World Cup 51 roleplay thread

[Commerce Heights]

This is the roleplay thread for the fifty-first NationStates World Cup, to be held in Paripana and Septentrionia.

First round draw (venues)

Group A
(30) Capitalizt SLANI
(32) Landau Institute
(29) Vephrall
(7) The Babbage Islands

Group B
(3) Jeru FC
(19) Schiavonia
(11) Secristan
(42) Nethertopia

Group C
(2) Cassadaigua
(46) West Zirconia
(16) The Han Empire
(20) Jeruselem

Group D
(1) Candelaria And Marquez
(35) Tyrrin
(25) Bears Armed (Mainland)
(13) Cafundéu

Group E
(33) Septentrionia
(28) The Weegies
(39) Queer Poco el Mono Ara
(15) Akbarabad

Group F
(6) Valanora
(8) Sorthern Northland
(37) Sargossa
(21) Peisandros

Group G
(5) Sarzonia
(45) Pays de Horreur
(24) Krytenia
(17) The Archregimancy

Group H
(4) The Holy Empire
(9) Ad’ihan
(48) Delaclava
(18) Starblaydia


Qualifying phase draw

Group 1
(270) Parilisa
(9) Sorthern Northland
(192) Seven Castles
(24) Bears Armed (Mainland)
(67) Liventia
(112) Tentalon
(—) The Jersey Islands
(81) Shivat
(242) WalesaIreland
(44) Albundania

Group 2
(112) Warkus
(53) West Zirconia
(—) Pretty Awesome Persons
(1) Candelaria And Marquez
(251) Kazzoria
(51) Steroga
(88) Barnettsville
(187) Mount Shavano
(28) Kosovoe
(251) Zenethj

Group 3
(63) The Ursine Northlands
(131) The Mice of Miceland
(—) Cosumar
(162) Silver Beach
(17) Starblaydia
(242) Zarbli
(75) Mantwenic
(21) Krytenia
(35) Aguazul
(270) Upper North Yorkshire

Group 4
(—) Cirona
(206) Dennisov
(61) Burchadinger
(14) Secristan
(255) Emothica
(109) Andossa Se Mitrin Vega
(41) Arroza
(103) Casari
(156) Whittoria
(29) The Weegies

Group 5
(140) Antarctistan
(186) Inabi
(15) Akbarabad
(—) Colbourne
(270) Western cuba
(39) Uiri
(230) The St Timothy Isles
(96) Whirl Islands
(71) Achtervolging
(19) Peisandros

Group 6
(46) Taeshan
(64) Iglesian Archipelago
(222) Vjiay
(—) Tretskivucia
(179) Undeadzombiee
(6) Valanora
(134) Lithatrius
(84) Andrewboy
(25) Schiavonia
(255) Negative Katana

Group 7
(285) Toy Toy
(37) Landau Institute
(—) Kill and Death
(141) Westmeadow Tavern
(60) Kulverint
(16) The Archregimancy
(170) Unitopolis
(236) Hillpiece
(31) Toyur
(85) BrightonBurg

Group 8
(255) Sierra Apathia
(242) Hassett
(18) Newmanistan
(72) Swilatia
(2) Jeru FC
(45) Queer Poco el Mono Ara
(138) Krsta
(155) Hemas
(—) Hockey Canada
(56) Eastfield Lodge

Group 9
(110) Toiletdonia
(52) Pays de Horreur
(20) Bostopia
(40) Sargossa
(—) Tarrentum
(236) The Shinnian Islands
(91) Bisgea
(270) Khytenna
(179) Loonaterian
(12) Kelssek

Group 10
(5) Cassadaigua
(26) Yafor 2
(227) Odinex
(59) Sibirsky
(285) Tarmeny
(97) The Kazoo Peoples
(126) Quakmybush
(—) Canofa
(36) Tyrrin
(201) Kryosis

Group 11
(108) Die Adler
(34) Pasarga
(285) Colurada
(43) Nethertopia
(—) Teinohikira
(3) Sarzonia
(58) Valladares
(201) Chocolate Pencils
(227) South Norwega
(74) Osarius

Group 12
(22) Jeruselem
(236) St Paul’s Isle
(10) The Babbage Islands
(48) West Pocono
(277) Quattrablegia
(—) HellHorn
(82) Dorian and Sonya
(201) Dimoniquid
(107) Blouman Empire
(62) Balida

Group 13
(4) The Holy Empire
(—) Novikov
(150) Virabia
(197) Catmeowland
(69) Carpathia and Ruthenia
(290) Aluetiva
(30) Vephrall
(236) Rick Roll Land
(49) Somewhereistonia
(89) F1-Insanity

Group 14
(73) Kura-Pelland
(—) Kanvers
(23) The Han Empire
(11) Ad’ihan
(38) Jasĭyun
(54) Swartaz
(164) Royalsoldiers
(227) DRo Alba
(143) Rennidan
(277) Sentient Nukes

Group 15
(264) Lovable Weirdos
(—) Ancient Astronauts
(121) Pokemonman
(50) Delaclava
(99) Euroslavia
(27) Milchama
(209) Voltronica
(13) Cafundéu
(201) Tonarius
(55) Jesselton


Schedule
Scorination will generally be done around 00:00–02:00 UTC each day, but may sometimes be as early as 22:00 on the preceding day.

The fixtures indicated in the schedule list the home team first. For example, “1 v 10” means that the first team listed in each group will play at home against the tenth team listed in the same group.

