10th Di Bradini Cup (RP, Rosters & Scores)

by **Sargossa** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:48 am

If you happened to be looking, which in fairness is highly unlikely, but if you were you’d be hard pushed to find a more content man in all of Starblaydia than Juan Manuel Del Rios. Had you asked him a couple of weeks ago just how content he was you may have been told to go forth and multiply as his Mercadel side stuttered in the SuperLiga after a run of draws and finished in a disappointing 15th place. It all seemed an awfully long time ago now. Just three weeks later here he was on foreign soil as first national Under-21 coach, first international anything coach come to that, of Sargossa. An unexpected reward after what was a difficult season. He hadn’t thought twice about it either after being offered the role ahead of the likes of Gabriel Vizcarra and former Canderlaria And Marquez U21 boss Jaon van Deene. Mind you Mrs Del Rios wasn’t happy about it having been forced to cancel their end of season holiday.

And then the draw. What could be better than being drawn against some of the biggest names around? Mighty top seeds Valanora, Cafundéu with their domestic league the envy of the world and then there was Canderlaria And Marquez. Neighbouring Canderlaria And Marquez, former world champions, whose all powerful CMSC dwarfs the meagre SuperLiga utterly. It would mark the first time Sargossan and Candelariasian sides have clashed (well, technically second. But funnily enough Sporting San Marquez’s 6 – 1 Globe Cup hammering at the hands of Caires Sports doesn’t get mentioned much) and was a fixture the entire archipelago was looking forward too. Secristan, a nation whose love of money Sargossans can relate to, The Macabees and The Animal Union completed Group D.

What made Del Rios’ life that much easier was that very little was expected of his side. They along with the likes of The Animal Union, South Wienda, Lanceo and the other unranked sides were largely expected to roll over for their more illustrious opponents. Although the coach expected certain Poconese and Albundanians may have other ideas. And perhaps the international community might now sit up and take notice of his own little side. Particularly after Pedro Cortijo rose majestically to plant a header from Carlos Rodríguez’s cross firmly past Baraathien Mithaniel to cause the big scoreboard to flash up with the ridiculous scoreline of Sargossa 3 – 1 Valanora. The top seeds may have roared back in the final quarter of an hour, they’re a class act you know, with Vorondur and young sub Tinuren bringing them level and, but for a spectacular save from Tejera, Vanmiel would have won it at the death. But at the final whistle, on their international debut, Sargossa had held the top seeds and two time U21 champions to a draw and for Juan Manuel Del Rios all was right with the world.

by **Queer Poco el Mono Ara** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 7:55 am

“Tell him to pack his things, he’s going home.” Mr. Espinoza was on the telephone to Miguel da Rossa. The two were discussing the issue of Hugo Anderson, the young star was becoming a brat and this venture into international football was being marred by his lack of cooperation. This was Queer Poco’s first ever international competition and they didn’t want the world to see how their youngest player was behaving.

“We play our first game shortly and we don’t need this kind of disruption to the team. Send him back to Queer Poco, but inform him that he will not play for the National XI until his attitude changes.” Asdrubal Espinoza was being abrupt, but he was still working for Albrecht Turkish and didn’t have time for this during his day to day duties.

Da Rossa nodded, but realized Asdrubal couldn’t see him nodding. “Will do, should we bring across another player to replace him?”

“No, 22 players is plenty. Just get him out of the team, we don’t need his bad attitude rubbing off on the others.”

“Okay, thanks Asdrubal.”

Miguel da Rossa knocked on Hugo Anderson’s hotel room door and broke the news that he was being sent back home to Queer Poco. That afternoon the spoilt brat reverted to being a child as he cried on da Rossa’s shoulder. Begging for forgiveness and pledging to alter his attitude. “I’ll change, I promise.” He sobbed.

That night Hugo Anderson trained harder than he had for years and had more than definitely done enough to be considered for the starting line up against Albundania.

by **Dancougar** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 8:59 am

Dancougar News!!
No ripping off my opponents' RP style this time.

Taeshan slip by Junior Wings: The conclusions drawn from Taeshan's 1-0 defeat over Dancougar shouldn't go as far as "high school freshmen are better than college freshmen." At least, not yet. But as the Junior Wings continue to consist solely of college athletes with few resources allocated to finding up-and-coming high school prodigies, one wonders if the youth team is indeed taking the wrong approach with its program.

Experience couldn't be the problem, especially since only a single player on the Taeshan roster, striker Jamie Spenser, could challenge any of the Junior Wings for age. Everybody else was at least four years younger than our entire roster, which anyone would have considered a huge advantage. Maturity, stamina, strength... in all those things, Takeuchi's collegians should have won out. Should have. But rather than submit to all that, the Junior Knights came out in a high-octane 3-4-3 and forced the Wings to keep up with them.

What followed was a fairly even contest. Taeshan were getting players forward but their positioning wasn't as good, leading to bad passes and few chances. Dancougar's defense was young compared to the rest of the starters, with two players just coming off their freshman seasons. One of them drawing attention was Paul Barclay, who is the second defending Barclay to come out of Chastain College. The first was his father, former national-teamer Brandon, who returned home after a long career in Cafundeu. Paul was born there, and as a result, his playing style is flashier than that of his compatriots. His fundamentals were also sound, and he kept Kolby Tarihito from taking any shots.

Leave it to the midfield, then, to provide the offensive spark. The lone goal came in the 33rd minute courtesy of Kyle Longwaters, who got a deflection off Rokuro Katayama to put his team ahead. Longwaters was left alone at the top of the box and had all the time in the world to prepare a shot. Katayama charged in to close him down and stretched his foot out at the last moment. The shot sailed up and clipped the top of his foot, changing the flight of the ball decisively. Benny Arribas was unable to adjust in midair and it blooped over him to make it 1-0 to the Knights.

The Wings had opportunities to draw level, but they came few and far between. Offensively, they had players who were used to scoring goals. Kenny Banister had a breakout year at Kildare Maritime with 10 goals in 16 matches, while Katsu Aihara is just the latest striker to be churned out of Hazuki State's attacking machine. Yet between them, they managed only four shots on goal for the entire match, all of which were grabbed confidently by Marigold Petersheim. A few more came out of the midfield, where the best scoring chance was Colt Seneker's free kick that Petersheim pushed wide with an all-out dive.

by **Starblaydia** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 9:23 am

Hey, England! Got Milk?
Peisandros held by Starblaydia

Let's forget, for a moment, that Starblaydia's manager has got a surname that sounds like it'd make an excellent virtual nation state of some type (partly because you've had to wonder who the Engs were, and why they named a land after themselves). Remember, though, that he is a World Cup Champion, having worn the number seven shirt in the 2090 World Cup*, in which Starblaydia took a glorious fourth world title. During that tournament, of course, Starblaydia played a nation by the name of Peisandros. New to the world of international football, they had only just come on to the global stage and were playing in their first Cup, making it through to the last sixteen. Starblaydia dispatched them by a single Valrauncion goal on their way to defeating the giants of Captializt SLANI, Valanora and Cafundéu in the remaining matches, but it is now a decade later and Peisandro's Under-21 programme is figured to be better than that of Starblaydia's.

That is some blow to the Starblaydi Football Association, who are only seeded joint-tenth in the tenth edition of their own tournament. Back in the glory days, Starblaydia's Under-21 side was consistently the best in the world, dominating the teen-editions of the Under-21 World Cup. As we are now in the thirties in terms of U21WCs, a Starblaydi renaissance is hoped for and, based on this evidence against fifth-seeded Peisandros, may well be on its way.

The first star of the show was Nicole Maitland-Banks. Descended from Starblaydia's greatest ever striker, the 59 goals in 69 games Jacqueline Maitland, Nicole showed that there's certainly something in the genes as it took less than four minutes of her Under-21 debut to slot what was her first ever goal in a Starblaydi shirt and also Starblaydia's first goal of the tournament. Peisandros were stunned as Starblaydia celebrated, but they quickly got into a stride of their own. Sophronia was forced into a few early saves, most notably from Adraktas, before Peisandros finally found the net from Carsten Jasper just before the half hour mark.

Things got worse for Starblaydia as the elder of the two Sandrian strikers, Keith Smith, showed great awareness to get away from Gregory Kanzantzakis and scored past Sophronia to make it 2-1 just before half time. Starblaydia went in at the interval with their heads down, but the second half would provide a great deal of excitement.

Seoan Gukjei's growing reputation for tough - even violent - fans is evidently sprouting roots in the club itself as the young left-sided midfielder Jimmy Vecasu found himself on the receiving end of two deserved yellow cards. Firstly for arguing too much with the referee over a perceived foul challenge by Vincenzo Kononos, the second minutes later for flattening Petros Zaimis with a two-footed tackle. Ricky England immediately reorganised, bringing off the spritely Maitland-Banks in favour of the young winger Antoine Fauve, leaving J.J. Suntaran to lead the line by his strapping self.

