World Cup 54: RP thread

by **The Babbage Islands** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 1:51 pm

The World Cup 54 schedule is up.

by **Qazox** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 3:20 pm

The Road to One Big Island and World Cup 54

DIFFICULT.

One of the drawbacks for not making the World Cup in 16 years is that the teams get seeded by recent performance. Since Qazox has not been to the last 3 Cups, they were rated a bit lower than many of the other qualifiers and were drawn into a group that will see the Pheonix struggle just to have a chance. 2 top ten teams, Aguazul and Jeru FC, and Cafundeu, whom we've played twice already; are in Group F.

HISTORY versus the fellow Group F nations:
Aguazul- Overall: 1st meeting (most recent meeting: N/A) #8 in the world. Made quarterfinals at WC53. Tough team that went a combined 11-1-1 in qualifying. Prediction: Aguazul 3-Qazox 1

Cafundeu- Overall: 9-1-2 Cafundeu (3-0-1 Cafundeu @ World Cup) (most recent meeting: Qazox 2-0 MD6 WC54 Zonals). 13th time overall and 3rd time in the past 3 years these two nations will clash. Qazox broke a 8-game winless skien against the Monopolists in the Zonal stage. Can the Pheonix start their own streak? Prediction: Qazox 2-Cafundeu 1

Jeru FC- Overall: 2-1-0 Qazox (most recent meeting: Qazox 4-1, MD2 World Cup 50). Last time these two teams met, Qazox was the up-and-coming team and Jeru FC was the underdog. Now with the roles revered, would the Pheonix be able to pull off an upset against one of their closest allies? Prediction: Jeru FC 3-Qazox 1

The night before the World Cup draw was announced, Qazox took on Cassadaigua in a charity match at Capital Stadium, Charleston, South Island, TBI; to benefit the survivors of the collapse of the Secristani government. As expected, the Dagans dominated the match winning 3-1; but when you're playing for charity, there are no losers. The game took in an estimated $6,800,000 for the survivors.

SCORELINE

QZX  0 1  1
CDG  2 1  3

Scoring:
Cassadaigua: Cassie Dayton- 23'
Cassadaigua: Cassie Dayton- 42'
Qazox: Nate Calvin- 63'
Cassadaigua: Jennifer Leahey- 90+2'

Estadia Pika, Pika City. Capacity: 84,562

Ganja Vodka Stadium, Fromburg. Capacity: 94,500

Qazian Memorial Stadium II, Qazox City. Capacity: 100,052

@ New Bruxen Hotel & Casino Field, New Bruxen. Capacity: 77,721

Qazox' 600th international

by **Jeruselem** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 7:25 pm

Sam Sallad and Princess Helena Troi Dallas (Jeruselem captain)

Sam:
Hello, this is Sam Sallad reporting for Jeruselem Government New with our World Cup 54 team. I'm with Princess Helena Troi Dallas, the team leader. We're discussing the finals

draw.

Helena: Morning everyone out there.
Sam: Now, a lot of people have commented I look related to Helena. Yes, I am. we are related. We both are great-grandchildren of Natasha Dallas.
Helena: There's a lot of slow folk out there who didn't know that.
Sam: Now, Jeruselem have been placed in Group H along with 3rd seed Albundania, 20th seed Andossa Se Mitrin Vega aka Sea Dragons and 47th seed Sibirsky
Helena: Yes, a kinder group than our interzonal.
Sam: Group F have our own ten seed Jeru FC who face 21th seed Cafundéu, 8th seed Aguazul and ...
Helena: 35th ranked Qazox.
Sam: Tough for your Pheonix eh?
Helena: well, it is the finals. The best are here.
Sam: First Group H, not exactly clear cut?
Helena: Well, Albundania should have an easy time but we must beat them Sea Dragons to have any chance. We must beat Sibirsky too.
Sam: We've been doing well, ignoring the Pink Cup results.
Helena: Yes, not many losses and solid defending. The Pink Cup results were against some great teams but no impact on the world cup.
Sam: There's been a lack of goals but some recent games have been good.
Helena: Yes, ignoring the last game because we played the B team really since it didn't matter what happened. It's been good.
Sam: So what's the plan for making the 2nd round.
Helena: Keep it simple, try for a draw against Albundania unless we win which would be nice. Then beating Sibirsky. A good result against Andossa Se Mitrin Vega is a must unless

we have 6 points already.
Sam: There's been a lot of scoring opportunities but not that many goals.
Helena: It is a worry, but we're getting better. The Interzonals produced 13 goals in 5 games. Jeru FC did the same, but we conceded less goals than them.
Sam: Do you have special plans for each team?
Helena: Yes, but we're not discussing that on TV. Not a good idea.
Sam: Group F, tough for Qazox.
Helena: Oh yes, surely Jeru FC and Aguazul are the big faves here. I'm hoping Jeru FC and Qazox make it but not confident.
Sam: What about the chances of Cafundéu?
Helena: Well, they have play better. That were lucky to make the finals playing that rubbish they did.
Sam: Newmanistan made the finals ranked so low at 84 but face big teams.
Helena: Yes, I wouldn't want to be in that group.
Sam: A lot of folks ask why Peppers isn't the team leader. She's a vetern of the recent cups.
Helena: Look, she's a nice girl with good heart and puts in 100% every game but thinking isn't her strong point.
Sam: So she's a workhorse, but not a general.
Helena: Exactly, she's got her role. I'm not a just a pretty face either.
Sam: Who do you see as a future leader for this team?
Helena: Well, the other Princess on this team. Padme Faye Leia ... she's not a real princess but she'a an honest player who likes to tell others if they aren't doing their job.
Sam: That's the role of the leader.
Helena: The leader inspires, the team wins but often when the chips are down ... the leader steps up and tells the team to lift their game.
Sam: Thank you for your time.
Helena: No probs.

Group H
18 Jeruselem 29.29
20 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega 28.64
3 Albundania 43.89
47 Sibirsky 12.72

by **Jeru FC** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 7:26 pm

Princess Shay Dallas and Mango Mousse (Jeru FC striker)

Shay: Hello, I'm Princess Shay Lauren Dallas. I'm with our Jeru FC team and this is Mango Mousse ... one of the strikers who likes to score on and off the field.
Mango: Hey, yeah.
Shay: Group F, looks interesting with 8th seed Aguazul, 21th seed Cafundéu and then poor old 35th seed Qazox.
Mango: Well, I like Qazians. Those girls from Cafundéu were cute too.
Shay: We're here to talk football, not sex talk.
Mango: Oh right.
Shay: You confident about the chances of our team?
Mango: I think we'll be fine. Our worry is Aguazul.
Shay: You've been dependent on winning due to goal scoring but recent defending has been rather bad at best.
Mango: I've always said defense isn't our forte. We're not the worst but could be better.
Shay: So the key to Jeru FC making it is just scoring goals and hope the defense doesn't need to work.
Mango: Yeah
Shay: In the finals, anything can happen.
Mango: Yes, like Newmanistan qualifying. But I think we're OK here.
Shay: You guys do anything special for the finals?
Mango: We drink less beer before and more after the game.
Shay: Most teams don't drink before the game.
Mango: Well, it's our ritual.
Shay: I hear you all put an image of Dazza Dallas in your changing room to inspire you.
Mango: Yes, she maybe dead but she's our Mum in a spirtual way. Jeru FC was her idea.
Shay: Which image of Dazza Dallas?
Mango: The one with the snakes ...
Shay: Oh that one, err ... well.
Mango: You'd look good nude with snakes.
Shay: I don't like snakes.
Mango: The boys think you should be our next coach.
Shay: Nah, I'm no coach. I'm nowhere near like your coach.
Mango: We'll listen to you.
Shay: well, thank your time. And good luck to the boys.
Mango: We do it for country and king, and Princesses and women ...and
Shay: Err, see you all later.
Mango: That image is really easy to find.
Shay: I suggest children do not look at the video.
Mango: She was an amazing woman. Doing stuff like that.

Group F
21 Cafundéu 27.87
8 Aguazul 36.60
10 Jeru FC 36.29
35 Qazox 16.24

by **Newmanistan** » Sat Feb 05, 2011 11:40 pm

When they returned home to Newmanistan, it was a busy period for the Keislers. Phone call after phone call, not just from media members wanting to talk about the wedding, but from true family and friends. Stacey’s mother and Jeremy McAllister, Sr (the one with 134 goals) offered to take the lead on most of the wedding plan. They were excited to unite the two families who have long been seen within the Empire as the biggest two sporting families of the homeland, something which wouldn’t surprise fans of other nations who have an above average familiarity with us. Relatives were happy with the wedding, and felt confident that the two would last. Then there were the calls from the media, all wanting comments, and depending on the mood they were in at the time, they answered questions, but were stern on the fact that the wedding was only going to be for family and friends.

Courtney took all of this in, but her mind was more focused on football now, and not baseball. Excited to be back in Southport for a while, Courtney hung out with some of her teenage friends, and played a few pickup games of football, and her skill level was obviously increasing. Shawn Franklin, her ex-boyfriend who played on the Di Bradini team and elated to finally hear who eventually won that Di Bradini Cup, was among those she would play against. That is how she knew was getting better, as she was making Shawn look stupid now. One day, Junior watched from a distance and couldn’t believe his eyes. He knew she was good and all, but could she really be World Cup caliber? Junior left before Courtney could see him, so he missed Shawn’s plea of desperation to take him back (and he was turned down). Junior also knew that the kids her age often didn’t want to play baseball against her because it just wasn’t fun for them anymore even when Courtney tried to go easy on them, and maybe it was going to be that way with soccer too. “Could someone really play in the World Cup AND World Baseball Classic?” he thought. It should be possible, but when considering that each coach would want a 12-month commitment, very unlikely. Therefore, he knew his daughter had to pick something, and really got an understanding for the difficulty of the situation she was in.

