World Cup 63 RP Thread

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 4:38 am

The Northern Sunrisian Team did their best, but couldn't match the hability of Old Guard and Karditan on the Matchday 2 and 3. Not that the losses seemed to take its tow on the Marills. Little they could do, after all.

- Y' know... It would be nice to get another win, guys. - said Coach Bourbon, sighing.
- What could we do? It was just lack of luck... Twice... But it was lack of luck. - answered Nagatomo.
- Yeah... After all, it was more of a referee doing a bad job rather than we losing it. At least to Old Guard, I'm pretty sure it was. - commented Carvalho.

Then, the door was knocked. And entering the locker room thru that same door, there was Leminski. Saddened, however.

- Come on, monsieur! It were just two losses, nothing unrealistic! - yelled Bonapart, getting closer to him.
- She died, you idiot. - answered the "guest". - She died.

He pretty much fell on tears. His sister, who suffered of a strong terminal disease finally had to finish her time on the world of the living. His fellow friends on the time Leminski played at the national team decided to give a hand to their old comrade. The team now wasn't 100%, and the Qualifiers would probably take its tow on them once again.

by **Cambirano** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 5:11 am

The Kid Who Only Played Chess

Part I

A small town in Cambirano, 20 years before World Cup 63

Theo could clearly see the exasperation written on his mother's face. Her head was tilted slightly to the right, her lips were pursed, and her eyes were setting their sights on only one target, his father, who was just trudging up the back lane, feet dragging, head dropped, trying to make as little distraction as possible.

He reached the rickety, old door and expertly opened and closed it, seemingly without any time elapsing or sound escaping. He kept his frame stiff, his head examining the linoleum floor, his eyes looking anywhere but up.

He couldn't get away though. Theo had witnessed this scene repeat itself so many times that it was almost like an overused production down at the local theater, where Uncle Adam had taken him when he was even younger, six or so. They'd gone twice, once to a new production about a poor girl who sewed a beautiful dress, looked set to make thousands of scherters, and then sold her ware to a handsome prince, forgetting to receive any payment in return. Theo had loved it, the actors in their funny, old-time costume, the wooden scene backgrounds behind them telling of the theater's financial troubles, the rotund king resembling the local banker Mr. Carlisle to a T.

The second play, though, was a disaster. It was a remix of the story of Jesus, but instead of an almighty, everlasting God, there was a baker, who baked the most delicious bread and pie anyone could ever dream of. The storyline was unrealistic (the baker complained about not having enough time to make a deluxe cake for a wedding party, but he found it simple to turn out an apple pie instantly later in the scene) and worn-down. The actors had obviously played the parts so many times, they seemed to tire of their own words.

Most of the time, Theo thought his dad was the same way in these scenarios. After all, at least once every week it seemed he would trudge home from the factory very late, after dinner had already been eaten at home, the dishes cleared put away. Theo's mother would always give him this nasty look as he pulled himself through the door, and then he would receive a vicious barrage of biting remarks and harsh accusations.

"Who are you seeing so late at night?"
"What causes you to miss so much time with your family?"
"How many times do I have to tell you that you're embarrassing us?"

As much as his mother wanted to believe that his father's hiding place was the Golden Robin, Gulliton's main bar, he never smelled of alcohol, nor did the family bills ever include the large tab he was always accused of running up.

But it had always puzzled Theo that his dad never explained himself to either Theo or his mom. He just stood there, head hanging low, as the torrent of disgrace fell upon him. It both amazed and enraged Theo at the same time. His dad was so strong, so self-assured, that he could take whatever his own wife would hurl at him. However, if he had nothing to hide, couldn't he just come out and admit whatever he'd been doing? There was an easy way out of the attacks, but he never seemed to want to take it.

Tonight would be no different, as his mother wiped her hands on a towel before ripping into him without the routine biting comments and snarky remarks, so unlike the caring, gentle woman Theo had come to know. He understood her pain, even as a 9-year old. She was trying to get her husband to finally come clean with whatever hurtful act or deed he committed so regularly. She must figure that it would be much better if the family could heal through his admission rather than having to have it extracted.

Per custom, Theo ducked his head back into the living room, burying his head into his comic books, books about birds, or his art books. He loved books; they allowed him to soar far above his current middle-class existence, believing he was a rich explorer, setting out to discover new worlds, new products, new beings. He was no longer Theo Walden, he was Sir Theodolphus the Great, embarking upon voyage after voyage, his breastplate emblazoned with the family crest, showing his dedication to family.

On nights like this, though, Theodolphus kept his ship, the Glory of God, close to port, because its captain felt unable to navigate through the thunder of his mother's yelling in the adjacent kitchen. So instead, he would sit at his desk and prepare the charts for his next voyage, checking water levels, ensuring the crew would have enough food. He used a water depth survey he'd made of the family bathtub and a notebook with pictures of many types of foodstuffs, informatively titled, 'What to Eat,' which he'd written himself.

Finally, after about twelve minutes, the family ritual continued, with his father's voice appearing behind him at the living room door.

"Time for bed, son."

Theo leaped up, grabbed some of his favorite books, and hustled past his bemused-looking father and into his tiny bedroom, which had just enough room for a bed, a table and a lamp. He changed into his sleeping clothes, before slipping beneath the covers, anxious to sleep, because he had a book report to present at school tomorrow, and he would hate to be tired.

He hoped that his dad would remember and come to tuck him in, say goodnight, and maybe, if he was lucky, let him read for a few minutes. It was weird, but lately on nights when his father and mother had argued, his dad hadn't been coming. Theo wasn't upset at his father, but yet again, he just wished that he could talk to him more, have an understanding of what his problems, his vices were.

His hopes of staying awake, though, slipped away as the blanket covered him, and he drifted almost instantly into the land of sleep.

It must have been about midnight when his mom opened the door and glided as an angel to the side of his bed. His eyes fluttered awake, and he stared up, catching a glimpse of a tear-drenched, sorrowful face.

He jumped up.

"What's wrong mom?"

"I'll be quick son. Your father is dead."

Match Summary: Anollasia 1 Cambirano 0
67th: GOAL T. Cetin (Anollasia) 1-0 Anollasia
72nd: SUBST A. Brightenhouse (In) S. Gurley (Out) (Cambirano)
82nd: SUBST D. Campbell (In) J. Henson (Out) (Cambirano)

by **Wight** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 5:19 am

by **Boring Paradise** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 5:53 am

Previous time
Luke Homewood (Also known as Osama Homewood's Dad or the Unknown Voyager)
Gary Hughes (Big Fan Of Boring Paradise)
Location: Paradisian International Airport, Second Floor, Departure, Waiting Room to Amelio (Tanos)

"Well then, what do we have here." Gary Hughes saying when he got some chocolate buttons from the sweet shop near by. "Just the two of us without Cameron Clark. He will be fine with Sharkinal Jones. He needs someone to help him now, so he volunteered to do that. So we are goin without him."

"Hahaha. We don't need him he was just a waste of space any ways. How could us three fit in one cavern. Cameron just took all the space and now look at him. Watching the football matches from a television with Sharkinal Jones. I hope he is fine with it." Luke responded with a giggle at the start."

"The last match was interesting for us to watch and really surprising as well." replied Luke while anded out some gummy gum gum. "The need needs us and we need them as well. So this is why we are doing to this and the reunite the team with us. I hope they let us in again."

"Here is the article on the match." Luke replied giving it to Gary. "I have already read it."

What happened in the eyes of the manager
Matthew Johnstone

The team were on their home soil against Wight. It was the day that we will proof our selves. The day that will decide part of the future of Boring Paradise. Today was the that day to shine. On the Empilot City Stadium in Paradisian North. Both sides getting warmed-up for the match. The fans from Boring Paradise cheering them on, saying, "Mr. Johnstone your the best!"

That moment when the whistle went, it was tense for me and the staff. From the very beginning, I have been dreading this moment. And it is finally here at last. The game started with the Paradisians kicking off. The team looked like the secret weapon was working, boredom was working on the Wight's players. This was a good start for the team. Raiyaan Malik wasn't playing that match so instead, Yousuf Bell played with Sameer Jaklim at front for the match.

Then came Raiyaan Malik from behind, begging me for Malik to play and that the doctor said that he could play. I accepted so Bell got subed off Malik in the 27th minute when Harris got tackled. Samuel Wong came up to take the free-kick. He swerved it into the box. Raiyaan Malik a twelve year old came up and volleyed the ball back home. The Wight's players were all disappointed. At half-tine it was 1-0 to the home side.

In the second-half there was a very good attack by Hishaam Ali, but he was blocked by Lucas Finch. He got forced to pass it or run into the player. He choose to pass it to Sameer Jaklim and then he come to score to make the second goal of the match, but he was slightly offside. I was very annoyed that was an offside. I got the linesman to sow me it. It was at all offside. He was a yard behind the offside line when Ali passed. I can't believe that even happened. That would have been 2-0 to the Paradisians.

By Matthew Johnstone. WC63, MD3

"The manager can get quite well with highlights. All he wants is to win all the matches." Gary Hughes said after reading the match report. "The players are really good. Winning against Wight 1-0, is a lot to say. Wight were beaten by a 12-year old. How much worse can it get?"

