World Cup 71 - RP Thread

[United States of Devonta]

Close Game
^{Devontans come back to draw against Timbermunich}

United States of Devonta 1-1 Timbermunich

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

Quick Stats:
48% Possessions, 9 Shots, 7 on goal
52% Possessions, 11 Shots, 8 on goal

Scores:
Adams (45+3')
Willy (76')

CAUTIONED: Liam (22')
EJECTED: ----NONE----

Table:

P-Group 19                                Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Brenecia                                  8    5   2   1    19    8  +11    17
2 Holy Republican Empire                    8    4   3   1    15   13   +2    15
3 United States of Devonta                  8    4   3   1    15    7   +8    15
4 Estope                                    8    4   3   1    11    5   +6    15
5 Timbermunich                              8    3   2   3     5    6   −1    11
6 Lons                                      8    2   2   4     8   15   −7     8
7 Ekoz                                      8    2   0   6     3   11   −8     6
8 Nikolaos                                  8    0   1   7     4   15  −11     1

[Kandorith]

Red Dragons Against The Odds



Kandorith 2–2 Equestrian States

P-Group 4                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Equestrian States                         8    5   3   0    16    7   +9    18
2 Kandorith                                 8    5   2   1    22   12  +10    17
3 Buyan                                     8    5   1   2    12    8   +4    16
4 Kernansquillec                            8    4   1   3    20   13   +7    13
5 Matthewsiania                             8    4   1   3    14   10   +4    13
6 Estenia                                   8    3   1   4     8   10   −2    10
7 Thibaut                                   8    0   2   6     2   17  −15     2
8 Windsor Islands                           8    0   1   7     6   23  −17     1

Without any hesitation the team led by Xí-tiang managed to impress not only the home crowd, but the football world. Kandorith holding Equestrian States at bay with a two against two draw; a beautiful draw that is. For Kandorith all the points matter now, especially if they want to qualify directly and with the latest draw they stay firmly in the number two position, hunting for that number one spot.


When the coach was asked how he felt after the iconic match he did not look as exited as the press expected. "Happy, but there's much work to be done still." the always concentrated and calm Xí-tiang said. "The team performed at their very best, but I know we can push to do better. We have to. Our mission is to become the most respected and best team for this nation to have ever produced and we are well on our way. Slowly but surely we will get there and if we keep on performing as we are now; we will have a direct shot at the World Cup; something we could only dream about for the past years. It is our time now to shine and it is Kandorith's time to take it's place in the World Cup as a regular competing nation." The coach said confidently while heading back to the training grounds.


A very proud yet still careful coach, who expects nothing but the results the team is actually getting. He is surpassing many who came before him and is looking at a career as a record breaking national team coach. A fan favorite? Not yet. Xíanjí is the only coach who has a higher status than Xí-tiang as of now; but he already said he aimed to surpass the coaching legend, who first got Kandorith a spot in the World Cup after an amazing run trough the play-offs.


Against all odds Kandorith will press on to impress and more and more the odds are turning towards them for the victory and qualification spot they seek. It's not just the players on the field or the coach, but the entire nation is proud of the recent achievements and the people are hungry for more.

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
The Empire Strikes Back

The Marauders entered the second half of the qualifying process in a bit of a lull, sitting in fourth place in the group and with an upcoming fixture against the groups top seed, up in The Calanian Union. The Calanians being the only squad who have been able to best the Marauders at home through the first half of qualifying, when they narrowly escaped the Hatire Memorial with all three points and a loss for the Marauders that seemed to set the tone for the rest of the first half. However, despite the problems that the squad had been having, due to the parity displayed inside the group, they were still within a shout of the top two spots, with the chance for auto qualification or the lottery that a playoff can be.

It seems that the break between the halves of qualifying did the squad more than a little good, as they headed to the Northeast of Atlantian Oceania not looking like a squad who had recently fallen on hard times. No, they looked all the form of a team who had a record tying five World Cup trophies to their name, as a side that had recently captured their second AOCAF trophy. It starts with the captain though, the industrious Laborious Hawk who seems to do more with his actions than his words, fitting for a player whose biography in the team program says that words can not begin to describe his talent. From there it trickles down through the other star players, like Fresco, va Drake, and Soldarian, who support the manager and Hawk in keeping the squad at the peak of performance. It continues until the entire squad is filled with a vigor and determination that would make the likes of the Polarians and Audioslavs timid.

The Calanians too should have been less ambitious about what they presumed was going to be another positive outcome in their home stadium, with their media saying before the game that a mere draw would have been a poor showing. Neorudo Olympic Stadium would sit in stunned silence at the conclusion of the match with the display that Marauders put before them, a display that humbled the Calanians greatly and have seen the Marauders ascend to second place in the group, thanks in part also to Polkopia's continued success with a heavy defeat of Pays d'en Haut. However in Mertagne, it would be the Marauders who would impress, as they put not three, not four, not five, but six goals past the home squad who despite three goals of their own seemed entirely helpless before the Marauders onslaught.

It could be said that this was a display that was several weeks in the making, with the form of the squad improving gradually over the last few weeks of the first half, culminating in a tidy win over the surprising Polkopia side. However, one could not have believed that even if the Marauders were to defeat The Calanian Union that they would do so in such a fashion, with an offensive explosion on the road that has not been seen in nearly a decade when it comes to powerful opponents. Though this is the same exact side that greatly humbled Audioslavia in the AOCAF Final, when the Bulls where heavily favored and expected to make quick work of a hastily assembled and mix matched Marauder side.

Now comes the hard part for the Marauders, to continue this sort of performance in the weeks to come, as we hit the stretch run of the qualifiers. Pays d'en Haut, Karditan, and Polkopia are all difficult ties as the first matchup between each of these opponents showed. However if the Marauders want to show that they are in fact not mired in the quicksand that some would believe them to be, then they need to continue to impress. While six goals and a Hawk hattrick are not to be expected every week against the quality opposition that is in their group, dominant play where they control the game and get the points at the end of the day are. For a side full of champions, they can not simply be content with second best and the occasional great showing, they need consistency and to get in the Finals with such a form, to restablish the Vanorian standard against a footballing world that has only known them as former greats.

[Audioslavia]

Group 15                                    Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Cosumar                             8    6   2   0    21    9  +12    20
2 Sameba                              8    5   1   2    16   10   +6    16
3 Milchama                            8    5   0   3    20   20    0    15
4 Audioslavia                         8    3   4   1    11    3   +8    13
5 Sarrbia                             8    3   2   3    10    9   +1    11
6 Garifunya                           8    2   2   4    14   15   -1     8
7 Affiliated South Califan Sprawls    8    1   1   6    12   20   -8     4
8 Royalsoldiers                       8    1   0   7     8   26  -18     3

Sharp Cuts
Lee Sharp Resigns as manager of the Audioslavia national football team

With just three wins from eight games, manager Lee Sharp has stepped down as manager of the Audioslavian national team, citing "an inability to get the best from [his] players".

Defeat at home to Sarrbia was the last straw for the under-fire boss, who left the Arena Kirola last night to a caucophany of boos proceding Audioslavia's first loss in a qualifying match since Sharp took over at the start of World Cup 69.

His head may have been held high, defiantly, but inside the cogs were turning. Succumbing to a draw in the opening game, the away fixture against Sarrbia on matchday one, that was survivable, especially in the context of so many top teams stumbling out of the blocks. As the likes of Vilita and Osarius regained their composure and started winning, however, Audioslavia continued to falter. Further draws against Sameba and Garifunya only served to increase the ire of the fans, who would eventually grow to see a draw with Cosumar - an adept north-eastern AO outfit yet not one the Bulls should usually be struggling against - as a point earned rather than two dropped.

Ironically enough, the match against Milchama - a team Audioslavia had never beaten in three attempts, going back to a 2-2 draw in World Cup 28 - was won, and won in style, and that was supposed to be it for Audioslavia's woes.

The Sarrbia match, however, pulled the rug straight out from underneath the feet of the manager.

In a press conference in the late hours of yesterday evening, the FFA announced that they had accepted Sharp's resignation. The FFA are expected to have appointed a full time replacement by the time of Audioslavia's next fixture at the end of April.

[Zenic]

“I’m calling it Terminus atque Curationum Operandi.”

“Operation Healing and Termination? It’s rather blunt but it does prevent any confusion as to what it’s about,” spoke the Minister of Defense, Premier General Benito Caldino, dressed in his usual general’s attire, adorned with all of his medals. The Emperor had called a small meeting in the middle of the night among only those he deemed necessary: the aforementioned Caldino, his consul Dr. Zandel, Minister of Domestic Affairs Ms. Estelle Bonheur, and Minister of Justice, Supreme Justice Judge Victor Uldridge Madison. The five of them were to be the only ones being kept up to date as to every detail of the operation. The other cabinet members would only know the very basic information as both a show of trust and to limit the damage an intelligence leak could cause.

“Well, I would hope so: I care more for what we will accomplish than how memorable the name of the operation is, General Caldino,” spoke Emperor Professor Proctor in a serious tone. Everyone was strewn about the room: Caldino and Madison stood on either side of the entrance, Zandel stood beside Proctor who was seated at his desk and Bonheur sat in the left seat that faced the Emperor’s desk. Since it was the middle of the night, they didn’t have to worry about anyone staying late and eavesdropping, allowing them to be as spread out as they were. Proctor sipped his some whiskey from his glass before speaking anew.

