Baptism of Fire 56 | Everything thread

by **The Saint James Islands** » Sun Jul 06, 2014 11:06 pm

radio

a century of excellence | 7 july 2014

les oiseaux out on narrow miss
goal after whistle sends saint james islanders home with a whimper

Football Central on UCN Radio Sports - Programme Transcript

Andrew Ballymore: Welcome to Football Central on UCN Radio Sports. I'm Andrew Ballymore, here with my partner Jacques Sauveterre.

Jacques Sauveterre: Bonsoir. Hello.

Ballymore: Today we have a very special guest. With us is the unexpected star of the Saint James Islands at the Baptism of Fire and the team's leading goalscorer at six: one against Red Blackiland, Laiyenda, Lavertezzo, Casagrande and two against Melthing. The surprising leader of Les Oiseaux and the surprising Uniti Takatori, mister Mikaere Raia. Welcome back to the Islands, Mikaere! Welcome to Philibiscostal.

Mikaere Raia: Thanks for the welcome, Andrew. It is kind of good to be home. I'm especially looking forward to going back to Cantabria.

Sauveterre: (sarcastically) Sacrebleu.

Raia: No offence. I like Securu. I like Securu. It's just I have to go home to Tenaka at some point.

Sauveterre: You can't stay? Maybe make United Philibiscostal better?

Raia: (laughing) No. Sorry.

Ballymore: So, Les Oiseaux are struck out of the Baptism after an awful whimper, a one-nil loss to Lons in extra time. How did that feel Mikaere?

Raia: Bitter. I have to admit, it felt a little bitter. We were so close. So close and yet the whistle just took it away from us at the last second.

Sauveterre: We obviously have to talk about that. The goal that went in just seconds after the whistle blew, which would've been your seventh if it had counted.

Raia: I don't worry to much about those numbers. My goals are the team's goals. The team's goals are my goals. We share in that. What's most bitter about it for me is that it would've kept us in the competition, if only for one shoot-out.

Ballymore: So it has to be disappointing.

Raia: Yes. Obviously. I don't think there's another word to describe it. But when you try to get bitter and angry and throw away all of your accomplishments over one loss, it really devalues what competition means. Growing up in Tenaga, ʻe tou taane (my father) taught me that the true test of manhood is not in how you carry yourself in victory. The true test of manhood is how you carry yourself in defeat. The weak man bows his head in shame and turns his anger against himself. The true man holds his head high and uses his disappointment to improve himself and make himself better. He is gracious in defeat and I try to live up to that code my father taught me.

Ballymore: But if you had to blame one person for Les Oiseaux's loss, who would it be?

Raia: I can't do that. Our loss is a collective loss; our loss is on all of us. Assigning blame isn't what we should be doing right now.

Sauveterre: Now what do you do as a team going forward?

Raia: We've plenty of competition ahead. We've the World Cup qualifiers to prepare for and a regional competition that's in the works to look forward to, so we will be busy working towards those.

Sauveterre: And of course, what does the team take away from this experience? What can the team learn from this to make it farther in the next tournament?

Raia: We were highly experimental in the Baptism. We tried new things and new ideas and a new philosophy, an attacking philosophy. The philosophy worked. Not all of the ideas did. We pick up and try again.

Ballymore: I mean, how do you reflect on the competition, where many Saint James Islanders felt like their team had let them down? Do you think you could have tried any harder to move forward and keep going?

Raia: I think we could have changed a couple of things. Never underestimate your opponent and we underestimated Lons, so that was a huge mistake. But I don't think we could have done much differently. There wasn't much more we could have tried and I think we did really well for straying away from tried and true tactics. I don't think we can call this a disappointment at all.

Ballymore: Now do you go back to Uniti Takatori and try to prepare for the next Federation Cup and the next Lega season and try to recover some lost pride or?

Raia: What lost pride? We did well out there and while it feels terrible to be out, we still did a great job against some great teams, but there was a better one out there. Right now, Uniti Takatori can wait. The national team still calls and I think it's my duty as a Saint James Islander to help them out.

Sauveterre: Now one final question: are there any teams you're rooting for in the Round of 16?

Raia: The teams from our group for certain. Red Blackiland and Laiyenda are great teams that deserve to go far. And given our performance against them, teams that should have beaten us.

Ballymore: (surprised) Huh.

Raia: Well we were crap in those two games, to be honest. But if Cata Larga manages to defeat Laiyenda, I won't be too angry. To see a football team from a nation that isn't a football nation like us go far in the competition, it would do great things for the game. And you know what, I'll give Lons my backing. The underdog is always a favourite of mine.

Sauveterre: Well, on behalf of all Saint James Islanders, thank you for your hard work and your performance at the Baptism and on behalf of us, thank you for your time here today.

Raia: My pleasure. It's been great talking with you.

Ballymore: Mikaere Raia, everyone. When we come back, the Round of 16! Who will rise? Who will fall? Who will lift the trophy? We'll see you after the break.

END

by **Timbermunich** » Mon Jul 07, 2014 5:25 am

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6

Back in the village the day went like most others with the village workers getting to their daily tasks, children attended some lessons at the village center, and many other household chores were completed. The wives of the two greats, Juniper and Artemis enjoyed some quiet time at home while the children were at lessons and then both helped each other clean up after the mess left from their husbands and children prior to the two greats leaving on their search.

After the long days hike to The Heart of the Grove the two Greats set up a small camp and settled in for the night. Both were tired from the journey and both felt they got a lot of discussion done during the trip but now it was time to rest before they set foot into the grove. They built a small fire and using Scharuka’s methods they managed to get some food for the night too. After eating they both settled in to hopefully get some much needed rest for the night. But the night would not let them find much rest that night as it seemed that The Heart of the Grove seemingly called to them every so often and always when the two were comfortably asleep. Finally when the sun peered through the treetops the two decided it was time to rise despite not getting much actual sleep that night. They got up found something to eat and then head into the grove to further their search. The two greats somehow knew that their search would lead them to this place as none of the other regions seemed right, at least not for what they were searching for but nonetheless they needed to explore all those other places first. Now that they were here it felt right to be here, it almost felt as if there was a calm in the air as song birds sounded cheerier and the other woodland creatures seemed to move around not giving a care that the two men were in their area. As they explored The Heart of the Grove they continued to watch for specific things, things that stood out, or things of concern, and even things that might bring joy to others. They slowly moved deeper as their sweeping search took them from edge to edge with each forward pass. They didn’t want to leave any area unsearched, no stone left unturned if you will. But they could feel in each of their bones that every time they came back near the center that it was right to be here, to be close to the true center of The Heart of the Grove. Finally they reached the true center and both came to a stop as they had found what they searched for. They looked on not saying a word for about thirty minutes, then they looked at each other and stepped into what they had found. It was a small clearing that let great amounts of sunlight down to the forest floor, something that other parts of The Heart of the Grove just didn’t do as light was in short supply up until this point. The clearing had something in the middle that they moved closer to in hopes of seeing what it was as their eyes adjusted to the brilliant light of the sun. After a few moments they become adjusted to the light and could now look at the object in the center. It was a small, but fully mature looking TimberOak that appeared to be coming out of the same type of stone found in the Vegetal region, the same stone they made Great Battles son’s ax head out of. The stone pulsed with the magnificent same pulses that their ax heads did when near their children. As it pulsed the color moved up through the showing roots and trunk of the mini TimberOak and radiated out to all the leaves before starting again from the bottom. This was the source of the forests strength and power, the source which seemed to power the groves outward growth throughout Timbermunich. The two sat near the object and didn’t say a word, but somehow they could hear each other’s thoughts as they could feel the power coming off of the stone and tree. Both looked at each other after a few moments of hearing the others thoughts, they stood and walked back out of the groves center never speaking once until they arrived back at their night camping spot. There they celebrated their find decided they would stay here one more night before a final decision would be made on what to do.

Would the two return home? Would they travel to the other regions with news of their find? What would this mean for the future of Timbermunich? Hopefully we will find out soon.

Hardwood’s Matches
MD1: Bye
MD2: vs Yids (4-3)
MD3: vs Monkeykind (5-2)
MD4: vs The Blaatschapen (1-0)
MD5: vs West Carpathia (4-2)
MD6: Wolfenia (3-2)
MD7: vs Ayscos (2-1)
Round of 32
MD8: vs Dawnhaven (1-0)
Round of 16
MD9: Venalzio

Group A Table
1 – Timbermunich – 18 pts
2 – Monkeykind –12 pts
3 – Yids – 10 pts
4 – Wolfenia – 8 pts
5 – West Carpathia – 7 pts
6 – Ayscos – 4 pts
7 – The Blaatschapen – 1 pt

Venalzio Lineup		|Timbermunich Lineup
GK   Sergio Conti		|GK	Great Hatchet Hank	01
FB   Ottilio Piazzo		|RB	Great Norman		04
FB   Bruno Piazzo		|CB	Great Battle		05*
HB   Giovanni Rucchesi		|CB	Great Battle Axe	03
HB   Santino Lupo		|LB	Great Tomahawk Tommy	06
HB   Luigi Bonafesti		|RM	Great Dead-Eye Darrin	07
IF   Paolo Lombardi		|CM	Great Wicked Warren	10
IF   Angelo Lori		|LM	Great Dirty Doug	08
F    Sergio Lazano		|RW	Great Dagger Dan	09
F    Aldo De Luca		|CF	Great One-Arm Willy	21
F    Michele Neri		|LW	Great Kyle Slater	17

by **Azrea** » Mon Jul 07, 2014 6:12 am

Big Weekend of Football for Azrea

Azrea has officially qualified for the Round of 16 with ease, defeating Monkeykind by the score of 4-1. There were scenes of people watching the match on public television screens from the capital, Minford to the largest city, Chapeco, and even at the nations' largest military base in Port James.

HIGHLIGHTS

3' - This is looking very dangerous for Monkeykind. Walt Huxtable will take the free kick 10 yards out from the Azrean penalty box. He sets his feet, looks up, shoots, and OH MY JUUUUUST over the bar.

7' - Swift counter attack for Monkeykind, they are putting numbers forward. Phillander Phillips with a nice run on the left wing, and centers the ball to Lyall Cline who shoots on first touch, and shoots it wide.

12' - Monkeykind are domination possession here 12 minutes in. Phillander Phillips on the left wing guarded very closely by Duane Carter. Phillips is too quick for the 31 year old defender, and he nutmegs Carter with ease. Phillips now chips a bar into the box, and is headed JUUUUST WIDE by Lyall Cline.

17' - Azrea now are sending numbers forward. Here is Mike Pines on the right wing looking very dangerous. He passes to Gathers, who passes back. Pines now floats a ball to Landon Rupert just outside the box. Rupert with a first touch volley, and GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! What a beauty! Azrea 1 - 0 Monkeykind.

