Baptism of Fire 49

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

Quarterfinal preview

Ready to be a neutral fan at the Baptism of Fire? Then you'll want to get up to speed on the geometric shapes bird people? Foxes/Mules/Paripanans

Editor's note: please tell me Swyftlandre are an okay team, they were quite good in the round of sixteen weren't they?

Well, yeah, but there's all this death spree...

C'mon, this is Aguazul, don't get your expectations too high.

Huh. Well. One thing's for certain, we never lack for excitement...

High Heels 4–3 Falcania
Swyftlandre 4–0 Azox

Regional final:
High Heels versus Swyftlandre (Estadio Prosperea, Ciudagua)

[Charruterra]

"Why Sharuujpán! Why!?", shouted Cloyan, while looking at the sky.
Fáju, who was behind him, decided to tell him what he thought.
"What if there's no Sharuujpán? What if it's just an excuse most teams actually take up as an excuse to how bad they are? If we couldn't beat a team like Kintratar after defeating Fanchnopolis, then it's not Sharuujpán's fault, but ours, mainly yours, I'd say. For not appreciating the team and constantly telling them they had nothing to do with winning.", said Fáju.
"The reason why Sharuujpán left us is YOU!", said Cloyan, without knowing what to say.
"Do you believe that Kintatarns actually believed in Sharuujpán?", said Fáju. "Don't make me laugh!"
"But"
"Nothing, there's no Sharuujpán, get it in your head. If we actually had a manager, we would've gone further, I'm sure.", said Fáju, interrupting Cloyan.

Cloyan was mute, and Fáju left the room upon seeing that.

[Swyftlandre]

New Roster:
Goalkeepers:
Stevie Redmund
Devin Farley

Defenders:
Uilleag Danny
Sacheverell Webster
Aodhán Earnest
John Rayner
Dónal Abner (Captain)
Elmo Sachie

Mid-Fielders:
Conchúr Korey
Seanán Lawrie
Kiefer Winfred
Drake Edwin
Kristian Kelvin
Seosamh Cullen

Forwards:
Deonte Keefe
Riordan Ansel
Layton Proinsias
Gresham Ralf
Johnny Layne
Creighton Jimmie

---

(More of a match report this one, but I'm assured two more matches whether I win or lose, so this is perfect)

Estadio Conabora, San Pablo
Devin Farley

Last night was interesting, after an inspirational win against East Shippensburg, despite the lack of most of their team mates. But today was different, a large number of new substitutes, some that came from his very club, had come to join the national side, after bribing a disgruntled Aguazul who were reluctant to 'cater for yet more people'. However, it had not all been fun yesterday, with the insane Mr. York still breathing down their necks, the team played not for the prize of the Baptism of Fire trophy but to avoid being murdered by the homicidal maniac's army of suicidal gunmen and that fear certainly contributed to their skill, giving them a six nil lead after Full Time. But rather than savor the victories, as a team might usually do, the team's were hurried off to their respective changing rooms, guarded by two police men from their foreign countries to avoid being murdered and much to the surprise of everyone there, no one died that day.

But that was last night and this is a new game, Swyftlandre were to play a bunch of shapes, supposedly people in robotic shapes, the perfect team to break in the new players. The Whistle blew and play began. As predicted, Swyftlandre took the lead pretty quickly, in a flurry of skill, especially from the new players, the first goal fell to the ambitious 'U21 Swyftlandre Player of the Year' Sacheverell Webster, with only 81 Minutes left to spare. Try as they might, Devin felt himself being the sole supporter of the team's lives and while his skills of Goalkeeping had been mocked, he'd certainly taken this into account, not allowing the ball to be conceded at any cost. The game continued in that fashion for majority of the game, with the initial excitement for the new players settling in, they had settled down, less ambitious (although extremely motivated) to score a goal.

