World Cup 62 - The RP thread

by **Cambirano** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 6:49 am

BALDWIN: "WE WON'T MAKE THE FINALS"
National team manager makes pessimistic remarks

- Scherten, Cambirano

Cambirano national soccer manager Corey Baldwin made headlines in Cambirano yesterday when, at a regularly scheduled news conference three days before the World Cup 62 group draw, he said that his team would not make the World Cup Finals.

"I know the media likes to say that Cambirano is just a great team, and you know, they say we will make the Finals, and you know, we might even win the whole thing, but I'm going to be frank. We won't make the Finals," he said, in response to a reporter's query about his expectations for the team.

Social media in Cambirano erupted almost immediately, with one user on Tantan, @Pwr344, commenting, "Fire this idiot! He doesnt inspire confidence at all" Others, though, agreed with the manager. @FXCarney posted, "No one wants to admit #CMB was awful in the BOF and will be in the #WC but Baldwin"

Some of the players, who were available later in the day, dodged the question.

Reserve midfielder Jacob Agroune said he was just keeping his head down:

"I'm not going to get caught up in all this ruckus, all I want to do is get prepared, and make sure I'm ready to play my best at the World Cup."

Starting keeper Theo Walden suggested he was more optimistic than his manager:

"Coach Baldwin's a great guy, and he believes in us. He's just speaking his mind, and I'm... fine with that. I think... we can win a few, especially when teams have to come to Cambirano and deal with our fans."

The captain, midfielder Charles Davies, refused to comment on his manger's statement:

"We had a good day at practice. We hope to have another one tomorrow."

Baldwin has been under pressure for several weeks after the team's poor performance in the Baptism of Fire, and his decision to keep the roster the same for the World Cup. Some analysts and fans have also called for midfielder Richard Koulares' benching, but Baldwin has refused to comment on the situation until the group draw in two days.

-CAMSportsNow

by **Ancharmunn** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 12:18 pm

The Maudraiska Mirror

Two teams in Ancharmunn as emergency talks fail
by Ruadhrí Mac Suibhne

With just hours to go until soccer's World Cup qualifying tournament draw Ancharmunn looks to be in the envious position of having two teams participate in the world biggest sporting tournament. This comes after last ditch talks between the two warring factions of soccer within to the country ended in a resounding failure to make any sort of agreement.

Cumann Sacair an Tearmann (CST), long recognised as the game's governing body was ordered to be disbanded following the Copa Rushmori in which the national team made it to the quarter-finals only to be dumped out by Weatherdon. With the behaviour and performances of the CST controlled team having disappointed over a number of tournaments this was seen as the final straw for the government with Minister for Sport Donagh Fitzpatrick ordering a newly formed body, the National Soccer Board (NSB), to take control of top level football including the national team with immediate effect.

Undeterred the CST has stood it's ground and insisted that it retains it's role as football's guardian within Ancharmunn and with it the right to control the national football team. The World Cup Committee had however appeared to have sided with the government's NSB side, admitting them into World Cup 62. Meanwhile under the banner of An Tearmann the CST had entered their own side, one which was granted entry by the WCC after a late gap was created by the disbanding Apeotish's football association.

Despite this attempts at a reconciliation had been made with representatives of both associations meeting in Ballyfeeaknock's McCarthy Hotel. Given the differences between the two associations however any compromise always looked extremely unlikely, particularly given the WCC's late offer of a place to the CST and it came as no surprise to delegates and observers alike that rather than a reconciliation the only tangible result was a further souring of relations between the two organisations.

Malachy Hogan, a CST director admitted afterwards that his organisation has no intention of reaching a compromise saying, “Those who know the history of soccer in Ancharmunn know that the CST is the rightful body to oversee the sport in this national. We came here to defend that right and we look forward to participating once again in the World Cup.”

Donagh Fitzpatrick meanwhile sought to emphasise the newly founded NSB's role by saying, “Whilst it is true that soccer is in this country owes a historical debt to the CST it is also true that in recent years that association has fallen below acceptable standards and is no longer fit to represent the nation. We are naturally disappointed that the WCC has admitted the CST into the World Cup but we remain firm that only the NSB sanctioned team is a legitimate representative of Ancharmunn.”

Even with two teams Ancharmunn is not expected make much of an impact on the World Cup and whilst Charmunnry football may not resonate much with foreign observers the battle for supremacy within the nation is sure to be an intriguing one. However the advantage looks very much to be with the NSB team with that organisation being expected to inherit Ancharmunn's KPB ranking and thus a seeding. That National Soccer League teams have en mass sided with the NSB also hands the government backed team professional players whilst the CST team looks likely to have to made do with amateur players from the Junior Football League.

by **Carpathia and Ruthenia** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 2:38 pm

WORLD CUP DRAW

Group 1
The Babbage Islands (4)
Akbarabad (23)
Camwood (73)
Iturributa (105)
19th Century Beards (114)
Swyftlandre (193)
Lewisland (313)
Smernof (UR)

Group 2
Jeruselem (21)
Wight (33)
Turori (51)
Sarrbia (82)
Peripanland (123)
Tryienne (186)
The gypsies (295)
BrightonBurg (UR)

Group 3
Valladares (13)
Milchama (31)
Michael VII (50)
Sicoutimont (108)
Bongo Johnson (139)
Azox (242)
Branta Island (262)
Free Swiss States (UR)

Group 4
Pasarga (14)
Sargossa (28)
Octinstine (64)
Liventia (80)
Zandistan (113)
Backyard Sports (212)
Estope (252)
An Tearmann (UR)

Group 5
The FSSO (5)
Phoenigetuzstha (38)
West Angola (66)
Free South Califas (95)
Union Isle (144)
High Heels (226)
Charruterra (265)
Birolika (324)

Group 6
Jeru FC (8)
Carmadin (40)
Karditan (74)
Megadia (86)
Unified Falcon (109)
Kintratar (213)
Nethertopia (262)
North Posidia (347)

Group 7
Mytannion (19)
New Montreal States (26)
Audioslavia (58)
Ossidiacqua (79)
Wihsirmir Taoul di wer Qumadosfan (128)
Blouman Empire (159)
Thaulandi (252)
The Royal Kingdom of Quebec (347)

Group 8
Bears Armed (10)
Swartaz (27)
Soviet Canuckistan (67)
Mesoland (83)
Timfen (136)
Fanchnopolis (231)
Super-Llamaland (272)
The Jahistic Unified Republic (340)

Group 9
Qazox (20)
Darmen (36)
Equestrian States (52)
United Gordonopia (90)
The Scandinavian Islands (114)
Weatherdon (192)
East Shippensburg (276)
Gangnam (UR)

Group 10
Krytenia (15)
Yesopalitha (34)
Kinitaria (48)
West Zirconia (81)
Filopines (111)
The Javahe Islands (242)
Cambirano (316)
The Naughty Monks (UR)

Group 11
Valanora (1)
Mapletish (43)
Starblaydia (53)
Jedi8246 (103)
The Islands of Qutar (143)
Falcania (239)
Kalwomea (284)
United South Dominion (UR)

Group 12
The Holy Empire (3)
Cosumar (39)
Western Cuba (63)
Falconwhereveryouare (75)
Arcadian Islands (133)
Cevalo Nacio (213)
Allandium (316)
Bordurian (337)

Group 13
Gyatso-kai (12)
Kulverint (42)
Ancharmunn (72)
Lymantatia (85)
Westros (141)
Kingdom of Phoenixia (166)
Ogedei (295)
Kandorith (UR)

Group 14
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (2)
The Archregimancy (30)
Ko-oren (59)
Equatorial Sarmen (106)
Geisenfried (112)
The Holy Temple of Bacon Strips (231)
Neuseeland (306)
Maklohi Vai (340)

Group 15
Aguazul (22)
Legalese (32)
Thatius (56)
Apox (97)
Slembana (129)
Svengarda (185)
New York State (306)
Nopspri (UR)

Group 16
The Sylvanaes Queendom (7)
Stachland (45)
Osarius (57)
Boring Paradise (91)
Leorudo (141)
Earo (252)
Gaveo (306)
Kaldorium (332)

Group 17
Cassadaigua (11)
Chenkorya (44)
Antoletia (68)
Sanian Confederacy (92)
Anollasia (153)
Sameba (205)
Yelvoldia (252)
Mantwenic (UR)

Group 18
Taeshan (18)
Licentiapacisterra (37)
Armed Bears (61)
Farfadillis (93)
Khytenna (119)
Warkus (178)
Baz Mat (306)
Austernersey (UR)

Group 19
Vilita (17)
Saugeais (25)
Bergnovinaia (47)
West Guiana (88)
Mashiki (131)
Northern Sunrise Islands (155)
Royal East America (316)
Felix Terra (340)

Group 20
Polar Islandstates (6)
Kiryu-shi (24)
Eastfield Lodge (70)
Hutt River (94)
Rhodesiah (117)
Conclespia (162)
Cuboneland (284)
Triimoria (UR)

by **Hutt River** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 2:44 pm

OOC: This is an immense help to anybody who has no idea what's going on for most of it.

