World Cup 48 - Bazalonia/Cafundéu - the RP thread

[Akbarabad]

Akbarabad overcome Jesselton away.

(Akbarabad Press, AP): Akbarabad picked up a comfortable 2-0 victory away in Jesselton a repeat of the result the teams had when the Tiger Eater's had hosted them earlier. Once again Zohaib Khan was the star player and he grabbed both goals, with this match being the first of the campaign in which neither Samin Akbar nor Zahid Mohammed have scored any goals.

With Yafor 2 winning 4-2 against the Babbage Islands this result maintains the difference between Akbarabad and Yafor 2 at five points.The team can put qualification beyond Yafor 2's reach by winning games three of thier last four games or at the very least, by winning two and drawing one (The Tiger Eaters superior goal difference and head to head would ensure that they would come out on top in case the two sides finish equal in points). Ofcourse, any dropped points by Yafor 2 simply makes the task even easier. The team's next match is away to Anemis Major, whom the team surprisingly struggled to beat at home winning in the end by only 2-1. A more improved performance would be preffered, but ultimately what matters is another three points and not how convincingly or not they come.


Akbarabad 2-0 Jesselton
( Zohaib Khan 25", 61")

[Secristan]

DRAW SOLVES NOTHING

Both Sarzonia and Secristan had the opportunity to take a major step towards qualifying for the World Cup. In this six-point matchup, the winner’s advantage over the loser would be significant. At the end of the day, there was a winner, and it was The Holy Empire. The Stars and Millionaires played to a 1-1 draw while the Cavemen defeated the Evil Dark Magicians by the score of 1-0 in what sounds like something that would have been an interesting matchup. The results mean that with four games left to play it is the Millionaires that are on the outside looking in with their 21 points, trailing Ug-Ug and company by one and the Stars by two. Not to be overlooked, Antarticstan is just three points behind the Millionaires and may end up being the team that eventually determines which two teams advance out of this group even if they do not. The 1-1 draw was very anticlimatic. The fans at Mike Sarzo Stadium were loud in their applause, as was to be expected. They are knowledgeable sports fans here who understood the significance of the game and the need to drown out the rattling coin jars of the Secristani contingent, who claimed all 1,000 of their allotted tickets within a span of 40 minutes. Stadium organizers were convinced to open up the second section for 350 rusas a pop given the demand for them and the opportunity to profit. Katie Simpson, our SDOS rep gave props to stadium management, “This is the first place, other then venues in Cafundeu, that truly understood that they could profit off of our fans more then the typical away fan that shows up. For that, I applaud them.” she said. The game action was pretty entertaining as both teams played to win and laid it all on the line. Quality scoring chances were hard for each team given the tough defense played by each side. Each team managed one goal despite all that, with the Stars getting theirs midway through the first half, and the Millionaires responding with a Matthew Marino goal in the 62nd minute. The draw was the most fair result, given statistics such as the even 50-50 possession split at the end of the game, but it was also the result that neither one wanted. Sarzonia can live with it better then we can, though.

There are now just four games remaining and the most difficult game of the bunch will be against Antarticstan, who will be the next team on the schedule for our Millionaires at Monopoly Stadium and it will be a must win. A draw wouldn’t be the end of the world, but at home against a team we should beat that is as close to us in the standings as they are needs to be a win. The Islands of Qutar, EvilDarkMagicians, and pesky Queer Poco el Mono Ara are the opponents that will all come to Amherst afterwards. Sarzonia’s remaining schedule will also see them play Antarticstan on the road after hosting Queer Poco el Mono Ara. They finish off against The Islands of Qutar and then the big game, home with The Holy Empire. The remaining schedule for Ug-Ug’s team will be at Qutar, home with the Scanias, and at Antarticstan before facing Sarzonia. As you can see there is a lot of meaningful games left in this group. Because of this, the Secristan Department of Sports is going to show its commitment to our fans by offering all these games via pay-per-view for 10 rusas a piece, with the exception of the Sarzonia-Holy Empire match, which will be 50 rusas.

[Kosovoe]

Port Kosovoe Courant

It was a very good game last night for the Kosovoe Blue Tornado, but only if you call their 5-0 beatdown of Catmeowland a good game. Behind scoring leaders Angle Kenssington, Ossi Euro, and Hall of Famer Jamie Barry the Tornado also led by Team Captain Xavier Hiroshima were ingraced with the gods on this day as they easily overcame the fledgling Catmeowland team and won yet anothe rimportant game if they ant to qualify for the World Cup. They still only stand 1 point ahead of Landau Institute, but the team is hitting their stride.

It was like a dream, the offense was unstoppable and the defense stopped everything the Catmeowland Offense threw at them. Their was nothing the Catmeowland defense could do to prevent the Goalfest though as the Tornado were by far the better team on this day. Behind a hat trick from Jamie Barry, with goals in the 13th, 34th, and 40th minutes, and Ossi Euros goal just after the half the Tornado easily controlled most of the game. Angel Kenssington's minute 69 goal was really iceing on the cake.

[Sarzonia]

If Mike Sarzo Stadium's administration were hoping to create a rivalry by jacking up the prices Secristani supporters would have to pay to watch their team play Sarzonia, their hopes evaporated rather quickly.

So, too, did the hopes Sarzonia had for avenging their 2:3 loss at Monopoly Stadium in Amherst. The teams played to a 1:1 draw in Nicksia, only serving to further jumble the Group 6 table.

Sarzonia remained the group leader with 23 points, but the Holy Empire's 0:1 away victory to EvilDarkMagicians pull that team one point behind Sarzonia and one point clear of Secristan for the second and final World Cup finals berth. Not to be outdone, Antarcticstan remain in play for a berth, four points behind The Holy Empire. Queer Poco el Mono Ara are on the outside looking in, six points behind with four matches to play.

"We missed a chance," said manager Franz Braddock. Sure, Ettore Salivani's 23rd minute goal from the spot gave Sarzonia a 1:0 lead, but the Stars couldn't dent a tough Secristani defence. They fired 11 shots, with four on goal. Meanwhile, Secristan were credited with 10 shots, five on goal. The bigger news was the fact that they managed to score one past Cody Taylor. Matthew Marino ended Taylor's streak of consecutive minutes without conceding a goal during qualifying at 542 minutes.

"I conceded a goal during the Mike Sarzo Memorial Trophy semifinal fixture," against Krytenia," Taylor pointed out. "That's one reason I haven't been too chuffed about this talk of a streak. Also, now isn't the time to get too excited."

That time is in the World Cup finals. And a spot in the Bazalonia or Cafundéu is hardly assured. Sarzonia have tough matches remaining against Queer Poco el Mono Ara at Mike Sarzo Stadium and Antarcticstan away. They also have a home fixture against The Holy Empire. As for the match against the top-ranked side in Group 6, forward Matt Lynch said he was glad they weren't playing in the Dreamed Realm.

"That was a scary place, man," Lynch said.

