World Cup 74 - RPing Thread

by **Electrum** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:12 am

Centralis Herald - News Section - Janine Connell

Referendum Aftermath

Politics is like a Shakespearean play (whoever that is), you just don't know when the author comes in and drops an unexpected twist. And it's happened twice in one week. Just a few days ago, we saw a pro-Euran selected to be the governor of Lyoness, the northern province containing Hamilton and the surrounding towns, whose places have the highest amount of population that are secessionists. But that is for another time. With a resounding victory for democracy and the people's interests, the electorate voted overwhelmingly last week, with a majority in all provinces and the entire nation to start the consociationalism form of government. In short, instead of the majority forming the government cabinet, now it is drawn from all the major parties: thirty cabinet positions, plus the two Prime Minister roles divided up based on how many seats a party got in the parliament, meaning that for the first time ever all of the major parties will be represented in the cabinet.

Going to the polls, the opinion seemed to be clear from the very beginning. All of the newspolls and projections by all of the pollsters predicted that the referendum would pass. Electrumites are a shrewd people, and they saw the fractious parliamentary system as unworkable, with alliances breaking down every two or three years or so, resulting in early elections. The last time a government went a full term was around thirty years ago. With the rise of new parties just last election, this issue is exacerbated further; there is simply no way that a motley group of parties could ever co-operate. If one party had a dummy spit over a particular issue (see Greens last time with the Rio Oscuro crisis, bringing down the entire government), then the whole stack of cards would fall and we would have to restart.

This constant change and how fragile our political system is would damage our international reputation: we would be seen as a laughing stock every time this happened. In fact, some of the youth might recall the time where we operated without a government because of the deadlock for five months. It's time that we give up on majority governance and instead rely on co-operation and negotiation to truly move our country forward. Do not worry: We still will have elections, but they are important in the way that the elections will decide cabinet composition, not who gets to govern. Of course, most of the mainstream parties were furiously against the move, Nick Wood saying that, "this is an affront to democracy" whilst simultaneously trampling on minority rights or opposition leader Cynthia Suarez saying that, "we promise never to co-operate in the cabinet" whilst already doing so in this system. Point is, the politicians arguments were rendered moot, and really it was the will of the people and a promise of better governance which led the vote to be 62-38 (a majority of 24%) and led to hurried calls by both the dominating Labour and Conservative Parties.

In a special scoop to the Centralis Herald, just a week after a referendum, it seems that the parties have already decided who's doing what in the cabinet. With the opinion polling being no surprise about the victory, it seems that the parties had shown some preparation with the new cabinet being announced just an hour before. This means that the two leaders who were at each others throats for the last election, the debate and then the Olympics Opening Ceremony are now Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. In a surprising twist, because of the Labour Party actually having more party than the Conservatives (although the Tories took the PMship last time), former Opposition Leader/PM Cynthia Suarez regains the role, Nick Wood relegated down to deputy Prime Minister. Here are the breakdown of projected cabinet seats:

Parties                 HoR  PS  Total Cab 
Labour                  64   26   90   9 (PM seat)
Conservative            55   24   79   8 (DPM seat)
New Centrist Alliance   21   11   32   3
Compassionate Workers   16   10   26   3
Country Living          15    8   23   2
Liberty                 12    6   18   2
Family Principles        3    8   11*  1
Greens Society           2    6    8^  1
Electrum Nationalist     2    5    7   1
Unaligned/Minor         10   10   20#  2

^Sex Party, Euthanasia Now, Cycling-PT Union and Animals Have Rights align with Greens Society
*Christian Justice Party align with Family Principles
#The Unaligned/Minor bloc, also known as the Independents Grouping consists of Plexo United Party,
 the independents, Endemian Union Party and the Party Party Party-Surprise Party alliance

And here is a look at the leaked list for the cabinet positions:

Obviously, the big winners were the minor parties who were all represented in the main cabinet, with the larger parties with two or more cabinet seats having spots in the outer cabinet. Each of the minor party leaders all got the ministries they wanted, with the Environment going to the Greens, Human Services to the Family Principles, Immigration to the Nationalists, Rural Affairs to the Country Living Party, etc. Although there was some criticism by those on the left, especially from the Greens and Labour that the Nationalists would be in charge of immigration of all people, but they were mollified by the fact that pretty much all of the parties got the ministry portfolios that they wanted. Among the smaller single-issue minor parties, they caucused with the Greens, meaning that Marco Lombardi will represent their issues in the cabinet. There is a similar arrangement with the independents and Sylvia Appleby, who was nominated to be the Ombudsman (an overseer of the government who must be an independent candidate), following on from her husband who had served in the role previously.

This meant that between the Independents Grouping, comprising of billionaire's Robert Plexo's party, the Party Party Party-Surprise Party alliance, assorted independents and the Euran nationalists were all in the fight for the last seat in the outer cabinet. After several rounds of voting, the first three groupings ensured that the Eurans would not be represented. As a result, the Euran candidate for the Ministerial position was eliminated. With Sam Myers and Robert Plexo remaining, the independents, PSP and the Eurans voted for the joke party and inoffensive candidate Myers over the billionaire maverick Plexo, securing the coveted Foreign Affairs ministry. This means for the first time ever, a former joke party-cum-serious party are now controlling the Foreign Affairs ministry. Let's just be relieved that the Euran secessionists aren't in charge of that ministry. The big losers were of course the governing parties, who all lost seats in the cabinet, but all of their party leaders did retain their seats in the cabinet reshuffle.

We're joining uncharted territory. With the to-be-announced cabinet being sworn in very soon, there are a lot of obstacles and policy issues ahead of them. Namely, the annexationists in the North and their rise, the exploration of new oil fields, the opening up of Junin and rumours of disturbances just North of the border. Time will tell if this new system works, and whether or not this experiment in Electrum democracy is a success.

by **Kaboomlandia** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:38 am

Phoenix overachieving at the half

Nobody expected Kaboomlandia to be where they are now after six of twelve games. The plucky underdogs in Group 15 have taken four of six games and proven themselves to be a patient, disciplined defensive team.

"They do their system so well. It's not because they mount these comebacks. They just stick with their system, and the other team eventually cracks," notes kbmsports.com analyst Darren Miller. "Ryan White's system is working exactly how they wanted."

Also of note: goalie Duncan McEachern. He has four shutouts, all by a 1-0 score. "Duncan is a really strong athlete, always improving. He'll be the goalie of the present and future in Kaboomlandia."

The current standings in Group 15 are as follows:

Group 15                            Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 Royal Kingdom of Québec               6    6   0   0    15    5  +10    18
2 Polaaskan                             6    4   1   1    14    8   +6    13
3 Kaboomlandia                          6    4   0   2     4    6   −2    12
4 Brenecia                              6    3   0   3    13    8   +5     9
5 Santaclausisgodistan                  6    2   1   3     6    5   +1     7
6 Allamunnic States                     6    1   0   5     4   14  −10     3
7 Rejistania                            6    0   0   6     6   16  −10     0

As you can see, Kaboomlandia is only one point out of a playoff spot, but Polaaskan and Quebec will be tough to beat. The shock win over Brenecia gives the Phoenix some breathing room.

Unfortunately, the Phoenix have one problem: They don't score often, although this is by design All four of their wins were by 1-0 margins, and their two losses were by 2-0 and 4-0 scores. If the team gives up more than one goal, they're sunk unless the offense gets going.

by **Bears Armed** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 11:27 am

Three of the Belles’ players have met up with each other at a café in Council Groves, by previous arrangement, to enjoy some cakes and cha (a herbal tea) while they discuss the forthcoming ‘qualifier’ matches.

(Urranna Lightning) “So, Whovian Tardisia first. I wonder how much better they’ll play on their home ground than they did here, and now that they have the one game’s experience of playing against urrs?”

(Irra Thunderbolt) “Not much better, I suspect, bearing in mind the rresults of their other qualifying matches so far…”

(Karramarsar Herhghrra) “H’rrm, maybeso not, although of course aren’t going to let that probability makes urrs over-confident… Hrright?”

(Urranna and Irra) “Hrright!”

(Irra) “No, hwhat I’m slightly more bothered about is how the crowd there will rreact if we win. According to their own newspapers, the crowd tends to get a bit rrrowdy… and even though the Hwhovian people who came to the game here last summer were all just Humans, who knows hwhat other kinds of folks they’ve got back home…?”

(Herghraa) “Is there any reason to expect that they might include any other sorts of folks, then?”

(Irra) “Ayyuh. Didn’t you know that their nation’s name comes from the fact that they’re rrelated to the real nation on hwhich the home planet of the leading character in that imported television series ‘ Dr Hwhoo’ is based? So they could maybeso have immigrants from anywhere, anywhen…”

(Herghraa) “Ur’rmm, no, I didn’t.
“Urranna, hwhy are you laughing?”

(Urranna) “Sorry, , but hwhenever anybearry mentions ‘Dr Hwhoo my mind starts to visualise scenes from the book that was my vberry bestest favourite back hwhen I was only a little cub.”

(Herghraa) “Oh?”

(Urranna) “Ayyuh, one of Doctor Yurrs’s best works…”

(Irra) “Ah. ‘Horrtonh hears a Hwhoo’, I suppose?”

(Urranna) “Ayyuh.”

(Irra) “Oh, of course.”

(Herghraa) “Irra, Urranna, will you both stop giggling? Please? We’ve got serious business to discuss here… and the cha is getting cold.”

by **Alasdair I Frosticus** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 11:53 am

Dear Prof. Lascaruso,

While I appreciate your disappointment at the team's footballing performance (and despite the home draw against New Gelderland, may I take a moment to point out that we've only lost one match - despite our lack of footballing skill, and are only two points out of first), I would like to focus your attention on our continued success in the field of archaeology.

The recent field season in Aestate was particularly successful, and the team's accompany success on the football field has only reinforced our happiness at the data we have uncovered.

This was quite possibly our most remarkable field season yet - one so remarkable that it will no doubt be the subject of constant citation in the pages of the Proceedings of the Imperial Society of Antiquaries.

What makes it remarkable, you ask?

Well, let's just say that our opening hypothesis, as you may well remember, was that:

Aestate does not actually exist.

We now have definitive proof that Aestate does in fact exist.

Now, the cynics will no doubt say that archaeology was a very expensive and unnecessary means of proving something that we would have been able to demonstrate via the mere fact of our football match against Aestate.

These cynics are fools.

Playing a football match does not itself prove that the opposing nation definitively and absolutely objectively exists, only that our squad of footballers came to believe in the existence of the opposing nation for the 90 minutes during which the football match took place. Only archaeology can conclusively demonstrate that the nation also existed in the past as well as the present (we leave it to the Empire's more developed philosophers to worry about Aestate's future) via the production of data sets that continue to have a verifiable objective existence even when they are not being observed by the excavators. We are therefore particularly proud to have uncovered the following extraordinary artefacts that prove Aestate's past existence alongside the transient present of the football match:

* 560 glazed ceramic bowls featuring homoerotic art of the most exquisite refinement.
* 40 plastic hats featuring the mysterious slogan 'kiss me quick'
* 789 rubber phalluses
* 1 example of what I am assured is an 'artificial vagina'
* 345 unused condom packets
* 1008 used condoms (which we of course plan on sending out for residue analysis)

These were all located within what appears to be an wholly complete ritual centre consisting of a series of small cubicles, each containing a personal porcelain throne. The deity worshipped here appeared to go by the name 'Gloriwhole'. The daily worship ritual somehow involved the small circular holes that seem to have been carved at waist height in the walls of each of the cubicles within the ritual centre. Dr. Sphrantzes has advanced the theory that the rubber phalluses were somehow passed through these holes in a ritual exchange of sexual power that had particular resonance for the ancient Aestatians. Drs. Branaso and Camatero have suggested attempting to re-enact this ceremony with the assistance of volunteers from the Imperial Lady's Society for Godly Chastity, to whom we are scheduled to give a lecture about our recent fieldwork before the mid-qualification break concludes.

I would be grateful if you could share your thoughts on the wisdom of proceeding with this re-enactment during our weekly update meeting. But I'm sure you nonetheless agree that this has been a remarkable field season, even if we have to publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal before we can fully share the latter with the general public. Dr. Calamanso has suggested submitting a paper to the Journal of Archaeological Innuendo, and I am giving his suggestion serious consideration.

Yours,

Prof. Joseph Ducaso, BA, MA, PhD, FISA
Mundy Archaeological Analysis Programme [MAAP]

by **Flardania** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 12:09 pm

Opening Theme

Bonjour et Ohayōgozaimasu Kirishima. Welcome back to another edition of the Kitsune Report, brought to you by Seongwoo Motors and the Nagatomo Sports Network (NSN). Here at the Kitsune Report it's all about our cherished national team and the sport we love. So with that said it's time to get grooving for some cup football yet again.

The Kitsunes represent three things to all of us, our faith, our culture/national animal, and our football team. Fan support is necessary to give our team the competitive edge against our opponents. The opportunity to witness amazing moments wherever you go is very tempting such as those who witness the upset win over Turori abroad. You are a fan of chants, good stadium food, and entertainment during the half of Kitsune games and seek to feel the energy that a Kitsune match provides. Well except the food which we have no control over on the road, you can still experience Kitsune football on the road.Wondering about how you going to get to the matches? Choose Air Pacifica and official partner of the KFA. All flights to the location of an upcoming Kitsune match will have reduce fares so long as you provide a match ticket. Take advantage of this opportunity to fly in comfort and give the Kitsunes the support needed to pull out wins.

Now today I'm going to talk a little bit about the Associated Godlands. The nation where a blogger rules with divine mandate, Kirishinans are warned against visiting, and a nation that at times makes the DPRK seem like Disney World. Well one thing they like to do is make claims that their God rather than love his creation, in facts hate a majority of his creation. Now for a long time now Shirley Phelps-Roper has flipped flopped God's position on the Islands hidden in the mist. In WC72 we were a team that God was not too fond of and then in COH 64, that same cycle "God" approved of the Christians in Kirishima. Reminder this is the same Kirishima that is doomed to fall in the apocalypse. Now while you may be wondering why I'm wasting time with a God that literally hates everything such as graphs unless is has Shirley Phelps-Roper's name on it (confusing isn't it). Well a certain somebody whose nation is doing well right now is pretty cocky and started a series describing how certain Apocalypse scenarios happen. The first nation on their list is Kirishima. I figured why not use this to my advantage for the daily topic.

So first of all apparently we will be wiped of the map via major flooding, swarm of locust, and various explosions and that will be the downfall of this team. Can somebody explain to a certain blogger that we are located in the Dragon Triangle/Devil Sea (Depending on which map you use. For many years invaders and undesirables have been lost trying to find the Islands Hidden in the Mist. A land protected naturally by the Goddess Ilias. One does not simply live in one of the more unpredictable areas of sea without issues without some sort of divine grace.

