World Cup 63 RP Thread

[West Angola]

NAMIBE CHRONICLE

KING SIEN, PM GARRET HEAD TO BASTION

Early this morning, King Sien III and Prime Minister Kevin Garret departed Namibe for the Euran capital of Bastion to continue negotiations for the release of nearly 10,000 West Angolan prisoners being held there on charges after a controversial pitch-storming following a dramatic upset during qualifying for World Cup 62. The two will meet with Euran Deputy Prime Minister James Tynan in an attempt to reach an accord on the release of the prisoners, and both seemed hopeful in a press conference held before their departure. King Sien said in that conference that there is “nothing” he would not do “for our citizens currently incarcerated overseas.” Prime Minister Garret, in a rare show of political support for his rival, agreed with Sien, saying: “The safe return of West Angolan citizens is our highest priority, and no maneuvering or brinksmanship will stand in our way.”

Sien and Garret have often been at odds since the former defeated the latter in the monarchical election following King Parrish’s surprising abdication, but Garret has supported Sien on several major issues which have confronted the nation during Sien’s administration. It appears likely to this newspaper that Sien and Garret are willing to pay any reasonable price to secure the return of their incarcerated citizens, and we can only hope they make the right decisions during these delicate proceedings.

Chief among those held is popular West Angolan TV personality John Usiak, who until his arrest was the lead on-pitch correspondent for the West Angolan Sporting Network, which is now under siege from the upstart Enormously overblown Super Palatial Network (ESPN), which debuted with coverage of the West Angolan U-21 Championship featuring former national team stars Michael Larssen and James McDaniels, as well as on-pitch correspondent Jacob Kerys, the former keeper for that team. A WASN executive released a statement earlier today: The West Angolan Sporting Network hopes that all the prisoners-- including Mr. Usiak—can be returned as swiftly as possible so that Mr. Usiak can return to his old position and our network can reclaim its rightful ratings.

The West Angolan Sporting Ministry also announced that it will not renew WASN’s exclusivity contract to broadcast World Cup qualifying, instead allowing it and ESPN to compete for the right during World Cup 63, and has indicated that it will award exclusivity rights to the more successful network. With all that on the line, it’s no wonder WASN is desperate for its top personality to return as quickly after the start of qualifying as possible.

[United Gordonopia]

Gordonopian Games is proud to present its latest sports creation: World Cup 63. Featuring all 182 participating nations, as well as notable historic teams, World Cup 63 on the Cronos Elite is the definitive game of this cycle.

Play through the entire tournament from start to finish, taking control of the team of your choice. Start in qualification and rise to the top to lift the trophy for your side with the best players in the world at your fingertips!

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Discover the multitude of multiplayer options only World Cup 63 provides. Classic two-player online and local options meet with innovative 20 and 22-player options where everyone controls one player! It's the closest you'll get to a real football match at home! Join teams and organize squads with your friends, and even enter into tournaments online!

Listen to the most realistic play-calling in the world, as Gordonopian Games' patented TRUEcomment removes the need for scripted dialogue. Using advanced AI commentators with the voices of famous callers from around the world, even watching a match seems real!

Throughout the real world tournament, Gordonopian Games has invited hundreds of Gordonopia's best football gamers to participate in a parallel virtual tournament, with each taking control of a team. Will the real tournament winner come out on top? Or will it be a result no one will expect?

[Kinitaria]

(OOC: The events here take place just after WC55. The current Kinitar year, in WC63, is 3475.)

17. Vitarii 3459
Tiplesti, Tirinthea rayona, Kinitaria

"Sabčot with a stunning overhead kick, that is fantastic! A hat-trick in the World Cup Final, nothing short of outstanding, and just look how the fans celebrate - Kinitaria are the world champions!"

"You're here early, Luka." The voice jolted the teenage boy from his internal monologue. This particular voice belonged to Simon Pečov, the grey-haired former wing-back who would have not been of that much interest or renown to any but the most ardent statistician. To be fair, his biggest accomplishment was one season with Kipa Vilha in the Southern League, Second Division, Group B. These days, he played his minute part in the great machinery of Kinitar football by acting as the under-15 coach for Dinamo Tiplesti, a similarly minor team whose juniors achieved just as much success as their first-team. Suffice it to say, they didn't use a great deal of silver polish around the place.

"Yeah, well... a bit extra practice can't hurt, can it?" The brown-haired teen shrugged. "I'll go get that, shall I?" For the ball had not sailed into the net during a World Cup clash, but instead down the hill which the pitch used by Dinamo Tiplesti's youth team overlooked. With its seated capacity of zero, complete lack of any amenities and the odd chance of discovering a dog's leavings on the penalty spot, the near-freezing spot in an unremarkable northern Kinitar town was a far cry from the Estadio Aramis Peralta which had hosted that year's World Cup Final. That said, it was a far cry from even most non-league grounds.

By now, a few more boys had begun to show on the windy hilltop - not by random chance, naturally, these were some of the other members of Dinamo Tiplesti under-15s showing up for that day's training. When everyone was present - which, as usual, took ten minutes longer than it should - Pečov gathered the sixteen boys around him for a quick word.

"Right, lads, it's your big day tomorrow!" For this young squad had made it all the way to the final of the under-15 regional tournament, which would be held tomorrow in Tirinthea, the regional capital. Given that it was rare for any team from Tiplesti, at any level, to be represented in any sort of final, there was marked interest throughout the remote mining town in the mountains - fuelled, naturally, by some very proud parents. Some even talked of their kids one day going on to play for one of the top teams. Not that Pečov wanted to pile pressure on a bunch of kids like that. "We're not going to be working on anything new or fancy today, we've been preparing for this game for a while, you should know what to do by now. Who's got the cones?"

The boys merely went through the paces in training, despite their coach's attempts to encourage them. All thought was on tomorrow's big game, and Pečov could see what was on their minds. They weren't about to get much out of drills at this stage, so he had them spending the latter part of the training session running laps of the pitch to keep their fitness up for the final. With darkness starting to creep in - quite early, given that it was the start of winter - he blew on his whistle to summon the team into the centre circle.

"Good session today," he called, "but the real work's to be done tomorrow. Make sure you eat well and sleep well tonight, you all have to be in top condition for the game. I want you all here at 9 am sharp, or else we'll will be leaving without you! That's it for tonight, I'll see you in the morning."

And there was evening, and there was morning, which dawned cold and frosty up in the northern mountains. Somehow, all sixteen members of the squad had arrived on time to clamber aboard the minibus which was to take them the 100 km (60 miles) west to Tirinthea, with an assortment of parents and relatives forming a convoy in hot pursuit of the bus. The excited chatter began as they pulled out of their quiet mountain surroundings and lasted until the city of Tirinthea - the biggest dwelling for about 150 miles in any direction - came into view. The ground itself was just inside the city limits, and unlike the humble hilltop the Dinamo youths played on, it was actually correct to call this a ground. It was actually the city's university sports ground, probably just about the best amateur sports facility in the city. The fact that they were playing Universita Tirinthea under-15s probably helped with that. Despite the name, Tirinthea - whose senior side ranked as one of the best in Kinitaria - had dropped any formal links with the university about two decades back, and now ran just like any other football club, but still maintained very good relations with the university and enjoyed certain perks thanks to this - such as use of these facilities. There was even a temporary seating gantry with a capacity of a few hundred. None of the Dinamo boys had ever played in front of a stand before - now this was luxury.

Although Dinamo had arrived well ahead of schedule, the Tirinthea team were already on the pitch, dressed in their smart white kit with red trim, knocking balls around one half of the field. Pečov wasted no time in getting his boys onto the field and into some stretches, then fitness drills, then a quick bit of shooting practice while he went to introduce himself to his opposing number, and to the match officials. The warm-up seemed to pass in a flash, and before any of them knew it, the managers were giving their final pre-match briefings.

"Right, I've got the team here," announced Pečov, producing a slip of paper from his pocket and reading the names from it. Luka was elated to hear that he was starting. Center-forward, naturally. Along with most of the other Dinamo players, he couldn't help but feel a little in awe of their surroundings, and their coach was well aware of that.

"I know you boys can play," he told them, "so don't let this fancy ground intimidate you. That's all for show. All you have to focus on are those eleven lads out there. It's just another opposing team, and I know how much you want this trophy, and I know that you can play, so let's show them how it's done, Dinamo!"

And then, without warning, it was game time. Luka took up his position on the center circle and watched the Dinamo captain - a tall wiry boy called Kaja Antonič, left-winger - go up for the coin toss. Then it was his turn, as Dinamo, dressed all in blue, won the toss and elected to kick off. The game, and the Tirinthea side, began at a rapid pace, looking to overwhelm their opponents right from the start. It was all Luka, in his center-forward position, could do to watch the ball fly past him repeatedly as Pečov - and some of the boys' parents - yelled instructions from the touchline. Trying to focus on his own game, he made an attempt to get himself into a good attacking position, watching the offside line closely. It wasn't long before he got his reward - it was an ambitious hoof out of defence, but Luka spotted where it was going, won the header, turned one defender, then another, drawing the goalkeeper out, shimmied past him and tapped the ball into the back of the net. 1-0! A couple of seconds later, he was swarmed by his celebrating team-mates. Now, could they hold on...?

