kamichi

Nine teams with confirmed entries so far. If everyone who has said they're applying does so then we'll have 16/17 teams. But hey, we're still in the first week of applications. [quote name='Luckao' timestamp='1288928555' post='2502620'] Do the player profiles have to be somewhat realistic in terms of ability? I'm assuming you don't want every single team submitting a line-up of Garrincha, Baresi, Yashin, etc. I'd just like a bit of clarification before I submit the GPA's team. Yes, the GPA is entering a team: [img]http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/01/mourinho1201_228x182.jpg[/img] Save a place for us, we have our squad. I shall get it to you tomorrow. [/quote] It will be better for you if you submit a balanced team from the start. I make sure that all teams are roughly equal in terms of ability and if there are no distinctive weaknesses within any given team that can be discerned from the descriptions then I will invent some. On a similar note, don't name any of your players after blind pop stars if at all possible. [quote name='Awesome Dog' timestamp='1288942815' post='2502795'] What are the chances this could be broadcast live on a Justin.tv type website before OnDemand style on youtube? How cool would that be? [/quote] It's definitely something we've thought about, but the chances of it actually happening are exceptionally slim due to the quality of my internet connection. It'll be somewhat miraculous if I even manage to upload all the matches on time every day. What we've done in past tournaments is simulated a live environment, with the matches being opened to the public at a specific time each night (typically 7PM GMT) and getting viewers together in a channel to watch in synchronisation.

White City United, representing the fine alliance of Gondor, are the fourth team in. 16 places left. [quote name='acrux' timestamp='1288748985' post='2500352'] So if for some reason we have enough people for a Team A and Team B? just askin [/quote] I would rather have 20 unique alliances. I feel that part of the allure of these tournaments is having as wide a pool of participants as possible. That said, should we not get 20 adequate applications, two teams from a single alliance would be a better solution than me personally controlling teams (because, as history shows, I would win). However, I cannot guarantee that such a team would be able to participate, which means any effort going into team creation could be for nothing. It also contradicts what I said in the OP (not to mention the spirit of the last few tournaments), so I would be looking for approval from other team managers as well, which is ridiculously bureaucratic for a simple virtual football tournament. A suggestion for Umbrella themselves though. What I also said in the OP is that teams from defunct alliances would be allowed on a case by case basis. So instead of Umbrella A and B, what about a GenMay team? The same kind of offer is open to any alliance with a significant percentage of members from any single disbanded alliance.

[quote name='Jens of the desert' timestamp='1288723159' post='2499995'] Whenever someone tells me things are selling out fast I ALWAYS believe them [/quote] Cheeer up, it means you can admire your team's kit and lineup in all its splendour for an extra few days! or something [URL=http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1682/pes20102010110219123605.png][IMG]http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1682/pes20102010110219123605.th.png[/IMG][/URL][URL=http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5395/pes20102010110215251478.png][IMG]http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/5395/pes20102010110215251478.th.png[/IMG][/URL]

Tetris become the third alliance to submit a completed application. It's very nice to see my pleading for urgency is being taken seriously. [quote name='nippy' timestamp='1288680644' post='2499735'] After our outstanding start to last season was completely tossed, I'm going to have to sit this one out. Perhaps next tourney. [/quote] As I said when planning for WC2010 begun, I know I burned through a lot of goodwill by the sudden closure of the SFFL and it's a shame to see that GOONS are a casualty of that. The withdrawal of any active team is saddening so all I can say now is that I do indeed hope to see you back for any future tournaments.

[quote name='Lennox' timestamp='1288617003' post='2498959'] Can I submit my college team [/quote] Is your college an alliance? Then yes! If not, then I'm afraid not. I'd be totally open to an NSO team however.

