World Cup 70 - RP Thread

by **Greater Watford** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 9:20 am

70BU-61BU

Football in this decade was characterised by the development of city based clubs and sports societies, who were dedicated football teams, as opposed to the factory teams, that were running amok. In the year 70BU, the first non-Big 3 winner of the Gold Cup came in the form of Chiswell Green FC, edging Hemel Hempstead FC 4-3 in the final in a spectacular match. It was noted for the hat-trick scored by the Green’s Joshua Anderson, who would become the face of their club for many years, on the pitch and off the pitch. Today, Joshua Anderson Road lies just outside the current stadium, with a statue of him facing towards the pitch.

The Gold Cup remained the major tournament in the nation, but it was beginning to face problems. The major problem came in the form of too many sides competing. After 143 teams applied in 67BU, a preliminary round was drawn, with 30 teams, a combination of debutants and teams knocked out of the previous year’s first round were required to compete to even qualify. This still didn’t help with uncompetitve games. The record scoreline for any official game in Greater Watford was set in this tournament, a 26-0 victory for Watford FC against Bushey and Co. Packers. Hemel Hempstead racked up 4 15+ victories in 3 years, and the tournament lacked competitiveness until the final 16.
In response, the Inter City cup was established in 63BU, by the ICFF (Inter City Football Federation). The tournament only allowed teams dedicated to a city to compete. Initially the Gold Cup promoters threatened to exclude any team competing in the Inter City Cup, but relented when the Big 3 threatened to abandon the Gold Cup. Among the first teams to compete in the Inter City Cup were Langleybury, Hertsmere United, and some modern teams that still survive, such as Vicarage FC, Hatfield FC and Tudor Sports Society (now Sporting Tudor).

This decade also saw the introduction of a rudimentary form of away kits. If a team suffered a kit clash, the away side were required to don pullovers to identify them from the home team. The pullovers had to be supplied by the home team. This wasn’t entirely popular, as some of the pullovers were rumoured to be kept in poor condition, and many of them were unappealing colours, with grey and beige common. Bizarrely, the grey pullovers Tudor Sports Society inspired them to switch to that colour as their home kit.

At the time, there was still no national league, however some regional leagues existed. The Tri Series was still going strong, but the Eastern Alliance was established for teams along the east of Greater Watford. The Watford League was established for any teams based in Watford or in a city that bordered Watford. In the west, there were no leagues, due to the relative lack of teams, and unwillingness for some of them to collaborate. This would have longer lasting effects on the sport in that area of the nation.

by **Red Blackiland** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 9:29 am

Summary - Article 5 :
- The Red Blackiland fans and the match against Paradystopia
- The project for the future of Red Blackiland's football/soccer
- The atmosphere for the game vs. Seltik
- The Origin : Were the players have our origin? The relation between Origin and Professionalization

Article 5 : The match for consolidation?

The Red Blackiland fans and the match against Paradystopia

The image above translated what was the night of Red Blackilands.What a win against a high-top-ranked team in your home stadium!All articles,newspaper,debates on sporting shows/programs talking about interests,willpower,confidence we can saw it in this game.The meet on the locker room,as usual,passed the last confidence and vitality signal to the team before entering in a series of usual cerimonies before NSSports matches,the NSSports anthem,the moment of patriotism with the countries having your each beautiful melody translating country history and feels how as we called national hymn,the handshake as a fair-play signal between the teams and the last run made by each player to found your position to referee can beep and the kickoff of the match can be made.
Paradystopia in first minutes,made a big pression,two shots at minute 4 and 7 passed near the post,but,the Red Blackiland's defense behaved well and tranquilizate the defensive sector against Paradystopia offensives.At minute 10 a great save by Hargreaves at 1vs1 in the big area,Red Blackiland could have two counter-attacks yet,two made by Carmona but the Paradystopia goalkeeper saved the two opportunities.At minute 15,Paradystopia made a great trade of passes in RB deffensive middle-area and one of Paradystopian attackers took advantage of the ball that has left from a rebound and shooted in the left-side of Hargreaves,and the Paradystopia crowd can be yell 'YEEAAAAAAAH' for the first time in the match,Paradystopia 1x0 at minute 15.
Red Blackiland responsed with a Felipinho shoot to Paradystopia goalkeeper save.At minute 19,Paradystopia had a corner in the right-side,when it's taked,went directly to the one of Paradystopian attackers head,Paradystopia 2x0 at minute 19 and the Paradystopian crowd can be yall 'YEAAAAAAAH' for the last time,but i saying 'last time' significate that Paradystopia won? In few times,the words can rip off and the behavior,written or spoken,don't significate the thinking.
Paradystopia trying to control the match at the 2x0 score,continues to attacking but gives more space to Red Blackiland,and in a long-shot by Carmona,Juliano Matheus dominain it in the chest and give a 'bomb' to the goal,the Paradystopian goalkeeper don't saved it,the 2x1.
Despite,the Paradystopian team continues to attacking,including that the attack were Paradystopia shaked the crossbar at minute 26 and forced Hargreaves to make a great save in minute 28,the Red Blackiland continues to make dangerous counter-attacks and with the past of the time,Paradystopia retreated more.Dark Lions tried but don't suceed have the draw in the first half.
In the second half,Juliano Matheus leave the game to the enter of Daniel Schacker,the guy that we talked in the previous article,that saved a little-girl mother memory...eh...He don't know what was to come for him,the man of match.Daniel in minute 56,received a ball from Felipinho,dribbled a Paradystopian defender at the enter of the area and shoot it into left-side of Paradystopia goal net,2x2 in minute 56 and Daniel and other players jumped the advertising plates from the stadium and went to celebrating with Red Blackiland away fans!
Paradystopia had a dangerous free-kick to take in minute 65.Hargreaves saved with bravure the ball that had the goal net as a adress,with the ball in the hands,give a long throw to Felipinho and give a long-shot to Daniel in a very fast counter-attacks that surprised the Paradystopia defense,Daniel run into the area,dribbled the Paradystopia defense and shoot it into right-side of Paradystopian goal net,2x3,the goal of the win and all commentators on Red Blackiland TVs stations and broadcaster was so crazy in this moment,the fans at the bars and in your houses watching this onto TV,historical moment for the soccer of the country.
At the end,the players went to celebrate with the fans,give autographs and listen the last messages from the fans before return to Red Blackiland to a more home and decisive game.
To close the night,fireworks bursted in a few places in Red Blackiland to celebrate the victory,it's a good step to evolute and advance the Red Blackilandian soccer.After all,until the big teams 'began from the underneath' in a day in the past,why not us pick this and considerate it into a 'non-mystic superstition?'

The atmosphere for the game vs. Seltik

Estimated 49,000 fans will be in Red Glorious Stadium in this MD4 Match,between Red Blackiland and Seltik,other important matches.Is a hour to 'Dark Lions' put all that know with the past of the times,your interests and your will in the field against a 267-ranked-place team as Seltik is,but,we can't underestimate them because,certainly,them have a good defense system,hard to win it.
Today,is the birthday of Felipinho,that give more important and a ''celebration date'' atmosphere to this match,isn't wrong the team like to give a victory,assistance to goal and three points by the your teanmate friend,is?
Peter Valbuena have a preocupation to the match that is Red Blackiland attack,in the first Qualifier participation of the team,the attacked was very well for a debut team,making beautiful goals against strong team and better ranked-teams defenses but in this qualifiers against a very-low ranked team score only 1-0 in the score,losed so much opportunities and this certainly preocupate the coach.So,he changed the Felipinho position putting him more in the left to play with Carmona producing side attacks more than center attacks and advanced a bit Juliano Matheus to the center of the area,maintain the position of the defensive midfielders.
As we said in the previous article,the word that more translated the human nature is ''self-satisfication and certainly these two teams are searching it into this match.
The word for the match isn't velocity or speed,but calm to control the ball,how as against a good defensive team like Seltik that marking the opponent in your ball-exit to the attack,the team needs to control the ball and the time,it's a patience game.
The opinion is unanimous, everyone wants to be on the field in a game that can be 'party'.Tranquility, confidence and support are the words to the match,The team have an sunday fill with good vibrations in Dark Lions Training Center,at Blackberry City.In the last activity before the decisive match, Peter Valbuena sent to field only players who didn't start the match againstParadystopia and North Britonisea, in this sunday, in Blackberry, for a recreational fun to try see alternatives in the 11-initial team.[CONTINUAR]
Very solicitous, players patiently met every request of fans on the way from the training field to the locker room. Some listened prophecies for Sunday's game.
Carmona said in a press conference '' It will be a disputed match for the characteristic of the two teams, with strong midfield,of marking. So you imagine a type of game similar to the path that teams built along the championship. It will not be very different from what we have seen so far ''
Certainly,if Red Blackiland depends only the results in their own stadium,the team could be have chances to pick a place at World Cup 70,despite a few draws or strange results,the time show regular on home matches and in our stadium and trust in it to pick a better position in the table and better results.
Peter Valbuena said ''With the support of our fans we are very strong. We will have to play well, as we are doing in big and important games, because our next opponent has the same goal that we have.The Red Glorious needs to be a 'soccer-hell' or 'soccer-cauldron' in that time,we made good results at home and certainly we can be the game of the year today. ''
Will the 'Go up against them' sayings from the fans as usual in the first minutes of the game and the incentive of the crowd the sufficient to encourages the 'Dark Lions' to other win and to three points?

The Origin of the players

Which soccer players don't have your origin in a simple soccer land-field,in a small futsal court or indoor soccer? It's the origin of the part of the worldwide players that make part of the magic of junior categories today.In the Red Blackiland project,indoor soccer courts are founded around the nation,pick much players distant than the big centers to junior and profissional teams,be a club or be the national team,reforcing the integration between clubs and the national team.
Much athlethes from the field soccer came from indoor soccer,like Felipinho,Juliano Matheus and Enzo Peri a recently called-up player in the national team is the most recent and perfect example to it,and the country/soccer federation continues to investing in it,in partnership with the clubs and small federations,like pro-sports federations from the clubs and small soccer schools aroudn the nation.
The federation and the clubs provides sporting equipments/goods,transport for the games and trainings,the clubs assume the pay of taxes of inscription and arbitration,food and all things to care the youngs that join in the program.
Players like Bászta came from Outer Bigtopia,being a similar to case to Louis and Martín,in the Article 3.Hargreaves comes from a middle-class family in the south of Blackberry and was played in synthetic grass court and was observed by a director of a club.The origin of Daniel Shacker is the more curious of the team,a certainly day,a director of Cruce Estrella F.C and your daughter were walking on the streets of Cruce Estrella,near the club headquarters.A toy that are in the hand of the girl fall into a small bluff near a industrial area and try to pick it,but,almost fell to the down of this bluff.The girl after,said that's a important toy for her,because is a memory of the mother that dies with a too tragic way,when she's be too young,the father,of course,don't allow the girl to try catch the toy.When the toy was almost to fell in a dangerous place to the girl,he's (Daniel) made a small backheel to put the toy in the air,domain it with the legs and picked it with your hand and delivered it to the girl that was very happy with it and thanked forever for he's saved a her mother memory.The hability of Daniel impress the Cruce Estrella director and bring Daniel to junior categories of the clubs and today he's a professional player in Cruce Estrella and was-called to the National Team and more,called-up to the Qualifiers,it's the most talent players in this generation with Felipinho.
Other players like Bokorín,Defour,Le Tallec,Lepardi was founded in street soccer,a mode of the soccer full fill with dribbling skills moves and hability moves that certainly impressed the directors that attends events of this type.Lucas Rodríguez broked a window of a club director's car,for the luck of the director,he's was near a car repair center and wait out of the center for can pick the car to continue the travel and was seeing the movement on the streets and pay attention on the match of Rodriguez's friend on a small part of a street on Doherty near a gas station and Rodriguez habilities impressioned the director that dinned in him's house and called he to play in Doherty.
Each player have your origin,and your origin? The important is to valorizate the athlete capacity doesn't matter the origin.
For us,doesn't matter were came from,put the ball on the field and the pitch is ours,Red-Black!

by **Nassau-Hessen** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:49 am

What do we have here?

The Late Hessian Group Two Preview

Nassau enters this group as a middle of the pack squad in hopes of increasing rank with a winning record. Many superior teams are wary of their capabilities of being a potential underdog, but they assess the odds of the Hessen making it out of the group with an advancing slot with much levity in its unlikelihood (except for Furellum, for some reason beyond our comprehension). The Hessen come into this tournament with a new revised list of goals to hopefully surmount during the qualifiers and a list of rosters to face in the next upcoming matches.

