World Cup 68 RP Thread

[Glaser]

What hasn't been said on Bronde'e Mur? Dozens of Glaserian reporters and writers from all over the world have analyzed this player's every move, have brought up stats from every match he played and talked about every aspect of his life. Frankly, it is quite hard to bring up new writing material on this guy. Then we at Channel 2 thought about a new idea- let's write about imaginary things.

"The Butterfly Effect" is a phrase taken from the science meaning that a butterfly's wing beat in one end of the planet can cause a hurricane in the other end. And of course who wouldn't remember the hit Glaserian movie titled with the same phrase featuring M'f'grad Fesill which talked about what if things were different in the past and how could it change today. Let's find out.

At the age of seventeen Mur was granted the chance of his lifetime when he substituted past Red Dragon player Merik Las'dib when he got injured in a friendly against a now disbanded country called Maxtopia- he took that chance with two hands (or feet) and scored the winning goal against them to impress the manager who signed him at the very second. At that time Mur was known to have a zit problem:

At the same morning of the crucial match, Bronde'e woke up to find a giant pimple on his forehead. He quickly dabbed a bit of the "Zit Annihilater" on his forehead and went on to get ready and drive to the stadium. Unfortunately to him he maybe put a little too much of the lotion on his head and to his dismay when he arrived to the stadium his whole head was yellow and swollen. He quickly drove to the hospital nearby to get a treatment and let the pain pass. However his teammates pain didn't pass when they suffered a defeat to the hand of the Maxtopians.

After some troublesome teen years full of failures and zits, Mur left Glaser to overcome his lacking self confidence and broken dreams and was signed in an average Patistani club. He was taken in custody by Zia Haq who secretly fell in love with him because of his shy and quiet personality. But to have a troublesome player such as Zia your mentor is quite bad.


Bronde'e Mur the alcoholic

Haq ripped nets with him but in the evenings took him to bars and clubs to drink and hit on women. Then Mur developed a drinking problem that the now national team manager Khalid didn't really like so well. He kicked them both out of the team declaring: "I will not have two punks in my squad!". Then Haq and Mur went separate ways and Mur signed in a big club in the Patistani league that agreed to take him after all the problems he made to the former club.

But the Drinker (a nickname given to him by the Glaserian press) didn't survive long at that club's ranks because of a affair scandal involving his wife, her brother, his father and his neighbor's dog and returned to Glaser frustrated at himself and broke.

Luckily for us, that story didn't happen, and Bronde'e Mur will step up tomorrow to play a hard match in Legalese. Who will win? Glory to Glaser!

[Osarius]

OSN | Oracle
Analysing the Firebirds' Chances in Legalese, part II

Predictably, the Firebirds won their opening game -- though not as convincingly as the stats suggested they might -- and put themselves firmly in control of Group A heading into the second matchday.

Our simulations last edition suggested Osarius should be heavily favoured to top Group A, and our re-runs [using adjusted values harvested from matchday one result data - Ed.] have not changed that prediction. We calculated that there is just an 8% chance of Osarius not progressing from the group stage.

Our second batch of computations gave the following probabilities for remaining match results in Group A:

                                     1W    D   2W 
Osarius  vs German American States   52%  26%  22%
Legalese vs Buyan                    45%  34%  21%
Osarius  vs Legalese                 42%  32%  26%
Buyan    vs German American States   23%  30%  47%

Running through all possible combinations of results, and calculating team points accordingly, and assuming Osarius would win any tie-breakers for simplicity's sake, we came to an overall chance of 66% for Jermain Lewis' team to win the group. There was also a 26% chance they will finish second. These numbers combine to equal a 92% chance of qualification out of the group stage for Osarius.

Unfortunately for German American States and Buyan, our computers suggest that the overall probability of an Osarius-Legalese top two (in any order) is 83%. There is still a reasonable chance for either to oust one (or both) of the two higher ranked sides, though.

German American States have approximately a 25% chance of finishing in the top two. Should they score an upset win over Osarius (22% chance), that rises to a 64% chance. Incentive, if we've ever seen it.

Buyan have a much tougher time of things, having already fallen victim to the Firebirds' impressive firepower. Though a win over Legalese would boost their chances of progression from it's current level of 18% up to 46%.

How would those results affect Legalese's chances of progression in front of a home crowd, though? Well... if German American States beat Osarius AND Legalese suffer an upset defeat to Buyan...the co-hosts' chances of progression plummet to just 3%. A far cry from their currently projected 91%.

Second Round

So, assuming that Osarius progress as projected, who will Jermain Lewis and Elissa Barca-Carthy need to prepare tactics for? Who will Sergio Estevez come up against in the ever-important midfield battle? Who will be tasked with marking Ezio Grassi out of the game?

In the bracket, the winners and runners up of Groups A and B will face their opposites. So should the two-thirds chance of Osarius' Group A victory come to fruition, they would face the runners up of Group B.

Who will that be?

We ran some numbers for Group B, too. Much like Osarius' Group A, the results were somewhat predictable.

                                             1W    D   2W 
Super-Llamaland vs Northern Sunrise Islands  22%  34%  46%
The Holy Empire vs Audioslavia               30%  36%  34%
Super-Llamaland vs Audioslavia               20%  32%  48%
The Holy Empire vs Northern Sunrise Islands  39%  33%  28%

Based on these numbers, Osarius can expect a showdown with either Audioslavia or The Holy Empire in the second round. The two World Cup stalwart nations possess a 95% and 89% chance of progression respectively.

There is, however, a greater chance of a surprise in Group B. Northern Sunrise Islands have almost a one in three chance of upsetting the odds -- perhaps due to the Osarians they've naturalised [not really, Granada isn't in the squad, and Travis is technically Aquilliana - Ed.] -- and qualifying in the top two of Group B.

Considering how closely played the match between Audioslavia and Northern Sunrise Islands was [though, as we know only too well, only the result really matters - Ed.] it's not a stretch to suggest they could emerge from the clash with The Holy Empire with at least a point. Using our normal system (in which a draw counts as a half win) they have approximately a 40% win probability. Should Audioslavia beat The Holy Empire, and NSI pull out a convincing win against Super-Llamaland... a draw might be enough in that final game.

Our calculations suggest that if The Holy Empire fails to beat Audioslavia in their next game, the chances of the Northern Sunrise Islands progressing rocket up to 71%. Food for thought, perhaps.

Let's assume, however, that The Holy Empire progress behind Audioslavia in second place. How would Osarius fare against the stronger of the Dreamed Realm sides?

Let's consult the simulator.

  OracleSIM1000 Results                                                
	Osarius v The Holy Empire, Summer 2212 build.
	Match location: Neutral
	
	        Osarius Wins   318	         Osarius win probability: 49%
	The Holy Empire Wins   342	 The Holy Empire win probability: 51%
	               Draws   340

Yikes! It's a close one. Even the simulator could barely separate the two teams.

What if the Vaporeons spring an upset, and we face them instead?

  OracleSIM1000 Results                                                
	Osarius v Northern Sunrise Islands, Summer 2212 build.
	Match location: Neutral
	
	        Osarius Wins   453	         Osarius win probability: 63%
	  N. S. Islands Wins   201	   N. S. Islands win probability: 37%
	               Draws   346

A very different story. Osarius would in fact, be heavy favourites. Some in the team here have suggested that these numbers seem too heavily biased in our favour [Yes, Jerry again - Ed.] so we've also analysed the goal ratio.

Across the 1000 instances, the Firebirds' slightly more offensive style of play yielded a whopping 429 more goals than the Vaporeons', prompting several recalibrations of the algorithms, but we could find no clear error in the mathematical workings.

We didn't run a simulation against Audioslavia, despite our neighbours in the Glorious North East being a reasonably probable matchup in the second round, though after the next round of matches, it may be a more pressing analysis task.

[Mytannion]

The police hadn't left me alone ever since the CD had been ejected. Funny, when they had thought that there had been a bomb in the back of my car they had quickly scarpered from the situation. They had talked of how useful I could be and how I could provide unprecedented access if this was what the man or woman who was behind all this intended to do with me, if he or she intended to use me as his mouthpiece. I could also be used as a potential link between the person and the police, to help them find out what exactly was going on. At first, I was indignant, I couldn't think of anything worse! They had been quick enough to get out when I had needed them to find a way to rescue me, they had been quick enough to forget their public duty to protect the population then - why should I look to help them? Then I thought about it some more and thought about the possibilities. I could further my career in the way that very few journalists involved with crime ever had before, I could actually speak to the criminal, I could actually get inside his mind and get into what was driving him.

So far, there had been three warnings. The assassination of a prominent politician being the one that started it all and the one that caused the most terror for the population at-large, if politicians with the best security imaginable could be murdered, what did that mean for everyone else? Many reacted drastically and unnecessarily, there was no need to be so scared, he had already stated that he was looking at some major issues and nothing else. If you happened to be involved in those specific issues then maybe you should be worried, until we knew what they were, people would be. The murder of Nadia Fronkova wasn't met with the same reaction, after all, who is bothered about a prostitute? But that was certainly food for thought, who is bothered about a prostitute? Maybe the person behind it all was trying to highlight that exact issue? It was definitely something to look into.

Then there was me. Senad Pavic, a fairly successful investigative journalist specialising in stories about bad business deals. What did I bring to the table? Well, it was unlikely that someone was annoyed at the politicians and someone who opposed underhand business dealings at the same time, the current government did all it could to encourage good business and promoted ethical business relentlessly. And that still begged the question of where does a prostitute come into it all? It was all very unclear and I didn't exactly know where to go with it next.

Driving to work was the usual chore, but the day started a little differently. As I walked into the office, my editor came and took me aside instantly. She had been waiting for me and she wanted to talk.

"Senad, how are you?" She asked.

"Brilliant. I love a good bomb scare, it's how I get my kicks. Did you not know?" I responded sarcastically. She knew full well my mood was not geared towards conversations about the 'bomb'.

"No need to be like that." She said, sighing. "Are you okay to go back to work?" She was asking the question, but I distinctly felt as if she wanted something else. As if something was bugging her, getting on her nerves, but at the same time, as if she was wondering whether or not it was okay to say it.

"What do you want, Eva?"

"Senad, I'll be frank. The media has been buzzing over the scare for the past couple of days and there are so many people that want to talk to you it is unbelievable. Can you guarantee me that you will show loyalty and give us the exclusive on the story?" She asked, her face stern. I couldn't really believe what I was hearing. I could have been blown up, into pieces and all she was wondering about was whether or not she could sell a few more papers because of the potential interviews.

"I won't be talking about those events."

"What?"

"You heard me. I won't be saying anything in the media about those events."

"But, but Senad? Surely you can understand the potential of the story? Our readers... This is something they want to hear about..."

"I understand that and quite frankly I couldn't give a shit. My life flashed before my eyes that day and I have better things to be worrying about than what the readers want. The police have been in touch with me and they want me to act as a link between the man or woman who is behind the events and the police. I'm happy to fulfil that role."

"But that's even better..." She said, her eyes going to a different place as she thought deeply about something for a few seconds.

"I... I don't understand." I replied, she snapped out of her miniature trance instantaneously.

"Do you not see? This is even better. A story about a bomb scare and the contents of the CD is perhaps a couple of articles at most. This gives us unprecedented access to the terrorist, this gives us a chance to run an ongoing story. We don't know how long this will last, but if you're in that position you can give us exclusivity, you can give us the first bite of the apple on all stories and it means we can get them out ahead of any other newspaper. This is brilliant..." She ended, going back to her thoughts, her eyes glazing slightly.

"Eva... I'm not doing that, I've been asked by the police to fulfil a role and I'm more interested in doing that and finding out who this is and why they're doing it than writing articles right now."

"That's fine Senad. You don't have to write the articles, you'll still be getting paid, but if you value your job then you will be telling us exactly what - if anything - this terrorist says to you, you will forward all of his or her emails onto me and you will give us the access that we need. Do you understand?"

"That's blackmail Eva..."

"I'm not sure the unions will mind if you have no evidence, Senad, so it looks like you're just going to have to get on with it, doesn't it?" She said, smiling. I shook my head and she pointed towards the door of her office. I got up to leave, resigned to the job I now had to fill, just before I exited the door I turned around.

"Eva... The 'terrorist'? Is that what we're calling him now?"

"Oh yes. The police issued a statement to the national news corporation and their wording included the word 'terrorist', one murdered politician and one bomb scare is enough for that, it seems." She said, before nodding her head towards the door again, indicating that I should exit. I turned on heel and walked out, to my desk and then slowly sank my head into my hands. I used my fingers to massage my temples, as if that would offer me some respite from the rush of thoughts that was hurtling around my brain. What should I do? I couldn't allow her to just bully me like that, but I needed the job, I needed the wage. It was a situation I simply couldn't win.

There was a sharp beep from my computer. That always indicated an email. I slowly extricated my head from my hands and allowed my eyes to focus before shifting the mouse and watching the screen as it flashed into life. It came up to the standard password input page and I quickly typed he correct characters and then waited for the email to load. What instantly caught my attention was the address.

fiveissues@thetruth.com

What the hell did that mean? And was this going to lead down the road that I thought it did? This sounded dangerously close to what the terrorist, as we were now supposed to call him or her, might call themselves in the online world. They talked of five issues that caused Mytannion to not be a utopia, could this be the five issues?

I opened the email.

Code: Select all

From: fiveissues@thetruth.com

Subject: The Beginning

Hey Senad,

I'm sorry for the scare. I just needed to draw the nation's attention to me. It seemed that a couple of murders didn't do that well enough, but I needed an outlet, some way to let the nation know I exist and something to use as a platform to get my issues recognised and dealt with. You are going to be my platform, dear Senad and I hope that we will become good friends over the coming months (oh yes, that is how long it will last). I have five issues, as mentioned in my CD. They do indeed prevent Mytannion from being the perfect place it could be and I hope that these problems will be rectified as I draw attention to them. I doubt they will be rectified straight away, some people have too much to lose, but I will find ways to make it hard for them to refuse to change the status quo.

Your boss seems like a fiery woman. I hate people like that, she's a bit of a bully, isn't she? I saw your little meeting with her before. She's right, you will be able to get exclusivity on my story and I hope you enjoy that. I hope you're glad I've chosen you and your newspaper as an outlet for this. Anyway, my first issue, let's have a look at it should we? I think so.

The sex trade is a massive problem in Mytannion. Young girls are taken from their homes and transported to the likes of Eura and Cotdelapoms with alarming regularity. In the same way, young girls from less developed nations are transported here and used as sexual objects for men much older than them. It is a disgusting trade on the whole and one I deplore. I believe many others do as well, but for now, I have to draw attention to the problem.

1 in 3 victims of sex trafficking into Mytannion are under the age of 16.
1 in 4 girls involved in the sex trade in Mytannion has been sexually assaulted/raped at some point.
15% of girls involved in the sex trade in Mytannion end up STD, contracted from a job they have likely been forced to do.

It's time to take action.

I didn't know how to take that, but I sure as hell knew I needed to get straight onto the police. Something might happen, the final sentence was rather worrying, rather ominous. I dreaded to even speculate about what actions he might be talking about. Then I remembered Nadia Fronkova, she was a prostitute, but she was Mytanar or at the very least had a Mytanar name. That didn't really make sense. Even so, I rang the number provided by the police and as it was answered I explained what had occurred.