It was a normal morning aboard Defense Station IV. Lister had woken up a bit earlier than usual, around 11:30 and was eating his Friday breakfast of cornflakes with Tabasco sauce, chilled vindaloo sauce and a beer milkshakes for afters. Rimmer entered the room and looked at the meal in disgust,

"How can you eat that stuff? How many tastebuds do you have?" Lister, his mouth bulging with cornflakes began to reply, but Rimmer interrupted him, "Actually, don't tell me."

"Ah, good morning, Mr. Lister, sir", said Kryten walking into the room with a laundry basket piled high with clothes, "how is breakfast?"
"Smegging delicious, Krytie", Lister replied, and then asked, "Do you have that package that was supposed to be delivered today?"
"Yes, sir, it's behind you."
"Lovely," Lister said grabbing the package and placing it on the table. He tore the wrapping paper off and opened the box, "Hey guys the kits are here."

Rimmer, Kryten, the Cat, who had just entered the room, gathered around Lister, who was holding up the blue home shirt, which had thin white hoops horizontally across it.

"What do you think?" Lister said. The three nodded approvingly. "Here your sizes are in here I think". Lister rummaged around in the box. "This is yours, Cat," he said, handing him an average size shirt.
"Rimmer's" he said, handing him a Large.
"Why did you give me a large," Rimmer said, trying it on, "it'll be much too big for me. A nor... Oh it fits." Lister smirked.
"And a special one for you Kryten", holding up a normal looking shirt with a rather large collar, "I'll go and find the rest of the team."

It took about 15 minute for Lister to find everyone: Kochanski had been in her bunk, reading something that Lister didn't really care about, Ace was looking out at the sea, Duane and Peterson were asleep, and Ramses Niblick the Third was at the docking area underneath the main belly of the station waving his arms and talking some gobbledygook about chickens and how they relate to the movement of the continental crust. When he finally got back to the dining room/living room/kitchen combo, he found only Kryten there.

"Where are the others?" he said
Kryten looked up from his sheet folding, "Mr. Rimmer's gone for his afternoon jog, and Mr. Cat's gone investigating."
Lister looked like he was about to speak, but stopped himself, and put a finger up in the air. "Can you hear that Kryten?"
"Hear what, sir?"
"That humming noise, sounds a bit like one of our boats" Lister turned around to look out through the window. He could see a faint outline of what looked like a boat not too far away. "Kryten, come down to the dock with me please, we need to greet the new guests."

About 15 minutes later, Lister and Kryten stood at the docking area, waiting. Lister had brought a crowbar, just in case something went wrong. The annoying humming sound that the boat made was getting closer and closer with every second that passed. After a few minutes it emerged into view.

"Deb?" Lister said in slight shock, "Is that you?"
"I think so", the figure said, "Is that you Dave?"
"Probably." Lister put down the crowbar he was carrying and walked out to meet the boat as it entered the docking area.

***

Deb and Lister entered Lister and Rimmer's bunk, with Rimmer and Arlie following, and Kryten bringing up the rear with two beer cans for Lister and Deb.

"Thanks Krytie" Lister said, when he handed them the beer. He passed one to Deb, while Kryten left the room quietly. "So this is a bit of a surprise. You turning up here. How did it happen?"

"Well Hilly here," Deb replied, pointing at the watch on her hand, "wanted to try out her new invention."

"The Hilly Hop Drive didn't go too well", Hilly said, giving a nervous grin.

"So is it like last time we met? Is your universe still opposite to ours?"

"Yeah, it's seems that way."

"So, erm... name one of Slembana's strikers."

"Valerie Klyx is the only one I can think of at the moment. He doesn't score too many goals and when he does they're often in the middle of a second half, like the 67th minute or something around that time."

"That's a yes, then. Have you brought anyone else with you?"

"Only the Dog. He's been left outside so he doesn't get in anyone's way."

Meanwhile outside the building, the Cat was exploring when he smelled that strangely familiar smell. He followed the retched scent and stopped just outside the living room/dining room/kitchen combo. He turned around and saw the Dog

"Oh, it's you", Cat said.

"Well hello again, partner. Put it there", said Dog

"You certainly don't smell any different than last time", the Cat said in great disgust

"Hey Cat," Lister, who had just emerged from the living room/dining room/kitchen area, said, "We're going to have a party."

"At 1:00 in the afternoon?"

"Yeah, Hilly said it would take about a day to fix the Hop Drive, and we have nothing better to do."

"Well, yeah, yeah, yeah. Let's get going."

***

Lister woke up in his bunk. His head was still pounding from the night before. He rolled over and saw a pair of shoes next to him.

"Oh smeg, it's happened again" he cried out. Deb at the other end of the bed, stirred and awoke.

"We've done it again haven't we?" she said

"Yes"

"Well, smeg"

Rimmer and Arlie entered the room. Rimmer had a mixture of disgust and happiness on his face when he said,

"How can you two do it again. Didn't you learn anything from last time?"

"It's not my fault," said Lister, head still pounding, "I was blown out of my skull, man. I had no idea what I was doing."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Deb said aggressively.

"I wouldn't have slept with you, again, if I knew what I was doing."

"I hope you get pregnant," Rimmer said to Deb

"Her? How can she get pregnant?" Arlie said in surprise

"Well if they didn't use protection, she could be in big trouble."

"It's the men who get pregnant," said Deb incredulously.

"Oh dear Listie" said Arlie, "As we are in their universe, their physical law applies. Which means you could just possibly be up the spout."

"I'm not buying this. Hilly tell me this is wrong."

"It's true unfortunately" said Hilly, whose head had appeared on the screen, "whether you've got pregnant, we'll have to wait and see."

***

About an hour later, Deb, Arlie, Lister, Rimmer, The Cat and The Dog were in the 'Medical Room', a room kitted out with most of the medical equipment that was needed. They were joined by Kochanski and Kryten. Deb had just finished doing her part in the pregnancy test and was waiting for the results.

"It's blue for not pregnant right?" said Arlie

"Yes, which is the colour it's going to turn"

"And Green for pregnant?"

"Yes"

"Come on you greens!"

After a few second of silence, Arlie spoke,

"It's changing colour!"

"What colour?!"

"Yes it's changing colour!"

"What colour?!"

"It's blue for not pregnant right?!"

"Yes!"

"Good news then Listie, good news!"

"Oh, thank smeg"

To be continued...

by **Gaveo** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 3:16 pm

"Hello people of Gaveo! I am your host Jose Vasconcellos and this is Gaveoan Football Report."
*Que techno music, then flashing lights with the logo of the show*
"The qualifying group has been announced! Here is Maria Dos Santos with the table..."
"Thank you Jose, well here it is!"
*Que moar techno music*

Group 16
The Sylvanaes Queendom (7)
Stachland (45)
Osarius (57)
Boring Paradise (91)
Leorudo (141)
Earo (252)
Gaveo (306)
Kaldorium (332)

"And that is our group!"
"Thanks Maria, wow this looks like a tough group! Let me give YOU the fans my predictions but first here is a message from our friendly provider, Cadiz Airlines!"
*Commercial*
"Hello Gaveoans want to go and see the national team play in Cadiz and Chano? Well book your flights from any place with our World Cup Package, only 100 Gaveoan Primes and comes with a one free flight! Sign up for the package while you can!" "Some rates and fees apply, please check http://www.flycadizair.com, for more details..
*Back to show, with techno music and logo galore*
"Hello once again, and here is my official, Jose Vasconcellos certified predictions,
The Sylvanaes Queendom (7) - Um yeah they are going to whoop us we will surprised to score a goal despite our skilled team... My prediction 0-0-2 with this team.
Stachland (45) - We could win or tie our home game and m-a-y-b-e win or tie with them but I am being optimistic... My prediction 0-0-2 m-a-y-b-e 0-1-1.
Osarius (57) - We are getting closer but still a challenge just like the other teams. My prediction 0-2 or as for Stachland maybe 0-1-1...
Boring Paradise (91) - Founder of Esportiva 90% sure they are they will whoop us... Lucky if tie with them, just like the other three teams... My prediction 0-0-2 or maybe 0-1-1...
Leorudo (141) - We have faced them before and won, luck? Maybe. Skill? We have to find out... My prediction 1-0-1.
Earo (252) - Never heard of them but we could have a chance to snag a win... My prediction 1-0-1.
Kaldorium (332)- Lowered rank doesn't mean we will win both games but lets play with the dice here. My prediction 2-0-0.
Overall:
"4-2-4.
Not going to qualify to World Cup 62."
*boos*
"Its true! We can do this, I am just being well realistic..."
*more booing*
"Um crew go to commercials..."

by **Kintratar** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 3:49 pm

Mabren Sports - Group Draw
"Sports, at your service"
Written by Hujio Bujer

Well, we have our group, and we also have predictions by
our experts here in Mabren.
Here's the draw.

