World Cup 54: RP thread

by **Jeruselem** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:15 pm

Jeruselem players Amy Pond and Sharnee "Peppers" Bellpepper discussing their recent interzonal win 4-0 over Akbarabad

Peppers: Well, that was easier than we thought.
Amy: Yes, this is supposed to be the Group of Death. We're doing good.
Peppers: I tell ya, the Princess might be Miss Cranky but she sure gets everyone working together.
Amy: It means she's doing her job as our leader.
Peppers: Well, Jeru FC is doing great too.
Amy: I noticed Mango Mousse is scoring well.
Peppers: My kid will be a great football player.
Amy: Yes, you've got a little World Cup player right there.
Peppers: I guess he's scoring on and off the field.
Amy: He's always sticking his things where they aren't wanted.
Peppers: Well, yes.
Amy: I think we're nearly in the finals. All we need is one more point.
Peppers: The other teams need wins especially the bottom 3.
Amy: Mind you, if the other two top teams get wins - we'll be fine.
Peppers: You think Mango dived?
Amy: Probably, he's really good at diving on women too.
Peppers: Practice makes perfection.
Amy: Now, what you going to do about retiring.
Peppers: Money-wise, I think I need support.
Amy: So you're going be a Mum and stay at home while Mango gets a job?
Peppers: Yes, I figure no one wants to employ a stupid dope like me.
Amy: What about Naked News? I know some of the girls there are dopes.
Peppers: I don't have the looks.
Amy: Oh come on. You're alright looking.
Peppers: I don't compare to the girls here.
Amy: You hang around good looking people like the Princesses. Of course you don't match up to their looks.
Peppers: You're pretty popular.
Amy: That's because people think I'm that Amy Pond on Dr Who.
Peppers: How do you get such a name?
Amy: Ask Mum ... how does one get the surname Bellpepper.
Peppers: Ask Mum ...
Amy: How come we blame Mum?
Peppers: No idea ...

by **Qazox** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 9:34 pm

The Road to One Big Island and World Cup 54

ONE.

Following a three-ONE win over a tough Eastfield Lodge team, Qazox is just ONE point away from qualifying for the World Cup. Based on the current standings, a draw against either Khytennia or K&P would be enough to secure a trip to ONE Big Island and World Cup 54 for the Pheonix. Tanya Calvin opened the scoring in the 17th minute thanks to a slip by Wayne Brookes that allowed Tanya a clearer shot on net. Sameer Ahmad tied the match up at ONE-all in the 32nd minte, after a brilliant series of passes between Ahmad, Alex Gallagher and Shabeen Ahmad III caused both Vic Johnson, Jr. and Ivana Sirnova to crash into each other. Sirnova was taken off the pitch with a knee injury, later confirmed as a stress fracture of the patella. Makala David came in for Sirnova and was instrumental in starting a fast break that set-up Qazox' 2nd goal.

David took a misplayed ball by Ahmad III, and found both Lonnie Dobbs and Tanya Calvin just clear of the EL midfielders. After a bomb of a pass to Calvin, Tanya found Lonnie Dobbs on the outside of the box and Dobbs banged it home of the far post to make it two-ONE Qazox. For most of the remainder of the match, the crowd saw counters and shots banging off the posts or crossbar, until very late.

Jamie Hinkley came in for a breathless Lonnie Dobbs, who was run ragged by Ben Madison and Thomas O'Henly. Hinkley was lined up deep in the penalty area awaiting a corner kick when, inadvertently Madison elbowed him in the face. Hinkley shoved back, and accidently caused O'Henly to be called for a hand-ball when the kick came in. O''Henly and Hinkley started to shove each other a bit before the referee broke it up. She promptly showed yellows to each player, but stunned the crowd by awarding Qazox a penalty kick for the handball. Hinkley promptly banged home the PK, admist debris being thrown on the field by the fans at New World Stadium.

Up next for Qazox is a trip to Estadio de la Esperanza, Minanda; where their final 2 matches will be played. Khytennia (1-2-0) is next and anything but a loss would clinch Qazox a World Cup berth. There exists a possiblity that Qazox could clinch in spite of a loss, but it involves so many different scenarios, as to be practically impossible.

SCORELINE

EFL  1 0  1
QZX  2 1  3

Scoring:
Tanya Calvin (QZX) (6) 17'
Sameer Ahmad (EFL) 32'
Lonnie Dobbs (QZX) (3) 43'
YC- Jamie Hinkley (QZX) 87'
YC- Thomas O'Henly (EFL) 87'
Jamie Hinkley (QZX) (2) 88' PK

Estadia Pika, Pika City. Capacity: 84,562

Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg. Capacity: 94,500

Qazian Memorial Stadium II, Qazox City. Capacity: 100,052

@ New Bruxen Hotel & Casino Field, New Bruxen. Capacity: 77,721

by **Newmanistan** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:04 pm

It was bound to happen eventually; and we’re not talking about our error in reading the schedule when we thought Pays de Horreur was the next opponent. We’ve done that before. Stacey Keisler and Jeremy McAllister, Jr’s being together all of the time now was making Newmanistanian media sources beginning to wonder what was going on between them. Stacey had seen it coming, and after what happened with Courtney, she felt she would beat them to the punch.

“We really hate to do this because it detracts from where you should be having your attention,” Stacey said as she began a press conference in her laid back manner that she always seemed to be in right before a big start in the World Baseball Classic. “But I sense you opening your eyes wide. We see you pointing your cameras at us with more and more regularity during the games, with your cheesy captions underneath pictures provided in print.” Reporters made sure there cameras, tape recorders, and microphones were working one last time, “Jeremy and I have always been good friends, and we have taken this time to hang out with one another more. With that, and realizing that we really do have more in common then we would have believed, Jeremy proposed marriage to me (collective “woah-like” noises amongst the reporters) following the game against Whirl Islands, and without any hesitation, I accepted.” The reporters all try to get in their question over the person standing next them, but it is Junior that speaks next,

“This is about me and Stacey wishing to live the rest of our lives together, and with Courtney. We are at that stage of our lives now, and we are really excited about this. So, there’s your story. I don’t know what more really needs to be said. A man will marry a woman. How much more needs to be said?” Pretty much every reporter raises their hand, “Well, it looks like there is a lot to be said. We will take a couple questions, but we’re not just going to stand here all day talking about every little detail. Your story of the day is the game against Mantwenic, a team that worked hard to get here. Well, I’ll let Shannon (Shannon Spencer of The Rocket Report) start it off. Yes, Shannon?”

“Congratulations Jeremy and Stacey from all of us at The Rocket Report! I think I can speak for all of us here in saying that while we realize that game is the big story of the day, this is no back-page feature, either. You two have been legends of Newmanistanian sports for decades so surely you would understand our interest and excitement. So, where’s the wedding?”

They each grin as Jeremy replies, “It will be held in Southport, and that is where we will both ultimately reside. We haven’t set a date yet, but don’t worry we will let you know. We’d like to keep the ceremony to friends and family, though.”

Shannon Spencer winks, “I’m your friend!”

“Maybe if you came without the microphone.” Junior laughs, “Next? Ok, Scott from the Putnam Lake Times.”

Scott, “And I’ve covered you’re whole career in Putnam Lake. I’m a friend too! On a more serious note, congratulations to both of you. This will probably be viewed in a very symbolic fashion with the baseball and football teams uniting. Are you ok with that?”

Stacey takes this one, “Ok, we are probably going to have to re-define what we mean by friends! We are happy with that. We’ve already thought about it. Rachel from the Southport Sun, your next.”

Anonymous reporter in background, “Stop picking your hometown people!”

Rachel from Southport Sun, “Congratulations, first of all. Shannon was right when she said that this really is a big story, you two are icons. I have to ask where Courtney fits in here. What does she think? And given that she is likely to be the first overall pick in the 2102 NBL draft, what will you do if she gets picked by a team far away from Southport or Springfield?”

“Courtney is very excited about all of this. She can’t wait. She will be an adult next year so if she were to go to a northern-based city or wherever, it is then time to make her own legacy. It won’t keep her from being family,” Stacey replies.

“We can buy a house there, too.” Junior adds.

“Ok, one more. Matthew from the Springfield Starting Gate.”

“Congratulations. How will this impact your job as the manager of the Thoroughbreds, Stacey?”

“I don’t see why it would. It will be done in the off-season. I am dedicated to coaching the Thoroughbreds, but Southport is my home and where I feel the best place is for the wedding.”

“Please, please, please can I ask you something!!!!” begs a younger college age reporter. Stacey is less willing, but Junior tells her to go ahead. “Why don’t you get married at the Proving Grounds? It would be perfect!!!”

After a brief glance at one another, Junior replies, “It would be symbolic, but I know that the Spirits already approve. The first step in us attempting to live as a kinda-normal family is do start doing normal things. The Proving Grounds, as great as it is, isn’t for wedding ceremonies.”

Stacey adds, “Like he said, if we did that, it would be about the show. We’d like it more simple, and with family and friends. And maybe Shannon Spencer.”

“Thank you! I promise to leave the microphone at home!” exclaims Shannon.

The press conference then comes to a close as reporters realize it is time to start covering the football team again. As far as they were concerned, it was another good week of practice. They were in very good spirits, laughing at a Rocket Report misprint that said they would be playing Pays de Horreur next, and picking on the media that they need to be paying more attention to the details surrounding the team. Everyone on the team was well prepared for Mantwenic, the next opponent, and it showed immediately as Shane Bartley forced Michael Cromings to make one heck of a save in just the second minute of the match. But Michael Wenston’s team could not get any momentum off the brilliance of his keeper early, and in the 27th minute, the slumping David Colman found the back of the net. That excited the team, knowing how much Colman had been struggling coming into the match, and just three minutes later it was 2-0 thanks to Aaron Huckabee. The chants of “Why Not?!” began again as the sky blue seized control of the match. The two first half scores were match by a pair of second half tallies, coming from Shane Bartley and captain Michael Couture as the Rockets would up convincingly defeating Mantwenic, 4-nil.

