World Cup 67 - RP Thread

[Sandwich Territories]

"Look, our run for the knockout stages of the World Cup was not expected to be, but up for a possibility. Now, that dream is over. We are, by ranking, the 3rd best FA in this group, but we are in 5th, with the teams in 4th, 6th, and 7th having a game in hand on us. Look, I think that if we finish 4th, we can call this a decent run. The FA wants no less than 5th, understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Anyways, I wanted to let you all know that we got a gift from the PM."

"Big Al sent us a gift? Why?"

"Not sure....might as well see what is inside."

"It's a message from Patrick....it reads...."

"Dear Sandwich FA, I've noticed the drama and other shit you all are going through, and I feel awful watching on.....so I wanted to make this personal, and help you all out. Attached are a few photos from Al Fresco of how we supported you last match back home. When we heard you lot didn't hear about it, we all felt rather awful...so here is what we think about the FA."

Late at night - http://goo.gl/5wjtTP

Earlier that day - http://goo.gl/sc2RKv

"Hopefully that helps you all out. Sincerely yours, Kevin Williams."

[Farfadillis]

Big Signings

Uh, well. Great win for the team, I guess. Great as in we're fucking lucky. We sure deserved to maybe even lose. I personally really liked Dragãozý, though. He sure made the most out of his opportunity. He's a toned down Dandalleion. Very complete and so on, with an eye for a goal. He's not Dandalleion, sure, but having a miniature version of him is something not many would reject. We can't reject that. It's a blessing.

But anyway, there's been some local signings as of late that I've not seen any media report. I guess I should report them then. Farfadillis' media coverage is just so inconsistent it's scary. No, we don't want to know about the result of the under-twelve match between two fourth division teams, thank you. We would've liked if you could cover the Champions' Cup final, though. Yes, this goes to you people who work in the media and read my blog!

Still, the signings have been the most I've seen in my life, at least when it comes to the FFL. To begin with, La Nueva Avenida sold Terán. It sort of had to happen. He was a bit too good for our league system, though he did leave an Atlantian Oceania Champions' Cup to the team. He left for a very similar league, though. The Apoxian league is a tried-and-tested development league for our players, though. Or not, I'm not sure. To replace him, La Nueva Avenida bought a future superstar in the form of Iturributan Ibon Galdo. Some say they paid more than they were paid for Terán - which would not make sense - but there's been no official sum announced. However, something that probably surprised more than one person was that they also sold Jacques Kemp, one of the most influential players in the history of the league. Many say Avenida Principal offered a sum they could not refuse. Does not surprise me. They also brought in a Charruterran striker for a bunch of meat. That should be a pretty good signing in relation to cost. La Nueva Avenida's current attack is very cosmopolitan, as they lack Farf players from the midfield onwards.

Meanwhile, Mâ Âlâmëómë also moved things around. However, they sort of did the contrary of what La Nueva Avenida did. Their attack is mainly Farf, but the defense is almost solely foreign. They brought in an experienced Vilitan player, whose name currently escapes me, and, more importantly... Kaj Aurora. Yes, Avenida Leal could not hang onto her and Mâ Âlâmëómë bought her for a rather shocking fee of eight million. That is a lot for Farf football. Terán, by far the best of the league last time around and completely tried-and-tested domestically and internationally, cost FC Endeavour (that was the club) ten million. Still, we all know Kaj Aurora is a fantastic player. As for Avenida Leal, though they did sell one of their key players as Kaj Aurora, they managed to keep Ostadar Arambilet despite the interest from La Nueva Avenida, Avenida Victoria, Fryi Frêndê, Flying Jellyfish and pretty much every team that is not Mâ Âlâmëómë. Cornelio was not sold, either. Mâ Âlâmëómë also bought Demetrio Alessandri from Libertarian Ferdullaele. He recently got his first cap and his team just got relegated. It was just a matter of time.

Other notable signings were Cazza, Garezque and Sendero moving to Avenida Leal - all three very good players of teams that for some reason or some other had to sell them. They also bought Frederik Wallenberg from the Baptism of Fire champions Buyan. That was some good scouting. There's also a rumour about them buying a Starblaydi youngster. Time will tell about him. As for other teams, Avenida Principal bought Ross Horn, quite easily the best player of the Baptism of Fire we hosted, while Flying Jellyfish bought a striker from Karditan suspiciously similar-looking to the manager, and who shares a surname with him. They also bought a Paradystopian with an awesome yet difficult to pronounce name and a Sideburnese promising star. Oh, and a possible future Sameban international. Other signings were not that major, but many foreigners have been brought in.

Farf future is becoming cosmopolitan.

[Zwangzug]

"And with that, Ko-oren are out of the World Cup! A big upset for Zwangzug, who can take over the group lead with a win against Svengarda in their next match."

"Abhinav--"

"Svengarda stay on top in case of a tie, but either way, they'll be the group champion and runner-up in some order."

"Listen, Abhinav--"

"And this'll be the real test, whether Scroves is in control enough to hang with Luke Thompson's attack for ninety minutes. A game like this, we just basically had to out-Ko-oren Ko-oren, with Lamin looking strong in the back, and Rose-Dauphine slotting in well. Bolstered by Hale-Barnard when we just had to hold the lead, of course."

"Er. Abhinav?"

"Now for those of you who say that the goal was fortunate, you might be right. Nidog was a couple steps late, and with McCluey marked out of things, there didn't seem like much of a threat. But how about the presence of mind for Martina Ruan to step up and take a crack at it! Inspirational stuff, that's why she's the captain."

"It isn't, Abhinav, and furthermore--"

"Touche, touche, there's all that defensive component to it as well. But all the same! Now, we didn't create too many opportunities after that, I agree, that's why the goal might have looked cheap, but that's what I'm saying, they really didn't need to. So don't discount their performance just because they were able to go on lockdown so early, those were some strong counterattacks they had to fend off."

"I won't, Abhinav, but all the same--"

"Eregrent in particular looked like a threat, but Tokachi and Talmis weren't on form, and that's what stymied Ko-oren's plan, espeically in the second half. They just ran out of opportunities, and they'll be regretting that, the way this campaign has fizzled out."

"Thank you. But Abhinav?"

"Yes, Shannon?"

"Zwangzug haven't clinched a playoff spot."

"Sure we have."

"We haven't, Abhinav, and Ko-oren haven't been eliminated."

"Just look right here! They're in red, we're not!"

"Right...where? Wait a minute...is that a laptop?"

"Absolutely! Balances performance and portability."

"Abhinav. Rotate your screen."

"What?"

"Tilt it forward."

"It...er. They're in orange!"

"Yes, because they're out of contention for the group title. Not the whole thing."

"Er. Sorry about that."

"No problem. But you know what, next time you get the chance, splurge on a smartphone. Or just rotate before you announce."

"Got it."

"I'm glad you're not glued to your screen! Makes the commentary more insightful! Just...you know."

"Right."

[Svengarda]

Well. It comes down to this. We drew with the Crystal Empire in one of the most frustrating games of football. I was seated on the bench, first game back from injury, and from there I could see us have the ball in the back of the net twice, but scoring 0 goals. The Crystal Empire played the offside game perfectly, much to the chagrin of the Ice Hawks attack. I think, after the end of the game, we gathered round our technical coach who had collated some of the stats for the game, and we clocked a staggering 11 offsides. 11. I, admittedly, was guilty for one of them in the last minute after coming on, but 11 is crazy.

We then had a day at home, before welcoming Zwangzug to the SvengardA ArenA. It was the clash to settle who would win the group. Last time round, we got comfortably beaten by Zwangzug, but considering I didn't play, that's fair enough. We lost 3-1, so we have to turn it around big time if we are going register a victory and seal top spot. Upon arriving on the team coach, we were greeted by a mob of journalists and cameras, from both nations. The SFA ask us to do media stuff before we get ready for the game, to help us 'get all the rubbish out of the way'. So we face a wall of journalists, but it's not normally me, they want to speak to Rihards or Svein Danielsen, so I just stood behind them listening to my music.

Svenga fans like to get to the ground early, so we could hear the thousands of fans already in the ground 2 hours before kick off when we arrived. There were chants, including my personal favourite, 'Proud Ice Hawks' and generic crowd flag-waving and shouting. We got changed into our match kit, each shirt having our name, cap number (I'm 73) the match and the date underneath the SFA crest. We then put tracksuits on (because it's snowing and -8 degrees) and do a lap of pitch where Georg Raske talks to us about the general tactics and plays, and then adds a little quote to sort of rev us up. He didn't say anything today, just "You know what to do. You can do it. So go out there and do it."