As for the locust, what is this ancient times? I mean yea locust are still a threat to some areas in the world but not too much of a threat to developed nations with modern capabilities to monitor and prevent such a plague. The only real capability is if Kirishima bordered a third world nation without such capability along with a drastic change in crop production. However why do I bother, people in Associated Godlands are made to believe what ever Shirley Phelps-Roper tells them. It's obvious because if people knew how much times she was wrong, it would not go over well. Remember when Associated Godlands won Group A and went on to win the whole Cup of Harmony in COH 64? No? But she said obviously God was going to make it happen. Instead they finished at the bottom of the Group. Don't get me wrong Associated Godlands is a talented team that will accomplish big things however they can succeed without another thing that won't be true. How will that happen? Perhaps they should refer to some scripture like 1 Peter 5:6.

Flardania 3–1 Armeia Match Review:
So once again another surprising friendly was scheduled during the rest day, as it would seem that Kyosuke-san is trying to keep his team momentum going before another important matchup. Now remember when I said "One would wonder what a Kirishima-Armeia match in Kirishima with Bianka Schraeder on the field would be like?" You do? Well yea because that was a short while ago and I finally have your answer. Heated, it is a very heated matchup with Bianka and Sayo being the poster girls of what is a new rivalry. Move over United States of Devonta, there is a new top rival in town and it's Armeia. What was once a friendly series that fans looked forward to due to having player in each other leagues, has now gotten more personal as well as competitive.

So the match took place at Forest Park in Hyuga, home of Hyuga Valkyries FC. Now being in Kirishima there was mixed emotions as the Armeians took to the field. Well I say mixed but it was mostly positive. Obviously Bianka Schraeder was booed to kingdom come as she stepped out with various negative chants and signs but her sister Draga along with Milian /Reina Toure, Takagawa, Tanzer, Zupan, Bonner,Nazaryn and Nita Jagr were met with excitement and support for the crowd throughout the game. With reasoning such as playing in the KPL, playing AFC Center City, and great Emperor Cup performances.

The Armeians rested a lot of there starters and the Kitsunes did as well. Hojo who sat out last bye friendly was in at Goal. Yamamoto stayed in defense but was joined by Iwamoto, Nakamura, and Fukuda. In midfield hometown girl Akiho Ubukata started along with Zhang Xizhe and Papadopoulos. At the attack was Ichikawa, Yoon Gyeong Kim, and Garcon. The Armeian defensive formation caught the team off guard and in the ninth minute of all people Bianka Schraeder scored on Hojo. What happen next was one of the craziest scenes I ever seen with the Kitsunes. The fans were stunned silent as not only she scored but she scored quick and the only sounds heard was the Armeian fans cheering. Bianka ran by the Kirishinan bench screaming something before the crowd erupted in boos and Izumi along with Matsuoka begun to make way towards Schraeder. Yabuta and Miyamoto got in the way of Izumi while Matsuoka changed her mind and tried to calm down Ichikawa who was initially charging towards the Armeian seats. Kyosuke looked livid before Bianka got a red card to the cheer of the crowd who begun to chant. "Wir denken, dass deine Scheiße!" The fans then booed the refreee after giving a similar red card to Draga moments afterwards.

That matched seemed all about revenge as the three Kirishinan goals were scored by Ichikawa, Matsuoka, and Izumi. The fans without Bianka on the field to damping the mood was able to show support to various Armeian players when they did well. It was truly a bizarre situation. Kyosuke had some strong words after the match.

"We got the win but we didn't get what we want. We wanted to face a 100% Armeian lineup to keep up our sense. We are trying to be successful in this campaign which includes facing new sets and given different players opportunities. Playing against a 9-person team is anything but that...I heard the stories about Bianka but as I am not a domestic manager I never payed much attention to her career and I believed the drama about her was exaggerated. What I was able to take from this was selfishness. She is a talented player guaranteed but is immature. There might be somethings she is used to getting away with but when your on television representing your nation in front of millions like that you will get a red card guarantee and that puts your team into trouble. First there are less players on the pitch and they loose your services next game, imagine if that compromised the team chances in the long run. Especially a straight red which is guaranteed more than a single game suspension whenever it happens ...I don't believe that gesture was Red Card worthy by Draga. At most it should've been a yellow card...Now we need to take this winning streak and apply it to Associated Godlands. After our loss to them we won 7 straight including friendlies and they are right on our tail. We will be home and we need to take advantage of that. We are better prepared this time around and we are in position to potentially win this group for an instant qualification. We gained a lot by upsetting Turori but we can't let that effort go to waste in our next match. "

Flardania(Kirishima) v Associated Godlands Preview:
The Kitsunes will be back at Forest Park stadium in Hyuga. They will be facing a team they lost to 1-2 on the road during MD1. Since then the Kitsunes have put together some form and are looking towards a stretch of easier games. The Kitsunes are 2-0 in the streak of death and given the group standings and Associated Godlands record, this is a crucial match. Miyoko Hojo has been looking good throughout this entire qualification campaign with the least scored against the Kitsunes. Kirishima shares the same Goal Difference with Associated Godlands and judging by last the last match the offense will be important against this balanced style. Lets Go Kitsunes!

Post by: Keita Woo

by **Banguela** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 12:31 pm

Today, I make my debut for the national team...

...’s live broadcasts on Bang Sport. That’s already more than most would expect for your average 34-year old striker, so I’m shying away from complaining here. The setting, a large red settee lined off by a green table creating a colour combination that makes even Fauvists rip out their eyeballs, is proverbially filled by the imposing figure to my right, Gerard Bravo Mata. He’s got the kind of character that makes Twoface an amiable person to encounter, as he’s got more sides than a pair of D&D dices. When the cameras are off, he turns to a combination of ‘old-boys-club’ towards presenter Mario Iguago and ‘get-off-your-glance-makes-me-dirty’ vis-à-vis me. With the red light on, that suddenly switches into that guy in the bar everyone loves to hate but still buys a beer: too many opinions, just uncomfortable enough to kick you a conscience, just acceptable enough for primetime television.

It is remarkable to see how easily he mutes from one to another. During the after-game interview with Figuerinho, filled with the kind of standard answers one could expect from an educated, well-off, reliable and unexciting defensive midfielder, he’s still like a crocodile in his pond. No one touches Bravo Mata unwantedly, it seems. But then the script girl announces that we’re going in three, two, one and...

”So close yet so far!” it goes bellowing through the studio even before the obligatory applause died down, let alone the first question has been send.
”Is that the sentiment that is ruling here,” Mario picks it up, ”that could have been more?”
”Of course! Of course...” Bravo Mata displays himself as the master of the pensive pause. ”Look, there was a moment in this game when anyone but Banguela and Saintland was six points adrift. Knowing that there are only four more games that really matter, if you discard Kynystan and Pinuyi here, that’s miles ahead. I hate to say it, but they’ve ruined being with one leg and a half in the World Cup.”

I try to process what just unrolled here as seconds ago, he agreed that things still looked good for Banguela, having crossed the difficult cliff of Ethane away without a loss. And that despite a narrow backlog at the half-time point, after which Os Gnus finally started to play like the team that set aside The Sarian and Greater Watford.

”Tell me, Gerard” Mario continues as if I’m a stage prop left behind by an inattentive roadie, “what went wrong during that goal?”
”What didn’t,” he fakes a grin, ”what separates better from good players is whether they’re capable to have a learning curve and if that Stidolph has made that same inside-outside move already four times, you would think that someone like Ze Mata would already have picked it up. Quid non, apparently.”

In the meanwhile, the images zoom on poor Ze, completely taken aback by the quick flick from the legs of the left midfielder of the Red Kites. He makes an excellent pass that tears up the little space between Djalma Yaba and Joaquim Lebo.

”And that’s... Pff... Where to start here. Nobody knew these guys in advance but there has been one name persistently returning: Dewayne Boivin. Cheeky fellow, good touch, fine body but if you let someone with the speed of a mutilated turtle shuffle past you and pick it up, then you deserve a late equaliser against. Simple like that. I’m not feeling any part sorry for them right now.”

It’s a harsh testament, a bit undeserved. I decide to say so.

”That’s a bit harsh, even undeserved,” sounds my voice, a bit squeakier than I had expected. ”Pretty perfect pass and the finishing is strong, that’s very difficult for Landa Landa to stop.”
”Would Joao Pinto have got it?” Mario tries to steer the conversation back to the guy that makes viewers tune in to his show.
”A national team goalie should have,” Bravo Mata refuses to disappoint, giving an answer which gives everyone right.

But me, it seems. For some reason, cause he reminds me of all the annoying twats that ever told me to shut my pie hole, I take over.

”But we should not forget what a majestic thirty-five minutes the team played. This was top-class level,” I say, as if I’m the sole barrier between glory and endless criticism.
”Too little, too late,” he lifts his shoulders, ameliorating nothing.
”The wings played high, as we all want to say,” I bring out my best advocate, the midfield was robust yet creative and the strikers... ehm... struck.”[/i]

Wordplay never was my forte.

”And that all lead by an Amarinho...”
”Who once more showcased why absolute top teams like a Nueva Avenida shouldn’t have much interest in him,” Bravo Mata cuts the grass in front of my feet.
”Oh, come on!” I reply. F’ this. ”He’s playing an exceptional second half, assists, great passing, presence, the whole damn package and you try to put it off as mediocre?”
”The combination of a high peak and a deep low is somewhere in the middle,” he lectures as if I’m a toddler, ”that first half was nothing and up there, you should be there around the clock. He’s a good weather player, a lad who picks his moments. But in the national team, there are so few moments to shine, you’ve got to grab’m all.”
”It’s our second cycle and we’re three points ahead for the play-offs!” I start to shout, ”Any other nation would be going bonkers in joy!”

This suddenly turned from entertaining to shameful and the presenter diverts it to a clip with funky technical moves from Bogwa and Kubunga, who came in late in the game but not too late to showcase his signature move, an elastico at full speed. He has a bit of a conversation left on the ambitions for the away game to The Sarian and even Bravo Mata has to keep it calm now.

”They’re underdog but will certainly do their best. They now know what the duo Edison Joao - Amarinho brings and will be prepared. I wouldn’t be too disappointed if Joao Ferreira just tries to aim for a point here.”

Seconds later, I haven’t said a word since my outburst but the outro already resounds. From Mario Iguago, I receive a weak handshake but I already know I’ll become one of those guys who’ll remain forever with a sole cap under the belt.

by **Schottia** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 12:44 pm

The Cracks

Part Five

Gary was just going through the motions now. Drifting from one part of the room to the next. There were different types of drunk; different levels of intoxication which were as varied as one could imagine. It would have been so much better if this had been one of those occasions where the room would not stop spinning. Where he had to sit and try and focus on some detail on the back of his hand, to stop his orientation from going horizontal, and collapsing in a heap. That would have been an embarrassing way to go out of the player of the year awards, but it would have been favourable to what was about to occur. He was drifting from table to table, speaking to this person or that, only leaving one conversation to collect a drink, before returning to another. Spirits were high and the conversation was flowing.

Oh to have thrown up. Oh to have found the beer a little too gassy and gotten that sicky feeling. Oh for the bar to have run out of stock. Any one of these things might have saved him, but tonight it wasn't meant to be.

Gary stood near the middle of the town hall, fresh drink in hand, and smiled broadly as he looked around him. A warm feeling of invulnerability was welling up inside. He couldn't work out why he didn't hang out with these guys more often, and he had made several promises to meet up before he had to fly back to Nephara.

Man... Colin Donaldson was such a good guy!

He had no idea why he didn't talk to Joey Bia more than he did...

And Esther Abner - How could such a good-looking young woman be so down to earth?

Gary's eyes were three-quarters closed, nearly like slits, and he was swaying this way and that to the music. It was probably some international singer - what young people would call popular music. He didn't normally listen to stuff like that, but on this occasion he didn't mind. He had already jotted a few lyrics from some of the songs on the back of a napkin, in order that he could Google the title when he got home. This was what he called a party. Or more accurately, this is what young people called a party, and know what? Gary was enjoying it. He was having a good time around other footballers, he, Gary Corsie, was mingling.

'Y'alright there Gary-ma-boy.' Eoin Killanen gave him a drunken greeting as he walked past him on the way to the drinks table. He had a confident bounce in his step and was carrying his Player of The Year award, held tight under her left arm.

'Yes Eoin, yes.' He replied perhaps a little loudly. 'Very much so... My old friend.' They had never spoken much before, but this was different.

'Guid tae here it pal.'

Smiling from ear to ear he surveyed the room. Which player had he not yet spoken with? This was a night for making friends, for putting Chloe behind him. He'd already figured it all out, and now that he knew everything was being orchestrated against him it took the pressure off. If you knew you're going to fail either way then why bother trying. The stars were aligned in such a way that victory was impossible, he had spent his entire life trying to climb the wrong way up a waterslide and now it was time to let go, and throw his arms in the air.

Kim Coultan was sitting by herself at the edge of the hall. So often in the past this had been Gary's fate, but not tonight. Kim was a solitary and somewhat morose individual. Everything about her appearance; from her tightly folded arms, crossed legs, dark-brown fringe concealed eye, the other pointed firmly at the floor, said - for the love of god just leave me alone....

A heavily inebriated Gary marched over and pulled up the seat next to her. You would never normally describe Kim Coultan as dapper, however she was well turned out for the occasion; She wore an expensive looking black dress - Gary could only imagine she's purchased it in Crawford before she left Cosumar - and her hair looked like it had had some time dedicated to its upkeep. The Crawford City star was much the same even while they were on tour, always wondering around the airport with her headphones in, listening to some gloomy indie-music, or the kind of heavy metal that had time signatures which made Gary feel deeply unsettled.

'Evening Miss Coultan.' Gary fell rather heavily into the seat next to her. He hadn't meant to sit down quite so hard, but luckily he managed to pass it off as enthusiasm as opposed to clumsiness. He took a second to compose himself, and to bring his drink back level. Count to three slowly, don't spill anything. 'Oops. Don't mind if I drop in.' He laughed, happy that he had managed to fashion a joke from his near mishap.

'Oh hi Gary.' Kim opened her posture a little, but only a little. Her arms remained folded and one leg stayed crossed over the other. Gary reckoned she must have thought she had a chance at the Schottic Player of The Year award. That would have been why she had gotten dressed up, but he knew she would never admit it though. It wasn't that she was particularly modest, it more the fact that she would hate for anyone to think she cared. But Gary had a feeling he was right.

'So were you disappointed not to pick up an award tonight Kim?' Great conversation piece Gary! He would have probably gotten a more positive response if he had poked her in the side of the face.

'Not particularly.' She shot him a smouldering look through her one visible eye. 'Are you...?'