There was something else, however, as Starblaydia switched to a 4-4-1. Going into attack, on the occasions that they managed it in the second half, a 4-2-3 developed with Starblayde and Fauve running rampant on the wings in order to feed Suntaran the ball. There was much made of not only the inclusion of Julius Starblayde in this side, but also his promotion to captain. Based on this second half performance, there can be no qualms about who wears the armband in this team. Young Starblayde led from the front, tracked back to defend and generally welded his team into an excellent on-pitch unit when a man behind. No-one was surprised, then, when with just moments to go, Starblayde broke away down the right-hand side of the pitch, sprinted towards the goal line and put in a superb curling cross. The ball sailed into the penalty area and was met by the head of J.J. Suntaran, who powered the ball into the net past Athanasiadis.

Starblaydia have a bye match next, though after having managed to fight a draw with this fifth-seeded side in this tournament already, the will know that their next three games against Lanceo, South Wienda and Taeshan will be substantially easier than the final two against Yafor 2 and Dancougar. If Starblaydia can pick up enough points over their next three matches, they may have enough to sneak under the line and nick one of the better top four places in this group, rather than the 4th spot which seedings would dictate.

Final Score:
Starblaydia 2 - 2 Peisandros
(Maitland-Banks 4, Suntaran 88) - (Jasper 28, Smith 41)

*The year 2090 is World Cup 44 in the Starblaydi timeline

by **The Macabees** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 10:31 am

Macabee Youth Kick Start the 10th Di Bradini Cup with a Bang

[Darsí Bon shows off his new talent in front of Raheem Kay]

Nerves. Frustration. Ecstasy. That sums up today's thrilling match day against Candelaria And Marquez.¹ Rank aside, the Imperial team began the match as boys and ended it as men, and showed the world that they were not a team to underestimate. They had done this once before. Aside from the 8th Di Bradini Cup, which was an utter disaster,² the team has done historically well. Of course, their only history is the 5th Di Bradini Cup, where they also came up against C&M during the group stage and drew their rivals 3–3. Although they failed to qualify for the finals, they finished their first cup third in the group, behind Starblaydia and Jeruselem. With today's victory against C&M, they are hoping that their second true appearance to the competition will net better results. But for that, the team will have to repeat their utter determination to come up on top, as they meet the number one under-twenty-one team in the world, Valanora.³ Regardless, if they can defeat C&M, they can defeat Valanora. This is the age of Macabee football, as we qualify for the World Cup 46 finals.⁴ Our national teams have shown a propensity to fight to the end, unselfishly shedding their blood, sweat and tears. This under-twenty-one squad is no different at heart.

Thence he passed to Asia, where he heard that Domitius was beaten by Pharnaces, son of Mithridates, and had fled out of Pontus with a handful of men; and that Pharnaces pursued the victory so eagerly, that though he was already master of Bithynia and Cappadocia, he had a further design of attempting the Lesser Armenia, and was inviting all kings and tetrarchs there to rise. Cæsar immediately marched against him with three legions, fought him near Zela, drove him out of Pontus, and totally defeated his army. When he gave Amantius, a friend of his at Rome, an account of this action, to express the promptness and rapidity of it he used three words, I came, saw and conquered, which in Latin, having all the same cadence, carry with them a very suitable air of brevity.⁵

Worthwhile frustration
The Golden-Whites waited the entirety of the first half for the first and only goal of the game, and were rightfully frustrated. Despite an early start by C&M, which took advantage of their position of experience, the four-man Macabee midfield was able to slowly take control of the game. This was true insofar as to allowing the young footballers several brilliant opportunities to open the scoreboard. But, none of these deep passes, intelligent crosses or single-man actions manifested themselves as goals. And, with C&M's team also making dangerous plays inside the area, it was obvious that the Golden-Whites would have to score soon, less they surrendered the game to their rivals. Their faces twisted, the men on the field did little to hide their building disappointment. To throw away the game would have been more than just a simple waste. It would have been an early retreat from the Di Bradini Cup, because experience shows that an early defeat normally meant more defeats down the road, the Macabee team could hardly afford to be defeated—especially given that their second match day was against the "mythical"⁶ Valanora. This frustration was probably most visible on striker Shost Glen's face. The twenty-one year old, a World Cup 46 veteran, had thrown his hands up in the air as his third shot of the evening hit the right post of the goal box. His face was twisted and contorted with pain and anxiety, as he saw his efforts dissipate as failed attempts to put his national team ahead. In the forty-first minute, he had fallen to his knees, looking up towards the sky, as if there was some greater being that was letting him down. At one point, one could even see a tear stroll down his cheek. Of course, for all these players failure is not an option. Most of them are trying to prove their value. The Empire, with nearly thirteen billion souls, was a pool for young, eager and talented football players, and these men who represented their national teams could be replaced just as easily as they had been called-up if they did not preform up to standards. Obviously, for Shost Glen failure represented one more step back to club football, and for a Macabee it was unthinkable to fail when representing your nation. During the post-game press conference, the twenty-one year old put it best:

Imagine that you put your all. That your veins are flowing with adrenaline. Your pores are spilling hope, fear and anger, mixed together like a powerful potion of emotion. Imagine that your every effort ends in vain. You look back, after failing, to see your enemy drive the ball down the field and then almost score. Imagine had he scored. In football, when you're on the field, failure is not an option. This sport is one of surprise. A team can dominate a game, and it can still lose. A team can score three goals in eighty minutes, and then see its foe score three in the final ten. This is football. This is what makes it the greatest sport on the planet. But, this is also what makes and breaks teams, and when you're on the field this characteristic is not one of football's better qualities. Frustration is not pleasant, let me tell you that—Shost Glen.

As the second-half emerged, one could tell that Shost Glen had been replaced. Although Nether Falsó continued at the top, Glen was substituted during the half-time by seventeen year old Darsí Bon. For young Darsí, a talent from the Illusque youth team, this would be his first international match. And, it would be one he never forgot. Although the first ten minutes of the second-half continued much like the forty-five minutes of the first-half, the Macabee goal was not long in coming. Joán Zeneti, the World Cup veteran, skillfully stole the ball from C&M midfielder Guildford Herbert, and quickly passed it to Nether Falsó. The experienced Falsó took advantage of opportunity when he saw it. A deep pass to Darsí, in what could almost be called offside (he was right "on the line", so to speak), ended in a thrilling breakaway. Dashing to the right, he outmaneuvered C&M goalkeeper Raheem Kay and stored the ball at the back of C&M's net. Nearly simultaneously—and this is no exaggeration—the crowd stood up and went wild. The Golden-Whites were finally ahead. They could breath a sigh of relief. Darsí could hardly believe it. It took him a short while to register, but when he figured out his very own deed he too turned into a madman. Sprinting into the goal box, he grabbed the ball and ran. Then ran some more. His right arm was up in the air, pointing to the crowd, and he came to a stop at the very edge of the playing area. He brought his right hand, with his index finger extended, to his mouth. Kissing it, he then pointing towards the sky, looking up at the same time. For him, that minute would not last long enough. But, ironically, it would be a minute that would last forever. It was hard for a man in the crowd, waving the Imperial flag, or cheering the young striker on, to truly understand the bliss in scoring for your country. He would later try to put it into words:

I could not believe what I had done. I know that we footballers are supposed to appear modest, but it's difficult to fake modesty when you have just scored your first goal for your country. For most, they will never feel the rhapsody of what I accomplished. They will never feel that fluid of beatitude filling your veins and extending through your entire body, causing your skin to bubble and for your hair on the back of your neck to electrify. That goal was for my country and for our fans, but to a certain extent, for myself, it was my greatest achievement. That said, I truly hope to repeat it in the near future.

Like ancient generals before him, he had come, he had seen and he had conquered.

That was the seventy-first minute of the game. The other nineteen minutes of regular time, and then three minutes of injury time, would be minutes of perpetual fear. It, indeed, seemed never ending. The Golden-Whites could not bring themselves to repeat their erstwhile endeavor. They struggled. They fought. But, their efforts did not conclude in further immediate glory. But, the same could be said for C&M. They watched as how the minutes ticked by, and how each passing play meant one less to score. But, it was only correct that the team's first 10th Di Bradini Cup group match was one of nerves. It was only right that the team was made to sacrifice everything in order to win. And, the conclusion was only made more glorious. It is like the mountain climber. Every step of his achievement is met with an obstacle. He cannot find an easy way up. He is frustrated. He feels fear and anxiety. But, when reaching the peak, the jubilation is all that much more intense. He feels that wave of pleasure excite his body. That was what it felt to win the match against C&M by a bare 0–1.

Parts of the post-game press conference
Reporter: Mr. Kían⁷ what was the secret to winning the game?

