeable people like Comrade Maretta.
???? 5: Or Pridnestrovia, who's strong and could deal with his nuisance.
Pridnestrovia: See, Comrade gets it.
Maretta: I'll always do. When it makes sense, of course.
Fratton: Shut up! I took it because you both wouldn't decide on who would lead and Ayn and Kama kept without talking.
N. Kama: Ehm.
Fratton: Oh, yeah. N. Kama. Because Bison was such a good leader!
N. Kama: Better than you, at least.
Maretta: And besides, Ayn can't talk. His mouth's covered by the coat.
Fratton: Doesn't change a thing. And you're not an easy folk to lead. Sword himself is a good example.

The boy on top of the pony looked at them, rather confused.

Sword: You said I could!

Eventually, Prince Matthew's group walked towards the commotion.

Eupheos: Hey, you! Hands off the pony!
???? 2: I have a name!
Mark: Yea, hands off the pony, boy!
Sword: Oh, and who will stop me?
Flardi: We will.
Velsta: And by force!

Velsta rose a hockey stick, pointing to him.

Fratton: Nobody harms our team member!
Maretta: ...Should we let them?
Pridnestrovia: Maybe. But then we'd look weak, comrade. Pridnestrovia never weak!
N. Kama: You must defeat Shang Long to stand a chance!
Ayn: *mumble mumble*
Mizu: ENOUGH!

Mizu appears behind Matthew's team, followed by the Prince, amused.

Mizu: We'll make this a proper fight. Six against Six. First team to have a member knocked out loses.
Prince Matthew: But we just arrived!
Mizu: It's the Baptism of Fire, Prince.
Prince Matthew: ...OK.

The Prince stood on front of his team, handing the crown to the Pony as Sword left from her back.

Prince Matthew: Would you please not drop it down, Pony?
Comet Mask: Comet Mask, Sisters damn it! Comet Mask!
Prince Matthew: Whatever.

The Prince proceeded to start an actual fighting stance, smiling.

Prince Matthew: Let's do this Esportivan style, Fratty.
Fratton: Nobody calls me Fratty! Bring it!

As the two started fighting, Mark's hound pointed to his rifle.

Mark: Yes, Fido. We could've just shot them. But then it wouldn't be fun.

[The Hakifao Isles]

Ulselsheim

Due to there being six consecutive snowstorms in Hakifao, Herlek's flight from Landsbyen had been delayed significantly. As such, by the time he'd arrived in Ulselsheim after spending thirty-six hours in a string of miniscule airports he hadn't known existed (then again, he'd only ever heard of two airports in Hakifao - Ulselsheim and Landsbyen), the rest of the team had already arrived.

He met up with them in a restaurant downtown. Emmanuel Orselssen was there, as was an official representing the Hakifao Football Federation - a dark-eyed, thinning individual who introduced himself as Johan Carnstead. Orselssen shook somberly and asked if he wanted to order anything. He apologetically said he'd already eaten (a total lie), and the conversation began.

It turned out the team had nobody else lined up for the job, and in the café Carnstead produced a few documents for him to sign. Just like that, Herlek was comfortably employed again. They shook and left immediately for Mizuyuki, only thirteen minutes having passed. Herlek could only hope it wouldn't end as briefly...

Mizuyuki

On the way there, Orselssen had animatedly brought him up to speed on "The Best Team We've Ever Had - er, sorry Herlek. No offense meant. Erm...it's, ach, a really good team." On the long flight from Hakifao to Mizuyuki, he was told Orselssen's plans - they hadn't really changed, except to accomodate for the switch from Korhonen to the inconsistent, yet dynamic and promising Konstans Mäkela.

He was also informed about the group-mates, of which Orselssen was unconcerned. "Let them come at us with all their might," he said airily when Herlek asked about whether or not the other teams were any good. "None of them have got our experience. We're by far the best team. Look at this one, Szavoda - ha!" he barked. "They're all college students! No professionals at all!"

Herlek fidgeted. "That's an interesting 4-3-1-2 you've got here," he said quietly. Orselssen had just begun launching into a discussion of the 4-3-1-2's various merits when the plane landed.