Group 6
Jeru FC (8)
Carmadin (40)
Karditan (74)
Megadia (86)
Unified Falcon (109)
Kintratar (213)
Nethertopia (262)
North Posidia (347)

Now, Jeru FC, Carmadin and Karditan are all losses. They
are just too good! Despite our good backfield, They also
have better players. Jeru FC nearly won the tournament.
Out of 130-150 teams, they made it that far. Amazing. We
nearly won the BoF, but that's new teams. We expect to
lose to all of them. 6 LOSSES

Now to Megadia. We ~~have~~ had a huge win
streak in BoF, where we went 4-0-1, and made it to the
semi's, beating Super-Llamaland and Charrutera in the
tournament. We could draw with Megadia. We expect
to be 0-0-2 with them, And that's optimistic. But I'm
confident with our speed. 2 TIES

Unified Falcon. Never heard of them. Don't know
anything about them. But I think it's either
1-0-1 or 0-0-2, from their stats. We expect most likely
1-0-1 though. 1 WIN, 1 TIE

Nethertopia, has not qualifed from WC59-61 or more.
We think their players have seen their best days. Our
prediction is 2-0-0. 2 WINS

North Posidia. They have played before in BoF 49.
They went 0-0-5. We actually played them, and won,
3-2. I don't see how they could beat us. They could draw,
but, they are 125 ranks behind us. We expect 2-0-0 win.

PREDICTION:
5 WINS
3 TIES
6 LOSSES. Not gonna make it.

by **Apox** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 4:07 pm

GROUP DRAW ANNOUNCED - APOX IN 15

After an incredibly lively group draw in which there was much bantering by all the assembled royals/pundits/retired footballers/footballers/randomers, Apox were drawn into Group 15 after being seeded in Pot D, midway through, showing that we are almost exactly average. Time to prove the haters wrong!

So, the AFB have set the target of finishing either 4th or 3rd in a quite competitive group. So, who are we facing?

AGUAZUL
The lowest ranked top seed, nonetheless, Aguazul is a ridiculously good footballing nation, especially after their World Cup winning antics of the mid to late 50's. Despite having their power waning, they are still a footballing force, and we should remain wary of them. Our prediction: 2 losses.

Group 14

Ps Team                    P   W  D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Aguazul                16  13  2   1  35  14  +21  41
 2 Kiryu-shi              16  11  0   5  32  15  +17  33
 3 Saugeais               16   9  1   6  39  20  +19  28

Group A - World Cup Proper

Team           P  W  D  L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Valanora       3  2  1  0  8  3  +5  7
 2 Krytenia       3  1  2  0  6  4  +2  5
 3 Aguazul        3  1  1  1  5  6  -1  4
 4 Kulverint      3  0  0  3  1  7  -6  0

LEGALESE
Another footballing force, however, we don't know a great deal about them, having not really come across them at all on our travels. Ranked 32nd, they could quite easily win the group and it will be between them and Aguazul who wins in our opinion. Our prediction: 2 losses.

Group 13

Ps Team                               P   W  D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Legalese                          16  14  1   1  55  16  +39  43
 2 The Sylvanaes Queendom (D&S)      16  10  4   2  37  20  +17  34
 3 Darmen                            16   9  3   4  47  29  +18  30

Group F - World Cup Proper

Ps Team                        P  W  D  L For Ag +/- Pts
 1 Gyatso-kai                  3  2  1  0  4  1  +3  7
 2 The Sylvanaes Queendom      3  1  2  0  2  1  +1  5
 3 Bears Armed                 3  1  0  2  5  4  +1  3
 4 Legalese                    3  0  1  2  4  9  -5  1

THATIUS
A draw against them in the last Cup of Harmony in which they underperformed, gives us here at the Apoxian Word a faint ray of hope. Maybe we can sneak in a home win against them? Who knows, and at 56th, they're still ranked way above us. Our prediction: Away loss, Home win.

Ps Team                                  P   W  D  L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Mytannion                            16  13  2  1  32   2  +30  41
 2 Swartaz                              16   8  6  2  18   6  +12  30*
 3 Thatius                              16   9  3  4  26  18   +8  30*

*Swartaz ahead on GD

SLEMBANA
We know the Slembanan's well, and have a long history against them. However, amazingly, this World Cup will be our first encounter, something hard to believe. The Slembanan's pulled off a few upsets last season, as well as having that young striker Val Kylx who we'll need to contain for the first few minutes of the game, after which point he'll probably hit the post. Seriously though, he's a threat. Our prediction: 1 win, 1 draw.

Ps Team                         P   W  D   L For  Ag  +/- Pts
 1 Jeru FC                     16  13  2   1  53  16  +37  41
 2 Queer Poco el Mono Ara      16   8  5   3  27  11  +16  29
 3 Mesoland                    16   8  3   5  14  14   +0  27
 4 Scrap Brain Zone            16   8  2   6  23  28   -5  26
 5 Ancharmunn                  16   5  4   7  22  18   +4  19
 6 Megadia                     16   5  4   7  20  24   -4  19
 7 Slembana                    16   6  1   9  17  26   -9  19

SVENGARDA
The winners of the Baptism of Fire are clearly a team emerging with a bit of swag to them. Containing it will be crucial. While low ranked now, who nows what the outcome against them may be. Having said that, I'm pretty sure we'll get at least 4 points. Our prediction: 1 win, 1 draw (possibly 2 wins)

NEW YORK STATE
Must have played in the Baptism of Fire. Didn't do that well by looking at their ranking. Don't know what else to say. Our prediction: 2 wins.

NOPSPRI
They're unranked. They have a weird name. Don't know anything else about them. Our prediction: 2 wins.

So, after that look at our group, what does that come to: 7-2-5 or 23 points, which is less than last time, but then again there is one less nation per group. Should be good for 4th place, or if we're lucky, 3rd.

by **West Angola** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 5:55 pm

NAMIBE REGISTER

GROUP DRAW ANNOUNCED, WEST ANGOLA GLIMPSES POSSIBLE QUALIFICATION!

With this afternoon's group draw, West Angola was placed into Group Five. The team is the third-highest ranked team in their group for the first time in the squad's history. Their next-highest ranking, fourth, saw West Angola vault to the cusp of qualification, being eliminated on tiebreakers by Stachland. Coach Phillip Garren was optimistic as ever, calling this draw "the most favorable he'd ever seen." West Angola stunned the world in Cup of Harmony 53, when they upset Stachland and Saugeais en route to their first knockout round berth in any tournament. The team now hopes to ride that high into the World Cup, seeking their first qualification this time around.

Group 5:
1. Birolika (324)
2. West Angola (66)
3. The FSSO (5)
4. Phoenigetuzstha (38)
5. Union Isle (144)
6. Free South Califas (95)
7. Charruterra (265)
8. High Heels (226)

West Angolan Match Schedule:
1. vs. Charruterra (265)
2. at Birolika (324)
3. vs. High Heels (226)
4. vs. The FSSO (5)
5. at Phoenigetuzstha (38)
6. vs. Union Isle (144)
7. at Free South Califas (95)
Off-Day
8. at Charruterra (265)
9. vs. Birolika (324)
10. at High Heels (226)
11. at The FSSO (5)
12. vs. Phoenigetuzstha (38)
13. at Union Isle (144)
14. vs. Free South Califas (95)

Won (0) Lost (0) Drawn (0) Should Win (9) Might Win (2) Toss-Up (0) Might Lose (1) Should Lose (3)
Should Win denotes 85%-100% Chance of Winning, Might Win denotes 61%-84%, Toss-Up denotes 45%-60%, Might Lose denotes 31%-44%, and Should Lose denotes 0%-30%

Projected Final Record: 10-2-4
Projected Group Finish: 3rd

MATCH PREVIEW: (#265) CHARRUTERRA AT (#66) WEST ANGOLA

West Angola:

World Rank: 66

Previous Appearances:
Baptism of Fire 45: 3-1-1, 3rd in Group
World Cup 58: 4-4-8 in Qualifying Stage, 7th in Group
World Cup 59: 5-2-5 in Qualifying Stage, 5th in Group
World Cup 60: 8-1-5 in Qualifying Stage, 3rd in Group
World Cup 61: 5-4-6 in Qualifying Stage, 4th in Group
Cup of Harmony 50: 1-1-1, 3rd in Group
Cup of Harmony 51: 0-1-2, 4th in Group
Cup of Harmony 53: 2-1-0, 1st in Group, Lost in Round of 16 to The Archregimancy 0-1

Charruterra:

World Rank: 265

Previous Appearances:
Baptism of Fire 49: 2-2-1, 3rd in Group, Lost in Quarterfinal to Kintratar 0-2

Our Analysis: West Angola was stunned by TaQud in its opening match of World Cup 61, and the team has a history of blowing easy wins, so an upset here is not out of the question. West Angola should win, but I'm gonna hedge here and say there is at most a 20% chance of a Charruterran win on Tuesday night.

Our Prediction: West Angola 2, Charruterra 0

by **Farfadillis** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:00 pm

Juan Justo got home from Astograth, he had had fun speaking in spanish with Eliana Mosqueda, and even shouting Slembanana deliverately, or saying Licentianosecuantoniporquetanlargo. He decided to take a look at the most famous farf blog, Gre P'simistá.