(Sorry for shortness, deserves more, but I'm very busy)

Line-up vs Zwangzug:

GK. Pal Lorsen

RB. Tommi Nikula
CB. Georg Raske
CB. Saar Bjornsen
LB. Eemil Tähtinen

RM. Hakan Lager
CM. Loreen Steffansson
CM. Timo Laathi
LM. Rihards Ruotsalainen

AM. Svein Danielsen

ST. Truls Waaserson

[Tasrailia]

Tasrailia Blog 13
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12

MD 1: @ The Fair Republic (257) 5-2
MD 2: Dutzenderland (312) (Launey Arena) 1-0
MD 3: @ Sangti (79) 1-1
MD 4: Kinzar (126) (Launey Arena) 0-2
MD 5: @ New Sideburn (48) 2-2
MD 6: Eura (4) (Tasrailia Arena) 1-3
MD 7: @ New Rhodes (324) 2-1
MD 8: BYE
MD 9: Eastfield Lodge (40) (Tasrailia Arena) 1-0
MID-GROUP BREAK
MD 10: The Fair Republic (257) (Launey Arena) 6-3
MD 11: @ Dutzenderland (312) 4-3
MD 12: Sangti (79) (Tasrailia Arena) 0-0
MD 13: @ Kinzar (126) 3-3
MD 14: New Sideburn (48) (Tasrailia Arena) 3-3
MD 15: @ Eura (4) 1-1
MD 16: New Rhodes (324) (Launey Arena)
MD 17: BYE
MD 18: @ Eastfield Lodge (40)

Eura 1–1 Tasrailia

GK: Kyle Danai (Devbourne)
DF: Matthew Ripo (Devborune)
DF: Mario Aoaoae (Laney)
DF: Barry Edwards (Devbourne)
MF: Addison Roqwa (Penwin)
MF: Tom Dieaeoe (Ulvbart)
MF: Kelsey Otot (Burth)
MF: Tiai Iraop (Penwin)
MF: James Blueberry (Glenlaide)
FW: David Banrai (Hoberra)
FW: Robin Federer (Burth)

Sorry it seems like we have a problem with the blog today, as its seem to be down. Please check your wifi, if still not working go outside.

Eura 1
You can choose that

Tasrailia 1
James Blueberry 79'

   Group 14                               Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Eura                                    13   10   2   1    34   13  +21    32
 2 New Sideburn                            13    8   3   2    23   16   +7    27
 3 Kinzar                                  14    7   3   4    23   16   +7    24
 4 Tasrailia                               14    6   6   2    30   24   +6    24
 5 Eastfield Lodge                         13    7   2   4    23   13  +10    23
 6 Sangti                                  14    3   6   5    21   21    0    15
 7 Dutzenderland                           13    4   2   7    21   25   −4    14
 8 The Fair Republic                       13    1   2  10    12   36  −24     5
 9 New Rhodes                              13    0   2  11     8   31  −23     2

[Mytannion]

Reports suggest that the Mytanar camp has been struck down by a bout of illness that could keep key players out of the squad for the remaining games in the qualification cycle for the World Cup. It is rumoured that influenza has run riot through the squad and several players have been struck down with the illness. Nobody is sure how the illness was contracted, but the outcome could be truly catastrophic for the Mytanar squad.

Four of the starting eleven and three regular substitutes have been struck down with the illness: including experienced full back Dennis Adkvissen, playmaker Ismet van Huijgevoort and Iivari Kaitanen. This could be a huge issue for the team, with inexperienced players like Fuhrmann probably having to come into the fold and having to give a top performance. The next couple of games are going to be crucial in the Hoops' bid for qualification. Especially given their current position, three points behind their rivals Kinitaria and the Licentian Isles.

The next game against the Sova Empire really is a key game, they are a relatively high-ranked nation in comparison with most of the group. They also beat Mytannion in the first game between the sides, proving the quality they have in their squad. A draw or loss for Mytannion would represent the end of their qualification bid, it really is a must win game, just like every game is right now for the Hoops. Being without their best players isn't something that they want right now.

The players infected are being kept away from the rest of the squad to try and limit the number of individuals ruled out. It is hoped that they may recover for the final game of the qualification cycle and if that is the case then they will hopefully be in a good position to qualify, if the results before then play into their hands. They really need slip-ups from the main opposition if they want to qualify and they'd probably feel safer if at least one slip-up occurred before the final match day (i.e. when the top two meet, if that game finishes in a draw, the Mytanars will be eliminated).

Marat Averyanov, the Preußen Kitzbuhel utility man, one of the revelations of the cycle so far, did pass comment on the team's situation: "It's tough you know, erm, but it's always tough, erm, hopefully the lads can band together and get through this y'know." When asked about his own performances this cycle and his chances of getting a move away from Kitzbuhel he was pretty strong in his response, "I think I've done well to be honest, but I've had some top quality players around me and that's really helped. I don't want to leave die Freibuter though, that's definitely not something that appeals to me."

Marius Sadowsky was asked about the problems with the team, but declined to comment stating that he would 'like to focus on only what is ahead' of the team.

[Paradystopia]

"Marcos Friggin' Dynamite. Marcos Friggin' Dynamite"

Viaddin Tarcka paced angrily about his front room. His partner, Sjlvis merely sat on the sofa watching. Sjlvis knowing well that if he was to interject verbally in any way shape or form he'd be subject to a football-related tirade so he simply sat, smiling uneasily.

"And then, how the fuck did Qazox manage to beat Audioslavia. Dammit! Are we cursed or something?"

'Assume it's rhetorical Sjlvis. Don't get drawn in.' It was the side of his famous boyfriend that Sjlvis hated seeing. Yes, the Marcos Dynamite result was unlucky but in fairness, it wasn't like Paradystopia managed to make the scoresheet. It's always a blow for a team to concede a penalty in the dying embers but when you have an aggressive Communadi playing central defender, it's gonna happen sooner or later.

"Marcos Friggin' Dynamite ... "

'Smile and nod, smile and nod.' There was still a chance for the Black Cats. Even if it seemed that most players on the team had already accepted defeat. It just required beating both Audioslavia and Qazox and hoping Qazox slip up. It could happen ... Look at The Weegies result over Polar Islandstates although probably best not to bring that up after the Valhallans qualified ahead of Paradystopia last time.

"Should not have been a penalty. Really should not."

'Yeah, it clearly was dear but smile and nod.' Sjlvis finally plucked up the courage to say something.

"I'm gonna hit the sack Vee. You should probably come too. You're only gonna make yourself feel worse being like this."

Viaddin sighed.

"Was I doing it again?"
"Yeah."
"Sorry Si."
"'sokay babe. You've still got a chance, you know?"
"Really?! C'mon Si. We're fucked. That fucking penalty and ... "

'Shit. You just had to bring it up didn't you.' Sjlvis continued to smile and nod and dream of his expectations of the glamour of dating a professional footballer.

[Valanora]

OOC: All of these poems/epics are written from the IC perspective of Laborious Hawk and are to be considered his entry into the World's Best XI.

Montier

To the distance of places unknown
Far beyond the reach of even the mightiest breeze
Outside the range of even the most daring of sailors
Settled inside a time outside our knowing
Almost as if a realm made of nothing but dreams
Does a legend among legends lives.

Quick to anger at any who come trespass
Yet infinite is their profound knowledge
Having helped man and gods craft timeless works
A hand of guidance in the chaotic beginning of time
A voice sometimes harsh but full of wisdom
The man behind a veil, sat behind the curtain.

Who or what they are
Shall remain ever the mystery to we
Though some have their theories
Only the being themselves can speak of what they are
High away in their crafted cove
And that remains a bridge too far.

Bliss then shall be found in the ignorance
That we are not meant to know all the answers
Even immortals can not know all things
Perhaps that is the lesson this being teaches us
There is always something greater than what we believe best
Something larger than even the largest things
A whisper of a dreamer who dares to dream the grandest of things.

[Ceni]

"I'm Jose Fernandez, and welcome to the Pitchside Seat, your premier source for football news. On this program, we discuss with Ceni's minister of sports as well as a former football player and a former football coach about the impact of football on the nation as well as its importance in Ceni's government policy. We also have a Bag Check today with Cenian star Pablito Numede. All of this, and more, after the news."

"I'm Jose Fernandez, your host, and welcome to the Pitchside Seat, your premier source for football news. Today we are talking about one of the most popular sports in Ceni: football. On our program today, we will discuss the impact of football on the nation's culture, as well as its importance in government policy. Is government funding for football necessary? Does Ceni really need to participate in international competitions? What should be done to further increase football's prominence in Ceni? Call in at 0166789087586 to make your opinions known. With us today we have three guests. Marcron Sartere is a former football coach for Ceni's national team. Rianes Cenlar is Ceni's Minister of Culture, Sports, and the Arts. Pablo Sola is a former player for the Mesa Verdean football club. Welcome to the studio."

