Draggonnii Inviyatti VI - Champion Announced

by **The Golden Tamarind** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:34 am

Tamarindia
Draggonnii Inviyatti VI Tournament Squad

Following the great and thoroughly unexpected success in our first Di Bradini Cup entry, The Tamarindian Syndicate for Football is now looking at the Baptism of Fire and World Cup 57 and wondering how many of this golden generation in the under 21s are ready for the big stage. In anticipation of this we are unashamedly using the Inviyatti as a test bed for youngsters to step up and claim a spot in the World Cup squad. Once more we hope to surprise one or two people with our unique brand of naïve and panic-stricken football. And make friends from foreign lands at our tactical parties. And avoid creating International Incidents.

Colours: Yellow shirts, black & white trim; white shorts, yellow & black trim; black socks
Second: All light blue with white trim

RP PERMISSIONS
Granted in full: Knock yourself out - or us. Anything goes, except preserve us from death or supernatural happenings.

Tactics

Modifier: A slightly petrified -2.5

Full International Squad

Nickname: The Tamarins
Demonyms: Tamarindian, Tamarindo, Tamar
Manager: Maicon Sampaio
Captain: Bernardo Olavarria
Vice Captain: Masvidal
Artist: Román de la Cruz
Dynamo: Hannibal
Stormtrooper: Otto Moscoso

Manager: Maicon Sampaio, 43 ex-Espanyol manager, amateur player
Playboy: A role-model for the more self-obsessed footballer, he has never let a good time get in the way of doing a good job. Burns the candle at both ends – and loves it.

Assistant: Toni Alexis, 62 ex-Espanyol player & coach
Athlete: Still third fastest sprinter in the international squad, best long distance runner and king of the gym. Competitively-inclined because he is unnaturally fit.

Tactician & Au Pair: Isabella de Llanura (age unknown).
Temperamental: Has caused International Incidents through feisty confrontations with officials of various nations, including Johz, Spitfyred and Civil Citizenry. It is not clear if Isabella works for the Coach, or the Coach works for Isabella.

Coach & Scout: Eduardo Ramirez (age unknown).
Personality undescribed. Appearance unknown. Listed on the roster but never appears at matches or even in the team hotel. May be Specialist Jean-Baptiste Duzant, of the Academy for International Relations, who manages the prevention of International Incidents.

Advisory team:
General Hans Klaus. Retired Spitfyred soldier, tour manager. Primarily responsible for time-keeping, a great weakness of Tamarindo society.
Alukimanob Cerganolaf. Civil Citizen usually referred to as simply Aluki, security manager. Assisting with 'cultural barriers' and 'acclimatisation'.
ADK. Ex-Starblaydi international footballer, translator and tactical advisor.
Chu Mango. Mangolanadian war veteran, tour fixer. Very resourceful on the ground, useful for getting things and finding people who get things.
Nurse Imogen of Mangolana. Health & fitness practitioner. Looks after the injured with extra care and attention.

Playing staff

GOALKEEPERS

Arnold Tapia, 28, Cartageñas STARTER
Personality / playing style – Reliable: A sane goalkeeper is a rare commodity and Tapia is just that. No reality-bending mind-flips for Arnold. He knows which way is up, which way is over, and which way is out. 4 international caps last season, Tapia is emerging as the first choice keeper beating off recent position holders Perez, Castillo and Costa in the competition for an inviyattion to ASVM.

Eduardo Reyes, 21, Estudiantes.
Showman: Literally. Born of a travelling circus family and claims to be a tiger-whisperer. Engaged to a Western Cuban streaker and recently won a move to a top six club in the Primera Liga. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

Gaitán, 20, Jaguars
Warhorse: Big, strong and fast, his favourite move is the charge from the goal-line. Straight at on-coming strikers. In times when the keeper is over-protected by regulations, Gaitán is the exception – in the penalty box, it's the forwards who need protecting. Last season's Primera Liga Golden Glove winner and a surprise inclusion after missing out on the Under-21 di Bradini squad. First call-up to the full international team.

DEFENDERS

Otto Moscoso, D RC, 29, Los Mineros STARTER
Personality / playing style - motivator: Can stare for 12 minutes without blinking. Disappointed to have lost his vice-captaincy to Masvidal, one of few players who wouldn't buckle under his glare. 10 international caps.

Patricio Guillén, DL, 24, Los Mineros STARTER
Unpredictable: A qualified Professor of Philosophy, a genius troubled by the futility of it all. Can go walkabout, on and off the pitch. A Copa del Sol medal with Atlético Misión and player of the tournament, he jumped ship with their relegation to move to the University of Defensive Football, at Los Mineros. 8 international caps.

Héctor Salinas, DC, 26, Los Mineros STARTER
Resilient: Once played with a detached retina. Bleeds a lot, has a metal plate in his head, never stops running. Guillén's new mentor at Los Mineros. 10 international caps.

Anibal Calderón, D/WB R, 27, Sparta Misión STARTER
Playboy: Legendary gigolo Raymond Peréz is his hero. And unofficial mentor. Primera Liga champions medal, and 9 international caps.

Feliberto García, DC, 21, Espanyol
Flashy: Once deliberately nutmegged his own keeper in a league match and saved the ball from going in the net for an OG with a backheeled clearance off the line. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

Andrés Durán, D RL, 21, Académica Libertad.
Leader: Son of a world boxing champion – you wouldn't argue with him. World Indoor Soccer Champions medal. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

Alejandro Canó, D RC, 18, Sparta Misión,
Determined: Is reputed to have run through a breeze-block wall for a bet. Determined and strong, already a cultured footballer and expected to be the national team captain in time, certainly one of the best prospects in the whole country. The only member of the squad who would argue with Durán. World Indoor Soccer Champions medal. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

MIDFIELDERS

Rubén Candal, D/WB L DM M LC, 25, Los Mineros STARTER
Personality / playing style - Warhorse: Tallest player in any squad, heaviest, strongest, longest hair, biggest biceps, highest jumper, fastest sprinter, greatest stamina. Average footballer. 9 international caps.

Bernardo Olavarria, DM M RC, 30, Vanguardia, Captain STARTER
Motivator: Looks like Attila the Hun. First national team captain but after mixed results and playing for a poor league team, some think this could be his last chance with Masvidal looking the natural captain of his country. A good tournament may keep the armband for him, at least for the Baptism of Fire. 10 international caps.

Hannibal Costa, MC, 20, Los Mineros, STARTER
Resilient: He's called Hannibal. And sometimes Attila. And Genghis Khan. And other famous barbarian warrior types. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

Román de la Cruz, AM R, 28, Astillero STARTER
Creative: Can see a pass three phases ahead. But no-one else can, so it's a moot point. League and domestic cup winners medals, 8 international caps and 1 goal.

Raúl Argo, MC, 33, Astillero
Resilient: Was run over by an articulated truck carrying logs from the rainforest. Avid environmental campaigner. League and domestic cup winners medals, 7 international caps. Much loved by all, a hero of The Great Yellow Curtain – Tamarindia's defensive strategy – age is beginning to catch up with the old war horse, although he'll be in the world cup squad through national demand. 7 international caps.

Antonio Tejada, DM/MC, 21, Astillero,
Eccentric: Claims not to understand the rules of football. Clearly not the case. Under 21s captain, this is his first call-up to the full international team. Captain of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad and scorer of the Tamarindo goal in the final.

Iván Calvo, M R, 20, Astillero
Unpredictable: Really does not understand the rules of football. Mercury was invented so that commentators could call Calvo 'mercurial'. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

Jansel Ortega, AM RL, 21, Atletico Misión
Temperamental: Does not like cry-babies, scaredy-cats or sloths. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

STRIKERS

Masvidal, AM RC/ST, 23, Sparta Misión, vice captain, STARTER
Personality / playing style – warhorse: Celebrates scoring by punching team-mates on the upper arm. Really hard. The national football icon and future captain of his country. Detained in immigration in Johz and missed the first ever Tamarindian international in the Johzian Amateurs Cup. Ordained a priest of ‘Shana in Mangolana during Beach Cup 4. Scored the first ever international goal for Tamarindia on home soil. Primera Liga 1 Player of the Season / Golden Boot winner (24). Primera Liga 2 champions medal and Golden Boot (21), and World Indoor Soccer Champions medal (WISC 2) - as captain. 7 international caps & 4 goals. A legend in his own lifetime, he secretly plans to be Tamarindia's answer to Simeone di Bradini. Used to be called Dwayne, will punch anyone who uses that name now – double hard.

Sergio Basta, ST, 24, TTAD, STARTER
Introvert: Has a degree in Librarianism. A late developer, bursting on the scene two seasons ago from nowhere, and striking up an impressive international partnership with Masvidal. Próximo 1 Golden Boot winner (21 goals for TTAD) and Próximo 1 champions medal; Copa del Sol (prequela) Golden Boot winner (9 goals, for Club Malí), 5 international caps & 2 goals.

Marcos Suárez, ST, 22, Académica Libertad
Unpredictable: Impossible to mark, does the least obvious when you most expect it, and the most obvious when you don't. Strike partners may need psychic powers to play alongside him, but he's great in one-up-front formations. A surprise first call-up for the El Colegio striker, after a good season with the Primera Liga runners-up.

Yancey Ortíz, ST, 21, Estudiantes
Eccentric: Celebrates scoring by staging small one-man interpretations of Shakespeare. Has been so successful he may soon need to move on to the poetry of Tennyson or the epics of Homer. First call-up to the full international team. Part of the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

Daniel Magnín, FC, 19, Creciente (just completed season loan at LaVilla, Churchma)
Creative: A renowned storyteller and confidence trickster, liar, sleight-of-hand magician and card shark. His first call-up to the full international team, Magnín was also a new call-up to the under 21s this season. Future superstar: Tamarindia's player of the tournament in the Di Bradini Cup 19 runners-up squad.

by **Chetkosk** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 7:45 am

Chetkosk Association Football Squad

Nation: Chetkosk
Nickname: The Puffins
Supporters: The Chicks
Style mod: +1.5
RP rules:
Choose my goalscorers, injure players, hand out cards...
Do whatever you like. Just know that I reserve the right to retcon anything I don't like.

A note on transfers: I will rarely ever advertise players on the transfer market. If you want to request one of the players in this squad for transfer to your domestic league you need only ask via TG, however a successful request is not guaranteed.

Home Kit

Away Kit

Alt. Kit

Goalie Kit

Played: 42
Won: 16
Drawn: 11
Lost: 15
Scored: 54
Conceded: 50
GD: +4
First Match:
Chetkosk 0-3 Marova
Biggest Win:
Chetkosk 4-0 Alexanderburn
Heaviest Defeat:
Chetkosk 1-5 Andossa Se Mitrin Vega

Main Staff:
Manager: BYSHOVETSIY, Yevgeni - Aged 52
Yevgeni Abram Byshovetsiy took the role of managing Chetkosk's national team after being forced to leave the domestic club CSKA Tomska. Most of his critics were silenced by his performance during Chetkosk's Baptism of Fire campaign, but it wasn't until a stunning qualifying effort lead to the Puffins reaching the finals of the 56th World Cup that he well and truly demonstrated his ability to successfully manage the national squad. Yevgeni is a sly tactician, has a loud and powerful character and is fully prepared to think outside the box to form new strategies.

