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Football: 2nd World Cup
Topic Started: Sep 1 2010, 07:40 PM (844 Views)
Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

***Please direct all questions and OOC comments to the World Cup OOC thread.***

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HERE AT LAST

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Venice - As a countless number of people from all over the globe stream into the narrow streets and canals of Venice there is only one thing on their collective mind: football.

Set to begin in precisely one week's time, the 2nd World Cup will last just over one month, with football fans around the world wishing it would never end. Millions have been spent by the host nation Venice in preparation for the World Cup, not a single luxury forgotten, and the city's efforts have been well received by the flood of tourists that have only begun to arrive. New stadiums, broad advertisements and publicity, and a war to clean up the city are some of the things the government has spent to provide the best atmosphere possible.

National teams have been able to tour the city for the past couple of days leading up to the preliminary events, highlighted by a FIFA Kick-off Celebration Concert that will host some of the most popular musical artists of today, and have appreciated the time given to them. Daily press conference are perhaps the most stressing parts of the players' day, though that will change quickly enough.

There should be no surprise that as the host nation and with the current ranking of #2 in the FIFA world rankings, Venice is the favorite to win this World Cup. Hopes are high, especially considering that Venice seems to have only grown in strength over the past couple of years, its performance from tournament to tournament and its output as a team steadily improving with time. A host of top talent fills the Venetian bench, so there should be no lack of excitement from the hometown team.

Kasnyia, the world's current #1, is also expected to do well, as is Porcu, Ulgania, and Hamburg-Bremen. Teams to watch out for include England, Russia, Rome-Byzantine, Eleytheria-Duo, and the Confederacy.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Group Stage for 2nd World Cup

Group A

  • Ireland
  • Falklands Confederation
  • Singapore
  • Union of the Pyrenees

Group B

  • Confederate States of America
  • Iceliam
  • Eleytheria-Duo
  • Thailand

Group C

  • Russian Empire
  • Draxis
  • North-West Afrika
  • Paradise

Group D

  • Abnar Al-Andalus
  • California
  • English Republic
  • South-East Afrika

Group E

  • Metz
  • Great New France
  • Rome-Byzantine Empire
  • Ulgania

Group F

  • Venice
  • Chilsherdia
  • New Harumf
  • Western Union

Group G

  • Kandy Kingdom
  • Hamburg-Bremen
  • Kingdom of Great Britain
  • Alexanderhaven

Group H

  • Yshurak
  • Porcu
  • Republic of Kimmirut
  • Kasnyia
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Telosan
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
Though the Acqua Alta is a phenomenon unique to winter, Venice underwent a similar experience as a result of the World Cup. The streets and canals of Venice, clogged by tourists on a normal summer day, were very near impassable as football fans from all countries around the world took the opportunity to explore the magnificent City of Water before the tournament began. Fortunately for the departments charged with the maintenence and general conduct of the city, the games themselves would be taking place on the mainland, in several stadiums near the Po River. As Opening Day neared, the massive crowds began to migrate to the Veneto.

Posted Image

The southern bank of the Po River lit up with flame, as the sky filled with many colored bursts of light. The fireworks display was exhaustive and had surely cost a fortune, but Venice stopped at no expense to take advantage of this shining moment. The cities, towns, and Venice itself were filled with fans celebrating the start of the next World Cup, among which Venetians fought hard not to be outshadowed. The celebrations lasted through the night and the incessant noise continued so it seemed as though the entire country buzzed with anticipation.

The first games were scheduled for after the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, which had been in bits and pieces since the fireworks the day before. Anxious to get on with the games, the ceremony finally finished with a playing of Ino Nasionale Veneto.



(Lyrics Translation)
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

World Cup Schedule

Group Stage

Matchday 1 (First Round)
--- Groups A and B

Matchday 2 (First Round)
--- Groups C and D

Matchday 3 (First Round)
--- Groups E and F

Matchday 4 (First Round)
--- Groups G and H

Matchday 5 (Second Round)
--- Groups A and B

Matchday 6 (Second Round)
--- Groups C and D

Matchday 7 (Second Round)
--- Groups E and F

Matchday 8 (Second Round)
--- Groups G and H

Matchday 9 (Third Round)
--- Groups A and B

Matchday 10 (Third Round)
--- Groups C and D

Matchday 11 (Third Round)
--- Groups E and F

Matchday 12 (Third Round)
--- Groups G and H
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Aelius
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SKY Sports- World Cup Special