2010-05-19: Qualifying phase draw
2010-05-20: Pre-qualifying friendlies
2010-05-21: Qualifying phase, matchday 1 (1 v 10, 2 v 9, 3 v 8, 4 v 7, 5 v 6)
2010-05-22: Qualifying phase, matchday 2 (10 v 6, 7 v 5, 8 v 4, 9 v 3, 1 v 2)
2010-05-23: Qualifying phase, matchday 3 (2 v 10, 3 v 1, 4 v 9, 5 v 8, 6 v 7)
2010-05-24: Qualifying phase, matchday 4 (10 v 7, 8 v 6, 9 v 5, 1 v 4, 2 v 3)
2010-05-25: Qualifying phase, matchday 5 (3 v 10, 4 v 2, 5 v 1, 6 v 9, 7 v 8)
2010-05-26: Qualifying phase, matchday 6 (10 v 8, 9 v 7, 1 v 6, 2 v 5, 3 v 4)
2010-05-27: Qualifying phase, matchday 7 (4 v 10, 5 v 3, 6 v 2, 7 v 1, 8 v 9)
2010-05-28: Qualifying phase, matchday 8 (10 v 9, 1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5)
2010-05-29: Qualifying phase, matchday 9 (5 v 10, 6 v 4, 7 v 3, 8 v 2, 9 v 1)
2010-05-30: Mid-qualifying friendlies
2010-05-31: Qualifying phase, matchday 10 (10 v 1, 9 v 2, 8 v 3, 7 v 4, 6 v 5)
2010-06-01: Qualifying phase, matchday 11 (6 v 10, 5 v 7, 4 v 8, 3 v 9, 2 v 1)
2010-06-02: Qualifying phase, matchday 12 (10 v 2, 1 v 3, 9 v 4, 8 v 5, 7 v 6)
2010-06-03: Qualifying phase, matchday 13 (7 v 10, 6 v 8, 5 v 9, 4 v 1, 3 v 2)
2010-06-04: Qualifying phase, matchday 14 (10 v 3, 2 v 4, 1 v 5, 9 v 6, 8 v 7)
2010-06-05: Qualifying phase, matchday 15 (8 v 10, 7 v 9, 6 v 1, 5 v 2, 4 v 3)
2010-06-06: Qualifying phase, matchday 16 (10 v 4, 3 v 5, 2 v 6, 1 v 7, 9 v 8)
2010-06-07: Qualifying phase, matchday 17 (9 v 10, 8 v 1, 7 v 2, 6 v 3, 5 v 4)
2010-06-08: Qualifying phase, matchday 18 (10 v 5, 4 v 6, 3 v 7, 2 v 8, 1 v 9)
2010-06-09: Post-qualifying friendlies
2010-06-11: First round draw
2010-06-13: First round, matchday 1 (1 v 4, 2 v 3)
2010-06-15: First round, matchday 2 (4 v 3, 1 v 2)
2010-06-17: First round, matchday 3 (2 v 4, 3 v 1)
2010-06-19: Second round
2010-06-21: Quarterfinals
2010-06-23: Semifinals
2010-06-24: Third place match
2010-06-25: Final

Links
Friendlies thread
Roster thread
Scores thread
Signup thread

[Qazox]

(ooc: I know I've suspended myself from this World Cup for my actions after the 50th edition, however I would like to give an IC reason why. And this will set up my plans for World Cup 52...)

BREAKING NEWS FROM QAZOX CITY!
May 13, 1978

We now bring you live to Qazoxian president Dennis Halpberg with this breaking news.

Ladies and gentlemen of Qazox, and the world at-large, and the media in attendence. There have been rumors of a strange new virus which has infected some members of this nation. Those rumors are not true. According to the Director of Public Health, Dr. Natalie Dickinson, the illness affecting the 4 people in Lorax City is just a virtulent strain of rabies and nothing else. Rumors of the virus causing people to turn cannibalistic are false as are any other rumors. However, this illness is very communicable and as such all travel to and from Qazox will be closed until further notice starting at 12:01 pm tommorrow afternoon. One of the people currently being held in isolation is a member of the Qazoxian football team and the entire team will be held in quarentine and due to that, Qazox is not going to participate in the upcoming World Cup. While the sporting community at large might not understand the reasoning behind this decision, please note that within the Q-Continuum viruses are very dangerous to non-Continuum persons. As of this time no cases have been reported in any other Q-Continuum nation and with the quarentine we believe that it will not spread beyond our borders. Thank you and good-night.

[Lithatrius]

LITHATRIAN TIMES

Upcoming World Cup
As the nation prepares for the upcoming 51st World Cup in Paripana and Septentrionia, the nation has been gripped by World Cup fever! 21 lucky players have been picked to represent the nation, and merchandisers have been flogging off cheap tat on every other street corner. At 139th in the KPB rankings, we were today fortunate enough to get an interview with the national manager, Johann Keplanovich.

REPORTER: So what are your hopes on this upcoming tournament?

JK: I'd like to think that we can do well. I've picked several players from the Under-21's, who did really well at the last Di Bradini Cup, and to be honest, I see no reason we can't qualify for the main tournament, or even further.

REPORTER: Winning it?

JK: It'd be a massive upset, but I see no reason why not. As long as the players are determined and committed. I was watching when Toiletdonia knocked Starblaydia out of the Di Bradini, which was one of the big upsets. I'd like to think that we can do well if we just work hard, train hard, play ahrd.

REPORTER: If Lithatrius doesn't win it, who do you think will?

JK: To be honest, it could be anyone. Starblaydia, Candelaria and Marquez, maybe Sarzonia ... I'm even hearing rumours that Euroslavia could do very well.

REPORTER: And your belief on Lithatrian finish?

JK: I wouldn't like to say. I'd like to think we can qualify for the main thing, but who knows...

[Burchadinger]

FOOTBALL UP CLOSE

Episode 233: World Cup 51, hosted by Derek Markinton

DM: Halloa! Welcome to Football Up Close, Burchadinger's top Football Preview show, and I'm joined today as usual, by former Star Bucharest striker Peder Laurin, NSC commentator, Daniel Haje and Helmund Schalke. Today, we preview World Cup 51. Now then, Paripana and Septentrionia. Paripana, an experienced host, but Septentrionia? We Burchadingans haven't really heard of them, have we Peder?