A few days went by and Junior sat his armchair to watch the World Cup Draw,

“They really devote a whole three hours to covering the Group Draw?” asked Stacey.

“Absolutely. First, of course, they have to recap what happened in qualifying and we all know there is a lot of stories that can be told there among all of the nations that are here. And then, once the draw is complete, they have to provide an intensely detailed analysis of all groups and predict the top seeds to win each group, the bottom seeds to finish last in each group, and for the group to come down between the second and third seeds. In between, they actually draw the teams, yes, but that doesn’t make the show.” Junior replied.

“Let’s just find out which country we’re going to and be done with it! World Baseball Classic group draws are never all like this. The host association just does the draw and says, here folks, here it is.”

“That must stink because then you miss the post-draw analysis of teams predicting they will beat everyone ranked worse then them and lose to those ranked better then them, though hoping to steal a game from a better ranked, but close enough team.” Junior replied again.

“Well with us, it was always; who are we gonna play in the championship? Before the first qualifying game is even played.”

Courtney comes running in the room, “Dad, can I watch?”

“Sure!”

“You wanna watch all three hours of the predictable predictions?” Stacey asked.

“Well I guess not. Call me down when they actually start drawing teams.” Courtney replies as both Junior and Stacey laugh. The pre-draw show does all of its qualifying recaps and its time to start the group draw. (OOC: I’m gonna RP it here as having been pot 1, then 2, then 3, and 4; so my apologies if it was done differently within nssport when it was drawn).

“We’re in pot 4, so it’s gonna be a while.” Junior said.

Nation names are rattled off, with Stacey seeming to get the most enjoyment of it, being sure to comment on the baseball team of each World Cup qualifier.

“The Babbage Islands, yeah pitched against them.... Cassadaigua, they’re good at everything.... Albundania, they stunk when they tried.... The Archregimancy? I guess monks can’t play baseball. Ahhh, Sarzonia.... ‘nuff said, how’s Katie?”

Junior briefly interrupts, “Are you gonna do this the whole time?”

Stacey nods, “Yep. Tocrowkia doesn’t do this, huh? And no Tarrentum?”

Junior grins before Courtney interrupts, “Tocrowkia didn’t try. Tarrentum started well but choked down the stretch.”

Stacey continues with the baseball analysis of drawn teams, “Starblaydia, too football obsessed... Jeruselem, hey you know back in the day they did try once... Valladares, they should try.... Delaclava! They still need to improve though but they’re alright... Bears Armed, would be interesting but they probably just don’t want to be compared to the “Cubs”.”

Junior interrupts again, “Alright, pot 4 coming up. We can be drawn at any time now.”

TV: Group C, Newmanistan. They cheer...... briefly.

“That means Valanora.” says Courtney.

“And Sarzonia.” adds Stacey.

“And Delaclava again.” replies Courtney.

“And it means The Babbage Islands. I’ll start making the arrangements now. We can have a good time there, we’ve all been there so it’s good. Get a break here and there, we could make it out of the group. We know our fans will outnumber the fans of all of those countries at each game, and we may draw the neutral Babbage fans support, too. I’ve seen a lot of crazy stuff happen, so there is more room for additional wackiness. If I know one thing, top seeds don’t always win and bottom seeds don’t always lose. They can do this.”

by **Dorian and Sonya** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:39 am

Unicorns, Urchins, Pythons, & Kryties? Oh My!

My Queen,

There is no doubt that you have been awaiting news of the draw that the Mystical Unicorns must face in World Cup 54. The news of that draw is good indeed. Missing are some of the heavyweights we traditionally struggle against - and no Pink nation to battle with either. In their stead are a couple of perennial underachievers and the new kid on the block. That does not mean we will have an easy time advancing from this group - far from it. Let’s take a look at the competition.

MD1 We open with the upstarts from Kagdazka and Pazhujebu. We just thought that Cotdelapoms reminded us of ourselves. We won the Championship in just our fourth outing. This squad is capable of doing that as well. This squad is the real deal. They have consistently outperformed their competition en route to qualification very early in their international careers. We will have to be very careful not to let this squad surprise us.

The ace in the hole for K&P just might be their witch coach, Baba Yaga. It is my official request that you make a personal appearance for this match in order to thwart any dark majiks that may be directed our way. They were very relieved when they dodged having to face the Elves of Valanora in the group stage. Hopefully we can teach them that our Elves are to be feared as well.

MD2 Fear the Cyan of the Kryties. Somehow this squad is always rated highly even though they never manage to put together that perfect run to a title. Surely they can not remain as “the best side that never won a thing” forever. Surely they will make a real play for the Championship at some point. Let’s just not let them use us as a springboard to get there. We will have to take their best shot before this one is decided. We had better be ready.

MD3 If it were not for the existence of Krytenia, Queer Poco el Mono Ara might be the poster child for the “close but no cigar” club. But never-the-less, they are a squad that has some major upsets to their name and will be looking for another notch when they face us. Hopefully we can have our advancement wrapped up by this point. We do not want to face this side in a must win situation.

What are the keys to our success? In every single match we have to dictate the pace and force all three of our competitors to play our style of football. When we play with that consistent movement and orchestrate our passing to perfection, no one can stop us. It remains to be seen which one of these sides will step up and disrupt our style and if we can overcome it when it happens.

See you in Cassadaigua.

Your humble servant,
Khyber

by **The Babbage Islands** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 6:04 am

Attention is called to two recent venue information posts in the HQ thread:

Cassadaigua information
The Babbage Islands information

Also note that basic stadium information has been updated in the schedule posts of both the HQ and RP threads.

by **The Archregimancy** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:33 pm

"I keep telling you, Fr. Moses... there is absolutely no sign of an anti-Orthodox conspiracy in this World Cup! None! Qualification was fairly straightforward, and here we are!"

"How can you say this, Fr. Elijah? The entire cup is run by Mormons. They reject the Ecumenical Councils, they reject Apostolic Succession - well, proper Apostolic Succession, anyway - and have some frankly rather odd ideas about children and sin that are borderline Pelagian in their heretical nature. That's just the tip of the iceberg, mind you; and never mind their propensity to add to Scripture with new books. How can you say these people are not biased against us?"

"I'm not saying that there aren't some considerable points of difference between us and the Mormons, just as there are between us and Hindus - but I'm simply not convinced that there's a conspiracy against us?"

"And is there anything that would convince you?"

"Well..... maybe being drawn in the same World Cup group as the Babbage Islands - in the Babbage Islands. But what are the chances of that, hmmm? It's wholly unlikely."

"Well, do I have some news for you....."

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

Memorandum

From: The Monastic Football Association

To: The World Cup 54 Organisers

RE: The World Cup Draw

Dear World Cup Organisers,

We would like to request a full and frank explanation of a World Cup draw that has seen us drawn against the Babbage Islands.

In particular, we seek immediate clarification regarding whether this is evidence of a Mormon led anti-Orthodox conspiracy against the Archregimancy that seeks to see us eliminated from the tournament as soon as feasibly possible.

Yours,

The Monastic Football Association +

by **Aguazul** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:34 pm

Things had a way of working out weirdly, if a little late; Estadio Aramis Peralta did get to host a big game after all (no one was quite sure how Aguazul had wound up with three home games, but Lucas Prado was ready to glare heavily at anyone who pressed the issue). Admittedly, Jason Olson scored in minute 27 to mirror the sides' first meeting but, as Pelayo Sortani put it, Aguazul would have rather won and lost the matches they did than the other way around.

"And speaking of working out weirdly, if a little late," Beto said at the postgame commiseration, "Dorian and Sonya made the last final, didn't they?"

"They won the last final, dude," said Timoteo Bunuel.

"Well, yeah," said Beto. "But as far as making the thing goes. Didn't we see it coming back in 52?"

"Yeah," said Vela Cachon, "when we were just doing it based on mascots."

"We should do something like that again. If anything else, be ready for 55..."

And, after several deliberations fueled by beer, Beto and company present the completely unofficial set of predictions based exclusively on how cool countries' currencies sound.

Group A: Credits are pretty boring, but it should be a nice battle among the remaining three teams. Edisons and tithes are nice enough, but after that whole heterochrony thing Cosumar should just edge out The Archregimancy as the hosts take the group title.

Group B: We think a nomisma is something that involves nom. We might be wrong about this. But it sounds cool, so The Holy Empire take the group. Nethertopia are the best of the rest, a golden sovereign isn't inherently monarchic (right?) with Valladares an embarrassing last. Guys, points are what you put in the middle of the amount of money you have. Not in front. We think. None of us are that great at math.

Group C: Delaclava's is the only one that sounds unique, so they'll win the group. Head to head had better be used as a tiebreaker, we can't wait to see Newmanistan's gold coins take on Valanora's silver coins. Rockets in second, then...

Group D: We don't care much for commies or monarchists here, so Bears Armed take second by default. Kelssek are at least aware that their economy is loony, so they'll take the top spot.

Group E: Again quite generic over here. Mantwenic's Christos seems like a good idea, though, so they'll win the group ahead of Bostopia, who'll need a tiebreaker to get past Starblaydia. Cassadaigua at least could try a subdivision of time relevant to the sport in the tournament they're hosting.

Group F: Jeru FC top the group easily on relevance alone. We don't know how you'd pronounce Qazox' currency, but Cafundéu's religion is Moneynoteism to boot, so they'll probably sneak past us for second on that. Oh well.

Group G: No idea what this is. A rubliyal sounds like a weird poem, an argental seems like it has something to do with a flag color, a mono coin...well, this group could be a barrel of monkeys...and a whitehall dollar is a little generic. Krytenia's flag does look nice, so we'll have them win the group even if the coin has nothing to do with flags, with Kagdazka and Pazhujebu coming second.

