Baptism of Fire 45 Rosters/RP/Scores Thread (IC)

by **Swalenia** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:42 am

Team Hotel, Kagdazka & Pazjhebu

(This RP is set in a room in the team hotel. William Turner (Goalkeeper) has opted to share a room with Striker (Robbie Cook) & his girlfriend. Will, is 38 and highly intelligent, and Robbie is 25, rambunctious, and ahead of himself)

Will- "Oh God, so many Stairs!, they just keep going!" Will walked up the stairs in the hotel to the 14th floor. "Almost there...Oh Crap....keys....I hope Robbie's in. But not with his Girlfriend, which he seems to do more of than actually train." He reached the dull brown door with 103 on it in cheap plastic numbers. He knocked on the door and waited.

Robbie- He sat on the end of the bed, rubbing his eyes. He swore he'd never sleep that long again. His brain felt like chunky soup. He could use some chunky soup. But not too many chunks. Suddenly, there was a crack of wood. Or maybe it was a knock at the door. Ohhhhhhhh God.... He stood up in his T-Shirt and boxers. He clutched his hip Ouch... he thought. He stumbled through the bedroom and approached the door. Another crash of wood. Shussssh!. He opened the door to Will, wearing his stylish clothes as usual. He motioned him to come in

Will- "Miscreate" thought Will, but said "Get some clothes on, we've got training in 40 minutes"

Robbie- "Yep, alright" he walked over to his messy suitcase on the chair in the corner and pulled out his training kit.

Will- "Unwashed" he thought

Robbie- You're training as well, you get changed"

Will- "Yes, I'm doing that" He walked over to the wardrobe and took out a coat-hanger. He neatly took off his training kit and put it on. He watched with laughter as Robbie struggled with a tangled wire around his track-suit leg. He looked like a baby monkey.

Robbie- "Damn this wire! How'd it get round my trouser leg"

Will- :palm:

Robbie- "Okay, I'm done. Let's go down to the bar and get ourselves some energy drink"

Will- "Yep, got your boots?"

Robbie- "Yessssss...

Will- "Good, last one down there's paying!"

They started running down the stairs, leaving the door open and the lights on. Robbie's girlfriend stood in the corner of the room, wearing her bath robe.

Jane- "Hm"

by **Armed Bears** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:21 pm

The team from Armed Bears arrived in Kagdazka and Pazhujebu a full two weeks before the date for which their first game there is scheduled, in the hope that this will let them acclimatise successfully. Now, with that match only a day and a half ahead, they have been given the day off from exercise and football practice to relax. Harrya o Herrchaum is reading a history of the ‘Baptism of Fire’, but suddenly she stops…

“Urrgah!”

“Hwhat is it, Harrya?”

“Read this page, Marra, and then tell me that I’m not imagining things: According to the book, we’ve already competed in one of these tournaments before, years ago, even though you and I both know that this is definitely the Belles’ verrry first entry into an international competition…”

“You’re in the woods…” *

“No, seriously! Look, it says here, Bears Armed: That is how our country’s name translates into English, hrright?”

“Ayyuh, it is. Seriously? Hokay, pass that book over here…”

(Harrya passes the book to Marra.)

“Urrgah!”

“Hwell?”

“Ayyuh, you were right, that must be us it’s talking about…. But how, hwhy?”

(Marra turns the page…)

“Ur’rmm…!”

“Ah?”

“Not only that, but we seem to have won it. And on the next page there’s a roster, let’s see…
“Hr’rmm…”

“Us, for true?”

“Almost us, indeed. The authors list almost all of the same players whom we’ve brought here, this year, for true! Although it’s got me down as playing as a Forward, and ‘Honey’ as the Centre Half instead of the other way around as is hrreally the case…
“Hwhere did you get this book from, anyhows?”

“A bookshop at one of the airports where we had to change planes on our way here.”

“Hr’rmm. And they couldn’t have known that we’d have been going there, and prepared this book as a practical joke of some kind, because the route was only settled a couple of days before we set out and that wouldn’t have left enough time for producing the thing.
“Hweird!”

“Hweird indeed, for true. So, hwat do you think we should do about this,,, if anything?”

“Speak with the liaison official whom our hosts have “attached” to us for the duration, maybeso?”

“Ayyuh, that makes sense.”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

(OOC: * That's a literal translation of the phrase from Ursine into English: A more colloquial literal translation would be "You're shitting me..." .)

by **Hutt River** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:31 pm

Jack Stafford sat down at his desk. His office had been plastered with Hutt River flags and symbols, as well as football related things. His desk, however looked as boring as usual, one small flag perched on a toothpick and a photo of his family. And of course, the morning newspaper, written in Welsh, and only Welsh. He picked it up and read the front page, then flipped over to the sports section. The story in the sidebar is the one which he read more closely;

Afon Hutt wedi cael eu tynnu i mewn grŵp anodd i mewn i'r BOF yn tynnu ddoe yn Astograth. Maent wedi cael eu tynnu i mewn i Grŵp B, sydd wedi dewis gosod nhw mewn Kagdazka a Pazhujebu, gwlad yn Atlantian Ynysoedd y De, er nad ydym yn sicr beth ddinas rydym mewn ar hyn o bryd.

Aelodau o Hutt Afon grwp yn cynnwys: Yesopalitha, yn genedl sydd â hanes chwaraeon eithaf da eisoes, ar ôl ennill y, Cwpan Oxen Eirth Arfog, mae tîm "sy'n cynnwys yn bennaf o eirth anthropomorffig", sy'n defnyddio system calendr rhyfedd hollol wahanol i'r Gregori, a Actaris, mae tîm y mae ei chwaraewyr ni fydd enwau yn hysbys.

Gydag arbenigwyr betio dweud y gallai Hutt Afon gymwys ar gyfer y rownd nesaf ar ôl brwydr anodd, y cyfan y gallwn ei wneud yn cael eu hannog gan chwifio baneri ein. DEWCH AR NI!!

Feeling disinterested in the rest of the sport, he flipped to the politics section, where in a small box in the bottom right corner of the page, there was an interesting headline which made Jack peer more closely at the bottom right corner;

Cymorth ar gyfer annibyniaeth lawn yn codi i 54%

Intrigued, he read on;

Mae arolwg barn a gynhaliwyd yr wythnos hon wedi dangos cefnogaeth ar gyfer annibyniaeth lawn wedi cynyddu'n sylweddol ers yn gynharach eleni. Mae'r arolwg yn dangos 54% o blaid annibyniaeth lawn, dwbl y canran o fis Ionawr yn pleidleisio. Arbenigwyr yn dweud y gall y twrnameintiau pêl-droed sy'n digwydd wedi saethu i fyny cenedlaetholgar balchder, ac yn disgwyl y ganran i fynd yn ôl i lawr i lefel ei fod yn arferol, sef tua 33%. PM Jack Stafford wedi dweud y bydd refferendwm ar annibyniaeth llawn ddod yn ystod ei dymor 5 mlynedd, a gall hyn yn rhoi hwb i'r ymgyrchoedd.

Jack sat back deep in thought. After 10 minutes, he had decided. It was crazy, it was probably dangerous, but who cares about that stuff, he had firmly decided on it. He reached over to the phone on his desk and said to his PA,

"Tell THEM to come in here, I have something to discuss with THEM."

by **Stockton-on-Tees** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:46 pm

Stockholm-on-Tees National Football Team

The SOTFA has announced it's entry to to the 45th BoF. It is comprised of 18 players, from the National Pool of 120. Because of the size of the nation. The size of Stockholm, on the river tees in the north of England. The people of the family is made up of three families, the Johansens, the Stürmbergs and the Larsens.

