World Cup 70 - RP Thread

by **Star United States** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 11:23 am

The Rise and Fall of the Starian Governments

Table of Contents

Chapter 1	Chapter 2	Chapter 2.5
I. The Rising	I. The Aftermatch	I. Part 1
II. The Rising Cont.	II. The Islands	II. Part 2
III.Chaos In Golden City and Blu	III. An Unexpected Union & Elections	III. Part 3
IV. The Alarmed Nation	IV.	IV. Part 4
V.The Crumbling Federal Government	V.	V.
VI. A Little Too Quiet... Or Not.	VI.	VI.
VII. A Nation Falling Into Pieces	-	-
VIII. Western Star United States	-	-
IX. The Speech	-	-
X. The Northern Rebellion	-	-
XI. The First Fall	-	-

Notes: Chapter 2 runs conjointly with Chapter 2.5.

Chapter 2.5 - Part 4
Exert from Part 3...
Mom and dad would always tell me that if I was having an issue or just anything to talk to God. Might as well give it a try. Before bed that night prayed. I don't remember exactly what I said but it was something about a signal on what to do.

I gave a gander to my clock. 11:23. Time for bed.I got comfortable in bed, and drifted off.

Part 4

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.Beep.

I opened my tired eyes and turned off my alarm clock. 7:02 AM. It's interesting how fast a night can past. So it's just another day to face in what used to be. Another day to remember the day that completely changed my life. I wonder if they know what they did to me. I wonder if they every thought the side-effects of what they did.

Ha, who am I kidding? They could care less about me, and about what did they did to me. If they would've cared, this would have not happened. Sucks. If they would've cared my mom, dad, and little sister would still be alive. The window curtains would remain open, not closed, throughout the day.

My mom would be cooking and my dad reading his newspaper. My brother and I would be playing video games, and my sister would be doing whatever she used to do. Our happy family will still exist. Now, it's just my brother and I. They want us to give everything up after they've taken everything from us. I have he right to make my own decision. They are not my parents. They're dead.

I wonder what my brother thinks.

So time passed, I don't recall how much of it, it just passed. I usually always lost the track of time. The television was off most of the time but, today I decided to do so. My brother was still in his room and was not going to come out anytime soon. That's when I heard my answer on the TV. We have a special TV, able to connect directly to the satellites without a company - perks. Anyway, I heard about the islands. That's where my mom wants us to go. The Islands. Wait until my brother hears this.

I plopped myself onto the couch, and I fell asleep. My brother woke me up. He made lunch. While eating, I exposed my idea about going to the islands. He thought about. We do have a problem though. Between us and the islands, there is continent and an ocean.

My brother and I sat down at the dinning table with a large map of Esportiva and planned our trip. We made three possible routes.

To be continued.

by **Apox** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 12:06 pm

Controversial new laws passed - Apoxian executive widely mocked as being "batshit cray"

Well, who knows what's going on in Apox at the moment, with the Apoxian government voting to pass the controversial Date Act 583, which has changed the entire calender of Apox, with the country moving from the traditional 365 days a year, 12 months calender to a new, 400 day year with 20 months in it. This has been put down to a heightened understanding in the seasons and how the multiverse works, with Dave Brown, notable spiritual geezer and one of the people behind the bill stating that:

"The world is just changing in so many ways dude, who knows where we're gonna end up in a few years time." Yes, we're equally confused as the rest of you are as to what he was actually trying to get at there, but we're just going to roll with it. This has literally changed everything in Apox now, with the entire country out of kilter with the rest of the multiverse.

This phenomenon however, isn't entirely new, as shown by our domestic leagues, where Audioslavian players for example, have generally aged twice as fast as their Apoxian counterparts. Of course, this change in times between the two countries was a gradual thing, and not a sudden change as has just been enacted.

In fact people are confused as to what the new months are going to be, despite an extensive television campaign being put underway, with the months corresponding exactly to the lunar cycle, which is known to be almost exactly (to a precision of 10^-5 days) 20 days per cycle, enacting this new system of replacing names of the months with the number of the lunar cycle thus far this year, for example the first day of a new year will be Monday 1st Moon1 583, with the month denoted by Moon1.

This also begs the question of how the fuck birthdays are going to work now, with each year having an addition 35 days added onto it. The government has announced a new squad of experts to work out exactly what day everyone's birthday will now fall on, working backwards through time, replacing all the previous 365 day years with 400 day years. Confusing, right?

We tried to contact a government representative regarding this change, but were given the same line as everyone else:

"The government strongly believes that this change will be beneficial to the populace in the long run, and while it may take some initial getting used to, we are confident that in a short time everything will have largely reverted to normal." That may well be true, but it will certainly take a while for anyone to become used to this new system. As our sports editor, Dan Hargreaves exclaimed upon hearing the news, "What the fuck happens to Christmas?!" Indeed Dan, no one knows, no one at all.

by **Isula ge Ru** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 2:42 pm

Fire on the Water
Intrigue in Isula ĝe Ru

Season One-Baptism of Fire 57
Prologue, Part One
Prologue, Part Two
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV

Season Two-World Cup 70
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX

Isula ĝe Ru, Isula ĝe Ru

The motorcade wound its way through the cobbled streets. There were not often cars on the Island city, but today was not a day which came often. Ragged flags flapped noisily from the tops of the sleek, polished limousines, flags that hadn't been seen in the capital for over one hundred years. The banners gracing the cars were black and silver like those flying from the top of Scholar's Tower and those banners which crowned the square, but instead of the silver-and-white cross of the republic, these small, ripped flags bore the five silver bands of the Royal house, Maria. The sharp cracking of the flags heralded the movement of the convoy as it snaked upwards towards Scholar's Tower and the High Scholar. Inside the lead car, King Uilhau IV sat, dressed in rich garments of Ermine and Argent, a silver circlet of a crown resting on his head. On either side of him, Marĉu and Gordán sat, dressed in smart, modern suits. The King's ermine shoulder cape hung limply, awaiting his movement so it could once more swish elegantly about him. None of them were talking.

The heavy oak doors of National Square swung open before them, and from the cars all around them, guards and bannermen poured out. Only when they were encircled by gold-garbed, spear-weilding bodyguards did the delegation exit, stepping onto the cobblestone of the square. As they moved in a line, two more guards, each carrying a flag, stepped in beside them. Topped by razor-sharp silver blades, the flagpoles bore two different flags; one the five bands of Royalty, one the multicolored standard of the Isulan Kingdom. Nowhere was the cross flag of the Republic spotted.

The escort, already sizable and marked by the spears which pierced the salty Isulan air, was added to as the Espaguladore joined them, their halberds gleaming in the ruddy sunlight which shone through the clouds, a rare occurence. The High Scholar received them in the Hall of Parliament, another rarity. Marĉu suspected the audience was not in the High Scholar's chambers atop Scholar's Tower for the King's sake. A display of Espaguladore and the image of the High Scholar upon a dais would go a long wayin re-iterating the message that the High Scholar needed to send: The King had no power.

Marĉu's suspicions were confirmed when the High Scholar did not rise from his chair. As the doors in the back of the hall opened, the Scholar, seated behind a heavy desk at the front of the debating chamber, and facing them down the center aisle, remained still, though his eyes screwed up in rage at the sight of Marĉu.

One of the men bearing the Royal Standard spoke in a high, clear tone.

"All Rise for Uilhau the Fourth, by the Grace of God and Knowledge the Rightful King and Ruler of the Five Islands Aura, Oria, Ocĉia, Esiru, and Isula ĝe Ru, Prince of the Outlying Islands and Duke of Maria, Lord of the Manor Aura and Earl of Isula Alba, Hereditary Prince of the Minor Outlying Isle Isula ĝ'Aranh, Head and Lord of The Royal House, Maria, whose name all shall bless, Sworn to none and liege to all. Uilhau the Fourth, King of The Islands!"

For once, Uilhau looked every inch a King, keeping his crowned head high as each and every one of his titles was read aloud. Everyone in the hall had been standing when they arrived, and remained so. All but the High Scholar. He merely struck a match to light his pipe, and drew heavily on it. The King strode rapidly to the front of the room, climbing the dais so he faced the High Scholar across the desk. The Scholar let the smoke out through his nostrils as Uilhau subconciously checked the hang of his cape.

"It is customary to rise for your King."

The High Scholar smiled and took another drag, letting his smoke out with his words.

"I don't doubt that it is, though I unfortunately have no King."

Before Uilhau could retort, the herald shouted again.

"Before the King comes Samuél Graĉiĝu Saidoselha, High Scholar of the Republic of Isula ĝe Ru, Duke of the Capital and the Tower, Head and Lord of the Ducal house Graĉiĝu, Sworn to Maria and liege to none. Duke Samuél of the Capital!"

The King's eyebrows shot up.

"Duke of the Capital? House Graĉiĝu? My Lord, it appears you do have a King. You are my third cousin, twice removed, and sworn to my house. It is customary to rise for your King."

The High Scholar now had fire in his eyes.

"Mr. Maria-"

"Your Grace is the preffered form of address, my Lord."

"Mr. Maria, I have no King. I don't know what you're here for, nor why you've addressed me as Duke. The title was abolished when the monarchy and peerage were. You are not my king, nor is anyone else. I rule here, both on the capital and on the entire archipelago. You're lucky I require no kneeling, or you would kiss my feet. I am the High Scholar, you are but a pretender to a throne that has not existed for one hundred years. What is your business with me? While you call people 'Duke' and argue with your brother on rights to long-dead titles, I have a nation to run and-" at this point, he glared daggers at Marĉu and Gordán "-terrorism to remove. What is it?"

