Baptism of Fire 62 (Everything Thread)

by **Brigantii** » Sat May 21, 2016 1:41 pm

Baptism of Fire 62

Brigantii 0-1 Herendon

A disappointing opening to the Baptism of Fire saw The Stags lose 1-0 against Herendon. Debuting on the World stage, Brigantii had hoped to start a little more positively, but a tepid first half was followed by a lacklustre second half that saw the Stags concede late on and lose all possibilities of taking at the least a point.

Neither Lambeth or Irwin managed to conjure a goal scoring opportunity in the 90 minutes and their position in the starting eleven next game may be under threat. Elsewhere in the team there were flashes from Mcnamara and Wallace but the midfielders both failed to create a clear opportunity.

After the game, coach Ron Winston bemoaned "the weather here is making it difficult for everyone to concentrate on the task in hand, with the fear of the game being called off or postponed hanging over our heads coupled with it being much colder than we are used to its just near impossible to come out and focus."

Brigantii captain Jarred Stevenson added "these are some of the worst conditions we have had to play in, but we're professionals and need to adapt quickly or we're out."

Despite the loss, Brigantii can consider themselves lucky to have not been involved in the other game in the fixture, with kickoff delayed by a number of hours after a bomb scare, caused by a security firm leaving a dummy device behind following routine training. However the mishap was one of several to affect kick offs throughout the country, coinciding with the inhospitable weather, drawing criticism from Brigantii's F.A as to the suitability of Quebec hosting an international tournament. Brigantii's next fixture, against Hasznia will be under much scrutiny, not only from fans hoping for a result but the F.A. keeping an eye on the running.

Stats
Brigantii - Herendon

Possession 40-60
Shots on Target 3-8
Shots off Target 1-7
Corners 2-5
Goals Gray (69, Herendon)

Player Stats

Ray Hurst - Despite conceding Hurst turned in a decent performance, making several crucial saves and ensuring Brigantii were only beaten by one 7

Harry Melville - The rightback barely put a foot wrong in defence, but going forward gave the ball away cheaply and was caught in possession in the opposition half a dozen times 6

Zac Eisenhower - Eisenhower looked shaky and out of place 5

Wardell Raines - Good enough, but was sleeping and caught out of position for the only goal 6

Byron Samuels - Another player who looked at sea on the big stage, was expecting this to be his big arrival 5

Mitchell Clay - A mediocre display from the winger whose lack of pace meant he was caught chasing the ball on several occasions 5

Frankie Wallace - The Bishopbury midfielder made several good runs and was the closest to scoring when he forced a good save from the opposition keeper 7

Jarred Stevenson - The captain put in an insipid display and was outshone by Wallace, being substituted for the more dynamic Ramsbottom 5

Stephen Mcnamara - Out on the left, the right footer put in one of the better displays, forging a few opportunities for himself 7

Michael Irwin - Couldn't find a way into the game, the diminutive forward was marked out of the match and was brought off after 60 minutes 5

Robbie Lambeth - Poor, failed to stamp his authority on the game and had expected the striker to be more of a physical presence 5

Aaron Ramsbottom - Came on in the second half and lashed the ball against the bar when Brigantii were chasing the game 6

Trevor Winter - Failed to make the impact required when he came on, but could have been due to poor service from the midfield as Herendon defence was too tough 4

by **Migli** » Sat May 21, 2016 2:39 pm

MIGLIANS CELEBRATE FIRST WIN EVER!

Fri 20 May 2016, at the imperial copper stadium in Rouyn-Nouranda, Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Quebec.

MIGLI 4-2 THE URAIN

KICKOFF @ 12:30, after Many hours of training, Migli entered it's first match against the Urain. Just 9 minutes after the kickoff, Uraini striker Sarraf opened the scoring after a silly tackle from Manteira in the box, luckily he didn't get a card. 13 minutes later, Hanania made it 2-0 for the the Urain after he got an assist from the talented winger El Nahas who was too fast for Migli's defense. However, just before half time, Dulio Fiorenti of Migli made it 2-1 with a beautiful long shot in the upper left corner. At halftime the referee had an allergic reaction and he needed to go to hospital immediately. A new referee came and started the second half after 75 minutes of delay. In the 51th minute Cestino Mongolfiera made it 2-2 after a horrible tackle from Abdul-Rahman on Ander Felucia. Abdul-Rahman got sent off immediately and Felucia was substituted for Mario Gordini. Gordini took the free kick but he hit the bar and Mongolfiera headed it in. In the following 35 minutes or so, Migli played slightly more defensive. Just before the final whistle Mongolfiera completed his hat-trick with a beautiful assist from Defender Manteira who got a little payback for the penalty. Migli is now at the top of the group.

P.S: We hope that Ander Felucia and the referee will recover soon.

by **Hasznia** » Sat May 21, 2016 3:43 pm

Hasznia 2–4 New Dukaine

December 13, 2013

Dearest little brother-

Good luck in your game today. I know you’ll kick ass. Ollie and I love you very much.

-Stella

Kennith Iverson reread the text message for the hundredth time as he pressed his weight into the driver’s seat of the rented car. He’d originally read it four years ago, not long after coming back to the apartment in Wharton to find his sister’s head smashed in and his nephew Ollie’s neck wrung like a chicken’s, right in their own living room. Four years the police had been after the man who did it, and now they said they had him dead to rights, as long as Kenny held up his end of the deal. He swallowed hard. He could do this. He had to.

There was a knock on the passenger door, and Kenny jumped so high he nearly smacked his head on the canopy. Regaining himself, he unlocked the doors, and a dark figure eased itself into the passenger seat. After an indeterminate period of time spent sitting stock still, Billy unglued his eyes from the windshield and forced himself to look over, to memorize the face in case he needed to recollect it again.

To his dismay, he found it was an easy face to look at. His passenger was a woman about his age, and beautiful, he realized the longer he looked at her. She turned to face him and her lips, the same deep red as her hair, curled into a slight smirk.

“Nervous?” she asked.

“Why—why like this?” Kenny heard himself ask. Why did his gangster brother-in-law have to send a beautiful woman to do his negotiating? It had to be some kind of tactic.

“You haven’t been around much, have you?” she asked, the mirth in her voice unchecked. “If someone’s watching, it’s better that this meeting look like a casual rendezvous than what it actually is. Plus—“ Here, with a practiced motion, she swung her whole body over the center console so she was straddling him, her ass facing the steering wheel. “—It allows me to get a little more personal.”

Before he could react, she grabbed the back of his collar and pulled his shirt off over his head. Next she ran her hands along his legs, down the outside and up the inside. It took a second to realize she was checking for a wire.

“Now that I know we’re alone,” she said. “Let’s talk business. I’m Annette.”

They shook hands, Kenny's elbow tucked awkwardly against his side. “Kenny Iverson,” he said. “What exactly is it you want me to do? The email wasn’t real clear.” He had to hope that she believed his dumb jock routine, because the emails he had, while damning, weren't tied to any one person, and to make the charges stick they needed to be.

“That’s because cops read emails, silly,” she said. “What we need you to do is simply forget to do your job for a moment during the game against New Dukaine. Let a goal in before halftime, and you’ll make more money in one game than you’ve made your entire career.”

“How much money is actually riding on this game?”

