Cup of Harmony 43; everything thread.

[Western cuba]

OOC: Crap I always seem to get into a rp late. : (

Western Cuban National Soccer Team

Roster

Head Coach: Vladimir Sekera

Starting 11:

Goalie: Jake Smith

Left Fullback: Ruben Jackson
Center Fullback: Jesse Boyles
Right Full Back: Julian Arroyo

Left Outside Midfielder: Teddy White
Left Inside Midfielder: Michael James
Right Inside Midfielder: Tyler Williamson
Right Outside Midfielder: Gabe Carpender

Left Forward: Ryan Novak
Center Forward: Harry Adu
Right Forward: Kyle Donovan

Formation

3-4-3

3 fullbacks
4 midfielders
3 forwards

Uniform



Left Jacket is used for training and cold weather while the other uniform is for regular play.

[Zarbli]

A Dangerous Draw

Zarblese team had an exciting 3-3 draw on its match against Somewhereistonia. Lots of goals, a nice match to watch. But what the hell does that mean?

It means this:

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Silver Beach               2   2   0   0    5    2    3    6
   2  Jasiyun                    2   2   0   0    4    2    2    6
   3  Zarbli                     3   1   1   1    6    5    1    4
   4  Somewhereistonia           2   0   1   1    3    5   -2    1
   5  Andossa Se Mitrin Vega     3   0   0   3    5    9   -4    0

With Jasiyun 3-2 victory against Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, they've reached Silver Beach in number of points (6), leaving us with 4. BUT (there's always a but), we've got only one match left! We'll play against Silver Beach and we already know that the maximum number of points we'll possibly achieve is 7! Silver Beach and Jasiyun have already 6 points and TWO matches to go! Even Somewheristonia, that has only 1 point, can reach us in the end.

Boy, this "not playing the last matchday" thing is really s#it. We'll have to do our homework and sit quietly watching the others deciding our fate in the last matchday.

Here's the drill:

MD4:
Silver Beach v Zarbli
- Zarbli needs to win to get to 7 points, leaving Silver Beach with 6. A loss or draw will leave us off the next round. So, for the sake of the analysis, let's consider we win it.
Somewhereistonia v Jasiyun
- If Somewhereistonia wins: it goes to 4 and we'll have to hope they draw or lose against Androssa Se Mitrin Vega, last place in the group so far
- If Jasiyun wins: it goes to 9 and we'll have to hope they win against Silver Beach in the next match.
- If they draw: Somewhereistonia goes to 2 and is out; Jasiyun goes to 7 and we'll have to hope they win against Silver Beach in the next match.

So, best case scenario for Zarbli is Jasiyun winning or drawing against Somewhereistonia and then winning against Silver Beach. That, of course, IF we win our match against them. Otherwise we may kiss the CoH goodbye.

That said, there's only one other thing I'd like to add:

GO JASIYUN!

[Virabia]

“...either way, you look at it, it's going to be pretty involved”, said the doctor. He had just finished explaining the treatment to Joaquin, who looked a little confused about the terminology the doctor had used. The two then exchanged a wierd stare, and from the look in Joaquin's eyes, Dr. Marston could tell that Joaquin was confused.

“You look confused”, said the doctor.

“Yeah, I am but, most of it I get...” it was obvious that Joaquin was covering up the fact that he didn't know what the doctor was talking about. So, the doctor took his time and explained it again. This time Joaquin took a little more of the message.

“Now do you get what I'm saying”, said the doctor after explaining things for a second time.

“Yea...”, Joaquin was still lying but, this time he didn't make it so obvious. Both times the doctor had done a horrible job of explaining it and Joaquin was starting to think that the doctor was plain incompitent.

“So will you do it”, said the doctor. For some reason he thought that Joaquin had already made up his mind on a decision that big.

“Are there any side effects from this?” said Joaquin.

“Well, aside from the chance it won't work. There's nothing i can think of.”

“Ok, well I'll have to think about it”, said Joaquin with a discontent look on his face as he began to leave Dr. Marston's office. As he did he saw on his desk an application. He couldn't make out what it was for but, he could tell that it's for sports

Upon seeing it he turned around and asked, “Do you by any chance practice sports medicine?”

“Used to, thinking about getting back into it.”

“I see”, said Joaquin as he left the office. He was still feeling horrible but, the fact that his life was in the hands of an incompetent doctor who can't even t made him feel even worse. He figured, that if he wanted to have a chance of surviving he'd need to find a competent doctor and he'd need to find one soon.

@ Joaquins house

Joaquin had just gotten home and was about to sit down when he heard the doorbell ring. He got up to see who it was. It was his longtime friend Noah. The two had were in classes together and the two used to be on the same youth football squad. However, as time went on Noah drifted away from football, and eventually the two friends began to drift apart from eachother as well. However, recently that trend had began to reverse due to the two ending up living near each other. Joaquin was wondering why Noah was there.

“Hey, Noah. What brings ya here?”

“I heard about your being sick. Just popping by to see if your ok.”, said Noah, he was trying to perk Joaquin up but, it didn't work.

“How do you think? I have full-blown AIDS. It doesn't look like there's a cure. The doctor I did have was an incompetent buffoon who couldn't get anything right. Thank god I got rid of him.”, Joaquin said, “Still, all of that is not the worst thing. Nor is knowing that my life is over. The things I love, either I can do them no more or soon I would be too sick to do them. Yet, those dwarf in comparison to the knowledge that I have. That knowledge is that things are bound to get worse.”

All Noah could say was “I see”

“No you don't, you really don't. Until you go through it, you really cant imagine what it feels like. Either way, let's not dwell on that for now. Would only serve to make both our lives worse”, said Joaquin, “and I want to end mine right.”

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

Aspe arrives with debut goal

The national football team defeated Khytenna to move into second place in Group 1. With Khytenna's strength flagging in the second half, Vincente Aspe was substituted on to score a debut goal.

Alvaro Sáez gave Aguazul the lead in the fifteenth minute, easily getting past a confused James Ursua. The Khytenna back four looked out of place for the first half hour, but once they settled in they put together strong counterattacks. A Chale Cobarrubias attempt was intercepted by Darron Dunstan, who set up John Carmichael for the equalizer, and Casey Thorne was able to send Neil Ringwood's cross forward to Fergal Firestone, who left Ederoño Manderiaga no chance.

Khytenna couldn't keep pace, however. In minute 61, Gunsedal Cisneros danced past Brian Bowman and shot for goal. Aguazul were unable to take advantage until Aspe came on; in minute 72, he headed in the winner. "This is a great day for me," he smiled afterwards, "when I'm able to show my loyalty to this nation."

Pelayo Sortani announced that Naike Leiva would start against Kelssek, and the lineup for the final group stage game will be decided later; Vedillo Bazán, however, will presumably play that match.

[Valladares]

Valladares Sports Net

CUP OF HARMONY 43 - Valladares get their first victory in the CoH

JUST ENOUGH

OAKÓW, SOMEWHEREISTONIA (VP) - Without shining, but with bursts of good football, Valladares, thanks to a headed goal from defender Jerôme Perrin, defeated Tarrentum in their second Group 4 match played at Hiiu Staadion in Oaków, Somewhereistonia.

"Le Tricolore" were promising in the first half, but lost strength and ideas in the second where the Falcons enjoyed their clearest options, but they went short of target. The success of the Tarrentum goalkeeper Tremi Bodacello when facing the genius of Jefferson Ospina marked the final result.

Although Henry Qund gave the initial shock with a cross shot, Ospina took only six minutes to put things in place. First went into the area and allowed Hugo Ruiz to create a remarkable option. Then it was he who tried his luck with a shot from the half-moon that the Tarrentum keeper cleared. And there was born the goal. Charles Dickens took the corner and Jerôme Perrin, alone in the penalty spot, headed to the goal (1-0, 6').

