Baptism of Fire 61 - Everything Thread

by **Amazonesta** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 3:56 pm

The Amazononian Observer

Amazonesta achieves 1-0 victory over Arioslavia to win Group E

Omar Falcone(9) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game's lone goal in the 1st half

REDINXSON- Omar Falcone scored a header off of a corner kick in the 37th minute, and Amazonesta held on to its lead in the second half to achieve a 1-0 victory over Arioslavia. It was a classic battle of two different teams with very different styles of playing against each other. Frolov, the Arioslavia manager, is a very tactical manager, focused on cold tactics and results. Orlando Juarez emphasizes the love for the beauty of the game in Amazonesta, where they play the distinctive "samba style" of soccer, where creativity is promoted and the game is seen as much more visually pleasing. It is an attacking based game, though Amazonesta has shown that they can defend as well, as they did not allow a single goal throughout the entirety of the group stages.

This game was always going to be a tough matchup, and it proved that right from the get-go. In the morning game, which did not matter to either team, Owner-osity had defeated HUElavia 2-0, making it the 5th game out of 5 in Group that had ended in a score of 2-0. People from all over, even neutrals, were excited about this rubber match between two of the most evenly matched teams of this tournament. Which would win, offensive flair or defensive efficiency? From the game's first whistle, this was an intense battle. Amazonesta played like everything was on the line, constantly pushing forward. The game was open and free-flowing and fast paced, much to manager Orlando Juarez's liking.

This attacking style of Amazonesta created a host of opportunities for both teams, making it only a matter of time before a team put something in the back of the net. Leonardo Rosalez forced Arioslavian goalkeeper Ivan Yashin to make one save at full stretch in the 14th minute, and worried Yashin when he hit the crossbar in the 26th. Amazonesta was pushing the envelope, coming so close to scoring, and yet Arioslavia was competing very well with Amazonesta. They had a counter-attacking scoring opportunity in the 33rd minute, when Alexander Artyomov of Arioslavia beat the keeper, but he also just barely beat the post. Amazonesta was very lucky that he did not score, as the game should have been 1-0 to their opponents.

Lightning finally struck in the 37th minute. There was a corner kick, and Blanco Rivero lined up to take the corner kick for Amazonesta. Arioslavia had put young defender Maxim Turgenev, who is just 21 years old, on Omar Falcone, and it was clearly a mistake. Omar Falcone beat Turgenev to the near post, and rose up and blasted the header home to give his side a 1-0 lead. Euphoria exploded from the Amazonesta fans, who were behind the goal where Falcone scored in the 1st half, as he ran to the corner to celebrate. They took this lead into halftime, and prepared for the second half.

The game had been free-flowing in the first half, and that was true at the beginning of the second half as well. Amazonesta was in a groove, and had some momentum. They were looking for a second goal to truly put this game away, as they knew a 1-0 lead was never totally safe. They thought that they had their opportunity when, in the 63rd, Omar Falcone went down inside the box for a penalty. He was looking for redemption from his penalty miss in Matchday 2 against HUElavia, and he stepped up to take the penalty kick. However, he aimed for the bottom right corner and Ivan Yashin, who some call 'the penalty expert', saved the penalty kick with the outstretched tips of his fingers.

After their goalkeeper had saved the penalty kick that would have likely ended the match, Arioslavia had the momentum. The team was a very tactical side, playing a 4-4-2. Amazonesta has never had to defend like this in this tournament, as they have won both games by a score of 2-0, and spent more time with a 2 goal lead rather than a 1 goal lead. They defended with what seemed to be their lives, with even Orlando Juarez, of all people, subbing on an extra defender in the 84th minute. After 5 long minutes of agonizing stoppage time, where even Maxim Turgenev had a header almost miraculously saved by Amazonestan goalkeeper Damian Gallegos, Amazonesta finally got the final whistle and had a 1-0 victory over Arioslavia.

After the game, much respect had garnered of Arioslavia. The fans from both sides applauded the game, as it had been an entertaining, well-fought matchup, though the Amazonesta side was ecstatic at the prospect of winning Group E and taking the full 9 points out of 9 in the group stages. While manager Orlando Juarez said that he himself was 'absolutely ecstatic' that his team had won Group E, he knew that it wasn't over.

"Today, we celebrate", said manager Orlando Juarez. "But tomorrow, we go back to practice. We will not party into the night because we did not win the tournament, which is why we are here. We have some incredible accomplishments so far in this tournament, including 3 straight clean sheets, as well as winning 3 games out of 3. However, we know that we need to focus on our next goal, and that is defeating Raltharan at Meskitáh Central Stadion in a few days time in the Round of 16. They are tough, thick-skinned opponents who only allowed one goal throughout the entirety of the group stages, which means they clearly have an excellent defense. We will strategize on a way to defeat them, but we will ultimately be playing our style of samba soccer. That has gotten us this far, and we will win or lose playing an Amazonestan brand of soccer".

by **Quazira** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:43 pm

Last minutes of the live-stream provided by the National Quaziran Broadcast Service (NQB)

" 2-2, and still three minutes on the regular clock. with the win of Ethane the first place in the group should be a clear fact. Within the last minutes the game became a bit dormant but... counterattack Oizinistan, they want the victory to achieve a secure ticket for the Playoffs, that's Jonathesen with the ball, against Kirchner, he's getting trough the defense but the... BRILLIANT PASS ON HENRY, THAT'S THE... NO FOUL, FOUL FROM MORGAN ! That's the red card for a tactical foul. Enrique is furious right now and he gestures towards the substitutes. Yes Mati is going out of the game and Pessaro will get the Goalie Tricot. What a introduction, the central stadium is a boiling pot right now.
Pessaro is between the posts now, she's not the safest goalie regarding penalties but she has the better statistic. Henry takes the kick... MISS THAT'S A MISS, HENRY IS SHOOTING THE BALL INTO THE SKY ! That should be the decission, 1 minute on the clock and what's in Praias name is that ? Quick repulsion from Pessaro and they are off, Kirchner, Scarsi, Scarsi and still Scarsi, she's tanking the metres right now. She's on the way to make it, Marino is with her, she's free but Scarsi is ignoring her. She's alone in front of Loovens and SHE SCORES ! HER SECOND GOAL OF THE DAY SECURING THE QUAZIRAN VICTORY !"
* The next sentences are not audible because the whole Quaziran Fan Block is celebrating.*
*five minutes later*
" You can hear me now ? Good because this will be history. Quazira qualifies for the Play Offs of the Baptism of Fire Cup. We will get interviews as soon as possible but right now nobody really cares. 4 Matches to go until the Cup is within Quazira, now that the first milestone is done anything is possible Ladies and Gentlemen. That was Archibald Burke for NQB and I'm passing to the Studio within Meskitáh. Thanks for watching this glorious evening !"

by **Dudgeon** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:45 pm

Sister Kim Jong Murder of Alleged Restraint: A Tale in Two Parts

PART THE FIRST. Sister Kim Jong Murder felt as if she carried the weight of all Dudgeon on her ample shoulders. She also hated her name. One day, the Naming Committee would be meeting with a fist labelled Sister K up their butts.