"I have been contacted by the terrorist, the person behind the bomb scare and the two murders. They have admitted to all three events and there's possibly going to be more, they say that their first issue is the sex trade, particularly human trafficking for the benefit of prostitution. There's a large focus on how people are treated and the results of their involvement and there's a rather ambiguous ending to the email. I'll send it over to you when I get off the phone..." I finished, there were some questions from the other end of the line regarding the exact wording of the closing section of the email, "It just ends with 'it's time to take action'." The person on the other end of the line obviously either muted the phone or covered up the receiver or something as I couldn't hear anything for a few seconds and then I could hear some muffled background noise and what sounded like the final few words of a conversation. They told me that someone would be over to talk to me about it soon. I thanked them and put the phone down.

Whatever was going on was much bigger than what was first thought, that much was clear. The assassination of a politician is pretty big, yeah, but this was bigger. This person, terrorist, whatever, they obviously knew what they were doing and it was clear that they had the police worried. All I could do was wait, for now.

[Pasarga]

"Vilita... beaten... holy smokes!"

"One small step for this World Cup cycle, one great leap forward for the Wanderers. This is the time of our ascendency, our rise to an elite footballing power."

"Don't get ahead of yourself now, it is just one result, and remember how frail our side was during last cycle? It is a great result, absolutely the kind that makes other nations take notice, but it is only a solitary result, one that will mean absolutely little if we fail to advance out of the group."

"Yes, but the biggest hurdle has been overcome, even if it was only by the edge of a knife. We still toppled Vilita and rule the group."

"Rule is an awfully strong word, so is control, but we have advantages now, that's for sure."

"Noticed the Polarian scouts there as well? Any idea which one of their sides will actually meet CAP's asking price of $30M for him?"

"A few will, though where Muller decides to go... that is entirely up in the air, especially as I saw Eura and Vanorian scouts as well."

"Eura... interesting, their league has been vastly improving over the last few years. I would honestly prefer him to Astograth but the instability in the nation right now... well that is the last place you really want to send the star of a nation right now."

"As if The Free Republics is much better, with assassins and their strange culture? Yet the WCC trusted them enough to award them the tournament, if 16 teams can be safe there, a single striker could be safe in Astograth, don't you think? Not as if they would have any reason to go after him nor the police not adequately protect him should any threats arise."

"True enough I suppose."

"Still, will wind up in a Polarian club, or so I would put my money on that if I were a gambling man."

"Maybe... anyhow... Vilita... gosh."

[Super-Llamaland]

Uh oh: Tigers on brink of elimination

Tigers 0...Holy Empire 3. Yeah. Uh huh.

Mr. Bean 16', Mr. Bean 27', Mr. Bean 33', Mr. Bean for Mr. Bean 46', Mr. Bean for Mr. Bean 67', Mr. Bean for Mr. Bean 75', 15 Shots (9 on goal), 65% possession

Cartwright for Wiggins 62', Platona for Cartwright 80', Alcanatra for Masters 84', 6 shots (2 on goal), 35% possession

A miserable game, to be sure. Mr. Bean scored two goals and Mr. Bean added a third, while capable performances from Mr. Bean and Mr. Bean doomed the Tigers to a miserable start at their maiden world cup.

Meanwhile, San José Guayabal beat Cassadaigua two-zip.

For the Tigers, there were nearly no positives. We've played this team three times and lost three times with an average loss of two goals a game. Miserabler things (8-0 to Valanora, 8-0 to Pasarga in the CoH quarterfinal) have happened, but they were all single, isolated incidents. Heck, we beat Valanora 2-1 later on in WC 67 quals. But this. The Holy Empire and their Bean Team have always beaten us, and it's not funny anymore.

The Tigers look to recover against the thrashing against a less heralded but still very dangerous team from Northern Sunrise Islands today. If they lose, they'll certainly be eliminated unless a careful set of things whose probablities multiply out to well under one percent happen. Yeah. Hopefully we can recover against the Vaporeons.

Elsewhere in the marquee matchup of the group, The Holy Empire will take on Audioslavia in a game that could determine the group championship, or, more importantly, the "I don't have to play Polar Islandstates! Sucks to suck!" trophy. Northern Sunrise Islands and Super-Llamaland will play for survival, but NSI doesn't have to beat Audioslavia AND likely Polar Islandstates to get to the quarterfinals (not that we'll get out of the group stage.)

Meanwhile in Barunia...Legalese and Free Republics extrapolated the rest of this sentence based on my terrible RPs in the past.

[Free Republics]

This is the Doors 9.1 Cutoff for Matchday 2 of the World Cup Finals (in Legalese). Doors 9.1: Its more like the Doors you knew and loved. Coming soon from RepublicSoft!

[Vilita]

START AS EXPECTED

The Vilita Jungle Cats have a terrible record of performance when starting out any competition strongly. One does not have to look very far for the evidence. After opening up World Cup 67 qualifying with 4 straight victories, the Jungle Cats went on a string of drawing 5 out of their next 7 matches, collapsing from atop the table and nearly missing out on the World Cup finals all together.

They managed to survive - though just barely, and hung on to advance to the playoffs as a second placed team.

Once arriving in the playoffs, the Jungle Cats behaved just as expected.

Their first opponent, Atlantian Oceania regional foes Kericia, was a team that the Jungle Cats had had little exposure to in recent competitions. Living by the old Vilitan motto "Start slowly and Catch Up later" - the opener of the two-legged battle to avoid elimination was a 2-2 stalemate, despite the Vilitan's being wildly favored too win the match convincingly.

Of course, with the appropriately poor start, the Jungle Cats arrived at the perfect outcome. A comfortable win in the second leg at home at the Tivali Ring stadium in Alikki-Corra saw the Vilitan National team advance to the second playoff round where they would square off against AOCAF 43 hosts and upcoming Cup of Harmony 60 hosts Kinitaria.

Kinitaria had been the darlings of previous World Cups, making a name for themselves and piling on the praise for strong performances whose magnitude was matched only by the level of quality media reporting done by the World Class Kinitar news teams that were the talk of the town. The Jungle cats certainly weren't going to roll over but they knew the drill. Early wins mean sure defeat. a 0-1 result in Kinitaria put the fans on edge. The real, true, die-hard always believing Jungle Cat fans knew, however, that Vilita had them right where they wanted.

The Jungle Cats clawed back with a vengeance at the Lonngeylin Coliseum, a winner-take-all grudge match that turned into a real four-star shellacking as Vilita took no mercy and double up on each side of the half taking all the air out of a Kinitaria side that was sent packing back to their homeland to compete in the Cup of Harmony.

So, when the Vilita Jungle Cats were scheduled to play Pasarga in their opening match of the World Cup 68 finals, everyone wanted a win. Everyone predicted a win. As the top ranked team in the group, the Jungle Cats were supposed to win.

But the most faithful, longest serving Vilitan fans knew, the best shot at World Cup glory was to start off slow, catch up, and beat them with the final punches.

Now, after successfully losing 2-1 at the hands of Pasarga, the 6th ranked Jungle Cats had everyone right where they wanted them.

[Polar Islandstates]

Well, it wasn't pretty, but sometimes you have to win ugly, and at the end of the day a win is a win is a win.

Believe it or not, in the surroundings of the Nejax we saw the Terns play United Gordonopia for the very first time. Names like Davis Roger, FC Deska, and Teva FC will all be familiar to followers of football from the Federation, but the Terns have had to wait until the twilight of United Gordonopia's recent time in the footballing sun to face them in international football. We never expected any sort of pushover, of course, but there was a definite sense of relief in the squad that the United Gordonopia that we would be facing as not the same United Gordonopia that reached the semi-finals of World Cup 63. Truly, that would have been a side to worry about.

But times have changed for both the Terns and the opposition since then, and our foe on this day were a team in the midst of a rebirth as a national association tries to find its identity once more. Despite winning their group in qualifying, they lost heavily to Turori in the first playoffs and required an unconvincing second playoff victory against rank outsiders Vaugania to reach the tournament proper. Even so, there was never a hint of anything approaching complacency from the squad, and Steffan Pekarik was spotted diligently watching footage of them from the qualifiers right up until the night before the match in the team hotel. However, with the whole squad instructed to spend as much time indoors as possible in these quasi-hostile surroundings of Free Republics, it is possible that this was simply due to boredom.

As defending champions, we were expecting a lot of attention from the multiversal press as we started our defence, and we weren't to be disappointed. Under the popping of a thousand flashbulbs, the team appeared to start nervously, and there was a definite lack of fluency amongst the front five. For whatever reason, Wolff and Villeneuve were playing as if they'd never seen each other before, and Kirvesniemi - starting a World Cup match for the first time - gave the ball away clumsily in a number of situations in which he was under no pressure whatsoever. Kolehmainen, despite his recent troubles off the pitch ended up being the shining light in a dismal first half hour for the Terns going forwards, and he managed to exploit his relationship with new club team-mate Konigstein to make a couple of testing runs forward.

For everything the forwards lacked in the first half however, the defenders more than made up for, and the likes of Lahm, Castleton, and Mueller got absolutely no luck whatsoever against our back six. Kungas-Vaga and Lillehammer brought their experience to the table, whilst the developing partnership of Salo and Nordenberg has been a joy to watch. The success of Rasmussen's reign has been built on the foundations of a strong defence, and it was heartening to see that that tradition has continued into World Cup 68. Not least because it was the only upside of a poor first half performance.

As is so often the case however, the Terns come out the stronger in the second half after having had their ears twisted by Rasmussen and Pekarik - quite what Rasmussen will do without his former captain when he leaves the Terns at the end of this cycle is anyone's guess - and it was the bewitching passes of a hitherto unseen Lillehammer-Kirvesniemi axis that was the catalyst for this kickstart. Quite where this has come from, I don't know, but I certainly don't remember seeing anything like that from the team in qualifying. Nor in any of the training sessions that I attended during it. And I work at the FPIFA - I can get into a lot of training sessions. My best guess is that its something that's come about just since they've arrived here in Free Republics. In which case, well done Rasmussen, because it worked.

When the goal eventually came, however, it was not Kirvesniemi or Lillehammer who were to be involved, but instead the Franz Josef City pair of Konigstein and Kolehmainen. A deep free kick from Villeneuve was headed on at the near post by Konigstein, and Kolehmainen trapped the ball instinctively under his boot and took a snap shot that curled around Neuman and into the side netting of the Gordonopian goal. Not the prettiest goal in the world, but a serviceable one, and a highly welcome one for the troubled Kolehmainen. The striker has battled his daemons in a very public setting both on and off the pitch over the past year, but it would seem that the big man's touch for tournament football hasn't deserted him in the process, and that will do wonders for his confidence and soundness of mind, I'm sure.

However, if fans were hoping the goal would relax our players and send them into a fluent and creative passage of play that our opponents were unable to deal with, resulting in a goal frenzy, then they were to be disappointed. In actual fact, the United Gordonopian players, well, united, and started coming at our defence with ever greater confidence. Despite substitutions, our team play didn't really improve much, and as Lahm was denied by a Salo interception for what seemed like the tenth time, Rasmussen began to lose his temper. Pity those players when they got back to the changing rooms at the end of the match, because it looked like they weren't going to be in for for the post-win celebrations and congratulations that they might have been expecting.

All credit to United Gordonopia, of course. They disrupted our game plan, they got in amongst us, and they came close on several occasions to squeaking a shot past Kirilaunen. But could they score against a Rasmussen defence? No. No they could not. And for that we have our experience in big tournaments to thank. And at the other end, except for one crucial occasion, they kept us out. They knew what they were doing, and our plan nearly came unstuck. Improvement is certainly required as we come up against better teams in the tournament.

Starting with Mytannion, of course, who tanked Darmen in something of a thriller in the other match in our group. Mytannion will need no excuse to get themselves up for a match against the Terns, of course, and nor will Darmen, who've become something of a bogey team for us recently. In fact, counting our most recent encounter when Darmen knocked us out of the Copa Rushmori, we've won just 50% of our matches against Mytannion and Darmen. Such is the danger of facing Rushmori rivals in an international tournament.

On top of that, we've got the 'reigning champions' moniker hanging over us at this tournament. We're the team that literally everyone wants to see beaten down first. Except maybe Saintland.

Seriously though, we've got less to gain from a World Cup win than most teams in with a chance of winning the thing. Audioslavia would be winning another final to even the rather imbalanced ratio they currently 'enjoy'. Eura would be proving the continuous doubters wrong yet again. Even Valanora would see another title take them clear of Starblaydia in terms of overall wins. But what about us? Can you imagine the headlines abroad if we win again? "Team expected to win, wins - nobody shocked".

Wow. Such amaze. Very prediction. Much expected.

And that's before we've even looked at the reasons just about anyone from AO would want to win the thing (after tw Rushmori victories in a row), or anyone from Esportiva (to prove a point), or anyone from Rushmore (to stop AO). No, we've got less to gain from another win than anyone, but perhaps the most to lose.

What was my point, again? I've forgotten. Perhaps I'm just rambling in a frustrated way to cover up the frustration I'm feeling after seeing that performance from the Terns. I mean, it was a win, sure, but far from a pretty one. Workmanlike and pragmatic rather than flamboyant and confident. Lucky? Perhaps. Unspectacular, certainly.

So, worried? No, I'm not worried. Not yet. We had two blinding campaigns in 65 and 66, and found ourselves winding up losing finalists in both instances. In 67, we had more than our usual share of nervy and lucky performances, but we grew into things as we went along and ended up lifting the trophy.

You just can't predict these things, I guess.

Anyway, the Mytanars need no introduction from me to you. I'm sure you're all fully up to date with the kind of threats their players pose - even if you're not a huge follower of Rushmori football (and if you aren't, you should be), I'm sure you'll have watched their match against Darmen with interest. I know Rasmussen and Pekarik have. Over, and over, and over again.

Any blip that you still get three points from is never going to be a crisis, but I'm still looking forward to an improved performance against Mytannion all the same. Win, and we're through the knockouts of the World Cup for the thirteenth consecutive time. Unlucky for some.

Eff

xx

[Turori]

Eels Veterans on Notice

Despite being part of the national team set-up since he was first noticed as back in his youth days as a trainee, Turori Eels National Team goalkeeper Mumau Atla-Siioai spent much of his career in the shadows of Hooizo Nuakoi and Ronji Miiastara - the preferred goalkeeping Duo for much of Turori's recent international history. Fast forward to World Cup 67 however and Mumau Atla-Siioai had finally taken the #1 kit. The Turoki United goalkeeper had just won a pair of Vilitan League Stellar Division titles. Besting all of his rivals on the pitch in direct competition was more than enough evidence for Turori Eels head coach Ematea Saenu to give Atla-Siioai his chance ath he certainly hasn't dissapointed, setting records all over the place for number of clean sheets amassed during a single World Cup qualifying campaign.

now, however, Atla-Siioai and Saenu have to come to the realization that Atla-Siioai's career will be coming to an end, much like the career of Nuakoi and Miiastara, in the very near future. Younger talent like G.Q. Disterfred II and Sharif Deniibo are waiting in the wings, having already proved themselves at the regional level - being part of Vilita & Turori's back-to-back regional title campaigns during AOCAF 41 and 42. If the Eels can't come away with all three points on World Cup 68 finals matchday 2, coach Saenu might look towards the future with the Eels effectively eliminated from competition at that point, and it might spell the end of an era in net for the Eels.

