World Cup 57 - Cafundéu & Sarzonia - RP thread

by **Erathore** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 4:49 pm

My Blog
It's mine and if you don't like it then fuck you

Heyo another blog from me and fuck you even if you do like it. Big question. Why the bloody hell did we play Civil Citizenry in a pre qualifying friendly when we're in the same group? Well I suppose it did give those damn kids a chance to show what they were made of. Let's see what our lineup looked like for that match:

------------------BENNEDETTO(c)------------------

-----LATHAN-----DINO------DEL NARAN-----

------------------LANZIANO------------------

-----ALONSO-----NAO-----

-----DEL NEIRAN-----

------CESC--------RINGËRIL------VILLA--------

Now I like the 3-5-2 formation. It fits our total football style of play. But it didn't work out too well against Civil and I'll tell you why even if you don't want to know. Our goalkeeping, defense, and forwards were all fine. It was the midfield where we fell apart a little bit and allowed two bumfuck goals. Del Nieran and Lanziano did their jobs perfectly, attacking and defending respectively. Alonso and Nao didn't due as good of a job. You see Nao is used to fucking shit up as an attacking midfielder or supporting striker and our system has him as more of a playmaking central midfielder. That's a big change for a kid who won the golden boot in his second year of professional football in one of the toughest leagues in the world. So, whilst he played further back then he usually does, he played higher up then he should've played, creating a small gap. Then Alonso, who plays as a defensive/play making midfielder mix, played higher up the he usually plays but further back then he should've. This created a nice ole fucking gap for Civil Citizenry to start several attacks in and to set up two goals. Shitty.

Anyhow we struck first, with Del Nieran opening the Erathi World Cup 57 scoring account in the seventh minute of play, scoring with a beautiful 24 yard rocket shot that sailed right by Sir Whatthefuckishisname and into the net to give us the early lead. We had several good chances on goal after that but nothing ever came out of it. Our passing and moving was pretty spot on and it was fun to see Lanziano taking shots on goal with Nao covering for him. Anyhow it was pretty quiet until the 43rd minute, when Civil Citizenry exploited the hole between Nao and Alonso and blazed up the field before one of their players headed in a cross by Bennedetto. Nothing exciting happened after that until the 56th minute of play when we scored again.

A wonderful through ball from Nao to Cesc then a nice backheel to Villa saw Erathore go up 2-1. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as those civil fuckers scored again 11 minutes later with a beautiful shot from 10 or so yards out. Assholes for shooting that close. Anyhow this is the lineup for the first World Cup game against The United City-States:

------------------BENNEDETTO(c)------------------

-----MANLIO-----DINO------NERO-----

------------------LANZIANO------------------

-----ROLODEL-----NAO-----

-----DEL NIERAN-----

------CESC--------RINGËRIL------VILLA--------

by **West Zirconia** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:25 pm

The qualifying draw has been made for World Cup 57, and as predicted, it is going to be a tough time for West Zirconia, now fallen to 110th in the world rankings.

Their matches will be as follows:

Matchday 1: Brendino the 3rd (at Wickett's Lock, Taylor's Cross)
Matchday 2: Nitrome Island (at Marc Edwards Memorial Stadium, Redwood)
Matchday 3: Landau Institute (away)
Matchday 4: Vilita (at Williamson Park, Banks)
Matchday 5: Ipeland (away)
Matchday 6: Krytenia (at Manchester Street, Moorcroft)
Matchday 7: The Kiaser Colonies (at KPM Stadium, Snaith)
Matchday 8: Bye
Matchday 9: Zoobians (at Olympic Stadium, St. Martin)

Mid-Qualifying Friendly: Sargossa (at Marc Edwards Memorial Stadium, Redwood)

Matchday 10: Brendino the 3rd (away)
Matchday 11: Nitrome Island (away)
Matchday 12: Landau Institute (at STORMGroup Stadium, Mort Park)
Matchday 13: Vilita (away)
Matchday 14: Ipeland (at The Glen, Bradley)
Matchday 15: Krytenia (away)
Matchday 16: The Kiaser Colonies (away)
Matchday 17: Bye
Matchday 18: Zoobians (away)

This qualifying campaign sees a historic first, and that with the first match of the campaign. The game with Brendino the 3rd will be the first international to take place at Taylor's Cross, and will be the first ever match held at the new stadium at Wickett's Lock. The city's domestic team moves into their new stadium next season.

The match will coincide with a minor race meeting at the nearby Plimley Downs racecourse, and was so scheduled in part to give Brendino the 3rd's racegoers some consolation following the abandonment of this season's West Zirconian International, which was caused by a security alert at the course.

When asked for his reaction to the draw, coach Chris Irwin said, "Frankly, I don't like the look of it. Still, we'll see." Captain Ben Phillips added, "Well, any eleven men can beat any eleven men on the day. Whether or not we can do it sixteen times is anyone's guess, but we'll certainly give it our best shot."

by **Socialist States Owen** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:45 pm

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FSSO show mixed form with a clinical and a clumsy win

FSSO cruise to opening friendly win
Friendly Matchday 1
Bastion Arena, FSSO – 82,494 attendance

FSSO – 2
Fessner 30
Daley 66
The Kiaser Colonies – 0

Paul Fessner scored on his international debut as the FSSO opened their warm up friendly run for the World Cup qualifiers.

The relatively new Kiaser Colonies came to the intimidating fortress that is the Bastion Arena expecting a hard game, but early on they played well. In their striking blue jerseys they began to string together long passing moves and almost took the lead only four minutes in, when Muku Jahai played through Chris Hudson with a glorious through ball, but Hudson choked and slammed his shot miles over the bar.

An experimental FSSO lineup saw a first international start for 24 year old striker Paul Fessner, who bizarrely has never been called up until now despite scintillating form in the Gold League over several seasons. Against lower opposition he had something to prove, and prove himself he did; in the 30th minute, Fessner surprised a backtracking Ryan Kelly to run through on goal. He didn’t make the mistake Hudson made, clinically clipping the ball over the keepers wrong footed body and wheeling away in relief as it bounced into the net.

The rest of the first half was rather dull, and the second half followed suit, although Hudson missed another chance, a free header from a corner as the experimental FSSO defensive lineup got used to working together. But there was one goal, from the ever reliable Scott Daley. Kieran Kane launched a superb cross into the box when seemingly trapped by the corner flag, and the 6ft 5in Daley was there to nod the ball past the keeper and into the bottom corner.

Man of the Match: Paul Fessner (FSSO)

Player Ratings

GK – 23. Simon Neeson – 7/10
RWB – 2. Dennis Arnold – 6/10
RCB – 4. Grant Davis – 5/10
LCB – 19. Nicholas Kerr – 7/10
LWB – 20. Ben Kean – 6/10
RAM – 12. Kieran Kane – 7/10
CDM – 24. Persa Ryans – 7/10
CAM – 18. John Buckson – 6/10
LAM – 11. Josh Stevenson – 5/10
CF – 16. Scott Daley – 7/10
ST – 17. Paul Fessner – 9/10

Used substitutes

25. Graham Hill (On for Daley, 84) – 5/10

Thatius comeback quelled in nervy victory
Friendly Matchday 2
Castle Road, FSSO, attendance 39,300

FSSO – 4
Paranaya 16
Sharp 21
Needle 40
Fessner 47
Thatius – 3
Montello 77, 89
Irakli 80

It was a close call for Ben Randall’s Fuzzo’s last night as the FSSO edged out Thatius after almost giving away a comfortable lead.

There was no indication of the drama to come late on during the early stages when the FSSO surged forward, forcing Novák Prakusya into a skilful early double save from a Lee Sharp shot and Sam Needle rebound. He kept Needle out again in the tenth minute when Needle won a penalty, as he was pulled down by Roy Seeler in the box. Needle stepped up and slammed the ball towards the bottom corner, but Prakusya tipped it wide, becoming the first goalkeeper to save a Sam Needle penalty in three years – after 30 consecutive penalty successes for the striker.

But the dominance would pay off only six minutes later. A long range shot from Steve Thompson was deflected wide for a corner, which was then met in the air by Julesk Paranaya to give the FSSO the breakthrough they needed. The floodgates opened at this point and Prakusya was almost embarrassed by a hopeful shot from Sharp that slipped through the goalkeepers hands, but it hit the post and went wide. The Thatius defence, in complete disarray, conceded to the next Sharp opportunity only a minute later, when Sharp met a dinked cross from James McCroft with a stinging volley into the top corner.

Things were going from bad to worse for Thatius, and the game seemed to be over by the 40th minute as the FSSO went 3-0 up. Sam Needle was the scorer this time, making up for his penalty miss earlier with a delicious 25 yard drive into the bottom left hand corner. Half time brought a brief respite for Thatius which was shattered quickly after half time, as Paul Fessner recorded his second goal in his second cap by tapping home from a McCroft corner, causing a short confrontation between Prakusya and his centre back Sean Petrauskas.

For the next fifteen minutes, the bombardment continued, and Lee Sharp was left in disbelief as a low drive in the 60th minute rebounded off of one post, rolled across the line, hit the other then came back to the goalkeeper. But the FSSO got complacent, much to the anger of Ben Randall, and forward Cedric Montello scored against the run of play with thirteen minutes left, heading in a Petrauskas cross. This sparked Thatius into near miss comeback, and Petrauskas was provider again for their second goal as a well worked one two with Irakli ended in Irakli slipping the ball past a full stretch Jerry Watchman.

A suddenly lacklustre FSSO then let in a third. A poor backpass from Grant Davis left Montello with only Watchman to beat, and he did so. Montello almost had a hat trick and a miraculous equaliser before the end, but his diving header from four yards out was brilliantly saved by Jerry Watchman. A smatter of applause came with the final whistle; credit to the FSSO for the first 60 minutes, but the last 30 minutes had been awful.

Man of the Match: Novák Prakusya (Thatius)

Player Ratings

GK – 35. Jerry Watchman – 6/10
RWB – 15. Grant Davis – 4/10
RCB – 5. Mike Humphrey 6/10
LCB – 4. Julesk Paranaya – 4/10
LWB – 3. Joe Arne Pizza – 3/10
RAM – 7. James McRoft – 7/10
CDM – 6. Steve Thompson – 6/10
CAM – 8. Carlos Aduna – 8/10
LAM – 11. Josh Stevenson – 7/10
RS – 10. Lee Sharp – 8/10
LS – 9. Sam Needle – 9/10

Used substitutes

17. Paul Fessner (On 45 for Mike Humphrey) – 7/10
24. Persa Ryans (On 70 for Steve Thompson) – 5/10
20. Ben Kean (On 87 for Lee Sharp) – 5/10

Qualifying Fixtures

Friendly MD1 – H – Kiaser Colonies - Won 2-0
MD2 – H – Thatius - Won 4-3
MD3 – A – Megadia

Competitive MD1 – H – Puttania
MD2 – A – Wolfmanne
MD3 – A – Sarrbia
MD4 – Bye
MD5 – A – BrightonBurg
MD6 – H – Lymantatia
MD7 – A – The Archregimancy
MD8 – A – Polar Islandstates
MD9 – H – The Weegies

Friendly MD4 – A – Krumbia
MD5 – TBD
MD6 – H – Rhodesiah

Competitive MD10 – A – Puttania
MD11 – H – Wolfmanne
MD12 – H – Sarrbia
MD13 – Bye
MD14 – H – BrightonBurg
MD15 – A – Lymantatia
MD16 – H – The Archregimancy
MD17 – H – Polar Islandstates
MD18 – A – The Weegies

Friendly MD7 – H – Saugeais
MD8 – A – Eastfield Lodge
MD9 – H – Darmen

by **Arcatea** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 5:49 pm

The Greenleaf Times

After a good run at the quarterfinals in the 44th Baptism of Fire, and a dominating run to the Republic Cup Championship, Arcatea is ready to take on Group 3 for World Cup Qualifying. It was a difficult draw for Arcatea, who will be playing the likes of #4 Bears Armed, #32 Erathore, and #49 Civil Citizenry. Luckily Arcatea will be playing some warm up matches against some good teams, including Group 3 member #162 Michael VII, the #39 Khytenna, and BoF 44th Semifinalist Miley World, ranked 216th. These will be good warm ups for an Arcatea team who is ready for some good competition.