He ended the speech with a drag and a puff of smoke. Uilhau glared, quiet, icy dignity in his eyes.

"I would see you removed from your position. You're power hungry and have abused multiple tenants of your position. Now, make yourself comfortable. We have much to discuss, and hopefully this will not end in your arrest."

The guards pressed forward, and the King withdrew a paper.

"A list of demands, which myself and my new Esiruan friends spent much of the last week deciding upon. Peruse them at your leisure, so long as your leisure is now."

The High Scholar inhaled again, and took the paper.

by **United States of Devonta** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 3:15 pm

Close but not quite!
^{Better game, Holy Empire put on check}

United States of Devonta 1-2 Holy Empire

United States of Devonta (4-4-2 Diamond): Cooper, Brooks, Benton, Kindred, Liam, Russell, Abdullah, Edwards, Owens, Johansen, Adams

Quick Stats:
47% Possessions, 11 Shots, 8 on goal
53% Possessions, 14 Shots, 11 on goal

Scores:
Benton (72')
Phocaso (27'), Aspietes (88')

CAUTIONED: Johansen (23')
EJECTED: --NONE--

Table:

  Group 19                                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 The Holy Empire                          13   12   0   1    40   20  +20    36
2 The Royal Barangay                       12    8   1   3    26   16  +10    25
3 Boring Paradise                          13    7   2   4    30   28   +2    23
4 Jecatria                                 12    7   2   3    29   23   +6    23
5 New North Aqmuland                       12    5   3   4    28   24   +4    18
6 Dainer                                   13    3   4   6    16   19   −3    13
7 United States of Devonta                 12    3   1   8    11   21  −10    10
8 Sarrbia                                  13    2   3   8    12   23  −11     9
9 Schutzenphalia & West Ruhntuhnkuhnland   12    0   2  10    13   31  −18     2

by **The Inevitable Syndicate** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 3:17 pm

50-50’s :: Fifty Fifty Word Stories
Part One

This frozen sheet is far too much for me to bear. Every morning I wake up to it, and I look bleary eyed across the landscape. The blank whiteness is blinding. I reach down for my tools, open the car door, and turn the key. I need a better de-icer.

Time to catch the train again. Fifth time today, I just can’t seem to get to my destination. Shuffling my feet, I then hear the clunk on the tracks. Suddenly, I feel a nudge, and plummet onto the tracks. I scramble, but it’s too late…

“Cut! Scene’s done, moving on!”

Cars are zooming left and right. She’s on the other side, waiting for me, if only I could cross this death trap. Zoom. A car. Zoom. A bus. Zoom. A people carrier. I’m growing impatient, and can’t wait any more. I’d risk my life for her. Ribbit. Hop hop hop.

From the cold, hard ground I arise. Held in a hand, I’m studied with keen eyes and complimented for my beauty. Sold to the highest bidder, I’m then torn, cut apart and refined into what they think is ‘beautiful’. I don’t like being on a ring. I prefer the mine.

I’ve got to find it. They’ve tasked me with finding it, and I won’t stop until I do. It can’t have gone that far, could it? It’s not in the water, it’s not in this bush, or up that tree… Oh, he the ball was in his hand all along!

Purists. The lot of them. They laughed at me, jeered me, and now don’t talk to me in meetings. I mean, what I did wasn’t even that bad! It’s not a crime in some countries! But no, not good enough for my co-workers. Surely others put the milk in first?

Watching over the office at night is probably the worst job in the world. Nothing moves, the place will never be robbed, and it’s all so… quiet. I only hear myself when I’m alone, and that scares me a little. But you know what’s worse? I’m set an hour behind.

Wake up. Get dressed. Grab a coffee. Grab some breakfast. Get the coat on. Drive. Can’t be late! Park. Sit. Get more coffee. Meet the contact. Take the briefcase. Drive some more. Is this the place? Is that the man? Check the picture. Confirm the target. Assemble the weapon. Fire.

The light as I’m pulled from the bag jars me slightly, but at least I’m out in the open. They peer at me with eager eyes, before picking me up and tossing me onto the table. I crash around, rolling across until I settle in a heap.

“Ooh, natural twenty!”

A power drill. Nails down a chalkboard. The harsh tear of an ice dancer as she sails across the ice. A dull thud. The whirr of a washing machine. The rumble of a volcano. The crash of waves on a unsteady sea. I’d rather any of these than this headache.

Most places start of as small towns. You could argue this one did, many years ago, but its original owners packed up and left in disgrace. Folks leave all the time, but not us. We’re the ones who come back. We’ll build back up here, and be greater than before.

I told you that I’d tell you everything you want to know. But you asked far more questions that I was expecting. I was shocked that you wanted to know so much about the world.. But then I remembered - you still know so little. You’re only five, after all.

We were crammed into the chamber faster than I could understand what was going on. Stood next to my brothers, I looked around at my new surroundings. Boring, empty. Then the heat started. I didn’t know what to do. I freaked out, I popped.

*ding* “Guys, looks like popcorn’s ready!”

They posed the question to me in the dark room. “Why did you do it?” I was shocked at first, and wondered how they knew. Perhaps they didn’t. Maybe it was a test. It didn’t look like a test, it looked like an interrogation. I opened my mouth and answered.

My journey only took eight minutes, but it was the most incredible, breakneck thing I’ve ever experienced. Hurtling along, literally nothing stopping me until the final stage, where I deftly dodged to get to my goal. Moving all the way to the- oh. I’ve stopped. Damn it, shadow blocked again!

My foundations have always been shaky, but today it seems like they’re not be enough to keep me going. I’ve always been close to my friends, and I’ve looked after those under me, but nowadays they all think I’m “unsafe” and “not up to code”. Fine. Schedule me for demolition.

Only recently she started talking to me. Claiming she was me, and that we were merely sharing the same body. But now, I feel a great disturbance in me, as if I’m lining up for something painful. I’m not sure I’ll ever be the same again, and if- Argh! Mitose!

Right, it’s Gerald. Can’t forget that. Super important. Gerald Gerald Gerald. Easy name, just like that guy that was famous for the thing. Keep it cool, yeah? Okay, here he is. Eye contact. Smile. Outstretched hand. He’s said my name. That’s good. Now to go for his…

“Hey, Harry!”

Shit.

I yawned. This was the ninety-third time she’d scanned, and the ninety-third time we’d come up with no beeps. I had to record it on the clipboard for the institute, which probably had hundreds of boxes of paper littering the archives with no spectral results. Result ninety-four, she said. Beep.

Resonance played from a grand gramophone. Lady Collins danced by herself in grief for her dead husband. Suddenly, the music stopped.
“Patrick, the gramophone is dead.”

A small, thin man appeared at the door with a silver tray.

“Yes ma’am, and so are you.”

On the tray lay a silver dagger…

Reaching for my now empty cup of coffee, I take a swig and continue working. Seven weeks since I started the project, and the end doesn’t look to be in sight. Of course it’s good, but the question is thus: am I controlling the pen, or is it controlling me?

I’ve always hated him. His bloody waiting game makes me even more annoyed when I’m forced to visit him. If I had it my way, I’d never see him at all. Now my name’s called. I trudge over to the door. He spins round, shakes my hand.

“Hello doctor, I…”

Sneaking into the room, I’ve finally found her asleep. Perfect, time to pull of my plan. Opening my bag, I make my way to where the valuables are, but on the way I step on a creaky floorboard. She’s awake! I freeze. I hope I haven’t ruined her Christmas Spirit…

In other news today, a… ...giant bear, which was last seen over… ...Ragubury town centre, as locals gathered for… ...the big fight, against… the princess, who ruled over… ...the enemy, which took a tactical approach… ...and put it in the oven for thirty minutes at two-hundred.

Nothing good on telly.

The vast and distant ocean stretched for miles around. Captain Sham looked into his eyeglass from the wheel, but saw nothing in the fog. Just when it looked like all hope was lost, and his crew were going to succumb to the mighty ocean, the crows nest spoke.

“Land ho!”

by **Kernansquillec** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 3:41 pm

Will we qualify? Nah

Four games are left to play and I'm saying right now that we are not going to make it. Why? Because we don't deserve to. Polar Islandstates have logically dominated the group. Unbeaten so far, they are in a league of their own. Kernansquillec have twice failed to withhold their almighty force in performances that just wouldn't do for a World Cup team.

Kandorith are the second big problem. While they are just three small points ahead with a game more played we could draw level. But a 16 goal swing in Kernansquillec's favor would also be needed. It's unlikely to say the least. So we would also not only have to win our last games (all four of them), but also hope Kandorith slip up somewhere. That's also very unlikely considering the best team they have left to face is Llama Land...

Chiata are an other problem. While the 25th seeds have been substandard, they are still ahead of us. With a game more played true, but we still have to go and play in their own back yard. After scrapping a draw at home getting anything is an absurd thought. And of course, if we draw or lose, there is no way we'd be winning the four games needed to keep the pressure up on Kandorith. In other words, if we don't win the nearly-totally-unwinnable match, we're as good as out.

Our defense are the final problem. Conceading 25 goals in just 12 matches is nothing short of catastrophic. If we were to qualify with such a record we'd be making a mockery of the entire World Cup institution. Even getting the basics right at times has been a problem. And clean sheets have been few and far between. No wonder Chiata, Kandorith and Polar Islandstates are still ahead of us on the pitch.