Tarrentum barely troubled throughout the first half with another arrival to the area, courtesy of Qund, however, he missed. Ospina was eager to vindicate Valladares but Bodacello displayed himself again to get the shot of the valladar striker, perfectly aimed at the goal.

After the break, Pereira's squad went on the attack again and a combination of Dickens and Ospina on the right was about to be the sentence. But with the passage of minutes, Valladares was losing breath. The Falcons were encouraged after feeling the slump of their rival and with that, the most pressing moments for the goalkeeper Luis Fuentes came. By speed Tarrentum players were comfortably behind the back of Valladares, and Rubinu Warti was about to score the equalizer with a cross shot.

Even so, Valladares overcame their bad moment, by both the lack of marksmanship of the Falcons as the reflection of Fuentes. True, the valladar offensive front didn't work so well and missed almost all the chances they created, or Ospina and Ruiz did not attain successful arrivals.

Finally, Valladares won. They could score more goals, but the Tarrentum goalkeeper successfully prevented further valladar goals during the match. The victory, however, does not help Valladares at the moment, since the team are placed third with the same points of both Toyur and Unitopolis, first and second respectively. The next rival will be Toyur, the leaders in Group 4. A victory against them is needed to increase Valladares' possibilities in this Cup of Harmony.

VALLADARES: 1 (Perrin 6')
TARRENTUM: 0

Venue: Hiiu Staadion, Oaków, Somewhereistonia
Attendance: 36,462
Man of the Match: Tremi Bodacello (TAR) (9)

VALLADARES: Fuentes; Lannoy, Chenney (Correa 59'), Perrin, Romero; Rivas (Le Tallec 76'), Dickens, da Lima, Oliveira; Ruiz, Ospina
Coach: Alexander Pereira

TARRENTUM: Bodacello; Uppenilli, Bacanelli, Tremani, Vaspa; Kypa, Italiana, Nastromani; Sadroni, Warti, Qund
Coach: Gregori Burindi

MD1: BYE
MD2: Valladares 0-0 Unitopolis
MD3: Valladares 1-0 Tarrentum
MD4: Valladares vs. Toyur
MD5: Valladares vs. Blouman Empire

[Novikov]

Noviny Poldi'sku
Novikov Victorious!

The Novikovian National team has performed better-than-expected, dominating Group 3 of the Cup of Harmony. The Novikovians, ranked 117th in the world, were expected to be the pushover in a group whose other members all rank between 61st and 54th internationally. Yet again, however, Novikov has shown that it has some surprises to dish out.

On the first matchday, Novikov was pitted against Burchadinger, the top ranked team in her group. The hard fought 1-1 draw which followed was, perhaps expected, but a second-day 1-0 victory over 61st ranked Dorian and Sonya surprised even some Novikovian fans. The demoralized team from Dorian and Sonya, dealt two back-to-back losses, was quickly eliminated. The victory pushed Novikov past 54th-ranked Kulverint to first place in Group 3, but many assumed that matchday three would see Kulverint triumph over the upstart team.

Again, Novikov delivered a shocking upset. Favored Kulverint scored first, just 20 minute in to play, but Novikovian striker Joachim Jelen answered in minute 51 to tie the game. A late penalty by Bliuliana Jinniona allowed Novikovian fullback Jozef Polzin to clench the game with a successful penalty shot in minute 81. This late victory catapulted Novikov three points ahead of second-pace Burchadinger, and now Novikov's stars look bright indeed.

[Somewhereistonia]

Somesport.som

World Cup Bid to get underway.

With the World Cup bid from Somewhereistonia coming up, the Cup of Harmony and a potential Copa Rushmori are to be seen as the trial runs for the much more prestigious World Cup - with Somewhereistonia bidding alongside Pasarga for the rights to host the multi-verse's largest tournament.

"Somewhereistonia already has the infrastructure in place to host a world cup successfully" stated the head of the BSA (and by that, also joint-head of the World Cup bid), Kukas Demantič. "Even so, we wanted this bid to leave us with something lasting, we want to make it special. The World Cup provides a unique opportunity to expand the stadiums for Somewhereistonian teams. We want every stadium in this World Cup to have at least 55,000 seats, if not many more."

The outlined World Cup bid suggests that Somewhereistonia may use as many as 10 stadiums should it host the World Cup, these would include the already confirmed:

Spartas Staadion (95,000)
Spektakl-3-Arena (85,100)
Atlantic Staadion (75,000)
Capitol Arena (with modernising modifications) (69,100*)
Metall Staadion (65,000)
Vastupanu Staadion (56,000)

*Modifications will reduce the capacity of Capitol Arena by around 900.

This leaves up to four stadiums to be built or upgraded from current stadiums, there are several bids open, with the enticement of investment targetted for the World Cup, many clubs are eager to push for new stadiums; however the BSA has publicly stated that it would "not invest in stadiums without the promise of long term demand for its use". This policy rules out most lower league clubs, but there are still plenty of offers out there, with mixed levels of investment coming from the owners of the clubs themselves. It would appear that the clubs really would love the investment opportunities that a World Cup would bring to Somewhereistonia.

The owners of ISC Rig are proposing an expansion to Viella Stadium, with extra tiers to the stands at each end, bringing the capacity up from 37,000 to between 55 and 57 thousand. Given the current performance of ISC Rig, and their ability to regularly fill their stadium, this bid stands a good chance of going through. Although Viella are expected to bear the brunt of this expansion (rumours were that it was planned prior to the World Cup bid going through).

Viella Stadium expansion (55-57,000)

Perhaps the most interesting suggestion is that Volodiscow Resistance are looking into building a new stadium in time for the World Cup, perhaps the largest in Somewhereistonia. This is despite their home stadium, Vastupanu Staadion, already being on the list of confirmed stadiums. The proposal would see their current ground sold to inner-city rivals Balakka Vanguard, going a long way to finance the new ground, with suggestions being that it would have a capacity of over 100,000 (although there appears to be no reason why last seasons Meistriliiga champions couldn't fill such a stadium). The initial design for the new stadium (yet to be named); looks impressive, a real sight to behold.

Volodiscow Resistance's proposal (100,000+)

The next idea comes from Ventspils, where the two rivals, Redwings and Bluewings, share the Ventspils Staadion. With both teams in the top half of the Meistriliiga and being the only to league teams in the city, the 46,000 capacity stadium seems rather on the small side. Several proposals have come and gone for expansions over recent years, with no proposal sticking. The last proposal, a suggested expansion to a 68,000 seater stadium seems ongoing, with the previous issue over a lack of funds seemingly sorted should Somewhereistonia win the World Cup bid.

Ventspils Staadion expansion (68,000)

Next we look towards Kuressaare, where the local big-boys; Tammeka Kuressaare, having established themselves in the Meistriliiga (indeed winning a Globe Cup place this season), are looking to replace their aging and rather small, 38,000 seater Tamme Staadion. The old stadium to be demolished and replaced by housing once the new stadium is built. It being too old to be a viable re-sale to another club. A new 60,000 seater stadium has been proposed in it's place. A comparatively large stadium for a city the size of Kuressaare, but with the majority of those living on the island of Saaremaa seeming to support the team, there is definitely the ability to fill it. The design for the new stadium is also rather on the snazzy side, to be built on the outskirts of the city, it it part of a city-wide move to modernise the buildings.