“Now, I know that both Zandel and Caldino understand why they are a part of this meeting but I’m sure both Madsion and Bonheur are curious as to why they were included, I suppose?” The two of them nodded, both terrified and curious. “I’ll commence with Ms. Bonheur: You are here since it is a matter concerning domestic affairs: in this case, both the Acquan refugee’s situation as well as the possible support of an insurgency by the Order of the Origen. I’ll be letting Caldino ‘take point’ in dealing with the latter thus you shall be dealing with the former. I’d like it moved up into your top three matters to deal with and to improve the situation as soon as possible: both for the sake of the Acquans and to eliminate a potential ally of the insurgency. Understood?” Bonheur understood what was being asked of her and she knew the Emperor had complete faith in her since he could have chosen so many other candidates. And she was great at her job, since the Acquan situation was the first major incident since she had the position, considering she had it for only half a year. However, she did have one question.

“Um, Emperor?” Proctor looked at her and motioned for her to continue speaking. “I was wondering about one detail: why isn’t Hamazaki here? He is the minister of international affairs and the Acquans are foreigners. Surely, the Acquan government must be in some kind of uproar?” Proctor looked surprised. The others all looked at her, equally surprised by the statement. The silence lingered in the room for about half a minute before Madison broke the silence. “Estelle dear, are you truly unaware of what occurred to our Rushmori brethren Ossidaicqua?” She shook her head. “I….from the way all of you are talking, I assume that I don’t. I must have been so focused in finishing my masters that I must of inadvertently ignored it.” Caldino, Madison and Zandel looked over at Proctor, waiting for him to give some directions. “You’ll need to know everything if you are to completely comprehend and assess the necessary measures for the Acquan situation so Zandel here will give you a brief synopsis before Hamazaki tells you the full, in-depth story,” Proctor said, as Zandel proceeded to recount a brief synopsis of what they knew about the events that transpired in Ossidaiqua.

“Oh my! W….What an unfortunate turn of events.” Proctor nodded. “Now you understand why it is important that we actually help these people and do our best to ease the pain of losing one’s home in such a fashion.” Bonheur nodded aggressively.” I won’t fail: You can be assured of that, Emperor.” Madison cleared his throat to grab the attention towards himself. “Now that we know why she is here, I believe the only matter left is as to why I am here. I am failing to see what the head of the highest court of the Empire is required.”

“Indeed, it would seem strange as to why a judge would need to attend such a matter: nothing we are doing here are shall do in the future is illegal, immoral or unethical. Heck, even if there were, as Emperor Professor, I could simply overrule your decision. No, you are here for another reason, Victor Uldridge Madison……,” he said, slowly opening the top left-handed drawer. “………You are here to answer for your crimes of treason against the Empire,” the Emperor finished, brandishing the Beretta he withdrew from the drawer. Madison, Bonheur and Zandel were stunned, in terror, shock and curiosity respectively at the turn of events. The only stoic faced people were Proctor and Caldino, who were both aware of the plan: bring in three members of the magistrate at a time besides themselves and introduce them to the situation, then analyze their reactions in the moment, combined with the information the secret police found by trailing each minister, in order to determine who was a mole and traitor.

“It should not come as a surprise from such a radically conservative and strict judge; You have been fighting me tooth and nail at every change you can get to keep things how they were beforehand. Honestly, I only assumed it was because you were elderly and stuck in your ways: I never would have thought it was because you were actively sabotaging the Empire for years and years. And as you know, the punishment for treason is the maximum: immediate execution. It is an archaic law but a useful one.” Madison threw up his hands and plead to the Emperor. “Calm down there, Emperor! Let’s not make any decisions in hate right now. What do you expect from me: some kind of statement saying I am guilty? To beg like a slave for forgiveness?”

Before Madison could continue, a loud bang rang out into the silence of the night and he now laid on the floor, clutching his heart as the life drained out of him while the others in the room stared at him. The Emperor placed the Beretta down on his desk, sighing before speaking to the dying man.

“No, I expect you to die, Mr. Madison. Goodbye traitor and may whatever afterlife you believe in give you some peace.”

[Vermark]

The Vermark Model
Frans Rosling | University of Videnhagen Press

Introduction
Politics
Economics
Society
Education
Environment

Foreign Policy

Vermark, for the majority of its history, has failed to be an international presence. However, this was abruptly changed after the passage of The Emergence Act. Since the implementation of this law, Vermark has been rapidly expanding into the world scene. Vermark is facing multiple challenges with its foreign policy, yet it is finding creative was to counter these issues.

Vermark is most active internationally when it comes to international trade. Currently, Vermark is weaving through the many options of alignment. The most popular and discussed possible partnership is with Eura. Eura likely has the most to bring to Vermark since it is a powerful, resource-rich nation with relatively close proximity to Vermark. Other possible major partners include The Royal Kingdom of Quebec, Electrum, and Redblackiland. Regardless, Vermark will, in the coming years, become very reliant on foreign trade. Vermark faces a massive shortage of natural resources, but if these resources were to be procured, Vermark could undergo a massive industrial boom. Additionally, as a small country, its economic might will always be greater than its military might. Thus, strengthening trade relationships will be essential if Vermark if desires international power. However, to become powerful Vermark needs partners. Which states will become Vermark's powers is a much harder question.

Despite military needs being low on the government agenda, militarism born from recent nationalism may change this. To experts, it appears that Vermark is look to be a naval and aeronautical power. When Petrovik University's School of Engineering released information regarding the development of a nuclear-powered ferry, the government was quick to contract the school to work on a non-civilian version. Vermark's small population will prevent it from gaining huge military might, however, the high-tech economy of Vermark could fuel a formidable military with capabilities from the sea and sky. While little is known about the Varish military since it is a minor operation, some speculate that the military is developing drones and highly advanced military aircraft in addition to the investments being made into nautical technologies. However, Vermark is going to be hindered by a relatively small steel industry. Therefore, either steel or arms are going to have to be imported if Vermark is going to expand its military capabilities.

Whether Vermark is a realist or liberal-acting state is a discussion that will likely never end. Vermark appears to be growing more nationalstic, and thus using realism in order to grab more power. However, Vermark as a society has historically highly values the idea of social progress that comes with liberalism. In addition, a surge in conservatism may allow Varish businesses to expand and become multinational players that contribute to the international prestige of Vermark. Vermark will likely never become completely realist, nor will it every completely liberal, but the trend that is taking us into the future certainly appears to be interesting.

When it comes to the world stage, Vermark will be pushed, but it will push back. Growing nationalism in the country will lead to some interesting developments overseas. Will Vermark align with Eura? Quebec? Or will Vermark carve its own path and seek imperialist measures to satisfy its need for natural resources? It is going to be a storyline that the world will enjoy watching unfold.

[Ko-oren]

Leroux in Starting XI

Audrey Leroux secured her spot in the starting XI over Narantuyaa Chuluun after four goals against the Sword Bloke. Chuluun was out for that match with a slight ankle injury, but according to Darius Fitzpatrick, it is unlikely that Chuluun will return to her old spot when her injury heals. The head coach also hinted at having two starting strikers, playing both Leroux and Chuluun in a 5-3-2 rather than the trusted 5-4-1. Injuries took hold of Ko-oren in the Sword Bloke game with all three substitutions being for health reasons. Only Aoki will probably sit out a game, with the other two in perfect condition shortly after the game.

While most of Ko-oren's pundits could not get past the possible 5-3-2 instead of the good old 5-4-1, others were not happy with the current state of the Ko-orenite team. 'Our midfield is in shambles', 'Unbalanced and fragile', 'No purpose between stellar defence and decent offence' and such remarks were made by prominent people as Gareth Blackheath (ex-Miradela coach), Graeme Tennyson (Channel 3) and Sven Meerman (ex-Schemerdrecht player). The midfielders are said to get rid of the ball too quickly (Bagaurunir, Nascimento, Wakefield), keep the ball for too long (Eregrent) or try too many complicated things that do not work with just a couple players on offence (Heilyn). Club styles clash with the national team's strategy here: Heilyn is used to a high-possession, quick passing game, Eregrent is usually his club's star player, and the other three are hard working players in a team-based approach.

They got their point across, especially with Ko-oren's poor win over Jeruselem one match day later. Ko-oren win, we grant you that, and Leroux scored the single decider, but with a possession rate of 38% it was far from a good win. As always, the defence kept the Dragonflies in the game.

Boring Paradise keeps up with the Dragonflies, and the Filopines follow quickly after. Jeruselem is the team to watch right now, as their players have most to fight for with their poor fifth place. It is unlikely that they keep up with the top four: they have a five-point gap to take care of. Azrea is looking like the group's worst, with one win in eight games.

[San Jose Guayabal]

www.elnacional.gu/sjg/fiebre_mundialista_tv_stream

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Host: José Correa & Mario Vásquez.
Date: Friday, 18/8/2197, 23:10 - San Salvador time

Welcome back to another edition of "Fiebre Mundialista", presented by Urbanística, presenting solutions for construction since 2175, with accessible prices to the population. Now we turn to talk about the matchday number 8 of the World Cup Qualifiers, where San José Guayabal faced the Crystal Empire, a team that showed in the first game a good level and thus limited to "La Selecta" in their intentions to have a good game, knowing that the opponent is difficult, considering he played in the first game, was predicted to come to SJG order to get a good result for their favor, anything could happen in the game, which was played at the Bank of Guayabal Stadium in Rodríguez.

From the early hours, the stadium showed a full house, as it was the first time the national team played in Rodríguez, was the attraction of the month for that city, in addition to the Guayabalenses who traveled from all corners of the country to see "La Selecta" who maintained a good rhythm, "without falling into internal and emotional problems like it happened on the WCQ 69" according to the words of Mathias Paatelainen, coach of the national team, now a new debutante appreared in the starting lineup of "La Selecta" we mean Juninho dos Santos, a 22 year old who plays for the team Sabrefell Moths in Nephara. Dos Santos entered instead of Árbol Saucedo, who had a muscle strain and will play again when "La Selecta" faces Itanpavia at the road in matchday nine.