"Thank you for inviting us."

"My pleasure."

"Always good to be here."

"So, Rianes, how long was the government funding of football going on?"

"Not very long, to be honest. Ceni has only begun interacting with other nations in the past few years, and thus the funding for international sports has been pretty low in Ceni since there are only few teams to play with. Ceni has not maintained a national team for quite a while, in fact. Some sector governments fund a sector team, and publicly funded universities have teams, but the involvement of the government in a national or regional soccer team has been very small if not nonexistent. The need for one only arose in the past couple of years."

"Pablo, what was your experience with fans and other supporters playing on the Mesa Verdean team?"

"I felt that we were pretty respected when we went around the country playing other teams. The fans were just amazing and it felt like they really appreciated football, and even those who didn't come to the games were supportive of our efforts. The country seemed to appreciate what we did, at least from my experience."

"So it seemed to you that the country appreciated football?"

"Yes, it really did. There weren't too many bystanders booing us just because we were football players, and the people we met and were around generally saw benefit in what we did and the benefit of football for our country."

"Marcron, you coached Ceni's team for two years before its entrance to the World Cup. What was your experience about the reaction of other nations' fans to Cenian teams? More specifically, did they feel Ceni had a culture of football?"

"Honestly, they didn't have much of an opinion of our team. We've been pretty obscure and haven't played in too many tournaments. The one tournament that we did play in, however, was the Friendly Cup, and the fans there were mostly rooting for the other team. They didn't really feel that we had a chance at winning. We lost a lot, and the fans from other nations felt that we must not have had a culture of football, or else we wouldn't have had something this bad."

"So other countries do not appreciate Ceni's football scene, but as Pablo implied, those inside Ceni do appreciate it. Rianes, is anything being done by our government now to increase our football presence on the international stage?"

"Unfortunately, very little is being done to help Cenian sports on the international stage. We have participated in the Olympics before, but we did not send a football team; we are planning to send one to this year's Summer Olympics. I have also introduced a proposal in the Senate to increase the funding to Cenian football programs, including training camps for youngsters as well as greater international recognition. Hopefully our efforts will pay off and we will have greater funding in the future, funding that will hopefully produce greater stars and greater recognition. However, this has not passed the Senate yet and is still in committee."

"Pablo, is there anything that you think that universities and schools can do to help make our football scene better and make our youngsters appreciate the sport of football?"

"Well, sure. There are several options on the table. Of course, we could on case the funding and prominence of the football teams on campus, as well as off-campus by increasing television and holo net showings of football, and start up recruitment efforts. As well as xyz mentioned, we could start at an early age, funding pee wee teams and training camps as well as efforts to recruit those with the most talent from those camps. Fostering a love of football will certainly do a lot of good for the sport, and I think that's the best course of action for now.

"Right now, we have a caller on the line, Evaleie from Illirea, Hi Evaliei, you're on the line right now. What was your question or comment?"

(Slight pause)

"Evaleie, are you still with us?"

"Hi, so right now my son is in middle school and he really likes football. He seems frustrated though at his lack of opportunity in playing for a school team or the like. What efforts are being made to increase the availability of football to those of his age?"

"Thanks for the call, Rianes, could you take this question for us?"

"Sure thing. Like I mentioned earlier, I have introduced a proposal in the Senate to increase funding for football in Cenian schools. Such a proposal would increase government funding to schools wishing to set up a team, and would provide the funding for coaches and equipment. My guess with your school is that they either don't have enough money for things or enough room in your case. The bill would also provide funding for the building of new stadiums and areas for youngsters to play football. I also believe that there is a bill in the Cenaci Sector Assembly to augment the bill in the Cenian Senate, which would help with the funding aspect of that."

"We have another caller on the line, it's Reñora from Mescalero Verde. Welcome to the show. What is your question or comment?"

"I've been watching the World Cup and have seen every game that Ceni has played. I'm wondering if their crappy performance in the cup is due to a lack of government funding for the sport."

"Marcron, could you discuss the team's performance and relate it to amount of government funding?"

"I'm not really sure that the government could really help our team's performance. Sure, more training would be nice, and a good recruiting season, but unfortunately I believe that's all the government can do directly. By fostering a good culture for football, the government can help us in the long run, but it's not going to help us this cup. I'd say that our bad performance is due to our bad luck and dismal rank at this point."

"Well, unfortunately that's all we have time for today. Marcron Sartere is a former coach for Ceni's national team. Pablo Sola is a former player for the Mesa Verde Club. Rianes Cenlar is Ceni's Minister of Culture, Sports, and the Arts. Thank you all for joining us today."

"Nice to be on."

"Thank you for inviting me."

"My pleasure."

[Pasarga]

Torgos Tribune ~ Wanderers Staring At Elimination

Despite the best efforts of the players and the staff across this grueling marathon of qualification, despite everything that has gone well for the Wanderers the past four years, it seems it will not be enough. With a bye day and then matches away to Felix and finishing out with the home match against Mizuyuki, the Wanderers are on the outside looking in. In all likelihood, the side will be eliminated from winning the group and automatic qualification after this matchday, with relatively easy schedules left for their fellow contenders. It's been quite a harsh journey for the Wanderers to have fallen by the way side like this and rumors are abound that unless a small miracle happens and the side crawls back into a qualifying spot, they are not likely to have football after the home match against Mizuyuki, with the PFA not wanting to disgrace themselves with a Cup of Harmony showing.

Just about everything that could go wrong has for the side, with draws against unranked nations, only taking a single point off a side like The Sarian, and only winning half of their matches. It is as if the fates themselves had dictated nothing but poor luck and form for the side, a side who thought they were ready to take the next step on the international ladder. Yet this cycle's qualification looks to undo all that progress and has their manager considering resigning her post for the failure to make it out of what was expected to be a relatively easy group.

If this is indeed the end of Hernadez, then she will leave as the best manager to have been in the Wanderers braintrust, despite this disappointing cycle. Having guided the side to back to back appearances in the round of sixteen for the first time ever, as well as a third place finish in the most recent Cup of Harmony. If she is leaving, whoever is picked to replace her will have a solid foundation to build upon thanks to all the hard work that she and her staff did to get this side turned around from their lowest of points those four years ago, when she was appointed right before the nation was set to host the tournament itself.

There is hope that the side can still progress but thanks to the home loss against The Sarian, it is all out of their hands, needing Mizuyuki to lose or draw all of their remaining games, The Free Republics to lose or draw at least one of their remaining matches, and Felix to do the same. The odds are clearly stacked against the Wanderers, despite having those matches with both Mizuyuki and Felix, especially with how poorly the side has played against teams that have had a pulse. Only the less than impressive four points stolen off of West Angola and the home victory over the Republicans have been their good results. All Pasargans need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst, as the situation for the side is indeed quite dire.

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

"Ah, Ruby, good to see you woke up."

Her father, a classic type of warrior, one of those that you can't see regularly outside of the borders of once-South Edenia. A ruthless soldier, that sadly couldn't catch the eyes of his superiors and because of that, ended up becoming the caretaker of the house as his wife, a more talented assassin took the spot, until she ended up dying not too long before the Sunrise interfered on the Edenian Wars.

With common, leathered clothes, the dark-haired man cleaned the house, listening to the new radio the Sunrisians granted to their house on their "Process of Civility". While it was disappointing and horrible to realize that the death of Lian Qi at the Wars, leaving her husband and the little Ruby at home wasn't just awful, but unnecessary, because now, the Wars were over, and the rivals were now singing the same anthem, under the same flag, the Huelarus was now what their nation meant to the rest of the multiverse as they were now one of the many colonies of the Sunrisians.

As the track started to fade out, a joyful voice started to talk.

Hey, Southern Edenians! This is Freddie Brother, once national team player of the Vaporeons from Northern Sunrise Islands! I represent the Northern Sunrise Islands Football Confederation and we would like to declare we are open to aid all colonies on their process of entering our Republic's system. And the best way to start that is to harvest our youngest talent, the children! The Junior League is going to open try-outs at Edenian Sunrise next week! See you there!

The Edenian Sunrise, the artificial link between both Edenias, linking the clean but now demolished North Edenia and the always poor South Edenia, With slowly growing industries, cultural buildings being moved to and some even formed there, Edenian Sunrise City was where the Sunrise established the most important buildings of their own colony. Going there wasn't difficult and Ruby would probably find Red there.

"Huh?"

"What, darling?"

"Oh, nothing, dad... Would you mind if I went to the Edenian Sunrise to do that try-out?"

"Well, not a problem, but I won't be able to go. I need to take care of the house..."

She gave her father a hug and left, joyfully, with the dreams of re-establishing the Deadly Alliance, the legend that ushered South Edenia's original independence from the North. Sure none of them were sorcerers like the duo that formed the original one... but they knew how they could be as deadly.