Goalkeeper: Stephen Johansen

Left Defender: David Johansen
Central Defender: Michael Stürmberg
Right Defender: James Johansen

Left Midfielder: John Larsen
Central Midfielder: William Johansen
Right Midfielder: Harry Stürmberg

Left Striker: Ollie Larsen
Central Striker: Calvin Stürmberg
Right Striker: Kevin Stürmberg

Subs

Goalkeeper: Jacob Johansen
Defender: Tim Larsen
Defender: Peter Stürmberg
Midfielder: Freddie Stürmberg
Midfielder: George Larsen
Striker: Alexander Johansen
Striker: Nicholas Larsen

Style: +3
Formation: 4-3-3

by **Ancharmunn** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 3:36 pm

Ancharmunn national football team

Number, name, age, position, club. Persons marked with a * are Aelsh.
Goalkeepers
1: Stephen Nightingale, 28 y/o, Sorthern Rovers
13: Aidan O'Connor, 28 y/o, Clotariens
23: Neal Lynch, 23, Goidelic

Defenders
2: Grace Tyler, 25 y/o, right back, Sorthern Rovers
12: Richard Byrne, 26 y/o, right back, Rimsyleanus Red Star
3: Gary Purcell, 24 y/o, left back, Ballymairead Dynamos
22: Luke Jones, 25 y/o, left back, Seersha County *
5: Jakob Guðsteinsson, 26 y/o, centre back, Atlético Cabañas
6: Paul Durkan, 26 y/o, centre back, Goidelic
15: Finnbarr Ó hArrachtain, 24 y/o, centre back, Sorthern Rovers
16: John Tierney, 25 y/o, centre back, Seersha County

Midfielders
7: Lee Moore, 29 y/o, right wing, Goidelic
17: Derek Crawford, 22 y/o, right wing, Caernankry City
11: Harriet Francine Ji Zavia Georgia Fahmida Adamina Billie Mattie Jess Gilberta Luisa Waddington, 22 y/o, left wing, Sorthern Rovers
21: Alan McDonnell, 20 y/o, left wing, Clotariens
4: Giovanni Núñez, central midfield, 26 y/o, Atlético Cabañas
8: Tiarnán Ó Beolláin, 26 y/o, central midfield, Sorthern Rovers [captain]
14: Maurice Doyle, 25 y/o, defensive midfield, Unattached
18: Simon Bradley, 21 y/o, attacking midfield, Goidelic

Forwards
9: Evan Keogh, 23 y/o, Goidelic
10: Yann Quéméner, 22 y/o, Atlético Cabañas
19: Tighearnán Ó Brosnacháin, 19 y/o, Atlético Cabañas
20: Rhodri Hywel-Jones, 25 y/o, Dinas Drefhil *

Numbers 1-11 are the preferred starting line up, with the formation being a 4-4-2. We're revolutionary like that.

Coaching staff:

Manager: Paul Andrew, 49 y/o
Assistant manager: Aled Evans, 45 y/o *
Coach: Gareth Hywel-Jones, 36 y/o *
Kitwoman/tea lady: Margareth O'Cluan, 53 y/o

Kits
Home/change

RP permissions
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Choose my goalscorers Yes
Godmod scoring events If you want
RP injuries to my players Yes
Godmod injuries to my players Go on!
Hand out yellow cards to my players Yes!
Hand out red cards to my players Yes!
Godmod other events OH YES!

by **West Angola** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 3:40 pm

Luke Parrish was in awe of Astograth. The nation continued to stun him everywhere he looked. The opulence and wealth of the inhabitants was obvious everywhere he looked. He remembered when West Angola's cities had looked like this, but the economy had crashed a few days after August II had ascended to the throne. Those had been hard days, Luke had nearly been forced to sell his club team to raise money. His beloved team, the East End Strikers, which he owned, managed,and captained, were the love of his life.

In the end, he was thankful that he hadn't sold them, as they had played the game of their lives in the club finals against the Central Lightning, winning 4-2. Peter Warren had attended the game on his tour to recruit talent for the National Team, and had approached Parrish immediately after the game and offered a contract to both him and Phillip Garren, the team's keeper. Events had unfolded in a blur after that, and here he was. A chiming clock snapped Parrish out of his reverie, and he hurriedly checked his watch: it was 7:45 Astograth time. Cursing, Parrish broke into a sprint. Warren had set the curfew at 8PM to ensure the team would be well-rested for their first international appearance in two years. No one wanted another Qatar.

From his upstairs hotel window, Peter Warren sighed with relief as he saw Parrish blow into the lobby at 7:57. Parrish was without a doubt the team's best goal-scorer, he'd blasted 3 in the club finals against Central, and had set a record for the league in his final year with 15 in the eight games he'd played. He would be one of the most important parts of the team tomorrow against Herenia, in a game they desperately needed to win. Not just for the pride of the team, that of course was important, but for the country, August was counting on them.

by **Oliveland** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:03 pm

Garitzeta is all dressed in Yellow

The city of Garitzeta on the nation of Astograth has welcomed the commitive of the People's Republic of Oliveland who will play, later today, on the Letatzadur Stadium his first ever international game, agaist Stvoto Latoli.

"We can't wait for the kick-off, everyone is realy expecting a great match tonight, we're already celebrating like we've won the cup." says a Mongoose fan [OOC: Oliveland's supporter]
"The city of Garitzeta is actualy quite happy to host the biggest game on the opening match from this group, everyone is enjoying it as much as they can, and no incidents with the fans has happend so far. I think this will probably be the best edition of the Baptism of Fire!" says a local resident.

Letatzadur Stadium is already painted in yellow and red, a sign that the Mongoose Fans are clearly in larger numbers than the opposite side. Can they help the team snatch their first victory on the tournament? Stay tunned for the updates after the game.

Expected first eleven for tonight's match:
GK:Ebraquim Hilton;
LW:Manzaru Piriquit
CD:R. Lemur
CD:Jackson Carlitos
RW:Sapugaru
MD:Saskatchun
MC:Gargantun Jr.
MC:Gargantun Sr. (Captain)
LFW:J. Olive
RFW:H. Olaria
S:Gicant Exton

by **Astograth** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:58 pm

(Please note The Rumiatzi Sentinel is notoriously nationalistic, biased and unreliable. Reader discretion advised.)

Presents: A History Of The World Cup

When we were told the World Cup cycle was getting started, the Sentinel offices were just about to explode in joy after this dreadfully dull period of “Copa Rushmoris” and “Di Bradini Cups”. Then someone reminded us that this only means the Baptism of Fire is kicking off and it'll be some time yet before the qualifiers. Then somebody else reminded us the Baptism of Fire is here in Astograth and we should maybe, you know, report on it or something. “Don't be ridiculous,” we replied, “What honest Astograthian would like to read about some foreigners tearing up our football pitches?”

Nobody wants to know about the Baptism of Fire, that's the thing. But still, it was requested from the sports section that we provide some kind of reading material during this time, and after long hours of meditation and table football it was decided that we produce an in-depth coverage of World Cup history, with the accuracy and neutrality that characterises The Rumiatzi Sentinel. We initially tried to get a monk from the Archregimancy to write it for us, but on one hand we couldn't get through to the Dreamed Realm and on the other, who trusts those guys anyway? So we proudly wrote it ourselves, going on what records have survived across old Astograthian archives, which in some cases are severely burned and in others feature warnings of impending doom scrawled in scarlet ink. Note that those who compare our compendium with that heathen Simeone Di Bradini's Craziness Encouraged will be prosecuted.

Once upon a time, when the world was young and football was played by manly men, the brilliant idea of organising a worldwide competition for national teams arose in the mythical country of Ariddia, and after racking their brains for what must've been an eternity decided to call it the World Cup. The promptly extended an invitation to all the nations of the multiverse, with the first thirty-one nations to accept joining the hosts in playing out the very first edition of what is now the most traditional tournament in the world, with no qualifiers whatsoever. Amongst these first 32 was The Holy Empire of Alasdair Frosticus I, which is the only participant from that World Cup still active today. We at The Rumiatzi Sentinel attribute this to pixie dust.