"Good evening, I'm Robert Lawrence. As the World Cup is about to kick off in Venice, I've taken an early look at each group, and while you can't put much stock in a pre-tournament bracket, here's how I think the groups are going to shake out:

Group A

"Ireland, ranked 8th in the world, appears to be the favorite in this group. The Falklands, Singapore, and the Union of the Pyrenees are all very closely ranked, from 18th to 22nd. I expect the Irish will do well, both as the more skilled team, and galvanized by the occupation of their country by the British military. The Irish have had to train here in England and in Venice for most of the lead-up to the tournament, but I suspect that they can ride their emotions far into this World Cup. Ireland should win this group, and I think the second spot will go to the Union, given the advantage of playing on their own continent."

Group B

"This is a group that will likely be dominated by the Western Hemisphere. Iceliam is lucky to show up at all, needing a last-second playoff win against Turkey just to qualify out of the Mideast. Thailand started their qualifications slowly, but finished by winning four straight to get in. They could be worth keeping an eye on, but I think the Confederacy takes the group, and Eleytheria-Duo gives the Irish a tough match in the round of 16."

Group C

"A relatively weak group, with Russia being the best team in Group C on paper. That said, I wouldn't put it past Draxis to make headaches for their neighbor. I'm sensing a minor upset here, with Paradise taking this group, and Russia finishing second."

Group D

"This is the group our beloved England is in. Ranked 12th in the world, they should be able to make the next round, but they've got a strong Californian team ranked 7th in the group, with Al-Andalus and South-East Afrika rounding out the group. England and California should both make it through easily, but England can score and score big. I think they draw with California and score enough goals to take the group."
Group E

"With 4th-ranked Ulgania, 11th-ranked Metz and the 13th-ranked Romans sandwiched into one group, one perennial power will be going home earlier than expected. You kind of have to feel bad for Great New France, stuck between these three giants, hoping to get some sort of result in this gauntlet. I think Ulgania takes the group, and Metz gets the second spot."

Group F

"Host nation and 2nd-ranked Venice should run away with this group without a whole lot of difficulty. New Harumf should be able to get enough points to advance against Chilsherdia and Western Union, two relative bottom-feeders."

Group G

"Ninth-ranked Hamburg-Bremen and fifth-ranked Alexanderhaven should duel for this group on paper, but nothing is truly certain in football. In Asian qualifying, the Kingdom of Kandy pulled off a 2-0 upset of top-ranked Kasnyia in Kasnyia. Kandy is a secretive nation, but I think it can beat Britain and take Alexanderhaven to a tie. Hamburg wins the group, Kandy shocks the world to sneak in the round of 16."

Group H

"The last group looks like the Group of Death on paper, with top-ranked Kasnyia, 3rd-ranked Porcu, and 6th-ranked Yshurak all in the mix, but I think it's a numerical myth. I've always thought Kasnyia was overrated, they're a good team, but I don't think they're worthy of the #1 ranking. Yshurak looked dead cold in European qualifying, needing the final playoff game to get into this cup. I don't think they've got the ammo to hold off Porcu or Kasnyia, and I think Porcu takes the group."

Round of 16

"There are a lot of rubber matches in this round. Some of these games could go either way, with a lot of teams pretty close in skill. I think the Irish hold off Eleytheria-Duo and keep their magical run going. The Union would probably be favored in a match against the Confederacy, if only on a geographic basis. California should roll over Paradise, and I think England can hold off Russia. Ulgania should beat New Harumf in an African showdown, while Venice uses the home crowd's energy to take down Metz. Kasnyia will want to make up for not winning their group, and should beat Hamburg-Bremen, but I'd expect nothing less than a struggle. I think Kandy's dream runs short in the round of 16 against Porcu."

Quarter-finals

"Another round of close, top-tier matches. 7th vs. 8th, 1st vs. 4th, and 2nd vs. 3rd all take place here. This cup has been largely dominated by European squads, but I think California puts an end to Ireland's dreams here, guaranteeing one non-European team against a European team in the finals. I think Ulgania upsets Kasnyia and proves that they're not worth a top ranking. England holds off the Union to advance, and Venice should beat Porcu in the tournament's best game so far."

Semi-finals

"This tournament is fast turning into Europe vs. the rest of the world. Ulgania edges California in the first semi-final, while England's surprising run, combined with an easy draw, runs out of steam against Venice."