Turns out, they could do more than that. With the Tirinthea boys struggling to regain their shape, Dinamo were in the ascendancy, and just a few minutes later, the ball fell to Luka once more, this time about 25 yards from goal. Spotting two defenders bearing down on him - and the Tirinthea defenders were the kind of "big lads" found in any youth team - he chipped it over the both of them to where strike partner Sergiu Kubič was waiting. Sergiu's touch was a bit unsteady, but he still beat the keeper and found the net, despite the furious cry of "Offside!" from the opposing sideline. The goal stood. 2-0, and Dinamo were in full control. It couldn't be so easy, could it?

As it turns out, it was not. Tirinthea wanted those two goals back, and they besieged the Dinamo defence for what felt like an eternity. The blue shirts began to sit further and further back, with Luka being called back to defend several times, but they were powerless to prevent their opponents pulling one back with a headed effort from a corner. Just as they tried to readjust their tactics, Tirinthea levelled matters, breaking through the Dinamo back line to create a two-on-one situation which would have been very tricky to miss from.

Half-time came almost immediately afterwards, the dispirited Dinamo players providing stark contrast to their opponents, who looked as though they'd got the game won already. But Pečov wasn't having any of that. "You can beat these," he urged his team. "You've shown you know how. You've got two against them already. You just need to go out there and do it again!"

Such was the rallying call. But Tirinthea began the second half in much the same way, and it didn't take long for the Dinamo defence to crack. It was an opportunistic shot from the Tirinthea no. 8, just outside the penalty box, but whether by luck or design, he caught it just right and it flew into the top corner of the net. Dinamo trailed for the first time, and Tirinthea were better than them. But the game slowly began to open up, as the hosts couldn't keep up such a tempo for an entire 90 minutes. Dinamo got a few chances, and Luka tried to put himself around, tried to get on the end of balls forward, but although a few good chances came his way, there was nothing doing for either side. With time running out, Dinamo began to get a lot more frantic, and Luka tried shooting on sight. One such opportunity forced the opposing keeper into a superb save at full stretch, only to palm the ball right to Dinamo captain Kaja Antonič for a simple tap in, and that's the equaliser, three-all!

But they couldn't be prepared for what happened next. Tirinthea surged forward straight from the restart, and - almost in slow-motion - their number nine, who had caused problems for the Dinamo defence all game, lifted the ball over the keeper and into the back of the net. The final whistle blew just seconds later. There wouldn't even be time for the kick-off. Luka, as well as most of his team-mates, fell to the ground. They had lost. There would be no upset, no trophy.

"No need to be down, lads," Pečov tried to boost his team back up. "That was great, really well done, you matched them all the way. We can always be back here next year." That may be, but it was still devastating for the Dinamo boys. "Oh, Luka, there's someone over there who wants a quick word with you."

The young boy looked up to where his parents were standing, except that there was a third figure with them - a short, balding man with a grey mustache in a tracksuit.

"Hello, you must be Luka Sabčot," the man introduced himself. "My name is Norak Kusnir, and I'm a scout at Atletika Vanuku." Atletika! One of the top teams in the country! "We're interested in signing you to our youth academy."

[The Pazhujeb Islands]

A WEB TV SHOW!

A jaunty but exceptionally annoying theme song plays, wherein the phrase 'Grilled Brie for 3' is simply sung over and over again, ad infinitum, by someone who sounds like a 13-year-old girl with a sinus infection. Following a series of terrible CGI special effects, which display a drawing of the globe slamming into the flag of the Pazhujeb Islands, causing a massive explosion, the camera jerkily pans to the three hosts of the show, Natasha Klossovskaya, Fušia Oujadda, and Veronica Thundayal. Today they are kicking back in the comfy, hazy confines of Mahathu's most dive-tastic Tiki bar, with various elaborate cocktails strewn out in front of them.

YOUR HOSTS:

Natasha Klossovskaya, Fušia Oujadda,
and Veronica Thundayal

Natasha: ...and at that point, I walked up to some random guy and asked him for his number just to get her to stop talking about Eduard.

Fušia: I'm not the one who dated him.

Natasha: No, but you more or less set us up with all that badgering and Win A Date bullshit.

Fušia: Those were the good days.

Natasha: Or the worst.

Fušia: You're the worst.

Natasha: This show is the worst.

Fušia: I know, it reads more and more like a Jeruselem RP more and more every day.

Natasha: I can't wait until I retire.

Fušia: It's a lot closer for me than it is for you, honey.

Natasha: I know, that's why I made sure we roped in the n00b, so that I feel wizened.

Fušia: You are learning quickly, my young Padawan.

At this point, Natasha and Fušia toast each other. Pause as they both drain their neon-colored drinks. Veronica remains silent for a while, but when Natasha and Fušia drunkenly slump back onto the trashy seating behind them, she's forced to say something.

Veronica: Uh, okay. Welcome to Grilled Brie for 3, I guess. I'm your host, Veronica Thundayal-

Natasha: -and I'm your much better looking host, Natasha Klossovskaya.

Fušia: I actually don't think that's true - frosh is pretty hot.

Natasha: Whatever, go back to writing your novel.

Veronica: And that one there with the blue hair is Fušia Oujadda, who evidently is so famous she no longer bothers introducing herself.

Natasha: Jesus, rookie, shut up for a second, my head is pounding.

Veronica: Oh, I'm sorry. Fuck me for trying to make this show interesting again.

Pause. Then Natasha and Fušia, clearly jaded, begin laughing uproariously.

Fušia: Oh, Veronica. Good luck to you with that.

Natasha: Grilled Brie for 3 is like the movie The Ring. The only way to survive it is to make sure you rope somebody else into it to replace you.

Veronica: Well I remember watching this show years ago and thinking it was cool.

Natasha: Oh, youth. Hey Fušia.

Fušia: What?

Natasha: Remember this time eight years ago when we got all hopped up on Emperor Hog and totally screwed the pooch in our first match?

Fušia: I sure do.

Natasha: Let's do that again for this cycle.

Fušia: Natty Ice, I love the new you. The post-Eduard-you is all cynical and bitter.

Natasha: That's why we brought in Veronica. I'm too experienced in life to be the innocent one anymore.

Veronica: Okay, I am not that innocent.

Natasha: Yeah, you are. What are you, like 21?

Fušia: Ehhh, sorry Natty Ice, I actually am going to come to Frosh's aid on this one. She picked out this grimy little bar we're in, after all.

Veronica: Yeah, I grew up in a broken home in the middle of this Mahathu urban blight. I'm pretty badass.

Natasha: Yeah, you're really from the streets.

Veronica: Here's a list of shit I'm into, Natasha. Obscure 1970s punk rock precursor bands, Cuban movies, tight orange corduroys, denim, Father Knows Zilch, standing in line for bread-

Fušia: What did I tell you? Hipster. I like her.

Natasha: I think she's pretentious.

Veronica: Hey, just because I'm not into stupid pink shit like you doesn't mean you can call me pretentious. I'm just not into your mainstream shit, all right?

Pause.

Fušia: Oh, these two HATE each other. This is going to be a good season of Grilled Brie for 3. Hey Veronica, what's your favorite food?

Veronica: Starblaydi-Astograthian fusion tapas.

Fušia: Your favorite band?

Veronica: Uh, I'd have to say a really obscure Ariddian ska quartet called You Can Quilt In Our Kitchen But Please Refrain From Touching The Microwave.

Natasha: Well, at least she didn't tell us we hadn't heard of it.

Fušia: We haven't heard of it.

Natasha: Veronica, did you mention earlier that you're a fan of Father Knows Zilch?

Veronica: Yeah.

Fušia: Isn't that the New Montrealais show where two grotesquely overpaid child actors slap each other in the face with dead salmon carcasses?

Veronica: More or less.

Natasha: No offense, but that show sucks. As does New Montreal States.

Veronica. I know. I like it ironically. I even have a Father Knows Zilch faded T-shirt.

Fušia: So who thinks we should quit drinking since we have a match against Blouman Empire tomorrow evening?

Total silence.

Fušia: Yeah, me neither. Say, we could talk about our tactics in that upcoming match.

Total silence.

Fušia: See, Veronica? Good luck with this crappy show. You've just signed up for something you'll regret for the rest of your life.

Veronica: Or, we could talk about Baden Lakes.

Fušia: There are lakes in that part of Germany?

Pause.

Natasha: Where the hell is Germany? Is that one of those made-up places in that online game you've been playing?

Fušia: I told you, it's short stories.

Natasha: Uh-huh.

Fušia: You know what, fuck you, Natty Ice, you're being rude as shit tonight. Go home with that guy over there and shut the hell up.

Natasha: Who?

Fušia: The one who looks like a Polynesian version of Andre the Giant.

Veronica: Ew, he's super ugly.

Natasha: Yeah he is.

Veronica: Unlike Baden Lakes!

Pause.

Veronica: I'm just kidding, I don't even know what he looks like. He might be ugly for all I know.

Pause.

Fušia: Who the fuck is Baden Lakes?

Veronica: I'm realizing just now that you two don't read Maksim's scouting reports.

Natasha: Oh, he plays for Bloomers Umpire, huh?

Veronina: He's their captain and centre forward.

Fušia: Meh. I'm not a defender, I don't have to worry about him.