Note: Victories are noted in bolded navy blue; draws denoted in bold; losses denoted in bolded red.
MSMT Kickoff Classic: 1:0 v. Taeshan (Mike Sarzo Stadium, Nicksia, Benatar, Sarzonia, 77,910 capacity)
MSMT First Round: 1:0 v. Achtervolging (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
The Friendly War: 0:0 @ Isselmere-Nieland (Arcadia Grounds, Daurmont)
MD1: 3:1 v. EvilDarkMagicians (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
MD2: 1:2 @ Howling Scanias
MD3: 3:2 @ Secristan (Monopoly Stadium, Amherst)
MD4: 3:4 @ Queer Poco El Mono Ara
MD5: 2:0 v. Antarcticstan (The Iron Bowl, Portland, Somerset, Sarzonia, 46,220 capacity)
MD6: 0:3 @ The Islands of Qutar
MD7: 0:0 @ The Holy Empire
MSMT Semifinals: 1:2 v. Krytenia (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
MidQ: 1:1 @ Newmanistan (Tundra Falls Proving Grounds)
MD8: 0:2 @ EvilDarkMagicians
MD9: 2:0 v. Howling Scanias (The Iron Bowl, Portland)
MD10: 1:1 v. Secristan (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
MD11: v. Queer Poco El Mono Ara (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
MD12: @ Antarticstan
MD13: v. The Islands of Qutar (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
MD14: v. The Holy Empire (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
MSMT Finals v. Starblaydia (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
Post-Q: @ Bears Armed Mainland
Post-World Cup/Cup of Harmony: v. New Montreal States (Mike Sarzo Stadium)
Post-World Cup/Cup of Harmony: v. Delaclava (Mike Sarzo Stadium)

[Godmodador]

Albertoville Independent News

“We can still qualify” claims delirious Sageontador

Goalkeeper Jonny Sageontador was the hero last night after he put in a man of the match performance to help Godmodador to what could be a vital two-one victory away to Swartaz. His night got off to a bad start when he was beaten by a long range effort from Joan Vaemullen in just the third minute. From then on however Sageontador was the undisputed man of the match, keeping his side only one goal down with a string of fine saves, the finest of which was also his last act of the game.

With fifteen minutes of the game remaining Konstantin Brita looked to have scored a second goal for Swartaz when he sent Niklas Gösta's corner goal-bound for the far hand top corner from Sageontador. Somehow though the inform goalkeeper was able to reach and the parry the ball away from goal, clattering himself into the post in the process, he was however quickly back on his feet to deny Kristian Alvar who had been first to a rebound a sure goal by blocking the ball with his face, which quickly made acquaintance with Alvar's boot as well. Having been left unconscious it was decided it might be best to send Sageontador to the local hospital for a check-up and Adam Vernazzador was brought on to play the final quarter of an hour.

The long break in play caused by Sageontador's injury seemingly broke Swartaz's rhythm and the fiery Bazrador Drakkiborador wasted little time in taking advantage, making a surging run out of his half before unleashing a pile-driver of a shot past Byron Jansuur in the Swartaz goal from a good thirty or so metres out. Five minutes later Simeone di Bradinador scored his tenth goal in World Cup qualifying with a rather good free-kick from the edge of the area to secure a second win in a row for Godmodador.

The team will fancy their chances of making it three in a row when they host Iglesian Archipelago in the next match, though they will have to do so without the influential Sageontador after he was diagnosed with concussion, though it is thought he will be at the stadium for the match. Speaking after being released from hospital he said, “It is very good we won. It is a big win, and it means we still have a chance of qualifying. I will miss the next match, but I shall fly my boat to the moon to make sure I recover in time for the match against Dancougar and we will qualify! Oooh look, there's one of them talking Candelariasian talking polar bears!”

Whilst a win over Iglesian Archipelago will see Godmodador move up to third place in Group 15 of World Cup qualifying, qualifying itself seems fairly unlikely with the Godmoders needing to eight points in four games on Jeru FC just to be level on points. As much as Sageontador would like to think otherwise, chances are he and his team will be playing in the Cup of Harmony.

[Pays de Horreur]

The Castelvania Fortress Stadion played host to its final qualifying game and was treated to a battling display by home nation Pays de Horreur who managed to hold out Septentrionia for 90 minutes and claim a nil-nil draw. The hard earned point keeps PdH ahead of the chasing pack of also-rans for that 5th place position in the group 11 table. The team now concludes their first ever World Cup qualifying attempt with games at Cachette de Lions, Swilatia, Cravan and Toyur and will be looking to take at least seven points from the four games mirroring their home performances against these teams.

The man of the match award in this game was hard to decide upon following sterling performances from all four defenders and goalkeeper Montavarious Delph, who managed to utilize his decaying body to block a series of attempts. Despite his obvious lack of pace and slow reactions he managed to stop every effort on his goal and for upping his game and playing well above his station the man of the match went to Delph.

Similar scenes to Pays de Horreur’s earlier home games we repeated as fans charged the pitch at the whistle, much to the horror of the terrified visiting players who weren’t expecting to see the myriad of monsters the country has to offer quite so close.

After the game Eorl Vandenbussche commented “This is by far the best performance of the entire qualifiers. We never expected to be taking points off teams like Septentrionia and to do so in front of our own fans is amazing. Hopefully we can take the confidence we’ve built from this game into our next match and get our hands on three points.”

The coach is however disappointed with the home fans once again entering the field, even after the final whistle. “It has already been commented this behaviour can not be tolerated, however no action has been brought against the minority of fans invading the pitch yet. I expect the situation to be resolved before our next home international, which won’t be for a while.”

The Horreur travel to Cachette de Lions in the next game and will be looking to consolidate their position above the team by taking three points. Pays de Horreur claimed there first point of the competition when the teams met in the previous encounter at the Castlevania Fortress Stadion and Vandenbusche said “We have been buoyed by this performance and will be looking for the win, however we take nothing for granted in international football, just look at Septentrionia, held to a draw tonight, I bet they weren’t expecting that.”

[Landau Institute]

INSIDE THE LANDAU INSTITUTE - QMES LABORATORY
The Island-Facility's main areas, which few people have ever seen

Okay, so hmm... what to comment about now? Not that the Landau Institute is a place without interesting areas, but most of them are related to the practice of medicine, and I don't want to bother our readers with the great details of our examination rooms, intensive care departments, alternative treatment laboratories... wait, laboratories... some don't have only medical things or studies, but more than this. That's an idea. I shouldn't comment about this laboratory in a series that is seen from all around the world, but it'll be interesting for you to know the details of the QMES Laboratory, responsible for studying things considered out of this world, or dimension. QMES is an acronym for the a Portuguese phrase, which is "Que Merda é ESsa", which could be translated as "What the s*** is this". And, during the Landau Institute history, the services of the QMES Laboratory were needed many times... alien beings, energy from the Dreamed Realms, mythical creatures, fluid time effect on people, the cantina's food... these are just example of strange things studied by the department.