The University become the second team to submit a full application. Places going fast, make sure you claim yours! To help you along, here's a helpful list of suggestions of team names which you should most definitely make use of. [quote=#mushroom]Checkmate - Olympique Chaquematé (kamichi) - - Benoit AirMoi - Kilmarcheck (James) FOK - Kilmarfok (James) iFOK - FC Vassal State (arexes) Ragnarok - Kilmarnarok (AirMe) The Legion - Leedsgion United (James) Olympus - Olympusakos (group effort) Sparta - Sparta Sparta (kamichi) - Spartak Sparta (kamichi) - Sparta Atraps (kamichi) MHA - West Harm Utd (James) TOP - Kilmartop (James) Gondor - White City (kamichi) - Godnor Regis (James) - leyton gondorient (James) - - <%kamichi> is gondor on the east of middle earth - - - no (Betto) ODN - Oranje Barnetwork (group effort) TOOL - Livertool (James) C&G - C______ G_______ Rangers [referred to by initals ala QPR] (kamichi) - Celtic Glasgow Rangers (James) The International - any team with internacional or internazionale come on it's not difficult Fark - Kilmarnfark (kamichi) IRON - Metalist/Metallurg Oranje/Nacional/Independiente (kamichi) GATO - Español du Gato (kamichi) NPO - Kilmarnpock - - <%James_I> i think vladimir is a kilmarnock supporter - - <%James_I> on that basis, NPO could simply be kilmarnpock NpO - KilmarNpOck (kamichi) - polarhampton wanderers (James) GOD - Rotor Godnorov (kamichi) - Widzew Godz (James) MCXA - MCXA Sofia (kamichi)[/quote]

Addressing a question asked on IRC while I was asleep: [03:17:42] <Medix|Sanitarium> hey I have a question [03:18:53] <Medix|Sanitarium> Is it possible to have > 1 alliances represented in a team [03:19:54] <Medix|Sanitarium> micros << The short answer is no. From past experience, 'coalition' teams suffer from a lack of identity and organisation, which in turn means their members are less likely to get involved and get active. Everyone has more fun when there's some good natured banter and ribbing between the teams. The exception to this rule is a team representing a bloc. In fact, the only accepted team so far - O'Samurai Utd - is representing the Checkmate bloc, when in past tournaments they were representing the Ronin and OSA alliances alone. I know there are also plans for an ODN-less C&G team. Bloc treaties tend to have their own image and identity which is far more suitable for this tournament than individually treatied allies.

Once more, AirMe puts all of you to shame and has already delivered three roster iterations. Needless to say, O'Samurai United are the first team to be accepted. After being so cruelly denied by the SFPL's fiscal ruination, can O'Sam continue their all-conquering form onto the highest stage of them all?!

[quote name='potato' timestamp='1288460833' post='2497368'] I'm going to assume James as already applied. If not, MK's in. [/quote] As far as I'm aware, there's a shocking lack of roster preparation from MK. The Dons need to get their house in order!

[quote name='Twizzler' timestamp='1288459639' post='2497351'] You guys take Place Holders? You know ODN will want in this again. [/quote] I'm only dedicating spaces to finished applications to encourage everyone to get theirs in as soon as possible. Creating 20 teams from scratch is a massive effort and I plan to start the process as soon as possible. If everyone waits to submit on the last possible day then I might not be ready in time, taking exams into account. So the answer to your question is an unfortunate no, though I do look forward to ODN's latest team. [18:17:00] <%Shamed> kamichi would you accept a C&G team [18:17:05] <%Shamed> instead of an individual alliance [18:17:39] <%kamichi> a seperate ODN team would be better [18:17:43] <%kamichi> but otherwise sure I know which side my bread is buttered. or something

