Eleven nations have answered the call to particpate in this tournament. As this is an odd number for reasons of making the draw, Demosland B will also play. Hence the tournment draw is as follows:
- 4 groups of 3 ( 3pts for win/1pt for draw/0pts for loss), each team plays each other once. The first 2 go through
- Quarter-finals, Semi-Finals, Final
- A 3rd place playoff will be held for the semi-final losers
- Draws in the finals stage will be decided by 30 minutes extra time (played in full) and if required best of 5 Penalty shoot-out.

The Pools are as follows

A: Thracia, Montfortslavia, Neo Israeli
B: Tomolakia, Selcuk, Byzanthine
C: Annoystan, Demosland, Crusader Antiochia
D: New Garneria, Borgidiom, Demosland B

The finals draw is as follows:
QF1: 1st A v 2nd D
QF2: 1st D v 2nd A
QF3: 1st B v 2nd C
QF4: 1st C v 2nd B

SF1: Winners of QF1 v Winners of QF2
SF2: Winners of QF3 v Winners of QF4

3rd place playoff: Losers of SF1 & SF2

Final: Winners of SF1 & SF2

Thanks to our sponsors, Demosland National Airways and Agoratech the following prize money is on offer. (All amounts in Demosland dollars)

Winner: $D 5,000,000
Runner-up: $D 2,000,000
3rd: $D 1,000,000
4th: $ 500,000
QF losers: $200,000
3rd place in pool: $100,000

Look out for regular updates on this thread.

Best of luck
Demosland Football Association.

The results from Matchday 1 are as follows:

Pool A:
Thracia 3
Montfortslavia 1

Neo Israeli: Bye

Pool B:
Tomolakia 3
Selcuk 1

Byzanthine: Bye

Pool C:
Annoystan 4
Demosland 0

Crusader Antiochia: Bye

Pool D:
New Garneria 2
Borgidiom 2

Demosland B: Bye

Thracians celebrate their big victory over Montfortslavia!

Tens of thousands of Thracians were dancing like crazy in all the towns of Thracia.

Team Neo Israeli goes up to Team Thracia, congratulates them and shakes hands.

The Pepestonian Federation, eventough we did not send a team to the competition, wishes to congratulate Thracia and NeoIsraeli for their victories.

HOT BRATS "SUPER HOT" IN FIRST CUP GAME WIN!

The Bratisonia Hot Brats, representing Annoyastan in the Demosland Renessance Cup Challenge, parlayed early enthusiasm with several lucky breaks to take game one of the series, 4-0 over the hosts.
"The boys were excited," said coach Romyum Produvlsi. "We came out with good energy and managed to put in a quick one. Lady Luck was smiling down on us today."
It's probably too early to talk about Cup records, but it is highly unlikely that so many balls will bounce off the poles again in the near future. The counts differed, witnesses report 8 to 12 Demosland shots completely eluded Brats goalie Frno Prios only to bounce from the pipes. "I saw they were going wide," Prios smiled, "and so I let them go. I concentrate on the ones that are on target." Officials did examine the pipes after the game to make sure they were of regulation width. "They looked funny," said a Demosland fan. "Very fat. It was like the ball had a big magnet inside of it."
Brats star forward Comoso Teraretski pumped in two goals from near midfield, high, looping shots that were apparently lost in the sun by the demosland goalkeeper. "The win is nice," Terartski said, "but tomorrow is another game. We just have to take them one game at a time. We have to cut down on mistakes. We have to stay within ourselves and play our game and not try to, uh, go, uh... outside of ourselves. You know?"
"We'll stay focused," Produvlsi said. "The boys all want to drink the Pelozca from the cup."

The results for matchday 2 are as follows:
Pool A
Thracia 1
Neo Israeli 4

Montfortslavia: Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
Neo Israeli 1 3 4 1
Thracia 2 3 4 5
Montfortslavia 1 0 1 3

Pool B
Tomolakia 2
Byzanthine 2

Selcuk: Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
Tomolakia 2 4 5 3
Byzanthine 1 1 2 2
Selcuk 1 0 1 3

Pool C

Bratisonia (Annoyastan) 0
Crusader Antiochia 2

Demosland: Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
Crusader Antiochia 1 3 2 0
Bratisonia (Annoyastan) 2 3 4 2
Demosland 1 0 0 4

Pool D

New Garneria 2
Demosland B 0

Borgidiom: Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
New Garneria 2 4 4 2
Borgidiom 1 1 2 2
Demosland B 1 0 0 2

Thracians are SHOCKED by the surprise defeat of their team against Neo-Israeli.

