World Cup LXV (65) RP Thread

[Sandwich Territories]

"A bittersweet ending to a campaign that has never been matched by any team from Kennan alone, anywhere. We here at the Sandwich FA wish Turori, and the rest of the teams left, only the best of luck. We are currently in full schedule....we plan to join in the Cup of Harmony, and the Olympics, so needless to say, you should be seeing us around. Anyways, until we meet again, I would just like to say one thing, and that is to international football: you and I need to plan for our rendez-vous avec notre destin. A bientot." - Max Bellerd

[Saugeais]

GROUP DRAWINGS

Groups A-D will take place in Pasarga.
Group E-H will take place in Saugeais.

Group A
Pasarga (42)
Vilita (16)
Sargossa (24)
Mangolana (89)

Group B
Polar Islandstates (5)
The Sylvanaes Queendom (13)
Ko-oren (29)
Farfadillis (32)

Group C
Andossa se Mitrin Vega (2)
Darmen (14)
United Gordonopia (23)
Blouman Empire (36)

Group D
Osarius (3)
Valanora (7)
Gyatso-Kai (20)
Legalese (35)

Group E
Saugeais (17)
Wight (15)
Kiryu-shi (25)
Turori (31)

Group F
The Holy Empire (4)
New Montreal States (11)
Apox (30)
Boring Paradise (49)

Group G
Audioslavia (1)
Eura (19)
Mytannion (22)
The Licentian Islands (45)

Group H
Starblaydia (6)
The Archregimancy (10)
Equestrian States (28)
Ossidiacqua (38)

[Audioslavia]

Group G throws some old foes together

Audioslavia's defence of their World Champions tag sees the side face two auld enemies and one new, as yet unconquered enemy, in the guises of Mytannion, Licentian Isles and Eura.

For one certain Audioslavian, Group G will be very interesting indeed.

Silexheran-born Kelly Sporadic started his international management career with the Bulls of Audioslavia, turning the side from naive amateurs into a well-drilled, middle-of-the-order outfit, as well as winning two trophies with the team - the Baptism of Fire and an AOCAF Cup. There was little doubt that Kelly left Audioslavia's national team in a much better state than when he found it, and although the way in which he left the job was rather acrimonious, few wished him harm on his travels in world football.

Kelly's next stop would be Licentiapacisterra - now operating under 'Licentian Isles', and Kelly would add the Esportivan regional championship to his Atlantian one, before leading the boys in cyan to another World Cup.

Kelly's contract at the Licentian Isles wouldn't be renewed after a poor World Cup 63 qualifying campaign, and the manager left for pastures new once again, landing in Eura to take the reigns at the Rushmori outfit. Kelly failed to complete a sweep of regional titles in missing out on the latter stages of the Copa Rushmori, but two successive World Cup qualifications have satisfied the Euran football association, and barring some major upsets in the finals of World Cup 65, Kelly should be there to stay in the Socialist States.

Sporadic refused to comment after the draw was made, saying simply that he agreed it was 'interesting', but would be treating all three games as any other.

Either way, the 'Sporadic derbies' seem to be mouthwatering ties. Audioslavia versus Eura sees the top-two seeded teams fight it out, with Kelly having the chance to get one over on Israel Klimt. "I'd have done what you did, had I stayed" hasn't been a phrase specifically uttered by Kelly, but the man has sometimes hinted at how he feels about Audioslavia's recent triumphs and Klimt's subsequent near- beattification.

Eura don't have a lot to lose in facing off against the two-time World Champions, but the same can't be said about their game with the Licentian Isles, in which a failure to win against the bottom seeds would not only be deeply embarassing for Sporadic, but put a great deal of pressure on the side in the other, supposedly more difficult games.

Audioslavia versus The Licentian Isles will be a meeting of two of the class from Baptism of Fire 46, where the Bulls won out while the boys in cyan finished fourth, capitulating first in the semi-final to Karditan, then in the third-placed playoffs to the lightly-regarded Cowardly Pacifists. The Licentians would go ahead and qualify for the World Cup before both the Bulls and the Robber Barons, but the side have rarely - if ever - troubled the leading nations. Klimt will hope that trend continues.

The fourth team in Group G is a familar face to most Audioslavians. Mytannion have played the Bulls three times, taking a 5-1 win and a 1-3 defeat in the World Cup 62 qualifiers, before a scoreless draw in World Cup 63's first round saw the Mytanars eliminated and Audioslavia progress.

Some commenters have suggested the group is one of the easier ones - and they may well be proven right - but more than a few gasps and grumbles were audible from the Audioslavian contingence at the draw, and one suspects there are a number of teams that Klimt and co would have 'preferred' to the nations they were drawn with.

The bookies have largely sat on the fence so far. Just a few hours after the draw the best odds one can receive on Audioslavia to reach the second round is a stingy 1-5, with no bets currently being taken on the rest of the group.

Bookies aren't quite so generous with Audioslavia's odds of 'three-peating' come the final, though. Odds on the Bulls to do just that are at a paltry 20-1.

Either way, this reporter asserts that, if the Bulls don't qualify - and comfortably - for the second round, then serious questions will have to be asked about the future of Israel Klimt as manager. Despite all he's done for the national side, a failure to get out of the group should signal the need for a new captian at the helm of the good ship Audioslavia.

IBSD, G'NB

[Apox]

The International Post

Tough Test for The Red Dragons in Group F

by Clement Ashley

Well here we are again, thankfully. Attempt no.2 at the biggest tournament in the World. And while it would be nice to say that we think we could do well, realistically our hopes are about the same as last time - don't get spanked by the bigger nations. Which is fair enough really.

We were drawn into Group G on this occasion, once again the feeling of really trading blows with the big boys coming out again. And who were we drawn with? Top seed of the group The Holy Empire, one of the biggest and oldest names left in World football. Their last win was before the surprising Audioslavian dominance of the previous two World Cups, and they went out in the second round last time. However, it is a measure of their strength that they have been one of those team that have been omnipresent in the top 5 of the rankings since we started playing internationally, 5 World Cups and 13 years ago. That is a strong record. And they are ranked 4th this time, the same rank as those Audioslavians were.

The next seed is the 11th ranked New Montreal States, who topped qualifying Group 7 in emphatic terms haven't hosted the previous edition, along with Wight. We know little of the States, having never played them before, but we can be sure that they'll be a very tough opponent to beat.

And finally, the bottom seed of the group, Boring Paradise, another member of the "Power Trio" of nations who qualified from the region of Esportiva, ourselves, The Licentian Islands and Boring Paradise. Remarkably, we've never played them before, so this will not only be the first match between the two countries internationally, but also the first match to be played between two Esportivan nations in the World Cup Finals tournament. Now, the bookies would tell you that Apox would be the favourites for this match, but then again, last time round Osarius were the closest ranked team to us in Group C, and they were the only team (sorry Audioslavia and Vilita) who beat us in the Group Stage, and they went on to finish a comfortable 3rd place overall. We must be on our toes for that match.

And so our eyes turn to the squad. We will be lead by our captain, Olim Benzari, who aged 33, has said that this might be the last finals he will ever compete in, certainly as a starter on the team. With 93 caps to his name, it is likely that he will become the first Apoxian to break the 100 caps barrier, which has proved elusive as of yet. Other key members of the squad include young stars Jack Moses, Hans Nielssen and Matthias Sindelar, all of whom have moved or are moving abroad to play football in foreign pastures. Is this the tournament where they will show their potential? And what of the only player to score in a World Cup Finals Tournament, Fronden Abel? Well he is still in the squad, so that's good, even though most of Apox are still surprised that he was the scorer of the first, and so far only, Apoxian goal in the finals, against Osarius.

Then you've got the new old guard of course, Will Hewitt, Dan Weekes, Jennie Scott, Jack Forster, Will Fich, Fran Gracie and Keri Ularu. For some of them this will be their last tournament, while others will probably be able to manage one more. Will they make an impact? That is almost guaranteed.

So there you have, a look at our chances, and while our team is solid, the new talent that will really propel us into World title contention is yet to come through, this definitely feels a bit like an interim period. Let's see how well they can do.

[United Gordonopia]

The Beautiful Game: A History of Football in Gordonopia
By Dr. Frank Donaugh, Imperial University

Chapter XII - Smaller Scale

Of course, despite being the top league, the GFA could not hold all of the talent in such a massive nation as Gordonopia. Though no other national leagues rose up to rival it, largely due to GFF restrictions, there were dozens of leagues were the quality of play approached that of the first tier.

The most notable standouts were the 'regional leagues,'; a group of leagues whose legacy continues to this day. At the time there were eight within the GFF-sanctioned system, divided mostly by geography. As each region was large enough to be a nation in and of itself, the regional league's grew to be vanguards of football with fanbases just as dedicated as those of GFA clubs. Over the years some regional league teams joined the GFA itself, the most recent example being the merger of four Colonial League teams into the top level, bringing squads such as the consistently excellent Kaje Football into the top level. Most regional league teams, however, remained in their own systems, though they often scheduled friendlies amongst one-another.

Because they contained roughly 70 teams between them, the second-level regional leagues were able to maintain teams outside of the largest megolopolis'. Within a regional league's market, viewership ratings were often as high, if not higher, than nationally televised GFA matches for the same market.

Below that, there were countless leagues representing a diverse array of areas. For example, every province maintained a top-level league, and often provincial equivalents to the regional leagues. Countless cities also maintained leagues, with those of the Megalopolises such as Teva, Fusba, and the Capitol Metro Area maintaining fanbases in the millions.

All-told, football was as widespread as the nation it had come to represent. When the GFF finally put together an official pyramid in 1982, it determined that there were 25 levels of football, most of which had numerous leagues competing on them, although many of had no mode of promotion or relegation.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

"Right everyone.... we've isolated the location of the source of the trans-dimensional anomaly to here in Saugeais; and the Physiotherapist here is fairly sure that it's in one of the World Cup stadiums".

"That's right, Juan - I've used my sonic, ummm, my sonic reflex tester to identify that the source of the reversed polarity neutron flow is - as you say - in one of the stadiums; and jelly babies all round if you can locate it!"

"In the meantime, we need to make sure we stay in this tournament as long as possible - it would be ... uncomfortable if Rushmore, Atlantian Oceania, Esportiva, and the other realities were all to suddenly occupy precisely the same physical space in addition to occupying the same multiverse bubble. So we have two missions: look for the source of the anomaly, but win as many football matches as possible while we're at it - is that understood?"

"YES MR TZIMISCES!"

"Good; and to that purpose, I've asked a few of you to scout the opposition for me. Unfortunately, I had to send the really effective inconspicuous shape-shifters like John the Right Winger and Brotar out into Saugeais to look at the stadium locations.... leaving me with a bit of a mixed bag in terms of scouts. But let's hear those reports. Cmdr Storix - your report on New Montreal States."

"These puny humanoids are ripe for conquest, Battle Leader Tzimisces; unleash a battalion of Sontar's finest upon them, and they would fail to last five minutes. I have mapped out a strategy for rapid total annihilation of their laughable nation that entails minimal..."

"Which is nice, but what about their football team; how do their football team compare to our football team?"

"Forgive me, Battle Leader. It is my considered analysis that though we play a game of two halves, so long as we give 110%, we can hope that the better team shall win at the end of the day - so long as we leave no cliché unturned in the search for victory!"

"Thank you. Now, Mondas Humanoid Cyborg, I believe that you've been shadowing Apox?"

"Yes, Tzimsces-leader."

"And your evaluation?"

"While they have shown considerable improvement, Tzimisces-leader, they have yet to be fully upgraded. They are also prone to using a defensive 4-4-2 formation that suggests Fendergéson Numbá is likely to favour emotion over his superior logical faculties. My summary analysis: while not without ability, ours is the superior squad."

"Thank you. And Brigadier - you've been watching Boring Paradise, I believe, Alistair."

"That's right, old chap, and let me tell you, a sorrier bunch of footballers I haven't seen since I watched the cooks face the officers back at Sandhurst. A bit of stiff upper lip and old-fashioned pluck should be enough to see this lot off. They play a rigid 4-4-2 formation - but are a bit too attacking for their own good, leaving plenty of space for a quick counterattack. Nothing we shouldn't be able to cope with."

"Thank you, Alistair. That's probably enough for now; we'll reconvene tomorrow, and... What is the Kaled doing? Kaled, you don't vaporise the ball to stop a goal; you exterminate scoring opportunities, not the actual ball.

"I APOLOGISE TZIMISCES; I FORGET MYSELF SOMETIMES"

"Just don't do it during the match. Right; so tomorrow morning, then - except for for Brotar and John; they'll be joining me, Simeone, and the Physiotherapist for some more scouting....."

[Ko-oren]

Ko-oren in Group B for World Cup 65

The Greenblues will try to advance to the second round of the World Cup in Group B, together with Polar Islandstates, the Sylvanaes Queendom and Farfadillis.
Polar Islandstates
This team qualified first in their group, finishing on an almost surreal 16-2-0, and with 50 points they are the only team in the entire world to achieve this number. They were by far the best team of the qualification, not necessarily by a great attack (only 29 goals scored, three quarters of our goal total of 41), but they can thank their amazing defense for this (5 conceded, a third of our number of conceded goals (15)). Fun fact: the curious case of Taeshan: they matched the Polar Islandstates in goals conceded, and only scored three goals less. Taeshan is on 21-4-2, and did not qualify after the playoffs.
As far as the match is concerned: hopefully we will not lose by too much. But of course, the Polarians are not known to score a lot anyway. We are not either, so it will probably be a defensive game. One difference: the Terns play a very aggressive game, and the Dragonflies like to think a little before acting.

The Sylvanaes Queendom
The team from Pot 2 is a team we’ve played before. Last World Cup, they were in the same group as us. This qualification, they went 12-3-3, and did worse than us in qualification. Their ranking, on which the pots are based, still has them above us. Based on their current form, this might be an interesting and close game! Last time, the match ended in a 1-0 loss. Time for revenge. The Sylvanae play a little bit more offensively than the Terns or the Greenblues, and their players have experience enough to get them through most situations. But our players have learnt too.

Farfadillis
Farfadillis was the coincidental opponent in a friendly just before the qualifying phase started. The Vherderoja, invited because their team’s nickname is based on colors too, won 0-2 in Ko-oren. While Farfadillis is in pot 4, they are just a tad behind us. The closest game in rank in this group, and a little history to go with it. Apart from the Sylvanae, here’s another team that Ko-oren will want to beat.

Rivals
Some of our rivals also made it to the main event. Saugeais, as one of the hosts, was qualified automatically in pot 1, together with Wight, Kiryu-shi, and Turori. They are in a very Atlantian Oceania-heavy group, let’s see if they can make it through. The football history with Saugeais does not go back very far, but the baseball rivalry is pretty fierce. Actually, the national football teams of both nations have met before, during the qualifying for World Cup 59, where Saugeais won both (2-0 and 2-3). We can only look forward to the national baseball teams of both nations, where Ko-oren has never lost against them yet!

Darmen, the oldest rival the Greenblues have, are in Pot 2 and have to play Andossa se Mitrin Vega, United Gordonopia and Blouman Empire. Lots of chances for them to advance, though they have to be lucky against ASMV. The rivalry between us and them does not have a very obvious basis, with the two teams just playing two official games against each other (qualifying phase for WC56, both teams won 1-0 at home). The huge number of friendlies, though, does add some fuel to the fire.

