#round 2 quarter 2 fight 2 team fortress 2?

[teamthunderdome]

ROUND 2

QUARTER 2 - FIGHT #2

TWO TEAMS ENTER. ONLY ONE CAN LEAVE.

YOU DECIDE.

(Please reblog for a larger sample size, or to spread your team's propaganda)

[aboyandhisstarship]

Humans are weird Purity/ the emergency broad cast system

The TV tones pulsed three times before a forth long one the TV flashed “this is not a test.” As a voice said “this is the Emergency broadcast system, colonial authorities advise the public to proceed to safe area’s and to follow the lead of lead of armed Military Personal, be alert and carry with you one personal bag, this is not a drill…this is the emergency broadcast system…”

A jet engine blasted over head as the TV flickered off.

24 hours earlier:

T’Las sat in her quarters as she started to write “being on a human warship puts me in a strange circumstance…many people have contacted me hoping to learn if the humans have as powerful weapons as some rumors claim…well after much cajoling and the agreement to let a Human military officer read and if necessary reedit this report (say hello LT!) Hey guys…this is weird…does this microphone actually work…anyway don’t worry not much ended up being cut.

 Now first off is the main offensive weapon of Human war ships, the Magnetic  Accelerator Cannon (M.A.C.) a M.A.C. gun speeds up a shell to a percentage of the speed of the speed of light (for ships usually between 12 and 15 percent) firing the shell into the enemy ship…this is incredibly effective it is predicted a low powered human M.A.C. round could punch through 4 ships before slowing down and being combat ineffective.  It is also the main planetary defense platform of earth and her colonies, these M.A.C.S are two kilometre long behemoths.  This one works the same way but fire there slugs 25 % of the speed of light…and spirits help you if it hits your ship.

 Rail-guns: the secondary weapons on a human ships fire rounds rapidly and are designed mostly to take out missiles and rockets (more on those later) but are also use for anti-fighter and anti-ship activates.

Missiles: now humans are quite keen on these and every ship is equipped with several tubes to fire these things.  Human have 2 major kinds

 Nuclear: a nuclear missile or Nuke as the humans call it are the most powerful in ship to ship combat, it is a reactor rigged to blow and destroy an area usually about 50 km wide.

Electromagnetic plus: the humans want you alive so they fire a different kind of nuke at you, knocks out your power and allow you to be boarded.

T’Las was about to say more when all of a sudden lights went red and The captain went over the inter com saying “we are now in a War state, all hands battle stations.”

*the following report was granted by the SICON Office of Naval intelligence under the freedom of information act*

Cahlti star empire is the official name for hat we have called “fanatical Purifier’s.”  a heavily militarized state that believes all other alien life is an front to the their spiritual existence as such relations with these groups are no existent in a peaceful sense, they have often attacked other neighboring species claiming that it is bandits well aware that any race that wishes to fight a war against them would have bad time…there is a phrase on earth “don’t fight a land war in Asia.” Trying to invade the Cahlti would be like fighting a land war in Asia,7 years of hard fighting and would result in millions of dead.

  Valley Forge:

The camera flew through the bridge as the ships lights were blaring red a Human Crew member said “ma’am we have 45 boogies on our scanners, all armed…it is unknown how much of the force is left, but they engaged the M.A.C platforms, and have won the engagement.”

Hernandez said “Alight, Chief, where is Battle Group Fortress?”

A coms officer turned her chair around “picking up black box’s ma’am, it seems Fortress was forced to retreat….Manticore is 45 seconds behind us…they will engage the fleet…I am picking up confirmed reports of ground combat.”

Hailey took a deep breath “hard launch we are coming in, get Dagger prepped, there mission is locate the governor, arm rail guns load nukes and Get the M.A.C online…open up as soon as we drop out of Chekov, dump dagger same time.”

Hernandez said “T’Las get geared up…you are dropping.”

The camera cut out and changed to a rocking motion as T’Las screamed in a metal pod as Ericson’s said “Dagger 0-1 to Overlord come in.”

A voice with a drawl answered “we are picking you up Dagger 0-1…”

Ericson said “everyone hold on, we are almost to touch down …Over Lord do you have contact with the Governor!”

Overlord said “that’s a negative Dagger 0-1 we have not been able to locate her before the winter contingency was activated…we will pass on the address to her  house, however we have confirmed enemy presence in the region, happy hunting.”

Ericson called “Roger…detach in 4, 3, 2,1!”

T’Las screamed again as her metal shell blew and she was in the air above some neighborhood a pair of human jets blasted through the air above them and her body jerked as her jets kicked in and she crashed through the roof of a house, a human family lay on the floor in a pool of blood, the TV blasting a series of tones...as a robotic voice said “this is the emergency broadcast system…”

 Ericson said “Futuba turn that TV off.”

Futuba responded “on it boss!”

Porthos sniffed around as Abebi said “boss, the coordinate’s Overlord gave us are…4 blocks east of us.”

Ericson nodded coldly “Safety’s off, but pick your targets…combat wedge, T’Las you’re in middle stay close.”

T’Las nodded as a jet blasted overhead again the camera cut again.

 The camera turned back on as Ericson entered saying “woof….Depoint?”

The woman advanced taking one look at the body saying “can confirm she is dead…tortured to death sir…”

Ericson groaned “confirm it’s her…Overlord this is Dagger o-1 we have a possible ID on the governor…”

Over lord responded “uhh Roger that, Dagger 0-1 what is her status?”

Depoint called “can DNA confirms it LT.”

The camera panned to show T’Las bent over with Abebi patting her back as Porthos whinnied Abebi said “easy let it out.”

Ericson said “Depoint check on T’Las, Overlord…Governor is confirmed KIA…who is next in the chain of command…”

Overlord was clearly nervous cursing “fuck…uh let me get back to you Dagger 0-1.”

T’Las vomited again, a Green sludge coming of her mouth as Depoint said “easy…do you feel dizzy?”

T’Las nodded “a bit.”

Ericson walked over saying “how is she?”

Depoint said “I’m no expert sir, but she is in shock….she may need some care Sir.”

T’Las was visibly shaking saying “they gutted her like fish…I have seen videos of it on earth…but to a living thing.”  She bent over again vomiting.

Ericson smiled “what you are feeling is perfectly normal ok, just breath through it…if you ever feel like you are in distress let us know ok.”

Ericson radio cracked to life “Uhh Dagger 0-1 this is overlord…what is your rank?”

The squad look at each other as Ericson said “lieutenant first class, ODT…”

The voice dropped the southern drawl speaking in a British accent “Lieutenant Junior Grade Marco Paul-son sir…uhhh I’m in the logistics core sir…I was in the command center by sheer chance, in the opening attack the hostile’s hit a building…where the rest of Civilian and military leadership, calls came in for the command center…so I pretended to General Barrows….I know I wasn’t supposed to, but no one would have listened…they needed orders…a calm voice in there ear…but I’m over my head…I found it who is highest ranking officer on the planet…it’s me.”

The squad went quiet as Ericson stood straight “listen good son because I am only going to say this once, you have been doing a great job, so stop doubting and start commanding.”

Ericson flicked off the private channel saying “Over lord Dagger 0-1 mission ended in failure  where do you need us.”

Overlord had tears in their eyes but shook it off saying “uhhh Right, Dagger 0-1…we have reports of a squad of marines trying to lead a group of civs to safety, these guys are under equipped and terrified, show the flag and help them, it will do wonders for them to see a ODT team.”