[center][img]http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/2332/wc2010logov.png[/img][/center] [size="6"][b]Introduction[/b][/size] Good morning sports fans and welcome to the true pinnacle of athletic entertainment, the CyberNations World Cup 2010. WC2010 is a simulated soccer (hereafter known as 'football') tournament which uses CN alliances as its teams, much like its real life FIFA namesake. Each team consists of a 16 player squad along with a manager who is able to change lineups and tactics between games. What makes this different from the plethora of other tournament topics is that you, the viewer, actually get to watch the action. All matches are recorded and uploaded in their entirety for your viewing pleasure, with quality commentary from the best and/or worst wordsmiths to ever grace CN. I will be using Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 to simulate the matches. Both teams in the game will be controlled by the Top Player AI and at no point will I, or anyone else, have any direct influence on the game itself. Indeed, if you've followed my past tournaments then you're still watching a computerised soccer match, with no human input, being shouted at by an uneducated British guy with a funny accent. [size="4"][b]Past Tournaments[/b][/size] (All links require an account on the MK forums) - [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=24117.0]The Mushroom Kingdom Invitational[/url] - [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=24762.0]World Cup 2009[/url] - [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=28247.0]Castle Fairgrounds Premier League[/url] - [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=30774.0]Satellite Five Premier League[/url] [size="4"][b]Schedule[/b][/size] 30th October - 30th November: Applications [color=red][b]<- YOU ARE HERE[/b][/color] 1st - 14th December: Preparation 15th - 23rd December: Group Stages 26th - 27th December: Round of 16 28th December: Quarter Finals 29th December: Semi Finals 30th December: Finals [size="6"][b]How do I apply?[/b][/size] [size="4"][b]Requirements[/b][/size] Each team must represent an alliance or a bloc, with no intermingling. One team per alliance only. Disbanded alliances will be considered on a case by case basis. Are you in an eligble alliance and interested in entering? Here is the very minimum of what you need to give me, in handy checklist format. ☐ A name. [img]http://thecastlehall.com/boards/Smileys/kickass/v.gif[/img] ☐ An active manager who knows enough about football to set basic tactics. ☐ A list of 16 alliance members and relevant footballer descriptions. ☐ A suitable logo. [b]Name[/b] Easy enough, just choose a name which reflects your alliance and sounds vaguely like a football club. Some of the better past examples include MK Dons, Athens Athletic and Real Vanguard. But still, if you can't think of anything 'good' then don't worry, just use your alliance name. [b]Manager[/b] The manager of the team will typically choose the starting lineup, the set piece takers and general strategies for their team. This means they need some kind of rudimentary knowledge of how football works. They will also need to pay attention to the tournament and be active throughout the month of December so they're actually around to make these changes. [b]Roster[/b] By far the most important part of the application is the Roster. You need to give me the names, positions and descriptions for 16 players. That is, one goalkeeper, a mix of ten outfield positions and five substitutes. Again, [i]Names[/i] are the easy part, the only restriction is a character limit (15). Each player must have a single defined [i]position[/i]. You might want to decide the team's overall formation first, then choose individual positions. If you need help then use [url=http://www.players4export.com/imgs/soccer_field.jpg]this picture[/url] and the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formation_%28association_football%29#Common_modern_formations]Wikipedia page[/url] as references. [i]Descriptions[/i] are the most important part of the roster. They're the only place you get to tell me about the kind of player you want, so include anything and everything. What they're good at, what they're bad at, any particular skills, their physique, even the colour of their lovely, flowing hair. This is your only opportunity to influence the creation of the players that will soon be representing your alliance, seize the day, write as much as you want. Here are a few good examples of player descriptions from past tournaments to help you out. [spoiler]DC - Coursca- I am an excellent tackler and header. I also have good ball control and am a decent passer, but my long ball leaves something to be desired. I am decent at placekicks and excellent at throw-ins. I always communicate with my surrounding players and I am pretty selfless with my body -- meaning I will use myself as a shield against a shot if necessary. Unfortunately, I have an affinity toward fouling because I am relatively physical. Good pace and stamina, but not the most fleet of foot. AML - Majayjay - This tiny filipino firefracker has brought great attention to the small Pacific Island, a place normally ignored for anything regarding this sport. Has blistering pace in abundance and loves providing that perfect cross or dash into the box, has nonetheless been known to conserve all his energy for the attack and not track back as much as he should ST - HDocho - HDocho's drunken dribbling is a sight to behold, as his enemies are dazzled by mad skills and the stench of tequila. AMF - Jaym (C) - Star Player of the Minas Tirith Hobbit League, and 3 time Golden Foot Hair winner, Jaym has feet that can leave even Chris Angel in a daze. An intelligent player with a focus on setting up plays and threading the needle against a tight defence, Jaym will rarely decide to put the ball on goal. As a hobbit, his height gives self confidence to even the keeper.[/spoiler] [b]Logo[/b] The logo is mostly irrelevant and is just for fun. It's an image which will show up on the match scoreboard and as an emblem on your team's shirts. Max file size is 2MB, max resolution is 640x512 and the format should be PNG. If you want to make it look good then give it a transparent background. If you can't think of anything clever, then feel free to just use your alliance's flag. [size="4"][b]Submission[/b][/size] Once you think you're ready to submit your team, copy and paste the following form exactly and fill it in with your own team's information. [code][b]Team Name[/b]: [b]Manager[/b]: [b]Logo[/b]: [b]Formation:[/b] GK - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description Position - Name - Description S1 - Name - Description S2 - Name - Description S3 - Name - Description S4 - Name - Description S5 - Name - Description[/code] Send the completed form to me via Private Message on [url=http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?app=members&module=messaging&section=send&do=form&fromMemberID=263]these boards[/url], [url=http://www.avelegio.net/forums/private.php?do=newpm&u=4116]The Legion's boards[/url] or the [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=17]Mushroom Kingdom's boards[/url]. Remember, there are only enough places for 20 teams so it is first come first serve. The deadline is set for December 1st but we might run out of space before that, so make sure to get your team's application submitted as soon as possible. As of 1:40 GMT on the 21st November, [b]applications are closed[/b]. [size="4"][b]List of Confirmed Participants[/b][/size] [spoiler] [size="6"][b]Applications are now closed[/b][/size] 1. O'Samurai United [Checkmate] 2. University Red Hawks [The University] 3. AFC Tetris [Tetris] 4. White City United [Gondor] 5. MK Dons [Mushroom Kingdom] 6. Umbrellailures [Umbrella] 7. Complaints Albion [C&G] 8. A Clockwork FC [ODN] 9. Tigris Altaica [STA] 10. Red Star FC [The International] 11. Verde e Brancos [GPA] 12. Vassal State FC [iFOK] 13. Juventus TOOLino [TOOL] 14. F.C. Hitchhikernazionale Milano [MHA] 15. XXX United [Exodus] 16. Atlético Mexica [MCXA] 17. IRON United [IRON] 18. LoSSed & Found [LoSS] 19. The Lion Kings [FOK] 20. CSKA Francograd [NPO] 21. Ordinary Men, Football Gods [OMFG] 22. Atletico Nemesis [Nemesis] 23. The Christian Crusaders [CCC] 24. FC Paradoxia [TOP] [/spoiler] [size="6"][b]Questions[/b][/size] Please use this topic for any and all questions you have. After all, we do need to keep this topic alive for the next 40 days or so. I will also catalogue the most frequently asked questions here to save you the trouble. You can also catch me (and possibly other veterans of past tournaments oh gosh!) on IRC at #wc2010. [i]Q. Where are the managers supposed to manage formation, set piece takers etc.? [/i] A. There will be a new topic when the tournament begins which will include a tactics form to fill in, similar to the roster submission form. [i]Q. Will we be able to view the player descriptions of other teams?[/i] A. All rosters will be in one of the first posts of the new topic, so yes, all rosters will be public.