Group of Death
And with the draw for the World Cup complete, the ancient question arises: what is the group of death? You could look at the top teams, and see which are closest together (Osarius and Valanora, at third and seventh in the world, drawn into the same group), the group with the best pot 3 and 4 teams to the overall level of the teams is close together (Group E, with Kiryu-shi and Turori). I’d like to say that E might be the toughest to get through, with four teams that are relatively close together, and the top two teams just separated by two on the world ranking.
But that would be just looking at the KPB rankings and seeing which are close together. The last qualifying efforts also say a lot about a team’s quality, form, and which teams are rising on the list. That way, Group G could be the Group of Death. Audioslavia and Eura ranked both with the top 5 teams of all qualifying records (16-1-1 and 15-2-1). Furthermore, Mytannion and the Licentian Islands are here. Mytannion missed out on the World Cup last year, and qualified solidly with 12 victories, four draws and two losses. The Licentian Islands, while being a pot 4 team, did extremely well in their group with 14 wins, two draws and two losses.
Overall, Group D might still the worst group to be in. Two top ten teams, with Legalese at 35th as lowest ranked. The third team of Pot 4, the best team of Pot 3, the best team of Pot 2 and the third team of Pot 1. Then, all four qualified with at least 12 victories (Osarius on 12, Legalese and Gyatso-kai on 14, and Valanora on 16). Ranking all nations according to their qualifying efforts has three out of four teams in the top 10! Osarius is worst in this respect, with a 22nd place. Three teams in excellent form, and the fourth one being ranked 3rd in the world… We’re glad we’re not in there.

[Blouman Empire]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eagles Prepare For Cup

The Blouman Empire International Football team left today for Pasarga where they will for the second time compete in the World Cup after securing a spot by winning the playoff stage against Kinitaria. At a press conference before they embarked to Pasarga where the Eagles will be playing all their group matches manager Sir Nathan Kolson praised the achievements his players have obtained so far and vowed that they will continue to challenge and aim to win every game regardless on who they face. "Our aim is of course to win the World Cup this won't come easy and indeed may not come at all but we aren't going to the World Cup to be a numbers team". Team captain Baden Lakes also spoke at the press conference thanking the fans for their continued support over the years and giving hope to those fans as he expressed his confidence in coming back with the trophy. They boarded the team plane specially provided by team sponsor Royal Regarmar Airlines and following them is an estimated 15,000 Blouman who will be travelling around Pasarga cheering them on. The team could only manage one draw last World Cup but with extra experience the team will be seeking to finish with more then just one point. It is understood that the FFB had originally given Sir Nathan the objective to qualify for the World Cup and there is no confirmation on any further objectives for him or the team it is expected that they will be more successful the second time round.

The team have been placed in Group C coming up against a number of strong opponents all of whom are expected to perform well in the cup and have the potential to make it past the group stage, the Eagles despite their confidence and extra experience will have a tough road ahead if they wish to improve on last year's performance.

The Opponents

Andossa se Mitrin Vega: ASMV is one of the favourites to win the Cup and the Eagles will be facing them first in the group stage. The Eagles have played against ASMV twice before, during the 64th World Cup qualifiers winning one game and drawing the other. ASMV, however, have vastly improved since that time and with a World Cup on the line they will be in no mood to allow a repeat of those two games to occur. The Eagles will no doubt remember those games giving them the confidence to know that this team can be beaten. A tough first match but if the Eagles are able to hit the ground running then it will put them in a good position to challenge for a group 16 spot.

United Gordonopia: United Gordonopia failed to lose a match during the qualifiers easily securing themselves a spot in the Cup. If the team are able to continue their impressive form the Eagles will find United Gordonopia hard to beat especially as they only conceded 6 goals over the 18 qualifying games. The Eagles will be aware that this game will be a decider in determining if they have a chance to move on leading into the final game or whether they know they will be coming home early.

Darmen: Another team that failed to lose a game during the qualifiers and showed impressive form throughout much of the campaign, Darmen will no doubt continue that form as they challenge to finish top of the group. The Eagles may find it easier to get the ball past Troy Osborne and into the net as the team conceded 23 goals during the qualifiers compared to the Eagles 17. If the Eagles have managed to perform well against their first two opponents then this game may give the Eagles the opportunity to progress further in the World Cup then any Blouman team have done before.

Local bookmakers are currently offering odds of 1001-1 for the Blouman Empire to win the World Cup with clear favourites Audioslavia currently with the shortest odds as they seek to claim their third title. Blouman group member ASMV and The Holy Empire are currently also teams the punters are heavily backing to win the title.

[Andossa Se Mitrin Vega]

The Sea Dragons continue on with their quest to claim their first ever World Cup Championship and things couldn’t look better for the number two ranked side in the world. The qualifiers went off without a major hiccup as the aging Vegai squad only dropped points in three of their eighteen matches and most of those coming as older legs were given some time to rest during the match marathon to make it to the biggest sporting show in the NSverse. But now is not the time to be complacent as the World Cup draw has given the Sea Dragons a very interesting and dangerous group to make it out of.

MD1: Blouman Empire
Our regionamates from Eastern Atlantian Oceania. They survived a tough group that saw Polar Islandstates crush the competition and just stayed ahead of Michael VII to make it into the playoffs. They then went on to knock off Kinitaria despite the odds against them. In the qualifiers for World Cup 64 we failed to defeat this squad as they stole four points on the table. They are a very solid up-and-coming squad that knows how to win big matches, they kind of remind us of ourselves many moons ago. But this is not qualification, this is the World Cup Proper. And we will be looking to make a huge statement in this opening match.

MD2: Darmen
The masters of Group 2, Darmen didn’t lose a match during qualification. Quietly Darmen have become a real contender and they will be quite tough when we run up against them. The only knock we can find against them at all right now is that they are from that second class sporting region, Rushasomethingorother.

MD 3: United Gordanopia
Our neighbors from across the Nothandryun Passage in Northwestern Atlantian Oceania. This spunky bunch topped their group and sent The Archregimancy to the playoff spot. We love them for that. They also didn’t drop a match during qualification. This is another side on the quick rise that we will have to be careful about.

All in all, Group C offers us some nice challenges but we should come through just fine and make a run for the title.

Group A – the host Pasarga have been given a very favorable draw to move on as Vilita will likely top the group. Sargossa will come up short while Mangolana dreams of a better life in the Cup of Harmony.

Group B – Polar Islandststes should cruise through easily as The elves battle Ko-oren for the second spot

Group C- Hmm. Darmen follows us into the next round. But that will be close.

Group D – How Osrius has risen to number three in the world is a mystery to us. Yet they should move through along with Valanora. Watch Legalese, they can be dangerous.

Group E- Host Saugeais should move along, probably behind Wight.

Group F – Apox is dangerous but that wont matter as the Holy Empire and New Montreal States move along nicely.

Group G – An Audioslavia domination looks eminent. Eura will battle Mytannion for the other spot.

Group H- This is Starblaydia’s group to lose and it looks like those damnable Monks will slip through as well. Uhg.

Now lets see how things really work out.

[Mytannion]

‘Kohlemainen the key.’ – Sadowsky.
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2019 | FOOTBALL | by Ondřej Klepáček

Mikkel Kohlemainen, aged 20, is talked up by many as the best player in Mytannion right now.

Marius Sadowsky today gave an extremely interesting press conference, discussing many things to do with the 65th World Cup, to which Mytannion qualified in our usual ‘interesting’ fashion. That is, by basically limping over the line towards the end of the qualifying cycle. The team were expected to qualify and Marius Sadowsky did oblige, but he did not mince his words when discussing the way in which the Hoops managed to gain qualification.

“It wasn’t impressive, there is no two ways about it, not when you have teams romping to qualification without losing a game. But if you put it in perspective, we’re not a giant of world football, we’ve come off the back of a Cup of Harmony win and we just need to be proud of our qualification – getting to this stage was the most important thing – where we go from now is what we need to focus on looking forward.” He told assembled reporters in the press room at 1923 Esca’s training ground in the capital.

Sadowsky himself chose 1923 Esca’s training facilities as the base for the national side before they fly out to Saugeais in order to compete in Group G, alongside The Licentian Islands, Eura and Audioslavia. Three teams who will provide a tough test for the Mytanar team in the group stage, the latter two in fact having a whole lot of shared history with Mytannion – the Eurans obviously taking part in various conflicts involved Mytannion, being diplomatic friends but sporting rivals and then Audioslavia being a nation with which the Hoops have had a fair few sporting clashes in recent years.

“Audioslavia are the best football team in the world right now,” said Sadowsky, “It will be a challenge for us to try and knock them off their perch and I’m sure any form of result other than a loss would represent an exceptional performance from us.” Sadowsky was quick to recognise the fact that they have quality in abundance all across the pitch and played down Mytanar chances: “It will be hugely difficult to beat them; many will believe they’ll absolutely slaughter us and I don’t think many would be surprised if they actually did.”

Mikkel Kohlemainen came up a lot in the press conference though, with many journalists questioning the national team manager on why he was preferred to Snerik Oiskha – a player with much more experience (101 caps, 20 goals worth of it), who isn’t even in the prime of his career yet. Sadowsky did give the right answer though: “Snerik and Mikkel are fundamentally different players, they are even physically different and are much better in different situations.”

When he was pressed for what that exactly meant, he remained calm and explained what he said: “Mikkel is an outstanding player, he’s very dynamic and he is direct, incisive, he makes things happen – Snerik is more methodical, probing and pushing for weakness and more likely to set something up for a team mate.”

One question that seemingly stumped Sadowsky was the question on whether or not the two could be accommodated into the same team. He simply responded with the best evasive tactic he could, “That wouldn’t work with the current system, obviously if that were to change then we would be able to look at that then. That’s just not how things are right now.”

Many have waxed lyrical about Mikkel Kohlemainen over the past season domestically, he has contributed with 17 goals throughout the campaign, making him the top scoring ‘midfielder’ in the league – even if that is a little bit of a false statistic given the very fluid, free role that he plays for his club side Arka Snezhnaya. The most important part of his game last season was the 20 assists he chipped in with for his team, second most only to the ridiculously talented Yuri Matveyev.

He has been greatly preferred by Sadowsky in the latter stages of the World Cup qualifying campaign and he openly announced that he believed the young attacking midfielder to be the main man for the Hoops this time around, “Mikkel Kohlemainen truly is the key, everybody will get their chance to impress and chip in, but Mikkel’s performances of late for both club and country have really influenced the way the rest of the team performs and that shows just how important he is and will be for this World Cup.”

“We hope he can really come into his own and help us to progress from the Group Stage, if he performs like he has against some top quality opposition in qualifying and in the Top League this past season, we know he’ll be unplayable at times.”

Sadowsky passed further comments on who he believed would be the danger men for the opposition in the group stage and drew particular attention to the likes of Audioslav legend Karsten Eiger, Euran favourite Josh Stevenson and Licentian Mytanar-based former captain Nate Parkinson. He was quick to say that his side, “Will not be afraid of anybody, we’ll treat every player the same and that means no backing off, we’ll go into challenges in the same way we always do. Mytanar football is very ‘blood and thunder’ and I’m not really going to change that, it works, our players perform in a highly rated league and then do well for the national team. If something isn’t broke, there’s no need to fix it.”

In reality, Mytannion may need to change their usual style slightly in order to be successful in this World Cup, the record they have playing against Audioslavia isn’t representative of the Bulls current success or position within world football (i.e. at the very top of it). If they continue playing in the same fashion as they do regularly, without anything changed in order to perhaps surprise the opposition or put them off their game could result in an embarrassing defeat.

Everybody will expect a victory over The Licentian Islands, there is no doubting that and a win over the Eurans would effectively seal qualification for the Hoops, but the big one is the game versus Audioslavia and everyone – particularly the more fanatical Mytanar support – will want a win there if possible because it would just be absolutely incredible, there is nothing else that can be said on the matter.

The first two games are against Eura and The Licentian Islands, so the results following them first two games could perhaps shape the way in which Mytannion face off against the best team in the world – two wins and the team full of confidence would be ideal and could lead to a victory, if the Hoops are already out by the time they end up facing the team that have won the past two World Cups, it could be a very embarrassing loss that we are forced to witness.

Beyond the group stage, Mytannion will have the joy of facing a team from Group F – one of The Holy Empire, New Montreal States, Apox or Boring Paradise – if they can progress of course. The first two of them four are very likely to be the ones to progress from that group, after all they are ranked 6th and 11th in the world respectively and probably won’t be upset by either of the other teams. That would probably be the end of the Mytanar campaign, as both probably have a little too much in the way of quality for the Hoops to deal with, but a visit to the Last Sixteen for the first time since World Cup 62 would be a good reward for what has been a fairly mediocre campaign.

It would however represent good progress following our Cup of Harmony victory in the last cycle, which is important because as a nation that was something we could really try to build on and reaching the knockout rounds of the biggest footballing competition on the planet would definitely be a good example of doing that.

This certainly will be an interesting World Cup and Mikkel Kohlemainen could well be a very important player involved in it.

[New Montreal States]

GROUP F PROMISES TWO CHAP OLYMPIAD REUNIONS AND ONE SHOT AT REVENGE

Paladins prepare for gentlemanly contests with Holy Empire, Apox; get pumped for grudge match against Boring Paradise

SAUGEAIS - The group-stage draw for the World Cup Finals is in, and the Paladins are on their way to a country where they speak both the languages. Awaiting them in Saugeais are the Holy Empire, who hosted the well-received Chap Olympiad some while back. Apox, meanwhile, won the most medals in the Olympiad, securing their place as the most gentlemanly of all nations, just ahead of the NMS contingent.

Our match against Apox, therefore, will probably be the most gentlemanly and polite of the Finals. Both teams will be looking for a breakthrough against a radically different system, Apox favoring a neutral 4-4-2 against the ultra-defensive look favored by interim manager Étienne Girardeaux.

The rematch against Boring Paradise, however, will be a bitterly fought battle between the two sides, after the Paradisians beat the Paladins 6-1, at home, in the final qualification match to advance to the WC63 playoffs and end Sol Kirkkegaard's international coaching career. Considering the stakes and the margin of defeat, this is generally considered to be the most embarrassing defeat in NMS history. Fred Nguyen and Henri-Réné Lavaillère are the only two remaining Paladins who were on the pitch for that match, but everyone on the team remembers watching that game as a child. A win here would do a lot to erase the disappointment of failing to advance into WC63 finals.

Our highest-ranked opponent is The Holy Empire; the 800 lb. gorilla of the group. The Paladins haven't faced them since returning to play in World Cup 56, and remain one class firmly below them. Frosty football is the polar opposite of the neo-Karelian formations Étienne Girardeaux dreamed up in some shabby opium den. How these two sides will match up is a mystery; aside from the Chap Olympiad, these two nations have had little sporting contacts.

However, the Presse-Journal Devoir has obtained a copy of a pair of partially declassified reports from the Ministry of Blowing Things Up and the Alleged Ministry of Skulduggery suggesting that Interdimensional Man of Mystery and Holy Empire Manager/Ostensible Retired Legend Juan Tzimisces* was prominently involved in foiling an attempt by a mad scientist named Dr. Eduardo Silva da Raya Filipo to "completely scramble the field of time" and recreate human society so that scrawny, bookish scientists are considered to the be the height of male beauty. using a [REDACTED], working in a deserted centuries-old carpark located 18 stories below the Paladin Dome.

To successfully [REDACTED], Dr. Filipo had [REDACTED] with [REDACTED] in a solution of the concentrated essence of human regrets dissolved in pure high fructose corn syrup. Not only that, but our source told us that Dr. Filipo had managed to [REDACTED] the [REDACTED] Department, forcing Tzimisces to go off the grid and play by his own rules.