Dudgeon's top scorer was actually a gentle soul. Her friends in school had called her Piglet. Whether this was a reference to her rounder-than-normal nose, her taller-than-normal height, or her fonder-than-normal love of table scraps, few could say.

Piglet had managed, somehow, to keep her nickname and even some friends into religious orders. She frankly did not know much about faith, least of all the crazed jihadi cross of feminism and cartoon Christianity that had managed to take power in Dudgeon shortly before her birth. But she new about football. And so she joined the Sisters of the Snuggly Chemical Nightmare to get a try-out for FC Pique. She joined the Divinely Restrained Sisters of Stomping to move up to Hellsea. She even braved the seas to visit the Sisters of Furious Peaceful Solitude so she could try for the starting line-up of Purity Saint-Germ warfare. And through it all, she rose to become the top scorer of the Dudgeon Football, Assassination, and Long Scented Baths Association.

Now Piglet was going global. She had three goals in the first two matches as Dudgeon faced its toughest opponent yet: Ficiscia. The trick would be to contain the Ficisciae attacks from both sides of the pitch - none of Piglet's concern - and to try to keep Sister Alleged Hydrogen Bomb of Quiet Reflection from falling into the Ficisciae offside trap.

Piglet would sooner be caught wearing pink after Labour Day (or, in fact, before Labour Day) then be caught in an offside trap. But it would be hard to avoid.

As a matter of fact, she was debateably offside when she took a long pass from Sister Rapier of Lovingkindness and Bunnies at the 38' mark and popped it past Balbus into goal. Never mind. Piglet didn't get where she was through a reputation for fair play. She was damn well going to try to score by ricocheting the ball off some flying object.

Six offsides later, Piglet was becoming irked.

PART THE SECOND. Sister Light Armoured Vehicle of Sweet Reason, it must be admitted, was only on the national team because she had attended St. Tammy's in Upper Slaughter with Piglet. Sister LAV loved Piglet. Possibly she loved Piglet more than the faith found entirely proper. They'd been Sisters of the Snuggly Chemical Nightmare together. Or rather, Piglet had been a Sister of the Snuggly Chemical Nightmare. Sister LAV was really only a Snuggly Chemical novice. She couldn't quite master the words to the 6,420th Hymn, The Papette is My Reason for Smothering the Infidel. And she still couldn't quite manage to boil the poison properly, or remember whether she should kiss the left cheek or the right cheek first.

Sister LAV was afraid she'd never be a full nun, never be able to play for FC Umbrage or any of the other teams in the Dudgeon Premiership. Only the sight of Piglet kept her sane, she felt.

When Sister Alleged Hydrogen Bomb of Quiet Reflection managed to get the Dudgeon-dwellers offside for the thirteenth time, it was time for a substitution. And Sister LAV found herself in the game for the first time. In the World Cup! Or something international, anyway.

When her feet found the ball, all she could do is sigh, and kiss it forward to Piglet. Again, and again, and yet again. Until the 70th minute, when one of her passes found Piglet's delightfully high forehead, and gave Dudgeon its second goal.

Sister LAV swooned. Medics arrived. Piglet eyed Agricola, as if to say: stay back. I will NOT be caught offside again. And yet she was. Three more times. Piglet wondered if murder was that illegal in Ceni.

by **Whovian Tardisia** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:58 pm

Whovian Tardisia Eliminated From BOF 61!

It is a sad day for sports fans across the country, as the Whovian team who showed so much promise were eliminated from the 61st Baptism of Fire. Three pubs were heavily damaged after the match; riot police were dispatched to control the angry mobs in Arcadia, Llama City and Idris as fans lamented the loss of hope for ever winning a Baptism of Fire: for a nation can only enter once. Mr. Needham was found in one of the highly damaged pubs in Arcadia, surrounded by empty cans of beer. "What did I say, man? WHAT DID I SAY?" was all we could get out of him. The coach refused to allow our reporter in Red Blackiland to interview any of the players. "They're all depressed except for Read, and he's getting beat up for his optimism at the moment." Our only message from WA Ambassador & Foreign Minister Rupert Pink read: "Tell the lads to chin up a bit. We've still got the main cup yet. We could beat a few teams yet." For the meantime, however, the team will fly back into Llama City International tomorrow, to get training for the main cup, and to talk strategy with their coach. The Post's reporter shall also be coming home, but be sure to catch all the BOF action on the WSN. Be sure to pick up the Post tomorrow for more exclusive news content in the capital and abroad.

-Article provided by the Arcadia Post.

by **Arioslavia** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 7:49 am

ARIOSLAVIA SECOND IN A GROUP

Although Arioslavia had lost their last match in the group stage, the fans are optimistic. Arioslavia lost to Amazonesta 1 - 0 , but in a great style. Fans of both teams can be satisfied.

Yes, we have lost but we all knew that it's going to be a match of two equal teams. We had many chances to win and now we must work to make sure that we are more efficient in next matches. I'm optimistic. - said Sborna's manager trying to explain the loss. Amazonesta is a great team. But they really had to do their best to win, which means we're ready to compete with the best teams. - he added.

Sborna's next rival, Oontaz Dert Li Ng, had won its group with a complete of points.

For ATV Sportkanal and ATV 1, Ivan Polikarpov, Redinxon, Red Blackiland

by **-Anthor-** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:25 am

Rigsby Scores Early Goal, Sends Anthor to Group Stage
The consistently sharpshooting forward scores a '21 goal, which wins the match and qualifies Anthor

^{SHARE THIS:}

Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus (@Gnaeus Tanicius Vopiscus)(TH)
^{January 21, 2016 10:11 AM | Vaumort, Anthor}

Anthoran forward Jason Rigsby scoring the match winning goal at '21TH photo

Vaumort, Anthor(Herald) — It's surprisingly amazing to see that each time a team rests its future on Jason Rigsby, he doesn't crack, well he does; he cracks a ball into the back of a net for a win.

It appears during their training sessions prior to the match against Yosumar, Adrien Darby must have really harped on the midfielders to support their two forwards, and specifically Rigsby at that, because all match that Black-Gardener-Javier-Cooper combination was absolutely dominating possession. Yosumar got the ball at the match kick off, but was dispossessed a mere minute into the came off of an interception by Black; and the defensive play just continued from there,

The match was every cylinder of how the Warriors should play together, coming together and firing off perfectly. The 4-4-2 diamond absolutely dominated the Yosumarans for the first half of the game, I think on review of the match footage they only made it past midfield twice before '15, and when they did it was on a botched cross that Fuller was on the receiving end with. He managed to pass it slightly up field to Cooper, Cooper dribbled and did some turn-around spins before spinning it on a backshot to Javier, who passed it forward to Black, Black took it to just near the goal line looking to make a goal run himself before he inconspicuously tapped it over to Rigsby who the defenders left foolishly open, Black had advanced towards the left of the net and thus that's were all were, Rigsby went right. The boot of #11 expertly punched it straight into the back of the net past the keeper's right just inside the box, which caused a massive eruption of celebration; both from the players on the field, including Rigsby who went off with a roar, and the fans in the stands who stared the most infamous chant of Preston FC "Blow those holes" (We promise while the title is giggly, it is appropriate for children)

The remainder of the match was definitely tense, Yosumar trying to score an equalizer but they just could not crack that diamond in midfield; Anthorans were rated with 65% possession for the whole match, and Yosumaran forwards managed just one wild shot on the Anthoran goal; Kingsley didn't even have to try and block it. Meanwhile, after the Rigsby goal at '21, our Warriors managed to put on some very well placed 7 shots, but to the Yosumar's credit, they did not want to make this a bloodbath. Rigsby was subbed out for Kelcey at '67, and Jarvais got some rest too at '72; the rest of the match was a battle of tactics that yielded zero for either side, but at the final whistle's call, the stands were surely in celebration as for their first entry into the Baptism of Fire, Anthor is going to the Group Stage! I'll see you all there next match, I'll be rooting Rigsby be on in my own kit of his!