In what is now known as World Cup 1, the method of scoring was quite different to today's; records are incomplete, but our team of dedicated interns/historians have found vague references to a system of dice. Either way, virtually all we know is that in the final, the nation Crosshill defeated Europa Brittania on penalties after drawing 2-2 in extra-time. The scorers, and even the exact site of the match, is lost to the sands of time. Or perhaps our interns are just stupid, which is probably something we will also never know.

World Cup 2 was hosted in the by the aforementioned Holy Empire. Accounts of the event are also sketchy, but it appears that in bygone days the Dreamed Realm was much easier to access, with most reports making reference to a grand opening ceremony involving artists from all participating nations. To be honest we find this hard to believe, and not just because what we at The Rumiatzi Sentinel have seen of the Dreamed Realm is bland and lifeless. Gold-domed, jewell-encrusted 100,000 capacity stadiums? How quaint. The final was won by Al Quds, defeating Tanah Burung thanks to a 'golden goal', which we suppose means the ball was made from solid gold.

World Cup 3 featured names that repeat themselves quite a bit in these charred pieces of parchment, so we assume they must've been of some importance. The tournament was hosted by Total n Utter Insanity, which would later also host all 21 installments of the old U-21 World Cup, of which the modern Di Bradini Cup is successor. This was the first tournament to feature qualifiers, with 50 entrants being narrowed down to 32 for the finals; in the final itself inaugural champions Crosshill were defeated 2-0 by something called Giant Zucchini. Whether this was actually a nation or a literal humongous vegetable that somehow competed in a World Cup is something The Rumiatzi Sentinel leaves for its readers to decide.

From the fourth World Cup onwards we have much more complete records, our diligent interns even finding some audio tracks from what appear to be television coverage of the matches. Brazillico was the host, and there are references to a ranking and scoring system developed around this time, though possibly also in the previous competition. Anyway, these 'golden goals' persisted, which comes as a bit of a shock as we assumed it was a Holy Empire-exclusive due to the abundance of gold balls. Brazillico must've been a very rich nation indeed, and what strength the players must've had. Anyway, this tournament was the first one entered by the nation of Audioslavia, but more on them later. The surprise finalists of this editions were Jurassica and Dennisov, with the latter winning 2-1 at San Chavez International Stadium. Juan Delantro put Jurassica in front at the start of the second-half, but Dennisov rallied and struck back with a brace from defender Brian Leetch, winning his disappeared nation their only World Cup.

World Cup 5 was the first one to be hosted by two nations, in this case WC2 runner-up Tanah Burung and Al Quds. Or it would've been the first one, but an unknown catastrophy befell Al Quds during the qualifiers, forcing them to withdraw and Tanah Burung to carry on with the tournament on their own, a play-off tournament for fourth-placed teams being organised to decide who would take Al Quds' spot in the finals; this was by Bedistan. Remember that name.
The final was won by World Cup 4 hosts Brazillico, beating Lemmitania 2-0 in the final.

World Cup 6 was also meant to be hosted by two nations, Kingsford and Spaam, but once again were forced to abandon for reasons unclear to us. WC6 was therefore played in Lemmitania, with Brazillico becoming the first team to win a World Cup double after beating Quohog 2-1 in the final. What footage we've recovered isn't very good, but the opener, from Brazillico striker Pinto, has to rank among the best non-Astograthian goals scored at a World Cup, De Jesus sending in a long ball from 40 metres away for the forward to head into the net.
Remember Bedistan? Add Liverpool England to your list of names to hang onto for twenty Cups or so; WC6 was their first showing.

The seventh edition of the World Cup was the first one successfuly co-hosted, this time by Audioslavia and Lemmitania. Its most notable incident was the nation of Errinundera forfeiting a qualifying match against Europa Brittania after it was discovered that Errinunderan equipment was being made from leather - highly illegal in the nation - and not synthetic leather as they had been told. In protest, the Errinunderans refused to play the match, but in the end still qualified for the finals. It was there that they made their way to the final and, in a replay of last tournament's third-place play-off, defeated Spaam on penalties after drawing 1-1. Young striker Méla Sëhelin put Spaam in the lead late into the match, but antarcticad equalised for Errinundera only two minutes later with an accurate header. The decisive penalty came down to Errinunderian star longipesp, doubtless one of the greatest players to have graced the World Cup; she made no mistake and won her nation its only world championship to date.

Right. You remember Liverpool England and Bedistan, right? Good. The best is yet to come, but World Cup 8 in Oglethorpia and Bedistan is when they both demonstrated their true potential. With a nearly unbeaten run, from qualifiers straight up to the final against Bedistan, LE claimed their first of two World Cups, and this wouldn't be the last time they'd face the great Bedistan. The best player of the tournament was definitely Paul Dussis, who scored the majority of LE's goals - including a brace in the 3-1 final score - and immediately after made a big-money transfer to what was then the richest team on the planet: Alan City F.C. of The Belmore Family.

World Cup 9 was a milestone tournament. According to our records, it was the first to introduce a 'RP bonus', which historians generally agree was some kind of pagan offering to a certain Margaret. The historians we bothered asking, at least. It was also the first World Cup to be complemented by the Cup of Harmony - a competition for nations that did not qualify for the finals and that finds its origins in the Frosty Cup organise by Tanah Burung during the previous World Cup. Additionally, Spaamgate took place; East Spaam, a nation heavily under the influence of Spaam, decided to withdraw from the finals, which would make Spaam qualify in their stead. Outraged, the World Cup Committee decided to eject both nations from the competition and give East Spaam's place to Kaze Progressa. As if all this wasn't enough, there were widespread accusations of match-fixing as both hosts, Ravenspire and Europa Brittania, made the final, with the latter team at last winning their first World Cup by defeating their co-hosts 3-1.

World Cup 10 was hosted by One Red Dot and Giant Zucchini, which we can now confirm was indeed a nation and a gigantic vegetable. We bet that doubt's been niggling at the back of your mind since World Cup 3, ha. Anyway, there were more match-fixing allegations as the vegetables reached the final, but nothing was proven and they went away with empty hands as long-time competitors Lemmitania clinched a 2-1 victory, possibly with the help of a figure called Bejeezus. There is currently no consensus as to whether this is the same as the fabled 'Margaret', though there is plenty of room for conjecture.

Well! That's the first ten World Cups summed up quite succinctly, don't you think, dear great reader? Keep an eye out for the rest of this multi-part The Rumiatzi Sentinel extravaganza!

Did you read all that? Really? Well, if you didn't go and do so now. In the meantime I'll be scorinating, because RPs for the Astograth region are henceforth CUT OFF for the day.

by **Astograth** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:05 pm

Astograth Region: Matchday 1 Results

Group F
Lizland 1–0 Ima and Eastern Mae
Ancharmunn 0–1 Vettrera
Oliveland 2–0 Stvoto Latoli

Group F                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Oliveland              1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Lizland                1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
  Vettrera               1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Ancharmunn             1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
  Ima and Eastern Mae    1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Stvoto Latoli          1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group G
Baleyaroh 1–1 Newland-America
Landpolis 0–2 Ocaterra
Bruyn 2–0 French Scandinavia

Group G                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Bruyn                  1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
  Ocaterra               1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
3 Baleyaroh              1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Newland-America        1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
5 French Scandinavia     1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Landpolis              1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group H
Cascratia 2–1 Nifferite
Herenia 0–5 West Angola
Azrael 3–1 Diol

Group H                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 West Angola            1   1  0  0    5   0  +5    3
2 Azrael                 1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Cascratia              1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
4 Nifferite              1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Diol                   1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
6 Herenia                1   0  0  1    0   5  −5    0

Group I
PuertoRico 0–0 Anglegard
Naboompu 0–3 Politik
Kerblaekistan 1–1 19th Century Beards