Ericson nodded “roger Sir…we have their location.”

  3 hour later:

T’Las leaned on a wall as Bullets flew past mowing down the aliens before she look up seeing hundreds of metal pods, Overlord said “all friendlies be aware ODT teams are dropping in quadrant 4 and 6, link up with them if at all possible, all air units cover there landing.”  With that the camera cut.

 5 hours later:

 T’Las was on a stretcher Depoint said “you will be ok.”

Ericson plucked down next to a young man hitting him on the shoulder “how you are holding up?”

The kid formally known as overlord said “I’m a hero apparently…don’t feel like it.”

Ericson grinned “you saved a planet…that sounds like hero work to me.”

The kid laughed “thank you sir.”

The camera cut out.

[she-who-fights-and-writes]

I’m wondering, how do I come up with good ideas to write a sub-plot that actually fits into the story and won’t make the reader lose the connection with the main plot?

How to Write A Sub Plot

If you look back on every single bestselling book ever printed, the chances are that most, if not all of them, contain sub-plots.

A sub-plot is part of a book that develops separately from the main story, and it can serve as a tool that extends the word count and adds interest and depth into the narrative.

Sub-plots are key to making your novel a success, and, although they aren’t necessary for shorter works, are an essential aspect of story writing in general.

However, sub-plots can be difficult to weave into the main plot, so here are a few tips on how to incorporate sub-plots into your writing.

1. Know Your Kinds of Sub-Plots and Figure Out Which is Best For Your Story

Sub-plots are more common than you think, and not all of them extend for many chapters at a time.

A sub-plot doesn’t have to be one of the side characters completely venturing off from the main group to struggle with their own demons or a side quest that takes up a quarter of the book. Small things can make a big difference, and there are many of these small things that exist in literature that we completely skip over when it comes to searching for sub-plots.

Character Arcs

Character arcs are the most common sub-plot.

They show a change in a dynamic character’s physical, mental, emotional, social, or spiritual outlook, and this evolution is a subtle thing that should definitely be incorporated so that the readers can watch their favorite characters grow and develop as people.

For example, let’s say that this guy named Bob doesn’t like his partner Jerry, but the two of them had to team up to defeat the big bad.

While the main plot involves the two of them brainstorming and executing their plans to take the big bad down, the sub-plot could involve the two getting to know each other and becoming friends, perhaps even something more than that.

This brings me to the second most common sub-plot:

Romance

Romance can bolster the reader’s interest; not only do they want to know if the hero beats the big bad guy, they also want to know if she ends up with her love interest in the end or if the warfare and strife will keep them apart.

How to Write Falling in Love

How to Write a Healthy Relationship

How to Write a Romance

Like character arcs, romance occurs simultaneously with the main plot and sometimes even influences it.

Side-Quests

There are two types of side-quest sub-plots, the hurtles and the detours.

Hurdle Sub-Plots

Hurdle sub-plots are usually complex and can take a few chapters to resolve. Their main purpose is to put a barrier, or hurdle, between the hero and the resolution of the main plot. They boost word count, so be careful when using hurdle sub-plots in excess.

Think of it like a video game.

You have to get into the tower of a fortress to defeat the boss monster.

However, there’s no direct way to get there; the main door is locked and needs to have three power sources to open it, so you have to travel through a monster-infested maze and complete all of these puzzles to get each power source and unlock the main door.

Only, when you open the main door, you realize that the bridge is up and you have to find a way to lower it down and so forth.

Detour Sub-Plot

Detour sub-plots are a complete break away from the main plot. They involve characters steering away from their main goal to do something else, and they, too, boost word count, so be careful not too use these too much.

Taking the video game example again.

You have to get to that previously mentioned fortress and are on your way when you realize there is an old woman who has lost her cattle and doesn’t know what to do. 

Deciding the fortress can wait, you spend harrowing hours rounding up all of the cows and steering them back into their pen for the woman.

Overjoyed, the woman reveals herself to be a witch and gives you a magical potion that will help you win the fight against the big bad later.

**ONLY USE DETOUR SUB-PLOTS IF THE OUTCOME HELPS AID THE PROTAGONISTS IN THE MAIN PLOT**

If they’d just herded all of the cows for no reason and nothing in return, sure it would be nice of them but it would be a complete waste of their and the readers’ time!

2. Make Sure Not to Introduce or Resolve Your Sub-Plots Too Abruptly

This goes for all sub-plots. Just like main plots, they can’t be introduced and resolved with a snap of your fingers; they’re a tool that can easily be misused if placed into inexperienced hands.

Each sub-plot needs their own arc and should be outlined just like how you outlined your main plot.

How to Outline Your Plot

You could use my methods suggested in the linked post, or you could use the classic witch’s hat model if you feel that’s easier for something that’s less important than your main storyline.

3. Don’t Push It

If you don’t think your story needs a sub-plot, don’t add a sub-plot! Unneeded sub-plots can clutter up your narrative and make it unnecessarily winding and long.

You don’t have to take what I’m saying to heart ever!

It’s your story, you write it how you think it should be written, and no one can tell you otherwise!

Hope this Helped!

[sustainhealthmagazine]

NFL To Salute Four 100-year-old Veterans at Super Bowl LIV

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By SPORT EDITOR FOR SUSTAIN HEALTH 

PUBLISHED: 04:22, 01 February 2020 | UPDATED: 05:28, 01 February 2020

NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL announced that the NFL will salute four 100-year-old World War II Veterans at Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, Feb. 2 at Hard Rock Stadium.

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The four veterans will participate in the official on-field Coin Toss ceremony before the Chiefs-49ers game. Colonel CHARLES E. MCGEE (Ret.), will flip the coin, surrounded by Staff Sergeant ODÓN SANCHEZ CARDENAS (Ret.), Lieutenant Colonel SAMUEL LOMBARDO and Corporal SIDNEY WALTON.

FOX will televise the coin toss live.

"As we culminate the NFL's 100th season, we're extremely proud to honor four World War II veterans celebrating 100 years of life," said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. "These four men deserve our gratitude for their tremendous contributions to the United States of America and we're thrilled to recognize their service on the country's largest stage."

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The NFL and U.S. military have more than 42 years of shared history at the Super Bowl. From flyovers, to special presentations of the Color Guard, to military performances during pregame festivities, the NFL's unwavering support of veterans, active duty service members and their families is deeply embedded as a Super Bowl tradition. Super Bowl LIV will also feature a Joint Aerial flight demonstration represented by the men and women of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The four veterans participating in the coin toss are members of the "Greatest Generation" and were among the 16 million Americans whose sacrifice, valor, dedication, and determination 75 years ago preserved our freedom and saved our nation and the world. The NFL worked alongside the Friends of the National World War II Memorial organization who helped to identify these veterans.

"More than 1,000 NFL personnel served in the military during World War II," said HOLLY ROTONDI of Friends of the National World War II Memorial. "By honoring these four veterans at the championship game, the league is preserving the national memory of the Greatest Generation and World War II."