'Me.' Gary laughed merrily and took another sip from his drink. 'No I've not won a prize at the SFA awards in years.' He leaned back in his chair and gave a contented smile. 'And I don't intend to any time soon.'

Kim saw the humour in this and let a smile creep into the corner of her mouth. 'Why bother huh?' She sat back in her chair and smirked as she shook her head. 'With midfielders like you in the set-up, Jane Gullie doesn't need opponents.' She finally unfolded herself and bent down to pick up a glass from the ground near her feet. On inspection it was possibly a juice, but either way, nothing about her seemed like she had been drinking much. 'I'm guessing you've just given up completely now?'

'As a matter of fact I have.' He bobbed his head from side to side as he weighed up his next response. 'Well maybe not given up, but I'm feeling more at ease suddenly, at not being able to cope with being a footballer. I used to feel guilt about that, but now I'm okay.' He was pleased with how he had put this last part; he thought it summed the situation up nicely. Ease. Ease: that was a good word for this new Gary - he was now at ease.

'Yeah, you do seem unusually chipper. I was beginning to wonder if you were just drunk.' She looked towards him, flicking the hair away from her face, and immediately looking more like the player he knew. 'To be honest... I was just going to attribute it to drunkenness.'

'Oh I'm drunk too.' Gary added casually. 'Very drunk in fact. I'm what my Dad would call "steaming." However... part of the reason I'm drunk is because I've figured it all out.' Gary took another sip of his drink, looking very satisfied with himself.

'You've worked out how to get drunk?' Kim laughed. She knew that wasn't what he meant but she couldn't resist.

'No.' He shook his head slowly. 'I've worked out what this is all about. Live. Our own existance.' Gary had a smugness to him - a certainty - and he knew it was pricking Kim's curiosity. Of course this was his intension and he was keen for her to probe him further.

'Come on then.' She folded her arms once more, but this time in a more relaxed manner, and Gary realised that the tight posture may be partly down to a coldness issue. He was warm enough, but then again he had on a thick flannel shirt and vest underneath. Kim's dress left her arms, and upper neck exposed and it was now quickly approaching the tail end of the year. Granted, she would have been warmer if she had been up and about with the others, but like Gary normally, this wasn't his teammates style. 'Tell me what "all this" is about then.'

'Well.' Gary began, wetting his lips with his drink. 'I was taking to Paul Coine a couple of weeks ago, I think before the New Gelderland match and...'

'Ha ha...' Kim leaned forward unable to stifle her laughter. 'Paul Coine? He believes the world is bloody flat! Doesn't he?' She placed a hand of Gary's shoulder and looked at him in mock concern. 'I think you're new theory is falling flat already pal.'

'No no no.' Gary shook his head vigorously. 'Paul believes that the earth is hollow.' He answered, as if that made it much better.

'And it's populated by Aliens or something? Right?' Kim asked shaking her head as she turned away. She no doubt had her thoughts firmly on getting out of here, and bringing down the curtain on what had been a miserable night for her. No prizes, stone cold sober, and now having to talk to Gary. Her mind was probably already boarding the first flight back to Cosumar.

'No he doesn't believe that. He just believes that it is hollow. It's something to do with physics, and continental drift.' Why was he defending Paul's research, surely that wasn't his job. 'As far as I'm aware he says it’s filled with a hot gas. So no aliens inside.'

'But he does think we have been visited by aliens, correct? I am right, no?' It looked like Kim was having second thoughts, and was enjoying the conversation after all. Paul was probably quite fun to ridicule. Gary respected anyone who stood up for what they believed in like he did, but when you were a professional football, sticking your neck out like that set you up for a fall. 'He visits the sites of crop-circles and all that sort of thing?'

'Yeah he does.' How on earth were they talking about crop-circles? 'But that's not what I was getting at.' Gary moved the conversation on. 'So, the other week he was taking about the planet being like this kind of sandbox, where aliens were like gods - with a small G, as he put it - manipulating everything from; human evolution, to politics, even day to day events.' Gary, for the first time that evening, was starting to wish he was sober. Kim had totally wrong footed him, and now he having to wade through all this rubbish, which he could tell was detracting weight from the argument he wanted to put across to her.

'Gary, I'm as open minded as the next person, but if you are going to try and tell me that this is like the matrix then, we are going to have to part company.' She pulled her phone from her bag, probably to check the time. Bad sign.

'No, I'm not saying that. It's different.' He stopped for a minute, searching for the right words to use. 'Listen... Do you believe in energies? Like, how we are all governed by energies!'

'No.' She answered bluntly.

'No?'

'I'm kind of a cold hard materialist.' She shrugged her shoulder. 'We are what we are and all that.'

'But what if that was just what you had been conditioned to think?' He put in trying to salvage the situation. 'What it was there was someone pulling the strings from above? What if we were just pawns in some massive game of chess?'

'Then I'd say he must be one hell of a sadist.' She was definitely looking round now for a way out of this conversation.

Gary had a reputation for being a bit crazy. Footballers normally acted and dressed a certain way, and Gary just didn't fit that mould. He knew what she was thinking - he had lost the plot - but it wasn’t true, there was more to this. He was right. He knew he was right and he wasn't going to let Kim Coultan ridicule him like she did Paul Coine. He wasn't Paul Coine, he wasn't crazy, he was in the right. He could see her thinking it. I bet she is thinking it!

'Maybe you're the one that's crazy!' He spat, seemingly out of nowhere 'Not me, you!'

'Me?' Kim turned back towards him, as her jaw hit the floor. Gary wasn't totally sure why that had erupted out of him like that, but it had clearly wounded her. He had made mental notes several times warning against things such as: drinking around people he respected, entering into topics other people found difficult to deal with, even just being himself.

'Is something the problem? Kim...?' Suddenly Gary realised who she had been looking around for, as a tall, smartly dressed young man stood towering them.

Rupert Kenny was of course Kim Coultan's on-off partner and currently part of Schottia's World Bowl winning side. She must have brought him with her and Gary hadn’t realised. He didn't seem angry at the situation, only concerned, and there was every possibility that he was a gentle individual who just had his partner's wellbeing at heart. Obviously coming back from the toilet and finding an extremely drunk man, with a ten-inch beard aggressively calling Kim crazy had cut against the grain with him, and he was merely checking in. This was Gary's chance to simply apologise, admit wrongdoing, and slide off to look for another conversation to join. It was that simple: get up, apologise, and leave.

Get up apologise leave. Get up apologise leave. Get up apologise leave.

by **Schiavonia** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 12:47 pm

New Kingsbury is usually a beautiful place. Everything merged into one another; the horizon where the cloudless blue sky met the radiant glow of the ocean was guesswork; blues and greens meld into gold as they lap onto the spotless sands; shacks begin to appear, almost organically, as if they have been there forever. But, enter a particular shack, a little distance from the beach front, and it is like a portal to another place; a dark underworld, where the merry friendliness outside is left behind. The only light came from a trio of candles, transforming a creepy underground lair into... an even creepier underground lair. And, as Kevin lowered himself into this eerie chamber, all he could see was a dimly lit figure in the corner. Nerves kicked in - for an exercise that was supposed to be relaxing, this seemed far too disconcerting to him.

"Kevin Smith?" the murkiness proclaimed, "I've been expecting you."

"You... have?" Kevin shuddered.

"Of course I have," the figure's tone softening, "I've heard you on the radio. You've been saying you would come for months."

"I have?" Kev questioned himself, before realising that he wasn't quite as petrified as he thought, "Er... Yes, yes, I have."

"Well," and the figure reached out his hand, "I'm Tim. Welcome to what I like to call my surgery."

All manner of potential manic procedures flashed through Kevin's mind, as if he were here for a lobotomy. "Er... Thank you..."

"Kev... You don't mind if I call you Kev, do you?"

"No... No, not at all."

"Excellent. Well, Kev, I can see you are pretty nervous about this procedure, but you really needn't be. Indeed, it helps if you can relax as much as possible."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. The candles I use in here are all scented with lavender to aid relaxation."

"Oh."

"Take in the fragrance. And lay back on this bed. A little known fact is that this is the most comfortable, relaxing bed in all of New Kingsbury."

"Really?"

"Absolutely! These are the perfect surrounds to ease you to sleep..."

"Well... they're not really, are they?"

"Are they not?"

"No. Surely my own bed would be more comfortable, as my mattress is shaped to my body and personal preferences."

"Well..."

"And this place is far too creepy when you come in."

"It is?"

"Absolutely! And lavender also makes my skin itch."

"Oh. Well..." Tim thought frantically. "They're not really lavender-scented."

"You said they were."

"I lied."

"Why did you lie?"

"Because it's one of those things that makes people feel relaxed."

"Well it doesn't to me."

"Well, it does for most people. And, even though they're not really scented, just telling people that they are can make them feel relaxed."

"But they are scented. I can smell them."

"You can't, though! That's just the power of suggestion."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Oh. I'll be honest, the confusion isn't really all that relaxing. I don't know if I'm coming or going now."

"Hmmm..."

"And another thing, I have something else I need to do, and I'm panicking a little because I can't remember what it is."

"Oh."

"It's as though I was supposed to ask you about something."

"Ah, that. I'll be honest, I don't know."

"Well, you're not going to know if I don't, are you?"

"No, that's my answer to your question."

"How do you know my question?"

"Because you broadcast it on SIBN."

"I did?"

"Yes, you did. You wanted to see if you knew where my father was."

"Oh my! Yes!!!" the excitement in Kev's voice belying the fact that he didn't have an answer to his query.

"Calm down, Kev. Because we've not seen him for about twelve years, now."

"Oh."

"He said that since the Sloths were no longer playing and there were no more commentaries for him to transcribe, he was going to find out about his family history."

"Oh. And... where did he go?"

"Not sure. He spoke of lands that no longer exist any more. There were tales of druids, godmods and rubber chickens."

"You have an interesting family history."

"Well, I have no idea what of them are true. Only that he hasn't been seen or heard of since."

"What a shame."

"I know. I just hope he is happy, wherever he is."

"That's nice."

"Now, you seem a little more at ease now."

"I... I guess I am."

"So why don't you just lay back and relax? Close your eyes and feel free to fall asleep..."

And so Tim went to work. We can't tell you the rest, because it's more than likely that he would put you under his spell, too. That could end up becoming troublesome, as Kevin's issues are very much particular to him. You don't want to go through that.

And how can I tell you this tale? Let's just say that I have my sources.

by **Fluvique** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 1:21 pm

A character test

The desire to leave the middle in the standings and find a regularity that allow the team to dream with challenge the two leaders, were enough fuel to the illusion. It is shown in every match and was a reflect of what happened in South Lane. The White Foxes started losing with St Saratoga, reacted, tied the match, was down once more time and, again, reached the final 3-3.

To face the team that was right behind his own, Muyskens almost kept the same eleven players that won over Fellow Citizens. Ricky Bertens is nowadays a key piece of the midfield, but understanding that the team need his compromise in defense and in the pressure. The only change was Adam Wilde by Nick Auze. The number 9 re-entered to the starters to add more experience and reference in attack. However, the football in South Lane was in Sam Gonza's feet. He was who generated the first attempts of Fluvique until Saratoga hit first.

Sam, with his right foot, shot and the ball went to the crossbar. And, minutes after, Saratoga hit with the first goal attempt in the Fluviquean area. It was a center launched from left and a light header entered between the first post and the goalkeeper. It was bucket of cold water for South Lane, that started to be afraid of another home defeat. But behind that goal of Saratoga scored again with the same formula. Center to the area and header of the same player, winning the contest over Mark Augsburg

And, at some moment, Fluvique had to react. It was leaded by who had to do. Gonza started to be again the owner of the ball and with him came the two goals to tie the match before the end of the first half.

First, Gonza built a play in the frontier of the area of Saratoga and, after a rebound in a defender, went to the feet of Paul Di Angello. The number 7 shoot and the ball traveled between many legs to finally score the discount. And, fighting, came the second. Gonza entered with the ball to the area, avoided two players and scored the resurrection of Fluvique.

But in the second half, the story was repeated cronologicamente. Again Saratoga hit, this time from penalty, after a foul of Henry Mhago. And, again, Fluvique reacted. To reach the 3-3, the team needed a bomb of Julien Kaleshko from outside the area, unstopable for the goalkeeper and placed in the right angle.

At the end, Fluvique went for the victory, but could not. However the 3-3 was almost a miracle. The match was lost after the 2-3, but the team reacted, playing with the rythm of a excited crowd that not stopped to shout since the first minute of the match. The support of the 83.591 souls in South Lane was total and, in some moments, was touching. After the final whistle, the players stayed in the pitch, chanting with the supporters the most popular song of the evening:

Allez la Fluvique
We want the World Cup!
This terrace is crazy
We want that cup to celebrate!
I will be cheering for you, like all years
Fight with courage
And you can't lose!

The White Foxes tied a match that they needed to win, but in context was almost a victory. A one point victory, of course, but still. Now there are five points between Fluvique and Nova Anglicana, the leader of the group. The three upcoming matches, after the rest day, will be crucials for the Fluviquean dream: first will be at home with Sandwich Territories, a rival defeated in the first matchday and which has two more points that the tricolour team. After a free day, the team will visit Equestrian States in a re-match of the 0-1 in Betham. That will be almost a final for the team and a victory could impulse the team to the second place and a defeat could be a punch to the dreams. And, finally, the paysans will host the match with Nova Anglicana, the most powerful team of the group. They only lost a match, and had won against Fluvique by 3-0 in the third matchday. Perhaps this is the hardest match of the three finals, but it will be at home, and maybe the team could have a good amount of points on his back that could allow us to search for a tie or to face a less painful defeat.

Is true that after those three matches, the team still have other three, but those will depend of what happened in the three finals and if Fluvique will be definitely playing for a place in the World Cup or if the matches will only be to complete the schedule. The time will talk but, as we know, all a nation where football is more important than religion, politics and finances, is behind his national team.

Fluvique 3 (31' Di Angello, 43' Gonza, 79' Kaleshko)

1: Andy Paribas
3: Gabriel Varelovsky
15: Mark Augsburg
2: Rodrigo De la Mesea

4: Julien Kaleshko

19: Ricky Bertens

78' Lucas Topolsky
5: Henry Mhago

7: Paul Di Angello
20: Fede

59' Nick Auze
9: Adam Wilde

80' Bernard Pullian
10: Sam Gonza (C)

Road to the World Cup

Sandwich Territories 3-4 Fluvique (Gonza 36',41', 87'; Castanginnet '81)
Bye
Fluvique 0-1 Equestrian States
Nova Anglicana 3-0 Fluvique
Fluvique 1-0 Shytysle (Paul Di Angello 65')
Fellow Citizens 1-3 Fluvique (1' Bertens, 8' Gonza, 41' Varelovsky)
Fluvique 3-3 St Saratoga (31' Di Angello, 43' Gonza, 79' Kaleshko)
Rest day
Fluvique vs Sandwich Territories
Bye
Equestrian States vs Fluvique
Fluvique vs Nova Anglicana
Shytysle vs Fluvique
Fluvique vs Fellow Citizens
St Saratoga vs Fluvique

by **Ko-oren** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 2:14 pm

Sports in the Union of Ko-oren

There are 23 nations in the Union, with a lot of similarities. Asking anyone from the Union however, will make you think there are mostly differences. One way to determine this is by seeing how the different people watch and play sports.

