WC 56 SNLVI RP Thread

[NSWC Signups]

Welcome to the 56th World Cup

A stormy shore
An eternal paradise
A roll of luck and dice
Someone will emerge victorious after the night

Scores
Rosters
Friendlies
Stadium information - Sorthern Northland
Stadium information - Valanora

Group A
Valladares (31)
Valanora (2)
Sarrbia (60)
Krytenia (13)

Group B
Virabia (50)
Aguazul (6)
Cotdelapoms (30)
Dorian and Sonya (11)

Group C
The Holy Empire (3)
Starblaydia (12)
Kazzoria (35)
Churchma (51)

Group D
Queer Poco el Mono Ara (15)
Mytannion (43)
North Chicanan (45)
Pasarga (23)

Group E
The Babbage Islands (1)
Polar Islandstates (48)
The Archregimancy (9)
Bostopia (18)

Group F
Pays de Horreur (44)
Cassadaigua (7)
Jeru FC (8)
Jeruselem (25)

Group G
Bears Armed (5)
Cosumar (16)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (21)
Chetkosk (82)

Group H
Sarzoclava (64)
Delaclava (14)
Qazox (19)
Sorthern Northland (10)

Fixtures
Group stage
Matchday 1 (Mon 8th Aug) – 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3
Matchday 2 (Weds 10th Aug) – 3 vs. 1, 2 vs. 4
Marchday 3 (Fri 12th Aug) – 1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4

Knockout rounds
2nd Round
SR1: Winner Group A vs. Runner Up Group B
SR2: Winner Group B vs. Runner Up Group A
SR3: Winner Group C vs. Runner Up Group D
SR4: Winner Group D vs. Runner Up Group C
SR5: Winner Group E vs. Runner Up Group F
SR6: Winner Group F vs. Runner Up Group E
SR7: Winner Group G vs. Runner Up Group H
SR8: Winner Group H vs. Runner Up Group G

Quarter-finals
QF1: Winner SR1 vs. Winner SR4
QF2: Winner SR2 vs. Winner SR3
QF3: Winner SR5 vs. Winner SR8
QF4: Winner SR6 vs. Winner SR7

Semi-final
SF1: Winner QF1 vs. Winner QF2
SF2: Winner QF3 vs. WInner QF4

Third place play-off
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2

Final
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2


Group 1
Sneaky Nuts (335)
Northern Bettia (UR)
Tynelia (49)
Osarius (40)
Aguazul (6)
Darmen (246)
Ko-oren (119
Bazalonia (174)

Group 2
Starblaydia (12)
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (26)
Antoletia (326)
Sickles and Hammers (UR)
Whirl Islands (55)
Lycrabon (150)
Princess Béatrice Island (256)
Bergnovinaia (77)

Group 3
Kalumba (175)
Old Havansk (235)
Carasatoga (117)
Lesser Cotswalds (347)
Queer Poco el Mono Ara (18)
Newmanistan (38)
Mytannion (45)
Logria (UR)

Group 4
Sarzonia (31)
Calmerica (196)
Beaverriver (293)
Cabric (71)
The FSSO (83)
Ockkorlond (365)
Yankees123 (UR)
The Babbage Islands (2)

Group 5
Bostopia (20)
Rebel Slaves (215)
Arnett Mead (256)
Stachland (68)
Honourable Angels (UR)
Quakmybush (87)
Okunion (347)
Pasarga (30)

Group 6
Bettia (UR)
Taeshan (125)
New Palmouth (305)
Cyborg Holland (347)
The Holy Empire (4)
Bisgea (97)
Pays de Horreur (42)
Iglesian Archipelago (73)

Group 7
Bleak Rock (220)
The Archregimancy (9)
VANTELIRA (335)
Kagdazka and Pazhujebu (24)
Polar Islandstates (74)
Errinundera (99)
Wolfmanne (UR)
Astograth (124)

Group 8
Meguroko (148)
Ocel0t (107)
Sargossa (217)
Delaclava (16)
Valladares (27)
Alexanderburn (322)
The Yorozuya (UR)
Mangolana (58)

Group 9
Peisandros (UR)
Bears Armed (5)
Akbarabad (25)
Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk (266)
Milchama (57)
Nzyghistan (322)
The Kangaroo Republic (80)
Utmost Upright (215)

Group 10
North Chicanan (69)
Pretty Awesome Persons (28)
Oiseaui (UR)
Hockey Canada (112)
Carpathia and Ruthenia (145)
Florinthus (293)
Itailian Maifias (354)
Cosumar (21)

Group 11
The Kiaser Colonies (108)
Saugeais (70)
West Guiana (360)
Stuffed Taxidermists (187)
Jedi8246 (266)
Rhodesiah (UR)
Krytenia (13)
Landau Institute (39)

Group 12
Albundania (3)
Rent is 3 Damn High (220)
Unitopolis (52)
Sarrbia (101)
Cotdelapoms (35)
Seleucius (131)
Branta Island (UR)
Burty Royals (341)

Group 13
Autobotious (341)
Boico (UR)
Khytenna (41)
Civil Citizenry (59)
The Allamunnic States (109)
Qazox (23)
Greater Cotswalds (164)
Armorgames (293)

Group 14
Silver Beach (56)
Dorian and Sonya (11)
Erathore (43)
Chenkorya (194)
Altimarus (262)
Septentrionia (UR)
Nicole Riche (360)
Kernansquillec (92)

Group 15
Swartaz (29)
Churchma (53)
Nothan (347)
Sarzoclava (166)
Nitrome Island (293)
Kulverint (19)
Ma Raque (UR)
Octinstine (76)

Group 16
Cassadaigua (10)
Jimmer Fredette (266)
Camerania (335)
Al-Mumtaz (36)
Oakow and Norkyrin (UR)
Sibirsky (63)
Fellow Citizens (85)
Ketharnia (123)

Group 17
Invisible Wabbits (169)
Khabarovsk Krai (95)
Cafundéu (17)
Kazzoria (44)
Novikov (51)
Michael VII (227)
Bisim (UR)
Catmeowland (UR)

Group 18
Legalese (75)
Southern Cynocephali (189)
Coffee Cakes (113)
Chetkosk (256)
Tretskivucia (22)
Eastfield Lodge (37)
Savski Venac (354)
Arkinesia (UR)

Group 19
Virabia (67)
Jeruselem (15)
Royalsoldiers (276)
Mantwenic (32)
Licienta (UR)
Cheergirls (94)
Scrap Brain Zone (202)
Nordstaaten (347)

Group 20
Hemas (89)
Jeru FC (8)
Cbngggfv (293)
Western cuba (137)
Matting (354)
Orlkjestad (34)
Fixolia (UR)
Capivara Group (72)

Schedule
MD 1: 1v8, 2v7, 3v6, 4v5
MD 2: 7v1, 6v8, 5v2, 4v3
MD 3: 1v6, 7v5, 8v4, 2v3
MD 4: 5v1, 4v6, 3v7, 2v8
MD 5: 1v4, 5v3, 6v2, 7v8
MD 6: 3v1, 2v4, 8v5, 7v6
MD 7: 1v2, 3v8, 4v7, 5v6
MD8-14 reverse of MD1-7

[The Kiaser Colonies]

The team was announced and history was made. Conner Tobin became the first University of The Kiaser Colonies player to make it on to the national team ever and if Greg Jackson played 16 more games he would set a national record for most international caps at 151, beating the old 150. Those small matters aside the team was a new one and were not going to be used to playing with each other. The matter was made tougher due to the fact that there was a new coach. He was a very successful coach who won many competitions and made many great players over the years. But he was not used to anything as prestigious as this new job. He was in for a tough job and would need to bond the players quickly. He had only a month and 3 friendlies before the world cup. The first of which was a tough away encounter with a strong Chenkorya side. There was no time to waste and the team was sent training within 12 hours of the announcement. It would be a tough challenge for the coach to mould the individual players into a world cup winning side with such little time. A win against Chenkorya would be a key building block to forming a good side and helping the players combine. A loss could be potentially dangerous and could hurt the process. The whole world cup run depended on the next month and 3 games, especially the first of them.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

Winds of Change

The one thing in life and sports that remains a consistent is that nothing ever remains consistent and the Winds of Change have been howling around the Sea Dragons national side since the conclusion of the Cup of Harmony. The team continued to slide backward in both performance and rank - out with Kura’Kurii and in with long time player and assistant Mace Kinoz’gh. The defense had lost its hard hitting form while keeper, midfield, and forwards failed to produce consistent results - Out with seven of the starting 11 and all 6 reserves and in with fresh new players who fit better into the traditional ASMV style.