PL: Well, Paripana is a nation which has hosted World Cups 26, 36, 39 and 45, not to mention the 1st and 2nd Winter Olympics, and 2-4 Summer Olympics. They know what it takes to host tournaments as big as the World Cup, and I'm pretty sure they will have no problem in stadiums and stuff like that. Septentrionia has hosted one cup, that is, World Cup 42 along with three World Cups of Hockey, two Cherry Cups and five Champions Hockey Leagues. A huge hockey hosting record, but nothing really football other than the single World Cup. I wouldn't say anything about how well they host however, that's still a total of 13 tournaments hosted.

DM: So, I'm just doing some math here! And, em, I believe the hosts have a total of 32 tournaments hosted! Its a big number, and so, hopefully, and I say hopefully, because I don't know what will happen, but, err, hopefully that huge hosting record will result in a smoothly run World Cup.

DH: There's something I want to bring up, and that is, this will be the first World Cup that Burchadinger will be playing as, em, a nation in Atlantian Oceania, err, the revolution and unrest in The Franco Spanish Empire certainly forcing the Burchadingan government to take action, which unfortunately included, handing over the WA Delegacy over to South Wiedna, and the forced, err, somewhat called, "exile" from the region. Atlantian Oceania, a much sportier region than the FSE, has many former champions including Starblaydia, is sometimes called the key to success for Die Adler. This "key" which people talk about makes some sense. The AOCAF which is currently still going on in Starblaydia, is giving the Burchadingan football team more exposure and experience, and so, unlike TFSE where the team could not regularly test themselves, they can do that in AO.

HS: I'm trying to make sense of what you said. The AOCAF only occurs every now and then, just like the World Cup, so while it helps a bit, there really isn't an effect on the team.

DM: But there is a long term effect isn't there?

HS: Well I...

DH: He got you Helmund!

HS: But really! I mean...

DM: Okay! Woah! Haha! Now, the new generation of teams will be a challenge as well. Most of them coming from the Baptism of Fire, hosted by Quintessence of Dust. So, Burchadinger did bid to host it, in fact, co-host it with The Babbage Islands, and we lost by 2 votes! So, back to the BoF, or Introduction of Fire as it is called this time around, you gentlemen have your opinions on which team will be the best of the "newbs", so, bicker, yell, laugh, and do whatever the hell you want!

PL: 7 teams catch my eye here. Vjiay, I really hope I pronounced that correctly! Em! Dennisov, Hassett, South Norwega and Mount Shavano. Vjiay are young and hopeful. They have tons of determination, and wont stop fighting. Dennisov? Well, seriously. You can't use the excuse they were World Cup 4 champions. I'm pretty sure the winning team has since passed away. Apologies if they haven't! But, these new Dennisov youngsters are talented as well, and they could produce a few upsets, like Euro-Thrash did in World Cup 49.

DM: Didn't Euro-Thrash have some experience going into World Cup 49?

PL: Err! I don't really know! So, anyone can slap me! Anyway, on to Hassett. These guys are pretty much what I said about Vjiay. Young and hopeful. South Norwega are...

HS: CLONES OF A RUGBY TEAM!!!

PL: Err...

HS: CLONES OF PRIME MINISTERS!!!

PL: Prime Ministers?

HS: Nevermind... >_>

PL: Em.

---

Schalke throws his shoes towards the cameras, breaking them in the process. Which of course, interrupts transmission... Abrupt end for Episode 233.

FOOTBALL UP CLOSE WILL RETURN

[Toiletdonia]

TOI SPORTS
Toiletdonia squad landed last night in Paripana. Today they woke up in the hotel and decided to head to training. It looks like they could be in for a hard slog as we watched from the sidelines Jet lag was getting the better of them and they could hardly pass the ball. Coach later decided that it was best for them to go and sleep it off so he sent them back to bed. He too went back to bed. In the hotel they're staying in they have 50 channels and 1 bathroom for every room. Apparently they got up and hacked the TV so that they could watch Toiletdonian sitcom "A billionaire celebrity in a cupboard." A show about two friends who live together. One of them becomes a movie star overnight and gets trapped in his small apartment with his friend and struggles for a way to get out. The watched 2 seasons of that before going out to lunch. They decided to eat traditional Paripanan food. Paripanan food is all a matter of personal tastes. Some players loved it and could eat it for ever some vomited after trying it they then located the nearest Toiletdonian restaurant. Later they reported back for some night training which went smooth the coach commented "It'll be hard but we can do it!".

Squad files Part 1:
NAME: Sadjar Dehiam
AGE: 25
GAMES WC/DBC: 0/5
GOALS WC/DBC: 0/6
Bio: After bursting onto the scenes in the Di Bradini Cup 12 he has become a fans fave! He scored 6 goals in five games along with a brace against Somewhereistonia one against the Sorthern Northlands and 2 against Burchadinger. He was the picked out as the best Under 21 player for Toiletdonia ever and ended up becoming part of the team post Cup of Harmony. He before the cup played for second division Limpton. After a good season with them and the DBC 13 he was sold for $125,123 to Dale. After only 5 months he was sold again after 3 player of the month awards to Leas for a sum of $375,000. He scored 10 goals in only 8 games securing his place in the 1st team for world 51.

Our region in one article:
Our region is a sporty region! Vvardenfell has one or two great teams: Tyrrin : In World Cup 50 they finished 3rd by one point and will be fighting for the finals! In all honesty they will make it. In the Cup of Harmony they made it to the round of 32 but got knocked out in typical fashion to Jasĭyun 3-1. It was a horrible moment for them. They could still do really well in this cup and if they're not in our group we wish them the best of luck. Silver Beach: This is there second time in the world cup and there first time was a bit of a late turnout. They only just signed up after the BoF and they finished bottom of the group and look like they could go for another early exit. They also came second to last in the CoH and look like they could struggle in this cup as well. The only team likely to do anything is Tyrrin and Us maybe. Oh well good luck to all and lets start the world cup!

