World Cup 71 - RP Thread

[Cosumar]

Cosumar to face Holy Republican Empire in another Qualification Playoff

Trey Olychick
Staff Writer


KALDUKOSIC -- Farris Crowley's men swept aside Affiliated South Califan Sprawls by three goals to secure 2nd place in Group 15, with the possibility of outright qualification having already been eliminated by Audioslavia's 3-2 victory in Milchama earlier in the day.

Cosumar finish the main portion of their World Cup 71 qualifying campaign with a 9-3-2 record and 30 points, just a point shy of stunning their heavyweight regional neighbors. The Dragons' points-per-match comes out at 2.143, their best proportion since World Cup 59 when they went 12-3-1. Any Cosumarite would've gladly accepted these final results at the beginning of Qualifying, though it's difficult to be 100% satisfied after we had grown accustomed to the group lead for twelve matchdays only to fumble it at the goal line.

Nevertheless, Cosumar avoided disaster and took care of business in their final Matchday despite Sameba waiting in the wings for us to stumble. It is a small but pleasurable measure of revenge against our Rushmori rival for the woe they inflicted upon us in World Cup 68. Goals from Anders Engström and Ace Newman (both beautifully assisted by Paaron Petrov) as well as substitute Ole Öhman powered the Dragons into the Qualification Playoff, where #17 Holy Republican Empire await them. It is an unlucky draw considering lower-ranked sides such as Starblaydia, Falcus and Chiata were other likely possibilities.

Petrus Fadius and Lucas Gavius' new-look Republican side was just okay by their standards through most of Qualifying, but their attacking vision finally came to life at the end. They closed their campaign with four straight wins by a combined score of 18-1. Yes, they scored 18 goals and allowed one. Kyle Bolton, Koby Theodore and company are in their most explosive form of the tournament. These guys are young, athletic and supremely skilled in the attack. They have the tools to create problems for the Cosumarite defenders, most of whom are either old (Miyori, Farsgaard) or immobile (Farsgaard, Seppanen, Nodtveit).

The real key to their recent success however, has been the improvement of the defense. A weak point at various points early in Qualifying, any issues in the back have clearly been shored up as Levai Imre and the guys in front of him seem to be playing with newfound focus and resolve.

Holy Republican Empire are going to score goals. To have a chance of advancing to its first World Cup since #62 in Astograth, Cosumar needs to find a way to tactically exploit Fadius' aggressive 3-1-2-1-3. You can bet Farris Crowley has already watched the tape of Brenecia's 6-3 win over the Republicans about a dozen times by now. Brenecia clearly found the key to unlocking the Republican defense. No one else has been able to do it since, but Crowley's discerning eye might just be able to pinpoint the right wrinkles. Even a fraction of Brenecia's success going forward would be huge for the Dragons. The more pressure Engström, Newman, Petrov and Va'Goshal can take off of the guys in the back the better. Young left back Omar Asbergsson, only 18 years old, might be particularly vulnerable. Look for the Dragons to attack his side from the first whistle. It will be interesting to see how Asbergsson handles the pace of Frazan Va'Goshal and/or Petri Hansen coming down the flank.

In short, Cosumar is going up against a juggernaut at the height of its confidence. The Dragons seemed to be trending in the opposite direction in the second leg of Qualifying, but hopefully this recent win against Affiliated South Califan Sprawls is enough to spark them back into the 9-1-2 form they were in prior to the mid-qualifying break. If not, Farris Crowley might as well start scouting for the Cup of Harmony already.

This will be the Cosumar National Team's fourth appearance in a Qualification Playoff. Of the previous three cases, only one led to a spot in the World Cup. This is an unfortunate precedent the Dragons will have to overcome.

In World Cup 60, there was a two-tiered Qualification Playoff. The Dragons smashed Kagdazka & Pazhujebu 7-3 in the first round only to lose a 2-0 heartbreaker to Vilita in the second round on the doorstep of the World Cup. In World Cup 62, our lone success in a playoff, a famous late winner by Luke Crisalus saw us bypass Osarius into the field by a 1-0 scoreline. Cosumar finally had another playoff scenario in World Cup 69 but were absolutely dismantled. by Farfadillis by an aggregate of 6-3 over two legs. In the last World Cup, of course, the Dragons finished 3rd and did not have a chance to correct that humiliation. Is a similar drubbing from an elite opponent in store for us, or will Cosumar rise up strong and pull off the upset by sheer force of will like in World Cup 62?

Cosumar has been on the precipice of the World Cup for five cycles now. But to become one of the best, you have to beat the best. This is a chance for them to do just that. To succeed where they failed against Farfadillis, against Vilita. Now they just have to channel that dragonheart Cosumarite spirit and DO IT! For the Glory and Majesty of the Fiefdom forevermore!

Thank you for reading The Cosumarite Courier's exclusive World Cup 71 Coverage. Follow us on Twitter @TheCourier or subscribe to our website (TheCourier.cos) to receive daily updates and analysis of Cosumar's progress in the tournament.

---

Cosumar
10 shots (4 on-target)
58% Possession, 86% Pass Accuracy
6 corners, 6 offsides
9 fouls, 1 yellow card (Farsgaard)
Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
4 shots (0 on-target)
42% Possession, 79% Pass Accuracy
2 corners, 1 offsides
14 fouls, 2 yellow cards

Cosumar - 3
Engström (35')
Newman (68')
Öhman (81')

Aff. South Califan Sprawls - 0
No scorers

Subs: Ole Öhman (55'), Petri Hansen (67'), Timo Sorben (82')

---

Cosumar's World Cup 71 Journey
Pre-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 4-2 Gloriax
Pre-Qual Friendly: Osarius 1-0 Cosumar
Pre-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 3-2 Estenia
Matchday 1: Cosumar 2-0 Garifunya
Matchday 2: Cosumar 3-2 Milchama
Matchday 3: Sarrbia 0-2 Cosumar
Matchday 4: Cosumar 2-0 Sameba
Matchday 5: Royalsoldiers 0-3 Cosumar
Matchday 6: Cosumar 1-1 Audioslavia
Matchday 7: Affiliated South Califan Sprawls 3-5 Cosumar
Mid-Qual Friendlies: The Royal Barangay 4-2 Cosumar
Matchday 8: Garifunya 3-3 Cosumar
Matchday 9: Milchama 0-0 Cosumar
Matchday 10: Cosumar 2-0 Sarrbia
Matchday 11: Sameba 2-0 Cosumar
Matchday 12: Cosumar 2-1 Royalsoldiers
Matchday 13: Audioslavia 3-1 Cosumar
Matchday 14: Cosumar 3-0 Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
Qualification Playoff Leg 1: Cosumar vs. Holy Republican Empire
Qualification Playoff Leg 2: Holy Republican Empire vs. Cosumar
Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally (29 GF)
Anders Engström (8)
Ace Newman (5)
Sur Arora (2)
Frazan Va'Goshal (2)
Paaron Petrov (2)
Arndu Farsgaard (2)
Ole Öhman (2)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)
Tevin Lilley (1)
Tae Woo Miyori (1)
Reuben Hamasaki (1)
Petri Hansen (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Paaron Petrov (7)
Anders Engström (5)
Frazan Va'Goshal (4)
Vareza Na'Noni (2)
Ace Newman (2)
Sur Arora (2)
Felix Merchison (2)
Everett Seymour (1)
Jukka Lindroos (1)
Sheldon Serra (1)
Tevin Lilley (1)
Tae Woo Miyori (1)
Petri Hansen (1)

[Carialus]

Carialus Clairon
Playoff Punch

For the final matchday of qualifying, our glorious Comrades traveled to Farfadillis to reclaim the group from the Farves. At least, that was the goal that sadly never came to be. On away ground and starting their third goal keeper, Carialus was not in what some would call top form. Farfadillis dominated like they had last leg when they destroyed Carialus 5-2 on the Carialites' home pitch. Stadium La Fantas proved to be an excellent atmosphere for the Farves to play in, not so good for the poor Comrades. In the 11th minute, Farfadillis swarmed Carialus on defense. Kai passed to Dalafuente who easily kicked the ball in to give the Farves the lead. Just nine minutes later, Kroscen would allow another shot through. Fuego danced pass Lelek and got out of the way of a bumbling Brissa. Fuego hit a shot on the goal but it was punched away by Kroscen. Sadly, the ball went straight to Mata, who reared up to fallow. L'Hiver came crashing in and stopped the shot. Somehow, Mata was able to avoid losing the ball and dumped it off to Fuego. The time spent allowed for Kroscen to get back in position. Still, Fuego hit the shot hard and Kroscen was unable to stop the shot from gliding into the net untouched. 2-0 by the 21st. The blink of an eye! Carialus was in pieces. Schlastuer took out Brissa and put in Dedeck to try to shore up the defense. Additionally, he pulled Cerny and inserted Jiranak into the line up. These substitutions proved crucial as the defense was shored up and stopped the bleeding. With support from the back, the Comrades' attack soon blossomed. Dedeck somehow found himself in the box with the ball after a short drifter from Lelek. Barr and Alimanos closed in and Dedeck barely got the shot off. It skidded off Tzain's gloves. With the help of some favorable spin, the shot rolled in with just 20 seconds left in stoppage time. Sadly, Farfadillis adjusted to the Comrade's new line up. Dandalleion was taken out and in a surprising move Roga replaced him. However, in the mid second half, Carialus was not laughing at the substitution anymore. Roga poked into the box and launched a shot at the goal. Kroscen barely reached it and shoved it away as he tumbled to the ground. Dalafuente racked up his second score to give the Farves a comfortable lead. The clock seemed to speed ever faster and faster until it reached its mission and stopped at 90. The game had been lost and Carialus would not qualify. But why does the title say Playoff Punch instead of Knockout Punch?

P Group 6                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Farfadillis                              14    9   3   2    35   17  +18    30 Qualified
2 Carialus                                 14    8   2   4    31   25   +6    26 Playoff
3 Antoletia                                14    8   2   4    32   22  +10    26
4 Greater Watford                          14    7   4   3    23   12  +11    25
5 Atrua                                    14    6   1   7    18   23   −5    19
6 Korchayk                                 14    3   5   6    24   29   −5    14
7 Stvoto Latoli                            14    3   0  11     6   19  −13     9
8 Sargkisia                                14    2   3   9    13   35  −22     9

...Because of those lovely little Korckaykians. Carialus had been unfortunate enough to draw against them. In perspective, it would not have mattered anyway as Carialus would still be two points behind. Anyway, in what is little less than a miracle, Antoletia lost 3-2 to Korchayk. Since Carialus had a head-to-head record of 1-1-0 against the Fire Ants, Carialus was given the playoff spot and a shot to qualify for the World Cup for the first time. Instead of the blow delivered by Farfadillis being the knockout punch, it was the the punch that put us in the playoffs. And who are the unfortunate fools that have to play the glorious Comarades in the two legged playoffs? None other than the Agilang Dilaw. The stinking Agilang stinking Dilaw that always seem to be matched up with us. We don't even need to say the nation's name because we have seen, heard, and cursed that name so many times. What is worse, they always seem to find a way to make sure that they do not give us a chance to qualify. They were the ones that beat us 4-1 back in World Cup 68. Those -3 point differentials put us two point differentials behind the then named Inevitable Syndicate. We had beaten them both legs and if the same tie breakers were used than as the ones being used now, Carialus might have a World Cup Proper show up. In World Cup 69, The Royal Barangay was there to beat us out by 4 goal differentials. And now, they want to knock us out one more time. Haven't they already set us back some three cycles? Must they set us back one more? They even had the nerve to say that our old nickname was the Knights! It was actually the Kings! I say no more! It is time that Carialus gets a slice of the pie! They play in our house today, so it's time to show them what we have got! We beat them 4-3 last time we played, so it can happen again! Hail the glorious Comrades! Sacrifice the rubber chickens by the thousands!

The anger at the end is all IC. I find it quite comical that TRB always seems to be there to stop Carialus from qualifying. Let's see if Carialus gets out on goal difference

[San Jose Guayabal]

OOC: Formula used after both hosts' permission.

From: Mathematical Department of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Yucuaiquín (UCY) and the Universidad Nacional de San José Guayabal (UNA), staff of the Mathematical Intelligence Unit created in a cooperative project among both Universities, The Project G (Proyecto G, in its original name).
To: TAIT
ATTN: Iiro Turzusii / Delilah Ticobo
Location: Asiimavora Way, Tropicoast, Tropicorp

1. Introduction

In this research project, conducted by the Catholic University of Yucuaiquín in cooperation with the National University of San José Guayabal, the results obtained through simulation tournament called "World Cup 71 Madness" where teams of all places around the multiverse, face each other to determine who is the best. For five months, the staff of the best trained engineers from both universities in software, notably in the region for its academical success and highly accurated investigations, along with the best students in the Mathematical-Statistical Department and worked on the creation of a high-precision algorithm called "Footie Algorithm" which aims to obtain results based on the analysis and interpretation of these National Teams history from its origins to the present, their performance and deduction game system employing only based on possible histories against a rival with which they face during the competition.

How simulation developed? The process itself was not easy, as they had to adjust the algorithm simulator repeatedly to enter the teams that participate in each stage, after that the investigation of the history and technical details of each team took an average of one hour, with the notable exception of The Holy Empire, whose data collection lasted about five hours because of his long career during each Cycle of World Cup before, besides that had to deal with constant rotations of the student staff, because this qualifies as paid work in The Guayabalense Labour Code, therefore had to work only seven hours for five days a week, so the work were late arriving students as cover rotations came to the Project G Hall.

Despite this delay will be able to obtain the results based on the areas which have divided the teams in this competition, here are the technical details of the equipment used in the simulation results of the "World Cup 71 Madness."