Group H: Government certificates sound like they might be commie propaganda, and a vegan paios sounds like something you'd eat. Jeruselem over Sibirsky, then.

Round of 16: Home field advantage lets The Babbage Islands and their edisons sweat past Bears Armed, while The Holy Empire chows down Newmanistan. After throwing around too many Karsikas, Delaclava get motion sickness and lose to Nethertopia, and the nearly ageless Kelssek squad fends off Cosumar's Chrons in the best battle of the round. Mantwenic take an early lead, and Sibirsky's late surge can't save them. Jeru FC's football skill shuts up Kagdazka and Pazhujebu, and after a blah match, Cafundéu take down Krytenia on penalties (people have actually heard of vintems). Jeruselem pound Bostopia to make the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals: More Babbage Islands breakthroughs keep the edisons moving forward, while Kelssek don't take themselves too seriously but clean up against Nethertopia. Jeru FC break through early and some key saves later on don't help Mantwenic, while Jeruselem edge out Cafundéu.

Semifinals: Kelssek defeat The Babbage Islands in a thriller, and Jeru FC are just better with footballs than their masters. In third place, the hosts' ingenuity gives them the edge. And in the final? Well, loonies and footballs are both so integral to the World Cup as we know it that, really, there's no way either of them can lose.

by **The Babbage Islands** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 1:58 pm

Now it feels funny.

When I got engaged to Dick, it was hard to step away from the Bumblebees. But I knew it was necessary, and I did it with only occasional regrets. And with World Cup 54 coming to The Babbage Islands, the team wasn't playing any qualifiers this time round. But now the draw is set and the first group stage match is around the corner. And for the first time in seven Cup cycles I'm not suiting up for a World Cup match for my country.

Funny, indeed. I miss it.

Our Group A is playing in my home town of Dover, and it's a group that we can't afford to take lightly. We open against 13th-ranked The Archregimancy, then face first-time qualifiers Cosumar, and close against 24th-ranked Akbarabad. On paper it's a group we should win, probably seven points from nine. But you don't win the World Cup on paper, you win it on grass.

There have been some stories out of the Dreamed Realm about anti-Orthodox conspiracies organised by all the heretic Mormons that run The Babbage Islands. If it sounds odd to you, it should. First, not all of us Babbagians are Mormon. Second, we have difficulty conspiring about anything that doesn't involve tablecloths, a centerpiece, and green Jell-O.

I'm looking forward to the match, never mind the backstory. The monks are a disciplined lot and not easy to put off their game. We are clear favourites, especially on home ground. But we haven't had the test of two qualifying stages to refine Michelle Germaine's new scheme. We'll win this one, or lose it, on the strength of our back four. Jerry Kirkpatrick should set the tone on the pitch as both our captain and our top veteran player. Together with Caitlyn Ballantyne, Ronald Dennis, and Chloe Morris we've got defenders I'd stack against anyone.

Switching gears, now that the big Babbage football wedding has gone into the books we have news of the next big football wedding from Rocket country. My old friend Jeremy McAllister, Jr., former Newmanistan and Belgium FC striker, is marrying baseball Hall of Famer Stacey Keisler. And the nuptials come pre-seeded with an almost-adult daughter. It seems that Courtney, a pitcher with the natural gifts of her legendary mom, is their child--a secret maintained for nearly 16 years. Newmanistan defender Myron Jackson maintains that the kid could also be a professional footballer if she trained that way.

I wish all three of them all the happiness in the world.

Smile!

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 2:13 pm

PRESS RELEASE

The Imperial City; two subjective days before the start of the finals of World Cup 54

For immediate release

Holy Empire Football Association Announce Result of Choose the Squad Competition!

Many fantastic and wonderful ideas were received from Ordinary Reality dreamers.... And we liked them all so much that instead of choosing a single squad for the World Cup Finals, we've decided to use them all. Except for the two teams that actually lost; we're not stupid, you know. We learned that gods can't play footbal, and as for retired champion racehorses... well, let's just say that a central midfield of Phar Lap, Secretariat and Red Rum may have had big hearts - quite literally - but lacked a certain footballing quality.

Especially since they're all dead.

Horse corpses can't play football.

What's that, you say? And we think snowmen can?

Well, the snowmen won, didn't they?

Anyway.....

The Holy Empire World Cup 54 finals squad:

GK:
A snowman. A wholly ordinary, non-sentient, immobile snowman.

DEF:
We'll be using half of the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers 'steel curtain' to protect the snowman, and the personification of Rejistanian football to anchor the defence.

Left back: L.C. Greenwood
Centre back: Rejistania at their defensive peak - an orange-blue skinned humanoid speaking an incomprehensible language, but second to none when in defence.
Right Back: "Mean Joe" Green

MID:
A bit of a mixed bag in midfield, but at least there's variety....

Left Wing: Mr Football - a sentient football-sized football.
Left Central midfield: A rather fat and clearly out of shape comedian called Andrew Lascaro.
Central midfield: A neolithic primitive cave ursine called Uhroom-Uhroom
Right Central Midfield: the purple-skinned personification of Starblaydi football
Right Wing: A deeply devout sephardic shofar player

FOR:
How about some bling?

Sentient football-playing elements Gold and Platinum take the field in attack. They will be humanoid and bipedal, but otherwise made entirely of the elements in question.

So, with thanks, we'd also like to send World Cup tickets to the boys, girls, men, women, and ursines from Bostopia, Cafundeu, Qazox, Sorthern Northland, and Eastfield Lodge who helped to pick our squad.

This time, we just know we're on to a winner!!!

The Holy Empire Football Association

by **Albundania** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 5:16 pm

"Oh God why."

That was our initial reaction when we figured out our group draw. Partially because we drew Jerusalem, a little bit because the third pot team we grabbed happened to be Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, but mostly because we drew Sibirsky. Again. If there's one team in the entire world that seems set out to beat us like nobody's business, it is Sibirsky. Again and again Fabiano, Pepe, and Melo have walked all over our defense, most recently dominating us in the inter-zonals. On Jerusalem, they may be ranked 18th, but you can bet on them playing a damn sight better than 18th, as if an 18 rank in our group wasn't bad enough, right? Then we get back to Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, the team we absolutely have to get three from, and that almost seems doable. This group won't be a cakewalk no matter how you slice it.

Onto rosters, it would appear that Ricardo is going to keep the exact same roster, which is pretty extraordinary. Evan Lawson will be the brunt of the striking force, with Winger adding his outstanding veteran assistance where necessary. The midfield is the usual collaboration, with a speed demon, a pass master, an average winger, and the phenom all-star. (Seal, Inieta, Mawrz, and Jacoby) And the Albundanian defense is fixed after two decades of defensive struggle. Kurtis Moses has shown all the qualities of a true leader back there, and Hardage has proven to play at about the same level as Kellogg.

Anyways, when we come back from commercials, we'll talk about the early free agent signings in the Albundanian Major Football League, and what foreign players are being looked at.

by **Cafundeu** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 6:04 pm

FOLHA DA CAPITAL
O jornal no lugar certo na hora certa da notícia

Edição de Domingo - Ano 240 - Caderno III - Preço: V$3,80

IJAK PREPARES CHANGES FOR DECISIVE MOMENT

The Monopolists return to the World Cup, in the year that marks the 20th anniversary of the best campaign of Cafundéu's history, in which the team reached the final of the competition, being narrowly defeated by Starblaydia on penalties. But, as much as the Cafundelenses would like to hope that this could be a sign that the team is about to do another great run, the previous matches of the team have been very disappointing. In the first stage, the team wasn't motivated, only doing the minimal necessary in order to get the qualification for the second phase. Something condemned by the fans, since one of the most praised footballing characteristics by the Cafundelenses is exactly the determination and commitment. On the interzonals, the results of the team pointed out to the fact that the bad performances of the first phase weren't only due to the lack of interest. In that stage, there was a lot at stake, and the players clearly put an effort, but things simply didn't go well for the Monopolists. Horrible matches, some disastrous results, and the qualification for the World Cup came by luck. So, the climate right now in Cafundéu is one of worry, with the fans knowing that the team simply won't do well repeating the previous performances, and that an improvement is needed. Pessimism seems to be reigning, but a good result versus Qazox, at the opening match of the Monopolists in the World Cup, can change this mentality. And, to get this positive result, a coordinate effort involving the team staff and the players is necessary. Ganz Ijak, the current Cafundéu coach who is under pressure by the fans and the CCFM, is promoting some changes in the starting lineup and strategy in order to improve the football quality of the Monopolists. Let's take a look at them:

Defensive sector: Cleston remains as the starter goalkeeper, probably because neither Melkezedeck or Marinho seem to be in better form. This means that there was nothing Ijak could do this time, and that the decision to maintain Cleston wasn't truly because the team trusts him completely, but more because he's the best available, even if this best is not as good as Cafundéu wanted. The full-backs will stay the same, as both Maurício and Esquerdinha have been the best players of the team during the qualifiers. Thanks to them, the Monopolists weren't embarassed with the elimination from the competition. In the first match, however, Paraíba will play on the right wing due to Maurício being suspended. But we'll see changes in the central defence: Teteo will stay, but Bruno Pinto takes the position from Catimba. The former is experienced and can handle better the pressure of playing a World Cup, while the latter got involved in too many confusions during the qualifiers and had too many bad performances as starter. The defensive line will be more cautious, and the coach is planning to implement an offside trap to surprise the opponents. As for the defensive midfield, Lewton and Bino will remain with the positions, even though it's widely believed that Edu Miranda may receive a chance in the first match against Qazox, which will probably happen. In any case, Lewton and his team mate will give more support to the defence, in order for the Cafundéu team to explore more the wings with the talented full-backs.