Below are more details about the four World War II veterans participating in this year's coin toss:

ODÓN S. CARDENAS: (U.S. Army, World War II) Cardenas was born on July 30, 1919 in Devine, Texas and spent most of his youth as a sugar beet farmer in Shakopee, Minnesota. He had four brothers who also served in the U.S. Military. In Mar. 1941, Cardenas started his service with the U.S. Army as a Private First Class at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He was an excellent marksman and earned the Rifle Expert and Carbine Expert ratings. He was later promoted to Sergeant and Squad Leader and was re-assigned to the 172nd Battalion, Company C at Camp Roberts, California as part of the Infantry Replacement Training Centers.  He was deployed in 1944 to the European Theater of Operations of World War II and landed in France and moved into Belgium, then Germany, fighting in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe battles as part of the Third Army in France and Germany under the command of General George Patton. While on the front lines in German territory, Sergeant Cardenas and his unit were attacked by German opposition and several of his squad members were killed by a panzerfauste recoilless antitank round fired during close quarters combat.  After losing consciousness and being left for dead, Sergeant Cardenas and a few others regained consciousness, then attempted to escape at night in brutal winter conditions but were captured on March 14, 1945. was held at POW camps Stalag 12A near Dusseldorf, Germany, then moved to POW camp 9B near Limburg An Der Lahn, Hessen, Germany. After approximately two weeks, they were liberated by fellow U.S. service members, who were overwhelming German forces. Staff Sergeant Cardenas returned to the U.S. on April 28th, 1945. For his service, he was awarded an American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and a European African Middle Eastern Service Medal and three Bronze Stars. Staff Sergeant Cardenas received an honorable discharge in October 1945 as part of the general demobilization orders after the conclusion of World War II. He returned to civilian life as millions of others did and became a full-time barber and auto mechanic. He settled in San Antonio, Texas and raised a large family. Four of his five sons, also served in the U.S. Army and Air Force and participated in the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and supporting combat operations forces around the world.

SAMUEL LOMBARDO: (U.S. Army World War II, Korea, and Vietnam) Lombardo was born on July 12, 1919, in Caraffa, Calabria, Italy. He arrived in the United States with his mother and two sisters on Oct. 3, 1929 to join his father in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Lombardo enlisted on Nov. 11, 1939 with the 110th Infantry Regiment, 28th Division, Pennsylvania National Guard as a Private and was then commissioned as an officer on July 14, 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia. He then went on to serve with the 99th Infantry Division as Rifle Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer during the Battle of the Bulge, Remagen Bridgehead, Ruhr Pocket, and Central European Campaigns. Under combat conditions, Lombardo and his men made an American flag, with whatever materials could be secured like pillowcases, curtains, and even a German surrender flag. It took the men approximately two-and-a-half months to complete the flag, which was finished by the time the men reached the Danube River. The 99th Division's "Old Glory" was the first American flag to cross the Remagen Bridge during the war and it is now on display at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning. Lombardo also received a Silver Star and Bronze Star with valor for his heroic actions during WWII.

CHARLES MCGEE: (U.S. Army Air Forces/U.S. Air Force, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam) McGee was born on Dec. 7, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio. He enlisted in in the U.S. Army on Oct. 26, 1942 and became a part of the Tuskegee Airmen having earned his pilot's wings graduating from Class 43-F on June 30, 1943.  By Feb. 1944, McGee was stationed in Italy with the 302nd Fighter Squadron of the 332d Fighter Group. McGee flew the Bell P-39Q Airacobra, Republic P-47D Thunderbolt and North American P-51 Mustang fighter aircraft. His flew tactical missions attacking enemy airfields and rail yards and strategic missions escorting Consolidated B-24 Liberator and Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers over Germany, Austria and the Balkans. On Aug. 23, 1944, while escorting B-17s over Czechoslovakia, McGee engaged a formation of Luftwaffe fighters and downed a Focke-Wulf Fw 190. Later that year he flew support for the successful top-secret rescue missions of over 1,000 POWs from the Popesti Aerodrome in Bucharest, Romania. Promoted to Captain, McGee had flown a total of 136 combat missions, and returned to the United States on Dec. 1, 1944. He became a North American B-25 Mitchell bomber instructor for the 477th Bombardment Group (Medium), another unit of the Tuskegee Airmen. He remained at Tuskegee Army Air Field until 1946, when the base was closed. Congress recently passed legislation authorizing McGee's honorary promotion to Brigadier General.

SIDNEY WALTON: (U.S. Army, World War II) Walton was born in New York City on Feb. 11, 1919. He enlisted in the Army in 1941 with the express purpose of "fighting Hitler" nine months before America entered WWII. He trained at Fort Dix in New Jersey; Fort Jackson in South Carolina; Camp Siebert in Alabama; Toccoa/Tallulah Falls in Georgia; and Camp Reynolds in Pennsylvania. Walton went on to fight in the CBI theater (China, Burma, India), 34th Infantry, 8th Division, and rose to the rank of Corporal. After the war ended, he returned to the U.S., got married, and raised a family in San Diego where he worked for the government as a chemical engineer. Walton always regretted not meeting some of the last Civil War veterans when he had a chance. To make up for that one regret, he wants to give everyone an opportunity to meet a WWII vet before they too disappear.  So, with his son Paul, he has embarked on a national "No Regrets Tour," visiting every state to raise awareness of the diminishing number of WWII veterans and the sacrifices they made and making himself available to millions of patriotic Americans. He is now more than halfway through his tour. In each of the 26 states he has visited, he was honored by the governor in the state capital. President Trump hosted Walton and his family in the Oval Office. He was also extremely proud to be onstage last year at the 75th Anniversary of Normandy. Sidney's website www.KeepSidneyGoing.com tells the full story of his extraordinary mission through pictures and videos.

Several other military members will be honored throughout Super Bowl week festivities. The NFL hosted Salute to Service Military Appreciation Day at Super Bowl Experience Presented by Lowe's on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The NFL and USAA announced that Los Angeles Chargers Legend DONNIE EDWARDS is the winner of the 2019 Salute to Service Award presented by USAA at NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on Feb. 1, the eve of Super Bowl LIV, at 8 PM (ET and PT) on FOX. NFL Honors will be taped earlier that evening at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami. Created in 2011, the Salute to Service Award acknowledges the members of the NFL for their exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community and their families. 

The NFL has a longstanding history of supporting our Nation's service members. Each year, the NFL and its 32 teams come together to honor and support members of the military as part of the NFL's Salute to Service. The league's year-round military appreciation efforts culminate in November with NFL Salute to Service games and other special events honoring veterans, active duty service members and their families.

The NFL works with its core military nonprofit partners to show gratitude for all those who have served our country. The NFL, along with its partners, is proud to support the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, USO and Wounded Warrior Project, to fund programs and provide resources that positively impact veterans and active duty military members and their families. Since 2011, more than $34 million has been raised through Salute to Service to support the league's military nonprofit partners.