However, if that situation were to arise, it might be Saenu who gets the boot before Atla-Siioai, Nuakoi or Miiastara. As such, Saenu might be looking for a signature victory on the final matchday in order to pad his resume in the search for a new job. Either way, the draw with Neu Engollon has already put doubt in the future for coach Saenu and all of the Eels veteran players. Eels fans will be on edge to see if their side can recover from the poor start to right the ship and sneak back into the knockout rounds of the World Cup as the Island emirate continues to chase that ever-elusive goal of advancing beyond the Quarter Final stage for the first time in their history.

Long time Eels midfielder Rutaj Ranaso recently celebrated a birthday. At a celebration in his name, he confirmed that World Cup 68 would be his last playing for the National Team, and while he enjoyed very much his days representing his country, he was also very much looking forward to relaxing at home on weekends with his family.

Turori 3 - 3 Neu Engollon

Turori Goalscorers::
29' Liinai Zakazaka
73' Rutaj Ranaso
74' Mirana Gotuai


Neu Engollon Goalscorers::
7' Erich Siebech
19' Erich Siebech
84' Gaston Labrecq


Turori

Best Player: Liinai Zakazaka
Worst Player: Rutaj Ranaso
Shots on Target: 4
Corner Kicks: 5

Neu Engollon

Best Player: Erich Siebech
Worst Player: Stephane Manion
Shots on Target: 4
Corner Kicks: 3


Turori Eels Lineup v. Neu Engollon ::
[GK] Mumau Atla-Siioai, [D] Tarek Edgeli, [D] Oani Moralziia, [D] Geafi Laina-Sola, [UT] Klaillal Tuirma, [ML] Rikko Rawaii, [MC] Rutaj Ranaso, [MC] Inlite Makakio, [MR] Raso Tareak, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Mirana Gotuai
BENCH::
[FC] Matlya Eelador, [FC] Inamari Altariiz, [M] Cediici Tzatzos, [M] Teliima Loinara, [UT] Yoains Konoaafeo, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [GK] G.Q Disterfred II

Turori Substitutions::
(39) - Liinai Zakazaka >>> Inamari Altariiz

[Sangti]

WORLD CUP 68
Round of 16 dreams bleak already; Valladars take advantage of sloppy Agilang Dilaw defending
by Edric Conciso

BASETON, FREE REPUBLICS - For the Agilang Dilaw, reaching the Round of 16 has been an uphill task from the beginning, and that task would surely got even harder after Matchday 1. A 3-1 loss against Valladares, currently the fourth ranked nation in the World Cup, sets the national team in a must-win match against regional rivals Felix to stay alive in contention for Group F.

The Rushmori nation, who were the runners-up of the 49th Cup of Harmony and the fourth placer of the previous World Cup, was expected to top Group F, and did not disappoint. They had to wait thirty-one minutes for their first goal after exchanging attacks with the Agilang Dilaw, who fielded their strongest eleven.

Yoan Gignac had the first chance of a goal for Valladares, with a well placed shot, only for Marty Balido to touch the ball with his fingertips to keep the scores tied at the eighth minute. The Agilang Dilaw tried to snatch the lead in the thirteenth minute, but Daren Corsiga's shot was just wide off the mark. The chances kept on coming, as Gignac, Corsiga, Pedrinho and Adrian Magcaleng each had a chance for the next sixteen minutes, each not enough to threaten the goalies of each side. However, in the 31st minute, the deadlock was broken.

Gignac made himself space to shoot a dangerously low shot, with Marty Balido saving the shot. However, Frank Rozenthal, who has been quiet in the match so far, pounced on the rebound, shot as hard as he could, and gave the Real Cintore keeper no chance to give the Valladars a deserved lead. It was the defending that dogged the Barangayans into a 1-0 deficit going into the half.

At the start of the second half, things went from bad to worse as Mari Arceo was taken off a stretcher on a suspected torn calf, he was replaced subsequently by Roman Ang in the 47th minute. Two minutes later, Valladares doubled their lead courtesy of a well placed header from Jerôme Perrin from a corner. The two goal lead forced Rick Martinez to make tactical changes, as Sam Magsombol was subbed for a more defensive Ichiro Mateo after the goal. However, they couldn't stop the Valladars from scoring another goal twenty minutes later, this time, courtesy of Michael Tello, who came on for Pedrinho in the 70th minute. He connected a pass from Gignac, and never looked back as his shot went into the back of the net.

The Agilang Dilaw did score a consolation goal in the dying moments of the match, as Joey Jardinico, who replaced Magcaleng in the 80th minute, put a header in from a Christiann Sanchez cross, the latter coming on for Erick Khan in the 87th minute. 3-1 in the 90th minute, and it was the score come fulltime.

With one loss in the bag, the Barangayans will face Felix, their regional rivals, in their bid to stay in contention for the 68th World Cup.

Having played the Pheonixes the most number of times in Barangayan history, the Agilang Dilaw should take advantage of a Felix side who won their third straight match against Blouman Empire, this time a 1-0 victory. The two sides last met in a competitive game in Felix during the Campionato Esportiva IX qualifiers, with the two sides sharing the spoils in a 2-2 draw. After that, they met three times, with each side having one victory, one draw and one loss each. Overall, Felix has just won two of their ten meetings, while TRB has won four, with the other four matches being draws.

Mari Arceo will miss the rest of the World Cup with injury, and Roman Ang is slated to start at the centerback position. The stakes are high in the match at the RT&T Stadium in New City, Orlandiana, and even though the pesky Republicans set the match in an old 90-year old stadium, Barangayan fans will flock the stadium to support the Agilang Dilaw in their bid to sustain their challenge for a spot in the Round of 16.

[Valladares]

Francisco Fernández was one of six Valladar junior staff working for the Euran embassy in Metropolis, having been working there for no longer than five months. His job there was serving as a liaison between the embassy and Valladar authorities, unlike most of his other fellow countrymen and countrywomen working at the embassy, who were merely employed as "services staff".

With the advent of events in the Ituyán region, Fernández soon started noting the Valladar attitude towards the Eurans was turning more and more hostile, but he thought it was just the yearly divergence between both regional powerhouses over a petty affair. But he realized this was going to be a totally different issue after having a heated discussion with a rather irritated Valladar Minister of Foreign Affairs via phone demanding for an immediate meeting with the Euran Ambassador. Now, the Euran embassy was being surrounded by thousands of citizens demanding for justice, as well as persistent phone calls from Valladar MPs, the embassy's native staff was ordered to leave the builiding before the protestors (or even worse, the Valladar Army) tried to assault the embassy. During their attempt to escape, Fernández noticed a couple of armoured vehicles who were ready to break up the protest, by force if necessary. He climbed onto the top of one of the diplomatic cars and yelled at the soldiers while waving his arms.

"Hey, look at us! Here! Please help us!"

However, a protestor was now aiming at him with a handgun while the crowd were now resorted to attack every human being coming out from the complex, assuming that everyone inside were Eurans. He tried to calm the crowd down by speaking in Spanish but nothing happened, then, after a quick thought and seeing it was his last resort given that the protestor was about to shoot him with no mercy, encouraged by the crowd, he tried to sing with all his might a stanza of Oda al Rey de Colón, an old patriotic song dating from the times of the Great Valladar Uprising and the War of Independence.

"Watch out!"

In that moment, one of the soldiers shot into the air with his rifle in the middle of the crowd, dispersing part of the crowd, with Fernández and the rest of the staff hiding behind the car. A loud roar was then heard as one of the Army's armoured vehicles got to drill one of the embassy's perimeter walls, and Fernández and the rest of the staff headed towards the opened hole which directed them at a "safe" zone, as another group of soldiers was unable to counter the group of protestors gathered at the main entrance, with some of them now climbing up the wall and others throwing firebombs at the building.

The Commander hoped that the reinforcements he asked for came in time to avoid a tragedy, as the fight was moving into the embassy grounds. However, he knew he couldn't do much if the protestors moved inside, as he and his subordinates would be breaking the law if they moved inside. This, because the embassy and its grounds were considered Euran territory. So he decided to use the radio one more time to ask for advice.

"I am more interested in the building's integrity, to be honest. I still don't understand how one of Metropolis' oldest buildings was entrusted to them. It'd be a real shame for everyone if it was burnt down to ashes. It's up to you and your men now."

---

"Unidentified aircraft, you are now flying over restricted airspace. Identify yourselves and turn back now."

There was no response, which surprised the Valladar air controllers. The radar controller tried to contact the intruder once again, but again, no response.

"Sir, we've got to do something. That aircraft is flying near one of the most important frontier bases in the East, at a ridiculously low altitude, and doesn't reply to our calls."

"Hold on, Fénix calling"

"Code 66, code 66. Euran bomber with two missiles flying over Sion camp. Requesting further instructions..."

"So this is it, eh? Well, if they want to play with fire..."

The radar controller sent another message to the intruder, and hoped it would finally react upon receiving it.

"Look, I already know who you are, and I'm not interested in knowing what you actually want, which mustn't be something good, by the way. Turn back immediately or else you'll be brought down. This is your first and last warning."

"Saunders, I want you to tell Commander Lafleur to bring that plane down. Someone has just trespassed their side of the fence..."

[Legalese]

Matchday Two.

Groups E though H.

You want results? Okay, go!

Edit: that was just cutoff music. Here's the actual scores.

[Polar Islandstates]

"...clucking bright? No... mucking kite? No... ducking tight? No... Schmucking schmite? No, those aren't even words..."

"Sven, what are you doing?"

"I'm trying to write a limerick about Audioslavia, but I'm having trouble with some of the rhymes. Want to hear what I've got so far?"

"On that evidence, no. No thanks."

"Aw, go on."

"No, thank you. Really. Look, I'm trying to watch this preview of Kohlemainen before the Terns have to play him him in ten minutes."

"Wait, what?!"

"Well, he's perhaps their most dangerous player, and I haven't seen him play much recently so I need t-"

"No, I mean, I knew he was making a controversial switch, but I didn't realise he was switching allegiance altogether!"

"Sven, what on earth are you on about?"

"Since when did he switch to Mytannion?"

"...Kohlemainen. Not Kolehmainen. You utter idiot."

"Oohhh. So who's the first guy then?"

"Thor's Beard, Sven. And I thought I hadn't watched much football recently. He's a striker. From Mytannion. And he plays for FC Axel Heiburg. I mean, I could take not knowing much about how he plays, but do you pay any attention to football at all these days?"

"Not really."

"Then, Sven, why are you here?"

"I'm more into the whole 'insulting other countries' part, to be honest, Mark."

"I'm picking that up, yes."

"Okay, how about this?"

"How about what?"

"How about this:
As he climbed to a greater chucking height,
He said 'I will run amok tonight,
With dung my arms are full,
To throw at the Bulls,
Because Audioslavia are f-"

"Yes I think that's enough now thank you, Sven."


[EDIT: just missed. dammit. awful connection here.]

[Jeruselem]

OOC

Group D
Pasarga 1–3 Jeruselem
Vilita 3–2 The Licentian Isles

IC

Princess Amy and Delia Daring

Amy: This is Princess Amy for Naked News Jeruselem in Legalese for the World Cup group stage. I'm with Delia Daring. Well, most people would know who she is in Jeruselem.
Delia: HELLO EVERYONE
Amy: Today Jeruselem took on Pasarga and Vilita faced off with the The Licentian Isles in Group D
Delia: A big day today
Amy: Yes, the group is in delicate balance
Delia: Nothing is easy now

Amy: You'd expect Pasarga to crush us little Princesses given they beat the Jungle Cats
Delia: And the Jungle Cats to come back after their loss
Amy: Well, Pasarga got facepalmed 3-1 by a bunch of Princesses and Jungle Cats did win 3-2 over the Isles
Delia: You were a leader today Amy, we faced down the opposition
Amy: Yes, given they should have won on paper
Delia: We were really good in defense today

Amy: We've been leaking a few goals recently, 3 to the Isles but only 1 today
Delia: And we still managed to score a few goals
Amy: We're not all out aggressive by default but we had a bit more control over the game
Delia: We played it at our pace
Amy: We don't like those crazy all out games
Delia: One of our best efforts

Amy: Yeah, solid defense. Efficient midfield and sharp attack. We don't usually get those three in one game.
Delia: 3 points and we somehow top the table
Amy: Not by much, with Vilita behind us and then Pasarga and then the Isles last.
Delia: So nothing is decided
Amy: No
Delia: So what's the rub?

Amy: We faced Vilita and Pasarga take on the Isles. Yes, the hardest game is last for us.
Delia: We'll have to play at our best
Amy: As it stands, The Licentian Isles need to win. They have the biggest mountain to climb. But they need a bit of luck as in Vilita to win.
Delia: Which means we have to lose?
Amy: Yes ...
Delia: We don't want that

Amy: Jeruselem need to win or draw. It's simple for us. we can't be dislodged from the top 2 if we draw since we will be on 5 points. Win would seal top spot.
Delia: I'd prefer a win
Amy: Pasarga really need to win to ensure their place but a draw isn't useful as we beat them and we have still have a better goal difference if we lost. Well, depends on what the loss was.
Delia: So a win for them really is what they need
Amy: Vilita are 2nd and really need to beat us. A draw with us would leave us on 5 points and leave us 2nd at worst.If they draw they get 4 points - and if Pasarga draw, both will be on 4. Which brings external factors to decide
Delia: That sounds complicated

Amy: I think goal difference would push Vilita in 2nd
Delia: But if Pasarga win, then they go back to 3rd
Amy: Yes
Delia: So in effect, everyone needs a win to be sure except the Isles who need luck as well
Amy: Yeah
Delia: I'm glad you're around all that

Amy: Northern Sunrise Islands, Cassadaigua or the Fillies and Darmen are out because they've lost two games
Delia: OMG, so we're the last of the Pink Cuppers standing
Amy: Well yes
Delia: That's a shock, the Fillies failing
Amy: Don't worry, I'll do my best to get us into the quarters
Delia: Yes, I'm with Amy

Amy: Polar Islandstates and Holy Empire are into the next round
Delia: Those are good teams
Amy: Hosts Legalese should get through barring a disasterous last game
Delia: They've done well
Amy: Jeruselem are in with a fighting chance so we're still determined to hang on
Delia: Yes

Amy: And Jeru FC beat the Ponies in the Cup of Harmony to secure their place in the next round
Delia: WOW
Amy: The boys are far from finished
Delia: Well done boys
Amy: They are just plain unlucky at times
Delia: So close last two cups

[Buyan]

The Defector.