Dos Santos' felt "Nervous and in turn encouraged to debut in the national team." Felt Well its time and effort on his team in Nephara were rewarded when he was called to the national team for the first time and way to do it a stadium that would be inaugurated in his native Rodriguez, compared to acquaintances and friends from childhood, with his family, an element that would provide motivation to give their best in the game.

After the ceremonial events, San Jose Guayabal lost the possession draw, therefore CRY started with the ball in his favor. The game started as planned, at half past eight p.m. with a full house at the stadium, telling the arrival of a thousand visitor fans, who despite being a few, they were very noisy. Just as the visiting fans showed their courage, the away team made the same thing since the beginning of the game, although not being a major threat to the defense of San José Guayabal but maintained possession during the first minutes of the game, who painted to be a game full of analysis coming from both "ensembles" during the first minutes, knowing the slightly passive nature of CRY for the game, although Crystal Arrow showed flashes sometimes, he wanted to take the offensive and the initiative and seek to generate occasions of danger to favoring his national team, they needed win that game to improve their position in the standings.

CRY showed from the ninth minute a little more ease in the game, making more frequent passes offensive end, that meant a little more intervention from the defense of San Jose Guayabal in the game twelve minutes into the game, Silver Moon broke through by Fleur de Verre for Silver Moon she would place alone against Hernandez, who remained still until Silver Moon throw, shot, managing to stop the player of the CRY NT, just ten minutes player was sufficient that SJG maintained a cautious style of play in order to avoid problems, which looked more likely to SJG by relative calm in the game and their lack of action at this.

After 18 minutes, CRY took a good opportunity through the feet of Fleur de Verre, who decided to send the ball towards the front of the NT of CRY, Silver Moon made two dribbles on James Coco Daniel Moreira and then left alone to Hernández, with great coolness, Silver Moon took the time to unbalance Hernandez and optimal scoring position, making it one to zero for CRY, the hobby of San Jose Guayabal looked like a visitor was placed above the result to a "Selecta" who not performed closer approximation to the rival area.

Players of "La Selecta" literally felt like they dropped a bucket of ice water, because the solid defense of CRY prevented them from advancing into enemy territory, Rodolfo Zelaya decided to break the ice with a low shot twenty-six minutes a rather late point for the first opportunity to SJG against the goal of Starshine, the important thing is that the ice was being broken slowly, but most of the 65% in favor of CRY, was not so nice for the interests of "La Selecta", but things begin to change as the game wore on.

Thirty-seven minutes into the match, Sunshine Splash made a big mistake because took a wrong pass that ended at the feet of Dos Santos, the debutante who decided to share it with Sean Fraser, the latter decided to shoot on goal but he crashed the ball against the crossbar of the goal of Starshine, avoiding the tie in the game arrived just before halftime of the game.

After the party ended with the whistle of the referee Anders Hornqvist of Vermark and his assistant, Tyler Lee from Star United States, the match was 0-1 in favor of CRY to a "Selecta" that was shown unable to perform a dangerous move on the defense of CRY, the players were aware that they had to respond and fast to avoid losing points as local, which is not advisable to make any tie, so get at least a draw became a kind of priority for the players of SJG.

The second half started with the possession of SJG, a possession that looked totally different than the first time, a more offensive version of the game with constant approximations of players like Faña, Fraser or Zelaya, was the trident score and achieve that way, but had to face the tough defense of CRY, made by Artic Lilly, Rose Quartz, Firecrest and Sunshine Splash four burly players that could prevent good play "La Selecta" in his hurried attempt to get the goal that give the tie. Fifty-two minutes, Faña managed to take by surprise Rose Quartz and reached the area Starshine, but in the time of the shot on goal, tripped and could not get more thing, unfortunately.

Later in the game, in sixty-five minutes, the picture did not seem so easy for SJG, as the offensive intention of "La Selecta" could happen in the defense bill, Crystal Arrow managed to reach the edge of the area only against Hernandez, but fortunately a bad shot prevented him put the result in a lead of 0-2 to CRY.

And what that time was literally choking "La Selecta" for seventy-third minute, possession for Guayabalenses was 45%, had gained ground compared the first time, but still had failed to realize the goal equalizer, which was necessary to at least get a point in a game that was being very complicated, nine shots on goal of "La Selecta" not been well used, but there was still time, though, unless every minute .

Eighty-two minutes, came a key play of Sean Fraser, alone against Starshine, but came Sunshine Splash and threw Fraser in the area, Hornqvist not hesitate and awarded a penalty for "La Selecta" Fraser was asked to perform criminal, stood in a non Starshine managed properly and stretch, thereby prevented in San Jose Guayabal managed to tie the game. The pressure from the fans became noticeable as they advanced to the minutes, constants whistles and boos came from the stands, even some fans seemed to be retreating into their homes.

Everything seemed to "La Selecta" lost, because in eighty-six minutes, a counterattack launched by Arctic Lily, but James Moreira swept intervened and managed to retrieve the ball, gave a pass to Rodolfo Zelaya, who rushed up being face to face with Starshine, he passes Dos Santos for this, in eighty-seven minutes scored the equalizer for "La Selecta", surely this was a draw for a national team suffered suffered until the end to achieve the necessary point.

[Cosumar]

Dragons stumble out the gate in Garifunya to begin second leg of Qualifying

FREDERYKVIL, GARIFUNYA -- For the first time in World Cup 71, Cosumar failed to take the full three points from a side ranked lower than them. The defense that looked so promising in the first leg of Qualifying came completely unraveled in the recent friendly against The Royal Barangay and revealed further signs of disrepair in Garifunya. The Dolfijnen, a team the Dragons easily manipulated the first time around, put several goals on Cosumar to force a dramatic 3-3 draw.

Cosumar got off to a slightly shaky start, not looking altogether composed during the first few minutes. A touch of rust is to be expected after a break. The Dragons were producing some quality chances by the eighth minute, however, when Anders Engström found Frazan Va'Goshal wide open in the box, but the Vloo's shot went high. The Dragons were able to sustain some good pressure, forcing local goalkeeper Uli Maneschijns to make a diving save on an Engström shot hit with pace in the same minute. Garifunya then countered, and Nils Ledeboer's shot hit Jakk Winterfyll square. Ledeboer had another chance, but his header off of a corner went into the side netting in the twelfth minute.

In the 22nd minute, Arndu Farsgaard went in hard on Ibrahim Iweala and drew a yellow card. It was a fair decision, but the ref would have some explaining to do later in the match. Four minutes later, the Cosumarite defense looked a bit confused and left Kristiaan Amadi alone on a cross into the box. Amadi, to the despair of the crowd at Staad Fyet nan Garifunya, scuffed it wide of the net.

In the 28th minute, Garifunya drew first blood on the Group 15 leaders. Tae Woo Miyori barreled over Assane Diakite just outside of the box for a very dangerous free kick. Farris Crowley was clearly exasperated by the boneheaded move in a rare slip of his poker face. Piotr Kenkhuis then punished the veteran wingback's misstep, hitting a beautiful bending free kick into the top corner of the net to put the home side up 1-0.

Crowley's side would answer in the 33rd minute when Paaron Petrov fired a shot on goal from distance. The keeper got an outstretched hand on it to push it out, but Ace Newman was there to opportunistically mop up the rebound and get his second goal of the campaign. The tide continued to swing in Cosumar's favor, as just three minutes later Newman would latch on to a quick throw in from Petrov and put it past the keeper at a tough angle into the far side netting to take a 2-1 lead. The Dragons would then continue to apply pressure until the end of the half, coming very close to a third goal multiple times in infuriatingly close fashion.

Cosumar
10 shots (4 on-target)
45% Possession
3 corners, 4 offsides
15 fouls, 4 yellow cards (Farsgaard,Na'Noni,Seymour,Newman)
Garifunya
13 shots (7 on-target)
55% Possession
5 corners, 4 offsides
12 fouls, 3 yellow cards

Cosumar - 3
33' (Newman)
37' (Newman)
57' (OG - Adeoye)
Garifunya - 3
28' (Kenkhuis)
54' (Adeoye)
85' (Diakite)

Subs: Octavius Ioda (78'), Ole Öhman (78'), Sur Arora (86')

In the second half, Garifunya came out with renewed vigor, undoubtedly motivated by the stern warning from their President that had been broadcast the day before. They strung together a couple of decent runs at goal but nothing really materialized. The game got a bit tense, with both sides shoving and diving and generally making life hard for the referee. After another Garifunyan dive, defender Kodjoe Adeoye got on the end of a free kick during a scrum in the box and put it past Winterfyll with an awkward bounce to even the scoreline at 2-2 in the 54th minute. Two minutes later Adeoye would score again... but this time it would be an own goal to put Cosumar ahead 3-2. He foolishly tried to redirect a Petrov cross into the box, stick his leg out in the air while facing his goal. Predictably, he deflected into his own net past the helpless Maneschijns.

In the 60th minute, Everett Seymour picked up a yellow card for a hard challenge on Diakite. The Garifunyan center forward almost scored off of the ensuing free kick, but his header was a tad high. As the game went on, more and more fouls were committed by both sides, grinding the game's pace down to a crawl. Crowley pulled a double switch in the 77th to spice things up, bringing on Ole Ohman for Engstrom and Octavius Ioda for Petrov. In the 81st, Winterfyll made a huge save on a perfectly placed header to prevent the equalizer. The monstrous parry injected new life into the Cosumarite defense, but it was all for naught. Disaster struck in the 85th minute. A Garifunyan sub went down easy in the box, and the penalty was awarded! Blue Cosumarite uniforms surrounded the referee to plead their case, but he was not hearing any of it. A replay revealed that it was a complete phantom foul, as the Garifunyan was not even touched and fell on his own accord. Though the Garifunyan supporters were ecstatic as Diakite lined up for the penalty, the Dragons could do little but pout in frustration at the injustice.

