World Cup 69 RP Thread

[Hutt River]

"Come in." A deep, cold voice answered the polite knock on the office door. Fletcher Upton did not want to have to deal with this on the morning of the election, especially at such short notice. Still, as Chief Whip it was his job. And you had to do your job. Otherwise the entire country would fall to bits. 'At least I'm not doing this for much longer' he thought as the door opened. He had been promised by President Collingridge that if he was reelected he would get a position on the cabinet. About time. He'd been doing this thankless job for the past 12 years and it was about time he actually got something actually important to do. Not to say that Chief Whip wasn't important, somebody needed to keep the members in order.

The door opened to reveal a small, middle aged man with prematurely grey hair and a rather thin face. Upton recognised him pretty much instantly. Tony Roberts, Overton MP for about 6 years, won the by-election when the previous, long-serving, MP died mid-term, mainly down to sympathy votes. When the proper election came he had a much reduced majority, but still won comfortably enough. Upton had a good memory for this sort of thing.

"Please, take a seat." Upton directed at the chair at the opposite end of his desk. Roberts sat down reluctantly. He seemed visibly nervous.
"Now, what do we have here." Upton knew full well what it was. "Pass me the file please Joe." Joesph Gage, the head Junior Whip and generally regarded as Upton's right hand man, opened the cabinet and passed the file to Upton. He opened it and read it with an air of mild surprise.
"Rent boy?", Upton asked after a few minutes silence, "I didn't know your bread was buttered that side."
"I can explain", Roberts said trying to cover his nervous stammer.
"No point explaining when it's gone public now has it? A few strategic leaks after the results are announced and a by-election would be arranged within a month. You would've resigned out of shame. Don't want that now do we." It was very rare that anyone attempted to stand up to Upton, such was his reputation after being Whip for such a long time. If anyone did, they either faced the music or 'resigned for personal reasons' before any information had been released. As such he wasn't very well liked amongst the MPs.
"Please." Roberts begged for mercy, "I'll do anything."
"I've heard you were going to vote no on that agriculture bill coming up in a couple of weeks. We don't want that. You know what to do. It'll all be forgotten if you did."
"Yes of course. Thank you." Roberts' voice shook with relief
"Good. Now tattle off. Some of us have more important things to do."

---

"And now it's over to Overton, where the Conservatives are expected to enjoy a comfortable victory to seal their projected majority of 32. Let's listen to the result:"

A quiet hush descended over the Conservative Party headquarters in Bury where the gathering watched the TV in expectation. Upton stood near the back, waiting to slip out as soon as the result had been announced. It wasn't his choice really, he could live being around all the celebratory party officials and advertising execs. But his wife hated nearly everyone here and wanted to leave as soon as possible. He didn't disagree, it was probably for the best seeing as he was getting older and weaker as the years went by. The reader at Overton began reading out the result:

"James Avery, Independent: 547 votes
Bethany Anne Carlson, Green: 12,430 votes"

An audible, half-mocking 'ooo' went up. 12,430 wasn't enough to win but it was certainly a fair amount for a normally safe seat.

"Thomas Jameson, Centrist: 2,512 votes
Tony Roberts, Conservative: 17,926 votes

A huge cheer went up around the crowd, drowning out the what the rest of Election Special had to say on the matter. The sound of corks popping meant there would seen be alcohol flowing. Upton's wife tugged on his shirt as a sign that she wanted to leave, and he obliged. He stopped at the doorway to wave goodbye and quickly walked away from the now singing party.

"Ghastly people", Upton's wife said when they were out of earshot of anyone.
"I know", Upton replied, "but they're our people remember."
"I think that woman wanted you to smack her bottom. I could see that from across the room."
Upton smiled briefly. "I still appeal somehow."
"What is Collingridge going to do for you?" she asked
"I don't know", Upton lied, "Perhaps nothing. By God, I've done enough for him. Do you know that woman said I should be President. And King probably."
"I think you should be President. You're twice the man Collingridge is, or ever will be."

Upton was surprised at the statement , but decided to think nothing of it. He got into the car and drove off.

[Nexxus Drako]

Pitr Zmyv, an assassin from Cahns who was trained in the art of stealth sat camped on a building near the parliament building in Drako City. His target? Matthew Parker, the president.

He had been hired by yet another shadowy figure to assassinate the dracon lover, being offered 25 million for the job. Pirt initially refused, saying that he was infact a dracon, before being promised safe refuge in Vyktory.

Pitr looked through the scope of his sniper rifle, saw Matthew walk out of the bulding, unguarded and took the shot. It was straight to the head, killing Matther instantly. Then all of a sudden, 20 SWAT team members burst through the roof access door, arresting Pitr, which was the shadowy figures plan all along, as he was a member of the Group of 12, the same group that met in the catacombs of Telas 2 weeks prior to plot the downfall of the dracon race.

The media went insane with the news, even the dracon-centric news stations started asking questions of their own race. Then, a bombshell dropped.

A human supremacist group, which had come to encompass 78% of the human population declared independence from the now dracon ruled Nexxus Drako, which was ruled by the former Vice President Klrk Frd, who had just declared martial law. This secessionist nation called itself New Jarokn¹, after an old nation that had ruled the island prior to the dracon invasion.

This was the beginning of the first true Dracon-Human Civil War.

¹ Jarokn was an old nation of mine from the year 2005, which I accidentally brought back from CTEism late last year, I did nothing with it, and have since decided to make it the old rulers of the land pre-dracons.

[Mangolana]

The Thoughts of normal Mangolana reporter while attempting to type and article.

As the sun sets over Mangolana, the scene changes to see the vast and somewhat colorless sky, for those who don't know, I, the narrator of this story is somewhat color blind, ok maybe I'm kidding and i'm just too lazy to type what the color looked like, but you take what you can get when you make up these kind of things off the top of your head, but anyways, where was I. Oh yes, something about the sunset. Ok, view then turns towards the North were we see the Gazzette of Mangolana building... or is it the Mangolana Gazzette building. Ah Hell, its just a grey building for the time being, I'll re-script this shit later anyways, maybe... probably not, but you people, or whatever you are don't need to know that. Stupid people, aint know nothing, they even believe in a mythical god of all sports, whats her name, Martin? Matilda? Matthew, no thats a mans name. Shit, I hope that doesn't sound sexist, can't let these people know my nations controlled by only men, and women are just used to shield Mangolana's sexist views from the world. Crap! Mental note to redact that later from the final script.

Once again though, what was I talking about. And why do I keep typing everything that I am thinking? Almost feels like someone else is controlling me. Weird, also feel like I don't exist and someone is making all this up from behind their computer in some crazy place, what do those nutjobs call it, the Real World. Hate them nutjobs. They should all be shot. Hmm... I can't for the life of me remember what I was thinking about before I went off on that little rant. Was it something about Mangolana... no! Who would ever want to write something about a country who's nation is named after a damn fruit. Then again, this is also the same country that I just happen to call home. I know what it was! It was about the Mangolana soccer team, I think? Probably not, but lets go with it anyways and see how far it gets us. Let's see, Mangolana should be undefeated so far and well on their way... What The Fuck!!! We are 1-2-1! One Fucking Win! What The Hell! How can the team be that bad, they were just making the World Cup like 4 cups ago, now their being demolished by lowly nations who we wouldn't use to spit shine are shoes. The main reason being, most of Mangolana's natural citizens don't wear shoes, but thats not the point! How did we get that bad? What did I miss. When did WE, become the Florida to the Georgia Line, for those who believe in that Real World shit. We should be the Ninja to, to, to... to Turtles! Thats right the Ninja to the Turtles, once again for those who believe in the Real World crap. Oh well I give up for now. Ill just publish this shit for now. Was their something I was supposed to do before hand though? Oh well, couldn't have been that important then. Publish, Uploading, redacted.... Oh Fuck.

[Eura]

Pika House, Mardi
Northern Sunrise Islands

Ever since Adam Barker had been promoted from Chancellor to Deputy Prime Minister, he had started to realised that what was formally a promotion was informally a stab in the back. When Crow had gone, Barker’s predecessor Michael Judge had gone into the main seat by default with most of the term gone already. However, the credibility blow which the Capital Party had taken from the Askoy Crisis and Crow’s resignation had reduced Barker, formerly the second most powerful man in the Capital Party and in government, to the fourth most powerful person in government. Even though Capital outnumbered the Liberals in the coalition, Baker had been outmanuvered and shifted into the Deputy PM slot at cabinet despite being made the new leader of the largest party in the coalition. Now he lay behind the new PM, his Liberal colleague Chancellor Terry Colder (formerly at Health), and even the rising star that was the Liberal Foreign Minister, Amy Yarley.

This had thoroughly depressed Baker for several months, and he had already registered his displeasure with the Liberal party coup by criticising his new boss publicly and manuevring the Capital Party into position to try and win the next election. However, it was looking increasingly unlikely. While the Social Party were sliding a bit, the Liberals were suddenly marching ahead with the golden trifecta of Judge, Colder and Yarley, while the Capital Party looked set to lose out badly after having opportunistically taken office not so long ago. Crow’s demise could barely have gone any worse for the party and Baker, who now faced the prospect of having to win an election on the back of his party being discredited, and his own economic record dismissed too after growth slowed down while he was Chancellor. The only saving grace was that the Euran Independence Party had been slaughtered by Eura gaining the Rushmore delegacy, bringing in some more votes for Capital.

Today however his tough campaigning task had to be set aside. Judge had sent him on an important trip to the Northern Sunrise Islands, a country in the north east of Atlantian Oceania with which Eura held a strong diplomatic relationship. Mardi wasn’t quite Bastion’s size but it was nevertheless a sizeable and impressive capital city. This confederation of island republics was rightfully proud of it, and Barker could see why. It’s artistic Baroque and Late Baroque architecture, plentiful greenery and yet wide and open streets and avenues gave the impression that this was a sophisticated and comfortable city to live in, even near the busy centre. The odd “wildlife”, if you wanted to call the indigenous lifeforms that, was perhaps a bit more out of Barker’s zone of comfort. Then again he was a deputy Prime Minister on an important diplomatic visit, not a travel expert.

A tightly marshalled and secure convoy had already taken Barker to Pika House, one of a number of picturesque government owned mansions scattered across the city. Usually it played host to conferences and committees of science and health professionals, but today it had been made empty. The staff had been dressed up specially and put on parade outside with troops. The colourful Sunrisian banner was joined outside by the blue and gold banner of Eura. Euran’s and Sunrisian’s are very different peoples in more ways than one, but they both appreciate the same sort of national colour scheme. After Baker had been put through the pleasantries any foreign head of state would be glad to receive on an unexpected and low key visit, let alone a deputy head of state, he got to meet the President, Eric Fahrenheit.