Offensive sector: this is where we see the main change in the squad. Instead of working with a 4-4-2, Ganz Ijak will make Cafundéu play in a 4-5-1, due to a lack of talent on the attack. This is a new strategy for the Monopolists, which have even used a 4-3-3 during its history, or the 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. And, even more surprising, the attacker removed won't be substituted by an offensive midfielder like what could be expected, but by a neutral midfielder. This way, team captain Marco Aurélio won't be the only one playing as a neutral midfielder. Thanks to his excellent performances during the interzonal stage, Sidmar wins a starting position, a much deserved promotion. Meanwhile, Godô is going to be substituted by Vinícius Oliveira as the lone offensive midfielder, although the neutral midfielders will have the obligation of helping him to create offensive moves. And, to end this, Romergleydson will be the only natural striker of the lineup.

With this, the lineup for the match versus Qazox will be: Cleston; Paraíba, Esquerdinha, Teteo and Bruno Pinto; Lewton, Edu Miranda, Marco Aurélio, Sidmar and Vinícius Oliveira; Romergleydson. In the other two matches, the lineup will probably be changed to: Cleston; Maurício, Esquerdinha, Teteo and Bruno Pinto; Lewton, Bino, Marco Aurélio, Sidmar and Vinícius Oliveira; Romergleydson.

CONTINUING OUR SERIES ABOUT SUPPORTERS

Our series during the interzonals, in which our selected reporters followed one day in the lives of different Cafundelense supporters, being those the days in which the Monopolists played their opponents in Valladares, will continue as we know send our journalist to Cassadaigua, in order to follow different groups of football fans as they travel too to follow our National Team. As you already know the series now, we are only going to list the selected supporters, whose stories we will follow in the World Cup: now is the time, when Cafundéu cannot underperform and when our supporters will give their help in any way they can. To the groups:

versus Qazox: the weird journey of a woman whose father bought tickets to watch Cafundéu play in Cassadaigua, but unfortunately he died before the game. But to keep her father's dreams alive, she has decided to go to watch the World Cup, taking her father's corpse with her. Will Cafundéu win in order to lessen her pain and sorrow? We'll read her opinions about her father, and her theories about how he is enjoying the experience, even though he is already dead. Truly, this may be a macabre supporter experience for some, while for others this may considered a history about love and pursuing your dreams. Pick one and read our article!

versus Jeru FC: Silvério is a man who has always dreamed in watching a World Cup match involving Cafundéu. He saved money to make the trip to Cassadaigua, but none of his friends wanted to go with him. He decided to go alone anyway, but will this experience be satisfactory for him or will he miss the presence of his friends? Let's check how he has fun by watching the match alone, isolated from the other supporters, without anyone to commemorate with, apart from our reporter who is going to follow his story. In a mix of happy and sad moments, we question whether this forever alone character is enjoying the World Cup match or not. Perhaps this only depends on the Monopolist's performance.

versus Aguazul: in the match versus the top seed of the group, a game that can define Cafundéu's fate in this World Cup, we'll follow a group of Petardos S/A supporters. They are already used to long trips and they all know one another, as they travel all around the country to support their domestic club. We'll check the differences between supporting the best club of Cafundéu and their National Team, and also the dilemma that some of this fangroup's members will pass through: the best player of the Cafundelense league, accordingly to the experts, is Gerardo Riquelme, who is their idol in Petardos S/A. In this game, however, Riquelme will be their opponent. Will they be able to see him as a rival, even if for just one night?

by **Valladares** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 9:04 pm

Valladares Sports Network

WORLD CUP 54 FINALS - The Valladar NT has landed in the Babbage Islands for the World Cup

READY FOR THE FINAL SHOW

By: Alan Rosero,
Blogger from "The National Kickoff"

GERNSBACK, THE BABBAGE ISLANDS (VP) - Cafundeu, Somewhereistonia and now the Babbage Islands. Our third adventure at the World Cup finals will start at the Great Dome in Gernsback against a familiar rival: The Holy Empire (12), the same team we beat in Newmanistan in order to assure our agonal qualification to the finals. The qualifying stage is now history, and the 23rd team in the world will have to show their true power at this stage.

Along with those monks, we also have Nethertopia (7) and Kulverint (32). From what I can see, I think this will be a very even group in which anything can happen. Nethertopia, our second rival in this Group B, are a Top-10 team, and the highest seeds in the group, therefore they are the favorites to win the group and make it to the next stage. Aside from the monks, they will represent the toughest challenge we're going to face in the Babbage Islands. Let's dream with a draw against them, the important thing is not to get thrashed in Matchday 2.

And we've finally got Kulverint. Having qualified to their second straight World Cup, Kulverint appear as a dangerous team that will be looking for spoiling the party for their rivals. The "good" thing for us is that they will face both Nethertopia and the Holy Empire before facing us, so they may come exhausted to the match and with little chances to qualify. José Marín and his guys will have to take advantage of that, without underestimating them though.

Our first match against The Holy Empire is expected to be tough, with the monks looking to "avenge" their loss to us not long ago in Newmanistan. It'll be a match full of crucifixes, prayers and religious images, that's for sure, although we may need a little help from our friend St. Rita of Cascia once again. Oh, Patron Saint of the Impossible, please hear our humble prayers and help us with this match, like you did in Newmanistan!

MD1: Valladares vs. The Holy Empire - Venue: The Great Dome, Gernsback, Tesla, The Babbage Islands (Cap. 61,522)
MD2: Nethertopia vs. Valladares - Venue: The Great Dome, Gernsback, Tesla, The Babbage Islands (Cap. 61,522)
MD3: Valladares vs. Kulverint - Venue: The Great Dome, Gernsback, Tesla, The Babbage Islands (Cap. 61,522)

by **Qazox** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 11:34 pm

<Meanwhile> Still somewhere in the nation of Green wombat...

"My research into the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen paradox was the reason for the time shift at the last Noveen Conjunction?" Kyle Cartman incredulously replied. "But I didn't perform any experiments, I just solved the paradox by incorporating the n-string equation into the Heisenberg uncertainty formula and the incongruities within the EPR Paradox were solved."

"Yes, we know that this time that's all you did. But at least once you actually tried to experiment with the equation." Abe Simpson replied.

"This time? What do you mean?' Kyle asked.

"Using the JanusGate, we have just began to read distortions within space-time. And on at least 6 or 7 occasions, we have observed so far; you, or to be more precise, a parallel universe you experimented with your equation." Dennis Halpberg replied. "Or it was a time-shifted you that did it; we're still not 100% sure."

"So in 6 or 7 alternate time-lines or universes I used the equation in an experiment, so what's the problem?" Kyle asked.

"The problem was in doing so, you created a causality loop between the Noveen Conjuction and the experiments. Luckily for us, the JanusGate can record each instance of the loop as each passing through the loop the chronitonic radiation gets red-shifted forward by a Planck length. As of now, we are on Loop 413. If we weren't caught into this loop, it would be the year 48,772 now." Simpson replied.

Kyle just sat there turning over the bombshell that had been just dropped into his lap. the entire Continuum caught in a chronitonic loop, all beacuse an alternate or time-shifted him decided to put into practice his, or was it their, formula. But how could it just effect the continuum? And why did the 4 objects needed to power the device help transport someone or something through time; when the JanusGate seemed powerful enough to it on its' own?

(To be continued...)

by **Akbarabad** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:18 am

Is Outrage. Akbarabad once again saddled with tough group.

(Akbarabad Press, AP): Optimistic fans who hoped that the Tiger Eaters would not once again be saddled with the group of death are again disappointed. It is enough to make any one repeat the perpetual cry of the Monks from the The Archregimancy. The Monks themselves may think that the group is a result of a conspiracy against them, but in reality the conspiracy is directed squarely against us.

Having unscrupulously climbed to the top of the ladder of world football, host nation The Babbage Islands sees this as a prime opportunity to avenge the humiliating 6-0 thrashing that we once handed out to the Bumblebees way back in World Cup 48 qualifying. Indeed the Tiger Eaters have never lost to the Bumblebees, even as they have risen through the ranks through the continuous gaming of the system to gain power through hosting rights. This edition of the Cup with entirely new qualification process, is only the latest iteration of their power grab.

Faced with such odds how can we really resist ? Well first of all we have to make sure that we don't drop any points at ll in our opening game against Cosumar, the lowest ranked team in the group. Hopefully by the time we face the hosts, they will already have sealed qualification for the next round and won't be willing to go all out, even for the sake of revenge

Stated that way we can even look forward to the cup with some optimism, but of course it is never that simple. There exists a strong possibility that The Babbage Islands will undoubtedly abuse their hosting powers to give us some terrible, biased referees. We greatly hope that they do not stoop to such levels just for simple revenge. If they do, than surely know one begrudge us loudly shouting "IS OUTRAGE".

by **Khytenna** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 7:45 am

On the Road to The Babbage Islands

The Khytenna team have made it to their training ground and hotel where they will be staying for the world cup. Moral is high and the team looked pleased to be there.

“it’s been a fantastic time for us, we are just glad to be here and to be playing in our first world cup, it just such a privilege to be playing in this historic moment for the Khytenna”

This quote was from Khytenna’s Wonder Kid Firestone, who had summed up what the where feeling and thinking about this world cup. It wouldn’t be all Fun and games for the team, as the team went straight into training in preparation for their first game as the world cup groups have been announced and Khytenna have a huge mountain to climb as they have one hell of a group, and out clearly the under dogs of the group.

Here is a analysis of the group:

Bears Armed :
Play these guys before, and lost! A very good and experienced team, who have been to a plenty of world cups, these bears will be a true test of Khytenna’s new world cup status.

Khytenna:
First time in the World Cup, looking to make a name for themselves

Sorthern Northland:
the highest ranked team in Khytenna’s group, and have once made the World Cup finals, but lost 4-0. They are problem the best side in the group and will be a challenge to Khytenna’s defence.

