Baptism of Fire 37 (pre-WC50) - everything thread

[Balida Minor]

The Balida Star
Bringing You News That Matters Most

Group D for Balida Minor
Balida Minor has been drawn into Group D. Not much can be said for Rhodorus, Shilohrod, HappyFreedom, Copremesis, or Royalsoldiers because no information can be found on these teams at the moment. The Balida Star investigators are looking into the nations to try and find some information.

Billy Corenton, Balida Minor's head coach, had this to say, " Balida Minor seems to be in a pretty good position to start out with. We can never get to arrogant, but we have reason to be confident that we will at least reach the knockout round."

We will keep you updated with anymore information as it comes out.


Balida Minor being draw for Group D durring the group draw.

[NEWI Cefn Druids]

"What on earth!"

Gethin was working the sports desk of The Daily Druid in New Cefn. It mostly consisted of reporting on the goings on at New Cefn Albion. That was, until he got a phone call from The Macabees.

"A Druidan team at the Baptism of Fire?"

"Yes."

"But... we're not a country!"

"Neither is Capitalizt SLANI!"

"OK."

"And you're in Group B, against Azadmenistan, Virabia, Malak Free State, Jalisca and NASCAR Start and Parks."

"Right, well... I'll get investigating these teams. See if I can figure out what our chances are. I mean, the Malak..."

"You've got no chance!"

"Well, that's a bit presumptuous of you. We've got some very good Druidan players. You don't get a team in the O-League by being hopeless."

"No, you don't understand. They're going to be a team of eggs."

"But... Druida has a proud football history! That's going to blacken our name! And anyway, haven't Druida entered one before?"

"Actually, it's NEWI Cefn Druids."

"Oh. Well, that's alright, then. I'll be over there to report on it tomorrow!"

[Vilita]

10.02.01 - DAILY OVERSIGHT LOG

00:00 - It is just past midnight so I will start the next days log. The Dr. has not left this room in seventeen weeks. He is caring for his creations like a mother to a new born child. They are fully immersed in fluid, each connected to each other through teslan connector beams. The beams have been active for thirteen weeks, and never has their energy appeared so intense. The Dr. is careful not to interfere here.

01:24 - I wish the Dr. would sleep. It has been over 6 months since my logs were last audited, and I fear the long term effects of continuing to inject myself with these caffenoir shots to keep up with the pace of the Dr. without getting a proper medical review during the audits. I used to not worry so much, daily audits had their benefits. He appears to be working intensely with the tall creature.

01:42 - The Dr. is moving around quite quickly now. He is shuffling from station to station pushing some buttons. This job would be so much easier if they took the time to brief us on the activities we were logging. They used to assign us, multiple workers at a time to specific projects. Now we're lucky just to receive any direction. Its a wonder we still receive paychecks the way we seem to have been forgotten on this Island lately. I can only imagine what the government wants these creatures for. I wouldn't even be surprised if they have forgotten about requesting them altogether.

01:55 - The Dr. is sitting at the computer

03:20 - The Dr. has gotten up from the computer and is once again inspecting the creatures.

03:25 - This is incredible! The Dr. has opened one of the tanks! The fluid is draining out the bottom and the creature appears slumped against the glass. The energy appears to be greatly intensifying but only along the connectors associated with this creatures tank. Wait, the connection is broken... There is steam filling the tank. I can't really tell what is going on right now. The Dr. is scurrying quite rapidly though.

03:32 - I can now see something I have not seen in months. There appear to be two animate beings in the lab. Thats right, it appears that the creature has now been removed from the tank and is showing motor skill functionality. The other 15 creatures remain in their tanks motionless, connections flowing freely.

04:15 - This is fascinating. The Dr. is paying full attention to this newly emerged creature. The creature is very cooperative. It has not yet stood straight but I feel as if it would be quite a bit taller than the Dr. if it did.

05:20 - The creature is progressing quickly, and is now running on a plasmamill with some slap connectors likely to monitor the efficiency in its movements. The Dr. is now paying some more attention to the other tanks.

05:35 - The Dr. is paying particular attention to a second tank, the one directly across from the tank that was occupied by the first creature.

06:15 - The Dr. has released a second creature from its tank. The first creature continues on the plasmamill. Motor functions seem positive on the second creature as well.

11:25 - The Dr. has now released 9 creatures from their tanks. 6 of them are currently running on the plasmamills. The first creature seems to have been placed under the lab floor by the Dr. There was some sort of a door with a hidden latch and he has led the first creature into the door and closed the latch. I can only imagine what is on the other side of that door. The second creature is off the plasmamill but is just standing against the wall. The Dr. is paying particular attention to the most recently released creature. He has not put this creature on the plasmamill, but instead appears to be working on motor skills and reflex activities with this creature.

12:15 - 11 Creatures have been released now from their tanks. All but one have been put on the plasmamills at some point. I am curious as to what is special about this one. Its funny, because it also seems like this creature has more of a greenish hue to it, compared with the others. I wonder if that has something to do with the fact that it was not put on the plasmamill. Maybe it is defective.

15:25 - All 16 creatures have been released. 10 of the creatures have gone through the hidden door and 4 remain on the plasmamills. There is now a second creature who was not put on the mill, and this creature has joined the first in what appears to be some basic anticipation and reflex measurement activities.

16:30 - All the creatures are now gone from the lab. The Dr. remains, he is using one of the computers again.

17:15 - The Dr. just looked at me. Everyone knows they are being logged here, but the Dr. hasn't looked at me once in 3 months. He smirked just a bit, then went back to his computer work.

17:16 - The Dr. appears to be approaching the loggers booth. I hope he does not try something silly here.

Dr.: "Hello, my work in this lab is done, you can go now"

Lgr: "Ok" ... "Where should I go?"

Dr.: "What do you mean, I'm sure you will get another assignment here, just go to another lab"

Lgr: "We don't really get much interaction from the Big Island anymore. They seem to have forgotten about us"

Dr.: "I know, I was just making sure, Come on with me."

The Logger did not question the Doctor. After all, the logger was trained to do nothing but document and follow orders, and the Doctor was the only one giving orders. The logger could barely remember the last time he received a government order. The Doctor led the logger into the lab, and through the hidden door. The walkway looped around a couple of times and seemed to go at least two floors underground. Then, there was light. Quite bright light in fact.

Dr.: "Here we are"

Lgr: "This is incredible, how is this possible?"

Dr.: "This? We've had this down here for years, the Vilitan National team used to train here in the height of their glory, they couldn't afford to be spied on"

Lgr: "The Vilitan National Team? Here? I've read about them on VilPads, I always wondered if it was true or not"

Dr.: "If what was true?"

Lgr: "The Vilitan National Team"

Dr.: "What do you mean if it was true? There are remnants of stadiums all over the country, and there is some documentation left over"

Lgr: "Well, I've heard that there were lots of documents in the ancient city of Jolt, and many second hand accounts of what they said, but, I've never seen anything that was truly believable. Those stadiums could have simply been government rally points, like the Jungle Stadium"

Dr.: "Let me tell you sonny, the Jungle Stadium is no government rally place. World Cups have been won and lost in that stadium" ... "Come take a look at this"


The doctor handed the logger a piece of paper. It appeared to be an application.

OFFICIAL APPLICATION FOR COMPETITION

SPONSORING NATION: The Tropics of Vilita

BAPTISM OF FIRE ENTRY: (Yes) / No

DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION: Dr. Callum Banda IV

MANAGER: Dr. Callum Banda IV

ASSISTANT: Lgr. Vilpuit Mataliao

ROSTER OF ELIGIBLE PLAYERS

DESIGNATED GOALKEEPERS

#48 VOIA Kater
#87 VOIA Corsi

DESIGNATED OUTFIELDERS

#60 VOIA Ezis
#03 VOIA Afrikka
#04 VOIA Adika
#66 VOIA Laniora
#00 VOIA Aliana

#25 VOIA Kecker
#51 VOIA Soler
#41 VOIA Marelja
#22 VOIA Baledrokadroka
#27 VOIA Siazzu
#21 VOIA Hulyer

#16 VOIA Banda
#18 VOIA Mbidzo
#15 VOIA Wrice

The logger read the document.