Every single weekend, or in the case of sports like baseball and ice hockey, (almost) every single day, we see different play styles clash in the big pro leagues. Every nation in the Union (except for two) has professional sports teams in leagues open to teams from across the Union. Ko-orenite teams playing outfits from Seiranesia, and Taloreni taking on Milyuae. Yes, demonyms from the Union are a whole different can of worms, but right now we're talking about sports.

People from Ko-oren will tell you it's all in preparing for a game. Studying and perfecting the strategy, observing the opponent, predicting what they are going to do, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and leaving nothing to chance. It's not a big surprise why the traditional green and blue will go for defence. Study and perfect is their motto.

Those from Thaulandi say that sports are about breaking records. Hitting harder, going faster, playing better, week in, week out. Putting the bar higher and outclass your opponent. Hard hitters hail from here. A win or a loss isn't so much what decides how Thaulandians see your performance - did you break your personal best?

The third biggest sporting nation within the Union is a group of city states. The Nine Sisters, to be precise. Going into the finer details to show the differences between each of the nine cities is another challenge, but overall, they play sports to compete in every aspect of the game. Being a jack of all trades (but often master of none), versatility and some unpredictability is important. The teams from the Nine Sisters will often try to emulate the style of their opponents or completely do the opposite thing, but will almost always throw in something you can't respond to.

Polaris is the ancient nation in the northwest. Here, sports are about defending your honour, of that of your suburb, city or nation. It can get emotional and heated on the field - almost never to the point of breaking the rules - but they firmly believe that the best player wins. Individual sports are a little more popular than team sports. Teams do serve a purpose: defend the honour of a city, an organisation (such as the historical guilds).

In the Crux nations of Waratah, Fern and Protea, sports are there to distill team spirit and sportsmanship. Putting in the extra effort if your teammate misses his assignment, because you know that they will do the same for you if they get the chance. Respect for your opponent and the referee is important too, but that is sometimes forgotten in the heat of the fight.

For the Milyuae, from Milyu, the biggest challenge in a sport is the mental issue. Mind games are employed here more than anywhere else. A player is considered good not only if he just has some flashes of brilliance, but moreso if they always perform at a decent level, never letting their opponent or their own form get to them.

Kang Rao has the community values very clearly present in their sports. Uniting the nation, the city, the suburb, or whatever you're playing for and having the club also supply some community services: combining sports with school, for instance, where children can only play after finishing their homework. In professional sports, clubs are a centrepiece to the community. On the field, you'll see that the fans give as much of an effort as the players.

For those from Santa Teresa and the Six Saints, work ethic takes you furthest. Win or lose, if you haven't given it all you have, why did you show up at all? Players in all kinds of sports from the 'seven saints' have the wind knocked out of them by the end of the match - they do know how to avoid injuries though, so they save themselves a little - but effort is what counts.

In Zakhozan, nothing counts but a win. It's not about being faster or better, it's simply all about two numbers at the end of a game: your score and your opponent's score. This makes the Zakhozani dirty fighters to some, but remember that it's all in the rules of the game: after the bell rings, the whistle blows, the horn sounds, or whatever signals the end of the game, the Zakhozani actually seem human again.

Believe it or not, in the southwest, Seiranesia and Dendronesia, sports are played for fun.

For the central nations of Arhoria, Taloren and Irisia, it doesn't matter whether your team is doing something good or your opponent. As long as you do it with flair and elegance, it's something nobody saw coming or you make it look easy, basically make sport look like an artform, you're doing well here. That doesn't mean losing is fine if you go down by showboating, though.

by **The Saint James Islands** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 2:28 pm

blogdefootball.co.om
All the football news that's fit to print!

How did this happen? The first half of World Cup 74 qualifying in review
By Makaio Moana, published 12 June 2021

A series of one goal victories would have never felt so much like domination before. A one goal victory is narrow, after all. It is, after all, ephemeral, giving way to either a begrudging draw or comfortable two goal win. But to pull of such wins consistently? To put up some rather impressive stats while doing so? That seems to qualify for the “domination” label more adequately than a mere series of one goal wins.

And let’s be honest: we all thought it was the domain of the delusional fanatic or blatantly biased blogger to think that Omerica could be doing so well in qualifying. Nephara were supposed to run away with the group, after all. And Omerica would be locked in a narrow battle with Abanhfleft and Augusticinia for the play-offs at best or floundering in a clear fourth at worst. The fact that Omerica were being led in by an interim manager and ditched twelve players who the federation put so much time and effort into should have spelled disaster. Somehow, it spells what is so tantalisingly close to a runaway lead and a clear path to direct qualification.

In some odd way, the untimely demise of a manager who was looked at so highly by the Omerican public could be the best thing that has ever happened to the national team. While interim managers generally don’t act so drastically as Ryan Pritchard did, Pritchard’s dramatic overhauls to a stubbornly defensive and efficiently counter-attacking side have worked wonders and, more critically, caught other teams off guard. Going in, it would have been reasonable to predict that Omerica would be the same old offensively-oriented side it had generally been. But since the release of World Cup qualifying rosters, it seems that no one has adjusted to what Omerica had become. Even Nephara fell victim to this, failing to adequately guard against a potential Omerican counter-attack that nudged Les Oiseaux back in front of the Cormorants.

A lucky draw for the schedule saw Omerica facing the three also-rans in the first three weeks of qualifying, with Omerica scoring no less than six goals and putting up three clean sheets over the course of the early campaign and attaining critical momentum going into the game against Nephara. Nephara’s visit to Philibiscostal put the type of counter-attacking play that Pritchard’s strategy called for on vivid display, racking up a two-goal lead by the half before the visiting Cormorants reverted to more ugly physical play to counter Omerica’s technical style; however, it ended up failing Nephara after a crucial Ethan d’Aramitz save led to the victorious counter-attack that put Omerica back in the lead.

The game against Abanhfleft, however, proved nowhere near as close, despite being decided by the same margin. The Fleftics largely failed to show up for their own home match, leading to Omerica’s unprecedented domination an away game against a higher seed. With a highly favourable 56–44 margin in possession, Omerica managed thirty shots against their Fleftic hosts, slightly more than half of which where on target, and pressured the Revolutionaries into conceding five corners over the course of ninety minutes. With the win secured and Augusticinia dropping points, Omerica’s lead was secure through the last week of the first half and was reaffirmed by Omerica’s home win over Augusticinia.

Nonetheless, despite all of the self-adjustment on the TAO and Pritchard’s part, we have to thank Nephara and Abanhfleft for the position that Omerica are in. The early point-dropping by both sides, combined with Omerica’s early three-win roughshod run over the also-rans of the group, gave Omerica a distinct momentum that Nephara and Abanhfleft both lacked. While some might have criticised Omerica’s early lead as the cosmic combination of scheduling flukes and a relatively lacklustre Nepharim performance in Philibiscostal, Omerica’s win over Abanhfleft should have put such criticism to bed. Abanhfleft, despite getting off to a good start, stalled after consecutive losses to Nephara and Omerica, which, combined with a home loss to hapless Braxil, ended the reign of Kasper Molak as the Fleftic manager and likely Abanhfleft’s hopes of qualification.

The question now becomes one of momentum versus reversion. If Omerica can keep up the moment, picking up at least twelve points and managing to not blow the lead against Nephara, Omerica’s first World Cup finals is right around the corner. It will be a tough ask, though, as the Cormorants have not winced since their visit to the Arena la Rouge, though a visit to the question mark that is Abanhfleft under new management just a week before hosting Omerica in Sabrefell is a welcome chance for Nephara to drop something before the potential group-decider.

Nonetheless, the second half could also prove a dangerous reversion to the mean. Given Yosmar and Augusticinia’s poor form and the lack of any sort of form at all from Uzekia and Braxil, it doesn’t appear that they’ll be much of a factor in the race for qualification except as potential point hazards for the top three seeds, but their luck might just be spent. Nephara and Abanhfleft might return to the good form expected of them, while Omerica start dropping points like mad again. Ultimately and fortunately, a reversion to the mean is just about the only thing short of Greggyland destroying the Commonwealth with a dirty nuclear bomb that could cost Omerica a chance at qualifying and breathe life back into Abanhfleft’s campaign.

But when push comes to shove, Nepharim media predict, and we are inclined to agree, that the climb to the summit will be a two-horse race between the two Esportivan teams, though Omerica go in with a distinct five-point (one more than The Brinemouth Herald has reported) head start. If Les Oiseaux can hold their nerve and manage a draw in Sabrefell, it will be an Omerican dream come true. Otherwise, prepare for a nail-biter.

Turanga ʻAhipula ʻo ʻOmerika
6 Jacques la Rouge Road
Port-Alexandre, Philibiscostal 18-A40
COMMONWEALTH OF OMERICA
Official Press Release - Tuku Katipa Hoi ʻe Pieti

Qualifiers for the Seventy-Fourth World Cup
Omerica national team line-up vs Braxil (home)
Substitutes
GK—№ 1: Ethan D’ARAMITZ
GK—№ 13: Stéphane ROUSSEAU
LD—№ 2: Martin PALL
CD—№ 3: Jean-Marie MOLINEAUX
CD—№ 4: Keone MAKAIO
RD—№ 6: Mikäel CHRISTOPHE
LM—№ 7: William PARNELL
CM—№ 8: Tömas DE VRIKT
CM—№ 9: Kairo KAMARANI
RM—№ 10: Raia TURI
CF—№ 11: John PERCIVAL
CF—№ 22: Georges ROUSSEAU
Starting eleven
GK—№ 23: John MARTIN
LD—№ 14: Red MILLHOUSE
CD—№ 15: Honoré LEFURGEY
CD—№ 5: Makara ʻO TOA
CD—№ 16: Tre URISTSON
RD—№ 17: Ansel RYAN
LM—№ 18: Ryan ANDSEN
CM—№ 19: Rangi AMANG
CM—№ 20: Arani IROHA
RM—№ 21: Casimir PAQUET
CF—№ 12: Red TYLER
Omerica’s top scorers
Georges Rousseau — 4 goals
Red Tyler — 3 goals
Raia Turi — 2 goals
John Percival — 2 goals

by **Ficiscia** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 2:43 pm

FNSN.fc Football: A Suprising Half

February 15th: MD1 - Ficiscia 3-1 Eshan in Carinha
February 16th: MD2 - Quakmybush 0-2 Ficiscia in Quakmybush
February 17th: MD3 - Ficiscia vs. Eodor in Antiqua
February 18th: MD4 - Greater Rashland vs. Ficiscia in Greater Rashland
February 19th: MD5 - BYE
February 20th: MD6 - Ficiscia vs. Semarland in Carinha
February 21st: MD7 - Kandorith vs. Ficiscia in Kandorith
---
February 23rd: MD8 - Eshan vs. Ficiscia in Eshan
February 24th: MD9 - Ficiscia vs. Quakmybush in Antiqua
February 25th: MD10 - Eodor vs. Ficiscia in Eodor
February 26th: MD11 - Ficiscia vs. Greater Rashland in Marinum
February 27th: MD12 - BYE
February 28th: MD13 - Semarland vs. Ficiscia in Semarland
February 29th: MD14 - Ficiscia vs. Kandorith in Carinha

by **Semarland** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 3:25 pm

Tournament Roundup: Norhalne U16 Shield

At rather short notice, last week the SFA announced that an U16 tournament will be held at Norhalne with Semarland, Polaaskan and Batto Vitolo competing. Lindmark were widely expected to fill in the fourth slot, but decided to tour Azko instead, playing local U17 sides as Dutch Semarland filled in the final slot. Plenty of talent was on show throughout the six days, with Semarland kicking the new "Shield" off, as it was dubbed by the SFA, facing Polaaskan in the opening game. Polaaskan's U16s have shown great promise, with Jan-Erik Tchechovski coming close after four minutes, with his volley cracking the Semarland crossbar. Keeping goal was Krsthaven U15 custodian Jamal Gray, who played up several times for their U16s as last season approached its finish. Gray certainly impressed in that period, alerting the SFA Youth Scouts who likely put him on a list of potential goalkeepers. Gray has always shown potential - he's not the most fancy or eccentric of goalkeepers though he makes up that with his solid shot stopping and reflexes. Krsthaven have produced some real goalkeeping gems in recent years, and Krsthaven fans will be hoping he will be the next of many. It won't be until the summer of 2022 though until he can sign full time for the club, but could be on the U18 bench and maybe even play a couple of games this season.

Gray's defence was a solid one, too. Usual left back Lamont Marshall was with the U17s, meaning there were two debut call ups for left back Nathaniel Courtois, also of Krsthaven, with his twin Valentino on the bench, and right back Jemal Blackshaw of Sporting Solsholm. In the centre was captain Cyril Ansah of FC Jansberg and FC York's Kadeem Bailey-Foster, who has been reportedly been on the radar of Eikborg Club. Marcos Sevenoaks, Sehun Otudeko, debutant Ranell Saint Sinclair and Jonah Bokila, with Cedrick Muteba and Mahlon Valbuena leading the line. Blackshaw came close three minutes in with his low, drilled shot going wide of goalkeeper Roman Sandsko's post, and Valbuena's shot palmed away by the highly rated Novaya Mollen goalkeeper. Muteba and Valbuena offered pace up front, with wingers Sevenoaks and Bokila also offering speed on the wings. Ansah was composed on the ball as ever and brought the ball out of defence well, whilst Bailey-Foster was powerful and imposing but neither teams could break the deadlock at half time. (Fourty minute halves were used).

But Semarland were able to capitalise on a cracking Polaaskan defence. Sergey Vandovski slipped up on fifty three minutes allowing Muteba to seize possesion, who played an excellent through ball to Mahlon Valbuena who chipped home. Valbuena headed home a second fifty minutes later with Cyril Ansah heading home with four minutes to go. It was another highly impressive performance from the FC Jansberg U15 defender, who is aiming to cement an U17 place by the end of the season and also feature regularly for the club's U18s. He is highly rated by the club and has a similar playing style to that of Amani Chimbonda - who, in five or six years time could may well be his national team partner in defence. Elsewhere, Batto Vitolo lost 2-0 to Dutch Semarland thanks to goals from Lutsharel van Eikloewen and Rami Kelkaar, two players who have already been capped at U17 level for Dutch Semarland. Both are members of the prestigious FK Kemsterdam academy, who are pencilled in to sign scholarship forms next season.