Kelssek:
Play these guys before, And also lost! Never made it past the group stages of the world cup, but we shouldn’t rule these guys out, they are talented and mean business

As you can see, The Six Islands prospects don’t look to good (also being we are the only team in the group outside of the top 30!) Khytenna really need to pull something out of the hat here. Coach Proctor however reassured the press today that the National Team will not go down without a fight.

“of course we will play to the best of our abilities, but we have no fear playing team like Sorthern Northland! Who we are playing in our opening game, we have showed no fear playing big teams and we won’t do it now! I have selected a team that i think will play great and make Khytenna proud.”

And he has announced the team that will play against Sorthern Northland, looks like he has gone for Troy in goal, and the usual defenders, with experience players like Ringwood and Rusek playing in defence, Firestone will partner Pellett up front as well and all these players will receive their first World cup cap’s for there country.

The team is Below:

GK 19. Roary Troy (25 Blue Bay)
RB 3. james Ursua (vice captain) (23 Blue bay)
LB 2. Shad Vancil (23 Keltyme Foresters)
DC 17. Nelson Bohannan(26 Alterdamm Merchants, Gray harbour)
DC 15. Oliver Testerman ( 22 Atlético Central, Cafundeu)
RM 7. Casey Thorne(captain) (24 Xephic Reds)
LM 11. Neil Ringwood (30 Blue bay)
CM 8. Kurk Rusek (24 King’s District)
CAM 4. John Carmichael (21 Central FC) (21 Percepi Sharks)
FW Lini Pellett (20 AC New Haven, Silver beach)
FW 9. Fergal Firestone (20 blue bay)

So Khytenna will now be playing in the big leagues of world cup football, how will they fair? Tune in to find out as the game will be shown live on RKN-S and RKN-HD.

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 9:49 am

OOC-the hatred of Sibirsky is purely IC

Jeruselem, Albundania, & Sibirsky. Damnable Trinity.
A Pinky, One We Owe, And One We Hate

Announcer: And now, Ladies and Gentlemen! Straight from World Cup 54 qualification - Mr. Mace Kinoz’gh!

Emyle: At least he is getting better at his entrances.

Ciara: Too bad he has to follow that with his singing.

Kymy: He can sing all he wants if we can manage to get through this damn draw.

Mace: I was down at the New Amsterdam staring at this
yellow-haired girl
Mr. Jones strikes up a conversation with this black-
haired flamenco dancer

Jonasei: Crappy draw indeed. Jeruselem is always a tough match for the Sea Dragons.

Ciara: Even those of us new to the squad know the history there. I think they still owe us for an upset.

Mace: She dances while his father plays guitar
She's suddenly beautiful
We all want something beautiful
I wish I was beautiful

Emyle: I don’t think so. We traditionally struggle with those damn Pink nations.

Jonasei: And then there is Albundania. They knocked us out in the quarters last time.

Kymy: And then they exploded up the rankings. Uhg. They will be tough as hell.

Mace: So come dance this silence down through the morning
Cut up, Maria! Show me some of them Spanish dances
Pass me a bottle, Mr. Jones
Believe in me
Help me believe in anything
I want to be someone who believes

Ciara: That leaves us with Sibirsky.

Kymy: Damn them. They seem to show up to thwart Sea Dragon progress in everything.

Mace: Mr. Jones and me tell each other fairy tales
Stare at the beautiful women
"She's looking at you. Ah, no, no, she's looking at me."
Smiling in the bright lights
Coming through in stereo
When everybody loves you, you can never be lonely

Jonasei: They knock us out in basketball. They beat us is grid ball. I’ll be damned if they do the same thing in footy!

Emyle: If we lose both other matches, I want this one badly/

Mace: I will paint my picture
Paint myself in blue and red and black and gray
All of the beautiful colors are very very meaningful
Gray is my favorite color
I felt so symbolic yesterday
If I knew Picasso
I would buy myself a gray guitar and play

Ciara: Albundania is up first for us.

Emyle: Good girl! We have to take this thing one match at a time if we are to advance.

Jonasei: We owe them one for last World Cup anyway - Their new 3rd rank be damned.

Mace: Mr. Jones and me look into the future
Stare at the beautiful women
"She's looking at you.
I don't think so. She's looking at me."
Standing in the spotlight
I bought myself a gray guitar
When everybody loves me, I will never be lonely

Pijaru: Their striker, Kurt Winger, brags about how he is the fastest player on any pitch. I will prove that wrong. He will be looking for an oxygen mask before the match is over.

Ciara: Holy shit! She speaks!

Pijaru: Only when I mean it.

Mace: I want to be a lion
Everybody wants to pass as cats
We all want to be big big stars, but we got different
reasons for that
Believe in me because I don't believe in anything
and I want to be someone to believe

Emyle: You back that statement up and I will keep the net clear. Deal?

Pijaru: Deal

Jonasei: If you can both do that, impossible as it sounds, I will make sure we get at least a goal and the three points on the table.

Mace: Mr. Jones and me stumbling through the barrio
Yeah we stare at the beautiful women
"She's perfect for you, Man, there's got to be
somebody for me."
I want to be Bob Dylan
Mr. Jones wishes he was someone just a little more
funky
When everybody loves you, son, that's just about as
funky as you can be

Kymy: Sounds like we have got ourselves a plan.

Ciara: Watch out Albundania. The Sea Dragons are coming!

Mace: Mr. Jones and me staring at the video
when I look at the television, I want to see me staring
right back at me
We all want to be big stars, but we don't know why
and we don't know how
But when everybody loves me, I'm going to be just
about as happy as I can be
Mr. Jones and me, we're gonna be big stars…

by **Kagdazka and Pazhujebu** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 12:39 pm

Mahathu's Number One English Language Daily

World Cup Special Edition

Flights to Cassadaigua Full, Pubs Back Home Packed

Charhethukha Banechvinu - National pride is at a breaking point here in the Federation as fans gear up for the greatest stage in world sport, the Football World Cup. Nary a street corner in any city has been left unadorned by wisteria, sea green, purple, or black banners, ordinary citizens have taken to hopping aboard the national monorail lines and simply joyriding around the country shouting patriotic slogans out the window, and huge, colorful murals of popular national team players have been spray-painted onto walls and buildings nationwide (Gelendzhik's buildings all bear the face of Lazar Nikolic, Dyurtyuli's the face of Bolov Narozhylenko, Juvapanam's the face of Šušan'ikara Ghur, Fajr's the face of Vasilisa the Beautiful, Pkethat Hevnaje's the face of Zubeida Ichuvihaja).

"Go Urchins!" they are crying everywhere we send Herald journalists. It is a remarkable display of national solidarity. The feminist military dictatorship running the country has even loosened restrictions on political freedoms, they say permanently; elections for local offices are to be held within a year. When the team's first game rolls around, those who have not travelled to Cassadaigua and queued up outside the lavish 92,000-seat Brattleboro Stadium will be back home abandoning the streets for the nearest pub or small business, wherever there is a television (as they are becoming more common in the Federation). Hell, a nearby stranger's portable radio will do. Even fans of the old Pazhujebi method of following games (wherein trained, painted cockroaches act out the action of a match live) will be happily satisfied as roach pits have been set up across the Islands. We are one nation, one people, watching one beautiful game.

Group Draw Complete

Qichechumadia Zhabi - Overall, there have been few complaints about the fairness of the draw, aside from some minor controversy in Group A where representatives of both Akbarabad and the Archregimancy have suggested that one conspiracy or another may be the cause for their having drawn hosts and possible favorites the Babbage Islands. We at the Herald immediately write this off as hogwash, however; why would any intelligent host conspire to have themselves drawn into a group they could struggle to get out of?

Elsewhere, Valladares, the Holy Empire, and Nethertopia are likely to be involved in a three way race for the Group B crown, Group C is well-agreed-upon to be the Group of Death, with world number one Valanora matching wits with Newmanistan, Delaclava, and Sarzonia, and Bears Armed and Sorthern Northland are likely to be the escapees of Group D. Group E sees a match that might be the most interesting of the group phase, hosts and two-time world champions Cassadaigua versus five-time champions and global behemoth Starblaydia, while Groups F and H look rather difficult with Qazox, Aguazul, Cafundéu, and Jeru FC making up one and Jeruselem, Albundania, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, and Sibirsky making up the other.

That leaves the Federation in Group G, which by relative standards is agreed to be a somewhat soft draw for the teams involved, ourselves, holders Dorian and Sonya, Queer Poco el Mono Ara, and Krytenia. As we at the Herald see it, despite the comparative easiness of Group G, Kagdazka and Pazhujebu will need to obtain at least a point from Dorian and Sonya on Matchday 1 and then defeat either QPeMA or Krytenia, or face likely elimination in the group stage.

National Team Settling In

Charhethukha Banechvinu - The players and staff of the Federation are not speaking to the press at the moment, but it is known that they have settled in at their temporary home for the duration of the tournament, an rural luxury golf resort about halfway between Starksville and Brattleboro (the two cities where the team will be playing matches during the group stage). The resort has lovely pink-painted lodges on the edge of the fairway, a conference facility for team meetings and manager presentations, and a driving range has been refurbished as a training ground.

Spirits are said to be high as despite their well-known technical skill and on-pitch communication, the players did not expect to be here. But that astonishing win over higher-ranked Eastfield Lodge in the interzonal appears to have galvanized the team's self-confidence and stirred up the belief that they could make an improbable emergence from the group stage of this tournament. International press appear to be well aware of this up-and-coming team's surprise potential, and opponents are said to be warily examining the Urchins' strengths and weaknesses.