Veronica: Me neither.

Both Fušia and Veronica look at Natasha, who drunkenly glares at the camera.

Natasha: Whatever, when I shake his hand before the game I'll stick a syringe into his wrist and dose him with Emperor Hog.

Veronica: Do you have any Emperor Hog?

Natasha: No.

Pause.

Veronica: Do you need some Emperor Hog?

Pause.

Natasha: Uh, yeah, I guess.

Veronica: Because I can get some for you. My best friend's boyfriend's best friend lives in a shitty part of town and he sells.

Pause.

Natasha: Oh, good.

Veronica: So do you want me to get some?

Pause.

Natasha: Sure, I guess.

Veronica: Okay, but first you have to apologize to me for saying I'm pretentious and making fun of me for being 'from the streets.'

Pause.

Natasha: Sorry.

Veronica: And also you have to admit that pink is a dumb color.

Natasha: What? Fuck off!

Veronica: Nah, I'm just messing with you at this point.

Fušia: Veronica, you're gonna make a great co-host on this show after I'm gone.

Veronica: Natasha, are you seriously going to dose Baden Lakes with it?

Natasha: I don't have anything better to do.

Veronica: All right, cool. Who wants to smoke weed while my guy comes with the Emp Hog?

Fušia: I'm in.

Natasha: Sure.

OOC: Wondering what Emperor Hog is? Check out this previous edition of GBf3!

[19th Century Beards]

Beards' face tough group

Yes, it's this time again, the time when footballing nations from all around the multiverse play football against each other. Yes, it's the World Cup, currently on it's 63rd edition, and it's time for the qualifying stages. The groups were drawn late last night our time, and the 19th Century Beards' team face some very difficult teams.

Once again the Beards' are in group one, along with 9 other teams (in rank order):

Taeshan (14):
The top seeded team in the group, qualified for 3 of the last 4 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals last time. An experienced and talented team, Taeshan will be a tough, near impossible team for the Beards to beat. Will be looking to qualify automatically, and should do easily, without any major disasters happening along the way. Taeshan have a defence which, despite being in their 20s, are very experienced on the international scene and will be a tough nut to crack for the Beards' three man attack. Uncapped right back Peter Fasnacht will be one to keep an eye on as he brings more of a forward threat to the defence. Expect two defeats against the Knights, who we play on MD4 and MD13

Sargossa (27):
The second of the five Rushmori nations in the group, Sargossa are another tough ask to beat despite having not qualified for the past two cups. Started back in World Cup 47, qualifying on their second attempt, the Sargossans will be hoping to challenge Taeshan for the automatic spot or being one of the 6 best second placed nations to qualify. Strike force headed by Alejandro Martinuccio, who would be more than happy to add to his international tally against us. Expect another two losses against Sargossa, who are our first opponents who 19th Century Beards play on our own soil, while the Beards' travel to Sargossa on MD11.

Cosumar (42):
19th Century Beards' first opponent, Cosumar qualified for the most recent World Cup but had no points to show from it. One of the two teams in group 1 to have not released their roster yet, which will make them tougher to face, not knowing who they are. Hoping for second place, maybe be one of the 6 runners-up that automatically go through Expect an away defeat for the first game of qualifying, and maybe a shock draw at home on MD9.

Iturributa (72):
The Beards' closest rivals in terms of rank, the games between the two teams should be close, with neither side expecting to get to the World Cup, this will be a fight over 4th place. Done well in the qualifiers since seperating from Astograth, hasn't qualified but may well certainly do in the future. 29 year old goalkeeper Yoritz Suastegi is uncapped and inexperienced at this level of football, which might be his achilles heel. We should expect two draws between the two evenly matched teams

Branta Island (175):
The non-professionals of Branta Island, featuring a baker, a bartender and a librarian, are quite similar to 19th Century Beards. The country located in Branta Lake in Rushmore, the Branta team prove less of a threat than Iturributa, but could spring a surprise or two when we go to the island. Winger Tancredi Landi, who is a plumber by day, may be a threat to the wingerless reversed Christmas tree formation of 19th Century Beards. Despite the large chance of us slipping up away, we should collect the maximum 6 points when we play them on MD5 and MD14

Boyznichov (231):
Very little is known about the players from Boyznichov. No roster containing their players has been released yet, and their only World Cup appearance before this one was 61. Expect two easy wins from the Beards when we play them on MD6 and MD15

Gaveo (243):
Fielding a 3-4-3, the Gaveoan team is offensive minded. The elimination of full backs from the team could be costly for teams with wingers, but 19th Century Beards' is looking to use attacking midfielders to do the job of them. Entered World Cup 62 but exited with just 3 points to show. Another two wins.

Mazion (349):
Finished bottom of their Baptism of Fire group with one point, the fifth Rushmori nation in this group are hoping for a better in the qualifiers. They play an attacking 3-5-2 with a sweeper and are a very tall team, no players under 6 foot in height, which would make winning headers a lot more difficult. Despite this we should see two high scoring wins from the Beards on Matchday's 9 and 18.

Chunnan (UR):
Last and probably least is Chunnan, the only unranked team in the group. Expect them to do nothing special throughout the qualifiers, perhaps providing an Esportivan derby with the Beards. The team shouldn't be overconfident when facing Chunnan, but should easily see off Chunnan away on MD3, while doing a demolition job at home on MD12.

Predicted result: 9-3-5 (30 points)

Of course this will probably all be totally wrong by the end of the qualifiers, but this should be relatively accurate to the results that they will produce. 19th Century Beards kick-off tomorrow at Consumar at 16:30 our time, while tickets for the first home game against Sargossa, at the 12,000 capacity Ribble Park Stadium, will be on sale from 18:50 this evening.

[Newmanistan]

“Your Highness, we must do something! Your approval numbers have never been this low before, and they have never been this low for an Emperor or Empress since way back during the days of Tundra!” spoke a concerned member of the Royal Court after seeing a recent poll from Southport University.

The young Emperor Kevin I picked up the paper and read its contents. Although he didn’t have to worry if the people liked him, given his position of ultimate authority, he knows the history of the crown. Newmanistan’s imperial rulers have always been respected and liked with the Empire. That had gone in a downward spiral during the regime of his grandfather, Michael IV, who had made the very controversial decision to pull the nation out of international sports. It was from there that the Empire seemed to die a slow death, no longer becoming relevant in sports, then in the region, and finally the world.

Newmanistan had been through this before. Way back when, the nation ceased its existence from the region of Tundra, and later became reborn in One Big Island. What happened during those days in between is something perhaps known only to the spirits of Tundra Falls, but now the nation had gone through something similar. The country was irrelevant, perhaps given a mention in a history lesson of another nation here and there, but other then that, Newmanistan and all it’s sky-blue glory had been wiped off the map.

Emperor Kevin I placed the paper down and looked up at the Heavens. He could have quickly dismissed his approval rating, and for that the Court Member was surprised. “Escort me to Tundra Falls at once!” he ordered.

Upon his arrival into Tundra Falls, the Emperor went to the Proving Grounds, and to midfield of the soccer stadium and asked to be alone as he did this. Emperor Kevin I knew why his father had removed Newmanistan not only from international sports, but from the international scene, completely. It was because the Spirits had been disrespected and they were punishing the Empire. They gave his father a chance, but he blew it. That wasn’t his fault, for he was only a teenager during those days. The Emperor didn’t say anything, he just stood there and suddenly a ghostly figure came before him.

“I know why you’re here!” the figure declared. His Highness looked around to see if anyone else was witnessing this ghostly figure, but their normal demeanor while watching it from a distance made it clear that only he was able to see the image in front of him. Kevin I could only stumble on his words, unable to mutter out a clear sentence. “You want to make Newmanistan what it once was. You want forgiveness for the atrocities committed by your grandfather, and to make the Empire great once again!” The Emperor again hesitated. “We’ll give you a chance, and the first phase of that will be to field a team for World Cup 63. Give the people something they can cheer for once again.”

Kevin I nodded but then it occurred to him, “But, but.... It’s too late for World Cup 63. The groups are drawn and everything’s been taken care of. Maybe there’s another tournament?”

“Don’t deny our power. We’ll find you a spot. Assemble the team and don’t delay because there’s not much time.” And just like that, the Spirit disappeared.

His Highness walked back to where the members of the royal court had been awaiting to him, and make jokes about his just standing there and doing nothing; or if he had one of those special moments with a ghost again. Kevin could only laugh, but told them to prepare for his approval ratings to skyrocket.

“We’re going to the World Cup. This one.” The Royal Court members were perplexed. The field was drawn, how could that even be possible?

[Legalese]

The sport coat hung on the locker, a plain black, but well-tailored ensemble. On the pocket was the crest of a nation, a shield emblazoned with a pair of attacking eagles and Lady Liberty, holding the scales and sword, identical to the crest on the white-and-bronze hooped shirts on the team kit.

Hamish, dressed in a white shirt, trousers, and comfortable dress shoes - the latter items matching the sports coat - ignored the coat, hoisted upon him by Bernie. Hamish agreed to it, largely out of surprise for how he ended up in the situation - even though Gabe would've laughed him out of the room.

Rather, Hamish stared at the piece of paper on his desk. Somewhat worn, it had entered and exited the envelope it entered a month ago a dozen times. The letter contained only a small passage:

Hamish,

Training wheels are off. Time to be great.