Algorithm: The Footie Algorithm was created by Luis Ernesto Caicedo and Marta María Suárez, in cooperation from the students of the MSD of noth involved universities, the presentation has an accuracy of 99% and an error margin of 0.7%, the results were simulated after 1000 games between both nations, five hundred games at home and another five hundred at the road, the nation with most wins advanced to the next round and so on.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<sport version="0.3"> 
<name>Association football—SGIS formula</name> 
<discipline>Association football</discipline> 
<event>SGIS formula</event> 
<scorinator/> 
<!-- only one scorinator is needed for this event -->
 <paradigm>sqis</paradigm> 
<paradigmOptions> 
<double type="constantA">0.11</double> 
<double type="constantB">0.08</double> 
<double type="homeAdvantage">1.22333333333333</double> 
<double type="homeAdvantageGG">0.123333333333</double> 
<int type="attacks">12</int> 
<double type="etAttackCoeff">0.293333333333</double> 
<int type="shootoutLength">5</int> 
<double type="goldenGoalProb">0.4</double> 
<double type="shootoutProb">0.65</double> 
<int type="pointValues">1</int> 
<double type="attackCoeffs">1</double> 
<double type="NSFSStyleCoeffA">2.0000000000000</double> 
<double type="NSFSStyleCoeffB">1.2000000000000</double> 
<double type="NSFSStyleExponent">-0.23705203296846</double> 
<double type="NSFSStyleOffset">0.102435335725325</double> 
<string type="tableHeaderGoalsFor">GF</string> 
<string type="tableHeaderGoalsAgainst">GA</string> 
<string type="tableHeaderGoalDifference">GD</string> 
<list type="tiebreakers"> <string>extratime</string> 
<string>shootout</string> </list> 
<list type="tiebreakerNames"> 
<string>AET</string> 
<string>pen.</string> 
</list> 
</paradigmOptions> 
<!-- the style modifier distribution is a bit wonky because negative modifiers are less likely to take effect -->
 <dataPoints name="style"> 
<dataPoint pos="0">-3</dataPoint> 
<dataPoint pos="0.4">-1</dataPoint> 
<dataPoint pos="0.5">0</dataPoint> 
<dataPoint pos="0.65">0</dataPoint> 
<dataPoint pos="1">3</dataPoint> 
</dataPoints> </sport>

2. Scores

In the North Block, we can see something that could have been predictable by anybody with some knowledge on the football matter, and it is Osarius winning the North Block with an astounishing average of 690.33 wins as average and 1.25 goals per game in his favour, solid for the Firebirds, who knew how to impose their World Cup Champion quality on every game of the scorination, though Farfadillis were their greatest obstacle after being defeated 396 times by La Vherderroja, they did the comeback and advanced to the finals, which were not so difficult as expected, mainly by the lack of defensive effectivity by Les Grim Reapers, an aspect where they have as an historical debt with them, Yttribia, Québec and San José Guayabal were one of the many surprises in the scorination, La Selecta beated Ko-oren and Bears Armed but failed at Québec by a minimal margin (420-80-500), thus eliminated them from the contention, Yttribia advanced solid until the end but Osarius in their extremely good run sent them out of the competition, still Yttribia showed a good defence and a good attacking, creating a good balance that helped them to reach that stage.

Results:

---

Buyan was definitively the surprise here in this bracket, the Hedgehogs was one of those teams that could go high but not so high on the competition, they reached the final and lose narrowly against the Terns, who imposed their condition as one of the best teams of the multiverse and beat the Buyanese squad, going for the Semifinals of this tournament, a good defence of both sides helped them to achieve that stage by beating not so comfortable their rivals, specially that derby of Sargossa vs Polar Islandstates, the Kulmsaar derby left the Polarians as the winners by (504-66-430), nice for them, considering that this is one of the most strongest rivalries here on the Multiverse. Buyan beat the Elves from Valanora who are falling slowly into an identity crisis which is relegating them from their original place as one of the best teams of the Multiverse, their five WC trophies are a testimonial who shows their quality and pedigree into the Multiverse, but they are falling slowly, Semarland did one of the most interesting upsets on the competition after beating the Blouman Empire, a team who normally performs solid in the Qualifiers.

Results:

---

Things run as expected here, Audioslavia ran well through this stage in a extremely good fashion, with an average of 705.65 wins in their series, including more than 900 wins against Isula ge Ru in their first series, the Bulls won easily and they reached the final against a somewhat expected team of Valladares, La Nacional proved to be a serious challenge to the Bulls, after beating them in 396 games and tying 100 games, but the other 504 games were won by the Audioslavians, always playing fine and solid, avoiding thrashings during all the road to the bracket finals, while Valladares did extremely good games during their road to the finals, including a 6-0 thrashing of them against Star United States, a team who had one of the worst defences during the tournament, after allowing more than 2500 goals in 1000 games, an average of 2.5 per game a really bad number for a team that is doing it good right now in the World Cup Cycle 71. United Sunrise Islands is one of the teams who did their mission properly, they reached the last stages of the tournament and leave a good impression of their "performance" in the simulations, managing to solve their series in an appropiated way until they faced Audioslavia, at least the sunrisians left with a high morale after controlling the bulls for a moment but then losing the control of the series.

Results:

---

The great winner on this side was Felix, having not a total domination above their rivals but something enough to win their series and reach the final, the Felixians started strong against Stvoto Latoli but then had to face Brenecia, which was their strongest rival until that point, the Brenecians have proved to be a strong side that could give us an upset at anytime and this time, the Patriots were near to reach this point of upset to the Felixians, but they closed well with key wins on the last 100 matches of the series, still, they won by a quite narrow margin but after that, they had not big problems against The Sarian, the Bustards managed to beat the Holy Republican Empire after a huge fail on quality terms of the Republicans in the last 255 matches of the series, the Bustards were a solid team but failed badly against the Felixians, this squad would face Vilita, a team who ran well after beating relevant teams like the Equestrian States and The Holy Empire, the Monks had a good performance but the end of the simulation was bad for them, literally that part sent them away from the finals. Felix won rather comfortable with 690 wins in their favour, extremely good number of wins against a good team like Vilita, in that way, we have the four teams that won their brackets and will play on the semifinals: Osarius, Polar Islandstates, Audioslavia and Felix.

---

Osarius and Polar Islandstates was one of those semifinals, an "Extremely exciting semifinal, for any football fan who loves a game full of action and analysis" according to Luis Fernández, one of the students involved in the Project G, the Terns lost against an Osarian squad who continued their strong path to the victory, games with a low goal average were presented by the Algorithm and that would not differ from the reality of two teams who play carefully and tries to avoid difficulties during any game, toe Firebirds displayed their precision in the field and scored good results aainst the Terns, and also received a low amount of goals during the series, after that 1000 games series, the Firebirds were the first team to be on the final, his rival would appear from the semifinal of Felix vs Audioslavia.

The WC 71 Co-hosts lost against the Bulls, who literally "gored" the Felixians in the series, a strong victory of 526 games in favour for the Bulls were enough to send them to the final against Osarius in an "All-Anaia" final, the Felixians showed their worst game performance in one of the most important moments of the WC 71 Madness, decisive games lost and a good amout of ties left the Felixians out of the final of this tournament, bad for the team who reached the final of the last WC and since then is showing a strong performance.

The World Cup 71 Madness Final among Audioslavia and Osarius was a representation on how both teams are actually two of the best teams in the multiverse, also, this final would gave us one of the most exciting matches so far, including eight 5-5 ties among both teams and some high scores of 2-6 and 8-6, extremely high goal amounts which were in favour of the champions, the Bulls of Audioslavia who finally they didn't lose a final, lifting the "virtual cup" in an hologram presented by the Students of Virtual Studies of both universities, and after months of effort, the students and staff of Project G celebrated wildly with beer, champagne, cake and a party, as normal Guayabalenses.

Congratulations, Audioslavia, WC 71 Madness winner on the UCY-UNA Project G.

---

OOC: This biography gives more background of Quebec and I joint RP.

www.biografias.gu/narcos/el_whirlo

Biography of "El Whirlo":

Mario Martin Torbellino, better known as "El Whirlo" was one of the biggest drug traffickers in modern history who have resided in San José Guayabal advantage of soft laws that exist in the production and commercialization of drugs, born in the town of Pradera in the nation of Valladares, Rushmore on December 23 between 2000 (Guayabalense Calendar), his parents were Marcos Torbellino and María Luisa Gutiérrez, two people belonging to former rebel groups in Valladares, who sought the overthrow of the monarchy that nation. His family had to move to San José Guayabal after the communist government of the day would offer humanitarian asylum in their capacity as "Warriors of the Revolution", specifically the neighborhood San Agustin San Salvador after the army Valladares shatter Pradera town to ashes and other threats made to the integrity of family life.

Growing up in a rebellious atmosphere of constant struggle against the authority of the place, El Whirlo never had an exemplary behavior at school, constantly being reported and expelled because they opposed the authority of teachers and school directors in San Salvador managed to have enough resources to live a dignified without limited resources life, while retaining the proceeds from the sale of drugs in a foreign account (In The Royal Kingdom of Québec) so that there were confiscated by the communist government nor were detected by agents of the KGB. With great pride and moral recovered after suffering in Valladares and have a decent life, they decided to move to The Royal Kingdom of Québec in Montréal, where they bought a ship line ticket after deciding that life in this nation would be best for them, as they could enjoy their income without being controlled by the Communists.

In the district of Veronaville, in Québec, El Whirlo and his family were reunited with friends and old acquaintances who went into exile the attack on the town of Pradera, relocating to Montreal was one of the best ideas that his family could have, Although separated from his parents and lived with her aunt, because this city has always been considered as a good place for refugees due to the ease of obtaining work and because of the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups without higher rates of racism or any kind of discrimination that could affect the lives of young Whirlo. Growing up in the cobbled streets of Veronaville, Patrizio Monty, friend, a young man who came from the city of Pontidexxu in Yttribia, being a Heir of the Nouble House of Pontidexxu, they shared their passion for business fraud involving narcotics and completed his education at various schools located a few blocks from each other.

After reaching adulthood, El Whirlo had many jobs during that stage, taking two jobs at once, after graduation from Highschool of Veronaville, reached the top of the gang to which he belonged, he moved the city of Gaspe, in the province of Gaspecie, El Whirlo was a participant in the discovery of oil in the area of ​​Cap-Madeleine, only 50 kms from Gaspe.

After that, El Whirlo managed to expand its network of personal connections and expanded its business of distribution of drugs and its oil company, Patricio Monty's at his side, managed to expand operations in different cities of Québec and subsequently to different nations as San José Guayabal and Ko-oren without leaving Montreal, which was its main trading stronghold about drugs and oil, the city that literally helped forge his fortune he inherited his children.

All this aggressive expansion led to El Whirlo to his fall, which happened in 2055, a series of falls in the price of oil and a couple of attempts on his life left him on the brink of madness but never near the bankruptcy and gaining a lot of enemies by his aggresive business methods, finally a third attempt on his life was held on January 23, 2055, when a murderer hired by Capp mortally wounded him, The Whirlo died on January 28 at half past eleven p.m., after spending five days in state coma, leaving four orphaned children, who were killed in 2070 in the second war of Montreal, which involved major drug dealers in the city and his other sons were killed in 2096 and 2107 naturally.

The personality of El Whirlo was characterized as an outgoing person and partying, besides being someone who meticulously planned their plans to try to defeat the enemy in the plane of the drug trade, or advancing the field of oil, a person who left a legacy to certain cities of Québec and San José Guayabal, helping people in need, now his legacy is remembered in statues placed in the main squares of cities like Veronaville (Québec) and Valladares (SJG).

[Electrum]

OOC: Inspired by the ITV Leader's Debate.

---

Narrator: Now that the selection of governors has concluded, it's now time for the major party leaders to debate their policies to Electrumites, as well as the governors. The leaders of our government, the opposition, and the crossbench are all here today for this occasion, in what has become a tradition in Electrum. They are all here, in the Provincial City of Prescott, the city that hangs on a knife-edge electorally. This debate will help shape our governor's and the people's expectations, and moderating this debate will be Janine Connell from the Centralis Herald. This debate is jointly organised by the Centralis Herald and Network ENN. Here they are, live at the Prescott International Convention Centre.

Janine Connell: Good evening, I will be your moderator for today, I am Janine Connell, journalist for the Centralis Herald. Today, we shall hear from the eight major party leaders, as they debate policy with each other. Electrum's political landscape is ever-changing, and it's important that the people of Electrum understand their policies, so that they can make an informed decision at the next election. All parties on the political spectrum are here today, so I'll introduce them. They are: from the Liberty Party, Jane McCallahan, from the Country Living Party, Laina Li, Alan Rickus, representing the Electrum Nationalist Party, Prime Minister Cynthia Suarez from the Labor Party, Greens Society leader Marco Lombardi, Family Principles Party leader Madeline Wright, Conservative Party leader Nick Wood and from the PSP (Party Party Party-Surprise Party-Pirate Party) Alliance, Sam Myers.

Just a quick reminder on the rules of the debate. The independent timekeeper will be Ricky Suleyman, from Network ENN. Opening speeches are one minute, then debate begins on individual questions. We spend a minute per speaker on each question before we move on. Understood? Good. Why don't we start with opening statements. Oh, that's right. There should be a light under the podium for each of the speakers. If that light is on, it's your turn to speak. You'll be able to request permission to reply with a buzzer, and I will be controlling who will speak next. This will be an orderly debate. Jane McCallahan, we start with you.

Jane McCallahan (Liberty Party): As coalition partner for both the Labor Party and the Conservative Party, what I have seen is truly shocking. Both sides are playing partisan, biased politics. We have seen the debt that the Labor Party has plunged our nation into. We have seen the unfair, and business-sided politics that the Conservatives play. I call on you, the people of Electrum to vote for the sensible party, the party that doesn't go left or right, but the party that seeks freedom for all. Freedom to do well in small business, freedom to have gay marriage, freedom from nonsensical tax increases. We must not lurch in one direction, we cannot go to the left, or the right, or even up! We must go down in the political compass, and always move forward.

Laina Li (Country Living Party): Hi everyone. I am the new parliamentary leader of the Country Living Party. We have reinvigorated ourselves and our image -- so we hope you notice that. Anyways, our party represents the interests of rural and country life. We stand opposed to fracking in all forms, and we stand opposed to any more development of cities. The country, ladies and gentlemen, faces deep and severe problems. It's time that you voted for the Country Living Party, or risk those living in the big smoke crushing us under their control. We want fairer and greater representation of country members in parliament, as well as greater access to provisions and services to rural areas.

Alan Rickus (Electrum Nationalist Party): Ladies and gentlemen, the true problem with Electrum's problems is immigration. There are far too many immigrants in Electrum, and the borders are wide open! The hard-working people of Electrum have been paying taxes for their whole lives only for that money to be rerouted to immigrants who come here. We need to seriously rethink our economic policy as well -- too many cheap goods are coming from overseas, which are hurting our industries and consequently our people's livelihoods. We need a serious discussion, which is being ignored by the major parties, about the merits of our immigration and our economic policy! We can stop foreign aid, cut back on our embassies, and get back to our old principles of sticking to our nation, and not relying on other nations.

Cynthia Suarez (Labour Party): As your Prime Minister, we had to pick up the pieces from the Conservative's austerity measures. But through our plan of positive politics, infrastructure upgrades and more, we have seen an increase in economic activity for Electrum, thereby helping lift everyone up and supporting our welfare system. What you may see from the major parties today is a lot of scaremongering. They'll blame it on the immigrants, or the city people, or they'll scare you with debt, wholesome principles and the environment. But we have made stunning progress over the past year, and we are committed, along with my Coalition partners to continue this progress. We're not out of this slump yet, but we're getting there.

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): The biggest economic problem of this century is climate change. It is a real thing ladies and gentlemen, and all of the major parties won't have a bar of it at all. We need to drastically cut back on the use of non-renewable energy, of fracking and of forestry. We need to invest in new technologies, because if we don't, then twenty, forty, fifty years down the track, our children and future generations will condemn us for our lack of action. It has been shown scientifically that we will face harsher climates, and greater natural disasters, which will harm our economy in the long run. We also need a fairer society for all. We want a redistribution of income, and want to move from a flat-rate tax rate towards a progressive tax rate with tax brackets. We want to reinvest back into Medicare, our health system, so that basic human rights such as social care, mental health and other services can be subsidised.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): We are moving away from the wholesome family principles that helped to shape our moral compass. Moral atrocities which would never have been allowed in the bible exist, and we need to put a stop to it immediately. Abortion, gay marriage, polygamy, are all completely unacceptable, and what we're seeing is that our children are becoming morally bankrupt. More than ever they are turning away from religion, and we must not allow that to occur. Our children have been corrupted -- children are now more violent through the propagation of video games, especially violent ones, and are more inclined to be into sex, because of pornography and sexual education. It's time that we put an end to our moral bankruptcy and insert some decency back into the political discourse, as well as into general society. It's time that we act a little bit more Christian, and put an end to the Greens Society.