Assistant: GRUSCHMAN, Pyotr - Aged 32
Pyotr Gruschman has an extra-ordinary talent for administration - he takes care of red tape and paperwork so Byshovetsiy doesn't have to (nor does he ever want to). Although he is far less extravertive compared to his superior, he always makes sure he is heard on the rare occasions that he does speak before the team, and his words carry many years of combined knowledge and wisdom in the sport.

Head Coach: TOLSCHTIYK, Vladim - Aged 41
Vladim Tolschtiyk is a retired player who spent the last six years of his career with CFR Dynamo Vilychek. He regularly works as a guest lecturer in Sports and Physiological Science at many Chetkoski universities and he demands a high level of knowledge and ability in his coaching staff. Vladim is adept at noticing psychological and physiological problems in the players well ahead of time - his reports of squad fitness, form and morale are rarely anything but accurate.

Squad:
GK: SCHERBAK, Anatoli - #1 - aged 21 - Atlético Central (Cafundéu)
38 caps
Scherbak won himself a place on the starting lineup through some excellent performances in the Baptism of Fire, and has taken on the number one goalkeeping role from Vasili Opuytsk following his recent retirement. His ability to dive in peculiar directions in a split second make him an ideal international goalkeeper, and following World Cup 56 he secured a transfer to Cafundéu. He is a rising star, but is prone to small, recurring injuries that remove him from action for a game at a time.

LB: KASAEV, Diniyar - #2 - aged 29 - Grêmio Lux (Cafundéu)
40 caps
Kasaev used to be starting left back for CSKA Tsaritin Saints, a club that regularly enjoys a top five finish in the Chetkoski domestic league. He was also transferred to Cafundéu after World Cup 56, and the Saints' left defence has looked weaker ever since. He is a solid player and his foul tally is one of the lowest in the squad, but he is notorious for his inability to cure his pungent foot smell post game.

CB: MOSTOVOI, Igor - #3 - aged 33 - PSV Stavropol
41 caps, 2 goals
Mostovoi is a key utility player, both for the national team and for his club, and has played in every international game for Chetkosk so far. He regularly traverses into midfield territory and can usually be trusted to place himself where he is required the most - thus he had earned the nickname "omnipresent". On occasions he has managed to score in crucial games, after moving up for a corner kick. He has stated that World Cup 57 will be his second and last for Chetkosk, but is expected to continue to serve the team as a defensive coach.

RB: SMERTIN, Anton - #5 - aged 31 - Zenit Berlinengrad
41 caps
Smertin has become a Chetkoski legend as he seems to be immune to injury. His form is excellent, a relic of his second love (long distance running) and thus he has very good stamina and can be counted upon to give his all until he is taken off the pitch. Anton takes pleasure in showing up the rest of the team in training and pushes them to keep going for as long as he can. His peak physical condition likely means he will be able to continue to play well into his thirties - good news for the Puffins.

LM: BORODIUK, Nikolai - #6 - aged 32 - PSV Stavropol
41 caps, 9 goals
Nikolai has the most accurate shot from a dead ball in the squad, and as such is designated most of the free kick opportunities. However, his strengths lie not only in shooting from stationary, but also in picking out crosses with high balls. He has recently enjoyed much praise following PSV Stavropol's arrival in the group stage of the UICA TQCC, and is unlikely to be released any time soon. Looking ahead to his retirement, Nikolai is adamant that he train up a replacement kick taker for when he leaves the squad.

CM: VORONIN, Marko - #7 - aged 30 - Real Luagarica (San Vicente Lagoon)
39 caps, 1 goal
Voronin is an accomplished sportsman, playing for the largest club in San Vicente Lagoon, and inspired his younger brother to follow him into the professional sporting world - though his brother is a rugby man. Marko has been plagued with groin injuries in the past, and it was questionable whether or not he would play for much longer, but his current form looks hopeful.

CM: HEIMPFEL, Sebastien - #8 - aged 31 - Red Star Kemenovsk FC
41 caps, 5 goals
Heimpfel wears the captain's armband, and for good reason - his mind is calm and tactical throughout a match and his voice carries across the pitch despite not being particularly loud. A steadfast and reliable player, Byshovetsiy is dependant on him to carry his plan onto the field of play.

RM: SIMIERTINO, Alexey - #9 - aged 27 - Primorsky Cape FC
40 caps, 1 goal
Alexey was originally a relatively unknown member of the starting lineup until his domestic team won the previous season's playoff and were promoted to the premier league. He has enjoyed a step up in his media coverage since then, and has not yet tired of the invasion into his private life. According to Alexey, the highlight of his career was his single international goal scored at home.

AM: KURZHAKOV, Roman - #10 - aged 24 - TSG Krasnonar
31 caps
Roman has taken the place of Chetkoski legend Nico Tussak in attacking midfield, and has thus far made a superb job of filling his boots. He is not afraid to run the entire pitch several times over if he has to, and can cause a hinderance to the opposing team by being in places they don't expect him to be. Through his energetic efforts each game Roman has become an attractive target for foreign transfer.

ST: TORBINSKIY, Vyacheslav - #11 - aged 29 - Angels (Kagdazka & Pazhujebu)
41 caps, 23 goals
Torbinskiy is by far the most accomplished goal scorer on the Chetkoski starting lineup. His finishing is magnificent and he always puts on a show with his acrobatic celebrations. His recent move to Kagdazka & Pazhujebu has seen him drop off the media radar somewhat, but he is much happier there than he ever was at CFR Zolchora City and has had enough of being a big fish in a small pond. Recent experiments with new formations have proven Torbinskiy plays just as well with a striking partner as he does on his own.

CF: PUZIN, Tomislav - #22 - aged 23 - Oransberg St. Thunder FC
21 caps, 2 goals
Puzin is a solid striking talent that found his way into high level football with the AZS Kemenovsk Rangers' highly successful grass roots programme. His recent move to premier league club Oransberg St. Thunder has thrust him into the limelight and he is considered a strong candidate for a starting forward in the near future.

Default 3-5-2 Formation:

Reserve:
GK: DOLGONOSOV, Nikolev - #20 - aged 23 - FC Kedesk Harbour
0 caps
Dolgonosov performs well when facing penalties due to his ability to keep and calm and cool head.

GK: GABULOV, Denis - #23 - aged 28 - Zenit Berlinengrad
1 cap
Gabulov remains the third choice goalkeeper despite his experience over the younger Scherbak.

CB: ONOPKO, Aleksandr - #4 - aged 26 - FKM (Kagdazka & Pazhujebu)
40 caps
Aleksandr is a fairly new addition to the squad but has already made a mark with his great height towering over the other players and dominating the penalty box. His long stride ensured he can get back to defend against all but the fastest of breaks, though he does have a tendency to play people on-side. Aleksandr is desperate to move to a larger club, but few Chetkoski teams have paid him much attention.

CB: BESCHASTYN, Vladimir - #16 - aged 26 - Torpedo Yaroslavl
31 caps
Beschastyn is seen in many ways as Mostovoi's apprentice. He admires the older player and aspires to be as vital to the team as Igor is now.

LB: BYKO, Arkady - #12 - aged 19 - San Llorenç FC (San Vicente Lagoon)
0 caps
Byko is a new young talent who already has experience playing abroad. His tackles are hard, but usually accurate.

RB: MAKHSENEV, Viktor - #18 - aged 22 - CSKA Tomska
25 caps
Makhsenev is a young player who has great pace and speed along the wing.

CM: KARPIN, Sergei - #21 - aged 32 - Baltika Bashkan FC
24 caps
Sergei has a very good arm for long throws and is also good at heading when he is on the receiving end of them.

CM: OBSTANTOV, Georgi - #13 - aged 27 - CSKA Tsaritin Saints
33 caps, 1 goal
This centre midfielder takes a long time to break form - whether it's good form or bad.

LM: TSARAPKIN, Iosif - #19 - aged 23 - Cap Nordique (Cotdelapoms)
0 caps
Tsarapkin adds a utility element to the midfield, and is also seen as Borodiuk's apprentice. His talent for dead balls allows the elder player to perform roles he normally misses out on.

DM: KONDRATENKO, Lev - #15 - aged 22 - AIK Vilnosnyvetzsny Ice
0 caps
Kondratenko is a new addition to the squad, bringing a strong tactical mind that is very useful in his position as a defensive midfielder.

ST: KOKORIN, Artur - #17 - aged 31 - CFR Dynamo Vilychek
16 caps
Following a complicated ankle operation, Kokorin made his return to the world of professional football and strives to earn many more caps before ending his career.

RF: ANYUKOV, Joachim - #14 - aged 25 - Racing Club Liyakovski
12 caps
Anyukov is a heavy, bulky individual whose strength in his foot more than makes up for his slow running speed.

Stadium:

Stavropol-Parhk Stadiom - Stavropol, Bashkaguryan Province
Capacity of 70,500

by **Polar Islandstates** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 11:32 am

Team Name: The Federation of Polar Islandstates U-21s
Country Shorthand Names: Polar, The Federation, The FPI
Citizens of The FPI are: Polarians
Team Nickname: The Chicks (as in, baby Terns)
Official Supporters Group: The Twitchers (as in, birdwatchers)

KIT COLOURS: - courtesy of Barrengeka Kits, Astograth:

"Hello, good afternoon, and welcome to this special FPIBC bulletin on the U-21 national football team. Gregorz van der Riise was the name on everybody's lips earlier today, as he announced his U-21s squad for the upcoming Draggonnii Inviyatti competition in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega. Missing out on the 19th Di Bradini Cup due to a clerical error at the FPIFA, when the chance to submit a squad into this competition came along, van der Riise immediately grabbed it with both hands. Writing to Sol Kirkkegaard, he managed to restrict any players 21 or under from being chosen for the Copa Rushmori squad, and so he will have a fresh squad to choose from. Many of the first team players from DBC18 have grown up and left the team however, so this is a chance for some fresh blood to show their worth on the international scene. The Haapa-Mechelin youth academy is well represented once again, as you might expect, with six players in the squad having first learnt the trade through it's hallowed doors, three of which still play for FC Axel Heiburg.

With no restrictions on what team was entered, Polar Islandstates is one of a handful of nations to be submitting their U-21s side, with a couple opting to enter B-teams, or an all-star team made of players still playing in their home league. There are also a large number of teams who are entering their full strength teams however, and as such, van der Riise is being down to earth with his expectations, stating that whilst going further would be excellent, to make it out of the group stage and no further would be a perfectly acceptable showing, and anything above 0-0-5 will be considered a decent run out.

But before we look at the opponents in our group, and the expected tactics, an introduction to the players chosen."

GK
#1 - GK - Jan Rasmus - Age 21 - FC Axel Heiburg
#12 - GK - Ole Smolensk - Age 20 - Red Star Severny
#13 - GK - Dario Szezlak - Age 17 - Tasterson Road (Civil Citizenry)
With Aalbhorg now over 21, the number one gloves are handed to Axel Heiburg keeper Jan Rasmus, who made more than a handful of appearances for the ever youthful Axel Heiburg team this last season, and is expected to be a star of the future. Szezlak makes the squad after an injury to Jan Mayen youth keeper Hemjann-Bezelhov.