Figer Kían: You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.⁸

Reporter: (Chuckling.) Is this a fair assessment?

Figer Kían: Look, there was no overall secret. The men went on the field and gave it their best shot. The defense held their offense by playing a tight game, and the midfield was quick to move down. In fact, if our defense played like this all of our games I'd say we have a good chance of qualifying, and I'd say even a good chance of becoming champions. I mean, it's a bit early, and I feel that I just jinxed the team ... so, if we lose against Valanora you now know why. But, in all seriousness, the boys went out with good chemistry, they connected very well and they put every inch of effort they could possibly put into winning. This effort was not in vain, as we left the field with a narrow victory under our belt. We will not play Valanora with that much more confidence, and it's a great feeling as a manager knowing that your men have that psychological edge. It will make our chances of coming out on top that much higher.

Reporter: Will there be any changes to the starting eleven?

Figer Kían: Since when did a commander give away his intentions? Good try, though.

Analysis: Studying the evidence
The other games of the group were no less interesting. Valanora, group favorites, drew 3–3 with Sargrossa. The interesting fact is that Sargrossa is unranked, which sends a flicker of hope through the spines of Valanora's future foes on the field, including the Golden-Whites. Cafundéu was defeated 1–3 by Secristan. This was another upset, although not as much (a three rank difference). And so, the first match day shows eclectic results. Secristan sits in first place, with the Second Empire's youth second,⁹ and Sargrossa third. But, ten goals in two games was not uninteresting. Regardless, even Sargrossa's press depicted their first match as an upset, even if Valanora had not really been defeated. But, it was as good as a defeat. Valanora failed to overcome an unranked team, stumbling their first match day. Those who were ranked far behind the number one squad in the world hoped that this was permanent. This was especially true of the Imperial squad that would come up against it soon enough. They could care less about the other teams, but a victory against Valanora would be of utmost importance. These types of wins were not unknown to the Empire. Indeed, during the qualification for World Cup 46 they had defeated Newmanistan twice and the Yaforites once, allowing them to rise to the top of their qualification group with only one loss. At the time, the Empire's football team was sixty-fifth in the world, Newmanistan in the top thirties and Yafor thirteenth. It was quite a feat, and a feat that the youth team hoped to mimic in the 10th Di Bradini Cup. There were three principle obstacles considered: C&M, Valanora and Cafundéu. In the climb up Everest, one of those obstacles had already been overcome. Now remained two more.

If there was one lesson to learn, it was the following:

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all—Dale Carnegie

The truth of the matter is that if the team plays like they did against C&M, a win against Valanora would not be far fetched. But, the moment of truth will only be composed of that ninety minute match. Until then, we wait. Frustrated. Nervous. Excited. These are the emotions of football. These are the emotions that make it all worthwhile. These are the emotions that differentiate boys from men. There are those who break before it—the boys. There are those who overcome it—those are the men.

Nevertheless his countrymen, conceding all to his fortune, and accepting the bit, in the hope that the government of a single person would give them time to breathe after so many civil wars and calamities, made him dictator for life. This was indeed a tyranny avowed, since his power now was not only absolute, but perpetual too. Cicero made the first proposals to the senate for conferring honours upon him, which might in some sort be said not to exceed the limits of ordinary human moderation. But others, striving which should deserve most, carried them so excessively high, that they made Cæser odious to the most indifferent and moderate sort of men, by the pretentions and extravegance of the titles which they decreed him. His enemies, too, are thought to have had some share in this, as well as his flatterers.¹⁰

________________________

Notes:
1. From now on abbreviated C&M.
2. Although the team had extended an application to partake in the tournament, they were eventually forfeited when they failed to actually make it to Starblaydia to play.
3. Also the number one regular international associated football team in the world.
4. Our "crash and burn" experience during the group stage, aside.
5. Plutarch, Plutarch's Lives: Volume II (2001). New York City, New York: The Modern Library Classics (p. 232).
6. Mythical for a "small" team like the Golden-Whites.
7. Figer Kían is the team's manager.
8. This quote is attributed to Albert Einstein.
9. Whatever literally device this is, it was not intended. Trust me, I prefer first place!
10. Plutarch, op. cit., p. 235.

by **Albundania** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 10:57 am

Beginners Luck?

Starbladyia - Perhaps it was luck, maybe skill, but either way the U-21 team for Albundania managed to tie up their first opponent, the best seeded team in the group, one to one. " It was an amazing experience and such a thrill to tie this team." says Antionio Halpern, who scored Albundania's only goal yesterday. "I'm not going to lie, I was not expecting to even be able to tie that one." says team captain Bobby McGray. McGray also says "we shouldn't get cocky. We are still by no means in a good spot here. Maybe, with a win tonight, we can be more sure about our position." The Goalkeeper, Leonard Canton, also did exceptionally well, despite giving up a goal. "As much as I wanted a clean sheet," he said, "I'm very satisfied with just giving up one goal in my first international match." Tonight they play Queer Poco el Mono Ara. Queer Poco el Mono Ara have not played a game yet this year, and are the only other team in the group that were unseeded.

by **Taeshan** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 11:13 am

X Island Inquirer

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In their opening game of the season the newest additions to the Taeshani National U21 began with a big win. Behind Captain Jamie Spenser the only rival to the other teams expirience the Lil' Knights suceeded in putting a 1-0 victory in the bag against the 8th ranked Dancougar U21 team, the very same U21 team whos National side just one the World cup earlier in this Taeshani year. Behind a thirtythird minute Kyle Longwaters goal the K nights went on to win the day in a suprising win for the young team. Coming in expected to do a midlevel performance as many other Knights teams do the Lil' Knights stunned their fans winning an important early game on their track to winning a championship.

In the most suprising game in Lil' Purple Knights history the gallant 15-19 year old U21 team won with a thirtythird minute goal by a formerly unknown midfielder Kyle Longwaters playing in his first international game who scored when he got lucky in the outside of the box kicking it off a Dancougar defender and over the astonished Dancougar goalie who had no chance at even having a chance to grab the ball in its pursuit for the back of the net. On the day the yung team overall did not play good having few scoring chances on the day, and capitalizing on only a singular chance. It may be suprising to here that the Knights opened up with another shutout, but it seems like the national team the Lil' Knights have a flair for the azeroation. Up next is sure to be another test for the Knights as they look to go where no Knight has ever been before.

by **Bears Armed** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 12:08 pm

(As far as Bears Armed is concerned, this is happening in the year after WC46 which means that [if I've calculated this correctly, according to the revised (4-year) cycle] it's now 2019AD in this nation.)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Team: Bears Armed (alias "the Bear-Bellettes"...).

(Yes, this country's 'U21' team is still another all-female one, like those that we've sent to the BoF & WCs, and like the one that we sent to DBC9 . As I've already explained before this, it's because the main ball-game that's been played in BA so far is actually closer to being a form of Rugby, but [for several reasons] the professional league for that sport is all-male and so during the last twelve years or so there's been a drive to establish Soccer as a sport of comparable status to that on behalf of the female players & prospective players.)

National football organisation: ‘Bears Armed Association for Soccer’ (= ‘BAAS’).
(Chairbear: Urra-Harrlo o Westfells [Chairbear of Wiston Wanderers S.C.])

National anthem: ‘Peace’.
U21s' Manager/Chief Coach: Harrya o Herrchaum _ female Ursine _ Clan = Herrchaum, Soccer experience = 16 years; age = 39, left-pawed, fur = light brown. (She was #24 in the team for B0F31/WC44, and saw action several times then as a substitute, as a Striker; then was #6, as a starting Midfielder, during WC45.) She probably would have been offered the job of ‘First Deputy Coach’ for the actual 'Bear-Belles', before WC45, if Marra SunDaughter — with whom she’s still friends — hadn’t accepted it. Coached the U21 team for DBC9.
Deputy Coach: Irritti o WildFair _ female Ursine _ Clan = WildWoods, Soccer experience = 15 years, including 7 years playing [as a Midfielder] for the ‘LakePort Lionesss’, 2 years as a Deputy Coach there, and most recently 3 years as Coach of the ‘National University Tigers' (She still holds the last of those jobs.); age = 31, left-pawed, fur = medium brown, slightly below average in size by Ursine standards.

Roster

Nobody who has already played in the "main" national team will still be young enough for this team now.
Most of this team is drawn from that of ‘National University’ (which is located at Council Groves , the nation’s capital city), which is currently the top 'Honeysuckle League' side. Almost all of the players will be actual Ursines (i.e. anthropomorpic, bipedal Bears), but there are also two members from the Harr'aynau people (who are physically human -- more-or-less, although inclined towards heavy builds & hairyness -- but spiritually & culturally Ursine instead), and two actual Humans, as well.