Now

The game was going very well indeed.

They'd been forced to start Viljami Karlson just to take Mäkela's mind off guarding the infamous Baumbach. The game started with a bang, Mäkela going for one of his signature runs just off the whistle and managing to sprint past the defense, Robert Thomson only barely managing to tackle the attacking halfback (cleanly - avoiding his legs by an inch) and knock the ball harmly out-of-bounds. Kristian Halvorsön somehow botched the corner, but a few minutes later redeemed himself by making a beautiful pass through the left side Daniel Niemi managed to tap in. One-nil after nine.

Baumbach, largely held off by the early substitution and frustrated, eventually charged forwards out of frustration and managed to clear two defenders out of talent despite not being Konstans Mäkela, but his shot ricocheted off the crossbar. Still, the Hakifaos retreated a bit, and the match was evened.

For a bit, at least. Kristian Halvorsön received a pass, spun, and fired a bullet that Mäkela managed to reach. It was wide to the left, but Mäkela managed to poke it forwards and Niemi deftly caught up and shot, the ball inexplicably bouncing off Finley's shoulder and in. Baumbach was livid, van Tango annoyed, but the match continued two-nil, and two-nil it remained after thirty minutes.

Of course, when Mäkela simply ran up the left sideline for a bit then passed back to Gordon Andreasson, who took a step into the penalty box and shot into the upper right corner to put the Hakifaos up three-nil, Baumbach went off like a firecracker, hanging back and yelling at the defense for the remainder of the half. He went into the locker room seething and opened the second half furious.

Herlek could've sworn Mäkela smiled at him after the final goal, on a corner-kick Halvorsön opted for a surprise short-pass on. Konstans Mäkela dashed up, spun around, and cut into the penalty box, managing to kick the ball in the net in the ensuing chaos. Four-nil, and soon enough the final whistle was sending the Starlings through to the quarterfinals...

[Flardania]

Flardnia Pousse en Avant!, Flardania defeats San Llera 1-3 to advance to Quarterfinals
Français|日本語|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Manager Hikaru Kyosuke in good mood following win.

The Kitsunes fans chanting and showing their support

Canterlot, Equestrian States- Flardania clawing out of Group C in domanting fashion took on the # 1 Seed San Llera at Star Stadium here in Canterlot with over 30,000 devoted Kitsunes fans looked to push deeper in this tournament. 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 23rd minute with a goal by Norio Osada of a corner delivered by Papadopulos. However San Llera would strike back in the 30th with Andreu Mallet's Cannon left foot to equalize. Joseph Yabuta who came off the bench in order to rest scored in the 65th minute of a cross from Hyun Ji Kim. Hyun Ji Kim would later score in the 77th minute to give Flardania the 3-1 lead. Flardania would hold the fort for the rest of the match to win. Coach Kyosuke was happy with the win and is focus on his next opponents.

"This was a win the fans could take pride in and that is what we wanted to deliver, we went up against the #1 seed and pulled out a win. We reviewed film and did not think of ourselves as underdogs we played our game and our fans gave us fuel. After the game fans were chanting one more win and they are right we need to take things one win at a time. Maretta will be the least defensive team we face which mean Yabuta has a chance to shine but also our defense is more at risk. We will once again look to the tape and prepare. It's been a great showing so far and our fans deserve at the very least a Semi-Finals appearance."

The Kitsunes next opponent is Maretta at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, a field the Kitsunes have experience with. A win would be great in reaching Manager Kyosuke's minimum goal of reaching the Baptism of Fire Semi-Finals. 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 the game will be national televised on FBC sports2.

