World Cup 63 RP Thread

by **Taeshan** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 12:14 pm

It was a love like no other. A love of the game a love of each other, just pure unadulterated love. It started when he they were both 17 and they played together for the first time. In the Moresville Town under 18's, they went to school together, they played soccer together. Naturally they spent a lot of time together off the field as well. Two great players, some of the best in Taeshan history, a tall menacing center back, a short tough center back. It was like they were born to play together. A pair of players better than any, brought up to every level together. When the aging veteran Left Center Back went down, the Right Center back was forced our of his starting spot just so they could continue to play together. On the field and off their chemistry was rivaled by none. Early on the caught the eye of scouts everywhere in Taeshan. From Atlantea, to Laketown, and beyond every team wanted their hands on this brilliant defensive pair. None would get them to budge from Moresville. Moresville was their home, Moresville would stay there home. Lucky for them one day the former Cup quarterfinalists, would make the second division by the time they were thrust into the starting position. The first five games they played in the Erste liga, the Owls goalie had his first clean sheets in a long time. The two were a brilliant duo, they played great long balls, and were a terrifying due to attack for the other side.

In fact their use as an item became ever prevalent when during the first season in the premier league she went down for three weeks with a leg impairment, and he was lost without her. The trials and tribulations of a team suffering to stay above the water became more then relevant during this spell. Eventually her health returned and the team has since been a stalwart in the top division. A dangerous duo, a perfect duo. A duo that might very well rule the soccer world one day, and that day may be soon. Two stars on defense make a world of a difference, 4 and a half makes a impenetrable force. The four Tae defneders and the Defensive midfielder, as well as the man, the myth, the Dru Holliday has given nightmares to opposition teams for years, but this past year it seemed to click. 6 goals in 18 games, an average of .33 were let in by the Knights. They didn't give one up until after the halfway point, and easily qualified for the finals of the world cup. That was the easy part now is the hard one. Making it back to the quarterfinals and beyond, and continuing to be the best team in Taeshan History.

That road only gets harder from here. Three teams stand in the way of the Knights even making it past the group stage, it will not be the hardest, but everything points to it being a tough set of matches. The Babbage Islands a team the Knights beat in their first of the most recent quals, and then followed it up by effing up their chances at qualifying for the next stage. Karditan who have qualified for the first time ever, and will probably prove to be not much more than pushovers, but who are known to pack a punch. And then their is the team the Knights have played 19 times, winning five, tying once and losing the rest. For most of history the rivalry was a mere trifle to the Jeruselemites as they won year after year, but now the Knights continue to show a hand that is far better then the Princesses. It seems that the Knights have a fair chance to qualify for the next round and with their half of the bracket for the after rounds quite easier than the other they have a chance to continue the surprising run they have had in the cups in recent years. Only time will tell, the fates of this cup will lead the way, and hopefully months from now the great age of Taeshan soccer will have continued.

by **Vilita** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:18 pm

Halfway through the qualifying campaign, the Vilita Jungle Cats had certainly held up to their end of the bargain with the fanbase. Returning as the top seed in their group for the third consecutive campaign, but struggling through previously, Vilita held a 9 point advantage over second-placed Ossidiacqua with a further 2 points back down to Atlantian Oceania rivals Farfadillis in 3rd. So, perhaps it was complacency with their position in the table, or perhaps just the realism of playing another World Cup hopeful, but the unbeaten run finally came to an end at the Arcticala Electrical Stadium on Matchday 10. Surprisingly, the Stadium did not sell out. With Astograth sitting 13 points behind the Jungle Cats in the table, perhaps it shouldn't have been much of a surprise. The fans who did show up probably wish they hadn't as Vilita were held without a goal for the first time in the campaign. Luckily for the hosts, however, Nycflala Kater did the job he was brought in for pitching the shutout to extend Vilita's record qualifying unbeaten run.

Not to let the opposition think it was an invitation to challenge their place atop the Group 15 table, however, the Jungle Cats completed the sweep over Exrasus and Lalo Limahina respectively. Identically to the first half in qualifying, the Jungle Cats netted 3 goals against Exrasus and a single goal against Lalo Limahina to complete the taking of all 6 points against the Groups bottom teams. Steffyn Siazzu and Sirkii Moliaudo each scored 2 goals over the two matches to steal the headlines. With the Lalo Limahina matchup being held at the Track Venture Field in Sile on the Island of Turoki, coach Mitaroka extended an olive branch to Makosile goalkeeper Atacir Tivalan. For Tivalan, it was a chance to prove he could compete at the international level, keeping a clean sheet in his third career international cap.

	Astograth
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: -None-	:: Best Player: Nycflala Kater :: Worst Player: Niubo Deneli :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 5 :: Opponent Shots: 1 :: Opponent Corners: 0

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Nycflala Kater, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Sipaao Vereaoao, [DMC] Retiso Buran, [ML] Kiroki Mitaroka, [MC] Riksa Valjariia, [MC] Steffyn Siazzu, [MR] Rexii Tzikas, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai
BENCH::
[FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Lita Adjei, [M] Jian Lejsrma, [M] Manolis Kontalroma, [U] Tujamu Treola, [D] Uajiala Pulkki, [GK] Jaqe Planst

Vilita Substitutions::
(60) - Kristofer Kilpter >>> Lita Adjei
(64) - Ritopa Simafela >>> Manolis Kontalroma
(72) - Steffyn Siazzu >>> Jian Lejsrma

	Exrasus
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 1' Steffyn Siazzu :: 3' Sirkii Moliaudo :: 25' Sirkii Moliaudo	:: Best Player: Ritopa Simafela :: Worst Player: Jomur Hulyer :: Shots on Target: 8 :: Corner Kicks: 7 :: Opponent Shots: 4 :: Opponent Corners: 6

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Aranora Jaded, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Uajiala Pulkki, [DMC] Danie Izmao, [ML] Jomur Hulyer, [MC] Steffyn Siazzu, [MC] Kiroki Mitaroka, [MR] Relmar Winauat, [FC] Actalia Mermaioada, [FC] Sirkii Moliaudo
BENCH::
[FC] Lita Adjei, [FC] Yves Gadois, [M] Jian Lejsrma, [M] Riksa Valjariia, [U] Retiso Buran, [D] Sipaao Vereaoao, [GK] Jaqe Planst

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Steffyn Siazzu >>> Jian Lejsrma
(45) - Relmar Winauat >>> Yves Gadois
(70) - Jomur Hulyer >>> Riksa Valjariia

	Lalo Limahina
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 47' Steffyn Siazzu	:: Best Player: Resaie Kentiak :: Worst Player: Ritopa Simafela :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 8 :: Opponent Shots: 2 :: Opponent Corners: 0

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Atacir Tivalan, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Uajiala Pulkki, [DMC] Danie Izmao, [ML] Steffyn Siazzu, [MC] Resaie Kentiak, [MC] Riksa Valjariia, [MR] Kiroki Mitaroka, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai, [FC] Actalia Mermaioada
BENCH::
[FC] Lita Adjei, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [M] Cristoh Nrubari, [M] Manolis Kontalroma, [U] Dronik Ratuva, [D] Sipaao Vereaoao, [GK] Nycflala Kater

Vilita Substitutions::
(34) - Danie Izmao >>> Dronik Ratuva
(65) - Actalia Mermaioada >>> Lita Adjei
(72) - Kiroki Mitaroka >>> Cristoh Nrubari

That all set up a Matchday 13 Atlantian Oceania regional clash at the Tivali Ring Stadium between Vilita and Farfadillis. A victory by the Jungle Cats would essentially punch their ticket to Aguazul and Turori. However, a slip up might invite La Vherderoja back within a shout over the final stretch of matches.

Farfadillis, as expected, came out on the attack and Vilitan-based playmaker Friekder Dandalleion created an early opportunity that would be finished by another Vilitan-based player, Ichi Tuzzio to give the visitors the shock lead. The Jungle Cats would fight back through Danie Izmao to equalize before East Franz Athletic's Kristofer Kilpter would give Vilita the lead before the half, seemingly righting the ship for the home side in a rare home-soil appearance for the former Strike trainee who has since spent time in Turori and the Polar Islandstates. It had been a good campaign for Kilpter, who despite an up and down relationship with the National Team, remained at the top of the nations modern day scoring table.

After the break, however, Farfadillis was back on the attack and once again it was Strike FC's Friekder Dandalleion doing the damange. Dandalleion would score to equalize and then it was Mêndêlöíndçêl to shock the Vilitan supporters at the Tivali Ring as they watched their Jungle Cats suffer their first home defeat since the opening matchday of World Cup 61 Qualifying. The defeat marked the end of a home unbeaten run that had extended over 20 matches.

Coach Mitaroka needed to make sure the players forgot about the defeat quickly, and they did just that in Exrasus as Mitaroka's namesake Kiroki scored within the first minute of action to put the Jungle Cats back on track for 3 points. Corner kick goals from Sipaao Vereaoao and Eda Shindhi sealed the deal for Vilita but they would slip up again the following matchday against Ossidiacqua, looking a distinctly distracted side as the rest of the table started inching up on them.

	Farfadillis
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 38' Danie Izmao :: 41' Kristofer Kilpter	:: Best Player: Tyaoino Munviola :: Worst Player: Jian Lejsrma :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 15 :: Opponent Shots: 10 :: Opponent Corners: 13

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Aranora Jaded, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Miiara Makose, [D] Tyaoino Munviola, [DMC] Danie Izmao, [ML] Rexii Tzikas, [MC] Jian Lejsrma, [MC] Jomur Hulyer, [MR] Resaie Kentiak, [FC] Lita Adjei, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter
BENCH::
[FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Erocka Lorei, [M] Cristoh Nrubari, [M] Relmar Winauat, [U] Retiso Buran, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [GK] Jaqe Planst

Vilita Substitutions::
(68) - Kristofer Kilpter >>> Erocka Lorei
(69) - Lita Adjei >>> Sirkii Moliaudo
(71) - Tyaoino Munviola >>> Cristoh Nrubari

"

	Asteran
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 1' Kiroki Mitaroka :: 17' Sipaao Vereaoao :: 82' Eda Shindhi	:: Best Player: Sirkii Moliaudo :: Worst Player: Retiso Buran :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 10 :: Opponent Shots: 5 :: Opponent Corners: 10

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Atacir Tivalan, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Sipaao Vereaoao, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [DMC] Retiso Buran, [ML] Kiroki Mitaroka, [MC] Manolis Kontalroma, [MC] Riksa Valjariia, [MR] Relmar Winauat, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [FC] Sirkii Moliaudo
BENCH::
[FC] Erocka Lorei, [FC] Lita Adjei, [M] Cristoh Nrubari, [M] Jomur Hulyer, [U] Danie Izmao, [D] Eda Shindhi, [GK] Jungrii Canopii

Vilita Substitutions::
(62) - Retiso Buran >>> Jomur Hulyer
(68) - Niubo Deneli >>> Eda Shindhi
(73) - Relmar Winauat >>> Cristoh Nrubari

	Ossidiacqua
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 56' Lita Adjei	:: Best Player: Miiara Makose :: Worst Player: Sipaao Vereaoao :: Shots on Target: 2 :: Corner Kicks: 1 :: Opponent Shots: 6 :: Opponent Corners: 11

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Nycflala Kater, [D] Miiara Makose, [D] Sipaao Vereaoao, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [DMC] Tujamu Treola, [ML] Rexii Tzikas, [MC] Riksa Valjariia, [MC] Jomur Hulyer, [MR] Kiroki Mitaroka, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [FC] Lita Adjei
BENCH::
[FC] Viji-mara Lawaai, [FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [M] Cristoh Nrubari, [M] Manolis Kontalroma, [U] Retiso Buran, [D] Eda Shindhi, [GK] Aranora Jaded

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Kristofer Kilpter >>> Sirkii Moliaudo
(45) - Rexii Tzikas >>> Cristoh Nrubari
(76) - Tujamu Treola >>> Manolis Kontalroma

After the hold-up against Ossidiacqua, the Jungle Cats lead atop the table was reduced to 4 points with 9 to play for, raising the distinct possibility that they could in fact be caught by Atlantian Oceania regionmates Farfadillis. The criticality of victory over Kintratar was never more evident, as the matches were coming down to the wire. A Jungle Cat victory on Matchday 16 coupled with an expected Farfadillis defeat at home to Astograth would clinch qualification for the top seeded Vilitans. However, Farfadillis had been playing above themselves and continued to do so with their 1-0 upset of Astograth. Luckily for Calaesa Mitaroka, his decision to bring Kristofer Kilpter back into the side paid off, the East Franz Athletic hot-shot netted twice in a 3-1 victory over Kintratar to improve the odds for the Jungle Cats, maintaining the four point gap over Farfadillis with the points available reducing to 6.

Despite a 0-0 draw with The Inevitable Syndicate on the second to last matchday of qualifying, Mitaroka and the Jungle Cats were finally able to book their tickets to a Turorian World Cup with Ossidiacqua doing its part to slow down the Farfadillis victory train. The All-Out-Attacking showdown ended 3-3 to once again maintain the gap between the sides at 4 points, with just 3 to play for, giving Group 15's top spot to the Jungle Cats.

