Introduction of Fire (Baptism of Fire 38)

[Zarbli]

Here it is: Thu 6 May: 1v4 2v3
Fri 7 May: 1v2 3v4
Sat 8 May: 1v3 2v4
Sun 9 May: 1v4 2v3
Mon 10 May: 1v2 3v4
Tue 11 May: 1v3 2v4
Wed 12 May: 1v4 2v3

UNY is 1, I am 2, you are 3, and Mt. Shavano is 4.

Thanks pal, should've read the OP better

[Undeadzombiee]

Here it is: Thu 6 May: 1v4 2v3
Fri 7 May: 1v2 3v4
Sat 8 May: 1v3 2v4
Sun 9 May: 1v4 2v3
Mon 10 May: 1v2 3v4
Tue 11 May: 1v3 2v4
Wed 12 May: 1v4 2v3

UNY is 1, I am 2, you are 3, and Mt. Shavano is 4.

Thanks pal, should've read the OP better

No problem!

[Vjiay]

“Well hello there!”
Two male presenters stood before a holographic image of the Vjiayan football team.
“I’m Oscar Goodwyn,”
“And I’m Alfie Dowty,”
“And we’re with you today from our base in Quintessence of Dust, reporting on the Baptism of Fire 38, beginning on Thu...”
“Sorry Oscar, gotta interrupt you there, the tournament is actually called the Introduction of Fire, we’ve just been warned over our earpiece to not insult our hosts.”
“Yeah, well, everyone knows what I meant...Anyways, the tournament is set to begin this Thursday, with the mighty Vjiayan team up against Negative Katana in the Persimmon Group that also has in it the nations of Tonarius and Khytenna.”
“That’s right Oscar, but the Katanan officials have announced a team full of their living dead, including vampires.”
“Indeed, Vjiayan special forces were sent out as soon as their team was announced. Scary stuff indeed!”
“Regardless, the Vjiayans have come out this week with all guns blazing, here is the manager, Winston Thatcher on the announcement of the team.”

The view switched to an interview, Winston Thatcher sat before advertising hoardings with numerous microphones before him.
“Yes, you could say we’ve taken a few risks, threw in a few young players. Depending on how they perform in the Baptism of...Sorry, what? Introd...? Oh right. Depending on how this team performs in the Introduction of Fire, a lot could change before the World Cup.”
“How do you rate our nation’s chances in the Introduction of Fire?”
“Well we haven’t really had a chance to look at the other teams, we know that every player in the tournament will be playing extra hard to make their nations’ world cup team, but I think we have a squad of excellent players too. We’ll just have to see.”

The screen went back to the Vjiayan base in Quintessence of Dust.
“Well well, Alfie. Old Winston isn’t giving much away, eh?”
“Not that anyone expected him to, but the old codger still has a glint in his eye that tells me, ‘Yes, Vjiay will win everything’.”
“Riiiigggghhhtttt. Moving on, we sent our resident reporter, Abby Rice out onto the streets of Quintessence of Dust to see how the locals think they think the IOF will pan out. Abby, you there?”

Static ensues, before the outline of a woman and her surroundings are distinguished,
“Yeah Alfie, ready to roll,
“I’m out on the streets of Quintessence of Dust, outside the stadium where the first Vjiayan match will be played, there’s a few people milling around here...hey, hey you!”
A local man looks quite shocked to be called in such a way,
“Yes?”
“What do you think about the Introduction of Fire being played in your nation?”
“The Introduction of what now?”
“The Introduction of Fire, the international football tournament, the pre-cursor to the World Cup...” Abbey pressed on, willing an answer.
“Oh right...I’m not too big a fan of, erm, football and I’m kinda in a rush. Thanks though.” The man began to briskly walk off while Abbey turned back blankly to the camera.
“Well then, I guess that’s all from me...back to Oscar and Alfie in the studio...”

“Thanks Abby. Interesting Alfie, very interesting...” Oscar shrugged, more of a question than a statement.
“Indeed, I guess football ain’t that popular in these parts. Anyways, that’s all from us in Quintessence of Dust. We’ll be back on Thursday reporting on Vjiay’s first international game in the Introduction of Fire, see you then!”

[Mount Shavano]

Eli F. Baker Memorial Arena

BILLY : "Good morning Mount Shavano - or should I say good night! We're coming to you live from Eli F. Baker Memorial Arena in Quintessence of Dust, and live in this case means one o'clock in the morning local time. In this arena, in about twenty-one hours, the National Soccer Team will kick off its first game."

JOE : "The weather here is very favorable to our side. It's cold and as you can see snow is beginning to fall." Behind the sportscaster, illuminated in the field lights, a light snow is falling onto an already dusted field. "The forecast calls for it to continue throughout the day and pick up just before our game tonight, while the Zombiee-Zarbli game this afternoon may experience a let up. Upon asking the groundskeeper if he would be plowing the field before the game, we received the reply 'Spend my time clearing the field for a soccer game? What are you, nuts? I ain't paid by the hour.' We now think it likely that the first international soccer game in the history of the Front Range Republic will be played in unusual conditions."

BILLY : "The Upper North Yorkshire team has still not arrived in Zyarn, to the best of our knowledge, and remains something of a mystery. When asked how to prepare against a squad of faceless opponents, Coach Landry replied 'I'm not concerned. We intended to make them play our game, anyway. Besides, I doubt their information on us is any better'. I have to admit, it sounds like the usual empty coach speak to me, not trying to give anything away. On the other hand, I don't think he should be too concerned about it. I mean, the only way that our opponents being anonymous and faceless is a problem is if they're a team of anonymous and faceless soccer-playing death cyborgs, right?"

JOE : *Turns slowly to stare at Billy*

BILLY : *ahem* "Anyway, I you look high the stands behind us you can see some technicians flown in from the Front Range Republic working high in the stands. They're setting up high definition video cameras and high quality speaker and microphone systems to transmit the game experience to Admirals Stadium back home in Harbor Grove. There 100,000 fans will be able to see the game on the high-def, 360 degree scoreboard, hear the authentic sounds of the game, and have their own voices heard thousands of miles away, supporting their team here in Zyarn. For those of you not lucky enough to be there, we'll be covering the game for you here on the Sawatch Sports Network."

[Kryosis]

Kryosis National Football Team

((OOC: additional player descriptions coming later, hopefully there is enough info here for people to RP with))

Manager: Alfred Ambrose (68 years old)
+ Ambrose is known for his military career more than sports coaching. However, as a military tactician, he has drilled his team well, and they are solid defenders. He is effectively the anti-thesis of his Osarian counterpart, "that cocky little brat" Benedict di Corradi.

