World Cup 67 - RP Thread

[The Inevitable Syndicate]

Nobody really knows too much about what goes on in the mind of Lewis Thackeray. He's guided the Syndicate ever since their first foray into the World Cup, and hasn't done too bad of a job at it. Known for always scribbling things down on a sheet of paper during games, nobody has ever found out what goes down in that pad of his. Until now, that is, when a few sheets of it fell out of his bag shortly after the game against Barunia...

Thackeray's Mind Races... Against Boring Paradise
Thackeray's Mind Faces... The Barunia Suns

[Equestrian States]

Clash of the Group E Titans: Ponies vs. Terns
by Steve McNotapony

Equestrian States vs. Polar Islandstates
at Royal Equestria Stadium in Canterlot
Capacity: 98,625

Match Day 2 Results:
Equestrian States 1, Antoletia 1
Polar Islandstates 3, New Sideburn 1

CANTERLOT - Well folks, this is it. The final match day of the group stage. The day that has haunted every supporter in each of the last three World Cups. The day we face the world's best team now so happens to also be the day we need a good result to avoid being eliminated.

In our debut appearance, things went reasonably well for us on the last day. We knocked the Yesopalithans out of the park with a 1-0 stunner that had us in a position to possibly advance if the Polarians could only finish the job against Saugeais. But they didn't, and the Polar Islandstates-Saugeais match ended our chances of reaching the second round at our first attempt.

The next year was worse, much worse. We came in once more in desperate need of a win, and facing the group's top seeds: Starblaydia, who were the team we would leapfrog into the knockouts with a win. What ensued was a legendary battle of all offense and no defense. Needless to say, things didn't go our way. That 5-4 defeat remains, to this day, the last time the Equestrian States has lost a WCC official match.

Then finally, last year in The Inevitable Syndicate, everything was seemingly going according to plan. We'd nearly beaten both the other top two seeded teams in our group, and were facing tiny Mizuyuki on that final day. The minnows of the tournament, they were the lowest-ranked team in the field and we would be sure to advance with a win. But alas, cruel fate denied us that day, and luck abandoned us, and the Ponies were held to a scoreless draw that brought a crushing end to an otherwise brilliant campaign.

It would seem that our results on the final day of the group stage have only gotten worse with every passing year, and this time it would take a truly horrendous scoreline to knock us out. Am I the only one who's got a horrible feeling going into this?

I can only hope that I'm wrong.

[Cassadaigua]

Will MD3 be crazy in E-H? Find out soon. Cutoff time!

Results

[Valanora]

Valanora Times
Marauders Facing Must Win

Well it was far from the easiest of victories that have come the national team's way, but the side managed to overcome Northern Sunrise Islands and find their way to the top of this tight group. Farfadillis and The Licentian Islands drew in the other match of the day, which enabled the Marauders to slide into the first place position with their win, and also amusingly lead to the table reading off as four, three, two, and one points for the four teams involved. However that situation has turned what was already expected to be a rather testy affair against The Licentian Islands into a must win for the Marauders. While there are other scenarios in which the Marauders could advance out of the group, the most simple and direct way is to win this upcoming match and take the group outright.

Hawk as can be expected of someone with his skill and stature has been playing simply superbly in the Finals, already with three goals in these two matches, as well as a few assists. The side is getting everything they can ask out of the captain and then some, as it feels at times that he has the team on his shoulders and is willing them towards their victories. Words truly can not adequately describe the measure of player who has such a indomitable will to succeed and to be the very best. While Espy has his magic with the ball, dribbling around players as if they were simply not even there, Hawk just has everything you could ever ask for in a player and as a captain of the side. It is no wonder why every single side that he has ever been a part of has won titles.

The troubling thing is how the defense has performed, which is to say, it has been quite dreadful even by Vanorian standards. While the backline has never been a priority for the national team, in the past there at least was some pride and skill among the defenders, with the likes of Hardsworth and Titenburg manning the backlines. Now though, there seems to be an absence of both or at the very least, too many mental errors that lead to prime opportunities for the opposition to exploit. With a keeper as decent as the side does have, they should not be conceding an average of three goals per match, it should barely be over one, even with the talent of the opposition. If the side is to advance and even think about sniffing that magical sixth title, they are going to need to greatly improve the play and coordination at the back.

I would not even be surprised to see some tactical changes at the back going into this last match that is so important. There have been rumors coming from the Marauders camp that Narbrinsyr will be replaced by Urúvcion Kinarthir of Ibini FC in the starting line up for the match, with Ibini having a pretty stout defense as of the last few seasons. Whether that comes to fruition or not, we will only know when the sides do take the field. Yet it is the sort of change that you have to make at this point, just to show the side that they need to be better in the back. While you can hardly Narbrinsyr for all the problems of the backline, it would be a difficult decision to break up the chemistry that Haelinde and Tinueme have with playing on the same domestic team.

While Hawk has done what he can, this game against the Licentians, this is where Fresco needs to show why he is considered a world class striker by the staff. He has had a relatively mundane first two games, though he has drawn quite a bit of the attention from the two opposing backlines. Yet if he is truly as good as the staff believes him to be, he should be able to overcome the marking and game plan of the opposition and put a bigger imprint on the game. Other than Hawk, Soldarian, and va Drake, Fresco has been on the side the longest and has the experience to overcome just about any obstacle, this is the match where he needs to do it. With all the marbles on the line, with the trip to the knockouts there to be won, this is where the greatest show what they have, as we have seen from Hawk.

The Licentians are not going to make it easy and they are going to attempt to mark Hawk and Fresco out of the game, which they do have the talent to do. You only need to look at how they managed to corral the extremely versatile and high tempo attack of Farfadillis, holding to just a single goal, to see that they are quite capable defensively. The side is going to have to pick their passes well and play a lot more creative than they are used to, yet with va Drake and Durosa on the wings, it is quite within our realm of possibilities. Soldarion is going to have to play more defensively and the entire side will likely play in a more possessive and smarter style of play, just to keep the Licentian side from being able to hit on the break as well as hopefully tire them out.

Can the Marauders pull this out and move on? Yes, that is not a big question, the question is will they be able to do so. It is so hard to call, as we have seen the best and the worst of the Marauders during this World Cup cycle, times when they have played like world beaters and other times when they have looked fresh face, wet behind the ears and have no idea how to play in the international game. The leaders are going to have to lead this side and carry them through to the next round if they are going to get there, that is the only option at this point when there has been inconsistencies in performance. If the leaders lead, then the side will once more make it through and all of Valanora can let out a side of relief. Once you're in the knockouts, anything is possible, including lucky number six.

[Farfadillis]

War

Yes, it's war. I didn't want to make it an "it's either you or me" match, but mathematics has got in the way. With our two ties, we have to go for the win against Northern Sunrise Islands, as we're otherwise eliminated, no matter what. If we beat the Sunrisians, they're out. Obviously, we can't show mercy now. It's all or nothing, it seems. Thank God we're a team dedicated to offense, and we don't have to change our tactics all of a sudden, like the Turorians, for example.

Ok, so I don't really want to talk about the match against the Licentians too much. It was a bit boring, I have to say. Dandalleion did sort of save us, as our attack faced a very good defense, which was capable of holding it, even if not completely. To make up for it, the same happened on the other side of the pitch, just with a bad offense and a defense that was even worse. Fakkotti was at fault for the Licentian goal, I must admit he's not having the best World Cup ever. But then again, we don't have many side backs...

Except against the Sunrisians there is one obvious change to do. Ever heard of Agundí Frêndê? You obviously have, he's been around since the national team was formed, he was recently relegated to the bench in order to make space for Alaminos and then Fakkotti. Probably because of age and because he's a bit too attacking even for us. However, against the Vaporeons we have to give it our all, and though it's not been officially announced, there's one obvious change Rossizzo will do, because it's really that obvious. Frêndê for Fakkotti.

But what makes Frêndê the obvious change? Apart from his attacking skills, he's been playing in the Sunrisian league for... like... a long time. He currently plays for the Neuville Scythers. He knows a lot of Sunrisians, and the flow of the Sunrisian game. He knows how to break through Sunrisian defenses. He's the Scythers' captain for a reason.

Still, there are other changes to make. Tuzzio is obviously not up to the task... yet excluding him from the line-up is a very high risk. I swear, he always turns up when it most matters. But it's been some time since his last proper Tuzzio performance. I have my doubts. Replacing him, though, would mean changing tactics. That could mean either more or less attack. You can send in Mêrí as a third striker, or you can, say, use Santic as a centre midfielder to hold possession. I like neither of those options, to be honest. Keeping Tuzzio seems to be the best option. So, well, summing up, making Tuzzio play well is one of the changes.

And then we've got one more important problem. Our defense is terrible. Yes, yes, this is not easy to change, and Alaminos is actually good, but there's something that must change. Maybe minimize how much our defense influences the game? Going for the possession since the beginning might help in that case. But maybe we just want to maximize the attack, in which case we'd keep our formation as is, maybe making Kâí and Fôx join the attack even more than they usually do.

And then there's something that sort of couldn't be more noticeable: Tenian is not the same anymore. Tenian used to be a great player, even if for the national team he always had to accept a secondary role. Now he's starting to be relegated by Çis Dragãozý, a very exciting prospect, who has recently sworn his love for Mâ Âlâmëómë, and openly admitted he won't be leaving the Rulandese team, no matter what. Dragãozý might be starting the game against Northern Sunrise Islands, or maybe even Cornelio. Tenian's got the biggest chances, though.

But well, what's been the problem? We've scored five goals in two games, which is by no means bad by World Cup standards, and one of our matches was against a great defense which has been a tad unlucky in the tournament so far. To think that, though they have one point less, they need to meet the same condition as us to go through. Both of the teams that just tied now have to win. The wonders of terrible mathematics in important tournaments. Seriously, why is a win worth three points? A tie is halfway between a win and a loss, yet it's closer to a loss in terms of points. What the fuck, everyone?

And now we have to beat the Sunrisians due to some FFF-esque incompetence to correctly figure out formats. Not that I mind, really, so far we've qualified out of the group stages by winning must-wins. In World Cup 63, it wasn't exactly a must-win, but we avoided Valanora, so it kind of was a must-win. In World Cup 66 it was a downright must-win against Vilita, and so we did.

We thrive under pressure, I believe, but there's times when the opponent is too much for us. The Sunrisians are good, but I'd say they're on par with us, not overwhelmingly better. Café and Abuda will be hard to stop - I'm sure Mêndêlöíndçêl will be overworked again. Yet I don't see any very big names apart from those two. Travis, Nagatomo and Redwing all are well.known players, maybe Nagatomo coming close to Abuda and Café, but we've got players of equal talent. We can win this but we can also tie - and we can lose too, but it would mean more or less the same as tying anyway.

And what is the key against Northern Sunrise Islands? I'm sure Rossizzo is smart enough to find out, but I have no clue. I can only sit and watch our team take the pitch and become one more fan in the crowd, insulting referees, players and managers alike, then in a moment spinning a hundred and eighty degrees and giving our the biggest compliments to the latter two. In the end, when the referee blows the whistle, we're all captivated until he blows it again.

In other news...



I've started learning 3D graphic design! Those pesky Audioslavians won't have much to brag about for long... except back-to-back World Cups, obviously.

[Kinitaria]

"Preda's corner in, Des Meaux can't get it away cleanly and Mihalcič lashes in from close range! Kinitaria have the early lead, and it's very much a deserved one."

Cassadaigua. Forever a nation that will hold special memories for everyone associated with Kinitar football. It was in the Concord Heights stadium, all those years ago, that the newly-formed Kinitar squad, who'd only been playing together for a couple of months, played the game of their young careers so far to clinch the Baptism of Fire title. To this day, it remains Kinitaria's only major honour.

They won over some hearts in their brief stay in Concord Heights. They flew out for the final and made an instant impact, but the earlier games that they had first had to battle through were instead hosted in Ipeland, a nation which seems to have dropped off the map in recent times. The lucky few who were privileged enough to get tickets for the early games will forever hold fond memories of Kinitaria's route to the final, but it is Concord Heights that went down in Kinitar footballing folklore as the place where the boys in blue and yellow took home their first trophy.

Kinitar society has what some people would call a 'traditional' outlook on sport. (Others would call it sexist and anthrocentric.) The national team is, and always has been, an all-male institution. The same goes for the country's national football pyramid, with not a single female to be seen amongst the sides of the Kinitar Premier Division. Such inbuilt gender prejudices are so natural in Kinitar society that it came as a massive shock when the national team appointed their first female coach six years ago, Jeruselem-born Melody Pond, who has the dual honour of also being the first foreign Kinitaria manager. It would certainly take something special for the historically insular Kinitar culture to accept her as one of their own - World Cup qualification will do nicely. It would be a very brave individual in the Kinitar Football Federation these days who suggested that Pond's position could come under threat.

But, back in the days of the Baptism of Fire, there was no Melody Pond, merely the excitable and hot-headed Tofiq Yurovič. It came as something of a culture shock for the Kinitar players, landing in Cassadaigua, to find that gender-based prejudices were essentially the reverse of what they were used to back home. The very act of being a large group of males in the middle of Cassadaigua warranted some suspicion. Clearly, they'd have to do something special to win over the neutral host crowd.

"Sabčot skips around the challenge, one-on-one, wrong-footed LeBatelier and that is an exquisite finish! What a way to get back in front!"

"There was no hostility, nothing nasty," recounted Sergiu Vacarestič, one of only two remaining players on the national squad who played in that Baptism of Fire final. "The Cassadagans were fantastic hosts, and we couldn't have asked for a better venue to play a final in. It's just that, in the days leading up to the final, you did feel that the locals were behind the Rochehaut team, who were predominantly female. I'm not saying it's necessarily a gender thing - Rochehaut had played all their games in Cassadaigua, whereas they hadn't seen much of us - but that feeling was definitely there."

It didn't affect the Kinitar side's preparations, though. "We went in as favourites, so maybe there was the sense of wanting to support the underdog, but I spoke to a number of fans who were behind us, who were impressed by what they'd seen earlier in the tournament. It did feel special, to be in the final of a major tournament and to be turning heads in a foreign country already, when I was only twenty."

And how about now? "I've been approached by a few people in Cassadaigua who remember that game," claims Karl Sala, the other survivor. The tough-tackling defender was sent off in the group stage of the Baptism of Fire, but Yurovič was prepared to return him to the lineup for the final. "One or two who've asked how I'm still going, thirty years on. But there are still people here who recall the time we turned up, fresh-faced and wide-eyed, thought we could take on the world. Eight cycles on, we found out we were right."

"Foul on Mihalcič - I think the assistant referee's given it - and Kinitaria have a free kick. Not too many bodies coming forward for this one, but Naoumov will strike it, and finds the back of the net! That must seal it for the ten men of Kinitaria!"