Tzimisces was forced to [REDACTED] to escape the airport, which he only did thanks to the help of [REDACTED], the scion of a family of [REDACTED] farmers Tzimisces had first began dealing with when he'd come, undercover, to scout out the competition before the Holy Empire's return to international play. They'd [REDACTED] through thick and thin over the ensuing centuries, and didn't hesitate to help out Tzimisces when [REDACTED] and they were forced to [REDACTED] before [REDACTED] and [REDACTED]'s old station wagon's transmission finally bit the dust. Since they don't make station wagons like they used to, Tzimisces was forced to [REDACTED] back through time to the good old days - finding a different car was obviously impossible because of [REDACTED]. Instabilities in timeflow introduced by Dr. Fillipo's [REDACTED] sent Tzimisces' [REDACTED] to a point 45 minutes ahead of what he was aiming for when he returned with the station wagon parts, giving Dr. Filipo enough time to [REDACTED] and redirect most of the city's power supply into the [REDACTED]. By the time Tzimisces coaxed the newly repaired station wagon to the scene, [REDACTED] and it was clear that the historical record could kiss its ass goodbye.

However, Tzimisces had the presence of mind to leap back in the [REDACTED] and travel back through a dangerously agitated timestream to the night of Dr. Fillipo's parents' first date, where he [REDACTED] in front of them on a crowded restaurant terrance. Although Tzimisces could've easily [REDACTED] and avoided spending the night in jail, our sources told us he decided that it was the only way he could get some time to himself. During his overnight stay at [REDACTED], he turned it into the first non-smoking jail in the NMS by winning all the detainees' cigarettes betting on the [REDACTED] game, which he already knew the outcome of. Once he returned to the present time, he found that the only missionary positions assumed by either of Dr. Filipo's ex-parents were at charity hospitals in [REDACTED]. Piece of cake, really, according to our source.

This seems implausible, but the Presse-Journal Devoir confirmed everything our initial source told us with [REDACTED]. [REDACTED] further stated that if Tzimisces hadn't [REDACTED] when he did, Dr. Filipo's incorrectly calibrated [REDACTED] would have dumped us all in a universe where Audioslavia had won every single World Cup from WC5 through WC62 before a squad of plucky Elven underdogs from Valanora finally managed to end the streak in World Cup 63. This sort of [REDACTED] would have led people to lose faith that there was any kind of logic governing the multiverse, and from there it's a downward spiral to [REDACTED].

It remains to be seen how these events will impact the action on the field.

As for the final outcome, the Holy Empire seems set to go through comfortably, and all of the other three nations have grounds to believe that they can sneak through in second place. Anything can happen in three matches, after all.

*Fun fact: the last time Tzimisces took the pitch was as a substitute for Fred Nguyen during the "Astograth and C&R against the world" exhibition before the World Cup 62 finals!

[The Archregimancy]

It's hot in the Archregimancy's deserts; not as hot, perhaps, as the lake of fire that features so heavily in the always-problematic Book of Revelation, but hot enough to make your eyeballs ache should you be so foolish as to step outside. Even worse, it's not a dry heat; no desert hermit would be satisfied with anything quite so simple. Instead it's a wicked humid heat that covers every pore of your skin with a thin film of moisture even when you're standing still. Furthermore, there's no shade - indeed, very little in the way of anything that could be considered distracting scenery - just an unremittingly flat, beige landscape of sand occasionally broken up by the odd low shrub as far as the eye can see; or as far as the eye could see if you could bear to look up at the too-brightly shining horizon for more than a few seconds at a time.

How it must be to train an international football squad in that sort of heat - never mind an international football squad filled with renowned ascetics who aren't the healthiest of eaters in the first place - hardly bears thinking about.

Nonetheless, this was what Fr. Basil had done with his squad, taking them through to the World Cup finals by the skin of their teeth. And if there were still those in the Monastic Football Association who still questioned the wisdom of missing the first 13 qualification matchdays as part of this punishing training regime, they were willing to stay silent in the face of the evidence: an undefeated record since the squad proper entered the competition in matchday 14, including an impressive two-legged playoff victory against Taeshan, a team who had risen to 9th in the rankings in the wake of their qualification campaign. Given the overtly atheistic nature of Taeshan, and the rumour that their national media had been waiting to declare a 'mighty victory for atheism over the deluded theists' had the Purple Knights won the playoff, Fr. Basil had won some breathing space for his unusual training techniques.

But watching the scouting videos for the next World Cup match against Equestrian States, even Fr. Basil was professing himself somewhat baffled.

Ponies?

Griffons?

Pegasi?

Bat ponies?

Unicorns?

Dragons?

Fr. Basil was - or rather, had been before becoming a fairly eccentric monk - a man of the world; more to the point, he was a man of the Dreamed Realm world, so it could be assumed that he'd seen a fair few things that mundies might have considered more than a little unusual, but this was stretching things a little.

Searching scripture had been little help; the Bible had plenty of mentions of horses, but was silent on the other species (humans excepted) that made up the Equestrian States team. Fr. Basil prayed for guidance.

And then Fr. Basil had a flash of inspiration that made him wonder aloud why he had had to seek divine guidance for a solution so simple!

Unusual non-human squads? An attacking 5-3-2 formation with overlapping wingers? Had the Ponies deliberately modelled themselves on the Holy Empire? Even if they hadn't the man best-placed to give Fr. Basil advice on how to counter that sort of tactic was right here in Saugeais.

And surely Juan Tzimisces, of all people, would be happy to help out an old friend from the Archregimancy....

[Turori]

OOC: The following post is not intended to replace the Turori Roster, just an RP to show which players from the official roster are making the trip to Pasarga/Saugeais and to update the all-time stats of those players (Caps, Goals etc...)

Turori Take Bite out of Sandwich (Territories)
Eels Return to World Cup with 3-1 Aggregate Victory

The Turori National Team, led by head coach Ematora Saenu, have qualified for the World Cup 65 Finals in Saugeais and Pasarga after a 3-1 aggregate victory over the Sandwich Territories.

The first leg, played in the Sandwich Territories, was a hotly contested but predictably low-scoring affair. Turori stole the win late in the second half when Liinai Zakazaka produced an individual moment of brilliance turning inside the penalty area and beating Sandwich Territories goalkeeper Tolliver Ments to put the Eels on the board.

It would be the only goal of the first leg as Turori's Hooizo Nuakoi recorded his 8th straight shutout, a modern day record certainly in the Island Emirate for any Turori National Team goalkeeper and perhaps one of the more impressive goalkeeping performances of all time, especially considering the criticality of the clean sheets for the Eels. Throughout the 8-match shutout stretch, all victories for the Turori National Team, the Eels offense scored just 10 goals, barely over a single goal per match with six 1-0 victories along the way.

The return leg in Turori, held unsurprisingly at Eels Park despite the large demand for tickets, would be a different story.

Injured during the warmups, Nuakoi would be left out of the starting lineup for the first time since Matchday 10 of the qualifiers. That gave the start to Ronji Miiastara and Mumau Atla-Siioai was drafted into the bench as cover as needed.

Things started strongly for the Eels, who doubled their aggregate advantage with a 26th minute goal that was set up by Restiaa Mumamba and finished by Tiika Diirotora - the Kiiarana midfielder scoring just his 4th career international goal.

Things quickly got more tense, however, as Luke Havalotti would equalize for the Sandwich Territories on the day, pulling them within a single goal on aggregate. Perhaps, more crucially, the Sandiwch Territories were level on away goals, so a single Sandwich goal from that point forward would give the advantage in the tie to the visitors.

Not wanting to chance it, Turori National Team head coach Ematora Saenu quickly took action, slowing the game down by making a goalkeeper swap. With Nuakoi still feeling wrong on the sidelines, Saenu looked to Turoki United goalkeeper Mumau Atla-Siioai to lead the Eels to the finals.

Despite strong performances in the Vilitan League for Turoki United, Atla-Siioai was not typically involved in Ematora Saenu's setup, having only played 15 minutes as a substitute throughout the entire World Cup 65 qualifying campaign, and not having started a World Cup Qualifying match since the World Cup 61 qualifying campaign.

Whether it was the goalkeeper substitution, or simply the quality of play by the Eels, it seemed to be enough as Turori were able to hold off their lower-ranked foes - even adding an insurance tally at the stroke of half time through Vrotaoa Lorasoiba.

The 3-1 Aggregate result put the Eels in the draw for the World Cup 65 Finals and a return to the World's greatest sporting stage.
First Leg Statistics:
Turori Goalscorers::
73' Liinai Zakazaka

Sandwich Territories Goalscorers::
:: None

Turori

Best Player: Liinai Zakazaka
Worst Player: Jukkia Diijelhma
Shots on Target: 2
Corner Kicks: 2

Sandwich Territories

Best Player: Bruce Ments
Worst Player: Tolliver Ments
Shots on Target: 1
Corner Kicks: 1


Turori Eels Lineup ::
[GK] Hooizo Nuakoi, [D] Diauro Dlaminii, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [UT] Restiaa Mumamba, [ML] Raso Tareak, [MC] Rutaj Ranaso, [MC] Aaron Gibbons, [MR] Rikko Rawaii, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Jukkia Diijelhma
BENCH::
[FC] Loala Kigoouao, [FC] Enluta Makakio, [M] Etamara Kulkkiia, [M] Jake Gibbons, [UT] Balariita Muzmaara, [D] Noa-isinao Wioauoi, [GK] Ronji Miiastara

Turori Substitutions::
(45) - Rutaj Ranaso >>> Enluta Makakio



Second Leg Statistics:

Turori Goalscorers::
26' Tiika Diirotora
45' Vrotaoa Lorasoiba

Sandwich Territories Goalscorers::
33' Luke Havalotti

Turori

Best Player: Restiaa Mumamba
Worst Player: Ronji Miiastara
Shots on Target: 4
Corner Kicks: 3

Sandwich Territories

Best Player: Bruce Ments
Worst Player: Kevin Williams
Shots on Target: 2
Corner Kicks: 3


Turori Eels Lineup ::
[GK] Ronji Miiastara, [D] Diauro Dlaminii, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [UT] Restiaa Mumamba, [ML] Raso Tareak, [MC] Tiika Diirotora, [MC] Etamara Kulkkiia, [MR] Aaron Gibbons, [FC] Jukkia Diijelhma, [FC] Enluta Makakio
BENCH::
[FC] Loala Kigoouao, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [M] Vrotaoa Lorasoiba, [M] Jake Gibbons, [UT] Mumau Atla-Siioai, [D] Inaosnaa Klanoa, [GK] Hooizo Nuakoi

Turori Substitutions::
(34) - Ronji Miiastara >>> Mumau Atla-Siioai
(45) - Aaron Gibbons >>> Vrotaoa Lorasoiba
(66) - Raso Tareak >>> Jake Gibbons


In a stroke of Unfortunate luck, the Eels were slotted in the 4th and final pot for the group Draw, the highest ranked team in the 'low seeds' pot meaning, at the very least, it would be an uphill battle for the Turori National Team in the group stage.

That being said, coach Saenu and the Eels were certainly thrilled just to be a part of the finals and would be taking it one match at a time in their efforts to upset the odds and try to become the first Turori side in history to advance beyond the Quarter Final stage in the World Cup Finals.

The first job for Coach Saenu was to evaluate the players - and quickly - before the World Cup Finals began. The Football Association of Turori was only going to allow 26 players to make the trip to Rushmore for the World Cup finals which meant some players would be watching from home - or at the very least, from the stands and not from the side of the pitch when the Eels made their World Cup Return.

Of course, there was very little in the form of decisions to be made in goal, Hooizo Nuakoi the natural choice as the Eels #1 goalkeeper for the finals backed up by Mumau Atla Siioai and Ronji Miiastara.

GOALKEEPERS:

[ 86 ] Hooizo Nuakoi [ - Turoki Tide (Vilita) - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 48 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 82 ] Mumau Atla-Siioai [ - Turoki United (Vilita) - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 14 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 1 ] Ronji Miiastara [ - Kiiarana City (Vilita) - ]
------- GK ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 71 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]


Turori Eels captain Yoains Konoaafeo would lead a 6-player defensive squadron backed up by a pair of Utility players, Restiaa Mumamba of the Yeaddin Owls and the well-travelled Klaillal Tuirma. There was some talk of uncapped Mavaloaio defender Inaosnaa Klanoa sneaking his way into the squad but with his announcement of the squad of 26, coach Saenu has ended those rumors.

DEFENDERS:

[ 2 ] Yoains Konoaafeo [ - Cednia Beach AFC - ]
------- D RLC ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 109 :: GOALS::SR: 8 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 3 ] Lioniaa Tana [ - Turoki Tide (Vilita) - ]
------- D/DM LC ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 120 :: GOALS::SR: 10 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 5 ] Noa-isinao Wioauoi [ - Arcticala Inlet (Vilita) - ]
------- D RLC ( AGE: 29 CAPS: 25 :: GOALS::SR: 1 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 12 ] Diauro Dlaminii [ - Turoki Tide (Vilita) - ]
------- D LC ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 100 :: GOALS::SR: 3 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 61 ] Moia Fliporta [ - Kiiarana City (Vilita) - ]
------- D/DM L ( AGE: 30 CAPS: 11 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 4 ] Balariita Muzmaara [ - Kiiarana City (Vilita) - ]
------- D LC ( AGE: 27 CAPS: 21 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]


UTILITY PLAYERS:

[ 22 ] Restiaa Mumamba [ - Yeaddin Owls (Vilita) - ]
------- ATH ( AGE: 29 CAPS: 114 :: GOALS::SR: 4 )

[ 22 ] Klaillal Tuirma [ - Arcticala Inlet (Vilita) - ]
------- ATH ( AGE: 21 CAPS: 4 :: GOALS::SR: 0 )

Despite their age, both Jake and Aaron Gibbons, still seeming to be undecided on an official name change, made the roster in a particularly aged Turorian Midfield. Cednia Beach AFC's Etamara Kulkkiia is the only player on the roster - not only below 20 years of age, but below 30 years of age as well in perhaps one of the most experienced, and, least decorated Turorian lineup to ever take the field.

MIDFIELDERS:

[ 6 ] Raso Tareak [ - Turoki Tide (Vilita) - ]
------- M C ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 106 :: GOALS::SR: 16 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 16 ] Rutaj Ranaso [ - Turoki Tide (Vilita) - ]
------- M LC ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 55 :: GOALS::SR: 6 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 7 ] Rikko Rawaii [ - Arcticala Inlet (Vilita) - ]
------- AM C ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 99 :: GOALS::SR: 19 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 13 ] Vrotaoa Lorasoiba [ - Arcticala Inlet (Vilita) - ]
------- M C ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 108 :: GOALS::SR: 11 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 22 ] Etamara Kulkkiia [ - Cednia Beach AFC - ]
------- AM C ( AGE: 19 CAPS: 21 :: GOALS::SR: 2 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 38 ] Tiika Diirotora [ - Kiiarana (Vilita) - ]
------- M RC ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 49 :: GOALS::SR: 4 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 17 ] Cediici Tzatzos [ - Cednia Beach AFC - ]
------- M R ( AGE: 33 CAPS: 112 :: GOALS::SR: 7 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 12 ] Jake Gibbons [ - Kionao Locals - ]
------- M RC ( AGE: 33 CAPS: 3 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 70 ] Aaron Gibbons [ - Kionao Locals - ]
------- M C ( AGE: 35 CAPS: 7 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

Already having over 118 International Appearances and closing in on 50 career international goals, Liinai Zakazaka will lead the Eels attack. However, Zakazaka may have found a new strike partner in Jungle Strike FC youngster Enluta Makakio. Strong performances breaking into the starting lineup at the Lonngeylin Coliseum have led to more and more playing time in the national team setup for the 17 year old Turorian ace. After just 5 appearances during World Cup Qualifying, it seems that head coach Ematora Saenu has seen enough to know that Makakio is ready for the big-time in the World Cup finals. Another youngster, Mliona-Lpaka's Inamari Altariiz misses the squad as well as the 37 year old Abraham Gibbons who is the only of the three Gibbons brothers not to be including in the Eels' World Cup team sheet.