Still, on the bright side, we're still better than some of these other weird nations in our group. And we're still better than Mangolana! Of course, three of these weird nations could still beat us (and beat Kandorith and Chiata!) so maybe we'll hold back the big insults and our really honest opinion for next time.

by **Kandorith** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 4:15 pm

Positivity Stays Ahead

   Group 6                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Polar Islandstates               13   11   2   0    31    9  +22    35
 2 Kandorith                        13    7   3   3    38   21  +17    24
 3 Chiata                           13    6   4   3    25   12  +13    22
 4 Kernansquillec                   12    6   3   3    26   25   +1    21
 5 Gregory Llama Land               12    5   1   6    26   35   −9    16
 6 Mangolana                        12    4   4   4    24   28   −4    16
 7 Absurdly Polite Gentlemen        12    5   0   7    19   23   −4    15
 8 Beauce                           12    2   1   9    14   27  −13     7
 9 Friday Freshman                  13    0   2  11    12   35  −23     2

With the bumpy road Kandorith had travel throughout the qualifiers, they've kept their heads high. Another win for Xí-tiang's team solidifies the second place. When all hope seemed to seep away the red dragons made an amazing cornerback.

Only a few matches remain in the qualifiers and out the Kandorese team keeps up their performance they will make it the play off position: a place they've been assuming for since it all started.

Might Kandorith make it to the play offs or even to the world cup, they will have reached a historic comeback after a quite disastrous start.

(Ooc: my apologies for the short rp, but had to write it on my phone with low battery)

by **Jeckland** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 4:17 pm

WHO'S GOING TO MAKE IT?

So, the World Cup Qualifying stage is heating up big time now. With four match days left, Group 14 is looking as close as ever, with six teams still in the mix. So, we take a look ath how each team has fared so far, and their chances in the run in.

First of all, let's see the tables as it stands.

  Group 14              Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Eura                   12    9   0   3    40   12  +28    27
2 Isula ĝe Ru            13    8   1   4    20   11   +9    25
3 Nova Anglicana         13    7   3   3    29   19  +10    24
4 Taeshan                12    7   0   5    18   18    0    21
5 Jeckland               12    6   3   3    25   22   +3    21
6 Kinitaria              12    5   3   4    21   17   +4    18
7 Friskney Eaudyke       13    4   1   8    19   23   −4    13
8 Western Borderlands    12    2   2   8    18   36  −18     8
9 New Ecopia             13    1   1  11     9   41  −32     4

So looking at that, we can deduce that the bottom three are mathematically out of contention for either of the top two spots. That leaves six teams desperately scrapping for those two spots.

Eura currently lead, and even in this unpredictable group it's hard to see a way they won't make it through. Sure, they've had some blips. Defeat home and away to Nova Anglicana can be seen as nothing but a disappointment, as was the loss to Kinitaria given their current form. But aside from that, the Eurans have won all of their games, with some big scorelines against Western Borderlands and New Ecopia. Against us, they've won 3-0 home and away, Barring a quick change in form and fortune, they should be safe.

Isula ge Ru are currently second, two behind the leaders. They have played a game more than most other contenders, but they're definitely a surprise contender for that second spot. Wins have been frequent, with surprises amongst them. Heck, this whole campaign has been a surprise, the Isulans transferring their flawless BoF run into some excellent football. Also having only conceded 11 goals, the least in the group, this lot are familiar with Jeckland, giving them a 4-1 spanking at home and drawing 0-0 away. One to watch out for.

Nova Anglicana are another side with only three games left, but on 24 points and three above fourth they are right in the thick of things. Their main problem has been consistency. They've won most of their games against higher seeds, including a double over Eura, but draw and lose to lower seeded teams such as Isula ge Ru and even the tiny New Ecopia. Jeckland are a fine example of this, with a dramatci 4-4 draw away followed by a 1-o win for the Spuds in Jeckland. They could make it, if the good version shows up.

Taeshan are fourth on 21 points after an underwhelming campaign. Seven wins and five losses out of twelve is not a record the Purple Knights will be proud of, as they have always been in and around WC Qualification. Given the nature of this group though, they are still in the hunt, four points behind second with a game in hand on the two teams above them. Perhaps if it weren't for Jeckland, they'd be right up at the top, but 2-0 and 1-0 victories home and away respectively for Jeckland make Taeshan an outside bet.

Jeckland, Jeckland, Jeckland. What's there to say? A 6-3-3 record is excellent in this group, As are victories over Nova Anglicana and Taeshan twice, plus a draw with Kinitaira. But the attack minded Spuds have lost twice to Eura, and found a bogey team in Isula ge Ru. With three of the upcoming four games against the bottom three seeds in the group, they've got to be seen as serious contenders, but questions must be asked of whether they have the nous to do it.

Kinitaria will be furious with their campaign so far. Second seeds in a tough group was never going to be a free pass to the play offs, but to be seven points from your target and in sixth place in the group at this relatively late stage is unacceptable for a team of this calibre. Nova Anglicana, Isula ge Ru, Jeckland and Taeshan have all take at least two points from them, but the low points has to be a two goal loss to New Ecopia. Despite this, they are quality as they showed by beating Eura and should be treated as contenders.

So, who is going to do it? I don't think you can bet against Eura, the top seeds and best team in the group so far are showing no signs of relinquishing that record. As for second, it could go any way. I'm backing Jeckland (although I would), given their run in and determination, but I wouldn't be surprised by any of these top six making the second spot. It's going to be fun, and us Jeckland fans are going to be here all the way. COME ON JECKLAND!

by **Jecatria** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 4:33 pm

Twenty three points from twelve games. Fourth place, only behind the third team on god knows what tiebreaker. And they had a game in hand. You'd think that this would mean an upbeat mood in the dressing room. Especially for the sixth seeded team. But nope. You could hear a pin drop in there. It was odd, but that's the way they all felt, and for a good reason.

They were used to the public attention, from the first CE, to BoF56 and WC89, the team had been followed around by Jecatrian cameras everywhere. The same applied in CE11. Jecatria had been promising in all these tournaments, but never quite there.

But they were here alright now. Heck, they'd only lost three, the might get inot the playoffs. They'd beat Boring Paradise, The Royal Barangay. They even beaten THE FUCKING WORLD CHAMPIONS. They were pretty fucking good at this.

But nobody cared. The political unrest and war had taken all of the media attention off them. They were the side note at the end of the news, not the story at the beginning. Every home game, even the Holy Empire victory, was played in front of a shoddy home support, and as for away gaems, well let's just say they never filled thier application.

But although the mood was sombre, the players had something about them on the pitch. A quiet determination. That they would keep this run up, maybe make the playoffs. That they would make Jecatria watch them and love them again.

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 4:36 pm

Season 5, Chapter 13: The Return of the Dream

As East Sunrise opened the weird box, revealing a rather strange version of the Dream, everyone on the room gave a weird look to Yttribia, who still drenched in a bit of blood simply shrugged.

Sunrise: Where did you buy that?
Yttribia: The Mall.
Sarian: From Hell?
Yttribia: Don't be ridiculous. It was just a new store that just opened.
Dainer: And what was its' name?
Yttribia: XxXDarkUnderstarGamingXxX
Southie Sunrise: For the record, whoever write this joint is a moron for coming up with that.
Sindy: Maybe they weren't, I don't know. Satanic?
????: Lacks Goffik stuff for that.

The console shook a bit, before turning itself on and plugging itself to the television, revealing a ghost dressed on a rather overelaborated white dress, with a veil.

????: Ah, so this works. Thank you for buying this special version of a Dream. XxXDarkUnderstarGamingXxX has tuned this version in particular so that you could channel a ghost inside that somehow couldn't reach its' body. My name is Purity and... Sunrise? Sindy?
Sunrise: Well, well. Guess we failed to drop your character at the old chapters.
Sindy: Ugh...
Purity: Haha! Indeed you didn't!
Sunrise: So, what's the deal with that shop?
Purity: Well, they often tie souls with old videogame consoles. Akin to Creepypasta, if you may.
Dainer: ...You're going to shuffle our games to act like Drowned Ben and stuff?
Purity: Nah. That'd be too boring and I'm pretty sure the audience has been there, done that regarding Creepypastas. Less of that is enough.
East Sunrise: So, can we play Esportivan Football 9?
Purity: Eh. That game sucks. We could always play Super Princess Elise Party.
Westie Sunrise: Yay!
Sarian: Just run the damn footie.
Purity: ...Why do you wear a dress?
Sarian: Honey, if I got a dollar for every time someone asked me that...
Sunrise: He's like that.
Purity: Sigh... Fine. It's loaded. I'll start it now.

However, Purity chose for screwing most of the game up while they tried to play it, including annoying pop-ups when trying to pick a team, the uniform always switching for the Alternate option and the comments turning into gibberish or ridiculous lines like "I'm not wearing pants." to the point where "Klaaktu Barada Nikto!" was the most explainable sentence.

Sarian: Alright, enough of this crap.
Sunrise: Yeah, what the hell. We want to play the game properly!

The screen suddenly switched to a soap opera, with an hologram of Purity sitting on the sofa, finally becoming a real being after a transformation.

Sarian: Now what the hell-
Purity: Shhh, I want to watch if João Pedro is going to marry Maria Joaquina!
Yttribia: At least, she has good taste.
Dainer: I think I'd like to take that Dream for tests, if you'd excuse me.
Sarian: I'll go get some to exorcise this bloody ghost right now!

Hours later, at Apox's place.

Apox: So, what you're saying is that you have a ghost in your house?
Sarian: Yes. It arrived tied with our new Dream videogame.
Apox: Heh. That's new.
Sarian: And she's annoying as hell!
Apox: So why have you asked me out to help you?
Sarian: ...Because you're tough.
Apox: It's a bloody ghost! I'm no exorcist.
Sarian: Sigh.
Apox: Have you tried asking Arceus?
Sarian: That bloody thing is useless. It only messes around whenever it wants. You know.
Apox: Oh, do I.
Sarian: Anyways.
Apox: Have you tried Mikoto? She used to travel realms, I take she could help you out.