Fahrenheit was a bit shorter than Barker had expected in all honesty. Not that he was small – the man was huge. However Barker had been led to believe Fahrenheit was a man mountain whose body seemed to defy the laws of physics. As they stood opposite each other alone in the Old Ballroom of Pika House, you could see the contrast in the style of the two countries. The colourful, outgoing nature of Fahrenheit and his country with his large stature and bright armless suit, which was coloured blue and gold as a gesture of goodwill to his visitor and featured a large, wrestler style belt buckle. He even had a bizarrely out of place elbow pad on his right arm with the Sunrisian emblem emblazoned on it. In stark contrast Barker wore a tightly fitted grey suit, with the only indication of colour or diplomatic warmth being a finely crafted small metal pin on his lapel, which featured both the Euran and Sunrisian flags together. His tie was dark blue, so that the press photographers would be reminded of his party image – the Capital Party’s official colour was blue, after all. His hair was neatly combed and his platinum watch shined as bright as his perfectly polished leather shoes. Unlike whom he was meeting, he represented the very best of efficient, business-like Euran modernity and power.

‘Hey Barker! Welcome to Mardi, my Euran pal!’
‘Good afternoon, Mr President. I’m awfully sorry we are a bit late and, perhaps more importantly, I apologise that the Prime Minister himself could not attend. Given the subject matter at hand I hope you understand the need for this to be more low key than usual.’
‘Don’t sweat it. Now come on, let’s go get a drink.’

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

‘…so I said to him, “Bro, I’m the fuckin’ President! Get me another shot!”’ Barker laughed loudly but maybe with a tinge of fake amusement at the end of Fahrenheit’s long winded story. They’d been at the house all day, discussing various issues and also talking on a more informal, personal level – while having a couple of drinks of course. Both men had given each other a pat on the back and reassurance about their various problems. Barker complained about his receding hairline and his ominous popularity rating, and the state of Euran cricket after it missed the last test season. Fahrenheit had bitched back about his wife wanting new Felixian dresses and the woes of his team Thunchester United. He’d even talked about a new truck he wanted to get. However, he had something else to get off his chest. They’d already talked about the Corvidae Crisis and ensuing war in purely formal terms. About how Eura wished to bring peace as a very influential Rushmori nation, and how it reassured its Sunrisian friends that it would listen to their own concerns. Fahrenheit had thanked Barker and spoke in no kind terms about the Corvidae alliance. Now though, he wanted to talk off the record.

‘Barker…this country isn’t ready for war.’ It took Barker somewhat off guard. ‘With the Syndicate?’
‘With the whole Corvidae crew. This country has a population and military that is slightly bigger than Eura’s, you know that. But we’re not ready. We don’t fight wars; we are a peaceful nation.’ Fahrenheit had replaced his “bro” and “fuck yeah” style terminology with more serious political discourse. The switch in tone made Barker realise that this is where a deal would really be struck. Fahrenheit sat pensively on his lavish leather sofa and looked over at Barker with a frown as his eyes appeared to fall still from their hyperactive frenzy for the first time in the evening. ‘We are only fighting because our friends need us, and because these fascist dudes are going to overrun us if we don’t. We used to be good friends with Felix, and now look what is going down. It’s fucked up, man.’

Barker let out a sympathetic sigh as he straightened up and focused himself. ‘President, I think I should clarify clearly why I’m here. What we need to discuss.’
‘I know why you’re here. Projecting power, right? Eura want to be the big guy wading in to shut down the little dudes before they get all blowing up on each other’s asses. What better way to do it than talking to a friendly nation like us first? You guys liked the Syndicatians before Crowley, right? Are you going to talk to them next?
‘Your assessment may be partially accurate...but no, it is not entirely correct. Before we continue, I need you to be frank with me about what you lot plan to do, and how you think it will pan out.’ Fahrenheit took in a deep breath and sat back before he began to explain his position. ‘We’re going to focus our efforts on the Syndicate. They’re the closest ones to us, they’re the biggest threat. If we win, and I think will win even though our military is inexperienced and we rely a lot on our spec ops, then we’ll get rid of those fascist guys and have a little change of regime over there. Kitsunia-Deesse will do enough to defend itself, with our help if need be. The Rütenbach, and San Jose Guayabal? They can handle themselves, though were gonna try and help them. Guayabal will lead the way with the German guys behind against Felix and Yttribia. We want to get Crowley’s head, badly. I guess that’s it, really. More importantly, what do you plan Barker? What does Eura plan to do?’

Barker got his hands ready for the good old fashioned politicians gimmick of gesticulating alongside a carefully put point. ‘The Euran government, I must stress straight away, will not become involved in any direct military capacity. There is no political will for it amongst our people and there is no need for our intervention unless there is a serious humanitarian crisis. However, we have certain strategic and political interests in mind.’
‘Interests?’
‘Interests.’
‘What will that entail?’
‘It entails Eura doing what it can to…preserve those interests. We have them on both sides. On the anti-Corvidae alliance side, we wish to support you, our friends and potential allies of course. We also believe in protecting the integrity of the German American States, and other anti-fascist powers. On another level, we believe in safeguarding the cause of freedom and democracy, and that means going against the Corvidae alliance at least politically.’ Barker paused for a moment and set his hands to rest. As an awkward frown began to set on his face, Fahrenheit cut him off. ‘There’s going to be a “but”, isn’t there?’

Eura’s missionary could see he had been rumbled already; nevertheless he cleared his throat and started again. ‘Yes, I suppose. The thing is, while by default we feel the need to oppose the Corvidae nations, it is in our explicit strategic interests not to do so for several of them. We’ve only made retractable overtures to the Sarian and Yttribia, but the others are more…’
‘Complicated?’
‘Indeed. We’ve previously assisted Felix with military training programmes, and have a good diplomatic relationship with them, or did until recently. Farfadillis is a nation we are connected to by migration both ways, including several international footballers, and have a standing diplomatic relationship with. Then there is the Inevitable Syndicate.’
‘The biggest threat to us.’ Fahrenheit’s voice had suddenly become a bit more icy.
‘I understand Mr President. I understand that they are your main rival in this conflict. However, that doesn’t change the fact that Eura has a crucial relationship with the Syndicatian nation, even if not the state since Crowley took over. We’ve sold them nuclear aircraft carriers and, as we’ll publicly deny but you know otherwise, poison gas through our pharmaceuticals giant EurChem that they used to commit a minor genocide. We have a close connection with their peoples, and them with ours. Flisgive is the number one tourist destination for Euran’s outside of Rushmore thanks to the World Cup 66 final.’

Fahrenheit understandably looked concerned at where this was going. ‘Barker…I don’t want you to make a mistake you’re going to regret here.’
‘Don’t worry, we will not side with Corvidae. However, every other aspect of this subject has us in agreement. The difficulties with Felix and Farfadillis are difficult, but can be overcome as they are only minor inconvenient truths. Yet If Eura was to publicly turn full circle against the Syndicate, consecutive Euran administrations going back thirty years would be discredited. We can’t take another international political battering after Askoy if we want to remain at our newly found pedestal in Rushmori politics. We have to say now that while military equipment, economic aid and intelligence can be made available to your alliance, and trust me when I say that we have significant resources available to us, we cannot give you the same if you use what we give you against the Syndicate. We can only back you with words against that particular enemy.’ There was a long pause as Fahrenheit considered everything. ‘I think that can be done, assuming you decide to help out at all. Was there anything else?’
‘The other thing was what you have planned for the Syndicate if you win. We have no problem with regime change, especially if Crowley is brought to trial. We did the same thing with Natella Kalinina, we won’t disapprove if you do it too. However, the occupation or destruction of the Syndicatian nation, whomever is in charge of it, is absolutely unacceptable. There is too much at stake for us. Now are you willing to work with us?’ Fahrenheit paused for a little while, possibly dwelling on why Eura was so insistent on this. Were they perhaps fearing the loss of a second ally to the dangers of fascism, like they were seeming to do with Astograth? Either way, the President had decided on an answer.
‘Yeah. Yeah, I think that’ll be just fine.’

[Farfadillis]

"Sir. It seems we've got a problem. A big one."

"Well, Mar, you should just tell me what the problem is, I guess." Monuele replied to his assistant. Monuele liked to treat every one of his colleagues informally, simply because he didn't respect anyone. His assistant was often ignored in favour of someone more entertaining, like a street juggler. Monuele loved street jugglers. How could someone have that much dexterity?

"Well, sir. Do you happen to recall our flag change last week?"

"Sort of. It's all a bit blurry, if I'm honest."

"You see, the symbol we added was a fascist symbol. We're now part of the Corvidae alliance. We're fascists."

"Oh, good. Free new allies."

"Not exactly free, that's definitely not the word I'd use."

"Huh... Why not?"

"Sir, do you happen to know what fascism is? I mean, as the head of state you probably do, but still."

"You've lost me. What's this fascist thing you're talking about, and why are you so worried? Do you want some of this liquid of dubious provenance? I mean, sure, it's suspiciously green but it sure tastes good."

"That's isopropyl alcohol, sir."

"Yeah, alcohol. I know. It sure is delicious."

"I'm fairly certain it's toxic."

"Well, doesn't that apply for all kinds of alcohol?"

"Yes, but this one in particular is a lot more toxic."

"Oh, Mar, you're such a party killer. Leave now, I want to have some fun. I know the janitor will drink this with me. At least he knows how to have fun."

---

English Edition

BREAKING NEWS: Janitor found dead

Tonight a janitor was found dead in the Laser Green House, home to Farfadillis' governing body. Forensics believe the reason of the janitor's death was intoxication by isopropyl alcohol and liquid cyanide. The intoxication came from a bottle of 'I can't believe it can't kill me or dent my health considerably within thirty minutes', a new type of Farf alcoholic beverage. The company is believed to have accidentally added liquid cyanide to around one in three bottles of their products.

The body of the janitor, whose name was Juan José, when an electrician accidentally entered the wrong room and found the body lying on the floor dead, right next to the also-dead body of Monuele Arkelaos, Farfadillis' now-ex-head of state.

Thousands of people have gathered around the Janitors' Janitoring Association leaving flowers and asking for better security for janitors.

We'll expand.

[German American States]

"MACHT SCHNELL SAUKERLN!

Martin Steiger raced across the forest floor, darting between trees, the stock of his rifle raised to his chest. The members of his platoon were spread out on the forest floor in a large line, sprinting at full tilt to the command post up ahead. It was a standard looking Corvidae forces palisade, sandbags and barbed wire piled up to form a bomb-proof barricade, with several mortars inside along with a radio post. The mission of Martin's platoon was to flush the enemy from the palisade without loosing 5 of their 15 men. A daunting task indeed.

The fascist machine guns rang out, spraying fire across the line. Martin ducked behind a long, grabbing a grenade from his explosives bag. Pulling the pin quickly, he lobbed it high, hoping for the best. "GRENATE!!!" A satisfying bang rang out, and Martin called his members to storm the fort. Firing several shots in the general direction of the fort with his assault rifle, Martin quickly pulled out his Wärmesäbel and slashed through the barbed wire, reducing it to melting iron. Jumping in with his platoon mates, he fired a couple more shots to take down the enemy, and finally ran inside of the radio post and slammed down the timer. Blue light filled the post, saying in German "MISSION CLEARED".