FORWARDS:

[ 8 ] Liinai Zakazaka [ - Makosile (Vilita) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 31 CAPS: 118 :: GOALS::SR: 46 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 24 ] Enluta Makakio [ - Strike FC (Vilita) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 17 CAPS: 5 :: GOALS::SR: 1 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 9 ] Anuh Ciniima [ - Morata Valley (Vilita) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 52 :: GOALS::SR: 6 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 18 ] Loala Kigoouao [ - Arcticala Inlet (Vilita) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 77 :: GOALS::SR: 24 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 31 ] Matlya Eelador [ - Cednia Beach AFC - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 17 CAPS: 2 :: GOALS::SR: 0 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[ 19 ] Jukkia Diijelhma [ - Jlinal Cove FC (Vilita) - ]
------- F C ( AGE: 32 CAPS: 59 :: GOALS::SR: 14 U21: REG: ) :: [ N/R ]

[Vilita]

:: FUTURE STAR SPOTLIGHT::

Nili Ylimaiina :: 19 :: Arcticala Inlet F C

Ylimaiina's family moved to Vilita prior to his birth from Turori in order to take up work at Arcticala Electrical. Just a few years after being born, Ylimaiina's father, a Turorian, and mother, a Starblaydi national, were instantly agreed to enroll the young lad at the Arcticala Academy to learn the two parents favorite sport: Association Football.

Ylimaiina quickly rose to the top of the class at Arcticala Academy - at least in the realm of footballing skills. Academics, however, were not exactly Nili's strong suit.

This was an important factor, as footballing skills alone will not get any Vilitan a major professional footballing contract, or a chance with the national team. Education was always the primary requirement - pass or fail - before a player could be considered for graduation from a footballing academy. So long as they passed the academics, they would then be rated based on footballing talent.

Ylimaiina relied heavily on his tutor, Sakm Sovdat - also a major Vilitan League Referee on the weekends, to help him through the Academics to allow him to advance each year to the next Academy level. Year after year, Ylimaiina finished top of the class in footballing skills and barely eeked over the line in the Academics category. When it came time for Ylimaiina to start considering professional contracts, Arcticala Inlet, the local side, were reluctant to offer a deal considering Ylimaiina's Academic history. A few clubs were interested, however, and on the insistance of his Starblaydi-born Mother, Ylimaiina chose Kiiarana City.

Ylimaiina quickly got his start in Kiiarana and impressed everyone - including those back in Arcticala. It wasn't long before Arcticala Inlet came calling for the young Vilitan striker and Ylimaiina came very willingly, making the switch to his home town club to really get his career under way.

It wasn't long after that that Ylimaiina began to get considered for inclusion into international squads. The young Ylimaiina made his international debut with the Vilita & Turori Eel-Cat things at AOCAF 39 - in a match that would turn out to be one of the more dissapointing ones for the Eel-Cat things, they lost 0-1 to Maklohi Vai. After making a pair of substitute appearances for Vilita & Turori in Valanora, Ylimaiina made his first international start for Vilita & Turori in the 2-0 win over Yelvoldia to kick off AOCAF 40. Strong performances in the regional side would eventually earn Ylimaiina consideration by Vilita Jungle Cats head coach Calaesa Mitaroka for inclusion into the Vilita Jungle Cats squad for World Cup 65 Qualifying, and strong performances on the domestic side continue to put Ylimaiina into the ranks of the next big thing in the Jungle Cats Attack.

[Saugeais]

Two weeks to go until the World Cup begins, and it's squad selection time. Powell Pieran knew what this daty meant to a lot of people around the country, especially to the 23 members that are currently listed on the roster. He woke up at the crack of dawn, 5:43am the clock read as he got up to deliver the fate of these men. It was not an easy decision to make, having dwelled on it for the past month and half, but as Powell Pieran went into the main building of the Football Association of Saugeais and sat down in his office, he had no choice but to. It was his job, after all. 'First things first, the players that are out,' he thought as he started his computer. Opening up his e-mail, he began to type to the six people he had in mind. 'Short and concise.'

To: Daniel, Laz, Seaver, Deforest, Street, Johnny, Toussaint, Georges, Volclain, Lucas, Turnbull, Carson
CC: Francis, Michael
Subject: World Cup Roster Announcement

Good morning to all. As you all know the World Cup is coming up soon, and it is roster decision time for me. After carefully looking at all my options, I regret to inform you that you will not be participating on my roster at this World Cup. While the Cpa Rushmori result was delightful, the friendly against Taeshan months after wasn't too kind to you, and your abilities aren't at the levels of some of the players that I will bring up to take your place. Believe me, I've been watching some of your domestic footage, and it wasn't, what I consider, on a national level. It is sad to have to make this decision, but this is for the progress of the national team, believe me.

Your diligence and tenacity for you country has been greatly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

-Powel Pieran
-Manager, Saugeais national football team

Hitting "Send", he knew his inbox would be filled with responses soon, from those players, of course, but from the media outlets as well. Therefore, having his replacements in mind, he opened another e-mail window to address those concerns with his new arrivals.

To: Bernard, Didier, Dupond, Marius, Plamondon, Jourdain, Hedley, Courtney, Renault, Thibault, Bissette, Ludovic
CC: Francis, Michael
Subject: World Cup Squad Additions

Good morning, everyone. As you all know the World Cup is coming up soon, and it is roster decision time for me. Looking at the past roster, I've made the decision to drop some players that didn't make enough contributions in the last few months, both domestically and on the international level. That being said, if you are reading this (with regrets to the FAS President Michael Francis), you are officially called up to the senior squad for the upcoming World Cup. You are to report to the national headquarters in Montbenoit, where you will then be assigned your numbers and then be escorted to the training grounds to meet with the rest of your teammates. The media will be there to ask questions, some questions that may or may not be to your liking. Just walk on by and let me do the talking. I want you to focus on your training.

Congratulations, and I hope you succeed at this high level.

-Powell Pieran
-Manager, Saugeais national football team

Powell clicked "Send", sat back, and thought to himself. 'The media's gonna grill me for this, I know it. Bringing in 6 untested players as the World Cup is about the begin with no prior international tours will certainly do that. But they've been stellar domestically, having watched a few matches live myself, and I hope it translates to some success for their country.' He turned in his chair to look out the window. The view of the Montbenoit skyline looked down upon him, with the morning sun shining off the side of the Grand Verona Hotel's upper stories. The bustle of people in the street below. All making Powell reminisce out loud.

"Has it really been that long ago, that Saugeais hosted the Cup last? A few more buildings have gone up since managing Astograth at the 60th. And at that time, they went to the quarter finals, while Astograth didn't make it past the group stage. They had a couple good players then. Oh I rememeber Amaechi Olsen lighting us up and Jenson Paulson shutting us out. But this is a new day, and I'm one the other side now. Cup victory or nothing, and I'll make sure these new guys know it."

[Sargossa]

SSM | Sargossan State Media
International Edition - Sport


Let Slip The Dogs Of Rushmore


Gonzalo Pereira reports from Torgos;

It was a suitably glitzy evening in Montbenoit as the shiny balls were plucked from the fine glassware to determine the immediate future of thirty two of the finest football nations around. And the Sargossan dignitaries who represented the Football Federation in Saugeais came away rather pleased with the outcome. ‘It’s a great draw, probably the best we could have hoped for.’ Federation president Enrique Santana admitted. ‘We’re where we wanted to be and we’ve got some great fixtures to look forward to’.

The reason for the president’s upbeat response lays largely in the fact that the Corsairs have been drawn in one of the Pasargan group, basing the side in surroundings more than familiar to the vast bulk of the side. The majority of the national team ply their trade in the Liga de Fuego, a mammoth annual league tournament pitting Sargossa’s finest against their Pasargan counterparts, making the venues in this half of the draw something of a second home. Which is just one of the many historical links between two of the oldest nations in the region.

Politically too Group A provides a fascinating tussle between the sporting pretenders of Rushmore and the old masters of Atlantian Oceania. And representing AO will be that most Atlantian of Atlantian nations, Vilita, a contributor to AO’s haul of twenty nine World Cup triumphs (have they mentioned that?) while most of the rest of us were still figuring out how fire actually works. Fresh from success in qualification Group 19, albeit pushed all the way by Kinitaria, the Jungle Cats arrive in Rushmore as the highest ranked team in the group and clear favourites to advance into the knockout rounds. But arrayed against Vilita’s Jungle Cats are a trio of purebred Rushmori hounds who will chase them all the way to the finish line. With such relentless pursuit the Kitties will probably need to show they possess some serious claws.

On paper Mangolana may potentially look like the weak link, being not only the lowest ranked nation in the group but also in the competition as a whole. But Arch McTash’s boys enjoy the underdog tag, having won their qualifying group ahead of talented squads from Ossidiacqua and Cosumar as well as the old stagers of Milchama before a fifty plus place leap up the world rankings. Underestimate them at your peril because the Mangos pack a punch. Former Sargossa national coach Martín Tejera is due to take over from the outgoing McTash after the tournament and no doubt his soon to be employers will have turned to the former Corsairs coach for a little inside information.

The final group game for Sargossa will be one of massive significance as it will be the Corsairs five hundredth fixture in senior international football. And what better fixture than, with the decline of the likes of Candelaria And Marquez, Somerwhereistonia, Nethertopia and Queer Poco el Mono Ara, the last great derby game of Olde Rushmore? In front of a massive and vocal crowd at the Stade de Torgos it will be a night to remember in a city with great sporting significance for Rushmore. Because, while Rumiatzi or Metropolis are probably the current centres of football administration in Rushmore, it was during a balmy night in the Pasargan capital many moons ago in which the Copa Rushmori, the region’s highest sporting accolade, was born. And it just so happens to be the city in which Sargossa once lifted the Cup of Harmony. We do like an omen.

[Farfadillis]

27th of August
English Edition

Relieving win at La Fantás

The play-offs have begun, and Farfadillis have started well enough, beating Sicoutimont 4-2 at home. The game, difficult at the very least, gives us Farves a lot of hope. Maybe, just maybe, we might pull it off again and get to the quarterfinals or even further. The team is playing very well, but the wounds of not having qualified to the last World Cup are still open, but we seem to be good at hiding them, at least.

The game began with both teams seemingly stressed, like if there wasn't any space for an error. It was actually pretty true: it's in this instances that errors do actually matter. You can throw away an year's work to qualify by failing to get a pass to its objective. Sicoutimont seemed a lot more uneasy due to reasons not too difficult to understand. Having so many people against you can't be nice. Furthermore, the Sicoutians weren't exactly experienced so that weighted even more. Meanwhile, the Farves seemed insecure but not to the same level, and they did occasionally attempt a riskier way of playing, with more through passes starting from the defenders and so on, but they generally tried to avoid that.

The score would remain still for approximately twenty minutes, until a free kick came very close to the Sicoutian box. Mêrí had been fouled by Savard to avoid any real damage. The foul had been really tactical, but the free kick was probably just as dangerous as what Sê would've done without being taken down. Karkka was the one to take it. He crossed the ball, bending it like Di Bradini, and sent it straight to where everyone was. Tuzzio, who was in between the mess, jumped above everyone else and managed to head the ball to the upper-left corner. The header was rather weak, but it was just so well executed that Dion could only watch perplexed as the Farves took the lead. La Fantás bursted in sheer joy as Tuzzio finally managed to get back on form in the perfect moment.

However, the goal seemed to wake up the Sicoutians, who were now trying to attack constantly, quite mindlessly, and actually managing to make Lisdiren the hero in a few opportunities. By the thirtieth minute, Sicoutimont had already become the better of the two teams. However, Sicoutimont simply couldn't react to a long pass from Faró, which found Dandalleion after he outran both Leduc and Kent. Dandalleion would then go straight against the goalkeeper and shoot firmly to the lower-left post and bursting the Sicoutian hopes as if they were a bubble.

The Sicoutians now had reverted to their original way of attacking and were taking a lot more care, as they knew another goal would hurt their chances a bit too much. However, as football is a very strange sport, they would actually get to score once Farfadillis got to dominate them. Dandenault managed to get into the box with the ball because of a wonderful pass by Orebale and, after dribbling Faró, shot to the center with impressive violence. Lisdiren, surprised by the shot, only managed to bounce it back. But the ball, naughty as ever, found Dandenault very quickly, and he wouldn't forgive the Farves, specially not with Lisdiren on the floor. The first half would finish soon after, as this goal was score in the forty-second minute.

After half time, the game would basically remain the same. Both teams getting their chances, but praying to whoever's up there that they don't commit an error. However, Farfadillis would soon strike again, in the fiftieth minute.

Karkka managed to get into the box after receiving a through pass by Dandalleion. Now inside the box, he managed to dribble Leduc and, upon seeing Kent, shoot. The ball went right between Kent's legs and hit the crossbar, bouncing in violently and hitting the ceiling of the goal. The Sicoutians were now officially destroyed psychologically-speaking. Karkka's goal meant that Les Royales now had to hold their ground and hope that they would get a lot better at home, with the spectators chanting for them and not the opponents.

La Verderhoja would now control their opponents, and they'd get to score once again, albeit a lot later, in the seventy-seventh. It was basically one of those Tuzzio shots from the good old days. He got the ball thirty meters from Les Royales' goal, looked up and, thanks to all the space they left for him, tore apart any dream the Sicoutians had left of turning the tables. The ball flew straight to Dion's left, but too quickly for him to react. It can be agreed, however, that he could've done better.

But there would be hope left for the Sicoutians, as they'd get a somewhat lucky goal out of a dubious penalty after a "foul" committed by Frêndê. Istoval Rodríguez, who had substituted Sarault, who played horribly, shot to where Lisdiren didn't dive and the game remained like that: a complex and exciting four-two.

3rd of September
English Edition

Onwards to Pasarga and Saugeais

And we did it, with a lot of extra suffering, but we did it. We can now leave behind that fateful result against the German-Spanish Empire at their home, which left us at the brink. We're heading for the World Cup, we're heading for Saugeais, we're heading for Pasarga and half of us have already died of a heart attack in what was a match unfit for cardiacs.

The thing is, Sicoutimont started the game by attacking a lot, in my opinion thanks to their fans who were chanting like there was no tomorrow. Even for players like Dandalleion, Tuzzio and Mêndêlöíndçêl, who are used to pressure, this could've been too much. Sicoutimont started attacking and even Tuzzio had to act as a defender at moments. We were guaranteed to suffer. Sicoutimont wouldn't stop attacking, but Farfadillis would be very good defending, with Sicoutimont's clearest chances being the only time in which they got into the box in a comfortable way and a few shots from long distances. Lisdiren, needless to say, managed to stop all of them. Sicoutimont just kept on attacking and Farfadillis kept on defending.