The first half ended as quickly as it started, Devin concluded, although it was obviously all in his head.
"You guys are doing great out there..." Ludvig Nels commented, delivering High Fives to all the members of the team as they passed.
It's only been two days since the murders stopped and all ready the team seems better off for it. Maybe it's just the new company, it's doing us good to have fresh faces around here.

San Swyft, Swyftlandre
Bryson Kody

Bryson sat alone in his apartment, watching the football match and awaiting the chance to defeat Felix Viktor.
He's managed to trick the police once and I was kept only as a suspect to his alibi's, plus, I have a Death Note back in my possession. All I have to do is kill someone at the match today then Swyftlandre will assert dominance over the world, I will not only be rich, but the strongest man in the world!
Bryson couldn't help but chuckle as he broke out the Death Note and readied his Pen, this is it, I didn't have time to supply a gun, so the person chosen will simply die of a heart attack, but if he doesn't commit suicide, the case may not be linked...What if I have him strangle the victim to death, then cut his wrist with a piece of sharp metal, easy to find in such a shoddy place like Aguazul, yes that could work...but who to kill, eenie, meenie, miney, MO!
"HAHAHAHAHA!" Bryson laughed, "I WIN!"

Estadio Conabora, San Pablo
Devin Farley

The game continued as it had ended, the newer players once again trying to make their names in international football and it certainly paid off, with Layton Proinsias running the front line and potting a goal in past the odd shapes at only 59 Minutes. The taste of victory which had not crossed Devin's mind until just now, was brilliant, a prize for enduring the threats that Mr. York had sent their way, no, it's different than that, they were forced to participate under these circumstances since the whole thing began but this was the first time Devin had come to enjoy himself since then.

Devin played a tactical game for the most part, remembering to keep in mind the Death Penalty for losing as a way to avoid Death and sure enough, every ball that came his way was stopped, not allowing Azox a single chance to score. However, on Swyftlandre's side, the goals only continued to tally up, with the ball falling into Devin's possession and being passed to Drake Edwin, who, being his old self, took a risk by neglecting to pass unless absolutely necessarily and scoring the third goal. The game just continued like this, with Sacheverell Webster scoring the fourth goal in the closing minutes of the game.

The whistle concluded the match and the game was declared a victory for Swyftlandre, who were to face the oddly named High Heels.
It's odd, but that's the most fun I've ever had in a match, the threat of death seems far away from us all and for that reason we could have lost, but we didn't, so it has to be down to skill and the thrill of playing...since when did people play football for fun as apposed to money at such a level.

But as Devin was deep in though, he neglected to notice the man. As he was pulled towards the doors of the changing rooms, the Swyftlandian and Azoxian police had already opened fire on the man, each shot missing. What the hell, I thought all these guys had been in the force for two years. The man, who wore a shirt which openly supported Azox raised a sharp piece of glass and began to tackle Devin to the ground.
"GET OFF ME!!!" Devin shouted at the murdered
"This is my duty to Mr. York!" The man returned, slowly but surely winning over Devin before having finally pinned him down.
"Please..." Devin allowed a tear to roll down his cheek, "DON'T KILL ME!"
"This is my duty to Mr. York!" The man repeated and then began to stab Devin, the feebly weak glass only aided in making the attack more torturous but eventually, once Devin had given up his struggle, the glass was raised to his neck and in one swipe he slit Devin's neck. However, to assure his death, the man continued to stab at Devin until the loud ring of gunfire was the only sound Devin could hear before the murderer collapsed, littered in bullet holes.

As Devin lay their dying, he could see the world around him, converting to a black color and eventually looked down, above his head he could see his name, Devin Farley and a set of numbers, 1 5 20 83, no wait, 4 15 10. He made the realization that the numbers above his head were decreasing and quickly worked out that was his remaining life, in less than a minute, the spirit of Devin watched as his life dropped to 0.