It had a better ring than the word 'traitor', but that was the only positive side to the matter Manuel Schmidt could spot. For eternity to come, that would be the way he was adressed as in Der Milwaukeesburger. The lowest of creatures, the one all would be grateful to stamp on. Rumours spoke how Protectorate Road was filled with banners adressed to him, most holding less cordial messages. The warm-up had shown how gossip often held a core of truth. "WE DON'T NEED YOU, ScHmIdT" had been amongst the more friendly ones and a - granted, nicely made - placard of a giant Rommelwald beating a small goalie in red, blue and white to pieces hung right behind the goal.

Hanging a towel over his head, Manuel tried to lock up the world. The noice of nervous teammates fumbling on their laces, Sirius Hope giving some last-minute advice and someone next to him mumbling, praying... It might have reached his ears, but not his skull. While it was the knowledge that they could go out as the weakest side of the World Cup, after a bitter rivalry with Darmen, Cassadaigua and Northern Sunrise Islands, that was tormenting his teammates, Schmidt had a much larger struggle to deal with. The soft warmth of the polyester shielded him from an outside that was much too rough to face right now.

"Schmidty?"

Knowing that he wouldn't receive an answer, Bronius Bartkus patted his goalie on the head and his flustered 'shove it' to the preacher next to him followed by the sound of shorts shuffeling on benches, made clear that the tall defender had picked up a spot beside him. Bartkus didn't spoke a word, but softly hummed a song. It took a few seconds before Manuel caught the rhythm, but when he did, he couldn't hide a smile.

We've crossed the darker water,
the forests known as Slem,
we've cut our way through Trilakea,
to find that little gem.

We've passed the roads of Austin,
ran Mogd-Syrdusha Street!
And while the Eagles weep their loss,
Schmidt catches our heat!

Schmidt-y, Schmidt-y
Black Panzer on goal!
Schmidt-y, Schmidt-y
You're gonna save us all!

By the end, Bronius' low bariton was added by the high falsetto from Zemaitis and the sharp voice from Halmiini. Danilius Wreczius, who admitted himself he was as tone-deaf as a squirrel, was banging the table with his bare hands and the feet from those who didn't wear the Viztourzys colours during the week -and therefor were less familiar with the lyrics- were stomping all 'round.

"All right lads, if we mess up this game, we can always start a choir," Hope grinned before turning around and opening the door of the dressing room. One by one, the men rose, lining up in the hallway to the pitch. The cheering of the crowd, mainly cloth in yellow, red and black, welcomed the men but the referee still waited for the heads-up from the television stations. On the left side of the path, Devold high-fived his teammates before moving into the first spot. Despite the two losses, on which Buyan had turned out to be the lesser side on both occasions, Sverre had shown that he deserved his spot on the world stage. His long distance kick surpassing the flailing arms from Evan Swales probably would be the only Buyanese moment to make the extended best-off of the tournament, but had marked him down as a promising talent.

Although it had been a seldom moment of cheerfullness for the Hedgehogs, these eleven men had a strange sense of relaxation over them. With one foot already out of the tournament, they had little left to worry about. Lined up on the right side of the tunnel, der Schwarzarmee appeared a lot less calm. Gunnar Baumgartner's throat already seemed sore from shouting slogans, trying to bring his team in the right mood for victory. Being amongst the happy few of the multiverse for their first time, the ticket for the knock-out rounds lay at the horizon. All that kept them from grabbing it was 'a nation so measly they needed our third goalie', according to the words of the captain. But Schmidt cared little, he didn't need any additional gas to light his fire.

When the referee moved forward, Schmidt firmly grabbed the hand of the kid beside him and walked out, following his captain. These were the moments for which you toiled every day on the training field, for which you ran that extra mile, for which, after every series of an exercise, you did another one. The stadium seemed to explode, even without berserk Mytanars with Roman candles. The atmosphere had that little edge of tension which cut right through your souls. He lipped along with the anthem, but little of it stuck to him. It wasn't until the handshakes with the opposing team started that he snapped back to this side of the multiverse. Following Devold, he walked the line. Baumgartner, lined up first due to the ribbon around his upper arm, had wished Devold good luck but when Schmidt appeared in front of him, he kept his lips stuck to one another. With a stare along his players, he indicated them to do the same. Manuel knew him long enough to know that it wasn't really a matter of disrespect from the Nordbergen midfielder but rather a way to get his lads on one line: the line straight opposite to Buyan. Seldomly, it had been so easy for a side to give the enemy a face.

Most of the German Americans listened to the command of their captain, if not because they agreed on the tactics behind them, then due to the nerves that overwhelmed all those with studs on their shoes that moment. Only one dropped out of line, Karl Strauber, with whom Manuel had spent so many good times when playing for Gold Loewe. "Gross gut," the robust defender spoke and Schmidt greeted him likewise. It wasn't until he reached the end of the line that Manuel stopped. Shaking the hand of Rommelwald, he calmly reached closer.

"I've got nothing to lose, Friedrich. Do you?"

A split second, in which Rommelwalds eyes went in all different directions, marked that the game was on.

---

XI for Buyan - German American States

Manuel Schmidt
Gabriel Refshauge - Bronius Bartkus - Sigurd Tufte - Alowysz Krupa
Harald Naess - Quinten Zermin
Espen Knutsen - Sverre Devold - Sil Moen
Duco Dalmshelf

The third game of what will probably only be three. Manuel Schmidt did have to conseed six goals so far, but remains on goal. Ulle Seber was not ready in time to be back-up goalie, so we've only got youngster Angst and Saldlund on the bench, both are unable to compete with Schmidt. The heart of defense is already written in stone for nearly two campaigns. Bartkus and Tufte had difficult times against Ezio Grassi and the Boyle-Oxboro duo, but no one else can deal with it as well as them. On the wings, Refshauge still holds back Smetona despite his poorer pace, while Krupa takes back the left wing. Zemaitis - the regular starter in the qualifications - did play against Legalese, but Hope fears that he's to attacking for the 3-4-3 of GAS.
As is customary, Naess and Zermin are the shock-absorber in midfield. Both hard-working, they should silence the threath that is Gunnar Baumgartner. If possible, Harald Naess can also bring some fire into the attack. Some alterations in the offensive part of the midfield. Halmiini went off during the Legalese game after a harsh contact with Benson Black and hasn't fully recovered. Hope surprisingly choses for Knutsen over Hopp, quite possibly because Hopp is a little too offensive to combine with Sil Moen on the left side. Moen replaces Wallenberg, who picked up a red card in the dying seconds of the Legalese game and received priority over Lupeikis, who struggled too much against Osarius. In attack, Sirius hopes to outwit his opponent by fielding the quick Duco Dalmshelf instead of Elmo Havelund.

[Barunia]

OOC: Going back a matchday, because I was unable to RP it then, and hey, I'm not going to let that result go without comment.

Kitty was glad to have been rescued when she was. While it was good to be safe, she had to admit that part of the reason was that she hadn't missed the World Cup. The group was interesting, with first timers and long campaigners Paradystopia and the surprise package of Glaser. In their first match though, the Suns, having lost to current World Champions Polar Islandstates in the play-offs, now faced recent World Champions Eura. Kitty knew she would always remember that day.

It was bitter cold night in Porthaven, and the sky was pouring a steady drizzle down on the city, but it did not deter the thousands of fans who had flocked to Federation Park to watch the game on the big screen. Millions gathered around screens around the country, from those in Federation Park and Blackrock Stadium, to tiny home sets in crowded living rooms. This was the game everyone wanted to see.

To be fair, many Barunians weren't optimistic about their team's chances. Eura after all, were world number 3. Despite two world cup finals appearances and a ranking in the top 20, most of the nation still viewed their national team as minnows. They didn't have the long history of such names as Eura, Audioslavia, Starblaydia, Valanora or The Holy Empire. This was the first cycle in which no player on the squad was in the original line-up for the Baptism of Fire. In fact, Barunia were a team still in their infancy, facing off against a team who had earned their position through long and consistent effort.

Kitty could still feel the tension in the air as she stood in the rain, jacket left on the ground as she proudly displayed the red away kit of the Suns, her numb hands wrapped around a Barunian flag. She remembered the collective intake of breath as North came within inches of scoring. She groaned with the rest of the nation when Craig Sinclair headed a goal past Toby White. She held her heart in her mouth as Loren Sanchez was taking down, crossed her fingers as Marris took the free kick and threw her hands up in despair as it sailed into the hands of Waller. Kitty had never before felt as much of a crowd as this, even though the game was millions of miles away. It was like she could read the mind of the nation, and see the feeling of inevitability surrounding them. In their minds, they had given up on the Suns.

And yet, a million miles away in Legalese, the feeling had not reached the boys in blue. They continued to fight on, refusing to surrender another opportunity for Eura to score. As the game wore on, the Suns created a few chances of their own. Back in Porthaven, the crowd were beginning to get restless. It was as if they knew something was going to happen, as if the game had more to give then one measly goal. So when Johnathon Haynes low cross was driven in by Yohan Marris, Federation Park exploded. Kitty was on her feet with the rest, waving her flag above her head and cheering with the rest. Suddenly hope was restored. If they kept this up for just 23 minutes, Barunia would draw with the top seeds in the group. The crowd could smell a draw, and that was enough to be satisfied with. Kitty herself could hardly dare to hope that they might actually hold on to the 1-1 scoreline.

So when Cadena cleared the ball out of the box after a Euran attck, and it landed in front of Sjors Van Der Venne, Kitty could hardly believe her eyes as the Western Orcas striker sprinted past his marker and into open space. As one, a million watchers whispered a silent nervous prayer as Van Der Venne raced for goal. Waller was off his line, Churchilli was right on his tail. Suddenly a nation dared to hope. Surely they couldn't beat Eura? In Federation Park the crowd had grown silent, but the tension was palpable. Kitty was struggling to control her mounting excitement as Van Der Venne closed in on goal. Churchilli was now centimetres from him, Waller was rushing in, and then...the ball, in the back of the net. In Federation Park the tension turned into joy, and Kitty let her control go, expressing her excitement with wild abandon. After all, why not? In years to come, when she looked back at sporting history, it would be a privilege to say that she was there. She was there, in Federation Park alongside a thousand others, soaked to the skin and not caring at all, as the clock ticked down to zero and the Suns proved, not just to the world but to their own nation, that they were worthy of a place amongst the elite of international football.

[Saintland]

Prince Andreas fired off a shot. The Sanctii captain had fooled Turori's keeper. He didn't know, or particularly care, whether it was Atla-Siioai, Miiastara or Nuakoi. They had substituted their keeper after conceding 4 goals. The Sanctii had also pulled their keeper, although that had been a result of an injury to Alessandro Seius. Seius had been hit in the head by a shot early in the match and had, in a fluke accident, hit his head against the side of the goalpost. Avidius had come in and had performed disastrously, digging a 5 goals to 2 hole for the Sanctii at the half. Prince Andreas pulled him out of the match and put Duronius in. Somehow, they had managed to come back, scoring 2 goals after the 80th minute.

Now, it was several minutes into added time. The referee's whistle was imminent. The shot was from a distance. Prince Andreas watched for a moment that seemed like an eternity as his shot made its way toward the net. Then, he closed his eyes. From the reaction of the crowd in the AllMartDome, which had been largely pro-Sanctii, he knew exactly what had happened. The shot had, by the narrowest of margins, missed the net, instead landing on top of it. Moments later, the Turorian keeper took his goal kick and, before it even landed, the ref had blown his whistle. The match was over. Saintland 4, Turori 5.

Prince Andreas was disappointed. His team had nearly stunned Turori, in a match where he had to substitute the keeper, twice. As he walked back to the locker room, he pulled out his SaintPhone. While the SaintPhone's release was planned for after the World Cup, Prince Andreas had created the SaintPhone, in collaboration with RepublicSoft, so he had his phone before everybody else. He checked the web site of Sporting World Magazine. Sporting World's web site was filled with stories about the new single-entity domestic league operated by Rule Theriault and with columns analyzing literally everything about the Republican victory over Cassadaigua. He sorted through all of that, eventually finding the day's scores.

The score he was concerned with was the score from Bank of Acedonia Stadium, where Valanora was playing Neu Engollon. Valanora had won by a 3 goals to 2 margin. This meant that Turori was now atop the group with 1 match to go, but only by a point. The Sanctii led Valanora on goals scored. Neu Engollon was last, with a single point and a negative 1 goal differential. After he saw that, Prince Andreas realized that, despite the loss, his team was still guaranteed advancement with a victory over Neu Engollon. They just had to, once again, beat the team that they were supposed to beat. Prince Andreas thought back to the many matches where they had done just that, over the years.

The next thing the Sanctii captain looked at was the Group G table. He recognized the vital importance of avoiding Polar Islandstates in the Round of 16. The Polarians were not only the #1 ranked team in the KPB rankings, but had been the #1 ranked team for what seemed like an eternity. They had finished in the top 2 at each of the last 3 World Cups and that wasn't the top 2 in their group. That was the top 2, period. Prince Andreas simply did not believe that his team stood a chance against the Polarians.

Therefore, it was absolutely essential that they win the group outright. That was still obtainable, but only with a Sanctii win. Even if they won, they would still need help from Valanora to win the group. The Vanorians would have to either draw Turori or win by an equal or lesser margin than the one by which the Sanctii beat Neu Engollon. Still, the most important part was picking up that victory. However, there was still a chance that Polar Islandstates could finish second in their group. If Mytannion or Gordonopia were to win and Darmen were to pull off the upset on the final day, Polar Islandstates would finish second in the group. In that case, the Sanctii would need to finish second, as well, to avoid the one team whom nobody wanted to face.

Prince Andreas thought back to October 11th, 2013. On that day, now a little over 6 months in the past, he had been placed in the same situation where he now found himself. It was win and in for the Sanctii. A victory over Eura would put them into the Round of 16, one step closer to their ultimate goal. In the end, Eura would win the match by a 3 goals to 2 margin. Eura would go on to win that World Cup. He had been here before. Sure, Neu Engollon is not in the same league as Eura, but Astyria's representative in the World Cup could not be underestimated.

Now, everything that they had worked for would come down to one match, against a nation less experienced and lower ranked than they. The Sanctii had always considered themselves the best team to come out of the 51st Baptism of Fire, but now even that was at stake. New Sideburn, Barunia and German American States also found themselves in ideal places to advance out of the Group Stage. The stakes were only getting higher, as the World Cup went on...

[Free Republics]

Soccer Palace, Petrograd, Plymouth

Abelino Greece's plan had seemingly gone to perfection. He was now inside of the Soccer Palace. Per his rights as a Republican citizen, he was carrying a concealed shotgun. With the midterm election coming up in mere days, Senator Samuel Izmailov, the public face of the Party for National Greatness, had gone to the Soccer Palace to watch the match between the Free Republics and Cassadaigua. Abelino was carrying a cell phone. He had purchased a disposable cell phone, a month of service and access to the Internet. This allowed him to stream the television feed of the match from the restroom stall where he was hiding and, more importantly, it allowed him to use a false identity in case something went wrong. Fortunately, for the Brotherhood, the Soccer Palace had been designed to accommodate the physically disabled, so he could hide in a large (accessible) stall, where he would draw less attention to himself. This was certainly not the norm in the Free Republics and especially not in a city like Petrograd, which was traditionally known as a staunch Conservative stronghold. Like most of the FFR, at this time, Petrograd had increasingly trended toward the Party for National Greatness. Younes Danielsson's upstart Responsible Progress Party, while popular in some areas of the Free Republics for its combination of economic populism with mainstream views on social issues, was not particularly strong in Petrograd.

