Cup of Harmony 41 (Everything Thread)

[Delaclava]

The Lazy Cowboy was rocking, as usual. The little bar, on the outskirts of Gorlick, a city Rextaria, Delaclava's largest province, played host to many sports fans, as well to those who looked for certain pleasure in shifty women.

Outside of the wild romp in the middle of the bar, two men sat in a corner. They were old friends, and common to many, they were football fans. They were discussing the upcoming Cup of Harmony, in Pasarga, where Delaclava had a chance of doing well.

"So what's the draw?" Harold asked.

"Well, it starts with Iglesian Archipelago," Pereau replied.

"Easy. There's twenty spots lower, but that's a very big difference. They're bad, and we're better than our rank suggests."

"Then West Pocono?"

"The Poconi are very good. BoF champions in number 35, two years after we finished fourth. They're beatable, but our most likely loss."

"Blouman Empire."

"Never heard of them, which basically means they should be no problem. I've heard of everyone in the top 75 or so."

"Connar Republic?"

"Heard of them, mainly because they're bad. We beat them 3-0 last year, and we've gotten so much better."

"Somewhereistonia. That's going to be so tough!"

"Yes. Mart Kusnets is one of the best strikers I've seen. He's better than Ayala, and he could tear up the Berreras and Pope!"

"If he doesn't?"

"Well, we have a chance, I guess. Besides, I heard that we've gotten a new striker, Simon De Braden."

"Really? From where?"

"Not sure, he just kind of appeared. He's 15, but he's a genius with the ball. He could get time off the bench."

"Who did you vote for in the elections?"

"I went with Schneider, hoping he gets office back."

And they went off on another tangent.

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

Was Hamburgstein jusitifed in naming the same squad who failed to qualify for the World Cup? Perhaps, The Whites had managed to finish third in their group and looked to be fairly strong when the opposition they would face in the group stage of the Cup of Harmony were scrutinized .

Starting XI.

#1 Gkp. Petr Ollic – Ollic has been the first name on the team sheet since World Cup 47 qualifying. Has a safe pair of hands and great reactions and manages to get down exceptionally quickly for a man of his stature.

#2 RB. Tamir el Zahar – Zahar has made the number 2 shirt his own. For a defender his tackling is a little poor but he makes up for this with his attacking presence. The 28 year old likes to bomb up and down the wings in support of the attack.

# 3 LB. Ousmane Kaka – He’s fast and can bomb up and down the wings adding to the White’s attacking options.

#4 S. Tomasz Poborsky – The national team and Royal Khaldoon captain is a model centreback tall and powerful with a sensible head on his shoulders. A natural leader Poborsky bleeds Queer Poco and will always strive to lead his team to the next level. The captain has been pushed back into a sweeper position.

#5 CB. Rudolpho – the defender has been based in Dancougar for years and has been mercilessly overlooked for the Whites. The former under 21’s captain was touted as Queer Poco’s rising star in defence but fell off the radar. A firm tackler who rarely puts a foot wrong he will relish this opportunity to play for the Queer Poco national side.

#6 CB. Frank Le Tissier – Le Tissier is back in the squad. He’s a proven international and has often been employed on the left wing, if he gets a chance during the cup he’d be hoping to play in his natural central midfield position.

#7 RM. Hugo Anderson – The midfield starlet has finally returned to the national side after years of exile after falling out with coach Asdrubal Espinoza. Blistering pace and a bag of tricks and only 20 years old the world is at the feet of Anderson who recently moved to Candelaria and Marquez for big money.

#8 CM. Dean Bowyer – Dean Bowyer secured a moved to Cafundeu on the back of his superb international performances. He’s not the fastest player on the pitch but makes up for it with sublime vision and an eye for goal being Queer Poco’s current top scoring midfielder at international level.

#9 FWD. Ishmael Van Dyke – The White’s top scorer and talismanic forward Van Dyke is a powerful target man with goals galore to his name. He’s great during corners making the most of his height and strength but he’s equally as good with the ball at his feet.

#10 FWD. Enrico Dossena – Dossena returns to partner Van Dyke upfront having failed to produce during the CoH it was expected a different attacker would be brought to partner Van Dyke. Essentially a box predator it’s often forget he has a good turn of pace and some fancy footwork.

#11 LM. Walter Ibaniez – Played well during the CoH and returns with the new man in charge. He’s a fast paced winger but his crossing leaves something to be desired. He has to improve his final delivery before he can be considered to be a top class midfielder.

Subs.

#12 CB. Karim Zaki – The aging defender has slipped further down the pecking order in defence but is hanging in their by the sheer fact there is nobody else available. If the quality of centre backs suddenly improves expect a younger quicker model in his place.

#13 GKP. Christopher Foster – The 25 year old is a shock inclusion having been at the back for Valengren Kickers slide down the league. He’s agile and has good reactions but is prone to “rushes of blood to the head” and can occasionally be caught out of position.

#14 FWD. Lionel Vega – Currently playing in Newmanistan, Vega is a good striker with a reputation for finding goals in the league however he has failed to transfer this prowess to scoring for the international side. Would be expected to make an impact off the bench.

#15 CB. Ahmed Khan – has become a yo-yo centreback and will occasionally be the flavor of the month to partner Poborsky. The former Under 21’s player will add competition for the available central defence positions.

#16 MD. Adailton – perennial international bench warmer. He turns in great attacking displays for his league team Royal Khaldoon but fails to shine on the big stage for Queer Poco.

Reserves
17. DEF. Andrea Di Vaio - Augustus
18. DEF. Ollie Clark - Pythons
19. MID. Rowan Askwith - Augustus
20. DEF. Joel Craddock – Royal Khaldoon
21. MID. Marco Oliveira – Pythons
22. GKP. Roy James - Augustus
23. STR. Wayne Ullrich – Augustus

[Steroga]

Colors: Red and white. Home kit is all red with white numbering and the away kit is all white with red numbering.

Style: -3 (or max defense allowed). We play a 5-4-1.

RP Permissions: Everything is a Yes. I will be disappointed if you do not have us play rough and get a few bookings.

Manager: Dakshi Patel, Age: 67
Assistant: Hemdev Patel, Age: 59 (not related)

Goalkeepers:
#52- Sandeep Kavoichit, Age: 20. He starts for the first time!
#53- Anshuman Shah, Age: 27. Substitute after starting in WC 48.
#51- Hemdev Singh, Age: 18. Reserve and a rookie.


Defense:
#70- Chanakya Motallebzadeh, Age: 30. Starter. Don’t mess with him if you want to play the next game. Plays in Cafundeu now.
#72- Campbell Raviranjan, Age: 28. Starter. From Candelaria And Marquez but also has Sterogan ancestry and knew we’d be an easier team to make.
#73- Sanjay Naidu, Age: 25. Starter. Highly intelligent for his age. Plays in Newmanistan now.
#74- Soumil Naidu, Age: 27. Starter. Plays like his younger brother. Plays in Newmanistan now.
#79- Champak Jitrenda, Age: 22. Starter. Reserve last time. He’s learning and is upgraded.
#75- Iravan Patel, Age: 28. Sub. Very speedy, not related to any of the other Patel’s.
#76- Abhijay Surhato, Age: 29. Sub. If he’s in, watch your knees.
#77- Ekagrah Alizadeh, Age: 26. Sub. Least likely to be entered amongst the subs.
#78- Swami Singhwancha, Age: 19. Reserve. Very rough tackler.
#71- Yamir Patel, Age: 17. Reserve. Defensively brillant.


Midfield:
#43- Randhir Nedzanani, Age: 19. Starter. Very agile and gets the call to start despite young age.
#49- Jaisukh Pattnaik, Age: 30. Starter. Used as a sixth defender often.
#48- Avinash Singh, Age: 27. Starter. He is our Mister Everything and the Captain.
#47- Uddunath Siddharth-Nabhendu, Age: 29. Starter. Aggressive but also has a nice shot.
#46- Pritam Gupta, Age: 28. Starter. Impressive two-way player.
#42- Naman Gandhi, Age: 22. Sub. Despite surname he has serious character issues. Was reserve last time.
#44- Pradeep Kokradi, Age: 25. Sub. Has a lot of speed.
#45- Sabal Karnataka, Age: 32. Reserve. Downgraded from starter.