Due to Ambrose's defensive nature, the team almost always utilises Catenaccio in some form.
Most frequently, Kryosis line up in a 4-4-2 formation (which is detailed below - its the typical zona mista formation)

Style: -1.5

If my opponent RP's first he may:
Choose my scorers: Yes
Choose scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: Nothing too serious, but yeah
Godmod injuries: Yes
Godmod "other" events: Yes

Basically, do whatever you want except killing my players. Bear in mind that Kryosi players are violent by nature, but they don't tend to blatantly assault players. Its a bit more subtle than that

The Squad

As is to be expected, the majority of the Kryosi squad play their football in nearby Osarius, where the standard of play is higher. However, this does not mean that there are not still some exceptional players left in Kryosis. Even though there are some remarkably talented players available, Ambrose prefers to choose hard-working players with the correct level of tactical nous and technical ability. Physical attributes are also very important to the Kryosis boss. Skill and flair are secondary traits reserved for forwards, in his eyes, and as such there are only four or five flair players in his squad (namely Lopez, Mosley, Mercado and Raymond - Reyale is arguable). The vast majority are tall, strong, and where possible, quick. All must have relatively good technique and all are drilled hard on Ambrose's tactical plans. As such, the manager is rarely seen bellowing instruction.

The captain's armband is controversially on the left arm of Juan Gerardo Lopez Mejia, as per the orders of the emperor - as part of the agreement to get Lopez to play - much to the chagrin of Ambrose, who has designated Lopez's clubmate Daniel Rose as his real on-field lieutenant.

starters are in green
regular subs are in blue

Goalkeepers

#1 - George Baird - 34 years old
Paper Tree Town (Osarius)
Baird is easily the most experienced player in the squad, and is often charged with the task of keeping his defence organised. His shot stopping isnt actually that good, his command of his area and communication skills are the main reason for his relative success.

#13 - David Holland - 26 years old
Artheim Assassins
Holland currently keeps goal for the stingiest defence in Kryosis. His organisational skills are not on the same level as Baird's, but he is a far better shot stopper. Ambrose has a habit of keeping one sub until the dying minutes of a match where penalties seem likely, he uses this to bring on Holland, who is a penalty-saving specialist.

#22 - Oscar Solomon - 23 years old
Kriminis United
The Kriminals' starting goalkeeper is still learning his trade, but shows signs of a young George Baird. Surprisingly commanding for a youngster, and arguably a better shot stopper than Baird, his main weakness is an apparent lack of genuine tactical awareness, which sometimes leads to trouble.


Defenders

#2 - Daniel Rose - 33 years old - right back
Firewood City
Experienced and composed. Usually. As the man who taught, and was then replaced by, Jay Jay Anderson, Rose's traits are very much evident in his understudy. He is just as aggressive and intimidating - if not more so, but not reckless in the slightest. Usually. He understands the game well and is good at organising a team tactically, perhaps a result of having served in the Kryosi Armed Forces for four years after he left school.

#3 - Melvin Kennedy - 32 years old - left/centre back
Renneville United (Osarius)
[ summary ]

#5 - Ryan Crow - 18 years old - centre back
Paper Tree Town (Osarius)
The son of legendary Kryosi centre back Marcus, Ryan inherited his father's enthusiasm and ability to deliver crunching tackles to absolutely anyone. Also like his father, he specialises in playing mind-games with opposition forwards.. oh, and sneaking in the occasional illegal action. An elbow here, a cynical foul there... its part of the game, isnt it?

#6 - Scott McLaughlin - 30 years old - centre back
Renneville United (Osarius)
[ summary ]

#11 - Craig Moran - 27 years old - left back/left midfielder
Zannadu Lightning
[ summary ]

#12 - Hal Curry - 28 years old - centre back/sweeper
Grasshoppers Turic (Osarius)
Strangely enough, Curry isnt a regular for Turic, despite arguably being as good as their captain and Osarian defender Tay Gidds. The reason being that Turic don't usually employ a sweeper, and Curry's style is too similar to Gidds'. He is a relatively small defender, but he's quick and surprisingly good in the air. He has a habit of coming too far away from the defensive line to make tackles too. He has a great passing range though, which appears to have gone unnoticed in Osarius.

#15 - Christopher Logan - 23 years old - right/centre back
Maharia United (Osarius)
[ summary ]

#23 - Delmer Mays - 25 years old - centre back
Cape Stone Cougars
Weird name, weird style of play. Wouldn't say it to his face though, he's massive. Mays has an unorthodox tackling method, where he kind of...stalks... his target as they approach, and then he dives in. It works pretty well though. Maybe because it scares the crap out of opponents, he's 6' 5" and 240 lbs for crying out loud.

Midfielders

#4 - Rodrigo Montoya - 28 years old - defensive midfielder
Cape Stone Cougars
Montoya is a technically refined deep-lying midfielder who tends to sit back and sweep up whatever his teammates miss. He does, on occasion, push up and put pressure on opponents, but thats not done often. Probably because he knows he can't sustain that for any length of time, really.

#7 - Rory Coffey - 29 years old - left/right midfielder
Trothwands Evolution (Osarius)
Tireless wide midfielder who runs non-stop. He's a good defensive man, and has a consistent delivery with either foot. He prefers his left, though. No doubt due to years of playing on the left flank for Trothwands. Coffey is a pretty quick guy too, so look out for him darting back to make last-ditch tackles... or giving away crucial free kicks. Nobody is ever sure which one we'll get.

#8 - Trent Raymond - 30 years old - centre midfielder
Paper Tree Town (Osarius)
Raymond is tasked with the role of playmaker for the Kryosi national side, and he does it fairly well, He's a creative guy. For his club side, he seems to find himself in much more defensive positions, though, and as a result, he seems to have developed an awesome long range shooting ability.

#14 - Sebastian Mosley - 26 years old - centre midfielder
Artheim Assassins
[ summary ]

#16 - Jared Huron - 24 years old - defensive midfielder
Paper Tree Town (Osarius)
[ summary ]

#17 - Clyde McCarthy - 23 years old - right midfielder
Maskra Marauders
[ summary ]

#18 - Roland Wilder - 29 years old - left/centre midfielder
Paper Tree Town (Osarius)
[ summary ]


Forwards

#9 - Gerardo Lopez - 30 years old - centre forward
Firewood City (Osarius)
Easily the most famous Kryosi footballer alive, Lopez had to be coaxed into returning to his home nation to represent them at international level. He had held out hope for an Osarius call-up, but his adopted nation's wealth of strikers froze him out. Lopez is nonetheless a great forward, ranking in the top ten all-time King's League goalscorers. It is only by the order of the Kryosi Emperor that Lopez is included in the squad, though, as Ambrose doesn't trust him to be committed.

#10 - Caspian Reyale - 30 years old - striker
Burningham City (Osarius)
Holds the title of second most famous Kryosi, probably. While Lopez is arguably the better all-round forward, Reyale is by far the more clinical. Equally capable of scoring with either foot, and blessed with a predatory instinct a lion would envy, he doesnt need much of a chance to score.

#19 - Ishmael Perez - 25 years old - striker
Revolo Rapids
[ summary ]

#20 - Faustino Vargas - 24 years old - centre forward
Kriminis United
[ summary ]

#21 - Julio Mercado - 29 years old - centre forward
Muirford Athletic (Osarius)
With his club side, Mercado is the focus, the creator, provider, the saviour. He has yet to show such form at international level, although this could be due to lack of opportunity. Ambrose has included him as a potential backup - and competition - for Lopez, who he feels may not apply himself 100%.