Nick Wood (Conservative Party): What we have seen already is the ever-spiralling debt that our nation is getting into everyday. The Labour Party are running this nation into financial and fiscal ruining, by spending more than what we can afford. We need austerity, and we need it now. We must cut funding, and reduce our expenditure. We must find savings in our budget. Ladies and gentlemen, we don't live in a fancy world where money grows on trees, it's time for real plans for real action. If you elect us back into government, we promise to do the right cuts, as well as invest in our children's future.

Sam Myers (PSP): The great nation of Electrum was founded on the principles of the separation of religion and state, and liberties and freedoms for all. But now, we're seeing our freedoms eroded by such parties as the Family Principles Party, who want to control our internet, and control the way we think and act. It's time someone stood up to these people, so that we can maintain our freedom of speech that we so desire. Also, it's time we remove tax exemptions from religious organisations. We all know that religious organisations are all a bunch of hocum, yet they still manage to hide billions of Synergies from the tax man. It's time we remove them, and it's time we move towards a more rational society.

Janine Connell: You've heard their opening speeches. After the break, we shall get started on the debate.

[Felix]

Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes

I'm sure fans on all sides in the playoff round would be chanting this song...

PLAYOFF ROUND ONE CUTOFF

[Free Republics]

TPBS

Taxachusetts Today journalist drives car into river in apparent suicide, hours after family killed by serial killers

Taxachusetts Today journalist Lydia Patterson apparently committed suicide late last night by driving her car into a river. The suicide apparently took place hours after her family were killed by the notorious serial killers who crucify their victims upside down. Police say her mother, father and younger brother were all apparently nailed to a cross and crucified upside down before the unknown killer(s) lit the crosses on fire. Just hours later, Ms. Patterson reportedly committed suicide, distraught over the murder of her family. She has no remaining immediate family members.

...

---

President Warren Elizabeths looked at the story, published on the web site of the Taxachusetts Public Broadcasting System and saw that the hoax had been carried out. Now, it was time to accept Lord Almighty Gregory's offer.

To: Lord Almighty Gregory, God of Gregoryisgodistan
From: Warren Elizabeths, President of Taxachusetts
Subject: Your Offer

Greetings, Creator of the Multiverse,

I am writing with regard to your request from the other day. I have decided that it is in the best interests of my nation that I take you up on your offer. As you are likely aware, due to your omniscience, my government faces serious budgetary problems due to tax cheats who refuse to pay their fair share. My problems are so severe that I am unable to afford to operate prisons. Therefore, I will gladly deport my prison population to Gregoryisgodistan and I am willing to make deportation to your slave islands a punishment for crimes in the future. I am also willing to deport my political opponents, including the staff of Taxachusetts Today, to your slave islands. Yes, I'm willing to give you almost everything that you want.

There is, however, a catch. In exchange for my agreement to this deal, I not only want my nation removed from your enemies list, but I want you to help me deal with the "Holy" Republican agents in my nation who are committing cold blooded murder. The so-called "Christian State" threatens the stability of my government and enables the ascent of right-wing nutjobs who would have us align ourselves with Saintland, just to rid ourselves of them. Should you refuse to provide me with the support I need to liberate my nation from the fear of Republican terrorists or should you change your mind and refuse to take me off your enemies list, then the deal is off. I do not now, nor have I ever, had any hostility toward you or toward your nation. I hope you will recognize this and stand with me.

I look forward to your response.

- Warren Elizabeths

[Apox]

Where are they now?

The final BoF star!

Dravid Scott
Position: Striker
Current Age: 50
National Team Caps: 80
National Team Goals: 50

Dravid Scott is, for many people, the definitive legend of Apoxian international football. He was the captain of the team for the first international match, and continued to be captain for 55 subsequent matches following on from that - captaining the side in two spells from BoF 48 to the end of the World Cup 61 qualifiers, before taking over from Jarvis Staniels following his retirement from Campionato Esportiva IV to Campionato Esportiva V, leading the team to victory in consecutive Campionato's.

His goalscoring record is obscene, holding the goalscoring from the first match (he was also the first Apoxian goalscorer), until just recently when Tolgus Tregajorran surpassed his record, holding it for 279 international games and 23 years. When you also consider that he scored this total off 80 caps, his first cap aged 27, it makes his record all the more remarkable, and he has also scored at a greater rate the Tregajorran. He was also the record caps holder following his retirement, having overtaken Ken Rickwright. However, that record fell rather more quickly, Olim Benzari breaking it on the way to becoming the only Apoxian caps centurion.

Domestically, Dravid Scott was with Urbanista prior to the formation of the ANL - however, with the chance for international moves at the start of the ANL, he moved to Queenstown in the Saer Republic. The move wasn't particularly beneficial for him, and he soon returned to the ANL and Urbanista, scoring 43 times in two and a half seasons at the club - a sensational rate, especially considering his age. In his final season before retirement, he moved abroad to win the Farf league title with La Nueva Avenida, aged 36, and having been a pivotal player for them in that season.

After retiring internationally and domestically, just before the World Cup 64 qualifiers (making Scott undoubtedly the best Apoxian to never play in a World Cup), he moved into management, quickly becoming manager of FC Endeavour as they attempted to solidify themselves as title contenders. He was good at the club, and prior to the qualifiers for World Cup 66, he was appointed to be manager of the national team - a position determined perhaps in a fervent excitement, rather than level headed decisions.

It was rather a failure, with the national team finishing second to a very average Mapletish side in a Group they were expected to progress from to qualify for a third straight finals appearance. Despite a good run to the final of Cup of Harmony 58, he was sacked following the team's failure to do well in the next Campionato Esportiva.

He stayed away from football for a time following the traumatic time as manager - generally not needing any permanent job, able to live off the riches of a very successful and lucrative playing career - mainly being an ambassador for the AFB at various events.

He recently took the plunge back into management - taking comparatively low wages to sign on as manager of Wrexton F.C at the midway through the 583 season. However, despite keeping them in the ANL for the 583 season, he was fired in the 584 season with Wrexton in the relegation zone and suffering from a severe lack of goals.

Team Sheet vs. Gregoryisgodistan (scorer in bold)
GK - Ettie Seabrooke
RD - Jack Lerryn
CD - Solomon Etezadi (c)
CD - Nicolas St Teath
LD - Ben Hatem
RM - Alice Monteforth
CM - Armando Quillisi
CM - Zana Ibrox
LM - Kaj Aurora
ST - Tolgus Tregajorran
ST - Adnan Zozula

N.B - Don't count towards a players goals and caps total due to the baffling decision by the AFB not to award caps for play-off games for the World Cup.

[Gregoryisgodistan]

From the Desk of Lord Almighty Gregory

To: Warren Elizabeths, President of Taxachusetts
From: Lord Almighty Gregory, God of the Multiverse

Dear Mr. Elizabeths,

Thank you for agreeing to the terms of my offer. We will soon be providing slave boats to escort your designated slaves to our Overseas Slave Islands. Please let me know which port you would like them to land at, and make sure all the slaves are there when the boats arrive and ready to be loaded on. Unfortunately, there are too many slaves to make air travel feasible.

As you requested, you will be removed from the Enemy List immediately. As for your request for our assistance in combating the Republican terrorist organization known as the Chrisitian State, I feel it is in our mutual interest to cooperate. The Holy Republican Empire is a menace to every nation, and they have threatened to attack our own nation several times in the past. In fact, it was only our conveniently-timed assassination of Consul Piazza, which they still deny we were responsible for, that resulted in a bombing raid being called off a few months ago.

To that end, we will provide you with 10,000 military troops as well as with high-grade weapons for use both by our troops and yours. Additionally, our highly-skilled military will train your troops in human blitzkrieg, a most effective strategy for fighting wars that we have utilized in Hicana and Gloriax, to great success. After training, your soldiers, along with ours, will parachute into CS-controlled areas armed with heavy weapons, flamethrowers, grenades, and other tools of destruction, and shoot every member of the CS they can find while setting fire to buildings they control, burning them to the ground. We feel this strategy will prove highly useful in taking the Christian State down, just as it was successful in our previous wars. Additionally, should you wish to conduct a nuclear strike on the Holy Republican Empire in an effort to cripple the Christian State's home base, we will provide you with up to three nuclear weapons as well as the intercontinental ballistic missiles necessary to launch them. We would, however, ask you to launch them rather than us, as it is unlikely the Republicans would retaliate by launching nuclear weapons at areas in which the Christian State is fighting. There would be no way to ensure they did not kill any CS members as well - the pockets are just too small compared to the areas impacted by the nuclear blast and ensuing fallout. Additionally, we ask that you deny we had any involvement in providing you with the nuclear weapons, and we will do the same, claiming we had nothing to do with it. We do not expect the Republicans will retaliate against you with another nuclear attack, but if they do, we will launch our entire nuclear arsenal at them, wiping them off the map. Our nuclear weapons are capable of launching even with a nuclear attack on us in progress, although the exact details on how that works are highly classified and I will not share them even with you. Therefore, even if the Republicans sense we are going to attack and attack us, we will still be able to destroy them.

But back to the situation in Taxachusetts. Our highly trained soldiers are capable of defeating any enemy, and we will arm them heavily in order to assist in the destruction. We will also provide the same high-powered weapons to your military at no expense. Finally, when the ships come over in order to pick up the slaves, they will be carrying several hundred assault tanks capable of firing high powered weapons and being utilized as flamethrowers, even simultaneously. For security reasons, these will be dropped off at a separate port before arriving to pick up the slaves - again, please indicate where you want them dropped off. Keep in mind that it could take several weeks for the boats to arrive, but the rest of the materials should arrive by air within 24 hours of your approval of this agreement. It is, unfortunately, not feasible to transport these tanks by air. Furthermore, if you provide us with the coordinates of Christian State bases, our planes will attempt to bomb them as they pass over them en route to your military base. Unfortunately, this is not nearly as effective as human blitzkrieg and we cannot guarantee success, but we will do our best. Just let me know the coordinates and I will pass them along to our military officers.

In any case, you have been removed from the Enemy List effective immediately, conditional on you not rescinding your word. Please let us know the information we requested, as well as what Air Force base or other location you would like our transport planes to land at. We expect several hundred of them, so it may take several hours or longer to land them all, depending on the capacity of the airport. Our generals will work out a schedule with the people on your end, whether they are air traffic controllers at a civilian airport or officers at an Air Force base. Please let me know as soon as possible so we can defeat the menace that is the Christian State.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Lord Almighty Gregory

[The Sarian]

ELECTION 2198 - POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

Opinion polling since announcement of election - Progressive Union in blue, the Florican Party in black, the Democratic Socialist Party in red, the Traditionalist Party in purple and the Green Coalition in green.

Expected Seats

Progressive Union - 201
Florican Party - 185
Democratic Socialist Party - 173
Traditionalist Party - 82
Green Coalition - 59
Liberal Peoples Party - 35
Communist Party of The Sarian - 31
Oakhurst First - 12
NEEDED FOR MAJORITY - 390

#1 - Progressive Union + Democratic Socialist Party + Green Coalition

In what looks to be the most likely outcome, the Progressive Union will trade some of their more libertarian policies for DSP support, whilst the Greens will add the numbers needed to give the government a majority of forty three. However, this may anger the more right leaning Progressive Union supporters, whilst those on the left of both the DSP and the Greens will struggle to find common ground with the Progressive Union.

#2 - Progressive Union + Democratic Socialist Party + Liberal Peoples Party

Instead, the Democratic Socialist Party and Progressive Union might opt for the Liberal Peoples Party, which are generally less left wing than the Green Coalition, at the expense of dragging the coalition closer to the libertarian right. The President of the Liberal Peoples Party has said that "the red line for LPP support in any governing pact or coalition is the legalization of prostitution and marijuana."

#3 - Progressive Union + Traditionalist Party + Liberal Peoples Party + Oakhurst First + Green Coalition

The Progressive Union might instead form a broadly right-wing rainbow coalition with the Traditionalists, Liberal Peoples Party, Oakhurst First and the Greens, however this would be fraught with infighting - the Traditionalists being the source of much of this tension, with clashes between Timothy Holdsworth and Michael Bryan often getting heated in the Leaders Debates. It would take the Traditionalists swallowing their pride in a hope to keep the Democratic Socialists out of office.

#4 - Progressive Union + Florican Party + Oakhurst First

Progressive Union leader, Michael Bryan, has categorically ruled out any coalition with the Florican Party, but if the Democratic Socialists refuse to play ball, he may have no choice. With the Green Coalition and the Liberal Peoples Party also ruling out joining a deal with the Florican Party, it will fall to Oakhurst First to make the majority.

#5 - Florican Party + Democratic Socialist Party + Communist Party

Instead, the left-leaning parties may decide to swallow their differences and make a grand coalition of Democratic Socialists, National Socialists and Communists - three groups that, whilst all on the left, don't normally associate with one and other. The coalition would almost certainly mobilize the right, and the more central members of the DSP may rebel to force another election.

[Kandorith]

Playoffs Of To a Good Start


Darvale 0–3 Kandorith

Kandorith already made it to the playoffs, and what a playoffs they are turning into. Kandorith won against Darvale with a three goal advantage. Kandorith hasn't had the easiest World Cup campaigns in the past; but Xí-tiang has made a true dream of a team for the Kandorese nation. The Kandorese side has shown it's least defeats ever in a World Cup campaign and seems to be upholding that trend in the playoffs too. There's little doubt with the home crowd Kandorith will make it to the World Cup and keep performing at the group stage too, which everyone knows has never been Kandorith's strong point.


"We have had an amazing run and it would be foolish to stop here." Xí-tiang said chuckling. "We have to face the facts though, we are not a world top team, but we do have the potential to be. What we required from the playoffs is dedication, hard work and believe that we can make it even past the group stage in the World Cup; if we can keep up the spirit we will overcome our largest challenges. I have absolute faith in this team and absolute faith in the support of the Kandorese people and fans everywhere in the world. Sooner or later we will become a team which matters in the World Cup and maybe one day, maybe even this World Cup; you never know, we might even raise the trophy." Xí-tiang proudly said before leaving the press room towards the training grounds.


Xí-tiang has been confident throughout the entire qualifying campaign and amazingly keeps up his praising spirit. With him on the helm; the Kandorese team has had more chemistry and confidence than ever and will surely keep performing in the disciplined way the coach desires. All the fans can do is look forward to Kandorith advancing again and hopefully perform on their best in the World Cup group stage.