Forwards:
#65- Jaival Subudhi, Age: 21- Starter. Him and Nedzanani look to connect for goals often. Plays in Candelaria And Marquez now.
#63- Devdarsh Panigrahi, Age: 31- Sub. Is not happy about being taken out of starting lineup.
#64- Bhupad Ahuwalia, Age: 28- Reserve. Downgraded from substitute.
#62- Kapoor Wamankar, Age: 32- Reserve. Hopes to get some playing time.

[Steroga]

Build on the momentum

Which Rushmori nation had the highest number of points in World Cup 49 qualifying?

A: Somewhereistonia
B: Sargossa
C: Queer Poco el Mono Ara
D: Steroga

Most of the world probably does not realize that the answer is in fact, D. Our 29 points were more then the 28 that the other three nations on the list all were able to get. Somewhereistonia and Sargossa had a chance to qualify on the final day and Queer Poco were alive with a couple days to go. Unfortunately, we were in a group with Qazox and The Archregimancy, nations that went a combined 25-5-2. The Archregimancy lost only once, and that was to us and we had a draw mixed in with Qazox also. Many Sterogans look back at some early setbacks against teams that finished lower in the table as being what prevented us from having a greater shot at qualifying. We finished third in Group 3, but never threatened the top two as they ran away with the group from the start, but we did chase down Gordon Bay City, and that is no small feat.

If those numbers shocked you then maybe you can relate to what the common Sterogan is feeling. Everyone in the world knows and respects the other three nations on the list and even though we don’t want this to sound like a jealous or envious rant it is about damn time that we begin to get some of that credit, too. Coach Dakshi Patel, who was given an ultimatum that he had to have a good qualifying campaign in order to keep his job was able to do just that and now he brings a team of angry players into the Cup of Harmony, which is played right here in Rushmore, in the nation of Pasarga. Our fans plan on making the trip as it is not a very long trip. In fact, Queer Poco is the only nation closer to Pasarga then Steroga, so we will hope to be having a home field advantage when we arrive there. We have put forth some good efforts in the Cup of Harmony previously, and the team wants to make a statement that the whole world will hear, because they don’t know if the world was paying attention when they turned in a better qualifying performance then Somewhereistonia, Sargossa, Queer Poco el Mono Ara, and others.

Steroga is in group H, and begins with a match against Callidon, which will a nice opening test. After them it is Bisgea, Jesselton, Shivat, and Uiri. We expect to make it out of this group. Top two teams will and we will not settle for anything less.

[Pays de Horreur]

Representing Pays de Horreur is a cavalcade of our many freaks, monsters and footballing attractions.

Coach – Eorl Vandenbussche

Assistant – Malcolm MacDowell

Goalkeeper. 1. Montavarious D. Delph. Don’t let the decomposition fool you, this zombie goalkeeper still has great reflexes. Plies his trade for Raccoon City F.C.

Right back. 2. Sebastian Craine. Plays right back for Woodsboro, notorious axe murderer known just as well for his rough tackling. Craine likes to play rough and isn’t adverse to picking up a card or two throughout the season.

Left back. 3. Winston Heckler. First choice for the Haddofield Town replaces the former wingback Arthur Crowe. Firm tackler and a good distributor of the ball.

Centreback. 4. Orgo. For an 8ft centreback he has sublime ball control skills he is also ideal for defending corners. The national team captain has a great footballing brain inside his massive head and can influence a game from the back.

Centreback. 5. Val Pringle partners Orgo at the back. The Haddofield Town player is more insane than criminal, he once shaved a horse. His defensive style is equally erratic, he is prone to moments of brilliance then moments of sheer atrocious football.

Left Midfield. 6. Kevin Thorn. Ambrose County shining star. It is often remarked he “got all the good bits” when created in Dr. Caine’s lab. Fast, agile and a fantastic crosser of the ball, his only downfall is his poor defensive capabilities.

Right Midfield. 7. Horace Burnam. Depending on the time of day and the lunar cycle he’ll either be in wolf mode or as a man. Pacy winger and a great dead ball specialist.

Defensive Midfield. 8. Percy Smithers. Percy used to dress up as his mother, just another reason why she had him committed. The Kassel Rangers midfielder is tough tackler who adds some bite to an otherwise attack minded midfield.

Attack. 9. Lester Crabtree. Was a beacon of light during PdH’s previous qualifying campaign, brings with him a lethal eye for goal and a class touch. The Los Sangre de Dios star striker is looking to shine for his country once again, maybe manufacture a move from the overwhelmingly poor PdH league.

Attacking Midfield. 10. Raven Noir. Rechristened after recent vampirification, Raven is a classy attacking midfielder and the team’s only vampire representative. Unpopular with his team mates who find him a little too flashy.

Attack. 11. Christian Harris. Partners Crabtree upfront as he does in the league. A much smaller and compact attacker than Crabtree, he has plenty of pace and decent ball control.

Subs.
Gkp. 13. Forrest Whitman of Woodsboro
RB. 14. Baxter Stoch of Bailey Downs F.C.
LB. 15. Meurl of Crystal Lake Victoria
CB. 16. Keith Brannigan of Haddonfield Town
CB. 17. Wesley Winkle of Raccoon City F.C.
RM. 18. Dr. Barry Malmouth of Valentine’s Bluffs Rovers
DM. 19. Drew “Halloween Slasher” McKeegan of Sleepy Hollow Hotspur
CM. 20. Axel of Sunnydale Athletic
CM. 21. Andrew Thompson of Aquatica Albion
STR. 22. Valerie James of Wolf Creek
STR. 23. Thomas Fecklin of Woodsboro

In the event my opponent posts an RP first, they may:

Select my scorers YES
Give out yellow cards to my players YES
Give out red cards to my players YES
RP injuries to my players YES
Godmod injuries NO
Godmod scoring events NO
Godmod other events YES

Italic denotes non-human.

[Toyur]

Toyur Football Federation
Toyurska Fotbollförbundet

Cup of Harmony 41 Roster and Media Guide

Team Nickname - Bears

Kit (by X-Spordiga) -
Home:

Away:



Manager - Toomas Ergma (Somewhereistonia) - Former Bears manager Erik Larsson was deposed following the failed
qualification attempt for World Cup 49. One too many 'almosts' for Per Bengtsson and Co., it seemed, and they've
chosen to look just across the border to Somewhereistonia and Toomas Ergma. Ergma comes recommended by many in
Toyuri footballing circles. He was victorious in the Baptism of Fire 33 for his home country, bringing a winning
attitude to the Bears, who have been close too many times. Looking to take that extra step forward, Ergma has made
them even more focused on offence than before, feeling that they have the firepower to punish lesser teams while
needing a bit more of a punch to win the close matches against highly regarded opponents.