San Llera 1 - 3 Flardania
ANDREU MALLET (30')      NORIO OSADA (23')
                         JOSEPH YABUTA (65')
                         HYUN JI KIM (77')

Article by: Timothy Norfolk

[Equestrian States]

QUARTERFINALS
EQUESTRIAN RESULTS

Flardania 5–1 Maretta
at Elements Stadium in Ponyville, EQS

Pridnestrovia 0–0 Vermark
(0–0 AET) (4–3 pen.)
at Diamond Park in Stalliongrad, EQS

---

SEMIFINALS
EQUESTRIAN FIXTURE

Flardania vs. Pridnestrovia
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

[Mizuyuki]

QUARTERFINALS
MIZUYUKI RESULTS

Korchayk 0–3 Hakifao
at Mirania Infinitia Stadium in Kagura, MZY

Matthewsiania 3–0 Walamzia
at Sonico Athletics Stadium in Hyūga, MZY

---

SEMIFINALS
MIZUYUKI FIXTURES

Hakifao versus Matthewsiania
at ShiFT Project Sports Arena in Hanekawa, MZY

[Trans-Dniesters]

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

PRIDNESTROVIA SURVIVES VERMARK IN PENALTY SHOOTOUT TO REACH SEMIFINALS OF BAPTISM OF FIRE
By Gustav Tyumenov


Volodymyr Hlushko scores the winning penalty for Pridnestrovia against Vermark in the quarterfinals of the Baptism of Fire in Stalliongrad, Equestrian States.

STALLIONGRAD, EQUESTRIAN STATES - Despite having difficulty in penetrating the stiff Vermark defense, Pridnestrovia managed to win against them in a tense penalty shootout that saw both a spectacular miss from Boyan Radev and an absolutely amazing save from Svyatoslav Alkaev.

Both sides created good chances all throughout the game. Boyan Radev made a shot from just 20 yards that was saved by the Vermark keeper at the last second, and Peter Schermer's shot, which made it into the back of the net, was eventually deemed offside by match officials, and quite rightly so.

Vermark also had its fair share of chances that should have gone in, but didn't. David Isaacsson made a penalty kick after his compatriot Herbert Alfredsson was brought down inside the box by Dumitru Anghelescu, but Svyatoslav Alkaev saved what would have been a foolishly conceded penalty. Erik Hjamar also had one attempt judged offside, although later reviews appear to show that the decision could have gone either way.

No goal was made in regular time, and not even extra time saw a goal produced, although both teams were clearly trying to score a winner that would spare them from a penalty shootout. But stellar performances from both keepers made sure that penalties would become an inevitability.

Vermark had the honors of taking the first penalty. Erik Hjamar's shot unfortunately went way wide, not even bothering the stoic Alkaev. However, Boyan Radev's shot also sailed high over Ronald Dinlund and into the crowd. David Isaacsson took the second penalty for Vermark. He took a shot at the top left corner, but Alkaev predicted his attempt correctly and made a spectacular slap at the ball to send it away from the goal. After this, both teams made their penalties, and then all eyes were on Volodymyr Hlushko, who had been brought in to replace Yaroslav Wasylyshyn in extra time. If Hlushko misses his penalty, it would go to sudden death. If he makes the penalty, Pridnestrovia advances to the semifinals. With the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders, Hlushko breathed in, breathed out, and kicked the ball. Beyond Dinlund's reach and into the back of the net.

Pridnestrovia was through to the semifinals, a feat it has not achieved in the entirety of its existence. "This is truly a landmark moment in our country's history," manager Werner Ceausescu said in the post-game conference. "We really hope that we can make it to the finals, and win the tournament."

Only Flardania and the winner between Hakifao and Matthewsiania stands in the way of Pridnestrovia's dream of capturing the Baptism of Fire trophy, a feat that was notably not achieved by Pridnestrovia's "special partner" Abanhfleft.

[Matthewsiania]

Baptism of Fire Season: Chapter 3 - Provecti Ad Finales

The boy was laid down, knocked out on the middle of the dusty ground.

Mizu: Enough! The winners are... these guys?

Velsta smiled, bowing down with her hockey stick a bit bloodied.

Mizu: OK, now you go to the infirmary. Kaza is trying her nursery skills, I'm sure she'll help. The rest, follow me.

The entire group stared at the old villa, with dozens of wrecked windows and other marks that time hadn't been too kind with the area, before being joined by Comet Mask.