Sicoutimont would eventually get their reward in the thirtieth minute, however. Giroux would take the ball at the flank, dribble Frêndê, dribble Faró and then shoot powerfully, even though he was in a very uncomfortable position. The ball would then head directly to the top of the net at an impressive speed, while Lisdiren failed to react in time. The goal was a very good boost for Les Royales, as they had sixty minute to score another goal and qualify by away goals. Farfadillis, the team that had entered the field believing they had already qualified, now faced a very dangerous scenario.

Sicoutimont wouldn't stop there, as they would desperately attempt another goal. Their endeavors wouldn't change the scoreline during the remnants of the first half and the match would remain one-nil for the rest of the first half.

The second half would feature both teams doing exactly the same, but with one big disaster striking in the second minute. Giroux entered the box again, dribbled Faró and, before he could cross, was taken down brutally by Frêndê, obviously outraged. The referee was firm and showed him that colour that can turn a match into a living nightmare. Yes, it was red. To make matters worse, the foul had clearly been inside the box, and Sicoutimont now had a brilliant chance to score and, with one more player in the field, keep the advantage to qualify.

Giroux, now seemingly the hero, stepped up to take the penalty. He shot to the lower-left corner, while Lisdiren, like in the first match, dived to the right side. The ball hit the post, went in and freed an immense amount of noise from the entire stadium. They were all chanting his name. Giroux was now Sicoutimont's hero.

The game would continue with Sicoutimont leading the attack and attempting to score a third goal that would let them be remain calm. Farfadillis would defend almost as well as they had defended, with both Mêrí and Dandalleion now helping out, trying to balance Frêndê's absence. Even though Farfadillis would continue defending very well, Sicoutimont would get a lot of chances, while Lisdiren would become Farfadillis' hero. He would save shot after shot, diving to save impossible shots. However, he seemed to be fighting against a bear, everybody knew he would eventually die. But he wouldn't, he'd stay there and try to save, still hoping for his teammates to do something. Farfadillis wouldn't get out of their half until the eightieth minute, however, when they got a counterattack thanks to a long pass by Vrotaoa Wii-Tzaara, that Dandalleion got to first after running at a stunning speed. He would then shoot from afar and get a precious corner. The corner would fail to do Les Royales any damage, but it showed that Farfadillis could counterattack at least. After seeing that, Rossizzo ordered Dandalleion to stay where he was, and to try not to help the defense. This was probably a very good decision, as Sicoutimont wouldn't want to risk their win.

With this change, the game would change drastically. Even though Sicoutimont had the advantage of having one more player, Farfadillis got to attack a bit as well. Sicoutimont still got some very deadly attacks, but Lisdiren wouldn't give up just then. By the eighty-eighth minute, the Sicoutian fans were already eating their nails, as any team could score another goal. It was just two minutes later, when the referee's clock reached an hour and a half, and the fourth referee pointed out that there would be six minutes of injury time, that it happened.

After the many complaints of the Sicoutian staff, G. Mî got the ball in the midfield. He passed the ball to Mêndêlöíndçêl. Mêndêlöíndçêl then tried to shoot from afar, obviously desperate, but Gannot got there at the same time he shot, and the ball just went up three meters. He then chested it and volleyed it towards Dandalleion, who was standing right at the edge of the box. He then headed the ball above Savard, who was standing behind him, and run to it. Now at the flank, he was facing three Sicoutian players at the same time. He then passed the ball to Mêndêlöíndçêl, who had sprinted to where he was. Mêndêlöíndçêl then gave it back to Dandalleion, who had already outran the defenders. As soon as he got to the ball, he was facing Girard. He then attempted to go to the left, but changed his mind in the last moment, pulling off a perfect dribble and being left with enough space to shot. Sure, it was little space, but it was enough. He then shot the ball to the right post. The ball went skimming through the floor so quickly that nobody could really see what happened. The ball hit the right post and went in, while Dion looked behind him to confirm what he feared. With just five minutes left, Farfadillis was now the team with the spot reserved at Pasarga and Saugeais.

Sicoutimont, now obviously desperate and with the entire stadium muted, started attacking again, while the Farves parked the bus. They would, to our despair, still get a penalty, however. Giroux managed to enter the box, dribble Mî then Wii-Tzaara and then Lisdiren. However, right when he was going to score, Faró took him down with an overly-aggressive tackle, as if it was a game of rugby. Giroux went down and Mêndêlöíndçêl kicked the ball out. The referee saw it, obviously, and gave Les Royales the penalty, sending out Faró in the process. The stadium was now deafening, and everyone at Farfadillis was probably crying. Giroux, now officially Sicoutimont's hero, faced Lisdiren, Farfadillis' hero along with Dandalleion. There could only be one hero remaining and the result of the penalty would determine it. It now didn't matter that Farfadillis had two players less, as the referee announced that the game would end after the penalty.

Giroux started running towards the ball, that little second seemed an eternity. Lisdiren, very calm outside but, as he later said in a press conference, "wishing that the hell below him finally froze", was preparing to try his best to stop it. Giroux then kicked the ball, attempting to put it as far from Lisdiren as he could. The ball headed directly for the crossbar, but a bit to the left. Lisdiren dived to the right side, but the ball got to the crossbar first. However, in what was an almost impossible move, he managed to spin in the air and grab the ball before it bounced. This was probably only possible because the shot was lightning fast. Lisdiren kept the ball and fell right in the line. There were many complaints about whether the ball had crossed the line in the air or not. But Lisdiren wouldn't care, he just kicked the ball outside of the stadium celebrating, knowing that he had stopped the penalty of his life, and that Farfadillis had qualified once again to the World Cup. Giroux, who had been the hero, now couldn't help but cry in the floor. Everyone hugged Lisdiren, and the team could be heard shouting, as the stadium seemed like a graveyard. Nobody could believe it. They could touch the sky, but Lisdiren opened a hole below them, and they went straight to hell.

Post-Match Quotes

"It's one of those things that happen on home and away matches. You can lose and still celebrate like if you had won the whole thing." Dandalleion.

"It wasn't my intention to be so brutal. It was the heat of the moment, I just couldn't let him score, we all knew it would be over.", Faró after being asked about his last minute tackle to Giroux.

"It was an instinct, it's not that I span in the last second due to an insane reflex or anything. When I saw the ball heading all the way above me, I just span. Now that I think of it, when you're facing such a situation in which you just can't reach the ball, spinning might be your only shot at stopping an imminent goal. I still can't believe it, though. The moment in which I found myself laying on the goal line with the ball, I just couldn't remember whether it had been a goal or not. However, when I saw that it was us that celebrated... I just can't describe it, sorry." Lisdiren after being asked about his last second trick, crying in the last bit.

"I honestly feel bad for the Sicoutians, they truly deserved something more. However, I think we deserved to qualify, even if just because of Dandalleion and Lisdiren." Tuzzio.

"I'm still not sure whether I thought anything or not. I just can't remember what my thoughts were back then." Dandalleion when asked about what he thought during his goal.

"You know? I'm just glad we qualified, ask that to Rossizzo and fuck off." Karkka showing his Hujukian side when asked about what he thought of Farfadillis advancing despite clearly not deserving it.

"It was just a reaction of the moment. But you know what? I believe I would've done it again if I had known this was going to happen.", Frêndê when asked about his tackle.

"I'll just think of Pasrga and Saugeais now. We deserve some kind of holiday from all this question. I believe this match ticked three years of my life away... at the very least." Wii-Tzaara.

"Epic" Mêrí describing the match.

"I had never been in a match so incredible. I think it will take me at leats two months to get rid of all this adrenaline." G. Mî.

"I think Lisdiren might've made me gay for a second." Y. Mî joking when asked about what he thought in the moment he realized that Lisdiren had stopped the penalty.

"And don't ever ask me that again.", Rossizzo after having punched the same reporter that had talked to Karkka.

¡Group Preview Time!

We've qualified! I don't really want to comment on that last match... I don't think my keyboard would withstand that. Anyways, the group draw's over, and we've got a tough group to face, although it could've been even worse. Last time, we were the fourth seed and, sadly, we are again, even though it's only by a very small margin. I do find it outrageous that we went just two places up the rankings even though we had a very good qualifying campaign (our best up to now, beating the World Cup 63's).

The opponents are Polar Islandstates, The Sylvanaes Queendom and Ko-oren. Here's a relatively in-depth analysis for y'all:

Polar Islandstates ("The Gulls")

The Gulls are ranked 5th in the World and were the best nation in the qualifyings, with 50 points and only 5 goals conceded. That sounds insane, doesn't it? Well, let's hope we can score against them, as our offense is one of the most brutal ones, I believe. Too bad that also means we have one of the most easily beaten defenses. The match against them will basically be a battle of polar opposites (haha, get it?), with both teams playing a completely different type of football. I'm guessing the match will be pretty average on goals, but pretty weird inside the field. Nonetheless, they're not some kind of impotent thingies when attacking, as they've got the legendary van Sorensen with them... as well as Timo Skye... lol hell no they don't. But anyways, they've got that boring style in their favour. The Viètenean or something similar. We'll see if we can make things a little more interesting. Oh, and that match is tonight, so I'm also trying to fuel things up a bit. Let's hope I get some extra Polarite visits.

The Sylvanaes Queendom ("Mystical Horses with Horns")

They are some elven girls, I think. They've won a World Cup, so they're obviously the best of the group. They got to the final not so long ago, as well, so they should really be feared, contrary to the Polarians (just kidding, we should fear literally everyone, need I remind everyone of our match against the German-Spanish Empire?). They have been decaying as of late, but there's no reason to think we can beat them easily. As this will be the last match, it will probably be vital for us.

Ko-oren ("Dinosaurmosquitoes")

They are very close to us in ranking, and we defeated them at their home 2-0 last time around. But this is the World Cup and any friendly result is long gone, so we should take this match as a final. Winning against will be very important (even though we lost to the third seed last time and still managed to top our group and get to the quarterfinals), and this match will be very close, as both teams have very good but underrated teams. The Dinosaurmosquitoes have a strong case in this group, even though nobody really considers them... or maybe I just didn't bother checking.

Well, here they are. Now let's cross our fingers and hope that we win our next match. Will we? Browse this site tomorrow and... well you know the drill...

[Equestrian States]

World Cup 65: Group H Preview
by Steve McNotapony

Hello, everypony! Weee'rrreee baaaack!

When the Equestrian States qualified for the 64th World Cup, the Ponies stunned most critics by coming out of nowhere to finish 13-4-1 in a qualification group that had been predicted to be dominated by world heavyweights Sargossa and Osarius. It was an answer to the prayers of the Equestrian supporters, who had watched their beloved Ponies fall just short of qualifying time and time again. In the World Cup finals, the critics again scoffed at the Equestrian States, repeatedly predicting the Ponies would leave Wight in the cellar of Group H with no more than one point. But the critics only inspired the Ponies to do better, and the predominantly-equine hoofballers thrived as the group's dark horse. Though the Equestrian States would ultimately fall short of advancing to the second round, due to a Saugeain upset of Polar Islandstates on the final day, the Ponies finished strong with a draw against Saugeais and a thrilling 1-0 victory over their longtime rivals from Yesopalitha.

Now, after another impressive qualifying campaign in which the Equestrians swept the group title and automatic qualification spot away from the heavily-favored Bear-Belles of Bears Armed, the Ponies have returned to the World Cup. Drawn into Group H, the Equestrian States will face two of hoofball's (or football, as they call the sport) traditional powers in Starblaydia and The Archregimancy along with first-timers Ossidiacqua. What are the odds that the Ponies can continue to defy the odds against these challenging opponents?

Read on, my friend, and find out.

The Teams:

#6 - Starblaydia
Finals Appearance: 40th (World Cups 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65)
Head Coach: Jeremy Kintz
World Cup 65 Qualifying: 12-5-1 (2nd in Group 5; Defeated Qazox in Playoff)
Starting Players (4-4-2): Dean Prinns (GK, #1); Gendo Roshanak (DF, #2); Havana Loeb (DF, #3); Luciano Ferrucio (DF, #5); Isiah Charleston (DF, #6); Ezekiel Stark (MF, #4); Matt Lorenzo (MF, #7); Rodundo (MF, #8); Brazadar Khurnos (MF, #11); Vincenzo Natrionne (FW, #9); Antonio Calamari (FW, #10); Full Roster

Overview
To be blunt, if you haven't heard of Starblaydia before, you clearly aren't a fan of international hoofball. Starblaydia is one of the most successful World Cup teams of all time, having won five titles and reaching the final a record-tying seven times. While the Starblaydians may not have won a World Cup anytime recently, they've qualified for almost every edition they've participated in, and last reached the final in World Cup 63 where they fell to Audioslavia in one of history's most shocking final matchups. This is a team which fans dread seeing, and for good reason. Starblaydia is an almost obvious pick to win the group, but against several other teams with great ambitions, can the Starblaydians perform as they must to reach the second round for a chance at a sixth title?

How They Got Here

MD1: Starblaydia 4–2 The IOM Sports Association (Win; 1-0-0)
MD2: Starblaydia 1–1 Legalese (Draw; 1-1-0)
MD3: Hutt River 0–0 Starblaydia (Draw; 1-2-0)
MD4: Starblaydia 1–0 Krytenia (Win; 2-2-0)
MD5: Zwangzug 1–3 Starblaydia (Win; 3-2-0)
MD6: Starblaydia 2–0 Aels (Win; 4-2-0)
MD7: The Pazhujeb Islands 2–1 Starblaydia (Loss; 4-2-1)
MD8: Starblaydia 5–1 Neo Lemmitania (Win; 5-2-1)
MD9: Europa Brittania 1–3 Starblaydia (Win; 6-2-1)
MD10: The IOM Sports Association 2–3 Starblaydia (Win; 7-2-1)
MD11: Legalese 2–5 Starblaydia (Win; 8-2-1)
MD12: Starblaydia 2–1 Hutt River (Win; 9-2-1)
MD13: Krytenia 0–4 Starblaydia (Win; 10-2-1)
MD14: Starblaydia 1–1 Zwangzug (Draw; 10-3-1)
MD15: Aels 3–3 Starblaydia (Draw; 10-4-1)
MD16: Starblaydia 2–0 The Pazhujeb Islands (Win; 11-4-1)
MD17: Neo Lemmitania 0–0 Starblaydia (Draw; 11-5-1)
MD18: Starblaydia 1–0 Europa Brittania (Win; 12-5-1)
Playoff (Leg 1): Starblaydia 2–0 Qazox (Win)
Playoff (Leg 2): Qazox 1–3 Starblaydia (Win; Win 5-1 agg.)

Starblaydia was drawn into Group 5 for qualifying, which was instantly hailed by analysts throughout the multiverse as being one of the most-accomplished qualifying groups in history. The only team from Group 5 without a long and storied history in the World Cup was that from the IOM Sports Association, which quickly (and predictably) sank to the bottom of the Group. Past hosts, winners, and contenders of multiple tournaments were set to clash in what many expected to be a tight race to the end for the two possible qualification spots. But the end result was anticlimactic, as the early favorites from Legalese and Starblaydia wrapped-up the top two places with three matches left to be played. Starblaydia would ultimately fall short of the top spot, and was relegated to the playoff, where the five-time champions were to face Qazox for a place in the finals. Both matches were lopsided affairs, the Starblaydians easily overcoming Qazox to return to the finals for the 40th time in their history.