"How can our team be so insonsistent? So brilliant one day, and so incompetent the next day? It's difficult to understand." said one fan, returning home, depressed, from the main square in Burgas where the municipality put a huge screen for all fans to watch the games together.

Montfortslavia FC was back on training today after the defeat on the first match of the Renaissance Cup.
Santiao do Aritamea, the coach has been working on new playing strategy for the next round.

ANTAKYA - 25 August.

After the victory of the Crusader Antiochia team in the Renaissance Cup last day, thousands of happy people went on the streets with red-white flags, singing football songs and partying until the early morning. Many football fans watched the match on a big screen on the Prince Bohemund Square in Antakya. According to several fans, the victory of yesterday shows that the Crusader Antiochia team is the favorite for winning the Cup.

Sports commentators were very enthusiastic about left-wing forward Ferdinando Catipana, who was a real plague for the Bratisonia defenders last day. Catipana scored the first goal and gave the assist for the second goal, scored by Paulo Mulinaris. But the strikers of Bratisonia were dangerous too, although they didn't succeed in scoring goals, thanks to some magnificent actions by Crusader Antiochia goalkeeper Eric Hay du Bloc.

Guy de Bray, the coach of the Crusader Antiochia team, has warned for too much enthusiasm: "This was just the first match. We've won, but I've still noticed several mistakes which could be fatal against a stronger opponent".

The fans, however, seem to be confident in their heroes and have high expectations. Where will this end? We will see and for now we'll just join the supporters in singing "che sera, sera; what will be, will be".

Brats Burned in Cup Challenge
Brats doomed to failure?
Bratasonians bitter and blaming in defeat

True Brats fans were not surprised on Sunday, as a disorganized and disappointing Brats team lost a 2-0 game that was not as close as the score would seem to indicate. A more hapless and lackluster performance has rarely been seen on any soccer field anywhere, as Crusader Antiochia opened the scoring in the first minute, with forward Capitana waltzing casually into the box, la-dee-dah, taking his time, unchallenged and untouched, and then smacking the ball through Brats goalie Prios's legs, who avoided the ball as if it was a non-alcoholic beer. The game might as well have ended at this point, for all the subsequent effort put forward by the home squad.

Though inept Brats coach Produvlsi later denied reports that half the team was hung-over from celebrations of the previous victory, he may have done so only because it was more than half the squad who seemed to be playing with migraines. Brats fans have long known this reporters distaste for coach Produvlsi and his so-called coaching “strategies” – and, in truth, the majority of Brats fans have been wondering why their town should be subjected to Balkan-wide humiliation, as game after game, the Brats embarrass themselves and their fans by their "play".

After the Brats lucked into a victory in game one, some light-headed Pelozca swilling fans suggested that perhaps they stood a chance afterall, perhaps being the Northern League Champion really did stand for something meaningful. More worldly-wise fans knew the sad truth of the matter. Those goal posts from game one could not be counted on in game two, and would not save the Brats from yet another ignominious defeat. The savvy Brats fans know that the odds are this team won’t win another game in the cup play, unless they fire Produvlsi and can somehow get rid of half the team, including Prios and Teraretsky. They would stand a better chance playing at half strength and with no coach than they stand now, with the “genius” Rumyum guiding us to one embarrassment of defeat after another.

And who were the geniuses who thought of putting up the 150,000 kupa JumboTron TV in Bratisonia Plaza for the game? Any idiot would have realized that as the Brats true colors started to shine forth, the JumboTron was destined to be JumboJunk by the end of the first half.

Byzanthines are celebrating the tie on the last game between tolomakia and our national team. Our team seems to be taken a good road.