[Boring Paradise]

Group 16
Jeruselem (#45)
Ndaku (#UR)
Boring Paradise (#63)
The Sword Bloke (#291)
Filopines (#74)
Azrea (#225)
Mendoya (#150)
Ko-oren (#11)

MD1: 2-0 Azrea (H)
MD2: 5-1 Mendoya (A)
MD3: 2-0 Jeruselem (H)
MD4: 3-2 Ndaku (A)
MD5: 0-0 Ko-oren (H)
MD6: 2-2 The Sword Bloke (H)
MD7: 0-0 Filopines (A)
MID-QUAL
MD8: 2-0 Azrea (A)
MD9: 2-2 Mendoya (H)
MD10: 2-2 Jeruselem (A)
MD11: 4-2 Ndaku (H)
MD12: 1-4 Ko-oren (A)
MD13: 2-0 The Sword Bloke (A)
MD14: 1-2 Filopines (H)
Playoff (H/A): 0-1/TBA Gloriax (#62)

World Cup 71|Post Qualifying

Boring Paradise go through into the Playoffs as the second worst second place as a result of the poor games against Ko-oren in Matchday 12 and Filopines in the last matchday. We will be facing Gloriax, who is slightly higher ranked then us at 62nd while we are at 63rd. Gloriax on the other hand were the 2nd highest second place with 34 points. This match-up will be a close one with Boring Paradise getting a win and a draw against Jeruselem meanwhile we managed to keep a goalless draw against Ko-oren. So people would expect that this playoff should be easy and will easily deny Gloriax's maiden appearance in the World Cup. But instead the Paradisians go on and lose 1-0 at home, a massive disgrace.

Gloriax, a fellow member of Esportive is one of the few nations left in the World Cup as they usually drop like flies after the playoffs and never get more than one nation through to the Round of 16. The home match ended a 1-0 defeat with a late goal in stoppage time which somehow took longer than presumed, as it was planned to go on for an extra 2 minutes but had lasted for almost 5 minutes. This had caused the loss for the team and now they have to go through and win on aggregate with a good result from the away match tomorrow or later tonight depending on whatever the time zone likes to act as.

[Chiata]

Chiata Times
Blouman Draw

In Chiata's first ever playoff match, Blouman Empire came over to Chiata to play for 90 minutes. As was expected, the game was very close throughout the entire match. No side could get the clear advantage from start to finish. Prince was in far better form and rang a few shots at the goal early in the game. Mozrek was being like Mozrek, so absolutely useless. Cooperson led the attack for Bloumany but was stopped short by Eastep, in top form, many times. Stewart was given a yellow card after he roughly tackled Mallard who in turn tumbled to the ground in the 27th. Stewart knew it was his error and helped Mallard up. Fortune would have it that Chiata would score the next goal. Pearlman struck from outside the box and the shot was punched away Tuneson and the ball went straight to Stewart. Tuneson raced back up and dove for Stewart who didn;t have room for the shot and passed it to Prince at the edge of the box. With a wide open goal, Prince took the easy shot. Noble tried to intercept the ball with his chest but ended up being to late off the ground as the ball whistled past untouched into the net. The crowd went berserk. The Blouman Empire could not manage anything else after that score in the 37th minute, so the half concluded 1-0 in Chiata's favor.

The Blouman Empire was determined not to lose and make their home match that much harder. Right out of the gate, they came on an aggressive attack. It appeared that the Bloumany had scripted a play during half time. Duncap crossed the ball to Hall. Hall faked a look at Baser which drew Rist in too close. Hall passed to an open Duncap that let a rifle fly to the top right corner of the net, just millimeters from Truex's outstretched and desperate hands. That shut the crowd right up. Pearlman tried to stage an answer, but was stopped short by Alpin. The score in the 54th sapped all life out of the crowd, and Chiata's attack for that matter. There would be times that both would bubble up but nothing too major. In turn, the defenses of both squads took it up a notch. There were chances, but most were stopped short by two excellent sides of back players. Mozrek actually was able to get a shot off but it was easily smothered by Tuneson. On the other side, Harrison drove into the box only to be denied by Carry. The official deemed the play to rough and gave Harrison a penalty kick. Carry was outraged along with the entire home crowd. As a result, the crowd screamed that loudest it ever had, it seemed. Truex read Harrison's shot perfectly and gobbled up the shot that had little power on it because Harrison was unnerved by the crowd. It became clear that neither side would score and both teams settled on a 1-1 draw without speaking.

Chiata 1-1 Blouman Empire

Although the draw was not disappointing, considering how much better The Blouman Empire is on paper, it certainly shifted the odds in the Bloumany's favor. The Suns still have a awful attack, something that has plagued them all qualifying. Still, Chiata still is alive and well. One things is clear, Chiata needs to score more to qualify. Sadly, Chiata averages just one per game. If the score is a 0-0 draw, Blouman Empire wins on away goals. A 1-1 draw would set us up for a breathtaking overtime game. Finally, a 2-2 draw or higher would send Chiata to the World Cup 71 Proper. Of course, if Blouman Empire wins it is all over for the Suns. If that is to occur, Chiata can only hold their breath for a Cup of Harmony invite. On the other end, Chiata winning would send them through quite easily. However, we cannot forget that Chiata is the away team and will have an even tougher time in facing the Blouman Empire. The 1-1 draw mirrored Chiata's home result against the Turori Eels. Hopefully, the Suns are not destined to a 1-0 loss that got them here in the first place. All away tickets have been soldout already, though you can still catch the game on CSN on television or CSN 103.7 on radio. Come tomorrow, we will know if Chiata will be celebrating in Felix and Yttribia or in San Jose Guyabala and Ceni.

[Carialus]

Carialus Clairon
Legend of the Potato Keeper

First, we must make one thing clear. Not matter how many enthusiastic and optimistic people say it is not correct since there is still a match to be played, there is one universal truth. Carialus is not going to qualify for World Cup 71. We know the truth hurts, but boy does that sting. One does not simply shrug off a 4-6 loss at home. That is six away goals that Carialus has to contend with, not to mention the -2 goal difference. Oh yeah, and that we lost at home! The Agilang Dilaw have done it again: they ruined Carialus' hopes of qualifying. For the third time now, Carialus has been tossed aside because these people of the country that shall not be named. We can only call them the Agilang Dilaw as the Government has officially banned the nation's name from appearing in any media. Obviously, the scoreline for the game is rather huge. This means both attacks were playing top form, as they should in the playoffs. The defenses, well the defenses were worse than a sack of potatoes. Potatoes sacks can actually block shots that roll across the ground. Kroscen cannot. Unsurprisingly, the Agilang Dilaw scored first when Magcaleng easily beat Brissa and Kroscen and found the goal in the 24th. Carialus had no answer and the crowd was in a hush. Would it be another 5-1 Greater Watford game? A 5-2 Farfadillis loss? The home fans had already endured far too much. Sadly, the cold-hearted Agilang Dilaw continued on. Khan would bring in the second net, off of a pass from Arceo. However, just a minute later in the 34th, Carialus found an answer. Good 'ol Frost brought the Comrades back on track by besting Vega and getting Carialus on the board. Momentum swung to Carialus as the crowd grew louder. The equalizer was made by Kraus, off of an assist from Dumont. The crowd went hysteric and the Agilang Dilaw escaped to the locker room for half time.

With the crowd settled, the Agilang Dilaw dusted themselves off and picked up where they had left off. In the 51st, Corsiga put his team back in the lead by sending a fast roller to the net. Kroscen somehow managed to miss it. As mentioned earlier, a sack of potatoes in the right place could have stopped the ball from going in. To think of it, any sort of sack of root vegetables could have done better than Kroscen. Luckily, the equalizer came quick. In the 54th minute, Cerny would swoop past Arceo and go into the box. Cerny hit the corner of the net is stride and Balido had no chance to stop it. With the score 3-3, the crowd roared to life. This was their chance! Carialus could enact their revenge on the nation that shall not be named because momentum was swinging towards the Comrades! A glorious day for Carialus! Of course, those thoughts lasted a whole 47 seconds before Linsangan shut them up cold and made the score 4-3. To put it kindly, Carialus fell apart. A fan offered a sack of potatoes labeled "Goal Keeper" to coach Schlastuer, and believe it or not, he placed it right on the bench. Corsiga scored two more times in succession, in the 75th and 76th minute, that gave him a nice and pretty hat trick. In the 77th, coach Schlastuer made a substitution. Unsurprisingly, Kroscen was pulled, probably for the last time in his short international carrier. After a brief debate with the official, it was reasoned that if Ponies, Cats, and even Jumping Beans could play football, why not a sack of potatoes? So for the final ten minutes, the 'Potato Keeper' played for Carialus. Out of respect, the Agilang Dilaw refused to make another shot at the goal. Just for kicks, Corsiga shot a grounder aimed at the sack. The ball hit and bounced away as the crowd went wild for their new star keeper. To date, Potato Keeper has not allowed a single goal in. Carialus got one final consolation goal before the game ended.

Carialus 4-6 Agilang Dilaw

For all those happy day dreamers dreaming of impossible ways Carialus can qualify, here are the possibilities. One, Carialus wins by three goals away. Two, Carialus scores six or more goals and wins by two, away. Now do you see how it is impossible? If Carialus magically wins by two with a potato sack at goal keeper, then the Comrades will still lose because they allowed six away goals. SIX! Have fun watching Carialus play the Agilang Dilaw in the Comrade's last match. In some kind of sick twist of fate, they might win and lose out on goal difference and away goals. That seems to be the only way to get Carialus out these days.

[Cosumar]

Cosumar takes first lead but ultimately settles for 1-1 draw in Playoff home leg

Trey Olychick
Staff Writer


KALDUKOSIC -- The fans came to Leviathan Arena fearing the worst, a humbling like the 6-3 playoff result against Farfadillis in World Cup 69, that would cast Cosumar into Cup of Harmony oblivion once again. But despite a rough-around-the-edges performance that saw the Dragons hold only 26% of the possession, the faithful were filled with renewed belief as Holy Republican Empire's players were the ones shuffling off the pitch shaking their heads and remonstrating with the referee.

Bernard Lukic's 66th-minute goal that cancelled out Arndu Farsgaard's headed opener eight minutes prior ensured that the World Cup 68 hosts would deny Cosumar the victory that would have truly blown the roof of the stadium. But after a tumultuous second leg of Qualifying for the Cosumarites, it was reaffirming to see Farris Crowley's players command the spirit of Cosumar squads of old to test the mettle of the 17th-ranked favorites. The Dragons are flying to Esportiva with their World Cup hopes still well within reach.

As a result of two yellow cards shown to Lukic in Cosumar, HRE will be without their left midfielder at home. The latter was for a 90th minute foul on Ace Newman that drew Republican complaints of diving. Regardless, it's a fortunate break for Cosumar. Teenage back-up Chandler Sirois will be forced to step up. There's a chance that this will make Mission Almost-Impossible (a win in Esportiva) a little more attainable.

Center-backs Farsgaard and Everett Seymour will need to work in seamless tandem with grit and toughness as they did here, and also hope Anders Engström and Ace Newman find their shooting shoes. Essentially, all aspects of Cosumar's game will need to be as good as they've ever been - like a well-oiled machine - for them to pull off one of the most glorious upsets in national history. But they've made it to the final hurdle with their hopes still intact, and that's more than they've been able to say in a long time.

In a modern sporting age dominated by statistics, the numbers led the bookkeepers to declare this fixture one of the easiest calls of the Playoffs. Holy Republican Empire, with much more recent success to their name, had won their last four matches by a combined score of 18-1, dominating the key stats in each. By contrast, in their final four matches, Cosumar had tied their opponents 6-6 and put up some of their worst passing and possession numbers of the year. So it surprised no one that, from the outset, Farris Crowley opted for a rearguard strategy. The approach clashes with Cosumarite tradition and drew ire from some, but pumping the handbrakes is a necessity against such a proficient attacking team.

Early events were promising though, with Engström unfortunate to have a goal overturned in just the second minute. The Mallox striker outfoxed Arnou Labrecque by chipping a ball over his head before shooting past Levai Imre. The referee, however, quickly blew his whistle after he saw Engström's boot near Labrecque's head. But Engström made Holy Republican Empire uncomfortable all afternoon with his pace, a positive sign for the second leg.

The Republcians simply noted the scare and upped the ante. They claimed nearly uninterrupted ownership of the ball for the next 30 minutes, cranking their possession to 80% at its peak as Cosumar sunk continuously deeper into their own half. By the 15-minute mark, Farsgaard, Seymour, Felix Merchison and Ace Newman had all been forced to clear the ball from within the penalty area, with ten blue shirts camped inside the eighteen-yard box.

Petrus Fadius' men could not break through though. Faredin Pozenel forced a save from Jakk Winterfyll from 23 yards before Jukka Lindroos got away with what could've been a penalty when he tried to intercept Labrecque's cross. But surprisingly, the chance of the half fell to the Dragons just seven minutes before the interval. With Patrick Werfel slipping while attempting to clear Newman's throughball, Engström found himself clear on goal, with only Imre to beat. Engström tried to be cute as he attempted a chip over the goalkeeper at close range, but he simply put it right in Imre's arms. The miscue induced a loud groan from Leviathan Arena as Engström placed his hands over his face. The miss was proof of HRE's defensive vulnerability, though, and Crowley raised the stakes by adjusting to a more attacking style in the second half. He also inserted midfielder Reuben Hamasaki at the break. The former Zakhoro Aces captain's ability holding the ball and precision in moving it forward gave Cosumar a stronger link between midfield and attack.

After some promising runs down the right side by Frazan Va'Goshal and a header by Merchison that required a save early in the second half, the Cosumarites were rewarded with the opening goal in the 57th minute. Arndu Farsgaard was able to redirect Ace Newman's floated corner inside the far post with the side of his head in a twisting, leaping effort. It was the Cazadores Cathair defender's third goal of the campaign and third total international goal. Surprisingly, the broad-shouldered enforcer is third on the team with goals in Qualifying behind only Engström and Newman. The marking was nonexistent, but give credit to the 31 year-old for timing his run well. Leviathan Arena erupted in jubilee, with tangible hope of a World Cup to finally cling to.

Lukic's goal less than ten minutes later brought the home supporters back down to Earth a little, claiming an equalizer and a potentially crucial away goal. The midfielder was in optimal position to smash Kyle Bolton's header past Winterfyll into the upper netting with a crisp half-volley from just inside the penalty spot.

Yes, HRE will leave Cosumar with the odds technically in their favor, but they were forced to fight tooth and nail for it - and that was enough to give Cosumarites something to smile about. Holy Republican Empire is one of the most difficult places to play, but Crowley's team will have a chance as long as they play with the same desire and perseverance we saw today. It's the NationStates World Cup. Crazier things have happened.

Thank you for reading The Cosumarite Courier's exclusive World Cup 71 Coverage. Follow us on Twitter @TheCourier or subscribe to our website (TheCourier.cos) to receive daily updates and analysis of Cosumar's progress in the tournament.