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[igetcontent]

Saturday's star-studded 2018 World Cup showdown between Argentina and France is must-see material. Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann are just a few of the top-tier players who will be showcasing their talent on the world's biggest stage on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET. France enters this marquee matchup at +135 on the money line, meaning you'd need to bet $100 on a French victory to win $135. Argentina is +240 (wager $100 to win $240), while a draw in regulation is +200. The over-under on total goals scored in this 2018 World Cup fixture is 2. Before you lock in your 2018 World Cup picks, you need to see what European football expert David Sumpter has to say. Sumpter is an applied mathematician who wrote "Soccermatics," a book that explains how math works inside the sport. Along with other experienced analysts, Sumpter developed the powerful Soccerbot model. The Soccerbot reads current odds and all team performance data, calculates key metrics and predicts upcoming matches. In nearly three seasons since its inception, the Soccerbot is up an incredible 1,800 percent on bookmakers' closing odds. The Soccerbot has already nailed draws for Argentina-Iceland (+385) and Brazil-Switzerland (+360). It also correctly predicted Iran upsetting Morocco at +275, just to name a few of its big calls. Anyone who has followed it is way up. Now, the Soccerbot has digested the film, crunched the numbers and broken down every single player on France and Argentina. The model has released a very strong money-line pick, which it's sharing only over at SportsLine. The model knows France will be facing Argentina for the first time ever in the knockout stage of a World Cup. This is the first fixture at the 2018 World Cup that pairs two previous World Cup champions against each other. France enters this match still looking to find its best form. Les Blues topped Group C, but failed to impress while doing so. However, France's defense has stifled its opponents thus far in Russia 2018. France has only conceded five shots on target in its three group games, with the only goal allowed being a penalty in France's 2-1 victory over Australia. The model also knows Argentina didn't qualify for the Round of 16 until the final minutes of its third game. After a shocking draw with Iceland and a 3-0 blowout loss to Croatia, the team edged Nigeria, 2-1, to advance to the Russia 2018 knockout stage. This World Cup notwithstanding, France has lost just once in its last 15 matches. Argentina, meanwhile, is in a long slump, having won just four of 14. However, the Albiceleste have Messi, the top scorer in team history and one of the most successful players in the history of the game. And they won't have to face Germany, which has knocked them out of the last three World Cups. France v Argentina preview: Lionel Messi and co looking up after slow start Argentina are looking to put their tricky World Cup start behind them against 1998 winners France in the last 16 on Saturday. A 1-1 draw with minnows Iceland and a humbling 3-0 defeat to Croatia left the 2014 finalists on the verge of elimination, but a 2-1 win over Nigeria saw Argentina through in second place. Jorge Sampaoli's position was reportedly in doubt before that crucial Nigeria victory, but the Argentina coach is now looking forward to playing 1998 winners France in the last-16. "We are going to play against a team with great individual players," Sampaoli said. "They are among the very best contenders and we will need to be very consistent to come out on top of a very difficult match." After Argentina's victory over Nigeria, Sampaoli headed to the dressing room without celebrating alongside his players, but Lionel Messi went over to hug his coach before he departed in a show of unity with the under-fire manager. "Leo's gesture with me makes me proud. He knows all the passion I put into everything I do," Sampaoli said. "We share the dream of coming to Russia to achieve something important for Argentina." Much has been made of Messi's influence on the Argentina side, but France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris rejected suggestions they were a one-man outfit. He said: "There is so much expectation around Messi, which I think is normal, but still I think the Argentina team has a lot to show. "They have had difficult times and still have been able to qualify. I am sure they will feel like going much further in the competition, they have won the World Cup before. "This is going to be a big match, and a difficult one, we are going to have to step up our level." Team news Benjamin Mendy will miss out for France through injury, having come off the bench in their dead rubber with Denmark last time out. There are no new concerns for Argentina, who could name the same side that beat Nigeria to qualify for the last-16. Opta stats France and Argentina will be facing each other for the 12th time. The South Americans hold the upper hand with six wins to two (D3), keeping a clean sheet in eight of their previous 11 encounters with the French. Argentina have won their two World Cup encounters with France, back in 1930 (1-0) and 1978 (2-1). On both occasions, they reached the final, losing it in 1930 and winning in 1978. The last South American team to beat France at the World Cup were Argentina in 1978. Since then, France are unbeaten in eight World Cup fixtures against CONMEBOL opposition (W4 D4). Argentina have gone past the first round for the 12th time in their last 13 World Cup appearances, the only exception coming in 2002. Their last four knockout games in the tournament have produced only three goals (2 goals for, 1 against). Since the introduction of the round of 16 in 1986, France have always made it past that stage whenever they've reached it (1986, 1998, 2006, 2014). Messi has never scored in the knockout stages of the World Cup: 666 minutes, 0 goals. He is the last Argentinean player to score against France, back in February 2009 in a friendly (2-0). Lionel Messi is the third Argentinian player to have scored in three different World Cup tournaments, alongside Diego Maradona (1982, 1986, 1994) and Gabriel Batistuta (1994, 1998, 2002). France's Olivier Giroud has failed to score in his last 357 minutes at World Cup/Euro, his longest drought at major tournaments, with his last goal dating back to the Euro 2016 quarter-final against Iceland. He's yet to register a shot on target at this year's World Cup, having spent 200 minutes on the pitch. Merson's prediction This game sounds like an absolute cracker but, if I'm being honest, it's not really. On the performances so far these are the two sides I can't see winning it. I definitely can't see Argentina winning it because they look a really poor team. France haven't been great themselves but I think they'll be far too good for Argentina. I've seen something from France that tells me they could click at some point, however, I look at Argentina and they are an old team. They look like a tired team and that's why I'm going for France. FIFA World Cup 2018: Riding on a million prayers, Argentina take on France KAZAN: "They are breathing down your neck, you are running out of life," goes the song. The Albiceleste are living on the edge, but the Argentinian fans are singing a different tune. Earning a last-gasp ticket to the Round of 16, Argentina arrived in Kazan, the industrial hub on the confluence of Volga and Kazanka, on the wings of a million prayers, desperate to repeat their coup, this time against the French on Saturday. France, guided by their 1998 World Cup-winning captain Didier Deschamps, cruised to the Round of 16, rather relaxed, but their placidity has led to a lot of criticism back home. On the contrary, Jorge Sampaoli just about managed to pull Argentina through to the knockout stage - in the face of rumours of getting sacked, player rebellion and "fighting for reality against the virtual". Lionel Messi finally shed his cloak of despair for factory overalls and Marcus Rojo's 86th-minute winner carved Argentina's passage to Kazan. Despite having attracted unappetizing headlines back home, the easily-distracted Frenchmen have not lost the desire to fight and look unusually focused. Leave alone unrest, not even a word of whining has emerged from the French fortress. Samuel Umtiti, Messi's Barcelona club mate, said: "We're working to improve, to play a bit better, because we can do it. But the most important thing will be to win, because if we go all the way, even if most people are not pleased by our football, everybody will be happy and we won't hear any more that the football was lacking." Having spent most of his Thursday's press meet discussing Messi, Umtiti admitted knocking Argentina out would give him added satisfaction. It sounded like routine talk, like France's two wins and a draw in the group phase, in contrast to the dramatic life of their opponents. Fumbling against Iceland, thrashed by Croatia, Sampaoli struggled through the chaos to get his first XI right. Gerard Houllier, who assisted Aime Jacquet in his successful 1998 World Cup campaign, has made an interesting point in his column for a French publication. The former Liverpool manager argues that Argentina run the risk of an emotional meltdown after their last-minute high to secure qualification. He has cited the example of Germany who failed to muster up enough energy against South Korea following their miraculous victory over Sweden. Criticised for not having set the tournament on fire, Deschamps knows how to go about it from personal experience. The pace of Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe down the flanks is the newest weapon most defenders are wary of. The worrying point for Argentina is that Gabriel Mercado and Nicolas Tagliafico are not known for handling pace well. Even Nicolas Otamendi and Javier Mascherano struggled to keep an eye on Ahmed Musa the other night in Saint Petersburg. With Pogba, Ngolo Kante, and Blaise Matuidi in midfield, and twinkle-toed Antoine Griezmann up front, France look upbeat. Still, Les Bleus do not have a Messi who takes a wink to come alive, sensing before anyone that Ever Banega has found his range.