At least it was today, my wife called earlier, she told me she gave birth to a baby Boy, maybe that's why I was so carefree in this match today...I hope my wife finds someone who can treat the baby better than I would have, I would have been a terrible father, maybe it's a good think I'm dying, haha

He looked to the body of the gunman and while he couldn't see the ghost, his name, Yngve Sam and lifespan, 0 0 0 0 3. The numbers reduced to zero within a single second and his name and lifespan vanished. He looked back to his own body and saw his own lifespan in a similar state, he pressed his hands together and prayed to god,
"I've never prayed to you before God, but please look after my Wife and Child...that's all I ask."
Although he didn't believe in deities and even to this point didn't, it helped him as he descended into Mu.

[Kintratar]

The forwards were again talking about their performance.
"My god, we've made it this far"
"We're facing Svengarda"
"Our backs will prevent them from scoring a goal, hopefully"
"Yeah, allowing no goals in the playoffs"
"I can't believe that we beat Charrutera"
"I know"
"Well, guys, good luck"

[Azox]

Azox National team update:

#4 Swyftlandre slammed Azox 4-0 to advance to the BoF 49 semifinals. But the Triangles can hold their heads (?) high that they outlasted all but 4 teams finishing tied for 5th place in the event. Will this bode well for World Cup success, or is it a prelude for dissapointment?

[Svengarda]

Counterpoint
Daily Debates on the world of Sports: Today's edition, The National Team, sink or swim?

Debating for the national team success: Jakin Thorbirssen (Sports writer for Helisngbour Journal)

Of course we can win it. We've come this far with some very good performances, consistingly scoring more than one goal, which means we can score. Despite the low-ish scoreline, we dominated the Jahave Islands. The midfield functioned brilliantly, mentioning Torleif Olhauser as the stand out man. Waaserson once again was lethal, and Danielsen played a very good supporting role. Ruotsalainen was excellent on the wing, and has been for the whole competition, and was rewarded by that fantastic goal. The entire team has played well, with any players in any position, and we should at least get to the final, Kintratar are much more of an easy clash van Swyftlandyre or High Heels.

Debating against the team winning: Kain Leifsson (Noted sports critic and author)

We've ridden our luck. Simple as that. We came back against a poor Ogedei side, who got even poorer in the round of 16. We've always got the easy draw. We've managed to avoid Falcania, Swyftlandyre, High Heels etc. It's amazing that we could could get into the final judging on the fact that we play Kintratar instead of an actual challenge. This faux-success will do nothing but harm come the world cup.

Rebuttal: Shut up

[High Heels]

ArcoSport
By Lubomir Spike

From thirty-six down to four…

The Foxes are back on track, coming out on top in a wild 4-3 victory over Falcania to reach the semifinals of the Baptism of Fire. That makes five in a row for High Heels after a slow start, just in time for their toughest test of the tournament. Swyftlandre are unbeaten in seven matches, one lone draw separating them from perfection. They have scored 21 goals and yielded only three. That's +18 for the math-challenged. (Our girls are at +7.) Make no mistake, we will have our hands full.

And we face a high-scoring team after a match where we gave up three goals and saw our first-string keeper leave at half time clutching her head in pain. The official word is that Kaisa reacted to the constant battlecries of the Falcanian supporters. But it seems odd that a top-flight keeper would be discomfited by noise to the point of leaving a high-stakes match. Talk about a question mark!

So the betting line is running against High Heels in this one. The line's been wrong before. Face it, we've been here. (Not literally here, but deep in an important international cup.) Experience matters. If Meline gets the offense going early to attack the confidence of a heretofore-stellar corps of Swyftlandre backliners, that could make the difference. And the offense has come to life in the knockout rounds.

There's a final in our future.

---

From the journal of 19-year-old starting keeper Kaisa Cuban:

It's funny. Everyone's all in a tizzy about me coming out of the quarterfinal with Falcania. I've never had such a headache in my life. Amanda knew we had a battle-tested replacement available. So I went off for the interval and didn't come back in.

I've been reading back through my old stuff. I've been a lucky, lucky girl. Dreams keep coming true. Not all the time, but lots of times. So I'll just keep dreaming. That trophy sure looks nice. (And my club should go straight into the Champions' Cup group stage. There's a trophy.) I'll dream for me, for the team, and for 50,000 back home. Maybe it'll help.