The head of the laboratory is currently Professor Ananias Inconveni, doctor master and head teacher of the Researching Institute of the Landau Institute University. He is very old currently, and his experience with supernatural and weird things caused serious effects on him. He spends all day inside the laboratory, waiting to see if a UFO will take him to the afterlife located on another dimension full of gnomes. He also strongly believes that Doctor Alien, who is one of the top Otorhinolaryngologists of the Institute and is also a member of the Landau Institute football team, is someone sent by these godly extranationstatialsdimensionalsrealitials beings, and will guide him to reach paradise. Lately, his studies have been concentrated entirely in discovering where this place is, and how to be called to it, which leaves more important projects abandoned, as the crucial studies about the exact composition of the weird substance served on the University's cantina. But the QMES Laboratory still works, although slower due to Prof. Inconveni's interventions, and is the only place where the mysteries of the NS World can be truly solved... although usually more appear as the studies evolve.

[Koseli Cumhuriyetler]

Koseli Cumhuryietler 4–1 Velliano
The Turks found their long awaited goal scoring form, but it was too little too late since the Turks have been eliminated and are now playing for pride in the last 4 games.

The game started poorly for the Turks as Arda fumbled the ball into his own net from a cross that was effectively harmless as Velliano had no one in the box. The fans imediately became restless and started to act more agressively, so much so that the police called in the armored units to keep the peace. The Turks went into the half equal via a Ayhan Genc shot from just outside the box that slipped under the keeper in the 43rd minute.

The second half continued in the same fashion as the first ended the Turks on the front foot penning the Velliano team in their own half. They took the lead for the first time through Mehmed Emre Kose's header inside the box on 55 minutes. Then a carbon copy in the 60th minute but this time it was Kazim who got on the end of the cross. Hasan Turkmen added gloss to the scoreline with a sublime free kick from 35 yards that evaded the keeper.

[Queer Poco el Mono Ara]

Queer Poco el Mono Ara took revenge on Antarctistan for the 3-1 ass whopping handed to them away from home by edging the visitors out 2-1. Going down 1-0 midway through the first half it looked like Queer Poco el Mono Ara were destined to fall to defeat against Antarctistan for the second time during the qualifiers and slip further behind with only a few games to go. Although this would not be the case as the team rallied and took all three points.

Antarctistan took the lead when Tomasz Poborsky’s back pass to Petr Ollic was short and intercepted by Daxton Veletez. Veletez beat the keeper to the ball and managed to avoid his tackle to score in the open goal. The home side were deflated and looked to be heading towards a second defeat to the visitors, however the ever present Asdrubal Espinoza’s barking of instructions kicked his team into gear who began to attack in large numbers, forcing the Antarctistan defence right back. The home side hounded the ball when the visitors had it like a pack of wolves. Closing down the away side in seconds and forcing them off the ball or to make mistakes. Espinoza continued to holler commands at his team like an army drill sergeant and it paid off as Omar Sas intercepted a loose pass and charged toward the Antarctistan goal before blasting a shot right at the keeper, the keeper parried the ball and Enrico Dossena was on hand to clean up and grab the equalizer.

Half time came and the home side were marched off by the coach, who to all watching appeared to slap captain Tomasz Poborsky round the back of the head. The player was to blame for the opening goal and the incident didn’t go unnoticed by the sports commentators who reported they believed they had seen the slap whilst reporting live for QP television.

The Aguazul coach sent his team back out for the second half, who looked more fired up than before in the previous game against Qutar where they had run riot. However they were unable to find a goal as the Antarctistan keeper was simply too good on the day. Or at least this was the case until the second minute of added time when the away side’s luck ran out and Dean Bowyer’s shot beat the keeper from range. A ball from the right was controlled by the midfielder who let the ball drop before volleying in from 30 yards. The midfielder was mobbed by his team mates as he celebrated in front of the home fans. After the match he said

“It’s great to get revenge against Antarctistan who thoroughly deserved their win in the previous game. We know they’re missing a few of their big game players and this swung in our favor. We’ve got a big task next and will need to play better than we did today to overcome Sarzonia.”

When asked whether he had seen Espinoza slap Poborsky, Bowyer commented

“I didn’t see anything and to be honest doubt it was a slap at all. The commentators are a far way from the tunnel and I’m sure they were mistaken about what they saw”.


--
Time shifted oddly in the Holy Empire and as an outsider Frederico was finding it impossible to cope with. He felt permanently sick and had no idea when he was. He wandered the mainland alone, confused and ill. He had lost his bag hours or years ago when he first arrived. He found himself a corner to huddle in and clutch his knees to his chest. The debris of war was scattered around him and in the distance he could hear screaming.

It pierced the air like a bitter frost and brought an ache to his ears. He covered his head and rocked back and forth until the screams came to an end. He was scared and alone and then the pain began. A fiery pain burnt his muscles and he cried in agony as his skin became taut over his bones. Collapsing to the floor he tried to dial for help on his phone. But nobody would ever come. He laid alone, hidden from anybody in despair as the throbbing brought him to tears. The pain began to subside and he managed to gingerly get to his feet. No longer in pain, he was consumed by anger towards his team mates who had left him here. He looked down at himself as he stood there the flesh on his arms had begun to peel away, he rubbed at his forearms and the skin came away easily. It was like washing dirt away as his flesh came clean from his body, a prominent spike within his arm became visible, the tip protruding from his wrist.

Alone, here in the Holy Empire Frederico was becoming something else. He rolled his neck, which cracked, satisfyingly, he cracked his knuckles and continued on through the war torn land presented before him. A new confidence imbued within him and as the distant screaming started again, echoing through the night, he didn’t cover his ears, he just stood and listened.

[Toyur]

Toyurska Sportnyhet

TEA, SCONES, AND GOALS
3-0 victory ends in time for good night's sleep
by Anders Alfven

CRAVAN (TP) - A late afternoon kick-off may be just what Toyur prefers, if the results for this World Cup qualification campaign are any indication.

So far, out of three games that took place before the flood lights were needed, the Bears have won all three games by a combined 9-1, all three away from home. The latest result was a 3-0 destruction of Cravan, with the Bears hardly needing to break into a sweat to put three past the home side and pull even closer to the top of the table, after all three rivals picked up only one point.

'We knew this was a game that we should win, and one that we had to win,' the boss said following the match. 'Everyone played well, we gave some of our younger guys a run out, everything went pretty well. It had sort of a friendly atmosphere to it as well, which was a nice break considering we have some tough ones coming up.'

Friendly seems an accurate term for this contest, as only 5 fouls were committed by the home side and 7 by the Bears. No cards were given out and it didn't really seem to have much of a competitive edge, at least once the match seemed put away for the visitors. Half time saw the score at 2-0, with Kristian Olsen and Viktor Eklund on the scoresheet with well-taken goals. Both scorers were substituted at half time, and Olsen's replacement Daniel Björnsson made the score 3-0 after 64 minutes. The Bears ran out the game from there, and Anders Eriksson was the most fresh player on the pitch, not having to do much of anything apart from a couple of goal kicks and the odd pass back to him.