Drill Seargant Stephen Bodemann strolled into the post, his mustache trimmed and his barrel-chested muscular frame snapped alert. "Great work men, a little unorthodox, but you cleared the mission. Steiger, du!"

Martin snapped his heels together and stiffened up. "Yes sir."

Bodemann nodded. "Way to lead the assault. You took some good leadership there clearing out the post. Granted, the defenders need a bit more practice with the machine guns, but good enough. Leave your laser rifles here, any spare ammo drop it down too. Have a good night's sleep Herren."

Martin and Platoon B saluted their commander and headed on back to the barracks. The trail through the woods was a clear one, easily acsessible for the humvees and jeeps to pass. Looking up at the trees and the dim light, Martin realized he had never been the the Gruenwald before this. The one thing that getting drafted and getting him sent to boot camp had done was widen his scope. Guys from all over the country and all walks of life had been drafted with him, and he had gotten close with many of the 15. After 3 weeks at camp though, it was still a little hard to get used to the military. The last week at home had been a little surreal for Martin, saying goodbye to his friends and family, but most importantly Kirstin. She seemed pretty shaken up that he was gone. Maybe she would get drafted too, it was hard to tell.

Platoon B finally made it to their barracks, a long wood plank building with concrete reinforcements. They all fell down onto their beds and undressed from their sweaty dirty clothes. Not an hour after they were all getting settled down, Colonel Karl B. Schmitt, leader of the 91st Kriegsmachenverband stepped into the barracks. "Herren."

Everyone got up and stood at attention, some not even dressed. "I would like to first commend you on your training, you have done very well in the past three weeks. So good, in fact, the 91st Verband is being deployed tomorrow at dawn. Pack up your bags tonight and make sure everything is ready. We're goin' to the South Pole. That is all. Gute nacht."

---

Ruentenbach Atop Group 16
Die Adlerschaft Prepare for The Syndicatians

MUENCHEWALD- Games like this make or break your qualifying campaign.

Die Adler face off against the most powerful team in Group 16, the Inevitable Syndicate, tomorrow in a demillitarized Muenchewald. This game will likely decide who gets the upper hand in advancing out of Group 16. The Ruentenbachers have proven outstanding, winning every one of their matches so far. The Syndicatians have had slightly less luck, but are in 3rd place in the group. They need a win here to climb the tables and be put in a more comfortable situation.

Muenchewald has been demilitarized and locked off in preparation for the game tomorrow, in a show of goodwill against the nation they are at war with. All drugs, alcohol, guns, and explosives have been confiscated and held by the Kriegsmachen. There is also a zero-tolerence policy for any home fans who make threats or violent actions towards the Syndicatian supporters or staff. That being said, the match will still be heated, as both countries hate each other to the bone. It will likely be a matter of pride to the victors of the match, and will pin it to their proverbial chests with zeal.

The Eagles will field their top lineup tomorrow, hoping the Hex will prove too much for the Syndicatians. They will have to say a couple of prayers along with perform well to come out on top.

[Star United States]

Star United States

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The World Cup 69 Qualifiers

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☆★ A Draw & A Problem ★☆

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Previous Editions: Roster of Star United States; Here We Come; First Glimpse; One Day Closer;Match Day One Preview;Day One Out and Over; World Cup Qualifiers - Day Two; Diasters Throughout;Fourth Time's A Charm;

A Draw

World Cup Qualifier
Star United States 0 : 0 Zwangzug
Five-Point Stadium, Lake Star, Star United States

Star United States hasn't tied a game 0 to 0 since the 66th World Cup Qualifier against Kriegiersien. Star United States and Zwangzug have played two times before this encounter, with two victories in favor of Zwangzug. Now, one draw is placed into that record.

Arlo Rais-Sonnen, forward of the visitors, had many chances (most in all the game) to score, but failed to do so. He either missed or it was saved, so technically it was missed either way. The defenders Roark, and Ohme played their positions amazing, as they intercepted pass between the 3-G's of Star United States.
Zwangzug had close shots on the 5th, 15th, 54th, and 80th minute by Arlo Rais-Sonnen. Minutes 55th and 88th by Schi
On the other hand, Soarison from Star United States had the closest encounter for a goal, when he received a pass from Stafford, and kicked towards the net. It it the post and into the hands of Millar, goalkeeper of Zwangzug.

Star United States looks over today and sees a victory, not a draw. The Starian dream lives on!

Updated Weather Conditions

City of Star - Code Green - A Message From City Hall: "The city is now completely safe. The weather is now back as usually, and the citizens of the city have gone back with their regular lives, as best as possible. We know so parts of the city are still without electricity but this is currently being fixed the companies. Please continue life as usual. We wish the best for the rest of the country. Thank you, we'll keep informing you with more information."

City of Star's weather has gone back to the regular patterns, accordingly. It has been brought down from a Code Yellow to a Code Green.

Northern Ridge - Code Orange - The mysterious fog throughout the city has gotten dense, calling the city under Code Orange. Members of this city are asked to try to stay off the roads, and if needed to go onto roads to proceed with extreme caution. The City Hall hasn't said anything, many because the building is yet to be found in the dense fog.

Woodbed City - Code Red - This city remains under Code Red. The rain has stopped, but there are still floods mostly anywhere and everywhere. Citizens are still expected to remain the in underground bunkers. The floods are beginning to go down, but still prevail in the streets of Woodbed. Hopefully, the citizens will be able to return to their homes.

SeaShore City - Code Red - SeaShore City continues to be under a Code Red. All citizens are still located in the emergency underground bunkers. The city is still underwater, and since the rain has stopped the clean up teams have been able to reach the city, and begin Plan Clean-Up SS.

Golden City - Code Red - The rain has been pouring and just gets harder. All citizens have been called into the underground bunkers. It has not been determined when the rain will stop. The water-exit system of the city has failed to keep up with all the rain, and the streets are starting to flood. It is unknown when the citizens will be able to exit the underground bunkers.

Hery City - Code Yellow - Hery City is currently under Code Yellow. The city is experimenting odd weather changes, such as the speed of the wind, and movement of the clouds. The citizens are asked to proceed with caution and to stay inform on what's going on?

Pixe City - Code Yellow - The city is experimenting high winds. Parts of this city are currently powerless as the companies attempt to fix the fallen lines. There is always a line to be fixed!

The following cities have not reported in: Jackson City (Code Yellow); City of Fredericksburg (Code Green); Riverside City (Code Red)

A Food Problem?

Due to the storm, the government of Star United States is not able to deliver food to the bunker. The underground tunnels are in use for transporting food, but it's faster on land. The SeaShore Bunker had a major shortage of food, due to the closest the teams are able to get to a tunnel entrance is forty-five miles.

"We need to act quick, and smart," said President Chris Cross, "We are trying our best to act as fast as we can to get the food to the needed places. Until then, we will be using the tunnels, even though they're slower, but the food will get there. This problem will be fixed."
This is all the President said, and soon after his last word he was quickly pulled back into the congress hall.

"THE ELITE HAVE FOOD, BUT WE DON'T" was a messaged received by the Star Newspaper by a member in the SeaShore Community. Major concerns have been brought upon because of this issue. All the bunkers in use are falling into this hole. The SeaShore Bunker is in the worst condition, followed by Riverside City (who still hasn't reported in), Golden Bunker, and lastly Woodbed Bunker.

Star United States' Food Reserve is dangerously decreasing as major production centers are currently under Code Red. There's enough left to feed the people of Star United States about ten more times. That's seven more meals for each person, and three meals a day - meaning food for two days and one extra meal for everyone in Star United States. Probably is more because people such as the ones in City of Star, and Lake Star, don't need from the reserve. The Food Reserve officials have announced the following:
"We are sad to present everyone with the following information: We expect the people in the bunkers to remain there for at least a week. There is enough food for everyone in the bunkers for the next four days. No more than that. The government is currently discussing what to do over this topic."

Running out of food and can't get the food to where it needs to be, and with food spoiling - this is a national problem. Something needs to be done quickly and the government of Star United States is slow to respond to the needs of the people. It has been announced that some cities in a safer code have begun to protest. What is to happen? That is unknown. Currently, no international help is being provided to the ones in need in Star United States and many doubt anyone would help. Stay tuned to stay informed.

[Barunia]

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

World Cup 69 Qualifiers: Finally on top, but biggest test ahead
Article by Kitty Smith, football correspondent KittyS@baruniainsports.com.bu

Barunia are now on top of the table in group 15 after dispatching the Blaatschapen at Northport-San Baptiste last night. The Suns finally began to look comfortable in their formation, setting up plenty of scoring plays with long balls from the wings. The Blaatshapen's goalkeeper was kept busy all match, as he was constantly tested by the Barunian forwards.
The first goal came for the Suns in the nineteenth minute, with Loren Sanchez picking out Eli Estrella who headed it home.
Before the half was up the Suns had added another, Yohan Marris carrying the ball past three defenders before passing off under the keeper's nose for John Bubble to knock in. The second-string midfielder celebrated his first international goal with a spectacular cartwheel.
There was a scare for the Suns in the second half, when Elton Reed gave away a penalty for a hard tackle, which was put away to halve the deficit.
In the dying minutes of the game, Emmanuel Jackson gave the home fans another chance to celebrate with a long range effort from the right flank. The shot smashed into the top bar and bounced sharply down. It was heading out but hit the goalkeeper and bounced back in.

While the Suns are now leading the group with 13 points (4 wins and a draw), Estope and Zwangzug are breathing down our necks on eleven points each. (Estope are ahead on Zwagzug only by goals scored.) Zwangzug looms big on the horizon, as they will be our next opponent. In the massive Wayr Stadium, the Suns will likely face a hostile crowd hoping to see their national team steal three points and and top spot from Barunia.
Zwangzug play a 4-2-1-2-1, so Barunia will need all of their four forwards to make an impact. Expect the wide fullbacks to support Sanchez and Van Diemen as the team look to play the ball out to the wings as much as possible and create some space in the centre for Hardy or one of the forwards to charge through on goal, before being played a cross or through ball. The veteran defensive duo of Silva and Osario will need to keep an eye on the lone striker and the two attacking midfielders, ready to cut down any attack on the counter.

We'd expect Barunia to dominate the flow of the game, simply because Zwangzug prefer a less aggressive style. That doesn't mean we'll run all over them though; Zwangzug have let in just two goals for the tournament so far. No, expect us to carry the ball into their half, and then have them knock it back out. Real opportunities for Barunia to score may be few and far between, and the forwards will need to make the most of any chances that come their way.

[Antoletia]

"What a sack of shit that display was. Were you even on the same field as them. I know they were the favorites and at home, but you guys just let in five goals. Five. You make me sick to the stomach. You had a horrible game."

"I can't even describe how i feel after that display. Anton, you missed two sitters in the first half that would have totally changed the game all around."