Now, of course, Kinitaria are back in Cassadaigua. This time, a much bigger prize is at stake. They have a new manager, and an almost completely new squad, with three exceptions (Dalča Nurmanov, who was in the squad but did not play in the Baptism of Fire final, being the third). Even so, those players who weren't in the squad that fateful day will have been watching, not having any idea that they would be playing alongside some of their heroes in the not too distant future.

"I can remember it being a pretty big deal," recalls striker Navra Kulisev, who would have been ten years old on the day of the final. "It was strange in a way, because I was growing up just as football was becoming a major thing - we went from not even having a professional league to being in the final of one of the three major tournaments in less than a year. All of a sudden, these names, Sabčot, Vacarestič, Naoumov, became the most famous names in the country, where they'd have been more or less unheard of not long before. We all had the dreams, of walking out alongside these new heroes, and I feel privileged that I'm able to live the dream, especially at the World Cup finals."

Kinitaria's opening World Cup game against Turori saw the old guard and the new order combine with spectacular results. After the veteran Sergiu Vacarestič had fired his side ahead, summoning up some of the spirit which had allowed him to boss the midfield quite impressively in the game against Rochehaut, Kulisev popped up with his 12th goal for his country, and by far the one with the highest profile, to seal a shock victory for Melody Pond's side. If the Baptism of Fire squad won themselves some admirers in Cassadaigua with some fine football, the current stock went a long way towards emulating that feat with a powerful display against a Turori side that was, at least on paper, vastly superior.

But, of course, one swallow doesn't make a summer, and Kinitaria still had a couple of very tricky obstacles to navigate if they were going to make it at this edition of the World Cup. Mizuyuki weren't exactly strangers to Melody Pond's team, who played out an entertaining 1-1 away draw with them in a warm-up game just before the finals draw was made. There was a slight hint of the experimental to both sides that day, but this time was serious. This is, after all, the World Cup finals, where there's no room for experimentation.

As anyone could have predicted, both teams went with their strongest available lineups. Kinitaria set about their opponents almost immediately, playing in the style that they knew best: they hoped to hassle Mizuyuki in all areas of the field, pressure them on and off the ball, and win the game with their strength. Any observer might have been convinced of the plan's strength in the opening minutes, when Halil brushed off a couple of weak challenges and chipped the ball into Beskid, who was given the time and space to control the ball and rifle a low shot past Takanashi, igniting the wall of blue and yellow packed in behind the Mizuyuki goal.

But it's not for nothing that Mizuyuki overcame Andossa se Mitrin Vega in their opening game, and a quick tactical change from Kurumi Shirakiin saw Mizuyuki using their creative ability to their own advantage, drawing a number of unnecessary free-kicks from the Kinitars. It was from one of these that they drew level, as Ishibashi's chipped free-kick was poorly dealt with by the Kinitar defence, and it was Airi Izawa who reacted the quickest to smash the ball home past Jaren Kozak in the Kinitar goal.

Kinitaria seemed caught out, unable to react quickly enough to the surge of red shirts that was pinning them back in their own half. A second goal seemed almost inevitable, and no-one inside the Brattleboro Tech Institute Field could be surprised when the Kinitar centre-backs failed to track Tomoe Ishibashi's run, and the Mizuyuki midfielder punished them in clinical style as she smashed home a 25-yard effort that Kozak was never going to get to. It was a relief for Kinitaria that the half-time whistle sounded shortly thereafter.

15 minutes in the company of Melody Pond seemed to reinvigorate the Kinitars, and they came out for the second half pressing Mizuyuki higher up the field, even creating a few chances that were so desperately lacking in the first 45. But Shirakiin's side would double their advantage through the influential Mikoto Tsuchimikado, who had pulled the strings for Mizuyuki all game and capped off her outstanding performance with a goal of some quality, drifting past a challenge from Sala and sending a shot beyond Kozak into the top corner.

Melody Pond cut a forlorn figure on the touchline, but she made the necessary changes, replacing Samuel Costica with Virne Limcič as she looked to snatch something from the game. The substitute had an instant impact, testing goalkeeper Takanashi from range and forcing her to pull off a very smart save. Just two minutes later, Limcič reduced the deficit almost accidentally, Beskid's shot cannoning off the bar before striking the back of Limcič's head, standing in the middle of the six-yard box, and past a stunned Takanashi. Mizuyuki would appeal in vain for offside, but the referee wasn't having any of it and the goal stood.

Kinitaria could sense blood now, and poured forward in search of a leveller. They would get it through a very unlikely source. Karl Sala headed home an Elkinič corner for only his fourth goal in 175 appearances for the national side. He's certainly never scored one as important, and the travelling Kinitar fans showed just what it meant to them as they celebrated wildly in the stands - celebrations which were just about matched by those down below on the bench and on the field.

Credit must be given to Mizuyuki, because they didn't fold and still came forward. Substitute Yuka Misaka could have won it in stoppage time, but there would be no more real clear-cut chances and the game ended in a hard-fought 3-3 draw. Just as the final whistle was sounding in Brattleboro, news came through of Turori's goalless draw with Andossa se Mitrin Vega, throwing Group D wide open.

Kinitaria will now play the Vegai in their last game of the group stage, with Group D in a very precarious position. A win or draw will be enough to see Melody Pond's side through to the group stage. Defeat, coupled with Mizuyuki getting anything at all from their game against Turori, means that Kinitaria go out. If Kinitaria and Mizuyuki both lose, things get interesting. All four teams would finish on four points, and goal difference would come into the equation, as head-to-head would prove inconclusive. It means that a one-goal defeat would probably be enough to qualify, as long as Mizuyuki also lose. Any more, and Kinitaria are relying on Mizuyuki at least doing as badly as them.

Of course, there's also the possibility that, say, ASMV beat Kinitaria 2-0 and Turori beat Mizuyuki 1-0... leaving Kinitaria and Mizuyuki in a dead heat for second place in the group. It's also possible that ASMV and Turori end up in a dead heat, although perhaps fortunately for tournament organisers, we can't get two simultaneous dead heats. With so much at stake, there'll be two cracking games coming up... be sure not to miss them.

[Mizuyuki]

---

The Team - Dressing Room

---

"So ... "

"This is it."

"Without a shadow of doubt, troops."

The manager towered over the rest of the team, who were crouching on the benches lining the walls of the flamboyantly-upholstered dressing room.

In her usual, 'I'm-not-taking-any-shit-from-you-lot' tone, Shirakiin barked, "You see the damn piece of paper pinned onto the poly board there? See that worthless scrap of paper hanging?"

She received a lusty answer in the affirmative.

"That's what happens when we concede three goals against Kinitaria. That's what happens when we let Andossa Se Mitrin Vega score a last-gasp consolation, though it did not have much effect on the final scoreline."

The petite manager sighed and passed a hand over her tired face.

"Lookie here, people; the thing is, we're this far away from making it to the elimination stages. This, goddamn, itty-bitty distance away," she muttered, holding up two slender fingers to illustrate her point.

"You know what? I'm just about tired of Turori. I'm pretty sure that you don't need me to remind you that it was the Turorians who effectively sent us packing back home last Cup."

Stalking the length of the room, a habit of hers that always popped up when she was feeling the strain and tension preceding an important match, Shirakiin passed her eyes over each and every one of the players, scrutinising, analysing; who would be the ones given the glorious chance to impress, to play against their nemesis? Who would end up sitting on the bench?

All that mattered was the desire and the talent. She could see the spirit burning brightly inside each and every one of the players, she could objectify every single player's passion and utter desire to play the match - but ultimately, who made the final cut had to be fully up to scratch.

At length, Shirakiin cleared her throat and began her pep talk anew.

"That defeat hurt. I know what some of you were, indeed are thinking of that match - two-nil against one of the top teams in the world, ain't halfway bad, innit?"

"Let's get just one thing straight right now. If, my dear gentlemen and ladies, of the opinion that a single 2-0 defeat is okay by any stretch of the imagination, you can get your things packed right now and scram. You won't be playing another match, you won't be earning another cap; above all, you damn well won't be afforded the opportunity to pull on a Mizuyuki shirt for the rest of your worthless lives! Not while I'm the bloody manager!"

Shirakiin, panting slightly after her latest outburst, paused for a fraction of a second to regain her breath and composure.

"Now; anyone who begs to differ, you may collect your personal effects and make your way out of this room, this very moment."

Not a single member of the team stirred from their seats; instead, Shirakiin could see the fires that she had stoked within their souls burning ever brighter, aided by the winds of patriotism and the overwhelming desire to win. She could see it in their fists, wrapped around their bottles of energy drinks with a fierce intensity; she could see the dark, fervent passion dancing, capering; with all the doggedness of men who knew that their time had come.

Yet, her job was not done. Not yet. The manager knew that her responsibilities included figuring out the tactics for the team, managing her playing personnel and, in the long term, nurturing the future starlets of Mizuyuki. That had been made perfectly clear to her when she had turned up at the FA HQ to put pen to paper on the contract, almost two years ago.

But that was not all, not by a stretch. Unlike the other armchair managers who were in the job for money and a nice little severance package when their untimely demise was effected - Shirakiin truly did love the game. She felt exhilaration upon witnessing a full-blooded tackle; she expressed her joy whenever her team scored a last-minute winner; she danced like a madman and hug-tackled her assistant manager whenever the Nova won something; a stark contrast to those people who merely regarded football as a purely technical, scientific sport. She was the perfect antithesis to those cold figures - hot and passionate as opposed to cold and calculating.

Not for her the cold precision of tactical tinkering, objective-oriented motivational psychology and minute shifts in the balance of the game, although she did dabble in the murky areas of tactical manipulation whenever the situation necessitated it; Shirakiin was what the older hands called an intuitive manager. Her love for the beautiful game surpassed the coolness, the distantness one usually associates with managers who have only a tenuous grasp of the appreciation one had to possess in abundance in order to achieve managerial longevity at the highest level. She understood the unspoken order, in the depth of her soul, that her brief extended beyond tactics, beyond substitutions, beyond overseeing complicated, painstakingly planned training sessions.

No; it was something far more abstract, far more intangible. And it made her the best damn manager ever to take the helm at Mizuyuki.

"Right, let's get on with the show. I'm glad to see that I shall have a full complement of players to choose from if the need arises. That, at least, shows that I've been moderately successful in instilling a strong sense of patriotism among you lot."

"They, the Turorians, have to win. We, on the other hand, need but one point. One point to qualify; it is that one point which will make all the difference in this game. To that end, I will be selecting only those players who I deem to be the most suitable, both in terms of inherent talent and sharpness, not to mention mental fortitude, to take to the pitch today."

Shirakiin pointed at her tactical gameplan, pinned onto the same poly board as the table, for emphasis.

"However, the Laws of the Game are crystal clear; only eleven players will take to the field, and only seven of their teammates will even get to plunk their bottoms on the benches," For a single second, Shirakiin hesitated. For many of the players, the match might well be the biggest one they'd played in in the course of their entire professional careers. Sure, they had their best years ahead of them yet, but to be offered a chance to play in a match of this magnitude against Mizuyuki's sworn enemies in football ... it was a chance that many of them would kill for. As it were, all of them would be champing at the bit to be offered a starting position - Shirakiin was aware of that much.

It was a chance that might not present itself ever again.

"Very well; I see that you're all raring to go at this point." Shirakiin smiled, a satisfied smile that did not betray her inner nervousness at the upcoming match.

"I shall now announce the starting XI who will play in what is possibly the biggest match ever in the history of the Mizuyuki FA. Those who are picked to start; I expect you to follow my tactical instructions to the letter and secure us the win. Those who are relegated to the bench; I'm looking for professionalism in your preparation and warm-ups. And those who are not selected - I still expect - nay, demand - that you give your full moral support to your teammates who will be playing their hearts out on the pitch; I want you to muster every drop of strength that you have in your support. Unswervingly so."

Shirakiin turned and smacked a fist in her palm with force.

"Now, one last thing before we move on - when you go out there, regardless of who's made the cut and who hasn't, I'll be counting on you. You'll be counting on each other. I want you to do your level best - display the qualities that have been characteristic of our peoples for centuries. The virtues of courage, teamwork, and of course, self-confidence. Do I make myself clear?"

A resounding cry arose from the players.

"Make no mistake, Kurumi; we'll go out there and do you proud."

Shirakiin stared at her influential captain, Tsuchimikado Mikoto. She thought that she detected a steely glint in her eyes, an iron-hard resolve that belied her seventeen years - and Shirakiin knew - that her captain would fight tooth and nail, that her spirit would be indefatigable - for the team, for an entire nation.

"Very well - nothing less than what I would have expected from a captain of mine."

"Let us proceed to the selection of the starters. In goal, we will have ... "

As Shirakiin read out the names of the players who would be fighting for the glory of the nation just an hour later, she was filled with an overpowering sense of pride. The players whom she would be relying upon were a tough bunch. They would see the battle out, right to its very bitter end, come hell or high water. There was a steely edge to the players, hardened by two cycles of World Cup football - Shirakiin was confident that they were every bit as fortified in terms of mental preparation compared to their Turorian counterparts.

They were every bit as precociously talented; they were every bit as determined. And most of all, they were far more impassioned - a quality that was so often lacking in the play of top-level footballers.

But this bunch had it. They had it. And when they strode onto the verdant pitch to play for their destinies, Shirakiin knew that they would go into the match with an irrepressible will to win.

Three things would decide the game, and the Mizuyuki team, ranging from the manager to the lowliest of the squad, possessed those qualities by the bucket-load.

Spirit, desire, and a burning passion for football.

They would go out there and play for their lives. Win, lose, or draw; at the end of the ninety minutes, they would be stepping off the pitch, proud of the fans, proud of themselves, and above all, proud of their country.

[Vilita]

JUNGLE CATS MARCH ON

Mitaroka Leads Vilita Back to the Knockout Rounds

Victoriaville, Cassadaigua :: After an opening matchday victory over the hosts Cassadaigua in Concord Heights, Calaesa Mitaroka's Vilita Jungle Cats were potentially one win away from a rare trip to the Knockout Rounds of the World Cup Finals.

Although Vilita have qualified for the World Cup Finals 28 times - having participated in over 40% of the World Cup's ever held - they have only advanced from the group stage on half of those occasions. Perhaps it was that fact that made the Matchday 2 clash with Jeruselem all the more important. Having spent the duration of World Cup Qualifying dropping points to lower ranked teams, barely even qualifying for the finals despite their unbeaten record - It seemed to be the perfect opportunity for the Jungle Cats to re-establish their under-performing ways at the multiverse's biggest competition.

Instead, with two lower ranked teams to play in the first two matchday, Vilita responded as if they were instead Valanora - the less experienced but far more succesful V-named nation that has never failed to advance from the Group Stage when given the challenge.