Usual Starting Line-Up and Formation

---------------------------------------------------
---------------- Reyale ---------------------------
---------------------------- Lopez (c) ------------
---------------------------------------------------
- Coffey ------------------------------------------
---------- Raymond --------------- Wilder ---------
--------------------- Montoya ---------------------
---------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------- Rose --
--------- Kennedy --------------- Crow ------------
---------------------- Curry ----------------------
---------------------------------------------------
---------------------- Baird ----------------------
---------------------------------------------------

[Odinex]

Odinex
Odinex is very proud to be able to partake in the Baptism of Fire. As this is the country's first ever tournament of any sporting event, they are unaware of what playing competitivly is really like. The country has small recreational leagues, but a national league has yet to be created. Perhaps, after the tournament, someone will step up to the plate in Odinex and create a league. The following is the Starting 11 and Subs of the Odinex National Team or "The Blue Thunder"

Starting 11:
Captain's info in green
Sub's in blue
postion, name, age, number
GK Owen Mason, 24, #12
Mason grew up watching footballers play from other countries. He trained to be a keeper from when he was a child and today, is an active participant in The "Salamar" which is the largest recreational league in the nation, and is the leading group protesting for a national league in the nation.

DEF Albert Bedwyr, 31, #26
Albert leads the back line, as the oldest member of the team. He played rugby for most of his life, but when he suffered a concussion in a game, a mentor offered him a less dangerous sport, and he used his toughness to excel in football.

DEF Haruto Dihn, 21, #3
Haruto moved to Odinex when he was 12 and made friends with Waldo Aengeus and began playing football with him in the rec. leagues. Haruto doesn't appear Odinese, but he plays with the intensity not seen by another.

DEF Waldo Aengeus, 21, #2
Waldo began playing football when he was 12. He began seriously pushing his abilities when he met Haruto Dihn (another Odinese player) and then began running and sponsoring local rec. leagues.

DEF Lawrie Fortunato, 24, #5
Lawrie hasn't played football long at all. He grew up mentored by his father, who was a world-class wrestler. His toughness makes him a prime center-back for the "Blue Thunder".

MID Demetrius Qusay, 25, #13
Demetrius is also part of the "Salamar" and is Owen Mason's best friend. He shot at Mason constantly during practice to up both of their skills. Demetrius is also the team's "clown". He always has something to say to make everyone laugh. Demetrius plays Attacking Mid for the team and scores many of the goals.

MID Rorie Wheland, 19, #7
Rorie has planned on playing football his entire life. He excelled because after he perfected his left leg (he plays Left Mid), he began perfecting his right leg to make him one of the most dynamic dribblers and passers on the team. Even though he is young, he has alot of potential to be great.

MID Regulus Clemente, 33, #11
Regulus is the icon of football in Odinex. He created the "Salamar", and is the head of Soccer Development in the country. He captains the squad from the Deep Mid spot, playing mainly defense, but taking most of the free kicks for set pieces.

MID Marcel Adlai, 23, #8
Marcel began playing Goalkeeper when he began football. After losing a few teeth in a rec. game, he tried something he was still able to be good at.

FWD Fabio Nando, 18, #18
Fabio is the young superstar of the team. Scoring 30 goals in 35 games for his rec. team, Regulus made him a top priority for his squad.

FWD Olaf Bernard, 29, #33
Olaf began playing football as a child. He is famous for scoring the winning goal of his rec. team, "Straht", to defeat "Salamar" for the first time in club history. Olaf is ready to score as many goals as he can for his country.

SUBS:
GK Chang Caius, 20, #24
DEF James Albin, 19, #4
DEF Maclah Bent, 21, #6
MID Gad Lucas, 23, #10
MID Morpheus Adrian, 26, #20
FWD Manlio Gabin, 22, #1
FWD Haidar Kevan, 23, #9

FORMATION:
The "Blue Thunder" play a 4-1-2-1-2 with a flat back four. There's a Defensive Mid, A left and right mid, and an attacking mid. Then the two forwards play on the left and right.

JERSEYS:
Odinex's home jersey is blue with white pants and yellow socks (The three colors of Odinex, and hence the name "Blue Thunder")
There away jersey has a white jersey, yellow pants and blue socks.

[Odinex]

If my opponent RP's first he may:
Choose if any of my player's get yellow or red cards.
Choose the weather of the match.
Choose if my player's get injuries (only up to keeping them out of one match)
Choose my subs, (if any)

[Zarbli]

"Alright, fellas, you know what to do. We'll give them a lesson of basic Zarblese football they won't forget. Those Zombiees spent all week shouting out loud how well they went in that Toiletdonia piece of crap tournament and how we went bad. That's not how we want them to know about us, right?

"RIGHT!", replied the players

"Right?"

"RIGHT!"

"So, we'll start with Gabriel, Migelito, Liz, Uiston, Uiliam, Al, Livia, Jenio, Txak, Turko and Bandebola. Don't get too uptight, but don't be wussies. Let's play and let's not let them do it. This is it. This is the time to rebuild our nation. Time to show this %#$%ers what we Zarblese are made of!"

"HOORAY!", screamed the players. Uiliam Ualase, their captain, moved to the middle of the circle they formed and finished what the coach started.

"They might be a bunch of zombiee-like pricks, but we'll show them. This is our chance, this is THE chance, to go up there and tell our enemies, that that they may score some goals, but they'll never take... our FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOOOM!

And them nothing else could be heard inside the locker-room but the screams of the Zarblese players. The boys and girls were fierce. Paulo Gomen smiled.


Style modifier for the match: 2

Team will play basic 4-4-2, beginning with:

-----------Kasapa-------------
------------------------------
------Uindsor--Txartxhil------
Treta--------------------Maome
------------------------------
---------Ualase---------------
----------------Raxid---------
-----Aladin-------------------
---------------------Nohis----
------------------------------
-----Karazaua-----------------
-------------Norman-----------

[Hassett]

The Hassett Pirates

Nation Soccer Team

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers? Yes
Godmod scoring events? Not to the extreme
RP injuries to my players? Not to the extreme
Godmod injuries to my players? Not to the extreme
Godmod other events? Not to the extreme

Roster (star indicates starter)
Number-Player-Position-Extra Info
*1-Samberg-Sweeper
*3-Jackson-Center Halfback-Rookie
*4-Washington-Left Halfback
6-Joey-Secondary Goalie
*7-Hassett-Goalie-Captain/Coach-Rules the Nation in his spare time
*13-Walker-Left Striker
*14-Briggons-Center Striker-Leading Scorer
*15-Eads-Right Striker
*17-Andrew-Stopper-Last season's MVP
*21-Black-Left Fullback
23-Herrick-Striker-Injured
*27-Monroe-Right Fullback
*30-Leti-Right Halback

Excerpt from the Hassett Daily Telegraph:
"Hassett's small soccer committee is completely supportive of the competitive game. Even though this is our first year in the World Cup, we have been playing the game for years. We are a young team, our eldest member being 25, and our youngest, 17, Hassett, who happens to be the Galactic Emperor of Hassett. With a small roster of only 13 (lucky number, huh?), the team can't risk any other injuries. The Hassett Pirates play in a 4-3-3 set-up, with a balanced field, we hope we can maintain a strong defense while keeping up the attack on offence. After a night at the pub, our team is fully ready for their first match. The future of the team is dependent upon the outcome of this tournament and their spirit is strong and ready."

[Undeadzombiee]

“Cocky little…” muttered Klinetob.