And yet the biggest change may be Kinoz’gh’s scheduling of Friendly matches. Traditionally ASMV takes very few of these against respected friends and allies. Prior managers had determined that these exhibition matches only served to fatigue the players. Mace obviously has different thoughts concerning these matches as already 14 of them have been scheduled and more likely to come. We caught up with Mace and asked him about this decision.

“We have a ton of work to do. We have rank and prestige to regain. Respect to be earned again. Fear to inspire once more. And we will do this with 12 new players on the squad. I am not worried about fatigue. We have worked the hell out of this squad and should be one of the most fit in the entire tournament. What we need is experience. Lots of it. Quickly. These Friendly matches will allow us the opportunity to gain just that. Sides such as Sarzonia, Delaclava, Bears Armed, Qazox, etc will give us top quality competition with which to gauge our progress. The Baptism of Fire squads should allow us room to work on things that cant be simulated in practice. The number of away matches allows us to adapt to playing in hostile environments that these players have not seen before. All in all the point is that the Sea Dragons will not start slowly this time around.”

How well this new strategy will play itself out remains to be seen. But honestly we have to be better than the last time out - or at least we truly hope so.

[Armorgames]

ARMORGAMES NEWS

Hello, I am Malcom Harrison reporting on World Cup coverage.

Armorgames is appearing in their first ever World Cup. After a first round playoff lose in the BOF, AG is ready to bounce back in World Cup 56.

Armorgames has two pre qualifying friendlies scheduled and still has spots for more mid and post qualifying friendlies.

The Armorgames squad has been practicing almost every day since the early playoff exit. Goalie Erik Crater has lost his captain position after leaving a team meeting, but he will start in the WC. That captains position was given to defense man Guy Peffer who is the oldest member of the AG team. He is one of the vocal leaders of the team. Here is what Coach Klein said about Erik and Guy.

Coach Klein

As a team, we have decided that Guy Peffer will become the captain of our team. He has proved himself worthy of the title. Erik Crater will stay are starting goalie since he is the best talent that we have at that position, but we are not afraid of getting releasing him if more disciplinary problems persist. That is all I have to say on that topic.

The only time Armorgames lost in the Baptism Of Fire was in the playoffs. In many of the games in group play Armorgames shut out their opponents with great defense and excellent play by Crater.

Armorgames has high hopes for this World Cup. I think they can make it past the group stage and far into the post season.

That is all we have time for today.

[Jimmer Fredette]

Jimmer Fredette Daily
Sports
By:John Jackson

It's time for the real football!The Jimmer Fredette National Team is getting ready to try to pull out some upsets and maybe make a run at this thing.It's a long shot,but they said it was a long shot and just about every sport.Coach Whitson said he hopes his team can do much better at the qualifying then the Baptism of Fire.No one would expect us,except us.I think were capable of it.Everyone here wants to win a huge tournament.If we get far,we'll be getting a lot of support as the underdogs.A little known fact,Coach Whitson is Darmeni.I'm sure he would love it to beat Darmen,who wouldn't let him ba part of the team.It would be a good story.The captain,Johnny Witmer,said he was excited for this.He never thought he would be a captain trying to make it into the World Cup.And I believe we can do it.The leading goal scorer,William Gold,who's been gold every year,said he expects to score at least five goals over the first three games.If that happens,we will be looking at a huge,huge year.I'll be on pace for around 15 goals!I want goals,goals,goals.Nothing will stop me.Wayne Glenn said nothing will get by me at all.I want to play Sorthern Northland or Valanora so bad.If we can win it would be amazing and so exciting.We got a couple of challenges in the friendlies,such as Carasatoga,but I think we can win.Now lets look at the keys to the season for Jimmer Fredette.First,score.In the Baptism of Fire,we had trouble scoring goals.Like against Kalumba and Jedi8246.Second,make Wayne Glenn consistent.In the second game aginst Kalumba,he let up five goals.Then he didn't let up a goal for the rest of the season.Than in the playoffs,he let up a couple,which cost us the game.We have to get Wayne Glenn doing good throughout the season.Last,don't get under pressure.Against a great team Kalumba,5-0.In the playoffs,2-1 to Jedi8246.The only games we lost,the big ones.Thrive in pressure,you have to love it.Now remember,LETS GO JIMMER FREDETTE!

[Saugeais]

Destiny

Manager Benoit Howard looked at his final World Cup roster before boarding the flight back home. The team just drew a match against Bergnovinaia. Looking at the sheet he said to himself, 'There is no reason why we can't qualify this time. We have one of the best lineups we've had in years." With players like Amaechi Olsen and Luko Šimić heading the offense and Jenson Paulson finally becoming that shut down keeper Saugeais has long since desperately needed, the Knights may finally get into the upper echelon of football nations. But Howard knows that this may be the last World Cup in a while where he has this kind of experience on the team. 5 players will be retiring after this Cup, 2 of them starters: midfielder Esteban Dombrowski and one of the star playmakers on the team, forward Cane Pryor. Pryor will especially hurt the team, as he's been on almost every offensive front since the national team was founded. He knows the ins and outs of playing the ball, crossing, heading, and whatnot. But Howard can't let the retirement of Pryor get to him; after all, he has Olsen and Šimić to pick up the slack. And he even brought up a good U21 player in Dan Nagato in case Pryor ever gets tired on the pitch. "This should be a good cup run for us," he said to himself as he sat down in his seat.

[Aguazul]

La Verdad

Sortani uncertain "how many players it's tactful to cut at once"

After winning the World Cup two cycles ago, almost anything would be a relative step back. Certainly, Aguazul's quarterfinal defeat to Sorthern Northland is nothing to be ashamed of. Yet, Pelayo Sortani has admitted he's "not above playing it up as an excuse to get rid of people. I mean, who the heck am I supposed to pick?"

A quick glance over the World Cup 55 roster, together with the most recent (and, in now traditional style, fashionably late) results, gives an indication of his problems. The previous forward were Gunsedal Cisneros (who's been here since WC50, and now has to be kind of old for a forward), Vincente Aspe (now in the bottom half of the second division), Eusebio Nadol (whose team, in the most recent First Division season, scored fewer goals than either the basement dwellers or newly promoted Dénprade), and Sosimo Lissón (whose team's offense wasn't quite as good as Nadol's).

"I mean, how many can I get rid of?" sighed Sortani. "Do you know how many players on San Pablo clubs we had on our last roster? Two. Kagdazka and Pazhujebu have that many in the AOCAF, and they're...foreigners! Speaking of them, am I going to have to start both of our players based over there? If Shadows hadn't crashed and [Claudio] Albornos was more confidently masculine I'd be more okay with this." Albornos' agent quickly added that the adjective "Aguazuleña" was clearly modifying the noun "superestrella," and if it wasn't, Aguazul needed to change the name of our league before any more countries made mistakes.

Speaking of players based abroad, having three starters in the Primeirona Grand Final should be a good thing. But, according to Sortani, it's not. "Do you know how long it takes to have a player get good, be noticed by scouts from the...well, okay, scouts in Cafundéu at any rate, be signed, start playing, and be recognized? By the time they've picked up all these accolades, it's been nine cups! I mean, Villalobos might be the third best defender in the league, but that doesn't mean he's young enough to start anymore. Do the managers of other teams have this problem?" Sortani admitted that "Riquelme has gentlemanly gotten out of my face, and I'm definitely holding onto the guy with the accents [probably Dión Farfán]."