Following the victory, reporters hounded coach Tremblay, making comments about how qualification now looks very good. Tremblay just glanced at those comments, “World Cup 42. World Cup 43. World Cup 44. World Cup 45. World Cup 47. Nothing’s done ‘til we see a Q next to our nation’s name.”

Up next is Unitopolis, and we’ve triple checked that to make sure. If the Rockets win, they will get that “Q”. A loss or even a draw puts them into territory of those Cups mentioned by Tremblay, because it is Pays de Horreur that closes this out.

by **Dorian and Sonya** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:36 am

The Trouble With Gods

My Queen,

When we were originally informed that we would face a team comprised of Gods rather than the more normal squad, if they can be called normal, from the Holy Empire it seemed an impossible task to undertake. Everything that we consider our own power as Elves pales in comparison to that of true deities. But as the match got underway, it was clear that we had a real chance to win. A chance that we took full advantage of by winning the match 1-0.

So what gave us the advantage? The Gods themselves did.

Their issues began in the midfield where Thor was sandwiched neatly between Hera and Zeus. Lucky guy. The bickering began almost immediately and Thor, not known for extensive patience, proved a very poor mediator. The result was a midfield controlled by the Mystical Unicorns.

The defense was not much more stable as three separate Goddesses of beauty each vied for supremacy. That was truly an argument to watch as every male in the stadium drooled over the three without thoughts of anything else. Luckily we carry no males on the squad and only reserve Nithiraxa Calethdren seemed to be affected by the gaudy and sometimes vulgar display. I try not to think on the implications that means. The fourth defender was Loki. The God of Mischief worked hard to keep the other three at each other’s throats - laughing merrily the entire time.

And yes, their offense struggled as well while Odin, Brahma, and Perun (three supreme deities) argued over just who was more supreme. If it had not been for a very formidable keeper, the match might have been a complete rout.

Next up is a more traditional match with Valladares. This is a must win match for us as we try to qualify for the World Cup Proper and a defense of our title. They are top of the four way tie right now and a loss could mean the end for us.

Your humble servant,
Khyber

by **The Archregimancy** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:38 am

OOC - fair RP attribution: most of the life of St. Simeon cribbed from the Orthodox Church of America Web Site

From the Sermons of Fr. Roman the Ugly

"On the Holy Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver and World Cup Qualification"

Today, February the third, is the day upon which we remember the Holy Righteous Simeon the God-Receiver. St. Simeon was, according to the testimony of the Holy Evangelist Luke, a just and devout man waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. God promised him that he would not die until the promised Messiah, Christ the Lord, came into the world.

Ancient historians tell us that the Egyptian pharaoh Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-247 B.C.) wished to include texts of Holy Scripture in the famous Library at Alexandria. He invited scholars from Jerusalem, and the Sanhedrin sent their wise men. The Righteous Simeon was one of the seventy scholars who came to Alexandria to translate the Holy Scriptures into Greek. The completed work was called "The Septuagint," and is the version of the Old Testament used by the Orthodox Church.

St Simeon was translating a book of the Prophet Isaiah, and read the words: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive in the womb, and shall bring forth a Son" (Is 7:14). He thought that "virgin" was inaccurate, and he wanted to correct the text to read "woman." At that moment an angel appeared to him and held back his hand saying, "You shall see these words fulfilled. You shall not die until you behold Christ the Lord born of a pure and spotless Virgin."

From this day, St Simeon lived in expectation of the Promised Messiah. One day, the righteous Elder received a revelation from the Holy Spirit, and came to the Temple. It was on the very day (the fortieth after the Birth of Christ) when the All-Pure Virgin Mary and St Joseph had come to the Temple in order to perform the ritual prescribed by Jewish Law.

When St Simeon beheld their arrival, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that the divine Child held by the All-Pure Virgin Mary was the Promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. The Elder took the Child in his arms and said, "Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel" (Luke 2:29-32).

Simeon blessed the All-Pure Virgin and St Joseph, and turning to the Mother of God he said, "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be spoken against. Yea, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed" (Luke 2:34-35).

The holy Evangelist continues: "And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel of the tribe of Aser. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband for seven years from her virginity; and she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not leave the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming at that very hour, also gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption at Jerusalem" (Luke 2:36-38).

The holy righteous Simeon the God-Receiver died at a great age (Tradition says he was 360).

And what message, you ask, does the life of the Holy Righteous Simeon hold for those of us who devoutly wish to see the Archregimancy qualify for World Cup 54? Have we not just lost 2-0 to Krytenia? Has this result not dealt a grievous blow to our qualification chances?

I say to you no, and thrice no! For Erathore and the Ottish Empire did play out a 1-1 draw, and Carpathia and Ruthenia did likewise surprisingly hold the Vanorians to the same result. This means we must lose both of our remaining matches, while either Erathore or Carpathia and Ruthenia must win both. This it is that, just as Simeon was fortified by the Spirit to have patience for over 200 years that the promise made to him would eventually be fulfilled, so must we have patience and trust in the Lord that qualification will come unto us. For it is surely as unlikely that we will fail to qualify for the World Cup under the circumstances I have set out before you as it was that the Father would not have one day sent his Son for our Salvation.

I hasten to add that I do not think that the two events I have just described are of equal moral or theological significance, but let one here serve as a metaphor for the other.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:47 am

The Cosumarite Courier
World Cup 54: Dragons fall to Jesselton 2-0
Cosumar's #1 Sports News Source

QUINNIVILLE, DELACLAVA - Last night at Virtuous Stadium 80,000 fans watched on as #44 Jesselton scored two goals en route to an easy victory over #45 Cosumar. These two teams are as close in rank as you can get, and given Jesselton's weak play thus far, the Cosumar Dragons were expected to get their first Interzonal win against Jesselton. However, things turned out the opposite. Jesselton improved to 1-0-2 and sent the Dragons tumbling to last place in the Delaclava Interzonal still seeking their first win since Zone 7.

The story of the game was the injury of Cosumar's premiere goal keeper: Jude Adjei-Kontoh. Adjei-Kontoh reportedly began experiencing extreme cramping in the second half and had to be removed from the game. Prior to Adjei-Kontoh's injury, Cosumar was holding up just fine and the game was looking like it was going to end with a 0-0 draw. Manager Farris Crowley put in backup goal keeper Mike Dupree, who has not seen a single minute of World Cup action, with about 24 minutes remaining.

In these 24 minutes without Adjei-Kontoh, Jesselton scored not once, but twice, to take the game 2-0. Jesselton's Zulfikri Shari played exceptionally, nearly becoming the first player to score a hat trick against Cosumar in World Cup 54. For Dragons fans, the most disappointing aspect is that Dupree's blunders were quite embarrassing. The two goals he allowed should've been very easy saves but Dupree looked quite clueless and watched the balls fly by him.

"Uh...I dunno. I...um...wasn't on my game tonight. I guess...just...err...sorry to all the fans and the rest of the team...for...ya know... lettin' ya down...and stuff...I think, maybe" said a flustered Mike Dupree after the game.

As many have pointed out, drugs thrive in Delaclava, most substances being easily attainable, even to foreigners. Subsequently, many Cosumar fans have joked that Dupree had a few too many hits of Delaclavan drugs that morning. All joking aside, Fiefdom Soccer Federation officials have announced that Dupree has been removed from the team do to his poor play. Luckily for the Dragons, Adjei-Kontoh's cramps have been relieved and he will return at 100% against Arda. Below you can see the Delaclava Interzonal standings and how badly this loss against Jesselton affects the Dragons.

Delaclava Interzonal Standings

   Team                    P  W D  L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Sorthern Northland      3  3 0  0   8  1  +7  9 Q
 2 Haginonia               3  2 0  1  11  6  +5  6
 3 Nethertopia             3  2 0  1   7  5  +2  6
 4 Jesselton               3  1 0  2   5  8  -3  3
 5 Arda                    3  1 0  2   3  8  -5  3
 6 Cosumar                 3  0 0  3   0  6  -6  0

The Delaclava Interzonal Standings after match day 13. Sorthern Northland is still undefeated in World Cup 54, with a 13-0-0 record. They have already secured their spot in the World Cup proper. Haginonia, not even a top-100 ranked team, has been a huge surprise and usurped the 2nd place spot with a 5-1 upset of Nethertopia, who rounds out the top 3. Jesselton and Arda take 4th and 5th in the group, with 3 points each. At the bottom is the Cosumar squad, who is still seeking their first Interzonal win. A loss in MD4 will eliminate them.

Their loss against Jesselton puts the Dragons' World Cup aspirations in a precarious spot. They still have 0 points with only 2 games left, but it is not over yet. Although they still have a chance, an unlikely series of events must transpire for Cosumar to even have a shot at the World Cup. First of all, Cosumar must win their two remaining games. Even if they succeed in doing that, they may not make it. Cosumar would need both Jesselton and Haginonia to lose their final two games as well.

"I know it sounds like a long shot, but if you look at the schedule, our chances are greater than they seem. Haginonia will most likely lose to Sorthern Northland in MD4, so if we beat them in MD5, assuming we defeated Arda, we would surpass them in the standings. But for us get 3rd it would require Jesselton to lose to both Nethertopia and Arda. All we can really do at this point is focus on winning, and as for the rest, we'll let fate decide" said Cosumar's manager Farris Crowley.