So far, the main issues of the election had been Consul Piazza's opposition to war, including his "treasonous" opposition to the invasion of New Koln and 2 other nations (OOC: All 3 of which were DEATed by the mods, so they aren't coming back.) and Consul Piazza's "Stab in the Back," which was the language used by the National Organization for Men, a politically powerful men's rights organization, to describe the Consul's negotiations that led to Koby Theodore spending the year between the end of World Cup 67 qualifying and the start of World Cup 68 in Saintland, over a "clearly bogus" accusation of rape. Both of these played to the favor of the Party for National Greatness. However, Danielsson's party was a close second, as he made his own aggressive play for the men's rights groups that had propelled Consul Piazza to victory 2 years prior. Danielsson refused to play along with the warmongering of the Party for National Greatness. In fact, he had publicly criticized Senator Izmailov on several occasions for his endless efforts to incite wars with half of Esportiva.

The Consul election, 2 years hence, was already shaping up to be a historic battle. With the near-complete collapse of the traditional Big 3 of the Moderate, Liberal and Conservative coalitions and with the implosion of the Radical Alliance over Consul Piazza's numerous departures from Social Statics, which still remained the Alliance's Bible, the race was widely forecast as a battle between Izmailov and Danielsson. The "Fascist" versus the reasonable (now small-p) progressive. Danielsson stood a real chance to become the most left-wing Consul of the Free Republics in nearly a century, while Izmailov felt that he was poised to win a historic victory for nationalism.

However, before any of that, there was the mid-term election. This year, both Izmailov and Danielsson hoped to gain momentum for the Consul election, which seemed inevitably headed toward a showdown between the 2 of them. The way to do that was to ensure a strong performance for their respective parties in the midterm elections. While the Senate consisted of former Consuls and appointees from each Republic's legislature, all serving life terms, the Assembly was elected by proportional representation, with elections being held every other year. This effectively nationalized every election for the Assembly.

The World Cup match was an opportunity for Senator Izmailov to make his case to the voters, especially the all-important group of voters whom political consultants derisively referred to as "low-information" voters. That meant, of course, that they were apolitical and largely ignorant on the issues, yet were still irresponsible enough to cast a vote while remaining uninformed. A large number of them happened to be fans of the Republican National Team and now shared Rule Theriault's hatred for the region of Esportiva in general and the nation of Felix in particular. These voters were every bit as important, to the hopes of Izmailov's fascistic political party, as the men's rights activists whom Consul Piazza spurned.

Thus, the Senator had organized an "interview" where the sportscasters who worked for Rule Theriault's National Soccer Team corporation and commentated on all of the Republican National Team's matches would lob a series of softball questions at him. This had been planned, even prior to the World Cup draw. However, after the Republican National Team managed to draw 2 matches, out of 3, against Esportivan opposition, Izmailov realized that he had no choice but to set up the sham interview for the Cassadaigua match. He was not going to take any chance that some deranged Esportivan would attempt to assassinate him. In fact, he had taken to the floor of the Senate that very morning to criticize the Federation Government's failure to exclude Esportivan fans from entering the Free Republics to attend this World Cup, before flying to Petrograd on his private jet, paid for entirely with campaign contributions. That was entirely legal in the Free Republics, as the Federation Courts deemed all laws restricting political donations to be unconstitutional violations of the freedom of speech and laws restricting the use of campaign donations by politicians to be unconstitutional violations of property rights.

Little did Izmailov know that there was actually an assassin in the stadium, a Republican assassin, who was gunning for him, as he had previously gunned for the King of Saintland. Izmailov conducted the interview, blissfully unaware of what was waiting for him when he went to the restroom. It was during the middle of the first half. As the interview was going on, Koby Theodore scored a spectacular goal and the crowd erupted in support of the alleged rapist. This focused the interview on the very issue that had proven to be the albatross around the neck of Consul Piazza and the entire Radical Alliance. It was that very issue that had so angered most of the Free Republics and had been the driving force behind the dramatically rising poll numbers for the Party for National Greatness.

All of a sudden, Izmailov cut off the interview abruptly and apologized for having to do so. At this moment, Abelino Greece knew that he would soon have the opportunity to strike. Izmailov was heading toward the restroom and right into the trap that the assassin had set for him. Then, somebody walked into the restroom and he was certain that it was Senator Izmailov. The individual went into a stall and Abelino walked out and pretended to wash his hands.

A few minutes later, the stall opened, but it wasn't Senator Izmailov that walked out. It was... a woman. She screamed loudly, having noticed that a man was in the women's restroom! That was certainly not acceptable in the Free Republics, where the overwhelming majority regarded transsexuals as mentally ill. A passing security guard heard the woman's screams and walked into the restroom. When he walked in, he took out his stun gun and used it on the would-be assassin before texting for backup to subdue a "creep" in the women's restroom. Several additional security guards arrived on the scene and helped to cuff him. The security guards collectively dragged him out of the restroom and took him to the security office to wait for the local police.

In the Republic of Plymouth, intentionally entering the wrong restroom was a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment, but it normally carried just a fine. In this case, the police and prosecutors chose to seek the maximum penalty. The assassin of King Paulus XV was, temporarily, behind bars.

Meanwhile, Senator Izmailov returned unharmed and would continue with the interview in the second half. With the result never seriously in doubt, the commentators needed something to talk about, to prevent viewers from tuning out. Senator Izmailov took full advantage of this golden opportunity. As a result, he saw a massive increase in his standing in the next poll.

On the pitch, Rule Theriault was thrilled with the 4 to 2 victory over Cassadaigua, a victory that had eliminated the World Cup 67 co-hosts from World Cup 68. Now, he only had to beat San Jose Guayabal, an Esportivan nation whom he figured he could beat rather easily. While he had never been to Alex Tomlinson Memorial Stadium before, that stadium was one of the best stadiums in the Free Republics and a place that he had wanted to visit for a long time. Little did he know that the Tomlinson brothers had themselves been targets of the Brotherhood, several decades ago, as had most of the numerous victims of "lone nut" assassinations over the centuries.

Elsewhere, Abelino Greece would plead no contest to the charges. He felt guilty about his mistake and willingly accepted the punishment imposed upon him, by the Republic of Plymouth, for his mistake. Besides, he had nothing to gain and everything to lose, if the truth ever came out. For his sake and for the sake of the Brotherhood, what was done in the shadows could not be brought into the light...

[German American States]

Die Maschine Take out the Firebirds

Meisenhal Goal Lifts Eagles

LEGALESE- The German American States suddenly have a fighting chance in the World Cup group stage after beating the Firebirds of Osarius 1-0.

The German American's chances were already looking bleak after the first matchday, a 1-0 defeat by the hosts Legalese. The Eagles had to squeak out a win or draw to keep in contention for the knockout stages, and they had to do it against a 9th ranked Osarius. The Eagles went in wearing their gold home kits against the Firebirds, with a contingient of 2,000 Schwarzarmee supporters at their backs.

For the first time in the Eagle's journey to the World Cup, they looked a little uncomfortable. As the players lined up for the nation's respective anthems, the cameras picked up the glint of fear in the eyes of Die Adlerschaft. They were, after all, playing a team that was ranked top 10 in the world, a situation the Eagles certainly did not take lightly.

Osarius dominated the match straight from the kickoff, controlling the pace of the game with expert skill. It almost looked as if the Firebirds were toying with the Eagles at the beginning of the match, criscrossing the ball through the States' confused defense and midfield. Every time the States got a counterattack going, the Osarius midfield would stop the States in their tracks.

The only reason that the Firebirds did not score in the match was the superb play of the German American back 3 and keeper. The wing defenders harassed every single Osarian that came into the Eagles' final third, either winning the ball back or buying time for Friedrich Rommelwald to set up for the save. Peter Kamp also played some spectacular defense, dropping into the back line, tackling well and playing the ball forward for the striking tandem up front. Rommelwald played lights-out through the entire match, punching, grabbing, or kicking every ball that came towards him. The defense was playing very well for the first time since World Cup 66.

The Osarians had the Eagles on their heels the entire game and seemed destined to walk out of the stadium with a win, but a fortunate play for the German American States put them up in the match going into the final ten minutes. The Firebirds had just won another corner, the 6th the Osarians took all match. Nathaniel Doherty lined up and sent the ball into the six yard box. George Spencer looked as if he was going to knock it into the back of the net, but keeper Friedrich Rommelwald continued his spectacular play, punching the ball out. The ball fell to Lukas Krohn, who looked spellblinded as he saw a 3 on 1 mismatch in the final two thirds. Almost all of the Firebirds had drifted to the box for the corner, and the Eagles were all alone in the final two thirds. Krohn played a ball on to Rogalski, who dished it to Meisenhal, who had snuck past the defender. He blasted it past the keeper to give the Eagles an advantage going into the last 13 minutes.

The Eagles play Buyan next in the deciding game to see who will move on. Tensions will likely be high after Buyanese keeper Manuel Schmidt defected from the German American States to Buyan after not receiving enough playing time. The States still have a high chance of winning the group, but if they win they'll likely have to go through Audioslavia. If they place second, they'll have to play The Holy Empire in another cracker of a match.

---

Gunnar Baumgartner looked over his squad after Rheinhart had made his pregame speech. Coach Rheinhart always allowed Gunnar a good deal of leadership over the team. The tradition was Baumgartner always had the last word over the squad before they headed out into the tunnel. Gunnar looked at the squad. They were all ready to perhaps move onto the knockout stages with a victory. They had that hunger in their eyes.

"Now, gentlemen, we have a very important football match to play here today. A fellow Esportivan we are going up against, perhaps one of the new up and coming teams in the region. But, there is a more important foe here."

Gunnar paused and looked at the team. "I'm talking about loyalty to our country."

"As many of you know, their keeper, Manuel Schmidt, used to be German American. He used to be one of us. But not anymore. He has chosen to defect to a 'better team' simply because he did not get to play enough. Think about that. He cast down his own country just for the greed of more playing time."

"He should not be respected. Even though many of you remember him from your time on the team, you shall treat him as I do. As the player we need to beat to move on. We shall win tonight, and show him what a mistake it was to switch and go against your honor."

The players began nodding and looking at each other. Baumgartner got down from the stool he was standing on.

"Alright men. Lets go."

[Mytannion]

Mytanar ultras were amazing. That was something that Thorkil Bechinie von Lazan had decided long ago. He had another experience playing in front of them to know how much they could affect a player's game. They could affect an entire team, if a large, hostile ultras section was singing and chanting loudly and had a couple of pyrotechnics going they could really cause you to have a lapse in concentration. At the same time, if they were on your side, they could provide you with openings that just didn't exist before.

With the national team, that was no different and when they reached the World Cup, they were something else. Ultras of all teams briefly put club allegiance aside to get behind the national team as a weird type of nationalism gripped the country. Thorkil had seen it on television in previous World Cups, now he was experiencing it himself.

As the teams walked out, with Thorkil himself sat on the bench, they had been greeted by a wave of noise emitting from the Mytanar end. The Polarians weren't bad, but they had been there and done it before, this wasn't as big an occasion for them. Make no mistake, Rushmori derbies are always fierce, but they had done it all before. They knew the ropes and they knew what they had to do to win the game. A Rushmori derby in the group stage was just something they were used to.

Thorkil was mesmerised by the alternating columns of smoke emitting from the Mytanar end, one was green, one was white and one was orange in a pattern which continued five or six sides across the stand behind the goal. There were flashes coming from underneath, someone had cracked the stroboscopes open, apparently. Flags were waving and songs were being sang vociferously as the Mytanars tried to make the game as tough as possible for the Polarians, and tried to get behind their own boys in the strongest fashion possible at the same time.

The national anthems were sung proudly by both sets of fans, with the players of both teams largely joining in passionately too. The players shook hands, all the pre-match niceties were observed, including the coin flip deciding kick-off. Mytannion won kick-off and the Polarians decided to remain at the same end. There was a slight lull before kick-off, during which the ultras at the Mytanar end unfurled a flag depicting Ismet can Huijgevoort with the words 'Thank you for everything' in bold lettering below it. Thorkil turned to see te Polarians response and was pleased to see a solitary white flare burning, perhaps as a sign of respect.

Then the game kicked off and it was all forgotten as the usual Rushmori blood and thunder challenges began to creep into the game. It was carnage, Voronin clattered Kirvesniemi and Haugen took exception to the actions of Kohev Kungas-Vaga and little incidents occurred every couple of minutes. It was the kind of game Thorkil would have hated, so it was wonderfully convenient that Stanislav Navratil had to come off after a tweak to his hamstring after about 28 minutes.

Thorkil didn't complain, he loved playing for his country. He had been touted as a surprise inclusion in the squad but he had justified it with some good performances and he was hungry for more. Many expected him to do the same as Iivari Kaitanen and amass a ridiculous number of caps at a relatively young age, but that didn't bother Thorkil, he just wanted to win things, games, competitions, awards, it was all the same to him.

His first touch came after Lev Repin, the everlasting Lev Repin, received the ball from a goal kick. He didn't have much space, so played it down the line to Thorkil. Thorkil turned and realised there wasn't a lot on, he'd have to try and take the defender on. Thorkil considered him, Moses Luc Bjerregaard. A global icon, someone that Thorkil recognised, someone who probably didn't have a clue who this younger player who was about to skin him was, unless he had an interest in the rather unfashionable Mytanar Top League.

Thorkil poked the ball forwards and as Bjerregaard came forwards to pinch it off his toes he dragged it inside him and stormed away. Bjerregaard was left looking at thin air and Thorlil found himself with a bit of space. The centre backs were in position, but Haugen had Nordenerg occupied and Kaitanen was making a dangerous run behind the other. Lillehammer was approaching from the centre of the field, but Thorkil was confident he could outpace him and so he drove on toward the corner of the eighteen yard box. Lillehammer came hurtling towards him and with a deft flick, Thorkil moved inside him, leaving him with no man to tackle.

Thorkil was about 20 yards out, with no real simple pass on and a fairly good angle for the shot. Haugen was occupying a defender, Kaitanen was behind another but looked onside. If Thorkil shot and the goalkeeper could only parry it, he might get on the end of a rebound. That made up Thorkil's mind. He fired a shot towards goal, he connected sweetly and the ball looked like it would be on target. It swerved slightly as it went past and beyond Kirilaunen and it hit the back of the net as thousands of Mytanars inside the stadium roared their approval. 1-0 Mytannion.

Thorkil immediately tore away, he was running towards the bench and particularly Danek Badjkev, the man who had had so much faith in him. The two celebrated together in an embrace as the flares were lit and the flags were waved.

Half-time came and went, shortly after the break, the Polarians replied. Bjerregaard had lit up the Mytanar goal with a shot, but Wallinaar just about managed to turn it around the post. The resultant corner ended in the equaliser, it was delivered beautifully and a nod back across goal from Nordenberg found the more diminutive Torsten Wolff, who belted home an effort from close range, leaving Wallinaar with no chance.