[quote name='Wu Tang Clan' timestamp='1288064308' post='2493310'] While PatJenn may have impacted the game in a more positive light, it would be impossible to say he made the game more interesting than Lennox... just saying. [/quote] PatJenn signed and helped realise the first bloc treaty, which directly led to one of the most heated flashpoints the game has ever seen. Now admittedly, I don't know who Lennox is, but I'd say there are very few people who could live up to that.

GWI was very demoralising for me personally. In a single night, half of LUE's government disappeared, with the rest gone within a week, leaving me as the sole LUE government member. I essentially tried to step up and emulate the entire government of a major alliance on my own, with next to no experience and with no friends to turn to. It went as well as could be expected really, not helped by various allies threatening to withdraw from the war. All in all, a very draining time, especially when combined with a 12 hour bus trip sandwiched between the main CoaLUEtion peace talks. In hindsight, I think LUE were pretty much dead from that point onwards. There was always a core of die-hard members who cared about the alliance and playing intelligently, but the general membership was mired with extreme apathy, the likes of which I've never seen anywhere else. [quote name='New Frontier' timestamp='1281836023' post='2416217'] Probably a tie between TGR disbanding, and the CoaLUEtion coming in and stopping the Maroon War before we could finish off the beat-down. [/quote] The best part of that is how the CoaLUEtion didn't actually step in or make threats, but Nordreich - with full NPO backing (or so I was told) - pussied out anyway.

does anomaly still paint himself as the saviour of LUE because of this because that's funny

this is all you need really. [img]http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/6816/worldmapexport.png[/img] but honestly, if you're serious about such a project, I would recommend a scaling system (ie an alliance with x% of all nation strength gets x% of all the map) rather than a static formula.