Officials admit
Toiletdonian officials have finally admitted that they we're drunk when they picked a piece of sellotape for a tennis tournament. The piece of stationary made it to the quarter-finals before crashing out. This shocked the world but the rumour went around that they were drunk when they made the choice. It took 2 years before they gave in. Today a report was released showing that they really did get drunk out of their minds. They admitted today in a press conference they said "Yes we managed to get drunk for the time we needed to choose. We accidentally chose the stationary. We did really well in the end so it didn't matter too much but we apologise and now we have chosen again and this time well thank you for your time people." Toiletdonia has now left them to pick only for tennis and sacked them from picking football. They have left the responsibility to LowCoff the manager who said "We need to pick the right team and I think I know the players better than anyone else so finally the squad is in the right hands." We all support this act and wish Toiletdonia a good world cup.

[Catmeowland]

THE DAILY FOOTBALLER

Hello, I'm Necek Tofcek. I'm Afulicek's assistant since BoF 35 when the old assistant dissapeared and was allegedly found dead in his wardrobe. Anyway, for now on, I'll be writing to all you fans out there three times a week so you get an inside glimpse of the national team's preparations.

We are here, in the middle of nowhere, preparing for the qualification period. Everybody's motivated for our first game in six days and we think we can qualify. Our stadium has been renovated and can now seat 80.000 felines or 20.000 humans. I believe we can spring many surprises, just as we did in Somewhereistonia and Kura-Pelland three years ago when we played in the Baptism of Fire. That's it for today from me. I'll write when something actually interesting happens.

So long, people
Necek Tofcek

[Shivat]

Shivat’s team preparing for the travel to Commerce Heights
After the rescue of coach, the team has departed from Setsu International Airport

By Lee Ae-Chan
15th May 2010

Shan Lu- 4 years have passed since the last World Cup, which was hoped with keen interest by both the media and the football fans all around the country and in the host countries, but that was clearly overshadowed by two happenings, the first, the poor results in the first round and in most of the second one, which even if they got better, we ended 4th and we weren’t able to pass the classificatory round of the competition, and also, the kidnap of the coach of the Shivat national football team during the year-break between the first and the second classificatory rounds of the competition, however the impressive skill and the good maneuver of the situation by the Shivat National Police made possible that after a period of 6 to 7 months, James Saint-John was rescued, and its two kidnappers, two village men from the north of Halle, huge football fans were jailed for a period of 4 years, and so, they’ll be soon back in the streets, however they won’t be able to get near any sports person or to travel abroad for another period of 2 years. After his kidnap, Saint-John had lost much weight, having lost almost 17 kilos, now being a very skinny man, who has finally returned and is now leading the team again towards a possible pass through the qualification rounds.

Currently, the national team has been preparing and training hard in order to focus and win skills in order to achieve the dream of qualifying, the team is training in the training facilities located next to the Shan Lu Metropolitan Arena, home ground of the FC Shan Lu and the Shivat national men’s football team.

We’ll continue informing you when the official host football associations, those of Paripana and Septentrionia publish or communicate more information. Mean while keep connected to http://www.theshivattimes.sh .

[Silver Beach]

Lulika City, Silver Beach, 3:00 PM Local time

Daniel Adams was running a practice with the national team, as WC51 was soon coming up, and the Premier League had taken a 5 day hiatus to help the national teams of Khytenna and Silver Beach prepare for the grueling world cup. Already, on the 18th, they had an exhibition scheduled for V-P day, and he needed to keep pushing his team, especially rising star Jacob Jenkins, to new heights so they could make the prince proud, who had announced he would attend every single home game. They had not find out their groups yet, but they secretly wanted Khytenna and Tolietdonia in their group so they could play some regional rivals.

After Adams finished the practice, he went inside his house, which was in midtown Lulika City, and he went to his wife, and told her his problems. She took him up to his room, and they went and she relieved him of his stress for several hours.

[F1-Insanity]

Thomas Baker reporting for The Daily Mulcahey (F1-Insanity's best sold newspaper)

Squad announced, massively purged
Head coach Daniel Johnston announced the squad he has assembled for the qualifiers to World Cup 51. It was no surprise that the squad was very much changed as compared to the last World Cup qualifiers (WC 50) but that the squad would be this much changed, in effect 'purged' was not expected. Apart from head coach Johnston, only Aaron Humes survived the cut.

Of course, those who were arrested in the wake of the betting ring scandal, are no longer present. A few players retired and a few were passed over. But the greatest surprise is that we have learned that some players were not selected because of pressure by star striker Aaron Humes. Humes had effectively threatened to never play again, and in doing so would have broken the hearts of millions of young women (and of some young men as well). The government of F1-Insanity could not tolerate this and according to our sources the Football Association was pressured to give in to the young star's demands. And economic demands too, no doubt, the sale of merchandise with Humes's picture on it being the primary source of income for the Football Association. It is well known that the FA and the players individually share the revenues equally.

The Football Association and the Ministry of Sport both denied that the role of Humes's father (cabinet secretary) had anything to do with these decisions.

[Sarzonia]

Even though the squad representing Sarzonia in World Cup 51 qualifying had very few changes, it seemed to Franz Braddock to be almost a completely different side.

The shock of Sarzonia's 4-0 defeat to Secristan had only just faded away. The rigours of the longest qualifying campaign in history faded into memory, but the investigation into the theft of alcohol from the Sorthern Northland side took more out of the octogenarian than the 26 matches during the qualifying phase or the many friendlies the Stars contested.

It took so much out of Braddock, in fact, that the old man was seriously considering walking away from the game once more. This time, it wouldn't be a pushy Cafundelense media that would have gotten to him. This time, it wouldn't be the vagaries of trying to piece together a successful side in its formative years dragging him down.

It would be having his actions scrutinised by police. The Bromham Constabulary, to be exact, that threatened to rob him of the one thing he did well. Even though the report cleared him of any wrongdoing in the plot, in the eyes of knowledgeable football fans, Braddock's fingerprints were all over the raid.