Group I                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Politik                1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 19th Century Beards    1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  Kerblaekistan          1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
4 Anglegard              1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
  PuertoRico             1   0  1  0    0   0   0    1
6 Naboompu               1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

by **Vettrera** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:29 pm

Vettrera Brings The Heat @ The Baptism of Fire (But Alejandro & Luis Should Be Burned)

www.bleacherz.vtr/headlines

As Vettrera entered into the Baptism of Fire there were many questions surrounding the team, and how the would perform. The main question surprisingly was: "How will Vettrera handle the personality clashes on their team ?" The answer is now in, and despite a good showing in their 1st match, the answer is "poorly". It was obvious to Vettrerans that Alejandro & Luis would have more than a small issue getting to know each-other as teammates. Although some rivalries can't be overlooked, and some arguments are expected; there was no excuse for the way that Vettrera's two "supposedly" powerhouses performed last night. With that said, the rest of the team did a fantastic job, even the substitutes worked hard on defense. In the end the game came down to the one shot of the night performed by Quintavious Harper. The game ended with a score of 1-0, Vettrera winning over Ancharmunn. They are now tied for second in their division as they go to take on the current leader Oliveland. Hopefully Vettrera's egos will get in check before the next match, because there's no way they'll do good with two of their team members not going at 100%.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Standings:

Group F                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Oliveland              1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Lizland                1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
  Vettrera               1   1  0  0    1   0  +1    3
4 Ancharmunn             1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
  Ima and Eastern Mae    1   0  0  1    0   1  −1    0
6 Stvoto Latoli          1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Evolving Predictions (Power Rankings): Courtesy of Bleacherz

1 Oliveland
2 Vettrera
3 Ancharmunn
4 Lizland
5 Ima and Eastern Mae
6 Stvoto Latoli

-Colors mean nothing, just divide top 3 & bottom 3

by **Yesopalitha** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 5:57 pm

Group Draw:
Group B
Actaris
Armed Bears
Yesopalitha
Luziyca
New Holy Roman Empire
Hutt River

Schedule:
Yesopalitha vs Luziyca @ Gelendzhik Stadion in Gelendzhik, Kagdazka
Yesopalitha vs New Holy Roman Empire @ Therakham Velodrama in Mahathu, Pazhujebu
Yesopalitha vs Actaris @ Therakham Velodrama in Mahathu, Pazhujebu
Yesopalitha vs Armed Bears @ Gelendzhik Stadion in Gelendzhik, Kagdazka
Yesopalitha vs Hutt River @ Graha'ajat Stidiyama in Zhevassi, Pazhujebu

The first listed match for any given matchday will be played at Graha'ajat Stidiyama in Zhevassi, Pazhujebu, the second at Therakham Velodrama in Mahathu, Pazhujebu, and the third at Gelendzhik Stadion in Gelendzhik, Kagdazka.

From the Files of Scotty Mitchell, Manager of the Flames for BoF 45

The Manageral Sheet

1. The Competition:

A) Actaris

The government of Actaris has withheld any information of the names of their players, weight, age, height, etc. They are being highly secretive and ambiguous of their team. This is both a good thing and a bad thing for us, the Flames of Yesopalitha. It is a good thing because it means that we will consider them to be the greatest threat, and prepare extensively for anything that they might throw at us; but it is also bad because we don't know any particulars about their style. I look forward to seeing them in person, and understanding how players that come from a dictatorship will fare on the international stage. We play them on matchday three. Should be an interesting day, facing an unknown team on the third, midway match.

B) Armed Bears

Other nations might freak out about Bears playing soccer, but we won't, because well, we are the Unbidden, so we're used to sapient animals. The Bears will be tough to play, for all bears are fit, and they are also pretty big. They won't be a pushover. I reckon them to be one of the teams that we will have to go past in order to make it in the playoffs. We face them on matchday four, by which, this could actually decide the group. Must keep an eye on the Bears. Must.

C) Luziyca

They only published the names of their players and what position they play, so this the first team that we will face is a complete mystery to me. I have been telling my players to just relax, take it easy, and to take whatever they give us on the pitch, but it is annoying to prepare for everything. Half the things, no, two-thirds of the things I am preparing my team for, we won't even have to use. That is so annoying... Oh well, we'll just do the best that we can...

D) New Holy Roman Empire

Even Actaris was better than them. There have been no rosters released, nothing. I have nothing more to say. Matchday 2.

E) Hutt River

They seem very interested in other nations and winning, so we shall keep an eye on the team that we will face the last day of the competition's group stage. Hopefully, we are both still relevant by then.

My prediction: (keeping in mind I have no idea who these people are yet)
1. Armed Bears
2. Yesopalitha
3. Hutt River
4. Luziyca
5. Actaris
6. New Holy Roman Empire.

Notes:

Hilary continues to amaze me. She hit a goal from fifty yards today - fifty yards. If other coaches around the world don't know her by now, they will.

Nadya is so fast, I am sure sometimes that she can outrun a rabbit.

We are all set to go! Bring it on!

by **Kagdazka and Pazhujebu** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:12 pm

And this is your RP cutoff for Matchday One of Kagdazka and Pazhujebu's groups! Just a heads-up to participants that scores may not be up for an hour... I haven't had a chance to read any of your RPs yet and I want to do them justice!

by **Herenia (Ancient)** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 8:17 pm

Rosters
GK: Mateu Xavi
DF: Narcís Guillem
DF: Ragnvald Esbjörn
DF: Ola Robert
DF: Gösta Albin
MF: Herman Mårten
MF: Ingvar Björn CAPTAIN
MF: Lennart Kasper
FW: Waldemar Tryggve
FW: Jarl Klemens
FW: Lucas Marco

Subs
GK: Makena Chiumbo
DF: Kgosi Munashe
DF: Desta Rutendo
MF: Tendai Wasswa
MF: Remigio Silvio
FW: Sofronio Cebrián
FW: Federico Ramón

Manager : Languic Ramond
Rp PErmissions
YES TO ALL!!!

Herenish Footballing Times

Herenia Crush to a 5-0 defeat on Opening Day

Presented To You By Your Footballing Times Commentator,Sammy Lee

So Herenia crush to an embarrassing 5-0 defeat in Astograth,a defeat that have shattered the dreams of many football fans in Herenia and this defeat is going to be a lesson for many fans.With the opening day like a disaster,Herenia is going to have a hard time in their next match.With Herenia sitting last of Group H,it will be a challenge for Herenia to catch up because,even if Herenia got the points,it will be hard for them to catch up due to the goal difference.From my point of view the defeat shows there is a mental breakdown when the Herenish boys play their first international match.
West Angola might be unranked like us,but with this first match victory with such a large score margin,it would have motivate them to play better,it is obvious that Herenia will catch up and finish the Group off..Manager Ramond was pretty calm when he stood there and saw his side get crush to the ground,it really shows that he is coming back stronger and let's hope that is really the case.

In The Dressing Room
Manager Ramond addressed his team the usual way,starting with the match performance."Team you have done well in this defeat,remember to stay consistent,and fight your way in the next match.You guys don't have to be too disappointed with the current state of affairs,I will be there at the sidelines to cheer you on,"said Manager Ramond in his usual tone,filled with a little sense of humour.The captain Björn stood up from his bench and did a brief debrief from his position,before he could start the whole team exclaimed "Basically!!"."Basically..",the whole squad laughed out loudly and laughter could be heard at very single corner of the room.The captain continued his speech,"Basically,you guys have done well and I am pretty glad that everybody is standing up strong,I know that it is very disappointing for some of you but I am sure you guys have came out strong from the defeat and I am expecting you guys to perform better in the next match,a next new challenge,which will be a three pointer match,so guys,let's word hard!!",and the captain closed his speech with an applause and the whole squad followed suit.