'Grandpa' Regains Armband in Unlikely Return to Finals

Issu Dakeh - A long time ago, in a World Cup surely long forgotten, Šušan'ikara Ghur captained his Pazhujeb Islands national team to a group stage exit. When his nation descended into civil war and the military placed a lockdown on all foreign travel (largely destroying any international football ambitions the nation once had), the (then) young man returned home to his native Zahuj Peninsula town of Bhi to live out his days as a public defense lawyer, his trained profession. But little did he know that someday, many years later, order would be restored to the Pazhujeb Islands and that football would be returned.

Further little did Ghur know that he would be invited to play once more for the club team he had played for in his youth, Juvapanam. Further little did he know that he would be invited to play once more for the national team (albeit in a token role). Further little did he know that one day Juvapanam would win a title under his leadership. Further little did he know that his performance would push him back into the national team's starting lineup. Further little did he know that he would drive the team into the World Cup finals with his sensational creativity. Further little did he know that the retirement of Fidesta Qiva and a serious injury to Boris Timriz would put the Urchins' captain's armband back upon his bicep.

It would have been a million to one bet once upon a time, but what a story it is. The Federation's number ten has always been a moral leader for the team. But now he has become a tangible one, both on and off the pitch. At 39 years young, we at the Herald commend you, Mr. Ghur, for your contributions to Pazhujebi (and now Kagdaz) football and congratulate you on your return to the World Cup. Let it not be your last!

Queen Sonya to Make Appearance?

Qichechumadia Zhabi - As Kagdazka and Pazhujebu's first match hurtles ever closer, talk has been cheap in both the Sylvanae and Federation camps. A couple of the most important players in the elven side's starting eleven (Narniel Amandguord and Jacinta Elminster) play in the KPFA League First Division, and anonymous Urchins staff members say that early training sessions have involved studying how to shut these familiar players down. Some have said that the defending champions' relative lack of physical stature (as most of the squad's players are under five feet tall) will be beneficial to the Federation, but we at the Herald would like to call BS on that, since that didn't seem to be a problem at the last World Cup.

Meanwhile, concerns on the Sylvanae half of the upcoming battle appear to be centered on the Urchins' manager, Baba Yaga, who is known for her temperamental outbursts as much as she is known for her dangerous black magic powers. Consequently, Queen Sonya Sabre is rumored to have been summoned to the match to personally oversee the surveillance of Babushka's behavior, though previous precedent has been that the notorious Eastern European witch never uses her magical powers except to better enhance her squad selection and tactical decisions.

Whatever happens, both sides appear to be enormously focused on the upcoming match, as a loss for either squad would likely put them out, with the perennial World Cup under-performers Krytenia hungry to capture their first title (not to mention the increasingly skillful Queer Poco el Mono Ara team desperate to make it out of the group).

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

                                       Ichuvihaja

           Chahachim             Bhara            Mizirov              Radic

                                       Spiridonov
           Razava                                                     Nikolic
                                          Ghur

                              Oujadda              Vuhumkara

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

The colors of the top and bottom bars in the above diagram represent the colors that Kagdazka and Pazhujebu will wear in the upcoming match vs. Dorian and Sonya, in this case, purple and black.

by **The Archregimancy** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 1:12 pm

A STATEMENT FROM THE HOLY SYNOD OF THE ARCHREGIMANCY

Recently, the Monastic Football Association released a memorandum regarding the World Cup 54 group draw requesting clarification over certain organisational matters.

The Holy Synod wishes to make it clear that it does not endorse the position taken by the MFA.

The Holy Synod openly recognises that there are profound differences of opinion across a range of theological matters between Orthodoxy and the Latter Day Saint movement. The Holy Synod openly teaches that the fullness of God's message can only be found within Orthodoxy, and that the various churches belonging to the Latter Day Saint movement are modern heretical innovations.

Nonetheless, since the Archregimancy first entered the World Cup in WC 24, only three cups (28, 36, and 50) have been organised in whole or part by nations where Orthodoxy is the state religion. Furthermore, the Holy Synod recognises that the Archregimancy's success - or lack thereof - in the World Cup has had little or no correlation with the religion - or lack thereof - of the hosts.

Therefore, while recognising the deep and abiding theological differences that exist between the Archregimancy and the majority religion of the Babbage Islands, the Holy Synod - with the full endorsement of the Patriarch of the Holy Empire - wishes to make it clear that we in no way support the contention of open bias against the Archregimancy on the part of the hosts.

The Holy Synod would nonetheless welcome a clarifying statement from the WC54 organising committee that would set the minds of some of our more forthright and vocal God-fearing brothers to rest, so that we can all move on from accusations of conspiracy and bias and focus on the football.

And if God sees fit to grant us the power to defeat the heretics, so much the better; but we shall lose little sleep if He doesn't, particularly as football does not appear in any form in the canons of the Ecumenical Councils.

Yours in Christ

The Holy Synod of the Archregimancy +

by **Bears Armed** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 1:44 pm

Behold the ‘Mainland’ section of Bears Armed. The terrain is quite rugged in places but, despite the fact that this country is home to a [mostly] civilised people who number in the millions, is very well-wooded in most areas. Shift your glance somewhat westwards from this land’s midpoint and you will be looking at the territory of Clan BerryGlades, which is basically sandwiched between the pawhills of the ‘High Ranges’ mountains to the south and the River WideWindle to the north. Most of the pawhills here definitely fall into that “well-wooded” category, although if you look closely the proportion of the trees involved that produce edible fruits or nuts is rather higher than one would probably expect of ‘natural’ woodland in a cool-temperate climate such as this district enjoys.
Look closely at the specific area of the pawhills’ woods that I’m pointing out to you — Yes, that patch over there — and you will see that located within it is a respectably large cottage. This is the home of a one particular family from the clan’s ‘TrueHeart’ sept, and as it is early in first-watch the household’s three members — father Gerrean, mother Marraranna, and [eight-and-two]-years-old daughter Hirrdhra — are just sitting down in the kitchen for their first breakfast of the day: Oatmeal porridge, flavoured with a trace of Effbark (a spice, produced from the inner bark of a conifer native to this country, that tastes much like Ginger) and sweetened with honey. Suddenly their meal is interrupted, as a Raven comes tap-tapp-tapping at (No, not a window, if there are any fans of Edgar Allen Poe — not to be confused, of course, with the famous Ursine author Ergharr Arran Puh — reading this…) the doorbell. Gerrean goes across to the door see what this bird wants.

“Letter for a Hirrdhra o TrueHeart, of this address,” the Raven quoth. “It’s been registered as a ‘special’, so it needs to be signed-for by her in person.” He pulls a large envelope out from under one of his wings, and a clipboard (with an indelible pencil attached to it by a piece of string) out from under the other.

“Hr’rmm, hokay,” replies the slightly confused Gerrean (What under the moon could his daughter be receiving through the mail, that was valuable enough to warrant such treatment?) and turning his head back inside the room calls out:
“Heyyah, Puh, it’s for you!”

“For meeee?” Hirrdhra squeals excitedly, jumping off of her stool, “I wonder what it is…?”

“You don’t know, neither?”

“No. Noo-oh… Hr’rmm…”
She signs her name on the clipboard where the Raven was indicating, and he hands over the letter. Then, as the postbird takes wing to continue his rounds, the whole family gathers at the clearer end of the table — their breakfast [almost] forgotten in their curiosity — to see what it was that he had brought.

“Fancy envelope,”, remarks Gerrean. “Hr’rmm, that writing there that isn’t in either Ursine or English looks like the Clan Arkhadianoi’s script, but it’s a foreign stamp: A human head sideways-on in one corner, and a picture of some sort of two-headed bird. I’ve seen that part of the design before this, I know I have, for true…”

“Let the girl open it, and then we’ll all see what this is about,” Marraranna says, taking the practical approach, and hands their daughter a pair of scissors.
Taking these, Hirrdhra carefully cuts open one end of the package and tips it contents out onto the tabletop.

Whau!”

“Seven Holy Helpers! Tickets for the World Cup!” Gerrean exclaims: “Listen Puh, you know that I don’t mind you gambling with your pocket-money, but either the stakes must have been verrry high or the odds of success ridiculously low for a prize like that. Hokay so you won, this time, but don’t make any more wagers on that sort of scale in future without checking with your mother or me beforepaw, hrright?”

“Wasn’t a bet,” replies Hirrdhra in a tone that’s developed just a hint of sulkiness. “This must be a thank-you because I suggested to ‘The Holy Empire’ who should be in their team for one of the qualifiers…”

“Hwat?!?
“How, and when, did you manage that?”

“I had a dream a few weeks ago, in which somebody whom I sort-of-instinctively knew was from that nation was asking anybody who could hear him what sort of players they should field; and I remembered your stories about the time when you went to the Cup, daddo, and about how good their team of ‘Cave-Humans had been back then”

“Ug-Ug know not how to lose!”

“Hrright. So anyhows, I reckoned that if ‘Cave-Humans could do so well then ‘Cave-Bears should be able to do even better, so I suggested that idea to him: and they did use a team of Cave-Bears for one match, and they won that game, didn’t they, hrright?”

“They did that, for true.”

“So…” She quickly skims the enclosed letter.
“Yes, it is a thank-you present for that idea… and they’re going to be using one member of that squad in the actual Cup, too! So they’ve sent me two tickets for each of their ‘group’ matches, and for each match in the knockout rounds that they could be in as well. Two tickets per game, that means you could come with me daddo — or you instead mamma, of course, or I suppose you could ask some other adult like maybe uncle Sermharn to go along if you’re both going to be too busy with the trees — so you wouldn’t have to worry about me travelling all that way by myself at my age… Oh, say that you will let me go to the World Cup!”