Gnaeus Tanicus Vopiscus contributed to this article.

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^{FAVORITE THIS DISCUSSION}

NickJ · 1 hours ago
Man, you guys heard it on the radio right? " Black's dribbling, he's getting close, NO!, it's a pass to Rigsby, he boots i...GOAL!!! IT'S A GOAL FOR RIGSBY, ANTHOR'S MARKSMAN FINDS THE BACK OF THE NET AGAIN!!! Rigsby will carry this team, team work will get him the ball, and then he will put the ball home.
2045 up · 4 down
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LetsGoWarriors · 3 hours ago
Next stage here we go!!!!! Rigsby gets ~4 goals minimum, my bet.
5431 up · 15 down
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Mark · 4 hours ago
Whoever downvoted that Rigsby comment deserves to have him take a goal shot at their head
524 up · 4 down
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by **Ficiscia** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 2:50 pm

Five years ago, a dark backyard in East Marinum, Fervia, Ficiscia

"Sergius! Over here!" I heard the voice of Nicolaos, my best friend, shouting. He knew as well as I did what was at stake. The winner in this match, us or the boys from Dock B, would be the rulers of the block reaching from Via Decampus to Via Anglicana. The place where the foreign seamen came when they were sick of taking matters in their own hands in front of their camarades. A place to make legal money, for once. Not that Sergius really made illegal money since he got the place at FC Marinum, but his brother Septimius and his friend Nicolaos, they did. And they needed his help to beat the Dock B guys, so he played with them. It was that easy. He'd do everything for Septimius and Nicolaos. And not to forget, Nicolaos's girlfriend who was, unfortunately, the sister of the Dock B leader. He was more than furious about her being with Nicolaos, but that was the rule in here - as long as he didn't beat Nicolaos in a game, she would be not under his command. If they lost the game, Nicolaos's girlfriend probably faced some time with the seamen. Her brother definitely had a sense for punishment.

While I knew that all, I didn't exactly care right now. I, for my part, wanted to beat the arrogant defender with the mohawk hair who called me a lucky little school kid after he nearly broke my bones in the test training for Marinum. I ran forward with the ball, leaping over a way too slow tackle of the huge man that their striker was. A man as tall as a tree, and about as agile. No challenge for a FC striker like me. But I forgot for a split second that games out here had more differences than just the absence of jerseys and positions. As the challengers, the B team could choose the referee - who brilliantly overlooked the elbow in my rib that brought me back to the ground. He was neutral, as in he didn't work for Dock B, but he was another foreign seaman who didn't forget who promised him free services if they won this game. He also didn't forget who promised him a free beating if he was unfair, but elbows didn't count as unfair play in Marinum's backyards. Playing here was rough. We were, after all, those forgotten by the government, a women-hating bunch refusing to take their glorious welfare programs, or as we saw it, dockworker ghetto kids.

The elbow did make me miss the leg of another defender, but I managed to sidestep past him. In front of Mohawk Boy. I turned my back against him, dancing with the ball, and while I learned my technique at Marinum, I trained my brain on the streets. I knew how they got rid of annoying defenders here. I turned my upper body and hit my shoulder hard against his jaw with a step back in the right moment. The referee raised his hand, but hesitated at the fist Nic was shaking at him. We were in East Marinum, not on a Champions League Pitch. He tried to keep up but was already two steps behind as I danced past his last teammate and smashed the ball against the garage door serving as a goal. It was Number Five - the one to secure Nicolaos the victory.

Dudgeon vs. Ficiscia, 61st Baptism of Fire, Ceni

Those were the images that went through my head as I walked off the pitch. For 76 minutes, I was fighting the only man in the Dudgeon team, a defender with the ridiculous name of Brother Boot Knife of Warm Humanitarianism. Not once did he let me pass, and more than once he brought me down with the amount of violence his and his teammates names indicated. The only Warm Humanitarianism this man had must have been shown at night towards his teammates. Only that the referees never seemed to agree. They stole us at least two penalty shots, but we were down 2-0. I knew we needed a goal now, and when I got the pass, I felt Brother Stupid Name in my back again pushing me. I remembered that night in Marinum and turned the same way, making sure to hit his shoulder. This wasn't East Marinum, after all. After a hidden kick to my ankle almost breaking it, Brother Master Diver went down like a shot Lynx, holding his head as if I had smacked my fist into it. Which I wished I did when I saw the referee coming my way. "OUT!" he screamed, pulling the Red Card out. He couldn't be serious. I argued with the ref who simply turned his back on me and walked away. As I tried to run after him, Decimius held me back and told me to let it be, they'd need me in the semifinals. I nodded and hobbled off the pitch, my right ankle deep red from Brother Damned Asshole's kick while he was running around again. Things had definitely turned against Ficiscia.

by **Firebolt** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 3:01 pm

Fireboltians drop one to Lycans

It was probably one of the stranger games that have happened in this Baptism of Fire cycle: a team of broomsticks against a team of were-animals. It turned out to be the Unified Lycan Territories that won the game 3-0, sending Firebolt to a tough Round of 16 match against the Medician Islands. Notable in this game was King Super Fast, who made several great saves that kept Firebolt in it. Unfortunately, the Broomsticks' 9-0-1 formation and all-out offense meant there wasn't much help on the back end. Sophie Rivers was great for the Lycans, with a great goal right before the half. It should be noted that Shooter MS4 was ejected for whacking Xavier Vaughn repeatedly over the head in the 67th minute, so he got a one-game ban. Vaughn had a hell of a headache and missed the rest of the game, but one day's rest and he's fine. Shooter ND5 will slot in.

by **46566** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 3:28 pm

National team loses 2-1
Ceni- The Grand Duchy National team loses 2-1 to the The Medician Islands. The Dukes scored first with a shot from Wayne Johnson in the 35th minute. The Medcian Islands in the start of the second half with a score from Ermenegildo Loreto. The game remained tied tell the 90th minute when Massimo Amílcar scored from a corner. Even with the loss the Grand Duchy national team still managed to make it through to the next round by goal differential. The 46566 team will be playing the national team from Unified Lycan Territories who won group B.

by **Unified Lycan Territories** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 6:09 pm

"Mommy, look! A giant bunny rabbit!"