Annette smirked again. “It’s the Baptism of Fire, honey.” She leaned in, her lips so close he could feel her breath against his ear canal, and whispered: “The eyes of the world are upon you.”

The driver’s door opened, and Annette was gone.

by **Washington-Oregon** » Sat May 21, 2016 4:31 pm

Memorial Stadium at Locked Road, Surpronuk, Parougan Fief, Cosumar

Qarina Totterham was definitely the player of the match in the Cascadians' first official win as a nation, a 5-3 affair against Savalen that produced a lot more goals than anyone could've realistically expected in the freezing conditions of Memorial Stadium. Pundits can say what they will, but a handball is a handball, and a rough tackle is a rough tackle. Totterham's handling of the two penalty kicks netted her not only the brace but the respect of her teammates as a great penalty killer. Not saying that the other three goals that the team scored weren't impressive - Hillard helped keep them at bay, Mi scored the brilliant goal that put the team ahead to stay, and Wires put the game out of reach. Another performance of note was Carrie Porter - two assists and a solid defensive performance when needed.

It means that heading into the match against Stacoco - in the same freezing stadium, mind - the Cyan can put themselves comfortably in the Round of 16 with a win. Stacoco did put away their opponents 1-0 in the other match of the first matchday, but the Cascadians have shown that they can handle opposing scorers in the first match - to a point. Naomil Ingalls did appear to be a little bombarded by shots early, not helped by her defenders at all. That being said, the five-man midfield definitely helped a lot with relieving and applying pressure.

With this very boring, to the point analysis of the first match, it's been Henry Riley, Greater Cascadia News.

Porter had taken the dragon to the animal shelter nearby and handed it off to the authorities there. However, she couldn't shake the image of it shivering from her mind. After the match, after debriefing and showering and whatnot, she bundled up once more and headed to the clinic.

After identifying herself as the one that had dropped the dragon off, she asked if she could see it. The worker smiled back at her and asked for her to follow. In the back room was the dragon in a small cage, bundled up, with water and some meat in a bowl next to it.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" she asked. She had read somewhere how to distinguish between the sexes, but it was a little fuzzy in her memory. "It's a girl, you can tell by how the scales are more of a darker blue," the worker replied. The azure dragon was the national animal of Cosumar, so in his eyes, the woman was a bit of a hero.

"Is it going to recover?" Porter asked. she was getting attached to it, she could tell, but she couldn't help herself. It looked so... feeble, so small, so lost.

"Oh, it should be fine. The cold was so severe that it was putting out the inner fire in her. Now that we've got her a bit warmed up, she should be out of here in no time. Thank you for bringing her in, by the way."

"When will she be ready to go? I'd like to come say bye after our next match, when we have to leave to go to Ramusok," she pleaded.

"Oh, we'll keep her until she's ready to go. Maybe tomorrow, maybe a week. Why don't you come on by? I'll at least let you know if she left or not," answered the official.

After thanking him, Carrie Porter left the hospital and headed off to the hotel, smiling to herself. It was good to save another life, do more than just play football.

by **New Dukaine** » Sat May 21, 2016 5:29 pm

Hasznia wrote:-snip-

OOC: It's Dukaine, not Ducaine. I am not a drug

by **Platerdam** » Sat May 21, 2016 5:56 pm

PLATERDAM NATIONAL TEAM

The first time our beautiful National Team enters to the Baptism of Fire Cup and the World Cup of Nation States. With the coach Marco Glazier, Platerdam is going to the top on the international sports.

Players:

Starter Chart

Tom Springer
23 years.
Striker/Centre-Forward
Number: 13
Birth Place: West Orkney

Oscar Davis
25 years
Withdraw Striker/Second Forward
Number: 4
Birth Place: Steer

Sidney Fersen
20 years
Left Winger
Number: 7
Birth Place: South Newsham

Stanley Morris
25 years
Right Winger
Number: 10
Birth Place: Wraforend

Benjamin Nemetz
19 years
Left-Center Midifield
Number:16
Birth Place: Plata

Roman Veil

Captain
26 years
Right-Center Midfield
Number: 5
Birth Place: Rovitone

Matthew Baria
29 years
Left-Wing Back
Number: 20
Birth Place: Clare View

Luke Dehnert
18 years
Right-Wing Back
Number: 2
Birth Place: Willsden

Jean-Marc Sanatta
23 years
Left-Full Back
Number: 7
Birth Place: Steer

Thomas Di Vilta
26 years
Right-Full Back
Number: 29
Birth Place: Plata

Francis Jones
23 years
Goalkeeper
Number: 1
Birth Place: Plata

Subtitutes

Anthony Garden
23 years
Substitute for Striker
Number: 15
Birth Place: Steer

Richard Weil
17 years
Subtitute for Mid-Field
Number: 30
Birth Place: West Birgham

Bartolo Hatley
17 years
Substitute for Mid-Field
Number: 8
Birth Place: West Orkney

Michael Hudson
19 years
Substitute for Defender
Number: 25
Birth Place: Steer

Gregory Gauther
17 years
Substitute for Defender
Number: 14
Birth Place: Steer

Mathias Mills
18 years
Substitute for GoalKeeper
Number: 29
Birth Place:West Orkney

National Stadium

Ivory Centre

Restrictions:
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
RP injuries to my players: Yes (Minor Injuries only)
Godmod injuries to my players: No
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Yes
Hand out red cards to my players: Yes (Only in specific reasons)
Godmod other events: No

Oh! The Failure, Oh! The Failure.

Platerdam just lost their fisrt match in the Baptism of Fire. Losing the match have depressed a lot of Platerdems, we interviewed Roman Veil, the captain of our national team.

"Well, we got problems with the strategy and stuff, but the point is everybody loses some things on life, with this losed game, we are getting stronger to the next match, we are training a lot, and let's just see what happens next time"

Also, we asked some questions to Marco Glazier, the coach of the Wine Warriors.

"I'm in shock, i'm shocked, really, really shocked, i don't know what to say, but we were really close to the victory this match, but, well there are goals you can't score"

"I'm really proud of my boys, i know this is going to be kinda depressing to them, but, i want to take advantage of this."

"Nemetz was on pressure, their goalkeeper is really good and well the chance didn't get to a goal"

We are awaiting the results of today's match.

Jacob Gërtz, Soccer Department, Sport o' rama.

20:25 pm, May 21, 2016

Platerdam: 0 - Arkan: 1

More information coming soon

by **Herendon** » Sat May 21, 2016 7:30 pm

THE QUEENDOM OF HERENDON

Radio Highlight Archive, Match Day 1, SPRT 1330AM
Subject: Buddy Collins, footy play-by-play announcer

12' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Here comes Decker up the left wing, he's got Pierce ahead of him and Gray in the middle... Layne lags behind at midfield in a defensive position, and Decker will pass it along to Pierce. Pierce avoids a tackle from Clay, and he'll have a crack at goal! Easily palmed aside by Hurst, and it's out for a corner...

14' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Cassady steps to the corner flag, and there's the whistle. The cross comes in, and it's easily swept away, and cleared upfield. Not the best corner attempt from Cassady as he had several heads to play off of.

27' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Lambeth picks up the ball from Clay, and it appears Brigantii are finally breaking forward into the final third! Man, the defense in midfield has been absolutely resounding; Cassady putting on a clinic in the center! OHHHH, and Lambeth runs straight into the Novak's! Not much is going to get past both of them in a head-on attack like that.

38' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Visirin commits a poor turnover, trying to pass across the middle to Pierce! Here comes Wallace with nobody around him, he gets to the box, winds up and takes a BANGER of a shot, and MIREN, bless him, Miren gets to it to palm it away! Bird clears it out, but it's behind for a corner. Dangerous, dangerous play from the Greybacks there, as they get pinned in deep...

45' + 2 [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: The whistle blows for halftime, after the minimum two minutes of stoppage time. Neither team really did much in the extra two, and Kaylin leads her team back into the locker room. You're listening to 1330 EssPeeArrTee, home of all the major events, live from Baptism of Fire! We head to halftime, drawn at zeros, despite a good showing on offense from the Greybacks.

46' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Buddy Colins, back with second half action from the Baptism of Fire! One substitution to speak of during halftime, Stevenson is off for Ramsbottom. Again, that's Stevenson, off for Ramsbottom in central midfield. Amazing that they'd take their captain off at the half, not something you see every day. Anyway, he's passed the armband off to Clay, and we're underway after Cassady kicks back to Morrigan.

48' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Some stats from the first half, possession leans heavily in the Greybacks favor, 70-30; shots on, 1-4, shots off 0-2. Corners stand at one a piece. No goals to speak of as we're still level at nil.

58' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Pierce, going forward again, he's getting really good pressure this game... A pass into midfield, and Gray RIPS a shot straight at the keeper... Gotta go better than that, dear.

60' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Another substitution for Brigantii here, Irwin is coming off, and Winter, not our coach, but Trevor Winter, will come on. A goal kick out from Hurst, and we're back underway. The ball is trapped in midfield by Avon, a 50-50 challenge won by McNamara, no, it's taken back by Visirin, and he breaks up the right. Service comes in for Grey, who takes the shot! It's blocked by Melville, and behind for a corner!

66' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: The ball comes to Cassady, and he breaks up the middle. He'll take a screamer of shot that's palmed away by Hurst, and cleared back behind by Melville! He's been Brigantii's best player so far, cleaning anything up that Hurst can't handle, which hasn't been much.

68' [BRI 0 - 0 HER]: Cassady takes the corner again with his favored right foot... It's all the way through the box, but it's collected by Rhiannon Novak, who plays it back in to Gray, who has no defense in front of her, AND IT'S IN THE BACK OF THE NET! OHH MY WHAT AN ABSOLUTE THUNDERBASTARD OF A SHOT. She had her time, she had her space, and she most definitely had her wits. Raines, Eisenhower, they were both nowhere to be found in the middle of the box, lost in the confusion of the play after the corner kick, and Kaira Gray has solidified her self with a wonderstrike into the upper ninety! She's up on Cassady's shoulders in the corner, celebrating with her team and the fans that traveled here from Herendon! And that folks... That is why you never sleep on the kid! Just about 70 minutes in, and Herendon leads, one nil!

74' [BRI 0 - 1 HER]: Let's be honest folks, Ramsbottom has played well in central midfield after coming on for Stevenson, but he hasn't been able to get anything through to his strikers. Possession has evened out a bit since the half, and the Greybacks are conceding a little more in the final third, keeping the wings from going too far forward.

88' [BRI 0 - 1 HER]: Brigantii have been chasing with all they have for the last twenty minutes, trying to draw it level and steal a point away. Uh oh, Cassady slips, and the midfield defense that has been so resolute this game has crumpled for the first time! Brigantii are in with numbers, McNamara comes across, plays it center to Ramsbottom who PUTS IT OFF THE BAR!
(crowd noise)
Oh my goodness folks, did the game just flash before Kaylin Winter's eyes! Ramsbottom had a clear, wide open shot, a chance to tie it, a chance to be the hero, and it's off the bar, and cleared away by Rhiannon. You can see the dejection on his face as he realizes what just happened. His teammates are just as shocked as he is. Kaylin will take this opportunity to make a tactical sub, no, two subs. Wasting time in a classic exercise, as we see Kaira Gray come off for Napoli, and Cadian Cassady come off for O'Donnell. Cassady hands off the arm band to Layne, and tags O'Donnell in. A touching moment as Kaira and Cadian hug on the sideline, and the delegation from Herendon is absolutely going nuts! Ninety first minute, the ref looks down, and he's had enough! The whistle blows for full time, and grey and black confetti is flying in the stands! Revel in the good times, fans, as we currently sit on top of the table! Again, this has been Buddy Collins from 1330 EssPeeArrTee, signing off!

The heavy door slammed shut, as Cadian carried Silenna back into their room. It had been an exhausting day for them, and Cadian had been up for nearly 24 hours. He, the manager Kaylin Winter, the assistant manager Frank Haas, and his girlfriend Silenna McDonnell, had a meeting in the locker room that ran long after the game. So long, that the second game was scheduled to start, and they were still in their assigned locker room. They had been going over the tape, when they'd been escorted outside, and interrogated about some explosive looking devices, placed in the stadium. It had been a tiring ordeal, and Cadian didn't fault Silenna for falling asleep, standing up in the elevator. He laid her on the large, king-sized bed, and unzipped the track suit she'd been wearing. As he pulled the jacket off her shoulders, she rolled over, and wrapped around his arm. "Don't watch the tape..." she mumbled, and fell back asleep, snoring lightly...

END ACT:TWO

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Sat May 21, 2016 8:25 pm

Matchday Two is upon us.

Don't stay out in the cold too long, or you might get frostbite and have to CUT OFF your appendages.

Group E
The Island Formerly Known as Tasmania 3–7 Savalen**
Greater Cascadia 3–2 Stacoco

Group E                                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Greater Cascadia                         2    2   0   0     8    5   +3     6 Q
2 Savalen                                  2    1   0   1    10    8   +2     3*
3 Stacoco                                  2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3*
4 The Island Formerly Known as Tasmania    2    0   0   2     3    8   −5     0

*Savalen ahead of Stacoco on goal differential
**Match delayed two hours as a precaution due to alerts of several Cosumarite Azure Dragons flying across the gulf into Ramusok from the northern peninsula

Group F
Mattijana 0–3 Tobiasia
Chernordad 2–2 Confederate Islands of Paputu

Group F                          Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Chernordad                       2    1   1   0     4    2   +2     4
2 Confederate Islands of Paputu    2    1   1   0     4    2   +2     4
3 Tobiasia                         2    1   0   1     3    2   +1     3
4 Mattijana                        2    0   0   2     0    5   −5     0  E

Group G
North Carcossia and the Hesperides 2–1 Rocesia
Losthaven 2–3 Holy Philippine Empire

Group G                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 North Carcossia and the Hesperides    2    2   0   0     5    2   +3     6
2 Holy Philippine Empire                2    1   0   1     4    5   −1     3*
3 Losthaven                             2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3*
4 Rocesia                               2    0   0   2     1    3   −2     0

*Holy Philippine Empire ahead of Losthaven on head-to-head

Group H
Vyshehradska 0–0 The Republic of Arkan
Platerdam 0–1 Mercedini

Group H                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Mercedini                2    2   0   0     3    0   +3     6
2 The Republic of Arkan    2    1   1   0     1    0   +1     4
3 Vyshehradska             2    0   1   1     0    2   −2     1
4 Platerdam                2    0   0   2     0    2   −2     0  E

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat May 21, 2016 8:45 pm

MD2 Results
Sometimes the most impossible of things can happen, like this very Impossible Girl.