Mataliao: "Wait, I don't understand. What are these names? The government is sponsoring a team in the World Cup? Sport has been outlawed in Vilita for years, of course, even if the Turorians were involved, its been banned across the board, no exceptions, I don't understand. How do you know my name.Why is my name on here?"

Banda IV: "Calm down my friend, take a breath. I am VOIA, of course I know who is watching me every day. I know you have no life outside of this job, and your job is to watch me. If I'm going to be with the carnates, you'll have to be there too. Thats how I knew you would come."

Mataliao: "The carnates? Wait? You mean - these names - these names are the creatures?"

Banda IV: "What do you think I've been doing this whole time you've been watching me? I will let them choose their own names when they are ready, I just had to put something down on the entry blank. I just put VOIA and their inspiration."

Mataliao: "I can't believe the government is sponsoring a sport team, and of all competitions, the World Cup!"

Banda IV: "Hah!" "hah ha ha ha HAH!" - "My friend, the government is not sponsoring anything. Sport is banned, we both know that."

Mataliao: "Wait. WHAT? What have you been doing this whole time - I mean, what were you supposed to be doing, if the government didn't sponsor this research. How will you ever get away with this? This is crazy!"

Banda IV: "Calm down my friend, calm down. You've not been audited once since you started logging my work. Of course, being VOIA. I know this. We know this. We know all. If they can't even bother to keep up with monitoring of themselves, the certainly aren't going to be bothered monitoring world sporting events. This is strictly an internal VOIA project. The new government never found the facilities we have here, and generations of Banda's here at VOIA have been planning this. You know, my Great Grandfather was on the team that won World Cup 20."

Mataliao: "I'm not sure about all of this Doctor."

Banda IV: "Don't worry about it, just keep doing your job. Be a good logger. Don't worry, I've brought a VilPad for you."

Mataliao: "Ok, but doctor, the creatu.. sorry, carnates; they are all naked, we can't buy sports equipment anywhere in Vilita, what will they wear?"




...To Be continued...

[Vilita]

Lgr. Vilpuit Mataliao and Dr. Callum Banda IV put the carnates to sleep for the evening, then Banda led the duo into a storage closet on the opposite side of the training facility. Banda's biometrics were accepted for entry but the door failed to open.

Mataliao: "What do we do now?"

Banda IV: "Well, we can try prying it open, using bulk force, or, using logic, which would you prefer?"

Mataliao: "I don't think I'd be any good at either of those, but I guess you could use logic, can't you?"

Banda IV: "Of course. You see, this door hasn't been opened in years. We use a special breathing insulator around all the doors in this complex that allows air to pass through, but not sounds; signals; smells or toxins. What must have happened here is that the air supply on the other side of this door was stopped. Its likely a virtual vacuum in there right now, and thats what is preventing the door from opening."

Mataliao: "So what do we do?"

Banda IV: "Simple, we go to the control room and turn on the air, we just have to find the room number."

Mataliao: "Its here, look"

Banda IV: "Great, I'll be right back."



Banda disappeared for a few minutes, when he returned, the door opened instantly.


Mataliao: "Great, we're in!"

Banda IV: "Yup. Logic is great sometimes, isn't it? Have a look in those boxes in the corner."

Mataliao: "Okay, what am I looking for?"

Banda IV: "Clothes of course, just look for some kits that they can wear and I'll gather up the rest of the equipment they will need."



Mataliao took to the task at hand. The first box only contained microfiber cloths, the second had a bunch of nets in it and so did the third. Then he found a box marked "OTC".


Mataliao: "Got it!"

Banda IV: "Great lets see."

Mataliao: "Look, shirts and shorts all neatly folded, doesn't even look like they've been used. Theres a post card on top too showing what they look like."



Banda IV: "Wow, these are ancient."

Mataliao: "Really?"

Banda IV: "Yea, it says here they were made in Oliverry. Do you know what Oliverry is?"

Mataliao: "Of course, in grade school we used to call all the slackers who never did anything but expected a free ride the Oliverry's of the class. The usually ended up in the struction 'geons anyway, so I guess the laugh was on them."

Banda IV: "hah! Yes, well theres that too, but that moniker came from somewhere my friend. Oliverry was a Nationa a long long time ago"

Mataliao: "Really?"

Banda IV: "Yup really. They never really did much to get in the history books for anything, but apparently they once had a company that made kits, and they seem to have made a prototype set for the old Vilita National team. I bet we could get rich off these if Vilita ever recognized sport again."

Mataliao: "wait, when you say antique, you aren't kidding. We can't use these kits!"

Banda IV: "What do you mean we can't use these kits? Why not"

Mataliao: "These are antiques! If the creatu... sorry the carnates put these on they will stretch them - and probably rip them and get them all dirty."

Banda IV: "Wow, Logger Mataliao, welcome to the world of people who think for themselves"

Mataliao: "huh?"

Banda IV: "Nevermind, don't worry about it, this isn't about money, we just need a kit for the players to wear in Cafundéu"

Mataliao: "Ok, whatever you say Doctor. Whats that about Cafundéu?"

Banda IV: "We're going to Cafundéu"

Mataliao: "What do you mean we're going to Cafundéu? Why are we going to Cafundéu? How will we even get to Cafundéu?"

Banda IV: "Well theres really only one way to get to Cafundéu. We get in a sub, hug the coast of Edward City to keep out of the government eye, take the inland route towards the mouth of the Aethyrea. Then we'll split up Wapahkoneta, no one will bother us there; and we'll anchor in Nojika, then we're there. Here's a Map"

Mataliao: "Wow, I didn't know Cafundéu was so close. Actually, I know it was in Atlantian Oceania, just like Vilita, but I've never seen a map that had anything other than Vilita & Turori labeled on it."

Banda IV: "Well now you have."

Mataliao: "So why are we going to Cafundéu again?"

Banda IV: "The Baptism of Fire."

Mataliao: "The what?"

Banda IV: "The Baptism of Fire Cup. Its a tournament played before the World Cup as a warmup for new entrants. Vilita hasn't sent a team in ages, I'm hoping they'll let us play"

Mataliao: "Well that sounds fun, so when do we need to start getting ready for that?"

Banda IV: "Yesterday."

Mataliao: "Yesterday! What do you mean Yesterday!"

Banda IV: "Well, All the other teams are there already. The games are supposed to start tomorrow night. We'll have to hurry, but they need a good rest before the game. We'll head out overnight in the darkness, hopefully we'll make the Wapahkoneta delta by morning. In the meantime, go fetch that magna cart, we've got some boxes to load."



... To be Continued ...

[Malak Free State]

Malsport.mlk

Darijo Šimunić blogs

Copa Rushmori and moving on

Rushmore, as you may know, is one of the top world sporting nations. With Atlantian Oceania generally on the decline, Rushmore is potentially the future AO, with many new nations pushing through towards the top echelons of the World Cup, Candelaria And Marquez becoming a new dominant team in the World Cup and new nations coming though at the start. Rushmore is thriving, Rushmoris seem to play more exciting football. Yes, Rushmore is the up and coming region for sport. So, the Copa Rushmori is surprisingly given little attention from outside of the region, given Rushmore's strength. In fact, with Candelaria And Marquez once again sending their 'B' team, you can't help but feel not all of Rushmore even take it seriously as a tournament.