Tammeka Kuressaare's proposal (60,000)

The penultimate Somewhereistonian proposal on the list comes from Kabano, where the Meistriliiga side Kabano Zepellin and perennial yo-yo team, FK Kabano are considering the option of sharing a stadium within the city. The new 58,000 seater stadium proposal is already under threat, with both clubs struggling to come up with money to finance their share of the design. The design stands threatened with other issues as well, with neither club seemingly able to fill their own, smaller stadiums for home games, the likelihood of them being able to fill a 58,000 seater seems slim, at least for now. With the two Rugby codes clearly being more popular among the city-folk of Kabano (Rugby teams in the city have no such trouble with filling larger grounds). Still, this proposal is yet to be formally written off and surprises can happen.

Kabano Dome proposal (58,000)

The final suggestion, and the cheapest of the options currently not confirmed, is the use of Dinamo Karrakiv's Dynami Arena. The 55,000 seat stadium is both modern and adequate. A proposed expansion of the back stand, adding on around 2,000 seats is an already considered option (with the potential expansion worked into the original stadium design). Despite the cheapness of this option, the use of World Cup funds seems unlikely, with Dinamo Karrakiv being expected to fund this build themselves. Given their flagging form of recent seasons, one would expect the club to concentrate on team building, rather than expanding a stadium that they are currently struggling to fill to capacity.

Dynami Arena expansion (57,000)

Now, that might seem like plenty of options already, but the BSA has not ruled out working alongside Malak Free State and Anseriska is bringing this World Cup bid. With Malak Free State already playing as part of a combined Baltic team (under the umbrella of the BSA) during the most recent Di Bradini Cup, the option of working with them in these issues cannot be ruled out. Sadly, the 75,000 capacity, Vitsyebsk Rahvustaadion will not take part in the World Cup, with much needed renovation having been put off by Vitsyebsk FK and the Malak FA which will mean it clashes with the next World Cup (although it will be fine, if outdated, for hosting Copa Rushmori III games).

There are three stadiums which are reported to be under consideration, all of which are ready to go, thus reducing the potential costs.

Vitsyebsk Ühisgümnaasiumi Staadion, home of the South Rushmori Premier Division champions, Torpedo Vitsyebsk. This stadium is an immediate option with fairly good transport links to the rest of Somewhereistonia. The 64,000 seater stadium is on the older side, with comforts afforded by most of the Somewhereistonian stadiums on offer, seemingly lagging.

Vitsyebsk Ühisgümnaasiumi Staadion (64,000)

The next option, from the fantastically well connected city of Byrsk, Městský Staadion is a perfectly viable option, home of Dynamo Byrsk (the only other team to win the SRPD - although with it being only two seasons old, this isn't a major point.) The 56,000 seater stadium is perhaps more likely to be a fall back option, should other options in Somewhereistonia fall to financial issues or miss the completion dates. An option, but with the smaller size and no plans for expansion, not one likely to be taken up.

Městský Staadion (56,000)

The final stadium to come under consideration is from Anseriska, with the autonomous state's largest team, Anseriska FK offering their stadium; Zivodöme. The 80,000 seater stadium stands proud within the Anseriskan capital of Põgenema and would be a perfect fit for one of the tournament's stadiums, but for one rather awkward point. Distance. The stadium is distant from all the other stadiums, with either the land barrier of Kyrinskaia to cross, air travel (the best method) or a long boat trip around and along the Pan-Rushmori canal (a scenic route, but not one to be taken mid-tournament) to get between the stadium and the rest of the bidding cities. The logistics of getting tens of thousands of fans between the city and the nearest stadiums (where other group games etc would have to be played) make this an almost impossible bid from the start. The stadium may, however be part of an upcoming Copa Rushmori bid.

Zivodöme (80,000)

There is one more stadium to talk about. I left this one till last because it is just, well, a tad surprising. The new Vaska FK stadium; Dežnëv Staadion has already begun construction, with the club's new billionaire owner financing much of the project. The Oakow state team recently got taken over by Mihail Dežnëv, who has spent a moderate amount helping Cafundelense manager Tales build the team he recently won the Esiliiga with, bringing in players from Krytenia, Tentalon, Malak and other clubs in Somewhereistonia in a huge rebuild of the squad. Whilst Dežnëv is yet to finance any huge signings, this sort of thing is exactly what the fans will be wanting from a club who have not performed to the level their fan-base would suggest. The new stadium (already designed and organised by the new owner before he took control of the club), will have a capacity of about 90,000 - set to become the second largest stadium in Somewhereistonia (at least until the new stadium in Volodiscow is completed). The fantastic design has a roof controlled by air pressure, with the structural system actually adapting to the opening and closing of the roof. A great sight and one that will be available with of without funding from the big World Cup bid pot o' cash.

Dežnëv Staadion (90,000)

So, with 4 spots to be taken by the new or altered stadiums and 10 options available, along with restricted budgets in the majority of cases, it will be a tough job for the BSA to fairly distribute the money for stadium building. What is feasible, what isn't, which stadiums won't get used fully afterwards, which ones cost too much, which ones won't be constructed in time. There are more questions than answers here, but it will be exciting to see what will happen from all of this. Back to the Cup of Harmony, the tournament going on right now in Somewhereistonia, logistics are being tested. The communications, transport and other infrastructure is being measured up, gaps sought out, ready to be filled for the World Cup. For whatever inadequacies are present, they must be sorted by the time the World Cup comes around (assuming that Somewhereistonia win the bid). Everything needs to be covered, and looking at how seriously the BSA are taking all of this, it seems that everything will.

I just cannot wait for the next World Cup, whatever stadiums are to be used. Also, I've just uncovered this snazzy bidding stadiums map from the BSA website; pretty nice, isn't it?

[OOC: I didn't really intend to write as much as 1,820 words on this rp. Slightly more than expected, obviously I'm on a roll. ]

[Toyur]

Toyurska Sportnyhet

BLOUMAN PIC-A-NIC RUINED
Bears steal lunch, run away with points
by Anders Alfven

KURESSAARE, SOMEWHEREISTONIA (TP) - The nations of Somewhereistonia and Toyur share many things. A border, for one. Manager Toomas Ergma hails from Toyur's northern neighbour. The cultures of the two nations, at least ethinically, are quite similar.

It almost seemed like a home match for Toyur in nearby Kuressaare. Many Toyuri made the trip to see their Bears play against the Blouman Empire, the second match for the squad after their bye following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Tarrentum. The extra day off allowed many who had been unable to make the opening match, to be able to make this one, and their team responded with a resounding 4-1 win over the Blouman Empire outfit in Kuressaare.

The Tamme Staadion was the venue, an older stadium which is set to be demolished as part of Somewhereistonia's improvements towards hosting the 52nd World Cup. 38,000 fans can fit into the stadium, and it seems to be no exaggeration to say that it seemed as though half of them came from Toyur, with the remaining fans being a mix of locals and those from the Blouman Empire.

There was little to cheer about in the opening 20 minutes of the contest. Toyur did not manage to get a shot on target, but the opposition only needed one to take an early lead. A Blouman forward eluded Mikael Lilja at the left post and managed to tap in a free kick from 30 yards out, past Anders Eriksson who was rooted to his line. The small Blouman Empire contingent was elated, but for the Toyuri fans, they had come to expect better from their team.

Fortunately, better was soon to come, as the Bears drew level within 6 minutes. Mats Thorsson pushed down the left side of midfield, and his pass met Paul Olafsson's overlapping run. Olafsson immediately drew the ball back into the box, meeting the foot of Justin Tillström, who smashed the ball into the net for the Bears first goal. The travelling supporters were given further to cheer about just before half time, as Toyur took their first lead of the tournament. Oskar Ekman's floating ball into the box appeared to be heading straight into the raised arms of the Blouman keeper, only for it to reach Kristofer Svensson's head first. Toyur put the match away with goals in the 2nd half from substitute Jesper Silfverberg, and Viktor Eklund.