[Svengarda]

"Oh my god, Oh my god!"

"What Elken, what's going on?"

"We're in the Semi finals, we beat Jahave Islands 2-0. I just woke up and heard them talking about it on the radio"

"Ahh, so we won't meet in the final will we"

"No. They didn't"

"I'm afraid so, sunk in the last five minutes by High Heels"

"Aww no"

Elken skipped over and gave Maxile a tentative hug

"Did you watch the game"

"Unfortunately yes"

"Unlucky, but hey, there's still the World Cup. And all the AOCAF's, there'll be success yet for you guys"

"Yeah, I hope so...Well, now I've got to support you guys"

"Haha..I suppose so...say, do you want to go with me and some friends down to that bar on the block over tonight to watch the Semi final?"

"Err..It depends, what time?"

"Urm..Let me work it out. The game kicks of at 8pm there...10pm"

"OK, but let me get some work done now"

"Sorted, I'll go to the shops"

"Good"

"Oh, Maxie, one more thing"

"Yep?"

"They've never seen a Falcanian before"

"Ahh"

"Yep. But there will be another girl there, so won't be lonely..."

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

Moot points?

Cultural overseer Maristela Espada has expressed concern about "solipsistic mooing" during the Baptism of Fire. "Actually there's a lot of things to cause concern going on here," she glared, "but...oh, yeah, just a point of advice. If you're being, like, interrogated by our police or anything, just answer yes or no questions with yes or no. We're not out to trick you, honestly we don't have the time to be all clever like that, we just want information and not to, like, rant about robots or pretend to meditate or anything dumb." Espada hastened to add that there was no need to be mute and fans should totally cheer on either or both of the regional finalists.

High Heels 0–0 Swyftlandre (0–1 AET)

High Heels remain in Aguazul for the playoff in Ciudad Peralta, against Kintratar; Swyftlandre will visit Licentiapacisterra for the final.

[Licentiapacisterra]

Cyan-and-Gold Observer

RLFA Announce Large Security Force For Final

The Royal Licentian Football Association has announced that security men and women from around the Islands will be out in force at Gardiner-Stewart Stadium to protect the Baptism of Fire Final from Abingdon United, the Gaelic nationalist group that has stated it will declare “war” on the government of Licentiapacisterra at the Final.

“If this was a normal game, we probably wouldn’t have as much of a worry about these declaration, and we’re quite ready to admit that.” Duke Andrew Finlay de Montfort, the head of the RLFA, said last night. “But, because the eyes of the multiverse are resting on our humble islands in a few night’s time, we have to protect the foreigners who may come to the game.” He then added, “This group will not be allowed to ruin this game for the people involved, and undermine my father’s regime in front of the world.”

Only time will who out of High Heels, Kintratar, Svengarda and Swyftlandre will be there to witness one of the most poignant Baptism of Fire Finals for years to come.

...and here is the cut-off for the Licentian Semi-final. Results and the Final tie will be below shortly.

[Licentiapacisterra]

SF-1
Svengarda 5-2 Kintratar
LTI Stadium, Montfort, Montfort Parish

So the Final of the 49th Baptism of Fire will be:

Svengarda vs Swyftlandre
Gardiner-Stewart Stadium, Abingdon, Abingdon Parish

[Kintratar]

"Well, we can get third, that's pretty good!"
"We were just upsetting everyone from the beginning"
"We were practically unknown!"
"And, out of nowhere, we make it to the playoffs!"
"seeded 6th, making it to the semi's"
"Svengarda was really good"
"High Heels is our next opponent, hopefully we get third"
"Hopefully"

[High Heels]

ArcoSport
By Lubomir Spike

Did a ghost goal end the Foxes' run? A lot of people in the tower sure think so. After 111 scoreless minutes in the Baptism of Fire regional final for the Aguazul region, Swyftlandre forward Layton Proinsias headed a rebound off the underside of the bar and down. High Heels keeper Kaisa Cuban got her hands on it, but the referee and assistant consulted and determined that the ball had fully crossed the goal line. And the 1-0 result sent Swyftlandre to the final in Licentiapacisterra against Svengarda. Our girls stay in Aguazul to play Kintratar.