Still, it's definitely one of the most important regional tournaments around, with only the age old AOCAF Cup as it's rival (and that is certainly waning in it's popularity). So, getting to the Final of the Copa Rushmori is no easy feat, even without CAM you have great teams like Somewhereistonia, Pasarga, Sargossa, Nethertopia err West Zirconia umm Toyur? Anyway, it's not easy, and given the rankings of those teams quite possibly a harder feat than the Baptism of Fire.

So, we are there in the final, against Somewhereistonia, our nation's greatest ally and the one to liberate us from the tyranny of Kyrinskaian rule. Still, we were not about to give up as a sign of respect, the holders may have been our saviours, but we didn't come all this way for nothing.

The match started with a blur, fast paced movement, passing and trickery for both sides as they looked for the quick goal. Malak's Somewhereistonian managers have formed our team into one like theirs, and it isn't bad. Žukava had the first shot on target, with Klug tipping it over, in the end, it was Somewhereistonia's Kusnets who bagged the winner in an enthralling match. I delicate flick on by Xentolov setting the striker up to smash home from ten yards. A great goal at the end of a great movement. Whilst Malak finished second best, they can certainly be proud of their first ever tournament, and we can hold our heads high going into the Baptism of Fire. It is no surprise that the entire Malak team from the Copa Rushmori has been signed by big teams abroad.

Now, the roster is slightly different to that of the Copa Rushmori, with the introduction of Talksi Hexa, Owwu Kiko and Gowa Tawaw from the new autonomous state of Anseriska. These three exciting looking players are part of many from that region who now find themselves with Malak citizenship. The future of Malak football may end up resting heavily of this new region, a region which only a week ago voted to join Malak. Malak Free State is growing in every way and with football at the heart of the new nation, you can see the team going on to great things.

[Ariddia]

It’s off to Cafundéu

Despite Ariddia’s long absence from the World Cup, the Baptism of Fire draw –broadcast live on television and over the Internet– is thought to have attracted a large audience. Interest is tingling in the general public, keen to see how the youngest ever team of Rouge-et-Noirs fare on the big stage. Expectations may not be high, but hopes certainly are.

Ariddia is drawn against Allitrom, Tentalon, Lazuril, Cyrelia and Manswell. Names which will mean little to football enthusiasts, as their players embark for the first time on the path to the World Cup. The only other ‘old timers’, Vilita and NEWI Cefn Druids, are drawn in other groups. (Ariddia has never played NEWI Cefn Druids, but encountered Vilita twice in the past, winning both matches with an aggregate score of 5-3.)

The Rouge-et-Noirs’ first match, against Lazuril, will take place in Estádio Rei Albieri Van Tocco, in the Ariddian coach’s home city, Cafundelense capital Cafundó do Juta.

“I have to say, I’m delighted,” Zé Sho said, and clearly looked it. “It’s a modern, friendly city with a great atmosphere. I know I’ll be in good spirits for the start of the competition. Now we have to ensure the players feel the same. Cafundó do Juta is going to be a bit of a culture shock for most of them. We’ll be arriving a few days before the first match, so they can get used to it.”

There has been some concern about the cost of the trip, with the knowledge that Ariddians will have to pay for almost everything they do in the host country – from public transport, to buying water, and even to using the bathroom in their hotel rooms. Fortunately, it’s emerged that a retired West Ariddian-born Cafundelense businessman and sports enthusiast has offered to fund their entire stay (within reasonable limits). The act of philanthropy has been met with warm gratitude by the Ariddian Football Association – despite some snide remarks here and there on communists having to accept the proceeds of capitalist ventures. Each Ariddian will receive a sum of vintéms in petty cash before boarding the plane. It is expected they will have to start forking out as soon as they arrive, and pay the immigration officers for the right to pass through customs. “A bribe, in other words”, said one AFA official, dismissing Cafundelense explanations that it is merely payment for service.

“It sounds like a strange place,” was the view expressed by 17 year-old midfielder Ou Lo. “But I’m very curious to see it.”

Defender Sandy Lae has watched a video about Cafundéu’s capital, and her impression is that she’d rather stay in her hotel than wander around the unfamiliar, fundamentally alien environment. By contrast, West Ariddian Shimmi Woh, born and raised in a capitalist country, is unfazed.

“I’ve heard there’s good shopping in Cafundó do Juta,” she says simply. “Clothes, electronics… I’m looking forward to it.” Being the only player with a disposable income of her own, she can afford to indulge a little.

Lazuril? Who are they?

Lazuril –Ariddia’s first opponent since Casari in World Cup 39– is a parliamentary republic located in the 10 000 Islands. It is a democracy, renowned for its respect for civil rights, but faces severe social problems, its resolutely capitalist economy doing little to address poverty or high levels of violent crime. Nothing is known of its football team, which makes the Ariddians’ challenge all the greater.

“Normally, we’d study our opponents’ style of play,” Sho explained. “But in this case, we’ll be Lazuril’s first opponents. So it’s going to be a surprise. We’ll have to adjust quickly during the match itself.”

Striker Lea Shaw, however, is merely excited at the thought of getting started. The baby of the team, she will be celebrating her 15th birthday six days before the match. (The second youngest player, James Carver, is four months her senior.)

“I want to get out onto the field and play!” she says with great enthusiasm. “Just imagine! I can’t wait to get out there!”

[F1-Insanity]

"An interesting draw", said coach Brian Camara, after hearing that the F1-Insanity Certifieds had been drawn into group E of the Baptism of Fire alongside Libertarian Governance, Galitsiya, Warkus, Great Lenin and Theseca.

"We all know that our nation has met Libertarian Governance before, in the World Bowl our own F1-Insanity Mulcaheys were drawn into the same group as the Libertarian Governance football (gridiron) team. The Mulcaheys defeated them, if I recall correctly," said coach Camara. "Anyway, this is a different kind of football (soccer) so that result has no bearing on this tournament. Also, we seem to be drawn into a group with a nation called 'Great Lenin' and as everyone knows, we in F1-Insanity frown upon communism. What? We play them in the first game? Oh well, that's best anyway, better to get those commies out of our system, I hope it doesn't poison our team.

And mind you, we don't do lasagna, like the Mulcaheys always do. As you can see, I am a lean and mean fighting machine and not a fat blob like football (gridiron) coach Massey is. It's orange juice for me, and I suck on lemons during games. It keeps the blood balanced and helps me concentrate.

About our team, well our defense stands like a stone wall, not letting anything through, and our midfield will drive the ball towards our forwards who will hopefully put that roundish thing into that net on the other side of the field many times. Our players and fans will yell like furies whenever we score, yes get used to that a lot, at least I hope so. Yes, a football, that's what I mean by roundish thing. Any more questions? No? Good I'm outta here, I hate press conferences anyway."

We are Certifieds! We are Insanity!

The F1-Insanity Certifieds match schedule:
Group E
F1-Insanity
Libertarian Governance
Galitsiya
Warkus
Great Lenin
Theseca

MD1: F1-Insanity v Great Lenin @ Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
MD2: Galitsiya v F1-Insanity @ Parque Aquário, Submiria
MD3: F1-Insanity v Warkus @ Arena América, Abadia
MD4: Theseca v F1-Insanity @ Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita
MD5: F1-Insanity v Libertarian Governance @ Arena América, Abadia

All matches will be broadcasted live on F1-Insanity Sports Network

[Toiletdonia]

Toiletdonian have been caught up in a fever. Yes the whole nation is INFECTED with an ILLNESS! An infection of pre-baptism of fire fever. 1,000,000 toiletdonian have bought ticket's to the host nations. And 650,000 attualy have tickets! 21,000,000 have bought ticket's to our national football areana to watch all the action on a big screen. AND! A predicted 200,000,000 will be watching on the TV!