Consolation/Final

"England and California face off again in a surprising re-match, this time for some bragging rights. I think England can edge California and finish their stay in Venice the right way, taking third place in the Cup and establishing themselves as one of the true powers in the football world. Meanwhile, for the main event, Ulgania's got some skill, but Venice is, in my opinion, the best nation in football and the true #1 team, and I think they can prove it in front of--and with the help of--their home crowd. The canals will be buzzing and there will be celebrations for days. However this World Cup turns out, it promises to be one for the ages. For SKY Sports, I'm Robert Lawrence."

Official SKY Sports FIFA World Cup 20XX Bracket by Robert Lawrence
Edited by Aelius, Sep 18 2010, 12:24 AM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Icelaim Stuns Confederacy

In a game many thought would be an easy three points for the Confederate States of America, the small, relatively unknown nation of the Mid East Icelaim has scored the first major upset of this FIFA World Cup.

With highly energized play in midfield, Icelaim seemed to keep the Confederacy off balance and was able to create a number of good scoring chances throughout the course of the game. The only goal of the game, scored in the 33rd minute, came off a set piece from 23 meters out.

========================================================================================

Matchday 1 Fixtures

Group A:
Ireland - Singapore [1 - 0]
Falklands Confederation - Union of the Pyrenees [0 - 0]

=======================================
World Cup Group A Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Ireland: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Falklands Confederation: 0 - 1 - 0 (0:0:0)1 Point
Union of the Pyrenees: 0 - 1 - 0 (0:0:0)1 Point
Singapore: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points

=======================================

Group B:
Icelaim - Confederate States of America [1 - 0]
Eleytheria-Duo - Thailand [1 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group B Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Icelaim: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Eleytheria-Duo: 0 - 1 - 0 (1:1:0)1 Point
Thailand: 0 - 1 - 0 (1:1:0)1 Point
Confederate States of America: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 2 Preview

Group C:
North-West Afrika - Russian Empire
Paradise - Draxis

Group D:
California - English Republic
Abnar Al-Andalus - South-East Afrika
Edited by Porcu, Sep 21 2010, 10:16 PM.
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Porcu
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Intense Contest Results In Draw

In a match that saw a total of seven shots on goal for England and six for California, the high-octane atmosphere created by both teams only managed to provide a draw. However, even a single point is welcome, though not ecstatically by any team, as it could prove to be the difference between a second place finish in the group and a forth place finish in the group.

Chances were numerous for both sides and there was plenty of play on each of the far ends of the field. At various points, it seemed like a winner would emerge from the exhaustion and sweat; however, both teams will continue on with one point in their pocket.

========================================================================================

Matchday 2 Fixtures

Group C:
North-West Afrika - Russian Empire [1 - 0]
Paradise - Draxis [1 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group C Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

North-West Afrika: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Draxis: 0 - 1 - 0 (1:1:0)1 Point
Paradise: 0 - 1 - 0 (1:1:0)1 Point
Russian Empire: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points

=======================================

Group D:
California - English Republic [0 - 0]
Abnar Al-Andalus - South-East Afrika [3 - 2]

=======================================
World Cup Group D Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Abnar Al-Andalus: 1 - 0 - 0 (3:2:+1)3 Points
California: 0 - 1 - 0 (0:0:0)1 Point
English Republic: 0 - 1 - 0 (0:0:0)1 Point
South-East Afrika: 0 - 0 - 1 (2:3:-1)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 3 Preview

Group E:
Great New France - Metz
Rome-Byzantine Empire - Ulgania

Group F:
Chilsherdia - Venice
New Harumf - Western Union
Edited by Porcu, Sep 21 2010, 10:27 PM.
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Porcu
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Embarrassing Opener

Adding another impressive upset to this tournament's resume, this time at the hands of the host country, Chilsherdia was quick to strike and control the tempo of the match. Gaining a free kick just outside the Venetian goal area after a reckless tackle from behind by a Venetian defender, Chilsherdia scored the game's first goal a mere seven minutes into the game.

Venice looked stunned by the early slip and seemed to lose whatever mental grasp they held on the game when Chilsherdia struck again in the 28th minute, a beautiful rising shot taken approximately 12 meters from the goal. Chilsherdia was pushed at times, but managed to ride out the remainder of the first half and the entirety of the second half with a tight defense.

Venice's last loss came at the hands of the Porcuians in the European Continental Championship final, having gone undefeated in European World Cup Qualifiers previous to this World Cup Final.