He'd lost track of how many times they'd mistaken his form - he was a hare, not a rabbit, thank you very much, but he estimated it was somewhere in the realm of thirty or so. It was hard to fault them though, with so many of them being young kids, who likely wouldn't know the difference. I mean, most of them were just overwhelmed to see him in form - it was like he'd jumped out of one of their cartoons, and they were all so excited to see him. He considered himself lucky that his form was less... intimidating than others. It'd probably start losing its luster sooner or later, but for the time being he let himself have his photo taken with the kids, and even let a few of them run their hands through his fur. None of them would have seen a Lycan before, why not give them the experience? He was getting more exposure this way than as a starting defender for one of the competing teams, that was for sure.

He flashed a buck-toothed smile at the kid who had pointed at him (much to their delight), before turning to Martin, who had joined him on this little sightseeing excursion. He was still in human form, despite team representatives (and, eventually, Cecily) giving them the thumbs up to go out in animal form, and had been a good sport dealing with all the attention... mostly by sticking his nose into a guide book and voraciously reading through all the information it contained. It was nice to stretch his legs so to speak - the need to transform is hard to describe, but it's like... a small fire inside, a nagging itch that needed to be scratched to be settled. He'd been doing inside the hotel, but he liked that he was able to go out now and take in the sights.

The 'Japanese' gardens they'd come to were unlike anything he'd seen in the Territories. Even despite the occasional distraction of an excited child, the place seemed to exude an atmosphere of calmness and tranquility. The architecture of the... what were they called again? Pagodas? was exquisite. He'd heard of things something like this out near the border of Alcade and Dubhon, the canine and ursine territories, but he'd never seen anything like it. He'd have to ask Roddy or Alexis - they were like to know more. Lycans were a bit insular, and didn't leave the country or even clan territories much and he wasn't an exception. He wanted to get in as much he could while he had the chance. Especially now that they'd swept Firebolt back into the cupboard (in the strangest game of any of their careers - and that was saying something), and gotten into the knockouts, he was planning to stay as long as he could. For that, all they needed to do was win, of course...

by **Uzekia** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 11:09 am

REMEMBERING THE REAL ENEMY

Citizens of the Empire! Do not give into the Kernansquillecan propaganda machine! Do not surrender yourself to lies and the green side! The enemy who wants you dead is always trying to make you believe in lies. Your government under the supreme command of the Emperor is doing all it can to stamp out these sources of evil and perpetrators of disorder and violence, but we can only succeed and survive as a society together. Uzekia is one big family. Kernansquillec is the deformed offspring that rejected the family that tried to help it and who is now trying to kill them. Our duty is to eliminate these specks of dirt. Do not forget which side you are on. Uzekia is the side of justice, of truth, of honour. Kernansquillec is the side of death, of chaos, of perverts. So, citizens, no do listen to the lies that come from the other side of the border. Uzekia will survive this war and emerge victorious and glorious. Kernansquillec shall burn!

PREPARING FOR LIBERATION: UNDERSTANDING THE INFERIOR RACE

The inferior green-loving race of Kernansquillec will be eliminated. Our eternal enemies must be destroyed to bring peace and prosperity to our land. But to defeat an enemy, one must understand them. For aspiring Uzekians, this isn't always straight forward so here's your quick guide to understand why Kernansquillecans are an inferior race and why they must be disposed of.

1. SUPPORTING PERVERTS, INFIDELS AND TERRORISTS
Kernansquillec is a land that claims to "be a friendly place that welcomes all". What kind of people welcomes homosexuals and sexual deviants without having some kind of mental handicap?! Imagine what kind of chaos would eat up Uzekia should sinful homosexuality be allowed in our wonderful land? Terrorists can also seek refuge in Kernansquillec - how can a country claiming to be peaceful welcome infidels who fight against the order of Uzekia, who kill innocent children on our streets and who refuse to believe in almighty Yzy? Do not be mistaken, Kernansquillecans are not a peaceful race. They want to destroy Uzekia and do everything they can to disrupt our Empire. But their efforts are in vain and they shall be destroyed!

2. REFUSING THE NATURAL ORDER OF THINGS
Almighty Yzy created a World where everything has it place. When everything is in it's place, order reigns and people can live together in peace and harmony. Kernansquillec actively seek to disrupt this order. Given equal rights to woman and as such, treating men as inferior is a travesty! No wonder Kernansquillecan children grow up to be terrorists and infidels if there is no mother at home to take care of them. Almost no Kernansquillecan believe in God, following instead their fake "God" of science. Only Yzy can give us an understanding of the universe. Only he can give us peace and strength. This is proof of Kernansquillec's inferiority. A race of similar attributes to our own superior race would at least follow some kind of God, some kind of mistaken understanding of Yzy. Kernansquillecans are so little evolved they cannot even come up with a fake God. There is no saving such a people, they are not more evolved than the animals you can see roam the countryside.

3. FOLLOWING THE GREEN COLOUR OF DECEIT
When Yzy created our World, he did not leave anything to chance. Even colours were given a significance and power. Black, the supreme colour is the most noble and powerful of the colours, destroying all before itself. Gold was given to Uzekia and it's natural colour, a colour of prosperity and of justice. All colours hold some power, all except green and shades of green. Green, is the colour of lies, of death. Naturally such a colour was taken as the colours of the Kernansquillecan infidels, along with white, the colours of the weak and of so-called innocents. But green does not lie. This country is evil right to it's core. They were created by Yzy as the supreme test of Uzekia's resolve to become the master race of the universe. Only once we emerge victorious can we truly step up to the destiny Yzy reserves for us. Together, as one, we can conque and emerge into the sunlight of order, of peace and of prosperity. Glory to the Empire!

by **Arioslavia** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 12:15 pm

Frolov: The atmosphere in our team is great

Despite a loss in a last match in a group stage, it seems that morale in Arioslavian team is as high as fans expectations. The pre-match training was closed to public, but the players were reported to "enjoy it", as team's spokesman told the press.

We're ready to face Oontazians in the next match. I assure you, we're feeling the game and the atmosphere is great. - said Vyacheslav Frolov in an interview for Intersport channel. I trust my players. Yashin, Artyomov, Tikhonov and the rest of the team is having a great tournament. We worked hard to enter play-offs, now we must show that we deserved it. During the training, we focused on fixing the details that decided about our loss with Amazonesta.

Sborna fans hope that Arioslavia advances further. Sborna is playing a very balanced style of football, which is efficient but not boring. That's what fans love. The Arioslavian team is getting more and more fans abroad - especially in Amazonesta, as Sborna won sympathy of their fans. We're sure that those who decide to watch next Arioslavia's match won't regret - whether live, on TV or in a fanzone.

For Intersport, Denis Nikolayev.

by **Ethane** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 2:11 pm

Ethane have secured their position in the round of 16 after a strong 2-1 win against Whovian Tardisia.