The result is especially good for Toyur as Cassadaigua drew with Silexhera 1-1, and Pays de Horreur's 2-2 draw with Septentrionia was marred by pitch invasions, which have become a problem at Castlevania Fortress Stadion. The win pulls Toyur level with Septentrionia on points, one behind Cassadaigua, and three behind Silexhera.

Matchday 11 sees what needs to be a must win for the Bears, as they visit Cassadaigua with three points almost a necessity. Mats Thorsson will be starting that game, according to Larsson, which will make the lineup stronger than it was when Cassadaigua visited Tuleä on matchday 4. Toyur will finish their final three matches at home, hosting Silexhera in Mariastad, Swilatia in Tuleä, and Pays de Horreur in Kristiansberg to round out qualification. Whatever the result, Toyur have shown that they are not a team that can be pushed aside easily and are rising quickly in the international footballing ranks. The visit to Cassadaigua can be seen on TSTV1

[Sorthern Northland]

The Pickled Gherkin
Sorthern Northland's fifth most unreliable news source

Mayor demands return of rivers

A “furious” Beningrad Mayor Michael Cuimin has told thieves to “return our rivers” after he returned from a trip to Clotaire to find them missing.

The Southern River and the River Oblast, both of which are seen as culturally important parts of Beningrad seem to have somehow disappeared over the weekend. Police are investigating the incident claiming it is “a serious crime”. As of yet no one is thought to be officialy considered a suspect, though police have however revealed that they are “seriously investigating several lines of enquiries that suggest Bostopian elements are involved”. If there is any truth in the suggestions, it wouldn't be the first time that Bostopians have thought to have been responsible for the theft of Beningrad landmarks with evidence suggesting that the Bostopian Army was behind the theft of statues of Pedro the donkey and Ben O'Bagels a number of years ago. Statues bearing a striking resemblance to the missing statues are known to stand in a park in Fort Boston dedicated to foreign statues, Bostopian officials however claim that these are merely replicas.

Whoever is behind the disappearance of the rivers, Beningrad residents have united in condemming the “theft”. Speaking upon his return from Clotaire, Cuimin said, “I hope Beningraders will imagine the Oblast and Southern River until they reappear, and will not forget their beautiful rivers” before adding, “I also hope the police find those who are responsible and that the courts are able to serve justice befitting of this heinous crime”.

Former President Ben O'Bagels meanwhile called the theft “rather audacious” and called upon Emperor Boston to “seek the return of the rivers if their disappearance was indeed carried out by Bostopians”. Several tourists including a large number from The Babbage Islands who have come to follow their team in the upcoming World Cup qualifier between their nation and Sorthern Northland have also claimed to be “disorientated due to the lack of rivers”.

[Bears Armed]

The 'Bear-Belles' -- the version of them that's competing in the 'World Cup' qualifiers, rather than the alternative (and rather more 'veteran'...) line-up that's taking part in the 'Eternal Flame' -- arrived in Steroga yesterday, and spent this morning & the early afternoon acclimatising to local conditions in a park close to their hotel. Now, as they ride in a coach to the stadium called 'Kumar Field' which is where this evening's game is going to take place, their own 'coach' -- Marra SunDaughter -- gives them some advice:

"Hrright, you lot, listen up! You should all remember what Steroga's team is like from when you played them -- and beat them -- at 'Plumtrees Park' last year: As you'll have seen from the tapes, how they played then is how they normally play, even when they're at home rather than 'away'. They favour a very defense-based formation, but they're quick enough to take the offensive if their opponents leave themselves open to one... so I don't want to see our defenders going forward to the halfway line -- let alone across it -- without orders. Hokay?"

"Hokay, coach!"

"Hrright. Now, the other important thing to remember about their style is that althought they play defensive for strategy they can play very offensive indeed for tactics... BUT they don't generally play 'offensive' enough that they're likely to seriously injure any of you, so let's try to keep calm about any "roughness" on their part, hokay? If they actually do hit hard enough to do real damage then fair's fair, we'll report it to the referee and let him deal with the matter. I do NOT want to see any direct retaliation by any of you, because Ursines attacking Humans is bad publicity... and we need all of you to be available to play, rather than under an official ban, for next week's 'away' match against Capitalizt Slani who are likely to put up even stronger opposition to our winning than this lot will. Got that?"

(There was a muttering from some team members, which Marra wisely took to be a grudging agreement...)

[The Ursine Northlands]

Despite their team having been knocked out of qualification hopes, some of the fans are singing as they enter the stadium for thsi evening's match:

"BEars wha hae wi' Bhorris bled,
Gainst the hordes of The Great Dread"

[The Macabees]

Another Complication

Just when the Golden-Whites had it all made, they failed to overcome the obstacle known as Darclad. In a six-goal thriller, the two teams ended their second encounter at a 3–3 draw, leaving both with one point. The only consolation is that Jasī’yūn drew, as well, leaving that team still three points behind the Golden-Whites. Nevertheless, Gordon Bay City’s successful 1–2 win over Gallartium gave them the three points to gain their spot at the pole position in the group tables (one point ahead of the Macabee team). This further complicates world cup qualification, given that the remaining games will be played away. This includes an away match against Gordon Bay City, itself, which will obviously be interested in putting up a fight against the Golden-Whites, in order to guarantee their position at the top-flight. On the other hand, the Macabee team is now on a thin line. They do not have the luxury to lose or draw, and these remaining four games must be played with the same style and motivation that the matches have been played up to now (with the exception of this last one). Apart from Gordon Bay City, the three teams which remain to be played are Gallartium, Eastern Volleyball and Taudrian. All of these teams have already been eliminated, so losing to them would be quite embarrassing. But, the Golden-Whites must stop while ahead, consolidate themselves and return to the field tonight with the same spirits they had when they played Tyrrin, or any of the other teams they defeated. The first of these four opponents they will come up against is Gallartium.

The first forty-five minutes covered a period of general prosperity for the home team. By the end of the first-half, the score board clearly said 3–1. The Golden-Whites were able to dominate the match and impose their law on the opponent. Darclad’s damage was done during the second-half, when the Second Empire moved into a defensive posture and was subject to the onslaught of a revived Darcladian offense. But, the first half, except the single Darcladian goal, was close to perfection. The first Macabee goal was scored in the eleventh minute by Víeb Tahol, after receiving a pass from inside the opponent’s area from Guy Lafos. Tahol shot with his right howitzer, spinning into the goal. The 2–0 did not take long in coming. It was the product of Darsí Bon, with an assist from Mika d’Angíel, during a brilliant counterattack. Darsí Bon gracefully put the ball to the far right of the goalkeeper, bouncing the sphere off the posts and into the back of the net. This occurred in the twenty-second minute, and was soon followed by the 3–0 in the thirty-seventh minute. This was scored by the feet of Darsí Bon, again, after great individual action. And so, by the fortieth minute the game seemed to be undeniable in the hands of the Golden Throne. The first signs of a possible comeback came in the forty-fourth minute, right before the end of the half, when Darclad scored the 3–1. But even that goal seemed like a necessary fluke, and one which the Golden-Whites would put up a response against. Much to the crowd’s dismay this would prove to be horribly incorrect.