“Hr’rmm…” muses Gerrean. “The dividend that Grinness paid out to me last week because of my investment in their expansion programme was rather, rather more than I’d expected, so we’ve a fair bit cash to spare; and there shouldn’t be anything much to deal with here until harvest time, and my cousin Marrtun owes me a favour anyhow so as he’s currently at a loose end he could do any work that does becomes necessary for the trees until then…”
He turns to face his wife.
“Heyyah, Mama-bear, we were already talking about the possibility of the three of us all taking a family holiday together this year, hrright, so why don’t we make the World Cup this and all three of us rather than just two go to watch? Hokay so it won’t be the Bear-Belles whose games we see, hwell not unless they push the Dream-Empire out in one of the knockout rounds, but the Dreamers usually put on a good show too: Ayyuh?”

“Sure, for true! This sounds like fun!
“Hr’rmm… and maybeso, when we get back Hirrdhra could go and be tested by the Great Medicine Society? If she can ‘dream’ that effectively now then could be she’s got what it takes to become a shabear when she grows up…”

“Could be, indeed, indeed. Hokay by me. Hirrdhra?”

“YES! Oh, daddo and mamma, this smells like it’s going to be an absolutely wonderful year!”

*(CRASH!)*

The noise of something breaking draws their attention to the other end of the table, where Hirrdhra’s pet ‘goldilocks’ has been investigating the neglected bowls of porridge while the Bears were concentrating on the letter instead and has just accidentally(?) knocked Hirrdhra’s own bowl onto the floor where it has (rather messily) shattered…

“Oh! Naughty, naughty Punsell: That was my very favouritest bowl.
“Hwell, mostly a wonderful year, anyhow…”

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

The next scene occurs just a few hours later, in Marra SunDaughter’s office at Wimbley Stadium. Marra has just finished sorting out some paperwork when the team’s deputy manager for administration, Urradarra o SwanWater, enters the room carrying a bundle of letters…

(Marra)“Yet more post, is it?”

(Urradarra)“Sorry, but yes. The secretaries have already weeded-out all of the ones to which you couldn’t reasonably be expected to respond — the ones insisting that you must include some particular player in the squad,”

(Marra)“Maybeso even one who’s never played internationally before this…”

(Urradarra)“The ones insisting that you mustn’t include some particular player, the Northlanders calling for a guaranteed minimum number of their own people in the squad, the Mainlanders calling for the total exclusion of all Northlanders because they're "useless", the ones suggesting the team adopt the writer’s own good-luck ritual, the ones saying that despite your promise to resign if the Belles don’t actually make it past the group stage this time around you should stay on,”

(Marra)“The ones saying that, never mind that promise, I hrreally should have quit years ago: Maybe before we failed back in WC52, maybe even earlier?”

(Urradarra)“Hwell, yes, there were a few of those…”

(Marra)“Only a few?”

(Urradarra)“Hwell, they’re still outnumbered by the ‘Stay on’ ones, anyhows…”

(Marra)“Hokay. So what’s left, there?”

(Urradarra)“Letter from Garrurrthra o Marra & Daughters, confirming that they’re available to accompany the team as caterers so that there’s no chance of the drugging incident that cost us the game against Somewhereistonia — and probably getting out of the group, for the first time yet — last time around getting repeated, and quoting prices.”

(Marra)“No chance as long as the players follow instructions and don’t go eating stuff they get elsewhere too, anyhows. Thin chance!
"Good, though. You sort out how much it’s going to cost us, within the guidelines that we’ve already discussed.”

(Urradarra)“Hwill do. Then there’s a letter from Novikov’s Football Association, agreeing to our suggestion of a potential re-match as a ‘friendly’ during the next World Cup’s qualifiers, if we don’t get drawn into the same group (or ‘zone’, or whatever else they might be called…) then anyhow.”

(Marra)“Good, too. Leave that one with me.”

(Urradarra)“And then Marra White, over at ‘The Bear Necessities’, wants to know whether you’ve completed selecting all of the players who’ll be in the Belles for the Cup itself?”

(Marra)“Yes, and I gave a copy of it to BAAS’s governors about a half-watch ago. Here’s a copy for the press, circulate it as usual…”

The ‘Bear-Belles’ for World Cup #54

Goalkeepers
(#1) Rosa o SnowWhite,
(#15) Urrathanna o BerryGlades,
(# 31) Arrabarra o WehrthHwued.

Defenders
(#2) Beorra Marra o Barrdenn (Left Back),
(#3) Urrsirha (Right Back),
(#16) Marra o Eastdale (pref. Left Back),
(#17) Arranarra o Harruorr (pref. Right Back).

Lynchpins
(#4) Urra ‘Honey’ SunBlesséd,
(#5) Erra o MiddleMarch,
(#20) Arna-Maggra o Wirrenne,
(#32) Sammhra Fairbarrrhn.

Midfielders
(#6) Urrthra ‘White Lightning’ Lightning (Midfield Left),
(#7) Renatha Virra’s-daughter (Midfield Right),
(#21) Mearro o Georrangharh (pref. Midfield Right).
(#23) Cierra o Vorross (pref. Midfield Left),

Forwards
(#10) Urrsa SunBlesséd (Centre Forward) (Captain),
(#11) Irrarla SunDaughter (Inside Left),
(#12) Jhargeena Lightning (Inside Right),
(#24) Beorra-Marra-Charra o Redwood (pref. Centre Forward),
(#25) Marvra WestFarer (pref. Inside Right),
(#26) Errsae Moonlight o Herrchaum (pref. Inside Left).

Wingers
(#13) Darronthna Lightning (Outside Right),
(#14) Karramrassar Ulgarra (Outside Left),
(#27) Urra ‘the Leopardess’ OldWood (pref. Outside Left),
(#30) Buffie o ThornyDale (pref. Outside Right).

Usual starters: #1-7, #10-14.
Usual substitutes: # 15-16, #5 or #20 (possibly alternating), #21, #24, #26, #30.

(Urradarra)“Hr’rmm, so Karramarsar Darra was truly serious about retiring after the ‘Pink Cup’ then?”

(Marra)“Yes, she was. I’d have given her another chance during the World Cup itself, at least as a sub, but Darra felt that the number of shots she let past in that contest show that she’s getting too slow and if she can’t still be first-choice goalie then she’d rather leave the side before she gets any worse and her reputation suffers. She’s sixEights years old now, after all, and even for a goalie that’s pushing it a bit.”

(Urradarra)“And yet ‘Honey’ , who’s even older than Darra, just keeps going on and on without showing any hrreal signs of ageing at all”

(Marra)“Yes, hwell, there’s an interesting story behind that…”

(Urradarra)“Oh? Do tell, please?”

(Marra)“Hwell, this is how I learnt the reason...”

by **The Babbage Islands** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 1:49 pm

TO: The Monastic Football Association

FROM: Richard Valdemar, General Secretary, Football Federation of Babbage

RE: World Cup 54 Group Draw Inquiry

Gentlemen:

The World Cup 54 organisation team are in receipt of your inquiry about the Group A draw for World Cup 54, where the teams from The Archregimancy and The Babbage Islands have been drawn into the same group. We also note your concern about a possible conspiracy against your national team for sectarian reasons. Such a conspiracy, were it to exist, would not only be a gross violation of all codes of sporting conduct and honourable behaviour but would also likely involve violations of the criminal codes of The Babbage Islands.

Accordingly, I have asked one of our most prominent Orthodox citizens, Kirsten Hopkins Woods, to chair a seven-member investigative panel to inquire about the draw and establish the facts of the matter. Mrs. Woods and her husband own the football club Belgium FC, and she is widely respected in international football. The other members of the panel are drawn from five faiths and from both Cassadaigua and The Babbage Islands, and include His Holiness Metropolitan Artemas, Archbishop of Cardston and Primate of the Babbage Orthodox Church.

We will report the findings of the panel with dispatch. I hope this addresses your concerns adequately.

Very truly yours,

Richard Valdemar.

by **Queer Poco el Mono Ara** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 2:40 pm

Build Up To The Cup

It’s that time again, the jittery time when we’re on the verge of venturing into the World Cup, where dreams are dreamt and realities are smashed. The Whites qualification campaign was, this time around, a complete success and they have returned to the biggest footballing stage in the world after the disappointment of World cup 53.

Drawn into group G, the Whites goal of finally reaching the knockout round hinges on them not being beaten twice, that means The Whites must, must, go out and pick up as many points as they can from Kagdazka and Pazhujebu and Krytenia.

A loss to World Champions Dorian and Sonya would be acceptable.. but a surprise victory would be a dream come true.

For now, The Whites have three teams set firmly in their sights.

-----

Monday morning, 9am. QPSportscaster reports from Cassadaigua

An unspecified illness has caused a severe headache for Queer Poco el Mono Ara coach Mark Sloan. The Whites have seen 5 key players drop out of the squad due to the unspecified condition and leaves Sloan with a wafer thin squad of only 18.

Out of the squad for the competition, centreback Jeffrey Onyewu, leftback Rigobert Webo, attacking midfielder Jordi and attackers Bart Wilson and Queer Poco’s top scorer throughout qualification, Gilbert Batistuta. The Whites have less than 24 hours to announce their squad before the World Cup and Sloan is now desperately scouring the World for players to fill in for those who will miss the competition.

The five players who will be missing from the White’s lineup symptoms have been described as extremely itchy skin, nausea, dizziness, headaches, bordering on migraines and sleeplessness. Initially thought to be food poisoning the players’ condition have worsened from when they first arrived in the country. Manager Mark Sloan commented “We thought the lads had just had something dodgy to eat when we first got here, they were just feeling sick and kept running to the toilet every few minutes, over the last few days they’ve gotten worse and are now experiencing new symptoms. It’s best if they go home and are treated by a physician and just forget the World Cup for now. It’s gonna be hard for them to let go and go home and be treated, they’ve all worked hard to get here and can’t guarantee they’re gonna get another chance to play in the World Cup, sadly, sometimes bad things happen and it’s just out of your hands.”

So far doctors have been unable to ascertain what the problem may be and whether it is contagious.

