Baptism of Fire 62 (Everything Thread)

[Chernordad]

Round of 8 PREDICTIONS
Brigantii vs. Herendon
Predicted Outcome: Brigantii

Bonesea vs. New Gazi
Predicted Outcome: Bonesea

Chernordad vs. Savalen
Predicted Outcome: Chernordad

North Carcossia and the Hesperides vs. Mercedini
Predicted Outcome: North Carcossia

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Cleansing of my Resolve ~ Episode 2: Foolhardy

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WIP

[Mercedini]

Mercedini Sports Daily
Round of Sixteen: Mercedini vs. Losthaven

Welcome back to our live coverage of the 62nd Baptism of Fire in Cosumar, last time Mercedini beat fellow group qualifiers Arkan with by a score line of 4-2, ensuring them the top spot of the group. Today, we are back at the Orange Palace in Mallox, for their Round of Sixteen match against Losthaven. Plenty of well known names in the lineup today, with Billic and Mossec upfront for the blue stripes. The sun is shining today but it's still very chilly in the stadium, it will be interesting to see if that benefits either team here today. The teams are out and are receiving a huge fanfare, that atmosphere immense as always. We're ready for the national anthems.

0' - Loud cheers from both sides as we enter the single knockout rounds. Everything at stake here for both teams. We know both teams can score and defend very well, so we're looking forward to a terrific match.

5' - (MRC 0-0 LHV) - Mercedini with their first meaningful attack. Billic with the ball running up field. Past one. Past two!! He is waltzing past the Losthaven defence. All he needs to do it put the ball in the net!! Rounds the goalkeeper!! GOAL!! Amazing solo goal from Billic, not even five minutes on the clock and Mercedini have got the first goal of the game. The Losthaven defence was nowhere to be seen as Billic strolled through, passed the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the empty net. Dream start for Mercedini. 1-0!

8' - (MRC 1-0 LHV) - Great start for Mercedini. Some of the crowd haven't even got to their seats before that first goal. Losthaven slowing the pace, looking to consolidate and build from the back... misplaced pass back to the goalkeeper and Mercedini could have a second in quick succession! Mossec all on his own in the box! Shoots! GOAL!! Curls it beautifully into the top corner! Could this get any better for the Blue Stripes! Two goals up in the first ten minutes. It's over before it has really begun. Mossec's first goal of the tournament. 2-0 Mercedini. Unbelievable!

19' - (MRC 2-0 LHV) - A Mexican wave is making it's way around the Orange Palace here in Mallox. Mercedinians are giving their team full support. The Losthavenners look dejected in their portion of the crowd, they aren't participating in the Mexican wave in the stadium for obvious reasons. Only to receive boo's from the rest of the crowd. Not much happening after that blistering start. Still 2-0

29' - (MRC 2-0 LHV) - It's getting worse and worse for Losthaven here. Mercedini have grabbed their third just before the half hour mark. Nymark with the goal with the header from a quick corner taken by Crasic. Losthaven's defence couldn't get organised in time. Nymark found the bottom corner while in plenty of space. The Losthaven players look miserable, totally juxtaposed by the cheering of the Mercedinian crowd. Flags flying high, morale sky high. It's 3-0 folks, 3-0!

34' - (MRC 3-0 LHV) - Mercedini dominating possession, not letting the Losthaven players have a moment on the ball, it's clear to see why they topped their group. Mercedini seem to think that they have the game wrapped up, slowly playing the ball around the pitch. Losthaven haven't had a shot on target at the moment. They look to be having a swift exit from the tournament.

41' - (MRC 3-0 LHV) - Another break on for Mercedini, this time it's a four-on-two break with both strikers, Crasic and Presic both breaking forward. Billic with the ball at the moment, the Losthaven defenders look stretched here, Billic breaking into the box, squares the ball to Presic who is arriving now! Surely Presic has to score!! YES!! Another for Mercedini, Presic puts the ball into the open net and runs to celebrate with the Mercedinian fans. The faces on the Losthaven fans keep getting lower and lower. 4-0 now!

45+3' - (MRC 4-0 LHV) - Mercedini slowly passing the ball around the centre circle, the referee blows his whistle. That caps off a half of two very different teams. Mercedini: very energetic, players always wanted the ball and clinical, while their opponents looked lethargic. I'm sure those players will be getting the hairdryer treatment in those changing rooms. At the break it's Mercedini 4, Losthaven 0!

HALF TIME: Mercedini 4 - 0 Losthaven
Billic 5', Mossec 8', Nymark 29', Presic 41'

The half-time interval has almost elapsed, so the teams are finishing their warm-ups for the second half. Can Losthaven claw back a goal and retain some dignity from that dismal first half that they have had. Mercedini are surely certain of a place in the quarter-finals, they just have to stay resilient in defence and not give up a goal, a clean sheet is within their grasp. Both teams are in positions, the referee has blown his whistle. Losthaven have kicked off and the second half is well under way.

49' - (MRC 4-0 LHV) - Teams have kicked off for the second half and we have been underway for about four minutes. Looks as if Losthaven have finally been kicked into gear. They are passing around the ball nicely, and look to be after the goal to salvage something from the game and to deny Mercedini the clean sheet. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the match lays out. 4-0.

58' - (MRC 4-0 LHV) - Losthaven have had a flurry of chances in the past couple of minutes. The biggest one being Everheart forcing a save from Hosset, and that was the first thing he has had to do all day. Promising stuff from Losthaven, can they get a goal before the end of the game.

63' - (MRC 4-1 LHV) - Losthaven have finally got the goal they needed, a goal from Everheart. A blasted shot from the edge of the box beat the diving hands of Hosset. Just clipped the post on it's way in. A quality shot from Everheart. Will it trigger something more?

71' - (MRC 4-1 LHV) - Mercedini effectively killing any chance of a comeback here. They are passing the ball around the midfield, making sure that the Losthaven goal about ten minutes ago doesn't turn into something more serious for their championship hopes.

80' - (MRC 4-1 LHV) - I think the boys in blue and black have finally killed the game off for Losthaven. Mercedini have gotten a fifth thanks to an exquisite strike from the substitute Benjamin Legge, a shot thirty yards out found it's way into the net. I tell you what folks, this one could be a rising star!

89' - (MRC 5-1 LHV) - Time running out on Losthaven's campaign. Some of their fans are making their way out of the stadium. The Mercedinians don't look like their leaving any time soon. Bouncing up and down like a teenage rave. We are entering into stoppage time now. Still 5-1 to Mercedini.

90+1' - (MRC 5-1 LHV) - The corner comes in from Crasic on the far side, and the header goes over the bar from Nymark. The ref. blows his whistle and Mercedini see themselves in the quarterfinal of the Baptism of Fire. Another 5 goals here today, let's see how they fare against tougher opponents. At the end of this Round of Sixteen match up, it's Mercedini 5, Losthaven 1.

FULL TIME: Mercedini 5 - 1 Losthaven
Billic 5, Mossec 8', Nymark 29', Presic 41', Legge 80' // Everheart 63'

[Confederate Islands Of Paputu]

GOODBYE BAPTISM OF FIRE

In front of 15,000 fans came from the islands, the paputian team has surrendered to Savalen .
The dramatic score 4-3, the result of a goal in the 117 ' minute, decreed the end of the paputian adventure in the BoF.
And with a dramatic illusion.

Minute 13', a beautiful kick outisde the area puts Paputu in front. 1-0, Limton.
Minute 19', a muscular problem force Watersen to left the mach. Mawerta goes in.
Minute 23', a genial touch of Mawerta finds McKortney all alone in front of Selberg. The forward driblles the GK and scores. 2-0
Paputian fans are dancing and singing, the match looks in their hands.
Minute 36', corner for Savalen. The ball ends on the head of Tobsaka which scores. 2-1

Minute 54', a counterattack of Savalen takes place. From the right a precious cross from Salla finds Lisov all alone and he just has to touch the ball to score 2-2.
Fans of Savalen are now going crazy. Desperation the paputian side.
Minute 67', Bartlow out, Lidgerwood in.
Minute 76', a beautiful touch of Temuge gives a precious opportunity to Lisov, which sends a cannon shot from the edge of the area. Edmonton touchs the ball that hits the lower side of the crossbar and goes into the net. The comeback is complete.
Minute 81', corner for Paputu. Alvdal cleares the area, Kawaturupuro tries a kick, saved by Selberg. The ball remains on the danger zone and then, like an hawk, swoops on the ball Mawerta. The ball, somehow, finds the net. 3-3
Paputian supporters now are going crazy, Mawerta is running on the field instoppable.
Minute 90+4' end of the match. AET will take place.

Minute 116', after a perpetuated assault, Savalen founds a hole in the defensive line of Paputu. Elstad brought himself into the box with a snap action and kicks violently. Edmonton is not perfect, 3-4.
Minute 117' Kawaturupuro out, Lusasu in
Minute 120+1' Temuge hits the crossbar with a beautiful freekick, it's the last opportunity. The match ends.