“Who’s cocky? We’ll show um up no matter what, as long as I don’t get onto the field. Just don’t brag until you win. But anyways, who are you talking about?” replied Colton Herschaft.

“Zarbli. One of their players, I forget who, let something slip about how they would show us up. Called us ‘little pricks’. I’m thinking red card in this game. Throw in a couple elbows… and you’ve got a game!”

“We’ve got a prototype remember, what was it, er, he called. Oh! I remember, Johnson Creamer. He had that operation that made him smart and atheletic. With you, him, and Kalen on the field, they won’t have a chance!”

“Hmmm… sounds like a chance. But , maybe a yellow card? Or a white?”

“White? Whats that?”

“I made it up, dummy. But anyway, how do you know Creamer is any good? He could just be overrated.”

“How about you take him one-on-one right now? You can probably help him, seeing as he is tiny.”

“OK. Hey! Creamer!”

“Yeah? What do ya want?

“Play me a quick game of one on one!”

“Sure!”

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

Pretty soon, a around ten players had gone to the practice pitch. A couple of reporters had stumbled in too. Colton blew a whistle, to start a five minute match.

From the start, everyone knew Klinetob had no chance, once Johnson had touched the ball. His feet seemed golden, as they danced around the ball. Klinetob was clumsily trying to defend, but couldn’t touch the ball.

But Johnson never struck for the goal. Perhaps he knew that Klinetob would have beaten him up, or perhaps he just had respect for someone older than him. Whatever the case, he had mercy.

Klinetob had just about given up, when Creamer made a “mistake”. He accidentally knocked the ball towards Klinetob, and somehow Klinetob got past him. He took a shot and knocked it in, with barely a second left.

As they left the field though, Klinetob was mad. He knocked Creamer to the ground, and was about to punch him, when Kalen intervened. He knocked Klinetob to the ground, and asked him if he wanted to get suspended.

Suddenly, one of the reporters darted away, and Creamer shouted, “He isn’t from Undeadzombiee!” (OOC: Basically, you guys can write about what happened)

Some of the players gave chase, but they were too far behind, and never had a chance.

“Somebody’s gonna pay for this…” mutter Klinetob.

[Mount Shavano]

OOC: Chronologically, this takes place right before the game starts. However, I'm going to be long asleep by then.

Eli F. Baker Memorial Arena

JOE: "I'm Joe Baker, and this is Billy Pueblo, here to cover the Front Range National Soccer Team at the Baptism of Fire."

BILLY: "The snow has picked up, leaving the field under an inch of white and large flakes whirling through the stadium under the night-time lights. Meanwhile, half a world away in Harbor Grove, a sold out Admirals Stadium fills up on a beautiful May morning. We'll be getting the festivities under way in just a few minutes here in Zyarn, Quintessence of Dust."

JOE: "I'm just glad they thought to water and cold proof the technology, Billy. It wouldn't do for the weather to result in a sold out stadium watching blank screens. Soccer's not normally a big draw back home, as you know, but I guess nothing packs 'em in like national pride."

BILLY: "In this first match, Mount Shavano had the choice of jerseys, and has elected to wear the red 'Alternate National' uniforms. UNY will be in their yellows*, meaning that Anderson will be wearing the purple jersey. We're about to have the player introductions and the
anthem, to be followed by the coin toss and the kickoff."

Upper North Yorkshire, being the 'away' team for the first meeting was introduced first.

The announcer for the Front Range side was actually in Harbor Grove, but his voice came in loud and clear over the speakers in the blowing snow.

"At left forward, Captain Clutch, San Angelo's playoff hero, number ten John Grant!

At center forward, the next great player, number three Lewis Clark!

At right forward, with blazing speed and acrobatic grace, the reigning MVP, number eight Mike Herron!

At left midfielder, Fremont's selfless leader, number nine Frank Watson!

At center midfielder, the youngest player representing the Front Range Republic today, number twenty three Julius Hobbes!

At center midfielder, the race car engine of FC Navato, number one John Hobbes!

At right midfielder, one of the game's smartest players, number eleven Raymond Holmes!

At left defender, fresh off a national championship, number fourteen Jack Rimes!

Playing center defense, the duke of Shavano soccer and four time MVP, number thirty three David Salina!

At the final defensive position, the right wing of Navato's eagle, number thirteen Isaac Flowers!

Having never missed a game to injury in nine years in the pros, the Iron Man! Goalkeeper, number twelve, Robert Anderson!"

The singer assigned to the anthem took the microphone in the center of Admirals stadium. He was a vocalist from a military choir, and a second cousin of John Grant. He stood and waited till the UNY anthem finished, then launched into the FRR anthem.

"He was born in the summer of his twenty-seventh year, coming home to a place he'd never been before..."

The players stared repectfully across the field to where the Front Rangers who had travelled all the way to watch the game in person had broken out and begun waving around a large Shavanese flag. The anthem finished and the captains went to midfield to meet the referee as the Harbor Grove crowd gave a wild cheer.

"Upper North Yorkshire will call the toss."

"Upper North Yorkshire calls heads."

The silver coin flipped end over end through the air, then landed in the snow.

"Heads it is!"

There was a groan from Harbor Grove, as UNY chose the kickoff. Mount Shavano would begin with the wind at their backs. The lineups took the field, and the official blew the whistle...

OOC: If wrong, tell me and I'll edit. Since UNY is commies and not wearing red, I guessed. The whole coin toss section can also be edited ex post facto.

[Dennisov]

On the day before the Introduction of Fire we had a chance to talk briefly with coach Laurette Montminy.

"How did you become Dennisov's coach?"
In spite of the long absence from international football she indicated that sports have always been a great part of society in Dennisov. I used to play and coach in Ice hockey, but when the children picked a sport, they chose football over Ice hockey. It didn't take long to fall in love with the sport and before I knew it, I was coaching youth teams. Whereas they became more interested in things other than sports, I kept on coaching and eventually coached teams in the First Division. When I heard that Dennisov had signed up for the World Cup I really wanted to be a part of that.

"What do you expect from this team?"
I know we haven't played international football in a very long time, but that doesn't mean that we have forgotten how to play. It is so much fun to see all those other teams, their way of playing, their way of coaching. You think you have seen a lot over these years, but there is so much left to learn and see. It is truly exciting and so much fun to coach my players in their first international tournament. I expect them to learn and have fun, we will see how well we do in the Baptism of Fire. The most important part is to learn from our experiences.

"Do you know any of the other teams in your group?"
I don't even know the country we're playing in (red. Quintessence of Dust), let alone the countries we are playing. The FA was an immense help in sorting out accommodations and travel arrangements. I have tried to find as much information on Zenethj, Hillpiece and Vyknov, as I could, but I'm afraid we will just have to see when we start playing them. The stadium in Pulona itself is nice, a bit small, reminded me a little of those little league hockey teams you find in North East Dennisov. I think they like their Rugby better, in that respect the atmosphere is very similar to what we find back home.

"Have you had a chance to look around the country?"
I know the country is half the size of Dennisov, but it's still colossal! The people are very similar to Dennisovians, I felt it very easy to talk to them. I have only seen a little outside West Pulona Technical College. We are trying to focus on the tournament, perhaps when it is finished we can tour the country a bit more. For now though, I want them all to focus on the task at hand.