19' - Monkeykind with a swift counter attack. Lyall Cline lofts the ball to the right wing, which is met by the feet of Hubert Jarrett. Jarrett quickly chips a ball to the box, which is headed by Walt Huxtable, and in! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL to Monkeykind! What a response! Tied game here in SJG.

25' - Corner for Azrea. Reggie Bell with the kick, and Tyler Blake with the header - OFF THE POST! Unlucky result there.

32' - Monkeykind now with another swift run on the wings. Here is Phillander Phillips on the left wing, and is tacked intentionally by Duane Carter! The ref awards Carter a yellow. That's Azreas' first of the tournament.

39' - Azrea now on the left wing, with Reggie Bell on the ball. He plays a one-two with Kenneth Jayes which out plays the defense. Bell now outside the box, and 4 blue shirts in. Bell delivers a cross, and this time Tyler Blake doesn't disappoint! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL to Azrea! Azrea 2 - 1 Monkeykind. That is now Blakes' 5th of the tournament. (OOC : Who are the top scorers?)

43' - Monkeykind just outside the box, just before half time. Phillander Phillips again on the left wing. He thinks quickly and center s the ball just outside to Lyall Cline. Cline looks up, shoots, and the goalie punches it out for a corner! Nice effort by Cline!

45' + 2 - HALFTIME

51' - Azrea now dominating the second half thus far. It's a long run up field by Duane Carter. Carter now centers to Johnnie Grant, who chips a ball to Mike Pines on the right wing. Pines guarded closely by Pancras Church. Pines nutmegs Church, and that right wing is free! Pines with plenty time delivers a cross, and the ball is placed at the feet of Landon Rupert. Rupert looks up, and shoots - JUUUUUUST WIDE.

58' - Azrea on the counter. Mike Pines plays a one two with Eric Gathers. Pines now with a low shot and off the goalies' fingertips! The ball is loose, and tucked into the net by Landon Rupert. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL to Azrea! Azrea 3 - 1 Monkeykind.

65' - Free kick for Monkeykind. Walt Huxtable sets his feet, shoots and hits the bar! Unlucky result!

72' - Reggie Bell now for Azrea on the left wing. He passes to Kenneth Jayes, who is very far out. Jayes looks up, and shoots - OH MY! IT'S IN! WHAT A ROCKET! JAYES CAN;'T BELIEVE IT! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL to Azrea! Coach Medley looks pleased! Azrea 4 - 1 Monkeykind. (Compare this goal to Jermaine Jones' of the US in the WC)

77' - Azrea now attacking in the middle of the field. Jayes plays the long ball to Jonnie Grant just outside the box. Grant looks up and shoots - JUUUUST over the bar.

85' - Monkeykind with a dangerous tackle to Mike Pines. Yellow card awarded to Pancras Church.

90' + 3 - FULLTIME.

AZREA 4
MONKEYKIND 1

Azrean fans celebrating after their nation qualified for the Round of 16 in Minford.

In other news, LEAGUE A, or the Azrean Football league has finally been established, and the first match was played last night. Over the last two years, league owner Mich Martin has picked 16 cities around Azrea, to host the matches and build stadiums there. Yesterdays match (Greenville Lions 3 - Port James Strikers 2) was the first ever not only match, but also sellout. Today the leagues' second, and third matches will be played with Minford FC playing Fairfield FC, and Daleton United meeting with Carson City.

by **Semarland** » Mon Jul 07, 2014 8:42 am

SPORTSMAEL

SEMARLAND ARE THROUGH!

by Kristian Sorensen

Playing as the underdogs, Semarland (who came 4th) faced a group topping Vanersholm side, with players such as Mark Mikaelsson and Mathias Lager.

Semarland, started with the same team that started their opening match, against Ekoz. An incredibly pacy Demba Cisse ran rings around the Vanersholm defence, and Semarland nearly broke the ice on 12 minutes after a superb pass by Cisse, chipped over the defender's heads, who were playing Lars Carlsberg onside, who unluckily volleyed straight at the goalkeeper. But it was Vanersholm who broke the ice after Mark Mikaelsson's header from a corner put them 1-0 up.

At half time, Olle Pranich was brought on for Nils Moller. Pranich made a good start, creating three chances and missing one himself. On 64 minutes, an amazing run by Demba Cisse who played a through ball to Lars Carlsberg who thundered the ball home. With Fjyoord on for Carlsberg and Hellensen on for Marcssen, Semarland ended up on top after a mazy run from Demba Cisse who played it to Hellensen, who struck the post only for Pranich to square it into the box as Cisse slotted the ball home.

In the next round, Semarland will play United Eastedge.

by **Absurdly Polite Gentlemen** » Mon Jul 07, 2014 10:15 am

The Gentleman's Sporting Weekly
Fans Happy, FFoAPG Angry

The Football Federation of Absurdly Polite Gentlemen has expressed anger and has called the performance against Yids a 'disgrace'. Their disappointment has come as the team managed to get by Yids with a one-nil win, with a goal courtesy of Zander-Smith. They have passed on an official apology to the people of Yids for knocking their team out undeservedly, and therefore taking their rightful place in the Round of 16. This has caused many rumours to begin spreading about manager Sir Humphrey's future in managing the team; although the FFoAPG has stated that he will remain manager until the end of this cycle unless some controversy happens.

Meanwhile, the fans of the 11 firm handshakes have expressed their happiness at the performance of the APG side, saying that they hope to see the side go even further when they face up against ORCA bay, who managed to come out of their group in second place, much like we did. There seems now to be a very noticeable disconnect between the chaps in the crowd and the chaps in the board room, one in which the players side very much with the crowd.

Our chaps, however, are still conducting themselves toppingly, all the other teams have commented on it, whilst also committing fouls against ours. In fact, the number of fouls committed against our team is disturbingly high and many fans have found what they have seen in this cup, having led very sheltered lives where they had yet to witness I gentlemanly behaviour.

The game we saw against Yids was a cagey one for the 11 firm handshakes. The 11 firm handshakes spent the vast majority of the game in their half, playing a very defensive game and holding possession of the ball. We in fact had only 3 shots on goal. This may be considered boring by most, but it worked, as they held Yids out of their box and managed to eventually exploit the holes in the defence. The game winner came from Zander-Smith, who managed to get his foot on the end of a ball put across by Orping, crossing the keeper and leaving the net exposed. The goal came just before half-time, and the already defensive performance of APG turned more conservative, with no more shots on goal and only a total of 9 minutes spent in Yids half for the remainder of the match. It has been said that the same tactics will be employed against ORCA bay in the hope that it will see the team to the Quarter-Finals. The mood amongst the fans is that they wish to see a more interesting style of football employed, but will not complain so long as the results keep coming.

by **Vunishia** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 6:23 am

Vunishia goals

Cleavon Huges; 21
Fox Smith; 71
Ford Wood; 87

Jecatria goals

Louis Wallis; 26
Harley Kirby; 64

Vunishia Yellow cards

Ford Wood (Deliberate handball; 68)

---

"OK. Start of the knock out stages. We've all done well to get this far, and I think we can call this a win for Vunishia considering it's far better than any of us thought we'd do going into this. But, lets see just how far this train is willing to carry us, shall we?" Sherman Lee was giving the Vunishian team a brief pep talk prior to the match against Jecatria. The team were mostly buying into it. Hy Taylor was looking sullen.

Nigel Taylor, his brother, had been playing forward with him in their last group game. Hy'd crossed to Nigel... Nigel was crossing to other people... But not to Hy. Even when Hy had been in a better shooting position. Even when Hy knew Nigel had noticed Hy was in a better shooting position. And now... Now he wasn't being played in this match? Did Sherman blame that he hadn't scored on him somehow? Had he done something wrong?

Sherman walked over to Hy after finishing his speech, for a quiet word with the striker. "Hy, do you see now why I think Nigel's jealous of your position?"

Hy paused, collecting his breath, before responding, almost in a whisper. "...Yes."

"Good. I consider you to be a starting worthy striker, but I need Nigel in defence now we're in the knock-out part of the tournament, and I can't afford to risk him breaking line. I'm going to need you on the field later in the tournament as well, but in today's game? I need to make sure Nigel gets more time in the spotlight than you, and due to where the two of you play, that unfortunately means Vunishia will have to do without it's second best forward - and the only one of our usual starting forwards who groks the handball rule, which some would argue makes you the better one, even if Ford Wood has more shot accuracy."

"...I didn't do anything wrong?"

"...What? You may have made a couple of minor mistakes, but nothing that would cause me to not play you in a game. This is purely about wanting both you and Nigel on the pitch next match, and I need to get Nigel some more time to not think he's being outshone by yourself because goals make better headlines than blocks and tackles. Besides which, if we cut players from our squad for making mistakes, none of us would have been flying out from Vunushia in the first place... How's your acting?"

"How's my... What?"

"Well, I need you to make sure Nigel knows how invaluable he is in his position after the game, and since he's jealous of you..."

"...You want me to ram home how well he plays? Why would that require acting? He's a better defender than I am a forward."

"You ever tell him that?"

"Why would I? It's bloody obvious. I score a couple of goals, mostly set up by other people. He winds up being in the right place at the right time to pressure the other guys forwards. If he was playing for our opponents, I doubt I'd score."

"...And I think that's part of the problem. Sometimes people need the obvious being pointed out to them, especially when it's from the person they think they're in the shadow of. He's your younger brother - He still thinks he has to live up to you."

"How the hell did a 17 year old kid learn that much psychology?"

Sherman blushed a bit, as he sheepishly responded. "...I've got an older sister."

---

Cleavon Huges scored the first goal for Vunishia in the first half, but Lois Wallis soon equalised for Jecatria. Despite the fairly attacking remaining half from both sides, in which Nigel Taylor proved invaluable for the Vunishian defence, no more goals were scored in the first half.

When the first goal in the second half was scored by Harley Kirby for Jacatria, the team tensed, and started attacking harder. Harley nearly got into, shooting range with the ball again, but Sheadon Huges ran straight at the opposing player. Sheadon nearly let instinct take over, but just before diving at the Jecatrian striker, did a well aimed slide to swipe the ball cleanly away. Sherman nodded at the defender from the sidelines, knowing how tricky it still was for the guy to do association football style tackles when pressure was on, Sheadon had perhaps had the most difficult time adjusting from mob football.

Passing the ball forward, and forward again, Fox Smith crossed to Ford Wood, who unfortunately was feeling the pressure, hard, and caught the ball to run with it. The referee booked him for such flagrant hand ball. Sherman put his head in his hands a little, a brief temptation flashed through him that maybe he should pull Ford off, but he knew that Ford needed to play through pressure at this point in order to have a hope of managing later in the tournament, and Ford was, at least on paper, the best striker Vunishia had, so he resisted.