Group A
Brigantii 2–0 Hasznia
New Dukaine 3–3 Herendon @ Iqaluit Stadium, Iqaluit, Nunavut. Kickoff time was 12:30 p.m., with no delay. Unfortunately, a sudden barrage of snow covered the stadium and the area around it after the final whistle, forcing most cars and both team buses to stay until around 21:30, when the snowstorm stopped and the roads to the Downtown (15km away) were cleared.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 New Dukaine             2    1   1   0     7    5   +2     4
2 Herendon                2    1   1   0     4    3   +1     4
3 Brigantii               2    1   0   1     2    1   +1     3
4 Hasznia                 2    0   0   2     2    6   −4     0

Group B
Aji No Moto 1–0 Migli @ The TrojArena, Trojanajara, Ontario. Kickoff @ 23:35 (originally at 22:00) due to the referee committing suicide 30 minutes before the whistle. Fortunately there was a replacement ref, but since Trojanajara's isolated, one had to be fetched all the way from her son's hockey match at a small town 1.5 hours away from the stadium.
The Urain 1–5 Duestchstein

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Duestchstein            2    2   0   0     6    1   +5     6
2 Aji No Moto             2    1   0   1     1    1    0     3
3 Migli                   2    1   0   1     4    3   +1     3
4 The Urain               2    0   0   2     3    9   −6     0

Group C
Bonesea 2–1 Litorea
Shmirnov 2–2 The United States of Saints @ Sarnia Valley Memorial Stadium, Sarnia, Ontario. Kickoff @ 22:12 (original time: 2200) due to a minor leak on one of the upper-floor washrooms that led to a huge mess. Fortunately on-site technicians and plumbers were available to fix the errors right away.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Bonesea                        2    2   0   0     5    2   +3     6
2 Shmirnov                       2    0   2   0     3    3    0     2
3 Litorea                        2    0   1   1     2    3   −1     1
4 The United States of Saints    2    0   1   1     3    5   −2     1

Group D
Indo-Malaysia 1–4 Cre Drago
Lightshield 0–2 New Gazi @ Lil Wayne Enterprises Arena, Gotham, Terra Henrius. Kickoff @ 19:30. While there was no delays or anything throughout the match, the 30-minute intermission was messy as one of the referees were shot and had to be taken to hospital. The replacement referee had to be woken up from her sleep back home and be taken to the arena in hurry. Fortunately, she arrived 5 minutes before the resumption of game.

Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Cre Drago               2    2   0   0     5    1   +4     6
2 Indo-Malaysia           2    1   0   1     2    4   −2     3
3 New Gazi                2    1   0   1     2    1   +1     3
4 Lightshield             2    0   0   2     0    3   −3     0

by **Chernordad** » Sat May 21, 2016 11:03 pm

Mawerta and Kavčič exchange insurance information after a surprise 2-2 draw, tonight.

SPORTS TODAY, SPORTS TONIGHT

Please give a warm welcome to your host... BARTHOLOMEW ZIMNYAKOV!

"Stunning game today folks! Absolutely stunning! From down in Cassandra, our boys secured a draw against the Confederate Islands of Paputu, in what can only be called one of the most engaging games we've ever seen."

Zimyakov smiled and the screen cut to the The Amphitheatre

"The Paputuan's have brought us a fantastic squad to encounter in the Group Stage, there's no question against that! We will need to watch out for them in further rounds, since they are sure to be one of our most tough and versatile opponents. Star Forward; Alan McKortney of the Manaruru Athletics seems to be the player to watch out for in this wonderful team, scoring the first goal in today's match against Chernordad. Rookie Joe Nay-Liter, also makes his debut this season, the young Pennefather midfielder showing off an excellent skillset on the field today, after being substituted in at the 34 minute mark. On the Chernan side, Zuyev, Zlatolas, Propst and team captain Gustavsson once again displayed brilliance on the field, with the latter two being today's goalscorers."

"As this match comes to a close, we are now in a two way race to claim the second place spot to propel us into the next round. We are currently sharing the first place spot in Group F with the Paputu islands, whom in tomorrows game against Tobiasia, will determine the final ranking for our division. Mattijiana, in a crushing 0-3 defeat today from the Tobiasians, has unfortunately been eliminated from the contest. It's anyone's game right now, and only time will tell us who will reign as the champions of this wonderful tournament. Please, stay tuned for further details, because we will be covering EVERY. SINGLE. TEENY. TINY. LITTLE. DETAIL. That this tournament is going to bring to us! This is Bartholomew Zimnyakov, and you are watching Sport's Today! Sports Tonight!""

Match Statistics    
     Chernordad     2-2     Paputu
 Gustavsson 51'                 McKortney 34'
 Propst 81'                     Bartlow 63'

CHR: Aksenov, Voronoff, Mishin (Demina 44'), Nekrasov, Zuyev, Zlatolas, Kališčar (Shevchenko 74'), Propst, Gustavsson, Zotov, Semhar

Prediction:
1. Greater Cascadia
2. Mercendei
3. Arkan
4. North Carcossia and the Hesperides
5. Chernordad                                 
6. Paputu 
7. Stacoco 
8. Tobiasia
9. Losthaven  
10. Savalen

by **Mattijana** » Sun May 22, 2016 12:53 am

Mattijanan Roster-The Team That Failed

Head Coach: Philip Lujanovic
A fairly young coach with an attacking mindset based around short passes and wingers who run at defenders.
GK: Lucija Handanovic 85
A solid keeper, who started as an excellant shot-stopper and then added aware distribution and good handling to her repetoire. Will take some beating.

LB: Marija Kamalova 82
Young and emerging, but with some tournament experience. Cool defender, but fit and willing to get forward.
CB: Helene Juliana 80
The less aerially threatening of the two centre-defenders, but a good tackler.
CB: Vladimir Illicič 82
Strong and good in the air. A no-nonsense defender and a threat at set pieces.
RB: Ed Crayavosic 79
Less defensively minded, but a strong runner and a very good crosser. Can do a solid job at both ends.
CDM: Sezer Julianov 80 (captain)
Makes up for what he lacks in technical talent with grit and strength. A very good leader and organiser of the team when on the pitch.
LW: Ivana Harjanka 84
Fast and dangerous on the counter-attack. Can finish well if through on goal.
CAM: Jakob Ladinič 78
A tricky attacking player with technical skill and flair. Dangerous around the box and capabke if a good free-kick.
RW: Sara Amarova 75
A solid player, yet fairly unspectacular. Does a good job linking up play and puts in the occasional assist or goal.
CF: Matilda Lekariša 88
A good finisher, but mercurial. Is either unstoppable or invisible.
CF: Andreas Weiss 89
An excellant header of the ball with a powerful left foot

Subs and reserves:

GK: Matej Handanovic 83
GK: Danilo Arlauskis 75
LB: Andrez Szeliga 81
CB: Luka Bašic 76
CB: Katija Burnojevic 77
RB: Sofija Ivanovic 78
LM: Dimitry Georgiov 75
CM: Katarina Polinova 86
CM: Nikita Amarova 76 (captain)
RM: Julian Maralikov 74
CF: Philip Ljubishov 82
CF: Lara Velezi 79

by **Confederate Islands Of Paputu** » Sun May 22, 2016 1:29 am

A DREAM COMES TRUE

Minute 90+4, the referee blows. Paputu-Mattijana has ended 2-0. An entire nation is in heaven, two months after independence the first official football match ended with a beautiful win. On the field players are dancing and supporters are going crazy.