---

Cosumar
6 shots (4 on-target)
26% Possession, 67% Pass Accuracy
4 corners, 0 offsides
12 fouls, 1 yellow card (Va'Goshal)
Holy Republican Empire
16 shots (3 on-target)
74% Possession, 91% Pass Accuracy
6 corners, 0 offsides
3 yellow cards (Lukic,Anisimov,Werfel), 1 red card (Lukic)

Cosumar - 1
Farsgaard (57')


Holy Republican Empire - 1
Lukic (66')

Subs: Reuben Hamasaki (46'), Ben Seppanen (73'), Ole Öhman (84')

---

Cosumar's World Cup 71 Journey
Pre-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 4-2 Gloriax
Pre-Qual Friendly: Osarius 1-0 Cosumar
Pre-Qual Friendly: Cosumar 3-2 Estenia
Matchday 1: Cosumar 2-0 Garifunya
Matchday 2: Cosumar 3-2 Milchama
Matchday 3: Sarrbia 0-2 Cosumar
Matchday 4: Cosumar 2-0 Sameba
Matchday 5: Royalsoldiers 0-3 Cosumar
Matchday 6: Cosumar 1-1 Audioslavia
Matchday 7: Affiliated South Califan Sprawls 3-5 Cosumar
Mid-Qual Friendlies: The Royal Barangay 4-2 Cosumar
Matchday 8: Garifunya 3-3 Cosumar
Matchday 9: Milchama 0-0 Cosumar
Matchday 10: Cosumar 2-0 Sarrbia
Matchday 11: Sameba 2-0 Cosumar
Matchday 12: Cosumar 2-1 Royalsoldiers
Matchday 13: Audioslavia 3-1 Cosumar
Matchday 14: Cosumar 3-0 Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
Qualification Playoff Leg 1: Cosumar 1-1 Holy Republican Empire
Qualification Playoff Leg 2: Holy Republican Empire vs. Cosumar
Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally (30 GF)
Anders Engström (8)
Ace Newman (5)
Arndu Farsgaard (3)
Sur Arora (2)
Frazan Va'Goshal (2)
Paaron Petrov (2)
Ole Öhman (2)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)
Tevin Lilley (1)
Tae Woo Miyori (1)
Reuben Hamasaki (1)
Petri Hansen (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Paaron Petrov (7)
Anders Engström (5)
Frazan Va'Goshal (4)
Ace Newman (3)
Vareza Na'Noni (2)
Sur Arora (2)
Felix Merchison (2)
Everett Seymour (1)
Jukka Lindroos (1)
Sheldon Serra (1)
Tevin Lilley (1)
Tae Woo Miyori (1)
Petri Hansen (1)

[Nova Anglicana]

Lion's Roar

A SportsWorld Weblog

Lions Survive a Nail-Biter
by Alpha Lion



Yeah, I know we usually do a .gif. But I didn't do that. Because I hate you.

Is the picture too pessimistic? Maybe. But it sure feels like it. Having to go on the road to the 20th-ranked team in the multiverse is one thing. But having to go on the road to the 20th-ranked team in the multiverse when that team is SJG is completely different. The Estadio Cuscatlán is an intimidating place to play, what with its enormous size and raving SJG ultras, but we also have to take into account the year-round stiflingly hot temperatures. It can get pretty hot here in the summers, but nothing like in SJG. I imagine that Sook Jin Lee has had his boys doing a lot of conditioning in preparation for the return leg.

But enough doom and gloom. What happened in the first leg in Kelly Park? Well, it started off pretty well. Emmanuel Moga had a nice one-touch give-and-go with Chris Parker that sprung him into the box and gave Henry Hernández no chance to stop him from point-blank range. Ten minutes in, and the Lions already had the advantage. After twenty minutes of mostly neutral play, Kyle Fleming beat rookie sensation Meyson Salume down the left side and sent a ball across the face of goal. The hard-charging Chris Parker beat Hernández to the spot and poked the ball home to give the Lions a 2-0 lead and send Kelly Park into a frenzy. Unfortunately, the Lions, despite having SJG on their heels, were content to play Patrick Moran-style football and just defend. Philip Castillo hunkered down into a full-time DM position, giving the Lions seven dedicated players on the defensive side of the ball. Bradley Lancaster made occasional runs up the right side, but for the most part, the Lions' attack was weak enough for even the extremely attack-minded Selecta to handle with ease.

Was it the wrong decision to sit back on a two-goal lead? Logic dictates that you try to rack up as many goals as you can in the first leg to give yourself a chance in the second leg, but I have a feeling that the reason the Lions got two goals in the first thirty minutes was that La Selecta hadn't settled in yet. More aggressive play might have led to an earlier first goal for SJG and opened up more attacking possibilities for the visitors. I would have liked for the Lions to have pushed for at least five more minutes, trying to find that knockout punch of a third goal, but since the Lions won, I can't exactly complain. They managed to fend off the Guayabalenses over the last fifteen of the first half, including a frantic sequence in injury time where Klein denied a Zelaya shot, Jonathan Faña hit the woodwork, and Arból Saucedo skied SJG's final attempt over the crossbar.

SJG finally got on the board in the sixtieth minute, when Bregoo and Faña overwhelmed Felix Kelly on the left, and Bregoo found Fraser at the far post with an excellent pass. The final thirty minutes saw ten SJG shots alone, five on goal. Tim Klein was masterful today, called upon to make nine saves. Honorable mention goes to Casey Bowman, who avoided conceding a penalty or taking a card this game while also clearing a loose ball off the goal line in the eighty-second minute. When the referee signaled for four minutes of extra time, everyone in the stadium groaned. Four minutes against an attacking side that had monopolized possession the entire second half? Somehow the Lions managed to survive, despite SJG's repeated appeals for handball in the box on Terrance Jordan in the ninety-third minute. Television replays clearly show that the ball hit him smack beneath the collarbone, though, so the Lions managed the win without the benefit of a missed call.

As for the return leg, it's anyone's guess as to how Lee will play it. I don't think he'll go all-out defense this time, as the Lions won't survive ninety minutes of being bombarded. They barely survived sixty this time around. I think he sticks with the 4-2-3-1 principles and tries to catch La Selecta off-guard on the counter. Fourteen of twenty-three players were present the last time Nova Anglicana played in SJG, and going even unnecessarily further back, six of those fourteen played in SJG for the Copa de la Paz as part of the U20 squad. So it's safe to say that we've got some experience with playing there. That doesn't guarantee they'll be ready for this game, but let's hope so. Fingers crossed and root 'em home on StateSports1.


More from Lion's Roar
How the Lions Can Win IBC 17
Will RUWC 23 be as disappointing as the previous edition?
Emmanuel Moga's nickname in Buyan is "The Black Wizard"

(OOC: Logo at top shamelessly cribbed from Pride of Detroit, Detroit Lions blog. The opinions expressed above are the opinions of the writer and not necessarily indicative of the opinions of Nova Anglicans or the user behind Nova Anglicana.)

[San Jose Guayabal]

The Prime Minister of San Jose Guayabal, Julian Camargo rose slowly after exhausting meetings where a possible trade agreement between San Jose Guayabal and Star United States, two nations that in previous years were characterized by having good diplomatic and social relations are analyzed not only politicians of both nations, too common and ordinary citizens of both nations, which have usually had great respect each other and friendship, to the point where there are large groups of citizens of both nations in San Jose Guayabal and Star United States respectively, Camargo sat back on the bed and began to think "I hope and this is achieved, it would be desirable for both nations reach an agreement of this magnitude," his phone rang and it was her adviser, Luisa Fernandez, who said "Premier , you will need within an hour in the conference room, it's about the revised draft free trade agreement between the two nations. "This is a great economic step for both nations where absolutely everyone would benefit if agreed upon this agreement.

According to different statistics and previous studies, it was said that a considerable amount of trade in San Jose Guayabal was headed Star United States (24% of total exports), the second most important San Jose Guayabal partner, while San Jose Guayabal performed 16% of its imports from Star United States, thus we see economic mutual value between the two nations, this also implies a constant migration flow between both nations, people in and out of both countries quickly and almost routine to work in importing, businesses of different types or even for recreation and leisure activities such as tourism and sports like mountaineering, which takes place in the mountains of San Jose Guayabal, especially in the western area which is where the great peaks are concentrated. Many or even the same Camargo wondered "And this has to do?" You have to look pretty, principally in terms of finances left by tourists in both countries, with hot spots for social reasons and friendship between the two nations. Another reason tourism is making purchases in both nations, in San José Guayabal, a good group of people decides to avoid high costs based on reasons of high taxes that help maintain the welfare state is in the nation, So go to the free zone, a place visited by tourists quite Guayabalenses is the National Mall in Jarille, known for its "low" prices compared to those of the various supermarkets in San Jose Guayabal, while some people make purchases from SUS certain objects in supermarkets only for foreigners "duty-free" in coastal cities such as Vladivostok, Concepción Batres, etc.

Camargo was aware of the fact, had great weight on his shoulders, the expectations of many traders Guayabalenses were monitoring every move or statement that conduct their counterparts in Star United States, not only traders but different associations in charge of promotion of investment, labor unions to unions executives, even tourists were pending the outcome of this agreement, Guayabalenses wanted their approval and immediate entry into force whereas Star United States is one of the favorite places many tourists Guayabalenses, although there were a lot of motivation on the other hand, workers associations, unions and groups in general were aware of the outcome of the negotiations, which were lengthening even imagined. Finally, the two leaders were much pressure behind it was an agreement that would greatly benefit both nations.

Camargo, after serious thought for a while about what to say during meetings, with a sheet of paper next to a lamp, gained momentum and conducted their activities any day, as he received another phone call, this time was a major union leaders, Carlos Martinez, leader of the National Union of Workers took the initiative and said. "Premier, worth you to sign this treaty, failure to do so would involve one of the worst mistakes that management could do, think of the consequences ..." Camargo, a little surprised asked "But what consequences?" To which the union said. "His image as a public figure would plummet more than what is already, not directly combat drug trafficking and its construction companies that serve as fronts for money laundering, a national strike called by us, to make us feel discomfort people could happen ... It would be much better to take this opportunity to wash his face and take a path that will help improve its image in great shape, "said the union while cutting the phone without listening to the Prime Minister who stayed with the words" Do not worry, we will .... Ray, took my call. "Camargo took his garments after taking a quick breakfast and headed to the Royal Hall, where he went with his escort by a busy street, cars ceded his post at the request of the police In order to expedite the passage of the prime minister, who hurriedly walked towards the meeting place where dignitaries Star United States would soon arrive, in what would be a long meeting.

SUS dignitaries arrived on time, after facing the typical chaotic traffic of San Salvador, after the typical and almost ceremonial previous encounter where both delegations have a cup of coffee, proceeded to enter and a secretary showed them both a document where appeared the FTA.

The Starian-Guayabalense Free Trade Agreement
Act of Year 1, and of 2195
A. INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The governments of The Utopian Republic of Star United States and The Constitutional Monarchy of San José Guayabal have in accordance to:
A.1. PRESERVE a free trade economical structure within both countries by exercising Free Trade.
...... A.1.1 Defining Free Trade as trade lacking any restrictions, such as tax, or quotas.

A.2. ESTABLISH a united trade market for both countries, while,

A.3. CREATING a safe atmosphere within the trading markets.

A.4. CONTRIBUTE to a more open international market, free of tariffs.

A.5. ANNUL any restrictions on trade, such as tariffs, to allow a more efficient transfer of products.

and furthermore,

A.6. FLOURISH a friendship between Star United States and San José Guayabal.

Finally,

A.7. UNITE, in cooperation, both sovereign states, under The Starian-Guayabalense Free Trade Agreement.

B. GOODS AND ADVERTISEMENTS

B.1. Products with origin outside aforementioned countries are allowed, according to the requirements:
..... B.1.1. The product must pass regulations presented by both countries.
..... B.1.2. Product respects what is presented by this agreement.
B.2. Description of Goods
..... B.2.1. All incoming good, must contain a label, that states:
..... B.2.2. Title of the object
..... B.2.3. Contents of the object
..... B.2.4. Origin of the product
..... B.2.5. Health hazards
..... B.2.6. if the product contains live (an) organism(s)

B.3. Products.
..... B.3.1. Defining Products, as anything biotic, and abiotic, and/or edible, and non-edible.
..... B.3.2. All products must not be contaminated.
..... B.3.3. Products must meet the regulations set by each respective country.

B.4. Advertisements
..... B.4.1. Both countries are open place advertisements concerning their products in the Free Trade, via posters, websites, commercials, etc.

C. LIMITATIONS

C.1. Illegal Products. With respect to both countries, the following products are considered illegal under this agreement.
C.2. With respect to Star United States, the following products may not enter the country:
..... C.2.1. Alcoholic-contained products
..... C.2.2. Adult-suited content, excluding certain products under law.
..... C.2.3. Products from all endangered animals
..... C.2.4. The government of Star United States reserves the right to add more products onto this list

C.3. With respect to San José Guayabal, the following products may not enter the country:
..... C.3.1. Explosive Products
..... C.3.2. The government of San Jose Guayabal reserved the right to add more products onto this list

C.4. Limited Products. With respect to both countries, the following products have limited under this agreement.

C.5. With respect to Star United States, the following products have limited entrance into the country:
..... C.5.1. Live animals are allowed entrance into Star United States as designated by the government
..... C.5.2. The government of Star United States reserves the right to add more products onto this list

C.6. With respect to San José Guayabal, the following products have limited entrance into the country:
..... C.6.1. Fireworks are only allowed entrance into San José Guayabal as designated by the government
..... C.6.2. The government of San José Guayabal reserves the right to add more products onto this list

D. TRANSPORTATION

D.1. Responsibility. Each respective country is responsible for the safe transfer of products.
..... D.1.1. Each country must place regulations of products being transfers via aircraft
..... D.1.2. Each country must place regulations of products being transfers via land methods
..... D.1.3. Each country must place regulations of products being transfers via ship
E. OUTSIDE INVOLVEMENT

E.1. Involvement If, for any reason, vehicles transferring products involved under this agreement are threaten by an outside force, the governments of Star United States and San José Guayabal are to act upon it accordingly.
..... E.1.1. This includes any act of war that interferes with the Starian-Guayabalense Free Trade Agreement
F. ADMINISTRATION

F.1. Regulators. The Starian-Guayabalense Free Trade Agreement shall be regulated by (D.1.2.) The Starian Department of Trade, of Commerce, and of International Affairs, as well as, (D.1.3) the Guayabalense Ministry of International Affairs, and Ministry of Commerce.
G. AMENDMENTS

G.1. Amendments shall be annexed as long as both sides of the parties agree.
Therefore, the Starian-Guayabalense Free Trade Agreement is presented, approved, and passed by the governments of The Utopian Republic of Star United States and The Constitutional Monarchy of San José Guayabal.


Hereby signed by,
Representatives of Star United States:
Luciano Avana, President of Star United States
Andréia Guerra, Director of the Department of Trade
Rodolfo Nieves, Director of the Department of Commerce
Benjamim Rios, Director of the Department of International Affairs

Representatives of San José Guayabal:
Queen Margaret I, Queen of San José Guayabal
Julián Camargo, Prime Minister
Mirna Servellón, Minister of International Affairs
Ruslan Kerzhakov, Minister of Commerce

After reading carefully the FTA both delegations, the presidents of San José Guayabal and Star United States proceeded to take a special pen for then occasion and signed their copy of the FTA, with that, a new era of cooperation and friendliness between San José Guayabal and Star United States, according to the premier Camargo, who waved and left to do a public speech on the National Broadcasting Channel of San José Guayabal, GTV. His staff did the adequate things in order to make him to see more elegant for the TV broadcasting.

