Friendship through Football (ATTN New Hayesalia)

by **Erathore** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 8:50 pm

The Empire of Erathore and The Island Republic of New Hayesalia were friends who desired to become more. Where else to start then throughout a universal language. The language of sports. Football to be particular, or soccer as some of the 'different' countries called it. The upcoming tournament was to be one of friendship, not primarily of ultra-competitiveness that consumes sports these days.Anyhow the tournament will be played in a 2 out of 3 manner, with the venue alternating between nations each game.

((OOC: This is between New Hay and myself. Please refrain from posting.))

by **Erathore** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:02 pm

-1.3

4-4-2

------------------BENNEDETTO------------------

-----GAVINO -----MANLIO-----ALBERICO------NERO

------EMLIO------NIERAN-------NARAZAO------ FIORELLO

-----MALVOLIO-----MERICCI-----

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:19 pm

Hello,

As team manager for the Blue Heelers, I wish to enter the New Hayesalian National team for the first time. Whilst our players are experienced in inter-provincial competitions, the international stage presents a wide range of exciting opportunities. We are also releasing a unisex supporters clothing line, so our fans can show their stripes.

Soccer is the second most popular sport in New Hayesalia, just after rugby union, regarded as the 'real' football. During the first days of the Old Union, New Hayesalians loved the game and would pay thousands to fly out and watch the grand finals. Now, with the regional soccer federation, they can just wait for the game to come to them. Of course, the amalgamation allowed for a national team to be selected for the first time, but due to difficulties, this dream has only just become a reality.

Unlike many other nations, New Hayesalian feel they have their own variant. Long passes which sometimes stretch from both sides of the field are common, and almost always caught by the players. However, to combat this many teams work on their interception, meaning possesion of the ball is always hotly fought. For example, in one professional game with another nation is the Union days, the Zoliran team had possesion 87% of the game.

Our players-
GOALIE: Aaron Burtuck, 27, from Imon Province
MDF: Harry Derman, 21, also from Imon
MDF: Geoff Golden, 23, Zolira
MDF: Phil Keropa, 19, Watrova
FB (c): Jack Hynes, 30, Ashana
FB: Larry Jackson, 24, the NHCP
FB: Bruce Sprona, 18, South Piltomana Team
FWD: Victor McFeller, 22, North Piltomana Team
FWD(vc): William Clyne, 23, Lerona
SWEEPER: Paul Jungsten, 31, Quepasa
STOPPER: Barry Groover-Jeffs, 26, Retalimora

Reserves-

MDF: Kevin Franticisn, 24, Achiv
MDF: Norman Jocks, 20, Savisky
FB: Warren Smotchta, 25, Mardio
FWD: Warren Gedlear, 23, Frapaco
FWD: Ryan McNamara, 22, Remona
GOALIE: Jeremy Wilkinson, 30, Remona
SWEEPER: Flynn Jarobistein, 23, Zolira

As a venue, we put forwards the recently constructed Oppentin Sports Stadium, an indoor stadium which still allows the brightness and warmth of the day to ssep in, while never allowing rain delays and standing as a monument to New Hayesalian engineering.

Seats: 65,000

We hope this tournament works for the good of our nations,
Signed,
John Mackery,
Manager of the New Hayesalian National Soccer Team

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 9:57 pm

The night was ecsatic. The green of thousands of New Hayesalian supporters painted the outside of the stadium like a wall of moss. A massive New Hayesalian flag next to one of Erathore were billowing in the wind. A stage had been erected outside the "Glass Egg" stadium, affectionately called by the soccer-crazy locals.