Following the turmoil of the first 2 games in the Baptism of Fire, which saw the Ethanians trailing at the bottom of the group after a dismal run which saw the team lose to Oisinistan and draw with Quazira, the national team were determined to win the game against Whovian Tardisia, and knick one of the progression places.

Because of the nature of the group, which had seen 4 closely matched teams drawn in the same group, the results were always going to be close, with no 1 team expected to dominate. Going into the final game, all the teams knew that the group remained close, and that all 4 teams still remained in the running, with only 3 points between first and last place in the group, meaning that the final games of the group stages were ''all in or nothing'' for the teams in Ethane's group.

The exciting group stages had seemingly come down to the last game, culminating in two massive, deciding games, which would determine who would advance and who would be knocked out from this cruel, tight group.

There was much to be excited about during the game, which saw two passionate teams, hellbent on winning, clash against each other, in a bid to remain in the Baptism of Fire. Great performances were made from players in both teams, the ones not performing up to the standard required being substituted for those who actually are willing to put in the effort needed on the international stage, to win games for their teams.

However, in amongst all the great players, there were the 'heroic' players, the ones that won it for the team. Boivin was the man for Ethane. Being from a team lower down in the highest tier of the Star league, he was seen as an interesting choice for the role of main striker, but the role was mainly attributed to his team being one of the highest scoring teams that season, which is what saved them from relegation. However, his role in the international team at the world cup has definitely been secured by the performance he has put in during this game. Unable to find the net for both the first 2 games of the group, both ending without Ethane having scored a single goal, and having had only 1 against them, Boivin came into this game, knowing that his place in the team, and Ethane's place in the Baptism of Fire, were in jeopardy, if he could not find the back of the net.

Playing at the Whovian defence, he slipped through many times, getting many great shots on goal, and if it wasn't for the sheer skill shown by Peter Treloar in goal during this match, then the game would have much likely been a larger margin. Smashing it into the net after a great cross in from Jaylin Deering on the left wing, he gave the team a 1-0 lead in the 34' minute. After a resurgence from the Whovian Tardisia team, which saw them equalise with a strike from Cuthbert Jack in the 68' minute, the Ethane team regrouped and rallied together to score the winning goal, and secure Ethane's progression from the group stages, through a stunning goal from 30 yards out again from Boivin, the man of the match.

This performance is likely to silence most of those critics of Boivin, after his input in this game proved majorly influential to Ethane's progression out of the group stages. Speaking after the match, Boivin was very humbled about the man of the match award being given to him. ''Yes, I did score the goals, but scoring goals is nothing if you do not have a great team behind you, to set you up for all those goals. People always praise the strikers, for they are the ones that provide the action, score the winning goals, but the defence should get more recognition, for stopping the other team's goals, and the midfield should get more recognition for their set ups, which lead to my goals. Being a solo striker up front, without the rest of my team, I would be worthless, useless. Also, we must not forget the goalkeepers of teams. I guarantee you, if we did not have Brody Church as our outstanding goalkeeper, then I would not be standing here, now, talking to you; it would be one of those Tardisian players talking to you now.''

Tonight, they have another game coming which will see them play against Pinuyi, a team that dominated their group, winning every match. After that, it depends on whether they win in tonight's game. They will either be continuing to play in the Baptism of Fire, or they will be heading home to get some training done before the World Cup, and play some friendlies.

Ethane  vs  Whovian Tardisia
2        Goals        1
14       Shots        9
7   Shots on Target   3
52%    Possession    48%
21      Tackles      28
11       Fouls        3
3     Yellow Cards    1
0      Red Cards      0
0      Injuries       0
2      Offsides       3
4       Corners       11
50%    Shot Accuracy   33%
87%    Pass Accuracy   82%

by **Red Blackiland** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 2:30 pm

Cutoff for the Red Blackiland side of the Round of 16/Eight-Finals!

Round of 16 - Eight Finals (Red Blackilandian Side)

Match 1
Amazonesta 3-0 Raltharan
Stadium - Meskitáh Central Stadion

Match 2
Oontaz Dert Li Ng 0-1 Arioslavia
Stadium - Arena d' Estrella

Match 3
Quazira 0-1 Uzekia
Stadium - Marine Glorious Stadium

Match 4
Pinuyi 1-2 Ethane
Stadium - Red Glorious Stadium

Quarter-Finals (Red Blackilandian Side)

Match 1
Amazonesta vs. Arioslavia
Stadium - Red Glorious Stadium

Match 2
Uzekia vs. Ethane
Stadium - Meskitáh Central Stadion

by **Ceni** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 4:53 pm

This is your cutoff for the Round of 16!

The Medician Islands 2–4 Firebolt

Yosmar 0–2 Ficiscia

Unified Lycan Territories 3–0 46566

Dudgeon 3–0 -Anthor-

Quarterfinals Draw
Firebolt vs Ficiscia

Unified Lycan Territories vs Dudgeon

Ugh. Formatting.

by **Dudgeon** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 6:51 pm

Deep Resentment Daily News

Sister Shotgun of Looking at All Sides of the Question, captain of the Dudgeon national football team, prepares for the match against Lycan States. Uncertain whether the second person pictured is Xavier Vaughn or a random cat stolen from some poor family in Cenial.

An encyclical letter to the Dudgeon football Fans now in the country of Ceni to watch football in Ceni
From + Reverend Mother Cyanide of Thoughtful Contemplation

The past should be forgotten. -Anthor-? Well, I like the whiskers on their name, but let's focus on the next match, where there are all too many whiskers.

The past should be forgotten. Yes, Dudgeon is undefeated. Yes, three more goals sent the -Anthorians-, or possibly -Anthor-ians, packing. Yes, there was a goal by Sister Kim Jong Murder of Alleged Restraint of which songs shall be sung, some of them later tonight by me. Yes, another goal came from Sister Pepper Spray of Reasoned Discussion, who totally did not use her artificial leg to batter any opponents. Yes, a third goal from Sister Alleged Hydrogen Bomb of Quiet Reflection shall be recorded in the new Hymn 3,567(d)/Sub-hymn 12, for it was a thing of beauty.

But the past should be forgotten. For there is a darkness ahead. I speak of none other than the Stoat, a beast so unclean it may not be touched without permission signed in Triplicate by the Dean of the Cathedral of Rapacious Delight in the City of the Name of Unclean Sheets. We really do need to rename that city. Sub-Sister Popgun of Somewhat Serene Forgiveness! Send a memo to the Naming Committee!

Now, as I was saying.... the Papette's government has no objection to lycanthropy. We are entirely indifferent to the transformation or transubstantiation of human and animal forms. The Three Hundred Fortieth Laddering Council has pronounced that non-human and human are merely appearances and do not alter the soul, though at times it may make the bathwater rather messier than we would wish. The faith does not object to cats, mice, bears, hyenas (so long as they do not laugh during mass), foxes, religious raccoons, and other clean creatures.

But there is a greater menace. A creature so fearsome that I none dare speak its name unless they have reached the rank of Reverend Mother or above. A creature so foul that to utter the single syllable of its name is to invite eternal damnation. A creature that once killed a rabbit beloved by the Papette back when she was a little girl of six.