Camargo made a movement in order to say that he is ready to appear, the TV director made a signal with his fingers, 5...4...3...2...1...0, Camargo said "Good morning fellow citizens of the Kingdom, I feel glad to say that we have started a new era on our friendly relationship between us and our fellow nation of Star United States, after days of extremely careful planification, we have signed a FTA in order to make business something easier between both nations, this will benefit us and them to create a good environment full of peace, prosperity and development for everybody, and I sincerely expect that we will try to achieve in a future a free agreement of free circulation to both nation citizens in our two nations, this will help us to finish unnecessary bureaucracy to the nation who sends more tourists to this nation, thank you and have a nice day."

[Electrum]

Leader's Debate, Part 2

Janine Connell: Welcome back. Onto our first question, and it comes from Twitter user GBNMiller24, and it asks, "What should be the government's economic agenda and future direction?" Alright then, we'll start with opening statements.

Jane McCallahan (Liberty Party): It's been a golden two decades for Electrum, and we've just started going into turbulent times. We've had one of the highest records of year-on-year economic growth to late -- 23 years uninterrupted growth, but with rising uncertainty, we need to have action, and we need to do it now. What we recommend is an immediate tax cut to all businesses, especially the small ones, so that they can operate more efficiently and stay afloat. Once we do that, we can then keep more people employed, and keep spending. We can't explore other options because they simply cost too much money, and it's money that we don't have. The situation is critical.

Laina Li (Country Living Party): I think we should be instead, closing our economy off from the world. It is clear that the multiverse's economy has been slowing down, and that has affected the way we do business here. I say we should be more protectionist, and start making our own stuff, like the olden days. I feel like once we start our own production, and reboot the car industry, then we can truly be independent, and not have to rely on the multiverse, fixing our economy.

Alan Rickus (Electrum Nationalist Party): We need to get real people. The true problem isn't the multiverse's trend towards recession, but is in fact immigrants. Time and time again, immigrants are coming to our country and taking the peoples jobs, and depressing the average wage level. I say we need to stop all immigration to Electrum immediately, it's far too expensive, and they are a drain our health services, our education and whatever. Through this way, we can cut our spending, and save it up for the future.

Cynthia Suarez (Labour Party): As Prime Minister, we have already started the progress in kickstarting the economy. We have decided to guarantee all loans on banks, so that they are not run out, and we have given out a stimulus package of a thousand Synergies per person, so that they can spend it on whatever they like. This is all about generating demand and production. Then, we have invested in new infrastructure in our schools, roads and hospitals, so that we employ more construction workers, and make our economy more efficient. We have a safe and sensible plan, and our years of surplus can finally be used on a rainy day.

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): We have repeated this repeatedly, over and over again. We should look forward to clean energy and the innovation that can bring to our nation. We need to look at the ultra-long-term, and it's all about sustainable means of production. Over and over, we've ignored climate change -- which ultimately brings higher sea levels, more disasters, desertification, erosion, less rainfall and more. This is all detrimental to our economy. We must put a stop to it, and by giving tax incentives to clean energy companies, we can make a real difference. We also support anti-austerity measures, and applaud Labour for their stimulus policy, but we don't think it goes far enough. We should give more money to consumers, as well as raise taxes to companies, as they have been avoiding our tax system for a long time.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): I completely agree with Laina here, we need to reclaim our economy by making ourselves insular. There's no way that free trade and liberalisation will work. We must cut our spending and live within our means. We've maxed out the credit card, and we've spent far too much money giving it out like free candy. We must take control back from our country.

Nick Wood (Conservative Party): The Labour, Liberty and Greens Alliance has been a massive failure in this regard. They have spent the money that we have willingly saved over the past, and it's been a complete waste. We need to implement austerity measures immediately, because we cannot afford to go into debt! It will be a spiral of debt, and we won't be able to pull out of it. The Conservatives can be trusted on our fiscal policy, and our generation will be worse off than generations before. We need tax cuts to our large businesses, and we need to reduce spending. That way, we can get back out of our debt again.

Sam Myers (PSP): Oh Nick Wood, how you like to scare monger! What I'd like to say is that debt is not necessarily a bad thing at all, and in fact is an indicator that other nations are willing to invest and put their money in our nation. Debt in times of crisis is helpful for governments to reenergise aggregate demand, so that more demand leads to more production, which means people stay employed rather than worst off. It is just pitiful that you want to implement austerity measures, when we've seen that happen throughout the multiverse. We don't want strikes and protests every second day do we? Spending money is the right way of getting out of our economic mess, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Janine Connell: It's time to open the debate.

Laina Li (Country Living Party): I can't just believe everyone here. We need to recognise that globalisation is a problem, not a solution to our economic problems. The reason why we were dragged into recession in the first place was that the entire world had it, and we were dragged down along with it. All you parties are exactly the same. We and the Family Principles Party believe in propping up our local industries rather than lining the pockets of the overseas businessmen. Let's keep jobs here.

Jane McCallahan (Liberty Party): You fool! You don't know anything about economics, don't you! You do realise that opening up our economy does lead to more efficiency in the long run, because we have increased competition with our own firms from overseas, forcing them to work more harder. We can then specialise in the industries rather than the ones that are failing us. Although I do admit, we need to lower our minimum wage substantially.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): Yes we should, but the main point is, we still have to sustain these jobs here in Electrum, it's the only way that we can have men as the breadwinners of our society, and let them provide for our families. These jobs need to stay here, we can't let them be shipped off, even if for the sake of efficiency.

Sam Myers (PSP): What a pathetically backwards view on our society.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): It's true, is it not?

Alan Rickus (Electrum Nationalist Party): Well of course it is, families form part of the backbone of society, and everyone knows that men makes more money than women.

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): No it's not, you right wing rednecks. Let me tell you something Madeline, the whole nation is sick and tired of you saying that our morals are being broken.

Janine Connell: Sorry everyone, but could we stick to the question?

Nick Wood (Conservative Party): See everyone, this is why you don't vote for the minor parties. They are single-issue parties who want to leech of our vote. They are obstructionist, and we always have minority governments as a result. What I say to you, the voter, is that you vote for the party with the economic track record. Let's put this country back on track.

Cynthia Suarez (Labour Party): What, by slashing funding for health and education? You need to get real, Nick. Austerity and cost-cutting is unfair to the average citizen. Workers, people of Electrum, you can stand by the Labour Party to protect our health system, and our education. There's no way we're letting these people gut the essential services that we've worked hard to maintain.

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): That's right. The stimulus package that we supported, has shown that we can regenerate demand in the economy, thus allowing growth to continue despite the circumstances. The whole multiverse is in fiscal disaster, and you want to worry about cutting things? For shame Nick Wood, for shame. I say we need to invest in new and innovative green technologies such as wind power and solar power, so that we can get ahead of the pack and start a new booming industry for our nation, boosting our economy.

Jane McCallahan (Liberty Party): Now we caution against this. Whilst I respect you as our coalition partner, we do not agree with it at all. The government should not be subsidising or incentivising anything -- government intervention is bad. We should let markets decide what things they want to fund, as they are the actors that allocate resources the most efficiently in our economy.

Laina Li (Country Living Party): These wind turbines ruin the agricultural farm land of our farmers, we're wasting raw arable land for these wind farms which serve no purpose at all.

Alan Rickus (Electrum Nationalist Party): And not to mention that wind turbines are dangerous to people's health!

Sam Myers (PSP): BZZT. Wrong. As a rationalist, it's clear from the scientific effect is that people just think they are being harmed by wind turbines when that is clearly not the case. You need to look at the facts more carefully. As the leader of the Party Party Party-Surprise Party-Pirate Party alliance, it's clear that we cannot take these major parties seriously anymore. They are all irrational in their thinking, and it's no wonder. It seems like half of them never even graduated from university!

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): Oh will you stop talking please, you're such a bore.

Sam Myers (PSP): Look who's talking, Ms. against violence and sexual education. Only idiots would believe in the Church of Iesus Christus -- and here's an idea, why not we tax religious organisations? They have billions of Synergies, and we can take some of it to repair our budget. It's time that they paid a fair share of the taxes too.

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): Oh someone, won't someone please think about the environment? Our whole multiverse is going to burn if we don't do something!

Cynthia Suarez (Labour Party): What we support is a plan to provide funding for clean energy firms. Firms bid their projects to the government, and the one that increases the most efficiency in terms of carbon emissions gets funded.

Nick Wood (Conservative Party): I see more money going down the guzzler...

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): Whilst I appreciate that at least you have an environmental policy Cynthia, what we really need is incentives and taxes. I say we should propose a carbon tax, a tax on carbon emissions.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): Well we won't be supporting it, because we don't believe in climate change at all. It's simply a lie manufactured by the green-energy industry so that we can buy their stuff and make them get a quick buck. I'm having none of it.

Sam Myers (PSP): Oh wow Madeline, what a conspiracy theory, eh?

Laina Li (Country Living Party): In any case, we should stick to the Conservative's plan of saving money. We need to keep this money for the future, and this irresponsible and reckless spending by the Labour Party will push our budget into deficit, and once that is done, we may not recover from the deficit.

Alan Rickus (Electrum Nationalist Party): Hold on, hold on. On one side we have the PSP, Greens, and the Labour Party saying that spending money is alright, and then we have the Family Principles, Conservatives, and the Country Party against spending money? Come on, can we get real here? People are tired of the bickering, and not one of the parties has recognised that immigration is the real issue here. They are using our services at no cost to them, and they don't even pay taxes at all. This is just a drain on the economy as I've repeatedly stated.

Sam Myers (PSP): Firstly, what a big exaggeration, secondly...

Alan Rickus (Electrum Nationalist Party): It's true is it not? They are coming here, taking our jobs, taking our services, not paying taxes...

Jane McCallahan (Liberty Party): No it's not. And I'll tell you why immigration is a good thing. They help fill up gaps in our economy, especially for jobs that we have a shortage of, for who else would do the jobs that no one wants to do? Secondly, they have to buy stuff too! This increases demand overall in our economy, helping with economic activity and growth. So really, they are driving the economy.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): Are you sure we want to dilute the Electrum identity even more? They come here with strange religions and cultures, and they do not assimilate at all.

Marco Lombardi (Greens Society): What a racist thing to say, and it's good to see that you're here, so that we can criticise you live on national television. Everyone, do not listen to Madeline Wright at all. She is a crazy lunatic who will do anything for your votes.

Madeline Wright (Family Principles Party): Well I never! This is why everyone, that the Greens Society cannot be truste--

Cynthia Suarez (Labour Party): It's time that we embrace positive politics. That was our slogan last election. And it's plain to see that everyone starts bickering at the first opportunity. Our vision for Electrum is to increase immigration at a sustainable rate, because we realise the economic impact they have on our nation. It's no wonder why immigrants are coming here. They want to share in our riches, and we're perfectly fine with that.

Nick Wood (Conservative Party): That's just a bit much. We support a quota, with a certain percentage of our intake comprised of refugees and family reunions. Otherwise, to come here, you're going to need some kind of skill that Electrum needs, or we're not going to play ball with you.

Janine Connell: Thank you all for your responses. After the break, we will be discussing the health system of Electrum. We'll be back soon.

[The Royal Barangay]

The Barangayan Star Office
Sangti, The Royal Barangay

Roman and Sonia were having a talk in their office at the third floor of a shopping mall in nearby Sangti, while watching the match between the Agilang Dilaw and the Comrades which is being broadcast in the television.

Kickoff (TRB 0-0 CIA)

Roman: Sonia, that was a great article! (refers to their article)

Sonia: Oh, don't flatter me. It was you who did most of the work there, I just needed to supply more information regarding our opponents. Well, let's guess scorelines then.

Roman: I would go for a 4-1 win for the Agilang Dilaw. How about you?

Sonia: Well, I'd go for a 4-4 draw again, but who knows?

Roman: If I win, then you have to treat me to a lunch.

Sonia: And what if I win?

Roman: Then you could do whatever you want.

Sonia: Hm, you'll be in a bunny costume for the group draw of the World Cup or the Cup of Harmony or even the Runner Cup.

Roman: Deal.

Sonia: But well hey, why is the trigram there 'AGD' on the scoreboard of the Carialus broadcast?

Roman: Who knows, maybe their government banned our nation name from their broadcasts.

As goals flew by throughout the match, TRB having scored six and Carialus scoring three, the cameras focused on a sack of potatoes with a Carialus keeper shirt on it. The assistants of the Carialus team carried the sack to the Carialus goal, replacing their starting keeper Alexander Kroscen. Sonia and Roman were shocked, and there was a deafening silence throughout the room.

Sonia: Well, that was unexpected.

Roman: Ha, I'll bet four more goals, those sack of potatoes ain't do anything between the sticks.

Sonia: Look, the forwards aren't even trying to score more goals.

Roman: Look, Daren will score this time.

Sonia: His shots were all grounders, so...

The ball hits the potato keeper, and no goal was scored.

Sonia: ...see? I told you.

Roman: ...

The editor in chief suddenly entered the office.

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Guys, I have a news for you to scoop. It's between the KPMB and Libertad. But before that... I would have a word with you, Roman. Follow me to my office right away.

Roman: But...

EDITOR IN CHIEF: NOW!!!

[Yttribia]

Lampshades of Fire - Modest Mouse

Ten teams will feel the life-long goal of qualifying to the biggest sporting event in the multiverse. The other ten teams will be forced to go home disappointed, sans World Cup berth. Where will you fall, under these lampshades of fire?

PLAYOFF LEG TWO CUTOFF

[Nephara]

AUDIOSLAVIA
by Gethin Seagall

Summary
The Bulls are, well, the Bulls. Yes, they stuttered in qualification. Yes, they lost the AOCAF Final 5-2 to Valanora. And yes, this is an experimental squad for them for a coach still feeling out his team. But Audioslavia are first seeds for a reason, will always consider themselves potential winners and, without a doubt, will back themselves to win this group.

Qualifying Run
Pretty terrible. Audioslavia was on course to miss the finals altogether until a switch of manager to Alexander Kirk was made, and he hauled them over the line. Helped, to be fair, by Cosumar stumbling. Finished 9-4-1.

Key Player
Ronda Jude Styrn, arguably the best player in the world, is at the forefront of the Bulls' front three and for good reason - a fox in the box with a terrier's persistence and a cheetah's pace. At 5'5", she's perhaps not an aerial threat - particularly not near Belfast, Marlowe and Ballard - but as long as the ball is less than a foot from the ground, she can do something terrifying with it. Starts chances, finishes chances, needs to be marked to within an inch of her life.

Weak Link
At a stretch, Sean Patterick. The latest Audioslavian attempt to find a fitting successor to Kajaxo Imaslavii, Patterick's won the starting role from Rollins under the new manager. Rollins might have been a reliable and at times spectacular shot-stopper, but rumours of crippling anxiety perhaps bled onto the pitch. And not in the going-to-prove-everyone-wrong-48-hours-after-being-hospitalised Catheline Stockinger way. Just in the really-bad-with-set-pieces way. It's yet to be seen if 22-year old Patterick can do better, but he's definitely been thrust into the spotlight, arguably before he was ready.