Albundania (UR)

Seeking to regain their temporarily forgotten culture of athletics, Albundania signed up to play in the multiverses' most grandiose tournament, of which is 70th in the count. This group of well-seasoned players (with many into their 30's) seems devoted enough to gain a few points during the qualifiers, and consequently commence their long, perilous voyage to the upper part of the football rankings that they once inhabited. Surviving an ever-changing government (often evolving through violent means) is a meritorious accomplishment, let us see if the offensive squad can not only survive in an endlessly-changing world of sports, but yet also thrive.

Nickname: Los Azuelen (the blues, if our experts are correct)
Formation: 4-3-3

Valladares (6)

Big, mean, high ranked machine. Need we say more?

Wolfbenz (248)

This well-rounded team has made a rather impressive first impression for the football world to behold. Despite being a rookie to the quest for the Cup, they play as if this isn't their first tango. The veteran-like behavior was clearly demonstrated recently in the most Fiery Baptism of all, where they lost by a mere single score to the eventual tournament champions and 'squirmed' to the quarterfinals. This team has the capabilities to take advantage of any unpreparedness or underestimation on their opponents behalf, and can gain a few more points than what is expected of them. The fact remains, however, that they are here to build upon their initial success, and more likely than not will finish outside of an advancing rank in the standings.

Nickname: The Dire Wolves
Formation: 4-2-2-2

Mendoya (213)

These guys, like the wolves, made quite the impression at the most recent Baptism of Fire, by also making it to the prestigious quarterfinals. The trade-off is that they, instead of facing any notably challenging teams in divisional play, simply dominated their group. It also seems that there is an aura of transition and/or disapproval for the current national government (like a few other nations in the group), which has just recently been invaded by Felix. The people found on the lineup are quite defensively minded, local, and varied in age (all the way from 19 to 48) with professions differing from Professor to Gamer to Model. Another factor in the success of the Mendoyans during the Baptism is an arguable amount of luck. The probable fate of these fellows is unknown in the group, but most would inference a finish that is gravitated near the bottom of the board.

Nickname: The Corvidae?
Formation: 4-4-1-1

Gregoryisgodistan (35)

Where shalt one begin when describing the football squad of a dictatorship in its purest form? This autonomous state doesn't even merely strive to obscure their lifestyle (considered taboo by international standards) in their football culture. One could observe this through briefing through their name, which is respectively, the Foot Slaves. The Gregoryisgodistani team is highly ranked, almost to the point of being in the distinguished top thirty two squads of the football universe. Another thing to watch for in this squad is their rigorous defensive method of play. It seems, sometimes, that defense is truly the best offense a godistani could ask for. In the cycle prior to the ongoing one, Gregoryisgodistan was ousted in the qualification playoffs by a familiar foe of the Hessen, the Barangay. This cycle, their roster (one would imagine) is anxious to correct the mistakes and right the wrongs made in the past tournament that led up to their ultimate tragedy.

Nickname: The Foot Slaves
Formation: 4-4-2

Sargossa (45)

With both the recent retirement of boss Ernesto Farías and a slip in the rankings after two losses in the qualification playoff round (and two heart-creakingly close spots to play in the playoff round in the previous World Cup), Sargossa is aspiring to return to their former glory with their still respectable ranking. Despite not currently being one of the most feared squads in the multiverse anymore (not in physicality, but in rank), this highly offensive team still retains much vibrancy in their style of play with the drop. This national assembly is long overdue for more consistent World Cup appearances, one can even argue that they are starving for a qualificatory playoff victory. The Trident-crested Corsairs are looking to return to the path of top-class footballing, but the path will be treacherous, with obstacles at every corner. Will the Pirates, once embarking on a trip with the destination of the Highlands where giants roam, persevere to see their beloved ranking yet again? Only elapsed time holds the answer.

Nickname: The Corsairs
Formation: 3-4-3

Furellum (69)

It's common sense that a World Cup wouldn't be a World Cup without any anthropomorphic sentient beings. Originating from another strange dimension, but partially inhabiting their respective lands in Atlantian Oceania, these creatures/people are sure to fright a few scared souls, but for all we know, this is a common event. In matters of skill and rank, the roster can play spoiler for a few of the higher ranked teams in the group. Landing just inside the top seventy this time around, the Furelese should be looking to progress their ranking to soon become a consistent favorite in Cups to come. It seems that although advancement for the heavily defensive lineup is a possibility, it remains, for the most part, unlikely. In other recent news of the nation, Furellum has just undergone a revolution, hence chalking up yet another unstable government within the group.

Nickname: The Turtles
Formation: 4-2-3-1

Leadan (319)

Sorry, Nassau Net could not find: 'Leadan Football Team'

Nassau (99)

Then there's us (see the roster or other given information for the Nassauite scenario)

Nickname: The Eagles
Formation: 5-3-2

Official Objectives

1) Adjust to the new formation and succeed:

This has been the main focus of the team during the transition of cycles and the in the Beltane. So far, the formation has proven mostly beneficial, with many newly available adjoining pass routes from defense to forwards to complement their counter-attacking methods. The primary issue is to cope with the replacement players, who are still adapting to being a starter.

2) (Re)-establish consistency *cough* no bad finishes *cough*:

Consistency seems to be a rarity for many Nassauite teams, regardless of how well-seasoned the roster is. The catastrophic collapse of the last qualifiers must be avoided at nearly all costs. Should the Eagles accomplish this goal, many opportunities to flourish would soon open up for them.

3) Progress further in the rankings with a .530 winning record

After barely getting .500 during the past qualifiers, the Hessen must finish these qualifiers with a respectable record that continually surpasses the previous one if they aspire to improve, no matter how minuscule the difference. Even though there is no given ranking to surpass in these objectives, the ideal gain would be to end up with at least a position of 90 or lower (or higher depending on how you classify it).

4) Plainly survive the onslaught of Gregoryisgodistan / Valladares / Sargossa / Furellum

There's one thing for sure about this group, the majority of the squads pose a legitimate threat to detract points from any unprepared team. Even the newcomers Wolfbenz and Albundania (who happens to have played in earlier World Cup Qualifiers) are able to pack a powerful punch with their strong BoF performance and a successful history in the tournament. Not to mention the teams that already are considered quite formidable such as the sixth overall Valladares, the fierce-in-fake-football Gregoryisgodistan Foot-Slaves, the Sargossans, and the Furellum Turtle-Things who also are looking to play a slight spoiler role.

Schedule Summary: The Hessen commence the tournament with a difficult game against the formidable Valladares, a challenging way to start everything out. The pressure doesn't completely ease up either, with a follow-up match against the recently-successful nation of Wolfbenz. After a partial break against the vulnerable Mendoya, the Eagles will return to taking the field against other higher ranked teams like the mighty, brute Gregoryisgodistani slaves and the mystical Furelese Turtle-things. The Nassauite array will, after going through the various early stressful trials, end with a relaxing break against the weak Leadans, a bye, and then will finish up with playing Albundania, a returning squad that shows a healthy amount of promise in them. Repeat steps 1-9 following the two day break.

by **Gloriax** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 11:45 am

NUKED!
A devasting war... Does it and with a nuclear detonation?

2,020,000 valiant Gloriaxian soldiers – dead… Mason shifted uncomfortably in his chair. His heart cried out loud for those who laid down their lives for their country, in an immense war which had cost the lives of more than 2 million Gregoryisgodistani citizens. But even Gloriax, however, had to lose lives of innocent civilians, too - more than that of their not-so-friendly neighbours.

“If we have paid such a high price for something, we will own it!” he vowed to himself. It was a black day, undoubtedly in the history of both nations, as death tolls reached a combined total of above 7 million. 580 thousand killed by the Gregoryisgodistan blitzkrieg, circa. 650 thousand killed by the nuclear bomb detonated near the border by the rogue nation. And another 2.02 million soldiers killed. This leads to a total Gloriaxian death toll of above 3 million… Casualties counting far far more... It was a devastating war.

Mason bit his lips, for quite sometime - and then, made a decision. “Get me a pen and paper, somebody! GGS deserves some more…”

From the desk of Rory Mason, President, Gloriax
GRADE 1 CLASSIFICATION

Lord Greg
Dictator
Gregoryisgodistan,

The word ‘almighty’ is, as you can see, missing from the above salutation. You most definitely know the reason. But, I shall not go into controversies, and go straight into the matter at hand.

As the world knows, and we know too – we have witnessed one of the bloodiest wars ever fought – turning the frontier province of District 26 into a nuclear wasteland. Considering my soldiers’ previous incursions into the GGS area, definitely prove to you (I hope), that we are able enough to attack the area again, and annex it to our fair nation. I won’t be a crime to the civilians, even – as they are, evidently, all dead. Thus, it is not a crime to our eyes. And we are totally gearing towards doing that. If we can invade your so called ‘holy’ nation, and then make you, the ‘almighty’ leader himself drop nuclear bombs in you own nation, I hope you can well imagine that we, are no less. We are enough to cause you lots of trouble in the future. And if you think we’re ones who will sit back, and let things happen, you, Sir, are wrong.

We, therefore, are going to go forward with a proposal. It is fair, to us – considering the more number of casualties and deaths we have suffered. You,

1) Grant us half of the area of District 26
We shall NOT invade the district if you shall choose to do this peacefully. But if not, brace yourself.

2) Remove our name from your enemy list
We never wanted to make enemies, of yours. We wanted a long-lasting peaceful friendship – but your antics in Coconutstan (I shall use that word as the proper name of the nation – no matter how much you ban people from using that ‘forbidden’ word) forced us to make enemies of you. Remove us from the enemy list, and accept the other offer – you shall never find a friend as loyal as us.

A friend you have made an enemy of,
Rory Mason,
President,
Gloriax

“Somebody make arrangements for sending this!” Mason shouted out, as he relaxed on his chair, thinking about what he’ll read in the newspaper the next day.

The Captain’s Column
By Eloisa Purinton

First, the Glo-Gregoryisgodistan war - a war, which Gloriaxian history shall remember forever… 7 million combined casualties of both the nations – can someone please pinch me? This is insane! I am here, sitting far away from home, with my Dad, who works in Trexocia living in fear of the ‘blitzkrieg’? Is this seriously a way to live?

And to make matters worse, we couldn’t even win the first match we played in the World Cup. And it has already taken a toll on our morale. Maybe it was a 13th v. 103rd matchup, but the reality is – we lost, and that too, just because of crazy refereeing. If my goal wasn’t a goal, then the rules of the game have suddenly changed while I wasn’t looking!

Then, we move on to the Kitsunia-Dessee game. With Stcyr out with a hamstring pull and Mangano sent off, it was a tough outing. But, we came out strong. I feel sorry for Rusty ‘The Kid’ Mangano. He might be a bit hot-headed, but he’s one of the cutest and most skilled out there in the Black Tigers’ jersey. He never meant to hurl abuses at the referee, (I know and believe), but the unity in this squad, is such – that we cannot see wrongdoings against each other. He reacted just as his consciousness told him to.

The next game, we’re gonna be back with full force, and with our trademark 4-3-1-2. Stockard and I have been really working hard with Coppinger, who was just falling behind on counterattacks, opening up the space between us strikers and her, making the job of the oppostition defence easier. Get into the space right in between them, and the ball is yours! Although the two goals I have scored in the Les Guerriers match have been a confidence-booster, I am really happy with how the squad have come together.

by **New Drakonika (Ancient)** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 1:27 pm

Crl Msn stared blankly at the vacant island in the north east of Esportiva's map. Somehow, the island had the remnants of an advanced civilization on it, yet nothing was known about said civilization, at least in New Drakonika. Crl needed to learn more about this island, as it was his task in the New Drakonikan World History Society.

He had searched around the internet for mentions of that island, and found nothing on the first 5 pages, so when he clicked onto the 6th, he was surprised to find a link to a Yttribian footballers biography. His name was Kevin Arland. His biography mentioned he was born on an island which sank into the sea years prior, and then moved to a virgin island in north east Esportiva. It didn't mention much more than that, other than the name of the nation. Nexxus Drako, which happened to also be the name of the Drakonist god.

"This just gets curiouser and curiouser," thought Crl, and when he searched Nexxus Drako, a multitude of links popped up. At least half of the nation contained dracons, like New Drakonika, and how or why they never knew of their existence baffled him. Isolation may have helped, but the fact of the matter was that they were not the only dracons in existence, but they are now the only dracons in the known world, as the dracons of Nexxus Drako mysteriously vanished in 2012, along with the island of Yveltal, ruled by the clone of a legendary Pokemon.

Crl decided this was getting too much for him, and closed his tabs. This was a massive find for the dracon race.