Evil, I name you: you are Stoat.

It is well known that in the Great Purge of Anno Domina 7, the city of Deep Resentment emptied so that the people might undergo the Great Stoat-Murder of Delightful Abound. Yet in other countries, stoats continue to exist. And in one, they are known to take on human form, put on shorts, and play football. That country will soon play against Dudgeon.

This is Abomination.

By special order of the Papette, Sister Stouticide of Lovely Rejoicefulness shall attend the next match, performing any required exorcisms when Dudgeon meets Unified Lycan Territories.

And now, at bloody last, sports

Er, we are out of paper for today. I'll try to make sure tomorrow's edition says something about football. -Editor.

by **Yosmar** » Fri Jan 22, 2016 7:45 pm

An emotional Yosmar Football Club walks of the pitch tonight with a bitter taste of defeat (And blood) in their mouths after the refs had to call the match off due to a riot from Angry Fans and Players.Captains from both teams were involved in a heated exchanged of words which then turned into fist after Decimius Hector was clearly offside and with some amazing footwork scored the goal to make it 2-0 then mouthed "Your my ________ " to Momir Skalin which he responded to by delivering a viscous KO punch to Hector

and that's when all Hell Broke loose with both teams benches clearing out onto the field and fans of Yosmar dukeing it out against the fans of Ficisciae.The police came in to break the tension with tear gas and flares.As for Decimius Hector he should be able to gear up against Firebolt in the next round.We will have around the clock coverage on the after math of the event on our sister Station WYOZ 74.

by **Firebolt** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 5:31 am

Firebolt Off to Quarterfinals

King Super Fast is good in goal. He made some great saves to keep Firebolt's Baptism of Fire dreams alive in Ceni after a 4-2 win over The Medician Islands. In addition, Shooter XB3 scored his first-ever hat trick inside the space of the second half to bring Firebolt back from a 2-1 deficit at halftime. Shooter XB3 was in tears after talking to the media, saying, "This is how far we've come. These 12 guys are great. I just hope we can bring this against Ficiscia." The Fireboltians gave up one goal on possibly the most ridiculous penalty reason ever: BackFooty DA9 accidentally clotheslining Sergius Vero in the box while trying to cover a corner kick. Vero got the penalty kick and converted easily. Shooter XB3's hat trick inspired Firebolt, and they will look to keep it up against Ficiscia.

by **Ficiscia** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:23 am

Nuntius Ficisciae: Anti-Yosmarite Protests in Ficiscia and Ceni

After the scandalous events in the Baptism of Fire tournament game against Yosmar, where captain Momar Skalin broke Decimius Hectors nose with a hit to the face and caused riots in and outside the stadium, people demonstrated against Yosmar in Ficiscia and Ceni. In the homeland, people had gathered in front of the Ficiscian Parliament demanding official action against Yosmar, while fans walked through the streets in Antiqua, Limites, Carinha and some other cities shouting paroles and fan songs and burning Yosmarite flags. This led to some confusing scenes as the Yosmar flag is identical with Ficiscia's (a reason why the Parliament now plans to add the coat of arms to our flag, see page 5) and so people appeared to be burning Ficiscian flags in their protest. To make their stance clear, they wrote "YOSMAR" in large letters across their flags before setting them on fire and demanding actions. In consequence, the Government decided to send a diplomatic note to Yosmar demanding the Yosmarite state to take action against the offenders. In Marinum, a ship from Yosmar was denied entrance to the port by dock workers and had to be escorted into the port by police. In Limites and Antiqua, a damage of total (estimated) 1'600'000 Ficisci was done to buildings and streets in the process, most of it being destroyed windows by shops suspected to sell goods from Yosmar and from Anti-Yosmarite graffitis.

Window in Limites demolished by protestors. This was a travel agency offering flights to Yosmar.

Things were a bit worse in Ceni. After players instantly reacted to the hit against Hector, pushing away Skalin, fans stormed the pitch and fought each other as well as Cenian security forces, as we already reported in another article. However, these riots were rather quickly dissolved by an effective police force. What they could not stop as good were riots in the streets of New Oxford afterwards, where Ficiscians and Yosmarites clashed several times in an effort to continue the events in the stadium. There are reports of fireworks being used as weapons on both sides and a total of 57 Yosmarites and 41 Ficiscians were arrested by the Cenian police. Official injury numbers are not out yet, but there are speculations of about 50-100 injured people and reports of two dead Ficiscians in the surroundings of the stadium, even though these have been denied by the police.

Left: Stadium security getting attacked by Yosmarite hooligans. Right: Police holds back Ficiscian fans trying to storm the pitch and attack the Yosmarites

Raging fans went on to cause trouble in the city and got into various bar fights with Yosmar's fans. After fans were forced out of the arena, the referees decided to continue the game and played the final 11 minutes, but no more goals could be scored. The final decision was that the match counts as full, and among Ficiscia two players were given a suspension, but the organizers decided to be lenient on the players due to an "unconventionally provoking situation due to the actions of opponent players". Michelis Agricola and Petrus Rex were given a one-game suspension, as well as several Yosmarites, but as their team is out, this does not matter. The two will likely be replaced by Ariostes Nuntius in defense and Aurelius Tensor in the right midfield. For the arrested Ficiscians there is no information so far, but we assume they will be forced to leave the country and possibly face further punishment. The next game against Firebolt, however, is supposed to be a bit calmer as the Firebolt team are broomsticks. Yes, literal broomsticks.

Bar in downtown New Oxford after a clash between Ficiscians and Yosmarites

by **Arioslavia** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 9:51 am

ARIOSLAVIA IN QUARTERFINAL!

Arioslavia defeats Oontaz Dert Li Ng in first match of the play-offs. The match was quite brutal, as there were 5 yellow cards - 2 for Arioslavia (Turgenev and Kagoyan) and 3 for Oontazians.

The match didn't lack emotions, anyway. From the beginning, Sborna dominated their rivals, who tried to reply with cunning counter-attacks. In 21. minute a powerful shot of Artyomov nearly defeated the Oontazian goalkeeper. However, none of the teams could score in a first half of the match. After the break Oontazians had an amazing opportunity to get an upper hand - Mangudadatu scored from 15 meters, but the referee signalized an offside. In 80. minute, after Dimaculangan's foul, Tikhonov scored a goal from a penalty. Final minutes of the game were nervous for Arioslavian fans, as Oontazians tried their best to score the goal that would give them a chance for an extra time. In 93. minute, in the last seconds of the additional time, Zulfiqi bin Alisher breached the defense lines and faced Yashin, who heroically repulsed the ball. Seconds later, the referee ended the match and Sborna could celebrate the success.

Fans were leaving the stadium chanting and celebrating. Team's manager was also in a very good mood. I'm satisfied. Anyway, today's match is a thing of a past. We're in quarterfinal and we will play with Amazonesta again. We know this team, we worked hard to eliminate the factors that decided about our previous loss and I'm sure my boys will play even better. - stated Vyacheslav Frolov after the match.

Match against Amazonesta is going to be a match of two equal teams, as the group stage experiences had shown. None of the teams can be sure of victory.