Strengths
The class of this team is top-drawer, if not quite the best national team present - but what sets Audioslavia apart is their ability to overcome adversity and drag themselves over the line. Their qualifying run was a microcosm of their history in football - come hell or high water, they will find a way to triumph in the end.

Weaknesses
While it isn't exactly the most relevant piece of news for the Cormorants, who play Audioslavia first, the Bulls might be forgiven for wanting a little more strength in depth. Promising teenagers like Fokke-Rommedahl, Buonocunto and Landhuis are going to be blooded this tournament, perhaps getting minutes against later group opponents, but if they're suddenly dropped into a big semi-final it could be a disaster. Five other players were uncapped by the start of qualifying as well - that includes Patterick in goal.

Prediction
Audioslavia will rightfully consider themselves favourites to win the group, and should make the semi-finals.

NEPHARA
by Theodora Kenway

Summary
The Cormorants enter the World Cup in blazing form, with thirteen straight wins (equalling a national record) under their belt. Tess Riether has not only stabilised a squad in turmoil, she seems more or less to have fixed it, and the damn thing's certainly back on track at last.

Qualifying Run
After so many problems with qualifying in the past, it's so refreshing to say that the Cormorants had the best qualifying record out of any of the hundred and sixty nations. Which... really is a staggeringly impressive stat, when you think about it. 1st from 160. Either way, despite opening on a 4-2 defeat to the Royal Barangay (who were the best of all the second-placed teams) Nephara chalked up thirteen straight wins to breeze into the World Cup without drama, for once.

Key Player
Elaine Ashdown's been playing her heart out, breaking into the first team and never letting go. Riether has a very firm respect for her, and sees her as the future captain of the side. Gives the team fantastic passing range, a threat from distance and a winning mentality.

Weak Link
Rightback's been a problem position historically for the Cormorants. Sasha Christener won her place in the starting XI during qualifying, but it's unknown how the Sabrefell Moths fullback will cope with truly world-class talent. She's a good, pacey player, but best on the attack - is she up to the task of marking Aitor Jovellanos?

Strengths
The form of the team is the strongest of any team, and that is, as usual, owed to the pace, power and ruthlessness in front of goal that Nephara has always relied upon. Rowland and Cathar have both proven capable partners to Kurtis Quinn, a late bloomer for club and country but a striker who can make the best of any position, somehow always finding a way to get off a shot no matter how much space he has.

Weaknesses
And yet, the Cormorants were uncharacteristically shaky in defence throughout qualifying. Riether insists there was an intentional focus on attack to avoid scoreless stalemates against weaker sides, but is that really the case? Or is Tosca Marlowe simply not the player she was four years ago? Nephara needs her to be at her best.

Prediction
Nephara are likely going to come second. They're too strong for the chasing pack - Audioslavia, one would think, too strong for the Cormorants. But that shouldn't stop them from a quarterfinal finish.

BLOUMAN EMPIRE
by Kay Forrester

Summary
The Empire's one of those sides you sort of expect to see in the World Cup, but they're yet to make a significant impact. The Atlantian Oceanic nation is an insular, inflexible side, but one man's stagnation is another man's consistency - they're no pushovers, but they are seriously going to struggle to get out of the group.

Qualifying Run
Second in their group with a 10-1-3 record, holding off tough competition from Ceni and Zenic. Made hard going against Chiata in the playoffs, winning 2-1 on aggregate.

Key Player
Veteran Steven Mallard is the midfield anchor that steads the Empire in safe waters - the sort of player with definite potential to thrive overseas. He should prove his worth for the Empire against tough opposition, acting as both destroyer and playmaker in equal measure.

Weak Link
Jacob Kleeza at leftback is less than convincing, strong but technically limited and not likely to go racing up the pitch anytime soon. Not a player of World Cup standard, and opponents might find that flank a strong avenue of attack.

Strengths
Spirited, strong and with a firm sense of continuity, the Empire are a side whose FA has no ties to UICA, nor have any of their players been signed overseas. It's not the best way to nurture individual players, but it's always capable of forging surprisingly strong teams, all stemming from the same culture and playing on the same wavelength. Looking at them on paper, it's easy to dismiss the Empire. But football's not played on paper, and underestimating a side like this is a death sentence. There's more than one way to skin a cat, and judging by the fact that they're here, this way works for them.

Weaknesses
They're a squad of runners and fighters, not technicians. The real talents of the taem are Tuneson in goal, Alpin in defence, Mallard in midfield and Harrison up front, with everyone else offering mostly muscle and workrate to supplement them. The loss of any of those four would be a disaster for them.

Prediction
One suspects the Empire can find a draw or two, but they aren't likely to progress through the group. Group stage exit.

KANDORITH
by Rowena Mason

Summary
An insular squad, but one that's proven themselves with their performances against the Equestrian States and Buyan recently. They're the only team in the group Nephara's played before, winning at home and losing away in The Qualifying Campaign That Shall Not Be Named.

Qualifying Run
Involved in the three-way tie in the first three places of Group 4 - came second despite their psychotically high goal tally of 47, edged Buyan out of the Cup in the process, and thumped Darvale 6-2 in the playoffs.

Key Player
Méng Zeijí might be the star striker on paper, but he's reliant on Minzheng Shéng to craft him those chances - the rare sight these days of a true support striker, unselfish to the core and a silky passer while also being dangerous from a dead ball.

Weak Link
With first-choice goalkeeper Wú injured, man for the future Jianjian Tuan is in goal. But with a defence like this, on an occasion like this, the Red Dragons don't need the man of the future. They need the man of the now.

Strengths
Look, it might not be the best journalism, but have you seen Kandorith play? They love to go forward and get goals, scoring 53 over the cycle so far. That's 3.3 goals per game. While somewhat reliant on Méng Zeijí as an outlet, they have the quality to supply anyone at the head of that midfield diamond. They're also picked for pace - most of their squad is fast enough to cause any defence troubles, even the Kandorese defenders.

Weaknesses
Defending isn't really in the Kandorese textbook. At all. The focus for their defenders is more to press high and get the ball forward, and it's rare to seem them actually, well, defending. The quality of their squad is definitely in the front half of the pitch, too.

Prediction
Kandorith showed serious grit to get here, and might well beat the Blouman Empire - but matches against Audioslavia and Nephara on neutral ground could be punishing. Group stage exit.

GROUP ROUNDUP
by Cassandra Budweiser

Group A
Felix as hosts face Valladares, among the toughest second seeds. Barunia are a strong side, but the group draw was unkind for them. All three, however, should handily defeat Falcus. Felix and Valladares look evenly-matched, and it's likely to come down to avoiding dropping points to the Suns.

Group B
The most likely candidate for a Group of Death this Cup, boasting the toughest fourth seeds in Apox (and it beggars belief that they're fourth seeds in the first place), one of the title favourites in Osarius, the Equestrian States looking to reclaim old glories and a Unified Sunrise Islands side looking to . It could honestly pan out any way, though you'd still fancy Osarius in the top two somewhere, but Apox are surely set to stop the rot by now and might just break through this dead-even group.

Group C
The Holy Empire should take the group, with the Holy Republican Empire hoping to take third with their usual young, cocky squad - but in the Royal Barangay they have a team that performed very strongly in qualifying and looks resurgent. For all this, it's the Calanian Union that should seize the relative openness of the group and break into the knockout stages - with the strides the LigAnaia has taken recently, their team's looking stronger than ever.

Group D
As above, general consensus has Audioslavia in first and Nephara below them, possibly only on goal difference. The Blouman Empire and Kandorith are respectable sides but will struggle to break the four-point mark.

Group E
Yttribia will rely on their home advantage to give them an edge over a group that rests on a knife-edge. Eura are a reluctant pick to edge the co-hosts and top the group, but it's never wise to discount a Farfadillis side that's been infused with a certain amount of Polarian cynicism. A small certain amount - it's still Farfadillis. A fascinating three-horse race, with the debuting Star United States hoping to scrape a draw from someone. One senses they aren't worth writing off just yet, but their chances of making the next round are remote at best.

Group F
Legalese and Turori will hope to secure the group handily between them, with neither Super-Llamaland nor Gloriax (despite the latter's impressive record in qualifying) likely to get more than a word in edgeways.

Group G
Pasarga should secure top spot without a fuss and gaze loftily over the three teams scrapping for second - Ko-oren the favourites, but the Sarian will hope to capitalise on recent strides made while the golden generation of Brenecia gets one last chance to shine before the lustre fades.

Group H
The Polar Islandstates should wrap the group up, while in light of the comparitive qualifying campaigns each team has had Vilita should back themselves to edge the Royal Kingdom of Quebec. Plucky Nova Anglicana definitely have the potential to play spoiler, though.

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

There was nothing like a World Cup.
At least, that was what Tess Riether had been told. She'd never been to one, but even then, watching on the television was an experience. 59 had been the first she'd seen, in her early twenties. All she could think while she watched it on a grainy monochrome television in her uni dorm was; 'Why aren't we in this?'
And now here she was on the short flight to Felix, sharing a plane with the best 23 players in the country. The ones she'd picked. It had been hard to tell the likes of Cheney Bittencourt or Seb Seward that their time had come, especially for those that had waited on standby without ever being used, but that was the life. You had to be ruthless sometimes.
Sometimes you had to be the same way about tradition, too. Fortunately, they hadn't had to be. For the first time in the Cormorants' history, they faced a double kit-clash, with home green and away terracotta rather inconveniently clashing with Audioslavian green and terracotta stripes. While there had been concerns that their Audioslavia-based kitmakers would create a 'helpful' third kit, such as a yellow shirt with 'GO BULLS!' plastered along it in pink writing, they ultimately made a last-minute rerun of those old original blue away kits. 'The jagged ones', as people still fondly recalled the design. It was a nice little nod to the past, particularly for those who could still remember wearing those shirts - Hadrian Belfast, Michael Brandon and Rook Cathar.
She looked over at them now, all sitting to her left - all in a row of four, with Tosca Marlowe sandwiched between Belfast and Brandon. Her dependable veterans, all in their thirties, all still eager to contribute. Wiser heads like them, like Keith Rowland and Reece Coleman playing cards behind her... it could be the last tournament for all six of them.
And to her right, Isadora Caravella reassuring her Brimstone teammate Catheline Stockinger, never at her best on flights. Sasha Christener tapping impatiently on the window. At least the future was bright.
"You look pensive, guv," said bright young Auburn Bywater beside her. It would be her last tournament, too. Riether, privately, was still sad about that.
"Mmh. Just thinking."
"Relax... the match against Audioslavia's ages away."
"Relaxing is harder than you saying relax, Auburn. Particularly given I want to beat Audioslavia."
"Any plans yet?"
Riether chuckled. "Yeah. Play our best team and do our usual thing - few more high crosses, though - and keep Hadrian on Styrn."
"What if Styrn's too quick?"
"I'll... wish I'd brought Dan Kruse."
"Hm."
Riether shrugged. "Brescia's a good runner. Kieran, too. I've got options on the bench."
"So... what is your best team? Mike or Logan? Rook or Keith?"
"I... don't know, yet."
"Tosca or-"
"Oh, you've been reading the papers, too?"
"... Tess, I'm gonna work for them soon enough."
"Yeah, it's gonna be Tosca and Hadrian. Just 'cause they haven't been a hundred percent airtight during qualification doesn't mean they're suddenly not my number 5 and 6."
"Sasha wears 19 but-"
"You take my point. They're one of the strongest defensive partnerships in international football, and I'd be insane to throw that away." Riether smiled. "Besides, it'll be a special day for the lass."
"Oh?"
"That'll be her hundred and thirty-eighth cap. She's going to overtake Stokes for the appearance record."
Bywater looked shocked. "Christ."
"Yeah." Riether glanced over to the Treason centreback, currently lounging back in her seat, headphones in and eyes closed. "I have faith in her. In the whole squad."
"You know what, Tess?"
"Yeah?"
"This... feels good. I've never gone into a tournament feeling this way. Not even the ones we've won. You've really turned things around, and... I just feel like it's ours for the taking this time. Carpe diem, y'know?"
"Tch. Save it for the tearful farewell, Auburn. We're not done yet..."

[Ko-oren]

Group G

Pasarga
Wanderers
5th prior to WC Qualification
Jullian van Setten, known for a balanced approach, lets his team play 4-4-2 under captain Jan Macík.

The Wanderers were in a two horse race in Group 8 with Bears Armed, but a 2-2 draw and a 3-1 victory ensured Pasarga's first place. With 11 victories and three draws, the Wanderers have yet to lose in this World Cup campaign. With 38 goals scored they have the most productive offence in this World Cup finals group, and combined with their ranking they are the obvious favourites for clinching a Round of 16 spot.

The Sarian
Bustards
26th prior to WC Qualification
Daniel Bauer is the architect behind this team, utilising an attacking (but fluid) 4-3-3 and William Peters as the skipper in defence.

The Sarian is the only team in this group that secured a World Cup spot through the playoffs, ousting Electrum with a 2-0 home win and an impressive 3-5 away win. They reached the playoffs from Group 5, an early decided group with a clear winner (Vilita) and a clear runner up (The Sarian). Their deciding games against Vilita ended in a 1-0 loss late in the campaign after a disheartening 0-5 loss to the Atlantian Oceanians.

Brenecia
Patriots
31st prior to WC Qualification
Catherine Bardsley, molding her team into a more attacking mindset, plays 4-3-3 with Erin Camden leading the squad on the field.

Brenecia won 10 out of 14 games, over higher seeds the Holy Republican Empire. These two teams dominated this group, goalwise, with Brenecia scoring more and conceding less than any other team in the group nonetheless. The more interesting clashes for the Patriots were those against the HRE, and these ended in 1-1 (MD1) and a 6-3 victory (MD8).

Ko-oren
Dragonflies
11th prior to WC Qualification
Darius Fitzpatrick is a new head coach that left the national team as he found it, with a very defensive 5-4-1 and Katanmak Juliasterinthen as the captain.

Ko-oren has the same record as Pasarga, but a much better defensive record. In return, they scored less than any team in Group G. The Greenblues finished first by a large margin for their sixth World Cup appearance, and we don't want to jinx anything, but they definitely can give Pasarga a run for their money.