Game two for the Semars was against a rather inexperienced Batto Vitolo side. The potential was there for the Battovitolese squad, of course, but it was evident that they hadn't really gelled. Only Cyril Ansah and Sehun Otudeko remained from the previous lineup - with Isaac Okonkwo starting in goal, Marcelo Baxter, Cyril Ansah, Valentino Courtois and Pascal Marshall in defence, Marc Poulsen, Mads Eyvindursson, Sehun Otudeko and Thierry Mavididi in midfield and Mikkel Saxmark playing just behind the powerful Bhekumbuso Hambashe. Hambashe, a recent signing for Sporting Matrolvik after he signed from East Fransborg United after playing up for their U21s whilst still an U15. A pacy, powerful striker, Hambashe led the line well and the smaller, pacier Saxmark caused lots of problems playing just off him. Poulsen and Mavididi again injected some pace into the wingers with the always tidy Otudeko and strong, powerful defensive midfielder Eyvindursson controlling the midfield. Ansah captained the side once more, with Baxter, Courtois and Marshall looking strong alongside him.

Okonkwo remarkably was called in to action just once in the first half, punching away a cross from Gonzalo Luego. Ansah and Courtois did a good job in the centre. Both were able to defend the whole attack themselves as Baxter and Marshall bombed forward with the dangerous Semar attack. At half time Batto Vitolo goalkeeper Dario Sarian had picked the ball out of his net five times, after goals from Hambashe twice, Otudeko, Eyvindursson and Mavididi had Semarland 5-0 up at half time. Hambashe got his hat trick just after the break, followed by goals from Saxmark, Ansah, Poulsen and substitute Bailey-Foster to finish a rather respectable 10-0 to Semarland. Quite embarassing from Batto Vitolo and it would certainly affect their confidence in their final game v Polaaskan - who played to a 2-2 draw with Dutch Semarland. Tchechovski and Mirko Kermann on target for Polaaskan with Kelkaar and Elmohamed Kharani on target for Dtuch Semarland.

Final game for the Semars, who had pretty much won already, was against Dutch Semarland, who lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with the dangerous trio of Kelkaar, van Eikloewen and Kharani up front. Cyril Ansah and Sehun Otudeko both started on the bench, with Kadeem Bailey-Foster and Ranell Saint Sinclair taking their places. Okonkwo, Courtois, Courtois, Bailey-Foster and Blackshaw was the Semar defence, with Sevenoaks, Eyvindursson, Saint Sinclair and Bokila in midfield, and Valbuena and Hambashe up front. The powerful Bailey-Foster was booked virtually seconds in following a crunching tackle on Kharani who had beat Nathaniel Courtois and was about to do the same to twin brother Valentino. Bailey-Foster, who can also play as a defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to Eikborg Club who are interested in adding him to next season's scholarship intake. He is not the tallest of centre-halves but is a very strong player and is no stranger to a crunching tackle. He came close three minutes in as he headed over Pieter de Vries' crossbar.

But Semarland would take the lead just moments after van Eikloewen hit the post. Jemal Blackshaw collected the ball and sprinted thirty yards or so before playing a beautiful ball to Marcos Sevenoaks on the left hand side who powered past Abdelhak Hassan and squared it to Mahlon Valbuena who finished neatly home. Valbuena has been rather prolific for Eikborg Club during the domestic pre-season, netting four goals in an U17 friendly v Lusenhagen and twice for the U21s who played non-league team Nu Branklo in a friendly. Valbuena squandered some chances though, heading over the bar and drilling just wide of de Vries' post. At the other end, van Eikloewen had a low shot saved by Okonkwo and Kadeem Bailey-Foster made a terrific block to deny Kurtis Lekhoet. The ball spun over the bar and out for a corner, but it was headed away by Bailey-Foster and Mads Eyvindursson had a shot that cracked the bar.

At half time, Mikkel Saxmark and Marc Poulsen were brought on for Hambashe and Sevenoaks respectively whilst Brijkhelo Nouri and Michel Sanchez replaced van Eikloewen and Reshain Habid respectively. van Eikloewen was not as impressive in the first half but 14 year old Nouri, making his first start, was something else. His darting runs and powerful physique caused problems even for the likes of Kadeem Bailey-Foster, and Nouri tapped home eight minutes after the restart making it 1-1. Nouri is another player on the radar of Semar clubs, with the likes of Eikborg Club, FC Kolberg and Fransborg set Njilkaer all sending scouts to watch him. Nouri scored eight times in the final five games for North Paarck's U16s last season, and is expected to make his U18 debut this season too. Roberto Sanchez and Mephelak Zaijkelid both had chances for Dutch Semarland but Okonkwo made great saves to deny both, whilst Jonah Bokila cracked the bar and Mikkel Saxmark volleyed wide. Kelenso Bagdon also had a free kick saved as both teams bombarded their opposition defences with a flurrying barrage of brashly co-ordinated attacks.

Zekariad Brenjkelaar, Abdelaar Baggio and Nouri were also superbly denied by Okonkwo, who was a definite contender for man of the match, whilst Bagdon dragged his low shot wide. In the end it would finish 1-1, with pretty much the whole Dutch Semar team having a crack at goal. Cotenders for man of the match include Okonkwo, Kadeem Bailey-Foster and Ranell Saint Sinclair who all impressed for Semarland, with Nouri, Zaijkelid and Lekhoet looking sharp for the Dutch Semars too. It didn't matter though, as Semarland won the tournament.

Semarland U16                                    Manager: Kadeem Taylor
#1    GK 	Isaac Okonkwo 	        Age 15     FC Jansberg
#2    DR        Jemal Blackshaw         Age 15     Sporting Solsholm
#3    DL        Nathaniel Courtois      Age 15     Krsthaven
#4    DC        Kadeem Bailey-Foster    Age 15     FC York
#5    DC        Cyril Ansah             Age 14     FC Jansberg
#6    DMC       Mads Eyvindursson       Age 15     Arkrau Klub
#7    ML        Marcos Sevenoaks        Age 15     Sporting Saint Adrensburg
#8    MC        Sehun Otudeko           Age 15     FC Jansberg
#9    ST        Cedrick Muteba          Age 15     Eikborg Club
#10   ST        Mahlon Valbuena         Age 15     Eikborg Club
#11   MR        Jonah Bokila            Age 15     Copenbrok Klub
#12   GK        Jamal Gray              Age 14     Krsthaven
#13   DC        Valentino Courtois      Age 15     Krsthaven
#14   DL        Marcelo Baxter          Age 15     FC Nuholm
#15   DR        Pascal Marshall         Age 15     Yaande
#16   MC        Ranell Saint Sinclair   Age 15     FC Kolberg
#17   ML        Marc Poulsen            Age 15     FC Jansberg
#18   MR        Thierry Mavididi        Age 15     Krsthaven
#19   ST        Mikkel Saxmark          Age 15     FC Jansberg
#20   ST        Bhekumbuso Hambashe     Age 15     Sporting Matrolvik

Dutch Semarland U16                   Manager: Abdekhalas Dylle
#1    GK        Rens Sands                Age 15     FK Rojwijk
#2    DR        Abdelhak Hassan           Age 14     Inter Zotanekko
#3    DL        Reshain Habid             Age 14     North Paarck
#4    DC        Mephelak Zaijkelid        Age 14     FK Kemsterdam
#5    DC        Abdelaar Baggio           Age 15     North Paarck
#6    MC        Zekariad Brenjkelaar      Age 15     FK Kemsterdam
#7    ML        Rafael van Kouten         Age 15     Caantrecht
#8    MC        Kurtis Lekhoet            Age 14     FK Rojwijk
#9    ST        Lutsharel van Eikloewen   Age 15     FK Kemsterdam  
#10   ST        Rami Kelkaar              Age 15     FK Kemsterdam
#11   MR        Elmohamed Kharani         Age 15     FK Excelsior
#12   GK        Pieter de Vries           Age 15     North Kemsterdam 
#13   DC        Roberto Sanchez           Age 15     FK Rojwijk
#14   DL        Zwinko Keijkheld          Age 14     FK Kemsterdam
#15   DR        Michel Sanchez            Age 14     FK Rojwijk
#16   MC        Genaro Ekkelenkamp        Age 14     Eindstad
#17   ML        Kelenso Bagdon            Age 14     Eindstad
#18   MR        Rene Mikkelenkamp         Age 15     Caantrecht
#19   ST        Brijkhelo Nouri           Age 14     North Kemsterdam
#20   ST        Abdas Nikemi              Age 15     Caantrecht

by **Turori** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 3:27 pm

The Latest Sporting News from Turori

Eels Stuck in Tight Battle atop Group 18

At the midpoint of World Cup 74 Qualifying, the Turori National team find themselves in a unique position, one that is both promising and disappointing.

If Qualifying were to conclude now, the Turori Eels would be left on the outside looking in - sitting third place in the table they would miss out on both Automatic Qualification and a second chance for advancement via the playoff system. As things sit now, the Turori National team would be plain-and-simply out.

Luckily for the Eels, things don't and now, and they don't even have any mountains to climb. If Turori can survive the second half of World Cup qualifying unbeaten, they will be in very good shape. If they can win all 6 matches remaining in their qualification schedule they will be assured automatic promotion.

As it sits, the Eels may be third in the table, but they are level top on points with both Flardania and the Associated Godlands. It was Flardania who inflicted the Eels lone blemish during the first half of the campaign and Turori will most certainly have that date circled on the second half calendar for retribution - a required result if they are to continue in the fight for the groups lone Automatic Qualification place.

A recent poll by Turorian fans, however, is split as to whether they prefer when the Eels are competing in the World Cup Finals or the Cup of Harmony at qualifications end. While the optimism and excitement of watching the Eels in the World Cup Finals was a clear winner amongst fans taking the poll, when it came down to brass tax, fans were split on whether, if they knew ahead of time the outcome, they would prefer to crash out early in the World Cup Finals or take home the Cup of Harmony title.

The Eels have a history of strong performances in the Cup of Harmony, having won the competition on multiple occasions. On the contrary, the Turori National Team has strung together a lineage of nearly 60 editions of the World Cup, since debuting in World Cup 15, of never once advancing past the Quarter Final stage. Will World Cup 74 be any different? There is a long road to go yet before finding out.

Update on the Quest for a Kit

The Football Association of Turori has released an update on its search for a new official footballing kit design and/or provider for the Turori National Team. In a small press conference following the completion of the first half of World Cup 74 Qualifying, former Turoki United and Turori National Team goalkeeper Mumau Atla-Siioai, serving in his capacity as Director of the Football Association of Turori, revealed that they had, to date, received two unique submissions in response to their open call to kit designers around the multiverse.

Atla-Siioai expressed optimism that more submissions would be on their way in, particularly as a two-entry bake off wouldn't be nearly as exciting as the down-selection might be between 4, 5 or 6 unique entries.

Regardless of the numbers, however, the Turori Eels will only continue playing in their uni-color Eelskin brown throwaways through the end of the World Cup Qualifying Campaign. Whatever competition comes next for the Eels, be it the World Cup Finals, the Cup of Harmony or the Eagles Cup, they will be doing so in a new set of kits from a new designer and a new provider.

Atla-Siioai reiterated and emphasized the fact that the Football Association of Turori is happy to provide support in the form of either materials, monetary compensation (In the form of Tures) or; a third option; a sizable donation to the Cocoabo Preservation Society on behalf of the submitter to any nation or independent entity willing to stand up a kit-production enterprise of its own with an aim towards providing the Island Emirate with a new match kit that is a step up from the one it has worn for the opening 5 matchdays of World CUp 74 Qualifying. Considering where they are now, it shouldn't be hard to make that leap.

The Football Association of Turori has provided the following template for any would-be designers, however, the use of the template is not required for a submission and the Football Association of Turori is open to, and encourages creativity of all types in the design process.*

Makakio Still on the Market

Turori National Team star forward Enluta Makakio is still on the transfer market after failing to agree a permanent deal during the recent Transfer Completion Week. The Jungle Strike FC attacker has had a dazzling season on the domestic front, securing a clean sweep of all top-level competitions in the Vilitan League, the Tropical Trophy, Vilitan Cup and Vilitan Stellar Division championships. To round things out, Makakio's side would progress deep into the UICA Champions Cup competition, making it all the way to the competition's Semi-Final stage before crashing out at the hands of Euran club Directus. It is the farthest that Jungle Strike FC have advanced in UICA competition during recent history.

Makakio has already attracted plenty of interest on the transfer market with Jaunepont Hérault of the Unified Sunrise Islands looking to smash transfer records with a 75 Million Dollar bid that was accepted by Jungle Strike FC. However, its not a lack of playing time that sees Makakio on the market, the Turorian striker is looking for success, justly feeling that he has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in Vilita, and given the history of inconsistent performances by Jungle Strike FC in UICA competition, Makakio is looking to join a club that will give him something he's never had before - an International Trophy. Whether its on the domestic side or the National Team side, Makakio isn't entirely concerned, but better not to put all those eggs in one basket as Makakio will be making way for the next generation of young attackers at Strike to seek a new challenge in a foreign league.

In addition to the bid from Jaunepont Hérault, Jungle Strike FC have previously accepted bids from Real Atlantea of Taeshan and OAS Royal FC. However, none of the clubs were able to complete negotiations with Makakio during the recently completed Transfer week; with talks breaking down between Makakio and Real Atlantea and discussions between Makakio and OAS Royal FC of Cosumar being cut short by Transfer Week window restrictions. Due to the shorter league season in Vilita, however, the offseason is naturally extended for Vilitan based players and Makakio looks to resume discussions with any and all suitors immediately, with a desire to complete negotiations and select his new club prior to the start of the World Cup Finals.

*Any submissions will of course become the property of the Football Association of Turori and the Turori National Team. If a digital entry or physical prototype is submitted by an independent or individual user or concept artist, the design will become the property of the Football Association of Turori and may be reproduced by a vendor of the choosing of the Football Association of Turori. If a digital entry or physical prototype is submitted by a national or corporate entity in the current or future business of sports uniform manufacture and production, submission of a prototype design in no way obligates the Football Association of Turori or the Turori National Team into a contractual agreement with that national or corporate entity for the manufacture or purchase of sporting equipment, apparel or merchandise. However, if referenced design is selected and used by the Football Association of Turori and the Turori National team, then the submitting national or corporate entity will have the first right of negotiation and refusal to produce the final product to be used by the Football Association of Turori and the Turori National team in the World Cup 74 Finals, should they qualify and compete in said event.