Paputu-Mattijana 2-0

Scorers: McKortney 17', Filler 49'.

Paputian line up: Edmonton, Rigg, Matten, Potoremara, Kali (Metwak 68'), Watersen, Jones (Limton 81'), Kawaturupuro, Bartlow, McKortney (Takela 89'), Filler

A WASTED OPPORTUNITY

A beautiful and dramatic match took place in Cosumar yesterday, after a double comeback of Chernordad against Paputu.
The team of Landweeg did great work in fast counterattack and two times, with crosses by Rigg and Filler, McKortney and Bartlow found great head goals. With a great heart and intelligence Cherordad managed to assault Paputu and in both the occasions the equalizer was found.
A 2-2 that makes decisive the match against Tobiasia to define which team will pass the group stage.

Paputian line up: Edmonton, Rigg, Matten, Potoremara, Shikula, Watersen, Nay-Liter (Mawerta 79'), Kawaturupuro, Bartlow (Lidgerwood 77'), McKortney, Filler (Lusasu 87')

by **Stacoco** » Sun May 22, 2016 1:42 am

In a close match today many people are confused by the outcome of the match Stacoco had against Greater Cascadia, however the low amount of goals scored by the Stacocoian was a surprise to all watching, but it has been discovered that the true reason for the loss was in fact down to some bad sushi, for the night after the first victory the team went to have sushi and both strikers ate the fried haddock rolls which turned out to contain poorly kept rice in it, this meant that within 2 hours both of them had aggressive food poisoning putting them out the match.

Luckily the doctors have stated that they will be able to play in the next game against Slaven.

This displays the frustration from Grio Dancrota: "I am so glad to see how well the team held out with *starts to vomit on the floor* out us, they did very well I only wish I could *vomits again* have helped in it in any way. Oh the pain arggg my stomach hurts so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

by **Mercedini** » Sun May 22, 2016 2:48 am

Mercedini Sports Daily
Matchday 2: Platerdam vs. Mercedini

Welcome back to Cosumar, folks. Today we are in Mallox for the second match of Mercedini's campaign, they will be playing Platerdam, a youthful and energetic team which is eager to prove to the world that they can play football. Last time, Mercedini left it late to earn a 2-0 win over Vyshehradska to put them top of the group after one match. Also in Match day 1, Platerdam were narrowly beaten 1-0 by the Republic of Arkan (who play Vyshehradska today).
Plenty of permutations here, folks! Mercedini can book a place into the knockout stage if they can beat Platerdam and other results can go their way, that could also eliminate Platerdam at the same time. On the contrary, if Platerdam can beat Mercedini and Vyshehradska can beat Arkan, then we could see a table which sees every team on three points, going into the final group game.
Here come the teams, coming into an arena with a packed crowd and an awesome atmosphere. Each set of fans in their respected team colours. Mercedini will play a second game in their signature blue and black striped shirts, while Platerdam will play in burgundy and white kits.
Similar formation for Mercedini, a 4-4-2 formation with Billic and Mossec upfront for a second game, just two changes for them, with Ross Presic replacing Carlton Pujanic on the wing. While, Isaac Holloway replaces Noah Park at right-back. For Platerdam, a 4-1-2-1-2 formation for them, with Jones in goal and Springer and Davis upfront and Nemetz in support
The teams are ready and the stadium has quietened for the national anthems...

0' - A rousing chorus of both national anthems followed by deafening cheers from each set of fans, it is clear that both nations desperately want to do well in this tournament. Platerdam will kick of match day 2 from right to left and we are all set for a great match.

4' - (PLT 0-0 MRC) - First chance of the game here today, through ball to Jones on the far side, just one defender to beat. The shot came in but the trusty hands of Hosset caught the ball. Still 0-0.

11' - (PLT 0-0 MRC) - Free Kick on the near side for Platerdam. Fersen stands over the ball, the ball looks to be in shooting range... but he elects to cross it, onto the head of Di Vilta! Just over the bar! Massive chance for Platerdam, Di Vilta was in acres of space in the middle of the box. I'm not too sure they'll get a chance like that again. Warning signs for Mercedini.

25' - (PLT 0-0 MRC) - The Platerdam Big Band is playing loud and clear throughout the stadium. Passing continues for Mercedini in the centre of the pitch. Nothing worth of mention in the last ten minutes. The game seems to have died down a little after the flurry of chances.

32' - (PLT 0-0 MRC) - Great tiki-taka here from Mercedini, one-touch passing getting cheers of Olés from the black and blue portion of the crowd. Nymark passes the ball through to Mossec! and... he rattles the bar with a fierce effort from just outside the box!! Very tense here. I think both teams know how much is at stake. Somehow it is still 0-0.

39' - (PLT 0-0 MRC) - Corner comes in from Presic on the far side of the goal. Headed down by Aznelik in the box! Scramble for the ball!! and the ball is forced in! GOAL!!! I'm not sure who scored it but Tranev is the one who is wheeling away in celebration. Using his trademark 'watering the plants' celebration in front of the Platerdam fans. Mercedini have finally broken the deadlock. 1-0 Mercedini!

43' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - I'm being told that the goal has been credited to Tranev, the ball was bumbling around until he smashed the ball past the Platerdam defenders into the net.

45+1' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Not a lot of time to added on I think. Hosset kicks the ball up field, the referee blows his whistle for the end of the first half, both sets of players walk towards the tunnel, but I can imagine that the Mercedinians will be the happier of the two. At the break it's 1-0.

HALF TIME: Platerdam 0 - 1 Mercedini
Tranev 39'

46' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Mercedini kick off the second half. One change at the break, with 17-year old Benjamin Legge coming on, replacing Mossec who has had a tremendous match today. It's a chance for Legge to make history, if he scores, he will be the youngest goal scorer in the history of Mercedinian football. He has performed well for Hoventon & Corlington Town this season, let's see how he does on the world stage.

57' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Penalty to Mercedini! This could make history! Billic gives the ball to Legge who steps up to the spot. He places the ball down and takes a deep breath. He must have the world on his shoulders. Presic was taken down in the box by Veil, who received a yellow card Legge steps up... NOOOO!!! He has sent the ball into orbit! He drops to his knees with his head in his hands being consoled by his teammates. Still 1-0 Mercedini

82' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Mercedini have really slowed the pace down since missing that penalty. They have passed the ball around for the past 20 minutes, while Platerdam don't look as if they have any fight left in them. Boos are starting to ring around the stadium from the Platerdam fans, it looks as if they will be eliminated from the tournament. In the other match in Group H, the match is still Vyshehradska 0-0 Arkan, which means Platerdam will be eliminated if they or Vyshehradska don't score.

87' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Mercedini have a chance to break from a mistake made by the defence. Legge has the ball down the wing, players are bounding into the box, but it looks as if Legge is taking it to the corner. What a great piece of thinking by the 17 year old on his debut. Remember folks, Mercedini will qualify for the knockouts if they can hold on here and Arkan can continue to hold Vyshehradska to a draw. time is ticking down on Platerdam, can they conjure up some magic in these last few moments.

90' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Mercedini is getting corner after corner as the continue to hold it in the corner! Only one minute of stoppage time left for Mercedini to hold on to an historic victory!

90+1' - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - Platerdam have stolen the ball, but is there enough time left for them to get up the field! NO! The referee blows the whistle for the end of the game and the Mercedinian players hug each other, the fans cheer.

FT - (PLT 0-1 MRC) - It's all eyes on Hagenheim now, with several fans on their phones to see if Arkan have held Vyshehradska to a draw... and I'm hearing... YES!! the match in Hagenheim has finished 0-0, which means that Mercedini have qualified for the knockout phases. Unfortunately that means that Platerdam have been eliminated from the tournament. The commentator next to me has started sobbing, pulling out a pink hanky to wipe his eyes and his tear-dampened moustache. That's all from me, folks! Have a safe trip home, and try not to have too many cocktails tonight, you might have work tomorrow!

FULL TIME: Platerdam 0 - 1 Mercedini
Tranev 39'
Mercedini Qualified // Platerdam Eliminated

by **Bonesea** » Sun May 22, 2016 3:00 am

by **Platerdam** » Sun May 22, 2016 7:05 am

Goodbye, Baptism of Fire

Platerdam has been eliminated of the Baptism of Fire. The News have been pretty depressing for the Platerdems who wanted their country to rejoice with the victory. The catastrophic tour of Platerdam during the Baptism of Fire, bring a lot of people a surprise.

"I really had expectatives for Platerdam on their first Baptism of Fire, but well, what we can do? Let's see if they get better chances in their World Cup or their next BoF" said the Coach of our Rivals, Mercedini.

"It's sad see them go, they have a lot of inspiration, they were inspired by us, and see their dreams broken is hard for me", says Gerod Ekot, the coach of Arkan.

Bartolo Hatley, one of the Supports, crying our lose.

We interviewed Marco Glazier, our coach, to see what happened this time.

"We are new in this of the International Sports thing, and we have battles that we can't win and i'm really sad that this BoF is one of those battles. Is heartbreaking see all your dreams fall in front of you. The best thing we can do is learn of this catastrophic BoF, and use that in our favor for our next BoF. We are not giving up, until we have that trophy in home, we are not giving up."

We also interviewed Roman Veil, our captain and Tom Springer, our striker, to hear their opinions.

"I,i,i,i don't know what to say, so much practice and so much dedication... for this... is disappointing, really disappointing. But, we know, that Platerdam is going to get better on the sports, and that gives some hope for the World Cup coming soon", said Roman Veil

"We lost, and because of one miserable goal, sad, man. Sad", said Tom Springer.

The nations of the group H are counseling Platerdam on their travel to home.

Priestmann counseling Jones

With no more else to say, good bye Baptism of Fire. Until next season.

by **Holy Philippine Empire** » Sun May 22, 2016 7:44 am

[redacted]

by **New Dukaine** » Sun May 22, 2016 9:04 am

After the game
It is 14:55, and they are trapped inside the locker room for snow.

"Oh! I'm looking at the standings, and we are the top in the Group!" says coach

Everyone cheers

"Who do we play next week?"

"Brigintanii, 3rd in standings"

"We can handle them, Let's go for the undefeated club."

Everyone chants undefeated

"SHUT UP!!!!" Everyone stops "We might not beat them!!! They are really good at defending and we aren't really! Come on!!! We need to practice our defense a little more and then we can beat them. We will not be eliminated now, I will tell you that, We had a very close game! If we didn't miss that goal at 90+4 minutes, we would have won. Now, we have board games to ride the storm out, and we also can practice soccer downstairs in the small indoor soccer field for our locker. Have fun."

They have fun until 21:30 when they exit the stadium.

by **Savalen** » Sun May 22, 2016 11:14 am

The landscape was beautiful with picturesque views down onto Supronuk and the rolling hills behind the city. The sweet-smelling 'alpine' style medows, not too dissimilar to Røros, where he grew up, must have covered the landscape in a soft blanket, only interrupted by the odd sleepy village. Or that must be what it was like summer. But now it was winter and a bloody cold one at that. The blizzard had subsided for a few minutes, or just lightened a little to just allow Axelsen to see where he was going. Not that he cared about that.

He was the smallest member of the team and, rather ironically, drew the short straw and was forced to get food from the local store. The path down the hill was tough, but manageable. He fell in a few places, but when the snow piles up higher than your waist, it is rather difficult to walk. For most of the time he just slid on his bum down around 150 meters.

The woman in the store looked bored as he walked in, but lightened up when she saw Axelsen. She spoke Norwegian fluently and he was glad for her cheery smile and light attitude. He couldn't suppress a grin when she mentioned his wonderful freekick, after all, it was overshadowed by Lisov's hat trick.

He walked out in a considerably better mood than when he'd walked in. His simle turned upside down into a frown as soon as he saw what he would have to climb with a load of plastic bags containing meat, vegetables and a couple of sweets as a treat. In all he had five full plastic bags. He sighed and started walking.

It had taken him around 10 minutes to get down, but now, an hour after the short 5 minute shop, he had only made it a third of the distance uphill. It was now five and quickly darkening. Worst of all the blizzard was now picking up. Axelsen decided to sit down and take a break in a log storage area which had cover. Maybe he could call the team so that they knew he was safe, not that they could help him.

He sat down, rummaged around and found a choco-snap, the chocolate warming him as he ate it. He quickly called the guys back in the warm abode of the hotel and told them he'll probably be another two or so hours and somehow fell asleep.

Kurt woke with a start. What was the time? How long had he slept? He checked his phone. Phew. He had only been napping for around ten minutes. Then he felt a warm breath on the top of hi head. What on earth could that be? Must be just me he said as he spun around. He found himself a few millimeters away from a pair of big, blue eyes. He moved his face away and hus already open mouth opened even more, his bottom jaw almost coming off. In front of him was a baby blue dragon, grinning almost playing. If he had to hazard a guess, the animal must be around four or five because the intruder was around 10 feet in length. At least he was alnot full grown and couldn't breathe fire yet. Kurt reached out his hand and the dragon playfully licked it and allowed Kurt to stoke him. Kurt let out a hardly audible wow.

After a few minutes of playing with the child, Kurt decided he would have to leave Temujin, after his good friend. Then fear gripped him. He heard a bat of wings, or something like that. That must have been his mother. Kurt froze for a second before collecting the bags and charging out of the shelter, not looking back. Fear gripped him from head to toe and he did the rest of the route in just 30 minutes, only looking back once he got to the hotel.

When he did look back and saw the mother feeding her child on the shelter just before the now frightening and thick blizzard engulfed them. Kurt realised just hiw unique the experience had been and just how lucky he'd been. At least there was one upside to the record-breaking cold weather - the Cosumarite Azure Dragon migration allowed him to see one.