The second-half was a full-blown nightmare. Instead of responding with another goal, the Golden-Whites stopped while they were ahead and pulled back. This allowed a resurgent Darclad to take full initiative of the match. The Macabee players are not known for their brilliant defending, and it showed today, as the midfield made no attempts to turn the game back around. Darclad managed the 3–2 in the fifty-seventh minute from a free kick, after a Macabee defender had toppled an opposing striker just outside of the outer area. Again, instead of responding with another series of counterattacks, the Golden-Whites decided to risk their lead and continue on the defensive. There was probably feeling that they could contain Darclad without putting too much emphasis on scoring again. This line of thought would be the team’s downfall. Darclad managed the 3–3 in the eighty-first minute, after just under twenty minutes of continuous attacks. With an equalizer so late in the game any hopes for another Macabee goal were thin, and even then the offense did not make a real attempt to put the home team ahead of again. This is probably the greatest deception a Macabee home crowd has been subjected to. After six home victories, it is a great deception to celebrate the final one with a haphazard draw. The game should have ended 3–1, or even 4 or 5–1. But, instead, the Golden-Whites put their qualification back on the line by subjecting themselves to their first draw of the stage.

Things are only bound to get more difficult, as the four next games are all away. Tonight, the Golden-Whites visit Gallartium. By all means, the Imperial squad should come out with the three points. Winning the next four matches will be imperative if the squad hopes to qualify for World Cup 48. However, today will be important. Darclad will be hosting Gordon Bay City, and we are hoping that their ability to upset will also transfer to Gordon Bay City. The latter is one point ahead of the Golden-Whites, and a loss on their part could put the Second Empire’s team two points ahead (or a draw on their part would put us one point ahead). Furthermore, it is important to win so that the Golden-Whites can maintain their point difference with Jasī’yūn. Those three points provide a failsafe, in case we lost another match in the group stage. Indeed, our priority should be widening that point margin, as to guarantee our place in the final tournament. The team cannot afford any more complications, as it could throw away all the work done so far. There is a vested interest in excelling, and the squad must revisited this vested interest. Like has always been said, the key to qualifying is consistency. Without consistency there is little hope for moving on to the final tournament, and instead a team should look forward to correcting their flaws during the Cup of Harmony. But, this would not be characteristic of the Golden-Whites. Or, at least, we hope it’s not. At least, it has not during the past two qualification attempts, where the Golden-Whites qualified despite the argument which could have been made that they were not really supposed to (as in, it was not usual for a team of their rank to qualify).

Let us remember that the first time we met Gallartium we smashed the 4–0. There is no reason we could not repeat this on their pitch. They are not an outstanding squad, and they are theoretically less capable than our own players. Tonight would be a good time to shake off yesterday’s draw, and instead forge a new mountain of morale that will carry the team through to the last match of the qualification stage. This will be very necessary in the match against Gordon Bay City (which lost the first-leg 3–0). One of the key lessons of last night’s game against Darclad was that the team should never resign itself to the defensive. It is not a squad which can survive letting go of the initiative. Instead, for a team like the Golden-Whites, the key is to maintain control of the ball in the middle of the field, and cut-off attacks before they can get to the defense. This has been the squad’s main weapon of war, and it was be a tool repossessed in tonight’s match against Gallartium. Hopefully Darclad has not committed too much damage to the squad, and they remain in the right state of mind to wage a successful game of football. Otherwise, we are lost. But there is no reason to be pessimist just yet! Níal Ters has proved revolutionary to the team. He has not failed us yet, and we have reason to believe that he will not fail us for a long time coming. Let us hope that he can take the squad to a three-point victory tonight.

[Sargossa]

The Island Chronicle



Destination Bazundéu
Top of the Group Ma!

With games rapidly running out our fine nation choose rather an apt opportunity to top Group 9 for the first time in the campaign. It wasn't exactly a stroll in the park though as visitors West Pocono arrived in Soluca as something of a banana skin, a big ole’ Baptism of Fire trophy proves they can play a bit, and, with an outside chance of qualification of their own, couldn’t be taken lightly.

Fortunately the opportunistic Rubén Gala reacted quickest to a loose ball from a half cleared corner to settle the nerves with a goal after just four minutes at the ediraf and he showed great composure twenty minutes later when played through, one on one with St. Pierre to finish coolly and double his and Sargossa’s tally. The West Poconi came out for the second half with much more fight in them and halved the deficit with McDonald’s sweetly struck, and fully deserved, goal just past the hour mark. They gave effort in spades but what the visitors lacked was luck and Alberto Herráez’s wickedly deflected effort killed them off, somewhat harshly, with twelve minutes left.

The big game of the night saw Ad’ihan turn over top seeds and former group leaders Bostopia also by a 3 – 1 scoreline. The two results mean both Sargossa and Ad’ihan leapfrog Bostopia into first and second place respectively, with Sargossa in front on goal difference. The Corsairs next face a trip to Stargate Centurion who themselves are just about still alive in the Group 9 shakeup. They sit in fourth place, eight points behind the two qualification spots with twelve points left to play for. They eliminated The Ursine Northlands from contention after a 3 – 0 win in their last fixture.



Schedule

FR: Sargossa 1 - 2 Candelaria And Marquez (ediraf Arena, Soluca)
FR: Sargossa 0 - 0 Nethertopia
FR: Sargossa 2 - 1 Queer Poco el Mono Ara
MD1: Sargossa 1 - 1 Bostopia (ediraf Arena, Soluca)
MD2: Sargossa 1 - 1 Toirram
MD3: Sargossa 3 - 2 West Pocono
MD4: Sargossa 4 - 1 Stargate Centurion (Estadio Del Mar, Cordova)
MD5: Sargossa 1 - 2 Ad’ihan
MD6: Sargossa 2 - 0 Dominguez Hill
MD7: Sargossa 3 - 1 The Ursine Northlands (Ciudad Deportiva, Maturín)
FR: Sargossa 2 - 2 Pasarga (Independiente, Goza)
FR: Sargossa 3 - 1 West Zirconia
MD8: Sargossa 1 - 0 Bostopia
MD9: Sargossa 2 - 0 Toirram (Estadio Azul, Porto Alegro)
MD10: Sargossa 3 - 1 West Pocono (ediraf Arena, Soluca)
MD11: Sargossa @ Stargate Centurion
MD12: Sargossa v Ad’ihan (ediraf Arena, Soluca)
MD13: Sargossa v Dominguez Hill (El Torrigal, Torreón)
MD14: Sargossa @ The Ursine Northlands

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

THE HOLY EMPIRE TRAINING GROUND

"...but 1-0 against a team like EvilDarkMagicians simply isn't good enough, lads. Yes the Sarzonia - Secristan result worked for us, but we have to be more effective with our crossing. Simeone agrees that...."