Ace Newman was shown a yellow card for arguing the call, and then Diakite converted the penalty with ease. Cosumar's last chance to re-take the lead came in the 91st minute on a free kick from the top of the box. Ioda's try looked like it might have hit a hand in the box, but no call. The match ended a 3-3 draw. I am slow to blame referees for missed points. 99.9% of the time the anger is misplaced, an attempt to blame a neutral party for a side missing prior opportunities or allowing the other side too many opportunities. This may be that rare 0.1% case though. Cosumar may have a right to feel aggrieved at that scoreline, knowing they should probably be 7-1-0 right now.

But that's why it was so vital that Cosumar built up that nice little cushion at the top of the table through the first seven matches. They earned the right to drop a few points on bad luck like they did here. Let's just hope this result was an anomaly and not the harbinger of a massive second-leg swoon. We endured that storyline in World Cup 68.

Indeed, many previous incarnations of the Dragons have led their group at the halfway point only to crash and burn down the final stretch. How they play tomorrow against 3rd-place Milchama will say a lot about this team's character and give us a sign as to whether they're really different from those past incarnations. Whether they really have it in them to fight on and win the group.

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.


Trey Olychick
Staff Writer

---

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 vs. Cosumar
Matchday 10: Cosumar vs. Sarrbia
Matchday 11: Sameba vs. Cosumar
Matchday 12: Cosumar vs. Royalsoldiers
Matchday 13: Audioslavia vs. Cosumar
Matchday 14: Cosumar vs. Affiliated South Califan Sprawls
Blue: Draw
Green: Victory
Red: Defeat

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally (21 GF)
Anders Engström (7)
Ace Newman (3)
Sur Arora (2)
Frazan Va'Goshal (2)
Paaron Petrov (1)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)
Ole Öhman (1)
Tevin Lilley (1)
Tae Woo Miyori (1)
Arndu Farsgaard (1)

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

[Eura]

ENS Gosting
Hadrian class light carrier
Somewhere in the Crystilakere Channel, Atlantian Oceania

'Lets re-evaluate here, people. Where do we stand? What are the options?' Amy Yarley, the Foreign Minister of Eura, wasn't supposed to still be out here in Atlantian Oceania. Yet here she was, dealing with the ongoing crisis in Fligsive. The Calanian's had only just got there act together, and now from the flagship of Eura's Whittorian Fleet, she was helping direct Euran forces. Yarley was overriding not only her own military officers but also the local leadership of Fligsive Authority Chief Councillor Frank Haversham; he was one of Mertagne's most prominent heroes, and he was not happy with the way either his own government or Eura was handling this. The Calanian's were simply fleeing in panic while mobilising their local forces to prepare to storm the complex, hoping to disarm the device with Euran support. Meanwhile Euran forces had upped and left pretty much overnight with as many valuable civilians as they could, leaving equipment they couldn't move quickly and stripping key buildings and the like clean. They had even looted Fligsive's football stadium of memorabilia from when Eura won the World Cup there. It was hallowed ground for the Euran's and they had tried to save as much as possible, from corner flags to seats in the stands, and even bits of turf.

Yarley, having been given complete authority over (and responsibility for) the situation, was faced with a dilemma as she paced around the operations room on Gosting. The Calanian's were ready to go but their forces, in the eyes of the Euran's, could not be trusted to get the job done. Euran Commando's were ready to assist, a small but capable force in two figures numerically with top of the range equipment, some helicopters and plenty of vehicles. 'The first option as we said ma'am was to negotiate, but were getting nothing acceptable back from Crowley's people. They're barely communicating, and when they do they just demand the collapse of the Calanian state.'
'Which isn't an option.'
'Obviously, yes. We have three or four different plans to storm the building including aerial insertion, entry via underground service tunnels, entry via scaling equipment or simply just kicking the door down and getting upstairs before the bomb can be used, if its real. However none of these seem plausible - if the device is real, then it can probably be deployed before our people get close unless the underground option can be done without alerting the defenders until the last available moment.'
'What about the more "direct" kinetic option?' The officer in charge shook his head at Yarley and scratched his neck nervously.
'We've been talking about it, but if we pound the building with ground fire or hit it with an airstrike, it might just set it off. As for the barmy "nuke Flisgive" idea, its an amusing one for FLEETOPS to come up with but we don't have an SSBN anywhere near here.'

Yarley sighed and rested on the table the officers were gathered around, with the map of Fligsive and vast amounts of intelligence in front of her. 'Not even the unconventional options are particularly viable, then?'
'No, ma'am. All of the psyops stuff and other unconventional warfare techniques just seem too risky. We could just pull everyone out and see what happe-'
'No!' Yarley made everyone jump as she slammed her fist into the table. 'I don't care what the scientists are saying about geological events or any of these Calanian pansies whining about how Fligsive is falling apart. We are not just going to up and leave, leaving Crowley with freedom of movement in this city. We've invested too much in holding this place together to let some wanker with a box, that could be anything, hold us to ransom. Get the Calanian's to continue evacuation efforts but to tell civilians that they are on their own when we reach thiry-six hours until zero hour. Prepare the special forces unit in the meantime and decide on whether we insert via the underground system with the Mertian's creating a diversion up top, or do something else to get in there. We have to try, I don't care whether its some sort of MOAB, a nuke or an empty box. I want a conclusion, and Crowley in a body bag that I can sign off on personally. Do I make myself clear?' After a moment of silence, a murmur bounced around the room.
'Yes minister, yes ma'am.'
'Good. Admiral Baines, I want you to keep me updated until we are ready to go and we reach twenty-four hours until the deadline. At that point, I'll decide whether or not to execute. Right now, I want a line to Wayne Spillot.'

[Felix]

How Soon Is Now? - The Smiths

Cutoff for matchday 9! After today's results will you be saying, "And all my hope is gone" or something more cheery? You'll find out soon!

MATCHDAY NINE CUTOFF

[Polkopia]

Serevo Too Much To Handle For The Allamunnic States
By: Sebastian Aliyev

Going into this game, the home side, Polkopia, was rather confident that they would take home the victory. Last time these two teams faced off was in The Allamunnic States, where Polkopia beat the home side in an exciting game that ended 5-2. Now, with Serevo scoring a hat trick against The Allamunnic States, Polkopia has even more of a reason to be happy going into their next game. With this win, they currently sit 3rd place, only three points behind The Calanian Union in first.

I was a bit surprised when I saw that the entire midfield had been changed, with the exception of Polgov. Roman Maldov, Semyon Benisov, and Anatoly Ghordinov all were in the team's starting XI, replacing the usual Polkopian midfield which had showed amazing chemistry so far this tournament. Polkopia still kept the traditional 4-4-2 diamond shape, with Rostislav Kantrisov and Immanuil Serevo up front, and Vladimir Polov back in goal after an impressive performance last game against Pays d'en Haut.

It was a beautiful afternoon in Peeto. The sun was shining bright, and there was hardly a cloud in the sky to kick off this match. In the first few minutes, the Polkopian offense seemed to be a bit cocky with the ball, easily losing possession and allowing the away side to have an early shot at goal. Thankfully, Polov was there to block the shot, but it was a huge wake-up call for the home team. Winning here would not be as easy as it was previously thought. Polkopia answered that call with a clearance from Polov right to Serevo, who only had to dribble past one defender to direct a shot past Mikel Junnsunn in goal for the away side, giving Polkopia a 1-0 lead.

After this, the Polkopian spirit seemed to increase at a marvelous pace, as the team passed the ball perfectly between one another, finding gaps in the midfield, but weren't able to make it past the defense, who held strong the game. Shoutout to Horys Lundgren, who was nothing short of a brick wall in defense for the visiting team. Without him, the Polkopians surely would have scored even more. The home side were unable to convert any more chances before the halftime and the half ended with Polkopia leading 1-0.

In the 2nd half, with The Allamunnic States starting with the ball, the Polkopian offense put the pressure on the forwards and midfielders, with Serevo running at top speed to try to steal the ball. Although he was unsuccessful that time, he definitely showed the heart that he needed to. After being substituted out last game at halftime, we all could tell that he was determined to fight for his place amongst the starting 11.

Soon, Polkopia got their chance, with Kantrisov dribbling along the edge of the 18'. Upon entering the box, however, he was fouled, and the official pointed for a penalty. There was no card on Ruger Eriksunn, who had committed the foul, but Polkopia had earned a penalty nonetheless. Serevo managed to chip it over the keeper, who had dove to the side, thinking Serevo would shoot the ball in one of the corners. It was a cheeky effort, but he managed to score, doubling his goal count for the match at 2-0.

Still, though, the home side still had something to prove to their fans, who have been unbelievable this tournament. Their appreciation and support for their team was overwhelming, and Serevo thanked them with a beautiful bicycle kick after a cross from Roman Maldov was positioned perfectly in back of him. The bicycle kick was a ricky effort, but at 89 minutes and little to lose, Serevo went for it, and managed to convert it to yet another goal. What a shot to complete his hat trick! Minutes later, the match ended with Polkopia securing their second consecutive 3-0 win.