Mitaroka put forward a more conservative lineup to face the Princesses of Jeruselem, resorting to a traditional Vilita 3-1-4-2 formation with the experienced captain Nycflala Kater returning to the goal, shaking off concerns that he would not be able to play after being substituted at half time against Cassadaigua. The decision once again left "Goalkeeper of the Future" Zelkki Milake to watch from the sidelines - the youngster likely still gaining tons of experience by just being invited to the big-time occasion, but leaving many fans to wonder if they would get a chance to see Milake in action on the Worlds biggest stage.

After a poor performance in the opening match against Cassadaigua, Arcticala Inlet youngster Nili Ylimaiina was left to watch from the bench as Mitaroka tasked Xcnaio Bansoa and Erocka Lorei with the attacking duties at the top of the formation.

However, the first goalscoring opportunity of the match came from the midfield where Dalian Magagula played an optimistic cross that caught the young Jeruselem goalkeeper Ricky Martini off guard. One would have thought that given his experience, Martini would be a good judge of ball placement, but he erred at first, stepping forward then having to re-calculate, nearly diving into the post before cupping the ball with his outstretched hand, expertly keeping it out of the netting before gently placing it over top of the cross bar before crashing fully to the ground inside the goal.

The ball having gone out for a corner, the resulting kick was delivered once again by Magagula and found the head of Kadi Molali whose header cracked the ball into the face of Martini - who this time had the ball position thing down like a pro - aside from the using the hands part.

Despite not breaking through early, the Jungle Cats kept pressing and were eventually rewarded with the games opening goal. It came from Xcnaio Bansoa and this time it was a long ball from Molali that put Bansoa one-on-one with Colin Bakker. Bansoa put a slick move, forcing Bakker to turn and giving Bansoa the chance to use speed to out pace the Jeruselem defender, taking a crack at goal and this time magic-hands Martini was unable to get his hand around it, the ball smacking its way into the corner of the netting to give Vilita a 1-0 lead.

There were concerns for Bansoa in the 38th minute when Bakker, possible trying to exact a bit of revenge for the embarrassment Bansoa provided earlier in the match, took a late hack at the Vilitan forward as the two were scuffling following a shot by Bansoa that went over the bar. Bansoa lay on the ground holding his right leg for some time before the referee, Icto Blicto, finally motioned for the medics to come onto the field to attend to the Makosile striker.

Bansoa powered through the pain and finished out the first half - but that would be the end of his contributions to the game as he would be replaced at half time by Ylimaiina who was clearly given a second chance at the big stage as a result of Bansoa's leg situation.

Things got nervy for the Jungle Cats 10 minutes into the second half when Princess Amelia Jane Dallas equalized for Jeruselem, but the nerves didn't last long as Kiroki Mitaroka responded immediately, catching Ricky Martini in a bit of a daydream after the re-start.

Of course, daydreaming or not, the goal never would have happened without inch-perfect precision on the 35 yard lob from Mitaroka. The ball never touched the ground and sunk in just under the crossbar - Martini never having a chance - probably irrespective of the goalkeepers starting out of position or not.

The Vilitan response quickly emphasized their otherwise strong performance and reminded the Princesses that they were out of their league. Even though the Jungle Cats were playing it safe looking to preserve the three points and secure their place in the Knockout Round, if they needed to respond - they could and would.

Calaesa Mitaroka kept rotating players as necessary, introducing Viji-mara Lawaai to the match in the 69th minute and Jian Lejsrma in the 76th minute to keep fresh legs on the field to defend the lead and keep possession of the ball. As often is the case, however, Jeruselem dug deep and found a way to pepper Nycflala Kater's goal area in the final minutes of the game despite going long stretches in the middle of the game with no such pressure.

Jeruselem earned 5 corner kicks in succession to close out the match but never got that solid chance on goal that they needed to tie it up, the game eventually ending on a goal kick after Donna Frenz skied an effort from close range that could have given the Princesses a miracle last-gasp point on the night.

When Icto Blicto finally blew for full time, Mitaroka had done it. With 6 points in the opening two matches, the Jungle Cats could not be caught and were finally returning to the knockout rounds. There was still one more match to play, however, and ironically, this time it was the Unbeaten Jungle Cats who would be tangling with The Holy Empire, the same team that kept the Jungle Cats out of the World Cup final in their only decent Finals campaign since their World Cup 20 title winning season.

Of course, there would be nothing tangible on the line for the Jungle Cats on the final matchday, other than pride and placement in the Knockout stage where either Audioslavia or The Inevitable Syndicate likely awaited for Vilita in what would be a highly billed Atlantian Oceania regional mash up. However, the final match against The Holy Empire would not be without consequence and it is likely that thousands of local fans would descend on the Winchester Field - especially if they could not get a ticket for Cassadaigua's final match in Concord Heights. The hosts will be relying on Vilita rounding out a perfect group stage campaign with a victory over The Holy Empire to give the Dagans a chance to advance on the final day. Cassadaigua will need a victory over Jeruselem and a Holy Empire loss - one or another by multiple goals in order to extend their participation on home soil any further.

	Jeruselem
:: Goalscorers :: :: 18' Xcnaio Bansoa :: 56' Kiroki Mitaroka	:: Goalscorers :: :: 55' Princess Amelia Jane Dallas
:: Best Player: Kadi Molali :: Worst Player: Dronik Ratuva :: Shots on Target: 5 :: Corner Kicks: 3	:: Best Player: Olska Fenski :: Worst Player: Donna Frenz :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 8

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

:: MATCH RATINGS ::

-------------------------------------------
GK:: Nycflala Kater - [6]
D.:: Miiara Makose - [7]
D.:: Endur Rotropii - [9]
D.:: Kadi Molali - [10]
DM:: Dronik Ratuva - [6]
ML:: Kiroki Mitaroka - [9]
MC:: Lopaki Kilpter - [6]
MC:: Viliaka Morasita - [7]
MR:: Dalian Magagula - [5]
FC:: Xcnaio Bansoa - [7]
FC:: Erocka Lorei - [6]
Vilitan Subs Bench:
FC:: Nili Ylimaiina - [6]
FC:: Viji-mara Lawaai - [5]
M:: Jian Lejsrma - [5]

FC:: Erocka Lorei - [DNP]
M:: Purapal Eskiiy - [DNP]
U:: Ritopa Simafela - [DNP]
D:: Amarini Baracelv - [DNP]
GK:: Atacir Tivalan - [DNP]

Vilita Jungle Cats v. Jeruselem ::
[GK] Nycflala Kater, [D.] Miiara Makose, [D.] Endur Rotropii, [D.] Kadi Molali, [DM] Dronik Ratuva, [ML] Kiroki Mitaroka, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MC] Viliaka Morasita, [MR] Dalian Magagula, [FC] Xcnaio Bansoa, [FC] Erocka Lorei
BENCH::
[FC] Nili Ylimaiina, [FC] Viji-mara Lawaai, [M] Jian Lejsrma, [M] Purapal Eskiiy, [D] Ritopa Simafela, [D] Amarini Baracelv, [GK] Atacir Tivalan

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Xcnaio Bansoa >>> Nili Ylimaiina
(69) - Lopaki Kilpter >>> Viji-mara Lawaai
(76) - Viliaka Morasita >>> Jian Lejsrma

Next Opponent: The Holy Empire (10)
All Time Record: 0-0-3*
*Includes 2-3 Extra-Time Defeat during World Cup 62

[Equestrian States]

It's that time again! Cutoff!

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

WORLD CUP 67
(NOT REALLY AN) ENDLESS SPORADIC

Truth to be told, there's no sadness when you managed to stay on line for good things. That could be said about both of the teams that didn't make the cut at Group C. While the Licentians managed to lose the only match they were the favorites, the Sunrise, in Quick Vapour fashion, botched the game against Farfadillis. Quite a heartbreak when you consider that once, we were on the way for the Round of 16. And in our first try, mind you.

But we have to congratulate La Vherderoja, make fun of their language if you will, but the team from Atlantian Oceania has done marvels year in and year out, we shouldn't take them as weaklings or anything. Maybe the biggest heartbreak was Frêndê, after all, his assisting skills helped kick us out. The first goal, by Tuzzio, started to cement it; then Dandalleion finished the art piece. Abuda had to make the goal of honor, but in the end, the Sunrise was out.

Well, off to Campionato Esportiva and... heh, we'll be back. You can turn the fire on now, hosts; the Vaporeons are gone.

Would CP Munk and D'Lo Brown's tag team be named "Danger at the Woods"?

---

As the draft started, all the players remained at one big room. Clearly, there weren't enough seats for everyone, so some of these rookies decided to sit in the cold floor. It was all a quick travel from Cassadaigua to Darveston, NSI. A little board flashes, showing the name "Project +90", the first team to pick by a lottery decided beforehand.

And then the board flashed a name, to which June smiled. "June Gardot, U-21". As June left, Ruby continued to pay attention. Many picks later, Project +90 once again had the pick, but Red was the one picked. June continued alert and it finally payed off, when finally, at the third round, Ruby was picked to represent the Tiamare side at The Junior League's U-21 Division. As she hugged her friend from the once rival North Edenia, June looked at her, calmly whispering to her ear.

"See? Do you think that would've happened if the Deadly Alliance was restored?"

Ruby never agreed more with a Northern.

[Farfadillis]

WOOOOOO

We're through. Through to the round of sixteen. Beating Northern Sunrise Islands, we now have escaped the group stage for the third time in history. But what a tough match that was. Shocking from minute one through to minute ninety. Oh, and injury time.

But anyway, the Sunrisians put up a very tough fight. As predicted, Abuda and Café caused us trouble, though Carvalho did surprise me. I wasn't expecting him to cause us as much trouble as he did. Nagatomo, as expected, made things very hard for us, while Travis made the most out of what he got. Their attack was very good, I'm still wondering how we only conceded one.

And, on the other side, I'm wondering how we only scored two. The Sunrisian defense was, to be honest, not very good. Our attack managed to get past it many times, and it seriously did not look all that hard. I predicted their defense wouldn't be causing us much trouble some days ago, and I was right, it seems. Now, there's one thing I'd like to talk about.

Why does Tuzzio only turn up in the most important situations these days? World Cup 65 play-offs, World Cup 66 game against Vilita and now this. Don't get me wrong, I love it when he plays at his best, but it does leave you wondering why he does not outside those important matches. Is it intentional? I hope not, because that would show a big lack of discipline (and I'm not a big fan of replacing him, as we've not got any offensive midfielder that comes close to him in one of his bad days anyway, other than Terán, obviously). Still, Tuzzio played really well once again, for some reason. I'm still wondering though, what happened to the Tuzzio that scored like crazy in past World Cups? Let's remember he's the second top goalscorer in Farf history, just behind Dandalleion, for a reason. Yet we only get to see the monster he is when we most need to... eh, well, does not sound so bad, to be honest.

So, well, we pretty much got through thanks to Tuzzio's performance, helped by his partner in crime Dandalleion, who also kind of saved us, even if not to the same level. Terán and Kâí had a pretty good game too, even if they did not even get an assist. Fôx did not play his best game, however. Probably he was stopped by the only good Sunrisian defender (other than Matthew di Martine, who was not called up because fuck logic), Justin Redwing. Mêndêlöíndçêl did a very good job controlling Nagatomo, Café and Abuda, even if it was within the limits of what is possible and what is not for any player in the world. I think Alaminos should've been employed as a centre back once again, to control Travis and Carvalho, but Rossizzo chose to keep Mata as a centre back. Alaminos and Frêndê (told you all he'd replace Fakkotti) were free to do whatever they wanted to do in the flanks, though they did have to help defend, naturally.

Oh, so you want me to talk about the actual match. Well, it started all cool and well and so on. And then the referee blew the whistle. Northern Sunrise Islands quickly went for a goal, quite inexplicably as defending and going for a counterattack was probably the most rational way to approach the match. Still, attacking seemed to be yielding results for the Vaporeons. To be honest, I think it was probably because of Frêndê. He was never a very good defender, and facing Sunrisians did not really mean he'd get any better.

But, even though Northern Sunrise Islands got three shots on target while we got none in the first twenty minutes, we did manage to score first, with our first attack. In the twentieth minute. Yes, not the best beginning for a match, but the goal made up for it.

Mêndêlöíndçêl stripped Nagatomo from the ball with a beautiful sliding challenge (because those can be beautiful just as goals). He then got up and passed the ball to Frêndê. Frêndê then tried to start dribbling his way to the opposing half. And he did it, after dribbling two players he managed to get to the Sunrisian half and, upon seeing too many defenders, chose to pull off what was not very obvious. He want for an aerial through pass to Tuzzio. The pass was stunning, it seemed to be nanometric. McFlemming could not get to touch the ball despite going to the floor and missing by a few centimetres, while Tuzzio managed to beat Hikari to the ball. Right at the edge of the box he stopped and let Hikari, surprised, stop too quickly, which made him fall to the floor. He then went on to face Sioux, who he dribbled by sending the ball one side and him going the other. Without a lot of angle, but enough for him, he shot violently to the empty goal that was at his will. A goal for us, and a big surprise for the Sunrisians.

And indeed they did not recover. Now we started dominating and they had to defend. Kâí hit the post and Terán came close to scoring, though Sioux had other plans. The first half saw no more goals, and we went to half time holding the lead thanks to Tuzzio and Frêndê (who'd have predicted that?).

And in the second half the game picked up where it had left and continued being pretty much the same. Attacks came and went, with us having a few more chances, until we scored a second goal.

Kâí stopped a pass from Frêndê and starting running towards the goal. He dribbled Hawk and then faced Starfox. He dribbled the defensive midfielder too and started heading straight for the goal, as if he was a centre attacking midfielder like Tuzzio and Terán. However, when he got to Tuzzio, he feinted going for a shot and passed it to him. Tuzzio, showing his skill, effortlessly dribbled McFlemming and headed for the goal, he then dribbled Hikari and faced Sioux. After that, he heeled the ball to his left, probably just knowing Dandalleion was sprinting towards there at his well-known speed. And indeed, Dandalleion was there once again, and fulminated to the goal that Sioux had left unattended because her defense was not very good. Two-nil for us. A fantastic assist from Tuzzio. Really classy.

But well, Abuda would be taking none of it. Just two minutes later, every Farf's fears came to life as Abuda did what he had done in his first season (and up to now only season) in the FFL. He got the ball from his teammate Starfox and started heading towards our goal. He dribbled Mêndêlöíndçêl and then, having been left some space by our defense, decided to shoot straight away. There was absolutely nothing for Lisdiren to do, the shot had been just fantastic. Two-one once again.

And what happened after that? The Vaporeons woke up. They started going for the equalizer. Valanora had beaten the Licentian Isles, so a tie meant going through. They came close - Nagatomo and Café both hit the post. However, we also came very close to a third goal, as Dandalleion had a shot fantastically saved by Sioux and Terán almost scored from outside the box, yet he sent the ball flying just a few centimetres above the crossbar.