[Nova Anglicana]

Lions Put Up Good Fight, Finally Fall

Hayden Landers, Nova Anglicana Football Today

Utter disappointment. That was what manager Patrick Moran felt the last time his Lions faced the Blouman Empire, conceding three goals in the final ten minutes of the match, after leading 1-0 for most of the game. He admitted that fatigue had probably been a factor in their devastating collapse. In this most recent matchup, the only goal of the match was conceded before fatigue had a chance to play a role, in the 41st minute, just before halftime. The Lions' old bugaboo of struggles in set piece situations came back to haunt them, as the corner kick was perfectly placed for the Eagles' Kane Harrison to blow it by Julian Neal with a bicycle kick. Veteran sweeper Giuseppe Carbone was all over the referee, shouting that Harrison had created space for his athletic move by elbowing him in the chest and then pushing off against Felix Kelly, but his pleas fell on deaf ears and the game went on.

The Lions did an excellent job preventing more goals, as they continue to allow fewer than one goal a game. Neal made six saves, including denying Harrison his second goal off of a free kick, making a diving stop at the goal line and having Salomon Balderas clear it out of danger (83rd minute). Unfortunately, the Lions could not put a ball in net, snapping their five-game undefeated streak. The Lions, having scored nine goals, are tied for the sixth-fewest goals scored in the tournament with three other teams. New advanced stats from Osarian analysts confirm the Lions' inability to score, given that Nova Anglicana ranks fifth-to-last in Adjusted Attack Coefficient with an AAC of 5.602 (Around 14 is average). The Lions are a defensive team, it is true, but is their attacking talent so poor that they can only average .69 goals per game, or about 2 goals every 3 games? Raphael Baptiste is an excellent player, but either the Lions will have to develop some elite offensive players or else become more aggressive. The good news is that I'm sure they have conceded the fewest goals of any team that scores so few goals as they do, keeping them in contention.

Up next is a home game against Kalumba. Kalumba has a record of 4-6-3, for the same 18 points as our 5-3-5 Lions. They defeated our boys 2-0 in Kalumba on two late goals, so you can guarantee that the Lions want to get even and that Patrick Moran will not hesitate to substitute. The final three games of qualification will tell us a lot about the character of our national team, whether they will continue to fight given their elimination and matchups against higher-ranked sides. It may also be useful in predicting Patrick Moran's continued employment with the national team. The higher-ups may decide that a new formation (and perhaps a new manager) are in order, and axe Moran. I, for one, would be sad to see him go. I believe that Moran has done an excellent job with this internationally-inexperienced squad and should be kept on as manager. Let's hope my faith is rewarded in these last qualifying matches.

[New Sideburn]

OOC: Obviously, this takes place before the Lodge match, but the switch did go through.

The phone rang on the wall.
Anna Shrike slid out of her bed and yawned, sparing a glance for Catheline Harper. However, it seemed like her roommate was sleeping through it, barring just a little tossing and muttering "sheila shut up christ 's like 3am".
Relieved, Anna picked up.
"Yeah, it's Shrike."
"Anna? It's Kirsten."
Anna blinked, and rubbed her head. Her younger sister? And she sounded nervous...
"Hey, Kirsten. How's Alhambra doing?"
"She's fine, just fine, but I'm worried you won't be. You aren't taking the field against the Lodge, right?"
Anna paused. "Uh. Yeah. Why?"
"Are you- okay, look, why? Why?"
"Because... I'm ... a footballer?"
Kirsten sighed. "Yeah, whatever. But I mean... let's look at the team."
"They've got some weird Scottish bloke who says he's lived twelve times and a Rackocockerfallopiansaurus in goal. And some other idiots. Look, I know I didn't make the first game, but I'm hardly goin' in blind."
"They're killing machines, Anna! They've got this bat thing that murders shit when someone says a paradox or something! A robot that moves faster than you can see. Multiple things with assault rifles. A ... statue... thing... that kills people. A lot of things that kill people."
"Yeah, that angel thing. Karl Finnan wants to see if he can punch it to death. So what are you proposing?"
"Well, if you can't leave..." Kirsten sighed. "Ah, hell, I don't want to have to pull this card. But I'll play in your place."
"... What?"
"Look, nobody has to know," said Kirsten quickly.
"I'm not sure that's true."
"... Well, okay, but they'll welcome my presence. This is some real blood bowl shit here, right? So you're looking for a fighter."
The idea began to appeal. Kirsten Shrike was the Crisisbless Divekick Circuit Champion as of three days ago, whereas Anna Shrike was thirty years old and had remarkably soft hands.
"Alright," she said at last. "I'll page Ramsey. But if this doesn't work-"
"Don't worry. They'll never know what'll hit 'em."

[Antoletia]

"Well that went as expected."

"Yes. Darmen and Jeru FC tying was the best possible thing we could get out of that game."

"Yes by far."

"Now we need to somehow not tie, or god forbid lose to to NexxusDrako at home."

"Yep."

"And then not lose again, or tie against Vaugania."

"And then tie Darmen on the road."

"Piece of cake."

"Right."

"Well a 0-0. 1-1. or 2-2 tie on the road would do it. We do score more goals then them so if we are equal on away goals as well as h2h we will most likely win that."

"Yeah but fat chance we somehow get 7 points from these three games."

"True."

"It will take a miracle."

"Yep."

"Well lets start making plans for the end of the year. No way this ship sails."

"Yep."

"It's impossible."

[Chiata]

In Gulf Stadium you could feel the ground tremble. It was not from any natural cause such as an earth quake, but from an artificial cause. The cause of this unnatural shaking was 60,000 fans jumping up and down. The Chiata Suns had just beaten The Sylvanaes Queendom 3-1. The playoff hopes for the Suns were still alive. The Suns had earned this win too. They had used every last inch of their talant and ability to beat the Queendom. When the game began, Chiata got off to a slow start. On the other hand, the Queendom was trying to lock up a playoff spot. In the 23' the Queendom got the better of Chiata by scoring on a controversial bang-bang play. The Queendom's midfielder passed a long ball up the field to their forward. On the stadium's big screen it looked like the forward was slightly ahead of the back-most defender. This meant the Queendom should have been flagged for offsides by the official but they were not for some unknown reason. The forward was then able to get into the box and score a goal much to the dismay of the crowd. By the end of the first half the score was 1-0 in favor of The Sylvanaes Queendom.

It was comeback time for the Suns as they charged back onto the pitch. Coach Roger Fillmont believed he had cracked the code of the Queedoms defense as he watched tape during half time. Fillmonts gamble actually paid off. Swade was able to score after Ringer-Toso drew in all the defenders to the box and swiped the ball back to Swade who made a long score. In the 70th minute Chriss was able to break up field and get past the midline leaving his covering midfielder in the dust. For a defender, no one expected Chriss to fly like he did. He got all the way to the Queedom's right corner of the pitch when one of their defenders finally kicked the ball out of bounds away from Chriss. Ringer-Toso got ready for a corner kick and licked his fingers, supposidly this was a good luck thing. R.T. booted the ball into the air and Chriss, feisty as ever, was able to head the ball into the net to make the score 2-1, Chiata. After that score, the Syvanaes Queendom had lost all of their morale. In the 84th minute, Willis put the nail in the coffin for the Queendom by scoring on a free kick. As time expired, the stadium began to shake. The fans were overjoyed that the Suns were still in the playoff hunt with their 3-1 victory against The Sylvanaes Queendom.

Despite all this joy, the fans could not ignore what the Chiata Suns would face in two match days. The Suns would have to go toe-to-toe with the number one team in the world, Polar Islandstates. Last time they played, Polar Islandstates crushed Chiata 6-0 in the biggest loss in Chiatan football history. Chiata has a very slim chance of qualifying, but a chance just the same. There would be a lot of finger licking in the next two days, much to the distress of the Sanitation Department.