Any individual or corporate design entry selected for use or production by the Football Association of Turori and the Turori National Team will result in a prize offering of official Turori National Team merchandise and event ticket vouchers with a value not to exceed T25,000. Any prize offering will be delivered in actual form only, and may not be exchangeable or offerable in the form of Tures or other primary currency.

by **Northern Sunrise Islands** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 4:01 pm

He woke up shaking. Noah woke up in shock, only to see Nana on her ninja suit. "Wake up. We have to train." He then looked at the clock. 2:00 AM. "I know it's early, but this is the perfect time for us to train without interruptions." He simply nodded, putting on a coat for the freezing night at Mardi and finding his way out of the house without alerting anyone. The streets were still calm, sleeping their fourth of seven sleeps. Nana pointed to a building with red lights, walking calmly towards the building while Noah followed, still looking a bit uneasy to the sides. Either way, they both entered the building with a neon sign saying "The Afternight".
There, they found that the place was actually a club. And a crowded club at that. As far as his eyes could catch, Noah saw arcade machines, billiards, drinks, TVs, a couple of stripper poles and most importantly a boxing ring, it surely was the quintessential Sunrisian night club. Nana signaled for Noah to follow her to the ring. There, he could find a young man sitting on a snazzy couch, whom he assumed to be the owner of the place or some sort of authority figure. He had a large pink hat, wore a white tank top and pink pants with some drawings to the side. The Sunrisian could also notice a sort of giant stick with a glass of booze on the top, which the guy held. Nana crossed her arms, staring at the guy. "Jean Marcus." The guy took a sip of drink from his staff and then stared at her, laughing.
"Well, well... well. If it ain't the Sensation of the South, Nokarimitsu!" Jean stumbled his way up, still grinning. "Let me guess! Ya came to papa because nobody on this place parties on like me!"
Nana sighed, pulling Noah by the arm. "Nope. Just brought you a relic that would love to taste the competition of the Afternight."
Jean tipped his hat up, revealing his brown eyes, checking Noah out. "Well! You seem like a fine kid. What're ya doing with that evil lady and- WOAH! What the hell is this?!" He got surprised by Noah's right, glowing arm. "You're one of those engineered guys? Do you hate your family by giving you a flash-light arm?"
"J.M., this guy here got one of those prophecy arms I told you. Something about bandages turned his arm into that."
He sat down, holding his staff. "Goddamn it, Noka. How the hell am I going to make a buck out of this guy? He looks like he never fought a damn thing in his life. Too clean cut to face the engineered guys and I'm sure none of the normal boys will take on him!"
For some reason, Noah's eyes flashed green. At this point, his voice sounded as if many voices spoke together. "I accept the challenge."
Jean looked up, grinned a bit. "Sure thing, Crystal Boy. But I ain't paying your medical tabs. All on Noka."

CHAPTER VI - KID

"All right, boys. Stop trying to beat City Rumble 4, Jimmy. Ya couldn't do it yesterday, ya won't do it now, ya will never do." A man tilted his head down, depressed, before stepping away from the game machine and following others as they gathered around the ring. In one side, Noah stood with Nana to his side while on the other side, a cloaked figure stood up. In the middle, Jean Marcus had a microphone in hands. "Ladies and Gentlemen! It's time for the First Fight of the Night!" Cheers emanated from the people around the ring. Noah kept his eyes at the cloaked person, though he was somewhat startled by the eyes under said hood started to glow pink. "And it's an Bio-Engies Match! Y'know the rules, y'all... Knock one out, game over!" More cheers emanated, while Jean took another sip of drink from his staff. "'Kay, then! First, accompanied by last year's Afternight Free For All Tournament Nokarimitsu-" Loud boos were heard, Noah pondered if the people booing were on that tournament. "Yeah, yeah, I know the feeling, but let me end my goddamn sentence!" The crowd slowly got quiet, Jean sighed, before resuming his introductions. "From... Where's the kid from? Ah. Lorelei, Northern Sunrise! The Kid!"
The Sunrisian raised an eyebrow, looking at Nana afterwards. The kunoichi shrugged and left the ring while Noah put himself in position.
"And on the other corner... From Sherbooke, The Paradise of Quebec! My sister..." The figure dropped the cloak on the floor. She was a light-skinned, athletic built girl whose left leg was actually made of metal, to the point where Noah could see a couple of power cords holding her rest of her leg to the knee. Additionally, her eyes were still glowing pink. Her hair covering her shoulders, her clothing being a white shirt and some dark long pants with one of the legs, specifically the metallic one being held up, exposed. "...and uprising contender for the Bio-Engies Afternight Championship Belt! Sun "Pink Rage" Rousseau!" Sun stretched, putting her metallic feet on front of her body, raising her fists. "And... Fight!" said Jean as he stumbled his way out of the ring.
The two started to fight. Noah tried to punch her a couple of times with his normal arm, only to find himself being blocked an then take a hit from Sun's metallic leg. He dropped to the ropes, but as she tried to deliver a high kick to Noah's head and knock him off and out, Noah's glowing arm catches her leg and with a blink, throws her off the ring. He manages to move away from the ropes while Sun catches the ropes, throwing herself at Noah and striking him down with her legs. There she tries to punch him repeatedly on the head, only for Noah, seemingly not himself as his eyes once again were glowing green, kept dodging from her strikes. He then pushed her off with his right arm and got back to his feet.
There, a slug-fest started until finally, a strike to the stomach from his uncommon arm knocked her out. The crowd was seemingly impressed by the action, cheering and clapping. Noah tumbled his way to the ropes, looking at Nana who smiled at him. He then could feel his left arm being held up. As he looked, he found Jean Marcus smiling with the mic on his other hand. "And the winner, leaving with 40 Sunrisian Dollars... The Kid!"
Noah nudged Jean after his arm was let go and then was allowed to talk by Jean. "The name's Noah... And thank you." He stumbled towards Sun and tried to help her up. Finally, Jean and Noah went to another room carrying Sun, followed by Nana.

"It's pretty handy to have a private hospital, ain't it?" asked Jean as Noah was being healed. "I like you, ki- I mean, Noah."
Nana laughed a bit, holding her friend on the shoulders. "So, your sister is your best fighter nowadays?"
Jean stared at the once-champion, showing discomfort. "Well, at least she won't fly away from the club like someone else."
Nana laughed a bit. "That's what happens when you pay a ninja on anime stuff."
"But you like Majika, don'tcha?" asked Noah, looking to her.
"Shut up and heal, dear. I still have to deliver you back home."
"So, he's really a kid, uh?" Jean snickered, taking a sip of his drink.
"Hey, he's prettier than you, for one." said a voice from the back. It was Sun, on a chamber of sorts, getting restored. "You put up a good punch, Noah." she raised her finger, laughing a bit. "But you need to learn a bit more. Do you have a trainer?" Nana nodded. "You're doing a pretty poor job then, Noka."
Nana crossed her arms. "Well, can you do better?"
Jean Marcus pointed his staff to the kunoichi. "We have a deal. He'll show his craft here, Sun'll teach him. Hows'dat?"
The kunoichi still kept her arms crossed. "You are going to pay him on anime stuff, aren't you?"
He laughed. "A Quebecóis learn. Eventually, y'know."

by **Polkopia** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 4:18 pm

Polkopian Pop Culture (Polkopisky Popularniy Kultuare)

Landa vy Polkopiya

The Landa vy Polkopiya is an annual song contest held in Polkopia where singers from across the multiverse can submit an original song to be sung on live TV. Before it can be sung in front of a live audience, however, participating songs are reviewed by a panel of ten judges. These judges all agree on only ten songs to advance to the 'Grand Final' where audiences hear the songs for the first time. The winning song is given a record label, a cash prize, and the option of representing the nation of Polkopia in the Worldvision Song Contest, which is arguably the most prestigious song competition in the multiverse.

- So, who determines the winner?

After each song is staged in front of the audience, juries from all over the multiverse can send in their votes, which can be comprised of televotes, or a jury, to the PNB (Polkopian National Broadcaster). Afterward, those results are combined with the Polkopian jury votes, and are then split 50/50 with the results of the Polkopian televote. Then there is a winner.

- How does the voting system work?

The Landa vy Polkopiya uses the Worldvision voting system which is explained below:

12 points are awarded to that nations' favorite song.
10 points are awarded to that nation's second favorite song.
8 points are awarded to that nation's third favorite song.
The nations' other top 7 favorite songs are submitted using a 7-1 format, where 7 points go to the forth favorite, 6 points to the fifth favorite, on and on until the nation awards one point.

- How successful are these artists in Worldvision?

Very successful, actually. Since adopting the Landa vy Polkopiya, Polkopia has won the contest on four separate occasions and has never fallen below the top 15. Polkopia's latest win came in Worldvision 44 with Justina Vlašic singing her song, Death.

- When is the next edition of Landa vy Polkopiya?

The Landa vy Polkopiya is actually ongoing now. It's a special edition, actually, where the most successful acts that haven't won are being given a second chance at taking the victory. You can find more details (And vote!) here: Death.

by **Gregoryisgodistan** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 5:18 pm

Lord Almighty Gregory's Speech to the People

"Good evening, ladies, gentlemen, and slaves. I speak to you today of events in the wicked, evil nation of Damukuni. Damukuni, it seems, is a member of a wicked alliance known as the South Esportiva Treaty Organization, or SETO for short. SETO is dedicated to the destruction of our most Glorious and Holy Nation. Damukuni joined SETO with the intention of destroying Gregoryisgodistan. Well, the Damukunians have it backwards. It is us who will destroy them in revenge for their menacing plot. Damukuni will be wiped off the map by our nuclear arsenal. They will be destroyrd! They will join Asuraia and Hicana in the list of nations which have been completely destroyed by our nuclear bombs. They will perish. They will die. And it will be us who is responsible.

"Yes, that's right, we are committing to destroying Damukuni, whatever it takes, whether it is war, nuclear bomb, or other attack. Damukuni will die. All the Enemy List nations will die. I will wait 100 years, 1,000 years, however long it takes since I am immortal and can wait that long, but they will be destroyed! They will all be destroyed! All the Enemy List nations will be destroyed! SETO will be destroyed! SETO nations will be destroyed! San Jose Guayabal, the Free Republics, Dumpy O'Rumpy, they will all be destroyed!

"But future promises of nuclear annihilation are not enough. No, there is something much more immediate which we can do. Effective immediately, Damukuni will be added to the Enemy List. This means that the murder of Damukuni heathens in Gregoryisgodistan is legal and the killer will receive one billion greggygodbucks. The killing abroad of Damukuni citizens will also result in a reward, and any nation which dares arrest someone for killing a Damukuni citizen will be added to the Enemy List, and will also be nuked once for each citizen arrested once we extricate them. So don't try it. Of course, this does not apply to the Damukuni soccer team, who visits us soon for World Cup Qualifying, even though they had the gall to beat our beloved Foot Slaves and violate the Lord's Will, but it will apply to any of their fans who come to our Most Glorious and Holy Nation. They will all be killed by our fans at Lord Almighty Gregory National Stadium, and the killers will be justly rewarded. Damukuni citizens deserve to die, they deserve to be shot, beheaded, blown up, and fried. Damukuni is one of the most wicked nations on Earth, and for that, they have earned Enemy List status. Down, down with Damukuni, who tries to destroy us! We will strike a blow at the glory of our foes! We will destroy them, showing our own glory! Death, Death, Death to Damukuni! And the Guaya Beans too, and the Valladunces! And the Wee-publicans, especially Dumpy O'Rumpy! And the Sanctii, from stupid Saintland, except for Feministvs Sanctvsterra because they are awesome. But King Petrus will be beheaded, the head will clatter, we'll put it on a platter!

"Right now, though, I am proclaiming the day of our World Cup Qualifier against Dumbokuni Death to Damukuni Day! We will burn Damukuni flags all around the nation all day long, burn effigies of their leaders and soccer team players, and throw darts at pictures of their leaders and soccer team players! Then, when it comes time for the game, we will start by killing all their fans in as creative a manner as possible! This is what happens to Enemy List nations who visit our country! Then we will burn Damukunians flags some more while throwing poop, pee, prune juice and gruel at the Damukuni players as they make their way onto the field. We will heckle them all game long and chant "DEATH TO DAMUKUNI!" We will throw rocks, stones, torches, prune juice and gruel at their team bus as they come and as they go. We will taunt them with threats, and throw anything we can at their players, coaches, and other associated team members. At halftime, we will burn more flags on the field as well as effigies of their leaders, immediately following the Slaves R Us Leaders race! And maybe my caricature will even have a special surprise involving destroying Damukuni during the race. That would be awesome, so I think we'll do it! Yes, we shall! And then the slaves holding the finish line will be given by Slaves R Us to whichever fan in attendance does the best at hating Damukuni. If they are not a Government VIP, I will make them my Loyal Friend and give them their very own name, and then they will be able to own slaves. That will be their just reward. Those who are loyal to me get rewarded, while those like Damukuni who oppose me get punished. Yes, we shall send all the Damukuni fans to the Land of Eternal Punishment where they belong. Death to Dumbokuni! Death to Dumpy O'Rumpy! Death to San Jose Guayabal! Death to Valladares! Death to Frenline Delpha! Death to Britonisea! Death to Estenia! Death to the Unholy Empire! Death to the Farceregimancy! Death to Apox! A pox on your nation, and a death! Death to Saintland! Death to Super-Llamaland! Death to Carialus! Death to Associated Godlands! Death to Xylocarp Isle and Xylocarpstan! Death to Chiata! And Death to all the other Enemy List nations too numerous to name! You will perish someday in a nuclear attack! It is almost time for that most glorious day, but not yet. You will just wait in fear and wait some more until one day, you'll all be dead! Surrender now or prepare to fight! Thank you, and Me Bless Gregoryisgodistan!"

by **Red Blackiland** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 5:36 pm

Red Blackiland Sports and Off-topic Chronicles

The importance of the shirt #10 - Part 1

If there is a time when the mystique of a #10 lends to mere mortals inexplicable powers that moment is when it happens the biggest sporting event on the planet, the World Cup.
Billions of fans spread across the planet will always have special eyes to the player who dare to wear this shirt. Use it is to be aware that you need to press beyond the traditional responsibilities of a team representing a nation, the weight of defeat. Winning battles is not authentic enough. They have to convince and charm, become the man feared by other players, other entire nations.
There are few who resisted this natural pressure to be king is not enough talent and genius, there is also to rely on the "light" within si.Succumb to the crucial moment of a match in a World Cup is to know that all efforts years of dedication may disappear in a split second. A missed penalty, defeat, eternal hell. No one else remember that he was one of the main reasons for their selection to take that final.
Being the #10 is to have to be ready to always be questioned. It will never be enough to be the best to be at peace with the fans. What weight is this just a shirt back to a player? Every World Cup, the world around her eyes to a single shirt. Several shirts 10 in the field, expecting to see them is able to attract thousands of fans to stadiums and billions around the world, in front of a television, a radio or the Internet. As they say in football jargon, the "flavor of the month" is not one, but some ...
The "gods" of the stadiums keep secrets of these men that only the end of the World Cup will know who can come to the gallery of the "immortal".
Impossible to know if it's magic or faith which makes the number 10 shirt so different from all others. Yes, because today, when faced with a team lined up, earning the lawn, carrying on his back, beyond hope of victory, a magical sequence of numbers, we are not able to see the owner of the number 10 shirt as a player any.

by **Chromatika** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:14 pm

Meagan Kelly reflected back upon the first half of qualifying and the 1-2-3 record of the Anomalies. Their two draws had come against opponents they should've won against, and losing 0-1 to Stvoto Latoli and Kirisaki had been detrimental. Valanora had had their way as was expected... The problem was not about how the ball traveled from the defense through the midfield to the front; neither was it on Gabriella or Quren to finish. It seemed that the biggest problem that the team was having was a matter of pace. It was as if no matter how much they tried, the opponent was always there first. Finesse was never a strong suit for Chromatikans, and it was starting to show.