The most discerning of football fans would know of the rivalry between Braddock and his countryman in name only, Caio Meback, who managed the Sorthern football side. They would remember the elderly Braddock getting the better of infamous Silexheran journalist Jeremy Jaffacake. They figured he had to have been involved, no matter the official report that pinned the deed on Marvin Williams and George Wilcox. Due to Wilcox telling the truth about the operation, he got his 10-year sentence suspended to six months with another six months in a halfway house. Williams would have to serve the entire sentence.

However, Valanora were back. It turned out that nation did not leave the earthly realm. However, Dancougar was no more. The nation hosting the former world champions and current seventh ranked team in the would was destroyed in a cataclysmic explosion. And a quarantine would keep the world's eighth ranked size, Qazox, out of the World Cup.

"Two sides in the top 10 are not competing," Braddock told his assistant coaches, James Potherington, Diogo Avarel and Horace Sandt.

"For very different reasons," Potherington agreed.

"Unfortunate," Sandt said. "However, Valanora are back."

"We won't talk about them," Avarel said.

They would talk about Dennis Crandall moving into the starting 11, joining team captain Matt Lynch up top. They would talk about the eighth edition of the Mike Sarzo Memorial Trophy, which they would open against Burchadinger at their old national stadium. They would also play a friendly match against Swartaz in their new national stadium, Dave Wilson Stadium.

There was much to discuss. Revenge against Secristan should the opportunity present itself. Potential changes in tactics. A World Cup being hosted by two nations whose previous combined hosting effort angered Sarzonians immensely.

All that talk ended abruptly with four words from a once again energised Braddock.

"Let's get to work."

[Hassett]

Press release statement by Hassett, the Hassett Pirate's coach, captain, Hassett's Galactic Emperor, and Hassett's "Sexiest Man Alive" award winner (ooc: just like our flag, our leader might have two personalities):

"We may have lost the Baptism of Fire, but our team morale is still pretty high.
But we WILL win this DAMN tourney!
We have been looking over the game film from the past tournament and it looks like our odds are better than before,
Our opponents wont stand a chance!
We have spent the last month working different strategies on winning and the results look promising.
We can't forget to mention we have also been hitting every pub in this generous hosting nation.
This may be our first World Cup, but its ours!
Alright, let's do this. LEEEERRRROOOYYY JEEEENKKKIIINNS!!!"

[Catmeowland]

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, the Catmeowland team was training for the WC qualifying stage.

"WHY are we here?", asked Driblicek, the captain
"Because I said so.", coach Afulicek replied
"Because TOFCEK said so, not you. And if you don't want another coincidentally missing assistant, get us out of here."
"Look...I dont' want...oh crap...pack your stuff, we're going to town."

[Catmeowland]

OOC: My last post is a continuation of the BoF35 story about a missing assistant. Take a read if you are interested.

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
NEWSBRIEF: Associationless Virabi National Team has Very Low Expectations

VONGHURST - Due to the dissolution of the Virabi Football Association, the Virabi National Football Team will be going to the World Cup Qualifiers backed by official organization but still being recognised as an official Virabi National Team.

Still, the teams expectations are very low. They are expected to place in the bottom 2-3 nations in qualifying, and are also expected to do poorly in the Cup of Harmony, to which it is likely gain a birth. All and all, the team will not make any considerable impact in the cup, and will continue to be a team that is ranked sub-100.

[Schiavonia]

The mood in Schiavonia was very different to four years previously.

Four years ago, the nation's founder Carlos Cueto announced that they would be entering World Cup 50 with a team full of children from the island. Nothing was expected of Kenny Sanderson IV and his young army. What followed was one of the most unbelievable stories in World Cup history. Even more unbelievable than the time the world ended... oh, wait, no, that was one of Cueto's dreams, wasn't it? But all the other things that have happened over the past two hundred years. They don't call the history book of th World Cup "Craziness Encouraged" for nothing!

Now things were different. Schiavonia's wonderkids made it all the way to the last eight of the tournament. Now they were going to be one of the favourites to qualify for the tournament. Of course, the chances that all of the main contenders will fall in the same way as they did last time are incredibly slim. The wonderkids would do well to surpass their efforts in Krytenia, especially without their RP machine, which seemed to have an amazing effect on them. And now that Sanderson is running the country as well as the kids' football team, it might be seen as a bit of a distraction.

However, things are shaping up well. The kids haven't played much over the past couple of years, but a run out in the AOCAF has got them back in practice. And Sanderson has announced that the team will be heading to Sargossa before qualifying begins as they seemed keen on a game. Something to do with getting one over on us for World Cup 50 qualifying. The SFF have also announced that they are looking for nations of under a thousand in population, like themselves, to play in a friendly competition. So far, An Blascaod Mor have expressed an interest, but if there are any more our there, the SFF have requested that they go through the official channels in the WC51 friendlies thread.

Sanderson will be leaving for Paripana for the draw in the coming days. Let's hope it goes well...

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem coach Rocky Pointy Stick with his assistant Oksana "Pups" Ferris

Pups: You realise there's actually four Dallas girls on the team.
Rocky: Yes, it's going to be interesting.
Pups: Good thing they all look different.
Rocky: Well, Helen of Troy looks like her mother Marie-Antoinette. Shay looks Jewish, and Lucinda is a blonde. And Juzzie looks dumb.

Pups: A Qazian, a Jew, a Jeruselemite and a Bostopian.
Rocky: Yes, multicultural Dallas breeding.
Pups: I'm not a real local either.
Rocky: Too much funny business going on these days. I see Helen of Troy has her own cooking show.

Pups: She doesn't do a lot of cooking though.
Rocky: What's it called again?
Pups: Stuffing ya face
Rocky: Yes, a funny name for a cooking show.

Pups: It seems to rate well still.
Rocky: She does a lot of eating.
Pups: But doesn't seem to put on weight.
Rocky: Amazing that. Didn't you appear too?