The achievement of the primary qualification goal overshadowed the debut of goalkeeper Haneshi Hamaaz'urii for the Jungle Cats. It may have seemed like a strange choice for Mitaroka after Hamaaz'urii was pushed out of the job at Colonial Sile by Turorian National Team goalkeeper Ronji Miiastara, but Mitaroka seemed to have a reason for pushing Hamaaz'urii into the spotlight and the former Vegai citizen responded well under the pressure, keeping the clean sheet despite not coming away with three points.

Despite having already clinched qualification, coach Mitaroka played a relatively strong lineup against Cyborg Holland with Arcticala Inlet's Aranora Jaded between the sticks. The 5 goals that Vilita netted was their top output of the campaign although the trio of goals that Jaded let through was also the worst performance thus far in an otherwise meaningless game for all parties.

Jian Lejsrma opened the scoring before a Viji-mara Lawaai doubled sandwiched a pair of goals from Cyborg Holland to make the score 3-2 at the half. Retiso Buran and Aniara Jiurjai gave the Jungle Cats a 5-2 lead but the lead was reduced by one before the final whistle blew both on the game and on the Jungle Cats World Cup 63 qualifying campaign.

	Kintratar
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 7' Kristofer Kilpter :: 64' Kristofer Kilpter :: 67' Manolis Kontalroma	:: Best Player: Kristofer Kilpter :: Worst Player: Manolis Kontalroma :: Shots on Target: 7 :: Corner Kicks: 14 :: Opponent Shots: 6 :: Opponent Corners: 4

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Aranora Jaded, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Miiara Makose, [DMC] Retiso Buran, [ML] Manolis Kontalroma, [MC] Relmar Winauat, [MC] Resaie Kentiak, [MR] Riksa Valjariia, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai
BENCH::
[FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Lita Adjei, [M] Rexii Tzikas, [M] Cristoh Nrubari, [U] Tujamu Treola, [D] Kadi Molali, [GK] Jaqe Planst

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Relmar Winauat >>> Lita Adjei
(64) - Kristofer Kilpter >>> Sirkii Moliaudo
(68) - Miiara Makose >>> Cristoh Nrubari

	The Inevitable Syndicate
:: Vilitan Goalscorers ::	:: Best Player: Haneshi Hamaaz'urii :: Worst Player: Viji-mara Lawaai :: Shots on Target: 2 :: Corner Kicks: 3 :: Opponent Shots: 2 :: Opponent Corners: 2

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Haneshi Hamaaz'urii, [D] Miiara Makose, [D] Tyaoino Munviola, [D] Niubo Deneli, [DMC] Danie Izmao, [ML] Jomur Hulyer, [MC] Rexii Tzikas, [MC] Relmar Winauat, [MR] Kiroki Mitaroka, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai, [FC] Erocka Lorei
BENCH::
[FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Yves Gadois, [M] Resaie Kentiak, [M] Aniara Jiurjai, [U] Retiso Buran, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [GK] Aranora Jaded

Vilita Substitutions::
(28) - Relmar Winauat >>> Yves Gadois
(45) - Jomur Hulyer >>> Aniara Jiurjai
(67) - Miiara Makose >>> Retiso Buran

	Cyborg Holland
:: Vilitan Goalscorers :: :: 8' Jian Lejsrma :: 18' Viji-mara Lawaai :: 41' Viji-mara Lawaai :: 54' Retiso Buran :: 59' Aniara Jiurjai	:: Best Player: Eda Shindhi :: Worst Player: Sirkii Moliaudo :: Shots on Target: 10 :: Corner Kicks: 11 :: Opponent Shots: 6 :: Opponent Corners: 7

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Aranora Jaded, [D] Niubo Deneli, [D] Eda Shindhi, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [DMC] Retiso Buran, [ML] Jian Lejsrma, [MC] Relmar Winauat, [MC] Steffyn Siazzu, [MR] Resaie Kentiak, [FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai
BENCH::
[FC] Lita Adjei, [FC] Erocka Lorei, [M] Aniara Jiurjai, [M] Rexii Tzikas, [U] Tujamu Treola, [D] Miiara Makose, [GK] Jungrii Canopii

Vilita Substitutions::
(26) - Aranora Jaded >>> Jungrii Canopii
(45) - Eda Shindhi >>> Aniara Jiurjai
(75) - Niubo Deneli >>> Rexii Tzikas

Following World Cup 63 Qualifying, many questions remained for the Jungle Cats. Vilitan supporters were still in disagreement regarding the usefulness of Kiroki Mitaroka. The young Inland Peaks FC midfielder led all Vilitan players averaging nearly an hour a game throughout the campaign, including matches not played.

As for the Jungle Cat attack, Kristofer Kilpter had his most productive campaign yet with 5 goals but was out done by the 6 put up over 18 matches from Lita Adjei. Kilpter had seemed to be out of favor in the National Team setup but strong performances in the Polar Islandstates seem to have re-introduced Kilpter to the National Team setup at the expense of Strike FC's Yves Gadois who failed to score for the second consecutive qualification campaign.

Rumblings were abound that big news was expected from Nycflala Kater following the qualification campaign. Starting a career-low 4 matches during qualifying, rumors of Kater retiring from the National Team, or retiring from the sport altogether were rampant. Sources close to the situation, however, expected to see Kater return for the World Cup Finals and, while admitting that there may be some changes, did not expect the Strike FC goalkeeper to retire from the sport altogether any time soon. The 6 appearances by Arcticala Inlet goalkeeper Aranora Jaded was tops for the Jungle Cats.

Strike's Retiso Buran picked up his 100th career cap during the Qualifying Campaign, a feat aided by the commitment of the Vilitan National Team setup to a singular group of youngsters with the modern-era return of the Vilitan League. Buran is 4th among all players in the modern era. Jomur Hulyer leads all players with 122 Caps, with Ritopa Simafela (112) and Antonis Siazzu (109) also reaching the century mark. Attacker Viji-mara Lawaai, with 93 international appearances, would be the only player who could reach the century mark during the World Cup Finals, if the Jungle Cats can return to the Semi-Final stage for the second straight cup.

by **Sargossa** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 2:21 pm

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport

The Greatest Show On Turf

Gonzalo Pereira reports from Eelandii, Turori;

It was only a few months ago that Sargossa national team coach Martín Tejera endured a torrid storm of abuse at the Estadio Generalissimo Joaquín Delgado in Soluca as his charges threw away a two goal lead to draw 3 – 3 with visiting Cosumar. The raucous choruses of ‘you don’t what you’re doing’ and ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ did eventually fade away but the result still left the nation in third place, two points short of the playoff spot with fixtures rapidly running out. Away wins in Boyznichov and Chunnan followed but the crucial events occurred elsewhere as 19th Century Beards dropped points at home to Iturributa, allowing the Corsairs to leapfrog them into second place with one game to go.

Sargossa were finally in the driving seat but that final fixture pitted the Corsairs against the formidable barrier of the Taeshani Knights, who had won Group 1 long ago. With the Beards poised to punish any slipup to the fullest Sargossa took on a defence that had only conceded four goals all campaign and, in one of the best displays under Tejera, fought their way to a highly creditable 2 – 0 win which secured a playoff place and a crucial chance to reach the World Cup for the first time in three tournaments.

In the way stood Kinitaria, themselves still smarting from two past qualification failures by the narrowest of margins. The first leg was a match of punch and counterpunch as the Kinitarians edged their home encounter by the odd goal in five. Which left the tie still on something of a knife edge as the second leg kicked off in the Sargossan capital. It too was a tight affair until a frantic fifteen second half minutes in which the Corsairs scored four times, wrapping up a thrilling win 6 – 2 on the night and 8 – 5 on aggregate. Suddenly, amid wild celebrations, Sargossa were back in the Finals and Tejera wasn’t quite so useless after all.

The draw was never going to be an entirely pleasant experience but we can probably count ourselves a little unlucky to be partnered with one of the host nations in Group E. Turori provide that opposition and will prove a suitably tough test in front of their vocal home support. But the Corsairs can draw strength from the fact that they’ve beaten the Eels on each of their three previous encounters, scoring four goals in two of them. Top ranked Andossa Se Mitrin Vega are clear favourites to win the group and their upcoming local derby against the hosts is one of the highlights of the group stage. Revenge will be on the cards for Tejera’s Corsairs as the Vegans ended Sargossan trophy dreams with a 1 – 0 semi-final win at the last Cup of Harmony. But Sargossa open their account with a first ever encounter with United Gordonopia. The lowest ranked of all the qualifiers advanced on the back of a solid defence, and a narrow playoff win over Mapletish, but with early momentum desperately required Tejera’s boys will be looking to batter down that back seven(ish) and take all the points.

by **Socialist States Owen** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:07 pm

A picture of Wake Pass taken from outside Fort Wake about sixty years after the battle. Note the ridge on the left heading out of picture, where the isolated 'Rocky Nest' was located. General Haggenmacher directed his troops from the ridge on the right.

Hurriedly, the second assault began. As the clock struck four in the afternoon, the initial attacking force of 2,500 men had taken heavy losses with around 900 dead and 500 wounded already. By comparison, the Eurans had lost only a handful of men under sporadic return fire on the walls. As the survivors of that slaughtered first wave trudged back through the Urszcsar ranks, bathed in blood and sweat. Now Haggenmacher knew his enemy had some strength, and would have to be broken down. He commanded 750 men to go around the hill to the northwest upon which he stood and prepare to seize the northern ridge which makes up the north side of the fort as a natural wall. Meanwhile he ordered forward his artillery; all 120 cannons moved into firing positions preparing to bombard the western and southern sides of the fort. Of course the rough surface of the hill would make this difficult, and so the artillery moved frustratingly slowly into position for Haggenmacher; for whatever reason, the Euran's were holding fire. Now the main body of his army, a whole 9,000 men, organised themselves behind the artillery.

At this point, the Euran's withdrew most of their troops from the battlements and the 36 cannon ports in the walls opened up their hatches. A cascade of concentrated fire descended upon the unprepared Urszcsar artillery, scattering gun crews and outright destroying a handful of gun pieces. After a few moments the attackers return fire, peppering the walls with single shot in an attempt to suppress the outgoing fire. At this point Haggenmacher ordered his infantry forward, confident that the Euran cannon could not strike them down while under fire. The Ursczar’s were not destroying any enemy pieces, but they were causing some superficial damage to the walls and limiting the defenders to occasional pot shots. Up on the battlements, the Private could not see through the smoke caused by the incoming fire. To his left several riflemen tried to fire through the smoke, while to his right a comrade dragged one of the fallen through the snow, leaving a blood red trail. Finally, the Private saw a line of silhouettes approaching; they were already within a hundred metres! Balding suddenly appeared, with a handful of riflemen at his command. Everyone else was hiding behind the wall or dodging arced cannon fire in the open area between the outer and inner walls.

Suddenly, the Urszcsar artillery ceased fire – their advancing troops had taken only light casualties and were now bearing down on the walls, equipped with ladders, dynamite and their bayonets firmly fixed.
“Balding! Sir!”
“Private?”
“Down there!”
“…bugger. Platoon, volley fire. Company, return to the battlements! Artillery, fire!”
From nowhere, the Euran artillery (which had been silent for several minutes) opened fire with a devastating, point blank barrage on the massed ranks of the enemy. In their hundreds the Urszcsars were torn to the pieces by harrowing close range fire with chain shot, cutting whole rows of men in two. Soon enough, the riflemen surged on to the battlements in their hundreds and fired down on the enemy while hundreds more massed behind the wall.
Meanwhile, to the north, a force of 750 attacking riflemen was surging through the bitter cold of the mountain winds at a determined canter. As they reached this ridge they were surprised to find it strangely unguarded. This was more than just suspicious, it was unnerving. They broke ranks and slowly advanced upwards, hoping to fire down from this hill into the fort itself, causing chaos amongst the defending force. However they were unaware that below them 150 men were positioned in stone bunkers and small tunnels, difficult to spot amongst the snow and rocky outcrops. They opened up from point blank range, cutting down the enemy with lethal efficiency. A further 350 men had amassed at the very top of the hill and began firing downwards, attempting to drive the attackers back. Brigadier Rodgers, high up in the daunting structure that was the keep of Wake Pass, saw an opportunity to rout the force scouting the ridge and cause further chaos amongst the main enemy surge. Immediately the small detachment of Euran cavalry, only 100 in number, were ordered to surge out of the gates (Which closed as soon as they exited) and into the mass of enemy infantry. Similarly, the 350 men at the top of the northern ridge poured down from the summit, bayonets fixed, turning what had been an effective ambush of the 750 strong enemy force into an absolute rout. They attempted to retreat, but were cut down en masse – whether it be through the sights of a Walter rifle, or a concealed bayonet thrusting up from a stone gap into the gut of an unlucky Urszcsar infantryman.