Game one starting line up:
(Age/Goals/Rateing)
GK Harry Daniels
CB Lief Muster
CB Vostor Leimamn
RB Heilman Ventensto
LB Juen Loak
LMF Glennon Hoffmanc
RMF Yeui Jankor
CMF Jue Bright
RWF Toa Tota
LWF Testos Vagoora
CF Tuiyh Tasohoc
Bench:
GK Joake Sporo 19
DF Luam Fiden 29
DF Hechez Vetoff 56
DF Juen Loak 9
MF Jenstor Velcota 3
MF Guin Ginnestos 7
MF Taglian Tellvos 5
ST Temo Yenco

[Westmeadow Tavern]

OOC: it would be of great help if you could post links to rosters

PELS News

"Hello, and you're watching PELS News, bringing all the sporting news from the commonwealth. Yesterday, the national team of Westmeadow Tavern arrived in Cafundeu to do what the conquerers couldn't; win the Baptism of Fire. This year's competition has a lot more of the oldies coming back to play, and with this in mind, the team hoped for a favourable draw. The draw, as it turned out, wasn't so good, neither was the commentating of Breno Gavião. The team will be playing against the following in Group F:

Group F
Obrenovacia
San Giorgio a Cremano
Vilita
The Angelic Council
Handicapia
Westmeadow Tavern

The matches are as follows, are in Cafundeu for those wishing to go, but one word of warning, carry plenty of money as they have a tax on everything:

MD1: San Giorgio a Cremano vs. Westmeadow Tavern - Toca do Tatu-Bola, Cidade Central
MD2: Handicapia vs. Westmeadow Tavern - Presídio, Carandirú City
MD3: Westmeadow Tavern vs. Vilita - Campo Forte Meireles, Penderia
MD4: Westmeadow Tavern vs. Obrenovacia - Campo Forte Meireles, Penderia
MD5: The Angelic Council vs. Westmeadow Tavern - Cuma de Montanha, Serra Cabral

The only team that we really need to worry about is Vilita, but then again any of these teams can pack a punch. And now over to our ELFA Premier League correspondant, John."

---

Team to play San Giorgio a Cremano:
GK: Randell

LCB: Alex Barnard
RCB: Michael Anderson
LB: Patrick Arnold
RB: Toby Callahan

DMF: Anton Archibald
LMF: Philip Chrysanthopoulos
RMF: Hernando Carrillo
AMF: Leonardo Kovalev

CF: Emily Williams
Striker: Alan Anderson

[Obrenovacia]

Novas drawn into Group F

Group F
Obrenovacia
San Giorgio a Cremano
Vilita
The Angelic Council
Handicapia
Westmeadow Tavern

The Obrenovacian F.A. arrived in Cafundeu today amidst some confusion regarding both the finalized roster and arranging a translator for the duration of the Baptism of Fire. After standing in the airport terminal for three and a half hours, team captain Ognjen Čančarević suggested consulting what appeared to be a Obrenovacian janitor toiling on the floors to act as a translator and guide for the team until the arranged hotel and roster submissions could be secured. After another two hours of traffic, arguing with the team bus driver about the outrageous fee/taxes and directions, the team finally arrived at the first hotel in Lux. Confused, Manager Dragan Jočić approached the concierge with the team roster assuming she was assisting in the tournament regulations. The team tired, hungry and still without a hotel room was kindly escourted off the premises after some "light" deliberation regarding the roster.

Good news came of the day, as the janitor was hired on to act as the team translator for the remainder of the tournament. The second hotel found in Lux that was vacant will house the Novas in their opening game against Handicapia. The concierge of the first hotel DID submit the roster to the proper authorities.

(Note: Players in italics are starters. 4-4-2 formation)

Goalkeepers
Čančarević, Ognjen
Marinković, Aleksandar
Arsenijević, Velibor

Defenders
Ostojić, Bojan
Perković, Rajko
Redžić, Danilo
Topalović, Luka
Volić, Martin
Đurović, Miloš
Marić, Ivan
Andrić, Svetlan
Aritonović, Srđan

Midfielders
Janjić, Ivan
Vasić, Goran
Petković, Aleksandar
Glibetić, Nebojša
Marjanović, Marko
Sinđić, Marko
Luković, Vidoje
Stojić, Darko
Belopavlović, Branko
Barjaktarević, Nikola

Strikers
Živković, Bojan
Popović, Mladen
Simanić, Aleksandar
Božović, Branko

Code: Select all

If my opponent RPs first, he/she can:
Choose my scorers? Yes
Yellow card my players? Yes
Red card my players? Yes
Injure my players? Yes
Godmode injuries? No
Godmode scoring events? Yes
Godmode other events? Yes

Skill Modifier +1

The schedule for Obrenovacia in the Baptism of Fire is as follows:

MD1: Obrenovacia v. Handicapia @ Velho Olímpico Imperial, Lux
MD2: Vilita v. Obrenovacia @ Cume da Montanha, Serra Cabral
MD3: Obrenovacia v. The Angelic Council @ Toca do Tatu-Bola, Cidade Central
MD4: Westmeadow Tavern v. Obrenovacia @ Campo Forte Meireles, Penderia
MD5: Obrenovacia v. San Giorgio a Cremano @ Presídio, Carandirú City

The janitor was fired from his job at the airport.

[Virabia]

The Vonghurst Star
BoF Super Uber Preview Preview of Doom 2.0 in crystal clear High Definition (in 3D!) of DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM


MACABEA - Yesterday by a stroke of luck or (more realistically the drawing of a slip of paper) the Virabian National Football Team, and the country as a whole were relieved when hey found that their team at least for the time being, have been drawn into a Macabean group. This put out fears that the squad would play in Cafundeu which is infamous for it's high fees. The fees currently being fought by the Virabian Olympic squad. A protest the football team surely would've gotten in to, thus complicating matters. Luckily that's not a worry for the time being, and the team can instead focus on football. Which for a young team such as themselves, is important if not vital

Either way petty politics aside and on to the predicting. Which'll be somewhat hard because each team is a clean slate, however after a couple computer simulations we've figured it go like this:

NEWI Cefn Druids
Malak Free State
Virabia
Jalisca
Azadmenistan
NASCAR Start and Parks

So, no need to fear, Virabia will move on to the round of 32 how comfortably, we don't know but, with the talent on the squad and having observed the others (coupled with computer simulation), that's a pretty good guess of how the group will turn out. But in reality our guess is as good as any.

No matter what happens with fees or predictions, there's one thing we cant avoid and that is tomorrows match against Balak Free state. A tam we predicted to place higher than us. However, It's both teams' first international, so The result here is for all intents and purposes up in the air, and this will also likely set the track for how the team performs for some time to come.


The hands are empty, the cards have yet to be dealt for these two teams, it's time to see what their delt.

Stay outta the kitchen the priest ordered up one hot batch of Holy Water, it's time for the Baptism of Fire XXXVII Cafundeu and The Second Empire!


Our prediction for tomorrow Virabia 2 Balak F.S. 2.

Schedule


3 Febuary - v Balak F.S. @ Macabea Imperial Stadium (KO: 1300 LT)
4-Febuary - v NEWI Cefn Druids @ Macabea Imperial Stadium (KO: 1630 LT)
5 Febuary - v NASCAR Start and Park @ Macabea Imperial Stadium (KO: 1100 LT)
6 Febuary - v Azadmenistan @ Macabea Imperial Stadium (KO: 2050 LT)
7 Febuary - v Jalisca @ Estad Jonac (KO: 1800 LT)


Note to fans: Storm Macabea Imperial Stadium, lets have it be like home, make it like home. Feel free to decorate how you please, we need YOU as the 12th man, will you be there for the challenge?