"I don't know Gary, I don't know."

by **Jeruselem** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:02 am

Princess Katy and some weird looking guy

Katy: This is Princess Katy for Naked News Jeruselem, I'm with a representive from Super-Llamaland who visited Jeruselem to face the Princesses here at Dazza Dallas Stadium today
Guy: Hello
Katy: You're from the nation of Super-Llamaland, how does it feel to be in Jeruselem?
Guy: I'm from Jeruselem, I own the company called Super-Llamaland
Katy: Hang on, I'm supposed to be talking to someone from Super-Llamaland, the country. Not the company.
Guy: Oh, I'm not Super-Llamaland. You mean those people who visited.

Katy: So I'm wasting my time then.
Guy: No, we can talk about llamas. Super-Llamaland is biggest llama breeding farm in Jeruselem.
Katy: OK, why are you here in Dazza Dallas Stadium in the first place?
Guy: I heard a team from Super-Llamaland were playing Jeruselem
Katy: Anyway, Jeruselem beat Super-Llamaland 2-1
Guy: They were pretty good, even if none of them were llamas.

Katy: You enjoyed the game?
Guy: Yes, I don't get a chance to watch football games.
Katy: Can you explain to the people what a llama is?
Guy: Well, a llama is a South American camelid. Not to be confused with Alpacas.
Katy: You mean those weird looking camel like spitting creatures?
Guy: Yes, they spit a lot but that's normal for them.

Katy: So llamas and alpacas are different creatures?
Guy: Yes, they aren't the same thing.
Katy: Why do you breed them here?
Guy: A lot of your wool and meat come from llamas in Jeruselem.
Katy: Isn't Jeruselem got the wrong climate for llamas and alpacas?
Guy: Not all of Jeruselem has the wrong climate, you have to know where

Katy: Well, you learn something every day.
Guy: They are related to camels, so they aren't really foreign to Jeruselem that way.
Katy: I don't like camels much either
Guy: I love camels, alpacas and llamas.
Katy: That's it from me and this guy who owns a company called Super-Llamaland
Guy: Visit the farm and ride a llama.

by **The Inevitable Syndicate** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:09 am

Farves Fry After Syndicate Sizzle'em
Fligsive, THE INEVITABLE SYNDICATE---- After a solid draw against Kintratar, it was a hop back on the plane home for the national team, to play their third world cup game against Farfadillis our very own regionmates. It was relief to be playing at home, as not only did the Syndicate have a nice home advantage, nothing could possibly go wrong unexpectedly.

We had a fantastic start in the first half, you could even call it legendary, as 12 minutes in Luke Mitchell romped past the Farf defence and scored a brilliant goal. It seems Farfadillis goalkeeper Erfaon Lisdiren didn't know what hit him, as he simply stood in the centre of the goal for some minutes after, squatting with his mouth agape. Unfortunately, the Farfadillis defence had improved (maybe they'd woken up!) and the ball was unable to get near Lisdiren until he'd come back into the game. The Farves were equally as attacking, however, and retaliated with a frankly beautiful shot by Fermín Juárez in the 23^rd minute. The Farfadillis fans went wild, and this time it was our turn to be mocked, as the fans raised a huge banner of what appeared to be a naked depiction of Dominic Archer. Needless to say, Archer wasn't impressed, and Bradley Birch didn't seem to be either, commenting to fellow midfielder Ethan Sinclair that 'That's not even what it looks like'. Birch then proceeded to take out his anger on Fermín Juárez, tackling him and then standing on his arm. Now come on Bradley, that's hardly fair play. We here at ILN apologize to Juárez, and hope he gets better soon. Unfortunately, the Farfadillis side had to take Juárez out of play, and replaced him with Yolo Fu. Birch was red-carded for his 'shamefur dispray', and Fred Higgs was elected to replace him on the pitch.

No more goals were scored until the second half, when Yolo Fu sprinted down the pitch with incredible speed, dodging the ever famed Syndicatian defence and scoring a goal in the 49^th minute. Powell decided he wasn't having any of that, and after receiving a wonderful cross from Jacob Pratt knocked a goal into the net in the 52^nd. This tied up the scores, at 2-2, and it really seemed that this game was going to be a repeat of the previous one for the Syndicate. But, it seems our expertise shone through, as with nine minutes to go, Powell found his way up the field again, and scored the winning goal for the Syndicate. Final score: 3-2.

The Inevitable Syndicate
:: Goalscorers ::
:: 12' Luke Mitchell
:: 52' Nathan Powell
:: 81' Nathan Powell
Farfadillis
:: Goalscorers ::
:: 23' Fermín Juárez
:: 49' Yolo Fu

This victory puts us second in Group 15, with 7 brilliant points we should be proud of. at 2 wins and a draw, that puts us 2 points away from Vilita, headliner of the group. I reckon the team can stay there, or with a little bit of luck overtake Vilita to end up qualifying. That doesn't mean the Syndicate should get complacent yet, and especially not during tomorrow's game, which is against Cyborg Holland. It's at home again, which should be nice, but there appears to be a bitter rivalry forming between the two teams. I hope the Syndicate can use that rivalry to their advantage, and hopefully make the opponent trip up. Only time will tell.

Freddie Johnson
ILN Sports

Syndicatian Video Game Sells Over 1 Billion Copies
Magnaeus, THE INEVITABLE SYNDICATE---- Electronic Farts. A name which any nerd of The Inevitable Syndicate knows and adores well. Known for kicking up a stink in the video game world nationally, Electronic Farts has now made a name for itself in the big wide world.

World Cup 63, the footballing sim that features all the nations competing in the World Cup, has sold over 1 billion copies worldwide, an Electronic Farts spokesperson told us yesterday. It's been incredibly successful in countries such as Wight, Farfadillis, and Leorudo, and has even made it's way out of the region to places such as Cyborg Holland (which I've been told to boo, as apparently they smell) and Sandwich Territories (which I've also been told to boo, but by different people).

The game was a hit here in the Syndicate, and was known for it's 'Bleeding... ...Cutting Edge... Graphics' and 'Unique... ...Innovative Gameplay'. Also, picked right from the Sandwich article, It has been said that 'I think my computer... ...got it to work... ...graphics... ...major...' which is always a good thing! There have been some reports on some minor bugs, such as clipping issues, but that's to be expected, it is a new game on a new engine after all.

It's closest competitor, World Cup 63 (Gordonopian Games) for the Cronos Elite, didn't do so well in sales, mostly because nobody here really owns a Cronos Elite. The PC, or the WaterBox, by esteemed developers 'Tap', are far more popular home entertainment systems. A port is supposedly on the way, by Electronic Farts, so we'll have a chance to play it at some point.

All in all, a good week for business, and a good week for football. (Be it virtual or real! The Syndicate just won the World Cup*!)

*In game, of course.

Jason Doole
ILN Technology
This article has been sponsored by Electronic Farts.

by **Jeru FC** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:32 am

Jeru FC coach Melody Pond and assistant Princess Melody after another draw ...

Princess: Hey, we just aren't scoring enough goals. What's going on here?
Pond: We are playing some good teams.
Princess: That's no excuse. Look at Jeruselem, lower ranked and 3 wins.
Pond: I guess they are doing better than us.
Princess: I blame this new diet for the girls
Pond: What you mean?

Princess: They are eating less meat. It's affecting their aggression on the field.
Pond: They are trying to score goals.
Princess: Jeruselem's scored more goals than us. I mean. We're supposed to be really aggressive.
Pond: It's just they aren't as efficient at the moment.
Princess: Or maybe they are over-defending.
Pond: I guess our defense is working good

Princess: We're supposed to be scoring lots of goals. That's Jeru FC, 5 goals in 3 games doesn't cut it.
Pond: I suppose the results so far aren't great.
Princess: we don't want to look stupid ending up in the Cup of Harmony
Pond: Oh yes, you played in that last cup.
Princess: More meat and less tofu
Pond: It's early days. We'll be OK.

Princess: I don't want to end up in the CoH again
Pond: I understand that.
Princess: Anyway, what's for dinner?
Pond: Korean food
Princess: Hey, don't that use lots of Tofu?
Pond: They have meat too Princess

Princess: I love Korean barbeques!
Pond: Today is vegan Princess
Princess: Oh, that's not I would do.
Pond: The girls are older and wiser, they need a healthier diet now.
Princess: I just hope this isn't turning them into bunch of wimps.
Pond: They are still a bunch of skanks.

Princess: I guess that's true.
Pond: I'm sure its something else
Princess: Some of them are probably pregnant
Pond: That really messes one up in terms of energy requirements
Princess: We all know some of them are Mums already
Pond: we're not far behind

Princess: Can't raise kids on tofu.
Pond: You sure eat a lot
Princess: I use lots of energy, lots
Pond: Dunno how you stay so slim after eating so much

by **Milchama** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 6:44 am

"Wow! What a start"

"Really"

"9 of 9 is one thing but 10-0"

"Yeah the offense is clicking, the defense is clicking. Man just everything is working"

"I mean seriously 10-0, wow"

"Has there been one really competitive match so far?"

"I'd say no"

"This is crazy"

"What?"

"You know when our grandfathers used to talk about how it was a guarantee that Milchama would make the Cup. The only question was what they would do, I never really understood"

"Well I still don't"

"Not entirely, but I get the start of it. They always talked about no competitive qualifying matches and now I understand that part of it"

"Really?"