========================================================================================

Matchday 3 Fixtures

Group E:
Great New France - Metz [0 - 1]
Rome-Byzantine Empire - Ulgania [0 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group E Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Metz: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Ulgania: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Great New France: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points
Rome-Byzantine Empire: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points

=======================================

Group F:
Chilsherdia - Venice [2 - 0]
New Harumf - Western Union [2 - 0]

=======================================
World Cup Group F Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Chilsherdia: 1 - 0 - 0 (2:0:+2)3 Points
New Harumf: 1 - 0 - 0 (2:0:+2)3 Points
Venice: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:2:-2)0 Points
Western Union: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:2:-2)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 4 Preview

Group G:
Hamburg-Bremen - Kingdom of Kandy
Great Britain - Alexanderhaven

Group H:
Porcu - Republic of Kimmirut
Kasnyia - Yshurak
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Another Giant Slips

It seems the theme of this World Cup may be one of grand expectations being humbled. With a close loss against the Republic of Kimmirut, Porcu joins the Confederate States and Venice as the teams whose good starts to this World Cup never materialized.

Scoring off of a corner kick in the 31st minute, Kimmirut was able to keep its advantage all the way into the second half, but just so. An offsides call in the 77th minute of play annulled an equalizer by Porcu, while just two minutes earlier a Porcuian shot on goal rattled off the crossbar.

========================================================================================

Matchday 4 Fixtures

Group G:
Hamburg-Bremen - Kingdom of Kandy [1 - 0]
Great Britain - Alexanderhaven [1 - 2]

=======================================
World Cup Group G Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Alexanderhaven: 1 - 0 - 0 (2:1:+1)3 Points
Hamburg-Bremen: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Great Britain: 0 - 0 - 1 (1:2:-1)0 Points
Kingdom of Kandy: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points

=======================================

Group H:
Porcu - Republic of Kimmirut [0 - 1]
Kasnyia - Yshurak [2 - 0]

=======================================
World Cup Group H Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Kasnyia: 1 - 0 - 0 (2:0:+2)3 Points
Republic of Kimmirut: 1 - 0 - 0 (1:0:+1)3 Points
Porcu: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:1:-1)0 Points
Yshurak: 0 - 0 - 1 (0:2:-2)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 5 Preview

Group A:
Falklands Confederation - Ireland
Union of the Pyrenees - Singapore

Group B:
Thailand - Confederate States of America
Icelaim - Eleytheria-Duo
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Singapore Soars

A three goal flurry in a period of seventeen minutes beginning from just after the start of the second half catapulted the Singapore national side to a huge win. Currently sitting just behind Ireland in the group table with 3 points, Singapore sits in a comfortable position with one game remaining for them in the group stage.

The Union of the Pyrenees was unable to maintain their tight defense that characterized much of the first forty-five minutes of play and lost because of it.

========================================================================================

Matchday 5 Fixtures

Group A:
Falklands Confederation - Ireland [1 - 2]
Union of the Pyrenees - Singapore [2 - 4]

=======================================
World Cup Group A Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Ireland: 2 - 0 - 0 (3:1:+2)6 Points
Singapore: 1 - 0 - 1 (4:3:+1)3 Points
Falklands Confederation: 0 - 1 - 1 (1:2:-1)1 Point
Union of the Pyrenees: 0 - 1 - 1 (2:4:-2)1 Point

=======================================

Group B:
Thailand - Confederate States of America [1 - 0]
Icelaim - Eleytheria-Duo [0 - 2]

=======================================
World Cup Group B Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Eleytheria-Duo: 1 - 1 - 0 (3:1:+2)4 Points
Thailand: 1 - 1 - 0 (2:1:+1)4 Points
Icelaim: 1 - 0 - 1 (1:2:-1)3 Points
Confederate States of America: 0 - 0 - 2 (0:2:-2)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 6 Preview

Group C:
Draxis - North-West Afrika
Russian Empire - Paradise

Group D:
California - Abnar Al-Andalus
English Republic - South-East Afrika
Edited by Porcu, Sep 25 2010, 09:17 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Impressive Performance From The Tsar's Boys

Though the score does not reflect it, the Russians put on an offensive clinic in a showdown against Paradise, rebounding from a disappointing opening performance against North-West Afrika. Attacking and defending with confidence, Russia made their presence felt with a multitude of opportunities in the offensive zone, converting on a free kick in the 25th minute of play and a corner in the 55th minute of play. The Paradisians tallied a late marker in the 74th minute, but it was too little too late.