Good luck, though I'm confident you won't need it. I have faith in you.

The letter was simply signed "Gabe". It was the only communication Gabe had with Hamish in the week before it hit his doorstep, and the last one since. Nobody knew where he and Miranda, his wife, went - Pacitalia, Hamish thought. They'd like Pacitalia - or somewhere else warm.

The door opened, as Stan entered. Hamish looked up at his former keeper and new assistant.

"Five minutes til we queue up, boss" Stan said, putting on a relaxed air. "Care to say something to the guys?"

Hamish thought for a second. "I guess I should. Any suggestions?"

Stan laughed. "You pay me to train them, Hamish, not inspire. Didn't Gabe teach you what to say?"

Hamish looked at the letter again. "Sort of. Time to be great, I guess."

[Turori]

This is your 'Excitedly Spur Worth' Cut off, for Matchday 1 of the 63rd World Cup.

You should expect the cutoff at approximately the same time tomorrow.

Scores: http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=217223

[Newmanistan]

(Coach Minor gets the news)

Brooker (NSL Commissioner): Steven, I got good news and I got bad news.

Minor: Gimmie the bad news, first.

Brooker: Actually on this I need to start with the good news.

Minor: Ok, fine!

Brooker: I have just assembled a national team and I have named you the head coach. You will be participating in qualifying for World Cup 63. Congratulations!

Minor: (in a voice of stunned happiness) Wow. I don’t know what to say. Thank you very much, that’s quite an honor! How can there be bad news?

Brooker: The bad news is that you have to travel to Eura, and open qualifying against them. Tomorrow.

Minor: Well I guess that will be a true Baptism of Fire.

Brooker: Perhaps. Now play like an ex-Baptism of Fire champion! Ok all kidding aside I know it’s not likely for you to win or even get a point, but just don’t stink up the joint, ok? They don’t know anything about us currently, either.

Minor: Can I see my roster, then? And do the players know?

Brooker: Here. I’ll call them and have them go to Eura and where exactly to go. You just worry about coming up with some kind of strategy.

Minor: Thanks. (Looks over roster). It’s a nice group of players, good selections. But they have never even played together as a team.

Brooker: I know. But beggars can’t be choosers. It is what it is. Good luck!


(Pre-Game)

Coach Minor assembles the team in the locker room, and they put on the jerseys for the first time. For all, it is an honor. Some players, such as substitute goalkeeper Corey Southwood reflect on the past, of competitions they watched the Rockets participate in on TV, but had never been involved with during their lifetimes. For Southwood, putting on a kit with the #20 was awkward as that was the great Jeremy McAllister’s number. Discussions of the late-J-Mac, of Junior, of the Prescotts, and of many more fill the locker room. They never thought they would be able to represent Newmanistan in the World Cup the way that those national legends were able too, but here they are. Reminiscing about the past soon turns toward optimism for the future. As for the present, the team knew what they were up against in playing the FSSO, in front of their loyal fans, but it didn’t really matter. They were just thrilled to be back on the field.

The Euran crowd didn’t seem to know or care much about the plight of the Rockets in getting here. They were worried about their own fate, as is to be expected from a top seed in a qualifying group, but coach Minor tried to do as much homework on them as he possibly could. “Offensive minded and coming off a disappointing result in World Cup 62". Therefore they’ll definitely want to set a fast tone at the start of this match. The Rockets players weren’t going to back down, and just three minutes into the game, a rough tackle by Phillip Tessier on Lee Sharp sent the message that the men in sky-blue weren’t going down without a fight. The crowd booed the tackle as Sharp took a couple seconds to get up (but was fine). Minor loved every bit of it, because now with the crowd focused on getting back Tessier, it would be Newmanistan on the attack. A long ball from Avery Rosenblatt to Tyler Bennett was perfectly delivered, and Bennett capitalized on this chance, and Newmanistan took the 1-0 lead just 9 minutes into the game. Unfortunately, while the Rockets had a good first half, they could not keep Eura from getting two goals late in the first half to give the home side a 2-1 advantage.

With the lead, FSSO fans probably felt as though their team was well on the way, and while Ben Randall had his players playing hard for the second half, Newmanistan was the better team in the early minutes of the second half. Perhaps some of the older fans that may have remembered the Rockets weren’t as surprised, and knew what the sky blue could be capable of. In the 64th minute, when Jeff Lassiter tallied the equalizer, it was clear that this game wasn’t just top seed vs unranked seed. This was top seed vs a nation who’s qualified for some World Cups themselves. It was a battle, but in the end, the experience of Eura got them over the hump on the first matchday. The 82nd minute game-winner gave Eura the three points they expected tonight.

It just wasn’t as easy as they thought it would be.

After the game, NSL Commissioner Jason Brooker commented, “Fans from all over the world will see that 3-2 scoreline. Many will know it was 2-2 until the 82nd minute. We sent a message to the world tonight that we didn’t just fall of the map, and we can still be a competitive team in this tournament.”

[Estope]

World Cup 63 was supposed to be different. Estope was supposed to have vastly improved since last year's 3-1-10 showing. With every starter returning from last year's team this was supposed to be the year Estope made strides to compete with the rest of the world. Megadia was the better team and no one expected a victory from Estope but many expected it to be much closer. Estope was out of this game from the beginning. The blowout loss really wasn't even as close as the score indicates. Estope didn't score until the final seven minutes of the games when Megadia had many of the backups in. Alex Stark got both of the goals as he adds onto his Estope career record. Emanuel Inzer, in his second year as manager, continues to perform poorly. He now has a record of only 13-31-8. His seat is getting hot and many are questioning his dedication. There was no bright spots that can be taken from this match and Estope must get their act together quickly to avoid another terrible World Cup showing. Next game will be at home versus Royalsoldiers. This is a game that was thought to be an easy win going into qualification but now seems very questionable. Although they also lost their game, they were very competitive against a much tougher opponent. This will most likely be an Estope loss unless they get their act together quickly.

Group 11 Scores
The Pazhujeb Islands 1–4 Blouman Empire
Equestrian States 5–0 Legokiller
Megadia 5–2 Estope
Royalsoldiers 2–3 Carpathia and Ruthenia
Argo Islands 0–1 Yesopalitha

fish99: Emanuel Inzer is just not that great of a coach... he can not beat good teams or any teams for that matter. He is either too hardheaded to make adjustments or just not that smart of a coach. We has no wins over a descent team, none. That tells you something. And we have not even been competitive in any of those games.

gunshot8: What has happened is that Inzer's foundation has crumbled and now the truth is being exposed. He tried like hell to implement his gameplan of playing fast and furious and it came so close to working, but it just did not. Now that that strategy is gone, what does he have? We are terrible offensively. Luckily Megadia put in their backups so Stark could get those two goals. But as bad as our offense is, our defense is even worse, we couldn't stop my son's five year soccer team. Inzer needs to be fired. He has lost all his passion and has no sense. Estope gets worse every game.

digger: I sure wish there was a valid argument to refute that, but there isn't. Us fans got caught up in trash talking the team and coach has been and did not realize how bad they suck. The struggling moments in this game was a pretty good indication we didn't have the team we all convinced ourselves we did.

fish99: We have the players, just no the right coaches... It all starts win Inzer...

ironman12: Not 100% sure I agree with that - I think we have the players to be better offensively, but our defense just isn't very good and our goalie is average at best. And our midfield has played terrible for most of the last two years.

yellow13: geezzz, you have that backwards. Anybody that thinks Inzer is the problem, is an idiot.

chew95: No matter how hard I want to believe, I see very little substance to the team as a whole. Inzer looks absolutely clueless at the first sign of adversity. He is also stubborn as hell. He makes no changes in personelle or tactics even when his plan is obviously not working. There was no real leadership by the coaches nor the players. I could go on, but would really only be repeating what every one else has already said or hinted at. As for the rest of the World Cup, my expectation is 4 wins max. I think is going to be a very long and disappointing season.

free65: I don't understand why people can't see our offense killed our D all year. Our offense is so terrible that the defense in on their heels the entire game. They never hold onto the ball and that makes it much harder on our defense.

[Jeruselem]

A confused Jeruselem coach Michelle Salad and Princess Katy

Katy: Hello! This is Princess Katy at Dazza Dallas Stadium for the first world cup qualification game. I'm with Michelle Salad, the new Jeruselem coach. That's S-A-L-A-D and she's not related to me.
Michelle: Err, hello everyone
Katy: Well, Velkomorave who we have no idea about came to play us here. I'm sure we've never played them before actually. Anyway, the Princesses won 4-2 to start the campaign with a bang. First win in Group 6 for us, must be happy Fruity.
Michelle: Yes, thanky Katy. I know we were a bit rusty but we scored lots of goals which was my aim today.

Katy: I see the defense needed a bit more work. We can't let in 2 goals per game.
Michelle: Well, the last cup we had a decent defense but not enough goals. We are missing your sister who's no longer playing for us.
Katy: So we need a steady influence in defense to calm the kids?
Michelle: It's only the first game, and plenty of improvement to find
Katy: We had a few special visitors watching today
Michelle: Yes, most of them are your relatives.