Prediction
The Starblaydians are the easy pick to win the group, and are predicted by many to make at least the quarterfinals. Others say they could face a serious challenge in the monks from The Archregimancy, but I'm inclined to side with the majority in this case. They might have finished with the same qualifying record as the Ponies, but let's not forget who they had to face to get that record. Starblaydia is rightfully considered among the best in the world, and while they might be challenged by The Archregimancy or the Equestrian States, I still give them a slight edge over their next-highest-ranked opponents. Even if they do fall short of a perfect 3-0-0 record, I can't see them failing to advance. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 3-0-0; 1st in Group H

#10 - The Archregimancy
Finals Appearance: 30th (World Cups 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 62, 63, 64, 65)
Head Coach: Fr. Basil the Fool for Christ
World Cup 65 Qualifying: 12-4-2 (2nd in Group 10; Defeated Taeshan in Playoff)
Starting Players (4-4-2): Fr. Ephraim (GK); Fr. Mark the Hairy (DF); Fr. Symeon (DF); Fr. Evagrius (DF); Fr. Abramios (DF); Fr. Eusebius (MF); Fr. Hilarion (MF); Fr. Artemius (MF); Fr. Mark the Goatskin Wearer (MF); Fr. Gerasimus (FW); Fr. Theophilus (FW); Full Roster

Overview
Fielding a team of monks, The Archregimancy is one of the multiverse's more unique World Cup powers. They might not have a title (or even an appearance in the final match), despite qualifying an impressive 30 times, but they're still a team to be respected. But what Equestrian hoofball fans might remember The Archregimancy most for is their 52nd Cup of Harmony title, which the monks won despite their best attempts to "display monastic humility" and lose. Since that "unfortunate" victory, the monks have made a complete about-face and are now actively trying to win "as a metaphor for the Triumph of Orthodoxy". In short, The Archregimancy is like Saintland, only they're actually playing honestly and cleanly (though their players may physically covered in dirt), not insulting and offending every nation in the multiverse through their policies and public statements (except for maybe the Cassadagans), and most importantly: have actually succeeded in tournaments which matter. Will the monks earn a victory for Orthodoxy (despite their somewhat peculiar behavior as humans), or will they once again exhibit humility and fall short of the glory of the second round?

How They Got Here

MD1: The Archregimancy 3–0 Phing Phong (Win; 1-0-0)
MD2: The Archregimancy 1–2 United Gordonopia (Loss; 1-0-1)
MD3: Khytenna 0–3 The Archregimancy (Win; 2-0-1)
MD4: The Archregimancy 3–1 New Sideburn (Win; 3-0-1)
MD5: Backyard Sports 1–4 The Archregimancy (Win; 4-0-1)
MD6: The Archregimancy 1–0 Homelands our (Win; 5-0-1)
MD7: Nandezia 2–3 The Archregimancy (Win; 6-0-1)
MD8: The Archregimancy 7–2 Neu Engollon (Win; 7-0-1)
MD9: Mr Creeper 0–1 The Archregimancy (Win; 8-0-1)
MD10: Phing Phong 0–0 The Archregimancy (Draw; 8-1-1)
MD11: United Gordonopia 2–2 The Archregimancy (Draw; 8-2-1)
MD12: The Archregimancy 1–1 Khytenna (Draw; 8-3-1)
MD13: New Sideburn 2–1 The Archregimancy (Loss; 8-3-2)
MD14: The Archregimancy 3–2 Backyard Sports (Win; 9-3-2)
MD15: Homelands our 0–1 The Archregimancy (Win; 10-3-2)
MD16: The Archregimancy 6–2 Nandezia (Win; 11-3-2)
MD17: Neu Engollon 1–1 The Archregimancy (Draw; 11-4-2)
MD18: The Archregimancy 2–0 Mr Creeper (Win; 12-4-2)
Playoff (Leg 1): The Archregimancy 2–1 Taeshan (Win)
Playoff (Leg 2): Taeshan 1–1 The Archregimancy (Draw; Win 3-2 agg.)

The Archregimancy started its own qualifying campaign by looking unbeatable in the first leg (excepting their narrow loss to United Gordonopia). With an 8-0-1 record, few saw the team doing anything less than winning in the second half of the qualifying stage. But The Archregimancy suddenly found itself struggling, going winless for four consecutive matches. Their once formidable lead over the group vaporized, and the monks dropped behind the Gordonopians and held a slight lead over the pack. Needing to snap their streak, The Archregimancy took down Backyard Sports and Homelands our before systematically demolishing Nandezia. Neu Engollon managed to hold the monks to a draw, but on the final day The Archregimancy emerged victorious to claim Group 10's playoff spot. In the playoffs, The Archregimancy faced Taeshan in a duel which pitted two of the world's best teams against each other for a single place in the finals. The monks would ultimately claim victory, and return to the group stage for the fourth-consecutive World Cup.

Prediction
The road to World Cup 65 was a rough one for the monks, especially at the start of the second leg of the qualifiers. But after that particularly bumpy 0-3-1 set of matches, The Archregimancy has rebounded well to qualify despite facing some hurdles along the way. However, it would be unwise to ignore the weakness shown by the team in the second leg. Their opponents doubtlessly have been watching their tapes very closely for any kinks which they could exploit to devastating effect. If the same team which failed to score against Phing Phong shows up to the World Cup, things could get ugly for the monks. But if the one that defeated Taeshan in the playoffs continues to shine through, The Archregimancy could do more than give Starblaydia a run for their money. Still, I can't help but wonder if the consistency shown by the monks in recent years could be transforming into predictability instead. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 1-1-1; 3rd in Group H

#28 - Equestrian States
Finals Appearance: 2nd (World Cups 64, 65)
Head Coach: Twilight Striker
World Cup 65 Qualifying: 12-5-1 (1st in Group 20; Automatic Qualification)
Starting Players (3-5-2): High Soarin' (GK, #1); Flitter (DF, #3); Andrea Molovi (DF, #8); Subtle Trix (DF, #17); Starlight Sparkle (MF, #5); Rainbow Blitz (MF, #9); Cloudchaser (MF, #2); Apple Jack (MF, #4); Rapid Dash (MF, #11); Fire Dash (FW, #10); Thunderlane (FW, #7); Full Roster

Overview
The Equestrian States has reached the finals for just the second time after failing in their first six attempts at qualification. But in the last two years, the Ponies have suddenly started to see success. From starting the World Cup 64 qualifying campaign with a 13-2-0 record, their only loss coming against eventual semifinalists (and now third-ranked) Osarius, to the U-21 squad bringing home the coveted Di Bradini Cup, the Equestrian States has seemingly reversed their fortunes just a couple of years after the disastrous and injury-filled World Cup 63 campaign. While the Equestrians have continued to improve at a stunning rate, their world ranking now fails to reflect their true potential. Ranked behind a number of teams which appear to be on the decline, the Ponies are considered to be among the most underrated teams in international hoofball. But Head Coach Twilight Striker says that her players care little for what the critics or ranks say, and recent results would seem to support the Equestrians' continued defiance of expectations. In the last two years, the Ponies have lost just twice to teams ranked higher than them (against Osarius and Polar Islandstates), and both of those teams are currently ranked higher than any in Group H. Can the Equestrian States maintain their status as a dark horse to once more finish above where critics would place them? Or will the Ponies stall out and settle in third, as many international odds-makers predict?

How They Got Here

MD1: Equestrian States 4-2 Tantamir (Win; 1-0-0)
MD2: Bears Armed 2-2 Equestrian States (Draw; 1-1-0)
MD3: Equestrian States 4-0 Omarios (Win; 2-1-0)
MD4: Equestrian States 3-1 The Inevitable Syndicate (Win; 3-1-0)
MD5: The Islands of Qutar 1-1 Equestrian States (Draw; 3-2-0)
MD6: Equestrian States 2-0 Carmadin (Win; 4-2-0)
MD7: Sudagiu 2-3 Equestrian States (Win; 5-2-0)
MD8: Equestrian States 1-1 Free Republics (Draw; 5-3-0)
MD9: Brenecia 0-2 Equestrian States (Win; 6-3-0)
MD10: Tantamir 2-5 Equestrian States (Win; 7-3-0)
MD11: Equestrian States 1-1 Bears Armed (Draw; 7-4-0)
MD12: Omarios 1-4 Equestrian States (Win; 8-4-0)
MD13: The Inevitable Syndicate 0-0 Equestrian States (Draw; 8-5-0)
MD14: Equestrian States 4-0 The Islands of Qutar (Win; 9-5-0)
MD15: Carmadin 1-0 Equestrian States (Loss; 9-5-1)
MD16: Equestrian States 6-1 Sudagiu (Win; 10-5-1)
MD17: Free Republics 1-3 Equestrian States (Win; 11-5-1)
MD18: Equestrian States 4-1 Brenecia (Win; 12-5-1)

Oddly enough (and in complete contrast with World Cup 64), the Equestrian States was the only team from Group H to win their qualifying group and automatically qualify for the finals. Drawn into Group 20 with the 10th-ranked Bear-Belles of Bears Armed, most people (myself included) expected the Ponies to play second fiddle in a group where the two favorites both fielded teams consisting almost entirely of nonhuman athletes. But despite finishing with a slightly worse record than in their last successful qualification attempt, the Equestrian States not only overcame the opposition, but dominated it. The Equestrian States finished qualifying with one of the highest-scoring offenses overall, and a goal differential of +32 (second only to that of Valanora). Aside from a road loss to Carmadin and a couple of weaker outings by the team where the reserves were given a bigger role than the starters, the Ponies were consistently among the best in the world throughout qualifying, though their rank and record fail to show it.

Prediction
Being the underdogs is something the Equestrian States is used to. The Ponies have only been a favorite to qualify once in their eight attempts, but have only finished outside of the top three in their group twice, and have reached the playoffs or qualified in five of those attempts. Exceeding expectations has become a regular practice for the Equestrian States, and doing so this year would land the Ponies in the second round. But with two of their groupmates in the top ten of the rankings, is such a thing possible to continue? Considering that Bears Armed was ranked 10th during qualifying, and the Ponies earned points in each of their two meetings, it's not unheard of for the Ponies to compete with such teams. And, of course, the Equestrians' victory over then 11th-ranked Yesopalitha last year gave them a chance at making the second round. With a tradition of ignoring expectations, the Ponies could go far this year, and with a little luck could end up being the ones to spoil the tournament for the favorites. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 1-1-1; 2nd in Group H

#38 - Ossidiacqua
Finals Appearance: 1st (World Cup 65)
Head Coach: Yoann Vega
World Cup 65 Qualifying: 9-6-3 (3rd in Group 12; Defeated Paradystopia in Playoff)
Starting Players (4-4-2): Luca Fausti (GK, #1); Nuno Fonseca (DF, #2); Pedro Uguccione (DF, #3); Aiyegbeni Fisichella (DF, #4); Cassiano Polanco (DF, #5); Ezekiel Fibonacci (MF, #6); Kossi Fiorentino (MF, #7); Ricardo Velasquez (MF, #8); Lorenzo Borromeo (MF, #11); Alessandro Finiguerra (FW, #9); Angel Capobianco (FW, #10); Full Roster

Overview
Ossidiacqua has long been a silent but steady presence in the World Cup. Once known as Oasirica (a name which longtime followers of the Equestrian hoofball team might recognize from the Ponies' own Baptism of Fire), the Acquans have recovered from supernatural disaster to become a force at the international level in recent years. In the last Cup of Harmony, Ossidiacqua came seemingly out of nowhere to reach the final. But for all the team's recent success, many are surprised to see them in the World Cup. After all, they finished third in their qualifying group, which normally wouldn't be good enough for even a playoff spot. Can this troubled team continue to baffle the world and scratch something out of what looked like another failed qualifying campaign for the Acquans just a short while ago?

How They Got Here

MD1: Ossidiacqua 2–1 The Fair Republic (Win; 1-0-0)
MD2: Milchama 2–3 Ossidiacqua (Win; 2-0-0)
MD3: Ossidiacqua 1–0 Lukquarel (Win; 3-0-0)
MD4: Ossidiacqua 3–3 Cosumar (Draw; 3-1-0)
MD5: Kandorith 2–2 Ossidiacqua (Draw; 3-2-0)
MD6: Ossidiacqua 3–2 Charruterra (Win; 4-2-0)
MD7: Mangolana 1–0 Ossidiacqua (Loss; 4-2-1)
MD8: Ossidiacqua 1–0 Tyrrin (Win; 5-2-1)
MD9: Punum 2–1 Ossidiacqua (Loss; 5-2-2)
MD10: The Fair Republic 0–2 Ossidiacqua (Win; 6-2-2)
MD11: Ossidiacqua 1–1 Milchama (Draw; 6-3-2)
MD12: Lukquarel 2–2 Ossidiacqua (Draw; 6-4-2)
MD13: Cosumar 1–3 Ossidiacqua (Win; 7-4-2)
MD14: Ossidiacqua 3–3 Kandorith (Draw; 7-5-2)
MD15: Charruterra 2–0 Ossidiacqua (Loss; 7-5-3)
MD16: Ossidiacqua 3–1 Mangolana (Win; 8-5-3)
MD17: Tyrrin 3–3 Ossidiacqua (Draw; 8-6-3)
MD18: Ossidiacqua 2–1 Punum (Win; 9-6-3)
Playoff (Leg 1): Ossidiacqua 4–1 Paradystopia (Win)
Playoff (Leg 2): Paradystopia 0–1 Ossidiacqua (Win; Win 5-1 agg.)

In a group full of odd qualification stories, none is more bizarre than that of the Acquans. The team nicknamed la Renaissance dropped points against every one of their qualifying group opponents except the Fair Republic, and finished in third place behind Cosumar. But according to widespread news reports, the entire nation of Cosumar had "ceased-to-exist" shortly before their team secured second in the group. This sort of thing happens disturbingly regularly, though rarely to teams with an actual chance at qualifying, and the World Cup Committee acted swiftly based upon its constitution to disqualify Cosumar's national team from the playoffs, sending the Acquans in their place. But just one day later, the nation of Cosumar reappeared, leading some to wonder if the reported local apocalypse in Cosumar was some kind of sick joke by the international media. But the decision of the WCC stood, and Ossidiacqua faced Paradystopia in the playoffs, where la Renaissance crushed their opponent to clinch a place in the finals for the first time in team history.

Prediction
Yes, Ossidiacqua reached the final of the Cup of Harmony last time. Yes, they had a few good-looking games during qualifying against the favorites. But ultimately, the Acquans are consistently inconsistent. With luck, la Renaissance might be able to contend against the Ponies, but against Starblaydia and The Archregimancy it's difficult to see the Acquans' flaws going unexploited. That being said, their place as the bottom seed could give them motivation to do better. It happens all the time in just about every sports tournament. But I simply cannot see it working in favor of Ossidiacqua in the World Cup finals. Their Cup of Harmony performance was admirable and not something to be ignored by opponents as a fluke, but the World Cup has a level of competition which many teams in the Cup of Harmony couldn't hope to match. I don't see much going la Renaissance's way in Group H. Not unless they show a side of themselves that would have won them a Cup of Harmony title rather than a consolation prize. Steve McNotapony’s Prediction: 0-0-3; 4th in Group H

Projected Group H Results:
Each match based on 10,000 computer simulations using ScorePredictor technology

Match Day 1:
Starblaydia 6-1 Ossidiacqua at World Cup Park (cap. 53,450) in Les Allies, Saugeais
The Archregimancy 0-0 Equestrian States at Arrowpoint Palace (cap. 51,000) in Arçon, Saugeais

Match Day 2:
Ossidiacqua 1-2 Equestrian States at World Cup Park (cap. 53,450) in Les Allies, Saugeais
Starblaydia 1-0 The Archregimancy at Arrowpoint Palace (cap. 51,000) in Arçon, Saugeais

Match Day 3:
The Archregimancy 1-0 Ossidiacqua at World Cup Park (cap. 53,450) in Les Allies, Saugeais
Equestrian States 1-2 Starblaydia at Arrowpoint Palace (cap. 51,000) in Arçon, Saugeais

  Group H                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
1  Starblaydia              3    3   0   0     9    2   +7     9
2  Equestrian States        3    1   1   1     3    3    0     4
3  The Archregimancy        3    1   1   1     1    1    0     4
4  Ossidiacqua              3    0   0   3     2    9   -7     0

[Ossidiacqua]

Two days before the final round of matches in qualifying, a tense scene is developing in the heaving dusty metropolis of Sant'Elia. In an opulent office somewhere in the sprawling enclave of the Magisterium, Grand High Cardinal Giocomo Re is pacing his office nervously as his aide Galileo reads from the publications of the day...