And Abuda scared us a few times as well, like when he dribbled Mata and Frêndê and chipped the ball above Lisdiren. However, we do have a player who saves us in hard moments. Mêndêlöíndçêl, who had apparently already foreseen the whole thing, had been sprinting towards the goal, and got there quickly enough to execute a weird aerial volley to make the ball hit the left post and not get in. Alaminos got the rebound, fortunately. Poor Abuda, he certainly deserved at the very least a round of sixteen appearance. Still, one cannot deny Dandalleion and Mêndêlöíndçêl deserved just as much.

Anyway, we ended up being able to hang onto the lead, but it was tremendously difficult. I could go as far as saying we were outplayed, though we actually came close to scoring lots of times just as them.

And now who do we face? Kinitaria. Personally, I find this a very interesting match. We will be facing the winners of the Baptism of Fire in which we could not partake because of the FFFF's terrible organization. Both Kinitaria and Farfadillis started playing national football at about the same time, and what has happened since then up to now has not been all that different. Both sides have managed some good AOCAF Cup runs, with Farfadillis having done better overall. One might say that Farfadillis has got to the World Cup many more times than Kinitaria, and it's true, but truth is they did not qualify because of losing in the play-offs many times (was it three?). Sure, it's strange to think that the team that won our Baptism of Fire has been less successful than us, but they can redeem themselves now. It's their first World Cup proper appearance, and they're hungry for glory, as can be shown by them topping their group. We've got more experience and the same hunger, though. Anything can happen. There's only one thing I'm sure of: it will be a match for the ages.

[Zwangzug]

(Thomas 34, Sinclair 56, Parsons 72)

Application for the manager of the Zwangzug national football team:

Name:
Preferred tactics:
Relevant experience:
Irrelevant experience:
In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing Zwangzug football today?
What gift would you give to (your true love/the World Cup Committee/your favorite vexillographers, pick one) and when?

Please submit your responses to the relevant authorities; if the latter are in a good mood, the former may even be read.

Zwangzug were out of the World Cup, but the work of the collective would continue on. It didn't really matter whether the megaproject overseas stalled. While most of its further endeavors had already been beyond the scope of the collective, Kylie and the others knew there was room to continue. Maybe they could even recruit some new people. "There's a literature student worth a background check," Myra had hinted. "Brilliant, but unappreciated."

But it was in the middle of some of her normal routines that Kylie stumbled upon something else concerning. "Hey. Check this out. Looks anomalous."

"Of course it is," said Oliver. "We'd known about that all along."

"And there's nothing we can do about it?"

"Nope. Between the forerunners and us--I mean, us as in Level Zero--there were some rogue states, interfering with our work. Oh, no one has the goal of making us their enemy, I'm sure," he went on, at her bewildered expression. "That's why we have to be secret. But if anything, that just made the need for secrecy more paramount. If we don't know how to engage them, to fight back, the last thing we want to do is tell the world how to beat us."

"So do you think they knew? Whoever tried the same thing, right before the leak?"

"I'm not sure. It could just be that there's nothing new under the sun. We have to live with that--don't resent anyone else too much, if they're not the first. We all have weaknesses."

Kylie nodded. They weren't perfect, the collective--and that stung, but footballers knew that feeling too. They just had to keep doing their best, shaking off setbacks as they came and holding their ground. "I guess so."

"Attagirl," said Keisha. "Come on, back to work."

"No, hold on," said Myra. "There's one thing that still doesn't make sense."

"Oh?" Kylie asked.

"Yeah," said Myra. "Even when you walked out, you never left the country, did you?"

"What? No, of course not."

"Never went to--" She glanced down at the file Kylie was already stowing. "Calania?"

"No."

"Then who sent this?"

"Sent what?"

Myra produced the note, by then rather creased-over, and passed it off to Kylie. "I don't recognize it," she said, skimming it, "but hold on..." Kylie read it a second time, then looked up, with a small grin.

"You know?"

"I don't know why," said Kylie, passing it back, "but I have a guess who."

"What? How?"

"Maybe you can explain," she said, turning to Oliver. "I could believe either way. The collective's been here a long time, hasn't it? Or at least, you have. But you were working with some other foreigners before, somewhere dangerous."

"Yeah," said Oliver, "Well. Our guys weren't the danger."

"Doesn't matter. The point is, you needed a front--somewhere in Zwangzug. And you had one tailor-made, didn't you? The sportswriters--they were working with the forerunners all along. Back in the day--the Rovers had their barnstorming, Spenson had their dome, Namiri Forest...they had their defense to cling to, even in the intervening years. What did Arlington City have? And don't," she rounded on Myra, "tell me a tourism board. But even without their old stadium, the club had a name, they had an address. I'm thinking you stole their thunder, and just maybe, this got sorted in the wrong mailbox."

Oliver chuckled. "That's a theory."

"Here's another. You recruited me over Luanne Delvale, didn't you? Because she was already established, you couldn't trust her to keep quiet. But you're not opposed to working with footballers per se, I don't think. It wouldn't make sense. So, the only way you could actually bring in a footballer--a really good one--would be if you recruited them young. Until they were used to keeping secrets."

Somewhere in Calania, a slim strip of land pressed up against the water, Tropicorp FC got their season underway. Andreij Tal launched an attack up the right, powering forward with a beautiful run to set up Paco Robles, up to Lander Estrougamou, and the game wound on.

But for a few moments, it seemed to slow down, as if everyone was taking time to catch their breaths, note the score. Under the lights, behind his team, Enitan Maclaurin stood tall, watching. Moments, briefly--

and then, once more, the game was under way.

[Starblaydia]

Getting Past the Champions?
Posted by Erik on Saturday at 10:28pm
So how did my predictions go>

Vilita (12) v The Inevitable Syndicate (13) - Bang on, as predicted.
Valanora (8) v Turori (17) - Two for two here.
Audioslavia (2) v The Holy Empire (10) - Top notch punditry.
Andossa Se Mitrin Vega (7) v the Licentian Isles (32) - Erm, these two both finised bottom of their group.
Polar Islandstates (1) v Valladares (9) - Right from Group A, wrong qualifier from Group B.
Osarius (4) v The Archregimancy (11) - Right matchup, wrong Group placings.
Blouman Empire (15) v Equestrian States (21) - Valladares should go here, but it was Apox and not Bloumany Qualifying.
Eura (3) v Starblaydia (36) - Again, unfortunately, the right matchup but in the wrong route out of the groups.

All in all that's eight of the sixteen teams group finishing positions correctly predicted, five who qualified but in the incorrect position, and just three incorrect choices. Conclusion: Boom, best punditry ever.

Even Max looked impressed, but maybe that was because of the noises made by his new chew toy.

But now, dammit, it's the World bloody Champions.

As each goal for Eura went in against Zwangzug, Max and I got more and more depressed: we knew it'd be the toughest test that Starblaydia could have asked for. But, but we've already knocked off the fourth-best team in the world 5-3, so why can't we do exactly the same to the 3rd best side? Aren't Starblaydia, after all, supposed to be by far the greatest team the world has ever seen?

Of course we are. But how are we going to do it? From 1-11, here's what Max and I came up with:

1. Our goalie is the best in the world.
Lucas Cable is just... brilliant. Unflappable, great positioning, awesome shot-stopper, commanding and able to pick a pass or a quick clearance like no-one else. If we are to keep the Champions from scoring, he's our first, last and only line of defence against the best strikers in the multiverse.

2. Morton. Hoffman. Zambrano. Nunez.
They've not been impregnable, but between the four of them we're starting to realise that they have everything a back four needs. Charity begins at home, and these guys rarely give anything away.

3. Lynchpins.
When Jinalii and Garcia play well, Starblaydia play well. When one of them is having an off day, or is outmuscled, outplayed our outnumbered, Starblaydia don't play as well. When they're both having a nightmare, we're awful. These two, defensive and offensive, dictate Starblaydia's tempo for a match.

4. Wing wonders.
Ffion McAllister is developing into one of the world's greats and, at 21, she surely has the entire world at her feet. Brazadar Khurnos is an ace, dependable Dwarf, too. Going forward, they've made Starblaydia really dangerous in this campaign.

5. Striking Superstars.
Rossi is always, always dangerous. Branmar always seems to be popping up in the right place at the right time. Anselm is a great sub, and Landsberg is definitely one for the future. Surely that's all the firepower we need, even if they're not truly world class?

So, who's to say we can't get past Eura and into the super eight? I think our defence is, if anything, slightly better than theirs, and though they have a little more quality going forward, we're on a run off three wins and going into the knockouts with real momentum.

Max's searching eyes have belief. He thinks we can do it, and I think we can do it.

[Apox]

The changing room before the biggest match of every player in the room's life. The sound of fans chanting, calling out in song, warming themselves up before the game, warming their voices and passions to the greatest spectacle in the multiverse. The football World Cup.

An on this occasion, in this place, the nation of Apox stood proudly amongst the final 16 nations left in the fight, the first Esportivan nation to do so. They had battled their way through a tough, nervous group, only just making it into the finals. They had got though the group stage, unbeaten, drawing their first two games against Valladares and Astograth, before beating Blouman Empire, with the captain, Matthias Sindelar, scoring the free kick that got them through that game.

And now they stood, at the feet of the greatest side in modern football. Polar Islandstates. Ranked first in the world. Reached successive finals, and been incredibly unlucky not to have taken a title from that. They were ranked 1st in the world domestically as well, playing in Divisjon 1 was what many players dreamed of. And now, here was this young group of promising Apoxian talents, facing up to this side full of assembled stars.

Magnus Fjelden had done as good a speech to the team as could be expected, for a Polarian playing against his home side. However, the time came for the emotional speech, the one which would get the players really fired up in a patriotic fervour, to allow them to play to the best of their capabilities, and beyond. Matthias Sindelar, who came into the national side at quite a late stage, aged 25, but now regarded as an icon of the modern era, exemplifying the attitude of previous captains, Olim Benzari, Jarvis Staniels and Dravid Scott, in the view of being the rallying point, the key cog, the calm authority, stood up.

"We have done incredibly well to reach here, coming from an emerging region and with limited footballing history. We all know of those who have doubted us in reaching this stage, we all know of those who wonder why reaching the Round of 16 might not seem remarkable, mundane even. To them, I say you pay no attention, you understand that you are pioneers. Are the first settlers of countries not lauded? Are those who have made great discoveries not famous and well regarded? While other nations may reach the World Cup with regularity, you players are the first to reach the Round of 16. Whatever happens in this match, you have done well. You must know that.

Stick to the plan. We know it works, we know that it is hard to break down. In many ways, we are not all that dissimilar to the side we face on the pitch in a few minutes time. They will be physical, they will be rough. They will be fast, they will counter-attack. These players are the cream of the crop, they are the best. We aspire to be as good as them. However, that does not mean we are scared of them. They may bear down on us, but we can fight back. I want to see all of you put everything into this game. There is nothing to lose.

Should we lose, we go out having done better than any previous national side, and you know of the players from previous national sides. We go out, to the best side in the world with our heads held high, having done our best. Should we win, we are giant killers, we are the David against the Goliath. You would all be lauded, praised, and our nations reputation would increase, fantastically. You have nothing to lose." He sat down, and there was absolute silence in the room as the players took that all in. Suddenly Jack Moses sprung to his feet, uttering a might roar, the type filled by excitement, expectation and confidence. The rest of the squad stood up, joining him getting themselves ready. Leaning against the side of the wall, Magnus Fjelden smiled. It had worked, they would be confident, not over-confident, but confident. Matthias' speech had worked perfectly. The cheering stopped and the players filed out of the room, to play the biggest match of their lives.

XI to play Polar Islandstates
GK - Ettie Seabrooke
RD - Jack Lerryn
CD - Fronden Abel
CD - Solomon Etezadi
LD - Hans Nielssen
DM - Matthias Sindelar (c)
RM - Ivo Trevowah
CM - Armando Quillisi
CM - Jack Moses
LM - Sammie Puskas
ST - Tolgus Tregajorran
(Subs)
GK - Joe Frost
RD/CD - Isner
CD - Athelstan Firth
RM/CM - Katie Womble
CM - Will Fich
ST/LM - Fred Barnett
ST - Martin Roskorwell

[Valladares]

The National Kickoff
The Online Home of Valladar Football!

TIME FOR KNOCKOUT FUN

Valladares far too much for Astograth, co-host awaiting in Round of 16

By: Alan Rosero

PONYVILLE, EQUESTRIAN STATES (VP) - And here we are, still alive in this World Cup edition which has now reached its definitive stage: the knockout rounds, where you lose a match and you're out. And Les Gones reached this stage in a relatively comfortable fashion, beating an uninspiring Astograth squad by two-nil and securing a second round showdown against co-hosts Equestrian States. Good* (?) thing for us we're finally leaving that ridiculous stadium we were playing at, but now we'll have to cope with a pretty hostile environment, even more than before. Ok, let's cut to the chase and let's talk about our last group stage match against Astograth.

Rozenthal Sinks Goths, Campbell Relieved (for now)

With the draw with Apox and the narrow win against Blouman Empire left behind, Les Gones knew that just a draw would have sufficed to clinch a berth to the second round. However, the possibility of facing Polar Islandstates right away frightened the minds of even the most optimistic Valladar fan, and especially the one belonging to that "holy man" called Dimitri Campbell. With the Euran pursuing a contract extension for at least another WC cycle, he knew that a possible early exit from the competition (and by "early", I mean before the quarterfinals) would also be his exit from the Valladar NT helm, so he made sure his team went out for the win against a desperate Astograthian side, who despite having failed to win their first two matches, still held a slim hope to make it to the next round. However, they needed to do against the group's top seed what they had failed to do against Blouman Empire and Apox.

And what we saw yesterday was nothing different to what we had seen from both teams in their previous group stage matches. Valladares went out with their usual attacking tactic, Astograth tried to snatch the ball from Juan Pablo Reyes and Manuel Santos in order to play their game, but Santos was too fast for Gaitzka Ogara, the Olympique de Fontvielle winger outmatching the Astograth University midfielder every single time both were contending for the ball. On the other hand, the Urbizania Wanderers player had a tough time against Koldobika Benitzaizin, losing most balls to the Echegoyan FC player. Eventually, Benitzaizin became a vital partner for Eriz Bakaikoa, providing him with balls in order to try some kind of surprise attack, but Pedro Pedretti did an excellent work controlling Bakaikoa most times, and when not, it was Jerôme Perrin's experience and mettle what saved our skin. The Valladar squad and coaching staff were already aware of Yokin Arizmande's and Anartz Agirrebenia's quality at the Astograthian back, so their hopes to inflict damage were set on the wingers, however, what destroyed them in the end was Frank Rozenthal's speed. The young gun, stated by a Kinitar preview as one of the players to watch in the tournament, finally had his moment to shine 37 minutes after kickoff, when Manuel Santos received the ball from the defense and after dribbling a rival, proceeded to pass it to Pedrinho. The SK Franz Josef City striker then rushed to the goal but after dribbling two players, realized he wouldn't be in a perfect angle to fire a shot to the goal. And there was him. Yes, Rozenthal, who was coming alone through the left flank, received the ball. It was his turn to meet the expectations raised on him, therefore, he stopped and sent a fierce shot that hit the crossbar. However, he was able to take the ball back before Alarabi Galayarde could react and just needed to flick the ball and sent it into the goal to score the first goal for Valladares. Campbell was obviously pleased with this. This action cleared up the panorama for us while also darkened it for the Astrograthians, who were now bidding farewell to the World Cup in such an appropriate fashion. The first half ended 1-0 to us.