Group H
Cascratia 2–1 Nifferite
Herenia 0–5 West Angola
Azrael 3–1 Diol

Group H                Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 West Angola            1   1  0  0    5   0  +5    3
2 Azrael                 1   1  0  0    3   1  +2    3
3 Cascratia              1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
4 Nifferite              1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Diol                   1   0  0  1    1   3  −2    0
6 Herenia                1   0  0  1    0   5  −5    0

My Comments,The Point Of View
Owh,what a neat defeat and we are the only team which have failed to scored a goal,what a disappointment but I believe the team will do well,with a crushing victory next and finish the next 4 matches with a neat 12 points since we left lost 3 today,oh YEAH!

by **Kagdazka and Pazhujebu** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:19 pm

Matchday One Scores, Kagdazka and Pazhujebu Region

Group A
Equestrian States 2–0 Baltskandio
Sjovenia 2–0 Trafalgar
Stockton-on-Tees 1–2 Zona Azul

Group A                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Equestrian States                    1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
  Sjovenia                             1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
3 Zona Azul                            1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
4 Stockton-on-Tees                     1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Baltskandio                          1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
  Trafalgar                            1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group B
Actaris 1–2 Hutt River
Armed Bears 2–0 New Holy Roman Empire
Yesopalitha 2–0 Luziyca

Group B                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Armed Bears                          1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
  Yesopalitha                          1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
3 Hutt River                           1   1  0  0    2   1  +1    3
4 Actaris                              1   0  0  1    1   2  −1    0
5 Luziyca                              1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0
  New Holy Roman Empire                1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group C
The Greater Aryan Race 2–0 Karlada
Ellison Island 2–3 Erikkesh
Swalenia 2–2 Wight

Group C                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Greater Aryan Race               1   1  0  0    2   0  +2    3
2 Erikkesh                             1   1  0  0    3   2  +1    3
3 Swalenia                             1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
  Wight                                1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
5 Ellison Island                       1   0  0  1    2   3  −1    0
6 Karlada                              1   0  0  1    0   2  −2    0

Group D
Switzida 2–2 Byfugland
Numbadon 0–3 Sìgerén
Elmonia 1–1 United Kingdom of the Southwest

Group D                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Sìgerén                              1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
2 Byfugland                            1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
  Switzida                             1   0  1  0    2   2   0    1
4 Elmonia                              1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  United Kingdom of the Southwest      1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
6 Numbadon                             1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

Group E
Oasirica 3–0 Puerto Candelaria
Pelmany 2–5 Überhölichschleissen
Landereien 1–1 The Araucania

Group E                              Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Überhölichschleissen                 1   1  0  0    5   2  +3    3
2 Oasirica                             1   1  0  0    3   0  +3    3
3 Landereien                           1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
  The Araucania                        1   0  1  0    1   1   0    1
5 Pelmany                              1   0  0  1    2   5  −3    0
6 Puerto Candelaria                    1   0  0  1    0   3  −3    0

by **Equestrian States** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:03 pm

The Equestrian Sporting Ponies Network (ESPN)
Rapid Reaction
Equestrian States' National Team Victorious in First International Match

PKETHAT ŠEDE - The Equestrian States' National Soccer Team is off to a good start. A surprisingly sweltering night was the setting of the Equestrian States' 2-0 victory over the totally anonymous Baltskandio. Team captain Fire Dash and midfielder First Dawn scored goals on the unnamed Baltskandio goalkeeper. Avazhughij Arena was unexpectedly packed full of cheering, multi-colored equines who had travelled far to see their nation's best play for the first time.

What this means...
The Equestrian States is currently tied for first in Group A with Sjovenia. Although only one game into the tournament, a previously unknown team has its first win under its belt. This means that less pressure will be on the team in upcoming games, though the team cannot let itself slack-off as they will be playing against Sjovenia next.

What's Next?
The Equestrian States' team will be travelling to Gelendzhik, Kagdazka tonight and will practice tomorrow morning. Later, the team will face the team from Sjovenia. Both teams won their first matches and when asked about what her plans were for the team, Head Coach Twilight Striker said "We just have to come to win everytime, and if everypony does their best, hopefully we'll come out on top."

by **Yesopalitha** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:15 pm

Hilary Vander Rox's Blog Session - 3: After the Game against Luziyca

Welcome to http://www.yesopalithasports.com, where Hilary Vander Rox will answer all your questions about the Baptism of Fire team for an hour every few days! Get on, and ask away! Hilary will pick out questions to answer, live!
Note from the site: Hilary will be with us shortly. You may begin sending in questions now.
1:56 PM

-HVR0037 has joined the blog.
2:00 PM

HVR0037: Hey guys! Hilary Vander Rox, the Captain of the Yesopalitha Flames, here with you. What a day! It was so much fun representing you guys out there. Let's get to your questions!
2:01 PM

HVR0037: Comment from FlamesForever0122: "What a game! You guys played awesome! What a win! Great job!" Thanks, FlamesForever0122. The Luziycans weren't easy to handle, but we did it! I feel accomplished at the moment. It is a great way to kick off this tournament!
2:03 PM

HVR0037: Question from Frankie07: "What did you think of how James did today? Those Luziycan forwards had some nice opportunities throughout the game." Oh, the entire back end played great! Jane did a nice job out there. I know she's my sister and all, but seriously, she made me proud. There was that one time, I think it was like the thirty-second minute, when Petrov Smith had a nice shot on goal. Jane deflected it, and James saved it. It was a great sequence, and one that was repeated throughout the game with Quinn and Ishmael also helping out. The midfielders didn't really have to spend much time playing defense, and we were able to create opportunities to help with the offense!
2:07 PM

HVR0037: Question from WillYouWinEveryGame: "Will you win every game? Who do you think will be your stiffest competition now that the first game has been played? Um... I don't have the crystal ball here. We did see some highlights from the other games, and as predicted, the Bears team will be hard to beat. They're fast, they're strong, and they're focused. Mark that matchday on your calendars. The NHRE, which is the team we face the next match, lost 2-0 to the Bears, so I presume we can win that one if we play it right. Hutt River and Actaris seem to be the rubber teams, and Hutt River beat Actaris by one goal. Actaris still won't release player names, though... Look out for Armed Bears, for certain.
2:12 PM

HVR0037: Comment from NadyaRules: "Let's talk about the goals! What a beauty by the small girl Nadya! She completely left that defender in his tracks and scored!" I know, right? I told you guys that you would know about Nadya pretty soon. She completely murdered poor Alexander by running right by him, and that shot to the left corner of the net from five meters was a beauty. She's going to become a household name, you mark my words.
2:17 PM

HVR0037: Comment from HaleyIsMyHero: "Your goal was the best! The prettiest! You're the best!" Thank you so much, fan! I got lucky, and my teammates passed me the ball at the right time! It was Zolina who crossed the ball to me, and I had a clear shot, so I took it. To be honest, I think that I was lucky on that play, but hey, I'll take it!
2:19 PM

HVR0037: Question from WilsonMadness: "Do you think that the 3-4-3 is the best way to go?" Oh you're back, WilsonMadness, I still have no clue. It was the right alignment against Luziyca's 4-4-2, but who knows what the other teams will come out of? All I know is that we have to be ready to change at a moment's notice, and hopefully make the right adjustment as needed in order to win.
2:22 PM

HVR0037: Question from GoFlames: "Who do you think needs to do better?"I think it was a solid game all around. I think that everyone can improve. We all had moments when we looked lost, and moments when we looked brilliant. Communication issues are still there, but I think as we get more experience in playing with each other that'll go away. We hope to be a well-oiled machine soon.
2:25 PM

HVR0037: Question from MNYF1: "How do you like the country?" Oh, MNYF1... I have to say I love it here. I love traveling, and Kagdazka and Pazhujebu have been so nice to all of us travelers. They are cordial, avid fans of soccer, and very respectful. I enjoy it here.
2:34 PM

Note from the site: No other questions will be accepted.
2:35 PM

HVR0037: Sorry guys. Have to go in a bit. Extra film session with my sister! Comment from NoName: "Nice opening win. Will be watching you." Kinda... Creepy? Thanks?
2:38 PM

HVR0037: Well that is all from me today, folks! Thanks for your support! Watch us through the tournament! Have a great one, and... Perseverantia Saeculorum! Perseverance without end! Bye!
2:39 PM

-HVR0037 has left the blog.
2:40 PM

Thank you for joining Hilary Vander Rox for the online Q/A session at http://www.yesopalithasports.com. Please come back soon for more coverage of Yesopalitha sports!

by **Karlada** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 11:52 pm

The Karladal people back home watched, dissapointed as Karlada lost its first match of the tournament. In a short interview after the game, head coach Fraydar Klosdobal had this to say: "We came into this game a bit unprepared. We faced a very tough opponent, and weren't sure what to expect from this tournament. There are some issues to work out before the next match, but we'll recover from this. We had some great plays today, but could never quite finish. Their keeper had quite a game, making some unbelievable saves. In the end, there was no shame in this loss. This is the kind of match that makes you strive even harder. The boys are hungry, and next time, they'll have their fill!"