For ATV Sportkanal and ATV 1, Ivan Polikarpov, Red Blackiland.

by **Ethane** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:25 pm

Ethane advance into a quarter-final game against Uzekia after defeating Pinuyi 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

Boivin scored a goal in the 54' minute to secure Ethane a place in the next round, after a thrilling end to the second half which saw 2 goals scored in the last 10 minutes of the first half.

After a turgid 35 minutes of the game, which saw only 3 shots in target between the whole team, Boivin struck home a stunner from 20 yards, which saw Ethane take the lead. This was from a counter which had seen the Pinuyian team miss from a free kick, which saw Boivin pick up a red card after a dirty tackle, which some would have called a 'red-worthy' tackle.

Banisa Tanu then hammered one home for Pinuyi to level the game 1-1 in the 44' minute, just before the half-time.

After half-time, both teams were hoping to come on and play to their strengths, secure the win. However, it became clear that the Pinuyi team were unable to match the full strength of the Ethanian team, who dominated the start of the second half, Boivin scoring another goal in the 54' minute.

The Ethanian team then withdrew, battered by the Pinuyi team for the rest of the game. However, the Pinuyi team were unable to get the needed equaliser to secure extra time, after a group of remarkable saves from Brody Church.

Ethane now face the Uzekian team in the quarter-finals, who won their game in the round of 16 with only the 1 goal against Quazira. Ethane will be hoping to take the victory to head into the semi-finals with a strong win.

by **Amazonesta** » Sat Jan 23, 2016 2:46 pm

The Amazononian Observer

Amazonesta runs away with 3-0 victory over Raltharan in the Baptism of Fire's Round of 16

Amazonestan players celebrate their captain's goal early in the 2nd half

MESKITAH- Amazonestan star player Omar Falcone opened the scoring, putting away a penalty kick in the 16th minute, and Amazonesta cruised to their biggest win of the tournament, a 3-0 victory over Raltharan. Raltharan was a team that had barely scraped its way into the knockout stages. The only team in their group to score a goal at this tournament was Oontaz Dert Li Ng, who swept through the group with 3 straight shutout victories. However, it was clear that the competition in that group was weak. Raltharan advanced with only 2 points, just achieving a 1-0 loss to Oontaz Dert Li Ng and two 0-0 draws. Their goal difference was only -1, so they got to advance. While there were concerns that Amazonesta could not breach a defense that only allowed 1 goal in the group stages, it was clear that was because of the group's competition, not the team's talent.

Amazonesta easily ran away with this game, having by far their easiest game of the tournament in the Round of 16. It was a great coaching job by Orlando Juarez, because one thing was clear- the pressure of the knockout stages, of one & done, do or die, whatever you want to call it, was not going to effect his on this night. They came in attacking, as they usually do, looking to control the game and chasing the victory, rather than playing not to lose. Amazonesta was able to put pressure on their opponents, and Blanco Rivero went down in the box, looking for a penalty kick.

Omar Falcone stepped up to take his third penalty of the tournament. Now, many Amazonesta fans were worried. He has had both of his previous penalty attempts saved in this tournament, and while the kick against Arioslavia can be attributed to the keeper's skill, it was obvious that his other effort was weak. He has led the Amazonesta attack, scoring 4 of their 5 goals of the tournament, though he has not been able to convert from 12 yards. Falcone stepped up to take this one, and it was clear that he was focused on getting this particular monkey off of his back. He stepped up and buried the ball in the upper right hand corner. The rock was impossible to save, and all of a sudden, Amazonesta was up 1-0.

Amazonesta, to its credit, did not take their lead for granted. Even though it was fairly clear that Raltharan was overmatched, Amazonesta did not want to worry about a spot in the quarterfinals. The team kept attacking the goal, and it was clear that Raltharan could not stay with them. In this stage of the tournament, in the do or die portion, Amazonesta was simply too fast with the ball. A brilliant piece of footwork by Leonardo Rosalez saw him break free on a counter-attack, and a beautiful chip over the opposing keeper's head in the 33rd minute gave Amazonesta a 2-0 lead.

With the 2-0 lead, and Amazonesta still attacking, the game was essentially over at that point. Captain Vigel Posada got a much-deserved goal in the 51st minute, after Rosalez beat two Raltharan defenders while dribbling and crossed the ball on the ground to Posada, who simply had an easy tap-in to make the game 3-0 to Amazonesta. The game, if it wasn't over before that, was over at that point. Amazonesta was playing back, and Raltharan was not going to break the Amazonestan defense, who wanted badly their 4th straight shutout of the tournament.

Star player Omar Falcone was subsituted off of the field in the 81st minute, to a thunderous applause from the Amazonesta fans, as Falcone clapped right back in thanks for their great support. The game ended with a final score of 3-0 to Amazonesta. The fans clapped and celebrated, and the players celebrated with fans, though it was a much subdued celebration. Manager Orlando Juarez said that he was happy with his team's effort, but they needed to turn around and focus on Arioslavia, their next opponents.

"We played very well in today's match, and I am happy to see this sort of victory. Amazonesta did not get lucky, nor are we pretenders. Our team is as good as any team that has made it this far, and like every team here, we want to bring the Baptism of Fire trophy all the way back to our own nation. We will go to bed tonight, and tomorrow we will begin preparing for Arioslavia. They are a fantastic team, and I am sure they will be motivated to get revenge after our group stage victory over them." Said Manager Orlando Juarez.

The match will be back in Redinxson, where Amazonesta & Arioslavia played all of their group stages. These are still regarded as two of the most evenly matched teams in the Baptism of Fire, and excitement is running high, as are ticket prices for the match. We'll see what Orlando Juarez can do to attempt to defeat Arioslavia for the second time in this tournament.

by **Arioslavia** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 11:21 am

TIME FOR A REVENGE?

Arioslavian audience is getting more and more excited before the quarterfinal match with Amazonesta. The nerves are justified, as the first match with Amazonesta ended with a close victory of Sborna's rivals. Now, the fans are waiting for a revenge. Nearly all Arioslavian fans we met here in Red Blackiland claim that they expect only one thing: victory.

That "jingoistic" atmosphere seems to have no impact on Sborna's manager, Vyacheslav Frolov. No, we don't need a revenge. We need a good game to achieve victory and such war-like atmosphere is not always helpful. It would be very amateur-like if we had allowed us to be driven by emotions. We have to face Amazonesta again and we'll try our best, as always. - said Frolov today at the press conference.

The experts are unanimous - match Amazonesta vs Arioslavia is going to be the most emotioning of the quarterfinals. We'll see all the stars, including Omar Falcone, Alexander Artyomov and Yuri Yashin. What's more, this morning the President of Arioslavia Vassily Fedorov had personally wished our players good luck on Twitter and confirmed that he will be present at the match to support them:

Good luck #TeamArioslavia!
See you soon during the match!

