Baptism of Fire 71

by **Zwangzug** » Fri Nov 29, 2019 6:01 pm

Zwangzug second round:

Galar 5–0 Five Cities
Pauh Janggi 2–0 Aimena
Appalachian Nation 5–4 Fujai
Tara & Cambray 1–1 Barfleur (1–2 AET)

Quarterfinals
Galar vs. Pauh Janggi (Stelladome, Spenson)
Appalachian Nation vs. Barfleur (Eglantine Park, FTC)

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sat Nov 30, 2019 7:10 am

Genel Sendika Stadium, Demir
Somehow the fans got their way into the stadium.
Adnan Suliaha never expected to see so many fans in the stadium in the knockout stages. Apart from the 8000 tickets that were reserved from the Poafmersian fans, as well as the 8000 reserved for the opposition, 14 thousand tickets were previously given out for open sale way before anyone knew which stadium would be hosting what match, and where would Poafmersia played. All they knew was that this would be holding the Round of 16 Match 4.
But the fans showed up. Some showed up at the other end of the stadium where the fans of Fetra were supposed to be at. Others showed up in the neutral fan areas. Regardless, approximately 16 thousand Poafmersia fans somehow showed up in the stadium to cheer for their national team, to give them the support they need, and to watch the players continue their dream start to the international career.
Returning to their traditional 4-3-3, with the front 3 of Joel, Shakira and Pete returning together again, they were up against a team that played a similar formation in a 4-1-3-2. While Fetra was coming off a tough final match in the group stages where they lost against Tara & Cambray, many of the Poafmersia players had a nice rest apart from the trip from Zwangug here for the knockout stages, and were well prepared for the match. Head Coach Adnan Suliaha, however, was surprisingly not focused on this match. He was putting an eye on the other match between Ziwana and TJUN-ia, the winner of which would be their opponents. He found both teams to be particularly strong, with TJUN-ia being able to come out of a relatively tough group in Group G, albeit as runners-up, while Ziwana and their brand of counterattacking football was something Adnan himself was a fan of. (Some say he was biased about TJUN-ia's strength, because they are fellow members of the The North Pacific regional bloc and he would want to see a TNP team in the top 4, which would be guarenteed if TJUN-ia beats Ziwana).
Back on the field. Poafmersia started the game really bright, with Shakira fending off many players to take the ball all the way from the center circle to the opposition's half and attempting a shot. He was unlucky not to score, having hit the side post and bounced out of the field. That set the tempo for the entire game. Poafmersia was attacking throughout the first half while Fetra merely defended their way and tried to find breaks to push for a counter-attack. Having seen how Barfleur did it and being well adapted to it, the back 4 managed to stop the counter-attack pushes whenever they came and prevent Fetra from getting a single shot on goal, on target or otherwise.
Half time came, but the score was 0-0. The stats revealed a different picture, with Poafmersia making 6 shots on target and 12 overall, took 69% of the posession and had 6 free-kicks to Fetra's none, due to the number of fouls Fetra made. Adnan was particularly happy with his players' performance, and told them to get the job done in the second half. "You guys are good! The way you beat their counter-attack is something that should be kept up on. Only thing would be the number of wasted chances, but I think the strikers are doing okay aganist such a resolute defence. Get this match wrapped up as soon as possible, because the more extra times we play, the more tired we would get and this is definitely not good."
The first goal came in the most bizzare of ways. The defender made a very bad tackle as Joel was dribbling forward, and resulting in a red card for the player. Joel fell from the tackle, but the medics came up and said he was okay, so he played on. Taking the free kick from the left side, he scored in the most shocking of ways as the fans stood up to celebrate the fantastic goal. Joel made the shot from a really ridiculous angle, but the ball went straight into the top corner on the right hand side. Adnan was absolutely baffled, as so was the fellow coaches who saw that goal. "How did that go in? The angle was definitely not right but somehow the ball got in? I was thinking why would you shoot from that angle but anyways he got the ball in, so I guess it is okay," said Adnan after the match. Even Joel was horrified that the ball curved into the goal. "I never expected the ball to score. All I did was to aim to reach Pete at the far corner and let him head the ball in, but I accidentally scored the goal myself," he said when he was asked about it by the reporters after the match.
Pete, however, got the goal himself. A standard goal from Pete at the 81st minute promptly ended the match as Poafmersia went out 2-0 winners. With the match between TJUN-ia and Ziwana entering extra time after they stayed level on 2 goals each, Adnan promptly postponed his usual press conference and decided to move back to the team hotel to watch the remaining 30 minutes with the players who did not play and the coaches.
******************
The press conference came after the match, with Ziwana their confrmed opponents after they got a goal in extra time to edge themselves over TJUN-ia.
Reporters: "How did you rate your team's performance against Fetra?"
AS: "I think the players did well, they got the performance in against Fetra as they managed to break down such a resolute defence. Having learnt from Barfleur about countering resolute defence, they found the necessary tempo and got home 2 brilliant goals."
Reporters: "How do you find your next opponents, Ziwana?"
AS: "I mean, they are a very good side. To be honest, I am a huge fan of their counter attacking style, and being able to play them would give our side a very different experienced. They are a very mature side that are making their qualifing debut, as we can see from their way of football. I predict that the match would be a really exciting one and hopefully we can come out tops, but it is not going to be easy. After all, you are in the quarter finals where the remaining 8 sides are the best 8 sides left, so no match is going to be easy, but nevertheless we will go there with the same mentality, to score, and get the win."
Reporters: "If you do get to the semi-finals, which opponents do you think you will face?"
AS: "I do not know for certain. Castanya got a really big win here in the Round of 16 and I believe that the circumstances back at home for them would give them more motivation to win and enter the Semis. On the other hand, Trolleborg is another side which we are expecting to go further in this competition, as their playing style is similar to ours. In fact, if Trolleborg gets to the semi-finals, I would probably brace myself for a very tense atmosphere because the loudest group of fans would be in the same stadium to support their respective sides, and whoever gets out of that match would definitely be hot favourites to win the final because they are a really strong side."