DEF
#2 - DR - Zacharias Juul - Age 19 - Koppen Rig Force
#3 - DC - Mikkel Hangeland - Age 21 - Jan Mayen Islanders
#4 - DC - Torre Urfstadt - Age 19 - FC Torshavn - VICE-CAPTAIN
#5 - DL - Luka Baalsen - Age 19 - East Franz Athletic
#19 - DR - Thor Lossler - Age 21 - SK Franz Josef City
#21 - DL - Edvar Folke - Age 18 - Islay Town Mechanical
#22 - DC - Stanislav Dahl - Age 21 - East Franz Athletic
#23 - DC - Ibrahim Ottosson - Age 17 - RSK Longyearbyen Town
Vice-captain Torre Urfstadt will lead the line of defence ahead of many older centre-backs, and at a tender 19 years old, this young man could could have a great future. Already a starter for Torshavn, he is joined by Hangeland in the centre of defence, whilst Zacharias Juul - Koppen Rig captain - has won the starting position from Lossler, who takes his place on the bench. Also amongst the defence contingent on the bench will be East Franz reserve centre back Stanislav Dahl, RSK starlet Ottosson, and the Islay Town star Edvar Folke, who has shown with his clutch of first team appearances this season that he is more than ready to make the step up.

MID
#6 - DMC - Iulian Finnibaturinn - Age 19 - Red Star Cork (Sorthern Northland)
#7 - TQ - Alexsandr van Sorensen - Age 20 - CR Submiria (Cafundéu) - CAPTAIN
#8 - MC - Jorgen-Franz Bru - Age 19 - FC Torshavn
#11 - MC - Emrahn Vik - Age 17 - SK Aasiaat Harbour
#14 - DMC - Sven Ljustergaard - Age 17 - FC1. Bjarnarey Flotilla
#15 - MC - Steffan Baumgarten - Age 17 - FC Axel Heiburg
#16 - MR - Jon Kjaer - Age 21 - SK Franz Josef City
#20 - ML - Ole Berghaus - Age 20 - Resolute Storm 1913 FC
Alexsandr van Sorensen, left out of the senior side for the Copa Rushmori at van der Riise's request, will captain his country for the U-21s at this tournament. Playing the trequartista position just behind the front two, he will be playing in front of a defensively minded midfield as van der Riise lines his side up in a Tridente-like formation. Almost everything will be coming through the feet of the prodigiously talented van Sorensen once the game starts, and it's hard to believe with all his time in the spotlight that this boy is still only 20 years of age. Expect plenty of goals and plenty of assists. Bru and Finnibaturinn are both far more experienced after their last appearance in this side on the bench, the latter from his time at Red Star Cork in Sorthern Northland. Vik is more of a risk in selection from van der Riise, but faith has been placed in the youngster and we're sure he'll come up trumps. Opting for a narrow formation means a banch place will have to make do for the more experienced wide duo of Berghaus and Kjaer. However, van der Riise he has got real game-changing talent locked away safely on that bench with those two, and should width be needed he will not deliberate too long before putting them on.

ATT
#9 - ST - Diedrich Kvitchenko - Age 18 - East Franz Athletic
#10 - ST - Lewis Bergen - Age 19 - Atletik Thessia (Mytannion)
#17 - ST - Ellis Elmsvikur - Age 18 - Urbizania Wanderers (Astograth)
#18 - ST - Alexei Kaplowitz - Age 19 - FC Axel Heiburg
The nation is currently overflowing with young talent upfront, and with six players fighting for just four spot, two players had to be left disappointed. An injury to Thomas Aer made things easier for van der Riise, though at 21 years of age Aer will be disappointed to miss out on what was surely his last chance to play for the U-21s. Wilhelm Topp was the other player to miss out, as despite his appearance in the squad aged 16 two years ago, van der Riise opted for some players he's not had the chance to see in action yet - something that could benefit the nation greatly in future. The players that do get the nod have all been in fine form for their respective clubs. Diedrich Kvitchenko has made some stunning appearances for East Franz, coming on late in the game for either Berghoff or Blonqvist to torment defences with his pace, and Lewis Bergen has been smashing all predictions by blazing a way through the Mytanar Takilega for Atletik Thessia. Ellis Elmsvikur has made a handful of appearances for Astograthi side Urbizania and impressed with his accurate finishing, whilst Kaplowitz's goals as FC Axel Heiburg won the Latitude Cup simply couldn't be ignored.

Starting formation: 4-3-1-2
--------------------- Rasmus ----------------------
--- Juul --- Hangeland -- Urfstadt --- Baalsen ---
----------- Vik -- Finnibaturinn -- Bru -----------
------------------ van Sorensen ------------------
------------ Kvitchenko ----- Bergen ------------

Modifier: +4

"And so what about the opposition in Group B? Well, first up will be Stuffed Taxidermists, an up and coming nation in the world of inter-multiverse football, and they won't be a pushover by any stretch. This colossal nation will be sending their first team, so the Chicks will have to be at full stretch to get around them. No resting on any laurels will be permitted after that match however, as there then follows a match against Delaclava, who were 16th in the KPB rankings at last count, and are also sending their full strength side. This match will simply be damage limitation for the Chicks I'm afraid, and anything better than a 2-0 defeat will be seen as a good result.

After Delaclava will come a match against the robots (we assume) of Cyborg Holland. Not a lot is known about this team. However, with a team of full strength players coming our way, this won't be an easy tie either. A win may just be within our grasp however, and if Finnibaturinn commands the centre of the park as he has been doing for Red Star Cork, then even robots won't be able to beat us in possession. After that will come a match against yet another full strength side - this time of Milchama. This is a team with history in this competition, so will be determined to qualify from the group stages, and again, anything better than a draw should be warmly applauded. Last up will be Zirakul, who this reporter must admit didn't even know were playing. It could well be that we need a good result by this point in order to progress, in which case good luck to van der Riise, as little to nothing is known about their national side, or even what strength team they are bringing.

So, qualification from the group stages? Just about within reach if the Chicks play to their best every match. Realistically though, Twitchers shouldn't get their hopes up too high of a tournament win. That's all for now, tune in for the first match against Stuffed Taxidermists, exclusively live on FPIBC-2! Back to you in the studio..."

The opponent can...
Choose my goalscorers? Yes
Godmod scoring events? Yes
RP injuries to my players? Yes, within reason, and I reserve the right to change the severity in a follow-up RP
Godmod injuries to my players? Yes, as above
Hand out yellow cards to my players? Yes
Hand out red cards to my players? Yes, but only 1 per match
Godmod other events? TG me first, but I'm always open to ideas

OOC: As this is part roster, part preview, I'm hoping it'll get me some RP points for RP as well as for roster? Just incase I don't have time to post a "full" RP before MD1, ta.

by **Thatius** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 1:19 pm

Thatian Squad for the VI Draggonnii Inviyatti

Nation: Thatius
Team Nickname: The Silver Eagles
Kit Color: Gold and Grey
Association: Island Commonwealth Association
Coach: Sergio Borgas
Assistant Coach: Vasek Gonzalez

Kit:

Squad:

GK: Gordon Arradov, #33 - 21 Years - Kasern United
The starter goalie for the Silver Eagles, and also one of the biggest and most known stars on the team. He started playing internationally at the Di Bradini Cup, and had a stellar performance, considering the competition. When he's not practicing with the team, he's usually out with his girlfriend or playing basketball with some friends.

LDEF: Sam Lindstet, #16 - 19 Years - FC Castleburg
As the left defender of the team, it's been Sam's job to clean it up in the back. He's been playing with the national squad for about three years, and is still being considered for the World Cup Team. A clean performance in the Draggonnii Inviyatti would put him on the roster.

RDEF: Branko Illyic, #41 - 18 Years - Kasern United
Like Gordon, Branko is from the city of Kasern in the province of Dubolvik. He grew up playing a mixture of tennis, hockey, and soccer, but now has dedicated himself full time to soccer. He continues to impress scouts with his raw talent, and this tournament will test his skills as a defender. He used to play as right midfield, but the coaching staff saw him better in defense.

CDEF: Daniel Savorini, #2 - 19 Years - Styrian Harrowers
Not only has Daniel proved his worth as a defender through many tournaments, he has just been picked as the first person to be on the squad for the World Cup. Citizens in Thatius were puzzled why he and Scotty Toral are the only ones announced to be on the team so far, but expect to hear more as the week progresses. Daniel, as young as he is, helped set up the soccer training center in The Valley, along with the Sports Ministry.

SW: Marco Sferra, #14 - 20 Years - West Voralberg
Can you say dedicated? Marco has never missed a practice day, he's shown up if he's sick, injured, or whatever, just to support his team. He was elected to the squad for the Draggonnii Inviyatti basically because of his consistency and how he has united the team no matter what the score is. His leadership on and off the field helped him become the captain of the squad for the tournament.

LMID: Franky Stoichokov, #29 - 18 Years - Carmag Itilio
An immigrant from the neighboring island chain of Ithadi, Franky has grown up mainly as a Thatian with Ithadian roots. He came over with his parents when he was seven years old, mainly because his parents were recruited to be in the Island Commonwealth Association, the group who organizes all tournaments in the region. Now Franky has been playing for Carmag Itilio, and using his left foot to score plenty of goals. His athleticism and skill to see where to kick the ball to, has led him to two national squad appearances.

RMID: Petr Oshinsky, #5 - 21 Years - FC Castleburg
This guy has it all. Pure grit, sportsmanship, and determination. He even scored a goal in the Di Bradini Cup. Quite a feat for someone who has never made it to the national squad before. It's his second time in an international tournament. That right foot will do some damage.

CMID: Roy Seeler, #11 - 20 Years - Ulio Fajaravik
Roy comes from the capital city of Fajaravik, where he grew up playing soccer, as his father and grandfather did. His talent was discovered at an early age by the Sports Ministry, who were looking to develop more athletes through their programs. Roy was one of the first people to undergo their training, and is a prime example of their success. He's now playing in his second international tournament, and will probably be invited to play more, considering he does not face another injury that kept him out of several other major tournaments.

RFOR: Scotty Toral, #21 - 18 Years - CB Aetenios
He might seem young, but Scotty is already a veteran. He's played in the Di Bradini Cup, the Thatian National Cup, and is already on the squad for the World Cup. This young man is the lead scorer of the national team, but it's odd that he didn't play soccer until he was thirteen years old. Most young athletes start out when they are six or seven, but thirteen is almost un-heard of for Thatian athletes. Scotty is also known for his slide tackles, some of which have earned him yellow and red cards. A shame if he was to get one here.

LFOR: Fabjian Tsurenko, #19 - 18 Years - IA Island States
Fabjian has distinct Ukranian roots. He speaks mostly Ukrainian, and is still trying to learn some English. He represents one of the many different groups that make up Thatius, as there are also many Germans, Serbians, French, Spanish, Italians, Greeks, Brazilians, Scandinavians, Russians, and Americans. So many more are there on the list, but there are seven different 'first nationalities' represented on the team. Fabjian loves to windsurf and parasail in his free time, and bought his own yacht when he was 15. He manages stocks and portfolios when he is off from soccer.

CFOR: Viktor Srebotnik, #22 - 19 Years - East Voralberg
The speed of young Viktor makes him one of the best forwards in the country. He's able to outrun most anybody, and was considered for the Olympic team, but declined because he wanted to play soccer. Quite odd, when he could have potentially competed for an Olympic medal.