"Raphael, do you call that protecting the Center Backs. The only thing you looked to be protecting was your feet as you made zero tackles the whole night."

"Gheorghe. You are the captain. You just can't let your opponents charge to a lead without getting in your players faces. Seriously man."

"You four (Points at back four) did you even realize you were playing defense. Honestly, i havent seen a worse display of football from a team in a long time."

"And seriously Nigel stop smiling. Yes, you scored our lone goal, and were honestly the only thing in this game that had some semblance of being a football player. But you were the shiniest of the turds."

"You guys need to buck up and get back together for these next few games. We can not afford to lose or tie games against some of these teams. And Horusland is a must win. Get it together."

[Taeshan]

Purple Knights Win on the Road

It was another great display of football from the Purple Knights as they played a great afternoon of soccer and ultimately it led to the Purple Knights defeating the home team, the United Kingdom of Zackalantis, by the usual score of 1-0. The road side was the better team throughout the 90 minutes, and passed the ball to a fro like a masterful 11. The win also keeps the Knights keep the tie at the top of the group with Osarius, and keeps the Knights opponents off the scoreboard for the fifth straight game. 4 goals, five games, 13 points. The win also puts the two group leaders a solid 6 points ahead of the pack going into the final 2 first round group games.

The usual goal came early as it has in basically all of the games. The Purple Knights scored 12 minutes in as Tyler Pantoum put in a nice cross to Gregory Fawkes who headed home the ball and gave the away side the lead. Long story short the team passed the ball around the rest of the game and they won. Whoooot.

[Felix]

(OOC: This occurred right after the battle of the Battle of Indos.)

Previously

Santa Maria, Felix

"You lost how many men?" asked a stunned Lazzaro Passerini, "Uh, huh." he responded, "Ok.' he said, "Alright bye..." He hanged up the phone and sat down on his chair. More than 12,000 dead, another 20,000 were injured. Injuries ranged from minor grazes to lost limbs and massive amounts shrapnel in the body. Either way the Felixian 1st Army (known as the Grand Army) was out of service and the rebels were running away to the Newlands. So what could the Generalissimo do? Move a failed Bolesław Zabek out? Well that was easy. But what else can Passerini do? He could ask for more Corvidae support in the form a army but that seems increasingly unlikely especially since the Corvidae declared war on three nations with a potential fourth joining in. He soon scratched that option. Clearly there was only one option left. Form another army made of draftees from ages 18 to 30.

He could just use the 2nd or 3rd armies or even the 4th army but the problem was that the 2nd army was being ready to ship off to the Syndicate where they would be used as an army ready to support the Corvidae cause. Unlike the other armies that pledged troops the 2nd Felixian Army was one made of the most well trained Felixians the Nationalist Republic of Felix could provide. The army contained 100,000 troops and is led by a promising general by the name of Itsuki Kawaguchi. The 3rd army on the other hand was actually the Nationalist Guard and was recently incorporated to the Nationalist government. This ragtag group contained 50,000 men ready to fight but were very ill-disciplined. It is that reason why they were stuck in Altomare, protecting the crucial city. Lastly, there was the 4th army that was recently formed from Nationalist supporters and was completely voluntary this army was in charge of protecting Santa Maria and it contained 50,000 men.

There was a 5th army but it was mainly in charge of defending the very loyal eastern part of Felix and was based in Cato. It was the smallest and it contained 35,000 men. So there was the issue of making another attacking army, a theoretical 6th army if you will, they need troops and they needed to train them. Lazzaro rubbed his temples thinking about all this and sighed he told his secretary to inform the generals in Felix that there was going to be a big meeting. He then got up and moved and headed to the staff room where one general of the Santa Maria based 3rd Army was there in person and a screen with the image of two other generals were there waiting. Raúl Fuentes was the head general of Santa Maria. In Altomare, General Bernardino De Palma was there waiting, so was General Itsuki Kawaguchi on the way to the Syndicate and in Cato, General Franz Hoefler was there waiting as well.

"I have gathered you all here today for a pressing issue facing us now. We have won the Battle of Indos but the utter incompetence shown by General Bolesław Zabek in that victory means that the 1st army is now disabled." The generals gasped, not knowing what was going on and Passerini continued, "Because of this idiot 12,000 men were killed and scores more were injured." The generals shook their head but Passerini wasn't done yet, "It gets worse now the 1st army cannot continue their chase causing the rebels to have a chance to recover with those terrible Quebecois." General Fuentes of Santa Maria spoke up, "We can send our armies to assist." Passerini shook his head, "We have this system in place for a reason. We will need to make a new army." The generals shook their heads in disagreement and then the general based in Cato spoke up, "If we create a new army who is going to lead it?" Passerini didn't have an answer for that but did have this, "I'll figure it out." the generals nodded and each of them signed off.

When the generals that were on the television screens left their images were replaced by the Corvidae symbol. The general in Santa Maria asked his superior something, "Are you sure you got someone for us?" Passerini honestly didn't have a clue on who but he did have an idea, contacting Lex Crowley and he told his general this, "Lex Crowley will and if he doesn't, it will be because of him that Felix will fall to these anti-Corvidae fools." The general nodded and said good bye. Passerini went the other way heading for a computer. He began to type furiously, firstly he decided to replace General Bolesław Zabek with someone more competent, someone better, someone by the name of Michael Legrand of Bridgeport. Michael Legrand was one of the best prospects in the military he was the number one man in his graduating class. When he left the military college in Dusseldorf he was automatically placed in a promising position. He then quickly got promoted up the ranks and is now a Lt. General. That was then and now? He is now going to be the youngest general in the army. At the age of 30 he is now going to lead the Grand Army.

Lazzaro sent that message, in less than 24 hours General Zabek would be relieved of his duties and General Legrand would be his replacement. And now to current issue at hand, who will lead the new army? Once again Lazzaro began to type out his message. It was to Lex Crowley and it was simple request for a general. It read as so,

To: Lex Crowley Supreme Administrator of The Inevitable Syndicate
From: Lazzaro Passerini Generalissimo of the Nationalist Republic of Felix
RE: A Request
Encryption: HIGH

Hello it is I, Lazzaro Passerini again. I would first like to apologize for that situation that happened. Don't worry I already declared war on the nations I told you earlier that would be a challenge. That is all over now. But now I am requesting some help. In exchange of sending the 2nd Army I would like one general. He has to be a general that is unorthodox yet effective. I don't care what rank he is I need him now. We are preparing a new army and went a general. So if you can spear one that would be very good for us. I await your response.

*click*

Indos, Felix

General Zabek got the message and he left Indos in both disgrace and anger at his superior. As he started to head for Santa Maria he had many thoughts going into his head. Why? Why was I left out? Why was I replaced by some punk kid? How? How could I let this happen to myself? Then thoughts got more troubling... How do I get revenge? How do I get my pride back? And as those thoughts came in he devised a plan. Not a plan to defect to the Free Felixians, those smelly, worthless bastards that made him lose his job, but he wanted to eliminate Lazzaro Passerini. How? How can he? He sighed and looked at the lampposts near the highway as he headed for the capitol. Then remembered something. Carlton Thurstan, the Director of the Felixian Intelligence Agency. It was widely known that Thurstan was a political rival to Passerini in Felixian Nationalist circles, especially that period where he was weak. If Zabek wanted his pride back he needed Thurstan's help and he needed it now.

He called Thurstan. Luckily for Zabek, he didn't need to worry if government agents would find out his intentions against the Generalissimo the agency in charge of checking calls was the FIA itself. So Zabek dialed the number and Carlton quickly responded and laugh could be heard on the other line confusing Zabek. He asked, "Hello? Who's this?" Carlton quickly responded, "Carlton. I heard that your were fired. And I think I know why you are calling me." Zabek was surprised, "Uh, do you?" he asked in a continued confused tone another laugh was heard, "Yes, I think you want to kill Lazzaro for embarrassing you in front of every Felixian." Zabek's jaw dropped, amazed and slightly disturbed by how well he read his mind. Once again Zebek asked a question, "How do know?" And once again Carlton laughed and responded, "They don't put me director of the FIA for nothing. So Mr. Zebek, let's do this. Let's kill this shrewd bastard." Zabek quickly responded, "Yeah, let's do this. Let's kill Lazzaro Passerini."

To be continued...

[Nova Anglicana]

Lions Grind Past Westfield House, Will Face Top Seeds Next

Hayden Landers, Nova Anglican Football Today

After a sloppy performance in Azrea, where the Lions played back on their heels and wound up with a disappointing 0-0 draw, the boys from Nova Anglicana were eager to pick up three points and get back on track ahead of their matchup with top seeds Jeruselem. Unfortunately, they would be missing Dallas Page, their solid right back, suspended for one game due to his red card against Azrea for cleating an opposing player in the chest. Additionally, Westfield House, a nation at a surprising seven points (2-1-1) after four games, would not go down without a fight.

Bradley Lancaster, the Trojana defender, would take Page's spot and trouble Westfield House all night with his aggressive runs. However, the visitors often exploited his failure to get back swiftly on defense, and more than one cross was knocked into the box as Lancaster scrambled to get back. Nevertheless, he clearly demonstrated his offensive value, something that manager Patrick Moran can file away for later if the Lions need a goal or if Moran chooses to deviate from his preferred 1-4-4-1 formation.

Westfield House set up in their preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation, attacking on the wings like another Lions foe, Nexxus Drako. They weren't quite as successful as the Dracons, since the central defenders were able to mark the two strikers and the fullbacks could handle the wide midfielders. This left sweeper Giuseppe Carbone free to take on the attacking midfielder, cover the flanks if necessary, and position the other defenders to best counter their opponents. In short, Carbone played like a true libero and was the primary reason why the Lions didn't concede in this game. Westfield House certainly had more than a few chances, notching ten shots, five of them on goal. But thanks to Carbone's marshalling, goalkeeper Julian Neal faced just one tricky shot, a bender off a Westfield House free kick. The ball was curling away from him, but he got enough of a hand on it to deflect it away from goal, and defender Terrence Jordan was able to clear the ball out of danger.

Despite the Lions largely limiting Westfield House's good chances, they couldn't quite manage to take control of the match the way they wanted to. The Lions were attacked down the wings, so they preferred to counterattack through the middle, where Westfield House was the weakest. This basically changed their strategy to endlessly firing balls towards the box, trying to find Raphael Baptiste and letting him create from there. Through the scoreless first half, Baptiste had fired four shots, just one on target, but had tried even harder to set up his wingers. These efforts were usually foiled by opposing defenders, so the Lions would have to break through in the second half.

Their chance came in the 69th minute, when Baptiste was taken down from behind as he attempted to lay the ball off to Kyle Flemign charging into the box. The resulting free kick from Phillip Castillo was headed for the far post, but David Pelletier intercepted it with his head and redirected it into the center of the net, away from the diving goalkeeper and just out of the reach of the near post defender. With the 1-0 lead, the Lions pressed for another goal, but their lack of success and Westfield House's threats on the counterattack caused Moran to rein them in and preserve the lead. The match would end 1-0, not an ideal margin for the Lions, but a very valuable three points.