Usual Starters

(#1) Urratharra o Barrdenn _ Clan = GreenWoods, home team = 'National University Tigers', category & usual position = Goalkeeper, 6 years experience of Soccer; age = 18, left-pawed, fur = medium-dark brown, decidedly tall; studying History.

(#2) Harroya o Redwood _ Clan = Redwood, home team = 'King’s University Konquerors', category = Defender, usual position = Left Back, 10 years experience of Soccer; age = 19, left-pawed, fur = medium brown; big, strong, & quite fast; studying Music.
(She was in the team for DBC9, normally as a listed substitute.)

(#3) Marraya RedRose _ Clan = RedRose [‘Free Sept’], home team = 'Mighty Redwoods’ [professional team], category = Defender, usual position = Right Back, 9 years experience of Soccer; age = 20, left-pawed, fur = medium brown with reddish tint; relatively small, but strong and really quite fast.
(She was in the team for DBC9, normally as a reserve.)

(#4) Sunnarra o Redwood _ Clan = Redwood, home team = ‘National University Tigers’, category = Defender/Midfielder , usual position = Centre Back or ‘Defensive Centre’, 8 years experience of Soccer; age = 20, right-pawed, fur = light brown; quite fast; studying Military Science; this team’s CAPTAIN.
(She was in the team for DBC9, normally as a listed substitute.)
(Sometimes she will start, sometimes #5 will do so instead: this depends mainly on our current opponents' playing style...)

(#5) Urraya-Marrla Lightning _ Clan = Gunnar, home team = 'National University Tigers', category = Midfielder/Defender, usual position = Midfield Centre or ‘Defensive Centre’, 5 years experience of Soccer; age = 17, right-pawed, fur = very light brown, big & strong, good eyesight; ‘Pre-Med’ student; perhaps a bit too inclined to take chances?
(See above...)

(#6) Marra-Harroya o Herrchaum _ Clan = Herrchaum, home team = 'National University Tigers', category = Midfielder, usual position = Midfield Left, 7 years experience of Soccer; age = 19, left-pawed, fur = light brown with a greyish tinge; studying Biology.
(She was in the team for DBC9, normally as a reserve.)

(#7) Irritti Redwood _ Clan = Redwood, home team = ‘Bullford University’, category = [Defensive] Midfielder, usual position = Midfield Right, 9 years experience of Soccer; age = 20, left-pawed, fur = medium brown; studying ‘Economics and Business Management’.
(She was in the team for DBC9, normally as a reserve.)

(#10) Harra MoonChild _ Clan = Silver-of-Night, home team = ‘Heroes’ Park Hawks’ (a ‘Junior League’ team, affiliated to the ‘Heroes Park Harlequins’), category = Forward, usual position = Left Forward, only 3 years Soccer experience but naturally talented; age = 16, ambidextrous, fur = cream-coloured; meditates before matches, and -- as is normal for members of her clan, due to their traditionally 'holy' roles in Ursine society -- does not participate in the ’harrdiharr’.

(#11) Urrsa SunBlesséd _ Clan = Sun, home team = ‘National University Tigers’, category = Forward, usual position = Centre Forward, 8 years experience of Soccer; age = 18, right-pawed, fur = ‘wheaten’; very good eyesight, and accuracy at long ranges as well as shorter ones; studying Law; this team’s DEPUTY CAPTAIN.
(She was in the team for DBC9, normally as a reserve.)

(#12) Jerrannya OldWood _ Clan = Redwood, home team = 'Grambridge University’ – the ‘Blue-Greens’, category = Forward, usual position = Right Forward, 9 years experience of Soccer; age = 20, right-pawed, fur = greyish-brown, has good eyesight.
(She was in the team for DBC9, in this same role.)

(#13) Marra Thunder _ Clan = Gunnar, home team = ‘National University Tigers’ (formerly with the ‘Merlchester Babes’, and could have turned professional already if she hadn’t decided to go to university first…), Soccer experience = 7 years; age = 19, left-pawed, fur = dark-medium brown, has a very powerful kick but sometimes has ‘temper’ problems too; studying Education.

(#14) Karrtla Redwood _ Clan = Redwood, home team = ‘national University Tigers', category = Winger, usual position = Right Winger, 10 years experience of Soccer; age = 20, right-pawed, fur = golden-brown, has good eyesight; studying Dentistry.
(She was in the team for DBC9, in this same role.)

(More details to follow...)

__________________________________

Style: Offensive, modifier = +2.5, as "A good offence is the best defence"...
Their usual formation will include a front row of at least 5 (normally as 3 Strikers & 2 Wingers), with 2 Midfielders, 2 Backs, and a ‘Defensive Centre’ whose starting position will be at the midpoint of an imaginary cross drawn between those other four non-forwards’ positions: However in some matches they may replace the latter position with either a third Midfielder or a third Back, instead.

________________________________

Opponents may _

Choose my goalscorers: Y (but the Strikers, and then the Wingers, are likeliest to fill this role...)
Godmod Scoring Events: Y

RP injuries to my players / Godmod injuries to my players / Hand out Yellow cards to my players / Hand out Red cards to my players: Y to all, at least to start with, but remember what I've written here and keep it in limits accordingly... Any serious offences by my players would probably result in injuries to your players, and causing any serious injuries to my players would probably require such obviously-deliberate attacks that your players would get yellow or even red cards as a result too.

Godmod Other Events: Y, I suppose, at least as long as you do so in an AMUSING way... but please remember that Ursines are fully sapient beings, as much as Humans are (well, almost so, anyway....), NOT instinct-driven animals. Oh, and of course female Ursines are NOT sexually interested in Humans (of either sex), and it's very unlikely that female Harr'ayanau would be either. Please don't have them run amok or outright revert to animality, without checking by TG first, don't make assumptions about their views on politics or religion, and don't do anything that would make more than one of them incapable of playing in their next game...

______________________________________________________

Kit (home) = lime-green shirts with bear's-paw emblem (as on the national flag) in pale brown on both front & back; pale brown shorts, with trimming & side-stripes in bands of black, gray & white (representing the other Ursine stocks...); socks = lime-green.
Kit ('away') = white, with emerald-green (or what I call 'emerald-green', which seems to be a rather darker shade than some other people do, anyway...) bear's-paw emblem & trimming.
Kit (goalkeepers) = emerald-green, with the bear's-paw emblem in white.
(Identifying numbers will be in black, except on the goalkeeper's emerald-green where they'll be in white instead: Bears Armed has traditionally used base-8 arithmetic, for several reasons, so the sequence used here will be _ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, etc...)
You can get some idea of what the kit looks like here, although those designs currently use a lighter green than we meant the term 'emerald' to cover and lack the black/gray/white side-stripes & trimming on the shorts...

NOTES

Ursines may tend to be a bit less agile & slower to accelerate than humans on average, but this team's members were carefully selected so the gap between them & their opponents in this respect should be narrower than some people might expect. They do tend to have slightly poorer eyesight than humans, on the whole (although the Sun Clan's members are generally an exception to this rule and their eyesight is often at better-than-human levels instead), so long-distance passes & shots at goal will tend to be rarer behaviour for them than they are for human teams... but their typical size & strength mean that when they're running with the ball it will probably take a very brave human -- as well as a very skilled one -- to tackle them successfully, which should balance that factor pretty well. They don’t jump very well, but then they (especially ,e,bers of Clan Redwood) are generally rather taller than most Human players to start with.
They're physically robust, of course, which means that they're much less likely than humans to suffer injuries in falls or collisions. The females of this species are more even-tempered than the males, and the team's members will try to stay on their best behaviour not only in order to do well in this contest but also to impress upon the watching humans that Ursines aren't just "dumb beasts"... although their youth may leave them a bit more impetuous than the senior team...
They will [i]not 'dive', or feign injury in other ways, because suggesting that they could be harmed so easily goes strongly against the grain.
Cold weather should pose no problem to them, even if there's snow or ice on the pitch, but tropical heat might prove awkward...

At 'home' games, and at 'away' ones too unless their hosts there object, the team's members -- including the designated substitutes for that match -- will perform a [fairly short] ritual that's called the 'harrdiharr' on the pitch just before play begins... This is a traditional war-dance, meant to over-awe opponents, that has come to be a customary prelude for team games as well (similar to the [RL] New Zealanders' 'haka'...).

As has been seen during previous international competitions, actually including the last Di Bradini Cup, some of our fans like to take drums — and possibly cow-horns, or other "musical instruments", too — along to the matches...[/QUOTE]

They've borrowed the same mascot that the country's "senior" national team took to their final match in WC46. This is a "bear-tall" 'DoomDuck' that was presented to the BAAS' by the government of fellow Ursine nation 'The Bear Islands' only a week before that earlier game, a male bird that has been given the name of 'Orville'. His feathers are mostly a fairly dark shade of green, with a light yellow on the belly & under-wings, but with some scarlet "highlights".

by **Candelaria And Marquez** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 1:18 pm

The Albrecht Herald Online International Edition>Sport>Football>In Brief
Small Blues do fairly badly in Starblaydia
By John Patience OBE, Chief Sportswriter

For the next couple of weeks, at the very least, the C&M under-21 football team will be in Starblaydia, assuming it doesn’t switch to Albundania or somewhere half-way through. It might.