Even more hours later, at home.

Mikoto: I can't fix it.
Sarian: But you're magical!
Mikoto: Yes. But she's tied to the game. I can't do anything. I'd have to blow it up for it.
Sarian: SINDY!

Purity leaped from inside the videogame to Sarian, begging him.

Purity: Don't do that! I don't want to go back to the store! Those guys are awful! They think my old evil sister is a saviour! They won't stop annoying me because of that... so please, don't.
Sarian: Fine. But don't mess up with our games.
Purity: Moshi Moshi.

The ghost returned to its' machine. Yttribia walked past the scene, confused.

Yttribia: Y'know, that's odd. Didn't know you cared about the console.
Sarian: I don't.

Sarian smiled, walking back to their room.

Sarian: But that's the only way I'll get the room for myself without having to deal with your smell of Doritos from when you play all night with East Sunrise or Dainer.

Meanwhile, Dainer typed on a computer, noting out the details he already had.

Dainer: So. Now we have a machine that has a human soul. And a videogame that can serve as a gateway.
Sindy: I fear that is true, sir.
Dainer: Excellent.

by **Brenecia** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 5:10 pm

That was what they needed right now - with the big fixtures looming over them. A cruisy 3-0 win over Daritii where even Brenecia's fairly porous defence - Kilcane deputising for Faulkner due to the latter's suspension through cautions, Armstrong brought in to rest Breton - couldn't let them down.
It was a good reinforcement of the idea that Brenecia were actually good at football, though. They'd played the same direct, aggressive game they'd always played, unafraid to get stuck in. Now, granted, Daritii weren't as likely to punish them for it as Apox, or the Blouman Empire, but...
At any rate, the Blouman Empire away was still an intimidating fixture, and if the Empire won there they were right back in the thick of the fight for qualification. Still, the formbook favoured Brenecia - they'd won six straight, they were unbeaten so far, and their three bad results had been in the first three matches. On this form? They could beat anyone.

And now, on a different note...
Alistair Lilyfield had never felt more vindicated in his life.
Envy River had been a power in the old league - based in the town of Guilder, representing the people along the River in general. It had always punched above its weight due to heavy investment by local big businessmen, and two players from it, Miriam Spitfire and a midfielder called Richard Stern, made it into the Baptism of Fire squad.
... Then things just kind of collapsed.
First came a disastrous relegation. The investors fled like a sinking ship, but it somehow limped back to promotion. Immediately, they were taken down again. And, crucially, relegated from the second tier immediately afterwards.
They declared bankruptcy, and were declared insolvent.
So there had been a stadium to fill, and a demand - so taking a team of semi-professional locals, Lilyfield and a group of other investors aimed to create a new team for Guilder, named Guilder, in pink and black stripes. The aim was long-term stability, but the fanbase was massive, the investment above their level...
And soon they found themselves in the first tier, with a squad that had rapidly strengthened as they'd gone through the tiers. But things looked rough, as news came through that the A-League they'd just joined would be fairly brutally cut short - and they did not have a top-ten squad.
They got lucky at first, playing two lower-tier teams - but a 2-1 match against Saint Alexander was very dicey, particuarly since Emma Keohane had a late, perfectly valid goal ruled offside. Sutbyrne was next, and dispatched of fairly comfortably, but Northern Union... a lucky goal away, and utterly parking the bus at home had scraped them through on away goals. And a win against Snowden River in the final...
And thanks to certain rules as to who got to stay up, Guilder had just ensured they were able to remain in the new top flight. It was the most important 90 minutes in their very short history, but it made sure they had the chance to add to it still further.
There were always still some people in the old sky blue shirts of River in the stands, though. And though Guilder was one of the lesser powers of the new league, maybe those fans would stick around long enough to see Guilder reach the heights of the team it replaced again.
For now, it was just one step at a time. They'd get there in the end.

by **Schottia** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 5:19 pm

The Daily Worker
World Cup Special
Marrian McFadden reports

Schottia 5-2 West Angolan
Harbour Hill Stadium, Handon (att: 55,431)
Goals: Avelione 11' 61' Killanen 55' Fotan 70' Keelinan 86' (Schottia) Christian Davis 36' Alan Harrison 38' (West Angolan)
Possession: 54%-46%
Shots: 14-6
On-target: 6-2

Schottic fans went home smiling last night as Barry Gorman's men followed up their 1-0 win at Zenic with the 5-2 hammering of West Angolan; a side ranked 90 places above them. The result has given the White and Greens real hope that they can finish the group in a strong position.

The hero from Zenic, Bruno Schwartz, was rewarded for his goal in the previous game and handed a starting place. The big striker started the game in a lively manner, coming close in the 4th minute with a header that went just wide. It wouldn't be long however, until Schottia broke the deadlock. It all started on 11 minutes, from a Jack Gordon run, the wingback overlapping down the right before firing a low cross into the box, Schwartz initially fluffed his shot, before the ball came through to Gaston Avelione for his seventh goal of the tournament.

The Angolans regrouped after this, and showed some of the skills that got the into the world's top 50. The Schottic defence was left somewhat static as New Namibe United forward Christian Davis took advantage of a defensive mix up to score from close range. Schottic captain Colin Donaldson will perhaps be a little embarrassed as it was his misplaced pass that, in the end, let Davis through.

The visitors kept up the pressure, and there was a strong feeling that more goals were to follow. First Anna Williams went close, before Alan Harrison rose highest at a corner to send the ball soaring past Lucas D'Araby. At half time the score line read, Schottia 1-2 West Angolan, and there was a feeling it was going to be one of those days.

Gorman was pleased with the comeback.

Barry Gorman must have said something to the players at half time though, as it was a much-improved Schottia who remerged from the tunnel. On came Eoin Killanen in place of Joey Bia, who had been somewhat ineffective and the FC Zürich man slotted in just behind Schwartz, with Avelione moving to the right wing.

The substitution would prove a masterstroke, with Killanen pulling them level on 55 minutes. it was Gary Corsie who broke forward from the midfield, riding two or three challenges. The Flockers midfielder looked like he was gearing up to shoot from distance before he dinked forward a clever pass which was weighted perfectly for Killanen. The little midfielder received the ball one on one with Holden Barr, and was able to take his time finding the bottom corner of the net.

Schottia wouldn't have to wait long to reclaim the lead, and there was already an air of expectation as Sarah Paulson pushed Schwartz in the box. Gaston Avelione stepped up to convert the resulting penalty kick, smashing his shot right down the middle, sending Barr completely the wrong way.

Schottia eased there fans nerves on 70 minutes making it 4-2, it seemed as good as Angolan were in the first half - the home side were in the second. The goal came direct from another set-play, Jon Fotan placing the ball for a free kick on his favoured right side. The dead ball specialist was able to angle his shot over the wall, beating Holden Barr at full stretch. The New Belfast Warriors man claiming his third goal of the qualifiers.

Although West Angolan were firmly on the ropes by this stage it was far from a total capitulation, and the always looked dangerous on the counter attack. The goal scorer Davis in particular was a handful for Hanlon and Okywä, who had to be on their guard until the final whistle sounded.

It would be Schottia though, who had the last say in the game, and it would be a special moment for Newbie Francis Keelinan, the Port James player on for his debut found himself through on goal as the Scots counter-attacked. There must have been more that a little bit of pressure on the 23-year-old as he managed to fend of a Christina Gray challenge, before his scuffed shot bounced over Holden Barr and into the net.

The convincing win will give Schottia a timely confidence booster as the travel to take on an extremely resolute Rüntenbach side who currently sit equal top on 30 points. Schottia will be well aware that only a win will keep their slim chances of qualification alive.

by **Mizuyuki** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 5:43 pm

If I said I wasn't nervous ahead of the game, I would be telling a bare-faced lie.

It had been the same for a few days preceding the match; the thick, viscous tension lingering in the atmosphere, clinging like a sticky film to the players and staff alike, their very steps heavy with apprehension and nerves. In all my years coaching the national team, I had seen this extraordinary phenomenon manifest itself many times - and understandably enough, it always showed its face in the days leading up to a crucial match.

I had to admit - it didn't get much bigger than this. Having led my teams all around the four corners of the multiverse; from the Royal Canterlot Stadium in Equestria, to the Felixian pride and joy - the Estadio Nacional - I had faced up to plenty of crowds, not to mention stadia of a hostile disposition throughout my career. They were, bar none, the most horrifically difficult places to travel to and get a win. The crowds baying for your blood, the overwhelming clamour, the charged atmosphere - a variety of incalculable, distinct variables would combine, creating a most formidable prospect for even the most accomplished of opponents.

But by all the kami, Vilita were another proposition altogether. With a lofty rank of fifth in the entire fucking multiverse, the Jungle Cats were incomparable to the other fish in the pond, as it were. You could put them in a mini-league with most of the usual qualification contenders, and they'd likely sweep all of 'em, never mind us, ranked a measly 34th by comparison. By all rights we did not even stand a snowball's chance in hell, and that was if the Jungle Cats had an off day. A Vilitan side on their game - well, it didn't bear thinking about.

Sure, we had held Nycflala Kater's side to a respectable draw at the ShiFT in our first group encounter. Sure, we'd performed most creditably, and managed to emerge from that particular game relatively unscathed. A draw against the multiversal numero cinco was all very well - but despite the not-inconsiderable advantage of home territory, we had been overrun by the Jungle Cats for long periods of the game, and it had been down to more than a slice of luck and fortuitous play that our point had been secured.