[footyplusau]

Match report: Eagles deny fast-finishing Dogs

WEST Coast dished up a serving of cold elimination final revenge to the Western Bulldogs, but only just, holding on for a desperate eight-point win at Domain Stadium on Friday night.

Despite holding sway for most of a scrappy match, the inaccurate Eagles couldn’t deliver the knockout blow on an undermanned Bulldogs outfit and had to fight tooth and nail late to fall over the line, 9.15 (69) to 8.13 (61).

Full match coverage and stats

If the Eagles had been overrun, they would only have had themselves to blame after kicking 1.9 in a woefully wasteful second half.

Dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy (3.6) was the chief offender, missing three golden opportunities from set shots to put the Doggies down once and for all after the Eagles led by 17 points at the final change.

Sure enough, Bulldogs acting skipper Easton Wood breathed life into the visitors’ cause only moments later, and when Lukas Webb booted his second the margin was back to just nine points with eight minutes to play.

Five talking points: West Coast v Western Bulldogs

Running half-back Jason Johannisen had a flying shot at goal deep in the final term that sailed wide and the Eagles survived.

“Both teams had opportunities,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said post-match.

“I suppose in the last quarter when the Bulldogs threw caution to the wind we could have iced it there with a couple of missed shots, but we knew they wouldn’t go away.”

West Coast’s third-straight victory – coming after a barrage of criticism following a round five capitulation to Hawthorn at the MCG – has, at least for now, propelled Simpson’s men to second on the ladder with a 6-2 record.

But the Dogs are now back in the pack hunting for top-eight spots after their third loss.

Falling behind has become a trait for Luke Beveridge’s men, but on this occasion the weakened Dogs – missing a host of key players – didn’t have the necessary firepower to ransack the Eagles’ fortress.

WATCH Super Sam’s smooth Friday night

West Coast has now won nine of the last 10 games at Domain Stadium – the only loss coming in last year’s 47-point humbling from the Dogs.

In that final, the Bullies’ midfield out-hunted West Coast and took the first step on a fairytale September towards a drought-breaking premiership.

But on Friday night, the Eagles had a point to prove and matched the Dogs’ toughness at the contest (127-132 contested possessions).

Chris Masten (11 contested disposals) led the way at the coalface, with usual suspects Matt Priddis (24 disposals), Sam Mitchell, Luke Shuey (20) and Elliot Yeo (29) willing to get their hands dirty.

Yeo’s hyped match-up with Marcus Bontempelli (24 disposals) failed to materialise, although the resurgent Eagle locked onto the superstar at the opening bounce, and West Coast was able to keep the top Dog on a tight enough leash.

Yeo was important late with his intercept marking across half-back, while Mitchell (33 possessions) equaled St Kilda great Robert Harvey’s 118 games with 30-plus disposals in a best afield display.

The former Hawthorn champion was instrumental early in the face of some frenetic Bulldogs pressure.

The handball-happy Dogs got off to a dream start when returning spearhead Jack Redpath (three goals) steered through the opening major.

Dogs ran from everywhere to celebrate with the monster forward, who was included after bagging six goals in his VFL comeback from a knee reconstruction last weekend.

The visitors worried the Eagles by flicking the ball through traffic, and the home crowd grew increasingly restless until Dom Sheed (23 disposals, two goals) baulked and kicked truly after 13 minutes.

West Coast clicked into gear with four unanswered majors – including two to quick-thinking snaps by Jack Darling and Kennedy – handing the Eagles a 16-point break at the opening change.

Momentum swung throughout the second term before West Coast, aided by a controversial goal-line touch by Jeremy McGovern, got the game on their terms.

Sheed and Darling’s second majors extended the margin to 23 points at the 24-minute mark of an engrossing term, but refusing to go away is bred into these Dogs’ DNA.

When Redpath booted two point-blank goals the tenacious visitors were back within striking distance and only trailed by 17 at the long change.

Inaccuracy plagued both sides after half-time, but it was the home side’s early damage that eventually told.

Jack Macrae (32 disposals) and Caleb Daniel (30) were mighty for the visitors, especially late, but the Eagles had more contributors in an anxious finish.

In his post-game press conference, Dogs coach Luke Beveridge lamented his side coughing up too many goals from turning the ball over to the Eagles’ intercept defence.

“The Eagles hurt us on those rebound plays,” he said.

“Our layers of defence broke down and they got us out the back a few times.”

MEDICAL ROOM West Coast: The Eagles escaped unscathed. Nathan Vardy was fine after a knock the right knee, while Jeremy McGovern played on after rolling his ankle.

Western Bulldogs: The reigning premiers also avoided injury.

NEXT UP The Eagles will enjoy an eight-day break before travelling to Etihad Stadium to face the Bombers, while the Dogs will feature in another Friday night blockbuster against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

WEST COAST                        4.2       8.6       9.10    9.15 (69) WESTERN BULLDOGS        1.4       5.7       6.11    8.13 (61)

GOALS
 West Coast: Kennedy 3, Darling 2, Sheed 2, Duggan, Gaff Bulldogs: Redpath 3, Webb 2, Adams, McLean, Wood

BEST  West Coast: Mitchell, Hurn, Gaff, Sheed, Kennedy, Masten Bulldogs: Daniel, Macrae, Jong, Bontempelli, Dahlhaus, Redpath

INJURIES 
 West Coast: Nil Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Dalgleish, Stevic, Findlay

Official crowd: 38,934

The post Match report: Eagles deny fast-finishing Dogs appeared first on Footy Plus.

from Footy Plus http://ift.tt/2qbYyih via http://footyplus.net

[teamthunderdome]

ROUND 1

QUARTER 2 - FIGHT #3

TWO TEAMS ENTER. ONLY ONE CAN LEAVE.

YOU DECIDE.

(Please reblog for a larger sample size, or to spread your team's propaganda)

[teamthunderdome]

ROUND 3

QUARTER 2 - FIGHT #1

TWO TEAMS ENTER. ONLY ONE CAN LEAVE.

YOU DECIDE.

(Please reblog for a larger sample size, or to spread your team's propaganda)

[teamthunderdome]

ROUND 3 RESULTS

For those of you just joining us...

The TEAM THUNDERDOME is a tumblr bracket in which teams of 3 or 4, both iconic and obscure, duke it out in deathmatches voted on by you, the viewer at home.

64 teams entered the event.

8 teams remain.

These are their stories.

ROUND 3

QUARTER 1

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team TRIFORCE (Link, Zelda, Groose)VS [L] Team SHREK (Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots)

FIGHT #2 - [W] Team KRUSTY KRAB (SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs)VS [L] Team OOO (Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum, BMO)

QUARTER 2

FIGHT #1 - [L] Team JIGSAW (John, Amanda, Mark, Lawrence) VS [W] Team FORTRESS (Medic, Heavy, Engineer, Soldier)

FIGHT #2 - [W] Team MARIO (Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi) VS [L] Team PERSONA (Makoto, Kotone, Yu, Ren)

QUARTER 3

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team RWBY (Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang) VS [L] Team MYSTERY INC (Fred, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne)

FIGHT #2 - [L] Team WONDER PETS (Linny, Tuck, Ming Ming) VS [W] Team WOOHP (Sam, Alex, Clover)

QUARTER 4

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team DARK (Shadow, Rouge, Omega) VS [L] Team KEYBLADE (Sora, Donald, Goofy)

FIGHT #2 - [L] Team POWERPUFF (Blossom, Buttercup, Bubbles) VS [W] Team TALLY HALL (Rob, Zubin, Andrew, Joe)

WE'LL SEE YOU IN THE TOP 8!