One of New Hayesalia's favorite bands, Easy Tree, walked onto the stadium to provide an excellent source of pregame entertainment. They would play for an hour, in the shadow of the famed Oppentin River Bridge. The crowd were absolutely fanatic when the bus full of the New Hayesalian players arrived. As soon as they entered the stadium, with a heavy police escort, Easy Tree started playing their smash hit "Love Your Way" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak7soCCJEEo&playnext=1&list=PL635A7E9A96667F76&index=30)

In the building, the coach was giving a speech in his deep African accent- "You do this, you win. And if you do not win, you put up a hell of a fight. Long passes too, and be careful, these guys are veeery shifty"

The song ended, Easy Tree walked offstage, and the fans milled into the stadium. Now all that was left was to see New Hayesalia win their first intenrational competition.

by **Erathore** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:00 pm

The sound of the crowd roaring filled Alexio Del Nieran's ears. He closed his eyes in the tunnel at Oppentin Sports Stadium, a engineering marvel in his opinion.

"Show time friendo. Remember, shuffle for your start up, sprint, connect lower right, and drive that leg up over your body enough to crack your back," said teammate, goalkeeper, and captain Roberto Bennedetto with a twinkle in his eye. He was commenting on Nieran's ability to bend or curl the ball. It seemed supernatural the way he did it. On average he bent the dead ball 6 and a half feet. The most he has done was 10 and a half feet to seal an important club win. He sighed with pleasure at that memory before responding.

"Remember young man, do goalie things," he replied laughing lightly.

"Alright Erathore, you're on," one of the chauffeurs told the team. The team assembled in a line, with Roberto at front, then Gaspare Malvolio, then the team in accordance to their position.

"Forriza Erathore!" they whispered as they stepped onto the field.

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:09 pm

New Hayesalians were well-known for their hospitality and "give 'em a go" attitude. So, unlike many crowds, the New Hayesalians stood and cheered for their foreign rivals. Their red yellow and white shirts stood out against the vibrant green floor, and everyone saw that they meant business. They knew Bennedetto was one of the best goalies in Terra Nova. Hopefully the New Hayesalian team would defeat these "foreign devils" as the locals sarcastically called them.

Unlike the Erathorians, the New Hayesalian managers had decided hat New Hayesalia would have to have a far more spectacular entrance. So, as the lights dimmed and Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" played over the stadium, the New Hayesalian players jogged out onto the stadium, drawing screams from the crowds.

After a minute of deafening screaming, the song dimmed and the players got ready to go.

by **Erathore** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 10:41 pm

"Welcome to the Erathore National Sports Channel Minute by Minute commentary of the International game pitting Erathore against New Hayesalia. Erathore saw a very warm welcome by the New Hay fans and citizens and it is expected that friendship will continue throughout the game and will extend to citizens between both countries. But that's political talk. Here is the MbM report."

1. Kickoff by Erathore. Good connection between Fiorello and Mericci. First attack begins. Malvolio takes a shot on goal, but Aaron Burtuck, the keeper, doesn't even need to move to save it.

5. A long pass from Paul Jungsten to forward Victor McFeller gives New Hay their first shot at goal, but a brilliant one handed save by Bennedetto blocks the ball and gives New Hay a corner. Roberto gets up holding his thigh though, but after a few seconds of walking around, he shrugs and gives the thumbs up to the sideline. Harry Derman's corner kick seems to miss every Blue Heeler forward.

9. Counterattack by Erathore. Malvolio enters the penalty area but a beautiful tackle by Barry Groover-Jeffs stops the attack.

19. William Clyne receives a marvelous through ball from Harry Derman to set up a scoring opportunity. He only has the goalkeeper but Bennedetto is out like a shot and dives at his feet to stop the attack. After throwing the ball to Manlio, he reaches down to his thigh once again. Just like before he walks around and does high knees in place and gives the thumbs up to the sideline.

25. Malvolio receives a goalkick and finds room in the center. He's sprinting, tries for a long shot, nails the crossbar and put's it right into Aaron Burtuck's face. He stays down for 10 seconds before getting back up with blood pouring out of his nose. The Erathore medical team, partly to repay the generosity New Hay had shown them and partly because they were closer to him, rushed out. After a few 'medical things' Aaron was back on his feet, although a little wobbly.