Toyur will now take on Valladares, pre-tournament favourites to advance out of group 4 along with Toyur. Valladares is currently tied with Toyur and Unitopolis on points, but sit third on goal differential. A win from the Bears will put pressure on the trailing teams before Toyur's final match with Unitopolis on matchday 5. The match with Valladares can be seen on TSTV1.

[Pasarga]

Torgos, Pasarga

"Sir, I need you to sign off on this list of proposed stadia for the World Cup bid."

An aged and gray haired Takilin Majistar looked behind him to where the young and sharply dressed representative from the bid committee stood, waiting on him to sign off on their selections for where the World Cup venues would be held if his country managed to win the hosting vote. He longed to have that youth and confidence that this man before him had, his life still more ahead than behind him as was Takilin's. Though he was proud to have served Pasarga, to make her a viable and thriving nation in the ever expanding and modern world, he felt like there was things that he was not able to do in his time. Now he was nearly eighty, age catching up to him in the last few months after diligently fighting it off for years. Two years ago he still looked like a healthy and strong forty-five year old but in those two years, his wrinkles became more pronounced, his eyes lost their vigor and had glossed to a haze, and his jet black hair had faded into gray. Time had finally caught up to him and so to did some pings of regret for a life that could have been more.

Now in his last days, his last task to make his nation prominent was to bring the world's greatest event to his nation. Four years ago he had thrown his support behind the bid for the Cup of Harmony and the nation had won it. During their hosting of that tournament, Takilin had seen the nation's stagnant economy blossom and become powerful, his people earning the respect of the world with their hospitality. That month had set in motion the eventual plans to bring the World Cup itself inside the borders of his islands, to the shores of a harmonic paradise. It was all coming much faster than even he had predicted, he was sure that he would not be alive to see the day when the nation would be able to convince the World Cup Committee to award his nation the rights to the tournament, but with the decision now under two months away and the Pasarga-Somewhereistonia as the only bid for the tournament, it seemed inevitable.

He moved from the window and took the seat at his desk before opening up the folder that contained the details of the stadia being proposed. His eyes scanned the pages as he read, his mind keeping track of every minute detail, every case for and against a particular venue, before turning his eyes on the representative. "These are the same stadia that were used during the Cup of Harmony aren't they? None of them have even had an expansion and there are twelve when most co-hosts only need eight. Are you sure this is what the committee wants to present to the WCC?"

"It is sir. The organizing committee believes that the Cup of Harmony proved that all of these stadiums are viable destinations for international competition, with seating capacity plenty with a bare minimum of fifty-six thousand being a standard above that of multiple bid winners in the past. Twelve venues also provides enough options so that the host cities, such as Torgos, do not become bogged down at any one time during the hosting process."

"If this is what you believe is best, then see to it, but only if you believe it is best." Takilin said as he stared deeply into the eyes of the representative before at long last, signing his name with the rest of the appropriate governmental officials and handing the file and hopes for his last contribution to Pasarga over.

[Kelssek]

"Solonor, always with the fucking air guitar..." Galain muttered.

Davís was indeed rockin' hard. "HEAR ME OUT NOW YOU'RE GONNA LISTEN TO ME LIKE IT OR NOT!"

"...and he does score!! Litharius have the first goal, they take the lead, a brilliant counter-attack completely against the run of play; Kelssek look completely shellshocked!"

Travelling with the two elves had certainly not been dull. The flight from Kirkenes to Alavaria was just over 3 hours, but in that relatively short time Mikhail had gotten a real sense of Davís and Galain and they were the most free-spirited people he'd ever met, while at the same time - and this seemed a tad odd to him - being extremely down-to-earth, as ready to hurry him to the boarding gate 30 minutes before departure as to break out into song at the baggage claim, which was what Davís had just done. At the same time, however, they could both be quite reserved and quiet. Mikhail had the distinct sense that it was this reflective, introspective mood that was their default setting; they were garrulous and outgoing only when they felt like it.

Mikhail had been somewhat embarrassed by how much more stuff he'd packed along, but Davís had pointed out that him and Galain, they were heading to their home ground, and they had clothes and stuff on the other end of the journey which they, consequently, didn't need to pack along. Davís himself had, however, brought a guitar along and insisted it was vital equipment.

Indeed, Davís wasn't too worried about Mikhail. Sometimes elves didn't really think things through when they brought humans to visit the Eryn Firith. There was one time he'd gone home during the Midsummer holiday and he'd been travelling with Galain's sister, who had brought a guy along, a real tough-guy jock kind of person who'd assured her he could handle himself in the wilderness. Unfortunately, he proved to lack almost any common sense which might have compensated for his inexperience in being away from human civilisation. Not looking directly at the campfire so you didn't lose your nightvision was one thing. Not putting your hand into the campfire to retrieve a dropped piece of chicken was something else entirely. He'd also proved better at bench pressing weights than at hiking through the forest all day, and gone into panic attack mode when Davís had noted tracks on the trail and idly commented that a pack of wolves was nearby.

On the other hand, it was safe to assume Mikhail was in good shape and had some of his wits about him. You never knew how any particular human would react to going deep into what for them was probably an uncertain, wild and forbidding forest - especially at night when the elves could still see and they couldn't - but Davís usually had a good sense for when someone was level-headed and adventurous enough to handle things. And with horses it'd be faster, too.

"Fournier puts that ball forward and here's Arsenault... nice turn to get past the defender and he's in space here!... it's lofted into the box AND IAN SINCLAIR SCORES!!!... Brilliant header, an instant reply, Kelssek have equalised and it's 1-1!!"

"So much for being shell-shocked, that was exactly what they needed... we have a football game on our hands!"

"...as opposed to a lacrosse game?"

"Don't get all lippy with me, mate."


They were riding a bus rather than horses, though, and this steed had come to the end of its service route in the western part of Alavaria. Less than 300 metres down the road, the city - it was really just a random cluster of houses at this point - well and truly petered out into open fields with the beginning of the forest visible in the distance and the craggy mountains backing it. They launched "thank you"s at the bus driver and got off. Davís led the way along the paved road, which, after a T-junction with another paved road, became a dirt trail. Within 20 minutes the trees beckoned them and they were in the forest.

"I'll take the rear," Galain said. "Mikhail, make sure you're between the two of us at all times. If you lose us, stop immediately and start shouting, and stay in the same place. We'll find you. We'll reach the outpost soon."

As Galain was speaking, they walked past an official-looking sign with the Kelssek federal government's coat of arms and wordmark on the top. In English and French, it warned the reader that they were entering the reserved lands of the Syfiritihà people and did so at their own risk. Quickly on its heels came a different sign, fashioned out of wood, this one adding a third language in a different script and a warning, in Kelssek's two official languages, that lethal force may be used against trespassers.

"Lethal force?..." Mikhail asked, uncertainly.

"None may enter our lands unbidden," Davís said. "But you're with us, so you're not unbidden. Don't worry."

[F1-Insanity]

Great start to Harmony campaign
The Certified Insanity got off to a great start in the latest Cup of Harmony, drawing 1-1 against the Whirl Islands and hammering Senzymnia 3-0. It will come as no surprise that striker star Aaron Humes scored three of those four goals, including a quick brace in the Senzymnia match. The third match, against Swartaz, finished 0-0, about as boring as it could get.

All of this takes place at the same time of the World Cup and some worrysome developments behind the scenes of the World Cup committee, on which we will not make further comments apart from mentioning this.

Swartaz match report
Though the Certified Insanity are sitting atop group 6 in the Cup of Harmony, the latest game gave some reason for worries. Both teams, thus including the Certified Insanity, were essentially spluttering during the entire match. And when the game was over, both sets of fans howled in derision at the total lack of football they had just witnessed.