Style Modifier : +3, 4-4-2

Roster

1. Anders Eriksson, GK, 27 - IK Kristiansberg
2. Mikael Lilja, LB, 25 - Mayo Valley (Candelaria and Marquez)
3. Erik Lidström, D, 26 - IK Kristiansberg
4. Gustav Johansson, CB, 23 - Mayo Valley (Candelaria and Marquez)
5. Paul Olafsson, RB, 27 - Southport Tigers (Newmanistan)
6. Mats Thorsson, RM, 22 - Aiken City United (Dancougar)
7. Daniel Björnsson, DCM, 21 - Vitpalats FK
8. Justin Tillström, ACM, 29 - Mayo Valley (Candelaria and Marquez)
9. Kristian Olsen, LM, 29 - FK Perholm
10. Kristofer Svensson, F, 25 - Augustus (Queer Poco El Mono Ara)
11. Viktor Eklund, F, 25 - Loudon Leopards (Newmanistan)

Substitutes/Reserves

12. Johann Olberg, GK, 24 - Tuleä
13. Markus Elm, GK, 27 - IK Stillhet
14. Markus Norström, D, 29 - Engenheiro Peres (Cafundeu)
15. Henrik Andersson, D, 22 - IK Peterstad
16. Oskar Källström, CB, 29 - IK Stillhet
17. Peter Modin, M, 28 - FK Vänstsida
18. Mattias Sjodin, M, 32 - Pittstown (Newmanistan)
19. Gustav Jakubsson, M, 27 - Heligljus FK
20. Jakub Samuelsson, M, 25 - IK Isskog
21. Jonas Näslund, F, 22 - FK Vänstsida
22. Fredrik Djuresson, F, 31 - Tuleä

RP PERMISSIONS:
In the event my opponent RPs first, they may...
Select my scorers: YES
Give out yellow cards to my players: YES
Give out red cards to my players: NO
RP injuries to my players: Not without permission
Godmod injuries: NO
Godmod scoring events: NO
Godmod other events: NO

[Toyur]

Toyurska Sportnyhet

NEW MANAGER UNVEILED
Neighbourly Somewhereistonia lend one of their own
by Anders Alfven

KRISTIANSBERG (TP) - The new manager of the Toyur national mens football team was unveiled earlier today, with former Somewhereistonia manager Toomas Ergma getting the position recently vacated by Erik Larsson.

The choice is interesting on many levels. Going into the Cup of Harmony, Toyur needed a manager to work with before going into the tournament to gain a measure of some consistency. The quick appointment of Ergma gives them that, and with him coming just across the border of their Rushmore neighbours, there is some sort of a familiarity. Many commentators felt that Toyur lacked a bit of attacking power in those close games, letting lesser opponents stick around for longer than Bears fans would have liked, and allowing highly regarded opponents time to run out the clock when Toyur was trailing behind. Ergma makes the team even more offensive than they were, which will hopefully give them a larger fear factor that they could strike the opposition at any time. On many football levels, it makes sense.

On a culturual level, there is a strong divide which may drive a wedge between player, media, and manager. The people and nation of Toyur are, as we all know, very religious and devout. The Archbishop and Ministry of Religion hold power almost equal to that of Emperor Kristian VII, with the Archbishop being the Emperor's most influential and trusted advisor. When 'Timmy', real name Jherree Lightning, came on board, there were few complaints, as he kept to himself about his religion Ursionity. At the very least, he at least believed in SOMETHING. Toyuri and Somewhereistionian do not see eye to eye on the issue of the divine. Those in Somewhereistonia are generally not devout, and are quite open in their disdain for the religious and their beliefs. Hopefully, all three groups can manage to get along for 90 minutes every matchday to string some wins together. As Ergma himself said at the press conference during his announcement, 'I don't really care what they believe as long as they also believe in my system of football.'

They will have to get on the same page quickly. The short jaunt to Pasarga for this Cup of Harmony sees Toyur in Group D. Their first match is with the Macabees, somewhat surprising non-qualifiers for the World Cup. They will be looking to set their stamp on the footballing world by dominating the Cup of Harmony and getting back into things in time for World Cup 50. Along with The Macabees, Toyur will also go up against The McLaughlin Islands, Balida, Barnettsville, and Schkottland. They open at the Stadium of the Moon in lovely Lunas, and it can be seen, as always, on TSTV1.

[The Macabees]

[Note: This is subject to change, since I have to fill in a lot of the players which are now retired from international football.]

World Cup 49
Macabee Squad


[Home kit.]


[Away kit.]

Code: Select all

Elect my scorers — No
Give out yellow cards to my players — Yes
Give out red cards to my players — No
RP injuries to my players — Yes
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — No
Godmod other events — No


Style Modifier: +2

Manager: Níal Ters; Ters replaced Glem Dalá on the onset of the World Cup 47 final tournament. Although, like his predecessor, he lost every game of the final tournament he nevertheless continued to manage the team. He achieved qualification for World Cup 48, at the top of the team's group, and then managed to win the first game in a final tournament of a world cup in the history of the Second Empire's National Football Team. Due to his achievements, he will continue to lead the squad through qualification for World Cup 49, hoping to put the team in their fourth consecutive World Cup.

Squad Listings:

Lars Kíendar (31), Goalkeeper: Lars Kíendar is the starting goalkeeper for Royal Club Española, one of the most successful teams in the Ligue Imperiotech (2016/2017 champions). He has a history of “standing in the right place, at the right time”, and is good at protecting the goal against breakaways. He also works well under pressure. He has already taken part in three world cups, as the premier goalkeeper. This will likely be his last major tournament as the national team's starting goalkeeper.

Díendar Shost (27), Goalkeeper: Díendar Shost is a secondary goalkeeper. He is quick, intelligent and is known to “stand in the right place”. Being tall, he is also good at stopping balls in the airs, including protecting against high-ball corner kicks into the area. This makes him one of the most powerful youth goalkeepers available. His first international game was in the tenth Di Bradini Cup, with the national under-21 football team. This will be his second World Cup appearance.

Yan Jíer (17), Goalkeeper: Jíer is a young goalkeeper who currently is a second-string goalkeeper for Fedala Imperial. He has been brought along with the squad as a sorts of "keeper in training". Although young, he is extremely talented and is seen as Lars Kíendar's long-run replacement once the starting goalkeeper retires.

Bur Xetal (29), Wing Back: Xetal is fast, smart and an extraordinary defender. He can assist in the tasks in the midfield, and is good with connecting with strikers on top for quick counterstrikes. He is a valuable asset in the counter attack, and is known for extremely lethal accuracy when it comes to assisting a striker for a goal.

Kel Kanis (25), Wing Back: Kel Kanis is not only an excellent youth right-back, but he is also one of the best set-piece kickers of the under-twenty-one national team. He has the uncanny ability to drop a ball right into the area, on top of a “friendly player”, making him extremely dangerous when playing on the wings. He is, however, very susceptible to moving up front, sometimes sacrificing his defensive awareness. He can also play as an attacking midfielder.

<Two wing backs needed>

Ladis Berk (30), Center Back: Ladis Berk played for Port Tenacious, as is one of the nation’s best young center backs. He is more experienced than most center backs of his age, and has good speed, easily earning him a spot on the national team. He is likely to be called-up for the regular national team, as well, for World Cup 47. He recently was awarded a contract by Eastport United.

Nantes Fersas (27), Center Back: Nantes Fersas is much like Ladis Berk, but younger. He is a promising youth player, and will reportedly be brought up to the first division by next season. However, his agent has been looking for an international outlet. He proved an illustrious U-21 player during DBC 10 and was thus called up for the national team.

Agin Kal (25), Center Back: A young, relatively inexperienced center back, he is nonetheless smart and fast. He is also a fast learner. He has been recently contracted by the Fedala Imperials for roughly eight million Ríokmarks, making him a relatively expensive youth transfer. He is one of the nation’s great future promises in defensive football. He participated in two previous Di Bradini Cups, and this will be his first tournament with the senior side.

<two center backs needed>

Sergi Bert (29), Defending Midfielder: Sergí Bert is the common starting defensive midfielder; he is a young, talented midfielder. Replaced Dertish Malfor in this position after this player's death. Sergí Bert played for a semi-professional team outside of the official league system. During World Cup 47 he showed his talent and was contracted by SC Lasft.

<One defending midfielder needed>

Joán Zeneti (30), Attacking Midfielder: Joán Zeneti is another international player. He is an attacking midfielder for the Somewhereistonian team Qasarian Sparta B. Nevertheless, he is extremely skillful and has been a key asset in Qasarian Sparta’s aspirations to rise to the “premier league”. He is also one of the best attacking midfielders present for the Macabee National Football Team, and is young enough to guarantee his presence in the next two world cups, at the very least. His strengths are in organization, and he has the capability to clearly set up lines of attack with other midfielders and strikers. That is, he’s successful in presenting opportunities for the goalscorers, and he has scored many goals himself. His capabilities as a midfielder have attracted the interest of other international managers, and he is likely to have a promising career.