Tickets: 319-234-890-9978
http://www.Virtickets.com

[Great Lenin]

GLN Sport Channel
The Baptism of fire group draw's result TODAY!

Today the group draw ceremony for the Baptism of Fire has occured. 48 teams have been divided into 8 group. And Great Lenin team is in Group E. Here is the full Group E with 6 teams, who will compete with Great Lenin to be qualify for the next round.

Group E
F1-Insanity
Libertarian Governance
Galitsiya
Warkus
Great Lenin
Theseca

And also, for those who want watch every single game of the BoF, the GLN Sport Channel will broadcast live and have special commentators after the match for you. The first match will start tomorrow with Great Lenin versus F1-Insanity. Let us hope that our National Team have a great opening match.

Group E's matches:
3/2 MD1: Great Lenin vs F1-Insanity - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
4/2 MD2: Great Lenin vs Theseca - Jóia da Lagoa, Tijhus
5/2 MD3: Great Lenin vs Libertarian Governance - Parque Aquário, Submiria
6/2 MD4: Great Lenin vs Warkus - Parque Aquário, Submiria
7/2 MD5: Great Lenin vs Galitsiya - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita

[The Macabees]

Match Day One, Sponsored By:

Group 1
Al-Mumtaz 3–3 Toiletdonia
Pokemonman 4–1 Binary Load Lifters
Whirl Islands 2–1 Colurada



Group 2
Azadmenistan 1–3 NEWI Cefn Druids
NASCAR Start and Parks 1–0 Jalisca
Malak Free State 2–1 Virabia



Group 3
Orlkjestad 0–1 Zaferil
Cobaltan 0–0 Kalasion
Loasils 0–2 Matschusin



Group 4
Rhodorus 3–1 Copremesis
HappyFreedom 0–6 Balida Minor
Shilohrod 3–2 Royalsoldiers

[Libertarian Governance]

Libertarian Governance Sports Network

Game Time

The show opens like they usually do with Rich Sanders, Brenda Knox and Paulie Battaglia in their decked out sports room turned studio. Rich Sanders the former All Pro Quarterback from the Libertarian Governance Football League begins the show. The draw is in for the 37th Baptism of Fire and it is Group E that will see the LG Patriots compete in. Our first match will be against Theseca. Many people really don't know what to make of the team of Theseca. Who is this team from Theseca Brenda, Paulie?

Brenda laughs and takes a sip of a blue green neon drink. Who really cares about Theseca. I mean we have one of the most potent offenses in the competition behind Duncan, Michaels and Snow. On top of that is the inherent trouble of defending the various packages that coach Dawson Thompson and this total football concept throws at teams.

Alright, alright I agree that Michaels and gang are going to score but what really excites me about this total football system is the different looks it gives teams on offense and defense. No other team I have seen can approach its versatility and I mean...Rich looks at Paulie as he interrupts his diatribe.

Oh, look that is just the wrong way to look at things Rich. Yes, the total football approach is an asset. No other team has the number of players that can play so many different positions well. The defense is where these games will be won. You have this kid Jerry Nutt at Goalie that is like kicking against an iron wall. You have guys and girls on defense that can steal the ball and come up with points. For get about it. Paulie grabs some sort of huge dripping meat filled sandwich and takes three big bites. The D does it.

Rich rolls his eyes and shakes his head. Dude you are wack. How can you say the defense is going to do more than the offense? Have you even looked at the offense past Michaels and gang PaulE. I mean what about Trenton Daniels? This kid plays the left flank as well as the right and I think hes a bigger threat then the electrifying Snow. Rich looks around at his co-host while Paulie waves a hand to dismiss his statement and takes three more big bites of his sandwich.

Brenda takes another sip of her neon drink. Daniels is good but I think the biggest news is the insane amounts of money LG Defense Systems Inc put on the table for sponsorships something like 50 billion Gold Coin. Nemesis Electronics has thrown down some 10 Billion Gold Coin advertising its laptops, Lucid smart phones and download service. I could understand Nemesis and consumer companies in this but why is LG Defense spending so much money.

Pauli puts down his sandwich and washes his last bites down with a guzzling drink from a huge mug. LG Defense knows what its doing. Every government official in the world is watching these games and their teams performance. LG Defense wants to be seen everywhere because it wants these government officials to see that it is successful which will help it sale more many more trillions worth of weaponry. But to get back to this kid Daniels...alright Rich I give you that he and you know people haven't really paid attention but Daniels, midfielder Archuletta and Duncan are a second striker team.

This team is dangerous because well one it comes at you from weird looks and formations. Then you have this kid Daniels that is just brilliant on both flanks with Duncan playing penetrator. He smiles and shakes his head in the affirmative.

Brenda looks at Paulie and purses her lips at that one while Rich picks up the conversation. That's what I mean you have to say the offense is a little more of a threat then the defense in these games because they do have these other scoring teams. One thing I have seen them do is come at a team from a couple of wild styles with people in all the wrong positions then suddenly Daniels is put in and suddenly they drop in Gorchenko to put someone on their ass. Next thing you know you have Daniels, Archuletta and Duncan coming together for a game changing score.

Brenda finishes her drink and goes to the bar for a refill. Who do you guys think is the real competition in this part of the tournament? I feel F-1 insanity is probably the only real competition in fact I am pretty sure our team will get past the first round.

For get about it. The F-1s are pretenders and everyone knows it. I see more competition coming from the Warkus. Frankly I give us the edge going in because of the defense and the total football approach of Thompson. I just don't see how their team is going to keep up with everything he'll throw at them and I don't feel good about the other teams chances. Paulie punctuates his sentence by finishing off his sandwich.

Alright, I am going with Great Lenin as the biggest competitor. Sighs from the Richs co-host follow this statement. Wait a minute, wait a minute, look this is their first competition and they are going to be out to prove the point just like us. Anyway, lets get the schedule up on the screen and its on the website too folks. gametime dot lg. Next we are going to discuss the combat corps competition and interview undefeated champion Niles Burke.

Group E
F1-Insanity
Libertarian Governance
Galitsiya
Warkus
Great Lenin
Theseca


Group E

MD1
F1-Insanity v Great Lenin - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
Galitsiya v Warkus - Arena América, Abadia
Libertarian Governance v Theseca - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita

MD2
Warkus v Libertarian Governance - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
Galitsiya v F1-Insanity - Parque Aquário, Submiria
Great Lenin v Theseca - Jóia da Lagoa, Tijhus

MD3
F1-Insanity v Warkus - Arena América, Abadia
Libertarian Governance v Great Lenin - Parque Aquário, Submiria
Theseca v Galitsiya - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita

MD4
Libertarian Governance v Galitsiya - Jóia da Lagoa, Tijhus
Warkus v Great Lenin - Parque Aquário, Submiria
Theseca v F1-Insanity - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita

MD5
Great Lenin v Galitsiya - Cúpula Tropical, Ilha Eremita
Warkus v Theseca - Obelisco Monumental, Lasft
F1-Insanity v Libertarian Governance - Arena América, Abadia

[Balida Minor]

The Balida Star
Bringing You News That Matters Most

Oustanding Start!
Balida Minor kick off the first matchday with a bang. "It's a way better start than Balida got in their first matchday. This just shows our team in a real threat," says coach Billy Corenton. Balida got a draw their first match against Osarius. Even with all the excitement, Rocco Frank had this to say, "I think this really doesn't say we are doing any better. I don't want to put down any of the other teams in our group, but besides Royalsoldiers and maybe Copremesis we were drawn into a really easy group."