The results for matchday 3 are as follows

* denotes qualification for Quarter-Finals

Pool A
Monfortslavia 0
Neo Isreali 1

Thracia: Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
*Neo Israeli 2 6 5 1
*Thracia 2 3 4 5
Montfortslavia 2 0 1 4


Pool B
Selcuk 2
Byzanthine 3

Tomolakia: Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
*Tomolakia 2 4 5 3
*Byzanthine 2 4 5 4
Selcuk 2 0 3 6

Pool C

Demosland 0
Crusader Antiochia 1

Bratisonia (Annoyastan) : Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
*Crusader Antiochia 2 6 3 0
*Bratisonia (Annoyastan) 2 3 4 2
Demosland 2 0 0 5

Pool D

Borgidiom 0
Demosland B 1

New Garneria : Bye

Table
Team Pl Pts F A
New Garneria 2 4 4 2
Demosland B 2 3 1 2
Borgidiom 2 1 2 3

The finals draw is as follows:

Match Day 4: Quarter Finals
QF1: Neo Isreali v Demosland B
QF2: New Garneria v Thracia
QF3: Tomolakia v Bratisonia (Annoyastan)
QF4: Crusader Antiochia v Byzanthine

Match Day 5: Semi Finals
SF1: Winners of QF1 v Winners of QF2
SF2: Winners of QF3 v Winners of QF4

Match Day 6: Finals and 3rd/4th Playoff
3rd place playoff: Losers of SF1 & SF2
Final: Winners of SF1 & SF2

Venice (AP)
The football crazy fans of Demosland are scratching their heads today after the national team failed to reach the final 8 of the Renaissance Cup as hosts further more, the national B team which was only admitted to playin the cup at the last minute did qualify for the quarter finals after their shock 1-0 win over Borgidiom. There is now talk in football circles that B team coach Giovanni Riccardi may replace current national team coach Solomon Tunnah and if you ask Demosland fans he may be taking a few B team players with him.

ANTAKYA

Again, thousands of people went on the streets to celebrate the second victory of the Crusader Antiochia team in the Renaissance Cup. Crusader Antiochia striker Martinus Gotius was the matchwinner, as he triggered the ball into the net in a penalty kick after left wing forward Ferdinando Catipana was tackled into the box by one of the Demosland defenders. With his spectacular performance, Crusader Antiochia goalkeeper Eric Hay du Bloc showed to be the most important player of the team. The victory over Demosland has made Crusader Antiochia number one in its group. In the next round the Antiochian players will face Byzanthine. Crusader Antiochia captain Menno Wilhelmi: "The Byzanthines aren't number one in their group, but they are a hard team to beat. But with our quick forwards, our intelligent midfield, our strong defenders and, of course, our magnificent goalkeeper, we'll certainly have a good chance. We'll show our supporters the best we can do".

Let's hope the games resume as soon as possible, maybe on Monday.

and i find it!

ehm : is the game halved or forgotten?

Maybe we should start a campaign to collectively request that Demosland restart the games.

They were the most exciting and origninal thing in our region.

:D ...and also is one of my favorite games....and my team was winning!..and they are amateurs! soccer has a future on byzanthine! :D

REVIVE THE RENAISSANCE CUP?
7 October 2003 – PeZ – The government of Annoyastan offers to host a continuation of the Renaissance Cup competition, here in PeZ. Please let us know if you would like to participate.

VI Budasenko
Prime Minister

Football fans in Thracia and our national team have been asking for months for a re-start of the Renassance Cup.

So we accept Annoyastan's proposal with enthusiasm.

Is Annoyastan gong to run the cup the same way Demosland did?

We support Annoystan proposal. My team is ansious to keep being one of the most unexpected surprises of our national sport asociations.

If there are any more openings in the tournament, New Achaea would be thrilled to be part of the tournament.

There are plenty of openings for new teams. Anyone and everyone is welcome to compete for the Cup.

Youpie!

Count us In! :D

I would like to assume that all the original teams are still interested in participating. If any of the original teams would prefer not to play, please let me know.

Original Teams
Thracia
Neo-Israeli
Montfortslavia
Tolomakia
Selcuk
Byzanthine
Annoyastan
Borgidiom
Crusader Antiochia
Demosland
New Garneria

New Teams
New Achaea
Sovenia

Any team interested is welcome to play for the Cup.

Thank you.