Paputu-Savalen 3-4
Scorers: Limton 13', McKortney 23', Tobsaka 36', Lisov 54', 76', Mawerta 81', Elstad 116'.

Line Up: Edmonton, Rigg, Matten, Potoremara, Kali, Watersen (Mawerta 19'), Limton, Kawaturupuro (Lusasu 117'), Bartlow (Lidgerwood 67'), McKortney, Filler.

[Savalen]

Not my painting, just incase...

A watcher in the shadows, a protector of his realm, a guard of his family. A lynx is a cunning, caring creature. They never fully sleep nor stop, they are always looking for their meal, all for the sake of family.

Axelsen looked out of the window. The consistent chug-chug of the train provided a calming, constant rhythm to which he could think to. He remembered the first game. An awful 5-3 loss to Greater Cascadia gave Axelsen an awful feeling as if the whole world had erupted around him - he could still hear the boos ringing out around the stadium on the 65th minute as the ref pointed at the penalty spot. The boos weren't directly aimed at him, but Kurt had felt as though he had, in some indirect way, been responsible for the result. The Greater Cascadians had been knocked out by their next opponents, Chernodad. How were they ever going to win?

A lynx prowls around his area - rarely straying far from the den. But prey isn't always easy to find when a winged predator roams the skies, seeking the same goal. Why are they here? What forced them away?. In such cases a Lynx strays further to humans, possibly with disastrous results for both man and beast...

Axelsen thought back to the 7-3 demolition and grinned. He had scored his first ever goal in the match. Granted it was insignificant, as Lisov's hat-trick had set them on the way and by the time he chipped in, it was 5-2 and the result was secure, but it was soooo sweet. Sadly it hadn't been in Supronuk, but still it felt special. As he replayed the run-up in his mind for a second time, he heard a knock on the window and a couple of the lads streamed into his cabin, chirping "Cards? Cards!" until Kurt agreed to play.

A lynx always loves a morsel and a roe deer is one. The sweet, tasty meat allows for a lynx to take a days rest, but such is not the nature of family. The lynx has to return to his pastures to try find new prey. Prey that she can catch for her youngling family in such a cold winter to get them through. As she stalks her latest target, her paw give off a dull thud as she pawed the snow. The mink was still and oblivious to the danger surrounding him.

The conversation during the game turned to the match against Stacoco. It had been the best match that they'd played, but it was marred with a horrible event. The team had dominated, but not dominated the headlines.

"It's a damn shame," said Lisov, "I can't believe this happened. Why did they go ahead with the match after half-time?" This was the first time that he and Axelsen had been in a room together and it was the first time that Lisov had spoken in front of him in a group. During the game of cards he had been silent and just sat in the corner without saying a word.

But now he had spoken and his words carried real gravitas, meaning and feeling.

When anybody sees a child die, it is a time for sorrow, but when a mother sees a child die, it rips part of her out. It hurts more that she has to live on that she has failed a being. A being so young and fragile died during her watch. But she has to live on, through day and night to try and keep her two other children alive. But it was harder and harder as the winter closed in around her, choking her last insides and the big blue in the sky still prowled the sky.

Axelsen looked back on what was probably the last match that he would ever play in Surpronuk and he felt a a twinge of sadness. It was here after all where he made his debut and he had felt what it was like making a debut for his country - it was hair-raising, especially with such a close, packed ground. But now, with their progression into the last eight with a 4-3 win (AET) against Paputu, he was never going to play here again.

To be honest, even with an amazing comeback thanks to a brace from Lisov and a good attacking showing, they had no chance against Chernodad. They had been churning out results like machines and had dispatched the team that beat them. It was going to be a long journey there and maybe a long journey back.

But at the moment, Axelsen was calm. It was the evening and they were just a few hours away from their destination as Axelsen drifted into a light sleep with the chatter of the few mates still awake ringing in his ears.

A lynx has to take drastic action when threatened. But to do a migration from where she has lived for many years with two cubs? The big blue in the sky scared her so much, their flaming nose and large wings, many times the size of a bat's, petrified her into fleeing south, towards the capital where she had strayed for the second day, where she found the deer. The winter was too cold and much of the prey had gone - frozen to death beneath the ice.

She found herself staring down a valley at some lines. Whoosh, clatter, clatter, screech. It hurt her ears and she turned away from the fast moving thing. It was bigger, longer than anything she had ever seen. She whined her kids to stay in the cover of the pine trees. She would attack the beast if it came too close. She was a guardian, always awake, always watching, even where she cannot go.

[Brigantii]

Baptism of Fire 62

Brigantii 4-1 Aji No Moto

Another solid performance from The Stags sees them march into the quarter finals with a second 4-1 win on the bounce and sets up a re-match with Herendon, who took three points from Brigantii in the opening fixture of the tournament.

Heading into the fixture, pundits back home suggested Brigantii would be favourites in this encounter owing to the limited number of goals their opponents had scored in the group stage and Brigantii's preferred attacking approach to games, but none had predicted quite such a resounding scoreline to see The Stags into the quarter-finals.

Sending out the same squad for the third game in succession, Winston's team lined up with two big strikers up front, only one of whom would finish the encounter. Prior to the game it had been noted Trevor Winter had complained of flu like symptoms, potentially due to the inhospitable weather in Quebec and came off after only 20 minutes.

Brigantii opened the scoring after 17 minutes when Lambeth latched on to a neatly threaded through ball from captain Jarred Stevenson and slotted the ball neatly past the on coming Aji No Moto keeper. The lead however didn't last long and Aji No Moto replied almost instantly through Shigemitsu, who rounded Hurst and slipped the ball into the empty goal.

Shortly after, Winter was replaced by Michael Irwin and the oncoming striker grabbed his opportunity with both hands. Receiving the ball on the edge of the Brigantii half, he played the ball out wide to Mcnamara and darted towards the Aji No Moto box, receiving the ball back in the opposition half he beat two defenders with a dropped shoulder and sprinted towards the Aji No Moto box before hammering the ball past the keeper for 2-1.

The half finished 2-1 and whatever Winston said to his team saw them come back out fired up and hit the post after only 17 seconds, when Frankie Wallace lofted the ball towards Lambeth, who controlled on his chest, rolled the defender and put his laces through the ball, only to see it cruelly crash against the post and out for a goal kick. However Lambeth was rewarded soon after with his second of the game when he rose highest from a corner to powerfully head into the net.

A fourth goal came through Russ Baker, making a cameo appearance from the bench with only 10 minutes to go. The Brierthorne midfielder managed to make the most of his brief spell on the pitch and capped it with a tap in, in the 84th minute, profiting from confusion in the box. The Brierthorne midfielder has been speculation of a transfer bid from Rookscroft City, after turning in some impressive performances for the Albertpool based side it's believed the Sky Blues are considering tabling an £18million offer to bolster their ageing midfield.

Stats

Brigantii – Aji No Moto
Possession 58%-42%
Shots on Target 8-4
Shots off Target 6-2
Corners – 3-3
Goals – Lambeth (17, Brigantii), Shigemitsu (19, Aji No Moto), Irwin (25, Brigantii), Lambeth (51, Brigantii), Baker (84, Brigantii)

Player Stats

Ray Hurst – Played well, and made a number of good saves, but has only managed 1 clean sheet in 4 games 7

Harry Melville – Another solid performance from the right back, who hasn't put a foot wrong in the last three games 7

Dereck Chamberlain – The centreback is now first choice to play alongside Raines and looks to be growing in confidence with every game that passes 8

Wardell Raines – His partnership with Chamberlain now looks set, until Brigantii reaches the end of their journey. His personal life faux pas seem to be a thing of the past as his performances for his country have held him in good sted 8

Byron Samuels – The young left back continues to improve with every game and made some good runs with the ball at his feet, looks menacing going into the Herendon game 7

Mitchell Clay – He may not be the flashiest player on the pitch, but he routinely performs at the highest level. 7

Frankie Wallace – Brilliant pass nearly assisted a goal early on in the second half, came off for Baker with the game wrapped up 7

Jarred Stevenson – The captain played well once again, his ability to break up play and retrieve the ball for his team sees him run further than anyone on the pitch most matches 8

Stephen Mcnamara – The winger turned in another good display. Nothing flashy today, just good honest work 7

Robbie Lambeth – The striker has seen the coach's faith in him repaid with a brace, he may not play for one of the top teams in the league but his goal scoring prowess is unrivaled in this team 8

Trevor Winter – Wasn't fully fit before kick off and should have probably been rested 3

Michael Irwin – Returned to the team and smashed home a much needed goal. Will be hoping to start against Herendon 7

Russ Baker – Came on with only a few minutes to go and made his introduction count with a goal 7

Up next for Winston's side is a rematch with Herendon, when asked how he was going to approach this one after his side failed to break down their resolute defending, Winston stated “we just have to go out there and continue to play the way we have been, we're finding goals now, and Lambeth is proving a lot for defenders to handle. Hopefully, Trevor [Winter] will be fit and give us another option.”