Matchday 1:@ Michael VII
Matchday 2:vs Civil Citizenry (Presidents Stadium, Greenleaf)
Matchday 3:BYE
Matchday 4:vs Trimasia (Red Mountain Stadium, Red Mountian)
Matchday 5:@ Bears Armed
Matchday 6:@ Legalese
Matchday 7:vs. Erathore (River Stadium, Mason River)
Matchday 8:@ The United City-states
Matchday 9:vs Deep Fried Bacon (Arcatean Sports Plex, Greenleaf)
Matchday 10:vs Michael VII (Franklin Stadium, Wilton)
Matchday 11:@ Civil Citizenry
Matchday 12:BYE
Matchday 13:@ Trimasia
Matchday 14:vs Bears Armed (President's Stadium, Greenleaf)
Matchday 15:vs Legalese (River Stadium, Mason River)
Matchday 16:@ Erathore
Matchday 17:vs The United City-states (Arcatean Sports Plex)
Matchday 18:@ Deep Fried Bacon

River Stadium
Mason River, Arcatea 27,000

Arcatean Sports Plex
Greenleaf, Arcatea 35,000

Red Mountain Stadium
Red Mountain, Arcatea 26,500

Franklin Stadium
Wilton, Arcatea 25,000

Presidents Stadium
Greenleaf, Arcatea 70,000

by **Darmen** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 6:51 pm

DBSC World Cup Coverage
Darmen goes 1-0-2 in Pre-Qualifying Friendlies

Game Uno-Mangolana 2-0 Darmen
Darmen played relatively well considering the hostile crowd. The first half saw both sides get handed several yellow cards, although these are friendlies so they don't really matter. For Darmen, Lee, Preston, Cormio, Beasley, and Nolan, all recieved yellow cards, while for Mangolana, Davenport, Johnson, Buckley, and Donaldson, the whole back line, also got yellows.

The second half saw Mangolana start out fast. After being awarded a slightly controversial Free Kick, and Midfielder Allen Fuller but the ball into the air right where it needed to be for substitute Midfielder Erik Camelet to head the ball past Troy Osborne.

Darmen then figured that they should actually try, and Tor Tong Lee, and Zach Preston launched several attacks, complete with several shots. Lee provided the only shot on goal, which was saved by the substitute Mangolanan Keeper, Shaun Gates. Gates than made a beuatiful throw to Akeem Howard, who made a spectacular charge down the field. He kicked a powerful shot towards Osborne and the goal, but Osborne was able to make the save. Unfourtunatley, Osborne wasn't able to hang on, and the ball bounced towards the feet of Mangolana Captain, Tappy Shogun, who put the ball in the back of the net.

Manager Mikael Gibbons said, "The boy's played reasonably well, but we could've played much better. There was no reason to give up that first goal, and Preston and Lee, weren't exactly aiming at the goal when they were taking their shots."

Game Dos-ABK 1-2 Darmen
(Tor Tong Lee 17', Luca Cormio 78')
Darmen went into the 80,200 seat ABK National Stadium looking for a win, and they got one. Tor Tong Lee was detirmined to give his Manager something to be happy about, and put three shots on goal in the opening 15 minutes. His fourth shot on goal happened to find net, and Darmen was up One to Nil. Abdian Forward John Church leveled the game at one all after putting a Free Kick past Osborne in the 32nd minute.

The game remained tied at 1-1 until the 78th minute, when Luca Cormio made an exciting charge down the center of the field, rushing and battling his way past at least five Abdian's. Cormio then faked a kick, sending Abdian Keeper, Walter Dukes the worng way. Cormio then turned around and kicked the ball with the back of his heal(OOC: Just like Balotelli did against, the Galaxy, but it actually goes in). Manager Gibbons was seen laughing on the sidelines, but the Darmen Soccer Federation didn't think it was that funny. The DSF handed down a one game suspension to Cormio.

Game Tres-Darmen 1-3 Saugeais
With Cormio out, Jack Chaves made his first ever start for Darmen, and he played very well. In the 13th minute, Chaves made a spectacular pass from midfield all the way to Lee, who was just in front of the 18 yard box. Lee controlled the pass, and stroked the ball past Jenson Paulson. However, unlike the Swift Cup match between Darmen and Saugeais, the match would not end well for Darmen. Amaechi Olson scored twice, in the 63rd and 75th minutes, while Dan Nagato scored in the 87th minute. The fact that the Darmeni defense gave up three goals in the last 30 minutes is a little scary. And we were at home...

by **Stachland** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 7:20 pm

Group Two
5The Babbage Islands (vs. MD8, @ MD17)

42Orlkjestad (vs. MD4, @ MD13)

46Stachland (Byes MD9, MD18)

72Utmost Upright (vs. MD3, @ MD12)

158Tamarindia (@ MD7, vs. MD16)

227Iphmopf (@ MD2, vs. MD11)

325New Gaelicia (vs. MD6, @ MD 15)

UNRDance 2 Revolution (vs. MD1, @ MD10)

UNRLes Mac arable (@ MD5, vs. MD14)

Shout Out! Stachlanders Anticipate the World Cup
Of the nine teams in Stachland’s qualifying group, which do you think will surprise people?

“Tamarindia. They won the Baptism of Fire, and even though they are still ranked outside of the top one hundred and fifty, they could prove a wily opponent for Utmost Upright, Orlkjestad, and Stachland.” — Alessandra K., Chevrin

Stachlandic goalkeeper Navering Pounchtal recently signed with Briarmore FC in Civil Citizenry. Will his new club commitments affect his performance for the national team?

“No. Matches during qualifying are days or weeks apart, and when the real World Cup rolls around, Pounchtal will be fully involving himself with the rest of the squad.” — Katie C., Cardrake

“He will have to strike the right balance. Briarmore needs him—that’s obvious, or they wouldn’t have signed a contract with him—but so does the Stachlandic national team. Ultimately, I would say that country comes before club.” — Jureen S., Cardrake

That The Babbage Islands will qualify from the group is almost a given. But is the race for second place down to Orlkjestad and Stachland, or could Utmost Upright and Tamarindia seriously compete for the spot in the playoff match?

“Stachland hasn’t lost yet against Utmost Upright—in this past Cup of Harmony, we earned one draw and one win—and I don’t expect them to break that trend. Tamarindia will be a strong opponent, but nothing the Stachlanders can’t handle.” — Michael Q., Sasnak

"Never count a team out until it's already displayed incompetence. Stachland has certainly been a surprise on the international stage these past few years, and you never know when another similar team might appear." — Maven T., Chevronia

In World Cup 56, fellow Baptism of Fire 42 participant Polar Islandstates made it to the semifinals, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Do you believe it is possible for Stachland to make a similar run?

“I do believe it’s possible. We have become a high-ranking team rather quickly, and we just barely missed qualifying for the last World Cup. This is our year.” — Sundri N., Gurchar

by **Civil Citizenry** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 7:52 pm

OOC: Continued from here. This is a joint RP storyline with Mytannion.

"...yeah, been here for two days now, actually," Wycliff said as he strolled to the lecture hall with Musa. "The next direct flight from Kent to Victorwick was a week from now, so I had to take that one."

"Kent, eh? That's where they have that faux lacrosse team, right?"

"Ahaha! I'll admit, it's tough rooting for the Centers, but it's all about loyalty, right?"

"Exactly," Musa chuckled. "That's why I and all the other Mytanars still believe Victorwick - well, Pobedyvika - is ours."

"Come off it, mate," Wycliff said. "We all know we won the war, so it's ours by rights. I would think Mytannion knows a bit about warfare, considering you've had two civil wars..."

"But let's be reasonable: it was our island since we discovered it, and then you tried to claim it once you sailed there, like, way later. It wasn't fair for you to do that."

"Whoever discovered the island, we still fought you and won. It's our territory."

Wycliff and Musa continued to quabble for several minutes as they walked. Eventually, they came to a silence.

"So I guess you're not so big on Civil Citizenry, heh?" Wycliff asked.

"Not so arsed about them, really. Got more important things in my life..." Musa trailed off, losing himself in thought. He seemed to snap out of it as he fixed a smile. "Your football team is a load of shit, though."

"Hahaha, you big-headed Mytanars getting drunk on two lucky runs! As if ya couldn't get drunk any other way!" They both laughed heartily. "But we'd beat you anyway."

"Oho, now you're getting yourself into trouble. Twenty myta coruns Mytannion would win!"

"What the hell is that in citis?" As Wycliff whipped out his cell phone to calculate the exchange rate, Musa looked on in wonder. "Uh, what? How are you doing all that? Are you a math major too?"

"Aha, no - just a bit of algebra. Heard those Mytanars aren't the best at that!" Wycliff ribbed as he elbowed Musa in the shoulder. "Now then, that's six citis and thirty-six cits. Your currency is really in the gutter."

"Don't I know it," Musa replied, trailing off again.

After another moment of silence, Wycliff spoke up. "Hey, I just remembered - there's that friendly coming up, the Civil Citizenry-Mytannion game before the World Cup. That's a perfect time for me to win my six citis."

"Make that ten citis and we'll call it a deal," Musa said. Wycliff grinned as he extended his hand. He was unsure of Mytanar customs - did they use high fives? fist-pounds? were they not yet good enough friends for such intimacy? - so he merely offered the handshake to seal the deal.

"...tell you what, mate, Old Fergus really knows his shit," Musa gushed. He and his new roommate tumbled down the stairs, elated at having attended their first college lecture.

"Agreed. I'm even excited to do the homework..."

"What?! Don't go overboard there, mate!"

"Well, I mean, I'm just interested to read up on the history of Civil Citizenry and Mytannion," Wycliff continued. "This textbook he gave us is so much more, you know, detailed than what we've gotten for Citiz History classes."

"Yeah, that's true. At least it'll help me prove why Pobedyvika is ours!" he said, yelling as he punctuated the final words.

"That's about as likely as you idiots winning another lacrosse championship. Such a fluke," Wycliff added before Musa could jump in with a reply.