This time, though, we didn't have the luxury of playing at home. We had to travel right into the den of the ferocious lion, as it were, to face possibly one of the most illustrious, most decorated, and more importantly - most talented - sides in the multiverse at the present moment. Vilita. A breath, a whispered mention of the very name, was enough to send a shiver down my spine.

To top it all off, the stakes could not have been higher for a qualifying match. As things stood, we were six points behind the Jungle Cats with a game in hand, thanks to our infuriating inability to see out a lead against Maklohi Vai at home. Six points - it wasn't an insurmountable gap by any means. Any fan will tell you that. But if we lost to Vilita ... the six point gap would become nine. Given the form that the Jungle Cats were currently on, with their only dropped points thus far coming in that draw against us, our hopes of usurping that coveted automatic qualifying spot, first place in the group, would be all be gone.

Add that to the fact that another defeat would likely see us lose our spot as one of the three runner-ups with the best records throughout qualifying - and our chances of qualifying for another Finals, our first in three cycles, would appear to be exponentially diminished.

Zilch. Zero. Nada. Kieta.

It would all go up in a wonderful conflagration as we nibbled sadly on our fucking sour Skittles and halfheartedly skaal each other with mugs of bitter tears.

Outwardly, I tried to project some semblance of confidence. Privately, I thought that we were likely to get shat on.

by **Ceni** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 6:17 pm

Today on Collections: Ever-Shifting Sands

What rests on these ever-shifting sands
The footprints of many a traveller
Who has found himself weary, in need of rest
And the stories of those people
For better or for worse, trudged these ancient lands
In search of riches from a far-gone time
But found their quests made in vain -
Those with the same intentions, of gold and of glory
Had beaten them to the prize, endless miles of treasure
Thousands of years ago when they
Were sealed in those crypts, the memorials of
Long-gone rulers who were venerated
But not venerated enough to gain
The benefit of having their bestowals for the afterlife
Left in peace by future generations
No, they only sacked and looted
For the the lure of temporal pleasure was too much
For any one person to bear
And yet, those monuments have withstood the sands of time
They stil stand here today - for
All the silver and gold had been carried off, but
Tomb robbers could not carry away the monuments
So, behold these ancient wonders
Before the grabe robbers of today
Can find of a way to steal these edifices of
Sand and stone - let us
Hope that it never passes

by **Yttribia** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 6:19 pm

The downside to being a celebrity is having a massive amount of people wanting to figure out what you've been up to. The amount of people asking that increases exponentially when one happens to say or do something that catches the attention of the world. And the amount of people surrounding you increases when you're the manager of the National Team, whose team has happened to come under scrutiny recently. This had become Daniel Cardona's life for the past two weeks. It was, all in all, his personal hell. Maybe...I should have never said what I said..., followed by the inevitable thought of ...but then the team would have never been that dominant over Arvenia later that week. And with the abundance of paparazzi, sports journalists, fans of the man, praising him for what he'd done, and chastisers who hated his vulgarity in the "Press Bomb," which the world had affectionately called the incident. To the paparazzi and journalists, he told them that he would speak with them at a later time. To his so called "fans," a signing of the photo, selfie with the man, or whatever that needed to be done. And for the chastisers, he told them to bugger off. It had become impressive that he had became the focal point of the National Team, not someone among the likes of the soon to retire Xavi, or the young Bruno Arce.

And he hated the attention he was getting.

What ever happened to the questions about football he should be getting? Or could someone explain the lack of analysis questions that were asked by the press after every game? Those had just disappeared after the Press Bomb. In two weeks, he had come to hate the term so much. Everyone wanted to know how he was going to handle the lack of the team. Once in a while, he'd get referred to as "Caradona," due to a slip-up that went barely noticed by the press in the room, but noticed by the millions of Yttribians. "Pulling a Caradona" had now become slang for letting hell loose in Yttribian vernacular. The Internet had made him a celebrity with his Press Bomb, with ringtones being sold online, t-shirts of Cardona with his feet on the table were being sold faster than hotcakes, and several thousand of supporters had come dressed as the man in their last match at home against Arvenia. He had become the face of Yttribian football. Something he didn't feel like deserving.

He thought about their future in football. They had a tough opponent in Nephara against them. Sure, they pulled off an amazing win out west in Stemanisis, but this was Nephara's turn to host the Ravens. Sure, playing them away is laughably easier than facing them at home. They had been considered the worst team to play at home, because of their tenacity, and the atmosphere surrounding it. Who knows how many times the Nepharim hooligans will be yelling "Press Bomb" at Cardona, he sure as hell didn't. He just wanted to get out of there with a win on his shoulder. But he knew the task ahead of them was tough. Hell, he would even be happy for a draw, considering that still keeps them involved for the chance at a World Cup berth. The squad he saw board the plane was a squad that was capable of doing such things. It was a question of whether or not the task was made impossible because of the home crowd, but whether the players had it in them. Yes, it all came back to the same players who had showed a lack of spirit when playing The Oaklands. He had hope in them, but he was damn right nervous about this time through. While playing for a consolation trophy in Felix and Mizuyuki would be alright, the goal was not that. He wanted to be able to shine bright with the big boys in the grandest stage of them all, the World Cup. He wouldn't give a single damn if the team had crashed out of the group stage 0-0-3, the honour of simply qualifying was just enough for him. That's what mattered to him. Felix had been left disappointed several years ago when the same Daniel Cardona had managed an extremely disappointing squad, crashing out in the qualifiers terribly. The Football Federation saw a light in him, one that could bring the team to glory. They still had hope in him to make a comeback. He did not want to do to Yttribians everywhere what he did to Felix in what seemed centuries ago.

He believed in himself. He believed in the team he had chosen. Twenty-three of the best men out there, giving it their fullest, hoping to do a nation proud. And that was Cardona's goal.

A high pitched voice had taken Cardona by surprise. "Final boarding call for AiRaven flight 420 to Sabrefell, Nephara. Once again this is the final boarding call for AiRaven flight 420 to Sabrefell, Nephara." The flash of photography had bothered Cardona enough. He shoved the "entourage" he had aside, and made his way into the boarding tunnel. The future of his career lied with this match. The future of the team was there as well. It was all or nothing once that plane landed in Nepharim territory in several hours time.

by **The Royal Kingdom of Quebec** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 6:29 pm

Love hurts- The story of Great War of Montreal: 1959-1978
Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

** RING RING **

Timothé Valladares suddenly rose from his sofa, right after hearing the telephone ringing right next to him. He felt quite embarrassed and surprised, as he struggled to maintain his composure. He wasn't supposed to be out of composure and he knew it, but was too distracted with some ladies right in the sidewalk. Fortunately no one else was in site nor watching from outside and after an immediate struggle to find the phone, he managed to hold a grasp on it.

"Hello?"

"Is this Senor Valladares?"

"Si, did you call the right number, senor?"

"This is El Whirlo, Tim."

His voice tone changed, as Timothé continued to stare into some hookers flirting with the rich boys. A celibate who found enjoyment in prostitution and relationships with hottest of names in the scene, he couldn't help himself but to stare into some sexy bodies of the hookers and other ladies out in the strips.

"Oh, okay. Good to see you again, senor Whirlo. How's your day?"

"It's been good, thank you. I've managed to find some evidences of potential train raid tomorrow."

"Interesting, how did you figure this out?"

"Well, Michael Leominister of Perrier-Katz hotel informed me that Jiri, his secretary, overheard this while walking towards the office. He said that two men, both with fairly deep voices, talked of the plans to raid the hotel with some other men in the area."

"So you did hear an intelligence detail off your acquaintance. We see you are doing your due diligence. Splendid."

"Absolutely, absolutely. There's no one like me who can do a better job, sir."

"Okay. What's the significance of it though, Tim?"

"Well the train that they're planning to raid is our train to Gaspe tomorrow morning."

"Of what men?"

"Capps, sir. Capps."

For a second there was no reply. Worried, Timothé spoke on phone again.

"Senor Whirlo?"

For 2 more seconds there was no reply, before El Whirlo opened his mouth and said. His voice changed to that of extreme seriousness and it showed.

"It looks like we'll have to deal with them soon. Call the marshal and G-Boys. Guard the Goldfarb's as well, just in case if they'd invade the place. The bait should work, unless something bad happens."

Another moment of silence followed, as Tim struggled not to complain.

"Tim. Just do as what I say and we'll be fine by the end of the day. Make sure to keep up your good work."

"Aye, senor."

Then the phone call dropped and Timo went back staring at those girls. There was this one who looked the hottest of all, with her blonde hair and soft lips, as well as Galatea's body and bubbliness of a 2002 Boris-Perrier bottle of Champagne. With her in short skirts, heels and light layer of fur coat, he couldn't help himself but to look at what she's up to closely.

She was talking to a friend for a while, but then the guy left for probably a rest in his home or another hotel. With the girl now alone and standing by herself in the pavement, Timo decided to step into the action and perhaps spend a night with her. He didn't mind the fact that train was departing in about a half a day.
Perhaps she could be the one, the one whom I can spend more than a night with..... He thought, as he quickly ran out of the lounge.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2 hours later....

Room 701, Place Viger

Suits were hung and cigar fumes were everywhere as El Whirlo lied on his bed, staring to the ceiling as he thought of what could happen. It was 1 in the morning, few hours since he bid farewell to his friend, yet he couldn't help but to feel that it's been much longer since he last talked to his buddy. It's as if the fate was waiting for him to make a move, as he stood right next to him like how Death did so in Eurypides' Alcestis.

Capps....He thought, staring into the ceiling as he muttered. Evidences, all gathered from the past couple of phone calls from his associates, headed that the man by the name of Michael Capp was aiming to attack his Enchiladas.