Reserves:

GK: Lukas Tomic, #42 - 20 Years
DEF: Max Lopetti, #25 - 19 Years
DEF: Jon Bergenkampf, #13 - 21 Years
MID: Will Szrolzek, #7 - 18 Years
MID: Daniel Nestor, #20 - 19 Years
FOR: Alex O'Brien, #33 - 19 Years
FOR: Blake Tralovic, #32 - 20 Years

Starting formation: 3-1-3-3
--------------------- Arradov ----------------------
--- Illyic ----------- Savorini ------- Lindstet ----
-------------------- Sferra ------------------------
--- Oshinsky ------ Seeler ------ Stoichokov ----
--- Toral --------- Srebotnik------- Tsurenko ---

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 1:57 pm

Manager: Vladimir O'Shea
Ass. Manager: Adam Loftus
Defence Coach: Matthew Lawrence
Midfield Coach: Rassilon (Species: Time Lord)
Attack Coaches: Dylan Bell and Shabeen Ahmad III (will also be a substitute forward for Eastfield Lodge; Age 36, Goals Scored: 207)

Goalkeepers:
Dennis Wood: Age: 27, plays for RGS Athletic
Gavin Mintson: Age: 22, plays for VLC FC

Defenders:
Dimitar Klitschko (all of defence): plays for Seniors FC. Age: 447, the only quadcentenarian in the commonwealth. Goals Scored: 3
Jane Williamson* (All of defence): plays for St. Bartholomews Wanderers. Age: 32, Goals Scored: 2
Toby Callahan (all of defence): plays for RGS Athletic. Age: 29, Goals Scored: 1
Dylan Bell Jnr (all of defence): Age: 19, plays for VLC FC Juniors, Goals Scored: 1
Timothy Dickens (all of defence): Age: 25, plays for FC Tavernia, Goals Scored: 1
Charlie Richardson (all of defence): Age: 26, plays for VLC FC, Goals Scored: 1
Charles Finchson (all of defence): Age: 27, plays for Royal Dillvill, Goals Scored: 1
Phillip Adams (all of defence): Age: 22, plays for VLC FC Juniors, Goals Scored:

Midfielders:
Thomas O'Henly (all of midfield) (Vice-Captain): plays for Ridgemont Town. Age: 31, Goals Scored: 12
Sarah Douglas* (DMF or AMF): plays for Norrion Rovers. Age: 31, Goals Scored: 3
Hannah Phillipson* (all of midfield): Age: 24, plays for FC Tavernia, Goals Scored: 3
George Alexson (all of midfield): Age: 28, plays for Charzzan (Erathore), Goals Scored: 5
David Lawrence (all of midfield): Age: 25, plays for RGS Athletic, Goals Scored: 3
Dennis Jagger (all of midfield): Age: 28, plays for RGS Athletic, Goals Scored: 4
Fiona Clarke* (all of midfield): Age: 27, plays for FC Tavernia, Goals Scored: 2

Forwards:
Thomas Graham (Captain): Age: 23, plays for Norrion Rovers, Goals Scored: 29
Hadia Ahmad* (CF and WF): plays for VLC FC. Age : 29, Goals Scored: 7
Robert Andrews (CF and WF): Plays for NT United. Age: 32, Goals Scored: 13
Rebecca Murray* (CF): Age: 26, plays for St. Bartholomews' Wanderers, Goals Scored: 17
Roman Qwivotic (CF and WF): Age: 24, plays for Norrion Rovers, Goals Scored: 1

Formations:
Usually, the team will play a 4-1-2-1-2 formation, as follows:
-------------Thomas Graham-------------Robert Andrews

------------------------George Alexson (AMF)
--------Hannah Phillipson------------------Thomas O'Henly

------------------------Sarah Douglas (DMF)

---Jane Williamson---------------------------Dylan Bell Jnr
---------------Dimitar Klitschko---Toby Callahan

---------------------------Dennis Wood

Also operated is a 4-3-3 formation:
---------------------------Thomas Graham (CF)

Hadia Ahmad (LWF)--------------------------------Robert Andrews (RWF)

----------George Alexson (AMF)--Thomas O'Henly (AMF)

------------------------Sarah Douglas (DMF)

---Jane Williamson---------------------------Dylan Bell Jnr
---------------Dimitar Klitschko---Toby Callahan

---------------------------Dennis Wood

Set pieces:
Penalty & Free Kick (Direct shot): Thomas Graham/Shabeen Ahmad III (when on)
Free Kick (Indirect/Non-shot): George Alexson/Thomas O'Henly
Left & Right Corner: Thomas O'Henly

Kit:

Style Modifier: Maximum Attack
In the event my opponent posts an RP first, they may:

Select my scorers: Y
Give out yellow cards to my players: Y (no more than five)
Give out red cards to my players: Y (only one more than the number given to your team, maximum of three)
RP injuries to my players: Y (Maximum 3, no career-ending injuries)
Godmod injuries: N
Godmod scoring events: Y
Godmod other events: Y

RP Notes: When RP'ing against me, you have permission to use the abbreviation EL to save having to right the full name out all the time. However, you must use the full name at least once if you're referring to this country as it helps me find RPs buried in the larger RP threads. As for the demonym, there isn't an official one, so you can make one up, or just use "the EL players", "the citizens of EL", etc, whichever suits your fancy (the made-up demonyms will need some connection back to the nation however).

Home stadiums: Lodger City Memorial Stadium, Lodgertia (cap. 150,000) for major matches and Dillvill Stadium, Dillvill City (cap. 100,000) for other matches.

WARNING! Failure to comply with the above shall result in your nation being overturned with fire by my extensive set of super WMDs. (Not really, we're not that cruel.)

by **Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 3:39 pm

Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk National Football "B" Team

by **Qazox** » Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:44 pm

The Qazox Junior Eagles Roster for the 6th Draggonnii Inviyatti:

Starters (age):
GK: Craig Johnson (15)
Def: Rene Hammond (16)
Def: Michelle Black (16)
Def: Victoria Chase (15)
Mid: Leanne Lee (15)
Mid: Sean Yarbourgh (17)
Mid: Tyrone Simmons (15)
Mid: Ashley Mansfield (16)
Mid: David Heisman (15)
For: Greg Shaw (17)
For: Doreen Dobbs (16) (Former Qazoxian national team player Lonnie Dobbs' niece)

Bench:
GK: Irene Jubal (15)
Def: Mike Keiser (17)
Def: Harold Brack (15)
Mid: Jessica Finch (16)
For: Charlene Jackson (15)
For: Chaz Reyes (16)
SUPENDED FOR Remainder of Tourney:
Mid: Thomas Finn (16)

For the Defending DI champions, a rather difficult draw sees the Junior Eagles face (in order): ASMV; Chetosk; Darmen; Alphabet Soup and New Montreal States. The first game will be key, as the crowd will very likely against the Junior Eagles against the hosts. Qazox is 0-1 vs. ASMV at the Inviyatti, but the two teams haven't faced in the DI off since the 4th editon, over 100 years agao. The next 3 teams are making their DI debuts and should be eager to knock off the defending champions; and the final team is NMS who are 3-0 against Qazox here in ASMV, but the last meeting between the two was 111 years ago, so no real recent history there. Qazox should do well enough to advance to the knockout rounds.

by **Stuffed Taxidermists** » Wed Sep 14, 2011 1:18 am

The Stuffed Taxidermists team for the Draggonnii Inviyatti VI.
Goalkeepers
Garry Holes (Baker Fief)
Cenerino Huminoj (Cape Renko Dolphins)
Vario Manfini (Wanderers FC)
Defenders
Henri Kull (Eastern Rangers)
Tyson Gysobia (Wanderers FC)
Mintagarino (Eastern Rangers)
Benedict Gopengir (Eastern Rangers)
Alonso Rivera (Thaplace City Tigers)
Reece Dash (Eastern Rangers)
Cole Dash (Thaplace City United)
Michel Tuvalu (Cape Renko Dolphins)
Gino Pivisa (Supernovae) (18)
Midfielders
Simonelli Deranoi Meralda (Eastern Rangers) (Captain)
Johnathon Hujok (Cape Renko Dolphins)
Machiavelli (Thaplace City Tigers)
Carter Poirer (Denzio Demons)
Gentino Morelli (Thaplace City United)
Andrew Lelsh (Eastern Rangers)
Jang Hwong (Saint Urbain)
David Smith (Forden)
Chad Nipolisa (Eastern Rangers) (19)
Strikers
Horhae Ronazo (Wanderers FC) (Vice Captain) (33)
Rufus McKenzies (Cape Renko Dolphins)
Tequternana Xven (Cape Renko Dolphins)
Martarino (Eastern Rangers)
Caedon McLollan (Thaplace City United)
Wyatt Minson (Denzio Demons)
Micheil Gerbil (Gonesville Eels) (36)
Quinn O’Quinn (FC Cantac 1899)
Denfaro (Thaplace City Tigers)
Manager: Mark Railes

by **New Montreal States** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 3:07 am

The Ministry of Morale is pleased to submit the following "A"-team roster as the NMS Paladins prepare to compete in the sixth iteration of the Draggonnii Inviyatti. Coach Édouard Beauchamp will be running the traditional NMS 2-6-2, with the usual strong emphasis on ball control and using the passing game to draw defenders out of position. The usual reliance on a goaltender will also be there; sadly, no steady goaltender has been found yet. NMS citizens aware of the location of a steady, world-class goaltender are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Morale with information of their whereabouts. Call 1-811-TIP-SHOT or email us at goaltender@morale.nms

[[+1 for scorination purposes]]

GOALKEEPER:

1 Édgar Thibault
18 Chad Bulwark
90 Dominique Bard-Séguin

DEFENDERS

4 Antoine Long, CB
8 Émilien Tessier, CB
33 Cory Taylor, CB
65 Keith Vinson, CB

MIDFIELD

2 Félix Lachasse, LDMF
3 Harold Johnstone, RDMF
7 Craig Kennedy, CMF
11 Chase McDougall, CMF
12 André Vaillancourt-Bosquet, RMF
66 Lucien Jones-Mercier, LMF
20 Rémy Chasson, DMF/CMF
21 Laurent Thibault, DMF
29 Bob Filon, CMF/RMF/LMF
34 Patrick Clifton, CMF
50 Fabrice Archer, LMF/DMF
91 Yves St-Zotique, AMF/LMF/RMF

STRIKERS

10 Ed, CF
13 Denny Roy, SS
5 Neil Simons, CF/SS
36 Kyle Hanson-Beauregard, CF

by **Darmen** » Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:38 pm

Darmen National Team Roster for DI VI
Manager: Mikael Gibbons
Assistant Manager: William von Kriesler

Formation:3-5-2
Style Modifier:+2
Starting XI
GK-Troy Osborne/28/Eau Claire Aris FC
DEF-Mikael Adan/25/Scott City FC
DEF-Dustin Nguyen/27/Scott City FC
DEF-Abdul Karim-Branco/35/Scott City FC
MID-Luca Cormio/23/Scott City FC
MID-Danny Beasley/27/Scott City FC
MID-Zach Preston/30/Scott City FC/Captain
MID-Tor Tong Lee/24/Eau Claire Aris FC
MID-Jake Gibbons/26/Eau Claire Aris FC
FOR-Kenneth Nolan/34/Scott City FC
FOR-Bryan Faulkner/27/Scott City FC

Substitutes
GK-Adrian Kok/36/Scott City FC
DEF-Scott Rydzik/24/Eau Claire Aris FC
DEF-Charm Vue/26/Eau Claire Aris FC
MID-Aaron Gibbons/28/Eau Claire Aris FC
MID-Jack Chaves/29/Darmen City FC
FOR-Abraham Gibbons/30/Eau Claire Aris FC
FOR-Dan Baker/32/Eau Claire Aris FC

by **The Golden Tamarind** » Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:07 am

A blog by superfan Keston Demmin and his good friend Alexi of Ateo

Fiesta y Feria

It seems like forever ago when we packed up our things and sailed off for Johz, a little country in the back of beyond. We've been chased through Darmen, we've been all across Rushmore, we've been down to the purple Starblaydia; and now here we are in a country so far, called Andossa Se Mitrin Vega! Alexi and me are at the Draggonii Inviyatti, staying down by the docks in Millsport - we've got a little room in a house with a view, and the landlady gives comfort, of sorts. There is an old bar nearby with a dingy little snug, they call it the Almeria: and who should we meet there but the poet and drunk, Francisco Vasquez García!