Although we saw Pedrinho and Yoan Gignac trying over and over to score a goal for themselves during the second half, the Olympique de Fontvielle didn't waste the chance to score a brace in this match. His speed was once again instrumental to outclass the pair of Astograthian central defenders and enabled him to feint Galayarde in order to leave the rival goal alone for him to score in the 63rd minute. Campbell was satisfied given that this goal kinda guaranteed we'd be avoiding PIS but instead would be getting another equally tough match against Equestrian States. Olibondeka tried to react after the second goal but their only dangerous action was a long shot fired by Ibai Kiriano which was easily caught by Luis Fuentes, when the clock marked 82 minutes.

The Equestrians have the last word on Campbell's extension (or maybe not)

We topped Group F as expected, woo! However, with the end of the group stage the harder matches come, and the first stop in the knockouts is that hard nut to crack called Equestrian States, who also happen to be the co-hosts this time**. The Equestrians managed to come out of Group E in second place, trailing leaders Polar Islandstates by 2 points and will be sure to offer a stiff challenge to Les Gones with their impressive stamina and speed, and especially, with all the locals supporting them. This will be another test for the Euran coach to show he really deserves to continue as Valladar gaffer***, and I'm sure you'll be wondering what should he do in order to beat this team. The answer is easy: we must exert our pressure like we've done all this WC and try to hit them as fast as we can. That way they might have a huge mountain to climb by the time they think we're tired and get to attack. This will be a difficult challenge but I'm totally confident in Les Gones and their skills. Oh, and we're also playing here in Ponyville. This saves me some money in transportation but surely takes away an advantage for us (it seems all that altitude training paid off in the end...). Onward, Valladares!

* Please don't kill me for this, I actually liked that place. Seriously!
** This is the third time we have to play against one of the co-hosts in the Round of 16 (we played TIS in WC66 at the GS). The previous two times were Andossa Se Mitrin Vega in WC61 (7-2 clobbering) and New Montreal States in WC64 (5-4 win). Yes, both of them were goalfests, I wonder how this one will turn out...
*** I don't know...coaches like Lenhart, Aulas, Galletti, and even Boern have been knocking the doors of the NT for some time now. This topic will be left to discussion in this post. Go ahead!

[Turori]

ATTACKING EELS ADVANCE
NEW-LOOK TURORI TRAMPLE MIZUYUKI

GRANDE MOUNTAIN, CASSADAIGUA :: Prior the the World Cup 67 Group Stage, Matchday 3 clach between the Island Emirate of Turori and the Auroral Technocratic Union of Mizuyuki, the Turori Eels head coach Ematea Saenu announced that he was going to be making a major change to his game plan, putting the focus on goal scoring instead of goal protecting.

They often say 'defense wins championships' - but Ematea Saenu knew what was at stake. It wasn't a championship that the Turori Eels were after - at least not right now. In order to get to the point that they could start thinking about a championship, Saenu's Eels had to win. And, they possibly had to win big.

Going into the match, the Eels were 3 points behind the top 2, needing a win just to draw level on points to have a chance of reaching the World Cup 67 Knockout Rounds. However, the potential of a 4 way tie still existed, and in that case, The Eels minus-2 goal differential was of severe detriment to their qualification chances. Coach Saenu figured the only way to ensure advancement would be to win, and to win big.

Of course, the players of Mizuyuki would likely have something to say about that. Already in the top 2, Mizuyuki needed only a draw to advance, ensuring they would be placed both above the Eels and the Sea Dragons in the final standings. Furthermore, Mizuyuki would be motivated to get revenge on the Eels.

It was going to be the second consecutive World Cup Group stage meeting between the two sides, the Eels winning 2-0 on the opening matchday of the World Cup 66 finals, the first ever World Cup Finals match for Mizuyuki.

But the Eels needed a win, regardless of who their opponent was. During World Cup 66 the win over Mizuyuki was the only win for the Eels who crashed out early after resulting defeats to the Archregimancy and Valladares. After the promise of the World Cup 67 qualifiers, Saenu knew he could not let his team crash out at the Group Stage again.

Whatever preparation, planning and motivational speeches Saenu had gone over with his team before the match immediately made an impact as the Eels were on the board before some of the crowd had even found their seats.

- v. -

Rikko Rawaii's opener set the tone for the match and the Eels never looked back. Kigaoua Oalalka, a recent signing by Vilitan giants Jungle Strike FC, got on the scoresheet on the half hour mark to double the Eels lead as the younger Mizuyuki goalkeeper Kiyoko Takanashi punted the ball away in frustration, watching her teams World Cup knockout round dreams slipping away.

The pressure and frustration of the scoreline clearly affected Takanashi who let in an unfortunate goal minutes later. It was a fairly tame effort from Enluta Makakio that Takanashi decided to collect with her feet - probably looking to turn the ball back up the field quickly instead of wasting any time. Unfortunately, abandoning goalkeeping basics often comes back to haunt a player as it did the young Mizuyuki goalkeeper on this occasion. The attempt to collect the ball on the foot backfired as it took a slight bounce and hit the top of Takanashi's foot. The momentum kept the ball rolling towards the goal and now, sensing the impending danger, the goalkeeper reached back and attempted to keep the ball from going over the line. The referee's assistant felt that she had not done enough however, somewhat controversially awarding the goal leaving Kiyoko Takanashi both incensed and dejected.

There was some action on the other end of the pitch as well, but unfortunately for Mizuyuki - and perhaps Turori, it was just a goalkeeping change as Mumau Atla-Siioai made way for the youngster G.Q. Disterfred II, Saenu potentially looking to give the youngster a World Cup debut - or perhaps sensing that the match had the potential to turn ugly and did not want his star goalkeeper on the pitch with the Mizuyuki players likely willing to sacrafice every inch of their bodies at this point to try to get back into the game.

Whatever the reason, the change was made and made little difference as Disterfred had little to do for the final 10 minutes of the half, his Eels going into the Locker room with a 3-0 lead.

It seemed as if Shirakiin Kurumi was able to calm the Mizuyuki players down as the second half was a much more even affair, with both sides getting their fair share of chances. Mizuyuki did have a chance to get one back about ten minutes into the half after some good play by Ruiko Saten but the Kionao Locals goalkeeper Disterfred kept the ball out of the net and kept his Eels in position to move on to the Second Round.

Saenu's Eels put the match out of reach 25 minutes from time after some neat play by Kigaoua Oalalka, tapping the ball between the legs of Mifune Ishio to the substitute Rutaj Ranaso who simply tapped the ball back into the path of the advance Oalalka. The newest Strike FC signing then found the opposite corner of the net and put the ball away for the fourth Turorian goal of the night as the Eels were on their way to their biggest win in all competitions since a 4-0 victory over Brightonburg during World Cup 62 Qualifying.

TURORI :: 4

MIZUYUKI :: 0

As it were, the final goal took any remaining wind out of the sails of the young Mizuyuki team. It was always going to be a lot to ask of such a young team to hold together under the pressure of needing a result against a higher seeded team to advance in the World Cup Finals, but even more unlikely would be the task of asking them to score 4 goals in 20 minutes to get that result.

The match played out and in the end, while clearly effective, Saenu's change to an attack-minded look proved unecessary due to the failure of Andossa Se Mitrin Vega to defeat Kinitaria, meaning the only applicable tiebreaker needed for advancing was the head-to-head result that the Eels had just achieved over Mizuyuki.

Nevertheless, Saenu's Eels were advancing to the knockout rounds, and Saenu's stock as an International coach had just increased ten-fold, not only in Turori but throughout the Multiverse, being able to deliver exactly the result the team needed when they needed it with a clever tactical change.

Turori Goalscorers::
1' Rikko Rawaii
29' Kigaoua Oalalka
36' Enluta Makakio
64' Kigaoua Oalalka

Mizuyuki Goalscorers::
None

Turori

Best Player: Kigaoua Oalalka
Worst Player: Diauro Dlaminii
Shots on Target: 7
Corner Kicks: 8

Mizuyuki

Best Player: Ruiko Saten
Worst Player: Kiyoko Takanashi
Shots on Target: 1
Corner Kicks: 2


Turori Eels Lineup v. Mizuyuki ::
[GK] Mumau Atla-Siioai, [D] Majid Jedidi, [D] Diauro Dlaminii, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [ML] Rikko Rawaii, [MC] Inlite Makakio, [MC] Etamara Kulkkiia, [MR] Kigaoua Oalalka, [UT] Restiaa Mumamba, [FC] Inamari Altariiz, [FC] Enluta Makakio
BENCH::
[FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Anuh Ciniima, [M] Rutaj Ranaso, [M] Cediici Tzatzos, [UT] Geafi Laina-Sola, [D] Moia Fliporta, [GK] G.Q Disterfred II

Turori Substitutions::
(37) - Mumau Atla-Siioai >>> G.Q Disterfred II
(45) - Rikko Rawaii >>> Rutaj Ranaso
(70) - Kigaoua Oalalka >>> Anuh Ciniima

[Vilita]

A POINT FOR PROGRESS

JUNGLE CATS CONTINUE UNBEATEN RUN

Winchester, Cassadaigua :: Win, Lose or Draw, the Vilita Jungle Cats were already through. That said, its not as if the matchday 3 clash with The Holy Empire was going to be taken lightly. In fact, the Jungle Cats had plenty to play for against the Holy Empire.

1. Placement.

While the Jungle Cats were already mathematically guaranteed a place in the Knockout Round, what was not yet set in stone was who their Second Round opponent would be. Being in Group A, the Vilitans would draw their opponent from Group B where barring some unpredictable upsets, Audioslavia, the #2 team in the world - and The Inevitable Syndicate would be advancing.

Just the very fact that Audioslavia was likely to win group B should have been motivation enough for the Jungle Cats on the final matchday to get a result of their own, win Group A, and avoid a matchup with the Bulls. While Vilitan sides have a perfect record against Audioslavia in Competition Finals - such as the AOCAF 41 Final, won by Vilita & Turori over Audioslavia; and, the World Cup 20 Final, won by Vilita over Audioslavia - when it comes to non-trophy matches, the situation is much different. In fact, the two Trophy-winning Competition final victories by a Vilitan side over Audioslavia are the only two victories on record by any team representing Vilita over any side representing Audioslavia.

Perhaps the current crop of Vilitan players would enjoy the opportunity to put an end to the 'old wives tale' about Vilitan sides not being able to defeat Audioslavia unless it is a Cup Final match - but the reality of it is the stats don't lie. They've never done it before, so why expect anything different. Win the Group. Avoid Audioslavia. Placement matters.

2. Jinxes.

About those Old Wives Tales (Otherwise known as Statistical Truths that may or may not have any meaningful comparitive use in a practical situation)... Another team that no Vilitan side had ever beaten - heck ever taken a point from - The Holy Empire. Of course, if the elimination game the two sides played during World Cup 62 was instead a group stage match, it would have ended in a draw. But the reality is, it wasn't and Vilita lost. Just like every other game Vilita had ever played against The Holy Empire. Losses.

So, a win or even a draw against The Holy Empire - while it may carry a little bit of an asterisk due to the non-traditional make up of the current Holy Empire roster, would at the very least break the string of defeats against the multi-time World Cup champion who coincidentally were the most recent World Cup Champion to survive the entire Qualifying and Finals campaigns unbeaten.

3. Streaks.

A feat the Jungle Cats hope to emulate, in a way. While Vilita have long since given up the idea of a "Perfect" campaign as The Holy Empire had during World Cup 62, Calaesa Mitaroka and Nycflala Kater have thus far led their team to an unbeaten record - with a boat load of draws thrown in for good measure. While the statisticians like to keep World Cup Qualifying and World Cup Finals separate often when considering such streaks simply due to the vast differences in the competition level at both events, the fact remains that the Jungle Cats have never before gone this deep into a World Cup campaign without tasting defeat.

Traditionally the Jungle Cats get their losses out of the way early, either in Qualifying or in the Finals, so Mitaroka's side are truly entering uncharted territory with the chance to escape from both their Qualifying Group and World Cup Finals Group Stage without a defeat. How long could the streak last? The Jungle Cats will have to avoid defeat against The Holy Empire if they want to find out.

Of course, The Holy Empire had something to play for as well. While their movements may at times seem random and unpredictable, the Holy Empire coaching staff appears to have begun learning how to influence their beans depending on the pitch and frequency of their sideline commands. With an earlier victory over Jeruselem, the Jumping Beans needed only manage a draw against the Vilitans to ensure their passage through to the knockout rounds.

Contrary to what might be expected, the Jungle Cats actually played their best at the beginning of the match when they were still unfamiliar with the movements of the Beans of The Holy Empire. With no per-conceived notions about their opponents tactics of movements, the Jungle Cats went out, played their game and got the opening goal.

It came 24 minutes into the match and the goalscorer was the youngster Nili Ylimaiina. However, from that moment on, the Jungle Cats lost their edge. Perhaps too focused on the defense, or perhaps thinking that they had detected patterns on the Holy Empire's formation when really such patterns were only manifestations in their own minds looking to create a sense of normalcy out of a chaotic situation - Vilita started to give up possession to the unpredictable beans.

The more the Beans got in the way, the more frustrated the Vilitan players got and just before half time things got worse as a large swath of beans converged outside the penalty area with the ball at the center. As one bean gyrated, another bean jumped. The ball hopped off the ground and bounced off one bean, then another. Every time the ball touched a bean an energy transfer occurred as the ball continued to gain momentum. A brave Lopaki Kilpter tried to get into the mix but the rest of the Vilitan players stood back unsure what would happen if they were cought in the middle.

Then, as one bean jumped up, another gyrated and a third fell on its side, a path was created for one last energy transfer and one particular bean was the last to touch the ball before it broke out of the grouping and towards goal where Nycflala Kater - who has stepped in front of shots from the best players in the world, this time dove to get *out* of the way of the shot which almost seemed as if it had a spicy flame coming out as it rocketed into the back of the net.

Of course, the imaginary flame was likely an artifact of the balls color and speed more than an actual manifestation of combustion but it was a sight none the less.

The score at half time was 1-1 and in all fairness both sides were perfectly happy with that result. Juan Tzimisces used the second half to work with his staff to see if they really did have any influence over bean placement through sound and vibrations, or if they too were simply feeling the effects of mental manifestations.