RPGers 1 - 2 New Drakonika

21' - Jmz Blyv
44' - Mrtn Hrmsn

by **Kandorith** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 2:05 pm

First Defeat

Polar Islandstates 5 - 3 Kandorith

   Group 6                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Polar Islandstates                3    3   0   0    13    3  +10     9
 2 Chiata                            3    2   1   0     8    2   +6     7
 3 Mangolana                         3    2   0   1    11   12   −1     6
 4 Kandorith                         3    1   1   1     9    6   +3     4
 5 Kernansquillec                    2    1   1   0     4    1   +3     4
 6 Gregory Llama Land                3    1   0   2     3   12   −9     3
 7 Friday Freshman                   3    0   1   2     3    8   −5     1
 8 Beauce                            2    0   0   2     1    4   −3     0
 9 Absurdly Polite Gentlemen         2    0   0   2     5    9   −4     0

Three goals for an amazing kandorith squad, which in the end did not matter all that much. A splendor of a match, excitement; pace, and goals; this game had it all. The most important clash, as it was named by coach Yúan against the Polar Islandstates left Kandorith with their first defeat in the qualifiers. Although not a disappointing defeat and much expected, it does leave something left to be desired. The Kandorese team seems to be performing sub-par and might already lose the hope of qualifying all together. Coach Yúan however has ensured the Kandorese team would shape up for the next match and they will be back and more determined to win.

The most notable of the match against Polar Islandstates was Méng, unable to score for the first time in a match where Kandorith did score. It does however not damage his reputation as goal machine; but does raise the question; was Polar islandstates that well prepared to close Méng down, or were they superior overall? Or did Méng just have a bad day. When Méng left the field in the 67th minute to make place for Madato's debute for the Kandorese team, the fears of an injury for Méng were raised. Coach Yúan however ensured Méng is not injured, but needed some well deserved rest to prepare himself for the upcoming matches.

If this Kandorese team manages to hold their spot to reach the World Cup; they need to be more self ensured and way more determined. The must win mentality is being pushed by both the coaching team and the loyal fans. Might Kandorith fail to qualify, Yúan's and the entire squad's future might be in serious peril; as the football association will not tolerate a second failure of Yúan, getting a second chance is rare in the first place already. Might the Kandorese team be lost right now? Or will the golden generation of Yúan shine still?

by **Free Republics** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 2:14 pm

Legion of Lucifer Headquarters, Utopia Mountain, Amolotopia, Holy Republican Empire

Veleik Nicholls paced back and forth throughout the stone fortress. Although the structure was only a few years old, it resembled a medieval castle in architectural style, but with more modern defensive measures. Included among them was an underground bunker, where Legion of Lucifer revolutionaries could be safe from bombing attacks. The structure was one of the most sophisticated defensive structures in all of the "Holy Republican Empire," although its occupants did not recognize the legitimacy of the Holy Republican regime.

The young Anarcho-Capitalizt, son of a wealthy, but now widely loathed, businessman had become the leader of a movement in recent months. The Legion of Lucifer was a growing movement, intent on ending the Empire and restoring True Republicanism. Throughout Amolotopia and surrounding Republics, more and more schools were being founded as fronts for the Legion of Lucifer and a hockey team comprised entirely of high school students had performed respectably in the most prestigious international competitions. Yet, the Legion of Lucifer was still a largely unknown organization.

Veleik knew, better than anybody, that things could have been worse. His father had financed Feministvs Sanctvsterra, an organization that used questionable means to oppose the Sanctii government. Now, the organization was associated with assassination and the cause of women's rights, a cause that Veleik himself was kind of ambivalent about to begin with, was now utterly discredited and associated with senseless violence in the popular mind. The reaction had been so strong that the Church of Saintland was actually able to come to power, in large part through the Republican people's new-found hatred for feminists and anything that even remotely resembled feminism. The people who voted for the Holy Party, Veleik told himself, were doing so out of their hatred for feminists and not because they were actually stupid enough to want the kinds of policies that Kulseth would, inevitably, attempt to enact.

On the other hand, the Legion was irrelevant. Nobody cared what Veleik Nicholls, son of a disgraced "plutocrat" who gave his money to Consul-killing terrorists, had to say about political affairs. Either he was considered a nobody or he was considered complicit in his father's mis-guided decision to support Feministvs Sanctvsterra. The only people who cared what Veleik thought were his fellow revolutionaries and they had to wait until the iron was hot before they attempted to do anything about the regime. Besides, Consul Kulseth's approval ratings were higher than Consul Piazza's had been, while he was still alive. In fact, his approval ratings among women had jumped dramatically in recent months, as Republican women adjusted to the changes he had implemented and decided that they actually liked Consul Kulseth's ideas, afterall. It wasn't exactly possible to wage a revolt against a popular leader.

Nor could the Legion of Lucifer claim that Kulseth had been governing as a dictator. While his policies were taking freedoms away, he was governing within the Constitution and could not be construed as a dictator. Consul Kulseth wasn't the kind of leader who would utilize "executive orders" to bypass his legislature. He apparently respected the process and he had, in fact, been elected legitimately. Still, Veleik was convinced that the Holy Party was something sinister and that they would eventually reveal that. Even the "Personhood" referendum was going above and beyond what was traditional in the Republican system to ensure a popular mandate for the regime's policies and, it seemed, that he might not get it, but Veleik's gut told him that "Personhood" was going to pass.

It was time to do something, but what? Assassinating the Consul was absolutely out of the question, even though his assistant Abelino Greece seemed eager to "off" Consul Kulseth. Launching a revolt, at this time, was a non-starter. Protesting against the Consul would only get his organization laughed at. Veleik kept trying to come up with an idea for action, but he couldn't come up with anything that would actually have a chance of success. In the end, he resigned himself to the likelihood that there was just nothing that he could do...

by **Jeruselem** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 3:27 pm

Jeruselem coach Jayden Bella and Princess Laura watching the team trail 2-1 against Karditan at Dazza Dallas Stadium

Laura: This is no good, we should be winning this game!
Jayden: Might be something to do with this snow
Laura: Still, we're the home team and we should be used to this
Jayden: I think our opponent gets more snow than we do
Laura: We're playing rubbish today
Jayden: I know but this snow storm hit this morning and it's been really cold all day

Laura: At least we're doing better than Mum's team
Jayden: Err, well ... they are having a shocker today
Laura: Mum said the keeper kept on losing the ball, in the penalty area
Jayden: That's what kids do in school football, this is the world cup
Laura: She's not a happy camper
Jayden: You don't look like one either

Laura: I guess it is cold and wintery today, we Dallases don't like cold weather
Jayden: We aren't winning the game either
Laura: Not a good start, we're gonna have one win from three games
Jayden: Better than 1 point from two games
Laura: No one expects much from Jeru FC this time round
Jayden: Yes well ...

Laura: The game is moving at glacial speed too
Jayden: Cold weather does do that
Laura: Doesn't help with the ref blowing the bloody whistle a lot
Jayden: Maybe he needs the exercise to keep warm
Laura: Gee, he's not one to give penalties by the looks of it either
Jayden: Yes, that was a clear cause for one

Laura: Where's Laurina today
Jayden: Oh, she's feeling a bit off today
Laura: Not a cold weather girl I see
Jayden: She seems to get sick a lot
Laura: I'll put my hand up to play if she isn't up for it
Jayden: You're not even on the roster yet

Laura: I suppose I still have to finish school
Jayden: Don't worry, you'll be on the next cup roster
Laura: Would you coach Jeru FC?
Jayden: No, I've seen what your Mum has to work with
Laura: They are slow learners
Jayden: Yes, not desirable when you need results in the world cup

Laura: Don't think mum expects her team to qualify
Jayden: Don't understand why they don't give her proper boys, the good ones
Laura: I guess the garbage was end up somewhere
Jayden: In the football team ...
Laura: That's a cool snowman
Jayden: Looks more like a naked woman

Laura: It's better than two balls of snow with sticks
Jayden: Looks a bit rude
Laura: Those boobies look realistic
Jayden: I guess we do things differently to other nations
Laura: We're not like all of them
Jayden: For sure

by **Osarius** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 3:58 pm

Much was being made of Osarius' less-than-stellar offensive output in recent games against Ancharmunn and more-so at home against Peruvian Highlands, but manager Jermain Lewis was dismissive. As usual. "We have won all three games. We have conceded no goals. What is there to complain about? You want more goals? Emigrate to Super Llama-land or Cosumar, then. And complain about poor defending while you're there." Lewis said as he launched into a pseudo-rant ahead of the team's next fixture in qualifying. Some have suggested that Lewis' preference for using the "Osarian 4-3-3" -- which is typically characterised as a high-pressure game reliant on overloading in wide areas -- has led to the team becoming predictable, and that the gaffer might be too stubborn to change. These claims fuelled his ire, though. "People say I'm stubborn because I stick to the 4-3-3 and we're not flexible, but the 4-3-3 is a flexible system, that's why we use it in the first place."

The team's chief scout, Roberto Cormega, provided some insight into Lewis' frustrations. "It's easy to forget that Jermain has been involved in senior, professional football almost his entire life. It's been fifty years now. He's seen every single flaw in Osarian football up close. He's done everything in his power to fix them while he's been in charge, and that's why the team is more successful than ever." He explained. "But when you do all this for your country, and help to elevate them to a higher level, and people still complain and criticise you, of course it's going to get to you. I think it's easy to forget that we haven't failed to score at Mount Crown Stadium since he took over twelve years ago, and that every game there has been a win for the Firebirds. It's easy to forget that until Jermain, Osarius had won precisely zero major trophies. He's taken them to two World Cup semi finals, two AOCAF finals, won the AOCAF, and established this team as one of the most feared opponents in the multiverse. It's no surprise he's on the verge of lashing out at f- no, not really 'fans' actually, it's just a minority of naysayers. But they keep talking, and he just can't ignore them."

It's an interesting take on the man who leads the national team, but it makes sense. Everybody who knows Lewis will say similar things. He's driven, he hates losing, he's always trying to improve. We've heard this all through his career. His mentor, the late Benedict di Corradi -- who fortunately lived long enough to see his "adopted son" finally lift a trophy with Osarius, in Ratastan last summer -- revealed once that Firewood City were going to let Lewis go from the academy. It was his input that gave the lanky teenager a chance to prove himself. The local lad never looked back. "I couldn't repay him, so I definitely wasn't going to let him down." Lewis says of di Corradi. He hasn't.

However, for all the defending of Jermain Lewis within professional football, it would take a long stretch of the imagination to argue that Osarius have been convincing, or even entertaining, in their past two games. Even allowing for the defensive tendencies most teams show when facing the offensive threat of the Firebirds, you'd expect a team with some of the best the world has to offer to show a bit more nous in breaking down a stubborn defence. You'd expect a little more flair when you have players such as Toby Drummond or Sergio Mora there to pull the strings. Even something a little simpler could be exciting, but Marshall, Doherty, Kane and Clarke have all disappointed on the wing so far, failing to consistently find space in behind, or to use their pace to beat their markers. These are all legitimate concerns from fans. If Osarius are to challenge at the top and make a serious push to become world champions, these are flaws that cannot become too prominent.

Lewis refuses to be unsettled, though. "It's easy to pick and choose statistics to criticise a team. But that's not what stats are for. Anyone can use stats to justify an opinion, real analysis lets you form an opinion based on the stats." He told a reporter questioning whether the Firebirds' low pass completion in the opposition third was indicative of an inability to finish attacking moves. "If we attempt three passes and complete one, which leads to the goal that wins the match, is that still poor?" He continued. The reporter backed down, but few are those who have stood their ground against the intimidating Fourgian. Interestingly enough, Lewis has a degree in Mathematics and Sports Science and was considering a Masters in statistics before his role at Firewood was expanded, so we don't doubt that he is aware of any problems. The question is whether he is willing to deviate from his approach to solve them.

by **Jeckland** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 4:19 pm

GOOD SECOND HALF IN GUAYABAL DEFEAT

After a disappointing start in the first two qualifying matches, Jeckland had a bye ahead. They used this to play a friendly game against San Jose Guayabal, who were playing a series of them throughout qualification to help them prepare for the World Cup. Both sides opted to roate thier squads, with Kouli making 11 changes. San Jose Guayabal were fielding a B side and were it not for the packed stadium, this would have felt a lot like a reserve match.

The hosts, playing a very aggressive 3-3-4 formation, looked to dictate the game from the start. They almost led through Ritchie after just two minutes, but after latching onto a ball from Rodas his shot from 12 yards was parried by Curtis. He wouldn't have to wait long for his next chance though, and this time he made no mistake.

Araujo played a cross into the box, which Apprendidoadido headed down towards Ritchie. The striker let it bounce once, then lashed it into the top right corner with his left foot. A well taken goal which left Jeckland with an uphill struggle.

Both sides were playing a zippy passing game, but these sorts of tactics often cause errors. After 24 minutes Owen Kemp's weak pass was intercepted by Henriquez, who darted forward before passing to Apprendidoadido, who shot just over from the edge of the box.