Vunishia quickly recovered the ball, and Fox Smith managed to score an equalising goal in short order. The ball changed possession frequently for the next 12 minutes or so, the crowd were enthused by how attacking this game had turned out to be. With only a few minutes of normal time remaining, Fox Smith once again crossed to Ford Wood, who was clearly still feeling the pressure. The cross was a little high, and it would have been so easy for Ford to catch it, especially with the pressure he was under since this might be the last opportunity in normal time for Vunishia to score making instincts fight to kick in. But Ford managed to instead leap forwards, connecting the ball with his head, to put the ball right in the bottom right corner of the net, for the winning Vunishian goal.

Sherman Lee let the breath he hadn't even noticed he was holding out.

---

Vunishian starting squad for match against Novach

1 GK - Karston Jackson
2 DC - Sheadon Huges
3 DC - Zebediah Green
4 DC - Nigel Taylor
5 LMF - Shaw Robinson
15 CMF - Phineas Martin
7 CMF - Fox Smith
8 CMF - Fairly Evans
9 RMF - Eliah James
10 FC - Hy Taylor
11 FC - Ford Wood

by **Timbermunich** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 9:24 am

Who
GK - Great Hatchet Hank
Hank was born to a family in Populuspen Ridge in the village of Cottontimber. That region is the southern most region of Timbermunich and Cottontimber is also known as the capital of that region. The family was like any other family who lived during that time; they loved life and contributed to the village in any way they could. Hanks life as a child was very nice as he studied under the village elder Scharuka and learned many things from her, especially the art of tracking and hunting. Nearing Hanks tenth birthday Great Battle and Great One-Arm Willie were traveling though Timbermunich with news of a new discovery. When they came to Cottontimber they met with Scharuka during her lessons to the children and spoke quietly with her as not to disturb the children that were with her. At that time there were only two Greats and the heirs of those greats who were known to also possess the Greatness. Hank thought nothing of this visit and focused on his studies for the day, little did he know the discovery that the two Greats brought news of would change all of Timbermunich.

A few years later Hank received his Hatchet title, which he was given not long after completing his studies at the young age of thirteen. He received this title because he always preferred the shorter haft that was often associated with a hatchet and his skill with them was extraordinary. From the teachings of Scharuka he became one of the best hunters in all of Timbermunich and he was usually seen wielding two hatchets while hunting, so it was only fitting that he gained the Hatchet title. Even after receiving the Great title most people simply called him Hatchet and to this day he prefers that title over any others.

Accolades
Association Football
Two time Timbermunich Goalie of the year – Oaks Domestic League (ODL)
Named first goalie selected for the Hardwoods – National team
Records
GAA:
0.44 – league single season, Oaks Domestic League (ODL) 12 goals against in 27 games
0.75 – league career (two seasons), Oaks Domestic League (ODL)
0.87 – overall career, ODL and WC/BOF (1.43 one cycle as of latest Rof32 game),
Clean Sheets:
14 – league single season (27 games), Oaks Domestic League
21 – league career (two seasons, 54 games), Oaks Domestic League
23 – overall career, ODL and WC/BOF (61 games as of latest Rof 32 game)

Other
Obtained Hatchet title for his exceptional skill with that ax type
Obtained Great title of possessing Greatness as indicated by the Great Battle Axe
- Serves as a protector of all Timbermunich and the Great TimberOaks
Lead Hunter of Timbermunich

The Skinny
Great Hatchet Hank is an exceptional goalkeeper who defends the ol’onion bag with all his might. Oppositions find it hard to score on him as he is both good low as he is high and seems not to have a weak side when it comes to diving and reacting. He reads the game very well and commands his defenders with great authority. He is well respected by all of his teammates, coaches, and anyone he meets. Hatchet is a true leader on and off the field; he is second behind Great Battle as the teams’ captain and serves as such in his absence. Off of the field he is a great protector of animals that live within the Heart of the Grove (somewhat ironic since he is/was Lead Hunter of Timbermunich) and, like the other Greats, makes sure that no harm comes to any part of Timbermunich.

by **The Fallenmark Islands** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 12:49 pm

"They're losing, Henk."

"Yes, Minister."

"You assured me that this wouldn't be the case. The Chairman is counting on their progressing, here."

"Patience, Minister, the synaesthete is a talented individual. Gifted, some would say. I have every confidence from my observations so far that he has the knowledge necessary to turn this situation around. There's time for two goals yet."

"Hm," said Olafur Vermeer, Sports Minister for the government of The Fallenmark Islands, "I hope for both our sakes that you're correct."

"I have every confidence, Minister." said Agent Henk, sitting next to Vermeer in the stands above the Fallenmark bench, peering down at van Sorensen and lowering his voice before continuing, "Like I said, he's clever. Too clever, almost. We may have overreached slightly with this appointment, Mr Vermeer."

"Too clever?"

"He knows something's up. I can tell."

"How could he possibly, Henk? You've done nothing wrong. All you're doing is taking notes for the Party."

"Even so, he doesn't trust me."

"Well, that's not really a requirement, is it?" said Vermeer, turning away from the game to look at Henk, "It needn't affect your assignment. As long as we say you get to follow them around, you follow them around and you complete your assignment."

"Yes, Minister." agreed Henk, nodding courteously.

"Speaking of which," continued Vermeer, "when are you turning in your findings?"

"Well, I was going to wait until the President and the Chairman got here, but if y-..." began Henk, pausing to allow a surge of crowd noise caused by a chance for Kjartan Dagfinnursson to subside again, "but if you wanted some pointers now I'd be happy to oblige, Minister."

"What about Pirinen?"

"She's coming too? I thought she was staying in the Commonwealth?"

"Change of plan, I believe. It was decided that she could best oversee communications from the spot rather than from Marylebone."

"I guess that makes sense."

"Yes, well, after President Klaus and the Chairman, Communications Tsar is pretty much the most important role in the Party, Henk. A reminder if any were needed that your role here is crucial. Don't let us down."

"Of course not, Minister. Smile."

"What?"

"Look relieved?"

"Why?"

"Because The Jasminia Islands just missed a shot to make it three-one, and you're on the big screen." hissed Henk, his greasy hair flopping around as he leaned back away from his whisper in the Sports Minister's ear.

"Ah."

The moment passed, and the attention of the television cameras turned back to the events on the pitch. Vermeer looked down on van Sorensen and his assistant frantically preparing their last substitute with tactical instructions. The number eighteen. He had no idea who it was. He turned to Henk and hissed angrily.

"Why is this happening, Henk? You assured me van Sorensen would turn this around."

"And so he will!" hissed Henk back, before remembering his position, "Minister."

"I trusted you to get this appointment right."

"I've been right so far, haven't I?" said Henk, keeping one eye on the pitch, "I scouted him out, I told you who to go for, I gently steered him away from the more revolutionary members of the playing pool he could have chosen by removing their reports from the database, I know more about the team than the entire Department of Sport and Culture!"

"Resul-..."

"I haven't been wrong yet! I was right about Eygenroy, wasn't I?"

"Eygenroy?"

"The Blockhead. The assistant."

"Oh, him."

"I told you that if you approached van Sorensen, he'd take the Blockhead with him. And he did."

"Yes, that is true," said Vermeer, chuckling to himself, "and that pissed off bastards down in Scheveningen something rotten. Heh. Yes, that was a moment of inspiration from you, I must say."

"Good. Well then cut me some slack please, Minister, I'm doing my best here. And so, I'd wager, is van Sorensen."

"And what if the best isn't good enough, Henk? What then?"

"That's your problem, not mine." snapped Henk. "All I do is gather the information and complete my assignment. If the best isn't good enough then that's your problem. Or Pirinen's, I suppose. The Party will just have to find some other cheerleaders, or morale-boosters, or puppets, or whatever you're calling this initiative."

"Peoples' Gladiators."

"Well, whatever." said Henk dismissively with a wave of his hand.

"You'd do well to remember your place, Henk," said Vermeer, his eyes narrowing.

"I just work for you, Minister, I don't set the initiatives and I don't have to privately think they'd be up to much, if anything. Though, speaking of sporting heroes..."

Henk trailed off and pointed towards the pitch. Vermeer's eyes followed the agent's finger. The Fallenmark number eighteen was jinking down the right, launching himself past the challenges of anyone in burgundy before they could react. He played a dummy with his right, and executed a perfect one-two with the number eleven on the edge of the box. The number eighteen made to clip the ball into the middle for the number nine, but at the last minute he trod on the ball and left it for the advancing number five to continue his run, collect the ball as he ran into the box, and level a piledriver of a shot right past the stranded goalkeeper.

"Woh!" shouted Vermeer, standing up involuntarily as the emotion of the moment got to him and the Fallenmark half of the stadium erupted with noise. "Even I can appreciate that one!"

"Yes," smiled Henk, noticing out of the corner of his eye that van Sorensen had turned to see their reactions in the crowd, "that was van Sorensen's last substitute in action. See? I told you."

"The number five?"

"No, that's the captain. Darmstadt. He's been on since the start. He's on the shortlist."

"What about the substitute, then? The number eighteen?" asked Vermeer, sitting down again.

"Artemiusz Vyrubova?" said Henk, shaking his head, "No good. Inspired substitution, but no good to you. Plays for Esprit now but he was born a Cairnskillen. No, it's Darmstadt you want to watch. He's incredibly influential, and he's the captain to boot."

"A leader?"

"As natural as Klaus."

"I wouldn't say that when the President gets here..." warned Vermeer.

"Of course not, Minister." smiled Henk.

He knew he was right, though. He'd be waiting until the President and the Chairman arrived in Schiavonia, should the Herons get there, of course, but Eero Darmstadt was at the very top of his list of players to consider approaching as a Party. Style, power, good looks, charisma, determination; he had the lot. If ever the Party needed to attract the endorsements of a national hero, Darmstadt would make the perfect choice.

As if to illustrate this point, with mere minutes left on the clock, Darmstadt intercepted a dangerous looking through ball, just as his role in defence dictated he should. With Damkjaer sitting deeper, the space freed up for him to come forwards, and keep coming, and keep coming yet further still. With every passing second, the stadium sat more and more on the edge of their seats as the talented defender moved forwards into his attacking role, scattering the Fallenmark attackers into wider positions waiting for the pass as he went. Eventually, evading a tackle and looking up just as even Vermeer started to crouch on his knees in anticipation, Darmstadt selected the perfectly weighted whipped cross for Beyer. The ball curled around to the back post deliciously, and one diving header at the edge of the six-yard box from Beyer later, the Herons were in front for the first time in the match.

The stadium erupted with noise from the fans wearing blue, Vermeer included.

Henk stood, smiled, and nodded towards the pile of players celebrating on the pitch. "Somewhere under there is Eiríkur Beyer. Also on the list."

Vermeer smiled and sat down as the celebrations finally settled and the players took their places for the final few minutes of the match. He'd surprised himself at how into that moment he had gotten. If anyone in the Party asked he could claim it to be particularly good acting, but all the same it was an outpouring of emotion that he hadn't been expecting, and it unnerved him. The President wouldn't be impressed if he knew the truth. 'Professional distance' was the watchword of the month with this initiative. Privately, at least.