As a Cosumarite, I desperately wish I could say I could say I believe the Dragons still have a chance, but I just don’t see it happening. At this point, the Dragons need to get some points by their name for the sake of the rankings. A total of 0 points in Interzonals would not be beneficial to their ranking and could hurt future World Cup efforts. Even if Cosumar does end up with 0 points, it won't be the end of the world. There's always the Cup of Harmony.

I know that to many soccer fans, the "Cup of Harmony" has become synonymous to "Cup of Losers". But here's an interesting tidbit of info: the 46th Cup of Harmony may be held in Delaclava, where the Dragons already are for Interzonals. Last time around, the Dragons got 3rd place in the Cup of Harmony, a large reason why many expected them to exceed in World Cup 54. Another strong showing here would be a chance for the Dragons to hone their skills and bolster their ranking for World Cup 55. Plus, a possible extended stay in Delaclava would bother the Dragons, who appear to be enjoying Delaclava's lax laws and sports culture. But the team remains focused on qualifying for the World Cup, and is ignoring talk of things looming ahead.

"Look, rankings and the Cup of Harmony aren't what's on my mind right now. How could you even talk about the Cup of Harmony?!?!? We still have a shot at our dream, at qualifying for the World Cup! Gah!" exclaimed fiery Cosumarite DF Kennedy Kopenhaver.

The first step for Cosumar to qualify would be to defeat Arda tomorrow Dimitar Catalon Battleground in Beliri, Delaclava. The Dragons have arrived in Beliri early and are making use of the time to practice for the crucial game against Arda. There will be a battle of Dimitar Catalon Battleground tomorrow, and the loser will likely be packing their bags for home.

For a report of the match versus Arda and a preview of the final Interzonal game against Haginonia, check out tomorrow's edition of The Cosumarite Courier. Below you can find Cosumar's schedule and the photo of the day.

Thanks for reading,

Tom Hairston,
Staff Writer

Cosumar's World Cup 54 Journey
Publishers Cup 1st Round: Cosumar 0-0 Delaclava
Pre-Qualifying Friendly: Cosumar 0-0 Churchma
Matchday 1: TaeGyeongGiJang 1-1 Cosumar
Matchday 2: Cosumar 1-2 Royalsoldiers
Matchday 3: Cosumar 1-0 Bazalonia
Matchday 4: Pasarga 3-0 Cosumar
Matchday 5: Cassandra Alyce Silver 0-4 Cosumar
Publishers Cup 2nd Round: Moresnetujo 1-2 Cosumar
Mid-Zonal Friendly: Cosumar 3-1 Unitopolis
Matchday 6: Cosumar 1-1 TaeGyeongGiJang
Matchday 7: Royalsoldiers 2-4 Cosumar
Matchday 8: Bazalonia 1-1 Cosumar
Matchday 9: Cosumar 4-3 Pasarga
Matchday 10: Cosumar 2-0 Cassandra Alyce Silver
Publishers Cup 3rd Round: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 1-0 Cosumar
Pre-Interzonal Friendly: Cosumar 2-3 Osarius
Matchday 11: Nethertopia 2-0 Cosumar
Matchday 12: Cosumar 0-2 Sorthern Northland
Matchday 13: Jesselton 2-0 Cosumar
Matchday 14: Arda v Cosumar
Matchday 15: Cosumar v Haginonia
Publishers Cup Final Round: Cosumar v Kulverint
Post-Interzonal Friendly (King's Cup): Khytenna v Cosumar
World Cup Tournament Play: TBD

Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Photo of the Day: Cosumarite defender Kennedy Kopenhaver denies Jesselton's Zulfikri Shari his third goal of the day.

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 4:19 am

OOC - While I specified the goalkeeper and three central midfielders via TG, D&S chose the rest of the squad.

Memorandum

From: Andronicus Lecapnuso, SBIS liaison to HEFA

To: The HEFA Board of Directors

Subject: Why we must never have gods play for the Holy Empire again.

World Cup 49. The mere words send shivers down your spine, don't they? Or they should. I won't go into detail, but you'll remember what happened in the final; and never mind the final, there was that whole unpleasant incident with the Milchama squad....

So, what do you think my reaction was when I heard you were going to lump Tzimisces with a squad of gods from a variety of different pantheons plucked from several different realities just because some self-declared 'pantheist' in Qlumez dreamed that it was a good idea.

I assure you it was not relief - though at least you seemed to have learned your lesson in so far as you avoided including any Aztecs.

But let's look at that squad, shall we?

GK: Koschei the Deathless
RB: Shatarupa, Hindu Beauty
CB: Zaria, Slavic Beauty
LB: Aphrodite, Greek Beauty
RW: Loki, Norse Trickster
RCM: Zeus, Greek king of Gods
CM: Thor, Norse Thunder
LCM: Hera, Greek Marriage
LW: Perun, Slavic Thunder
CF: Brahma, Hindu god of creation
CF: Odin, Norse king of gods

Could you have come up with a squad better designed to be incapable of playing?

The three full-backs spent the entire 90 minutes bickering over who was the most beautiful, the right winger kept slipping out of position into the back line to encourage bickering between the full-backs; because 'that's the way I am'. The right central midfielder, left winger and central midfielder kept bickering over who could wield the mightiest thunderbolts. The left central midfielder spent the entire second half of the match attempt to wreak terrible vengeance on the right central midfielder for impregnating the attractive female assistant referee at halftime while he had taken the form of something called a 'David Beckham', and the two forwards couldn't stop arguing over who should take greater credit for all creation - an argument the left winger would join in on when he wasn't trying to show the entire stadium just how big his thunderbolts were.

What were you thinking?

And you express surprise that our unbeaten qualifying streak suddenly came to an end?

After you fielded that squad against the defending champions?

The only bright spot - the only good idea you had - was putting Koschei the Deathless in goal. Because he was amazing. He singlehandedly kept us in that match against all the odds.

And you know why? Because he doesn't like Baba Yaga, and "wanted to show that ageing witch bitch that she's not the only immortal evil spirit of the Slavic World who knows a thing or two about football". So our goalkeeper focussed on the game just because of some ancient vendetta against the Kagdazka and Pazhujebu coach.

Congratulations, you must be very proud of yourselves.

Why don't you try a better idea for the next match - you know, like that Bostopian one about fielding a team of personifications of famous World Cup nations. At least they might actually be able to play the game we're supposed to be really rather good at.

Sometimes, honestly, I really do despair.

Yours,

Andronicus.

by **The Babbage Islands** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 4:58 am

It's that time again. This is the RP cutoff for MD 14 in my five interzonals.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Fourth Round Interzonal Results (MD14)

by **Khytenna** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 5:27 am

Khytenna win first game in interzonal
Churchma 0

Khytenna: 2
Firestone 22nd 44th

Reporter John Dark.
Khytenna got a moral boast as they beat Churchma 2-0 last night, both goals scored in the first half.

The First mistake Chuchma made was to give Firestone to much space, he exploited this opportunity in the 22nd minute, as he made a run in space, makinga powerful low shot just inside the penalty box, scoring the first goal and giving Khytenna the lead. Churchma made some attacks in the first half, but the Khytenna defence was solid, one shot tested Troy, but he was playing great once again. Khytenna’s Second goal come from firestone once again, this team he beat his marker to a cross and headed it past the advancing keeper, Khytenna looked smooth and where in control of the game.

Khytenna and Chuchma struggled to make attacks as both sides defence had cloused up, but Firestone nearly had a chance to get his third from another cross, this time by Thorne, but tho post denied him. Churchma’s Jack Durman had a one on one with the keeper, but Troy managed to take the ball to the chest and kept his clean sheet.

Khytenna win for the first time, a win against a good side like Churchma will surly do wonders for the team moral.
Coach Proctor told us that
“i think we played excellent today, it was a very good match where the Khytennan quality came through, we will certainly take the positives of this game forward for a our next game!”

The team is Below:

GK 19. Roary Troy (25 Blue Bay)
RB 3. james Ursua (vice captain) (23 Blue bay)
LB 2. Shad Vancil (23 Keltyme Foresters)
DC 17. Nelson Bohannan(26 Alterdamm Merchants, Gray harbour)
DC 15. Oliver Testerman ( 22 Atlético Central, Cafundeu)
RM RM 7. Casey Thorne(captain) (24 Xephic Reds)
LM .16. jamie Pittenger (20 Blue bay)
CM 12. Malik Deshazior (21 Percepi Sharks)
CAM 4. John Carmichael (21 Central FC) (21 Percepi Sharks)
FW Lini Pellett (20 AC New Haven, Silver beach)
FW 9. Fergal Firestone (20 blue bay)

by **Cassadaigua** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 6:07 am

Good morning. It's time for your RP cutoff.

These Results will mean my half gets the last-day drama this time!

by **Haginonia** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 6:40 am

Loss Puts Haginonia in Third Spot

Haginonia have been defeated by top of the table Sorthern Northland two-one putting them in third place in the inter-zonal stage. Haginonia only scored one goal in the match through a great attacking display, one of the very few throughout the match. This leaves Haginonia three points ahead of fourth, fifth and sixth positions. Even if Haginonia lose and a side below them gets up, they will still move into the world cup on goal difference. But no matter where they end up, Haginonia will go into the next game against fifth place Cosumar with high hopes of a win, ensuring they make it to the world cup.

"We may have lost today, but we are in a great position to qualify for our first ever world cup," coach Aloizs Sakars said in the post-match press conference, "this will be a monumental event, the greatest of its kind in Haginonia's short history. It will be a tough match, theres no doubt about that, but I am sure our boys will continue playing competitive football and show the rest of the world that we are in fact one of the best 32 sides out there."