[center][img]http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/6365/sfflattempt.png[/img][/center] [size="5"][b]Introduction[/b][/size] Good morning sports fans, my name's kamichi and you may remember me from such virtual soccer productions as The Castle Fairgrounds Premier League (CFPL) and WC2009. I'm here today to talk to you about an exciting new generation of worldwide sporting competition that we like to call the [url=http://satellite-five.com/]Satellite Five[/url]™ Football League (SFFL). The SFFL picks up where its predecessor, the CFPL, left off. The traditional summary is that you're essentially watching a computerised soccer match, with no human input, being shouted at by an uneducated British guy with a funny accent. [size="5"][b]But what actually is it?[/b][/size] The SFFL is a simulated soccer tournament which uses CN alliances as its teams. Each team consists of a 16 player squad - typically members of the alliance in question - along with a manager who is able to change lineups and tactics between games. The results are recorded in an accompanying spreadsheets with the winner of the league declared after a full schedule (home/away) has been played. So far, so cliche. With the reams and reams of soccer tournament topics at the moment, what makes the SFFL different? All matches are recorded and uploaded in their entirety for your viewing pleasure, with quality commentary from the best and/or worst team to ever grace CN. Fans can actually watch and cheer on their teams, managers can see their changes and tweaks in action. The difference between the SFFL and similar CN leagues is the difference between seeing your team score a stoppage time winner equaliser and reading a report about it the day after. So hey, that was one hell of a pretentious description, so... [size="5"][b]Why do I want to sign up?[/b][/size] If the past two paragraphs of melodramatic oration haven't convinced you, here we go in summary form: [list] [*]You get to actually watch the matches. All of them. Every minute of every (5 minute) game will be at your fingertips. [*]Each match has informed and erudite ("OH MY GODDDD") commentary from CN's premier commentators [*]Managers are actually managers. Your tactics will heavily affect the outcome of each match, for better or for worse. [*]All teams are created equal. The differences come in team setups, tactics (and luck!), not money, size or influence. [*]16 players per squad means fun for the whole [s]family[/s] alliance. [*]Goals galore with [s]midget[/s] vertically challenged goalkeepers. [*]Prizes for Best Manager with more tech up for grabs in post season [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=28247.msg398149#msg398149]competitions[/url]. [*]Widespread participation, with Athens, FOK, GR, MK, ODN, Ronin/OSA, STA, Umbrella and Vanguard entering teams last season. Nemesis and NPO have already registered their interest for season two. [*]Last but certainly not least, an awesome, dedicated and hopefully growing fanbase who, through their assistance, their team management or simply their participation in the live broadcasts make the SFFL so enjoyable and surprisingly enthralling. [/list] [size="5"][b]Wow! How do I sign up?[/b][/size] If you think you can put together a list of 16 names and some vaguely soccer-ish descriptions, then you're more than welcome to submit a team, no matter what alliance you're from - the more the merrier. 1. Get yourself an account on the Mushroom Kingdom forums 2. Apply for a [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=195.0]Foreign Guest mask[/url] 3. Post in the [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=30393.msg402744#msg402744]Castle Fairgrounds access topic[/url] 4. Follow the slightly more precise instructions in the [url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=30396.msg402768#msg402768]SFFL Application topic[/url] [size="5"][b]How do I watch the matches?[/b][/size] The matches will all be publicly available on my personal [url=http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/]Viddler[/url] account when they're uploaded and sorted by matchday on the [url=http://satellite-five.com/board/index.php?board=14.0]Satellite Five forums[/url]. [size="5"][b]Links[/b][/size] For your convenience: [list] [*][url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=30393.msg402744#msg402744]MK Foreign Guest Application[/url] [*][url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=30393.msg402744#msg402744]Castle Fairgrounds sign up thread (for non-MK allies)[/url] [*][url=http://thecastlehall.com/boards/index.php?topic=30396.0]SFFL Application Thread[/url] [*][url=http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ArGcjJlwiuQkdHZrWU8xTEVlZ19aRDBKbHBpOXpmQXc&hl=en#gid=0]Season One[/url] - [url=http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0ArGcjJlwiuQkdHZrWU8xTEVlZ19aRDBKbHBpOXpmQXc&hl=en#gid=0]Standings and Rosters[/url] - [url=http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/]Videos[/url] - [url=http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/59/]Match of the Season?[/url] [/list] If you have any extra questions, comments or suggestions to make, feel free to reply to this topic, or catch me via PM on the CN, MK or S5 forums. Or IRC, [i]at your own risk[/i].