Musa sighed - but it was a happy sigh, finally feeling more at home here at UVP. He continued to playfully argue with Wycliff the rest of the way to the dorm. Once they'd had their fill of debating, they each sat on their beds and opened up the brand new textbook they had each been given by Old Fergus: The Victorian Chronicles.

by **Valladares** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 8:21 pm

Valladares Sports Network

GROUP OF DEATH, TEAM ALIVE

WORLD CUP 57 QUALIFIERS - Defeat against Bears Armed "harmless", according to Valladar coach

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

METROPOLIS (VP) - And we start yet another World Cup cycle, this time, the most prestigious football tournament in the multiverse is being hosted in Atlantian Oceania for the second (or third?) time in a row, with ~~Tax-Lovers Land~~ Cafundéu and ~~Qazox-Lovers Land~~ Sarzonia as hosts. As for us, we're trying to qualify for this for the sixth time in a row, and there isn't any best challenge than doing it from the group called for many the "group of death" or, as I'm going to call it: the "déjà vu group". Why "déjà vu"? The answer couldn't be so difficult: Group 12 (where we were drawn) has the illustrious presence of Qazox and Sargossa, familiar foes to Les Gones. It also contains Chetkosk (who qualified to the last WC finals), The Kytler Peninsulae, Carpathia and Ruthenia, and other little vermin only known by their grandmas until now. I'm not going to waste time talking in more depth about all our rivals, predictions and such, that's pretty pointless now, so I'll just skip that part and will focus on talking about what was our friendly against Bears Armed and our first qualifying match against Di Lianzio in Pradera.

Losses can be good occasionally...

Despite losing in their first friendly of this World Cup cycle against Bears Armed, José Marín can somehow sleep peacefully. In spite of the fact Les Gones capitulated to the Bear-Belles at Wimbley two goals to one, the team left a good impression in the fans in their first and last match before the World Cup qualifiers. As Marín said, "despite the loss, which could be expected and was harmless to us and our interests, I leave Bears Armed with a nice impression of the team. We were decent rivals, we create chances, but at the same time, we still have to correct some things. However, I think we can qualify, and I also think the first place isn't out of reach. That will be our main goal for the moment". In my humble opinion, this team (despite the players are getting older and the fact we don't see signals of a replacement of players any time soon) has got tactical, technical and specially and more important than all the aforementioned: human resources to even finish in first place ahead of Qazox and Chetkosk.

The only problem Marín has to correct soon is the lack of proper sync in the defensive zone when playing on the offense. It's unacceptable that a team like the Bear-Belles (whose players aren't very quick to say) has done so much damage from counterattacks, the defensive formation of 5 players was easily outplayed. It could have been due to the lack of adaptation of the players, it could have been due to another thing, the fact is that Marín has to correct this soon if he doesn't want to have a hard time with Qazox...

And now let's talk about the two things I (and I'm sure most of you) must have liked: first, this team is very fast when going on the offense, and players like Frank Zapata and Jefferson Ospina will give headaches to opposing defenses with their speed and skills on the pitch. The Bear-Belles can attest to that, given that they saved themselves of an equalizer several times because of their goalkeeper. And second, the guys can give fight to anyone, no matter the circumstances. Les Gones were trailing the bears by two goals most of the time, and despite Yoan Gignac could finally break the wall represented by their goalie in injury time, the guys never gave up and kept trying to keep the match alive, risking themselves to have conceded more goals in the process. Finally, let me say that the 3-2-2-3 (best known among valladar fans as the "hourglass formation") has proven to be a reliable formation. It will be the perfect one when the guys finally manage to be in sync and defend in block and with many men, as the coach wants.

Habemus Fixtures...and also VSPN Monopoly (ew!)

With VSPN's recent purchase of VBC Sports, VSPN also got exclusive rights to broadcast all games involving the National Team. Taking into account VSPN currently also holds national rights to the Valladar Super League (sponsored by Banco Econômico, yes, the Cafundelense banking company), this creates an unfair VSPN monopoly on football matches, which until some years ago was thought to be impossible, given that company's main focus on basketball and other sports with almost insignificant fan-following. As if we loved those dismal commentators they have...and now those like me who want to watch a game played by our team must resign themselves to having to put up with them for longer (it'll worse if we qualify for the World Cup!) VSPN guys, with your terrible English commentary for Super League games is enough, thank you.

And here is (all games brought, sponsored and broadcast by VSPN...) the fixture with home stadia for Valladares this World Cup cycle:

by **Qazox** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 8:40 pm

World Cup 57
Qazox' exhibitions

Qazox does not play 'friendlies', as many nations call them. We play exhibitions, as these matches have no bearing on rank, World Cup qualifying or anything but bragging rights. It's a chance to get some of the kinks out of formations and players and give some playing time to some players that might not see the field in the qualifers or Cup itself.

Qazox as usual, attempts to play both of the upcoming World Cup hosts, but considering who is hosting half of the World Cup, we're only playing Cafundeu. Not that we are afraid to play Sarzonia, nor they afraid to play us. So why aren't we playing each other? Well neither nation wanted to play at the other nation and no other nations wanted to host; likely due to the sheer cost of security to keep the Qazoxian and Sarzonian fans away from each other.

Qazox' first exhibition was against Cafundeu, in Cafundeu. The Cafundelese have been Qazox' most frequent opponent as of late, and the familiarity of each other showed in a scoreless draw. Both coaches used the maximum 5 subs at half time but it only served to intensify the defensive struggle.

Qazox' 2nd exhibition came against Eastfield Lodge, a team that Qazox hasn't faced as often as Cafundeu, but the two teams have played each other a few times in the past decade. Qazox rolled to a 3-0 win, but it wasn't as easy as it looked on the scoreboard. The first 50 minutes saw the Eagles manage only 1 shot on net, while EL had 7. But after Ashley Mansfield and Sean Yarbourgh came in at the 53rd minute, the tone of the game changed. Qazox moved from a 4-5-1 to a unsual 2-6-2 (or a 2-3-3-2) and the change up in pace the 2 youngsters brought was more than enough to open up passing lanes. Yarbourgh's pass to Iona Laughlin in the 62nd minute was a thing of beauty that momentarily froze the defense. But it was enough as Laughlin banged home a shot in the lower left corner. The goal opened up the floodgates a bit, as Laughlin scored again just 7 minutes later, on a lobbed leader from Mansfield that made it 2-0. Qazox finsihed the scoring in the 85th minute when Doreen Dobbs, niece of former Qazox great Lonnie Dobbs; scored on a penalty kick.

With Qazox having the first round of matchdays off, these two exhibitions hopefully are enough to get them into shape before starting their quest towards World Cup 57 at Di Lianzio.

by **Saugeais** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 9:21 pm

OOC: I'm using Starblaydia's WC56 roster as they have not posted one for this season.

The scene inside the Charles the Great pub was electric even before the Frank and Walter Sports Talk show began. The Rangers baseball team had just made the playoffs for the third straight Classic, both of Saugeais's two top college football teams were well on their way to successful seasons, and the Knights had just defeated Starblaydia in the Mike Sarzo Memorial Tournament. Yes, the same Starblaydia that has won the World Cup a record 5 times. The crowd began to quiet down only for a bit as the show began.

Frank: Hello! And welcome to "Sports Talk", where we give you up to date information on what's happening around the country and around the world. I'm your host Frank Harrison, alongside Walter Kovak where we start off today with the top news of the day: the Saugeais Knights defeated the Starblaydia Blades in the Mike Sarzo Memorial Tournament!

*bar crowd cheers*

Now I know this is just a pre-season tournament, but you can't help but feel extreme happiness to know that your home squad has taken down a World Cup powerhouse.

Walter: Yes, but it was a close match through and through. The Blades had plenty of chances to put the game out of reach for the Knights. They struck first in the 10th minute, when a deep pass was struck over the Saugeais defensive line. Jeremy Kintz and Eric Le Vine were just onside at the time and ran after it. Le Vine got to the ball first and made a move as if he was about to shoot, but he instead passed it to a waiting Kintz, who struck the ball into the wide open net.

F: Certainly not the way the Knights wanted to start off their World Cup season, friendly or not. However once the defense got on the same page, they did a fair job at shutting down the Blades offense. Sure, Starblaydia managed a lot of corner kicks, but for the Knight defense to prevent them from receiving the ball is a huge plus in my book.

W: And here we see Saugeais new number one goals leader Amaechi Olsen leading the charge on the Knights offense in the second half. 54th minute and the shot was just wide. I'm sure the Starblaydi fans were wondering how the Knights were able to penetrate they're defense.

F: Well, I think the key was the tiki-taka passing from the midfield to the forwards. David Schultz-Eklund and Sasha Krause both generated a lot of the momentum to get Olsen and Dietmar Öztürk forward into striking range. Just nothing was coming to them early. But here in the 78th minute, the Knights struck and pulled the match even.

W: And we've seen this plenty of times before off of corner kicks. Krause, the corner master on this team, launches a long lob where only Olsen can get it. Olsen normally stands about 5 yards off the far post, and the ball sailed right to him where he smashed home the header to pull the game even. The defense did a magnificent job at holding off the Starblaydi attack to force extra time.

F: And in extra time, the Knights subbed out primarily their defensive players. Backs Metin Feik and Thomas Quentin for Hans Sordet and Urban Weneger. Later on in extra time, subbing out midfielder Steve Park for Kurt Helton. My guess with that one was manager Benoit Howard was playing for penalties and wanted some of his strongest penalty takers out there.

W: Indeed, and the game would eventually end in a tie and onto the penalty shootout. Starblaydia were first up with striker Kintz. He struck that ball beautifully past keeper Jenson Paulson, Blades up, 1-0. Now up walks Olsen, confident and unrelenting. He has to go up against the formidable wall that was Jhan Progowski. Such a veteran wouldn't be fooled by fancy moves one would assume.

F: No, and Olsen chose his target well, the top left corner of the net and just out of Jhan's reach. Knights tie it up, 1-1. Then on comes the other striker from Starblaydia, Le Vine. He strolls up to the ball and leisurely places it past the diving Paulson, 2-1. It is worth noting that Paulson dove to the correct side, but didn't get a hand on the ball. Next up for the Knights, the current Golden Ball winner in the SFA, Dietmar Öztürk. Öztürk, a lefty, you'd assume that he'd strike it to the right side of the net. Well, Dacil thought so too, but Öztürk drilled it left and Saugeais tied it back again. Stephen Duemiscuran was next in line for the Blades, and looked like he struck the ball great on his run up, but instead his shot sailed high over the right corner of the net, and Saugeais had a chance to take the lead!

W: Since Dan Nagato, the other forward for Saugeais, isn't that great a penalty shooter, Howard went with Kurt Helton next. Helton, a star midfielder at Arçon, delivered his shot with a lot of power, but unfortunately not very good placement, as it sailed to the left. The Blades brought out Celesta Pana next, the beautiful female of the bunch. I'm sure Paulson was enthralled by her, but knew there was a job to be done. But he didn't. She delivers the ball to the back of the net and Starblaydia is back on top. Sasha Krause took the shot next for Saugeais, and managed to squeak it by the keeper's gloves to the right side of the net. All square at 3-3. The last of the initial 5 penalties for Starblaydia was taken by Kyle Munroe. More of a defensive midfielder and an assister to Kintz and Le Vine, he's not the strong striker type. Nevertheless he ran up to take the shot, but only managed a blooter easily stopped by Paulson. This gave Saugeais the chance it needed.