Still, Polkopia have a tough game next, as they face the top-seeded team of their group, The Calanian Union, who have been a bit shaky this tournament. Although they sit at first place, the Polkopians had already gotten the best of them at the home leg. Now, the team travels to the Neorudo Olympic Stadium where their skills will be put to the test. Polkopia's qualification remains in jeopardy as Valanora, The Calanian Union, Pays d'en Haut, and Darvale all seek to claim a qualifying position in Group 18.

As always, the in-depth analysis of the last game can be found below:

---

[Jeruselem]

Princess Laura at Dazza Dallas Stadium looking a bit unhappy

This is Princess Laura for Naked News Jeruselem. I'm once again at Dazza Dallas Stadium for another World Cup qualifier. Well, we've had a bit of a mixed day. Ndaku came to Jeruselem and we are expected to beat them but we didn't and got a 2-2 draw out of it. We really needed a win but we've had a pretty disrupted campaign so nothing can be taken for granted.

Coach Princess Amy isn't here because she's at the dentist. One of Mum's teeth decided to break and well it was a big old mess with blood everywhere. So Mum got rushed off to the dentist and she's still at home after removing that tooth. There was no point of her being here since she's a big drugged out and could talk properly.

Thank God we have an assistant coach. But the dramas didn't end there! One of our players had a sick child so she didn't turn up today. Doesn't happen very often but the timing was all crap.

So, when the game actually starts we're one player down and coach is out of action. The ref then decides to send off one of defenders for an overenthusiastic challenge. The thing it's a normal sort of challenge in most other games but this ref is a bit ... strict. Great, down to 10 players.

Everyone is a bit rattled and the Ndaku team score two goals in the first half. By this time everyone is a bit deflated and given up on the game. The assistant decides to send me onto the field even though I'm not really fit and need painkillers just to not collapse from standing around. Admittedly I still not really fit but the team needed me. As it turned out, that was a masterstroke! Seems like the Ndaku defenders though I was going to be pretty useless since I barely got onto the field. Turns out I scored two goals for the team which gave us a draw.

I pretty much put everything into that 45 minutes but then I kinda collapsed after the whistle. I guess when you're running on adrenaline, it's OK but stopping really does make one run into brick wall. OK, we got one point and we're in the poo. But we are still undefeated at home.

Ko-oren did us a favour and beat Filopines 4-1. Azrea beat sword bloke 1-0 but those two are still on the bottom. Boring Paradise were frustated by a stubborn Mendoya 2-2. Ko-oren lead boring paradise by 4 points. Filopines and Mendoya are locked on combat in 4th and 3rd, we're still 5th somehow.

Jeru FC were at home and beat Dawnhaven 2-1. That greg god team beat Nurkama 1-0. Maklohi Vai and Holy Empire also won. Top four won and guess what? Nothing changed in Group 2. Maklohi Vai are 2nd with the greg dude and Jeru FC one point behind. Jeru FC have a shot at being 2nd, 1 fucking point! Just one.

We have 5 games left. Most would conclude it's too late for us while Jeru FC have a shot at grabbing playoff spot. We're not going stop trying to win, we'd like to finish with a few wins and even one of those away wins which we don't seem to manage.

There's some confusion by some at me being in two places at the same time. I'm Princess Laura Virginia Dallas of Jeruselem, and the other Laura is Laura Cashman who's not a princess. Oh and she's real crap at football too. Thank you for your time, and now I really need to get some sleep. My knee is really killing me.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE PURPLE INKWELL

Dear Participating Nations of World Cup 71

The Imperial Secretariat of the Purple Inkwell wishes to condemn in the strongest possible terms the decision by Sister Mary Polus to make public the video 'Gregorina Gone Wild' via Sanctustube.

As we made very clear to Sister Polus when we sent her a copy of the video as proof that the Lord Almighty Gregory had indeed been turned into a woman following the Gregorygodistan - Holy Empire match, the institutions of the Holy Empire can bear absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for this video subsequently going viral across the multiverse. Our noting as much was in no way, shape, or form a veiled hint that Sister Polus should do precisely that. Goodness, no. We can't imagine how anyone could have gained that impression. This would run entirely counter to our intermittently strict policy of non-intervention in wholly internal mundy affairs (except where intervention has been directly requested, or where a contract permitting intervention exists with one of the parties).

We can only imagine the deep embarrassment and shame that has been caused to the Lord Almighty Gregory via the knowledge that adolescent heterosexual humanoid males across the multiverse are using this video for purposes of self-pleasure - and never mind the humiliating and deeply distracting media attention that is now dominating the pre-match build-up for all of the Foot Slaves' away matches.

We therefore reiterate that we deplore Sister Polus' actions in this particular case.

We also think that the Lord Almighty Gregory is entirely right to suppress all knowledge of the existence of this video in Gregoryisgodistan itself, and to indeed refuse to acknowledge the existence of the video. This is surely the only sane and rational response to Sister Polus' deeply embarrassing actions. We likewise promise not to show, discuss, or otherwise promote the video when the Foot Slaves play in the Holy Empire.

However, we are somewhat disturbed by the Lord Almighty Gregory's response to Sister Polus' admittedly false allegations that the Almighty Lord is a homosexual. While we have made it very clear that the actions of the Lady Almighty Gregorina in the video are those of a passionate and hot-blooded heterosexual female, not those of a homosexual male 'pretending' to be female, we fail to see why homosexuality should be a cause of embarrassment, or would require a counter-accusation that Sister Polus is a lesbian (which itself is surely no cause for embarrassment). We can only assume that the Lord Almighty Gregory is more ashamed of his early teen sexual experimentation experiences than we thought he was, and would like to reassure him that these were perfectly normal for sexually repressed heterosexual boys, and are no more an indication of incipient homosexuality than is the experimental french kissing of teenage girls on sleepovers who want to know 'what it's like to kiss a boy'. Should the Lord Almighty Gregory require further reassurance here of his normality, we would be happy to provide an experienced and confidential sexual health councillor who can help put his mind to rest on this issue.

Glory to the Basileus!

The Imperial Secretariat of the Purple Inkwell.

[The Royal Barangay]

THE BARANGAYAN STAR
SPORTS FEATURE

GROUP 3: DONE AND DUSTED?
by Roman Barlaan

After the day's matches in World Cup 71 Qualifying, one thing is almost certain: Nephara is uncatchable.

The Cormorants managed to turn back a second-half deficit into a scrappy win, managing to beat The Royal Barangay, 3-2 at home. The Agilang Dilaw's response? A 3-1 battering of the Purple Knights that would most likely put them out of contention for this year's finals. Daren Corsiga, who recently announced his signing with Primera new boys Atletico Viocla, scored the opening goal at the eighth minute and turned provider for Erick Khan and Arbie Sampaga for TRB's second and third goals respectively. Xander McDrew scored the consolation goal for Taeshan late in the second half.

The start of the match was what the Barangayans needed - after a flawless exchange of passes between Bernard Taguiam and Erick Khan, a slick through ball from the former triggered a timed run from Corsiga, who surprisingly found himself open for a clear shot on goal. He did not disappoint as he put the ball past Myung Wook Yu to give the home side the lead. They soon found difficulty finding open spaces once the Taeshanis found their footing and put their stifling defense, which gave them the win in the corresponding fixture, to work. As none of the teams made it way towards goal, the half ended at 1-0 in favor of the Barangayans.

Second half, and the Barangayans still struggled to put the ball beyond the defense of the Purple Knights, until in the 48th minute, Reimond Yparraguirre, who started alongside Corsiga, found himself open with a lob pass from Robin Linsangan. Cody Brahms rushed to tackle the young forward, but mistimed his tackle and clipped the lower leg of Yparraguirre, injuring him in the process. The referee had no choice but to send the center back to an early shower as he was the last man between the outfield and Wook Yu. With the Taeshanis down to ten men, the Barangayans pushed further forward and found their second goal. Corsiga, who was now less going forward, squared the ball to an incoming Erick Khan, who put a header past Wook Yu for the second goal. TRB 2-0 after 61 minutes. Corsiga then provided substitute Arbie Sampaga a shot to goal in the 75th, which he didn't disappoint, to extend the lead even further. Corsiga was subbed for Kristian Marabella after the goal, with the subsequent standing ovation among the fans at the Estadio Olimpico. McDrew denied Marty Balido a clean sheet after his free kick hit the top corner of the Real Cintore keeper's goal in the 89th.

Doctors are checking into the condition of Yparraguirre, who will most likely miss their visit to Adoxinia.

In other results, Nephara destroyed Quakmybush once again, this time from a 5-2 pounding, Maretta defeated minnows Adoxinia 3-0, and Polaaskan thrashed Palmeria 6-0 to keep the gap to the Agilang Dilaw at 2 points.

  Group 3                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Nephara                                   9    8   0   1    30   13  +17    24
2 The Royal Barangay                        9    6   1   2    21    9  +12    19
3 Polaaskan                                 9    5   2   2    20   14   +6    17
4 Quakmybush                                9    5   0   4    12   16   −4    15
5 Taeshan                                   9    4   2   3    12    8   +4    14
6 Maretta                                   9    2   2   5    10   12   −2     8
7 Palmeria                                  9    2   0   7     7   18  −11     6
8 Adoxinia                                  9    0   1   8     7   29  −22     1

From the results, we could already see that Adoxinia is out of the running for qualification - they could never catch up the top 3 of the group, and possibly wind up bottom. The two BoF 59 participants are already out of chances for a direct qualification - like they would get it anyway. The surprising note here is Taeshan, who, fell from 2nd at the end of Matchday 2 to a dismal 5th, ten points behind the leader and 5 points away from a playoff spot. Polaaskan and Quakmybush could do better to thump the top 2 out of their positions, with the Agilang Dilaw facing them in separate matches away from the Barangay. We'll see, but I like the Agilang Dilaw's chances of making it to the grandest stage of all - pending the draw for the playoffs. I could say that this group is already done and dusted.