5 reasons why we'll lose against every team! (or at least perform worse than expected)

Written by your beloved Pesimistacio Completalez.

We all know that Farfadillis is now a bit more known than before. We all know that. However, we all know that we underperform when pressure comes. And we have one tough group, well, I would've said that regardless of which group we'd be in, but you've got the point. We are going to underperform at away every time, I'm sure. We're also in group 18, like in WC 60, where ended up as the worst team winning against already failed state nation Tales.

Anyways, let's get to our opponents:

Taeshan

What can we predict against them? Two losses, as simple as that. They're like, way above us in all aspects. Even more, we can't top with any competition that is semi-amatuerish, and their league is much more recognized than ours. An obvious loss to anyone who understands football, really. Hate me if you want, but you're just proving that we're horrible.

Licentiadgfhajfjla

Yep, we're facing Licentiadgfhajfjla, or something near to that. They've recently qualified for the world cup and are campionato esportiva's most recent champions. If you've smoke something really heavy, or are outright crazy, you could believe we actually have the possibility to get a tie at home. Bad news, we don't. They're gonna be too much for our horrible tactics.

Armed Bears

I don't know what the fuck is going on between Bears Armed and Armed Bears. I mean, they are the same and don't know each other. Well, whatever, both nations can kick our asses easily, and this won't be the exception. They are bears. Sapient bears. What else is there to say? Superior physically in every aspect. Except running against Dandalleion, maybe. And that won't be enough.

Khytenna

Granted, we can beat them. However, Farfadillis will underperform. We all know it. It always happens. We need Fendergéson Numbá back, the only manager I liked, and you-know-what happens. Hell, the bunnies from Dandillis (which are on sale), can handle pressure better than us.

Warkus

They have a bird in their flag. Birds can fly. We can't fly. They may be able to. That's an obvious advantage. Otherwise, seems like a possible win for us, being optimistic (at least my version of optimistic, not the drugged-out version of optimistic I often see, which you guys would call "normal"). Anyways, we'll face each other for least bad team along with some other team. I'm sure.

Baz Mat

They're new to the international stage, we could, theoretically, beat them. However, it's easy matches that farves can't handle. And this could be one.

Austenersey

Who knows them? I don't know, whatever, we'll still lose. I'm perfectly sure. I mean, they sound like RLSatest Australia, a nation that isn't bad at football. And we are.

And that was our group's analysis, today I felt much more optimistic than other days.

"What an ass", said Juan Justo, before closing his Tosheepa laptop and going to bed.

by **Warkus** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 7:30 pm

Infinite Glory

Part I

We will not lose a single game. After the events that happened in the Ultimate Training Session, we must be unstoppable. Wrong.

Dead wrong.

You'd think that with inhuman abilities, we'd be the best. Nope. Not when we're facing robots, monsters, demons and other players just like us. It's kind of like discovering a power, and then discovering that others can counter it, can use it themselves. It's a battle of will and power. You can be the best team in the world, and still lose. In the end, practice means nothing. It's all about the match itself and who performs on the day.

Last time, we did not perform on the day. Heck, we nearly finished last. That's because we were scared. Screw being scared.

So how're we gonna win this thing? Pure arrogance, no man or woman in Warkus will admit it, but that's what drives them to their full potential. We are the best team in the world and you better damn accept that or i'll rip your freaking head off.

Taeshan

Pfft, I don't even know if i'm pronouncing their name right. Their name is utterly ridiculous, therefore they must suck. An easy 3-0 win.

Licentiapacisterra

Good God, another stupid name. I'm just gonna call them Lice, because they're just that. Annoying head lice, that will be destroyed with our combs and lice-remover. Another simple 3-0 victory.

Armed Bears

Bears can't play football. Bears get shot with rifles and sold for money. I'd be surprised if they could even talk. Heck, they'll probably eat the damn ball. A slaughterhouse victory of 14-0

Farfadillis

What is with these names? Sounds like a fancy term for flatulence. That and they've already proven why they suck.

Khytenna

They sound like Krytenia, who have the lovely World Cup curse. If Krytenia can't win, they can't. Besides, we're winning anyways. A simple 4-0 victory, all goals being penalties.

Baz Mat

A mat? Yeah, a mat. A mat that we'll trample. 3-0.

Austernersey

Probably a weird combination between Australia and New Jersey. Australia suck at football, and are getting worse by the minute, while I don't even know if people in New Jersey know what football is! An easy 5-0 win.

by **Mapletish** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:42 pm

Following the heat of the World Cup LXII

The Lions drawn into Group 11

So we are drawn into Group 11, the two ones side by side with each other.

So here is the group:

Group 11
Jedi8246 (103)
Kalwomea (284)
Starblaydia (53)
The Islands of Qutar (143)
Falcania (239)
United South Dominion (UR)
Valanora (1)
Mapletish (43)

- Analysing the stakes -

Valanora (1)

Currently the highest ranked nation in the sport of association football in the entire NS-Universe, however you say it they are sure to dominate Group 11, besides this group is going to be a little punch into their faces for now, facing them on the sixth and twelfth matchday respectively. Certainly a nail-breaker for the fans as the two highest ranked teams in Group 11 goes in for a lock of horns. Do expect two straight loses for the Lions here.

Possible amount of points gained: 0

Jedi8246 (103)

Formerly a team which dominates the top few spots of the association football rankings, they have however slipped down the tables by a large percentage, coming against a major footballing force is difficult let alone playing against them, once dominating matches like a flick of a lighter, the Lions would have a hard time playing against them at home and away. However being out of the international footballing scene for quite some time, skills on their side hasn't been put to test for quite sometime. Expect a draw and a defeat here.

Possible amount of points gained: 1

Kalwomea (284)

This nation is never heard of in Mapletish, however reports have shown that they were one of the newer faces in the international footballing scene making their debut in the previous Baptism of Fire. Ranked at 284th, they are right down near the 300th spot in the footballing universe. Overcoming them shouldn't be a problem unless the Lions lack the composure in front of the goal, or having pure underestimation of a lowly 200s team.Two wins here wouldn't be a problem for the Lions.

Possible amount of points gained: 6

Starblaydia (53)

One of the most prestigious nation in the association football sport, having dominated matches and ranking tables alike and an Under 21 World Cup named after their footballing legend Simone Di Bradini. The team that made their return into footballing qualified for the World Cup, supposedly on first try. The prominent force cannot be underestimated for the Lions as the inexperienced side might just be thrown and diced apart by the Starblaydia side. Muain Newtons will certainly have a formation selection headache for one or the other. Expect two straight defeats for the Lions' encounter against the Legends.

Possible amount of points gained: 0

The Islands of Qutar (143)

A former sporting powerhouse, The Islands of Qutar has now taken its roots to a return to the international sporting scene, coming to this opportunity of a World Cup return. A team which process quality and experienced faces all around, the Lions will certainly have a lot of problems against a side like this, even though they are ranked 100 places away from the Lions. An old proverb says, "An old hand will always know the way". For now, The Islands of Qutar will act like the old hand and even if they are run riot by the Lions on the match itself, they would have a high level of chance of coming away with a victory. Expect two draws for the Lions' encounter right here.

Possible amount of points gained: 2

Falcania (239)

Next on the list comes out to be Falcania, a 239th ranked nation in the association football ranking table. A team in which we have never heard of and a team in which we have never played against. Little is known about the team until the match encounters that will tear out the fog of war here. Underestimation will give the Lions a headache if they go into the match with that mindset, however playing with a high commitment will change the results to the Lions' favour. The odds are on the Lions' favour to take out Falcania with two neat victories to come away with 6 points.

Possible amount of points gained: 6

United South Dominion (UR)

Here comes the sort of nations that the Lions will need to win against to gained bits of dominance in Group 11. An unranked team which the Lions have never played against, and with little information known about them, the fog of war is still on and little is known whether this unranked nation will make it out of Group 11 with a win to boast about, however when the Lions visit them at their home and when the return journey surfaced, the Lions are expected to come away with a scoring rout against them. Expect two neat victories for the Lions here.

Possible amount of points gained: 6

Overall

Total possible amount of points gained for the Lions: 21

21 points is barely enough for the Lions to scrape through Group 11 with a World Cup qualification either automatically or through the playoff pods. This will be a tough challenge for Muain Newtons' team as they would have to overcome a number of tough matches that will tear the morale and tempo of the Lions. It wouldn't be surprising if the Lions don't get what they want this World Cup cycle, just look at all the matches how many matches are we confident of a clear victory, less than 8 of it let alone wanting to qualify for the World Cup.

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:48 pm

FOOTBALL ANALYSIS
The Opnion of Dr. Isaac Jones, Sports Journalist

It's time. After the Qualifiers Group Draw, Dr. Jones here gives you the resume of what will be our qualifiers group.

VILITA (17)
Founder of Atlantic Oceania, well-seasoned team, has overpowered all over it. The matches against Vilita will be probably a loss.

SAUGEAIS (25)
Doesn't really help that these guys are just nine positions away from Vilita. If you want a tip on how they will play take a look at matches from teams like Lynder Frosslasses and Mabel Wigglytuffs of the Premier League, since both of these teams have an integring core of players from this country. They are good, so we better not expect anything that great.

