World Cup LXI (61) RP Thread

by **United Gordonopia** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 7:43 pm

Previous Entries in "Norm Bates: Tolten's Fire"

Everything had happened so fast. New München, the inner colonies, the nationwide chaos... no war. Civil War. Whether one preferred to call it the Second Civil War, or, as some on the rising Monarchist side liked to view it as, the War of Restoration, it was undeniable that in a matter of a month the entirety of United Gordonopia had been thrust into conflict. The Republic, in power since 1863, was now fighting for its survival against the very monarchy it had supplanted. And, following years of corruption and strife, it was having the fight of its life.

Small comfort it was to Norm Bates that the war had not yet reached Tolten. That didn't change the fact that the streets of the vast industrial metropolis were in their own state of war. Many of the laborers who had been imprisoned for so long in the city's slums had taken the Monarchist cause as their opportunity to escape. Facing the combined powers of the city's police, and the Republican Army, which couldn't afford to lost its primary industrial base, thousands already lay dead. But at least they had stood.

The fighting itself had, of course, prevented any new season of the GFA from beginning. Because of this, and the fact that he had not yet been drafted, Norm had spent most of his time confined in the few blocks that surrounded his upscale apartment. After weeks, though, he was beginning to become stir-crazy. He himself was itching to enter the conflict that had drawn so many throughout the nation. It was not for the old order that he wished to fight, though. After growing up in the abject poverty that so many of his old friends were now fighting to escape, and even as an adult having to face the dark side of those who had thrived under the Republic's banner, he too wanted change. He could no longer sit around.

Knowing this, he decided to leave the comforts that his lifestyle could still offer. Taking back alleys and pathways that he hadn't navigated since his youth, he found his way through the city, past the numerous checkpoints and barricades. With only his cloths on his back, he finally found where he wanted to be: Riverwork. Home.

Hustling through the shadows, he maneuvered to where he had heard whispers of a major rebel headquarters place. Confident that he had found the place, he walked carefully onto the grounds of Riverwork Municipal Secondary. Almost immediately, he was met with a yell, and found himself with a gun pointed to his back. When one of the unseen men appeared to recognize him, though, he was led into the school with whispers.

Inside, he found that the rumors were true. The halls that he had walked as a student now buzzed with the activity of a growing rebellion. Tattered men and women were everywhere, many of them armed, many empty-handed, but amidst the mixed feelings of hope and despair, one could feel that everyone had the will to fight. After being taken through the halls, he felt his heart leap when he saw a familiar sight: Mr. O'Connor in his former classroom, now some sort of ad-hoc command center.

With a start, the man, Norm's mentor, the one who had first given him hope, turned and stared with a deep happiness.

"Norm. Welcome home. I pray to God you've come to join us."

by **Equestrian States** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:16 pm

ESPN: Equestrian Sports Programming Network
Equestrians Hold Cosumar to Scoreless Draw
By Steve McNotapony

KALDUKOSK, COSUMAR - For the second straight time, Cosumar halted the Equestrian offense, but this time the Equestrian defense returned the favor. While Cosumar remains undefeated, the Equestrian States managed once more to stay in the hunt. Going into last night's match, the team knew that it had to win or draw to have a realistic shot at qualifying or earning a play-in berth. The defense stepped up to face the challenge.

Flitter and the other Equestrian defenders had minimal World Cup experience going into the qualifiers, but as was witnessed last night, they have earned the respect of the nation. Holding a usually powerful Cosumar offense to just 13 shots, they proved themselves worthy of admiration on the international stage. Unfortunately, Cosumar's Tomi Koskinen also displayed his prowess in front of the net, easily knocking aside several Equestrian shots. Fire Dash and the rest of a much-improved Equestrian offense were visibly frustrated, but Head Coach Twilight Striker was smiling for most of the match.

When asked afterwards for her thoughts, she had this to say, "I'm proud. We came to the home of a team that has qualified for the last seven World Cups and seems likely to qualify again, and we stopped them cold. I can't deny that we still have room for improvement, but this is a good start."

The Equestrians will travel home for their final match at the Equestria Dome against Jeptier before heading on the road to close out the qualifiers.

by **Karditan** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:19 pm

Dorian Berard 'harumphed' as he sat down in his hotel room. Sure, it can be nice when your roommate leaves the team and the guy replacing him can't stand you so you get your own room, but not having Pierre around was proving to be a bit of a drag. Company was hard to come by and the prostitutes were putting a hole in his wallet; the only thing he had left to keep him reletively sane was RLStates. While running North Korea was never quite a 'dull' experience, his RP feud with South Korea had died down mightily and America didn't seem all that bothered by the prescense of COMMUNISTS! now that the USSR CTE'd.

Sure, it was fun dropping dummy-missiles on Japan and then saying 'woops' and shipping old AKs to Iraq and Iran and watching them shoot each other silly, but all that is only entertaining to a point. Now and again one gets the really strong urge for sport--even professional soccer players. Unfortunately, those bastards at FIFA (some piss-poor approximation of the WCC or something) are absolutely terrible with their scheduleing. It takes forever and a half to get qualifiers done with, as they make the hosts unnecessarily space out matchdays to make it feel 'more realistic' or some bullshit like that.

As is, Dorian is anxiously waiting to see if glorious North Korea will emerge once again as the dominant force from the Asian conference. Anxiously waiting for Brazil to scorinate his matches, just like the rest of the players participating in the World Cup, surely. Or maybe they had something better to do. Dorian probably had something better to do, as the lone defender on his team after losing 3-0 to a team ranked only slightly above them, but oh well. The internet doesn't leave much room for improving oneself.

He refreshed the page again. Dammit. Still no scores. Wait... isn't Emaneul's wedding tomorrow? Yeah, it's before the game against the Califans. I should probably get a suit or something ready... but then again, I don't want to miss the scores.

by **Pasarga** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:21 pm

"So, that was a poor out of it I would say, after things were going so well with the new manager."

"Aye, though the victory was still there for the squad, which at this point in time, may be better concern than the actual style of the victory."

"I suppose that is true, I was just getting so used to seeing a free flowing and potent Wanderer attack through those first three games and this one brought that to a sudden halt. But I suppose it is like you said, this qualifying process is a marathon and there will be peaks and valleys."

"I did and you are right, be it though that this particular valley is just a small matter of playing style and not lost points. Never take the win for granted or you shall soon find yourself seeing those wins become draws and draws becoming losses. Overconfidence is just as much as a detriment as not enough confidence."

"Were it that easy to be as calm and level headed."

"Each person is different and perhaps my way is not the way for all, but there are elements from all my pieces of advice that any and everyone can and should take to heart. Advice freely given is advice that ought naught be wasted, for it is a gift and not some burden as some may take it to be. Same as criticism, it is a means for someone to find their faults and correct them, not for one to be feeling as if they are singled out and made a fool out of. At least, such is the way with constructive criticism at any rate."

"And how does one translate that to football?"

"Simple, take the faults from one game and correct them in preparedness for the next, and repeat until you are champion or eliminated."

by **Kinitaria** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:22 pm

(OOC: There's not as much as usual here but I have been rather busy lately. Normal service to be resumed.)

KINITARIA'S World Cup dream remains alive after they completed a double with a 3-1 success over HorusLand, meaning that they match pace with their group rivals as qualification enters its final stages.

They remain third in Group 10, four points behind Milchama, but with a game in hand and plenty of time to make up that deficit. Realistically speaking, only the top three teams in the group - leaders Polar Islandstates making up the trio - have any chance of qualifying now.

They're used to fast starts to matches in this qualifying campaign, but this time, Kinitaria found themselves pinned back early on. Novakolsky was allowed far too much time and space on the ball, and when his cross came in from the right, Kinitaria were fortunate that Ozolins could only swing at it and send it over the bar, not troubling Costin Petran at all.

And Kinitaria would be left stunned as their opponents took the lead. It was a simple move which broke down the Kinitar defence, Furedi finding Nikolajsen with a perfectly weighted ball, the HorusLand forward taking the ball around Spirlea and teeing up Ozolins, who buried his first-time effort low in the bottom corner to give the hosts a shock advantage.

A packed home defence, obviously having set out their stall to stifle the Kinitar attack and play for a point, largely limited Kinitaria to shots from range. Indeed, the blue-clad front line were queueing up to have an attempt on goal, but the closest they got was when Sabčot's curling effort was pushed behind by the HorusLand keeper. The resulting corner predictably came to nothing.

But it wasn't long before Kinitaria would find the breakthrough. The goal was simple route one stuff when it came, Luka Sabčot collecting a wild goal-kick downfield from Petran which the defence was unable to pick up on. From there, the Kinitar striker cut inside, leaving Ionescu in his wake, and had the simple task of beating Alexandrescu at his near post to level up the scores.

The equaliser seemed to knock some of the momentum out of HorusLand and some of their early attacking play quickly faded. They were increasingly forced onto the defensive as the Kinitar attack exposed some gaping holes in their back line. Indeed, Mihalcič should have put them ahead when he found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Alexandrescu recovered well to parry the weakly-hit shot away for a corner.

The final few minutes of the half belonged to Kinitaria, and they were unlucky not to go in ahead, what was effectively a front four making life difficult for their hosts when a Vacarestič cross found the head of Naoumov, but the midfielder's effort sailed just past the post of the relieved Alexandrescu. It was the last action of the half, and the teams trooped off with HorusLand holding a draw that, on reflection, flattered their first-half performance.