Pups: Yeah, I cooked some duck.
Rocky: She seems good with chopping stuff.
Pups: Well, she's good with sharp man-killing objects.
Rocky: Like her Mum

Pups: Saying all that, she's a lot better than her Mum cooking too.
Rocky: Dazza wasn't much of a cook either.
Pups: I guess the kids are getting better.
Rocky: Shay's pretty good actually.

Pups: Must be the Jewish side the family there.
Rocky: I heard they were planning to go to Qazox for the next series
Pups: Yes, don't think that's going to happen now. Newmanistan is great place to go
Rocky: I wouldn't know.

Pups: You should get out more.
Rocky: I only travel when I have to.
Pups: There's a huge wide world out there.
Rocky: Too huge ..

[Commerce Heights]

Paripana–Septentrionia Committee for the Organization of World Cup 51
Comité Paripana–Septentrionie pour l’organisation de la Coupe du monde 51
Media release · Communiqué aux médias

Seeding announced for World Cup qualifying phase draw
The seeding to be used in the draw for the qualifying phase of World Cup 51, to be held in Aeropag on Wednesday, have been set by PARSEC’s administration.

In accordance with article 17 of the World Cup 51 Regulations, which states, “In principle, the teams involved in the qualifying phase are seeded into pots, each containing a number of teams equal to the number of qualifying groups, in accordance with the KPB World Rankings established at the beginning of the qualifying phase”, ten pots of fifteen teams have been established. As far as possible, the 135 ranked teams have been placed in Pots A–I in order of rank, while the fifteen unranked teams have been placed in Pot J. However, there was one case which required that two teams with equal rank be placed in separate pots. A coin flip by PARSEC’s administration determined that Kazzoria, ranked 251st, will be placed in Pot H, while Zenethj, which has the same rank, will be placed in Pot I.

During the draw, teams will be drawn out of each pot in sequence, starting with the teams in Pot A. The first team drawn out of each pot will be placed in Group 1, the second team in Group 2, et cetera. By this method, one team from each pot will be placed in each group. Once the last team from pot J is drawn and the draw is concluded, a computer will shuffle the teams in each group to determine the order in which fixtures will be played.

The draw will be held at the AZAK Arena, which is located on floor 224 of the Olympic Tower in Aeropag, Paripana. The arena, primarily used for ice hockey, seats 49 038 spectators. Each of the 152 associations (Capitalizt SLANI, l’ASS, and the 150 associations included in the draw) will be allotted twenty seats; the remaining forty-six thousand seats (less two) will be available to interested members of the public through the Olympic Tower box office.

---

Pot A (ranks 1–17): Candelaria And Marquez, Jeru FC, Sarzonia, The Holy Empire, Cassadaigua, Valanora, Sorthern Northland, The Babbage Islands, Ad’ihan, Kelssek, Cafundéu, Secristan, Akbarabad, The Archregimancy, Starblaydia
Pot B (ranks 18–34): Newmanistan, Peisandros, Bostopia, Krytenia, Jeruselem, The Han Empire, Bears Armed (Mainland), Schiavonia, Yafor 2, Milchama, Kosovoe, The Weegies, Vephrall, Toyur, Pasarga
Pot C (ranks 35–51): Aguazul, Tyrrin, Landau Institute, Jasĭyun, Uiri, Sargossa, Arroza, Nethertopia, Albundania, Queer Poco el Mono Ara, Taeshan, West Pocono, Somewheristonia, Delaclava, Steroga
Pot D (ranks 52–71): Pays de Horreur, West Zirconia, Swartaz, Jesselton, Eastfield Lodge, Valladares, Sibirsky, Kulverint, Burchadinger, Balida, The Ursine Northlands, Iglesian Archipelago, Liventia, Carpathia and Ruthenia, Achtervolging
Pot E (ranks 72–103): Swilatia, Kura-Pelland, Osarius, Mantwenic, Shivat, Dorian and Sonya, Andrewboy, BrightonBurg, Barnettsville, F1-Insanity, Bisgea, Whirl Islands, The Kazoo Peoples, Euroslavia, Casari
Pot F (ranks 107–150): Blouman Empire, Die Adler, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, Toiletdonia, Warkus, Tentalon, Pokemonman, Quakmybush, The Mice of Miceland, Lithatrius, Krsta, Antarctistan, Westmeadow Tavern, Rennidan, Virabia
Pot G (ranks 155–201): Hemas, Whittoria, Silver Beach, Royalsoldiers, Unitopolis, Loonaterian, Undeadzombiee, Inabi, Mount Shavano, Seven Castles, Catmeowland, Chocolate Pencils, Dimoniquid, Kryosis, Tonarius
Pot H (ranks 206–251): Dennisov, Voltronica, Vjiay, DRo Alba, Odinex, South Norwega, The St Timothy Isles, Hillpiece, Rick Roll Land, St Paul’s Isle, The Shinnian Islands, Hasett, WalesaIreland, Zarbli, Kazzoria
Pot I (ranks 251–290): Zenethj, Emothica, Negative Katana, Sierra Apathia, Lovable Weirdos, Khytenna, Parilisa, Upper North Yorkshire, Western cuba, Quattrablegia, Sentient Nukes, Colurada, Tarmeny, Toy Toy, Aluetiva
Pot J (unranked teams): Ancient Astronauts, Canofa, Cirona, Colbourne, Cosumar, HellHorn, Hockey Canada, The Jersey Islands, Kanvers, Kill and Death, Novikov, Pretty Awesome Persons, Tarrentum, Teinohikira, Tretskivucia

(OOC: For the avoidance of doubt, these are not the qualifying groups. The qualifying draw will, as previously stated, begin at 01:00 UTC on Wednesday, 2010-05-19, and will be conducted in #nssport on irc.esper.net.)

[Sportgirls]

Sportgirls National League authorities expressed "extreme sorrow" over the decision of the World Cup 51 organising committee to exclude the entry of the national team from what would have been its third World Cup.

"We understand the challenges in bringing to pass the world's greatest sporting event," said Princess Jacqueline, speaking in her role as SNL president. "And we are supportive of international policies that encourage the development of new national sport programmes. Our hearts go out to the athletes, not only our own but those of several other nations, who prepared for competition on the world's greatest stage only to be denied at the eleventh hour."