BERGNOVINAIA (47)
These guys are pretty interesting, mostly because it wouldn't be a shock to me if they didn't even come to play. Why? They seem to be busy with other stuff, so they can probably just walk-out. If they manage to appear, expect issues. Come to think of it, if we want to get somewhere, we should be gunning to take these guys down.

NEW WEST GUIANA (WEST GUIANA) (88)
Well, New West Guiana goes with the name of their predecessors, West Guiana. Why they are a new version of it simply is in the blurry area between "I don't know" and "I don't care". New West Guiana is mostly seen in other sports, namely American Football. It's a pretty feared opponent... in American Football that is. Call me cocky, but I can't expect a lot from them. Maybe they'll surprise me, but for now, it's more of a no thanks.

MASHIKI (131)
Different from my view on West Guiana, Mashiki seems to be a stronger opponent, even though they are better at Swamp Soccer in my opnion. Mashiki is a pretty good opponent and I believe they'll be our rivals for this one.

ROYAL EAST AMERICA (316)
Almost a league away from the rest of the teams in this group, this is the other Esportivan team of Group 19, and their chances are small as they could be. Two wins against these guys are priorities.

FELIX TERRA (340)
Another team that is probably going to be busy doing something else. I dunno, but I expect two wins.

So, in a resume. We should win the matches against West Guiana, Royal East America and Felix Terra and hope to get good results against Mashiki, Bergnoviniaia, Saugeais and Vilita. Every point is needed to get to a possible Cup of Harmony participation or something like that. This is my prescription, Dr. Jones. Anyways, I thought I'd inform you. Head of Vulpine Sportif's Frederique Brezul said that this Cup would be the Cup of the Marills, even if the national team screw up. Would that be because of many teams that are participating have the Vulpine Sportif brand around? Well, that's a good way to say that you took part in a title victory, sponsor the best. They already took a small part on the Baptism of Fire with Svengarda anyways.

by **Karditan** » Sat Oct 20, 2012 8:50 pm

Havr Milosivek sat twiddling his thumbs. A few rays of sunlight that straggled over the horizon and through the window lit the grizzly scene behind him.

Blood splattered the colorful brick mosaic that backed the counter. It had been a happy picture of a few cows grazing on a sunny green field. Now it looked as though they had gone through the slaughterhouse. A cleaver caked in blood stuck out of a pig carcass on the counter. Another stuck out of the butcher on the floor. The hand-rolled sausages on the menu were ridiculously overpriced. There was a severed hand stuck on the slowly-revolving ceiling fan.

Havr sipped his coffee, black, and tried to puzzle out what had happened to his favorite butcher. They certainly were not in the really bad part of Moscolt. Straight-up robbery gone awry was not likely. Perhaps that serial killer he heard about on the news? No, he only killed women. A woman looked in the window and screamed. Rodery Volvek had always been a paranoid man. Perhaps he had sought some protection. Korzado and his filthy mob had been making inroads into the city for years, despite Havr's best efforts to dissuade them. Business had been down lately. The pseudo-ban on meat meant only the regulars came to Rodery's anymore, and that was not enough to keep him in the black. Perhaps he had fallen behind on his payments. The sun disappears behind the city skyline and the store is left in a dusty dusk. Rodery was a strong man; it would not have been easy to overpower him mano-a-mano. Any type of assassin was ruled out by the bluntness of scene. It was clearly the handiwork of a gook. Must have been one hell of a gook. Rodery was more protective of his knives than his daughters.

A young couple strolls past the window, whispering to each other. The hand is spinning atop fan. Rodery is dead, and Havr is hungry. Everything he had to go on was circumstantial at best. He was not often vigorous in his research, but you want to be sure they are guilty if you are going to mess with the mob. Takes too much energy and time to make a hasty decision. The hand slips and and lands with a splat. I want a burger, he thinks. Borscht has been all he's had for about a week. Need something solid. Cannot revenge on an empty stomach. There is a knock at the door. There is a cleaver halfway into Rodery's neck. The twilight is fading. Havr gets up to answer the knock.

"Hello; are you Hav-er Mill-o-savak?" A man in a ratty tweed suit and a brown fedora is standing on the doorstep. His watch is exactly three minutes fast. The smell of gasoline is in the air.

"Close enough. What do you want?"

"Sir, I am here to offer you a spot in the most illegal operation you have or ever will take part of."

Havr sniffed. The basil plant Rodery kept in the window sill gave off a faint aroma. He had seen many things and done more; there was not much in the lawbooks he had not broken. The man's watch is three minutes and four seconds fast. Rodery's stumped arm rests on a torn photograph of his ex-wife.

"I am here to offer you a spot on the Karditani national soccer team."

Soccer? Illegal. Moderately punished. Old news for Havr. Unauthorized representation of the nation? Severely punished. Havr had been an absentee member of a few corrupt World Assembly committees. Politicians are beyond easy to impersonate and fool. Samantha Volvek was beginning to worry why her father had not come home yet.

"I will take it."

Edit: Retro-actively making this Havr's application to the World Cup All-Star team. At least a few more RPs should center on him.

by **Free South Califas** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 1:26 am

Group 5
1. The FSSO (5)
2. Phoenigetuzstha (38)
3. West Angola (66)
4. Free South Califas (95)
5. Union Isle (144)
6. High Heels (226)
7. Charruterra (265)
8. Birolika (324)

Osarian manager Oswaldo “Oscar el Loco” Garabona has been handed the reins for the Harvest Mice once again, in their strongest position yet, but facing new challenges. The Califans have never played a team ranked as high as ⁵Eura, going 0-1-3 against the same top seed, ^now-16Bostopia, in their first two World Cups. Outscored 7-0 in the four-match series, the Mice will have to come up with something better against top competition if they hope to advance.

As expected, a qualification for ⁹⁵Free South Califas is barely within the range of the feasible. It would require “el Loco” and his crew to clean up against the bottom of the table, upset ⁶⁶West Angola, scalp familiar foe ³⁸Phoenigetuzstha again, and maybe even hold their own against the ⁵FSSO. Criticized in the press--most notably that old bellicose eyesore, the Pasadena Worker--for watering down the Harvest Mice friendly schedule with low-ranked opponents, Garabona defended his decision by arguing that tougher WCQ schedules would make ⁹⁵FSC success contingent on falling into a rhythm of domination against the bottom table. Some pundits say he was vindicated by the group draw, which placed the Mice against an average opponent rank of 152.6, similar to a number of scheduled friendly opponents who they have laid waste to in the offseason. However, among the three opponents ranked higher than FSC, their average rank is 36.3, of which caliber the Mice have rarely faced and have had trouble scheduling with. Other than drawing ³⁸Phoenigetuzstha in WC61, the only ones that come to mind are ³¹Milchama and ¹⁶Bostopia, who pale in comparison to the rising stars of ⁵Eura.

Harvest Mice Schedule
Tuesday 23: @ ⁵Eura
Wednesday 24: vs. ³⁸Phoenigetuzstha at Mission Valley Stadium, 9449 Friars Road, San Diego, SD 108 (71,294)
Thursday 25: @ ¹⁴⁴Union Isle
Friday 26: @ ²²⁶High Heels
Saturday 27: vs. ²⁶⁵Charruterra at San Bernardino County Sports Complex, Fontana, San Bernardino (28,000)
Sunday 28: @ ³²⁴Birolika
Monday 29: vs. ⁶⁶West Angola at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 3939 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, LA 37 (93,607)
Tuesday 30: Friendly with ⁹¹Boring Paradise (or is it off day 2?)
Wednesday 31: vs. ⁵Eura at the Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, LA 103 (92,542)
Thursday 1: @ ³⁸Phoenigetuzstha
Friday 2: vs. ¹⁴⁴Union Isle at Gaslamp Quarter Stadium, 19 Tony Gwynn Drive, San Diego, SD 101 (42,445)
Saturday 3: vs. ²²⁶High Heels at Bakersfield Memorial Stadium, 1801 Panorama Drive, Bakersfield, KE 305 (20,000)
Sunday 4: @ ²⁶⁵Charruterra
Monday 5: vs. ³²⁴Birolika at Municipal Stadium, Riverside, RS (17,500)
Tuesday 6: @ ⁶⁶West Angola
Prediction: 7-3-4, 3rd or 4th place

by **Phoenigetuzstha** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 2:46 am

A Broadcast from PTVS1 (Phoenigetuzstha Televizion Sport 1)

And so it is here, the world cup comes around again, the biggest tournament in the world (except maybe the Olympics) were all nations involved are united through football. Phoenigetuzstha, ranked 38th in the world, are one of the contenders for a place in the final tournament after a great showing last time which saw them qualify, but ultimately pick up a point from the group stages, sending them home prematurely, but it was what everybody expected from them. This time they'll be hoping for better, with a new younger team, Nebuchad Bel-Hammonis (who is seriously getting old) will want to kick start his campaign with a victory against minnows of sorts, Union Isle. Oops, we've named a team in the group, now Pari is going to destroy me *gulp* let's swiftly move onto a preview of all the teams in the group:

The Teams of Group 5

Birolika - Who? Yes, exactly. We've haven't heard of them, so we'll probably beat them, they are ranked very low in the world, just 324th, so it should be something of a walkover barring any natural phenomenon or wild animal attacks. Our prediction for the matches against Birolika? 2 wins, anything less will be seen as a disaster.
West Angola - West Angola are ranked 66th in the world, and as the 3rd seed, are expected to push Phoenigetuzstha to the play-offs, if not steal it for themselves, however, I cannot see them doing this to Phoenigetuzstha, the gap in quality is very large, and so, it should be a win and draw for Phoenigetuzstha, although a loss away from home should also be expected.
The FSSO - Ah, remember the FSSO's amazing cup run just two editions ago, certainly a magical moment. Anyway, we've faced them before, in the Cup of Harmony, were the did in fact beat us 1-0. I have a feeling that it won't be so close as last time, and so, it will probably be 2 Phoenigetz losses to this formidable foe.
Union Isle - These are the guys Phoenigetuzstha will be facing first, seemingly weak, due to their rank, they shouldn't be too much of a problem, however there may be an upset or two from them, let's just hope it's not against Phoenigetuzstha. I'd say a draw and a win against Union Isle, let's be conservative.
Free South Califas - Ah, a familiar foe, we pipped them last World Cup (on the final matchday too) to get to the play-offs, and ultimately gain access to the World Cup. They're tough, and we may have mocked them last time for their overly positive disposition about their chances against the other teams in the group, but that is backed up by a certain degree of certainty in their football. A win and a loss, as these are tough cookies.
Charruterra - These little whipper-snappers were in the most recent Baptism of Fire, we believe that they were eliminated in the Quarter-Final, but we're not too sure, as Phoenigetuzstha doesn't care much for the Baptism of Fire. They should provide two wins for Phoenigetuzstha to gobble up and convert into 6 points.
High Heels - We think they finished 3rd in the Baptism of Fire, which isn't at all bad, but Phoenigetuzstha are miles better to be fair, we expect a win against this weaker opponent.

Prediction: 10 - 1 - 3

by **Slembana** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 3:39 am

(OOC: This was written just after the group draw for the qualifying groups of World Cup 62 qualifying. It was written on the Slembanan FA's website (http://www.slembananfa.slm) on the night of the draw (Wednesday 3 September 2014 Slembanan time), with work continuing into the early hours of the following morning (Thursday 4 September, Slembanan time).)

Our group opponents rated

Here, we will rate our group for World Cup 62 qualifying. 30 teams will attempt to qualify from 20 qualifying groups of eight. The 30 successful teams will join the host teams, Astograth and Carpthia & Ruthenia, in the final tournament. Anyway, let's get on with our group. We are in group 15, alongside the following teams. The numbers in brackets beside each team's name is their KPB World Ranking. The unranked team in the group, Nopspri, will have (UR) beside their name.

Aguazul (22)
Aguazul are the slight favourites for the group, as they are 22nd in the world. The fact that they have won four of the last eight World Cups (the 54th, 57th, 58th, and 59th editions) make them look even more formidable. The Aguazulians hosted the last Baptism of Fire (the 49th edition) alongside the WA delegate for our region (Esportiva), Licentiapacisterra. Because Aguazul are such a good footballing nation (but not as good as they were), we predict two losses: 4-0 away from home, and 2-1 at home.
Legalese (32)
Legalese are another good team. They have hosted many major tournaments in the past, and reached the final tournament of the last tournament, only to finish last in their group with one point. We can see the Legalesians challenging for a play-off spot - or maybe even for the group title. Our prediction is two losses - 3-0 away, and 1-0 at home.
Thatius (56)
Thatius are yet another good team in our group. Their players have Serbian names, but that isn't really relevant - neither is the fact that they used to reside in our current region (Esportiva). The Thatians underperformed at the last Cup of Harmony - a home draw against them, perhaps? We predict a 1-1 home draw, and a 2-1 away loss.
Apox (97)
Apox, a nation which, like us, resides in the region of Esportiva, will be playing us for the first time ever during this qualifying campaign. Hard to believe, eh? The Apoxians are only in their second World Cup Cycle, but they're already in the top 100! The Apoxians tempted us to join Renaissance, and after they left Renaissance, they coaxed us to join Esportiva. We predict a hard-fought 2-2 draw at home, and maybe a 2-1 loss away from home.
Svengarda (185)
Svengarda have just emerged from the 49th Baptism of Fire, which they won. They may give us a bit of trouble, but we're ready. We think we will beat them 2-1 at home, and maybe sneak a 1-0 win at their place.
New York State (306)
This nation is influenced by the Americans, and thus calls football "soccer". They are another nation who have emerged from the 49th BoF. We think we will beat the New Yorkers 4-0 at home, and 2-0 away.
Nopspri (UR)
They're the whipping boys of this group, and they entered the third edition of our Friendly Cup, which was eighteen months ago. We predict two easy wins for us against the Nopsprians: 6-0 at home, 5-0 away from home.

If our predictions come true, our record will be:
Played 14
Won 6
Drew 2
Lost 6
Goals for 26
Goals against 18
Goal difference +8
Points 20

This record shouldn't be enough to qualify, sadly.

Schedule:
The schedule shall be:
MD1: vs. Nopspri (away)
MD2: vs. New York State (home, at the Jakers Stadium, Vanderlei)
MD3: vs. Thatius (away)
MD4: vs. Svengarda (home, at the City of Chelsea Stadium, Chelsea)
MD5: vs. Legalese (away)
MD6: vs. Apox (home, at the Royal Slembanan Stadium, Bafilo)
MD7: vs. Aguazul (away)
MD8: vs. Nopspri (home, at the Afra Bird Stadium, Jakelzi, Afra Bird Isles)
MD9: vs. New York State (away)
MD10: vs. Thatius (home, at the Atshakov Stadium, Yavelsk)
MD11: vs. Svengarda (away)
MD12: vs. Legalese (home, at the Redland Stadium, Hardvesk)
MD13: vs. Apox (away)
MD14: bs. Aguazul (home, at the Royal Slembanan Stadium, Bafilo)

by **Slembana** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 4:29 am

(OOC: This is mainly to the tune of "Glory Glory Man United". Also, sorry for the double post.)

(instrumental)

Glory, Glory to Slembana,
Glory, Glory to Slembana.
Glory, Glory to Slembana,
As the Afra Birds go marching on, on, on!

Just like the great teams of days gone by,
We'll sign Esportiva from really high.
You've got to see us all from far and wide,
You're gonna hear the masses sing with pride,
Slembana! We're Slembana!
We're the boys in red, and we've got a great team.
A great team, a great team!
We're the famous Slem-ba-na and we've got a great team.
A great team, a great team!
We're the famous Slem-ba-na and we've got a great team.

In 2012 it was Harvey,
Stockwell will make it in 2016.
And everyone will know just who we are,
they'll be singing Slem-ba-na!
Slembana, we're Slem-ba-na!
We're the boys in red, and we've got a great team.
A great team, a great team!
We're the famous Slem-ba-na and we've got a great team.
A great team, a great team!
We're the famous Slem-ba-na and we've got a great team.

(Key changes)

Glory, Glory to Slembana,
Glory, Glory to Slembana.
Glory, Glory to Slembana,
As the Afra Birds go marching on, on, on! (x3)

(End of song)

by **Jeruselem** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 4:50 am

Melody Gee of Naked News Jeruselem and Princess Melody Song Dallas

Gee: Hello, this is Melody Gee for Naked News. I'm with resident Jeruselem player Princess Melody.
Princess: Hey everyone, hope you have a great day.
Gee: The draw for world cup qualifying has been done. Jeru FC top group 6 while Jeruselem top group 2.
Princess: We can't complain at our group.

Gee: Despite being ranked 21st, we still are the top seed in Group 2.
Princess: Yes, we hope to fix that ranking.
Gee: Now, the main threats to us?
Princess: Wight ranked 33th and Turori ranked 51st. We know them well.

Gee: Turori used to be ranked a lot higher.
Princess: True that. I think they made one world Cup final once.
Gee: Wight, I think not such luck.
Princess: I can't remeber them ever qualifying.

Gee: That leaves the other teams.
Princess: Sarrbia ranked 82nd, we've met them before but the others NFI
Gee: Peripanland 123rd, Tryienne 186th, The gypsies 295th and BrightonBurg unranked
Princess: Never heard of them at all.

Gee: Now, we cannot complain about our competition.
Princess: We can't. It's a nice group.
Gee: Jeru FC look like they shouldn't complain either.
Princess: Looking at Group 6, I wouldn't worry much.

Gee: Now, I see you're not a redhead anymore.
Princess: Well yes.
Gee: Gone purple.
Princess: Hey, it's not the Starblaydia purple. It's darker.

Gee: Foreigners are always asking about the flag.
Princess: It's unique, you know. Some people may hate it but who cares.
Gee: Officially, who's legs?
Princess: The Queen of course. Not many queens with fine pair of legs like that.