Tritor Maníac (25), Attacking Midfielder: Maníac is Gert's (27) replacement, designed to give fresh blood for future generations of Macabee National Teams. He is quick, intelligent and is also an excellent set piece kicker. He is currently rogue for World Cup 47 and looking for a team, although rumors persist that he has been contacted by several Macabee teams.

<two attacking midfielders needed>

Víeb Tahol (27), Center Midfielders: Víeb Tahol plays for Royal Club Española. Víeb Tahol has grown to be a common starter on the national team, although during World Cup 48 he was in competition with José Santos for the starting title. He is again an important asset to the team and will see a lot of playing time during the qualification stage.

Guy Lafos (27), Central Midfielder: Lafos is a playmaker, and is able to control the speed of the game. This makes him the team’s premier youth midfielder, and also a promising candidate for the regular national team. He took part in the 10th Di Bradini Cup, and also has been called up for the senior national team for the Díenstad Cup. This will be his second world cup.

José Santos (25), Central Midfielder: José Santos is Uiric by birth, but due to Macabee laws which allow dual citizenship for those of Macabee ancestry, José Santos decided to apply for citizenship and play for the Macabee senior squad. He originally began his international career in the Uiri Under-21 National Football Team. He is intelligent and a good playmaker, and he is likely to be used as a frequent replacement for the squad starters (or even start himself, in some matches). He is the first foreign player to ever play for the Macabee National Football Team (or, more accurately, the only player born abroad).

<two central midfielders needed>

Darsí Bon (25), Striker: A young striker who was long-ago promoted to the main team from Illusqué’s youth club. He is intelligent and fast, giving him good qualities to break away from the defense. This will be his first World Cup appearance, although he had previously played internationally during the Di Bradini Cup. He is known as Mika d'Angíel's replacement on the team.

Daví Seismont (17), Striker: Young, but powerful and agile, he is the youngest player to ever be called up for an international tournament. He participated in the qualification for World Cup 49, and then was called up for Cup of Harmony 41. At the latter, he showed his talent for goal and guaranteed a spot on the squad for at least all upcoming tournaments.

<three strikers needed>

[The Macabees]

[Note: This is subject to change, since I have to fill in a lot of the players which are now retired from international football.]

World Cup 49
Macabee Squad


[Home kit.]


[Away kit.]

Code: Select all

Elect my scorers — No
Give out yellow cards to my players — Yes
Give out red cards to my players — No
RP injuries to my players — Yes
Godmod injuries — No
Godmod scoring events — No
Godmod other events — No


Style Modifier: +2

Manager: Níal Ters; Ters replaced Glem Dalá on the onset of the World Cup 47 final tournament. Although, like his predecessor, he lost every game of the final tournament he nevertheless continued to manage the team. He achieved qualification for World Cup 48, at the top of the team's group, and then managed to win the first game in a final tournament of a world cup in the history of the Second Empire's National Football Team. Due to his achievements, he will continue to lead the squad through qualification for World Cup 49, hoping to put the team in their fourth consecutive World Cup.

Squad Listings:

Lars Kíendar (31), Goalkeeper: Lars Kíendar is the starting goalkeeper for Royal Club Española, one of the most successful teams in the Ligue Imperiotech (2016/2017 champions). He has a history of “standing in the right place, at the right time”, and is good at protecting the goal against breakaways. He also works well under pressure. He has already taken part in three world cups, as the premier goalkeeper. This will likely be his last major tournament as the national team's starting goalkeeper.

Díendar Shost (27), Goalkeeper: Díendar Shost is a secondary goalkeeper. He is quick, intelligent and is known to “stand in the right place”. Being tall, he is also good at stopping balls in the airs, including protecting against high-ball corner kicks into the area. This makes him one of the most powerful youth goalkeepers available. His first international game was in the tenth Di Bradini Cup, with the national under-21 football team. This will be his second World Cup appearance.

Yan Jíer (17), Goalkeeper: Jíer is a young goalkeeper who currently is a second-string goalkeeper for Fedala Imperial. He has been brought along with the squad as a sorts of "keeper in training". Although young, he is extremely talented and is seen as Lars Kíendar's long-run replacement once the starting goalkeeper retires.

Bur Xetal (29), Wing Back: Xetal is fast, smart and an extraordinary defender. He can assist in the tasks in the midfield, and is good with connecting with strikers on top for quick counterstrikes. He is a valuable asset in the counter attack, and is known for extremely lethal accuracy when it comes to assisting a striker for a goal.

Kel Kanis (25), Wing Back: Kel Kanis is not only an excellent youth right-back, but he is also one of the best set-piece kickers of the under-twenty-one national team. He has the uncanny ability to drop a ball right into the area, on top of a “friendly player”, making him extremely dangerous when playing on the wings. He is, however, very susceptible to moving up front, sometimes sacrificing his defensive awareness. He can also play as an attacking midfielder.

<Two wing backs needed>

Ladis Berk (30), Center Back: Ladis Berk played for Port Tenacious, as is one of the nation’s best young center backs. He is more experienced than most center backs of his age, and has good speed, easily earning him a spot on the national team. He is likely to be called-up for the regular national team, as well, for World Cup 47. He recently was awarded a contract by Eastport United.

Nantes Fersas (27), Center Back: Nantes Fersas is much like Ladis Berk, but younger. He is a promising youth player, and will reportedly be brought up to the first division by next season. However, his agent has been looking for an international outlet. He proved an illustrious U-21 player during DBC 10 and was thus called up for the national team.

Agin Kal (25), Center Back: A young, relatively inexperienced center back, he is nonetheless smart and fast. He is also a fast learner. He has been recently contracted by the Fedala Imperials for roughly eight million Ríokmarks, making him a relatively expensive youth transfer. He is one of the nation’s great future promises in defensive football. He participated in two previous Di Bradini Cups, and this will be his first tournament with the senior side.

<two center backs needed>

Sergi Bert (29), Defending Midfielder: Sergí Bert is the common starting defensive midfielder; he is a young, talented midfielder. Replaced Dertish Malfor in this position after this player's death. Sergí Bert played for a semi-professional team outside of the official league system. During World Cup 47 he showed his talent and was contracted by SC Lasft.

<One defending midfielder needed>

Joán Zeneti (30), Attacking Midfielder: Joán Zeneti is another international player. He is an attacking midfielder for the Somewhereistonian team Qasarian Sparta B. Nevertheless, he is extremely skillful and has been a key asset in Qasarian Sparta’s aspirations to rise to the “premier league”. He is also one of the best attacking midfielders present for the Macabee National Football Team, and is young enough to guarantee his presence in the next two world cups, at the very least. His strengths are in organization, and he has the capability to clearly set up lines of attack with other midfielders and strikers. That is, he’s successful in presenting opportunities for the goalscorers, and he has scored many goals himself. His capabilities as a midfielder have attracted the interest of other international managers, and he is likely to have a promising career.

Tritor Maníac (25), Attacking Midfielder: Maníac is Gert's (27) replacement, designed to give fresh blood for future generations of Macabee National Teams. He is quick, intelligent and is also an excellent set piece kicker. He is currently rogue for World Cup 47 and looking for a team, although rumors persist that he has been contacted by several Macabee teams.

<two attacking midfielders needed>

Víeb Tahol (27), Center Midfielders: Víeb Tahol plays for Royal Club Española. Víeb Tahol has grown to be a common starter on the national team, although during World Cup 48 he was in competition with José Santos for the starting title. He is again an important asset to the team and will see a lot of playing time during the qualification stage.