[Nephara]

It was going to be a long flight back to Brinemouth for Reinhard Shale.
He'd never been fired before. He usually didn't mind new experiences, but this was one he could've done without. He was still replaying that match against Matthewsiana - his last - over and over in his mind.
He shifted uncomfortably in the threadbare airport seat. No, no need to think about the past. He had a future to think of.
What did other fired managers do? Well, they were hardly about to take a step up in prestige... and he didn't fancy another tilt at international management. Not for a while, anyway. Another club. A club where if there was a deficiency, he could just buy some prick to fill it.
Ach, he shouldn't take it out on the players. They were good lads. ... Except Stefan Hostmann. Stefan looked a little worse in hindsight. But he'd like to get the chance to manage some of them again, someday.
He sighed, and switched off his tablet. He'd been watching - trying to watch - Buyan face Estenia, but he just couldn't stomach it. He should still be there.
He leaned back in the seat, and tried to just get some sleep. Get to Brinemouth, take a short break there, and take the first decent job going. He'd done well for Buyan, like for Treason and the Rovers before. And winning the Campionato Esportiva had been the proudest moment of his career.
But one slip and they'd get you. He knew it from his days as a player, where getting dropped for a week could turn into two, three, a month. The rest of the season. He'd been an injury-prone player, and all too often he'd spend six weeks on the sidelines to find out some new blood was flavour of the month suddenly.
But he trained strong, and he waited, and he always won out in the end. And when he had to, he'd switch clubs. In football, you had to be like a shark - just keep moving from paycheck to paycheck.
He was a survivor. He'd be alright in the end.
...
Fuck it, he couldn't sleep. Might as well switch matches. Nephara was playing at the same time, anyway.
Wearily, he flicked his tablet to an illegal stream of Nephara against... Quakmybush? Well, alright, that sure was a name for a country.
Eleven minutes in, Nephara were 1-0 up. The commantator was making references to a goal from Logan Murdoch, which sounded about right, and the Cormorants were surging up the park.
Briefly, the camera cut to the terse figure of Tess Riether on the sidelines, with an equally pensive-looking Auburn Bywater beside her. Riether - quite small and slight, usually without jacket or coat and with her nails chewed to the quick - had become a well-loved figure in the Nepharim press. So he'd heard, anyway - his personal experience of her was a handshake before and after a deserved victory for Buyan in the Campionato.
He missed the homeland.
He liked watching the teams without any pressure. Having something to support but not feeling the pressure, just being a fan, that was something he'd missed. Watching Brigid Kestrel misplace a simple pass on the left wing and just thinking 'you fucking pillock', instead of 'shit, that could get me fired. Who are my other wingers? Do I need a substitution?' He'd caught himself doing it, his mind had been racing trying to think of what he'd do to overturn this game. Didn't need to do that. He was out of a job, now. Hadn't been like that since he started managing - he'd left Rovers straight for Treason, and mutually cancelled his contract with Treason because Buyan had been waiting for him to cut loose. Nobody was waiting for him now. Not yet.
He could, if nothing else, let himself relax.

[Brenecia]

Catherine Bardsley was feeling none of the pressure that had been weighing her down a week ago. Back then, they were third - now their fate was entirely within their own hands, and the way head-to-head worked out for them they could even afford a single draw as long as they won the rest. And with the press on-side, there was really nothing she had to worry about at the press conference.
It was a decent turnout of journalists, too - the buzz was better than ever.
She smiled for the cameras. "So, I think everyone can agree things are going well so far?"
Laughter around the room.
"Alright, alright, c'mon. Let's have some questions."
Someone from the Rozelle Observer pushed ahead of a Northern Times journalist. "Kirsten Rodgerson here," she drawled, "Well, it's clearly been going well for you. Do you have any concerns about the rest of the campaign from here?"
"We've done the hard parts," said Bardsley breezily. "There's no challenging away fixtures left, and we can even afford a draw. But I think the chances are good we can get maximum points from our remaining fixtures."
"Was it a relief to see two of your defenders back?"
"Yeah, Monroe could've played against the Empire but I didn't want to risk it, and he wouldn't've been totally fit for it. Letting him rest gave us a stronger team." She decided to stretch for the white lie. "Besides, we have a lot of defenders I'm confident in."
"Christian Page here, with the Times," said the Northerner, pushing ahead of Rodgerson. "Even with a relatively easy schedule ahead, have you got any of the next clashes earmarked?"
"Devonta is key, obviously. But at home, and barring any more, uh, off-the-ball incidents..." There was chuckling around the room. "We should manage to have them easily. And assuming we do beat them, our buffer gets even larger."
"You're confident, then?"
"Exceptionally."
Clearing her throat in the front row was a tall, lean woman. "Artemis Keegan from the Sentinel. I'd like to ask both you and the captain if this is the strongest Brenecia side we've had in our history?"
"Without a doubt," said Erin Camden calmly.
"Agreed. Most players are in their prime, the tactics have been sharpened over the years, and really, this is the culmination of years of work. We made a hell of an impact two years ago - and we've only gone from strength to strength since."
"But how many of these players will still be here in four years?"
Bardsley opened her mouth.
She closed her mouth.
This had been one point of weakness that had constantly cropped up after her squad selection had come up - the core was the same, and it was getting older. Not so many young talents were coming up from the A-League, either, and even fewer moving abroad. Willingness to use A-League players was a good thing. A reliance on them throughout her squad could become an issue - the standard still wasn't that high.
"I picked the squad of 30 that represented our strongest players right now," she said at last. "How many will be here in four years? Ask me in four years. I'll pick the strongest squad of 30 I have then, too."
"But wasn't one of your strengths as a manager early on in your reign your ability to look towards the long-term?"
"I had to build for the future because there was no present," said Bardsley firmly. "My 23-year olds performed as well as the veterans, and they had potential for more. Now that they've finally gotten that potential, should I choose now to discard them? Now that Cheney Scherzer is knocking in one in three in the ANL, surely thanks at least in part to his experience on the big stage that he got for his nation, should I look to the future with the World Cup looming? No. This is the strongest side we've had, ever. And with it, I intend to go for the throat."
Keegan tried to stammer out a reply, but ultimately gave up, head bowed. Bardsley turned pleasantly to the rest of the journalists, still reeling after seeing her dark side. I know what I'm doing, you little shits, she thought behind the smile. Don't embarrass yourselves. "So... next question?"

[Electrum]

Sister Polus: The Musical

After being intrigued by the story of Sister Polus, after she created the Gender Studies course in Centralis University, Professor Samantha Parks has decided to write a musical about the life of Sister Polus, and her development from a young girl to a nun. Acclaimed by the Electrum Guild of Theatre, the musical "Sister Polus" has received five stars from the Centralis Herald and the Electrum Enquirer. Kayla Eidnarsson has been cast as the main role for Sister Polus, and rumours are abound that Sister Polus: The Musical will shortly be going on tour around the whole multiverse. Below is a sample of the songs that are in the musical.

Of course, Professor Samantha Parks took some liberties in making up aspects of Sister Maria Polus' life, but what musical doesn't have creative ways to continue the story? The musical contains an arc about Maria Polus's time whilst training as her nun, and how she developed into the mean person she was after a particularly bad breakup.

Prelude

Maria Polus.
When kids are rowdy and are bad
Who would of thought at Progress High that they're heretics
It's a satanic school
A satanic school
That I'm outta here

Back to the past

Maria, Maria, Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Maria, Maria, Maria, Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Maria
She's a naughty girl who hates the church, hates the church a lot
She's a heretic girl with a bad habit, bad habit for blasphemy

My name is Maria, some say I hate the church
And I've been in a relationship for a while
Give me it, I want it bad.
No Maria, I don't like you anymore!
I thought we were... Nooo!

She's a naughty girl who hates the church, hates the church a lot
She's a heretic girl with a bad habit, bad habit for blasphemy
Maria, Maria, Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Maria, Maria, Maria, Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Maria
She's a naughty girl who hates the church, hates the church a lot
She's a heretic girl with a bad habit, bad habit for blasphemy
Maria, Maria, Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Maria, Maria, Maria, Ma-Ma-Ma-Ma-Maria

Before she became a nun

Everything ends in sadness
Why did you leave me now?
My heart has blackened
I'm changing, that I vow

I'm turning to religion
I've been a heretic
I've realised my bad, bad sins
I'm never loving again

Oh, the Lord. Oh, Eye-ee-zus.
Forgive me, I've been a fool.
Trust me I'll change, that's my oath to you
I'm gonna be a nun

I'm gonna be a nun
I'm gonna be a nun

Oh, the Lord. Eye-ee-zus. The Lord.

School These Days

School these days
You're asking for a damnation
You're going to reformation
School these days

Stick to the dress code, none can be showed
School's not like it used to be
Follow the rules, this is my school
All fruit of the poisoned tree
Don't you walk out of my school, Now I'm going to be very cruel
School these days

Need to reform these schools

School these days
You're asking for a damnation
You're going to reformation
School these days

Need to reform these schools

[Jeru FC]

The Jeru FC coach and one of the keepers Duck Hoss ...