In the meantime, this week features the return of EXHIBITION MATCHES! (These will run for the standard 7-day poll and begin roughly an hour from this post's publishing (cir. 1 AM) to allow proper time for some other teams to catch up!)

EXHIBITION MATCH - AVERAGE EVERYDAY SUPERNATURAL EPISODE Team WINCHESTER (Sam, Dean, Castiel, Crowley) VS Team GHOSTS (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde) VS Team TWILIGHT (Jacob, Edward, Bella) VS Team PILLAR MEN (Kars, ACDC, Wham, Santana)

EXHIBITION MATCH - MEANT TO BE, PART I - GO BEYOND! PLUS ULTRA Team DEKU (Izuku, Tsuyu, Ochako, Shouto) VS Team BAKUGO (Bakugo, Mina, Denki, Eijirou)

EXHIBITION MATCH - MEANT TO BE, PART II - SUPER SONIC RACING Team SONIC (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles) VS Team DARK (Shadow, Rouge, Omega)

EXHIBITION MATCH - MEANT TO BE, PART III - THE XENOBLADE SPECIAL Team BIONIS (Shulk, Reyn, Dunban, Sharla) VS Team AEGIS (Rex, Pyra, Mythra) VS Team AIONIOS (Noah, Lanz, Eunie, Riku)

EXHIBITION MATCH - TWISTED PICTURE SOLUTIONS Team SCIENCE (Gordon, Bubby, Tommy, Dr. Coomer) VS Team JIGSAW (John, Amanda, Mark, Lawrence)

EXHIBITION MATCH - HONORABLE MENTIONS, PART IV Team PIRATES (Will, Elizabeth, Jack) VS Team NINJAS (Kai, Jay, Cole, Zane)

EXHIBITION MATCH - HONORABLE MENTIONS, PART V Team DUWANG (Josuke, Koichi, Okuyasu, Jotaro) VS Team MISHIMA (Heihachi, Kazuya, Jin, Reina)

EXHIBITION MATCH - HONORABLE MENTIONS, PART VI Team GHOSTBUSTERS (Venkman, Stantz, Spengler, Zeddemore) VS Team LEVERAGE (Sophie, Eliot, Parker, Hardison)

[teamthunderdome]

ROUND 2 RESULTS

For those of you just joining us...

The TEAM THUNDERDOME is a tumblr bracket in which teams of 3 or 4, both iconic and obscure, duke it out in deathmatches voted on by you, the viewer at home.

64 teams entered the event.

16 teams remain.

These are their stories.

ROUND 2

QUARTER 1

FIGHT #1 - [L] Team FANBOY (Fanboy, Chum Chum, Kyle) VS [W] Team TRIFORCE (Link, Zelda, Groose)

FIGHT #2 - [L] Team RHYTHM THIEF (Raphael, Fondue, Marie, Charlie) VS [W] Team SHREK (Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss In Boots)

FIGHT #3 - [W] Team KRUSTY KRAB (SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs) VS [L] Team INCONCEIVABLE (Inigo, Fezzik, Vizzini)

FIGHT #4 - [W] Team OOO (Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum, BMO) VS [L] Team LOONEY (Bugs, Daffy, Porky, Michael)

QUARTER 2

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team JIGSAW (John, Amanda, Mark, Lawrence) VS [L] Team ELITE BEAT (Spin, J, Chieftain, Starr)

FIGHT #2 - [W] Team FORTRESS (Medic, Heavy, Engineer, Soldier) VS [L] Team SCIENCE (Gordon, Bubby, Tommy, Dr. Coomer)

FIGHT #3 - [W] Team MARIO (Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi) VS [L] Team GHOSTS (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde)

FIGHT #4 - [L] Team SONIC (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles) VS [W] Team PERSONA (Makoto, Kotone, Yu, Ren)

QUARTER 3

FIGHT #1 - [L] Team LAYTON (Hershel, Emmy, Luke) VS [W] Team RWBY (Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang)

FIGHT #2 - [W] Team MYSTERY INC (Fred, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne) VS [L] Team WRIGHT (Phoenix, Apollo, Athena, Trucy)

FIGHT #3 - [W] Team WONDER PETS (Linny, Tuck, Ming Ming) VS [L] Team BEATLES (John, Paul, George, Ringo)

FIGHT #4 - [W] Team WOOHP (Sam, Alex, Clover) VS [L] Team PILLAR MEN (Kars, ACDC, Wham, Santana)

QUARTER 4

FIGHT #1 - [L] Team ROCKMAN (Rock, Roll, Blues, Bass) VS [W] Team DARK (Shadow, Rouge, Omega)

FIGHT #2 - [W] Team KEYBLADE (Sora, Donald, Goofy) VS [L] Team M*A*S*H (Hawkeye, BJ, Charles)

FIGHT #3 - [L] Team CHANNEL 5 (Ulala, Jaguar, Pudding, Space Michael) VS [W] Team POWERPUFF (Blossom, Buttercup, Bubbles)

FIGHT #4 - [L] Team AEGIS (Rex, Pyra, Mythra) VS [W] Team TALLY HALL (Rob, Zubin, Andrew, Joe)

WE'LL SEE YOU IN ROUND 3!

(Intermission Exhibitions will return after Round 3's conclusion - and please excuse the day-long delay between these two rounds!)

[teamthunderdome]

ROUND 1 RESULTS

For those of you just joining us...

The TEAM THUNDERDOME is a tumblr bracket in which teams of 3 or 4, both iconic and obscure, duke it out in deathmatches voted on by you, the viewer at home.

64

teams ENTERED the event, divided equally into 4 quarters.

32

teams remain.

These are their stories.

QUARTER 1

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team FANBOY (Fanboy, Chum Chum, Kyle) VS [L] Team WINCHESTER (Sam, Dean, Castiel, Crowley)

FIGHT #2 - [L] Team GONDOR (Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf) VS [W] Team TRIFORCE (Link, Zelda, Groose)

FIGHT #3 - [L] Team DEKU (Izuku, Ochaco, Shouto, Tsuyu) VS [W] Team RHYTHM THIEF (Raphael, Fondue, Marie, Charlie)

FIGHT #4 - [W] Team SHREK (Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss in Boots) VS [L] Team HOMESTUCK (John, Rose, Dave, Jade)

FIGHT #5 - [L] Team TARDIS (The Doctor, Amy, Rory, River) VS [W] Team KRUSTY KRAB (SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs)

FIGHT #6 - [W] Team INCONCEIVABLE (Inigo, Fezzik, Vizzini) VS [L] Team ROTTEN (Robbie, Tobby, Bobby, Flobby)

FIGHT #7 - [L] Team UMIZOOMI (Milli, Geo, Bot) VS [W] Team OOO (Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum, BMO)

FIGHT #8 - [W] Team LOONEY (Bugs, Daffy, Porky, Michael) VS [L] Team STAR WARS (Luke, Han, Leia, Chewbacca)

QUARTER 2

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team JIGSAW (Kramer, Young, Hoffman, Gordon) VS [L] Team MUSKETEERS (Athos, Porthos, Aramis, D'Artagnan)