The Russians are still not guaranteed of a spot in advancing to the next round and should bring everything they have to their final game against friendly rival Draxis.

========================================================================================

Matchday 6 Fixtures

Group C:
Draxis - North-West Afrika [0 - 2]
Russian Empire - Paradise [2 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group C Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

North-West Afrika: 2 - 0 - 0 (3:0:+3)6 Points
Russian Empire: 1 - 0 - 1 (2:2:0)3 Points
Draxis: 0 - 1 - 1 (1:3:-2)1 Point
Paradise: 0 - 1 - 1 (2:3:-1)1 Point

=======================================

Group D:
California - Abnar Al-Andalus [3 - 1]
English Republic - South-East Afrika [2 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group D Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

California: 1 - 1 - 0 (3:1:+2)4 Points
English Republic: 1 - 1 - 0 (2:1:+1)4 Points
Abnar Al-Andalus: 1 - 0 - 1 (4:5:-1)3 Points
South-East Afrika: 0 - 0 - 2 (3:5:-2)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 7 Preview

Group E:
Ulgania - Metz
Great New France - Rome-Byzantine Empire

Group F:
Venice - New Harumf
Western Union - Chilsherdia
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Telosan
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The Foremost Intellectual Badass
Quote:
 
Adding another impressive upset to this tournament's resume, this time at the hands of the host country, Chilsherdia was quick to strike and control the tempo of the match. Gaining a free kick just outside the Venetian goal area after a reckless tackle from behind by a Venetian defender, Chilsherdia scored the game's first goal a mere seven minutes into the game.

Venice looked stunned by the early slip and seemed to lose whatever mental grasp they held on the game when Chilsherdia struck again in the 28th minute, a beautiful rising shot taken approximately 12 meters from the goal. Chilsherdia was pushed at times, but managed to ride out the remainder of the first half and the entirety of the second half with a tight defense.

Venice's last loss came at the hands of the Porcuians in the European Continental Championship final, having gone undefeated in European World Cup Qualifiers previous to this World Cup Final.
Following the Venetian Regalis poor performance, further scandal arose when footage of the Regalis' pre-tournament practice surfaced. In the following clip, Coach Marcello Vendanzi can be seen clearly instructing his team to play in an unsportsman-like manner.



Vendanzi offered no comments aside from stating that he will resign in the coming week. Talk already abounds as to who will take his place, though most believe Marcio Ferazazi is likely to make his return. Ferazazi had previously coached the team during the last World Cup, in which Venice was victorious. With the popular opinion in his favor, Ferazazi has stated that, if offered, he would be honored to accept the invitation and lead Venice to victory on the field of football once more.
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Ulgania
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A better Zarathustra has never rode a horse
“The Ulganian contingent to this World Cup is doing much, much better than anticipated even within the empire. With players being recruited from Africa to Europe to South America to the Middle East, many thought the team would simply be a showcase of political unity. Instead, it has surpassed a great many expectations as it continues to push against the more established Europeans.

“Ulgania has come to love their team, and hopefully with a victory against Metz on the horizon their newfound sweethearts will continue to deliver.

“This is Ulganian Public Radio. I’m Jeffery Sachs.”
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Romans Climbs Within Striking Distance

An important victory kept the hopes of the Roman-Byzantine Empire alive after a victory over the struggling Great New France. Sitting just a single point behind the two current leaders of Group E, the Romans are within striking distance and overtaking either team, should one of them slip in the third and final round robin match.

The Romans play against Metz last and can afford either a win or a tie against the northern Scandinavians to advance, the latter on condition that Ulgania fall against Great New France. In any case, the Roman coach trumpeted his team's confident heading into the final group stage match, highlighting the team's improvement and morale.

========================================================================================

Matchday 7 Fixtures

Group E:
Ulgania - Metz [1 - 1]
Great New France - Rome-Byzantine Empire [0 - 2]

=======================================
World Cup Group E Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Metz: 1 - 1 - 0 (2:1:+1)4 Points
Ulgania: 1 - 1 - 0 (2:1:+1)4 Points
Rome-Byzantine Empire: 1 - 0 - 1 (2:1:+1)3 Points
Great New France: 0 - 0 - 2 (0:3:-3)0 Points

=======================================

Group F:
Venice - New Harumf [0 - 2]
Western Union - Chilsherdia [5 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group F Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

New Harumf: 2 - 0 - 0 (4:0:+4)6 Points
Western Union: 1 - 0 - 1 (5:3:+2)3 Points
Chilsherdia: 1 - 0 - 1 (3:5:-2)3 Points
Venice: 0 - 0 - 2 (0:4:-4)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 8 Preview

Group G:
Kingdom of Kandy - Great Britain
Alexanderhaven - Hamburg-Bremen

Group H:
Yshurak - Porcu
Kasnyia - Kimmirut
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Aelius
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Norman Warlord
The mood in England is one of cautious optimism. Any result other than a loss to Andalusia will propel the English into the knockout round. England's first national victory, back in the days of Wessex, came against Andalusia. England will be hoping to score more than California, or hope for their loss to win the group.