MD1
Arda 2-0 Haginonia (Donovan Field, Mariana, 35,000)

MD2
Haginonia 5-2 Jesselton (Nonsense, Blah-dee-blah, 45,000)

MD3
Haginonia 5-1 Nethertopia (Castle of Night, Brunswick, 60,000)

MD4
Sorthern Northland 2-1 Haginonia (Valhalla Stadium, Valhalla, 105,000)

MD5
Cosumar v Haginonia (Adam Levy Memorial Stadium, Catherina, 95,000)

Delaclava Interzonal Standings

   Team                    P  W D  L For  Ag +/- Pts
 1 Sorthern Northland      4  4 0  0  10   2  +8  12 Q
 2 Nethertopia             4  3 0  1  10   5  +5   9 Q
 3 Haginonia               4  2 0  2  12   8  +4   6
 4 Jesselton               4  1 0  3   5  11  -6   3
 5 Cosumar                 4  1 0  3   3   8  -5   3
 6 Arda                    4  1 0  3   5  11  -6   3

by **Tynelia** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 7:12 am

Pessimistic Times

Look Ma! No Goals!

Yup that’s right, once again Tynelia couldn’t put the ball in the net and lost to a team we had never lost to or even gotten a draw against. Sibirsky to the tune of 1-0. With only one match left against Al-Mumtaz who also falls in the category of teams that haven’t beaten us so they will tomorrow, Tynelia finds itself sitting in the cellar right where they belong. Those crickets you’re hearing are all those fair weather optimists who were dancing in the streets after we started out with a draw and a win against the two top seeds of the groups. As usually once reality set in and we lost our next two, including this one to a lower ranked squad, they all vanished again.

But hey the team should be used to losing to lower ranked squads, they did it all through the first round to Greater Tyrol and People who like Lasers of all teams. Why should the next round be any different? Oh sure technically we’re still alive but way too many things need to happen for us to move on. First we have to hope Albundania doesn’t bring in the 5th string to face Sibirsky in the last match to avoid any injuries and beats them. Then Kulverint either has to get a draw or a win against the Institute. Oh and the toughest part of all- Tynelia actually has to put the ball in the opposing net and get a win and move up to the number 2 spot. A draw is useless to us so expect a 0-0 match as the offense shows it’s fire once again after back to back shutouts. Technically we can also weasel in if Sibirsky loses like before and Landeu wins as well as our winning. That puts us at the three slot.

But if those things happen, and technically only one of the other match results need to take place since we only need to move into third to advance, then Tynelia will again weasel its way into the next stage just like they pulled off in the CoH in their last match with…Al-Mumtaz- certainly not going to be any thoughts of revenge there I’m sure since those same scenarios and a win by them puts them into the WC proper. Just like it did in the last match of the first round barely edging Greater Tyrol to weasel past Les Jeremies for the last qualifying spot there. Maybe the weasel and not the ferret should be our team nickname seeing how things have gone so far.

Oh yeah one last point, while I clearly over-estimated the competence of our defense so far as 5 goals have been given up compared to my projected 3, it seems I’m right on as far as how offensive our offense was going to be. With one match left we have two goals. How many did I predict for us? That’s right…2 goals. And let me see. Oh look in three of our four matches we didn’t score a goal, and the one match that we did we scored two. Why does that sound familiar again? Oh yeah, because that’s what I said before this thing even started! Yet people don’t listen to me except for you my loyal readers. The best part will be after we lose Coach no goals Malloy will be history. We can only hope so keep your fingers crossed readers!

by **Novikov** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 10:06 am

Finally!

After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Pretty Awesome Persons in their third Interzonal match, the Novikovian national team seemed doomed to finish last in the group. "If we couldn't clench a game against [bottom ranked] Pretty Awesome Persons, our prospects for the group don't look promising," commented team manager Tomasz Bel following the match in steamy Pazhujebu.

The team's next match, against internationally respected Die Alder from Burchadinger, on paper appeared to be much more difficult. While Die Alder were hovering in fifth place with the same 0-1-2 record as Vlajka-Košile, the teams had met once before in the Cup of Harmony 43 where they appeared quite evenly matched. A draw in this match would spell doom for Novikov's hopes of reaching the World Cup this year.

Looks can be deceiving, however. The team traveled back to Oktyabrsk, Kagdazka to meet Die Alder, where they were well recieved by the local Kagdazk population, who turned out in large numbers to watch the match, despite freezing rains the entire matchday. The inclement weather couldn't keep spirits down, though, and inside the stadium the crowd was abuzz as the two teams stepped onto the field. The Novikovians quickly took control of the ball, and confidently scored in minute 8 with a fast pass and run on the goal by midfielder Zupan, assisted by Brasič. Burchadinger cried offside, but no penalty was called and play continued. In minute 18, Die Alder answered with a beautiful header by Sigmundson. Control passed back and forth several more times, then L. Cvrtlanik made a miraculous steal, appearing out of nowhere to snatch a pass from Schmidt intended for Fischer. He drippled past two more defenders to score in minute 29. Frustration at the fast score led to a blatant tip by Muller. Minute 36, Polzin stepped up for the penalty shot, easily curving the shot into the goal. The first half ended with Novikov leading 3-1.

In the second half, Die Alder began to press their attack more aggressively. They managed three close shots, two saved by Rybar, the last bouncing off the upright. However, an over-zealous Smolák was yellow carded for a tackle on that third shot, and Schultze made an expert goal in the resulting penalty shot, tightening Novikov's lead to 3-2 in minute 56. The Novikovians responded with a wide shot on goal by L. Cvrtlanik, headed in by his brother Czech in minute 65. The Novikovian defenders were drawn into another two penalties late in the game, Chmela and Kadlec both receiving yellow cards for tackles - Chmela bringing gasps from the crowd when she took down Klogh, a man almost twice he size. These two penalty shots were Die Alder's final chances to take back control of the game. Both failed, the first caught by Rybak, the second flying wide, over the crossbeam. After the second miss, the Novikovians again took control of the game, holding the ball in the midfield where the worked to create more shooting opportunities. Late in the game, in minute 84, this payed off, with an excellent pass by Polzin, turning an attempted off sides trap into a scoring opportunity for Balázs. By this point, Die Alder had run out of steam and the game ended after two minutes overtime 5-2 for Novikov.

The victory pushed the Novikovian team into 4th place, keeping them (barely) in contention for a slot in the World Cup. Their chances don't appear good, though. In order to advance, the Novikovian team will have to win against heavily-favored Bears Armed, and even then a difficult H2H disadvantage against Bostopia could complicate matters. Still, anything can happen in international football. Will Vlajka-Košile have what it takes to beat the Ursines for the first time ever, or will they be doomed to the Cup of Harmony instead?

by **Bears Armed** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 11:32 am

Marra SunDaughter is speaking to the Press after her team’s match against, and narrow defeat by, Aguazul _

“Yes, that score was just a teensy bit different from the result of our previous match over here: For one thing the heat has been getting to our squad, even with these verrry short furcuts that all of us have been sporting since just after the journey down from Kagdazka, and for another Aguazul simply has a better team than Bostopia does at the moment. Oh, and Aguazul’s current side probably already knew bit more about us, from older players’ stories and tapes of when our teams met each other in a World Cup ‘group stage a few years back, than did the Bostopians: Rather surprisingly, considering how long both nations’ teams have both been involved in international competition for, it seems that the match in Pkethat Šede last week was actually the first occasion ever on which a Bostopian team met an Ursine one…”
(OOC: I’m fairly sure that that’s the case, anyway…)
“Hr’rmm, bearing that in mind, I wonder whether the Bostopian players failed to realise that the reason why most of our people there had their mouths so wide open for so much of the time was so that they could try to cool down a bit by panting, and mistook it for threat to BITE them instead, and thatwas why they seemed even less willing than most first-time opponents to challenge ours for the ball?”

by **Aguazul** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 11:57 am

(OOC: Thanks to Bostopia for coming up with some of the dialogue and plot twists towards the end.)

"Those have to be ours!" General Carlos Lopez repeated. "Who else would have a bunch of dinosaurs running around?"

"They don't look like tanks," Corporal Roberto Velasquez cautiously noted.

"I don't care. Let's at least send some transfer ships over to take a look." Lopez reproduced the crumpled excuse of a map. "Now which of our troops are closest to the United Free Republics...?"

*

"I don't know when I'll come back," Ranemiro sighed. "Maybe...maybe I'll be safer somewhere else."

She looked at him impassively, big eyes and yearning ears.

"It's a transport job. It's...I'm probably safer, this way. Maybe, maybe I can start climbing through the ranks, get more...more freedom, to go where I want to go."

"You want," she began slowly, "to be...a rock star." A pained look danced across her face. "Or do you?"

"Yeah. But I want to be a rock star. And for that I have to stay alive, right?"

She bit her tongue, head lolling back and forth. "They say you live fast, and die young."

"They say a lot of things about a lot of people." Ranemiro glanced down at his uniform. "Some of which aren't true."

"Don't be stupid," Lily finally said. "But don't sell out. Please."

"I'll try," said Ranemiro. "You know I'll try."

*

Columba stood nervously at the microphone. Speaking in tongues sounded nice as an idea, but actually translating for the ship was something else entirely.

"They asked for identification," she nervously said.

"Ah...all right," Hidalgo replied. He'd seemed so nervous ever since getting the assignment. Weird, Columba thought; he should have been happy for getting to leave what was more or less a war zone for transport duty. "Tell them, tell them who we are."

"This is the Plata class ship nine," she replied.

Hidalgo was there, watching her squint as the Bostopians replied. Nervously, she rattled off their explanation.

"No, they want, um, picture identification. Name and class of vessel, date of launching, photo, that sort of thing."

Hidalgo just shook his head. "Tell them we need time."