There weren't a lot of High Heels fans in the terraces, but they made up for small numbers with great volume in registering their disapproval. Those who weren't booing or cheering were talkative at first, then quiet. Melody Mule had an animated conversation with the referee, one that nearly went on too long. He was reaching for the cards in his pocket when Kaisa walked up, handed him the ball with a nod, and spirited the Foxes' captain out of harm's way. It reminded me of Raynor City five years ago. That girl is a class act.

Third or fourth isn't a bad place to be. And the real prize is the World Cup, with qualifying for number 62 not far away now. The odds are long against advancement for a debuting country. But maybe we'll get some good football in.

And you'll never convince me that was a goal.

---

From the journal of 19-year-old starting keeper Kaisa Cuban:

Proinsias scored. The assistant ref had a decent angle. And any good keeper knows in their gut where that line is in three dimensions. I tried to stop it, but wasn't quite quick enough.

Too bad, it was one heckuva game. It's good to see all the fans who care, though.

[Swyftlandre]

(Sorry if this one didn't make sense, I...NEED...TO...SL..ZZZZZZ)

Swyftlandian Police
Shelton Tate

(Disscussion continued from Oct 09, 2012)

"Anyway, I want to prove or disprove my theory about Bryson as quickly as possible, so I have a plan..." Shelton grinned as he spoke, "I have to state once again that I strongly suspect Mr. Bryson Kody, but in order to begin investigating him, we need to prove that the current premier is clear of suspicion and to do that, we need to release the Premier and Bryson Kody!"
The room fell into silence, not a single delegate able to react to the statement, until the Svengard Police Commander argued,
"You know we can't allow that right, if these two aren't heading the organisation, it will become clear when they start killing again. An organisation this big can't survive long without acting you know..."
"Yes, but that's the problem" Shelton returned, "I've been examining the all of these people and the only common link I was able to find is that they all have family trees that have remained in Swyftlandre since five generations ago, most stemming back even further."
"Your point is?" The Svengard Police Commander replied, agitated
"There's alot of things wrong with that, first off, he was able to extract information anonymously of every single person attending the game and was even further giving them targets before the game, that is evident by their quick choices, even when that player had put on a good show. Secondly, that kind of information, the Census' that is, are kept in Government possession for just over one century, the only people who are able to request such information are politicians with power, this is how I was able to work out that Bryson Kody was a potential Mr. York was because as a politician he holds power in a region of Swyftlandre while Sebastian Sigurd, leader of the party, currently doesn't, thus Bryson would be the only one capable of extracting this data, once again, anonymously. Of course, this all still applies to Felix Viktor as well." He stopped to look at the reaction he'd get and after being disappointed decided to continue, "So, this is why we are going to release Felix Viktor and Bryson Kody...sort of!"
"Ah, I get it now, you truly are a genius Shelton" The Slembanan Police Commander laughed
"Not so fast, what did you mean sort of!" The Yelvoldian Police Commander responded, agitated by the Slembanan Commander's outburst
"Well, we have been able to place wiretaps on all of Bryson Kody's phones and are ready to release him, if we are allowed, as for Felix, we'll keep him in prison and reverse the plan when we see fit. The reason for this is simple, Bryson Kody and Felix Viktor are both too quick to react for their own, no, the country's good. What I had planned will have a massive effect on the public and will make this a believable story, if Bryson believes that Felix has been released, then he may kick start the murders again, if the murders do start like this as predicted, it's either the anonymous crime organisation heading the attacks or the most likely suspect, Bryson Kody."
"As I've said, I'm willing to put my trust in you for now..." The Apoxian Commander replied to the speech, with most of the Police Commanders then throwing in their support. Down to only one person who doesn't support this, I must have done something right
"Well, yes, I have one problem with this though? How do we convince Bryson that Felix has been released."
"Heh, we'll just put it on TV and on the Radio...just before the match tonight, it's obvious he's going to be watching it so we should get started.