Team for the next match against Ziwana

#1 Sandi Jaliaha [GK]
#13 Gracia Warisian [LB]
#4 Danzik Hoboson [CB] - Captain
#5 Pasits Rikachz [CB]
#3 Denise Pickford [RB]
#18 Matthew Tibrise [LM]
#10 Gisiik Moonar [AM]
#17 Gooh Figsh [DM]
#8 Jessie Mchargrita [RM]
#7 Joel Haodao [CF]
#11 Pete Carisa [CF]

Substitutes:

#23 Dikash Jahikas [GK]
#2 Alex Pickford [LB]
#16 Konile Trasa [CB]
#6 Dargis Walshor [LM]
#19 Danille Trasa [RM]
#20 Santik Manson [CF/ACM]
#21 Alexri Timson [LW/RW]

Formation: 4-1-2-1-2

by **Ziwana** » Sat Nov 30, 2019 10:01 am

Ziwana 3-2(AET) TJUN-ia: Extratime winner sends Ziwana into Baptism of fire quarter-finals

How Ziwana lined up against TJUN-ia

The knockout stages of every competition are always scary, the teams that have made it to this round have usually worked hard against other strong teams and shown the quality they have. Any team can win or lose whether big or small. Ziwana had come out of Group C on top losing once only to Fujai in a 3-1 encounter that Ziwani players and fans alike would like to forget but the Akambuku did not stay down for long but came back from the lose to win 5-2 against Welzat. This win showed the players character and resilience to come back from a match which broke team cohesion. TJUN-ia came second in a group dominated by a brilliant Appalachian Nation drawing in the home and losing from a goal in the last minutes in the away. TJUN-ia played defensively drawing 4 times from a tough group of defensive teams. The knockout match between Ziwana and TJUN-ia would see two quality teams face each. The Akambuku with their quick counter-attacking football against the TJUN-ia who played a low block defensive style that enabled them to limit the amount of spaces opponents could exploit.

The quality in the two teams showed in the match as the game had to be settled in the extratime. The first goal of the game came from Ziwana's and Black Leopards striker, 28 year old Nicolas Bayaram. Bayaram scored in the 21^st minuted from the penalty spot after being brought down in the penalty area by TJUN-ianian defender, Mohammad Kallah. 6 minutes later , inside forward Abdulaziz Haqawi smashed home his 8^th goal of the tournament after evading TJUN-ianian defenders with his pace. After this goal the TJUN-ianian manager drop his central attacking midfielder into the centre mid to destroy Ziwani dominance this change of tactics helped avoid further goals from Ziwana.

In the second half of the game TJUN-ia came in full force against Ziwana by employing playing wide quick shot passing attacking football which drew out Ziwani players out of position. This lead to TJUN-ia equalizing against the Akambuku from a Joe Green brace, one in the 55^th minute from a header into the left side corner of the Ziwani goal and the other in the 64^th minuted from a shot from 30 yards out that could be in contention for goal of the tournament. TJUN-ia packed the bus after this as they tried to tire the Ziwani players and drag the game into penalties. The game was not decided on penalties as in the extratime Ziwani substitute Jean Wilder who was wrongly named Bayaram on the match line up sheet by officials scored the winning goal for Ziwana. The goal came from a counter attack in which Abdulaziz Haqawi dummied a cross from Aadilah Thomas to allow Jean Wilder to get into space and get the ball before firing it into the right hand corner of the Tjun-ianian goal with 2 minutes left on the clock. After the extratime whistle Ziwani players rushed into the crowds to celebrate the victory with the fans.

In an after match interview, Ziwani manager Harry Ngonamo said that he was happy at reaching the quarter-finals after beating a great team like TJUN-ia. When asked about the quarter-final match against Poafmersia he answered that at this point in the tournament all you can do is pray, work hard and enjoy the experience because you can either lose or win at any time. As the match against Poafmersia draws near will Ziwana's journey end in the quarter-final or will they get to the final and win the Baptism of Fire 71? Find out the answer by registering on www.ZCOMM_Sports.com to watch all Baptism of Fire matches.

by **Timuria** » Sat Nov 30, 2019 11:36 am

I sadly can only imagine feeling this, the feeling of winning a Quarter Final in the BoF, for those of you that didn't advance you're in good company with me and we'll be seeing you in the WCQs.