Deris Mokati
subMinister of International Athletic Events

*New Achaean Squad leaves for warmups in Annoystan*

In a recent press conference, coach Hans Nestor spoke of the oncoming challenges for the fledgling New Achaea football team in the Second Renaissance Cup in Annoystan.

"I don't believe any of the teams will be going into this tournament expecting a clean run for the cup," said Nestor, flanked by the starting line of relatively young players, "I'm not going to hold any false expectations here. We're a young team. This is our first international match. You can do the math."

Spirits soared despite the reality of an uphill battle in the tournament. Autograph signings, photo shoots, and an address by Prime Minister Alexis Caesaro capped the farewell ceremony to a group of national icons.

"This is indeed a spectacular event for our people," praised the leader, "and will certainly be at the center of the attention of millions of New Achaeans over the duration of the tournament. This team is certainly a source of pride for our country, regardless of their final standing in the Renaissance Cup. The investment of these athletes in their natural talents and abilities for the betterment of a peaceful regional event certainly goes against the current of a string of tense events in the Balkans. Finally, we are able to put our hearts into something more worthwile than retaliation against aggressor nations."

As of yet, the draw has not been announced to the squad, but it joins Sovenia as part of the newest additions to the sporting event that is sure to become a regional classic.

-Reported 8 October 2003; Ajax, New Achaea

FIRST CUP CONTENDER ARRIVES!
PeZ- (ANO) A spunky New Achaean team has arrived in PeZ, and began workouts in WorldCom Stadium yesterday. “They look quick, very fast, and they don’t seem to ever get tired,” said one stunned observer. “When they kick the ball, it actually goes where they want it to! It’s very unusual for us to see something like that. When our boys kick the ball, it seems to head off in some random direction. But it seems like it’s possible to kick it in some specific direction after all.”

Thirteen teams have entered the cup competition so far. Bids will remain open through Saturday, and the outline of the tournament will be made known Sunday. “As there are new teams, we will start from scratch,” said Daris Mokati, Master of the Games. “The previous games in Demosland are ancient history now. The new games will begin on Monday.“

The Bulgarite would also like to participate in the tournament!

*New Achaeans Living the Tourist's Life*

-Football Squad's Approach to Preparation Unorthodox, but Effective, says Nestor-

In a recent satellite phone interview, televised throughout the nation, New Achaea coach Hans Nestor described the team's activity in PeZ yesterday:

"We came here very early for a reason," said Nestor. "Of course we take our occasional meetings to discuss progress on the team's practice, but it's also important for the boys to have some fun in PeZ. So, we took a walk around the area, played a few pick up games in the parks, and simply took the time to relax a little. All the pressure of carrying New Achaea's name into the international stage has made us a little cross-eyed, but the area's a great place to loosen up."

When asked about the upcoming challenges of the tournament, the 45 year old coach shook his head, chuckling to himself:

"Another question about challenges! Well, I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say there were a few potential matches we've been eyeing. Crusader Antioch, Selcuk, and The Bulgarite have been through this tournament before, and are sure to become big rivals as they're neighbors to our country. On the other hand, I'd put Neo Israeli at the top of the pack, if I had to pick. They played solid in Demosland, and chances are they won't let up on us new guys. Aside from that, we can't go looking for obstacles. We'll get them when they come, so there's no need to add any more to this squad. I'm sure I'll be able to say more on the teams by Sunday. In the meantime, I'm going to get more of that 'Pelozca' they serve at the bar."

In Ajax, citizens are booking rail and plane tickets to PeZ in a rush to see the local squad play against the other elites of the Balkans. By Sunday, tens of thousands are expected to have made their way to the city for the Cup tournament.

-8 October, 2003 Ajax, New Achaea

NATION STUNNED! BRATS OUT OF CUP COMPETITION!
9 October 2003 – PeZ- (ANO) In a decision that surprised everyone and pleased no one, the Bratisonia Brats Football Club has withdrawn from the Renaissance Cup Challenge, citing “personal issues” as the cause. “We have a number of players in various treatment programs, here and in the U.S.” said Strej Brevis, Brats personnel manager. “Much as we’d love to play for the pride of Annoyastan, we have to have our priorities in order.”