[Herendon]

THE QUEENDOM OF HERENDON

Editor's Opinion: On Cadian Cassady
By Jason Otero, Footy Editor, Port Vale Sentinel
SARNIA, ONTARIO, THE ROYAL KINGDOM OF QUÉBEC

Cadian Cassady still hasn't come out and made his intentions clear, but it cannot be ignored that he is certainly adding to his legend with his performance in the Baptism of Fire.

With one goal and one assist, the central midfielder has lead his team to two clean sheet victories. His effort is highest ranked among central midfielders in Herendon, and the teams he has played for have an average goals against per game of 1.25. He's showing us exactly what his mindset is every night, as he captains the squad in a wall of defense. Barring one 3-3 draw with New Dukaine, the team has been a bastion in front of net, making Claude Miren's job that much easier.

Look for Cassady to have a much larger role in years to come, as he works with the U18s and developing them into the team of the future. Kaira Gray is a small glimpse into the future, one that should bring a smile to any footy fan's face.

The Greybacks travel to Nunavut (albeit around a snow storm) tonight, as they take on Brigantii in a Quarterfinals rematch. Brigantii, who managed to win the group after dropping their first game, will be looking for revenge from the first match of the BoF, in which Gray scored the only goal. Hopefully, for the good of the association, she can do it again.
-Jason Otero
jotero@pvsentinel.he
Got a question? A hot take? Burning rage? Email me, and you may be in a future editorial!

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The newspaper slid off of Cadian's lap as the plane shook in a pocket of turbulence. He'd managed to sleep through it so far, but the most recent bumps woke him up as the paper rustled against his legs. "Sleeping well, dear?" Silenna said, as she looked up from her book. "With how little you've slept naturally over the last week, I'm surprised you haven't run yourself ragged." she continued, and flipped the page.

Cadian blinked his eyes, and laid his head back against the seat. "There's too much to do for sleep. I even had to turn down a meeting with the Queen, because practice ran long due to the snow." he responded, nestling into the seat to try to usher in the calm embrace of sleep.

"I bet you were just so thrilled to have the chance to meet with her anyway." Silenna replied, smirking. After he'd resigned from the Queen's Guard five years prior, the queen had constantly been trying to get him to come back into the fold. "Besides, what is done, is done. You cannot change the past, only the future." she added, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Cadian pondered what she had said for a moment, but then promptly dropped the thought as he closed his eyes again.

[Chernordad]

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The Lynx vs the Eagle: The Final 8

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As Gustavsson was roused from his uneasy slumber by the sudden jolt of the jet, he was suddenly and abruptly returned to the stresses of the real world. He was quite prone to stress. Most of the Chernan people were. It was in their DNA. Years of revolutions and civil war had conditioned the Chernan people to always stress about the future. But these pressures usually helped them to succeed in many aspects of their daily lives. As some people say, extreme pressure can turn coal into a wonderful diamond.

Gustavsson looked up when he saw the team manager, Myron Alekseeva, enter the aisle. They nodded at each other in respect.

”So all we need to do is beat Savalen?” Gustavsson said, as Alekseeva took a seat across from him.

”Yes. But they are quite an impressive team, with quite the track record. We’re going to have a difficult match, even with the way we’ve been performing.”

The team captain stretched himself, cracking the stiff joints in his back, and groaned softly. He rested his face in his hands, his elbows balanced on his knees, and rubbed his forehead, trying to get rid of a painful headache.

”What time’s the game tonight?” he asked taking an aspirin with a gulp of water. He looked up at Alekseeva.

”7pm. We just heard news that the Savalen national team has arrived in Klyde City.”

He poured himself a glass of whisky and stretched his legs out, and stared out the window into the beautiful landscape below.

Well, the Eagle always beats the Lynx, hey? Isn’t that how it goes?”

Alekseeva laughed.

”You are quite correct, bud. Quite correct indeed.”

Seeing Gustavsson in this worried state, he sat down next to him, and placed his arm over his shoulder.

”Listen, I have faith in you boys. We might not have the money or the flashy kits, but we all have each other, and that’s what matters most to me. I’m not the only one who is proud of you guys. You’ve united the nation, hell, probably the continent. So, no matter what the results are tomorrow, just know that we’re happy to see that we made it this far.”

The captain smiled.

”We’ll win it, sir. I promise you that.”

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Meanwhile a few rows back...

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Peter looked at the video on Semhar's phone in disbelief.

"Dragons can't be real. That's impossible.

"The video doesn't lie. That's definitely a dragon. Look at it's wings!"

"Uhhh... maybe it's like a big bird or something? Something native to only Consumar?"

What kind of f---ing bird, has scales, is 10 meters long, and is bright blue?" he laughed, punching Propst playfully. "Definitely not one that I've ever seen..."

"Okay then, so why are you telling me this?"

"Well, everyone knows that dragons bring good luck. So I was thinking..."

Propst caught on to Semhar's proposal early.

"Oh god no... You don't really want to do that?"

"Yes I am." he said triumphantly. "We are going to capture a dragon!"

---

The Alastyr Daily Magazine

The time has come. The final 8 teams. Once again, our team impresses on the national level. Undefeated, we emerge into the final rounds of the 62nd Baptism of Fire, and hopes are high to continue this streak of incredible skill and magnificent ball-kick-er-ing. With a win on the penalty shootouts in the Round of 16 game last Tuesday against Greater Cascadia, the nation is eager to see Chernordad in the final round this year, potentially pitted against fan-favorite team, Bonesea, (also undefeated.)

But to get there, first we must defeat Savalen, a squad renowned for their excellent forward players such as Axelsen and Lisov . In a previous game alone, they scored 7 goals against the Island formally known as Tasmania, and furthermore went on to a victory against Paputu; another past team from Group F. Between the two teams there will be a lot of skill and professionalism. Both teams are contenders for the cup, and are at equal chance of winning this game. Our money? It’s on Chernordad of course. Luck can only get you so far, and Savalen will run out of it tomorrow.

Expect a lot of blood, sweat, tears and really long public transport waiting times tomorrow as the two teams clash at 7pm at the Klyde Sportsplex, in Klyde City. It’s going to be one hell of a game, and definitely one for the history books. Stay tuned for more details.

-Henry Tavilsky

[North Carcossia and the Hesperides]

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Just outside of Infinity Plaza, Kaldukosic, Cosumar
Morning of IX September 2747

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Just call the authorities, Guilherme. They’ll know what to do next.

Guilherme faced the serpentine creature he had just tripped over with a chocolate bar in hand. Guilherme couldn’t help but hope that the reptilian in front of him enjoyed said sweet, hoping to avoid being hurt or, worse yet, eaten.

The tan creature sniffed the strange rectangle in the human’s hand. The creature tentatively stuck its tongue out and grabbed the object from Guilherme.

Guilherme couldn’t look. It had been too long. Was it mad? Was it eating it up? Was it dead? Guilherme unshielded his eyes to find the creature eat his chocolate bar up with gusto and stare at him with a strange grin.

Get your mobile phone out quickly, Guilherme.

Magalhães dialed the emergency number as quickly as possible.

“Hello. This is emergency services,” the operator on the other side said to Guilherme’s relief. “How may I be of assistance?”

“I’m just outside of Infinity Plaza and I’ve run across a strange creature,” Magalhães told the operator in somewhat hesitant English. “Is there an animal shelter nearby I can take it to?”

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An animal shelter in Kaldukosic
Evening of X September 2747

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Guilherme couldn’t stand it much longer. He had to see how the dragon was doing. The journey to Hagenhaim could wait just a little longer.

The man at the reception desk took him into the room where they kept the Cocodragons.

“These dragons are rather pesky. They are invasive to this part of Atlantian Oceania, but they are very adaptable to human settlements and make babies like there is no tomorrow. They don’t usually reside inside of cities, especially not one as big as Kaldukosic.”

Guilherme was listening with intensity as he and the Cocodragon engaged in a staring contest for the ages, one that Magalhães was losing.

“How is he doing?” Guilherme asked. “Or she?”

“He,” the receptionist replied. “And he is doing fine. He doesn’t look all that scuffed up and his vitals check out. He must be taking refuge in the city from the Azure Dragons.”

Guilherme surrendered the staring contest and turned to the receptionist with a confused look.

“Our national animal. They usually don’t come down to Kaldukosic, but it’s so cold up north that they really don’t have any choice but to migrate down south. The Cocodragon might not be as intelligent, but it’s survival instincts are good enough for it to know it doesn’t stand a chance in a fight against an Azure Dragon.”

“There isn’t anything like this in Braga.”

“Braga? Is that where you’re from?” This receptionist had to be the one person in Cosumar who wasn’t a football fan if he didn’t know who was talking to him.

“Yeah,” Guilherme replied. “He must be a baby. He’s so small.”

“Actually,” the receptionist replied, “he’s an adult. Cocodragons don’t usually grow more than three metres in length.”