Quarter Finals

Castanya 2–2 Trolleborg (2–3 AET)

Ziwana 2–3 Poafmersia

Semi Final

Trolleborg vs Poafmersia (Genel Sendika Stadium, Demir)

by **Trolleborg** » Sat Nov 30, 2019 3:58 pm

TROLLEBORG - CASTANYA 3-2 aet

Our team in a serious struggle defeated the Castanya team and reached the semi-finals of the tournament.

Our team found a very worthy opponent in the face of the Castanya national team, which is not losing its spirit even despite the dramatic events in its homeland. Before the start of the game, the fans of the Trolleborg team unfurled a banner “Peace and a dignified life for the inhabitants of Castanya!”.

The match was not easy, but our players still snatched victory, and now in the semifinals we will meet one of the most difficult opponents in the entire tournament, Poafmersia national team. Albeit our odds are long, we hope for a best.

Trolleborg: Kotsson, Laaste (Levenkrands,46), Tro, Dushegub, Wolters, Kolding (Zhita,91), Valgren, Troll, Finnsnes, Kerr, Gulbranden.

Gulbranden,35 (1-1). Kerr,72 (2-1). Gulbranden,104 (3-2).

Castanya team was, probably, most formidable opponent our team ever meet, she confidently won their group and more than convincingly won game in the first round – and it’s one of the few teams don’t lose a game here. Castanya managed to impose it’s game on our team, and after twenty minutes Kotsson was forced to take the ball out of the net after a beautiful shot following a free kick.
Almost right there, Kerr could equalize, but missed just by a couple of centimeters, but then Gulbranden showed a class of wrestling in the air - three opponents tried to stop him, but he still jumped above everyone and irresistibly struck ball by his head after a Finnsnes’ pass from the flank.
The second half was in the attacks of one or another team, Troll hit the post, and the forward of opponents hit the crossbar, and yet luck was with our players. After 72 minutes, a quick counterattack ended with a clear Kerr shot in the lower corner. But Castanya found the strength to equalize, after a scramble in our penalty area in the 83rd minute, the ball somehow found a way into the net. However, in the end, our team celebrated the victory: Zhita, made, in his usual style, a completely insane pass from the flank into the penalty area, the ball twice jumped to the ground and flew right on the head of Gulbranden, which had only to finish it, which he did.

by **Zwangzug** » Sat Nov 30, 2019 6:02 pm

Galar 0–2 Pauh Janggi
Appalachian Nation 4–3 Barfleur

Semifinal: Pauh Janggi vs. Appalachian Nation (Eagles Club, Forbridge)

by **Trolleborg** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 2:35 am

TROLLEBORG - POAFMERSIA

Today, Trolleborg celebrates its most important holiday of the year, Victory Day. December 1 is the moment when our nation fully got on its feet and was able to call itself a nation in full. Just on that day the BoF semi-final fell, in which our team on the field in Timuria’s capital Demir will meet with Poafmersia national team.

Our national leader congratulated the people on the occasion, and in a solemn speech he mentioned our players and wished them success on the field. He himself expressed his intention to attend the semi-finals, but in the end he tell that tickets are rare, he don't want use his status to have one and wished to watch the match in the capital on the main square, “together with everyone who could not get into the stadium”.

The whole country froze in front of screens, at home and on the squares of 118 settlements, where a live broadcast is held.

Our fans in Timuria invited Poafmersia fans to a friendly Victory Day dinner at the culinary exhibition of our delegation. Everyone who comes is guaranteed a treat! In addition, fans of the opponents team are invited to participate in a friendly futsal tournament, and a prize for the most creative Poafmersia’s fan vestment has been established.

Unfortunately, the stadium accommodates only 30 thousand fans, and we offer Poafmersia fans a quick ticket exchange so that everyone can sit together with their compatriots, and we invite those who did not get seats in the stands to watch the broadcast on the big screen in our field camp near the central square.

Fans of our team head to the stadium by enormous crowds, chanting, accompanied by three full-fledged orchestras, distributing Trolleborg’s flags to local residents.

There are only a few minutes left before the start of the game, and the Trolleborg fans greet their favorites with joyful roar when they emerge on the field, then sing the Trolleborg national anthem with a great enthusiasm and after that giant crowd surf flag with a red dragon was unfolded behind the net.

On the occasion of Victory Day, it was decided that all Trolleborg fans in the stands and in the city on the 11th, 21st, 31st, 41st and so on minutes will sing together first stanzas of the patriotic songs corresponding to the occasion in a certain order.