The first half had finished with a flurry of boos detectable amidst the fervent sounds of horns and trumpets blown by the fans, which seemed to he the only entertainment the fans would get. The Certified Insanity and Swartaz had both been extremely poor in the opening 45 minutes, lacking in belief, energy and shape. Only Aaron Humes showed brief glimpses of his usual brilliance but lack of teammate support made sure that Humes wasn't going to do anything.

Once again, the Certified Insanity had lined up in 4-4-2 formation. The hope was that the team would bring some more energy and poise to the centre but it was very soon clear that nothing of the kind would happen, as both teams settled for a midfield kickabout. Neither team managed to string three passes together even a single time.

Such was the lack of a threat on eithe goal that birds settled on the crossbars of both goals, admiring the view. During half time, the birds switched sides, which drew the biggest cheer of the entire match. The fact that the birds could sit on the crossbars unmolested can be judged to hardly be the greatest endorsement of the game.

After the game, the reporters unanimously named as their man of the match a bird they referred to as 'Speckled Jim'. This bird was very lively and basically flapped its wings every time the horns and trumpets on the stands were a little too loud to its liking, drawing cheers and jeers from the stands.

Results
Swartaz 1-3 Senzymnia
Whirl Islands 1-1 F1 Insanity
Uiri 0-1 Whirl Islands
F1 Insanity 3-0 Senzymnia
Uiri 2-2 Senzymnia
Swartaz 0-0 F1 Insanity

Group 6

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  F1 Insanity                3   1   2   0    5    2    3    5
   2  Whirl Islands              2   1   1   0    3    2    1    4
   3  Senzymnia                  3   1   1   1    5    6   -1    4
   4  Uiri                       2   0   1   1    2    3   -1    1
   5  Swartaz                    2   0   1   1    1    3   -2    1

[The Ursine Northlands]

(BABC broadcast…)

“Hrarroom, Northlanders!
And also — of course — ‘Hrarroom!’ to any of our country’s ‘Mainlanders’ who are listening, too.

“You are listening to the BABC, this is ‘Sports Report’, and I am Erreena o SnowWhite reporting to you live from the Cup of Harmony tournament which is coming to you this year — at least as far as we are concerned, so far, anyhows — from the land of Somewhereistonia . For any of you who somehow haven’t heard about this competition before, it is held once every four years and entry into it is basically a consolation prize for teams that played well in the qualifiers for the same year’s ‘World Cup’ but who — like our own ‘NorthBears’ — didn’t actually fare well enough then to get into that more prestigious tournament.

“Tonight the ‘NorthBears’, who started their run by beating the team from Dorian and Sonya — who have fielded all-female sides in the past but are using a mixed one on this occasion — by two goals to nil, but then slipped up rather badly and lost to Kulverint by the same margin, are playing against Novikov… who despite the fact that they are the only team in this five-nation group to have an NSWCC ranking significantly different from (and lower than) that of our own girls, are currently heading the group!
“Now the teams are coming out onto the pitch, and”
Boom, Boom, Boom-barra-barra-barra!
ARRROOOO!
Boom-boom, barra-barra-BOOM!
Boom-boom, barra-barra-BOOM!
ARRROOOO! ARRROOOO!


“Ouch, my ears! That was some of the Northbears’s supporters in the stands serenading their arrival, not only on drums as has become usual for Ursine teams but also on another of our people’s traditional musical instruments the H’lurrh-Horn as well…
“I expect that few of you have ever heard an H’lurrh-Horn before this, however, because although its use goes back a lonnng way in more than one Ursine culture — not only in the lands that are now joined together as ‘Bears Armed’ but also [for example] in both those from which the beforebears of Clan Thulean migrated to live here and the ancestral homeland of the Ostbora too — it had basically fallen out of use during the last three eightSquareds or so of years as more versatile types of instrument that had originally been of Human design were widely adopted instead… I’m told that the team’s manager Harrya o Herrchaum heard one being played by an elderly shabear while she was on a spiritual retreat in the North Cape territory shortly after the ‘World Cup’ qualifiers finished, she persuaded the NSA that bringing it “back” like this would be a good morale-booster for our girls, and the first batch of these instruments arrived here just a few days ago: Anyhow, quite a few of the supporters who’ve come here see the NorthBears compete in this contest have brought H’lurrh-Horns along to this match with them — at least one Bear in every twoEights has done so, I’d say, from a quick look around nearer sections of the stadium — and they were probably ALL blowing merrily just then! For any of you who are wondering, what one of these horns looks like it basically resembles a valve-less version of the Bass Saxophone: I don’t know what the ones back in the oldest of days were normally made out of, carved from Mammoth tusks perhaps, but anyway today’s ones are brass instruments and quite LOUD…
“Ah, I see that the referee has finished talking with the two captains, and those captains have finished addressing their teams, so the NorthBears will be just about to commence their pre-game ‘harrdiharr’… which I expect will be the signal for more ‘music’ from the crowd. I’ll be back on the air in a few moments time, for the actual start of play…”


“Ear-plugs! Drink!
“What’s that, the mike is still ‘live’? Oh hwell…”

[Western cuba]

It was a hard night to sleep for Vladimir Sekera. They had already lost three games in a row. They didn't want to end up like the Baptism of Fire and the World Cup 51 teams. After those two terrible events when Western Cuba got last place in the Baptism of Fire group and in the World Cup 51 9th or 8th out of 10 nations. With two games left they needed to pick it up. They didn't even score a goal yet in the Cup of Harmony 43. Honestly the whole national soccer team was switched and everyone was replaced after those events. What they now needed was a won. A win to show Vladimir Makarov the Second that this team still had some power left in them and that they could win. If they won one game it would be hopefully enough. Enough to have Vladimir Makarov the Second to keep this team together like he did for the first terrible soccer events. Well at least there baseball team was good. However soccer needed to improve. Just even scoring a goal in the next game would be good.

There latest loss came against Eastfield Lounge. A 1-0 victory. The Western Cubans could of easily won it. They totally blew it in this event. A goal was scored by Eastfield Lounge in the final seconds of the game in a weak shot right toward the Western Cuban goalie somehow Jake Smith dropped it and let it in for the game.

However that was the past and this was the future. They would now think of the next game and to win it. Three words were expected to win. Forget about the past and think about the present.

[Osarius]

AcademyDropout.osr | Blog

There is something to be said for Osarians. We like to do things the hard way, and we like to fight. Its no surprise then, that in what many thought to be our toughest match so far, we have turned in our best performance.

Albundania are a strong team. I've seen the likes of Kellogg, and Simpson play in the BFL against Dynapolis. Simpson is a top quality forward, who, if given a yard, will punish you. I've seen him tear apart strong defences in the BFL, and I was honestly scared of the team's prospects coming up against him. When di Corradi announced he would stick with Gidds and Ryerson in defence, I just hoped that it wouldn't lead to Tay's retirement, or destroy Ryerson's confidence. I was that afraid of the guy. When Simpson scored a sixth minute wondergoal, it looked like my fears would be realised. He took on Orelin - got the better of him - and played a slick one-two with Ibanez to take the ball past Gidds, before smashing the return pass first time past Mariana. Absolutely stunning goal.

However, I will freely admit that I was completely wrong this time.

The return of Benedict di Corradi has really galvanised the team, and geared them up for this kind of match. They love it when the odds are against them again, something that I am positive is a result of the gaffer's influence. Almost straight away, they retaliated through Calvin Harris. It was so quick, too. From kick-off, back to Lewis. Lewis found Bonriou - in for Aguilar after a disappointing performance against Cosumar - on the left. Bonriou cut inside to feed Lewis again, but the captain dummied it, and Benni Watson played a first time cross on the outside of his boot, over the heads of the Albundanian defence, where Harris met with a diving header. It was just thirty-seven seconds after going a goal down.