-Robert Lawrence, SKY Sports
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Kandy Moves Into Second In Group G

A pair of beautiful goals scored by the same Kandy attacker secured an important victory for the Asian nation, moving them into second place in Group G and in a position of control as the third and final round of group play is set to begin.

Scoring in the 54th and 69th minutes of play, the Kandy attacker neatly managed to separate himself from the defense and had two beautiful chances on goal, which he did not waste. Though Kandy will need help from Great Britain, since they play against Hamburg-Bremen, the Kingdom is in good position to control who takes the second spot to advance to the next stage, Alexanderhaven having already secured one of the two spots with a win over Hamburg-Bremen.

========================================================================================

Matchday 8 Fixtures

Group G:
Kingdom of Kandy - Great Britain [2 - 0]
Alexanderhaven - Hamburg-Bremen [2 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group G Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Alexanderhaven: 2 - 0 - 0 (4:2:+2)6 Points
Kingdom of Kandy: 1 - 0 - 1 (2:1:+1)3 Points
Hamburg-Bremen: 1 - 0 - 1 (2:2:0)3 Points
Great Britain: 0 - 0 - 2 (1:4:-3)0 Points

=======================================

Group H:
Yshurak - Porcu [1 - 2]
Kasnyia - Kimmirut [4 - 1]

=======================================
World Cup Group H Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Kasnyia: 2 - 0 - 0 (6:1:+5)6 Points
Porcu: 1 - 0 - 1 (2:2:0)3 Points
Republic of Kimmirut: 1 - 0 - 1 (2:4:-2)3 Points
Yshurak: 0 - 0 - 2 (1:4:-3)0 Points

=======================================

Matchday 9 Preview

Group A:
Ireland - Union of the Pyrenees
Singapore - Falklands Confederation

Group B:
Confederate States of America - Eleytheria-Duo
Thailand - Icelaim
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Aelius
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Norman Warlord
"The player who scored the two important goals against the smelly British, Ronald der Schweinstucker, shall be honored as the Baron of Balls, for his usage of beautiful footballing in this game, pending the Madmen reaching the knockout stage. If they shall not, his title shall be revoked and... measures shall be taken."

-Maarten von Wonesel, Supreme King and Deity of the Kingdom of Kandy
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Icelaim Claims Top Spot Of Group B

A huge victory lifted the small Mid East nation to the top of Group B and is the first 'underdog' to move onto the next round. However, underdog may not be the best word, since Icelaim confidently handled the Confederate States, who managed to walk away from this tournament with just a single point, and fought well against Eleytheria-Duo in a 2 - 0 loss before beating Thailand earlier today and claiming the last of two qualifying spots.

Ireland and the Falklands Confederation have advanced from Group A, respectively.

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Matchday 9 Fixtures

Group A:
Ireland - Union of the Pyrenees [1 - 1]
Singapore - Falklands Confederation [0 - 1]

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World Cup Group A Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Ireland: 2 - 1 - 0 (4:2:+2)7 Points
Falklands Confederation: 1 - 1 - 1 (2:2:0)4 Points
Singapore: 1 - 0 - 2 (4:4:0)3 Points
Union of the Pyrenees: 0 - 2 - 1 (3:5:-2)2 Points

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Group B:
Confederate States of America - Eleytheria-Duo [1 - 1]
Thailand - Icelaim [1 - 2]

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World Cup Group B Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Icelaim: 2 - 0 - 1 (3:3:0)6 Points
Eleytheria-Duo: 1 - 2 - 0 (4:2:+2)5 Points
Thailand: 1 - 1 - 1 (3:3:0)4 Points
Confederate States of America: 0 - 1 - 2 (1:3:-2)1 Point

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Matchday 10 Preview

Group C:
Draxis - Russian Empire
Paradise - North-West Afrika

Group D:
South-East Afrika - California
Abnar Al-Andalus - English Republic
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Draxis Prevents Russian Advancement

In a match that most certainly has ramped up the level of this budding rivalry, Draxis overcame three yellow cards to hand the Russian Empire its second loss of this World Cup tournament and prevent them from moving on. The Draxian win combined with Paradise's timely winning goal against the Porcuian dependency of North-West Afrika pushed the Russians to the bottom of Group C.