If the opening period of the first half had belonged to the home side, it was Kinitaria who seized the second. They made their intent clear when Preda was hauled down just on the edge of the box - despite furious claims for a penalty, a free-kick was awarded instead, 18 yards from goal. Sabčot stood over it and powered the ball over the wall and into the back of the net to give Kinitaria a deserved advantage and - one for the history books - score his side's 100th international goal.

HorusLand hadn't been completely knocked out of the game, though, and they responded in turn with some fine attacking football that led to Sokolof seeing his right-footed effort from range beaten away by Petran to force a corner. Yankovic got his head on the resulting inswinger but Petran was more than equal to it.

In time, though, the balance of the play swung firmly into the Kinitar camp. They had forced HorusLand back into their own half almost permanently by the time Preda's effort from outside the box forced some fine goalkeeping out of Alexandrescu, and soon after, substitute Malpomir would test the keeper from close range with a volleyed effort that he did well to stop and hold onto.

But Kinitaria would have the chance to kill off the game just moments later. It was a defensive error which led to the chance, Constantin giving the ball away cheaply to Luka Sabčot 20 yards from goal. With no-one in his way, the Kinitar striker tapped the ball across to substitute Malpomir, who had an empty net to aim at and he made no mistake to secure the victory for Kinitaria.

Two goals to the good now, it looked as though the floodgates might open, and that was almost the case when Naoumov crossed a floating ball in from the right. Sabčot got up higher than everyone else to head home, but the linesman on the far side had spotted an infringement - Sabčot had jumped unfairly and impeded Alexandrescu. Replays after the game showed that this was probably the correct decision, and marked the last key incident of the match as the teams proved to be less adventurous in the closing few minutes, the outcome already decided.

Manager Tofiq Yurovič after Kinitaria's comfortable 3-1 win in HorusLand:
"We've got a victory and that's the important thing in these conditions. We've kept up with Milchama and Polar Islandstates, we're going to have to overhaul one of those if we're going to qualify and it's not going to be easy, but we do have the game in hand and we've still got both of them to play, so there's always a chance. No-one thought we'd win the Baptism of Fire either, did they? The dynamic of the group's shifted once already, because now Polar Islandstates don't look like certain winners, there's no reason why it can't do so again and there's no reason why we can't sneak into second by keeping up the brilliant play I know we're capable of and taking the game to the top teams in our group. I have confidence that the squad I pick can do the country proud, no matter what happens.

Regarding today's match, we've gone behind early on which is always a blow, but we've got the players to adjust to that and come out firing on all cylinders, and they've responded with a good equaliser and then, following on from that, a completely dominant second-half display. It's an absolutely vital win and the players knew how important it was, but they haven't let the occasion get to them and they've played some fine football. The defence was only called into action a couple of times but they've still done well to shut out the threat - because any team poses a threat if they can get forward - and up front, three good goals. I'm no statistician, but I hear that we got our hundredth goal during the match. It certainly doesn't seem like it, but I guess that's testament to the superb displays this team can produce.

Now we've got to do the business against Eastfield Lodge. We've beaten them once already away, and - well, I've got no comment to make on that team. Just that we know what to expect and we'll be preparing for the return fixture as we would any other match, and we'll be coming out with every intention of seizing a win. That's what we need to keep our qualification bid going."

HOR 1 - 3 KIN
(43%) Possession (57%)
(3) Shots (10)
(2) On target (6)
(3) Fouls (4)
(1) Corners (5)
(2) Offside (3)
(0) Yellow cards (0)
(0) Red cards (0)

Kinitaria team ratings: Petran 8, Sala 7, Lupei 8, Andonov 8, Spirlea 7, Vacarestič 8, Naoumov 9, Kovačev 7, Pročazka 8, Mihalcič 7, Sabčot 9.
Substitutes: Malpomir (for Mihalcič 70) 8.
Goals: Sabčot 30, 49, Malpomir 78.

by **Jeru FC** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:28 pm

Felicia Day and a tired looking Melody Pond ...

Felicia: Hey, you looking partied out.
Melody: Yes, still recovering from last night.
Felicia: Get laid?
Melody: No, I'm not a Dallas
Felicia: I thought you'd be a party animal.
Melody: No no not me

Felicia: We're party animals.
Melody: I noticed that.
Felicia: Party hard BABY
Melody: I done mine for the month.
Felicia: Life's too short not to party.
Melody: Partying can be dangerous.

Felicia: I suppose so.
Melody: Don't think I'll be able to shout today.
Felicia: We should make you party more often then.
Melody: Hey, I don't do that very often
Felicia: More parties for you young lady
Melody: I blame my princess friend

Felicia: So then
Melody: She's very persistent
Felicia: Ha, you like partying then.
Melody: I don't recover very well though
Felicia: More practice Pondy
Melody: I'm not young anymore

Felicia: You still are.
Melody: I suppose I am
Felicia: You feel old because we're younger
Melody: I should hang around old people then?
Felicia: No, party harder.
Melody: I thought you'd say that.

by **Valanora** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 8:34 pm

A little cut off on the way to greatness.

Scores

by **Qazox** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 9:40 pm

World Cup 61
ASMV-Valanora

Thanks to Mapletish's 2-0 win at United Gordonopia, Qazox has clinched at least a playoff berth. But the group lead in down to 3 points, meaning their showdown this Tuesday night in Mapletish will basically settle the group title. A Mapletish win would tie the group up, whiel a Qazox win would put them 6 points up with 3 to play. A record crowd is expected in Corazones Estadio, inStruggait City, as an additional 4500 temporary seats are being placed in the stadium.

In a special treat, one of the Eagles has written a poem about qualifying so far, Tobias Carrera.

We've played hard, fast and free
and in all but one match, earned victory.

While I've had but one start,
all of us have done their part.

Now with the goal so close,
We're ready for a World Cup dose.

But we can't fail or falter,
or else there will be no Cup altar.

Next we face Mapletish, everything at the stake
a loss on the road would make our hearts ache.

But a victory, if we can earn it,
would be sweet, I'll admit.

Here is to the successes of the team so far,
and may we never stop reaching for that star.

Our destiny lays within our reach,
and hopefully, We'll celebrate on beach.

To all the rest of the teams still alive,
we salute you all as you strive;

For the same goal that all teams do seek,
but only the strongest will survive, not the weak.

by **Slembana** » Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:32 pm

The Slembana Times: Argh! A loss!

By Peter Whiteman, chief football reporter

We never like to see ourselves lose. A loss was exactly what happened toaday in World Cup 61 qualifying - we lost 1-0 again to Ancharmunn, meaning they have completed the double over us. They are 52nd in the world, but that's not a good enough excuse.

We should have opened the scoring in the 5th minute, only for Val Kylx to fire wide from 3 yards. Ancharmunn's star striker then saw an overhead kick saved by our goalkeeper, Toby Gapman. We were dominant for most of the half, with Kylx, Jyvx Dagens, Dorrin "Donkey" Forrester (the striker who's only scored one goal in 13 internationals), and our captain, Gavin Stockwell, all seeing shots saved by the Ancharmunnian goalkeeper. Ancharmunn were mainly defensive during that first half.

In the second half, Ancharmunn were more attacking, pinning us back in our own half. Their star striker, star playmaker, left-winger, and star centre-back all came close, so it was no surprise when they scored a winner late on. Their star striker recieved a lovely dinked ball from their star playmaker, and volleyed it past Gapman. After the match, our manager, George Gray, was told by the chairman of our FA that if he lost the next game, he would be sacked.

by **Ko-oren** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 2:51 am

Another loss

All fans knew that match 12 would be a difficult one. But after the positivity of the training staff around the match, many believed that the Greenblues would stand a chance against the sole dominators of the group, the FSSO. The home match was played in Tangku, in the south of Ko-oren that suffered from a heat wave just days before the match. On the day itself, it was still very hot, but the first rains in over two weeks finally fell. This meant the match was completely deregulated by the weather: hot, humid and wet everywhere. The fans surely entertained themselves in the rain. The team gave less reason to celebrate after Ko-oren lost 1-3.

As said, this would be the most difficult match except for the away match at FSSO. FSSO have been getting win after win and a good result in this match would surely change the opinions of the other teams in the group greatly. Especially after poor results: Urbis Tractus and Geisenfried have specifically taken away points that Ko-oren should have had. Not just that, but also Starblaydia and New Montreal States left Ko-oren with 0 points so far. The fifth place seems more and more a pit of quicksand, where no matter what good results come, Ko-oren will stay fifth. Baltskandio who have had some luck are almost at the level of NMS and Starblaydia, five points ahead of Ko-oren. Note that this was a 0 point gap two matches ago. This is especially bad when you consider Baltskandio's staff has not even stuck to a team: there is no official roster released, which suggests that they call players semi-randomly for every match.

This all does not disregard FSSO's good performance. The team is solid and knows when it has to perform and when it can allow a mistake. Yesterday was one of the latter situations: Ko-oren was in no way good enough to compete with the away team. Feeney, Robertson, Paranaya and Pizza played solidly, building attacks when no Ko-orenite striker could get between their passes. Sharp and Needle were playing well, nothing spectacular but they put away their chances when they got them. As the heat kept going during the match, the referee allowed a water break after 70 minutes. By this time, the scoreboard already read 0-3 after two goals by Sharp and one by Needle. After the short break, FSSO did not look like themselves. It took them between five and ten minutes to recompose, but by then, Nemuro scored for Ko-oren after all defenders seemed not to mind. Was there something in the water?