W: The final Saugeais penalty taker was, well, the forgone Dan Nagato. He is a forward after all, and to use him now turned out to be the greatest idea by Benoit Howard. Nagato shot left, Dacil also dove left. The ball seemed to ricochet off of Jhan's gloves, but then again off of the inside of the post and into the net. Nagato scores, and Saugeais moves on in the tournament!

F: It is worth mentioning that in Saugeais's other pre-season friendly against Darmen, where the Knights defeated them 3-1, Nagato scored a goal almost carbon-copy what this last penalty was like, except he did it on the run instead of standing still. Not to take away from this momentous occasion that I'm sure will be downplayed in tomorrow's speech by Mr. Howard, but this is a great day for Saugeais football fans everywhere.

W: Now we look ahead to the World Cup qualifying stages and Saugeais has, once again, been given a good looking draw. The question remains, however is will they make it out to the Finals this time around? Drawn into Group 10, the Knights will have to face off against the likes of Dorian and Sonya, Khytenna, and Unitoplis in the battle for the top two most precious spots in the group.

F: I can see the Knights pulling off some miracles this year, especially against Khytenna. They aren't fielding that strong of a team this year, and I hope to see the Knights take advantage both times they play them. That being said, Dorian and Sonya will top the group, followed by Saugeais, who will move on to the World Cup Finals. It's interesting to note that manager Benoit Howard's slogan for last Cup go-around was "Destiny". He claimed it was the Knights's time last cycle, and it almost was. Save for a few second half collapses, the Knights could have easily walked into the Finals. Now, Mr. Howard has given the motto "Full Time or No Time", and in his words said, "If you don't play all out for 90 minutes, you won't have a spot on this team next year." Ultimately motivating stuff.

W: Well, unfortuantely that's all the time we have check out our blogs for other sports stories not covered here. We talk about the Rangers making the playoffs of the World Baseball Classic and the state of college football and how Bugny A&M should be the number team in the world.

F: So until next time, I'm Frank Harrison, he's Walter Kovak, and you just listened to "Sports Talk." Good night everyone.

by **Michael VII** » Mon Oct 24, 2011 9:38 pm

MICHAEL VII FOOTBALL

Well it wasn't pretty, but Michael VII come off the friendlies with 2 draws and a loss!

Michael VII 0 - 4 Khytenna
Michael VII 1 - 1 Arcatea
Michael VII 2 - 2 Cosumar

Well, this year was a very different year. Devils Stadium didn't have the home opener, or even scheduled to have the home closer, instead it was there for the match after the home opener, one where Michael VII would take on a seemingly unstoppable Cosumar team right? Wrong, well partially. We didn't beat them, but dang did we come close against the World's 13th best team! C'mon, a 2-2 effort is always great and this is definitely a morale boost! After a huge thrashing at the hands of Kytenna, where we didn't even score, we came back to an equally sour tie with Arcatea before somehow turning out against Cosumar for 140,000 fans to witness a great game in Devils Stadium. We must have the luck of FC Jagoza United who never seem to lose at Devils Stadium, and this experienced team has proven its capabilities in playing high ranked teams. Still we've got Bears Armed coming up soon, but we should at least have a high morale after this match, a thrilling match from start to finish that both teams led at some point making it a crowd spectacle...But then again, this is just the happy part of it, let's go over the horrors of Khytenna...

Were we jetlagged, poisoned, or just useless against Khytenna? We doubt we were poisoned seeing as the players were so energetic throughout the night, and probably weren't jetlagged due to what we just said, so chances are we just got hung up about their ranking and chose not to play. Khytenna played a great game and essentially was a warm up game for them seeing as they were up 3-0 after 15 minutes and their subs were starting to roll on by 50 minutes when we were no longer remotely a worry for the Khytennans. Khytenna starved us of the ball retaining possession and quickly took it back before we even noticed that we had it, it wasn't a very good defensive effort nor was it Merryweather's best game in the goal. But we didn't play too badly, we were just outplayed by the better team on the day, and came off with battlewounds that screamed 4-0 to a saddened and tired Michael VII team and public. Khytenna scored in the 5th, 8th and 12th minutes before adding another one in the 43rd following the sending off of Michael VII captain Carlos Belk. Somehow we held them off for the rest and were just waiting for the final whistle to blow so that we could leave and prepare for the match against Arcatea. 4-0 Khytenna.

Coming into Pyramid Stadium, we at least were hopeful that we'd avoid losing to Arcatea, a team that somehow has a lower ranking than even us...Sadly, the fans weren't given a win, but at least were given a draw, thanks to a last minute goal from supersub Jason Call who quite truly went beyond the CALL of duty. Funnily enough, due to his man of the match performance he was given a copy of the newly made game, Call of Duty: Nazi Zombies in Black Ops missions in Vietnam. So, Arcatea scored a stunner from a corner in the 82nd minute putting our fans on the edges of their seats as they were ready to leave saddened following a loss at home to a lower ranked team, albeit a team that came ready to play. But in the 93rd minute was the moment of truth as Jason Call weaved through the Arcatean defense to smack one in from 50 feet to even the scores with the crowd erupting into a now raucous manner, completely contrasting the silence that had taken the crowd as they fell behind 1-0 11 minutes prior. Following this goal, the ref signaled full time, with Arcatea nearly pulling off an upset that is surely a morale booster for them and Michael VII managing to come away with a 1-1 draw without their captain. At least Belk returned for the match against Cosumar, where the conspiracy theorists already think that Cosumar were only playing their second team to prepare for World Cup qualifying.

And finally, the highlight of the pre-qualifying friendlies! Surprisingly this wasn't the lowlight as Michael VII managed to get a draw off of Cosumar who are currently ranked 13th in the KPB rankings, who are the highest team we have ever played. After last years shock 2-1 win over Cosumar's territory Sarrbia, we took charge in this match to refuse to allow Cosumar the psychological advantage that they have the right to have due to their high ranking, and Michael VII came up with a stunning 2-2 draw in Devils Stadium that left all the fans happy as they saw a great game of football! Michael VII scored the early goal to go up 1-0, in which Belk got his redemption by scoring in the 18th minute to get all the fans out of their seats and erupt into a crazy measurement on the decibel scale and made the game all the more exciting. Cosumar hit back later with two consecutive second half goals, one in the 59th minute and the second to put them in the lead, in the 75th minute. By this time, people thought it was game set and match to Cosumar as they figured that Michael VII wouldn't be able to comeback against one of the world's best teams. Only the players truly believed in themselves, but the fans only believed when Michael VII's own Scott Leister putting one in the back of the net from a BEAUTIFUL strike to equalise the game, now with the score at 2-2 with little over 10 minutes remaining. Following that Bryan Merriweather played fantastically to secure the draw as Michael VII held off for an emphatic draw that really puts morale up high before their first match against an already proven to be powerful Arcatea at Waterside Stadium...

Michael VII are still huge underdogs in the race for the World Cup spots, but at least they have a chance regardless of how small that chance is. Michael VII are playing some strong football, and in the eternal scheme of things, that's all that matters! Khytenna was a low point, but its all goods now as we expect to come up with a win in Matchday One! That's all from Michael VII Football, lets see you all at Waterside tomorrow for the big clash against Arcatea!

GO MICHAEL VII!

by **Ipeland** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:38 am

Ipeland Independent Sport Still only 1/2 QI

Kalumba defeat Ipeland in warm up friendly
Morale still high in training camp, however
By Ipeland Independent's sport correspondant, Dewey Nades

Ipeland's only warm up friendly of the World Cup 57 ended in a 2-1 defeat last night against 78th ranked Kalumba. Kevin Texan scored the only goal of the game for Ipeland on the 31st minute with a shot into the top corner. Kevin Davis scored both Kalumba goals on the 48th and 78th minute. Ipeland's manger, Prudence Steele, told the press, "not to downgrade Ipeland's chances of qualifying because Kalumba are a high ranked team."

It was a tough game, and we only narrowly lost. Morale is still high in the camp though

Kevin Texan, Ipeland striker

Ipeland next match is the first qualifying match of World Cup 57. They're against 88th ranked Nitrome Island.

Squad to play Nitrome (4-4-2)
GK: House Sparrow Fogherty
A surprise entry into the squad. At only 19 years of age, he is young but he definately is talented, winning the golden glove last season in the Superleague. This is his second international, his first being in the BoF44.

RB: Thed Fresting
Solid Right back. Made over 400 appearances for his club, Walkden. At 28 years of age he still has a bit of life left in him

CB: Ling Geller
Another surprise entry. At 35 years old this is probably his last ever round of internationals. Still solid as a rock

CB: David Silverman
No surprise here, as David Silverman is the best Center back in Ipeland. Goes in for tackles and almost always get them right.

LB: Blauird Monery
The hardest name to pronounce in the squad (Blow-ired Moner-ee), and the shortest man, at 1.59m. Part time footballer, also works as bricklayer

LM: Ping Marshall
Nippy winger. Capable of good crossing and dodging defenders. Most assists in the Superleague last season.

CM: Gavin Pettarson
Hard working center mid. Runs up and down the field attacking and defending throughout.

CM: Sadas Mosti
Lower league Center mid. 24 years old

RM: Kiefer Sutherland Wallace
Solid Midfielder. Emigrated from 19th Century Beards when he was 3. Signed for Salfordon United aged 14 and was the youngest ever player to play in the Superleague at just 15.

ST: Stuart Holden
Striker. On same team as Kevin Texan, and they work well together, scores a couple of times too.

ST: Kevin Texan
Scoring striker. Has won the Superleague Golden Boot 4 times in a row and still only 22.

Will we win. Short answer: No. Long answer: Probably not.

Other sports news:
Ipeland B football team secure 3rd place in Republic Cup: Page 2
Domestic football results: Page 3-5
Ipeland team prepare for Beach Cup V: Page 6

by **New Montreal States** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 2:46 am

SHINY, GOLDEN OPENER FOR PALADINS

States fly through final pre-qualifer tune-up

NEW MONTREAL - It's good to be back.

117,684 fans crowded the newest renovation of the Paladin Dome to watch the first-ever home game of the newly reconstituted NMS Paladins, to conclude one thing and one thing alone: it's been far too long. Fans and players alike were delighted at the return of international football to the historic Dome, a New Montreal landmark since it's inauguration at the start of World Cup 10.

What they saw was a side prepped and ready for the spotlight, turning in solid performances in all parts of the field on their way to a 2-0 victory over The Weegies. The victory was followed by the presentation of a Shiny Golden Triceratops Statue to the Paladins at midfield, representative of the fact that both these nations go way, way back into the dark ages of international football.

"This statue is f**king awesome," said starting center striker Ed, the first-ever single-named player to make the Paladins' roster. "When I was 4, I wanted to be a triceratops when I grew up. The unit on DNA in my high school biology class ruined that dream forever. This is the next best thing."