The big lesson of international football was still to come for young Thorkil, though. An uneventful second half was about to end when he received the ball in a similar situation to the one from which he scored. He was one on one with Bjerregaard, though the entire Mytanar team was pressing high as they tried to find a winning goal. Repin has made a rare overlap and the two Mytanar centre backs were the only ones in a fairly deep position.

Thorkil thought about it and made a decision. If it had worked once, it would work again. He approached Bjerregaard, poking the ball close and as the defender went to move in on the ball he prepared to poke it away. But then he felt something he hadn't felt the first time around. His foot slipped, he was falling and he could see a look of delight on Bjerregaard's face as he pounced. He pinched the ball and then he was flying, towards the Mytanar goal in front on the Polarians fans. He screamed away and neither Dalgaard nor Berozhserkovsky could get anywhere near him as he passed the halfway line and speedily approached the Mytanar goal.

Wallinaar came out but Thorkil was already despairing. He could see the headlines already, 'a tale of two young stars' etc. Bjerregaard waited for Wallinaar to commit himself and then deftly chipped the ball over the Liria Prizren goalkeeper, the ball bounced twice and then steadily rolled into the net. Bjerregaard ran towards the Polarians, reaching the byline and then sliding on his knees in celebration.

Thorkil was still on the floor just past the halfway line. He held his head in his hands. Someone, Lev Repin, probably, clapped him on the back and told him not to worry, but he couldn't get up. He suddenly felt very lonely on that football pitch, even with the ultras there. They didn't sing his name anymore.

He had learned the big lesson of international football. Avoid simple mistakes.

[Vilita]

Jungle Cats on the Brink

Destiny in Vilitan Hands heading into Final Matchday

The Vilita Jungle Cats responded just as Calaesa Mitaroka had hoped they would after their opening matchday defeat at the hands of the Pasarga Wanderers by defeating Esportiva's finest, the Licentian Isles, by a score of 3 goals to 2.

It was a dissapointing opener for the Vilitans, as Atlantian Oceania's representatives in the "Group of the Multiverse" - One representative nation from each of the 3 major sporting regions and a long time participating non-sports region participant to round out the group.

It started out with the battle of Giants - with the Jungle Cats, who recently made up one half of the championship team for the Atlantian Oceanian AOCAF 41 & 42 championships, up against the fomidible Pasargan side always a strong force from Rushmore.

This time, just as in recent World Cup history with the rise of Eura and the Polar Islandstates, it was Rushmore that got the upper hand with Pasarga taking the 2-1 victory. All the goals came early in the match with Mezei Orbán's opener being cancelled out by Vilita's youngster Lboaisa Akarelm before Pasarga got the eventual game winner from Løver Storås just 21 minutes into the game.

A drab hour plus of association football followed and the match played out without incident, and without a change in the scoreline as Pasarga had recorded an important early victory over the favored Vilitans in the race to qualify from Group D.

Of course, losing is never enjoyable and its not particularly something that the Jungle Cats have been used to, escaping the Qualifying campaign unbeaten despite the high frequency of draws, and only losing one of their 4 pre-finals playoff matches.

However, as highlighted earlier, there is some comfort to take out of the early defeat. The Jungle Cats rebound capability is among the best in the multiverse.

They proved just that on Matchday 2 when they were paired up against the former delegates of Esportiva, The Licentian Isles.

Some sense of order was restored amongst the sporting communities as the Vilitan's opened up to a 3-0 lead heading into the final 15 minutes of the match, clearly overpowering their Esportivan rivals.

It was also a World Cup Finals debut for Zelkki Milake. The Lonngeylin Coast goalkeeper who surprisingly was absent through much of the Qualifying campaign, was apparently being saved for the finals and was putting in a wonderful performance until a pair of late Licentian goals made the game close and the finish more exciting than it had to be.

In the end, however, the earlier goals by Tripate Falcon, the ageless Kristofer Kilpter and Sirkii Moliaudo were enough to give the Jungle Cats all 3 points and put them in control of their own destiny, knowing that a win on the final matchday would certainly see them through to the Round of 16.

However, the Cup of Tardy rematch against Jeruselem is far from a given, with the Princesses' being the highest ranked 'Four-Seed' in the entire World Cup finals. In fact, Jeruselem are ranked higher than some other groups 'top seeds' due to the format, and as such will represent a formidible challenge for the Jungle Cats. Jeruselem will be well aware of what is on the line, knowing they need only to come away with a draw to ensure their progression.

With his job on the line, Calaesa Mitaroka is not likely to leave any stone unturned in his strategical preparation for the match, which will certainly be one of the highlights of the final matchday.

	Pasarga
:: Goalscorers :: :: 19' Lboaisa Akarelm ::	:: Goalscorers :: :: 12' Mezei Orbán :: 21' Løver Storås
:: Best Player: Nili Ylimaiina :: Worst Player: Kristofer Kilpter :: Shots on Target: 3 :: Corner Kicks: 5	:: Best Player: Antonio Jukić :: Worst Player: Timár Bendegúz :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 4

Vilita Jungle Cats ::
[GK] Jaqe Planst, [D.] Kadi Molali, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [D.] Endur Rotropii, [ML] Jomur Hulyer, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MC] Steffyn Siazzu, [MR] Purapal Eskiiy, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [FC] Lboaisa Akarelm, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina
BENCH::
[FC] Perran Adlani, [FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [M] Riksa Valjariia, [M] Vliela Lianksa, [U] Kamarul Zaman, [D] Uajiala Pulkki, [GK] Jungrii Canopii

Vilita Substitutions::
(19) - Endur Rotropii >>> Riksa Valjariia
(66) - Jomur Hulyer >>> Kamarul Zaman
(76) - Kadi Molali >>> Vliela Lianksa

(For Future Statistical Reference)
GK:: Jaqe Planst - [4]

D.:: Kadi Molali - [5]
D.:: Amarini Baracelv - [8]
D.:: Endur Rotropii - [5]
ML:: Jomur Hulyer - [5]
MC:: Lopaki Kilpter - [8]
MC:: Steffyn Siazzu - [8]
MR:: Purapal Eskiiy - [5]
FC:: Kristofer Kilpter - [3]
FC:: Lboaisa Akarelm - [7]
FC:: Nili Ylimaiina - [9]

Vilitan Subs Bench:
FC:: Perran Adlani - [DNP]
FC:: Sirkii Moliaudo - [DNP]
M:: Riksa Valjariia - [5]
M:: Vliela Lianksa - [5]
U:: Kamarul Zaman - [6]
D:: Uajiala Pulkki - [DNP]
GK:: Jungrii Canopii - [DNP]

	The Licentian Isles
:: Goalscorers :: :: 21' Tripate Falcon :: 23' Kristofer Kilpter :: 73' Sirkii Moliaudo	:: Goalscorers :: :: 75' Fraser Docherty :: 85' Ruben Munro ::
:: Best Player: Lopaki Kilpter :: Worst Player: Kaivel Illatara :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 7	:: Best Player: Fraser Docherty :: Worst Player: Dennis Munro :: Shots on Target: 6 :: Corner Kicks: 13

Vilita Jungle Cats ::
[GK] Zelkki Milake, [D.] Arocki Tadalek, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [D.] Uajiala Pulkki, [ML] Aniara Jiurjai, [MC] Riksa Valjariia, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MR] Tripate Falcon, [FC] Kaivel Illatara, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter
BENCH::
[FC] Sirkii Moliaudo, [FC] Perran Adlani, [M] Kiroki Mitaroka, [M] Jomur Hulyer, [U] Erocka Lorei, [D] Endur Rotropii, [GK] Kalek Intafel

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Tripate Falcon >>> Jomur Hulyer
(67) - Nili Ylimaiina >>> Perran Adlani
(68) - Lopaki Kilpter >>> Sirkii Moliaudo

(For Future Statistical Reference)
GK:: Zelkki Milake - [4]

D.:: Arocki Tadalek - [9]
D.:: Amarini Baracelv - [8]
D.:: Uajiala Pulkki - [8]
ML:: Aniara Jiurjai - [7]
MC:: Riksa Valjariia - [6]
MC:: Lopaki Kilpter - [7]
MR:: Tripate Falcon - [7]
FC:: Kaivel Illatara - [5]
FC:: Nili Ylimaiina - [7]
FC:: Kristofer Kilpter - [8]

Vilitan Subs Bench:
FC:: Sirkii Moliaudo - [5]
FC:: Perran Adlani - [5]
M:: Kiroki Mitaroka - [DNP]
M:: Jomur Hulyer - [6]
U:: Erocka Lorei - [DNP]
D:: Endur Rotropii - [DNP]
GK:: Kalek Intafel - [DNP]

[Cassadaigua]

Like many Cassadagans, Katie Parker was disappointed in the result of the World Cup match against Free Republics. The President of the Cassadagan Royal Investigations Unit (CRIU) was always interested in how the national team played, and after getting a successful conviction of Meghan Kinson, which ultimately led to her death, that interest in soccer had grown a bit.

Following the game, she had a chat with her husband about the game, and they tried to get over the result as quick as they could. It seemed to be working, until the news reported a story of an arrest in Petrograd. In Cassadaigua, of course, it would not be a big story, and it was reported in a tongue and cheek manner. But no one gets to Katie Parker's position unless they are very astute.

"That's THE guy!" Katie exclaimed to her husband.

"What are you talking about?"

"Remember the World Bowl, that guy we saw acting strange before the game. Like he was up to something, because it certainly didn't look like he was there to watch football. Remember?!"

"Honey, it's time for bed."

"No! No! No! I must call them now. I have a contact number. This guy has a deeper secret!"

"They'll never consider it a serious lead, honey. It's probably just some crazy who wanted to film women in the bathroom and put it on a porn site. Maybe that's why he looked weird at the World Bowl game too."

"Sweetie, I am not the president of the Cassadagan Royal Investigations Unit for nothing. I am going to call them now!"

"Well good luck with it. They won't take you seriously."

[San Jose Guayabal]

www.elnacional.gu/sports/highlights

You are in: El nacional > sports > World Cup 68 Finals > Our team.

NEWS
- SJG 1-2 New Sideburn, the first fail
- Free Republics vs SJG, Time to the showdown.
- Analysis of the Groups in WC.

Wrote by: Lourdes Amador/Mario Mancia
Follow in Feisbuc as: @Loudor245 / @Macia455
April 21th, 2014. 10:45 P.M.

SJG 1-2 New Sideburn, the first fail

The previous details, interviews.

Life is not always rosy for ease in football, SJG was defeated yesterday by New Sideburn in the second game of the WC Finals by the score of 1-2 , which certainly leaves certain problems SJG view your desired rating to the Round of 16 in the toilet, something that would be historic for the national team you want to start right now to put up the flag of our country, but this time their edge players , who will have played the all out against the Free Republics , the co - host of the toilet, in what will certainly be a decisive match for the aspirations of the players and the fans

The Nail Frolov In the Colosseum , located in Santangiago , Perotutia , is a spacious stadium named after Nail Frolov , a long- time Senator from the Republic of Perotutia . Frolov , a Progressive Senator, was around the FFR Known for his skill in bringing to tax Perotutia Federation funds . Santangiago is a small city relativamente Nonetheless That has a 99.406 seat stadium. However , since Frolov has-been dead for several Decades and Perotutia has-been unable to find another Senator so skilled at bringing tax dollars from other Republics to Perotutia , his Colosseum has fallen into disrepair . As the progressive- minded Citizens of Perotutia have grown less interested in sports over the past few decades, the Republic government has done no upkeep on the stadium for years . While neither Logan nor Rule Theriault Allen would be willing to play there, Nail Frolov 's staff Colosseum somehow made ​​it onto the list of stadiums for World Cup 68 . Perotutia is a south -eastern Republic . At this stage lived a great turnout for pate fans who came in large numbers to crowd the stadium , including SJG had 17,500 fans who arrived with drums , cymbals, vuvuzelas and everything required to sing dramatically to Portfolio national who needed a lot of support in addition to New Sideburn fans who arrived in a múmero 15,000 fans ready to cheer on their team until the end unconditionally , after seeing the picture of fans interviewed a fan of SJG , who shared with us their views on the national team.

"Good day sir, and feel the performance of the national team in this tournament ? " Asked Mario , the new reporter who goes under the supervision of Lourdes.

" Hello, good day my dear , I think the national team is doing an excellent paper in the toilet right now , because yesterday defeated a tough team and a lot of tradition in the past , which had an excellent knockout stage and they certainly was a great challenge for the national team, " said the fan quietly located in its opinion.

" What you think was the key factor of the previous game? " Mario asked .

"The key factor was use in an appropiate way the opportunities throughout the game , besides having a good defense and control the nerves, not because anyone wins first calved in the history of WC " said the fan again .

"In the game now , New Sideburn is considered a tough opponent , as he thinks he is the party ? " Mario said while receiving spanked by Lourdes.

"It will be fought , that's for sure , other than that this opponent put in a strong selection problems in the previous phase , tied him to Valladares , these overvalued players but if done exclentes games, finally this is owed opponent must play without fear but with caution, to avoid making any mistakes , " said the fan .

"Thanks for your opinion and have a good day," said Mario in shape smiling because he did his first interview .

"You're welcome , I wish the same to you , I hope he does well ," said Mario fan and Lourdes.

On the tactical side of both teams , New Sideburn , led by coach Jess Mortlock decided to use a low team with possession , but on high pressure , with fast play and short passing . Extremely physical , but will never dive , go to ground Easily , intentionally or handball , a feature game that at first glance looked challenging through its 4-4-2, although it looked very offensive, has the ability to perform a feast of goals against tough opponents as was Farfadillis , who lost a playoff game 6-4 in what was a veritable feast of goals, but SJG try to counteract that lineup , but the question was: How would ? The answer is simple, because we Mathias Paatelainen details n the next interview.

" Hello sir Paatelainen is a pleasure to meet you , I'm Mario Mancia , a reporter for " The National " Give you could afford a couple of questions ? Mario said as shocked to see the manager , besides feeling honored .

"Hi Mario , yes , sit down and ask me what you need ? " Paatelainen replied .

" As saw the game yesterday ? " Mario asked the manager .

"It was a big win in every way for the players , in the moral , tactical and sentimental aspect , apart from the sport , the players feel extremely well for this game," said Paatelainen .

" As now play the game against New Sideburn ? " Mario asked .

" Very simple , I will with different variations as to the location of the players " Paatelainen said while taking a board and to draw the outline of down .

" It will be a 3-2-2-3 , different from the traditional scheme , this time will be a midfielder Sebastián Núñez next to Rudy Valencia, while Leonidas Bregoo be really Saucedo tree and generate a more effective plan to transition from defense and the attack of the national team, the plan is that we should try to win at all costs if we want to stay in the race , they do not want to derail the goal we seek , which is to reach at least round 16 , not spare no effort to achieve it. " Paatelainen said very seriously .

" Thank you for your words, a very courteous gesture on your part , I hope to see you soon " Mario said .

" Thank you, I wish the same " Paatelainen said.