We will talk more about the players once the tournament has started.

[Quintessence of Dust]

MD1 cutoff.

First, two more Hosting Announcements:

1. It has been brought to my attention that I omitted to mention something I specified in my original bid: style modifiers are not being used in this tournament. You are welcome to describe your teams as attacking or defending, but no rosters need include a +/- modifier.

2. From this point on, a maximum of 2 RPs per 24 hour cycle will be counted. You can obviously still post as many RPs as you like - but only the first 2 will be worth any RP bonus.

And now, the long awaited Matchday 1 results.

Persimmon Group

Tonarius 0-1 Khytenna
Vjiay 1-1 Negative Katana

Almond Group

Dennisov 2-0 Vyknov
Zenethj 3-1 Hillpiece

Fig Group

Western Cuba 1-5 Hassett
The Shinnian Islands 2-3 South Norwega

Pineapple Group

Inabi 5-2 Sierra Apathia
Sentient Nukes 1-2 Rick Roll Land

Pear Group

Upper North Yorkshire 0-5 Mount Shavano
Undeadzombiee 2-3 Zarbli

Plum Group

Emothica 0-1 Unitopolis
St Timothy Isles 3-1 Toy Toy

Elderberry Group

Senzymnia 2-2 Kazzoria
Dimoniquid 2-0 Parilisa

Gooseberry Group

Odinex 0-2 St Paul's Isle
Kryosis 5-2 Aluetiva

Kiwi Group

Colurada 2-1 Tarmeny
Palatazze 2-0 WalesaIreland

Cloudberry Group

Quattrablegia 1-1 Lovable Weirdos
DRo Alba 1-2 Chocolate Pencils

From Matchday 2 onwards, group tables will be supplied, along with a list ranking the top 6 second place qualifiers.

Finally, each day the popular sports blog He's Had An Absolute Holocaust will be sponsoring an online poll for their readers. Here are the results of the first:

What was your favourite opening day fan chant?

"BRAAAINS...BRAAAINS...BRAAAINS..." - 31%
"Henry the Horse dances the waltz!" - 6%
"Events, dear boy, events" - 7%
"Oh no, this is a football match? Let me out!" - 52%
"Come on you [insert joyfully provocate team nickname]" - 4%

[Mount Shavano]

BILLY: "Good evening, folks. We're coming to you live from a beautiful, cold but clear morning in Zyarn that is expected to hold all day. Last nights game was one for the history books, right Joe?"

JOE: "Absolutely, Bill! It was auspicious start to international competition for the Front Range Republic's soccer team. It took only eight and half minutes (Joe's voice continues as the TV begins displaying a highlight of the previous night's game.) for things to get rolling. Mike Herron blows right past the defense, with perfect timing and a perfect pass from John Hobbes beating the offside trap, and no one's going to catch him. He puts a rocket in the corner of the net and it's 1-0 Mount Shavano.

At this point, Landry makes an interesting decision, a defensive line change only nine minutes while simultaneously switching to a 2-5-3. I guess he saw UNY looking uncomfortable in the snow and reeling from the early goal and wanted to take advantage. It worked to perfection here. UNY can't figure out how to defend and the result is Julius and Grant two on one with the keeper. Sharp pass from Hobbes and Grant just taps it in. 2-0 Mount Shavano and the game begins to look like it could be a blowout after only fourteen minutes.

OK, here we are fifteen minutes later. Reserve midfielder George Jackson has a tremendous game in relief of Holmes, and on one occasion Salina, earning a plus-minus of +4 and right here scoring on a beautifully placed, 25 yard shot after the drop pass from John Hobbes. Calls to start him over Holmes, already heard before the tournament started, have become much louder after this, especially from fans of FC Monarch. At this time, however, Coach Landry so no change to the starting lineup is forthcoming.

In the last five minutes of the first half the floodgates opened completely. Clark with the big shot on the crossing pass from Watson, keeper has no chance, and its 4-0 41 minutes in. One minute left in the half, UNY with the ball in their own end. Bad mental mistake from the keeper, as he just doesn't see Grant there. Easy steal, beautiful pass to Clark, big time shot, five zip and game over.

There was no more scoring in the second half, as Landry rotated through his reserves more and played a more conservative strategy with the big lead. UNY new keeper for the second half made a couple of nice saves.

Another big story for the night was Robert Anderson. As he has so many times in the past, he comes up aces with the megabucks on the line (a montage of Anderson's saves from last night is being shown) playing a flawless game against UNY and getting a shutout to open the tournament.

(Now the picture is the team celebrating after the final whistle. Clearly audible in the background is a chant of F-R-R!) Up tomorrow morning is a match against a Zarbli team coming off a hard fought 3-2 win over the Zombiees, and we'll be right here to bring it to you. This is Joe Baker signing off from Zyarn."

Notes: The Front Range Republic will wear their blue National uniforms tonight.

[Zarbli]

A Battle in the Cold

ZYARN, QUINTESSENCE OF DUST - It was rough. It was intense. Some may even say it was violent. But it was nevertheless an awesome football match. Zarblese 3-2 victory against Undeadzombiee was electric and an amazing first "real" international experience for our team.

The match began with a midfield battle, with neither sides getting too much trouble for both Gabriel Kasapa and Bruce Armour. You could see though how the match would follow, with players arguing and provoking each other all the time. Zarblese captain Uiliam Ualase seemed to be the target of most of the Zombiees' anger, and our sources revealed it was due to something he might have said in the locker-room before the match, which makes us wonder how the heck the Zombiees knew about that (but let's leave that question for another time).

Zarblese striker Bandebola Norman was the first able to pierce through the Zombiee defense, after a perfect ball crossed over by Miguelito Treta on the right to his head, a goal that Norman hardly misses. Zarbli 1, Undeadzombiee 0.

The celebration was not long enough, though, as after only 7 minutes, Uiston Txartxhil made a harsh attempt to stop Randell Klinetob, who had already passed through 3 Zarblese players and was going straight to Kasapa's goal. Txartxhil, who already had a yellow card, received the second one and was sent earlier to the shower, and in the subsequent free kick Russ McCullough scored the tying goal for the Zombiees.

With one man short, Zarbli's players struggle till the end of the first half not to take another goal, as the Zombiees kept firing non-stop towards Kasapa's goal. The team came back to the second half with Duke Uelinton in the place of Txak Nohis to put the defensive side of the team back in track. It was no good, and soon the Klinetob once again showed up dribling through Zarblese defender, though this time he was not stopped. Zombiees 2-1.

As the game looked worse and worse, an individual play by Jenio Aladin saved Zarblese side as he put Livia Karazaua face to face with the Armour, and the girl was stopped violently by Alphonse Groeschel, who took her out of the game injured and was given a red card in return. Aladin scored the penalty kick. 2-2, and now both teams had 10 men in the field.

As the game approached the end, once again Norman found his way to the Zombiee goal and, after exchanging some passings with Aladin and Ma'nes Disisparta, who substituted Karazaua, shot the ball in the left corner of Armour's posts and decided the match. Zarbli 3, Undeadzombiee 2.

3 points for Zarbli, minus 2 players for the match against Mount Shavano. Let's see how that will go.