Comet Mask: This is the Village of Fire. Nearly everyone that participates at the World Cup has to spend a brief moment here. Few have avoided this area as they believed that they didn't need the extra time. Alas, you must step a long way to the top. And this is the very first step. You can each pick one house to stay at for the meantime. It might be a bit dusty, but it does have everything decently set. And you who just won the match?

The pony pointed towards Prince Matthew's team.

Comet Mask: You'll get a free pass to the final. On the house for taking that moron from my back.
Mark: Pretty dam'convenient, heh?
Velsta: I accept your thank yous.
Prince Matthew: I'll give the Thank You when we get to that resting place, my legs are tired.

The Prince dashed towards the door, finding a spider web on his face.

Prince Matthew: Oh, god damn it!
Aeneos: This place is dustier than a desert!
Flardi: Oui... Oof... Open the windows, hopefully the wind will make this smell better.

That was a rough day we had, but after cleaning it all with some spare cleaning tools... we finally had a place to stay at the Village of Fire. Now? We wait. For the grand finale.

[Flardania]

Est-ce un miracle!?, #16 Seed Flardania defeats Maretta 5-1 to advance to Semifinals
Français|日本語|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Manager Hikaru Kyosuke in good mood following win.

A Trio of Kitsunes Fans earlier today in Canterlot

Canterlot, Equestrian States- Flardania after defeating San Llera 1-3 at Star Stadium here in Canterlot, travelled to Ponyville to face Maretta with a capped crowd of 15,000 devoted Kitsunes fans looked to reach the Semis. The Otaku Army were vocal as usual and giant anime posters of Key Players were draped in the fan section. Flardania struck early in what was a dominating effort which had Flardania leading 5-0 before allowing a consolation goal. Coach Kyosuke was happy with the win and is focus on Pridnestrovia.

"This was a result necessary to give the fans excitement as we accomplish our first goal of being among the final four teams. Our next opponent is very offensive and we need to keep their offense at bay while making use of their defensive openings. We will review film and prepare for our greatest challenge so far. After the game fans were chanting one more win and they are right as we are one match away from the finals. It's been a great showing so far and we wish to give our fans a good showing and hopefully continue our quest to bring the trophy to Asia. "

The Kitsunes next opponent is Pridnestrovia at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, a city the Kitsunes have experience with. A win would be spectacular as the lowest seed, the #16 Seed Kitsunes would reach the Baptism of Fire Finals. 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 the game will be national televised on FBC sports2.

Flardania 5 - 1 Maretta
JOSEPH YABUTA (5' 20')     TYLER THOMAS (88')
NORIO OSADA ( 55')
HYUN JI KIM (34')
JOSUKE ICHIKAWA (61')

Article by: Timothy Norfolk

[The Hakifao Isles]

Amaya, Mizuyuki

The plan had touched down six hours prior, yet Hakifao had just settled down in their hotel. There had been a series of mixups, each building on the last with disturbing relish so that a minor clerical error eventually lead to the dispatchment of three Llamanean air squadrons armed to the teeth with their cargo of Emperor of Bostopia plush dolls doused thoroughly in gasoline.

After explaining that they were not in fact terrorists sent by the Alfalfist Cult to destroy everything Hakifao stood for to the confused hotel staff, in fact they were a football team, the team was permitted to enter. Herlek was to share a room with Emmanuel Orselssen. The two walked to the room and, both used to travelling, divided the entire room up within minutes.

Lying down on his bed - it was already quarter to two in the morning, and they had a match coming soon - Herlek immediately pulled the covers over his face. He was more tired than he'd been in a while, a bad sign - but soon he had stopped worrying and was fast asleep.

Their first match was in three days, where their Baptism of Fire journeys would begin. Herlek could only wonder how it would go...

Three days later

"What the ****? A giant cat?" Herlek yelled, tossing his clipboard onto the grass. They would hardly need tactics in this match.

Herlek had known that there would be some tough competition, but a sixty-foot tall cat who appeared to speak perfect Croatian and nothing else - a sixty-foot tall cat who spoke perfect Croatian and wore spectacles - was just absurd. He turned and pulled Emmanuel Orselssen aside.