Group E
The Island Formerly Known as Tasmania 3–7 Savalen
Greater Cascadia 3–2 Stacoco

Group E                                  Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Greater Cascadia                         2    2   0   0     8    5   +3     6
2 Savalen                                  2    1   0   1    10    8   +2     3
3 Stacoco                                  2    1   0   1     3    3    0     3
4 The Island Formerly Known as Tasmania    2    0   0   2     3    8   −5     0

by **Herendon** » Sun May 22, 2016 12:24 pm

THE QUEENDOM OF HERENDON

Radio Highlight Archive, Match Day 2, SPRT 1330AM
Subject: Kaylin Winter's press conference

BC: "Miss Winter, how do you feel this game compared to the previous game?"
KW: "I feel we were behind the ball early in this game. We came out, and gave up two goals early in the first half. An obvious, obvious difference from the first match, where we held pressure, and didn't let Brigantii get much in. Kaira put in another good effort, getting another goal from a set piece, and converting a penalty to tie us, early in the second half. We were lucky to steal away the draw, and very lucky the referee gave us four minutes."

BC: "Speaking of that penalty, do you think he should have gotten a card?"
KW: "Not particularly, his arm was just not tight to his body, and Kaira's shot happened to hit it. It didn't look too intentional to me. I do commend the referees for seeing it, and immediately stopping play."

BC: "Was there any question who would take that penalty?"
KW: (laughs) "No."

BC: "Not one?"
KW: "Cassady immediately pointed to her. He knew it was hers, and Kaira earned her brace tonight."

BC: How

MATCH STATS

Goals: 7' Abena (2), 16' Abena (3), 42' Gray (2), 53' Gray (3)[PK], 62' Akinyi (1), 90' + 4' R. Novak (1)
Possession:52.15% - 47.85
Fouls: 7 - 9
Yellow Cards: 32' Pierce (1), 90' + 4' Novak (1)

by **Indo-Malaysia** » Sun May 22, 2016 12:28 pm

Javan News Agency

Match Roster
1. Hermann Reading (Goalkeeper)
2. Reishi Surr (Defender)
3. Ling Chow (Defender)
4. Alberto Gusto (Defender)
5. Mehmed Ruusin (Midfielder)
6. Salazar Ruusin (Midfielder)
7. Friedrich Hinden (Midfielder)
8. Kirk Frederikson (Midfielder)
9. Flash Richardson (Forward)
10. [INJURED] Eugene Parkins (Forward)
11. Alan Alvarez | (Forward)

Charge of the Drago Brigade
The belief that the fluke win over New Gazi proved correct. The match with Cre Drago had an unfortunate result, with the Indo-Malaysians being defeated 1-4, Parkins sustaining an injury, and Alvarez receiving a red card after lashing out on a Dragoan fan.

Parkin's Injury
Although he claimed otherwise, Eugene Parkins injury has been revealed to still be present. This was noticed after his goal.
After dribbling the ball, and performing a rainbow flick over a Dragoan player, he began running forth, with a stressed facial expression. As he began to kick the ball, he slipped, resulting in a backlip, with the back of his head pushing forward. The Dragoan goalkeeper, distracted from the incident, laughed and began to kick the ball, but in his carelessness, tripped over the ball, plunging it backwards, resulting in even the referee chuckling.
Parkins was then taken off the pitch, though no players came on to replace him.

Alvarez's Red Card
Alan Alvarez has received a Red Card for misconduct. After initially receiving a yellow card for a slide tackle on Tyler Stevens, he screamed in the referees face. The Dragoan crowd began hurling insults at Alvarez, resulting in him going to a nearby one, and got into a verbal confrontation, which ended with Alvarez pushing the fan backwards. Alvarez was given a red card, and has been banned for two-three matches. Stevens managed to get revenge, and later scored a goal against the Indo-Malaysians.

Aftermath
The manager has received backlash for not sending in a substitute after Parkins was moved off the pitch, and he has been criticised for 'Sending no substitute to make the Dragoans look good' and 'Accepting bribes from Gotham City people'.
In response to this, reserve players have been drafted from the National Teams football academy. These five new players are:
Jin Mao (Goalkeeper)
Isaac Fisher (Defender)
Roman Grayson (Midfielder)
Carson Rhodes (Forward)
Silas Hartman (Forward)

The manager has assured that the new players will impress the fans

by **Brigantii** » Sun May 22, 2016 1:11 pm

Baptism of Fire 62

Brigantii 2-0 Hasznia

A smash and grab result in Quebec sees the Stags take a valuable three points.

Deflated from the previous fixture and looking to rebound from being wholly underwhelming the national team boss made a number of changes to the starting line up for the second group match. Dropping Eisenhower who looked shaky against Herendon for Chamberlain and bringing in Marketnewton attacker Trevor Winter for Michael Irwin he had hoped to sure up his defence and offer another physical presence up front.

The game was an even split with Hosznia creating the earliest clear opportunity on goal through Alex Hawkins who rifled a long range shot inches wide of Hurst's right post. Shortly after, his strike partner Ed Miller headed straight into the keeper's hands when he had the entire goal to aim for, after a looping ball from the right wing beat both Brigantii centrebacks.

The midfield battle between the two teams was intense with neither side looking like forging many more opportunities. The best of the few came on the stroke of half time when Albertpool winger Steve Mcnamara juked his way through two defenders before lashing the ball goal ward only to see his effort palmed wide by Rudy Summers in the Hasznia goal.

The second half was almost a carbon copy of the first with neither side able to break down the defence of their opponents. This had proved to be an issue for Ron Winston's team in the previous fixture against Herendon, with his team failing to display any creativity going forwards. However the introduction of Aaron Ramsbottom on 75 minutes injected some life into the Brigantii side with the Marketnewton midfielder bursting forward from midfield, playing a one - two with Winter and wriggling a shot under Summers to give The Stags the lead in the 83rd minute.

As Hasznia pressured for an equalizer Ramsbottom intercepted a loose pass and launched a long ball forward for Lambeth, who watched the ball come over his shoulder and volley first time into the roof of the net for 2-0.

After the game, man of the match Ramsbottom was asked about his influence on the result and stated "I just came on and did a job for the team, I'm glad to get on the scoresheet, but the three points is more important."

Stats

Brigantii - Hasznia
Possession - 55%-45%
Shots on Target - 7-6
Shots off Target 4-5
Corners 6-5
Goals Ramsbottom (83, Brigantii), Lambeth (87, Brigantii)

Player Stats

Ray Hurst - Another solid performance from Winston's number 1 with a handful of good saves when he was called upon 7

Harry Melville - More composed this time out with good passes and well timed tackles keeping the pressure on Hurst to a minimum 7

Dereck Chamberlain - Made a good pairing with Raines and made a number of solid tackles 7

Wardell Raines - The centreback looked untroubled this evening and may have conquered those first game nerves 7

Byron Samuels - A quiet game from the Moorledge wingback who was barely called upon 6

Mitchell Clay - Turned in a better performance than the previous fixture, but didn't set the game alight 6

Jarred Stevenson - The captain must've been given a dressing down and came out much more fired up for this one, breaking up play and finding better passes 7

Frankie Wallace - Turned in a solid performance, but lacked a cutting edge, substituted for Ramsbottom 6

Stephan Mcnamara - The left winger fizzed a good effort goalward and looked to attack at every opportunity 7

Robbie Lambeth - Took his goal well in a game that saw few opportunities 7

Trevor Winter - Offered Brigantii another option up front with his physical presence but didn't get into many goal scoring positions 6

Aaron Ramsbottom - Ignited the spark that Brigantii needed to take the three points with a well taken goal and a great assist 8

by **Cre Drago** » Sun May 22, 2016 1:32 pm

While the Dragoian team defeated Indo-Malaysia in outstanding fashion with all three strikers scoring goals (Tyler Stevens 2, Frank Garland, Derrik Jennings) the real story is how the team was able to observe the people of Gotham. The lawlessness shocked most of the players but they were able to keep their composure because they were on assignment from their country. For Tyler Stevens the hardest part of this community was the poverty that was almost completely ignored by most people. The team retired to a local drinking establishment. That turned out to be a mistake. Because a local citizen recognized Tyler Stevens and began blaming him for his bet that he lost and broke a bottle over his head. Tyler Stevens was treated by team medical staff and given an undisclosed amount of stiches. Rodger Richardson has stated that Stevens will sit out the game against New Gazi. Also in the team announcement was the unsurprising neespecially that Frank Garland would take the role of center Striker and Darren Douglas will be on the right side of the field.

by **New Gazi** » Sun May 22, 2016 3:18 pm

"The best thing about this win", said head coach Oliver Hausta. "is that it gives us a chance to advance."