The game plan was set into progress immediately, Shelton headed for his desk and called the SBC,
"Hello, this is Shelton Tate, head of the police. In order to aid the Mr. York investigation, I want you to broadcast footage of Felix Viktor arriving at the Vertue Palace you have, make sure it is at least six months after the election and over the top, I want you to broadcast the words 'Felix Viktor, Premier, released from jail after misunderstanding from the international policeforce's. Feel free to interview people and change the title to make it sound more genuine."

Bryson Kody

(Today)

As the match ended, with a narrow victory thanks to the Death Note, Bryson felt sad that the game would have to end, one final death, that's all it would take, to claim victory and make Swyftlandre the most powerful nation in the world and Bryson would be the king of that new world. But then it happened, the one event that would destroy Bryson Kody's life and Bryson's kingdom. He knocked four times.*

Once
"Who is it?" Bryson called, agitated, "If that's you Bill, I haven't taken your newspaper..."
Twice
"I said, I've not got your newspaper Bill!!!"
Thrice
"BILL!" Bryson cried, this time getting on his feet bringing a newspaper with him to exchange with the Old Man, making sure to hide the Death Note and pen inside his coat pocket. He reached to open the door and they knocked again, the forth time. He widened the door to see two police officers, he recognized one of them instantly, Harold Carter but the other, a Women of about twenty years, probably brought along to fight off any more Gunmen.
"We're under orders to arrest you in relation to the Mr. York case..."
NO!!! I...I have to run, everyone in the Police Force has to die before I can live. Just keep talking Harold Carter and Pheobe Lois, just while I write your names down.
"If you do not come now Mr. Kody, we will have no choice but to arrest you by force."
"Heh" He said, looking up at the pair, "Harold, Pheobe...what's the matter, what's wrong with me knowing your name? But I'm afraid you're going to die now...Hahaha!"
I must sound so bad right now, there's no way I can rule the world now...no, I'll just have to go into hiding until I can get a new identity, then I'll keep my way back to power

The duo attempted to apprehend him and as Pheobe captured Bryson, she placed the handcuffs on him before she fell to the heart attack, followed by Harold, who tried to run when he saw his accomplice die.
Damn, the Handcuffs...If, the Sewers, I can make it down to the sewers from here, I'll work out how to escape from them then. Judging from the looseness, they had not been put on properly yet, as long as he could get away far enough, he would be free. Bryson shoved the Death Note into his boxers, for a lack of anywhere else and ran from his apartment, past many spectating neighbors, none of which attempted to stop him on the way down. He made a turn down a neglected ally way and as he lifted the lid of the sewers blindly, the loud ring of sirens streamed past, surrounding the small block of apartments and the alleyway.
They all saw me! THEY ALL SAW ME!!! SOMEONE'S GOING TO TELL THE POLICE I CAME DOWN THIS WAY, I'M SCREWED!!! I'M SCREWED!!!