"What about them, got any notes on them?" asked Vermeer, pointing towards the plumes of blue smoke rising from the flares of the Fallenmark fans at the other end of the stadium. "They look pretty interesting."

"That's the Blue Unit, Minister," said Henk, following Vermeer's gaze, "they're the hardcore of fans from the Commonwealth. They can get a bit rowdy, truth be told. There will be international incidents at some point in the future, I'm sure. You may wish to infiltrate them. Not that I'm telling you how to do your job. Or the Chairman."

"Hm, the name sounds familiar, actually. I have a feeling we may have already done that." Vermeer shrugged, "at a level of cover too deep for me to reach just yet however, I'm sure."

"Well, I could give it a quick go in the coming days, Minister?" suggested Henk, once more noticing van Sorensen staring up at them from the bench out of the corner of his eyes, "Don't look now but I'm getting a lot of attention from a certain Polarian on the bench. I may need to keep a wee bit of distance from the team for a little while."

"I see," said Vermeer, artfully avoiding looking at the bench, "well, then yes. Give it a go. Observe, report back. Perhaps you can get some idea of how the players on your list are seen by the people."

"Is that not Pirinen's job as Communications Tsar?" asked Henk.

"Perhaps in the Commonwealth," agreed Vermeer, standing up and applauding as the referee blew the final whilst. Three-two to The Fallenmark Islands, "but you have one key advantage over Agyness Pirinen for now, and that is that you are here and she is not."

"Understood, Minister." said Henk, also standing and applauding, ever watchful of the ways the players interacted with each other following the victory.

"So keep yourself useful," continued Vermeer as he turned to walk up the stairs and out of the stadium, one of the first Fallenmark to do so, "it would be a shame if the Chairman was to decide you weren't useful any more once you've presented your findings. I'd be looking into finding other sources of relevance, if I were you."

"Minister."

"I like you, Henk, but you're ten a pfennig as far as the Party is concerned."

Henk clapped slowly as he watched the Sports Minister climb the stairs and go out into the night. He hated to admit it, but he was right. A Party that needed to be impressed, a hooligan group that needed to be infiltrated, and a champion of the people that needed to be identified, assessed, and evaluated. All under the ever suspicious gaze of a foreign manager with synaesthesia. It was going to be a fine balancing act to pull off if he wanted this job long term.

Henk stole a look at van Sorensen; he was out on the pitch with his players, applauding the booming presence of the Blue Unit in the stands. For once, he appeared oblivious to Henk's presence. Henk took the opportunity to move without being noticed, and slipped out into the shadows of the stadium concourse, making sure not to catch up with Vermeer as he did so. He made notes in his notebook as he went. The assignment continued.

by **United Eastedge** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 3:21 pm

The Baptism of Random: Chapter 4

Eastie: "Guys? Where are you?"
Semarland: "Nobody is here; just you and me."
Eastie: "What do you mean with that?"
Semarland: "You know..."
Azrea: "He is just joking, gullible."
Eastie: "Azrea, you are here yet!"
Azrea: "Yep, the planet of apes was definitely easy for me."
Absurdly: "Guess who's here ladies and gentleman!"
Azrea: "An.... Absurd gentleman? I guess."
Absurdly: "Well, yes... But I was thinking somethink like g-e-n-t-l-e-m-a-n, gentleman!"
Azrea: "You thought bad."
Absurdly: "Do you know what's even more absurd than me?"
Semarland: "Oh, god... Here we go."
Absurdly: "ORCA Bay... Hahahahaha!"
Eastie: "Absurdly, if you think about it better, orca is the spanish for killer whale."
Semarland: "Hey, ORCA!"
ORCA: "Hi there, everyone. Just listened that somebody said me absurd."
Azrea: "He's a gentleman. Gentlemans do not do that.."
ORCA: "So, you said it, then? I'll punch you in the face."
Rauss: "Sorry for the delay, but finally, I'm here."
Eastie: "And you are...?"
Rauss: Oh, I'm Rauss. You can remember me as the one who caused Azrea to return home."
Azrea: "That's funny."

The camera cuts to a dark place, somewhere in Schiavonia...

Unknown 1: "So, that'll be the plan, then?"
Unknown 2: "That's right. I'll give to him a considerable payment to help Semarland tonight."
Unknown 1: "Remember that a team of Schiavonia and friends' side, in a manner of speaking, need to win the competition."
Unknown 2: "Hm... Alright, I'll take that as well. Count with that."
Unknown 1: "United Eastedge won't win tonight, right?"
Unknown 2: "Nope. They will return home soon..."
Unknown: "Otherwise, I'll kill you... Hahaha."

The camera cuts and return to San Jose Guayabal, where Eastie and his friends are.

Eastie: "Alright, guys. Hope to see you in the Quarter-Finals."
Semarland: "What do you mean by that? Eh..?
Azrea: "I'll steal the trophy anyway."
Absurdly: "You need to be more like me.. Gentleman."
To be continued...

by **Schiavonia** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 5:02 pm

It is cut-off time for the Schiavonia section, as we say one last goodbye and thank you to our colleagues around the multiverse that have helped make this tournament happen. But after these games, it's just San Jose Guayabal and Schiavonia...

BAPTISM OF FIRE ROUND OF 16 - NEPHARA, NOVA ANGLICANA, RUENTENBACH & SCHIAVONIA

Red Blackiland 0–1 The Fallenmark Islands
Laiyenda 3–2 Cata Larga
Czarch 1–0 Lons
Vunishia 2–2 Novach (3–3 AET) (4–1 pen.)

Red Blacki. -|
1-0          |Red Blackiland --------|
Alinghi FDR -|                       |
              0-1                    |The Fallenmark Islands |
Fallenmark I.|                       |                       |
3-2          |The Fallenmark Islands |                       |
Jasminia Isl.|                                               |
                                                             |-------------|
Notsofreeland|                                               |             |
0-1          |Laiyenda --------------|                       |             |
Laiyenda ----|                       |                       |             |
              3-2                    |Laiyenda --------------|             |
Cata Larga --|                       |                                     |
2-1          |Cata Larga ------------|                                     |
Yuz.-Sakh. g.|                                                             |
                                                                           |-------------
Czarch ------|                                                             |
1-1 (2-1 AET)|Czarch ----------------|                                     |
T.D. Gaules -|                       |                                     |
              1-0                    |Czarch ----------------|             |
St. James I. |                       |                       |             |
0-0 (0-1 AET)|Lons ------------------|                       |             |
Lons --------|                                               |             |
                                                             |-------------|
Vunishia ----|                                               |
3-2          |Vunishia --------------|                       |
Jecatria ----|                       |                       |
              2-2 (3-3 AET) (4-1 pen)|Vunishia --------------|
Novach ------|                       |
3-0          |Novach ----------------|
Lavertezzo --|

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Tue Jul 08, 2014 6:37 pm

This is the Round of 16 for SJG region Cut-Off, sponsored by "Hernández Rent-a-Car".

Some randomly picked cut-off music

San José Guayabal Round of 16 scores.

Timbermunich 2–2 Venalzio (3–2 AET) (18:30) @ Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador.

Azrea 2–1 Raussland (21:00) @ Sakhalinsk Stadion, Sakhalin.

Absurdly Polite Gentleman 3–1 ORCA Bay (22:00) @ Estadio Luis Barbosa, El Roblar.

United Eastedge 1–0 Semarland (22:30) @ At Estadio Oscar Alberto Quiteño, Santa Ana.

Quarter-finals fixtures.

(20:30) R16A vs R16D Timbermunich vs United Eastedge @ Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador.

(21:45) R16B vs R16C Azrea vs Absurdly Polite Gentleman @ Estadio Luis Barbosa, El Roblar.

by **Timbermunich** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 6:31 am

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7

Great Battle and Great One-Arm Willy spent the night just to the outside of The Heart of the Grove and it was, just like their first night there, a very sleepless night. Thoughts about the object they found, conversations with one another about it, and just their excitement over the whole deal kept them from getting much sleep. As the sun came up and made its way up into the sky its rays gleamed through the overhead branches and lit up the spot where the two lay. As the nature around them rose for the day they waited to get up as they were still thinking of everything that happened yesterday and what they had found in the middle of the Heart of the Grove. Once up they managed to get them selves a little food (nuts and berries) to go with the remaining bread they carried in their packs and after eating they gathered their things and headed back south, back to their village. Through their restless night they had decided to go back to TimberOak Grove and share what they had found, first with their wives and families, then with the rest of the village. Finally they would head out to the other regions and spread the news of their finding with the rest of Timbermunich.

As the two walked home they talked in great detail about all of the things they saw, thought, felt, and heard from one another’s minds while they were inside the center of the Heart of the Grove. They knew that their find would change how life was going to be lived within Timbermunich, especially for TimberOak Grove. They felt that this was a good time in Timbermunich and that there should be a nation wide celebration once everything was finalized with what they thought would happen next. They weren’t sure what the best place would be to have this celebration, but knew it needed to be held.

When they were about half way back to their village the conversation turned and focused on what they found and how it would change all of Timbermunich. The object they found was clearly the source of all life throughout Timbermunich. It radiated this power from deep within the earth and sent waves of it out through its leaves, which seemed to then send the power outward into all living things. They did not know if the power was the same intensity as when the grove spread to cover Timbermunich, especially since this was the first time anyone (that they know of) found the object. They wondered if it pulsed at a more rapid rate when they saw such growth in the outward movement of the grove or if it remained like it was when they saw it and it was a steady stream of power. They also noticed that as one wave seemingly left the leaves a new wave started to be visible from where the stone met the surrounding earth and soil, so they both felt that their idea about the rate being more rapid in the early days of Timbermunich was plausible and true. For if one wave started as the last one left the mini TimberOak then it was only logical that when the mini TimberOak was smaller the waves would have been faster as they had a smaller distance to cover.

Now almost near the village gates they could hardly contain the excitement they were feeling. Their walking pace, which steadily increased as they traveled, now seemed to be at an almost jog. They could see the northern gate and the peak of Great One-Arm Willy’s home in the distance. No one was waiting this time for them to return as no one thought they would be back in only three short days. The lone watchman at the gate saw them coming and not noticing their pace nor seeing the joy on their faces simply opened the gate allowing them to enter. They quickly made their way to their homes and called for their wives and set up a family meeting in their joint back yards.

How will their families react to this news? What will the villagers think once they inform them? How soon will they depart to let the rest of Timbermunich know what they found? Hopefully we will find out soon….