She did so, to what seemed to be a response of assent.

"Right," said Hidalgo, head in his hands. "Maybe we should just..." He gazed out of the boat, shaking his head once he'd lifted it up again. "Okay. Okay, let's...get on it. Does our boat have a name?"

"You're the captain," Isaio pointed out.

"Right. Uh. Our name is the...Halma. Does anyone have paper or pens?"

"What would we need paper or pens for?" said Joaquin.

Hidalgo shook his head. "Okay. Never mind. We're gonna need a photo of the ship? Anybody have one of those? Anyone have something we can shoot one with?"

"I do!" Joaquin exulted.

"Excellent. Bring it out."

Joaquin did.

"...Does anyone have a camera?"

One was eventually produced; the government needed stirring footage of military triumphs, after all, and a blurry shot of the deck was duly created. There was, however, still no way to print it out.

"Forget it. Someone will sail it over and memorize all this," he decided. "Okay, we're the Halma. What else did they want?"

"Class of vessel, date of launching..." Columba squinted. "Don't remember what else. Maybe whether we want to donate our organs?"

"Plata class, October twentieth, and no."

"What year?"

"¡Goal!" came the television's voice, as Sesmiro Marroquín put Aguazul on the scoreboard.

"...They didn't ask for a year," Hidalgo sighed, "let's not give them one. Okay, we ready? Who's getting in the boat?"

They glanced around nervously, until, with a glare at Ranemiro, Hidalgo said, "You are."

Camera slung over his moody shoulders, he made his way into the fast boat. "Where is their ship, anyhow?"

"Good question," said Hidalgo, "get on that."

"Uh, yeah, we have our identification ready," said Columba, "Where are you again?"

"Oh, us? We're just a lighthouse station you could probably easily overpower if you wanted to." She rapidly translated while Hidalgo's stare grew more incredulous. "If you just go ahead we can forget about this incident and you won't come and beat me up for hassling you?"

"...Yes," Hidalgo finally had Columba say. "That sounds like an excellent plan."

by **Cafundeu** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 11:58 am

FOLHA DA CAPITAL
O jornal no lugar certo na hora certa da notícia

Edição de Quinta - Ano 240 - Caderno III - Preço: V$3,50

WORKING AND SUPPORTING

Well, I cannot say that I like him, even though I am also a journalist. Perhaps this is because the journalists should be the ones who hate him the most, as he tends to butcher the news only to add his style on them. But my job today is exactly to follow one day of his work. Since the media source he works for, which name I won't reveal here to avoid doing free advertising for them, is not affiliated with our newspaper, and even has an agreement with one of our market opponents, I think it is alright to criticize him. And I believe I good percentage of people from all around the world will agree to me, so to say bad things about him ends being a popular comment. But, as he allowed us to make his story about him, although he is yet to read what I've just written. So, my mission of that day was to meet one of the most famous Cafundelenses in the world, the television commentator Breno Gavião, famous for his tendencies of repeating things, forgetting things, saying wrong things, expanding letters and praising commercial products everytime in order to increase his bank accounts, but the last one isn't exclusive of his.

When I arrived at his place, which wasn't a hotel but a luxurious and giant apartment room rent just for him, he was having lunch. The match was going to be played at 18:30, just like the first match versus Pasarga, so maybe these would be good news for Cafundéu, since we won that game. He was eating a lot, being served by a professional chef who, as I could notice, was using earplugs to endure working for Breno. During the meal, I attempted to ask him some questions about his job, but he was quick to interrupt me in a rude manner: "Can't you see I'm eating? Save your interrrrrview for later, take something to eat too." So, I had to wait for him to finish all the plates, as he even ate them. "Don't worrrrrrrry, they arrrrre comestible", said him. Perhaps it would be better if they weren't, and he choked with the porcelain pieces. Anyway, finally I could ask him about his day of work, and what he does before the match in order to prepare himself for the job of commentating the football game. "As I follow Cafundéu for a long time, I am used to our playerrrrrs... sometimes I forrrrrgot one player name or another, but few people notice. But I have to study the names, faces and shirrrrrt numberrrrrs of the opponents of Cafundéu durrrrring the match. Therrrrre arrrrre some cases in which I find it difficult to differrrrrentiate playerrrrrs, but in these cases I mumble something incomprrrrrehensible and everrrrryone thinks I just said a weirrrrrd name."

From the moment after the lunch until the time to go to the stadium in order to have the last preparations inside his media source's cabin, he does exactly this: he studies the opponents, the names he's going to say, and several information which just serves for curiosity: "Honestly, we don't have much to say durrrrring the brrrrroadcasts, even when the game is interrrrresting. So we have to fill the gaps, we simply cannot stay silent. That's why we rrrrrreceive lists and lists of statistics and historrrrrical inforrrrrmation, so we can thrrrrrrow them to our viewerrrrrs. This way, not only they notice that we don't have anything useful to say, but they also will think that we arrrrrre extrrrrremely intelligent and know everrrrrrything about football, even though all these data was taken frrrrrrom the interrrrrrnet, and not even by me! These tons of statistics and comments about all the history behind football in both nations involved in the match, they arrrrre just to spend time... at least these I don't have to memorrrrrize, I can rrrrread frrrrrom the paper." He also says that different papers filled with information that is not exactly related to the game are sent to the other commentators, such as the tactical commentator and the refereeing commentator.

But there is still more things to say during the match, as Breno Gavião points out. "Commenting about the match is the least imporrrrrtant parrrrrt, and prrrrrobably the thing that occupies us for least time durrrrring a game... we just say one or another player name, and starrrrrt shouting when the player rrrrreaches the opposite arrrrrea, and scrrrrream goal when it is a goal. The imporrrrrtant part is in these paperrrrrs herrrrre." He then shows me the list of sponsors of the World Cup, the ones who have bought ad spaces for the game. Everything is very organized: the approximate minute of the match in which Breno will have to talk about the sponsor, what he has to say, and with which kind of intonation. "As we simply cannot have commerrrrrcial brrrrreaks durrrrring a football match, as they would be rrrrridiculous, we need to define well the moments to talk about our sponsorrrrrs, and we have specific things to say about each of them. This substitutes well the brrrrreaks, and is the most imporrrrrtant parrrrrt of being a commentator: you need to have the talent to sell these prrrrroducts with your voice. And, another imporrrrrtant thing: when therrrrre is a goal, you talk about the next sponsor in line too!"

And then it is time to go to the stadium. Everyone related to the television broadcast is already there, making the last preparations to put the match on air, without problems. Just imagine the anger of the Cafundelenses if the image simply disappeared during a Monopolist attack... this simply cannot happen. But Breno Gavião doesn't need to worry about this, as he isn't a member of the technical team. Therefore, he is the last one of his media source's staff to enter the stadium, going immediately to the cabin. There he meets the refereeing commentator, who is his best friend but also the person he disagrees with the most, thanks to the fact that he simply cannot understand the football rules no matter how much his friend explains them. So, he keeps thinking that he is right when he is not, and the refereeing commentator insists that there is a rule and that the rule is different than what Breno just said, but Gavião does not admit this, and this goes one to infinity. Well, the match begins, with Cafundéu having a key game against Akbarabad, in which the victory is needed if the Monopolists want to go to the World Cup. And, right from the start, Breno uses the information he studied about, showing me how important his personal preparations were.

Of course we cannot forget to include in this report one of the goal comments of Breno Gavião. It is of the first goal of Cafundéu, scored during the first half by Nico Lewton. His words: "Good ball contrrrrrol on the left wing by Esquerrrrrdinha, he manages a good pass to the midfield with Marrrrrco Aurrrrrélio taking the ball. Avoids well the marrrrrking of Alam, gives the ball to Maurrrrrrício on the rrrrright wing, good chance to attempt a crrrrrossing... and this is what he does... good heading by Zakir Ahmed, the ball goes to the entrrrrrance of the arrrrrea, Lewton with a powerrrrrful shot... look at the goal, look at the goal! GOOOOOOOOAL! For Cafundéu! Lewton, number five! Now the scorrrrreline shows Cafundéu one, Akbarrrrrabad zerrrrro! Do you need to rrrrrent a car to take something frrrrrom the airrrrrporrrrrt, or to trrrrravel to the beach? Well, the solution is TudoCarrrrrrrros! No minimum age necessarrrry, you don't even have to have a drrrriver's license! TudoCarrrrrrrros, your desperrrrrate solution!" The game continued good for Cafundéu, with Romergleydson scoring the second goal still during the first half.

In the second half, Akbarabad even attempted to scare the Monopolists scoring with Hossain, and went to attack by putting Hamid Kabir in Ishan Akbar's place. Breno commented this one: "And the Cafundó do Juta player enterrrrrs the match. This one I know well, I commented severrrrral of his matches for the TQCC and the Cafundelense league, it helps when even the opponent team has playerrrrrs you know, and surrrrrely is the biggest advantage that the international charrrrracterrrrristic of the Prrrrrimeirrrrrona gives me." However, he wasn't able to help his team to improve, and Cafundéu scored the third goal, in a beautiful move involving Cone and Romergleydson. Breno commemorated the victory, noting that the qualification which seemed to be almost lost was close now, and finished his work. The soap opera begun to be broadcast instead, and he could relax. "Time to return to my apartment, the work is done today." He leaves the stadium in his luxury car, while all the other staff of the television channel have to pack their things, in a long process that will still take hours, whenever Gavião will be enjoying a free time.

by **Landau Institute** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:53 pm

OFFICIAL REPORT FROM LANDAU INSTITUTE SQUAD
topics: missing home; solution

We've been here in Sorthern Northland for weeks now, doing our studies and playing football on behalf of the glorious Landau Institute. As much as we are honoured to serve our Institute, some of us are clearly missing home, since none of our relatives or even patients, with whom we have a close relationship, could come with us. This may lead to lack of concentration and even mistakes during the matches, which can be a reason for our low level of performance during this interzonal stage. Luckily, we only depend on ourselves for the last match, so a victory in the next game will help us to proceed with the studies, sending us to The Babbage Island or Cassadaigua. But what about the ones we are missing? Surely this will make our stay longer, and we find it hard to be away from someone we love, and to a place we love too. The Institute is our home, and it is another thing we miss. Can this have such a serious effect in our performance. Surely it can. Missing a person or a place is not just wanting something that you don't have right now, but something you feel you must have. It opens a hole inside you, and you never achieve full concentration and satisfaction with it.