Trolleborg line-up is as follows:

All is ready to the Battle of Demir.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 3:20 am

At the Post-QF and pre-SF match conference
Adnan came alone. With all the players at the training field, and having merged the post-match conference with the pre-match one, Adnan was here alone to take questions from the reporters and give his insights on the future matches to come.
Whatever happened yesterday came as a shock to Adnan. The fans were the driving force again as they cheered on the Poafmersian team to help Poafmersia come back from 2-1 down with 8 minutes to spare to win 3-2. Pete Carisa opened the scoring at the 37th minute with a normal looking goal after capturing the rebound when Joel Haodao hit the far post with his shot. However, Ziwana's 28 year old striker Nicolas Bayaram scored the equaliser from the penalty spot after a bad challenge from Danzik Hoboson in the box, with Danzik being awarded a yellow card, forcing the two teams to enter halftime tied on 1 goals each.
The next half was really a slug fest. The midfielders battled for the possession for the ball, as Adnan kept to his 4-player midfield for the second half. Both sides made many shots on target but brilliant saves from the goalkeepers kept the two sides level. Adnan substituted Gisiik for Santik, who played in the AM position, hoping Poafmersia could find the winner against Ziwana. It was, however, Abdulaziz Haqawi of Ziwana who scored in the 82nd minute to break the deadlock and let Ziwana go forward.
Horrified, Adnan made another change by replacing Pete with Alexri Timson, giving Alexri his first appearance in the Baptism of Fire. Switching to a 4-3-3 formation, they went all out to attack and hopefully find the equaliser to bring the match into extra time. It didn't take long. Alexri made an immediate impact as he rushed forward with the ball after the restart, found Joel on the other side, made a brilliant overhead pass and Joel nodded it in at the 87th minute to equalise. Poafmersia thought they had to wait for extra time, but Alexei found a goal himself 5 minutes into stoppage time with a 30 yard screamer that beat the goalkeeper, sending the crowd into wild cheers and celebration at the 3-2 win as the referee blew for full time.

And so the questions came.
"Mr Suliaha, how did you rate your team's performance yesterday?"
"It wasn't the best, towards the end the defenders switched off and failed to keep out Ziwana's second goal. But our fans continued to cheer the team on and gave them motivation to find the equaliser soon after. As for the winner, give credit to Alexri. His screamer was unbelievable and that helped us."
"How about the next team, Trolleborg? Do you think your side can beat them?"
"It is really difficult. We have the abilities to reach the finals, but the opponents are really strong and we just have to see our performance tomorrow."
"Do you want to update us with your formation or team news?"
"Shakira Handris will play today after resting the previous one due to stomach flu. I think the main first 11 will play, except for Jabik who would play instead of Sandi. Apart from that, I think Pete has regained his form, and I see him playing again. I might field Alexri instead of Joel, after Alexri made such a good substitute performance last round. Really sorry to him for not giving him enough play time."
"Trolleborg has been very welcoming of our fans and they have promised to turn up the atmosphere in the stadium. With 14 to 15 thousand Poafmersian fans expected to join them in the stadium, and another 8 to 10 thousand fans gathering elsewhere in the city to watch the match, does the Poafmersian team expect any outburst from the fans post match?"
"Really, I know the two biggest fan clubs will be clashing tomorrow. The PFFA has warned fans to keep it down, and hopefully the local residents will not be badly affected by any sort of celebration post-match. Having made it this far is really difficult for either sides, and as the head coach of Poafmersia, I salute the efforts of the Trolleborg fans to make the stadium atmosphere a really nice one."
"Does the PFFA have any organised activities back home?"
"As far as I know, I believe our President and fellow members of the Ridimag, our national parliament, will be gracing a large gathering in Fiskadaha City, at the Libira National Stadium, where thousands of fans will watch it live. In the other outskirt cities, fans are also organising their own activities as everyone celebrates the national team's progress. It is not an easy feat progressing this far despite the tournament being a tournament for debutants, other teams have their own form of international exposure while this is our very first tournament."

A reporter from the Poafmer Times came over to Adnan after the press conference. "Sorry to bother you but I believe the coaches have a record of all your possible opponents in the semi-finals. Is it possible if I take a look at it and take a photo so that we can publish it in our newspaper?"
"Of course we do keep those records. Here you go!" He took out a piece of paper, and there was the form of all 4 semi-finalists.

The reporter was amazed at the detailed recording the coaches made. "So form wise with our 100% win rate our Poafmersian team have the advantage over the rest? And I noticed Appalachian Nation conceded 7 goals in their last 2 matches as compared to 2 in their first 6, is that normal in your opinion?"
"I wouldn't say we have the advantage. Really, Trolleborg lost their match really early on and the draws from our opponents at the other side came against strong opponents. As for the Appalachian Nation's sudden increase in goals conceded, I doubt it would matter much as they are able to edge out their opponents. I must say their 2 opponents in the knockout stages are really difficult ones, firstly facing Fujai, which we know the abilities of as we see them as one of the major contenders, and secondly against Barfleur, which would probably be a slug fest. I don't know the details because I did not watch the replay, having focused our attention on Trolleborg."
"So our team has scored the same number of goals as Trolleborg!"
"And everyone was saying that we are hot in form and scoring many goals. I still remember that during the Matchday 6 press conference I was pointing out that they also scored 22 goals and are a very offensive side, nobody believed me and thought I was simply being nice to them and not being proud of our team's offense. Now look at the stats and they clearly reflect my sentiments, don't they?"
"I guess I shall not bother you anymore. Good luck for tomorrow and hopefully we can go on to the finals and win that trophy!"
"Thank you for your blessings, it would not be easy but we would definitely try our very best."
*********
As Adnan returned to his hotel room immediately after the press conference, he was surprised to see his wife outside the door of his room. "Honey, you didn't tell me you were coming!"
"Why would I tell you? It was a last minute decision, as your two children convinced me to come and give you some moral support ahead of the next 2 difficult matches."
"Does anyone else in the team know?"
"Nope. After convincing the hotel reception I was your wife, which was quite easy with the newspaper reports about us, I got your room number and came here myself."
"You know, I am going to the training field now, you want to join me?"
"Sure! Let me go and give them the blessings that I brought from the people back home."