Hardwood’s Matches
MD1: Bye
MD2: vs Yids (4-3)
MD3: vs Monkeykind (5-2)
MD4: vs The Blaatschapen (1-0)
MD5: vs West Carpathia (4-2)
MD6: vs Wolfenia (3-2)
MD6: vs Ayscos (2-1)
Round of 32
MD7: vs Dawnhaven (1-0)
Round of 16
MD8: vs Venalzio ((2-2)(3-2 AET)
Round of 8
MD9: vs United Eastedge

Group A Table
1 – Timbermunich – 18 pts
2 – Monkeykind –12 pts
3 – Yids – 10 pts
4 – Wolfenia – 8 pts
5 – West Carpathia – 7 pts
6 – Ayscos – 4 pts
7 – The Blaatschapen – 1 pt
still alive
eliminated

United Eastedge Lineup		|Timbermunich Lineup
GK  Walter Sandoval	1	|GK  Great Hatchet Hank		01
CB  Caleb Green		3	|RB  Great Norman		04
RCB Corey Peters	4	|CB  Great Battle		05*
LCB Jaime Hall		5	|CB  Great Battle Axe		03
RB  Jonathan Bennet	7	|LB  Great Tomahawk Tommy	06
LB  Dallas Wheeler	6	|RM  Great Dead-Eye Darrin	07
CM  Benjamin Holloway	13	|LM  Great Dirty Doug		08
ACM Eric Bowen		8	|RW  Great Dagger Dan		09
ACM Daryl Agnew		9	|CM  Great Wicked Warren	10
F   Ray Woods		11	|CF  Great One-Arm Willy	21
F   Brian Ward		10	|LW  Great Kyle Slater		17

The sun rose early on this day which was something normal for this time of the year since it was, after all, mid summer. The Greats that would be leaving soon to participate in their senescence were just rising for the day. The other Greats were in-between duties so the Heart Canopy was very active at the moment. Great Hatchet Hank rolled over in his hammock covering his face from the gleaming sun. Hatchet was not one for getting out of bed with the rise of the sun, no he was more of a let me sleep a bit longer kind of person. As he lay there trying desperately to fall back asleep with his arm attempting to shield out the sun he noticed a shadow near his doorway. When he tried to peer in the direction of the shadow it quickly moved away from the door and was seemingly gone. He thought nothing of it and closed his eyes again. A few moments later he opened them again to see the shadow once more; again as he peered in its direction it vanished away from the door. Knowing his door was shut and that it makes a certain squeaking noise when it is opened no one could have been in the room so the shadow must have been coming from outside. He couldn’t think of who might be waiting for him to rise, nor could he think of why they would move away when he attempted to look in that direction. Someone must have been messing with him today. They must know he is leaving soon, so maybe they were there to wish him well or surprise him for the day. But Hatchet was tired and desperately wanted to get some more rest before finally getting up. He again closed his eyes and this time rolled a bit further over so he was even more shielded from the sun light entering his sleeping area.

After some time of just laying there and not being able to fall back to sleep he decided to get up. As he rolled over to get out of the hammock he noticed the shadow once more and again it quickly moved away form the door as he came to face it. Now, since it had been at least an hour since he first noticed it he was getting a little concerned as he figured if it were someone looking to surprise him or simply give him a good send off they would have left by now. But he still didn’t react, just to be safe that he didn’t let the shadow figure know he was onto him/her. Instead he simply got up and walked slowly to the loo and closed the door behind him. As he finished his business and right before he turned the water on in the shower he heard the distinct squeak of his chamber door. He paused for a second to try and focus on the noise but as soon as he stooped moving the noise too had stopped. He reached over and placed the lock to the loo in place, turned the water on and got in the shower. Once clean he turned the water off and again he heard some noise coming from outside the loo. Still Hatchet did not get alarmed and simply went through is usual routine and finished getting ready. However, when he went to open the door to the loo he was a bit cautious and opened the door extremely slow. He peered out but didn’t see anything and the noise has subsided, so he opened the loo door all the way. Once the door was wide open he stepped out and into his sleeping chamber. As soon as he was through the doorway he was attacked! Hatchet was knocked to the floor and a wet slobbering tongue was licking all over his face. This could mean only one thing and as he pushed the pup off of himself he could see her leaning against the doorway in an extremely sly manner, it was his adoration, his love, his Great Atalanta.

Though the two never knew each other before starting their new Great lives within the Heart Canopy, they had since developed a wonderful relationship one in which they spent a lot of time together. If they were apart it was because they were working to protect Timbermunich and at almost any other time they could be found together. Hatchet loved Atalanta for everything she was, from her strength and guile, her intellect and conversations they would have, all the way down to her slender petite and sexy frame. She was everything he looked for in a woman and then some, something he never found in his past life, his life before being a Great.

As she leaned on the doorway she began to giggle as the pup once again slammed Hatched back to the floor. Nyxrhea, the pup, even though only being a couple months old would often jump on Hatchet and knock him to the floor to lick his face. Nyxrhea was a gift from him to Atalanta just a few days earlier to mark the first time the two had met while saving a set up similar pups from a fire near Pondesoto just two years prior, so it was a special pup and he pretty much allowed it to do anything to him. Atalanta finally entered the room and pulled Nyxrhea off of Hatchet. The two sat and talked for a bit discussing when exactly Hatchet was to be leaving, after a couple minutes they took the pup out and down from the Heart Canopy for some playtime at the floor of the Heart of the Grove. As they walked along the grove floor they played with Nyxrhea and further went into Hatchets trip, Atalanta knew he would be returning since it was his first senescence and that this one would most likely be his shortest one but she still did not want him to leave. As Hatchet was fond of Atalanta she too adored him and in some way she thought she wanted more than just the superb friendship they had now. She just didn’t know how to express this to Hatchet and was reluctant to do so because they both had wonderful lives before entering their Great Protection duties, lives which had included family and children. Although many if not all of them have long since passed on she still felt that some loyalty remained. She knew it was somewhat silly to think that way but it was how she had always been. As they walked Hatchet assured her that it would not be too long of a trip and that he would surly bring her something back from the far away lands he would travel to, which brought a happy smirk to her face.

Once they noticed they were near the edge of the Heart of the Grove they turned around and went back to the Heart Canopy with Nyxrhea following close behind. The pup was nearly asleep when they arrived back at Hatchets sleeping chamber so they put the pup in a basket with a fluffy blanket near the end of his bed and the two left to get something to eat. While getting something to eat they met up with some of the other first time senescence Greats and new teammates of Hatchet. They spent some time together eating and storytelling, then they all went together to the departure location. Atalanta said her goodbyes to a few of the other Greats she knew well and then came back to Hatchet. She didn’t say a word to him but he could see all of her thoughts within her eyes, the eyes that were starting to swell with tears. He brought a hand up to her face to wipe away the start of a tear, held her cheek and kissed her for the first time, a passionate kiss that spoke for both of them. Neither of them said a word as their embrace broke and they slowly separated, their hands sliding down the others arm and touching holding for just a moment as their finger tips met and didn’t want to let go. Hatchet entered the transport, moved to his window seat and watched Atalanta until they had moved out of sight. They will see each other again, but not until after Hatchets adventure at the Baptism of Fire was over…

Edit 1: added the second submission for Great Hatchet Hank to the main post.

by **Semarland** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 8:23 am

It's the end.

Semarland's amazing run came to end due to a 1-0 win against a strong United Eastedge Side.

Substitute Anthony Luna's 85th minute goal was a heartbreaker for Semarland, after Marko Palos and Daniel Christian Heidmarlik were both sent off.

Congratulations to United Eastedge, we wish them the best of luck in the tournament!

Congratulations to our team too, all the way to this round is a great achivement.

Demba Cisse has been named Semarland's player of the tournament.

by **Azrea** » Wed Jul 09, 2014 10:48 am

(I don't have that much time to write this, sorry for it being so short)

The Azrean Football Federation are pleased with the results of Azreas BoF56 achievements. Their nation has qualified for the tournaments' quarterfinals; something many Azreans' back home wouldn't of imagined. Fans are celebrating all over cities, and streets; as their team gets ready for the next obstacle - Absurdly Polite Gentlemen.

"The fact that we are still in the tournament, when many people thought we wouldn't be makes me happy. We are showing Nation States that Azrea is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Despite this, there is still a long way to go. I need to see some improvement in our defense if we want to go a long way", said Head Coach Doug Medley.

"We beat 'em once, can we do it again? In our first game we had defensive issues, and holding balls on the wings. If we can take care of these issues, I think we punch a ticket to the semi finals. Of course, we aren't being cocky about things, just taking them one step at a time", said Captain Moe Paxton.

"We are excited about where we stand, but are hungry for more. I'll score as many goals as I can to see my country advance further through this tournament", says Azrean scoring machine Tyler Blake.

Azrea took a 2-1 win to the quarterfinals in SJG. They were down 1 24 minutes into the game on a Raussland set piece, but would comeback in the second half on good notes. Tyler Blake scored his 6th of the tournament in the 58th, and Kenneth Jayes netted home his 2nd off a penalty in the 84th.

"We were down, but in the end we kept attacking, and attacking until the final whistle blew. If we continue to do this, we can be deadly", said Kenneth Jayes.

Azrea will face APG in a group stage rematch on Thursday, anticipated has a thriller. Can Azrea keep up their "magical run?" We shall see!

by **Vunishia** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:33 am

Vunishia Goals:

Hy Taylor; 23
Fox Smith; 78
Truely Walker; 112

Novach Goals:

Dejan Smolak; 38
Viktor Starek; 56
Valentin Hornak; 97

Vunishian Substitutions

Karstan Jackson -> Truely Walker 91

---

Shortly following the Vunishian victory against Jecarta, Sherman Lee was surprised to receive a phone call. He was even more surprised when, upon answering it, he was greeted by the sounds of the Vunishian culture secretary, Pauline Nikota, demanding to know what the hell was going on and why he was managing the team.

"...Because Nolan Moore is incapacitated for medical reasons...?" He responded, trying desperately to not sound patronising to the government minister, and failing.

Pauline Nikota's voice switched from frantic to icy in a second "...Are you trying to be smart with me?"

"No! Honestly, no. Sorry it came out like that. Sometimes things come out in a way that sounds like I'm answering back when I'm really not meaning it that way..."

Her voice softened a little, the panic in Sherman's voice reassured her that it had come out in the wrong tone. "That explains the discipline problem that appeared on your school records, at least."

"...You've been digging up on me?"

"I've got my career on the line on this hair brained scheme of an association football tournament, and suddenly my hand picked manager has been replaced with a 17 year old kid who, by all reports, incapacitated a starting mid-fielder with a doping scheme when he was a third string goalie who only made the team because there was literally no-one else. Of course I've been 'digging up' on you, as you put it."

"I... Yes, of course."

She sighed, and tried again. "So why you, why not any of the coaching staff?"

"Literally no-one wanted the job, and I was the person willing. This came from the starting players after the coaching staff laughed at the prospect of taking over Nolan Moore's role as manager, not from me, I assure you."