Balida Minor started off strong as Kurt Marlin headed in a ball from a beautiful cross from Raul Esterio in the 7th minute. In the 14th minute Esterio got his first goal with some nice footwork inside the 18 and eventually sliding a finese shot past the keeper. Their offense stayed strong for the next 20 minutes getting a total of 8 shots on target and 6 off target shots. In the 35th minute Berrot Shane sent a through ball straight through the hole in the HappyFreedom defense. Rocco Frank capatilized on his speed and broke threw to score a third goal for Balida Minor. No more goals were scored until the second half in the 49th minute when Kurt Marlin rocketed a shot from outside the 18 into the net. Marlin scored again in the 64th minute from the exact same spot. The final goal came in the 83rd by Isaias Frank who was subbed in only moments before scoring. The final score was 6-0, Wesley Riend and the defense are to be comended for their clean sheet.


Raul Esterio showing off some amazing moves before his 14th minute goal.

[NEWI Cefn Druids]

The Daily Druid
Bringing you sports news since World Cup 11
EGG-STRAORDINARY!
Azadmenistan 1-3 NEWI Cefn Druids
Gethin Williams from Nantes Colloseum, Macabea, The Macabees

There were unbelievable scenes here in the Macabees yesterday as a proper national team from Azadmenistan lost convincingly to a team made up entirely of eggs.

The eggs were placed out by this very reporter before kick off, as I appeared to be the only actual Druidan person in attendance. It might have made more sense for me to actually play and help these brittle and completely still little things, but as I am not a registered member of the squad, this would have counted as cheating.

I laid them out in a nice 4-4-2 formation. It meant that the line up was nice and balanced, although they lacked pace, strength... in fact, any sort of attributes at all.

As it turned out, though, they managed to score three goals! I know, I was there, and I'm still trying to figure it out. Was there some kind of hypnotism involved? Was it that nobody had explained the rules to the Azadmeni players in their first ever international match?

Whatever it was, it meant that these eggs are actually better than the first ever Druidish side, who took well over four years to get their first ever international win. It took these eggs just one match! They've almost pulled the name of the three time World Cup Qualifying group bottom teamers out of the gutter!

Still, they're playing Virabia in the next game. A proper team with a proper presence here in the Macabees. If the eggs beat them, then surely it must be the biggest shock result of all time!

[Cafundeu]

Matchday One - Results in Cafundéu
sponsored by... tons of sponsors, we may well do a report about all of them later, for a modest price of V$10

Group E
F1-Insanity 1–1 Great Lenin
Galitsiya 0–2 Warkus
Libertarian Governance 3–1 Theseca


Group F
Obrenovacia 1–0 Handicapia
Vilita 2–0 The Angelic Council
San Giorgio a Cremano 1–2 Westmeadow Tavern


Group G
Medilenia 0–3 Krsta
Die Adler 3–2 Nomatra
Assyanm 2-2 Snaponistan


Group H
Allitrom 0–1 Cyrelia
Lazuril 0–3 Ariddia
Tentalon 0–0 Manswell

[Toiletdonia]

Last night Thousands of Toiletdonian fans tuned in to watch their team draw 3-3! Our manger says "Our first game in the world cup was such a sucsess we are glad for this result. This could be the beginning of a new age of football for the 'clear flushes'.

Toiletdonian scorers; Vagoora 1,29 Yenco 92

One fan commented "Thank heaven for Yenco his last minute goal stopped us losing all the points!
Table
-----------------------------Pld-------PTS
1Pokemonman------------1---------3
2Whirl Island--------------1---------3
3Al-mumtaz---------------1---------1
4Toiletdonia--------------1---------1
5Colurada-----------------1---------0
6Binary Load lifters------1---------0

[Libertarian Governance]

Voice of Liberty TV

Our top story tonight is the resounding victory of the Libertarian Governance Patriots soccer team over Theseca in the 37th Baptism of Fire. The match in the 50,000 seat Cúpula Tropical in Ilha Eremita was won by the Patriots with a score of 3 to 1. Wide scale celebrations are taking place throughout Libertarian Governance as the Patriots won their first match and the first match in an international competition. We are going to go live to Ilha Eremita now where Ralph Ferguson is standing by. Ralph.

The scene changes to a locker room shot of a short balding man, Ralph Ferguson dressed in a brown well cut suit with a very stylish pair of eye glasses holding a mic next to Patriot team captain Kirk Michaels. Ralph is just staring straight ahead kind of lost looking.

Hello Ralph are you there. Ralph... Ralph suddenly smiles and starts speaking. The Patriots put in an extraordinary game today marking their first victory in international competition. Kirk Michaels scored an early goal to put the Patriots up in the first period.

The scene shows an highlight of Max Duncan passing the ball to Steven Snow who using very fancy dribbling skills cuts a path towards the middle of the field from the right flank before kicking the ball back to the right side where Kirk Michaels fires it past the goalie for the score.

From that first score it was pretty much down hill for the Theseca team. Kirk how was your first victory? Ralph Furguson places the mic closer to Kirk Michaels.

I have to tell you it felt great to come in here in our first international match and pull out a victory. I just wanna say that all the guys and girls out there did an excellent job and the victory really belongs to the team.

Kirk you seemed to really find your rhythm in the game. Kirk smiles. You know Ralph I am really comfortable with the strategy that our coaches have put together and when you have a team of players where everyone is giving their all, well, you can't ask for much more.

Warkus also won today and they are the next match up for you guys. Are you going to do anything differently?

I leave the game plan to the coaches. I am just happy to be playing and we are going to go in there and just give it our best shot. Kirk Michaels then shakes hands with Ralph Furguson, waves at the camera hi mommy and walks off camera to the left.

Now, Todd the energy here is amazing and some other great playing today. Kirk Michaels scored a total of two goals today. Goalie Jerry Nutt had two nice saves. Susan McKnight came off the bench and scored. But the big news is that this team just could not handle the constantly changing packages that Dawson Thompson threw at them. Theseca was off balance pretty much the whole match.

Thanks Ralph. The camera shot changes back to Todd Jensen in the studio. Now, we are going to go live to Darla McFadden in Rouge City.

Rouge City is a area of the capital city of Liberty. It is all neon, mega resort casinos, hotels, sex shops, clubs and white sand beaches where every vice is catered too. The streets are filled with party goers. There can be heard massive amounts of gunfire as armed people can be seen regularly discharging their fire arms into the air. Masses of National Police Force officers can be seen as can occasional melees between officers and party goers.The crowd is totally out of control and the NPF seems to be giving them wide leeway to be out of control.

Darla is a beautiful brunette standing about 5 foot 10 inches tall. She is well dressed and very professional. Yes, Todd it is pandemonium down here and all throughout LG tonight as people celebrate the victory over Theseca. You would think that the Patriots have won the championship instead of their first match. Still, you do have to congratulate the players for going there and kicking ass.

Darla it looks like just a bit south of a riot.

That about sums it up. There have been brawls between the NPF and the fans all evening. The only time the NPF seems to get involved though is when fans turn on a business or start damaging property. Still the NPF is heavily out numbered here with what we estimate to be close to 2 million people down here. It looks like Founders Day.

Just then an obviously drunk person stumbles over to Darla. He...he...hey there miss let me. Hey, hey let me talk. She smiles at him. Then her smile leaves as he reaches for the mic which she quickly snatches out of reach.

Back the hell up buddy. Darla growls. The drunk steps forward and reaches for the mic again but misses and instead grabs Darla's left breast. Bastard! She screams as she begins to pummel the now cowering drunk with several hits with the microphone each punctuated with a sharp word. I...dare...you...don't...you...ever...ever...ever...try...that...again. You...hear...me...