8 shots were taken by Karlada, 3 in the first half, 5 in the second.
2 shots by Trena Gorenay, 5 by Helvako Slobeneada, and 1 by Randolfo Wilosak.
Goalkeeper Almad Treverdne made 21 saves from 23 shots on goal, allowing 2, one from a penalty kick.
Obmav Glosan, Pelenad Fendsdem, and Helvako Slobeneada all received yellow cards.
Luckily, none of the players were injured in the match.

by **Cascratia** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:54 am

"Nia! Nia! Nia!"

The chant was deafening.

"Yes everybody that’s the final whistle, Cascratia has make its mark! The final score Cascratia 2, Nifferite 1." came the announcers voice over a small radio one of the fans held.

Rokonara Aylmer leapt in the air holding up his arm and pointing at the sky as he came down. It had come down to a simple tap in in the final minutes. Nianara Aylmer had scored and broken a tie score that had been made in the previous minute by Nifferite’s striker. Rokonara was, of course, overjoyed to win their first game.

Still…

Listening to all the chanting for Nianara made him feel a little wistful. He had scored twice in the game too. He knew it really shouldn't matter, he was just as important as any other player, and Nianara is his brother. But still…

Rokonora remembered the promise he had made years ago, back when he had been forced into accepting the fact that his dreams of being a great football player was halted by the problem in his DNA. It was at that point that, with some help from his brother Nianara, he joined the local football team, Knoxcrest*, and soon found the road he was destined for. He made a promise there that he would become a football hero.

A hero. Someone to look up to, and admire. Someone who inspired others. Looking around the stadium, it still seemed so far away. Nianara was a hero, and Rokonara was happy for him, but Rokonara couldn't help but wonder when it would be his time to be a hero.

Rokonara shook his head to clear off such thoughts. Why was he wondering about this, when all his teammates, administrative staff, wives and girlfriends were partying in the back! Rokonara began to walk back towards the locker rooms when he saw him.

The boy was young, he couldn't be over ten years old, but he was standing right at the aisle watching him walk back. The boy watched him with bright eyes, and a large smile, and Rokonara felt himself remembering.

It was yet another victory in the Albrecht FC** road to the championship, and Rokonara had been saving up his allowance for months on end to get tickets for the game. In a stroke of incredible luck, he had gotten a seat right near the field. A dream come true. Rokonara had watched the entire game in stunned awe, as Albrecht FC won almost effortlessly.

It was then, as they were walking back to the locker room when it happened. He saw his idol, Jesse Nakatsura***, stop and talk with another player right near him.

"Hey, the laces in that boots look like they're through." The player said.

"Should I get another one?" Jesse asked. As he said it he looked up in the stands and saw a young man looking at him with awe. Jesse smiled to himself and flung the boots up at him. The boy caught it over his head, and looked overjoyed. Jesse smiled and walked back into the locker room.

Rokonara looked down for a moment, and as he did so, the team's manager walked past him with a basket of footballs. Rokonara grinned and quickly took one from the basket. With a quick movement, he kick the ball upwards, and the young boy caught it over his head. The young boy's face lit up.

The team manager looked at Rokonara quizzically, but Rokonara only grinned. He was grinning non-stop through the entire after game celebration.

* A football club playing in the Cascratian First Division
** A football club playing in the Candelaria And Marquez Soccer Championship
*** A professional footballer playing with Albrecht FC

by **The Greater Aryan Race** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 1:38 am

Strike One For The Team

From the Germania Morgenpost

DYURTYULI-The Greater Aryan Race kicked-off it's Baptism of Fire campaign with a ruthless grinding down of opponents Karlada with finishes from Frederick Kaiser and Klaus Allofs. As the players trotted out onto the field, one could see that there was nervousness etched on their faces. Certainly, the loud and massive atmoshpere did little to soothe their nerves.

Indeed, no sooner had the match begun did Karlada begin launching relentless attacks into the Greater Aryan Race's own half. For a while, it seemed as if Karlada were going to win. Not even the furious gestures of the manager, Mr. Faust, seemed to help improve their situation at all. Karlada almost drew first-blood when Helvako Slobeneada launched a furious shot from his left foot which was barely saved by Joachim Vogler. Nevertheless, the boys began to overcome their initial shaky beginning and began settling into their usual rhythm, working to grind down and pummel the opposition. With the troika of Klaus Allofs, Johannes Brandt and Willy Eberhardt, the Greater Aryan Race began pushing into Karlada's own half.

Eventually, it was the Greater Aryan Race who drew first blood through a penalty kick. Karl-Fritz Himmel had broken free of the Karladan defense and had entered the box only to be knocked down by Pelenad Fendsdem. A furious altercation then ensued between both Himmel and Fendsdem which saw both players being booked. The referee however, had no qualms that this was a clear-cut penalty and awarded it to the Greater Aryan Race. Klaus Allofs took the penalty which he duly converted, shooting it past the hapless Karladan keeper.

After the first goal, the Greater Aryan Race continued to press home their advantage, forcing the Karladan keeper to make a few more saves. Nevertheless, half-time ensued with the Greater Aryan Race going in with one goal up.

Karlada began the second-half as if on fire, forcing Vogler to save repeatedly. There as a tad stroke of bad luck when Helvako Slobeneada missed his shot which saw it bounce-off the crossbar. The Greater Aryan Race began pushing forward as well and it was during the 63rd minute that Frederick Kaiser scored another goal for the team, dispossessing Bandrek Wilosak and proceeding to shoot past Almad Treverdne, the Karladan keeper.

Karlada tried frantically to level with the Greater Aryan Race and tempers flared following a tackle on Obmav Glosan by Adolf Schiller. The resulting fracas resulted in Glosan and Slobeneada receiving yellow cards while Schiller and Brandt were booked. Nevertheless, the Greater Aryan Race looked comfortably in control and began peppering the Karladan goalpost with shots. It was regrettable that they didn't manage to double their lead.

A good start for the national team though. Let's hope that they'll do equally well against their next opponent.

More Reporting by Kurt Krause
Special Correspondent for the 45th Baptism of Fire

by **Wight** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 2:29 am

by **Actaris** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:13 am

First Match sees Actaris stuble to defeat

Match report by Actaris's national commentator [name deleted from version for internetional release] who was watching from the sidelines.

0 mins.
Kickoff by Actaris Passed around for a bit until a misjudged kick from 008 sent the ball over the sideline.

12 mins.
First real action of the game a a misjudged sliding tackle by an Actaris player leads to a non-serious injury to striker Max Doring. Doring is substituted for Roben Ivens and Actaris's 005 receives a verbal warning.

37 mins.
GOAL by Roben Ivens the substitute. In off the post from a good three meters outside the penalty area. Manager of Actaris's enraged, convinced that it was offside. He is sent to the stands for the remainder of the match for misconduct.