Another incident of note came on 32 minutes, where Whitehouse was tripped by Darganey. Despite appeals for a penalty, the referee adjudged the foul to have happened outside the box, so a free kick and yellow card was the decision. Although the fans protested at the time, television replays have since shown the decision to be correct. The free kick was wide from Kaur.

San Jose Guayabal always had the upper hand and landed a sucker punch four minutes before half time. Araujo played the ball in front of Rosado, about 25 yards out. The midfielder hit it first time, and scored despite Curtis getting a touch. 2-0, and that's the way it stayed until half time.

Jeckland knew that to get back into the game, they needed to be sharp from the get go. They had a good chance six minutes into the half where Barrett managed to get a shot through a tangle of defenders, but straight at keeper Molodetsov. San Jose Guayabal also had a great chance, with Mazzia scuffing his shot after being put through one-on-one.

Jeckland needed to take the game by the scruff of the neck. but it was difficult to do so with both sides using the extended allocation of substitutions, meaning players were changing frequently. However, with 19 minutes left, Jeckland won a corner.

Kaur whipped it in with pace, and Barton rose and headed it against the crossbar. It bounced down and in the ensuing scramble Bowen managed to poke it in. San Jose Guayabal were rattled and immediately went on the defensive.

It is difficult to comprehend how Jeckland did not score in the next 19 minutes. Connor Long and Micah Hoonas were both denied by good Molodestov saves. Jeckland kept the pressure on, but were unable to create more chances until the dying seconds of stoppage time.

Whitehouse received the ball, and in one touch put Long through one on one. He struck the ball, but as he did the whistle went. Molodestov watched the shot go into the net, having seen the linesmans flag. He placed it, booted it upfield and the final whistle blew.

Elsewhere in group 14, it was goals galore as three teams scored five. The two teams with 100% records clashed in Taeshan, but it was Eura who triumphed with an emphatic 5-0 win. Isula ge Ru once again failed to score, going down 1-0 at Nova Anglicana. Friskney Eaudyke continued their strong start with a 5-1 home win over minnows New Ecopia, and Kinitaria came away from Western Borderlands with a 5-2 win.
This meant the table looked like this after Matchday 3:

  Group 14              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
1 Nova Anglicana          3    2   1   0     4    2   +2     7
2 Eura                    2    2   0   0     8    0   +8     6
3 Friskney Eaudyke        3    2   0   1     7    2   +5     6
4 Kinitaria               3    2   0   1     7    4   +3     6
5 Taeshan                 3    2   0   1     3    5   −2     6
6 Isula ĝe Ru             3    0   1   2     0    2   −2     1
7 Jeckland                2    0   1   1     0    3   −3     1
8 New Ecopia              3    0   1   2     2    8   −6     1
9 Western Borderlands     2    0   0   2     2    7   −5     0

Jeckland have actually moved up on their off day, as New Ecopia's goal difference worsens. They do however still have cause for concern, as at this early stage a sizeable gap has developed between them and the top five teams, who all have two wins to our none.

"It's a what?" said Billy John, throwing his hands in the air in disbelief.

This summed up the mood of the group. Archie had just had to break the news to them that, as per the instructions he had received, they would be travelling to the camp in Mizuyuki by a portal, something almost unheard of in Jeckland.

"Look, I don't like it either." said Chapman, with an authoritative tone which hushed the squad. "But it is what it is. If we have to go to this camp thorugh a protal, then so be it. If you don't like it, you are welcome to go back home. You probably won't be invited back." These last words hung in the air, as a silence fell across the room.

"Follow me." said Archie, walking out of the door and down a long corridor.

Every single player followed.

After a ten minute walk through the many, seemingly unnecessary corridors of the complex, the squad came to a door marked with a green fir exit sign. "We go through here apparently." said Archie in a slightly bemused manner, and led the squad on.

They came out into a small clearing. In front of them were some trees, the beginnings of the wooded area surrounding the complex. A couple of bins were to their left, and to their right....

"Woah!" said Scott Moore.

Five minutes late, Chapman fell face first onto the ground. He did not quite know exactly what he had just been through. All he knew was he wasn't looking forward to the return journey. "Boss, one of the bins came with us!" someone yelled from behind.

Archie hoisted himself to his feet and was just about to get his bearings, when he heard a voice.

"Ah, you must be the Jeckish lot then."

JECKLAND VS. TAESHAN - MATCH PREVIEW

Introduction
Jeckland face a tough test against established nation Taeshan, and need some sort of result to keep pace with teams above them. Taeshan were going along fine until last matchday, when Eura came to town....

How are we doing?
After unconvincing performances against Isula ge Ru and Eura which yielded only one point, Jeckland fielded a B team against San Jose Guayabal - and did pretty well, only losing 2-1. Food for thought for Kouli then.

How are they doing?
That famous Taeshan defence was on form for the first two games - a 2-0 over New Ecopia followed up by a 1-0 against Isula ge Ru. However, Eura destroyed them to the tune of 5-0 last matchday, which is cause for optimism for the Spuds

What does it mean?
For Jeckland, this is a chance to start chasing down the pack in front of them. Although they can only move to sixth today, making up ground on the five teams above is key. One of these is Taeshan, who although fifth are just one point from first and level on points with second. They'll want a win to stay with the leaders in the race to qualify.

Prediction
After MD2 you would say a Taeshan win, but the momentum has switched and Jeckland will nick a point here. JECKLAND 1-1 TAESHAN

OOC: Two changes for next game, Kaur in for O'Neill and Whitehouse in for Parry.

by **HopNation** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 4:29 pm

HopNation Sports
11-23-14
HDT|2014|v.327
CLUB & COUNTRY – PART 3
Position – DFM
Club – Captile SC Spurs
Club Location Captile, Bondporter
Crest/Logo – 
#4 Teur Smuemund
Teur is an outspoken defensive mid for the Hops and plays his club ball for the Spurs of Captile SC. I wouldn’t say he is outspoken in the sense of pushing his opinions on his teammates, he just lets everyone know what he is thinking about everything they do; drills, scrimmages, games, he has a comment for every situation. Even though he is outspoken he takes direction very well and almost all of his coaches love having him on their squad. This past season was his first with the Spurs after signing a new contract with them and parting ways with his long time club Turtles of Tearrain FC. His coaches also love the fact that he is very position oriented and is a great holding midfielder because of this and almost never being out of position. The one thing they do wish he did better was transition forward to help in the attack because sometimes he leaves too big of a gap between himself and the attacking mids.

Teur just finished up a degree in finance this past off-season which he took up somewhat as a joke from his teammates because he was always blowing his money on needless objects and filling his bachelor pad with all kinds of electronics and man toys. He would tell them he saves more than half of his salary form playing and the rest is just fluff to be used however he felt at that moment, so he took the advanced finance degree course through a local university just to prove he know what he was doing with his money. He plans to become some kind of financial planner or personal financial consultant once his playing days are over but in the meantime he has vowed to help is teammates do a better job with their money.
Position – DFM
Club – Timbers of Malt SC
Club Location – Coppendo, Copperwies
Crest/Logo – 
#14 Leuld Biaddan
Leuld started his playing days in the Timbers youth squad because his parents lived just a block from their training facility and had been long standing fans of the team. Around his 18th birthday he got his first call up to the senior squad and was soon starting for them. He eventually wound up at Raid FC Warriors but only lasted one season with them before returning to the Timbers, he expects to finish his career with them. Playing wise he is smart and stays in good defensive or supporting positions when the team is defending and attacking. He will switch positions with anyone on the field if the opportunity or situation develops where he is needed to rotate into a new role. This plays well into the Hops style of play and is a major reason Coach Schmidt called him to be part of this team.

Leuld is divorced and lives in a small apartment near the Timbers training facility and sees his two children every other weekend. He feels his ex-wife is to blame for their messy divorce and the reason he only gets to see his kids twice a month, after all she was the one cheating on him. He does have a small dog to keep him company, which his teammates give him a hard time because of the size of his dog (toy poodle). This is mostly because he is a decent size man standing at 1.98 m (6’6”) tall and the dog is only near 6” tall. He rolls with it and doesn’t let them get to him and often jokes right along with them about it.
Position – AM (Right)
Club – FC Darkton Serpents
Club Location – Darkton, Dunklevine
Crest/Logo – 
#22 Eisa Loostin
Eisa is a wonderful right mid, is strong with both feet, and can hit nearly any target with a cross from the corner of the pitch. He is often confused with Lecho Loontas at first glance of the roster because their last names are so close in spelling, Loontin v. Loontas, but he gracefully corrects anyone who says it the wrong way and never gets cross with them. He can sometimes be a coaches nightmare because he likes to joke and fool around, a lot. His fellow players like this about him but it often finds him running a few extra laps at the end of practice sessions. For the Serpents he will sometimes play the center attacking mid positions if they play in something other than the 4-2-3-1, which the coach of the Serpents tends to mix positions and will often use a new tactical formation for each game. The players on that team adapt to it well and it often catches opponents by surprise.

When not with the Serpents or the Hops he is still attending University trying to get his degree in electrical engineering so he has something, in his words, “Fun to do when not playing”. Not sure to many people would agree with him on that one, but it is something to fall back on and this is despite his very nice new contract with the Serpents. Eisa is also considered by many to be the best looking player on the team, well probably right up there with Droimpol, and yes ladies he still is single.
Position – AM (Center)
Club – Hops of Bayern FC
Club Location – Bayern, Hefebayern
Crest/Logo – 
#10 Pheir Droimpol – Captain
Pheir is probably the best player to come out of HopNation, ever. He is prolific with both feet, a master of ball control, a precision passer, and has a shot rivaled only by Schytaing. He is also a coach’s dream because he only needs to hear something once and he will have it mastered in mere minutes. This is his first time being a captain and was approached just after the initial training camp with the Hops by Coach Schmidt to take over this role. His teammates fully support him in this role and even though Oeny wasn’t entirely happy with it being taken from him he knew it was going to a deserving player. Phiers days at Bayern FC started when he was only 4 and he progressed through their youth divisions quickly. By the time he was 8 years old he was playing with the u13 squad and performing better than most of them. On his 14th birthday he was called up to play with the U21 side and did very well, although he saw limited playing time because of his small stature at the time he did score a couple goals as a substitute for that team in one of their tournaments. He started playing for the National team at the age of 16 and has been with them ever since.

Droimpol started seeing Dr. Jill Hansen just a year ago and their relationship is going very well. I know this is heart breaking too many women out there because Pheir is the best looking player on the team and he has received a number of proposals while playing or just after a game finishes by women that can’t control themselves and rush onto the pitch. He currently lives in his very nice one bedroom apartment but is house hunting, and rumor has it he has been looking for a family style home with Jill so we’ll be watching to see what develops there.
Position – AM (Left)
Club – Ghilies of Guile FC
Club Location – Guile, Hefebayern
Crest/Logo – 
[u\#30 Ike Myer[/u]
Ike is the second oldest player on the Hops roster and there has been some rumors floating around that he might be retiring after this cycle, but I’m not so sure he will after all he has been playing very well. His club, the Ghilies, have made it to two straight HCL appearances and mainly because of his help on the pitch. He is a great passer and finds openings in team’s defenses when others cannot. He can also play striker, but prefers the outside mid positions more than anything.

Ike is married with three kids and they live on a very nice property that is situated in upper Guile. His whole life has been football and he’s told me in the past he wouldn’t mind coaching at some level once he is done playing.

Next we’ll meet our starting forward and perhaps a couple reserve players.

Brew On! Brew Well Hoptonians!
Ringwald Griffinsmith
HopNation Sports Writer

by **Super-Llamaland** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 4:56 pm

In the Eye of the Storm

Part Three

10:11 PM, the same day

When I woke up, I first thought it was dusk due to the dark skies and freezing cold. Then it came back to me - we were now stranded in the basement of a desolate South Pole research base, and a new wave of researchers wasn't due to arrive until the second week of August - they had to survive well over two months.

None of the others were up, so I decided upon some damage assessment to reassure myself that it wasn't that bad. Carefully stepping over sleeping compatriots, I made my way downstairs. The window was still open, letting in endless amounts of freezing air, and the telltale hum of the electric heating was gone. The ground under the window was a few inches thick in snow, with snowy banks sloping about three feet inwards until finally there was exposed, albeit still dappled with snow, carpet.

Depression hit like a bag of bricks. Two months in an underprovisioned basement with no way out. How could it be worse?

Oh yes, it was in Antarctica.

The room had been surveyed, and next I searched for food. A hard hour's work netted the emergency pantry - but when I swung the locker open, it seemed underused and contained only a few cans. Obviously we would need something else for sustenance.

Snow was easily boiled, and there was a stove in the emergency pantry, so water wouldn't be an issue. Still, I started to realize that we would have to go outside - actually in the South Pole - to keep from starving.

I did not look forward to the next two weeks.