For the Jungle Cats, the second half was a chance to avoid injury and keep out of the referee's book. Erocka Lorei and Viela Lianksa both gor a run out and, thankfully, all the players behaved in the second half, stayed out of the book and - considering Cassadaigua's victory over Jeruselem, it ended up being a worthwhile result for both teams.

After the match, Vilitan goalkeeper and regional coach Nycflala Kater commented on whether being held to a draw by a bunch of Jumping Beans was a disappointment. Kater was quite professional about it until he was informed that he was given the "Rotten Banana" award by the media as the Worst Player of the Match and his opposite-of-a-save dive out of the path of the ball on the Holy Empire's lone goal was being passed around from device to device around the multiverse as a spite of comedy.

Kater indicated he was worried about his own safety when he saw the ball coming at his head. Considering he didn't know if he'd get another chance to win the World Cup, he'd rather concede a goal in a less meaningful match against Jumping Beans then to stand in the way of the ball, get a concussion and not be able to play in the knockout rounds.

Head Coach Calaesa Mitaroka defended his player's decision, reminded the Media that his side had just finished atop the group and ended the press conference.

	The Holy Empire
:: Goalscorers :: :: 24' Nili Ylimaiina	:: Goalscorers :: :: 42' One particular bean
:: Best Player: Lopaki Kilpter :: Worst Player: Nycflala Kater :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 6	:: Best Bean: The bean who scored the goal :: Worst Bean: That one bean that had that sprouty-tail thing going on that kept getting in the way when it tried to move in tight spaces :: Shots on Target: 4 :: Corner Kicks: 5

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

:: MATCH RATINGS ::

-------------------------------------------
GK:: Nycflala Kater - [6]
D.:: Miiara Makose - [9]
D.:: Endur Rotropii - [7]
D.:: Amarini Baracelv - [8]
D.:: Ritopa Simafela - [6]
ML:: Kiroki Mitaroka - [4]
MC:: Lopaki Kilpter - [8]
MC:: Purapal Eskiiy - [7]
MR:: Viliaka Morasita - [6]
FC:: Xcnaio Bansoa - [7]
FC:: Nili Ylimaiina - [6]
Vilitan Subs Bench:
FC:: Erocka Lorei - [6]
FC:: Kristofer Kilpter - [DNP]
M:: Dalian Magagula - [DNP]
M:: Vliela Lianksa - [6]
U:: Altimo Ueboa - [DNP]
D:: Sipaao Vereaoao - [DNP]
GK:: Atacir Tivalan - [DNP]

Vilita Jungle Cats v. The Holy Empire ::
[GK] Nycflala Kater, [D.] Miiara Makose, [D.] Endur Rotropii, [D.] Amarini Baracelv, [D.] Ritopa Simafela, [ML] Kiroki Mitaroka, [MC] Lopaki Kilpter, [MC] Purapal Eskiiy, [MR] Viliaka Morasita, [FC] Xcnaio Bansoa, [FC] Nili Ylimaiina
BENCH::
[FC] Erocka Lorei, [FC] Kristofer Kilpter, [M] Dalian Magagula, [M] Vliela Lianksa, [U] Altimo Ueboa, [D] Sipaao Vereaoao, [GK] Atacir Tivalan

Vilita Substitutions::
(45) - Xcnaio Bansoa >>> Erocka Lorei
(60) - Kiroki Mitaroka >>> Vliela Lianksa

[The Archregimancy]

OOC: Most of the below is selectively taken - and then edited/adapted as necessary - from bits of the RL "Pilgrim's Guide to Mount Athos" run by the Friends of Mount Athos. However, it's also a genuine attempt of mine to get into writing proper procedures for RP'd visits to the Archregimancy, and will almost certainly be linked to in future WC roster threads to help other nations with their RP.

A Tourist Guide to the Archregimancy

Following the Archregimancy's 1-0 first round victory over Kandorith - which saw the Holy Monastic Republic qualify for the second round of the tournament with an undefeated record - requests from non-Orthodox mundies regarding visiting the nation from Ordinary Reality have increased some 300% since the last World Cup. Why, fully three people have an made an official enquiry during the present tournament!

Unfortunately, two of these three mundies were women, and therefore ineligible to visit the Archregimancy outside of accompanying their national side to a World Cup qualifier - which means waiting until WC68 at the earliest. But for anyone who has been inspired by the Monastic Republic's fine form in the present tournament, here are some tips on visiting the monasteries outside of the World Cup season....

The Archregimancy needs to protect its seclusion, without which it would lose its raison d'être. For this reason it has to impose strict entry regulations. The bureaucracy may at first glance appear formidable; and so it is. But the following procedure is a reasonably sure way to gain entry.

How to apply
Ten male Ordinary Reality visitors are admitted daily to the Monastic Republic for a subjective-time four-day (three-night) stay. Women are never admitted outside of sporting events such as World Cup qualifiers. The quota is administered by the Archregimancy Pilgrims' Bureau. Don't contact them, they'll contact you. It will usually be enough to genuinely and earnestly wish for a visit to the Archregimancy in your dreams, but if you are an insomniac or from a species that doesn't sleep, then note that an official of the Bureau usually accompanies the Archregimancy to football matches; he'll be the lonely monk sitting forlornly at the "Archregimancy Pilgrim's Bureau" table near the stadium ticket office that all of the locals are studiously attempting to ignore.

The Holy Monastery of Simonopetra

Intending visitors to the Monastic Republic should first ask if there is a place in the quota for the day on which they wish to enter. The more notice you can give, especially in summer and around the time of major feasts, the greater your chance of success. Reservations can be made any time up to six months (local subjective time in your reality) before your planned departure, but cannot be accepted more than six months in advance. Since entry to the Archregimancy can only be made via a Dreamed Realm portal, you must also specify where the portal should be built.

After the reservation has been made, you should complete the form that will be sent to you, and return it by post to the address specified on the form; in some cases this will be in a neighbouring reality, in which case we strongly suggest sending your form as promptly as possible. If you have made your reservation well in advance, you will receive a letter of confirmation from the Pilgrims' Bureau with further instructions. All travelers are requested (in these instructions) to confirm their reservations two weeks before the date of the intended visit. If you are unable to travel on the date that you have reserved, you are asked to inform the Pilgrims' Bureau so that someone else may take your place. Failure to do so will be noted, and any request for a new reservation may not be respected.

Visitors in holy orders of whatever denomination, including all Orthodox clerics, must also obtain in advance the written permission of their nearest Orthodox patriarch. If there is no Orthodox patriarch in your reality, you may request permission directly from the Holy Synod of the Archregimancy following the same procedure for contacting the Pilgrim's Bureau.

In addition to reserving a travel date with the Archregimancy Pilgrim's Bureau, most of the monasteries now require an advance reservation if you wish to stay there overnight, and some specify the information required for reservations.

A portal to the Archregimancy will be built immediately prior to your departure at your specified location. Before passing through, you must ask the representative of the Pilgrims’ Bureau at the portal to receive your diamonitirion; this is your official permit, entitling you to hospitality in the Monastic Republic for four days (three nights). You must present your passport (or other relevant travel document, depending on the customs of your nation/reality) and any confirmation received earlier from the Pilgrims' Bureau, along with any permissions from a relevant Patriarchate. It is not necessary to supply a letter of recommendation; but Orthodox from jurisdictions which are not known to be majority Orthodox may be asked to prove that they are indeed Orthodox (by means of a letter from a priest or bishop or a baptismal certificate).

We cannot stress strongly enough that it is impossible to take weapons of any kind into the Archregimancy, or enter the Archregimancy with violent intent; if either are attempted, the portal will simply fail to work. There is absolutely no way to circumvent this provision - no matter how powerful you are in your home reality - unless you have been specifically asked to bring an item that can be used as a weapon with you.

The Holy Monastery of Solovetsky

What to take
The best advice, especially if you intend to walk, is to take as little as possible. At each monastery you will be provided with food and drink, a bed with adequate bedding, and a towel, so it is not necessary to carry these things with you. On the other hand, packed lunches are not normally provided (though the monks in the refectory, if asked, will usually give you a selection of whatever they have), and if you are walking long distances during the day you are well advised to take some basic supplies (e.g. nuts and dried fruit) and a water bottle.

Other things worth taking include a torch [flashlight]; many monasteries do not have electricity; those that do, often turn it off at night; matches (to light candles and oil-lamps); stout walking shoes or boots; casual clothing (formal attire is not necessary; shorts should not be worn at any time; clergy of non-Orthodox denominations are recommended not to wear clerical garb); a first-aid kit; any medication you may need; a hat. There are a few shops for secular visitors outside the major monasteries which sell icons, books, and basic provisions; but these should not be relied on for more sophisticated items such as film, pharmaceuticals, insect repellent, etc.

The Holy Monastery of St. Saba's in the Desert

Hospitality in the monasteries
It is assumed that, unless they have formal business in the Archregimancy which may require interaction with the secular office of the Archregimand, pilgrims will stay at the monasteries. Sleeping outside monasteries is forbidden and dangerous. Gates close at sunset, and during the winter, if you intend to stay the night, you should not arrive later than 4 pm. The majority of monasteries have now announced that they will not accept pilgrims to stay overnight if they have not made reservations in advance . This is no doubt a practice that is here to stay and the only safe advice must be that you are now recommended to make reservations at every monastery or skete at which you wish to stay overnight.

On arrival at a monastery, whether or not you intend to stay the night, you should go straight to the guest house (archontariki) where you will be received by the guest master (archontaris) and offered refreshment (usually raki, loukoumi, coffee, and cold water). If you are a fan of the Archregimancy's national football team, or wish to attend Monastic League matches, you should make this known as soon as possible. If you intend to stay the night, you will be given a bed (usually in a dormitory with a number of other guests). The guest master will also tell you the times of services and meals, he may mention the rules of the house, and he may offer a tour of the monastery (always worth taking). Otherwise you will be left to your own devices.

Hospitality in the monasteries is free and to attempt to pay for it may cause offence. On the other hand it is usually expected that guests will stay only one night. If you wish to stay longer, you should ask if this is possible, and usually permission is given. Then it may be appropriate to make a small offering ‘for the church’. Even this may be refused; but usually donations are gratefully accepted.

The interior of the Painted Monastery of Voronets

Meals in the Archregimancy are generally simple but wholesome. Monks and pilgrims usually eat together in the refectory (trapeza), sometimes at separate tables. Meat is not eaten; but fish is regular fare for feasts, and sometimes on other days too. Otherwise the diet is largely made up of bread, olives, vegetables, rice, pasta, soya dishes, salad, cheese, and fruit. A glass of wine is usually available, but on fast days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and longer periods before major feasts) monks abstain from wine, oil, and dairy products. Most communities eat twice a day (morning and evening), except on fast days when some will eat only in the middle of the day. Meals are eaten in silence (and often at great speed) except that one of the monks will usually read a passage from patristic literature. The entrance to the refectory is nearly always immediately opposite the entrance to the church and this proximity symbolizes the way in which eating together is seen as an integral part of the liturgical life of the monastery.

Liturgical rhythm and the measurement of time
The liturgical routine is the foundation of the religious life and, in general, visitors are encouraged to participate in it. But non-Orthodox may not receive communion, and different monasteries have different customs about the attendance of non-Orthodox at services (this is true also of formal meals in the refectory). Restrictions are often imposed for the purely practical reason that there is not enough room for all in the body of the church; they are certainly never meant to cause offence. The Archregimancy has never been at the forefront of ecumenical dialogue. On the other hand many monks enjoy the opportunity to discuss questions of belief and practice with members of other churches. Pilgrims should take advice from the archontaris about what is possible.

The liturgical day formally begins with vespers, which is usually sung towards the end of the afternoon. It is followed by dinner, after which there is compline and then often a period of relaxation; this is the time when visitors are encouraged to engage monks in conversation. At sunset the gates are shut, no further visitors are admitted, and monks retire to their cells. The hours of darkness are regarded as a time for silence and prayer and visitors are asked to behave accordingly. The morning office begins before sunrise and is announced by a rousing call to prayer on the wooden talanton or metal simantron. This culminates in a celebration of the Divine Liturgy, which is followed (sometimes after a pause) by lunch. The rest of the day is devoted to work, though many communities take some rest in the early afternoon.

Most monasteries run according to ‘Archregimancy time’ which starts the clock for each new day at sunset. Guest masters however realize that this may be confusing and will generally translate the timetable into 'cosmic time' for the benefit of visitors. The whole Mountain still follows the Julian calendar and is therefore thirteen days behind those nations and realities which use the so-called 'Gregorian' calendar.

Libraries and treasuries
All the monasteries are literally treasure-houses stuffed with priceless relics of Orthodox. Treasures of particular religious significance, such as relics of the saints and miracle-working icons, are often kept in the church and may be displayed at certain times for veneration by Orthodox pilgrims. Other items are likely to be kept in a strongroom to which supervised access can sometimes be arranged.

Most monasteries also house important collections of manuscripts. The vast majority of these are liturgical, many are ancient in Ordinary Reality terms, and some are beautifully illuminated. A small proportion (5 per cent) are of classical texts. Permission to read manuscripts can usually be obtained if the request is supported by a letter of recommendation. Printed books are often kept in another library to which access is less restricted. Books in various languages may also be available in the guest house.

The interior of the Protaton, the First Church of the Archregimancy

Bathing
Monks are not much given to bathing, though the sea is used for baptism. Visitors who wish to bathe should do so out of sight of monasteries. Officially both bathing and fishing are forbidden. Some guest houses are now equipped with showers, but hot water remains a rarity outside of the dressing rooms of the away side at major sporting events, where allowances are usually made for the visiting sporting side. Visitors should take care to be properly clothed when appearing in public, or they will be immediately transported back to Ordinary Reality without the use of a portal (which is a disorienting and unpleasant experience).

Extending your visit
A diamonitirion normally expires after three nights spent on the Mountain. If you wish to prolong your stay, you should apply to the Holy Synod's office at the Greatest Lavra where, if a good reason is given, permission will generally not be withheld. Sometimes an extension can be arranged through one of the monasteries.

Languages
The common language in the Hellenic monasteries is Greek and in the Slavic Monasteries Old Church Slavonic; there are a smaller number of Vlach (Romanian), Semitic (Arabic) and Western-Rite (English or French) monasteries. The lingua franca of the entire Archregimancy is Old Church Liturgic, which will likely be wholly incomprehensible to the non-Orthodox. Some communities are more cosmopolitan than others, and some now even include monks from Ordinary Reality. In this regard, to have no Greek or Old Church Slavonic is undoubtedly a disadvantage for the traveller, but not as much as might be thought.

We hope that pilgrims enjoy their visit to the Archregimancy.

[Alasdair I Frosticus]

"This is humiliating, Juan."

"You've made your feelings very clear, Simeone."

"I mean, how do you think I feel about misleading the Jeruselem and Dagan squads into thinking the moth larvae were carnivorous?"

"We didn't lie; we merely refused to confirm or deny the nature of our squad."