Though great success was being had, Haggenmacher had the numbers to take such losses, even though it had become clear to him very quickly that this would be an expensive victory. The Euran cavalry that surged out of the gates did cause a great ruckus, and even managed to create a large gap in the enemy lines briefly. Soon however they were swarmed by the weight of numbers which the opposition held, dragged down off their horses and swallowed up by the enemy. A heroic sacrifice, but not one that would break this attacking army. On the northern ridge, the 350 men charging down it had reached the bottom in victorious splendour, surrounded by the now entirely deceased advancing unit. Yet they were suddenly the subject of massive suppressive fire. An additional 1,000 Urszcsar infantry had appeared and provided cover for a huge group of cavalry surging towards the now exhausted and stranded infantry, who could not possibly scale this hill to escape. Up in the tower, the Brigadier could see this enemy unit pouring through the paper thin Euran line at the bottom of the ridge and realised he had been outwitted by Haggenmacher.

Hussars.

The Private and Balding had left the battlements, falling back to the second wall to gather more troops. One moment the Private was jogging through the snow, rifle slung over his shoulder, the next he was face planted on the ground. Am I hit? I knew I should’ve waited for the next cannon volley. Always wait for cover fire! Balding suddenly grabbed the Private and lifted him up, leaving him standing facing the outer wall again to see what was going on. The Private had not been hit; he had been floored by the shockwave of a massive explosion, comprised of dynamite and ordinance inside the wall at the foot of the outside of the wall. Simultaneously the gate had been blown open, and a crowd of Urszcsar troops would surge through in a matter of seconds, being delayed only by the gate operators holding their ground heroically with revolvers and swords.
“THEY’RE THROUGH! FIX BAYONETS AND ENGAGE AT WILL! FOR EURA!” Just as Balding unsheathed his sword and raised it in the air, he was shaken suddenly by some sort of impact. Blood spattered the earth behind him and he fell forward in front of the Private. The lower half of his body had been divided from the upper by a single shot from a cannon, perhaps at a one kilometre range. The Urszcsars now poured in, faced down by the defiant 1,000 or so troops in this area known simply as the Bailey. Outnumbered eight to one, the Private knew the odds were against them. He fixed his bayonet as quickly as possible and took aim at the front row of the charging mob, held his breath, and pulled the trigger.

by **Turori** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 3:09 pm

Saenu Out from the Shadows
Gibbons Parallel Universe Death forces Change

The Football Association of Turori (FAT) have surprisingly announced Ematea Saenu as the manager for the Turori National Team for the World Cup 63 finals to be played on Turorian soil.

The announcement came today just shortly before the teams were to travel for their opening fixtures.

Saenu replaces former head coach Mikael Gibbons, who remains with the National Team setup in a lesser role as training coach. Gibbons, the former Darmen National Team head coach, will be spending time focusing on the adaption of his sons to the Turorian setup. The three Gibbons sons, along with Mikael Gibbons, were exiled from Darmen following a vote-buying scandal that also resulted in the Gibbons family abandoning their positions at the Eau Claire Aris Football Club.

However, while there are functional advantages to having Gibbons focus on getting his three sons adapted to the Turorian system prior to World Cup matches on home soil, it is believed that the real reasons for reducing Gibbons control over the National Team setup are more... science fiction related than function.

Rumors have been swirling about the clashing of dimensions after an amateur surveiller intercepted transmissions from a 'Wyvern' radio channel describing the downfall of their National Team manager, Mikael Gibbons. It was stated that a football coach by the name of Mikael Gibbons was killed in a "Red Rat" murder in the Wyvern province. The stories quickly leaked to the Turori National and became a major distraction for Gibbons during the build up for World Cup 63. Luckily for the Eels, there were no matches to be played at the time. Unluckily, however, there were no matches to be played, meaning all the focus could be on the sci-fi-esque improbability of there being a parallel universe where Mikael Gibbons was the manager of some unknown foreign football squad before being killed in a series of Murders about rats.

While many ignored the stories as social media hogwash, the Football Association of Turori didn't want any quirky stories to distract from what was hoping to be a great display of the growth of Turori as a high-quality international sporting competition destination. The Football Association of Turori decided to let Gibbons deal with his own parallela-sci-fi-universal accusations and decided that it was probably best to have a native Turorian on the sidelines for a Turorian World Cup, even if the Gibbons family had committed themselves to the cause by acquiring Turorian citizenship after their exile from Darmen.

Even still, the appointment of Ematea Saenu remained a surprise for many who were not expecting the former tactical assistant to be promoted to the role without first taking the reigns of one of Turori's domestic clubs for at least a few seasons. Pundits are wondering if Saenu is being given the reigns too soon. Supporters, however, have already started putting Saenu's name on shirts and are quick to remind that Gibbons is going to be right there on the bench next to Saenu when the World Cup begins.

Gibbons experience will certainly be called upon in preparation for the three group stage matches as Gibbons and the Eels will be extremely familiar with their 3 group stage opponents.

The Eels will open the World Cup at the brand new Eels Park arena in "Eelandii" - A fictional city according to the official map of Turori, located between the capital of Almintora and the center of sport in Cednia. The Eels opposition will be Sargossa, marking two consecutive matches for the Eels against the Corsairs. Sargossa came out the victor in the last meeting, a 1-0 knockout victory in Cup of Harmony 54 eliminated the Eels from the previous campaign. The matchup with Sargossa was the Eels (un)just reward for having out-gunned another fellow World Cup 63 group stage opponent, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, for the top spot in their Cup of Harmony qualifying group. While the match between the Sea Dragons and the Eels ended in a 0-0 draw, the Vegai would go on to defeat Sargossa before winning the Cup of Harmony.

As if the three, Turori, Sargossa and Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, couldn't be more familiar with each other after all being drawn together in the 54th Cup of Harmony, Group E is completed by United Gordonopia. It will be a World Cup return for all 4 teams who did not participate in the World Cup 62 Finals. While United Gordonopia is the only side the Eels did not play during the 54th Cup of Harmony, Gibbons and the rest of the Eels should still have the Gordonopian National Team fresh in their minds after having played them three times recently, twice during World Cup 61 qualifying and then it was a 2-1 victory for the Eels over United Gordonopia in the 53rd Cup of Harmony.

Of course, if the memory wasn't fresh enough in the players minds, they will certainly be familiar with all three sides regardless. Half the squad spent over two months playing Gordonopia Games' rendition of World Cup 63 non-stop for all hours that they did not spend at the new training facilities in "Eelandii". It is rumored that Klaillal Tuirma was the most successful player, though their insistence on playing with "The Holy Empire" over and over and over again resulted in losing some respect amongst the rest of the players.

by **United Gordonopia** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 5:45 pm

A nation united by the sport,
rallying around their greatest triumph.
Four long cycles to arrive,
the celebration rages.

Rallying around their greatest triumph,
Gordonopians have awaited.
Four long cycles to arrive,
they hope it will not be the last.

Gordonopians have eagerly awaited,
their first qualification.
They hope it will not be the last,
though they will make the most of it.

Their first qualification,
led by Neuman, Tobias, Steiner, Bates.
Though they will make the most of it,
they know that the challenge will be great.

Led by Neuman, Tobias, Steiner Bates,
they will face vaunted foes.
They know the challenge will be great,
but perhaps they will find a way.

They will face vaunted foes,
Androssa Se Mitrin Vega on top.
But perhaps they will find a way,
past the number seven team.

Androssa Se Mitrin Vega on top,
Sargossa next in line.
Past the number seven team,
lies yet another storied competitor.

Sargossa next in line,
followed by no less than the hosts.
Yet another stories competitor,
this time vying in front of a home crowd.

Followed by no less than the hosts,
Gordonopia sits ready to play.
This time no home crowd,
for the lowest ranked team of all.

Gordonopia sits ready to play,
they have found a way before.
For the lowest ranked team of all,
has faced the hosts thrice, and twice prevailed.

They have found away before,
maybe they can do it again.
Faced the hosts thrice, and twice prevailed,
maybe they can find a way to win.

Maybe they can do it again,
four long cycles to arrive.
Maybe they can find a way to win,
a nation united by the sport.

by **Kiryu-shi** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:19 pm

Following what was the most dominant performance through qualifications for a World Cup in Kiryu-shi history, Head Coach J.J. Erickson has announced a shake-up in the coaching staff heading into the World Cup. In a press conference held this morning, Erickson announced that Assistant Head Coach Kayla Sasaki would be stepping down to facilitate on a transition back to her journalism career. Taking her place will be Rich Hamm, a professor of Athletic Studies at Sakaino University and a recent member of the Sakaino University Committee on Domestic Affairs, one of the most influential committees in Sakaino University. Throughout his two year tenure on the SUCoDA, Hamm was influential in passing a series of legislation focused on internationalizing our education system, earning him the bureaucratic respect of much of the nation. Further, during his tenure as a professor, Hamm was the driving force behind a number of papers studying the psychology of athletics, and was the assistant coach for a number of successful Sakaino University football teams. While he isn’t considered a high-level tactician like Sasaki, Hamm is considered to be a more politically savvy public figure whose football credentials focus more on getting the most out of every player.

Although Rich Hamm is undoubtably a fine leader and a strong coach, the timing of this shift in the coaching staff comes as a surprise to many. Kayla Sasaki was one of the key minds behind a Kiryu-shi squad that won thirteen of its seventeen matches, averaging almost two goals per match. Four years ago, meanwhile, while ranked higher with larger expectations, the Kiri only managed seven wins through fourteen matches with only fifteen total goals scored while barely hanging onto the second position in their group. Furthermore, their offensive struggles continued in the World Cup, where they ran three consecutive nil-nil draws to fall out of the group stage. Sasaki is largely credited with the innovations that consistently found goals from a roster largely devoid of offensive talent. In fact, the Kiri under Sasaki’s leadership were only shut out once through qualifications, an impressive feat considering the roster and the way the team performed four years ago.

With the new hiring, Coach Erickson has redoubled the focus and pressure of the nation back onto the Kiri. The no goals scored, no goals surrendered effort from four years ago is still a sore spot in Kiryu-shi football, as expectations for another passage into the round of sixteen were dashed in what was possibly the least striking but most memorable fashion, with hours upon hours of goalless football. During the four years subsequent to World Cup 61, the team regained an offensive identity, rooted in the dynamic play of their forwards and the mind of Kayla Sasaki. This qualification was widely heralded as vindication for those efforts, and the upcoming group stage in Turori would have been the next logical step. In a year during which the Kiri enjoyed their best ever qualifications, however, all talk around the nation isn’t excited anticipation over the potential of these young men and women. Rather, it is dread; the fear of yet another World Cup that may be continue a legacy of substandard, boring football on the multiverse’s biggest stage.

by **Yesopalitha** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 6:21 pm

One word to describe each member of Yesopalitha's Starting 11 against Vilita:

Jonah Calhoun, GK Confident

Noah Galvin, LB Physical

Naisi Von Helz, CB Consistent

Michael Kevin, RB Experienced

Park Sung Hwan, LW Energetic

Jane Vander Rox, LM Cornerstone

Isaac Jack-Bentley, CM Captain

Fantasia Cecile-Marie, RM Fantastic

Jacques Kemp, RW Sure-footed

Nadya Dostoevich, LF Fast

Brianna Carheim, RF Rising

These 11 will now try to avenge the loss to Vilita the last World Cup Quarterfinals. It will be a tough match, as the Jungle Cats always are, but it should be a great match between two competent sides.

51 points in the Qualifiers? None of that matters if the Flames fall short here. Nobody will remember that. All they'll remember is how far this team goes in the Proper.

by **Polar Islandstates** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 7:24 pm

The players were gathered in the changing room. Their stage was set. Their warm-ups had been completed, and Joachim Schwartz had said his thing. Outside, none other than the four-time world champions Aguazul were waiting for them in front of a home crowd that was baying through megaphones for Tern-blood. The Estadio Paridos was rocking to the thunderous boots of the locals, nobly challenged by the travelling Twitchers, with even the most stubborn of Polarians in the stands having to admit that the hosts were winning the noise battle. The contest on the football pitch that would await the Terns would be a tough one, and they all knew it.

Jorgen Hauge had said his piece about pride and restoring some spark into their performances. Torre Urfstadt had said his thing about wanting to show the hosts up in their first game just to spoil the party. Alexsandr van Sorensen had said his own part about the need for attractive football if they were going to further dispel the stereotypes of stodgy defensive play that still lingered from the previous cycle. Jean-Eric Villeneuve had also spoken up, much to the surprise of many, making sure the other players knew how important it would be to stay tight as a team out on the pitch and not let criticism get them down.

The most important person in the room was yet to speak yet, however, and they all knew it.

Identity no longer a secret, Timo Skye leant was leant against a freestanding changing unit, waiting patiently for his turn to speak. It was this that first tipped off Jorgen Hauge.

"Hey, Skye, you going to tell us how you changed or what?" he said.

"Changed? What makes you think I've changed?" asked Skye, innocently.

"Well, for a start, you've been in the room and we've been talking for twenty minutes now and you haven't said a word. That's not like you at all. What happened? Why are you here?"

"Oh, it's a long story." dismissed Skye.

"Hey, you've been telling us long stories for the past twenty-odd matchdays whilst all dressed up in those robes, the least you could do now is oblige us and tell us what on earth made you think that was a worldbeating idea."