His team, New Gazi FC, defeated the team from Lightshield 2-0. It was a solid win for the Gazilians, who kept great pace about them and seemed much improved from their first game.

The first threat came from a Gazilian corner kick in the 14th minute. Sekibo lined up for the kick and sent it sailing into the box. Diya was in place for the shot and pushed off to get a little space. The shot flew wide left, just sailing past the goalpost. It looked like Diya was aiming for the corner and missed. He covered his mouth and presumably swore loudly as he watched his shot miss. He seemed quite upset with himself. Diya ran pretty hard for the next 8 minutes, motivated by his mistake.

At around 19 minutes, the ball had made it's way along the left side of the field. The Gazilians would keep the ball moving between three players, pushing back to a Middie who would then pass to either Diya or Contee. Sekibo sent a through ball that Diya got a hold of. He got past his defender, sending a dribble forward. When he caught up to the ball he sent it forward with a hard kick that swerved the ball to the right, just out the goalkeeper's reach and into the net.

The left winger, Diya, looked relieved, as if he could let go of the pressure he put on himself for his missed attempt. He later told reporters, after the game that, "I thought we were going to lose one-nil and that everything would come back to be my fault. After that goal, hey.... It was up to the defense."

The defense responded, keeping Lightshield off the scorer's table for the first and second half.

The Gazilians stuck with similar attacks, forward, back, forward, slowly gaining territory while moving the ball up a particular flank. Another goal was scored at the 54th minute.

The ball had been moving up the right flank. It went back to a middie on the right flank. He judged his distance and knew he was close enough to send a cross. He sent a quick one towards Contee who caught it midair with just the right part of his foot to send it sailing. It pinned up in the upper left corner of the goal.

Contee ran to the corner with his arms outstretched in the classic airplane stance.

"We timed our runs better today", Amare Contee told reporters. "Like we said, we just had to keep pushing. Now we have to keep the pressure up."

Week 3 will decide everything for the Gazilians in Group D. Indo-Malyasia is tied with New Gazi but leads because of their week 1 win. So New
Gazi needs to beat Cre Drago, but also needs Lightshield to beat Indo-Malaysia. Many sports analysts think chances are low for New Gazi to advance. Cre-Drago is looking pretty good, at 2-0 and coming off a 4-1 victory.

"We'll see what happens", coach Hausta told reporters.

There was the drama of a shooting around halftime. The players kept their wits about them, came out with a moment of silence and then focused on the game.

"It was not easy to stay focused", Talib Mensah said post game, "but we did what we had to."

by **Washington-Oregon** » Sun May 22, 2016 6:00 pm

Memorial Stadium at Lockwood Road, Surpronuk, Parougan Fief, Cosumar

It was a bit more of a closer game for the Cyan against Stacoco, once again at Memorial Stadium. Once again, Naomi Ingalls and the defense of Aster, Endo, and Totters took a while to settle, giving the Stacocoians a two-goal lead in the first ten minutes due to Fermona and Jarcof scoring from their midfield positions off of long shots that definitely had a chance for the defenders to head off or for Ingalls to save. That being said, however, the Cascadians showed poise once again, and the team started to counterattack early, and around about the twentieth minute the game was flowing to the Cascadians' favor again with their midfield pressure system. In fact, after the initial ten minutes, the Cascadians controlled the ball for sixty percent of the rest of the match, and hit the Stacocoians over and over again.

However, it wasn't until the second half that the Cyan started having legitimate chances on goal. In the fifty-first minute, Porter found Totterham in front of everyone else to give the young striker her third goal of the Baptism of Fire; just seven minutes later, the game was equalized when Porter's counterpart, Mi, found Lina-Marie Anders playing forward; Anders struck a gorgeous volley thirty feet into the goal. The game winner was a surety, and on the seventy-sixth, it came in the form of Mi getting her second of this Baptism of Fire off of a free kick, putting the Cascadians into the lead. After holding on, they were through to the Round of Sixteen for certain. Even if they lose against group bottom feeders The Island Formerly Known as Tasmania in the last match, the other match pits Savalen and Stacoco against each other, which is great for the Cyan since they beat both of them and would advance in first place due to head-to-head record regardless.

If the Cyan could skip ahead of its early lull and get into the form that it's enjoyed in past the twentieth minute mark in both of its matches early instead, the Cyan could showcase a more complete game as a warm-up to the Round of Sixteen. To accentuate that this is what he is looking for, Manager Raoul has announced that the starters will not be changed for the seemingly inconsequential match.

Carrie Porter had another good game against Stacoco - her job was to score goals or to help score goals, not defend, after all. After a performance in which she had an assist and contributed some meaningful passes and crosses, she took Vice-Captain Kay Mi with her this time to the same animal shelter. They were leaving for Ramusok tomorrow for their last match, and it'd probably be the last time that she'd be able to see the dragon before it was released into the wild.

The same worker greeted her warmly, and told her that the dragon was in much better health, and should be out into the wild any day. He led them to the dragon, now wandering around its little cage, purring under its breath and occasionally letting out smoke through its nostrils. The sight warmed Carrie's heart; it was going to be all right, after all.

Kay looked at it and was surprised in the beginning, then commented, "It is rather cute, isn't it? I'm sure I wouldn't be thinking that in like three years, but for now, it is a bit lovely." Carrie nodded her head wordlessly. The dragon looked at her, and seemed to go closer to the edge of its cage, as if it had noticed her.

The worker stated, "It knows you. Dragons are smart, you know, and I doubt it'll forget your sent or the memory of you for the rest of its life. You saved it, and dragons take things like that pretty seriously. Congratulations, you have a dragon that's indebted to you."

"Does such a thing happen often?" Carrie asked, a bit surprised at his words. "No," he replied, "But then we haven't had a winter this cold in a long time. It's a rare occurrence, and you're the one who responded. You're a bit of a legend around here already, you know. I daresay you've gained some fans here in Surpronuk."

"Well... Thanks. I just couldn't leave it there, you know?" Carrie explained to the worker and Kay. A dragon indebted to her. Such a thing only occurred in fairy tales... And, she supposed, in Cosumar, too.

It was with a big smile that she and Kay left the shelter headed to the hotel. Sure, it'd been cold, but the wins and the dragon had made her visit to Surpronuk a worthwhile one.

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