He wasn't surprised that someone received information of him making his comeback to Montreal. El Whirlo, a man of great physique, was certainly the noticeable one on the gang. No one in the Guayabalense-Quebecois Gang looked better and more intimidating than him, sorta to the extent of Hans in this film
named Frozen years down the road.

But he was still surprised that it was the Capps, not anyone else, were planning to make moves. Capps, while rising in the gang cycle and trade circle of Montreal, had no connections nor grudge against them. There was no reason for them to even attempt such a takeover.

Why would anyone out of the zone, let alone the make moves like this? He wondered, as he brandished his Smoesknov AK-711 Rifle from its case. His gun, the proud product made by his uncle back in San Salvador, was shining like a mirror. With elegant mahogany coverings and signature of manufacturer in gold, it was a true artwork. He felt proud of it, as he stroked of it while thinking.

Then he realised what had really happened, with all the disappearances of Marconi and other gangs, making him very weirded out when he entered the hotel and talked to other associates when they talked. The associates' voice tone indicated that they received both joy and worries, former because of Capps defeating most other big-name gangs, the latter because of Capps rising into the top by defeating them all. The Capps wrested the control of drug and alcohol trades in Cote-de-Neiges and eastern part of the Montreal, giving them the justification trying to push them out of the city for good.....

by **Nova Anglicana** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 6:33 pm

Crunch Time for Lee's Boys

Hayden Landers, Nova Anglican Football Today

As with much of this qualifying campaign, euphoria has been followed by utter disappointment. The home win over Eura that completed the sweep of the 17th-best team in the multiverse gave way to an absolute clunker away to Jeckland. We won't soon forget the late-game heroics from Jimmy Kelly that toppled Eura, but the Jeckland game we'd like to get out of our minds as soon as possible. The Lions were lucky it wasn't 2 or 3-nil, as the back line looked disorganized against the Jeckish attack. The splendid attacking form shown by the Lions in the first match, which ended 4-4, was nowhere to be found and they generated just six shots, two on goal. Tim Klein looked much better in the most recent match, making eight saves on nine shots, including some by the barest touch of his glove.

The loss also left the Lions in a disappointing, but salvageable position. As it stands at the moment, the Lions have twenty-four points from thirteen matches with three remaining. They are in third place, behind group leaders Eura (27 points) and Baptism of Fire winners Isula ĝe Ru (25 points). Eura have four matches remaining, so catching them seems highly unlikely. Looking at the Lions' remaining schedule, it's fairly easy to say that they are all must-win games. Remaining on the schedule is a home match with Taeshan, away to Friskney Eaudyke, and home against Western Borderlands. The Lions are still ranked lower than the Purple Knights of Taeshan and lost to them 3-2 in the first matchup, so I would accept a draw here. Friskney and Western are minnows (Western's home draw with the Lions notwithstanding) and nothing short of six points is acceptable. If the Lions finish 2-1-0, they would be 9-4-3, good for 31 points. The Isulans have Kinitaria, New Ecopia, and Eura remaining. A win against the New Ecopians is expected, but an away match to the Kinitarians will be harder to snatch points from. Although, Kinitaria dropped a 3-1 shocker to New Ecopia recently, so anything is possible. Eura is most likely a defeat, though they will be playing on the last matchday and will presumably have wrapped up the group (so they might play their second string). If we assume a defeat at Eura and a victory against the New Ecopians, then the Kinitaria game becomes critical. If the Isulans lose, then the Lions will be clear, 31 points to 28. If the Isulans draw, the Lions will be through, 31 points to 29. If they win, they will be tied at 31 points. The Lions hold the H2H tiebreaker, but the GD is essentially the same. Of course, if the Isulans manage to defeat Eura, then the Lions will be out.

So the Lions are not in complete control of their own destiny. They could be, if they'd managed to take care of business against the weaker teams (especially Jeckland). And you know Lee and his staff are kicking themselves for that away loss to Kinitaria considering that they now sit at a paltry eighteen points through twelve matches. But they have delivered two victories over Eura and a home win over Kinitaria, which is already a much better look against higher-ranked teams than under Patrick Moran. Taeshan is the only higher-ranked team the Lions have not defeated yet in this qualifying campaign, and three points would go a long way towards their chances. So let's hope Lee and the boys have what it takes to pull off yet another upset and keep the Lions in the race for a spot in the World Cup.

by **Mizuyuki** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 6:40 pm

MATCH DAY 15 RP CUTOFF FOR GROUPS 1-10

RESULTS

by **San Jose Guayabal** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 7:24 pm

This is getting nice... sweet! may I say, the iron sides are demonstrating to the entire Multiverse his force and path towards WC spots though there's another sides who can't be underestimated and will give fight until the last breath, now let's see what the MD 15 gives us

MATCHDAY 15 RP CUTOFF FOR GROUPS 11-19

ROCK ON!

Results

by **Neu Engollon** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 10:34 pm

"Good evening, you're watching NETV Sports 7 Update. I'm Magda Wertauer and this is my co-host, Gerry Paseult. Tonight, we review the disappointing group match with Garifunya, that the Goats lost one, nil."

"And just like that...they blew it. They may still have a slim chance, but it is doubtful at this point. Now, they lost to Garifunya - a low ranked, barely registering team. Staggering in the last few steps of the Group stage, they may not be able to recover their footing. Audioslavia, we knew that was going to happen. Yet, they kept them to a win by one goal. We were all hopeful, then that they might be able to cling on after Audioslavia, knocking out the rest of their opponents to clinch that second berth. Still, what happened with the rest of the top half of the group mattered. Every goal, every point. Now, not only did they drop, but three spots from number 2. The Goats needed this win so bad and they flubbed it so bad. Overconfidence, putting Anselmetti in the net. I will say it. He was my teammate once, yes...but, I think his glory days are past. The blame, as always, cannot fall on the keeper alone. Defense crumbled...Hell, the whole team crumbled to let in such an easy attack into the zone..."

"Easy, Gerry. These were your teammates, remember!"

"I know Magda. I'm just really...really...really...Mad."

"Sure. I get it. We all are. It doesn't make much sense, but this is the game, right?...I...Accorzu. I just received word, we're going to a commercial break. We'll be back with...highlights, I guess. Stay tuned."

OFF AIR - IN THE STUDIO...

"Gerry...Just un-mike now. I've been through this, trust me. Time to just take a breather and let me get the rest of this. I would suppose that Dolf wants to see you in his office."

"Yeah...I know, Magda. Damn! So pissed!"

"Darling, I understand. You're too close to this. Time to just walk around out there, take a loop around the Financial district and come back...Or...if Dolf let's you off for the night, go get drunk."

"What are you going to do?"

"Well...The match report. The news."

"I mean after this."

"Oh...I have a late date. Drinks with Davey Jones."

"The Monkee?"

"He's dead, Gerry. Christ! How old do you think I am? The Brawler hooker. You know, the Apoxian."
The Alpen Valley Rugby Union had brought in several foreign players over the last couple years, hoping to revitalize the union and bring more experience into the ranks.

"I know you have like 20 years on him, at least."

"Fuck off...I have my charms and my ways. Listen, call me in the morning if Dolf says stay out of the studio. We'll grab coffee, we'll talk."

Gerry unclipped his studio mike and threw it down on to the desk in acknowledgement. Dolf had stepped out of the wings, motioning for Gerry to walk over to him. Instead, Gerry headed for the door straight out to the hall, slamming the push bar and not caring who was on the other side. He headed to the elevators as several staff rushed to catch up with him, Dolf the least in a hurry. He made sure the lift doors closed with several jabs at the button before they could rush into to prop the doors open. A short journey to the lobby, an unmemorable strut out through the ground floor and he was out in the crisp, frigid air of downtown Burgunden. The chill might get to him soon enough, but for now he didn't care. It felt good. Cooling him off as he burned up. This should have been the comeback year for the Goats. All was going well. He almost held it against himself like he didn't represent the team. Not on the field, but off it. On the air. Like if he had reported every step, every kick, every goal attempt, something might have been different. But, no, that was silly. What could he have done? A hand from a vagrant brushed his leg as he walked by a curry shop. Absentmindedly, he slapped it away. He was starting to feel the cold and probably should head back, but he still felt so conflicted and hazy.

Then there was Magda. Not that he had an attraction to his co-worker, but it was maddening how she was all over all these sports figures, but had not expressed the slightest interest in him. Gerry was pretty aware that many women considered him a catch. Yet, Magda didn't even mention the tiniest hint of amorous intention towards him. To be fair, they were all ruggers, as Freddy and Karl had said. Maybe that truly was it. Rugby players were the only true athletes she had the eye for. What did he care? Seriously? Not like he would date her if the offer was on the table. It would take some thinking as he sorted his feelings on the disappointment in his former team mates and his seeming rejection by his co-worker.

BACK IN THE STUDIO...

"Magda, you ready? We're going back live."

"Let's do it."

"Two minutes...Wait!" The studio director stopped, pressing his earpiece in tighter. "Shit. We're going to be pre-empted."

"What?! This is the goddamned World Cup! What could pre-em..."

"The Yellow Star Republic has just threatened to nuke half of Astyria...including us. President Alainsburg will be going live."

"Well...that would do it, then."

by **Pays den haut** » Sat Dec 06, 2014 11:07 pm

Les Habitants beat The Saint James Islands in Saint-Jérôme!

Pays d'en Haut beat The Saint James Islands 2-1 at home in the capital city of Saint-Jérôme. It was a tight played game, The Saint James Islands controlled the ball 51% of the time and had 9 shots, 6 on target. Pays d'en Haut controlled the ball 49% of the time and had 9 shots, 7 on target.