Katy: So what did you think of the new halftime entertainment?
Michelle: I didn't know there's so many cheerleaders in this country
Katy: A positive start to the cup but it's a long way to go
Michelle: If we can keep winning home games, it's good start
Katy: Still, a few communications issues out there with the team
Michelle: I guess it's a new team with lots of retirements before so everyone has to learn a new way

Katy: Still developing our battle plans for the cup?
Michelle: I'm different, I take things as they go.
Katy: Not getting ahead of ourselves then?
Michelle: Exactly
Katy: The cannons or Jeru FC, beat Earo 3-2 at home in Group 9
Michelle: Defense was never a feature of the Jeru FC team was it?

Katy: Not really
Michelle: I do find it weird, the coaching staff of Jeru FC is younger than all the players
Katy: Pondy and my sister are clever girls. We come from real footballing bloodstock.
Michelle: Still, one needs experience which takes time to acquire.
Katy: Those two Melodies have spent a lot of time in the football system from a young age
Michelle: How come you aren't playing football Katy

Katy: Oh, I'm rubbish. I can sing, dance, but football ... no.
Michelle: More like Dad then?
Katy Sadly yes
Michelle: I guess that's the luck of the draw
Katy: So, the next game is an away one. A true test of the team.
Michelle: Very true, I think away games are more important than home ones.

Katy: Because the finals will be like a lot of away games.
Michelle: We need to do well in qualification.
Katy: In other Group 6 games, Powersith upset Darmen 2-0. Super-Llamaland upset Kericia 2-0. Jedi8246 and Cuboneland had a thrilling 3-3 draw. Carmadin scored the other win of the group, 2-0 over Pacificius.
Michelle: Wow, a few upsets I say
Katy: Thrashing of the day was Pasarga 6–2 Swenshell.
Michelle: Still, that's not really RAWCRUSH material.

Katy: We'll see you later.
Michelle: You can put some clothes on now.
Katy: You're far too conservative.
Michelle: No, it's really cold today.
Katy: Cold, no way. It's not cold, you're under an air vent.
Michelle: Oh

[Jukenia]

Debut win for Jukenia's national football team

The debut of Jukenia national football team in the qualifiers stage of the World Cup was successful as they beat Traila national football team by 3-2. As the kick off starts, no attempts to score a goal were successful until the 32nd minute, when Croude Peppah's shoot was too strong to be saved by Traila's goalkeeper, Farbinsio Notte. 1-0 for Jukenia.

However, later, Traila managed to exploit weakness of Jukenia's defence line in 42nd minute, equaling the score to 1-1. When the second half began, Traila scored yet another goal at 47th minute, exploiting on Jukenia's defence problems, leading by 1-2 for Traila. But the Jukenians - known by the nickname "Yellow Firehawks" as they called during the regional event South Pacific Soccer Championship (SPSC) last year, which they won, revenged.

Jeremi Frost's shoot at 53th minute was initally denied a goal because the ball struck a goalpost, but team captain Andros Ximelez captured the ball and led a fatal mistake for Notte, allowing Jukenia to score. The score is now equaled by 2-2.

The rest of the time was the climax period, with each players from both sides attempting to score to avoid recording a draw. Finally, in the 89th minute, Nagell Ceara shoot, with the Trailans unable to do nearly anything to prevent the goal from happening. After 90 minutes, including injury times, Jukenia won by 3-2.

Well, our debut here is very good. The fans from our were completely loyal, and our players, despite some defensive problems, managed well to allow us to win today. We will be competitive! We will made it! Ef yeah!!

Next match against Fewmist, something I never heard, we will try our best.

OOC: This is qualifiers stage, right?

[Silar]

Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Silaran Evening Telegraph

Chevaliers Sweep First Qualifying Game Against Cap-Hibou

SILAR DEMESNE --- The Chevaliers' opening match of the World Cup saw the Royal Stadium brimming with the Silaran blue with thousands of fans from across the High Commonwealth turning out to watch the Silaran national football team play their first match of the World Cup, facing off against Cap-Hibou, a rookie team to international football.

Waving Silaran flags accompanied by cheering and the all-too familiar sound of the vuvuzela welcomed the teams to the pitch. The national anthems of both nations played, the Royal Silaran Army's honor band even making a debut to play Silar's And Did Those Feet? to be followed up with Cap-Hibou's anthem. And then the games began.

The Chevaliers did not disappoint, bringing their signature play style from the Baptism of Fire at Apox and home to Silar. Luther Lewis, as expected, dominated the field, scoring 4 of the 5 goals earned. 3 of those in the first half and 1 in the second. And in the moments Lewis and his collegues did not have control of the ball, one could be sure that Abner Roberts and his defensive squad were keeping Silar safe from scoring, which they did trumping every Cap-Hibou score attempt in the match.

The Cap-Hibou team, however, did play admirably. Their defense fought hard against Lewis, foiling several of his goal attempts, and their offense challenged the Silaran defense. While most of their attempts at scoring were stopped by Roberts and the Sialran defense, one shot at the goal fell to Silaran keeper Alric Pope who narrowly saved the shot.

At the close of the first half, Silar was up 3-0 and added two goals, one by Lewis and a second by Cuthbert Wight for a finishing score of 5-0 to the sound of thunderous applause by the predominately Silaran home audience.

The win has been a massive hit for Silar and revitalized some of the excitement snuffed in the ever deepening RFRAS scandal recently uncovered. Tickets to the match were sold out and thousands more Silarans turned out in pubs and at home across the High Commonwealth to watch the Chevaliers. The Monarch, His Royal and Serene Majesty King Pius Alartho, himself, who is not a regular football fan, took a break from his government duties and joined the Parliamentary delegation at the government VIP box to watch the game.

OOC: Next installment in the scandal coming soon!

[Jeru FC]

Jeru FC coach Melody Pond and assistant Princess Melody

Pond: Princess, you drinking already
Princess: I'm allowed to, I'm over 16
Pond: We have to be good role models for girls out there
Princess: I was born to be bad girly
Pond: The girls are still out there playing football. Can you at least wait
Princess: In the past, the boys would have half drunk before getting out there

Pond: But that's the past, we want to get rid of that drunk image
Princess: We still have a slut image
Pond: Well, that's different.
Princess: Anyway, this is my wine.
Pond: I hear one of the girls lost their passport
Princess: Well, it was a hassle getting a new one.

Pond: Why?
Princess: Considering she couldn't find her birth certificate
Pond: How do you lose things like that?
Princess: Her Mum lost it
Pond: That's a hassle
Princess: Not to worry, good thing I'm no mortal citizen

Pond: Have you watch that cheese show?
Princess: Oh, that Grilled Brie show?
Pond: Yeah
Princess: Not recently
Pond: They remind me of some people
Princess: I don't have blue hair

Pond: You're more like the Natasha blonde one
Princess: Hey, she's grumpier than I am
Pond: Actually she's still single I think
Princess: Well, I've moved on.
Pond: They've got a new girl on the show
Princess: 2's company, 3's a crowd

Pond: You should wear a longer skirt
Princess: It's not that short
Pond: Cameras are always pointing at us
Princess: You complaining?
Pond: They should be pointing at the action on the field
Princess: Most of the Jeru FC fans only watch because of cheap alcohol or pretty girls

Pond: Yes, we do have strange fans.
Princess: Want a drink?
Pond: I don't drink during work
Princess: We're not really working either
Pond: We should be paying attention to the game
Princess: I don't

[Chunnan]

Chunnan Already Starts Weak

Chunnan already fails to win their first game against Taeshan. The game was tied until the 85th minute, when Jane Vander Rox takes a corner followed by a header from Nadya Dostoevich. Although Chunnan lost, they still had some good opportunities including a shot from outside the box at the 90th. Hobert Calison, right midfield, was open for a shot until he kicked it way too low. The goalie had an easy save, ruining the chances of a tied game.

Hobert Calison says,"I saw the perfect time to shoot. Unfortunately, I kicked it from my left foot instead of the right. I don't know what I was thinking..." -Source Chunnan Sports News

Another opportunity lost was when Zim Link, rookie Mid-Forward Zim Link was 1-on-1 with goalkeeper Dru Holliday, who scored a goal for Taeshan in a previous WC, stopped Zim Link's chip shot, which almost flew over Holliday's head. Unfortunately, Holliday got 3 fingers on the ball, making the ball go out. This lead to a corner, which was easily cleared away by Jordan Jaffacake. Zim is known for his missed shots, such as in the controversial SIC (Soccer Int'l Cup) when he shot and hit the post. He was lucky that Yoseph Goasla rebounded and scored. Zim Link can either play very well or very bad. An example of a good time is when he got a hat trick against Bellayus. Unfortunately, the round did not count due to more controversy. Lastly, he had a career ending broken leg during the same cup.

Zim Link chips the ball, but doesn't score - Source - Chunnan Sports News

Followed with this loss, rumors are running around saying that if Joe Lanson, coach, doesn't lead Chunnan to the world cup, he will be fired from his position. Joe Lanson had numerous unsuccessful years, including World Cup 55, where Chunnan didn't even get close the qualifying. Although this is likely to happen, these are still only rumors and are not confirmed.