A day before, at the home of the President, Fiskadaha City, Poafmersia
"Mr President, you will be attending the gathering for the Poafmersian football team semi-finals screening, won't you?" said his secretary.
"Of course! Such a big event for our nation, why would I not attend. Celebrating our progress in the Baptism of Fire is very important for a nation which has strong roots in football, having loved football very much and never got an opportunity to play internationally. Now we got that opportunity and progressed so far, of course everyone has to go and cheer them on."
Just then the doorbell rang. Surprised, the secretary went out to check, but the security officer already showed the group in. "Sir, here are the people that you asked for."
The Secretary was stunned. In front of her was Poafmersian football's grand old elders. Jason Ghiaska, Nakira Handerson, Jacoby Dawson, Hantria Tyserson and Okirahid Floffer are considered part of the pioneers of club football, belonging to the same era as Adnan Suliaha, the head coach. They were the ones who turned heartlands football into semi-professional and later, professional football, paving the way for the creation of state leagues and later, suggesting the reformation of club football with a domestic pyramid system. "So they are here for?"
"Mr President, did you not tell the secretary your plans?" said Nakira.
"I mean, I wanted as little people to know about this surprise as possible." Turning to his secretary, he said, "would you mind helping us to record well wishes for the national team?"
"And also your plans to go down for the finals if they make it?"

And so the surprise came to the team. Kagita brought the video clip of well-wishes compiled by the President's orders. "I know accessing our Poafmersian media networks and social media is difficult, since our internet is not well connected to that of the world. The President asked me to help to deliver his personal well wishes to everyone of you, saying that you guys did the country proud in coming so far and reaching this stage. She later brought out the handwritten letter from President Pikashru Nakisan, which encouraged the players to preserve and do their best. How heartwarming it was to have the country behind you! Adnan, of course, couldn't believe that his wife hid so many secrets behind him, and planned all this. Having planned the entire decision to join international football and use football as a way to open Poafmersia to the world, Adnan hoped that his team could reach the finals and win that trophy after all that effort.

Confirmed starting 11 for SF match against Trolleborg:

#12 Jabik Henderson [GK]
#2 Alex Pickford [LB]
#4 Danzik Hoboson [CB] - Captain
#5 Pasits Rikachz [CB]
#3 Denise Pickford [RB]
#6 Dargis Walshor [LM]
#10 Gisiik Moonar [CM]
#8 Jessie Mchargrita [RM]
#21 Alexri Timson [LW]
#9 Shakira Handris [CF]
#11 Pete Carisa [RW]

Substitutes:

#1 Sandi Jaliaha [GK]
#13 Gracia Warisian [LB]
#14 Timothy Gausun [RB]
#15 Alex Hoboson [CB]
#18 Matthew Tibrise [LM]
#19 Danille Trasa [RM]
#7 Joel Haodao [LW/CF]

by **Timuria** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 11:56 am

Congratulations to our winner in this round and commiserations to the team that will be attending the third place playoff.

by **Trolleborg** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 12:03 pm

As a sign of deep respect to the Poafmersia I'll give opponents a right to roleplay match, if they wish to do so. My own RP related to the game will appear after his or somewhere twenty hours from now.

by **Zwangzug** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 6:11 pm

Pauh Janggi 0–2 Appalachian Nation

Third-place playoff:
Pauh Janggi vs. Poafmersia (Wayr Stadium, Zwangzug)
Appalachian Nation vs. Trolleborg (Dev Halk Stadium, Demir)

Both will be scorinated by me, around 24 hours from now, to leave you time to RP.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 1:39 am

(OOC: Trolleborg, thanks for letting me go first, congratulations on winning and hopefully you can get that BoF! Sorry if I added a bit too much drama for the rp part

)

Poafmersia 2
Handris 24'
Haodao 79'

Trolleborg 3
Kerr 40'
Troll 70'
Skaloed 90'

From Poafmer Times
Poafmersia got robbed of a place in the finals?
Report by Joel Hamilton

(image to be uploaded)
Caption: Poafmersia fans protesting on the field after the match (Taken by a local reporter in Timuria)