Ed played a major role in making that dream come true.

With a feisty Weegies side coming on strong after the initial kickoff, Fabrice Archer interposed himself on the right side. Claiming an errant pass, he tipped it up to André Vaillancourt-Bosquet, the star of the side in the Draggonnii Inviyyattii. He kept up that form with a perfectly timed pass to Ed that let him spring an offsides trap and get an open shot on the right half of the net. Weegies keeper Svenberd Yotirssen was powerless to stop Ed's shot from finding the top right corner, and after a hectic 16 minutes of play the Paladins suddenly found themselves with a lead. More importantly, Archer and Vaillancourt-Bosquet found themselves a rhythm.

The NMS ground passing game, the bread and butter of a 2-6-2, came alive. Craig Kennedy and Chase McDougall began distributing the ball better, and Ed and Denny Roy began making runs at The Weegies' back line. The Weegies back four repelled most of them, but the Paladins were able to keep possession in The Weegies' half of the field after scoring their first goal. That much possession and continual testing will eventually find a gap, and Denny Roy was able to shake his marker and put the ball in net at an angle that Yotirssen just couldn't reach.

"We agreed by a 6-2 margin that this kind of play will be critical if we're to have any shot at advancing from our group," said the panel of eight faceless Ministry of Morale bureaucrats who are managing this side when we asked them about the sustained ground attack that led to Denny Roy's goal. "One of us wanted to table the measure for further discussion, and one of us thought that losing would challenge the spirit but enrich the soul and ultimately bring us all closer to the love of God."

The second half was confused and choppy, as both sides cycled in subs to see what their second strings were capable of. Cory Taylor can re-energize a backfield and will be able to step in should there be an injury. Bob Filon, however, looks every bit of his 36 years, struggling to keep pace after ten minutes in play and barely making it to the end of the match despite being put in at 58".

That is why they're the second team, after all, and it's unreasonable to expect them to have perfect chemistry with the mix of starters and subs on the field. Only Mr. Taylor's inspired play in the back after coming on at the half kept The Weegies from climbing back into contention. As it was, they made a half of it, with Thor Briggamundson and Gunnar Ralph picking holes in the Paladins' midfield with clever passing, as Filon and Lucien Jones-Mercier failed to integrate themselves with the starting unit and found themselves consistently on the back foot defensively. Jones-Mercier's problems will at least decrease with time and experience; Filon's will not. It's understandable that the panel would put Filon out there, given that he holds assist and midfielder goalscoring records for CF Valdemont, no slouches they. If he had anything left, it would have been a terrific way to change momentum towards the end of the second half. But Filon has lost two steps and is just too much of a liability on defense.

That said, this result certainly gives ground for cautious optimism entering into the first few qualifiers.

by **Khytenna** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 3:46 am

Khytenna win all friendlies in preparation for Qualifiers

Khytenna Won each of their freindles with fantastic style and skill, the only worry comming from their last against Gyatso-kai where a last minute Goal won the game for the Boys in Black, over all the team and fan's are know i great moral for the qualifiers.

here are the Goal by Goal reports for each freindly:

Stachland : 1
Zeelowe 30th

Khytenna: 3
Pellett 21st
Firestone 44th
Blaylock 50th

Khytenna where in total control of the game, only making one mistake in the game (which let Stachland score a goal) the 3 forwards on the pitch proving hard work for the Stachland defence that where overwhelmed at times by the forwards that proved to be devastating to Stachland.

Khytenna's first goal came from clever use of one touch football in the opponents penalty box. Lini Pellett rush down the the outside of pitch and pass the ball to Thorne whilst rushing in to the box, Thorne passed to Firestone, who passed to Carmichael, the forwards where moving inside the box and passed the ball around until Pellett rushed of his marker to get the ball slotted it passed the keeper, Great team work, skill and patience to pull of that trick.

Stachland got the surprising second goal (and something positive they should take from this game) it came from a Free kick outside the penalty box it was taken by Wolszan and crossed over towards the far left post, it looked to be going wide but an unmarked Zeelowe managed to get a foot on to ball and taped into the goal, Keeper Culyer shouted at his defence asking the question, where was his mark? The home Crowed went wild as Zeelowe celebrated his goal.

Khytenna managed to get ahead before half time thanks to some brilliance by Firestone who ran up on Silver deep in his half and tackled the ball of him, with no support and silver on his tail Firestone shifted gears to break away from him and then chipped the keeper for the second goal, Firestone will definitely be a major player in the Qualification Campaign.

The last goal of the game Came from Blaylock, it was a simple cross from Jolin that found the jumping head of Lyle Blaylock, putting it was the keep and scoring the goal the put the game away. game Ended 3-1 to Khytenna.

Khytenna : 4
Evelyn 5th
Hytan 8th, 43rd (pen)
Ringwood 12th

Michael VII :0

Michael VII was simply annihilated by Khytenna in the first half, how they managed to not let a single goal in in the second goal is unknown but Khytenna gave them a good trashing.

the first goal came in the 5th minute of the half, Evelyn was way outside the box before deciding to take a long shot, it went straight pased the keeper and set the tone on the match, Evelyn looked surprised that he could get a goal that far out.

the second from Hytan who was unmarked on the edge of the box and ran in totally unopposed to head in a Evelyn cross one 3 minutes after the last goal, Hytan posistioning was fantastic and it was a great goal.

The third goal came in the 15th minute from the ageing and soon to be retired Ringwood, he ran the ball in from wide and managed to get past the defence and powered home a scorcher of a goal, the man still has some skill left in his age.

Hytan scored the last goal of half and the game thanks to a penalty given in the 43rd minute (one which saw Michael VII captain Carlos Belk sent off) he put it staight down the middle and the young twenty year old get his second.

Somehow Micheal VII managed to hold of the Khytenna attack with their keeper pulling of a fantastic save to deny Firestone getting a goal and making it 5-0, game ended 4 nil to Khytenna.

Gyatso-kai : 2
Ngo 11th
Wakahisa 20th

Khytenna : 3
Rusek 49th, 61st, 70th

Khytenna pulled the win out of the bag against Gyatso-ka last night thanks to a hat trick by Rusek in the second half which made up for the embarrassment in the first.

Ngo got the home team their first goal, he was outside the box looking to pass the ball, noticing the keeper was of his line, he chipped the ball, Troy stumbled and the goal was scored, some may argue that Dunstan got a foot on it trying to clear the ball, but Ngo claimed the goal and he was accredited to it.

Wakahisa was in the right place at the right time for his goal, Bralor crossed the ball in deep, a little to deep and the ball looked to be going in, it ricocheted of the top post but fell to the waiting Wakahisa, he chested the ball and booted it past Troy to score Gyatso-ka second goal.

Khytenna managed to hold of the attack for the second half but went in to the dressing room at half time needing to find another 3 goals to win. one man would give Khytenna those goals, and that man was Kurt Rusek.

4 minutes in to the second half, Rusek drilled home a ball from outside the box to make the game 2-1, the shot was low and went was the defence into the bottom right corner, the keeper stretched but didn't reach the ball, Khytenna where back in the game.

Rusek equalised the scores in the 61st minute Evelyn crossed in a corner kick which was headed towards goal by Firestone, Keeper Nishimura pushed it wide but Rusek pounced and volleyed the ball home for his second of the game, Khytenna amazingly drew level, much to the dismay of the Gyatso-ka.

Kusek attacked as a preditor again for his third goal to win the game for Khytenna, the forwards rushed a stretched Gyatso-ka, Kusek found himself once again in front a loose ball after Keogh-Green powered a ball to goal which hit the post, but Rusek broke free of his marker to head home the ball, he got his hat-trick and Khytenna took the lead.

the game ended 3-2 to Khytenna, keeping their unbeaten record for the friendlies.

Khytenna also announced today the squad to play Iphmopf in their first game.

the surprise choice was Leo Hay in goal (but with Troy complaining about a knee problem, Hay was a good choice) Hay plays his football in the second league, but his talent has been demonstaed. Also young Bowman also making a start in defence, but was we said before he was due a start.

Khytenna will be looking to show their weight in gold tonight, and with the stadium full and the players raring to go, the next game will be something to watch.

the team to play Iphmopf is as followed:

GK 13. Leo Hay ( 23 Portside fc)
RB 3. james Ursua (25 Blue bay)
LB Oliver Testerman ( 24 Dunboor FC, Cafundeu)
DC 23. Brian Bowman (21 Blue bay)
DC 17. Nelson Bohannan(26 Alterdamm Merchants, Gray harbour)
RM 7. Casey Thorne (capt) (27 Central FC)(capt)
LM 16.Trever Evelyn (22 Keltyme Foresters)
CM 8. Kurk Rusek (25 King’s District Athletic)
CM 4. John Carmichael (21 Central FC)
FW 9. Fergal Firestone (21 blue bay)
FW 20. Lyle Blaylock (22 Kings’s District Athletic)

by **Jeruselem** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 5:19 am

Princess Sofia Michelle Dallas and former player Sharnee Bellpepper (aka "Peppers")

Sofia: Hello everyone, it's that time again.
Peppers: Err, yes.
Sofia: World Cup time. Support Jeruselem and Jeru FC of course.
Peppers: Yes, yes.
Sofia: We all need a song to support our teams. Jeru FC don't need one, they just need lots of beer.
Peppers: Lots of it.
Sofia: So, at my own expense I did it myself since we could find any decent songs around here.
Peppers: How come.
Sofia: I don't know, no one in Jeruselem seems to write songs about football.
Peppers: Really?
Sofia: So, I did one myself. Of course I got professionals help since I have no idea.
Peppers: I didn't any singing.
Sofia: Well, you can't sing.
Peppers: Oh yes.
Sofia: So, I saw this video called California Gurls ... and thought, we could make our own version.
Peppers: So what's our version called?
Sofia: Duh, Jeruselem Gurls of course. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it.
Peppers: Yes
Sofia: It's our official song for the Jeruselem World Cup campaign.
Peppers: I'm in the video.
Sofia: I do most of the singing.
Peppers: I do some dancing.
Sofia: Anyway, enjoy Jeruselem Gurls. You'll recognise a few people in the video.
Peppers: Sofia looks a bit like Katy Perry.
Sofia: Not really but anyway. Support our team and vote for my video so I can get the number spot on the video hits chart too.
Peppers: Everything is competition with you.
Sofia: No space for losers in Jeruselem Peppers.
Peppers: We lost to them Dagans though.
Sofia: Well, not to worry - we'll do better next Pink Cup game.

by **Kernansquillec** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 5:20 am

FOOTBALL4KERS

GOOD WIN, LEAKY DEFENCE
Kernansquillec started their World Cup campaign off with a comfortable 4-2 away win against Miley World in Madrid. Many changes were made to the team as the manager looked to test all of his players prior to the competitive games kicking off against Eastern European Nations. A brace from Kai Holmes in the first half, a long range volley from Adam Lilac and a Grosventre tap in sealed the game for Kernansquillec despite two goals eighter side of the break by Miley World who despite being ranked 216th played bravely but couldn't hold up the Green and White machine that is looking at qualifing for the World Cup for the first time.