When it was suggested that looking at the scale of other quarterfinalists' roster turnovers could provide a useful model, Sortani darkly muttered that "Valanora aren't exactly an ideal model, if you know what I mean."

"Arellano starts in goal," he sighed. "Did I seriously just call Coceres last Cup? Are you sure that's not supposed to be one of his cousins?" Upon being informed that no, Osoro of Unión de Ciudagua really was on the team, Sortani sank his head into his hands and threw another scribbled formation idea into the trash.

[Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk]

The man stood under the streetlight, his face, a shadowy mass. He looked at his map. "Johnny's Pub, hmmm." "Suddenly a cap rolled past. The man jumped back, out of the light. The car's siren wailed into the night. "Thats was close," the man thought. "I'll have to be more careful." He walked across the street. And across another. The man walked and walked. He stopped to look at the map again. "Oh fu..." He thought. He turned around and raced back the other way, right past a group that had gathered outside a restaurant. He kept running and running. Finally, he came to the building. It was dark, abandoned. But from inside the dark depths of the warehouse, came a small glow. He walked in, heart racing. Mr. Deam was sitting at a desk, writing purposefully on the paper. "Excuse me...," the man began. Mr. Deam jumped, "What do you.. oh, hello John, you gave me a fright." "I thought I'd finally been found." "Like that could ever happen." he thought to himself. "How did you get in." "The door was open." Deam thought this was strange, but continued. "So, why are you here John?" The man said, "First of all, my name's not John. Second of all, I would like to buy something from you. Something quite dangerous, that I think you are an expert in." "And what might that be," Mr. Deam inquired. "Oh, I think you know," the man said. He pulled out a handgun, and put a bullet into it. He pointed it at Deam's head. Deam's heart raced, and he felt the room get colder. The gun, by the looks of it, a .357 Magnum, looked large. He saw his life flash before his eyes, his childhood, his time at college, and now, his career selling black-market goods. "Ok," Deam said. He quickly pulled out a cardboard box from the back of the warehouse. He got out a Benelli M-4. "Here," he started, but the man interrupted. "No. I want the big thing." The man's eyes widened. "No," he said. "I can't do it. You are mentally unstable, John..." "My name's not John!" The man said firmly. "Give it to me." The man weakly protested, but saw the uselessness. He quietly took out a gun, slightly more than 4 feet long. It was heavy, and he almost dropped it as he handed it to the man. "Thank you," the man said. He quickly turned on his heel and started out the door. "But, you didn't pay me." Deam said meekly. The man turned around cocked the Magnum and pulled the trigger. Deam's head snapped back and fell to the floor. The man chuckled, "Oops, muscle spasm." he said. He turned around and fled into the night.

[Darmen]

GOAL!!!!!!!!!
Darmen to play in first World Cup!

The Darmen National Soccer Team will begin it's World Cup experience with four friendlies before the qualifying stage. It is yet to be known what group Darmen will be in for the World Cup Qualifying Stage, but hopes are high that it will be an easy group to do well in. Darmen bowed out of the 43rd Baptisim of Fire in the Round of 16, a lot sooner than expected. Several international media outlets had Darmen making it to the Finals or Third Place game. However, it was not to be and Darmen lost to Chetkosk, 1 to 2 to end it's BoF run. Darmeni fans have high hopes that World Cup Qualifying will be a different stroy, with it ending in a Darmen trip to the World Cup 56 Proper. Darmen has made so many strides to become better at Soccer since the Darmen and Legonian Premeir Leagues failed back in the begining of this year. Not only have they hosted two tournaments, going to the finals of each, they have also started a brand new Darmen Premier League, with this one being way better organized. Not only that, but 2 international players were transfered in, to give many Darmeni players there first look at international compitition. Scott City FC won the League title(they also had both international players), and will make an entry into the TQCC, a first for any Darmeni team. Now the DPL has 23 international players in it's ranks, 20 from Cotdelapoms. Darmen has come a long way in the sport of Soccer, and a good showing at the World Cup could really give Darmen the momentum it needs.

Pre-Qual:
vs. Pretty Awesome Persons
@Bergnovinaia
vs. Holstejn
Swift Cup

Mid-Qual:
@Jimmer Fredette
vs. Andossa se Mitrin Vega
Swift Cup

Post-Qual
@Chetkosk
@Civil Citizenry
@Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk
Swift Cup

For fans that are interested, all Darmeni home games will be played at Bronco Stadium in Scott City. Ticket prices are set at B.40.

---

The elections in Darmen have heated up over the last 24 hours. The Royalists still hold their lead with 26%, but the Democrats are right behind with 21%. The Second Communist Group are still failing badly, they just won't be succesful like they were in the first Darmeni elections if they keep focusing on the issues of Abortion and Gay Rights.

Paul, a political anylist at the Darmen Times newspaper, looked at the begining of his article. It was ok, but he needed something catchy to begin with. Just then one of his assistants rushed into his office.

"The Royalists and Democrats just gained a point on the field each. The Royalists now have 27% and the Dems have 22%," she said, almost out of breath.

Paul said, "Now Martha, you know your not supposed to do any running, we don't want you to have another heart attack after all. But thanks for letting me now right away, next time, walk, ok?"

Martha replied, "Yes Paul."

Martha left, and Paul edited the begining of the story to reflect the new news. But now what to put after the first paragraph, he just couldn't come up with anything....

To be continued

[Arkinesia]

The Kotaharapan Picayune Sports Page

7/15/2011

Golden Wyverns Embark On Unmarked Journey

Words by Frank Malone

Today, the Golden Wyverns prepared for international qualifying in their first ever interregional tournament. The Wyverns will play teams from all over the world in an effort to qualify for World Cup 56, the greatest football tournament in the world. Presently, Gareth Crabtree, president of the Arkinesian Football Confederation, is searching for friendlies to schedule before, during, and after qualifying so that his team can all the exposure possible.

Hopefully, we can get this team some exposure if nothing else. We hope to qualify for the Cup, even though we are an outside shot, but more importantly we hope to make a bit of a splash, and, hey, maybe we can even surprise a few folks and make it into the tournament. We might even pass the group stage. At this point, though, I'm telling the coaches and the players both to play a calm, collected game and do the best they can in this tournament. We want to improve our standing, not be Cinderella.

So there you have it, folks, hopefully our boys can go deep in this tournament and show everyone what Arkinesian football is capable of. Players from many well-recognized teams will be traveling on this tournament, including the incredibly stellar Wolf Kaufer. The 22-year-old midfielder/forward hybrid has been chosen for the qualifying squad as an attacking midfielder in coach Joshua Marin's 4-1-2-1-2 formation, a spin on the good old 4-4-2 that allows for a balanced midfield and an attacking centerback, key parts of Marin's coaching strategy.

[Pretty Awesome Persons]

The Many Faces of Tsilevich and Co.
A sports show

Once again, we get to witness the greatness of the PAP squad who comes back from winning a Cup of Harmony in an amazing fashion, scoring 23 goals while allowing only 3. It was during this time that PAP and possibly the world realized that sooner or later, PAP would rise and become the footballing superpower that Sanchez had originally planned it to be. We saw PAP go from a team that barely managed to get 3 wins in World Cup 51, to assembling a team of world class footballers by World Cup 53 and finally winning a major trophy in the 47th edition of the Cup of Harmony, earning PAP the title of "The Best of the Rest" by the PAP media and fans.
In that short time too, we witnessed Louis Zizi's amazing transformation from second striker to the powerful and driving force in offense, tearing up defensive lines everywhere, scoring goals left and right.
We've witnessed Tsilevich's transformation from one of the most hated people in the nation, with the FA threatening to sack him to a Cup of Harmony champion, posting only 1 loss in 16 matches, not including friendlies. Tsilevich posted a winning record in the last World Cup qualifiers, going 12-4-4, ending up in 4th place, despite being in the toughest group in the qualifiers.
We got to witness the greatest PAP team ever assembled win a major trophy and we got to see a whole nation rejoice and celebrate in seeing their team lift a major trophy.