Timuria - Fans cry foul after Poafmersia bowed out of contention for the trophy in a very controversial manner, halting the national team's winning run and leaving the entire Poafmersian community upset.
The match was widely expected to be a hotly contested one as both sides were free scoring sides who both raked in 29 goals in their past 8 matches, and have very loud fan groups who have been in the news throughout the Baptism of Fire for good reasons, Trolleborg's for their good sportsmanship in helping opposition fans and welcoming them to the stadium, while Poafmersia's for their care of the stadium's environment by picking up litter and also to hype up the local city by introducing residents to the Poafmersian culture and warning them about the fans' loud ways.
However, no one expected this ending today, as many Poafmersian fans left the stadium furious at the referee's decision, resulting in protests on the streets that resulted in the police coming to maintain order.
Poafmersia and Trolleborg was evenly matched throughout the match. While Trolleborg played a modified 4-4-2 which feature a free running attacking midfielder on the right, Poafmersia adopted a more standard 4-3-3 featuring Shakira, the current topscorer for Poafmersia, Pete Carisa and veteran winger Alexri Timson. The free flowing football both sides played was pleasing to the eye, as the players were constantly on the attack and willing to press forward to get the possession. It was Poafmersia' Shakira Handris who broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, after a nice assist from Gisiik Moonar. 5 minutes before half time, Trolleborg's center forward Kerr equalised to huge cheers from the Trolleborg fans.
The next half was full of missed chances. Kerr and the other center forward, Skaloed, had 2 or 3 chances on goal, and so did Pete, Alexri and Gisiik, but the midfielder Troll netted the second goal after a nice header from a corner kick at the 70th minute. Fearing that Poafmersia could not come back, Adnan brought on Joel for Alexri and Matthew Tibrise for Dargis Walshor in the left side. 9 minutes later, Matthew made a brilliant cross into the path of Joel and Joel headed it in to score the 2nd for Poafmersia.
With the two sides inseparable for the next 11 minutes, the fourth official gave a 4 minute extra time. 3 minutes in, just as everyone thought Poafmersia and Trolleborg are going into extra time, the incident occured. As Pasits was racing after Skaloed for the ball, Skaloed apparently fell in the box, and the referee gave Trolleborg the penalty as Pasits got a red card. The fans erupted into loud roar, as the screens replayed the scene again. Players cried foul as Pasits said he did not touch Skaloed, but the referee refused to reverse the decision. The fans looked at the screen, but it was not clear if there was contact. After Skaloed scored the resulting penalty, there was no hope of any comeback, as Poafmersia got denied their 9th win on the trot.
After the match, the national broadcaster, Poafmersia Broadcasting Corporation (PBC), interviewed local referees about that controversial penalty, but no one could be clear what was the correct decision. Some argued that there doesn't seem to be contact and it looked like a dive on Skaloed part, while others said that the light touch by Pasits before could be seen as a shove which led to the referee giving the red card and the penalty.
Head Coach Adnan Suliaha refused to comment on the incident. "I couldn't see what happened, and only could take the word of the players and referee. Even the replay didn't show anything. However, I think the match was difficult for our players and we were not able to convert our chances to goals, which ultimately cost us the match. Give Trolleborg the credit, they are a good team and deserve the finals position."
Poafmersia will play Pauh Janggi in the 3rd/4th playoffs tomorrow.

From Sporting Daily
Poafmersia narrowly misses out on Finals after controversial decision
Report by Zacxis Wegs
Poafmersia lost the semi finals match against Trolleborg after a last minute controversial decision by the referee, therefore losing to Trolleborg 2-3.
Poafmersia' Shakira Handris opened the scoring in the 24th minute, after a nice assist from Gisiik Moonar. 5 minutes before half time, Trolleborg's center forward Kerr equalised. It was Trolleborg's midfielder Troll who the second goal after a nice header from a corner kick at the 70th minute. Poafmersia made 2 substitutions, bringing on Joel for Alexri and Matthew Tibrise for Dargis Walshor in the left side. 9 minutes later, Matthew made a brilliant cross into the path of Joel and Joel headed it in to score the 2nd for Poafmersia.
Into the 3rd out of 4th minute of stoppage time, a controversial incident occurred. As Pasits was racing after Skaloed for the ball, Skaloed apparently fell in the box, and the referee gave Trolleborg the penalty as Pasits got a red card for apparently shoving Skaloed. Players cried foul as Pasits said he did not touch Skaloed, but the referee refused to reverse the decision. The fans looked at the screen, but it was not clear if there was contact. Skaoled scored the resulting penalty for Trolleborg, and therefore Poafmersia lost the match 2-3.
After the match, a disappointed Adnan Suliaha told reporters that his side could only rue missed chances for the defeat. "I couldn't see what happened, and only could take the word of the players and referee. Even the replay didn't show anything. However, I think the match was difficult for our players and we were not able to convert our chances to goals, which ultimately cost us the match. Give Trolleborg the credit, they are a good team and deserve the finals position." He later added, "We have to forget this and move on, go ahead and play the 3rd-4th placing match and also prepare ourselves for the World Cup Qualifiers."
Fans, however, are not as happy. Many people took to the streets to protest the decision in Timuria, while others posted on Poafmersia's social media sites Chirper and Instameria to protest the decision, with some calling on the flag to be raised to half-mast for "mourn" the loss of the Baptism of Fire trophy.
The President, however, has came out to call for peace and unity, saying the he will personally attend the 3rd - 4th placing match and congratulate the team on such a fine showing at their international debut. "Forget the controversy at the end, we should thank the team for their performance and congratulate them for a job well done," he said to the crowd of 68 thousand fans at the Libira Stadium watching the match. "We should instead hope that they bounce back stronger and get a fine showing in the qualifiers and hopefully qualify on first try!" This was met with thunderous applause from the crowd at the live telecast. "They will all get a reward from me for being the first sporting team to represent Poafmersia."