Match Stats:
1 Goals 3
3 Shots on Target 10
9 Shots total 12
0 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
37% Possession 63%

by **Mapletish** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:04 am

The Lions' World Cup LXI Qualification Journey
United Gordonopia 0-2 Mapletish;The Lions close gap ahead of important Qazox clash.

Muain Newtons look on as the Lions play.

With a record of one point each in the previous meeting,it was a meeting that both sides look to improve on,however the meeting proved to be the more important encounter for the Lions,as it would mean a do or die match before a 3 point thriller against Qazox that would decided the fate of who would snatch the automatic qualification berth.

The game began with the Lions putting on pressure to the home side as the home side got their first few passes on the pitch.Sloppy passes and slow reactions led to a rather dull first 5 minutes into the match.Intensity started to pick up as the Lions snatched the ball away from the slow responding home side to create their first chances on goal.

Chances are rare and far between and the only real stunner on goal was a half ground volley by Di Natile almost broke open the lock in the 16th minute but it went just wide of the goal.

Despite the lack of clear chacnes,the game had a very intense feel to it,with the home side fouling the Lions within a couple of minutes of each other.The Lions were also responsible for 2 fouls in a minute to keep the ball to their plate.

It took until the 27th minute for either side to create a first opening,as the Lions tailsman Junio tired to curl a shot around Derrick Schmidt in goal,but the keeper managed to parry the shot away to safety.

The game then descended into near-chaos in the 34th minute,as UG's captain,Norm Bates slid in with a bad tackle on Di Natile right in front of the Maplish bench,earning the skipper a yellow card and sparking some minor scuffles between the two teams.Then a mis-communication between Roger Steiner and Fritz Cole led to a scuffle between the two as both of them slide in to tackle Junio at the flanks.

The pair have to be separated by the referee as both of them shook hands afterwards and the play continued.Mapletish managed to create another good chance on goal minutes later from a corner,Junio found himself unmarked but could only place his header wide of the goal.

Immediately,right after that,UG staged a breakaway move through a strong counterattack into the Lions' half,after receiving a long ball through,Jere Tobias managed to get his foot on the ball first and shot from 30 yards out,however his shot was well held by Oliver Kahner.,who was just on hand to save it.

The play started to slide towards UG as they have their second chance on goal,this time as a long ball was taken in from their half to the Lions' half through Vonn Keller as he manage to get another long range effort towards Oliver Kahner who held onto it firm on his feet.

A late first half chance by Junio as he misplaced a shot by an amazing through ball effort by Morison.The chance rounded up the intense first half.

The Lions had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the opening period of the second half through Di Natile,who was instrumental in a number of intricate passes in the build up,his long range passing effort reached Junio and Junio was able to tap the ball into the net to give the Lions a 1-0 lead to be joyful about.

Just a minute later,the Lions had a great chance of getting two goals up.Junio was on hand with the ball and his through pass reached Di Natile who tapped the ball into the net,however the play was ruled to be offside, continuous and zoomed in video replays show close contact with the attacking player and defending player and confirmed that the attacking player was indeed not offside as the defending player's hair is just in front of the attacking player.

Right on the pitch,the Maplish players went up to the referee to question his decision to award the goal as invalid due to the offside rule.However the players backed off moments later.

In a later report the match referee apologise for the mistake putting it as a "human error" on his part and his assistant referee's part.An appeal was made available for Mapletish till Matchday 15,however the Mapletish Sports Federation President Sir Moros Alexander had decided not to persuade the matter any further comment it as "human error on the referee's part and quite unavoidable as the referee's decision is final".

Despite the unfortunate incident earlier on,the Lions continued to hold onto the momentum that they have created as Junio managed to curl another shot from a free-kick in the 65th minute into the goal as it flew past the opponent's keeper fingers just before he was able to catch it.

Right after that goal,the game descended into something of a midfield battle with the Lions pushing the ball around the pitch to keep the home side chasing after the ball.More like to humiliate the players,as the Lions keep onto the procession for a good amount of time.

In the 87th minute,the Lions thought that they could triple their lead through Di Natile'es header from a corner but the referee ruled that the UG's keeper had been impeded,thus the goal was made invalid.

Despite the double set back by the Lions,the Lions still managed to pull off a win to catch their breathe at the top two before a match that will decide the fate of Qazox and Mapletish.

The hot country singer,Daise Pairlesy does a remix before the match against Qazox,check it out !

Seems like everybody wants to win
I wonder how they sleep at night
When their hopes comes first and the truth comes second
Just stop for a minute and think

Why is everybody so serious?
Acting so damn mysterious
You got your eyes on the board and your heels so high
That you can't even have a good time

Everybody look to their left
Everybody look to their right
Can you feel that? Yeah
That beat seems like nothing.

It's not about the result,result,result
We don't need your concern,concern,concern
You're not gona make the world dance
Without you thinking about the result

Ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching
Ain't about the ba-bling, ba-bling
Wanna make the world dance
Then forget about the damn result

We need to take it back in time
When football made us all unite
So it wasn't low blues and boo-hoes
Am I the only one gettin' tired?

Why is everybody so obsessed?
The results doesn't a single thing
Can we all slow down and enjoy right now
Guarantee we'll be feelin' alright

Everybody look to their left
Everybody look to their right
Can you feel that? Yeah
Mapletish is playing tonight !

It's not about the result,result,result
We don't need your concern,concern,conern
We just wanna make the world spin
Then forget about what you think !

Ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching
Ain't about the ba-bling, ba-bling
Wanna make the world spin
Then forget about what you think !

Yeah, yeah, well, keep the results slip in the newspaper
With all the stress right on it
And you can keep the money that you win through the pools
And all I, yes, all I need are the boos and the hoos

And guess what, in 30 seconds I'm leaving to Mars
Yes, we leaving across these undefeatable odds
It's like this man, you can't really think more about this !
'Cause every night,the Lions gona roar for the win !

So we ain't gon' stumble and fall, never
Waiting to see, a sign of defeat, uh uh
So we gon' keep everyone moving their mouth
So bring back the beat and then everybody sing, it's not about

It's not about the wins,wins and wins
We don't need that kind of thing
We just wanna make the world spin
So Let's say we gona take it tonight

Ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching
Ain't about the ba-bling, ba-bling
Wanna make the world spin
Then go for the win !

It's not about the wins,wins and wins
We don't need that kind of thing
We just wanna make the world spin
So Let's say we gona take it tonight

Ain't about the cha-ching, cha-ching
Ain't about the ba-bling, ba-bling
So Make it sounds right
And we take it on tonight !

Oh NO !
That's the REEEE MIX !

John Smiths,Your Football Kaki Pre-Match Updates

John Smiths - Everything just seems to be too exaggerated,a clash just alongside Qazox,the Group 17's very own's first seed.So We err, I meant I will take a look at the current records of our worthy opponents,Qazox.
MD 1 : Qazox 6-0 Zarbli
- Right on day one,Qazox has already made it clear that qualification is the only way to prove that they are superior and worthy of the group's first seed spot,and just take a look a 6-0 win over Zarbli proved that.
MD 2 : Leorudo 1-2 Qazox
- Right at home,Leorudo slowed the Qazox's revolution is an impressing show of stopping Qazox down all over however it just meant some little slowing and pushing about.Changes from matchday one here,as the pace slowed down a little to make way for the Lions who are still down there,HEY ! Where are you looking,I meant down the table.
MD 3 : Qazox 1-1 Dark
- Back at the comfort of their home ground,Qazox was slowed to their tracks with an impressive 1-1 showing by Dark,the only team to have managed to take two points away from the Eagles,not even Turori have managed to do it and so is our forgotten sake,the Lions.
MD 4 : Liventia 2-3 Qazox
- Liventia produced enough fighting around as Qazox managed to go home with a 3-2 win away as Liventia put up quite a fight to at least stay home with 2 goals to give Qazox some embarrassing goal digging.
MD 5 : Qazox 2-0 Mapletish
- Right back from an important bye-day,the Eagles beat the day lights out of the Lions,as the animals that fly have almost better chance of winning then animals that run isn't it,at just a 2 goal gap,it has already shown where the Lions actually stand,right at the feet of the Eagles.
MD 6 : Turori 1-4 Qazox
- The battle of the greatest in Group 17,ended up as an one-sided affair for the Eagles,as they stopped the Eels at home to bring on the Qazox wave,not even the next highest ranking team managed to stop the Eagles from sweeping what they are holding onto from them,the high-flying form.
MD 7 : Qazox 3-1 United Gordonopia
- The high-flying form continues with a beating of United Gordonopia 3-1 at home to show that they are no push overs,the away team got a goal back but were still unable to keep the Eagles from taking away a full three points.
MD 8: Star United States 1-4 Qazox
- The Eagles ate up Star United States before they can even scream for help with a clean sweep of a 4-1 away win.Seemed easy uh?The Star United States were lucky not to have suffered a few scratches on their bottoms as the Eagles scratched their way past.
MD 9: Zarbli 0-8 Qazox
- Marking a 6-0 victory at home against Zarbli,the Zarblians ended up at home with a 8-0 tragic defeat as the Eagles fly past without even blinking an eye to sweep the home side off their footing as they score one goal after another like primary school kids playing a game of football.
MD 10 : Qazox 3-1 Leorudo
- Effective at home but not as the guests,the Leorudo side ended up having to go home with plasters after a 3-1 beating around the bush at the Eagles' home ground,they were unable to tame the Eagles tough.
MD 11 : Dark 1-8 Qazox
- The team that took 2 points away from the Eagles away didn't manage to keep that form at home as the Eagles sweep it hard on the Dark side to keep their very own footing space out with a 8-1 scoring rout to show who is really the boss.
MD 12 : Qazox 2-1 Liventia
- Hover down a little and this time the Eagles,gave Liventia some really good goal digging as they got what they need a three points at home to start on their nice 6 point lead as they slept on the bye-day.
MD 13 : Mapletish ? - ? Qazox
- Expected to be a sell out game for the Lions as the Eagles arrive at the Lions' Den for the first time in their history.