But as much as I hate saying this, we need to stop living in the past and start looking to the future. Many of us, including myself, saw this as a sign that PAP will become one of the best teams in the world.
But we face a problem, just like any other team, we face an aging crisis. The main leaders of the offense, Zizi and Gonzalez are aged 35 and have only been named to the 18-man team because the fans demanded it. But they lost their starting 11 spot to youngsters aged 17 and 21. Mendoza is aged 30 so his experience and ability will probably balance out Gonzalez's and Zizi's absence. Figo has managed to stay on the squad because there is no one else who can possibly captain the team other than him. Ramos and Roderick retired, forcing Tsilevich to call up more youngsters. Rafael Herrera is aged 34 and injury prone, leaving a huge gap in the defense, if he gets injured.
So Tsilevich and the PAPFA must hope their youth system holds up to its expectations and begins to produce world class players that can replace Gonzalez's, Zizi's, Ramos', Herrera's, Figo's and sooner or later Alvarez, shoes.

So what's the lesson in this big speech with no pictures you might ask, well this is what the lesson is:

This World Cup will be an experiment, a test to see if PAP can manage without their big stars or a weakened squad. The average age in our entire squad (starting XI and reserves) is 28 years old while the average age of the Starting XI is 30 years old. The squad is slowly aging and our youth systems must catch up to the demand for better players to replace the legends leaving. This World Cup will test PAP's ability to hold up.

Let's hope PAP can pass the test.

[Taeshan]

X Island Inquirer

Knights Start Training for Qualifying, 3 Announce Retirement

Only a few days into the second season of Taeshan's return to the international football season and 3 players have already announced their coming retirements from the international side of play. Asher Washington starting Right Center-Back, John Olson the second choice Goalkeeper, and Washington's Backup in the center Timothy Glen. Washington said although he will only be 31 at the start of the next season he still feels that it is necessary to remove himself from the international playing pool. He will continue playing for his club side, but has decided it is his last season. Olson has said he would like to focus on his club side as well, preferring to stay home more often and travel less internationally. Glen was not available for comment.

This leaves the team at a terrible disadvantage looking forward. There is no clear replacement for Washington, especially since his backup is also retiring at the end of the year. It is expected that all three players will be replaced by others who fit in their positions. The main idea out their is that Gwyn Juniper will be converted to a Back from CDM, though it is also likely that he could replace Jacob Goldsmith at Left Midfiled with Goldsmith moving back to replace Tyrell Wantanabe who will take Washingtons spot in the back row.

As to likely candidates to join the team is is widely believed that Mt Ceabring Midfielder Arturo Arthur will join the team at it is also believed that Adrian Grant an original trialist for the national team before last years qualifying will join the team for the next season as their replacement bench defender. As per the Goalkeeper position their are rumors all over the spectrum of believeability, from former nationalist Wanner Padawan, now aged 38, joining the team for a spell, to Evan MacDonald the young AC Sikane player joining the side, and even standout Al Haxire goalie Gawdat Darzi joining the squad. It is my belief though that there is no telling who will join the squad. It could be anyone who shows themself in the league this year, anybody.

It has also been announced this years friendly schedule. 4 of 6 of the friendlies are rivalries, but sadly only the two non-rivals will be coming to Taeshan, but its not all bad news. Two quality sides will be boarding planes to Taeshan in the coming year. Before qualifying starts the Aguazul National team, the World Cup 54 Champions will come to Atlantea, and im sure the Coliseum will be filled to the brim for that one. A few months later the Saugeais National team will find its way to Docktown in what is sure to be another interesting matchup. The other four friendlies will be first In Newmanistan, then mid-quals in Jeruselem, and two road trips after we have booked are tickets to the Cup of Harmony at Qazox and Sorthern Northland. Only days into it and this year is looking like it will be mighty interesting.

[Qazox]

Please note that any references to any nation mentioned within any of my RP's this World Cup cycle is intended as a shout-out to the some of the many nations I've played over the past 125+ IC years for Qazox' World Cup competition. Please keep in mind that the main setting for these RPs are over 10,000 years into the future, and as such the "potenial futures" of the mentioned nations should be taken with a very huge grain of salt. If you do have a problem with me creating a "potential future" for your nation, please TG me by July 22nd, and I will not mention a specific future for your nation, though I might mention your nation only in passing. I will not mention a potential future Sarzonia or the Archregimancy/AIF due to obvious reasons (Sarzonia: most of us know why and Arch's nation(s) could theoretically still exist as is in 13137...)

Jai 15, 110.45 GYC (July 15, 13137 ACE); Location: Sector Alpha Romeo Charlie subsector 15:

Loqi A-be Een, the captian of the C-iz Ami always hated archeological trips. The boring, mind-numbing, pedantic chatter about finding A-pods, or I-peds, or whatever else the archeologist blathered on about made Loqi want to retire from his job as a shuttle courier. But with his youngest child still 6 hemi-cycles away from graduating school, and he needed the money to pay for her schooling. As Loqi tapped into the local sporting news channel, of course always staticky out in here ARC-15, he was jolted from the results of the 513th Galactic Olympic 2.5 Mkm sprints from Andromeda, when the person responsible for his being stuck out here in the ass-end of the Sagittarius Arm of the Milky Way; the Deputy Minister of Historical Artifacts of the Union of Sentient Peoples called on the sub-nuetrino net.

"A-be Een, What's the status of the expedition?" she asked.

"Ma'am, same as when you called about 3 hours ago. They're still alive down there, the C-iz Ami is still in working order and no, ma'am I'm not going down there unless they specifically ask me to. Anything else I can do for you?"

"Just remember, A-be Een, that this is an offical governmental contract, and as such, technically you're an goverment employee during this trip, and technically I'm your boss. So please reduce the sarcasm in your voice next time." she replied. "Minister H-ia Ral out."

'God I hate that stuck-up bitch,' Loqi thought, glad that his psy-blocker, illegal within the USP; was still working during the transmission. 'Just beacuse her daddy happened to luck into the USP presidency due to a transmatter accident, don't make her anything more important than me. At least I have a real job..' his thoughts were interuptted by a call from the surface.

"A-be Een here, Professor T-ae Cie, what do you need me to send down to you now?"

"I've told you to call me Rola, Loqi." Professor T-ae Cie replied. "We've worked together enough over the last 10 cycles. I need another cyber-link sent down, we've stumbled on something very interesting down here."

"What is it this time, the remants of Wikipedia?" Loqi chuckled, "Or another 5.6 kauds of porn?"

"It appears to be a complete alternate history of the world, from the first couple qids of data we found." T-ae Cie replied. "But there's something wierd about the records of some of the nations. I want to record the data before it can degrade."

"Ok, I'll send you down another couple CL's, Professor. It does sound interesting, an alternate history of ARC15-III? Might be worth something..." Loqi replied, as he hit the transmatter controls, sending down two cyberlinks.

"Got them, Loqi. Thanks." T-ae Cie replied. "Any messages for us from the Deputy Minister?"

"Just the usual 'Are they OK, are you OK, is the ship OK BS she does every 3 hours... for the last 5 sub-cycles." Loqi replied. "I wonder what she's so worried about, sometimes."

As Loqi awaited a response from the professor, he didn't notice that the sub-audio warning buoys had gone off in the outer reaches of the sub-sector.

"Professor? Are you still there? What happened to the transmission?" Loqi asked, soon followed by a warning klaxon. "What the Haedes? A IEC ship here? What the Haedes are they doing in this section of space?". As he reached for the emergency sub-neutrino beacon, the C-Iz Ami was vaporized into atomic sub-particles. If Loqi was still alive and the C-Iz Ami not destroyed, the sensors would have picked up the 6 transmatter signatures on the surface of ARC15 III that appeared near the main site of the expidition and were moving closer to where the Professor was located.