Zarbli: Kasapa; Treta, Uindsor [Y], Txartxhil [R] and Maome (then Tudor); Ualase [Y], Raxid, Aladin and Nohis [Y] (then Uelinton [Y]); Karazaua (then Disisparta) and Norman.
Goals: Norman (27'), Aladin (61') and Norman (79')


OOC: Undeadzombiee, please feel free to warn me if I did anything out of line to your players, ok?

[Mount Shavano]

BOX SCORE
Goals by Period..........1 2 Tot
---------------------------------------------------------
Upper North Yorkshire..0..0..0
Mount Shavano..........5..0..5

Mount Shavano
Pos ## Player...........................Sh SOG GS As +/-
----------------------------------------------------------------
GK 12 Anderson, Robert...............0...0...0...0...5
D 13 Flowers, Isaac....................0...0...0...0...3
D 33 Salina, David.....................0...0...0...0...3
D 14 Rimes, Jack......................0...0...0...0...4
M 11 Holmes, Raymond...............0...0...0...0...3
M 01 Hobbes, John....................2...1...0...2...4
M 23 Hobbes, Julius...................0...0...0...1...5
M 09 Watson, Front...................1...1...0...1...5
F 08 Herron, Mike.....................6...5...1...0...5
F 03 Clark, Lewis......................7...6...2...0...5
F 10 Grant, John.......................2...2...1...1...5
----RESERVES-------------------------------------------------
F 45 Travis, Jim.......................0...0...0...0...0
F 41 Smith, Frank.....................0...0...0...0...0
M 62 Jackson, George................1...1...1...0...4
M 17 Pershing, Ted....................0...0...0...0...1
M 44 Bradley, Matt....................0...0...0...0...0
D 76 Jones, George...................0...0...0...0...2
D 05 Nelson, William..................0...0...0...0...1
GK 02 Lee, Patrick.....................0...0...0...0...0
TOTALS Mount Shavano..............19..16...5...5...5

Mount Shavano
Pos ## Player MIN GA SV +/-
-----------------------------------------------------------
GK 12 Anderson, Robert..........90:00...0...7....5
GK 02 Lee, Patrick................00:00...0...0....0

SCORING
Goal Time Team : Scorer, Assist
-----------------------------------------------------
1. 08:30 Mount Shavano : Herron, Jo. Hobbes
2. 13:40 Mount Shavano : Grant, Ju. Hobbes
3. 29:26 Mount Shavano : Jackson, Jo. Hobbes
4. 40:50 Mount Shavano : Clark, Watson
5. 44:22 Mount Shavano : Clark, Grant

OOC: Dang formatting.

[The Shinnian Islands]

Uniform of The Shinnian Islands FC

Not the best, but they are what we have nationalized!

[Hassett]

Hassett Press Release:


Fresh off the Hassett Pirate's 5-1 victory over Western Cuba, Hassett's coach/captain/emperor had little to say as his expression explained most of his feelings, "This is great! What better way to start this tourney other than a 5-1 victory. Nonetheless, our team owes part of our victory to our cleats. Hassett's top scientists and engineers spent years designing and perfecting the preffered boot of soccer. Nicknamed The Animal, this shoe weighs only 4oz and offers the most balance and control over the rock. But if you excuse me, my team and I must hit the pubs to celebrate before our next battle against South Norwegan."

[Undeadzombiee]

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?! HOW DO YOU LOSE A GAME LIKE THAT? Klinetob and Creamer, you guys were the only good ones out there, you can leave now.”

“With all due respect sir, I couldn’t do that,” said Klinetob, “because if I had scored one more goal, we would have tied them. Besides, we are all in this together. Even if I was the only one who can drink who didn’t curl up on the field, I want to see the sparks fly.”

“I agree, but with different reasons. I think that we did well for our first World Cup sponsored match. And, being in a locker room with some of my idols is a dream come true. We have five games to catch up, and I believe we can do it,” replied Creamer.

“Okay then, but realize that this isn’t intended for you. Guys, our defense was letting everyone through. We can’t let this happen against Mt. Shavano. They scored five points against Yorkshire, and are on a roll. Kalen, I want you to take more shots, like in the Warkus Cup. You scored the brunt of our goals, and we won. That’s not a coincidence.”

“Sorry Coach. It’s just that it seems everyone has a better shot than me. I always have a defender or two guarding me.”

“Watch this replay of the forty ninth minute. You have the ball, there is no won between you and the goal, a beautiful chance, and you send it to Klinetob. There’s nothing bad in passing the ball, but I would prefer a shot over a pass. Klinetob was guarded by two defenders, and I don’t care how good someone is, they will lose the ball against two defenders. No offense meant Klinetob.”

“Okay coach. But Klinetob was on a roll. Anyway, I think that the next match we should run a 2-5-3, so that we don’t get blown out like Yorkshire.”

“Good idea, I’ll mail it in right after I finish chewing you out. Bruce, you need to work on your agility, you looked like you had seen Medusa in the net. Kilburn, you have a game to improve, or you are gonna be out. Jonas, please realize that a soccer ball does not bite. You don’t have to run away.”

“Coach, the un-fans were hanging pictures of medusa on the wall!!! I couldn’t help it, I really couldn’t. I think I need a mirror. And who are you starting? Bailido?”

Everyone snickered at the unfortunate goalie, and he flushed red.

“Everyone better be up at four to run five miles. And no, you don’t need a mirror Bruce. I’m mailing in the roster change.”

Roster for MD2

F Erich Kalen
F Randell Klinetob
MF Jonas Dollings
MF Russ McCullough
MF Alphonse Groeschel
MF Santo Ennish
MF Man Dolven
D Tommie Pagley
D Carl Kilburn
D Craig Hofer
GK Bruce Armour

[Vjiay]

After a tight, scrappy opening game in the Introduction of Fire, the Vjiayans scraped a draw with a last gasp tap-in from captain fantastic himself, Johnny Carr.

The Vjiayan national team entered the competitive world stage with a point today, holding on for sixty minutes whilst the Katanans played havoc with...well, everything and went one better with a last minute equaliser.

Amid the high hopes for the success of the Vjiayan team among their fans, it looked as if the campaign would begin with a loss for the Vjiayans.

Both teams started tentatively, playing counter-attacking football that ended with stalemate in the midfield, the dynamic duo of Chamberlain and Flinchum were unable to get a significant foothold and the Katanans began piling on the pressure, prompting a series of wonderful saves from Holmes, and an off-the-line clearance from Higgins when the ball, which seemed to be going well over the bar, suddenly and perhaps magically began an almost vertical descent. If it wasn’t for the reflexes of our number five the Katanans would have taken an unnatural and some would say unfair lead.

The pressure continued building, however and eventually the Vjiayan dam burst. Good wing play from the Katanan right winger, whose name we are not privy followed by a pinpoint cross right onto the head of their centre-forward, who could hardly have missed from six yards out, even without the supernatural powers he likely boasts. On thirty-one minutes it was Vjiay nil, Negative Katana one.
It was perhaps a miracle that the Vjiayans weren’t down by more by half time, the Katanans hit the post twice and Holmes made a save with his face that we’re not too sure he knew much about. Regardless, it was the same score at half-time.