Hector Walker, Edward Campbell and Peter Rolland were all drafted into the starting XI with many more players on the bench expected to make an apperance with Chappell Robert taking advantidge of the friendly rules where their is a 7 change limit and not the 3 change limit there is during the World Cup. Miley World named an unchanged XI to play the world number 57. 52,124 fans lined the stadium including 9,978 travelling fans who had made the trip to get a good look at the Green Stalions before the start of the World Cup.

Kernansquillec looked to impose themselves on the game from the start with Lilac putting Chris Robinson under a lot of pressure and beating him with ease. Unfortuantly his crossing was below par and allowed the other defenders to clear the ball. Peter Rolland went close when he got thought the defence but the assistant referee waving the offside flag despite their being hints of onside. After Campbell headed a sitter over from Lilac's corner it was realy looking as if it was only a matter of time until one of the Kernansquillecans broke the deadlock. And indeed after Jones's goalkick met the head of Roseby the ball fell to Fernando Matignon in the Untamed Robots' half. A beautiful diagonal ball to the opposite wing was hit first time by Lilac and the edge of the 18 yard box. 32 year old Bradley Jones got a hand to it pushing the ball on the post but Kai Holmes reacted quickest to tap in from 7 yards, sending the nine thousand Kernansquillecan fans in the mad shouting and noisy banging.

After that first goal Holmes found his mojo again (not that he'd lost it to start off with) and just 6 minutes after that opener he curled a perfect shot from the left corner of the 18 yard box with his right foot past the Robots' keeper who was unable to get near the effort. 2-0 and the Green Stalions were good value for their lead.

Chappell Robert made his first change of the game with Rémy Francoeur on for Wagbo Harold in central midfield. Kernansquillec went into a more conservative mode passing the ball around, happy to keep hold of it. However on a rare Miley World break the Kernansquillecan back four were unable to stop Grégory Dedieu heading in Ross Wallace's cross from 10 yards, clawing one back for the underdogs and bring the first half to a close at 2-1 to the Kers.

The Kers' coach made three further changes at the break with Alex Glover, Thomas Kiki and Xarles Cressac on for Hector Walker, Fernando Matignon, and Rory Roseby. The Green Eleven went out on the pitch looking to extend their lead but they almost conceaded a shock equaliser as Conor Downing rocket from the edge of the penalty area hit the underside of the crossbar before Dedieu somehow knocked the rebound wide from just 12 yards. The Kernansquillecans were woken up by that and despite the home fans singing something about the Green Stalions, Being Sick and how Kernansquillecan Girls get pregnant they soon silenced them with a wondergoal by Adam Lilac. About 30 yards from goal Cressac headed a ball down towards Lilac. The winger must have seen the goalkeeper was off his line and hit it on the half-volley. Bradley Jones was to late to get back into position and the brilliant effort went in going down as one of the best goals ever to be scored by a Kernansquillecan player.

But yet again Miley World refused to let the Kernansquillecans enjoy a 2 goal lead and around the hour mark Flamengo center-back Alex headed in from a corner to bring the score to 3-2. Chappell Robert made his final three changes to his side with Lilac, Holmes and Rolland being replaced by Wyatt, Grosventre and Iqbal with Francoeur moving up front and Iqbal going in his place in midfield. The Green and Whites were confortable for the rest of the game creating many chances and at the death they found the net again. Peter Rolland had his shot from inside the area saved spectaculary by Jones. But his defence were too hesitant is clearing and after a few half clearances the ball fell to substitute Grosventre who placed the ball into the bottom right corner.

MILEY WORLD 2 - 4 KERNANSQUILLEC

Dedieu 40' Alex 62' ~ Holmes 28' 34' Lilac 56' Grosventre 90'

NEXT UP: EASTERN EUROPEAN NATIONS
So the real matches start this evening and Kernansquillec have no right to fail to get the three points in their opening game. At Football Park, in front of a sell-out home crowd, and playing against a team that isn't even ranked on the official stats. Any slip up would be considered a massive failure even if the Europeans are expected to chuck everything they have at the Kers.

After a succesful game against Miley World, Eastern European Nations should pose around the same level of threat. As long as the defence are a bit tighter this time around it should be three points on the table for the Kers.

Chappell Robert is expected to name the following lineup: Larivière - Glover, Dunn, Boursier, Connor - Lilac, Matignon, Harold, Roseby - Holmes, Suutari-Jääskö. There are no ingury reports or suspensions so it's looking all good for the Green and Whites who will be looking to make an early mark on Group 1.

Tonight also sees group rivals Jeruselem take on the other unranked team in the group, Homelands our. Armorgames, an other team that will be chasing Kernansquillec play Ponoka while Princess Béatrice Island take on Seunem. Group favorites Kazzoria have a bye.

FANCY STUFF

All the info you n00by fans need.

W 4-2 (Fr.): at. Miley World (Holmes [2], Lilac, Grosventre)
25/10: vs. Eastern European Nations (UR)
----------
26/10: at. Seunem (191st)
27/10: vs. Armorgames (89th)
28/10: vs. Jeruselem (31st)
29/10: at. Homelands our (UR)
30/10: vs. Ponoka (294th)
31/10: at. Princess Béatrice Island (134th)
1/11: vs. Kazzoria (18th)
3/11 (Fr.): at. Darmen (92nd)
4/11: at. Eastern European Nations (UR)
5/11: vs. Seunem (191st)
6/11: at. Armorgames (89th)
7/11: at. Jeruselem (31st)
8/11: vs. Homelands our (UR)
9/11: at. Ponoka (294th)
10/11: vs. Princess Béatrice Island (134th)
11/11: at. Kazzoria (18th)
13/11 (Fr.): vs. Erathore (32nd)

#  Group 1                   P  W  D  L  GF  GA  GD  PTS
1. Kazzoria                  0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
2. Jeruselem                 0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
3. Kernansquillec            0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
4. Armorgames                0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
5. Princess Béatrice Island  0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
6. Seunem                    0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
7. Ponoka                    0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
8. Eastern European Nations  0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0
9. Homelands our             0  0  0  0  0   0   0   0

by **Cassadaigua** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:04 am

Britt’s Law:
Case 1: Predicting Things

I’m Brittany Lawton, and welcome to Britt’s Law: The official World Cup 57 blog for the Cassadagan soccer team that I hope will be a little different then what you have become accustomed too over the years when it comes to our media releases; both to all of our loyal fans out there, and anyone else who should happen to be bored and go web browsing, and end up on this page.

For my first case, I take you to the art of the prediction. Chances are if you have been looking for World Cup stories in these last few days before qualifying you have found yourselves reading over many different predictions from various news sources. While looking at those, you may wonder: What goes into making a successful World Cup prediction. Fear not, as I will take you through this simple three-step process.

Step 1: Overhype your group.

This is really important, because right away you want to make people think that every game is going to be very meaningful and you’ll have to tune in to all of them. Since we return to the twenty group format for this qualifying campaign, you can ideally make the case that no team has it easy, not even mighty Valanora or The Babbage Islands. Who’s to say that one of these mega-giants won’t finish 2nd in their group, and then have to be paired up with another giant in the playoff round. Next thing you know, the country with all of that history is in the Cup of Harmony. Don’t forget who the reigning Cup of Harmony champion is. Hint: They’re a co-host.

Step 2: Be aware of your team’s ranking position in relation to the opponents.

This is important because it sets up the critical step three which is where we’ll make some predictions. Every team has a rank, so you want to be able to sort them by that rank for an idea for who the computers tell us are the best teams and the worst teams in the world.

Step 3: Start predicting, in accordance to those ranks.

Since upsets never happen, and games always go according to plan, you can now easily predict the results for each group stage game. Top seeds, of course, will always and without prejudice, always defeat the bottom seeds. Middle seeds, will lose to the top seeds, and defeat the bottom seeds, but perhaps get a draw at home against the team is the seed or two above them. A team like Cassadaigua, for example will, in all certainty, defeat the bottom of the 6 teams in the group by using this logic. Sorry Darmen, Bettia, Nicole Scherzinger, Camwood, Hippostania, and Arsenolia; but you will all apparently be six easy points for us. The third seed (Taeshan), will lose to us here, but draw us in Taeshan. The second seed (Swartaz), will split with us. Rinse, lather, and repeat this train of thought with each team in the group and you have now come up with an amazing group prediction. Since the games will all go according to plan, and that much is indisputable, you will look smart right now. If you are feeling extra-adventurous, you can do this for all twenty groups!

Conclusion:

So, why don’t I make a prediction? Because predictions are silly. The games are unpredictable. Seed 1 can lose to seed 9 at home and then rout seed 2 on the road. This is why we play the games out there on the field. Any of the 9 teams in our group can qualify for the World Cup if they can somehow find that magic and chemistry that you need to be successful in sports. Any of the nine other teams in this group can beat us, and we as a team need to be ready for that. You see, in Cassadaigua, we pride ourselves on not taking anyone lightly. Arsenolia can come in here and beat us if we do, just like any of these others. That is why makes World Cup qualifying great. Ultimately, the goal for everyone is to qualify for the World Cup Proper in a nation that views Franz Braddock as a hero. Just getting there is an adventure. There are no gimmies. There are 180 teams, and it’s time to play. The 30 teams that join the co-hosts will not get there because they had a nice ranking. They will get there because they had heart. Desire. Dedication. And the burning fire to succeed.

Are you ready?

I hope so, because all of us on team Cassadaigua are!

by **Tamarindia** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:13 am

Only 30Fg – Can you afford not to?

Your favourite Tamarindian sports newspaper brings you all the goals, all the action, all the controversies and only the best verified facts from The Tamarins first ever World Cup qualifying tournament, with award-winning sports writers, award-winning analysis, award-winning award ceremony after show parties and of course investigative journalist Saturnino Serrano, hot on the trail of all the most salacious rumours with only the most tenuous connections to the World Cup.

Qualifying Preview
Who are the teams coming to play in Misión? Can we expect any non-human participants at Estadio del Sol? What chance our Golden Generation of Tamarins, fresh from their title bout in Qazox? Where in the name of the hairy river dolphin is Dance 2 Revolution? Only your favourite Pigskin will give you the full lowdown on qualifying Group 2, and weigh up the chances of a trip to the greatest show in the multiverse, World Cup 57 (excluding the Festival of Liars up in Timador, of course).

Exclusive Serialisation
The much-talked about official biography, Just Call Me Masvidal, will be in all good bookshops by the Festival of The Shortest Day and we're all itching to get the inside line on our legendary striker. Can't hang on for the Shortest Day? The Pigskin will save you the wait, with an exclusive serialisation of what is sure to be the year's best seller, if not the decade. And author Konrad Esparza, who has gotten closer to Masvidal than anyone ever has, will be offering his commentary exclusively for us, too.

Match reports and more
Already bashed about by the reigning world champions in a pre-qualifying friendly, and with two qualifying games against the world number five, it's sure to be a tough campaign for the Great Yellow Curtain. Haven't got a subscription to IRC satellite coverage? Can't make head nor tail of Chirper? Don't miss a single pass, freekick or penalty right here with your favourite Pigskin. And remember...