Guy Lafos (27), Central Midfielder: Lafos is a playmaker, and is able to control the speed of the game. This makes him the team’s premier youth midfielder, and also a promising candidate for the regular national team. He took part in the 10th Di Bradini Cup, and also has been called up for the senior national team for the Díenstad Cup. This will be his second world cup.

José Santos (25), Central Midfielder: José Santos is Uiric by birth, but due to Macabee laws which allow dual citizenship for those of Macabee ancestry, José Santos decided to apply for citizenship and play for the Macabee senior squad. He originally began his international career in the Uiri Under-21 National Football Team. He is intelligent and a good playmaker, and he is likely to be used as a frequent replacement for the squad starters (or even start himself, in some matches). He is the first foreign player to ever play for the Macabee National Football Team (or, more accurately, the only player born abroad).

<two central midfielders needed>

Darsí Bon (25), Striker: A young striker who was long-ago promoted to the main team from Illusqué’s youth club. He is intelligent and fast, giving him good qualities to break away from the defense. This will be his first World Cup appearance, although he had previously played internationally during the Di Bradini Cup. He is known as Mika d'Angíel's replacement on the team.

<three strikers needed>

[Slaytesics]

L Forward: Dikla Tomer
R Forward: Gerd Adrianus
L Midfield: Clark Nichols
LC Midfield: Loïc Padrig
RC Midfield: Benjamin Magidson
R Midfield: Graham Wade
L Defense: Christoph Steefel
C Defense: Shahrokh Zubin
R Defense: Ąžuolas Justinas
Sweeper: Georgo Vilhelmo
Goalie: Zeno Eutropios
subs
Griffin Bell: Forward, Midfield, Defender
Ramin Nazeri: Forward, Midfielder
Li Jong: Goalie
Keai Lucasey: Defender, Forward
Choose my goalscorers Y
Godmod scoring events Y
RP injuries to my players Y
Style Modifier -2
Godmod injuries to my players Y (No career enders)
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players N
Godmod other events Y (within reason)

[West Pocono]

Eddie Chapman sat in his office, watching a clip of a Connar Republic match with Secristan from the group stage, but it could only make him homesick. He turned the TV off and began to reflect on his career. He had a great run with the Rockets in World Cups 40-42, and enjoys coaching in Loudon. Now, the sport he loves is having its biggest event, the World Cup, in his homeland and here he was in Stein-los, Pasarga, a long way from where he wanted to be.

No one expected West Pocono to qualify for the World Cup which is evident by the fact that no one really got excited about the potential of Chapman having a homecoming. It was all about Jeremy McAllister with the Rockets or Brian Carson with Jeru FC and no mention of the possibility of Chapman leading the Thunder in Loudon. For him, the fact that playing in Newmanistan was only a 50-50 chance if the nation did actually qualify and that he just as easily may have gone to The Babbage Islands had no effect on him. He just knew that if they made the World Cup, that somehow he would have gone to the Empire, and someway be assigned at least one game to play in Loudon. The Thunder did not miss by much, finishing 3rd in group 9 and only two points behind qualifier Bears Armed. What if, he thought, his Thunder did not have that painful draw with Sportgirls late in the campaign? It would have been two more points, and still the team would have lost out on goal differential to the Bear-Belles, but then he looked to find where that other point may have been that his team could have picked up. Then the Bears would be here, and his Poconi would be in the World Cup, and for Chapman, convinced that they would have played on the Newmanistan side.

You can’t escape the World Cup in Pasarga, either. The nation is closely following their national team, who went on quite a second half run to slip in ahead of The Macabees in order to advance out of their group. Chapman sees similarities between his side and Pasarga, too. The host nation made the field for World Cup 47 in only their second attempt, which is what he almost was able to do with the Thunder. He knows he can use them as motivation for the World Cup 50 effort if he is brought back (and he fully expects to be), but then he began to slow down. Let’s win this Cup of Harmony, he thought. It can be a special trophy, one that he himself won in the 34th edition as a defender for Newmanistan. He will bring that experience to this team and hope that his team can continue to show progress in the world of international football.

[Burchadinger]

BURCHADINGER TIMES
DIE ADLER. WINNERS OR LOSERS?


Some of the players at the Training Center

Die Adler. Winners or Losers? The youthful team started of with a bang at the World Cup. First they beat Evgenia 5-3. And held the powerful Macabees 0-0 away. And then our fortunes began to turn. 3 losses in a row. Then, the diamond. With it, Die Adler began to find their winning streak again, before finally being beaten by Pasarga 2-0. Now, they find themselves in Pasarga again. For the Cup of Harmony. Drawn in a tough group, the team is more or less the same. The Attacking Diamond is kept, manager Deval Enke was impressed with it and so he has kept it. Markus Klogh, the Burchadingan top scorer at the World Cup, 18 goals, is definetly not going to want to lose. According to Enke, the 23 year old is in top form. Maximillian Fischer, veteran and captain, scored 5 goals at the World Cup. He will be looking to defeat the opposition too. Klaus Diefenbaker keeps his place, this veteran, also wanting a piece of silverware. The Burchadinger Times gives its list of top 5 players to watch from Die Adler during the Cup of Harmony.

Markus Klogh, 23.
Wilhelm Sigmundson, 25.
Maximillian Fischer, 31.
Hans-Mayer Hansen, 27.
Klaus Diefenbaker, 30.

First up for Die Adler, Quintessence of Dust. While the players don't know much about them, they will be sure not to get cocky. The Quintessence of Dust are number 59 in the world, compared to Burchadinger's 83. Of course, our players don't care about rankings. Neither do our FA and fans. Now, don't forget to catch the game live on either TV1, Sports World, NSC, or The Cup of Harmony Channel.

[Sargossa]

With a four point lead over third placed Nethertopia and just three qualifiers to go a trip to One Big Island for the finals was taken just a little bit for granted. There's a lesson in the somewhere folks. Basically our finest footballers bottled it, royally. The goals dried up totally and successive Sargossan draws with Euro-Trash and Swartaz allowed the Falcons to catch up. The final game saw the Corsairs meet Nethertopia in the Sargossan capitol in a winner takes all fixture. And we're here and they're there. You do the maths.


Cup of Harmony 41

The Sargossa Corsairs

Kit
Thank you ediraf



National Coach

José Felipe Cassumba Domingos (Candelaria And Marquez)
Former Candelariasian international who stepped down at SuperLiga side Sporting San Marquez to take the Sargossan national coach role after seven trophy laden seasons at the Estadio SIlva.

Assistant Coaches

Ferran Higuera & Vicente García
Cassa's loyal lieutenants in the Sporting dugout follow their boss into the national team set-up.


Starting Eleven
(Formation 4-2-3-1. Style Modifier = +2. Players listed from right to left)

GK: 1. Martin Tejera (24) – Cruzeiro do Sul (Cafundéu) (72 Caps)
This one's a no brainer. A keeper with excellent relaxes and superb distribution who enters a his third qualification campaign firmly installed as the nation’s number one. A fan favourite at Cafundéu club side Cruzeiro do Sul.


RWB: 2. Marcos Díaz García (23) – El din Marbles (Candelaria And Marquez) (74 Caps)
A versatile defender who has been an almost ever present for the national side. Genuinely two footed, Díaz García’s club career has been mostly spent on the left flank but has made the national team right wingback berth his own.
RCB: 5. Néstor González (28) – El din Marbles (Candelaria And Marquez) (74 Caps / 5 Goals) - Captain
Regarded as one of the best defenders to have come out of the archipelago for many a long year. The first Sargossan to make the move to the CMSC and now captain of his club side.
LCB: 6. Christian Viera (22) – Sporting San Marquez (43 Caps)
A product of Ciudad Soluca’s academy who was snapped up for a pittance by Larissan giants Sporting. Key part of their title winning side last season.
LWB: 3. José Blanco (24) – Ciudad Soluca (40 Caps) / 2 Goals)
Part of the same academy side as Viera although Ciudad had the good sense to hang onto this one. Has blossomed under the tutelage of Candelariasian Hane Davis at the ediraf.