45 mins.
Half time score 1-0 to Hutt river but the reviewing of an incident that happened after the goal leads to Roben Ivens receiving a yellow card for over the top celebrations.

45 mins.
Kickoff to Hutt River this time but a superb piece of teamwork between Actaris's players 010 and 011 leads to them stealing the ball withing three seconds. Sprinting down the pitch with passes of truly astonishing style and some dribbiling that outwits the defenders entirely the ball finally crosses the line while 010 is still in possesion of it. 1-1 within 30 seconds of the match restarting.

46 mins-89 mins
Nothing of interest really happens as the ball is never in possesion of one team for more than a minute and then most of it is in their own halves.

90 mins.
Referee announces 1 minute of added on time

91 mins.
In one of the most scrappy and unimpressive goals ever seen the ball just creeps across the line to bring the score to 2-1 to bears armed. Actaris was robbed in the dying minutes it's first ever match.

After Match Analysis.
Actaris's top sports analyser [name deleted from version for internetional release] released this statement, "We may have lost but were still going to win, WIN I TELL YOU WIN."

by **West Angola** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:24 am

Luke Parrish felt as though he was going to throw up. He’d had no idea just three weeks ago that he would be here, on the world stage, playing football in front of millions watching on television. The talented forward knew what was on the line, West Angola needed a win, or at least a good showing to help ease the sting of their last appearance against Qatar, and he could feel the pressure bearing down on him like the massive airplane they’d flown in on. Darkness clouded the edge of his vision as Matthew West took the opening kick and passed quickly to Daniel Wilson, who took several strides up field before lobbing the ball over the defender to Isaac Warren, who wasted no time in heading the ball laterally across the pitch to Parrish, who chested it down and blasted a shot at the far post. Herenia’s keeper, Mateu Xavi, lunged but was a fraction of a second behind as the small black-and-white sphere snapped the net back.

Parrish had scored goals before, but nothing he’d ever done with East End compared to this. Warren was on him in a second, tackling him from behind as the entire team piled on. West Angola hadn’t scored a goal since the 24th minute of the Qatar game, and the roar from the West Angolans, some of which had been able to afford a ticket, others of which had scooped up the free tickets purchased by the government and distributed to the people in order to boost their attendance, was deafening. The nation had had so little to cheer about for the past year, and now the emotion that had been building for that entire time flooded out en masse.

Peter Warren was ecstatic. He had jumped into the arms of his assistant coach, William Danforth Sr., immediately following Parrish’s score and the confetti raining down looked like gold to him. West Angola hadn’t even led a football match in three years, a dubious streak that had just been shattered. As one, the West Angolan faithful launched into a chant, PARR-ISH PARR-ISH PARR-ISH PARR-ISH! That continued for about half a minute as the ball was replaced at midfield and Herenia kicked off. Warren knew that 89 minutes of football remained to be played, but he was on top of the world.

August II could see his plan taking shape. If the team could win this game, their first in half a decade, a nationwide party would inevitably ensue. Several members of Parliament, radicals and conservatives alike, were in Astograth for the game, and would certainly stay until the team lost. He had been in constant contact with the few sensible ones in Parliament for the last week, urging them to stay home for the cup as he quietly brought them on board with his plan to save the nation. True centrists represented only about 15% of the Parliament, but with so many absentees and the number sure to go if the team could win, he might be able to legally reform the country and avoid being driven from the throne as he’d at first anticipated.

The team would continue its success, roaring to a 5-0 victory that night. The nation indeed broke into jubilant celebration, and the 100-pt. Headline of the Namibe Register the next day read:

WEST ANGOLA BACK IN STYLE

In their first international appearance in two years, West Angola put on a show in Astograth, scoring five goals against Herenia and allowing none en route to a decisive 5-0 last night. Luke Parrish scored two goals as West Angola raced out to a 3-0 lead in the first half before being pulled with the rest of the starters at the beginning of the second half. Keeper Phillip Garren played like a brick wall, allowing absolutely nothing past him for 94 minutes of play. The first signal that West Angola might exceed expectations came in the very first minute when Luke Parrish took a pass from Isaac Warren and nailed a shot at the far post past the leaping arms of Mateu Xavi for West Angola's first lead in three years.

Members of Parliament in attendance announced that the game was "an epic victory" for West Angola and urged their Parliamentary compatriots to join them in Astograth at the earliest opportunity. King August II announced that while the duties of state prevented him from traveling to the tournament, he encouraged member of Parliament to attend, saying "I'm sure no one wants to miss another victory, the country will be fine, please do go."

Scoring Breakdown:
1st Minute: Parrish takes pass from Warren, scores on far post.
West Angola 1, Herenia 0
24th Minute: Warren sidesteps Albin and scores on a bullet to the near side.
West Angola 2, Herenia 0
39th Minute: With jubilant crowds chanting his name, Parrish steals the ball from Esbjörn and fakes out Xavi with a beautiful rainbow.
West Angola 3, Herenia 0
57th Minute: Nasser grabs a pass from Jackson and shoots, deflected by Xavi, Thompson corrals the deflection and scores before Xavi has time to get up.
West Angola 4, Herenia 0
71st Minute: Jackson fakes out half the Herenian team en route to the goal, then dumps off a quick pass to Nasser who taps it in.
West Angola 5, Heneria 0

Player of the Game: Luke Parrish

by **Oliveland** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 5:27 am

The Mongoose made history with Gargantun Jr. leading the charge!

Gargantun Jr, the yonger son of another Mongoose National player, Gargantun Sr, has written his name on the annals of Oliveland football history by being the first man to score a goal on an international tournament.
"I'm so proud to be the first player to score a goal with the Mongoose shirt on, but more importantly We, as a team, are very happy to achieve a victory tonight against a tough team that played a very good football, and we had to do our best to snatch a win." said the number 8 of Oliveland's football team.
"My players are to be congratulated for this victory, but I also want to say thank you so much to the thousands of fans here tonight, that supported us throughout the match; withouth them we couldn't won tonight." replied the coach Maxo Barriel when asked to comment on the match.

The stadium of Letatzadur was at full-capacity for this match, and although Oliveland's supporters were on greater numbers, it was the Stvoto Latoli fans who almost celebrated their first goal of the tournament on the 5th minute, when Carlitos commited a penalty on Mongoose' box, but the striker from the opposite side made a terribly aimed shot, easy for Ebraquim to save it. We had to wait 15minutes for another shot attempt, this time by Gicant Exton who, alone on Stvoto Latoli area only with the goalkeeper to beat, shot wide to the dismay of the 10,000 Mongooze fans on the stadium. But then, three minutes later, after a corner kick by Henry Olaria, Stvoto Latoli defenders cleared the ball, only to be picked up by Gargantu Jr outside the box and make a 30-meter'shot to goal. The stadium erupted with the celebration, and only had to wait 7 minutes for the second one, scored by the star of the team, Henry Olaria, in a perfect executed 'Tomahawk-style' free-kick. Until the end of the match, several chances for both of the teams but the score remained unaltered and thus given Oliveland their first ever victory in a international tournament.

The next game will be against Vettrera in what is considered one of the bigest matches in all of the group stage. [OOC: I hope Vettrera wont mind me considering the match to be one of the biggest ;D]

by **Hutt River** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 6:48 am

"Right men, you know what to do."

The men nodded in unison and went out. Stafford checked the clock. 1:28am. He needed some sleep. He rested his head on the desk and drifted off to sleep.

⁂

Jack woke up to his flying newspaper hitting him on his head. He made some coffee and sat down and read the newspaper. His plan had not reached the papers yet. As expected. It'll be in there tomorrow. Jack turned to the back page and checked the football;

Dechreuodd Hutt yn Afon oddi ar y Bedydd Tân snatching ennill 2-1 yn erbyn y Actaris ddienw. Afon Hutt nodau eu sgorio gan Roben Ivens a Feichtner Matthias. Actaris 'nod oedd sgorio gan ymosodwr 010.