Only 30Fg – Can you afford not to?

by **Southern Cynocephali** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:23 am

It seems as if fans have flocked from across the nation to the capital as the team prepares for their first qualifying match for World Cup 57 tonight. The streets of Indica were abuzz with excitement yesterday as visitors hailing from La Maddelena to Port Milne (and everywhere in between) gave the city a carnival atmosphere on the eve of the first clash of the group stage at Waspcroft Stadium.

Les Cynos go into the tournament with a hell of a lot more expectation on them than they did last time, mainly from some of the more vocal elements of the local press - I'm especially looking at you guys at the Lilter Telegraph. You have been after Ramolino since day one, and you have been especially bitter after he repeatedly showed you to be wrong and performing better than expected. The first campaign was better than we could have hoped for; third in the Baptism of Fire⁴³, third in our group stage last time around (narrowly missing a playoff chance) and third in Cup of Harmony⁴⁸. The youngesters also showed that the string of third places was no fluke (and that we are the, err.. bridesmaid's bridesmaid?) by picking up third place at the Di Bradini Cup¹⁹.

The squad is largely the same as last time around, but Schweiss has moved into Ramolino's new five man midfield, with Kneip the one losing out from the reduced four man to three man defence. To be honest, I'm not sure about the new formation and hope that Ramolino is prepared to change it up if need be. The new formation seemed to work alright in the two friendlies; a 2-0 loss to Kagdazka and Pazhujebu and a 3-2 victory over Abcdefghijklmnopqrstuk. Whilst not stellar performances the team performed competently, especially given that Ramolino gave the majority of the squad a run in at least one of the matches.

I expect we will again see the usual suspects leading Les Cynos throughout the campaign; Arron Yuill will be ever-present in goal as usual, and Mercier will look to continue his strong form from club level. Zezima and Reidenbach should be solid as usual in midfield, but lookout especially for Deangelo Cleo Barrasa. Having announced a large money transfer from Port Milne to Vincanto just recently, the former SCCPL Player of the Year will be keen to show he was deserving of the move. Coming off some excellent club form, where he took his team to the title, I have a feeling we are about to see something to remember from Cleo Barrasa.

So, do we have a chance? Well, this time around we are the third seed in our group, which means we should at least be challenging for that second place position. I know my mates have been talking how it would be good to get one over group favourites and fellow Rushmoris, Cotdelapoms, who are the last team we face in the group each time around. But we all admit that the key matches will be against Akbarabad. If we can somehow come away with four points from our two encounters we will be well on our way to second spot.

So, the rest is easy right? Wrong. Our group, whilst certainly no 'group of death' (perhaps Group Rushmore? see below), does have some very capable teams who will only be too happy to take the three points off us. All I have to say is remember the first match of the last campaign? Let me remind you. Matchday one, last qualifying cycle, same venue here in Indica. Fresh off third place in the BoF, Les Cynos came out and played like, well, absolute shit. Ninety minutes later and we'd lost 2-1, dropped three points that would have seen us qualify. Who did we play? Savski Venac, who had been ranked 354th at the time. I certainly hope the team has learnt not to look at the number next to their opposition and concentrate on doing the job on the pitch.

With all due respect to our vanquishers from Savski Venac, the teams in our group this time around are of a higher quality but then again our lads have garnered a whole bunch of experience since then. In addition five of our group opponents are Rushmori; Bleak Rock, Seleucius, Carmadin, Welebecer and the previously mentioned Cotdelapoms. This should provide fans with some interesting matches, and has the extra advantage of meaning shorter flights for all our travelling fans. So there really is no excuse to not hit the road and turn up to at least one other game in the region - except maybe Bleak Rock, I haven't seen any tourists brochures but whoever named it certainly wasn't concerned with attracting visitors.

The rest of our group is rounded out with teams representing Stuffed Taxidermists and Zhevalsso-zhevalsso. The former is very closely ranked with Les Cynos, and both home and away fixtures should be cracking matches. And the latter, Zhevalsso-zhevalsso? Well, that is why we are here! The match is sold out, but you may be able to find a few local entrepreneurs who can help you out at the stadium. I hope to see you all there, you know where I will be!

- TMIB12

by **Kalumba** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:30 am

The Herald

Report by Bruce Mtwetwe

Kalumba make a poor start to World Cup with scabby friendly win over Ipeland.

Kalumba defeated the low ranked Ipeland 2-1 after falling behind in the first half and struggling desperatley to regain their composure and form. In the end a second half brace from Kevin Davis put the game beyond the challengers and the Kalumban Tortoise regained a little bit of face. However the challenge of beating much higher ranked teams in the group and avenging our last defeat against Les Cynos seem to be even greater and Kalumban qualification to the World Cup proper seems unlikely now.

The game began well for Kalumba as the midfield made a bright start controlling the ball and playing deep inside the Ipeland half. However their defence stood strong and prevented a Kalumban breakthrough in the first ten minutes. On the eleventh minute Peter Kurtz picked the ball up from Cheeter and played a sumptuous cross-field ball into the path of Abouto, who struck a fierce effort goalwards but sadly it was straight down the keepers throat.

The ease with which Kalumba had controlled the opening exchanges made the team complacent and Ipeland sensed a weakness in our midfield and ruthlessley exploited it. Davis was dispossesed in the middle of the park and Roberts lunged in with a foolish tackle, which would probably brought a booking in a competative match, and the wuickly taken free kick found a gap between the centre backs and Texan raced through. One on one with Ottbourne he exucuted a marvellous driven shot into the top corner. 31 minutes played and Kalumba were reeling. Losing the ball from the subsequent kick-off Kalumba almost conceded a second as Ipeland raced through, only a strong hand from Ottbourne stopped us falling two behind before half time.

Manager Davies was apoplectic on the touchline and what he said, or shouted, at half time did the trick as Kalumba came out looking much more up for the game. The sunstitution of the ineffective Roberts for Ben Rowlatt also seemed to change the way we were playing. Instead of the silky passing moves we were trying in the first Rowlatt dominated a physical midfield battle and forced our players forward. But it was a claasic build up which led to our goal in the 48th minute.

Ottbourne gathered from an Ipeland through ball and hurled it out to Abouto on halfway. A quick one-two with Cheeter and he was away down the line. Beating the Monery at left back he swung a searching ball in to the far post, where Kevin Davis was waiting and powered the header past the Ipeland keeper to level the scores.

Back in the game and Kalumba took off. The once contested midfield became a one sided battle and Kalumba were by far having the best of it. Crunching tackles from Rowlatt also seemed to subdue the Ipeland players, but perhaps were not in the spirit of the game. However this control led to many chances but most of these were wasted. Only a bullet drive from Cheeter threatened the goal and richoched off the cross bar.

But with 71 minutes gone Kalumba finished the game. Rowlatt hoofed the ball forward to Davis, who took it down on his chest and made a sharp turn. He then scuffed his shot which caused the keeper to dive and the defenders to turn their backs on him, he nipped forward and wellied the ball into the empty net. 2-1 game over.

While not happy with the performance Davies at least knows our star striker is performing, 'Super Terry' Ottbourne is still amongst the world's best keepers. So bring on the World Cup!

ISideWith UK · by **Eastfield Lodge** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 7:53 am

EL Online: Sports Center

Your one stop for legal sports news on the web. By the people, for the people.

Usual MSMT for Eastfield Lodge.

Article by Steven Smith, Football Editor-in-Chief

Well, the ELFA thought it would be a good idea to enter the MSMT for a what probably is the fourth or fifth time. And yet again, they were proven wrong. The MSMt draw took place merely hours before the MSMT kickoff, and what we all failed to realise was that we'd be facing one of the big four no matter what the draw. As it happened, we ended up facing Delaclava, a team whom we beat 2-1 in the recent Draggonnii Inviyattii on the way to reaching 5th place. So it should have been a close match, right?

Wrong. As it happened, we ended up losing in spectacular fashion. 4-1, to be precise. What happened was that the EL team just couldn't gel together enough to beat Delaclava, with forward three of Castillo, Ayala and De Braden tearing the defence apart like a machine gun in a tissue factory. Ayala opened the scoring ten minutes into the match after winning the ball from a hapless Dimitar Klitschko, whose age now seems to be rapidly catching up to him, before curling it past the fingertips of the flying Dennis Wood. The lead was then doubled on the half-hour mark when De Braden picked up Pacheco's searching clearance and bounced it in off the post. Three minutes later Castillo added his name to the scoresheet with a superbly taken free kick. After half time however, things all changed. Thomas Graham scored three minutes into the second half after running past three players before firing hard and low to beat keeper Graham Torres. This morale boost didn't last, as Calvin Pope sacrificed himself to take out both Graham and Qwivotic, with the result being that both Graham and Qwivotic had to be stretchered off while Pope got a standing ovation from the Delaclava fans as he walked off the pitch. Despite being down to ten men, Castillo's substitution for Magnani enabled the Delaclav team to go defensive and prevent any realistic attacks from the EL players. The final nail was hammered home by Ayala in the 68th minute for his second of the match.

This heavy defeat is a real eye-opener for Vladimir O'Shea, whose job now seems to be on the line after his statement of qualification certainty. With two more friendlies left for EL before the actual qualification marathon, O'Shea really needs some good results to boost morale, especially against Silver Beach.

Super sub loses the day.
Article by Giovefran Trangal (Fan); Edited by Timothy Jingle (Football Editor)

Hello readers; this I believe (or more correctly, I hope) will be the first non editor-written article about football that you'll be reading on this site, although it definitely won't be the last. Anyways, I'm reporting the "friendly" (more like vengeance match) between Eastfield Lodge and Qazox, so here goes nothing.

First and foremost, the EL team couldn't field a full strength squad, with Roman Qwivotic out until next week with a groin strain and Graham not fit enough to play in this one after suffering concussion in the last match (or so I here). And so the front three consisted of Rebecca Murray in the center with Hadia Ahmad and Robert Andrews on the flanks. Vlad's biggest mistake however was to leave Klitschko in the starting line-up after the quadcentenarian's hellishly bad performance against Delaclava in the MSMT last week.

The first half went against all expectations as the EL team kept Qazox hemmed in inside their own half, and began to run rampage through the midfield. In terms of shots, Qazox only had 1 shot on target in the first half, which was captain Iona Laughlin who forced a decent save by Dennis Wood at his near post. But at the other end, there were seven shots on target from the EL strikers, with some of the closest being a point blank header by Thomas O'Henly and a double save by Jessica Stone, first from Thomas O'Henly's 25 yard strike and then the rebounded shot from Rebecca Murray. The EL team would rue their chances though, as Qazox manager Thomas Holtz brought on youngsters Ashley Mansfield and Sean Yarbourgh, who revitalised the Qazox team's tempo and this led to 3 goals for Qazox, and it was captain Iona Laughlin who stole the victory with two goals in seven minutes; Doreen Dobbs wrapped things up with a penalty in the 87th minute to make it 3-0. Overall, a near perfect first half, a dismal second half. Not good prospects for the Silver Beach rival match.