"Okay, fine." said Skye, "How about I tell it to you over three parts?"

"Fine by me," replied Hauge with a smirk at the reference to the previous cliffhanger-laden tales of drama, "you go right ahead."

"Well," said Skye, "it all started when I happened to be in my kitchen, making myself some coffee as I prepared to read up on Lillehammer's most recent exploits in Crime Today. There I was, happy as Lars, when suddenly I felt as if I was being transported to the Dreamed Realm. Which was impossible, right? I've been there enough with the Terns to know that it takes all sorts of rules and legislative hoops to jump through just to indicate you might fancy it sometime in the future, so why in the name of Thor's beard would I been feeling like I was being sucked into the Dreamed Realm on an average weekday night?

"Turned out it was Thor directly, acting on the suggestions of Ragnorak. That tournament was supposedly to be a wonderful one for the spectators: 'See how well your favourite team of all time faces up against multiple champions!' - that kind of thing. And I suppose it was meant to be fun for the players as well. But not so me. As my consciousness enjoyed the dual pleasure of being both in Franz Josef City and the Dreamed Realm at the same time, I began to understand the gravity of the situation I found myself in.

"I was playing football with The Greats! Hirvonen, Prjevalski, Osie-Jonsson, Freiburg, Bruun, Nygaard, Millerntor, and a young Kirkkegaard... I could go on. But the more I saw myself in their company, and the more I realised how my achievements would be compared to theirs in ordinary reality whether I liked it or not, the more I wanted to do something about it.

"I was accepted as one of the greats worthy of sharing the same pitch as them, sure, but I wanted to be The Best. I wanted to break all the records, to hold all the trophies, to be the most admired and envied man in the multiverse, or at the very least, the Federation! Even worse, as we exited the competition, I could see the spirits of those great payers that I had been privileged enough to play with, in a way, for those past weeks just fading away back into the ether of the Dreamed Realm. Only the spirits of those players still alive in ordinary reality remained to experience the Dreamed Realm in a cognitive way. I was one of few remaining, but not even the most famous or admired. Those players that held that title were gone once more. Possibly forever. And that scared me. I didn't want that. Not for me. I wouldn't be dying when my consciousness made the trip back to ordinary reality, no, but I would be getting old again. And I'd gotten quite used to being young. So, I did something daring. I did something daring that I thought would solve my problems of running out of youth and vitality in which to make my indelible mark upon the world..."

"What did you do?" asked David Wien, mouth open.

"I wrote a letter to who I thought were the overseers of the Dreamed Realm, and asked them for a little favour..." answered Skye.

Dear Mr Frosticus,

Wotcher. It's me, Timo Skye. No doubt you'll heave heard of me during this football tournament that's been going on here in this Dreamed Realm place of yours. In fact, who am I kidding, you felt my presence as soon as my consciousness was summoned here, didn't you? You sly old dog, you.

Anyway, the point is, for the purposes of the tournament I've been made young again. And I like it. I like it a lot.

Now, I've done my homework on your mob, sort of, and I'm aware of the weird stuff that happens around here, and so I'm writing to you today to ask for you to make me immortal. And young again. So I can tackle the World Cup over, and over, and over, and over, and over. Nothing flashy, I don't want any ceremonies or anything too 'in-your-face', I just want to be immortal. I know you can make it happen.

Let's face it, why wouldn't you want to?!

Yours,
Timo Skye
(Me.)

p.s. Incidentally, I was summoned here by a god from my own pantheon. You might want to check your borders once in a while, seems you've got a pest problem.

OOC: Prior permission for this acquired.

by **Vilita** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:55 pm

Kater Leaves Strike FC, Ready for Cup
Mitaroka Unveils 26-Player Roster for World Cup in Turori

Vilita National Team starting goalkeeper Nycflala Kater confirmed at the conclusion of World Cup qualifying what many had rumored as the campaign came to a close, his departure from the roster at Vilitan mega-club Strike FC.

The news came as a shock to just about everyone in Lonngeylin and most throught Vilita and Turori as well, but the wording in the situation was key to follow as Kater's contract was up at the end of V-League Season 36. The Jungle Cats #1 informed management at Strike FC that he would not be signing any contracts until after the World Cup finals were over. Management at Strike FC naturally could not wait for the Finals to be over to have their goalkeeper situation for Season 36 settled. Despite the great experience being gained by Audioslavia's Kajaxo Imaslavii, the obvious goalkeeper of choice for the future in Lonngeylin, Mikala Abellan had to find some additional cover at the goalkeepers position.

According to reports, Abellan turned to Vilita National Team head coach and former Strike FC head coach Calaesa Mitaroka for assistance. Mitaroka recommended the unattached Vegai netminder Haneshi Hamaaz'urii, formerly of Colonial Sile and the Yeaddin Owls. Mitaroka even went as far as calling Hamaaz'urii up for a pair of National Team matches during World Cup 63 Qualification, even being forced to cap the player after Aranora Jaded strained a finger taking shots in warmup prior to the Matchday 17 clash with The Inevitable Syndicate.

Hamaaz'urii would backup Kater for the remainder of the Season 35 V-League season at Strike with Imaslavii on loan to Kiiara-Torra, setting the player up for the role once again in Season 36 should Kater decide to move on from Lonngeylin once the World Cup 63 Finals have concluded.

Kater was reportedly the most emotional after the Jungle Cats disappointing exit from World Cup 62 against eventual World Champions the Holy Empire. After taking the World Cup Semi-Final to extra time, the Jungle Cats faltered and came away with nothing after losing the third-placed playoff match on penalty kicks to The Babbage Islands.

If it is the end of the Kater-era at Strike FC, it will end with Kater just short of the all-time record for appearances. Averaging just over 0.6 goals conceded per game and recording 200 victories, the Kater-era at Strike will always be remembered as a strong one, despite the relative lack of silverware, 4 Stellar Division titles in 10 seasons. All eyes will be on Kater post-cup to see if he returns to Vilita domestically, decides to take a chance at the International game or, as some early rumors suggested, retires from the sport altogether.

One thing that is known for sure, however, is that Kater isn't considering any offers now, and, he's Calaesa Mitaroka's first choice amongst the 26-player World Cup roster for starting goalkeeper duties in Turori.

On defense, Strike's Miiara Makose is likely the go-to back line guy while team captain Ritopa Simafela should also get the start despite leaving Strike for Season 35 to seek out a new challenge in Kiiarana. The Turoki Tide's Uajiala Pulkki will likely be starting the finals from the bench despite the basking of the glory of the UICA Champions Cup title.

Vilita's most capped player of the modern era, Jumour Hulyer, will be using the World Cup 63 finals not only as a chance for international glory on the World's biggest stage, but also as a chance to familiarize himself with his new environment. Hulyer signed for Turorian club Mliona-Lpaka FC following the 35th Vilitan League season and will be hoping to advance to the knockout phase to play some matches in Mliona-Lpaka before moving there permanently with the club. Inland Peaks youngster Kiroki Mitaroka is included in the final 26-player roster despite all the conversation sparked by all of the head coaches namesake player's playing time throughout qualifying. Strike FC's Viliaka Morasita and Kiiarana's Astara Daiili are two of the biggest names to miss out on Calaesa Mitaroka's finals squad.

A rejuvinated Kristofer Kilpter has been breathing in new international life and earns an invitation back home to Turori after netting 5 goals for the Jungle Cats during the qualification campaign. Kilpter will likely be starting from the bench between Strike FC's Viji-mara Lawaai and Colonial Sile's Lita Adjei, who led Vilita in goals scored during World Cup 63 Qualifying. Despite an up-and-down history with the national team, Actalia Mermaioada's impressive contributions to the domestic and international achievements being piled up in Turoki certainly cought the eye of coach Mitaroka as Mermaioada was included in the 26-player roster over regular Vilitan choices Erocka Lorei and Xcnaio Bansoa.

The Jungle Cats will begin their campaign against Yesopalitha in a rematch of the World Cup 62 Quarter Final match that Vilita won 3-1 thanks to goals from Deneli, Buran and the afformentioned Erocka Lorei, who will not be available for selection by coach Mitaroka this time around. Victory over Yesopalitha, the top team during the World Cup Qualifications, would be a critical start towards a repeat showing in the final rounds of the World Cup finals for coach Mitaroka's squad. Yesopalitha will be without former superstar Hilary van der Rox, who spent the twilight of her career playing in Turori, after her international retirement following World Cup 62. van der Rox will be on the sidelines as the flames Assistant Manager but, unless a last minute roster switch were to happen, the Jungle Cats would not have to worry about the former flames superstar.

by **Valanora** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:19 pm

"Was it such an eventuality that we would reach the Finals?"

"Nay, there was indeed some grim outlooks going into those last three games. Can't exactly say that anyone can be thrilled after all that and how close of a shave it eventually turned out to be. Still, we made it to Turori all the same and maintained our rank somehow. Things are not all as doom as gloom as they could have been, so I say that we turn the page and start over with the Finals."

"Were it so easy, I feel like there is still a lingering effect of coming that close to entirely crashing out. I mean, we only won our group thanks to head to head being the first tiebreaker, can't say that you get any closer than that now can you? You can't, and that is what scares me, this team is lacking any sort of drive and commitment to excellence. That is the cornerstone of the Vanorian footballing model and this squad just doesn't seen to have it."

"Hawk still does."

"Yes, well there is only one Laborious Hawk. There is still ten other positions on the field to play and he can't play them all no matter how good of a player he might be."

"... now there is an idea."

"What? A team of Hawks? Impossible. It can't be done."

"Well, they do have those cloning facilities in the capital, so you can't say that it can not be done. The question is, would it be morally right to do so, to clone what is considered the greatest player to even don a Vanorian shirt and send a team out there against others."

"It would be murder, they wouldn't stand a chance..."

"You're right. Best stick with just the one and his teammates. Still the thought of a team of Hawks is very... ventilating is it not? Can you just imagine how powerful that team could be?"

"Quit focusing on the fantasy and get back to reality. The truth of the matter is, despite whatever appearances of an easy group that the Marauders might have, is completely wiped out at this point until the squad shows a little bit of heart and grit. Until then, I think any team on the day could knock them out."

"Well I will hope then that one Hawk is enough to see it through, it always has been in the past. With luck, it will be so in the future as well."

by **Pasarga** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:31 pm

Torgos Tribune ~ Group of DEATH

The random gods were quite unfair to the Wanderers as they have found themselves in what has to be considered the group of Death for this World Cup. Not only do they face the defending champions and number one ranked squad in all of the world, but also the number one second seed with the Elves of the Slyvanaes Queendom and oh the team that is tied for the best record in World Cup History with the Purple Peril of Starbladyia. The fact of the matter that Pasarga got bumped down to a three seed from a two seed thanks to the hosting privileges of Turori was always going to make the draw difficult, but having the top seed of the first three spots and then the team with the most World Cup trophies (tied with Valanora for 5, is simply ridiculous and maddening.

The game with the Frosticans is a complete wash, there is no way on this green Earth that the Wanderers can even come away with a point from that match. The Empire has shown in the last twenty or so cups that it is a legitimate force of the upper echelons of the World Cup scene. The rank disparity alone that the World Cup Committee uses just goes to show how far and above and beyond the Frosticans are compared to the rest of the footballing elite, much less the footballing community. Simply put, the Wanderers will have to accept their defeat with dignity and look at the other two matches to get their points.

This is where it gets tricky, as the Elves are themselves truly a first pot nation as well, but have sunk because of the hosts. While they have had peaks and valleys in terms of success and failure, along with form, with the World Cup, they are a power inside the community. While we may have tripped them up once or twice in our past does not mean we can do so again. Yet this is the game that is vital for the Wanderers qualifying chances for the knockout round, a dream which many Pasargans cling to with all the hope they can muster. A win or even a draw with the Elves would be an immense occasion as it sets up nicely for the other match in the tournament.

Which is with famous Starblaydia, who got through with a bit of luck to be truthful about it, using the method of the playoffs. Yet with them indeed finding passage into the Finals, they are in a spot where nothing is expected of them and from that vantage is where they can do the most damage, especially to a side like ours. There are no expectations on this Starblaydia side, still reeling a bit after one of their hiatuses from the game and some domestic and regional politics to keep the public eye off the side. Compare that to Pasarga who remains domestic tranquility and a public with their eyes keen on the side and you can have the makings of an upset.

But I think not, I think the Wanderers come out of the group with four points and just do sneak into the knockouts. It may be a dream but it is one I will gladly have and hope to see come true. Come on you Wanderers!

by **Aguazul** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 9:33 pm

"So, you're in charge of this resistance thing?"

"Well, not all of it," Claudia stammered, "I mean, ideally it's growing from and representing the desires of the whole society, I mean, uh...yes."

"Cool!" said another one of the military officials.

"So," said the first, "what's the plan?"

"The plan! Right. Well, what kind of resources do you have at your disposal right now?"

"Well besides us all here, we haven't talked to a lot of the lower ranked people yet."

"What about you?" someone else asked. "Are you in touch with all the people that showed up at the stadium?"

"Not immediately, no. I thought you guys had a plan."

"They told us you had a plan."