"Yeah some 200th ranked team would come into Alexandria or Port James or whereever and just get crushed. They would be beaten before the first whistle"

"Yeah it really does look like that"

"I agree, it's incredible"

"It really is, a thing of beauty"

"Absolutely glorious"

"I really can't wait for it continue"

"Me neither"

"You know what's even weirder?"

"What?"

"The inability to complain about a start"

"I agree at no point have I been worried in a match, thought there a bad performance, anything"

"It's really crazy"

"Great to see that from Milchama"

"Really good from the Warriors"

"Well then we'll come and continue it"

"Yeah"

"Definitely"

"Let's Go Milchama!"

"Come on You Warriors!"

by **Torisakia** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 7:52 am

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JAN. 5, 2012 - After 2 disappointing losses including one at home, the national team has finally won a game. The shutout win at Vivedin gave the Ice Birds new life, even not at home. As well as coming off a bad loss at home, which wasn't entirely the team's fault.

The Ice Birds had a fantastic game, and that's just an understatement. Our defense played like no other in what was possibly the best defensive football match in Torisakian history. The first half was excellent, as 15 minutes in Johnny Kelso literally broke the Vivedin defense's ankles with his single and double cut moves and finishing off with a beautiful goal. The Vivedin defense seemed dazed and confused from that point on, after Kelso had scored, they still thought the ball was in play. The Vivedin defense never seemed to wake up, our offense just exploded from that point on. While the Ice Birds only scored two goals, and most of the kicks that missed the goal were caused by bad kicks, their defense was even better. Our defense did not allow the Vivedin offense inside the penalty box, with exception for penalty shots. Goalkeeper Will Owens showed us why he won the Bruce H. Coker Trophy back during the TSL Season. The 4-2-5 formation seemed to work excellently, as it hasn't proved the past 2 games especially against Gyatso-kai, and Vivedin just couldn't stop it. The rest of the first half went by fast, as no other goals were scored.

The second half was slower, but was consistent. At the 63^rd minute, Hagos Mebrahtu sped down the pitch, passing defenders with enormous speed. As the Ice Birds offense drew closer to the goal, Mebrahtu made a legendary double-cut dribble against the Vivedin goalkeeper causing a breakaway and an easy goal. The goal was so easy that Mebrahtu stalled his kick for a few seconds as a taunt. At the 64^th minute, Hagos Mebrahtu scored the Ice Birds second goal. As the Vivedin defense became tired, so did their offense. The rest of the second half wound up going by fast, with no other goals scored. Final score: Torisakia: 2 Vivedin: 0

This victory puts Torisakia at seventh in Group 8, with only 3 points to show for the victory. Torisakia's overall record so far is now at 1-0-2, and tied for points with Backyard Sports. But this puts them 1 point away from 5th or 4th place. This doesn't mean the team has to focus on where they stand in the group as much as focusing on their opponents to come. As a return back to Torisakia seems far away, tomorrow's game should be a snap, which is against Mirelesin who is last in the group. It's away again, which as history tells us isn't good for an Ice Birds win.

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by **West Angola** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:26 am

Phillip Garren steepled his fingers and looked across his desk at the two men standing there. He cleared his throat, and the younger of the two—the one on the left—jumped slightly. Garren sighed, “What. In the world. Was That? A 0-0 draw against Kishrael!? At home!? Are you flipping kidding me!?” This last remark was punctuated with a fist slamming down on the desk. Luke Parrish was amazed, even when he’d completely lost control, Phillip was still the cleanest-speaking person he’d ever met. A pointing finger snapped Parrish out of his reverie, and he found Garren standing now, his face crimson with fury. “And why did we fail to score a goal the entire f***ing-”

And there it went. Parrish thought.

“-match!? Because you two idiots forgot that you were on the same team! You two weren’t running the attack, you were both trying to take it in yourselves! The only reason we didn’t lose is because the defense played so well, and do you really think we can shut out Starybladia!?”

Wilson tried, he really did, “If they play hard, maybe they can-”

“Shut up Wilson! It was rhetorical. You two are the sorriest excuses for football players I’ve ever seen! Do you know how many times you passed to each other during that match? Two. Two d*** passes in ninety minutes of football. That. Is. PATHETIC!” Another slammed fist, Parrish noticed sweat forming on Garren’s brow, he was really getting worked up. Parrish tried to calm him down, “Phillip-”

“Don’t ‘Phillip’ me! I am your football coach, and will be addressed as such! You think just because you’re a forty year-old twenty year-old you can do what you want!? You’re wrong! You are a player, just like every other player on this team, and I’ll be d***ed if I am called ‘Phillip’ by a man who’s the same/twenty years younger than me! You two have got to learn to play together, or we’re going home with a performance even sorrier than the last time you were here, Luke! Clear!?”

Garren was visibly twitching now, and the red hue on his face was rapidly darkening to purple. Parrish placed a placating hand on Phillip’s shoulder, “Coach, calm down. Just-” Parrish’s sentence was cut off as Garren backhanded him across the face, “Don’t you dare touch me you b******. Just get out, come back when you’ve figured out if you play for West Angola, or for Luke Parrish and Peter Wilson.”

Disheartened, the two left. Out in the hallway, as Wilson turned towards his room, Parrish stopped him, “Peter, wait.”

Wilson turned, “What is it?”

“We need to talk. Phillip, I mean, Coach Garren, is right. I passed up a lot of chances to pass to you because I wanted to score and show everyone that I could still play, and I know you took some dumb shots when you should’ve passed to me. We need to work this out, or we’ll both be riding the bench watching Starybladia rip us apart next week.”

Wilson nodded, “You’re right on all counts. Let’s go down to the conference room and discuss things.”

As the two got off the elevator in the lobby, Isaac Warren was getting on, “Did Phillip chew you two out?”

“Yep. I’d wait a little bit before going in there if I were you, he got pretty emotional.”

“Thanks for the tip.”

Parrish and Wilson sat down across the table from each other in the conference room and looked at each other, the silence stretched on for several uncomfortable seconds as both waited for the other to start. Finally, Parrish rose to the challenge. “Look, Peter. I don’t mind telling you that a lot of the things Coach Garren said back there were true. When we all got together for that first practice, I dismissed you; I thought I was the older player with all the experience, and all the skill, and you were just a kid who would be learning from me and growing in talent. When I found out that that was not the case, and that you were as good if not better than I was, I resented you. I saw you as the upstart who was going to overshadow me and drive me off this team before I even found my groove again. So yes, I did take the shot when I should have passed to you, and I’m sorry about that. That’s not just affecting you and me, it harms the whole team when I’m not playing as a member of it.

Wilson nodded, “I figured as much. And, honestly, I had the same sort of thoughts about you. I thought I was going to lead this team and power the attack, I thought my role was clear, and then you came back. The legend, the massive star whom I could never hope to shine in the presence of, and I was angry. I was relegated to second-class status, or so I thought, and the flak I was taking about my coaching didn’t help things. I came into this cup wanting to prove that I was better than you, that I was the real star of the team, and wasn’t just a system player. I wanted to be the best, Luke, better than even the great Luke Parrish.”

Now it was Parrish’s turn to nod, “I get that, I really do. But it’s not doing the team any good to have us fighting each other more than we’re fighting the other team! When we don’t play together, we don’t just hurt everyone’s morale, but we aren’t anywhere near as effective, which I think has been proven. So, for the World Cup, all rivalry aside, ok?” Parrish reached out a hand and, after the briefest of hesitations, Wilson shook it. Parrish smiled, “Good, glad we could find common ground. Maybe after the tournament we can have a competition or something to prove I’m the better player.”

Wilson grinned, “You mean prove that I’m the better player.”

The two laughed, a real, friendly laugh, and anyone watching would have thought they’d been friends for years. The two stood, still kidding each other, and were walking out of the room when they heard sirens pulling up to the hotel. Parrish, who was the first through the door, stopped in his tracks, causing Wilson to bump into him from behind, as paramedics rushed through the lobby and into the elevator. Parrish and Wilson took off towards the stairs at dead sprints, What was going on?

Isaac Warren stepped out of the elevator and headed for Garren’s room. Wilson didn’t know Garren as well as he and Parrish did, the guy could get pretty steamed, but he calmed down just as quickly once whoever he was mad at had left. Warren knocked on the door and, not hearing anything from inside, knocked again, this time a little louder. Still hearing nothing, he called out, “Phillip? You taking visitors?” Still nothing. Warren frowned, that wasn’t like Phillip at all. He tried the knob and, finding it unlocked, opened the door and entered the room. Looking around, he saw Garren’s desk, and noted his computer was on, but Garren was nowhere to be seen.

He must have stepped out to cool off, Warren thought, I’ll just leave him a note. But as he stepped around the desk to grab a pen and paper, he nearly tripped over a man lying face down on the floor: Phillip Garren. Warren gasped, then grabbed the phone from the desk and dialed 222, the emergency number. Within a couple minutes, two paramedics, followed closely by Luke Parrish and Peter Wilson, rushed into the room. A few minutes later, Garren was in the back of an ambulance heading to Immaculate Conception Hospital, with Parrish, Warren, and Wilson following behind in Parrish’s car.