Pays d'en Haut attacked at the 8th minute when Kévin, clan Bédard passed the ball to Sylvain, clan Charbonneau. Charbonneau dribbles and makes a header pass to Vincent, clan Turcotte. Turcotte hits the ball with his forehead but Gulyèlmo Dessantos makes the save.

At the 14th minute, les Oiseaux attacked when Victor Mason passed to Yves Bercée who passed to Louis-Pierre Matingnon. Matingnon dribbles and passes to Mikaere Raia in front of the net. Raia shoots but Simon, clan Gauthier makes the save.

The Saint James Islands attacked again at the 19th minute when Angèlo Zapatero passed to Mikaere raia who dribbles ans passes to Jan-Nikläs Rosenkränts. Rosenkränts shoots but its wide right.

At the 27th minute, Pays d'en Haut attacked when Sébastien, clan Lavoie passed to Kévin, clan Bédard who passed to Jean-Luc, clan Tremblay. Tremblay makes a cross to Charles-André, clan Saint-Onge. Saint-Onge shoots and scores, Pays d'en Haut takes the lead 1-0!

The Saint James Islands striked back at the 32nd minute when Marvin Sessions passed to Yves Bercée who passed to Kai Eko. Eko dribbles and passes to Mikaere Raia who makes a short pass to George Kostas. Kostas shoots and scores, the game is tied 1-1!

The Saint James Islands attacked at the 38th minute when Yves Bercée passed to Louis-Pierre Matingnon but Matingnon is tackled too hard by Sébastien, clan Lavoie. Lavoie gets a yellow card. Matingnon doesn't looks hurt and he stays in the game. Kai Eko takes the free kick and kicks the ball towards George Kostas who hits the ball but Simon, clan Gauthier makes the save.

The score was 1-1 at the halftime.

Pays d'en Haut attacked at the 50th minute when Jean-Christophe Gallant passes to Sébastien, clan Lavoie who passed to Nicolas, clan Lapointe. Lapointe dribbles and passes to Jean-Luc, clan Tremblay. tremblay shoots but Gulyèlmo Dessantos makes the save.

At the 57th minute, The Saint James Islands attacked when Louis-Pierre Matingnon passes to Angèlo Zapatero who dribbles and passes to Jan-Nikläs Rosenkränts. Rosenkränts makes a cross to George Kostas who shoots but Simon, clan Gauthier makes a beautiful save.

Pays d'en Haut attacked at the 64th minute when Kévin, clan Bédard passed to Charles-André, clan Saint-Onge. Saint-Onge is tacked too hard by Yves Bercée who gets a yellow card. Jean-Christophe, clan Gallant takes the free kick and he shoots! But it's wide left.

At the 72nd minute, Pays d'en haut attacked again when Jean-François, clan Groulx passed to Sylvain, clan Charbonneau. Charbonneau passed to Kévin, clan Bédard who passed to Sylvain, clan Charbonneau. Charbonneau passed to Jean-Luc, clan Tremblay who dribbles and passes to Vincent, clan Turcotte. Turcotte shoots the the ball hits the post, Jean-Luc, clan Tremblay takes the rebound, he shoots and he scores! Les Ours takes the lead 2-1!

Les Oiseaux attacked at the 78th minute when Thomas Theodoridis passed to Kai Eko who passed to Yves Bercée who dribbles and passes to Louis-Pierre Matingnon. Matingnon dribbles and makes a cross to Mkaere Raia. Raia shoots but Simon, clan Gauthier makes the save.

At the 85th minute, Pays d'en Haut attacked when Kévin, clan Bédard passes to Nicolas, clan Breton who passes to vincent, clan Turcotte. Marvin Sessions tackles Turcotte in the penalty are and gets a yellow card. Turcotte takes the penalty. He shoots, but Gulyèlmo Dessantos makes a beautiful save!

The Saint James Islands attacked at the 90 + 1 minute when Yves Bercée passes to Angèlo Zapatero who passed to Mikaere Raia. raia passes backwards to Kai Eko. Eko dribbles and makes a cross to Jan-Nikläs Rosenkränts. Rosenkränts shoots but Simon, clan Gauthier makes the save.

Les Pays d'en Haut won 2-1 against The Saint James Islands. The man of the game was Jean-Luc, clan Tremblay with 1 goal and 1 assist.

BOXSCORE

PAYS D'EN HAUT
27th MINUTE: CHARLES-ANDRÉ, clan SAINT-ONGE assisted by Jean-Luc, clan Tremblay
72nd MINUTE: JEAN-LUC, clan TREMBLAY assisted by Vincent, clan Turcotte

THE SAINT JAMES ISLANDS
32nd MINUTE: GEORGE KOSTAS assisted by Mikaere Raia

YELLOW CARDS

PAYS D'EN HAUT
38th MINUTE: SÉBASTIEN, clan LAVOIE

THE SAINT JAMES ISLANDS
64th MINUTE: YVES BERCÉE
85TH MINUTE: MARVIN SESSIONS

STANDINGS

   Group 1                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Nephara                          14    9   4   1    23   10  +13    31
 2 Royal Kingdom of Quebec          13    9   2   2    32   14  +18    29
 3 Filopines                        13    8   2   3    27   19   +8    26
 4 Yttribia                         13    7   4   2    34   19  +15    25
 5 The Saint James Islands          14    7   3   4    30   24   +6    24
 6 Pays d'en Haut                   13    5   1   7    20   21   −1    16
 7 Estenia                          13    3   1   9    12   25  −13    10
 8 The Oaklands                     13    1   2  10    14   34  −20     5
 9 Arvenia                          14    0   3  11     7   33  −26     3

REMAINING GAMES

(dates are according to Pays d'en Haut calendar)
January 31st 2015: Match Day 16 - R. K. of Québec vs Pays d'en Haut
February 7th 2015: Match Day 17 - Pays d'en Haut vs Yttribia at Parc Blainville, Blainville
February 14th 2015: Match Day 18 - The Oaklands vs Pays d'en Haut

by **Jeru FC** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 12:15 am

Jeru FC coach Princess Amy and player ROAW looking happy after beating Britonisea 3-2 in Britonisea

Amy: Well, we beat 4th placed Britonisea at home and we're 4th. 3rd placed he Calanian Union lost and then 2nd placed Crystal Empire lost too.
ROAW: Does it mean, we have a chance?
Amy: 1 point BOYS! We're still in the fight
ROAW: Oh I thought we were goners a while ago
Amy: Well, we're in it. We could take 2nd spot still!
ROAW: I guess we're learning how to be better men

Amy: You're not men yet hey
ROAW: I guess we aren't
Amy: We can't win the group but who cares. That was always going be one team
ROAW: We should not give up
Amy: See, what happens if keep on trying. The opposition can trip over
ROAW: Yes, I guess we're still in the fight because we didn't drop off

Amy: All I want is a big effort. We have 9 points to go, I want 9 points.
ROAW: I guess no one expected us to hang around the top 5
Amy: We have 3 big games boys, they maybe hard ones but we can beat anyone. Because anyone can lose games, even the top teams
ROAW: I fear our rubbish goal difference might bite us
Amy: Yes, that's why we need the points. I don't want us being eliminated because of our goal difference.
ROAW: I noticed we're the 2nd best goal scorer in the group

Amy: Yes, but we have the worst number of goals for the top 5
ROAW: That's because the keeper is a bumbling idiot
Amy: Yes but we're scoring enough goals to keep in the fight thank God
ROAW: I guess you are a good coach, a bad coach would have given up
Amy: I've been around long enough to know, things can happen when you don't expect it
ROAW: Are we good enough to win a playoff?

Amy: I don't know but we have get there first. Focus on getting there.
ROAW: They'll be so many good teams we could face
Amy: This is the World CUp buddy, there's no room for cry babies here!
ROAW: Heard from the management about money for Cup of Harmony
Amy: No, I don't expect any answer at the moment
ROAW: I hear they've been stashing money

Amy: They don't seem to be spending much hey
ROAW: The stadium need a new paint job
Amy: You try getting them to spend money, it's hard work
ROAW: I guess if we qualify, they'd be happy
Amy Yes, they make more money!
ROAW: I guess we need to do something to raise our rankings

Amy: I don't want us to get any lower really.
ROAW: Winning the cup of harmony could help
Amy: Better of qualifying, it's the better way
ROAW: Say, the boys found videos of you when you were younger
Amy: Plenty of those floating around in the Internets
ROAW: You were one dirty little hot woman.

Amy: Well, I maybe older now but I haven't stopped being grubby
ROAW: Still looking good
Amy: Just takes more effort those days
ROAW: But you're older and wiser
Amy: Yeah but the body doesn't agree with that
ROAW: Unfortunate

by **Barunia** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 12:53 am

BaruniainSports.com.bu
The Number One website for Barunian Sports Fans

New Stadium Revealed!
Article by Kitty Smith, chief editor
KittyS@baruniainsports.com.bu

The BFA revealed last night that plans had been accepted for the replacement for United Stadium. The new stadium design was one of four short-listed by the committee, and selected by a vote of 26 for, out of the 43 members of the committee. The new stadium is designed by Kilpatrick Johnson Architects, who also designed the Bluebirds Stadium in Waybridge, and will it expected that a contract for the construction will be awarded no later than the end of January. The demolition of United Stadium is expected to be complete by mid February.

BiS have not seen the full stadium plans yet, but we can reveal that it will feature the full Olympic package as far as being able to handle track and field events, with the pitch for ball sports in the middle. The two-tier seating will enclose the track completely, and it is expected that the stadium will have a capacity of 95,000. This would make it the largest all-seater stadium in the country (Memorial Stadium has a capacity of 100,000, but only 89,000 seats).