"...and it says here that somewhere, there is an author of sorts who is penning a series of musical scenes based on the qualification saga so far."

"That's stupid." Re stopped pacing, and shot a derisory look over his nose at his aide, "In fact, no, I'm not having that. You know what these guys are like; they're always taking liberties with storylines or getting the timings wrong, or giving people the wrong names or stealing their tunes from somewhere else. No, have someone sent around to see to him."

"Hmm, not going to be easy I'm afraid; the man has moved to Saugeais to finish the work in private, apparently."

"Bloody emigrants. Make sure he's not welcome back."

"As you wish, Your Excellency."

"What about Vega, any news about Vega?" Re looked wild at this, almost slamming his hands down on the table in anger.

"N-not since he escaped, Your Excellency, no." stammered Galileo. "I will instruct my men to re-double their efforts."

"No!"

"No?"

"Deux ex Machina, can't you see?" asked Re angrily to a meek shake of the head from Galileo. "I want him to rejoin the team, damn it!"

"But, you had him imprisoned?"

"Yes, because I wanted to look like the hero when the team qualified." said Re.

Another blank look from Galileo.

"Oh, Galileo, honestly. You know, sometimes, it's like you don't even understand how to be a dictator," said Re with a rueful shake of his head, "isn't it obvious? I need to look like I'm the person in charge when la Renaissance qualify, otherwise I'm going to look weak, and like I don't know what I'm doing compared to the new hero of the people; Yoann Vega."

"But then, why have him rejoin the team?"

"Because the team isn't qualifying at the moment!"

"Well, no, but that's hardly Vega's doing, is it? Third place would equal their best, wouldn't that show that you're just as good a leader as Vega of the national team?" asked Galileo, "Or that Velasquez is, anyway..."

"Yes, but it would be preferable for the to qualify, wouldn't it?" asked Re.

"I suppose, but since when did you care about football?"

"I always take great interest in the national team!" cried Re, indignantly.

"I mean in terms of how well they actually perform." replied Galileo, flatly.

"Oh, I see, good point. Productivity goes up when the team does well. People let me get away with more. It's a good time for all." explained the Grand High Cardinal, "Last time they came close to qualifying I passed a bill on giving me the powers to create military bases anywhere I want at will and nobody even noticed. Think what I could do if they qualify!"

"Okay, well," said Galileo, pausing slightly to just acknowledge his leader's megalomania, "in that case why not just release Vega and ask him to do his thing? Why allow him to escape?"

"And change my mind? In public?" said Re, shocked that he had even been asked the question, "No way. Far better I have incompetent guards than be seen to change my mind in public. No, that wouldn't do. Call off your men; follow him personally and make sure he rejoins the team. We need him to get them over the line. Then, and only then, can I push through this bill about taxing hats."

"As you wish, Your Excellency."

Galileo bowed deeply, and made to gather his papers and leave the room, when a thought crossed the Grand High Cardinal's mind. He held up a single boney digit, and Galileo stopped immediately, looking up at the signal he had caught only in his peripheral vision and yet had managed the obey immediately and instinctively.

"Wait a second," said Re slowly.

"Your Excellency?"

"They're third at the moment, you say?"

"Yes, Your Excellency, third." answered Galileo.

"Who's above them?"

"Erm, Mangolana and Cosumar." said Galileo, walking back into the room slightly to open the paper at the relevant page and point to the table on the publication's crinkled face.

"So, Mangolana are away and clear, but if Cosumar lose their next game, then we can overtake them and get into the playoffs?" asked Re with great deliberation as he fought with the deepest darkest corners of his memory to extract the relevant format information.

"Correct, Your Excellency," came the prompt response, "but if they win they we haven't got destiny in our own hands anymore."

"And, what about if something were to happen to Cosumar that would make them unable to travel to the playoffs?" asked Re, an evil smile just beginning to form across his face.

"Then, then..." stammered Galileo, trying to dig a tattered old piece of paper on the rules from out of his pocket, "then, then I think we'd advance to the playoffs instead. I think."

"You think?" asked Re with an arched eyebrow.

"No, I know. I'm sure of it, in fact."

Re raised his eyebrows at this again, before placing both hands behind his back and walking casually towards his window. Overlooking the city, he admired the view of ragged old rooftops that stretched all the way down to the sea. Resplendent in their terracotta tiles, all the colours of fire, the streets of Sant'Elia looked like a strong arterial muscle when seen from the right direction.

"Galileo," he began, "who are your best assassins available right now for some work? I think I have a little diplomatic mission for them..."

"Your Excellency?"

"We must make sure that Cosumar are, shall we say, subtly encouraged not to qualify. I'll leave it in their hands as to how we make that a reality."

"Of course, Your Excellency." said Galileo, sensing the malice in the way Re said it. "I have just the trio in mind. Though, they're not so much diplomats as diplomaniacs..."

"They sound perfect," said Re, looking out of the window with an evil smile, "see to it, Galileo."

"Of course, Your Excellency." said Galileo, bowing as he left the room to contact the Assassins' Guild forthwith.

"Yes," continued Re on his own, for the benefit of nobody but himself, "Cosumar must fail."

And then, after a second or two to realise that Galileo had taken all the papers with him;

"Ah, shit, forgot to ask him to leave the crossword..."

[Mangolana]

Mangolana Gazzette

Mangolana drawn in Group A

The Mangolana National Soccer team has been drawn into host group A where they will play Co-Host and 42nd ranked team in the World Pasarga in the home nations opening match. Mangolana will also take on Sargossa and Vilita in there group matches. Mangolana has experience against these teams from past matches, but many do not even think Mangolana can score a Goal as Mangolana is ranked 89th in the World, far far below the next lowest ranked team in qualifying. Expect the national team to give it their all, but not much more than that as they will struggle after their surprisingly great qualifying preformance.

Pasarga: Ranked 42nd; Previous Results: WC55 Qual: Mangolana 0-1 Pasarga; Pasarga 1-0 Mangolana :: WC 57 Qual: Pasarga 0-2 Mangolana; Copa Rushmori 7: Mangolana 1-0 Pasarga : Pasarga 4-1 Mangolana.
As seen from above, Mangolana has taken on Pasarga more than a few times in competitive matches. Mangolana will be hoping to summon their past spirits to rally for a draw against the hosts but this will be a shock in itself. Look for Mangolana to defend defend defend in this one. Maybe a chance for a goal on the counter-attack. Predicted Result Pasarga 4-0 Mangolana

Vilita: Ranked 16th; Previous Results: None.
Not much is known about the World Cup 20 champs as the two national teams have never faced off in a previous match. However, Mangolana captain JD Fuller knows a little about Vilitan Soccer, playing for 2 time V-League champs Makosile for the last eleven seasons. Look for Mangolana to try an use this as an advantage but will be no match for the stronger "Jungle Cats". Predicted Result Vilita 2-0 Mangolana.

Sargossa: Ranked 24th; Previous Results: WC 56 Qual: Mangolana 1-1 Sargossa; Sargossa 2-1 Mangolana :: Copa Rushmori 7: Mangolana 1-0 Sargossa.
A Rushmore rival of Mangolana with Mangolana owning a 1-1-1 record against fellow Rushmore compatriots. Sargossa also would appear as Mangolana's best chance for a win, but most likely their best chance for a draw. Expect the national team to play extra hard in this game to try and get a point and goal in the columns. Predicted Result Sargossa 2-1 Mangolana

[Licentiapacisterra]

Walking Down The Duchy Road

The best blog to ever cover Licentian football !!

We're back !!

The Cyan-and-Gold are finally making their return to the World Cup; after six years of absence since our second qualification for the Finals proper in World Cup 62, we will be making our way to Pasarga and Saugeais, simply hoping not to embarrass ourselves against the big boys of world football.

We were seeded in the fourth pot; an indication that we haven't got any better at all since we last came to the Finals. It is going to be fantastic though. I've always loved travelling with the team since I joined up with them a few years ago, and it is great to be coming to the proper World Cup for the first time myself. I am really looking forward to the big names that we're going to see here.

Unfortunately for us, it really is the big names that we'll be taking on in this campaign. In fact, we have to play the biggest of the big. The top ranked team in the multiverse. The two time World Cup winners. Audioslavia.

Shit.

Them.

The team that nobody wanted to play, but that everyone wants to beat. We have to take them on in our first game in the Cup. We've made our way to Saugeais, and we've based ourselves in the beautiful city of Longview, where we will be playing all of our group stage games at the Circle Stadium. Including that first one against Audioslavia.

Although we're going to get battered, we'll have fun against them. There's a friendship between the two nations, mainly based on the fact that Kelly Sporadic, who managed Audioslavia for a long time, was in charge of the Cyan-and-Gold for our second World Cup qualification, before we hired Joachim Schwartz as the new boss; a move that nobody regrets now.

The next team we take on is another that we're slightly less familiar with; Mytannion. They are probably the team we have the best chance of taking a point against; not only because they are the closest in rank to us (although still 23 places ahead), but because we will have a lot of inside expertise on the team and its workings, as our star midfielder Nate Parkinson has spent the last year playing in Mytannion for Arka Snezhnaya. We can only hope that this little thing will give us a chance against these lot.

The final team we play is Eura. They are another side that we have a kind of familiarity with; after leaving the Licentian Islands, Kelly Sporadic went onto manage the Euran national squad. He plays a similar style to that which he used when he managed the Cyan-and-Gold, so we will have some kind of idea what to expect when we come up against them on the last day of the group stage.

I hope that we can sneak a couple of points from Eura and Mytannion, but to be honest, none of us expect it. We're just happy to be here, especially Cam, Dylan and Logan, three of our best players; this is the last international hurrah for all three (apart from Moran, who'll be playing at the Olympics before he leaves to concentrate on his career in Rushmore). We just want to have a laugh, make a good account for ourselves, and set ourselves up for an even better performance in two year's time.

We'll make you proud. Don't you worry about that.

If anyone is interested, the name of the blog is inspired by a popular Licentian terrace chant:

Oh, my lads,
Should've seen 'em running,
Asked 'em why, they said with a cry,
"Licentian boys are coming",
All the lads and lasses, smiles on their faces,
Walking down the Duchy Road,
To see the Cyan Aces !!

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Mustering Your Marauder

Here the Marauders are once more, preparing for the another assault on the World Cup Finals and those that they have been drawn into a group with. It is a familiar feeling for a squad that has not failed to qualify for the Finals stage of the tournament since World Cup 33, making it thirty-three straight trips to the stage. Indeed that is an impressive record, especially in this new age of the World Cup, where only one in six nations make it to this stage compared to the one in three that did whenever the Marauders first started plying their trade in international football. However the more impressive record in that is that every single cycle that they have qualified for the World Cup, they have also advanced to the knockout rounds, making something of an expected result for any Marauder side. Given how the side has seemingly been a top ten or even five nation in perpetuity, it would only make sense that this is the case.

On the surface it would appear that this edition should be no different, as ranked the seventh nation in the world and with the second best record from the qualifying stage, it would seem the path to the knockouts is once again paved for the Marauders. The twist however is that due to the hosts being ranked inside the first pots instead of where their ranks would dictate it has found the Marauders not as as a first seed themselves but as the best of the second seeds and having to face a fellow first seed nation as well. On top of that, the teams from the other two pots are among the best of their groups and are hefty challenge indeed.

So who are these valiant foes that are giving pause to the Marauders and what some would call their expected place in the knockout rounds of this tournament? The groups top seed in Osarius, who has very quietly and with very little fanfare reached the established rank of third in the world, a rank that is very familiar to the Marauders. Osarius played the underdog role very well last tournament and rose that spirit through the knockout rounds with victory after victory into the semifinals before falling there but managing a victory in the third placed playoff to cement their rank in the top five of the world. They are obviously the biggest obstacle to the Marauders chances of winning the group and should prove to be an epic clash when the two face off. While a victory is entirely possible, I see this match being more of a draw, as both sides would rather focus on the lower seeds than expend unnecessary energy in this endeavor in taking out the other.

Speaking of those lower seeds, it will be fellow Atlantian Oceania regionmate in Legalese who occupy one of the spots alongside Gyatso-kai, a nation more known to the Vanorian public for their clashes and triumphs in the World Cup of Hockey. Legalese looks to the more troubling of the two foes based on their form, winning what was a group of death and history in Group 5 of qualifying, even forcing the Purple Peril to have to reach the World Cup through the playoff as Legalese topped the group. Despite being the lowest ranked squad in the group, they are the trickiest fixture for the Marauders who will need to be on the top of their game to achieve the required result of a victory. The Legalese side is definitely not going to make it easy at all and we should expect a defiant side, especially from those crazy enough to perpetuate the idea that the World Cup could be played in a Casaran style. Clearly they are a different breed and will require a deft touch in order to navigate the challenge that they pose, not only for the Marauders but Osarius as well who may find them just as much a difficult foe as the Marauders.

The Bulls os Gyatso-Kai are the team least known to Valanora and in that they may be the most dangerous of the sides that the Marauders face in this round robin. For it is not is it good to be one of the best sides in the footballing community, but you must also know your opponent, know their tendencies, their strengths, their weaknesses. Knowledge is power and right now we are wanting for any sort of knowledge on this foe of ours and it gives even the captain of Laborious Hawk pause, which is a feat in of itself. Considered one of, if not the, greatest player to ever play the game, it is Hawk who will likely be crucial in this fixture, with both his play and leadership. Without a solid scouting report it will be up to the captain to help the manager adjust the side on the fly to the challenges that are presented by their foes and getting the team to perform up to that excellence that is expected of.

Looking at the region as a whole, it is one that will be a tricky to navigate if the Marauders do continue their streak of making it to the knockouts. With the likes of Andossa se Mitrin Vega lying in the wait, it is going to be an uphill battle for a side looking to win a record breaking sixth World Cup. Luckily though, the repeat champions of Audioslavia have been placed in the other half of the draw and the Marauders will only have the possibility of facing the growing juggernaut if they were to make the Final or third place playoff. Given that the Audioslavs look almost unbeatable right now, it is a boon that should not be overlooked or taken for granted, as the competition in Pasarga is still stiff and that is where the Vanorian focus should be. Though there might not be an official group of death for the Finals with most groups seemingly even out in the average of rankings, if there was to be one, most critics are agreeing that Group D where Valanora resides is it.

So the Marauders are here once again but not as the hunted but rather the hunter, as the underdog. It is a role that is not quite familiar for the side but one that they can embrace and take all the way to a title, as World Cups 40, 52, and 61 can attest to. First though they will have to escape their rather challenging group. For a side where the quarterfinals and beyond are something of expected place, having to once again work for their success shall prove to be an interesting watch indeed. The question will become if this Marauders squad can prove their championship quality and mettle in a set of circumstances that are not favorable or will the Vanorian caliber be shaken to its core?