NAMIBE CHRONICLE

TEAM DRAWS KISHRAEL 0-0, COACH GARREN ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL

Last night, the West Angolan fans attending the team’s match against Kishrael in Namibe were treated to a show of attacking incompetence which featured zero goals for either Luke Parrish or Peter Wilson for the duration of the match. Observers noted that Parrish and Wilson “seemed to be playing against each other as much as their opponents” and said the rivalry was likely the result of “unkind media portrayals of both.” On the other side, all four members of West Angola’s defense played extremely well, preventing all but one shot from reaching keeper Blake Green, a shot he saved with ease.

Following the match, sources within the team say that Coach Phillip Garren grilled both Parrish and Wilson in his office for nearly an hour, at some point after the two left, Coach Garren suffered a heart attack and, after being found by Assistant Coach Isaac Warren, was rushed to Immaculate Conception Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Team officials made the announcement that they intend to continue play until Garren recovers, with Isaac Warren moving into the Head Coaching duties on an interim basis for the duration of his incapacitation. Both team and hospital officials expressed confidence that Garren would make a full recovery, but it remains to be seen how well the team will perform in his absence.

Phillip Garren has presided over the West Angolan team for the entirety of its post-Baptism of Fire existence, overseeing its rise to its current ranking of 47th—the highest ranking it has ever held. Garren was a keeper on the original Baptism of Fire team, but suffered a career-ending leg injury in a car accident following the first match, and has coached the team since World Cup 58. Warren was a forward on the team until World Cup 61, when an unfortunate incident involving former King August II resulted in his being forced to retire and replace Kyle Cole as assistant coach on the team. Mr. Cole has since moved on, but declined to comment for this article. At any rate, as the team moves forward, its success may turn on whether Garren’s condition proves to be a rallying point—or a distraction.

Match Schedule:

1. vs. Cambirano W 3-1
2. at The Holy Empire L 1-3
3. vs. Kishrael D 0-0
4. at Starblaydia
5. vs. Bloodbath Generation
6. at Lymantatia
7. vs. Vettera
8. vs. Vakolic
9. at Anollasia
-Bye-
10. at Cambirano
11. vs. The Holy Empire
12. at Kishrael
13. vs. Starblaydia
14. at Bloodbath Generation
15. vs. Lymantatia
16. at Vettera
17. at Vakolic
18. vs. Anollasia

Won (1) Drew (1) Lost (1) Should Win (10) Might Win (3) Toss-Up (0) Might Lose (1) Should Lose (1)

Projected Final Record: 13-2-3
Projected Group Finish: 3rd

by **Conclespia** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:31 am

Victory tastes sweet.

Of course, it's against an unranked team, but at least we've picked up our first 3 points of qualification. Considering our next few matches are against lower-ranked teams, it should be a good opportunity to rack up the points and try and creep into the top 4 in the group. Not saying that it'll be an easy task, though. As I said before, complacency is your worst enemy. Now that I think about it, especially for professional athletes. Competing in the World Cup. For a first ever qualification. But you get what I mean.

We've started some practice on our counter-attacking tactics as early preparation for our match against Gyatso-kai. It's not nearly as defensive as the all-behind-the-ball strategy that Cottoncurb United employs or the "Pythagorean" of the Polar Islandstates (I don't care how much they've changed in style), but it's nowhere close to the passing, attacking football that Blue Thunder normally prefers. It's no wonder that our defensive coach is Roger Vickars, one of the most prominent defenders in the game who won the league title with a Sheffire side that was lightning-fast in the counter-attack.

All this practice won't count for anything if we don't get the results rolling in, though. It's time to focus on the match ahead.

by **Azox** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 8:50 am

Azox hold off ASMV for a stunning draw.

ASMV is one of those teams that no matter who you are, you know of them. Hosting such a well known team means at they'll send tons of fans, and with over 30,000 of them at Holsten Field in our 47,387 seats; it seemed at times that we were the road team. But despite allowing a goal in the 5th minute, Azox wasn't going to allow the momentum or the crowd sway them. Syrinici Tia'bel, who scored that first SeaDragon goal, just missed a second goal in the 30th minute, appearently left with a twisted knee, and Bolexii Pol'age came in. But that small change allowed Azox to get back in the game, as Pol'age is no Tia'bel, though he is close. Lila Lasky tied the match up at 1-all in the 56th minute, and Neil Tebbs (who came on for Lasky in the 70th minute after Lasky's ankle injury) scored in the 73rd minute to give the AngelWolves a 2-1 lead. But Fylen Kel'tas tied it back up in the 82nd minute.

Up next, Azox travels to Euskirribakondara

by **Paradystopia** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:27 am

Whether or not to get up. Just another one of life tribulations. Friedrich Hjken pondered. He had obviously been drinking the night before, the fact that he currently felt rotten and couldn't remember anything of the night before confirmed this. No, he could remember the football. 2-0 to Paradystopia, right? Yeah. Pitinuus scored early and then Princess Jojo scored in injury time. His mind wandered back to the issue at hand. The bed felt so comfortable and warm that wrenching his sorry self from within it's folds would be a difficult task to overcome. What time is it anyway? With every ounce of strength he felt his body could manage. Friedrich rolled to his right to check the small alarm clock on his bedside table. It had gone. That's strange. No bedside table either. Stranger still, the wall on that side of the room appeared to have moved back a metre of so and changed colour from a nondistinct cream to silvery grey. On his left hand side, things had also altered. Was he in someone elses room? If so, how? He started to feel quite sick. It was about now he realised there were three gentlemen in this new room with him.

Of the three men, one was seated in a modest armchair and the other two stood slightly behind on either flank. There was an unnerving similarity between the men. Each had short-cut light-brown hair, strong cheekbone structure and vivid green eyes. The only difference Friedrich could establish in his, now-rising, anxiety as he stared at the men was that it was only the seated man whose left pupil glowed neon green. They watched him in silence and Friedrich lifted his body into a seated position to face these newcomers.

After an awkward silence, the seated man felt that unless he started the conversation, it would never begin. He spoke gently with delicate steady pace to his words.

"Friedrich Hjken. am I pronouncing that correctly? Ha-ee-ken? Southern Paradystopi is, or was, such an interesting, if difficult language to master. So beautiful if used properly though, wouldn't you say?"

Friedrich didn't respond, he was still reeling from the new surroundings and hindered by his hungover state. The seated gentleman rose to his feet and proceeded towards the bed, orating as he did so. The gentle lilt of his speech made the ancient words ebb and flow.

"Karas sham. Karas bjnovoldt.
Rho bharl zu rhoshaar.
Yjnta'al rho bharl. Khuis palasi.
Karas sham, vui lho."

Hjken had never heard anyone orate Zukenjn so eloquently, yet by his accent, he was not of Southern Paradystopi origin. Friedrich thought it only fitting to respond as loquaciously as possible.

"Who are you?"

The man was now looking over him with his neon pupil, it twitched restlessly, at odds with it's owner cool and measured gait. In respond to the question, he looked him fully in the eyes. The neon pupil bore holes into Friedrich's skull. He was now decidedly uncomfortable and quite scared.

"Mr. Hjken, do you know of Commune-PDT.v2?"
"What? No. I, ... I heard a rumour once of the existence of ... no, it was idle gossip. Who are you people?!"

A grin climbed slowly over the man's face and he released a gentle chuckle.

"I, Mr. Hjken, am Alpha Sigismund and may I be the first to welcome you to the Commune."

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 9:45 am

Estrianii Raelea Vega stepped quickly to the microphone podium in the Royal Palace’s media conference room. The impromptu conference had caught the Vegai media by surprise and many of the usual reporters were still rushing to be present. Only Unjii Jub’burri seemed settled in and ready for what the Presidente Commandante had to say. But then again he was still in his pajamas.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we all know just how badly our beloved Sea Dragons struggled during the World Cup 62 qualifiers. It was plain for anyone who cared to look that the Fickle Bitch Goddess of Random Numbers, also known across the NS-verse as Margaret or Maggie, seems to care little for the efforts of our men and women on the pitch. Those qualifiers saw us finish in third place an out of the Cup Proper. And now, just three matches into these World Cup 63 qualifiers we have been ‘blessed’ with two frankly unacceptable draws on the road to what can only be described as inferior competition. For the second time in two qualification attempts we fin ourselves looking upward at the Monks of The Archregimancy. To be quite honest, I am fed up with seeing things from this skewed angle.”

Estrianii paused as rumbles of agreement swept through the assembled media.

“Therefore It is my order, given to me directly from the Wisdom of the Mitrin Vega, That the sacrifice of rubber chickens in order to obtain positive sporting favor from the lesser deity known as Margaret be now illegal within the borders of The Draggonnii Socialist Empire. Any such action from this moment forward will treate as a class one felony as well as direct blasphemy against the Mitrin Vega. Both offenses are punishable by fine an possible imprisonment.