FIGHT #2 - [W] Team ELITE BEAT (Spin, J, Chieftain, Starr) VS [L] Team 1908 THOMAS FLYER (Schuster, Roberts, Hansen, MacAdam)

FIGHT #3 - [W] Team FORTRESS (Heavy, Medic, Engineer, Soldier) VS [L] Team BIONIS (Shulk, Reyn, Dunban, Sharla)

FIGHT #4 - [L] Team COOL RUNNINGS (Derice, Sanka, Junior, Yul) VS [W] Team SCIENCE (Gordon, Bubby, Tommy, Dr. Coomer)

FIGHT #5 - [L] Team AIONIOS (Noah, Lanz, Eunie, Riku) VS [W] Team MARIO (Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi)

FIGHT #6 - [W] Team GHOSTS (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde) VS [L] Team NARUTO (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura)

FIGHT #7 - [W] Team SONIC (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles) VS [L] Team METROCITY (Megamind, Roxanne, Minion, Metro Man)

FIGHT #8 - [W] Team PERSONA (Makoto, Kotone, Yu, Ren) VS [L] Team DOODLEBOPS (Deedee, Rooney, Moe)

QUARTER 3

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team LAYTON (Layton, Luke, Emmy) VS [L] Team KRISPIES (Snap, Crackle, Pop)

FIGHT #2 - [L] Team SMILING FRIENDS (Pim, Charlie, Alan, Glep) VS [W] Team RWBY (Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Yang)

FIGHT #3 - [W] Team MYSTERY INC (Fred, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne) VS [L] Team WIGGLES (Jeff, Anthony, Murray, Greg)

FIGHT #4 - [L] Team GARFIELD (Garfield, Jon, Odie, Liz) VS [W] Team WRIGHT (Phoenix, Apollo, Athena, Trucy)

FIGHT #5 - [L] Team OF LIGHT (Harker, Seward, Morris, Van Helsing) VS [W] Team WONDER PETS (Linny, Tuck, Ming Ming)

FIGHT #6 - [L] Team BAKUGO (Bakugo, Mina, Denki, Eijirou) VS [W] Team BEATLES (John, Paul, George, Ringo)

FIGHT #7 - [L] Team PUYO PUYO (Ringo, Arle, Amitie, Lemres) VS [W] Team WOOHP (Sam, Alex, Clover)

FIGHT #8 - [W] Team PILLAR MEN (Santana, Wham, ACDC, Kars) VS [L] Team HERCULES (Hercules, Iolaus, Salmoneus, Autolycus)

QUARTER 4

FIGHT #1 - [W] Team ROCKMAN (Rock, Roll, Blues, Bass) VS [L] Team ASKR (Alfonse, Anna, Sharena)

FIGHT #2 - [L] Team VOCALOID (Miku, Len, Rin) VS [W] Team DARK (Shadow, Rouge, Omega)

FIGHT #3 - [W] Team KEYBLADE (Sora, Donald, Goofy) VS [L] Team TWILIGHT (Bella, Edward, Jacob)

FIGHT #4 - [L] Team SHERLOCK (Sherlock, John, Mycroft) VS [W] Team MASH (Hawkeye, BJ, Charles)

FIGHT #5 - [L] Team GRYFFINDOR (Harry, Ron, Hermione) VS [W] Team CHANNEL 5 (Ulala, Space Michael, Jaguar, Pudding)

FIGHT #6 - [W] Team POWERPUFF (Blossom, Buttercup, Bubbles) VS [L] Team AVALANCHE (Cloud, Tifa, Barrett, Aerith)

FIGHT #7 - [W] Team AEGIS (Rex, Pyra, Mythra) VS [L] Team POOH (Winnie the, Piglet, Eeyore, Christopher Robin)

FIGHT #8 - [W] Team TALLY HALL (Rob, Andrew, Zubin, Joe) VS [L] Team REGULAR (Mordecai, Rigby, Muscle Man, Skips)

WE'LL SEE YOU IN ROUND 2!

in the meantime, while tourney officials are setting up the next round, please enjoy these HYPOTHETICAL NO-HOLDS-BARRED-(EXCEPT-FOR-THE-HOLDS-THAT-WE'VE-BEEN-BARRING-THIS-WHOLE-TIME) OFF-THE-WALL ON-THE-GROUND HEADS-UP-SEVEN-UP-(OR-I-GUESS-EIGHT-UP-(BECAUSE-THERE'S-EIGHT-OF-THEM)) CANONICALLY NON-CANON OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL SUPER DUPER ULTRA HYPER MEGA MONSTER COMBO BREAKER SMASH EXHIBITION MATCHES!

EXHIBITION MATCH - THE IDEA THAT BROUGHT ALL THIS UPON US Team DOODLEBOPS (Deedee, Rooney, Moe) VS Team WIGGLES (Jeff, Anthony, Murray, Greg)

EXHIBITION MATCH - TUMBLR, 2014 Team WINCHESTER (Sam, Dean, Castiel, Crowley) VS Team TARDIS (The Doctor, Amy, Rory, River) VS Team SHERLOCK (Sherlock, Watson, Mycroft) VS Team HOMESTUCK (John, Dave, Rose, Jade)

EXHIBITION MATCH - BATTLE OF THE REALLY LONG NAMES Team OF LIGHT (Jonathan Harker, Jack Seward, Quincey Morris, Abraham Van Helsing) VS Team 1908 THOMAS FLYER (George Schuster, Montague Roberts, Hans Hendrik Hansen, George MacAdam)

EXHIBITION MATCH - TEAMS OF TEAMS ARE OK TOO Conglomerate Team RHYTHM (Teams ELITE BEAT, CHANNEL 5, RHYTHM THIEF) VS Conglomerate Team PUZZLE (Teams LAYTON, WRIGHT, PUYO PUYO)

EXHIBITION MATCH - HONORABLE MENTIONS, PART I Team DRILLGIRL (Raven, Berrycream Frosting, Dark Shi) VS TEAM ONCE-LER (The Once-ler, The Once-ler, The Once-ler)

EXHIBITION MATCH - HONORABLE MENTIONS, PART II Team FOOTBALL (Pioneer 9, Pioneer 10, Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) VS Team FAZBEAR (Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, Foxy)

EXHIBITION MATCH - HONORABLE MENTIONS, PART III Team DELOREAN (Marty, Emmett, Clara) VS Team COUNCIL (Fauna, Kronii, Mumei, Baelz)

EXHIBITION MATCH - AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION Vote on the bracket structure for Round 2!

And remember - ALL VOTES ARE FINAL! Don't even THINK about running a loser's bracket. YOU'RE NOT GETTING ONE. As always,

Good luck to all participating teams!

[teamthunderdome]

Quarter 1 - Halfway Point

Good luck to the teams still battling in the Thunderdome! I'd like to take this time to remind everyone that propaganda-posting is not only allowed, but encouraged! Your mutuals may be too dumb to form the correct opinion (read: Your Opinion), and your followers might see your post and be completely lost without some form of direction, so don't be afraid to tell them all what-for!

Remember, Round 1, Quarter 1 polls close June 7th, 2024 @ 11:59!

In other news, ROUND 1, QUARTER 2 participants will also be revealed at this time! The 16 teams participating in Quarter 2 are as follows:

ROUND 1 - QUARTER 2

POLLS OPEN JUNE 8TH, 2024 @ 12:00 MIDNIGHT EDT!!!