I voted Chris Kaos simply because he was the one major alliance leader I got on well with when I was active in politics. Yeah, take that as a reflection upon my own leadership if you like. depraved in his time as AC of GATO always struck me as slightly pretentious, particularly in his comments towards my alliance at the time. That's the worst I can think of really, always liked GATO.

[quote name='Alterego' date='20 April 2010 - 08:32 PM' timestamp='1271791903' post='2267942'] Good for you, dont mind the losers shooting you down. They are all MK yes men now and cant think for themselves any longer. [/quote] Crimes by C&G and Allies since the Karma War - cultivating a society of yes men ☑

Matchday Nine - The Halfway Point Welcome to this special edition of the CFPL blog wherein, as the title suggests, we take stock of the season so far at its halfway point and read a whole load of useless statistics. Traditionally, at this point of a football season, each team has settled down and know where they stand in the league, while the viewer has a general idea of where each team will finish. It is my proud proclamation that this certainly doesn't apply to the Castle Fairgrounds Premier League. Warning: Unmarked spoilers will be used from this point onwards - do not read the rest of this if you want to watch any of the matches without knowing the scores. Full League Table So what does it all mean? It's time for a wikipedia style unnecessary trivia section! It means that the MK Dons, O'Samurai Utd and Real Vanguard are in a three way tie for the lead, with MK ahead because of their superior goal difference. The best home record belongs to Greenland United, with two wins and two draws in their four matches. Best away record goes to O'Samurai, whose away form is exactly the same. For what it's worth, the measures in place to simulate home advantage seem to be working, with 10 wins going to the home teams, compared to 6 for away teams. Athens Athletic, Greenland United and the MK Dons share the title of highest goalscorers with 7 goals each, while O'Samurai United have conceded the least, letting only 3 slip past. Despite their lowly 8th place, Tigris FC have not conceded a single goal at home; a record similar to O'Samurai's on their travels. Best Eleven Based on individual performances this season up until this point, my best eleven would read as follows: GK: Huttervan (ODN) - Despite his team's relatively poor defensive record, Huttervan has often single handedly won vital points for ODN. DL: Jguy (GR) - Dangerous crosser of the ball, ever-present in defence. DR: Volatile (FOK) - Provides much needed width for his team and still manages to be a vital cog in FOK's 3 man defence DC: potato (MK) - Completely solid. Physically and cerebrally awesome. DC: Griswald (MK) - Not as 'standout' as potato but together they form the defensive partnership for the one unbeaten team. No arguments there. ML: Wurzel (GR) - Beating out Chaoshawk on account of Wurzel consistency and quality of the final ball. MR: Cataduanes (ODN) - Close between Cata and Stefan. Cata edges it through his determination and tenacity. MC: Arsenal (ODN)- Captain fantastic; two last minute equalisers for ODN so far and their top goalscorer to boot. MC: Revanche (Van) - A lot like Arsenal, except with less drama. ST: HavoK (Ath) - Not technically impressive but what a sense of timing. Five goals, most of them scrappy, most of the vital. ST: Rafael_Nadal (Van) - Holds his own in what is essentially a 4-5-1 at times and keeps on scoring. There is, indeed, a notable lack of O'Samurai players in my chosen lineup. This is down to how they play well as a team, but typically don't have any real stand-out individuals aside from HisK, who is beaten out by HavoK and Rafa. Full Results Listing Conclusion So hey, I hope this has been an enjoyable read. The idea in my mind was to do something special at the halfway point, though I don't think I've really managed it. Join us for the next matchday this Saturday regardless of this let down!