DMC: 4. Francisco Lillo (25) – Dynamo Kalinsk (Dancougar) (58 Caps / 1 Goal)
One of a number of Sargossan internationals to benefit from playing D-League football. Lillo may be the carthorse among some of the more thoroughbred members of the squad but he'll get stuck in like a good 'un.
DMC: 12. José Luis Borrás (24) – Sporting San Marquez (17 Caps)
An unsung hero of Sporting's SuperLiga triumph last season. Likes to keep his passing simple and his tackles solid. And he's rather good at it. Formally with Juventudé.


AMRC: 17. Diego Lara (21) – Sporting San Marquez (37 Caps / 10 Goals)
Last season's SuperLiga player of the year was integral to bringing the title back down south after a two year absence. Good passing, excellent technique and a shot like the kick of a mule makes Lara popular with the fans. Admittedly, hitting the winner against Candelaria And Marquez in the Copa Rushmori semi final didn't hurt either.
AMC: 7. Marcos García Fernández (25) – Sporting Kildare (Dancougar) (76 Caps / 11 Goals)
A hugely talented playmaker who almost single footedly kept a poor Jaguarés side in the SuperLiga. Since his move to Dancougar the little midfield maestro has arguably matured into the nation’s finest player. With a range of passing that can unlock any defence and an eye for goal, including a memorable effort against the much vaunted Starblaydis, García Fernández is the man that makes the whole side tick.
AMLC: 10. Alberto Herráez (28) – El din Marbles (Candelaria And Marquez) (47 Caps / 11 Goals)
The third of three Marbles' players in the national team set-up. Naturally a right footer but versatile enough to feature on the left. Has shown an eye for goal during his stint in the CMSC.


SC: 9. Ernesto Fariás (29) – International de Penderia (Cafundéu) (65 Caps / 39 Goals)
The nation's top scorer again provides the greatest goal threat. A regular scorer for International in Cafundéu's top division and one of only two Sargossans to have netted at the World Cup finals.




Reserves
GK: 13. Mariano Ojeda (21) – Dunas Del Sol (13 Caps)
DC: 14. Carlos Candela (23) – Sporting Kildare (Dancougar) (53 Caps) / 1 Goal)
DRC: 15. Alberto Torres (27) – Sporting San Marquez (5 Caps)
DC: 18. Jorge Alberto Carmona (23) – King’s Eleven Yuki City (Dancougar) (14 Caps )
D/DMR: 22. Juan Calderón (28) – Deportivo Cordova (18 Caps)
D/DML: 24. António Olivera (27) – Sporting San Marquez (2 Caps)
DMC: 16. Rafael Balbo (29) – Skyte City (Queer Poco el Mono Ara) (42 Caps)
MLC: 11. Francisco Cuesta (24) – NAPPC (Nethertopia) (8Caps )
MC: 8. Jésus Vazquez (23) – Deportivo Soluca (7 Cap)
AML: 23. Daniel Bravo (26) – El Nacional (16 Caps / 5 Goals)
AMRLC: 25. Marcelo Cobían (27) – Ciudad Soluca (35 Caps / 6 Goals)
AM/FRC: 26. Agapito López Santos (24) – Sporting San Marquez (10 Caps / 1 Goal)
SC: 19. Daniel González Rodríguez (24) – NAPPC (Nethertopia) (25 Caps/ 10 Goals)
[b]SC: 21. Rubén Gala (22) – Grandborough FC (Dancougar) (52 Caps / 24 Goals)
SC: 20. Roberto Ordóñez (26) – Sporting San Marquez (12 Caps / 5 Goals)



Permissions
If my opponent RP's first they can:
Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod Scoring Events Yes
RP injuries to my players Yes (but within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players No
Hand out Yellow cards to my players Yes
Hand out Red cards to my players Yes
Godmod Other Events Yes: Just no killings or maimings

[The Great Sandy Desert]

GREAT SANDY DESERT'S ROSTER- CUP OF HARMONY

Operations

Manager - David Stevens - 56 - Turraboona FC
Asst. Manager - Mario Hodge - 49 - Kirramunda FC
Coach - Horace Riley - 51 - Peak River Plantation
Asst. Coach - Kevin George - 38 - Coastal FC
Doctor - Miles Rogers - 68 - Kelda Mountain FC

Goalkeepers

00 - Lance Cullen - 20 - Coastal FC
1 - Ebeneezer Cole - 24 - Marshall University
51 - Bernard Mackay - 31 - Malondooga FC

Defenders

6 - Terrance Vlatsis - 24 - Steri FC
11 - Nick Araujo - 27 - Kirramunda FC
17 - Gerhard Henriques - 22 - Steri FC
22 - Chris Tannon - 29 - Peak River Plantation
25 - Eddy Graham - 36 - Kelda Mountain FC
33 - Kessal Minnicon - 23 - Peak River Plantation
5 - Joseph Garraghty - 19 - Broome Beach FC
15 - Mitchell Malanga - 24 - N/A
28 - Yusa Oxtoby - 20 - Norrabunda FC

Midfielders

7 - Javier Reyes - 25 - Steri FC
13 - Adam Chefka - 19 - Coastal FC
19 - Hugo Arrastonna - 26 - Coastal FC
8 - Lance Middaston - 22 - Broome Beach FC
16 - Joel Sanchez - 35 - Turraboona FC
27 - Morris Roberts - 23 - Kirramunda FC

Strikers

9 - Phil Connolley - 21 - Turraboona FC
20 - Nik Gerra - 29 - Malondooga FC

In the event my opponent posts an RP first, they may:

Select my scorers Y/N
Give out yellow cards to my players Y/N
Give out red cards to my players Y/N
RP injuries to my players Y/N (don't kill them)
Godmod injuries Y/N
Godmod scoring events Y/N
Godmod other events Y/N
Style Modifier: -1

[Schkottland]

Roster for Schkottland:

First Team:

1: Connor Johnson

2: Gölsch Minächer
3: Driansza Minniana
4: Hälga Liuntiò
5: Vriardana Geschischte

6: Frederich Minnia
7: Sänta Cläüs
8: Dera Stüun
9: Yuni Niuy

10: Schkot Tland
11: Vred Dloiuad

Subs:

12: Frederic Charlion
13: Caràgtha Milliana
14: Réania Milka
15: Vwerana Milka
16: Swarqa Qaras
17: Tréstanza Millia
18: Dernia Inniao

[Pasarga]

Matchday 1

Group A
Sibirsky 1-2 Aguazul
Osarius 0-3 Swartaz
Slaytesics 3-3 Sargossa

Group B
Landau Institute 3-0 Sportgirls
Unreal229 2-3 Jasiyun
Quintessence of Dust 1-1 Burchadinger

Group C
West Zirconia 0-1 Schiavonia
The Great Sandy Desert 1-2 Oberour Ar Moro
Valladares 1-3 Vephrall

Group D
The Macabees 3-1 Toyur
The McLaughlin Islands 1-1 Schkottland
Balida 2-2 Barnettsville

Group E
Somewhereistonia 2-2 Blouman Empire
Delaclava 2-0 Iglesian Archipelago
West Pocono 1-1 Connar Repulic

Group F
Albundania 1-2 Taeshan
Pays de Horreur 3-0 Mount Kip
Andrewboy 0-1 The Ursine Northlands

Group G
Isselmere-Nieland 3-3 The Weegies
United Gordonopia 0-1 Kulverint
Queer Poco el Mono Ara 4-0 Eastfield Lodge

Group H
Bisgea 0-1 Shivat
Callidon 0-1 Steroga
Jesselton 0-1 Uiri

[Taeshan]

X Island Inquirer

90 minutes is a long time to be running up and down a soccer field. Most times only about 8 players have to do it the whole game. This year though for the Purple Knights all 11 will have to do it. What was just recently 23 man team for the first time, has now become an 11 player team with the boycott of the games by the Bench. The players thought they needed more respect so it will be interesting to see how it goes. Day 1 though was a ogood one. The Knights opened with a 2-1 win over Albundia the second highest ranked team i nthe group. Only time will tell how this will effect the team.