"...OK. So, this doping thing?"

"Is using RPDs. Perfectly within the rules of international sport, and in fact actively encouraged. I wasn't aware there was a possibility of allergy to it."

She sighed in relief. "Yes, my advisers had assured me of such. I needed to check you knew the status of them in international sport. Continue to do what you're doing."

"...That's it?"

"Unless there's something else?"

"What about your career being on the line on the back of this tournament?"

"Oh, as long as no-one on the Vunishian management staff was involved in anything that could bring our nation into disrepute, you boys have done more than enough to , and possibly avert a couple of wars. The foreign secretary wanted to make sure we appeared on the map to make sure we were known about before anyone attacked us, I came up with entering an association football tournament as a last ditched effort to avoid invading someone smaller. We've done more than enough, and not embarrassed ourselves, at this point."

"...You... Why association football? We shouldn't have done nearly this well at this sport, frankly. The media were right - Rugby would have been a far more appropriate sport to transition to. Or American Football."

"I'm well aware of this, but I needed a big international sport and... Association Football sprang to mind. Oh, actually, there is one more thing. Could you pass on a message to Nolan for me?"

"Err... Sure. What is it?"

"Tell him he's gotten his association football schools program. Lots of youth have enquired with their schools about wanting to take it up and asked if there was any chance of starting a . It's still a minor following, of course, but... He'll have players who actually know the rules next time."

When Sherman Lee passed on said message, Nolan Moore responded with a grunt of derision, told Sherman Lee that as far as he was concerned, his contract was for one tournament and he was not interested in a renewal, and assured the startled youth that a personal letter of recommendation for Sherman to take over the post of future international Vunishian association football manager would be finding its way on the culture secretary's desk and that he couldn't think of a more deserving candidate - or was that victim, Sherman wasn't sure the exact word Nolan had used - than Sherman.

The Shiavonian nurses then, in the nicest possible way, ushered Sherman out of the ward on account of him causing their patient some distress.

---

Sherman passed on a slightly elaborated message that the team had been an inspiration to Vunishian youth, that the culture secretary was proud of them, and that she wanted them to keep doing what they had been doing. He 'forgot' to mention the part about having just learnt that they were only there due to a hair brained political scheme to avert the more war prone members of the cabinet from starting any conflicts. The team were upbeat at the news going into the match against Novach.

When regular time ended at a two all draw, Sherman had to quickly explain the extra time concept before the players left the pitch; Nolan and Sherman had assumed they wouldn't be getting through the group stages, so the need to know how tiebreaks worked in association football simply hadn't come up.

He apologised to Karston Jackson about the upcoming substitution, but the shorter period of extra time meant he needed to ensure the best goalie was on the pitch just in case things went to penalties, and that Truely Walker was better at catching balls than Karston, even if not as good at staying near the net.

A decision he regretted when Novach pulled ahead in the first half of extra time, after Truely had let get a couple of Novach players behind him... After failing to connect a challenge from around the half way line. This forced the Vunishians to scramble to find a goal from somewhere. Still, at least Truely Walker managed to score in the second half of extra time from open play, most goal keepers only scored from corners. Sherman wasn't entirely convinced by his own logic there, mind, until Vunishia managed to win the penalty shoot out 4-1.

---

Vunishian lineup for match against Czarch.

1 GK - Karston Jackson
2 DC - Sheadon Huges
3 DC - Zebediah Green
4 DC - Nigel Taylor
5 LMF - Shaw Robinson
15 CMF - Phineas Martin
7 CMF - Fox Smith
8 CMF - Fairly Evans
9 RMF - Eliah James
10 FC - Hy Taylor
11 FC - Ford Wood

by **Laiyenda** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 1:01 pm

One Team Project Board Meeting 7/09/14

Director Stevens: So, as of right now our team is looking strong, they are headed to the Quarter Finals of the Baptism of Fire. How does the rest of the project look?

Budget Manager, Mrs. Robertson: Our finances are still strong. We have a huge surplus of funds right now thanks to the sale of jerseys, bobble heads, cups, sweatshirts, and everything else we could put a logo on.

Team Manager, Mr. Christopher: I say we use that money to give Dante Durant a bonus...God knows he's earned it!

Director Stevens: Ha, agreed! How about the investors, Mrs. Robertson?

Mrs. Robertson: Very happy indeed. Many say they are willing to provide more money if necessary.

Director Stevens: and ticket sales for fan fest?

Mrs. Robertson: Sold out in thirty minutes, sir.

Director Stevens: Sounds great! Mr. Weekes?

Fan Director, Mr. Weekes: Looking good, obviously. The fans are going crazy, fan fest is going to be huge!

Director Stevens: Ok, thank you Mr. Weekes. Dean?

Mr. Christopher: The team is still looking strong, no injuries yet. Coach O'Daire changed his play style and the team seems to have handled that with ease.

Director Stevens: But, do you think they can advance to the semi-finals?

Mr. Christopher: I have no doubt the team will put everything they have into that match. They will run all over the pitch before they allow themselves to lose. But, sir, The Fallenmark Islands will be the toughest team yet.

Director Stevens: Even beating out Lavertezzo?

Mr. Christopher: No doubt sir.

Director Stevens: Mr. Weekes, what happens if they lose this match? Will we still have full support going forward to the World Cup?

Mr. Weekes: Sir, the team has already won the hearts of the nation...whether they win or lose, the fans will stay loyal headed forward.

Director Stevens: Then I suppose we declare this project a success. Be back here tomorrow team. We have a match to watch.

by **The Fallenmark Islands** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 3:12 pm

"VAN SORENSEN'S BARMY ARMY! VAN SORENSEN'S BARMY ARMY! VAN SORENSEN'S BARMY ARMY!"

Agent Henk bounced and sang along to the chant loudly. It was important to fit in in this situation, and he was making every effort to do so. He'd spent hours the night before the match against Red Blackiland learning all the usual chants, but he had very little say over whether he bounced or not; the Blue Unit were pressed so closely together this near the front of the stand that when more than half of them decided to move, the other half had very little option but to move with them. It was a very democratic process in this way.

From what information he'd been able to gather, the match was another close one. They were deep into the second half now, but the two teams had cancelled each other out so far and the score was still nil-nil. Dagfinnursson had come closest for the Herons, supposedly, but when you're thirteen or so rows back and about a foot shorter than the average Fallenmark a lot of this information had to be gleaned through educated guesses. Nonetheless, Henk dreaded to think what the Sports Minister would have been saying had he been sitting next to him at this match as well. As it happened, the decision to infiltrate the Blue Unit had turned out to kill many birds with the same stone. Not only was he out of the sight of the increasingly suspicious Polarian manager of The Fallenmark Islands' national team, Alexsandr van Sorensen, but he was also out of the sight of the surly and grumpy Sports Minister, Olafur Vermeer. Henk had been quite taken aback by the insinuations from the minister at the last game that he was no good at his job, or that he'd provided bad intelligence. He was good at his job. He was very good at his job. He'd slipped seamlessly into his place here in the crowd, in the very centre of the Blue Unit, and he wasn't sticking out in the slightest. Quietly, as quietly as any thought could happen in an atmosphere this raucous, Henk thought to himself what a good idea it had been to leave the notebook at home for once. Using it would have been impossible in this situation, and even if it hadn't been, it would have drawn attention to him.

No, these notes were far better being jotted down in his head. It was all good information, too. Surprisingly good information, in fact. Henk didn't like to admit it to himself, but perhaps he'd missed a trick here, and just maybe going and sitting by the Blue Unit before today would have been a good idea.

The crowd booed and hissed as a few chairs from the equally vociferous Red Blackiland section started landing amongst the Blue Unit. A few seats were thrown back and Henk was forced sideways by the sheer weight of the crowd pushing and pulling on him, all thoughts of on-field action temporarily shifted from the front of his mind as self-preservation took over. Self-preservation was a highly important skill for someone in Henk's line of work, and he was very good at it. Elbowing a few balaclava-wearing members of the Blue Unit in the ribs, he managed to 'swim' through the tide of fans struck with bloodlust and escape to a relatively less dense area of the crowd. He looked back at the pitch. He was a good ten metres from the place he'd started, and he had a good view of the Nephara police stepping in to make sure that no more seats were getting ripped up. Someone appeared to ask whether they were allowed to fight so long as no criminal damage was being made, and the police answered in a way that must have been positive. The hardcore of each fan section set upon each other, to the cheer of the other supporters. A sport within a sport.

Henk turned back to the pitch and caught a bit more of the action. The Herons, in their white and red away kit, were evidently camped out in the opponent's half. Only one defender remained on the half way line, with the entire Red Blackiland team back in their own penalty box defending what must have been the third or fourth corner in a row if the number of defenders was anything to go by. Beyer's corner was cleared however, and this time the clearance stuck.

He looked at van Sorensen across the pitch. From a distance it looked like the manager was shrugging at the deliriously happy violence occurring just off to Henk's left, but there was the nervous look into the stands behind the dugout. Henk had spooked the guy, clearly. He was a synaesthete, Henk knew that much, and he could only assume that something about his character had reminded van Sorensen of a particularly untrustworthy person from his past. Certainly, there was nothing outwardly hostile about Henk's assignment. In fact, even when you looked closer at the directive, to identify and monitor the members of the squad best suited to be used by the Party to boost their next election campaign, at the very worst it was merely electioneering. Henk didn't understand the need for secrecy at all.

In fact, Henk barely understood elections. None of that had been around when he'd been growing up in Haaksfalken; Fallenmark had still been in the death clutches of the doomed communist regime for those formative years of Henk's life, and only recently had the newly reformed Party been winning elections against the smaller, newer, freer parties. Come to think of it, the last two elections had been such mere formalities that there was a part of Henk that didn't understand why Party Chairman Magnus Arnstein was so keen to recruit a young sporting hero for propaganda, sorry, publicity in the first place. It was more than likely that the Party would sweep to victory at the next election anyway, so what was the rush? It certainly wasn't a plan that President Johannes Klaus seemed to be all that keen on from what Henk had been able to gather, and Communications Tsar Agyness Pirinen appeared the driving force behind it.

It certainly wasn't Vermeer. Henk wasn't sure that man had even kicked a ball prior to becoming the Sports Minister. He'd had to explain the offside rule to him at the last match.

All the same, he wasn't sure why the whole veil of espionage was required. If he'd been allowed to come out the first time he'd met van Sorensen and say 'hey, I'm here to assess the players for the government and you can't stop me, okay?' then he was sure that a) van Sorensen would have at least trusted him, and b) nobody would have been able to stop him anyway. Instead, he was in the middle of the Blue Unit, choking on fumes from the flares and smoke sticks, surreptitiously asking his 'fellow fans' which players they most admired. The results were overwhelmingly in favour of two players; Eero Darmstadt and Eirikur Beyer.