Cutting back to a gleeful Todd Jensen in the studio. Well, looks like Darla had a bit of technical difficulty. We will keep you updated on the tournament and the goings on in the cities too. If you are out celebrating please remember to be civil. Have fun but don't go overboard. Lastly, let me just congratulate the Patriots and wish them the best in future games. We will be back after this announcement from our dreaded sponsors.

[Vilita]

Just as the sun was coming up, a ripple in the water off the coast of Nojika suddenly became a large shadow. A submarine emerged and pulled calmly into an abandoned Nojikan harbor.

Mataliao: So this is Nojika?

Banda IV: Yup, sure is. Its not inhabited anymore, so we shouldn't have any trouble with the sub. There shuld be some AORDO protection forces around as well but they are not to worry about, they will protect us before they harm us. We maintain a good rapport with them.

Mataliao: Well thats reassuring...

Banda IV: Well, looking at this map of Cafundéu, if we head south west we should get to the Dunboor state and hopefully we can get across the border when I show this Baptism of Fire application. If that fails, I have brought large sums of cash here in my travel bag, we should be able to bribe pretty much anyone to help us out I think.

Mataliao: Large sums of cash? Where did you get that from? All funds through VOIA have been strictly monitor for many years.

Banda IV: Yes, and VOIA has been hoarding cash for many years prior to that, you really don't think we could have trusted in the Government alone to support us?

Mataliao: I suppose I'll believe anything at this point, here I am on the shores of Nojika about to bribe my way into Cafundéu to participate in a sporting event with Vilitan carnates.

Banda IV: Thats the spirit!

Mataliao: So, where do we have to go, are we going to the Dunboor Province for the competition?

Banda IV: Actually, thats a good question. I don't have a clue where we have to go eventually.

Mataliao: Well, looking at that map, Cafundéu is a pretty big place. You mean to tell me you don't know where our first game is, but you know that the first game is today?

Banda IV: Well yea. You know, I was kind of focused on perfecting a plan to get out of Vilita unseen and ending up in Cafundéu, I wasn't really particular on the details once we were here.

Mataliao: Well that could be a problem.

Banda IV: A problem most easily solved by cash, I presume. They probably have the fixtures listed in a newspaper or something, we'll just buy one when we are in the country and work from there.

Mataliao: Great, we're going to find out what part of Cafundéu we need to be in for our first game on the morning of the first game by reading the schedule in a local paper. This has international incident written all over it!

Banda IV: Don't lose your faith my good friend, help some of the carnates put those dune buggies together.

Mataliao: Dune Buggies! Where did you get those!

Banda IV: They were packed in the sub, there is a whole cargo section. You really didn't think it was that small did you?

Mataliao: I just figured it felt small because the carnates took up so much room.

Banda IV: Well, they do take up space, but not that much. Come on lets go.

The two Vilitans and their carnate players set off to the border of Cafundéu. As Dr. Banda IV predicted, they were easily able to bribe their way past the border crossing; and the nice man they bribed even allowed the group to have a look in his morning paper for the Baptism of Fire schedule.

Banda IV: Got it! Here is the schedule, here's the name of our stadium and it is... right... HERE! *pointing at the map*

Mataliao: Oh great. How are we supposed to get there?

Banda IV: To the airport my friends!

Dr. Banda IV took out some cash and gave it to a pilot sitting on the steps of his plane and the team loaded in. Just a hop, skip and a jump later, they were right outside the stadium with plenty of time to prepare for the match.

[Great Lenin]

GLN Sport Channel
The very first Great Lenin match end up with a draw!

Yes. That's the result of the match between Great Lenin and F1-Insanity. 1-1. Well that doesn't seem to be a very pleased score, but at least we don't lose in the first match, and that's the good news. But we will expect better performance from our team in the next match with Theseca.

Now let's us watch again the match with F1-Insanity.
The game opening with Great Lenin take posession of the ball. The ball is passed back to Dmitry Fenderson and then David Timochenko. For the first 15 minutes, no one is be able to bring the ball pass the midfielders of F1-Insanity.

It's now the 27th minute of the game. F1-Insanity get the ball from Adam Irkurse. And right after that a long ball from the midfielder send the round thing exactly straight into the feet of Insanity's forward. With no mistake, the man shoot a hard curve ball into the upper right back of the net. And his name is Aaron Humes - number 9 of F1-Insanity. The score is 1-0.

Being scored too early, Great Lenin's defenders fall back and try to play the ball out at all cost, making every others attack of F1-Insanity in the first half strand. Because of that, the first half ends with no other goal.
____________________________________________________________
The second half starts with F1-Insanity take possesion. They continue to open many wave of attack, making much pressure on the net of Illyanich Detrov. At 59th minute, Andrei Dmitry tackle Daniel Corey a little too hard, and received a yellow card.

The 71th minute, F1-Insanity lost the ball. David Timochenko dribble pass 2 Insanity's midfielders and give the ball Steve Zhapov. He and Abraham Kuzov make some very fine combined passes, fooling the Insanity's defenders. Kuzov shoot a very powerful shot at Frank Gallagher. The goalie push the ball out in the middle of the 16m50 ring, but right after that Antonio Kalashnikov take the chance as no one block him, and he makes a finishing shot when Gallagher has no other choice but to just look the ball fly to the back of the net. 1-1.

And from that on, the two sides have no other goal. Except for the yellow card for the brutal sliding tackle of Chris Sherwin, the game over with the score 1-1.

OK. That's the review of the match we have played. So at the moment, we are having 1 point, as well as F1-Insanity. The other match between Libertarian Governance and Theseca ends up with the score 3-1 for Libertarian Governance. Warkus gains the upper hand when beating Galitsiya 2-0.

That's it for us today. We will look forward to see you again tomorrow, to have a look at the next match.

[Die Adler]

THE ADLER STAR
YES, WE WON THE BLOODY FIRST MATCH.

Well, perhaps not many Burchadingans will be giving a damn about this, but its important anyways. Why aren't Burchadingans paying much attention? Well, they won their first BoF match too. All Burchadinger expects Die Adler to do is to win the Baptism of Fire. And to beat Balida Minor at some point.

Wilhelm Retfer's double and brilliant strike from Meinfeld Hedven lit up the Burchadingan puppet's opening match as Die Adler won in style. Hedven's stunning sixth-minute drive from distance put Die Adler ahead, but Nomatra slid pass the defence in the 22nd minute to level. However, Retfer converted Mihai Trensac's cross, then followed up his own header to put the team 3-1 ahead going into half-time. Nomatra produced a smart finish in the 68th minute to give them hope, but Die Adler's defence held and sealed victory. It was the perfect start for Die Adler. but the team know that they face tougher challenges ahead, as Nomatra offered the Die Adler side huge, inviting gaps in defence. The predicted star shone. Wilhelm Retfer, cousin of Burchadingan superstar Markus Klogh certainly lived up to expectations. "Meh, I don't want to say anything about me and Markus, but we both love our footy." Retfer said in an after game interview. Well, will Die Adler win again? Hopefully they will. So, don't forget to catch the next match live on TV2, or Sports World DA.

[Toiletdonia]

The toiletdonian side for the next match;

GK Harry Daniels
CB Lief Muster
CB Vostor Leimamn
RB Heilman Ventensto
LB Juen Loak
LMF Glennon Hoffmanc
RMF Yeui Jankor
CMF Taglian Tellvos
CF Temo Yenco
CF Testos Vagoora
CF Tuiyh Tasohoc
Bench:
GK Joake Sporo
DF Luam Fiden
DF Hechez Vetoff
DF Juen Loak
MF Jenstor Velcota
MF Guin Ginnestos
MF Jue Bright

[Ariddia]

Starting with a bang



Nobody wanted to speak about the doubts. The uncertainties. It had been decades since the Rouge-et-Noirs had played –and shone– in international competitions. Their exploits were the stuff of history, and of memory for some. With such a legacy to live up to, how would a team of youngsters, untravelled and untested, face up? Hopes might be high – but they were far higher than expectations.