Yr hanner cyntaf Dechreuodd gyda rhai pasio o gwmpas gan Actaris, hyd nes 008 ei roi allan ar gyfer Afon Hutt, taflu i mewn ar ôl pasio camfarnu. Mae'r digwyddiad go iawn cyntaf y gêm yn dod pan fydd mynd i'r afael â gwael symudol o Actaris amddiffynnwr 005 Max Doring hanafu. Roedd Hutt yn Afon gorfodi i amnewid, Roben Ivens dod ar iddo. 005 derbyn rhybudd ar lafar. Roedd y deadlock wedi torri gan Doring ar y funud 37, ergyd dda o ychydig fetrau a aeth allan yn oddi ar y swydd. Dadlau dilyn ar ôl rheolwr y Actaris 'ei anfon at y stondin ar ôl brotestio i'r dyfarnwr cynorthwyol fod y nod yn camsefyll. Replays wedi dangos nad oedd y nod oedd camsefyll.

Yr ail hanner dechrau gyda gyfartal i Actaris, 010 gwneud rhywfaint o driblo da ac yn gorffen gyda tap i mewn Mae gweddill yr ail hanner yn uneventful tan y funud olaf ei llwytho amser pan Feichtner sgorio gôl scrappy iawn i ennill y gêm.

Good, another boost to the independence campaign. Now the waiting game begins.

by **Armed Bears** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 8:25 am

(From the ‘Sports’ section of newspaper ‘The Daily Semaphore’…)

BEAR-BELLES BEGIN BATTLE BOLDLY!

Armed Bears 2 – 0 The Holy Roman Empire

And so, it starts. Our nation’s Association Football team opened its entry into international competition, its very first match against any foreign side, with a victory just as we’d all surely hoped would be the case. Their opponents on this occasion were from one of the many Human-dominated nations that we already knew are so numerous out there beyond the seas that surround our own home continent of BearHome, as also it seems are all four of the other teams that our girls are due to face in this tournament’s Group stage.

The weather was rather hot and decidedly damp, but our girls seemed to have acclimatised hokay while waiting for the tournament to start.
The Belles actually began the game playing in a somewhat more cautious style than many people had expected, being wary because of the unfamiliar nature of the other team (whose management hadn’t even posted a roster, so that none of our people knew in advance hwhom — or even “hwhat” — to expect on the pitch), but rapidly gained confidence hwhen they saw that those opposing players were also taking it slow to start with and that some of them seemed a bit worried about having to face Bears in action. A surge up-field shortly after halfway through the game’s first section saw shots ‘on goal’ from both Beorra o Barrdenn and Urra ‘Honey’ SunBlesséd narrowly saved by the Empire’s keeper, and although the Imperials then counter-attacked it was only minutes later that Marra SunDaughter managed to take the ball from one of their forwards and send it on a long high pass to Beorra who then cannoned it home past three opposing players into the Imperials' net. 1—0.
Further attempts at attacking by our girls before the break were held at bay by the Imperials, who concentrated their efforts on the defensive side of things, and this pattern continued during the game’s second portion as well. The Belles continued pressing the attack, because with such a narrow margin they obviously couldn’t take it easy in confidence that their opponents would be incapable of equalising in time, but their opponents defended doggedly and made unsuccessful attempts at counter-strikes on three occasions when one or another of their players had possession of the ball and could see a reasonably clear-looking route into the Belles’ half. However manager Surra Rueth’hron had anticipated that the Imperials wouldn’t give up easily and had held enough players back to defend properly against all of those approaches which strategy — although it might have been one reason why the Belles themselves didn’t manage to score again before the sevenEights-and-sixth moment — meant that the other side weren’t able to get close enough to our goal for them to have a serious chance of bringing the score level either.
Three moments of stoppage time were declared at the end of that part of the match, and the Belles’ second goal came almost right at the verrry end of that period: With only a few instants left to play before the final whistle was due, defender Urratharra o Strongpaw cleared the ball out of our goal area with a wild shot that arced high and just happened to land right at the feet of Urra SunBlesséd… and Honey, although she was standing almost halfway from the Imperials’ goal back to the centre line, took a chance on another long shot and won the wager!
2 – 0, and that was it, the referee blew his whistle to end the match and our girls could leave the pitch to celebrate…

(Full details, page S-3.)

“So, is it just me, or do all Humans look the same?”

“It’s not just you. That lot of them certainly seemed pretty much interchangeable to me, too, for true.”

“Hr’rmm, apparently the other teams in our group are all all-Human as well, I wonder how much they will differ from each other?”

“Hwell, at least their managements have all supplied rosters so that we can fit identities and likely positions to go with the numbers on their shirts.”

“Ayyuh, that they have.
Hr’rmm, you said that that was the case in [u[our[/u] group: What about the others?”

“From hwhat I’ve read about them so far, we’re the only Ursines — and only Harr’aynau, and only Vokksurr — here, as we’d thought might sadly be the case, and most of the other teams seem to be all- Human too as anticipated, but there are a few exceptions. One side from a nation of sapient Equines, for example… and even one whose members may have started off as normal Humans but are now Undead!”

“BEAR-ON-STICK! They actually let such a creeping corruption by Chaos compete!?!”

“Ayyuh, they do, for true. I tried telling the locals’ liaison official how wrong that was, but he just shrugged it off with a remark about how some of the other sides involved might have similar objections about us being allowed to enter the contest!”

“Urrgah!
“Hwell, let’s just hope that that team gets eliminated before we might otherwise have to face them…”

“Ayyuh, let’s hope for that … and maybeso pray for it, too.”

“Isn’t there supposed to be a[i] shabear [i]on their way here to join us, as a chaplain? They should be able to work suitable rites of protection, in case, if that smells necessary…

“There is? Hr’rmm, so there is. Good!”

“Ur’rmm?”

“Ayyuh, Urra, hwhat is it? Worried about meeting The-Dead-That-Hwalk, are you? Don’t worry, the rest of us will surely be there help you if that situation arises…”

“No, it’s not that. You said that all of the other teams in our group are Humans, hrright? But one of their countries is called ‘Hutt River’, and one of the Human-made films that I saw when we were being given that course of immersion in human cultures and the English language had some ‘Hutts’ in it and those weren’t Human. Great bulky beings that didn’t look as though they’d be able to move fast or play football verry well, they were…”

“Oh, Honey… That film was only a make-believe story, and the people’s name being the same must have been just by chance. I saw pictures of these Hutts’ footballers in a local paper yesterday, and they’re certainly Humans….”

“Oh… hokay.”

“Anyhows, let’s talk about our next match now. According to the schedule it’s against the team from ‘Actaris’, that’s the squad from the side whose government is so paranoid that it’s trying to keep its players actual names secret, and they lost their opening game 1 – 2 which actually was against the Hutts. The bad news is, we have to go from the verry hot conditions here to play in the verry cold conditions that are likely in our hosts’ ‘Kagdazka.’ region… and then we’re back down here again, for the game after that, which is our turn to meet the Hutts…”

“Fleas and fur loss! Are they trying to kill us!?!”

“They’re moving all of the other teams around like that, too.”

“Hokay, then, are they trying to kill all of us…?”

___________________________________________________________________________

OOC note re the Ursines’ measurement of Time

“the Belles themselves didn’t manage to score again before the sevenEights-and-sixth moment — meant that the other side weren’t able to get close enough to our goal to have a serious chance of bringing the score level either.
Three moments of stoppage time were declared at the end of that part of the match, and the Belles’ second goal came almost right at the verrry end of that period: With only a few instants left to play”

One day = 16 watches, so 1 watch is equivalent to 1½ hours i.e. 90 minutes.
One watch = 64 moments, so 1 moment is equivalent to 1.40625 minutes i.e. 84.375 seconds.
One moment = 64 instants, so 1 instant is equivalent to just under 1.32 seconds.

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