Cold water bucket to SJG.

After acts of protocol and boo to the words of Rule Theriault before kickoff , speaking about respect , the game started with the ball by SJG , Rodolfo Zelaya took the ball and started a run of backlash just starting the game, after advancing a few yards, gave pass to Sean Fraser, who was commissioned to finish towards goal but his shot was completely off , causing boos from the fans of New Sideburn and even laughter from Kieron Riordan definitely Fraser 's shot was just pathetic compared to the goal that put SJG at this stage of the WC .

Second minute of the game, New Sideburn began to pressure the defense of SJG , in that first occasion Rook Cathar took the ball , made a team move with Konrad Evans , who without thinking twice, took the ball and finished off the goal SJG , Henry Hernandez tried in vain to stop the ball went under his legs , coming slowly towards the goal and New Sideburn scored the first goal in a fairly rapid way, besides that it was practically a bucket of water cold for SJG 's national team , which looked stunned and without reaction to that goal .

After the cries of Henry Hernandez did not think like that ball was slipping between the feet , it seemed that his nocturnal nightmare he was actually at the time, but at least seven minutes into the game managed reinvindicarse to stop a shot of Dale Brightley , which nearly became 2-0 to New Sideburn Hernandez stretched his hand toward the lower left corner , sending the ball into the legs of James Moreira , who promptly cleared the ball .

Wake up team!

Already passed twelve minutes and looked close to SJG recovered through dangerous moves as a counterattack by Sean Fraser on this occasion able to finish in good shape towards the goal and slammed the ball into the goal of Kieror Riordan , who he could do anything to get the shot Fraser, but unfortunately it was not a goal . New Sideburn sought to maintain constant pressure on the goal of Henry Hernandez, constantly trying Brightley through counterattacks or haciendoo use of its virtue as excellent players when the ball is in the air , moments where the defense of SJG looked very bad.

SJG seemed to improve in terms of possession twenty-four minutes, because a mediocre 32% in fifteen minutes, up to 45% , due to the constant pressure of Mathias Paatelainen for his players to attack and put pressure more his opponents certainly would facilitate players SJG find something better in the game, while New Sideburn remained as clearly dominant party , with 55% of possession, taking into account that SJG had shaken off some domain NSB throughout the game. As we talk about the goal shots , New Sideburn showed his clear dominance with five shots on goal while SJG just two , without the mess of Fraser shot in the first minute of play , but perhaps not in Fraser its best in terms of making shots.

After thirty-five minutes of new dominium of New Sideburn , SJG showed signs of wanting to reverse the situation through more possession , not necessarily offensive , if not in the area of generation of moves for creative as Rudy Valencia, trying to break the defense lock New Sideburn , succeeding thirty-nine minutes, through a shot of Jonathan Fana that hit the post and then Rodolfo Zelaya was caught offside , in addition to that obtained reprimand by referee , because Zelaya did not stop to hear the referee's whistle , and topping the goal scoring , but due to the offside, the goal was disallowed . That play of warning Zelaya can be considered to some extent as despair , something that should not fall , because there is a clear example of what can go through despair , also taking into account that remained throughout the second half to play .

Forty-four minutes, New Sideburn had a corner , Catheline Harper made ​​the corner-kick , sending the ball towards Tosca Marlowe , who made a header and sent the kick to the legs of Cathar Rook , who sent the ball to hands of Henry Hernandez in what may well have been the second goal for New Sideburn possibly leaving SJG at a huge disadvantage before the second half.

Halftime and interviews.

Referee whistled the end of the first half , SJG score was 1-0 down , had the entire second half of the match to go up , but would not have much merit because of the loose player participation and especially Henry Hernandez that could well stop the first goal , but his mistake cost him dearly , while deep down the minds of most of SJG , a situation that is not very good pass , as the players were heading backstage , interviewed Henry Hernandez , SJG goalkeeper .

" Good morning Henry, as you perceive the game from your opinion? " Lourdes said.

"Ugh, embarrassing mistake wherein I conducted , I can not tolerate me make that kind of mistake , knowing that we are under pressure," Henry said .

" Calm down, we all make mistakes . Which do you think is the strength of the opponent ? " Lourdes said as he adjusted the recorder.

"The advantage of them is that they are very high , taking headers off with ease , they have pretty good agility like us , that's what makes the game look really in favor of them," Henry said , as he wiped his gloves .

"As a play for the second time" asked Lourdes.

" With the idea to reverse the situation and try to win or tie the game , we can not afford to miss this so well , is like sending your effort to dump, something not funny " Henry said.

" Thanks for your statements Henry, and good luck, God bless you . " Lourdes said to finish.

" Thanks, I wish they want to happen to you," Hernandez said as he removed his gloves.

At halftime, SJG made changes in the area of ​​midfield, entering Darwin Ceren as midfielder and left Sebastián Núñez in place, plus Daniel Coco was replaced by Matias Passsarelli who would like work to prevent the arrival of dangerous moves towards the goal Henry Hernandez, because attackers New Sideburrn approached the area with relative ease, something that was a bad sign for led Emnauel Inzer and Mathias Paatelainen while players Jess Mortlock were playing in a way proper, making pressure SJG from the beginning and thus avoiding problems quickly, applying the adage the best defense is attack, SJG looked somewhat fragile point on the right side, so Mattias Passarelli be decisive at that point .

Once again back in game.

Since the start of the second half, New Sideburn had the ball for much of the first five minutes econd time, but was losing fifty-one minutes, then Sean Fraser won the ball in midfield and gave it to pass Rudy Valencia, who held the ball for SJG for a minute in the area of ​​defense, through a series of passes, then gave a pass to Sean Fraser who did a counterattack and came to the right side of the court then gave pass Leonidas Bregoo for this is directed to left side and then would pass Rodlofo Zelaya, who was perfectly located in the area and headed in the goal of Kieron Riordan, defeating him his resistncia and putting SJG again Party in action, this time the game was 1-1 and fifty-two minutes, missing thirty-eight minutes to find the goal and scoring another goal and get in the front and trying to secure the passing round sixteen, something that does not really seem distant for this selection.

After that goal Fraser, everything went in favor for SJG already in a better mood and to some extent desperate to score the goal that put them up front. Jonathan Faña missed a counterattack after being placed in front of Kieron Riordan, who managed to stop the speed of the shot and then got to have the ball in his hands, which helped prevent SJG is out in front and fifty-eight minutes party.

SJG pushing.

While SJG better showing in the field, that does not mean that New Sideburn not generating opportunities, unlike conducted a danger of sixty-six minutes through a header from Cathar Rook, who sent the ball toward the left goalpost Henry Hernandez, who sent the ball to a corner, showing that it was still important in the match factor and was preventing a hard collapse by SJG in the party, a couple of minutes later, in sixty-eight minutes, Cathar sent the ball to the right goalpost, keeping out the second goal for New Sideburn, who was very strong on the court, giving signs that had yet to do much more in the game, that a draw would have seriously damaged their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 and no limit.

Goal, and game for NSB, the interviews.

Having already passed seventy-five minutes, SJG had 49% of possession, it was definitely higher than at the end of the first forty-five minutes, as the definitive goal it helped them obener the morale boost they wanted to keep playing well , New Sideburn reduced its holding to 51%, very high for what this team typically accustomed in addition to that SJG performed so far five shots on goal, showing an improvement but New Sideburn had eight shots on goal, clearly superior , which showed in the eighty three minute because Cathar Rook finished long distance toward the goal of Henry Hernandez, who on this occasion tried everything humanly possible and still no achievement stop the shot, that put New Sideburn front and sentenced the game with the score of 1-2, defeated SJG fell for the first time in the toilet, but it would be so easy, can eighty-eight minutes, Sean Fraser gave pass to Rodolfo Zelaya, Tosca Marlowe toppled Zelaya in the area, and punishes penalty to SJG, I had the opportunity to get a draw. Zelaya potently and topped his shot was stopped by Kieron Riordan, ensuring the victory of New Sideburn fulltime, then interviewed Inzer Emanuel, one of the managers of SJG.

"Excuse me sir, how did you felt the game?" Lourdes asked.

"It was a close game, sadly missed, but we are not completely lost, we still have chances" Inzer said.

"In that he believes the national team failed?" Lourdes asked curiously.

"We failed in midfield, played very weak, something that affected us strongly as most moves are generated in the midfield, which is a useful weapon for us," Inzer said.

After these statements, SJG stood in third place in the group, a point below leaders, New Sideburn and Free Republics, the next opponent who defeated Cassadaigua 4-2. SJG still has a mathematical chance to win the group, remote but nothing very difficult, but passed as second place is very viable, if you win a Free Republics, even a draw to guarantee the pass as the second, but it is very risky, so a win s the goal of the national team to Free Republics.

Free Republics vs SJG, Time to the showdown.

Tactical interview.

SJG will play tomorrow in the third match of the group stage of the WC Finals to some rookie called minnows Free Republics, in what will be the toughest in the group E match because both teams are in contention for direct access to phase round of sixteen, so it will be important to both teams, who will fight to the last breath to win at showdown tomorrow.

As for the tactical aspects, Mathias Paatelainen talked to coach the national team of SJG, who gave us details about the game.

"What do you think about the game tomorrow?" Lourdes asked in a curious way.

"It will certainly play very morbid, fans will have a particular grudge against Rule Theriault, I include myself personally, because it is simply ridiculous person inciting hatred in a sport where there should be brotherhood and friendship, nothing hatred "expressed Paatelainen.

"You greet Theriault?" Lourdes asked.

"If I could, give him a slap instead of greeting, but I'm going to say hello as they should, because I do not lose my work ethic to people without thinking or logical basis inelectual whose coefficient is below average SJG, which is a much more cultured nation Free Republics, according to I have observed "

"How to play the game?" Lourdes said.

"Of equal terms, without fear, considering it is a rival with little status and prestige, but we know play with humility and without belittling them, because that would be a mistake for us to belittle the opponent, even pity others of us" said Paatelainen in a critical bawdy ..

"Are you planning to make a change in the team?" Lourdes asked.

"Definitely do not change players, I play the same, but back to 3-1-3-3, which has given us great results, and now we need to beat the opponent and skip round dies six, hopefully God will help in this mission will be tough. " Expressed Paatelainen to end the interview.

Meanwhile on the side of Free Reublics, we learned that Rule "Minnow" Theriault play a tactic of attack, looking to get a good result against the national team of SJG, the use 4-3-3 as preliminary sources taking Kyle Bolton as its maximum reference in the attack, which also include Theriault said "We will win easily" so he is visibly upbeat, and now is the time to return to reality and to overcome once and for all.

Fans are angry.

Meanwhile on the side of the fans, rumors have emerged that SJG Ultras, the collective group of radical fans SJG national team plans a "visit" to the house of Rule Theriault and make the "eat his words were" actions through fear as vandalism, something permitted under the laws of Free Republics, as interpreted by the Attorney Michael Jackson, from Free Republics, who says the vandalism is legal according to the standards of freedom and civil expression even for foreigners addition there have been rumors of a plan for possible sequestration Rule Theriault and Abelino Greece to instill "respect" for fans of Free Republics, as cataloged by the Football Federation of SJG as reprehensible and shameful attitude they are asking fans to refrain from such conduct.

The game has been very controversial, we invite you to tune into this match on the television channel twelve SJG at 8:30 PM, fully live from Free Republics.

Analysis of the Groups in WC.

After two days in the WC Finals, the outlook is encouraging for some of the strongest national teams tournament, while others looks bleak due to adverse outcomes, then the results are presented.

Group Stage Matchday Two Results

Group A
German American States 1–0 Osarius
Legalese 2–1 Buyan

  Group A                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Legalese                   2   2  0  0    3   1  +2    6
2 Osarius                    2   1  0  1    4   3  +1    3
3 German American States     2   1  0  1    1   1   0    3
4 Buyan                      2   0  0  2    3   6  −3    0

Group B
Northern Sunrise Islands 1–2 Super-Llamaland
Audioslavia 0–1 The Holy Empire

  Group B                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Holy Empire            2   2  0  0    4   0  +4    6
2 Audioslavia                2   1  0  1    2   2   0    3
3 Super-Llamaland            2   1  0  1    2   4  −2    3
4 Northern Sunrise Islands   2   0  0  2    2   4  −2    0

Group C
Barunia 0–0 Paradystopia
Eura 0–0 Glaser

  Group C                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Barunia                    2   1  1  0    2   1  +1    4
2 Glaser                     2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2
  Paradystopia               2   0  2  0    0   0   0    2
4 Eura                       2   0  1  1    1   2  −1    1

Group D
Pasarga 1–3 Jeruselem
Vilita 3–2 The Licentian Isles

  Group D                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Jeruselem                  2   1  1  0    6   4  +2    4
2 Vilita                     2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
3 Pasarga                    2   1  0  1    3   4  −1    3
4 The Licentian Isles        2   0  1  1    5   6  −1    1



Group E
New Sideburn 2–1 San Jose Guayabal
Free Republics 4–2 Cassadaigua

  Group E               Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Free Republics          2   1  1  0    5   3  +2    4
2 New Sideburn            2   1  1  0    3   2  +1    4
3 San Jose Guayabal       2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
4 Cassadaigua             2   0  0  2    2   6  -4    0

Group F
The Royal Barangay 3–0 Felix
Valladares 0–0 Blouman Empire

  Group F               Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Valladares              2   1  1  0    3   1  +2    4
2 The Royal Barangay      2   1  0  1    4   3  +1    3
3 Felix                   2   1  0  1    1   3  -2    3
4 Blouman Empire          2   0  1  1    0   1  -1    1

Group G
United Gordonopia 3–1 Darmen
Polar Islandstates 2–1 Mytannion

  Group G               Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Polar Islandstates      2   2  0  0    3   1  +2    6
2 Mytannion               2   1  0  1    6   5  +1    3
3 United Gordonopia       2   1  0  1    3   2  +1    3
4 Darmen                  2   0  0  2    4   8  -4    0

Group H
Saintland 4–5 Turori
Valanora 3–2 Neu Engollon

  Group H               Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Turori                  2   1  1  0    8   7  +1    4
2 Saintland               2   1  0  1    6   6   0    3
3 Valanora                2   1  0  1    4   4   0    3
4 Neu Engollon            2   0  1  1    5   6  -1    1

OOC: Group A-D Matches were scorinated when I was writing the last details of this RP, so you can find the official scores at the end in a disclaimer paragraph.

In group A:, German American States gave an excellent surprise defeat by the score of Osarius - in a hard-fought match decided on a hard run , knowing that both teams have strength in physical appearance , especially due Osarius its history over time and in the present, while Legalese achieved an important victory by defeating 2-1 Buyan , Buyan unfortunately could not take advantage of having scored pemitió first and one of the co -hosts left near their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 .

Last matchay predictions: It will be a very hard day for three teams in contention , especially for German American States, which is tied with Osarius , both teams must win and hope that some of them fail in the attempt or upon winning GAS need to win by a goal in their favor and not write Osarius GAS goal or score more than one goal difference in their favor against Osarius Buyan and keeps in the same figure , in case of tie GAS would benefit because that game beated Osarius GAS , so here we predict that Osarius and Legalese and qualify for round of 16, something happening within the framework of logic.