- The following contain references from what happen in the Mapletish Alternative Earth and it has nothing to do with the NS World,however it is somewhat link to Mapletish.

FEATURE : Paolino Innocenzo ; The New Lion ?

At just 19,Paolino has shown that he is eligible for a national team call up sometime soon,his personal attitude and technique has caught the eye of Muain Newtons

Beginnings

Paolino Innocenzo was born in 17 September 1992.Growing up with keen interest in football and playing the game at the nearby Struggait Central Park on Sunday mornings,he recalled it as one of his favourite times.Paolino attended the local St Johnson Primary School and thereafter attended St Johnson Secondary School.In his interview with famous football pundit Paul Hout,he said that " At school,the very first thing I do when I reach school is to jump straight to the vast green field in school and enjoy a game of kick about with my usual gang.Whenever the teacher asked What do you want to do when you're older?' I'd say, 'I want to be a footballer.' And they'd be like "Oh,keep playing with the ball out there in the field and play for Home United someday." On another occasion with Paul Hout he joked that the pushing on effect by his classmates and teachers led him to holding onto a professional footballing career.

Paolino's parents were die-hard Home United supporters who would frequently make the trip right at the tip end of Struggait to Rosfield to attend the team's home matches.Paolino inherited his parents love of Home United,and his main sporting passion was always stick to football.He attended the prestigious Home United Youth Academy and have been training with the Academy ever since till the day he graduate from the Academy to sign his first professional footballing contract.

Being one of the 5 most promising players selected by Sir Billy,Paolino signed the Youth Excellence Scheme contract when he was 13.

Home United

Experiencing one of his dream starts to his favourite team,he made his first appearance for Home United first team,as a substitute in a League Cup match against West Ham United right after putting his pen down to his professional contract.At the age of 16,Paolino was playing a part in the Home United Youth side and also the senior side.That year he made his professional debut,Home United reached the final of the Youth Cup with Paolino being its captain playing in their 8-0 victory against Golden Phoniex,winning one of his last medals of the youth team.Starting most of his games from the bench,he is usually the back-up option for the ageing Francis Lee,partnering Morison and Junio in attack most of the time.

For the entire of the 2008-2009 season,Paolino made his standings clear as he made his league debut against arch rivals Golden Phoniex,a match which ended in Home United's favour,8-0 with Paolino bagging home one of the 8 goals.The spot light was shining on him already.

Paolino made his UEFA Champions League debut,scoring a goal in a 6-0 victory at home to Galatasaray in the final game of the group stage.This victory was of great use as it meant that Home United has swept the group without a defeat and Paolino has his name under the spotlight once more.
In subsequent league matches,Paolino made a further 10 appearances for the rest of the season as he scored 5 goals in 10 appearances,siding his lack of playing time due to an ankle injury suffered in the middle of the successful 2008-2009 campaign,he made due as he finished second behind David Moses as the Mapletish Premier League Youth Player Of The Season.

Right at that season's UEFA Champions League final match against Barcelona,Morison pulled out of the match due to stomach discomfort.The attention is then point to Paolino as he make his first UEFA Champions League final match.At the Stadio Olimpico,Paolino overcome his nervousness streak after failure to score in 2 clear chances.However it was soon overcome as he net it 2 goals and Home United eventually edged out Barcelona 5-0 to win the UEFA Champions League.

In the 2009-2010 pre-season,Home United went on the Audi Cup Challenge as Paolino finished the pre-season challenge with 8 goals.The 2009-2010 pre season was an exciting time once more,as Paolino started to gasp the attention of other clubs all over,with European runner-ups Barcelona inquiring about his availability and offered a sum of 17.5 million euros in a bet to lure him over to Barcelona,Manchester United also made an offer of 17.5 million euros in a bet to lure him over.

However Paolino rejected the offers from both clubs as he cemented his commitment to play football with Home United.In the first match of the 2009-2010 Premier League season,scouts from many different clubs went to scout Paolino.Paolino gave the scouts a good showing as he netted a hattrick to impress the scouts that were in the stands watching him as Home United beat Reading 10-0 in the opening day.

He then went on to make 15 appearances and scoring 8 goals for Home United among that were 14 appearances from the bench. That season's Champions League saw Paolino making 6 appearances including 5 from the bench and 1 on the starting line-up against Internazionale in the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid Spain.The final was won by Home United who beat Internazionale 7-0 with Paolino bagging a goal for the Dragons.The 2009-2010 season saw Paolino appear 30 times and scoring a vast 12 goals for the Dragons.

Paolino was to be called up for the World Cup in South Africa for his wonderful first 2 seasons with Home United,however he rejected the call-up due to the recurring ankle injury in which he has suffered on his first season for Home United.Missing out on an opportunity for Muain Newtons to access his ability first hand.

The pre-season of the 2010-2011 season,the Dragons embarked on the Audi Cup Challenge for the second season running.Paolino did play a part for the Dragons as he came back from his ankle injury and banging in 7 goals for the Dragons as the Dragons take home the Audi Cup.That very pre-season,Paolino made his first FA Community Shield match against Golden Phoniex in which he score a goal and provided an assist for his teammate as Home United win 5-1.

That very season,Francis Lee retired from professional football leaving behind the prominent number 11 shirt.Paolino took on the number 11 shirt leaving behind is number 45 shirt that he has always been wearing for the past 2 seasons.

After Francis Lee's retirement,Paolino take on a major role in Sir Billy's attack as he made 33 Premier League appearances and scoring 17 goals and set up 17 for the Dragons,a well rounded performance for himself.In that season's Champions League,Home United took on Barcelona as the Dragons got their 56th title with a 5-0 win against Barcelona as Paolino bagged a goal from there.

That season's FA Cup and League Cup saw his involvement in Home United's attack wardrobe as he bagged a total of 17 goals in both tournaments.Just as Muain Newtons was about to consider him for the national team role for the Euro 2012 Qualifying,he report out due to an ankle injury that has came on to knock on his door once more.

In the 2011-2012 pre season,Manchester City,Real Madrid,Liverpool,Manchester United,Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona inquired about Paolino's availability with the highest bid coming from both Manchester City and PSG at 35.5 million euros,whereas the lowest bid coming from Liverpool at just 25.5 million euros.Paolino responded by extending his current Home United contract till the 2015-2016 season to cement his position in Home United

Paolino didn't manage to start the first few matches of the campaign as he nursed the ankle injury that have probe him for his first few seasons with Home United.In the end he was only fit on March 2012,and managed a mere 15 Premier League appearance with 10 goals.That season he regained most of his form in the League Cup and FA Cup in which he shone to helped him regain his form.

He also made his UEFA Championships League appearance for the season with 5 matches from the bench and 2 at the starting line-up with a 2 goals in the Champions League finals after Home United beat Chelsea 7-0 to hold onto the Champions League title for the 57th season running.

In spite of his regaining form,he injured his ankle once more as it became one of his most injury prone area and he had to nurse his ankle injury once more and it prevented him from a selection in the Euro 2012 and the Olympics in London.

In spite of that,Muain Newtons have been positive about selecting Paolino for one of his matches soon as Palino looks to be doing well.Palino is currently a hot prospect to be selected for the national team soon,however he didn't really have that chance,but he himself is looking at the positive side as he commented about his mis-chances to be in Muain Newtons' squad " It looks as if every time I get selection for the national team,an injury probe me from going further,however I am sure that i am gona beat that injury streak to join in the National team some day,and not when I'm older."

by **Vilita** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:37 am

VILITA TAKES CHARGE

Jungle Cats crush Octinstine, Now Control Group 9 Fate

Unbeaten since taking over as head coach of the Vilita National Team, Calaesa Mitaroka took charge and delivered a swift and thorough beating to the Jungle Cats qualification chasing rivals Octinstine on Matchday 14.

The look of the Vilitan side that may potentially return to the World Cup Finals is certainly starting to take shape after such a strong performance, although it is clear that Mitaroka is still not set on the Goalkeeping position, replacing starter Nycflala Kater at the games halfway point to get a further look at alternate Jungrii Canopii. In such a critical match it would have seemed a strange move to burn a sub on a tactical goalkeeping change, but no one can doubt the result as Vilita ran away 4-1 winners.

The match opened strongly for the Jungle Cats who earned a series of corner kicks in the opening 15 minutes, eventually capitalizing when Jomur Hulyer's cross was met cleanly by the head of Eda Shindhi to open the scoring.

The visitors did respond quickly, leveling the scores at 1-1 just a few minutes later, but never otherwise looked to be particularly threatening.

The next hour of the match became the Jian Lejsrma show. The flying versatile midfielder created a magnificent individual chance around the half hour mark which gave the Jungle Cats the 2-1 lead at the half, also hitting the bar once and going close on a third occasion, all coming in from the left.

Mitaroka used all three subs at the half, with Canopii entering for Kater, Steffyn Siazzu being introduced in place of Miiara Makose and Yves Gadois making way for Sirkii Moliaudo.

The changes brought even more life into the Jungle Cats who were playing keep-away of sorts from the nameless players of Octinstine.