Despite his efforts, he was unable to lift up the lid of the Sewers and changed to a different tactic, running through the police circle, screaming and crying pathetically as he went, attracting cries of "STOP!" followed by the loud tapping of feet. Within a matter of seconds, he was on the ground...
"I WAS FRAMED!!! GET OFF ME, THIS IS ALL FELIX'S FAULT, HE FRAMED ME SO NO-ONE COULD STAND IN HIS WAY!!! BASTARDS, LET ME GO!!!"
"Bryson, give it up, Felix is still apprehended. Truthfully, I never believed you to be such a fool, to be tricked by a mere prank...Any self respecting politician would have recognized that these stories were fake..." Bryson looked up to the man speaking, Shelton Tate.
He got me, but how can it be, I killed a Shinigami, I'm smarter than Death itself...surely I can't lose now!!! This is all a set-up, it has to be, a hidden camera show, something! There's no way they've caught me!
"GET OFF ME!!! OR I'LL KILL YOU LIKE I KILLED THOSE OTHER POLICE OFFICERS!!!"
"W-wha! Officers two and five, examine the apartment of Bryson, NOW!" Shelton turned to Bryson, "Bryson, you really are a poor excuse for a leader. A bigoted bastard like the rest of them, you're going to rot in Prison for the rest of your life for your crimes, Racism, Mass Homicide to name a few of your crimes. But I'm not unreasonable, I will offer you a choice, Death Penalty or Life in jail and in return, I want to know where the lair of the Syndicate is...Mr York!"
Heh, choose my fate, what do I care...I'll just kill you all when I get the chance, then I'll run, no, what use is there in that, I'll just commit suicide...specifying that I destroy the Notebook before anyone else, then I can go to the Shinigami Realm as Suké promised, then I'll rule the world as a God of Death!!! What is five-hundred and seventy years compared to ruling the world for the rest of eternity...
"I cannot tell you, for I am not guilty of any crimes..." Bryson said calmly
"You said you'd kill me like you killed those other Police Officers just a moment ago, how much more of a confession do I need? TAKE HIM AWAY BOYS, WE'LL QUESTION HIM LATER, OH, AND MAKE SURE TO RELEASE THE PREMIER!"
Heh, that's right, take me in, a toilet break, that's all I'll need to kill you!

---

Bryson was taken in for questioning on the 11th of October 2012, where he received the Death Penalty the next day, on regards to a vote by the various Police Commanders and their men. The Death Note was apprehended by the Police when they discovered it in a strip search.

[Svengarda]

Interview with Truls Waaserson on Helsingborg News Network (HNN after the game)

"Well Truls, that was quite a performance, from both you and the team. How do you think it went?"

"Well, as you can tell by the scoreline, it obviously went well. 5-2 in the Semi finals is a resounding scoreline. It would be in any game, but to show that the whole team has gelled and worked well is a great achievement and we fully to deserve to be here in the final"

"A 5-2 scoreline is a great margin to go into the final. Are you confident"

"Well, Swyftlandre are a very competent side. The overcame a much stronger oppenent than Kintratar, High Heels 0-1 after extra time, so that shows that they can keep up energy levels for long periods of time, something that we as a side may not be able to do. If we can net an early goal or two, then we have a really good chance of taking the trophy"

"Who will be key for our success?"

"Well, obviously Toms (Holt) in goal. If he doesn't perform, then we've got an open net and that's not what we want. In the centre of midfield if Seppi (Steffanson) and Tor (Olhauser) can control the pitch, then we can simply run balls through them and up to me and Svein"

"And lastly, you've been linked to a move to Eastal Lunar FC of Vilita. Can you confirm these reports for us"

"Well, I'm not supposed to discuss club matters when with the national team, but it seems kind of pointless, seeing I won't actually play for CSKA again, I might as well. Yes, I have been discussing a move, and it's looking quite likely at the moment. I think it will be a great opportunity to play with and against some world class players in Vilita, and I'm honoured that they would even consider me for a deal"

"Can we expect to see you back in the Icelands any time soon?"

"Obviously, we have half our world cup qualifying games, which will be at home, and after my contract in Vilita expires, who knows. I could stay, I could go on"

"Well, It's been great talking to you, great match today and good luck for the final. Hope you win"

"Cheers"

Lineup for the final (3-4-3)

---Holt---

--Strorstrand--Thomasson--Lindstorm (c)--

--Lager--Steffanson--Olhouser--Ruotsalainen--

--B. Danielsen--T. Waaserson--Toov

[Svengarda]

Svenga dressing room before the final

"Okay? Is everyone here?" asked Coach Simon Andfossen as the last few players dripped in from the changing room "Ok, I'll get started"