-----

Since their breakthrough in the match fixing case Starbuck and Power had been spurred on in their efforts. For so long it had felt like a dead end and after putting in hundreds of hours of man power they weren’t going to get anywhere. Stumbling upon, if it could be called stumbling, the conversation between the chairman of Almondvale football club and the chairman of the referees association had lift a fire underneath them though, one which they were burning away pretty swiftly as they delved into more work. They had sifted through the best part of a year’s worth of telephone conversations of several of the Una Serie clubs chairmen and found one piece of evidence of match fixing.

It was arduous work and something they weren’t used to. They were the popular “cool guys” in the department and weren’t used to putting in this much effort, particularly on the boring paper based work.

For Lydia, this was huge. She had received a phone call informing her of the breakthrough. She was excited, but the irritation of her home life was dragging her down. Marcus’s lack of interest in anything she was doing or anything in general for that matter was beginning to get to her. This was a huge breakthrough in the match fixing case and Marcus had barely batted an eyelid. Talking to him had become pointless, he never said anything and responded to everything she said with nonchalant grunts and low murmurs.

Sat side by side in their office, Starbuck and Power’s voices were louder than usual. They had their earphones in and were listening to more of the tapped telephone conversations. Starbuck was listening to the Almondvale chairman’s line while Power had moved on to the Augustus chairman’s line, a broad suggestion that other people were involved hadn’t helped reduce the workload. They had to narrow down who was involved and the method they were undertaking wasn’t sitting well with them.

“We should pay the chairman a call.” Yelled Starbuck, not aware of the volume of his own voice. Over a conversation between the Augustus chairman and his wife, Power heard Starbuck yelling and yelled back.

“Yeah.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“What?” Starbuck removed the earphone from his left ear, the one closest to Power, seeing the gesture Power did the same, removing the earphone from his right ear. “What?” Starbuck repeated.

“Lets do it.”

-----

Monday afternoon, 1pm QPSportscaster reports from Cafundeu

It has been revealed SC Lasft attacker, Enrico Dosenna has been lined up as a late replacement for Gilbert Batistuta in the Queer Poco el Mono Ara squad for the World Cup. The 36 year old attacker is set to become the oldest outfield player to play for The Whites at the World Cup and is a shock inclusion in the team.

QPeMA coach Mark Sloan worked with Dosenna at Una Serie club Pythons and was integral in his move from League I side MS Leighton.
-----

Monday evening 6pm QPSportscaster reports from Queer Poco el Mono Ara

Two more former Pythons players have been lined up to join the international team after being exiled from the squad for a number of years. Pythons defender Mercutio Vegas returns as does 36 year old midfielder Dean Bowyer.

Coach Mark Sloan’s decision to recruit a number of former Pythons stars has shocked many, his mindset at club level was to blood young talent, although he has clearly opted for experience over youth as the Whites look to finally move out of the group stage and into the elimination round.

At leftback Sloan has added Manny Le Paglia and upfront Athletic Khaldoon attacker Hakan Mendez. The players will join up with the Queer Poco el Mono Ara squad for training before their opening game against Krytenia.

-----

New Look Queer Poco el Mono Ara Line Up

by **Delaclava** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 6:06 pm

DNBSports.com

Berrera shot at World Cup draw, expected to miss entirety of World Cup

Alessandro Campeon Berrera, captain of five-time CJL winners Catherina FC and of the Delaclava national football team, was shot in the knee at the official World Cup draw and is expected to be out of action for the whole World Cup.

Berrera was in The Babbage Islands, representing the Delaclava Football Association at the World Cup 54 draw, a role that was filled by DFA President Christian Caling in the previous three World Cups. As the draw was about to commence, a drunk representative of Sorthern Northland, Eoghan O Cuillinn, got into what seemed to be a friendly meeting with Berrera, but Cuillinn then suddenly shot Berrera in the right kneecap. Cuillinn then shot a light panel that was being used to place teams in their positions, reportedly because the panel kept placing the top seeds in slot 3.

The majority of people there were too intoxicated to notice, and none of the organizers of the draw noticed anything. Berrera managed to crawl and hop out of the exit, where he was then spotted by bystanders. Some bystanders attempted to help the wound, while others called for medical assistance, who arrived to take Berrera to a nearby hospital.

The DFA got word of the incident and sent Hall of Fame goalkeeper Graham Torres, who was in The Babbage Islands at the time for team training, to attend the remainder of the draw. The draw went on without further incident, as Delaclava was drawn with Valanora, Sarzonia, and Newmanistan.

The DFA declined to comment on why Berrera was representing the Phoenixes at the draw when Caling had traditionally done so, and Caling was unavailable to speak for himself.

Delaclava Olympic Committee president Len Rogerre, however, said in a press conference that "Caling was remaining in Catherina to attend to personal matters." He added, "It seemed like a good idea to send a player representative to the draw, as a player, especially a storied captain like ours, is a more visible face than our association president. We hadn't imagined that Berrera would face any direct threat, nor do we believe that he was directly targeted by the shooter."

Berrera said about the incident, "I was just headed over to the bar when this Sorthern dude, Eoghan O Cuillinn, starts talking with me. I guess he's the usual Sorthern representative. In any case, I talk with him, and he's making me slightly nervous because he's got a gun and clearly was at the bar for a while, but he seemed harmless. Then he shot me in the kneecap. He didn't seem entirely aware of what he was doing, he shot in the direction of the drawing table after he shot me."

Torres corroborated this account, "I saw that guy. Mad hatter, he was. He was just downright hammered, and I saw him break his rifle over Emperor Boston's head. Fucking crazy, if you ask me, and I think everyone's lucky that AC's the only one that got hurt."

O Cuillinn has a reputation for being wild and rowdy, often culminating in drinking heavily and becoming very intoxicated. According to reports, O Cuillinn has not been apprehended or charged with a crime for his behavior or his assault on Berrera.

The Delaclava Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into possible motives for the shooting. Despite large criticism that finding reason in a drunk man's actions is a waste of time, the FBI is investigating the theory that O Cuillinn was avenging Delaclava's 4-2 victory in a friendly against Sorthern Northland in the Sortherners' home stadium. Berrera scored one goal and assisted another during the contest.

According to team doctor Michael York, Berrera suffered multiple fractures in his right patella from the shot, but thankfully the bullet exited after taking a diagonal through the patella and out of the body, avoiding other structures in the knee. Berrera has had a long history with the knee; he tore his ACL during a Delaclava Premier League game, and also tore his MCL just months later while going on a jog as part of his rehabilitation, causing the replacement of both ligaments. York said, "being very optimistic, he might be back for the quarterfinals, depending on how long the group stage goes on and how well he heals. And I'm being very optimistic, because it's Alessandro Berrera, who's come back greatly from injury again and again. It's realistic that Berrera misses the rest of the tournament, even if he has no intention of doing so."

19th-ranked Delaclava has drawn Valanora (#1), Sarzonia (#16), and Newmanistan (#84) in Group C of the World Cup, to be played at Memorial Park in Belgium, The Babbage Islands. Delaclava previously faced Newmanistan in the Interzonal Phase, tying the Rockets 2-2.

by **Sorthern Northland** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:20 pm

Beningrad Morning Star

Manager calls for improved performances as World Cup nears

Normally a team going into a World Cup finals having dropped just three points in the entirety of qualifying would be expected to go to the tournament full of confidence. Sorthern Northland however will go to The Babbage Islands to take on Bears Armed, Kelssek and Khytennia supposedly in the midst of a crises of confidence.

A twelve competitive match winning streak was brought to an abrupt end at the hands of a 4-1 defeat to Nethertopia, albeit with Sorthern Northland fielding something of an experimental team. Sorthern Northland then went on to fail to return to winning ways by losing 4-2 at home to Delaclava in a pre-World Cup final, with critics quick to suggest a repeat of World Cup 53 - in which Sorthern Northland failed to win a match and were knocked out in te group stage for the first time in nine tournaments - was on the cards.

Whilst some pointed to the weakened side played against Nethertopia and injuries meaning manager Caio Meback was forced to play players he otherwise wouldn't have against Delaclava, those looking to criticise were quick to rebuff that it merely pointed to Sorthern Northland lacking strength in depth.

Meback himself has also hinted at having worries, saying that he had been given “many concerns by the two performances.”

Speaking ahead of departing for Charleston, where Sorthern Northland will be based, for the group stage at least, during the World Cup Meback told reporters, “The results I'm not too bothered about. I would have preferred better ones of course, but we had already qualified before playing Nethertopia so we had nothing to lose and I always look for performances rather than results in friendlies.”

“And against Delaclava we got neither, so it wasn't so much the result as the performance against them that concerned me. Certainly we will need to improve at the World Cup and we have to look ahead to the match against Khytennia.”

“We are favourites for it of course and I expect us to win, but that doesn't mean we are already counting our chickens. I am aware of players like Oliver Testerman due to his playing in Cafundéu and he is player I admire so they can certainly pose a threat and we will have to play well to get the result we should.”

“We can't play like we did against Delaclava, or we will get the result we did there. I was upset by the performance.” Mebcack continued before alluding to an injury sustained by Delaclavan captain Alessandro Campeon Berrera at the World Cup draw, “Though not upset enough to shoot someone.”

“What happened to [Berrera] is very sad, and I wish him well in his recovery. I hope he is able to play again because he is a player I enjoy watching very much. It is not an issue for me to deal with though, it is something to leave to the SNFA to deal with.”

The Sorthern Northland Football Association (SNFA) is understood to be investigating claims that Eoghan Ó Cuillinn was responsible for the injury suffered by Berrera. An employee of the SNFA, Ó Cuillinn has represented Sorthern Northland at World Cup draws since World Cup 45 and has been involved in controversial incidents before. It is understood that pending the results of the investigation the SNFA may have finally lost patience with him.

World Cup 54: RP thread

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