Sebastian woke up in a small cell. The first thing he thought was It's the police, they think I've done something wrong- but that was stupid. The police didn't knock you out from behind, they actually bothered to arrest you first. Still, the cell took a stark resemblance to that of a jail.

There was food on a counter and he decided to eat it. He walked over and began to methodically put the bread into his mouth, chew, and swallow without tasting it. Even if he had bothered, the bread was so bland that there really was no point. He drank the provided water and sat back down heavily.

So he was in a cell and not in Dracum. This was a problem - in fact, both were problems. He might be taken off the national team, millions of endorsement dollars disappearing with it. While he'd still be able to sign on with a Llamanean club - or even abroad, which would have a lesser chance of ever meeting his no-doubt-furious teammates - his international career, depending on Coach Bogdan, could very well be shot.

Footsteps. He looked up and saw a man - brown hair, furrowed eyebrows, utterly forgettable. The two met eyes, and he, somewhat angrily, said:

"Nicholas is ready to see you now."

by **The Saint James Islands** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 5:35 pm

Horray for nations that don’t post rosters! Time to use an alphabet soup of placeholder names. (-_- )

Riding High

MD10: vs Yttribia
MD11: @ Oaklands
MD12: vs Arvenia
MD13: @ Nephara
MD14: vs Estenia
MD15: @ Pays d’en Haut
MD16: vs Filopines
MD17: @ Equestrian States
MD18: @ Quebec
MD1: @ Yttribia
MD2: vs Oaklands
MD3: @ Arvenia
MD4: vs Nephara
MD5: @ Estenia
MD6: vs Pays d’en Haut
MD7: @ Filopines
MD8: vs San José Guayabal
MD9: vs Quebec

It was dirty work, but the Saint James Islanders got the job done. A 4-2 victory might be a little worrying, but it wasn't anything to sweat. Now came the away game against Arvenia and boy would that be easy. Anything less than a win would be quite frankly embarrassing.

Mikaere was in that fuzzy state. Not quite asleep, but not exactly awake. His eyes were closed and he was trying to get some much needed rest before the game, despite the fact that Archambault would likely rest him and keep him in peak condition for the next game, but there were too many thoughts buzzing around in his head to go the fuck to sleep. A guy kind of gets used to all this flying after a while. What happens if we lose today? Should I really be sitting out? What is that meat they use in those tacos?

The real thing that was getting to Raia, though, was why they couldn’t know who they were playing against? What is the big secret Arvenia are trying to keep? Are they secretly aliens that would probe him if he got too close?

The plane landed in New Oxford. Miracle that they could figure out where they were going after all! The team were finally in the home of the team that the Nepharans had called a weakness. The team tipped to come last by the Yttribians and the excuse for the United Counties Network to pull out some tired old telly joke from the rubbish bin of meme history.

Boy, this really would be easy. Maybe too easy...

"Kaʻore..." Mikaere thought out loud.

"What?" queried a puzzled Kostas in English.

"What?" shot back a confused Mikaere.

"You said 'no'. What was it you were saying no to?"

"Oe..." Raia instinctively said in his mother tongue before quickly snapping back into English. "I thought that the 'Arvenia are dead' joke was too good to be true for a minute."

"They did draw with Filopines."

A yell of "what" came from a shocked De Ròsas. "What did you just say, George?"

"Arvenia drew at Filopines."

"I know," replied a content Archambault in the most nonchalant manner possible. "Nought all. No one scored. Ergo, we shouldn’t be too worried."

"But... but..."

The words came out of Jonmanuèl’s mouth instictively as Jean-Baptiste put his hands on his assistant’s shoulders.

"Relax," Jean-Baptiste ordered. "This isn’t the end of the world. Remember that the Filipinos are on our target list. Our list of teams to train the hell for to beat. Remember that list?"

"Yeah. I do." Archambault’s words were working. Suddenly Arvenia didn’t seem quite as scary as Kostas had made them out to be. "There’s a reason why you’re boss, Jean-Baptiste."

"I’d say 'I know', but I don’t want to look like an egotistical maniac."

Jonmauèl couldn’t help but chuckle. Maybe this wouldn’t be a bad day after all.

The game started off like all the others. Arvenia scored first and the two home fans went crazy. Thingamabob Whatshisface had done a great job taking advantage of that hole the Saint Jamesian defence had left and Intan Petera couldn’t get there fast enough.

"One, nil. What a familiar spot to be in..." muttered an unsurprised Matthias. The team’s trainer could even see that a side of substitutes and alternates would make a mistake at some point...

Forty minutes passed and nothing changed from that initial goal. The Saint James Islands were still down and there was little opportunity they had created. Until Stéphane Delacroix found an opening. Delacroix quickly broke away and found Rosenkränts beside him. The perfect pass led to the perfect goal. Dinglehopper Whatisname had been denied a clean sheet and Les Oiseaux were level. Not the start the team wanted, but the squad had to work with what they had.

And boy did the second half go better...

Rosenkränts quickly found Thom Barnett, who quickly found the goal. Twenty minutes later, Neama Iokua took a golden penalty. Five minutes after that, Delacroix found the net off a corner from Rosenkränts.

The final whistle blew and the four Saint James Islanders in Arvenia went nuts.

The fans who follow you to those small games are the best, Delacroix muttered to himself. It was a glorious game and, for a moment, everyone forgot about what they were about to come up against.

Neama found a little pub in town. It wasn’t much, but the team deserved to celebrate. A win is a win, after all.

Neama ordered beers for the whole crew. With two wins like that, they could take a tiny break.

Mikaere led the toast. "We’re going up against our toughest opponents tomorrow and home pitch advantage won’t mean much. But, we’ve built momentum. We’ve built something good here and though we’re only three games in, I say we deserve to treat ourselves to something nice. We’re in this together and we’re going to pour our hearts and souls into this. We’re Les Oiseaux and we’re not going down without a fight!"

"Cheers!"

The table really didn’t mean much early in the campaign, but the top two teams in the group going up against each other, the powerhouses versus the underdogs, would be something else, for sure. Philibiscostal awaited Nephara and the Saint James Islands.

"We’ll send ’em to Quebec with a blemish on their record," boasted a confident Dessantos.

"We’ll need our best eleven at full strength to do that, though," Archambault chimed in. Everyone knew he was right, but goddamnit, optimism is a powerful thing...

"We’ll need a lot of luck to pull it off, but anything can happen in the beautiful game."

Top Scorers Against Les Oiseaux
Bruno Arce (YTT) — 2 goals, 1 assist
George Cannock (OAK) — 2 goals
Michel di Mercurio (YTT) — 1 goal, 1 assist
Raúl Monti (YTT) — 1 goal, 1 assist
Thingamabob Whatshisface (ARV) — 1 goal
Paul Serpent (OAK) — 2 assists
Top Les Oiseaux Scorers
Mikaere Raia — 2 goals, 1 assist
Jan-Nikläs Rosenkränts — 1 goal, 2 assists
Stéphane Delacroix — 1 goal, 1 assist
George Kostas — 1 goal
Marvin Sessions — 1 goal
Thom Barnett — 1 goal
Neama Iokua — 1 goal
Yves Bercée — 2 assists

by **Gylias** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 5:46 pm

"Oh, is it time to hit the field again?", Arda thought out loud as the Gylian team prepared to enter the field.

Naomi jokingly poked Arda with her elbow as she tied her shoelaces, and replied, "Should've let me say that, Arda-chan. That way, I can say it like, '<Ara, is it match time again~?>'." She took a short pause to look upwards and hold one finger up to her cheek, as it was only the appropriate pose for a line like that. Then, she returned to multitasking.

Arda grinned, playing along. "Ah, of course, Naomi, you do it more realistically." She stretched out her hands above her head, and added, "Heh, I might be able to do the same if I was fluent in Miraian like you."

"Can't deny, being born into it helps.", Naomi replied, lightheartedly sticking her tongue out at her teammate. "Though, I think you could do an equally good job by being fluent in anime."

"My sister works for the Gynafin, does that count?"

Naomi laughed as she finished tying her shoelace, and placed one hand over her colleague's shoulder. "I don't think it's something that's transmitted genetically..."

The two shared a laugh.

From the other side of the room, Hana Matsuri called out, "Okay, y'ready?"

Naomi leaped onto her feet and replied, "READY!"

Arda raised her hand as she also stood up, somewhat less flamboyantly. "Which one of us was supposed to do the '1-2-3-4!' again?"

"Nar, I think...", Hana replied. "They's the bigger fan."

Arda nodded, smiling. The team began to dribble out towards the pitch, and the three continued their conversation as they walked.

"Wait, I thought we were supposed to sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'?", Naomi asked, slightly confused.

"Wrong football team, Naomi~", Hana replied with a chuckle. "Plus, we did that already."

"We did?"

"Haha, yeah, we did, water-on-the-brain.", Arda teased. "You were waiting for us to start up 'Fearless', and then wondered why we never did."

"Oh, that one?", Naomi laughed. "I thought you were just playing with me."

"Course we are, Naomi!", Hana said. "We're in a football team, it stands to reason we're going to be playing with you."

Naomi pointed towards Hana and joked, "Hana-chan, are you borrowing Sarna's class rep? You have got to tell me how to convince Sarna to lend me some of that too."

"Considering acting, Naomi?", Arda said.

"Maaaaaaaaaaaaybe~?"

Arda took a moment to catch her breath after laughing, and noticed that they were actually on the pitch already. It was a beautiful day for football, an atmosphere established by the reassuringly familiar cheers and noise of the crowd. And since the Gylian national anthem wasn't going to be played, it meant that they could cut down on the opening delay and begin the actual match with Kazamatsuri. The thought made Arda hold a fist in front of her chest, smiling confidently, and giddily say to herself, "This is going to be so great!"

Naomi overheard, of course, and gently teased her friend by adding, "Ah, Arda-chan, you're borrowing Sarna's asuka too? Is there anything Sarna isn't stocked with?"

"Negative qualities.", Hana replied deadpan. The three nodded in agreement.

It was Kazamatsuri's turn to start the match in the first half. As the teams positioned themselves for the kickoff, Naomi found herself close to Rei Kira on the field, so she took the opportunity to approach her and offer a handshake. "<Hey, you're Rei Kira, right?>", she said. "<I'm Naomi Mizushima, pleased to meet you.>"

by **Blouman Empire** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 6:01 pm

THE EMPIRE TIMES

GREEN THE DIFFERENCE

A well-rested Blouman side was a key aspect in their 1-0 win over Apox, the only goal of the game came in the 88th minute thanks to substitute Jake Green after a hard fought match. It was the Eagles’ first match at home these qualifiers and the team were keen to put on a show for the 50,000 fans that had braved the cold. Apox meanwhile had put in impressive performances against Alastonia and Daritii scoring a total of 6 goals of two games and were no doubt looking to add to their impressive tally.

It was Apox that took early control of the game as they dominated the midfield and placed pressure on the Blouman’s back four, Tolgus Tregajorran found himself in space early and took his luck but a quick footed Milton Tuneson denied them an early goal. The pairing of Kaj Aurora and Adnan Zozula continued to cause concern down the Blouman’s right flank as the two teamed up testing Tuneson further. A quick counter attack from the Eagles caught the Apox defence on the back foot but Blaine Cooperson struck it wide. Kane Ancap looking to add to his tally after his hat-trick against Daritii tried his luck from 30 yards out but the ball hit the post on the wrong side and ricocheted away. The Eagles started to find their form late in the first half as both sides pushed forward but shots from Cooperson and Zozula were left wanting. The Apox players had cause for outrage after their appeals for a penalty were waved away after it appeared that Hamish Alpin had tripped up Armando Quillisi. While both sides had their chances both failed to capatilise and the first half ended in a draw.

The second half continued much the same way as the first had ended, as both sides continued to pile on pressure. A cross from Aurora found the head of Alice Monteforth but she hit it too high and sent it over the bar. Tuneson seemed to pluck the ball off the foot of Aurora just as she was about to direct it goalwards. Apox was awarded a freekick 35 yards out, but Quillisi’s attempt never dropped for the awaiting players and it harmlessly went out for a goal kick. While both sides attacking pace slowed down in the later quarter of the game it was obvious that Apox were tiring more than their opponents as the Eagles continued to press on. An error from Solomon Etezadi gave Green the opportunity for a clean run on goal and he slotted the ball past the keeper and into the goal giving the Eagles the lead they so desperately sought. Apox redoubled their efforts and attempted to get a goal back but the attacking play was not as strong as was seen at the start of the match. The game ended with a 1-0 win to the Eagles.