"We're all here, because we've worked for it. We've all worked incredibly hard for this. 8 wins, 24 goals, 720 minutes of football have brought us here. Outside there, 70,000 people are out there, willing the other team to win. There are roughly 2,000 Svenga here, all in the far east corner. I want you to block them out, they're not here, as far as you're aware. Think of the miners and farmers up in the far north of Lapuna, huddled around the small TV in their freezing shack, taking shifts to hold up the sattelite cable. Think of those of who it really matters. Those who share in our every experience. Think how much this will mean to every single one of them. The entire country will be whispering, talking, shouting your names. Willing you on. This is just another game. Round 14 in KJP, the 2nd round in the Supercup, treat as such, play as hard as you there, play with all the power, pace and ferocity that makes this country so great. This game could lift this country into greatness, now, I ask of you, can get it there? Go get 'em."

[Aguazul]

(OOC: Thank you to all of the RPers, and to my excellent cohost, for making this a fun tournament! The World Cup qualifiers are difficult for every newcomer, but don't be discouraged; keep RPing, enjoy other people's posts, and if any of my corrupt or incompetent officials (or even the decent ones) can help one of your stories along, drop me a telegram and I'd be happy to keep writing with you. )

La Verdad

Controversy stays on pitch this time

Aguazul's fans, for a change, had the exciting thrill of arguing over a disputed play in a football match. "That was totally a goal," said Pablo Cano, referring to the overtime goal in the Baptism of Fire semifinal. "Dude, I'm not sure it was," repeated Guadalupe Viola. They then proceeded to discuss whether or not it had been a goal for five minutes, during which time neither changed their minds about the play. Both fans did agree, however, that there were "a lot worse ways to spend your time."

Playoff score:
High Heels 1–0 Kintratar

[Licentiapacisterra]

Cyan-and-Gold Observer

Final Looms, Final Preparations Underway

As teams from Svengarda and Swyftlandre ready themselves to compete for the Baptism of Fire 49 title in Abingdon tonight, final preparations are being made at Gardiner-Stewart Stadium for the expected pyrotechnic and other entertaining performances that will take place tonight, as well as last checks of ground quality and security measures that will be in place.

This reporter wishes good luck to the two teams that face off in the final tonight. May the best team win !!

...and here is the cutoff for the Final of the 49th Baptism of Fire. The result will be below shortly.

[Licentiapacisterra]

Svengarda 2–2 Swyftlandre (2–2 AET) (3–1 pen.)
Gardiner-Stewart Stadium, Abingdon, Abingdon Parish, Licentiapacisterra

Congratulations to the Baptism of Fire 49 champions, Svengarda !! And commiserations to the runners-up, Swyftlandre !!

Thank you to everybody who has competed here, and made this hosting job a lot of fun for me, thank you to Aguazul for awarding me an awesome opportunity to host this tournament with them, and I hope you have enjoyed competing too !! See you all in Astograth and Carpathia & Ruthenia !!

[Kalwomea]

Kalwomea Online
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New Spark in Diplomacy


Following Nipola and Mytos' joining in the ANSF, there has been a spark in international diplomacy.

"Kalwomea is a new nation," Our leader, Kriza Bouka, explains, "We need to reach out and get involved in the international community."

Now, the KLF (Kalwomea League of Football) has announced its decision to form a national team and participate in the Nation States World Cup. The coach for these "Football Goddesses" is Poria Nokilas.

"We have some good chances," Nokilas said in an interview last week, "When you have Kiri Baccus and Paulette Asteria on one team, you know you're doing something right."

When asked whether the team would be going offensive or defensive, Nokilas said, "We'll be doing whatever works. These girls have never played with each other before in a real game, so it will take some adjusting. Still, the girls are doing great at practice."

Sports experts have put their style at a -2.

OOC:
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my goalscorers N
Godmod scoring events N
But you can roleplay timing of the scores.
Roleplay injuries to my players N
Godmod injuries to my players N
Hand out yellow cards to my players Y
Hand out red cards to my players N
Godmod other events Y/N