Jian Lejsrma continued the magic, netting for the second time in the 74th minute. This time, it was a long range effort, after coming in from the left and seeing double coverage, he pulled the ball back to the inside, found some space and ripped an unexpected effort that snuck past after striking the outstretched arm of the Octinstine goalkeeper.

The Jungle Cats did appear to take their foot off the pedal a bit at that point, with the game seemingly out of reach for the visitors, and going back to the keep away instead of applying all the pressure in the final third.

They did take one opportunity that was gifted to them, however, on an errant Octinstine backpass. Under pressure from Lejsrma, the Unnamed Octinstine defender side-footed back in the direction of the goalkeeper but got virtually no 'oomph' behind the pass allowing Sirkii Moliaudo to swoop in easily to collect the wayward ball and round the goalkeeper to kill off the game.

The 4-1 victory moves the Jungle Cats to the top of the Group 9 table, having now fully recovered from their miserable start to the campaign. The battle is far from over, however, with Bergnovinaia just 1 point back and Osarius 2 points back with the critical regional showdown still to go on the second to last matchday which could very easily turn into a winner-takes-all for a place in the World Cup 61 Finals.

	Octinstine
:: Goalscorers :: :: 14' Eda Shindhi :: 33' Jian Lejsrma :: 74' Jian Lejsrma :: 85' Sirkii Moliaudo	:: Goalscorers :: :: 18' Unnamed Player
:: Best Player: Jian Lejsrma :: Worst Player: Rexii Tzikas :: Shots on Target: 8 :: Corner Kicks: 11	:: Best Player: Unnamed Player :: Worst Player: Unnamed Player :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 8

Vilita Jungle Cats (3-(1-4)-2) ::
[GK] Nycflala Kater, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Miiara Makose, [D] Eda Shindhi, [DMC] Retiso Buran, [ML] Jian Lejsrma, [MR] Jomur Hulyer, [MC] Viliaka Morasita, [MC] Rexii Tzikas, [FC] Yves Gadois, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai
BENCH::
[FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Lita Adjei, [M] Resaie Kentiak, [M] Manolis Kontalroma, [U] Steffyn Siazzu, [D] Kadi Molali, [GK] Jungrii Canopii

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Nycflala Kater >>> Jungrii Canopii
(45) - Miiara Makose >>> Steffyn Siazzu
(45) - Yves Gadois >>> Sirkii Moliaudo

by **Starblaydia** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:42 am

Starblydi Football Association,
Jhanna, Starblaydia

"...how does it feel to still be mathematically possible to automatically qualify for the World Cup in Starblaydia's first* attempt to Qualify in twenty years?"

Sitting behind the table at the press conference, with what seemed like dozens of microphones in front of him from all corners of the globe - or Group 12's participants at least - Julius Starblayde leaned forward on his elbows and smiled. It was the kind of easy smile that comes with years of practice, after all he had been at the centre of public life ever since he was a child. His gloriously expensive suit started to bunch around his shoulders until he quickly straightened his back to make it sit better. Usually this sort of question would have been asked to the man on his left, team manager Father Juan the Fifth Takilan, or the man again to his left, team captain Juan Torres.

But Julius Starblayde was the Chairman of the SFA and it was to him that the credit was being given. He wasn't quite sure how, or why, but since he'd been told by Chorus** to make it so that he was head of the SFA, he'd pulled the right strings to do it. Surely his reputation as a former international footballer and brother of the Lord-Protector had allowed him to take the position, but even he hadn't expected this sort of success. For a country ranked 150th in the world, they were about halfway in terms of sheer numbers of nations who played international football, but they were steadfastly at the bottom of the exponential slope that was the international KPB rankings, with The Holy Empire sitting like a colossus at number one.

Julius had made some decisions that seemed to have benefited the team and the game. Persuading Fr. Juan to stick with the same squad of players for Di Bradini, AOCAF and World Cups had been mostly his decision, one that Chorus had approved of and told him how to exploit further. By focussing the whole nation around these twenty three players, or more specifically the sixteen or so players who made up the starting eleven and oft-used substitutes, people got to know the names, faces and even personalities of the young men and women who were representing them. It was the cult of personality all over again, just like it had been with his grandfather Saevion, his father Tiberius, the dark period under Viannor and now the present regime under his brother Curzon. Look in my eyes, what do you see? Jules thought to himself.

"Mathematically," Julius said, "we can still also finish seventh, you know? For that single automatic Qualification spot we'd need nine points from our last three games along with the FSSO losing four in a row, overcoming a goal difference of nineteen in the process. The problem with that maths is that it's all theory. We need to continue to prove on the pitch that what we've been doing for the last thirteen matches is showing the world that Starblaydia are, and are going to be, a force to be reckoned with. I'm not going to pretend that we set a goal of the Play-Off place or higher before Qualification began, but we're extremely happy with our current position in the group, and hope to have maintained it in three matches time."

"In three matches time," the next Starblaydi journalist quickly piped up, "a magnificent twentieth member of the World Cup Hall of Fame will be a Starblaydi. Has this name been decided yet?"

"I'm led to believe that initial discussions are still ongoing," Julius said, not caring for one moment about who would go in the Hall of Fame; it was not a promotion that he had ever cared for, with each nation using it to promote whoever they liked, for whatever reason they liked. "Football is, after all, a game all about opinions, and everyone has at least one as to which name should be put in it next. There are plenty of deserving candidates in the form of World Cup winners, AOCAF Cup and Di Bradini Cup winners, even the Olympic and Kings' Cup winners from a good while ago. I believe the fans will get a say, too, so I'm sure the most appropriate name will be the right outcome."

It was the usual non-committal nonsense, saying nothing in the midst of saying so much. He, like most people in the public eye, had gotten used to disengaging his brain and letting his mouth run, confident that he wouldn't say anything controversial or too much like a soundbyte for this throwaway question. What came next, however, shocked him.

"All the rumours point to the name of Julius Starblayde, what's your reaction to that?"

Jules was, for a moment, stunned. No-one had even hinted that to him yet. Never mind the fact he'd never won anything at international level, despite having captained Starblaydia in an AOCAF once, what did he actually have to show for his skills that had barely brought him, he thought, above the level of international journeyman? Murmurs of approval sounded around the press room.

"I would be very humbled," Chorus said to him, "if the Starblaydi people thought me worthy among all those other names,"

"I would be very humbled if the Starblaydi people thought me worthy," Jules said immediately, "among all those other names."

Good old Chorus, telling him the precise words to say. It got him the right reaction too, it seemed. As the still cameras flashed, general noises of approval rumbled from journalist to journalist as they scribbled or tapped away, writing notes for their articles. Julius Starblayde for the Hall of Fame and Starblaydia eyeing a Play-Off place? They didn't yet know which story should take the back page, but that would be down to their editors.

* The World Cup 60 qualification attempt by Simeone Di Bradini coaching some Dreamed Realm-generated Starblaydi "legends" (a very loose term, of course, they were actually fairly rubbish players) was not recognised - or even noticed - by the SFA or Starblaydi public at large.

** Chorus is the name Julius has given to the woman's voice inside his head.

by **Jeruselem** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 5:42 am

Player Lexi Belle and Princess Michelle Sofia

Lexi: Hey, coach.
Sofia: Yeah ???
Lexi: I need time off
Sofia: Well, if you have personal problems sure.
Lexi: No no, not personal issues.
Sofia: Oh not relationship issues. Oh what then?

Lexi: Mum isn't well.
Sofia: Well you can have time off but you need come back for the finals.
Lexi: Thanks coach.
Sofia: You gotta take of your Mum.
Lexi: I hope she's not dying.
Sofia: I hope so too.

Lexi: I don't want let the team down.
Sofia: We've made the playoffs now. All we need is to seal the top spot.
Lexi: I guess we're in a good spot.
Sofia: I don't want you worried about Mum when playing.
Lexi: Your Mum is doing good.
Sofia: Well we've got good genes.

Lexi: You getting remarried?
Sofia: Nah, I don't need to. I've done my job.
Lexi: I guess you have. You've got good kids.
Sofia: A bit too much like me but that's genetics for you.
Lexi: Yes they are a bit crazy.
Sofia: well, I guess that's my fault.

Lexi: I wish my kids could be as smart as yours.
Sofia: You don't have kids.
Lexi: I know
Sofia: More partying, makes kids.
Lexi: Thanks
Sofia: Nothing wrong being a single Mum, I am.

Lexi: I like know who the Dad is.
Sofia: Well we do ... most of the time.
Lexi: Amy doesn't.
Sofia: Nothing wrong with her little girl.
Lexi: She's done a good job.
Sofia: well, she has.

by **The Icemark** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 6:31 am

The Icemark 0 – 0 Sargossa
World Cup Qualifier
Venue: Odin’s Hall, Frostmarris
Attendance: 10,000

Its only a matter of time before it is confirmed that the Bears Of The North have been eliminated from the play-off picture completley, but they delayed their inevitable fate with a respectable draw against group leaders Sargossa.The game was generally a low-key affair, with lots of pretty passing but few chances. The stalemate is definately a result that suited The Icemark more than their opponent. The Icemark wasted their opportunities in the first half, and Sargossa found themselves enjoying the occasion better in the second half as the hosts went a little flat.
W Annis hogged the attention for The Icemark before the interval, but not as she would have wished. She had The Icemark’s best chances in the first half, but she squandered them both, sending them off target at close range. The first chance she miscued and it was deflected away, and the second chance she once again failed to make proper contact from eight yards out. The Icemark pressed forward towards the end of the first half, but offered little other than L Celeste’s volleyed shot that blazed over the crossbar.
Sargossa were the more threatening side after the interval, though it was on sporadic occasions. Andrada came closest to breaking the deadlock for Sargossa on 55 minutes when he hit the post from 18 yards out with the helpless Icemark keeper well beaten. There were other chances for the away side when Landín struck narrowly wide and Andrada shot straight at the keeper. Sargossa actually had the ball in the net when Martinuccio headed past the keeper on 72 minutes, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Athelflaeda.
As the contest tottered slowly towards full time, Sargossa remained generally in control of possession, while The Icemark were quite content to sit deep and play out the draw.
The result isn’t a bad one by any means, but The Icemark’s squad does look in serious need of reconstructing. And Player/Manager Redrought Lindenshield’s team selection and tactical decisions continue to mystify; Sigurdson playing wide on the right, W Annis constantly switching from wing to wing. If a Cup Of Harmony invite is too come then the manager would do well to introduce some much needed new blood into the group, and to not tinker too much with the formation.