Now questions will be fielded at this time. This order is final and absolute.”

by **Kaledor** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:27 am

KALEDOR 1 – 0 PATRICANT
WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
VENUE: KNIGHTS COLISEUM, ALBUS - KALEDOR
ATTENDANCE: 50,000
Referee: Salli Lorjken - Paradystopia

Lord Agravaine went through every emotion in a cavorting touchline performance as the Knights won their first match of the campaign against Patricant. Lord Agravaine paced the touchline for the majority of the contest urging his players on. At the final whistle he punched the air, and embraced his coaches knowing how vital it was to get their first success.
After their opening day defeat, the Knights last two performances has shown there is plenty of heart with the players and the teams spirit hasn’t disintegrated since their Baptism Of Fire success.
It was a full-blooded game that saw Kaledor have five men booked in a display of commitment that left Patricant frustrated. It also saw plenty of controversy with the referee failing to give three certain penalty-kicks.
Kaledor dominated for long spells during the first half. Even before they took the lead, Sir Tristram’s powerful run and cross ended with Sir Tarquine heading straight at the keeper.
The critical goal came after just five minutes when Sir Tarquine rose above three towering defenders to power home a downward header. Sir Tarquine was a man with something to prove, with many critics suggesting he hasn’t scored enough goals for a target-man.
Patricant pulled themselves together after the shock of the early goal and had a couple of efforts in quick succession. First they let fly a 35-yard strike that whistled over the crossbar, before Sir Gawain’s brilliant reflex save beat away a fierce shot from twelve yards out.
Sir Tarquine was booked for protesting after believing he should have had a penalty. He had good cause to complain after he beat the Patricant defender to the ball on 24 minutes and was clearly shoved off the ball in the area.
The Knights almost snatched another goal after 29 minutes when Sir Tarquine fed Sir Safir, who was clear in the box only to see his chance excellently saved at his feet. Moments later Sir Gawain continued his good recent form with a stunning fingertip save to turn over a powerful free-kick.
Kaledor began strongly in the second half with Sir Tristram racing down the left, before cutting inside and being sent flying by a Patricant defenders stuck out leg. It looked a clear penalty once more, but yet again referee Salli Lorjken failed to give it.
Patricant streamed forward in the later stages, and forced Sir Gawain into two acrobatic saves to keep out towering headers. And on 87 minutes to keep in with the referees policy of not giving definite penalties, she waved away claims from Patricant when their striker was sent crashing in the box after Sir Safir barged into him.
Despite producing a stream of glittering efforts in stoppage time, The Knights managed to hold firm and Patricant failed to force the equaliser.The relief was there for all to see at the final whistle. The Knights have finally gotten off the mark and now have something to build upon.
After two strong showings against Mytannion and Patricant, the Knights will visit West Guiana next. Despite the fact their upcoming opponents were held surprising by Pugh this week, it has been a great start for West Guiana, and the Knights will no doubt have their work cut out for them against the vastly improving side.

Group News
Milchamas’ 4-0 win over Timfen sees them remain the only nation with a perfect record, after West Guianas’ progress was halted in a surprise goalless draw at Pugh. Elsewhere Thatius have recorded their first victory in a 4-2 success at The Royal Kingdom Of Quebec, while group favourites’ Mytannion were held to a 2-2 draw by New Ecopia.

Group 16                     Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
 1 Milchama                    3    3   0   0    10    0  +10     9
 2 West Guiana                 3    2   1   0     8    2   +6     7
 3 Thatius                     3    2   0   1     6    5   +1     6
 4 Mytannion                   3    1   2   0     4    2   +2     5
 5 New Ecopia                  3    1   1   1     5    6   −1     4
 6 Kaledor                     3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4
 7 Patricant                   3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4
 8 Pugh                        3    0   1   2     1    4   −3     1
 9 Timfen                      3    0   1   2     1    8   −7     1
10 TRK of Quebec               3    0   0   3     4   12   −8     0

by **Kiryu-shi** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 10:50 am

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this to you in the hours after the conclusion of the match at Backyard Sports. I’m unsure of how to go about this.

First of all, let me tell you that I do not think that I’ll be able to fall asleep tonight. Too many things I’ve seen today have been far too problematic for my mind to understand; I don’t know where to even begin processing what I’ve seen and participated in.

I have to assume that what you saw on the television was a fair and accurate depiction of the events that transpired on the pitch today. And I use the word ‘pitch’ loosely; I have never in my lifetime imagined that a regulation football match in the qualifications to a World Cup could be played on a playground. But yes, I have to assume that you actually, with your eyes, saw the events that took place in our match against Backyard Sports.

If you did see the match that I saw, let me be the first to assure you that no member of the Kiri suffered devastating, life-threatening injuries. In fact, regardless of the horrific scenes you may have witnessed, no one on either team seems to be hurt at all. I don’t know how could be, but it seems to be true. I’ve already talked at length with several of the players and our training staff, and no one reports any injuries of any significance. I even talked for around fifteen minutes with Lilly, who was the player who you should have seen literally be flattened by a Pablo Sanchez shot which seemed to have literally turned into a giant bowling ball en route to the goal. I still can’t believe that she is okay, the look on her face when the ball started to transform into a giant bowling ball is something that will be etched into the fabric of my conscious for as long as I live, as will the terrifying contortions her body went through as the ball just rolled right through her, but she is okay. And not only okay, after that incident she seemed to thrive for most of the rest of the game - it’s difficult to believe that we were able to contain this high-octane offense to a single goal for the duration of the match, to be honest.

Anyway, the potential injuries were far from the most disturbing thing I saw on the pitch. Can you take a moment to consider the concept of a force great enough to puncture a hole in the ground, drive through compacted dirt, and emerge dozens of yards away still traveling with enough speed to get past a talented keeper? Now, granted, their keeper isn’t the fastest player I’ve seen, but when Ian McGuinness scored the second goal for our team by shooting it through the ground, I thought I would feint from the shear absurdity of that shot. I’ve sat trying to ascertain the physical force necessary to create a shot that would catapult itself out of the ground like that, but it is simply unfathomable. I literally cannot figure out a physical reality in which it is possible for that to have happened.

I suppose all that should matter is that we left Backyard Sports with a win, and with an early lead in our group due to goal differential. I can’t say that our win had anything to do with tactics, however. None of our five goals was anything I would have predicted before the game started, as all semblance of regular strategy or positioning seemed to disappear as soon as we began to play on their playground. In fact, I would liken it to the mindset of children - if every single player on our team was suddenly transformed to their mental state when they were around nine years old, that was the mindset with which they seemed to play. They all seemed to chase around the ball with no concept of spacing and an extremely limited, single-mindedness about passing. It just so happened that with only two defenders on the opposing side, d'Arányi and d'Erdélyi were able to abuse their one on one matchups as they both were able to score twice. Which is nice; I really can’t complain about the result…

But mother, I don’t know how much longer I can take this. If this is what is considered normal in the larger NS-Verse, I hate to say it, but I can understand the impulse to stay as isolationist as possible for as long as possible. What I saw here - the transformations I saw people take, the complete disintegration of what should be physically possible - has terrified me and shaken me to my core.

I understand that we are not favorites in our next match - that the Avatarians of Gyatso-kai are regarded as one of the best teams in the world, and are still ranked higher than we are. But the simple fact that we will be playing at home is such a relief - I can only pray that the match will be played under conditions that fall under my own (now understood to be limited) concept of reality. I understand my weaknesses, I understand my limitations. But please I will pray to any god not to go through what I’ve gone through over these last few days… I don’t know, mother. I have a feeling that the psychological state that we’ll be dealing with will have repercussions beyond a sleepless night or two. I suppose the nation will see when we do - challenging the best in the world to maintain possession of first place in our group. I just hope that you won’t be seeing, live, the mental collapse of our entire team.

I suppose that teams have done it before - Backyard Sports has existed for years, teams have traveled to it and back without any major stories of crushed souls and destroyed men and women. I hope that by the time I wake up in Kiryu-shi this will all have felt like a bad dream…

Love,
Kayla

by **Silar** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:23 am

It had been a rough week for Eric Balding. Between an embarassing scandal with the Wrold Cup and Baptism of Fire and the government investigation it has prompted, the Count was beginning to feel more and more like a bug under a microscope. First hundreds of documents were seized from his headquarters in Silar Demesne leaving his employees off kilter and a little paranoid, next those he had government lawyers and police officers crawling all over his office and even his private home seizing everything from his private files to his computer harddrives. His lawyers had spent the better part of the last evening threatening lawsuits and talking to judges to turn up nothing. The state had done its sue diligence they supposedly had compelling enough evidence on their hands that the courts entertained what Balding saw as a blatent invasion of his privacy and a slap in the face to his dignity. Search warrants and police, he thought, we things for the commonman, not for lords with centuries of noble blood in their veins. This never would have happened to his father or grandfather, it just wouldn't.