She went to meet with Franscesca Larriet Cortes and they discussed strategy for the next leg of qualifying. It seemed almost impossible for the Anomalies to qualify outright or though playoffs, but their goal of a top three finish still seemed attainable. It would have to start with a win against the Grand Duchy, and hopefully a win against Arioslavia and Jeckland as well. Then, with the games against the top three teams, the Anomalies would need to scrounge together at least a win or a few draws.

She knew that the next games will cement her place among the captains of Chromatikan history alongside Luuk Aart. Will she be remembered as someone who moved things along? Or as someone who just filled in while Luuk was busy with trials? As much as she tried to not have that matter, it did... and it would be interesting to see what would happen.

by **Ethane** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 6:32 pm

Dewayne Boivin's Diary- Pre World Cup
Tomorrow is the day. I know, this is literally all that has been on my mind for, like, eternity, but, it is just, it is literally the best thing to ever happen to me. I never expected to be selected for this squad (I'm not that good compared to other strikers in Ethane). It kinda came as a shock to me when I was called about 6 months ago, when I was told that I would be in the international team. I was honestly dumbfounded. I never expected to be selected, I always thought of myself as one of the worse players in the league in Ethane, not one of the better. I know that we did have a remarkable season last year, when we were expected to finish last, but that wasn't all down to me. It was my team. Without a good team to get the ball to me, I am no good. But anyways, I am on the team, in a starting position as well. I must get over my doubts about myself. I must improve my mental capacity to say 'I can do this', 'I can win'. It won't be easy, that is for sure. When you are a new team, you are weak, the other teams all have so much experience, with more training and funding. They have the better chances in the league. I must just try to score needed goals, and hope my team can keep them out at the back. My team will be remarkable, I am sure. I just cannot wait to go travelling.

I mean, sure I will miss my wife, who is unable to travel with me because she has to look after the children, who are at school now, but I am sure we will be on the phone daily. This is an experience not to be missed. I can't wait.

Curtis Steeling- Speech in Press Conference after Game against Banguela

''I am remarkably proud of my team. This is a team that has never ever been to a world cup before, having only ever competed in 1 international football tournament, which happened to be the Baptism of Fire, and yet, they are still out there, putting in wonderful performances such as this one. You can't deny that this is a remarkable effort for a team that was thought to not be in the running for the world cup this cycle, but they have proved critics wrong, showing they are better than other teams who are new to the international stage, and have put themselves in a place from which they can push for qualification into the world cup. You cannot deny that this team has done really well, spurred on by a strong defence and a good striker in Boivin, who has certainly impressed many people. It is remarkable. We have only suffered 2 losses out of our 6 games, beating many other much higher ranked teams to wins, when it was least likely. Focusing on this recent result, a draw against Banguela, you must ask, can the team do it? Can they go that extra mile, and qualify for the World Cup. I still see, it is difficult. You have a good, very good team in Saintland, who are difficult, and you then have another team in Banguela, who we just played, surprising a draw which we got with them, when everyone expected a win for them. The team have the desire to do this though, so they can. They can qualify if they try hard enough, win games and don't drop too many points. There are easy games, and there are hard games, and the only game where my team has not kept its discipline is against Saintland, a difficult team to beat. We beat The Sarian, we beat Pinuyi. We beat Kynystan. We drew against Banguela. We have a solid defence, this shows this. To go out there and beat many teams, and to draw against a team who were looking to qualify by extending their grasp on the group, then this team must be good. I have built a good team, who can win, who can push, and who have shown that they can beat the highly ranked teams, the difficult teams, when all expected the opposite. We can do this. We have to focus on each match, one by one, each game being a challenge itself, but they can do it, the team can do it. The defence will hold, and we will aim to upset again and again, we will not stop until victory is ours.

Is it not a bit unrealistic to say that your team can qualify?

Why is this unrealistic? What have the team not done to show they can do this? We come here, low ranking, having only just started playing football internationally. We beat the Sword Bloke in a friendly, who are good. You can't say this shows we cannot qualify. We come here with next to no experience, face up to big teams, and win. We are not supposed to win, no, everyone said, they can't win, they are not good enough, but yet we still come here, we face superior teams, and we win. Our defence is good at stopping good teams, our strikers are good at scoring, so how do we not have to capability and desire to qualify? We win against The Sarian, we win against the lower teams, wins that were needed, which we got, and we draw against the one we are fighting against. 2-2 against Banguela is a good result. They are only 3 points ahead, 2nd place in the group. This is possible to get. We can beat them ourselves, we drew against them, so why can't we beat them? They can also be beaten. We are not the only team in this group and all it takes is one loss for them, which we win, which puts us in second place. So is it unrealistic? If we keep up form, then no, we are perfectly placed to take this.

How far can Boivin go? Will he end up leaving the Ethane football league?

I can only speculate on this. To say that I decide what he does, that is wrong. I am his manager on the international team, but I do not manage himself elsewhere, his team does that, and himself. So it will be his choice. But I think if he really wants to, he will. He is perfect to be taken by a bigger club somewhere else in the multiverse, somewhere that can pay lots for him. So if he wants to, sure, he can leave the Ethane league. But I will always be able to call on him for the World Cup, always. You cannot say otherwise.

In regards to progression in this team. He can go as far as he can. He is strong willed, and remarkable. He is old though, so ending career within a little while. He is nearing his peak performance. But he can still do everything needed of him. Look at the goals he has been scoring. He is smart, he knows how to score. He is a very good player for Ethane, and is behind the success of this team. Watch him in the games, he is beauty to watch.

With this success, how long will you stay here, in this job?

I won't get sacked, that is for sure. I will not reveal details yet, but I am talking with the Ethane officials for an extension of my contract. This is a team I am proud of, and I intend to finish what I started. So how long will I stay? Hopefully, a good few years. I have shown good skill in managing this team, and shown good management and unity in the team, so I am good for this. How can you even speculate about me leaving when we do so well? This is stupid. Why did you even ask this anyway? With the team doing so well, you can't expect me to get fired, or even quit. This is a non-news story.

Dewayne Boivin's Diary- Travelling to Valladares
Finally arrived in Valladares. Was a long journey in the plane. Had to return to our nation to pick up a player to pick up some stuff- an unneeded and very long journey. Tired and will be going to bed after writing this. Need to get some good rest before we begin training tomorrow afternoon- manager allowing us to sleep in due to jet lag. Bad jet lag. You don't understand how bad jet lag is, until you have experienced it yourself. I can say now that I have experienced it, and if it is avoidable, it is best to avoid it. Am expecting to get up rather late tomorrow, after long day.

Woke at 6am this morning. Took about half an hour to get ready, as I had already packed in the days before, building up to leaving. Wife prepared the most delectable English Breakfast for me, with the bacon nice, and tender, smoked -my favourite. She knows me too well. She said that she wanted to treat me one last time before I left, she felt she had to do something big before I went, because of how long I would be gone for. Had to leave the house about 7am, so I could get to the football stadium for 7:30am, where we caught a bus to the airport. I arrived late, because of traffic on the road while getting there, which made me 15 minutes late. Arrived at the airport late because of it. Luckily, they were holding our private plane for us. Why wouldn't they? No point flying away with no one on it. The plane was comfortable, very luxurious. I had Insidious on the screen on the seat in front of me for the journey, such a great horror movie. Certainly kept my mind off of the fact we were flying in a metal tube through the air- not exactly reassuring when you think about planes in this way. I fear that if I hadn't been distracted by the movie, I would have freaked out, but luckily I didn't need to find out- thank you plane movie players. I ended up chatting to my friend and teammate, Kenith Durand, who was sat next to me on the plane. Forgot about most of what we talked about, because it was so unmemorable, but I do remember that he became engaged to Kelly Clarkson yesterday- they had been dating for years, so it was about time. Talking about relationships, that reminds me of my friend, came out of the closet recently. There was a backlash among a few people, but times have certainly changed from what they used to be like- everyone seem to accept it apart from 1 or 2 religious fundamentalists who wanted to kill all the homosexuals- a disparate thing to say in the world we live in now. I digress.

The food was good on the plane. Shepherd's Pie for me, a delicious dish. They sure know how to cook the perfect dish on this plane (note: make sure to perform well in World cup so that I can stay on team and experience this again), what with all their staff, I can imagine that they are really busy behind those doors, whipping up dishes for everyone on the team to the upmost quality. After eating, I don't know what happened, I assume I fell asleep relatively rapidly, as the next thing I knew after eating my food was being woken up by the ''Please insert seat belt now'' warning sign, which led to me putting on my seatbelt, as we came in to land. Was dark outside, apparently around 11pm, but had no watch on me. Couldn't see the clock at the front of the plane because it was blocked from my view by a screen, which was showing some stupid movie with blue things in it- certainly a childish player. If I recall correctly, it was called something like The Smurfs or something like that. It was a short journey to the hotel, at which we all went straight to our rooms, which is where I happen to be writing right now. It is getting late, so I must call it a day on writing this diary. There is probably so much more I could write, but I won't, because I need to be on the top of my form tomorrow for training- can't let the manager down on the first day of World Cup training.

(Note: Must remember to write to wife soon, she must be wondering why I have not written for a few days- don't want to make her angry)

ETHANE 2-2 BANGUELA

by **Valanora** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:13 pm

Valanora Times
Eldarthall Inc Announces Entrant To Turori Competition

Eldarthall Incorporated, a small kit making company here in Valanora who supplies the domestic teams with their kits, has decided to take their first stab at the international market. With the Turori Eels hosting a competition for companies around the world to submit entrants for their new kit design heading into the future, Eldarthall has taken the chance to make this their first attempt at supplying someone from outside the Eternal Empire. That it comes by the way of a regional nation in the form of Turori shows that the company is still mindful of their reputation, with certain critics from Esportiva going so far as to call their designs abominations, while the tempers in Atlantian Oceania seem more reserved, in so far as kit designs seem to go. Let us not remind everyone of the audacity of the Kyrtenian shirt of doom...

Here we have their attempt at the home kit for the Eels, with the following description from the lead designer. "We decided to do a mixture of their traditional and more bold approach to colors, taking a bolder brown while mixing it with the more traditional electric blue. Accented by the soft gold in both the outline and collar, it invokes a bold step into the future while still being mindful of the past and what has come before to make them what they are now." The simple design does show that homage to the past and the long standing tradition that the Eels have, we have to wonder if it perhaps would not have been a wiser choice to have the collar and outline at least different shades of gold, to give a more definitive design.

"I will be the first to admit that the away design lacks a certain fluidity that the home kit provided, though with the clashing colors that seemed quite inevitable despite our design team going back to the drawing board multiple times. In the end, this was the design that the team eventually settled on and I think it provides a nice change of pace from the typical colors of Turori, to further embolden them in this new direction that they are taking in as an identity." The clashing is definitely going to be a deterrent we believe when it comes down to making the choice for the Turori FA, but the design team seem fairly confident in their choices. What is are and beauty if not subjective, and now we and all of Turori shall await their decision later in the year on whose design will be chosen.

by **Chiata** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 7:40 pm

Chiata Times
Tell Me the Odds

After a nice mid-qualifying break, its back to the trenches for nations participating in World Cup Qualifying. The second leg is where the competition heats up. Hopes of nations are created or destroyed. For Chiata, they have mostly been destroyed. The story is the same, Chiata gets ahead of the number one seed and has a chance at automatic qualification. In the last few games, Chiata drops points to a lesser team and can no longer clinch qualification. Then, they play the top nation away, lose, and get stuck with the playoff position again. Given Chiata's zero for three attempts at qualifying through the playoffs, there is no hope for qualifying.

Chiata is, thankfully, in different circumstances this qualifying campaign. They are not first this time, but their also not miles behind first place. Chiata has the tendency to choke under pressure. By not being in first, there isn't pressure to remain in first. In first, a nation can only go down. In second, there are more options. Chiata is just a single point behind Eura. A favorable result could tip the balance in Chiata's favor. Over the first seven matchdays, Eura has proven they are not bullet proof. They drew, at home, against Judinct and Octinstine. But, it must not be overlooked that Eura was able to beat their closest challengers, Chiata and Carialus, while away.

As it stands, Chiata has a good shot at keeping the playoff spot, but not a good chance at qualifying automatically. At the start of qualifying, it was inconsevable that Chiata could get first in the group, but Chiata has gone 4-1-1 while Eura has gone 4-2-0. Both nations have a positive 8 goal difference, making the race that much closer. Chiata's chance at qualifying hinges on three things. One, Chiata needs to win or draw against the current World Cup champions. Unlikely, because... their the sitting World Cup champions. Two, Chiata needs to defeat Carialus, another away game. Possible, but the game in Gulf Stadium was too close for comfort. Three, Chiata can't make dumb mistakes against lower teams. Three might be what decides the campaign. Chiata faired well against Amazonesta, Judinct, and Octinestine, but drew Schiavonia. The draw against Schiavonia prevented Chiata from ending the first leg ahead of Eura. Luckily, Chiata is playing three out of the four "lesser" games at home. So what are the odds? We say: 10% automatic qualification, 60% playoff position, 30% Runner Cup.

by **Damukuni** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:20 pm

ナスタニの状態
THE STATE OF NASUTANI

EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 066
Pertaining to the CONTROL of Certain COMMODITIES Capable of DIGESTION by Humans or Animals

WHEREAS, several studies, one publicly funded by the State of Nasutani and conducted by Nasutani University and the Geolithic Survey of the State of Nasutani, have shown that plants of the genus Prunus have been found to preclude tested soil areas in the state of Nasutani from the growth of its state plant, Garbassos polemus, which is nearing extinction due to the lack of nutrients it needs to grow in the wild:

I hereby AUTHORISE the Nasutani State Police and the Board of Regents of the University of the State of Nasutani to establish fruit control procedures for the State of Nasutani against the proliferation of any plant of the genus Prunus, including, but not limited to:

Imposing requirements regarding a state-wide registration of any plant in the genus Prunus, including, but not limited to almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, and most types of laurels
Creating border inspection stations for the search, seizure, and safe destruction of any plant or by-product in violation of these procedures
Detain any individual on suspicion of possession of any plant or by-product in violation of these procedures

Signed on the 26th day of July, 2016 A.D.