Gee: But it seems most of the Dallas girls have fine legs too.
Princess: Well, God makes us that way. Shortish women with great legs.
Gee: well, that's it from us.
Princess: Support our teams. Jeruselem and Jeru FC ... and qazox if you're really bored.

OOC

Group 2
Jeruselem (21)
Wight (33)
Turori (51)
Sarrbia (82)
Peripanland (123)
Tryienne (186)
The gypsies (295)
BrightonBurg (UR)

by **Sicoutimont** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:11 am

To: Marc Denis, Manager of Team Sicoutimont
From: Rene Rochefort, President of the SFA

Hello, my friend Marc. As you may know, I attended the World Cup 62 draw yesterday as the representitive of our nation. Here our our group-mates, followed by a short description of them, if we know them:

Valladares, Rank 13
-Girard Giroux now plays for a team there
Milchama, Rank 31
-We don't really know them
Micheal VII, Rank 50
-Hosted the World Cup of Hockey 19
Bongo Johnson, Rank 139
-We don't know them, but we can beat them
Azox, Rank 242
-We can beat them
Branta Island, Rank 262
-They're also Rushmori, and we can probably beat them.
Free Swiss States, Unranked
-Should be 6 easy points, but you never know with Unranked teams.

From what I predict, we should be able to come top 4 or 5 in the group, but not qualify. We should be able to get into the top 100 in rankings if we perform well enough. We'll need to beat every team below us every time, and get a draw with 2 of the teams higher than us to even be able to have a chance to qualify. Need any info on the draw? Well, remind me to introduce you to Stl-Blnd later..... I think you'll like it.....
-Rene

by **Yelvoldia** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 6:21 am

YBC Sports - Football - Our World Cup 62 qualifying group rated

Written by Tom Nitwick

Here, we will rate our group for World Cup 62 qualifying. 30 teams will attempt to qualify from 20 qualifying groups of eight. The 30 successful teams will join the host teams, Astograth and Carpthia & Ruthenia, in the final tournament. Anyway, let's get on with our group. We are in group 17, alongside the following teams. The numbers in brackets beside each team's name is their KPB World Ranking. The unranked team in the group, Mantwenic, will have (UR) beside their name.

Cassadaigua (11)
They're a very good team, and are the clear favourites for the group. They have won the World Cup twice before (the 50th and 51st editions of the tournament). The other major footballing tournament they've won is the 39th Cup of Harmony, and have came close to winning in some other football tournaments. We predict a 7-0 loss away from home for us, and a 5-0 loss for us at home.
Chenkorya (44)
They're another good team, and are high up in the rankings. They have a bit of a weird name, which sounds a bit Russian. Other than that stuff, we know little of the Chenkoryan team. We think we will lose 5-0 away from home, and 3-1 at home.
Antoletia (68)
They're a decent team, and have been around since World Cup 54, only missing one World Cup since. They have qualified for one World Cup so far (the 58th edition), and have so far been at one Cup of Harmony (the 48th edition). We think they will beat us 3-0 in their home game against us, and 2-1 at our place.
Sanian Confederacy (92)
We don't really know much about this nation. They are in the Pony Lands, and the majority of their population consists of Sanian Humans, Earth Ponies, Pegasus Ponies, and Unicorn Ponies. Anyway, we don't expect a win against them - we think we will lose 2-1 at home and 3-0 away from home.
Anollasia (153)
They appeared at the 48th Baptism of Fire. We a decent amount have knowledge of them, because our masters, Slembana, have been in many tournaments alongside Anollasia. We aren't confident of a win - a 2-1 loss away from home, and a 3-3 draw at home.
Sameba (205)
Sameba entered the last World Cup unranked (but were also in the qualifying for World Cup 55 (or 57)). They look beatable, as they are around our rank. We think we will record a 3-1 win at home against Sameba, and a 2-2 draw away from home.
Mantwenic (UR)
They're unranked, and have a weird name. Other than that, we have little knowledge of them. However, we have seen that they signed up for World Cup 57, so they must have had a fall from grace. We think we beat them 3-0 at home, and 2-1 away.

If our predictions come true, our record will be like this:
Played 14
Won 4
Drew 2
Lost 9
Goals for 17
Goals against 39
Goal difference -22
Points 14

This will not be enough for us to qualify - no way! Teams never qualify on their first go, anyway. This record will probably see us end the qualifying in 6th, 7th, or 8th (with 8th being last).

Schedule
Our schedule is below.
MD1: vs. Sameba (home)
MD2: vs. Sanian Confederacy (away)
MD3: vs. Chenkorya (home)
MD4: vs. Cassadaigua (away)
MD5: vs. Antoletia (home)
MD6: vs. Mantwenic (home)
MD7: vs. Anollasia (away)
MD8: vs. Sameba (away)
MD9: vs. Sanian Confederacy (home)
MD10: vs. Chenkorya (away)
MD11: vs. Cassadaigua (home)
MD12: vs. Antoletia (away)
MD13: vs. Mantwenic (away)
MD14: vs. Anollasia (home)

Interesting fact: 5 of the 8 teams in this qualifying group are from the region of Rushmore: Chenkorya, Cassadaigua, ourselves, Sameba, and Antoletia.
Intresting fact 2: 3 teams in this group are puppets: ourselves (puppet of Slembana), Sameba (FSSO), and Antoletia (Taeshan).

by **Wight** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:05 am

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 9:27 am

OOC - I'll be adapting several famous (and more obscure) tales and epics from RL to tell the story of the Holy Empire in WC62 as if taken from excerpts of an academic paper on the subject. First person to send me a TG correctly identifying the original source each match day can have their country as the source of the next inscription/epic used; you may specify some RP details about the site/period/etc relating to the inscription.

OOC 2 - The adapted myth in this RP was the opening of the Epic of Gilgamesh - as correctly identified by Starblaydia; please don't TG further guesses!

ORDINARY REALITY HISTORY
A Journal of the Imperial Institute of Mundy Studies

Dreamed Realm Figures in Mundy Myth
A Case Study of Juan Tzimisces and World Cup 62

Zoe Argyro
Department of Mundy Studies
The Imperial University

Abstract:
Imperial scholars have long suspected that despite the Basileus' First Order to 'observe [Ordinary Reality] without interfering' - an instruction often observed in the breach - several important figures from the Dreamed Realm have achieved widespread recognition in Ordinary Reality myth across multiple realities. This is particularly true of figures associated with the Realm's sports teams, which have long been given a partial exemption from the First Order. This paper examines several sources relating to Juan Tzimisces relating to World Cup 62, which has long puzzled Imperial scholars due to the richness of primary texts from otherwise unrelated realities across a range of OR linear time events that focus on the tournament. Discussion centres on whether so-called 'mythic bleed' is inevitable, or whether it is particularly associated with sport.

Introduction
The extent to which World Cup 62 has contributed to an unprecedented level of Mythic Bleed (see J. Lascaro's classic study Mythic Bleed and Mundies - a Trans-reality Phenomenon) was made clear when archaeologists in Al-Quds excavated a cache of clay tablets dating to the dawn of civilisation in their nation. The opening inscription, in a script that local archaeologists had only recently deciphered, read:

I will make known (?) to the lands.
I will teach (?) about him who experienced all things,
... alike,
The Basi[leus?] granted him the totality of knowledge of all.
He saw the Secret, discovered the Hidden,
he brought information of (the time) before the 62nd World Cup.
He went on a distant journey, pushing his team to exhaustion,
but then was brought to peace by results.
He carved on a stone stela all of his toils,
and built the wall of the Training Ground Haven,
the wall of the sacred home changing room, the holy sanctuary.
Look at its wall which gleams like copper(?),
inspect its inner wall, the likes of which no one can equal!
Take hold of the threshold stone--it dates from ancient times!
Go close to the changing room, the home of his squad,
such as no later king or man ever equaled!
Go up on the wall and walk around,
examine its foundation, inspect its brickwork thoroughly.
Is not (even the core of) the brick structure made of kiln-fired brick,
and did not the Seven Sages themselves lay out its plans?
[section illegible]
One league of group 12, one league of palm gardens, one league of lowlands,
20 leagues all told the Cup encompassed.
[section illegible]
Find the copper tablet box,
open the ... of its lock of bronze,
undo the fastening of its secret opening.
Take and read out from the lapis lazuli tablet
how Tzimisces went through every hardship!

This led to a re-interpretation of several other texts that we now understand relate to the individual matchdays of the cup....

by **Starblaydia** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 10:00 am

The World Cup draw itself had been the usual eventful farce. Bottles had been thrown, chairs ripped up and several fights had started. Chanting had echoed back and forth between the assembled dignitaries more akin to a football crowd than a gathering of the great and the good of world football. Some arrogant young upstart had been picked on by seemingly the entire auditorium, while Julius Starblayde himself had felt thoroughly out of place as he could identify no other World Cup Hall of Famer in the room.