On a related note, as predicted, the English Republic grabbed the top qualification spot of Group D with California taking the other spot.

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Matchday 10 Fixtures

Group C:
Draxis - Russian Empire [1 - 0]
Paradise - North-West Afrika [1 - 0]

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World Cup Group C Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

North-West Afrika: 2 - 0 - 1 (3:1:+2)6 Points
Paradise: 1 - 1 - 1 (3:3:0)4 Points
Draxis: 1 - 1 - 1 (2:3:-1)4 Points
Russian Empire: 1 - 0 - 2 (2:3:-1)3 Points

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Group D:
South-East Afrika - California [1 - 1]
Abnar Al-Andalus - English Republic [1 - 2]

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World Cup Group D Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

English Republic: 2 - 1 - 0 (4:2:+2)7 Points
California: 1 - 2 - 0 (4:2:+2)5 Points
Abnar Al-Andalus: 1 - 0 - 2 (5:7:-2)3 Points
South-East Afrika: 0 - 1 - 2 (4:6:-2)1 Point

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Matchday 11 Preview

Group E:
Metz - Rome-Byzantine Empire
Ulgania - Great New France

Group F:
Western Union - Venice
Chilsherdia - New Harumf
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Venice's Win Not Enough

One shot at completing their recovery from a horrid start fell just short for the Venetian squad and hosts to this World Cup. Venice finishes third in Group F on goal differential, despite the fact that the second qualifying spot is held by the team they defeated earlier today. Venice needed to score three goals, a large feat for any team, in order to even out the goal differential with the Western Union. The second place spot then would have been awarded to Venice since they would have had a victory over the Western Union in direct competition. The Venetian press has been scathing thus far and rivals and critics of this host team no doubt anticipate tomorrow's paper with glee.

Also, Ulgania and the Rome-Byzantine Empire advanced out of Group E.

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Matchday 11 Fixtures

Group E:
Metz - Rome-Byzantine Empire [0 - 1]
Ulgania - Great New France [1 - 1]

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World Cup Group E Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Ulgania: 2 - 1 - 0 (3:2:+1)7 Points
Rome-Byzantine Empire: 2 - 0 - 1 (3:1:+2)6 Points
Metz: 1 - 1 - 1 (2:2:0)4 Points
Great New France: 0 - 0 - 3 (1:4:-4)0 Points

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Group F:
Western Union - Venice [0 - 2]
Chilsherdia - New Harumf [1 - 2]

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World Cup Group F Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

New Harumf: 3 - 0 - 0 (6:1:+5)9 Points
Western Union: 1 - 0 - 2 (5:5:0)3 Points
Venice: 1 - 0 - 2 (2:4:-2)3 Points
Chilsherdia: 1 - 0 - 2 (4:7:-3)3 Points

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Matchday 12 Preview

Group G:
Alexanderhaven - Kingdom of Kandy
Great Britain - Hamburg-Bremen

Group H:
Porcu - Kasnyia
Republic of Kimmirut - Yshurak
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Kandy and Porcu Sneak Through

On a day that saw both squads get major help from bottom teams, the Kingdom of Kandy and Porcu both advanced out of their respective groups holding the second qualifying spot. Despite a loss to Alexanderhaven, Kandy advanced on goal differential due to Hamburg-Bremen's loss to Great Britain, a result Kandy was counting on but few commentators were willing to concede prior to the match. On the other hand, Porcu managed a win against what could be considered a second-rate Kasnyian squad, one that rested some of its biggest stars as the Asian country prepares for its upcoming clash in the Round of 16. Questions linger for both teams as they continue, many Porcuian fans and commentators still unsure of the true spirit of this team.

Alexanderhaven and Kasnyia advance from their groups holding the top qualifying spot, respectively.