Player Ratings: Osgood 7, Grimswald 5, Athelstan 6, Carnwulf 6, Athelflaeda 7, Sigurdson 5, E Celeste 6, Stagapoulos 4, W Annis 7 (Theowin 4), Lindenshield 4, L Celeste 6

Match Facts:
Shots On Target: 1 – 6
Corner Kicks: 2 – 4
Bookings: 0 – 0
Sending Offs: 0 – 0
Possession: 44% - 56%

Group News

Sargossa’s draw with The Icemark had unfortunate repercussions for them, as both Taeshan and Licentiapacisterra, who both have games in hand won their games meaning that even a play-off place is not certain for the group leaders.
Taeshan won 2-0 at The Kytler Peninsulae while Licentiapacisterra defeated United Federation of the World by three clear goals. Elsewhere Remad ended their eight match losing streak with a solitary goal victory over Ayrshire.

-  Team                                  P  W  D  L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Sargossa                             13  8  3  2  37  14  +23  27
 2 Licentiapacisterra                   12  8  1  3  20  10  +10  25
 3 Taeshan                              12  8  1  3  13   4   +9  25
 4 The Icemark                          13  4  5  4  12   9   +3  17
 5 The Kytler Peninsulae                12  5  2  5  10  13   -3  17
 6 Remad                                13  5  0  8   8  15   -7  15
 7 United Commonwealth of Ayrshire      13  4  2  7  11  13   -2  14
 8 Danaelia                             12  4  1  7  12  30  -18  13
 9 United Federation of the World       12  1  3  8   6  21  -15   6

Next Opponents:

Taeshan V The Icemark

The Icemark travel to Taeshan and most will praying it is not a repeat of the game at Odin’s Hall. Taeshan won that tie, but it turned into one of the most uneventful matches ever to have graced our eyes. Taeshan have more to play for than The Icemark, as topping the group is a distinct possibility for them now, so victory is vital. The Icemark, once more would be happy to come away with a point, but home advantage should see Taeshan secure all three.
(Last Meeting: The Icemark 0 – 1 Taeshan)
(Prediction: Taeshan 2 – 0 The Icemark)

by **Licentiapacisterra** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 8:55 am

Bua’s Court
Spit, Wight

Alex hugged his dad for the tenth time in the space of an hour. For the first time in weeks, the two of them had seen each other. Nathan felt so lucky, that his son, and the rest of the team for that matter, hadn’t been changed by the accident, and their sudden arrival in a land they never believed to exist. Sure, they had all developed a fear of flying, but that was unsurprising considering what they had been through.

“How are our replacements doing in the qualifying ??” As Nathan had expected, the team were desperate to know how the Cyan-and-Gold had done so far.

“Well, they aren’t doing that badly...” Nathan said, intentionally being mysterious.

“Where are they ?? On the table I mean.” Alex wasn’t liking the mysteriousness.

“Ah well, they’re only in second...”

“Are you serious !?”

“Yeah, and we have a game in hand over Sargossa, who are only two points ahead of us.”

“So, we could qualify for the World Cup still ??”

“Yeah, Luke has really whipped these guys into shape, they’ve played really well.”

Eventually, the conversation came round to the aftermath of the accident.

“How are people holding up over there ??” Ellis Sanders, as always, was more bothered about the bigger picture.

“The team has worn black armbands throughout the tournament.” Nathan looked deep in thought for a moment. “A lot of people that were closer to you guys have been hit hard by it. I certainly was, when I woke up and found out.”

“I’m not surprised that you managed to get here Nath, but how did you work it out ?? That we were here, I mean.”

“You know that I’ve always believed in Wight. It just came to me. I’m not even sure why. I think I was just so desperate to see you guys again, that I was racking my brains for any possibility of where you could be.”

“Well, thank you. Hopefully we can go back now.”

“I hope so too.” Nathan stroked the 5 o’clock shadow that had grown over his chin over the last few weeks. “I need to find Bua.” Almost as soon as Nathan said that, the King of Uncertain Dimensions appeared at the door.

You called ??, said Bua with a chuckle.

“Yeah, I did.” Nathan thought of how to word his next question quickly. “Can I take the team back to Licentiapacisterra ??”

Sorry but I can’t, Bua said with a slight tinge of what could be interpreted as sadness in his voice.

“Why the hell not ?!?!”

by **Aguazul** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 9:19 am

#16: Unión de Ciudagua

There was a team in yellow and green, and now and then a stripe of gold. Perhaps to honor San Pablo, whose attacking tactics made them the first great team of the first division, just as the second city's second club were the first winners of the second division.

There was promotion, relegation, promotion again, playoffs and the battle to stay up. There was the first try at a national cup, and an exceedingly long quarterfinal. There were upsets. There was a Poconese defender with a name that proved difficult to spell.

There was a championship.

There were silver medals in Aeropag. There was a change of management, and a protracted transfer saga.

There were six more titles in a row.

There was another try at a national cup, and a high scoring derby.

Unión de Ciudagua were never meant to be what they became. It just happened, win by win, and since a more thorough view of their early history could prove exhausting, we will focus on the highlighted decade of seasons. It says something about how good Ciudagua were that the season corresponding to CC31 was the first season to display full results from divisions three through five; they, and the new cup, were part of a significant redesign of the league system. Most say the latter was designed to give other clubs something to win, and the new system was designed to make things harder for Ciudagua.

This paid off. In that season, they finished second for a change, and then quickly dropped to sixth. With their excess money, they built a new stadium: Estadio Prosperea more than tripled their capacity, and remains the country's largest venue. This failure to invest in new talent dropped them to last place, although they did make the cup final. Just as soon, though, they were second yet again, third in a season that saw the arrival of Jonathan Watson from Cotdelapoms, and then in season thirty convincingly winning the title again.

They were Aguazul's fifth different champion in six seasons. Again, it wasn't like everyone expected them to immediately revert to dominating the league, even if they won one of their domestic cup ties by seventeen goals over two legs. But then came Champions' Cup 36 (by which time the competition's name officially had its sponsorship removed).

Though Ciudagua were only second in their group, they quickly progressed through the knockout stages and to the Obelisco Monumental. The final would be somewhat less than quick, as they and Fontvielle Impact played to the first scoreless draw in a Champions' Cup final. After a hundred and twenty minutes, Ciudagua won the shootout to win the title.

They would have another, even longer, shootout at the next AFI, eventually finishing eleventh. And while he kept seeming distractable, Jorge Mateo Cobo would lead them to another streak of championships. (This led to a streak of AFI invitations, and then a streak of penalty shootouts in the Olympic Tower. Goalkeeper Osoro Coceres quickly became familiar to working overtime, as fans of the national team might know; he was one of the club's eight representatives on the national team to date.)

Champions' Cup 38 saw Unión return to the tournament semifinals, losing there to FKM. While they wouldn't escape their CC39 group, they did advance to the knockout rounds to close out the decade, losing there to Medoria Löwen.

Five consecutive titles to close out the decade, and they seemed invincible going into the next one; of course, those who have read my previous edition know how season 35 turned out. Undeterred from the prospect of not participating in AFI 22, Ciudagua simply made edition 21 count, going through two shootouts for good measure and finally winning the gold medals.

Pedro Flores stopped writing, and turned on the TV. Too much to assume that Carranza had contributed from central midfield, or even Galindo from the wing...? Well, yes. It had been Nolasco and Lanos registering goals.

Probably for the best. That'd just be strange. Now, to see about getting this recorded so more of my compatriots can appreciate it...

by **Kiryu-shi** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 10:32 am

[excerpted from a press release published by the an amateur news service in Kiryu-shi]

With Kiryu-shi’s latest loss to Redava, the Kiri have now lost four out of their last five matches, all by one point. Surprisingly, their only victory during that span of time was a two to one win against the powerful Saugeais team. The team has seemingly been hit with a lack of fitness during this stretch, often looking completely overmatched and exhausted at the end of matches. While the endurance training of the squad has come under scrutiny, the struggles of the national team also likely reflect the growing violence being directed at secular events in general and football in particular within the nation of Kiryu-shi. Throughout the course of the last few months, there have been increased attacks on public infrastructure works surrounding Kiryu-shi football, with several attempts to destroy the new national football stadium, which is being built in time to host Aguazul for the final match of World Cup 61 Qualifications.

While the issues surrounding the Quee-folk, who have become increasingly disillusioned with modernization Kiryu-shi is facing are well documented, the ongoing threat of violence is unprecedented and has been extremely disruptive within throughout the country. Most of the fanatical Quee-folk have now officially been labeled domestic ex-nationals, a term used for citizens of Kiryu-shi who have abandoned the city limits and moved into the forbidden territories on the western side of the island nation. While the term was initially coined by a Quee-dominant government to persecute redheads who left following systematic discrimination several generations ago, it has never held the violent implications it now does.