The stadium has been named Sun Stadium, and every seat will be covered by a golden roof marked with blazing suns. The whole roof will appear like a sun hanging over the stadium, as it will be suspended from the outside, meaning that from the inside it will appear to float in the air. The seats are also expected to be blue and yellow, with the yellow seats increasing in number the closer to the centre they get. The whole effect is of a yellow sun in a blue sky.

The stadium is expected to be the official home ground of the Barunia Suns, and will also be the home ground for Porthaven United. BiS understand that Hillside Wanderers, also from Porthaven, have applied to play their X-League home games in the stadium.

Sun stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 3rd season of the X-League, and the 71st World Cup.

Trivia Question: Apart from friendlies, when was the last time Porthaven United and Hillside Wanderers met each other, and what was the result?

The 1st Community Cup, in the third round. The game was held at United Stadium and the result was Porthaven United 2-1 Hillside Wanderers. On the previous leg, United had thrashed the Wanderers 8-0.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

World Cup 70: What needs to happen
Article by Simon Temple, football correspondent
SimonT@baruniainsports.com.bu
It's crunch time now, as the final matches of World Cup 70 qualifying approach. Group 7 is set for a tight finish, and any one of the four nations of Barunia, Kalumba, Gloriax and Felix could take to spot and automatic qualifying. Barunia will be the masters of their own destiny, as they take on the other three nations still in the hunt one after the other. It's a tough ask for the Suns, but three wins are absolutely needed, as that will guarantee at first place.

The following chart explains what the Suns are up against. This is how the table looks at the moment.

   Group 7                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Kalumba                          14   10   1   3    27   12  +15    31
 2 Felix                            13    9   2   2    30   10  +20    29
 3 Barunia                          13    8   3   2    33   17  +16    27
 4 Gloriax                          13    7   4   2    22   15   +7    25

Here's the line ups for the next few match days:
Match Day 16: Felix v RPGers, Gloriax v New Drakonika, Kalumba v Barunia
Match Day 17 - Barunia v Gloriax, New Drakonika v Felix Bye Kalumba
Match Day 18 - Felix v Barunia , Gloriax v Kalumba

If Barunia win every match, and the worst case scenario happens and our closest opponents win their games (Kalumba defeating Gloriax), then the table would look like this:

   Group 7                         Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts
 1 Barunia                         16    11   3   2    --   --  ---    36
 2 Felix                           16    11   2   3    --   --  ---    35
 3 Kalumba                         16    11   1   4    --   --  ---    34
 4 Gloriax                         16     8   4   4    --   --  ---    28

If the Suns lose one game, they'll need everyone else to lose at least one to come out first. Unfortunately, our opponents will face the lower ranked sides in the group, with New Drakonika the team most Barunians will be cheering on as we hope for an upset. The last matchday will see the top four play each other, and it is allots certain that that match will decide the ultimate outcome. Barunia are still in there, and will not be reliant on other results to seal their fate. So grab your blue and yellow, and get ready to cheer on the Suns as they look for their third World Cup appearance!

by **Brenecia** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:05 am

The Patriots were living on the edge, and Bardsley knew it.
They could win this game. All they needed was one bit of luck, or failing that a final touch... Cullen hit an early cross behind the defence, nobody could get to it. Spitfire's shot arcing centimetres over the bar onto the top of the net, not quite dipping in time. Alpin's last-minute tackle dispossession Scherzer on the edge of the box. Purrington's unmarked strike saved magnificently by Tuneson.
They were throwing themselves forward in these last 30 minutes, after a surprisingly boring first 60. But with the Empire tiring, Bardsley had thrown on the more aggressive Portadown for Bowyer on the left, Stamper for Camden in the middle. That had been her plan, since, well... away from home she knew they'd be lucky to win by just going for the throat like they had in the reverse fixture.
It hadn't quite worked. The Patriots' first outright attack had nearly scored, Purrington hitting a post and Scherzer, with a very awkward half-chance for a volley on the rebound, narrowly skying it. But the Empire had dug deep and set out to counter, and, well... they'd had Jayce Pence to thank for the scoreline being kept down. And Orson Faulkner. And Augustine Breton. And... poor finishing.
The Patriots were living on the edge. But they had to get that goal...
And Rowena Stamper miscontrolled a simple pass from Breton.
It wasn't a horrible first touch, but it was enough for Mallard to cut the ball out from her feet and stride forward with poise and purpose. Stamper attempted to atone for it by trying to wrest possession back, but Mallard found it easy enough to play a cultured pass through to substitute Amerdio. The midfielder found himself played well ahead of Breton, and kept running past him, managed to get through Berenger, and played a simple cutback to another set of fresh legs, Helton-Wains. Despite the pressure from Greig, he just had to side-foot it past Pence...
Bardsley could see the headlines already. 'Bardsley Gets Tactics Wrong - Costs Brenecia Draw'. 'Defence Left Exposed By Aggressive Tactics'. 'Stamper's Mistake Leads To Winner - Are A-League Players Insufficient At This Level?'
... Fuck them.
"Come on, loves!" she bellowed. "You can still win it from here!"

They couldn't, but Bardsley was proud nonetheless. They'd played football. Pass, move, run into space... and this was their first defeat this cycle. It was a winning strategy for this group of players. It was working.
And first place was still theirs if they could win their next three games. Which was, admittedly, a huge ask, but... she had faith in her squad.
"This is a setback," she said quietly, at the end of her debriefing. "We're still winning the group. I'll see you next week - and we'll win. Trust me."
It was a strange feeling, but to look at them? After being asked to trust her, specifically? Catherine Bardsley, the raw and idealistic young manager?
To a player, all of them looked as though they did.
And together, this was theirs for the taking.

by **Nephara** » Sun Dec 07, 2014 3:19 am

THE BRINEMOUTH HERALD
BRAVE RAVENS HOLD OUT AT THE FARHAM - CORMORANTS' FATE OUT OF OWN HANDS
by Theodora Kenway
Nephara: Coleman; Rhein, Belfast (c), Marlowe, Stockinger; Brandon; Penrith, Murdoch (Ashdown 65'); Locke; Cathar (Bittencourt 65'), Rowland
Yttribia: Totso; Melendez (Mathews 82'), Vilhjalmsson (c), Larson; Hale, Prescott (Goode 61'), di Mercurio, Langlois, Abbatantuono; Monti, Arce (Hyme 50')

After a stalemate high on grit and low on quality, Nephara finds themselves with their fate out of their hands, as Quebec can now clinch first if they can win all of their remaining games. Yttribia's hopes of finishing second, meanwhile, stay remote - but this will have restored some pride, at least.

Both sides lined up in standard formations with more or less full-strength lineups, and early on it was the Cormorants who had the better of the match. The muscle of Murdoch and the technique of Brandon allowed them to take charge of the midfield battle and use Rutger Locke or the full-backs as outlets. It was Locke who struck the first real chance of the match directly at Totso's chest. It was a disappointing finish, but Totso had to be far sharper off his line to snatch the ball off Cathar's feet. At first, the Ravens attempted to put their own stamp on the game, but this paid few dividends aside from a Crofton Abbatantuono strike with genuine venom but at a comfortable height for Coleman to parry away - and after a while they realised it was better to sit tight, continue marking down Keith Rowland (which took two players in and of itself) and trying to get the ball out on the flanks, and to Abbatantuono especially.

It proved brutally effective. Though the Cormorants were continuing to get chances down the centre, with Rowland managing to break through both of his markers before rattling a half-volley just over the bar, the rest of the first half belonged to Yttribia. Belfast's superb anticipation allowed him to head back most of the simple high crosses just fine, and Coleman could when he couldn't, but lower ones aimed into space was giving the Nepharim defence problems. A superb last-ditch tackle from Marlowe stopped Monti from scoring, but it was only poor finishing from Arce that prevented Yttribia from breaking the deadlock in the first minute of injury time.

The teams exited at half-time calmer and more composed, and the hosts eased back into the match. But the heavy marking on Rowland and the ineffective finishing of Cathar was costly for Nephara, and Locke was unable to put his mark on the game. The addition of Ned Goode of Northbrook Diamonds FK in the 50th minute managed to clamp down the midfield, but the fresh legs of Elaine Ashdown and Cheney Bittencourt put Nephara back on the home front. And it took just four minutes on the pitch for Bittencourt to fire past Totso with a shot that nestled sweetly in the back of the net, and the capacity stadium went wild - but under immense pressure from the home crowd, not to mention the Nepharim players, the referee bravely called a narrow, but accurate, offside.

While Nephara got chances for the rest of the match, with a couple from Yttribia now and then, you just got the sinking feeling it wasn't going to be anyone's day. There was a certain anxiety when Franck Langlois' immensely powerful shot was spilled by Reece Coleman, but it was hooked away by Tosca Marlowe before Monti or substitute Hyme could get onto it. And as the ball bounced across the centre circle, the referee blew the final whistle - Nephara had been held at precisely the wrong moment.

"It was a good performance everywhere apart from that final touch, that little bit of quality, that would've put us over the line," said Jess Mortlock in the press conference. "As it stands, the result isn't a disaster - we cannot possibly slip up in these last two games [Oaklands away, Arvenia at home], while Quebec still has to face some really tough opponents. I'm still genuinely confident in our chances - I'm just unhappy they're no longer in our hands." Brave words... but the fact remains that it is entirely possible Nephara's continued failure to win a qualifying group might just last for another cycle.

World Cup 70 - RP Thread

Chapter 2.5, Part 4

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