Coach: I hear you're very interest in Sister Polus and that Greg dude
Duck: Yes, they are very interesting people
Coach: They sure are
Duck: I love Sister Polus's announcements and how that Greg dude works
Coach: I'm not really interested
Duck: I think it's great

Coach: Apparently there's a video revealing Greg is well ... a girl
Duck: I think that's interesting
Coach: I'm confused, Sister Polus said he was homosexual
Duck: Well, if you're a female and you turn into a male, you'd still prefer males
Coach: OK that makes sense
Duck: I love this stuff

Coach: Hey, I heard you tried to join the Order of Golden Bike
Duck: Yes, but it's only for girls apparently.
Coach: So why did you bother trying
Duck: There's plenty of benefits, you get to mix with people of real power and most the girls are sexy
Coach: I think you're interest in the 2nd part only
Duck: They said it's impossible to be full member

Coach: It's the one that them Dallas girls run right?
Duck: Yes, it's pretty much mostly a Dallas cult.
Coach: So did get anywhere?
Duck: well, they gave me male associate status
Coach: Better than nothing
Duck: Yes, that Laura is also a member.

Coach: I'm keeping away from this religion. It's all bit too much.
Duck: This sister polus vs Greg war is great. Some countries are taking sides.
Coach: I'm so glad we got those greg games out of the way
Duck: I can't wait for what Sister Polus has to say
Coach: Whose side are you on?
Duck: Neither, I love the conflict

Coach: You've seen the video right?
Duck: Love it
Coach: I'm sure you do
Duck: Right up there with Dazza Dallas doing a snake
COach: Oh yes, that video.
Duck: That girl was so amazing.

[Abanhfleft]

CRESCENT NEWS NETWORK
SPORTS CHANNEL - OFFICIAL WEBSITE

ABANHFLEFT FINALLY TRIUMPHS OVER ISULA GE RU, WINS 3-1 AT ISULANS' HOME GROUND
By Federico Horvath


An Isulan player attempts to get past two Fleftic defenders at Isula ge Ru's home ground in Isula ge Ru. Abanhfleft won against the hosts 3-1 to secure their fourth win of the qualifiers. (Courtesy of Crescent News Network/Ivan Jenkinson)

ISULA GE RU - It took Abanhfleft a year, a very disappointing draw, four losses including one that set off controversy between two nations and their respective media outlets, but they have finally managed to avenge the loss that knocked them unfairly early out of their Baptism of Fire campaign. Well, almost. A win during qualifiers isn't as good as a win during the knockout stage, but it's still a win.

Isula ge Ru opened up the scoring in the first half with a cheeky chip over Maksim Varamoninov. The Isulan defense held up for the entirety of the first half, not letting the Revolutionaries get a sniff of goal. But starting from five minutes into the second half, Abanhfleft ramped up the pressure and inevitably got through. Gustavo Potter got the first goal, and then Kevin Kelvin and Josh Hodges added in goals of their own just minutes apart. The Isulans were not quite expecting such a strong performance from the Revolutionaries in the second half, and they appeared quite unable to handle the sudden pressure. Try all they might, they couldn't get back the lead they had gotten in the first half, and Abanhfleft walked away with the win.

Abanhfleft's Monsanto Stadium will be playing host to Kazamatsuri for the next qualifying matchday. Abanhfleft will try to win against them after the Revolutionaries were beaten 4-2 by Kazamatsuri in their first encounter.

ISULA GE RU  1 - 3 ABANHFLEFT
PLAYER (15')       GUSTAVO POTTER (52')
                   KEVIN KELVIN (59')
                   JOSH HODGES (63')

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING GROUP 9 TABLE

P-Group 9                                 Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Kazamatsuri                               9    6   3   0    20   10  +10    21
2 Chiata                                    9    6   3   0    12    2  +10    21
3 Turori                                    9    5   2   2    24    8  +16    17
4 Abanhfleft                                9    4   1   4    16   22   −6    13
5 Isula ĝe Ru                               9    3   1   5    12   15   −3    10
6 Walamzia                                  9    3   0   6    15   20   −5     9
7 Frenline Delpha                           9    2   1   6    17   24   −7     7
8 Panamerhispania                           9    1   1   7    10   25  −15     4

[Apox]

Where are they now?

Ken Rickwright
Position: Centre Midfielder
Current Age: 52
National Team Caps: 51
National Team Goals: 10

Another one of the undisputed Apoxian football legends, Ken Rickwright was the key presence in the centre of the pitch, and fulfilled the role of the "older, wiser" centre midfielder of the two, dropping somewhat further back and becoming more of a distributer, with the younger partner (normally Will Fich for Ken) being given more freedom to roam up front while they still had their pace.

Ken was the first player to reach 50 caps for Apox, missing only 11 games before reaching the milestone, as well as becoming the first midfield player to score 10 goals. He was an ever present in the team until Cup of Harmony 54 where he retired internationally, aged 34 - sadly missing out on Campionato Esportiva IV and securing Apox's first trophy.

Domestically, he was with Issington F.C before the ANL started, and indeed for the first three seasons of the ANL. Disillusioned with Issington F.C's early struggles in the ANL, he moved to Matthew City Senators in Northern Sunrise Islands, doing incredibly well there during the closing seasons of his career - he was mae the captain in his final season at the club, and he won a title with the club as well. His shirt number has since been retired by the club, in honour of his importance at the club.

After retiring from playing, he took up a job as manager of the newly formed Old Guard national team, where he stayed for a WC cycle and for a couple of Copa Rushmoris, earning a famous win over the top seed of the group Valanora in the process. However, with the general disarray of Old Guardian football in general, he decided to move on, taking over at Barbury Town, with Barbury having been recently repromoted back into the ANL.

Ken Rickwright's steady and consistent management (he's now the longest serving manager in the history of the ANL) saw the team cemented in the ANL, then become UICA challengers, before finally winning the ANL title 4 seasons ago, as well as winning two Marshall Cup's with the club. Nowadays, Barbury are one of the biggest clubs in Apox, and they are consistently title challenging or gaining Champions Cup places, as well as becoming the first Apoxian club to win the Cygnus Cup as well as often going deep in UICA competitions, with Barbury reaching the semi-finals of the Champions Cup a number of seasons ago, at the time the furthest an Apoxian club had gone in UICA competition.

A true legend for Apox, both as a player and as a manager.

Team Sheet vs Red Blackiland (scorers in bold)
GK: Ettie Seabrooke
RD: Jack Lerryn (c)
CD: Olim Shahzad
CD: Nicolas St Teath
LD: Ben Hatem sub James Fowey 35'
DM: Ulrika Kinlasson
RM: Alice Monteforth
CM: Armando Quillisi sub Wilfried Lidgley 66'
LM: Kaj Aurora
ST: Tolgus Tregajorran
ST: Adnan Zozula

[Gregoryisgodistan]

Lord Almighty Gregory's Speech to the People

"Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, and slaves. I speak to you of events involving the wicked lands of Acedonia and The Holy Empire. The sinners from the land that calls itself The Holy Empire released a video falsely claiming that I had been turned into a woman and had sex with men. This claim is entirely laughable. Equally laughable is the claim by Sister Maria Polus of Acedonia, or rather the woman impersonating her since the real one is dead, that this proves I am a transgender homosexual. That is all ridiculous.

"As a result of fake Maria's allegations, we hacked into the Acedonian radio stations to play a hit song called "Maria Polus is Completely Heterosexual" with lyrics that proved anything but. As a result, the whole world now knows Sister Maria Polus was a lesbian who regularly had sex with other nuns. The Holy Empire has released a statement accusing us of homophobia for thinking it is a bad thing that Maria Polus is a homosexual and she should be embarrassed by it. We do not think such a thing. We think Maria Polus should embrace her homosexuality and go marry another nun. However, Polus, or rather the sinner impersonating her, does not do this. She speaks of homosexuality as if it is the work of the devil, as if it is a wicked sin, as if all gays should be killed. None of that is true. We do not despise Polus for being a homosexual - rather, we despise her for being, among other things, a hypocrite. Already, [url=gayhomophobe.com]gayhomophobe.net[/url] has named Maria Polus the newest "Gay Homophobe" award winner, ending the 251-day reign of Daniel Etts, the 94 year-old former Catholic Archbishop of Gregory Llama Land, who refused to sanction gay marriages in his church and was arrested last year and and charged with molesting his 24 year-old grandson. The website is, of course, for anyone in power, not just clergy, and several politicians from all over the world have won it as well. This is not just a Gregoryisgodistani site, rather, this is an international site hosted by a Gregllamese citizen. Additionally, we most certainly did not assassinate said citizen and take over the website just to add Maria Polus after he refused to believe us. Anyone who says that is a liar and will be killed along with their family.

"Furthermore, I wish to congratulate our hackers for taking Acedonian radio stations down and broadcasting this perfectly accurate song about Sister Maria Polus' lesbian escapades. Let the world know Maria Polus and the woman impersonating her, who continues the lesbian escapades to keep up the act, are hypocrites who preach that homosexuality is a sin but engage in it themselves. Here in Gregoryisgodistan, homosexuality is legal and accepted. Those most loyal to the state are free to marry anyone, regardless of gender or loyalty status, though marrying someone against their will is, of course, illegal even then. Commoners, unless they marry a government VIP, are assigned spouses by our government, and their sexual orientation will be accommodated 97 percent of the time. We are looking to improve that rate every day. We are strongly supportive of the gay and lesbian community, unlike the bastions of inequality and heathens that are Acedonia, Saintland, and the Unholy Republican Empire. Maria Polus is a lesbian - there can be no denying that. But if she lived in Gregoryisgodistan, there is a 97 percent chance she would be assigned to marry another woman and fulfill her sexual ambitions. In Acedonia, there is a 0 percent chance that will happen, so instead she is forced to live a double life, one as a nun and one as a lesbian. What do they have in common? They don't have sex with men. I encourage Maria Polus, or more precisely the woman impersonating her, to openly announce her lesbianism and encourage the Church of Saintland to sanction lesbian and gay marriages. Then she can marry the woman of her dreams, who is probably another nun. Good luck to her. May the Lord, who is me, be with you in your love for womankind. May you have lots of lesbian fun, since there is nothing wrong with that. May you stop being a hypocrite, because there absolutely is something wrong with that. Hypocrites are awful people. We must capture the woman impersonating Maia Polus and publicly execute her for all her sins, including hypocrisy, blasphemy, apostasy, nunnery, and lying. Death to her! Death to Acedonia! Death to Saintland! Death to Reino Kulseth! Death to the nuns!"