But we must keep our objective in view, which is to continue looking at our opponents and the places we visit in order to study their customs. So, in order to minimize the negative effect that the feeling of missing someone is bringing to us, we will give our players a new surprise. For each of them, we will bring a relative or a close patient to watch the football game in Sorthern Northland, and all our hotel rooms and the changing room will be decorated in order for them to look like an Institute room: with its completely white walls, medical equipment and several books for study. With this, they may feel in home, and together with the ones they love. If this is not going to give them enough motivation and happiness to succeed, we simply cannot think of something that would. But please, masters of the Institute, don't think that we are getting soft: we would love to use their agony as a way to study better the human behaviour during these moments, but we must not forget our current objective, which is to qualify for the World Cup. But no study opportunities will be lost: cameras were installed to record their reactions when they look at the decorated rooms.

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 1:56 pm

The Sporting Gazette

Well, yet another final day decider.

Well, as far as our research suggests, this is the first time some form of qualification in the World Cup went to the final day for our team, with our last closest being eliminated on the penultimate day of World Cup 52 qualifying. The Zonal stage's last day was to decide which of EL and Akbarabad would go where.

Since our last report, the EL team have had the expected win against Jalanat, the disappointing loss against Qazox, and the expected loss against Kagdazka and Pazhujebu. The scores have been 6-0, 3-1 and 1-0 respectively. Here is the rather shortened description of each match:

EL 6-0 Jalanat: Shabeen Ahmad III scores a hat-trick on his return from injury, with Sameer Ahmad, Thomas O'Henly and Ben Madison each getting one. Jalanat goalie Ren Sishemuya found himself sent off 5 minutes into the game, tripping up Sameer Ahmad in a bid to prevent a goal. Shabeen then scored the penalty, and doubled his lead 15 minutes later, slotting Alex Gallagher's square pass into the net, and the lead extended to three by Thomas O'Henly, heading in Ben Madison's corner 6 minutes before stoppage time. The remaining three goals came in the second half, with Ben Madison getting his headed goal early on off Thomas O'Henly's cross. On the hour mark, Sameer Ahmad made it 5-0 with a superbly taken shot from the corner of the penalty area, and Shabeen then bagged his hat-trick on the verge of stoppage time, brilliantly swerving a free kick into the top corner.

EL 1-3 Qazox: Not the best of days for the team, with their only highlight being the piece of brilliance that led to the equaliser. Tanya Calivn opened the scoring with barely 20 minutes gone, getting the best of Wayne Brookes and getting the shot just beyond the reach of Aidan Jagger. Sameer Ahmad equalised with 32 minutes gone after some world class build-up play from the front three, causing a collision involving two of the Qazox defenders, one of whom seemed to badly injured and had to be taken off. But play wasn't stopped, Sameer found himself clean through and fired the ball home. However, in the second half Shabeen Ahmad then made a rare mistake, seeing his weak pass being intercepted by Makala David, and the resultant counter-attack resulted in Lonnie Dobbs scoring. The three points were secured after was could only be described as a strange conflict in the EL penalty area. A few shoves between Ben Madison and substitute James Hinkley, both waiting for corner, led to Thomas O'Henly being penalised for handball. He then started a fight with Hinkley, but it was broken up and both players were shown yellow cards. However, the ref had also awarded a penalty, which Hinkley then put home to secure a 3-1 win and an almost definite berth in the World Cup.

EL 0-1 Kagdazka and Pazhujebu: Nothing much to say here, except that Bolov Narozhylenko scored 29 minutes into the match.

This leaves us with group table looking like this:

QPeMA Interzonal Standings

   Team                        P  W D  L For  Ag +/- Pts
 1 Kagdazka and Pazhujebu      4  3 0  1  7   2  +5  9 Q
 2 Qazox                       4  3 0  1  7   5  +2  9
 3 Eastfield Lodge             4  2 0  2 10   5  +5  6
 4 Khytenna                    4  2 0  2  6   6  +0  6
 5 Jalanat                     4  1 0  3  2  11  -9  3
 6 Churchma                    4  1 0  3  2   5  -3  3

And these are the remaining matches:

Qazox v Kagdazka and Pazhujebu @ Estadio de la Esperanza, Minanda
Khytenna v Jalanat @ Estadio Victoria, Ambrose
Eastfield Lodge v Churchma @ Jewel in the Desert, Monolithia

If we win, Kagdazka and Pazhujebu win and Khytenna win, then there will be a three way tie-break between us, Khytenna and Qazox. Head-to-head will be bypassed, as each team has won one and lost one against the other two. Each team will also have an equal number of wins, which means that we will advance in second place with the best goal differential, depending on the actual results. If we win, Kagdazka and Pazhujebu win and Jalanat win, then we will advance in third place behind as Qazox due to head-to-head results. If we win, Qazox wins and Khytenna wins, then there is a three-way tie between already advanced Kagdazka and Pazhujebu, us and Khytenna, which means we will advance on head-to-head. As we have a deadline to work to, we won't go into detail about the rest of the possibilities, but simply put, if we lose we're just about out, if we draw, then we'll be running a high risk of going out, and if we win, we're through to our first ever World Cup finals. Also because of the deadline, our usual last-day prediction bit won't make a feature.

Team to play Churchma at the Jewel in the Desert: Starting XI (all fit)

Goal Tally WC54Q:
Shabeen Ahmad III: 16
Sameer Ahmad: 11
The Doctor: 5
Hadia Ahmad: 2
Ben Madison: 2
Thomas O'Henly: 2
Rory the Plastic Centurion: 1
Sarah Douglas: 1
Callum Douglas: 1
Toby Callahan: 1
John Bell: 1
Adam Johnson: 1
Alex Gallagher: 1

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 2:44 pm

OOC - please don't feel hard done by if you've been left out: there were only 11 spots on the team...

Juan Tzimisces smiled to himself. Never mind those bickering incompetent gods... this was a proper team. The sort of team he could see winning a World Cup. He offered up a silent prayer to the dreaming Bostopian who'd come up with this lot; never mind that the basic idea looked awfully similar to something the Landau Institute had tried in WC 53 - he knew he could work with this.

He ran his finger over the team sheet....

In goal: the personification of the Archregimancy - intransigent, intolerant, but as reliable and rock solid as something that would serve as an adequate metaphor for something reliable and rock solid.

At left back: Bostopia - like Emperor Boston himself, a little bit erratic, and a little bit eccentric; but basically harmless, and not as wholly without ability as some would like to claim.

At centre back: Rejistania at their defensive peak - an orange-blue skinned humanoid speaking an incomprehensible language, but second to none when in defence.

At right back: the ursinification of Bears Armed - big, furry, and a monster when it came to defending (or indeed attacking) headers, or forming a defensive wall.

The he practically salivated over the midfield....

On the left wing: Cassadaigua - female, pink, and proud.... and very, very good indeed.

Left central midfield: A purple-skinned personification of Starblaydi football - looking not a little like their most famous player - carrying the skill of unprecedented success in his shiny purple boots.

Central midfield: Juan Tzimisces - well, he did like to take the field every now and then, and could anyone claim that he wasn't the true personification of the Holy Empire's football team?

Right central midfield: A cyan-skinned personification of Krytenia - every truly successful team needed one of these... someone who may never be in much danger of winning anything by themselves, but whose popularity was the glue that held the rest of the squad together.

On the right wing: Brazillico - a blast from the past indeed, but possibly the single most technically skilled team in the history of the World Cup, and worthily personified out on the wing.

And the forward line up? Oh yes....

Ariddia - Not just World Cup founders, but worthy world cup winners, and once co-hosts of the World Cup with the Holy Empire

Valanora - The only team to rival Starblaydia for overall success, and worthily elvinified on the forward line.

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

And Swartaz never knew what hit them. 4-0 down inside 20 minutes, they were simply torn apart by one of the best displays of Frosty Football since Ug-Ug had almost singlehandedly powered the Holy Empire to the WC48 title.

Tzimisces gave them credit for never entirely giving up, but really.... from the first goal, it was only ever going one way; it had been a beautiful move involving some exquisite interplay between Starblaydia and the Holy Empire, before Brazillico was unleashed on the right by a pinpoint pass; a perfect cross then found Valanora, whose header was bravely saved, only to be tapped in by an Ariddia who had left his marker for dead.

It had been that sort of night.....

He just wished that every night could be that sort of night.

The next match against Valladares certainly wasn't going to be; retired champion racehorses? Just what sort of squad was that supposed to be?

by **The Andromeda Islands** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 3:28 pm

Andromeda News Service
November 12, 2013

PAGE 1 – NATIONAL NEWS – ALEXANDER CASTLE - PERSEUS STATE

Yesterday, on the third anniversary of his selection as President of the Allied States, President GA Holst announced that he would not seek a third two-year term as President.

“Healthy democracies have occasional transfers of leadership,” President Holst said at a Press Conference from Alexander Castle in Perseus State. “I have been honored to serve as President of the Allied States for the past three years.”