"How are we going to play this match?" Herlek asked.

"Send out a sixty-foot-long fish?" Emmanuel suggested acidly.

The two grimaced, looking back out onto the field, where the cat was terrorizing the Starlings, who were unaccustomed to playing such teams, with its flowing long stride and powerful right foot. They looked back at each other again, while Konstans Mäkela attempted to run around the cat and into the goal.

"You know, we should really send out a sixty-foot-long fish," Herlek said. They gazed back out onto the pitch. Mäkela had finally managed to score, but the cat's kick-off had spent Andersson flying and shot into the net with contemptuous ease.

"Žao nam je zbog toga, momak." said the cat apologetically in a abnormally squeaky voice. Andersson fainted.

"Don't let that cat kick off!" Herlek shouted. "It's not worth it! Just play this to a tie! Or something!"

So they did. Herlek resolved to perform more scouting for the next match - obviously it hadn't worked very well for this one.

Either that, or bring out a sixty-foot long fish. But Herlek doubted the next team would be so strange.

---

[Equestrian States]

SEMIFINALS
EQUESTRIAN RESULT

Flardania 1–3 Pridnestrovia
at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

---

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF

Flardania vs. TBD
at Venue TBD in City TBD, MZY

---

58th BAPTISM OF FIRE FINAL

Pridnestrovia vs. TBD
at Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

[Trans-Dniesters]

(OOC: This may or may not be based on the Man United-Arsenal quarterfinals match of the FA Cup. I'm weird that way.)

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

PRIDNESTROVIA DISPATCHES FLARDANIA 3-1 TO PROCEED TO BAPTISM OF FIRE FINALS
By Gustav Tyumenov


Bohuslav Gavrilyuk and Isidor Petrov of Pridnestrovia fights for the ball against Pandazi Papadopoulos of Flardania at Grand Regal Stadium in Canterlot, Equestrian States.

CANTERLOT, EQUESTRIAN STATES - A thrilling match between two of the best sides of this edition of the Baptism of Fire must end with one side victorious over the other, and this time it was Pridnestrovia and the Red Army which managed to triumph over Flardania and the Kitsunes.

Pridnestrovia came to the semifinals by way of a close 1-0 victory against Szavoda before surviving a tense penalty shootout against Vermark. Flardania's journey, meanwhile, was a little more longer. They trashed Renatiem 7-1 to gain a spot in the round of 16, and then handily dispatched San Llera 3-1 and Maretta 5-1 to set up the semifinals match.

Flardania started the game, and they immediately tried to take advantage of Pridnestrovia's attacking play style by pushing the ball through the Red Army's defensive liabilities, but Svyatoslav Alkaev was on hand to parry away any shot that came close to him or his goal.

Against the run of play, Janika Lukacs managed to put the ball in goal in the 25th after receiving a pass from Demyan Wasylyk after Wasylyk tried to make a run, but was blocked off by two Flardanian defenders. Lukacs received the ball, made a short run up the left side, and slotted the ball beyond the keeper.

But just five minutes later, Flardania's Joseph Yabuta scored the equalizer after heading in a pass from Hyun Ji Kim, and all Alkaev could do was raise his arm feebly at the general direction of the ball. The first half closed on a close 1-1 draw between the Red Army and the Kitsunes.

Play was mostly calm and even in the twenty minutes immediately following the start of the second half, but in the 66th minute, Kazuo Nakamura undercooked a back pass to his keeper, and Boyan Radev immediately capitalized on the mistake, using his pace and acceleration to punt the ball away from a rushing Rodrigue Gardinier before calmly and confidently slotting it into the net. Pridnestrovian flags flew high and proud throughout Grand Regal Stadium, but at this point there was still a lot of time for Flardania to pull back a second equalizer.