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Matchday 12 Fixtures

Group G:
Alexanderhaven - Kingdom of Kandy [3 - 2]
Great Britain - Hamburg-Bremen [1 - 0]

=======================================
World Cup Group G Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Alexanderhaven: 3 - 0 - 0 (7:4:+3)9 Points
Kingdom of Kandy: 1 - 0 - 2 (4:4:0)3 Points
Hamburg-Bremen: 1 - 0 - 2 (2:3:-1)3 Points
Great Britain: 1 - 0 - 2 (2:4:-2)3 Points

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Group H:
Porcu - Kasnyia [1 - 0]
Republic of Kimmirut - Yshurak [0 - 2]

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World Cup Group H Point Table
Wins-Ties-Losses / Goals For:Goals Against:Goal Differential

Kasnyia: 2 - 0 - 1 (6:2:+4)6 Points
Porcu: 2 - 0 - 1 (3:2:+1)6 Points
Yshurak: 1 - 0 - 2 (3:4:-1)3 Points
Republic of Kimmirut: 1 - 0 - 2 (2:6:-4)3 Points

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Knockout Stage Schedule (Round of 16)

Matchday 13
1st of Group A vs. 2nd of Group B
1st of Group B vs. 2nd of Group A

Matchday 14
1st of Group C vs. 2nd of Group D
1st of Group D vs. 2nd of Group C

Matchday 15
1st of Group E vs. 2nd of Group F
1st of Group F vs. 2nd of Group E

Matchday 16
1st of Group G vs. 2nd of Group H
1st of Group H vs. 2nd of Group G

=======================================

Matchday 13 Preview

Ireland - Eleytheria-Duo
Icelaim - Falklands Confederation
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Inspiring Performance

Icelaim moves on after surviving a late Falklander surge in extra time, eventually converting all of their shootout attempts into goals to propel themselves into the quarterfinals. Tying the game late, scoring off a set piece in the 82nd minute of play, Icelaim only seemed capable of prolonging a defeat at the hands of the skillful South Americans. While many unfortunate fellows lost a good deal of money on what seemed like a sure bet, others became rich instantly once the Icelaim victory was finalized.

One Icelaim player did faint when the winning shootout goal was scored. He is fine and has been cleared to play in Icelaim's next game, opponent yet to be determined.

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Matchday 13 Fixture (Round of 16)

Ireland - Eleytheria-Duo [2 - 1]
Icelaim - Falklands Confederation [5 - 4], Score After Regulation and Extra Time: [1 - 1]

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Matchday 14 Preview (Round of 16)

North-West Afrika - California
English Republic - Paradise
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

California Cruises, England Stumbles

While the second qualifying team out of Group D dominated their opponents and sailed to an easy victory yesterday, the English Republic, the top qualifying team of Group D, let in a soft goal from a relatively sharp angle to the net and provided Paradise the morale boost they needed for a win.

England had been leading until the 54th minute of play when a sharp angle shot just outside the goal box from a Paradisian attacker proved too difficult to handle for the English goalkeeper. After that, Paradise's offense began to click, though it may have had more to do with the precipitous drop in morale among the English, sealing the victory with a beautiful rising shot, possibly the best goal of the entire tournament thus far, from 31 meters out.

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Matchday 14 Fixture (Round of 16)

North-West Afrika - California [0 - 2]
English Republic - Paradise [1 - 2]

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Matchday 15 Preview (Round of 16)

Rome-Byzantine Empire - Western Union
Ulgania - New Harumf
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

New Harumf and the Romans Move On

In contrast to the back and forth, high intensity game between Ulgania and New Harumf, the Romans looked very much in control throughout their game against the Western Union. Tallies eleven minutes apart and a tight defense was all that was needed to defeat a Western Union team that seemed to have lost some of its luster from the group stage.

On the other hand, the clash of African titans produced the match many were anticipating. Ulgania opened up the scoring in the 44th minute of play, but New Harumf came out strong in the second half and equalized the score in the 54th minute. Both teams were uncharacteristically passive and defensive in the extra session, almost as if they already knew they would be heading to penalty kicks. Three beautiful saves from the New Harmuf goalkeeper completed the comeback victory, avenging the team's recent high-profile loss to Ulgania for the African Championship title.

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Matchday 15 Fixture (Round of 16)

Rome-Byzantine Empire - Western Union [2 - 1]
Ulgania - New Harumf [2 - 5], Score After Regulation and Extra Time: [1 - 1]

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Matchday 16 Preview (Round of 16)

Alexanderhaven - Porcu
Kasnyia - Kingdom of Kandy
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New Harumf
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Bloodthirsty Unicorn
Kicking ass and taking names! That was the headline in the NH National Newspaper this morning.
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