[Al-Mumtaz]

Fauzan Kamil released the complete list of AL-Mumtaz National Team for World Cup Qualifying.
Here you are :
Mark Hamsik, Phelim Mihaita, Mahmud Mark, Zayd Kouta, Nuka Tiriaq, Hideyoshi Kazuo, Mani Skullmage, Uriel Olaf, Lachlan Leonas, Shun Constant
Kristopher Gore, Kristopher Shade, Batutah, Catahecassa Cuauhtémoc, Ismet Hugo, Fahim Nagib, Augustus Ahriman.

All of them, except Augustus Ahriman were playing in the previous edition of WorldCup, and according to the football custom in Al-Mumtaz, this worldcup will be their second from their three worldcup for them.
After their third worldcup, The National team will have a Regeneration.
So, we hope we can qualified again and got our first win in WorldCup Proper with this third generation squad.

LET THE HOLY PHOENIX FLY AS HIGH AS HE CAN!!

[Churchma]

Churchma Gators WC 56 Coverage
Familiar foes face off in pre-qualifying friendly
Justin Bruce, BSRN

Before I get into the matchup, I'd like to redirect each of you to the title. Actually, not the title, but the author of this article. For the past six years I've had a faithful following at Churchma Sports Inc. but due to a recent inquiry about working for The Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network (BSRN), I've decided to leave my prior employer. I have nothing but good things to say about my co-workers and thank you to all of you that will continue to read my accounts regarding Churchma sports. Don't worry about me not covering Gators sports- I'll still continue to do so, but now it will be under a different publisher. I'll also be writing more for other nations as well, so stay posted!

It's hard to say a nation as friendly as Cosumar is a rival, as we've had nothing but good relations with them throughout the history of our two great nations, but we still consider each other to be the "enemy". The thing that is ironic is that both of our nations took to the international sports scenes around the same time- around Baptism of Iron Six. Ever since then, it appears as if our the Gators and the Dragons have faced off with one another in every sport. Hell, it's not even just the major tournaments, you'll even notice the Ramusok Capital University and Colden University rivalry in Nation States College Football.

But I'm not here to get in your face about all of the great things our nations have done in every other sport, I'm here to tell you about the Churchma/Cosumar rivalry in soccer. For the past twelve years (World Cup 53, 54, and 55) we've had a friendly scrimmage at some point between the Gators and Dragons. This year, that matchup will occur during the Pre-Qualifying phase. Churchma will travel to Cosumar to play at Leviathan Arena, which seats 130,000. For those of you that aren't great at math, that's nearly three times as many fans as what Tru G Stadium in LaVilla holds.

You can expect a fiery matchup between these two squads, as both of them have much to prove in this edition. While Churchma is sitll looking to qualify for its first World Cup, Cosumar is looking to continue to the trend, as they advanced in World Cup 54 and 55. But the real question is whether or not the #21 Cosumar Dragons can finally edge the Gators. You may ask why is that even a concern- Cosumar is the clear favorite, right? In this matchup, each team is looking for that elusive first win:

World Cup 53 Friendly: Cosumar 1, Churchma 1
World Cup 54 Friendly: Cosumar 0, Churchma 0
World Cup 55 Friendly: Cosumar 1, Churchma 1

If the trend continues, we're looking at another 0-0 tie, but that is not the expectation this year as Cosumar is looking to be one of the more dominant teams in the entire tournament. The Dragons look to be led by midfielder, captain Irvinn Rincon and forward Rikki Varshney. Each of these two stars have been around the block a few times and look to ensure that Churchma doesn't get the first win in this series.

One Cosumarite media source even noted a quote from Dragon midfielder Brian Emerson as saying that he was "absolutey certain" that they would beat Churchma at home this time around. The Churchma squad is using that as fuel for this "Friendly" scrimmage.

Churchma's captain and forward Jack Durman was the first player to address the media regarding Emerson's comment. In an exclusive interview with BSRN, my longtime friend gave me a little something extra that the Churchmanian press didn't get to hear.

"I know if our ex-captain (Antonio Shoop) was here still, he would have dismissed Emerson's comment and would tell the guys that we shouldn't listen to that s***. But that's not how I'm going to operate around here. I want that to fire up our guys- I want them to know that everyone is watching this game, and we need the first win in the series," Durman said.

As positive as Durman is, it's difficult to go with my home country on this one. Cosumar is looking too good right now, and their attacking may get the best of us. There's no question that aside from Durman, our most untested aspect of our soccer team is our offense; therefore, the Gators are going to have to set the tone from the beginning of the match to get the win.

BSRN predicition: Cosumar 2, Churchma 1

[Wolfmanne]

WSPN on the Times

Wolfmanne: Doomed to failure?

By Adam Butcher

Wolfmanne is entering their first Football World Cup, despite narrowly missing out on the sign-ups for the Baptism of Fire, putting them at a severe disadvantage to other first-timers.

The Wolfmanni team hoped to enter the BoF however just missed out by one spot. Despite this, manager and head coach Michael Bond is confident that he can lead the underdogs to a good first season.

"Rankings are only put on pieces of paper; what determines victory, which for us is having what would be considered a good first-time season, is performance on the pitch" he told WSPN on the Times. "F*ck KPB, we just need to put in effort".

Wolfmanne have no international experience, although the Wolfmanne Football League is a popular league, only second to Rugby. The World Cup is far more competitive in comparison to the Rugby World Cup, with hundreds of nation signing-up, which puts in the need for a qualifying round. As more and more nations enter, it become more and competitive. The Cup of Harmony is essentially the 'losers' cup', for invited nations who played excellently. This puts forward another question; with BoF experience, how could they go forward to the next stage?

"All that matters is the team's performance; if we as underdogs beat a giant team, to us we've won the World Cup and I'm sure Wolfmanne will agree - winning the actual World Cup is like winning 1000 World Cups".

No matter how good, bad or alright Wolfmanne performs, WSPN, the Wolfmanne Sports Personality Network, wishes them good luck and godspeed.

[Stuffed Taxidermists]

The ST Sports Informer

Almost World Cup Time
The World Cup is approaching rapidly, and the Stuffed Taxidermistan team prepare. Many believe that this time, we may be able to get out of qualification. But according to our nations critics, we have no chance. The team is still preparing at their training ground next to Vanie Stadium, and attract large crowds everyday. "I think it is quite possible we could get somewhere this Cup," said Mark Railes, the nation's highly criticised manager "If we don't, I think the boys will be upset but they know we can just train over the break and get better." The teams friendlies are still being organised, with many yet to be decided, and they have one organised against a nation called Sarrbia at The Joust, the home of the Gonesville Knights. Many speculate over the other nations we may challenge, but no others are confirmed.

People are not just worried about our skill and form, they are worried about our captain. David Smith has been severely lacking in form in recent years, and is a world away from what he was in his first few years at the Western Hillmen. That means that many think he does not deserve to be captain. "Machiavelli is the nations new best player, if you ask me" said critic Angelina Craddock "Smith is just starting to get rusty, whilst Machiavelli is the reason the Tigers won the Premier League." Many also speculate the form of Eastern Rangers midfielder Andrew Lelsh, who is also the Vice Captain of the team. The ST Sports Informer ran a national poll in which the voter could choose whom they would want to be captain. Here are the results:
Machiavelli: 27%
Simonelli Deranoi Meralda: 18%
David Smith: 14%
Andrew Lelsh: 13%
Unijuno: 10%
Jobe Defaglio: 6%
Horhae Ronazo: 6%
Heath Poller: 4%
Tequternana Xven: 2%
Although the results show that Machiavelli is a much more preferred captain than David Smith, Smith remains captain. There are many theories as to why the 24 year old Smith has fallen from form, including a hidden injury, pressure to look after his new born son and many others. Nevertheless, he put in a great effort at ST's last World Cup and here he is again.

So, as the World Cup draws nearer many more people get excited. Our qualification group is yet to be announced, so many are focusing their attention at the upcoming friendlies, which will all be boradcast on the nations many Sports Channels, and should be a good indication of where the team are at. The ST Sports Informer will keep Stuffed Taxidermists informer throughout this whole cup, and you won't miss a thing with us.