All the same, the Lord Balding was trying to make the best of it and go on with normal life as best he could. Even though his entire private chambers were torn apart and gutted, the man would not compromise his duties as the RFRAS President. He had always had the tradition of hosting his assistant from the office for a formal breakfast to discuss the season thus far. Today would be no exception. He and his guest, Mr. Goodson, had resigned to the sitting room. The television was blaring highlights from last night's game against Valladares at Royal Stadium in Silar Demesne. Several newspapers occupied the table in front of them discussing, among other things, the game and other news from the sporting world. "Chevaliers fall to Valladares 1-2" the headline blared.
"All things considered, it went decently" Goodson said, reaching to accept a teacup and platter brought by Balding's butler, "Valladares, to say the least, is a much better team than us.. a one point margin isn't too hard a loss against someone of their caliber."
Balding nodded, taking a first sip from his tea, "What cost us the match? It seems Lewis did his job fine.."
"Well, the man sprained his ankle in the second half.. just played too hard. The Valladares team pretty much dominated the match after that and our defense could only hold them off for so long."
Balding nodded, "Hm.. who do we play next?"
"Svengarda." Goodson said, "away. The team flew out last night after the match. It should be an interesting game.. who knows how it will turn out."
Balding reached for the newspaper, frowning a little bit at a piece about some new video game that was all the rage: "World Cup 63.. Electronic Farts?" the count frowned, "Who on earth names a company that?"
Goodson shrugged, "They're a company from Inevitable Syndicate.. who can say what goes through their minds."
"True." Balding nodded, "Is the game any good?"
Goodson laughed, "Not really, we had some guys play through it.. the thing hardly ran at first and when it did, well it was just a little tilted in certain directions." he chuckled, "Somehow, the Inevitable Syndicate team managed to beat Silar 10-0. I mean they're a good team, but not quite that good."
Balding laughed a little, shaking his head, "That's actually kind of funny.. looks like its catching on though."
"Yeah, its become something of a cult favorite with some gamers. Must have some sort of humor appeal. Kids these days, huh, my Lord."
"Yeah, really.." Balding said, cracking a little if but a little distracted smile.
"Everything alright, my Lord? You seem a little off."
"Sorry, Goodson, just a little on my mind lately." Balding replied, pulling himself back to reality.
"Well, whatever it is, my Lord, I'm sure it will all be for the best in the end."
"You're probably right, Goodson." Balding said, turning his attention back to the paper. He bypassed the article on the RFRAS searches, passed by another one of some bills going through High Parliament, "Where do we stand in the qualifying group?" he asked idly.
"Um.. we're sixth." Goodson, said, checking something on his phone briefly, "4 points."
Balding nodded, "Well, there's still time. Who knows, we might be able to pull ourselves up."
"Just maybe, my Lord." Goodson agreed, putting down his phone. He glanced up, the butler had returned and his face was chalk white.
"M-my Lord." the butler said, trying to remain composed in the presence of the count, "I tried to keep them out, said you were in a meeting.. bu-but they have a warrant, my Lord."
"Who ha-" Balding looked up to find a group of police officers standing behind the butler accompanied by the Commonwealth Attorney from the day before. "Sir," Balding said, standing. He was beginning to get a little annoyed and his patience was waning, "Does my government not have the decency to leave me in peace for more than 24 hours? Please, say what you have to say and go. I am a very busy man."
"Well, my Lord, you're about to get a whole lot busier.. you may want to cancel a couple of your appointments." The attorney said, removing another one of those accursed court orders from his jacket. One of the officers stepped forward with a pair of handcuffs. "Count Eric Balding, you are under arrest for fraud, corruption, and the misuse of a crown appointment. You have the right to remain silent, but anything you do say will be taken down and will be presented to the Court in evidence. You have the right to legal counsel and representation by a barrister. Should you be unable to afford a barrister, the court will appoint one to you. When questioning begins, you may ask at any time to consult an attorney. Do you understand these rights as they have been explained."
Balding nodded mutely, his hands being bound behind his back. Arrest and indictment, he though, definitely something for commoners..

by **Mashiki** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:23 am

He woke with a start. A new start. Different from usual. He was greeted by the stink of mould-stricken water pipes that crept underneath the object that enveloped his face. The smooth, musty scent encroached upon his nostrils and overpowered the stench of his loneliness. A footstep. Another. Slowly growing louder as the man who held his captivity in the palm of his hand came nearer and closer. The torment that had enclosed around his face released him, and for the first time in days the blinding light struck eyes. A single light bulb swayed from side to side above his head just like his future.

"What you did you known will never escape you Hlan. All those things that you did to us and you thought had disappeared into the past are still with us and the consequences are still just as severe as they were when we last met."

"I only ever did what needed to be done, you and your clan were ruining what was left of a once great power. If I'd have let you carry on with what you were going to do then the consequences would've been much worse than whatever you're planning to do with me."

The shadow paused for a second as he gathered his thoughts on what he was about to say.

"Let's just say that there is one way that you can make up for the things you have done in the past. If you accept and then go on to succeed, I'll let you go free no strings attached. However, if you say no or you fail at this task, I'm gonna go back to those 'consequences' I talked about last time we met. So what do you say?"

Hlan had to process all this through his head in a matter of seconds. A person who had once been his ally until he had betrayed him was still wanting to get rid of him, but he wasn't sure whether he wanted to kill him or let him go. Its almost as if he was tossing a coin. Yet he did say no strings attached, and Hlan knew that that probably wasn't true. He had no choice.

"Depends what this favour you're speaking about entails. Please, tell me more..."

"You know how I'm an avid football fan?"

"Yeah, of course." Hlan was certainly not sure where this was going.

"Let's just say that the national team's manager Bubuneski isn't exactly my favourite person. If you want to live then you must go out, find and capture Bubuneski, and then bring him to me. My boys, or at least what is left of them will be watching you everywhere you go, making sure you don't escape. Your only goal is to track him, and if you so much as take the wrong ferry or plane, then you're gone. So, what do you say?"

Hlan knew this was mad. Diabolically mad. Anything could go wrong, but he had trained for exactly this sort of exercise. This would keep him alive.

"I'll do it..."

by **Bears Armed** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:30 am

(from the ‘Sports’ section of ‘The Bear Necessities’…)

No more Honey?

According to a reliable source within BAAS, Urra SunBlesséd has informed the governing committee there that she will definitely be resigning as the Bear-Belles’ manager following the conclusion of this current World Cup cycle, regardless of how well our girls do. Apparently she had actually intended to do so after the previous Cup, but was persuaded to change her mind then when her main assistant and most likely successor Hirrdhra o TrueHeart went off to run the country’s Youth Football programme (and ‘Under-25’ team at the international level) instead. This time around, it seems, her current chief assistant Darrarlha o GoodSword has guaranteed that she will still be around to take over — if that is what BAAS decide they want — when the time comes.
Hrrath’hren ColdWater.

by **Western cuba** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:37 am

"Finally we can speak freely, now we don't have to worry about the bugs and cameras hidden all throughout our hotel room back in Western Cuba", sitting his suitcase down on his bed, Perez looked over towards the city skyline seen from him and Mendoza's hotel window. "Its nice to look out the window and not see tanks rolling around the city".

"It's nice to be out of Western Cuba", replied Mendoza, opening up his suitcase as well, folding his clothes into the dresser night to him. "The only reason I go back is for the people, the people that watch us and hope for us to win".

"Edgardo, its the people that keep me and you alive. They love us, especially you. If it wasn't for you and Moreno, this team would be filled with Russanos. It wouldn't surprise me if the government prevented Pays de Croix from being televised in Western Cuba, Scott City FC and Pays de Croix are the most popular teams outside of Western Cuba, thanks to you and Moreno".

"Well if the country is going to shit, then you might as well considering actually finding a club team", snickering Mendoza turned on the television, watching some highlights from the previous match day of world cup qualifying.

"Might as well, hell I've changed guess its worth a shot to go to another club. Hopefully it will take me away as far from Western Cuba as possible. Heck out of the region. Even if a country like Saugeais or the Polar Islandstates offered me a contract, I would be pushed to decline it. It doesn't matter if it was in one of there lower-tier leagues, or the highest league in there country. Same continent as Western Cuba, I'm out".

Nodding, Mendoza was watching the highlights from the Sandwich Territories vs. Saugeais game, with Saugeais practically having no problem of disposing the Sandwich Territories. But the score didn't matter, it was number five in the back field for Saugeais that caught Mendoza's attention. "Hey Alberto, that number five, doesn't he play for Pays de Croix?"

Taking a look at the television, which Edgardo had paused with the remote, he nodded. "I'm pretty damn sure it is, I think that's Daley Hart. Think Moreno has mentioned him before previously, pretty sure the two are friends. Yeah, there both friends. I remember on the plane ride to Yelvodia him mentioning facing a friend this qualifying stage. That will be an interesting game".

"Heck Albert, all of these games will be damn well interesting. We've dug ourselves into a pit and we're struggling to get out of it".

"Only if Goyo was still here, damn communists", shaking his head, Perez hoped onto the couch next to him, looking up towards the ceiling and sighing.

"You need to snap out of that phase Alberto, thinking about it will not cause the WCCP to fail and for Goyo to return. He's safe in the Page at the moment. We will see him soon. Right now you just need to concentrate on the pitch, heck we all need to. Our play has been absolutely terrifying. We can't settle for another loss in the first half of qualifying, if we do we may be screwed".

"If we win though, that will just make the WCCP look better, it would not help our situation Edgardo".

Shaking his head, Edgardo looked back towards Albert. "Broder, you see it all wrong. The WCCP wants to install a full Russano national soccer team, they want every Cubano like us out. We need to defy that, if we win its damn near impossible for them to kick us out".

"So why do you plan on retiring Edgardo?".

The question sort of shocked Mendoza, who wasn't planning on it. Taking a few seconds to soak the question in, he replied. "A time comes for all of us Albert, I've had one heck of a international career. We we're a scrappy team before I came along. Now look at us, always pushing for world cup qualification installing fear in every opponent we face. Your time isn't up yet, along with the rest of the team. You Moreno and Ruiz are going to be the big three when I leave. I look forward in seeing this team qualify consistently in the future".