Perhaps in this big wide world they haven't heard of our most famous poet, novelist, rabble-rouser, musician, adventurer, drunk and champion liar. In the Almeria, certainly, they did not altogether appreciate his talents and the night did not end without controversy, but more of that later. For Alexi and I, what an honour, to meet the Voice of The Tamarindo! And let me tell you, he was as salubrious, congenial and agreeable as legend would have it, for we spent the evening in his company, as welcome as old companions, though we had not met him before. He was there with his great comrade Leonardo with his accordioné, as well as the crew of the Sceálta Explorer, the ship on which he had sailed into Millsport. A rough and ready bunch they were, too, from the ancient emerald isle of Sceálta Grinn. Francisco introduced us to them all, for he knew them by name, but alas I do not recall them so easily. I remember that when they struck up a song, a man called 'owl Mickey Coote joined in, playing hard on his flute, and the women were much taken with him. Beyond that... ah yes, Alexi reminds me that the skipper was one Mick McCann, from the banks of the Bann, wherever that is.

It was not all singing and caterwauling of course, there was drinking aplenty and Francisco, for all his fame and glory, was interested to speak to us of the football: for he had come here to follow the Tamarins, and of course the sailors from the Sceálta had no interest in the game. So he was glad, I think, of the time that we had, and interested in our views on the upcoming games. Not that we had much to say on the teams in our group for on the whole they are unknown to us, and unlike Francisco, as we told him, we do not have a broad experience of the world. And he laughed at this, long and loud and with great heart, so infectiously that the sailors took up the guffawing, though they did not know what they were laughing at. Later he told us that we were fine adventurers in his own mould, since we had been chased to the sixteen corners of the world by a hapless militiaman with murderous intent and had escaped him many times by good fortune alone, so that we had stories like no other Tamarindian alive, except maybe The Good Doctor, Comrade-President Jimmy Sunshine, and his close friends Francisco Vasquez García and Leornardo with his accordioné. Alexi recalled the time when Bosch the Militiaman had sunk the ferry from Johz off the coast of Queer Poco el Mono Ara, and we had to be rescued by the Queer Coastguard. He said he wouldn't call it good fortune, precisely, and Francisco laughed again, and a sailor called Slugger O'Toole who was drunk as a mule slapped him on the back so hard he nearly choked.

Of our upcoming chances in the Draggonnii Inviyatti, we were all agreed, we had none. Our team was new in the world and though we had glory from our under 21s, this was a step up into a group if not of death, then at least of mild peril. Francisco asked what we knew of Dorian and Sonya, and we thought he was referring to the barmaids of the Almeria, so that we said we thought they were rather disdainful of strangers and people who were new in these parts. That was when we first noticed that any time Francisco Vasquez García laughed his great laugh, infusing the Grinnish sailors with his merriment, Leonardo would play his accordioné, and it was strangely in tune with Francisco. And when his laughing died down, he told us he was talking about our next opponents, not the Veganwives at the bar who frowned too much with all the racket we were making. Imagine our embarrassment! But it mattered not, for so convivial were our countrymen and their sailor-mates, we felt quite at ease and laughed at ourselves for our stupidity. Of Dorian and Sonya we knew nothing, we said, though we had asked around, except that they were world champions back in 'fifty-three, and were one of the old guard of the beautiful game.

Aye, says he, and did you know they believe in unicorns?

Now of course, already we had made fools of ourselves for our ignorance. And we had been around these parts a little bit, what with the di Bradini Cup in Starblaydia, where we met skinny folk who thought themselves elves, and stout folk who called themselves dwarves and lived in caves, and we'd seen women and bears playing football against men, so we knew the world was a strange place. And then again, Francisco Vasquez García was the nation's greatest liar, proven in many contests, so that we did not know how to react to his brash statement. For the world is a funny place where a Darmeni militiaman issues a fatwā against a couple of shambolic Tamarindo football fans, and dead players manage world cup teams from heaven.

It is true, says he, unicorns and dragons both. Can you imagine?

We could. And then he laughed again, and with Leonardo on his accordioné, and Mickey Coote playing hard on his flute, they struck up a traditional Tamarindo folk song about the curse of the hairy river dolphin, which the Grinnish sailors did not know the words to. Afterward, by the request of Mick McCann the skipper of the Sceálta Explorer, he led on some Grinnish rebel songs, and those boys sang so loud the Veganwives became flustered, and called for help from the local constabulary, at which point things turned a little rough-house. This of course suited the sailors, and I recall those called MacGowan and Spider and Jem laughing as they traded blows with the long arm of the law, but Alexi of Ateo took fright and dragged me out.

by **Zirakul** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 5:10 am

The Zirakul Gazzelles

Do anything you like

Formation: 3-5-2 (+3)

Colors: Green & Yellow

The Zirakulii are a tribal peoples with tribal technologies. Log-jammed in a war for freedom from the tyrannical rule of The Draggonnii Socialist Empire, this is their first foray into international competition. Zirakulli generally wear loin cloths and body paint rather than standard uniforms and most of the males wear large wooden masks in order to inspire fear in their enemies. They view sport as no different from warfare and will play accordingly.

Manager: Pohemeahi Age:65

Starting 11

Pos # Name Age Ht Wt
RS 10 Piuelu 21 6’3 180
LS 23 Omeoi’ae 23 5’11 174
ROM 12 Moikwaon 17 6’1 177
LOM 37 Umukeike 19 6’4 210
RM 19 Aipa 24 6’0 182
CM 69 Heho’lehei 20 6’5 191
LM 03 Laoapo 22 5’10 160
RB 18 U’ihei 16 5’9 176
CB 21 Mekekepoia 19 6’1 207
LB 54 Alu Alu 17 6’0 173
K 13 I'iokumaiu 18 6’6 184

Reserves

S 61 Laepanai 20 5’7 160
M 25 Ahinue 19 6’1 226
B 07 Oowaeo 16 6’2 170
K 99 Mekepona 17 6’4 187

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 5:20 am

The Shocking Sea Dragon Starting 11

RF Amazii Chairing - Minister of Finance and Economy
LF Vasur Irin’Obur - Minister of the Interior
RM Ibrea Hu’Chaal(F) - Minister of Cultural Development
CM Estrianii Raelea Vega(F) - Presidente Commandante of the DSE
LM Partai Kai’Julannii - Minister of Agricultural Integrity
RB Thumbar Dundin - High Clan Chief of Dwarvenhamme
RCB Mirii On’Uber(F) - Minister of Educational Development
CB Berutt Cam’Drii - Minister of DSE Interdepartmental Security
LCB Umbrik Tomba - Royal Liaison of the Stonengarten State
LB Xavien Bris’Yelu - Minister of Wildlife Conservation
K Lokk Isu’Beavil - Minister of Sport and Health

You can do anything but kill these players.

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 5:21 am

Group A
New Montreal States 1:2 ABK
Qazox 3:1 ASMV
Darmen 4:0 Chetkosk

Group B
Cyborg Holland 2:2 Zirakul
Delaclava 0:2 Milchama
Stuffed Taxedermists 0:1 Polar Islandstates

Group C
Mangolana 3:3 Sarzonia
Starblaydia :4:1 Southern Cynocephali
Bergnovinaia 5:2 Thatius

Group D
North Chicanan 2:2 Eastfield Lodge
Swartaz 6:1 Civil Citizenry
The Golden Tamarind 4:3 D&S

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 6:38 am

(OOC: Issued before first matchday.)

The Sporting Gazette

Draggonnii Inviyatti - EL's attempt to right the World Cup wrongs

Months after the Eastfield Lodge crashed out of the World Cup qualifiers in the most horrifying way, the team are attempting to make a comeback in the 6th Draggonnii Inviyatti, hosted by ASMV. EL have participated in this tourney in the previous edition, losing to Sarzonia to come second in Group D, before losses to Swilatia, Sorthern Northland, a win against Sargossa, and then a loss against Delaclava condemned the team to thirteenth place overall. This time, the EL team have been placed in Group D with North Chicanan, Swartaz, The Golden Tamarind, D&S and Civil Citizenry. This however is not the Group of Death, in our opinion. That title goes to Group A. And without further ado, here are our predictions for each of the four groups:

Group A: Qazox, ASMV, Chetkosk, New Montreal States, Darmen, ABK
Group B: Polar Islandstates, Delaclava, Milchama, Zirakul, Cyborg Holland, Stuffed Taxidermists
Group C: Sarzonia, Starblaydia, Mangolana, Southern Cynocephali, Bergovinaia, Thatius
Group D: Civil Citizenry, D&S, Swartaz, Eastfield Lodge, The Golden Tamarind, North Chicanan

As we have no idea about the structure for the rest of the tournament, we can't predict the rest of the tournament.
As for the schedule of teams playing against EL, here it is:

MD1: vs. North Chicanan
MD2: vs. The Golden Tamarind
MD3: vs. Civil Citizenry
MD4: vs. Swartaz
MD5: vs. D&S

Team to play The Golden Tamarind: Starting XI

by **Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 7:20 am

ABKSportsonline.com Predictions for Dragonnii Inviyatti

Group A-Qazox, ABK, ASMV, New Montreal States, Darmen, Chetkosk
Group B-Delaclava, Polar Islandstates, Stuffed Taxidermists, Milchama, Cyborg Holland, Zirakul
Group C-Starblaydia, Sarzonia, Mangolana, Southern Cynocephali, Thatius, Bergnovinaia
Group D-Swartaz, Civil Citizenry, Tamarindia, North Chicanan, Eastfield Lodge, D&S

Ro16-Qazox, ABK, ASMV, New Montreal States, Delaclava, Polar Islandstates, Stuffed Taxidermists, Milchama, Starblaydia, Sarzonia, Mangolana, Southern Cynocephali, Swartaz, Civil Citizenry, Tamarindia, North Chicanan

Quarterfinals-Qazox, ABK, ASMV, Delaclava, Starblaydia, Sarzonia, Civil Citizenry, Southern Cynocephali

Semifinals-Qazox, ABK, ASMV, Starblaydia

Finals-Starlaydia vs ASMV

Champion-Starblaydia

(OOC: I couldn't find anything on how the Ro16 and on was going to work in the OP or subsequent posts, so I just kind of guessed. I also assumed that there would be a Ro16, although I don't know if it skips from Group Play to Quarterfinals)