Schedule
Matchday 1:
Pasarga - Ko-oren (Pasarga K$2.40, Ko-oren K$3.10, Draw K$3.90)
The Sarian - Brenecia (The Sarian K$5.95, Brenecia K$2.10, Draw K$3.95)

Matchday 2:
Ko-oren - Brenecia (Ko-oren K$1.90, Brenecia K$6.40, Draw K$4.85)
Pasarga - The Sarian (Pasarga K$1.25, The Sarian K$11.00, Draw K$6.70)

Matchday 3:
The Sarian - Ko-oren (The Sarian K$9.15, Ko-oren K$1.50, Draw K$5.95)
Brenecia - Pasarga (Brenecia K$4.55, Pasarga K$2.10, Draw K$3.75)

Qualification
All that's left is to say goodbye to another wonderful cycle of qualification football. As always, it's not going to be words, it's going to be boring statistics. Let's record these names in the fast forgotten chapters of World Cup 71:

Best offence - 47 goals (Kandorith, Unified Sunrise Islands, Barunia)
Worst offence - 3 goals (Sovereign-Socialist Republics)
Strongest defence - 4 goals (Chiata)
Weakest defence - 50 goals (Peace Republic)
Best Goal Difference - +30 (The Holy Empire)
Worst Goal Difference - -32 (Peace Republic)
Most goals in a group - 258 (Group 12: Unified Sunrise Islands, Nova Anglicana, Kalumba, Omerica)
Least goals in a group - 145 (Group 2: Holy Empire, Gregoryisgodistan, Jeru FC, Maklohi Vai)
No win teams - Nurkama, Adoxinia, Windsor Islands, Seventeen Syllables, Nethertopia, Peace Republic, Eupheos Anetus, Nikolaos
Perfect teams - N/A
Unbeaten teams - The Holy Empire, Equestrian States, Pasarga, Polar Islandstates, Ko-oren
Best record - Nephara: 39p, +26GD
Worst record - Adoxinia: 1p, -31GD
Worst qualifier - Royal Kingdom of Quebec: 27p, +15GD
Best non-qualifier - Bears Armed: 33p, +24GD
Best of the worst (best last placed team) - Ndaku: 9p, -14GD
Biggest win - 8-2 (twice) or 6-0 (six times)
Most goals in one match - 5-7 Thatius-Sargossa

[Pasarga]

Torgos Tribune ~ The Torch Is Lit

Welcome one and all to the Finals of the World Cup and to the Wanderers best chance at a run to the Final of the World Cup itself, but let us not get ahead of ourselves quite yet. The Wanderers are here thanks to a qualifying where they never tasted defeat, although thrice they were held to a draw keeping the Wanderers from having a perfect record. That being said, it was a very solid showing from the Wanderers during the qualifiers, befitting of their top five ranking in the world and as a growing giant in the game. No longer just satisfied at being one of the better squads in Rushmore or indeed in the greater footballing world, the Wanderers are now looking to be among the best if not crowned the best by the time that the Finals are over.

Standing in there way is a group that seems quite straightforward to most outside observers for the Wanderers, as they will be taking on the Atlantian Oceania outfit of Ko-oren, the Esportivan outfit of The Sarian, as well as Brenecia. With this World Cup being played in Esportiva, you can expect to see The Sarian receive a massive boost to their fans in the stands during the tournament, no doubt a huge benefit and giving them hopes of escaping the group with some good results on top of their budding status in the game. Ko-oren on the other hand I think will serve as the biggest obstacle to the Wanderers in the group despite not having that same "home" support that The Sarian will enjoy. Any squad that has to bloody itself in the AOCAF against the likes of Vilita, Audioslavia, and Valanora has to be tough and ready to perform at the highest caliber, even if they are not among the higher echelons of the AO contingent.

Unfortunately, neither the Wanderers nor Ko-oren will get a chance to see how their squads are adjusting to the Esportivan surroundings before they play one another, with having been drawn to play each other on the first matchday. In a weird state of affairs, Ko-oren betting houses have Pasarga as the favorites for the match when one would think that they might instead favor their home nation. That said, I say look to the middle of the roster to see the Wanderers through, with Möller, Mór, and Taahira forming a solid spine for the squad. Can the Ko-oren squad handle Möller, a world class striker, even as he ages and will be having his international retirement at the end of the Finals? If they can, will that focus leave Müller free to show that the family magic is not just in the heradled Tobias but also in his shoes and Mór the magician in the middle playing both set up man and a possible finisher himself.

The Sarian will get the second shot at the Wanderers and Brenecia obviously will be the side the squad will meet on the last matchday, where upon hopefully the Wanderers will have already secured their advancement. Both The Sarian and Brenecia are obviously talented squads but they lack the experience in major international tournaments of the highest caliber, which becomes a major factor when you get to The Finals. It proves so time and time again, that the first trip or two to the Finals is met with limited success but once you have that experience, your odds and results improve greatly. The Wanderers had to endure those initial disappointments before they groomed their squad to where it is now and now it is looking beyond the group and what may lay beyond.

[Barunia]

"The final game for World Cup Qualifying for these two teams is under way, and this is a big game. Barunia of course need a win to stay on top of the group and ensure their place in the final thirty, while Zenic will be playing for pride and those all important ranking points."

The commentator's voice boomed out over Federation Park in downtown Porthaven, causing many passing drivers to jump unexpectedly. In the park, thousands of Barunians held their breath as the game began on the big screen.

"Ayaode tries to work it through, back heels it, and it's Kun-Woo with the first goal! Seok Kun-Woo with a powerful driving shot puts Zenic in the lead!"

In a pub in Woodvale, a fist slams into the bar as a collective groan arises from the room. Behind the counter, the tiny television on the wall seems to mock the disappointed viewers as it happily shows the goal twice more.

"Berry down the wing, she doubles back, great cross finished off by Manzana at the far post! We're back to level here at Manacus.."

Forty nautical miles off the coast of Marion, the skipper of a fishing trawler pauses to turn up the volume on his radio in time to hear the score repeated. He leaves off steering his boat enough to shout the score down to the deck below, which elicits a momentary pause in work for a cheer from the crew.

"Sweet to Bubble, Sanchez, back to Bubble in the cent-, Bubble shoots, and in off the crossbar! My word, that was a cracker of a shot! There was nothing the defence could have done to stop that; and he wasn't even anywhere near them. He's still a mile out when he shoots. It went like a rocket too, Sagan did well to get his hands in front of goal, but it sailed over and then the crossbar helped Bubble out, and Barunia have the lead…"

On Teller Island Naval Base, the cadets' common room exploded in sound as the ball hit the ground behind the goalie. The room, designed to hold just a few sailors on rotation at a time, was fit to bursting as dozens of cadets squeezed in, all trying to see the television propped up on an old cabinet in the corner of the room. The sudden exclamation of joy caused the walls to shake, and in the room below two members of staff observed plaster falling from the ceiling…

"Quinn goes down as Ayaode slides one under Bainbridge, and in! Zenic are level! The Suns are protesting for the apparent foul on Quinn, but the referee isn't budging…"

In a lounge room in Odessa, a young boy swears at the television, bringing a swift admonishment from his mother. Next door, the parents of Pedro Quinn watch anxiously as they wait for the cameras to show their son. Time seems to stand still, and a brief shot of the assistant referee preparing a board with the numbers "23, 36" causes them to fear the worst. Mrs Quinn's sigh of relief is audible to everyone as Pedro walks unassisted off the field.

"Manzana tries for goal, Marshall blocks, Winton hoofs it in, scores! Well, what a time to score for your country! The captain comes from behind to support the play, ends up putting Barunia in front and making a strong case for the World Cup…"

In Delmars, former Barunian captain Harry Centena gave a cheer as he watches the game on his mobile phone. Around him, strangers stare, and he remembers that he is in a local park with his daughter Molly. Molly laughs at his reaction, and he puts the phone away to go and push her chair around to the duckpond. While Molly throws chunks of bread at the ducks though, the phone comes back out…

"Reno charging forward, this looks a promising attack, lays off to Manzana, goal! Surely that's it now, Barunia are going to the world cup, and who else would it be to get them there but Miguel Manzana…"

In Blackrock Stadium in Newland, the goal was broadcast on the massive screens that hung over the pitch. In the stands below, 15,000 fans rose as one, in a riotous eruption of sound and colour, a mass of joyous humanity clad in blue, yellow, and red…

"Oh, and there's the icing on the cake! Barunia 5, Zenic 2 as Manzana picks up his third, and Barunia are heading to their third world cup!"

Across Barunia, celebrations broke out. People danced in the streets, on top of their cars, and on roofs; blue and yellow flags were seen flying from office buildings, churches, and even parliament, and for twenty-four hours the entire nation partied. After eight years, Barunia were finally back where they belonged: In among the thirty-two best nations in the world!

[Brenecia]

The Brenecian squad walked out of the plane, and immediately there was the flash of cameras.
"Ugh, fuck!" groaned Fiona Berenger, averting her eyes. "I'm epileptic, you fucking paparazzi!"
Cheney Scherzer just chuckled. Slow in the first half of qualifying, he'd been on fire later on for both club and country. 19 goals in 29 games for Wye in all competitions - 14 in 26 in the league. And he'd recently become the nation's record goalscorer, netting 40 from 59, a tally bordering on the insane. "Relax, enjoy the spotlight. Remember it was just like, six old guys and one camera greeting us last time?"
"No," said Swain and Kilbane, largely in synch.
"Well, it was six old guys and one camera last time. Then we beat Felix, and... almost drew with Legalese, and then the fucking Calanians beat us but that wasn't really a surprise to anyone. Either way, we did better than anyone thought we would."
"Sure, Cheney," said Swain, wide-eyed. The Rozelle winger was, as even her friends had to admit, a little on the dim side. And definitely easily impressed by the simple relaying of facts.
"Out of our way, nerds," Seth Greig grunted as he barged through the press.
"Ms. Bardsley!" said one, neatly evading the Chatswood centreback. "Are you confident in your chances?"
"Always," said the manager, not even turning to look at him.
"Who do you think will be the fiercest team in the group?"
"Us." Bardsley brushed past him, but there were more.
"Alright, Ms. Bardsley, but what about your rivals?"
"We're taking it one game at a time," said Erin Camden, seizing on the microphone. "We're confident we can beat the Bustards and then take it from there. Now if you don't mind, we have just landed..."

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
"Brenecia to win the Cup? Stranger things have happened" - Interview with Brady Monroe
by Patricia Lombard

Eleven years ago, Brady Monroe was on top of the world. Seventeen and already possessed of blistering pace and strong muscle, he was starting most games for Northern Union and had, through lineage, accepted an invitation to the Nephara U-21s to contest the Di Bradini Cup. He'd later be called up for the next, as well, despite harbouring no ambitions to wear the green and black at senior level. Everyone thought he'd be world-class.

It's still with some bitterness that Monroe recalls the injuries. "It was tough to take," he says with a wry smile. "I don't really like to think about it, even after everything that's happened since."
Two severe ACL injuries sapped him of his pace as well as two developmental years, and by the time he returned Union had no time for him. So he spent time in the Nepharim First Division with Brookford Otters and West Hook, slowly regaining his touch. "It sounds ridiculous but I'd all but forgotten how to read the game. It had never been my strong suit, and I'd gone from one of the quickest defenders in a given league to one of the slowest. I was pretty shocking in a lot of my early appearances for Brookford, had to work myself back into the swing of things."
Fortunately, he did, becoming one of the most sought-after players in the second tier fo Nephara - and Union, eventually, got him back at a 1.5-million loss. And now he has fourteen caps for his beloved Patriots, and will be expected to start alongside Orson Faulkner in the heart of defence against the Sarian.
"Well, it's important to keep perspective," says Monroe - always unusually humble for a footballer, even before his riches-to-rags-and-back story played out - but his facade cracks with a smile. "But it's hard. Playing in the World Cup? That was the last thing on my mind three years ago with West Hook, and it's crazy to have worked my way back. But that's all it was, hard work and a touch of reinvention. Was privileged to have great defence coaches all throughout who helped me improve my vision to compensate for my pace." He grins. "Lucky to have great defensive partners throughout my career, too."
The World Cup understandably seems to be a passion for the defender, and his hopes are high. "This is the strongest team we've ever had. Lot of players from the A-League, too, which is stronger than ever. It means there's been no shortage of opportunities for Brenecian talent to go abroad lately, but those that do stay aren't exactly... left behind, without opportunities. It's churning out talent regularly, now. Things are going good."
That said, there's been a lot of talk about the future... and not so much hope about the present. The thought still prevails in some circles that you can't achieve much in your first couple of World Cups.
Monroe just grinned. "People said Audioslavia wasn't going to do much after coming back from the wilderness. And look what happened to them. Crazier things have happened, y'know?"

So no shortage of ambition, then. But Monroe's under no illusions it'll be easy. He answers questions on the group opponents' capabilities quickly and breezily, from thoughts on the Sarian's narrow three-man forward line ("A unique challenge, sure, but we're ready for it, and it leaves the fullbacks dangerously free") to the prospect of being matched against Tobias Moeller ("I'll do a proper job on him"). "It's a matter of confidence, y'know, not arrogance," he clarifies. "We're underdogs, but we can make it out of this group. Believe me on that."
To listen to his clear passion for even five minutes, you can't help but believe him.

[Apox]

Jon Quillisi's Sports Column

Well, we're back. Damn right does it feel good to once again take our place as part of the biggest tournament in the multiverse, having really struggled to kick on from past successes. There is a real sense of optimism amongst the team as they head into this tournament, a feeling that, finally, we can reach the potential predicted for us by some, and that the strength of our league implies.

The team looked good in qualifying - despite the fact we finished second in our group and had to go through the play-offs (which, somehow, we won!). Tolgus Tregajorran was the man on form, scoring eight times in his eleven appearances - carrying him easily past Dravid Scott's international goalscoring record of 50 goals. Should Apox somehow contrive to reach the semi-finals (and assuming Tregajorran plays every game) he will become the second Apoxian to reach 100 international caps. Solomon Etezadi, the teams captain and lynchpin, spent qualifying demonstrating why he's one of the best centre backs in the world right now, with the team only conceding three times with Etezadi in the side. Other players, such as Ettie Seabrooke, Jack Lerryn, Kaj Aurora, Armando Quillisi and Adnan Zozula all also had excellent campaigns, and, what's more they seem to have come into the finals with their form intact.

So we've been drawn into Group B, which, to many peoples eyes, looks like it has potential to be the group of death, with us facing Osarius, Unified Sunrise Islands and Equestrian States. All four teams in the group are experienced World Cup teams and teams we've all played before, meaning this group could very well see a lot of points exchanged as all sides scrap it out for points.

Our first opponents are perhaps our favourites. Unified Sunrise Islands. They are by far the team we've faced the most in our international career as a nation and it is a tie which everyone will be hotly anticipating. It will be the two sides 16th international encounter, with the record for Apox currently standing at 4 wins, 4 draws and 7 losses. That includes a run of 4 losses on the bounce, and every Apoxian will be eager to avoid turning that into five losses in a row.

Our second opponent is Osarius, a team we've only played once before, in the Group Stages of World Cup 64, in a group which contained Audioslavia, Vilita and Osarius as well as ourselves - all teams having won the World Cup (bar us) since then, it should be stated. In that game, Osarius were actually lower ranked than us, ranked 27th to our 23rd - but they stunned us, and the group, to make a run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in a cup which changed their fortunes from qualifying side to trophy contender. As the defending champions, they will make a fearsome opponent and one we'll have to be equal to - we've faced up against and beaten top calibre opposition in the past, and wouldn't it be great if we could pull off one of the great upsets against Osarius in the Group Stage.

The third and final opponents the national team will be facing are the Equestrian States, another side with a long and storied history in the World Cup - although an opponent with not a greater deal of experience against Apoxian sides - we've only faced them once a 2-0 loss in the third Brevity Cup approximately twenty years ago now. It's safe to say both teams have changed a fair bit since then, though as the third seeds in the group they are on paper the side we are most likely to get three points against on paper. We all know it doesn't often go quite that way.

Regardless of what happens, it looks set to be one of the best World Cups this team has ever been in, and we're just desperate to get going against the Sunrisians. Come on you dragons!