With countless Ariddian eyes upon them –through the agency of the media–, the team arrived in Cafundéu, disembarking from the plane with varied expressions on their faces. Young Lea Shaw seemed eager but uncertain, a nervous, happy smile on her face, swinging her bag a little and looking around with unrestrained curiosity. Patrick Michelet also looked round, taking in his surroundings, but appeared even more withdrawn than usual. All were preparing to experience a radically foreign country – and embark on the greatest adventure of their young lives.

Some shifted, impatient or nervous, as they waited in line at customs, along with all the other passengers. Kossi Touré smiled, seeming pleased as he received the first ever stamp on his passport. Then came the inevitable paying of costs – to pass through customs, and to import their baggages. Upon being asked to pay a minimal but unexpected fee to wear shoes, the players talked quickly among themselves, and most promptly removed their footwear, with expressions ranging from discomfort to merriment.

Having passed the first hurdle, the players found themselves pouring out of the airport and taking their first breath of outdoors Cafundelense air. Cameras came out of bags as they waited for their bus. There was some surprise as airport officials and passers-by hurried over to demand payment for having cameras pointed in their direction, but the matter was quickly resolved, and the team was bundled into the bus, whisked off to the hotel.

Zé Sho kept the media away from them after that, giving the players some privacy and time to practice before the big opening match.

Facing Lazuril

There was no Ariddian supporting presence in the capital’s stadium, save in the form of Cafundelense backing the returning veteran team. Ariddia’s first match in a generation was, after all, one to see, and Lazuril’s players found that the crowd did not exactly favour them.

The anthems were played; the Ariddians beamed with a mixture of pride and excitement as they stood with their arms linked, draped over one another’s shoulders. Then came the time for the ulek. A partial hush fell over the stadium. Not all spectators were aware of the ritual, but most sensed that something was happening, as the two teams moved to face each other on the pitch. Lazuril had been duly informed, and its players respectfully positioned themselves to face the war chant.

Ariddia’s eleven stood in a slightly curved line, its extremities extending as though to enfold their opponents. They leaned forward, in a precarious, well-practiced and menacing balance. The hush in the stadium deepened. Eleven pairs of Ariddian eyes glared into eleven stoic Lazuril faces.

“Llseh! Llseh!
Swehashi llosh e lueal o!”

The ancient words boomed out of eleven throats, a powerful chant flung at their adversaries. Echoing the meaning of the words, thunder did indeed appear to growl in their backs. Cheers sounded in the stadium. Cameras flashed. (Zé Sho made a mental note to inquire about charging spectators who were taking photos. And the others, too, for having witnessed the ulek.)

“Wo’el yeual o!
Al llseh! Al llseh!
Wul ellul sel ei! Wul!”

The Rouge-et-Noirs leapt and danced, swinging their arms in pefectly choreographed moves – yet which seemed to retain a primal energy, unleashed in a burst of fierce and focused passion.

“Silew wa oleh!”

The Ariddians half-knelt, poised, their menacing chant building to a crescendo as spectators continued to cheer.

“Sah wa weheshisi!
Sah wa weheshisi!”

They leapt forward at their opponents, breaking up just before reaching them, and returning to their side of the field. Applause rang out. Several Ariddians grinned, excited at their performance.

They had laid down the challenge. Now it was time to prove themselves.

A wave of energy

Lazuril kicked off, but did not keep the ball long as Rick Eastton tackled it free and launched an early counter-attack. The ball passed swiftly from midfield to strikers, who passed it about in an attempt to pierce Lazuril’s defences, before the latter cleared it off-field. It was an encouraging start.

Lazuril got off a shot towards Patrick Michlet’s goalcage in the ninth minute, but solid obstructive defending forced the striker to shoot wide.

Two minutes later, a well-aimed pass from young Lea Shaw found Kossi Touré with a clear angle on the opposite goalcage. The ball shot from his foot, but Lazuril’s keeper leapt and made the first save of the game. A couple of Lazuril players argued that Touré had been offside, but the referees disagreed. Rightly so; the replay showed him to have been just within safe limits.

It was Eastton who opened the score, twenty-three minutes into the match, with a beautiful shot on a sharp angle. The applause from local supporters was nothing compared to the joy of Ariddian players congratulating one another. But they still had over an hour ago.

West Ariddian Shimmi Woh had passed the ball giving Eastton his winning shot; ten minutes later, she was able to score a goal of her own, and grinned with proud delight as her teammates embraced her. Any past animosity between the two Ariddian states was clearly forgotten; Woh was one of the team, and she had just done it proud.

Lazuril’s coach made two changes during half-time, and had obviously instructed his players to tighten their defence. The pace of the game slowed, despite most Ariddians still brimming with apparent engergy. Shimmi Woh slipped another goal in eighty seconds or so before the first hour mark, and there the score remained. As the final whistle was blown, the Ariddians allowed their joy to burst free, jumping and hugging one another, yells of excitement rising from the pitch. Their opening game could not have gone better.

“Keep watching us,” defender John McHughes smiled at the camera as he left with the others. Keep watching, indeed. The Ariddians have won an important, confidence-boosting match… but can they prove themselves over the span of several games? Their fans already believe it.

[F1-Insanity]

Certifieds start with draw
Halftime lead not enough

F1-Insanity Certifieds 1 (Humes 27)
Great Lenin 1 (Kalashnikov 71)

F1-Insanity's football (soccer) team, the Certifieds, started the Baptism of Fire (episode 37) with a 1-1 draw against Great Lenin.

F1-Insanity dominated large parts of the first half, having possession in midfield and continually threatening to pierce the Great Lenin defense. After a few probing attacks had failed the F1-Insanity Certifieds got a break when Aaron Humes was suddenly gifted the ball, and he wasted no time blasting a curve ball into the back of the net. The first half saw no more goals and F1-Insanity was rarely threatened by anything the Great Lenin team did.

After half time, F1-Insanity's domination was ended as the team from Great Lenin started making some very fine combined passes, fooling Insanity defenders many times. In the 71st minute Kuzov blasted a very powerful shot at Certifieds goalkeeper Frank Gallagher. Gallagher managed to push it out but it fell to Antonio Kalashnikov who put it away for the equaliser.

With both teams receiving a yellow card for a brutal tackle, the game would see no more goals and finished at 1-1.

Coach Brian Camara was mildly pleased, but not overall content. "We clearly dominated the first half, and deservedly went ahead. After that, we were in control of the game. But unfortunately we slipped in the second half and the equaliser came, just as we thought we had beaten our bad spell. They are commies and we should have beaten them but alas it wasn't to be".

Press conference:
Reporter (R1): "Why did you not take out Glenn Lockwood earlier, he seemed injured at the start of the second half".

Brian Camara (BC): "Well, we thought he could run the injury off, but it didn't happen. And then they scored and we had to substitute him anyway."

R2: "Why do you suck lemons during the game?"

BC: "It keeps the blood balanced, you never heard that?"

R3: "Are you looking forward to the next game? Is it a must win?"

BC: "Although Galitsiya lost to Warkus, we must not underestimate them. If we can beat them, we'd be in a very good position. Rest assured, we don't look down upon the playing prowess of any team here".

R4: "Am I beautiful?"

BC: "Eff off, fruitcake".

R1: "What did you think of Obelisco Monumental stadium?"

BC: "It's lovely. They sure have great stadiums here, not as great as back home of course, but very nice indeed. I am looking forward to seeing Parque Aquário, Submiria. Oh, and I'm not answering any more of your dumb questions today, cheerio!"

All remaining games will also be broadcast live on F1-Insanity Sports Network