Elephdonkeys beat New Montreal States

ABK won its first group stage match today, beating New Montreal States and its 2-6-2 formation 2-1. New Montreal came out early, nearly missing a goal on a header by Denny Roy that went just wide in the 11th minute. Kenny Vincent had a nice opportunity in the 17th after a pass from Desmond Machucha, but it was stopped by Edgar Thibault. The game was back-and-forth, until the 32nd minute, when André Vaillancourt-Bosquet scored off of a free kick, after a yellow card was handed out to Al Keeran for a hard tackle. As NMS fans cheered, Abdian fans sat stunned. ABK struck back quickly however, with Desmond Machucha scoring a goal on a breakaway one-on-one with Thibault in the 37th minute. Machucha used step over on Antoine Long after breaking into the defense, and chipped it in, after deking out the keeper. The score remained 1-1 through halftime. The second half started with a bang, as Vincent nearly caught Thibault napping on the kickoff. The ball bounced over Thibault, but he got back just in time to avoid an embarrassing goal. Vaillancourt-Bosquet nearly added another in the 52nd, but a great save by Matthew Datson, one of only two players on the team over 21, and the oldest by 3 years, knocked his attempt over the crossbar. New Montreal failed to capitalize on the ensuing corner, but an Abdian breakaway failed as well. The game stayed locked up until the 84th minute, when Ed was sent off for a hard tackle. While this was an iffy red card, it completely changed the game. The Abdian team put more players forward, subbing in Abraham Laire for Lio Fester in the 85th minute, switching to a 3-5-2. This extra punch up front payed off, with Edouard Beaubien scoring the go-ahead goal in the 89th minute. As the Abdian fans went nuts, the NMS fans slunked. When the final whistle blew, the Abdian fans rejoiced. After the game, team manager David Manuel said, "We just outpaced them, and I think we had them quite exhausted by the end, to be honest." We hope to see another Abdian victory in their next game versus old rival Darmen.

by **Sarzonia** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 7:26 am

(Image)
(Image)
(Image)
Note: Home kits have a primarily navy colour scheme; away kits are primarily white; keeper kits are green.

I Give My Opponent Permission To:
====================
Choose Scorers: Y
GodMod Goalscoring Events: N
Injure Players: N
GodMod Injury Events N
Red Card Players: Y (no more than one per match)
Yellow Card Players: Y (within the bounds of realism)
GodMod Other Events: N (except for stuff like weather)
====================

Primary home grounds: Dave Wilson Stadium, Woodstock. Secondary home grounds: Mike Sarzo Stadium in Nicksia. Tertiary home grounds: The Iron Bowl in Portland. [OOC: Designed by Kura-Pelland!]

Sarzonia Stars

Manager: Franz Braddock (86 years old)
The Cafundelense World Cup Hall of Fame manager has built a lengthy tenure as Stars manager. Despite critics projections that he'd be one and done as manager, he has taken the Stars to three consecutive World Cup finals appearances and a shock fourth place finish.
Assistant Manager: Kevin Wilson (48)
The younger brother of Sarzonia football legend and current Incorporated Football Federation Chairman Brian Wilson, Kevin managed the Stars B-team to their second-ever AOCAF championship, defeating Starblaydia 3-1. He also is someone who could potentially guide the Stars A-side in the future.
Goalkeeping Coach: Horace Sandt (54)
Sandt, the lone holdover from the previous Stars managerial staff, has a storied history for the Sarzonian national team. He was the starting goalkeeper who led the Stars to the World Cup XXII title. During his tenure with the Stars, the team advanced to four consecutive semifinals, becoming just the third team to do so behind Rejistania and Eauz.

Squad Listing
(Note: Starters in BOLD. Team plays a 3-5-2 alignment with a plus-2.1 modifier.)

No. Name Position Height Weight
2 Ben Davis D 5'10" 160 pounds
Davis, 36, is the former Stars captain but is considered the heart and soul of the team. Davis briefly retired, but came out of retirement in a vain attempt to get the Stars back into the World Cup. He prides himself on being able to shut down the opponent's most dangerous forward with combination of speed and smarts. Plays for Atlético Jutense in Cafundéu's national league.

3 Mark Cundiff M 5'11, 175 pounds
Rugged, but clean, the 28-year-old Cundiff often serves in a defensive midfield role but can also play the offensive midfielder role if called upon. His versatility with the Woodstock Wild earned him the call up to the big club.

4 George Maxwell D 6'5 225 pounds
Dubbed "the brick wall," Maxwell uses size to be a disruptive element as a defensive player. He's also used in an effort to score off headers and the 30-year-old picked up eight goals in 27 matches that way.

5 Tim Rodney M 5'9 150 pounds
Rodney, 33, plays bigger than his height. On the New Jerusalem Nobles, he plays a rugged fullback when the team plays a 3-5-2, but played as a defensive midfielder in a 4-4-2 alignment when the team suffered several injuries among its defensive players. With Sarzonia adopting a more attack-oriented team, he shifts up to play midfield.

6 George Morrison M 6'2 185 pounds
Drafted out of Joe Gibbs University, Morrison, 27, played for the Nicksia Knights in the SFC until he signed with KT Hotspur in Candelaria and Marquez. Following the withdrawal of a majority of contracts with foreign players, Morrison signed with the Portland Timbers. With the team's status uncertain, he signed a contract with the Woodstock Wild after an impressive tenure there. He is not a particularly pacey player, but has a cannon of a left leg. He will likely be substituted for a player with more flair if the Stars are trailing a match.

7 Tyler McIntosh D 5'11 165 pounds
The young McIntosh (26 years old) signed a contract with the Nicksia Knights and helped the team advance to the Sarzonian Football Confederation playoffs for the first time since 2005. He has improved by leaps and bounds under former Stars striker Anton Gregor, who manages in Nicksia.

8 Laura Grover M 5'6 125 pounds
Grover, 28, dispelled any questions about whether a woman should start for the Stars by drawing comparisons to Jenna Raven, a star player for both Sarzonia's men's and women's World Cup sides. She has strong scoring touch, notching 11 goals in 27 matches for the Woodstock Justice in Sarzonia's women's league. Her coach? You guessed it, Jenna Raven.

9 Ettore Salivani, Jr. M 5'10 155 pounds
The son of former Sarzonia national team standout and Pacitalian emigre Ettore Salivani, the younger Salivani, 29, retains his father's flair, but also picked up on his mother's preternatural calm. He also has outstanding ball skill and is surprisingly adept as a defensive player. Plays for América in Cafundéu's national league.

11 Ted Philyaw D 5'11 145 pounds
Philyaw, 33, serves as the captain of the Saugerties Snakes, owing to his leadership qualities. He's not the fleetest of foot, relying on positioning and anticipating opposing defenders' moves.

13 Clayton Bocanegro M 6'1", 180 pounds
Bocanegro, 32, is the ace playmaking midfielder for the Portland Timbers and the Stars. He's also the designated corner and free kick taker with an educated right boot.

15 Brad Tremblay M 5'9 162 pounds
Tremblay, 26, had trouble sticking with a team in the SFC before finally finding a home with the Portland Timbers. He is arguably the fastest player on the Stars and fires the hardest shot on the team, but his shot is not all that accurate.

16 Ben Crosley D 5'11" 170 pounds
The 33-year-old has become a consistent starter here. He has had seven seasons of experience with the Tacoma Tigers and is a strong man-marker on the right side. His best asset is speed, though he's also learning the savvy that will help once his speed begins to go.

17 Matt Lynch F 6'3", 205 pounds
The 31-year-old was the top scorer for the Sarzonian national team during its AOCAF XIX appearance. His tall, lithe frame makes him an inviting target for more aggressive players who invariably find out he can take and dish out punishment. Recently signed a contract with A.F.F. in Cafundéu. Becomes team captain with the abdication of Davis.

18 Pete Weston M 5'10", 165 pounds
Weston, 25 brings a lot of energy and a great work rate to the table for the Saugerties Snakes. He is easily the hardest working player on the team. Weston often provides a spark off the players' bench in the event the team plays lethargically.

19 Dave Spencer D 6'5", 225 pounds
Big and brawny, Spencer, 24 also plays a rather physical style that can knock midfielders and forwards off their game. Added to the squad in an effort to address The Holy Empire's physical style of play from the previous World Cup.

20 Colin Rudolph M 6'2", 215 pounds
A blend of physicality and skill gave Rudolph, 26 a tryout with the team. He earned it through his chemistry with other players on the squad. Was added to the squad in an effort to provide it with more depth players after an exhausting run through to the World Cup semifinals.

23 Dennis Crandall F 6'2", 200 pounds
The 24-year-old's sheer speed and elusiveness can surprise many defenders, and often does when he plays with the Nicksia Knights. With Zack Wilson suffering an international career-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament, Crandall becomes a starter up top.

24 Johan Lester F 6'5", 230 pounds
A target player, plain and simple, the 30-year-old does well with scoring on rebounds and crosses, but would not do well as a withdrawn forward. Usually brought in as a bench player. Would hamper Sarzonia's offensive system in the event he'd have to play a full 90 minutes.

27 Joel A'Hearn GK 6'2" 215 pounds
At 24 years old, A'Hearn is projected as a future starting goalkeeper for Sarzonia. He's being brought in to provide insurance if either Taylor or Russell go down, and to experience international play first hand.

by **Qazox** » Sun Sep 18, 2011 7:43 pm

We interupt the Ex-Factor to bring you a recap of the Draggonnii Inviyatti Opener featuring Qazox and ASMV.

The Junior Eagles (Qazox' U-17 team) dominated the hosts, 3-1; as the defense held the Ministers of ASMV to just 3 shots on net. Only a tripping penalty by Rene Hammond in the 85th minute allowed ASMV to have a goal, a penalty kick converted by Vasur Irin’Obur; ASMV's Minister of the Interior. But other than that one mistake, Qazox controlled the pace and intensity of the match all day.

Just 30 seconds after the opening kickoff, Qazox managed the first of their 17 shots on net (31 shots total) when Ashley Mansfield's shot nicked off the far post. The unsual formation (3-5-2), for Qazox at least; lead to many counter-attacks and wide open runs into the ASMV box.

In the 19th minute, Doreen Dobbs, the niece of former Eagle great Lonnie Dobbs, made it 1-0 after a shifty juke left Umbrik Tomba - the Royal Liaison of the Stonengarten State, flat on his butt, and Lokk Isu’Beavil could do nothing to stop the point-blank shot. 9 minutes later, Dobbs made it 2-0 on a header off a curving crossing pass from Thomas Finn.

In the 69th minute, after taking advantage of the generous substitution policy, Qazox made it 3-0 off a direct kick from Tyrone Simmons, who had come into the game in the 57th minute, along with most of the bench. The subs took advantage of the lack fo a bench by ASMV and basically ran the hosts into the ground for the remainder of the match, excepting for the final few minutes.

Qazox will next face Chetosk, who were lambasted by Darmen 4-nil in action last night.

by **The Golden Tamarind** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:25 am

A blog by superfan Keston Demmin and his good friend Alexi of Ateo

Aboard The Sceálta Explorer

The trouble at the Almeria, that little watering hole in the docks, had ramifications for us all, the fighters and the drinkers and the singers; as the sailors were confined to their boat by the law, and the landlady of our house when she later found out, berated and then threw us out. Now we're testing the water and our land-lubbers legs by bunking on the Sceálta Explorer. Alexi can't swim and he gets rather sick, he's worried that someone will sink it; he's scared of the ship dog and the man they call Big Mick, the skipper of the Sceálta Explorer.