Smirking at Edgardo, Albert replied. "Who said we aren't going to qualify this world cup?"

Smiling, Edgardo began to walk towards the bar in there suite, removing a vodka bottle from one of the cabinets. Taking two shot glasses, he poured one for him and Albert. "I wanted to tell you, I have a few friends in the CLA, you know the resistance. I had them do a favor for us, when we head back to Western Cuba, all the bugs and cameras in our room should be disabled. So its not actually like a prison back in our hotel room".

"Your the best Edgardo, cheers to a bright future", clashing there shot glasses against each other the two took a sip of vodka. "You know, for all the reasons I have to hate Russanos, I have to give them credit vodka is awesome. I'll take another shot".

by **Socialist States Owen** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:00 pm

Oslograd proves a point in comfortable win
Euran's have won three; Darknesssssss have lost three
Clint Covey reports from Bastion Arena

FSSO - 3
Oslograd 17
Cotterill 40
Kane 66

DARKNESSSSSSS - 0
Unknown s/o 57

Three goals from three second string Euran players gave the FSSO an easy victory against Darknesssssss to take their nation to the top of qualifying Group 7.

This collection of young guns and backup players started brightly, as Mike Humphrey took a rare shot from 30 yards which had to be tipped onto the bar by the away side's goalkeeper. Steven Marshall then curled a shot around the post before the FSSO inevitably took the lead, and in some style. Skorji Oslograd, seen by many as the next big prospect for the FSSO front line (a role that Simon Xavier perhaps has not fufilled as was expected) and once again proved his worth to the team with a stunning goal. He chested down a Mickey Smith long ball outside the box, rolled the ball back about five yards and then turned inside the defender with a splendid backheel, before thumping the ball in from 20 yards on his left foot. Oslograd was dangerous throughout the match and hit the post with a diving header in the 33rd minute before he turned provider for the FSSO's second in the 40th minute. He skipped past the away sides right back with ease, ran into the box, and smashed the ball towards goal; it rebounded off the post but went straight to Jim Cotterill who blasted the ball into the net past the wrong footed keeper.

The FSSO were absolutely dominant as the away side recorded no shots on target and remarkably only held 16% possession, dominated by a home side who surely could have netted double figures had they put out a full strength team. Chad Parsons, Kieran Kane and Simon Xavier all went close in the opening five minutes of the second half before Oslograd headed narrowly wide from only three yards after getting his head on a Kane corner. Djourou Calaga then forced a brilliant save from the away keeper as he flicked the ball off the line with his right boot after Calaga had thundered in a shot from 25 yards. To compound the away sides misery, their captain was sent off for a two footed tackle on Marshall in the 57th minute. Finally the third goal came in the 66th minute, largely thanks to a spectacular long ball by Simon Neeson. Neeson hoofed the ball out after collecting the only corner won by the away side in the whole match, finding Skorji Oslograd from a distance of 80 yards. Oslograd headed the ball on to Simon Xavier who sped into the box before cutting the ball back across the keeper for the onrushing Kieran Kane to nudge the ball over the line. Kane would strike the post with a free kick before full time, but somehow the score stayed at 3-0.

ANALYSIS

Player Ratings

FSSO

13. S Neeson - 6/10
21. G Dawkins - 6/10
15. M Humphrey - 7/10
19. D Calaga - 6/10
23. M Smith - 7/10
16. K Kane - 8/10
20. S Marshall - 7/10
18. J Cotterill - 8/10
12. C Parsons - 8/10
14. S Xavier - 8/10 (Fessner 70)
17. S Oslograd - 9/10

Substitutes

1. D Belgrave
5. M Robertson
2. N Feeney
6. T Riley
11. J Stevenson
10. L Sharp
22. P Fessner - 5/10

MoM: Skorji Oslograd (FSSO)
Attendance: 90,381

Possession
EUR - 84 % 16 - DAR
Shots
EUR - 23 2 - DAR
On Target
EUR - 12 0 - DAR
Corners
EUR - 9 1 - DAR
Pass Completion
EUR - 93 % 29 - DAR
Fouls
EUR - 7 23 - DAR

TABLE AND SCORERS

Group 7 Table

Group 7                   Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
     1 The FSSO                    3    3   0   0     9    2   +7     9
     2 United Gordonopia           3    3   0   0     6    2   +4     9
     3 Saugeais                    3    2   0   1     6    4   +2     6
     4 Yelvoldia                   3    2   0   1     7    2   +5     6
     5 Sandwich Territories        3    2   0   1     3    4   −1     6
     6 Mashiki                     3    1   1   1     7    4   +3     4
     7 Western Cuba                3    1   0   2     3    7   −4     3
     8 Newmanistan                 3    0   1   2     3    5   −2     1
     9 Darknesssssss               3    0   0   3     3    8   −5     0
    10 Lunar Republic Islands      3    0   0   3     1   10   −9     0

FSSO Scorers

Lee Sharp - 1
Sam Needle - 1
Steve Thompson - 1
James McCroft - 1
Nick Feeney - 1
Josh Stevenson - 1
Skorji Oslograd - 1
Kieran Kane - 1
Jim Cotterill - 1

FSSO Assists

Steve Thompson - 2
Jim Cotterill - 1
Skorji Oslograd - 1
James McCroft - 1
Tom Riley - 1
Nick Feeney - 1
Michael Robertson - 1
Mickey Smith - 1

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

Blackhall COB-105
Centre of Operations for the Foreign Office
Euran Government Parliament District
Bastion

"Mr Tynan will now see you, sirs." The two gray doors, lined with a magnificent frame and pieces of art hundreds of years old, opened up in front of King Sien III of West Angola and his Prime Minister, Kevin Garret. Their entourage of bodyguards and advisers had been taken away five minutes earlier by guards; this was an executive meeting for only those of the highest authority. Sien and Garret walked in, flanked by two armed guards and the greeter, with Deputy Prime Minister of Eura James Tynan, who was carrying out this meeting on behalf of PM Andrew Lafferton. Lafferton was preoccupied with the run up to the upcoming general election. Suddenly Tynan turned to greet his guests. "Gentlemen, please do take a seat. We will be joined shortly by my colleagues." The doors opened once more and in walked the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ashford Harker, Minister of Justice, Nelson Weatherhead and the Minister of the Overseas Territories, Liam Han. "As you know 10,594 of your citizens are currently being held prisoner by our nation", continued Tynan, "while two dozen West Angolan corpses have been shipped back to your country after being shot dead during their little riot. We do not see this as a matter of disciplining you for your slight against the Euran nation, but rather an opportunity for a new beginning. For both of us."

Sien looked warily at Tynan. "Whatever do you mean?" Harker interrupted at this stage. "We are offering you the safe return of all peoples if you agree to a little deal we have drawn up. We are offering you a place in the Eurasphere."
"The...Eurasphere?" quizzed Garret.
"Yes, the Eurasphere - a collective name for the Euran Overseas Territories. We are a large nation; one of the main military powers, if not the main military power, in the region of Rushmore. We have a population of three billion people and booming industrial might, while maintaining a relatively high standard of living. We want West Angola to join the Euran Overseas Territory as a dominion, much like the Kingdom of Itor. You will still govern yourselves, and the monarchy will remain intact." Harker nodded at Sien here with a smile. "Your prisoners will be returned and you will get an annual monetary stipend from the Euran Government to contribute towards your own national budget. In return, we will take certain liberties. We will take full control of your military assets, in fact your entire foreign policy shall be annexed into our own - you will tow the line or else. When Eura is in need of economic support you will have no option but to provide in whatever way we see fit to the wellbeing of the motherland, which will have long term benefits for West Angola."

"Importantly, the West Angolan state will officially become a dominion of the Euran state. This means your flag will have to undergo a minor change to incorporate Euran regalia, most likely between one and seven gold stars, and in appropriate circumstances we reserve the right to declare martial law should your government become unsustainable. You will be answerable not only to your own people, but your new benelovent masters. Mr Liam Han here, the Minister of the Overseas Territories, will handle most interactions between West Angola and Eura. Oh, and you will have to make this decision yourselves. Any attempt at a referendum in your country or consulting your government beyond the cabinet and leadership will be considered a hostile action. The terms of this offer are negotiable. Any questions?" Sien, understandably, was in shock. He had expected some form of demands for the prisoners, but this was something more - this was an offering of partnership, or submission, depending on ones outlook. He was unsure as to whether or not this might be a good idea. "And what are the alternatives, Mr Harker?"

Tynan stepped in at this point. "Well, you can negotiate these terms if you wish; we have all the time in the world here. You can agree to them now, and the process will begin as soon as possible. Any resistance from your state or the people would be dealt with. If you say no, you will not be leaving and will be incarated until further notice so that we can discuss the situation further. We may be forced to go ahead with these plans without you, leaving you two personally open to repercussions from your own state. It's your choice." Harker put down a large document on the table in front of Sien and Garret, while assistants brought in more documents to sign. "Can we...confer for a minute?"
"Of course, King of West Angola. Take your time."
Sien and Garret walked over to the window while the Euran ministers talked. There certainly was no option to leave and decide later, due to the small matter of this being in a city with one million military personnel present, and this was the middle of the government district itself.

"So Garret...what should we do?"