[Dutzenderland]

The RP series is a Pretty Cure fanmade series named "La Forêt Pretty Cure/ラフォレプリキュア". It will take place in Dutzenderland.
La Forêt Pretty Cure: Chapter 5: Soar to the Sky! Blow the Wind of Intelligence! (/空翔ける！知性の風を吹く！Sorakakeru! Chisei no Kaze o Fuku!)
Story
It is December 30 at 8:00am, when Mika, Minami and Isami are training for the tournament which they are looking forward to. Mika shovels the road until she meets a girl with a lab coat who is doing science stuff. The girl asks for Mika's assistance, and after she accepts, the girl introduces herself as Natsuko Harukaze. She leads her to the Harukaze estate, where Mika meets with Kichiya and Akiko, Natsuko's parents. Also, after starting to count the money in the family safe, Natsuko finds a fairy named Emily who tells her that she possesses the potential of being Cure Vent. Natsuko is a scientist who has never gotten an answer wrong on a test since the first grade. Later, High-Speed Saint Panthera (高速聖パンテーラ, Kōsokusei Pantēra) targets Akiko's Heart Crystal and creates a Vitabot with a dollar bill. The cures transform, but the Vitabot uses its tentacles to wrap its victims around. Luckily, Emily gives Natsuko the Forêt Balayage and a Forêt Disquette which allows her to transform into Cure Vent.
{Eyecatch: Dodecahedron dice rolled to show the numbers 8 (Amount of money in safe in millions) and 5 (number Cure Vent is}
Natsuko uses her acrobatics to escape the attacks, then she uses the Vent Arm Disquette to summon the Vent Fan which allows her to do her Pretty Cure Vent Cyclone, thus purifying the Vitabot into a Disquette and the Heart Crystal. At the end, after the cures come to Akiko, she is counting jellybeans in a jar. Mika. Minami and Asami continuing training for the tournament with Isami.
{Preview: Together! We Fight the Enemies!/一緒に！我々は敵を戦う！/Issho ni! Wareware wa Teki o Tatakau!}
Quotes
Natsuko: One weird thing about me is that I have never gotten an answer wrong on a test since the 1st grade, where I got nothing right.

Natsuko: Mom! Where are you.... {Akiko is counting jellybeans in a jar}
Akiko: 1452, 1453, 1454! There it is.
Sypnosis
A rich scientist named Natsuko Harukaze becomes Cure Vent.
Notes

• The Disquettes purified in this episode are Combine (combines the Cure weapons into the Cure Dynamite).

Sangti 5–1 Dutzenderland
Posted at 12:00pm 2013 December 30 by Yoshio Fujiwara - We lost by a massive number, because Masao still hasn't recovered from his condition. But luckily his condition improved.
Goalscorers
31 minutes - Adrian Magcaleng (The Fair Republic)
40 minutes - Masao Hoshida (Dutzenderland, own goal)
55 minutes - Masao Hoshida (Dutzenderland, own goal)
57 minutes - Masao Hoshida (Dutzenderland, own goal)
72 minutes - Adrian Magcaleng (The Fair Republic)
73 minutes - Masao Hoshida (Dutzenderland)
Current Statistics
Average number of time of goals: 53 minutes
Average number of time of goals by other teams: 51 minutes
Most goals by person on Dutzenderland's team: Hiroto Koizumi (11)
Note: Own goals from Dutzenderland are counted as "other teams" and Own goals from the other team are counted as being in the Dutzenderland team.

[Lymantatia]

TeleSat and Stuff
The RP series "TeleSat and Stuff" is a channel surf which takes place in Monday, Dcember 16, 2013.

TV Toon (9:00am/Mysterious)
Man: Where did this noise come from?
Woman: It came from...
CLTN Jr. (9:12am/Friendship)
Puppet: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...
CLTN (9:25am/Robot Invasion)
Robot: The robots will take over the world. Beep, beep.
TeenLTN (9:30am/Top 10)
Host: I am your host, Steve Clover! You will hear the top 10 songs from this week, starting with....
Lymantatia 1–0 Crya
Posted at 12:00pm 2013 December 28 by Laurent Schwartz - We defeated Crya! Who are they? Je ne sais pas!
Goalscorers
70 minutes - Jacques Bressler (Lymantatia)

[San Jose Guayabal]

---

And we swept Taeshan.

---

San José Guayabal won against Taeshan as visitant, we swept them with 1-0 twice.

Pedro Castillo
Follow in Pajarraco as: @PedroC354
January 2nd, 2014. 8:00 P.M.

If we had the opportunity to choose how to start the year? as it relates to football, pick any team beat a good level, and what better way to do against Taeshan-ranked 25 in the world and if a visitor, it does not matter a great boost for morale national team in a match riddled with controversy where SJG took advantage by the red cards suffered by Taeshan.

Tactical strategies

San Jose Guayabal was presented with a 3-3-3-1, their typical alignment with the usual players and functions always retrieve the ball and score as a surprise. Taeshan played a very defensive team which should not be given for never beaten because of his cunning and experience of many players who have already played at least one World Cup, something to keep in mind is that Taeshan has certain shortcomings in the game creation zone.

Pre-Match

The expectations about this game were high on both teams, San Jose Guayabal wanted to charge the favor done to Taeshan when SJG equalized with ASMV by 1-1 in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, while the opponent had a thirst for revenge for the setback suffered in Melendez when "Selecta SJG" defeated 1-0, overall you could tell it was a game with some curiosity on both sides, because both wanted the win a tough game that was predicted.

In the market for sports betting, SJG was declared the loser, the most common bets were 3-0 or 7-1 against SJG.

Score Predictions

As in any game could not miss the predictions of the outcome of the match on both sides, after a couple of hours of research we provide some data.

SJG:
Win: 52% (most common results: 0-1, 1-2, 1-4)
Draw: 8% (most common results: 1-1, 0-0, 2-2)
Loss: 40% (most common results: 3-1, 1-0, 6-2)

Taeshan:
Win: 95% (most common results: 3-0, 4-0, 5-3)
Draw: 0%
Defeat: 5% (most common results: 0-1, 0-2, 3-4)

Journalists (Overall results)
In favor of SJG: 37% (most common results: 0-1, 1-3, 2-3)
Draw 13% (most common results: 0-0, 1-1, 2-2)
In favor of Taeshan (Common Results: 3-1 4-1 5-2)

Therefore he concluded that Taeshan was the clear favorite according to the grand total of two surveys.

Match Start

The moment of truth came, the game started in favor of SJG several arrivals danger to the goal of Joe Jackson, as a shot of Rodolfo Zelaya was contained by the goalkeeper after 3 minutes into the game, Taeshan not going to meet with his arms crossed as Tyler Pantoum did a bicycle kick that was stopped by Henry Hernandez almost providential way, already beginning to live good action in this match, as both teams wanted to win to do well in the remainder of the Qualifiers.

And the controversy began

Already in twelve minutes of play had given certain contacts or swept very hard on the limit of the rules between the two teams , everything began to intensify until it reached the straw that broke the camel in 18 minutes , Rodolfo Zelaya was overthrown in area by Jordan Jaffacake and the referee ruled penalty, Jaffacake criticized the decision of the referee justifying that "it was a dive " as justified "certain newspaper" of Taeshan , after that a battle erupted between the two teams where Ender Wiggin gave a brutal the referee punch and was subsequently expelled from the field and obtained a suspension of 10 games that was "less than he should get" and Jordan Jaffacake was also expelled (for the first time in his career) and the next game will be lost of "The Knights " because of accumulation of yellow cards

The anger dwindled after a couple of minutes, Jairo Araujo is taking care of the ball and make the penalty, took the momentum and scored 0-1 in favor of San Jose Guayabal kicked a penalty to the upper right corner, leaving defeated Joe Jackson.

The end of the first part

After the shot, he could see Taeshan in a more defensive position than the first, because he was left with nine players after they were expelled two San Jose Guayabal used the time to have the ball in their favor and try some powerful shot, either Rudy Valencia, or William Maldonado who came together very well causing problems for the defense of Taeshan.

Despite being at a disadvantage, Taeshan continued testing through kickbacks or trick plays that did not reach its end, the game ended in the first half with a score of 0-1, favoring SJG not before a booing from the Tae's fans.

The Tae's suffering moment.

Actions already in the second half, San Jose Guayabal decided to use a variant of the numerical advantage and disadvantage of Taeshan's team , using 4 front and 4 midfielders and only three defenses, thereby San Jose Guayabal began to create more chances opponent's goal Joe Jackson, as Sean Fraser volley that crashed off the crossbar in the 58th minute, a free kick from Rodolfo Zelaya that crashed into the left post 70 minutes and several attempts by Jonathan Faña after a corner where Lydie and Peter Fasnacht, donned costume heroes to avoid a catastrophe and a high scoring goals against to Taeshan.

The match ended with the score 0-1 in favor of San Jose Guayabal and a massive boo from fans of Taeshan against his team, something that leaves San Jose Guayabal with a good new year gift.

In the next match

San Jose Guayabal faces Mollary national soccer team, as local in what is expected to be a game where we have tilted the balance in our favor and take advantage of that to try to climb to third place in the group, or who knows paving the way to the second, looks hard, very hard but not impossible.

Emanuel believes Inzer use the same team that defeated Taeshan and use as typical 3-3-3-1, to avail very well the size of the field of Juan Francisco Barraza in the city of San Miguel , also maybe the weather and the prevailing atmosphere after the eruption of Chaparrastique Volcano that has left a very warm climate despite being winter.

Predictions

At least everyone relatively easy to predict SJG game, but that should not cause confidence in the squad, we go out to win.