27. Nieran is fouled and gets a free kick from 23 yards out. He shuffles up, finds his target, breaks out into that sprint he does, and wallops the ball. It looks like it's going out but it bends an amazing 8 and a half feet to land in the top right corner for a jaw dropping goal. He sprints back to Roberto where the meet halfway and fall to their knees together smiling.

45(+2 Injury). Erathore thinks they score when Malvolio heads in a Manlio corner kick, but he is ruled offside.

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Jan 08, 2011 11:16 pm

1-0 to Erathore. Things weren't looking best for the New Hayesalian team. The reserve goalie, Jeremy Wilkinson, was called on to replace the injured goalie who had taken a hard ball to the face, something that made most of the New Hayesalians laugh when they said it aloud. They began the kickoff, from William Clyne straight to Harry Derman, who was waiting near the sidelines to take an easy route closer to goal. He took the ball and dribbled forwards until he was met by Ricardo Vito, which forced him to kick the ball to midfielder Phil Keropa, in the center straight. Keropa takes a shot at goal, but unfortunately the ball flies just over the bar.

4. After three minutes of tough play, Sweeper Paul Jungsten accidently runs into a referee while attempting to headbutt the ball towards the goal. After a quick restart, Erathore's Alfieri Benzio was in control and aiming for goal. He aimed straight for the central net, saved by the fresh goalkeeper's leap.

13. The game had been a to-and-from backlash of passes and interceptions with the possesion lying mainly in New Hayesalia's hands. Erathore still had the upper hand, but New Hayesalia's Captain, Jack Hynes was aiming for goal. He kicked, and the ball flew at what seemed like light speed, stopped at the last millisecond by Bennedetto, who smashed the ball directly to a nearby Erathorian. The New Hayesalian crowds adrenaline was pumping, screaming at the intensity of the last five seconds. The ball soon made it back into New Hayesalian hands, and the passes and interceptions continued.

40. Many would argue that after a streak of failed attempts at goal by both teams, numerous attempts to gain a strategic foothold, and plain anarchy on the pitch, the game would lose energy. This could not be less true. The players were fighting their hardest, determined to get a ball in goal. It was only after an attempted interception by Erathorian Emlio Fredrico that Jack Hynes could get a hold of the ball. He ran past two opposing players, passed to Bruce Sprona and recieved it again that he kicked towards the Erathorian goal... with success. Bennedetto had only just missed, and the New Hayesalians went wild. It was the equaliser! And with only a minute to go, could either side get the defining point!?

Sadly, the answer was no, and the crowd left with the unexpected '1-1' score.

Nevertheless, the game was one of the greatest the crowd had seen for many years, with injuries and excitement aplenty. Hopefully, next week in Erathore, the New Hayesalians could take out the win.

by **Erathore** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 8:27 pm

The mood in Erathore was one of happiness and energy. Hundreds of thousands of Erathi and Hayesalian fans packed the Stadio National de Dizarino. As in New Hay, a massive Hayesalian flag flew next to an Erathi flag.

Several of Erathore's most prominent musicians made appearances and the National Freestyle Football Competition was held before the game, with mind boggling tricks. Then, with 10 minutes until the teams came on, the lights dimmed and 'Epic music' as one fan said played in the background, Erathore's up-and-coming superstar took the stage.

Dressed in his goalkeeper jersey, but in training pants, Roberto Bennedetto addressed the crowd.

"My fellow citizens of Erathore, and my new found Hayesalian friends, we come together today for fun, for pride, and for drinks…erm glory I mean. A wonderful game of football is about to happen, and though I am proud to play despite a leg injury in the game at New Hay, I want to remind you that we are friends and that this is a friendly game. Please treat each other fairly, and stay safe. Now let the game begin!"