You might not be aware of this, unless you’re a Portuguese or MarquezOW supporter wondering where half your squad’s buggered off to all of a sudden, but that’s okay. There are, it’s not unfair to say, rather more interesting things on the telly at the moment, and it’s not as though you’re alone in considering the Under-21 World Cup to be a mere sideshow these days. It’s not as though it’s ever played it’s part in producing Candelariasian world champions at senior level, is it? It’s a wonder we even bother going anymore. I know I didn’t. I’m watching the match on Cúchulainn Sports from the comfort of my palatial Gamboa apartment as we speak, while small fish nibble my toes and a young woman called, I believe, Yanling, feeds me smarties from a shallow dish. I certainly haven’t made the trip to Starblaydia, or Palmouth, or wherever it is this week – any more than I’d go to watch the C&M under-17s take on Ransome-Bkyki Island, say. Why would the notion even enter one’s head?

You may concievably detect a certain amount of sarcasm here, but it’s been a frazzling week for all of us (we really do need to get around to telling all you foreign readers abaout that now, don’t we?) and frankly right now all I wish to do is sleep. Not because of jet lag or anything, though! Perish the thought, dear boy.

For those foolish few who have made the trip to, for the sake of argument, Sappluma; the simple question must be: why? What did you expect, you morons? A performance worthy of a nation still ranked second on the planets for at least another fortnight? What were you thinking!? Don’t you know that the CAMAFA view this little competition with thinly designed distaste nowadays? Why otherwise would they appoint a man who has precided over something short of five victories in the last couple of years, but to formally piss all over the country’s proud history in this competition?

Luis Enrique Torrealba’s own ineptitude is hardly his own fault now, is it? He didn’t ask for this jo… Okay, maybe he did, but he didn’t apoint himself himself, did he? No, that responsibility fell to one Quentin Vokolos, CAMAFA President. What does this man have to do to get the sack himself? Claim for hair straighteners on his expenses? Consort with miners? Set fire to his own farts in public? Under his tenure, we’ve seen the Achtervolging debarcle, we’ve seen Elgin Dannat allowed to walk away from the top job, we’ve seen the under-21 team devalued into an utter joke, we’ve… alright, we’ve won the World Cup, but that’s not the point! We were going to win it anyway, right? It was Sam Mc O’Neil (whatever happened to him, by the way?) who installed Dannat in the first place, who bullied his own beloved CMSC clubs into forging ahead with some manner of youth development programme rather than merely buying cheap kids from overseas. The fruits of Vokolos’ labours are already becoming clear, in the form of a blue-and-green national team that simply don’t want to be here, wherever here is. Probably Logria. Not Cambrow, though. Never Cambrow.

I can’t blame these kids for not having a great deal of pride in wearing that shirt right about now. It wasn’t as though they didn’t try against the Macabees – they had their chances right enough, particularly late on, and a one-all draw might not have been a hopelessly unfair reflection on the overall balance of play. The difference, besides a rather excellent goal, was – and please don’t cringe when I say this – passion. The Macabees cared, in a way that the Small Blues simply couldn’t hope to match. The individual skill, one might argue, belonged to ‘us’, but the concentration and sheer effort was all Macabee. They illustrated training ground passing moves to perfection; C&M hoofed it a bit. Truly, it was sad to see. Thank heavens I wasn’t there.

Maybe by the time the jetlag wheres off, or the E133 kicks in, I’ll see this campaign through cheerier eyes. If Torrealba drops Herbert and installs Dos Santos, playing Reuberson-Mohammed on the right, Cotton in the centre, Nakatsuru on the left and Randjelovic just behind Sáez, with Vaughan and Marcelinho bombing forward from the flanks, then we might just give Secristan a run for their money. And I know that technically gives us twelve players, but that never stopped Kenavt now, did it? We might not lose particularly badly to Valanora. Sargossa might… ugh, that doesn’t bear thinking about. The Di Bradini Cup is nothing if not unpredictable, and losing to what many may consider the group’s least threatening side might not hurt us all that much in the long run. But does it, when all’s said and done, really matter any more?

I’m going to go and eat my smarties in the bath, if you don’t mind.

10th Di Bradini Cup, Group D, Matchday One
@ Bekkside Arena, Tabeck, probably. It often seems to be

Candelaria And Marquez Under-21s 0

The Macabees Under-21s 1
Darsí 71

by **Cafundeu** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 1:50 pm

CCFM RELEASES ANOTHER LIST OF UNKNOWN PLAYERS
TO PLAY ANOTHER U-21 COMPETITION

Style: Very Offensive

Here is the list of 23 players (number-name [age, team, rating]):

Use the BOLDED names of my players, but not in all capitals, when RPing

Goalkeepers:

1- MELKEZEDECK Sobral (20, Engenheiro Peres, B)
12- Derek Soares "CURUPIRA" (20, São Jorge, B)
22- FELIPE Aramis McCosten (18, Internacional de Penderia, C)

Full-Backs:

2- JÚLIO CÉSAR Andrade Fagundes (21, Pocono City [NEW], B)
6- Guilhermino Marcon RADICCI (20, Serrano, A)
14- JULIANO Mello Paixão (20, Porto Lacruz, B)
16- BRUNO Carvalho PINTO (18, Galáxia, C)

Defenders:

3- Arnaldo Farah RODRÍGUEZ (21, Porto Lacruz, A)
4- Antônio Louzada Viana "TONHÃO" (20, Ranca Toco, A)
13- VÍTOR Sorrah MARTINS (19, Clube Imperial, B)
21- Teotônio de Azevedo "TETEO" (17, Rio Bonito, C)

Defensive Midfielders:

5- Manoel Figueira "MANÉ" (21, Petardos S/A, A)
8- Nico LEWTON (17, Serrano, B)
15- DIEGO Rennin Durval (18, Khalmar-Tijhus, B)
20- Luís da Costa Figueroa "LUISINHO" (20, Central United, C)

Offensive Midfielders:

7- RUBIANO de Paula Castañeda (17, Atlético Jutense, A)
10- Gérson AGOSTINHO (20, A.F.F., B)
17- César Valtan GUTIÉRREZ (19, on loan to Malla Gukjei [HAN], B)
23- ADAMÍLSON Pedra Júnior (18, Engenheiro Peres, B)

Attackers:

9- Marcos Aurélio Tomati Doderine "MARQUINHOS" (21, Khalmar-Tijhus, B)
11- Plínio Marçal "GNOMO" (19, América, B)
18- Alexsandro RUIZ (21, SC Lasft, B)
19- WELTON Castanhal (18, Metropolitano, C)

Coach: Waldenyr Caldas (Porto Lacruz)

Formation (offensive 4-4-2):

Code: Select all: ------------------------------Melkezedeck------------------------------ -----Júlio César----------Tonhão-------Rodríguez-----------Radicci----- --------------------Mané-------------------Lewton---------------------- ----------Agostinho-----------------------------------Rubiano---------- -----------------------Marquinhos-----Gnomo----------------------------

Kits:

(home)

(away)

(third)

by **Secristan** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 4:40 pm

MILLIONAIRES WIN BATTLE OF MONEY

It's always fun when Secristan meets Cafundeu, and last night's much was no exception. Parents of the players of both countries want to see their kids succeed so that they get a piece of whatever income they can get from them. The Young Millionaires and Young Monopolists have already had two Di Bradini Cup meetings in their history, one a semifinal victory for us in Di Bradini Cup 7 before we went on to win that title. This year, we have an interesting roster with a handful of players with parents who come from other soccer powers. Then there is Michelle Wilson, the former Dancougaran intern who was fired, from the Dancougar News, but little did they know that she was quite a soccer player. The Millionaires got great play from her. She didn't get her name on the score sheet, but she plays a role in all three Secristan scores, including a beautiful pass to Kevin Shortclef, who opened the scoring in the 18th minute. After Cafundeu tied the game, the Millionaires got a late first half score from Jonas Tisdale, and then an early scond half tally from Lauren Kelly. It was smooth sailing from there as the team opened up Di Bradini play with this impressive victory.