Juan Perez: It will be easy game, three points in the bag, we won 2-0.

Luis Ramirez: Hard and fought, but I have my doubts: we drew 0-0.

Pedro Zapata: Ugh, uncertain due to limited data of the rival clear but perhaps easily won with 3-0 for SJG.

[Jedi8246]

STAGE 5
The burning flames all around him as he was transported into a deeper realm of Hell should have burned him. But he was the Ghost Rider and composed of pure hellfire anyway. Physical pain was no longer a reality to him. Even massive concussive force didn't really hurt. It simply knocked him out of a conscious state. And allowed Zarathos to take over his body. Johnny never realized all of this power as hiding deep inside him. But he and Zarathos both realizing their purpose had allowed them to discover much. That perhaps he was one of the most unstoppable force's in the universe.

The fire faded and the Ghost Rider was left on a black stoney surface. Red light was casted up the rocky slope. It flickered as the Rider screams of pain and of... rage. Black skies were all around him as he looked up. The only way forward was down the stony slope. With no other choice, the Rider proceeded down the cliff. His black boots thudded against the rock as his chain clinked on his chest.

After some time, he began to reach the bottom of the slope and saw a massive sight before him. The black stone came to a shoreline. This was no normal shore however. It was the banks of a massive river. A river composed of pure flame. Ghost Rider knew where the light was coming from now. The fires crackled and spat. The realm exhumed enormous heat and pain. On the surface of the river were human souls. Each had an extreme look of anger and rage on their face. They fought with other souls constantly killing each other. As they were already dead, they simply came back and repeated the process. An eternity of death and anger.

Ghost Rider proceeded down towards the shoreline looking across it. It seemed the only way forward was across. He thought he could probably just walk across the fire as the souls did. The Rider stepped forward and at once began to fall into the depths of the fire. He caught himself at the last moment and pulled himself back onto land. He got back to his feet as he heard a animalistic laughing. A wooden boat came up the shoreline being rowed by a humanoid goat. The goat laughed and brayed at his plight.


"BAHAHAA!! Silly Rider!"

Ghost Rider regarded the goat. It's face began to warp slightly to more closely resemble a demon. It's eyes glowed the same evil read as many other demons. It's horns became even more curved and turned coal black. Before it could continue laughing, the Rider whipped his chain at it's throat and pulled it onto the shoreline. He hauled it to his feet and looked into its face.

"Give me a reason not to end your miserable #%$$^&* existence."

The goat demon's smile faded quickly as it brayed in pain. It squirmed trying to get free but the Rider simply tightened his grip. It wasn't going to get away unless the Rider permitted it. It coughed slightly before speaking.

"I'll... take you across. If you can pass the trial."

"What trial?"

"The Trial of Wrath. Those who can confront their rage can pass the River of Flame."

"I don't have time for your #%$$^&* games. Take me NOW!"

"I can't. The boat will not move unless you pass the trial."

Ghost Rider contemplated the demon's words. It was possible that it was lying. But he didn't see much else choice but to cooperate. Trying to swim across the flame would take far more time than he wanted. If he could even keep track of where he was. The Rider dropped the demon to the ground.

"Start the damn trial."

The demon nodded eagerly and stepped backwards. It stamped it's hooves twice and muttered something in a demonic tongue. It then stood still waiting. Nothing happened for a few moments so the Rider began to speak when he felt a presence behind him. The Rider turned to see Zadkiel. The fallen angel towered over him, his black wings spread out. Zadkiel snickered and spoke to him.

"Little Johnny Blaze. It's been awhile."

Ghost Rider felt the anger welling within him. The angel who had manipulated his entire life and then betrayed him. The power crazy freak had tried to take all of the Rider's powers and take over Heaven. As he felt the rage swell within him, he felt a pain in his legs. Black fire crawled over him. It was magical in nature as it seemed to burn his very essence. Zadkiel laughed as he saw the fire.

"Allow your rage to consume you Rider. To eat your presence and trap you here forever."

Ghost Rider began to realize the nature of the trial. He had to control his rage and anger or he would be trapped forever. The Rider began to calm himself by thinking of his wife and child in Heaven. It was then he felt another presence. The Rider turned to his right to see Mephisto holding Roxanne in chains. The Hell Lord laughed and stabbed Roxanne in her stomach with a long nail.

"Your slut wife will suffer forever Johnny. She sold herself to save you. And now I will have her raped by every demon in Hell for all of time. You've failed Blaze."

Any calm Johnny had built was destroyed. Anger rushed through him and the black fire crawled up his body. He was being destroyed by his anger but couldn't keep it down. Mephisto had ripped the clothes from his ex-wife's body and began to rape her himself. Zadkiel laughed at Johnny's plight.

"All your life you've been manipulated by us. Me, God, Mephisto. You are nothing but a pawn to be played with. You will never know peace."

Ghost Rider grabbed his head as he felt nothing but pure anger. The black fire now covered his entire body. Rage and anger were about to destroy him. But it was not due to lies. Zadkiel spoke the truth. His entire life had been a big game for the forces of Heaven and Hell. Johnny Blaze was nothing but a human slave to the forces beyond him. He had been @%&$ed over his entire life.

And then a thought came to his head. It seemed to come out of nowhere. A girl he had saved once. Someone who had been attacked by a demon. The Rider had destroyed the demon and saved her life. She had been an innocent soul, bound for college. And another thought came of a man he saved. A scientist researching cures for diseases like AIDS and cancer.

Johnny remembered all the people he had saved. All the innocents who had been protected by him. The black flame began to crawl down from his head. Zadkiel seemed perturbed. Mephisto continued to rape Roxanne while whipping her with a barbed whip. The fallen angel taunted him again.

"Yoga will not save you from the truth Blaze. You puppet! You insignificant ant!! I laughed as you struggled for all those years with every man you killed. All the blood you've shed. All the-"

"Shut up! Your right! Everything you've said is true! Maybe I've been one big puppet show. But you know what? @%&$ it! I may be a tool. But I've saved countless lives. Innocent souls kept safe because of me. I stopped you from ruling the Heavens. I've stopped the Hell Lords from bringing Hell on earth. I may be a killer. But I bring penance to the wicked. I keep the innocent souls safe and take vengeance to those who have harmed the innocents. And I will drag Lucifer back to Hell! So you two can go @%&$ yourselves! No more pain and anger."

"No Blaze! You-"

Zadkiel's words began to fade away. The black fire had faded from the Rider's body. The visages of Zadkiel and Mephisto faded into nothingness. Ghost Rider had conquered the rage in his soul. He turned to the goat demon who seemed rather disappointed that he had passed the trial. The goat sighed and motioned for him to come onto the boat. The Rider followed him onto the craft as the demon began to row across the fiery depths.

As they crossed, the Rider could multitudes of souls trapped in their eternal anger. They tried to release their rage onto other souls but nothing could end the rage. The sin of wrath had damned the souls here forever more. They were beyond salvation. He was so occupied in thought that he didn't even notice the boat hit the shores of the other side. The goat demon stood in silence waiting for the Rider to disembark. Ghost Rider exited the vessel and began to walk away. The demon let loose a sigh of relieg when he was blasted with hellfire. The demon was hurled off the boat and fell into the river of flame. He screamed as the souls began to attack him letting their rage pull him beneath the depths of the river.

Ghost Rider moved forwards to see a metal circular staircase. Not unlike the ones seen in medieval castle. It led downwards into the stone itself. As it seemed the only path onwards, the Rider began his descent down the stairs.

STAGE 6
The descent into the next chamber was relatively short compared to many of the other transitions. Ghost Rider knew he had entered a new layer of Hell but it wasn't very far removed. The stairs emerged into what seemed like a fairly normal crypt. Save that it stretched far into the distance and the sides of it were lined with tombs all set aflame. Unlike the other layers, the name of this realm was not left to metaphorical reasoning. A large sign bore the name "Tomb of the Heresies" and hung from the ceiling.

Ghost Rider walked down the crypt looking at various tombs. They bore the names of heresies who had spoke false words against the church. The Rider found it rather odd that this layer existed. Demons were not known for caring about those who spoke false dichotomy. It was extremely odd.

It seemed as though he walked for an eternity when he finally reached the other end of the crypt. Blocking a stone staircase that headed downwards were two larger tombs. They were on fire as the other ones but their lids had latches. The Rider walked up and gave both the latches a pull. The lids slid off both coffins revealing two souls. They were on fire and clearly in pain. But they looked upon the Rider with a degree of curiosity.

"It has been a long time since one has come our way. And a Ghost Rider?"

"Indeed brother. A Ghost Rider."

"Who the @%&$ are you?"

"We are brothers and heresies against the Church of God. Apparently our beliefs were false."