"They? Oliva?"

"Everyone's been talking about it, you know, "if you think these rebels have the right idea, meet here during the first matchday.""

"Did he sound like he wanted to come himself? Maybe he had a plan, but he's not here..."

"Everyone's been talking about it!" someone called from the back of the room. "Hey. You. How fast can you move on that thing?"

Claudia glanced down at her wheelchair. "Pretty fast if it's level ground, why?"

"We have to get out of here, now."

"What?" half of the room blurted.

But someone else from the other half answered. "This is the kind of thing that should have been passed around secretly, not blabbed about. Grouped together like this we're just asking to be picked off."

Claudia was scooting toward the door amid the others as she called back, "If it's a trap, why haven't we all been killed already?"

One by one, they snuck out, then tried to relocate without attracting attention. ""There's a big pile of rebels all meeting at the same place and time..." After everything they've done to wreck the intelligence of the country, the military might just have wound up full of idiots too dumb to take the hint."

Matchday One

by **Jeruselem** » Tue Jan 29, 2013 10:58 pm

After Jeruselem lost to Taeshan 1-0 ... Princess Katy and Jeruselem coach Michelle Salad

Katy: !@#$%^&*()
Michelle: Hey, you remind of someone
Katy: !@#$%^&*()
Michelle: It's OK
Katy: Really?
Michelle: Look, losing 1-0 to Taeshan is OK. We didn't get thrashed

Katy: We should have at least got a draw
Michelle: We did alright
Katy: I think we had at least one goal except the ref didn't like us
Michelle: I think those offsides were fair
Katy: I think at least one was not offside
Michelle: We did our best

Katy: Doing our best isn't good enough
Michelle: I understand your frustrations
Katy: We must aspire to higher goals
Michelle: We still have 6 points to get, so there's hope
Katy: I hope so
Michelle: The Jeru FC girls won so that's good news

Katy: I suppose we're in the finals and they aren't
Michelle: There's always someone worse off than us
Katy: I suppose we could be like Qazox
Michelle: No one expects us to make the 2nd round anyway
Katy: I do
Michelle: That's because you want a longer holiday here

Katy: I'm working, this is no holiday
Michelle: I dunno about you working
Katy: What you mean?
Michelle: All you do is flit around with a camera following you
Katy: That's my job
Michelle: I guess you do that very well

Katy: Oh well, no point crying over spilt milk now
Michelle: If ASMV can lose a game, so can our opponents
Katy: Yes, them purple people beat the Holy Empire too
Michelle: See, there's hope still
Katy: !@#$%^&*()
Michelle: What's the problem now?

Katy: Nothing
Michelle: Stop being grumpy like your Mum or sister
Katy: It's mum's fault
Michelle: I suppose it is

by **Milchama** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 3:39 am

"Told you!"

"Yep!"

"Totally right on that!"

"Yep!"

"3-1 to the Warriors!"

"3-1 to the Warriors!"

"Big win!"

"Not only that but a dominating performance"

"Really though, that was so much better than our 1-0 win at home"

"Yeah, I still don't understand what happened in that first match against Mytannion but since then we've had them"

"Yeah two more games and two big wins"

"Huge wins"

"Wins that will lead to greater and greater things"

"I mean hopefully, you can't predict that"

"Fair but we are in a good position"

"Yeah, a good performance in MD1 and our first win in World Cup play since World Cup 49"

"Wow!"

"Yeah really, just a dominant display in the first half and some great play in the second"

"2 goals in the first 20 minutes is awesome"

"Yeah, Meloy and Jackson both chipping in"

"Even better with the wing play from Querk and Cohen"

"Well really it was the midfield who just shut down the Minotaurs"

"Is that their nickname?"

"No idea"

"Ok then"

"I mean Hemmings seemed to be everywhere"

"Truth"

"Made everything easier"

"Truth part 2"

"Just wonderful"

"Glorious"

"Amazing"

"Incredible"

"I can't believe we've gotten this far and not talked about the violence"

"Well I was watching on TV"

"Sure but still violence"

"Yeah those Mytannars thought they could beat us!"

"They were wrong"

"We have universal conscription, the biggest army in AO and probably the best as well"

"And then EVERYONE is a soldier"

"Really a stupid decision"

"Really really dumb"

"Well our fans won the fight"

"And easily as well"

"Really easily"

"Threw them back where they came from"

"It also helps that Milchama is a lot closer to Turori than Mytannion"

"You know we're playing in Aguazul right?"

"Nope"

"Either way"

"Well not really"

"Doesn't matter"

"Fair"

"Look we won everything today and that's the important part"

"Oh definitely"

"Milchama forever!"

"At least to the second round!"

"Most definitely!"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

"Come on You Warriors!"

by **Sargossa** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 1:49 pm

Sargoil Processing Station, Outskirts of Puerto Aranda, Santazuela’s Brantan Coast…

“Here they come!”

For the third time that afternoon the sounds of automatic weaponry tore through the usually sleepy Santazuelan air. Out in the main compound uniformed figures dived for cover behind vehicles, machinery and other obstacles as clinical and sustained fire emanated from the catering block. It was a total mismatch. The men in uniform had a huge advantage in numbers but they were local militia units, poorly trained and lacking any real stomach for a fight. And sadly for them it was a fight they found waiting for them. The plan had been to overwhelm a small band of armed renegades who’d entrenched themselves within the catering hall that dominated the centre of the Sargoil facility. They hadn’t anticipated meeting this level of resistance. The first assault collapsed in less than ninety seconds, while the second had fared better until a grenade had ended the militia’s resolve. The third attempt at storming the building was over almost as soon as it had begun, with three new prone bodies added to the growing collection.

“Stand down.” Mauricio Danté has initially baulked at the length of time he’d been instructed to hold this position. But he’d clearly grossly overestimated the calibre of the local security forces. “Carlos, you take this watch. Jaime, check the hostages.”

He watched Jaime carefully place his still smoking automatic weapon to one side, check his sidearm and head towards the storage area at the rear of the building. The bulk of their twenty one reluctant guests were locked in what was essentially an enlarged pantry. Three others had been segregated away in an office. Danté had scanned the personnel records carefully to select them. Long term company men, each not far from retirement with no family or dependants. They’d been chosen for a task Danté didn’t relish, he was a soldier not a monster. But there was something much bigger at stake for which the ends justified the means. It had said so in the orders so it must be true.

“Boss.” A shout came from the main dining area. “Come and see this.”

He followed the voice to find the remainder of his team sat at one of the tables watching a TV they’d set up. On it was a news report featuring a very familiar voice recording. One Danté himself had uploaded to the news agency’s website several hours ago.

“. . . gossan oppression. So we, the Coalition for a Free Santazuela, have taken this symbol of Sargossan economic imperialism and will execute every last one of the hostages we hold unless the Sargossan military lifts its siege of Libertad and withdraws from the country within the next 48 hours. Failure to comply will result in blood. And that blood will be on the hands of Gregorio Emparán and his cohorts in Soluca.”

“Those were the words of the hostage takers as the crisis outside Puerto Aranda deepens. With President Emparán on an official visit to Birolika Interior Minister General Raoul Delgado issued this response.”

“The Sargossan government does not and will not negotiate with terrorists. All this does is strengthen our resolve and proves our mission in Santazuela is entirely justified. It shows that those who claim to fight for liberation and separation are in reality nothing more than criminals and murderers. Local security forces are now in the process of securing the area and military units are currently enroute to bring this incident to a swift end. . .”

Danté pushed a button to mute the transmission.

“You know the orders. When the army arrives the militia will withdraw and that will be our window of opportunity. Everything must be ready for that moment.” His mind wondered to three figures huddled in a small office. “Everyone have your kit ready. Jorge, make sure the truck is fully fuelled and ready by the rear gate. I don’t know how long we’ll have for extraction so I want to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. Understand?”

They all nodded in agreement.

“Good.” He pushed another button, switching the channel. “But they won’t be here for a while and that lot out there won’t be back for a bit so I think we’ve got time for some of the Turori game. Quiet. Look, the second half is about to start. . .”

by **Osarius** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 2:40 pm

"...a surprise 1-1 draw with the much-favoured Euran side, but Amandeep Sahota was coy on the team's chances of progression..." OSN were making a big deal of the result. They always did when the Firebirds got a decent result against a higher-ranked side, even if they didn't actually play well. Maria di Corradi clicked the remote, changing channel as her brother entered the room.

"Hey, Ale." She smiled. It was a little forced, though. She felt as though she'd lost her little brother. His battle with depression had changed him in ways she couldn't explain. Their closeness was a little odd to the outsider looking in, they were both in their thirties, and yet they would still hang out as if they were teens sometimes.

"What you watching?" He flopped into the seat next to her, facing the TV screen. A talk show was on.

"Oh er... nothing. I'm not really watching."

"Thought you'd be watching the .... highlights." He had hesitated, he still wasn't comfortable dealing with football. Maria understood. Sort of. It was the stresses of football that had driven her brother to depression, so said the doctors. She had quit the game shortly after he had announced his retirement, mainly because her playing would have exposed him to the game more than would likely be comfortable. But she missed it. Desperately.

"I was. But it's no big deal, I'll check in with some of the guys later, I'm not sure how the time zones work."

There was an odd silence for a long moment. For all his troubles of late, Alessandro still cared more for his sister than most. "You miss it?" Alessandro asked.

'That incisive bastard. Why couldn't he leave it? I don't want to answer this question. I don't want to upset you, Ale.' Maria took a deep breath. "You could say that." Another pause. "But the last year just wasn't the same."

A small smile formed on Alessandro's face. A genuine one. Maria could see it in his eyes. 'He remembers, just like I do.'

"It wasn't the same for a long time, Ria." His smile faded.

"I know." Maria replied softly.

Another long moment of silence.

"You think it will ever be the same for us, Ria?"

"I'm sure it will. Besides, nobody ever created more goals for me than you, little brother."

The smile returned for a little while. And another silent moment. Maria allowed her thoughts to drift, to the reaction to both their retirements, to Firewood City's request to retain their registrations through to the end of their contracts, to the idea of a return. Just one more match would be enough. Just one last time. One last chance to line up with Alessandro, see him genuinely happy on the pitch. But she had her doubts he'd ever be happy on the pitch again.

Once, he'd said that it was his "safe place", the only place he felt "free". Now it was like a prison. He even seemed afraid of it. "He wants to go back," their mother had said, matter-of-factly, after the retirement announcement, "why else would he allow Firewood to keep his registration rights?" She had a point, but the prospect of her brother ever returning seemed so far away, it didn't make any sense to expect it to happen.

'Enough of that. Do something, this is depressing.' Maria thought to herself. "Right, this talk show is terrible." She announced, as she clicked over to a movie channel. It was a boxing movie, starring a familiar guy in the lead role. "Is this that one with Kone in it?"

"Looks like it. Pretty sure that's the God Hand." Alessandro replied.

"I heard it's really good, wanna watch?"

"Sure, why not? How far in is it?"

"Few minutes, doubt we've missed much."

"Did Mother go to bed? She might wanna wa-"

"No she wouldn't. You know how much she hates combat sports, remember her rant at Aunt Sarah before the Olympics?"

"Oh yeah, haha. Then Aunt Sarah won gold, that was pretty cool."

"Yeah, Mama will probably come back down later to check on us anyway. Anyone would think we were still kids."

"Heh. To be fair, I can kinda understand why she'd wanna check on me, Ria."

"Nah, you're alright, Ale. And if you weren't, you'd talk to one of us, right?"

"...right."

The slight pause betrayed him. 'Why don't I believe you, Ale?'

* * * * *

Roque Urbina celebrated his equaliser against Eura by lifting his shirt to reveal a message on his vest: "Ci mancherete, Ale". We miss you, Ale. Four powerful words that underline just how important the former Firewood City playmaker was to his team-mates. The affection they clearly have for him does raise an interesting question though; why did he succumb to depression? To ask such a question is folly, as much as the popular "how can he be depressed when he gets paid millions to play football?" and completely overlooks much of the negatives that come with the privilege of playing professional sport. Firewood City have a close relationship with the di Corradi family as a whole, and the club as a whole was deeply wounded when the younger di Corradi showed up at a hostage situation earlier this year, apparently with intent to negotiate with the perpetrators. Urbina himself wept in a post-match interview shortly afterwards, expressing deep regret that he had "failed to help a friend in need". How could he have helped, though? Nobody knew.

If Alessandro was watching the game, he'll surely be pleased to know how much his teammates appreciate him. He won't be pleased with the overall performance of the Firebirds in his absence, though. A tentative approach from the team as a whole saw them go a goal down within twenty minutes, and it looked like it could have been a very long day for Amandeep Sahota's side after that. Remarkably, they managed to weather the storm, Gareth Mason underlining his ability with a string of superb saves at the tail end of the first half -- prompting many to question why no major team has snatched him away from Hollybrent; the answer is simply that Mason doesn't want to leave, of course -- and Sahota's nervous pacing on the touchline suggested he was stuck for ideas. The front three, though consistently dangerous when on the ball, saw far too little of it to really trouble Eura. Brooklyn McGregor did test Daniel Belgrave with a stinging drive from 25 yards, but that was about as good as it got.