Hakuma Nagasuki
Governor, State of Nasutani

OPINION

Executive ban on Prunus plants - contamination hazard or religious persecution?
Igarashi Mishiuzumi
Professor of Social Sciences, University of Damushuto

As you know, Governor Nagasuki (DNC - Shinzoba) signed today an executive order banning the sale, transport, or growth of any plant of the Prunus genus. What does that mean for you? Well, if you're an ordinary, "God-fearing citizen" of Damukuni, that means you'll have to go out of state to enjoy almonds, peaches, plums, or cherries, or to wear a sprig of laurel in your hair. Sounds like a fairly reasonable inconvenience, right? It's like the sale or transport of fireworks - you just don't do it, and if you do, you face steep fines and maybe a bit of time in prison. But for a very special group of people in our state, that means the extinction of their way of life.
I'm talking about the Church of Lord Almighty Gregory in Damukuni, a small group that resides in the city of Shinzoba, with a population of about fifteen men and women. This small religious breakout group are all adherents to the national religion of the nation of Gregoryisgodistan, ruled by a man who claims to be the creator of the universe. This nation is one of the most notoriously evil nations in Esportiva, with capital penalties for trivial matters such as kicking a duck, failure to give coffee to inspection agents for mandatory in-house shrines to Lord Almighty Gregory within five seconds of their arrival at your house, and writing a story about how you shot your neighbor's pet dinosaur. Additionally, adherents are required on pain of death to worship Lord Almighty Gregory at least thirty-seven times a day, and, every hour on the hour (except on 1st June), sing the national anthem of the nation of Gregoryisgodistan.
Why are these people in danger? Amongst the rigid requirements for membership in the Church of Lord Almighty Gregory, which is mandatory for all Gregoryisgodistani citizens, is the requirement to eat only gruel and drink prune juice. Not even water is an acceptable alternative for any adherent to the religion. With the ban on Prunus plants or by-products anywhere in the state of Nasutani, what will become of these people? Will they be forced to leave our beautiful state simply because of their religious beliefs? Are we truly imposing penalties for belonging to a religion while also relishing the concept of freedom of religion, a tradition we hold sacred in this great nation?
I implore Governor Nagasuki to rescind his executive actions regarding the control of these beautiful plants immediately. It is quite clear to me that this is a political stunt to rid the state of Nasutani of public expressions of religion, no matter how critical they are of the state or its government.

by **Eura** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:22 pm

Bleak Valley is famous in Eura for two reasons. The small town (by Euran standards) of 135,000 people is noted for its amusing name, a witty reference to the local landscape by its gritty settlers. Its also well known for being one of the few major settlements in close proximity to the "Danger Zone", or DZ; Eura's heavily militarised border with Sameba. Attached to its suburban area is a major military base, one of six "Front Centre" command centres for Army Group North and the nearest to the border with Sameba, just twenty miles down the road. It was here that the pair of Mertagne journalists and their Nepharim cameraman would take their lodgings in a relatively comfortable hotel, the Valley Institute. Monty was busy reviewing preparations material ahead of their meeting with the contact who was enabling this documentary to be made, while Rowan set up a couple of cameras for the initial photography to be done the next day. It was already very late after all, with the sun having set long ago, though it was far from dark in this well lit town with its large roads, built to take high volumes of military and civilian traffic. The other two were settling into going to sleep soon, but Kat was more restless. She stood on the balcony of their sixth floor hotel room, staring out northwards towards the DZ. The light of the town created a luminous glow that bathed the mist-draped hills in a yellow light. It was hard to tell what was beyond the hills, not just because of the weather but also because they rose steeply at the outskirts of Bleak Valley, punctuated only by military supply roads that had been cut through the earth.

Although it was silly of her to worry, Kat couldn't help but feel discomforted by the increasing activity in the area. The local troops had been quite active in the last few weeks, and in the forty eight hours they had been in town, she had seen and photographed a number of artillery pieces and rocket artillery launchers being driven through the town. It had been decades since the last war and fluctuations in activity and alert levels were regular, but it was nevertheless unnerving for an outsider unfamiliar to the area. Kat was reassured to look to her right and see an old man sat on the balcony of the next room, drinking a cold beer and staring out with her at the night sky. He didn't look too bothered by the fuss. His radio crackled into life next to him, reading out a late night show dedicated to poetry before cutting away from the news. It was a slow news day today, although the anchor did have one piece of information of interest to Kat. 'The Ministry of Defence has reiterated its "minimum readiness commitment" to maintaining the border defences against Sameba, despite the rise of alleged moderate Emile Gartanzo as President of the country. This commitment means that at least one full Euran Army Group will always be committed to the border, and all facilities and transport routes will retain their maintenance budgets well into the next decade. Shortly we will go to the weather and then the shipping forecast, but before then, the headlines again. The Federal Health Service has closed a hospital in Blackhaven after a significant outbreak of Daeran Fever, the first such outbreak in nearly fifty years. The Capital Party will vote tomorrow on whether or not to adopt the Hamilton Settlement Solution, an annexationist proposal to change the border of Eura and Electrum, as an official party policy, after a poll showed that party leader Chris Ashdown had the support of just 45% of his party membership.'

The radio spluttered to a halt, prompting the old man to give it a whack, bringing it back to life. 'Eura manager Steve Thompson is expected to make wholesale changes for Eura's next World Cup qualifier, after what he called an "embarrasing" performance against Octinstine in Bastion, where Eura conceded a 4-2 lead with ten minutes remaining after a Craig Sinclair hattrick. The Foreign Office has denied the authenticity of a leaked document exploring the possibility of Euran defence companies being allowed to legally sell components for nuclear weapons to South Esportivan Treaty Organisation members, in light of further recent aggression by so-called Gregoryisgodistan. In other political news, parliament is expected to vote tomorrow on a final version of the Population Density Relaxation Act, with the Social Party expected to support the government on the controversial legislation. Home Office minister Beatrice King insisted the likelihood of a mass exodus from the borderlands is "extremely low". Finally, the stock market continued to slump in Bastion today as uncertainty surrounds the Euran Pound and the health of Goldbank, which was nationalised by the Crow administration to avert a major failure in the financial system.' The old man struck the off switch and retreated to his room, leaving Kat alone in the cold of the night air. She didn't quite get the Euran love for the radio. Maybe these people had some sort of desire to cut through the noise of several billion voices; easily identifiable personalities, easy to tune in to in an otherwise impersonal and overwhelming land. For now, philosophical dwelling over Euran culture would have to wait, as bed beckoned.

It felt like only a few moments later that Kat was awake, but in reality it was six in the morning when she was woken up by her alarm. All three of the group were ready within in an hour, when they made their way down to the small coach outside of the hotel. A handful of very lucky tourists joined them, along with a couple of civil servants and some other visitors. All of them would be headed to the DZ today, and subsequently they were marched on to the bus by the driver and a military attache. After they took their seats there was a short wait before a more senior military official came on board and the doors shut behind him. 'Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! I am Sergeant Gregory Jones, and I'll be your escort today. Once again I must remind you that when we get to the DZ there will be a full search of your persons and baggage, so if you have any issues or potential contraband to declare, now is the time to tell us about it. When we get there we will go through a full itinerary of our policies with regards to visitors, but in the meantime I must ask you to turn off your phones, and not take any pictures or video footage on route. We will be entering an active military zone, and you will be expected to act accordingly. If you have any questions, raise your hand and stay in your seat, I'll come to you.' The bus sputtered into life and set off towards the DZ, trailed by a menacing looking armoured Hummer. Monty let slip a rare smile as he turned to look at Kat. 'About time we got to see some action, eh?' She didn't look impressed. 'Don't worry. It'll be fine.' The bus left Bleak Valley's misty suburbs, and Kat tried to leave her nerves there too.

Last.fm · by **Cosumar** » Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:28 pm

Cosumar mid-qualifying Outlook
How much does friendly loss to SJG matter? Is Eastfield Lodge a real threat?

Despite going undefeated in the first half of World Cup Qualifying (4-2-0), Team Cosumar was dethroned from the top of their group on Matchday 7 as they watched from their airplane’s Holo-TV with a bye. Not by expected challengers Szavoda, but by Pot 3 nation Eastfield Lodge – whom the Vanquishers defeated 1-0 away on Matchday 4. That remains the Rushmori side’s only loss, however, and at 5-0-1 they lead Group 19 by a point with six matches remaining.

“Eastfield Lodge being right in the mix at the top of the table is no surprise to anyone who has followed world football at all in the last several decades,” Cosumar captain Anders Engström said. “We certainly did not expect to be in this situation where we have to come back from behind, but hey, Eastfield Lodge have been taking care of business. That’s what we need to do now.”

Engström and company took care of business against the clear best two opponents in Group 19, including laying a 4-0 master-class on Szavoda, a top 50 team, but have dropped points a couple of times against weaker opponents. Sarrbia at home and away at Owner-osity. Points which now taunt them at every glance at the table.

Historically, Cosumarite teams that have struggled in some way at this stage of the competition have had leaky defenses. This year, however, the Vanquishers have been almost entirely faultless on that end of the pitch – conceding only four goals and tallying four clean sheets.

Instead, their struggle has simply been to find the goal.

Since scoring 10 goals in their first 2.5 matches, the flow has slowed for the Vanquishers. Ever since letting Sarrbia come back from 2-0 down in the second half of Matchday 3. Their last two wins were by mere 1-0 margins, and they failed to score at all against lowly Owner-osity on their finale of the first leg of Qualifying.

“Every team has stretches like this where nothing seems to come as easy as it should. They are fighting through it,” manager Gethin Ramsey said. Regardless, 14 points from 6 is nothing to be ashamed of. You don’t get extra points for winning in style.”

With this offensive drought at the forefront of national conversation, many were looking to see how Team Cosumar would respond in their Mid-Qualifying friendly against San Jose Guayabal. Because it was a rematch of the World Cup 73 Quarterfinals (in which we were eliminated 1-0), and because Khabarovsk is a potential site for the actual World Cup, the match took on more significance than the usual friendly. Although there were signs of improvement for Cosumar, their goal-scoring drought continued as they fell 2-0 to the reigning bronze medalists.

Mauricio Sigler, Aziz Senturk, Alexander Soarhaven and Vareza Na'Noni all had great chances to take the lead in a bright first half for the Vanquishers, but none could capitalize. Eventually, the Guayabalense hit their stride and tallied in the 70th (Sean Fraser) and 82nd (Meyson Salume) minutes to produce the final score. Fraser's strike will make highlight reels around the world - a pure rocket to the upper 90 from outside the box.

It was not a game in which Cosumar sat back and absorbed pressure. Gethin Ramsey's side craved a measure of revenge for what happened in Apox and pushed forward into the attack with vigor. It was encouraging to see after the apathetic disposition against Owner-osity. Though the back of the net still eluded them, the Vanquishers finished with more total shots (17-16) and shots on goal (9-8) than the Guavas.

"I thought the team played well. I think a draw or at least a 1-0 loss would have been a fairer result, but it didn't happen. This is sport," Ramsey said. "Now we have to go to Szavoda and score a few goals of our own."

Although Szavoda (3-0-3) had a disappointing start to Qualifying, Cosumar cannot afford to gift the current 4th-place side points to begin the second leg. A loss at Vfana would put Szavoda right back within two points of us - and put us further at the mercy of the ascending Eastfield Lodge.

It remains to be seen if the Lodgers can continue their recent form, but Team Cosumar don't have the luxury of assuming they will taper off. Eastfield Lodge proved pesky at this stage in World Cup 72, and have enough quality to keep racking up results in what seems to be an unusually weak group. The World Cup aspirations of both Cosumar and Eastfield Lodge could come down to their critical meeting on Matchday 11 at Leviathan Arena.

That showdown is shaping up to be a crucial one, but Ramsey's men can't afford to peek ahead. They must prove that our newfound Top 20 status is deserved and take victory from the likes of Szavoda, Sarrbia and Owner-osity. That means scoring goals. More than one per game.

Cosumar Goal-Scorers Tally (12 GF)
Anders Engström (3)
Ole Öhman (3)
Aziz Senturk (2)
Mauricio Sigler (1)
Ace Newman (1)
Vareza Na'Noni (1)
Peter Svensson (1)

Cosumar Assists Tally
Ace Newman (3)
Anders Engström (3)
Ole Öhman (2)
Mauricio Sigler (1)
Maynard Gorham (1)
Sheldon Serra (1)

Substitute Appearances Tally
Belarmin Worsaw (4)
Frazan Va'Goshal (3)
Augen Wittevrongel (3)
Jacob Pandan (2)
Tevin Lilley (2)
Matt Branch (2)
Senter Senterekoesima (1)
Darwyn Lucassen (1)
Tomasso Tenebrosa (1)
Tiffany Elam (1)
Arndu Farsgaard (1)

Cosumar's World Cup 74 Cycle
Qualifying Matchday 1: Cosumar 4-0 Szavoda
Qualifying Matchday 2: Vaugania 2-4 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 3: Cosumar 2-2 Sarrbia
Qualifying Matchday 4: Eastfield Lodge 0-1 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 5: Cosumar 1-0 Unified Lycan Territories
Qualifying Matchday 6: Owner-osity 0-0 Cosumar
Mid-Qualifying Friendly: San Jose Guayabal 2-0 Cosumar
Qualifying Matchday 8: Szavoda vs. Cosumar (@ SzaTec Park, Vfana)
Qualifying Matchday 9: Cosumar vs. Vaugania (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Qualifying Matchday 10: Sarrbia vs. Cosumar (@ Arena Malluma Maŭra, Wypuli)
Qualifying Matchday 11: Cosumar vs. Eastfield Lodge (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Qualifying Matchday 12: Unified Lycan Territories vs. Cosumar (@ Arthur B. Salamand Memorial Stadium, Seirane)
Qualifying Matchday 13: Cosumar vs. Owner-osity (@ Leviathan Arena, Kaldukosic)
Post-Qual Break and Friendlies

Green: Victory
Blue: Draw
Red: Defeat
Home team listed first

World Cup 74 - RPing Thread

Who is online