Group B: In this group, the Jumping Beans of The Holy Empire are already qualified to the next round with four goals in favor and none against, having six points, the worst this team would rank is second because opponents Audioslavia would have to score four goals in Super-Llamaland and THE jumping beans would have to lose by four goals and Northern Sunrise Islands is officially out of competition, which is very difficult to happen, while Super-Llamaland Audioslavia is tied with three points but with two goals less in goal difference, very smooth.

Last matchday prediction: Super-Llamaland tendrpia be overcome by two goals to Audioslavia, no matter if they score one, but must always be a difference of two goals to enter the next phase, which is very difficult to happen, taking into account the experience of The Bulls, so we predict that The Holy Empire and Audioslavia will accede to the next round.

Group C: In this group, no one is safe classification , at least Barunia is the one to get it closer , then will face Glaser , although this has shown clear opposition to Eura to get a 0-0 draw , is at a disadvantage conditions to move to the next round, as Barunia must win or at least draw to qualify for the next round , while Glaser is primarily required to succeed in this game, because it shares Paradystopia position even in goals scored , received and difference , as both teams have not scored a goal in just the previous two games and have not received one , Eura is less likely but we know that we should never take them for dead, as they have the chance to advance if they beat Paradystopia but their possibilities depend that that Barunia Glaser defeat or tie him , but Eura is in a situation where winning is your only alternative .

Last matchday predictions: Barunia impose their experience and talent to Glaser , who arrived like Cinderella on your group Qualifiers and proved to be no Cinderella , but Barunia win but it will be very quiet, Eura win the game , as his experience will at the required time , because removal would be an embarrassment for them , so Barunia and Eura will advance to the round of 16.

Group D: In this group, no one is sure access to the second round , although we noted that Vilita , Pasarga Jeruselem and have the greatest chance of passing because The Licentian Isles is a single point, the platoon distant but always with the opportunity to access the next phase taking into account the basic of pure mathematics .

Last matchday predictions: Jeruselem must win or at least tie the game against Vilita , which is just one point behind Pasarga , but their goal difference is not very secure , so Vilita is the need to win the game to ensure your pass, while The Licentian Isles faces Pasarga an attractive game where both are in the need to win , but Pasarga depends on itself to win, while The Licentian Isles is with literally remote chance of winning , so which depends on a combination of results in their favor, as Pasarga beat for more than three goals and expect a tie Vilita and Jeruselem , looks difficult but we predict Vilita and Jeruselem be classified to the next phase .

Group E: Why analyze our group? simple answer , it is to provide opportunities that each opponent has in the group. Cassadaigua is in a bad tournament and it practically eliminated from the tournament , so New Sideburn , Free Republics and us ( SJG ) are in contention to qualify for the next stage , none of the three has safe position , will face New Sideburn Cassadaigua basically in a game of mere formality as only Cassadaigua has nothing to rescue some honor to the group stage where he played disastrous , while Free Republics , the co - host SJG played against in a game that will be very even because both are literally forced to win.

Last matchday predictions: New Sideburn win game against Cassadaigua and classified , but it will not be anything easy while Free Republics and SJG will fight to the last breath in his desire to move to the next phase of the WC , after much discussion we conclude to impartially and independently of our nationality , applying neutrality , New Sideburn with SJG will qualify for the next round.

Group F: In this group, things seem clear to some extent, but in the mathematical aspect, looks very tight, as four teams have the chance to qualify, some have more than others but Blouman Empire has fewer opportunities because he has to defeat the Royal Barangay and hope that Felix is defeated by Valladares, because their goal difference is better than the one with Felix, but Valladares needs to win like the Royal Barangay to move round, while Felix needs at least a draw and the Royal Barangay defeat to happen, but need further difference to Blouman Empire, so Felix needs to win at all costs.

Last matchday predictions: Felix achieved a draw and The Royal Barangay will win so The Royal Barangay and Valladares will advance to the next round.

Group G: In this group, Polar Islandstates achieved what was expected and already qualified to next round, will play Darmen PIS, who is already out of the competition, which it will not be difficult for The Polarians. While United Gordonopia Mytannion and will fight directly through to the next round, as both play each other in a game where both seek victory, but only one can achieve the who earn ranks while in case of a tie, Mytannion would advance to the next round because he has scored more goals than United Gordonopia.

Last matchday predictions: PIS is classified for obvious reasons, while Mytannion has everything to gain so, PIS with Mytannion qualify for next round.

Group H: Another very tight group under our leaderboard, Neu Engollon is last in the group but with math chances of qualifying due until the goal difference Turori is with two goals difference compared to the last, already one Valanora difference and Saintland, the outlook is very tough to come.

Last matchday predictions: Valanora have the opportunity to win, because their tradition and experience are imposed Turori, but as we know that football is not only tradition, Valanora has more chance because of their experience and talent, but it will be something very tight and Saintland fight for sorting, we conclude that Saintland and Turori will advance to the next round, but anything can happen.

Based on these predictions we deduce that the last 16 games we will be well (Remember, predictions are only aimed at providing the view of journalists as to the WC Finals in their last game of group stage)

Legalese vs Audioslavia
Osarius vs The Holy Empire
Barunia vs Jeruselem
Eura vs Vilita
SJG vs Valladares
New Sideburn vs The Royal Barangay
Polar Islandstates vs Turori
Mytannion vs Saintland

In a breaking news during the final edition of this paper, the results in the side of Legalese were presented, thus presenting himself.

Group Stage Matchday Three Results in Legalese

Group A
Buyan 1–0 German American States
Osarius 2–1 Legalese

  Group A                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Osarius                    3   2  0  1    6   4  +2    6
2 Legalese                   3   2  0  1    4   3  +1    6
3 German American States     3   1  0  2    1   2  −1    3
4 Buyan                      3   1  0  2    4   6  −2    3

Group B
The Holy Empire 0–2 Northern Sunrise Islands
Super-Llamaland 2–3 Audioslavia

  Group B                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 The Holy Empire            3   2  0  1    4   2  +2    6
2 Audioslavia                3   2  0  1    5   4  +1    6
3 Northern Sunrise Islands   3   1  0  2    4   4   0    3
4 Super-Llamaland            3   1  0  2    4   7  −3    3

Group C
Glaser 0–2 Barunia
Paradystopia 1–0 Eura

  Group C                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Barunia                    3   2  1  0    4   1  +3    7
2 Paradystopia               3   1  2  0    1   0  +1    5
3 Glaser                     3   0  2  1    0   2  −2    2
4 Eura                       3   0  1  2    1   3  −2    1

Group D
The Licentian Isles 3–4 Pasarga
Jeruselem 1–3 Vilita

  Group D                  Pld   W  D  L   GF  GA  GD  Pts 
1 Vilita                     3   2  0  1    7   5  +2    6
2 Pasarga                    3   2  0  1    7   7   0    6
3 Jeruselem                  3   1  1  1    7   7   0    4
4 The Licentian Isles        3   0  1  2    8  10  −2    1

Then we proceeded to verify the results and compare with our predictions, with the following data.

- In the group A, Osarius and Legalese qualified as expected, but not in the same position in standings as we said.

- In group B, The Holy Empire and Audioslavia qualified and THE was near to fail to second place because Northern Sunrise Islands did an upset and won 2-0, leaving Super-Llamaland in the bottom, but THE and Audioslavia qualified in the expected position.

- In the group C, Barunia qualified as expected but Paradystopia did a huge upset after beating Eura just by the minimal difference (1-0), so Barunia is in first place and Paradystopia clasificated as first, doing his mision.

- In group D, Vilita qualified as expected but Jeruselem failed and Pasarga beated The Licentian Isles by 2-3, so Vilita advances as first and Pasarga as second.

The official Round of 16 pairings are as follows.

Round of 16

Osarius vs. Audioslavia
Barunia vs. Pasarga
The Holy Empire vs. Legalese
Vilita vs. Paradystopia

Through this it was found that 50% of the classified data about whom were correctly predicted, so that a good efficacy compared to other media possess. SJG hope meets prognosis and triumph in their game today against Free Republics.

[Turori]

Eels Back in the Hunt
Turori 5 - 4 Saintland

AllMartDome, Jolarus, Free Republics :: If there is one thing that can be learned from the Turori Eels opening two matches of the World Cup 68 finals, it is that the Turorian definition of "Karela" differes vastly from the original Rejistanian derivation.

The typically defense-minded Eels have found the back of the net 8 times in their opening 2 matches, leading all teams in the competition.

Repeat. This is the World Cup Finals. After two games, no other team in the multiverse has scored more goals than the Turori Eels.

Very un-karelan of Ematea Saenu's Eels. Perhaps even more alarming, however, is that only one team has conceded more goals than the Eels, with the 7 goals that the Eels have given up in the first two matches second only to former Turorian rivals Darmen - a team that has already been eliminated from contention.

Of course, the high amount of goals conceded has put serious doubts as to whether or not Turoki United goalkeeper Mumau Atla-Siioai will get the start between the sticks for the Eels for the crucial Matchday 3 clash against Valanora, a match that both sides need to take points from in order to ensure their own advancement.

Atla-Siioai has already conceded more goals during the two World Cup Finals matches the Eels have contested thus far than he did during the entirety of his participation in the World Cup Qualifying Campaign.

However, while Atla-Siioai is widely considered to be one of the top goalkeepers in the world, having led his Vilitan domestic side Turoki United to back-to-back Stellar Division titles without a large amount of international support in the field, and, to the UICA Champions Cup final; Turori do have experienced in depth when it comes to their netminding options with long time National Team goalkeeper Ronji Miiastara sitting on the bench ready to come in if needed.

Turori 5 - 4 Saintland

Turori Goalscorers::
2' Anuh Ciniima
13' Raso Tareak
16' Inlite Makakio
20' Anuh Ciniima
52' Anuh Ciniima

Saintland Goalscorers::
43' Paulus Flaccus
51' Herakles Karoki
56' Prince Andreas
58' Petrus Jucundius

Miiastara was the only of Turori's 3 veteran netminders who did not participate in the Eels Round of 16 defeat to Valanora during the World Cup 67 finals, with Mumau Atla-Siioai being chased after 45 minutes in favor of his domestic rival Hooizo Nuakoi of the Turoki Tide.

While there are questions in defense and specifically in net ahead of the table-topping Group H clash, the Eels attack is meshing like never before. Anuh Ciniima has been a real surprise package for Turori after netting an inspirational hattrick to lead the Island Emirate to victory over Saintland. It was really a roller coaster ride for the Eels who had raced out to an early lead before seeing Saintland steal the momentum going into the half and come roaring back in the opening 15 minutes of the second half.

Had the Eels managed a victory over Neu Engollon on the opening matchday, they would likely be planning ahead to the second round. Instead, the Eels currently sit on just 4 points - matching their total from their previous 3 World Cup finals appearances, and know they will need at least 1 more point in order to guarantee their place in the knockout rounds.



Kirola: "Come back later!"

Should the Eels manage to steal a point from the favorites, and the fans get what they want, its entirely possible that the Eels will be decked out in a brand new Lime Green kit representing their mythical (or is he?) leader, Nigel the lime-green Electric Eel.

However, one thing that was confirmed today is that, should the Eels make the knockout rounds and don the special fan-pleasing kits, they won't be made by current Turorian kitmaker Kirola Sportswear. While historic rivalries such as the heated angst between Turori and Audioslavia on the pitch has typically been overlooked by Audioslavia-based Kirola Sportwear - typically looking at things from an economical perspective instead of letting their emotions get in the way of business deals, Kirola have shut the door on the possibility of supporting the Eels, and likely any of Audioslavia's 31 opponents in the chase for the World Cup 68 title, in their mid-cup sporstwear needs.

A representative from 'Nigel's Army' reportedly reached out to Kirola Sportswear on behalf of the Football Association of Turori (FAT) but received what appeared to be a pre-canned response instructing them that Kirola was not servicing any orders until the completion of the current World Cup finals.

Nigel's Army is reportedly seeking offers from other Kit manufacturers willing to make the special edition Turorian kits, though doing so with caution to avoid any pomp or circumstance in the event the Eels are unsuccessful in their comeback bid to overcome the opening matchday upset, survive and advance from Group H in the Freed Republics.

Turori

Best Player: Lioniaa Tana
Worst Player: Anuh Ciniima
Shots on Target: 10
Corner Kicks: 10

Saintland

Best Player: Prince Andreas
Worst Player: Silvester Flaccus
Shots on Target: 6
Corner Kicks: 8


Turori Eels Lineup v. Saintland ::
[GK] Mumau Atla-Siioai, [D] Oani Moralziia, [D] Geafi Laina-Sola, [D] Lioniaa Tana, [UT] Klaillal Tuirma, [ML] Raso Tareak, [MC] Inlite Makakio, [MC] Rutaj Ranaso, [MR] Teliima Loinara, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Anuh Ciniima
BENCH::
[FC] Matlya Eelador, [FC] Jukkia Diijelhma, [M] Rikko Rawaii, [M] Cediici Tzatzos, [UT] Inaosnaa Klanoa, [D] Balariita Muzmaara, [GK] Ronji Miiastara

Turori Substitutions::
(66) - Raso Tareak >>> Cediici Tzatzos

[Jeruselem]

Jeruselem Governnment News

Calls for Princess Melody to retire

Abdul Hama coach of the Syrian North JPL team, said it's time for Princess Melody to move over and let someone else have a go. He said the lack of success under Princess Melody with her stints at Jeru FC and now Jeruselem are holding back progress, which is interesting considering Jeruselem have qualified for the last two cups under Melody.

However, up and coming female coach who works at Jerusalem United as an assistant, Jayden Bella defended Princess Melody. She said there's a move from male coaches to take Jeruselem back to the all male era and to a super aggressive style of football of the past which Jeruselem culled back under recent female coaches.

In Jeruselem, while most teams are mixed bar a few all male teams. The male teams have an aggressive approach to their football and try to physically intimidate their opponents with their rough play. Female orientated teams try to deprive their opponents of possession and force them to chase the game tiring them out and hitting them on the counter attack with swift moves. Jeruselem female players are far from delicate and can give out what their opponents dish out.

Most teams seem to see Jeruselem's lack of height as a weakness but underestimate the trickery Jeruselem employs to counter this. Jeruselem seem to waste time moving the ball around but they are poking around for one defender being out of place and then pushing into gap from lazy defending. Then a few players have sudden bursts of speed bypassing a well organised plan to stop a set play. Quite a few goals come from frustrated opponents giving away free kicks. Jeruselem's defense doesn't look scary, but it's doggedly annoying with a set play falling to bits because a defender pitching the ball from a mistimed pass under pressure. Jeruselem defense don't stand around to wait for something, they try to nip things in the bud.

The more "manly" game style would see opposition getting hit hard from the outset with an all out attack with big strong players being the tip of the spear. Opposition star players get roughed up and marginal tactics used to slow them down or hurt them. No problem with height or toughness but it does open up the defense to swift counter attacks from more nibble opponents with turns of speed against the more lumbering defense. The more brutal defense also means more care with cards as losing a player can mean a sudden turn of fortune.