Any hopes of a Vjiayan revival in the second half were quickly dashed. Within the first ten minutes the midfield had lost the ball several times and once more the pressure was mounting on the back four, every time they cleared the ball it came straight back to them.

The Vjiayans seemed to gain some composure soon after, with good through-balls being made to both Wrede and Clarke, whom also had a penalty shout turned down when it seemed that the Katanan centre-back electrocuted him. The referee had other ideas, however. Although whether this was out of fear of electrocution is for the conspiracy theorists to discuss.

All seemed lost as extra-time was announced, just one more minute to a half that saw numerous potential fouls on the Vjiayans, but not given.

Thirty seconds into extra-time though, Vjiay got a corner. The ball deflected off the Katanan left-back, who appeared to be going into an out-of-this-world fit. Vjiay were permitted to play on though and they took the corner quickly. The keeper appeared to have it covered but in a moment of madness, or perhaps possession, he attempted to punch it. Fortunately for Vjiay, he missed and the ball fell straight to the feet of Carr, who blasted it home from a yard out.

The result was disappointing yet impressive. The Vjiayans, with their first foray into international football proper had proven themselves capable against odds that no human being should have to face.
The next game is against Tonarius who lost one nil to Khytenna, we hope that the Vjiayans can recover from their unusual defeat and rise again!

Match Stats

39% - Possession - 61%
3 - Attempts on Target – 8
4 – Attempts off Target – 1
2 – Corners – 9
7 – Fouls – 2
1 – Yellow Cards – 0
0 – Red Cards - 0

[Tonarius]

A brief report on the Tonarius Sports Network (TSN)..........

Marcus: Welcome back to the Baptis... *cough* I mean the Introduction of Fire 38, hosted in the Quintessence of Dust. It's a glum day for Tonarius's football fans, who were all expecting an easy win over their first group opponent, Khytenna. The match was played in Hallmark City, the host nation's capital.

Linda: Our nation's head coach and young Emperor, Filip the Great, is furious with the squad's performance. He and the fans are urging the players to put in more effort and not to be complacent if they want to progress in this tournament. Tonarius's defense was disgraceful today and allowed for an easy slip into the box by Khytenna's star striker, Gary Rafelio. A player with his skills and pace alone in the box is of course going to lead to a goal.

Marcus: Yes, but let's also have a good look at our offensive style today. It seems that Filip the Great told the players to push forward and use a 'box overload' tactic, which gave us many chances but also made our shaky defense vulnerable. We were able to get many shots away, but unfortunately for us, the ball just wouldn't hit the back of the net.

Linda: Tonarius also totally dominated the match in terms of ball possession and shots (66% possession and 31 shots!), but due to a bit of unluckiness, our lack of passing quality, and poor defense on the field today we didn't even get a point out of this match-up.

Marcus: I agree, and we will have to work hard to create good results in the next 5 group matches if we want to continue even further in this competition, even if it yet only the beginning.

Linda: Well, that's it for our report on Tonarius's football campaign in the Introduction of Fire 38, more to come after the next match against Vjiay tomorrow, who tied Negative Katana today, the final score 1-1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
End of football report on TSN

[Zarbli]

With Livia Karazaua injured and Uiston Txartxhil suspended for red card, Zarblese team coach Paulo Gomen will have to do some major changes for the match against Mount Shavano. As expected, the coach will (and our sources tell us he would have even if he could count with Karazaua and Txartchil) put the team in a somewhat more defensive formation, a 3-5-2, as opposed to the usual 4-4-2, to counter Mount Shavano's attack force.

When asked how would the players react to this change, the coach said "They are ready. We've been practicing variations since the team got together, so they'll react well". They might, of course, but formation isn't the only problem. The coach will have to form his defense with 2 new players out of 3, with Samira Miki and Duke Uelinton playing with Elizabef Uindsor. He also is expected to place Enrike Tudor in the left wing, as he has more skill to support the attack than Al Maome.

Add that to Ma'nes Disisparta entering in the place of Karazaua (she'll be off the tournament for at least the rest of the first stage) and we have a total of 4 new players in the team. A risky move to such an important match. With this, the Zarblese team should start as:

-------------1----------------
-----------Kasapa-------------
------------------------------
--------------3---------------
-----------Uindsor------------
------14-------------15-------
-----Miki---------Uelinton----
------------------------------
-------------5----------------
---------Ualase(c)------------
--2------------16---------17--
Treta---------Raxid------Tudor
----------------10------------
--------------Aladin----------
------------------------------
---------21-------------------
-----Disisparta---------------
---------------20-------------
-------------Norman-----------

Although the new faces are actually pretty good players, let's see how they'll react as a group that has not played together that much.


***


KNOCK-KNOCK

Miguelito Treta woke up with the sound of someone knocking at his room's door. He looked at the alarm clock. 3 in the morning.

"What tha..."

An envelope passed below his door. "To: His Highness the Prince Miguelito Treta" "From: his loyal subject"

"Son of a gun...", he murmured to himself catching the envelope. He hated that, all that nobility stuff. So, his grandfather was crowned king, so what? He was the 9th in line for the throne. The 9th. That meant his 2 aunts, his 3 cousins, his father and his 2 older sisters, not to mention his grandfather the king, all would have to die so he would be the king, and this would be either impossible, or a goddamn tragedy. So he kept playing football, doing something he was actually good at, instead of going to opening ceremonies and attending balls. He opened the envelope, and what he found inside was a newspaper cut.

"Zarbli actually has a member of the royal family or their side. Does anyone really think he earned it?"

"Motherf--", and before he could finish his compliment, another piece of paper fell off the envelope. It was blank, with a single phrase handwritten.

"So, 'your highness', what you gonna do about THAT?"

"I'll kick their white asses, that's what."

[Kryosis]

Stuff That Happened
Your casual guide to the happenings in Kryosis. Now in audio format!

"Something went wrong, well, right... but you get what I mean. Never in history has a Kryosi team scored five before, and hat-tricks are so rare for our international players, some kids don't know what they are. If you're one of those kids, a hat-trick is three goals in one game, ok? But yeah, imagine my surprise when our defensive-minded, door-bolting national side banged in five. Not only that, they conceded two. Since when do Kryosi defences concede two? Not counting matches against those tossers in red and gold, of course.

I'll tell you how. Basically, Aluetiva didn't effectively cover Caspian Reyale. The Burningham City striker thrives on the amount of space he was afforded. I'm not saying Aluetiva played poorly, per se. Or even that we played well. I just think they made a big mistake by not man-marking the guy. If I'm honest, we didn't even have to do much to make those chances for him. We should have sensed blood in the second minute, when Trent Raymond's simple through ball found Reyale in acres of space. Of course, the gaffer's orders echoed and the boys sat back, just keeping possession.

The crowd wasn't too big, interestingly enough, and the passing back and forth was pretty boring. If I didn't know better, I'd say it drove the crowds away. Not much happened until the thirty-seventh minute, when captain Lopez - yeah, the wannabe tosser - just skipped past a few challenges and touched the ball into Reyale's path, for him to slot in again.