The Secristan Department of Sports reports impressive pay-per-view sales. A big reason for this is likely because there isn't much else going on in the interregional sports world, and the Di Bradini Cup has become a tournament that has really begun to interest our people. According to Katie Simpson, our SDOS rep, "We're seeing very promising initial purchases for these telecasts, and the advertisers are jumping aboard as well. We are also excited about the length of the group stage, because naturally more group stage games means more opportunities to profit. After the Cup of Harmony, this was important." Candelaria And Marquez, a nation that has seen alot of success in this tournament and is always a favorite to win it, is our next opponent.

by **Taeshan** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 5:31 pm

X Island Inquirer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Up tonight is matchday 2 of the tenth Di Bradini Under 21 World Championship. In their second game of the year the Knights will take on World Number 4 Yafor 2. Even after a big opening night win the Knights should not take the fact that they have beaten a top team into this game, because when your good you can have bad days, but when your not that good like the Knights have been over the years a bad day can lead to a terrible slum. Though looking into the weeks ahead the Knights will probally be able to come into these game better then ever before because things change fast in the U21 world and a nobody one day can become a somebod the next, the next few weeks shall be measures of wether or not the Knights are ready for the national stage with their new players, and not just lucky little buggers.

As hard as their schedule may have seemed when the group draw was first announced, it seems to favor the Knights. The top for teams from each group advance meaning only two teams from each group will not make it to the playoff rounds. Since the Knights just outside that fourth rank they need to play with caution, but the schedule will favor them. After oepning with a huge win the next six days seem to playout nicely for the Knights. The first game against the Yaforites, then on to the hosts Starblaydias and 5th ranked Peisandros, and then a bye which is followed by their games against the two unranked sides. So if they can come up with two wins in the next 3 games they can then finish with two and somehow pullout a suprising qualification to the finals.

by **Daehanjeiguk** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 5:36 pm

You have permission:

to do anything to my players except kill them (without my permission);
to RP about anything, anytime, anywhere (preferably on a computer);
to make no sense at all (in moderation...);
to invent a new story about anything so as to make reading this junk more enjoyable;
to change the goal-scoring margin by as many disallowed goals as you'd like;
to play by the rules that I will make up in 48 days;
is this thing still on?
to play a 13-0 scoring margin, just as long as your don't %$#^ up the scorinator...
TO HAVE FUN!

Playing Style: +pi

Manger: Yu Giheung [유기흥]
You should know by now that we have a stick-whacking ex-convict who's staying with the U21 team.

GK
Yi Manchoe (Armed Forces FC, 18, M)
Go Jongsu (Dongguk University, 18, M)

DF
Go Seonghan (Yonsei University, 20, M)
Yi Taeyun (Bokgeon, 19, M)
Yi Myeongae (Goryeo University, 19, F)
Baek Sonjo (Hanseong Gukjei, 20, M)
Jang Yongmin (Goryeo University, 20, M)
Kim Hanae (Dongguk University, 20, F)

MF
Gang Donghyeok (Buddhist FC, 20, M)
Pak Jiseong (Armed Forces FC, 18, M)
Yim Gwangdae (Coraopolis FC, 20, M)
O Sunghwan (Armed Forces FC, 18 M)
Yi Sunae (Goryeo University, 20, F)
Yim Hwanseok (Shaolin FC, 19, M)
Kim Jundae (Orthodoxy FC, 17, M)

ST
Pak Taehwan (Dongguk University, 20, M)
Kim Gyeongan (Armed Forces FC, 19, F)
Yi Junggyeol (Cheonghwa University, 19, M)
Son Jangsei (Dongguk University, 18, M)

by **Sorthern Northland** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:01 pm

The Sorthern Independent
Sánchez Garciá slams Trombada despite win

Sorthern Northland got their Di Bradini Cup 10 challenge under way last night with a 2-0 over Norwellia. Despite winning the game by two goals, and keeping a clean sheet the Sorthern performance left a lot to be desired. Starting the game as favourites, the Sorthern team struggled to adapt as their thus far unannounced Norwellian opponents crowded the midfield with a 3-5-2 formation. With twenty minutes of the match remaining Sánchez Garciá broke the deadlock, with Sorthern Northland's first real attack of the game, and with the now breached Norwellian defence having lost the confidence it previously had, Sánchez Garciá struck again shortly afterwards to seal the two goal win.

Despite his two goals winning the match, Sánchez Garciá was far from happy as he laid into the tactics of manager Chicão Trombada, saying, “The man doesn't have a clue, he has no tactical knowledge and no game plan. All he does is wave his gun around and threaten people. How he's lasted so long in this job I cannot understand, if the SNFA truly cares about the players of the future they'd sack him and bring in a football man... or woman.... or sapient bear or whatever, just someone, something that knows football and not some gun waving idiot who should be in an asylum.”

Sources close to that players allege that the views of Sánchez Garciá are views held by the majority of the players in the current squad, as well as a number of players from previous squads. One former U21 international, who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity, told us that he'd “been forced to retire after having my leg amputated after Trombada put a pipe bomb in one of my boots after a training session.”. Despite these claims however, the SNFA have said that they will not be reviewing Trombada's position “at all, any time in the near future”, but they will be suspending Sánchez Garciá for an indefinite length of time, claiming he is “a threat to the Di Bradini hopes of the team”.

The suspension have been met with disappointment by most Sorthern football fans, with a fan in Penningworth claiming, “having a striker with an average of one goal every other game doesn't threaten our chances, having a manager who'll try to shot him does”.

by **Daehanjeiguk** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:29 pm

***This happened at the last DBC9***

The team, complete with shredded shirt, shorts, and coolers lacking any food, finally arrived in Valanora. It was a long struggle, but finally they'd managed to survive the purple-stinging nellies of Allemenschen and managed to survive the horrendous hordes of AFLAC to arrive at a distant shore with mild-manner people. And it was their time to shine, despite being in poor health and missing virtually every match.

"We're here to participate in the DBC," Yu Giheung said, to the Vanorian DBC administrator.

"Yes... it seems that you've already been eliminated however."

"Eliminated?" Coach Yu was flabbergasted. How could a team be eliminated without having competed at all?

"It seems that a team of 6 players competed for the Han. I'm sorry. You were just eliminated in fact."

"But that's impossible! My team was stuck in the middle of a bog, attacked by vicious man-eating spiders!"

"Right... but I'm afraid we're going to have to escort you from the premises."

Coach Yu Giheung was all the sudden melancholic, frustrated, and mad. How on earth could they do this to him?"

***Present***

Hwang: (busily throwing paper airplanes) Say, Hwang. Remember what happened last year?

Wang: Yes. And I'd rather not think about it. Especially with what's happened in NS. It seems like the whole universe has has some sort of unstable alignment. Everyone's gotten so n00bish.

Hwang: Ah, it happens occasionally. The good countries generally survive such realignments, although I can't say that I've remembered the last time we've experienced a good realignment.

Wang: Well, the DBC this cup certainly looks different from usual.

Shin: Would you guys shut-up? Our programming's on.

Wang: The DBC is going to be coming on in a little bit!

Shim: They lose, 3-2 to Newmanistan.

Hwang: Orly?

Shim: Yes rly.

Wang: Would you guys stop talking like that? You're freaking me out. And thanks for spoiling the match.

Shin: Geez, I didn't know you cared about football.

Wang: Well... ever since I played last time around, it's a little more interesting to me now.

Hwang: Correction - ever since you got whacked, it's been a little more interesting.

Wang: (glares) I fail to see how that improves my story-telling routine.

Hwang: It doesn't.

Wang: (sighs) Well, at least there's six more matches to go...

SUPER: I've just gotten word that the IFA is launching an investigation into the submission of a substitute U21 team. I need to make sure that you people get some time outside the box, so Wang and Hwang - you're going to take a vacation.

Wang: Where?

SUPER: I don't know. I don't are. Just be very conspicuous.

Hwang: OOH ROAD TRIP!

Wang: Wait, so you want us to leave now?

SUPER: Yes. We need proof that you two dorks exist outside of this box. Once the IFA is satisfied with their report, you can come back.

Wang: Ugh... and who's going to run the machine?

Shin: I think we're more than qualified to run this operation. Don't you?

Shim: I agree.

SUPER: Verdict is in. Go out. Pick a country. Have fun.

by **Bears Armed** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 3:34 am

OOC: Oops! I carelessly made this post too soon, because the Bears' next game was actually on MD3 rather than MD2, so I've moved it forwards through the thread to the 'correct' day -- after the MD2 results have been posted -- instead...

by **Peisandros** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:18 am

World Champions next..

Tough much? It certainly will be. Dancougar, the current World Cup Champions, are a great football nation. While their U21's are not on the same level as the national team, they are still going to be extremely tough for the young Sandrians. Dancougar lost their first game, so will be firing up for their second chance. It should prove to be difficult but very exciting.

We here are predicting another 2-2 draw for the Sandrians.

by **Queer Poco el Mono Ara** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:24 am

It rained all morning in Starblaydia and Miguel da Rossa’s under 21’s sat and watched it as the rain hit so hard it bounced off the ground. The game against Albundania was going to be tough. Both teams were unseeded and this would be a test of the group underdog’s ability. Albundania held second seeds Kura-Pelland to a 1-1 draw and on that basis should not be taken lightly.