Joe Lanson States on his Flitter,"Man, did I really do that bad. I just hope these are just rumors, because I love this job, and the players are like family to me. Even if I don't get fired, I'm probably gonna retire soon. Maybe in two years or so #JoeLansonFired..." -Source Flitter @Joe Lanson

Chunnan needs a win next game against Branta Island, for if they won't, we may be saying bye to Joe Lanson along with other staff and coaches. The match was still good for an unranked team. Taeshan is a team who has qualified in many WC's and is a strong team. For on 1-0, Chunnan has displayed an excellent effort.

Sports Commentator and former comedian Robert Eki states on his Flitter,"This game went good and bad. Good because Chunnan actually got close to scoring for once. Bad because like almost every game, Chunnan lost. Not a surprise. #ChunnanSux #WhenWillTHeyWin." -Source @Robert Rox Flitter

[Khytenna]

RNC:SPORTS

one goal all that was needed, Khytenna win.

Northern Artic Islands - 0


Khytenna - 1
Firestone- 52nd

The Northern Artic Islands played a defensive game, with their defenders hardly making a break or counter attack, the first half proved hard for the Khytenna, who played their attacking style of football to try and get around the well drilled defence it would be a impossible task. the Dogged determination paid of in the second when firestone broke the deadlock thanks to some thinking be substitute Carmichael and a good finish by Firestone

The Northern Artic Islands had a game plan sorted when they game on to the pitch, go for the draw, and for the first half atlest it seemed to work. The Northern Artic Islands players marked the Khytenna's well not giving them enough chance to move the ball around, Firestone had a good chance in the first half, has be made it past one marker in to the box, he was however closed down by the defence, he chiped the ball but it sailed over, a good move but the defence played so well in keeping the hungry forwards at bay.

Khytenna to hit long range goals, but Falcon and Wittstock was of target and not making any dent. Wittstock frustration was getting the better of him, he saw a yellow card towards the end of the half for a bad tackle on Ulfvaldur. when the first half ended, The The Northern Artic Islanders looked pleased with themselves, after all they had done their job well, the Khytennians looked frustrated and angry.

The second half proved more fruitful for the Khytenna as Firestone got the goal that would give them the win, the move was over as soon as it started, Sigulfur passed the ball out to Holmvindur, but the Substitute Carmichael got the ball of him, with a quick chip into the box , he found the running Firestone, who then just as the ball was about the bounce on the floor, chipped it over the keeper, just landing in the goal. An awesome goal by Khytenna which was all that needed.

Khytenna win's the game, and get the vital 3 points, the Qualifications have started well for the Strips.


Licentiapacisterra is Khytenna next opponents, a higher ranked team that will prove hard for Khytenna to play against

Khytenna will see only one change to their line up and that is Evelyn for Wittstock.


GK 1. Roary Troy (31 Blue Bay AFC)

RB 5. Teddy Berkeley (24 Taevon central FC)
DC 17. Nelson Bohannan(30 King’s District Athletic)
SW 15. Oliver Testerman ( 27 RGS Athletic , Eastfield Lodge ) (capt)
DC 23. Brian Bowman (25 Blue bay AFC)
LB14. Max Showman(28 Garwood FC)

RM 21. Noel Falcon (23, Forestbrook Foresters)
CM 8. Kurk Rusek (32 King’s District Athletic)
LM 7. Trever Evelyn (22 Blue Bay AFC)

FW 9. Fergal Firestone (25 blue bay AFC)
FW 20. Lawrence Yzo ( 18 Taevon Central FC)

[The Babbage Islands]

Captain Donald Robert Wild, OB, BCG (Ret.)

Thirty-four years. To the day.

You read it right. The Bumblebees' 5-2 loss to Ko-oren in Cardston is the worst defeat they've suffered at home in 34 years. Before they had ever qualified in their own right for a World Cup. Before Arna-Maggra o Wirrenne played her first match for Belgium. Before any current Bumblebee was born.

The disaster started innocently enough. Naemasu Tokachi, a figure who should now assume mythic proportions in the nightmares of Babbage defenders, put the first goal in from the penalty spot after Joey Baldwin got called for taking him down in the box in the 14th minute. These things happen. But Tokachi got his second of three goals just six minutes later, beating two defenders with a wicked header to up the score to two-nil for the visitors.

Twenty-seven minutes later after two minutes' stoppage time it was 4-0. Maria Carrizales looked shell-shocked, Noemi Alba bewildered, and Joey Baldwin still on mental vacation. No number of substitutions, no pep talk from the captain, no stern lecture from the manager would rescue this. Arna-Maggra took all three substitutions at the start of the second half. Bearchan O'Dea's 54th-minute effort drew some ragged cheers as the home side erased their goose egg, and Emily Howell's stunning finish of a Coll Brodie run then raised hopes for a miracle. But young Dragonfly wingback Svarlamn Norn soon put paid to those thoughts with a clean steal and a pass to -- who else? -- Tokachi. Kaitlyn Miller nearly got to the perfectly-placed shot, but the hat trick returned the margin to three goals. And presently full time was whistled, with forty thousand spectators finding the exits in an eerie quiet.

This one will go down as one of the epic disasters in Yellow-and-Black history, right alongside the 7-4 World Cup 56 quarterfinal loss to Sorthern Northland and the biggest-ever 6-0 loss to Akbarabad. Perhaps it's time to wax philosophical, to note that this is only one match out of 18, to point up that every team has bad outings, to mouth clichés. Perhaps.

But I know a steaming pile when I smell it. Here's to a quick recovery.

[Apox]

The History of Apoxian Football

Part One: The Beginning

Football arrived in the nation of Apox relatively recently, with it being spread from those, at the time, far-off and relatively unknown regions of Rushmore and Atlantian Oceania. At first, of course, there was little actual football played, and it was mainly a kickabout in the park. As a result there were many varying sizes of teams and rules, in fact, it was prevalent to have 15 player teams for quite a good while from 498 to 500 A.T.

However, it was decided that a set of rules should be drawn up and universally stuck to within Apox. This would require a ruling body, that was founded by Sir Richard Marshall in 502 A.T and was based in a small terraced house in central Dwile. Sir Richard had travelled to Atlantian Oceania, although the specific nation to which he travelled is not known, and there he learnt the rules and playing styles of the game.

As such, he returned to Apox full of vigour and eagerness to see the game grow, and set about turning this small, relatively unknown game into a large franchise, like he had seen in other countries from far off places. He chaired the first meeting of the Apox Football Board on 13th August 502 A.T and there the rules were established and ways in which the game could be made more popular established.

As a result, the first clubs, Mercury United and FC Endeavour were formed in 503, and the first "official" domestic match was played between them on a cloudy day on the 2nd March 503 A.T at the Finchstead Ground in Dwile. The attendance was said to be 1,029 and the score was a 2-0 win for FC Endeavour. The captain of FC Endeavour was said to Jordon Rickwright, the grand-father of Ken Rickwirght who recently retired from football in Apox.

This first game started off a slow, but continuous expansion of Apoxian football. The second and third games were contested between FC Endeavour and Gwinevra Rockets a week apart in 503, with the first of the two games being played in Dwile, the second in Gwinevra. FC Endeavour came out on top in the encounters, with an aggregate score of 4-1 to them, drawing 1-1 away, then winning 3-0 at home.

By the end of the year, several more football club had joined the AFB, and it's membership had swollen to around 10, with a variety of football matches being played. The oldest current football club, Issington F.C was one of those founded at the time, founded in late December 503 A.T.

The first football legend, Jeremy Scott, played during this time, raking up 26 appearances for FC Endeavour between 503-512 A.T, and scoring an impressive 30 goals in that time, making him a legend of Apoxian football. He was even sponsored by Dwile Local News for £150 a game for his last few games, making him, technically, the first professional in a strictly amateur era. He was so popular that in his last match for FC Endeavour, he drew a record crowd at the Bell Road Recreational Ground of 3,400. Incidentally, and typically, he scored two goals in a 4-1 thriller over Issington F.C.

---

Jon Quillisi Has Opinions (column from the Apoxian Word)

Well it's that time of year again folks. The World Cup Qualification campaign kicked of yesterday, and this time our team is looking for great things for our lads. With a ranking of 49th, the AFB has set John Grigia the target of qualification for the world cup, and, as this is still quite an unlikely task, reaching the quarters of the Cup of Harmony. It's time the traditionally low expectations Apoxian public and AFB started to realise the potential in this team and started to show that results are important.

Luckily, results came yesterday, as a result of our victory of West Zirconia. They are in that chasing pack with Sicoutimont of teams that we have to wary of, and teams we have to take points off if we want to have any chance of qualification, and a solid 3-0 win against West Zirconia is definitely a good start.

The atmosphere at the Royal Stadium was electric and the fans were in full voice for most of the game, really giving our guys and girls the chance to come out
We assume the roster for West Zirconia was lost in the post somewhere as we didn't have a clue who was playing for that game. They had 11 players, that much is true, but what their names were? Couldn't tell you that. Anyway, it didn't really matter as we were the only team that scored, with Dravid opening the scoring in the 11th minute with a tradition, lovely strike from the edge of the box, so Dravid that shot! Then, just after half-time, we had the pleasure of scoring again, one of their defenders doing an appalling back pass by the half way line, which was instantly picked up on by Tom Heeeh on the wing. He fed the ball in to Fran Gracie, who had no trouble in chipping it over the furiously back-pedalling keeper and into the goal.