Dorian & Sonya

It was a thriller at the dockyards in the opening game of the Inviyatti for our Tamarins, and who would've predicted a win against the one-time world champions? This must be the most famous win in our history, and Alexi says he can't imagine the day when we top it. The Ladies In Pink must have underestimated the Great Yellow Curtain that is Tamarindia by some considerable margin: perhaps they expected a three goal start to their campaign and they got their three, with Unnamed, Unidentified, and Anon all scoring in the Group D opener against our thoroughly overwhelmed looking lads just off the plane from Misión City. (I list their names like that because The Unicornians didn't have names on their shirts, and a printing error in the matchday programme listed them all as TBC – unless they are all called TBC? After all they do believe in Ogres and Pixies and Sprites, according to our good friend the poet and novelist Francisco Vasquez García. And The Archregimancy has famously been trying to sell clones of SDB for the World Cup so if a team of eleven SDBs is possible why not TBCs?) Despite the three goals The Supernaturalists didn't look like they'd really arrived at all, their defence away with the faeries for the most part of the game and each of their three goals representing equalisers as the stunned and terrified Tamarins almost apologetically took the lead three times through Masvidal, Rúben Candal and Sergio Basta. Each time the Sylvan Queens pulled one back in a game of cut and thrust, where attacks did the thrusting and defences largely cut and run. In the end, time played the decisive factor, Masvidal putting the Great Yellow Curtain ahead for the fourth time with six minutes left on the clock, and the Elvenesses not having the time they required for an elusive fourth equaliser.

A dream start for the boys from the land of the golden monkey, and an embarrassingly forgettable opener from the ladies from the realm of the olden fantasy.

Francisco Vasquez García

Back at the Sceálta Explorer we spoke to our new friend the poet and drunken liar Francisco Vasquez García, who made a celebratory song about the famous victory which he called the Battle of Unnumbered Players on account of Dorian and Sonya's blank shirts. Then we looked at the upcoming fixtures, against The Lodgers - Los Inquilinos - and Swartaz. Francisco said that despite our shocking success in the first game we should expect nothing from these two giants of the game and think of our first points as probably our only points. He got Leonardo and his accordioné to play a tune, and Mickey Coote joined in on his flute. Francisco sang a song called 'Don't Mention The Rugby' and dedicated it to the boys for their game against Swartaz. After that we spoke of Los Inquilinos, and Alexi nervously mentioned that if we didn't get their name right, they would shower us with WMDs, although we did not know what that could possibly mean. But Francisco laughed passionately, and Leonardo with his accordioné joined in, and it set all the Grinnish sailors to laughing too, even the Ancient Mariner in the corner with the dead bird who wanted some quiet to tell his own story. We all fell to speculating on the meaning of WMD, for Francisco claimed it meant Wives, Mistresses and Daughters, explaining that the women of Los Inquilinos were so wretched the men wanted rid of them, and he laughed bawdily. But Póg Mahone a fearsome sailor told us it meant Whiskey, Mints and Dogmeat, the national diet. Alexi got quite worried at this point, for he did not want anything bad to happen, or to make new enemies, for we already had the Darmenicanians after us, as he reminded me. And that made me think of Weally Mad Darmenis – for Bosch our nemesis had a speech impediment – and when I said that Alexi grew quite furious, telling us all to shut up. There was more laughing, and Francisco said to Alexi, don't worry Alexi of Ateo my friend, for though it is a terrible threat, see here on this very ship, we have ten thousand Ignore Cannons pointed right at Eastfield Lodge, and there's no Weasels, Marmosets or Door-mice in the world could worry us now!

by **North Chicanan** » Mon Sep 19, 2011 5:49 am

North Chicanan Daily Rabbler
Hope May Spring Eternal, But Keep Expectations Down

Northerners in the Draggonnii: Team Takes a Tie in Opener
Asher Smith, St. John's

The Northern football side, after a shockingly impressive World Cup run, start their warm-ups towards possible failure in the Draggonnii Inviyatti, opening with a 2-all draw against Eastfield Lodge.

National Roster
National Coach: Josiah Rhys-Williams (45, head coach of St. John's Athletic)
Assistants: Jason Swizer (38, reserve coach for Astur City), Aiden Kipplin (40, former coach of Pietrsberg)
Modifier: +2

GK: Yankee DeMit (Pietrsberg)
DF: Marc James (Sussex County)
DF: Denny Ullong (Borussia Victoria)
DF: Aiden James (Sparta Hobarton)
MF: Asher Smith (Grays)
MD: Daniel Haussen (Orange)
MF: Xavi Aox (Copenhagen)
MF: Presten Villani (Red Star Kinsington)
MF: Finn Johnsten (Bishop FC)
FW: Paul Owen (Astur City)
FW: James Pratt (Sussex County)

Formation is 3-5-2

Bench list:
GK: Aric Longstreet (Star Point)
DF: Giovanni Patti (Cardinal)
DF: Samuel Aesen (Borussia Kalimund)
MD: Taggert Page (Sparta Hobarton)
MD: Xavier Fjail (Douala)
FW: James Oliver (Sussex County)

No injuries, everything else is fine in the RP
Kit: Home is all white with an orange cross down the right side, Away is orange and white hoops, Third is All Chicana Orange

National coach Josiah Rhys-Williams has brought the same side that made their maiden trip to the Final 32 with him to Andossa se Mitrin Vega. said he was a bit taken aback that some nations predicted utter failure for the Hoops - as in last place. And while an opening draw against the side who's national media thinks we're out in a hurry may not do wonders for the national psyche, Rhys-Williams admitted he was pleased with how the side played after returning in the last couple of weeks from national league play.

"The team has been trying to get their own clubs a taste of glory, and it's thankfully made them more humble." Rhys-William said. "I don't want their gallavanting during the World Cup to go to their head. We expect to make every Finals now, but we can't act like we are already there. We have to earn it like we always have, and thankfully the grueling pace of league play helps to temper their attitudes."

The match was rather even for the Hoops, with Paul Owen scoring both goals to take first an opeing 1-0 lead in the 7th minute and then to re-tie the score at 2 in the 60th minute. The team, even while giving up two goals in the middle, didn't seem to panic as they have in the past when down, suggesting the defense has learned to get patient and work right while the offense isn't trying to force a result where there is none. The tie looks about right based on how the Hoops played today, and hopefully will begin a good run while in ASMV.

The team will face off with Swartaz, Civil Citizenry, Dorian & Sonya and The Golden Tamarind during group play, all excellent challenges to see if Rhys-Williams' desires to break the happy streak of the players works to move us past the opening stage in our debuts here. We' obviously, always temper our expectations but we think we can escape the group and advance to the next round....be it with 12 or 16 teams advancing. Swartaz looked very imrpessive against Civil Citizenry and while many would think Dorian & Sonya would impress they were surprisingly upset by the Golden Tamarind so who knows how that will shake. But a third place finish in the group seems to be in order, and could move us on nicely.

by **Andossa Se Mitrin Vega** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 12:57 am

Group A
New Montreal States 0:1 ASMV
Qazox 7:1 Chetkosk
Darmen 0:4 ABK

Qazox                2   2   0   0   10   2   +8   6
ABK                  2   2   0   0    6   1   +5   6
Darmen               2   1   0   1    4   4    0   3
ASMV                 2   1   0   1    2   3   -1   3
New Montreal States  2   0   0   2    1   3   -2   0
Chetkosk             2   0   0   2    1  11  -10   0

Group B
Cyborg Holland 2:2 Milchama
Delaclava 1:3 Polar Islandstates
Stuffed Taxedermists 1:1 Zirakul

Polar Islandstates   2   2   0   0   4   1   +3   6
Milchama             2   1   1   0   4   2   +2   4
Cyborg Holland       2   0   2   0   4   4    0   2
Zirakul              2   0   2   0   3   3    0   2
Stuffed Taxedermists 2   0   1   1   1   2   -1   1
Delaclava            2   0   0   2   1   5   -4   0

Group C
Mangolana 2:1 Southern Cynocephali
Starblaydia 11:0 Thatius
Bergnovinaia 0:6 Sarzonia

Starblaydia          2   2   0   0   15   1   +14   6
Sarzonia             2   1   1   0    9   3    +6   4
Mangolana            2   1   1   0    5   4    +1   4
Bergnovinaia         2   0   1   1    4   7    -3   1
Southern Cynocephali 2   0   0   2    2   6    -4   0
Thatius              2   0   0   2    2  16   -14   0

Group D
North Chicanan 3:2 Civil Citizenry
Swartaz 4:3 D&S
The Golden Tamarind 1:2 Eastfield Lodge

Swartaz              2   2   0   0   10   4   +6   6
North Chicanan       2   1   1   0    5   4   +1   4
Eastfield Lodge      2   1   1   0    4   3   +1   4
The Golden Tamarind  2   1   0   1    5   5    0   3
D&S                  2   0   0   2    6   8   -2   0
Civil Citizenry      2   0   0   2    3   9   -6   0

by **Qazox** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:51 am

We interupt Real Housewives of the Archregimancy to bring you a recap of the Draggonnii Inviyatti match between Qazox and Chetosk.

The Junior Eagles (Qazox' U-17 team) dominated the Chetosk squad scoring 5 goals in the first half, two each from David Heisman (13th and 41st) and Greg Shaw (23rd and 32nd). Heisman's goals both came via penalty kicks, as the Chetosk team was whistled for 11 fouls in the first half. Heisman was drug down during corner kicks leading to his two goals.

Shaw's goals came more conventionally, as both were re-directs of passes from Heisman and Sean Yarbourgh, respectively. Yarbourgh scored in the 39th minute to make it 5-1 Qazox, after Chetosk managed to knock home a rebound off the hands of Craig Johnson in the 34th minute.

Leading by 4 at half, the subtitutes came in and manged to hold off numerous attempts by Chetosk to reduce the deficit. Thanks to strong back-line play from Michelle Black, Victoria Chase and Harold Brack, Qazox was never in serious jeopardy of allowing another goal.

Chaz Reyes scored in the 67th minute to make it 6-1, after a series of crosses involving Reyes, Yarbourgh and Heisman. Charlene Jackson ended the scoring run in the 76th minute with a blast from 17 yards out that ticked in off the far post.

Up next for Qazox is Darmen, who were trounced by Alphabet Soup 4-0 earlier in the day. The biggest suprise of the day was Starblaydia's 11-0 win over Thatius. Many thought the Purple Peril would score at least 20 in that one.

by **New Montreal States** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 11:35 am

UNPLEASANT BLUDGEONINGS IN ANDOSSA SE MITRIN VEGA

Pair of close early-round losses in Dragonnii Inviyattii sink Paladins to base of chart

ERRION VEGA, Andossa Se Mitrin Vega - A pair of early round-robin defeats have sent the Paladins down near the bottom of the group, ahead only of Chetkosk, which just took a 7-1 pounding from the Black Oxen that sent them into goal-differential purgatory for the remainder of the tournament.