"And the Vilitans actually seemed to think we had some sort of control over the beans."

"They were awfully good sports, those Vilitans; I thought they'd be upset about our squad, but they took it in remarkably good stride. I'm quite impressed by that Calaesa Mitaroka - really good footballing brain there, and I'm beginning to think the Jungle Cats have a real chance this tournament."

"You're changing the topic, Juan."

"Sorry?"

"You're changing the topic; which you always do if you think I'm being - how do you usually put it... - 'too mundy'"

"Sorry, Simeone; what were we talking about, then?"

"How humiliating it is to be playing with a squad of Mexican jumping beans, especially in the latter stages of the tournament."

"Ah, well.... I think I have a solution there...."

"You do?"

"Yes, Simeone; I do. You might not remember the impact of the Ariddian plague on the Holy Empire in the run-up to WC 25, and how for at least one tournament in the aftermath we used advanced oneirology to project a team onto the pitch rather than risk further mundy contamination..."

"I think Starblaydia was too busy winning World Cups back then to worry about what the Holy Empire was up to."

"Ha Ha. In any case, the technology has since been refined, and I think that instead of some belching pitch-side monstrosity of a steam-powered dream engine, we can simply strap some subtle personal oneirological transformer to each larva inside the bean prior to the match. This will produce a personalised permeable point in the inter-reality membrane that will allow the dreaming monks of the Realm to temporarily transform each larva into a human player for the duration of the match."

"Really?"

"Absolutely, Simeone."

"And are you sure this'll work, Juan?"

"Well, as it happens, I have a prototype with me here. Watch as I strap this smaller version of the relevant mechanism to this small teapot, so as to transform it into a roller-skating hamster."

"Why a roller-skating hamster particularly?"

"Because we need something of roughly the same mass and volume; and a roller-skating hamster was the first thing that came to mind. Anyway, observe...."



"And the 'players' will be wearing one of those around their wrist?"

"Goodness, no, Simeone; we'll have to scale up the personal oneirological transformer before we strap it to something roughly human-sized; I imagine the 'players' will have to wear it as a backpack for the duration."

"A steam-powered personal oneirological transformer worn as a backpack?"

"Quite."

"Worn for 90 minutes?"

"Yes."

"On giant moth larvae who've been temporarily transformed into human footballers."

"Absolutely."

"Against Audioslavia, of all teams?"

"Why not?"

"Why not, Juan? WHY NOT?"

"Why yes; I mean, what could possibly go wrong......"

[Starblaydia]

I am Alpha and Omega,
The beginning and the ending.
All there is, all there was,
And all there ever will be.

Nevermore to be held down
By the wings of history.
Nevermore to be cast aside,
This day is mine.

White, red and pale riders,
Burning down the skyline.
No colours anymore,
They will all turn black.

I will not be denied in the final hour.
Destiny will be fulfilled.
Even through the darkest days,
This fire burns, always

- Anon.

The World Cup is a place, an event and even an institution where men, women and more of the muiltiverse can become heroes and legends and set themselves apart from the ordinary fan in the stadium or watching on TV at home.

In this gargantuan endeavour, spanning anywhere between a decade and hundreds of years, there are only a few who have been able to raise themselves up above the thousands of footballers plying their trade across the world and become truly legendary. Names like Juan Tzimisces, Sani Luvo, Laborius Hawk, Simeone Di Bradini, Vanessa Carpenter, Urk and Jenji Y.

Today there is one man who currently stands above the rest; one man who has talked the talk and walked the walk, there’s only one man who has been performing at not only his best in recent history, but better than everyone. That man has earned the right to be called the Best in the World. That man is Starblaydia's Lucas Cable.

Lucas Cable: Best in the World.

Only three teams had a 100% record in the Group Stage, Starblaydia's was largely down to him, despite the team as a whole being ranked only 26th in the world. They qualified at the top of their Group, 15, with just seventeen goals conceded at a time when goals scored have been historically high. Starblaydia's team, and specifically their defenders, are no match for their greats of the past - legendary men, women, dwarves and elves who have won Championships against the greatest of oppositions - the Rejistanias and Valanoras of near mythical football times gone past.

We are, as always, stronger than the sum of our parts, but the truly world class name that will go down through the ages, to live alongside the likes of the great SDB, is Cable. It is he, more than any other, who will shoulder the responsibility of dragging the people clad in purple to the promised land of glory. His timing and reactions, reading of the game, presence and command of his penalty area and those around him are what makes him the greatest goalie playing today.

Plus, he's only thirty-one. Still young in goalkeeping terms, he could have two or maybe even three more World Cups in him if he stays healthy - which itself would be a feat for the injury-prone 'keeper, who's minor niggles can keep him from getting a real run in club sides throughout a few seasons.

What Starblaydia have always had is a protector. From King Oberyn in the earliest days, to the Captain Starblaydia's and Defensor Leagues of superhero fiction, to Lord-Protector Tiberius Starblayde and his sons, we have always valued our protectors. Now, more than ever, is a protector we can get behind and truly believe in. Lucas Cable is the one, the one for Starblaydia, the one for the World XI, the one for the ages, and the one for the World Cup.

In Cable we trust.

[Audioslavia]

Starblaydian super-goalkeeper Lucas Cable - the 'best in the world' according to the majority of pundits at the World Cup - is sitting in a television studio in Cassadaigua. He looks bored, like he's sick of doing interview after interview and wary of his new-found fame as 'flavour of the month' in world football, but the thirty-one year-old is a consumate professional, and answers questions with as genuine a smile as he can muster.

This time, the journalist interviewing him is an Audioslavian, for the nation's premier sports program on 'Channel One'. The questions the journalist is posing are as easy as any he's had to take before - the journalist isn't, thankfully, the infamous Jeremy Jaffacake, but rather a young, bright-eyed hispanic-looking fellow who looks possibly even a little star-struck.

Lucas is snapped out of his internal monologue by a statement from the journalist. Not a question. Lucas blinks.

On a screen beside him is a live-feed from elsewhere in Cassadaigua. Is that... Kajaxo Imaslavii? The Audioslavian goalkeeper?

'Kajaxo insisted on having a word with you' said the journalist, by way of explanation. Lucas shrugged, looking a little bemused.

Despite his better judgement, he turned his attention to the screen. Kajaxo Imaslavii was sitting, calmly, on the floor of another studio, microphone in hand.

"Lucas Cable, while you sit there in that studio, hopefully as uncomfortable as you possibly can be, I want you to listen to me. I want you to digest this, because before I leave Cassadaigua in two weeks with *your* 'Best Goalie in the World' award, I have a lot of things I wanna get off my chest.

I don’t hate you, Lucas, I don’t even dislike you. I like you a hell of a lot more than I like most people in Starblaydia. I hate… this idea… that you’re the best… because you’re not. I’m the best. I’m the best in the world. There’s one thing you’re better at than I am, and that’s kissing Simeone di Bradini's ass. You’re as good at kissing Simeone's ass as Taniquentar was. I don’t know if you’re as good as Kevin Davis, though, he’s a pretty good ass-kisser… always was and still is. Oops… I’m breaking the fourth wall.."

With that, Kajaxo turned and waved into a dimension Lucas couldn't fathom.

"I am the best… goalkeeper.. in the world. I’ve been the best ever since Day One when I walked into my national team and I’ve been vilified and hated since that day because Audioslavia saw something in me that nobody else wanted to admit. That’s right, I’m an Audioslavia guy. You know who else were Audioslavia guys? Lemmitania… and they split, just like I’m splittin’, but the biggest difference between us and Lemmitania is that we're going to leave with the World Cup

I’ve grabbed so many of Ariddia's imaginary brass rings that it’s finally dawned on me that they’re just that. They’re completely imaginary. The only thing that’s real is me, and the fact that day in and day out, for almost sixteen years A/SRP time, I’ve proved to everybody in the world that I am the best in these interviews, in that goal, hell, even in punditry. Nobody can touch me. And yet, no matter how many times I prove it, I’m not on those lovely little collector’s cards, I’m not on the cover of the official World Cup stickerbook, I’m barely promoted, I don’t get to be in the 'Best XI', I’m not on any crappy show on the SSN network, I’m not on the billboards for World Cup 67, I’m not on the signature that’s produced at the start of the World Cup show. I’m not in Gordonopia Games' football games, I’m not on Equestria Sports Network, I'm not in the HopNation Daily Tattler, but the fact of the matter is I should be, and trust me, this isn’t sour grapes, but the fact that you are the poster boy for World Cup 67 goalkeepers and I'm not makes me sick.

Oh hey, let me get something straight, those of you viewers at home who are cheering me during my games… you are just as big a part of me retiring as anyone else, because you’re the ones peeling off your stickers right now, you’re the ones that buy those programs that my face isn’t on the cover of, and then at five in the morning at the airport, you try to shove it in my face thinking you can get an autograph and sell it on eBay because you’re too lazy to get a real job.

I’m retiring with the 'Best Goalkeeper of the World Cup' award on July 4th and hell, who knows, maybe I’ll go defend it in the Copa Gaveo… maybe I’ll go to the RL World Cup.. hey, Iker Casillias, how you doing? The reason I’m leaving is you people because after I’m gone you’re still going to pour RPs into this website— I’m just a spoke on the wheel — the wheel’s gonna keep turning. And I understand that… that Starblaydia are gonna win games despite themselves. They're 5-time champions that should be 10-time champions. You know why the're not a ten-time champions? It’s because they surround themselves with glad-handing nonsensical douchebag yes-men like the Krytenians who’re gonna tell them everything they want to hear… and I’d like to think that maybe the World Cup will be better after Starblaydia are annexed, but the fact is it’s gonna get taken over by the idiotic Barunia/Legalese invasion force - the doofus suns-and-laws - and the rest of the stupid Calanian family.

Let me tell you a personal story about Simon Brady. You know we do this whole bully campai.."

THIS USER HAS BEEN BANNED FOR DOXXING

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ms0DFxpptk

[The Licentian Isles]

Cyan-and-Gold Observer

Schwartz Steps Down

Joachim Schwartz, the Valhallan head coach of the Licentian national team, has announced today that he will be leaving his role by mutual consent, after a World Cup in Cassadaigua and the Equestrian States that saw the Cyan-and-Gold camp cleaved in half by a row between Schwartz and star midfielder Aran Miller.

After a first game against the Northern Sunrise Islands in which Miller was substituted after an onfield argument between the Ararat Severyan midfielder and Gaelic Club centre half Dennis Munro after Munro missed a chance, Miller was said to have stated in private conversations with famly and friends that Schwartz “didn’t have a clue what he was doing”, and that he was a “f*****g ancient t**t that should p**s off back to bloody Rushmore”. It is presumed that Miller’s sentiments were echoed by a few of the younger members of the team, as they were seen training away from the main group at the last training session before the Isles faced Farfadillis in Concord Heights.

Even more controversy emerged as Schwartz revealed in his press conference before that match that Miller and the three others that had joined him in training away from the main squad, Arron Stewart, Jack Macdonald and Ruben Munro, would be dropped from the first 18 for “disciplinary violations”, and that he was currently considering whether or not to send them home from the World Cup. The game against Farfadillis passed, with a draw for the two teams that pundits had predicted to fight for the second qualifying place from Group C; a draw that would likely make the knockout stages a distant dream once again for the Licentians.

After the loss to Valanora which saw the Licentian Isles finish dead last in Group C, with only one point to show for their efforts, Schwartz cancelled his post-match press conference in Starksville, opting to save any discussion with the press until the side returned home to Montfort. Rumours about the Valhallan’s imminent departure spread like wildfire, until the RLIFA released a statement while the team were still on the flight home from Cassadaigua, much to Schwartz’s annoyance.

“Today, the RLIFA and Joachim Schwartz have come to an agreement that Schwartz will be leaving his job as head coach of the Licentian Isles with immediate effect,” the spokesperson said. “We would like to thank Joachim for his service as head coach, and wish him all the best in the future. The search for a new manager has already begun, and we expect them to be named in more than enough time for them to lead the Cyan-and-Gold at the Campionato Esportiva.”

When the plane landed in Montfort, Schwartz had his own comments on his departure.

“I’m quite upset that I have been unable to make this announcement on my own terms. I was under the impression that I would be informing the press of my departure when we landed.” When pushed to explain why he chose now to resign, Schwartz said this. “There was a rift in the camp, and quite a few prominent members of the team had decided that I was no longer the man to lead them. Both I and the RLIFA saw no need to carry on without the support of the squad. I am sad to be leaving the Cyan-and-Gold, but, at this point, it was the right decision to make, for me and for the team.”

The nation is already talking about who should replace Schwartz. According to bookmakers, Gethin Ramsay, the manager of New Sideburn, and Mytannion manager Marius Sadowsky, although former Sangti manager Jaime Faltado, Svengarda boss Luke Thompson, and former Celtic goalkeeper and Licentian gaffer Nathan Gardiner-Stewart are also gathering big bets. For now though, it looks like whoever the new man is will have a rebuilding job to do for the Campionato.

[Polar Islandstates]

"Thor's Beard!"

"Am I to take it, Timo, that you just lost some money?"

Timo Skye looked away from the television screen showing the replays of Rozenthal's second goal against Astograth and shot his former teammate Patrick Ackermann-Finn a dirty look. The two had commandeered a corner of the lounge at the luxury hotel the latter was staying at to watch the game between their fellow Rushmori nations. An easy chair each, a big television, and a bar no more than three steps away. It was perfect situation for the two former strike partners to catch up with each other, particularly with Ackermann-Finn spending much of his time in front of the camera in studios these days, and Skye doing... whatever it is Skye does. It was perfect, that is, apart from the scoreline. Skye continued to scowl.

"I'll take that as a yes, then."

"Shut up, Patrick."

"Now, now, Timo. Nobody likes a bad loser. You know better than this." said Patrick, walking back to his chair with a fresh beer, "Wait a minute, what am I talking about? It's you. You actually don't know better than this."

"All I wanted, was for the Grathis to win, and maybe we'd have a chance of playing them in the next round, I don't know how it works."

"Well, possibly, although it wasn't certain either way."

Patrick coolly slid his easy chair into the recline position and took a sip of the imported Grogg. Timo looked sideways out of the corner of his eye.

"Say, Patrick, buy us a beer."

"No way man, buy your own!" replied his former strike partner, chuckling and kicking his feet back.

"Aw, go on. I'm a little light on cash now until I get to the bank."

"Bloody hell, Timo, how much did you bet?" said Patrick with a frown, handing over some of the local shrapnel. "There, that should do you for a while."

"Enough."

Ackermann-Finn looked concerned.

"Oh, no, nothing like that." said Skye hurriedly as he walked and stood at the bar, "I'm not like that. Just, whatever I had on me at the time. A little flutter here and there never hurt anybody. It was more for the joke that I had money riding on what the Grathis were up to."

"You get your kicks out of weird things, you know that?"

"And then that Axel Heiburg guy went and spoiled it. I'm blaming him."