I think it was at this moment that I sat down and really paid attention to the game. It was like at that moment I realised "this is gonna be a really good match".

Gidds and Ryerson recovered brilliantly from their sixth minute humiliation to shackle Simpson, Carsley neutralized Armas well on the right flank, while Vilito - in for Anderson - kept Konig relatively quiet. It was a stunning defensive display, considering di Corradi's general attitude toward defending, and it was combined with superb counter-attacking. Harris was the lone forward, leading the line brilliantly, while Jordan Simpson - the third midfielder - was the combative ball-winner in the middle, freeing Lewis up to bomb forward. The change to the 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation that served the team so well in previous tournaments was working brilliantly, albeit with no result for their industry. In fact, if not for some brilliant defending, and some excellent midfield play, Albundania probably should have been ahead, they had more of the ball, and seemed to hold it a lot better.

In the second half, I think di Corradi had told them to push up more, because Benni and Remy were really getting at the fullbacks. I also noticed that Ashley Watson came in for Gorgeous Georgie, probably to give a bit more of an attacking bite. Slowly, it looked like we were taking control.

After sixty-four minutes, we finally got the lead. Benni Watson with another free kick. I don't know how he does it but the guy is just brilliant with dead balls. Another thirty yard rocket into the top corner. Outstanding. Shortly afterwards, Lewis doubled the lead with a calm finish on the end of a brilliant run, just slotted home from Harris' downward header. 3-1 and it looked like we had the win wrapped up.

I'm looking forward to the Kosovoe game, because if we can play like this again, we can beat them, and guarantee progress out of the group stage for the first time in the Cup of Harmony. If we don't win, we're relying on other results - as usual. The hard way, like I said.

Till next time, people!

[Jesselton]

News deleted. No news is getting out of the Jesselton's border. Hail the new regime.

[Jesselton]

News deleted. No news is getting out of the Jesselton's border. Hail the new regime.

[Somewhereistonia]

Matchday 4 Scores

Group 1

Kelssek 3-0 Aguazul
Khytenna 0-1 Bisgea

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Kelssek                    3   3   0   0    8    1    7    9   Q
   2  Bisgea                     3   2   1   0    5    3    2    7
   3  Aguazul                    3   1   1   1    5    7   -2    4
   4  Lithatrius                 3   1   0   2    4    5   -1    3
   5  Khytenna                   4   0   0   4    3    9   -6    0

Group 2

Jesselton 1-2 Pasarga
Virabia 3-3 Toiletdonia

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Pasarga                    3   2   0   1    4    2    2    6
   2  Virabia                    4   1   3   0    8    7    1    6
   3  South Norwega              3   1   1   1    3    3    0    4
   4  Toiletdonia                3   1   1   1    4    5   -1    4
   5  Jesselton                  3   0   1   2    3    5   -2    1

Group 3

Burchadinger 1-0 Kulverint
Novikov 0-2 The Ursine Northlands

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Burchadinger               3   2   1   0    3    1    2    7
   2  Novikov                    4   2   1   1    4    4    0    7
   3  The Ursine Northlands      3   2   0   1    4    2    2    6
   4  Kulverint                  3   1   0   2    3    3    0    3
   5  Dorian and Sonya           3   0   0   3    0    4   -4    0

Group 4

Toyur 0-3 Valladares
Tarrentum 0-2 Unitopolis

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Valladares                 3   2   1   0    4    0    4    7
   2  Unitopolis                 3   2   1   0    3    0    3    7
   3  Toyur                      3   1   1   1    5    5    0    4
   4  Tarrentum                  4   0   2   2    2    5   -3    2
   5  Blouman Empire             3   0   1   2    2    6   -4    1

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

Matchday 4

Group 5
Kosovoe 0-1 Albundania
Andrewboy 1-1 Cosumar

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Kosovoe                    3   2   0   1    6    2    4    6
   2  Albundania                 3   2   0   1    5    3    2    6
   3  Osarius                    3   1   2   0    6    4    2    5
   4  Andrewboy                  3   0   2   1    2    5   -3    2
   5  Cosumar                    4   0   2   2    4    9   -5    2

Group 6
Uiri 2-1 Swartaz
Whirl Islands 1-1 Senzymnia

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  F1 Insanity                3   1   2   0    5    2    3    5
   2  Whirl Islands              3   1   2   0    4    3    1    5
   3  Senzymnia                  4   1   2   1    6    7   -1    5
   4  Uiri                       3   1   1   1    4    4    0    4
   5  Swartaz                    3   0   1   2    2    5   -3    1

Group 7
Eastfield Lodge 5-0 Milchama
Undeadzombiee 2-1 Western cuba

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Eastfield Lodge            3   3   0   0    8    1    7    9
   2  Undeadzombiee              3   2   0   1    6    4    2    6
   3  Milchama                   3   2   0   1    4    7   -3    6
   4  Mice of Miceland           3   1   0   2    5    6   -1    3
   5  Western cuba               4   0   0   4    1    6   -5    0

Group 8
Somewhereistonia 1-3 Jasiyun
Silver Beach 0-1 Zarbli

Pos  Team                       P   W   D   L   GF   GA   GD  Pts
   1  Jasiyun                    3   3   0   0    7    3    4    9
   2  Zarbli                     4   2   1   1    7    5    2    7
   3  Silver Beach               3   2   0   1    5    3    2    6
   4  Somewhereistonia           3   0   1   2    4    8   -4    1
   5  Andossa Se Mitrin Vega     3   0   0   3    5    9   -4    0

[Albundania]

"Martin Simpson down the right flank, WEAPONS FREE! Albundania take the lead in stoppage time! And what a finish it was, too!"

The blue and, uh, more blue, of the Albundanian national squad were doing rather badly this round, however, they had Martin Simpson, who had now scored 4 times in 3 matches to keep Albundania in it. Q Inieta was providing magic from the midfield, grabbing 3 assists in that time, and Raul Ibanez had more shots on target than some teams had (and 1 goal to his name as well). Still, Albundania had one more game to play, and it was going to be a helluva game and a helluva way to finish out group play. Albundania play the final game as a re-match of the Ebyria Regional Cup Finals, against Andrewboy. They aren't doing as well as us this cup, but that doesn't mean they aren't a threat (as they proved by beating us in penalties last time around). Andrew Johnson is not a person to mess with, and has proven time and time again to be Simpson's equal. However, the Albundanian squad this time around is better than before, sporting names like Martin Simpson, Q Inieta, Martin Kellogg, and Raul Ibanez. A team bent on getting at least into the quarter-finals. A team capable of beating the big names, as they proved by beating Bears Armed twice in qualifying this time around. (Tickets are sold out to this next match)

Goal Scorers:
Martin Simpson: 4
Raul Ibanez: 1

Assists:
Q Inieta: 3
Raul Ibanez: 1
Yuri Konig: 1

[Western cuba]

Western Cuban Sports Channel
Undead Zombies v.s Western Cuba

Hello my name is Jose Augustine here today to broadcast the Western Cuban Cup of Harmony 43 game. Yes we are already eliminated from the tournament but there is still hope ahead and today we hope for a goal as it is our last game.

5th minute- Oh look at this one of the Undead Zombies Strikers were able to steal the ball away from are full back and is now on a break away he shoots and.......thank god. Somehow Jake Smith managed to save it and catch the ball!