For "SportKanal24.com", Daria Nekrasova.

by **Amazonesta** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 12:20 pm

The Amazononian Observer

Amazonesta prepare for big game against Arioslavia

Amazonesta fans celebrating after decisive Round of 16 victory over Raltharan

REDINXSON- Amazonesta is in for its biggest game of the tournament so far, and they are playing in what is going to be the most anticipated quarterfinal of this tournament, with its game against Arioslavia. These two teams met before, in the final match of the group stage, when Amazonesta pulled off a tight, 1-0 victory, with the difference being the head of Omar Falcone. Of course, being in the same group, both teams have taken very similar, and very interesting paths to get this point, the quarterfinals of the Baptism of Fire with the final being well within reach. In this article, we'll look at these two teams path to the quarterfinal, and then have a short preview of this group stage rematch.

Amazonesta's path to the quarterfinal

Amazonesta is a team that plays very creative, very attacking, and very free-flowing form of soccer. Many of those in the Owner-osity press said that their team was the team to beat in this tournament, and declared themselves as the favorites to win not only this group, but their team. Amazonesta breached their 7 man defense just 7 minutes into the tournament, and then added a second goal at the beginning of the 2nd half to win by a score of 2-0. They won by the same score in their next match against HUElavia to set up their showdown with Arioslavia at the end of the group stage.

Amazonesta then won a very hard-fought battle with Arioslavia, 1-0, with a 37th minute header from Omar Falcone being the difference between the two very evenly matched sides during the game. Amazonesta then went on to the Round of 16 against Raltharan, who barely squeaked their way into the knockout stages after getting only 2 points and not scoring once in the group stage. Amazonesta then dominated Raltharan 3-0 in their Round of 16, leaving no doubts that they, as a team, deserved to be where they were, and deserved to be paid fair attention to.

Arioslavia's path to the quarterfinal

Arioslavia, nicknamed the Sborna, had a very similar path through the first two matches of the group stage. They started the tournament with a 2-0 victory over HUElavia, and then eliminated Owner-osity from the tournament just two games into group play when they got another 2--0 victory. These games were hard-fought, and their style could not be more different from Amazonesta's. They played close, tactical games, where short passes were emphasized, and defense favored. They did not attack often, but they attacked efficiently, which is why they were able to put up 4 goals in the first two matches.

In the rubber match of the group stage, they played just as well as Amazonesta, well enough to win, but the Omar Falcone header was the difference in the ball game. Now, their most exciting match was in their Round of 16 matchup with Oontaz Dert Li Ng. That team had swept through its own group as well, and their Round of 16 matchup was guaranteed to be exciting. Arioslavia recovered well from their close loss to Amazonesta and won the game 1-0, setting their team up for a rematch with Amazonesta.

Quarterfinal Preview

The motivation for both teams is strong, as they both came to this tournament with the intention of winning silverware, and both teams are on track to do just that. The motivation for Arioslava, especially for their fans, will be that much higher, as they have already lost once to Amazonesta.

Manager Orlando Juarez said that the chance to play a team that was a rival for the Group crown in the tournament will make this quarterfinal match extra special. "The fact that we've already played these guys means that this game is guaranteed to be exciting. They will be looking for revenge against us, and that puts extra pressure on my staff & I to come up with new tactics to defeat Arioslavia, as the same strategy won't work twice to beat a team with the quality of Arioslavia. We're going to have to mix things up, and leave everything on the field. If we don't have our best game of the tournament, as a team, then there's no way we'll beat a team like Arioslavia, especially at this stage. The Sborna manager, Vyacheslav Frolov, whom I have a lot of respect for, will have his team ready, and we will have to match his team's intensity for 90 minutes, or maybe even 120, to win this matchup."

Our reporters believe that this game will go to penalties, and as is tradition at this paper, we do not predict the winner of games in penalty kicks, as they are much too wild to predict. These teams are too evenly matched to seperate after 120 minutes, though we do predict the score to be 2-2 when we get to the shootout. And, as always, Viva La Amazonesta!

by **Uzekia** » Sun Jan 24, 2016 1:25 pm

TREMBLE BEFORE OUR GLORY!

Ethane! Your team has fought valiantly is this Baptism of Fire. But now, you stand before the might of the Uzekians! Yzy has destined us to lift the trophy as champions! Should you attempt to deny Yzy his wish, not only shall you dishonour yourselves, but you shall burn in the fires of hell! Uzekia cannot and will not be stopped, so do not even attempt to do so. The until-they-met-us-unbeaten Quazira tried to fight. Tonight, they lick their wounds following a humiliating defeat. And tomorrow, they shall have to justify their actions in front of almighty Yzy!

Uzekia's destiny is to vanquish all, as we are the superior race. Our path is set in stone and our glory shall lead the world to peace and harmony. Prove yourselves to be more than simple inferior infidels who are naive enough to hope of vanquishing a superior being. Accept and embrace your place, only then can you enjoy happiness and know the true teachings of Yzy! So when your players step out on to the pitch, surrender. Kneel before our team of champions, shout "Death to the Kernansquillecan infidels!" and give our team the respect and result they deserve.

PREPARING FOR LIBERATION: THE TEACHINGS OF YZY

Yzy, the one true God, is the reason for all things and guardian of the human race. He structured all and knows all, but our understanding of him remains limited, as we are all limited beings, thought some are more limited than others. His teachings were shared to us via prophet Ptiel, one of the founders of Uzekia, in a book of teachings: the Yzybook. Here are the main ideas of Yzy, as written by Ptiel in the Yzybook, vulgarised for the inferior beings reading these words.

1. ORDER IS HOLY
When Yzy created this World, he created a world of peace and harmony, one that was ordered into a perfect balance. Evil has seeked to upset this balance constantly and has created the World of chaos and sin we know today. Order is the only way to fight this. Man's holyiest goal is to recreate the order of Yzy on Earth so as to find that original peace and harmony. Everything has it's place, and if it leaves it's place, that order cannot be achieve. This is way Uzekians are the master race. Only they are capable of organising the World into order and indeed, Yzy had intended for Uzekians to be the master race, rulling the whole world and ensuring order. This is also why Kernansquillec must burn as they are the ultimate force of order, disorder and chaos.

2. YZY KNOWS ALL
Yzy is everywhere, all of the time. He knows all about everything. All actions happen as he intends them to. He controls fate and he decides the destiny of all. He does not help us in this life. He only acts as an enforcer to make us stick with our intended place because all those who deviate from their place face eternal hell! Only buy playing one's part, no matter what that part is, can one reach heaven. Everyone has a duty towards creating an ordered world and Yzy's omnipresence allows for all to respect his wish. But he will not help you directly in this life. Praying to him is futile. He only helps the worthy in the next life. So never forget, Yzy is watching you.

3. THE EMPEROR KNOWS BEST
If Yzy refuses to directly help those in this life, he does not forget about us. The Emperor is Yzy on Earth and his place allows him to help those who are worthy in this life. He knows what is best for Uzekia and for order and does all in his power to create Yzy's heaven on Earth. This is not always possible as the Emperor is not Yzy, but he is more just, more noble and more powerful than all other mortals as he is the half-God, the son of Yzy, the chosen one, who can lead the world to order and peace.

Baptism of Fire 61 - Everything Thread

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