"And now we are damned to burn here forever. As will you be if you should fail the Trail of Truth."

"One of us speaks truth and other lies. Ask us one question and then pick which of us to go by. If you pick correctly you shall pass. Choose wrongly.."

"And you shall be damned here alongside us."

Ghost Rider was annoyed. This was a stupid riddle. He didn't have the time for this bulls&^%. He began to gather up a large blast of hellfire. When it reached a pretty high level of power, he spoke.

"I have a better idea."

Ghost Rider let loose the hellfire. It roared with amazing power and obliterated the tombs into nothingness. Ash stood where they once where. In the left side was a hole of some type. Apparently where he would have been trapped. The Rider walked on the right side of the path and began to proceed down the stairs. He was reaching the bottom levels of this Hell. His bike was getting ever closer and his path of escape.

[Kinitaria]

"Topol along the back to Mircič - oh, he's lost out here to Ljubijankic, takes it around Kozak and slots into an empty net, Sjovenia have a 1-0 lead and it's a humiliation for the Kinitar defense, especially Kovra Mircič, who must take the blame for that goal."

"Stevanovic can swing this one in, headed out only as far as Kurtić, he'll put in another one - and the head of Kovra Mircič has steered it past his own goalkeeper! Kinitaria are imploding before our very eyes here, and possibly taking their hopes of World Cup qualification along with them. We've played 34 minutes here at the Central Stadium, and it's Kinitaria nil, unranked Sjovenia two."

The looks on the Kinitar players' faces spoke a thousand words as they traipsed off the field at half-time, looking every inch like condemned men walking to their gallows. The Sjovenians, on the other hand, were delighted. How could they not be? They'd been gifted two goals and now held an unprecedented lead - one which threatened to keep Kinitaria out of the World Cup finals. The fans, of course, would express their dissatisfaction in their own special way. Flares had been thrown onto the field from all sides following the second goal, and a few coins were also being hurled now as the home support jeered their team off the field.

For Kovra Mircič, the day had gradually turned into a living nightmare. He'd given the ball away cheaply for the first goal, and then suffered the ultimate ignominy of scoring an own goal against his own country. For all that it might be a cliché, he really had wanted the ground to open up and swallow him right there and then. Some of the fans wanted that too, it seemed, judging by some of the choice remarks that were aimed his way during the latter stages of the first half. Instead, all he could do was make his way off the pitch to face his judgement.

And judgement is exactly what they got.

"That was a f*cking disgrace!" Serinev, of course. "You're playing a team who haven't got a f*cking win to their names in all of recorded history and you're letting them take the piss! Here's our biggest chance in years and you're throwing it away! Every single one of you needs to pull your f*cking fingers out and get your ideas sorted, because that was unacceptable. Those fans out there, they're angry, and they deserve to be angry, because they'll never have seen a worse half out of a Kinitar team than that one."

...well, it sounds much more poetic in the original Kinitar. Some people criticise such "management by hand-grenade", but Serinev was spot-on with his assessment and the team knew that they had vastly underperformed.

"Yes, thank you, Milo," interrupted Melody Pond. She was clearly just as vexed by the performance she'd just seen, it's just that she was less prone to bouts of yelling than her assistant. "But really, what is this all about? After working so hard to get where we are in the group, you're letting a bunch of unranked amateurs turn you over. If that's what a cycle of effort and dedication leads to, you can forget all about the World Cup. And Kovra, you're coming off. Ciprian, go outside and warm up."

That's all that was said to him. That's all that needed to be said. There was no hairdryer treatment, just an acknowledgement of the fact that he'd failed his country and so was being hauled off at half-time. He didn't need anything pointing out to him, after all. He knew exactly where he'd gone wrong. He also had the suspicion that, if his mistakes led directly to his country's elimination from the World Cup, he'd be made a scapegoat by the media and the fans. His legacy would be one of having eliminated his own nation.

There were more jeers as the players returned to the field for the start of the second half. The situation, they were very much aware, could turn very ugly if they didn't turn this game around. Kinitar fans were very much used to the experience of missing out on a World Cup, just not in such a humiliating fashion. Such passionate and often violent fans (as the Mytanar police would attest) can be very unpredictable when things don't go their way, and their wrath was not something keenly felt by the players. But their frustration grew as Kinitaria futilely played out the opening ten minutes of the second period without creating so much as half a chance.

Sometimes, in football, you need a bit of luck to go your way. It's often said that, when you're at the top, you get these lucky breaks. Kinitaria might well have been top of Group 12, but they had been second best all game. The Sjovenia defenders were calm, complacent, in control as they knocked the ball around the back to cheers from those of their fans that had made the journey. Kinitaria couldn't get near them, and the home crowd were airing their displeasure once again. Ilic tapped the ball back to Handanovič in goal, who could claim it easily. Just as he was about to kick it, the ball hit a bobble in the six-yard box and bounced over the goalkeeper's foot, and in for a comedy own goal.

Navra Kulisev looked too sheepish to celebrate as he grabbed the ball from the net and raced back to the centre circle with it. They count, no matter how they're scored, and the Kinitars would take a goal any way they could get it. The goal had shaken the Sjovenians. Previously so confident and unflappable as they humiliated Kinitaria in their own backyard, now they completely fell apart. Although still in the lead, they were now playing as befits an unranked nation. The game was played solely in the Sjovenian half.

Putting such pressure on a crumbling defence is guaranteed to produce dividends, which were paid out halfway through the second half, as Navra Kulisev's low shot evaded everyone and buried itself in the bottom corner of the goal. 2-2, and now it was the Sjovenians who looked like condemned men. From then on, it was a question of when, not if, and the question would be answered just five minutes later when Himo Kazran scrambled home his first goal for Kinitaria after Beskid's effort wasn't dealt with by the defence.

That certainly changed the mood inside the stadium. It might not have been as emphatic as everyone would have liked, but it was a win. Kinitaria could easily have doubled their tally inside the last fifteen minutes, which would have put rather a flattering gloss on the scoreline, but they could actually enjoy the final stretch of the game for once. The Sjovenians, who were looking dead on their feet, could barely muster up the energy to get out of their own half, let alone snatch a dramatic late equaliser. The relentless Kinitar pressure continued until the final whistle, albeit with no further goals, which would have been hard on the visitors.

"See that, they're happy again," Vacarestič announced to Kulisev, gesturing at the fans, who were now saluting a fine comeback win from their position in the stands. "Makes you wonder what they'll be like once we get to the World Cup."

Optimistic as the veteran's words may have been, Kinitaria could still dream thanks to that late rally. The players, too, could leave the field a lot happier than they had been at half-time. There was even a hint of a smile on Serinev's face. And why not? Taking the second half in isolation, Kinitaria had dominated the minnows, scoring three goals and creating a hatful of chances. It might have been against the joint-worst team in the world, but there's no telling what a comeback like that can do for morale. It was all smiles as the Kinitars returned to the dressing room, some clad in white and green shirts, traded for with the Sjovenians as a memento of that day.

"I'd say I helped us get back into that," chirped Jaren Kozak, the goalkeeper who had barely had a save to make all day.

"What makes you say that?" inquired Mulkanov.

"Start of every game, I make a divot in the middle of the six-yard box with my boots, right?" explained the keeper. "Helps me get my positioning right. The ball's hit that, that's why their goalie missed it." There was laughter amongst those in the squad who had overheard. David Topol slapped Kozak on the back, commenting on his tactical awareness.

Melody tried to grab the attention of the room. "Right, well done. It's never easy to come back from 2-0 down, but you've done that, you've kept us on top of the group, and it's the three points that's important, doesn't matter how we got them. Fantastic improvement in the second half, we all know that's how you can play, and you have to make sure to play the same way in our last three games, and we'll have a fantastic chance of getting to the World Cup."

This provoked a cheer from the players, but there was one person not taken in by the happy feeling. Of course, he was glad, even relieved, that Kinitaria had won, because that had dug him out of a simply massive hole. At the same time, Kovra Mircič knew that his national career hung in the balance. Everything was all doom and gloom 45 minutes ago, and that was entirely his fault. He wouldn't be the man who had sent his country out of the World Cup, just... almost. The repercussions for that can be just as unpleasant.

[Sangti]

OOC: This is from a different POV.

Flashback

Upon knowing that he would be tasked to kill Supremo Mazda Senina, Joel Manzano gave Antonio Arias several suggestions on how to do it. However, Antonio himself had already made a plan for Joel to execute. He received Antonio's blueprint of the plan. But he wondered.

"Sir, with all due respect to me, what will happen to me after we execute the plan?" He asked.

He answered, "Don't you worry about that, Mr. Manzano, I will give you a government position once you execute your duty, understand? Now you have to act now, or else we would not have any more time or even an opportunity in the future to do it."