Team captain Megan Sullivan had few words at the press conference. "We'll be back," she said. "Most of us, anyway. And we will be ready."

[Tarrentum]

Tarrentum National Football Committee
Press Release

The Tarrentum National Football Committee will be represented in the AZAK Arena for the Draw by long-time advisor to the TNFC, Garadini Dellasati.

The TNFC is very excited to start this year's World Cup and, while not a threat to any major team, still hope that the Falcons will show tremendous skill and grace.

[Jeru FC]

On Jeruselem TV show "Stuffing ya Face"

Princess Helena Troi Dallas (the host) in a kitchen with a stupid looking Jeru FC player

Helena: Hello! Welcome back to Stuffing Ya Face, I'm Princess Helena Troi Dallas. Today we have a special guest from our Jeru FC football team, Willy Wonky ... supposedly he's a striker.
Willy: I think I am, I score on many fronts.
Helena: Willy here isn't a MasterChef but he's here to show us how to cook with beer.
Willy: Yes, beer is a great way to make your food taste good other than getting drunk and vomiting the food out.

Helena: Please, none of that in this kitchen.
Willy: Getting drunk in a kitchen is a bad idea with all this fire and knives around.
Helena: OK, what's todays treat?
Willy: It's beer flavoured beef pie.

Helena: Sounds a bit odd
Willy: It's a big meal for a hearty man like me. And if I can do it, anyone can.
Helena: So what do we need?
Willy: You need two bottles of beer, flour, salt, eggs, a bit of beef and some spices.

Helena: Do you eat this at Jeru FC?
Willy: Yeah, although we don't cook when we're drunk. People get hurt.
Helena: Like what?
Willy: Hot oil down the pants isn't any fun.

Helena: Right, I see. So folks - don't drink and cook.
Willy: Yeah, it's no fun when someone loses a nut.
Helena: Let's get back to cooking food, not frying your privates.
Willy: Good idea.

Helena: How do you start.
Willy: OK, you have start with the beer batter. You pour a bottle of beer into a bowl while drinking the other one.
Helena: So you cook one-handed?
Willy: One beer and one cooking hand.

<Later>

Helena: OK, everyone ... this pie is done. It's a big bigger than I thought it'd be.
Willy: It has to feed Jeru FC players.
Helena: We've got beer infused into the crust and into the meat. Now, how is this served?
Willy: With another bottle of beer and some tomato sauce.

Helena: You drank two bottles of beer while cooking it.
Willy: I normally drink three.
Helena: OK, let's find out what this is like. I'll put a slice on a plate.
Willy: It's food for the footballer. Well? What do think Princess?

Helena: It's not bad, like a spicy kebab beer pie.
Willy: And the beer balances out the spicy stuff.
Helena: Yeah, I thought it would be worse.
Willy: Good then.

Helena: Well, it's not my cup of tea but I can see it making lots of drunk footballers full.
Willy: Good then?
Helena: Basic and hearty with some zing.
Willy: Cool!

Helena: I hope people got some ideas how beer than make good better.
Willy: I've got more recipes.
Helena: You can come back again to show us some other time.
Willy: Anytime Princess.

[Newmanistan]

(OOC: This will look familiar to those reading the WBC thread, but it is not a complete cut and paste and has been written to apply to World Cup 51 instead of WBC 15. I ask that the hosts only score the last paragraph in regards to a RP bonus as that is the only new material to this thread.)

THE ROCKET REPORT

EMPRESS JESSICA PASSES ON

Pocono City- Today the entire Empire is in mourning, and World Cup 51 preparations, at present, are an afterthought. Empress Jessica has passed on. The former Empress was no longer in control of Newmanistan, having passed on the throne to Emperor Michael IV, her brother, ten years ago. Jessica is seen as being one of the best ever rulers of the Empire, taking and resurrecting the nation into One Big Island from it’s previous once ceased days of long ago. It was Empress Jessica who had the foresight to bring the Empire into international sports, starting with the signup of the nation into World Cup 40 and Baptism of Fire 27. Under her guidance, the Newmanistanian economy and the Empire’s presence in sports flourished, and she was certain to make sure that he younger brother, who himself now is 78, would follow in her ideals, and he has done so. The Empress lived a long life. She was 92. The cause of her death is still undetermined, but it appears to be from natural causes.

Empress Jessica defied conventional wisdom of what it was like to lead an Empire. Newmanistan, for example, has never joined the World Assembly and has no intention to, even while the small nation to the northwest, West Newmanistan, not only is a part of it, but serves as the regional delegate. For the Empress, the World Assembly is far to liberal. “In their old days, they passed a resolution that pretty much banned cars. Yes, it got repealed, but that was our cue that we would never even recognize any of the crap that they pass,” said the Empress two decades ago, and it is a sentiment that still exists throughout the Palace today. In her younger days, she frequently traveled with the team, and had the infamous welcome to international sports when in a Starblaydia airport for Di Bradini Cup 4, Lee Waywide, a Sorthern Northland striker was practicing in the airport and hit the Empress in her head with an errant ball. Security immediately pounced on him but then let him go when the Empress told them to relax and that no harm was obviously meant by it, and they eventually laughed it off. When Newmanistan and Sorthern Northland meant in the semifinal, and a terrible mistake by Waywide in the 90th minute led to a game tying goal for the Rockets (a game Newmanistan went on to win), the Empress sent Waywide a personal letter of support, attempting to comfort the youngster and remind him of the good things he did during the game. (He did have a hat trick in the game). That was the attitude the Empress had in sports. She loved the international scene, and respected not only Newmanistanian athletes, but athletes from all over the globe. She was also a great leader. Many foreign nations with democratic structures tend to look at monarchies in a negative light. But Empress Jessica showed that just because one has exclusive power over an entire Empire, does not mean they are a tyrant. The Empress cared deeply for the people, and it showed in the policies she passed. Today the Empire, knowing that, mourns for her loss. They know that Emperor Michael IV will continue to rule in the way that she did, but for now, that is little room for solace.