Holst was selected as President in a closed session of the Assembly of the Allied States three years ago. Last year, Holst was re-elected with the support of 70% of the Assembly vote.

Several Assembly members have already announced their intentions to succeed Gustavus Adolphus Holst as President of the Allied States, including Conservative Leader Ted Ellis, Treasury Minister Bryce Silver and Social Democratic Assemblyman Mike Knox.

PAGE 1 – SPORTS SECTION – WORLD CUP QUALIFYING - BOSTOPIA

The Andromeda Eagles will face an elimination game tomorrow against Delaclava at Ortega Field in Henrikstad.. The winner will be assured a place in the 54th World Cup.

“The competition has been much tougher than it was in the Baptism of Fire,” Coach Diana Lazzaro said after the game.

There was talk on the sidelines yesterday, during the Lady Eagles’ 2-1 loss against Mantwenic, that all wasn’t well with the Eagles.

“A few of my teammates celebrated prematurely in Bostopia Grand Park a few nights ago,” Asha Maharashtra admitted. “Thankfully, the good people of Bostopia have been very kind and hospitable to all of us.”

“It’s true,” Catherine Zeta Watson said. “The park system is very open and the people here are very friendly. We experienced the green green grass of Grand Park. And the mushrooms.”

Watson, the Eagles’ leading scorer, was missing from the starting lineup yesterday.

Bianca Knox, the player of the game, scored the lone goal for the Lady Eagles. She had some comments about their next opponent, Delaclava.

“My husband, Mike Knox, played for the Eagles when Delaclava hosted the Basketball Championship,” Knox said. “If their soccer team is anything like their basketball squad, we’ve got a good game ahead of us.”

When asked about any off-field incidents, Knox was diplomatic.

“Whenever we travel abroad, we try to experience the culture of our host nation,” Knox said. “There’s such a thing as ‘too much experience.’ Coach Lazzaro will deal with those players appropriately.”

by **Qazox** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 3:59 pm

The Road to One Big Island and World Cup 54

ZERO.

Just being a point away from the World cup, doesn't mean that you will get that point, a lesson Qazox learned today, falling to Kytennia 3-0. There was almost no excuse for the suprising loss, made even more suprising due to the fact that the Pheonix had won their last 10 games. But with 3 goals scored in the first 27 minutes, Qazox basically tried to limit the damage and get out of the match healthy as possible.

2 goals from Lini Pellett (15', 27') and one from Fergal Firestone (11') was more than enough to keep the Khytennian hopes alive.

Now, as we thought it would, it all comes down to the Kagdazka and Pazhujebu match. Kagdazka and Pazhujebu despite having the same record as Qazox, has clinched a berth, due to wins over both Eastfield Lodge and Khytennia. Qazox once again just needs a win or draw to advance or a Khytennia loss or draw against Jalanat to qualify. The exists a possibilty of a 3-way tie between Qazox, EL and Khytennia; and Qazox would be the likely odd-team out based on Goal differential.

SCORELINE

QZX  0 0  0
KHY  3 0  3

Scoring:
Fergal Firestone (KHY) 11'
Lini Pellett (KHY) 15'
Lini Pellett (KHY) 27'

Estadia Pika, Pika City. Capacity: 84,562

Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg. Capacity: 94,500

Qazian Memorial Stadium II, Qazox City. Capacity: 100,052

@ New Bruxen Hotel & Casino Field, New Bruxen. Capacity: 77,721

by **Khytenna** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 5:18 pm

in with a fighting chance as Khytenna beat Qazox

Qazox: 0

Khytenna: 3
Firestone 11th
Pellett 15th 27th

Reporter John Dark.

the look on Qazox’s keeper Thomas Evans said it all, Khytenna dominated the game thanks to fast moving of the ball. They had won the game in 27 minutes taking the interzonal to a nail biting finale

It didn’t take long till Khytenna’s Wonderkid Firestone got a first of the game, Khytenna looked dangerous, but Qazox didn’t expect this goal. Thanks to a perfect one-two pass Firestone had a chance in the box, but he had Johnson hanging of him and he also had the advancing keeper, But somehow he managed to chip the keeper and put the ball in the top right corner, Firestone ran off to celebrate, leaving the keeper with the an expression a complete supprise (one that will be used in news papers all over the world) Khytenna decided to explote this shock and 4 minute later got there second of the night, this time it was from Lini Pellett, a simple goal as Firestone made his way into the box he passed the ball to a changing Pellett who and an open goal, 2 Goals in the space of 4 minutes had the Khytennan crowd going crazy whilst the Qazox crowd feel silent. Khytenna got there third and Last goal thanks to a deep cross by Thorne when given a free kick from 45 meters away. The cross went deep, and Pellett had beat his marker and volleyed home the goal in the 27th minute, Khytenna had done enough to win the game and they knew it.

In the second half Qazox was just defending, making sure they didn’t take any more goals, and they did it very well closing down the play making sure Khytenna didn’t get enought room. They did however, make themselves a break from a counter attack where Torry Earned his Clean sheet, a shot was made by Mullen who saw that Troy was of his line, He made it a powerfull direct shot, but somehow Troy managed to rush back and drive to push the ball away, A super save by a super keeper!
So Khytenna give themselves a hope of going to the world cup, it is a slim chance but they might do it, Coach Proctor made a small statement after the game, concerning this.

“i think that we can all agree, win or lose tomorrow, qualify or not, we have out done ourselves and have made our nation proud, we have achieved so much in what has been our best world cup qualification ever! We have so much positives we will take with us out of this competition, that we can all pat ourselves on the back. We know, that we have a chance tomorrow, all we need to do is win, the rest is what will happen, we know we can beat Jalanat but that is all we know”

The team is Below:

GK 19. Roary Troy (25 Blue Bay)
RB 3. james Ursua (vice captain) (23 Blue bay)
LB 2. Shad Vancil (23 Keltyme Foresters)
DC 17. Nelson Bohannan(26 Alterdamm Merchants, Gray harbour)
DC 15. Oliver Testerman ( 22 Atlético Central, Cafundeu)
RM RM 7. Casey Thorne(captain) (24 Xephic Reds)
LM .16. jamie Pittenger (20 Blue bay)
CM 12. Malik Deshazior (21 Percepi Sharks)
CAM 4. John Carmichael (21 Central FC) (21 Percepi Sharks)
FW Lini Pellett (20 AC New Haven, Silver beach)
FW 9. Fergal Firestone (20 blue bay)

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 5:24 pm

The Cosumarite Courier
World Cup 54: Cosumar defeats Arda to keep World Cup dreams alive
Cosumar's #1 Sports News Source

BELIRI, DELACLAVA - Last night, Dimitar Catalon Battleground was completely full with 70,000 rowdy fans in attendance. The intensity was cranked up to top notch and both teams were feeling the pressure. Within minutes of the kick-off, however, the athletes of both Cosumar and Arda had left their nerves behind and focused in on the game, adrenaline pumping through them. The players moved with precision and instinct that had been drilled into them throughout their years of tireless training. Both Arda and Cosumar had worked their whole life for this moment. But by the end of the game, only one team would be leaving Dimitar Catalon Battleground with a victory, with their World Cup dreams intact.

Cosumar got off to a quick start and was already up 2-0 by the halftime break, both goals coming from Rikki Varshney. The first came in the 21st minute on a penalty kick when an Arda defenseman was flagged for tripping. Varshney made the Arda tripper pay and kicked a bullet that reached the net before the Arda goalie had a clue. Varshney found the net again in the 29th minute off an assist from Jakk Klyde. Varshney outraced some defensemen to the box and punched the ball in over the approaching goalie's head. Dimitar Catalon Battleground erupted with yells and cheers from Cosumarite fans upon the Dragons' second score. But Arda wasn't going to go away that easily.

Arda degraded Cosumar's comfortable 2 goal cushion to a 1 goal lead in the 60th minute. One of their strikers bowled over DF Thomas Hair, with no penalty, giving him nothing but an open field between him and the goal. GK Jude Adjei-Kontoh, who is still recovering from illness in match day 3, was powerless to stop the Ardan player from scoring.

The game took another interesting turn in the 79th minute when Arda scored on a corner kick - quite a rare occurrence. Everyone in the Battleground watched in silence, mouths gaping, as the beautifully arched kick sailed from the corner and into an unreachable section of the net. It truly was an amazing kick, probably one of the finest of the Cup. The Arda fans in the building were rejuvenated. The game was tied 2-2 with only ten minutes remaining.

"In the second half we were a little bit too relaxed when we had our 2-0 lead. The best teams get ahead, and stay ahead, and we failed to do that. Where ever we're headed after match day 5, whether it be the Cup of Harmony or the World Cup, we will not be able to afford to let teams come back on us late. We let Arda get back into the game, but luckily, we were able to hold on for the win" Klyde said.

The game winning goal was scored by the Dragons in the 88th minute (2 minutes remaining). Thomas Hair booted it up the field to Brian Emerson. Emerson dribbled forward briefly then dished it up to Teemu Koponen. Koponen saw an opening and dashed towards the goal through the middle of the field between two defenders. At the last second, when the defenders were upon him, Koponen lobbed it to Varshney. The Ardans were wary of Varshney who had already lit them up twice that night. Varshney sprinted towards the goal and saw Jakk Klyde wide open, trailing him. Varshney attracted the defense and feinted a shot, but actually dished it to Klyde behind him. The Ardans fell for the feint and didn’t notice Klyde practically waltz into the goal behind their backs. Dimitar Catalon Battleground erupted in thunderous yelling and cheers. The final two minutes quickly eclipsed and the Dragons left the field with a much-needed 3-2 victory over Arda.