“Oh. Well, I have to run,” Magalhães said. “I have an important game I have to get to. How long will you be keeping him here?”

“Probably a couple more days, just to keep an eye on him.”

“Thank you and God bless,” Magalhães told the man. “I’ll be back, o pequeno.”

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Baptism of Fire LXII: United Republics 4–2 Republic of Arkan
A back-and-forth battle ends with Carcossia’s perfect record intact and a place in the quarterfinals
By Tico Parétes, Ana Maria de San Zorzi; published XI September 2747, 18:50 Christiana/19:50 Syracuse

HAGENHEIM — Welcome back to SNTD’s live coverage of the sixty-second Baptism of Fire. As always, Tico Parétes and Ana Maria de San Zorzi are live on the field to cover all the action from Quebec and Cosumar as we turn to the knockout stage.

With the stage in Hagenhaim set and the jimmies of New Gazi supporters sufficiently rustled, we are ready to begin the single-elimination side of the tournament. One loss from here on out is without exception fatal. Carcossia have advanced through Group G with a perfect three-for-three record, while Arkan have had a win, a draw and a loss here so far, but none of that matters from this point forward.

Arkanian manager Gerod Ekot had some choice words after his nation’s last match, a 4-2 loss to Mercedini “Not very surprisingly, we put up a fight. Did we win? No. Did we show we have a chance to win? Yes, we did. North Carcossia [and the Hesperides] should be wary, I’ll tell them that.”

The manager for the United Republics of North Carcossia and the Hesperides, James-Alexandre Christopherson, put his self-assured confidence on full display in a press conference this morning. “We haven’t shown off everything we are capable of yet,” the Omerican said. “What we have shown so far is that we are flexible, resilient and capable of scaring the trousers off of our opposition. The pressure is immense and the Republic of Arkan are a difficult opponent on a good day, but I believe that Carcossia can manage victory here today.”

Làzaro Strazzaruola will be watching from the substitutes bench after pulling his hamstring in practice, giving Tobïa Cassagrande his second-consecutive start here, while Guilherme Magalhães has been branded by Christopherson as “mentally out of it”, leaving Theódoros Angelídis on goal. Jonlucca la Rossa is still sitting on the bench at the moment, while Jeremías Puga will return after his replacement by Simon Pascâles in the last two matches. In summary, it will be Angelídis, d’Aran, de Asturias, Merlónïes, Ochoa, Esteves, Ferranes, Puga, de Viscardi and Cassagrande for Carcossia. The Republic of Arkan will be starting the same eleven that has gotten them this far: Gogolv Eterio, Hank Zentet, Jako Rumeto, Rentzet Colio, Ylevin Tresmondo, Tyrun Zentet, Jack Jackerson, Tuzet Marteo, Retz Nunez, Nikko Pulvolv, Reznet Hententat.

0’ — The Calls of Carcossia and Arkanis have come and gone and now it is time for the action. Carcossia, decked out in red and black stripes, will kick things off here, going from left-to-right in this first half. The Republic of Arkan will be in their away kits, featuring a mostly-white shirt and red shorts. Just remember that the UR’s shorts are black here and it will all be good.

1’ — And we have begun! It is a battle of the 4–3–3 and 4–1–3–1–1 here in Hagenheim. Carcossia, who have just kicked off, look to defend their perfect record thus far, while Arkan want to prove that your group stage records don’t matter in the knockout rounds.

2’ — A poor pass puts Tyrun Zentet (RAK) on the ball. Arkan are in possession here.

3’ — What a familiar start. Skipper Carle Ferranes (NCH) gets booked by the referee after a poor tackle on Retz Nunez (RAK). Carcossian players are certainly pretty used to being on thin ice and Ferranes is making no exceptions here. Free kick in the defensive half to Arkan.

4’ — César Ochoa (NCH) has things under control here and gets the ball out to Jeremías Puga (NCH).

5’ — Puga with a fantastic cross to Tobïa Cassagrande (NCH). Carcossia are in the box here.

6’ — GOAL! United Republics 1–0 Republic of Arkan. An unchallenged Cassagrande tries for the unlikely shot and puts it past an unsuspecting Gogolv Eterio (RAK). The ball goes low in the left corner to give Carcossia an early lead here.

8’ — As predicted, snow is beginning to fall here in Hagenhaim. It’s already cold enough, so this is well to be expected. The Republic of Arkan midfield still in clear possession here from the kick-off.

10’ — Retz Nunez attempts a cross, leaving Roderic Esteves (NCH) and Jack Jackerson (RAK) racing for the ball. The two knock each other over and the ball looks free for the taking here. No harm, no foul, so things go on.

11’ — Nikko Pulvolv (RAK) gets to the ball ahead of César Ochoa (NCH) and passes it off to Reznet Hententat (RAK). Arkan look to be back in control here.

13’ — Anastacio de Asturias (NCH) with a bad challenge on Hententat. The referee will be getting a test in patience here today as de Asturias becomes the second Carcossian player booked here in Hagenheim. Free kick in the offensive half to Arkan.

14’ — Pulvolv takes the kick short and in reverse and catches Carcossia off-guard. Tuzet Marteo (RAK) in possession unchallenged.

15’ — Marteo with a nice cross over to Jackerson. Roderic Esteves (NCH) and Ferranes both on Marteo’s heels.

16’ — The booking de Asturias picked up today, combined with the one against the Holy Philippine Empire, means that he will miss the quarterfinals if the United Republics make it through, either Saverju Sacco or Antonio Malatesta could take his place in the next match, so Christopherson has options.

18’ — A cagey battle in the midfield comes to an end after Retz Nunez finds an opening and gets the ball off to Reznet Hententat. Soares and de Asturias (NCH) scrambling to wrest the ball away. Arkan are in control here.

19’ — GOAL! United Republics 1–1 Republic of Arkan. Reznet Hententat escapes the clutches of de Asturias and Soares, while Antónïo Merlónïes and Juan-Miquel d’Aran (both NCH) try to scramble to no avail. Theódoros Angelídis tries to dive for the ball, but Hententat puts it high in the corner to level the score.

20’ — Carcossia kick off here for a second time and seem to be wasting absolutely no time in seeking to neutralise Arkan’s equaliser. The back four completely dropped the ball here, with Cassagrande and Puga nowhere to be found. Let’s hope the attack is better.

22’ — Nikko Pulvolv takes skipper Carle Ferranes (NCH) down. Ferranes was to the ball first, though, and there will be a booking here, the first of the night for an Arkanian player. Free kick in the offensive half to the United Republics.

23’ — Ferranes takes the kick uncharacteristically short, maybe hoping to employ the same strategy Arkan played earlier. It worked for the Rouges and now the Selection are back in control here.

24’ — Cassagrande with a cross out to Puga. Arkan’s back four are now swarming around the Carcossian forwards.

26’ — Puga finds an opening to Cristiano de Viscardi (NCH), though Tyrun Zentet (RAK) is not letting anyone go unchallenged here.

27’ — De Viscardi goes for it, but finds his attempt firmly in the hands of Gogolv Eterio. Eterio quickly throws it out to Ylevin Tresmondo (RAK).

28’ — Puga can’t quite intercept Tresmondo’s long pass to Nunez. The ball is now back in Arkan’s control, but Cassagrande and Puga are falling back this time.

31’ — A lot of passing here among Nunez, Marteo and Jackerson. Carcossia are not giving Arkan any room to breathe here. The joys of a 4–3–3.

33’ — The midfield has faltered here and Pulvolv pushing the ball forward, battling with César Ochoa near the goal line.

34’ — Soares gets to the ball before Hententat and puts it out for a Arkanian corner. The first of the night here in Hagenheim, in fact.

35’ — Pulvolv takes the corner long and high and Hententat heads the ball over the crossbar. Goal kick to Carcossia.

36’ — Theódoros Angelídis takes the kick, but it’s Arkanian forward Hententat who gets to it first. He looks to be unchallenged here and is making a run for it.

37’ — GOAL! United Republics 1–2 Republic of Arkan. Reznet Hententat’s run gives Arkan the lead here. Theódoros Angelídis desperately tries to get to the ball, but dives too late to keep it from hitting the back of the net.

38’ — Carcossia kicking off for the third time here. For the second time in the tournament, the United Republics find themselves behind, but if the match against the Imperials is any indication, a comeback may be forthcoming.

40’ — A testy battle in the Arkanian third is ensuing as we approach stoppage time. Carcossia seems to be in control here, but can’t seem to find an opening.

41’ — Hank Zentet gets the ball, but he can’t hold onto it under pressure from Cassagrande. The ball is out for a Carcossian throw.

42’ — Esteves takes the throw, but Jako Rumeto gets to the ball first and puts it out for a Carcossian corner. Time wasting by the Rouges, I presume.

43’ — The referee is trying to get the players in order before this crucial corner here. Cassagrande looking impatient by the flag.