"OK sir."

Escorted in a black car, he, along with some insiders in the Palacio de Sangtiano's security force, entered the palace, and to the surprise of everyone, he showed himself to the public, alive and kicking. Mazda asked him, "Where have you been all along?"

He simply answered, "Someone's gonna kill me, so I hid somewhere."

"OK, I'll give you a week's rest until you resume your duty in the Security Force." The Supremo said.

Supremo Mazda Senina's mistake would cost him his life two weeks later, in a bloody incident at Estadio Olimpico.

[Alexanderburn]

The markets continues to plummet in the nation, and in fact, the government is torn between investing more money in a stimulus package and cutting spending. It all depends on what Parliament votes for in these next few sessions and who will rule Alexanderburn..

Baychester Telegraph | Op-ed

HM King Alexander Maximilian I admitted to study at University College, Baychester

While the national team is off suffering from numerous defeats despite a recent single win, and the economy continues to spiral downwards out of control, His Majesty is popping champagne bottles as a result of his early acceptance to the prestigious University of Baychester.

The University, which has an acceptance rate hovering around 25.3%, is the highest-ranked Alexanderburnese tertiary institution of learning and is one of three universities within the nation's borders that is a part of the elite Hammers group.

"I would like to thank so many of my family members and friends for the opportunity that has been provided to me and I will be happy to study in the nation's capital in the fall next year ... God bless this nation and God bless all," stated His Majesty in a conference last month. In most cases, university applications are only due after the 3rd half term ends in February, with interviews being conducted in April and final decisions being made by 15 May. Students have until the end of their PSE year to declare intricate details such as their field of concentration, pay a deposit, and withdraw their other offers. However, continuing in the royal tradition of attending the most prestigious college at the most elite university in the country, His Majesty has been admitted early after passing the 'royal' rounds of application, interview, and offer.

[Equestrian States]

♫ This is your singing cutoff post... ♫

Results

[United Gordonopia]

AllSport Press Release

It's been a long, hard road, but AllSport is thrilled to announce that we have finalized negotiations with TVR, the CAF, and Blumenthal Ventures to create the Gordonopian National League, a women's professional football league.

This is a landmark announcement for our organization, as it marks the first time a football league for women will have a major national television contract, thanks to our partnership with TVR. TVR will broadcast four live games every week on terrestrial stations, with a season-only format similar to other leagues around the world.

The GNL will begin with eight clubs, which will be announced in the near future, and will follow a fourteen game schedule for its inaugural season. This will provide a short, action-packed debut where we can trial the format or the league, and establish the market for future expansion and partnerships with other women's leagues for possible promotion and relegation. It will also prove the viability and quality of the league, with the goal of attaining GFF recognition as well as UICA qualification spots. The season will run parallel to collegiate women's football, allowing the league to avoid conflicting with the existing GPL schedule.

Because we want to provide the opportunity for top competition for all women, we are announcing that the first season will be preceded by a draft in which any female athlete who has graduated in the past five years from a CAF-affiliated school will be eligible to enter. Women who do not enter this one-time rights draft, or who graduated more then five years ago, will be permitted to put their rights up on the free market. Clubs may also acquire contracts from existing women's clubs, but for the first four seasons may sign no more than four international players.

The league governing body itself is a private organization, funded in partnership with TVR, Blumenthal, and several major AllSport Donors. It will consist of a board composed of two representatives currently from AllSport, Don Hersch and Aria Fowler, the Director of Broadcasting for TVR, Walter Demner, Olympic legend Jo Holtzer, CAF Director Barbara Fulton, and the chairman and commissioner, Robert Blumenthal, who has prior experience leading the New Gordonopia Football League. The managers of clubs who currently play or have played in the past three years for the league will form a separate Club Committee which will share in executive responsibility.

We are absolutely thrilled that one of our organization's biggest goals has now come to fruition. It will be exciting to watch as the women of Gordonopia prove they have just as much, if not more, to bring to the pitch as the men.

[West Angola]

John was still floating, for how long, he couldn't say. Time seemed to have no meaning as he weighed the choice General Manning had offered him: rejoin the football team and help them recover, or return to captivity and face a treason charge. Manning had made it very obvious that he wanted Blevit back in Namibe, and had even hinted that he could somehow make any treason charges vanish if he chose to return to the team. That said, however, Blevit simply wasn't sure it was worth it. While it was true that he had been reconsidering the wisdom of his decision to join the Revolution just prior to his capture, events since then had dramatically affected his way of thinking. The West Angolan Army had entrapped him by projecting an image of his friend, Luke Parrish, and had taken advantage of his concern for his friend to capture him. Then, after bundling him south under heavy guard, two Security men had screamed at him about the punishment that awaited him, and one had even been on the verge of striking him when he assumed Manning had called them off. Now, floating in nothingness, Blevit found a new resolve to continue the fight, and the charges be damned.

Steeling his nerves, he turned again to Manning and walked away from his reprieve, "I can't do it, General, or whoever you are. Your offer is certainly enticing, but I've found something since your men took me back in Cabinda. I've found my courage, and my resolve to continue struggling against people like you. Decent people don't entrap others with their friends, and I wouldn't want to live in a country that celebrates such people." Drawing himself up as best he could while weightless, Blevit looked Manning in the eye with what he hoped was a confident glare, "Send me back to the cell, I'll take whatever punishment you give me. It will be an honor to suffer for my homeland." As he finished speaking, Blevit saw Manning's face contract in surprise, and he felt a minor thrill at outmaneuvering this seemingly powerful being. That thrill, however, was soon replaced by trepidation, and he wondered just what Manning would do to him now that he had been refused. With the power to yank me out of space and time, disintegrating me would probably be the merciful option...

To his great surprise, Manning broke out into another laugh. Each time before, that laugh had been insanely annoying, but now it was comforting, signifying a lack of anger and possibly even a release. Manning finally wound down after a few seconds, and fixed Blevit with an appraising look, "When did you become such a patriot, Johnny? Here I am, offering you a chance to walk away from the biggest mistake of your life, and you give me a speech that sounds like it came out of a recruitment commercial!" Manning wiped a tear of mirth from his eye, "You know what? I'm going to let you go back to your band of rebels."

Blevit was stunned, "What? Why?"

"Because you amuse me. You humans and your little squabbles that you get so worked up about gives me something to laugh at when things get slow. Go now, and fight the good fight." Manning waved a dismissing hand as he resumed chuckling, presumably at Blevit.

Blevit was about to protest that he had no idea how to leave or how to get back and ask what Manning was if not human when he felt a sharp tug in his gut. With a yell, his body was yanked away from Manning and hurled back into space and time. Blevit briefly saw a series of images flash before his eyes, sights of other dimensions, other universes, and he knew even as he saw them that he would never be able to describe the wonders present in some of the vignettes. With a flash, all the sights vanished, and Blevit found himself back in the foxhole, watching the image of Luke Parrish vanish, revealed as the illusion it was. He heard Manning's disembodied voice in his ear, "This is the battle, a few seconds after you were captured. Obviously, you have not, so look sharp, because your former countrymen are coming. I must admit, John, your tenacity surprised me, enough that I might decide to help you. Then again, however, I might not"

The voice dropped away, and Blevit raised his weapon as West Angolan soldiers burst from the fog and rebels up and down the line opened fire into the jungle...

---

NAMIBE CHRONICLE

CABINDA HALTS OFFENSIVE, QUEEN AGREES TO MEET FOR TALKS

In a stunning victory last night, the details of which are not yet clear, Cabindan rebels on the border of the secessionist northern province halted and reversed a major West Angolan offensive into the region. At this time, military officials are refusing to state why the attack failed, and the denial of media access to the Army means that no independent sources are available to provide evidence. A series of grainy photos were released from Cabinda, however, showing West Angolan soldiers fleeing before massive walls of fire that appear to have come out of nowhere, and of lightning strikes obliterating West Angolan tanks out of a cloudless sky. Such events were not denied by the military, whose official response stated that they "cannot comment on what remains an official military action at this time."

However, despite the military's confidence that they can continue to hammer the rebels, Queen Anna announced today that she had agreed to meet with Cabindan officials to discuss possible terms for a peace treaty. The announcement was met with mixed responses in the capital, as some citizens decried the Queen's "weakness" while others applauded her "wisdom." The cause of Cabindan independence was almost a non-issue until eight years ago, but the brazen assassination of King Sien III by a cabal of pro-Cabindan terrorists and their subsequent execution thrust the issue into the national limelight. Tensions finally boiled over just prior to the start of World Cup qualifying, and neither the conflict nor qualifying has gone well for the government in Namibe. Now, it seems that the war and qualifying will end together much as they began, with dark clouds on the horizons for West Angola, but hopefully the end of an awful dual nightmare.