"PREPARE TO BE JUDGED"

"What the hell is that?"

"It's The Enemy!"

"Run away!"

"SILENCE! I AM NOT THE ENEMY - I AM .... THE INVIGILATOR!"

"The what?"

"Why are you shouting?"

"Why are you dressed in black?"

"I SAID SILENCE! I AM THE INVIGILATOR - RIGHTER OF ACADEMIC WRONGS, DEFENDER OF SCHOLASTIC RIGHTS - AND YOU MUST PREPARE TO BE JUDGED!!!"

"What on earth are you going on about?"

"This is a football training ground, not a..."

"YOU - JOHN CAMATERO.... DID YOU NOT FORGET TO USE A SPELLCHECKER ON YOUR LAST EVER SCHOOL ESSAY?"

"No ... I... I never.... YES! YES! It's all true!!!!! <sob>"

"AND YOU JORGE BOTANIATES - DID YOU NOT ONCE WRITE AN ESSAY CONSISTING OF FIVE PAGES WORTH OF ONE SENTENCE PARAGRAPHS?"

"How.... How do you know these things?"

"MY JUDGEMENT IS NOT YET COMPLETE!!! YOU, PHILOTHEUS COCCINO - DID YOU NOT ONCE START A SOCIOLOGY ESSAY WITH A POINTLESS DIGRESSION ON THE LIES POLITICIANS TELL US?"

"But, but... I only wanted my lecturer to like me.... is that so wrong?"

"ALEXIUS COMNENO.... DENY THAT YOU ONCE PLAGIARISED ALL OF THE INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPHS OF THIS ESSAY!!!!"

"Nooooooooooooooooooooo! I can't deny it! Spare me, I beg you...."

"AND YOU, JUAN TZIMISCES, LEADER OF THIS SORRY BUNCH - WERE YOUR TACTICS AGAINST SECRISTAN NOT STOLEN FROM AL QUDS'S SUCCESSFUL WORLD CUP 2 CAMPAIGN?"

"Yes.... your point?"

"YOU COPIED ANOTHER'S WORK! THIS IS HERESY OF ACADEMIC THOUGHT AND HERESY OF ACADEMIC DEED! I CAST JUDGEMENT UPON YOU!!!!"

"But I attributed my original source in the footnotes..."

"You what?"

"I said, I attributed my original source."

"But.... but.... how did you know my one weakness? Proper attribution of sources? No, this cannot be.... I am the Invigilator! I am invincible!!!!"

<pop>

"Well, I'm glad that's over."

"What was that, old friend?"

"Nothing to worry about, Simeone; probably just some post-event reality warp. Let me just ring SBIS.... Hang on a second <dials> Yes..... Yes..... Uh-huh. Yup, it's just as I though; a bunch of first year undergraduates were having nightmares about their first ever essay, and with the fabric of reality still so weak, they summoned up that... creature."

"But it was horrible coach! So creepy, so horrible, so.... utterly wrong...."

"Well, that's what most university invigilators are like, John. Don't let it get to you; they're kept caged up except during exams, though The Enemy did free a few to fight on his side at the Black Gate. They were merciless - merciless I tell you. I barely escaped with my life. But enough distractions - back to practice!"

[The Archregimancy]

The Journal of Fr. John of New Patmos

In which the true nature of The Event, and its impact on the God-fearing monks of the Archregimancy, are accurately described so that we shall not forget those who have fallen or the nature of The Enemy.

Chapter 7
The Attack on Xenophon continues

Written as the Afterfeast of the Elevation of the Cross continues and we remember Martyr Sophia and her three daughters at Rome, when news of our surprisingly narrow 3-2 away victory over the Liventians did reach the Archregimancy, and news that the cushion between second and third had become more comfortable, though verily we scorn comfort.

And these then were the manifestations of reality that each side did throw against the other as the attack on Xenophon did continued.

The monks did make the skies open, and blessed holy water fell like rain - but then they caused ditches to appear, which carried the water away to the sea.

The monks brought forth a forest of crosses to block their path - but then they called down fire to burn the crossed.

The monks called forth a host of angels to do battle on their behalf - but they called forth demons to battle the angels.

The monks did cause the sun to shine forth all day, so that they could not work against us at night - but they called forth dark clouds that did block the rain.

The monks caused the earth to open, and for the opposing forces to fall through the cracks to Hell itself - but our opponents rejoiced, for their hearts were filled with evil.

For forty days and forty nights did the battle rage forth, the warp and weave of reality shaken to the core, but still the monks held firm.

And it was then that The Enemy brought forth the most dreadful opponent the monks had yet faced... for one morning they woke up to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing their pseudo-Gnostic hymns of arch-heresy, and now at last they knew that drastic action had to be taken....

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

Away victory yields hope, or something

The national football team won 2-1 in East Swartaz, with goals from Tajo Frois in the twentieth minute and Peyo Alarcón in the seventy-sixth sandwiching a Guilherme Yanez own goal in the thirty-seventh. Cristian Delgado said it was important for the team to pick up points on the road. "We'd only beaten Bettia in our previous away games, and even that was sort of flukish."

All in all, the game felt much closer than the teams' previous encounter; Aguazul had won 4-1 at home. The contrast between home and away legs was much stronger in the two games against Letzen: 4-0 Aguazul on matchday two, 1-0 Letzen on matchday nine. "I'm not sure home-field advantage plays into it as much," said Miguel Rionda, "even though it looks like it. The first game, maybe, with the fans all excited...but half of that was just playing well to make sure they didn't set the stadium on fire, and I don't think that's a very good strategy in the long term."

"On the other hand," Delgado suggested, "it could just be a lack of enthusiasm from the East Swartaz fans. I mean, it can't be fun to be named after some other country, particularly one whose football team wins games. Plural. So they didn't support their team as much as they maybe could have." He may be on to something--East Swartaz's players didn't score any goals, after all, and Aguazul's supporters didn't seem particularly riled up.

"A couple of the home fans were yelling something," reminisced an anonymous hooligan, "but it wasn't in Spanish, so we didn't know how to reply." Another member of Aguazul's traveling fan club suggested that they try to pay attention, as the Vanorian players' names might not happen to rhyme with any Spanish obscenities. "And let's face it, if home-field advantage really is in effect for the next game, we're going to need all the ability to cancel it out we can get."

[Dancougar]

Dancougar News!!
Thanks to Exit Trance, Japan is about to get more of my money.