Although the Quee-folk have not yet released any official mandate or demand for reforms, several Quee-sympathetic figures in high-level governmental committees have expressed support for disbanding the national football team, as well as reinstating legislation for Quee doctrine to be taught alongside secular materials in Universities. However, public outcry has been strongly against these proposals, as polls continually show high support for the secular government and football has ballooned in popularity over the past eight years.

The discord has not remained in the high politics of Kiryu-shi, however, as large protests have rocked Kasakake, the center of the national government, as well as the Amanuma district, the center of Quee-folk within city limits, and the Sakaino district, the home of the national football program. These protests have ranged from masked extremists with crude fire-based weaponry thrown at official buildings to mass silent demonstrations in solidarity for the red-heads who were denied a political voice just decades ago by the Quee-majority government.

Football matches have been focal points for both demonstrations to mix. With the lack of instant communications and media that seem to be so prevalent abroad, football matches seem to be the only regular moment when large groups from both sides know that the other will be present. The most violent occasion thus far happened at Kiryu-shi’s previous home match, the loses against Redava. The match was played at Kawauchi field, a University location notable for its complete lack of official seating. That made it difficult for organizers and security officials, as the hills which surround the pitch were swarming with mobs of protestors, and as the match progressed taunting chants escalated towards a series of violent confrontations. While security officials from across the nation were trying to maintain a semblance of order around the stadium, thee explosions went off in and around the Sakaino University train station, as extremists took advantage of Kiryu-shi’s general lack of a well funded security force and the distraction caused by the Kiryu-shi Redava match. It is believed that given access to more advanced technology and weaponry, the extremists could pose an acute threat to the infrastructure of the nation at large, not to mention the possibility that they will soon start attacking Kiryu-shi citizens with lethal force.

The Kiryu-shi national football team has played like a team under siege, a team representing a fragmented and increasingly dangerous nation. Of their four losses, three have come to teams that they shut out by a combined score of five to nothing during the first half of qualifications, with two of those matches taking place away from home. While the team was viewed as a force that would bring the nation and create a source of national pride, it has represented, without a doubt, the most fractured and divided nation in generations, and will, no doubt, struggle to remain upright as the nation teeters on the brink of what could be civil war.

by **Legalese** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:01 am

Selena groaned as her phone rang. “Hello?” she groggily replied.

“Selena, Bob here. Need to talk about the article.”

Selena blinked a few times, letting things in her darkened hotel room come into focus. Then she realized that Bob was her copy editor at The Docket.

“Fine, Bob. But what is there to talk about? Easy win for our guys, scoring six goals in total - two for Jimmy, one for Kelvin, one for Archie, one for Liam, and one for Max - only his put the ball in our own net, not theirs, which explains the scoreline.”

“Yes, that’s all well and good,” Bob replied “but it’s missing something. Your intro paragraph is a little weak, and I can’t really give this a good headline. This has back cover story written all over it with a good headline.”

Selena brightened. Back cover story? Not quite the front, but that’d be a first.

Bob continued. “Saw your little associated note about Archmage Tanithas Celeéssyr. Can you verify that?”

“Sort of. The Deadmans stadium official I spoke to wouldn’t tell me explicitly who it was, but did confirm that the box was paid for by someone from The Sylvanae Queendom. An usher from that part of the arena told me it was him.”

“Well, that takes care of that.” Selena could practically hear Bob smiling on the other end. “Even if we can’t get a picture of him, that’ll still work. Here’s what I want to do:”

Selena listened to the proposed new opener.

“Yeah, that works for me. Do you have a headline?”

“Don’t worry about that, sweetheart,” Bob replied. “I’ll find something that works.”

---
The team could hear the cheers from the tarmac as they deplaned.

Normally, Gabe would’ve frowned on the crowd, but it was hard for him to do so this time. While the win wasn’t exactly one for the ages - in fact, it was highly expected - it still was an important one for them, bringing their playoff magic number down to three, and putting them either a win against the Sylvanae (plus one more) away from qualifying, or at the very least a win away from the playoff bid.

And so, he applied the 48-hour rule: “For the next 48 hours, we’ll enjoy our win, then focus on doing what we need to do next.”

Twenty-three hours to go,[i] he thought, expressionless face turning into a smile as the team entered the terminal. [i]Maybe I’ll even take Miranda out for dinner tonight - she’ll enjoy that.

The cheers heightened as the team approached, signing autographs, exchanging high fives and back slaps, and reveling in the atmosphere.

“Hey, Gabe! Gabe! Gabe!” a fan caught Gabe’s attention. “Read the paper today?”

He tossed a copy of the Legalese City Docket to him. Gabe flipped the copy of the tablet-styled paper over, reading the back cover, which had a picture of him, close-cropped. He had his right hand on his hip, and a slight scowl on his face.

The headline read: “That Voodoo That You Do Won’t Do: NT beats Deadmans 5-1, despite Sylvanae magic shenanigans.”

A smaller caption on the page read: “Gabe Cushing is clearly not impressed by Deadmans or the Archmage.”

Gabe burst out laughing. Wait until the internet gets a hold of this...

by **West Angola** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:23 am

Former King August II's grand revenge was nearly complete. The people of West Angola would soon once again know his name and tremble at the mere mention of it. He would once again rule over the nation, and transform it back from the freedom-loving orgy of rights that Parrish had turned it into to a proper authoritarian monarchy, with all branches of government answering to the crown alone. He settled himself in the chair in front of a large bank of video monitors to watch his plan unfold, and grinned as his final remaining clone of Isaac Warren, this one properly loyal, made his way down the hallway towards the room of his disobedient kinsman.

Isaac Warren stirred in his sleep as his brother approached. With a start, he awakened to find himself standing over him with a gun. A voice that matched his perfectly growled, "Come with me."

Taken underneath the hotel, Warren was stunned at the face he saw. "You!? But...what...I don't..."

The man smiled, "Yes, Isaac. It is I, your...father, I suppose. I built you, and him, and all your brothers; but you disobeyed me, Isaac. You escaped."

Isaac glared at him with barely contained rage, "You would have had me kill my friends, my family, everyone I knew and loved, all to further the mad ambitions of a despot with a bad inferiority complex."

The man laughed now, "YOUR friends? YOUR family? YOU have no friends or family! Isaac Warren had friends and family, you are merely his clone, grown in a laboratory underneath the royal palace. If you have any relatives, you killed them in your escape, and I am the closest thing you have to a father. You are a failed experiment, nothing more. I would kill you now, except you will make an interesting study so that I will know what not to do next time. Isaac, take care of our guest, put him away in his room.

Before Isaac could utter another word, his "brother" stabbed a syringe into his neck, and he slumped to the floor.

Isaac's creator looked at the body, then back at the clone. "Carry him to the lab, then return to his room and take his place. We will contact you when it is time to move against the others. Remember your training, whom you are friends with, and those whom you dislike. Go!"

by **Phoenigetuzstha** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 11:56 am

QEP News, The Most Watched News Channel in Phoenigetuzstha

Stats: Because We're Worth It

We saw you all raving over are line graph last night, so, we're going to go two steps further, and give you a graph which shows THREE pieces of informattion!! Tonight, they'll be about the average goals scored, and the average goals conceded, plus the average goal difference. Now, please, contain yourselves, as this may not be the last piece of statistics you see this World Cup, as we will also, if we qualify, produce detailed match reports, full of statistics which you can enjoy, but for now, read our current statistics. Phoenigetuzstha have just come off a 6-1 victory in their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup, the 2nd time this cycle that they've put 6 past an opposing goalkeeper, but, they have also conceded 6 in one game. How does this compare to past tournaments? Well, we have a huge graph here for you to enjoy, so, without further ado, our complete graph for Phoenigetuzstha's World Cup goals history:

Another Graph! Wow, we do spoil you. And look! It's got a golden border too!

And so, from the graph we can see, thus far, and despite conceding 6 goals to the Arcadian Isles, this cycle has saw Phoenigetuzstha concede the fewest goals, while also seeing an improvement on the goals scored from last year, although not quite reaching the peak of World Cup 59, when Phoenigetuzstha heroically finished 4th in their group (ahead of Yesopalitha who thought they had 4th in the bag too, which made it all the sweeter), and scoring 30 goals in the process.The main thing to take note of is also that the goal difference has steadily risen throughout the years, now at a peak of 1.23, a huge improvement since starting on -1.25. So, like, improvements and stuff.

Also, Phoenigetuzstha's football team has a mascot now! He is called "Pari" and is a flying angel, who's neutral looks are thought to be able to spur the team on. If you see Pari, he would appreciate it if you throw money at him, because his work doesn't come free.

Pari

by **The Archregimancy** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:13 pm

Dear Leaders of MEN,

Do not be discouraged at the Archregimancy's 5-1 home loss to your female oppressors from Cassadaigua last night.

Your cause it is noble, your cause it is just (though we pray you won't pay with your lives if you must) and a little temporary setback on the path to righteousness and justice is only to be expected; we hope that you did not believe that you would overthrow the matriarchy by the mere act of converting to Orthodoxy!

No, history shows us that Orthodoxy has seen many setbacks, many challenges, many moments of violent oppression at the hands of Catholic schismatics, Muslims, and militant atheists - but the One True Church has always proven her steadfastness and offered support to her loyal sons (and daughters, but let us focus on the sons here today).