Major improvement sees off rivals.
Article by Stefan Inhutre (Fan), Edited by Steven Smith (Football Editor-in-Chief)

Finally, a win. And not only a win, but a win against bitter rivals Silver Beach. I can't believe how bad we've been since the DI, but we might just have turned it around in time for the qualifiers. With Thomas Graham back and seemingly firing on all cylinders, which is what he said to reporters a few hours before kick-off. And fired up he was.

To start the match off, the EL team went on an all out attacking spree, with Thomas Graham scoring inside the first minute after being brilliantly put through by George Alexson. Rebecca Murray then added to the scoreline 15 minutes into the match with a deft chip over hapless Silverian keeper Cameron Tabanou, who steadily became more hapless when in first half stoppage time he ran out to meet Rebecca Murray, who had beaten the last defender, and tripped her up in an attempt to get the ball. The resulting penalty was smashed through Tabanou's legs by Thomas Graham for his second of the game. Jacob Jenkins restored some parity to the scoreline in the second half when he headed home Lionel Lushinski's deflected cross, only to see himself subbed off and the lead restored to three goals by Thomas O'Henly, using his superb acrobatic skills to power home Joseph Givens' mis-hit clearance. Parity was once more partially restored by captain Sean Johnson in the 72nd minute, curling home a beautiful free kick. He was then taken off and five minutes later, Thomas Graham scored an even more beautiful free kick to get his hat-trick and to take the score to 5-2, where it stayed. Now, we'll need to pull that off against Triimoria to get off on a good start.

Team to play Triimoria: Starting XI (4-4-2)

Goal Tally WC57Q:
Thomas Graham: 4
Rebecca Murray: 1
Thomas O'Henly: 1

by **The Babbage Islands** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:23 am

Another World Cup is here, and again I'm away from the centre of things. But not for so long this time. Physically I'm in Aeropag at the first World Games getting ready to compete for The Babbage Islands in chess boxing. The triplets are staying with big sister Andrea, and Richard will join me later in the Games after he's done with his latest Church business. And no, I haven't lost my mind. I'm a much stronger chess player than the trained boxers, and I've had a chance to spar and train with some of the top Cafundelese chess boxers during my many years in Lasft. My strategy is all-out defence during the boxing rounds and my normal aggressive style in the chess rounds. Lately I've been playing the Trompowsky a lot as White, the Scandinavian, Leningrad Dutch, and Symmetrical English as Black.

But enough chess boxing, this is a football blog. It's a good time for a general overview with a bye day to open the Bumblebee calendar. In no particular order, here are the stories that look most intriguing in the coming weeks:

The rising generation. Six of the 11 Babbage starters in this Cup are 25 or younger, and only two are past 30. Natalia Karven and Katja Mira have high profiles from their presence in Cafundeu, and Nancy Svoboda is the latest in a distinguished family to excel at the beautiful game. Yet there are three young men also starting who may be every bit the equals of these three well-known women. Tristan St-Pierre was quite sound on the wings as a World Cup 56 reserve, and his move to Belgium for this past season has greatly increased his attacking prowess. Midfielder Liang Zhengbing should complement Natalia nicely in the crucial swing roles in central midfield. And 21-year-old Saturnino Valle Barajas is the latest no-nonsense centre-back in the grand tradition of Jerry Kirkpatrick and Ronald Dennis.

Belgium FC. Kirsten and Chip Woods are extraordinary at making the most of opportunities. After signing Arna-Maggra o Wirrenne as manager and picking up five Bears Armed standouts she touted, then snatching St-Pierre in the transfer market, Belgium were re-established as the power to beat in the premiership. But the Woods are never content to stand pat. When Emperor Michael of Newmanistan stunned the world by bringing their professional sport programmes to an end, both Chip and Kirsten caught the next One Big Airline flight out of town. They came back with Nancy Svoboda signed to an eight-year deal and, of all people, pitcher Courtney Keisler signed to a football contract. Courtney is the daughter of Jeremy McAllister, Jr., the great Newmanistan striker who finished his club career for the Woods. She's a gamble, with no professional football experience. But her ability to find the net has been vetted by some top pros I've talked to, and it's no secret that Jeremy went back-and-forth with her mother Stacey Keisler about baseball-vs-football. We live in interesting times.

Michelle Germaine's future. This will be the pride of Delaclava's fourth campaign with the Bumblebees, a fairly long tenure in top-level world football. I would not be surprised to see her move on after this Cup, win or lose. I would also not be surprised to see her in the World Cup Hall of Fame some day. She received a great programme from Ganz Ijak, and she has at the very least maintained its excellence when many suggested there was almost no place to go but down. I see two goals for Michelle in this cycle: Win the Cup, and beat Sorthern Northland. And the second may be the more pressing! By the way, if Michelle appears to be leaving expect Cathy Trillium at FFB to talk to Arna-Maggra at Belgium. That's my tip of the day.

Smile!

by **Crotunda** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 8:54 am

World Cup qualifying begins today with Crotunda playing the team from Osarius on the road. It is expected that we will lose but maybe thhe excitement of the first international game can trump the difference in rank. It is a historic day and will be remebered forever here regardless of the outcome!

by **Tamarindia** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 9:16 am

Only 30Fg – Can you afford not to?

From a Baptism of Fire to A Sacrifice in Corcaigh
Sorthern Northland 6-0 Tamarindia

Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and what it tells us is that playing a warm-up match against the reigning double world champions before the start of World Cup qualifying is not a good way to bolster team spirit, especially if this is your first ever campaign. Of course, as a way of measuring your progress, it might be more useful, and what coach Maicon Sampaio has learned from this embarrassing defeat will no doubt be invaluable. If a little bleak. For a start, the Baptism of Fire is a long way off the quality of the World Cup. And for that matter, already long in the memory. That glorious night in Qazox City, that triumph over the covert Candelarasians of Seunem, Hannibal's header – all gone now. The reality is, we are still an upstart fledgling in this game, and the Champions were happy to give us a bloody nose.

A full house at the Páirc Uí Rinn in Corcaigh was already in party mode before the game even kicked off, as the partisan celtic crowd came along to see off their heroes for a tilt at an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup crown, and the feeling that Tamarindia were there to play their part as sacrificial lamb before a venture was palpable. The Tamarins duly played that part with noteworthy commitment, slaughtered at the altar of the Northlands with little in the way of resistance. The Great Yellow Curtain of the Tamarindian defence was distinctly average, not to mention fully open, and Otto Moscoso, man of the tournament for the Tamarins in the Baptism of Fire, had a nightmare as the Sortherners cut through time and again, sharing the six goals between five players in a humiliating display of magnanimity between team-mates. Would you like to score now, Ellisha? No, no, I've had my turn, but I believe Harley is looking for a goal. Harley, over to you?

And so on. A record defeat, and at the end of it, as the players shook hands and Masvidal slapped a few Sortherner backs a little too hard for comfort, the reality of qualifying from a group with The Babbage Islands - the world number 5 - in it must've hit home. It's going to be a long and possibly winding road to the World Cup in Cafundéu and Sarzonia, and almost certainly a road on which the Tamarins will fall by the wayside. Already, it seems, we are playing for pride.

Qualifying Preview
But let us not despair just yet. Perhaps at the end of this article. But first, ought we not to look at the group, as if it were the map of that long and winding road, and see if we can't pick a route to the finals? Wherein lies the hope?

Perhaps we should look back further than the glorious Baptism of Fire, to that little adventure in Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, now immortalised in song by our most famous poet, musician, drunk and liar Francisco Vasquez García. The Draggonnii Inviyatti was a watershed tournament for the Tamarins, a first tilt at some of the big guns in world football, and we did remarkably well to reach the final and grab runners-up medals. Along the way, extraordinary wins over former world champions Dorian & Sonya, over powerhouses North Chicanan and Civil Citizenry, and a semi-final win over five-times world champion Starblaydia must provide a foundation to work from. Only a narrow defeat to Sarzonia, and that a magnificent performance in which the Tamarins were desperately unlucky, denied Tamarindia it's first senior trophy. The Baptism of Fire put that right soon after.

So it should not be all doom and gloom. If The Babbage Islands have eighteen off-days in their worst season of international football on record, and every team meeting them produces a world class performance far beyond expectation, they might, just might, finish second. Alright then, the Babbalonians are through. The fight is for second place and a play-off birth. Three other teams rank higher than Tamarindia. One, Stachland, looks determined to turn in the regular performances that will earn them a place in the World Cup finals, while the other two look to be banking on their status alone. But that could all change with just one or two decent efforts. If the Tamarins are to snatch the play-off place – and it's a long shot, longer than Masvidal's long shot, longer than Masvidal's durability, longer even than his... well, it's pretty unlikely, but look no further than Stachland as the team to wrest it from.

In tomorrow's edition

Konrad Esparza on his biography of the nation's favourite player.

Only 30Fg – Can you afford not to?

by **Nicole Scherzinger** » Tue Oct 25, 2011 9:40 am

Nicole Scherzinger storms the Realm of Soccer
The Queen's Headlines
October 25

The time has arrived. Twenty-two players from the Queendom of Nicole Scherzinger will now try to fight their way through the World Cup Qualifying Stage. Who stands in their way? Just eight other nations, who will pose big challenges. First, let's start with the history of the team.

Nicole Scherzinger's Soccer team, dubbed the "Lady Bears," recently entered the 44th Baptism of Fire. Not only was it their first time as a team together, it was also the nation's first international soccer tournament. They entered group play as total unknowns. Announcers and coaches scratched their heads when they saw the Nicole Scherzinger team take the pitch. Their team had to play against women. Of course, that didn't stop them from being aggressive. Every player on the field wanted the win, and so sometimes the men on the opposite team would push a player down on Nicole Scherzinger's team. Of course, they ended up with quite a few yellow cards. Group play finished with Nicole Scherzinger coming out undefeated and the top ranked team in the whole Mangolana field. A clean record of 6-0 drew them with a first round bye in the knockout stage, and an automatic quarterfinal berth. In the Quarterfinals, Nicole Scherzinger played Gyatso-kai, who they narrowly beat in added extra time. In the semi's, the Lady Bears faced Mapletish, who they lost to in a dramatic 0-1 game. However, the Lady Bears came back home proud. They finished 7-1 in the Baptism of Fire, a feat that no other team from the nation has ever done.

Then, the World Cup had one less obstacle in front of it. With the Baptism of Fire over, it was time for some pre-qualifying friendlies. Nicole Scherzinger offered to play Thatius, a nation from the same region. The match has been called the "Balkan Champions Bowl" after Thatius took out the Lady Bears in another close match, 1-0. Later in friendlies, Nicole Scherzinger will face the team from Miley World, in what is predicted to be an epic match-up.

And then the qualifying stage. Nicole Scherzinger drew a tough group, with Cassadaigua, Swartaz, Taeshan, and Darmen all in the mix. Nicole Scherzinger ranks sixth in the whole group, and will have to provide quite a few upsets in order to get to the actual World Cup. Today, the Lady Bears open at Bettia, in what will be a grueling, yet exciting match. A win for the Lady Bears would put them in the winning spirit again, and hopefully carry through to their resulting games.

World Cup 57 - Cafundéu & Sarzonia - RP thread

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