25th Minute- Twenty Five minutes are left and oh my a yellow card has been called on the Western Cuban's right full back after tripping one of the Undead Zombies Strikers really bad. He is lucky that he is still in the game

42nd Minute- Oh no! One of the Undead Zombie is open for a shot wait what's this oh my a cross in the air to the goalie........? Oh wait look at this one of the Undead Zombie Strikers are coming in they are trying to head it in! Yes indeed they score

Halftime- Undead Zombies 1-0 Western Cuba

63rd Minute- Yes this might be the equalizer one of our midfielders are on a break away! Oh wait he just tripped and feel. Oh my! What a clumsy fall indeed. We could of scored on that.

72nd Minute- Oh no I can't watch the Undead Zombie Players are on a break away again oh no! Oh wait! A remarkable save by Jake Smith he is having a great game today.

81st Minute- Well it looks like Western Cuba is going to remain winless and scoreless thought out the tournament. A sad thing indeed. Oh wait look at this! Yes were on a break away. He shoots and yes yes yes! He scores we may draw!

89th Minute- We are entering the closing stages of the match and it appears that this will be a draw. Oh wait? Oh no! The Undead Zombies are advancing down the field and look like there ready to score or wait one of them are passing it never mind that's just a total offside! What the ref didn't stop play the Undead Zombie shots and scores oh my right when time expires ah it truely breaks your heart when things like this come and get you.

[Kelssek]

The elven outpost was a sprawling structure on the edge of a clearing, supported by three old-growth trees. Several horses grazed in the clearing, which was roped off in a half-hearted manner that suggested less of an attempt to keep them from escaping as a bid to give them boundaries and structure in their lives.

"Ma'elune!" Davís exclaimed in excitement as a figure standing outside the building waved towards them. "Would you fancy that, it's my aunt!"

As they got closer Mikhail had a better view. He found her very attractive and forced himself to consider that given Davís was over 90 years old, the cougar factor was probably way too intense.

Galain came up to walk beside Mikhail towards the outpost as Davís ran ahead to greet her. As they approached the female elf extended her hand. "Greetings, Mikhail Gobrynin. Welcome to the Firith. I am Raniel."

"It's very nice to meet you, Raniel." Inadvertently she had brought out some old-school chivalry Mikhail hadn't realised he'd had and he ended up kissing her hand in greeting.

"We were not expecting you to visit for some time, Davís. Is everything well?"

"Yes, it is, beau, but I have come to visit my home for a different reason, this time." He quickly explained the nature of the football scouting trip.

"That's an excellent idea. It would do much to bring our realms together. You have done well." Raniel said to Davís. "Do join us for tonight. You will make quick time with horses, so there is no need to rush."

* * *

The common room was not quite packed full but it was lively enough as elves from around the area came in to enjoy a drink and some food. Davís had been convinced to perform some music on the stage and was putting his guitar to good use with a soulful tune.


"I set my sails for the new south Wales
Tryin' to get ahead of the sun
The day I left for the new south Wales
You said babe don't forget where you're from
Babe, don't forget where you come from."

Raniel and Mikhail were sharing some drinks. Mikhail was quickly making a sobering discovery that while there might be quite a large untapped pool of athletic talent in the elven forests, trying to convince them to represent the human nation might be quite a bit more difficult.

"Remember, Mikhail, that Galain and my nephew are young by our reckoning, and have come of age in a time of peace and plenty. Between Davís and his older brother are less than forty summers, and that to us is as close in age as siblings ever are. There are some among the syfirithà who allow their long lives and long memories to nurse long resentments. Where some grow in wisdom with the passing of the seasons, others grow in hardness and bitterness."

"It was just five centuries ago that men first came to our forests. As is their... your way, if you will forgive my generalising, at first you are peaceful, then as your own numbers grow, you become greedy for more land, more space, to possess more. And then you become warlike. It is a familiar pattern; you have done it to us, and among yourselves. About two centuries later it was the nation which preceded yours, the Guedian Kingdom, who came seeking to conquer us. Of course, they had little understanding of who they were fighting, else they would never even have tried. The trees and the very soil of our home is on our side when invaders come; and those who were not claimed by the rivers, the sleeping glades, we filled them with our bowshafts. That was the first and last time men tried to invade us with swords and arrows.


"Oh, you read my mind
Your beauty can leave me blind
The truth can be cruel and so unkind
But I can't lie to you..."

"The second time was just over half a century ago, when Davís and Galain were but children - by our reckoning, of course; among you one of thirty summers has already experienced and done much in their life - and this time it was with guns. And this was not the old Kingdom, which you yourselves look back on as a dark and unjust time, but your own beloved Socialist Commonwealth! Some among us lost brothers, sisters, friends, wives, fathers, mothers, when the Company tried to desecrate our forests for timber, and had its forces come in and try to fight us off.

Galain had joined in with a haunting melody on a flute.

"The result was the same, but we were badly shaken by our own failure to know of how quickly your technology had advanced. Fortunately, the ruling Council is made up of wiser and nobler elders, who counsel peace and tolerance, but to some others, old ones of closed and bitter minds, or who have allowed loss and tragedy to corrupt their goodness and temperance, what Davís and Galain think nothing of, living among humans and partaking in your society, is nothing short of the most base treason."

"...dreaming that you're leavin' on the front porch light,
Singing shine on, shine on, shine on, travelin' light
Sing a song, sing it for all the right reasons tonight..."

"But it is quite simple. Our fates are tied up with yours, whether we like it or not, and this is a reality we must accept rather than pretend does not exist. There are those who really believe that we will simply outlast the humans. However, they either do not understand or choose to ignore the fact that we are all living on the same planet, and our fates are intertwined, just as my room is at risk if a house-mate sets his own room on fire. Human or elf, of whatever nation, we all breathe the same air and we're all in the same boat in the middle of the endless ocean of the universe."

"You're basically... like a bunch of environmentalists." Mikhail ventured.

"Or hippies or communists, maybe." Raniel smiled. "Look, I make it sound bad, but in truth, most of the syfirithà are wise enough to understand that no one gains anything by hating the foreign and nursing long grudges. Your generations pass much quicker than ours, and your society and culture changes quickly too. The problem is with the ones who assume all humans are just like they were two hundred summers ago, even fifty... when, as anyone who understands your nation does, you have in fact changed a great deal since then. But a project like this can only bring good. That's why I, and most of us, do hope it succeeds."

"This next song is written by the same guy, too," Davís announced, and launched into a lively one.


"Hey, undercover lover, when you comin' home?
I'm a different lover than I was before
Hey, undercover lover, why you rattlin' on?
What's keeping me from locking up this door?
Hey disappearing dreamer, what're you dreamin' now?
Hiding places I could never find..."

[OOC: For the sake of not too much RP bonus since I'm apparently approaching elven godmod levels and also another installment in Reccomendations On Improving Your Lives, the songs "Shine On, Shine On, Shine On" and "Deny, Deny, Deny" are by Joel Plaskett and are well worth checking out.]

[Valladares]

Valladares Sports Net

CUP OF HARMONY 43 - Second straight victory for Valladares in Group 4

ONE STEP CLOSER...

OAKÓW, SOMEWHEREISTONIA (VP) - With two goals from their star, Jefferson Ospina, and one of Armando Rivas, Valladares defeated Toyur 3-0 in a match for Group 4, played at Hiiu Staadion in Oaków.

Before the match against the Bears, Valladares were in a compromising situation in Group 4. Despite being tied with both Toyur and Unitopolis in points, the National Team were placed third, due to goal differential. Therefore, the match against Toyur (top seeds in the group) was classified by the members of the team as a "must-win match".

The valladar players were not only facing a tough rival, but a hard environment as well. Half of the seats at Hiiu Staadion were filled with Toyuri fans, while the other half were mixed with local and valladar fans, who travelled many miles from Valladares to see their team playing in the Cup of Harmony. Despite that, the valladars did not feel discouraged and instead proposed a hard time for Toyur.