[Neu Engollon]

NETV Studios
BURGUNDEN, ZU, NE

They sat in a side conference room of the NETV studios, just mere meters from the production floor and anchor desk. It was airy, and had large windows that looked out into the production area, with another set that looked out unto downtown Burgunden, the largest metropolis of Neu Engollon.

The group had tablets, laptops and spreadsheets out and were focused on their project, which shouldn't have called attention to them, but the large hats on all of their heads did in fact create a bit of a rubbernecking log jam as studio personnel halted their progress, forgetting what they were in the process of doing, as they peered into the conference room windows. It was a common occurrence these days for anyone who was nominally associated with football, and it didn't even take the sight of people in big floppy hats to cause it. Anyone in the sports world that covered, organized, photographed, or played football, even the superfans who attended matches or watched every one on television or their smartphones and computers; all were stricken dumb and put in to a vapid void of inactivity by the recent haze that had befallen the Confederacy.

Joelle Derrein, the Commissioner of NEFA, had been one of those effected. After some tests, procedures and a fitting for one of the overly large hats, her clarity had somewhat returned. She sat with a tablet in front of her, watching as the people from the Counter-Surrealist Institute furiously crunched numbers around her.
"So, why can't we just make everybody wear hats?"

"Not that simple. Also, those are special hats. They have a foil/kevlar mesh inside the lining. Just putting a hat on doesn't stop the effects of this occurrence."

"Oh. Occurrence? I thought it was a spell?"

"We don't know that for sure. More than likely, it is...Yes."

The short, stout grey haired man interrupted impatiently,
"Did we get the script to the teleprompter?"

Another one, gangly and diminutive, resembling the actor DJ Qualls, responded,
"Yes, but I had to sneak it in. The NETV staff still aren't cooperating much so I really had to pull a fast one to get the programmer to change scripts."

"If they're not cooperating, how do we even have this room to work in?"

"Long story. We're not doing what they think we're actually doing..."

The blonde woman, their Director broke in,
"Hector, I'm going to need you to keep pushing through with your cover. You need to get a live mike in to Gerry's feed...to coach him."

The skinny, awkward one answered,
"I know, I already have it worked out."

"Let's hope this will help in breaking the haze."

---

And we're going live in 5...4...3...*...*...

"Hello, Neu Engollon, welcome! I'm Gerry Paseult, your host tonight for the NETV 7 Sports update. Tonight we go live to Cata Larga, where the Goats are playing in the World Cup of...foog...mah...I don't..."

*Just read the prompter, Gerry. Do your job and read the prompter!* [Hector stood behind the cameraman as he practically spit into the mike that had an open channel to Gerry Paseult's ear bud. It was make or break right now as to if this would work.]

"I can't read that right. Does that say 'foobah'?...I just..."

*FOOTBall! Football. Just say the word, Gerry. Fuuuh-Te-Bawwl. You played the damn sport for years, idiot!*

"Anyway...One of our teams had a one point draw against Cata Larga in some minor World Cup...Not sure why it's the headline news for the Update this evening as we have a lot rugby and roller derby matches to get to, but...there you go. We don't have any more details on that silliness..."

*Are you freakin' kiddin' me?! Is this thing on?!*

---

LATER...

"That didn't go very well at all."

"I think we need to give up on the media coverage. Not gonna happen. How is the search for the pseudo-Goats going? The team that is somehow actually qualifying for us?"

"You mean aside from the one team we can find that is in the Dome gardening and setting up looms on the field?"

"Yes, obviously. The team that is actually playing football and keeping Neu Engollon up in the rankings."

"Lousy. Every time we have someone try to show up for the matches, they seem to just miss it by a few minutes and the impostor Goats are long gone. They vanish like ghosts...It's very troubling. Both the timewarping and this shadowy clone team. This job gives me the creeps."

"Have you thought that maybe we don't need to do anything?"

"What do you mean?"

"The Goats are doing well, I mean, maybe not the real team, but who cares? They're doing better than the real Goats have done in most of the World Cups they've played. Why do we want to mess that up? Let them play, even if it's not the right team. Neu Engollon wins and that's what counts, right? We're doing this for the nation."

"I see what you're saying, and don't think I haven't thought about that, but...It's our job. Besides, no one said we had to stop the clone Goat team from winning for Neu Engollon, we just have to figure out who they are."

"That is the big question."

"What if, after all that, and if we do let it go, though, they are discovered and disqualified? What then?"

"My head hurts. I don't want to think about this anymore."

[Stvoto Latoli]

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

76 YEARS & 2 WEEKS AGO

(NOTE: This RP is part of a very long and ambitious storyline that serves as an origin story for this nation. I will be referencing at least a half dozen of my own former RPs, written as the Pazhujeb Islands or Kagdazka and Pazhujebu. As such, I feel like it is in good faith to report this to hosts who might be tabulating my RP bonus: the past RPs I will reintroduce are original material, but most of them have been directly copied and pasted. If this is considered uncouth, I will understand if I am docked bonus points. However, it is worth mentioning that in many of these ancient RPs I left hints that I did plan on revisiting later. Subsequently, this self-plagiarism simply attempts to give context for the plot I will be weaving. I will always provide a notice in this space any time an old RP is used or referenced.)

[Greater Watford]

A second consecutive 0-0 draw, with wins for Carialus and Farfadillis is making qualification for the World Cup look less likely with each passing game. Alessandro de Rosso is feeling the pressure of the expectant crowd, and if he doesn’t deliver soon, his time may surely be up.

Atrua had been overtaken in the group stages by the Hornets, and had a lower KPB rank, so with home advantage on their side, Greater Watford hoped for a win. Indeed, in the early minutes, Samuel Harris came very close, narrowly missing from 20 yards.

The 22nd minute saw another good opportunity, with Mannetti dashing into the box. He appeared to be brought down by an Atrua defender, but no penalty was given, to the captain’s frustration. Atrua had an opportunity at the other end of the pitch, but a tame one on one shot was easily saved by Kendrick Hannon.

At half-time, there were few cheers for either side, the contest being seen as quite dull. The second half didn’t offer much else either. The best chance probably came for Atrua in the 48th minute, when poor marking from a corner left them with a clear header on goal, but it was knocked over the bar.

For the Hornets, de Rosso tried 3 up front again with Lanzo replacing Deer. However, it seemed ineffectual, the team were not used to this style of play, and Atrua held a good defensive line to prevent any real opportunities.

At the end of the game, it finished 0-0 again. As Greater Watford prepare to travel to Sargkisia, the team know that any more slip ups will be fatal to their qualifying chances, and realistically, qualification for the Cup of Harmony will be their goal.

Nascot Wood United FC

Formed in 60BU, Nascot Wood United FC have a fair history. Nicknamed the Redwoods, based on their kit, and the woodland surrounding the city, the team have a plucky local fanbase.

Nascot Wood United initially joined the Gold Cup in 59BU, and in their third attempt, made it to the Round of 16. This gave them the opportunity to join the ICFF, and thus participate in the Inter City Cup. Both of these tournaments gave some good performances to Nascot Wood United, and in 52BU, they beat both Watford and Hemel Hempstead in the same year.

Unfortunately, they were nationally ranked 10th come the establishment of the GWNFA, and didn’t join the GWNFA Super League. In 38BU and 37BU, Nascot Wood United won the Inter City Cup, the latter victory awarding them a place in the GWNFA Super League as an expansion team. This saw them change into a claret shirt with white shorts, although this design only lasted a few seasons, before they reverted back to their traditional red.

Life was difficult for the Redwoods to begin with, although there was no relegation threat. As one of the slightly smaller sides, they didn’t have the capabilities to compete with the Big 3, or other highly rated clubs. Nevertheless, they never actually faced a relegation playoff, which is no mean feat.

In the Repechage, they finished 9th, securing themselves a GWFA Super League place. 8th in Season 1 was followed by a disastrous 16th in Season 2, and relegation to the second tier, now known as the Challenge League again. They had to fight their way through the 4-team playoff, eventually beating Harlequin Islanders 2-0 on aggregate. Since then, the Redwoods have not been relegated, but haven’t ever finished in the Top half of the table.

Kits: The home kit is a two-tone red shirt with some black trim. The away kit is a bold deep purple colour, with a pink stripe along the left side and across the top, a striking design.

Prospects for Season 8: Nascot Wood United have been riding their luck for some time, and the bubble could very easily burst this season.

Prediction: 14th

Squad vs Sargkisia

Code: Select all

GK   1   Kendrick Hannon      
DEF   2   Jonny Gregor      
DEF   3   Elmo Dowling      
DEF   15   Armando Westberg      
DEF   16   Osvaldo Current      
MID   6   Tommy Deer       
MID   18   Peter Tilder      
MID   7   Aaron Smith        
ATT   9   Mario Mannetti      
ATT   10   Ignacio Peréz       
MID   11   Samuel Harris      
      
Subs:      
GK   12   Gordon Watson      
DEF   13   Keven Sproull       
DEF   5   Ryan Franks      
MID   8   Garry Oldfen
MID   26   Royal Mungo
ATT   21   Lorenzo Lanzo      
ATT   28   Cameron Rastersson