Things improved in the second half, but the Firebirds were still being outnumbered in the midfield, prompting Sahota to sacrifice Brooklyn McGregor for the imposing frame of Felix McLean on the hour mark. The tactical switch seemed to help immediately, as the Hastmead man flicked a long pass on for Cuellar, who curled a beautiful strike against the far post. With the midfield battle looking a bit more balanced, the Firebirds began to push back. Still not creating many clear-cut chances, but certainly threatening on the break through the pace of Cuellar and Urbina.

It wasn't until the eightieth minute that Sahota's side finally looked like they belonged. A neat exchange through the middle released Serenity Lewis beyond Riley. The captain played a beautifully weighted pass into the right channel, where Roque Urbina found it and coolly swept home, only to turn and see the assistant referee had flagged for offside. Replays showed it was close, but probably the correct decision, but more importantly, Eura had to be careful. "Tired legs don't usually perform well when chasing livewire wingers", Sahota said after the game, referring to the move that eventually brought Osarius' goal. Urbina again was the recipient, this time from a Gilberto Cuellar cross-field pass. A swift counter had released the left winger in space, and drew a defender out of the middle to close him down. Capitalising on the space, Urbina cut inside, beating his marker for pace and meeting Cuellar's pass with a thunderous right boot. Having rode their luck for much of the game, Osarius suddenly looked like they could go on to win it, but Margaret opted not to be so cruel to Eura.

"If we can replicate the performance of the last ten minutes or so on a more consistent basis, we have a great chance at progression." Amandeep Sahota said. "We have the players to do damage, it's just putting them in the right places to do so that we struggled with today."

Captain Serenity Lewis was a little less forgiving in her appraisal, however. "Think we got lucky today, we really can't afford to let teams overrun us like that, and we just have to be better." When asked about the tribute to her former Firewood and Osarius teammate, Serenity's gaze became steelier. "Even more reason we can't play like that again. Ale is part of the reason we're here, and I won't dishonour his contribution."

Next up for Osarius is Valladares, with whom they split results during qualification. Osarius' winner in the first meeting was a sublime Alessandro di Corradi free kick, and in the second meeting his absence was certainly noticeable, as the Firebirds struggled to break down a well-organised Valladares defence. When asked how he intended to cope with a similar issue this time around, Firebirds boss Sahota was hopeful. "You don't replace players of that quality easily, but I believe that Giovanna Rossetti is capable of giving us that cutting edge if we need it. She's been a key player in that role for Jraxville, so I'm optimistic, shall we say?"

by **United Gordonopia** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 6:44 pm

What a victory.
Gordonopia took the field, a titan of the sport across.
The odds insurmountable.
The nation was excited, but expectations were low.
A draw would have sufficed.
None believed three points would cap the day.
What a victory.

The opening was grim.
A long header by Kel'tas opened up the match.
Seven minutes in.
The Gordonopian crowd had traveled thousands of miles.
Their roar softer.
All felt that this was to be the fate of the day.
The opening was grim.

No hope in sight.
Eld'mosu launched a textbook pass down the pitch.
Perfect execution.
Kel'tas kicked it without touching the ground.
Past Neuman.
Sixteen minutes in and down 2-0.
No hope in sight.

Suddenly a spark.
Norm Bates found that the ball was his.
Perhaps a chance.
Tobias sprinting down the field, just in range.
Try the pass.
Just long, but perhaps not out of reach.
Suddenly a spark.

The roar grows louder.
Tobias sprints, Im'untu close on his heels.
Almost out of bounds.
Kept in by a hairsbreadth, Tobias turns.
The shot.
Soaring through the air, Zyh'athkim barely to late.
The roar grows louder.

The dragon counters.
Tia'bel receives a pass, perhaps it was offsides.
No call.
No one to stop her advance on the goal.
Neuman readies.
The read is wrong, the shot is good.
The dragon counters.

Even it up.
The half is not out, still ten minutes to go.
Gordonopia finds magic.
First Franz finds his mark, well played on a corner.
Only 2-3.
Bates follows with a brilliant drive.
Even it up.

The cascade continues.
Defensive prowess, a staple of both sides.
Gone.
56 minutes, yet another goal is made.
Gordonopia leads.
Tobias earns his second goal from a set piece.
The cascade continues.

A quick reply.
The Sea Dragons refuse to give an inch.
Kel'tas has the ball.
The defense, the pride, of Gordonopia responds.
No success.
He dodges three men, and scores the goal.
A quick reply.

4-4, what a score.
A battle of attrition finally sets in.
The crowd on edge.
The defenses of both sides begin to regroup.
One point, not too bad.
They are, after all, the world number seven.
4-4, what a score.

A last minute miracle.
Neuman feeds the ball to Steiner.
Dribbling up field.
A quick pass to Stahl continues the play.
Bates in sight.
The pass to the captain is barely good.
A last minute miracle.

Hat trick.
87 minutes in, Tobias takes the final pass.
Cuts inside.
The Gordonpian rumble grows ever greater.
The shot.
Sailing through the air, what a magnificent kick.
Hat trick.

The significance is not lost.
The fans in the stadium roar with excitement.
At home no softer.
From Deska to Al-Kharid, celebration builds.
Finally the last whistle.
Somehow, victory is the final result.
The significance is not lost.

by **Karditan** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:30 pm

Things weren't going well for Sucker Punch. The Bumblebees were running circles around the Karditani defense (literally--Valentine Armstrong just ran a full circle around Xavier Helm, what with his armor slowing him down). It was a wonder there hadn't been a goal yet. But this was not shaping up at all like he had hoped.

Shit shit shit was all that was running through Helm's mind as he tried to catch up with Armstrong; normally he could keep a tag on most forwards, even with his armor weighing him down, but all the Bumblebees ran like the wind. Shit shit shit, Bearchán O'Dea is about to pass it up. Come on come on come on, just a little more...

O'Dea did indeed pass it up. But she passed it behind Helm, who realized far too late that Armstrong had pivoted and started running the other way. One armored boot hit the other as he clumsily tried to follow, hitting the ground with a teeth-clenching clash. It only took him a moment to get back up, but Armstrong had already charged into the box. Luckily, Porfirio Mendoza was there to block an easy shot on goal. Unfortunately, she launched it parallel to the goal--somehow sneaking it under Dust Pan, who seemed to be attempting some odd sort of scissor kick--to a rather surprised Stefan Gill. At first all he managed to do was put a foot out and stop the ball cold while running past it. He ran back to it and did a pivot-kick, starting facing his own goal and ending facing the diving form of Emanuel Portico. The ball smashed into Portico's chest and ricocheted back into the box. By chance, the deflection brought it into contact with the inside of Porfirio's left foot, causing it to roll straight back instead of at an angle. Unfortunately for the Barons, Sergio Flores Cotto had been following Mendoza and doubled back. He one-timed it over to Armstrong, who had snuck back into the box, who then unloaded it at the goal. Portico had been caught on the wrong foot, for once, and barely managed a hop at the shot that easily sailed over his head and into the net.

Portico rubbed his sore backside as Sweet Swing trotted up to him. "You okay?"

He hooked an arm around her and pulled himself up. "Of course. Just a little shaken. That... was just a debacle."

"That was just a debacle," said Punch from the sidelines. He gave Carnac Carson the stink-eye. "You're supposed to be our defensive coach. How the hell did that happen?"

"Hey, this is the third best team in the world. What were you expecting?"

"Decent defending! It wouldn't matter if we were playing The Babbage Islands or Afrinesia, sloppy play like that is inexcusable and going to bite us in the ass. Get down there and sort it out."

Carson jogged down the sideline towards the goal, though currently Portico was the only one there (he figured he'd just wait there until play moved back, and then yell . The entire Karditani formation had shifted up in an effort to equalize, and it seemed to be working. The sudden influx of charging players overloaded the odd x-formation that the Bumblebees utilize, and Swing found Korzado open just outside the right edge of the box, who spun around and one-time-bucked the long pass into the opposite corner. It wasn't a particularly elegant shot, but the extra power he could generate with his hind legs had the ball past Kaitlyn Miller before she could put her hand in the way.

Then it was half-time. Punch addressed the eclectic collection of organisms in front of him with the usual spiel of don't-get-cocky, focus-on-defense-to-salvage-a-point that a coach gives when they enter the second half tied with a significantly better opposition. Lighting Heart and Mario Cansetta were pulled off in favor of Uma Logria and Elana Rzedkevich, the pair of bank-robbers-turned-defenders. But, alas, it wasn't to be.

It was relatively simple. As the Barons had fallen back to focus on defense, the Bumblebees were putting on the pressure to try and break through. The play was pretty well congested at about halfway between the center line and the goal, passes and steals coming quickly, possession constantly changing at a rapid enough pace that no-one really gained any ground. But that would hardly last forever; eventually Emily Howell received a pass and actually had room to run, taking it up to the box only having to do a little fancy footwork to get past Dust Pan. But Ivory Hilt wasn't going to let her have an easy shot on goal; or at least he didn't intend for that to happen. But his eyes were starting to weaken, depth perception especially failing, and his badly-timed tackle ended with the curve of his horns bashing her to the ground. It didn't seem to do anything major, and she was back up in a moment to take the penalty.

Punch thought someone had used a teleportation spell. He didn't even see the ball move. One minute, on the ground. Next millisecond, in the goal. There went the match.

by **Polar Islandstates** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:09 pm

Wow! What a start!

Safe to say that in recent cycles us Twitchers haven't been used to seeing our beloved Terns start a World Cup group stage with quite so much determination. In fact, now that I think about it this is the first time we've won our first match of the group since World Cup 60. And what a way to do it, against the co-hosts, no less!

The first half started tentatively, with searching balls being pinged around by the major playmakers of both sides, a seeming reluctance to settle and play things along the ground leading to a large proportion of misplaced long-balls in the opening ten minutes. The hosts got comfortable in their surroundings before we did however, and I'm sure you'll all agree that those early flashes of quality from Rimoldi and Carballo proved to be extremely uncomfortable viewing for a Terns supporter. Aguazul soon began to play the attacking football they're known for, and a cross from deep by the boot of Carballo only failed to reach its target of Lanos thanks to the desperate last lunge from Urfstadt. Had the Club ESF defender missed with the interception, Lanos would have been away and onto a one-on-one with Rasmus.

Cracks were beginning to show in the Terns defence however, and with an all-too-predictable sense of inevitability, the co-hosts opened the scoring in the twentieth minute. A corner from the left was only partially cleared by Oyen-Spekke, and Universidad de Dénprade defender Ildemaro Urquiza was in the right place at the right time to stab home the opener and send the Mapabore support into raptures. For the hosts, it was just reward for a strong second ten minutes of pressure. For the Terns however, it was a sloppy and avoidable goal that, had it been cleared properly in the first place, would have potentially brought about the end of the immediate pressure.

To their credit, however, this Terns side did not crumble. Whereas in the last cycle you might have expected the heads to go down, Jorgen Hauge rallied the team around the cause, and the tactics of the Pythagorean came into their own in the next fifteen minutes as the Terns passed Aguazul off the park. Lepka and Cornelius were running rings around the midfield with their clever passing and moving, and Alexsandr van Sorensen showed a drive and a turn of pace that belied his ageing muscles, latching onto a through-ball from Cornelius and playing a one-two with Diedrich Kvitchenko before slamming a shot off the outstretched palms of Xiomara Durán and off the crossbar.

We were still forced to wait until just before half-time for the equaliser however, and again it would come from a set piece. Juul found Elmvikur with a long pass into the corner, and with nowhere to go the Royal Rumiatzi striker attempted to hold the ball up until support arrived. With Cornelius finally providing an outlet, Elmsvikur was fouled by Amatrian as he tried to turn and pass, providing a free kick opportunity near the corner flag for Cornelius to come across and take. Quiet up until that point, Elmsvikur suddenly found himself the centre of attention as the free kick was lofted in his direction. He powered the header at the goal but was disappointed to see it cleared with a heft punt off the line by Urquiza, who was coming to Aguazul's rescue at the other end of the pitch as well. van Sorensen was lurking on the edge of the box however, and let's face it he'd not be much good in the box in these situations anyway, and as the defenders rushed out he delicately chipped the ball over the offside trap for Diedrich Kvitchenko to find space on his own in the middle of the six yard box to volley home emphatically. It was a cheeky goal, but they all count.

It's not like the crowd minded. Much.

Come the second half, the Aguazuleña support was reaching feverish levels, and once more a slow start from a sluggish looking Terns side had our hearts dropping in anticipation of an all-too-familiar collapse of form. Just two minutes into the second half, a poor touch from Marten Cornelius allowed Carranza to steal the ball far too easily, starting an attacking move that raced through the defence until Rasmus was forced to perform an outstanding save to deny Benavides a goal after a twenty-five yard belter of a shot. The Terns wouldn't heed the warning however, and Rasmus was called into again just moments later after a slick passing move provided Lanos the space required to unleash a fierce drive in the box.