It was a good game for both teams as the scroline suggests, but in the end the Knights were able to shopw their expirience with some nice play late in the game. It was a nice afternoon for a game and the Knights started on the right foot with a Hele goal on a Zeke Jr. assist and Zeke's team started off with an early lead in the 18th minute. albundia though would get back into it before the half with a 45+3 minutes goal. The Knights would then be forced for most of the second half to attack and try to win the game, eventually they would get a second goal from Brian Ying Uing to win it. Wanner Padawan would close out the rest of the game after the scrore and the Knights would get a really nice opening win.

[Somewhereistonia]

Somesport.som

Kukas Skormilonski Blogs

Vladimir Vodz - a new hero

Vladimir Vodz may be a controversial selection due to the political situation but he is far from controversial from a footballing perspective. The young Vaska FK forward propelled the mid-table team to second place during the last season of the Kyrin league; scoring 38 goals in the process. Now Vodz, Xentolov and Kusnets stand as the trio that will tear apart opposition defences in the Cup of Harmony. Vodz showed great spirit and leadership during that last season and is no alien to prussure. Narrowly losing in the cup semi-finals to eventual champions, Dinamo Balak.


Vodz scoring last season for Vaska

Vodz is definitely at the standard to be a national hero and he has plenty of goals as well as plenty of years ahead of him. Two things remain unanswered. Is his heart with the Eagles and will he be able to play for them in 2 years time? The answer to the first seems simple, yes. Vodz has moved to Klaipaada to join his new team Atlantas and seems eager to impress at the club stating that “I am a new Somewhereistonian at one of the greatest clubs in the nation. This is where I want to be.” His family seem supportive as well, his father has even become a leading figure in the pro-Somewhereistonia movement for the upcoming referendum. Vodz sees himself as Somewhereistonian and there seems no doubt of his desire to play for the national team.

As for being able to play for the Eagles, this is tricky. Vodz is from the Oakow region. Whilst it is quite possible that Oakow will be part of Somewhereistonia formally in the near future, it is also possible that it will be it's own nation. It seems that if that happens Vodz will have a choice. He can either stay in Klaipaada with his new club and gain citizenship or go back to Oakow and join them. It is unclear of what his future will be, but for now he stands to make a historic impact on the national team. All I can hope is that all the new players are able to stay and help the Eagles onto even greater successes.

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

Off to a good start? You bet your sweet ass we are. A 4-0 win over Eastfield Lodge gets Queer Poco el Mono Ara’s Cup of Harmony underway. Expecting to at least reach the second round of the competition may be presumptuous but judging by the teams in The White’s group this should be anticipated. United Gordonopia and Kulverint await QPeMA as do The Weegies and Isselmere-Nieland who should offer a challenge to the team before the second stage.

Tantamount to progressing to the second stage of the Cup of Harmony is taking points from The Weegies and Isselmere-Nieland, as you would expect, but so is beating the significantly smaller teams – something which derailed the World Cup qualifying attempt. At present, The Whites find themselves in a strong position with three points and four goals to the good, but after only 1 game all that could easily change. Queer Poco el Mono Ara exceeded all their previous World Cup Qualifying performances this time around under Joe Hamburgstein despite major slip ups so a mixed bag of expectations are currently circling the 23 man squad.

As you may already be able to tell this short discourse on our chances of reaching round two of the competition is tinged with caution yet optimistic… We can do it, it’s just whether we do, do it that will remain to be seen after the opening five games. We have already beaten Silexhera, Kosovoe and Daehanjeiguk but lost to Arkinesa and Wajirka this World Cup cycle so anything is possible in the crazy old game we call football.

Goals for Ishmael Van Dyke (27, 54), Frank Le Tissier (13) and Tamir El Zahar (69) sealed a routine win for The Whites who never looked to be troubled dominating possession and amassing a total of 16 shots on goal. We’re it not for a string of spectacular saves from the Eastfield Lodge keeper Aidan Jagger.

Up next United Gordonopia – fingers crossed for another 3 points.

[Burchadinger]

BURCHADINGER TIMES
A DRAW IS NEVER ENOUGH, BUT WE DREW ANYWAY


Markus Klogh reaching out for the ball

"A Draw is never enough, but we drew anyway." Those were the words from a disappointed Deval Enke. On the whole, Die Adler were the much better side. Markus Klogh was in his deadly form and still could not find the net on a number of occasions. As the game started off, Die Adler were quick to the ball and scored a remarkable goal after just 2 minutes. Markus Klogh, the usual suspect. So it was Burchadinger 1, Quintessence of Dust, 0. Die Adler held on to that score until half time. As the second half got under way, a horrible mistake by Tim Schultze allowed the Quintessence of Dust to equalize in the 49th minute. With plenty of time left, both sides went on the attacking. Die Adler had the best chances. Markus Klogh twice in the 57th and 62nd minutes, Wilhelm Sigmundson in the 53rd minute. And Maximillian Fischer in the 75th and 84th minutes. Although Quintessence of Dust did come very VERY close on occasions. As the final whistle blew, a dissapointed crowd moaned on. Making the atmosphere feel very bad for Die Adler. "We didn't do well today." Klogh said. "But I'm sure we can bounce back, its what we do!". Next up, Sportsgirls, who were thrashed 3-0 by Landau Institute. Don't forget to watch the match live on either TV1, Sports World, NSC, or The Cup of Harmony Channel.

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

More portable than a loudspeaker!

Weather in Ciudad Peralta: turns out you don't need snow for a layer of brown slush
National football team: Aguazul defeat Capitalizt, possibly ten others?

The national football team beat that of Sibirsky 2-1. "We're a bit concerned that only one member of such a free country's national team is a capitalizt," General Carlos Lopez commented, "but hey, a win's a win. Unless it's talking about their whole team? I mean, subsuming individual identities into such a...I've already given you this spiel."

Aguazul scored first, in the twelfth minute, on a long goal from Cosme Chavira. Sibirsky quickly counterattacked, and in fact controlled possession for most of the first half. Despite this, they managed relatively few shots on goal. Arguably their best chance came in the thirty-seventh minute, when an attacking midfielder dribbled past both Sergio Bustamante and Miguel Rionda before passing to a forward. "If he'd taken the shot then, I'd have been in trouble," claimed Ederoño Manderiaga, "but we got lucky and he laid off."

Sibirsky eventually did equalize early in the second half, from a header by another forward, but Aguazul quickly regained momentum. Naike Leiva would set up Rubén Saavedra for the sixty-second minute winner. In other results from group A, Swartaz defeated Osarius and sixth-seed Slaytesics held first-seed Sargossa to a draw. Cristian Delgado declared this good news for Aguazul, and is on pace to set a career record for "most results of games in which one's team was not involved declared "good news" for one's team" by the halfway point of World Cup 50 qualifiers.

[Oberour Ar Moro]

The Cup of Harmony is not the World Cup, but if our football team keeps winning, we'll gladly accept the substitute...

The Great Sandy Desert was, during World Cup Qualifying, a bit of a revelation in Group 14. They went 6-4-6 and finished with 22 points. Oberour fans will remember them, however, as a team we beat 2-1 in the thrid game of the Baptism of Fire as they went on their way to a Great Sandy defeat in round two.

Well, we met up with them once again, this time at Stilinkeep Stadium in our Rusmori counterpart Pasarga, and once again we defeated them 2-1. Phil Connolley scored first for Great Sandy Desert (the coincidences abound!), but in quick succession Maxentius Hersart de la Villemarqué scored once, and then again, to put the team up for good...

...next up for Oberour Ar Moro is West Zirconia, who looked uninspired in their 0-1 loss to Schiavonia, who has only gotten older since we played them last. Dare we think upset?