Matchday Four Desperate times call for desperate measures. And a serious problem calls for a serious solution. Welcome, my friends, to judgement day, where tonight, we make a stand. Tonight, we walk with the ghosts of nil-nil draws past and say no more. Tonight, we traverse the lands where fame and immortality can only be conquered with goalkeeping midgets. Indeed, this matchday has seen more goals scored than in the first three put together. The new wave of vertically challenged goalkeepers can be considered a resounding success, though I can think of one team who won't be very happy with their ensuing situation. In any case, the CFPL has refound its lustre which bodes well for future viewing - whether the methods were unethical or not! Viewing O'Samurai United vs MK Dons http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/14/ Feyenooit vs Tigris FC http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/15/ Greenland United vs Athens Athletic http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/16/ Umbrellailures vs Style 386 FC http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/17/ Results

Matchday Three We laughed, we cried and I shouted a lot but ultimately, the results remained the same and another boring matchday has passed us by. No more, said we the few, we the proud, we the minute CFPL fanbase. Saturday's matchday four will see interesting games, even if it kills us (likely) or if I have to replay every single game until we get a result (liklier). It will make for a lot better viewing than today's, I promise you that. It can't take all that much effort to get more than two goals in four games though, can it? The featured matches this week were Style 386 vs Feyenooit (for the commentary) and Athens vs Umbrella (for the action). I feel it prudent to warn that strong language might have been used, so please execise discretion. Viewing Tigris FC vs Real Vanguard http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/10/ MK Dons vs Greenland United http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/11/ Style 386 FC vs Feyenooit http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/12/ Athens Athletic vs Umbrellailures http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/13/ Results

Matchday Two It does seem that the analysts' pre-season predictions are coming true: five minute matches between fairly matched teams do not make for the goalfests we dearly desire. Nevertheless, fans of all eight teams on show today turned out in #mushroom to roar on their lads (and ladettes) and their loyalty was promptly rewarded. The results themselves certainly don't convey the high quality of football on display, a contender for goal of the season season hidden amongst them. All in all, an enjoyable spectacle for our live viewers - and hopefully for everyone else now too! Viewing Greenland United vs O'Samurai United http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/6/ Real Vanguard vs Style 386 http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/7/ MK Dons vs Umbrellailures http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/8/ Feyenooit vs Athens Athletic http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/9/ Results

No ETA on the forums being back up but we have some of the best in the cyberverse working on the issue. (kamichi)

Matchday One All in all, the Castle Fairgrounds Premier League, hereafter referred to as the CFPL for everyone's sanity, got off to an inauspicious start. Not to extinguish the raging inferno of enthusiasm my intial blog post must have incited, but four games and only four goals do not make a brilliant curtain raiser! However, there were some real gems on display tonight that bode well for the CFPL's future, so without further waffling: Viewing Style 386 FC vs Tigris FC http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/1/ O'Samurai United vs Umbrellailures http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/2/ Athens Athletic vs Real Vanguard http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/5/ MK Dons vs Feyenooit http://www.viddler.com/explore/castlefairgrounds/videos/3/ Results

Good morning virtual sports fans! As you will no doubt be unaware, for the past few months, the Mushroom Kingdom has played host to two mildly successful virtual soccer tournaments. These tournaments take the form of watching the involved teams play out a soccer match in a video game, while an uneducated man with a funny accent shouts over them. If you're an old enough CNer to remember the LUE vs NPO soccer matches, it's the exact same thing. Nothing has evolved in the slightest! The Castle Fairgrounds Premier League officially gets under way this Tuesday (16th) and competing in the first season are: Athens Athletic Feyenooit Greenland United MK Dons O'Samurai United Real Vanguard Style 386 FC Tigris FC Umbrellailures Have fun working out which team is which alliance. Athens Athletic is Athens, I'll give you that one for free. I will be crossposting the results from my own CFPL blog to here in an ill-fated attempt to garner more interest in the league with a view to opening it up to non-allies for season two, should season one be a success. If this whets your apetite at all - though I can't think why it would - you're very welcome to follow along with us on the MK boards, just ask me for the Fairgrounds mask. Or you can view the matches directly from the CFPL Youtube, missing all the delicious context and banter. Maybe that's the idea. The CFPL curtain opener will be ready to view this Tuesday, I hope you'll join us then!