(OOC: West Angola, up to you to RP their conversation and what they will do. Thought I'd outline everything straight off the bat to make it easier for you to write your RP, and so you know how my guys will respond to whatever Sien's answer is.)

by **Powersith** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:12 pm

Road Troubles hands Powersith their first loss

Well it wasn't exactly what they were looking for, but they had fallen 2-0. Their outstanding defense had failed them. In fact it looked as if the whole team was uninterested, and thought the had won the group. When they shot, it was always wide.

Stats:
Possession: Jedi8246 61% Powersith 39%
Shots: Jedi8246 4 Powersith 3
Shots on Goal: Jedi8246 3 Powersith 0
Yellow Cards: Jedi8246 0 Powersith 0
Red Cards: Jedi8246 0 Powersith 0

Statistical Leaders
Goals: Patrick Monroe (4)
Assists: Leonardo Martinex (4)
Saves: David de Phillips (4)

Post Game Interview

Q: After the loss, what will you do now?
A: Obviously train for the next one. This match was as terrible as it was. The players need to know that there is still FOURTEEN games left. We can't just accept the fact we won the group. Now we sit in second.

Q: With the next game Jeruselem, who sits at the top of the group, how will you play it?
A: We will play the match with much urgency as if we were on the verge of elimination. We know how good they are. I know they are good. But I know my team is better. I trust that they will unite as one, and play their best. Hell if we lose, everyone's taking the blame. I will not deal with this kind of loss ever again.

Q: Will there be any adjustments?
A: No, there won't. I feel this system is working well. However, if someone screws up, they are getting pulled out. I want this to be a flawless game.

End of Interview
***

With that, matchday 4 will be against Jeruselem, who sits at the top of the group. If Powersith wins this game, they will surely sit back on top. Again, you may watch this game at Jeruselem, or at Imperial National Stadium on the big screen, or at the parks, or at home on channel 35 or 63.

Reporting from Jedi8246,
Rachel Arven, International Football Reporter for PSSN

by **Khytenna** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 12:47 pm

RNC:SPORTS

A simple draw after the strips let go of a 2 goal lead.

Communist Quinntopia - 2
Wildigt 77th, 81st(pen)

Khytenna - 2
Firestone 17th
Pellett 38th

Khytenna had a great lead in the first half and most of the second, their aggressive and attacking style of play created havoc for the Communist Quinntopia, but thanks to defensive errors and a stupid fowl, Communist Quinntopia managed to scrap two goals back denying Khytenna the three points. Coach and Captain was furious after the game, the players can only really blame themselves

After the thrashing Khytenna got in the last game, the game against Communist Quinntopia was seen by many fans as the chance that Khytenna had to get a foot hold of this group, and it seemed so in the 17th minute when Showman's deep cross found the head of Firestone, he and keeper Haskilov both went for the ball, but firestone managed to put it past the keeper for the opener.

Khytenna then piled the pressure on the communists, passing the ball fast around the field, with their opposition hardly getting a touch, Khytenna looked to be in the best form for this game, Pellett would be next on the score sheet, after he and the two other forwards opened on the defence, 4 quick passes and and though ball by Yzo saw Pellett get past his marker, it was a simple tap that was needed to send the keeper the wrong way.

It was all going very well for the away team, a little to well for them, and as the game started to go into its final minutes, complacency started to kick in, and when Communist Quinntopia had a run up field with the ball, Khytenna made a vital error in defence, Flores ran up field with the ball, and both Berkeley and Bohannan went for the player to close him of, leaving Wildigt completely open, the pass was made, and Wildigt didn't fail with the golden opportunity he had as he placed and fantastic shot past the keeper.

Suddenly the game was back on and Communist Quinntopia was back in it, they piled players down field as they sensed an opportunity to ruin Khytenna's day, and thanks this time to Showman they got it. Wildigt made a break into the box, and Showman held on his shirt and in doing so brough him down as he went for the ball but took out his legs, a totally desperate and stupid tackle saw the ref point straight to the spot. Wildigt placed the ball down and made his run, putting the ball in the bottom right, the keeper dived but didn't make it.

Firestone in the 90th minute though had pulled the game back, he received a high ball from the running Testerman, he chested it and powered it past the keeper, of the post, but bounced for the line! Firestone held his head in his hands drooped to the floor, what a chance!!!The keeper cleared the ball fast, he looked relieved to see it didn't pass the line, luck for him and the Communists.

2-2 the game ended, the back room staff looked angry as the players walked of the field, Testerman shaking his head in anger, Khytenna dominated the game and 13 minute managed the balls it all up!

The next game will be against Kulverint, that currently sits in second in the group, who will be the toughest team Khytenna will have faced so far.

Khytenna go back to a 5-3-2 formation but see Carmicheal, Xin and Pellett on the squad.

GK 1. Roary Troy (31 Blue Bay AFC)

RB 15.Oliver Testerman ( 27 RGS Athletic , Eastfield Lodge ) (capt)
DC 23. Brian Bowman (25 Blue bay AFC)
SW 17. Nelson Bohannan(30 King’s District Athletic)
DC 18.Tao Xin ( 22, Kona Cove Sharks)
LB14. Max Showman(28 Garwood FC)

RM 21. Noel Falcon (23, Forestbrook Foresters)
CM 8. Kurk Rusek (32 King’s District Athletic)
LM 4. John Carmichael (22 Taevon Central FC)

FW 9. Fergal Firestone (25 blue bay AFC)
FW 10. Lini Pellett (24 San Jose Sharks, Northern Sunrise Islands )

by **Darmen** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:07 pm

Darmen picks up second win of Campaign
Tor Tong Lee scores late winner

Despite the 2-1 win over Kericia, Darmen fell to sixth place in the Group Six table. Roberto Gregio scored the opening goal in the 14th minute. Kericia equalised following a Ray Fava goal in the 20th minute. And in the 87th minute, hero Tor Tong Lee came to the rescue, scoring past Kerician Goalkeeper Brian Baker to score the game winner.

The All Greens played extremely well all match, controlling a major portion of possession and limiting Kericia's chances on goal. Asside from one mistake by Mikael Adan, which allowed Ray Fava to score, the All Greens defense was on top of its game. Bryan Faulkner twisted his ankle in the 70th minute, and was replaced by Sergio Autitore, who threatened to score a goal of his own in the 78th minute, but sent it just a few feet high of the crossbar.

Darmen sits behind Super-Llamaland, and will face third place Velkomorave at Aris Field for their fourth match. All Green's Manager, Timothy O'Donahaue is confident that they'll com away with three points. "They beat Pacificius by only a single goal, we beat them by three. They did get a suprising win over Carmadin, 3-2, but then again we could defeat Carmadin anyday. And their lone loss was against Jeruselem, on the first matchday. So yeah, they've looked good, but they're not that scary."

O'Donahaue has made some changes to the lineup however for the Velkomorave match. Adan will sit out the match, being replaced by Scott Rydzik. And Bryan Faulkner will take a day off, with George Pele starting in his place. "I just hope that the changes will give us a little more speed, and a bit of flair, so that we can go out there and get a signature win against Velkomorave," commented O'Donahaue.

Funeral for Duke ends with Festivities
Body being transported by Train to Scott City

As is custom with Forden tradition, mourning for the deceased Duke likely ended midway through the funeral, when the Holy Pupá, Matthew Wilkerson the Ist, and those present in the Temple of Our Lord, began rejoicing and praising God that the Duke had moved on to a better place. The Funeral ended with a parade around the Temple, one that covers four square blocks.

The Duke's body will now be transported by train from Tempala to Scott City, where he will Lie in State inside the Parliament Building. The body will remain there until the ninth, when it will once again by moved by train back to Tempala, where the body will be layed to rest in St. Anacletus's Cemetary.

The funeral was a private affair, with Press not being allowed inside, and reports from the Funeral are all second hand. It is hard to tell if any foreign dignitaries were present. Likely, the Emir of Naitpyge, Premier of Earo, and the Chief Elder from the Sportocracy were present, paying their respects to the leader of the Darmeni Commonwealth. The Tanameran Prime Minister was in Tanamera at the time of the funeral, but will be in Darmen on the tenth for the burial ceremony.

by **Sandwich Territories** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 1:17 pm

"Is your ankle alright?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"You are standing in a pool of blood....."

"I'm okay, Jonathan."

"It doesn't look like it at all."

"The only thing wrong was that I let the team down tonight..."

"Your ankle was bleeding the whole time, Tolliver, and 3 of those goals, you had to dive for. I should've taken you out...."

"No. I swear, I was fine."

"You know, the team, and the fans are proud of you."

"Why? Just because I have a bloody sock doesn't justify those 4 goals."

"Because most people would quit at your point."

"All in the name of Sandwich, I kept going. Not for myself."

"I'm not sure I want to let you play at all tonight. And those guys co-hosted the 50th Baptism of Fire. A tie would've been a major upset."

"Don't remind me of the Baptism of Fire. I still feel like I could've done so much more in the game against the Syndicate."

"Please, Tolliver don't hurt yourself. I'm going to talk to the trainers, and see what they think."

"Alright, coach Mallard, but let it be known, that I want to play. I can do better."

"We'll see....."

World Cup 63 RP Thread

WC-63 MD-3

KALEDOR 1 - 0 PATRICANT

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