"Who?"

"The foreign midfielder that Axel Heiburg have," said Skye, flapping his hands in frustration as the name eluded him, "Oh, what's his name?"

"Michelakos?"

"No, not hi-... wait, who?"

"Daedalus Michelakos?" said Ackermann-Finn.

"Daddy Loves Mission Legos?"

"Daedalus Michelakos!" he repeated, "You know, the young kid from Ares y Penthesilea?"

"Arse is Panther's Layer?"

"I don't know if there's a way of saying 'dot dot dot' out loud, Timo, but that's what I'd be doing right now if there was."

"Eh?"

"Clean your ears out you twit," said Ackermann-Finn, giving up.

"Ohhh, him. No. Not him." said Skye, returning to his chair just in time to see Eriz Bakaikoa sky a shot over from thirty yards. "Him! Him there!"

"Oh, Bakaikoa? Well why didn't you say so?"

"I was trying to," said Skye, taking a sip, "Ah, nice to have the taste of home so far away. How'd they get this stuff, anyway?"

"I dunno man, the power of advertising, I guess."

As the conversation entered a natural lull, Ackermann-Finn looked at Skye and smiled. "You totally knew who I was going on about, didn't you?" he said.

"And you were deliberately suggesting the wrong person, weren't you?" said Skye, returning the smile. Ackermann-Finn had always been one of the few people who gave as good as they got with Skye, and he'd always appreciated it for what it was.

"I knew it." they said in unison.

**

Ten minutes past the end of the match, after both had had another pint or two, they finally got fed up with abusing the performance of the local sports pundits - comparing them to Ackermann-Finn's own abilities - and decided to call it a night when Skye checked his watch.

"Oh, hey, I gotta go man." he said hurriedly, with just the hint of slur.

"Aw, what's the matter, Timo?" asked Patrick with a smile, "still butthurt that I replaced you at the Griffons?"

"You did not 'replace' me!" said Timo, pausing mid-rise and holding out a finger pointed theatrically at the ceiling, "You were bought in a shallow and poorly thought out attempt to plug the immeasurable gap that I left when I was bought by Juvillian Martinax. And you failed, because they sold you the next season."

"Yeah, to the Cafundulense league," joked Patrick, "a league you never played in, I note."

"Ah, shut up. I can't be late, I've got a date with a wonderful woman called... shit what's she called?"

Patrick laughed.

"Ah, it'll come back to me. How do I look?" asked Skye, before cutting off his friend just as he was about to open his mouth, "Don't answer that, I know how I look. I'm Timo Skye."

"Yep," said Patrick, drawing in breath, "you certainly are. And that never seems to change, does it?"

"Anyway, mate, this has been fun!" said Timo, "Shall we do this again for the next match?"

Patrick drew breath in through his teeth, "No can do, pal. Covering it in the studio I'm afraid."

"Say, who's it against, anyway?"

"Erm," said Patrick, pausing to allow his alcohol befuddled mind to complete the round of sixteen matchups in his head, "Apox."

"Who?"

"Don't." warned Patrick with a twinkle in his eye.

"Ha, right you are. Okay, I'm off," said Skye, holding out a hand that Patrick duly slapped in affection, "wait, what's this?"

"Well unless you're going via the bank, that's taxis, dinners, and tips all covered," said Patrick of the bundle of notes he'd just pressed into Skye's hand.

"Oh, right. Thanks. I owe you one!" said Skye, already half out the hotel, "love to the wife and kids!"

"See you!" said Patrick with a wave, before settling back into his chair.

He drained the last of the suds at the bottom of the glass and went to head upstairs to his suite, when he heard the unmistakable tones from outside the foyer floating in through the revolving doors.

"What? No! I don't care if you're a unicorn or not. I saw the taxi first! I'm Timo Skye!"

Patrick chuckled again as he went up the stairs.

'You certainly are, Timo,' he thought, 'and I hope you always will be.'

[Eura]

As Kelly Sporadic took his seat at the press conference, one might have been forgiven for thinking he wasn't in the mood for a chat. 'Alright, let's get this done. First question up, please.' Sporadic was always lively with his choice of words during press conferences, and he'd become recognised not only as a world class manager throughout his career, but as someone who had no time for bullshit when talking to journalists.

A sprightly young journalist popped up in the front row on the invitation of Sporadic's press officer. 'Kelly, some have been suggesting Skorji Oslograd is key to Eura's form at the moment. He scored a hat-trick against Kandorith, and was unlucky not to score against the Archregimancy or Zwangzug. Does it worry you that he isn't fully fit for this game?'
'Where did you hear that?'
'Our sources at the Brigham Post.'
'Oh really, the Brigham Post eh? The people that thought Cassadaigua was a kind of fruit when they did their preview for the tournament.'
'B-'
'Shut up lad, and sit down. Skorji is fine, he twigged his ankle a bit in the first half of the last group game but he's fine now. He'll start as usual.' The press officer indicated towards another journalist, encouraging him to stand up with a nervous "get up" gesture with her hand. 'Hey there Mr Sporadic, Dan Paplan here, TotalBalls.com. It's pretty clear that Starblaydia's three key players are Lucas Cable, Ffion McAllister and Dario Rossi. How do you intend to deal with them? They're in fantastic form, and now that he's getting on its questionable as to whether or not Tom Riley is going to keep up with Ffion. And what about Robertson against Rossi?'

Sporadic sighed and leaned forward with a look of obvious frustration painted across his face. 'Look, for one thing it's evidently bloody obvious that you've researched the opposition poorly. Rossi is 31 and he's a clever player, not just some pace merchant. He'll hold the play up, lay it off for people, he's an unselfish type. Ffion is a fantastic young player and the one thing you got right is that she's quite fast, but I have every confidence in our captain to perform and I do have a strategy for these individuals. But I'm not going to tell you lot am I?'
'And the goalkeeper?'
'He's a goalkeeper, a good one, what can I actually say to you? What a stupid question, if he plays well he lays well. There's not much else I can say to you without compromising my game plan.' The next question came fast, but Kelly had already shifted his attention to the person asking it. Old, balding, wears a stupid bloody jacket...Lucius Gatting. Sporadic had hated him ever since the National Gazette journalist had set foot in Sporadic's first press conference in Eura. 'Kelly I'm just wondering, what are your thoughts on Lena Kochanska?'
'Eh? Their assistant?'
'Yes.'
'She's doing a good job.'
'...that's it?'
'I can't believe you're actually digging for that sort of story in football. What's wrong with you Lucius? Have you started working for a women's magazine? Want to find out how many months the PM's wife has been pregnant for or some nonsense? I'll tell you what, no, I'm infatuated with Frederico Blassii actually. I've got a poster of him on my wall and I want him to show me his set piece techniques after the game.' A murmur of laughter and giggling rippled through the crowd of journalists.

'In all seriousness Lucius, I have no idea what happened to your journalistic integrity, but I guess you could say it's not an integral part of your career any more. Too much bollocks from you and you won't be in here again.' More laughter accompanied the next journalist rising to ask a question as Gatting sat back down looking furious. 'Kelly, are you going to stick with Sam Thomas on the bench again? Thomas didn't start in any of the group stage games.' Kelly sat back a bit and thought for a moment before responding. 'Sam's a great player, but we know he hasn't been entirely fit after a busy season and he is a bit older now so it's something we have to think about. The other Sam, the Ashtree boy, he's doing well so why not keep him in? And if we don't do that, we can always go five in midfield again, depending on who we face. We played Sinclair between Parsons and another winger on the right before, we can do it again. This team is more flexible than we get given credit for.' Sporadic was pleased with his answer. Concise, uncontroversial, not likely to alienate Thomas. Didn't give away his tactical plans. Perfect.
'One last question for Kelly I'm afraid, then Johannes will be taking them.' The last journalist stood up, an experienced journalist from the Emplor. She looked at Kelly curiously before delivering her question with an expectant tone. 'Kelly, do you really believe we can defend our title? Form suggests it won't happen and even if we manage to beat Starblaydia, which is a very tough task, it's hard to see how we will get much further, especially if we end up facing the Polarians in the next round.'

For a few moments, it looked like Kelly had frozen up completely. He didn't seem to be willing to speak for quite some time, even when his press officer implored urgency from him with an infuriated glare. 'Well, to be honest, I don't...well. I don't think we have to measure ourselves on the success of last time. Our aim was always quarter finals despite the win last time out, because while I have no doubt that we are one of the best teams in the world, and we can beat anyone comfortably on a good day, winning consecutive World Cup's isn't exactly easy is it? And guess what, no-one thought we were in form at the last tournament. We only just made it out of the group and the Ko-oren game was not our best performance. But we still got through. Form isn't the only indicator of what is to come, remember that. So yeah, I do believe we can defend our title, and if we beat Starblaydia then there is no reason why we can't win the quarter final. We might get the Polarian's but its a bit disrespectful to assume Apox can't do them over, isn't it? And if we beat them before, we can do it again. That said though, we can't forget that we have to get this out of the way first. Starblaydia are a good side so we can't be cocky. I...well, I think I've explained pretty well actually. Why am I still talking? I've got a team meeting to attend people so Johannes will answer anything else.'

Camera shutters clicked manically around the room and flashes decorated the front of it in flashes of light as Sporadic left the stage. He looked satisfied, probably glad no-one had tried to provoke him into riling up the Starblaydian's due to his past involvement with Audioslavia. Johannes Kallstrom, his illustrious but sometimes overshadowed Polarian assistant manager sat down. He was hoping to answer some inspirational questions - not "how does Kelly take his tea" or "how much do your countrymen hate you right now" again from bloody foreign journo's. He wanted some Euran input this time, challenging questions where he could prove his ability to give erudite opinion and insight into the Euran team set up. Unfortunately, the first journalist to stand up was a well known non-Euran journalist with a penchant for the human interest story. Almost immediately, Johannes reluctantly leaned forward to the mic to respond to her question, which she had put forward while he was going over this whole thing in his head. 'Well, that's a tough one. How would I describe my perfect Sunday...'

[Audioslavia]

The 'Senidetasun' Game
Barunians have every right to be aggreived at 'convenient' goal-less draw.

When last December's World Cup Draw pitted Audioslavia against their coastal neighbour and former co-hosts The Inevitable Syndicate, many in the football world sat up and rubbed their hands together with expectation. These were two teams with a friendly yet competitive rivalry, who had exchanged a win each in previous encounters, who played in similar styles with very similar kits and who even shared a domestic league.

As the events of the first round unfolded, however, the true nature of the Aud/TIS encounter took on a different shape.

Audioslavia, already qualified for the second round after two wins and, with second-round prospects being either Vilita or The Holy Empire, not too bothered with winning the group, looked like sending out a rather second-string side to face their rivals. Their opponents, needing only a point in their final game to progress, would welcome a semi-competitive Audioslavia side with open arms.

Television camera - Barunian especially - followed the two opposing managers closely in the hours before the game, with no obvious collusion taking place, and yet still, when the match began, it became apparent very early on that neither side were *particularly* bothered about chasing the game.

50/50 possession, less than a dozen shots on goal, all from outside the area, all off-target. Audioslavia and The Inevitable Syndicate were through. Barunia (who did their job in beating Boring Paradise) were out, and their reaction to the events of this 'brotherly' game of football have yet to be seen.

Jumping Beans 'Like Buses'
Man uses above sentence in press conference. Journalists merely nod head in agreement

vs

That Audioslavia and The Holy Empire hadn't played each other in their long and illustrious histories was nothing short of a miracle, so when the sides met in the knockout stages of the last World Cup, there was plenty of fanfare surrounding the game. Audioslavia sneaked through that encounter, and one wondered whether it would be another 200/300 years before the next encounter. No such luck. Audioslavia's winning of their group sees the side take on the holy men for the second cup in a row.

This side, however, is a wholly different beast to the one the Bulls encountered in World Cup 66. Gone are the older men with colourful scarves, bow-ties and a a small, blue clown-car of a dressing room. In their place? Jumping beans.

Audioslavian television have yet to find footage of these jumping beans and their apparent skill with a football, and most in this country find the idea a little unbelievable. And yet, here they are, fresh off a 1-1 draw with the Vilitans and standing square in the path of the randy Audioslavian bull.

When asked what formation he would be playing against the exclusively bean-fabricated Holy Empire football team, Powell Pieran shrugged.

"I was always surprised the team 'weren't comprised entirely of beans. I mean, they *are* named "Frijole Empire", aren't they?"

Around Round Two

vs

The Polarians are expected to do well again, and should make light work of an Apox side who will no doubt be getting nose-bleeds this far into a World Cup. A 2-0 victory for the men from the far north is the forecast, as is another run to the World Cup final, but a spirited Apox side should make life at least a little difficult for them on the way.

vs

Starblaydia/Eura is an absolutely mouthwatering clash between the current champions and the team who've won a record number of championships. Much has been made of Starblaydia's 31 year-old goalkeeper Lucas Cable and his heroics so far in the Starblaydian goal, but if any team as the firepower to break down Il Viola Vile's stingy defence its the World Champions. Expect this to be close, but my pick is for Eura to steal the tie in extra-time.

Valladares vs Equestrian States would be one of the lower-key games were it not for the co-hosts involvement. The ES side have done well in getting to this stage, and despite the Valladar looking stronger on paper, home advantage should be enough to sneak the ponies through to the quarter-finals.

Osarius have look comfortable in getting to this stage, but questions still remain as to whether this iteration of the Osarius side can match the over-performers who reached the semis of the last World Cup and the final of the last AOCAF. The team are yet to be truly tested, but The Archregimany probably aren't the side to call them out. Osarius to progress by the odd goal in five.

In reaching the semi-finals of the last World Cup, The Inevitable Syndicate equalled Vilita's best World Cup performance over the last hundred years or so. Allegations that the side were simply a flash-in-the-pan riding their home advantage to an inflated position in the world rankings were roundly squashed by the side's rampant run through of their qualifying group, and while Vilita have the experience and are usually more than capable of sleep-walking to the quarter-finals, I fancy the Syndicatians to sneak through to a second successive quarter-final appearance over the reigning champions of Atlantian Oceania.

Valanora's record of reaching the last four of World Cups is completely unequalled, even by the likes of Starblaydia and The Holy Empire. The current crop perhaps lack a little of the fire of former Marauders, but the side should have enough firepower to overcome Turori, who don't look anything other than the 'gatekeepers to the top tier' that they always have been.

Finally, Kinitaria vs Farfadillis is a match-up of two younger nations. Kinitaria's Baptism of Fire win in cycle 60 looked for many years to be the only silverware the under-performing side would ever get, but in their first qualification for the World Cup the side have shown flashes of the sort of underdog spirit that took Audioslavia to the championship from a similar ranking. The odds have steadily dropped on the tournament's least experienced team reaching the latter stages, but Farfadillis are a side completely on the up, and this reporter fancies the Farves to reach the Quarter-finals.