The latter had lit up the tournament so far with his energetic runs into the opposition half, and even Henk could see how much he excited the fans when he got the ball. It was like lighting the fuse on a firework that had no label. Sure, sometimes he'd get tackled or dispossessed, and the firework would prove to fizzle out with a damp squib, but at other times? Oh, the other times. Great leaping roman candles, gigantic starbursts, slow and prolonged streamers, and dazzlingly beautiful explosions. When Beyer had the ball, anything was possible.

Darmstadt, though, Darmstadt put Beyer in the shade. Team captain, he was a behemoth at the back, and a locomotive going forwards. The Blue Unit hung on his every movement. The energy that was created in the crowd when he made a tackle was euphoric, rising up through the swelled masses like a truck you can feel before you see it coming round the corner. It was a rumbling, expectant energy, filled with affection. Of all the players, Darmstadt was the one with the most chants, most often than not filthy and riddled with curses and speculation about the legitimacy of the opposing players' parentage, but the most chants nonetheless. He was the one they trusted. He was the one they loved. Above all else, he was the one they looked up to, and he was the one the team were relying on.

From his libero role at the back, he'd launched attacks that had kept the Herons in the tournament so far, including in the last game against The Jasminia Islands, and from the hush that descended upon the crowd as he ran forwards into the space vacated by his teammates now, there was the expectation that their hero would do it again.

And he did.

Two seconds later, he'd passed the ball into Polarian-defector Reuben Ness.

Three seconds later, Ness had feinted a shot and dragged the ball back under him as he turned expertly and laid the ball into the feet of the rapidly advancing Beyer over the top of the Red Blackiland defenders.

One second later, Beyer had crossed the ball on the volley.

Two seconds later, Darmstadt had rifled the ball into the bottom corner like a missile.

One second later, the Blue Unit erupted. Like a piece of perfectly executed choreography, within seconds of the initial outpouring of joy, five balaclava wearing members had climbed up onto the barriers at the front of the stand holding a blue smoke stick in either hand. With the smoke and flares billowing over the crowd, the chants and the cheering came through it like the call of an unseen whale through the murky depths of the ocean deep. Henk was unsighted as the smoke washed over him, but he smiled as he heard the noise and felt the power of the Blue Unit in the wailing complaints of his compacted ribs. Darmstadt. He was the one. A powerful defender, a force of nature going forwards, he was a born leader, an inspirational captain, and head and shoulders above the rest. If the Party needed anyone, it was him.

Two minutes later, as the smoke finally started to clear and the noise abated a little, the five members at the front started to wave their arms. The Blue Unit knew what to do. As the play got underway again following the celebrations, they started to move. Slowly at first, and then with ever increasing intensity and motion, Henk felt the shifting heat of the mass of fans around start to move. Side to side. Front to back. Standing still on straight legs, every member of the Blue Unit appeared jointed at the hips. Faster, they went. Faster and faster. Left, right. Fron, back. Left, right. Front, back. Leaning ever further and ever quicker with each set of movements and in perfect unison as a repeated "oosh" became chanted by the entire stand each time they leaned forwards. The Darmstadt Shuffle, they called it. Henk wasn't sure about the name, but he had to admit, even as the pace and the power because too strong for the crowd to sustain and they broke their chanting to applaud enthusiastically, that it was damned impressive. If this was the power Darmstadt had over them, Klaus and Arnstein would want in, and Pirinen would be practically begging the man to work for the Party.

Fifteen minutes later, Darmstadt was substituted for the first time all tournament. Rested for the next round. The crowd, to a man, rose to their feet and clapped the undisputed man of the match off the field of play, joining the Blue Unit in singing his praises.

Twenty minutes later, the game ended.

The match was won, and The Fallenmark Islands' adventure continued. This time to their actual host nation, the tiny island of Schiavonia. The players celebrated on the pitch, the management team applauded the crowd, the Blue Unit jumped up and down, and off to Henk's left, those Red Blackiland and Fallenmark ultras that had been engaged in running battles across the stand embraced each other like old friends; consoling and congratulating each other in equal measure before beginning the tidy up of the stadium. A sport within a sport. However strange Henk found their actions, they were the engine that drove the Blue Unit, and the Blue Unit were the wind that filled the wings of the Herons, and if they liked Darmstadt, he'd be suggesting Darmstadt to the Party when he met the big guns at the quarter-finals.

'Klaus and Arnstein better start booking their tickets to Schiavonia,' he thought to himself, 'because the Herons are on their way.'

OOC: If unclear, this is a submission for Eero Darmstadt (central defender, sweeper, defensive midfielder, libero) to play in the BoF XI.

by **United Eastedge** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 3:17 pm

Quarter-Finals in sight for the navies after a dramatic encounter!
Santa Ana, San Jose Guayabal

It is exciting... Isn't it? Our country, United Eastedge, has had enough opportunities regarding sports. Practically, it has been attempted everything causing an important growth in the development of the national teams of the multiple sports. World Baseball Classic, International Basketball Championship, Rugby League World Cup, inter alia, have been the tournaments in which United Eastedge has participated causing a many hopes in the millions of Eastedgeans waiting for something historic in each one of them. Unfortunately, it has not been achieved something big, important, or significant for the crowd. But speaking about the present, the navies have probably the biggest opportunity to succeed finally in a tournament. They have the opportunity to make this history even more historic and what would be better than a championship won by United Eastedge! They have everything to do it. It is just a matter of...

And there he was, standing at the front of his teammates as the great leader he is. Nervous but proud as well to represent his country, our country, and carry in his arm, the captain armband. And one of the most important moments of his life came, hearing the beautiful notes of the Eastedgean national anthem. He was ready together with his teammates to give everything on the field, to sweat the shirt, defend it as if there were no tomorrow, and last but not least, lead all of his teammates, as well as, motivate them even more than Masson did before the encounter. The ref started the match, the minuets were passing, and the intensity, the frustration, and the desire were increasingly present. It was an authentic battle of nerves on the field, but they were playing for a valuable ticket for a flight to San Salvador; Quarter-Finals.

Do you know about who are we talking about? Yep, Benjamin Holloway. A well-liked by the Eastedgean crowd and a very important player for the national team. He led his teammates during 94 minutes to be more exact on a match that concluded 1-0, causing them happiness but suffering as well due to the work that cost them to win. The navies advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the Baptism of Fire 56 with a lot of attitude, hard work, and dedication. Now, the destiny placed a completely new obstacle on the path of United Eastedge. This time, it is even bigger than other times; they will need to suffer even more, to sweat even more, and to give even more if they want to jump it and still alive in the competition looking for that trophy. Maybe this is a bit exaggerated, but it is what destiny wants for our country.

But, what happened exactly? The match started out on a very particular way, Simon Marcssen passed the ball inside the big area to the lonely Lars Calsberg. Clasberg made a strong shot overcoming the Eastedgean goalkeeper, Walter Sandoval. Semarland was apparently winning the match since 10th minute, but the assistant ref annulled the goal due to an offside. The remainder of the match was locked on the midfield; both teams were kind of afraid to go forward to the opposite porter's lodge. United Eastedge seemed even more afraid due to the manner in which the match started out. The strategy and the velocity of the Eastedgean players were fundamental factors for the navies to dominate the last minutes of the first half. Nonetheless, time was not enough to open the scoreboard and the navies looked frustrated as well as the coach, Marcos Masson. Donuts for the coffee at the end of the first half.

The second half was not the exception of the Eastedgean domination on the field. The navies were scarcely approching to Mikkelsen's goal, but they couldn't passs the ball through the sea of legs in the big area. Semarland was well-standing on the back of the field, leaving Demba Cissé and Lars Calsberg on the midfield, looking for a counterattack. The intensity was present, the frustration was ingreasingly strongest for both teams, and the stadium smelled to extra-time. And finally, the 85th minute came; Anthony Luna took the ball outside the area after a substitution. He was about 35 meters away from Makkelsen's goal, he got comfortable, and kicked the ball... Seemed to be deflected. The ball hit the crossbar, and it scarcely crossed the line, leaving many doubts on the refs. Finally, United Eastedge was winning, 1-0, and the stadium became a madness. The navies not only made history, they made something more, the achieved to unite an entire nation through football...

Timbermunich, that's the name of the team that will be in charge of make the Eastedgeans suffer one more time. They qualified for the Quarter-Finals suffering in a dramatic match against the powerful team of Venalzio, definite in extra-time, with a final result of 3-2, Our team needs to be perfect or close to be perfect if they want to defeat the powerful team of Timbermunich. A team that has defeated every single obstacle on their way, Masson and his players expect to stop him once and for all. The match will be performed at the Estadio Cuscatlán, in the capital city of San Jose Guayabal, San Salvador. It is expected to see the grandstand of this majestic stadium distributed half of color navy, and the other half of color green or white. So, this time the crowd will be not totally willing to support the navies for the first time in the tournament. Both teams will be looking for a place in the Semi-Finals and a historic day for their national teams.

"I'm happy due to the good job shown by the team on the field. We are looking even forward and we are willing to leave the soul on the field in each game we play. Semarland is a great team; they gave everything out there as well, they have a solid team. The guys were a bit frustrated due to the defense, but finally, the battle of nerves was won by us. I would like to congratulate them for giving everything in this tournament. Now, speaking of our next opponent, Timbermunich, well... They got my attention since the first match day and they keep doing it. They have defeated every single team on their way but we expect to stop them. We, the coaches and players, can say anything in a press conference, but I'll stay quiet and my team will talk on behalf of me at the field. Thanks." That's what Marcos Masson said after the match avoiding any kind of controversial phrases looking as the professional he is.

The Origin: Benjamin Holloway
Benjamin Holloway was born in the city of Lorham, Oldston, at the northeast of United Eastedge on 23 May, 1981. He always liked association football, but the opportunities were scarce in that time. He began playing seriuosly at the age of 10 years old, in the fields made of cement in the streets after a sporting reform. He was notably one of the best players of the zone, but he was not accepted by none of the teams in it; the time came and football began to suffer a big growth in the entire nation. Holloway was not one of the first players in cross the line between amateur and professional. He had to train every single day leaving the studies forgotten; that caused him a difficult moment in his life at the age of 15 years old. He even left football for a while because he was forced by his parents. His dream seemed increasingly impossible for him due to his age and his studies...

Was in the high school when he began playing football again, beginning from the bottom again. He began participating in many tournaments organized by the community close to his house and several viewers were interested in him. His parents not always supported him regarding to football, but when they saw his dedication, he traveled for a tournament for the first time in his life. He participated in the longest/biggest tournament organized by the Eastedgean fans, the National Championship of Association Football, better known as NCAF. It was in that time when Benjamin Holloway crossed the line from amateur to professional after he was called by a viewer. This viewer, named Richard Patterson, left Holloway in a center specialized in football and they supported him with scholarship with the mission of get a good education for the said player.