The third came on a couple of minutes later, this time the ball falling back to late sub, Chris Neguwa who hoofed it upfield, and onto the waiting head of Tom Heeeh, giving him his first international goal after a long wait and many assists. West Zirconia weren't really able to get back into the game, and didn't look as well drilled as our team, and they paid for it. The team will be pleased with the win, but mustn't get complacent as we host Kinitaria in the next fixture, and they'll be looking for a win - it's be a tricky one indeed.

Well, until next time, goodbye,

Jon

[The Inevitable Syndicate]

Ossidiacqua Owned By Inevitable Syndicate
Fligsive,THE INEVITABLE SYNDICATE---- In an explosive (not literally, don't worry) start to the World Cup 63, The Inevitable Syndicate has triumphed 1-0 against Ossidiacqua at the Flynn Arena, Fligsive. The game was the beginning of The Syndicate's foray into the World Cup Proper, and it really shows that they put the effort in against the Acquan team.

The Syndicate won the toss to kick off, but shortly after doing so, the Acquans took control of the ball and switched the game up completely. The Syndicatians weren't used to this level of play, with short passes and acrobatics being the order of the day. Dominic Archer was on top form, though, managing to get behind and stop all attempts at the goal. Archer had good control in passing the ball forward, too, as the Syndicate managed to regain control about halfway through the first half. It seemed that the Acquans were perfect when it came to control, but when a sense of tactics was needed, they were dead in the water. Jacob Pratt took off down the other end of the pitch, and it was about ten seconds before anyone had noticed! By then, Pratt was taking a shot at the goal, but this was blocked by Luca Fausti.

Now, the Syndicatian football fans, resourceful as they are, had read up on the country of Ossidiacqua, and found out (as I did) that they really don't like technology. Now, you would have thought that the Acquans would have done the same, and read up on us. Unfortunately, they probably didn't, because they didn't want to use the DataLink, so they couldn't have known that almost everyone in The Inevitable Syndicate is really into technology. So all the Syndcatian fans came dressed up to the game as robots, and pretended to be said robots to freak out the players. And I think it worked, because after Pratt made his shot, the entire stadium erupted into a chant that went something like 'BEEP BOOP, you're gonna lose!', and the Acquans seemed to lose control of the ball a lot more after this. However, no goals were scored in the first half.

The second half started with more robot chants, and the Syndicatian team really seemed to benefit from this. Our defense had really bolstered up, with new guy Andrew Watson (replacing Alex Sutler, more on that later) really integrating into the team. He managed to tackle many Acquan attackers, and also managed to push the ball up to Luke Mitchell, who in the 55^th minute, scored a brilliant goal. This was the final nail in the coffin for the Acquans, who seemed to up their individual attacking power, but their teamwork sort of fell apart. You had multiple people going after the ball, and people colliding with each other because of it. It was quite a hilarious display, what with the falls and all the fans in robot costumes. The final whistle blew with the score being 1-0 to The Inevitable Syndicate.

The Inevitable Syndicate
:: Goalscorers ::
:: 55' Luke Mitchell
Ossidiacqua
:: Goalscorers ::
:: N/A' N/A

Regarding Tom Hill, he has been admitted from hospital, as he seems to have healed up, but his experience with the Kaledorian football fans has put him off for a while. Because of this, he will not be competing in this world cup. It's a real shame, as he was a fantastic defender, but in the end, his health and wellbeing is far more important. See you soon, Mr. Hill!
All in all, a brilliant start to the World Cup for us. Tomorrow, our team plays Kintratar, a country I distinctly remember being spelled out in the Under-15's World Championship. I wonder if their national team is as good as their youth team? Statistically, ours isn't, but still. It shall be interesting!

Freddie Johnson
ILN Sports

[Svengarda]

SvengardA ArenA, Helsirn
20:38 PM

Lager dispossesses Kazanov and takes the ball over the half-way line to the left of the pitch. He takes it onto the outside of his right boot and move past Trikanov, before sliding the inside pass to Steffansson. Steffansson looks up, ball trapped beneath his feet. He eyes Ruotsalainen making a run down the right hand side of the pitch. Steffansson puts his foot under the ball and sends it flying towards the winger. Ruotsalainen takes it on his chest, before taking it down onto left foot and round the Tyrienne defender, before moving into the box. He then squares along the top of the box to an on-charging Danielsen. Danielsen tucks it round his legs and spins free of his marker, where he puts it onto his right and whips his foot through it, sending it curling into the top right corner, leaving Strokonov rooted to his spot.

[Slembana]

(OOC: As FSS does not have a roster for this World Cup, I decided to use his World Cup 62 roster instead. I hope that he’s OK with that!)

DBK Sports – Football – Slembana 2-1 Free Swiss States

Written by Pierre Darezi

Harry “Komodo” Young scored 30 seconds after coming on as a substitute to give us a vital win at home to rivals Free Swiss States in our first game of World Cup 63 qualifying.

Our visitors took the lead in the 43rd minute, with Antonio Fonti, who was playing at the stadium of his club side (Chelsea City), capitalizing on an error from Follin Maxet to drive a great long shot past our veteran goalkeeper, Toby Gapman.

Daniel Artémis had a great header saved by Gapman for the away side, but Val Kylx, our star striker, equalized in the 56th minute by curling a brilliant 25-yard shot past Swiss goalkeeper Nicholas Jayet, and into the top corner of the net.

Young replaced Kylx after 78 minutes, and had his name on the scoresheet just thirty seconds after coming on, heading home after Jayet had failed to catch a cross from Yuppë Tárnix, our left-winger.

The Swiss had managed to bring Maddie Kytle back from the dead, and get Gordon du-Lusavik out of retirement, for this World Cup.

However, just three minutes in, we came very close to scoring.

Jyvx Dagens, our attacking midfielder, hit the bar with one of his fantastic free-kicks, with Jayet totally static.

Four minutes later, a low drive from Finlay Yalnif, our right-winger, forced Jayet into making an amazing save.

Jayet also had to make great saves to deny Kylx and Zorro Pullman, as we were dominating the early stages of the match.

The Swiss goalie then had to make a double save to first stop one of Pullman’s thunderbolt, and secondly a header from Kylx.

Dagens brought good saves out of Jayet with more of his trademark free-kicks in the 34th and 38th minute, and even Tom Iflon, our right-back, came close to getting his name on the scoresheet.

Despite our domination, Free Swiss States, and not us, were the team who scored the first goal.

Maxet got the ball from Don Adobe, our captain.

He then advanced forward with the ball, and attempted a pass to Pullman.

However, Artémis intercepted the ball from Maxet, and smashed a rocket shot past Gapman from a full 40 yards out.

After half-time, Colin Blackwell – our manager, decided to make a change, replacing Pullman with youngster Derek Newman.

Newman almost equalized in the 50th minute, excellently controlling Maxet’s chip, before seeing a left-footed shot from 25 yards out roll just wide of the post.

FSS also brought on a player at half-time, replacing Fonti with W. Runof.

The change almost paid off, with a smart move involving Runof, du-Lusavik, and L. Eries ending with the former’s shot being pushed away by a desperate Gapman.

However, in the 56th minute, we equalized.

Kylx received a great ball from Yalnif down the right-wing, twisted inside N. Deparksi, and, from the corner of the penalty box, curled a left-footed beauty towards the top right-hand corner of the net.

The ball curled itself through the air, dipped just under the crossbar, and hit the top corner, with Jayet only being able to watch the brilliant shot go in.

Twenty-two minutes later, Blackwell decided to make another change, replacing Kylx with Young.

Young made an instant impact, scoring just half a minute after he joined the action.

Tárnix sped down the left-wing, beat D. Borgorian, and crossed into the penalty area.

Jayet sped out to catch the cross, but let it slip through his hands, allowing Young to nod the ball into the open goal.

This goal seemed to spark FSS into life, with Rufer seeing a header blocked on the line by Adobe, before having a shot palmed over the bar by Gapman.

However, we held on for an important win, our third in our last five.

[Ko-oren]

Unexpected victory best Dragonfly match ever

Last nights insane victory over the Babbage Islands was undoubtedly one of the best since the start of international football in Ko-oren. However, given that the difference between the two teams was three goals and that the match in question was an away match, the Ko-orenite team was assigned more points than any other team ever.

Some of Ko-oren's best recent matches include the 3-2 victory over Thatius in Cup of Harmony 53 and World Cup 61, MD1: Starblaydia 0, Ko-oren 2. Some memorable matches further back in the history of the Dragonflies are the 1-1 draw against Mangolana in the first cycle (WC 55) and the 1-0 victory against Darmen one cycle later.

This means that the entire top 10 of best Ko-oren matches ever now reads as such:

1. The Babbage Islands - Ko-oren 2-5 (WC 63)
2. Starblaydia - Ko-oren 0-2 (WC 61)
3. Bears Armed - Ko-oren 0-1 (WC 60)
4. Ko-oren - Thatius 3-2 (CoH 53)
5. Ko-oren - New Montreal States 4-2 (WC 61)
6. Ko-oren - The imperial canadian dutchy (WC 59)
7. Ko-oren - Mangolana 1-1 (WC 55)
8. Ko-oren - Darmen 1-0 (WC 56)
9. Ko-oren - Civil Citizenry (WC 60)
10.Vilita - Ko-oren 2-0 (WC 60 Playoff)

As far as the match goes: the Dragonflies scored four goals before the Bumblebees reacted with their first goal (by Bearchan O'Dea), and the match ended 2-5. Tokachi was the big man on Ko-orenite side, and by the time the opposing coach could react with substitutions (all three after 45 minutes), it was too late. Rilasthaunden also coached well by not attacking as much after 50-60 minutes, and having two defensive substitutions (and one because of an injury) worked in the Dragonflies' favor.