[Pasarga]

Torgos Tribune ~ Ushering In A New Era

Well in what can only be an expecting move following the dreadful showing in the previous World Cup cycle, the Pasarga national team has seen a huge overhaul. The entirety of the braintrust has been replaced and no less than eleven players have been replaced from those that attempted to qualify in the last cycle. They were not replaced by chiseled veterans of Copa Rushmoris or Di Brandini Cups either but fresh faces that have yet to see any sort of international play unless their clubs were fortunate enough to qualify for the UICA events.

The previous cycle was a huge step backward for anyone who was a fan of Pasargan football as the Wanderers not only failed to qualify for the tournament but also failed to garner an invite to the Cup of Harmony as well, completely missing out on valuable experience and ranking points. So ashamed by their performance in the qualifying cycle the Pasargan Footballing Association forgot in their misery to even apply to enter the DBC, doubling down on what was already a bad cycle. Indeed, it left several youngsters looking to showcase their talents for clubs, domestic and international, and the senior national team without that opportunity. Who knows how many individuals are now without a club or outside of the national team pool because of this slip up.

In steps Aidé Hernádez as the manager of the Wanderers and she wasted no time in completely shaking up the roster and national team pool. Anyone seen as looking complacent was replaced, anyone thirty or older was replaced as not being part of her five year vision for the side. Those that survived the purge are now left on an edge, not knowing if they will be the next ones to find themselves on the outside looking in at the national team picture. Almost as if to further accentuate the point that she is a different breed of Wanderer manager, she has made over half of the starting eleven for the Wanderers as female. While there has always been female players and starters on the national team, they have never been the majority. Given that Aidé is a woman herself though, this might not be as big as a surprise as some might believe, as though it empowers the female element within the national pool, it just proves that it is whoever Aidé is best for the position or squad that will be given the chance to prove it.

Given that the Wanderers are hosting the World Cup, this seems like the worst time for their to be a complete overhaul of the Pasargan footballing culture. While this is true, Aidé has also gone to small measures to try and make the transition a smooth process, retaining the same formation and playing style that her predecessor employed, if only for this one edition as she adapts her ideology into the side. Given that the Marauders are ranked the lowest they have been in many cycles, it will be a very difficult challenge already for the side and some commonality may well have been needed in the manager's eye. Advancing out of the group is fools hope at this point, given the strength of their groups higher ranked side, but Aidé hopes to at least give the home crowd a reason to believe that the Pasargan descent is halted and their star is on the accent once more.

The best chance for a Wanderer victory comes in their opening match as they face the lowest ranked seed and indeed entire nation in all of the World Cup in the tournament's opening match. Mangolana might have qualified directly to the World Cup here in Pasarga, but they still lack the pedigree of even Sargossa or the Wanderers themselves and look to be a solid three points for all three of the other nations in the group. Their own media are saying they will fail to win the game and predicting a Wanderer victory of four to nil. While I don't think that with the new management and starting eleven that the host side can show that sort of scoring prowess, I do see a victory, with a one or two to nil victory the most likely result. A victory alone would go along way to proving to the Pasargan public and the PFA that Aidé and her philosophy was the right choice for the Wanderers future.

[Eura]

World Cup Blog; How Eura recovered from a wobble to cruise to qualifying success...
...and why a lack of expectations may help Kelly Sporadic's side in a tough group
Simon Banning reports from Bastion

There was a point during the qualifying where Euran fans could have been forgiven for thinking that consecutive disappointing World Cup showings were about be followed by a woeful attempt at qualifying. Fortunately our side recovered to qualify comfortably, but the lack of expectation prevalent in their homeland might actually suit them coming in to this World Cup.

After a disastrous 5-3 defeat at home to The Licentian Islands, Eura's problems only got worse as they traveled to Eastfield Lodge. Despite taking an early lead through the almost alien like boot of Harkness, they managed to cling on to a draw thanks to a late Sam Needle penalty. They returned home for their next game against Ancharmunn and finally managed to keep a clean sheet, withstanding a first half barrage to turn the game very much in their favour to win 2-0 with goals by Stevenson and Sam Thomas. This was the beginning of a spirited turnaround for a Euran side that would spend most of qualifying behind the surprise package Licentians. The Greater Archipelago away was up next and despite conceding a goal in each half, Eura went away with maximum points after taking an early three goal lead. Solid goals by McCroft and Dawson were followed by a blistering Collymore strike. On the 8th matchday though the pessimism returned despite another victory. Kelly Sporadic sent out a backup team against lowly Chiata (Quinn, Dawkins, Dassuna, Collins, Curren, Kane, Anderson, Cotterill, Parsons, Oslograd, Xavier) which took until the 83rd minute to find the only goal of the game through Oslograd.

Consecutive clean sheets were recorded the first time in a long while thanks to Eura's comfortable 2-0 victory in Tasrailia after first half goals by Sharp and McCroft. Yet confidence remained low, due to the Licentians remaining inexplicably unbeaten at the top of the group as the halfway point of qualifying arrived. A third clean sheet and yet another victory followed; another comfortable 2-0 away win against Vakolic, both goals coming from surprise top scorer Sam Thomas. Recent opposition had been weak though, and now the pivotal stage of qualifying had been reached. The next four games would be Jeru at home, the the simplest of the four fixtures in the form of the Kytler Peninsulae away, the Licentians away and Eastfield Lodge at home. Eura had pulled off a stunning comeback victory against Jeru in the corresponding fixture, but the aforementioned defeat and tie against the Licentian Islands and Eastfield Lodge respectively seeded doubt in the minds of many Eurans. Kelly Sporadic was having none of it though, as he told his side to relax and play their natural game in the pre-Jeru match interview. It seemed to do the trick.

Eura took a first half lead via a stunning Sharp volley, and in the second half they mercilessley took Jeru apart. Skorji Oslograd found the net after coming off the bench before Clive Dawson sealed the deal with a thundering drive. Jeru did manage to pull a goal back very late on, but it failed to change the course of the game. Kytler Peninsulae put up more of a fight, but alas they were eventually beaten by a Sam Needle header. More importantly, the Licentians finally dropped points as Eura rose to the top of the pack - Jeru did them the favour with a 2-0 victory. They travelled to the Licentian Islands with new belief and resolve, though it did not show initially. After a spirited but goalless first half, their captain Logan Moran dispossessed our captain Tom Riley - one of his Northbrook teammates - and fired the ball into the net. Eura panicked a bit and defended like lions as the Licentians piled on for half an hour in an onslaught of attacking play, as Eura failed to have more than 40% possession in a game for the first time in years. However they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a late comeback.

Riley made up for his earlier mistake when he headed home an equaliser against the run of play in the 84th minute. With only a few seconds of stoppage time left and the game heading for an already decent result of a draw, Eura snatched the 3 points when Kieran Kane came off the bench to drill a 20 yard shot past Cameron Ritchie. Sporadic had avenged his first defeat in his personal battle with Schwartz, a battle that will continue with a third match as shall be examined later. Eura were now five points clear at the top of Group 13 and they brushed aside Eastfield Lodge at home with two goals from Sharp, another from Thomas and one more from Needle - two late away team goals could not spoil the party. On the next matchday Eura secured at least a qualifying playoff spot with three matchdays to spare, earning a hard fought victory away to Ancharmunn thanks to an early McCroft strike. We drubbed The Greater Archipelago 4-0 at home next time out thanks to another two Sharp goals, the other two being scored by Dawson and Michael Robertson.

Qualification was finally secured with a matchday to spare in the penultimate game against Chiata, where Xavier and Parsons netted for the backup team. The most convincing performance of the entirety of qualifying came on the last day with a 5-0 demolition of Tasrailia at home. Things already looked good when James McCroft curled home a sumptuous free kick in the 20th minute. They got even better when Thomas netted again, this time from the penalty spot. Then in the early part of the second half three quick fire goals were scored by Sharp, Needle and Dawson, before the home side went into cruise control for the rest of the game. Despite the fears of disaster that had been circling after the Licentian debacle early in qualifying, Eura had actually turned out to be quite dominant in their group. They recorded their best ever qualifying points tally - 49 points, courtesy of 16 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. This was only bettered by any team in qualifying by the always impressive Polar Islandstates (they got 50 points), and the only team to equal it was Valanora.

For the first time ever, a Eura national team would make significant changes to his squad between the end of qualifying and the beginning of tournament. This is largely thanks to an unexpected turn in domestic circumstances as Ulsa, who have won the Euran league in four of the last five seasons, stunned the world with a dramatic run to winning the Globe Cup. They then went on to beat the Champions Cup winners in the Super Cup, taking that title too and securing a major breakthrough for Eura in international club competition. The income generated by their victory alone could give them a nigh unassailable stranglehold on the league, if they strengthen their squad. Thanks to their success, several of their players have been given ‘promotions’ of sorts in the squad. Chris Waller, their goalkeeper, will not take the #1 shirt from Daniel Belgrave but is now almost certain to be his long term replacement; much to the annoyance of Andy Quinn and Rick Connors, one might suspect.

In midfield, the ominously brilliant Craig Sinclair – Ulsa’s versatile 17 year old winger and attacking midfielder – has been drafted in to replace an almost completely unused Jim Cotterill. Up front though is where the biggest changes made relating to the performance of Ulsa have happened as strikers Nicky Martin and uncapped Sam Ashtree are finally given a chance, as Simon Xavier and Geoff Day give way. It could be the curtain call on Xavier’s disappointing Eura career. He was tipped to be the next big thing a decade ago, but as Sharp and Needle overstayed their welcome (in his eyes, that is) he never got the chance to show his full potential with only 67 caps earned. That said he can be proud of his high goal tally for 67 caps (30 goals) which may still be improved as he appears likely to be named as one of Eura’s three over-23 players for the Olympics. No other changes are made to the squad for now.

Despite the national team coming good in qualifying, expectation remains low – and that might help them a bit after a tough World Cup draw. They have been drawn in Group G against Sporadic’s old team and qualifying rivals the Licentian Islands, the familiar friend (and foe to some) Mytannion and, the team we feared the most, world champions Audioslava. Our games will be played under the lights of two reasonably sized and modern stadiums in Saugeais – Longview’s Circle Stadium, and Gilley’s Patape Stadium. We come into this tournament with an arguably unbalanced squad. Although we almost have too many good goalkeepers, our defence is talented yet flawed in that they let their concentration slip time and time again. Their inexperience contributes to this. Our midfield options are growing, but their consistency remains worrying despite the surprise resurgence of Clive Dawson’s international career even at the age of 33.

Up front, Lee Sharp is still going strong, but this will almost certainly be his last world cup. Luckily Sam Thomas has finally come good, but the benefits of this are negated by the sudden decline in Sam Needle’s performances which signal an almost certainly imminent retirement. It is these uncertainties that have brought expectations down a bit – that and dreadful exits against opposition that should have been beaten. Taeshan, Chenkoyra, Ko-oren; good footballing sides, but ones Eura need to beat if they’ll ever repeat the highs of the 60th World Cup. Also problematic is a disunity in the squad that Sporadic has strenuously denied at every mention of it. There is reported conflict between the left backs Smith, Collymore and Curren. All three play at top foreign clubs and Smith was outraged at being dropped for Collymore after only a handful of below par performances, while both Smith and Collymore see Curren as an upstart. The dropping of Jim Cotterill may have ended his international career after he reportedly fell out with the captain Tom Riley as well as the manager. Last of all, a rift has been growing for some time amongst the forwards about who really deserves to succeed the seemingly outgoing Sam Needle – though Sam Thomas clearly has the best record.

Yet even as personal battles rage on within the squad and fans prepare themselves for a group that will almost certainly throw up either stunning success or unflattering failure, it is the drama of Kelly Sporadic that will be in the spotlight most of all. His no nonsense approach to the media and to team selection has been a bit refreshing after Ben Randall began to soften up in his last couple of campaigns. More importantly Sporadic has scores to be settled with our opposition. After the Licentian Islands almost derailed our qualifying bid completely, he’ll be out to complete a turnaround in fortunes against his old Espovortian employers. On the face of it Mytannion have little tangible connection to Sporadic and Eura enjoy a friendly rivalry with this Goose Coast nation. However it has only been two years since ‘that’ intervention and we could see some strange reactions from the Mytanar fans – in the eyes of many of them Euran’s are as good friends as any, liberators. To some, all that they will remember of us is a burning port city; or for those who were never pro-state, a galling decision to let their former head of state flee the country alive.

Yet the personal battle he will really care about most will be against his nemesis, Israel Klimt. Nobody expects the Euran’s to come away with anything against Audioslva, barring one of those miracle Sharp performances or some sort of capitulation by the world champions. It’s no secret that Sporadic has a personal issue with Klimt that perhaps is the result of his acrimonious departure from Audioslava. Despite the style of his exit, he is a much loved figure in that nation – and Sporadic won’t lose much respect or pride if he can’t get our side to pull something off against Audioslava. But Sporadic is a fiery individual and a great motivator who could humiliate Klimt and get his revenge with a good result. If he and the players share that hunger, we might just have a chance. To conclude this article I would usually give you a prediction. Not today. This time, anything could happen. For the first time in a while though, we have some motivation. Sharp is playing at what will probably be his last World Cup; the same for Needle, McCroft, Stevenson and maybe even Belgrave, the last of the old guard. Sporadic seeks revenge against his old employers. Most importantly, we don’t have pressure on our shoulders any more.

Qualifying top scorers

Lee Sharp - 11
Sam Thomas - 8
Clive Dawson - 6
Sam Needle - 4
James McCroft - 4
Skorji Oslograd - 3
Tom Riley - 1
Chad Parsons - 1
Simon Xavier - 1
Josh Stevenson - 1
Kieran Kane - 1
John Spartan - 1
Nick Feeney - 1
Jim Cotterill - 1
Colin Collymore - 1
Lyle Heath - 1
Michael Robertson - 1

[Darmen]

Darmen qualifies for second World Cup, will face ASMV once again

Darmen closed out its qualifying campaign with a two game winning streak, earning its second ever trip to the World Cup proper. Drawn into Group C, Darmen will not have an easy time at repeating its fourth place performance from last time out.

Darmen will kick things off with a match against United Gordonopia. In some ways, the two teams are very similar, United Gordonopia having finished fourth in World Cup 63, with that too being its first qualification. The two teams have met three times before, with Darmen holding the upper hand with two victories. United Gordonopia also has a victory in the all-time series, with no draws having occured between the two teams.

Matchday Two will matchup Darmen with Andossa Se Mitrin Vega, a rematch of the Group F tussle between the same two teams in the last World Cup. That match ended in a 2-2 draw, securing Darmen a trip to the Round of Sixteen, and ultimately to the Third Place Playoff. Darmen could have had a chance to go to the Final, but ASMV stood in their way in the Semifinal match. That match ended with a final score of 2-1, having gone into extra time. The total all-time record of matches between the two teams stands at 1-2-1.

The final match will see Darmen play the Blouman Empire for the first time in history. Darmeni Manager William St. John de la Ware has no idea what to expect when the two teams take to the field. "I haven't been able to watch much film of the matches played by the Blouman Empire," he said, "so I'll be paying extra attention to them over the first two matchdays."

Overall, chances are good that the All Greens will be able to advance to their second Round of Sixteen in their second World Cup. Beyond that, its extremely hard to tell.