Speaking after the match Blouman manager Logan October expressed his delight “The boys thoroughly deserved the win they continued to attack and the goal came, it’s an important win and shows that we mean business”. October would not be drawn into the controversial penalty simply stating that the referee’s decision is final. Captain Hamish Alpin wasn’t so dismissive insisting that not only did he go for the ball but he got to the ball first, while the Apox team may disagree Alpin would not be budged but thanks his opponents for the strong match. The win gives the team an important three points over the team seen as the rivals for the qualification spot and will be looking to add to that tally when they next face Queer Poco el Mono Ara. Queer Poco el Mono Ara are currently top of the table having won all three of their matches and will have their work cut out for them against a confident Blouman side who will be looking to end their winning streak.

by **Mizuyuki** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 6:48 pm

Mizuyuki sink Patistan at the ShiFT
Perfect record preserved as the Nova keep pace with Jungle Cats

A wet, windy evening at the ShiFT saw a dynamic Mizuyuki undertake a comprehensive dismantling of a hapless Patistani team en route to a comfortable 4-1 victory in front of a raucous and overjoyed home crowd.

Shirakiin Kurumi elected not to conduct a major overhaul of the squad who tasted victory at Valientus last matchday, with her only changes coming in the form of swapping talented youngsters Sakuranami and Samukawa into her starting XI in place of Tsuchimikado and Kurugaya, respectively, with Izawa losing her place on the bench to Kurugaya. The changes, presumably made with a view to resting the two key players, was not unexpected given the calibre of the opposition; and it proved to be a considered move as both Sakuranami and Samukawa played integral roles in a thoroughly scintillating attacking performance from the Nova.

The opening exchanges saw the Nova exercise their customary dominance in possession. The ball was moved about with swift, laser-like precision as Mizuyuki probed for an opening in the Patistani defence - who were never close to getting a sniff of the ball in those early minutes. The first chance of the game, predictably, fell to the Nova; after initiating a slick passing move in and around the Patistani box that saw six players involved, the ball was pinged into Samukawa on the edge of the area. Samukawa, never one to pass up a shooting opportunity, connected with the ball first time, and saw her angled drive deflect off Aslam Chaudary's shin for a corner kick. The resulting corner was wasted by Isshiki, but the Nova had already served notice to their opponents - they were a team who would be looking to seize the initiative and exert total dominance over the game.

Shortly thereafter, a long clearance from Satō found its way to the lurking Saten. As was her wont, the powerful midfielder drove forward into the opposing half with irresistible force, before laying a short ball off to Natsume on the overlap. The young wing back executed a delicate stepover, getting the better of Harggig down the left flank, and fired in an inviting low cross; Chaudary got there in time to save his teammate's blushes as he hastily cleared the ball into touch, just ahead of an onrushing Samukawa. The match seemed to be largely one-sided for the most part as the Nova enjoyed the lion's share of possession, their energetic pressing game forcing the Patistanis into hurried clearances every time they could get close enough to touch the ball.

Four minutes later, the first goal of the game arrived in truly spectacular fashion. Saten, again running at the vulnerable Patistani defence, was chopped down in full flight by midfielder Abdullah Hussain. The referee, clearly deeming the foul worthy of a caution, reprimanded the Patistani vice-captain at great length before brandishing a yellow card. The subsequent free kick, twenty five yards away from Shaheer Shazib's goal, led directly to a goal; Ishibashi and Sakuranami combined well for a short free kick before the evasive playmaker chipped a delicate ball over the top for Uryū. The winger showed great physical strength to hold off Rammez before smashing a well-timed half-volley past Shazib.

The attacking quadrumvirate of Isshiki, Samukawa, Sakuranami and Uryū caused untold trouble for the Patistanis through their direct running; Shirakiin had clearly identified that as a common weakness amongst the Patistani defenders, and her attacking players exploited that to great effect. However, the second goal to arrive came very much against the run of play; an uncharacteristic hash of a clearance by Ishibashi deep within her own half saw the ball picked up by Shahid Shazib twenty yards away from goal. With a truly brilliant piece of skill, the Patistani captain controlled the ball with a deft touch of his chest, killing its momentum, before letting the ball drop and firing in a devastating volley that left Takanashi with absolutely no chance.

However, this Mizuyuki team are nothing if not resilient; Isshiki almost levelled the score immediately after the restart with a dipping shot that kissed the top of the net with 'keeper Shazib stranded yards from goal, and Saten took it upon herself to bombard the Patistani goal with her trademark rockets from distance, stinging Shazib's palms many a time as Mizuyuki sought to inch ahead in the contest. Saten's speculative approach reaped rich rewards on the stroke of half time, as another stinging long range shot evaded Shazib's flailing dive and struck the post, before falling perfectly for Uryū, who was in no mood to pass up the chance to plunder a second goal.

The second half began with a visible slowdown in terms of pace, with Patistan - knowing full well that they could not hope to attempt a full-out attacking approach against Mizuyuki - content to sit back and try to catch their more illustrious opponents on the counter, while Mizuyuki continued to probe patiently for an opening. Several speculative attempts from long range proved rather more comfortable for Shazib as the 'keeper gratefully gathered up Saten and Ishibashi's hopeful shots. The Patistanis were barely tested in a period lasting around fifteen minutes, during which the ball was shuttled about - with an aimlessness anathema to Mizuyukian football - in midfield.

The breakthrough came as soon as Shirakiin made her move. The manager, evidently unhappy with the unambitious play on show, duly yanked the underwhelming Ishibashi for Tsuchimikado - a change which also saw Sakuranami dropping deeper to partner Saten in the middle of the park. The change reaped rich dividends, as Tsuchimikado once again proved herself a crucial component of this Mizuyukian side - cutely beating Shaq on the edge of the area, the captain laid an inviting through ball on a platter for Sakuranami. The playmaker strayed to the byline before evading the attentions of Rammez with a quick burst of pace, laying a dangerous low cross across goal where Samukawa was on hand to neatly place the ball across Shazib into goal.

As the minutes ticked down, Shirakiin's lasses added gloss to the scoreline with a well-worked team goal. Kurugaya, on in place of Sakuranami as Shirakiin sought to kill the game off with a further goal, robbed an inattentive Rammez on the right flank as he dawdled indecisively on the ball; the subsequent break saw the ball laid off to Satō, whose inswinging cross was headed back across goal by Tsuchimikado to Kurugaya. The lanky forward was never going to miss a header from just ten yards out, and she duly dispatched a crashing effort into the top corner of the net.

Three points have, once again, been collected and stashed away in Shirakiin's safe. The manager will be hoping that her charges will be able to replicate their extraordinary performance tonight against their upcoming opponents, the oddly named HAUAHUHAU, as they look to keep pace with early leaders Vilita in the battle for supremacy in group 13.

by **Chiata** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 6:54 pm

Chiata Times
WAAAAT?

Alas, it was only but a matter of time. It was inevitable that Chiata would be struck the the curse that follows after being expected to qualify for the World Cup. Chiata, ranked 25th, drew to unranked Friday Freshman. A nation that failed to submit a roster and from which no media posts came out of. Also, the Suns were at home. They were at HOME and the drew to an unranked team. Now, to stop some of the more unstable fans from crying out that it's the Apocalypse and the end has come, this needs to be put in some context. If it was noticed in the beginning, we states it was only a matter of time. This has happened many times before and will happen many times afterwards. Just look to our group in World Cup 67. The now famous Polar Islandstates 0-1 The Weegies was achieved in that group. Of course, this did little to stop the Terns from sweeping the group and pumbling Chiata 6-0, a fact that was most fans worrying over the upcoming rematch in Match Day 8. The Suns tied, but the Earth still rotates, the stars still shine, and life goes on. We just got to put it past us. Instead of yelling at the team, we should be thankful that we got a draw. If Swade hadn't scored a goal in the 67th minute than this game would be almost comparable to The Weegies game. Would it be better to repeat our performance in World Cup 65? The one where we went 2-4-12. Obviously, we need to me thankful for what we have.

Pushing that game away to the farthest corner in our brain, Chiata will need to play Kandorith next game, away. This will be one of the most decisive matches of qualifying. Obviously, Kandorith will try to take Chiata's second place spot and get a crack at the World Cup Proper. Kandorith is in the best position to do that in the group, being ranked in the 50s. If Chiata wins, that will improve the odds of qualification immensely. If Kandorith wins, than Chiata will be in for a tough fight until the end. And of course, Chiata just so happens to have a last matchday BYE that will ensure if the race is close, Chiata wont have any say in the final result.

Results from Matchday 3:
Mangolana 5–4 Absurdly Polite Gentlemen
Polar Islandstates 5–3 Kandorith
Chiata 1–1 Friday Freshman
Beauce 1–2 Gregory Llama Land

Group 6                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Polar Islandstates                3    3   0   0    13    3  +10     9
 2 Chiata                            3    2   1   0     8    2   +6     7
 3 Mangolana                         3    2   0   1    11   12   −1     6
 4 Kandorith                         3    1   1   1     9    6   +3     4
 5 Kernansquillec                    2    1   1   0     4    1   +3     4
 6 Gregory Llama Land                3    1   0   2     3   12   −9     3
 7 Friday Freshman                   3    0   1   2     3    8   −5     1
 8 Beauce                            2    0   0   2     1    4   −3     0
 9 Absurdly Polite Gentlemen         2    0   0   2     5    9   −4     0

by **Darvale** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 7:00 pm

THIRD TIME NOT THE CHARM?
After two failed attempts to qualify for the world cup, the Goats' hope of qualification dims with formidable opponents
Article by Ramon Goldstein | Sports Category | Posted 19/11/2014 at 8:15 pm

Downtown Fairbanks, where Darvale's first match, against the Fair Republic, will be played under harsh, cold weather

Fairbanks, DARVALE - With Darvale plunged into a fifth civil war, national capital Fairbanks buried under two meters of snow, cultural capital Corin under siege by NRP Revolutionaries, national team manager Hugo Simmons in a coma in the Fairbanks General Hospital after a sudden massive stroke, Darvale doesn't really seem to be in shape for the upcoming world cup. Due to the ongoing war that has split Darvale apart, several minor cities around the country will be hosting guest teams during the length of the qualifiers, including Redfield, Grimsby Town, Marrowfield, and Ironbeach, although the Capital Citadel and the Fairview Arena, both in Crompton County (which encompasses Fairbanks), will also see some action.

Earlier, it was announced that Darvale, ranked 113th in the world as of the Pre-World Cup 70 rankings, would be placed in Qualifying Group Four, along with Farfadillis (ranked 20th in the world), the Fair Republic (ranked 165th in the world), United Eastedge (ranked 90th in the world), Tumbra (ranked 264th in the world), Bandwagon (ranked 306th in the world), the Holy Republican Empire (ranked 10th in the world), HopNation (ranked 48th in the world), and the unranked Octinstine - one of the toughest qualifying groups of this edition of the qualifiers. As mentioned above, manager Hugo Simmons was hospitalized after a massive stroke, and will be replaced by none other than his own 80 year old father - Alfred Smythe Simmons.

Alfred Smythe Simmons,
interim manager of the
Darvalian side

The 5-2-3 formation conceived by Alfred
Simmons

Despite his age, Alfred is one of the most suitable people for the job, having taught his son Hugo, who would go on to become the greatest Darvalian manager in history, all about the sport of football. Alfred has kept the unique 3-2-2-3 formation that the Darvalian team regularly uses, but has shown skepticism over this somewhat odd formation, and may shift Downing, Ramsey, Pearson, and Bennett backwards to form an equally odd 5-2-3 formation, which Grimsby Town FC, reigning champions of club football in Darvale, use as a primary formation. However, this would mean that Cedric Pearson and Steven Bennett would have to be switched to become wing-defenders, when they have been playing as central-midfielders for the past eight years, which is making Alfred think twice about the 5-2-3, especially considering Hugo may be back in shape to manage the team before the end of the qualifiers. Below is an in-depth analysis of the three first opponents of Darvale.

Group Four

OPPONENT	MATCHDAY	EXPECTED MATCH RESULTS	PREVIEWED VENUE (AT HOME)
The Fair Republic	2 (Home), 12 (Away)	2-0 win home, 1-0 win away	The Capital Citadel, Fairbanks
Holy Republican Empire	3 (Away), 13 (Home)	5-1 loss away, 4-1 loss home	Grand Grounds, Grimsby Town
United Eastedge	4 (Home), 14 (Away)	1-1 draw home, 2-2 draw away	The Fairview Arena, Fairview
HopNation	5 (Away), 15 (Home)	2-0 loss away, 3-2 loss home	The Redfield Centre, Redfield
Tumbra	6 (Home), 16 (Away)	3-0 win home, 3-1 win away	Anvil Park, Ironbeach
Octinstine	7 (Away), 17 (Home)	3-0 win away, 3-0 win home	Henderson Place, Marrowfield
Bandwagon	8 (Home), 18 (Away)	2-0 win home, 2-0 win away	The Glowing Arena, Luxford
Farfadillis	9 (Away), 19 (Home)	3-1 loss away, 2-0 loss home	Montgomery Lane, Saint Paul

As shown above, things don't exactly looked perfect for the Goats, although, from a third person standpoint, one could say that the predicted outcomes would be somewhat balanced. All of the above scores were only made by analysts who were making guesses at a glance, considering the fact that we don't know much about Alfred Simmons' playstyle, although we already have seen him in three pre-qualifier friendlies, of which he won two, and settled for a tie on the third one, keeping the 3-2-2-3 formation during all three of those games.