[Jeruselem]

Jeru FC assistant coach Mango Mousse with Jeruselem coach Kat Kool

Kat: Aren't you supposed to be working?
Mango: Me, I am working.
kat: Standing around with beer in your hand talking?
Mango: I'm here to gather intelligence on the opposition.
Kat: What are you going to learn that you don't know?
Mango: Hey, I'll find something.
Kat: You just want to look at girls.
Mango: I do for professional purposes, not my own perving.
Kat: Why aren't you over with your team keeping them under control.
Mango: Allison has the situation under control.
Kat: You're just a beer-drinking paper weight
Mango: I do something, sometimes.
Kat: So how the boys?
Mango: Well, age is catching up with them now.
Kat: Wiser and smarter now?
Mango: Dunno about smarter, but they are learning more about moderation.
Kat: I hear the next Jeru FC will be all girls.
Mango: Really, now that's great idea.
Kat: No doubt they'll put all skanks in the team.
Mango: That's fine by me too. I mean look at your team.
Kat: Hey, most of them are perfectly respectable women. Only a few are professional skanks.
Mango: I heard a few of them are already Mums.
Kat: Jeruselem girls are always Mums young. Anyway, how is Peppers?
Mango: Good good, she's happy being at home.
Kat: She was always a simple girl, not like those complicated Dallas girls.
Mango: I've got one kid to one of those too.
Kat: I'm sure there's more out there.
Mango: You guys ready to defend the Pink Cup?
Kat: It's the only we have at the moment.
Mango: We've got nothing.
Kat: You're doing a lot better than us.
Mango: Who's this?
Kat: That's my daughter little Dani.
Mango: She's the future hey?
Kat: You keep your kids away from mine.
Mango: That's not very nice.

[Newmanistan]

FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT TO BEGIN SOON

Pocono City- For those of you not interested in the World Baseball Classic championship series that will be played at the Proving Grounds very shortly, perhaps the World Cup can captivate your attention. Unlike most of the world, the World Cup gets put on page 2 or 3 of the sports section when the baseball classic is played, but in a few weeks, someone will have hoisted the championship trophy in baseball, and we’ll have to have something else to excite us.

Enter World Cup 56. For many, the crown jewel of international sports competitions. For Newmanistanians, a competition which has seen nothing but aggravation due to failed qualifying efforts. We’ll know the groups pretty soon, but whoever the Rockets end up playing, they will not be favored to advance to Valanora or Sorthern Northland, which are the two nations hosting the World Cup, and that’s a shame. There has been some reports that the Emperor might consider a hosting bid for Cup of Harmony 48, but does not want to do so if Newmanistan is heading to the competition itself. Clint Peterson, the NPL commissioner, and spokesperson for the Emperor on football related issues, tells us that, “After a good hosting of the World Baseball Classic, he wants to get the Empire in the spotlight again with hosting different things, like we were before, and the Cup of Harmony is something that has come up. To date, we don’t have a co-host in mind, but that will be worked out later if we decide to do it. And that’s the big thing. We would really just want to host it and not compete in it. If we’re competing in it, we always want to go for it, which is harder to do while you’re hosting. If anything, Newmanistan would need a World Cup bound co-host. I don’t think it’s gonna happen.” You can’t blame his Highness, Peterson, or any Newmanistanian of feeling pessimistic about qualification chances, due to the past history.

Looking at the team, we see a very similar roster to World Cup 55, but some changes within it. The main discussion point throughout qualifying will be moving Kevin Boyle to an attacking midfield position, even though he is a forward with the Seagulls in South Tier. There is no denying that Boyle can tactically play this position, it’s more of the fact that the Rockets will have four natural strikers out there on the field while there are capable midfielders on the sideline. It could open Tremblay up for some scrutiny, but he is not concerned about that. “It’s about having the best players out there on the field for us,” he said, “that’s what this lineup is. Boyle needs playing time.” Sure, Boyle is skilled and all, but isn’t that more of an insult to Kenneth Snider, who’s losing his starting position? “I expect that Kenny will handle the move in a professional manner. To think that after failing to qualifying for the World Cup that you are guaranteed the same position in the following one isn’t realistic. Kenny’s a good player, but we need to do something differently and I want to score more goals this time. Newmanistan will be an entertaining team to watch on the field.” That might not, exactly, be the news that Danny Marshall wants to hear. Marshall will be the starting keeper for the first time, officially, although played a few games late in World Cup 55 qualifying following the suicide of Kyle Perry. Danny, the confident athlete that he is simply told us, “It’s the World Cup. It’s not supposed to be easy.”

No it’s not. And it never is for Newmanistan, but just maybe we’ll have a good run this year.

[Erathore]

Third Times The Charm
Erathore Seeks Qualification In Third World Cup; We Take A Look At The Squad

Two World Cups. Two times we have been denied qualification by the slimmest of margins. Not this time. We have a much better squad now then we had in the past. Much more diverse as well. 4 elves have been included. 22 world class players have been named to the squad and we're here to talk about all of them.

We'll start with the goalkeepers. Roberto Bennedetto, the boy keeper extraordinaire. He's been FC Mildrid's 1st string goalkeeper since he was 18, so 3 years ago. He has made 166 appearances for Mildrid in that time. There were rumors of him moving abroad over the summer but those were quickly dismissed by both him and Mildrid. He is only 21 years old so he has plenty of time to develop into an even better keeper. Now when we start to play and Bennedetto is in goal and he gets the ball, we can expect him to go upfield a little bit before distributing the ball. He has developed into a sweeper keeper in these past few years and it really suits him. He is also pretty hard to chip from a short or medium distance as this kid can jump up explosively and therefore, quickly.

Now for Alessio Afonoso Galigilygano. The long time best keeper in Erathore missed out on the last World Cup due to an injury that he had picked up during a practice in the qualifying stage. That injury hasn't troubled him in the 2 years since the last world cup so that will not be of any great concern. Galigilygano has stated that this will not be his last world cup.

Now for the first of the new additions in the form of the elven goalkeeper Hérion Galonloth. The young, for an elf, keeper is certain to make a big impression in the world cup like he did with Royal Vosaroni Anetenelli when he captained them to a wildly successful Seria-C as they only gave up 24 goals and destroyed their competition in Seria-C.

Now onto the defenders. Fredrico Manlio looks set to start in his 3rd World Cup. He has acquired 41 caps and 2 goals during those world cups and other tournaments. The National Team can definitely count on him to secure their right flank. He, like the other two starting defenders, is very fast and a very good tackler which allows him to hold his own in a one-on-one situation.

Moving over to the left defender we find Nero Romo, the defender for FC Mildrid. He is coming into this world cup, also his third, with 49 caps and he'll be looking to improve on that number. Romo is very much a tackle first, ask later defender and this is a good trait considering he and the other defenders will need to be on their toes to deal with the oppositions pressure.

Now on to Barino Dino. The team vice-captain has made a name for himself as a top class defender who uses speed then a superb tackling ability to keep Roberto Bennedetto safe no matter if it's playing internationally or with FC Mildrid in a Seria-A match. I wouldn't want anyone else to have the job of holding the center of the defensive line.

Tom Lathan is appearing in his first world cup and signifies a new type of defender being used in the National Team. Lathan is a much more technically gifted defender then any of the other ones of the squad. He has no problem carrying the ball high up the field if it's necessary.

Vanni Del Naran is appearing in his 3rd World Cup and he is still on the bench. He has improved in leaps and bounds since we first saw him play internationally 24 caps and 1 goal ago. He has gone from a defender with a ton of untapped potential to a top class defender.

Mariano Alberico also finds himself on the bench. He is definitely a player that coach Planeto Socrato can rely on to add some steel to the defensive line. He isn't the cleanest player but he gets the job done.

Now we can take a look at the midfield. Narazo Del Pietro has been delegated the task of protecting the back three as a defensive midfielder. He is fast with a good tackle and a splendid ability to quickly identify an open teammate and feed him the ball.