The two Aguazuleños forwards were looking in deadly form, and soon enough they would get their reward for their interactions since the interval. Collecting a ball from Urquiza on the halfway line, Lanos and Benavides passed their way through the Tern ranks embarrassingly easily on their way into the box, the former chipping the ball neatly over Rasmus as he went to ground to try and smother the ball. Instead, it bounced harmlessly into the goal to give the hosts a two-one advantage.

As Twitchers' hearts in the crowd began to wonder whether this was going to be another nerve-racking and ultimately disappointing start to a World Cup, Niko Lepka provided them with more bad news on the hour mark as he fell awkwardly when challenging for a falling goal-kick, looking to twist his knee badly. Jan Mayen fans will be pleased to know that it wasn't a complete tear of his anterior cruciate ligament, but it certainly looks enough to keep him out of the rest of the tournament, much to his visible disappointment.

At least I think it was disappointment. It could have been the excruciating pain, I suppose.

Hard to tell.

The Terns seemed to respond to this situation with a grim determination however, and once more they came back with a fighting spirit that greatly pleased us visiting fans. Yes, that's right, I was up there with the fans, not sat in a plush FPIFA suite watching on a big screen. I could have been. But I wasn't. Man of the people, me. Clearly. With our voices roaring them on, Alexsandr van Sorensen provided yet more mayhem from the middle of the park, combining well with Lepka's replacement Villeneuve to put Elmsvikur through on goal. Much to his dismay, he could do nothing more than spoon the ball wildly over the bar.

More goal-scoring opportunities came however, and Kvitchenko rattled the post before Cornelius sent a speculative long-range effort bouncing off the unsuspecting back of Urquiza (who was doing his very best to be involved in just about everything of significance during the match) and almost past Durán for a flukey deflected goal. When the goal finally came with fifteen minutes left it was from another set-piece. This time it was Marten Cornelius' corner from the left that floated high and over the majority of the players in the box all the way to the back post, where giant East Franz defender Julius Oyen-Spekke was arriving late to power a deadly header past a helpless Durán. All-in-all it was a pretty decent reconstruction of what Elmsvikur's goal might have looked like in the first half had Urquiza not been on the line. Urquiza was the man beaten in the air by Oyen-Spekke for the goal, too, keeping up his personal record for the evening.

With the home side looking shaken by Jorgen Hauge and Alexsandr van Sorensen's physicality in the centre of the park, Schwartz threw caution to the wind and made a double substitution for the last fifteen minutes; Vadim Illich-Svitych replacing the unfortunately ineffective Elmsvikur, and Felix Saarinen thrown on as a third striker in place of Marten Cornelius as the Terns shifted into an unfamiliar 4-1-2-3 formation.

With confidence on the rise, the Terns visibly grew into the game as the time ticked on, and Saarinen and Illich-Svitych almost combined immediately for a winning goal; Saarinen just failing to connect to Illich-Svitych's low driven cross at the far post, the ball trickling out for an Aguazul throw-in instead. Without Cornelius on the pitch, van Sorensen dropped a little deeper to provide support from the back four to the strikers, his deft touches and instant confidence on the ball giving inspiration to the younger players on the field in front of him. Jean-Eric Villeneuve scampered down the channels behind Kvitchenko in an attempt to draw defenders away, with the big striker almost adding to his previous goal when allowed the space to turn and shoot on the edge of the box, the ball just whistling over the bar instead.

With our voices beginning to get hoarse in the stands as we roared our team on, the home side began to look increasingly desperate and nervous, though this didn't stop them from almost catching us on the break; substitute striker Ordoñez's lob just bouncing wide of the open goal as Rasmus back-peddled furiously in a vain attempt to stop what would have been a crushing winner for the co-hosts had it been on target.

Ultimately, the Terns would get the third goal that their pressure deserved, and remarkably, it was from another set piece. Without any obvious options open to him after receiving the ball from Jorgen Hauge, Jean-Eric Villeneuve elected instead to turn and run with the ball towards the Aguazuleños goal. With his pace fresh off the bench proving difficult for the Aguazul defence to deal with, it was that man Urquiza again who was the offender, sticking out a lazy leg in a poor tackle attempt that upended the Northbrook midfielder and earned his side a free kick on the edge of the 'D'. After attempting to take the kick early to Saarinen, Villeneuve was called back by the referee and asked to take it again. The second time he attempted to take it early, he succeeded in catching the Aguazuleña defence unaware as they attempted to manoeuvre their wall into the best place possible. After asking the referee for permission this time, Villeneuve simply passed the ball for Saarinen again, who peeled away from the Aguazul wall and broke the offside trap perfectly, before looking up and unleashing a vicious right foot drive into the roof of the net from about eight yards out.

Screaming passionately, Saarinen and the rest of the players waved and gestured at the Twitchers from the pitch as they celebrated their comeback. Waving and gesturing passionately, me and the rest of the Twitchers screamed back from the stands as we did likewise. Comeback complete, three minutes on the clock.

Aguazul attempted their own late rally, but despite the tired legs of the unchanged back four, they couldn't find a way through to properly test Rasmus. Deflated at the final whistle, they trudged off.

The Terns were jubilant at the final whistle. Beating the co-hosts in their first match of the World Cup was a dream start, and it gives them every chance of making it through to the knockout stages once again.

As for us Twitchers, well, we were just euphoric.

Honestly. It was twenty-four hours ago now, but I still don't think I've come down from the ceiling yet. I haven't seen the Terns come back like that for ages. There was a drive, a commitment, an understanding of why they were out there on the pitch and what it meant for them to wearing those colours. It hardly looked anything like the side that had lost at home to Fewmist, or that has limped away from Mesoland without a point to show for their troubles. van Sorensen looked energised, Hauge played an absolute blinder from the centre of the park, and the trio of East Franz players that grabbed their goals all did so in emphatic fashion. In less positive news, Lepka will be out for the rest of the tournament with his knee problem, that much is certain. Needless to say, he will be a huge loss, that much is certain too. Nonetheless, Jean-Eric Villeneuve proved a suitably lively and tricky replacement during the match against Aguazul, and other midfielders in the squad such as Jorgen-Franz Bru and Eyvindur Sudesval will be waiting in the wings with some slightly different roles to offer the squad should they be needed.

Those set pieces, though. Wow. Since when were the Terns that good at set pieces? I'm not sure where they came from, but I like them. What has Schwartz been teaching them this last few weeks? More to the point, what has he been saying to them in order to get an improvement like that out of them? There were rumours in Mapabore last night that Timo Skye had been to see the players in the dressing room beforehand. I can neither refute nor confirm that story, but I really wouldn't struggle to believe it were it to turn out to be the truth.

Our next opponents will be The Archregimancy, who will likely be flying high after their own impressive if expected three-one win over Boring Paradise. Flying high and humble. Don't let the piety confuse you though, they will be a devilishly tricky team to negotiate successfully if they feel like performing to their best abilities on the night. If we play like we did against Aguazul, I'd hazard a tentative prediction that we're well capable of winning the match. The trick now is for Schwartz to keep that team in tip-top physical and mental condition and get them just as fired up for the next match as they were for this one. They were like new players again yesterday, and it was great.

My man of the match? Tempted as I am to say Urquiza (the poor guy went from hero, to zero, to hero, to something-in-between-o), I'd have to opt for Alexsandr van Sorensen. He was the more visible partner in a driving midfield dynamo that righted the Terns when they were in danger of toppling time and time again. Jorgen Hauge will surely get the award on another year for his strong defensive display, but for me van Sorensen just edges it.

Now, I'm off to watch the video of some of the other matches in order to prepare my notes should we progress and meet them later on in the tournament. First up, predictably, Group B; Osarius vs Eura, and then Valladares vs Chenkorya.

No spoilers, please.

Eff out.

xx

OOC: To opponents, as mentioned above, Niko Lepka is now injured for the duration of the tournament. Please assume he is replaced in the starting line-up by either Villeneuve, Bru, or Sudesval from my roster, if you RP first then it can be your choice which of the three it is. Thank you.

by **Yesopalitha** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:45 pm

Nirdasil's Corner

Did anyone epect the Flames to win their World Cup Proper against Vilita? Sure, they'd scored an impressive fifty-one points in the group stage, and sure, they were the second ranked team in the group, but it was the Jungle Cats, none the less, the squad that'd delivered Hilary Vander Rox her swan song last cycle in that narrow loss in the Quarterfinals.

Hilary was all smiles today after her sister Jane slotted home the winning goal in the second half off a beautiful cross from Jacques Kemp in a narrow 1-0 victory.

First, kudos to Jonah Calhoun and the Flames defense. They kept up the intensity that had conceded less than ten goals in the qualifiers and didn't let the Jungle Cats have any offensive momentum at all in the game. Noah, Naisi, and Michael played a nasty, yet clean, game that left many of the Cats flustered and bruised.

Isaac, Fantasia, and Jane played a beautiful game in the midfield, and Park, along with Jacques, gave credit to Sir James for starting them in this match by playing better than anyone thought they would. The Flames' counterattacking style exploited weaknesses in the Cats' midfield and defense time and time again, and then Jane hammered one home.

Nadya and Brianna, with Victoria substituting in, moved so fast that sometimes it seemed like they were flying.

All in all, it was a great win for this team.

They can all but assure a spot in the Round of Sixteen, and also avoid a potential game against Valanora, if they can defeat the Wightlings, who overwhelmed Farfadillis in a 4-2 goalfest. Yesopalitha and Wight have been rivals since the Baptism of Fire, and although they have mutual respect for each other, on the pitch, all gloves are off.

"They are a great team looking to move up in the world footballing picture," stated Hilary, "And will not go down without a fight. Should be a great game for my charge, none the less."

If the defensive intensity is continued, Wight will see that it will be very hard to score on Yesopalitha - very hard indeed.

by **Aguazul** » Wed Jan 30, 2013 10:49 pm

He'd disabled the security code outside and just walked right in the building, Oliva a step behind. Then they'd made their way to the right office. A desktop computer waited inside.

"You just send all the files to this address," Oliva reminded him, "where we can get at them from anywhere."

"Could take a while to send."

"That's all right."

"Do you have any hardware to store a backup on, just in case?"

"I think so, let me look around. You sure you know the keycode to this office too?"

"Sure," he said, typing it in, and they walked in.

He paced over to the computer, waiting a few minutes for Oliva to search through his pockets. "No, sorry," Oliva said, "I guess it just has to be the digital version."

"That's okay!" He stepped over to the computer and began booting it up. It took another minute to reach the login screen.

And just as he was reaching down to type the password in, the door opened, and Eliana Mosqueda stepped into her office. "What," she asked, "is going on?"

Oliva answered without missing a beat. "I'm Damian Oliva, a military officer. We received word that the terrorists were planning an attack on NSWC Signups, I tracked this one here to make sure he didn't..."

"Hey," he called from the computer, "she's gonna see through that, just tell her the truth. She'll come around."

"Yeah," Mosqueda repeated, "the truth sounds good."

"As I said," Oliva repeated, "I spied on this one to make sure he didn't endanger you and to secure the microstate, so that..."

"No!" As the horror of being sold out dawned on him, the sincere rebel bashed at the keyboard.

"You naive fool," said Oliva, "what are you..." He squinted at the screen. For your protection, access will be disabled after three incorrect logins. Logins remaining: 1. "Trying to lock me out?"

He hurled himself at the computer chair, and given the difference in their bulks there was only one way that encounter could go; the rebel went skidding across the room, and Oliva stood by the computer.

"Now," he said to Mosqueda, "in the interests of both our country's securities, you will log me in and help me get access to your files. Help us out, and we can put these criminals down."

"Hold on," Mosqueda said, "I'm getting replaced in a couple weeks."

"Polarians taking over?" smiled the smaller man. "Getting Ragnorak to fly the entire state away? That'll definitely work."

In Mapabore Aguazul got out to the lead, Rebuelta's determined trust in her onetime domestic charge Urquiza seeming to pay off, at first, with his opening goal. Amatrian tried to dig down and take charge with the lead, but his foul only set the way for Cornelius, van Sorensen, Kvitchenko in turn to handle and the score was tied.

Their momentum did not survive the break, however, with the refreshed fans roaring Aguazul on all the more. Escobar Lanos, returned to the starting lineup, bounced a goal in to give the hosts the lead back. But still the Terns fought on, after Lepka's injury slowed down the pace of play, Cornelius' corner converted by the large number three. That time their momentum did hold, despite Alfonso Ordoñez' booming arrival, ready to take his place under whatever lights he could find. Sure enough, Urquiza's propensity for dumbness led to a bad tackle, and after the free kick eventually got taken, Saarinen's goal was able to secure the victory.

"Things are delicate now," Oliva admitted, "a few weeks is all we need to secure Aguazul once and for all."

"Walk away," said the other man, "he owes you nothing, this is not your fight."

Oliva said nothing, but reached for his gun and slowly raised it towards Mosqueda.

"Hey. Hey!" she called. "Not necessary."

"You wouldn't dare," the other man immediately called, "you said it yourself, things are too precarious in Aguazul. If she gets hurt, on this stage, with you trying to host? The rest of the world would pull the rug out from under you, you'd never recover."