In 2010, he was the most value player of United Eastedge after a new great campaign in the National Championship of Association Football once again. He proposed to found a National Football Association or governing body wishing an important growth in the Eastedgean Football by sending a message to the Sporting Committee. When this became in a real option, he become an historic player for United Eastedge since that time. He suffered an injury in the right leg in 2012, causing him to leave football forever or at least that's what it seemed in that time. And it happened, a miracle; Holloway was standing once again and ready to play football again in his life. Things got even better for him and the country when the United Eastedge Association Football Federation (UEAFF) was found calling him immeadiately.

Was one of the best days of his life, when Marcos Masson, the coach that the president of UEAFF elected for the Senior National Team of United Eastedge, called him to play a friendly match against Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk gorod. Days after that, he was called again to represent the nation in the Baptism of Fire 56 held in San Jose Guayabal, Schiavonia, and other multiple nations, as well as the possibility to be present in the upcoming World Cup 69 Qualifiers after the Baptism of Fire. He always wanted to be a footballer since his first years of life; he is currently 33 years old, and he is scarcely playing his first World Cup. Without question, this is a pity for Eastedgean Football for the future tournaments.

By conclusion, we can say that Benjamin Holloway was always a man that had many difficulties during his formation and carreer as a footballer. But, everything he had done, the destiny has rewarded him with an opportunity to be one of the first players in represent his country on an important tournament. He's now one of the best players of United Eastedge and he will be remembered by the entire Eastedgean crowd... Now he is trying to put the name of his country at the top of the world and he is between the players with an opportunity to be in the All-Star Game of the Baptism of Fire 56. This was The Origin of Benjamin Holloway...

The Baptism of Random: Chapter 5

Eastie: "I can't believe that we three are alive!"
Azrea: "Wow, that's truth!"
Absurdly: "I would like to announce once again that Azrea will die tonight."
Timber: "Alright. Only four teams left in the side of SJG."
Eastie: "Yep."
Timber: "I want to kill tonight. Any volunteers?"
Absurdly: "He's making fun of you!"
Eastie: "Oh, you want to fight, eh?"
Timber: "Bring it!"
Azrea: "Stop, stop, stop, guys."
Absurdly: "Azrea, please be quiet."
Eastie: "I think that the competition is making us fight."
Timber: "I wish to fight with you."
Eastie: "Wait until tonight, Timber."
Azrea: "Well, we are friends, no matter what happen."
Eastie: "You're right, Azrea."
Timber: "Except me."
Absurdly: "You're not our friend. So, kill him Eastie!"
Eastie: "He can be. I'll try to kill him anyway."
Azrea: "Alright. I'll try to kill Absurdly."
Absurdly: "I won't try, I'll kill you, Azrea."
Azrea: "Nope, you won't. You are a gentleman and you will let me hit the Semi-Final."
Absurdly: "Come on! I' won't do that."
Eastie: "Could you stop discussing?"
Azrea: "That just increases my desire of kill you, Eastie."
Timber: "Did you understand, Eastie. Nobody wants the firenship over the triumph!"
Absurdly: "Well... That's kind of right."
Eastie: "I'll punch over and over again tonight, Timber. You'll suffer, then."
Azrea: "Hey! That's not right at all."
Absurdly: "So, you will let me advance?"
Azrea: "You make me laugh!"
Timber: "Calm down, guys, calm down."
Eastie: "Quiet, Timber!"

The camera cuts to a dark place somewhere in Schiavonia, where there are two unknown subjects.

Unknown 1: "What happened?"
Unknown 2: "United Eastedge is strongest that what I though."
Unknown 1: "And what we are going to do, then?"
Unknown 2: "I don't know; I think Timbermunich is better, anyway."
Unknown 1: "We need to make Eastedge lose tonight."
Unknown 2: "I understand, boss."
Unknown 1: "Alright. So, go and pay to the ref now!"
Unknown 2: "Calm down, boss. I am going; trust in me."
Unknown 1: "If Someone from SJG's side wins the tournament, I'll kill you and them."
Unknown 2: "Ok, no problem."

The camera cuts to San Jose Guayabal, where Eastie and his "friends" are.
Eastie: "Where's Timber?"
Azrea: "He said that will go to train to punch you"
Eastie: "Hahaha."
Absurdly: "That's not funny, Eastie."
Eastie: "Though it was."
Azrea: "Well, it isn't."
Absurdly; "Guys, do you imagine if someone pay to the ref so Eastie lose against Timber?"
Eastie: "What? That'd be unfair at all."
Azrea: "Eastie would become Goku mixed with Cell, Vegeta, Gohan and all the freaking world of Dragon Ball Z."
Absurdly; "I think you're right."
Timber: "I'm back, guys."
Eastie: "Go outside, then."
Timber: "You wanna fight right now?"
Azrea: "Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Absurdly: "Wait, no!"
To be continued...

by **Schiavonia** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 3:52 pm

RP Cut-off Time for the Quarter Finals in Schiavonia! The King Francesco Stadium is expecting massive crowds for both encounters... we just hope that there are enough hotel rooms in Craw to keep everyone happy, and enough AORDO security to make sure the place stays safe. Anyone for sleeping on the beach?

BAPTISM OF FIRE 56 QUARTER FINALS - SCHIAVONIA
Yes, just us this time!
The Fallenmark Islands 3–2 Laiyenda
Czarch 0–1 Vunishia

Red Blacki. -|
1-0          |Red Blackiland -|
Alinghi FDR -|                |
              0-1             |Fallenmark Islands |
Fallenmark I.|                |                   |
3-2          |Fallenmark Isl. |                   |
Jasminia Isl.|                                    |
                               3-2                |The Fallenmark Islands|
Notsofreeland|                                    |                      |
0-1          |Laiyenda -------|                   |                      |
Laiyenda ----|                |                   |                      |
              3-2             |Laiyenda ----------|                      |
Cata Larga --|                |                                          |
2-1          |Cata Larga -----|                                          |
Yuz.-Sakh. g.|                                                           |
                                                                         |-------------
Czarch ------|                                                           |
1-1 (2-1 AET)|Czarch ---------|                                          |
T.D. Gaules -|                |                                          |
              1-0             |Czarch ------------|                      |
St. James I. |                |                   |                      |
0-0 (0-1 AET)|Lons -----------|                   |                      |
Lons --------|                                    |                      |
                               0-1                |Vunishia -------------|
Vunishia ----|                                    |
3-2          |Vunishia -------|                   |
Jecatria ----|                |                   |
              2-2 (3-3) [4-1] |Vunishia ----------|
Novach ------|                |
3-0          |Novach ---------|
Lavertezzo --|

by **Czarch** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 3:59 pm

I apologize but circumstances beyond my control at work have unfortunately curtailed my RPing ability until Sunday or Monday. I wish the best to my opponents and again apologize for not RPing.

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 7:26 pm

This is your Quarter-Finals cutoff in SJG region, two teams will prevail and will go to the semifinals, just some steps away from the glory, feel the victory since now

San José Guayabal Quarterfinals Results

United Eastedge 3–3 Timbermunich (4–3 AET)(20:30) @ Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador.

Azrea 3–5 Absurdly Polite Gentleman (21:45) @ Estadio Luis Barbosa, El Roblar.

Semifinals fixture

(23:30) SF1 vs SF2 United Eastedge vs Absurdly Polite Gentleman @ Estadio Cuscatlán, San Salvador.

by **Azrea** » Thu Jul 10, 2014 9:02 pm

Time to go.

Next up, the World Cup! Good luck guys! APG, go ahead and RP the game.

by **Timbermunich** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 6:19 am

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8

OOC
Part 8 will be continued during qualifications…..since we’ve been eliminated. Two back to back games of extra time too! Thank you to San Jose Guayabal and Schiavonia for an excellent BOF, and to those other nations who offered up their stadiums for some of the groups. Good luck to the remaining Nations.

Hardwood’s Matches
MD1: Bye
MD2: vs Yids (4-3)
MD3: vs Monkeykind (5-2)
MD4: vs The Blaatschapen (1-0)
MD5: vs West Carpathia (4-2)
MD6: vs Wolfenia (3-2)
MD6: vs Ayscos (2-1)
Round of 32
MD7: vs Dawnhaven (1-0)
Round of 16
MD8: vs Venalzio (2-2)(3-2 AET)
Round of 8
MD9: vs United Eastedge (3-3)(3-4 AET)

Group A Table
1 – Timbermunich – 18 pts
2 – Monkeykind –12 pts
3 – Yids – 10 pts
4 – Wolfenia – 8 pts
5 – West Carpathia – 7 pts
6 – Ayscos – 4 pts
7 – The Blaatschapen – 1 pt
still alive
eliminated

Lineup		                |Timbermunich Lineup
And so it ends for us		|GK  Great Hatchet Hank		01
Good luck to the rest!		|RB  Great Norman		04
				|CB  Great Battle		05*
				|CB  Great Battle Axe		03
				|LB  Great Tomahawk Tommy	06
				|RM  Great Dead-Eye Darrin	07
				|LM  Great Dirty Doug		08
				|RW  Great Dagger Dan		09
				|CM  Great Wicked Warren	10
				|CF  Great One-Arm Willy	21
				|LW  Great Kyle Slater		17

by **Red Blackiland** » Fri Jul 11, 2014 11:39 am

Luck to Fallenmark Islands

by **Schiavonia** » Sat Jul 12, 2014 12:03 pm

"Kev?"

Kenny Sanderson IV had been trying to catch up with Kevin Smith for a while now, but he hadn't been able to catch up with him. Until now.

"Kenny."

"What's been going on?"

"Well, The Fallenmark Islands are going to play against Vunishia at the KFS after winning their quarter finals against..."

"No, Kev. I know what has been going on in the football. The thing is, other people might not, because you haven't been putting your reports up!"

"I haven't? Well, where have they all been going?"

"Well, there was the one on the fifth matchday of the group stage, and then nothing."

"But... I've been recording them all every day. Reporting on the stories around the Taylor brothers, the crazy Red Blackiland and Fallenmark Islands fans in Nephara... What has happened to them?"

"I don't know. I'm guessing that you couldn't get the technology to work. The recorder, the uploading..."

"It was a lot, wasn't it?"

"Well, no. That's your job."

"Oh. Yes. Well..."

"Look, your reporting is improving. It has been improving for a while now. But I know how much you've been struggling with the whole technology thing. So I've been thinking... would you be better just having the transcriber to write out what you say and post it up?"

"It might... He's not going to steal my job again, is he?"

"No. We can promise you that. Randy Dalton is staying in the background forevermore after what he said at the Cup of Harmony."

"Well, that sounds fantastic! There's just one more thing..."

"And what is that?"

"...I don't have any more reports left to do. The world are going to hear about these semi-finals and the final anyway, so..."

"Never mind."

Baptism of Fire 56 | Everything thread

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