Yet that opportunity wouldn't come. In the dying minutes of the second half, Selim Tiryaki, who was subbed in for Peter Schermer, received a cross from Radev, and then he attempted a shot from a very acute angle. The ball looked like it would sail wide past the mouth of goal, but then it made an infinitesimal curve that sent it into the post and then into goal. Once Tiryaki had made the goal, the Pridnestrovians could hold themselves back no further. A few Ultras that had somehow managed to evade the state monitoring agencies set off red and green flares in the stadium, but these were quickly dealt with by Equestrian authorities. With only two minutes in regular time and five minutes of stoppage time, Flardania looked hard for a miracle, but the miracle didn't come, and Pridnestrovia will be going through to the finals. Flardania will have to settle for the third-place matchup.

"This is a truly historic moment for the team and the nation," manager Werner Ceausescu said in the post-game conference. "We now have a chance to hoist up the prestigious Baptism of Fire trophy. Rest assured that this will be one of the highest points of Pridnestrovia's sporting history."

Pridnestrovia's last opponent before taking the Baptism of Fire trophy will be either Matthewsiania or Hakifao.

          FLARDANIA 1 - 3 PRIDNESTROVIA
JOSEPH YABUTA (30')       JANIKA LUKACS (25')
                           BOYAN RADEV (66')
                           SELIM TIRYAKI (88')

PRIDNESTROVIA
GK: Alkaev
RB: Gavrilyuk
CB: Vasilyev
LB: Petrov
RM: Anghelescu
RDM: Wasylyk
CDM: Lukacs
LDM: Bogomolov
LM: Wasylyshyn
CF: Radev
CF: Schermer

FLARDANIA
GK: Gardinier
DEF: Nakamura
DEF: Seung Suk Yi
DEF: Yukimura
DEF: Janvier
MID: Quý Ngải Phan
MID: Hyun Ji Kim
MID: Papadopoulos
FW: Osada
FW: Yoon Gyeong Kim
FW: Yabuta

MATCH STATS
Possession
Flardania: 50%
Pridnestrovia: 50%
Shots
Flardania: 19 (10 on target)
Pridnestrovia: 14 (7 on target)
Corners
Flardania: 21
Pridnestrovia: 19
Fouls
Flardania: 7
Pridnestrovia: 13

[Mizuyuki]

SEMIFINALS
MIZUYUKI RESULT

Hakifao 0–0 Matthewsiania
1-0 after extra time
at ShiFT Project Sports Arena in Hanekawa, MZY

---

THIRD PLACE PLAYOFF

Flardania versus Matthewsiania
at ShiFT Project Sports Arena in Hanekawa, MZYY

---

58th BAPTISM OF FIRE FINAL

Pridnestrovia versus Hakifao
at Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot, EQS

[Flardania]

Rêve Suspendu à un Fil, #16 Seed Flardania falls to Pridnestrovia
Français|日本語|English
FBC News | Flardanian Broadcasting Corporation

---

Manager Hikaru Kyosuke in sombre mood following loss.

A pack of Kitsunes Fans following loss in Canterlot

Canterlot, Equestrian States- Flardania after defeating Maretta 5-1 in Ponyville, traveled to Grand Regal Stadium here in Canterlot, with a crowd of 30,000 devoted Kitsunes fans looked to reach the finals. The Otaku Army were vocal as usual and giant anime posters of Key Players were draped in the fan section. Flardania fought hard but were unable to defeat the Red Army. Coach Kyosuke was disappointed with the loss and is focus on the rematch with Matthewsiania as the Kitsunes seek to claim third place .

"This was a tough loss where we let the fans down, we came so close to the championship and couldn't get the job done. The fans excitement was key in getting this far and the opposition offense was just too strong. Our next opponent is one we loss to in the group stages and we need to play better in order to obtain a 3rd place finish in this tournament. We will review film and prepare for our last BOF match. We are a different and stronger team than the last time we faced them. And I feel we have a cultural home-field advantage."

The Kitsunes next opponent is Matthewsiania at ShiFT Project Sports Arena in Hanekawa, Mizuyuki, a city the Kitsunes have little experience with but can use a cultrual homefield advantage. A win would be spectacular in reaching third place in the Baptism of Fire. 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 the game will be national televised on FBC sports2.

Article by: Timothy Norfolk