After the match, Moran expressed the opinion that the Lions "ran into a team playing a heck of a lot better than their ranking. We're glad we got the win, especially in front of the home fans, but hats off to Westfield House for a game well played."

He also confirmed that Page would be replacing Lancaster in the starting lineup against Jeruselem. "We're going to need to be at the top of our game when we face Jeruselem. Defense is going to be especially important. They've just been blowing people away. 17 goals in 5 matches is no joke, so we feel that Dallas is going to give us the best chance to win. Did you hear they scored seven against New Montreal States? I mean, seven goals? That's unheard of in international football. They gave up five as well, so hopefully we can find some of the same gaps that the States did and make a game out of it."

The Lions will certainly need to play excellently to have a chance of grabbing any points, but they sure could use some. They sit two points back of New Montreal States, who play Azrea and Republic of Vietnam to finish out the first half, and one has to figure that the Paladins have a good shot of getting all six points. If the Lions could somehow manage a draw away to Jeruselem and then finish off the first half with a win over Gustavpolis, they would be sitting four points back, a not insurmountable deficit if they can manage to defeat Nexxus Drako and the assorted lower-ranked foes beneath them. A loss would not be the worst thing in the world (especially against the top seeds) but one point would go a long way towards the Lions' confidence and qualifying hopes.

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

RADIO ESPORTIVA
Chapter 5, Season 4: Ballz 30thousand

Audio: Sunrise! Haven't you heard Redblack calling you?
Sunrise: Oh god, again? After what happened yesterday?
Redblack: Mhrm.
Nev: We're going to demonstrate why Redblack can't lower his mask again? Bring the pan with popcorn, Matthew!

Prince Matthew rushes almost instantly with a frying pan with popcorn inside and followed by an interested Agremiastan.

Sunrise: Hell no. Last time, my feet almost caught on fire, for crying out loud.
Redblack: Mhrmhrmhrmhrmhrmhrmhmrhm.
Sunrise: ...Eh, excuse me?
Nev: He's saying that he got the news that Dainer wasn't too happy that his birthday gift got... well, you know.
Sunrise: I didn't know that button meant nitro!
Nev: Well, now you know.
Audio: Anyways, he said he believes you'd be interested on the huge pot with many small balls inside it.
Sunrise: Eh... I can't rebuild his car with balls.
Nev: But you can use the money they're offering for whoever gets the number of balls inside the pot right to rebuild it.
Sunrise: Well, that seems plausible, but I'm terrible with those things and-

Sunrise's mind goes back to a rather opportune flashback.

Knuckia: OK... so how many wires are here?
Proweric: I don't know, they're all the same type of wire, man. Does it even count?
Knuckia: I still don't know why we bought another of these things, they barely even mention the radio on the plot anymore!
Westie Sunrise: Shhh! Westie is on a mission! ^3^
Knuckia: A mission?
Proweric: Oh, let me guess. The mission of learning?
Westie Sunrise: Nyes! ^3^
Proweric: So why don't you try to guess how many wires you have in this thiing?
Westie Sunrise: Westie believes it is 512 wires!
Sunrise: OK, guys. Who had the idea of buying 512 wires for a machine that only needs sixteen wires?
Knuckia: Wait, what.
Sunrise: What?
Proweric: Your child just figured out how many wires were here.

The last words echoed on Sunrise's mind.

Hodori: Wait, where are you going, Sunrise?
Sunrise: Don't worry, boss! I'll be back in a couple of minutes!
Hodori: But the ca- Oh, damn.

At the school, the classes were already over and the three Sunrises were returning home.

East Sunrise: Another boring day of class... yawn.
Southie Sunrise: Well, the first day of class you don't pull something stupid, thankfully. It's hard to keep my status here as it is!
East Sunrise: Meh, who cares about status? That new inspector's a jerk! He's cracking down on every thing we plan!
Southie Sunrise: Well, someone good at their job for once.
East Sunrise: This reminds me, where's Westie?
Southie Sunrise: Oh, she's right over he-

The two find Westie Sunrise missing before looking at their father, dashing away on top of an Arceus with Westie behind him.

East Sunrise: Not even some assistance on the way back home?
Southie Sunrise: What a moron.
East Sunrise: Well, he is keeping his job, isn't he?
Southie Sunrise: Not for long.
East Sunrise: What?
Southie Sunrise: Nothing, nevermind.

A couple of hours later...

Dainer: Eh... man, that still doesn't pay up the price of the whole thing.
Sunrise: Well, I had to pay a small compensation.
Dainer: Compensation?
Sunrise: Look outside the window.
Dainer: To see- what the hell.

Dainer looks outside the window to see Westie Sunrise playing with an actual pony and dozens of toys scattered around the yard.

Dainer: Eh... Weird.
Sunrise: That's life here, it seems.

[Blouman Empire]

THE EMPIRE TIMES

Eagles Face Brick Wall In Nil-all Draw

The Blouman Eagles were left frustrated after watching a number of chances go begging in their nil-all match against Red Blackiland. The Eagles had been flying high so far this qualifying series with four wins from four games scoring a total of seven goals but they struggled to find a way past Red Blackiland keeper Martin Hargreaves in a match that provided plenty of excitement in the second half.

Despite the distraction of losing a player with Jack Hyslert suspended from all games the Eagles set out to continue their winning streak as they took control of the game denying their opposition possession for long as the Blouman midfielders shut down any attempt by Red Blackiland to set up an attack. Kane Harrison had his first shot on goal after wrong footing two defenders but it was comfortably caught by Hargreaves. He had another chance again a couple minutes later, this time forcing Hargreaves to stretch and knock it around the post. Down the other end of the field Red Blackiland began to cause issues but strong tackles from Hamish Alpin showed his formidable strength in the back line. The first half finished with players and spectators alike hoping for stronger showings from both sides.

The Dark Lions (albeit in a special gold strip) put pressure on early in the second half with shots from Felipinho and Juliano Matheus warming up Blouman keeper Milton Tuneson. The strong forward play from Red Blackiland continued wowing the fans but they were continually denied by both the Blouman back line and Tuneson. It took 15 minutes before the Eagles began to put the Red Blackiland clean sheet under threat but it was now hard, fast and regular as the goal face was peppered with shots. Blaine Cooperson and Harrison in a number of occasions seemed to hit good strikes but the quick reflexes of Hargreaves deprived them the goal they so desperately wanted. In the 80th minute Percy Baser hit the ball into the far corner forcing Hargreaves to knock the ball back into the path of Michael Walkers and while it was hit back towards the goal Hargreaves was able to recover pushing it over the bar. Red Blackiland did manage to have a few more attempts to score but the Eagle’s physical presence in the back line didn’t settle well with the Red Blackiland players who became increasingly frustrated as the half continued. Matheus was lucky not to be placed in the book after a desperate swipe caught the legs of Jacob Kleeza. All up Hargreaves had managed to save a total of 11 shots on goal as he earned himself player of the match and his team their first points of the campaign.

Manager Henry Emergaton was unhappy in a post-match press conference stating “I was hoping to bring back all three points today, one is good but considering the number of chances we had it is disappointing not to end the game with a win”. The draw means the Empire is now two points adrift from group leader The Royal Barangay and cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to remain in contention for first spot. The eagles will next be placing 3rd placed team Carialus and will be looking them off to remain in the top 2.

[Vaugania]

Part 1: Cool Guys Don't Look at Explosions
Part 2: What Can You Do?
Part 3: L33T H4XX0R SK1LLZ
Part 4: Things Fall Apart

Part 5: News at 9

1 week later…

“Craig McPherson with Port Byron News at 9. Tonight we take you out to John D. Stone International Airport where Terralliance has just launched another attack. Wes Browning is on the scene.”

“Thanks, Craig,” Wes said. He held and hand up to his eyes in order to shield them from the light of the fires behind him. “As you can see, there are two fuel trucks currently on fire here at John D. Stone Airport. Terralliance has claimed responsibility for this incident. Terralliance, as many of you know, were responsible for the coal mine explosion in Anglis.”

Wes stopped speaking and ducked down after a plume of flame from one of the trucks shot up into the night sky. Fire crews were throwing everything they had at the fires before they got way out of control. Once that flare up died down, Wes once again turned to camera and continued reporting.

“Government and police forces have been having a hard time of tracking down these terrorists. They were believed to have been in Hokejs, but an unfortunate mix-up led to the death of 6 innocent civilians. All officers involved were granted a pardon by President Kris Strong who said that they took that course of action ultimately for the safety of our country. This has led to some protests against the government, with protesters also citing the government’s slow speed in getting supplies to Anglis with the Church getting supplies there several days before government airdrops.”

At that moment, one of the fuel trucks exploded. Wes was knocked to the ground as was the camera and its operator. It was clear to any viewers that there was no hope for any of the fire crews. Shortly afterward, the second truck went off taking even more lives.

The news station quickly cut back to Craig McPherson at the news desk, “Well, uh…” Craig opened. He was utterly shocked and dumbfounded at what he just saw.

“Well… clearly we all just witnessed a real tragedy right there… we’ll keep you, uh, updated. And now to Patrice Lemieux with a story about cute puppies.

Back at the airport…

“Lord help us,” Wes said, still in a state of shock.

“Why haven’t we been able to find these guys?” one of the cameramen asked, clearly angry after seeing what Terralliance caused. “The Kris Strong’s police and government aren’t taking care of their people. Literally killing them in fact. I wonder what the Church has to say about. I wanna hear Archbishop Ignatius’s take.

“Y’know what, Todd?” Wes began, “You’re right. The Church would never have let this happen. They wouldn’t be so reactionary. They would take care of the wounded first. Not go on some crusade killing their own people. VIVE IGNATII!”

1 day later…

A Statement From Ignatius XI,
Archbishop of the Vauganian Catholic Church

Brothers and sisters,

Over the past few weeks, great tragedies have struck our country. From the coal mine explosion in Anglis, to last night’s tragedy in Port Byron. We know who is responsible for these acts and now we must find them. They are committing heinous crimes against God’s people and on the day of Final Judgement, their fate will reflect this.

The going has been rough thus far, that much is certain, but if we band together we can fight this new threat to our nation. But we cannot continue on doing it as we have been. 6 innocent civilians were gunned down in Hokejs last week and they now rest with God. The people who gunned them down have been pardoned by President Kris Strong the leader of our government. This does not mean that they are forgiven. Our president does not decide who is forgiven, God does. They must reconcile with him and do their penance if they wish to be forgiven. Such things should never have happened.

We cannot be so reactionary in our actions. If we reacted this way to everything, the street would run red with blood and bodies would pile high in the streets. A reevaluation is needed. We must find stop these foes, but we cannot turn our backs on our downtrodden countrymen. So go forth, Vaugania. Stop these traitorous villains, but do not forget those who you strike down in your path.