Roberto Bennedetto walked off of the stage with the crowd on their feet, clapping ecstatically for him and for the game to start.

by **New Hayesalia** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 8:37 pm

The New Hayesalian team jogged out onto the pitch in their green shirts, to the cheers of the Erathorians. They gave a hi-five to Bennedetto as they ran out, laughing. The New Hayesalians in the crowd were cheering, to the laughter of the Erathorians. It was a warm night, and while the stadium was aired out by the massive open roof, the crowd was still amazingly loud.

The team warmed up by running the outside of the pitch, giving hi-fives to every fan they could reach- as the coach had said: "If you make them love you, you will make them support you... even if the ref does not."

They waited for the Erathorians while they stood in a line, jumping a little from the collective energy.

by **Erathore** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 8:50 pm

The Erathi team ran out onto the field with more "totally trippy music brah" as one fan who smelled of funny smoke said. The gold, black, and red kit looked beautiful being displayed for the first time and caused many a fan to cheer. Nieran ran out to the mid field and preformed a remarkable standing double backflip. That only made the crowd cheer harder. The stadium had not yet reached it's loudest, but was about to.

Mist came from the tunnel as goalkeeping legend and namesake of the stadium as Marcello Dizarino walked onto the field dressed in an expensive looking suit, accompanied by another goalkeeper legend, Alessio Affonso Galigilygano dressed in his goalkeeper attire. Silence came from the Erathi fans, as laying eyes upon Dizarino in person was a rare pleasure. He then turned to the crowd and raised his right pointer finger to the sky.

The crowd erupted in to a frenzy of cheers, screams, instruments playing, and a single flare. He turned back to the lined up New Hay team and walked down the line, shaking their hands and offering words of kindness and encouragement.

To they Hew Hay players he said, "Now I want you to go out there and kick Erathore's ass. But just know this. I'm going to tell them the same exact thing."

He then went to the Erathore line and repeated the process, although telling them to hand it to New Hay. He then waved to the crowd once more, and left through the tunnel. The teams shook hands with each other and the referees, and the game was ready to go.

by **New Hayesalia** » Sun Jan 09, 2011 11:49 pm

The appearance of some of the best goalies in world history had had a hell of an effect on all the players. Now, the Erathi team looked downright scary, determined to prove their country proud. It would be a hard game.

1: Kickoff from New Hayesalia. The ball is passed directly to Geoff Golden, who expertly passes to Victor McFella. However, the ball is immediately stolen from them by Erathores Ermanno Gavino Amedo, who expertly weaves through two New Hayesalians. It seemed that Dizarno had gien them the willpower of twenty teams.

4: Erathore tries for goal, but are stopped by goalkeeper Aaron Burtuck. The mud from the ball spattered his white shirt, but within a minute the ball was at Erathores end- stopped by Bennedetto, one of the greatest goalkeepers the New Hayesalians had encountered. The ball retuerned to Erathore and the game went back to the dance that was two teams fighting for posession.

17: New Hayesalia's Sweeper, Paul Jungsten, was headed for goal. It was almost a glide across the pitch, but out of nowhere came Gaspere Movolio, who slid underneath Jungsten to steal the ball. Unforunately for the Erathi's, the ball went out, extracting screams from the crowd.

25: Now the New Hayesalians were in trouble. Dizarino and Galigilygano were sitting in a box, watching the game. The Erathis, now fully aware, bonsai-charged their way to the New Hayesalian frontlines. The New Hayesalians were desperate... but they still had their smarts. With every Erathi player now headed for the goal, every player except Jack Hynes went to defend their territory. Hynes, meanwhile, ran behind to the side of the pitch.

As the ball came ever closer to goal, the New Hayesalians swept in and managed to steal possesion. They passed to Hynes, who travelled with the ball down the unoccupied straight to Bennedetto. But, amongst the growing screams of the crowd, and the shot, Bennedetto saved , leaping to hot the ball back to the Erathi midfielders. The Erathi crowd were going mad, and at least a few New Hayesalians began to yell in frustration.