The Fair Republic - 165th - Darvale's very first opponent, the Fair Republic, ranked 165th in the world, will be one of the team's the Goats will be looking to pick a few points up from. Not much is known about the Fair Republic's roster, except that they play in a 4-2-3-1 formation, is captained by center-back Matt Lanais, and is managed by Harold King. We will be facing this team on Matchday 2 at the Capital Citadel, in Fairbanks, and in the Republic on Matchday 12. We are expecting wins on both of these matches, but, like all of our other opponents, they are not to be underestimated.

The Holy Republican Empire - 10th - 10th in the multiverse, the Holy Republican Empire (not to be confused with the Holy Empire, who won the last World Cup), captained by striker Kyle Bolton, are clear favorites to win the group, and are the highest-ranked in Group Four, 10 spots ahead of second-ranked Farfadillis (who are ranked in 20th position in the multiverse), and a full 103 spots ahead of the Darvalian Goats. Naturally, we are expecting two utter crushings, both home and away, by this formidable side. The Holy Republican Empire plays in a unique, somewhat symmetrical 3-1-2-1-3 formation, which will be interesting to see in action against Darvale's 3-2-2-3. We will first be playing this team away, on Matchday 3, at the Alex Tomlinson Memorial Stadium, located in Barkersville, and then again on Matchday 13 at home, this time on the pitch of the reigning champions of Darvalian club football - Grand Grounds, located in Grimsby Town.

United Eastedge - 90th - Best known for winning the 56th Baptism of Fire, United Eastedge is the only team, apart from Bandwagon, who has not released an official roster yet, which, unfortunately, prevents us from knowing anything about them, or telling you anything about them. Although ranked 23 spots higher than Darvale in the world rankings, United Eastedge is expected to draw against us twice, on Matchday 4, and 14. We will be facing United Eastedge at the Fairview Arena, located just outside national capital Fairbanks, at home on Matchday 4.

by **Hicana** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 7:14 pm

Second place.

The schedule had mostly gotten them there, Aaron knew - Gylias had put up a fight on their home turf, but Sumaltheria hadn't even gone out with a whimper as the Skylarks thrashed them for five goals and the shutout. In their one challenging match, they themselves had feistily come close to salvaging points in a tough home fixture against Kazamatsuri - but in the end, it was the winger Kira Rei who managed to dart past the defense and slap one in past Castro to seal the match.

But still - second place.

There was no cause for celebration yet - no glorious battle like their draw away to the powerhouse monks of the Archregimancy or the victory over ex-qualifiers Glaser, one-nil, that kicked off the campaign that almost sent them to an unprecedented second-place group finish. Only a moral victory in Kazamatsuri and six free points that they'd worked to get. Yet something about the cycle felt different - maybe it was just the team. Ansierra, the new half-Llamanean import, was an incisive striker, exactly the sort of player Albert Castro and Matthieu Rhoderick needed to finish for them. Alaric Donalbain and Carlos Herrera were fantastic young defenders, both pegged as the captain after Miguel Ansierra. The high-octane Emily da Silva in the midfield and Ignacio Castellinho as a much-needed striker didn't hurt, either.

They were the perfect under-the-radar qualifier that happened once every few years. Hicañan chemistry, despite the country tearing itself apart over the new Republican puppet government, had never been higher. This was their cycle.

It was a subdued sort of chemistry - no manifestos or chants of "UNITED WE STAND 1 2 3", just a bunch of friends together playing football. Together.

We're gonna qualify, Aaron Castro thought, and on that note he trotted up the steps to play Racao.

Skylarks 1 - Kazamatsuri 2

Kathryn Mikkelson 13', Rei 78', 90+4'

Gylia 1 - Hicaña 2

Thashnæn 45+2' da Silva 37', Ansierra 81'

Hicaña 5 - Sumaltheria 0

Castro 11', Ansierra 35', 45+2', Castelliho 56', Beryll 77'

by **Brenecia** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 7:28 pm

When Catherine Bardsley had been given the job, it was on a six-year contract. World Cup Qualifying 69 to Campionato Esportiva 12. She'd promised to rebuild the national team, to rejuvenate it, to give it a strong core from the ground up. And she'd very carefully kept expectations of actual results low. Progress would be slow, and she admitted things could be a little shaky at first. Shaky, at one point, to the tune of a 7-3 defeat at home to Ruentenbach.
Still, everyone involved had understood that it was for the long-term greater good. And, hell, they weren't utterly dire to watch anymore, like they were in the Hemingway days and the last waning years of Slatesaver.
But after the Fellow Citizens match...
The unfancied Citizens had come in with a simple plan. Park the bus, and try to hit Brenecia when they were vulnerable. Brenecia overextended on the attack, and after Scherzer hit a strong shot straight at Adam Adhitama in goal, his great long ball found midfielder Nugroho, who in turn passed to Soekarno. Emma Kelly tackled him well, but an exceptionally poor, overhit pass aimed vaguely at Cheney Keller went straight to Tsuchiya, who found himself given acres of space against a flat-footed defence reluctant to go up and challenge him. He drew Faulkner out before sliding it across to Soekarno, who converted crisply past Pence.
So Brenecia had spent 75 minutes desperately searching for two goals. They found one, through Scherzer, but couldn't add to it no matter how hard they tried.
And she came home to dissent from the press. Slatesaver's Brenecia wouldn't have conceded that goal, people had started muttering.
Yeah, well, they wouldn't have found any of their own either, she thought bitterly.
She'd already had enough troubles trying to rebuild Emma Kelly's fragile confidence. The suspicion was that she was a lovely lass, had just enough technical ability to get herself into trouble, and was suspect to being caught out when under pressure. When in form, she'd deal with attacks well enough, but if the occasion got to her head...
Either way, Ash Kilcane could probably be chalked up to third-choice after that.
There'd been an awkward phone call from the FA after that. They were firm in their demands that the squad improved.
"It's just two bad games, chief. Besides, this isn't about the short-term-"
"You keep saying that, Bardsley. But sooner or later you need to come up with the results."
"These are winning strategies I'm putting into the team, chief- !"
They hung up. And Catherine Bardsley was left to put down the phone, sigh, and start trying to think of how to get out of this rut...

by **West Angola** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 7:41 pm

Prologue: Mortis Imperium
Namibe, Unified Angola, Z-Day III [-2]
They said it was good to be the king, and August II had to agree. Every day since he’d retaken the throne that was his birthright, he’d made sure to spend a few moments every day luxuriating in the knowledge that his enemies were defeated and that he had won. His time away from the crown had been difficult, dealing with the twin humiliations of being put on trial like a common criminal and watching Parrish, the agent of his destruction, ascend to take his place. For the last forty years, he’d been forced to lurk furtively from the shadows as Parrish, his idiot Guard Captain, and the woman Anna had squandered the power of the monarchy, mocking him and his family with every act. He had tried once before to retake the throne by force and paid for it with his life, unceremoniously shot dead by Parrish is this very throne room. A second chance, extended to him by the mysterious entity Q, had allowed him to regain his lost power, and in the process destroy those who had caused him such pain.

All his enemies had been laid low before him in the past few months, with one highly visible exception. That too, however, would be remedied in short order, as the first business of the day saw his chief military commanders gathered before him to present their plan for the conquest of Farreth Island. While too small and too far from the mainland to present any strategic threat to his rule, the existence of even an enclave of the old order provided dissidents on the mainland a rally flag. By destroying Farreth Island and hanging Paul Arrat’s body in Namibe for the whole world to see he would crush the last vestiges of resistance and secure his rule for good. Isaac Warren had escaped his grasp once by the skin of his teeth, but he would burn with the rest in good time.

Turning his attention to the practical matter at hand, he leaned forward, placed his elbows on his knees, and steepled his fingers in front of his face, “Alright General Braylon, I’m ready. You and your aides may begin.”

Admiral Donnelly’s discomfort with being referred to as one of the General’s aides was obvious, but he held his tongue for fear of the King’s wrath. August noted his deference with approval, the Admiral had passed the test and earned the right to live for a few more weeks. In front of him, Braylon had finished unveiling a map of Farreth Island and was beginning his presentation.

“The assault will come in three stages, each designed to exploit specific weaknesses in the island’s defenses. Phase One will take advantage of their lack of significant long-range detection equipment, and will consist of a series of targeted airstrikes against their main port at Calisan and the shipyard facilities nearby. This will serve to convince them that the main thrust of our attack will come there, and we will reinforce this assessment with Phase Two. Several troop carriers, escorted by larger vessels, will feint towards the island immediately afterwards to draw their forces in to defend the port. Arrat, despite his years as Minister of State, does not have the military or strategic experience to recognize our deception, and the feint will expose this. Once the defenders are concentrated in Calisan, we will complete Phase Two by firing several hundred chemical missiles into the city from offshore ordnance carriers. These weapons will exterminate eighty to eight-five percent of the soldiers within thirty seconds, with full mortality achieved after a minute. Phase Three precedes the ground assault; the ordnance carriers will launch their second set of missiles, these releasing a highly-concentrated compound that causes the gas to dissipate rapidly, clearing the way for our invasion. With the overwhelming majority of their standing army already killed so horrifically, the rest of the Island will lose their will to fight, and we should be able to secure the entire area within a few hours.”

August smiled, and he reflected on his wisdom in selecting Braylon. The man was brilliant, to be sure, but had a sadistic streak a mile wide. His sheer love of killing and bloodshed, especially on the civilian side, had halted his rise in the old West Angolan military and finally seen him court-martialed for perpetrating a massacre of Bantu innocents during the campaign against Arel’s terrorists. Barely escaping execution with an eleventh-hour commutation, Braylon had been sentenced to life in prison two years before August’s return. August had been searching for an enforcer to oversee his military, and Thomas Prell had recommended Braylon as a man who wasn’t afraid to kill civilians to accomplish his objectives. A brief interview had confirmed that prison had not dulled Braylon’s edge, and August had pardoned him, restored his rank, and promoted him to General of the Royal Army, a new rank created by August to reflect the transferring of the command structure from the Marshals to the Crown itself.

August roused himself from his thoughts and decided he’d kept Braylon waiting long enough. He lowered his hands and leaned back, “An excellent plan, General. You have my full approval to proceed. How long before we can strike?”

“Conservatively, three days, sir, the majority of our forces are already in place. All that remains is to move the missiles from their storage facilities at Fort Jan to the carriers, which will have to be done slowly and carefully to ensure there are no accidents.”

Admiral Donnelly broke in suddenly, “My Lord, I must raise my objections with this plan. The civilian casualties will be massive and will likely bring international condemnation, to say nothing of the domestic response if word of our tactics leaks to the people. In the strongest terms, Your Highness, I urge you to reconsider.”

August’s smile disappeared. “Admiral, you were doing so well, and now you’ve thrown it all away. If you have objections, you keep them to yourself, do you understand? I have given my approval of this plan, and your ill-advised dissent in insulting to me. Do you think I do not know that civilians will die when we unleash the weapons? Do you think I fear international response? The people here will not complain, they will do as I say and be glad they are not the focus of my wrath. Your words belie a lack of faith in me and my intelligence, and that is something I absolutely cannot abide. Guards!”

Behind Donnelly, the doors flew open and half a dozen uniformed members of the Royal Guard rushed in and surrounded the Admiral. Fear was evident on the man’s face as he was roughly ushered out of the throne room for a premature confrontation with his own mortality. As his feet dragged through the doorway, the Admiral found his voice, “You may kill me, August, but you cannot kill everyone who is roused to action by your plan. You will rue this day.” August waved his hand in a dismissive gesture as the doors closed with a heavy thud, then spoke again to Braylon, “Go see to your invasion, General. You are dismissed.” With the day’s first order of business taken care of, August turned his attention to the stack of intelligence reports awaiting his review. The first one he dismissed out-of-hand, some ridiculous ramblings from a WASABI agent in Benguela about walking bodies…

by **Isula ge Ru** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 8:21 pm

At least there was a television.