Yours in Christ,
Archbishop Ignatius XI

[United Eastedge]

The Black Heels: Part 2

---

Lucas and Cameron continued trying to understood the two numers written on the paper with not a normal ink, but the same black substance that was covering the heels of Tod Larson. However, they tried to forget it and look for another job while the police department take the case completely. It was 2 am and the same sound was present in a little house, located in the town. The man seemed to wear a smokcing this time around as well and their steps were slow, exactly as the last time in the George W. Building. In front of him, it was a closed door, which was where the snoring were coming from. So, the man approached, step by step, touching the floor softly; he took the handle of the door, turning it to the right without making any kind of sound. Suddenly, he took quickly the heels of one of the persons lied on the bed, covering them with the black substance and causing him the death, as well as his wife.

At the next morning, many cops were sorrounding the house of that person this time, calling the attention of Lucas and Cameron when they passed through that street. The victim? It was the police who answered the question of Lucas when Tod Larson appeared dead. Lucas was concerned because apparently, the man was killing people that he had contact with. But, the numers continued being a mistery completely. Nonetheless, Cameron took the paper again curiously, but it was different... The numbers were not the same as they were; instead of a 2 - 13, it was written 0 - 13. Immediately, he told that to Lucas, showing him the paper once again... Things were getting even more weird, but it was not a way to discover what was that paper about, or that's what it seemed.

Unfortunately, the number of deaths of persons who had contact with Lucas someday, was increasing. Being a devastating issue for him and the numbers written on the paper were changing after each death, which was something that could be a clue. Lucas and Cameron callen a specialist in paranormal cases and those kind of things, and he said that the man was looking for something, but nobody knows what he wants. The first number, means at what time the man will kill somebody and the second one, how many hours are left for the event.

[Estope]

Group 15
World Cup Qualifiers - Match Five
Estope - New Wolfopolis
Inzer-Bare Stadium
Twin Brooks, Estope

Office of Brian Monte
"Mr. Monte, what exactly are we going to do about Coach Freezus? Many people are calling for his suspension after that incident in the Zwangzug match."

"Hmm. We're in a bit of a predicament here. He has really turned this team around and so I think we need him at least for the next two games. New Wolfopolis will be a big challenge for us so we can count on delaying the suspension until at least after that game. I'm thinking that Vunishia game would be a good one to take so action. Write up a press release at once."

Estope Soccer Association Announces Results of the Freezus 'Bitegate' Scandal
Following a lengthy review including a review of video evidence and personal interviews with both Bucky Freezus and the referee involved, Brian Monte has come up with a just punishment. Coach Freezus will be suspended for the first half of the game against Vunishia. This sends a strong message to Coach Freezus and everyone in Estope soccer that untimely and inappropriate actions such as, but not limited to, biting will not be tolerated and will be met with strict recourse.

"That looks good. It ought to be enough to send a strong message about Coach Freezus' actions. Now he can have that off his mind and prepare properly for New Wolfopolis."

---
Estope National Team Practice
"Ok team gather round. I have a two fold plan on defeating New Wolfopolis. Firstly, I had my informants get me some information on them. I've received notification that they will try and play seven back to prevent us from getting opportunities. Luckily, if my math is correct, since we have 9 forwards and they only have 7 defenders, 9 minus 7 gives us a 4 person advantage up front. Now they will have one more midfielder than us. His name is Nicholas Pollard and he is also the captain. So naturally I want someone to take him down. Injure him at least for this game maybe longer. Preferably a bench player so there won't be a red card. Wait never mind. I have a better idea. You know those kids who hold their hands and walk out with the players? One of them can kick him in the shin really hard. Yeah that might work. Or I can have the sprinklers pop up and try to break his ankle. Let me get a maintenance man on that pronto. The second part is if all else fails I can pay off the referees at halftime. So everyone bring some money to the game tomorrow just in case we are down. So everyone knows the plan now. Let's go get some work done now! ... Today at practice we are going to work on fake injuries. Everyone partner up. Now bump into your partner and fall down and pretend to be hurt. It needs to be realistic if you want the call."

---
Game Day
"Hey kid. Come here. Can I ask you a question?"

"You're Coach Freezus! Can I have your autograph?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Sure kid whatever. You're holding Pollard's hand walking out, correct?"

"Yes sir, I believe so"

"I need you to do me a favor. Kick him as hard as you can in the shin as you're walking out of the tunnel. Here's $100 up front and after the job is finished you'll get another $100."

"I don't think I'm supposed to do that."

"Sure you can. It will help the team a lot if you do."

"Ok I guess so."

---

"Darn it Coach O. The kick to the shin didn't work. He's still playing the game."

"It did catch him by surprise and I'm sure it hurt him though, it just didn't cause enough damage."

"Well now it's Plan B. I wan those sprinkler heads popping up constantly trying to catch his ankles."

---
Half time
"Good works guys. We're up 2-0 so I don't need everyone to fork over the money. Unfortunately we were unable to take Pollard out of the game but we are up so I'm not as concerned with it. Great job on the flopping everyone. I mean it. We got a call at least three times for absolutely nothing. One of their guys even got a card, and, I don't remember who it was, but you were the one who bumped into him. I'm glad you're applying what we practiced to the game. Keep it up all of you."

---
Post Game Press Conference
It appears Bucky Freezus did not appear for his typical post game press conference. Apparently he was so upset the New Wolfopolis was awarded a goal when he was convinced the player was offsides. It is unclear whether or not Coach Freesus knows what offsides is just yet. He also was upset when New Wolfopolis was awarded a free kick just outside the box in the waning minutes of the game after Pollard was taken down by an Estope player. The kick nearly missed but never-the-less it was the principle of the matter that frustrated him.


Schedule:
MD1: Estope v Star United States - WIN - 4-1
MD2: Barunia v Estope - Draw - 1-1
MD3: Estope v The Blaatschapen - WIN - 1-0
MD4: Zwangzug v Estope - DRAW - 1-1
MD5: Estope v New Wolfopolis - WIN - 2-1
MD6: Dawnhaven v Estope
MD7: Estope v Vunishia
MD8: Star United States v Estope
MD9: Estope v Barunia
MD10: The Blaatschapen v Estope
MD11: Estope v Zwangzug
MD12: New Wolfopolis v Estope
MD13: Estope v Dawnhaven
MD14: Vunishia v Estope

[Jeruselem]

Princess Amy and Delia Daring after drew with Nexxus Drako in Nexxus Drako 0-0

Amy: Phooey
Delia: You can say that again
Amy: Stupid ref, ruining the game. There's rules but you don't have be so anal about it
Delia: Yeah, the game is supposed to be about the players not the ref
Amy: It's a bit hard to do anything when the ref keeps on stopping play for stupid things
Delia: The crowd wanted to see some football and some goals but a rule-fest

Amy: Even scoring a goal was hard work, hard enough with the opponent and ref getting in your way
Delia: The ref never heard of playing advantage as well, so you have get back the place of the foul
Amy: Which gives time for the opponent to organise their defense
Delia: I guess our opponents felt the same way since they had the same problem
Amy: The stupid thing is there weren't any yellow cards issue anyway
Delia: Maybe the ref had ADD and needed people to pay attention

Amy: If it was a normal game, we'd have bloody one
Delia: The assistant refs were a bit cross eyed
Amy: Yes, everything was offside to them too
Delia: There goes our perfect record
Amy: Jeru FC had a draw too I noticed, but 2-2 which is better than 0-0 from view of the spectators
Delia: Bears Armed also drew 3-3

Amy: I guess we didn't lose at least
Delia: We could have
Amy: We play Nova Anglicana next
Delia: Aren't they 3rd or something?
Amy: I think so, we can't afford to give any points to our rivals. We've given up 2 points now
Delia: All our rivals won today so it's not a good time be giving away points

Amy: I heard Nova Anglicana had a Dallas
Delia: I think Dallas is first name not the surname
Amy: Oh right, so he's not one of us then
Delia: And he's a male anyway
Amy: I don't know many people with first name Dallas
Delia: I know lots of people with surname Dallas

Amy: We're everywhere
Delia: It's funny, I was talking to that Lena Dallas relative of yours
Amy: She's kinda related ...
Delia: I'm pretty sure I'm not
Amy: I dunno, you might have a Dallas in the tree there
Delia: I guess we could I wouldn't know

Amy: I know my family tree
Delia: My family is a mixed bag, don't know half the people in my family
Amy: Why is that?
Delia: Some do dodgy stuff for living
Amy: Criminals in the family
Delia: I'm afraid so, I don't associate with people like that

[Vettrera]

(OOC: I thought I posted this two days ago....wow my memory is horrible PREVIOUSLY

Geneva’s situation was extremely rare. Child neglect was neither unheard of nor uncommon in Vettrera. In fact, child neglect and abuse was extremely common in Vettrera, but it rarely happened in the way that it did to Geneva. If you lived in Eastern Vettrera you would likely be kicked out of the house for getting pregnant, or being gay, or honestly anything the Central Church frowned upon. If you were in Western Vettrera, you were likely to be abused just for existing, and being a drain on your parents’ lives. If you turned to drugs or to the streets you found a new home, or you found a pimp. BUT, in the upperclasses family issues like Geneva’s were rare in Vettrera. Born to a professor and a legal assistant, Geneva lived a life of luxury where she got everything she could ever need, but considering the fact that she was shipped off to boarding school at the age of 6, she couldn’t ask for much. Her family home was in the liberal/western province of Hectate, while the boarding school they shipped her to was in the province of Polluxia (central vettrera).

Because Geneva spent 5/6 of the year there, she was unaware of what was actually going on in her family. Geneva’s mother and father were not in the marriage for love, but for each other’s connections. Both were extremely successful and had different intellectual and social circles, their marriage allowed them to weasel between the two. Her father’s crowd tended to be left-leaning scientists, professors, philosophers, and the like. On the other hand, her mother dealt with a business-based clientele filled with venture capitalists and wealthy entrepreneurs. In the political battleground that is Vettrera, intermingling between the two groups and getting your name out there across the entire nation would be extremely difficult. But, their relationship allowed it to be easy.