Final Starting Squad for Baptism of Fire 3/4PO:

Starters:

#12 Jabaik Henderson [GK]
#13 Gracia Warisian [LB]
#4 Danzik Hoboson [CB] - Captain
#15 Alex Hoboson [CB]
#14 Timothy Gausun [RB]
#6 Dargis Walshor [LM]
#10 Gisiik Moonar [CM]
#8 Jessie Mchargrita [RM]
#7 Joel Haodao [LW]
#9 Shakira Handris [CF]
#11 Pete Carisa [RW]

Substitutes:

#23 Dikash Jahikas [GK]
#2 Alex Pickford [LB]
#16 Konile Trasa [CB]
#17 Gooh Figsh [CM/DCM]
#19 Danille Trasa [RM]
#20 Santik Manson [CF/ACM]
#21 Alexri Timson [LW/RW]

by **Trolleborg** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:26 am

Ruud Torbens
PhD, Professor, Chair of Historical Department Trolleborg Univercity.
About So-Called “Stolen Semifinal” Poafmersian Myth // “Notes of Trolleborg Historical Society”, №12, V. 114. Y. 2039. Pp. 2-47.

Resume: On the twentieth occassion of our national team debute in the Baptism of Fire tournament author comprehensively explores the history of the famous semifinal. So far, Poafmersia has attributed the defeat of their national team in a match against Trolleborg with a dubious penalty at the end of the game. The author convincingly debunks this version by analyzing both the surviving video recordings and protocols, as well as eyewitness accounts: the decisive goal was scored shortly before the end of the game as a result of a counterattack by Trolleborg players. The whole story with an unfair penalty should be recognized as ....
...
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by **Trolleborg** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:32 am

APPALACHIAN NATION - TROLLEBORG

Our team made a wonderful gift to the country on Victory Day. And Levenkrands used a live interview after the match to make an offer of marriage to his girlfriend.
But after Battle of Demir our team does not have the opportunity to relax, ahead of the finals, and in it we will meet a team that has not yet been defeated in the championship. Opponents play sober and pragmatic football, score enough for victories and conceded a little. It will be difficult for us, but this is the final and we must make every possible effort.

The whole country is following what is happening, the match will be broadcast wherever possible. One of the channels organized the broadcast of the video of the fans themselves, who will shoot what is happening on-work cameras directly from the stands.

The capital’s Psychological Drama Theater has promised to stage a play on the events of the championship, and its competitor Theater of Future intends to respond to this with an interactive immersive staging on the same topic. The most prominent painter of the country plan to draw a gallery of portraits of players and several paintings where the most dramatic episodes of the performance of our team will be captured.

The national leader arrived in Timuria, but did not take advantage of his opportunities to get into the match. He will watch the game in the fan camp near the main square.

Fans of the Trolleborg team urgently repair broken throats than they have to and prepare a grandiose performance for the final match. It is supposed to re-enact the main events of the history of Trolleborg in one of the squares of the capital of Timuria, in which both outsiders and local residents will be able to participate. Then a mass distribution of refreshments to everyone will be organized on the occasion of yesterday's holiday and victory. After that, a long procession of fans will move from the city center to the stadium, accompanied by orchestras, and, in tune with tradition, distributing pies, scarves and flags and inviting local residents to join and chant cries in support of our team.

On the northern stand, where the fans of the Trolleborg team gathered, a poster “Thank you for the hospitality, the hosts!” was hung, then well known giant crowd surf flag with a red dragon was unfurled, and after that fans raised painted signs that reading “Come on, lads!” on the background of the national flag.

After an inspired performance of the national anthem, fans wait for the whistle to start the game

The team goes to the last BoF match in the following lineup:

by **Ziwana** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:56 am

ZIWANI BOF GOAL SCORERS

1. Abdulaziz Haqawi- 9
2. Jean Wilder- 9
3. Nicolas Bayaram- 3
4. John Sangala-1

by **Zwangzug** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 6:08 pm

Third-place playoff:
Pauh Janggi 2–2 Poafmersia (2–3 AET)

Final of Baptism of Fire 71:
Appalachian Nation 1–2 Trolleborg

Thank you all for participating! The World Cup threads are up if you're ready to start posting rosters and RPs there. Because of participating in the BoF, you've earned some KPB points that will slightly increase your chances of success in the qualifiers; however, many other teams will have accumulated points over several World Cup cycles, so--subject to random number noise, as always--it's likely there will be many defeats for your teams. Don't be disheartened, and have fun roleplaying whatever ensues.