The Brats, Northern League Champions for three consecutive years, have alienated almost all of Annoyastan with their arrogance and greed, and when the quality of their play fell in the Demosland games, the team was quickly ridiculed by the entire nation. “I was looking forward to them getting creamed,” said one fan, Geror Berre. “This is really a big let down.”

The withdrawal of the Brats leaves the door open for the Southern League Champions, the PeZ Dispensers, to compete in the Cup Challenge. The Dispensers won the Southern League last year with a mediocre record, and then were humiliated by the Brats in the Annoyastani Championship. “This is definitely a step in the wrong direction,” said Berre. “The Dispensers really suck.”

The Thracian national team, after a very intense training period, left for PeZ today.

"We believe we are better than ever", said national team coach, Nikos Panayotou.

We, the people of the Holy Empire of HRVATSKA and His Holy Imperial Majesty Pavao Marijan I, wanna thank to Annoyastan for his great and friendly invitation to the Renaissance Cup! This is a great day on the HRVATSKA's sport; from begin to be an amateur football plantel, we could come to be an professional national team with international rename, with the best footbalistical powers of the Balkans!.
The people here is shouting on the streets, on the bars, on the fields; practically on every HRVATSKA...








The Croatian fans are very expresive and very followers (with their hearts and forces) of the Croatian Imperial Football Team, they (and His Holy Imperial Majesty, off course) are a great lovers of the football and will go to any stadium on any country just to follow and give forces to the Croatian Imperial Football Team!.
HRVATSKA is very happy for this great event. Thanks to Annoyastan for his desinterested invitation to us, and also for the nations whom supported our coming to the great Renaissance Cup!!!.
As a last thing, we beg to the Renaissance Cup's Comitee of Organisation that notify us about our fixture soon as posible.


With a lot of happiness;

*"Red Kestrels" No Longer Alone in PeZ*

As the other Renaissance Cup teams continue to flock into Annoystan's borders, the hot-shot squad from New Achaea got plenty to look at.

"The Thracians are on fire," noted striker Chris Larrs, as the Seagull-embroided team took the field for their alotted practice time. Now, the "Red Kestrels", as local fans have dubbed them, have become very ardent audiences at several practices. When asked if this was a sign of nervousness towards these teams, coach hans Nestor replied,

"Well, on the one hand we do want to see what these other teams are capable of. It's best to know where your opponents' strengths and weaknesses lie, and because of that you'll see a lot of coaches at these practices. We decided to bring the whole team, though. That way, they can get a feel for the other team's chemistry, something that only a football team can really catch onto. Also, these guys need to see what international play is like. So, the Thracians have been a consistent show for us. I may have underestimated them before coming, but at this point it seems like they have the whole package: speed, strength, and durability. You won't see many of them taken out in substitutions."

Further on in the interview, the coach commented further on upcoming rivalries,

"Like I said before, the neighbor countries will be a thrill to play against if we get the opportunity: Crusader Antioch, Selcuk, all the rest...as far as fans go, I think HRVATKSA has quite a base following them. Then again, I can't say enough about our supporters. They've been to every practice, followed us to these press conferences, and simply have the time of their lives up here. Good for them. We're going to give them a good show."



10 October 2003; PeZ, Annoystan

At this point, we have 14 teams entered in the Cup competition, as follows:

Original Teams
Thracia
Neo-Israeli
Montfortslavia
Tolomakia
Selcuk
Byzanthine
Annoyastan
Borgidiom
Crusader Antiochia
New Garneria

New Teams
New Achaea
Sovenia
Bulgarite
HRVATSKA

We still hope that Demosland will re-appear to join us.
There are still two hours before the tournament will be closed.

We encourage all Balkan nations to send a team to challenge for the Cup.

Deris Mokati

Master of the Games

Fourteen teams have entered into cup competition. Following the example of Demosland, Annoyastan has entered a second team into the competition to create even groupings.

The fifteen teams have been divided into three regional groups.

Group I: Byzanthine, Crusader Antiochia, Neo-Israeli, New Achaea, Selcuk
Group II: Borgidiom, Bulgarite, New Garneria, Thracia, Tolomakia
Group III: Annoyastan PeZ, Annoyastan Elj, HRVATSKA, Montfortslavia, Sovenia

Within the groups, each team will play each other team once.
Two points will be awarded for a win, one point for a tie, zero points for a defeat.
Games that are tied at the end of regulation will be extended by a single sudden-death overtime period.