Meanwhile, the Paladins have been losing as well, but by smaller, classier margins. The first matchday featured a discreet 2-1 put-down by the orthographically challenged nation of Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk. André Vaillancourt-Bosquet fought valiantly throughout the match, opening the scoring with a beautifully arcing free kick into the upper left-hand corner of the net and later almost adding another goal in the 52nd minute, only to be denied by a superlative effort by Elephdonkey keeper Matthew Dawson. However, uncertainty in the middle of the pitch allowed the Elephdonkey's to set the pace of the game, with results as negative as they were predictable for the States. Machucha picked up a quick equalizer, and after Ed got himself sent off for a slide tackle (and suspended a bonus match for giving the ref the business afterwards) the Paladins caved over the final 10 minutes of game time, coughing up a last-minute goal to Edouard Beaubien.

Missing their number one striker, and playing on the road in front of a strongly pro-Sea Dragons crowd, the Paladins came out on the defense against their gracious hosts. Not quite parking the bus; parking the RV, perhaps, or parking an outlandishly large SUV. Ed's spot on the pitch was taken by Laurent Thibault, the most defensive-minded of the subs; the formation was rejiggered into a 3-6-1 with Félix Lachasse and Harold Johnstone dropping back into pure corner-back positions, Thibault sliding into the defensive midfield alongside Antoine Long, who came up from the back pitch. Denny Roy was mostly relegated to charging at the Sea Dragon backs and praying for a perfectly-spotted through ball. It certainly kept the dam from bursting open, but lead to an utter lack of offense, with Roy only getting off one shot on the entire match, sending it arching gracefully into the stands as the ASMV Minister of Sport and Health stood by, sipping coffee to keep from falling asleep. Estrianii Raelea Vega, the national leader of the country, earned the Sea Dragons their first victory over the Paladins in their own national tournament.

With Ed out for another match after comparing the referee "the progeny of eight generations of hookers serving WA delegates," more offense for the Paladins will be hard to find. All eyes will be on Roy and Vaillancourt-Bosquet as the Paladins gear up to face fellow bottom-dweller Chetkosk.

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 1:58 pm

The Sporting Gazette

Eastfield Lodge can make next World Cup - O'Shea

In an interview with the Gazette, Vladimir O'Shea has revealed that he believes that the current EL team can easily make the next World Cup, despite a poor performance from very much the same team in qualifying last time out followed by non-participation in the corresponding Cup of Harmony, in turn heavily impacting the team's ranking. However, O'Shea said that the world rankings aren't important when teams are bunched together like they are, just the actual skill of the team that is put on the pitch relative to the opposition. It is a very optimistic projection, given that former captain and main goalie Aidan Jagger has retired, and that legendary forward Shabeen Ahmad III, defender Jane Williamson, midfielders Thomas O'Henly and Sarah Douglas and experienced winger Robert Andrews are all planning to retire before the World Cup actually starts (rumours state that Ahmad may be out before that should be injured at all). Ahmad has confirmed though that he will be staying on as co-attacking coach while playing for Zarahemla All-Sport in The Babbage Islands.

In the meantime, the team looks like it'll have to improve heavily to reach the standard required for World Cup qualification. Two matches of five have passed in the group stages of the Draggonnii Inviyatti, starting with a 2 all draw against North Chicanan who, unknown to us, had actually just qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time. We apologise profusely to those in North Chicanan who were offended by that oversight. Anyways, the match itself was a good opening match for the team and saw a welcome return to form for Roman Qwivotic, whose Norrion Rovers side failed to impress in the most recent league season. The opposition took lead 7 minutes in courtesy of Paul Owens, timing his run to perfection of the back of Jane Williamson to convert Xavi Aox's seeking pass. With both Robert Andrews and Hadia Ahmad off due to minor injury concerns, Roman Qwivotic got the nod ahead of Rebecca Murray, and showed why he was picked with a sublime individual effort halfway through the first half. He doubled his tally twelve minutes later after a Thomas Graham header took a deflection off defender Aiden James before landing at Qwivotic's feet at the near post. It stayed 2-1 to EL until half time, but there was a huge scare when Paul Owens found himself unmarked at the edge of the box and found his volley bouncing out off the post 5 minutes from stoppage time.

The second half started in the same way the first ended, with both sides in a weak-attack stalemate, but that soon changed. Graham wasted a golden opportunity to all but gain three points when he rounded the keeper to find himself with an open goal, only to slip and send it wide, much to the dismay of the travelling EL faithful. This was followed by DeMit's goal kick being cleared by Sarah Douglas, only to be deflected towards the EL goal and into the path of James Pratt, and it was a goal-saving from Dimitar Klitschko which kept the score at 2-1. However, the offensive pressure from North Chicanan was enough for Paul Owens to poke in the equaliser on the hour mark after a goalmouth scramble. After that, North Chicanan went defensive, and the closest EL got to a goal was a Thomas Graham free kick in the 72nd minute, which was deflected in by Roman Qwivotic for what would have been his hat-trick had he not been deemed offside. Video replays showed that Qwivotic was centimetres offside, so it was a lucky decision for North Chicanan. Final score: 2-2.

The second of the two openers was against The Golden Tamarind (or Tamarindia), a team new to the footballing scene but looking to make quite a noise. On paper, it seemed that a close fought but rather comfortable victory was on the cards for Eastfield Lodge. The only problem is, real life tends to shred these sorts of papers to smithereens, as happened in this match. O'Shea put out a full strength side with all those with injury concerns being declared fully match fit. In a rare switch, the team actually played a 4-3-3 formation, with Roman Qwivotic being rewarded for his two goals with another start. The match started off relatively quickly, with Tamarindia's erratic playing style initially catching out the EL defenders, and within three minutes, only the woodwork prevented Masvidal from breaking the deadlock for Tamarindia. At the other end, the news was good, with Qwivotic again causing problems to the defence, this time on the wing, and within 7 minutes sent a low cross that was converted at the far post by an incoming Thomas Graham to register his first goal of the campaign. But Tamarindia put up a spirited fightback, and that resulted in an equaliser half an hour into the match through Masvidal, who then got his second on the stroke of half time after smashing home a well-placed cross.

The half-time goal would have killed any morale the team would have had, and it certainly did here, but that all changed 3 minutes after when Arnold Tapia kicked Thomas Graham in the head when challenging for a cross, resulting in a straight red card and a concussed forward. He was taken off, and Robert Andrews put on in his place. And his first touch was a penalty against replacement keeper Eduardo Reyes, and the shot was straight and true. That inspired a close-fought battle between the two, with Masvidal coming oh-so-close to his hat-trick, only to see his acrobatic effort punched onto the bar on the hour mark. The tie was turned on its head in the 80th minute when a mis-hit clearance from keeper Reyes fell to Hadia Ahmad, and it took two touches to punish the poor keeper. The score was pushed up to 3-2, and the EL team were desperate to get more goals to improve their goal differential. The only problem being that Reyes and his defence tightened their boots and prevented the strikers from getting anywhere close to the goal. Final score: 3-2.

These results left Eastfield Lodge in 3rd on 4 points, trailing North Chicanan on goals scored and leaders Swartaz by two points. Elsewhere, notable results included Starblaydia's 11-0 annihilation of Thatius in Group C, Qazox's 7-1 thrashing of Chetkosk in Group A, Sarzonia's 6-0 mauling of Bergovinaia also in Group C and Swartaz's 6-1 crushing of Civil Citizenry. In terms of injuries, Thomas Graham is out for the match against current cellar-dwellers Civil Citizenry and the crucial match against leaders Swartaz. He may also be hit and miss for the match against D&S which closes the group.

Team to play Civil Citizenry: Starting 4-3-3 XI (Thomas Graham out, Robert Andrews in; Thomas O'Henly captain)

Goal Tally DI6:
Roman Qwivotic: 2
Thomas Graham: 1
Robert Andrews: 1
Hadia Ahmad: 1

by **Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk** » Tue Sep 20, 2011 5:57 pm

Elephdonkeys Win Second

ABK won its second group match today 4-0. The game started off slowly, with only a few shots in the first 20 minutes. Beaubien nearly missed one from just inside the box, and Kenneth Nolan kicked wide from around the penalty spot. The Abdians broke through in the 26th, with Levi Byham scoring on a header. A ball deflected off of Mikael Aden went for a corner, and the kick by Jeromy Metter hit off of Al Keeran's head straight to Byham, who headed it in just ahead of Troy Osborne's glove, who had went for the ball at first and had to transition back. Kenny Vincent nearly missed a goal in the 29th, hitting the ball off of the post, where it was cleared by Dustin Nguyen. The Abdian team had many chances throughout the rest of the first half, however, they could not break through, with Osborne making some nice saves. The game was 1-0 at half, although the score could have easily been 3-0 ABK. However, in the second half, the Darmeni formation came back to bite them in their posterior. The Abdian formation shift to a 3-3-4, with the substitution of Edouard "Lalard" Beaubien for Edouard "Swift" Beaubien in the 51st minute. Both players have the same name, and when playing in national competitions, they are distinguished from each other by the city they play in: "Lalard" Beuabien playing for Lalard Tanks, and "Swift" Beaubien for Swift FC. The new punch of the Abdian attack took form, and Abdian forwards were weaving passes through the Darmeni defense in no time. Vincent missed wide; then Beaubien, then Machucha off the cross bar, then Beaubien again wide. Finally, in the 63rd minute, Matthew Datson through the ball out to Slade Checavez to start the counter attack. With all of Darmen's midfielders pressing the Abdian goal, it quickly turned into a 6 on 3, with the tired Darmen players struggling to get back. Checavez dribbled up the sidelines, then cut past Abdul-Karim Branco into the middle. Just as Nguyen was about to get it, he did a trick now known as the "Azah Thukesdeh" in Abdian: "Magic Rock". Checavez stepped on the ball and simultaneously kicked it, shooting the ball past Nguyen. The backspin created stopped the ball, and it started rolling slowly back to Checavez, like a rock rolling down a gentle slope. Checavez kicked it forwards into the box. He faked to Machucha, drawing the last Darmen defender that way, and went right instead, crossing over. He slid it to the left corner past Osborne. 2-0 ABK. The Abdian team kept up the attack, and netted another one in the 76th minute. A chip from Andreas Ghanayem found the volley of Desmond Machucha. Machucha hammered the ball towards the left corner of the goal. Osborne dove to stop it. But halfway towards the goal, it hit off of Scott Rydzik, substituted in for Dustin Nguyen, and chnaged path. The hopeless Osborne could only watch as the ball dribbled into the right corner of the goal. 3-0 Alphabet Soup. Manager Manuel used this as an opportunity to get some of the younger players playing time, subbing in Abraham Laire for Al Keeran, and Orville Vezey for Matthew Datson. Vezey was the projected starter for this tournament, but was hurt for the game versus New Montreal States, and Manuel picked Datson over him for this one. The new subs proved valuable, with Laire assisting on Machucha's second goal in the 88th minute. Laire got a pass from Levi Byham, and quickly turned it to Machucha, who shot it past Osborne for the second time. The game ended in a 4-0 win for the Abdians. The Abdians next game is versus Chetkosk, who is coming off of a 6-1 drubbing by the Qazox Junior Eagles. We hope to continue our success in this tournament.

Abdian Goal Scorers
Desmond Machucha 3
Levi Byham 1
Edouard "Swift" Beaubien 1
Slade Checavez 1

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