If you have questions about sports RPing going forward, again, please feel free to contact myself or Timuria. Welcome aboard!

by **Trolleborg** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:47 am

APPALACHIAN NATION - TROLLEBORG 1-2

Trolleborg: Kotsson, Levenkrands, Troger, Dushegub (Tro,74), Wolters, Kolding (Zhita,88), Valgren, Troll, Finnsnes, Kerr, Skaloed
Troll,21 (0-1); Керр,71 (1-2).

Appalachians played in their usual style – very careful and even warily, and did not allow our team accelerate the pace of game and periodically created danger at the Kotsson net. It took another masterpiece from Troll to open a score - after a quick succession of passes in midfield, he got the ball near the box, beat the defender on the backswing, and before his comrades could close the gup, he struck it with one touch irresistibly - right into the far corner.

Opponents did not give up, and just before the break leveled the score, after our central defenders made a mistake when they came on the ball from the flank and allowed the forward to calmly shot through from close range.

But still in the second half, our team, constantly pressing, achieved its goal: Valgren took the ball in the center circle, sent it to Kolding, and he, having received a couple of seconds to think, moved forward a little and made an excellent pass in the penalty area. Skaloed made a distraction move, gathering his defenders around himself, and Kerr turned out to be without custody for a second, and this was enough for him to score his 13th goal and strengthen claim of the top scorer tournament title. In the time remaining until the end of the game, Kotsson played well twice, and our players could find a net not once, but in the end, the score was 1: 2 - our fans scream and cry with delight in the stands and in the city. Our team, having shown a very good game, won the Baptism of Fire tournament.

People who won BoF and give us so much pleasure are:
Valgren 10 games (3 goals); Dushegub 9; Troll 9(7); Finnsnes 9(2); Kerr 9(13); Kotsson 8(-12); Troger 8; Tro 8; Wolters 8; Kolding 8(1); Skaloed 8(2); Levenkrands 7(1); Gulbranden 6(4); Laaste 5; Magni 4; Aldekamp 4; Zhita 4; Mogrin 3; Vrommen 2(-3); Joos 2; Koolen 2; Tjeerd 1; Windass 1(-0).

by **Trolleborg** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:50 am

Whole country sitting – or, rather, impatiently surround – their TVs, waiting how it all will end. The broadcast turned out to be the highest rated broadcast in the long history of our television. Probably close to the fifth part of population see it on the city squares.

And they were rewarded with excellent football by both teams and a brilliant victory for our team

Victory give a huge boost for local economy due to celebrations. Economist measure it in billions of florins, spend on the food, drinks and paraphenalia. Medicine tell us about serious boost in productivity and overall health this victory brings to the Trolleborg.

Members of our team already receive a lot of proposals and preferences from a wide arrange of people – invitations to the theatres, cinemas, leisure complexes, entitled to the free entrance of almost everywhere, free food from establishments ranged from largest chain restaurants to the drinking den for fans near the stadium in small northern town.

Aircraft with a team is already arrived in Trolleborg International Airport. Enormous crowd stood along the entire road to the city center and almost three hundred thousands meet lads in the Trolleborg city historical core. The players then spoke to a crowd of fans from the balcony of Government House.

Tomorrow there was a big talk-show with all the players at the main stadium in Trolleborg, opening of Allee of the Stars nearby. After that team will take a tour around the country with a cup, with autograph session in every major city and classes for a young players. Every player has a right to take cup with him everywhere he want for a three days.

As already was known, both leading theatres prepare performances about the BoF events, and the most prominent director of the country expressed his intention to quickly shot the blockbuster about the tournament.

Thanks to everyone and nice to meet you.

by **PotatoFarmers** » Wed Dec 04, 2019 7:58 pm

OOC: For any record keeping purposes in case someone wants, I shall leave here with the results of my 3/4 Placing Match against Pauh Janggi. The relevant RP formed the basis of my WCQ 84's 1st RP, as seen here

3rd/4th Placing Match Results, @ Wayr Stadium, Zwangzug
Pauh Janggi 2
Osman Khaidir 39', 62'

Poafmersia 3
Joel Haodao 55'
Shakira Handaris 82', 118'

(2-2 at full time, 2-3 aet)

Thanks for a nice BoF 71, and we shall see whoever we need to see in the WCQ!

by **Trolleborg** » Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:09 am

Promised film about Trolleborg exploits in the BoF is already on the screens

Trolleborg Cinema and KFRP presents

"Hennige Overwin"
(in translation "Through difficulties to triumph")

Director Soren Glostrup created a tremendous psychological drama, successfully combining action and emotional experiences in just the right proportion.

He insert real footage into his film so masterfully, that you probably don't find a difference.
Moments of doubt, ups and downs, merit of the fans in the victory - all this is fully conveyed to the viewers.

Such a recognized masters of drama on the screen like Torben Wijt and Ruud Akker did their job perfectly, and some of the real players appear on the screen as themselves
in some episodes.

Baptism of Fire 71

3/4PO Results

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