41st Cup of Harmony Schedule
WIN DRAW LOSS

MD1: The Great Sandy Desert - 1 Oberour Ar Moro - 2
MD2: Oberour Ar Moro (1-0-0) v West Zirconia (0-0-1)
MD3: Oberour Ar Moro (1-0-0) v Valladares (0-0-1)
MD4: Oberour Ar Moro (1-0-0) v Schiavonia (1-0-0)
MD5: Vephrall (1-0-0) v Oberour Ar Moro (1-0-0)


Oberour Ar Moro Goalscorers

Maxentius Hersart de la Villemarqué - 2


Excerpted from The Daily Dispatch, a sporting blog for The Collonade newspaper by Josselin des Estables. 49th World Cup information compiled using official sources of the former Oberour Ar Moro Football Management Committee (FMC) stored at the FMC records depository at Melito d'Argentueill College, Auscanium. All information acquired under the Regime Records Transparency Act - 1st Post-Tumults Parliament.

[Callidon]

An observer might think Callidon players were used to the vagaries of playing in lands where the native technology far outstripped their own. However, most of them had yet to become familiar with even the most basic technology that a 21st century human might take for granted.

However, that wasn't the problem for Callidon as they lost to Steroga 1-0. What was the problem was a defence that was missing their one true leader, defender and team captain Trey Dickson, who was recuperating from a torn ACL in Delaclava. Sure, it limited Steroga to a low shots total of 15, and a low shots on goal total of two, but this match proved to be a time when certain statistics lie.

Steroga dominated possession thoroughly and methodically took the Callidonian defence apart with precision passes. It was a performance that understandably angered manager Kenneth Considine, who had by now gotten used to his side performing well. Callidon fought bravely even when Dickson appeared for all the world to be an amputee in the making, but the team seemed to lose all its mojo.

When Considine walked into the dressing room and saw the somber looks on the faces of his players, he realised that going on a tirade would not be a good idea. Instead, he took a more measured approach.

"Lads, I'm disappointed in your effort tonight," he said. He drew in his breath and exhaled. "Look, I know we're missing Trey. I miss Trey. But we've got to press on and play well for him. He wouldn't expect us to just fall apart without him. Let's soldier on."

They'd have to do so quickly if they wanted to advance out of the group stage of this Cup of Harmony. Even though the players and coaches barely understood what the concept of a consolation cup was, they knew one thing. They'd have another chance to prove themselves on the world stage. Even if their proverbial clock struck midnight, rendering the ship that brought them here into a metaphorical pumpkin.

[Landau Institute]

Landau Institute of Protection and Teaching
Department of Security
External Security Secretary

IMPORTANT REPORT: FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE MEDICAL COMMITTEE ONLY
DEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTRESSE INTENSO CIVIL WAR - VII

Professor Saraiva, this war is taking unexpected developments. Instead of groups being able to secure regions from themselves, as expected from our first analysis of the situation, no region is completely safe, from north to south including the islands. Our operations so far have failed, and we have attracted the attention of the Outer-Dimensional towards the Lowrni Island, which puts us in extreme alert. The Aliens which have invaded Estresse Intenso didn't receive reinforcements, but continue in high number due to the difficulty involving in killing one of them, due to their physical composition. These two groups are still the two most dangerous, about being two of the less involved in the conflicts. As usual, factions involving the gangs and the office buildings are still the ones most participative in battles.

The Cafundelense army still protects the borders with Cafundéu, and so far we have received no reports of groups being able to invade the neighbour country, even aliens. Imperials have used this as motivation to their attacks, and they have become more dangerous. The Government of Estresse Intenso is improving its weapons in an attempt to win battles, so the office buildings and gangs are starting to receive heavy opposition from third parties, especially as the number of mercenaries inside the country is increasing drastically. And, to make the things even more chaotic, the Daehanjeiguk army acts with strange tactics, unheard before, in their desperate attempt to get rid of the Mujeongbu hiding in the country as members of the Chaos Messengers which, by the way, is the most successful faction so far.


WAR DEVELOPMENTS - UPDATE AFTER LAST REPORT

On the most important cities of the country, we find the last resistance units of Liberators, usually find help with the AOHCC, which have limited its efforts after having many shelters destroyed by the other groups involved in the war. And these cities are the biggest battlefields, where no person is able to enter without serious danger to life. Office buildings have stopped its services, focusing only in fighting their opponents, while the gang members are awake twenty-four hours per day, as otherwise they wouldn't wake up in the next day. Recently, there have been attempts of the Government of Estresse Intenso to rebuild Outposts in these major cities, and some have been successful, due to the impressive reinforcement of their army, with new weapons mysteriously arriving. This ended increasing the intensity of the fights. We expected for mercenary activity to decrease at the major cities over time, as pillage would reach its highest level then slow down... but the intensity of the battles have only attracted more of them.

On more isolated places of the country, we have the only regions in which some factions claim lands as their own, using them as headquarters. Territorials were able to keep some of their possessions, while Monopolist office buildings defeated their opposition in some regions, although still being under attack. In these warzones, the conflicts are more concentrated in destroying a stronghold or important construction of a specific faction, which controls the region. In these cases, some factions even may form temporary alliances, only to start to battle each other as soon as their enemy in common is defeated. The presence of a higher number of Chaos Messengers in this area makes these battles even more chaotic and confusion. We must point out the city of Golfo as the best example of region being held by a single faction, as Urizen's warriors and slaves have transformed that place in a real base of operations for this strange and supernatural faction. Another one is the Lowrni Island, as we have been able to keep it away from invaders, successfully defending the Landau Institute.

On the seaside, the point of the country which interests us the most, we are defending well the Institute, but each battle seems more difficult than the former. The Outer-Dimensional seem focused in taking the island from us, and we are looking for other regions to secure, to flee to them if necessary. Our specialists from the Dreamed Realm have spotted the opening of a dimensional gate linking the subterranean of the Institute with a small island called Isla Pilsen, and we must work to secure that area. But we have a serious problem: the Han army have deployed large groups of goats all around the coastline of Estresse Intenso, and on several islands, including Isla Pilsen. They are extremely hostile and, according to our scholars, seem to have a tendency to become fully sapient beings as humans if allowed to organize themselves for a long time, something that could transform them in a new faction in this war, fighting for fractions of the country... if we hadn't have enough factions already... so, we will arrive with new reports soon.

By the way, the new television you ordered is going to arrive next week!

And, have you been watching Landau Institute's games in the Cup of Harmony? I guess so, as you are even buying a new television. I would really like to know the scores, here on the battlefield we don't have these updates...

[West Zirconia]

First of all, a belated squad:


The first XI is as follows:

GK Tom Lyons (Bradley Hornets)
DL Ben Phillips (c) (Mort Park)
DC Andy Turner (Banks)
DC Jon Little (Bradley Hornets)
DR Paul Paterson (Green Island, Candelaria And Marquez)
ML Dean Thompson (Banks)
MC Adrian Skinner (Markham)
MC Ed French (Engenheiro Peres, Cafundéu)
MR Paul Collins (Stanley United)
FW Tom Weston (Houghton Kestrels)
FW Alun Lydiate (Mort Park)

Substitutes:

Goalkeepers:
Steve Gray (Santa Cruz do Norte, Cafundéu)
Steve Doolan (Markham)


Defenders:
Lewis Fox (Radyukevich, Candelaria And Marquez)
Chris Lyons (Stanley United)
Adam Cooper (Taylor's Cross)


Midfielders:
Ian Hawthorne (Serrano, Cafundéu)
Craig Green (Bradley Hornets)
Jon Buckley (Markham)

Forwards:
Martin Forster (Pocono City, Newmanistan)
Ashley Haynes (St. Martin Athletic)
Liam Vernon (Banks)

Style modifier - a counter-attacking +1. Anything allowed except godmods. Basically anything physically possible - however unlikely - is allowed, the funnier the better.