Wings get a foot in the door at Jeru FC: With four games remaining in World Cup 48 qualifying, all that Dancougar needs to make it back to the finals is a single point. Last night's 1-0 squeaker over Jeru FC maintained the twelve-point gap separating them from the third-place Iglesian Archipelago. Jeru FC are six points from the drop and should also find their way into the tournament if their form down the stretch is anything like it was against the Wings.

"Rock solid defending," said Shigeru Takeuchi. "They were leaky the first time we played them, but their form has dramatically improved since then. Their offense sputtered a bit, but once they've got that worked out, you're looking at a well-rounded team. You always feel good after a win like that."

"We threw our best at them and they just pushed back," said Ivan Marchak.

Jeru FC's explosion following their 4-1 loss in Yuki City has put them joint-third in the world for goals scoring in qualification, level with Peisandros at 33. Dancougar still sits first in that table on 37, so the match was billed as an exciting clash between two free-wheeling teams both aiming for the top of the group. The fans were disappointed, then, when neither team came out particularly strong. Jeru FC spent more time in the first half defending than anything else, absorbing pressure and looking for space to counterattack. Play got bogged down in the midfield as each team focused on keeping possession rather than building something. Each foray forward was quickly met by a defender or two to whip the ball away.

John Schiermeier had the best look in the early going, a 30-yard whistler that looked like it might drop down beneath the crossbar at the last moment. Drinke Moore Beer tracked it all the way and probably would have made the save, but was relieved to see it hit the top netting. Arie Honjo had another long look about ten minutes later, as he fired a shot from outside the box that Beer knocked into the turf before grabbing safely. No passes were reaching the box, and crosses were dealt with by the defense. Moses Mead was strong in the air, deflecting a driven header by Ivan Marchak after he'd gotten a rare look inside in the 33rd.

Jeru FC's best chance of the first half came in the 27th minute, with Alex Guiness receiving the ball on an overlapping run and then finding Coopers Cleare making a run into the box. Guiness got the ball around Minoru Imamura and Cleare had a shot from an extreme angle, only to see the ball drift wide of the post. Goalkeeper Kensaku Nakama had it all the way.

"I think we were well-drilled for this one," said Nakama. "Obviously when you have two teams that score a lot of goals, you spend a lot of time worrying about how to counter that. We had a lot of tape to look at, and we're sure they did the same with us."

Dancougar scored the only goal of the match early in the second half. Marchak won a corner in the 51st by deflecting a shot off a defender, and Schiermeier took it short. As players started to drift towards the top of the box, Kent Montego made a dash forward and Paul Barclay, the recipient of the set piece, spotted it and played a ball through the defense into space. Montego's shifty run caught everyone going the wrong way and he pounded a low shot past Beer to make it 1-0.

"I broke free of my marker and nobody covered because nobody saw the danger," said Montego. "Paul was right on the money; if he'd seen that a second later, the play's probably not there." Asked if it was something they'd worked on in practice, Montego merely shrugged. "He's got a good feel for the game and his vision's what makes him tough to beat. And it works for him both ways."

With plenty of time on the clock, Dancougar pressed hard for a second, which kept Jeru FC from mounting a coordinated counter. With fans growing restless, Brian Carson switched to a more aggressive 3-3-4 by bringing on Henry Champagne, which put Jeru FC's entire forward contingent on the field at once. The service was still lacking. Bryon Isachsen and Yori Takada were playing as a forward line of defense, at times giving Dancougar a five-man back line through who no passes were slipping. Direct balls, the Cannons' last resort, were headed clear by Barclay and Imamura.

"We were patient the entire game, and just made sure we covered space responsibly and kept tabs on their players," said Barclay.

With qualification all but assured, Takeuchi plans to rely more heavily on his reserves in the final matches in order to help him to decide who to cut from the final roster for this summer.

[Peisandros]

Tough starts now.

Well, while Peisandros has been sitting pretty and critics have declared them a shoe-in for the finals, the real test begins now. Four away games. If three are won they'll be through. If two are won and a draw is managed, who knows. If less than two are won, it will be down to fate.

Atleast the Sandrian team can get the hardest game out of the way first. Krytenia came to our fair shores and got pumped, so we know that there will be revenge on the minds. It is the only blemish in an otherwise lovely Krytenia qualification record and a win for them would put them two clear of Peisandros - good luck trying to catch up with that. On the other hand, if the Sandrian boys can get up for a draw or earn a sneaky victory, it would go a long way to locking in and booking a ticket to Bazandéu.

But, alas, the game will be tough. There will be goals scored, oh yes. These teams enjoy an attractive style of football, much like Sandrians enjoy a good looking woman. Woman. They are good. Without them, where would we be? Well, would we be at all? Who knows.

There are rumours flying around PFA circles that if the team doesn't qualify, they may look to sue someone. This comes on the back of hours and hours of legal systems study by, err, 'someone' within the organisation. We have no idea how this would play out, or why, but it could. You never know. It's the World Cup and tensions are high. It also happens to be approaching exam time in, err, 'Peisandros', so there are lots of students working very hard. It's a good time, but a stressful one.

This has nothing to do with football, but is an important insight in to the nature of the country at the moment. If a loss does occur or the team derails overseas, it wouldn't surprise me to see these students riot. It appears to happen annually here in Peisandros, but the football team failing could provide the spark. So, all in all, it does have something to do with football. It always has something to do with football. They all fucking love football!

Anyway, enjoy the game. Shout loud, because the team.... might hear you?

[Pasarga]

"CALABRESE!!! Just what do you think you are doing getting dressed for the match? You are not in my starting eleven, nor even on the game day roster!"

"Cmon gaffer, this is the big one. If we don't win here, we might as well make plans for the Cup of Harmony. There would be no way to make up eight points with three matches, just no way we could do that."

The manager sighed and looked around the room. The side was nervous, that much was clear. They had to win here in Vephrall if they had any chance at all at overtaking their opposition in the table. Yet the news following the result against Valladares had not been well for the striker. A grade two concussion, meaning that he had sat out the previous match at Nikea, and was supposed to be sitting out for this match as well. The entirety of the squad was looking at the two as the manager took his striker aside and consoled him.

"I know where you heart is laddy, I would be doing the same thing if I were in your position, but the doctors have told us both that if you play right now and get another blow to the head, it could cause lasting damage. Now this match may be pivotal for us now, but think about the rest of your life lad. Do you really not want to be able what you had for lunch, what you name is, and so on down the road? The best thing you can do for yourself and your teammates is to sit in the stands and cheer them on."

"Cmon gaffer, you know I can't do that. I love this game to much, it would kill me to just sit there and not be able to contribute anything to the match. To see my side fighting for their qualification lives and all I can do is sit and watch. It's just not in my bones to do nothing."

"Aye, no person with any heart of the game likes to feel like they aren't doing what they can, but take my advice. Your best option is sit this next week, get back into form with your club, and come back in two weeks fully healthy."