44’ — OWN GOAL! United Republics 2–2 Republic of Arkan. Cassagrande takes the corner and the ball gets to Cristiano de Viscardi, who goes for somewhat of a wonky shot. Rumeto tries to intercept and neutralise the threat, but ends up redirecting the ball into the mouth of the goal.

45’ — The fourth official signals for two minutes of added time here in Hagenhaim. Arkan will have the honour of kicking off our brief injury time plays.

45’+1 — Nikko Pulvolv tries to pass to Reznet Hententat, attempting to regain the lead, but César Ochoa looks to be running out the clock as he puts it out for a throw.

45’+1 — The throw is very quickly taken by Jack Jackerson. Nikko Pulvolv has the ball once again and Carcossian midfielders defenders are swarming around him and Hententat.

45’+2 — The referee blows his whistle to end the first half and what an intense half it has been. Both sides have held the lead, but neither has been able to keep it. Score at the half: United Republics 2–2 Republic of Arkan

Halftime — Jako Rumeto looks somewhat dejected after that own goal of his that levelled the score. It’s unfortunate, but when you disregard that own goal, he has played fantastically so far. This is proving to be one of Carcossia’s biggest challenges yet here. - SZ

Halftime — A lot of hate e-mails about my last blog post have piled into the Sistèma Nacional di Tele-Diffusion Sportiva inbox. Rest assured that they have been treated with all due respect and properly archived in the circular file. - TP

Halftime — Let’s make one thing clear here: the National Broadcasting System will not be censored by anyone for any reason, nor will we censor ourselves. End of discussion. - TP

Halftime — Getting back to the issue of the game, the United Republics go into this second half in a better position than they entered the second half against the Holy Philippine Empire in. The score is level and both sides are looking to be on their game, if not somewhat flawed, though. - SZ

Halftime — Some news from the pitch: Christopherson will make one halftime substitution, bringing off the booked Anastacio de Asturias in favour of Antonio Malatesta. Arkan will go into the second half with the same squad that started. Christopherson doesn’t appear to be keen on losing players to red cards here. - TP

46’ — Arkan kick off the second half. Arkan looked a bit shaken at the half, but Rumeto’s own goal is not yet fatal. There are still forty-five minutes for the Rouges to mount a comeback.

47’ — The snow has stopped here in Hagenhaim. It’s still furiously cold here, so snow stopping won’t mean much.

48’ — Arkan appear to simply be passing the ball between their midfielders, not even bothering to make a move here. The question is if this is a deliberate tactic or if the Arkanians can’t find a move to make.

49’— A bad pass from Tuzet Marteo to Nikko Pulvolv (both RAK) has given Carle Ferranes (NCH) a chance to shine. Carcossia are now in possession here.

51’ — A couple of tackles from Marteo and Arkanian skipper Tyrun Zentet have not perturbed the Carcossians. Cristiano de Viscardi (NCH) in control of the ball here.

52’ — De Viscardi passes to Tobïa Cassagrande. Cassagrande quickly makes a cross over to Jeremías Puga.

54’ — A couple of passes between Puga and de Viscardi and Puga is in clear sight of the goal.

55’ — Puga is ripped away from the ball by Rentzet Colio (RAK), who pulled an old pull-on-the-shirt trick here. The ball is in the hands of Gogolv Eterio (RAK), but that might not stand for long.

56’ — PENALTY! Colio has been sent off and penalty given to the Selection! Arkan are down to ten and could look to fall behind here.

57’ — Eterio is arguing with the referee here. Arkan’s three remaining defenders are trying to pry Eterio away before he gets booked for dissent.

58’ — No use here. Eterio is booked before this critical penalty, which will be taken by Cristiano de Viscardi.

60’ — Eterio does not look to be giving up the dissent here as he tries to challenge de Viscardi’s placement of the ball. Eterio might now be realising how close he is putting Arkan to two men down, however, as he is complying with the referee’s order to get back to his line.

61’ — Eterio saves the penalty! De Viscardi puts it to the right and Eterio guesses correctly, putting the ball over the line for a Carcossian corner.

63’ — GOAL! United Republics 3–2 Republic of Arkan. Puga takes the corner and Ylevin Tresmondo gets to it first. Tresmondo tries to clear it from the box, but Cassagrande sang a different tune and redirected Tresmondo’s attempted pass through an open line and into the goalmouth.

64’ — Arkan kicking off yet again. The Arkanians tried to reclaim this game, but to no avail. Arkan now needs to mount a serious comeback if they want to stay alive.

67’ — Tyrun Zentet now has the ball. Cassagrande and Puga have learned from their mistakes earlier this match and are helping pressure Arkan here. It would not be surprising if Christopherson tried to park the bus these last twenty-five-or-so minutes.

68’ — Something of a mistake here. A miscalculated Ferranes kick will put the ball out for a much-needed Arkanian throw.

69’ — Nunez takes the throw and the ball is off to Pulvolv. Pulvolv takes a long shot on Theódoros Angelídis’s (NCH) goal.

70’ — Goal disallowed for offside! Pulvolv puts the ball past Angelídis, but the offside Reznet Hententat (RAK) draws Angelídis away from the path of the ball. Score remains United Republics 3–2 Republic of Arkan.

71’ — Angelídis takes the goal kick. Roderic Esteves gets the ball, though Jack Jackerson and Tuzet Marteo are headed straight his way.

72’ — Jackerson has the ball and tries to pass it off to Nikko Pulvolv. Arkan aren’t capitulating and look to be on the attack here.

73’ — Carle Ferranes is sent off! Ferranes mounts a poor challenge on Nikko Pulvolv and pays the price with his second booking of the night. César Ochoa will take the captain’s armband as Arkan prepare for a free kick in the offensive half.

74’ — Tuzet Marteo takes the kick. Reznet Hententat has it now and the back four are scrambling.

75’ — Hententat makes an attempt but Angelídis reacts quick enough to put it out for an Arkanian corner. Carcossia will count themselves lucky to still have their lead.

76’ — A double substitution for the United Republics ahead of the corner. Cristiano de Viscardi will come off for Zorzi de Bossi, while Juan-Miquel d’Aran comes off for Sévero Altovídos.

77’ — Retz Nunez takes the corner short to Nikko Pulvolv. The Carcossian defence is bolstered by the midfield here and Hententat looks to be offside, so finding a way through will not be easy.

78’ — Pulvolv tries to pass to Hententat anyways, but the flag goes up. I don’t think they realised Hententat was offside here. Free kick to the Carcossians.

79’ — Angelídis takes the kick. Antónïo Merlónïes has the ball and is pushing forward for a counterattack.

81’ — Merlónïes tries to pass to Esteves, but Jackerson stands in his way. Arkan have the ball again, but can they capitalise on their possession here?

83’ — A risky pass from Jackerson up to Hententat pays off. Carcossia seem to be caught off guard in the game’s dying minutes, while Arkan have dominated the possession game this second half.

85’ — The ball is in the net and the flag is up! Pulvolv, who was ahead of Hententat, headed the ball into the net, but no defenders were ahead of Nikko, so it won’t count.

86’ — Angelídis takes the goal kick. Ochoa gets to the ball first and quickly passes to Esteves.

88’ — Esteves passes off to de Bossi, who runs up with it and passes it off to Tobïa Cassagrande.

89’ — The Arkanians trying to hold on for dear life here. Hank and Tyrun Zentet are on top of Cassagrande, who is struggling to find an opening.

90’ — The fourth official is signalling for five minutes of added time in this second half. Arkan has to get the ball back and fast.

90’+1 — GOAL! United Republics 4–2 Republic of Arkan. The Arkanian captain slips up for one moment and Cassagrande gets the ball to Cristiano de Viscardi. Gogolv Eterio tries to block it, but the ball simply bounces off his leg and continues on its way into the goal.

90’+2 — There is no sense in the Arkanians defending anymore. Arkan kicks off and doesn’t have much time to pull out two goals. It will take a miracle here.

90’+3 — Pulvolv tries to make a long pass towards Hententat, but Hententat can’t get to it. It goes over the line for a Carcossian goal kick.

90’+4 — Angelídis has yet to take the kick and is shown the yellow card for time-wasting. There may be another two minutes after these five elapse.

90’+5 — Angelídis takes the kick and the fourth official confirms two more minutes to make up for the wasted time. It may not matter though, given that Soares is in possession.

90’+6 — The Carcossian defenders are wasting time here for sure, passing the ball among themselves. Some small boos break out in the Carcossian half, but you can’t blame the back four for trying to get the game over with.

90’+7 — The referee blows the final whistle. It was close there for a while, but Carcossia pulled out all the stops. Much kudos to Arkan for never capitulating, but alas, the United Republics will advance to the quarterfinals. Final Score: United Republics 4–2 Republic of Arkan

Players suspended for next match
United Republics: Anastacio de Asturias, Carle Ferranes

In related news:
FOOTBALL: Play the SNTD BoF Challenge: Pick your winners for each Baptism of Fire LXII quarterfinal
FOOTBALL: Monticole “remains unconvinced” by the Carcossian national team’s performance in Cosumar
CARCOSSIA: Rain across Michillies and Monticole to cool the west off after a hot week
CARCOSSIA: Odissian police break up an unauthorised betting ring in Ragussa

[Cosumar]

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Only eight remain. Will your team be subordinate to the domination, or will they channel the power of the dragonflame?