Mitu Maria Albu Saida had had a dreadful two weeks. Dreadful. His sleek black National Team kit had been traded for a faded orange jumpsuit, a number emblazoned on the front and back. The number was 5275, though Mitu did his best on a daily basis to forget that. After the car had reached the airport, he had been bustled roughly onto a streamlined black jet, the Isulan coat of arms and Police emblem the only spots of color on it. After he was out of his captor's hands, his fate improved slightly. Though his kit was removed and his jumpsuit given to him, the handcuffs had also been removed, and his lip wiped, cleaned, and bandaged, the blood that had been steadily running down his chin was now gone. By that time, however, the champagne had pumped through his bloodstream, reaching his head. The plane ride passed by in a whirling blur, the lights of The Royal Kingdom of Quebec spinning, blending, and becoming the black water of the great sea, which became the rolling lands of continental Rushmore. He didn't know when he passed out, but he was jerked unceremoniously from a blissful, alcohol-induced sleep when the plane bumped down on Isula Ocĉia, two in the morning local time.

Bundled into a police boat across the water, then a car with three others, all out of handcuffs but in jumpsuits. From the deeply tinted windows, through the predawn light, he could see other cars, more than he could remember being on the capital island, snaking across its roads.

When he was brought to the jail, he was permitted to talk to someone. One phone call later, twelve hours after he'd won a semifinal in Atlantian Oceania, he was sitting in an interrogation room in Isula ĝe Ru with his lawyer and two masked police officers. After that, they afforded him some respect and privilege. The other Esiruans (and more were streaming in every day) afforded him respect, some asking for autographs. It came as no surprise, then, that a television had been granted to watch the final.

From what Mitu had noticed in the jail, it was a wild, riotous place. Those incarcerated were, thanks to recent events, almost all exclusively Esiruan, but there were petty criminals and burglars there as well, Isulan or foreign. There were gang members, and drunks awaiting trial, fights erupting most every night. The only thing they could agree on was "Fudua Polhiĉá." Fuck the Police.

The night of the final, however, there was no animosity. The TV was small and static, the picture crinkling on the edges with every movement in the room. But the place was electric, and electric in the controlled way where everyone wants the same thing, not like the place had been the day before, fists on the verge of eruption. Now, however, the crinkled picture sent crackles through the jail's common room, and when Ala Samuél Ĝea put a backheel over the Polaskaan keeper to put the Isulans up one-nil, the room's orange jumpsuits rose as one, the gangsters who had been fighting the day before now clasped hands together, and even the guards, their black masks shrouding their all but their mouths, allowed their lips to crinkle like the picture of Mitu's celebrating teammates.

At halftime, however, Mitu was pulled aside. Another round of questioning, another incessant berating for a confession. He hadn't been tortured, hadn't been maltreated, but the questionings were still excruciating. He wouldn't speak without a lawyer present, he'd decided that the day he arrived, but still they persisted, asking names and dates, asking if he knew that Anneka Bau was dead. Anneka Bau couldn't be dead. She had to have thrown a knife through their throat, and gone...somewhere. Mitu stayed silent, eventually returning to the common room only to find it empty, a guard's disembodied mouth there to inform him that he was a Baptism of Fire Champion.

He didn't feel like one.

Thankfully, nobody disturbed him during the matches with Jeckland, Taeshan, or Nova Anglicana. Nobody was there, but Mitu had nothing to do but watch his teammates struggle to score and concede goals. 0-1-2 was a hell of a way to start a qualifying campaign, of course, but it didn't matter to Mitu. Over the last two weeks, he'd become removed from the team, the team who had green armbands on in his honor, and who flashed the number 7 on their fingers towards the camera as they came on the field, in his honor. The games were just something he watched now, the main thing in his life being his trial.

It had been set for a week from this day, a speedy and impartial trial indeed. He'd asked his lawyer, the only visitor he'd had of yet, to get a suit pressed and ironed for it. His family wouldn't be there, he could postulate. They were having too much trouble leaving Quebec, harangued by Isulan and Quebecois officials alike. With luck, nobody would be there but a bored jury and a kind judge.

He had a feeling, however, that his trial would be an event,
A gala,
A chance for the High Scholar to parade his Esiruan prizes before the nation and the jury,

And Mitu was intent on preventing that.

He pushed back into the couch in the common room. Friskney Eudyke was next, a team who had bowed out early in the Baptism of Fire but had shown offensive prowess so far. A vital match, he though, picking at a stray orange nylon strand.

At least there was a television

by **Eura** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 8:36 pm

OOC: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=312283&p=21766370#p21766370 I used Tae's CR roster for names.

Knights thumped by clinical Eura
Taeshan fall apart as Eura score five, and get a second clean sheet
Simon Banning reports from Bastion

TAESHAN - 0

EURA - 5
Spartan 45+2
Oslograd 49
Adams 60
Ashtree 71
Robel 80

The usually extremely defensive Taeshan found their back line blown away by some brilliant Euran forward play in Taeshan, a dominant performance that saw Eura rise up the table with a game in hand.

Eura came out with the same lineup that beat Jeckland, and from the first minute they seized control of the game, taking the initiative against a Taeshan side who looked tired and devoid of ideas. It was a sign of things to come when within thirty seconds, Craig Sinclair hit a diagonal ball across the box which found Skorji Oslograd. Oslograd skillfully drifted past Taeshani centreback von Bois before hitting a shot towards goal with his right foot, which clipped the bar and went over after leaving Nick Garden glued to the spot. Oslograd was back on target five minutes later, drilling a shot low and hard towards goal that Garden saved well down at his left. Sinclair got in on the act himself, bending a shot wide from the edge of the box after being given too much space by Parker and Jackal. Parker had looked uneasy since the start, and he almost made things worse for himself when he tried to head an aimless Gilbert long ball back to Garden. The header was too powerful and too high for Garden to stop, but luckily for the Taeshani defender it went over.

Taeshan had weathered ten shots, four on target, after a quarter of the game was gone. It had begun to look like they might weather the storm and keep the Euran's out after some lucky escapes. They continued to inexplicably stay level, as Spartan struck the post with a curving shot off his instep from 25 yards, before Anderson flashed a shot over the bar from 10 yards. Garden even made a lucky save with his lower back, unknowingly deflecting an Adams shot straight at him wide after he had weakly palmed away an equally weak shot from Watson. However the luck of the home side broke just as the away side were starting to look frustrated. After all of these lovely moves and good strikes on goal not going in - thanks to the woodwork and a very good goalkeeping performance - it took a bit of luck for the away side to get the first goal just before half time. Weylon Churchilli hit a low cross into the box during a sustained period of pressure which was then hoofed clear on the interception by Latrine. The ball came out to John Spartan, who tried to half volley the ball up into the air and into the box, mixing things up after the previous attacks on goal had mainly gone along the ground.

Spartan misjudged the power of his shot, sending it sailing over his teammates on the edge of the box. Yet his improvised lob into the box not only beat the attackers, but also the defence, and indeed the goalkeeper, who was left flapping at the ball ball as it arced perfectly into the top left hand corner from 40 yards. The mediocre home support was silenced while the away fans went mad, and now Eura could smell blood. At half time the so far ineffectual Blackthorn was replaced by the striker Sam Ashtree, and Taeshan opened up. Ashtree had an immediate impact, putting Skorji Oslograd through on goal, the Revolutionaries striker dispatching the ball into the goal past Garden and a despairing von Bois with ease. Mike Adams then struck the bar with a drilled shot from range before getting on the score sheet himself and truly putting the game to bed. After his cross was cleared by von Bois, he collected the ball as it came back to him on the right, sprinting into the box towards the back line before cutting inside Latrine and leaving him for dead. Flynn Parker slid in with an off balance tackle that got himself injured, leaving Adams able to roll the ball past his trailing leg, hammer it with his left foot and watch it pummel the net from just eight yards, leaving Garden with no chance.

Parker's injury made him noticeably slower but before he could be substituted, he was punished for his recklessness. Oslograd was put through on a run again by Sinclair this time, and Parker knew he couldn't catch him. The Taeshani defender hacked down Oslograd cynically, received a straight red card as the last man. Spartan sent in a piledriver of a shot from the result free kick, but it whistled past the upright rather than going in. Craig Sinclair was having an outstanding game out on the left and he proved his worth in the 71st minute with a mazy dribble past Llana, Guggenheim and substitute striker Wiggin, before opting to pull the ball back when through on the goal against the keeper rather than shooting. This left Sam Ashtree with the perfect opportunity to tuck the ball into the back of the net, scoring a well deserved goal. Eura were dominant right to the end but the icing on the cake came earlier in the 80th minute, when Adams sliced a shot across the box, leaving the Taeshan defence for dead but also leaving substitute Joe Robel with the chance to react quickly and poke the ball into the net. Eura have scored eight with no reply after two matches and have a game in hand. Nova Anglicana, another tough opponent on paper, are their next opponents.

Player Ratings

Taeshan - Garden 7, von Bois 4, Jackal 5, Parker 3, Latrine 4, Fauejeau 5 (Fontaine 4), Llana 5, Ying Uing 4, Guggenheim 5, Toulanlan 5, McDrew 5 (Wiggin 5)

Eura - Waller 6, Churchilli 7, Rogers 8, Gilbert 7 (Madison 6), Watson 8, Adams 9, Blackthorn 6 (Ashtree 7), Spartan 8 (Robel 7), Anderson 7, Sinclair 7, Oslograd 8

Match Stats

Shots - TAE 3 - 27 EUR
Shots on Target - TAE 0 - 15 EUR
Possession - TAE 26% - 74% EUR
Fouls - TAE 20 - 8 EUR
Attendance - N/A
Man of the Match - Mike Adams (Eura)

by **Ceni** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 8:40 pm

We have spoken out against intolerance and oppression throughout the world. We have spoken out when no one else has dared to speak out. We have spoken out when we knew we would be persecuted for speaking out. We are speaking out agains Saintland and the former Free Republics for what they are doing to this world, regardless of the consequences. If we may go to some person's hell for speaking out against that person's heaven, then so be it. We will all be in hell anyway, for if we speak out against one religion, we will go to that religion's hell; and if we change our minds and speak out against another person's religion, we will go to that religion's hell. If we believe in one religion, we will go to all other religions' hells; if we believe in another, we will be going to hell nonetheless. Whatever religion we believe in, we will be going to hell because we do not believe in some other person's religion. That is true with our displeasure with the actions of the Church of Saintland. If we listen to any one religion, we will be deceiving ourselves. No one religion can tell us what to believe. We must choose what to believe ourselves, and only we have that choice. A patriarch in Saintland or the former Free Republics cannot tell us what to believe, the same as we cannot tell them what to believe. If we told them that they must believe in tolerance, they must believe in equality, they must believe in freedom of religion, then we would be no better than they are. We can only tell them the reasons why we believe what we do. In our heads, there is that nagging little voice called our conscience. Our conscience tells us that whenever a group is persecuted for what it believes or does not believe, it is wrong. It is wrong because all men have a freedom of choice and a freedom of belief. Those freedoms are immutable. No outside force can choose for you what you must believe. What the Church of Saintland is telling us is that you must believe what we believe. All of their pronouncements have told us that. They have told us that "you will only find [happiness and contentment] in the One True Church." They have told us that anyone who opposes their teachings is "selling snake oil in order to corrupt your soil." They have told us that they are the only solution to this world's problems. When you walk the streets of Nephara, when you walk the streets of the Royal Kingdom of Quebec, when you walk the streets of Audiooslavia, you will find people who are happy and content who do not believe in the dogma of the Church of Saintland. You will find people who live their lives peacefully and prosperously. You will find people who are Buddhist, who are Protestant, who are Catholic, who have happy lives. You will find people who believe in many gods, one god, or no gods who are happy. When you walk the streets of Saintland and the Free Republics, too, you will find people who are happy with the so-called "True Church". But you will also find people who are not happy because of the direction their country is taking. You will find people who do not believe in your strict dogma and you will find people who oppose the policies of thheir government. Yet they are not allowed to tell the people who supposedly represent them that - because the people who represent them do not have tolerance. They will claim they have tolerance, surely, but they will only tolerate those who agree with them. They claim they support religious liberty, but we challenge them to find one piece of evidence that supports that. Their own pronouncements have told us that they do not support religious liberty - they will proclaim, and have proclaimed, that believers in any religion except their own will go to hell. Well, then we will go to hell, for we do not believe in their creed, and we will not believe in their creed. If the True Church appeals to you, then we enourage you to join it, but if the True Church does not appeal to you, then do not join it! Only you can make that choice. We cannot make that choice for you. Reino Kulseth cannot make that choice for you. Sister Maria Polus cannot make that choice for you. Religion is between you and your God, and we encourage you to find your God, whoever he or she may be. We might not like the choice you have made - but we will fight to the death for your right to make that choice. For light, for knowledge, for action!

by **Felix** » Sun Nov 23, 2014 9:05 pm

WORLD CUP 70 - MATCHDAY 4 CUTOFF
EQUESTRIAN STATES & SAN JOSÉ GUAYABAL

Why so serious?

Results

World Cup 70 - RP Thread

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