Despite the obvious displeasure of the action, the striker went back to his locker and began to change back into his business suit. As the rest of the team began to file out to begin the pregrame preparations, he shouted out to them, "Win this one for Calabrese and Pasarga! Let them feel the string of the green, red, and gold!!!"

[Krytenia]

(OOC: Yup, the song's early this cup.)

Oh no, oh no, oh no!
Yo, yo, yo

Oh no you didn’t!
Sandros tried to play us, But you never slayed us, never

Oh no you didn’t!
Pay back is a coming, You will be running forever

Oh no you didn't!
Till we get our vengence, we will never end this striking

Oh no you didn’t!
We're the Cyan Army, you ain't gotta prayer 'gainst Bettseee!
Oh no you didn’t!

Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Didn't you oh no
You didn't give three and we want three
So now its over for you!

papapapapapapapapapapapapapa
Yeah!
papapapapapapapapapapapapapa
Yoyo
check it out!

Oh no you didn’t!
First you tried to trap us, then you tried the slap in our face

Oh no you didn’t!
Such humiliation, would bring annihilation at our place

Oh no you didnt!
It will be delicious, when we get vicious tomorrow

Oh no you didn’t!
There’s no second chances, you will do the dance of sorrow
Oh no you didn’t!

Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn't!
Oh no you didn’t!
Didn't you oh no
You didn't give three and we want three
So now its over for you!

Papapapapapapapappapapa
What a fool!
Papapapapapapapapa
alright come on!

Oh no you didn’t
Better watch your back boys, keep running!

This aint just a game, we''ll never stop coming

We got or arsenal, we put out the call

And when we finish y'all, you'll be worse than Vephrall

Fool tried to dismiss us, now your gonna lose Peisandros!

Oh no you didn’t!
After we deliver, a flood just like a river of blue

Oh no you didn’t!
Better beware, when no one’s there to defend you!

Oh no you didn’t!
So many ways to score, Its gonna be a thrall to end youuuuu

Oh no you didn’t

Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Oh no you didn’t!
Didnt you oh no
You didnt pay me what you owe me
So now it’s over for yoooooouu oooooo

Oh no!
Oh no!
Oh no!
Oh no you d(Crowd roars)

[Antarctistan]

The MacMurdo Half-Sun
Say bye bye to qualification!

Today the still injured Antarctistani team went into Queer Poco, expecting to win. Some players were overtly cocky, some werent, however it was obvious that each of them were. Weather it was a swing in their step, a prideful stride, or vandalizing cars pre-game it was obvious that The CTI Boys' thought they going to win, and win big.

Going into the locker room the manager had few words, just to not let the hype to get to their head and to remember that the opposing team is better than them. With those words the team then slowly made their way on to the pitch. There the game began.

The fans were treated to a pretty solid first half from both teams until the 30th minute when a rare Queer defensive lapse allowed Daxton Veletez to put it in an open goal to make the score. After the goal the Queer offense upped the pressure, putting the already weak Antarctistani defense into over drive, and in the 42nd minute after stretching the d to their limits Dossena scored off a Roberts defense.

That was the story of the first half. The only other incident was the apparent slapping of Queer captain Tomas Poborsky from his coach. Nonetheless, there were some stern words from both managers, which were ringing in their ears as they went back out on the field.

Hoping not to give up another goal Antarctistan switched to the much more defensive 8-1-2. It worked for a while but in the end Bowyer had a GOAL IN INJURY TIME TO SEAL THE DEAL.

Sure mathematically Antarctistan is still in the cup, however it will take some upsets for that to happen. Their next match is against Sectristan in Secristan. One they will have to win. To maintain Secristan as the best team to never qualify, and to give Antarctistan one final hope at making it. However, since that's very unlikely the team has decided to have some fun, and will play their remaining games naked. Hopefully, they'll get a kick out of that. (Yes, they will brave the harsh temperatures of Antarctistan)

GOALSCORERS

30' Veletez
42' Dossena
90' Bowyer

[Valanora]

The atmosphere around the training grounds in Capri was very quiet and desolate. Following the draw in Bettia, Narmolanya had closed off public access to the training and had worked his squad to the late hours of the afternoon. It had been a lethargic, let's sleep walk through the result, type of performance in Bettia. Narmolanya had decided that if the squad was not going to take the matches seriously, then they would be taking their training sessions seriously. Longer training sessions, more running, and less of the seven on seven drills had been the recipe for getting the squad back into gear. The squad itself was begrudgingly accepting the new treatment from the manager, with many complaining. However, Morose and Soldarian were laughing after the finaly training session before the side's match against Aguazul before Narmolanya came in and began to address the squad.

"Now listen here lads and lasses, I know I've run you tough this week and for good reason. The effort that you put out last week in Bettia is not acceptable of a squad that has aspirations for running the gauntlet and winning the World Cup. It was a pitiful excuse for taking your opponent very lightly and suffering the result as an extreme consequence. As you all know, we have Aguazul here in Capri tomorrow. Despite being unranked going into this Qualifying, the side has proved that they are quite the good little side. That was put very much on display when they ran us for a draw when we traveled to their place in the first half of qualifying.

What I did at Raynor City was make it so that everyone who was on the gameday roster had earned their way onto those eighteen spots, and the starting eleven. Now, I didn't bring that to the table when I first took over the position because you lot are all top class footballers and I expected the very best out of you without the need to push and prod. Obviously this is not the case. Is it my fault for not instilling my system in the beginning, is it yours for becoming to self sure? Honestly, it is probably a combination of both, but that is no more. As you have seen, I will test you however I think you need to be tested in order to bring out the best of you, the parts of you you don't even realize you have.

We have a duty to our nation to come out victorious in this match. By being lazy, we have allowed our qualification go from quite relaxed to a very tense and tenuous situation. This is something that the Marauders have not seen since long ago in World Cup thirty-five. I will not allow you or this nation to take a step back in our spot among the elite of footballing countries. If it means I have to bench someone like Hawk to do so, I will. I say this not as a threat, but to put everything into perspective for you. You are here because you are among the best individuals to have ever played the sport for this nation and in the history of the sport. However, all that talent means nothing if you can't utilize it. I don't want to be the bad guy here, but you are not living up to your namesakes, and this must change tomorrow, else all the work your predecessors have done has been for nothing..."

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem Government News

NN's Bebe replaces sick Kaye for Jeru FC duties

JGN's Kaye Rococco will be replaced by Naked News's Bebe Bumbles for the rest of Jeru FC's World Cup campaign. Kaye went down with a virus recently and still isn't well enough to travel with the Jeru FC. Kaye has a weak immune system due to her time at Jeru FC with the Southern Northland lifestyle. Bebe Bumbles from Naked News Jeruselem has volunteered to take over Kaye's duties as most reporters do not have specific army security clearance. Bebe worked as a contractor to the army in a past life. Bebe has an artificial hand due to an accident during her employment with the army after a careless person left a live grenade in a garbage bin.