Obsessed with his own career, Geneva’s dad (Ralph) saw it most beneficial to ship her away, so that he could only see her when it was convenient for him. But Geneva was unaware of that. When Geneva took up soccer at the age of seven and started being nationally competitive at the age of 10, her father would congratulate her with gifts and even come out to see her games every once in a while. He wasn’t raising Geneva, but just having the support was enough for her. He was being genuine. Well, as far as Geneva knew he was being genuine. In actuality she was simply boosting his name recognition across the west coast, and allowing him to meet more people and make more connections. Thus making him one of the most recognizable professors in the nation. Recognizable enough to get a position doing important research at Vettrera INTL..
Geneva’s mother on the other hand responded to things differently. She called once a month simply to make sure her daughter wasn’t dead or a slut, but otherwise forgot she had a daughter at all. And she also forgot that she had a husband, and that was no mystery to Geneva. When Geneva would come home for the summers, she would notice every time her mother stepped out the house after 9:00, and she would notice her father continue to be too busy at 9:00 to care…

---

Another win against Melthing, and another loss, but this time to Boring Paradise. But once again, Lucas Murdoch could not be concerned. The Assistant Coach was basically running the team while he was busy: Talking to international officials, talking to Elise the PUSH secretary, making sure the Bonticello Stadium they were using was actually safe, and making sure that the team was safe. Oddly enough, he was more of a overseer than a coach, a body guard if you will. Still, he had a lot to be fearful for his job if Vettrera continued to perform poorly.
With recent events going on in Vettrera, the community needed something to rally behind. It’s rare for a head coach to lose a position in Vettreran Sports…actually, scratch that. The situation is rare for the minor sports (Soccer, Hockey, Baseball). Gridiron and Basketball coaches are always under pressure to perform well be them at the collegiate or professional level. But anyway, this situation was different. The last thing the Vettreran Government needed was for this World Cup Qualifying campaign to be a massive failure (and it was shaping up to be one for sure).Lucas actually risked losing his job if things didn’t go well, and he had big shoes to fill replacing the notorious Beatrice Parker.

“The Brick Wall” they would call her. Parker was a mysterious woman. She played collegiate soccer, was a spy for the Vettreran Government, and eventually found herself as the overseer of all three Vettreran Soccer Squads (U15-U21-General) Chairwoman on the PUSH Execuive Board (and on-and-off president of said executive board). Hell, speaking of on-and-off, she dated the president back in the day. But to get back to the topic at hand, Parker quit in a rage-filled letter addressed to several nations and the PUSH staff, arguing that there was blatant cheating taking place at the World Cup and that other members of the PUSH executive board were blatantly sexist (the later was definitely true, considering womens’-team athletics were/are only just now becoming extremely popular). So yeah…big shoes. But even so, Lucas still was more focused on the call he was about to receive back from Elise.

“Regis Filmore flew over to Oakbrook and Calvarie two weeks before PUSH announced that no events could take place in Cape Marshall. He also met in Valor City to speak to the Congressional Defense Panel three weeks before the attacks. Do Not Call Me Again.”
“Thank—“
Elise had already hung up.

[Turori]

No Margin For Error
Eels Goalkeepers Put on Notice

Turori Eels head coach Ematea Saenu has put a stamp on what it truly means to be apart of his System KarEela style as head coach of the Turori National team by benching his starting goalkeeper for the second time in the campaign after the Eels conceded for the second time.

Long time Eels star Mumau Atla-Siioai, who himself had retaken the starting job after G.Q. Disterfred conceded a goal in the opening match of the campaign, a match which the Eels still ended up winning, was promptly removed from the lineup after conceding a late equalizer in Turori's 1-1 draw with Sicoutimont which allowed the Fleur-de-leus wearing side to steal a point from the group leaders and pull into contention for the top spot. Gaspard Demaru was the goalscorer for the home side and Saenu was none-to pleased on the sidelines watching his team concede their first goal in almost 300 minutes of action.

So it may have came as no surprise when Disterfred was back in net as Turori returned home to Eels Park in Eelandii to host Rushmori side Venalzio. Disterfred proved his worth but his opposite number Sergio Conti was equal to the task as the match ensued without a goal being scored. While the result may have been acceptable under the old System Karela, System KarEela demanded more and in the big picture, a second straight draw meant 2 more points dropped by the Eels who had squandered their lead in the Group table, watching Matchday 4 spoilers Sicoutimont inch ahead of them on a tiebreaker after 5 matches.

Due to keeping a clean sheet, it is expected that Disterfred will remain in net for the Eels next qualification match, while Ematea Saenu may focus on changes in his attack to ensure the Eels walk away with at least the minimum required 1-0 victory in future matches. The strategy, however, is starting to run its course on the fanbase, with a recent poll suggesting that the Turori National Team might be more interesting to watch if it were managed by 'Nigel' the lime-green fantasy Eel rather than Saenu himself.

While Saenu would likely be praised if he could turn System KarEela into a World Cup winning formula at the end of the day, the seas have not yet parted and much will be decided on the foot of the Eels next 3 matches.
Turori Goalscorers v. Sicoutimont::


15' Etamara Kulkkiia

Turori v. Sicoutimont

Best Player: Aiden Varess
Worst Player: Tarek Edgeli
Shots on Target: 2
Corner Kicks: 2

Turori Eels Lineup v. Sicoutimont ::
[GK] Mumau Atla-Siioai, [D] Tarek Edgeli, [D] Oani Moralziia, [D] Dmitri Levada, [UT] Klaillal Tuirma, [ML] Etamara Kulkkiia, [MC] Aiden Varess, [MC] Inlite Makakio, [MR] Kigaoua Oalalka, [FC] Matlya Eelador, [FC] Liinai Zakazaka
BENCH::
[FC] Inamari Altariiz, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M] Rikko Rawaii, [M] Nubara Moafalia, [UT] Balariita Muzmaara, [D] Geafi Laina-Sola, [GK] G.Q Disterfred II

Turori Substitutions::
(28) - Etamara Kulkkiia >>> Nubara Moafalia
(45) - Tarek Edgeli >>> Balariita Muzmaara
(62) - Dmitri Levada >>> Inamari Altariiz


Turori v. Venalzio

Best Player: Dmitri Levada
Worst Player: Kigaoua Oalalka
Shots on Target: 1
Corner Kicks: 2

Turori Eels Lineup v. Venalzio ::
[GK] G.Q Disterfred II, [D] Yoains Konoaafeo, [D] Tarek Edgeli, [D] Dmitri Levada, [UT] Klaillal Tuirma, [ML] Etamara Kulkkiia, [MC] Inlite Makakio, [MC] Kigaoua Oalalka, [MR] Aiden Varess, [FC] Matlya Eelador, [FC] Inamari Altariiz
BENCH::
[FC] Liinai Zakazaka, [FC] Meldi'ita Mungwaii, [M] Nubara Moafalia, [M] Rutaj Ranaso, [UT] Balariita Muzmaara, [D] Oani Moralziia, [GK] Mumau Atla-Siioai

Turori Substitutions::
(63) - Matlya Eelador >>> Liinai Zakazaka
(68) - Yoains Konoaafeo >>> Oani Moralziia

[Miley World]

Another draw for Miley World

Miley World is unable to beat the low-ranked teams and the game against Ekoz ended with a 2-2 draw. Miley World and Ekoz played in front of 52 000 spectators in Zacatlan, Tennessee. Miley World scored at the 14th minute when Vladimir passed the ball to Grégory Dedieu who shoots the ball into the net. 1-0 for Miley World. Ekoz scored the next two goals. The first one at the 33rd minute, Zezinho tripped Striker A in the penalty area. Zezinho got a yellow card. Striker A took the penalty and scored. Ekoz scored again at the 45th minute just before the end of the first half, so Miley World were trailing 2-1 at the halftime. Coach Paul Evans didn't made any change at the halftime. Miley World attacked at the 52nd and 59th minutes, but each time Goalkeeper A was making the save. Miley World kept attacking and it paid off at the 68th minute when Ashley Johnstone scored on a cross by Conor Downing. The game ended with a 2-2 draw.

Standings

  Group 8                                           Pld    W   D   L    GF   GA   GD   Pts 
1 San Jose Guayabal                                   5    5   0   0    21    8  +13    15
2 Free Republics                                      5    4   0   1    14    6   +8    12
3 The Sarian                                          5    4   0   1     8    4   +4    12
4 Hutt River                                          5    3   0   2    14    9   +5     9
5 Miley World                                         5    1   2   2     8    8    0     5
6 Czarch                                              5    1   0   4     4   12   −8     3
7 Ekoz                                                5    0   1   4     5   15  −10     1
8 New South Aqmuland                                  5    0   1   4     3   15  −12     1

Next game

Miley World's next game is on the road at Gem of the Oceans Stadium in Republica, Republica District, Free Republics. Saintland and Gregoryisgodistan will play against each other in the same stadium later in the tournament. 4 800 Smilers are travelling to Free Republic for tonight's game . Free Republics is a safe country for both the players and the fans and nothing unusual should happen there. Talking about player safety, a tragic incident happened in The Royal Kingdom of Québec, a referree was shot by the fans and died instantly. 5 players from The Sandwich Territories were injured. This is why every country should ban weapons to prevent something like this from happening.

[Jeru FC]

Princess Katy and the Jeru FC coach Andre after the boys drew 2-2

Katy: Not the result we were looking for
Andre: Yes, but away games are much harder
Katy: Still, it wasn't a win
Andre: I guess 4th isn't too bad still
Katy: 4th doesn't you anywhere in this cup
Andre: I guess it doesn't

Katy: I guess we didn't lose
Andre: We can do well if we win all the home games and win some away
Katy: I guess the boys aren't really doing badly
Andre: For a bunch of over the hilly billies
Katy: Definitely past their best
Andre: What happened to the previous male team?

Katy: Umm, it didn't end very well
Andre: Like what
Katy: Well, their bus crashed off a bridge into a passing oil tanker
Andre: Oh
Katy: No one survived
Andre: Oh

Katy: That's why we had to replace them with a team of girls
Andre: I assume those girls just retired
Katy: Yes, they were far more fortunate
Andre: The quiet life
Katy: I don't call being a mum with a kids the quiet life
Andre: But no longer in the spot light

Katy: Yes, most are just now just Mums
Andre: You're a Mum too
Katy: I don't actually spend that much time at home!
Andre: I guess they are growing up now
Katy: They are boys, they can take care of themselves
Andre: They play football?

Katy: Yes but they seem more interested in music actually
Andre: Like the Dad
Katy: It's OK, I don't expect them to play for Jeruselem. If they were girls, then different
Andre: Why is that?
Katy: You know, tradition. Well, Dallas tradition.
Andre: it's very interesting

Katy: Yes, most of football talent is on the mother's side in our family
Andre: But you've got just more than football talent
Katy: I love my music too, but I must help my country win the world cup
Andre: It's a pity you never played football for Jeruselem
Katy: I wasn't actually good enough
Andre: You're far from terrible, I've seen you play

Katy: I'll leave that to the next generation, like little Laura for example
Andre: You always need the next generation to take over
Katy: Hopefully, they'll be more successful
Andre: Yes, can't go backwards

[Vilita]

DOMESTIC LEAGUE DELAYED FOR TOUR
JUNGLE CATS TRAVEL THE COUNTRY AS V-LEAGUE START DATE IN QUESTION

After days of celebration in Alikki-Corra following the return of the World Cup 69 Champion Vilita Jungle Cats National Team from Legalese, the plans were set in motion for the team to go on tour, visiting all the major cities in the Tropics and 'Bringing the Cup to the People'. However, one thing perhaps overlooked in the hoopla surrounding the World Cup title and the ensuing celebrations was the impact that the plans may have on the Vilitan League, a top 10 internationally recognized competition by the UICA.