After the match, the head coach was quick to say the team and the fans should not get too optimistic. "We have started World Cup Qualification cycles with away victories for forever, and just look where it got us. Two Round of 16 appearances at the Cup of Harmony, that's all. And both of these R16 appearances were after dramatic fifth places in the group stage of the World Cup Qualification. In all seriousness, let's get optimistic after 17 matches, not after just one."

Optimism and good starts

Ko-oren's NT has a history of starting well, then falling back. The only time the team did not win their first match was in World Cup 58 (Carasatoga 2, Ko-oren 1). All MD1s were away matches, and all but one (see above) were victories. All but one of these victories were 0-1 victories (the exception here is the Starblaydia match, see No. 2 on the best matches ever list) and now the Babbage Islands list ('coincidentally' No. 1 on this list).

Maybe it's just that because Ko-oren starts off with these amazing matches, one can't help but become optimistic with all its dramatic consequences after the team - once again - fails to deliver.

[Sicoutimont]

World Cup Quals Open With Sicoutian Victory

Coming off a 3-2 friendly loss to Boring Paradise, Les Royales opened their World Cup Qualifing campaign against the team from Richmond Republic. The game started surprisingly for the Royales, as RR's striker opened the scoring in the 17th minute, beating it behind Pier-Luc Dion. But, just 4 minutes later, the Sicoutians got it together. Girard Giroux's first chance was stopped, and defender Alex Gannot pounced on it. His pass found Georges Allonts, who evened the score. The 27th minute was perhaps the most eventful: Giroux was taken down in front, and received a penalty. The spot-kick missed, allowing for a goal kick. It was intercepted by Vince Varrault, who chipped it back to Giroux. He struck it over the sliding keeper, and gave Les Royales the lead. Loic Leduc recieved a yellow card for an altercation with RR's midfielder, and a few more chances were had, but the game stayed 2-1 after 1 half. 57th minute now, and Georges Allonts is in the 18 yard box. He chipped it across to Christopher Savard, who knocked in the header. At this point, the game blew open, with Giroux adding a goal in the 81st minute, and Alex Gannot making the score 5 for the away team. Man of the match for Sicoutimont was Georges Allonts. Other Group 14 action:

Apox 3–0 West Zirconia
Kinitaria 4–1 Shadowbourne
Bears Armed 4–1 Bonarisa
San Potato 3–4 Warkus

Apox gets past West Zirconia, Kinitaria beats Shadowbourne, the Bears crush Bonarisa and Warkus survive Baptism of Fire runners-up San Potato. Due to these results, Sicoutian fans get to celebrate being 1st in the table! It will more than likely slip away without huge upsets, but it is the first time Les Royales have led a qualification group, albeit the first matchday. Next up for Les Royales is San Potato, who fell by 1 goal to Warkus. These teams will meet at Stade St-Pierre, with San Potato looking for their first World Cup win, and Les Royales looking to string together wins.

Sicoutians Succeed In Foreign Football Leagues
Girard Giroux. Pier-Luc Dion. Christopher Savard. 3 big-name Sicoutian footballers. And where do all of them play? CAP of Valladares, FC Ararat Severyan of Mytannion, and Calexico of Free South Califas. Ever since Giroux's transfer, the floodgates opened, with players leaving for all over the multiverse: Giroux to Valladares, Alex Gannot to Mytannion, Loic Leduc and Lucas Dandenault to Northern Sunrise Islands. But are they finding success? Recent league results suggest they are. Savard's club, Calexico, was a mid-table club. Last season, however, led by Savard's 26 goals, they won the Califas Solidarity League. Savard can celebrate with silverware, and a trip to the UICA Champion's Cup. Valladares is the next export, with Girard Giroux the first to leave Sicoutimont, for CAP of Valladares. Noticed at the 10th Copa Rushmori, hosted by Valladares, CAP made an offer to Giroux, who joined the club. The team finished 10th in the most recent season, and are getting closer to UICA qualification. Then there is Mytannion. 4 players, Gannot, Dion, Stan Sarault, and Yves Savard play their. Gannot has developed into a versatile player for Athletik Thessia, he has played left back, centre and attacking midfield and striker over the course of 13 matches for Thessia. Scoring 6 goals, he is expected by Thessia management to become a star. Stan Sarault also played for Thessia, but appeared in 5 games, still scoring 2 goals. To get a starting spot, he may be loaned to a weaker team, but Thessia has plans for Sarault in the future. Yves Savard was initially sent to Lokomotiv Ostrava, who were relegated to division 2 despite Savard's tough play. Following a classy season with Ostrava, Savard was picked up by Rudar Uchenik. Uchenik will go to Mytannion's top level next season, where Savard will lead the team. And then, Pier-Luc Dion. FC Ararat Severyan took the Mytanar title featuring a strong defense, including Dion, who was a wall in the cage. He's known in Mytannion as a keeper with great saves, and an orthodox, old-fashioned style. Next, he'll be taking his talents to the UICA, with Ararat in the UICA Champion's Cup. That's 2 players on Les Royales who won foreign league championships, Dion and Christopher Savard. Is this a new era of Sicoutian football, full of leaders with championship experiance? The team is still a long ways away from glory at the World Cup Finals, but this experiance will be valuable in the long run.

[Tyrants]

Tyrants Starts Campaign With A Draw

Tyrants started their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Islands of Qutar at the Victoria Sportsdome in Nastas. The Redders shot into the lead after Ali Nimoye headed in a Richie Darwood cross after just 10 minutes. The Qutari defence soon stepped up though, and goalkeeper Toby Judd earned his keep in front of goal. However, his efforts soon came to nothing, as a botched clearance from a corner led to George Galleon scoring an own goal in the 78th minute. However, the team soon put in 2 more fantastic chances at goal, both deflecting off of the woodwork.

Crash Remembered Before First Game

A one minute silence was held before the start of Tyrants' qualifier against Qutar this afternoon. The silence was held in commemoration of the 7 Tyrants players who died in a tragic plane crash while travelling to the Baptism of Fire. The families of the players who died were in attendance, and recieved a standing ovation as they were introduced.

[Old Guard]

Ken slumped into his office chair, having just got back from Geisenfried after their defeat. Luckily for him he felt the authorities didn't even care about the result, they just liked being known in the world. Well that was nice, but he was trying to avoid failing miserably here, and losing games wasn't helping.

It was that he was expecting to win, or even expecting to not lose by a scoreline of around 5-2, it's just, he felt that the team could do better if only more of them cared enough to actually do anything. Most of the players regarded this as a series of holidays abroad and a nice jolly out, and didn't understand that, in most other countries, playing football for your country was a great achievement.

It was typical of the establishment that he hadn't received Geisenfried's roster or their tactics, the postman probably missed him out on the way to delivering them, or took the document for himself, or most likely, didn't even bother turning up to work. Bloody idiots, bloody country, he thought, angrily.

As such, when they'd gone out to play, he didn't have a clue what was going on, and his guessed tactics had completely fallen flat. It was a miracle that they'de scored at all, with Xav the Fast's goal in the 30th minute and Og the Troll long volley from 60 metres away somehow going in in the 76th minute, to give the team a morsel of respectability.

Mimsy knocked on the door,

"My liege, a man here to see you..." he said, before walking out before Ken could shout at him. Ken looked expectantly at the door waiting for this person to arrive. After a few seconds of nothing, a hooded figure walked, slowly and purposefully. He sat down on the sofa in the corner of the tiny office and looked at Ken. Ken stared, taken aback, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't see into this man's face.

"Um, yes, well, er, hello." he eventually managed, "Yes, well quite, er, indeed, what.. what was it you said you wanted?"

"I DID NOT STATE MY INTENTION IN COMING HERE," said the hooded figure, in a deep, booming voice. Ken was so surprised and terrified he fell off his chair, and after scrambling around on the floor for a bit, he managed to get back on his chair, looking very flustered. The hooded figure stared at him all the while.

"I GO BY MANY NAMES, AND I DO MANY THINGS," it started, slowly, "HOWEVER, YOU MAY CALL ME "THE SPECTRE". I HAVE COME HERE BECAUSE THIS ENTERPRISE YOU ARE A PART OF MAY YET SAVE THIS MISERABLE COUNTRY FROM IT'S MIRE OF INDIFFERENCE AND STUPIDITY. I HAVE COME TO BE YOUR ASSISTANT MANAGER."

Ken gulped.

"Well, I, I suppose something could be worked out." he stammered, quite terrified now as the hooded figure rose.

"GOOD, I SHALL RETURN TOMORROW TO MEET THE TEAM," it said, as it left his office. Once it had left, Ken slumped further into his chair, pondering the days events and wondering what this mysterious being could want, involving himself in the football team of the most badly run country in the world.