39: It was almost over. New Hayesalia were on the rocks again. The Erathi were attacking, and the Blue Heelers were desperate. Barry Groover-Jeffs and Larry Jackson went to steal from Illio Narizzidad, only for all three to go down. Narrizzidad came up without a scratch, but Goover-Jeffs and Jackson were in pain. Within three minutes, reserve players Flynn Jarobistein and Ryan McNamara were on the pitch.

The first half ended 0-0, but the Erathi team were playing like wild dogs.

by **Erathore** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 4:27 pm

1: Kickoff from Erathore. The ball is passed back to Nieran, intercepted by Hynes who then makes a run at goal. Bennedetto is forced to challenge Hynes and make a brilliant tackle. Bennedetto passed the ball off and helped Hynes back up.

11: Erathore has a chance to go ahead when Malvolio's close shot is parried by Aaron Burtuck and Nieran's volley goes way up high.

17: Nice pass to Hynes who gives a chip through to William Clyne, has a shot at goal, takes it, but puts it over the top.

36: With new found energy, Erathore pushed the attack, forcing Burtuck into some spectacular saves and several brilliant tackles by the New Hay defense, but the offense just can’t make a goal on the counter attack.

44: Free kick awarded to Erathore at 23 yards out. Nieran steps up to take the kick. He has to make this for the win. Runs from a 90 degree angle, strikes it, and it’s a GOAL!!! Bending it around the wall into the upper right corner it’s a goal! 1-0 Erathore and they have it in the bag! We know he could bend it, we knew he was good, but this is amazing! He is without doubt, one of the greatest footballers Erathore has seen in quite some time.

The game was over, with Erathore winning 1-0 and taking their first win. One more to seal their friendly tournament with New Hay. However the next game was to take place on Hayesalian territory and that may give them the upper hand.

by **New Hayesalia** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 5:57 pm

Unlike many tournament events, this competition would be held in the day, in the city of Fotuzi. The stadium was large and airy, and the fans were milling in. There was no concert to kick it off, but something else was prepared.

At Axo Air Base, about 200km to the east, five colurful Razorback strike fighter were being readined. They took off, headed towards the stadium. While all the fans were seated, a lone Razorback flew over the tournament, the loudness of the low pass ringin in the ears of the fans, some of whom screamed, caught offguard. A few seconds later, the other four planes flew past in tight formation. They met up, and a voice announced over the PA system, "And know, the New Hayesalian Air Force Vanguards Demonstration Team!"

They flew stright up, and broke off. One plane flew directly up, while the others turned in four different directions, while letting loose bright green, blue and gold smoke. They met up again in formation, and let off bright flares while flying past, wowing the crowds. Another two aircradft came back, one flying inverted directly under the other.

The show continued, with another two aircraft making a "kinfe-edge" pass, where two aircraft would turn around each other with only feet to spare. Three more aircraft flew past in a barrel roll, while another one continually flew in a circle around them. Over the stadium, two aircraft looped, making a heart from smoke. Another two tore through the middle, breaking off to the left and right. Another flew straight up and into a stall, tumbling to earth and regaining control. After some more manuevers, they turned on the smoke again, writing "NH" in the sky, and flying back to base.

The Blue Heelers had come on now, and began running around the outside of the field, giving hi-fives as they went. The show had everyone pumped up, and it was time to take Erathore down.

by **Erathore** » Wed Jan 12, 2011 9:01 pm

1: Kickoff from Erathore. The ball is passed back to Nieran, forward to Malvolio where it is quickly stolen and headed the other way.

12: GOAL! Goal for New Hay by William Clyne. Clyne found himself unmarked off of a Hynes free kick and headed it right into the goal.

23: A bad tackle from Harry Derman sees him getting a yellow and Emlio Fredrico being taken off with an injury. His substitute, Blake Fedele is expected to do well, despite not having played in this tournament and on the verge of retirement.

36: GOAL! Hynes puts it in from 18 yards out off of a delicate pass from Clyne. The dynamic duo have scored again, making the score 2-0 for New Hay.