Delaclava Interzonal Standings

   Team                    P  W D  L For  Ag +/- Pts
 1 Sorthern Northland      4  4 0  0  10   2  +8  12 Q
 2 Nethertopia             4  3 0  1  10   5  +5   9 Q
 3 Haginonia               4  2 0  2  12   8  +4   6
 4 Jesselton               4  1 0  3   5  11  -6   3
 5 Cosumar                 4  1 0  3   3   8  -5   3
 6 Arda                    4  1 0  3   5  11  -6   3

After the penultimate match day of Interzonals, top 10 powers Sorthern Northland and Nethertopia have already qualified for the World Cup Proper, as you can see above. Sorthern Northland has played especially well and has not lost a game since World Cup 53. This leaves Haginonia, Jesselton, Cosumar, and Arda all scrambling for that coveted 3rd place spot - the spot that will send one more team to One Big Island for the World Cup. Haginonia sits in 3rd place for now with 6 points, with the remaining three teams following behind with 3 points. If Haginonia defeats Cosumar in match day 5, they will qualify. If not, a complex series of tiebreakers could come into play. It will be interesting to see how it all turns out.

In yesterday's edition of The Cosumarite Courier, we claimed the Dragons were practically eliminated. We said that the events that needed to transpire for the Dragons to advance were "too unlikely." We even began discussing the Cup of Harmony and World Cup 55 rankings! Boy, we have never been gladder to be wrong! Despite the odds, everything went just the way Cosumar needed in match day 4. The Dragons are now looking at a legitimate shot at the World Cup proper.

Not only did Cosumar get their first win since Zone 7 play, but Haginonia and Jesselton both lost - which needed to happen for the Dragons to avoid elimination. A victory over Haginonia in match day 5, converged with a Jesselton loss, would send Cosumar to One Big Island for the World Cup.

"This week, there has been a really intense atmosphere at practice and at team meetings. We've worked for the chance at a World Cup for years, and now that it’s actually within our reach, it feels unreal. We'll do our part and defeat Haginonia - the rest is up to chance" Varshney said.

Indeed, even if the Dragons do prevail over Haginonia, they are still not guaranteed a spot. If Jesselton defeats Arda, there would be a three way tie-breaker likely resulting in Haginonia's advancement. However, if Arda defeats Jesselton, Cosumar would likely win the tie-breaker and be well on their way to joining 32 other elite teams for the biggest sporting event in the world.

However, it all starts with defeating Haginonia. Haginonia is ranked #108 in the world, but don't let that fool you. They won Zone 4 with 22 points and have surprised many top notch teams, most notably their match day 13 upset over #7 Nethertopia by a shocking margin of 5-1. The Super Eagles are similar to the Dragons, both being slightly offensive-minded teams with a plethora of scorers. Haginonia is led by Manager Aliozs Sakars, who is gaining recognition as a fine manager. On the field, Cosumar's Manager Farris Crowley believes that Simba Emilike is the Super Eagles' most dangerous weapon.

"Haginonia is an excellent team, miles and miles more advanced than their rank labels them. Simba Emilike is one of the top forwards in the World Cup and their defense is exceptionally solid. They held Nethertopia to 1 goal, and scored 5! But you know what? Our team is excellent too! We both have something to prove, it will be a heated match" Crowley said.

Cosumar and Haginonia will face off at Adam Levy Memorial Stadium in Catherina, Delaclava in front of 95,000 rowdy fans. It's win or go home for the Dragons. Everything is on the line. Will they rise up and emerge victorious or get their asses whooped by Haginonia? It will all go down tonight. You can watch the game on CSBN-channel 89 or get live updates at thecourier.cos/worldcup.

For a report of the match versus Haginonia, check out tomorrow's edition of The Cosumarite Courier. Below you can find the list of the Delaclava Interzonal's final games, Cosumar's schedule, and the photo of the day.

Thanks for reading,

Tom Hairston,
Staff Writer

Match Day 15, Delaclava Interzonal
Jesselton v Arda @ Gareth Haschell Memorial Stadium, Catherina
Nethertopia v Sorthern Northland @ Golden Phoenix Field, Catherina
Cosumar v Haginonia @ Adam Levy Memorial Stadium, Catherina

Cosumar's World Cup 54 Journey
Publishers Cup 1st Round: Cosumar 0-0 Delaclava
Pre-Qualifying Friendly: Cosumar 0-0 Churchma
Matchday 1: TaeGyeongGiJang 1-1 Cosumar
Matchday 2: Cosumar 1-2 Royalsoldiers
Matchday 3: Cosumar 1-0 Bazalonia
Matchday 4: Pasarga 3-0 Cosumar
Matchday 5: Cassandra Alyce Silver 0-4 Cosumar
Publishers Cup 2nd Round: Moresnetujo 1-2 Cosumar
Mid-Zonal Friendly: Cosumar 3-1 Unitopolis
Matchday 6: Cosumar 1-1 TaeGyeongGiJang
Matchday 7: Royalsoldiers 2-4 Cosumar
Matchday 8: Bazalonia 1-1 Cosumar
Matchday 9: Cosumar 4-3 Pasarga
Matchday 10: Cosumar 2-0 Cassandra Alyce Silver
Publishers Cup 3rd Round: Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 1-0 Cosumar
Pre-Interzonal Friendly: Cosumar 2-3 Osarius
Matchday 11: Nethertopia 2-0 Cosumar
Matchday 12: Cosumar 0-2 Sorthern Northland
Matchday 13: Jesselton 2-0 Cosumar
Matchday 14: Arda 2-3 Cosumar
Matchday 15: Cosumar v Haginonia
Publishers Cup Final Round: Cosumar v Kulverint
Post-Interzonal Friendly (King's Cup): Khytenna v Cosumar
World Cup Tournament Play: TBD

Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Photo of the Day: Cosumar's MF Brian Emerson (shown) and the rest of the Dragons have been working hard at extra practices this week. The Dragons are focused on playing at the height of their abilities in preparation for the vital game against Haginonia.

by **Jeruselem** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 5:55 pm

Sam Sallad and Princess Helena Troi Dallas (Jeruselem WC54 captain)

Sam:
Hi, this is Sam Sallad for Jeruselem Government News and Naked News Jeruselem in Valladares. Today, Jeruselem took on fellow Greater Prussian team Reijistania and came out with a draw. One all.

Helena: Good morning everyone.
Sam: So, a 1 ALL draw. Some people think our team went easy on our fellow Greater Prussians so they didn't lose the game in order not to get eliminated from the interzonal.
Helena: That's rubbish. We're here to win games. Reijistania know how to defend unlike our last three opponents.
Sam: well, it was a tight game.
Helena: We were limited in our scoring chances. Reijistania shut down our attack very well.
Sam: They aren't big scorers are they.
Helena: Yes, they aren't like us who depend on smashing the defense like a battering ram. They are more patient.
Sam: It was a little dull for some.
Helena: It was hard work, no room to be creative. Getting one goal was hard work out there.
Sam: They are a hard team to break down in defense.
Helena: Always have been.
Sam: Are we hoping they make it?
Helena: For sure, when we play them - they are opponents and we want to win. Otherwise, good luck them them.
Sam: Jeru FC had an exciting draw 4-4 with Rennidan.
Helena: Jeru FC can score goals but defending is not their forte.
Sam: Good entertainment value for all concerned.
Helena: Well yes, they've made the finals anywway.
Sam: I hear you're not playing the next game?
Helena: We're going let the kids have a game. We don't need the win anyway.
Sam: It might be seen to helping other teams?
Helena: I'm not getting any younger. Last thing we need is one of our veterans getting injured in a game for no good reason.
Sam: Thanks for your time Princess.
Helena: No problem. One more thing ...
Sam: Yeah?
Helena: I'd like congratuate Jeremy and Stacey in Newmanistan in their planned wedding.
Sam: Oh yes, me too.
Helena: Good luck to them.

by **Cotdelapoms** » Thu Feb 03, 2011 7:05 pm

First thing's first- the Apples are one match away from making the World Cup despite being placed in an Interzonal group with two former winners of the entire World Cup (including the defending champs!), and two other nations much stronger than us as well in Valladares and Swartaz. Getting this far represents the greatest success in Cotdelapomais football history, and is worthy of praise. That said- wouldn't it be great to see our boys at the World Cup?

Don't get me wrong, it would be unlikely. We'll need a good result against the defending champs Dorian and Sonya, who are not exactly pushovers. There's not a major international gambling website on the internet giving us good odds, and BetMargaret.cdp, often the most pro-Apples site still has D&S as heavy favourites. It's going to take a miracle to win, but for some fans, that's enough to keep them going. Fans like 89 year old François Page of Charlevoix, who still makes the train trip to every Cotdelapoms' national team home match, and who will absolutely be perched in front of his TV this Saturday for the deciding match of the Interzonals. He's optimistic the Apples can get their miracle, as it's a miracle he's even still here rooting for the Apples.

Page suffers from Mary-Ellen's Disease, which affects muscle function in his legs and makes it so that he has an incredibly difficult time getting anywhere when he walks. In any given trip, his legs essentially cannot take multiple steps forward at a time, so he must step forward and then backward, assuring that the forward trip is always larger than the backward trip in order to make any progress. Doctors frequently suggest he get a wheelchair or a power scooter, but Page is spry and refuses to ever be confined as such.

Near the end of French Albion rule over Cotdelapoms, they famously experimented with certain chemicals in the Saint-Antoine River, and some of them have been shown to have caused this disease, which affects about 1000 Cotdelapomais. For the first time ever, Page was flown in to Newmanistan to be an inspiration to the side, and players credit him for inspiring the Apples' to their victory over TailsPrower. Here's hoping he can do the same for them this weekend in what will be the most important match in the history of Cotdelapomais football!

World Cup 54: RP thread

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