Espen Úpaddol Rolodel is taking Alexio Del Nieran's position considering the latter bailed to play for Swartaz in this world cup following the whole Atlantian Ocenia/Rushmore controversy that has been plaguing Erathore for the past year. Rolodel will not have a problem with filling those shoes as he is well up to the task. Roldel is very fast, has a strong shot, and has wonderful footwork. He plays more of a target man then an opportunity creator so that will take some getting used to as Alexio Del Nieran was a very good mixture of the two.

Julio Lanziano is appearing in his first world cup. He's going to be feeding the ball to Rolodel and the attacking three rather then playing in a more offensive position. He, like Culnámo, is going to be a playmaker/chance creator during this world cup. Lanziano is a great player in the sense that he instinctively knows what to do. By this I mean he knows when he can carry the ball or when he should pass it or when he should shoot. it really is an advantage.

Now we can take a look at the new team captain and a player that is sure to impress in this world cup. The elf Elrohir Culnámo is a valuable addition to the team. Culnámo is the perfect all around midfielder. He is equally adapt as a defensive midfielder, as a playmaking central midfielder, as an attacking midfielder, or even a winger. He is deadly on goal within 35 yards, being able to dribble around the defensive line and neatly chip the keep, or hit an absolute rocket shot into the top corner of the net. He has wonderful short and long passing, deftly passing to a teammate 5 yards away or hitting a beautiful pass in the air that bends to meet his targets feet. Culnámo is also a set piece expert and will be taking over Del Nieran's other role of short free kick taker. Now we take a look and the backup midfielders.

Number 14, Marcello Alonoso Defon. 19 years old with no senior caps but 4 U-21 caps and one goal. He is also a passing specialist, though some level behind Culnámo. He does have a talent for long shots as it is well within his power to score a 30 yard screamer.
Antonio Casento is appearing in his 2nd world cup. He brings 7 caps and 2 goals into this tournament so it's safe to say that he isn't likely to be used that much. His main advantage over other players is his speed.

Emlio Fredrico finds himself benched in this world cup. A veteran of two others, Emlio has 43 caps and 2 goals to his name. He still is a hard tackler and a good passer so he will definitely find himself substituted in for Del Pietro every so often.
Another member of the Di Bradini Cup team to be advanced to the senior squad, Isidoro Nao is one of the bright hopes of Erathi football. Winner of the Young Player of the Year Award in Seria-A, Nao now looks forward to his first year abroad with Litala '93 in the Mytanar Takillega. The young midfielder is widely known for being an unpredictable and creative, and therefore dangerous opponent.

And finally we can take a look at the forwards. Starting in his first world cup, with 3 caps and 3 goals already to his name. Erurcion Naryaiel is definitely a standout player. Naryaiel is fast, good with the ball, and has a natural talent for getting goals. Just like any striker. But what sets Naryaiel apart is his wonderful passing/opportunity making. He was praised this season, not only for scoring goals, but for his inventive play and long passing. He has a vast array of tricks to use and will not hesitate to make new ones. Naryaiel is also a set piece expert, scoring and setting up multiple goals on them during this past season.

Now we look at number 10, Gaespare Malvolio. 22 goals in 44 caps for this fellow, Malvolio will be playing in his first international tournament without Juvillian Martinax being his club. Actually this is the first time ever he hasn't been in Juvillian. Well he's taking his talent to A.F.F in Cafundéu. Malvolio is incredibly fast and has dribbling skills to match that speed. He also boasts a shot that gets the ball accelerating to 32 meters per second compared to a F1 racing car that accelerates 4.6 meters per second.

And on to the other new striker. Well not particularly new to the squad, rather a new starter. Cesc Celestino will be starting in his second world cup. The 20 year old has 9 goals in 12 games to his name already. He is fast and powerful, being able to carry the ball through the defensive line before neatly placing the ball right out of range of the keeper.

Lucifer Andrea is benched again despite having a good World Cup 55. Andrea is a jack of all trades, master of none. He is strong in all areas, but he doesn't really have a special talent. This is what caused him to be pushed out of the starting lineup to make room for more specialized players.

Ricardo Villa is appearing in his first world cup. Le Bambino Dorato is coming into this match with no caps and therefore no goals for the senior side. He does have 3 goals in 4 games for the U-21 squad and nabbed 10 goals in 22 games in his first professional season for FC Mildrid.

So that's a look at our squad for this world cup. It's a good one folks. Definitely good enough to get us qualification at last.

[Khytenna]

Royal Khytennan News.


Shock news: Tyler Proctor quits as national coach! Team in disarray.

Reporter: Ryan Healy.

Tyler Proctor has been at the forefront of Khytennan football, bringing the national team to unprecedented highs with his attacking mentality and being the talisman for the never give up Khytennan Philosophy, wining the Vvardenfell championship, and taking Khytenna to their first world cup. However it seems today that that career has well and truly over as Proctor stepped down as he announced that he was diagnosed with Cancer.

Here was his brief statement today in front of the press:

“Today i am here to make an announcement that i never wanted to make, but, life seems to have forced my hand. I have given my life to this job, my passion is for football and my country, two weeks ago i went to doctor with a normal check up, i was referred to the hospital where i have been diagnosed with cancer, the therapy that i will undergo will make it near impossible for me to coach to the team, so with great sadness in my heart, i announce my resignation from the coach of the Khytennan national team with immediate effect, i wish my replacement all the best in the future, i hope he continues my great work, and does our six islands proud! “

Also at the press conference, Mike Howell (President of the KFA)said that Harry Dresden will be caretaker coach until a suitable replacement was found, Harry wasn’t available for comment, but rumours have it that three of the coaching staff under Dresden has left, meaning that Khytenna would well and truly be in crisis.

Captain Thorne (who missed the last world cup due to injury) gave us a few words before leaving the training ground.

“i am helping Harry decided the line up, someone has to!”

With the Tournament only a stone’s throw away, the KFA needs to get their act together.

[The Kangaroo Republic]

Ready for round 2. 'Roos back in the game
The FKR had a rather disappointing finish at their last world cup when they did not succeed in qualifying for the world cup, even after their brilliant victory in the 42nd baptism of fire. Then in the Cup of Harmony, they didn't do quite well either where they faced some incredibly tough opposition and finished third in the group stage.

But now they are back for round two and they are better prepared than ever. The still young team has surprisingly had very few changes since their last cup but the coach, Enart Ruzakvax Kerke, has taught the 'roos to play with an entirely different, and much more aggressive strategy.

"Maybe it was due to the bad decisions of the previous coach that the 'roos weren't properly prepared to play in such a big event. But now that we've applied a number of tactical changes. We should be prepared for a much better world cup this time." Kerke said in an interview.

He explained that the 'roos have practiced their wing play and crossing enormously and the defenders have been told to push further upfield during attacks. Pressure is key to the new style of play of the 'roos.

In an interview, Goalkeeper Wudro Ruzakvax Døzekom announced that this will be his last international tournament. At the age of almost 31 years, the red kangaroo has decided to retire from professional football after the world cup is over.

Football fans were saddened by this announcement but wish Døzekom the best of luck.

[The Babbage Islands]

Today's installment of The Big Three: McKnight on Da Bears; Reeves on Lasft; Wild on Julianne Phillips.

TM: Get ready for the rise of Da Bears. Belgium FC and Great Falls Cymru have just sealed deals to bring a total of eight Ursine players from the footballing powerhouse of Bears Armed into the FFB Premier League for next season. For the past 13 seasons the lone Ursine in the league has been defender Arna-Maggra o Wirrenne, a Bears Armed international signed by Belgium FC at the same time as the Dagan Five. But playing in the shadow of the legendary Salamida and Myers hasn't stopped Arna-Maggra from capturing the hearts of fans and teammates alike. Now her contacts at home are paying off with the signing of five internationals. And it is widely expected that Arna-Maggra is playing her final season, as she is the odds-on pick to become the new manager at Belgium at the young age of 34. Can the harrdiharr be far behind?