At half time, I thought the boss would make some subs and just defend the lead, but apparently thats not how football tactics are supposed to work. Some old guy in the crowd was telling me this. Apparently, that would just make Mr Ambrose "a cowardly anti-football prick". Duly noted, friend. Now, when the second half began, I don't know what the boss told our boys, but the other team, Aluetiva... Well their boss must have put the fear of the Emperor in those guys. They came out a bit more lively. From the kickoff, they managed to get within twenty-five yards of goal before Ryan Crow scythed down a forwad. Whoope, Ryan. When Aluetiva scored from the free kick, the lad must have been furious with himself. To be fair, it was a great kick, the guy with the number ten shirt on. Didn't catch his name.

From there, things got worse. I'm pretty sure that goal gave the Aluetivans a boost, because they started pressing a bit more, putting our lads under pressure. Next thing I knew, the ball was in the net and it was 2-2. I didn't see who it was but yeah. Two quick goals. Only like... ten minutes into the second half. Whats up with that?!

I saw something awesome just after that. Ambrose got up... and shouted at the team. I shit you not. Ambrose actually did something. Seriously. Daniel Rose relayed the message, I'm guessing, because he started shouting at the team, especially Montoya. Not sure why he was blaming Montoya, but he was getting it right in the neck. Lopez just looked bored. Great player but how the hell did he get the captain's armband? He never does anything leader-like. He never seems to do much for us at all, actually.

Anyway, those goals, and the shouting probably made the boys focus again. Rose started our next move off, playing in Raymond in the middle. Raymond chipped a through ball to Reyale again, who just smashed it in for his hat-trick. Awesome goal. Now we just had to keep the ball and move it around quickly so their pressure game couldn't get them back in the game, right?

Wrong. Maybe it was because he was being embarassed by Reyale, but Lopez suddenly stepped up. As if to say "this is what I could be doing" he kinda just took on four players, for no real reason, and shot across the 'keeper. Now, I heard that reckless attacking is how they do it at Firewood - his club team in tosserland - and I'll deny it if you ask me again, but it looks like its probably better stuff. Seriously, I mean, Lopez left his position, everyone else had to scramble to cover it. Then he just went forward with no support, so if he'd been tackled, we would have been up shit creek. But ... it was awesome. I can't explain it. You gotta see it to get what I mean. Ambrose wasn't happy with that, though, and he subbed off Lopez for Mercado almost straight after. Didn't say anything to Lopez, I don't think. Didn't even look at him. While he was at it, though, he took off Wilder and put in Mosley. I like Mosley, but I'm an Artheim fan sooo...yeah.

The fifth goal came like... two minutes before the end. It was one of those "ah I might as well" moments. Trent Raymond got the ball like, thirty yards out, and just... hit it. Maybe he saw the 'keeper positioned badly, or something. I don't know. But he just smacked it, and it went flying in. Awesome shot."

[Inabi]

SPORTS
Inabi's National Football Team Comes Out Shining 5-2!: by Park Dong-Min

---

RAHLIA, QUINTESSENCE OF DUST- The ball is passed to Kim Chul-Soon right near Sierra Apathia's goal, he kicks it right into the corner, and... its in! Just one of the goals out of the two Kim Chul-Soon was able to score on the other team. The match was a hard fought battle, with each player going out there with the only thing on their minds 'Win.' However, in the end, Inabi was the one that came out victorious! It was a shining start to the one of Inabi's first appearances on the international football.

The start to the Introduction of Fire (AKA: Baptism by Fire 38), was a bumpy one. The original name of the tournament had to be temporarily renamed, the start of the tourney was set back due to an horrific typo, and several nations had either completely been vaporized by an unknown force, or they had pulled out of the tournament. Due to a giant gaping hole that was once four nations, scientists prefer the former explanation. In the end, the tournament eventually gone underway.

Fortunately, the area in the Quintessence of Dust where the Inabian National Football Team was playing was one that was quite supportive of football. In fact, several of the nation's national players came from the college that the Inabian team was playing at. Not to mention the delicious pineapples that were found, well, almost everywhere! An incident almost occurred when team captain Yeom Yi-Kyung tried to place pineapples on top of his pizza. The Head Coach quickly slapped the hand carrying the tin that was carrying the tinned pineapples and gave the Captain a scolding. Apparently, in Rahlia, having pineapples as a pizza topping is a criminal offence! Yi-Kyung was reached for a statement and had this to say, "How the hell would I have known!" How the hell indeed.

After quite a few practice sessions, the team having barely played with each other, they finally were able to get a rhythm. Finally, the day of the game arrived. The team went into the locker-room for the last final checks and a pep talk from the coach. After the overrused, generic team shout '1-2-3 INABI!' they went out to the soccer field. It was a perfect day for soccer, a bright and sunny day. The arena was packed with fans, shouting and cheering. The game was about to begin.

At the start, neither team was willing to budge. Both defenses were rock-solid, once someone started to get their thing going, the ball just got taken by the other team and went the opposite way. The first to score was Sierra Apathia, at around 16 minutes into the game. It was a textbook move, easy to read, but it got past Shin Young-Ho. Although this might have been possibly disheartening, the goal only rallied the Inabian team into an assault! Not soon after, Kim Chul-Soon was able to get the goal that was described at the start of the article.

After more back and forth action, and a potential goal chance dashed by Shin Young-Ho, the Inabian team was able to score another goal. Yeom Keon-Hoon was able to break free from his defender, get the ball, trip up the goalie, and tap another one in. A yellow card was given to Kim Il-Sung, one of the younger players on the Inabian team, after he 'accidentally' charged into a Sierra Apathian player. It might have been frustration from getting the ball taken from him so many times by the defender, but it was still incredibly uncalled for. Maybe this made the Inabian team lose focus, because a few minutes after the incident, the Serria Apathian team scored another goal, tying the game at 2-2.

During Half-Time, Kim Il-Sung was yelled at by the Head Coach for his reckless behavior. Afterwards, he retalked strategy with the team, telling them "We can pull this one through!" They certainly could, because after the half, the Inabian team went on a straight three goal streak through the last 45 minutes. It went Park Soon-Hak, Kim Chul-Soon, and Baek Chong-Gug respectively. It was an exciting game to the end, but ended in the favor of Inabi!

This could only be an omen for bigger, and better, things for the Inabian National Football Team

[Odinex]

Thor's Hammer
Odinex's Prime News Network

In the world of sports for Odinex, our national team competed internationaly for the first time yesterday. Unfortunately, our debut ended in a 2-0 loss to St. Pauls Isles. The boy's played hard, but it wasn't enough on a level they've just seen for the first time.

"It was a great experience for our team. We went out there, we fought hard, and we learned what it's like out there. Now we know what to expect for our next game, and we expect to get better each time we play." said Odinex captain Regulus Clemente.

At the start of the match, Odinex seemed to be on top of the offensive. But in the 34th minute, the St. Pauls Isles forward was able to slip past the defense with some nice dribbling and squeeze it past Mason in the corner. From then on, the game seemed a stalemate, with our "Blue Thunder" getting many chances on goal, but to no avail. Finally, in the 82nd minute, youngster Rorie Wheland committed a foul near the 18. He wasn't given a card, but it gave the opponent an oppurtunity on goal, which they capitalized on. The kick taker was able to slot it in the top right of the goal with a wicked curve over the wall. Odinex hope to redeem themselves in their next game.