In fact, if it weren't for the pragmatic thinking of the Vilitan League's own scheduler, the opening day of the season may have come and gone with some teams missing half of their players on account of the Champions Tour.

Instead, however, Militar Liaozera - the Official Scheduler of the Vilitan League, put two and two together and realized that the entire league schedule would have to be re-worked to accommodate the Champions Tour with the same prominence as schedule alterations would be made to conflict against any regular National Team competition schedules.

With the Champions Tour having left Alikki-Corra and headed down the coast to Arcticala, Liaozera was busy re-factoring the Vilitan League Calendar along with the the white-board markings on the walls of the Football Association of Vilita headquarters that showed the anticipated path and duration of each stay on the Champions Tour.

When all was said and done, Liaozera deduced that the Vilitan League wouldn't reasonably get kicked off until what was originally scheduled to be the 10th week of the season. Of course, the season kick off had already been delayed 2 weeks due to the Jungle Cats actually advancing beyond the Group Stage of the World Cup, but Liaozera had already factored those 2 weeks in as a contingency to be played over the mid-season break as necessary. But there was no way to easily re-factor an additional 2 months worth of matches. Liaozera had a scheduling nightmare on his hands. There was only one thing that could make it less of a nightmare - of course. Remove the hardstop end-date. In the interest of always having its most recent champions and representatives participating in the UICA competitions, the Vilitan League had traditionally been scheduled to conclude just before the final deadline for UICA competition entry. It was that very deadline that was going to give Liazera the biggest re-scheduling headache, so he quickly got to work to see if he could remove that constraint from consideration.

About 30 minutes later, the Vilitan League's Official Scheduler had sent out a message on behalf of the league requesting special dispensation for the 54th UICA competition.

---

Football
Association of
Vilita

To whom it may concern:

The Football Association of Vilita would like to make a formal request to the UICA board of governors on behalf of its clubs and the clubs of the Football Association of Turori in regards to the fulfillment of its allocations for the 54th Champions Cup, 51st Globe Cup and 51st Series B Champions Cup. It has come to the realization of the Football Association of Vilita that, due to unanticipated scheduling conflicts arising from the unimaginable success of the Vilitan National Team in the recent World Cup 68 finals in Legalese, the 44th season of the Vilitan League will not conclude prior to the final deadline for entries into the 54th UICA Cycle of Competitions, and the resulting draw.

While the Vilitan League Season is comparably shorter in duration than many other contested leagues, its timing has always been such that there was a minimal duration between the crowning of a champion and the UICA draws. Normally, this ensures that the teams qualifying for UICA competition from the Vilitan League are always the most deserving and recent qualifiers.

However, in a rare feat that no living citizen in Vilita could have ever predicted, the Vilita Jungle Cats National Football Team advanced to, and won the World Cup 68 title in Legalese by a 4-2 scoreline over the Free Republics.

Simply advancing that deep into the competition had already delayed the start of the season, as, during a season that conflicts with the World Cup, the schedulers always plan to begin the opening stages to correspond with both Vilita and Turori failing to advance beyond the Quarter Final stage solely based on statistical probability and past performance, ensuring that the league can get kicked off as soon as possible. With a high percentage of Vilitan & Turorian players involved in the Vilitan League, specifically the Stellar Division itself, the schedulers always try to avoid conflicts with National Team engagements. Furthermore, due to the relatively shorter season length, upsetting the balance of a team by forcing them to play when there is a National Team conflict could have an even larger effect on the final results.

However, while simply delaying two matchdays to get started would not have yet pushed the Vilitan League schedule beyond the submission deadline for UICA entrants, it was the resulting pomp, circumstance and fan fare that resulted when the Vilita National Team returned as champions from Legalese that ultimately delayed the start of the league season too far in order to reach the full conclusion of competition prior to the initial UICA draws. Most namely, the "Tour of Vilita" that commenced shortly after the celebrations in Alikki-Corra ended, with the Vilitan National Team visiting every major city on the Main Island and Turoki Island - and even making a stop over at VOIA Island.

While due to our short season length, the Vilitan League certainly has an additional layer of flexibility in that there is significant off time to be able to move fixtures around, the timing of this particular delay will result in only approximately half of the league matches being contested prior to the UICA entrant deadline.

It is thereby requested by the Football Association of Vilita and on behalf of the Football Association of Turori that the UICA board of governors advise on the best way to proceed with filling the earned allocations to the 54th Champions Cup, 51st Globe Cup and 51st Series B Champions Cup.

Thank You,

Militar Liaozera
Official Scheduler, Vilitan League
p.s. Sorry about not using official Vilitan League letterhead. I sit in the offices of the Football Association of Vilita and this... really old 'thing' was the only official-looking letterhead I could find. Nobody is here. Everyone is out on this Tour of Vilita living it up. I came in because my job is the schedules, and I knew that they needed to be fixed. Hope to hear back soon, as I assure there is no longer a scheduling scenario I can see that gets us beyond about the half way point in the season before UICA begins.

Thankfully for Liaozera, his request was accepted by the UICA and his scheduling nightmare had at least eased itself into nothing more than an annoying scheduling excerise that he'd not planned on undertaking again so soon after creating the original fixture list. Thankfully, there weren't any major stadium conflicts, and it seemed for the moment, like the Vilitan League, while extending deeper into the season than it ever had before, would escape the National Team's World Cup success unblemished. Liaozera at that moment decided that he would strive to either retire or be promoted to a more important position by the time the next World Cup finals came around.

[Red Blackiland]

The Royal Barangay vs. Red Blackiland

---

Red Blackiland will face the leader of the group,The Royal Barangay in the next matchday out of our home.
In the training,what we saw is a relaxed atmosphere between the players with a conformism air,turn all the vision to the future and ending with dignity.
To continues the second objetive,the team will face a 'fill' stadium,a offensive team with very good power in headings and aerial attack moves with fast wingers,experienced team with World Cup very good participations and much wins historical rate.
Peter Valbuena maintain your 'certain' posture,put confidence in the work of the technical comitee and the team,and of course in the football project.
Red Blackiland came from 0-0 draw against Blouman Empire,when the match rival dominated the match but RB could have a few chances,this point can be considered with a great result for a first international experience.
Now,could the Dark Lions have a more triumphy? This time is almost impossible,away of Red Glorious St.,but nothing is impossible.

---

Reaching in one of The Royal Barangay streets,the Red Black Infamous Ultras 1975 ( or commonly called R.B.I.U 75 ) maked a caravan with more than 30 buses full of fans.It's passion until the begin of history of Red Blackilandian football!
We were well received on the country.All fans were to a few lodgings and hotels,a giant flag,of course,in the measures of away section of the stadion will be raised in this match.
The Leader of R.B.I.U 75 say what he's think about this match and other things '' The rival is so much better than us,we need be good in defensive system like as Greece in 2004 and calm,working the ball possession and reach in the Barangay's defensive area piecemeal to give a 'good' result or little diference lose... ''

'' Don't matter to us the phase of the team,what we really like is support and shake the seats,hehe,in a good way,of course.Moreover,we are a civil group with social causes,we are very careful with what occur in the country,like protests,legilastion changes,army and military improvements what is common to occur here and other things.So,we have a strong 'nexus' with Red Blackiland. ''

When we reached,we stayed in a nice one kind type of square.We like it.

[Brenecia]

THE ROZELLE OBSERVER
Crowdpleasing Patriots Persevere To The End
by Kurtis Baines
Brenecian Lineup: Pence; Allbeck (c), Vanderton, Greig, Portadown; Underwood (Keller 65'), Breton, Camden; Cullen, Scherzer (Belconnen 65'), Spitfire

It's been a sudden development, but the Patriots have evolved into a team that is truly a joy to watch.

This doesn't make supporting them easy, not at all. Every Brenecian in Kingsgarden was bricking it at every point in the match, uncertain if the team would be able to hold out against the very buccaneering White Dragons. But at the end of the day, the Brenecians took home the points, after six exceptional goals.

The Daineri certainly didn't make it easy for us, however; lining up in a very aggressive 4-3-3 like our own, with a more advanced midfield and two reckless wingbacks in Quaqua and Gygax. And it was Dainer who scored the game's first - Gygax's cross went to the daring Krishnamurti, who dummied past Vanderton and fired low past Jayce Pence in what seemed like a flash. But it didn't take Brenecia long to retaliate; just four minutes later, a long throw from Morgan Underwood right into the Daineri box sparked a scrappy, physical bit of ping-pong. None of the goalline chances were scrambled over the line, but it was only when a weak clearance found its way to the left-back, Portadown, who waited for the defence to disperse before firing in a high arc past a despairing Germania. Portadown was credited with the next goal's assist, too - it was her run that sparked a Brenecian attack, and her low cross was neatly stabbed in by Scherzer's outstretched boot.

2-1 to Brenecia within 25 minutes, and the game was an intense, fast-paced affair, continuing to flow freely. However, both defences looked far sharper than earlier - Vanderton made up for his earlier sloth with a last-ditch sliding challenge that probably denied Powploc a goal, before great saves from Pence at one end were matched by saves from Germania at the other. To most viewers' surprise, the score remained the same going into the break - and both sides emerged unchanged.
The second half had calmed down a little, though there was still a certain amount of aggression. And there was a fourth goal; a five-minute spell of Daineri dominance in possession was rewarded, in the end, with a simple cross that Powploc knocked onto Krishnamurti, for the Sport Wios centreforward's second goal of the match.

But from that point onwards, the 62nd minute, Brenecia began to press higher and harder, and eventually it was inevitable that something would break; particularly with the injection of Keller and Belconnen into the match. Both were, most crucially of all, fresh legs; and they made all the difference. It was Keller's long pass that found Cullen cutting inside, and with a rapid swerve of the hips she foiled Aopre and smashed the ball into the top-left. 3-2. And just three minutes later, a ragged Daineri defence was caught out again - Spitfire's cross found Belconnen almost unmarked, and Germania uncharacteristically straying out of position - a looping header from the energetic Racing Baoyam striker gave Brenecia their fourth. Portadown's second assist of the match came four minutes later, this time with a run that opened up the Daineri defence followed by a cutback to the now-open Erin Camden, who took the ball with her first touch and fired home with the second. The hosts were up to five, scoring three in seven minutes.

Job done? Maddox disagreed - after a short pass from Knauser caught out Augustine Breton, his run into the box evaded a sliding challenge from Greig before he laid the ball off for the aggressive charge of Quaqua - the wingback made no mistake, rifling the shot home from the edge of the box. With twenty minutes to play, and a match like this, it genuinely did seem as though it was possible for Dainer to pull back a draw.

But it was not to be; the Brenecian defence tightened up, Greig in particular shining, and Vanderton impressively managing to keep Powploc quiet. And while there was another goal, even that was nothing dramatic; Camden's corner in the 82nd minute found Belconnen at the near post, who easily nodded in to seal the victory. A match, then, in which the Patriots asserted their attacking presence... and established themselves as a team that was unafraid to go for the throat.