Fight #1 TEAM JIGSAW (Kramer, Young, Hoffman, Gordon) VS TEAM MUSKETEERS (Athos, Porthos, Aramis, D'Artagnan)

Fight #2 TEAM ELITE BEAT (Agents Spin, J, Chieftain, Starr) VS TEAM 1908 THOMAS FLYER (Schuster, Roberts, Hansen, MacAdam)

Fight #3 TEAM FORTRESS (Heavy, Engineer, Medic, Soldier) VS TEAM BIONIS (Shulk, Reyn, Dunban, Sharla)

Fight #4 TEAM COOL RUNNINGS (Derice, Sanka, Junior, Yul) VS TEAM SCIENCE (Gordon, Tommy, Bubby, Dr. Coomer)

Fight #5 TEAM AIONIOS (Noah, Lanz, Eunie, Riku) VS TEAM MARIO (Mario, Luigi, Wario, Waluigi)

Fight #6 TEAM GHOSTS (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, Clyde) VS TEAM NARUTO (Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura)

Fight #7 TEAM SONIC (Sonic, Tails, Knuckles) VS TEAM METROCITY (Megamind, Metro Man, Roxanne, Minion)

Fight #8 TEAM PERSONA (Makoto, Kotone, Yu, Ren) VS TEAM DOODLEBOPS (Deedee, Rooney, Moe)

Good luck to all participating teams!

[footyplusau]

Six pointers: Your guide to AFL round two

Things to look out for in round two: The Hawks enter round 2 with a point to prove after a loss to Essendon, St Kilda’s return to their Perth slaughterhouse and Ross Lyon: Will he unveil his own purple hit squad?

How serious are Hawthorn’s pace issues? Was Hawthorn’s first-up performance against Essendon the exception or the rule? We’ll get a clearer idea on Saturday when they take on the red-hot Crows who are fresh from a demolition job on premiership favourites GWS – minus captain Taylor Walker too, if you don’t mind. The fleet-footed Bombers ran the Hawks off their feet last week and it appears as though leg speed could be a big problem for Alastair Clarkson’s men in 2017. The Hawks are up against another zippy outfit this week at the MCG, and if they get left for dead again, the alarm bells might start ringing already at Waverley Park. Adelaide will regain Walker and the Hawks welcome back former skipper Luke Hodge from a club-imposed suspension.

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Dogs bark loudest in replay classic

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FootyFix: Will the Doggies lord it over …

FootyFix: Will the Doggies lord it over Sydney again?

Rohan Connolly previews all the footy action ahead of round two in the AFL.

Dogs bark loudest in replay classic

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Dogs bark loudest in replay classic

Dogs bark loudest in replay classic

The Bulldogs toppled Sydney in the grand final replay that lived up to all expectations.

Pavlich says AFL draft age should be older

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Pavlich says AFL draft age should be older

Pavlich says AFL draft age should be older

Fremantle Dockers legend Matthew Pavlich believes players need more life experience before entering the system. Vision: Nine News Perth.

Smith: History on Hawks’ side

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Smith: History on Hawks’ side

Smith: History on Hawks’ side

Isaac Smith points out that losing in round one isn’t always such a bad omen.

Geelong cruise past Fremantle

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Geelong cruise past Fremantle

Geelong cruise past Fremantle

The Cats earned a comfortable away victory to start the season against Freo.

AFL plays of round 01

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AFL plays of round 01

AFL plays of round 01

Cloke helps Doggies put bite on the Pies, Port teenager announces himself on the big stage, Heppell provides inspiration for the Dons, Toby Green thinks he’s a key forward and Adelaide are crowned AFLW inaugural premiers.

Crows upset Giants

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Crows upset Giants

Crows upset Giants

Eddie Betts starred with four goals as the Crows upset the Giants as they ran away with the game in the final two quarters.

FootyFix: Will the Doggies lord it over Sydney again?

Rohan Connolly previews all the footy action ahead of round two in the AFL.

Lions, Dons have come a long way Eight months is a long time in footy. When the Brisbane Lions and Essendon faced off in Round 18 last year, both teams occupied the bottom two spots on the ladder with just a win apiece. Fast forward to 2017, the Lions and Dons have already equaled those win tallies after one round and are full of beans following their upset victories over Gold Coast and Hawthorn respectively. Hopefully, the controversial Gabba turf has fully recovered from the Adele concerts and is in an acceptable state for what promises to be an exciting game on Saturday night. Ben Howlett becomes the seventh previously banned Bomber to make his long-awaited return, leaving Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking and David Myers as the remaining players who are still yet to make their comebacks. Jack Frost will play his first game for the Lions since crossing from Collingwood.

Bomber Zach Merrett outpaces Hawthorn’s Paul Puopolo. Photo: Getty Images

Saints face up to Perth demons St Kilda coach Alan Richardson stated in the lead up to the season that one of his team’s focuses of improvement was their interstate travels. Well, they don’t have to wait long to put that to the test as they face the daunting assignment of West Coast at Domain Stadium on Saturday night. Four of the Saints’ seven heaviest defeats last year took place on the road – their worst one was against the Eagles at Domain (103 points). West Coast also smashed the Saints there by 95 points in 2015 so, suffice to say, it isn’t exactly a happy hunting ground for St Kilda. The Eagles have once again turned to their Mr Fix It Jonathan Giles to help alleviate their ruck crisis with Drew Petrie (hand), Scott Lycett (shoulder) and Nic Naitanui (knee) all sidelined for extended periods.

Demons aiming for best start to a year in a long time… It’s no secret that Melbourne have been terrible for the past decade but, ironically, if they beat Carlton on Sunday their prolonged ineptitude will be highlighted again. The Demons have not started a season 2-0 since 2005 and after impressively disposing of the Saints last week, they have the chance to do just that this week. But Melbourne would be advised not to take the Blues lightly. After all, Carlton inflicted an embarrassing defeat on the Demons in Round 22 last year which ended their finals hopes. The fact it was the Blues’ only win in the second half of the season made the pill harder to swallow for Melbourne.

Two-up: Can co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney lead the Demons to their best start in 12 years.? Photo: Getty Images

Lyon to unleash Freo hit squad? Get the popcorn and strap yourselves in! If Fremantle coach Ross Lyon’s comments during the week are anything to go by, we could we be headed for a return to the good old days of unadulterated brutality on Sunday evening. Unhappy with the off-the-ball treatment his star captain Nat Fyfe received against Geelong in round one, Lyon declared if the umpires weren’t going to protect Fyfe, his team would. Those fighting words have evoked images of a purple hit squad doing whatever it took to ensure Fyfe had room to breathe against Port Adelaide. The Power are riding high after producing the shock of the year so far against Sydney but have lost their last four at Adelaide Oval so will want to start turning their home ground into a fortress again.

Sun sets on Swallow’s injury problems Gold Coast’s David Swallow will finally make his return to the footy field on Saturday after spending almost two years on the sidelines. The former No.1 pick has not played a game since Round 15, 2015 due to a raft of knee and hamstring issues. When he runs out against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, it will be his first game in 631 days. Since being drafted in 2010, Swallow has only managed 79 games. Hopefully the 2014 best-and-fairest can now get his promising career back on track.

One game does not a season make: David Swallow gets a run for Suns during the the pre-season competition earlier this year. Photo: Chris Hyde

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