CUT OFF.

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Quarterfinals


Chernordad 2-1 Savalen
@ The Klyde Sportsplex, Klyde City, North Klyde Fief


North Carcossia and the Hesperides 2-0 Mercedini
@ The Xanadu Dome, Pelethas, Morponte Fief



Semifinals: Cosumarite Half


Chernordad vs. North Carcossia and the Hesperides
@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

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Can you silence the wrath of your fans, who are like Akathen?

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Brigantii 1–0 Herendon, Kickoff @ 9:30. Due to the polar night, the scheduling committee has scheduled in early morning to provide better broadcasting time for Brigantiian and Herendonian television.
@ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit, Nunavut

Bonesea 2–1 New Gazi, Kickoff @ 21:30. 25th minute into the game, a naked man ran into middle of the field and tried to sexually assault one of the referees. Fortunately the Royal Quebecois Mounted Police (RQMP) mounties intervened in time, dickapitated the man and stopped the game for mid-field execution by firing squad while burning. This led to parts of midfield being burnt (poor college football fans!!! RIP) and game being resumed 40 minutes later.
@ California City Memorial Coliseum, California City, Ontario

Semifinals: Quebecois Half

Brigantii vs. Bonesea
@ Lil Wayne Enterprise Arena, Gotham, Terra Henrius
Note: Brigantiian delegation this time will be the one with longer ride- they have to take a 6-hour long flight, with detours to avoid the central airspace, from the northern end to the southern end of the Quebecois Realms. Bonesean delegation meanwhile will have to take a flight to Gotham as well, but only a 3 hour long, since it bypasses the snowstorm in middle of Quebec right now.

[Bonesea]

.

[Mercedini]

Mercedini Sports Daily
Quarter Final: North Carcossia & the Hesperides vs. Mercedini

It's quarter-final day here in Cosumar, where Mercedini will arguably their toughest opponent to date, but definitely the one with the longest name, it's North Carcossia and the Hespirides!! Give me an N!... Oh nevermind. We're finally here in a different Cosuman stadium. I've left my tent and sleeping bag behind in Mallox and we've made it to the beautifully designed Xanadu Dome in Pelethas. A good turnout from the Mercedinian fans today, many of the have made the long trip. Let's hope that the fans are rewarded with another strong performance today. Last time, Mercedini thrashed Losthaven 5-1 in a match where one team ran rings around the other. North Carcossia beat Mercedini's fellow group qualifier Arkan 4-2 (which coincidentally, was the same scoreline against Mercedini), so a finely poised match. The fans let out a loud roar with as the players enter the arena, accompanied by child mascots from their respective nations. North Carcossia will be kicking off from right to left in this first half. Quarter-final starting now...

0' - We're down to the final eight in this tournament. In about two hours time, we will be down to our final four, the Baptism of Fire trophy is in sight and one of these teams will have a very good chance of clinching the trophy. Some say that this is one of the strongest quarter final of the lot. With two very strong group winners on the pitch, both coming off heavy victories, and both have the potential of going on the win the whole competition. Off we go!

8' - (NCH 0-0 MRC) - Good start from North Carcossia with a golden chance to take the lead inside the first ten minutes, Strazzaruola running down the wing and made an amazing cross into the six-yard box, de Viscardi couldn't make contact with the ball, any contact could have force the ball in. Very close to an opener. 0-0

17' - (NCH 0-0 MRC) - Mercedini have got their hands full here. North Carcossia have put plenty of men forward and are putting huge pressure on the Mercedini defence, chance after chance after chance coming for North Carcossia. Surely it's only a matter of time before the ball is in the net. Mercedini are definitely have their back against the wall in the opening twenty minutes. Hopefully the boys can hold on until half-time. Still 0-0, North Carcossia on top.

25' - (NCH 0-0 MRC) - Mercedini with their first chance of the game has come, just after the 25 minute mark. Billic with the low shot just outside the box, but a competent save Angelidis in the North Carcossian goal. Not looking good so far, but it only takes one moment of magic can change the game.

34' - (NCH 0-0 MRC) - North Carcossia have the ball in the net, but the linesman flagged for offside. Mercedini have been very fortunate to not concede a goal so far. North Carcossia with all the possession and the chances. Mercedini haven't been at the races today, a far cry from their round of sixteen win over Losthaven. Somehow North Carcossia haven't got the goal they need yet. Still 0-0

41' - (NCH 0-0 MRC) - Both sets of fans getting restless as North Carcossia blast the ball into the side netting, they haven't been as clinical as previous matches. Both teams trying to get their nation into the semi-final for the first time. North Carcossia totally dominant in this half, all they need is a goal. Coming up to the end of the first half in Pelethas and it's goalless

44' - (NCH 0-0 MRC) - North Carcossia have finally put the ball into the net!! de Viscardi running into the box. Mercedini had plenty of men behind the ball, but somehow de Viscardi blasted the ball past all of them, beat the dive of Hosset and nestled in the bottom corner. North Carcossia have finally broken the deadlock. 1-0! I should also add, that this is the first time that Mercedini have found themselves in a losing situation. Can they come back from this?

45+4' - (NCH 1-0 MRC) - NCATH trying to put an attack together before the break, but the referee blows his whistle before anything could happen. Both teams playing very well at the moment, with the pitch very open and plenty of chances for either side. A very disappointing half from Mercedini, only one shot on target for them. North Carcossia have been merciless as they efficiently dismantled the Mercedinian defence, this team could go all the way! At the break, it's North Carcossia 1, Mercedini 0.

HALF TIME: North Carcossia & the Hesperides 1 - 0 Mercedini
de Viscradi 44'

Cosumar have put on a great halftime show here in Pelethas. An amazing light show with dancers and their world famous singer CosuMar-vin Gaye performing some his songs to get the crowd going for the second half. Mercedini will be starting this second half. Can any team force the initiative and wrap up this game to book their place in the quarter final? We shall see.

48' - (NCH 1-0 MRC) - Mercedini look like they are a different team here, they have released plenty of energy on the pitch in the opening minutes, forcing a couple of great saves from the Carcossian goalkeeper. Mercedini are looking to find an equaliser to send it to extra time, or could even go on to win the game. The match is opening up. Still 1-0 NCATH.

55' - (NCH 1-0 MRC) - Carcossia with an amazing chance to put the game to bed. de Viscardi have hit the post with a blistering shot from the edge of the box, Hosset had no chance of saving it, but thankfully for him, the ball just missed the target. Mercedini have the woodwork to thank for their team still only being 1-0 down!

66' - (NCH 1-0 MRC) - The field is very open for both teams, with players from either side easily making it to both ends of the pitch on the break. Carcossia look comfortable in sitting back and absorbing each play that Mercedini try and conjure up. Carcossia are looking good to win the match, still 1-0 here.

77' - (NCH 1-0 MRC) - Time running out of Mercedini here. They are having plenty of chances, but aren't executing any of them Carcossia holding on as we enter the last ten minutes.

90+1' - (NCH 1-0 MRC) - North Carcossia have finally killed the game off in stoppage time with a second goal from de Viscardi. He found his way into the box and fired it past the goalkeeper who cam out of the goal. North Carcossia have surely seen of Mercedini to book their place into the quarter final. The fairy-tale has finally come to an end. North Carcossia 2, Mercedini 0

90+6' - (NCH 2-0 MRC) - Mercedini passing the ball around the centre circle, the know that their heading out of the competition with so little time left in the game. And that's it! North Carcossia have gone through, while Mercedini have headed out at the quarter-final stage. We may have a potential winner of the tournament on our hands here, folks, NCATH have been the toughest opponents that Mercedini have faced in this tournament and fully deserved to win this match. The teams shake hand and walk over to the Mercedinian fans, receiving a huge fanfare. Noone ever expected to get this far, they have finally met their match. At the end of this monumental quarter-final. North Carcossia and the Hespirides have come out with a 2-0 victory

FULL TIME: North Carcossia & the Hesperides 2 - 0 Mercedini
de Viscradi 44', 90+1'

With that defeat against North Carcossia and the Hesperides, Mercedini bids farwell to the 62nd Baptism of Fire at the Quarter-Final stage. We wish all of the remaining participants the best of luck, and the Mercedinian delegation will release a statement about their campaign, and their future in the Baptism of Fire, World Cup and any future Football Tournaments.

[Brigantii]

Baptism of Fire 62

Brigantii 1-0 Herendon

Every subsequent game since the second group stage match has been Brigantii's most important to date and every time, The Stags have delivered the goods and the televised quarter final of the 62nd Baptism of Fire was no different as they edged their way past Herendon in a rematch of the competition opener.