At the end of the opening round, the teams with the most points will advance to the semi-final. There will also be a wild card team, the best second place team.

If teams are tied in number of points, ties will be broken by tie-breaking games.

The victors of the semi-final games go on to the finals; the vanquished will play for third place honors.

The Renaissance Cup will be awarded in a brief ceremony at the conclusion of the championship match.

Monday’s Games:

Group I
Byzanthine vs. Crusader Antiochia
Neo Israeli vs. New Achaea
Selcuk / Bye

Group II
Borgidiom vs. Bulgarite
New Garneria vs. Thracia
Tolomakia / bye

Group III
Annoyastan PeZ vs. Annoyastan Elj
HRVATSKA vs. Montfortslavia
Sovenia / bye


Good luck to all competitors!

Deris Mokati

Master of the Games

The people of the Holy Empire of HRVATSKA and His Holy Imperial Majesty Pavao Marijan I, followers of the Croatian Imperial Football Team, are confunded and wanna know: why Annoyastan have 2 teams representating 2 cities from there? couldn't be better 1 team for Annoyastan, and therefore 1 team per nation?. Couldn't be better 2 groups of seven teams, with a semifinal, 3rd post and final matches? It's only a propose we make.
Perhaps a logical answer shall tranquilize us. We know that this cup is doing with the best intentions, but we only have this doubt.


Cordially;

*LET THE GAMES BEGIN!*
*Latest Announcement Lands Red Kestrels in a Group of Local Teams*

-PeZ, Annoystan; 12 October, 2003-

Hans Nestor need not wait anymore. Only minutes before, his young squad had been waiting placidly for their upcoming schedule, fully rested and curious about their opponents.

It would appear their best hopes, and worst nightmares, have been confirmed by the Renaissance Cup committee.

"Neo-Israeli, Byzanthine, Selcuk, and Crusader Antiochia. Fantastic..." marveled Chris Larrs. "I think this is what everyone wanted: a regional showdown. You know the atmosphere will be electric."

Which all sounds ideal, except that the atmosphere can just as quickly turn against these teams on the drop of the ball.

"There's pretty much no room for mistakes," commented Coach Nestor, "and if you're not on top of your game, your fans and the opponents' fans will let you know it. Imagine playing under that pressure. That's what everyone's got to get past here. We've had our practice. We know the fundamentals, but now we have to maintain focus. Neo-Israeli is going to be a test of endurance. I don't foresee a blowout win on our part. Who knows what they expect..."

As for the rest of the group, Selcuk will rest up with a bye as Crusader Antiochia and Byzanthine square off. "It will be difficult not to turn our attention to the other game," noted Nestor, "so I suppose that should tell you how huge this tournament will be...

THRACIAN COACH WORRIED

Coach Panayotou expressed his worries in today's conference, and tried to lower expectations.

"We are in a group with very good teams" said Panayotou. "I've watched them train and it is now clear to me that we are going to confront really tough competitors. All of them are good; there is no such thing as a 'weak' team in our group".

Neverhteless, Panayotou assured journalists that the morale of team is high and that the players were confident that they would win. "At least they will play to win", added the coach.

Response to The people of the Holy Empire of HRVATSKA and His Holy Imperial Majesty Pavao Marijan I, on the question of two Annoyastani teams in the tournament.

We considered many options, among them, two seven team groups. We felt that having each team play 6 games in the opening rounds was just too many games. Five team groups means 4 games per team, which we felt more reasonable. But it was certainly a judgement call on our part.

We added a second Annoyastani team, following the example of Demosland, who ran into a similar scheduling problem and solved it by adding a second team. At the time, we considered this a fair and reasonable option for the host to exercise.

We did place both Annoyastani teams in a single group, as we do not want (nor expect) two Annoyastani teams to progress into the semi-finals.

We have attempted to be fair and forthright in this, and followed established precedent. I hope this answers all your questions, and good luck in your match tomorrow.

Deris Mokati

Master of the Games