This has got to be difficult for Jeremy McAllister, who is struggling to cope with the loss of everything he knew in Lakeport, Dancougar. As most people know by now, a terrible storm, which scientists are having a difficult time explaining, completely wiped out the nation. J-Mac spent his entire club-level coaching career there, and took Lakeport from a team barely able to stay afloat in Dancougar's main league into a champion, once winning three straight titles. Now, not too long after those horrific events, he hears this. After all, Empress Jessica was a friend to him, not just the ruler of the Empire. He gave us a brief comment, but we understand that words have got to be tough for him right now, "Today, Newmanistan has lost a true great and the face of the Empire. She moves on to a better place, and though we all know we will be fine under the leadership of Emperor Michael IV, but right now we are all in mourning. As a football team, we will dedicate World Cup 51 to her, but it will be hard. Fortunately, we have a little bit of preparation time before we get started in qualifying, and a few friendlies. That will give us time to get over the shock before we start having critical matches."

[Catmeowland]

THE DAILY FOOTBALLER

Hey, it's Necek again! We are finally in town and the atmosphere is great. We all think we are able to beat everyone and the team is happy. Afulicek came up with some new tactics for the matches but most of the players don't like it. I would personally like to stick with our old style. Afulicek will have a press conference tomorrow to comment on the draw. I wish for Starblaydia, Candelaria and Marquez, Dennisov or some other famous team so we can prove our mettle. I'll write soon!

So long, people
Necek

[The Babbage Islands]

Off to Aeropag! I'm travelling with manager Ganz Ijak, FFB president Richard Valdemar, and his assistant Genevieve Richardson to the draw for the 51st football World Cup. We're going into our fifth Cup, but for the first time we enter as something other than a longshot.

PAR-SEC, the organising committee, have announced the pots for the draw. Each pot, from A to J this time, have teams of comparable ranks together. The top 15 entered teams in the official, or KPB, rankings are placed in pot A. The next highest 15 go into pot B, and so on. One team from each pot is drawn into each qualifying group, to balance the strength of the 15 groups. We're in pot A for the first time, exactly in the middle ranked eighth of the first 15. (Our actual world rank is 10, but two teams ahead of us will not be competing due to the horrific tragedy in Dancougar and a quarantine in progress in Qazox.)

So we'll be the top seed in our group. That means the world will be out to take us down. I welcome the challenge.

Our starting lineup will be mostly familiar to those who caught the recent Svoboda Cup in Dover and Bloomfield. Solveig Þorsteinsdóttir will be back for her second Cup as starting keeper. The back line will have Carl DiFilippo and Matt Chauvin on the flanks and Jerry Kirkpatrick and Phyllis Reeves in the centre. We'll miss having Wilhelm Freudigmann out there every match, but he's still on the roster and will see substitute and spot start duty.

Marc Ducharme and Glen Brown will be our central midfielders, swinging back and forth between offense and defence in our 4-6 scheme. I'm really happy to see Glen get the start. I was at Dover City when he came into the league, and enjoyed working together with him. He languished in the shadows of better-known internationals for a long time, but now he may be one.

The front four are familiar to everyone, of course. The Bumblebees' all-time leading scorer Patty Heatherly and partner in crime Orson Cook will be the wing midfielders again. Kelli Alder will start most matches as the forward centre midfielder, and I'll be a forward playmaker. None of us play as strikers; we move too much for that, playing positional games and creating mismatches with their back line. All four of us can dribble, pass, and shoot effectively.

Some names to watch off the bench or in spot starts, in addition to Wilhelm: Debbie Sherman is back, and she's our striker option of choice when we want to change formations. Don't be surprised to see her playing a different style, no longer always the classic target woman. Roger Desalliers will see plenty of time in central midfield. Young Veronika Hennicke of the Premier League champion Greenville Rovers is taking to the 4-6 as a duck to water, I think she could play any of the six midfield roles. Her teammate Norbert Bayer is a dominant keeper and a perfect backup for Solveig.

If you follow One Big Island football as well as our domestic game, we just missed getting four teams into pot A. Cassadaigua and Secristan both got there, and Newmanistan is the top team in pot B. That makes four legitimate candidates to go deep from our corner of the world.

I'm excited. I hope you are, too. I'll report on our group right after the draw.

Smile!

[Catmeowland]

The Catmeowland players breathed sighs of relief as the city skyline appeared in front of them.

"Here we are. The city. Happy now?" , nervously asked Afulicek.
"Yes, we are, coach.", replied Driblicek, the captain

Suddenly the players heard screams outside.
"C'mon everybody! LONG LIVE THE CATS!"

As the bus entered the city, thousands of fans came to greet their idols. They followed the team all the way to the Chez Meow hotel where the team would be staying.

"See, coach?", asked Driblicek
"See what?"
"That. The fans, the atmosphere, the joy. That's what football is all about."

[Catmeowland]

THE MEOWIAN FOOTBALL SHOW

Cek: Hello and welcome to the Meowian Football Show! My name is Cek Cekcek and I will be your host every Tuesday in this show. Our guest today is Grcek Sacek, an ex footballer! Welcome!

Grcek: Hi. I'm delighted to be here.

Cek: I'm delighted to have you here. Tonight we will be talking about the Baptism of Fire 35 and how much the squad changed since then. Your thoughts?"

Grcek: Well, I'm sure everyone remembers that second place! Sadly we failed that year and didn't enter the next two years. Now we are back with mostly all the same players.

Cek: The players are aging. Do you think that will be an issue?

Grcek: No. There are no young or old players, just good or bad ones.

Cek: So you think we have a chance?

Grcek: Definately. I think Catmeowland will qualify.

Cek: That's it for today. Thank you for your time, Grcek. And , of course, thank you for watching ! We will be back next Tuesday!