In a tense, back and forth affair, the game could have swung either way and was more open than the previous encounter that was dominated by Herendon. Were it not for a well placed Mitchell Clay freekick in the dying minutes, the match could have seen extra time and ultimately penalties.

Brigantii now head into the semi-finals of the Baptism of Fire and will take on Bonesea for a place in the final.

The game marked Ron Winston's best run of form as Brigantii coach, with 4 wins on the spin. The 64 year old traditionalist has been put forward as potential coach for the All-Star team competing at the end of the game. His vote for all star team was put forward by the Brigantii F.A. who, despite questioning whether the former international was right for the role following the teams' failure to qualify for the FWFA Championships in Cusco have been impressed by his teams' progress to the semi-finals.

Winston has been head coach of Brigantii since 2011*, taking over from Tiburtinian manager Massimiliano Salomon. His first game in charge was a friendly match against Gebranskia at the national stadium that ended in a dismal 3-0 defeat. The rain poured down in Brigantii as his team looked hapless and at sea. Following this game, The Stags moved on to qualifying for the FWFA Championships, drawn into a group with the other home nations, Flynn's Isle and Ang Grung, as well as Pays de Horreur and Osmio, which wasn't going to be easy, after the defeat to Gebranskia. Winston kicked off his competitive reign with a resounding 5-0 win over Ang Grung and then two draws with Flynn's Isle and Osmio.

Ultimately, The Stags fell short of qualifying, finishing 3rd in the group. The news however wasn't all doom and gloom as the Brigantii F.A. decided to embark upon a new venture and foray into the wider world of football and compete in their first world cup (or at the very least, qualifying cycle). Winston would remain in charge for the upcoming Baptism of Fire, with a view to being the coach for the World Cup qualifiers, depending on the team's progress, having reached the semi-finals, the F.A opted to keep Winston in the hot seat.

The job is only Winston's fourth in management, having taken charge of Skyte City 16 years ago, this was followed by a number of years at Blackdale Wanderers and a short stint managing in Osmio and despite being a figure in football for well over 4 decades his appointment as head coach of the national team was something of a shock. But after years in the footballing doldrums of Wyrmgore the F.A. took it upon itself to try return to it's roots and employed the former international, who made his debut for the national team, 34 years ago at the age of 30, alongside his younger brother Joseph Winston. At the time, the then 30 year old Winston was playing for Brigantii team Moorledge Town and earning £20 per week, now as national team coach thirty four years on Winston was earning a whopping £6million yearly salary.

Back in Quebec, Winston's side were headed into a match with Bonesea, who early on in the competition had set themselves as one of the favourites. The game will take place in Gotham, a 6 hour plane ride from their current base in Iqaluit, due to the need to avoid central air space. With the stakes at the highest point they have been at now, Brigantii will be looking towards their attacking prowess, with a collective 13 goals in 5 games to help them past Bonesea and into the final.

Stats
Brigantii – Herendon
Posession 50%-50%
Shots on Target 5-6
Shots off Target 3-1
Corners 2-4
Goals – Clay (79, Brigantii)

Player Stats

A generic 6 for the entire team, except for Clay, who scores an 8 for his sublime freekick.

*In Brigantii/ the wider Wyrmgore region the year is currently 2014

[Chernordad]

---

Chernorad 2-1 Savalen

---

It came to them as a shock. As that final whistle was blown, Chernordad had officially made it into the top 4. They had never expected to make it this far in the competition, let alone qualify in the finals, but here they were. After a 2-1 victory against Savalen, hopes were high to see Chernordad compete in the final match.

Savalen lined up using their usual 4-2-3-1, against Chernordad's famous 3-4-3 formation. Elmir Kališčar had one of the best games in his career so far, thanks to his desperation to score his first goal ever. This determination resulted in many spectacular shots on goal, all of which unfortunately were unsuccessful. One of notable brilliance, was a crossbar deflection at the 26' mark, in which the ball returned to Leiv Selberg, and was subsequently passed back into the possession of Savalen's defensive players. The first half of the game ended nil-all, thanks to the skill and professionalism of the goalkeepers from both sides. Both squads had almost a dozen shots-on-goal in their pockets, with each subsequent shot flaring the crowd further into a nationalism (and booze) fueled rage, but alas, the half ended drawn at 0.

After a particularly heated pep-talk from Head Coach; Kevin Ruchyeva, the Chernan team emerged back onto the Klyde Sportsplex, determined to win the game. With the crowd roaring around them, possession moved on to Savalen, and after a very close encounter in the Chernan goal square, Savalens centre forward chipped the ball over Aksenov, letting it find the back of the net. This lead however, was short-lived, as Chernordad almost instantly replied with an incredible shot from Peter Propst which landed the ball into the top-left corner of the net. At the 85' mark, possession was passed to Vladimir Shevchenko, substitued on at the 76' mark. Running down the field like a thunderbolt, he weaved past the Savalen defensive line, and entered the goal square, pummeling the ball past the keeper and raising the score to 2-1.

Regardless of the amount of money it will take to clean up the Chernordad locker-rooms after this game, or the amount of glitter and conffeti on the soccer field, tonights game was a terrific one to behold, one that many would look back on in history and smile proudly.

---

Meanwhile in the Batplan- I mean the Chernan Plane...

---

"I told you! This dragon needs to be captured!" Semhar yelled, slamming his hairy fist onto the unfolded airplane table. A glass of scotch fell over, spilling the brown liquid over Propsts' jeans. "We are in the semi-finals, and if we get that dragon, we'll have all the luck we need to win this thing! Haven't you seen the Never-Ending Story? That Falkor guy is literally called "The Luck Dragon..."

Propst wiped the alcohol off his pants and looked at Semhar.

"How do you even think we are going to capture one of these things? One, it'll probably kill us when we even get close to it, and two; we are probably violating some stupid human rights act that prohibits harm being brought to native animals."

Semhar waved his finger at Propst and lowered his voice.

"Shhh. No one will find out. This plane is big enough to hold one of these things, and if we give it some sedatives, it'll sleep until we return home to Chernordad in a few weeks!"

Propst threw a airplane peanut in his mouth and grinned at Semhar.

"This must be your most stupid idea yet, Semhar. But I like it."

"Excellent!" smiled Semhar. He took out his phone and dialed a number.

"Brian, I need a favor from you. I need you to give me 100 kilograms of sedatives, 65 pounds of double chocolate chip cookies, and a really really big tranquilizing gun."

He rubbed his hands together delightfully.

"Let's catch ourselves a dragon."

---

Meanwhile...

---

Gustavsson clinked his glass of champagne against the managers glass and downed the rosy liquid. Although he didn't normally drink champagne (he was more of a vodka guy, in all honesty), it was a well earned reward for what could only be called an excellent effort.

"To us." Alekseeva said, holding his glass high.

"To us." Gustavsson replied, copying Alekseevas movement.

"Are you nervous for the next match?" he said, taking a sip of the bitter liquid.

"I'm always nervous, Sir." Gustavsson replied sipping the liquid gingerly. "It's part of our genes."

"Well, we've got this far. North Carcossia are an excellent team, but I think we'll have the edge tomorrow."

Gustavsson smiled, but did not reply. Alekseeva put his hands into his suit jackets pocket and fumbled around for something.

"Before the cup I promised myself if we made it this far I'd give you this." He pulled out a small pocket-watch and held it out to Gustavsson. "This brought me great luck during my days with Al'Tov FC. It gave us three Chernan Cups in a row, from 1989 to 1992. I... I want you to have it. I hope it brings you the same luck it brought me."

Tears rushed into Gustavssons eyes.

"I... I don't know what to say Sir... Thank you so much for this..."

Alekseeva smiled, wiping a tear out of his left eye.

"Win us this game, bud. Win us this game."

[Holy Philippine Empire]

[redacted]

[North Carcossia and the Hesperides]

---

Plane from Hagenhaim to Pelethas
Evening of XI September 2747

---

Guilherme stared out the window, looking out at the Cosumarite landscape. It was another long flight and another day away from the Cocodragon he had handed over to the shelter. The only consolation was that win or lose this next game, he’d be returning to Kaldukosic, so he wasn’t more than twenty-four or so hours from seeing o pequeno again.

The keeper sighed.

“What is it, Guilherme?”

Guilherme looked over to see Lucca sitting across from him.

“When did you get here?”

“I’ve been sitting in this seat the whole time, Guilherme,” Réices responded, clearly getting impatient with Magalhães. “So what’s going on? Are you homesick? Missing family or friends?”

“Not family and not friends,” Guilherme said as he turned back towards the window, peeking out over the majestic plateau covering the centre of the country.

“So who is it. Your girlfriend?”

Guilherme turned back towards Lucca. “If you want me to tell you, you have to swear you won’t judge like the manager has.”

“Sure,” Lucca replied, unsure of what Guilherme was about to say.

“I went out on a walk around Kaldukosic and tripped over a creature. I brought it in to an animal shelter and I’m wondering how it’s doing.”