PR: The Games of the VI Olympiad are coming soon, in Lasft, Cafundeu. There are 252 entries from The Babbage Islands, a record. And that doesn't even count the 27 entries from Ruadha, newly a part of the commonwealth but entered under their national Olympic authorities. Babbage sports fans know a fair bit about Cafundeu, of course, thanks to the Sao Jorge Winter Games and the many top footballers that have plied their trade in the Primierona. I don't need to remind too many back home that the best way to see Lasft will be through a responsible tour operator. Several of the top Cafundeu guide outfits have arrangements with respected Babbage organisers in most major cities. Yes, you can do-it-yourself and succeed, but unless you are lucky indeed you'll pay a lot more, not less. The tax system in Cafundeu is tricky for natives, head-scratching for expats, and downright mind-bending for the tourist. Save money by dealing with a pro up front, and you'll be able to enjoy watching our stars like equestrienne Joy Koploy, tennis star Michael Crawford, the Eyring family in rowing, and the always-inspiring women's handball team so much more.

DW: The Babbage sports world will miss the presence of Julianne Phillips. As commissioner of Babbage Football International, she tirelessly worked to spread the growth of both Babbage and international rules football on a worldwide basis. Phillips has been a part of both the Mcleod Cup and the Cotswold Trophy since the beginning, and her promotion of the Babbage code has doubtless helped NABC expand to its current 24 clubs. Yes, her push for Olympic demonstration sport status in Lasft appears to be premature. And some of the criticism leveled at BFI over its handling of the Babbage presence at the Beitzel Trophy is justified. But overall she has been a builder par excellence. As she moves on to new challenges as CEO of the Bergnovinaia Sports Radio Network, I for one wish her well -- and I am certain that she has more chapters to write.

[Astograth]

Bayardo Morriyas leaned back in his seat and looked out the airplane window affixed to the wall beside his companion. He popped some salted peanuts in his mouth and eyed the cover of Erlis' book, bored out of his mind. He noticed the title Worldly Philosophers: A History of Economic Theory.

"Laurgain. What's your book about?"

"Economic theory," mumbled the Ituraitzi, not lifting his sight.

"I can tell, but what does it mean?" enquired Morriyas, sitting up and looking straight at his former teammate.

"How the economy works," said Erlis in a bored tone as he turned the page.

Charismatic as always, thought Morriyas with a sigh.

"Right. Can you remind me where we're going and why, then?

"Urri. To open a youth club."

"That's not saying much."

Erlis looked up at last. He took a deep breath out of annoyance and removed his reading glasses.

"It's very simple, Bayardo, and I don't think it's the first time I've told you this. First of all, there's a youth club set to open in Urri, which is in the Kuril Archipelago, which is part of the Federation of Polar Islandstates. I'm sure you remember that. Because this is a special occasion, they're inviting several people. The FPIFA president, a captain of one of the league teams and a young player from the Jan Mayen Islanders. And because the relations between the FAF and the FPIFA are so great, we've been called too. Because we're both capped, retired, and former captains of our clubs. So, we'll go to Urri, attend the ceremony, smile for the cameras, stay for a bit, take this flight back to Torshavn and then go home. Is that clear, or too much for you?

Slightly taken aback, Morriyas nodded and sat back in his seat in silence. If Erlis was like he remembered, and it looked like he was, it would only take a few minutes for him to calm down. They'd never talked much in the national team, but their relation had always been cordial. Professional. Yeah, that was Erlis in a nutshell, professional.

"Sir, would you like tea or coffee?" asked the blonde Polair flight attendant.

Morriyas stared blankly.

"Tea or coffee, sir?" she repeated, her smile unwavering.

"I no English speak," said Morriyas, recalling the little he learned from his holiday in Queer Poco el Mono Ara a few years back.

The attendant understood, and was about to subject the former attacking midfielder to a harrowing session of pantomime when Erlis leaned over.

"Tea. We want tea," he said through gritted teeth. Returning to his book, he wondered for how much longer he'd have to tolerate this irritating fellow.

[Southern Cynocephali]

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19th July

World Cup Preview

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Welcome fans of sport, to my new column in my official capacity as Chief Print Editor at The Bergnovinaian Sports Radio Network (BSRN). BSRN is a dedicated sports news network which covers all sporting events from large tournaments to less known local events. I am excited to be presented with this opportunity with a premier sports news network which is on a rapid rise. My colleagues at BSRN are second to none, and we will all seek to provide our audience with current and exclusive insights into the sporting world.

Vale Sal Lazzara --- #26

In the realm of international football, Les Cynos from Southern Cynocephali are in late preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Their schedule kicks off with a friendly against Kagdazka and Pazhujebu, in a match to commemorate the life and short playing career of Sal Lazzara, who was slain in his prime by environmental extremists within Kagdazka. Questions must be asked about just what team management was doing as young Lazzara innocently walked his way into danger. Team officials are without doubt responsible for this situation, and someone should be held accountable for such a monumental error of management.

Regardless, the match is expected to be played in good spirits, although Kagdazka and Pazhujebu hold a large advantage in experience and quality and will surely win through on the day. The friendly match for the Sal Lazzara Memorial Shield should give fans a chance to look at Jahat Chahachim, the renowned right back from Kagdazka and Pazhujebu. Rumours abound that a move to Indica United is on the cards, and if such a deal does proceed, we can expect to see the formadible right side player in action for the league giants next season, terrorising both attackers and defences alike.

Despite performing above expectations at the recent Baptism of Fire, Manager Napoleone Ramolino has come under recent criticism for his public lifestyle. Napoleone Ramolino has been photographed since the Baptism of Fire in the drunken company of an local adult film star, Sonja Roebeck. The recent behaviour by Mr Ramolino has reportedly raised the ire of his older brother, President F.N. Ramolino. A source close to the President claimed that the President 'has clearly had enough with the behaviour of his younger sibling'. Whether President Ramolino uses his influence or not to end his brother's tenure, it seems that this behaviour may be too much to tolerate if the team fails to perform in the upcoming qualifiers. The level of performance required will be better understood once the group fixtures are made public, however most pundits agree that to qualify for the final stages would be a miracle, and the team will be looking to perform strongly to establish a result to build upon in future years.

Whilst success at the tournament is almost definitely unattainable, the tournament will enable Les Cynos to increase their international reputation and asset themselves as an emerging football nation. In particular we expect Yuill, Zezima, and Mercier to possibly find themselves with intense interest after all three performed admirably in the Baptism of Fire. There is already speculation that Yuill and Zezima were courted by club officials shortly after the tournament, but no confirmation from their clubs has been released at this stage. Yong Schweiss, the young attacking midfielder may also attract interest from international clubs and may look to take his football abroad in the near future.

What does this mean for fans of the SCCPL? Well, at first glance it may appear that our best players are leaving our shores. However, my contacts within the league assure me that the level of talent coming through the youth systems is quite strong, and should ensure that the league continues to go from strength to strength in the coming years. Some of these stars of the future will be on show in the football matches at the upcoming VI Games of the Summer Olympiad, so all fans should be sure to catch these games to see the potential household names of the next generation.

The fifty sixth edition of the World Cup will be underway shortly, with 162 competing for the top honour in world football. With all of the top ten nations competing in the tournament, it is difficult to imagine the winner coming from outside their ranks. The hosts, Valanora and Sorthern Northland, will be difficult to break down at home and are both expected to progress into the late stages of the tournament.

The beginning of qualifying should begin to paint a better picture as to who will among the final thirty two at this edition of the world cup. Lower ranked nations will struggle to get through to the finals, but watch out for the winners of the Baptism of Fire, Kalumba, who have rocketed up the rankings and find themselves well within the top two hundred. Whilst they may be outsiders for the finals, they have shown they can play a high quality brand of football, and may surprise a nation or two during qualifying.

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Stay tuned as BSRN keeps you up to date with all the latest action from World Cup 56!

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