44: GOAL! Goal for Erathore on a close range shot by Malvolio. Burtuck didn't have a chance.

Halftime: New Hay 2 - 1 Erathore

by **New Hayesalia** » Sat Jan 15, 2011 8:52 pm

The New Hayesalians were winning now, and the fans knew they could take it all the way. But they knew the Erathi had skill.

1. Kickoff by Erathore. Ball is immediately stolen by Geoff Golden, but is then tackled by Vito and the ball is taken by Amendo. They take it to the New Hayesalian goal, but it's saved by Burtuck easily. He hands it off to Harry Derman, and the passes and interceptions continue.

8. Captain Jack Hynes is at the Erathi goal, shortly followed by the Erathi and Hayesalian team. As well as a streaker. He ran past the two teams, followed by two police and a security guard. The game had been stopped, but Hynes went in for the kick... but Bennedetto knew why. The ball flew for Bennedettos foot, straight into the face of the naked fan. A resounding "OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" resounded from the crowd, followed by a wave of laughter. YouTube would have a field day. He was quickly dragged off, and the game continued.

23: The game had been uneventful thus far, with a few kicks easily returned by the excellent goalkeepers. Now though, Burtuck was on his own. Erathore's Nero Remo was going for a kick, straight into the left of the net. Burtuck had to dive to save it, and the ball bounded of the crossbars. It landed half-way between the two players, and they both ran to retrieve it. If Remo made it, he would score the equaliser! At what seemed like the last second, Burtuck leapt and pushed it out of the way, risking a hard kick to the stomach. Thankfully, Remo didn't hit the now dirt-covered man, and the game continued.

30: At this rate, the crowd were going insane. Hynes had the ball and was going for goal. But out of nowhere came Erathi midfielder Alexio Del Nieran, who tackled Hynes and stole the ball. Hynes got up with his knee in a very awkward position, with screams echoing from the crowd. The New Hayesalian medical team pulled him off the pitch, and Del Nieran was issued a yellow card. Hynes was pulled off to Fotuzi General, where he was diagnosed with a broken ankle. William Clyne became captain, and reserve Warren Smotcha came on for the game.

32: Smotcha had to be one of the smallest players in professional soccer. At four feet, he simply dove through the Erathi defence, like a ninja with the ball. He passed to William Clyne, who shot for goal. No match for Bennedetto, who simply knocked it out of the way.

44: It was the last few minutes. An echoing "New Hay, Hey, Hey, Let's go!" was going through the crowd, but the ball kept doing the rounds of to-and-from between the players. Out of nowhere, Phil Keropa stole possession and led it directly to the Erathi goal. Bennedetto was ready, but not for the high kick of Keropa. But in a cruel twist of fate, the game ended no less than two seconds before the ball hit the net. But New Hayesalia had won!

The crowd were ecstatic. Even a security guard broke down sobbing, and Clyne kicked the game ball into the stands, and a 13 year old went home with a hell of a prize.

The game was at 1-1... but could New Hayesalia take out the win?

by **Erathore** » Wed Jan 19, 2011 5:31 pm

Game day at Campo Potenza. Fans, especially those from New Hayesalia, had been promised something special, so naturally the stands were packed. An hour before kickoff, all fans were required to move outside. Then, in the darkness of the night, the stadiums exterior started shining several different colors and alternating quickly. Camp Potenza has a full color changing exterior that made for a beautiful scene, especially to the fans that were tripping out on LSD or some other illegal material. The lights stayed on an image of Erathore's and New Hayesalia's flags flapping in the digital wind next to each other as skylights illuminated a large cargo plane flew right over the stadium. Painted on the bottom of the plane was, "Thanks for the fun New Hay". After this spectacle, the fans filled back in and awaited kickoff.

Friendship through Football (ATTN New Hayesalia)

Friendship through Football (ATTN New Hayesalia)

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