Starblaydia had, at 53rd in the world, been placed into Pot C, described by the hosts as the upset-makers in waiting. They were the teams ranked, at least, immediately outside the play-off place and there to make an upset by breaking into the potential qualifiers spot. It would, however, be the sixth of eight pots drawn, so the first hundred and twelve names out of the hat would be of little consequence until Starblaydia's name was drawn. Then they could really begin the planning for the journey to the nations of Astograth and Carpathia and Ruthenia.

The names had come out, nations old and new, most of whom Julius had never even heard of. From Backyard Sports to The Scandinavian Islands, Cuboneland to United South Dominion. There were so many of them now he was even having trouble keeping up with the ones in Atlantian Oceania. Thankfully, to help him along, the app on the tablet in front of him was updating in pretty much real time. Finally, though.

"Group Eleven... Starblaydia."

That meant two Atlantian Oceania derbies for Starblaydia, the first against the Islands of Qutar, and then a first meeting with Falcania on the football field. That would surely be an interesting one as the more rambunctious founders of the Confederation of Common States came up against the nation that they always wished to prove themselves against.

____Group Eleven: United South Dominion | Kalwomea | Falcania | The Islands of Qutar | Jedi8246 | Starblaydia____

This was doable. It just depended on who came out next.

"Group Eleven... Mapletish."

That was perfectly reasonable. Starblaydia could surely overtake the likes of Mapletish for the play-off spot. Was first place available for the taking, too? That would depend on the top-ranked nation. None of them would be easy, all of them would be looking to win the World Cup itself, a goal within their reach. Putting down the likes of 53rd-ranked teams would be less than a speedbump on the path to the Second Round of the Finals.

"Group Eleven... Valanora! The world champions and current number one team in the world."

A gasp went up among the crowd but Julius simply clenched his fist, punched the air and cried "Yes!". The remaining groups didn't matter, nor did any other the other hundred and fifty names. All that mattered was the five-time champions would play the five-time champions. The two most decorated teams in the history of the world would face each other again. No matter the rank difference, this would surely be a game for the ages. Even if it was a massive hammering for his team. There was always hope, always determination, two things that Starblaydia had always thrived on. Hadn't Jean-Paul Georges-Ringeaux said all those years ago, nearly two centuries now, that the KPB rankings were always having to catch up with how good Starblaydia were? This time they'd really test that theory.

Outside the Kraitzaga Theatre in the Astograthian captial of Rumiatzi, things were not very different to inside. Pushing, shoving, yelling, bright lights and drunks. Unfortunately there was nothing but paparazzi around, shoving cameras in people's faces, hoping for enough pictures to make them resemble being drunk, happy, sad or whatever their picture editor wanted. Julius had expected the Starblaydi paps to be out in force for their SFA President, but they seemed extra keen to get a picture and a comment. He quickly finished the banana he was eating and put on his best smile for the cameras. He had to look happy, something that with the prospect of two meetings with Valanora was not a difficult emotion to fake.

"Ser! Ser!" They clamoured for his attention, "Your reaction to the news?"

"I'm delighted," Julius said with an easy, natural smile, "it's been an excellent draw for us and I'm very happy with it, of course it's going to be tough, but I'm confident that-"

"Not that news, Ser," they interrupted him, "but your sister."

"Lexi?" He was thrown for a moment. "What of her?"

"She's dead, Ser."

by **Svengarda** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 10:31 am

"Svenga stadiums will become fortresses" - Andfossen

At a press conference today at the SvengardA ArenA, national team coach Simon Andfossen stated that he would focus on defence in order to try and gain a respectable performance at the upcoming 62nd edition of the world cup. Andfossen said that the aggressive style which dominated the Baptism of Fire will disappear in the face of the far superior sides of Aguazul, Legalese & Thatius. The 4-4-2 with wide wingers will change to a 5-4-1 with a rock solid defensive line. Svein Danielsen will sacrifice his place to bring in Georg Raske to play at Right Centre back.

Andfossen stressed the importance of not conceding goals, as the single attacker, Truls Waaserson, of Eastal Lunar FC of Vilita, will struggle against the defences of the higher nations. As well as the premature Val Kylx of Slembana, who was quipped with the burning comment at the draw ceremony as not 'even started shaving yet'. The wide men in midfield, Rihards Ruotsalainen and Lager will play a thinner game, and possibly replace Ruotsalainen with the more calm and conservative Bern Harmandsson, who has only had 3 caps.

The defence was key, stated Andfossen, and their play will decide whether the team performs well in the group. Thankfully, the strong, gruff figure of Torbjørn Lindstorm, standing at 6ft 4 inches and weighing a meaty 14st stands at the heart of defence and also captains the side. Alongside him at RCB & LCB will be as mentioned, Georg Raske & Thorvald Thomasson will be key to hold the defence together. Thomasson starred at the Baptism of Fire, and is supposedly looking to play elsewhere, and what better way to show of your talent than at the world cup against the likes of Aguazul & Legalese.

Due to the timings of the world cup, which falls during the beginning of the vicious Svenga winter, the second half of the qualifying campaign will be held at 4 specially designated grounds in the country which have roofs and heated pitches: The newly built 82,000 seater SvengardA ArenA in Helsirn, the Stadä di Helsirn also in Helsirn. The Kalstørm-Oss football ground in Korska, seating 22,000 people, which is naturally sheltered from winter winds by the Kos hills, which rise from the right hand side of the pitch. The fourth ground is the Stadä d'Isla, located on Svengarda Island, 70 miles south of the Kurikka southern coast, home to Isla de Svengarda.

Andfossen closed the press conference by answering questions from the press, mostly on the subject of how to defend against the big sides "It will run on a game-by-game basis. If the other team are dominant, we'll sit back and absorb the pressure, we can do that. If they're shaky, unsure about new opposition, then we'll perhaps change our tactics and try and press for possession" another question came from noted sports blog SportsKurrika, on the subject of a certain Val Kylx, of Slembana "Same goes for Mr Kylx. We are very wary of his skill in the beginning of a game, and have watched hundreds of tapes of him, and we have a fairly good idea. However, I won't go into tactical details at the moment."

Andfossen was then asked by the Helsingborg Courier about the prospects and chances of the team. Andfossen was dry, and not very optimistic "The Worlds best teams are here. Quite literally; we were lucky with the draw, getting the lowest of the 1st pot, but Aguazul have been world champions in the last 15 years, so they're not be underestimated. If anything, I'd tip them for qualification already. We would like a place in the top five, but we will have to go to Aguazul, Legalese & Thatius and get results, a hard task by anyone's standards. And with that, we will have to ensure maximum pints against New York State, Nospri & Slembana. We will just have to play our best, and wait and see."

Svengarda's first game is a particularly hard task, travelling to Legalese, to take on a very strong Legalese side.

by **Ko-oren** » Sun Oct 21, 2012 10:35 am

“I don’t even want to watch the draw anymore. Guess what… 3rd seed, one team from the top 10, one from about 25-35, a few teams somewhere in the 100’s that we’ll drop a load of points against, and some teams from far into the 200’s that we’ll beat somewhere between 1 and 7 goals difference. Given that things don’t go like last time. You know, losing six points against an unranked team. Oh, and there are two teams that we’ve played before in our World Cup history?”

“Very close… Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, that’s the top 10 check. What’s the chance with twenty groups? Why can’t we have a team between 15 and 20? Then there’s The Archregimancy. 30th. Yep, nice in the middle of 25 and 35. Then Equatorial Sarmen and Geisenfried, teams in 100’s that we’ve lost points to before. Then some teams in the 200’s, you said? … Correct, The Holy Temple of Bacon Strips, Neuseeland and Maklohi Vai, all deep into the 200’s and 300’s. And as you know, we’ve had Equatorial Sarmen and Geisenfried before.”

“So I nailed it. We really need to qualify for the World Cup this time… Or else we’ll stay in this cycle. Why wouldn’t I give some more predictions? … Eh, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega tops this group, then either us or The Archregimancy clinch the playoffs… depending on whether either of us has a bad day when we play each other. We can finish second, we’ve hit the playoffs before… Though I don’t really see it happen. Then comes the luckiest of the ES-GF duo, and I don’t even care who finishes where after that… Anyway, aren’t we already in the endless cycle of just-barely-not-making-it-into-the-tournament-but-performing-mediocrely-in-the-CoH?”

“Don’t know. We hit the playoffs two cycles back, that was great although we had some luck beating our top 10 team… Then fifth last time around. Why’d you have to bring that up?”

“I guess we’ll have to make a reference to it in some way during the coverage of the upcoming qualification.”
“Speaking of that… how are we going to say anything interesting about next World Cup? I bet we could just re-use old match reports, change some names, and there we go, match reports for the next cycle.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, we’ve played against ES and GF before, so we probably don’t even have to change things around in those reports. Then for ASMV and TA, we can use reports from matches against Starblaydia, New Montreal States, Bears Armed, etc. For the rest, we can just use something against whatever 200-300-UR team we’ve done before. I seriously think we can get away with it, and then we can do something else while we’re not busy working on WC match reports.”

“Time to go gaming, then”

World Cup 62 - The RP thread

Garabona will get a second bite at the apple

WC-62 Invocation

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