There was a peculiar atmosphere in the air round the hotel the team were staying in. Tipped by group rivals Newmanistan to go all the way the team felt like they could, but then again this recommendation may prove to be the kiss of death and Queer Poco will bomb out in the group stages. A win tonight in the pouring rain against Albundania will settle some nerves but for now the unknown is unnerving.

As the rain continued to batter the streets, da Rossa drilled his team in the tactics for the game. The man marking was proving difficult as the youngsters had never heard of most of their opponents - a feeling which must be mutual. For in essence the under 21’s were unknown even in their own country, most played for the reserve teams of bigger clubs and the only name which stood out was that of Hugo Anderson, a player on the brink of being sent home.

After his severe telling off from da Rossa, Hugo has pledged to alter his attitude and was looking to impress against Albundania.

by **Starblaydia** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:40 am

Matchday Two Results
Group A
Cassadaigua 2-4 Dehanjeiguk
Newmanistan 2-2 Kura-Pelland
Albundania 1-1 Queer Poco el Mona ara

Group B
Krytenia 0-4 Sorthern Northland
Norwellia 1-1 Sarzonia
Bloumany 1-2 Somewhereistonia

Group C
Peisandros 2-2 Dancougar
Taeshan 1-1 Yafor 2
Lanceo 0-0 South Wienda

Group D
Secristan 1-3 Candelaria And Marquez
The Macabees 0-2 Valanora
Sargossa 3-1 The Animal Union

Matchday Two Tables

Code: Select all: Group A P W D L GF GA GD Pts --------------------------------------------------- Newmanistan 2 1 1 0 5 4 1 4 Daehanjeiguk 2 1 0 1 6 5 1 3 Lovisa 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 Albundania 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2 Kura Pelland 2 0 2 0 3 3 0 2 Queer Poco el Mono Ara 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 Cassadaigua 2 0 0 2 2 5 -3 0

Code: Select all: Group B P W D L GF GA GD Pts --------------------------------------------------- Sorthern Northland 2 2 0 0 6 0 6 6 Sarzonia 2 1 1 0 3 2 1 4 Somewhereistonia 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 Bears Armed 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 3 Norwellia 2 0 1 1 1 3 -2 1 Bloumany 2 0 0 2 2 4 -2 0 Krytenia 2 0 0 2 0 5 -5 0

Code: Select all: Group C P W D L GF GA GD Pts --------------------------------------------------- Yafor 2 2 1 1 0 3 2 1 4 Taeshan 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4 Peisandros 2 0 2 0 4 4 0 2 Starblaydia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 South Wienda 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Lanceo 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1 Dancougar 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1

Code: Select all: Group D P W D L GF GA GD Pts --------------------------------------------------- Sargossa 2 1 1 0 6 4 2 4 Valanora 2 1 1 0 5 3 2 4 Candelaria And Marquez 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3 Secristan 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3 The Macabees 2 1 0 1 1 2 -1 3 Cafundéu 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0 The Animal Union 1 0 0 1 1 3 -2 0

by **Taeshan** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:50 am

X Island Inquirer

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matchday zwei of the young season and the Purple Knights U21 Football team took on World Number four Yafor 2. After a big opening round win over World Number 8 Dancougar the Knights came into the game confident that they could win and sure that they would have a big effect on the new season to come. They may not have won last nights game, but with their point from the tie the Knights stayed tied with the Yaforites for first place in Group C and looking good going into the final 5 weeks. Next up is World Number 5 Peisandros who will look to knock the young Knights off of their very high pedestal after the first two weeks. The upcoming games will prrove the fate of many.

coming in high on life after last nights game, the Knights prooved that game one was not a fluke. Early in the game, the Knights scorer from game one Kyle Longwaters again scored in the 27th minute giving the Knights the young games early lead. Longwaters a Midfielder seems to be the most likely player on the team to take over Captaincy when Jamie Spenser leaves, and Longwaters is also becoming a star player on his young team. In the end though the Yaforites found their own stroke when one of their Strikers found the net to take down the Knights a peg in the middle of the second half. Though they did not win this game prooved to the Knights and the fans that their first win was not a fluke, and that in the coming months the Knights would be a team to be reckoned with.

by **Queer Poco el Mono Ara** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 12:35 pm

“A point is a point and we’re lucky to have that!” Barked da Rossa at his young team.

“You let yourselves down tonight and didn’t give a fair reflection of your ability.” Da Rossa was seething with rage, his team had let him down and failed to perform to their ability, but nothing could be taken from Albundania – they were significantly better than Queer Poco and deserved all three points.

The water logged pitch made the game a scrappy affair and Albundania controlled the game from the kickoff. They soon took the lead and looked to be heading for victory as they held tight for 70 minutes. A clearance by Ahmed Khan reached the Albundania box and the soggy pitch stopped the ball bouncing, wrong footing the defence. As the ball lay frozen in time trapped in a mainly muddy puddle, Enrico Dossena ran up and struck the ball with his right leg. The powerful shot flew forth bypassing all the defenders and crashed heavily against the inside of the post and as time stopped and hearts skipped the ball made its way into the back of the net. The lack of grace made up for the timing, 2 minutes into injury time and saving the day.

“Just think yourselves lucky. Tonight could’ve been much worse. They ruled the game.” Da Rossa raged, looking in the direction of his midfielders. The starting four had been poor. Especially Anderson who had frozen on the big stage.

After the debriefing of his team, da Rossa retired to his hotel room. He’d have to reorganize for the next game against Daehanjeiguk – a vastly superior team to his own. His telephone rang, at this time in the evening he couldn’t be bothered talking to anyone, but it may be his wife.

“What the hell was he doing on the pitch?!” It was a very angry Asdrubal Espinoza. “I told you to tell him to pack his bags.” He was of course referring to the Hugo Anderson situation. “I don’t want that boy pulling on a Queer Poco national shirt in the foreseeable future, do you understand?”

“I do, but he apologized and said he would get his act together.” Replied da Rossa.

“Nonsense. You go to him in the morning and tell him he’s off the team.”

by **Cassadaigua** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 4:19 pm

Spacebook chatspeak continues (apologies for the teenage girl speak but this loses its effect if I don’t do it!)
Screennames are made up. Any similarity to an actual person is coincidental and if by some very freaky circumstance that said person notices, I will change it.

<DBCCaptianKiersten>: (Kiersten Reschke): What the hell is wrong with you people?
<Schanke11girl>: (Jessica Schanke): I swear and we get bombed out of the water again, we will NOT let any of you party with us after da game.
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: I kno really. Stanky Schanke and me will drink it all.
<BateyDaganChik>: (Meaghan Bateman): Well mayb if Allison could stop some shots we wud b doin better.
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: Stop blaming Allison. NOW!
<Schanke11girl>: Geez Kiersten I remember four years ago you blamed our goalkeeper for everything.
<DaganGurlBP14>: (Brianna Pierson): I kno right!! Kiersten u r da biggest hypocrite ever!!!
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: Well I am older now and I learned my lesson.
<BateyDaganChik>: Natalie should play. I mean like give her a chance.
<Schanke11girl>: We don’t need 2 make dat kinda move yet.
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: Changing ur keeper after two games shows dat u r in panic mode.
<BateyDaganChik>: Shouldn’t we be?
<DaganGurlBP14>: No itz only been two games!!!
<CDGSweetErickaG2>: (Ericka Giordano): Sorry im late wat I miss?
<DaganGurlBP14>: Meaghan thinks we should change our keeper.
<CDGSweetErickaG2>: Damn Megz, have confidence.
<BateyDaganChik>: Do we play some1 easy next?
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: You shouldn’t be forgetting who we play next.
<DaganGurlBP14>: Like really.
<Schanke11girl>: We play Newmanistan! I am so excited!
<CDGSweetErickaG2>: Dat’s where u and Kiersten play huh?
<Schanke11girl>: yep
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: hellz yeah. We make good money.
<DaganGurlBP14>: I wish I could get an overseas contract.
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: Maybe u will.
<CDGSweetErickaG2>: Maybe some of us will follow you. Like don’t most Cassadagans go to Candelaria And Marquez or Newmanistran?
<Schanke11girl>: Yeah, Dancougar too.
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: Be playing extra hard tomorrow then. Might be more at stake for the long term then just the one game right now.
<BateyDaganChik>: Which is y we should play Natalie.
<Schanke11girl>: No!
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: We don’t need to start a keeper controversy. It’s only been two games. Let us show our support for Allison.
<Schanke11girl>: And in the meantime, coach has finished her last bed check so up to my room for some beverages.
<BateyDaganChik>: Woooo!
<CDGSweetErickaG2>: Yay!
<DBCCaptianKiersten>: And no one do nething stupid.

by **Sargossa** » Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:43 pm

The Island Chronicle

Animal Magic

Ernesto Reyes reports,

You’d think having Rushmore’s largest furniture restoration industry would be achievement enough for one day. Well apparently not as Juan Manuel Del Rios and the national Under-21 side proved by following up their shock draw with Valanora with a comfortable win over fellow new boys The Animal Union. When the global footballing public take a gander over the sports pages while they attack their morning toast, cornflakes, pain au whatever it actually is that the footballing public consume during their morning gander, they will see Sargossa sitting proudly atop Group D of the tenth Di Bradini Cup after two games.