The first goal of Jefferson Ospina, in the 24th minute, boosted even more the valladar aspirations, whilst at the same time, it meant a hard blow for Toyur, who tried to equalize during the remaining minutes of the first half, with no success. Seeing Luis Fuentes saving the valladars from the equalizer several times made the valladar players felt much more comfortable in the match, playing with order and knowing how to defend the result without the ball.

For the second half, Alexander Pereira wanted a more offensive team, not only to prevent an eventual Toyuri goal but to kill off their rivals once and for all. For that reason, he sent Tommy Taylor to the pitch, in substitution of Paulo Oliveira, who did an awful first half. Taylor began to connect Armando Rivas and Jefferson Ospina, two players who, being put together, destroyed the Toyuri defense with their shots. With the passing of the minutes, Valladares started playing with the desperation of their rivals. The second goal of Jefferson Ospina in the 80th minute, and the goal of Armando Rivas just when the match was about to end sealed a victory, which not only was overwhelming, and may have been undeserved, but was an important one.

With this victory, the valladars reached the first place in the group, with 7 points. We must also feature that Luis Fuentes has not conceded a goal against so far in this Cup of Harmony. Next Valladares will face Blouman Empire, who with the Unitopolis' victory over Tarrentum were sunk in the last place of the group with a sole point, and eliminated in their bye day. A draw will assure the valladar presence in the next round, but a victory would be the best thing. SportsNet HD will broadcast the match between Le Tricolore and the Empire, tomorrow at 14:00 Valladar Standard Time.

TOYUR: 0
VALLADARES: 3 (Ospina 24', 80'; Rivas, 90'+3')

Venue: Hiiu Staadion, Oaków, Somewhereistonia
Attendance: 40,848
Man of the Match: Jefferson Ospina (VLD) (9)

TOYUR: Eriksson; Olafsson, Andersson, Johansson, Lilja; Thorsson, Björnsson, Tillström, Ekman; Svensson, Eklund
Coach: Toomas Ergma

VALLADARES: Fuentes; Lannoy, Chenney, Perrin, Romero (Cifuentes 56'); Rivas, Dickens, da Lima, Oliveira (Taylor 45'); Ruiz (Pérez 78'), Ospina
Coach: Alexander Pereira

MD1: BYE
MD2: Valladares 0-0 Unitopolis
MD3: Valladares 1-0 Tarrentum
MD4: Valladares 3-0 Toyur
MD5: Valladares vs. Blouman Empire

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

Kelssek leave Aguazul blue

Kelssek defeated Aguazul to clinch a spot in the Cup of Harmony bracket, and leave Aguazul third. "I thought the tables would show them in green, or something," marveled General Carlos Lopez, "but no, they're blue! Blue I tell you! It's a fine color also, of course, but it comes as a shock."

Kelssek got on the board in minute 39, with midfielder Paul Clifton expertly evading Sergio Bustamante to shoot for goal. Laurent Pontoise, new to the roster since Kelssek and Aguazul last met, shook off Olivar Bravo and Gonzalo Senra before doubling the lead in minute 52. It would be another newcomer who delivered the winning goal; the prodigious Leigh McElwood had a nice dribbling run before scoring in the 79th. The result left Kelssek five points above Aguazul with just one match remaining, turning the top line of group 1 blue and prompting celebrations from the top seeds (or at least from Miguel Salamea, although it might just have been his birthday).

Aguazul are three points behind Bisgea. To qualify, they need to defeat Lithatrius and have Kelssek defeat Bisgea by a total of at least four goals; if the margins of victory sum to four, goals scored would be the next tiebreaker. (Both have scored five so far.) "It's all very tense," says Lopez. "Would we turn blue, also, if we qualified? Or would they just put a line between us and Bisgea? We just have to wait and see."

With Zarbli's bye on the final matchday, Jasĭyun seem to have secured a place in the bracket from Group H. At press time, however, they had not received any chromatic tribute.

[Whirl Islands]

THE NAVEL POST
First and Best Newspaper in the Whirl Islands
Navel Island, Sunday, June 20, 2010

CUP OF HARMONY 43 - Whirl Islands close to the objective

WE CAN DO IT

By: Jairo Meluk,
Sports Editor and Special Correspondent,
Khaldoon, Queer Poco el Mono Ara

KHALDOON, QUEER POCO EL MONO ARA (WIP) - Whirl Islands wasted a golden opportunity to seal their qualification for the next round, after the 1-1 draw with Senzymnia, who were playing their last match in this group stage. This match, valid for Group 6, was played yesterday at the Royal Stadium in Khaldoon. The match was fought and entertaining and in the latter half of the complement anyone could have won it.

There were few scoring options in the first half of the match. The 21,000 people attending the match in Khaldoon saw an intense first half, but with little emotion, different to the goals. Gilbert Phillips scored the first goal for the Islanders in the 10th minute of the match, while a striker equalized the match for Senzymnia in the 38th minute. From there, both teams tried to score their second goal, but both attacked the other in a hasty way and without order. Senzymnia had an important scoring option, in injury time, but the striker missed it.

For the second half, Whirl Islands tried to be more organized and more aggressive, and although they had important options, the Islanders were no able to turn them into goals. Senzymnia answered with dangerous counterattacks, all of them controlled by Ryan Nixon, the Islander goalkeeper, ultimately, the Man of the Match. The second half was more intense than the first, but no team could score a second goal which could assure the victory for any of them.

With the draw, Whirl Islands are still in second place of the Cup of Harmony. The last rival for the Islanders will be Swartaz. A victory or a draw will qualify the Islanders for the next stage, regardless of what happens in the Uiri-F1 Insanity match.

[Unitopolis]

GK. Jason Paul
LB. Seán Flawsley
CB. Eric Aldé
CB. Yutre Garu
RB. Robert Seán Morrison
LM. Giuseppe Joliano (GOAL '35)
CM. Ernie Milestone
RM. Vladimir Denzostropok
F. Corenhinho
F. Rob Van Muir (GOAL '28)
F. Niall Hunt (Dmitri Adalykin '50)

A 2 - 0 win over Tarrentum kept Unitopolis near the top of Group 4 in the 43rd Cup of Harmony. Aleksandr Zukov made two changes to the side that drew 0 - 0 with Valladares, replacing Seámus O'Máthruaigh with 21 year old Robert Sean Morrison and replacing the injured Kenil Hutsa with Ernie Milestone, who's excellent performances in the Zarblese Duke League have helped his side Romans win the league. Almost 48,000 people packed into Hiuu Stadion to see the match, no doubt many were Tarrentum fans hoping that their team wouldn't be eliminated from the competition.

The match started quickly, with Eric Aldé and Yutre Garu having to deal with some dangerous crosses, especially from Stefano Nestromani. After a while however, Unitopolis got into their stride and Ernie Milestone was spraying dangerous passes all over the Tarrentum half. Eventually, one of them found Giuseppe Joliano, who's high ball found Rob Van Muir's head and then the net.

10 minutes before the end of the half, Niall Hunt intercepted a stray Tarrentum pass and begun an attack into the opposition half. Just as he was approaching the Tarrentum box he was hacked down by Ollie Vaspa. Referee Mark Litranus had no option but to produce the red card and reduce Tarrentum to 10 men. Giuseppe Joliano took the resulting free kick and smashed it over the wall into the top-corner.

The second half was quieter, with Unitopolis reluctant to take unnecessary risks. Worryingly for Unitopolis fans, Niall Hunt was stretchered off after 50 minutes after falling on his already injured ankle. Dmitri Adalykin was brought on instead. Team doctor Martin Oliviera said that Hunt had broken his ankle and would be out for at least two weeks.

Unitopolis 2 - 0 Tarrentum: Van Muir '28, Joliano '35