Oliva sighed. "You're right," then aimed the gun at him instead. "I don't know who this is to you," he nodded again to Mosqueda, "but he knows all your passwords. Now, you help me out, or your comrade here gets it."

"You know what's at stake. If he calls your bluff, don't give in."

"Put that down," said Mosqueda. "we can talk this over."

"I'm serious, get out of here right now."

"I'll kill you," Oliva said.

"Do it."

"We can work together, nobody needs to get hurt today, go ahead and give me the code."

"This is ridiculous," Mosqueda said. "There's so many people going in and out of here, I have no idea when someone could have gotten these passwords."

"What does it matter? The blood is on your hands, either way."

"Who says I've been here before?" he called from the floor, "who says I didn't kill one of your underlings to get this information?"

"Well the fact that none of my underlings are dead..."

"Before your time, under Prado."

"I was here under Prado, I think I would have remembered."

"He's bluffing," Oliva said, "they brainwash them, make them claim they don't care. But the truth comes out, you're just making this up now."

Eliana held the key. Say too much, and Oliva would use him against her. Too little, and she'd have no choice but to believe Oliva. Where was the middle ground?

"Great, just my luck," he muttered, "stuck with a good president who wants to avoid feeling guilty for an unnecessary death. Hey, you know what? I'm trying to tell you, I know a lot more about this guilt than you do."

"You can't get your own cover story straight," said Oliva, "why should the president listen to you?"

"Because I know her." He turned to Mosqueda. "I know your passwords and I know you. And I have...my hunches, about the national team that never was."

She turned pale for a moment, then stared. "I don't understand. I keep track of all the national teams, that's kind of my job."

"I knew you'd be here," he pressed on.

"You didn't know, you guessed," Oliva cut in.

"I guessed. I believed in you, that you are better than this, this militarism and who knows what else, you would be here today. You're not going to give into these threats, because you're that kind of a good person, you're not caught up in all the flag waving. And that's why you're not in Mapabore, today."

"Mapabore," Oliva repeated quietly. "Juventud were my club, growing up."

"Is this really the time?" Mosqueda asked.

"TakilQuip Champions’ Cup finalists," he shook his head, "back when TakilQuip were in on it! Came so close, couldn't quite make it...no shame in losing, of course, not when your opponent's winning the thing for the third time. But after that, to get demoted to the second division, and then the third? It just wasn't the same."

And then the smaller man almost seemed to give a wistful smile. "That was my story too."

"You were a Mapabore fan?"

He shook his head no, and on the last turn, locked his eyes in on Mosqueda's. "Trecelunas!"

She crossed the room in a stride and hit at the keyboard quickly. Too quickly for accuracy. She hit the wrong password, locking Oliva out, then turned and left the office without looking back. Behind her, in a wince of triumph, the world spun apart.

by **The Babbage Islands** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:27 am

Captain Donald Robert Wild, OB, BCG (Ret.)

Seventeen years ago, on a pitch in far-off Cafundéu during the Lasft Olympics, the stage was set for the Bumblebees' future in World Cup 63. For on that day both 15-year-old Kaitlyn Miller and 16-year-old Ava Gillespie earned their first caps. Today Gillespie is the captain of the national team, and when Miller takes the pitch she will earn her 99th cap and surpass Elizabeth Hanna-Kirkpatrick's record as the most-capped Babbage keeper.

Miller made the World Cup 57 squad as the third-string keeper. By the time she was 20 she had the number-one spot. Gillespie waited three more Cups to make her World Cup debut, thanks mostly to cancer surgery derailing her development. But she played her way back into form and eventually got a call-up for the world tour before the 60th Cup. She's been a fixture ever since.

Now, at the ripe old ages of 33 and 32, both women are the oldest members of the world's third-best team. It's probably the last campaign for both. In Gillespie's case, it may take divine intervention for her to live even one more year. Miller has a steady boyfriend, and it's not hard to imagine her as married with children soon. (See Nash, Tegan; Hanna, Elizabeth; Svoboda, Nancy.)

If I were to ask either player about tomorrow's match with Taeshan, they'd both caution me not to underestimate them. One or the other, maybe both, would remind me that our record against them is 1-1-1 in two World Cup tilts and one Olympics. All well and good.

But if I were to ask them what it would mean to win a World Cup at last, I think their joint response would be reflective silence and moist eyes. Perhaps those reflections would differ, each running their own highlight reel of victories and defeats, of history and sacrifice, of lives dedicated to something larger than themselves.

You see, that's what it means to be a Bumblebee.

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 3:19 am

“This is Joval Kildan reporting live from World Cup 63 action just a hop, skip, and jump across The Cove in Turori. As far as the Sea Dragons are concerned, this is as close to a home match as could be possible without playing on home soil. And looking at things beforehand, this first match was to be nearly a perfect scenario for a Sea Dragon victory. And thousands of Vegai made the trip to Cedina to see just that.

Enter United Gordonopia. Ranked but 58th in the world, Cinderella hopeful, and one of the few sides even more defensive minded than the Sea Dragons. Nothing better in the minds of most Vegai than a defensive battle, and most were looking forward to what could be viewed as similar styles with the 3-2-2-1-2 formation of ASMV facing the 4-3-1-2 of the Gordonopians. Most odds makers had given the Sea Dragons the role of favorite in what most viewed as a 2-0 easy win. But that is, as they say, ‘why we play the game.’

The match could not have started any better for the Sea Dragons as the transition found Syri screaming down the left side of the pitch behind Michael Stahl. She neatly gathered the ball and had the cross away just as Matty Paige closed in to stop her advance. Fylen slipped past the dual effort of Cole and Steiner to head the ball cleanly into the net as highly touted jay Neuman could do not but watch. Seven minutes in and things were definitely headed in the right direction.

In the sixteenth minute things looked even better. Panirii neatly mauled Vonn Keller before sending the ball quickly up the pitch to Janirii who launched the forward pass to Fylen, who once more got the better of Cole. The ball was picked out of the air by the blasting left foot of the talented goal scorer and once again Neuman could only watch as the shot buried itself in the net. 2-0. All seemed to be going according to plan, but then the Gordanopians woke up.

Jere Tobias found the ball among the Sea Dragon defenders as Bates led him into a horrid position. But Tobias would not be stopped as he niftily outmaneuvered Aldire and beat Sithias in the upper left corner. 2-1 the score and just twenty-two minutes in. So much for a defensive struggle. And Tobias wasn’t done. Just three short minutes later he left Lyxat with a nifty spin and once more beat Sithias, this time to the lower right.

And then the Sea Dragon attack was once again on as Syri gathered the ball on perhaps the most blatant non call of an offside in recent World Cup history. Yet with no whistle she continued one on one with Neuman who guessed left as the shot was netted to the right. Thirty two minutes in and already fifth goal scored. Not a single person in the world would have seen this match as a shootout.

At the thirty five minute mark, United Gordanopia was awarded a corner after Aldire fired the ball off of bates. In a move that would remind Vegai fans more of Lyxat, Aldire shove the referee and was instantly shown red. The Sea Dragons would have to finish the match a man down, something they had not been faced with the entirety of And the Gordanopians would take full advantage. The ensuing corner from Franz found Bates who used his taller stature to head the ball into the net as Cadye tried in vain to stop his attack. The half would see the score even at three all.

And if six goals were not enough…

Tobias would again find the goal, this time set up on a free kick from Bates. Cadye actually had a chance to clear but a slip let the ball find Tobias who sent in his third goal of the match and caused Sithias to be replaced by rarely used Lijytukii Cha'ina. Allowing four goals was something Pygan could not overlook. Fifty Six minutes and the Sea Dragons trailed 4-3.

The Sea Dragons would manage to pull even as Fylen scored his own hat trick on a sheer display of individual talent as he pawned Steiner with a leg breaking juke, dodged Cole with a brilliant spin, and then lofted the ball to himself over the head of a clearly outclassed Michael Stahl. Neuman never had a chance as the shot was fired home. Sixty eight minutes played and the score 4-4.

Some say that the key to the Sea Dragon defense is the fierce play of Cayde in the middle. Those who really understand the game know that the real key is Aldire. And that fact showed glaring truth in the final minutes of play as the Gordanopians mounted one final push forward.

Bates sped forward forcing Cadye out a bit too far to slow his advance. Tobias, with great skill, outflanked reserve Xopu Ess’kalu who had replaced Aldire. With Cadye to far up and Xopu beaten, Tobias fired a shot on goal that seemed to have been blasted from a cannon. Yet somehow Lijytukii managed a hand on the ball sending it wide of the post. Yet, in a definitely Vegai turn of fate, the ball found the retreating left leg of Tobias before rebounding into the net thus giving the Gordanopian star a fourth goal and the Gordanopian squad a hard won 5-4 victory.

That brings on a second match in Cedina where the Sea Dragons will face the hosts Turori. With both sides dropping their first match, The Eels and Sea Dragons will be playing for their World Cup lives as the loser will be done for all intents and purposes. If today’s result was any indication, this second battle of defensive minded sides could see the scoring totals rise into double digits. If the styles hold true expect no more than a 1-0 scoreline either way.”

Note to Turori: Aldire Kim'kalo will be on the bench for this match due to his red card against United Gordanopia. Xopuxabu Ess'kalu will get the start and should be replaced by Mugak Ban'dyn if your RP so dictates. Thanks.

by **Vilita** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 7:16 am

FLAMES BURN JUNGLE CATS

Vilita Loses World Cup Opener Again

For the second straight World Cup Finals the Vilitan National Team has dropped its opening match of the World Cup Finals group stage.

On paper, the Jungle Cats came into the match as the favored and higher ranked side, bolstered by getting to play just a short hop from the Vilitan mainland in neighboring Turori.

However, the Yesopalitha Flames had all the momentum. While the Jungle Cats had backed into the World Cup Finals with a less-than-impressive record of five wins, three draws and one defeat over the second half of World Cup Qualifying, the Flames of Yesopalitha finished the campaign on 51 points with 17 victories and just the lone defeat.

Jungle Cats coach Calaesa Mitaroka put out a strong side for the matchup. As expected the unattached former Strike FC netminder Nycflala Kater got the start with Arcticala Inlet's Aranora Jaded left to settle for a spot on the bench. Kiiarana City's Ritopa Simafela adorned the Captains Armband on defense and coach Mitaroka's namesake Kiroki was on the pitch again in midfield.

Throughout the first half the Jungle Cats had many opportunities to challenge Jonah Calhoun's net but were often getting broken up before the final attempt on goal came through by the wall-like defense put up by the Flames. In transition, Catherine Peirot led a series of Yesopalitha counter-attacks that Nycflala Kater had to deal with to keep the scores level at the half.

Coach Mitaroka made a pair of changes at the half looking to address the weaknesses he saw in the Vilitan side during the first 45 minutes. Defender Uajiala Pulkki was replaced by transitioning winger Jian Lejsrma of Colonial Sile with defensive minded midfielders Retiso Buran was replaced by the Turoki Tide's offensive minded Steffyn Siazzu.

Unfortunately for he Jungle Cats, the increased offensive presence didn't result in any goals, Calhoun pitching a shutout for the flames, while the reduced defensive standing eventually came back to haunt them. In a match where a draw would have done, it was Jane Vander Rox who lit up the flames capturing all 3 points for Yesopalitha to keep their hot run going into the finals.

The Jungle Cats will still be favored to repeat their feat from World Cup 62 and claim a pair of victories to send them through to the knockout rounds. However, any slip up at this point would likely mark the end of the Vilitan campaign and could also spell the end of the honeymoon for Calaesa Mitaroka. As the top seed in Group H on neighboring soil, hordes of Vilitan's resident to Turori and traveling from the main Island were in attendance at the Coliseum of the Inurahtii on matchday 1 and are sure to follow the team around for its two crucial upcoming regional-rivalry matchups against Wight and Farfadillis.

Vilita has a poor recent record against them both, having lost their most recent matchup against Farfadillis 2-3 at home at the Tivali Ring Stadium during World Cup 63 qualifications and having lost, with Turori, to Wight during the knockout rounds during AOCAF 37. Mitaroka will be hoping for a reversal of sorts much like the reversal the Jungle Cats had played on them by the flames on Matchday 1.

	Yesopalitha
:: Goalscorers :: -None-	:: Goalscorers :: :: 76' Jane Vander Rox
:: Best Player: Jomur Hulyer :: Worst Player: Manolis Kontalroma :: Shots on Target: 3 :: Corner Kicks: 2	:: Best Player: Jonah Calhoun :: Worst Player: Jacques Kemp :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 2

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Nycflala Kater, [D] Miiara Makose, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Uajiala Pulkki, [DMC] Retiso Buran, [ML] Manolis Kontalroma, [MC] Kiroki Mitaroka, [MC] Jomur Hulyer, [MR] Rexii Tzikas, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai, [FC] Lita Adjei
BENCH::
[FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [M] Steffyn Siazzu, [M] Jian Lejsrma, [U] Sipaao Vereaoao, [D] Niubo Deneli, [GK] Aranora Jaded

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Retiso Buran >>> Steffyn Siazzu
(45) - Uajiala Pulkki >>> Jian Lejsrma

World Cup 63 RP Thread

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