More pleasing still to the watching public back in the archipelago would have been the manner of the victory. Sure the opening draw with Valanora was an excellent result but it was just a tad fluky. Even the most diehard of nationalists would be forced to admit that the Mini Marauders probably deserved all the points. But a combination of first game rustiness, the unknown quantity of the Sargossan side and maybe just a touch of over-confidence on the part of the tournaments top seeds contributed to that opening day shock. Against The Animal Union it was simply the better side that won the day. In truth the Unionists (or whatever they‘re called) were playing a dangerous game from the outset with their high backline deployed against Sargossa’s pacey widemen. And thanks to the probing passes of Fernández in the centre it was duly exploited when Gala stabbed home Rodríguez’s center from the right. Gala’s second, latching onto a flick-on from Cortijo and confidently beating the keeper, seemed to wrap the game up before halftime. After the interval The Animals (perhaps?) at least put up a better fight but as the minutes ticked away without a breakthrough their heads dropped again and twelve minutes from the end substitute Santos picked the ball up near the centre circle and was allowed to run, and run and finally pick his spot from the edge of the box. Coach Del Rios didn’t quite get the perfect result as the Crackers (possibly?) scrambled a late consolation from a corner but the smile on his face at the whistle suggested he didn’t really care.

All in all it’s been an entrance onto the global stage that has left the suits at the FFS more than satisfied. First there was the impressive debut performances of SuperLiga clubs in both the TakilQuip Champions Cup and the Globe Cup, with three out of the four sides advancing at least one round and El Nacional making it all the way into the Globe Cup group stage proper and coming within a single win of advancing even further. And now there’s Del Rios’ side impressive early showing in Starblaydia. But as one Federation insider said, “no one here’s getting carried away just yet.” And with Cafundéu looming on the horizon that’s probably very wise.

by **Secristan** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 2:23 am

MILLIONAIRES FALL TO BIG BLUE

There are a few nations in the world that are dominant at both the junior and the senior level, and one such nation is certainly Candelaria And Marquez. In addition to having won World Cup 45, they also have two Di Bradini Cup championships to their credit. We know how excited they get over this, because they hosted the very version in which we won. Because of that, we were not going to be sneaking up on them. After an impressive debut against the Monopolists, Michelle Wilson was in good form once again at the start of the match. It was also pointed out that Wilson was the author of a best-selling book, “Fired! Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Find Another Internship!”, which we have heard is very motivational. Reportedly, members of several Secristani Departments have purchased the book to give to their children so that they are prepared not to be fired from any such internship they may get. Michelle, however, refused to sign a copy of the book for us without demanding 20 rusas for it, so we can also say that she has adapted to Secristani culture quite well. Lead by Wilson, the Millionaires got off to a good start, but could not finish off any early opportunities. Karl John was good when he had to be in goal, but some erratic shooting by Brian Connors did us in. Connors is the speedster. He can fly out there, but whether he actually has any soccer skill to go with it has become open for debate. Late in the first half, the Big Blues capitalized on a mistake by Simeone Bradley to get a marvelous chance in which Gabriel Macanas finished off. Macanas then scored minutes into the second half to quickly give his team a two-goal lead, and four minutes later it was three-nil in favor of the Big Blues as Jesse Nakatsuru scored from about twenty-five feet out, and certainly a shot in which Garrett Holt needs to be stopping. The dejected Millionaires seemed to stop putting forth any effort in the match and Candelaria And Marquez was more then happy to sit back and run off the clock, which routinely passed the 80-minute mark with little action. Coach Cortez opted to make some substitutions about this time to give his team some life, and in the 87th minute, Robert Tucker spoiled the clean sheet bid.

Secristan played well at times, but they will need to respond better when things start to not go their way. Their next game will be The Macabees, who appear to be a nation on the upswing after qualifying for World Cup 46, and any such team that may be on an upward climb is likely to highly value the performances of their junior players. The Secristan Department of Sports is happy about things. Opening up with two well-known nations meant that pay-pay-view purchases were quite high, and even though this next game isn’t expected to be quite as profitable as the first two games, it is expected to be a solid earner. Katie Simpson, our SDOS rep explains, “So far so good with the Di Bradini Cup. Our people love the tournament, probably because it is something we have won a championship in. If we continue to have a strong run, it could become just as profitable as the Cup of Harmony was, and maybe even exceed those numbers depending on said performance.”

by **Peisandros** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 5:24 am

We told you so.

Well, we picked it. A 2-2 draw was played out between Peisandros U21 and the Dancougar U21 sides, with neither side deserving the outright win. Of interest for the Sandrians was Adraktas. The young striker was good against Starblaydia, but was unable to find the back of the net. This time he scored both of Peisandros' goals. The first was a stunning individual effort, with a beautiful strike from 35 yards out. His second was the product of good team play and the experienced striker was left with an easy tap in. However the defense relaxed ridiculously after his two goals and Dancougar swarmed in. First, in the 42nd minute, Colt Seneker was the recipient of a rare Ektor Athanasiadis mistake. The keeper, in his third and last DBC, fumbled a rather weak shot which ended up dribbling over the line. However the Dancougar team showed their class with the second goal, striker Katsu Aihara putting shame to the defense before scoring a great goal. The 2-2 score-line didn't look like changing after the 74th minute goal and the game almost ended boringly.

However, with four minutes to go something rather strange happened. While waiting for a Dancougar goal-kick, Peisandros coach Alketas Alketas, saw a ghost on the field. He was in the middle of barking orders to right back Vincenzo Kononos when all of a sudden the white figure came from behind the Sandrian goal. Stunned, he stood staring at it, frozen mid sentence. He looked around to see if anyone else was seeing/experiencing this paranormal phenomenon. Strangely only two other people in the whole stadium appeared to see the transparent... thing... floating slowly towards half way. Midfielder Zoelle Cornelius and a Dancougar reserve, Audrey Brodell. Cornelius was playing in a centre-attacking midfield position and noticed the 'ghost' as he turned to listen to Alketas. However Brodell was the first to react, unleashing a mighty scream from the sideline. Cornelius had started running away and coach Alketas was backing away, falling over a drink bottle. When Bordell's second scream reverberated around the stadium, "it" disappeared. Both teams had forgotten about football at this stage and were either looking at Zoelle acting insane or Audrey shaking in apparent fear, it was clear something wasn't normal. Cornelius didn't stop running until he flung himself over an advertising board and Bordell passed out. Alketas Alketas took a few deep breathes and picked himself up.

The referee looked perplexed and looked at the Dancougar manager, who took a look at his unconscious player, looked back at the ref, and shrugged his shoulders, before looking over at Alketas Alketas. Alketas Alketas took a look at Brodell too, then around the stadium, then at the ref who was by this stage looking back at him, and shrugged his shoulders too. The referee shook his head and ran over to where Zoelle Cornelius was hiding.

"What the hell is going on here son?"
"I have.. Absolutely.. No.. Fucking.. Idea."
"Shall we finish this football game then, or are you going to stay here like a little child?"
"I'm not playing. No way. Not with that... thing?"
"Huh? Well fine."

The referee ran over to Alketas Alketas.

"What on earth is happening coach?"
"I don't fucking know and I don't want to. Did you not see it?"
"See what?!"
"I guess not. My Lord. How is Zoelle?"
"Fucked. Get a replacement on so we can finish this game."

With that Alketas had another shake of the head before turning to his bench, all of whom were utterly confused.

"Soteri, up you get. Get on there."

The Dancougar manager made his way over to Alketas Alketas.

"You have any idea why I have a passed out 20 yr old girl and you a crazy 18 yr old?"
"Umm, no, not really. I think... Not sure. Don't want to know."
"Shall we... Finish this game?
".... Umm sorry, yeah, for sure. Go on Soteri. Centre defensive."

Soteri Pipinelis hopped up and ran on. The referee, content that things had returned to normal, blew the whistle and the game was able to finish with the 2-2 scoreline. Alketas Alketas made his way over to Zoelle Cornelius and sat down.

"I guess you saw it too?"
"Yeah. What the fuck. I mean, fuck, it was a fucking fuck."
"I know Zo, I know."

Anyway, Peisandros have Taeshan next which should be tricky. 3-2 to Peisandros.

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