“What kind of creature?” Lucca asked.

Guilherme, knowing Lucca would never believe him without photographs, pulled out his mobile phone and searched for his photo gallery.

“Here it is,” Guilherme muttered to himself before handing his phone off to Lucca.

Lucca stared at the phone with a mix of incredulity and curiosity. “What is it?”

“The locals call them Cocodragons.”

“That’s a cute name.” Réices said. “I think he’s a cute little guy.”

Lucca hesitated for a moment. “He is a boy, right?”

“I asked the same question. He is. Fully grown, too.”

“I can see why you’re worried.” Lucca paused for a moment. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to come with you next time you go to see him.”

“As long as we can bring the manager to prove I’m not going crazy,” Guilherme replied.

“Why not?”

---

---

---

---

Plane from Pelethas to Kaldukosic
Evening of XII September 2747

---

“So this explains things.”

Guilherme had to tell someone on the staff about what had happened and Marïanna seemed like the perfect candidate: likely to understand and close enough to Christopherson to convince him to put Magalhães back in the rotation.

“You know,” Marïanna began, “James-Alexandre tripped right around the same alley you said you were near.”

“Really?” Lucca queried.

“Yes. He said he thought he saw a tan serpentine creature standing behind him. He wrote it off as a hallucination.”

“I wonder if it was the same Cocodragon I tripped over,” Guilherme stated.

Marïanna responded with a simple “maybe”.

“So you believe me?” Guilherme asked the assistant manager.

“Yes. I did my research before I came out here, after all. Christopherson has a reputation for being hard-headed, so don’t worry about it. I think I can convince him to put you on against Chernodad.”

Lucca and Guilherme sighed in relief.

“That’s good news,” Lucca stated. “So, Guilherme and I were going to go see the dragon at the animal shelter he took him to and we were going to see if we could drag the manager with us.”

Marïanna pondered the plan for a couple of minutes, trying to gauge how Christopherson would react.

“I have an idea,” she told the pair. “You two go to the shelter ahead of us and I’ll bring Christopherson down there myself. I’ll tell him I found something I want him to see.”

The plan was set. It was time to make a believer out of James-Alexandre.

[Cosumar]

---

---

Of the 16 teams that came to Cosumar with bright aspiration, just two remain, and only one can advance to face the champion out of Quebec for a final shot at glory. Which team will be celebrating like the 4th of July in about five minutes?

CUT OFF.

---

---

Cosumarite Semifinal


Chernordad 3-2 North Carcossia and the Hesperides
@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic, Kaldukosic Fief

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

---

Bam.

---

Brigantii 0–1 Bonesea
@ Lil Wayne Enterprises Arena, Gotham, Terra Henrius

---

3rd Place Match

Brigantii vs. North Carcossia and the Hesperides
@ CSKA Stadium, Quebec City, Capitale-Nationale

---

The Grand Final

Chernordad vs. Bonesea
@ Song of Fireand Blood River Arena, Ramusok, Cosumar

[Bonesea]

.

[North Carcossia and the Hesperides]

---

---

Associacion Unita Carcossiana di Ballonpèt — United Carcossian Football Association
22 VIA AURELIO ZUBIZARRETA
CC155 CASTELLUM CR
UNITED REPUBLICS

---

---

To whom it may concern:

I would like to start by thanking the nation of Cosumar for its hospitality. The past few weeks have been a pleasure. It is a disappointment that we will be here no longer, but such is life.

We will sign off from this tournament and opt to return to Carcossia to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. To satisfy our contractual obligation to fulfil all of our fixtures, we will be asking an amateur team from Quebec City to represent Carcossia in the third-place play-off.

Apologies for the inconvenience and best of luck to all in World Cup qualifying.

Sincerely,
James-Alexandre Christopherson

Manager of the Carcossian national football team

---

---

[The Royal Kingdom of Quebec]

---

Alright, here's your fortune-telling song for the third-place match.

---

North Carcossia and the Hesperides 2–2 Brigantii (2–4 AET)

Congratulations to the winner. Consolations to the loser. Thank you all for letting me host what was a truly wonderful, RP-filled an fun Baptism of Fire with my co-host Cosumar. See you all on turf very soon!

[Chernordad]

---

Bonesea vs Chernordad: The Grand Final

---

@Fire River Arena, Ramusok, Consumar
It’s the final match of the year for the 62nd Baptism of Fire. Everyone is ultra-excited for this match, and I mean really excited. Like, totally, and unequivocally excited. More excited than for the next episode of Game of Thrones excited, and everyone loves Game of Thrones, at least among those in Chernordad. I mean, do the Bonesean’s even get television reception?

Prepared for what is going to be one hell of a match, the Chernan national team arrived in Ramusok early this morning via their jet, and the tensions are already high. People are literally murdering each other on the streets, with a mixture of guns, knives and pure witty banter. Due to it’s great success over the last few weeks, head coach Kevin Rucheyva has placed the team into their usual formation, ready to fight against Bonesea’s strong midfield force of players. But despite the outcome of this game, everyone should honestly be quite proud of how far they have come.

Even with the bribes payed and the 'not so cooperative officials' sent on really really long holidays were they will unfortunately end up in awful accidents, the result of this game are unknown thus far. Will Chernordad secure their place in the soccer history books? Or will Bonesea emerge from the ocean victorious? Stay tuned for more details…

-Ziggy Fernovsky

---

Meanwhile, somewhere in the scary, spooky wilderness

---

The genius trap to catch the dragon.

---

Semhar peered through the binoculars and towards the ingenious trap that he and Propst and set up to catch the mythical beast. His “contact” had supplied him with the necessary goods to construct this complicated device, and even though the instructions had been in Norwegian, it looked like he had done quite a good job.

“And now we wait,” smiled Semhar, rubbing his hands together in glee.

“How long do you think this will take?” asked Propst, looking at his Pear watch. “The game is in three hours. We need to be at the stadium soon to warm up.”

“We won’t need to warm up if we catch a luck-dragon,” said Semhar, still gazing through the binoculars. “As soon as we catch this thing, we can sedate it, load it into the back of our van, and then deliver it to the plane.”

Propst shifted the tranquillizing gun over his shoulder and aimed through the bush towards the large, cardboard box propped up by a stick, whilst Semhar held the “flexible cotton pulling device”. Underneath the box, was a large pile of cookies, because “everyone knows dragon’s love cookies.”

Their chit chat was interrupted by the sudden rustling of leaves ahead of them. Turning silent they turned their gaze to the bushes, and waited for the dragon to emerge. It came out from the bushes, a magical blue shimmer to it's scales, and wandered over to the box, sniffing the cookies in confusion. It looked up, towards the bush as if to see the two soccer players behind it, but then returned to smelling the delicious treats. As it crawled into the box, Semhar pulled the rope, and the stick fell out of place, trapping the Dragon within the box.

"Holy fruit-tingles, you actually caught a dragon?" Propst said in shock.

"Not only that, my friend. I just won us this game."

---

Meanwhile, meanwhile, more serious things, meanwhile...

---

Gustavsson clutched the pocket-watch in his hand. He sat in the darkened locker-room alone with the lights off, save for the small amount of sunlight leaking through a skylight somewhere deep within the room. The light bulbs had burst a few days ago, and had yet to be replaced, but it didn't concern him. Darkness usually was comforting to him, so it was probably for the best. He said a small Chernan prayer in his mind, reciting it's words over and over again. He was proud of his team. He had honestly expected them to get eliminated in the Group rounds, but hey, here they were now. He turned the shiny device over in his hands, examining it's ornate, curved surfaces, and admiring it's fine details.

They were going to win this game. Deep down he knew it. But first, he had some things to do. He picked up his phone and dialed a number, holding the curved device up to his ear, leaving a message for it's recipient.

"Hey... I just want to say thanks for everything. Whatever happens tonight, just know that I love you. Hope you're watching, and I'll see you when I get home."

He dropped the phone, grabbed a soccer ball, and headed for the field. He had work to do.

[Cosumar]

---

---

Quebec and I would like to thank all who entered and participated in the 62nd edition of this special tournament. It was a joy to read all of your RPs, and personally, hosting it was one of the best experiences I've had on NationStates. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner. Such is sport. Now for the final time, here is your...

CUT OFF.

"This is the time, and this is the place
The moment is now, in all history
The time has arrived... and this is the one place to be!"

---

---

The Grand Final

Chernordad 1-0 Bonesea
@ Fire River Arena, Ramusok, Ramusok Fief, Cosumar

[Bonesea]

.

[Tobiasia]

Days after Tobiasia was knocked out of the Baptism of Fire, Tobiasia has finally recovered. It was going so well, as crowds celebrated after their 3-0 victory over Mattijana, war was declared. The region was raided and only after a combined liberation was in restored. Then we lost 3-0. Tobiasia is only waiting for it's next appearance in the 63rd BoF.

OOC:Can we participate in the World Cup?