These testing times of struggle offer an opportunity renew our faith. You may be familiar with the Book of Job, where the Lord Our God granted permission to the Adversary to test this most pious of men. Job's possessions were destroyed; 500 yoke of oxen and 500 donkeys were carried off by Sabeans; 7000 sheep burned up by 'The fire of God which fell from the sky'; 3000 camels stolen by the Chaldeans; and Job's ten children were all slaughtered as if by a might wind.

Yet Job did not curse God, but instead shaved his head, tore his clothes, and said, "Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return: Lord has given, and Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of Lord."

As Job had endures these calamities without reproaching God, the adversary was granted permission to afflict his person as well, and God said, "Behold, he is in your hand, but do not touch his life." The adversary therefore, smote him with dreadful boils, and Job, seated in ashes, scraped his skin with broken pottery while enduring this affliction. His wife begged him to "curse God, and die" but Job answered, "You speak as one of the foolish speaks. Moreover, shall we receive good from God and shall not receive evil?"

Job called out to the Lord:

“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.
“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.’
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes.”

And then Scripture teaches us that:

After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. All his brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. And he also had seven sons and three daughters. The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. 1Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. And so Job died, an old man and full of years.

Thus the correct path is surely to accept this momentary setback at the hands of the Dagan oppressors, safe in the knowledge that the Lord rewards those who remain faithful - perhaps even with World Cup qualification via the playoffs, which we know you new loyal sons of the Church would find to be an encouraging turn of events.

Yours in Christ

The Monastic Football Association

by **Apox** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:44 pm

MK:Hello and welcome to another exciting edition of Total Football Takeover here on APX Sports, as I'm sure you know by now, I'm Merlin Kadozan

JQ:And I'm Jon Quillisi. Today we take on group leaders, Pasarga, at home here in the Royal Stadium in Dwile.

MK:Make no mistake, this will be a hard game.

JQ:Incredibly hard. The lads could desperately do with a win, however, that does seem unlikely against the group leaders and top ranked team in the group.

MK:So without further ado, let's head to the teams who are assembling on the pitch.

*5 minutes later*

0 mins, JQ:I'm here in the commentary box as Apox begin the match with a kick-off.

11 mins, JQ:A chance for Pasarga, Ngô Cảnh Đạm nearly burying it, however, saved by William Hewitt.

16 mins, JQ:Apox on the break, however, a poor pass by Jack Forster intended for Olim Benzari is intercepted by the Wanderer's who counter-attack, swarming the Apox box with players. William Hewitt is totally overwhelmed and a goal is scored by Areebah Thuwaibah Gaber. 1-0 to Pasarga.

27 mins, JQ:A chance for Apox, Dravid Scott with the attempt, however, deflected off the keeper and out.

33 mins, JQ:A yellow for Pasarga, Aamos Raila with a very agressive tackle, who then tries to make out that he's the one who's been tackled. The ref sees right through this, a awards the card. Poor form.

40 mins, JQ:Another attempt by Pasarga, however, Dan Weekes got his head to it, and it goes over the bar.

45+1 mins, JQ:Half time here, with Pasarga winning. Join us in ten minutes for the second half.

45 mins, JQ:All their back, ready to seize the day. Pasarga kick off to ensue.

53 mins, JQ:GOAL for Pasarga, courtesy of a header by Oili Filatov off a Peter Hoffman corner.

58 mins, JQ:A substitution for Apox, Oli Weekes coming off for Stan Miller who will hope to make a drastic change.

64 mins, JQ:And a substitution for Pasarga, Areebah Thuwaibah Gaber coming off for Dulce Cervantez.

67 mins, JQ:An injury to Varadi Szemere as a result of a rough challenge by Chris Maarsden. Chris will pick up a yellow card and Varadi will be subbed off for Kjara Grivic after sustaining a knee injury.

68 mins, JQ:What's this, Kjara Grivic is being sent off again!? What!? Varadi Szemere is running back on after the knee injury wasn't as bad a first thought. Very strange...

73 mins, JQ:GOAL for Pasarga. This time Natalija Martinović scoring with a fairly routine shot which was poorly attempted by William Hewitt.

82 mins, JQ: Jennie Scott is jogging on, as a replacement for Donnie Rathburn.

90+4 mins, JQ:Full time here in The Royal Stadium, with Pasarga winning 3-0. Back to you Merlin.

MK:Well, it's not looking good for Apox after a tricky run against the top three ranked teams in the group leaves us 7th with just 1 point off the last 3 games. However, for the last 4 matchdays we play teams who we either beat or drew with in the first half of qualifying. Let's hope we can better those result, starting with Romili next week.

Here the table after 14 Matchdays:

Ps Team                P  W  D  L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Pasarga            12  9  0  3  25   8  +17  27
 2 Western Cuba       13  7  3  3  16  10   +6  24
 3 Sarrbia            13  4  6  3  14  17   -3  18
 4 Altito Asmoro      13  4  6  3  16  13   +3  18
 5 Ipeland            12  4  5  3  21  17   +4  17
 6 Passo Tonale       13  4  4  5  10  15   -5  16
 7 Apox               12  3  5  4   7   9   -2  14
 8 Romili             12  3  2  7   8  18  -10  11
 9 Camerania          12  0  5  7   9  19  -10   5

Team Sheet from the Match
GK - William Hewitt
RD - Jack Forster
CD - Dan Weekes
LD - Donnie Rathburn sub Jennie Scott 82'
RM - Olim Benzari
CM - Ken Rickwright
CM - Fran Gracie
LM - Cas Newan
ST - Chris Maarsden
ST - Dravid Scott (c)
ST - Oli Weekes sub Stan Miller 58'

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:52 pm

Dear Chaps,

At your request, I have investigated the disappointing 1-1 draw against Nicole Sherzinger, and believe I can offer a quick summary of the primary reasons why we were unable to win the match against these promiscuous slatterns.

I offer my conclusions in a quick summary list.

A) By general consensus, the opposition consisted of (and here I quote Simon) "damned fine fillies that any chap would be proud to add to his stable". Particular admiration was reserved for opposition forwards Gisèle Côté and Madison Dervishi. Our admiration for the opposition's ... assets ... may have led to us losing focus at crucial moments of the game.

B) I regret to inform Nigelo that the opposition did not share our high opinion of his joke regarding calling his new maid 'Roger', and his constant innunendo regarding 'Roger the maid.' On this basis, I can only assume that they are not just promiscuous slatterns, but humourless promiscuous slatterns.

C) Similarly, Jethro's entreaties to show the opposition defence a 'really good time' back at 'the family pile' seem to have left said opposition both uninterested and unmoved; indeed they seem to have taken offence at this remarks and - I hesitate to write this - tried harder against us. I know, I know... many of you will be confused and astounded that a mere mundy woman could resist our impeccable chap charms, but some of their customs remain impenetrable to us.

D) The moment that Vivian shouted out "I'M HUNG LIKE A DONKEY!" and proceeded to drop his shorts mid-game seems to have only raised laughter and giggles amongst our opponents instead of impressing them with our outstanding chappish virility. I refer you to my remarks about local customs in the previous point.

Rest assured, however, that I am confident that similar tactics would prove immensely successful were we to repeat them against other all-female teams, such as Cassadaigua or The Sylvanaes Queendom, neither of whom seem capable of resisting the innate charm of a roguish Imperial Chap.

Yours,
Imperial Senator Tarquin Fin-tim-lin-bin-whin-bim-lim-bus-stop-F'tang-F'tang-Olé-Biscuitbarrel

by **Darmen** » Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:53 pm

World Cup Hall of Fame Candidate #7: Adrian Kok
"The Guy who gave up Seven to New Palmouth" "Grrrr"

Date of Birth: October 31st, 1972
Place of Birth: Chuckio, Darmen
Position: Youth Football Director for the County of Amiens

Family: Single
Political Party: Liberal Democratic Party
Religion: Buddhism

Kok will always be remembered for giving up seven goals to New Palmouth in the Birthday Cup held in Kernansquillec. Kok was replaced by Troy Osborne following the incident, and soon retired. It's quite suprising that he's even been nominated to enter into the World Cup Hall of Fame.

Scott City FC
Kok played with the largest club in Darmen for just over a single season, and led them to their first League and Cup titles. While he played reasonably well, Kok was unhappy with both the pay and the clubs performance in UICA competitions. It is widely considered by many that Georges Thomas told Kok to leave following his poor performance against New Palmouth.

Chenkorsport SC
Kok transfered to Chenkorsport Sporting Club, and led the club over his three seasons there to several high finishes in the League Table and appearences in UICA competition. He never truly became popular there, and spent much of the third season on the bench. He eventually decided to retire from both International and Domestic play.

Darmen National Team
He let New Palmouth score seven goals against the All Greens. 'Nuff said.

Youth Football Director for the County of Amiens
Following his retirement, Kok returned home to Darmen, where he was quickly pressed into action by the Darmeni Soccer Federation to revitalise the youth soccer system in the Southern portion of the country. Kok easily found new funding for the youth leagues in the area, and many now consider Amiens to be among the top counties in the Nation in terms of youth football.

Assistant Manager of the Olympic Squad
Kok returned to the International scene as the Assistant Manager of Darmen's Olympic squad at the VIIth Olympics in Emberton, Krytenia. Despite only finishing the Group Stage with a 1-2-0 record, Darmen had a superior Goal Differential compared to the other teams in the Group, and was able to advance into the Round of Sixteen. They promptly lost to the hosts, Krytenia, 4-3 on penalties, after ending level at 3-3 after 120 minutes.

World Cup LXI (61) RP Thread

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